The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About09/11/1990 Adjourned Meeting 116 :SEPTEMBER 11 1990 ' .CITY„ OE YAKIMA,. WASHINGTON • ' ADJOURNED MEETING The City Council met in session on this date at 11:30 A.M. at th Holiday Inn, Yakima, Washington for the purpose of meeting wit the Yakima School District #7 Board of Directors. Mayor Pa Berndt presiding, Council members Beauchamp, - Lynn Buchanan George Pechtel, Skip Semon and Bernard- Sims present. Counci member Clarence. Barnett absent and - excused. __School Board members Sonja Dodge,_, "Bunker Frank, Stan. Lochrie, Don Schussler .and Superintendent Peter Demyan also - - present.•: City Manager .Zais, Public Works . Direct•or • Copeland, Parks and--Recreation Manager Flaherty "Community and Economic' Development Director Rice, Planning - Manager Skonef Deputy .' 'City Clerk Lovell and School 'District Communications Officer 'Rhonda Stone'were in attendance. Mayor Berndt- welcomed the'School Board members to the meeting and encouraged a spirit.of cooperation between the two groups to work together to -make Yakima a better place to live. Mayor Berndt mentioned' the'importance of quality education to the Urban Agenda developed by'the Association of Washington-Cities. Mayor Berndt pointed out that the agendas prepared by the City and the School District for today's meeting overlap in several areas, illustrating the common concerns and goals of both entities. School Board`ineiribret Ldehrie'f'el't7t'h S wan exciting opportunity • to addres -f rcoirimdh nuriity :nee ' -He s t a ted that working togetherl: flhasl'ibeen - doh der.ed for a : t'inie'. a'st a means to extend the — limi :ebar eesour`.ces and" expand :Xhe'po'teritial for effective management. .S tipe:rin'tend'en"t•. ZDemyan we cor'ed "'the opportunity to work together and was hopeful planning would help alleviate problems caused by rapid growth. Dr. Demyan felt that the two groups were making a giant step forward, -and suggested that quarterly meetings might be appropriate to stay informed about ongoing issues and concerns. City Manager Zais stated that the City is engaged in a major planning _ _ process . that w ill look at' a variety of issues, including where schools fit 'into future growth management. Fiscal impact and potential cost sharing will be a major component of this study': Dr. Demyan felt that the City and School District should gymnasiums an c'ontnue _ to r.e'sources such as school grounds, gy mn tennis courts,. - City Manager Zais explained the City's Visioning process, and wa hopeful the School District would become involved in the concept. Superintendent_Demyan endorsed the program, and said that School Board members are currently involved in local programs including the Coalition for the War on Drugs and various student assistance programs. Dr. Demyan' emphasized the District's commitment to the war against drugs and pledged a continuing effort to the program successful. Dr. Demyan said the School District lacks SEPTEMBER 11, 1990 -ADJOURNED MEETING 1 1 7 • adequate funding for research and development, but felt that - combining resources with.the City 'would allow a. ffaximization of potential. • • School Board member Schussler asked about the utility :tax ballot I/ issue, particularly any plans that might have been made in the event of failure. City Manager Zais''stated that the City will continue to do the best possible job with . limited available resources. Mr. 2ais mentioned' that the_ City is continuing discussions with State and local authorities, and the Legislature has commissioned a study over the next two years to explore criminal justice.funding for cities and counties. Mr. Schussler stated that the School Board has discussed the: strategy of making the elementary schools the place to deliver social services to women and children, and he felt the City might have a role in this process - . Mayor'Berndt stated that "interagency cooperation" • is the phrase currently being used for grant funding, and that local cooperation would certainly enhance that effort. . Dr. Demyan stated that the Yakima School District is committed to the success - of - every student and has a continuous quality improvement plan in place. Mr. Schussler stated that as the family unit breaks down, the community will have to deliver a whole range of services that the City and School District have not traditionally considered. Mayor Berndt felt that the Visioning process might be the avenue for some of this to be taking place. School Board member Schussler suggested cross use of staff to address ,.common needs, and suggested the School District solicit `j`_ .assis from City staff for upcoming capital improvement projects. Community and Economic Development Director Rice _explained the planning review process and the difference between Class 2 and Class 3 uses. Mr. Rice stated that City staff is available to work with the District early in the planning stage, and is willing to share geographic and .demographic information. Planning Manager Skone discussed the : zoning . and land use system, and said that his staff would welcome...f opportunity to work with the District in development of school needs.' Public Works Director Copeland praised the District for the joint effort that 'went into planning for' Davis High School. He felt that working together on this project will prevent traffic problems at completion. Mr. Schussler asked about the financial I/ impact and the cost of improvements that are required by new schools. Mayor Berndt replied that crossings are a major problem, and: public opinion does not always reflect actual priorities. Dr. Demyan explained that changing growth patterns in the city are causing school overcrowding, and Some facilities are in jeopardy of being segregated. School Board member Lochrie felt the staffs should take this cooperative spirit and do whatever possible to begin working together to look at long term policy for mutually common benefit. Mr. Rice suggested that the District be involved in the -2- 118 -, SEPTEMBER U, 1'990- ADJOURNED MEETING Design Review Team process, and he will add them to the mailing list for upcoming projects. Mr. Schussler hoped that after this meeting Dr. Demyan and Mr. Zais and their staffs will begin working together. Mr. Zais agreed that the groups need to conscibusay c Took at how they relate to each othe s and work together toward! common goals. Dr. • Demyan stated that the District looks to ,the 199.0's as'years of rediscovering fundamental American values, and children_will have t� deal with issues they 'never had to face. before: Council member Beauchamp complimented the School Board for their vision to help build a safe and strong community. . i * • School Board member Schussler suggested that Dr Demyan and Mr. Zais work together and come back to this body before the end of the year with a report and .a plan for a - meeting schedule. Mr. Zais felt the staffs should articulate the critical priorities and determine how best to - invest time'and energy. Mayor Berndt stated that the - Visioning-process should - be underway by that time, and a report can be given at the next meeting. Mayor Berndt thanked School Board members Dr. Demyan for their attendance and participation at this meeting. - The meeting ' was adjourned :at the.hour of 1:30 R.M. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE. BY 4//- 1/9 -/ C UN IL MEMBER DATE / . • . :. _ - , COUNCIL' M MBER : DATE . ATTEST: . _ • . . C2Jt.,-,ti Xl e- ri Gat JC4 cit CITY CLERK MAYOR Minutes prepared by Deputy City Clerk Lovell I/ • .. -3-