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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/27/1978 Business Meeting MARCH 27, 1978 7 4 4 The City Council met in session on this date at 1:30 PM in the Conference Room at City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Council members present were Mayor. Betty L. Edmondson, Henry Beauchamp, Don Hinman, Jack Sparling, Nadine Walker and Gordon Wonder. Mayor Edmondson stated that a letter from the Sundusters has been received inviting Council members to attend the public showing of the new Yakima Sunfair Float on Saturday, April 1st at the Yakima Mall at 1:30 PM, and also requesting to be recognized as the good will ambassador for and on behalf of the citizens of Yakima. Mayor Edmondson stated that if Council wished to recognize them as good will ambassador for the City, a proclamation could be issued or it can be done by motion. After discussion, it was the general consensus of the Council to make them a good will ambassador of the City. Mayor Edmondson reported that the Governor's Housing Conference will be held this weekend and any one interested in attending and would like some help with making arrangements should contact her or her secretary. Mayor Edmondson also announced that COG is presenting a Short Course in Local Planning on Wednesday, April 12 at 6:45 PM at Davis High School. She also stated that this course is free and it'slimited to the first 100 pre- registrants. Council members discussed the 1979 proposed budget schedule, expressing concern that if this schedule is not strictly followed, Council will be rushed at the end in order to meet the deadline. Councilman Wonder stated that Council will have a budget policy discussion in April or May and then not have any to.the budget again until October. Councilman Hinman stated that he had hoped to meet with the department heads to discuss their needs for 1979. City Manager Eastman stated that time is a problem and'istated that one consideration would be to alternate meetings -- one week Council would devote the entire meeting time to a study session and the next meeting would be devoted to a regular Council session. Mayor Edmondson stated that she would like to hear more'about that proposal as it did not seem to her to be progressive. After discussion, it was the general consensus of the Council to request the City Manager to schedule several study sessions in which the.various department heads would report on their goals and needs for 1979 for their department. Councilman Hinman gave a brief report on the National League of Cities Conference, held in Washington D.C. stating that he had attended Housing and Labor Workshops. Councilman Wonder stated that he would give his report on the NLC Conference at next Monday's meeting, only stating at this time that they did not have an energy policy set and they half the time in the transportation meeting discussing a $45 million pothole bill. Council members next discussed the process for selecting a Council member. Mayor Edmondson reported that all those who had previously submitted a resume were called to see if they would still be interested in being appointed to serve on the Council. Currently there are resumes received from Thomas Armstrong, Dolores B. Goodman, James A. Kurbitz, John R. Schactler, Bruce Simpson, Janet Snodgrass, Lynn K. Buchanan, Emil Escobedo, A. W. Stevenson, M.D., George Hislop and Mrs. Dale Rogers. Mayor Edmondson stated that Councilman Holbrook had served on the Clean Air Authority Board and.was Council's'representative to the DARC Committee, in addition to serving as the Mayor Pro -Tem, and consideration will have to be given for replacements. Several Council members gave suggestions as to what they would like the selection process to include; Council member Walker stating she thought selection should be done in Executive Session; Councilman Hinman stating he thought the process should be slowed in order to obtain further information; Councilman 'Sperling stating he would like to meet the candidates first; Councilman,Beauchamp suggested an interview process for the candidates; and Councilman Wonder stating that this process should be speeded up and that asking the candidates to submit to an interview process was asking too much of them. Council members discussed the deadline for accepting resumes and applications for this appointment. It was the general consensus that Wednesday, April 5, 1978 at 5:00 PM would be the deadline for receiving these applications. It was also the general consensus of the Council to discuss the details of the method of selecting a new Council member Monday, April 10, 1978. 745 MARCH 27, 1978 In discussing the process for evaluating the City Manager, Councilman Beauchamp stated that he likesthe idea of getting a respected facilitator from the Community. He reported that he had discussed this with Sister Charlotte Van Dyke, St. Elizabeth Hospital Administrator, and she did not balk at the idea. Councilman Wonder stated that he did not see any reason why Council could not meet in Executive Session with the City Manager and outline our concerns -- is a facilitator really needed. Councilman Walker indicated she is in support of using a facilitator. Mayor Edmondson stated that she likes the evaluation form that Duarte, California uses and maybe Council could spin off from that. Councilman Hinman suggested that the School District be contacted for input because they do evaluations all the time. City Manager Eastman reported that the department heads had been involved in an evaluation program last week where they were interviewed by a facilitator, reviewed accumulated data and then made a list of well dones and opportunities for improvement. Part of that program was on their relationship with the City Manager, and he stated that that material could be made available to the City Council. Mayor Edmonldson was opposed to that approach stating that that would seem like the City Manager would be conducting his own evaluation. It was MOVED by Walker to request the Mayor to check on people who are available for something of this type and bring this information back to the Council at our next meeting. The motion died for a lack of a second. After discussion, it was MOVED by Walker, seconded by Hinman to instruct the Mayor to look into the cost of getting a paid facilitator or evaluator and bring that information, back to the Council in one week or as soon as possible. Councilman Beauchamp stated he believed that we should explore the possibili of a capable person in the community who can do it. Councilman Wonder questioned whether or not we were getting away from policy and getting into administration. The question was called for the vote on the mtion: carried, Edmondson, Hinman, Sparling and Walker voting aye by voice vote. Beauchamp and Wonder voting nay. Councilman Hinman stated that he would like to spend some time in a study session with the Community Relations Officer to get an updated report. Mayor Edmondson reported that the BAR Association has been contacted regarding the vacant position on the Human Relations Commission and the only attorney who is interested in serving is Albert Falk. She also reported that there will be two commissioners whose terms will expire shortly. It was the general consensus of the Council to get an updated report from the Community Relations Officer. Mayor Edmondson asked for Council's input on the appointment of Tony Menke to the Regional Planning Commission, stating that he has purchased a home within the City Limits, but will not move until late June. It was the general consensus of. the Council to instruct the Mayor to send him a letter of appointment;: his appointment to be effective immediately. At 3:00 PM, the Council members moved into the Council Chambers for the balance of the meeting, Mayor Edmondson presiding, Council members Beauchamp, Hinman, Sperling, Walker and Wonder, City Manager Eastman and City Attorney Andrews present on roll call. The Invocation was given by City Attorney Andrews. 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. Councilman Hinman requested that item 417 be removed from the Consent Agenda. Councilman Beauchamp requested that item 415 be removed, and Mayor Edmondson requested that item #8 be removed from the Consent Agenda. It was the general consensus of the Council that the deletions of items #8, #15. and 417, as requested, be made. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items by title. It was MOVED by Walker, seconded by Hinman that the Consent Agenda, as read, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk ( *) indicate items on the Consent Agenda to be handled under one motion without further discussion.) 746 MARCH 27, 1978 Mayor Edmondson stated that there was one correction to the minutes of March 13, 1978. She stated that John Klingele had protested the method used for figuring the irrigation assessment. The minutes of March 13 and 14, 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 with one correction to the March 13, 1978 minutes. This being the time fixed for the hearing on Petition No. 916, filed by Central Heating and Plumbing Company, requesting vacation of a portion of the north -south alley between No. 5th and No. 6th Avenues, north of Fruitvale Boulevard, and no one present wishing to speak to this matter, it was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Walker that Ordinance No. 2165, providing for the vacation of said alley, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. ORDINANCE NO. 2165, AN ORDINANCE providing for the vacation of an alley in the City of Yakima. This being the time set for a non -legal hearing on a proposed taxicab rate increase, Mayor Edmondson stated that notices were posted for this hearing at several public places and also published in the Yakima Herald Republic. Councilman Beauchamp asked for an explanation of a non -legal hearing. City Attorney Andrews stated that it is a hearing to gain public input on a matter for which a hearing is not a legal requirement prior to Council action. Councilman Beauchamp inquired if Yellow Cab had given any information regarding this proposed rate increase. Iris Litzenberger, City Clerk, stated that she had contacted them and was informed that Mrs. Kauzlarich would be present at this meeting with a written statement. Mayor Edmondson requested George Kapellas, Diamond Cab, to give a brief overview of his proposal for taxi fare rate increase for the benefit of those who were not present at the meeting when he presented this request before'the Council. Mr. Kapellas, stated that the last rate increase occurred in 1973 and since then he reported expenses have spiraled at a rate of 85 %. The rate increase requested is 52.07 %, which would put us in line with some other taxicab companies in the State. Mr._Kapellas_submitted• additional information on this matter pertaining to taxi driver's present wages. He asked that this information be kept confidential. He also mentioned the senior citizen discount rate which has been proposed. Grayce Kauzlarich, Yellow Cab, submitted her letter of comments, dated March 27, 1978, after reading it to the Council. She stated that they are opposed to the rate increase at this time and object to the manner in which the proposal was presented. She also requested that a study be made on this situation before any definite decisions are reached. She stated that the multi -rate meters can be used illegally. She stated that at the current rate a fare of $3.00 would be $4.00 after the increase. Mayor Edmondson asked her about the rate increase Yellow Cab had requested in 1973. Mrs. Kauzlarich stated that the fare had been increased from a $.60 to an $.80 meter drop. City Manager Eastman reported that there is a discrepancy in the zoning map which needs to be corrected. The ordinance specifies zones 0 thru 6 and the attached map indicates zones 0 thru 7. He also stated that it is not a legal requirement for the City to regulate the taxicab rates, and these rates are fixing maximums. Councilman Wonder asked Mrs. Kauzlarich how she would feel if the City did not regulate the taxi rates at all. She stated that she would have to discuss that with her husband. Mr. Kauzlarich stated that either way would be alright with him. Arthur Taylor, 4105 S. 2nd Street, Union Gap, cab driver; Larry Lindfor, 807 N. 1st Street, cab driver; Jesse Francis, 1215 Cherry Avenue, cab driver; Don Latham, 1420 Roosevelt, cab driver; Bill Frazier, 18 West Washington Avenue, cab driver; and Clarence Marshall, a citizen, all spoke in favor of the proposed increase in taxicab rates. It was MOVED by Walker, seconded by Hinman to instruct staff to prepare the necessary ordinance for this proposed increase, as outlined, and to correct the zoning map. Councilman Wonder stated that he believes that Council should not set the ..taxi rates. He further stated that if Council is going to set the taxi rates, Council should have a study made and fix a minimum and a maximum rate. Councilman Sparling stated that he would MARCH 27, 1978 747 like to hear from Yellow Cab Company on their idea for a proposed increase. Mayor Edmondson statd that Mrs. Kauzlarich did state that they weren't opposed to an increase, but just thought this proposed increase is too high, and the proposed increase does not hamper them from making an increase less than this amount. The question was called for the vote on the motion made earlier: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman and Walker voting aye by voice vote. Sparling and Wonder voting nay. Herb Mayer, City Engineer, explained the sewer service agreement with Union Gap and outlined the seryice area on the map. He stated that the agreement would allow citizens of Union Gap to connect to Yakima City sewer lines which are located within the City Limits of Union Gap. City Manager Eastman stated that Union Gap would take care of the permits, do the billing and receive the, money and at the end-of each month, pay the City of Yakima a blanket rate. Willis White, Public Works Director, II/ stated that there will be a surchargez,rateadded those outside Yakima City Limits. After discussion, it was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Hinman that Resolution No. D-3843, authorizing execution of a sewer service agreement with Union Gap, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. RESOLUTION NO. D-3873, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute a sewer service agreement with the City of Union Gap. Council next discussed the agreement with Smith, Phillips and DePietro Advertising re wastewater treatment system information program. Councilman Wonder inquired if this program would be paid partially by DOE, and also asked why it is necessary. Willis"White, Public Works Director, stated that DOE would not be paying any part of this and it is necessary to do some public relations' work on the wastewater sewer program in order to sell the program to the public. City Manager Eastman reported that the State Auditor has generally ruled for the City to go out and pursue LID's and spend mone) on that. TheCity's 'share of the$10 million project is 10% which is passed onto the latecomer connections. ,It is to the City's benefit to get the hookups as quickly as possible. DOE and EPA has told us to actively pursue the hookups.- After discussion, it was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Wonder that Resolution No. D-3874, authorizing execution of an agreement with Smith, Phillips and DePietro Advertising for consulting purposes regarding the wastewater treatment system information program, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Hinman, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. RESOLUTION NO. D-3874, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute an agreement with Smith, Phillips and DePietro Advertising for professional consulting services consisting of a wastewater treatment system information program. John Kincheloe, Customer Services Manager, stated that there are certain delinquent accounts payable to the Water/Sewer Fund which are considered to be uncollectible and requested that Council give authorization to write these off. Mayor Edmondson inquired as to how old these accounts were. Mr. Kincheloe stated that they are within a 12 month period and II/ the newest account is June of 1977. Councilman Wonder asked if any of these would be collectible by turning off water service. Mr. Kincheloe stated that on a trial basis we did not discontinue water service, but submitted delinquent accounts to a collection agency. This method of collecting delinquent accounts wasreviewed after a number of months and it was discontinued because of the high costs to the City. After 9 months, total expenses,to the utility was $6700 with $2200 paid as a collection fee with $4500 included in thisnrear's annual write-off. Councilman Sparling inquired if there were water deposits required. Mr. Kincheloe stated that because of the number of accounts, we no longer require a deposit.- It_was then MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Walker that Resolution No. D-3875, authorizing the write-off of certain uncollectible accounts, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. RESOLUTION NO. D-3875, A RESOLUTION accepting a report of the Utility Accounts Manager and authorizing the write-off of certain uncollectible accounts receivables by the Water-Sewer Fund of the City of Yakima. 748 MARCH 27, 1978 Willis White, Public Works Director, gave a brief explanation of his proposed dust control program. He suggested that staff hold neighborhood meetings to explain'the dust control program, whereby the City and the residents would share in the cost of applying lignin sulfonate /double chip seal to unimproved street and alleys. He stated this combination used in an experimental surface treatment program last year was very successful. The application should have a life span of approximately 5 years and it is proposed that this be a two year program, assuming all parties agree and secure the advanced necessary funding." The cost of this program would be figured - at a rate of'$.72 /front foot, and that cost would be shared between the two residences on each side of the street and the City. The same concept would apply to 'unimproved alleys. The approximate cost to apply this treatment to the 11 miles of streets and 45 miles of alleys the City approximately $108,000. Mayor Edmondson - asked where the money was going to come from t� pay for this program. -Mr'. "White stated presently the City is grading and graveling these streets and alleys twice a year at a cost of approximately $40,000 a year which is a budgeted item. The money for this program would come from that budgeted item. - Mayor Edmondson asked what this would do to encourage the formation of LTD's. Mr. White stated that it would not encourage the formation of LID's, however, most of the areas effected cannot afford an LID. It was then MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Wonder to authorize staff to proceed with the dust control program as outlined: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Sparling; Walker Wonder voting aye by voice vote. - Regarding the 'out -of -state travel for Robert Knight, Transit Manager, Councilman Beauchamp inquired as to the advantages -the City would receive by sending him to the American Public Transit Association's•l978 Western Conference. Mr.'Knight stated that there are workshops safety, insurance and how to complete; accident reports which would' be very beneficial to the City and that last year he had attended this conference. It was MOVED by Sparling, seconded by Walker that the out - ofstate travel for Robert P. Knlght, :Transportation Department, to attend the American Public Transit Association's 1978 Western Conference, April 14 -20, 1978 in Calgary Alberta, at a cost to the City of $604, be approved: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, .Hinman, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. - *It was MOVED by Walker, seconded by Hinman, that the out -of -state travel for Tom Froula to attend UNIVAC User's Association Conference and Workshop, April 10 -14, 1978, in San Diego, California at -a cost to the City of $505, be approved: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson; Hinman, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Council members discussed setting a time in study session for preliminary discussion on the districting of Council positions. Councilman Hinman wanted to know if staff had been gathering information on population. City Manager Eastman stated that staff is requesting this time in order to get Council's opinion on a preliminary cut they have made, based on demographic information they have received. Councilman Wonder stated that he thought it would be divided into four districts -- one representating each part or section of the City. Mayor Edmondson stated that there are some legal requirements to follow. It was then MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Walker to set a time on the Study Session Agenda for April 10, 1978 for preliminary discussion on districting of the Council positions: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Council members next discussed the ordinance which would confirm the assessment roll for L.I.D. . No. 1001, Mayor Edmondson asking Councilman Sparling if he had had information on the meeting which took place while he was out of town. Councilman Sparling stated that he was aware of the action Council took. Councilman Hinman inquired as to the total amount of parcels that were adjusted. Larry Wright, Principal Planner, stated that that figure is $190,475. After discussion, it was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Walker that Ordinance No. 2166, confirming the assessment roll for L.I.D. No. 1001, CBD Improvements, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. 749 March 27, 1978 ORDINANCE NO. 2166, AN ORDINANCE of the City of Yakima, Washington, approving and confirMing the assessments and assessment roll of Local Improvement Districo.-1001, levying assessments against the several lots, tracts and parcels of land as shown on the assessment roll, fixing interest penalties, and providing for- payment-of such assessments, interest and-penalties into-the Local- Improvement District No. 1001 fund of the City: - - -- Judy Sheridan, Transportation Council authorization to amend the engineering contract with-Preston L.-Shepherd and Associates regarding improvements to the-Airport. She stated-that-additional- - environmental hearings-and evaluations were found' to be -; at- an expense of approximately $10000: -She-also reported-that the amendment is put in'the form of-a contract; FAA will reimburse the City at 90/10 percent, which would make the City's share $1,000.. This expense was included in the overall cost-of the project. It-wasthen- Wonder, seconded by I parling-that Resolution No. D-3876-,-authorizing II/ execution of an'addendum to the contract to Preston-L. Shepherd & Associates for engineering airport improvementsi-be passed:. carried; Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Sparling; Walker-and-Wonder voting aye on roll call. - .. _ RESOLUTION NO. D-3876, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager and City Clerk'of the-City of Yakima to execute an addendum to a contract with Preston L. Shepherd and Associates, Inc., for engineering services for Airport expansion. There being no further business to .me before the Council, it was MOVED by Walker, seconded by Hinman tha this meeting'be adjourned at the hour of 5:50 PM:. carried, Beauchamp, Edmo dson, Hinman,-Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. - - ' - - - READ CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY -I - - - - DATE 44 /4/71 Ail - 4 4 - _ _ ,.. .,,„ _.... - - DATE 4. ./0 71 CO PCI ' ATTEST: - - ,..., ,. AI _, ' 0 4-- 0 - _ m - .......,.....„. ...t .., '—di L...._ Alzz..../... • / ERK - ■e, .//,„W.t_. . CITY - Or'YOR 1 i _ . . _ . i , . . . . . .