HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/20/1984 Study Session MARCH 20, 1984 247
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 Jack Sparling. Council member W.K. "Pete" Moore
Absent.
' 1. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
Council member Doty reminded the council that this is
Agriculture Week, stating she is a member of a group,
Washington Women for the Survival of Agriculture, which group
_ works with the Legislature regarding issues that concern them.
Mayor Barnett requested COuncil's opinion on whether they
preferred group or individual pictures for the Annual Report
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to the citizens. It was the consensus of Council that
individual pictures would be submitted by each Council member.
Mayor Barnett indicated there are several citizens in the
audience wishing to address Items Nos. 2 and 3, at this time
due to prior ccmmiUtents later in the afternoon. It was the
consensus of the Council to allow these persons to address the
-issues before Council conducts their discussion of the items.
2. RECOMMENDATIONS OF LIONS POOL PROJECT, PLANS AND FUNDING
ALTERNATIVES
Gary Webster, General Manager of the Chamber of Commerce,
spoke in opposition to the proposed assessment of a 4% real
estate transfer tax to aid in financing the Lions Pool project
and the Diversion Dam. He commented this would have a
negative impact on the economy of the real estate industry,
Which is just now beginning to recover from a slump. He
further commented that since the Diversion Dam does not
benefit the entire community, it is not justifiable that those
citizens transferring property should finance this project.
Responding to Cbuncil member Carmidhael's question regarding
alternative funding, Mr. Webster suggested working with sane
of the COngressional delegation in an attempt to move this
issue in a different direction. As to the Lions Pool project,
he felt possibly the bond issue would be a more appropriate
way to approach this dilemma. Glenn Rice, representing the
Yakima Board of Realtors, stated this kind of added dimension
to financing is expensive and could be a deterrent to
prospective homeowners. Mr. Rice stated he personally favors
the bond issue method as these types of projects are community
needs and should be addressed by the entire community, rather
than just homeowners. Gordon Wbnder, 718 North 56th Avenue,
stated he wanted to emphasize that the real estate transfer
tax is not a tax against the property owner, it is a tax
against only the person that sells a piece of property. He
stated, in essence, that the City would be doing by imposing a
tax of this type, is charging only those people who transfer
property; a relatively few in this entire City for the benefit
of maybe 50 to 60% of the City to use the water fran that dam.
Dave Rhodes, Director of Public Works, stated that the Lions
Pool has been the object of a study by the Parks & Recreation
Commission and staff for approximately a year. He stated the
pool has been closed for almost two years and staff is at a
point where direction fran Council is necessary in order to
continue on the project. Mr. Rhodes indicated half of the
funding for the project has been obtained from the sale of
Parks properties and before more time and effort is spent on
researching the issue, he desires an indication fran Council
on whether they feel the balance of funding the project will
be - made available. Council memberrmidhael indicated
skepticism as far as a memorandum of agreement with the School
District is concerned regarding shared maintenance and
operation of the pool, due to the fact that such an agreement
was not honored by the School District in the past. It is her
248
MARCH 20, 1984
opinion this was one of the contributory factors, along with
the City's shortfall of dollars, which brought about the
current situation. She indicated this should be kept in mind
as negotiations are made with the School District. Mr. Rhodes
Stated he did not share those fears, NIJ. is .hopeful that a
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five-year agreement, which will commit 'bOth parties, will
alleviate this prdblem. Bernie Sims, Parks and Recreation
Commission member, stated the Parks and Recreation Commission
has been working on this solution for two years and it is
their belief the community feels this is a very high priority
since the facility has been vacant for so long. He stated if
the money was available today, the facility would not be
completed and ready for use for 111/2 months. He urged the
Council to take action quickly in regard to beginning
construction. After further discussion, Council member Doty
suggested staff bring back more information regarding the
special levy and also check into the possibility of using
Community Development Block Grant funds for funding this
project. Mr. Rhodes indicated he would also continue
negotiations with the School District and more clearly define
their role in the joint maintenance and operation agreement,
as well as the duration of the agreeaent.
3. REPORT FROM ENGINEERING AND UTILITIES DEPARTMENT REGARDING
REVISIONS TO DESIGN AND FINANCING STATUS OF THE DIVERSION DAM
It was MOVED by Doty, seconded by Sparling that It N. 3 be
placed under current Study Session Items as 7a. Unanimously
carried by voice vote. Moore absent.
BUSINESS MEETING
4. ROLL CALL
At 3:15 P.M., the Council members commenced the regular meeting,
Mayor Barnett presiding, Council members Beauchamp, Buchanan,
Carmichael, Doty, Sparling and City Manager Zais and City Attorney
Andrews present on roll call. Cbuncil member Moore absent and
excused.
5. INVOCATION
The Invocation was given by City Manager Zais.
6. 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 City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, including
resolutions and ordinances by title. It was MOVED by
Carmichael, seconded by Doty that the Consent Agenda, as read,
be passed. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. Mbore
absent. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk (*)
indicate items on the Consent Agenda handled under one motion
without further discussion.)
7. CURRENT STUDY SESSION ITEMS
a. Item No. 3
Dennis Covell, Director of Engineering and Utilities, referred
to two maps on the wall and indicated that not quite half of
the City is currently being served irrigation water by the
diversion dam. He stated that other systems are served by the
Naches-Cowiche Canal Company, which receives water from the
Diversion Dam. Mr. Covell reviewed the status of the project
indicating the Department of Fisheries is requesting
modifications be made to the fish screen which will cost an
additional $9,000 for consultant services. Council member
Doty indicated this is a tremendous increase from the original
figure quoted for the fish screen and suggested it is time for
the City to take a stand against further questionable
requirements. Mr. Covell indicated staff has a meeting with
MARCH 20, 1984 249
'the Bureau of Reclamation on Monday, March 26, 1984, to see if
money is available from Power Administration or
Bureau of Reclamation for the fish enhanc portion of the
project. City Manager Zais asked if there has been a
representative of Congressman Morrison's office invited to the
meeting on Monday. Mr. Covell stated it is not his meeting,
he is just there to provide technical background. Following
further discussion regarding the design and requirements
place4 the City by the Department 5f Fisheries, it was
MOVED by Doty, seconded by Beauchamp to discontinue discussion
of this matter, except for a brief oral report next week,
until a period of three weeks when we can have more definite
information. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Moore
absent.
8. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Ines Rice, 4409 W. Arlington, Betty Gaudette, 701 N. 6th St.,
and Dolores Gbodman, 1002 S. 6th St., appeared before Council
expressing their concern and dismay that a recent visit to the
Semer'Treatment Plant had resulted in what they believed to be
an unjustified complaint filed by City Management against one
of the Treatment Plant employees. The request was made to
remove the report from the employee's personnel file and the
situation be corrected. Council member Doty stated she and
• Council member ?'bore serve on the Labor Management Committee
and have been called into action on two different occasions
this year to deal with the very issues which concern these
citizens today. She stated a procedure had been established
for employees to make their concerns known to their
supervisors, which was followed in this instance. City
Manager Zais stated the employee's personnel file does not
contain a copy of the grievance report. He explained this is
an administrative document which has been filed with the Union
and is not part of the individual's personnel file at this
time. He stated there is a separate document, which is a
disciplinary action, that has been taken, but it is not
directly related to that is being stated here today in
connection with that tour.
9. REPORT ON TRANSIT REGARDING STATUS OF PROPOSED LEGISLATION
ESTABLISHING FEES FOR HANDICAPPED SERVICES .
Bill Schultz,
also li contributions Council regarding this report, and explained the federal
requirements of a 30-day advertisement period prior to the
public hearing. Concerns were expressed by Council members
that sane of the residents of nursing homes might not have
transportation to the hearing, and some are unable to read or
write due to their nature of illness or disability from
stroke, etc. The request was made by Cbuncil that
arrangements be made to accommodate these people. Council
m
been made by the users of Dial- services to help defray
the expenses of the - program. It was MOVED by Buchanan,
seconded by Sparling that a date of hearing be set; the date
of the hearing to be established by staff. Carried by 5-1
voice vote. Barnett voting nay. Moore absent.
10. RECONSIDERATION OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT IRRIGVTION
ASSISTANCE FINANCING PLAN WITH CONFERENCE OF GOVERNMENTS
:.,4
Deniiia'Covell, Director of Engineering Si presented
the staff report and indicated his concern about contracting
with public agencies when there is a law on the books with the
state regarding consultant services and solicitation for
Proposals for prOjects over $2500, which is further compounded
when we are utilizing Community Development Block Grant Funds.
Mayor Barnett indicated he felt it would be unfair to the
Conference of Governments at this point, to request other
proposals when they have already submitted their bid. Mr.
Covell indicated the law states cost cannot be the primary
consideration in the selection of a consultant. Council
member Buchanan questioned why this is on today's agenda if we
250 MARCH 20, 1984
don't know where we stand on this issue. Mr. Covell indicated
this issue was just brought to his attention. It was MOVED by
Buchanan, seconded by Sperling this be tabled until next week
so %e can know whether or not Oauncil can take any action.
Unanimously carried by voice vote. 'tore absent.
*11. REPORT FROM POLICE DEPARTMENT REGARDING JAIL TASK FORCE ACTIVITIES
The report fran the Police Deparbnent, dated March 12, 1984
was approved.
*12. REPORT FROM ENGINEERING & UTILITIES DEPARTMENT REGARDING STATUS OF
GLEED WATER ENGINEERING STUDY
The report fran the Engineering & Utilities Department, dated
March 15, 1984 was approved.
*13. RESOLUTION ORDERING SEGREGATION OF AN ASSESSMENT IN L.I.D. NO. 1028
RESOLUTION NO. D-4934, A RESOLUTION ordering segregation of an
assessment in Local Improvement District No. 1028.
*14. SET DATE OF HEARING FOR MAJOR MODIFICATION TO AN EXISTING PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT
Aprii 1984 was set .as the date -c)f for a major
modification to an existing Planned Development located at 54
West Nob Hill Boulevard.
*15. ORDINANCE REPEALING SECTION 9.15.030 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING
TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS
ORDINANCE NO. 2761, AN ORDINANCE relating to traffic law
enforcement and repealing Section 9.15.030 of the City of
Yakima Municipal Code pertaining to accident investigations.
*16. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1984 BUDGET, APPROPRIATING FUNDING FOR DATA
PRCCESSING/INFORMATION SYSTEMS NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN (First Reading)
The Ordinance amending the 1984 Budget for the City of Yakima,
and making an appropriation in the 000-General Fund for
expenditure during 1984 having been read by title only at this
meeting, was laid on the table for one week.
17. OTHER BUSINESS
Council member Sperling requested sane device be provided for
maps, charts, etc., which are placed on the wall by staff
during their presentations. He stated he is unable to see the
item when they are pinned to the wall and perhaps an easel
could be used instead of the wall.
":-
Council member Doty stated it is time to take a lock at the
West Valley Sewer System. She stated she would like to see
the City of Yakima move forward- with this issue. Mayor
Barnett stated he would like to see Council proceed with
portions 1, 2 and 3 and consider the annexation reccmmendation
at a later date. He stated COuncil could analyze the impact
and availability of funds for 4 and 5 at that time. Council
member Buchanan was concerned as to how much money the City
would have to expend and haw long it would take to recover
that investment. Council member Beauchamp was interested in
knowing how many residences in that area are being discussed.
Staff indicated there are at least 200 houses in this area
shown on the map, and with the moratorium being placed by the
Department of Ecology on septic tanks in that area, this is an
added encouragement for those residents to connect to City
sewer. (Council member Carmichael absent after 4:45 p.m.)
Council member Beauchamp stated the analysis of staff has
merit and he would like to see sane action taken in this
direction. Dave Rhodes, Public Works Director, stated
financially, the City could not lose on this proposition. He
stated the City should obtain a commitment fran the Health
251
MARCH 20, 1984
District to follow the letter of the law that says anyone
within 200 feet of a sewer system has to connect to it. After
further discussion on the issue, it was MOVED by Beauchamp,
seconded by Doty that we accept Mayor Barnett's recordation
to proceed with priorities 1, 2 and 3 and leave_the last two
priorities for a later date. council 'member Sparling stated
he would have to see more information before he would vote on
such a motion. The question was called for a vote on the
motion. Carried by 3-2 voice vote. Sparling and Buchanan
voting nay. Carmichael and More absent.
Dave Rhodes, Director of Public Works, indicated he would be
presenting the refuse mechanical collection system to council
next week and he encouraged than to observe such a system in
II/ operation in the 'southern part of the county before this
presentation is made.
INFORMATION ITEMS
Items of information supplied to Council were: letter from
Charles E. Boone complimenting the City Transit system
3/14/84; memo from Director of Community & Economic
Development re Section 312 Loan Program 3/14/84; letter from
Yakima Police Patrolman's Association listing Association
officers and negotiating team members 3/12/84; monthly
reports frail Chief of Police for February 1984; minutes of
February 29, 1984 Traffic Safety Advisory Commission meeting;
minutes of February 20, 1984 Parks and Recreation Commission
meeting; and minutes of March 7, 1984 Yakima Clean Air
Authority meeting.
18. EXECUTIVE SESSION
It was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Sparling to move into
Executive Session for the purpose of discussing pending
litigation. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Carmichael
and Moore absent.
19. ADJOURNMENT
Following the completion of the Executive Session, the meeting
was adjourned at the hour o 5:55 p.m. fj
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY/AWAmmuar: DATE,17/(24c
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