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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/02/1983 Study Session AUGUST 2, 1983 37 STUDY SESSION The City Council met in session on this date at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington. _Council members present were Mayor Lynn Carmidhael, Clarence Barnett, Lynn Budhanan, Shirley Doty, W. K. "Pete" Moore and Jack Sparling. Council member Henry Beauchamp present after 2:07 p.m. 1. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER Council member Barnett addressed the various vacancies on the Boards and Commissions of the City and questioned if the Council Committees appointed to these various boards or commissions needed to make appointments for these vacancies. II/ City Manager Zais informed Council staff will research this request and report back to Council. Council member More stated the Council subcommittee consisting of himself, Jack Sperling and Lynn Carmichael, met with Dorothy Reid, daughter of Margret Coffin Holmes, and Mrs. Reid's attOrney, Spencer Short, regarding the utilization of Mrs. Holmes' bequest of $20,000. Council member Moore commented Mrs. Reid indicated she was interested in seeing the bequest funds used for a memorial for her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Coffin, Who were pioneers of this area. Mrs Reid indicated her mother was interested in poetry, literature and northwest history and suggested a section of the Yakima Valley Regional Library hP dedicated to her mother. It was determined that Council member Sparling will contact the Warehouse Theater to inquire if they would be interested in dedicating a portion of the Theater to Mrs. Holmes; Mayor Carmichael will contact the Library and Council member ?'bore will contact the Yakima Valley Museum regarding Mrs. Reid's proposal. Council member Mbore stated the Council subcommittee will meet again with Mrs. Reid to review the proposals for her recommendatiOn. Council member Beaudhamp questioned if the City could legally establish a curfew in Washington Park due to the recent vandalism and gang fights Which are occurring in the early morning hours in the park. Assistant City Attorney John Vanek informed Council a curfew currently exists in City parks Where posted; 12:00 midnight to 6:00 a.m. during the summer, and 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. the rest of the year. City Manager Zais addressed the problem of determining Which parks would need to be posted. It was the general-consensus of the Council to discontinue this discussion, to then pursue this issue:in conjunction with Item No. 11. City Manager Zais referred to the July-20, 1983 letter he received from Scott S. - Schmidtman, attorney, regarding the concerns of his clients, the Yakima Valley Veterinary Medical Association, pertaining to the Humane _Society's possible intention of installing a veterinary clinic in the Humane Society's facility. Mr. Sdhmidtman proposed limiting language be included in the deed which would provide that the property would automatically revert to the City of Yakima in the event that the Humane or its _successors, used the property for the purpose of operating a spay and neuter clinic, operating any other type of veterinary clinic, or providing veterinary services for the general public. City Manager Zais stated staff will communicate with Mr. Schmidtman on Council's hPhalf if.approved'by Council. It was the consensus of the Council to direct staff to proceed as outlined. Council member Sparling questioned the status of the left turn signal at First Street and Yakima Avenue. City Manager Zais responded, informing Council a staff report will be forth- caning regarding that item. 38 AUGUST 2, 1983 2. STATUS REPORT REGAMINU E(ONCMIC DEVELOPMENT PLANNING John Beer, jr., Director of Community and Economic Develop- _ment, reviewed staff's report which addressed the department's recent economic development activities: 1) exploration of the feasibility of the establishment of a public-private econanic development coordination medhanism; 2) promotion of Urban Development Action Grants (UDAG's); 3) facilitation of Small Business Administration loans; and 4) assistance in the recent development of a major industrial project - the Ace Hardware Corporation regional distribution center. He inquired if Council had any suggestions regarding department expansion or job opportunities. Referring to the location of the new Ace Hardware regional distribution center, Council member Buchanan cdmmented on the need to draw more businesses into the City versus the County. John Beer, responded, informing Council one of the difficulties Yakima has is the lack of industrial parks. Council member Sparling requested a cost comparison II/ analysis utilizing a theoretical $1 million dollar facility showing the difference in cost, to lboate'a business in the City and the County. He requested the analysis address real estate taxes, fire insurance, business license and property taxes. John Beer indicated staff would research and prepare the analysis requested. It was the general consensus of the Council to accept staff's report. 3. REPORT RMARY1141 STATUS OF EDA AUDIT CF CAPITOL THEATRE PROJECT FollOwing a brief review of the status of the EDA audit, John Beer, Jr., Diredtor of Community and Econanic Development, informed Council he had recently talked with Mr. Cummings, the new representative for EDA and a letter will be forthcoming fran EDA regarding clarification of this item. He stated that MBD Associates, Inc., the minority partner in the joint venture, was in fact, paid. City Manager Zais commented that communication with EDA had been a lengthy and frustrating experience for staff. It was MOVED by 'bore, seconded by Buchanan to accept staff's report. Unanimously carried by voice vote. 4. STATUS REPORT ON HOUSING REHABILITATION LCAN REPAYMENT PLAN AND PROPOSED 1984 HOUSING PROGRAM . John Beer, Jr., Director of Community and Economic Development, reviewed staff's report, addressing the proposed 1984 Housing Rehabilitation Programs which included: 1) Single Family Owner-Occupied Housing Program, in Which the "forgiveness" feature will be removed fran the loan program; 2) Multi-family Housing Program, which would make funds available for the reduction of the principal of a loan that would be financed by a private lending institution for the rehabilitation of rental units. He stated that in this program, if the rent required for a rental unit exceeded the fair market rent as defined by Federal standards, the rehabilitation loan would be subsidized by the housing program. He indicated this subsidy would take second place on the title after the bank loan. Council member Barnett questioned the legal implications if the City took a second place on the bank loans. John Beer responded, informing Council only two banks in the City would consider participating in this program and on the condition of a second mortgage. Addressing Item 3) Elderly-Emergency Repair Program (formerly Craftsman Corp.), he indicated staff recommended the elderly program would be reduced fran $3,000 per applicant to $1,500 per applicant as this per house grant reduction would enable 24 houses to be repaired annually doubling the current number, as compared to the 12 houses currently being repaired. City Manager Zais suggested action he delayed on this item as Council needs to adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of discussing prospective litigation at this time. It was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Budianan to move this item down to become Item No. 8a under the Business portion of the meeting. Unanimously carried by voice vote. AUGUST 2, 1983 39 Executive Session It was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by Barnett to move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing prospective litigation. Unanimously carried by voice vote. BUSINESS MEETING 5. ROLL CALL At 3:00 p.m., the Council members commenced the regular meeting, Mayor Lynn Carmichael presiding, Council members Barnett, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Doty, Moore and Sperling and City Manager Zais and Assistant City Attorney Vanek present on roll call. 6. INVOCATION The Invocation was given by Assistant City Attorney Vanek. 7. CONSENT AGENDA' Mayor Carmichael referred to the Items. placed on the Consent Agenda, questioning whether there were any additions or deletions from either Council members or citizens present. Council member Barnett requested to add Item No. 14 to the Consent Agenda. Mayor Carmichael explained she had received requests from citizens to speak to Its Nos. 13, 14 and 16, therefore, those items needed to remain off the Consent Agenda. , Mayor Carmichael referred to an off agenda item, Out -of -State Travel for Denise Nichols, Senior Citizen Center, and - made that Item No. 15a. Council member Moore indicated that due to the minimum number of items remaining on the Consent Agenda, he requested they be removed from the Consent Agenda and requested that Items on the Agenda be considered in their original order. Consequently, no Consent Agenda was read. Mayor Carmichael indicated she had received a request to move Item No. 11 up to the beginning of the Business meeting. It was the consensus of the Council to address Item No. 11 at this time, to then resume with Item 8a. 11. SPECIAL REPORT FROM THE YAKIMA POLICE DEPARTMENT RHJARDING STATUS OF AFTER HOURS CONGESTION AND LAW VIOLATIONS ON BLOCK 1, NORTH NAC ES AVENUE Mayor Carmichael congratulated Pleas Green on his recent appointment as Chief of Police. Chief Green referred to the news release regarding major congestion problems, numerous assaults, several incidents of vandalism and open abuse of alcohol laws in Block 1, North Neches Avenue during the evening hours. Chief Green indicated the barricades used to - divert traffic from this area has accomplished what the Police Department had set out to do. He informed Council only two citations were issued for not adhering to the barricades and indicated the young adults seem to be cooperating. Referring to Council member Beauchamp's earlier suggestion of posting a curfew at Washington Park,8Chief Green suggested that the park be monitored by police for a period of time before posting a curfew as he felt, the problems reported ware isolated incidences. ' 8. CURRENT STUDY SESSION ITEMS A. Item No. 4 It was MOVED by Moore, seconded by to accept the status report on housing rehabilitation loan repayment program and approve the proposed 1984 housing program. Referring to Item No. 3 of staff's reppoort Council member Doty questioned if staff had discussed this iten with the Citizen's Advisory Board. John Beer, Jr., Director of Community and Economic 410 ,AUGUST 2, 1983 Development, responded negatively. He clarified the proposed Elderly-Emergency Repair Program, explaining OIC's involvement and stated this proposal would not be cutting into overall services. Council member Doty expressed her concern that $1,500 per applicant would not be sufficient for the emergency repairs needed to help elderly homeowners. Council member Barnett expressed his concern of staff possibly restricting themselves due to the proposed grant reduction. The question was called for a vote on the motion. Unanimously carried by voice vote. 9. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Ines Rice, 4409 W. Arlington, expressed her concern regarding the City's ordinance pertaining to litter control. She stated she was displeased with Superior Asphalt & Concrete Company who had been working in her residential area and had, consequently, left a large amount of dirt and mud on the streets. She expressed her concern of the City's enforcement capabilities of the ordinance rich would pertain to this kind of problem. Referring to planned developments within the City, she questioned what can the City do to address the indignities she felt were suffered by citizens from planned developments. Mayor Carmichael responded, stating Council will consider her concerns. 10._ RECONSIDERATION OF THE CLASSIFICATION OF , A MINOR OR MAJOR MOD- IFICATION TO THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT AT 3502 TIETON DRIVE, AS REQUESTED BY DR. D. A. HABECK Mayor Carmichael stated she was not present at last week's meeting, however, she had read the material and was present for previous meetings and, therefore, she would not be excusing herself from this itan. She indicated Council had reviewed all of the material regarding this itan and questioned that were the Council's wishes at this time. It was MOVED by Barnett, , seconded by Beauchamp that the request of Dr. Habeck be considered a minor modification. Carried by 6 -1 voice vote. Buchanan voting nay. Following the completion of Item No. 12, Patricia Comstock, 3512 Tieton Drive, questioned why Itan No. 10, the request by Dr. Habeck, was not opened up for discussion. Mayor Carmichael informed her the matter had been opened for discussion for the last two weeks and it was not considered that there was any additional information to be brought to the Council. Mayor Carmichael informed Mrs. Comstock of the forms distributed throughout the Council Chambers which are for the purpose of requesting to speak before the Council on any particular itan'and stated no one had. indicated a desire to speak to this item. Mrs. Ccarstodc indicated she and Marlan Brisky did not know to fill out the request fore and stated she had a letter from George Sanford which he had requested that the Council read before considering the motion. Council member bore stated all of the people in this neighborhood were notified of last week's meeting regarding this request by Dr. Habeck and Council has been discussing this item for two weeks. Mrs. Comstock indicated she -was not notified and questioned why Mr. Sanford was informed by the City staff that she was no longer interested in the proposed modification. Mayor Carmichael questioned that was the date of Mr. Sanford's letter. Mrs. Canstock responded, stating July 28, 1983. Mrs. Comstock expressed her concern of the effects this modification -has had on Mr. Sanford's property. Council member Moore cam anted that Mr. Sanford had been before the Council numerous times on this item and has had ample opportunities to present every itan of concern., Mrs. Comstock commented that in October of 1982, the Commission had instructed Dr. Habeck to present to her, architectural renderings of the proposed materials that he intended to use. She indicated to date, she had not received the drawings or a notice of this meeting and she and Mr. Brisky were not allowed to make any canrrents today. Mayor Carmichael informed her this was not a public hearing and Council did not knowingly AUGUST 2, 1983 41 deny anyone an opportunity to speak. Mrs. Comstock expressed her objection to the proposed modification. Mayor Carmichael informed Mrs. Comstock Council had just taken action on this item and the subject is closed and that her *comments would not be valid unless a Council member Who Voted on the prevailing side wishes to bring the matter up for reconsideration. Mayor Carmichael questioned if there were any Council members Who Wished to bring this up for consideration at this time. Mayor Carmichael informed Mrs. Comstock that there was not a Council member Who wished to reconsider this item. Mrs. Comstock reiterated she did not receive notification of this meeting. 12. RESOLUTION RATIFYING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH PACIFIC NORTHWEST BELL II/ Resolution No. D-4844, having been read by title, it was MOVED by Doty, seconded by Barnett that the resolution, as read, be passed. Mayor Carmichael addressed the members of Pacific Northwest Bell in the audience, thanking them for attending the meeting, however, Council did not have any questions for then at this time. The question was called for a vote on the motion. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. RESOLUTION NO. D-4844, A RESOLUTION ratifying the execution of a Fixed Period Payment Plan Agreement between the City of Yakima and Pacific Northwest Bell Telephone Company. 13. ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING INTERFUND LOANS AND •APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFROM FOR STREET CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIR PROJECTS AND STREET LIGHT CONVERSION PROGRAM (First Reading) The ordinance appropriating funds for street light construction and repair projects and , street conversion program, having been read by title only at this meeting, was laid on the table for one week or' until August 9, 1983. Ines Rice, 4409 W. Arlington, expressed her opposition to interfund loaning- City Manager Zais clarified this ordinance was for interfund loan financing and will be reimbursed through the Bonneville Power Administration and future revenue Sharing. Dennis Covell, - Director of Engineering and Utilities, responded to Council's questions regarding the proposed street construction and repair projects. 14. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COMPENSATION AND CLASSIFICATION PLAN FOR CITY EMPLOYEES Ordinance No. 2710, having been read by title, it was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Barnett that the ordinance, as read, be passed. Ines Rice, 4409 W. Arlington, questioned if this ordinance was establishing a new position. Council member Moore clarified the proposed ordinance. Joe Valenzuela, visitor, expressed his concern of the exam requirements for II/ the position of Deputy Chief. He indicated he had taken a year's leave of absence from the Yakima Fire Department Where he had served two years as a Captain which would have enabled him to take the exam for the Deputy Chief position. He indicated the revision of the requirements have been raised so there is no medhanism in the document that allows for equivalent experience as did the last job description for the same position. Mr. Valenzuela stated his experience in Gresham, Oregon would allow him to take the exam and requested Council give consideration to equivalent experience as being One of the criteria in the recruiting requirements before acting on this ordinance. Council member Doty questioned if that would open the position -up for state, northwest or national OcmpetitiOn. Bob Weaver, Personnel Officer, provided clarification of the proposed Deputy Chief position, informing Council the Civil Service Commission will be dealing with this position and establishing those requirements within the Civil Service system. He stated staff did not indicate any substitutions or equivalencies other departments because staff expected the position to be a promotional opportunity. City Manager Zais commented that the action before Council 42 AUGUST 2, 1983 today is the approval of the classification pay ordinance change to establish the position and pay range. He stated the job description and criteria for promotional advancement is a rule that is outlined for every position in the Police and Fire Service Rules and Regulations. He commented that what Mr. Valenzuela is requesting of Council is better addressed to the Police and Fire Civil Service Commission. Council member Beauchamp questioned how the change in recruiting reguirenents occurred. Bob Weaver responded, informing Council the changes were recommended by him to the City Manager, as a result of conversations with the Chief. The City Manager stated the job de has been revised to meet the duties and this would be reviewed with the Civil Service Commission in the exam process. City Manager Zais commented the Police and Fire Civil Service Commission has the authority to rule on Mr. Valenzuela's request. Joe Valenzuela expressed his concern that if Council passed the ordinance, the Commission would act accordingly. The question was called for a vote on the motion. Carried by 4-2 roll call vote. Beauchamp and Doty voting nay. ORDINANCE NO. 2710, AN ORDINANCE relating to City Personnel, adopting a classification and compensation plan for City employees to be effective September 3, 1983; amending Section 2.20.100 and 2.20.110 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. 15. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1983 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS IN THE 171-CAPITOL THEATRE OPERATING FUND (First Reading) The ordinance amending the 1984 Budget and appropriating funds in the 171-Capitol Theatre Operating Fund, having been read by title, was Laid on the table for one week or until August 9, 1983. 15a. OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL It was MOVED by Budhanan, seconded. by Sperling to authorize the out-of-state travel for Denise Nichols, Senior Center Coordinator, to travel with a Senior Center tour group to Victoria, B.C., August 9-12, 198.3 at a cost of $150. Unanimously carried by voice vote. 16. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1983 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS TO THE WATER FUND (Second Reading) The Ordinance amending the 1983 Budget and appropriating funds to the Water Division, having been read by title only at the previous meeting, was brought before the Council for a second reading. Ordinance No. 2711, having been read by title, it was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Barnett that the ordinance, as read, be passed. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. ORDINANCE NO. 2711, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1983 budget for the City of Yakima; and making an appropriation in the 474 - Water Operating Fund for expenditures during 1983. 17. OTHER BUSINESS City Manager Zais informed Council of a call he received from the County Auditor's Office regarding the upcoming primary election on - the refuse ordinance in September. He indicated they were concerned that due to the limited number of items on the primary ballot, voter turn-out may-not be as great as expected. City Manager Zais stated he had discussed this with John Vandk, and due to the Charter requirements that stipulate the City must either hold a special election or place the item on the next regular election ballot; there is no ability on the City's part to change the election date in an effort to Obtain optimum citizen representation. City Manager Zais stated September 20, 1983 is the primary election and staff will be in touch with the Auditors. AUGUST 2, 1983 43 Information Items: Items of information supplied to Council were: letter frcm the Washington Labor/Managenent Competitive:Bid Review Council regarding Bid Call 83-24 (260 Fixtures/Retrofits) 7/26/83; letter from the National League of Cities President regarding increase in membership dues 7/17/83; letter from Department of Social and Health Services regarding Certificate of Competency issued to Steven D. Irby as a Water Treatment Plant Operator II 6/7/83; letter from Charles H. Lee to Chairman of Police and Fire Civil Service Commission regarding his resignation from Commission effective August 1, 1983 7/19/83; letter frcm Hal Davis advising of his term expiration on the Utility Rates Advisory Board 7/27/83; article frcm the Wall Street Journal "Default Angers, Horrifies Pecple iNtio Bought the WPFSS Bonds" 7/27/83; Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project Newsletter dated July 21, 1983; brochure from the University of Washington regarding public programs to be held August 11 and 12, 1983; minutes of the June 22, 1983 Yakima Housing Authority meeting; minutes of the July 7, 1983 Civil Service Commission meeting; and minutes of the July 7, 1983 DARC meeting. 18. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to came before the Council, it was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Budianan that this meeting be adjourned at the hour of 4:35 p.m. Unanimously carried by voice vote. 4 0 , READ- AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY ,g110!_ DATE f" SS C/ R // 9/1583 4 DATE - - woUNCIL R ATTEST: J i1 vaitAutdv, CITY �IERK MAYOR _ , 1