HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/26/1991 Business Meeting 343
CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
MARCH 26, 1991
BUSINESS MEETING
1 ROLL CALL -
The :City: Council!' met in" sessionon''this ldate - 'at 2:00' P.M. in the
Council Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Mayor Pat
Berndt, presiding, Council members Clarence Barnett, Henry
Beaucha v, Lynn Buchanan, George Pechtel, Skip Semon and Bernard
Sims present on roll call. City Manager Zais, City Attorney Vanek,
and"Deputy City Clerk Lovell also present.
2. INVOCATION
The Invocation was given by Council member Beauchamp.
3. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
Mayor Berndt presented special commendations to Elizabeth and
Justin Hansen, local children who honored troops in the Middle East
by purchasing and tying yellow ribbons throughout the city.
It was MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP,: SECONDED BY BARNEIT, "TD MOVE INTO
EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR TEN MINUTES TO DISCUSS ''PROPERFY`ACQUISITION.
- -. The - .motion ""carried° by ,unanimous `.voice vote. In order to
accommodate the'latge number citizens'in the audience, Mayor
Berndt requested that the public hearings be conducted prior to the
Executive Session. Council agreed with the request.
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. There being none, the
Deputy 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 . mo carried 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 THE MINUTES OF THE MARCH ) 2, 1991 ADJOURNED COUNCIL
MEETING
The minutes of the March 12, 1991 adjourned Council meeting 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
In response to water contamination problems in the Fairview -Sumac
area, Richard Andring, 203 South 8th Avenue, encouraged the City to
develop code requirements for capping side sewer lines.
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Mayor Berndt requested.reversal of the order of the p hearings
since the annexation ordinance was expected to be brief.
PUBLIC HEARING
8. PUBLIC HEARING ON ANNEXATION OF PROPERTY IN THE VICINITY OF SOUTH
48TH AVENUE AND NOB HILL BOULEVARD, REQUESTED BY WILLIAM ALMON
This__ being the date set for public hearing, Associate Planner John
Elsden reported that he had not to add to the staff report.
,Mayor. Berndt opened the public hearing, and asked if there was
anyone present to speak to the issue. The property owner, William
Almon, explained that his application includes 20 acres of land,
and he.looks forward to becoming a City resident and eligible for
City .services. Mr., Almon indicated that firm development plans
have not been "prepared for .the site. Agnes Badgley, 901 Pleasant,
• was not aware'of this specific site, but urged Council to require
adequate water and sewer services in place prior to approval of any
.annexations. There being no further comment, Mayor Berndt closed
the public hearing. Ordinance No. 3349, having been read by title,
i BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO ADOPT ORDINANCE.
The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.
•
ORDINANCE NO. 3349, AN ORDINANCE annexing property to the City of
Yakima and.zoning said property.
7. PUBLIC HEARING ON 1991 IRRIGATION MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT ROLL (SEE
ORDINANCE CONFIRMING ROLL)
This being the time set for public hearing, Water Division-.Manager
Ty Wick offered to answer questions about the (1991 - 'irrigation
assessment roll. In reply to questions.from Council member Barnett,
Mr. Wick stated that the.status of the Adams pipeline ownership is
unchanged; the Naches Cowiche Canal Company still will not accept
the return of water shares; and that annexation has no effect on
the established irrigation system..
Mayor Berndt opened the public hearing and asked if there was
anyone present,to speak to the issue. Bill Hambelton, 615 South
32nd _Avenue, asked questions concerning Districts #661 and #666,
and the effect that rate increases will have on fixed and low
income residents. Mr. Hambelton's primary : concern was a lack of
time to. study the report .adequately, and he asked that the
information.be distributed earlier next.year. Mr. Hambelton also
encouraged,._long_range planning to address, water needs in future
annexation areas. Council member Buchanan stated'that adjusting
. rates 'annually does not guarantee .against large future rate
increases. Instead, he favors standard annual rates to insure
adequate reserves to handle unexpected expenses.
On behalf of his neighbors, Mr.''Ibach, " 409 South 13th,Avenue, spoke
about District #253. Most of the people in the neighborhood are
retired and living on fixed incomes, and he urged Council to
consider that fact when rates are set. Clayton Beck, 4 North 32nd
Avenue, suggested renovation of the entire irrigation system to
prevent major repair charges each year. Mr. Beck asked if his
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,rate increase. this year was for normal expenses. Mayor Berndt
mentioned that a large increase from the Yakima Valley Canal
Company was passed on to irrigation customers. Council member Sims
reminded the audience_that ,the City does not own the irrigation
systems, and that charges are distributed to owners of the
individual systems. He added that the City has conducted a
comprehensive irrigation plan for the 66 systems within the City
boundaries, but the final resolution cannot be determined until
current litigation is resolved. Phil Jochim, 911 South 34th
Avenue, asked for justification of the 80% rate increase for
District #852. .Mayor Berndt observed that this district has seen
decreases in past years, but was subject to the dramatic increase
. from the Yakima.Valley Canal Company this year. Agnes Badgley, 901
Pleasant,' asked questions about the reserves for District #503,
and how they had been invested over the past 15 years. Council
member. Barnett agreed to meet with Mrs: Badgley to review this
information. Cyril Lentz, 2702 Brackett, objected to the 82.6%
increase in the assessment rate for District #666. He favors
continuation of the irrigation system, but suggested the City have
representation in decisions made by the Yakima Valley Canal
, Company.,, . Council member ; Barnett, stated that the City tries to
maintain a six month operating''reserve in each district. However,
state law'limits the amounts of reserves that may be accumulated,
and how they maybe used.. Water, Division Manager. Wick cautioned
that any additional increases in the re's"erves may be challenged.
John Klingele, 1312 West Walnut; stated that District #342 faces
the first increase in about eight years. Although he was not
surprised with a 68% increase, he would have preferred 'a more
gradual rate adjustment.
There being'no further comments, Mayor Berndt .closed the public
hearing. Council member Sims requested production of an irrigation
video prior to the public hearing next year.. He.suggested a video
that addresses the number of districts, ownership of the districts,
how. rates. are set, and specific events that impact rates in a given
year. This would clarify the irrigation issue.for both citizens and
the Council, and assist in making decisions on the future of the
system. Council. member Barnett called attention to the zero
balance in estimated reserves for District #817, and suggested a
correction in the master copy. Council member Barnett requested
that staff investigate the legal limit for operating reserves, and
suggested study by Council at a later date. .Water Division Manager
Wick explained that the primary' purpose of the Assessment Roll
Hearing is to hear any errors that are contained in the report.
Ordinance. No. 3350, having been read by title, it was MOVED BY
SIMS, SECONDED "BY'BUCHANAN, .TO THE .ORDINANCE. The motion
carried by unanimous roll call vote. Mayor. Berndt invited audience
members to participate in studies of the irrigation question that
will be considered over the next year.
ORDINANCE NO. 3350, AN_ ORDINANCE confirming the irrigation
maintenance assessment roll of the City of.Yakima for the calendar
year 1991 and levying irrigation maintenance assessments according
to such roll.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION •
Council adjourned into Executive Session at•3:00 P.M. regarding
property acquisition. Council reconvened in general session at
3:20 P.M. with all members present.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS
9. STATUS REPORT FROM DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING' AND UTILITIES
REGARDING DOMESTIC WATER PROJECT FOR FAIRVIEW -SUMAC AREA WELL
CONTAMINATION REPLACEMENT - COSTS AND FUNDING OPTIONS
Denny Covell, Director of Engineering and Utilities, summarized the
costs and financing options for the Fairview -Sumac water main
system. Staff has reviewed' state d'federal programs that have
loan and /or grant programs and the only viable funding source is
the Public Works Trust Fund. Mr. Covell concluded that Council has
three possible options for funding the project: (1) the Public
Works Trust Fund loan, which is a competitive program, and takes 18
months from application to project completion; (2) the formation
of an LID, which would involve property owners, as opposed to
tenants; and (3) the City financing the, cost of extending the
water system, which would require a 2.5% increase to the existing
rate structure. Option•3 would be the fastest method of getting
water service into the area. Mr. Covell explained that the project
construction costs could be reduced by about' 1/3 if the ,work is
done by City forces. This would reduce the project cost to about
$250,000. City Manager Zais explained that a precedent was set for
this type of action when the City constructed. the 'water main for
the Gleed water system, and spread the cost across the rate base.
Mr. Zais also suggested that the Council 'might want to invite
Yakima County to participate in the funding for this project.
Council member Beauchamp strongly endorsed taking positive action
to solve this problem, and felt that local citizens would not
oppose a rate increase to solve a human need. Mr. Zais reminded
Council that installation - of :the water not the - total cost
of the project. Meter sets and hook -up costs can add another
$1200 per household, and there is no current Code provision that
allows extended contract payment.
Council members were concerned that there were no guarantees that
residents would connect to the water system after it is installed.
Skip Steinmetz, representing the Yakima Health District, verified
that the Health District cannot compel residents with private water
systems to connect to the City system. City Attorney Vanek offered
to research if Yakima has the authority, as a first class city, to
'require hook -ups to the system under its general health and
'safety 'powers. Mr. Vanek can also draft legislation to allow
contract payments for hook -ups, but cautioned that the
landlord /tenant relationship becomes a factor. It was MOVED BY
BARNETT, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP, TO DIRECT STAFF TO PREPARE THE
APPROPRIATE LEGISLATION DECLARING AN EMERGENCY UNDER SUBSECTION 6
OF ROW 35.22.620 WHICH ALLOWS WAIVER OF THE BID PROCESS TO ALLOW
CITY FORCES TO PERFORM IMMEDIATE INSTALLATION OF A DOMESTIC WATER
MAIN. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. City Manager
Zais stated that-staff will return with the resolution and a legal
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opinion. Council member Pechtel encouraged Council to take more
time to consider legal ramifications and precedents before taking
action. :John Bliss, 808 South 13th Street, and a resident of the
area since 1935, encouraged Council to take action to solve the
long standing problem. It was the consensus of.Council to direct
staff to continue with the design phase of the project, and to
research the legal issues. Council members will meet with the
County Commissioners . to' - request financial support. Mr. Steinmetz
reported that the Health District is making progress in locating a
bathing facility for the Fairview - Sumac residents, and mentioned
Washington Middle School and Washington - Pool as possible sites.
*10. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION REGARDING FIRE PROTECTION CONTRACT FOR
STATE OF WASHINGTON FACILITIES
RESOLUTION_ - NO. D -5893, A RESOLUTION authorizing the execution of
an- agreemefitrwith the State of Washington, Planning and Community
Affairs Agency; for fire services to'State facilities.
*11 APPROVAL" OF VEHICLE ACCIDENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY,
1991
The February, 1991 Vehicle Accident Report was approved.
ORDINANCES .
• *12. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1991 BUDGET:
Ari ordinance amending the 1991 budget for the City of Yakima;
making Jappropriations for Miller Pool repairs and operating co
having been read by title only,.was laid on the table for two
weeks, until April 9, 1991.
*13. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE' AMENDING'SEWER UTILITY RATES AND CHARGES
IMPLEMENTING- ADJUSTED -COST OF SERVICE STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS
ORDINANCE NO. 3351, AN ORDINANCE relating to public services and
utilities; increasing sewer ready -to -serve charges and volume
charges; increasing the •out-of-city surcharges; and amending
Subsections 7.60.020 A and B of the City of Municipal Code.
14. OTHER BUSINESS
- Council member Pechtel requested postponement of the Council visit
to the Southeast Community Center scheduled for April 2nd. The
meeting will be rescheduled at a later date.'
Mayor Berndt requested a report from Parks and Recreation Manager
Flaherty at the next Council meeting on recreation programming for
youth, including the "Kid's Place" program.
Councilrmeinber: :Barnett requested clarification of the: motion made
' at :.the 'March' 19th 'meeting "regarding: the 'design phase of
City /Chainbe'r= - Of ".Commerce parking' lot' develo anent. Council member
Pechtel replie&that; his: motion included[ - consideration of parking
for Yakima Center expansion, park and ride lots,.' downtown
shuttle and special transit operations.
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MARCH 26, 1991 3 5 3
Items of information supplied to Council were: Monthly Annexation
Status Report as of March 26, 1991; Memo from Block Grant Manager
regarding Community Development Week - April 1 - 7, 1991; Memo from
Director, Community & Economic Development regarding a report on
the Yakima Interurban Trolley Lines 1990; Report from Personnel
Division regarding 1991 Hiring Status as of March 6, 1991; Minutes
of the March 13, 1991 Visioning Yakima 2010 Steering Committee;
Article from The Denver Post, March 3, 1991, "Water Leasing ";
Article from The Denver Post, March 3, 1991, "Community Policing ";
Legal Department Monthly Report for February, 1991
15. EXECUTIVE SESSION
O
It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP, ID MOVE INTO
EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY, FOLLOWED BY
IMMEDIATE ADJOURNMENT. The motion carried by unanimous voice
vote.
16. ADJOURNMENT
Following the canpletion of the Executive Session, the meeting was
adjourned at 4:25 P.M.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY:
COUNCI M I:ER / DATE
_
OUNCIL :mr DATE
ATTEST: Q.kt % JP
DEPUT CITY CLERK MAYOR
Minutes prepared by Deputy City Clerk Lovell.
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