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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/08/1991 Study Session / Business Meeting 263 CITY OF YAKIMA, W1ASHINGTON JANUARY 8, 1991 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,' Lynn Buchanan, Skip Semon and Bernard Sims- present on roll call. Council member George Pechtel, previously attending a Task Force meeting in Olympia, present after 2:20 P.M. City Manager Zais, previously attending Task Force meeting in Olympia, present after 2:50 P.M., replacing Assistant City Manager Stouder. 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 DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER • Mayor Berndt reminded Council that today's meeting is being video recorded, and will be televised on Channel 36 this evening. Live broadcast of the meetings will begin next week, after technical problems have been corrected.' _ Lon Wyrick, representing the Yakima Valley Conference of ;'Governments, presented Council member Barnett with an award - recognizing his outstanding 'service as .a member of the .group's executive board for the past seven years. ,.r Council member Barnett referred to the 1991 EMS Levy Revenue Distribution Report, and requested additional information to indicate the revenue generated by each Fire Department and District. This information can be used to compare revenue with distribution, to determine operating expenses and reserves. y y • ,4:, . ' CONSENT ' , r r , . ,., ,, T . Mayor Berndt referred to the items 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 and ordinances by title. It' was MOVED BY SIMS, ,SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA, AS READ, BE PASSED. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. Pechtel absent. (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 NOVEMBER' 26, ADJOURNED MEETING AND DECEMBER 4,-1990 BUDGET REVIEW`AND'REGULAR COUNCIL MEETINGS AAD /1 2 6 4 JANUARY 8, 1991 The Council minutes November 26, 1990 Adjourned and December 4, 1990 Budget Review and Regular Council meetings were approved, having been duly accurate two Council members, and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly. 6. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Mayor Berndt read a proclamation designating January, 1991 as National Blood Donor Month, and encouraged citizens to support the needs of the Yakima Valley through the local Red Cross Blood Center. Judy Kehl accepted the award, and urged citizens to become involved as the Red Cross prepares for Operation Desert Shield. 7. REPORT FROM CITY CLERK ON VACANCIES /TERM EXPIRATIONS ON CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Committees of the Council - Mayor Berndt asked if any changes are requested on Council Committees. She asked Council member Beauchamp if he will continue to serve on the Board of Health, and he agreed to the request. Council member Semon volunteered to serve on the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council Executive Board in place of Mayor Berndt. Council member Barnett requested that staff investigate the status of the Local Emergency Planning Commission and its Executive Board, as he has never had any communication from the agency. Council member Sims stated that Council member Pechtel has agreed to serve as representative to the Yakima Greenway Foundation, with Mr. Sims serving as alternate. Council member Buchanan asked the City Clerk to update the meeting schedule to show that the Yakima Air Terminal Board is now meeting monthly. It was MOVED BY`- SIMS,'SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP, TO'REAPPOINT CIARENCE "BARNE°IT AND .PECHTEL TO THE JOINT BOARD FOR URBAN 'PLANNING. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Pechtel absent. Boards and Commissions Council member Sims stated that the Housing Authority Council Appointment Committee interviewed five candidates for vacant positions. It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP, TO APPOINT MICHAEL DELGADO TO FILL THE UNEXPIRED TERM OF BRUCE MOORER, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY; - ' AND TO APPOINT GAYLE EHLER 10 A5-YEAR TERM ON THE HOUSING - AUTHORITY, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 31, 1991. For consideration, `Council member Sims stated that Michael Delgado is the Clinical Administrator at the Farm Workers Clinic with a background housing authority from previous employment, and has - worked on the Governor's Task Force for Homelessness. Gayle Ehler < is a :local banker with over' 10' years of banking The Housing Authority Director, Jim Adamski, has indicated a preference for Board members from the banking, construction and architecture fields. The question" was called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Pechtel absent. • It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP, 10 APPOINT BOB DE OOOYER ZO - TIM COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING ADVISORY ' COMMITTEE, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 31, 1991. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Pechtel absent. AAD /2 JANUARY 8, 1991 2 6 5 • It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO REAPPOINT JESSE COX TO THE POLICE AND FIRE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION FORA SIX YEAR . TERM. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Pechtel absent. It.,..was MOVED., BY. SIMS, SECONDED BY BARNETT, TO ' APPOINT SHERM LOSEE TO REPLACE GUY SHINN ON THE UTILITY RATE ADVISORY BOARD AS THE BANKING REPRESENTATIVE; AND TO APPOINT DENNIS WHITCHER AS THE ENGINEERING REPRESENTATIVE. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Pechtel absent. It was MOVED BY SEMON, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO .REAPPOINT LEE SEMON, JR., HERBERT' HILL, JOE MORRIER, BILL IBACH, JOHN WELLE, PAT GILMORE AND ROBERTA MC DONNELL TO THE DOWNTOWN AREA REDEVELOPMENT . • COMMITTEE; AND TO' APPOINT VAL FINLAYSON AS THE UTILITY REPRESENTATIVE. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Pechtel absent. - Referring to the staff recommendation, Council member Beauchamp preferred that Pat Brown continue as an At- Large - representative to the Community Development, Advisory, Committee, rather than be reassigned as the Southeast Area representative. Mr. Beauchamp suggested selection of a minority individual to fill the Southeast Area position vacancy. (Council member Pechtel present after 2:20 P.M.) Mr. Beauchamp noted that a majority of the current Committee members live outside of the Community Development area, and he would like to see better representation by area residents. Mayor Berndt suggested that the Council committee meet with Dixie Kracht to review applications,. and make a recommendation'to Council. • • ,,. It..was,MOVED BY BARNETT,"SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO - REAPPOINT DEBORAH PATTERSON: TO THE.REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION., The'motion carried • by unanimous.. voice .vote. _. ' 8. PRESENTATION FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ON EMS DISPATCH Fire Chief Beeson presented information regarding a new EMS Dispatch system, which the Fire Department hopes to implement in the near future. Emergency medical services have become the . dominant service provided by the Fire 'Department, and the proposed system will enhance their ability to serve the public'. Chief Beeson explained the proposed three phase system,'.and stated. that current personnel have already been trained and certified. Chief Beeson introduced Battalion Chief Dave Bachmann and Dispatch Supervisor Dave Harris, who explained some of the technical aspects of the EMS Dispatch system. A major benefit will be the ability to assess the severity of each situation and reduce the number of II/ apparatus sent on calls that are not life threatening. A brief _ video was shown to illustrate the proposed system. (City Manager Zais present after 2:50 P:M.) Staff recommends. formalization of an • agreement between the Fire .Department and Medical 'Priority Consultants, Inc. in order to implement this new system: Chief • Beeson reported that the Legal staff has reviewed the document, and raised some liability concerns. Council member Barnett was concerned about adequate medical training, to ensure that symptoms are not misdiagnosed. Mr. Harris AAD /3 2 6 6 JANUARY 8, 1991 reviewed the protocol procedure, and explained the operation in greater, detail. ,Council.member- Barnett,asked how.this system will coordinate: .with' .911. Chief,. Beeson' explained„ that the same protocols will be used and more dispatchers will be available when 911 is operational. Chief Beeson emphasized that the Department . will , ; always respond to a call- ,if. there is any. ; doubt about the ;, severity of the situation. It was MOVED.BY BUCHANAN,_ SECONDED BY PECHTEL,. 10 ACCEPT.THE REPORT. Council member Barnett asked for comment on .the concerns raised' .by.. the Legal.Department. City Attorney Vanek stated that staff was concerned because Medical Priority Consultants, Inc. provides no warranty for the `validity of the. information on the protocol cards. In,the.event of a lawsuit, the City., . would accept sole liability, ' and, . the ,seller . of the �. information. would' not be involved. ,The. "seller r . is .unwilling to modify the. agreement,,- but urged the .city. to have local physicians regularly review the information to confirm its. validity._ Chief Beeson stated that the company is able to keep program costs low since they do not accept liability. The one time fee for the City to buy the system is $400. The question was called for a vote on the motion. The. motion carried by unanimous voice vote. BUSINESS MEETING 9. RECONSIDERATION .OF 'CONSULTANT SERVICES FOR FEASIBILITY_STUDY OF EXPANDING THE YAKIMA CENTER Glenn Rice, Director of Community and Economic Development, stated that this item was removed from the October 9, 1990 Agenda at the request of an absent Council member. Additional material concerning Convention Center activities and loss of revenue has .been . with this,request.for reconsideration. It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN,' - SECONDED :BY` SIMS,`° Z0 AUTHORIZE ,THE' BUDGETED :REQUEST TO ENGAGE IN PHASE IT OF THE STUDY: It was'MOVED BY"BARNErT TO AMEND THE MOTION' PO INCLUDE `DISCUSSION 'OF A SOURCE - OF 'FUNDING. Council member Semon suggested that it is premature.to consider financing before the consultant decides if an expansion is necessary. The motion died for lack of a second. Council member Pechtel suggested that Council pursue a comment made by County Commissioner . Klarich that the County Commissioners are considering utilizing booking services of the Visitors and Convention Bureau for the SunDome. City Manager Zais added. that the City should encourage interaction between the County Commissioners and the V & C to foster better communication on booking and planning for the use of joint facilities. Council member Barnett asked if Question #1 was intended to answer if there is sufficient market to support both expansion of the Center and the Associated Meeting Facility at the SunDome. Mr. Rice gave a negative reply, and stated that this question is limited to the Center expansion. Mr. Barnett felt that questions related to the total market need to be answered before any expansion is contemplated. The question was called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Council member Barnett expressed hope that staff will return with alternative funding sources after the preliminary estimate of probable cost of expansion is determined. AAD /4 JANUARY 8, 1991 2 6 7 *10. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE TRANSFERRING FRANCHISE FROM PACIFIC NORTHWEST BELL TELEPHONE COMPANY TO U.S. WEST COMMUNICATIONS, INC. ORDINANCE NO. 3328, AN ORDINANCE consenting to the transfer of the franchise granted by Yakima Ordinance No. 2444 to Pacific Northwest _ Bell, Company Telephoneompany to said company's successor in interest, .. . U.SWEST,Communications, Inc. *11. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE .CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION PLAN FOR THE SUPERVISING TRAFFIC ENGINEER AND LIFEGUARD /INSTRUCTOR POSITIONS .. ORDINANCE NO. 3329, AN ORDINANCE relating to City personnel; adopting. a classification and compensation plan for City employees : to.be effective February 10, 1991; amending Subsections 2.20.100 A, 2.20.100 C; 2.20.110 A, and Subsection 2..20.110 F, all of the City • of Yakima. Municipal Code. , *12. SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1990 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS IN THE EQUIPMENT RENTAL'BUDGET TO COVER FUEL COST INCREASES An Ordinance amending the 1990 Budget and appropriating funds into the Equipment Rental Budget to cover increased fuel costs, having , .been . read by title only at the December 18, 1990 meeting, was "brought before the .Council for a second reading. , ORDINANCE NO. 3330, AN ORDINANCE amending .the 1990 budget for the City. of Yakima; and making an appropriation of $50,000 in the Equipment Rental Fund for expenditure during 1990 to provide for the increase in the cost of fuel. - -- -- - *13. SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1990 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR PURCHASE OF PLANNING DIVISION COMPUTER -- EQUIPMENT i -. . An Ordinance amending the 1990 Budget and appropriating funds for . the'purdhase of Planning Division computer equipment, having been .read' by title Only at the December 18, 1990 meeting, was brought • before the Council for a second reading. ORDINANCE NO. 3331, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1990 budget for the _ _, ....City,, ., of ,Yakima; and making an, appropriation .of $12,568 in the General Fund ,for expenditure during -1990 for the purchase of - "computer,, equipment, for the Planning Division._ . _ . . i., *14. , SECOND "READING OF "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1990 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS INTO THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION FUND' An Ordinance amending the 1990 Budget and appropriating funds into the Workers' Compensation Fund, having been read by title only at the December 18, 1990 meeting, was brought before the Council for a second reading. ORDINANCE NO. 3332, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1990 budget for the City of Yakima; making an appropriation of $18,000 in the Workers' AAD /5 2 6 8 JANUARY 8, 1991 Compensation Reserve fund for expenditure during 1990 for Workers' Compensation Claims. 15. OTHER BUSINESS • • .- • Council member Pechtel and City Manager Zais commented on their testimony earlier today before the Task Force on City /County Finances. .Council member Pechtel stated that Yakima ,County has agreed to join the City in seeking the .01% local option sales tax. Information Items: Items of information supplied to Counci`1 were: Memo from City Manager regarding Chamber of Commerce Legislative Priorities for 1991;: Letters from U.S. Bank to Glenn Rice and Fred '"Stouder expressing appreciation to them for - their ° participation, in the Leadership Yakima "City /County Government" session.. 12/21 and 12/20/90; Reports from Personnel Division regarding hiring and vacancy status as of December 6,.1990; Monthly Report from the Legal Department for November 1990; Monthly Report from the Permit Center for December 1990; Agenda for January 3, 1990 Civil Service Commission meeting and minutes of its December 6, 1990 meeting; . Agenda for the December 13, 1990 Yakima Air Terminal Board meeting and minutes of .its November 15, 1990 meeting, including November 30, 1990 Budget Report; Minutes of , the December 6, 1990 Downtown Area Redevelopment Committee meeting; Article from the APWA Washington ,Chapter- Newsletter - ,Fall, 1990, "Yakima Comprehensive Plan "; and Articles ° from: 'The December 28, 1990 P-I Olympia Bureau, "Gardner Submits Astute Budget "; December 14, 1990 The New York Times, "Negotiators Try to Save a Plan to Combat Crime "; December 18, 1990 The New York Times, "Drug Related Felony Convictions Increase by 69% in State Courts "; December 20, 1990 The New York Times, "Bush Hails Decline in Drug, Abuse But Critics Say Survey is Flawed "; December 15, 1990 The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, "Drug Treatment Could Cut Crime "; December 14, 1990, "New Jersey Court Says Towns May Charge Builders for Low..-Cost Housing "; December 23, 1990, "2% of G.N.P. Spent by U.S. on Cleanup "; and December 1, 1990 The "Economist, "American Survey - Racial Politics --The Lash Back ". 16. EXECUTIVE SESSION It was MOVED .BY BUCHANAN SECONDED IIT'SIMS, TO M VE -INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THETURPOSE"OF DISCUSSING "....PECTIVE LITIGATION, WITH IMMEDIATE 'ADJOURNMENT THEREAFTER - ZO .. JANUARY 115, 1991 `AT` 7:15 A.M. FOR INFORMAL DISCUSSION IN"THE CITY MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. 17. ADJOURNMENT Following completion of the Executive Session, the meeting was adjourned at the hour of 4:15 P.M. AAD /6 2 ADJOURNED MEETING JANUARY 15, 1991 The City Council met in session on this date at 7:15 A.M. in the City Manager's Conference Room at City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Mayor Pat Berndt presiding, Council members Clarence Barnett, Lynn Buchanan, Skip Semon and Bernard Sims present. Council members Henry Beauchamp and George Pechtel absent. Staff members present were City Manager Zais, Assistant City Manager Stouder, Police Chief _Green, and City Clerk Roberts. Also present was Greg Gifford, Target Advertising representative. 1. INFORMAL DISCUSSION AMONG COUNCIL MEMBERS Mr. Gifford commented - that the Downtown Area Redevelopment Committee (DARC) asked for a proposal for their Downtown Development Group to promote Yakima throughout the Northwest. Target came up with the slogan, "Yakima - Washington's Best Neighborhood ". The design he displayed will appear on posters, buttons and refuse bags and be used in advertisements for television, magazines and newspapers. There was some thought at the DARC meeting that if the City likes the logo that perhaps it could be put on its refuse trucks. He stated that the apple in the design could be replaced by any fruit, depending on the market being targeted, however, the apple is the main theme. He responded to Council's questions regarding this campaign. Mr. Gifford reported this concept has been shown to Dowty Aerospace, Tree Top, Trail Wagons, and SnoKist, without any negative feedback, until Council's criticism today about the shape of the apple. Council member Semon, liaison for DARC, commented that Council approval is not required for DARC to proceed with this program. Mayor Berndt thanked Mr. Gifford for sharing this information with the Council. Mayor Berndt requested Council members to advise the City Clerk of any changes to the letters drafted to be sent to committee members regarding appointments. City Manager Zais referred to a list of special meetings tentatively scheduled in consultation with Mayor Berndt and • Debbie Moore, secretary. This list contains the scheduled special monthly meetings, however, will be subject to change and modifications. Discussing the Community Outreach meetings, Council member Semon recommended that Council listen to the special interest group's comments on their interests. City Manager Zais reviewed the meetings listed on the schedule, suggesting the TV Forums be changed to once a month. Mayor Berndt commented that the AVE meeting was not included and it may conflict with another meeting on this list for February 20th. Council member Buchanan noted that the Council Transit Committee meetings are not on this list. Council members Barnett and Buchanan asked that at least one of the Tuesday luncheon meetings in the month be moved to another day of the week; Monday or Wednesday. Mayor Berndt suggested that if there are two Tuesday luncheons in the month, then perhaps a third luncheon meeting involving Council member Buchanan can be -1- JANUARY 15, 1991 2 7 1 ADJOURNED MEETING scheduled for another day of the, week. To prepare for the City Manager's performance evaluation, which has been tentatively scheduled, Council member Sims requested a report on the growth of the City budget over the last five years. City Manager Zais asked Council if they would be interested in a one day retreat. It was the general consensus of the Council to ask Jay Grandy if he would be the moderator" at the retreat to review the City's strategies. Council members discussed the location of the retreat, which was suggested to take place on a Saturday. Three Creeks Lodge was suggested as a location. City Manager Zais asked Council members to check their calendars and let, him know later in the day what date is.good for them. Council member, Buchanan asked if staff will be ready in March for information on the irrigation issue. He stated a { legal ,opinion needs to be ready by then on whether the Bond can be supported City -wide. Council member Buchanan asked if, any Council members plan to attend the National League of Cities Conference in Washington, D.C. in March. He stated he would like to go, and he would like at least one other Council member to attend. Council member Barnett stated he would think about attending that Conference. Mayor Berndt distributed information that Bob Bounds gave her to assist her in the community outreach program meetings: Chief Green distributed information regarding an Alternative Proposal to the law and justice facility request, dated 1/15/91. One proposal is for a 42,500 sq. ft. facility to accommodate police, the Legal Department, with minimal short -term holding cells. Option 2 adds 10,000 sq. ft., which would accommodate 50 additional misdemeanor offenders; a total of 52,500 sq. ft. Chief Green stated the Police Department currently has about 12,500 sq. ft. and the Legal Department has 3,500 sq. ft. He stated that Option 2 adds 50 beds to Option 1, and is the preferred ice. Council member Buchanan cautioned staff that they will get quite a lot of resistance from the northeast residents if staff considers using the Miller Park site for this facility. Council member Semon asked if there is anyone in private business providing this type of service. Chief Green stated there were a number of facilities like that but the tax laws changed so there aren't that many. Council member Pechtel expressed doubt about the amount of money budgeted for purchase of the facility. City Manager Zais stated the purpose of this was to help design an alternative proposal that can be advanced to the Legislators. This proposes the City would over about one - third of the costs. Funding options for this debt are General Obligation Bonds, needing approval by the electorate; 0.1% optional sales tax, needing Legislative action; or Councilmatic Bonds. Mayor Berndt asked what the back -up plan is if we get the money from the State, but don't get the optional sales tax? City Manager Zais stated that if the 0.1 % tax does not go on the ballot then other financing - options would have to be considered. Mayor Berndt commented that would be the B &O tax. Chief Green commented that this is just a scaled down version which would only meet the City's immediate needs; we still have the need for 130 beds and 200 for future needs. Council member Pechtel stated there isn't anything in this proposed budget for professional services, which is needed -2- 2 7 2 JANUARY 15, 1991 ADJOURNED MEETING for architectural services. Chief Green stated that is figured into the cost. Mr. Pechtel estimated that the site acquisition and development costs in this proposal are woefully inadequate. (Council member Barnett absent after 8:50 A.M.) He recommended that staff talk to someone like Don Moen and get their estimated costs. City Manager Zais reported that Senator Matson wants a proposal : before the end of the week. Mr. Pechtel offered to go with Chief. Green to see .Don Moen. He also suggested meeting with someone .like Gene Mayer to help us determine if the amount of property.calculated - for this facility is sufficient. Council member Buchanan asked about the status of the new chairs being ordered for the Council Chambers." City Manager Zais reported that no order has been placed and he will in some chairs for Council to try. A committee consisting of Council members Semon (chairman), Pechtel and Buchanan was formed to work on the purchase of these chairs. Council member Buchanan asked why the Union Gospel Mission has not been required to fill in the hole on its property? City . Manager Zais reported that staff is processing that order, giving the Mission a deadline to correct this. Mayor Berndt reported there is a 6' cyclone fence with barbed wire next to the sidewalk at of the mobile home lots on So. 1st Street. She requested staff investigate if it meets Code because it is poor public relations to have that on one of the main streets. • There was a brief discussion regarding the proposed water slide at Franklin Pool. Council members agreed that parking at that park is a problem. Mayor Berndt announced that PP &L is hosting a workshop on the 23rd of January from 4 -8:00 p.m. for all the steering committees, and the chairs and assistant chairs of the visioning committee. It will be the• kick -off meeting to get things moving. From that point, we will begin recruiting committee members. The meeting adjourned at the hour of 9:40 A.M. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: OUNCIL MEMBER DATE OUNCIL MBER DATE ATTEST: p r Qe ',2;s ,v CITY CLERK MAYOR -3-