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Home My WebLink About08/04/1992 Study Session / Business Meeting 387 CITY OF_ =YAKIMA, WASHINGTON AUGUST 4, 1992 STUDY SESSION /BUSINESS MEETING I/ 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, Bill Brado, Lynn Buchanan, Skip Semon and Bernard Sims present on roll call. City Manager Zais, City Attorney Vanek, City Clerk Roberts and Deputy City Clerk Skovald also present. 2. INVOCATION /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Invocation was given by Council Member Beauchamp. 3. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER Mayor Berndt introduced Ruth Ann Kellum, newly elected city council member, from the City of Hampton, Virginia, visiting this area. Council Member Buchanan commented on letters received concerning pedestrian- bicycle access between Terrace Heights and the city of Yakima. There will be at least five ramps for bicycles and pedestrians to cross, and this is not safe; even with the extra width, there is extreme danger when cars approach from behind. It is not wise to exclude pedestrian- bicycle access. Council Member Beauchamp commented on the number of joggers, bicyclists, and rollerskaters using the Greenway. There must be a way to include a pedestrian - bicycle pathway because the Greenway has become such a vital addition to this community. Council Member Sims agreed and suggested the Gateway Project be reviewed to include some alternatives to include a bicycle route other than just widening the road. Council Member Semon expressed concern for the rights of bicyclists, as well as motorists. Staff was directed to review the Gateway Project to include options for a bicycle - pedestrian pathway. 1/ A. PROCLAMATIONS Mayor Berndt proclaimed August 9 -15, 1992, as Municipal Treasurers' Week in recognition of the vital services performed and the outstanding community dedication exhibited. Robert Wheeler, Finance and Budget Accounting Manager, introduced Debbie Romias, Head Cashier; Glenda Godfrey, Cashier; Glenda Urvina, Cashier; Nathan Thompson, Cashier; Chris Wilson, Cashier; and Tim Jensen, Accountant. 388 AUGUST 4, 1992 Glen Phipps, Administrator for the 1992 Ag Showcase, outlined this unique trade event, which will stimulate long -term international trade and investment. It is estimated that over $750,000 will be injected into the local economy directly related to the 1992 Ag Showcase. Mr. Phipps thanked the City I/ of Yakima Mayor's Office, City Manager's Office, Printing Department, Police Department, Parks and Recreation Department, Visitor's and Convention Bureau, Library, Cable TV network, and Glenn Rice, who served as a liaison, for all the hard work and special effort shown. There are more than 175 exhibitors, with the majority being from the Yakima Valley, along with a sample of exhibitors from the West Side. There are 90 confirmed international buyers; however, with additional firm commitments from the UK, Morocco, Spain, Philippines, and Mexico, that number will reach 150 (perhaps more) qualified international trade delegates, distributors, and agents that will be attending this event. Staff will include students from Japan and The Middle East who are studying in Yakima, along with a diverse racial composition that will exemplify the melting pot of the Yakima Valley. Mr. Phipps invited the Council to participate as ambassadors, which would be a unique opportunity to spread the positive image of Yakima. 4. REPORT FROM PARKS AND RECREATION REGARDING RECONSIDERATION OF 1992 BUDGET POLICY ISSUE ON PROPOSED CITY UTILITY IN -LIEU OF TAX FOR PARKS Dave Flaherty, Parks and Recreation Manager, explained the Parks and Recreation Division has worked very hard during the last three years to provide services to the community, to improve operations and efficiency, while trying to stay within budget, but unfortunately, revenues have not kept pace with expenditures. To offset this deficit, the Parks and Recreation Division has been using its cash reserve account. In December 1991, the Parks and Recreation Department asked for an increase in the Utility In -Lieu of Tax. The issue was deferred until mid -1992. Mr. Flaherty asked for Council's guidance to initiate and move forward with the 1993 Budget. Without new or increased revenue resources, existing programs and services will have to be reduced in order to achieve a balanced budget. I/ Council Member Barnett expressed concern with increasing the Utility In -Lieu of Tax because of the bond issue and maintenance and operation levy that will be on the ballot in 1993, along with other issues for the community to consider. With so many people in Yakima with low to moderate incomes, 2 389 o AUGUST 4, 199;_, Council Member Barnett is concerned about over burdening these citizens. I/ Council Member Semon compared the Utility In -Lieu of Tax to a "user fee." Citizens with lower incomes would be most affected by ,the increase, but most would be willing to pay a small increase in order to see the programs and services maintained. While we may be putting a proportionate greater burden on low- income citizens, those are the citizens who utilize the services and rely on the parks and the activities that take place there. Council Member Beauchamp acknowledged the burden of the homeowner when costs are passed on. It is impossible to completely avoid passing costs on, but there needs to be a conscientious effort made to limit that. He suggested many of the parks' programs could possibly be funded with grants. The City needs a first -class grants writer so that opportunities to develop grant projects can be sought. Council Member Brado questioned when annexation would bring revenues, instead of costing the City. City Manager Zais explained that one reason is the cost to serve and deliver services to newly annexed areas. Another reason is because the revenue that comes from the annexations is affected in several ways; property : taxes have an 18 -month lag time and there are the two lids- Currently-imposed by state law. The assessments have been behind market value for the last couple of years, which means lost revenue because of the lid. The pension cost increases mandatorily required because of inflation is another effect on property tax revenue. Council Member Sims recognized that the parks are being returned to the citizens and are being utilized substantially better than in the past. Families are out enjoying the parks, and it is important that the youth have a focused place for their energy. He agreed with Council Member Beauchamp's idea to seek out grant money. David Flaherty attributed the success in the community to I/ joining forces with other agencies, where resources have been pooled and grants have been obtained. Recognizing that the parks are the only recreational outlet for many -- especially for people of color and children- - Ester Huey, Director of Yakima County Substance Abuse Coalition, spoke in favor of the Utility In -Lieu of Tax increase. The opportunity to learn to swim has been provided to many children whose families cannot provide that kind of 3 390 AUGUST 4, 1992 recreation for them. Ms. Huey also expressed concern about the possibility of reducing staff at the Senior Center. It would greatly impact in a negative way the outlet that senior I/ citizens have in Yakima. Another significant area for concern is the Anti -Gang Coalition Program. In the areas served by the Gang Prevention Intervention Program, juvenile crime has been reduced by at least 50 percent. Peggy Henretig, a member of the Yakima Youth Commission, supported the Utility In -Lieu of Tax increase and urged the Council to act in a "pro- active manner by putting priorities into prevention" because one of the best indicators of a city's economic viability and quality of life is the condition of it's parks and recreation department. Neal Coffey, a citizen from the Fruitvale area, thought that the Fire Department needed more funding, rather than the Parks and Recreation Division. Although he does support a strong parks program, he suggested a survey be put in with the utility bills and let the citizens decide the issue. Martha Matthews, 703 N. Naches Avenue, requested the City maintain the present park standards. The programs available through the park system are affordable to most families, and the young people and the elderly people really need these programs. Larry Petry, Yakima School District, described the Parks and Recreation Division as a quality organization that looks to the future and has a caring and very strong management system. The Parks and Recreation Division has been a central player in teaming up with the Anti -Gang Coalition providing counseling and activities. Statistics will show that gang related activity has decreased by , two- thirds, from 180 instances of gang related lawlessness to 60 in the areas served, thereby saving this community the cost of law enforcement and the cost of future problems. Mr. Petry encouraged continuation of the Parks and Recreation programs because it is an investment in the future that we can't afford to deny. Gene Rostvold, Director of Athletic Activities Intermurals for Yakima Public Schools, as Chairman of the Gang Prevention I/ Intervention Coalition, spoke about the importance of positive activities and programs for kids who don't have the economic means to be involved in . a lot of'programs. The Parks and Recreation programs are meeting the needs of those young people. Mr. Rostvold supported the Utility -In -Lieu of Tax increase. 4 39 kF. + AUGUST 4, 1992 Anne Caffery., Executive Director of the Memorial Foundation, who has been working in the area of health and prevention for 1/ children, spoke of one very significant thing she learned about the health of children - -at the root of the health of children is the health of the family. During the last two or three years, the Parks and Recreation programs have played a role at the baseline of the health of the family in this community. The community education opportunities offered to families is something that non - profits, like the Memorial Foundation, can add to. Ms. Caffery asked that the Council seriously consider keeping current services in park accessibility, education, and those cooperative networking kinds of activities. Bo Hepler, Parks Commissioner, 214 N. 37th Avenue, asked the Council to seriously consider this 2 percent increase so that the Parks and •Recreation Division can continue to move forward. There are a lot of things to accomplish, even though the division has come a long way in the last three or four years. Council Member Beauchamp stated that the need for this increase is evident. A two percent increase will generate approximately $255,000, which only covers current services. The City needs to invest in a long term approach by hiring a first -class grants writer. If $60,000 were invested, that investment could possibly -,multiply into a million dollars a year. Council Member Semon supported the suggestion of a grants writer and felt it should be part of budget discussion for 1993. City Manager Zais mentioned that Mr. Flaherty is ahead of the budget process because this was a deferred policy issue. In consideration of the 1992 Budget, Mr. Flaherty started earlier so that he could be prepared to present this report to the Council at this time. The 40 -45 day time frame is important for pulling together the necessary data and information on which to prepare and present the 1993 Preliminary Budget. I/ Council Member Barnett and City Manager Zais discussed the time frame of possible future increases for water, sewer, and refuse and the effects of those increases. After further discussion, it was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO INCREASE THE PARKS AND RECREATION UTILITY IN -LIEU OF TAX FROM 2% TO 4% EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 1993. City Manager Zais stated that this requires formal legislation to 5 392 AUGUST 4, 1992 be brought back. This tax is on water, city sewer, city refuse, the private water purveyor, and private refuse. Council Member Buchanan questioned the meaning regarding "likewise, we would expect the private utilities would do the same." City Manager Zais explained the current 2% is allocated and the revenue is derived from the tax that is in place on refuse in the city, the private refuse carrier, and on the private water users. Budget and Finance Director Hanson explained that what that statement in the report meant was that we assumed if we are at an increase in the tax that it would be factored into our own water, sewer, and refuse future rate reviews and adjustments. Likewise, we assume that it will be factored in too on the private side. We assume that they would factor it into their rates or charge it as a tax. Mayor Berndt asked City Manager Zais about City use of a grants person. In reply to this question, City Manager Zais thought it is a very desirable thing if it can be put together. Other cities (our size or larger that were able to do this) experience the revenue return (enough to be able to support the position) generally two to three years away. The other issue we come up against is the constant struggle to find matching dollars. Council Member Beauchamp stated he was referring to grants that are not hard dollar matches. It was MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, THAT THIS MOTION BE TABLED FOR FOUR WEEKS. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. 5. REPORT FROM DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND BUDGET REGARDING CITY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND PRIORITIES City Manager Zais presented a report which included capital improvement requests for the next couple years. Mr. Zais briefly reviewed some of the details of the Gateway Project; the Police Station and Legal Facilities project; the one -tenth of one percent sales tax issue proposed for a November County -wide election; the Parks and Recreation Bond issue, which possibly could include an operation and maintenance levy; the Fire Service and Fire Facilities project; the Convention Center facility expansion proposal; and the Street Bond issue. Mr. Zais commented that final decisions have not been made on most of these projects with regard to priority financing methods, facility design, project components, and timing of implementation. Mayor Berndt suggested meeting with City Department Heads to discuss their long range and short range needs and goals in 6 393 AUGUST 4, 1992:. order to do strategic planning. Mayor Berndt expressed the need for the Council to be cognizant of the issues because it is important to know what the priorities of the community are. I/ City Manager Zais commented about the level of demands and project requirements that both the City and County Governments, along with other institutions, have in front of them and that it is not uncommon to consider the formation of a citizens capital improvement committee. This committee might have representation from a broad cross- section of the city and be formed by the governing body with representation from staff and the governing body on it. This committee would assist in the Council's determination of what's important in terms of priority setting and timing and understand how the rest of the community feels about these matters. Council Member Barnett stated the decision making is still the Council's responsibility. Mayor Berndt felt that this type of committee would simply assist in prioritizing and documenting the need. Perhaps this committee would enhance the level of understanding in the community. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Berndt referred to the items placed on the Consent Agenda, questioning whether there were any additions or deletions from either Councilmembers or citizens present. It was the consensus of Council to remove Item No. 8. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and ordinances by title. It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY SIMS, THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA, AS READ, BE ADOPTED. 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.) 7. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Allen Schmid, Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce, spoke about a meeting with staff concerning the City Utility In -Lieu of I/ Tax for the Parks Division held on Monday, August 3rd. Mr. Schmid commented that the requested amount of money for the law and justice facility, which is the number one priority issue, is the same amount of money requested by the Parks Division. 7 394- • AUGUST 4, 1992 8. SET DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON NORTH ACRES ANNEXATION FOR AUGUST 18, 1992 Council Member Brado inquired if all the requirements of annexation had been addressed. Bruce Benson from the Planning Division explained this annexation was initiated because of a water hookup for a mobile home park. The mobile home park is 95 percent of this annexation, with the services already in place. After further discussion, it was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY SEMON, TO SET THE DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING ON NORTH ACRES ANNEXATION FOR AUGUST 18, 1992. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. *9. SET DATE OF PUBLIC MEETING TO CONSIDER HEARING EXAMINER RECOMMENDATION ON KKR DEVELOPMENT /RON KNIGHT MASTER APPLICATION IN VICINITY OF SOUTH WASHINGTON AVENUE AND 15TH AVENUE FOR AUGUST 18, 1992 August 18, 1992 was set as the date of public meeting to consider the Hearing Examiner's recommendation on KKR Development /Ron Knight Master Application. *10. SET DATE OF PUBLIC MEETING ON CEDAR HILLS SUBDIVISION PRELIMINARY LONG PLAT FOR AUGUST 18, 1992 August 18, 1992 was set as the date of public meeting on Cedar Hills Subdivision preliminary Long Plat. *11. SET DATE OF PUBLIC MEETING ON FINAL PLAT OF PROPERTY LOCATED IN VICINITY OF NORTH 40TH AVENUE AND ENGLEWOOD, REQUESTED BY DR. TAYLOR FOR AUGUST 11, 1992 August 11, 1992 was set as the date of public meeting on the final plat of property located in the vicinity of North 40th Avenue and Englewood, requested by Dr. Michael Taylor. 12. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE INITIATING CONDEMNATION PROCEEDINGS FOR PROPERTY FOR THE DOWNTOWN TRANSIT TRANSFER FAC -ILITY Ordinance No. 3481, having been read by title, IT WAS MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED SIMS, THAT THE ORDINANCE BE PASSED. Council Member Brado explained his opposition to this project is because of elimination of parking, and the legal costs involved. The question was called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by a 5 -2 roll call vote; Barnett and Brado voting nay. 8 395 AUGUST 4, 1992 - ORDINANCE NO. 3481, AN ORDINANCE authorizing and directing the law firm of Lyon, Beaulaurier, Weigand, Suko & Gustafson to institute and prosecute legal proceedings for the condemnation and acquisition of real property for the Downtown Transit Transfer Facility to be located between East Chestnut Avenue and East Walnut Street and between South 4th Street and South Naches Avenue and for public facilities related thereto; providing for the condemnation and taking of such real property and declaring the condemnation and taking thereof to be necessary for the public use required by the public interests; directing that compensation for such taking be paid from fund number 364 - Transit Capital Reserve Fund of the City of Yakima. 13. OTHER BUSINESS Council discussed a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce, which took place on Monday, August 3rd, regarding the proposal to eliminate the lid on the Utility In -Lieu of Tax in order to help fund the City's law and justice facility. Council Member Semon reported there was probably a better understanding after the meeting was over. There didn't seem to be anyone who took issue with the validity of the project, but no one is willing to pay for it.- Removing the lid would put 40 percent of the burden on one company, Boise Cascade, which is unreasonable. .Council.Member Buchanan reported that a suggestion to lift •he` = part way and then look for another source for the remainder of the money. • Another suggestion was to put a time period cap on either or both lifting the lid. Increasing the business license by 20 percent for a limited period of time was also suggested. Council Member Sims thought the meeting was productive. A compromise should be sought and it should be done with the members who attended this meeting, including the Chamber of Commerce. Mayor Berndt reported one suggestion was to raise the lid to approximately 6,000, 1% In -Lieu of Tax, and a slight increase in business licenses. This should be applied to all, not just large businesses. Council Member Semon asked about a meeting to be scheduled I/ with the Tobacco Youth Committee. Chief .Green stated a meeting should be scheduled before the end of August. City Manager Zais reported that National League of Cities has recently completed its survey of city fiscal conditions for 1992 releasing some interesting statistics from around the country. 9 396 AUGUST 4, 1992 Council members requested a meeting with Chuck Clarke, DOE, to discuss proposed requirements for clean -up of the aquifer. Information Items: ' Items of information supplied to Council were: Monthly Annexation Status Report for July 1992; Metro Plan Status Report as of August 3, 1992; Monthly Report from Rebound Plus for July 1992; Elderly Co -Op Monthly Report from Office of Housing and Neighborhood Conservation for July 1992; Memorandum from NLC regarding "City Fiscal Conditions in 1992 "; Agenda for August 5, 1992 Community Programming Advisory Committee meeting and minutes of the May 6, June 10, and July 2, 1992 meetings; Article from summer 1992 APA Journal, "Understanding and Overcoming the NIMBY Syndrome "; Article, "Hill's Plan for Jail in Kent Would Push Up Taxes in 1993 "; 7/14/92 Article, "Council Endorses Land - Control Ordinance "; and Article from 7/10/92, Daily Journal of Commerce, "NAIOP Survey Concludes Industrial Land Supply Overestimated." 14. EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING PROSPECTIVE LITIGATION It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING PROSPECTIVE LITIGATION, WITH IMMEDIATE ADJOURNMENT THEREAFTER TO AUGUST 11, 1992, AT 7:00 AM AT THE YAKIMA CENTER FOR INFORMAL DISCUSSION. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. 15. ADJOURNMENT TO AUGUST 11, 1992 AT 7:00 A.M. AT THE YAKIMA CENTER FOR INFORMAL DISCUSSION Following the completion of the Executive Session, the meeting was adjourned at the hour of 4:30 p �. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY:/ j/ ' COUNC M -ER DATE 1 e ; . t ( DATE ATTEST: CITY CLERK MAYOR Minutes prepared by Deputy City Clerk Skovald. 10