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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/15/2005 Business Meeting 339' CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON BUSINESS MEETING OF THE YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 15, 2005 - 2:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL 1. Roll Call • Present: Council: Mayor Paul George, presiding, Council Members Ron Bonlender, Dave Edler, Neil McClure, Mary Place, Bernard Sims, and Susan Whitman Staff: City Manager Zais, City Attorney Paolella, City Clerk Roberts, and Deborah Moore, Executive Secretary 2. Invocation /Pledge of Allegiance Council Member McClure gave an invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Bonlender. 3. Open Discussion for the Good of The Order /Special Presentations Dennis Mayo, Fire Chief, introduced the new Deputy Fire chief, Charlie Hines. A. Proclamations B. Special Presentations: • Cultural International Education Exchange Denise Ball and Kim Graf, from Cultural International Education Exchange, had the foreign exchange students introduce themselves tell which country they are from. She said the students will do some community service while they are here and noted there is always a need for host families. • Certificate of Appreciation to Yakima Valley Community Band Denise Nichols introduced Dick Schactler from the Yakima Valley Community Band. The Band has been in existence since 1919 and now provides six concerts a year at Randall Park. Mr. Schactler promoted the idea of a performing arts facility, and said about 500 people attend their concerts in the park. Mayor George presented Mr. Schactler with a Certificate of Appreciation. C. Citizen service requests • Mike Hunnel's concern regarding ADA compliance for sidewalk at S. 3rd Avenue and Stewart Shelley Willson, Traffic Engineering and Streets Manager, responding to Mr. Hunnel's concerns regarding the lack of compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title II, outlined the requirements of the Act pertaining to a transition plan 34.0: NOVEMBER 15, 2005 for sidewalk accessibility. She reported that the City has begun an ADA transition process. We construct ADA ramps with new projects or when altering existing streets. In 2005, staff inventoried the existing sidewalk system and ADA ramp locations, and which standards were met. Only 85 ramps meet all existing standards. We have applied for a State DOT safety grant for $175,000 to install ramps at 22 corners in Yakima. She advised Council that the Transportation Plan that is being updated contains a transition plan. We will hear about the grant after the first of the year. We don't have to have a match in funds, but do have to have plans ready to make the improvements. Mike Hunnel said he would like to be advised on the areas that have been corrected. He pointed out that several businesses and residences do not shovel the snow on their sidewalks, which creates an impediment for the handicapped pedestrian. He continued, stating that accessible parking also needs to be addressed. Many businesses are not in compliance with state and federal guidelines as it relates to handicapped parking. Police Lt. Mike Merryman gave a brief history of the Citizen Police Academy working with the Police Department to address issues such as a handicapped parking enforcement program. Officer Ray Garza gave additional information regarding business parking compliance and their enforcement efforts. The volunteers won't be issuing citations, but will take pictures and gather information so that officers at the police station could issue citations. Council Member Place requested a six -month progress report. Mayor George advised Mr. Hunnel that staff is working to address his concerns. D. Consideration of appointments to boards and commissions (if any) None. 4. Consent Agenda Mayor George referred to the items placed on the Consent Agenda, questioning whether there were any additions or deletions from either Council members or citizens present. Item No. 7 was added to the Consent Agenda. The City Clerk read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and ordinances by title. SIMS MOVED AND PLACE SECONDED TO ADOPT THE CONSENT AGENDA AS READ. 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.) *A. Approval of the minutes of the September 27, 2005 Adjourned meeting and the October 18, 2005 Business meeting The minutes of the September 27, 2005 Adjourned meeting and the October 18, 2005 Business meeting were approved, having been duly certified accurate by two Council members and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly. 2 3 4,.1,. NOVEMBER 15, 2005 5. Audience Participation None. PUBLIC HEARING 6. Public Hearing on revenue sources and ad valorem property tax levy for collection in 2006: City Manager Zais and Rita Anson, Director of Finance and Budget, explained the two ordinances. She distributed a substitute Ordinance A to correct 2004 to 2005 in Section 1A. Ordinance A authorizes a 1% increase in the City's levy above the amount that was levied last year, and Ordinance B adopts the ad valorem tax for 2006. Ms. Anson explained how the County distributes the property tax to the school districts and the cities. The City receives about 25 cents from every dollar paid in property tax, which is a major source of revenue for the City. She explained that the levy is a 2.5% increase in revenue; 1% from the increase on the tax levy and the other 1.5% is from growth. However, if your property's assessed valuation went up about the same as everyone else's, your property tax won't necessarily go up, because the total amount to be split is the same. • Mayor George opened the public hearing Mike Murphy, 4411 Snowmountain Road, quoted figures he got from the County Assessor, which indicated that the City's assessed value decreased from 2005. Ms. Anson stated that the assessed value did increase and said she would meet with Mr. Murphy later to clarify his concerns. • Mayor George closed the public hearing A. An ordinance authorizing a 1% increase in the City's annual regular levy from the amount levied the previous year The City Clerk read the ordinance by title. PLACE MOVED AND McCLURE SECONDED TO PASS ORDINANCE A, AS CORRECTED IN SECTION 1A. The motion carried by 6 -1 roll call vote; Whitman voting nay. ORDINANCE NO. 2005 -67, AN ORDINANCE relating to the annual property tax levy; authorizing an increase in the City's regular levy from the amount levied the previous year. B. An ordinance fixing and levying the amount of ad valorem taxes for the 2006 budget The City Clerk read the ordinance by title. SIMS MOVED AND McCLURE SECONDED TO PASS THE ORDINANCE. The motion carried by 6 -1 voice vote; Whitman voting nay. 3 34.2; NOVEMBER 15, 2005 ORDINANCE NO. 2005-68, AN ORDINANCE fixing and levying the amount of ad valorem taxes necessary to balance estimated revenue with estimated expenditures for the 2006 Budget for the City of Yakima. CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS *7. Consideration of joint Resolution with Yakima County approving the 2005 Budget Amendment No. 1 and the 2006 Airport budget RESOLUTION NO. R- 2005 -177, A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF YAKIMA AND YAKIMA COUNTY approving the Yakima Air Terminal — McAllister Field 2005 Budget Amendment No. 1 and approving the Yakima Air Terminal. 2006 budget. 8. Consideration of Resolution authorizing the execution of a contract for sale and purchase of the City's Limited Tax General Obligation Bonds for Parks improvements with Seattle Northwest and ratifying certain acts and proceedings Tim Jensen, Treasury Services Officer, reviewed the agenda statement that was revised to provide the updated information after the actual sale of the bonds. He noted that a comprehensive credit review with Standard and Poor's resulted in affirmation of the City's "A" credit rating. The sale of the bonds took place on November 14 resulting in a purchase offer from Seattle Northwest Securities for $755,000 for the ten -year 2005 LTGO's bonds, at an interest cost of 4.34% including legal and underwriting costs, providing $723,000 in proceeds for the projects. It was determined that it was not economically feasible to purchase any insurance on the bonds, which will close on December 5. City Manager Zais said the bond payments will come from savings incurred from the closure of the pools and will be included as a new debt service line item in the budget for ten years. The City Clerk read the resolution and SIMS MOVED AND EDLER SECONDED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. RESOLUTION NO. R- 2005 -176, A RESOLUTION of the City Council of the City of Yakima, Washington, authorizing the execution and delivery of a contract for purchase of the City's Limited Tax General Obligation Bonds, 2005 in the principal amount of $755,000 fixing certain terms of the bonds and approving the form of the official statement and insurance. 9. Consideration of report and request for final direction regarding a regional ordinance for animal control regulations Council Member Place reported that she and Council Member Whitman, as well as City staff, have been meeting with the Humane Society, County, and Union Gap representatives and have drafted an ordinance that would serve as a regional animal control effort. Joe Caruso, Supervising Code Inspector, said that the draft ordinance would give the animal control officers tools to enforce the 4 343 NOVEMBER 15, 2005 rules and outlines the responsibility of dog owners. The ordinances for the three jurisdictions would be similar, except for perhaps dog license fees: There are three issues to be discussed: 1) dog license fees; 2) boundaries for animal maintenance; and 3) penalties. He reviewed the County and Cityifee schedules. • Dog License Fees Council Member Bonlender proposed lowering the license fees to $10 per year, with a 50% discount for altered dogs ($5.00); and a reduced /fee of $2.50 for senior citizens. He stated that the higher dog license fee discourages people from purchasing dog licenses. Doug Maples commented that two years ago the license fee was increased to $30 for an unaltered dog and they did not see any difference in the number of dog licenses purchased. We have over 5,000 licensed dogs in the city. The revenue from dog licenses is approximately $35,000; while the cost to operate the animal control program is $225,000. Council Member Bonlender inquired if the officers have the ability to immediately check the license of a "found" dog and return it to its owner; which would be a benefit of purchasing a license. Alan Landvoy, Humane Society, spoke about the discussions the committee had about the possibility of developing a regional data base on dog licenses and micochipping information and who would maintain it. The Humane Society has a program now, but it is not regional, nor does it include microchipping (microchipping will come in January). If the database is regional, it would help track dangerous dogs, which would help with the enforcement of the fines. BONLENDER MOVED AND McCLURE SECONDED THAT THE FEE STRUCTURE BE $10 FOR UNALTERED DOGS, $5 FOR ALTERED DOGS, AND $2.50 FOR DOGS OWNED BY SENIOR CITIZENS, AND NO FEE FOR LICENSING GUIDE DOGS. The motion failed by 4 -3 roll call vote; Edler, Place, Sims and Whitman voting nay. SIMS MOVED AND EDLER SECONDED THAT WE APPROVE THE SUGGESTED FEE SCHEDULE. The motion carried by 4 -3 roll call vote; Bonlender, George and McClure voting nay. (insert fee schedule) • Penalties • Jeff Cutter, Assistant City Attorney, stated that the City's current ordinance contains penalties for violation of the ordinance. The County does not have any criminal charges, but the City does for misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor. Council Member Place said that Union Gap has similar penalties. Council members clarified a few of the violations and penalties contained in the ordinance. • Boundary Joe Caruso referred to a colored map. He stated that the downtown core area (in pink) has been in the Code since 1921 (YMC 6.20.47) and addresses feed yards, corrals, etc. He said he expanded the boundary to give Council two options. The 5 • 344 NOVEMBER 15, 2005 City's zoning ordinance also controls which animals would be allowed in certain areas. Doug Maples commented that when an area is annexed to the City and a resident has horses or cattle, they could keep them as long as they are not removed from the property for more than 18 months. PLACE MOVED AND SIMS SECONDED THAT SECTION 6.20.47 BE DELETED. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. The City Clerk read the ordinance by title. SIMS MOVED AND WHITMAN SECONDED TO PASS THE ORDINANCE. The motion carried by 5 -2 roll call vote; Bonlender and George voting nay. It was the general consensus of Council to let the new council members handle amendments to the pit bull ordinances and to direct staff to prepare a report on barnyard animals located within the City. Discussion ensued regarding the microchipping of dogs and the County Animal Control services. Tom Morris, County Animal Control Officer, described the County's program and their desire to have similar regulations. He stated they will still have separate entities for enforcement, and they have an officer devoted to their license enforcement program. It was the consensus of Council to research whether the volunteer police officers could perform licensing enforcement. ORDINANCE NO. 2005 -69, AN ORDINANCE relating to public safety and morals; re- writing the animal control ordinances to provide a regionalized County- wide ordinance format that provides an even and compatible policy of animal control that is shared throughout the several cities of Yakima County, as well as Yakima County proper; repealing Chapter 6.20 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code and creating a new Chapter 6.20, Sections 6.20.10 through Section 6.20.430, including a new Penalties provision; repealing Chapter 6.16 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code; and repealing Chapter 6.22 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. *10. Consideration of Resolution authorizing a partnership with the City of Union Gap for submission of a SIED application for improvements to Long Fibre Road RESOLUTION NO. R- 2005 -178, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City of Union Gap to serve as lead administrative entity for a joint planning grant application to the Yakima County Supporting Investments in Economic Diversification (SIED) fund in the amount of $15,000.00 for the Long Fibre Road Improvement Project. *11. Consideration of Resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept the final transfer of the Harman Center at Gailleon Park RESOLUTION NO. R- 2005 -179, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager to accept final transfer of the Harman Center at Gailleon Park and to execute such documents as are attached hereto to accomplish the acceptance of the same. 6 345 NOVEMBER 15, 2005 *12. Consideration of Resolution authorizing execution of a revocable license agreement with the Yakima Greenway Foundation for construction of dry storage building on the Sarg Hubbard Park property RESOLUTION NO. R- 2005 -180, A RESOLUTION authorizing the execution of a Revocable License Agreement for the construction of a permanent structure on the Sarg Hubbard Park area of the Yakima Greenway. *13. Consideration of Resolution authorizing execution of a Memorandum of ' Understanding with the Conference of Governments for transportation planning services RESOLUTION NO. R- 2005 -181, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager of the City of Yakima to execute a memorandum of understanding between the City of Yakima and the Yakima Valley Conference of Governments to cooperatively carry out transportation planning and programming for public transit in the Yakima Valley metropolitan area. *14. Consideration of Resolution authorizing execution of a contract with Sound Employment Solutions for training and other human resource services RESOLUTION NO. R- 2005 -182, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement between the City of Yakima and Sound Employment Solutions, LLC for the provision of professional human resource services. *15. Consideration of Resolution appointing the City Clerk as the Public Records Officer for the City of Yakima RESOLUTION NO. R- 2005 -183, A RESOLUTION appointing the City Clerk as the Public Records Officer of the City of Yakima. *16. Consideration of Resolution authorizing the City Manager to grant four hours of holiday leave for permanent City employees on either Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve RESOLUTION NO. R- 2005 -184, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager to grant permanent City employees four hours of holiday leave time. *17. Consideration of Resolution authorizing the sale /auction of a 1977 Ford Superior Fire Engine /Pumper truck RESOLUTION NO. R- 2005 -185, A RESOLUTION declaring a 1977 Ford C8000 /Superior Fire Engine /Pumper (License # D24559, Vehicle Identification Number D80DVC42210) to be surplus to the needs of the City of Yakima and the Fire Department, and authorizing sale of the truck by whatever means • 7 346 NOVEMBER 15, 2005 determined appropriate by the City Manager, such as "e- bay ", local auction, or sealed bid. *18. Approve final contract payments for (Standard Motion V - -- accept contract and approve the final payment): A. Summitview Elementary School Sidewalk Project No. 2091 performed by Belsaas and Smith Construction The report from the City Engineer, dated October 27, 2005, with respect to the completion of the work on the Summitview School Sidewalk Project No. 2091, performed by Belsaas and Smith Construction, was approved, the work accepted and payment of the final estimates as therein set forth was authorized. B. Municipal Court Expansion Project No. 1052 performed by Mountain States Construction The report from the architect, Wardell Architects, dated August 24, 2005, with respect to the completion of the work on the Yakima Police and Legal Center Municipal Court Expansion Project No. 1052.17, performed by Mountain States Construction, was approved, the work accepted and payment of the final estimates as therein set forth was authorized. *19. Set date of public hearing for December 6, 2005 to consider the purchase and sale of City property to the Yakima Valley Regional Library December 6, 2005 was set as a date of public hearing to consider the purchase and sale of city property to the Yakima Valley Regional Library. 20. • Other Business None. 21. Executive Session regarding pending and prospective litigation and property disposition (allow approximately 45 minutes) McCLURE MOVED AND WHITMAN SECONDED TO MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES TO DISCUSS PENDING AND PROSPECTIVE LITIGATION AND PERSONNEL AND THEN ADJOURN TO 7:00 P.M. FOR A PUBLIC HEARING, THEN TO NOVEMBER 22, 2005 AT 8:30 A.M. FOR A BUDGET REVIEW SESSION. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. 8 3417 NOVEMBER 15, 2005 22. Adjournment to 7:00 p.m. for a public hearing on the 2006 budget, then to November 22, 2005 at 8:30 a.m. for a Budget Review Session for Police, Fire, Public Safety Communications and Finance Departments Following the conclusion of the Executive Session, the meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY -,._ • NC r M : ER I�I�� / DATE CO NCIL ME :ER DATE • ATTEST: actle J" 5-C. •. CITY CLERK PAUL P. GEORGE, MAYOR Minutes prepared by Karen Roberts. An audio and video tape of this meeting are available in the City Clerk's Office 9