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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/20/2010 Business Meeting 227 YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING APRIL 20, 2010 COUNCIL CHAMBERS — YAKIMA CITY HALL 5:00 P.M. — STANDING MEETING 1. Roll CaII Present: Council: Mayor Micah Cawley, presiding, Assistant Mayor Kathy Coffey, Council Members Maureen Adkison, Dave Edler, Rick Ensey, Dave Ettl and Bill Lover Staff: City Manager Zais and City Clerk Kloster 2. Gang Issues Council members held a general discussion on gangs. No action was taken. Some of the comments made during the discussion follow: This is the City's number one priority. The gang -free initiative will be unveiled at the next Public Safety Committee meeting and soon be brought forward to the full Council for adoption. We hope to overlay the City's plans with the County's plans and with Ester Huey, who has been heavily involved in gang prevention efforts. The plans are very proactive and aggressive in an attempt to discourage kids from joining gangs at an early age. We must find a way for these children to feel good about themselves. One suggestion was to look into imitating the County's citizen patrol program using retired police cruisers. Council members questioned what the school district is doing about assimilating Hispanics into the community and what is the role of government versus the community and society's role regarding gang prevention. We can lend leadership, guidance, and coordination, and possibly provide some facilities, but our job is suppression. Others stated the City has a responsibility in helping with prevention and intervention. It was noted that it is important that the public be made aware of all the efforts being expended on the gang problem. Discussion continued on many of the steps being taken with prevention, intervention and suppression. 3. Annexation Policy It was reported that City staff has been working with County staff toward common development standards. They are making great progress, although some major philosophical differences will have to be dealt with, e.g. growth -pays- for - growth or build -it- and - they - will -come. Title 12 (sidewalks) is also a large issue that needs to be addressed. The Regional Planning Commission was referred to and it was noted that the subject is on the agenda for the next Rules Committee meeting. City Manager Zais referred to three issues that could come forward in the next two to three months — development standards, planning commission, and the intergovernmental local agreement between the City and County. Negotiating the 4- party agreement could take eighteen to twenty -four months. 228 APRIL 20, 2010 4. Formation of Ad Hoc Committee regarding North First Street Improvements Assistant Mayor Coffey, and Council Members Adkison and Ensey agreed to be members on the North First Street Improvements Ad Hoc Committee. Council Member Ettl agreed to be the alternate. It was noted that a $25,000 + $5,000 SIED grant has been approved. The standing committee meeting ended at 5:55 p.m. ******************************************** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** 6:00 P.M. — BUSINESS MEETING 1. RoII Call Present: Council: Mayor Micah Cawley, presiding, Assistant Mayor Kathy Coffey, Council Members Maureen Adkison, Dave Edler, Rick Ensey, Dave Ettl and Bill Lover Staff: City Manager Zais, City Attorney Cutter and City Clerk Kloster 2. Invocation /Pledge of Allegiance Council Member Edler gave an invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance 3. Open for the Good of the Order A. Proclamations 1. Yakima's 125 Anniversary Mayor Cawley read a proclamation declaring 2010 as Yakima's 125 anniversary. Yvonne Wilbur and John Baule accepted the proclamation and referenced many events being planned to honor the occasion. 2. Cinco de Mayo Cultural Awareness Week • Council Member Adkison read a proclamation declaring May 1 -7, 2010 as Cinco de Mayo Cultural Awareness Week. Candidates for Miss Cinco de Mayo accepted the proclamation. 3. Yakima Valley CityFest: Season of Service Council Member Edler read a proclamation declaring May through July 2010 as a Season of Service. Rick Harpel, Dr. Doornink and Elias Garcia, representing area churches, accepted the proclamation and described various upcoming service projects. B. Presentations /recognitions /introductions 1. Update on Convention Center Plaza John Cooper, President/CEO of the Yakima Valley Visitor and Convention Bureau, gave a Power Point presentation on Phase 4 of the Downtown Futures Project. This is the 8 Street Entry Plaza at the Yakima Convention Center, which is scheduled for completion in the fall. 2. Central Washington Safety Symposium Julie Schilling representing Westside Merchants, introduced individuals that are involved in the symposium to be held on May 22 at Legends Casino. 2 229 APRIL 20, 2010 3. Miss Teen Yakima Pageant Introductions Alyssa Fennell, Miss Yakima County, and Melinda Trujillo, Yakima County Outstanding Teen, introduced themselves and described their platforms. C. Status reports on prior meeting's citizen service requests - None D. Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Council Committees - None 4. Consent Agenda Mayor Cawley referred to the items placed on the Consent Agenda, questioning whether there were any additions or deletions from Council members or citizens present. There were no changes. The City Clerk read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and ordinances by title. COFFEY MOVED AND ENSEY 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. Consideration of approval of Council Meeting Minutes • Adjourned Meeting / Study Session — March 30, 2010 The minutes of the Adjourned Meeting /Study Session from March 30, 2010, were approved, having been duly certified accurate by two Council members and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly. *B. Consideration of approval of Council Committee Meeting Minutes • Council Public Safety Committee — March 24, 2010 • Council Budget Committee — March 24 and April 8, 2010 Council approved the Council Committee minutes. 5. Audience Participation Charles Noel, 1101 N. 4th Street, spoke about gangs and government's role in the protection of property and life for citizens. He expressed concerns about 911 service in Yakima based on a recent experience. Walt Ranta, President of the Barge /Chestnut Association, advised that the neighborhood has a plan in place to fight crime and gangs and requested installation of speed bumps to improve safety in the area. He also asked the City to help them move forward on their plan. Denise Englehart, 901 Pleasant Valley Road, complained about a television commercial sponsored by KATS radio depicting a grown man spraying graffiti that was offensive to her. Mike Hunnel, 1502 S. 18 Avenue, again requested information that he has received in the past concerning the Arts Commission. He also alleged handicap parking code violations at several businesses. 3 230 APRIL 20, 2010 Al and Susan Maza, 14000 Marble Road, requested the City require a Class 3 review, which would call for a public hearing on the proposed "gentlemen's club" that is intended to be constructed near their business on South First Street. 7:00 P.M. — PUBLIC HEARINGS 6. Continuation of Public Hearing and consideration of an Ordinance to confirm the Final Assessment Roll for the 85 and Kail Sewer LID #1060 (continued from April 6, 2010) Michael Morales, Director of Community and Economic Development, reviewed the status of several concerns raised by residents in this area at the last Council meeting. • Mayor Cawley opened the public hearing and closed it with no one coming forward. The City Clerk read the ordinance by title; ENSEY MOVED AND ADKISON SECONDED TO PASS THE ORDINANCE. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. ORDINANCE NO. 2010 -17, AN ORDINANCE of the City of Yakima, Washington, approving and confirming the final assessment roll for Local Improvement District No. 1060, which has been created and established for the purpose of paying the cost of certain sewer system improvements; and levying and assessing the amount thereof against the Tots, tracts, parcels of land and other property shown on said roll. 7. Public Hearing to regarding a chronic nuisance property ordinance City Attorney Cutter, described changes in the proposed ordinance that eliminate redundancy. • Mayor Cawley opened the public hearing Joe Adams, a landlord and property owner, said he is in support of the proposed ordinance but wanted assurance that if landlords cooperated they would have protections under the law. His fear was the potential of property seizure. He was reassured that the intent is to create a team between owners and the City. The City will review the contact card procedure to make sure landlords are given proper notice and someone to contact and work with at the City to resolve problems. Stuart McPherson, 914 S. 51 Avenue, referred to a property he owns on S. 4th Avenue that has had issues over the last few months. He said he received the notification card six weeks after the incident. He questioned how long after the property is identified as a problem property would it be before the City condemned and took possession of it? City Attorney Cutter informed him that condemnation is not part of the process. Mr. McPherson also complained about the time it takes to receive a police report and establish contact with someone from the police. He 4 231 APRIL 20, 2010 suggested there be an identified person you could contact for help if it's a gang related issue. Luz Gutierrez also spoke about the need for proper notification. She stated she did not want to see the ordinance used to penalize people for loud music as that is part of the Hispanic culture. • Mayor Cawley closed the public hearing The City Clerk read the ordinance by title only; ENSEY MOVED AND COFFEY SECONDED TO PASS THE ORDINANCE. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. Council Member Ettl suggested a listing identifying nuisance activity be made available to landlords so they have a clear understanding what will be looked at as a nuisance. It was also suggested that the Landlord Association could send the listing to their members. ORDINANCE NO. 2010 -18, AN ORDINANCE relating to abatement of and penalties, including license suspension or revocation, for public nuisances; amending Title 11 of the Yakima Municipal Code entitled "BUILDINGS ", adding a new Chapter 11.45 entitled "Chronic Nuisance Properties "; and adding Yakima Municipal Code Section 5.01.060 as a new Section. 8. Open Record Public Hearing to consider Yakima Transit's 2010 Transit Development Plan Kevin Futrell, Transit Project Planner, presented the Transit Development Plan. He highlighted activities over the last two years and projections for the next five years. • Mayor Cawley opened the public hearing and with no one coming forward to speak, closed it. EDLER MOVED AND COFFEY SECONDED TO APPROVE THE PLAN. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS 9. Report on employment eligibility verification for new employees (E- Verify) Sheryl Smith, Human Resource Manager, and Colleen Williams, Deputy HR Manager, reviewed the response to the Council request to look into the E- Verify program. They compared the City's current practices to the E- Verify program and concluded that there was little to gain by changing to the E- Verify system. It was noted that the City does not check the eligibility of contractors' employees and that was an aspect of E- Verify the Council is interested in researching further. Following extensive discussion, LOVER MOVED AND ETTL SECONDED TO HOLD A STUDY SESSION AS A PUBLIC MEETING ON THE SUBJECT OF IMPLEMENTING E- VERIFY. The motion carried by a 6 -1 roll call vote, Edler voting no. 5 232 APRIL 20, 2010 10. Update from Water /Irrigation Division regarding the irrigation system rebuild • project Dave Brown, Water /Irrigation Manager, gave an update of the rebuild project that was started in 1997. To date, 153,000 feet of pipe in several systems throughout the city have been replaced and there are about 22,000 feet left to replace in the general system. They expect to have the general irrigation system completed by 2013. 11. Report from City Manager and Council Budget Committee regarding 2010 mid- year budget reduction proposals City Manager Zais referred to cost containment measures implemented last year and how we were able to reduce the dependence on reserves to $2.2 million rather than $3 million originally projected. He reviewed the 2010 budget reductions as we entered the new year and how we continue to monitor revenues and expenditures. Staff has been working with the Budget Committee examining options for further reductions. He covered contract negotiations, wage freezes, as well as the reduction in jail costs. He outlined the proposed furloughs with the hope for $300,000 in savings. CAWLEY MOVED AND ETTL SECONDED TO HAVE APPROPRIATE LEGISLATION PREPARED TO ENACT THE BUDGET • COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATIONS (including furloughs for the non - represented employees) AND TO NEGOTIATE WITH THE BARGAINING UNITS FOR FURLOUGHS. Discussion was held as to why this is a better approach than an across - the -board pay cut or outright layoffs. Council Member Edler expressed dissatisfaction that the recommended cuts do not follow the Priority of Government model which was suggested and implemented based on Council desire. City Manager Zais explained the urgency of taking reduction steps as there are only eight months left in the year to coordinate implementation of furloughs and to begin realizing savings. The question was called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by a 5 -2 roll call vote; Edler and Ensey voting no. 12. Consideration of approval of 4 Quarter CIP Report Michael Morales, Director of Community and Economic Development, referred to the information in the packet noting that we have an ambitious plan for 2010 with $35.8 million worth of projects. Mr. Morales spoke about some of the specific projects. COFFEY MOVED AND ADKISON SECONDED TO ACCEPT THE REPORT. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. . *13. Consideration of approval of reports from Finance Department: A. 4th Quarter Accounts Receivable Report B. 4th Quarter Revenue and Expenditure Report The reports were accepted. 6 233 APRIL 20, 2010 *14. Consideration of a Resolution authorizing execution of an Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with Yakima Housing Authority RESOLUTION NO. R- 2010 -47, A RESOLUTION authorizing the execution of an Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with the Yakima Housing Authority. *15. Consideration of a Resolution authorizing membership with The Cooperative Purchasing Network (TCPN) RESOLUTION NO. R- 2010 -48, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager of the City of Yakima to take such actions as are necessary to register the City of Yakima as a participating public agency with The Cooperative Purchasing Network (TCPN). *16. Consideration of a Resolution authorizing execution of an agreement with the Workforce Development Council to assist with reimbursement of costs associated with Job Fair 2010 RESOLUTION NO. R- 2010 -49, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with the Workforce Development Council to assist with reimbursement of costs associated with Job Fair 2010. *17. Set date of public hearing before the Hearing Examiner for May 27, 2010 regarding "A" Street right -of -way vacation petition RESOLUTION NO. R- 2010 -50, A RESOLUTION fixing time for a public hearing before th'e Hearing Examiner on May 27, 2010, on a petition to vacate a portion of the public right -of -way along the south side of E. "A" Street adjacent to the Yakima Mall., ..... .. May 27, 2010 was set as the date of public hearing before the Hearing Examiner regarding "A" Street right -of -way petition ORDINANCES *18. Consideration of an Ordinance amendment to address panhandling in public parking lots and parking stalls ORDINANCE NO. 2010 -19, AN ORDINANCE concerning public safety; prohibiting begging or panhandling within the public parking lots and parking stalls located within the City of Yakima's public right -of -way; and amending section 6.75.020 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. *19. Consideration of an Ordinance vacating a certain portion of alley right -of -way in the vicinity of 12 South 8 Street ORDINANCE NO. 2010 -20, AN ORDINANCE relating to land use; vacating a certain portion of right -of -way in the vicinity of 12 South 8 Street. 7 • 234 APRIL 20, 2010 20. Consideration of petition from Dean Armitage regarding the Harman Senior Center Following reading of the claims made by Dean Armitage, Claire Powell objected to the petition and requested further investigation into the reasons for the petition. EDLER MOVED AND COFFEY SECONDED TO HAVE MAYOR CAWLEYAND COUNCIL MEMBER ADKISON INITIATE AN INVESTIGATION TO THE ALLEGATIONS. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. 21. Other Business It was the consensus of Council to not continue the standing meetings as they were not felt to be productive enough to warrant them. 22. Adjournment EDLER MOVED AND COFFEY SECONDED TO MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES TO DISCUSS PENDING LITIGATION AND PROPERTY ACQUISITION FOLLOWED BY ADJOURNMENT IMMEDIATELY THEREAFTER. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Executive Session began at 8:43 p.m. and the meeting adjourned at 8:57 p.m. 41., READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY COUNCI . MEM:ER DATE COUNCI MEMBER DATE ATTEST: CQ-A4: f �, rz CITY CLERK MICAH CAWLEY, MAYOR Minutes prepared by Linda Watkins. A CD and DVD of this meeting are available in the City Clerk's Office 1 8