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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/03/1990 Study Session / Business Meeting • 39 JULY '3, 1990• 'CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON STUDY SESSION/BUSINESS MEETING • -1. ROLL CALL- '' The City Council met in session on this date at 2:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Mayor Pat Berndt, presiding, ' Council members Clarence Barnett, Henry Beauchamp (absent. after 3:00 P.M.), Lynn Buchanan, •George Pechtel, Skip Semon and Bernard Sims present on roll call. City Manager Zais,'City Attorney Vanek, City Clerk Robertsaand:Deputy City Clerk Lovell also `present: ,, ' ' 2. INVOCATION The'Invocation "was given''by City 'Attorney Vanek. • 3. OPEN DISCUSSION•FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER"" • 'None. 4. APPROVAL OF" MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 20, 1990 AND_JUNE 19, 1990 ' COUNCIL MEETINGS ' ' The Council minutes of June 19, 1990 were approved, having been duly certified accurate by'twotCouncil members, and no one present wishing to have said rriinutes: read publicly.' The Council minutes of February 20, 1990 were postponed for approval at a future meeting. 5. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION • None. 6. CONSIDERATION OF' RESOLUTION REMANDING THE- APPLICATION OF OBIE OUTDOOR ADVERTISING TO THE HEARING EXAMINER `Resolution' No. D- 5733, having, been' read by title, it was MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY SIMS; THAT THE BE ADOPTED. The motion carried by unanimous• vote.' RESOLUTION NO. D -5773, A RESOLUTION remanding the decision of the Hearing Examiner in the matter of the application of Obie Outdoor Advertising. - • 6A. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AMENDMENT TO THE PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT WITH DON AND LUCILE YOUNG FOR PROPERTY AT 204 -206 WEST PINE Assistant 'City Attorney Tree explained'that this' amendment extends the original contract past the initial '45 days to allow additional property studies. Consultants hired by the'City have recommended • additional `testing for trace that are slightly above allowable levels.• The original, contract :amount was $4500 for testing; an additional $5500 is :.allocated in the new contract. Resolution No. D -5774, having been read by title, it was MOVED BY AAD /1 4 0 JULY 3, 1990 BUCHANAN,,_SECONDED BY PECHTEL; THAT THE RESOLUTION BE ADOPTED. The motion carriedby unanimous roll call vote. RESOLUTION NO. D -5774, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager • and City Clerk for the City of Yakima to execute an amendment to • the purchase and sale agreement between Don J. and Lucile R. young and the City of Yakima. 6B. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH CHEN NORTHERN, INC. FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS ON PROPERTY AT .204 -206 WEST PINE •!. . • Resolution No. D- 5775,' having been read by title, it was MOVED BY PECHTEL, SECONDED BY SIMS, THAT THE RESOLUTION BE ADOPTED. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. • RESOLUTION NO. D -5775, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager and City Clerk of City of Yakima to enter into an Agreement for services to perform environmental assessments on property the City • of Yakima desires to purchase. 7. CONSIDERATION OF RFP FOR PROFESSIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICES City Manager . Zais presented a staff report prepared by Wendy Warren, Karen Allen and Betty McCarthy which recommends hiring a professional public relations firm to represent the City. The firm would serve as a media relations resource' for all City departments, and allow the City to focus on positive image building. Requests for proposals would be sought, and this-could be considered as a - 1991 Budget item, or sooner, if desired by Council: Council member Sims felt this proposal should have a time line to enable the Council to measure the effectiveness of the program. Ms._ Warren replied that a one -year trial period is recommended to measure the results. Council member Beauchamp sees a demonstrated need for this program and thinks it makes good financial sense for the City to contract with a private firm for services. Ms. Warren suggested the Council review the professional services after one year and then consider the possibility of creating a full -time staff position similar -to those at the Yakima School District and YVC. ']1s. Warren 'said there are'public relations' firms, -that specialize in working with government agencies :and would not require a lengthy orientation period. Council member Semon asked if the new Administrative Assistant,could be involved with public relations. City Manager Zais felt this might be a possibility, but stated the position already faces a major workload to support current office and Council needs. Council member Barnett felt consideration of this proposal should be held until after the new Administrative Assistant is hired. Larry Matthews, 805 South 17th Avenue, felt this proposal would only work if the public continued to have access to City Hall. He was concerned that the public would be subject to a censorship process if citizens did not have direct . access to City staff. Council member Sims assured Mr. Matthews that this 'program would not limit public access •to Council members or staff. .It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED.BY BEAUCHAMP, TO ACCEPT THE REPORT. The motion carried by a 6 -1 voice vote. Council member voting nay because -the Budget message this • AAD /2 JULY 3, 1990 41 y ear advocated 'ho' hew programs, 'and' he believes 'it'' 'should not be considered 'until the new' Administrative Assistant' i's: hired. STUDY SESSION 8. 'MEDIA WORKSHOP -PRESENTATION City Manager Zais presented a proposal for a Media Workshop for the Council to enhance their ability to deal with the media. This workshop has been developed and would be conducted by City staff. The workshopAs'scheduled for July 31, 1990 from 1:30 -5:30 P.M. It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP, TO ACCEPT THE REPORT. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. • `9. RESPONSE -TO' FIRE 'CONSULTANT REPORT' 'REGARDING ORGANIZATIONAL ANALYSIS OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND LONG RANGE OPERATIONAL PLANS Prior'' to 'h s "report;' ' Fire' Chief Beeson ' dUtl'ined Fire Department preparations for'the'4th of July. The Ordinance passed by Council ° last year had - a positive effect for the department and reduced the 'numbe'r-':Of incidents. Thi§ year „ it' will be monitored very carefully, and additional staff will be added during the evening hours. A post -4th of July report -will be.presented to Council. Chief Beeson reviewed the changes that'have been made'in the Fire Department over the past 3 -1/2 years, beginning with the 1988 reports by Doudna - WilliamsWeber and Gage - Babcock. In late 1989, a new consultant, Burkell and Associates, was hired and recommendations were made to the "Council' in June, 1990. In response- to that report, staff has the following recommendations for Council's'consideration: - 1. °Fire Station Locations 'Fire' Management staff recommends immediate closure of Station No. 2 and relocation of . Station No 3 to the vicinity_ of 40th Avenue _and Englewood. This would serve the immediate needs of the community. Ron Johnson, representing the Fire Department Unit, stated his organization recommends a reasonable station relocation program, but not the closing of - a functional before are built. Larry Matthews, 805 South 17th Avenue, felt closure of Station No. ' 21 would be detrimental to senior citizens, the . hospital and Davis High It was'MOVED BY SEMON, SECONDED BY PECHTEL, TO' INITIATE'PROPER STEPS' TO CLOSE FIRE' STATION. NO. 2 'IMMEDIATELY. The motion carried' by '6 -1 voice vote, Barnett voting ' 'nay:" It was 'MOVED'BY "BUCHANAN »SECONDED- BY= PECHTEL, TO BEGIN ' PLANNING FOR RELOCATION OR'STATION NO:-3 AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE TIME. The motion'carried by unanimous voice vote. It was MOVED BY PECHTEL, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO TAKE STEPS TO SELL THE STATION NO. 2 •PROPERTY AND THE FUNDS BE DESIGNATED 10 REMAIN IN THE FIRE 'DEPARTMENT BUDGET. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. '2. - Public'Safety Training Facility:- Department Management staff recommends that-the training facility not be considered until . after the Fall election which may eliminate the Police Department involvement in the project. Ron Johnson stated the Bargaining Unit . .concurs with :this recommendation. •: It was 'MOVED BY BUCHANAN, ' SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP, THAT STAFF COME BACK TO COUNCIL AFTER THE AAD /3 • - i t 2 JULY 3, 1990 ELECTION WITH PLANS, OPTIONS AND FUNDING SOURCES FORA TRAINING FACILITY. The motion-carried by unanimous voice vote. 3. Department Staffing - The Fire Department Management staff agrees with consultant's recommendation to increase staffing by closing Station No. 2, filling open positions and implementing an auxiliary division in 1991. The auxiliary division would consist of a staff of 25 paid, on -call firefighters and one management supervisor at -a cost'of approximately $100,000 per. , year. The Bargaining -Unit suggests that all current vacancies be filled immediately and the staffing level of the Operations Division . be-:.increased to-69 people. -The Bargaining Unit feels that the suppression unit has been understaffed since three firefighters were taken off line and moved into Administration, and they would like to return to the staffing level at the time of reorganization. Mayor Berndt that LEOFF I personnel--are entitled to 6 month disability leave periods that impact staffing levels. City Manager -Zais noted that all leave - accounts, practices and laws have • an effect on the the ability to staff the Department, and a viable way to address these forces is with an auxiliary staff. It was MOVED BY SEMON, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO IMPLEMENT PLANNING FOR AN AUXILIARY FORCE FOR THE 1991 BUDGET. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Larry Matthews commented_on the number of firefighters on each vehicle, and felt that safety should be the primary. consideration for staffing levels. Ernie Berger, 1206 S. 37th Avenue, stated that the priority for taxpayer dollars should be at the -level of service that is most direct to the citizens: EMS and suppression. Mr. Berger feels that. the mid- management levels in the Department are overstaffed and that $150,000 could be saved each year by reductions in that area. City Manager Zais stated that the consultant specifically reviewed this - concern, and his independent assessment was that the staffing levels were in line with other departments throughout the country. 4. Staffing Airport Fire Station #4 - Chief Beeson stated that the consultant was working under a mis- assumption that:FAA regulations mandate staffing levels on airport property. The consultant has corrected his report, but it has not been incorporated into the • records. Management staff recommends a staffing level of 4 firefighters at the airport, temporarily using transferred personnel from Station:No. 2. The Bargaining Unit agrees with the consultant's -recommendation for a staff of 5 to insure adequate - safety. levels.' : Council member felt that ,technical staffing issues should addressed by Fire Department management , rather than ,Council.' It MOVED BY SEMON, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, THAT THIS IS 'A- MANAGEMENT ISSUE AND 'SHOULD BE LEFT TO , ,CHIEF'S DISCRETION. The motion carriediby a 6 -1 voice- vote.. Barnett voting nay. 5. Medical Rescue Vehicle The Management-.staff'•agreed with the consultant to increase the size of -the proposed vehicle, but disagreed with the recommendation for increased staffing. The vehicle cost is expected to be higher than proposed in 1989, but • Management feels.it is warranted. The Bargaining Unit agrees with the consultant's recommendation, but only if staffing levels are increased, not added to current staff responsibilities. Larry Matthews said that in his personal experience in Oregon, rural fire .-`districts with :these vehicles were very effective in-serving public AAD /4 JULY 3, 1990 4 3 ' needs:. It was'MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO ACCEPT THE SCAT /MRV CONCEPT AS PROPOSED. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Pechtel temporarily 'absent.' Beauchamp absent. 7 .• ;6 TOther Equipment Needs- -,Chief Beeson stated that emergency equipment needs exist today, and planning :is underway to address equipment replacement in the 1991 budget. Management staff does not agree- with the consultant's opinion - .that - some of the , equipment is, : "unsafe ".,' - but they do plan to the ongoing equipment replacement program. The Bargaining Unit agrees with this direction, with a primary emphasis placed on safety for firefighters. It was MOVED BY BARNETT, 'SECONDED " BY SIMS, TO ACCELERATE CAPITAL EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT. - The motion carried by a unanimous' voice vote. -- Beauchamp absent. - 7. Battalion Chief /Fire Prevention - The Fire Department has been out of code enforcement for about 12 years, however, Chief Beeson feels the department has an important place in this function. Management supports the consultant's recommendation to establish a new Battalion Chief position to allow the Department to take a minimal, but active, role in inspections and code enforcement. Council member Buchanan felt it would be a good idea for Fire personnel to be involved with building walk - throughs, but he does not support hiring a coordinator. City Manager Zais, reviewed the .problems the City faced when two departments were involved in the process, and constant disagreements prompted a centralization of authority in the. Code 'Division. This does not prevent the two departments from working together, but-final-authority must remain one division. - -The Bargaining Unit =feels that the Fire Department should be involved in prevention again, but they do not want to lose another firefighter to fill the position. It was MOVED BY SEMON, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO WORK WITH THE CODE DEPARTMENT ZO DEVELOP• A PROPOSAL FOR COUNCIL REVIEW. The motion carried by unanimous. voice vote.. Beauchamp absent. 8. Emergency Medical Services - Chief Beeson stated that numerous EMS recommendations have been made in -the past, but there have been misunderstandings'and disagreements between the private and public-providers.-.Management staff disagrees with the consultant's • recommendation - to- implement an "ambulance provider ordinance" within the City. Instead, he recommends formation of a blue ribbon committee to look at the issue and report back to-Council in.1991. • Council member Barnett suggested private provider representation on the proposed committee. Chief Beeson was opposed to including • . private providers, citing a possible.loss of , objectivity. The Bargaining Unit did not - comment on the - recommendation :because they are not.involved the program. .-Ron Johnson stated his group . is not opposed to the EMS levy, but they do have some concerns with how the funds will be allocated. Wayne- Frudd, Medic I Operations Manager, stated he had not had the* opportunity to review the consultant's recommendations. However, he has been involved with several organizations in developing an- EMS ordinance, for the County. Once the document is finished and approved by the County Commissioners, it is hoped that• it. -will be-adopted :-by individual cities. ■John Stouffer, Director of Emergency Medical Services for Yakima "County; explained the concept: of the, EMS- Ordinance Task AAD /5 • • 4 `t JULY 3, 1990 Force with'15 -16 .representatives from throughout the county. He stated that EMS levy funds can only - be "used `for 'the provision of emergency medical services, and cannot go into the general fund. It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO HAVE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT BRING THIS ITEM BACK TO COUNCIL -AS APOLICY ISSUE DURING THE BUDGET CYCLE. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Beauchamp absent. It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO SUPPORT THE LEVY BEING PLANNED FOR INCLUSION ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT 'AS'LONG AS THE DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS IS ESTABLISHED BY AN ACCEPTABLE FORMULA. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Beauchamp absent. • • • 9. Sick Leave Management Plan = 'According toChief`Beeson, review of the sick leave /disability abuse problem is an ongoing process, and a new policy is being developed with the Pension Board. No action was taken by Council -._ 10. Funding - Chief .Beeson stated that the 1971 general obligation bonds will expire in March', 1992. He proposes reinitiating these • bonds to coincide with the expiration of the existing bonds, and hopefully, not'increase taxes above current levels. This item will be included in the Budget policy for 1991. 11. Managing Change - Chief Beeson stated that the organization will continue to change and the Department will continue to prepare the staff for these changes in the most objective manner possible. He - recommends that every effort continue-to be made to improve communication and dialogue between management and staff. Ron Johnson' stated the Bargaining Unit does not have a problem with change, but rather with how change is brought about. The majority of the staff feel they are not being' valued as employees. ' Council member , Sims asked how` the "them and US" gap could be bridged and hail could'be changed: Jce' Valenzuela, 1204_ • S. 33rd Avenue, speaking as a private citizen, stated:that changing attitudes must be based on trust. At this point, there is no trust in the Department. In response to Council member Sims, Mr. Valenzuela stated that the Department_is not providing "superior" service at this time, but in spite of the philosophical differences, they are still delivering a high quality of service. He felt the money spent on consulting services should have been spent instead on internalizing culture into the organization. He emphasized the need to get back to basics and'start building a 'relationship from the bottom up, based on trust. City Manager Zais felt* the study effort was the right process to follow, and the consultant did a good job overall. There is more work to be done with. emphasis on open communication and consensus building, and it is a commitment from both management and the :bargaining unit. Mayor Berndt the recent Fire Chief's Convention and reported that the problems experienced in Yakima are similar to those going on state wide. She also stated the Department was highly praised for management of the Holtzinger.Building fire. 10. OTHER BUSINESS Mayor Berndt circulated a letter from New Vision complimenting • the' recent assistance provided by Archie Sutton and Chris Waarvick. (Council member Sims absent after 4:57 P.M.) AAD /6 JULY 3, 1990 4 5 Information Items: Items of information 'provided '"'to Council were: Letter from Joy Brandt in opposition to location of Fred Meyer store at 40th Avenue and Englewood. 6/26/90; Memo from Cable Communications Manager regarding Monthly Report. 6/26/90; Memo from Wastewater Superintendent and Parks and Recreation Superintendent regarding '1990 'Leadership Yakima Program. 6 /27/90; Hearing Examiner Agenda for` - July' 5, '1990; Letter from 'Mark Bontrager requesting that Engineering Department delete trolley- tracks from street design on Tieton Drive from 5th Avenue to 16th"Avenue. 6/25/90•; Memo from Associate Planner regarding interpreters for Public Hearings before Hearing Examiner. 6/26/90; Letter from Office Engineer to advise property owners of LID formation. 6/19/90; Letter from Floyd E. Ivey and copies of lawsuits 'limiting Yakima Indian Nation's water claims. 6/21/90. Copy of Yakima Basin Update. 6/90; News Release from' Yakima " 'Transit regarding' Air - Fair Shuttle Service. 6/90; Agenda for June '27, 1990 meeting of Yakima Housing Authority and minutes of its meetings of April 24, 1990 and May 4, 1990. 11. EXECUTIVE SESSION It' was MOVED/ BY PECHTEL, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR 'THE' PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING COLLECTIVE BARGAINING, DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY AND 'PENDING 'LITIGATION WITH IMMEDIATE ADJOURNMENT TO'7:00 JULY 3,. 1990 MEETING AT THE TOWNE PLAZA WITH CITY COUNCIL AND BROCK ADAMS AND STAFF. The Motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Barnett, Beauchamp and Sims absent. 12. ADJOURNMENT Following completion of'the Executive Session, the meeting was adjourned at the hour of 5:30 P: M: READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY ' ' CIL 14,4•4,010 R SATE 46 "•UNCIL MEMBER DATE ATTEST :.. CITY CLERK - MAYOR Minutes prepared`by Deputy City Clerk Lovell'. AAD /7