HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/01/1978 Business Meeting 770
May 1, 1978
The City Council met in session for a luncheon meeting at 11:30 AM at
the Holiday Motor Hotel Restaurant (El Cid), 1300 North First Street, to
meet with the Yakima Valley Broadcasting Association owners and /or
managers to discuss their participation in the Council meetings.
The City Council then met in session on this date at 1:30 PM in the
Council Chambers, City Hall. Council members present were Mayor Betty
L. Edmondson, Henry Beauchamp, Don Hinman, Jack Sparling, Nadine Walker
and Gordon Wonder.
Mayor Edmondson announced that she will be out -of -town, next Monday
attending a seminar and stated that a Chairman for the meeting is needed.
It was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Hinman that Council member Nadine
Walker serve as Chairman for next Monday's meeting: carried, Beauchamp,
Edmondson, Hinman, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye by voice vote.
Mayor Edmondson requested three Council members to appear on KAPP -TV,
"Council 0n- the -Air" Program on May 3, 1978 at 9:45 AM. It was the
general consensus of the Council that Council members Beauchamp, Sparling o
and Walker will appear on "Council On- the - Air ".
Mayor Edmondson reported that a letter of resignation has been received
from Charles Barnett resigning from the Human Relations Commission and
Council should be thinking about a replacement.
The Council members briefly discussed the results of their 11:30 Study
Session meeting with the Yakima Valley Broadcasting Association owners.
It was the .general consensus of the Council to hold Study Sessions In
the Council Chambers to see how it works.
Hope Gomez, Community Relati,ons Officer, reviewed the role of her office,
requesting input from the Council on what they would like to see her do.
There were.nine items she listed as being the original guidelines she
followed:
1. Resource Person
2. Audit Affirmative Action Program
3. .. Audit Contract Compliance
4. Open Contact Point for Citizens
5.. Information. Source for Citizen Advocacy
6. Complaint Receipt Person
7. Deputy to the Human Relations Commission
8. Public Relations
9, Educational Programs
Ms. Gomez requested Council to list three assignments that.they would
like to have her do. She then listed the role of the office that she is
currently following and compared them with items that Counci l:member•s had
named. Councilman.Hinman stated that he felt the role of a Community
Relations Officer is to make management aware of any problems and then
let management solve them. ,Council members briefly discussed the role
of the CRO in the development of the Aff irmative Action Plan, Mayor
Edmondson stately that the CRO is suppose to review the plan and see
that it. works. Ms. Gomez .informed Council.on the duties.she is currently
performing. She also named the duties that the Human Relations Commission
would like to see her work on, which are:
•
1. , Responsible for Contract Compliance ,
2. .Maintain Direct Line of Communication with Council
3. .Direct Flow of Information to City Council with carbon copies
to City Manager
4. Complete involvement with Affirmative Action -- hiring procedures
5. Handling of complaints
6. Regain admittance to staff meetings
The Council members discussed the time involvement which would be necessary
in order for her to audit contract compliance. City Manager Eastman
reported that a report will be coming to Council on this subject. He
reported that by mutual consent, it was decided that Ms. Gomez need not
attend the staff meetings, as she would not derive enough benefit from
May 1, 1978 771
them to compensate for time involved, and that she could receive the
minutes of the meeting. Ms. Gomez requested that time be scheduled for
her to report to the Council on a regular monthly basis, preferably in
private. Council members briefly discussed the possibility of a Council
member being a liaison between the CRO and Council. Councilman Wonder
requested that Ms. Gomez develop a work program and plan for the operation
of the office of the Community Relations Officer, as requested in the
July 15, 1977 letter addressed to her. It was the general consensus of
the Council to again meet with the CRO in a couple of weeks for a work
session. "
At 3:00 PM, the regular Council meeting commenced, Mayor Edmondson
presiding, Council members Beauchamp, Hinman, Sparling, Walker and
Wonder, City Manager Eastman and Assistant Attorney Vanek present on
roll call. II/
The Invocation was given by Councilman Hinman.
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 Beauchamp requested
that item #8 be removed from the Consent Agenda. It was the general
consensus of the Council that the deletion of item #8, as requested, be
made. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, including an
Ordinance 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 (0 indicate items on the Consent
Agenda to be handled Under one motion without further discussion.)
*It was MOVED by Walker, seconded by Hinman that the minutes of April 17
and 24, 1978, having been duly certified accurate by two Councilmen and
no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly, be approved:
carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hrnman, Sparling, Walker and Wonder
voting aye on roll call.
Chuck Rich, Chatrman, Yakima County Commissioners, appeared. before the
Council to request a five year moratorium on annexation of parcels of
land located east of SR 82 to the Terrace Heights Bridge, and southerly
from Yakima Avenue approximately 400 feet. Lou Haff, County Office
Engineer, explained that due to three new developments locating east of
the bridge, they are considering modifying their plans to include additional,
work to alleviate the additional traffic which wouldd3ecreated. The
proposed underpass and looping lanes would add an additional $400,000 to
the cost of the original project. Mr. Rich reported that it is their
understanding that the new developments may request some City services,
which would necessitate them signing an outside utility agreement. He
requested that that'ioroceeding be forestalled in that area for a four to
five year period in order for the County togregain or capitalize their
money, Councilman Wonder inquired about the amount of money that would
mean the City would forego. City"Manager Eastman stated that it is not
known, however, the earliest it would show up on the tax rorMs in
1980. There would be 'a 50% surcharge for outside water service charge. II/
He stated that either the County does the work now and we accept their
proposal or we annex the property and have to deal with this same problem.
Les Conrad, County Commissioner, reported that there are 15,000 cars
traveling over that road today and we expect 25,000 to 35,000 cars on
that road after the four lane highway. If we would wait to do that work
later, the cost will be $500,000, or more. It should be done by July
because that is. when_we expect to let thecontracts. Willie Owens, Fire
Chief of that District, spoke against the City annexing that property,
stating that he had encouraged those businesses to locate there in order
to increase their taxirolls. Councilman Hinman stated that in order
the City to remain financially sound, it is important to annex; however,
it is also important for us to cooperate With the County. it was the
general consensus of the Council to request staff to prepare a quick
report for Council so that a decision can be made next Monday.
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May 1, 1978
B. C. Baca, 311 North 7th Street, appeared before the Council to request
a variance to the City outside utility policy in order for him to get -
City water to a mobile home he wishes to place on his property at 15.19
So. 18th Street. After discussion, it, was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by
Wonder to refer this matter to staff to go through the proper channels:
carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Sparling, Walker and Wonder
voting aye by voice vote. -
Lowell Nielsen, 213 So, 63rd Avenue, explained the problem he has with
his sewer L.I:D. assessment, stating that due to a wrong address listed
on the County tax roll, he did not receive his statement and now has to
pay' the interest for one year. He has had correspondence with Fred
Andrews, City Attorney, which stated that the City cannot waive the interest
that is due; nor is the City liable because, by law, the City Is to use
the County tax rolls for mailing of assessments. Mr. Vanek, Assistant ,
City Attorney, stated that he has read Mr. Andrews letter and stands by
it and advised Mr. Nielsen to file a claim with the County. After
further discussion, It was MOVED by Hinman that Council should send a
strong protest to the County and make some kind of restitution to Mr.
Nielsen for this mistake. The motion died. for lack of a second. It was
the general consensus Of the Council that Mr. Nielsen should file a
claim for damages with the County.
Mayor Edmondson made several proclamations, as follows:
"Be Kind to Your Animal Week" is May 7 -13, 1978
This month Is "Be Hearing and Speech Month
"Family Camping Month" —is also this month
This is "Kiss Your' Baby Week "; 'regarding Cystic Fibrosis -- a•'
salty 'taste is an early 'indication of Cystic
"Sun Is Wednesday, May 3, 1978. There will be several activities
and, workshops at. the Yakima Center. •
I n speaking-about f i.xi ng . the time of hearing. on the new schedule of. fees
for parks and - recreation, Councilman Beauchamp stated that he would ask
his questions at the hear.ing. C.ounci.lman Hinman..requested the amount of
money those fees would generate. City Manager Eastman stated that they
could get that information, however., they first wanted to take a philosophic
approach on. how. the fees should_ be made.. Councilman Hinman stated that
he had been approached. about. free swimming for kids. It was then MOVED-
by Hinman.,. seconded -byrrr Walker that the non -legal hearing on the new
schedule of fees for recreational activities of the Parks. and Recreation
Department be set for May 8, 1978: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson,
Hinman, Sparling, :Walker and Wonder voting aye by voice vote.
Bob Knight, Transit Manager, .reviewed the.1977 UMTA Grant, stating that
one last contract .needs to be signed. He stated that the money will be
used to cover a $54,000 deficit in the 1977 budget, and the balance will
go into a capital reserve fund. Councilman Sperling expressed concern '
about the-City requesting federal funds above the amount needed.. After
discussion it -was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Walker that Resolution
No. D -3885, authori.z -ing execution of an..Urban Mass,Transportatlon Operation
Assistance Grant Contract, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson,
Hinman, Sperling, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Norman
Steuart, 21,7 No. 16th Avenue, spoke An support of the passage of this
resolution.-, - -- - •
RESOLUTION NO. D -3885, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City
Manager and. City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute an Urban -Mass
Transportation Operating Assistance Grant Program.
The Council members next discussed the proposed amendments to the Humane
Society Contract, Assistant City. Manager Zais reviewing .his April 18,
1978,, memo, -which outlines- the changes in the contract; the. main points
being that the City. would pay on -a per animal basis. He reports ,that
the other entities. using the Shelter would be paying on thesame basis.
After discussion regard i.ng the.cos.t factors and cages the City owns, it
was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Beauchamp to authorize staff to prepare
the legislation to execute the amendments to the agreement between the
Humane Society and the City: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman,
Sparling and Walker voting aye by voice vote. Wonder voting nay.
Councilman Wonder expressed concern about the difference in revenue and
expenses. City Manager Eastman inquired if Council wanted to take any
kind of action about requesting a buy -out schedule of the cages. It was
7
Ma 1, 1978
MOVED by Hinman, seconded by'Beauchamp that Council not ask staff to
take any action regarding the cages: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson,
Hinman, Sparling and Walker voting aye by voice vote. Wonder voting
nay.
Herb Mayer, City Engineer, explained the proposed water /sewer utility
boundaries, requesting authorization to pursue this through the Regional
Planning process. City Manager Eastman reported that the Boundary
Review Board recommends that Council adopt this map and call it "service
area boundary map ". Councilman Wonder expressed concern about citizens
rights to choose who they wish to service them. Mr. Mayer stated that
there are exceptions allowed to this service area, depending on the
economics involved. After discussion, It was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded
by Hinman to authorize staff to proceed with pursuiing the proposed
water /sewer utility boundaries through the Regional Planning process:
carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Sparling, Walker and Wonder
voting aye by voice vote.
*A report having been received from Art Zerbach, Director of Finance and
Budget, it was MOVED by Walker, seconded by Hinman to approve the report
on the status of Interfund loans: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman,
Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye by voice vote.
Charles Riemcke, Asociated Realty, stated that on March 27, 1978, he had
presented the City with an offer to purchase the old fire training site
for $80,000. He cited several recent sales in that area and stated that
their offer of about 23t a sq. ft. is a reasonable market value. City
Manager Eastman reported that Council had requested an appraisal of this
property. The City is unable to get an appraisal from an MAI at this
time and would have to wait about three months for it. He further
stated that the City did get an appraisal from Mr. Haney for a figure of 35t to
40t a sq. ft. Mr. Eastman reported that there were two formal offers to
purchase; one for $75,000 cash which will expire in June, and one for
$80,000 cash which expiration date has been extended to today. It was
MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Wonder to accept the staff recommendation
to reject thls= =offer to purchase and to request an MAI appraisal as soon
as possible. After discussion, the question was called for a vote on
the motion: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Sparling, Walker and
Wonder voting aye by voice vote. It was then MOVED by Hinman, seconded
by Beauchamp to refer this matter to the Planning Commission for their
review on the proper zoning and request a report back to the Council:
carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Sparling, Walker and Wonder
voting aye by voice vote.
*A report from the Director of Community Development having been received
on the North Ridge View Final Plat, it was MOVED by Walker, seconded by
Hinman to approve and authorize the Mayor to sign this final plat:
carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Sparling, Walker and Wonder
voting aye on roll call.
*A report from the Director of Community Devleopment having been received,
it was MOVED'by Walker, seconded by Hinman to approve the schedule for
the Urban Area Plan Community Meetings -- Round II: carried, Beauchamp,
Edmondson, Hinman, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call.
*It was MOVED by Walker, seconded by Hinman that the report of the City
Engineer dated April 19, 1978 with respect to the completion of the work
on Public Works Contract, Yakima Avenue Rehabilitation - 6th Street to
8th Avenue Project, be approved, the work be accepted and payment of the
final estimate as therein set forth is hereby authorized: carried,
Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye on
roll call.
It was MOVED by Walker, seconded by Hinman that the reports of the City
Engineer dated April 24, 1978 with respect to completion of the work on
Public Works Contract - Central Avenue Street and Irrigation Improvements,
Schedule I Project, be approved, the work be accepted and payment of the
final estimate as therein set forth is hereby authorized: carried,
Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye on
roll call.
774
May 1, 1978
It was MOVED by Walker, seconded by Hinman that the report of the City
Treasurer dated 12/31/77, 1/31/78, 2/28/78 and 3/31/78, regarding
the investments of the City of Yakima, be accepted and approved: carried,
Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, SparlYng, Walker and Wonder voting aye on
roll call.
*|t was MOVED by Walker, seconded by Hinman that Ordinance No. 2178,
relating to City personnel, designating holidays, be passed: carried,
Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, SparlYng, Walker and Wonder voting aye on
roll call.
ORDINANCE NO, 2178, AN ORDINANCE relating to City personnel; designating
holidays; and amending, Subsection 2,4O.080A of the City of Yakima
Municipal Code; and declaring an emergency.
Council members next discussed the appointments to the Yakima Center
Advisory Commission. By a vote of the Council, the appointments to the
Commission are: Greta Atwood, Jeanne Crawford, Jim Elliott, Paul George,_
Dale Hazen, David Miller and Don Schussler.
II/
The Council members next discussed the appointment of a representative
to the YMATS Citizen Advisory Committee, Mayor Edmondson stating that
John Klingele, Jim Kurb/tz, Dale Rogers and Emile Escobedo have expressed
an interest to serve on this committee. The Council members ,voted on
this appointment, resulting in a tie vote; 3 to 3 for Jim `bYto and
John Klingele. By a toss of a coin, it was determined that Jim KurbYtz
would be appointed to serve on the YMATS Citizen Advisory Committee.
There being no further business to come before the Council, it was MOVED
by Sparling, seconded by Beauchamp that this meeting be adjourned at the
hour of 6:20 PM: carried, Beauchamp, Edmondson, Hinman, Spar
Walker and Wonder voting aye by vo ce vote.
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