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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/07/1984 Study Session 340 AUGUST 7, 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, Shirley Doty and Jack Sparling. Council member Henry Beauchamp present after 2:20 p.m. Council members Lynn Buchanan, Lynn Carmichael and W. K. "Pete" Moore absent. There being no quorum present at 2:15 p.m., Mayor Barnett commenced the discussion with Item No. 3, which does not require Council action. 3. PRESENTATION ON URBAN DEVELOPMENT ACTION GRANT FUNDING PROGRAM 111 Paul Strater, Director of Kittitas -Yakima County Economic Development, provided background information and introduced John Finke, of the National Development Council. Mr. Finke explained the Urban Area Action Grant (UDAG) is actually a second mortgage loan program for private business expansion. He stated requirements for the project are that the business has to be located in an eligible community, must involve the investment of private capital, private equity and private bank debt, and must create permanent private sector employment. (Council member Beauchamp present after 2:20 p.m.) He indicated the project must create at least one private new job for every $10,000 invested in the project. He named several projects completed in the State of Washington indicat- ing various uses of these funds. He commented that if Yakima is selected for a UDAG project, the money would be granted to the City with instructions as to how the money would be loaned to the business. The business would pay principal and interest to the City on the amount of money borrowed for the project. Council member Sparling asked what the terms of the loan would be - and :Mr. Finke indicated they are negotiable, however, the interest is generally five to eight percent for twenty-five to thirty years on real estate property. He indicated the UDAG program has $440,000,000 per year to expend on projects. Mr. Finke informed Council that tre next application submission date would be in November and that two public hearings would have to be held and a resolution passed by Council before an application could be submitted. He indicated the application period would take about four months. He further stated the cost involved in the legal work and preparation could be added to the amount of the grant award. He stated the risks involved in this process are minimal. Mr. Finke responded to several questions regarding reinvestment of the funds and the maximum amount of funding which can be requested by an applicant. No action was taken by the Council. A quorum being present at this time, Mayor Barnett reverted to the original sequence of the Agenda. 1. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER II/ Mayor Barnett announced he had received a letter of resignation from Council member Moore, effective August 31, 1984. It was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Doty, that Council member Moore's resigna- tion be accepted. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Buchanan, Carmichael and Moore absent. City Attorney Andrews indicated it is the responsibility of the Council to fill the vacancy, requiring a majority vote of the remaining Council members. He stated this is an "at-large" position, therefore, the person applying does not have to live within a specific area of the City. Discussion followed on the manner-in which Council will make a selection. It was the general consensus of the Council to utilize the previous process and request candidates to submit an application to the City Clerk no later than the close of the working day on August 24, 1984. The applications will then be reviewed by Council members, three of whom will be interviewed by the Council. 1 2. REPORT FROM COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT REGARDING THE NORTH FRONT STREET IMPROVEMENTS It was MOVED by Doty, seconded by Beauchamp, to move Item No. 2 down on the agenda to become Item No. 7a. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Buchanan, Carmichael and Moore absent. BUSINESS MEETING 4. ROLL CALL At 3:00 p.m., the Council members commenced the regular meeting, Mayor Barnett presiding, Council members Beauchamp, Doty and Sparling and City Manager Zais and City Attorney Andrews present on roll call. Council members Buchanan, Carmichael and Moore absent and excused. 5. INVOCATION The Invocation was given by Council member Beauchamp. 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. City Manager Zais removed Item No. 21 from the Consent Agenda, stating there must be five Council members present to vote on an appropriation ordinance. Council member Sparling requested that Item No. 23 be added to the Consent Agenda. It was the general consensus of the Council that the addition of Item No. 23 and the deletion of Item No. 21, as requested, be made. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and ordinances by title. It was MOVED by Doty,seconded by Beauchamp, that the Consent Agenda, as read, be passed. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. Buchanan, Carmichael and Moore 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. 2 Larry Wright, Assistant Director of Community and Economic Development, introduced Lenore Lambert, representing the North Front Street Improvement Association. Mrs. Lambert indicated she had received a copy of the staff report prior to the meeting and was surprised to learn that staff did not feel their original request for Community Development Block Grant Funds in 1982 was specific enough. She stated the proposal had asked for funding to repair 1,407 lineal feet of sidewalk, five old-time street lamps, planters, and assistance in the development of a restoration plan for the area. She indicated the North Front Street Improvement Association had been incorporated since the submission of that application. She further stated they are currently seeking other funding sources, such as the National Heritage Foundation and The Ted Robertson Foundation. She indicated City staff had made a commitment to work with the Association regarding this project, however, she feels the amount of anticipated time allocated is rather excessive due to the fact that most of the information is already contained in the City files. She requested this discussion be continued for a few weeks to allow them time to adequately study this material. Council member Doty requested a status report from Mrs. Lambert regarding the request for funds from Jake Thomas, President of the Historic Preservation, when she addresses Council regarding this project again in a few weeks. Council member Beauchamp asked what the Association's goal is for the North Front Street Area. Mrs. Lambert stated their goal is to have a two block area that looks as it did 100 years ago and make it a viable economic part of the downtown area. She explained it is the understanding of the Association that without the involvement and development of the Burlington Northern Depot the project will not become a reality. She indicated Burlington Northern has not yet expressed any interest in this project. She reported their parking lot is currently being used as a dumping ground and requested the City contact Burlington Northern about this problem. It was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Doty, to continue discussion of this project on the August 28, 1984 Council agenda. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Buchanan, Carmichael and Moore absent. 9. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Janet Amundson, 702 North 44th Avenue, Yakima, was present regarding the passage of the ordinance regulating skateboarding, bicycling, etc. on sidewalks. She stated the ordinance is unclear and does not address the issue of joggers. Council member Doty indicated this ordiance was passed due to a request made by Downtown Area Redevelopment Commission members, in an attempt to prevent accidents involving pedestrians and persons riding bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, or other devices on wheels. Council member Beauchamp expressed concern regarding young people who ride their bicycles as a means of transportation to and from school, the Mall, and to downtown areas for recreational activities. He indicated the passage of this ordinance forces them into the streets, competing with vehicular traffic. Mrs. Amundson stated she intends to file a petition in protest of this ordinance, as she believes it to be unconstitutional. 10. HEARING ON URBAN MASS TRANSPORTATION ADMINISTRATION GRANT This being the time fixed for the hearing on the Urban Mass Transportation Administration Grant, Bill Schultz, Transit Manager, was present to answer questions regarding this hearing. He indicated this is a hearing to allow for public input regarding the expenditure of funds for eight transit vehicles and associated equipment and is required by Federal regulations. There being no citizen present wishing to speak to this issue, the public portion of the hearing was closed. No action was required by Council on this item. 11. CONSIDERATION OF A DISCOUNT FARE FOR YOUTH BUS PASSENGERS Bill Schultz, Transit Manager, stated this item is the result of a request from Yakima School District No. 7 regarding youth bus passes. He indicated the School District had recently reduced the radius from a school that a student has to reside in order to have transportation provided for them by the School District. Mr. Schultz expanded upon the system currently being used by the School District and the current, time consuming, manner in which City Transit fares are collected. He stated the proposed changes would be more efficient for both parties involved. He reported a discounted pass can be purchased by "honored" citizens and adults, based upon an average forty ride month. A youth pass can currently be purchased for $8.00, based upon a 40 ride month at the present farebox rate of 20¢. He stated they are requesting a reduction in this price to $6.50, which amounts to an 18% discount. He named several advantages of selling a discounted pass. Mayor Barnett pointed out that the UMTA regulations indicate a public hearing must be held with adequate public notice before a fare change can be implemented. Mr. Schultz indicated major changes do require a public hearing, however, in this instance, the fare is requested to be reduced. He stated he would verify his understanding that a public hearing is unnecessary. Dean Starr, Superintendent of Yakima School District, indicated the State is requiring the School District to transport students outside a one mile radius rather than the previous two mile radius to conform to their formula for transportation funding. He stated the School District will be 343 increasing the number of students they transport from 3,000 to 4,500 and expect student ridership on the City Transit System to increase from 350 to 750 a day. He stated the School District thought it would be more economically feasible to utilize the public transportation system rather than increase their fleet to accommodate the additional riders. Council member Doty inquired who would be responsible for paying the $6.50 fare and Mr. Starr replied the fare would be paid by State transportation money. Rick Gagnier, Yakima School District, stated they are currently receiving about $160,000 in revenue and next year's revenue fore- cast is for $300,000 versus an estimated $450,000 expenditure for transportation. He indicated the $6.50 fare would be a break-even figure, based upon the State formula. After further discussion, it was the consensus of the Council to have this item on the agenda next week for action, depending upon whether or not a public hearing is found to be necessary. II/ 12. PRESENTATION FROM SOUTHEAST YAKIMA COMMUNITY CENTER Cecil Collins, Director of Southeast Yakima Community Center, gave a brief presentation, stating a copy of the 1983 year-end fiscal audit, prepared by Boyd, Olofson & Company in compliance with Federal regulations, was included in the Council packet for review. No action was required by Council on this item. 13. REPORT FROM FINANCE & BUDGET DEPARTMENT RE: SOLICITING PROPOSALS FOR THE CITY'S GENERAL INSURANCE PLAN Bob Wheeler, Accounting Manager, was present to answer questions regarding this report. Council member Doty questioned the reason for the dramatic increase in the insurance rates. Mr. Wheeler indicated the insurance companies have been quite competitive in the past years and were making a tremendous interest income, and now that conditions have changed, they are not willing to take a loss. City Manager Zais added when the first proposal was made, the losses were worse than they had predicted and according to Glen Williams, INA has indicated the City of Yakima's policy has proven to be unprofitable. He stated Mr. Williams is researching other markets for replacing this coverage. Mr. Zais further stated staff has been requested by another broker to consider rebidding this service because other brokers may have access to broader markets. After further discussion on the item, it was MOVED by Doty, seconded by Sparling, to issue Requests for Proposals from qualified insurance brokers, not overlooking the fact that there are changes from time to time and there may be some other firms that are now qualified that were not qualified last time. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Buchanan, Carmichael and Moore absent. Mayor Barnett indicated he is hopeful that antitrust liability coverage will be included in this proposal. City Attorney Andrews indicated staff is presently looking into this. City Manager Zais stated staff is also looking for punitive damage coverage for civil rights claims. 14. REPORT FROM CONSULTANT REGARDING WATER TREATMENT PLANT INTAKE STUDY AND ICING PROBLEMS Ty Wick, Water Division Superintendent, and John Mayo, CH2M Hill, were present to respond to questions regarding this item. Mayor Barnett indicated concern with the "order of magnitude" estimates being used and was fearful that the project could possibly exceed $425,000. Mr. Mayo indicated the item under question is basically one of semantics; at this phase of the development specific details are not known. He stated his firm had been extremely cautious in their estimates, including a contingency factor. After further discussion, it was MOVED by Doty, seconded by Beauchamp, to accept CH2M Hill's report and recommend Alternative 2-A, with the funding option in stages as outlined in Table III. Council member Sparling questioned whether Council has to commit to the amount of S283,843 for this project. City Manager Zais stated this amount will be incorporated as an estimated expenditure in the 1985 budget. The question was called for a vote on the Motion. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Buchanan, Carmichael and Moore absent. 344 *15. DISPOSITION OF SURPLUS PROPERTY RESOLUTION NO. D-4988, A RESOLUTION authorizing the sale of surplus personal property owned by the City. *16. SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH FAUS FOR THE 48TH AVENUE AND TIETON DRIVE INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT RESOLUTION NO. D-4989, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager of the City of Yakima to execute Supplement No. 1 with the State of Washington, Department of Transportation, for partial remibursement of costs for improving the intersection of 48th Avenue and Tieton Drive. *17. AGREEMENT WITH FAUS FOR THE NOB HILL BLVD., 6TH STREET TO 3RD AVENUE PROJECT RESOLUTION NO. D-4990, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the 111 City Manager of the City of Yakima to execute an agreement with the State of Washington, Department of Transportation for partial reimbursement of costs for the rehabilitation of Nob Hill Boulevard from South 6th Street to South 3rd Avenue. *18. DISPOSITION OF DAMAGE CLAIM a. Denial of claim filed by Coreen Aman RESOLUTION NO. D-4991, A RESOLUTION denying the claim filed by Coreen S. Aman filed with the City of Yakima. *19. APPROVAL OF RIGHT-OF-WAY USE PERMIT REQUESTED BY YAKIMA HERALD REPUBLIC, 114 NORTH 4Th STREET The Right-of-Way Use Permit requested by the Yakima Herald Republic, to install a drive-up drop box on the north side of "B" Street, between 3rd Street and 4th Street, was approved. *20. APPROVAL OF CUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL . A. The out-of-state travel request for Bill Schultz, Transit Manager, to attend the American Public Transit Association Annual Meeting and Public Transit Exposition in Washington, D.C., September 28-October 4, 1984 at a cost of $1,448, was approved. B. The out-of-state travel for Henry Hein, Supervising Traffic Engineer, to attend the Institute of Transportation Engineers 54th Arn Meeting in San Francisco, CA, September 23-27, 1984, at a cost of S1,000 was approved. C. The out-of-state travel for Robert Weaver, Persoiuiel Officer, to Alexandria, VA to attend the American Society for Personnel Administration, October 11-14, 1984, was approved. 21. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE GENERAL FUND AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FROM THE GENERAL FUND (Second Reading) 111 Deferred one week. *22. LEGISLATION RELATING TO YAKIMA AIR TERMINAL: a. A Resolution Approving Air Terminal Rules And Regulations RESOLUTION NO. D-4992, A RESOLUTION approving rules and regulations adopted by the Yakima Air Terminal Board. b. An Ordinance Relating To Ground Control And Security ORDINANCE NO. 2796, AN ORDINANCE relating to public safety and morals; providing for rules and regulations to govern 345 Yakima Air Terminal ground control and security; and enacting Chapter 6.35, "Airport Ground Control and Security", and Section 6.35.010, 6.35.020, 6.35.030, 6.35.040, 6.35.050, 6.35.060, and 6.35.070 as a new chapter and new sections of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. C. A Resolution Pertaining To Grant Acceptance Authorization RESOLUTION NO. D-4993, A RESOLUTION authorizing the Chairman of the Yakima Air Terminal Board to execute Federal Aviation Administration grant documents. *23. LEGISLATION RE: MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION: II/ a. An Ordinance Adopting A Classification And Compensation Plan ORDINANCE NO. 2797, AN ORDINANCE relating to City personnel; adopting a classification and compensation plan for City employees to be effective October 1, 1984; amending Sections 2.20.110 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. b. A Resolution Authorizing Management Salary Adjustments RESOLUTION NO. D-4994, A RESOLUTION authorizing salary adjustments for management employees. 24. OTHER BUSINESS Council member Doty stated she had received a call two weeks ago from a gentleman regarding the lack of clarity on the ordinance Council passed restricting the riding of bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, etc. on sidewalks. His concern was that it did not specifyhxactly where the City wished to prohibit these activities other than saying "business zones", which means a person cannot ride a bicycle along Summitview going past the West Park Shopping Center or the Chalet Mall, or any other business zoned area. Council memberjDoty stated she did not believe this was the intent of the Council; rather the intent was to address the problem in the downtown area. She suggested amending the ordinance to be more specific and requested it be clarified through the media. Council member Doty asked if the ordinance could be amended to stipulate the Central Business District. City Attorney Andrews concurred this could be done by amending that section in the ordinance referring to the business zones. Council member Beauchamp reiterated his concern regarding the young kids being forced into the streets and traffic. Council member Sparling indicated he had talked with one of the DARC membersand that person indicated there was not uniform popularity amongst the Committee for this legislation. After further discussion, it was MOVED by Beauchamp seconded by Sparling, to present this on the agenda for discussion on August 28, 1984. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Buchanan, Carmichael and Moore absent. Council member Doty stated she had attended a meeting with several people from the Health District and the Board of Directors of the Women's Century Club regarding pigeons and the health problem they present in certain areas of the City. The cooporation of the County and City was requested in an effort to address the problem. Council member Doty inquired if Community Development Grant Block funds could be used to assist with this project, similar to the rat abatement project. Council member Beauchamp was in agreement that this is a serious problem and warrants Council's attention because diseases can be transmitted by these pigeons. Jerry Foy, a citizen, requested clarification on the candidate filing period due to the public disclosure factor involved in filing for a public office. It was the general consensus of the Council that applications would be accepted until August 24, 1984 and the interviews would be held September 5-11, 1984. 346 Information Items Items of information supplied to Council were: letter of resignation from Council member Moore. 8/1/84; memo from Regional Planning Commission re Continuation of the August 6, 1984 hearing. 8/1/84; letter from Yakima Board of Realtors re the Urban Area Plan. 7/27/84; Court decision re litigation of transfer of fire inspection duties. 8/26/84; Permit Center report for the month of July 1984. 8/7/84; Fire Department Activiity Report for June 1984. 7/23/84; minutes of the 7/5/84 Civil Service Commission meeting; minutes of the 7/9/84 Planning Commission meeting; Yakima Valley TV "Cable Cues" for August 1984; and an article from The Daily News re "Mechanical Refuse System", 8/7/84. 25. EXECUTIVE SESSION 111 It was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Sparling, to move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing collective bargaining and then immediately adjourn the meeting. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Buchanan, Carmichael and Moore absent. 26. ADJOURNMENT Following the completion of the Executive Session, the meeting was adjourned at the hour of 5:25 p.m. 0 READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURAIE BY A . A DATE Cl- zi Ai 0 L MEMBER V Ip /. v ; I „ DATE /- ( COUNCI (I RER ATTEST: i / Lt/ t ue.,"- 634-e) CITY CLERK A'OR