Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/05/1991 Adjourned Meeting 325 'CITY'OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON ADJOURNED` MEETING "'. • MARCH 5, 1991' - 1. EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING''PERSONNEL (CITY MANAGER EVALUATION) The City Council met in' Executive Session on this date at , 11 :30 A.M. in the Lakeside Room of the Holiday Inn regarding Personnel. Mayor Pat Berndt presiding, Council members Clarence Barnett, Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Buchanan, George Pechtel, Skip Semon and Bernard ,Sims present. City Manager Zais present after 12:30' P.M. .,- 'Following the completion of the City Manager Evaluation, the meeting adjourned at 1 :30 P.M. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: jet. fi /�'� ` COUNCIL ME :ER DA P. /( 411 � i iiNCIL 1 I :ER I'TE ATTEST: 4AAr-761_,' CITY CLERK MAYOR Minutes prepared by Deputy City Clerk Lovell R • • AAD /1 326 CITY 'CF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON MARCH 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, George Pechtel, Skip Semon and Bernard Sims present onyroll call. 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 City Attorney Vanek. 3. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER Mayor Berndt reported on the annual performance review of City Manager Zais, held earlier today. All Council members were present, and unanimously rated Mr. Zais' overall performance as excellent. They agreed that Council and the City Manager will strive to improve communications with the public this year. The Council suggested that Mr. Zais set his priorities to allow more time with his family. Council discussed improved methods of pursuing grants, possibly by designating a staff member for the task. City.. Manager. Zais will direct staff to review this topic and present a recommendation to Council in the near future. Council member Barnett reported on the meeting he chaired last night regarding the water problems north of the fairgrounds. Council was represented at the meeting by Engineering and Utilities Director Denny Covell. Other key principals in attendance were Craig Riley, Washington State Department of Health; Jim Milton, Washington State Department of Ecology; and Al Schoenhuth, Yakima Health District. Mr. Barnett said that State representatives were not encouraging that funding assistance would be available. There is a definite problem in the area, but not all residents favor an LID. Residents do want a source of water in the area until some permanent solution can be found. Consequently, Mr. Barnett prepared four motions to address the situation: 1. It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY PECHTEL, THAT STAFF BE DIRECTED TO PREPARED A RESOLUTION DECLARING`A` PUBLIC' "EMERGENCY TO EXIST. This action will enable the Council and staff., to act immediately, legally and financially to expedite corrective action in this area. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. 2. It was MOVED BY BARNEIT, SECONDED' BY SIMS, FOR THE CITY TO PROVIDE FOR 'IMMEDIATE WATER SERVICE TAPS AVAILABLE 10 RESIDEN'IS IN THIS AREA IN AT LEAST " TWO 'LOCATIONS FOR 'THEIR DRINKING' AND COOKING NEEDS. The first location will be at the Fairview -Sumac Fire Station, 1216 East Race Street. Additional locations will be announced at a later date. It was MOVED BY PECHTEL, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO AMEND' THE MOTION TO ADD A'SIX- MONTH REVIEW TIME FRAME. AAD /1 MARCH 5, 1991 3 2 7 The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. The question was called for a vote on the original motion as amended. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. City Manager Zais said that water use will be monitored, but there will be no charge to users. City. - Attorney Vanek added that the emergency declaration allows ' - immediate action and allows the City to give away water service. 3. It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO DIRECT STAFF, IN COOPERATION WITH OTHER AGENCIES, TO INVESTIGATE ALL POTENTIAL SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION TO THE WATER SUPPLY' IN THIS AREA AND REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL, WITHIN THE TWO WEEKS, ANY FINDINGS AND CORRECTIVE ACTION NEEDED. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Mayor Berndt noted that rapid water flow in the area will make it difficult 'to complete water analysis in this time frame. City Manager Zais confirmed that corrective action will be taken immediately if a serious problem is discovered. r 4. It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY PECHTEL, TO DIRECT STAFF TO REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL WITHIN THE NEXT THREE WEEKS ON SPECIAL PROTECT REQUIREMENTS. AND COSTS TO PRUVIDE,FOR THE EXTENSION OF DOMESTIC WATER SERVICE TO THIS AREA. ADDITIONALLY, STAFF IS ASKED,TO IDENTIFY APPROPRIATE FUNDING. OPTIONS, IF ANY, TO FINANCE THIS PROTECT FOR THE COUNCIL'S CONSIDERATION. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Engineering and'UtilitiesDirector Covellydistributed material that was prepared. =for last night's presentation. He also gave some very preliminary cost figures for extension of water service into the area.- City Manager Zais said that staff will investigate 'funding options and return to Council with a report..: • 4. CONSENT AGENDA 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. Council member Barnett requested • "Item'No. 10 be removed from the Consent Agenda. It was the general consensus of the'Council that the deletion of Item No. 10, 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 PECHTEL, THAT THE CONSENT 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 OF - THE FEBRUARY 19; 1991 ADJOURNED AND REGULAR COUNCIL MEETINGS . The Council minutes of the February 19, 1991 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. . AAD /2 3 2 '8 MARCH 5, 1991 6. `AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Mayor Berndt read a proclamation designating March, 1991 as Red Cross Month, and urged every citizen to support the services of the local Red Cross. Judy Kehl accepted the Proclamation, and thanked the Council for their continuing support of'Red Cross activities. Ms. Kehl informed Council that the local chapter has shipped 200 units of "Persian'Gulf. ' ' Elberthl T'rotter,`209 South 4th Street, chastised the Council for not.` sending a representative vto welcoine'Yolanda King' to Yakima. Mayor Berndt agreed that a- Couribil member shouIdrhave attended, but explained that prior_ commitments prevented Council representation. She noted that no request was received for Council participation, however, several City staff members were in attendance. 7. REPORT ON STATUS OF 1991 LEGISLATIVE ISSUES "City Manager- Zais Jupdated . "the legislative - issues pending in Olympia. :. 'The major-City-priorities; include a proposal for a new ' c iMiiial'' justice facility iii Yakima:'' This proposal was' introduced by Senators,Matson' and Newhouse'as Senate Bill' 5479. A companion piece •of' 1'egislation is proposed extension of 'the 'local option .01% sales tax. House Bill 1980 has been introduced by Representatives Rayburn and Edmondson, and is scheduled for hearing and review at the committee level. This the critical financial piece to enable the City to'proceed with the criminal justice facility, in terms of matching funds and operation and maintenance requirements. Another bill introduced by Senators Matson and Newhouse provided for the joint - legislative submittal by the City and County for an additional $1 million to help Yakima County criminal justice enhancement. The City is seeking to have this used for an additional 50 bed construction in the new County jail facility. City Manager Zais stated that the infrastructure issue has been tracked closely by Assistant City Manager'Stouder and the YCDA. Many bills have been introduced -that relate to industrial growth management and industrial park site development. The City is also closely watching proposed major .changes to the Growth Management Act, including the funding impact for compliance. Mr. Zais briefly cofinerited oh' the cutreht" status'of self insurance legislation, hotel /motel tax amendments and <the'prop6sal to bap, Utility taxes. Finance Director John Hanson discussed recent proposals to roll back gambling taxes. House Bill 1866 limits taxes to net proceeds after prizes rather than gross proceeds. House Bill 1867 reduces the gross tax on social card games from 20% to 10 %. If passed, the City will lose about $100,000 in gambling revenue that is annually applied to law and justice enforcement. Assistant City Manager Stouder outlined the components of infrastructure funding for industrial park development. Local legislators have endorsed expansion of the powers of the Community Economic Revitalization Board, increasing its funding allocation and allowing eligibility for local projects. Representative Inslee reintroduced the Yakima Demonstration Project Bill, which allows $4 million for the Yakima project. Expansion of the Public Works AAD /3 • • • MARCH 5, 1991 3 2 9 Trust Fund to allow industrial preparedness projects is moving on . schedule.. Council member Pechtel.asked Yakima is requesting too much at the legislative level this year, and cautioned that the City might be forced to make choices. At.this stage, Mr. Stouder feels there is ample justification for all requests. He mentioned the Stampede Pass Rail Line and the Growth Management Act, stating that it is premature to predict, the outcome. • City Attorney Vanek' commented on the proposed dangerous dog • ordinance. The bills have been amended to effectively allow the City_ of.Yakima to keep, its ban on pit bulls. City Manager Zais thanked Administrative.Assistant Marketa Oliver for her assistance with preparation'of the legislative update., ,He also Complimented Council ,members and staff for their active presence in Olympia, and encouraged continued efforts for the balance of the session. It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO ACCEPT THE STAFF ' REPORT. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. . Mayor Berndt informed Council of proposed changes in the Drug Omnibus Bill allocations. Recent interpretation by the House Appropriations Committee would allocate soda pop tax to school construction rather than community mobilization, as originally intended. This action would significantly impact the Coalition for the War on Drugs,' She, added. _ that. u_ urban areas are seeking a share • of. federal, funding` from the Bureau of Justice,. Yakima is a targeted area, based on crime statistics and population. She asked Council members to consider ways to most effectively apply for that money. 8. REPORT ON STATUS OF REBOUND PLUS PROGRAM Community and Economic Development Director Glenn Rice and Rebound . Plus Administrator Irene _Gutierrez gave a status report on the Rebound Plus Program. Mr. Rice'observed that considerable work has been done since the program began last fall. Ms. Gutierrez explained the process used to identify abandoned and :dilapidated properties. A 7- minute video describing the program was shown to .Council,. The video was prepared by Rebound staff members, with . assistance from YCTV. Ms. Gutierrez thanked YCTV _producer Lynn Tobin for assistance with the project. Council members Buchanan and Pechtel will show a copy of the video to the Justice Department in Washington, D.C. Mayor Berndt suggested the video and the Rebound Program as a topic for a future YCTV forum. . Ms. Gutierrez emphasized that all property owners are treated fairly and equally in terms of enforcement. She said that it takes up _ to two weeks for property omer response, and another two to three weeks for compliance. Council member Barnett asked if property owners are given a complete set of regulations explaining their responsibilities. Ms. Gutierrez said that staff developed a handbook to explain °the law. The handbook merges elements of the Uniform Building Code with the City of Yakima Municipal Code. Copies of applicable sections are provided to property owners at the time of citation. In addition, a Board of Appeals has been established, and Council. has appointed four Board members. • Applications to fill the fifth position will be presented to Council next week. • AAD /4 3 3 0 MARCH 5, 1991 Council member_Pechtel asked specific questions about a dilapidated house in his neighborhood. Ms. Gutierrez was aware of the property., but stated .that, difficulty _in,locating the owner has delayed action. Mr. Pechtel felt that the neighbors deserve some action to remedy the situation. Assistant City Manager Stouder said that quarterly reports will be presented to Council. Community Development Director Rice said that full staff, has not been,. hired. It was decided to operate with fewer enp1oyees to insure the length of the program. Mr. Stouder explained that Bureau of Justice Demonstration funding and local funding are missing components,, and efforts are being made in those areas. Anticipated funding from local businesses and banks will be used for rehabilitation. Mr. Stouder also, mentioned the Housing Trust. Fund as a potential funding source for housing rehabilitation. ,. Ms. Gutierrez reported that 21 rehabilitations have been completed on a voluntary basis. Council member Beauchamp stated that the established procedure has been effective in eliminating controversy., Council member ° Sims said that Council is excited about the program, and appreciates what has been accomplished. Council member Beauchamp suggested that the upcoming 1991 Spring Rally Day would be a good opportunity to encourage property improvements. It was MOVED BY SECONDED - BY BEAUCHAMP, TO ACCEPT THE REPORT. ; The,motion carried by, unanimous voice vote. 9. PRESENTATION OF 1990 VISITOR AND CONVENTION BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT Lenore Lambert, President of the Visitors and Convention Bureau, said that she was, pleased to present the annual report since it reflects the commitment of both the Board of Directors and the Center Advisory Committee. She acknowledged the vision and support the Council has provided in both time and money to make the Bureau a' success. Mrs. Lambert complimented work performed by Center Director Kathy Coffey, her staff and the staff of M & M catering. Ms. Coffey reviewed event days, convention'days, delegates and revenue, which all improved over the previous year. Ms. Coffey was particularly pleased with future days booked, because they indicate projected growth for the future. Future days are booked into the year 2000, with significant growth in convention dates. Mayor Berndt recognized M & M catering as an asset to the community, and complimented the job they have done for the Center. Ms. Coffey said that a report on proposed Center expansion will be presented to Council in 2 -3 months. Ms. Lambert added that expansion is necessary if Yakima hopes to maintain its position in the State for tourism and conventions. Ms. Coffey said that the local room tax revenue increase for 1990. is, projected at, 22% over 1989 by the Department of Revenue. (Council member Beauchamp absent after 4:10 P.M.) Ms. Coffey reported that proposed room tax , legislation is being monitored by the Bureau.. They support, the CERB enhancement bill which would designate $2.5 million to timber dependent communities for tourism development. Council member Pechtel inquired about the status of proposed meeting rooms at the SunDome. City Manager Zais AAD /5 MARCH 5, 1991 3 3 replied that the County has other priorities at this time, and has postponed a decision on the meeting rooms.- Mr. Zais suggested that the Council schedule a meeting with the.County Commissioners when the Yakima Center Feasibility Study is complete. It was MOVED BY BARNEIT, SECONDED BY PECHTEL, TO APPROVE'THE REPORT. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Beauchamp absent. BUSINESS MEETING 10. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION SETTING DATE OF HEARING FOR MARCH 26, 1991 FOR THE 1991 IRRIGATION MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT ROLL Council member Barnett said that he removed this item from the Consent Agenda to ask questions about Irrigation District 622. He was concerned that no assessment was set for this.district, and that the size of the irrigation assessment area has been reduced by 5.5% in three years. If this trend continues, a very small group of people will be paying for the operation of the total system in .just a few years. City Manager Zais replied that the purpose of this Resolution is to set the date of public hearing, and staff is not prepared to answer questions at this time. Mr. Zais will refer - the questions to staff and provide a reply to Mr Barnett. Resolution No. D -5883, having been read by title, it was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION.. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote; Beauchamp absent. • RESOLUTION.NO., ° D -5883, A RESOLUTION setting ,a date for.hearing on the confirmation of the irrigation maintenance assessment roll for the year 1991. *11. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING' EXECUTION OF RIGHT -OF -WAY SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR THE 32ND AVENUE /TIETON DRIVE INTERSECTION RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT RESOLUTION NO. D- 5884, -A RESOLUTION authorizing the execution of an agreement for consulting services for the widening and improving of c the intersection of South 32nd Avenue and Tieton Drive. *12. SET DATE OF PUBLIC MEETING FOR MARCH 19, 1991 ON 1991 ZONING FEE SCHEDULE March 19, 1991 was set as the date of public meeting on the 1991 land development fee ordinance. 13. OTHER BUSINESS Council member Pechtel requested that another Council member take his place at the Construction Federation meeting on March llth since he will be in Washington, D.C. Mayor Berndt will attend the meeting. (Council member Barnett absent after 4:15 P.M.). Council member Pechtel said that he met with the Executive Board of the Chamber of Commerce, and feels that the meetings over the past four months have been very beneficial to all concerned. AAD /6 3 3 2 MARCH 5, 1991 Information Items: • .. Items of information supplied to Council were: Memo from Director of Finance ,& ,Budget regarding. Use.,, of Meter Readers for Other Puroses. 2/22/91; Monthly Traffic Engineer' Service Request Report for February 1991; Monthly Report of the Chief of Police for January 1991; Press.Release, Department of Public Works regarding 1991 Spring Clean -Up Program and 1991 Spring Rally Day. 3/1/91; . News Release regarding Transit Ridership Hits All -Time High Mark. 2/20/91; Yakima Transit Quarterly Report for Fourth Quarter 1990; Article from February 22, 1991, Honolulu Star Bulletin, "Gill Backs Free Downtown Shuttle "; Minutes of January 24, .1991 Yakima County Development Association, Board of Directors Meeting; Minutes of February 7, 1991 Downtown Area Redevelopment Committee meeting; Agenda for February 27, 1991 Yakima District Board of Health and minutes of its January 23,. 1991 meeting; Agenda for'February 28, 1991 Yakima Air,Terminal Board meeting and minutes of its January 31, � 1991. meeting; Minutes of the February 4, 1991 Yakima Youth Commission meeting; Article from January 28, 1991 City & State, "No Infrastructure Funds, No Growth "; and Newsletter of the Northwest Policy Center, The .,changing Northwest, Volume 3, Issue 1, Jan. /Feb. 1991 14. ADJOURNMENT It was MOVED 'BY BUCHANAN SECONDED BY."SIMS, TO ADJOURN.:TO MARCH '12, 1991 AT 7:15 .A.M. IN "THE . CITY `MAN R'SCONFERENCE ROOM FOR INFORMAL COUNCIL DISCUSSION. The nation carried by unanimous voice vote; Barnett and Beauchamp absent. The meeting adjourned at the hour of 4:20. P.M. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY : 1 �'�p G 9 � COUNCIL, MEMBER .. E • CO NC I L 1 TE ATTEST: e(JtR -vim �4 �� CAOn c- CITY CLERK / MAYOR Minutes prepared by Deputy City Clerk Lovell • AAD /7