HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/06/1984 Study Session MARCH 6, 1984 233
STUDY SESSION
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The City Council met in session on this date at 2:00 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
Council member Doty requested that the City Council members
net one-half hour earlier at the next council meeting to make
appointments to fill the vacancies on the Boards and
Commissions. Council member Carmichael asked that the
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appointments for the Parks Commission be postponed pending
further study. It was the consensus of the Council members to
meet one-half hour earlier at 1:30 p.m. for the March 13, 1984
Council meeting.
Council member Doty informed Council that she had received
some calls requesting clean-up in areas where no attempt has
been made to contain garbage, such as alleyways. Discussion
followed and City Manager Zais asked Council member Doty for a
list of the locations so direct action could be taken.
Mayor Barnett read a proclamation proclaiming March as
"National Nutrition Month" and presented it to Sara Eikerman.
Dave Rhodes, Public Works Director, announced that the Lions
Club will be sponsoring a 6.2 mile Hatfield Run on Sunday,
April 29, 1984, to start at 1:00 p.m. at the Y.M.C.A. The
proceeds will go to improve the Hatfield Parkway, adjacent to
the Y.M.C.A.
Mayor Barnett invited the Council members to attend a meeting
on March 21st and 22nd, 1984 at Sea Tac Marriott in relation
to Transit. -
2. REPORT FROM ENGINEERING- AND UTILITIES DEPARTMENT RE: WEST VALLEY
SEWER SERVICE
Dennis Covell, Director of Engineering and Utilities, stated
that this item basically addresses the sewer issue for the
West Valley area, within the borders of Englewood Avenue on
the north, 88th Avenue on the west, 64th Avenue on the east,
and Nob Hill Blvd. on the south. Mr. Cavell felt an important
issue was considpring the septic tank areas. Mr. Covell
reviewed the priorities listed in the report: 1) Summitview
Avenue Sewer Laterals from 74th Avenue to 84th Avenue; 2) 72nd
Avenue extended, north between Tieton Drive and Summitview
Avenue; 3) Swale in the vicinity of 74th Avenue between
Summitview Avenue and Englewood Avenue and extend north to
11/ Viewnont Park; 4) Swale in the vicinity of Avenue extends
from Tieton Drive, north to Summitview Avenue; and 5) extends
north from 80th Avenue between Midvale Road to Tieton Drive.
Council member Carmichael reminded staff of the importance to
specify the Urban Service Boundary Line in this area and
inquired if these areas are within those boundaries.
Referring to the map on the wall, Mr. Covell pointed out the
small area which is outside the boundary. Mr. Covell
elaborated on the costs in Section V, Page G12 of the report
and explained that the costs include engineering and taxes.
Mayor Barnett asked Mr. Covell if staff was proposing that the
City fund the total amount of $556,000 and Mr. Covell
responded that staff is proposing that the City and °aunty
fund this issue. Council member Carmichael expressed concern
with the proposal, due to the fact that the City is repeatedly
asked to pick up the balance, of the cost these plans. She
agreed to work with the County, however, felt the proposal
must be explored more. Jim Milton, Washington State
Department of Ecology, spoke in favor of the proposed
procedure. Council member Moore stated that the Department of
234 MARCH 6, 1984
Ecology should phase in funds to make this a reality. Jim
Whiteside, Yakima County Commissioner, informed the City
Council members that he came to listen to the presentation and
Council's reaction. He agrees there is a problem and he is
willing to study that problem. Robert . Atwood, MD, MPH,
Health Officer, encouraged the City to take action to resolve
this problem. Mandy Bedhard, a resident of the West Valley
area, stated that homeowners cannot begin to pay for this
project themselves and assured Council that the cost will be
recovered by the City. She stated the homeowners have no
alternative but to cane to the City Council or County
Commissioners for a solution. Council member More asked Mrs.
Bedtard if it would help some of these people to agree to a
sewer system, if they didn't have to sign an Outside Utility
Agreement. Mrs. Bechard stated it would be a big help. Eldon
Lowe, a resident of the West Valley area on Tieton Drive,
stated he had read about this issue in the paper and was
concerned. He stated he would second everything Nancy Bechard
said. Bob Hindes, a West Valley resident, stated his family
owns property on 72nd- Avenue and feels the sewer system is an
absolute necessity. He also stated that part of the problem
is the sewer and irrigation from the Viewmont area draining
onto his property. Discussion followed on paying for the
sewer system and Council member Doty explained that presently
anyone connected to the sewer pays a 50% surcharge, which is
one way to recapture the money spent. Council member Doty
stated that individual residents are going to be charged
$2,000 to $3,000 for L.I.D. costs. Charley George, from the
Health District Office, speaking as a ,City resident, stated
When you increase the number of people paying for this system,
the amount he will have to pay will be smaller. Council
member Carmichael stated that she has not been shown why the
City of Yakima should advance the money for this project and
asked why the County does not issue a bond to pay for this
expansion. Council member Beauchamp stated that a problem
exists and gave three suggestions to the Council: 1) the more
people that connect, the easier, it will be to pay the
operational costs of this system; 2) there is a need to deal
with the Summitview Avenue issue and County road construction;
3) the City should meet with the County Commissioners to
promote the priority issues. It was MOVED by Beauchamp,
seconded by Doty to accept staff's recommendation to proceed
with the $125,000 Summitview project, and net with the County
CcOmissioners and see what can be worked out. Council member
- Budhanam stated that Council is speaking of spending $125,000
in the aunty without thoroughly studying the balance of the
project. Council member Buchanan stated that he agrees with
Council member Beauchamp and feels there is a need to get as
many people on a system to help pay the ongoing cost, however,
one thing to consider is, if it costs too much per customer to
add each additional customer onto the system, then, is it a
wise investment of City funds. Mayor Barnett ruled Council
member Beaudhamp's motion out of order at this time and moved
Item No. .2 down to Item No. 6a on the Business Agenda, in
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conforMance with the current practice of the City Council.
BUSINESS MEETING
3. ROLL CALL
At 3:00 p.m., the Council members commenced the regular
meeting, Mayor Barnett presiding, council members Beauchamp,
Buchanan, Carmichael, Doty, Moore and Sparling and City
Manager Zais and City Attorney Andrews present on roll call.
4. INVOCATION
The Invocation was given by Council member Beauchamp.
MARCH 6, 1984 235
5. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Barnett referred to the items placed on the Consent
Agenda, questioning whether there were any additions or
deletions fran either Council members or citizens present.
Council member Carmichael requested Item No. 10 be added to
the Consent Agenda. Council member Beauchamp requested Item
No. 11 be added to the Consent Agenda. It was the general
consensus of the Council that the addition of Items Nos. 10
and 11, as requested, be made. The Deputy Clerk then read the
Consent Agenda items, including a resolution and ordinances by
title. It was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Buchanan that
the Consent Agenda, as read, be passed. - Unanimously carried
by roll call vote. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an
II/ asterisk (*) indicate items on the Consent Agenda handled
under one motion without further discussion.)
6. CURRENT STUDY SESSION ITEMS
A. Item NO. 2
Mayor Barnett asked for a continuation of the discussion
of the West Valley sewer issue. Ines Rice, 4409 West
Arlington, asked how many residents in that area have
connected to the sewer. She commented that she is
interested in this project and with the extended
expenses, she feels it is their problem and those County
residents should pay for the additional sewer lines.
Mrs: Rice stated she would like to have an update on the
City's bonded indebtedness and revenue funds. Mr. Covell
responded, explaining that earlier this year, an analysis
was done on the number of connections which indicated
there are approximately 400 lots developed that have
outside utility agreements, serving a basic population of
about 3,500. In the R. W. Beck consultant study, the
sewer is estimated to serve a population of almost 16,000
by the year 2000. Mayor Barnett brought the Motion that
was ruled out of order in the Study Session back to the
floor. Council member Carmichael indicated she will vote
against the MOtion, stating that although she did not
oppose all of it, she would like to see additional
dialogue between the City and the County, as well as
dialogue from the residents of the West Valley area. She
felt it is more appropriate for the County to finance
this and for these residents to work out a pay-back
agreement. Council member Doty referred to Section G-13
of the report pertaining to money in the sewer
construction and operating fund and reminded Council
members these funds are for construction purposes. She
stated that some of this money is derived fran people
connected to the sewer who are now paying the surcharge.
Council member Buchanan referred to Section G-3 of the
report, stating part of this is sewer operating fund
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balance. Council member Buchanan indicated he Would vote
nay on the basis that, as a member of the City Cbuncil,
he is tired of solving -the County's problems. Council
member Beauchamp urged Cbuncil to vote in favor of this
issue. He feels this is a critical issue since the
laterals should be installed prior to the road
construction on Summitview Avenue. Council member
Sparling stated he will vote against the motion, because
the City will be committing 25% of the half-million
dollars without meeting with the County Commissioners to
negotiate and come to .a conclusion. Mayor Barnett stated
he will vote aye; someone has to take the initiative and
the County Commissioners have indicated their willingness
to cooperate with the City. • The question was called for
a vote on the Motion to grant $125,000 to install three
lateral sewer lines across ,Summitview Avenue, between
74th and 88th negotiate a plan with the
Yakima County Commissioners to split costs for the total
proposed project of $556,000. Carried by 4-3 roll call
vote. Buchanan, Carmichael and Sperling voting nay.
Council member Moore stated that it is important that the
236
MARCH 6, 1984
City take some action relative *to the outside utility
agreements, striking the annexation phase of it. It was
the consensus of the Council to have all of the Council
members attend the meeting with the County Commissioners.
7. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
4. -
None
8. HEARING ON 1983 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRANTEE PERFORMANCE REPORT
John Beer, Jr., Director of Community & Economic Developuent,
stated that the brief summary explains activities in the past
year. Council member Buchanan asked if a copy of the report
issued on the Rat Program could be provided to Betty
Gaudette. Council member Sparling asked if the bus tour of
the CDBG could be repeated this year. Mr. Beer suggested this
tour be planned so Council members could also see the
multi-family project which will soon be completed. Council
member Buchanan asked for a correction in the amount of
$141,000'in the total expended to date, Columm H on page 1 of
the 8 page report. Cecil CollinS, Director of the S.E.
Canuunity Center, stated that he has worked with the staff,
and the projects done at the S.E. Community Center were done
on time and within the budget. There being no other citizen
present wishing to to this issue, the public portion of
the hearing was closed. It was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded
by Buchanan to accept the report and authorize the City
Manager to sign and submit the Grantee Performance Report to
HUD, as corrected. Unanimously carried by voice vote.
9. PRESENTATION OF CITY EMPLOYEE SERVICE AWARDS
Bob Waver, Personnel Officer, expressed appreciation to 17
city employees, who have served the City of Yakima for 20 or
more years. Service awards were presented to Lloyd Holder, 20
years; Officer Jerry Forbes, 20 years; Officer Mike Bartleson,
.20 years; (not present); Clara :Sanders, 20 years; Elizabeth
Tyrrell, 20 years; .Officer William Nance, 21 years; Jim Smith,
21 years; Bn. chief Eugene O'Dell, 21 years; Rose Marie Ulmer,
21 years; Jean Groth, 25 years; 'Capt. Harvey Qualley, 26
- years; Bn. Chief Bruce Hines, 26 years; Gordon Elliott, 26
years; Edison Darby, 30 year; Andrew Pleasant, 31 years; Sgt.
Gail Newland, 30 years (not present); and George Ehlis, 25
years (not present.)
*10. PRESENTATION OF 1983 CONVENTION CENTER ANNUAL REPORT
The 1983 report on the Management, Cperations, Maintenance and
Promotion of the Yakima Center by the Yakima Valley Visitors
and Convention Bureau, was accepted.
*11. REPORT FROM POLICE DEPARTMENT RE: PROPOSED ALARM ORDINANCE POLICY
The report fran the Chief of Police, dated February 28, 1984
recanuending delaying implementation of an alarm ordinance,
was accepted and approved.
*12. DISPOSITION OF DAMAGE CLAIM
A. Resolution denying the claim for damages filed by Scott DeMott
RESOLUTION NO. D-4927, A RESOLUTION denying the claim of Scott
DeMott filed with the City of Yakima on February 14, 1984.
*13. ORDINANCES AMENDING THE 1984 BUDGET (First Reading):
A. AN ORDINANCE amending the 1984 Budget for the City of Yakima;
making appropriations fran unappropriated fund balances within
various funds for expenditure during 1984, having been read by
title only, was laid on the table for one week, or until March
13, 1984.
MARCH 6, 1984 237
B. AN ORDINANCE amending the 1984 Budget for the City of Yakima
and making an appropriation in the 000-Ceneral Fund for
expenditure during 1984, having been read by title only, was
laid on the table for one week, or until March 13, 1984.
C. AN ORDINANCE amending the 1984 Budget for the City of Yakima;
and making an appropriation in the 000-General Fund for expen-
diture during 1984, having been read by title only, was laid
on the table for one week, or until March 13, 1984.
*14. ORDINANCES AMENDING THE 1984 BUDGET (First Readings):
A. AN ORDINANCE, amending the 1984 Budget for the City of Yakima;
making appropriations from_unappropriated_fund balances within
III/ various funds for expenditure during 1984,'having been read by
title only, was laid on the table for one week or until March
13, 1984.
B. AN ORDINANCE amending the 1984 Budget for the City of Yakima;
making appropriations from unappropriated fund balances within
various funds for expenditure during 1984, having been read by
title only, was laid on the table for one week or until March
13, 1984.
15. OTHER BUSINESS
Referring to the letters regarding Utility charges, in the
Information section of the Council packets, Council member
Buchanan expressed concern at the response written by staff to
Mr. Mitmire's inquiry. City Manager Zais stated staff will
review it.
Council member Doty invited Council members to attend a
workshop, "Decision Makers Course", in Olympia, sponsored by
the Department of Transportation regarding policy guidance for
public transportation.
Council member Carmichael commented on the Association of
Washington Cities Board Meeting, explaining that several
concerns and issues faced by cities was discussed.
Tarry Wittenberg, Assistant City Manager, reported on
Legislative Priorities Update. He stated that the City has
sought to introduce an amendment to State law to allow funding
for our local diversion dam, the monthly distribution of sales
tax revenue is dead and the City should try again next year,
and, arbitration with the Sheriff Association passed both
houses, and has gone to the Governor's Office.
Information Items
Items of information supplied to Council were: memorandum to
:
III City Manager and Council members from Larry Wittenberg,
Assistant City Manager re: Legislative Priorities Update.
1/2/84; Order dismissing application of Superior Refuse
Removal Corporation to provide garbage and refuse collection
service for the City of Yakima. 2/24/84; letter to Ken
Whitmire Associations re: Methods used in computing water and
sewer charges. 2/14/84; notification from Bonneville Power
Administration (Department of Energy) re: Opportunity to
Ccmment. 2/16/84; Yakima Transit Monthly Operations Report
for January, 1984; excerpt fran Nation's Cities Weekly 2/13/84
re: Cities-Cable Industry Reopening Talks; minutes of the
January 23, 1984 Community Programming Advisory Committee
meeting.
Executive Session
It was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Carmichael to move into
Executive Session for the purpose of discussing pending
litigation and then immediately adjourn the meeting.
Unanimously carried by voice vote.
238 MARCH 6, 1984
16. ADJOURNMENT
Following ccmpletion of the Executive Session, the meeting was
adjourned at the hour of :25 p.m.
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