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Home My WebLink About11/06/1990 Study Session / Business Meeting 173 • NOVEMBER 6, 1990 CITY OF YAKIMA," WASHINGTON ' t.D2 'STUDY SESSION/BUSINESS MEETING ' 1. ROLL CALL The City'_tCouncil 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.(absent after 4:10 P.M.), Henry Beauchamp (absent after 4:20 P.M.), Lynn - Buchanan, Gebrge Pechtel, Skip Semon and Bernard Sims present on roll call. City Manager Zais, City Attorney Vanek, City Clerk Roberts and Deputy City Clerk Lovell also present. 2. INVOCATION a The Invocation was given by Council member Beauchamp. • 3. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER None. - 4. SPECIAL PRESENTATION OF MAYORAL GAVELS TO FORMER'MAYORS . Mayor Berndt recognized former Mayors Jack Larson, Betty Edmondson, - Clarence Barnett and Henry for their service to the City of Yakima. Mayor Berndt expressed appreciation on behalf of the Council, and presented a gavel to each former Mayor. Former Mayor Lynn Carmichael's award will be presented at later date since she was unable to attend the meeting. 5. • CONSENT' AGENDA i Mayor Berndt referred to the items placed on•the Consent Agenda, questioning whether there were any additions or deletions from either Council members or citizens present. There being none, the City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions' ordinances by title. It'was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY PECHTEL, THAT CONSENT AGENDA, AS READ, BE PASSED. • The - motion carried by unanimous -roll call vote. (Subsequent - paragraphs preceded' by an ( *) indicate items on the Consent Agenda handled under one motion without further discussion. }.- ` '' . *6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 16, 1990 (REGULAR AND ADJOURNED) ' AND OCTOBER 23, 1990 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS The Council minutes of thecregular and adjourned October 16, 1990 • meetings - were. approved; having been duly certified accurate by two Council members, and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly. • e. ... i '.' - ..t - - • ` =;- • .•—• riT' R. - • t" 7. AUDIENCE 'PARTICIPATION W ; T" ' :: ): ' "• ' • 'Mayor r'.Berndt) ;read' 'ate proclamation 7 declaring•'November '6; 1990 as '" Ines•Rice Apprec Day" in' ,the. "C ty . of: Yakima: ";Onr behalf of AAD /1 1 7 4 NOVEMBER 6, 1990 the Council, Mayor Berndt thanked - Ines Rice for her many years of involvement in 1bbal'■Overnment." - Mrs: Rice thanked the Council for this recbgri tion :Vi and':: e'er oUtaged "`'all citizens to become actively involved in the democratic process. Mayor Berndt read a proclamation designating November, 1990 as Adoption Month in the City of Yakima, and encouraged all citizens • to support adoption efforts'. Susan rt Cutrona' accepted the proclamation on.behalf of the adoption community sin the Yakima area, and thanked the Council for their support. *8. SET DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING' ON, THE 1991 BUDGET FOR NOVEMBER 20, 1990 - r November 20, 1990 was set as the date of public hearing on the 1991 budget for the City of Yakima. *9. SET DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE NORTH 40TH AVENUE /POWERHOUSE ROAD ANNEXATION FOR NOVEMBER 20, 1990 November 20, 1990 was set as the date of public hearing on the North 40th Avenue /Powerhouse Road annexation. *10. SET DATE OF "FINAL PUBLIC HEARING ON THE DOWNTOWN FUTURES CBD PLAN FOR NOVEMBER 27, 1990 November 27, 1990 was as the date of final public'hearing on the Downtown Futures CBD Plan. *11. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE SETTING THE'AD VALOREM TAX LEVY FOR 1991 - ORDINANCE N0. 3307, AN ORDINANCE fixing and levying the amount of ad valorem taxes necessary to balance estimated revenue with 'estimated expenditures for the 1991 Budget for the City of Yakima. 12. OTHER BUSINESS " . Manager Zais'announced that the Joint Legislative Task Force toh City/County-Finance-S. will hold 'fi' i.ts 'next` meeting Tuesday, .November 13, from 1:00 -4:00 P.M. at the Seatac Legislative Building. The subject of the meeting will be jails. Mr. Zais .stated that either he or City Attorney Vanekwill attend; and Reid Follansbee will represent the Yakima Police,Department at the meeting. Mr. Zais encouraged participation by at least one Council Member, as the Committee has'only two meetings scheduled prior to the next Legislative session. Council member Pechtel agreed that staff and Council representation at this meeting was imperative, and he offered to attend if no other Council mmber was available. Council member Buchanan willNadvi the City Manager. if he will be able to attend.' rr It was MOVED BY•SIMS, SECONDED BY` PECHTEL, "T0 AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF•AN AGREEMENT' FOR " THE - LEASE OF' FOUR BUSES - TOR A SPECIAL DEMONSTRATION' .TROLLEY' ROUTE 'BUS - PROGRAM; _SUBJECT 'TO' THE: APPROVAL OF THE CITY ATTORNEY,` . FOR A "PERIOD NM' '10 EXCEED FIVE` YEARS, FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $500;000 IF' • THEY CAN BE `DELIVERED'=BY NOVEMBER AAD /2 NOVEMBER 6, 1990 1 7 5 19, 1990. This trolley program came before Council three. weeks ago, however, some difficulty has occurred in securing a rental agreement with the original vendor. If the stated objectives can be met, the demonstration program can be• in - time for the upcoming holiday shopping season. Transit' Manager Schultz explained that if Council decides to terminate the program after one year, the- vehicles would be sold, and the proceeds applied to the remaining debt. The City would have to make 'up any residual amount, and the Transit Department proposes setting aside trolley advertising revenue specifically for that purpose. City Attorney Vanek explained that the City could not enter a lease agreement with option to purchase without going out for bids. Council member Sims stated that the Transit Committee favors the lease proposal because the length of the bid process would prevent implementation of'the program before the holidays. Council member Beauchamp was concerned that the $500,000 lease cost of the vehicles far exceeds . the purchase price= of $360,000. He felt it would make better • economic - .sense tb purchase the :vehicles outright: Mr. Beauchamp also felt that the vehicles could be used for tourism activities if the downtown, shuttle system is unsuccessful. The question was called ,for a vote on the motion. The motion failed by a 5-2 voice vote. Buchanan and Sims voting aye. It was M VED'BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, 'PROCEED WITH THE DOWNTO V SHUTTLE PROJECT, TO BE OPERATIONAL IN MID - 1991, AND TO , GO OUT FOR BIDS TO PURCHASE RATHER THAN LEASE' THE - VEHICLES. The motion carried by a 5 -2 voice vote. Barnett and Sims voting nay. It was MOVED BY PECHTEL, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP,.'TO:ELIMINATE FARES ON ALL CITY BUSES FROM FROM NOVEMBER 23 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1991. Council member Pechtel felt the free transit service would promote ridership and encourage use of the service by shoppers. Council • member was to the plan, stating that offering free rides was unfair to those citizens who do not ride the .buses, and was improper use'of City. money. The motion carried by a 6 -1 voice vote. - Buchanan - Voting nay. City Vanek stated that a fare change must be done by resolution. The Legal Department will prepare the necessary documents for the next meeting. Transit Manager Schultz felt that a public hearing would not be required for the fare change since the change was temporary, and did not increase cost or reduce service. - - 13. .EXECUTIVE SESSION It-was BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP, TO MOVE - INTO' EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THEIPURPOSE:OF DISCUSSING -1COLLECTIVE'BARGAINING, WITH RESUMPTION O -STUDY,, SESSION IMMEDIATELY THEREAFTER. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. r STUDY SESSION - - Following completion _of the Executive • Session,- the Council reconvened in the Council Chambers. Finance and Budget Director John Hanson, Accounting Manager Bob Wheeler and Accountants Tim Jensen and Edna Tobia present for Study Sess beginning at 3:20 P.M.-.. . AAD/3 1 7 6 NOVEMBER'6, 1990 14. '1991 BUDGET POLICY ISSUE REVIEW In 'his' opening remarks, City Manager Zais outlined the suggested ' procedure for budget review. He explained that the Council members had each received -a Policy. Issue document in addition to the Preliminary Budget document.' He suggested that the' best use of time would be to focus on the policy issues, with.reference to the ' _c preliminary budget as necessary. Mr•. Zais suggested moving the final budget wrap -up session fran Saturday, December 8 to Tuesday, December 11, to ensure that all Council members will be in • attendance. • The .date will be confirmed the next meeting. • • A. POLICE Police .Chief Pleas Green,. Captains Nina Vereb, Reid, Follansbee and Don Blesio, and Administrative Assistant Marsha Devine were present to answer questions regarding the Police Department budget. Chief • Green began the discussion' with appreciation to the Council for • their continuing support of the Department. He then reviewed the .(.:'s::,Tpositive accomplishments of the -past -' year, and stated that the crime rate in the City seems to•'be rleveling: off. , '-ahe. , ,Tepartment has been encouraged .by the Council's efforts toward law and justice funding, and will continue working to secure adequate :J I• • - ` ^'facili.ties .' Mayor "Berndtstated'' that' :the ' County'Commissioners have indicatedr .a :wiilirigness to wdrk' the 'City "toward ' this common replyT to". questtbns :' :frcm Council "member. Beauchamp, Chief • Green 'explained that the Department has no control over incarcerattonvcosts. , - " Finance Director Hanson corrected an error - on page 89 of the Policy - Issue Document stating that the position • of Assistant Identification /Property Technician should "budgeted." Chief Green emphasized the technical expertise this individual could -- - provide, - and the importance of this position for the Department to utilize-modern-technology. Although funding for the position comes from the 3 -year - State entitlement, staff will work to continue the funding for law and justice needs. Chief mentioned that the Department eventually hopes to install' computer terminals in the _squad cars to increase efficiency. Council member Sims inquired .about a timetable for this goal, and Chief Green stated that the Department will make a formal request to Council next year. Council member Sims asked about the desirability of •a Manpower Plan, and Chief Green agreed that it would be beneficial to the' Police, Departinent: f7Chief` • Green' was 'also concerned about e'• the .) impacts that) Cu reritYaid {projected " 'annexations will "have on the . taffing'' need of 'they Department. 'r•'.City Manager:.Zas4advised the Council that the proposed budget includes a preliminary estimate for the anticipated settlement with YPPA for their salary -and benefit adjustments.''Mrais that the City is looking toward a two or three year contract to add some stability and predictability to•the budget process. • .B. • FIRE Fire Chief Gerald Beeson, Deputy Chief Gene Martin, arid" - Battalion Chiefs Mike Meyer and Gary Vance were present to answer questions regarding the Fire Department budget. In his opening comments, AAD /4 NOVEMBER 6, 1990 1 7 7 Chief Beeson reviewed the Department's accomplishments over the past 3 -1/2 years, and acknowledged the positive involvement by Council members. In reply to Council member-- Pechtel's concerns about ,resolving personnel problems, Chief. Beeson stated that the Civil Service.issue is a state -wide problem that does not have easy solutions. City Manager Zais added that the firefighters have done a good job of setting aside their differences to maintain a r high level of work performance. " Council member Semon asked if it was "necessary for the proposed staff position in the Public Education.Program to hold the rank of Lieutenant. He suggested instead that the position be filled from the Auxiliary force. Chief Beeson replied that the consultant originally suggested the position be filled at the Battalion Chief , level., since the position ., requires, a highly skilled professional individual.- The Department subsequently downgraded the position to the Lieutenant level,_which they_ 'feel' is`the minimum,, required to meet the level `of' responsibility. During 'discussion of the Secretarial promotion, Mayor Berndt expressed concern that the City's salary schedule for clerical workers was outpacing the private sector. Chief Beeson assured the Council that this - - `position deals with . confidential material and has taken on expanded responsibilities. Council member Sims asked where the 911 system would be housed and when it would become operational, assuming voter approval in today's election. Chief Beeson replied . that 911 would probably be temporarily housed in the Yakima Fire Department - Dispatch Center- for the first two years. He added that the system would not be operational until at least November or December, 1991. Mayor Berndt asked Chief Beeson how the proposed Auxiliary Force is being accepted by staff, and he replied that it is not a popular concept. City Manager Zais stated that see this force as -a- reduction- in - professional quality. However, - .the -- Department management sees an Auxiliary force as the wave of the future, and looks forward to providing enhanced services. Mayor Berndt asked if the firefighters are supportive of the proposed Fire Facilities Plan, because she that passage of a bond issue would depend on total Department commitment. Chief Beeson was confident of support throughout the staff because of past frustration with insufficient training facilities. Council member Sims asked who would create the Bond Issue Task Force. City Manager Zais replied that community leaders will be solicited to work with City staff to help direct the efforts. Council member Sims asked for an explanation of the request to create a supervisory position in the Electronics Shop, if the total staff would be composed of only three individuals. Chief Beeson explained that the technicians work for departments throughout the City, and a supervisor is needed to run the division more efficiently. Council member Buchanan suggested that the fiscal impact could be lessened if the technicians are transferred to the City Shops staff. This concluded the review of the Fire Department budget. Finance Director Hanson urged the Council members to review the memo he distributed regarding the Pension Systems. The memo provides a great deal of information which clarifies the costs mandated to the City. AAD /5 1 7 8 NOVEMBER 6, 1990 C. FINANCE Due to the lateness of the hour, it was the consensus of the Council to postpone consideration of the Finance Department Budget • to a future Budget review session. ,. • Mayor Berndt stated that the first Council forum on Channel 36 was held_ last night. The next forum is scheduled for ,November 19. Council members Pechtel and Semon volunteered to participate, and will select a topic. - 1 15. ,ADJOURNMENT . • r It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED. BY SIMS, TO ,AEGOURN TO TUESCAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1990 AT '7 A.M. AT THE YAKIMA COUNTY COURTHOUSE , MEET _WITH _THE COUNTY COMMISSICNERS. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. The meeting was adjourned at the hour of 5:30 P.M. • _• READ, AND CERTIFIED, ACCURATE - BY 4 _ Co.e CI M'BER' TE >LM// - COUNCIL MEMBER DATE • , , • , ATTEST: 40-4cA)tD Qat_ CITY CLERK 'MAYOR . „ . , . .Minutes prepared by Deputy City 'Clerk Lovell / • _ • • • , AAD/6