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Home My WebLink About12/04/1990 Study Session 226 - - - - - - . - CITY OF YAKIMA- WASHINGTON DECEMBER 4, 1990 STUDY SESSION 1. ROLL CALL -- The City .Council in session at 2:00= P.M. in the Yakima Valley Regional Library Basement Meeting Room, Yakima, Washington. Assistant Mayor Lynn Buchanan, presiding, Council members Clarence Barnett, Henry Beauchamp, George Pechtel, Skip Semon and Bernard Sims present on roll call. Mayor Pat Berndt absent and excused, attending National League of Cities meeting in Houston, Texas. 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 Semon. 3. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER None. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 6, 1990 ADJOURNED MEETING AND NOVEMBER 13, 1990 ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETINGS It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY PECHTEL, TO APPROVE THE COUNCIL MINUTES OF'THE NOVEMBER 6, 1990 ADJOURNED "MEETING AND THE NOVEMBER 13, 1990 ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETINGS AS PRESENTED. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Berndt absent. 5. REVIEW OF 1991 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES City Manager Zais explained that this meeting was scheduled to provide a forum for discussion of legislative priorities by various organizations in the City. Invitations were extended to several local entities, with the hope that an awareness of area priorities would increase the likelihood of funding success at the next legislative session. Mr. Zais welcomed all of the participants, and invited them to speak to their items of importance. Tim McGree, Director of the Yakima County Development Association (YCDA), thanked the Council for the opportunity to speak about issues of concern. Mr. McGree stated that the top priority for YCDA continues to be the establishment of an industrial park site in Yakima County. He said that economic development success depends upon industrial sites to encourage capital investment. YCDA's second priority is reestablishment of the Stampede Pass rail line. The line has not been used for eight years, and YCDA feels that it could open significant doors of economic opportunity in the Valley. YCDA is developing a feasibility study, and is hopeful the Governor will include the rail line in his 1991 capital budget. Also important to YCDA are the work force, education and criminal justice issues, which are crucial to economic development. AAD /1 DECEMBER 4, 1990 2 2 7 Kathy Coffey, Yakima Center Manager, stated that the 'Visitors and Convention Bureau is very concerned about motel /hotel tax proposals in the upcoming legislative session. Their efforts will focus on opposition to the diversion of any of these tax monies. Ms. Coffey also stated that the convention and tourism. industries place a high priority on adequate law and justice programs and. funding. Dr. Gerry Perryman, Dean of Instruction at Yakima Valley Community College (YVCC), expressed the College's frustration in being limited to serving 500 fewer students than 10 years ago. Denied access creates a hardship to students and to the community development that is dependent upon education and training. Therefore, enrollment increases will the the top priority for YVCC, and 'Dr. Perryman urged support of the community college system request atthe next legislative Jim Adamski, Yakima Housing Authority Director, "stated that housing is economic development. Their top priority is funding to allow the private sector to participate in housing, particularly at the low, ' moderate and middle income levels. The second priority for the Yakima Housing' Authority is'funding for farmworker housing at both the local and state levels. A third priority is the creation of loan programs to provide affordable housing for first time • homeowners: - - Kathy O'Meara - Wyman, representing St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, stated that higher education enrollment caps have lessened their ability to fill nursing staff needs. The Medical Center would like • to hire from the local work force to keep salaries in the Yakima economy, but is often forced to through outside-agencies. A second concern facing'the Medical Center is providing access to quality care for the medically indigent. Recent changes in neighborhood demographics have made the law and justice, issue another priority for the Medical Center. r Dr:" ' 'Peter' Demyan,,!Superintendent r of •'the Yakima- Schools District, f stated, that strong communities have strong schools, and the legislature is'willing to listen when cities and schools work together. He encouraged all agencies to present a common front and look'' to each other for 3 support. :.On behalf of the -.Yakima School District, he requested support on the levy lid issue. Dr. Demyan also' urged cooperation in directing youth toward productive lives. He praised the spirit of cooperation in Yakima, and encouraged continued sharing of resources. As a Yakima County Commissioner, Graham Tollefson stated that he ':v was 'very familiar with the•listed..priorities, and the importance of adequate ' 71aw and 'justice funding:;, The - County has focused on criminal justice issues, but is supportive of other initiatives to address poverty and education problems. The County will continue to seek economic development assistance at the state level, and will support legislation dealing with indigent defense and the unfunded liability of law enforcement officers and firefighters. Lon Wyrick, Director of the Yakima Valley Conference of Governments (COG), said that his agency will continue to support community service-needs including low income housing and capital AAD /2 2 2 8 DECEMBER 4, 1990 facilities for' small, rural'communities. ; COG supports economic development in the Yakima area, and'will send that message to Olympia. Growth Management 'Act requirements are a continuing - concern for COG, and they support local control for regional planning. Mr. Wyrick stated that COG also endorses the enhancement •of the I -82 corridor and transportation-needs in the area. • City Manager Zais stated that the City's number one priority is criminal justice funding. City representatives have attended several meetings of the City /County Legislative Task Force, and will continue efforts to seek additional state funding beyond 1993. • Mr. Zais expressed frustration that the City of Yakima did not receive equal treatment'in the bill that was passed last June for local government funding options. The sales tax option was granted to only six counties in 1990, and provided them a boost for criminal justice needs. As long as an option is available, the City will•work t� have it available state wide. Council member Barnett stated `for" the record that the priorities :listed by Mr. Zais may not reflect the actual priorities of the majority of the Council members.. Mr. Barnett had hoped that today's forum would allow for general . discussion' rather than formal "presentations. 'Mr. Zais replied that the City's priority list is preliminary in scope and subject to amendment Council. Mr. Zais echoed some of the concerns mentioned earlier including economic development, medical and pension cost funding, Growth Management funding and self insurance regulation. Mr: Zais'mentioned that the Street Utility Proposal will need to ' go =back to the State legislature for technical correction - and amendment'befor"e it can be considered. Assistant Mayor Buchanan thanked+ all of the participants for their interest, and ..encouraged continued cooperation in reaching mutual goals. +. • 6. OTHER BUSINESS n There being no further business, it was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY SEMON TO ADJOURN "TO CITY HALL COUNCIL; CHAMBERS TO . CONTINUE BUDGET STUDY. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Berndt absent. , The meeting was recessed at the hour of 3:00 P:M. RECONVENE AT CITY HALL FOR'CONTINUATION "OF BUDGET REVIEW The meeting reconvened in the City Hall. Councilr=Chambers at 3:10 P.M. 7. EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING PERSONNEL ISSUE It, was movedrby PECHTEL, °SEOONDED'BY SIMS,i1D MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR "THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING A PERSONNEL ISSUE. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Berndt absent. 8. 1991 BUDGET AND POLICY ISSUES REVIEW Council resumed Budget review at 3:20 P.M. 'Budget and Finance Director John Hanson, Accounting Manager Bob Wheeler and Accountant Clara Sanders were present. • AAD /3 DECEMBER 4, 1990 2 2 9 • . A. SEWER (BUDGET - PAGE 381; ..POLICY ISSUE - .PAGE 188) . Engineering and Utilities Director Denny Covell and Wastewater Superintendent. Chris Waarvick were present to answer questions ' concerning the Irrigation/Wastewater Council member Sims .referred.to the Wastewater Cost of Service Study, and asked about the impact of increased charges on large users. of the industrial waste sprayfield. Mr. Waarvick explained that the analysis for the industrial waste component determined a significant increase of $120,000. The .goal of "the analysis .was to evaluate customer classes and create a fair rate structure. The study recognized the importance of industrial customers, and pursued a cost sharing strategy. In addition to revenue, Mr. Waarvick indicated that the department is seeking formal agreements with industrial clients. The fees may still be negotiated, but the agreements are absolutely necessary. Council member Sims asked Jim Jacobs, representing Del Monte Corporation, to comment on the impact the rate increase will . have on industrial spray field users. Mr. Jacobs replied that his corporation supports the process of formalizing,an agreement with ' the.City. Del Monte currently generates about 80% of the flow to the industrial spray field. City Manager_Zais advised Council that the Cost _ Service Study will be itemized in the final Budget document, and, staff will recommend deferring action on this particular item pending a concluded negotiation. Mr. Zais also felt that staff would .recommend deferral of the County sewer., surcharge,. until the • consultants, and staff conclude discussions. Council member Pechtel felt' that the County surcharge issue needs resolution, and he suggested a time limit be set. Mr. Zais remindedtouncil that they made a commitment to have a policy level discussion .with the County Commissioners after evaluating the consultant's 're It was MOVED BY PECHTEL, SECONDED BY'BEAUCHAMP, TO'HAVE THE MEETING WITH THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS BY MARCH 1, 1991. The motion carried :by a 5- 0 voice vote. Barnett abstaining. Berndt absent. As a point of order, Council member Barnett was advised.. that Council rules do not permit an abstention." It was MOVED BY'BARNEIT THAT HE BE GRANTED TO ABSTAIN BECAUSE COUNCIL'`DOES NOT KNOW THE COMMISSIONER'S SCHEDULE.' Hearing no second to the motion, Council member Barnett voted nay on the original motion. Wastewater Superintendent Waarvick circulated photographs of the recent heavy flooding, and praised the Council for their foresight in making levy and dyke improvements in the early .1980's. Council member Barnett asked if public hearings are required for the rate increases proposed in the Cost of Service Study. City Manager Zais stated .that the hearing phase of the'budget process may satisfy this requirement, however, he will research the matter and advise, Council. B. LEGAL (BUDGET - PAGE 100, POLICY ISSUE - ',PAGE'52) City Attorney John. Vanek and Legal Assistant Linda Spence were present to answer questions concerning the Legal Department budget. Mr. Vanek thanked Council for their continuing support and the resources given to the department last year. Council member Sims supported the policy issue to hire a Summer Intern, and asked how AAD /4 • 2 3 0 DECEMBER 4, 1990 soon recruitment would begin'. Mr. Vanek replied that contact would begin the first of the year with. second and third year law students. The internship : program would ,provide , a pool of candidates for future employment opportunities in the department. City Manager Zais reviewed outside legal counsel fees paid in 1990 and_ summarized anticipated costs for 1991. He explained that outside _counsel is utilized for highly specialized purposes, and some fees are recovered in settlements. Council member Sims asked . if the specialized services. are .available in Yakima, and was advised that lbcal_firms are utilized when possible. (Council member Barnett,absent after 4.:20 P.M.) C. ENGINEERING (BUDGET -,PAGE 363, POLICY ISSUE - PAGE 182) Engineering. and Utilities. Director Denny Covell City Engineer Fred: French were available to answer.questions concerning the Engineering Department Budget. Mr. ,Covell reviewed the, successful completion of the,Browne Avenue and,.Summitview /10th Avenue construction projects which were done within budget. The Engineering staff is also pleased with the institution of a r , .CAD system, which. Mr. Covell. considers the best improvement made in many years. Referring to page 365, Mr. Covell stated that Storm Drainage is a major component of. the Metropolitan Plan, due to the EPA- and DOE requirements. Council member Sims suggested utilizing • the .domestic sewer system for sto drainage, but 'was advised by ` Mr- ^' W a arvick that combined systems create a major liability. (Council .member Sims absent after 4:30 P.M.) Mr. Covell stated that he learned today that the $420,000 in federal funds indicated on .page374 will not'be available. The department will instead receive $22- 23,000, and staff will evaluate, the .impact on the _c apial,improvement program.. ,, _ pa Council member ° Beauchamp asked if the Engineering Department really needs two Sanitary Engineers as.indicated on Page 182 of the ...Policy, Document. Mr. Covell confirmed the necessity based _,, ;upon . the .capi.tal ., improvement program ,for ,sewer .and .water projects. The current inspection force cannot adequately.. monitor.. all existing • and proposed projects. ` D. WATER /IRRIGATION_(BUDGET - PAGE 414, POLICY ISSUE - PAGE 184) Engineering ,.and Utilities Director Denny Covell and Water. _ 'Superintendent Ty Wick were. present to answer_ questions concerning the Water. Division. Budget. Mr. Wick reviewed activities of the past year, and indicated that a rate increase may be required in mid- 1991. There have been no increases, since .1986. Revenue requirements will be evaluated, and a proposal. made to Council. In reply to questions from Council member Pechtel, Mr. Wick stated that the work on..the media exchange is scheduled.for completion in March. Council member Pechtel asked if the irrigation' issue will be _ addressed.in.1991. City Manager Zais replied that it will be studied as a policy issue by Council in 1991, with a bond issue . likely to be. recommended in 1992. There being no further questions, the Budget review.session was concluded. AAD /5 DECEMBER 4, 1990 2 3 1 i Finance Director Hanson summarized several additional policy issues I that have been requested by Council member Barnett: i 1. The 2% In -Lieu of Tax to parks. !I 2. Fund and hire the three authorized Firefighter positions previously frozen by management.. 3. Maintain General Fund total travel expenses at 1990 level, with the City Manager authorized to redistribute. 4. City participation in the proposed County` Modular Jail , expansion; obtain 50 beds dedicated to City prisoners. 5. Change Municipal Code to allow suspension of refuse collection charges upon notice of vacancy. 9. ADJOURNMENT ' It was MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY "'PECHTEL, TO ADJOURN TO ' DECEMBER 11, 1990 AT 9:00 A.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS FOR BUDGET WRAP -UP. The motion carried by unanimous voice., vote. Barnett, Berndt and Sims absent. The` meeting' was adjourned at._the hour of ' 5:10 P.M. 7 READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: /� —me. a� 4/7/q/ CO MC L DT- DATE - . _ 4/5 `I - 7COUNCIL MEMB • DATE Ar aT1ST CITY CLERK 7 4-1- ; S TANT MAYOR Minutes prepared. by Deputy City Clerk Lovell , _ , , I / AAD /6