HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/01/1984 Study Session 279
MAY 1, 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, and W. K. "Pete" Moore. Council member Jack Sparling
absent.
1. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
It was pointed out by the City Clerk that an appointment had
been made to the Community Development Citizen Advisory
II/ Ccmmittee, which was inappropriate due to the appointee living
outside the target area. Therefore, Council was requested to
make another appointment to that ccmmittee. It was MOVED by
Beauchamp, seconded by Buchanan, to appoint Dee
Grindeland -Holmes to serve on the Community Development
Citizen Advisory Committee. Unanimously carried by voice
vote. Sparling absent.
Council member Doty reminded everyone that today is Loyalty
Day.
Council member Carmichael mentioned the problem with the
City's storm and sewer drains, stating this still is a problem
the City needs to address. Council member Beauchamp
questioned if it is the size of the pipes that presents the
problem. Council member Carmichael stated if the City had
appropriated money to complete the consultant's study, we
would know exactly that is the problem. Del Kary,
Superintendent of Street and Refuse Divisions, stated with the
amount of rain we have been having recently, the problems
being experienced are not unusual.
Council member Carmichael stated next weekend there will be a
soccer tournament held in Yakima and the City does not have
soccer fields to accommodate the number of teams participating
in this tournament. After further discussion on the issue, it
was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Beauchamp, to refer the
acquisition of future soccer fields to the Parks and
Recreation Commission for their recommendation. Unanimously
carried by voice vote. Sparling absent.
City Manager Zais stated the City had received a $20,000 check
from the Margaret Coffin Holmes Estate and the Council
committee that had been formed would need to be reactivated
and make a recommendation on the distribution of funds.
2. STATUS REPORT REGARDING UPDATED COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR DOMESTIC
WATER SYSTEM
II/ Dennis Covell, Director of Engineering and Utilities, gave a
brief update on the Comprehensive Plan for the Domestic Water
System, stating that the only part of the plan that would
require the assistance of a consultant is the hydroelectric
analysis. He stated CH2M -Hill had done the high zone analysis
in the past and he will likely consult with than as to the
amount of money needed to complete the cost analysis. It was
MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Carmichael that the report be
accepted. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Sparling
absent.
3. REPORT FROM PERSONNEL RETARDING DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE TRAINING
ACTIVITIES FOR JANUARY, FEBRUARY AND MARCH, 1984
Bob Weaver, Personnel Officer, presented the employee training
activities report and added an effort will be made to keep
Council informed as to training activities throughout the
year,. It was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Carmichael to
accept the report. Unanimously carried by voice vote.
Sparling absent.
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MAY 1, 1984
4. REPORT FROM PUBLIC WORKS, STREET DIVISION, REGARDING PROPOSED
SIDEWALK REPAIR PROGRAM FOR 1984.
Del Kary, Superintendent of Streets and Refuse Divisions,
presented the proposed sidewalk repair program. He informed
Council this is strictly a volunteer program in which the
property owners and the City would participate on a 50/50 cost
basis, and would require that the property owners pay for
their share within a two-year payback timeframe rather than
ten years as in the current program. City Manager Zais stated
the City has had a difficult time for the past ten years
making any repairs due to the cost factor involved. He stated
the last comprehensive sidewalk repair study was done five
years ago and the estimated cost at that time for repairs was
well over a million dollars. Council member Beauchamp asked
if there is an ordinance in effect now that requires the
property owner to maintain sidewalks in front of their
property. City Attorney Andrews indicated there is such an
II/
ordinance which requires the property owner to make repairs
and pay for a portion of the repair work for the sidewalk
abutting his property. This ordinance also allows the City to
place a lien on the property for his share of the repair cost.
He stated this ordinance has been in effect since 1974 but the
City has had a difficult time enforcing it due to reluctance
of homeowners and apartment owners and their lack of
participation and cooperation. It was MOVED by Carmichael,
seconded by Buchanan, to move the discussion of this item down
under the Business portion of the meeting to became Item No.
8a. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Sparling absent.
BUSINESS MEETING
5. ROLL CALL
At 3:00 p.m., the Council members commenced the regular
meeting, Mayor Barnett presiding, Council members Beauchamp,
Buchanan, Carmichael, Doty, and W. K. "Pete" Moore and City
Manager Zais and City Attorney Andrews present on roll call.
Sparling absent and excused.
6. INVOCATION
The Invocation was given by City Attorney Andrews.
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.
Council member Carmichael requested that Items Nos. 8a, 12, 14
and 15 be added to the Consent Agenda. It was the general
consensus of the Council that the addition of Items Nos. 8a,
12, 14, and 15, as requested, be made. The City Clerk then
II/
read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and
ordinances by title. It was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by
Moore, that the Consent Agenda, as read, he passed.
Unanimously carried by roll call vote. Sparling absent.
(Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk (*) indicate
items on the Consent Agenda handled under one motion without
further discussion.)
*8. CURRENT STUDY SESSION ITEMS
a. Item No. 4
The report from the Public Works Department, Street Division,
dated April 17, 1984, was accepted and approved.
9. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Rick Faringer, 1409 So. 16th Avenue, spoke in support of the
mechanical refuse system, stating he had been present at the
meeting last week but did not take the opportunity to speak at
the hearing.
281
MAY 1, 1984
Cecil Collins, Director of the Southeast Community Center,
invited Council to the Center for observation of the programs
offered by the facility and to take a first-hand look at the
renovations recently ccmpleted there. He stated the Community
Center currently has two requests before the Council, and he
would like the Council members to visit the facility and
became more acquainted with the programs and services offered
therein.
10. HEARING ON PROPOSED FEE FOR TRANSPORTATION SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY
AND HANDICAPPED
This being the time fixed for the hearing on proposed fee for
transportation services for the elderly and handicapped,
Carolyn New, President of the Central Washington Chapter of
Health Activities Volunteer Services (HAVS), spoke
representing the 804 residentS of Yakima nursing homes. She
indicated that of the residents of the seven nursing homes in
Yakima, 61% of than are on public assistance and receive
$34.50 a month for spending money. She stated that out of
this amount there is a monthly charge of $10.00 for laundry
service which is paid by the residents, leaving then only
$24.50 for their personal spending habits. She stated this
amount left over would he severely affected if Council decides
to impose a fee for the Dial-A-Ride service. Maria Bradford,
of the Services for the Blind and working with the Project for
Independent Living which serves the elderly, addressed the
issue as a disabled person and consumer. She stated she is
thankful for the Dial-A-Ride services offered in the
ccmmunity, and added that she is able to make donations to the
program because she is employed, however, she would not like
to see others placed under hardship by having to pay for
Dial-A-Ride services. *Kim Armitage, Activities Director for
Madison Fountains, indicated that the residents would not be
able to attend some of the activities out in the community if
a fee is imposed for the service. Ms. Armitage indicated that
.03 per day per resident is allowed by the State for outings.
Kathy Schroyer, 1208 Jefferson, stated she had spoken with the
Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) regarding the
possibility of medical coupons covering the proposed fee. She
was informed by DSHS that the medical coupons cover only the
visits made to the doctor's office, not the transportation to
or from the doctor's office. Ms. Schreyer was also concerned
about who was going to handle the paperwork. She also stated
she felt the elderly and handicapped living out in the
ccmmunity should be allowed the freedom to donate without
making it a mandatory issue. Emily McGhee, resident of
Madison Fountain, stated that imposing a fee for Dial -A
services would make it impossible for her to attend church
services on Sundays, or to leave the nursing have on other
outings as well. She Stated now all the residents have to do
II/ is remember to call 48 hours in advance and make arrangements
for the service. She indidated she would hate to see that
taken away from them because they do like to get out once in
awhile, and without the Dial-A-Ride program, the patients
would just be stuck in the nursing home. Sheridan Rhode,
representing the Living Care Centers, commented he thinks
Dial-A-Ride is a tremendous program and he would hate to see
it discontinued or a fee imposed because it would mean that
the residents in the nursing homes would not be able to get
out. Monica Madengal of Chalet Nursing Home and Carrie
Seeberger of Central Convalescent also spoke in opposition to
imposing a fee for the Dial-A-Ride program for reasons
mentioned by previous speakers. Christine Buckley stated she
felt the senior citizens of the community have already paid
their fees. There being no other citizens wishing to speak to
this issue, the public portion of the hearing was closed. It
was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Buchanan, to leave the
Dial-A-Ride program as it is currently. - Council member Doty
stated she was unaware that 61% of the residents in nursing
hones are on public assistance. She stated she was concerned
about residents using Dial -A to go visit their families,
but felt the service was most important for the group outings.
282 MAY 1, 1984
Mayor Barnett pointed out that we are paying for Dial-Pc-Ride
every time we purchase an item because 5.8% of the transit tax
is allocated toward the support of this program. Council
member Moore stated he has been in hundreds of nursing homes
over the years and he realizes how important it is for those
residents to be able to get out once in a while. The question
was called for a vote on the motion. Unanimously carried by
voice vote. Sparling absent.
11. MEETING ON REQUEST FOR VARIANCE ON SUBDIVISION LOT WIDTH STANDARDS
FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1417 ROCK AVENUE
This being the time fixed for a meeting on a request for a
variance on subdivision of property located at 1417 Rock
Avenue, as requested by Merle and Lydia Warehime, Larry
Wright, Assistant Director of Community and Economic
Development, was present to give a brief report and review
previous action taken by the Planning Commission. He stated
that a variance usually does not reach the point of caning to
Council. He informed Council that the Planning Commission had
denied the request due to the fact that the seven conditions
required to grant such a variance do not exist. Debbie
Folger, speaking on behalf of relatives living in the
neighborhood, stated the request had been denied on April 3,
1984 by the Planning Commission, and since it does not meet
the special criteria outlined by the Planning staff, the
request Should be denied by Council also. Christine Buckley,
1410 Ledwidh, stated her mother has lived in that neighborhood
for forty-eight years, and if the variance was granted, this
would set a precedent for the other property owners to file a
Variance also. She commented they have enough trouble getting
in and out of their driveways as the situation is now. Kay
Dawson, another property owner in the area residing at 1413
Rock Avenue, stated her property is directly north of the
Warehime's property, and she does not want to see another
dwelling go in there as they already are having trouble
getting out of the driveway and she questioned where they
would put a driveway for an additional dwelling. Ms. Buckley
stated the Warehimes currently have the property listed for
Sale and it is the belief of the neighbors that the
subdivision variance request is for personal gain only so the
property can be sold as R-2 rather than R-1, single-family
zoning. It was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Doty, to
concur with the Planning Cammission's recommendation and deny
the subdivision variance request. Council member Beauchamp
questioned Tarry Wright on whether or not there are other
buildings on the property. Tarry Wright indicated there are
currently two dwellings on the property and a garage. He
stater' the Warehimes do not want to move the garage that is
currently on the property to allow for a third dwelling to be
added, .thus necessitating the subdivision variance request.
The question was called for a vote on the motion. Unanimously
carried by roll call vote, concurring with the Planning
Commission's recommendation for denial. Sparling absent.
*12. REPORT ON INSURANCE CLAIMS - YEAR-END 1983 AND FIRST QUARTER 1984
The report fram the Department of Finance and Budget dated
April 26, 1984 regarding insurance claims was approved.
13. PRESENTATION OF ANNUAL AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/CONTRACT COMPLIANCE
REPORT
Bob Weaver, Officer, stated the report was not as
good as it has been in the past and commented that this is the
first time he has cane before Council with a negative report.
Council member Beauchamp stated he is aware of four black
males that have retired since 1980 and questioned whether or
not they were replaced by minority males. Mr. Weaver stated
he cannot guarantee that the positions vacated will be filled
with like minorities. Council member Beauchamp stated he is
concerned about the City's ability to maintain minority
positions and questioned whether or not the City is capable of
doing this. He added this is the whole purpose of the
MAY 1, 1984 283
affirmative action program and he personally resents the fact
that ground is being lost instead of gained in this area.
Council member Doty stated perhaps they are not scoring high
enough on the exam to be considered for the positions. He
stated the burden is placed upon the entity to carryout the
affirmative action program to work with individuals to ensure
they meet qualifications for the positions. He stated the
cadet program has worked well in the Seattle Fire Department
because they devised plan and a program to make it happen.
Council member Carmichael stated the cadet program had worked
well in the Yakima Police Department and the reason nothing
positive occurred in the Fire Department was due to the fact
that there was quite a number of fire fighters Who were on a
call back list which had to be addressed and offered full time
II/ employment as soon as positions became available to put them
back to work. She indicated that thecall back list is pretty
well taken care of at this point and it is her belief that the
Fire Department has been actively investigating the
affirmative action program again. She stated perhaps we
should consider reinstating the position of the Affirmative
Action Specialist. After further discussion, it was MOVED by
Carmichael, seconded by Beauchamp, that in the 1985
- preliminary - budget we include, as 'a policy issue, the
reinstatement of the Affirmative Action Specialist, which
,V1culd be a position to provide outreach work to the community,
as well as existing staff and would also enhance the
- affirmative action recruitment efforts and provide staff
assistance to both the Human Relations Cbmmission and
Personnel Division. Carried by 5-1 voice vote. Moore voting
nay. Sperling Absent. Council member Moore explained his
negative vote, stating he does not believe this action would
accanplish the goals Council is discussing.
*14. PRESENTATION OF FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT
The report fran the Fire Department dated May 1, 1984,
regarding the Annual Report, was approved.
*15. PRESENTATION OF YAKIMA TRANSIT ANNUAL REPORT
The Annual Report fran the Transit Department dated May 1,
1984, was approved.
*16. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING VACATION OF A UTILITY
EASEMENT LOCATED IN THE VICINITY OF THE CITY OF NACRES
RESOLUTION NO. D-4945, A RESOLUTION vacating a public utility
easement.
*17. DISPOSITION OF DAMAGE CLAIM:
A. Consideration of a Resolution authorizing payment to Jerry and
II/ Sherry Wilson in settlement of a claim for damages.
RESOLUTION NO. D-4946, A RESOLUTION authorizing the payment of
$47.46 to Jerry E. Wilson and Sherry A. Wilson in settlement
of a claim for damages filed with the City of Yakima.
*18. APPROVAL OF OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL FOR EDWARD CARROLL, FIRE CHIEF, TO
BAMITSBURG, MD.
The out-of-state travel for Edward Carroll, Fire Chief, to
Enmitsburg, MD., to attend a "Train the Trainer" course at the
National Fire Academy, at no cost to the City, was approved.
19. OTHER BUSINESS
City Manager Zais asked Council if they wanted to schedule a
meeting in compliance with the request by Cecil Collins,
Director of Southeast Community Center, to visit the Center.
It was the general consensus of the Council to hold the study
session on May 29th, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. at the Southeast
Community Center. Council member Carmichael informed Council
that the DARC meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 3, had been
cancel led.
284
MAY 1, 1984
INFORMATION ITEMS
Items of information supplied to Council were: Memo from
Director of Community & Economic Development re: Outside
Utility Request for sewer service at 1902 McKinley Avenue
4/17/84; Yakima,Transit Monthly._Operations Report for March
1984; membership list of City Boards & Commissions 4/5/84;
Standard Motions and Rules of Procedures of Yakima City
Council revised 3/84; minutes of 4/3/84 Planning Commission
meeting; minutes of 3/30/84 Yakima Housing Authority meeting;
memo from AWC re: 1984 Resolutions and Nominations Canmittees
Resolutions and /or suggestions for changes to AWC's Statement
of Policy 4/24/84.
20. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to cane before the Council, it
was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Buchanan, that this
meeting be adjourned at the hour of 4:50 p.m. Unanimously
carried by voice vote. ling absent.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BNIN. 44.1 , A 1 / ' , AiL. -1 Lt / DATE 2
IoUNCIL MEMBER--
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COUNCl/ MEMBER
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CITY CLERK MAYOR