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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/08/1992 Business Meeting 64 CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON DECEMBER 8, 1992 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, Bill Brado, Lynn Buchanan, Skip Semon and Bernard Sims present on roll call. Assistant City Manager Rice, 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 Council Member Beauchamp asked for an explanation of snow removal efforts being made. Jerry Copeland, Director of Public Works, reported main access streets and interesections are currently being cleared. The next phase will be the downtown business district to be completed within the next day or so. Residential streets will be cleared after the major arterials are cleared, unless extreme sliding problems develop. Council Member Beauchamp requested staff to prepare a street priority profile of snow removal. Council Member Buchanan requested more sand be used instead of an abundance of salt. Mayor Berndt requested a public service announcement be released reminding people of their responsibility to remove snow from their sidewalks, and if someone slips on their sidewalk, they could be held liable. 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. Mayor Berndt stated that Item No. 16 was removed from the Agenda, and Item No. 6 was added to the Agenda. The 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 ADOPTED. The motion carried by unanimous 1 65 DECEMBER 8,.,;19.92 roll call vote; Brado absent. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk ( *) indicate items on the Consent Agenda handled under one motion without further discussion.) *4. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 27, NOVEMBER 24 AND DECEMBER 1, 1992 BUSINESS MEETINGS The minutes of the October 27, November 24, and December 1, 1992 . Business meetings were approved, having been duly certified accurate by two Council Members and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly. 5. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION None • *6. PRESENTATION OF 1993 AIRPORT BUDGET The 1993 Airport Budget was approved. 7. REPORT FROM FIRE DEPARTMENT AND CODE ADMINISTRATION REGARDING FIRE RATING OF THE CITY There was discussion whether this entire subject was deferred during the Budget Wrap Up. The issue of the three positions was deferred, and it was the consensus of Council members to proceed with the report and provide opportunity for questions. Gerald Beeson, Fire Chief, recognized the efforts of his staff and introduced Bob Shampine and Leonard Hall, from Code Division; along with Ty Wick, from Water Division. These people were involved putting this report together, meeting with the Surveying and Rating Bureau, and asking for adjustments tentatively made. Chief Beeson answered Council Member Beauchamp's question about demanding adjustments from the Surveying and Rating Bureau by stating the adjustments were demanded because the Bureau was not very clear on its position. Following a meeting with the Bureau, they decreased some of the points. Chief Beeson referred to the Conclusion section of the report for additional areas for clarification. He requested authorization from Council to request additional adjustments. Going through the four specific areas of the report and talking about the areas of adjustment, Chief Beeson was available to respond to any questions and presented his recommendations at the end of his report. Council Member Barnett commented on the excellence of this report and asked Chief Beeson to reiterate his requests, in 2 66 DECEMBER 8, 1992 addition to the approval letter, that required action during this Business Meeting. After Chief Beeson requested authorization to continue with efforts to certify the 55- foot Telesquirt to an aerial truck, to seek automatic aid with Union Gap, and approval of professional services for performance evaluation to develop conflict resolution training, it was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO AUTHORIZE THE CONTINUATION OF EFFORTS TO CERTIFY I/ THE 55 -FOOT TELESQUIRT TO AN AERIAL TRUCK, TO SEEK AUTOMATIC AID WITH UNION GAP, AND APPROVE THE REQUEST FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR PERFORMANCE EVALUATION TO DEVELOP CONFLICT RESOLUTION TRAINING. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Mayor Berndt commented that Chief Beeson will be back after the first of the year with the bond issue item. Chief Beeson commented that if the inspectors are on board, the rating will be a strong four, based on all the improvements. Council Member Beauchamp asked what kind of savings will a strong four provide. Chief Beeson stated commercial industrial occupancies in the City of Yakima are the most affected. He explained the rule of thumb which includes every time a step is improved, the reduction is five percent. Council Member Barnett commented that when capital needs are discussed later, details will be analyzed at that time. Dan Arnett, with the Chamber of Commerce, commented the funding of the Telesquirt has not been decided and that this is a public safety issue. Larry Mathews, 80 South 17th Avenue, referred to page 5 of the report commenting on the need to listen to the employees, on the need for further discussion about the impact of annexation, and about mutual aid response time. 8. REVIEW OF LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES Mayor Berndt reported the Council had met with representatives from seven or eight other entities to share legislative priorities. Marketta Oliver, Administrative Assistant to the City Manager, presented the 1993 proposed legislative priorities, asked Council to review, modify, or amend, and adopt them. Several priorities are left over from previous years including criminal justice issues and several overlapping issues between the City of Yakima and other public service organizations in Yakima Valley. Ms. Oliver was available to answer questions or provide any additional information if requested. 3 67 DECEMBER 8,w. - 1992 Council Member Barnett commented on the Convention Center Issues and that he would not like the City of Yakima to pursue a public facilities district for the purpose of I/ financing the Convention Center expansion. Council Member Brado questioned whether the City holds the landlord responsible for a negligent utility bill signed for by their renter. John Hanson, Director of Finance and Budget, explained the City policy on utility liens on rental property. Dan Arnett, representing Rental Services of Yakima, stated many members of the Yakima Valley Rental Owners Association are supportive of the Council's position. He also commented on various aspects of the proposed legislative priorities. After further discussion of the issue and a request by Ms. Oliver for Council direction, it was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO ACCEPT THE REPORT. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. 9. PRESENTATION OF MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION PROPOSAL FOR 1993 Assistant City Manager Rice presented the recommendations presented in the the management compensation proposal for 1993 -1994 prepared by the Management Compensation Committee. Council Member Brado stated the spiral of wage increases must be stoped. Wages are the single most expense in the budget. Council Member Buchanan commented that when the salaries of those in charge are not raised, and the salaries of those in union are raised, then a problem called compression arises. Council Member Semon stated there is a need to begin somewhere, and a message needs to be sent to City employees that the Council will have a new approach and will be looking at these things differently. Mayor Berndt commented there needs to be something to motivate management. It seems every year there are smaller increases than everybody else, they work overtime with no overtime pay, and the amount of hours put in are phenomenal. Council Member Buchanan commented that an employee who is in a union position is not going to leave it, if they can make as much money in a union position as management and have a lot less responsibility and get paid for all their time. 4 66 DECEMBER 8, 1992 Larry Mathews, a Yakima citizen, voiced objection to pay increases when utility taxes will be raised after the first of the year. It was MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP TO DELAY A DECISION AND LOOK INTO THE COMPRESSION ISSUE. The motion died for a lack of a second. Dave Bachmann, Battalion Chief, commented on the compression issue. He compared it to the Police Department compression raise and said he was told there would be a compression adjustment for them. This adjustment was delayed and feels they have waited in good faith. Council Member Barnett stated that this 2.5 percent is a commitment and must be made. Gerald Beeson, Fire Chief, commented that police and fire management, by state law, have the right to form a bargaining unit and have interest arbitration. The Battalion Chiefs with the City of Yakima Fire Department are the only Battalion Chiefs in the state of Washington not represented by a bargaining unit, and he is very proud of that. After further debate and discussion, it was MOVED BY SEMON, SECONDED BY BARNETT, TO ADOPT A 2.5% INCREASE FOR FIRE MANAGEMENT (EXCEPT FIRE CHIEF) TO OFFSET THE SALARY COMPRESSION. The motion carried by 6 -1 voice vote; Berndt voting nay. Mayor Berndt indicated she thought Council should have voted on the other since we will be back where we started. It was MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO TABLE THIS FOR TWO WEEKS UNTIL WE CAN GIVE MORE THOUGHT ON HOW TO APPROACH THIS WHOLE THING. The motion failed by 5 -2 voice vote; Barnett, Berndt, Brado, Semon and Sims voting nay. It was MOVED BY SEMON, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO APPROVE THE 3.5% DEFERRED COMPENSATION PROGRAM FOR THE SUPERVISORY AND CONFIDENTIAL GROUP. It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP, TO AMEND THE MOTION TO INCLUDE THE 0.5% SALARY INCREASE. The motion failed by 4 - 3 voice vote; Barnett, Brado, Semon and Sims voting nay. The question was called for a vote on the original motion. The motion carried by 5 -2 voice vote; Beauchamp and Brado voting nay. *10. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT FOR WORKERS' COMPENSATION /CLAIMS ADMINISTRATION 5 6.9 DECEMBER 8;:- 1992 RESOLUTION NO. D -6219, A RESOLUTION authorizing I/ execution of a 1992 amendment to Workers' Compensation Third Party Administrator's Agreement with Scott Wetzel Services, Inc. for Workers' Compensation Services for the years 1993 and a portion of 1994. *11. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH THE YAKIMA COUNTY SUBSTANCE ABUSE COALITION FOR ADDITIONAL SERVICES FOR AFTER- SCHOOL PROGRAMS RESOLUTION NO. D -6220, A RESOLUTION authorizing execution of an agreement with the Yakima County Substance Abuse Coalition for the "Kid's Place /night Action Program." *12. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF CONTRACT WITH YAKIMA COUNTY AND AREA AGENCY ON AGING FOR FOOTCARE SERVICES RESOLUTION NO. D -6221, A= RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute an agreement with the County of Yakima, Office of Aging and Long Term Care, for the Geriatric Footcare Program. *13. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF CONTRACT WITH YAKIMA'COUNTY AND AREA AGENCY ON AGING FOR SOCIAL DAY CARE RESOLUTION NO. D -6222, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute an agreement with the County of Yakima, Office of Aging and Long Term Care, for a Social Day Care Program for Senior Citizens. *14. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH WDOT AND YAKIMA COUNTY FOR GREENWAY SOUTH RESOLUTION NO. D -6223, A RESOLUTION authorizing the execution of a License Agreement for the extension of the 1/ Greenway Pathway South. *15. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN INTERFUND LOAN FROM THE EQUIPMENT RENTAL FUND FOR HOUSING HOPE 3 PROJECT RESOLUTION NO. D - 6224, A RESOLUTION authorizing an Interfund Loan from 551 - Equipment Rental Fund to the 124 - Housing Fund, and providing for repayment. 6 70 DECEMBER 8, 1992 16. SET DATE OF PUBLIC MEETING FOR JANUARY 12, 1993 FOR THE APPEAL BY YAKIMA GATEWAY OF THE HEARING EXAMINER'S DECISION REGARDING UNION GOSPEL MISSION APPLICATION Council Member Brado excused himself from discussion on this issue due to possible conflict of interest. It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY SEMON, THAT JANUARY 12, 1993 BE SET AS THE DATE OF PUBLIC MEETING ON THE APPEAL BY THE GATEWAY ORGANIZATION OF THE HEARING EXAMINER'S DECISION REGARDING THE UNION GOSPEL MISSION RELOCATION TO THE VICINITY OF THE 1300 BLOCK OF NORTH FIRST STREET. The motion carried by 6 -0 voice vote; 'Brad() not voting due to possible conflict of interest. *17. APPROVAL OF THIRD QUARTER 1992 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE REPORT The Third Quarter 1992 Accounts Receivable Report was accepted. *18. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1992 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR REPAIRS TO FIRE DEPARTMENT SNORKEL (NO FORMAL ACTION REQUIRED AT THIS MEETING) An Ordinance amending the 1992 Budget and appropriating additional funds for repairs to the Fire Department snorkel, having been read by title only, was laid on the table for one week, until December 15, 1992. FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1992 BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF YAKIMA; AND MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $20,574 IN THE FIRE CAPITAL FUND FOR EXPENDITURE DURING 1992 FOR UNANTICIPATED ADDITIONAL COSTS RELATING TO REBUILDING AN AERIAL FIRE APPARATUS (Y -18). 19. OTHER BUSINESS None. Information Items: Items of information supplied to Council were: Memorandum from Administrative Assistant in City Manager's Office regarding Environmental Protection Agency Test Trial Burn at the Superfund Site (4 West Washington Avenue) 12/4/92; Memorandum from Yakima Greenway Foundation regarding Pathway West Update. 12/1/92; Update from Yakima Health District regarding Willamette industries Fire - public 7 a. 1 1 DECEMBER 8 =,199 Health Advisory. 12/1/92; State Department of Ecology announcement regarding Yakima Railroad Area. 12/92; Memorandum from Supervising I/ Planner regarding Statistical Area for Metro Plan. 12/3/92; Memorandum from Director of Public Works and Supervising Traffic Engineer regarding November 1992 Monthly Citizen Request Report. 12/2/92; Letter from City Engineer regarding North First Avenue Reconstruction Project. 11/25/92; Letter from State Department of Transportation regarding Updated 1993 STP Allocations for Local Agencies. 12/1/92; Letter from Northwest Power Planning Council regarding Response to Comments adopted by the Council. 11/23/92; Monthly Trolley Ridership Report for November 1992; Monthly Permit Center Report for November 1992; Assignments Pending in Office of Environmental Planning as of December 8, 1992; Minutes of the November 5, 1992 Downtown Area Redevelopment committee meeting; and Yakima Basin Resource News, Fall 1992. 20. EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY AND PROSPECTIVE AND PENDING LITIGATION It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY AND PROSPECTIVE AND PENDING LITIGATION, WITH IMMEDIATTE ADJOURNMENT THEREAFTER. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. 21. ADJOURNMENT TO DECEMBER 15, 1992 AT 7:00 A.M. AT THE YAKIMA CENTER FOR INFORMAL DISCUSSION AMONG COUNCIL MEMBERS Following the conclusion of the Executive Session, the meeting adjourned at 4:18 p.m. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: _ � i - �_ -- � �-.e _ A COU' IL MBER / D' TE COUNCIL MEMBE' DATE . i ATTEST: P ),e(i'u12-1. ,>4 ie-e--(dLeA __at_Zi-r_e7/ CITY CLERK MAYOR 8