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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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*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.
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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
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