Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/08/1998 Adjourned Meeting 347 CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON DECEMBER 8, 1998 ADJOURNED MEETING 1, ROLL CALL The City Council met in session on this date at 9:00 a.m., in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington, Mayor John Puccinelli, presiding. Council Members Clarence Barnett, Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Buchanan, John Klingele, and Mary Place present on roll call. Council Member Bernard Sims was absent and excused. City Manager Zais, Director of Finance and Budget Hanson and City Clerk Roberts were also present. 2. BUDGET WRAP -UP Mayor Puccinelli suggested that Council follow the budget wrap -up document and first review the 1999 budgeted policy issues. 1999 BUDGET POLICY ISSUES - BUDGETED Outside Agency Requests Funding for the Yakima Gang Prevention and Intervention Coalition -- Parks and Recreation Fund, Non - Personnel budgeted request for $75,000. It was MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY KLINGELE, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Sims absent. Yakima County Development Association -- General Fund, Non - Personnel budgeted request for $29,870. It was MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY KLINGELE, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Sims absent. Substance Abuse Coalition -- General Fund, Non - Personnel budgeted request for $14,489. It was MOVED BY KLINGELE, SECONDED BY PLACE, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. The motion I/ carried by unanimous voice vote; Sims absent. Yakima Chamber of Commerce -- General Fund, Non - Personnel budgeted request for $8,850. It was MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY KLINGELE, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. The motion carried by 5 -1 voice vote; Klingele voting nay; Sims absent. 3 DECEMBER 8, 1998 - ADJOURNED MEETING BUDGET WRAP -UP 4 of July Committee -- General Fund, Non - Personnel budgeted request for $8,300. It was MOVED BY KLINGELE, SECONDED BY PLACE, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Sims absent. Allied Arts ArtsVan -- General Fund, Non - Personnel budgeted request for $8,000. It was MOVED BY KLINGELE, SECONDED BY PLACE, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Sims absent. Salvation Army (Milroy Park) -- Parks and Recreation Fund; Non - Personnel budgeted request for $6,000. It was MOVED BY KLINGELE, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Sims absent. Salvation Army (Milroy Park) -- Parks and Recreation Fund; Non - Personnel unbudgeted request for $1,500. It was MOVED BY KLINGELE, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP, TO APPROVE THE $1,500 ADDITIONAL FUNDS. The motion carried by 4 -2 voice vote; Klingele and Place voting nay; Sims absent. RSVP -- Parks and Recreation Fund; Non - Personnel budgeted request for $3,000 cash and $2,000 in -kind contribution. It was MOVED BY KLINGELE, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Sims absent. Sunfair Association -- General Fund; Non- Personnel budgeted request for $1,000. It was MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY KLINGELE, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. The motion carried by 5- 1 voice vote; Buchanan voting nay; Sims absent. VFW Request for World War II Memorial -- General Fund, Non - Personnel one time only budgeted request for $8,000. It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. The motion carried by 4 -2 voice vote; Klingele and Place voting nay; Sims absent. Intergovernmental Yakima County Emergency Service Agency Request for Enhanced Agency Services -- General Fund, Non - Personnel budgeted request for additional $8,950 above the 1998 Budget. It was MOVED BY KLINGELE, SECONDED BY PLACE, TO DENY THE I/ INCREASE. Following an explanation that the policy issue was prepared because the expenses exceeded the 1998 budgeted amount of $24,666, the question was called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Sims absent. Mr. Hanson announced that the City will pay the budgeted amount of $24,666. 2 349 DECEMBER 8, 1998 - ADJOURNED MEETING BUDGET WRAP -UP Water /Irrigation Upgrade a DA II Position to DA III -- Water and Irrigation Funds, Personnel pudgeted request for $3,000. It was MOVED BY KLINGELE, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Sims absent. Irrigation Cost of Service Adjustment - Irrigation Operating Rate Increase of 60 -- Irrigation Funds, Non - Personnel request generating $60,000 in revenue. It was MOVED BY KLINGELE, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. Mayor Puccinelli expressed concern that since the irrigation rate was substantially increased last year, this rate increase will result in citizens requesting withdrawal from the irrigation system. Staff explained there are safeguards in the irrigation ordinance to prevent a mass exodus. The Water /Irrigation Manager can deny the request to be removed from the system for several reasons; the primary one being insufficient capacity at the Water - Treatment Plant to serve irrigation needs within the domestic system. It was also pointed out that this increase is due to increased maintenance and operating . costs; last year's increase was for capital needs. The question was called for a vote on the motion. The motion failed by 3 -3 voice vote; Barnett, Place and Puccinelli voting nay; Sims absent. Mr. Zais stated the funds will remain in the budget; however, no ordinance will be prepared to implement the,proposed increase. Municipal Court /Probation Add Probation Officer Position for One -Half Year, Effective 7/1/99 -- General Fund /Probation Services Fees, Personnel budgeted request for $26,500 in 1999.' It was MOVED BY KLINGELE, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Sims absent. Financial /Customer Services I/ Reinstate % Time DA II to Full -Time DA II to Address Customers' Billing Needs -- Enterprise Funds, Water- Sewer- Refuse - Irrigation, Personnel budgeted request for $8,500 in 1999. Finance Division Reorganization to Eliminate One Permanent Accounting Technician, and Upgrade Two Accountants to Reflect Job Duties -- General Fund, Personnel budgeted request resulting in net savings of • 3 350 DECEMBER 8, 1998 - ADJOURNED MEETING BUDGET WRAP -UP $3,000 annually. It WAS MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY KLINGELE, TO APPROVE BOTH POLICY ISSUE REQUESTS FROM THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT. • The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Sims absent. Community and Economic Development DARC Recommended Policy Issue to Increase Monthly Parking Fees in City -Owned Lots from $30 /Month to $40 /Month -- Central Business District Capital Fund, Non - Personnel budgeted request to generate $7,000 in revenue. It was MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY KLINGELE, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Sims absent. Planning Commute Trip Reduction Proiects - Pedestrian and Bicycle Pathways and Park and Ride Parking Facility (see Yakima Center Policy Issue) -- Growth Management /Commute Trip Reduction Funds, Non - Personnel budgeted request for $90,000 each project ($180,000 total). City Manager Zais reported this policy issue is related to the Yakima Center Park & Ride Policy Issue. The funding source for this proposal is questionable and if the project is not accepted, then staff will research other funding options. Following discussion about delaying action on this policy issue until after funding has been ascertained, it was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY PLACE, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Sims absent. Engineering • 1999 Arterial Street Overlay Program - Extend Grind and Overlay /Street Improvement Proiect - Non - Personnel budgeted request for $300,000 from Cumulative Reserve for Capital Improvement /Bond Funds and Gas Tax Revenues and $700,000 PWTF loan. It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY PLACE, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Sims absent. Engineering Reorganization to Upgrade Two Engineering Tech II's to Engineering Tech III's and Downgrade Engineering Tech II to Lower Pay Scale, Including Elimination of an Engineering Tech I Position -- General Fund, projected savings of $1,000. This Policy Issue was deferred. • 4 35 1 DECEMBER 8, 1998 - ADJOURNED MEETING BUDGET WRAP -UP Yakima Center Increase in 1ranagement Fees -- Convention Center Operating Fund, Non - Personnel budgeted request for $12,000. It was ,/ MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY PLACE, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Sims absent. • Construct Convention Center Parking /Park and Ride Improvements -- Convention Center Capital Budget, Non - Personnel budgeted request for $400,000. Increase rental • fees for Debt Service -- $30,000 annually - Convention Center Operating Fund, Non - Personnel budgeted request. It was MOVED BY PLACE, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Sims absent. Public Safety Communications Increase Half -Time Clerical Assistant to Full Time -- Public Safety Communications Fund split 50/50 between 911 and Dispatch, Personnel request for $13,500. It was MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY KLINGELE, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Sims absent. Fire Remodel of Station #1 Living Space -- Fire Capital Fund, Non - Personnel request for $60,000. It •was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Sims absent. Replace 20- Year -Old Fire Pumper Truck -- Fire Capital Fund, Non - Personnel request for $300,000. It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY KLINGELE, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Sims absent. Public Works Administration Health and Safety Issue - Ventilation Improvements for Certain Buildings at Public Works Facility -- Environmental Fund, Non - Personnel request for $180,000. It. was MOVED BY PLACE, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Sims absent. Refuse and Recycling Upgrade Two Temporary Positions to Two Permanent Seasonal • Refuse Crew Leader Positions and Eliminate 1 % Temporary Refuse Helper Positions -- Refuse Operating Fund, Personnel 5 • 352 DECEMBER 8, 1998 - ADJOURNED MEETING BUDGET WRAP -UP budgeted request for $13,600. It was MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY KLINGELE, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Sims absent. Refuse Rate Increase of 3% -- Refuse Operating Fund, Non - Personnel budgeted revenue of $48,000. Previous to the beginning of the meeting, a Memorandum dated December 7, 1998 from Chris Waarvick and Nancy Gaudette was distributed to the Council. The memorandum outlined three options for a 1999 Refuse rate adjustment. Option 1 is. the 1999 Budgeted Policy Issue. Option 2 is a proposal to increase can service by 2% and bin service by 8% to generate approximately $51,000 in additional revenue. Option 3 is a proposal to increase can service by 3% and bin service by 8% to generate approximately $67,000 in additional revenue. It was MOVED BY PLACE, SECONDED BY KLINGELE, TO ADOPT OPTION #2 TO INCREASE CAN SERVICE BY 2% AND BIN SERVICE BY 8 %. The motion carried by 5 -1 voice vote; Barnett voting nay; Sims absent. Parks and Recreation Increase in Fees and Charges -- Parks and Recreation, Non - Personnel budgeted revenue of $35,000. Council Member Place reported that she and Council Member Beauchamp spoke with Denise Nichols about this policy issue. She stated that after receiving assurance that there are methods available to meet the needs of youths that can't afford the fees, she could now support this request. It was MOVED BY KLINGELE, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Sims absent. DARC recommendation to Enhance CBD Maintenance by Increasing Temporary Personnel -- Parks and Recreation Personnel budgeted request for $20,000. Increase Parking Fees in Lots Exceeding 2 Hours (from $.50 to $.75) -- Non - Personnel budgeted revenue of $20,000. It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY KLINGELE, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST TO ENGAGE TEMPORARY PERSONNEL AND INCREASE THE PARKING FEE. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Sims absent. Formalize Reduction in Lions Pool Fee Paid by the School District -- Parks and Recreation, Non - Personnel budgeted request for $8,600 reduction in revenue. This one -time request to decrease the pool fee is based upon the failure of the last School Levy. It was explained that even if a new levy is passed in February, the District wouldn't receive any funds from the levy for a year.' It was MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY PLACE, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST The motion carried by 5 -1 voice vote; Barnett voting nay. 6 353 DECEMBER 8, 1998 - ADJOURNED MEETING BUDGET WRAP -UP Streets /Traffic Operations Upgrade of Two .M Time Permanent Part -Time Traffic Aids to Twc Full -Time Permanent Traffic Aids to Accommodate Collision Maintenance Workload Impact -- Street Fund, Personnel Budgeted request for $19,000. Shelley Willson, Acting Streets and Traffic Operations Manager, Chris Waarvick, Public Works Director, and Police Chief Blesio clarified the request and justified the need for the information that would be gathered. A suggestion was made that this work could be privatized; however, Council was advised that it may be more economically feasible to increase the two existing part -time employees' status to full -time employment and assign this task to them. Staff also informed Council there is a confidentiality issue making it impractical to privatize this service. It was MOVED BY KLINGELE, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. The motion carried by 5 -1 voice vote; Barnett voting nay; Sims absent. Traffic Calming Program -- Arterial Street Fund, Non - Personnel budgeted request for $20,000. After verifying this fund could be used to install or remove traffic calming devices, it was MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. The motion failed by 3 -3 voice vote; Barnett, Place and ,Puccinelli voting nay; Sims absent. 1999 BUDGET POLICY ISSUES -- UNBUDGETED Planning Land Development Application' Fee Increase of 18% - Overall /10 Years to Recover Full Costs - $10,000 revenue. It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY KLINGELE, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. The motion failed by 3 -3 voice vote; Barnett, Klingele and Puccinelli voting nay; Sims absent. Don Skone, Planning Manager, reported that the last major increase in fees occurred in 1990. At that time, the I/ policy was instituted that the costs to process land development applications would be borne 50/50 between the development community and the public. A formula was developed to increase the fees annually; however, the fee increases have not kept pace with the costs to process the applications and the split is closer to 30% development community and 70% public. The applications have required additional scrutiny due to new regulations and requirements. Council Member Barnett asked if the development community is aware of this proposal. Mr. Skone • 7 354 DECEMBER 8, 1998 - ADJOURNED MEETING BUDGET WRAP -UP stated he has provided this information to the governmental liaison of the Central Washington Home Builders Association to review this proposal. Engineering Annual Street Capacity Improvement Program -- Study second 1 /% Real Estate Excise Tax for Transportation Capacity, projected revenue of $300,000. It was MOVED BY PLACE, SECONDED BY KLINGELE, TO APPROVE THE STUDY. The motion carried by 4 -2 voice vote; Barnett and Puccinelli voting nay; Sims absent. Streets /Traffic Operations Council Added Policy Issue to Provide Mechanical Sweeping of Sidewalks and Public Areas -- Street Fund Reserves, Non- Personnel, non - budgeted request for $26,000. It was MOVED BY KLINGELE, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Sims absent. It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY KLINGELE, TO DIRECT STAFF TO PREPARE THE FINAL BUDGET AND OTHER ORDINANCES REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT THE DECISIONS MADE AT THE MEETING TODAY. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Sims absent. 3. ADJOURNMENT TO NOON It was MOVED BY KLINGELE, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP, TO ADJOURN AT THE HOUR OF 10:20 A.M., TO MEET AGAIN AT NOON TODAY AT PROVIDENCE MEDICAL CENTER. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Sims absent. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: 11 1 -, z® / /I` -fr COUNCIL MEMBSR DATE COUNCIL MEMBEk DATE ATTEST: CITY CLERK JOHN PUCCINELLI, MAYOR Audio and video tapes of this meeting are available in the City Clerk's Office • 8 355 CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON DECEMBER 8, 1998 ADJOURNED MEETING The City Council met on this date at 12:00 Noon at the Providence Medical Center Centennial Tower for the Yakima Valley Public Service Organizations Annual Legislative Priority Presentation. Council Members present were Mayor John Puccinelli, Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Buchanan, John Klingele, and Mary Place. Council Members Clarence Barnett and Bernard Sims were absent and excused. Staff members present were City Manager Zais; Assistant City Manager Rice; Administrative Assistant to the City Manager Oliver; and Deputy City Clerk Skovald, Chris Borr, representing Providence Medical Center, welcomed the group and then everyone in attendance introduced themselves. Mayor Puccinelli commended Senator Alex Deccio and State Representatives Mary Skinner and Jim Clements for the fine job they have done with Law and Justice needs for the Yakima Valley. He invited legislators to comment about next year's priorities slated for consideration by the Washington State Legislature. Representative Mary Skinner described certain dynamics associated with the 49 -49 split in the State House of Representatives. She noted the differences in philosophy pertaining to the General Fund Budget to determine how much and where money will be spent. She pointed out that there are very different visions throughout Washington, and it will be a very challenging, interesting session. Senator Alex Deccio also feels it will be a very interesting session since there will be shared leadership in the House and a new Speaker ' to deal with due to the 49 -49 split. Although he would like to see any surplus 601 funds saved for future emergencies, such as consequences of welfare reform, Senator Deccio noted that he strongly supports the Higher Education Center proposed for Yakima Valley Community College. He reported this issue .would be included in next year's budget considerations and that he expects to see it remain there. Representative Jim Clements directed attention to the basic needs throughout the state that will determine how money is effectively delegated and what priorities are efficiently administered. He noted that education would compete with other controversial issues. He feels the salmon issue potentially could have a similar impact on the state budget as the spotted owl issue did. It was not recognized at first either. Other issues that will affect the state's budget include tobacco litigation and casino gambling, in addition to education, health care, and unfunded mandates. Senator Deccio and Representative Clements also noted that the needs of the elderly • 356 DECEMBER 8, 1998 - LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES population are increasing dramatically, i.e., nursing homes and special care facilities for the developmentally disabled. Larry Petry, Superintendent of Yakima Schools, reported.other aspects of educational growth need to be addressed besides construction of school buildings. There are the raised expectations that children should have higher academic skills. More needs to be done to .improve students' academic skills. Instructions are needed to develop what the students need to know and how to get them there needs to be identified, i.e., a longer instruction day, Saturday school, tutoring, or more instruction time. Commissioner Bettie Ingham, Yakima County, noted that law and justice needs are important, but the challenges for education and health care issues need to be supported and encouraged. She feels the Yakima Valley would greatly benefit from inversion dollars from state sales tax through rural economic development. This would raise,the economic baseline so that the Yakima area can stabilize. Gail Weaver, representing Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital, requested support for the Central Washington Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). She reported that reimbursement of neonatology services covers only 40% of the costs with 77% of patient charges in 1997 -98 being billed-for Medicaid eligible babies resulting in a huge revenue loss. NICU will not remain viable without a substantial increase in reimbursements for Medicaid - eligible babies. There was additional discussion concerning the fact that hospitals throughout the state receive the same reimbursement rate of 40 %, except other hospitals receive more insurance reimbursements, which pay more than Medicaid reimbursements. Dennis Klukan, representing the Yakima Health District, commended the legislators for the good job with Referendum 49. He requested support for more funding for contagious disease and immunization programs. Mr. Klukan explained Motor Vehicle Excise Tax revenue (MVET) is the primary funding source for contagious disease and immunization programs. Senator Deccio feels health service should benefit from tobacco settlement dollars to replenish the .MVET dollars which have been diverted from public health districts during the last three or four bienniums. Representative Skinner noted that she supports child profile legislation recently mentioned in the Department of Health report. Gary Webster, Chamber of Commerce, expressed support for digital technology to strengthen the educational system and maintain economic vitality of the Yakima community. There was discussion about digital technology's high -speed transmission, which greatly enhances on -line capabilities. Mr. Webster also referred to the Salmon issue and recently proposed legislation to breach the dams and asked what the approach might be. Representative Clements explained he doesn't feel this issue should be a higher priority than emergent needs of people, especially children. There was also discussion about the ongoing 2 357 DECEMBER 8, 1998 - LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES 1 i controversy with the Yakima Indian Nation about smoking and tobacco issues. Linda Kaminski, Yakima Valley Community College, urged continued support for the Higher Education Center because projects in other areas of the state are competing for funding. She also urged support for funding to renovate YVCC's Technology Complex, for increased funding for English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, and technology expansion and replacement. City Manager Zais suggested applying for private industry grants to accommodate the technology expansion and - replacement needs for the college. Lon Wyrick, Yakima Valley Conference of Governments (YVCOG) requested support for rail mitigation and additional transportation funding. L Kathy Coffey, Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Center, thanked the legislators for their hard work and urged continued support for the successful completion of the third phase of the Convention Center • expansion project. There was discussion about importance of the state tourism industry. Representative Clements commended Kathy Coffey for quickly accomplishing two phases of Convention Center renovation , within the existing $6 million budget. Donna Garner, Yakima County Community Public Health & Safety Network, urged support for modification of Youth Work Rules included in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). There was a considerable amount of discussion about how the current policies of Labor and Industries affect youths. It appeared to be the general consensus of the group to request that the dropout rate be substantiated, and a determination be made as to the number of juvenile court cases, the number of serious injuries, and the number of suicides resulting from the large amount of time youths have on their hands because they are not allowed to work. Barbara Hood, Providence Medical Center, urged support for the Basic Health Care Plan and requested ideas to address problems with the Basic Health Care Plan where payments have been decreased and high premiums are still being paid in Yakima. She feels a concerted effort is needed to change this situation. Representative Skinner noted that the Yakima Valley should have access to the very best health care available. She feels the insurance reimbursement issue is a very real problem and the main focus should be on prevention as well as other dynamics. Mayor Puccinelli thanked the Providence Medical Center for hosting this luncheon and the legislators for attending and listening to their 3 358 DECEMBER 8, 1998 - LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES high expectations to improve the Yakima Valley. After further discussion about the unique problems the Yakima Valley experiences, the meeting adjourned at 1:40 p.m. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY:,« COUNCIL ME BER ' DATE 7 • COUN MEMBER DATE ATTEST: I. - CITY CLERK JOHN P'CCINELLI, MAYOR Minutes prepared by Deputy City Cler Skovald. An audio and videotape of this meeting are available in the City Clerk's Office • • • • • 4