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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/13/1994 Business Meeting 408 CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON SEPTEMBER 13, 1994 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, Mayor Pat Berndt, presiding, Council Members Clarence Barnett, Henry Beauchamp, Ernie Berger, Bill Brado, Lynn Buchanan, and Bernard Sims present on roll call. City Manager Zais, City Attorney Paolella, 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) There were comments and discussion concerning how the PTBA ballot issue might financially affect citizens in the city if it passes on September 20, 1994. There will be no increase in taxes, but a full match of money already being generated in the system through the motor vehicle excise tax within the City of Yakima would then be available to Yakima for local transportation services. September 1994 was proclaimed as Yakima Greenway Month by Mayor Berndt. Cec Vogt accepted the proclamation and encouraged participation in the many festivities, including the Great Yakima Duck Race. She recognized all the Greenway volunteers who contribute to the enjoyment of this great natural resource. Mayor Berndt read a proclamation saluting the 1994 Yakima Bears Baseball Team for their Northern Division Championship. Bob Romero expressed appreciation for the support of the people of the community and for the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to the residents of Yakima. 4. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Berndt referred to the items placed on the Consent I/ Agenda, questioning whether there were any additions or deletions from either Council members or citizens present. It was the general consensus of the Council that Item No. 23B be removed from the Consent Agenda. The City Clerk 409 . SEPTEMBER 13, 1994 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 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 THE MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 8 AND 30, 1994 ADJOURNED MEETINGS AND AUGUST 23, 1994 BUSINESS MEETING The minutes of the August 8 and 30, 1994 Adjourned Meetings and August 23, 1994 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 CASTLEVALE COURT ANNEXATION (SEE ORDINANCE ANNEXING PROPERTY) This being the time set for the public hearing, Bruce Benson, Associate Planner, briefly summarized the staff report concerning this annexation request. Mayor Berndt opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to speak. There being no one, she closed the public hearing. Ordinance No. 94 -49 having been read by title, it was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO PASS THE ORDINANCE. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. ORDINANCE NO. 94 - 49, AN ORDINANCE annexing property to the City of Yakima and zoning said property. (Castlevale Court Annexation) 7. PUBLIC HEARING ON MATTHEWS ANNEXATION (SEE ORDINANCE ANNEXING PROPERTY) This being the time set for the public hearing, Bruce Benson, Associate Planner, briefly summarized the staff report concerning this annexation request. Mayor Berndt opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to speak. There being no one, she closed the public hearing. Ordinance No. 94 -50 having been read by title, it was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO PASS THE ORDINANCE. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. 11 ORDINANCE NO. 94 - 50, AN ORDINANCE annexing property to the City of Yakima and zoning said property. (Matthews Annexation) 8 . PUBLIC HEARING ON VACATION OF ALLEY FOR THE POLICE /LEGAL FACILITY (SEE ORDINANCE VACATING PROPERTY) This being the time set for the public hearing, Bruce Benson, Associate Planner, briefly summarized the staff report concerning this request to vacate the alleyway. 2 410 SEPTEMBER 13, 1994 The applicant will be utilizing the vacated portion of right -of -way, together with adjoining land, for the construction of the City of Yakima's new Law and Justice Center. Mayor Berndt opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to speak. There being no one, she closed the public hearing. Ordinance No. 94 -51 having been read by title, it was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO PASS THE ORDINANCE. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. ORDINANCE NO. 94 - 51, AN ORDINANCE vacating the alley within the City block bounded by South Third Street on the east, East Spruce Street on the south, South Second Street on the west, and East Walnut Street on the north. 9. PUBLIC MEETING TO CONSIDER HEARING EXAMINER'S RECOMMENDATION REGARDING THE CHESTNUT GROVE TOWN HOMES SUBDIVISION PRELIMINARY LONG PLAT (PLEASE BRING MATERIAL PREVIOUSLY PROVIDED) This being the time set for the public meeting, Larry Lehman, Associate Planner, briefly summarized the staff report and was available to answer questions. He explained Attachment A to the Agenda Statement lists recommendations as contained in the Hearing Examiner's decision. Mayor Berndt expressed concern about the additional 670 cars that the report anticipates this project would generate. Since it was not mentioned in either the staff report or the Hearing Examiner's report, she asked if recognition was made that Chestnut Avenue is a heavily -used designated bicycle /pedestrian pathway with no sidewalks or gutters and whether provisions have been made to accommodate that issue. She also asked why the exit from the development was not onto Summitview Avenue instead of Chestnut Avenue, and when a traffic light is scheduled to be installed at 48th and Summitview Avenues. Mr. Lehman explained the traffic study only showed projected impact to 48th, 50th and Summitview Avenues. The Traffic Engineer and the City Engineer, who both reviewed this, made no significant comments or concerns related to that issue. At this time, Mayor Berndt opened the public meeting and asked if the proponent of the project would like to speak to the issue. She explained no new evidence will be allowed since this is a public meeting. Tim Monahan, Group M Construction, the developer of the project, stated they are taking an existing, approved project of 120 townhouses and asking to change that into a 32 -lot subdivision that allows for 96 rental units in a duplex /triplex /fourplex form. The reason for the change is for financing purposes to obtain more conventional 3 • SEPTEMBER 13, 1994 financing. Pertaining to the projected increase in traffic, Mr. Monahan explained that issue did not present itself as an impact to Chestnut Avenue, only to Summitview Avenue. There was discussion concerning what route the traffic might take. Storm drainage would be addressed by the use of a minimum of six dry well systems. Mayor Berndt asked if anyone else wished to speak in favor of the project. There being no one, she asked if anyone wished to speak who opposed the project. Greg Berndt, G.F. Joseph O.S., (no relation to the Mayor) spoke in opposition to the development because there is a traffic problem on Chestnut Avenue, partly because of trucks servicing their operation, which is adjacent to the proposed project. He explained that when the area was developed for fruit packing, there was no residential development or bike path in this area. He disagreed that a high density development should be allowed next to a light industrial site, and he expressed concern that problems will occur. Darrell Robbins, Chestnut Grove Condominium Association, expressed concern for traffic dumping onto 50th Avenue and trying to shortcut down Chestnut Avenue to get across town. Traffic travels too fast down Chestnut Avenue and bicyclists and pedestrians have to compete with the traffic, particularly the trucks. Also school buses travel down Chestnut and knock the trees. There was a considerable amount of discussion concerning traffic flow through this area and possible changes to accommodate the increased traffic. Responding to Mayor Berndt's earlier questions, Don Skone, Planning Manager, explained the results of a traffic analysis which was prepared by CH2M Hill in January of 1992 and was based upon an earlier design of the project. It projected that this development would impact the intersection at 50th and Summitview Avenues, as well as 48th and Summitview Avenues, and then Chestnut Avenue. There was discussion about the increased congestion on Summitview Avenue over the last two years and more people are using 50th and Chestnut Avenues, which are designated local access streets, not arterials. Regarding the timeframe for the stop light at 48th and Summitview Avenues that Mayor Berndt had inquired about earlier in the meeting, Mr. Skone explained that is on the Six Year Street Construction Program and is scheduled for 1995 as a bond project. Mr. Skone also explained that the Traffic Analysis did note that Chestnut Avenue is a bicycle route and a heavily used 4 412 SEPTEMBER 13, 1994 pedestrian route. In the impact section of the analysis it notes that the project will generate some additional pedestrian /bicycle traffic and traffic is going to increase. There would be increasing safety conflicts; however, the report also suggested these issues would be mitigated in part by the frontage improvements along the front of this project on Chestnut Avenue. The Traffic Analysis did not recommend extension of pedestrian or bicycle facilities any further on Chestnut Avenue. There was a considerable amount of discussion about safety concerns. Mayor Berndt emphasized the importance of responding to quality -of -life issues; many bicyclists /pedestrians, from all age groups, use this local access street, and the increased traffic will impact Chestnut Avenue. Council Member Beauchamp agreed and commented that an additional 90 homes would have a high impact on this narrow street and that needs to be looked at. Council members and staff discussed whether this project should be remanded back to the Hearing Examiner, or whether a public hearing is needed. Mr. Skone explained that this project has been under review for quite some time and that may be part of the difficulty since the traffic study was done in January of 1992. Walt Mapre, Chestnut Grove Condominium resident, expressed concern about the possibility of accidents when senior citizens back out of their driveways onto 50th Avenue, but that is why a request has been made to block off the street -- an idea that has faced much opposition. Armand Ogilvie, 106 North 50th Avenue, stated they were told by the developer that adult living townhouses would be built on the west side of his condo and there would be no windows on the back side of the townhouse. Now this new proposal has changed to duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes and they won't know who these units will be rented to. He also asked if the lots in the new proposal could be sold to another party. Although the developer has done a wonderful job with their condo and he admires him for that, Mr. Ogilvie expressed concern about what is going to go on in his backyard. Council Member Sims answered Mr. Ogilvie's question by explaining the property could be sold to another developer 1/ once the project is approved. Mr. Ogilvie stated he was opposed to that. Pertaining to Mr. Ogilvie's impression concerning an adult living environment, Mr. Monahan explained he believed it was a misunderstanding because a three bedroom townhouse would never suggest that it is all adult living and they never assumed that townhouses would generate a senior population. 5 SEPTEMBER 13, 1994 4 1 3 Shirley Lyle, 4931 Pear Tree Court, expressed concern about too many children in a small area with that much traffic. Mayor Berndt asked if there was anyone else who wished to speak. For the sake of clarity, Council Member Sims explained what constitutes a trip as it relates to the traffic study. There was a considerable amount of discussion among Council members, staff and the Developer about the traffic study, which was done for the original 120 -unit proposal, and whether those figures would be valid for the new proposal based on the change of the type of units now being proposed. Mr. Monahan explained he has tried to work with the neighbors, including the Condo Association, to develop a way to handle the traffic problem and has suggested they petition to vacate the street. Mayor Berndt asked if there was anyone . else who wished to speak regarding the project. There being no one, the public meeting was closed. After all Council members declared no exparte contact, it was MOVED BY BRADO, SECONDED BY BERGER, TO ACCEPT THE HEARING EXAMINER'S RECOMMENDATION AND FOR STAFF TO BRING BACK THE APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTS. The motion carried by a 5 -2 voice vote; Berndt and Beauchamp voting nay. Mayor Berndt explained she voted no, not because she is opposed to the project, but because additional traffic information needs to be gathered by City staff, including project impacts and safety issues that been addressed at all. Discussion continued and included suggestions to address the safety situation on Chestnut Avenue, which is a designated bicycle /pedestrian route. 10. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION None 11. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION REGARDING HAZARDOUS VEGETATION AND DEBRIS ABATEMENT PROGRAM Mike Gaudette, Acting Code Administration Manager, indicated the property on the list has not been abated. There was no citizen present wishing to speak to the issue. Resolution No. R -94 -116 having been read by title, it was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION. Mr. Gaudette explained the property owner received notice by certified mail on August 4, 1994. The question was called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. RESOLUTION NO. R - 94 - 116 A RESOLUTION authorizing the Code Administration Manager to clear certain weedy lots. 6 414 SEPTEMBER 13, 1994 12. REPORT ON PROPOSED CONTRACT WITH YAKIMA COUNTY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (NEW VISION) FOR PROFESSIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Council Member Beauchamp excused himself from discussion of this issue due to an appearance of fairness issue. At the request of Council Member Barnett, City Manager Zais explained the current contract expired in July and the intent of the Board is to establish this contract on a calendar year basis for the period 1995 through 1999. Bob Hall, President of Yakima County Development Association (New Vision), thanked Council for their consideration of this request. He emphasized the importance of the program and explained YCDA has made the request to all cities in Yakima County with the amount determined by a population based assessment. He provided a brief background on this program, outlined the goals of YCDA and indicated a large portion of the economic development opportunities are within Yakima. Mel Tanasse, Past President of New Vision, outlined the positive financial commitments of other jurisdictions in the county. He also emphasized the importance of this program in the overall economic development of the area. Handing the gavel to Assistant Mayor Barnett, it was MOVED BY BERNDT THAT A NEW CONTRACT BE AUTHORIZED FOR $29,872 ANNUALLY THROUGH 1999 WITH SATISFACTORY EVALUATION OF DEFINED PERFORMANCE GOALS. Handing the gavel back to Mayor Berndt, COUNCIL MEMBER BARNETT SECONDED THE MOTION. The motion carried by a 4 -2 voice vote; Berger and Sims voting nay; Beauchamp temporarily absent. 13. CONSIDERATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE RECLASSIFICATION REPORT (PLEASE BRING MATERIAL PREVIOUSLY PROVIDED) Carol Bates, Chief Examiner, referred to the recommendations and was available to answer any questions. Council Member Buchanan expressed concern about the compensation disparity between the police dispatchers and the fire dispatchers. 1/ Ron Tobia, Police Identification Technician, expressed concerns regarding information contained in the Police Department Assistant IV reclassification study report. He took exception to the reference in the report that the Records Bureau Police Department Assistant IV supervises the Identification Technician. 7 415 SEPTEMBER113, 1994 After discussion and comments about Mr. Tobia's concern, staff was directed to clarify whether the Police DA IVs do all the work and supervise the people as indicated in the report. Council Member Brado asked how this would affect other positions, particularly reclassification requests and wage compression issues. Archie Sutton, Personnel Officer, explained compensation and compression issues will be coming to Council in the future. Since the last city -wide salary compensation study done in 1979 (Management Group in 1990), the market has changed dramatically in terms of looking at the positions and the responsibilities that individuals are being asked to perform in their job functions. Data will be provided to Council on these issues. It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO CONTINUE THIS UNTIL THE SEPTEMBER 27, 1994 COUNCIL MEETING. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. *14. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A PROSPECTIVE PURCHASER CONSENT DECREE WITH WASHINGTON DOE RESOLUTION NO. R - 94 - 117, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager and City Attorney of the City of Yakima to execute and implement a Prospective Purchaser Consent Decree Re: Yakima Goodwill Industries Site with the Washington State Department of Ecology. *15. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION ADOPTING A PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RESOLUTION NO. R - 94 - 118, A RESOLUTION adopting a new comprehensive plan for the City of Yakima parks system. *16. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF SUPPLEMENT NO. 3 WITH CH2M HILL FOR THE GATEWAY PROJECT RESOLUTION NO. R - 94 - 119, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute Supplement #3 to the agreement with CH2M Hill for professional services. *17. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH TRADEC FOR ENTERPRISE COMMUNITY APPLICATION SUPPORT RESOLUTION NO. R - 94 - 120, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute an agreement between the City of Yakima and the Trade and Development Consortium, Inc. for purposes of promoting and obtaining approval of a Federal Enterprises Community application. 8 416 1994 SEPTEMBER 13, 19 *18. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF CONTRACT WITH THE SUNFAIR FESTIVAL ASSOCIATION RESOLUTION NO. R -94 -121, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute an agreement between the City of Yakima and the Yakima Sunfair Festival Association for the arrangement of tourist promotion services. *19 CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AMENDING THE PETTY CASH AND CHANGE FUND RESOLUTION NO. R -94 -122, A RESOLUTION amending Resolution No. R- 93 -74, adopted July 13, 1993, and authorizing the existence of Change funds, and other Petty Cash funds, within the various Funds of the City of Yakima. *20. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SALE OF SURPLUS FIRE DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT AND FIRE TRUCK RESOLUTION NO. R -94 -123, A RESOLUTION declaring certain Fire Department vehicle(s) and equipment surplus and authorizing the sale thereof by the City of Yakima Fire Chief. *21. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DISPOSITION OF SURPLUS CITY PROPERTY RESOLUTION NO. R -94 -124, A RESOLUTION authorizing the sale of surplus personal property owned by the City. *22. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION SETTING DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE FINAL ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR LAUREL STREET WATER LID NO. 1051 FOR OCTOBER 25, 1994 RESOLUTION NO. R -94 -125, A RESOLUTION fixing a time and date for a hearing on the final assessment roll for Local Improvement District No. 1051. (Resolution sets date of hearing for October 25, 1994) 23. SET DATE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS /PUBLIC HEARING FOR SEPTEMBER 27, 1994 FOR: *A. PRELIMINARY PLAT AND REZONE REQUESTED BY KKR DEVELOPMENTS FOR PROPERTY AT 1719 SOUTH 16TH AVENUE September 27, 1994 was set as the date of public meeting to consider the Hearing Examiner's decision for a rezone of property and preliminary subdivision application for property known as "Canterwood ", located between South 16th and South 14th Avenues, between Pierce and Spokane Streets, as requested by KKR Development. 9 417 SEPTEMBER 13, 1994 B. FINAL PLAT FOR THE YAKIMA GATEWAY PROJECT REQUESTED BY GARY LUKEHART (This was originally set for hearing today but was canceled.) This was taken off the Consent Agenda in order to reset the date of public hearing. It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP, TO SET THE DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR SEPTEMBER 20, 1994 AT 2:00 PM. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. *C. SOUTH FIRST STREET /EAST VIOLA ANNEXATION September 27, 1994 was set as the date of public hearing on the South First Street /East Viola Annexation. *24. APPROVAL OF RIGHT -OF -WAY USE PERMIT APPLICATION FOR SECO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT, INC. FOR BURIED COMPUTER CABLE The Right -of -Way Use Permit requested by Seco Construction Equipment, Inc., located at 515 South 5th Avenue, to bury a computer cable across City Right -of -Way was approved. *25. APPROVAL OF AUGUST 1994 BUDGET REPORT The August 1994 Budget Report was accepted. 26. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION. PLAN FOR THE PARKS AND RECREATION MANAGER POSITION Jerry Copeland, Public Works Director, referred to the report and was available to answer any questions. There was a considerable amount of discussion concerning the pay range of the Parks & Recreation Manager and the need to keep the position competitive and whether to amend the compensation to at least the average pay range of other similar cities prior to advertising to fill the position. It was MOVED BY BERGER, SECONDED BY BARNETT, TO KEEP THE EXISTING PAYSCALE. IT WAS MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO AMEND THE MOTION TO INCREASE THE SALARY OF THE TOP STEP OF THE PAYSCALE TO 15% ABOVE THE CURRENT TOP STEP LEVEL. The amendment passed by a 4 -3 voice vote; Barnett, Berger, and Brado voting nay. The question was called for a vote on the motion as amended. The motion passed by a 4 -3 voice vote; Barnett, Berger, and Brado voting nay. The proposed legislation will be brought to Council at a later date. 10 418 SEPTEMBER 13, 1994 *27. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION PLAN FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO PUBLIC WORKS, SUPERVISING TRAFFIC ENGINEER, AND WASTEWATER FACILITY SUPPORT WORKER ORDINANCE NO. 94 -52, AN ORDINANCE relating to City personnel; adopting a classification and compensation plan for City employees to be effective October 16, 1994; amending Subsections 2.20.100 A, 2.20.100 C, 2.20.100 D, 2.20.110 A, 2.20.110 F, and 2.20.110 H, all of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. *28. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1994 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR ADDITIONAL JAIL COSTS An Ordinance amending the 1994 budget and appropriating funds to provide for unanticipated additional Yakima County jail costs, having been read by title only at the August 23, 1994 meeting, was brought before the Council for a second reading. ORDINANCE NO. 94 -53, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1994 budget for the City of Yakima; and making an appropriation of $150,000 in the General Fund for expenditure during 1994 for unanticipated Yakima County jail costs. *29. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1994 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR TCI GRANT FOR AN ON -AIR AUTOMATED SWITCHING SYSTEM (NO ACTION REQUIRED THIS MEETING) An Ordinance amending the 1994 budget and appropriating funds to purchase equipment for the Cable TV Division, having been read by title only, was laid on the table for two weeks, until September 27, 1994. The meeting recessed at 4:00 p.m. until 4:15 p.m. 30. PRESENTATION OF WASTEWATER COST -OF- SERVICE STUDY This item and Item 31 were combined for discussion purposes, with Sewer Pre - Treatment Fees discussed first. 31. REPORT REGARDING SEWER PRE - TREATMENT FEES City Manager Zais explained the Wastewater Cost -of- Service Study and the Sewer Pre - Treatment Fee Report are clearly tied together even though they have been submitted separately. They should be considered together when the final actions are taken and reviewed from this point forward. 11 419 SEPTEMBE , 1994 Chris Waarvick, Wastewater Superintendent, referred to the report and was available to answer questions from Council or citizens. Council Member Barnett commended staff on the superior quality of the Cost -of -Study Report they wrote. Then he directed staff to include all the documentation contained in the Council packet be available to the public during the public hearing. The information should also include all the questions and answers that have been asked during the period spent on the Cost -of- Service Study. Mr. Waarvick explained a one or two page summary of structural rate policies will also be provided in addition to the primary rate and fee recommendations. Dan Arnett, Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce, commented on the professionalism and the wealth of information and support from staff that he has received when gathering information on this issue. Primarily relating to Pre - Treatment, Mr. Arnett suggested a policy issue to help spread out the costs. With the aid of an illustration, he described an example of a Key Manhole Monitoring Program, which included testing at the base of the trunks. There was a considerable amount of discussion about this method of testing that has been implemented by Seattle -Metro and Spokane. Council reached a consensus that staff should further study and prepare a report about this concept in order to determine whether it would be more effective and less expensive to implement. The report should also include an analysis of how it is working in Seattle and Spokane, as well as whether there would be additional costs or any reduction in costs for comparison purposes with current data. Mr. Arnett also commented about the cost of clean water mandates. Larry Mathews, 805 South 17th Avenue, also commended staff for a good job on the report. He referred to page 4, item 30, and emphasized that the majority of larger user fees are increasing in the Seattle Metro water districts. He expressed concern that the Yakima proposal will increase rates for lower users and reduce rates for larger users. Mr. Mathews suggested Council Member Sims not vote on this issue since he is an officer of a corporation operating within the city. Council Member Sims explained the Cost -of- Service Study incorporates the cost of the lines and the facility running as a whole, the discharge and treatment of it. Therein lies the difference between the accreditation of rates based on the amount of water used. He stated that Mr. Mathews was incorrect again as to where his employer fits into that arena of water discharge because the facilities that we have 12 420 SEPTEMBER 13, 1994 inside the city of Yakima does not use that kind of volume of water. He is inaccurate as far as his statement of water usage. Dan Arnett suggested that if a system of testing is used and there is no legal requirement to test every two and a half years, to test every five years, which would cut the cost of the program in half. Although he understood Mr. Mathews' comments, Mr. Arnett explained there is an effort to attract new businesses to Yakima. Two of the things they look at are the costs of doing business and utilities. The new businesses will generate employment for some of those people who don't have jobs. It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, THAT A DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING BE SET FOR OCTOBER 11, 1994 RELATING TO THE COST -OF- SERVICE STUDY. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Council Member Barnett requested that in the interim we receive a report from staff regarding the suggestion made by Dan Arnett. Doug Mayo, Wastewater Project Engineer, explained variable costs as they relate to cost per unit of water; it was also considered in the report. Bringing the issue into perspective, Mr. Waarvick explained that in order to shift the burden away from residential users, there would need to be a very large shift at the top end users because there aren't that many of them. Council Member Beauchamp requested an evaluation of rate differences being assessed on businesses for major users in Yakima versus major users in some of our competitive cities. Mayor Berndt pointed out that Seattle has a lot of big businesses, larger users; we have mostly small businesses and the cost impacts are far greater on those small businesses than they are on big business. 32. OTHER BUSINESS There was a consensus among Council members to authorize staff to video upcoming Board Meetings of the Watershed Council. The first meeting will be on September 28, 1994 at 6 p.m. at the Convention Center. Mayor Berndt reported a citizen has expressed concern about school children crossing in the area of 5th Avenue and Walnut Street. She referred the issue to the Police 1/ Department. Information Items: Items of information provided to Council were: Invitation to the Town Hall Meeting, "Revisit the Downtown Plan ", 13 421 SEPTEMBER,13, 1994 October 20, 1994, Capitol Theatre,.,,7:00 p.m.; Notice of the September 13, 1994 General membership meeting of the Northeast Yakima Neighborhood Association; Notice of September 14, 1994 Gang Coalition Board meeting; DOE notice of Closure of a Surface Impoundment - Cameron - Yakima, Inc.; Trolley Ridership Monthly Report for August 1994; Monthly Project Progress Report for July 1994; Rebound Plus Monthly Report for August 1994; Assignments Pending in Office of Environmental Planning as of September 13, 1994; Traffic Engineering Citizen Request and Activity Report for August 1994; Memorandum from Legal Department regarding Damage Claims Referred to Insurance Company. 9/7/94; Monthly Report of the Chief of Police for August 1994; Agenda for the September 12, 1994 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting and minutes of its August 8, 1994 meeting; Hanford Environmental Restoration Questions & Answers brochure; Yakima Valley Conference of Governments Newsletter, September 1994, Volume 21, No. 9; Article from August 30, 1994 Seattle P -I, "Huge Pollution Cleanups Ordered "; Article, "Economic Memo - A weekly look at the regional and national economies and how they work or don't work "; and Article, "Yakima Valley Farms offer Buyers a trip to Bountiful." 33. EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING: A. COLLECTIVE BARGAINING - YPPA B. PROPERTY ACQUISITION It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AND PROPERTY ACQUISITION WITH IMMEDIATE ADJOURNMENT THEREAFTER. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. 34. ADJOURNMENT At the conclusion of the Executive Session, the meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: � �A Al J 20-op Q A; CO" CIL �:ER DATE 11 1g/0 /1 0 ' 6--c:O -97 COUNCIL MEMBER DATE ATTEST: CITY CLERK MAYOR Minutes prepared by Deputy City Clerk Skovald. An audio and video tape of this meeting are available in the City Clerk's Office 14