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.
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READ- AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY ,g110!_ DATE f"
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