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
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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