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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/07/1978 Business Meeting August 7, 1978 The City Council met in session on this date at 1:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Council members present were Mayor Betty L. Edmondson, Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Buchanan, Nadine Lee, Jack Sparling and Gordon Wonder. Councilman Hinman absent and excused. Mayor Edmondson requested two Council members to volunteer to appear on KAPP TV's program, "Council on the Air ", which will be filmed tomorrow at 9:45 A.M. It was general consensus that Councilman Beauchamp and Mayor Edmondson will represent the Council. Mayor Edmondson reported that Frank Roberts, Director, KYVE TV, is scheduling next year's programs and inquired if Council is still interested in airing their meeting. Following discussion, it was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Beauchamp to continue with the program of televising the Council meetings at KYVE TV on a quarterly basis, as in the past: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Hinman absent. Carol Darby, Director of Community Development, reviewed the proposed schedule for the Cable TV issue. About the 26th of August, we should receive an analysis from the engineer and Nick Miller on the proposals. During the week of the 28th of August, Council will review the proposals received and decide on two or three proposals. After discussion, it was the general consensus of the Council to have the Council committee review the proposals. On September 5, 1978, Council will announce the top two or three proposals and during that week will meet with those top bidders to discuss final proposals. It was the general consensus of the Council to determine, at the time of the announcement, if Council or the Council committee will meet with the top bidders. She stated that hopefully on September 11, 1978, legislation to put the measure on the ballot will be adopted. Councilman Beauchamp inquired if there were any repercussions due to the time limit set for submitting proposals. Ms. Darby stated that one firm had not submitted a bid because of the time limit. Mayor Edmondson mentioned the information received on Community Development Block Grant proposals stating she thought there would be a study session on this prior to a public hearing. It was the general consensus of the Council to have a study session on the Community Development Block Grant on August 14, 1978. It was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Lee to move into Executive Session to discuss pending legal action: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Hinman absent. Upon completion of the Executive Session the Council members discussed the appointment of a member to the Airport Advisory Commission. Council Member Lee nominated Mary Snyder, Councilman Wonder nominated Bill Almon, and Mayor Edmondson nominated Frank Roberts. Following a tie vote, it was the general consensus to continue this item for one week.. Willis White,'Public Works Director, gave a brief report on the Sewer Rate Study, stating that the total amount of the project is estimated to be $24 million, and some of that cost is not eligible for funding through EPA or DOE. He stated that the City's cost will be $1 million more than 10 %. Ken Seeds, R. W. Beck and Associates, stated that he would like to get Council direction on whether to.include the storm drainage maintenance and operation costs in the sewer rates. He reported that the increased cost to the consumer would be approximately 77% to include the storm drainage system and approximately 58% increase without it. Councilman Wonder inquired if this charge would cover all maintenance and operation and capital charges. Mr. Seed stated that it was designed on estimates for cost for four years, but actually, it depends on the growth of the system. He reported that the City is currently in nego- tiations with four other cities who will be using the industrial spray field, stating that the format may be adjusted, depending on the finalized contract. The charge will recover all the costs of the spray field plus part of the costs of the treatment plant. Councilman Wonder inquired 54 August 7, 1978 about charges to the industries in the other cities. Mr. Seed stated that a mechanism will have to be set up so that they will have to pay their fair share. He stated that if the City recovers 10% of the 90 %, then 50% of the 10% will go back to the government. He also stated that this charge may keep industry out of the City. After some further discussion on the proposed rates, it was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Lee to have staff prepare the sewer rates, using the proposed rates which exclude storm drainage maintenance costs: Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Lee, Sparling, and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Hinman absent. At 3:40 P.M. the regular Council meeting commenced, Mayor Edmondson presiding, Council members Beauchamp, Buchanan, Lee, Sparling and Wonder and City Manager Eastman and City Attorney Andrews present on roll call. Councilman Hinman absent. It was MOVED by Lee, seconded by Sparling that Don Hinman be excused from this meeting: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. The Invocation was given by Mayor Edmondson. Mayor Edmondson referred to the items placed on the Consent Agenda, questioning whether there were any additions or deletions from either Council members or citizens present. Mayor Edmondson requested that Item No. 14 be removed from the Consent Agenda, and Council Member Lee requested that Item No. 16 be removed. City Manager Eastman suggested that Item No. 9 be added to the Consent Agenda. It was the general consensus of the Council that the deletion of Items No. 14 and 16, as requested, be made from the Consent Agenda, and Item No. 9 be added to the Consent Agenda. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions, by title. It was MOVED by Lee, seconded by Beauchamp that the Consent Agenda, as read, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Hinman absent. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk ( *) indicate items on the Consent Agenda to be handled under one motion without further discussion.) Pete Moore, former City Council member, stated that although he signed the Wastewater Agreement, he is concerned about the rising costs of the project. He stated that originally the project was going to cost $16 million, and afterwards Council was told that there were ineligible costs which would amount to an additional $1 million. He stated that they were told that the average sewer bill was $2.50, and it would be raised to $3.50. He stated that Council was informed that that proposed rate had taken into consideration inflation and additional costs of material and labor. He stated that Council was not informed a bond issue would have to be passed. He suggested that the one recourse left is to bring suit against R. W. Beck and Associates for a report that was erroneous, misleading and misguiding. Ines Rice, 4409 Arlington, stated that she had attended all the meetings when the wastewateriproject was discussed. She stated that she figures her sewer bill will increase about $3.00. She also stated the City needs to have more information from R. W. Beck. Cecil Warriner, Yakima Valley Apartment Owners and Operators Association, questioned the 10% marginal estimate for a bid, according to State law. City Attorney Andrews stated lie isn't ' famil wi law. Mr. Warriner stated that his association would like to go on record as opposed to any sewer /water rate increases. Larry Robinson, Yakima Valley Apartment Owners and Operators Association, stated that the Association would like this issue to be put to the vote of the people. Mayor Edmondson stated that the City had to update the treatment of effluent waste that was discharging from our treatment plant and increase our plant, as it was mandated by the federal govern- ment. She stated that all the Council members were against it and fought it until they were informed that if we didn't do it, all our other federal grants would be jeopardized. August 7, 1978 Waymond (Skip) Ware, inquired how the City is going to get its money back from the West Valley sewer users. City Manager Eastman explained the process where the City residents will pay the costs for that area, and as the area grows, those citizens in the West Valley will pay their share, plus an outside utility surcharge, which should keep rates down for the City residents. Mr. Eastman reviewed those items which are ineligible for reimbursement by the federal government. Mrs. Byrd, a citizen, inquired why the people of the City of Yakima are having to absorb any of the West Valley costs, stating that we have paid our share when we paid for our L.I.D. Councilman Sparling inquired if the costs of the West Valley could be kept separate from what the City residents pay, and as they make payments, could they mature that. City Manager Eastman stated that in order to get a favorable rate on the bonds, the City has to go the whole system. He also stated that for every bond dollar, the City has to collect $1.44. *It was MOVED by Lee, seconded by Beauchamp that the report from Preston Shepherd regarding the Airport Runway Overlay Project, Contract Change for Engineering Services, be continued to August 14, 1978: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Hinman absent. Art Zerbach, Director of Finance and Budget, reviewed the proposed Larson Garage Lease, stating that the building must be brought up to code. He stated that in order to meet the Diamond law, the City must put out for bids for operation of off - street parking. Councilman Wonder suggested that the exterior of the building be painted, and inquired if it could be made a requirement of the lease agreement. Council member Lee asked if there had been any inquiries on leasing it. Mr. Zerbach stated that he hadn't had any inquiries. City Manager Eastman. reported that if we don't get any bids, the City can operate the garage for one year. Mayor Edmondson stated that she had had several requests to • retain the parking attendant at the Larson Garage. After further discus- sion, it was MOVED by Sparling, seconded by Wonder to try to lease the Larson Garage under the terms as outlined in the proposed lease agreement, with the addition of the exterior of the building being painted: carrried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Hinman absent. Following a brief discussion on the Council district maps, it was MOVED by Sparling, seconded by Beauchamp to accept Map "A ": carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Hinman absent. Upon the acceptance of Map "A" by the Council members, the City Clerk then designated numbers for the districts, which are roughly described as: District 1 - eastern section of the City; District 2 - southern section of the City, division at Tieton Drive; District 3 - western section of the City; and District 4 - northern section of the City. The City Clerk then designated at -large positions by number, as follows: Councilman Beauchamp - position 5; Councilman Hinman - position 6; and Mayor. Edmondson - position 7. *It was MOVED by Lee, seconded by Beauchamp that Resolution No. D -3938, authorizing execution of a "Building Relinquishment Agreement" with the State Department of Fisheries, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting .aye.on,roll call. Hinman absent. , • RESOLUTION NO. D -3938, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute the "Building Relinquishment Agreement" with the State of Washington, Department of Fisheries. The Council members discussed the "Honored Citizens Program ", which Judy Sheridan, Director of Transportation, briefly described. Following dis- cussion it was MOVED by Sparling, seconded by Beauchamp that Resolution No. D -3939, adopting an "Honored Citizen Program" for the public bus 56 August 7, 1978 transportation system, be passed: carried, Buchanan, Edmondson, Lee, Sparling, Wonder and Beauchamp voting aye on roll call. Hinman absent. RESOLUTION NO. 3939, A RESOLUTION adopting an "Honored Citizen Program ", for the public bus transportation system, operated by the City of Yakima; and repealing City of Yakima Resolution No. D -1770, adopted December 13, 1971. In discussing the jail agreement with Yakima County, Mayor Edmondson inquired about cost impact for prisoners the City is sending to the County. Police Chief Jack LaRue, stated that the rates given in the contract are the current rates the City is paying, "and briefly outlined the agreement. It was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Wonder that Resolution No. D -3940, authorizing the execution of a jail agreement with Yakima County, be passed: carried, Edmondson, Lee, Sparling, Wonder, Beauchamp and Buchanan voting aye on roll call. Hinman absent. RESOLUTION NO. D -3940, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute a jail agreement with Yakima County. *It was MOVED by Lee, seconded by Beauchamp that Resolution No. D -3941, authorizing the sale of a surplus fire truck owned by the City, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Hinman absent. RESOLUTION NO. D -3941, A RESOLUTION authorizing the sale of a surplus fire truck owned by the City. Council Member Lee ascertained that the sale of a balerownedty the City would no longer be needed at the recycling center. She also inquired if there would be a refund on the insurance. Carol Darby, Director of Community Development, stated that after the sale of the baler, there would be no need to keep it insured. Councilman Wonder inquired why this is not being sold on a bid basis. Ms. Darby stated that HUD surplus guidelines require an appraisal, which was obtained. The Salvation Army had expressed an interest in purchasing this item in the past, and offered to pay the appraisal price. It was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Buchanan that Resolution No. D -3942, authorizing the sale of a baler owned by the City, be passed: carried, Lee, Sparling, Wonder, Beauchamp, Buchanan and Edmondson voting aye on roll call. Hinman absent. RESOLUTION NO. D -3942, A RESOLUTION authorizing the sale of surplus personal property owned by the City. Herb Mayer, City Engineer, explained the ground water problem in the vicinity of llth and "A" Streets, referring to a drawing he had prepared. The problems in the vicinity do not come from one source, but are a combination of the inconsistant types of soil in the area, the different ground levels and the high water table. He stated that the solution to this problem was tried in 1946, when an L.I.D. was formed to put in a drainage system. An alternative solution would be to install one major size pipe to handle the overflow, which would be too large a project for the residents in that area to handle. James Smith, 12 North llth Street, stated that the drains were supposed to be open, but when the contractors installed them they were closed. He stated that since the Holiday Inn did work in that area, the excess water has been worse. Mayor Edmondson stated that possibly this would be a good project for UDAG. City Manager Eastman stated that another consideration for the UDAG Project is that there aren't any sewers in that area. It was the general consensus of the Council to have staff continue with UDAG proposal for that area. Councilman Wonder requested a staff report on UDAG proposals. *It was MOVED by Lee, seconded by Beauchamp that the report from the Public Works Department, dated July 31, 1978, with respect to the completion of the work on Public Works Contract Prestige Manor Sewer, L.I.D. 1015, performed by Low's Crane and Excavating Service, be approved, the work be accepted and payment of final estimates as therein set forth is 57 August 7, 1978 hereby authorized: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Hinman absent. Larry Wright, Principal Planner, reported that the Planning Commission had voted to uphold their original recommendation to deny the rezone request filed by James S. Black/United Paint Company, as additional information had not been received. Councilman Wonder stated that the weight of the evidence received was in favor of the rezone, as were the majority of the residents in that area. It was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Beauchamp to approve the James S. Black/United Paint Company Rezone from R-2 to Planned Development, and instruct-staff to bring back the proper legislation: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Hinman absent. II/ It was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Sparling that Resolution No. D-3943, giving authorization to engage Ronald C. Cotton and Associates for professional services re Cable TV issue. Council Member Lee inquired about the cost of his services. Mayor Edmondson stated that his fee will be between $4,000 and $6,000. The question was called for a vote on the motion: carried, Sparling, Wonder, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson and Lee voting aye on roll call. Hinman absent. RESOLUTION NO. D-3943, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager of the City of Yakima to engage Ronald C. Cotton and Associates for professional services in connection with CATV. Council Member Lee inquired about completion date for the tennis courts at Washington Jr. High. City Manager Eastman stated that the architect has agreed to amend the language in the contract to allow the City to use the plans on other projects as long as the City holds them harmless. He reported that the plans are about 90% completed and it should be out for bid by the end of this week or the beginning of next week, and it is our belief that the tennis courts should be completed by October 1, 1978. Councilman Beauchamp inquired about the plans for a wading pool at the Southeast Community Park, which he had heard about. City Manager Eastman stated that he will look into it. Council Member Lee also requested the City Manager to check into the property by the Employment Security Building because it looks terrible. It was MOVED by Sparling, seconded by Beauchamp to obtain a legal opinion on what the City's legal position is regarding R. W. Beck's professional services to the City regarding the Wastewater Facilities: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Hinman absent. There being no further business to come before the Council, it was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Sparling that this meeting be adjourned at the hour of 6:00 P.M.: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Lee, Sparling II/ and Wonder voting aye by voice yote, Hinman absent. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY DATE COUNCILMA DATE COUNCILMAN ATTEST: A f kaC • A A.11-4F4 CITY;ERK / MAYOR Inadvertently omitted: Items of Information supplied to Council were: Memo re Cable Television 8-3-78; Memo re Update on Urban Development Action Grant 8-3-78; Report on Housing Community Develop- ment Program - 5th Action Year (1979) 8-3-78; Letter from Director of Yakima County Division of Manpower Development (7-25-78) and City Manager's reply (8-1078); Memo re Damage Claims referred to insurance carriers 8-4-78; Minutes of Board of Adjustment meeting 7-25-78; Excerpts of minutes of Union Gap City-CounciiMeeting re A irport Master Plan (7-24-78); Minutes of Regional Library Board Meeting 7-25-78) & Excerpt from Urban Land (6-78) "Housing in the 1980‘s"