No preview available
HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/16/1978 Business Meeting 677 JANUARY 16, 1978 The City Council met in session an this date at 3:30 PM in the Conference Roam at City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Council renters present were Mayor Betty L. Edmondson, Henry Beauchamp, Don Hinman, Ralph Holbrook, and Gordon Wonder. Nadine Walker absent and excused. Mayor Edmondson reported that she had received notification of various workshops and if anyone is interested in attending any of these workshops, please contact her or her secretary. Councilman Wonder asked how one determines if the City should pay for an individual's attendance at one of these workshops, as this subject is not in the Council's rules and regulations. Councilman Holbrook stated that these workshop notifications are generally put in the Council packets for review. Mayor Edmondson announced that there are 6 or 7 openings in the National League of Cities Policy Committees. She stated that if any one is interested, they should notify the Association by January 20, 1978, as indicated in the ANC newsletter. Councilman Wonder expressed interest in serving on the Transportation Committee. It was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Hinman that Councilman Gordon Wonder be suggested to be considered to be appointed to the National League of Cities Transportation Policy Committee: Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Holbrook, and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Walker absent. It was the general consensus of the Council to have Mayor Edmondson send a letter to the Association submitting Councilman Wonder's name to be considered for appointment to the Transportation Policy Committee. Mayor Edmondson reported that she had received a letter of resignation fran Councilman Jean Allard, dated January 9, 1978, stating that time constraints no longer allow him the privilege to serve. It was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Holbrook that Council accept the letter of resignation fran Councilman Jean Allard, dated January 9, 1978:* carried, Beaudhamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Holbrook and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Walker absent. Councilman Beauchamp stated that he had looked forward to serving on the Council with Mt. Allard and expressed sorrow that he had found it necessary to resign. Councilman Wonder stated that he felt that former Council menhers Jean Allard, Pete Moore and Bill Simmons should have a letter of appreciation. After discussion, it was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Beauchamp that a Resolution of Appreciation be sent to each of the former Council members, Jean Allard, Pete 'bore and Dr. Bill Simmons: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Holbrook and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Walker absent. Council members next discussed consideration for appointing someone to the Council. Mayor Edmondson stated that she had received 7 or 8 resumes fran people asking to be considered, and 2 or 3 names who said they were going to send in resumes. Councilman Wonder suggested that Council form a policy, i.e., resumes or requests should be submitted to the Mayor, who should keep these requests confidential until all are presented to the Council at a meeting. Council should then discuss the possible appointment of someone when all the Council is present. Discussion followed about the process of selecting a person to be appointed, i.e., should the candidates be interviewed, should Council give the candidates guidelines to follow for their resumes, should an evaluation point system be designed and then have Council consider the top two or three, should Council meet collectively or individually to interview the candidates. 11/ City Manager Eastman suggested that Council members be provided with copies of the candidates resumes and then rank the candidates in order by their preference. Councilman Hinman stated that he would like to narrow it down to 2 people and then get the feelings of the citizens. Councilman Wonder stated that after Council has knowledge of the names of the candidates, then the names could become public and they would then get public input. It was the general consensus of the Council that a deadline of January 20, 1978, at 12:00 Noon be set for receiving applications to be considered for, appointment to the.Council.* It was also the general consensus that Council can discuss this at any time, but the preliminary timetable is to discuss it on the 30th of January, and select a person to serve on the Council no later than February 6, 1978. City Manager Eastman reported that Carol Darby has accepted the position of Community Development Director effective February 6, 1978. *Inadvertently omitted: Names will be released to the media when Cppieg of resumes have been sent to council members. JANUARY 16, 1978 678 Mayor Edmondson reported that Councilman Walker had planned on reporting on the status of Bill Weigand's possible appointment to the Human Relations Committee, however, she is absent and asks that this matter be postponed until next Mbnday. Mayor Edmondson distributed the background information on Gil Chandler and Fred Witham that had previously been requested before an appointment to the Planning Commission is decided. Councilman Hinman spoke in favor of appointing Gil Chandler, as the Southeast section of town does not have any representation on the Planning Commission. After discussion, it was the general consensus to appoint Gil Chandler to the Planning Commission. Mayor Edmondson then reported that there was also. a vacancy on the Regional Planning Commission. It was the general consensus of the Council to appoint Fred Witham to fill the unexpired term of Don Hinman's vacancy on the Regional Planning Commission. Mayor Edmondson stated that an alternate for Henry Beauchamp is needed for COG. She stated that Councilman Holbrook is her alternate, but COG reports that he cannot serve as alternate for both her and Councilman Beauchamp. It was the general consensus to appoilit Nadine Walker as temporary alternate Mayor Edmondson stated that there is a vacancy on the Health District Board, which meets tomorrow, January 17, 1978, and a representative needs to be appointed today. Councilman Wonder stated he did not want to be the alternate any longer, as he felt he was not needed. It was decided to discuss the appointments to the other Boards and Commissions and then make a decision on this. Council members then discussed the advisability of eliminating same of the Council commissions. It was the general consensus to eliminate five Council committees, being: Recommendations and Screening Committee, Larson Building Parking Garage Study, Ambulance Study Committee, Arts Selection Guideline Review, and Human Relations Liaison Screening-Application. Councilman Holbrook volunteered to serve on the DARC Committee. City Manager Eastman suggested that Council take under advisement making the Downtown Advisory Redevelopment Committee statutory. Council members discussed this and decided that it is a good idea, however, someone should be appointed to this committee in the interim. Councilman Holbrook stated that there is sane public relations work that needs to be done in this area. It was the general consensus to appoint Councilman Holbrook to serve as Council's representative on DARC, until legal papers are drawn to make it a Commission of the Council. It was also the general consensus to wait until Councilman Walker is present before a decision is made on the Capitol Theatre Liaison Committee. It was the general consensus to appoint Councilman Hinman to the District Health Board and Councilman Beauchamp as his alternate. Other appointments to Boards and Commissions were: Boards Appointments Conference of Government Alternate for Henry Beauchamp Nadine Walker (temporary) District/I-teal Board ' Edmondson & Walker (reappointment) Joint Board Urban Area Planning Betty Edmondson/Don Hinman Yakima County Fairgrounds Review Committee Gordon Wonder It was the general consensus of the Council to delay action on the Bicentennial Pavilion Advisory Commission, as it will become statutory in the near future. City Manager Eastman that he had submitted the names of Dick Zais, Hope Gomez and Art Zerbach to be Council's representatives to Manpower Advisory Council,: cOuncilman:5 auchamP statPSIV:hg might like to serve. Councilman Beauchamp stated that he would advise Council later, that he had some things to check out first. Councilman Holbrook stated he would like his name dropped from being a representative of the Council on the Chamber of Commerce Board. Mayor Edmondson announced that Councilman Beauchamp is President of the Southeast Yakima Community At Work Board and so she would list his name as Council representative on that Board also. _ Mayor Edmondson reported that she had received a letter from the Washington Safety Commission regarding an appointment of a representative to their Commission. Councilman Wonder pointed out that this is a staff appointment, and it was given to the City Manager for review. 679 JANUARY 16, 1978 Mayor Edmondson reported that she had received a letter from the Yakima Valley Association of Commerce, whch.,is a Board to coordinate tourist promotion from Prosser to Cle Elum, requesting a representative to serve on their Board. Mayor Edmondson reported that she referred them to the Visitors & Convention Bureau. Councilman Wonder stated that maybe the Chamber of Commerce and the V&C should be asked if they are interested in sending a representative. It was the general consensus of the Council to encourage the V &C and Chamber of Commerce to become active in the Yakima Valley Association of Commerce. City Manager Eastman reported on the lettgr' received by "Mayor Edmondson from_ - the attorney repres.exi.ting Yakima County 'Humane Shelter, stating that the City hag bee,n_d.eb.ilatory in their n e g o t i, a t i o n s . Eastman stated that his recommendation is going to be that the City should not pay any more than the other cities or the City should receive more services. City Manager Eastman reported that he had received four copies of the Risk Management Survey and stated he would like Councilman Hinman to review it and any other Council member who might wish to. Mayor Edmondson announced that there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Employment Security Building on Monday, January 30, 1978 at 12:00 PM. It was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Holbrook to move into Executive Session to discuss labor negotiations, status of water rights, and two a1.1 e9 ed discrimination cases which have been filed against the City: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Holbrook and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Walker absent. Upon the continuation of Executive Session, it was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Beauchamp to recess at the hour of 5:50 PM and to reconvene in the Conference Room, Yakima City Hall at 7:00 PM this same date. At 7:00 PM, the City Council reconvened in the Conference Room to continue the Executive Session. At 7:30 PM, the Council members moved into the Council Chambers for the balance of the meeting to discuss management compensation. Dick Zais, Assistant City Manager, outlined the plan for performance appraisal for the City's management group. He also distributed two tables for Council's reference which compare the City's management compensation with other Western Cities and one which gives the City's present fringe benefits. He then proceeded to outline the proposed 1978 management compensation plan which was developed by the department heads and a representative group of division heads. No. 1 on the proposal is a salary range increase of 7.6 %. (2) 100% paid medical and dental insurance. (3) Paid life insurance in the amount of $5,000. (4) Change in longevity program from fixed dollar to percentage of base pay, as follows: 5 years - 1.5 %, 10 years - 3.0 %, 15 years - 4.5 %, and 20 years - 6.0 %. The percentage of salary increase and fringe benefits would be 12.2 %, with a breakdown of fringe benefits given as 2.2% for medical and dental coverage; .08% for life insurance; and 2.3% for longevity. Mr. Zais also proposed a sick leave bank be established for 12 days immediately upon hiring of a manager, with no accrual for the first year. Also, elimination of maximum sick leave accrual at 120 days and amend the sick leave exchange policy to 2 to 1 in exchange for less than 90 days accrued for those retiring or deceased and 1 to 1 exchange for more than 90 days accrued for those retiring or deceased and 2 to 1 exchange for more than 90 days for termination. He also proposed accellerating the vacation accrual by one step with a new top step of 24 days for 15 or more years employment with the City, with a maximum accrual of vacation of 30 days. Mr. Zais stated that the 12.2% increase for managers would cost the City $110,000 for the first year. Last year's increase was 7% total. Several Council members expressed concern about the sick leave exchange policy and the longevity program proposed. Councilman Wonder suggested that the proposed fringe benefits be discussed more thoroughly and be considered for 1979 and give management a percentage of salary this year. Councilman Holbrook stated he would like to know about the fringe benefits that other cities have. He also expressed concern about this proposal coming from the Assistant City Manager and would like the City Manager to have some attachment to it. It was the general consensus of the Council to refer this matter back to staff for further modification. 680 JANUARY 16, 1978 After a short recess, the Council reconvened in the Council Chambers for the balance of the meeting, Mayor Edmondson presiding, Council members Beauchamp, Hinman, Holbrook and Wonder and City Manager Eastman and City Attorney Andrews present on roll call. Councilman Nadine Walker absent. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Holbrook that Councilman Walker be excused: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Holbrook, and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. The Invocation was given by Councilman Beauchamp. The minutes of the previous meetings of January 3 and January 9, 1978, having been duly certified accurate by two Councilmen and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly, Mayor Edmondson declared said minutes approved as recorded. This being the time fixed for the hearing on the assessment roll for L.I.D. No. 1007, West Chestnut Avenue Sewer District, Paul Harris, 601 So. 60th Avenue, stated he was happy that the final assessment was lower than the preliminary figure given, and asked what the method of payment will be. He was informed that he could make 10 annual installment payments at 6-3/4% interest. Madeline Cooper, 1 N. 6th Avenue, stated she was unhappy with the contractor's cleanup. H. F. Rosier, 20 No. 62nd Avenue, inquired why his assessment was so much higher than his neighbors when the frontage on his property is smaller and there is only he and his wife living in the house. Mayor Edmondson explained that the assessment was baSed on the square footage of his property and not on land use. Walt Chappel, City Treasurer, reported that the assessments are collected by the City Treasurer and any payments made during the first 30 days will be made without interest. It was MOVED by Wonder, - seconded by Holbrook that Ordinance No. 2147, confirming the assessment roll covering L.I.D. NO. 1004, West Chestnut Avenue Sewer District, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Holbrook and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Walker absent. ORDINANCE NO. 2147, AN ORDINANCE confirming the assessment roll covering Local Improvement District No. 1007 as created and established by Ordinance No. 1884, as amended by Ordinance 1912, of the Ordinances of the City of Yakima. It was MOVED by Holbrook, seconded by Wonder to adopt a Resolution which would authorize execution of an agreement with the State of Washington, Department of Highways, for partial reimbursement of costs for improvements to first street. Willis White, Public Works Director, outlined the proposed improvements for 1st Street, and the method of funding. He requested authorization to enter into a contract with the State of Washington, Department of Highways for FAM funding. The State would pay 80% of the cost and the City would pay 20%. City Manager Eastman then asked that Council not approve this it today, in order to give staff time to prioritize the street improvement program, as previously requested by Council during budget discussion. It was then MOVED by Beauchamp, II/ seconded by Holbrook that Council table this resolution until the City Manager brings it back to Council: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Holbrook and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Walker absent. It was MOVED by Holbrook, seconded by Wonder that Resolution No. D-3833, stating the intention to create a Local Improvement District for installation of sanitary sewer mains, and fixing a time of hearing for February 14, 1978, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Holbrook and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Walker absent. RESOLUTION NO. D-3833, A RESOLUTION of intention to create a Local Improvement District. City Manager Eastman informed Council that there will be two meetings in February which be held on Tuesday -- February 14 and February 21, 1978. It was MOVED by Holbrook, seconded by Wonder that Resolution No. D-3834, stating the intention to create a Local Improvement District to improve North 50th Avenue, Prestige Court, and Prestige Place, and fixing the time of hearing for February 14, 1978, be passed: Councilman Holbrook asked if the Prestige Manor problems had been resolved. Glenn Rice, Director of Community Development, stated that the problems had been worked out and the final plat will becoming up for approval. The vote JANUARY 16, 1978 681 on the tion made earlier was called: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Holbrook and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Walker absent. RESOLUTION NO. D-3834, A RESOLUTION of intention to create a LacalP, Improvement District. Having received a report from the Director of Community Development, Glenn Rice, regarding the sewer relief line for Hamilton Park No. 6/Centennial Addition, as requested by Council, it was then MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Holbrook that Council authorize staff to proceed with the installation of a relief sewer line, as proposed in the Memo dated Jan. 9, 1978 from the Director of Community Development: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Holbrook, and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Walker absent. City Manager Eastman explained that City will initially pay for this and then will be reimbursed by the benefiting property owners, with interest. It was MOVED by Holbrook, seconded by Wonder that Resolution No. D-3835, relating to authorizing loans from the Equipment Rental and Revolving Fund to various other City funds, be passed: Art Zerbach, Director of Finance and Budget, reviewed his explanatory memo dated Jan. 12, 1978, which names the departments which have requested loans and repayment information. Mr. Zerbach stated that most of the deficits resulted from cash flow problems. He stated there was a lack of communication before between some of the departments and the Finance department in the area of grants. Mt. Zerbach stated that action has been taken to correct this problem by monitoring them through the computer. City Manager Eastman reviewed the status of the Capitol Theatre, stating that $475,000 of the money raised by the Capitol Theatre Committee is in the bank and they have pledges in excess of the $600,000. The $600,000 from private contributions will not be received until agreement with the Capitol Theatre Committee is reached. Mt. Eastman stated that about 75% of the analysis of interfund loans is complete and upon campletion, that report will be given to the Council. He stated that there are some policy decisions to be made relative to interfund loans and rolling loans, where each year a department obtains an interfund loan until their revenues are received. Ines Rice, 4409 Arlington, stated that she was unhappy with this report, especially the trolley operations and convention center. She also stated that these loans should be at prime interest.. Larry Robinson, 501 So. 6th Avenue, expressed concern about the interfund loans, and asked why the City should pay the operating expenses of the trolleys. City Manager Eastman stated that under the terms of the contract, the City pays the expenses of the trolley. The question was called for a vote on the motion made earlier: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Holbrook and. Wonder voting on roll call. Walker absent. RESOLUTION NO. D-3835, A RESOLUTION authorizing loans from 551-Equipment Rental and Revolving Fund to various other City funds, and providing for repayment. It was MOVED by Holbrook, seconded by Wonder that Ordinance No. 2148, providing for the issuance-and-sale-of an4 sewer revenue warrants, and creating a special fund, be passed. Mt. Zetbadh, Director of Finance II/ and Budget, explained the passage of this Ordinance would give the City more flexibility, make the banks happier and is more economical for the City. He stated that the City presently is issuing construction warrants, whereby the warrant has to be the exact amount of the contractor's bill. The City then sends the bill into the State and Federal government far 90% reiMbursement, according to the grant, That warrant cannot be redeemed by the City until the City adds 10% matching funds. Under the revenue warrant system, the City can issue more than one warrant to cover a contractor's bill so that the majority of the warrant can be redeemed with the amount of money reimbursed to the City by the State or Federal government. The question was called for the vote on the motion made PArlier: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Holbrook and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Walker absent. ORDINANCE NO. 2148, AN ORDINANCE for the City of Yakima, Washington, providing for the issuance and sale of water and sewer revenue warrants; creating a special fund; providing the form and terms of said warrants and for the disposition of the proceeds of their sale; amending Ordinance No. 2123 and No. 2133 and Section 3.64.020 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code, and declaring an emergenqy. 682 JANUARY 16, 1978 An Ordinance $15,000 from FRS funds, to provide for payment of a City Hall space study, having been rparl by title only at this meeting, was laid on the table for one week or until Monday, January 23, 1978. Mayor Edmondson announced that Gil Chandler has been appointed to serve on the Planning Commission and Fred Witham has been appointed to serve on the Regional Planning Commission. Councilman Wonder referred to a letter that was mailed to all City employees condemning the City Manager and requesting funds to investigate his background. Councilman Wonder stated he felt it was time the City Council spoke out in support of the City Manager. Other Council members agreed that a statement in support of Mr. Eastman should be made. Mach discussion followed as to what should be in that statement. Some Council members advocated mentioning that the City would be making an annual evaluation of the City Manager; the first one to be done in the near future. City Manager Eastman stated that he would like an evaluation and suggested a review process, whereby a trusted and respected citizen in the community would be chosen by the Council, who would spend time with each Council member, plus Jean Allard, Pete Moore, and Bill Simmons. Then, an Executive Session should be held to discuss it as a group and out of that, a conclusion and public statement could be made. It was the general consensus of the Council to have Council members Holbrook and Hinman meet with Mayor Edmondson to draft a statemeatto include support of the City Manager, Council's responsibility & Council evaluation of the City Manager. There being no further business to come before the Council, it was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Holbrook to adjourn this meeting at the hour of 10:30 PM: carried, Beauchamp, Edmo!.son, Hinman, Holbrook and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. W- der absent READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY A •-'•` Ara _ DATE iIuc ,t5V' • DATE id -.71 co ATTEST: / / / - 1; o f .01" CITY m- P OR