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Home My WebLink About05/25/1993 Business Meeting 277 CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON MAY 25, 1993 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, and Skip Semon present on roll call. Council Member Bernard Sims present after 2:50 p.m. City Manager Zais, City Attorney Vanek, and City Clerk Roberts also present. 2. INVOCATION /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Buchanan. 3. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER A. PROCLAMATIONS (IF APPLICABLE) Mayor Berndt read a proclamation declaring May 30th - June 5th, 1993 as Yakima Symphony Chorus Appreciation Week. The Chorus will be performing at Carnegie Hall. A Certificate of Retirement was presented to Jim Beaushaw, a Lieutenant with the Police Department. Lt. Beaushaw has served the City for 32 years. Mayor Berndt reported on the effort to achieve the designation as an All American City. The City was not chosen; however, invaluable information was gained for next year's application. She commented that the delegation felt if they had told the story of what we are doing differently, we might have won. 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. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and ordinances by title. It was the general consensus of the Council that Item No. 17 be added to the Consent Agenda. It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP, THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA, AS AMENDED AND READ, BE ADOPTED. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote; Sims absent. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by as asterisk ( *) indicate items on the Consent Agenda handled under one motion without further discussion.) 1 278 MAY 25, 1993 *5 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE MAY 4, 1993 BUSINESS MEETING The minutes of the May 4, 1993 . Business meeting, was 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 THE COUNTY -WIDE PLANNING POLICY This being the time set for a public hearing on the County- wide Planning Policy, Glenn Valenzuela, Director of Community and Economic Development, stated the laws require that the County adopt a county -wide planning policy. For about one year Council Member Semon and Don Skone, Planning Manager, have sat on a County -wide Planning Policy Committee. On Thursday night the County will consider all the comments gathered during public hearings throughout the county. Afterwards, staff will come back to Council with a final policy for adoption. Council Member Barnett asked why staff did not recommend the change proposed by the Hearing Examiner. Mr. Valenzuela stated the letter was sent to Dick Anderwald, Planning Director, as well as himself, and he felt it should go to the entire Committee. He commented that he is not opposed to it. Mayor Berndt opened the hearing for public testimony. Jerry Sturgill, Central Washington Home Builders Association, stated he thought the Committee did a marvelous job. The Association reviewed the document and while they are not in agreement with the Growth Management Act, they are aware of what is in this plan. There being no other citizen wishing to speak, the public hearing was closed. It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP, TO ADOPT THE COUNTY -WIDE PLANNING POLICY, WITH AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY YCDA AND THE RE- WRITE RECOMMENDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BARNETT. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Sims absent. 7. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Dan Arnett, Rental Service of Yakima, presented Council with draft language which would relieve a landlord of the responsibility of snow removal if there is written delegation of that responsibility to the tenant. John Vanek, City Attorney, reported he provided the City Manager with a revised ordinance containing similar language. He offered to review the submitted language and provide Mr. Arnett with a copy of the draft ordinance. 2 279 MAY 25, 1993 8. CONSIDERATION OF PARTICIPATION IN THE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION I/ BENEFIT AREA (PTBA) Bill Schultz, Transit Manager, reported that this item is before the Council as a formality since the deadline for withdrawing from the PTBA process is the end of this month. Council Member Semon commented that it is important to go through this planning process. Following discussion regarding the planning process and the time frames involved, it was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP, THAT WE CONTINUE THE PROCESS OF THE PTBA AND STAY INVOLVED. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Sims absent. 9. REPORT FROM ENGINEERING & UTILITIES DEPARTMENT REGARDING RECONSIDERATION OF WATER RATE ADJUSTMENTS Ty Wick, Water and Irrigation Superintendent, explained why a rate increase is being requested. There has not been a rate increase since 1986, except for the 2% in- lieu -of tax increase to be used for parks and recreation. State and Federal mandates requiring additional testing and monitoring, additional planning efforts, additional debt service for capital projects, loss of interest income, wage and benefit settlements, and the overall effect of inflation have all taken its toll on the reserves. These factors have combined to increase cost about 3% each year. Several alternatives have been prepared; however, staff recommends Alternative #5, which reduces the current level of reserves from $1.5 million to $1 million. There are now 18,000 customers and staff believes the reserves should be maintained at a higher level than the absolute minimum. He described the alternatives: (1) No adjustment to rates, utilize reserves below Council established minimum; (2) A 26% increase in 1993, maintains reserves level; (3) A 15% increase in 1993 ($1.02 per month increase) and a 13% increase in 1994 ($1 per month increase), maintains reserve levels; (4) A 10% increase in 1993, allows the reserves to go to a minimum level of $750,000 in operating and $500,000 in the capital fund ($.70 per month increase); and (5) An 11% increase in 1993 and an 11% increase in 1994 ($.78 per month increase, up to $1.63 in 1994, reduces reserves to $1 million. These examples of increases are based on an average 1500 cf of water usage. Mr. Wick commented that if Alternative #5 is selected, the rate would be $7.62 per month, compared to Nob Hill Water's rate of $8.03; Terrace Heights at $9.63, and Union Gap at $12.34. Council Member 3 28 0 MAY 25, 1993 Barnett stated his reasons for supporting Alternative No. 4; the reserves can be reduced since the City has handled the emergency situations which have arisen. (Council Member Sims present after 2:50 p.m.) Council members discussed the issue of using the reserves and keeping the rate increase lower than if the reserves were to be maintained at $1 million or $1.5 million which would necessitate a higher rate increase. Council Member Barnett stated another policy issue is the additional 2% for parks. Council Member Buchanan was in favor of maintaining the reserves and increasing the water rate every two years or so to keep the rate adjustments low. Council Member Barnett suggested that before Council makes a decision, it should first decide if the 2% increase for the private water main program should be included. Council Member Brado stated that if the program is adopted, then a policy should be established that if the property owner doesn't replace the lines, that their water is shut off. He asked if we send notices to these individuals that funding is available, could we hold them liable for damages if they don't replace the lines. Mr. Wick stated that could be done. Regarding the proposal to institute an annual nominal rate increase, Council Member Barnett requested it be deferred until the next budget review. It was the general consensus to make this a budget policy issue. John Klingele, 1312 W. Walnut, commented about the future risks and the level of reserves. He suggested Alternative #3 or #5, depending on the level of risk Council is willing to face. Dan Arnett, Chamber of Commerce, commented about the in- lieu -of tax for parks which was supposed to be a temporary measure, but is included in the rate alternatives. He asked if that 4% is going to be eliminated. Mayor Berndt stated that timing is unknown because the Parks Plan is not in place. It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY BRADO, TO ACCEPT ALTERNATIVE #4. Mayor Berndt stated she believes Alternative #4 is too low, and Alternative #5 is too high; and the reserves should be higher than proposed in alternative #4. The question was called for a vote on the motion. The motion failed by 4 -3 roll call vote; Berndt, Buchanan, Semon and Sims • voting nay. It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO ACCEPT ALTERNATIVE #3 AND IN THAT, THAT WE GO TO THE RECOMMENDATION AND MAKE SURE THAT WE COVER THE 2% INCREASE FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE MAINS. City Manager Zais stated that Alternative #3 would mean a 15% increase in 1993 and a 13% increase in 1994 and asked if the motion includes the 2% for private water mains. Mr. Sims clarified the motion was intended to include the 2% in the 15% and 13% rate increases. The 4 2 8 MAY 25, .1993 question was called for a vote on the motion. The motion failed by 5 -2 roll call vote; Barnett, Beauchamp, I/ Berndt, Brado and Semon voting nay. Council Member Sims stated he is not comfortable with the $1 million reserves. It was MOVED BY SEMON, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO ADOPT ALTERNATIVE #5. It was MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO AMEND THE MOTION SO THAT THE LAST INCREMENTAL INCREASE WILL NOT TAKE PLACE UNTIL JULY 1 OF 1994, INSTEAD OF JANUARY 1, 1994, AND IT WILL BE IN THE RESERVE POOL. The motion passed by 6 - voice vote; Semon voting nay. The question was called for the vote on the motion as amended. The motion carried by 5 - 2 roll call vote; Barnett and Brado voting nay. It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO ADD A 2% WATER RATE INCREASE FOR FIVE YEARS TO DO A 50% PARTICIPATION WITH PRIVATE WATER MAIN OWNERS. The motion carried by 4 -3 voice vote; Barnett, Beauchamp and Brado voting nay. It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY SIMS, THAT WE DEFER THE AUTOMATIC ADJUSTMENT OF RATES UNTIL THE NEXT BUDGET REVIEW. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO ADOPT THE 1993 BUDGET POLICY ISSUE ON THE WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY SEMON, TO DEFER THE BUDGET POLICY ISSUE ON THE WATER SYSTEM ACROSS THE YAKIMA RIVER. The motion by unanimous voice vote. City Manager Zais stated staff would return with the appropriate legislation to adopt the water rates. *10. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH YAKIMA COUNTY FOR THE GREENWAY SOUTH PROJECT (CONTINUED FROM 5/18/93) RESOLUTION NO. R- 93 -46, A RESOLUTION in the matter of the granting of a license from the City of Yakima to Yakima County for the purpose of extending the Yakima River Greenway Path along the Yakima River Dike over property belonging to the City. I/ *11. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION MODIFYING THE PETTY CASH AND CHANGE FUND RESOLUTION NO. R- 93 -47, A RESOLUTION amending Resolution No. R -93 -4, adopted January 19, 1993, and authorizing the existence of Change funds, and other Petty Cash funds, within the various Funds of the City of Yakima. 5 282 MAY 25, 1993 *12. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION OF INTENTION TO CREATE THE NORTH 21ST AVENUE WATER LID (SET DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR JUNE 22, 1993) RESOLUTION NO. R- 93 -48, A RESOLUTION of intention to create a local improvement district. June 22, 1993 was set as the date of hearing - on the proposed improvement or objections thereto, and for determining the method of payment for said improvement. *13. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH YAKIMA SUNFAIR FESTIVAL ASSOCIATION FOR TOURIST PROMOTION RESOLUTION NO. R- 93 -49, A RESOLUTION authorizing the execution of a tourist promotion agreement with the Yakima Sunfair Festival Association. *14. APPROVAL OF THE FIRST QUARTER 1993 VEHICLE COLLISION INCIDENT REPORT The First Quarter 1993 Vehicle Incident /Collision Report was accepted. *15. SET DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR JUNE 8,1993 TO CONSIDER THE COMMUTE TRIP REDUCTION ORDINANCE AND PLAN ADOPTION June 8, 1993 was set as the date for public hearing to consider the Commute Trip Reduction Ordinance and Plan adoption. *16. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1993 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR STREET REPAIRS (NO FORMAL ACTION REQUIRED THIS MEETING) An Ordinance amending the 1993 budget and appropriating funds for street maintenance for Yakima Avenue, South 1st Street, 2nd Street, Chestnut Avenue, Naches Avenue, North 5th Avenue, and "I" Street, having been read by title only, was laid on the table for one week, until June 1, 1993. 6 28'3 MAY 25, 1993 *17. CONSIDERATION OF LEGISLATION REGARDING PURCHASE OF PROPERTY ADJACENT TO SWAN PARK: II A. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A REAL ESTATE PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT RESOLUTION NO. R- 93 -50, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager to execute a Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement for real property located adjacent to Swan Park. B. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1993 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTY (No FORMAL ACTION REQUIRED THIS MEETING) An Ordinance amending the 1993 budget and appropriating funds to purchase property for the expansion of Swan Park, having been read by title only, was laid on the table for one week, until June 1, 1993. *18. CONSIDERATION OF LEGISLATION REGARDING A DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED SUMMER PROGRAM: A. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH YAKIMA COUNTY AND THE YAKIMA SCHOOL DISTRICT RESOLUTION NO. R-93-51, A RESOLUTION authorizing an agreement between the City of Yakima, Yakima County, and the Yakima School District for a summer recreation program for disabled youth. B. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1993 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR A SUMMER PALS PROGRAM (NO FORMAL ACTION REQUIRED THIS MEETING) An Ordinance amending the 1993 budget and appropriating funds for a summer handicapped day camp (Summer Pals Program), having been read by title only, was laid on the table for one week, until June 1, 1993. I/ 19. OTHER BUSINESS City Manager Zais stated Council was provided with copies of appointment letters sent to the citizens willing to serve on the CIP Committee and reported their first meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., June 7th at the Public Works lunchroom. 7 284 • MAY 25, 1993 • Mayor Berndt stated that the Governor has not yet signed the Criminal Justice Bill. She reported she asked the City Manager to send the Governor a letter and stated that phone calls from Council members might help. A. Executive Session reaardina Pendina Litigation An executive session having been requested, it was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY BARNETT, TO MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSION PENDING LITIGATION, WITH IMMEDIATE ADJOURNMENT THEREAFTER. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Information Items: • Items of information provided to Council were: Memorandum from City Engineer regarding North First Avenue Status Report. 5/20/93; Memorandum from Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief regarding Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Live Fire Training at Big Bend, Moses Lake, WA. 5/17/93; Agenda for the May 27, 1993 Hearing Examiner meeting; Monthly Report of the Chief of Police for April 1993; Yakima County Development Association Monthly Report for May 1993; National Findings: The 1992 Development Report Card; Article from November /December 1992 Public Administration Review, "Organizing for Economic Development: New Realities Call for New Rules "; and Yakima MSA from Washington State Labor Area Summaries, March 1993 issue. 20. ADJOURNMENT Following the conclusion of the Executive Session, the meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m. j READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: Ale -- CO c!BER j DATE • \. I l i A, I �.. f /�� i - q OLNCIL :ER DATE J ATTEST: I/ • CITY CLERK 1 MAYOR • 8