No preview available
HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/02/1991 Adjourned Meeting • 431 • - CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON . - ADJOURNED MEETING - JULY 2, 1991 -41 . . The City - ,Council .met in session on this date at-11:30-A.M. at the Water Treatment-Plant-with the Engineering and Utilities Department. Mayor Pat Berndt and Councilmembers Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Buchanan, George Pechtel and Skip Sp in attendance. Councilmembers Clarence Barnett and Bernard Sims absent and - excused. City Manager Zais, -Assistant City Manager Stouder, Engineering and Utilities Director Covell,_ Water' Superintendent Wick, Wastewater Superintendent Waarvick, City Engineer French and Deputy City C1erk•Lovell also present. ., A. WATER AND IRRIGATION DIVISION Water Superintendent Wick began the meeting with a brief update of Water Division goals and objectives: . -,-2 , - �, ,: 1. Kissel Park Well:- Mr. Wick drilling is and - the well will be - operational by_spring• - It will:be a stand -by water, • source-,; - and - will • al low , the . r City to meet "average day" • domestic- water•demands' :.through. back -up sources.: The.time: limit for the Public Works Trust'Fund :loan has lapsed, but application has been made for an extension: Staff will be:requesting contract change - approval for design of the pump and-pump house:: . 2. Upgrade of Control Systems - The conceptual design. phase is complete. Detailed work on plans and specifications is underway, and will be ready to bid this fall. The current system is becoming obsolete, and requires upgrading to utilize full plant capacity. 3. Status of Acquavella Case - Mr. Wick reported that a summary judgement was made 3- 4•-months ago;. however, the judge has refused to define the ruling. Changes in personnel involved in- the case have caused confusion.in resolving the issues. At this time, it is uncertain when the case will be finally resolved. 4.- Fruitbale Canal - =' The conveys the water in the canal, but has no rights to the water. There is a problem with agreements previously signed by PP &L, which the City assumed upon taking over operation of the canal. Some individuals neglected to file claims for water rights, causing a question of ownership. The Department of Ecology is currently working to resolve the situation. Mr. Wick gave an update of the Fairview -Sumac project, and said it is being completed ahead of schedule and below the cost estimate. To date, $176;000 has spent for construction of the System and water meter installation; a preliminary savings of about $114,000. Councilmember Beauchamp praised the construction crews, and Mr: Covell- added his appreciation to staff members who extended their work hours to complete the project. It was 43 days from the time of Council direction until the first house was connected and received water service. Mr. Wick advised Council that a water rate increase is necessary. Water rates are being analyzed by a consulting firm, and information will be 4 3 2 JULY 2, 1991 presented to Council during Budget review. This will be the first water rate increase since 1985. Initial estimates appear to require an increase in the 10 -13% range. Irrigation system problems were briefly discussed by Mr. Wick. He said that 60% of the water that goes into the wood irrigation pipes is lost by leakage. He indicated that recent state legislation will require the City to develop a water conservation plan. He warned that the current rate structure may be impacted since it does not encourage conservation. Mr. Wick said that manpower needs will increase in the Division as the distribution system continues to grow each year.' During the Budget session,. :Council will be asked to increase one current part -time position to:'full time. An additional two - person crew will be required within five years. The plant will require a minimum of two additional operators in the next two years in order to meet mandated water quality standards. • B. ENGINEERING DIVISION City Engineer French reviewed the impact of debt service on Street Capital Funds. The funds have diminished to a point that no new projects are being considered at this time. Mr. French said that the future -of the funds is bleak,iand may notrrecover for about 10 years.'About,$150,000 in unobligated revenue in the 142 Fund will be used for matching funds and debt service Yakima Avenue /I -82 improvements. City Manager Zais said that tax increases may be possible under the' new Transportation Act. He also' felt that the Metropolitan Planning process may open some new funding opportunities for County -wide projects. Mr. Zais stated that a funding issue will be presented to Council soon for improvements to First Avenue, from Yakima Avenue to "I" Street. • Mr. Frenchsadvised Council that •recent resignations in two key positions will create a serious manpower shortage in the Division, and will impact the completion of the current construction season. Due to a lack of time, the meeting was adjourned at 1:10 P.M., and the. balance of the . agenda was postponed to a future meeting. Councilmembers were led on a brief tour of the facility by'Dave Brown, Treatment Plant Supervisor. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: L' / COUNCILMEMBER 7 - . .DATE • - - , FA / IMBER DATE ATTEST: I C; ) ,d-e 0/tpt_G DEP Y CITY CLERK - MAYOR ' .. Minutes prepared by Deputy City Clerk Lovell • -2-