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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/08/1978 Business Meeting - - - -- MAY 8; 1978 • The City met in Study Session on this date at 1:30 P.M., in the Council Chambers in City Hall. Council members present were Assistant Mayor Nadine Walker, Henry Beauchamp, Don Hinman, Jack Sparling and Gordon Wonder.. Mayor Betty Edmondson absent and excused. Councilman Hinmanteportedthat he and Councilman Beauchamp had had conversation with Mrs. Douglas regarding honoring Justice William O. Douglas, and she suggested that we write him. Councilman Hinman suggested that a committee be formed for the-purpose of deciding how we should honor Justice DouglasL It was the general consensus of the Council to appoint Councilmen Beauchamp and Hinman to-form a committee to decide what Council can do to honor Justice Douglas. . . - . Dick-Zais, Assistant City Manager, reviewed his memo of May 2,- 1978, ' recommending -a conversion to a self-funded insurance-program. He stated that this would not change the present level of benefits for employees. John Baker, representative from Dougan, Eader, Reynolds and Wheller, Inc., the City's insurance brokerage firm, explained the City's present type of insurance and, stated that it would be feasible and more economical to convert to a self-insured health-plan. He stated that Great West Life Assurance Company has made a proposal whereby they would administer the plan fora cost of about 5% less than present :expenses, which would further provide a significant cash flow savings to the City in terms of future premium costs. Mr. Baker stated that the City would also save about $10,000 converting to this form of insurance, by not having to pay the State premium tax Mr. Baker stated that based-upon'the offer made by Great West Life Assurance,- he would recommend that the City not change carriers. The City Council members discuSsed this proposal and expressed concern that other local insurance and brokerage firms were not given an adequate opportunity to present proposals. Mr. Zais stated that Fred S. James and Associates, in Yakima, were invited to submit proposals and based on their market survey, they recommended a cost plus arrangement. After an evaluation of the recommendations made by the respective brokers, the City had determined that the Great West self-insured program would be the most advantageous. Councilman Hinman stated that the city should have also compared the Great West plan with Banker's Life self-insured plan preented by James and Associates. After discussion, it was the general consensus of the Council to further discuss this during the regular Council meeting. At 3:00 P.M. the regular Council meeting commenced, Assistant Mayor Walker presiding, Council members Beauchamp, Hinman, Sparling and Wonder, Assistant City Manager Zais and City Attorney Andrews present on roll call. Mayor Edmondson absent. It was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Beauchamp to excuse Mayor Edmondson from this meeting: carried, Beauchamp, Hinman, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Edmondson absent. Assistant Mayor Walker reported that Mayor Edmondson and City Manager Eastman are in San Fransisco attending a seminar. The Invocation was given by Councilman Sperling. Assistant Mayor Wa1kei 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 Wonder requested that item number 12 be removed and Assistant City Manager Zais requested that II/ item number 13 be removed from the Consent Agenda. It was the general consensus of the Council that the deletion of items number 12 and 13, as requested, be made. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, including ordinances by title. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Beauchamp that the Consent Agenda, as read, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Hinman, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Edmondson absent. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk (*) indicate items on the Consent Agenda to be handled under one motion without further discussion.) W(.; MAY 8, 1978 *It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Beauchamp that the minutes of April 14-15, 1978, and May 1, 1978, having been duly certified accurate by two Councilmen and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly, be approved: carried, Beauchamp, Hinman, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Edmondson absent. This being the time fixed for a non-legal hearing for proposed fees and charges for recreational activities of the Parks and Recreation Department, Dick Hilligus, Director of Parks and Recreation, reviewed his memo of April 25, 1978, and the proposed fee schedule. He stated that the only increase proposed is for adult golf fees, which would be raised 25c for each nine holes played. He reported that they had created swimming passes for the season, which would be a savings for the citizens. Several Council members expressed concern about those who cannot afford to pay for swimming or some of the other activities. Mr. Hilligus stated that they are considering a program whereby there would be 14 swim days. He also stated that there would be free swimming passes available through the pool managers. Mike Bemis, Aquatics Supervisor, stated that they had considered free swims, however it usually results in an over-crowded pool and turning people away. Assistant Mayor Walker stated that the free passes should be made identical to the other passes. Kathy Gallegos, 803 South 7th Street, stated that the children should not be identified as low income. She also advocated free swimming for all children in the community. Inez Rice, 4409 West Arlington, spoke against "free give ways". Mrs. Shirley Doherty, 4902 Englewood, representing the Larson Park Tennis Club, expressed some concern about the fee increase effective in 1979, stating that they might be pricing themselves right out of clubs. Larry Robinson, South 6th Avenue, sug- gested that the City make use of the gravel pits in the Greenway Park for swimming, which would have a minimal cost effect on the City. Councilman Hinman stated he would like a report back on the 14 swim program, and Mr. Hilligus stated that he would report back quite often on the parks program. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Wonder that Resolution No. D-3886, adopting a schedule of fees for recreational activities commencing June 1, 1978, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Hinman, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Edmondson absent. RESOLUTION NO. D-3886, A RESOLUTION adopting a schedule of fees for recreational activities for the City of Yakima Department of Parks and Recreation. Assistant Mayor Walker reported that Richard Smith, attorney, is out of town, and is unable to address the Council regarding a petition for an Outside Water Permit for Walter and Velda Koser, which was scheduled during audience participation. Councilman Hinman urged the community to watch the America's Junior Miss Pageant, in which Julie Byers of Yakima will be representing the State of Washington. Assistant Mayor Walker proclaimed the week of May 6 through 14 as the "Week of Parents and the Young Child" and urged the citizens to attend the festival in the Yakima Mall on May 13, 1978. She also proclaimed May as "Senior Citizens Month". Council members discussed the advisability of discussing the negotiations with the State Departments of Fisheries and Game in Executive Session. City Attorney Andrews stated that Council may go into Executive Session to discuss leasing or acquisition of property if discussion in public would result in paying increased costs. Judy Sheridan, Director of Transportation, stated that this subject had been discussed earlier with the Airport Advisory Commission in an open meeting. City Attorney Andrews stated that if it is conceivable that the amount of money could possibly be raised, it is a subject for Executive Session. It was then MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Wonder to go into Executive Session to discuss negotiations for the purchase of avigation easements and to invite the Airport Advisory Commission Members into this Executive Session: carried, Beauchamp, Hinman, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Edmondson absent. v ern MAY 8, 1978 Following Executive Session, Council members discussed the request of the County Commissioners for an annexation moratorium, continued from last week.- Art Zerbech, Director of Finance and Budget, reported that the combined sales tax and property tax revenue would amount to approxi- mately $100,000 per year should the City annex. However, he also stated that two of the businesses locating there are moving from the City, and therefore, if the City annexes that property we would only be regaining that which had been lost. Lou Haff, County Office Engineer, was present to speak to this matter and briefly reviewed the proposed project. Councilman Wonder expressed concern about the loss of revenue from the City and suggested a moratorium for three years. The Council members discussed several suggestions, and it was then MOVED by' Sparling; seconded by Hinman.to grant the Count2Commissioners'_ request for an annexation moratorium to March 3 1982, for the property located east of SR 82 to the Terrace Heights Bridge, and southerly from Yakima Avenue approximately 400 feet. Assistant City Manager Zais reported he had a phone call from Dr. McGuinness of thet Parks Commission, reporting that this falls into the Yakima River Greenwayl Plan and stated he objects to this project. Mr. Haff reported that the County has to buy five acres and what they don't use in the cons1truction can be used for the park. He stated that the plans call for sidewalks and they had considered a pedestrian passage under the highway. It was MOVED by Wonder to change the date to 1981. The motion died for lack of a second. It was then MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Beauchamp to amend the motion to include a condition that a bike, horse and people path be included in the underpass project: carried, Beauchamp, Hinman, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Edmondson absent. The questionifor the vote on the amended motion was called: carried, Beauchamp, Hinman, Sparling and Walker voting aye by voice vote. Wonder voting nay. Edmondson absent. Willis White, Director of Public Works, stated that there is a problem with the storm sewers and requested authorization to pursue negotiations with the County for the development of an Urban Area Comprehensive Storm Sewer Plan. Councilman Wonder questioned if this could be funded by the Water -Sewer Fund, as proposed. Mr. White stated that the project would probably have to be funded with FRS funds, however, it was decided that the study for this plan would be funded from the Water -Sewer Fund. Mr. Andrews, City Attorney, stated that he was not consulted on this and would have to study it before giving his opinion. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Wonder to table this item until a legal opinion was obtained on the funding for this study: carried, Beauchamp, Hinman, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Edmondson absent. After a brief discussion on the cost for advertising services regarding the "On Guard" Program, it was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Wonder that Resolution D -3887, authorizing execution of a professional services contract with Smith, phillips and DiPietro Advertising for the "On Guard" Program, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Hinman, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting ayehon roll call. Edmondson absent. RESOLUTION NO. D -3887, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager and the City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute a professional services contract with Smith, Phillips, and DiPietro Advertising. Assistant City Manager Zais stated that he had requested that item number 13 be removed from the Consent Agenda so he could inform the Council that the petitioner was sent a copy of the report and his recommendation. He reported that the petitioner would like to return to Council in about six months after he has done some additional research. It was the general consensus of the Council that the report from the Assistant City Manager on Citizens Band Radio Regulations be approved. *A report from the Director of Community Development having been received on the Centennial Addition Final Plat, it was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Beauchamp that Council approve and authorize the Mayor to sign the final plat: carried,'Beauchamp, Hinman, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Edmondson absent. • - MAY 8, 1978 *A report having been received from staff, it was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Beauchamp that the Outside Utility Request filed by John W. Omstead, for water services to 5108 Scenic Drive, be approved: carried, Beauchamp, Hinman, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Edmondson absent. *It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Beauchamp that Ordinance No. 2179, fixing the time of delinquency and providing for issuance of bonds for payment of unpaid portions of LID No. 1001, CBD Improvements, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Hinman, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Edmondson absent. ORDINANCE NO. 2179, AN ORDINANCE fixing the.time of delinquency of installments of assessments levied for the payment of the costs for improvements in Local Improvement District No. 1001, and providing for the issuance of bonds, with coupons attached for the payment of the unpaid portion thereof. *It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Beauchamp that Ordinance No. 2180, regulating the driving or parking of vehicles within City parks and playgrounds, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Hinman, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Edmondson absent. ORDINANCE NO. 2180, AN ORDINANCE relating to parks and playgrounds; regulating the driving or parking of vehicles within City parks and playgrounds; and amending Section 13.16.090 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Beauchamp that Ordinance No. 2181, regulating horses, mules, ponies and donkeys within City parks or playgrounds, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Hinman, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Edmondson absent. ORDINANCE NO. 2181, AN ORDINANCE relating to parks and playgrounds; regulating horses, mules, ponies and donkeys within City parks and playgrounds; and enacting Section 13.16.095 as a new section of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. *It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Beauchamp that Ordinance No. 2182, relating to the Fire Code and reducing the minimum age required for a Certificate of Fitness to repair or service fire extinguishers, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Hinman, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Edmondson absent. . ORDINANCE NO. 2182, AN ORDINANCE relating to the Fire Code for the City of Yakima; providing for the issuance of permits and certificates; and amending Section 10.05.030 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. The Council members next continued their discussion of the proposed 11/ conversion to a self-funded insurance program. Councilman Wonder suggested that the proposals be reviewed by the unions to see if any of the plans would be acceptable. Assistant City Manager Zais reported that he had spent some time with the AFSCME Union iiepresentative, and was given tentative support. After further discussion, it was the general consensus of the Council to request that staff reconsider the program and prepare insurance specifications for the City's health plan to be competitively bid on the open market for both brokerage services and alternative insurance funding pro- posals for providing health benefits. There being no further business to come before the Council, it was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Wonder that this meeting be adjourned at the hour of 6:00 P.M.: carried, Beauchamp, Hinman, Sparling, Walker and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Edmondson bsent. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY +W O CILMAN . rATE ATTEST 4 , a l . 78 ■ • AA 7'1' . - - ' AP OUN 'N AA , fr. - / CITY C RK / 'YOR Assistant 1