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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/04/1993 Study Session / Business Meeting 250 CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON MAY 4, 1993 BUSINESS MEETING /STUDY SESSION 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 and City Clerk Roberts also present. 2. INVOCATION /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Semon. 3. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER Toni Garnder, from the Substance Abuse Coalition, introduced Lift Student Lisa Thompson. Mayor Berndt welcomed her and invited her participation. A. PROCLAMATIONS Mayor Berndt read a proclamation designating the month of May as Washington Old -Time Fiddlers Month. Performing were District 7 members of the Washington Old Time Fiddlers Association. 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. It was the general consensus to add Item No. 9 to the Consent 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 AMENDED, BE ADOPTED. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by as asterisk ( *) indicate items on the Consent Agenda handled under one motion without further discussion.) *5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MARCH 2, 1993 BUSINESS MEETING The minutes of the March 2, 1993 Business meeting, were ' approved, having been duly certified accurate by two Council Members and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly. 251 May 4, 1993 6. PUBLIC HEARING ON COUNTY -WIDE PLANNING POLICY (SEE RESOLUTION ADOPTING POLICY) Mayor Berndt announced that it is the recommendation of the Council that the Public Hearing on the County -Wide Planning Policy be postponed until Tuesday, May 25th, to allow for further citizen notification. However, she invited anyone the audience who came specifically for this issue to speak now, if they desired. 7. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Wendy Warren, Cable Communications Manager, provided to Council members a schedule of Yakima Public Access Channel (YPAC). Every Tuesday evening will have a full lineup of public affairs /local government programming. She also announced that in addition to the Tuesday showings, the City Council Meetings will be rebroadcast on Saturday mornings. *8. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION RATIFYING AGREEMENT WITH FIRST UNION MANAGEMENT, INC. FOR PARK -N -RIDE LOT AT THE VALLEY MALL FOR THE YAKIMA AIR FAIR RESOLUTION NO. R 93 - 40, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager of the City of Yakima to execute a promotion agreement with First Union Management, Inc., to enable the City to use the Valley Mall parking lot as a park - and - ride location to the 1993 Air Fair. *9. REPORT FROM DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REGARDING 1980 -1992 RESIDENTIAL BUILDING ACTIVITY AND HOUSING CONDITIONS The 1980 -1992 Residential Building Activity and Housing Conditions report from the Department of Community and Economic Development was accepted. *10. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1993 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR THE GANG PREVENTION /INTERVENTION PROGRAM An Ordinance amending the 1993 budget and appropriating additional funds for the Gang Prevention /Intervention Program having been read by title only at the previous meeting, was brought before the Council for a second reading. ORDINANCE NO. 93 - 21, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1993 budget for the City of Yakima; and making an appropriation of $50,000 in the Contingency Fund for expenditure during 1993 2 25 May 4, 1993 for summertime Youth Recreation and Gang Prevention activities. *11. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE TO FACILITATE THE YAKIMA RAILROAD AREA WATER MAIN EXTENSION PROJECT ORDINANCE 93 - 22, AN ORDINANCE relating to public services and utilities -- specifically domestic water service; creating an exemption as to the manner of water service connection in the "Yakima Railroad Area;" creating exemptions to water ready -to -serve and minimum water surcharges in said area; and amending Section 7.68.035, Subsections 7.68.255B and 7.68.250B, and enacting Subsection 7.56.030F all of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. 12. REPORT AND LEGISLATION FROM THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT AMENDING THE OBLIGATION OF PROPERTY OWNERS TO REMOVE SNOW (CONTINUED FROM 4/20/93) City Attorney Vanek provided legal explanation regarding the enforceability of the current snow removal ordinance. Because of the increased snowfall this year which brought a number of requests for enforcement, along with other factors and concerns necessitating its review, Mr. Vanek commented on the specific changes that should be made. Council members and staff discussed the need to address the responsibility for year -round sidewalk upkeep and clearing the sidewalk next to a retaining wall that separates the owner's property from the sidewalk, as well as other aspects of this public safety issue. Dan Arnett, with Rental Services, suggested using a transfer of responsibility card similar to the smoke detector notice he distributed to Council members. Council Member Buchanan explained the purpose of this ordinance and why it should be rewritten to reflect current law. After further discussion about the responsibilities of the renter and the owner, it was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP, TO CONTINUE THIS ISSUE TO A FUTURE STUDY SESSION. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. 13. REPORT FROM DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING AND UTILITIES REGARDING: A. NPDES DISCHARGE PERMIT REVIEW Describing this topic as not very charismatic but potentially having significant monetary impact on the City, Chris Waarvick, Wastewater Superintendent, as well as others, were available to answer questions regarding the Biosolids 3 • 253 May 4, 1993 Management Plan, the National Pollution Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES) discharge permit, and the Industrial Sprayfield Groundwater situation. George Mason, with Brown and Caldwell Engineering, explained the purpose of this study and emphasized the importance of a sustainable, reliable program that will successfully meet all federal and state mandates placed on treatment plant discharges. Gary Hess, Project Engineer for the Yakima Biosolids Management Plan who is also with Brown and Caldwell, referred to flip charts as he explained the series of objectives for the project. Referring to the existing conditions at the Plant and local area, Mr. Hess indicated the amount of biosolids produced in a year and the amount of permitted land required for its application site. He explained what contributes to the biosolid's high quality as well as what improvements need to be made. Mr. Hess described what happens during the biosolids processing procedure and emphasized the fact that the by- product, methane gas, is produced and utilized as an energy source to heat the treatment plant building and the digesters. Referring to the destination for the biosolids, Mr. Hess explained that, until recently, 80 percent of the biosolids were stored in the sludge lagoons and 20 percent were dewatered and stored on site for land application in the fall. As a result, the lagoons are now full and need to be dredged. Farmers apply it to the land to add nutrients and to condition the soil. Mr. Hess compared the cost to other areas that have a land application program; the cost is less in the Yakima area. The regulatory environment is favorable towards land application and discourages disposal at landfills. He commented about problems with grease and residuals as well as future challenges relating to expected increased quantities of biosolids at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. There was discussion among Council members and staff regarding the subject of infiltration control and whether the removal of clean water from the system would reduce the volume and eliminate excess water waste. Mr. Hess explained that tougher, more complex government sludge regulations will contain even more stringent controls. Council Member Barnett questioned how the final document was different from the draft document. Mr. Hess explained the regulation section of the final document was expanded to take into account the new EPA 503 Sludge Regulations, and the report was edited to include responses to issues raised during review of the draft. The final analysis and recommendations in the report did not change. Mr. Hess further explained the State of Washington Department of Ecology is also issuing new regulations on biosolids management, but it will probably 4 254 May 4, 1993 take some time before they can be effectively implemented. The local health officers are going to maintain the jurisdiction for permits, land application, and approving land application sites. Lynn Taylor, Brown and Caldwell Engineering, spoke about meeting customer needs and maintaining positive community climate. Council Member Barnett commented that the greater challenge is the significant cost to the people of all the capital improvements that have to be made. Ms. Taylor emphasized that part of the public understanding is that the use of biosolids on agricultural lands is extremely cost effective as well as environmentally beneficial; other options would cost a lot more. Council Member Barnett further commented that those who are getting the application of biosolids are not paying for it, and a lot of people feel that it should be sold, and there should be a distinction between the classes of biosolids. Gary Hess explained that in order to meet future challenges, there is a need to process high quality biosolids to sustain the current land application program and maintain the demand for biosolids. He referred to additional product enhancements, including composting or lime treatment which adds value and makes it more attractive, but comes with extra costs. He did not recommend that these be undertaken because the current program is fine. He commented on the grease management challenge that needs to be met. Referring to the flip chart, Mr. Hess described the Stage 1 Improvements and the Stage 2 Improvements. He listed examples, indicated recommendations and stated the amount of capital and annual costs. There was discussion about the estimated monthly rate impact for the single family customer. Referring to the figures for the "Capital Improvements" in the final document being the same as they were in the draft, Council Member Barnett asked what caused the monthly rate impact for a single family customer to increase from $1.00 to $1.50. Staff will bring back an answer to this question. Ms. Taylor commented that an important part of their recommendations includes dedicating a small portion of the total costs for Stage 1 to complement the technical and capital side of the program. She suggested an effective way to help people understand the program is to compare it to the recycling of bottles or cans. Ms. Taylor also emphasized the importance of external communication efforts and recommended the public education elements of this program be utilized, i.e., videos that plainly show how things start in the home, end up going through treatment and then back to the land, as well as fact sheets and brochures about both biosolids in general and how the wastewater treatment plant works. She suggested having a display at the plant with examples and increasing the amount of tours through the plant. Mr. Hess 5 2 5 May 4, 1993 referred to the long term Stage 2 improvements they have recommended. In order to increase efficiency, digester capacity needs to be expanded by either improving existing facilities or adding new ones. He discussed various ways to improve the system by utilizing current equipment. There was discussion among Council members and staff regarding the amount of storage available at the lagoons, which are full and need to be cleaned out. There was discussion regarding septage disposal and the rates charged to haulers and the need for a new facility to efficiently receive and treat septage as it comes into the plant. There was also explanation provided by Chris Waarvick as to where the haulers are currently disposing the septage. Mr. Hess discussed estimated capital and annual costs for the Stage 2 improvements. Council Member Barnett commented on significant differences in data in the final plan. Mr. Hess reported that between the draft and the final report, all of the data that the study was based on was revised at staff's request. Pete Hobbs, Treatment Specialist, explained what contributed the significant amount of loading to the plant which changed the averages overall. There was discussion among Council members and staff about what can be done to prevent this from becoming a yearly occurrence. B. BIO SOLIDS PERMIT Konrad Liegel, legal consultant from Preston, Thorgrimson, Shidler, Gates and Ellis summarized the three major regulatory emphases there has been since the prior NPDES permit. He explained what kind of potential effect it could have on permit conditions, why these permit issues need to be addressed before the permit is finalized and what is currently being done. Mr. Liegel also discussed and answered questions concerning the permit renewal process. He emphasized the importance of these issues by explaining it is critical to have permit conditions that are reasonable and can be achieved. Certain studies were undertaken to determine if there was a justification for increased monitoring or more stringent effluent limitations such as an effluent mixing zone study and an industrial sprayfield study. With respect to the industrial sprayfield, Mr. Liegel I/ indicated it appears that there is justification for increased monitoring of the sprayfield. He explained a "draft permit" has been submitted to Ecology and we are waiting for a reply. He further explained that they are prepared to work with Ecology to insure that the final permit conditions are reasonable, are achievable and cost effective. 6 2 :5 6 May 4, 1993 Referencing the section in the Washington Administrative Code that outlines the particular numerical limits, Chris Waarvick referred to the Effluent Outfall Study his division conducted through HDR Engineering, Inc. In order to answer a question raised by Council Member Barnett concerning additional costs, Konrad Liegel explained that this kind of study was done to address any potential concerns regarding the dilution zone and chemical levels. There was further discussion among Council members about the level of regulations imposed and amount of money spent. Bruce Bates, Assistant Wastewater Superintendent, referred to the application of industrial wastewater to the land adjacent to the wastewater facility which presently serves two industries. The flows to the industrial plant have decreased significantly over the last six or seven years, but there is some degradation taking place due to the application of industrial wastewater to the soil. In order to determine what steps should be taken, wells have been drilled, groundwater data has been gathered, and the site is being monitored on a monthly basis. Mr. Bates introduced Dick Haapala, with CH2M Hill, who presented information both about the performance evaluation of the of the old sprayfield and the hydrological assessment of the site. The water below the site appears to have been affected somewhat. He listed things that have been done to help mitigate the situation. A Suitability Study should be done. Due to changes at the site, a detailed Engineering Report is not recommended now. He indicated there are several short term and long range solutions to the problem and the Suitability Study will evaluate those. Jim Jacobs, with Del Monte, commented that they have been concerned about this issue for several years. He reported they have been working with the City staff in order to mitigate the differences and indicated what progress they have made and how much money they have spent. Chris Waarvick presented closing remarks and urged the Biosolids Management Plan with the three recommendations be adopted. He explained they have been working with the Department of Ecology so that the final renewed discharge permit contains conditions acceptable to the City, and they will continue the groundwater evaluation into the Suitability Study by working with the industries. After further comments and discussion among Council members, it was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO ACCEPT THE REPORT AND DIRECT STAFF TO PREPARE AND BRING BACK APPROPRIATE LEGISLATION TO ADOPT THE BIOSOLIDS PLAN AND PERFORM THE OTHER FUNCTIONS THAT HE MENTIONED. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. 7 257 May 4, 1993 14. OTHER BUSINESS Mayor Berndt reported on the response to the letters I/ requesting service on the Citizen Capital Planning Committee. Mayor Berndt gave a report on the proposed City /County retreat. It was the consensus of the Council to discuss Council priorities at the next informal Council breakfast meeting. Information Items: Items of information provided to Council were: Announcement of Westside Merchants meetings relating to Crime Task Force meeting and parking restriction petition; Status Report for North 1st Avenue Reconstruction. 4/29/93; Letter from Conference of Governments regarding $350,690 award in Surface Transportation Program funds. 4/28/93; News Release regarding Yakima Public Affairs Cable (Y -PAC); 4/28/93; Metropolitan Yakima Comprehensive Plan Status Report as of May 1, 1993; Office of Housing and Neighborhood Conservation Monthly Report for April 1993; Monthly Annexation Status Report for April 1993; Rebound Plus Monthly Report for April 1993; Assignments Pending in Office of Environmental Planning as of May 4, 1993; Growth Management Act Issues Notice of Seminars on GMA Developments presented by Foster Pepper and Shefelman; Foster Pepper & Shefelman Newsletter, "Land Use & Municipal News ", April 1993; Article from American Planning Association publication, "Zoning News "; Article from March 1993 American City and County, "Whither Water ?" and Article from Herald staff writer, "Richland Moving Toward Sewer, Water Bill Increase ". 15. EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING PENDING LITIGATION AND PROPERTY ACQUISITION It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR APPROXIMATELY HALF AN HOUR FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING PENDING LITIGATION AND PROPERTY ACQUISITION, TO BE FOLLOWED BY IMMEDIATE ADJOURNMENT TO MAY 11, 1993 AT 7:00 AM AT THE YAKIMA CENTER FOR INFORMAL DISCUSSION AMONG COUNCIL MEMBERS. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. 8 258 May 4, 1993 16. ADJOURNMENT TO MAY 11, 1993 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 5:15 p.m. K READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: /0 1/7_ C ' 4P' " L EMBER � r- Y D 8 COUNCI E 0/a/ mita -- :--t4-aii CO. 1111 MEMBER DATE ATTEST: ma)",,,.., 24,4,,A;6: . CITY CLERK MAYOR MINUTES PREPARED BY DEPUTY CITY CLERK SKOVALD. 1 9