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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/16/1990 Business Meeting 153 • CITY OF= YAKIMA, WASHINGTON ' - OCTOBER 16, 1990 BUSINESS MEETING . 4 f 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, Lynn Buchanan, - George Pechtel, Skip Semon and Bernard Sims present on roll call. Henry Beauchampe absent and excused. City Manager Zais, City Attorney Vanek, City Clerk Roberts and Deputy City Clerk Lovell also present. '2. :PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council member Barnett. 3. OPEN DISCUSSICN FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER Mayor • Berndt asked Council member Pechtel and City Manager Zais to repdrt their recent appearance "before ' the 'Joint - Legislative Task Force on City /County Finances. Council member,'Pechtel stated that the meeting was very productive, and the City was complimented for - showing perseverance in seeking law and justice funding. Mr. Pechtel felt that the Council should now focus on 'educating members of the Committee about local government resources, and begin to seek special appropriations for the City. Mr. Pechtel encouraged Council and staff participation' in future Committee meetings. City Manager Zais complimented Council member Pechtel for the excellent job he did representing the City at the meeting. Mr.' Zais stated that' the Committee was given an outline of how funds are programmed into the City's 1991 'budget to assure them that the money that has been granted is being well used. Staff members also renewed requests for additional local financing options to be treated the same as other parts of the State, and petitioned for redistribution of the existing pool of resources. Mayor- Berndt announced that she will attend the Association of ' 'Washington Cities Urban Agenda meeting next Tuesday. Mayor Berndt ' will miss the Council meeting, but she feels that attendance at the Urban Agenda meeting is important because the Governor and department heads will be there to discuss the urban agenda for the entire state. Mayor Berndt feels that it is. important to hear the agenda from the Executive Branch, and she will take the message that Yakima a does not have the same problems as the cities on the western side of the state. - - Council member Barnett requested a registration form for the upcoming Urban Growth mini - Workshop for Elected Officials. He also encouraged staff members to attend the two day session on Urban Growth:Areas and Capital Facilities Plans on October 29 -30, 1990. ' Economic Development Director Rice introduced 'l. Housing Division staff members.Dan Lamb and. Darold Heilbrun. The two gentlemen were commended for their fine work which was AAD /1 1 5 4 OCTOBER 16, 1990 acknowledged in a' Tetter'•fr'ov ar.b tizen +'TOn behalf of the Council, Mayor Berndt thanked them{ foci their "efforts. 1 ( , 1 , New staff members introduced were: Chuck Nash, Code Inspector and Dan Valoff, Associate Planner. Mayor Berndt welcomed both employees on behalf of Council. A= proclamation was read by Mayor Berndt designating Saturday, October 20', 199(1 as the 8th Annual Operation Harvest in the City of Yakima. Council member Sims encouraged local citizen participation, and stated that over 40 tons of food was collected and distributed the community last year. 4. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Berndt referred to the items placed the Consent Agenda, questioning whether there were any additions or deletions from either Council 'members or citizens present. A citizen requested that Item No. 9 be removed from the Consent Agenda. It was the general consensus of the Council that the deletion of Item No. 9, as requested, be made. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and ordinances by title. It was MOVED 'BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, THAT THE CONSEN'T.AGENDA, AS READ, BE 'PASSED; The motion = carried' by unanimous - roll ,call vote. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk ( *) indicate items • on 'the Consent Agenda'handled - under one motion without further .discussion.) , '- *5. APPROVAL'OF MINUTES OF THE 'OCTOBER 2, 1990 ADJOURNED1 AND REGULAR COUNCIL' MEETINGS • The Council minutes of October 2, '1990 adjourned and regular Council meetings were approved, having been duly certified accurate by two Council members ' "and no one present wishing to have said -minutes read publicly. 6. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Richard Andring, 203 South 8th Avenue, addressed the Council with concerns about the proposed downtown shuttle - service. Mr. Andring questioned the budget figures, and was concerned that the actual service costs would exceed the budgeted amount. Mr: Andring also felt that current bus service on Yakima Avenue meets public transportation needs. Mr. Andring stated that he had not received a reply to questions he submitted to staff regarding this proposal. He also stated that he has been contacted by a number of irate citizens who are opposed to the service. Mayor Berndt asked Transit Manager Schultz to take Mr. Andring to another room to explain the proposal and answer questions. 7. PRESENTATION OF 1991 PRELIMINARYBUDGET FORECAST :Mayor Berndt prefaced the budget presentation with arstatement that today's meeting was not a public hearing and no action would be taken by Council. She explained that'the review will take two months,' and the public hearing will be in-date November. AAD /2 OCTOBER 16, 1990 1 5 5 • • Prior to presentation of the 1991 Preliminary Budget, City Manager Zais recognized the Finance Department. for receiving the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the Budget. This was • the fourth 'time the . has received this award from the National. Government Finance Officers Association. Finance and Budget Director Hanson introduced Smith, Teresa Farren, Cindy Epperson, Edna Tobia, Tim Jensen and Bob Wheeler and thanked them:for their efforts in produeing.the budget.` document. Mayor Berndt added appreciation and congratulations_on' behalf of • • the Council. Council member Pechte•1 statedrthat he pleased to see the number of staff members recognized for theirs achievements • at this meeting: • Upon presentation of the 1991 Preliminary Budget, City Manager Zais stated that it was the forecast of the total financial condition of the City. The detailed Budget is undergoing final compilation and will be submitted to Council the first week of November.: This year the Budget will be split into two documents: a policy document and a detailed,•line -iteM narrative explanation. In recent years, the • focus has on policy issues to expedite the review process for Council. The 1990 amended budget of $64' million has - a projected savings of about $9.6 million. The main reason for the savings was `decreased spending on improvement projects, as some $8.5 • million of capital improvements were postponed. However, the savings is short- lived'as the projects will be rebudgeted•for 1991. • The total preliminary budget for 1991 is now set at $69.3 million, an increase of 8.5% over the amended 1990 , This includes increases from fixed, mandated and contractual costs. Half of the $1.2 million increase in the Fund comes. from increased law and justice costs. As`always, there are greater needs than can be covered. by -available resources. Mr.' Zais. then summarized the - following major City- wide-Budget: policy issues:.- - 1. ::Law and Justice The • City will be trying' to find an alternative' approach to building the necessary jail, police and legal facility. If possible, this will be a joint venture with the County. Alternative proposals will not be factored into the Budget Ontil - the 'issue undergoes further study. 2: Fire Department - The Council will •be asked to consider scheduling a issue next fall for construction and operation of new facilities; including a'fire•training'center and:relocation of an existing fire station: A subordinate policy-issue is the Fire auxiliary :plan and program as previously directed by 3. "Metro - 8" Comprehensive Planning Process- This is a long term 'funding obligation and program. A large portion of the first year funding will address storm water :planning, coming primarily from 'State sources with and County • 4: Transit/Public - Nearly $4. million pis .proposed -,to improve and refurbish the Transit /Public Works facility. This critical, strategic` issue has been studied for two`years', and is ready for policy level decision. Mr. Zais emphasized that the funds are restricted and `must be -• spent for Transit:' related.' improvements. . • AAD /3 1 5 6 OCTOBER 16• 1990 - :;• r iF 5:H Implementation -of -the Sewer'Canprehensive Cost of-Service Study (-; . Recommendations The Consultant Study completed earlier this year - =gave h many recommendations - for consideration, including the ::surcharge' 'issue:: Prior to implementation of a surcharge, the City ; i:isS'obligated' consider - comments from the County has . •'hired a'separate consultant, and a report should'be ready soon. • :6. - .)Street - Utility:'Proposal 'This proposal sets a monthly tax of -$2 per households and $2 per employee on.businesses to provide additional funding for Streets and Traffic Engineering maintenance, _repair' and capital improvement needs. - This funding - method was developed. by cities throughout the State find anew way to help fund street improvement needs. T7. Irrigation. Bond Issue - A bond issue is proposed in 1992 to Fdea1': with repairing and 'rebuilding the City's .irrigation system. 'Legal and financial evaluations have' been done, and meetings with governmental agencies have determined that state and federal . funds are not available to rebuild a domestic system. This is a • community issue; and the next year should be taken to evaluate the options and'decide how the City should deal with the'system. 8. 'Workplace Training and Planning - This is a multi -year program - that will address job classifications that are no longer relevant . . - 'to work performed. This proposal will be- expensive, but it will be critical as the City plans for the future. This submittal is in concept only, and will' be refined for Council consideration and • action later ' in 1991: 9. Additional 'Funding Source for Fire /Police. Pension Medical •-Costs - State mandated pension' and medical expenses for LEOFF ' • i system personnel 'will 'use. over 80 0 of increased property - 7 taxes in 1991. The mandate to fund •and 'pay 'for•pension••costs through property taxes increases the total pension commitment to 26% of the total 'City property tax budget; -The policy issue proposal is to request an 'additional'fundingi s ource from - the State to meet these increasing State mandated:costs. - City Manager Zais stated that many other sub- issues are listed in Exhibit B, and will be presented in detail at future meetings. Mr: Zais stated'that 'revenue trends are - holding even this year. - iThe sales tax is up to almost 8% over 1990 actual levels, and sales :tax 35% of the budget. The budget is balanced on - both current - ` year revenuei: and carry -over cash. Revenue' projections are 4conservative-,- but the City does not have the strong carry -over cash that has occurred in the last two years. Mr. Zais expects that overall revenue will be'up about'1 -1 /2% in the general government. ,City ManagertZais discussed expenditure impacts with a focus on fixed mandated and contractual costs. These are significant items because expenses such as increased retirement contributions, lea • .labor settlements:,. fuel costs and jail and court costs have a r: •- ` significant ` impact on the budget. Mr. ' Zais . encouraged Council sE •> members to spend some time reviewing these 'figures to see the • combination 'of needs as well as mandates. that• -drive up the increases. _.The fixed =, mandated costs of the: budget represent an increase of almost 16% over 1990. However, the total increased AAD /4 OCTOBER..,16, 1990 1 5 7 •" ' cost of for 1991 - •is 5.3%, which means that- cther areas • have "'been `held even,""reduced `or cut back: City Manager Zais commented on the Cemetery, Rebound Plus, Transit, Refuse, Sewer and Water budgets in the Utilities and Enterprise Funds He stated that a refuse rate increase will be required due to increased costs and a reduced reserve balance. He further 'commented that reduced reserve levels in Health and Medical ,Benefit Fund although some gains have been made with 'implementation' of cost sharing. Employee Assistance and the Employee Wellness Program are underway and need to be continued. The•Workmen's :Compensation Plan has sustained extreme losses innthe last' few years, and expenses, - heed to - be •controlled. - City ( Manager Zais - concluded his comments; stating that 'the budget is in balance; However, - needs exceed available and the Council will challenged to bring the budget into -final balance. .A focus on the policy issue approach should make the task easier. . Mr. :' Zais recommended that a citizen-forum.be scheduled on YCTV to offer an opportunity review the budget for - the public: -- •Council- member Barnett asked about - a memo-: Assistant City '. z ;, 7 " ..., P�Iaiiager� ,Stouder . regarding ` a possible survey of irrigation • • customers. City Manager Zais replied ' •that' a• survey is" an option, but this issue should be addressed in 1991, without further delay. In 'response to questions Pechtel; Manager - Zais explained the state - for LEOFF health and pension benefits. Mr. Zais explained that these obligations will "grow until all current LEOFF I personnel are through' the system. City Attorney Vanek explained - same of the legal requirements the City' faces in meeting these mandated obligations. 1 City Manager Zais emphasized the need to impress upon the State the duty to help fund a mandate that has a - continuing, growing - , impact upon the 'City. He stated that these programs take away revenue that could be. used for'critical needs in the community. - 8. REPORT FROM PARKS AND RECREATION DIVISION REGARDING 1990 SUMMER SWIMMING POOLS FINAL REPORT Parks and Recreation Manager Flaherty and Aquatic Supervisor Glenna Thon i presented -a report on the 1990 • Summer Aquatics Program. •• Ms. Thon stated that the program was- highly successful this summer, with good public support. She hopes to maintain the •quality and continue the programs at this level again next year. Council member'Sims asked why the revenue did not show much increase, and was told that a large number of participants purchased passes this year. Council'member Pechtel was encouraged. that the attendance figures at Washington and Franklin Pools reinforced the decision to ••renovate and reopen the pools. Mr.- that Eisenhower - 7Pool 'did not - see a - decrease - in 'attendance When Franklin Pool opened. Mr..Flaherty was very encouraged about the program this year and felt that his proposal to add a water slide at Franklin Pool would enhance the entire aquatics - program. Ms. Thon ° stated that revenue figures for Lions Pool are estimated, and could increase by the end of the year. Mayor Berndt complimented the Aquatic staff for the innovative programming at the pools this AAD /5 - 1 5 OCTOBER 16, 1990 year, grid encouraged them to•keep'up the good work: It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN SECONDED: BY SIMS, TO ACCEPT THE REPORT. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Beauchamp absent. 9. CONSIDERATION_ OF RESOLUTION 'APPROVING THE REGIONAL STRATEGY FOR IMPLEMENTING THE GROWTH MANAGEMENT ACT WITHIN YAKIMA COUNTY • `City Manager 'Zais stated that this item was previously presented by Assistant City Manager Stouder. Action is now 7required to go • forward for a unified work program forr:'implementation of the `regional strategy on the Growth Management'Act. ' Phil Pleasant, • • . :701' South '7th Avenue, addressed the 'Council as.a: concerned citizen - and advocate for the black. community. Mr.'Pleasant was' concerned that the Visioning Committee will not address the needs of the black community. He was also concerned that out -of -town consultants have been hired rather than tapping the local labor pool. Mayor Berndt stated that. there is black representation on the Strategic Planning Committee of the Visioning Process. Council member Sims encouraged Mr. Pleasant to run for office and become involved if he is not satisfied with'current policy and action. City Manager Zais reviewed the City's 1990 hiring record, which meets or minority hiring goals. - Resolution No. D -5830, having been read by title, it was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY SEMON, TO ADOPT' THE RESOLUTION. The motion carried by. unanimous roll call • vote. Beauchamp absent. RESOLUTION - NO. 'D5830 A RESOLUTION' approving . tile Regional Strategy for implementing the Growth Management Act in Yakima County. • *10. REPORT FROM DEPARTMENTS OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING AND UTILITIES REGARDING UNION GAP SOUTH BROADWAY SERVICES AGREEMENT ' The Report from• the Departments :`of Community and Economic Development and Engineering and Utilities and recommendation to continue the. existing Union Gap and: :Yakima' Utilities Service Agreement, was accepted. *11. APPROVAL OF RIGHT -OF -WAY USE PERMIT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF • A LOADING RAMP AT 202 NORTH 2ND AVENUE, REQUESTED BY MICHELSEN PACKAGING CO. The Right -of -Way Use Permit for the construction of a loading ramp at 202 North 2nd Avenue, requested by Michelsen Packaging Company, was approved. *12. SET DATE OF PUBLIC MEETING FOR NOVEMBER 13; 1990 TO CONSIDER HEARING" EXAMINER'S'RECOMMENDATION ON REQUEST TO REZONE PROPERTY AT • 45 W. MEAD, REQUESTED BY RICHARD AND CAROL HAAS ,: November 13, 1990 was as''the date of public meeting -to consider the Hearing Examiner's 'recommendation on a request by Richard and • Carol Haas to rezone property at 45 W. Mead., * 13. CONSIDERATION OF AN.ORDINANCE REGARDING NOISE ABATEMENT RELATING TO BARKING DOGS - - AAD /6 OCTOBER 16, 1990 15 9 ORDINANCE NO. 3303, AN ORDINANCE relating to publi - 'safety and morals; declaring'habitually barking dogs a nuisance; providing for impound of: suchdogs; declaring'keeping•of "such dogs'or refusal to allow' .'impound to be a crime 'and amending' Sections 6.20.040, • enacting as hew • sections — Sections 6:20.020 - and'6.20.030 and repealing -Section 6.20.080 all of the'City of Municipal II/ Code. - _ - *14. SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1990 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR CAPITOL THEATRE LIGHTING SYSTEM " - Ax .Ordinanceiamehding' the''=1990 budget and appropriating "'funds for "the Capitol•` Theatre. •Lihting system; having= been c read by ` title only .at the previous meeting,lwas brought before' the Council for a second reading. • ORDINANCE NO: 3304, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1990 budget for the ' City • 'of 'Yakima; and making an appropriation' of `$48,500 in the Capitol Theatre •Fund- for expenditure 'during 1990 for the installation of the lighting system interface. • 15. OTHER BUSINESS • • • Mayor Berndt reported that a decision was reached at the Adjourned Meeting this morning to address the law and justice problem by taking the message - but into the community. Council members and staff will meet with neighborhood and community groups to discuss the issue and encourage input. Mayor Berndt stated that this type of approach will take a commitment to meet individually" with any group that will listen and make them aware of the complications in the system. Council member Pechtel felt that . "grass roots" approach would be more effective than depending_on the media. to get the message across. Mayor Berndt reported that a' Town Hall meeting was considered, but it was decided that interaction is difficult at that type of forum. :Council member that'the groups will have to be small enough so the participants feel comfortable asking questions. Council member Barnett was concerned that a great deal of staff time would be required and might interfere with the upcoming budget process. City Manager Zais responded that this will be a long term process, utilizing all levels of staff, and will continue well past the current budget process. Mayor Berndt stated that some informal sessions have been held with the County Commissioners. They have agreed to schedule a Tuesday noon meeting to bring agendas together and set priorities. Mayor Berndt stated that no particular action will be taken at the meeting; it will simply be a time for setting the agenda and setting the process. City Manager Zais added that law and justice direction and cooperation should be addressed in the discussion. • Information Items: Items of information supplied to Council were: News Release regarding Sewer Line Repair Activity Schedule. 10/11/90; Annexation Status report as of October 16, 1990; Monthly report of Chief of Police for September 1990; Monthly vacancy and hiring reports from Personnel as of October 6, 1990; Monthly report from AAD /7 16 0 OCTOBER 16,1990 the Legal Department 'for September 1990;;•' 'Letter- to area Representatives and Senators from Yakima County Commissioner Klarich regarding -I -82 /East Yakima; Avenue interchange; Notice of AWC '' training on Designating Urban -'Growth Areas and Capital Facilities Plans; Agenda for the 'October '17,. YVCOG General Membership meeting and September 19, 1990 meeting; and Agenda for October 17, 1990 Hearing Examiner meeting. 16. - EXECUTIVE SESSION ' It was MOVED BY SIMS" SECONDED BY BUCHANAN TO ADJOURN 10 EXECLJTIVE •..'SESSION. FOR= <:'mEE'PURPOSE•OF DISCUSSING ACQUISITION OF 'PROPERTY AND PROSPECTIVE' LITIGATION,: WITH' ADJOURNMENT THEREAFTER. The . - :.motion. carried by unanimous voice-vote. Beauchamp absent. , 17. ADJOURNMENT ' . • �'�F' a ., - r,r Following the completion of the Session, the meeting was adjourned at'the hour of 4:40 P.M. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: ii �r1 WUNCIL :ER DATE `COUNCIL-MEMBER - DATE ATTEST: CITY CLERK MAYOR :Minutes prepared by Deputy.City Clerk Lovell . _; • r r- „ • i AAD /8