HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/02/1980 Business Meeting JANUARY 2, 1980 415
The City Council net in session on this date at 2:00 P.M. in the Council
Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Council members present were
Mayor Betty L. Edmondson, Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Buchanan, Lynn Car-
michael, Shirley Doty, Don Hinman, and Frank Roberts.
Mayor Edmondson inquired if Council would like to receive communications
from her in the Council packets or have it brought to the Council meet-
ing. She stated that she has received correspondence from the National
League of Cities that there are some vacancies on their committees.
Councilman Hinman stated that there are six National League of Cities
Committees and the State of Washington appoints three people to each of
those committees. Mayor Edmondson stated that the deadline for
submitting names is January 11, 1980, and Council may submit their names
on an individual basis or as a body. Councilman Buchanan stated he
would like to get the information in his packet and Council member Doty
stated she would like to at least get a list of the correspondence from
the Mayor in the packet. Council meMber Carmichael inquired about the
organizations the City has membership in. City Manager Zais stated that
the City has a membership in the Association of Washington Cities which
indirectly gives us membership in the National League of Cities. He
stated that the City could become a direct member of the NIC and the
dues are approximately $1,000 per year. He stated that the dues for
membership to AWC cost approximately $13,000 this year Which is based on
a per capita basis. He reported that the City used to have membership
in the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Following discussion, it was the
general consensus of the Council to get further information on
membership to the NIC and Conference of Mayors.
Council members discussed the salary of the mayor, Mayor Edmondson
stating that the salary was raised in 1975 to $702 per month when Bert
Broad was mayor. City Manager Zais gave sane background information on
the mayor's salary stating that Council provided a separate salary and
benefit for the mayor for the work involved on the part of the mayor.
Council members discussed the role of the position of mayor. Council
member Doty stated that perhaps the other Council members should take a
more active role in the affairs of the City. She suggested that Council
ought to look at the structure of the mayor's role closer. City Manager
Zais stated that Council could form a committee to look at the Mayor's
salary and select a temporary mayor, however, the new salary would only
apply after the next election of the mayor. Councilman Roberts also
suggested that the Council committee should also look at the provisions
in the Charter pertaining to the mayor's position. Following dis-
cussion, it was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Beauchamp to appoint a
Committee of the Council sometime in the future, but within the next
month to consider the salary and proposed charter amendment re Council
and mayor positions. Councilman Roberts also stated that the wording in
the Rules of Procedure referring to an assistant mayor is not clear. He
stated he would like to see that wording clarified. The question was
called for the vote am the motion: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, cAr-
midhael, Doty, Edmondson, Hinman and Roberts voting aye by voice vote.
It was MOVED by Hinman to nominate Betty Edmondson for mayor. It was
MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by Carmichael to postpone the election of
the mayor until the Committee of the Council makes their recommendation.
Mayor Edmondson stated that this is contrary to the Charter. John
Vanek, Assistant City Attorney, stated that this action is contrary to the
City Chaise0oegAusethis is the first meeting of the Council, at which time
a mayor shall be elected. It was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Hinman
to elect Betty L. Edmondson as the next mayor for the City of Yakima:
carried, Beaudhaup, Buchanan, Carmichael, Doty, Edmondson, Hinman and
Roberts voting aye by voice vote.
It was MOVED by Beauchamp to nominate Don Hinman as assistant mayor.
Council member Doty nominated Frank Roberts as assistant mayor and
Council member Roberts declined the nomination. The question was called
for the vote on the motion: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Carmichael,
Doty, Edmondson, Hinman and Roberts voting aye by voice vote. Following
discussion regarding the Council Committee, Council members Buchanan,
Doty and Roberts volunteered to serve on the Council Committee to study
the proposed Charter amendment and salary of the mayor, as discussed.
Council members reviewed the rules and procedures of the City Council,
Mayor Edmondson stated that the rules were amended in October of 1977
and again in June of 1979 to change the meeting place at City Hall,
except when notified in advance; to include the recording of minutes of
Executive Sessions; to change the format of the agenda; changing the
1113 JANUARY 2, 1980
notification procedure when Council member is absent; and also the "call
of the. Council". Councilman Beauchamp expressed concern about Rule 4-1
on page 3, calling for a Sergeant of Arms. Following discussion on the
necessity of the requirement for a Sergeant of Arms, it was MOVED by
Beauchamp, seconded by Buchanan to direct the proper legislation and
notice be prepared to delete fran the rules and procedures, Item #4-I on
page 3, requiring the Chief of Police to serve as Sergeant of Arms:
carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Carmichael, Doty, Edmondson, Hinman and
Roberts voting aye by voice vote. Referring to #L on page 10, Council-
man Roberts inquired if the rules and procedures would prevail if there
would be a disagreement between these rules and the Roberts Rules of
Order. It was the general consensus of the Council that the Council
Rules and Procedures would prevail if such an event should occur. It
was MOVED by Doty, seconded by Carmichael that on page 10 under #L -
Prccedure - that the word "newly" be inserted between order and revised:
carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Carmichael, Doty, Edmondson, Hinman and
Roberts voting aye by voice vote. Following Council member Doty's
suggestion, it was the general consensus of the Council to add to Sec-
tion E, #5, page 6 item (i) "to recess". Council members discussed and
II/
clarified a few of the rules of procedures and it was MOVED by Doty,
seconded by Hinman that the Cammittee also look at amendments to the
rules and procedures. Mayor Edmondson stated that staff was given
direction on three amendments and questioned if staff should wait until
a recommendation is given. It was the general consensus of the Council
to go ahead with the amendments. The question was called for the vote
on the motion: carried, Beauchamp, Carmichael, Doty, Edmondson, Hinman
and Roberts voting aye by voice vote. Buchanan voting nay. Mayor
Edmondson asked the Committee to look at Section B "Rights and Duties of
Members", stating that she doesn't think it's necessary that the member
be publicly excused, but in order for the Council to be apprised if
there is to be a quorum, that the Council member advise the City Clerk
or Mayor if they will be absent. It was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by
Hinman to approve the rules and procedures with the proposed amendments:
carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Carmichael, Doty, Edmondson, Hinman and
Roberts voting aye by voice vote.
Council members discussed the appointments of Council members as repre-
sentatives to special hoards and commissions. Mayor Edmondson stated
that because Council members were too busy to represent Council on the
Alcoholism Adminsitrative Board, Patty Nagle was appointed to represent
Council. Following discussion, it was the general consensus of the
Council that if Council can receive minutes of the meeting, to reaffirm
the appointment of Patty Nagle to represent Council on the Alcoholism
Adminstrative'Board. It was MOVED by Roberts, seconded by Buchanan that
Council member Beauchamp be one of the delegates to the Board of Health
and Mayor Edmondson and Councilman Hinman continue to serve on
Board: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Carmichael, Doty, Edmondson,
Hinman and Roberts voting aye by voice vote. It was MOVED by Roberts,
seconded by Beauchamp that Council member Doty and Councilman Buchanan
serve as alternates on the Board of Health: carried, Beauchamp,
Budhanan, Carmichael, Doty, Edmondson, Hinman and Roberts voting aye by
voice vote. Referring to the Clean Air Authority, Mayor Edmondson
stated that one document states that it is a Mayor stipulated position
and in another it doesn't. She stated if anyone is interested in
serving on this Board then the matter can be researched. It was MOVED
by Roberts, seconded by Beauchcunp that Council members Doty and Roberts
be alternates to the Conference of Governments Board and Mayor Edmondson
and Councilman Beauchamp continue serving as representatives: carried,
Beauchamp, Buchanan, Carmichael, Doty, Edmondson, Hinman and Roberts
voting aye by voice vote. Councilman Buchanan stated that he has a
conflict of time with serving on the Board of Health. It was the gen-
eral consensus of the Council that Councilman Roberts will serve as
alternate for the Board of Health. Mayor Edmondson stated that she is
serving on the Law and Justice Ccumittee, but she would be happy to let
someone else serve. She also stated that Councilman Beauchamp is serv-
ing on the Board as a representative fran OIC. It was the general
consensus of the Council to let the Mayor continue serving on the Law
and Justice Committee and no alternate was selected. Mayor Edmondson
stated that Councilman Hinman would like to continue serving on the
Urban Area Planning Ccomission. It was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by
Buchanan to nominate Mayor Edmondson and Councilman Hinman to continue
serving on the Joint Board for Urban Area Planning: carried, Beauchaup,
Buchanan, Carmichael, Doty, Edmondson, Hinman and Roberts voting aye by
voice vote. It was MOVED by Roberts, seconded by Doty to nominate Lynn
Carmichael to be recommended to the Yakima County Ccmmissioners to
JANUARY 2, 1980 417
represent the City of Yakima on the Yakima County Fairground S Review
Committee: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Carmichael, Doty, Edmondson,
Hinman and Roberts voting aye by voice vote. Mayor Edmondson stated
that she was not sure that the County-wide Crime Prevention Board is
still active and stated she would check with Lt. Kline on this.
] Councilman Buchanan stated he is interested in serving on this Committee
if it is still active. Mayor Edmondson stated she was invited to serve
on the Yakima-Kittitas Resource 'Conservation and Development Project,
but stated that she would be happy to recommend another Council member
if they would like to serve on this. Councilman Beauchemv stated he
would serve as alternate. Mayor Edmondson stated that her appointment
on the Chamber of Commerce Board is an ex-officio position and she was
invited to serve, in that capacity. ,Following Councilman Beauchamp's
request to delay the appointment to the Southeast Yakima Community At
Work Board. Until he can get further information, it was the general
11/ consensus to continue this appointment. It was MOVED by Roberts,
seconded by Carmichael to nominate Council member Doty to be the
representative tO RSVP Advisory Committee: carried, Beauchamp,
Buchanan, Carmichael, Doty, Edmondson, Hinman and Roberts voting aye by
voice vote. Mayor Edmondson stated that if no one else is interested in
serving on the Christmas Festival Week Committee, then she would.
Council member Doty stated sane of the Council members don't know how
much time is involved on the other committees. It was MOVED by Buchanan
to have Mayor Edmondson continue to serve on the Visitors and Convention
Bureau Advisory Board. The motion failed for lack of a second. It was
the general consensus of the Council to let Council member Carmichael
serve on this BOard. Mayor Edmondson stated that Nadine Lee will
continue to serve on the Yakima Valley Greenway Task Force, as an
individual citizen. It was the general consensus of the Council that
Councilman Buchanan will serve on this Committee as a Council
representative. Council members discussed the State boards, and
Commissions and National Cemmittees, expressing concern about the ex-
penses involved in serving on one of these Committees for out-of-town
travel. Councilman Beauchamp stated that he thinks it's important to
participate in AWC and NLC, but it should be limited It was the
general consensus of the Council to continue the appointments for NIC
until January 8, 1980.
Councilman Roberts stated that he would like to move "other business" on
the agenda up prior to the Executive Session. It was the general con-
sensus to move. Item #9 up on the Agenda just prior to Executive Session.
]
Council members discussed the appointments to special boards and com-
missions. Mayor Edmondson stated that there were errors in the report
in that Cliff Miller had already been reappointed to the Board of
Adjustment until 1985. Referring to the Human Relations Commission, she
stated that she has not received a formal resignation from Abe Gonzales.
She stated that Greta Atwood has been reappointed to the Yakima Center
Advisory Commission until 1983. Councilman 'Hinman stated that the
Council has been informal in choosing the appointments and suggested
getting some background information on the applicants prior to the
appointment. Mayor Edmondson stated that it was the policy in the past
to ask the current members if they would like to continue serVing. She
stated that the Board or Commission was also asked to make rec
emendations. Councilman Roberts suggested that a clear, concise job
description and qualifications be drawn up for these boards and can-
missions. Mayor Edmondson and City Manager Zais expressed concern that
there would be qualified people Who might like to serve, bUt object to
filling out an application. Councilman Hinman suggested that Council
should go out and seek candidates. It was the general consensus of the
Council to continue to .ask if the present member of a board or cam-
mission desires to continue serving. It was the general consensus of
the Council to act on this in two weeks. .
Mayor Edmondson stated that Council had promised to set a date for the
evaluation of City Manager in consideration of his salary, soMetime in
January, and stated it should be done no later than January 22. It was
the general consensus of the Council to set January 15, 1980 from 12:00
Noon to 3:00 P.M. as the date to discuss the evaluation of the City
Manager.
Councilman Roberts stated that in view of the continued general public
concerns regarding the 1980 budget and one case in particular regarding
one individual, it was MOVED by Roberts, seconded by Carmichael to
reconsider the budget for the fiscal year 1980. It was MOVED by
4 1.8 JANUARY 2, 1980
Roberts, seconded by Doty to postpone debate on this to the next regular
meeting on January 8, 1980: carried, Carmichael, Doty, Edmondson and
Roberts voting aye by voice vote. Beauchamp, Buchanan and Hinman voting
nay.
City Manager Zais requested Council- to set -a' date of - hearing for L.I.D.
No. 1020, Pierce Street Paving District, for January 22, 1980. It was
MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by Doty to set January 22, 1980 as the date
of hearing for the final assessment roll for L.I.D. No. 1020, Pierce
Street Paving District: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Carmichael, Doty,
Edmondson, Hinman, and Roberts voting aye by voice vote. _
City Manager Zais advised the Council that if they wished to discuss the
removal of a Commissioner from office in general, they can do so, how-
ever, if they wish to discuss a special instance, that can be done in
Executive Session.
City Manager Zais refreshed Council's memory on the debate between the
City, Union Gap and Terrace Heights regarding the sewer service and
payment for those services. He stated that the last correspondence was
from Terrace Heights stating they would not pay the amount billed for
those services. He stated that Union Gap also indicated they would not
comply with those billings. He stated that a meeting was called between
Union Gap and Terrace Heights and all the data we had was reviewed. He
stated that there will be a need to make some adjustment in the
agreement with Union Gap as they are misinterpreting it to be more broad
than was intended.
Referring to the correspondence re_ Vergil Carl, which states that under
the Civil Service Rules, it is possibly illegal to freeze his salary,
Councilman Beauchamp inquired if all avenues have been explored in terms
of trying to preserve this employee's benefits. City Manager Zais
stated that the problem which would develop would be that other
employees who have taken a reduction would also want the same pay as
before. Councilman Beauchamp stated that the Director of Community
Development reported that it would be difficult to keep up with street
cut inspections. City Manager Zais stated that is true, however, staff
was asked to look into permit fee increases and it won't cover one third
of his salary.
Mayor Edmondson asked if Council would like to consider putting Audience
Participation back on the Study Session Agenda It was the general
consensus of the Council to put Audience Participation early on the
Agenda. Councilman Beauchamp requested that Executive Sessions be put
on last on the Agenda.
It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Buchanan to move into Executive
Session for the purpose of discussing Collective Bargaining and appoint-
ment of position on the Human Relations Commission possible removal, and
then immediately adjourn the meeting: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan,
Carmichael, Doty, Edmondson, Hinman, and Roberts voting aye by voice
vote. - -
Items of information supplied to Council were: Memorandum. from City
Manager re Communications with City Council. 12/28/79; memo from
Assistant City Manager re referral to Civil Service Commission - Street
Inspector. 12/28/79; letter from Tan Tomlinson, Executive Manager, Cap-
itol Theatre, re Capitol Theatre Annual Report. 12/13/79; letter from
Yakima Housing Authority re audit report of August 24, 1979. 12/13/79;
letter from Association of Washington Cities re vacancy on the AWC Board
of Directors. 12/12/79; minutes of meeting of Yakima Center Advisory
Commission, Wednesday, 12/19/79; Association of Washington Cities news
- bulletin. December, 1979; monthly report of Chief of Police for Nov-
ember, 1979; memo from Hank Hein, Supervising Traffic Engineer re 15/30
minute parking meters. 12/17/79; and memo? from Director of Parks &
Recreation re Senior Citizens Coordinator. 12/28/79.
JANUARY 2, 1980 419
Following the completion of Executive Session and there'being no further
business to corm before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at the
hour of'6:00 p.m.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY /...) DATE } 1, j s(,
COUNCILMAN
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