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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/17/1984 Study Session269 APRIL 17, 1984 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 Clarence Barnett, Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Buchanan, Lynn Carmichael, Shirley Doty, W. K. "Pete" Moore and Jack Sparling. 1. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER Mayor Barnett reminded the Council the April 24th meeting will be at the Convention Center. He stated part of the meeting will be devoted to the hearing on the proposed mechanical refuse collection system. Mayor Barnett also asked whether Council wishes to have a meeting on June 12th, which is the day preceding the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Conference. He stated a seminar is scheduled for the Council members. Council member Carmichael stated there are two workshops that day in Which she will be serving as Chairman, therefore, she would appreciate consideration by Council to cancel that meeting. It was the consensus of the Council to cancel the meeting for June 12, 1984. Referring to the vacancy on the Parks Commission, it was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Doty to appoint Pat Berndt to the Parks & Recreation Commission, filling the vacancy created by Stan Lochrie, Jr. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Mayor Barnett proclaimed May 29th through June 5th as "Sexual Assault Prevention Week" in the City of Yakima and presented a proclamation to Joan Chavez, Sexual Assault Unit Coordinator. 2. REPORT FROM TRANSIT RE UMTA FUNDING ALLOCATED FOR CITY TRANSIT Bill Schultz, Transit Manager, reported on the UMTA Funding allocation for the City's Transit System informing City Council there is approximately two million dollars available in UMTA Funds which should be used prior to the expiration of the entitlement period. Council member Beauchamp stated he is in favor of upgrading the fleet as long as the funds are presently available. Mr. Schultz inquired if Council wants to continue the policy of using UMTA funds only for capital outlay. Council member Carmichael stated she had a great aversion to changing the policy and using the UMTA funds for operational purposes as the UMTA dollars are dwinding and may not be available in the future. She feels the funds should be used only for capital outlay. Council member Buchanan stated he is in the agreement to authorize the UMTA funds for capital outlay. He indicated he prefers to accelerate the rate of purchase of buses on an incremental basis so that the City does not have to purchase a large number of buses at one time in the future when funds may not be available. Council member Carmichael expressed concern about the fleet being comprised of two different manufacturers, and possibly a third, which would increase the inventory for bus maintenance. Council member Doty stated she previously felt only two buses should be purchased at a time, however, she now understands that consistency of the fleet would be more cost-effective. She questioned if the implementation of a life cycle accounting method could maintain the uniformity of the fleet. Mr. Schultz stated this would give the City a great deal more flexibility in the selection of equipment if they changed the bid form and went to the life cycle cost method, and therefore, there is less danger of inconsistency. After further discussion, Mr. Schultz questioned if it was the general consensus of the Council to continue using the UMTA Funds for capital outlay and also, if Council was requesting staff consult with the 270 APRIL 17, 1984 Transit Committee for recommendations of how the funds should be spent, and inform Council of those recommendations at a later date. It was MOVED by Beaudhamp, seconded by Carmichael, to request that the Transit Ccmmittee meet with staff and make recommendations for use of the UMTA Funds, and present these recannendations to Council by the end of May. Unanimously carried by voice vote. 3. REPORT FROM TRAFFIC ENGINEERING RE PROPOSED STREET LIGHT IMPROVEMENTS DOR 1984 Hank Hein, Supervising Traffic Engineer, stated his report outlines the subject of street lights, explaining there are three categories within the City limits: 1) well lit; 2) lit; and 3) unlit. Mr. Hein stated staff would like to concentrate on the areas which have utility poles that can be utilized. Council member Doty stated one area is conspicuously absent from Mr. Hein's list, (North 57th and Englewood Hill Drive runs east off North 57th and the poles are not in the best spots). She requested Mr. Hein Check this area. Council member Doty requested clarification on NO. 6 of the report, inquiring if the neighborhood would form an L.I.D. Mt. Hein responded that would be a probability. It was MOVED by Doty, seconded by Beauchamp to approve the general plan for the Street Light Improvement Program as presented. Unanimously carried by voice vote. City Manager Zais explained to Council matters that the City's new printing press has been installed and some of the staff's recommendations at the bottom of the Agenda Statements did not get reproduced. 4. STATUS REPORT FRa4 ENGINEERING DIVISION ON NOB HILL BOULEVARD CON- STRUCTION PROJECT AND OTHER 1984 PROJECTS Dennis Bertek, City Engineer, stated he was present to give the report on the update of Nob Hill Boulevard improvements and reflect the developments and activities in DeceMber, 1983. Mr. Bertek stated it may be necessary to call on professional consultant services on a limited basis regarding sane of the 1984 projects. City Manager Zais stated the representatives from the railroad will net with staff and Council to present their recommendations next week. Council member Beauchamp asked for clarification on No. 2 in the report regarding the effort to relocate and remove the Yakima Valley Transportation (YVT) tracks from Nob Hill. Dennis Cavell, Director of Engineering and Utilities, explained staff is waiting until they find out what YVT plans to do, therefore it is pending. Mr. Bertek stated public meetings will be held to keep the public informed. It was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Buchanan to adjourn the meeting until 3:00 p.m. Unanimously carried by voice vote. BUSINESS MEETING 5. ROLL CALL At 3:00 p.m., the Council members commenced the regular meeting, Mayor Barnett presiding, Council members Beauchamp, Carmichael, Doty, Moore and Sparling and City Manager Zais and City Attorney Andrews present on roll call. Council member Buchanan present after 3:35 p.m. 6. INVOCATION The Invocation was given by City Manager Zais. 271 APRIL 17, 1984 7. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Barnett referred to the items placed on the Consent Agenda, questioning Whether there were any additions or deletions from either Council members or citizens present. The Deputy City Clerk then read the Cbnsent Agenda items, including resolutions and ordinances by title. It was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Mbore that the Consent Agenda, as read, he passed. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. Buchanan absent. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk (*) indicate items on the Consent Agenda handled under one motion without further discussion.) Mayor Barnett introduced Karen Dean, Customer Relations Coordinator of the Transit Division, who presented awards to the winners of the "I Love Transit" art contest which was co-sponsored by Yakima Transit and KMWX Radio, being represented by Manager, Gary Myhre. Mrs. Dean stated the art work would be on display in frames on the City buses and the Grand Prize winner's picture will be reproduced and displayed on the side of the buses. Awards were presented to Phillip Lines, 3rd Grade, Nob Hill Elementary; Jennifer Peterson, 6th Grade, Robertson Elementary; Patty Haws, 6th Grade, Lewis & Clark Jr. High; Angie Haws, 6th Grade, Robertson Elementary. Mrs. Dean presented each of the students with a certificate and a Transit button. Mayor Barnett proclaimed April 26-28, 1984, as Cleanup Week in the City of Yakima and April 28, 1984 as CleanupGreenUp Day, and presented the proclamation to Dave Rhodes, Public Works Director. 8. CURRENT STUDY SESSION ITEMS None. 9. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Dolores Goodman, President of the Yakima Branch of the N.A.A.C.P., 1002 So. 6th Street, presented a handout to the Council members Which reads, "Members of the Yakima Branch National Association for the Advancement of Colored People are opposed to the renaming of the Washington Park." William Elliott, Pastor of the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 908 East Arlington, representing himself and his congregation, stating they are not in favor of the renaming of said park, Washington Park, believing it is named after our first President, the Father of our Country and asked the Council to reconsider their option in that area. Magnolia Rentz, 1001 South 6th Street, asked Council, "why they object to naming a street after such a noel man, why there is such a fight, when there are streets all over the City named after men." Council member Carmichael explained that Audience Participation was not a debate period, however, Council will take it under consideration. Mayor Barnett explained that Council took action on the street renaming issue some time ago and Council decided to rename the park. 10. HEARING ON MAJOR MODIFICATION TO AN EXISTING PLANNED DEVELOPMENT, AS REQUESTED BY KUIE WEN FOR PROPERTY LCCATLD AT 54 WEST NOB HILL BOULEVARD This being the time set for a hearing on a major modification to an existing Planned Development located at 54 West Nob Hill Boulevard, Council meMber Doty stated she understood that the neighborhood is concerned about the noise and asked if there have been technological advances made to reduce the noise. Larry Wright, Assistant Director of Community & Economic Development, stated the architect indicated he could, however, there will be some noise. Mr. Wright explained that soundproofing would have to be a structural part of the building. Tom Culpepper, Architect, 523 Burning Tree Drive, stated that all access from the front of the building would be frau the southwest corner of the structure. The rear wall and 272 APRIL 17, 1984 roof would be insulated and the nearest building is owned by Mr. Wen, who would be willing to add a sound board to the roof and rear wall. Billie Cox, 53 West Prasch, spoke in opposition, stating the main concern of the residents is the traffic prdblem, not the noise. She explained that traffic is blocked with vehicles attempting to make a left hand turn off Nob Hill onto Rock or Landon Avenues. It was MOVED by Sparling, seconded by Beauchamp to accept the Planning Commission's recommendation to approve the request. Council member Doty stated she felt the noise of the live music and the people caning out of the establishment would be offensive to the people living in the neighborhood, therefore, she would vote against the motion. Council member Moore stated he felt the traffic problem was an important issue for the people living in the neighborhood and stated he would vote against the motion. (Council member Buchanan present at 3:35 p.m.) The question was called for a vote on the Motion. Failed by 3-3 voice vote. Barnett, Doty and Mbore voting nay. Buchanan abstaining due to his temporary absence. It was MOVED by Doty, seconded by Beauchamp that due to the fact the City Council does not confirm the recommendation, the alternative is to refer the matter back to the Planning Commission for further consideration and a new recommendation. Discussion followed, and Council member Carmichael stated that we are creating a time delay which may create a hardship on the people involved, and requested a timeframe. Mr. Wright stated that the Planning Commission will not meet until July, 1984. Council member Carmichael stated she must vote against referring this to the Planning Commission because this is an extremely long period of time for any business to wait for a decision from this Council on Whether or not they ca make the extent of changes they are anticipating. Council member Doty wondered if the Planning Commission was made aware of the neighbors' concern about traffic and asked if that was fully explored. The question was called for a vote on the Motion. Carried by 5-1 voice vote. Carmichael voting nay. Buchanan abstaining due to his temporary absence. 11. HEARING, ON 1983 JOBS BILL GRANTEE PERFORMANCE REPORT This being the time set for the hearing on the 1983 Jobs Bill Grantee Performance Report, John Beer Jr., Director of Community & Economic Development, was present to answer questions on this report. Mayor Barnett asked for public input, and receiving no response, declared the public portion of the Hearing closed. It was MOVED by Doty, seconded by Sparling to accept the report'and authorize the City Manager to sign and submit the Grantee Performance Report to HUD. Unanimously carried by voice vote. 12. REPORT ON SELF -FUNDING WORKMAN'S COMPENSATION Bob Weaver, Personnel Officer and a member of The Request for Proposal (RFP) Review Committee, explained the benefits to the City and procedures for self insurance and a safety program. He stated that other Committee members were.rarry Wittenberg, Assistant City Manager, and John Hanson, Director of Finance & Budget. Mr. Weaver stated that three companies (Industrial Indemnity Insurance Services, Fred S. James & Company, and Scott Wetzel Services) were asked to come in and explain their proposals. Mr. Weaver stated the City has an accident prevention program which satisfies the State's requirements so that the City can be a certified self -insurer beginning July 1, 1984. Council member Sparling commented he feels the employees should pay their share, and City Manager Zais explained it is a mandated function and by State Law the City doesn't have the ability to negotiate that, we either go with the State or we go self-insured. Mr. Weaver introduced Mr. Joel Pearson, a representative of the Fred S. James Company, present to comment on Staff's report. Council member Carmichael asked staff to elaborate on the second year costs and also ascertain if this will become a bargaining item in the future. The RFP Committee recommends the Council approve 273 APRIL 17, 1984 execution of the services agreement with Scott Wetzel Services, and that the bond and insurance be purchased through Fred S. James & Canpany. It was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Sparling to table the iter on the Self -Insurance Workers Compensation Program Report until such time as staff has an opportunity to bring back a second year breakdown and the costs frau all the companies that were initially participating in the request ,proposals, that we have more information regarding the City paying the entire amount versus the current practice of the ',City, then City employccs participating in that, as well as, sane additional information regarding the change itself to a Self -Insured Worker's Compensation Program versus participating in a State program. Unanimously carried by voice vote. *13. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A PROJECT CONTRACT FOR FUNDING SARG HUBBARD PARK DEVELOPMENT RESOLUTION NO. D-,4940, A RESOLUTION authorizing the execution of a Project Contract for funding the development of Sarg Hubha d Park. *14. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH WASHINGTON STATE SERVICE CORPS RESOLUTION NO. D-4941, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to file Service Corp Project Requests and execute Work Agreements with the State of Washington: *15. APPROVAL OF OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL REQUESTS: a. The out-of-state travel request for Dixie Kracht, Housing Supervisor, to attend a Rental Rehabilitation Workshop, in San Francisco, CA, April 26 & 27, 1984, at a cost of $865, was approved. b. The out-of-state travel request for Rick Bowman, Fire Department, to attend Instructor Level Training, Emmitsburg, MD, at a cost of $73.75, was approved. *16. TREASURY REPORT FOR MARCH 1984 The report from the Director of Finance and Budget dated March 31, 1984, regarding the investments of the City of Yakima, was accepted and approved. *17. ORDINANCE REZONING PROPERTY LOCA'1ED IN THE 400 BLOCK OF NORTH NACHES AVENUE, AS REQUESTED BY MR. AND MRS. LOPEZ ORDINANCE NO. 2767, AN ORDINANCE rezoning property in the 400 block, North Naches Avenue, from R-3, Multiple -Family Zone to B-1, Modified Business Zone. *18. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1984 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNE6 FOR WEST VALLEY SEWER PROJECT. (Second Reading) An Ordinance appropriating funds in the 478 -Wastewater Facility Fund having been read by title only at the previous meeting, was brought before the Council for a second reading. ORDINANCE NO. 2768, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1984 budget for the City of Yakima and making an appropriation in the 478 -Wastewater Facility Fund for expenditure during 1984. 19. OTHER BUSINESS Larry Wittenberg,', Assistant City Manager, reported that the City's plan to issue an "Annual Report" is progressing and photos will be needed from some Council members. Mr. Wittenberg suggested Monday, April 30, 1984 as the publication date. City Manager Zais explained this report will be an insert to the newspaper, giving a historical review of the City and updated information. 274 APRIL 17, 1984 Referring to the vacancy on the Community Development Advisory Committee, it was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Carmichael to appoint Shirley Delahoussaye to this Committee. Unanimously carried by voice vote. City Manager Zais referred to a letter received from the Herald -Republic Newspaper recounting past practices in publishing the City Council's weekly agenda. The letter further states that, in the future, if the City is desirous of continuing publication of the agenda, that the City pay for that cost. Mr. Zais stated that he is presently checking , on the cost. Information Items Iters of information supplied to Council were:, agenda for Utility Rate Advisory Board Meeting, April 16, 1984; memo from City Attorney re damage claims referred to the City's insurance carriers during the month -of March, 1984 4/12/84; letter from Ruth and Don Diessner re Non -Smoking Regulations 4/10/84; permit report for.March, 1984 frau the Department of Community & Economic Development, Office of Code Administration; Yakima Valley Conference of Governments Newsletter 4/4/84; Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project Newsletter, April, 1984; Yakima Fire Department Activity Report 4/11/84; minutes of the 3/20/84 Police and Fire Civil Service Commission meeting; and minutes of the 3/27/84 Board of Adjustment meeting. 20. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to cane before the Council, it was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Beauchamp, that this meeting be adjourned at the hour of 4:30 p.m. Unanimously carried by voice vote. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE ATTEST: c �tJ1� UNCIL MEMBER DATE S- /V DATE 4/&471 CITY CLE COUNCIL MEMBER ztiAla— TY (/-, L_ MAYOR 1 1