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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/15/1991 Business Meeting 1 Z8 CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON OCTOBER 15, 1991 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, Councilmembers Clarence Barnett, Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Buchanan, George Pechtel, Skip Semon and Bernard Sims present on roll call. City Manager Zais, City Attorney Vanek, City Clerk Roberts and Deputy City Clerk Lovell also present. 2. INVOCATION /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Budget and Finance Director Hanson led the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER None. 4. 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 that the deletion of Items No. 13, 14 and 17, as requested, be made. 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 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 MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 1, 1991 BUSINESS MEETING The Council minutes of the October 1, 1991 Business Meeting were approved, having been duly certified accurate by two Council members and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly. 6. PUBLIC HEARING ON FINAL ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR THE APPLEVIEW LOCAL IMPROVEMENT SEWER DISTRICT NO. 1047 (SEE ORDINANCE CONFIRMING ASSESSMENT ROLL) Office Engineer Germunson explained that this is a public hearing to finalize the Appleview Sewer LID project. The total project cost was $371,637.82. City participation of $94,138.82 reduced the final assessment roll to $277,499, pro -rated to 45 parcels within the LID. Several formulas were required to determine the assessment levels because of the mixture of land use, zoning and lot sizes. The City satisfied the intent of the State law with basic assessments proportional within the district to the special benefit derived. In 1990, the construction bids on the project OCTOBER 15, 1991 2 9 increased the preliminary assessments. Prior to awarding the contract, a letter was mailed to each property owner to determine whether to proceed with the project. Results of the card survey indicated 62.26% in favor of proceeding; 13.48 not responding, who ' were assumed to be in favor; and 24.26 in opposition. The City has Outside Utility Agreements representing 73.45% supporting the LID; and 75.74% of the property owners support proceeding with the LID. The LID was formed in this area because of a cycle of repair permits that were issued, and complaints about health hazard problems. The EPA septic system survey conducted in 1985 indicates approximately five parcels with characteristics of septic system failure. The City's contribution of $94,138.82 will be recovered through future sewer connection charges. Engineering and Utilities Director Covell stated that cost increases were caused in part by changes in road construction standards by Yakima County. Mayor Berndt opened the public hearing, and asked if there was anyone present to speak to the issue. There being none, Mayor Berndt closed the public hearing. Ordinance No. 3408, having been read by title, it was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO ADOPT THE ORDINANCE. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. ORDINANCE NO. 3408, AN ORDINANCE confirming the assessment roll covering Local Improvement District No. 1047 as created and established by Ordinance No. 3195 of the Ordinances of the City of Yakima. 7. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Mayor Berndt read a proclamation designating October 20 -26, 1991 as Business Women's Week in the City of Yakima. The proclamation was accepted by Cheryl Ramynke, President of the Chinook Chapter of Business and Professional Women. 8. PRESENTATION OF 1992 PRELIMINARY FORECAST City Manager Zais announced that the City has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 1991 City budget. This is the fifth consecutive year the award has been received from the Government Finance Officers Association. Budget and Finance Director Hanson introduced staff members who assisted with preparation of the budget document. Mayor Berndt prefaced the 1992 budget presentation with a comment that the Budget Forecast is a staff document and staff presentation. She said that the Council review process will be conducted over the next two months, and a public hearing will be held in late November. City Manager Zais presented the 1992 budget, stating that estimated expenditures will reach $86.8 million, an increase of 4.1% over the 1991 budget. He added that the forecast is essentially balanced, and driven by the Council's mission and vision policies for the City, by state and federal mandates and by the mandated responsibilities that the City faces each year. A key policy issue for Council will be to consider voter approved funding in November, 1992 to enhance law enforcement 3 0 OCTOBER 15, 1991 resources in 1993. Mr. Zais and Mr. Hanson gave a visual presentation illustrating revenue and expenditure details. Of special interest, Mr. Zais noted that fixed, mandated and contractual costs have increased almost 10% over the past year. It is a cause of real concern that 64% of the operating budget is mandated, while only 16% of the funding comes from state and federal sources. Similarly, 52% of the capital budget is mandated, with 59% of the funding provided from state and federal sources. (Councilmember Sims absent after 3:45 P.M.) Mr. Zais observed that new construction and recent annexations are starting to show gains in property tax revenue, and is reflected in the distribution of resources beginning in 1992. Mr. Zais called attention to the Transit Reserve Fund, which will be exhausted within the capital budget. The Fund has been fully obligated, and reserves will have to be replenished in the future. (Councilmember Barnett absent after 3:55 P.M.) Mr. Zais concluded that the most important message for this budget is that the trend for the future is ominous, and the City must take steps to provide adequate reserves within the general government. He cautioned Council that they face a significant challenge to consider changes, reprioritization, new revenue supplements and cost cutting measures. (Councilmember Buchanan absent after 4:00 P.M.) The Council accepted the Preliminary Forecast, and Mayor Berndt reminded the public that Council hearings will be held in mid - November. ^9. REPORT FROM COUNCIL /STAFF COMMITTEE REGARDING SELAH IMPROVEMENTS ON SOUTH FIRST STREET AND RELOCATION OF TROLLEY TRACKS The staff recommendation to accept the report and authorize staff to proceed in studying alternatives, was accepted. *10. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF LEASE AGREEMENT WITH CHARLES AND GIGI BROWN FOR OAK FLATS PROPERTY RESOLUTION NO. D -6010, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease agreement with Charles P. Brown and Gigi Reda Brown, husband and wife, for the use of certain Property at Oak Flats. ^11. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RENEWAL OF DISTRICT COURT SERVICE AGREEMENT FOR 1992 RESOLUTION NO. D -6011, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute a modification of the agreement with Yakima County relating to Yakima County District Court costs. *12. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. D -6003 AND AUTHORIZING FREE TRANSIT SERVICE OCTOBER 21 -26, 1991 IN CELEBRATION OF TRANSIT WEEK RESOLUTION NO. D -6012, A RESOLUTION providing for free public use of the City Transit System for the week of October 21 -26, 1991. OCTOBER 15, 1991 3 1 13. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF GRANT AGREEMENT WITH STATE OF WASHINGTON, DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FOR TREE PLANTING ON THE NACHES PARKWAY Parks and Recreation Manager Flaherty advised Council that the Parks and Recreation Department has received a $24,000 grant through the Department of Natural Resources to plant trees. These funds will be used to plant trees in the Naches Parkway. Mr. Flaherty acknowledged the assistance provided by PP &L to the tree planting program. Resolution No. D -6013, 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. RESOLUTION NO. D -6013, A RESOLUTION authorizing the execution of a Grant Agreement between City of Yakima and the State of Washington Department of Natural Resources for tree planting on the Naches Parkway. 14. STATUS REPORT FROM PARKS AND RECREATION DIVISION REGARDING REQUEST FOR REMOVAL OF TREES LOCATED ON SOUTH FIRST STREET , Mayor Berndt excused herself from discussion of this item due to a possible conflict of interest. Councilmember Buchanan assumed the position of Acting Mayor. Mayor Berndt stated that she has not discussed this topic with other Councilmembers. Parks and Recreation Manager Flaherty explained that several business owners have requested permission to remove street trees from South First Street. These trees were originally planted under a street beautification grant, but have grown to a size that blocks visibility of commercial signs and business access. This topic has been discussed by the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Street Tree Committee. Business owners have offered to pay for the removal of 41 trees between Mead and Washington Avenues, as well as contribute $250 each toward the replanting of trees on the Naches Parkway. Staff agrees that some trees should be removed, but recommends the removal of no more than 50% of the existing trees. Mr. Flaherty showed a video to illustrate the problem, and to identify the trees in question. Business owner Al Frank urged Council to authorize removal of all 41 trees to improve visibility of business signs. Joe Whitmarsh of the Watermill at 2008 S. First Street supported the request, and commented that his business has been affected by poor visibility. Horticulturist Roy VanDenburgh, a cooperative extension agent and member of the Street Tree Committee, stated that he could not dispute the complaints made by the business owners. He added that selection of these trees was not ideal for this particular site. Councilmember Semon favored Option 1 since it allowed those businesses who wish to participate to do so. It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO ACCEPT STAFF OPTION 1. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Berndt absent. Councilmember Pechtel cautioned that Council should develop a policy to deal with future requests from business owners in other areas of town. 3 2 OCTOBER 15, 1991 • *15. APPROVAL OF REPORTS FROM DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND BUDGET: A. THIRD QUARTER 1991 BUDGET REPORT The Third Quarter 1991 Budget report was accepted. B. THIRD QUARTER 1991 CENTRAL BILLING REPORT The Third Quarter 1991 Central Billing Report was accepted. *16. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1991 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR AQUATIC AND SENIOR CENTER TOUR PROGRAMS OPERATIONAL COSTS An Ordinance amending the 1991 budget and appropriating funds for aquatic and Senior Center tour programs operational costs, having been read by title only at the previous meeting, was brought before the Council for a second reading. ORDINANCE NO. 3409, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1991 budget for the City of Yakima; and making an appropriation of $47,042 in the Parks and Recreation Fund for expenditure during 1991 for Senior Center and Swimming Pool Operation Costs. 17. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1991 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE YAKIMA AVENUE /I -82 /FAIR AVENUE PROJECT (NO FORMAL ACTION REQUIRED THIS MEETING) Councilmember Semon removed this item from the Consent Agenda to ask questions about funding for Phase I of this project. Engineering and Utilities Director Covell explained the funding formula, and outlined the contributions from various City departments. An Ordinance amending the 1991 budget and appropriating funds for the Yakima Avenue /I -82 /Fair Avenue project, having been read by title only, was laid on the table for one week until October 22, 1991. *18. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1991 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE FRUITVALE CANAL, PHASE II PIPING PROJECT (NO FORMAL ACTION REQUIRED THIS MEETING) An Ordinance amending the 1991 budget and appropriating funds for the Fruitvale Canal, Phase II Piping Project, having been read by title only, was laid on the table for one week, until October 22, 1991. *19. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1991 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE FIRST AVENUE STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT (NO FORMAL ACTION REQUIRED THIS MEETING) An Ordinance amending the 1991 budget and appropriating funds for the 1st Avenue Street Reconstruction Project, having been read by title only, was laid on the table for one week, until October 22, 1991. • OCTOBER 15, 101 3 3 20. OTHER BUSINESS Councilmember Pechtel referred to the tree removal decision, and suggested consideration of native vegetation for future landscaping plans. The suggestion was referred to the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Street Tree Committee. Information Items: Items of information supplied to Council were: Letter from HUD to the Housing Authority regarding Section 8 Rental Voucher Program approval. 9/26/91; Invitation to Presentation of Findings from Parenting Survey sponsored by Early Childhood Telecommunications Project on October 22, 1991; Yakima Valley Conference of Governments Newsletter, Volume 17, No. 10, October 1991; Schedule for Workshops on Solving and Resolving Intergovernmental Growth Management Disputes; Yakima Interurban Lines Association Volunteer Newsletter, October 1991; #91-2; Personnel Hiring /Vacancy Report as of October 6, 1991; Agenda for October 14, 1991 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting and minutes of its September 9, 1991 meeting; and Article from September /October 1991 The National Environmental Journal, "A Perspective on Water Pollution ". 21. EXECUTIVE SESSION It was MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY SEMON TO MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE . SESSION REGARDING PROSPECTIVE AND PENDING LITIGATION AND COLLECTIVE _ BARGAINING, WITH IMMEDIATE ADJOURNMENT THEREAFTER TO OCTOBER 22, 1991 AT 11:30 A.M. FOR MEETING WITH YAKIMA HOUSING AUTHORITY (LOCATION'TO BE DETERMINED). The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Barnett, Buchanan,and Sims absent. 22. ADJOURNMENT • Following completion of the Executive Session, the meeting was adjourned.at 4:50 P.M. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: WOUNCIL _ MBER DATE OUNCIL ER DATE ATTEST: Q14 . - vim - CITY CLERK MAYOR Minutes prepared by Deputy City Clerk Lovell • •