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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/21/1984 Study Session 220 FEBRUARY 21, 1984 STUDY SESSION The City Council net 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, Lynn Buchanan, Lynn Carmichael and Shirley Doty. Council members Henry Beauchamp, W. K. "Pete" Moore and Jack Sparling absent and excused. 1. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD CF THE ORDER Council member Carmichael informed Council there are two seminars sponsored by Association of Washington Cities which are to be held in March. Topics of the seminars include "Selection. and Use of Consultants" and "The Management of Consultant Contracts", which information would be beneficial to the City. Council member Doty reminded Council of the Yakima Health District meeting to be held tomorrow at 12:00 on with discussion to be held regarding the urban sewer plan. 2. PRESENTATION REGARDING PROPOSED CITY ANNUAL REPORT TO CITIZENS Assistant City Manager Larry Wittenberg provided Council with background information on the proposed "Annual Report to Citizens of Yakima." He stated this report would provide the community with a better understanding of the City's activities and how the monies are expended. He distributed copies of an annual report for 1968 and recent annual reports from Lewiston, Idaho, stressing the report outlines the various responsibilities and functions of the divisions and departments within the city. A financial summary and pictorials would also highlight this type of a report. Expanding upon miscellaneous details for production of this report, Mr. Wittenberg asked Council for approval of the concept of this project at this time so staff can expedite narratives and format of the report, to subsequently return to Council for final approval. City Manager Zais added the timeframe allocated for this project would be 5-6 weeks, therefore, making the publication available in April of this year. Council member Carmichael spoke in favor of this project, stating the public should be made aware of the various services the City of Yakima provides. She stated that if this endeavor isn't accomplished on an annual basis, perhaps it could be done on alternating years. Council member Doty suggested that since the Wastewater Treatment Plant is now stabilized, perhaps information concerning this Division and the Transit Division could be elaborated upon in the issue. City Manager Zais reiterated that particular items of interest which have been previously publicized by the news media, would be emphasized further in this publication. It was MOVED by Doty, seconded by Carmichael that Item No. 2 of the Study Session be moved to Item No. 7a of the Business portion of the meeting. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Beauchamp, Moore and Sperling absent. 3. REPORT OF MECHANICAL REFUSE COLLECTION SYSTEMS STUDY Dave Rhodes, Director of Public Works, briefly provided the rationale for this study, stating that under the Washington State Research Report, it is suggested the Refuse Division switch to a mechanical refuse collection system rather than the current manual system. He added that for the past year the Refuse staff has diligently been researching this possibility because of the need for replacement of three refuse trucks. He ccmuended Del Kary and Nancy Bond for a job well done on the report. Del Kary, Street Superintendent, presented a six minute video of the Automated Refuse System that is currently being used in Toppenish and Grandview, which is basically the same system the City of Yakima would be utilizing if it is implemented. Interviews with Karen Brooks, Director of Public Works, City of Grandview, Herb FEBRUARY 21, 1984 221 Bronkhorst, Refuse Operator, City of Grandview and Gary Armstrong, Director of Public Works, City of Toppenish, were conducted for this taping with Comments supporting the advantages of the automated system. Benefits and advantages listed by the ccmmunities included: less manpower required, most residents favored the system, a cleaner environment was noticpli, refuse pickup routes were not hindered by inclement ueather, reduced liability for the cities, and the system has proved to be more efficient. Stating that 90 and 300 gallon containers would be utilized, Mr. Kary explained that over a period of five years, the cost of the system would be $1.3 million and the number of refuse trucks needed would be reduced fran 9 to 5. He commented that the savings from using the mechanical system primarily cones from the reduction of staff. Currently on staff there are 13.6 Refuse personnel and 1.60 temporaries which would decrease to seven staff members, without affecting the productivity of refuse pickup. Referring to the Projected Statements of Expenses Report which II/ is included in the Council packets, he expounded upon the amounts given, noting the increase of projected rates over the next 15 years. Council member Doty questioned the purchase price of the automated trucks and their capacity. Mr. Kary reiterated the price for a new truck which is currently being used is $90,000 to $95,000 and a new truck for the automated system would cost around $88,000 with a seven ton capacity. Council member Buchanan questioned the prices quoted to Council on the new mechanical trucks with the automated system versus the present manual system, saying he finds it difficult to comprehend that the automated system would cost less to run than the current system. Discussion was held regarding placement of the containers in alleys and curbs, with Mr. Kary stating the yard service would be accamiodated by the 90-gallon container, which is equivalent to three garbage cans. The City would furnish the containers at a cost of $1.3 million. Discussion followed regarding the cooperation needed among the neighbors who are to share the same container, as it relates to cleanliness. Mayor Barnett asked staff to analyze the flat rate as the increase relates to senior citizens. He expressed his concern with the necessity of the elderly and handicapped utilizing the carry-out service, adding that perhaps the City could research the possibility of making an adjustment to the rates for yard service which is a bit more costly. Council member Buchanan commented there are Several residences with more than one-can service but only paying for one-can service. Mr. Kary responded that a random survey was done, with staggering results. He stated although staff was not in any particular rush to get started with the new system, the City is currently operating , ;three trucksithat; 10 to 11 years old. which is proving to be costly for maintenance; therefore, if the automated system is not implemented, then the three trucks would be replaced as needed. Council member Buchanan expressed his belief that this new system is II/ satisfactory, however, he would like to have additional information concerning costs of the current system versus the automated system and the type of chassis the trucks would be sitting on. Jerry Ulett, Marketing Engineer for WIDJAC Corporation, explained the various weights for chassis and types of trucks which correspond with these chassis. Mayor Barnett asked staff to research the legality of a discount for senior citizens in regards to the adjustment of refuse rates. It was the general consensus of the Council to table this item for one or two weeks until additional information can be obtained. BUSINESS MEETING 4. ROLL CALL Prior to the roll call, Mayor Barnett stated that Item No. 11 would be tabled for one week. 222 FEBRUARY 21, 1984 At 3:10 p.m., the Council members camrrenced the regular meeting, Mayor Barnett presiding, Council members Buchanan, Carmichael and Doty and City Manager Zais and City Attorney Andrews present on roll call. Council members Beauchamp, Moore and Sparling absent and excused. 5. INVOCATION The Invocation was given by Council member Doty, at which time she read two brief passages; the first being a paragraph fran George Washington's first inaugural address in 1789 and the second fran a speech given by Abraham Lincoln at Independence Hall.in Philadelphia. 6. CONSENT AGENDR II/ 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 that Item No. 13 be removed fran the Consent Agenda. Council member Doty requested that Item No. 7a be added to the Consent Agenda. It was the general consensus of the Council that the deletion of Item No. 13 and the addition of Item No. 7a, as requested, be made. The city Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions 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. Beauchamp, Moore and Sperling 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 The report fran the Assistant City Manager dated February 21, 1984 regarding the prbposed City Annual Report to Citizens, was accepted and approved. *8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of January 17, 1984 were approved, having been duly certified accurate by two Council members and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly. 9. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Ines Rice, 4409 West Arlington, questioned why the forthcoming discussion regarding Rev. Trimble's request wasn't scheduled as a regular Council agenda item instead of under the Audience Participation portion of the meeting, for which it has been placed three times now. Mayor Barnett recognized Mrs. Rice's remarks as being valid and asked Rev. Trimble to limit his presentation at this time fran 2 to 5 minutes. Rev. Trimble responded that he had indeed asked to be placed on the Agenda, however, this was the time scheduled toimake his presentation. Rev. Trimble read a letter regarding his beliefs in the Yakima people on the dispute of renaming 6th Street to Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. He requested that "B" Street be renamed to Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive and January 15th be declared a City holiday. Rev. Trimble asked that the request for a holiday replace a holiday that is currently in effect, which would involve renegotiating with the various City Employees' unions to accamplish this request. Elfrieda Walsh, 407 So. 6th Street, read a letter fran the Reverend Howard Cole to the Editor of the Yakima Herald-Republic, regarding Dr. Martin Luther King as a humanitarian and "a champion of the poor". She stated this letter failed to state how Dr. King expressed the United States as the world's greatest purveyor of violence at that time. Esther Huey, 818 No. 3rd Street, addressed her comments to the Council matters who earlier voted "to give the canmunity the park". She stated the park which is to honor Dr. King is located in a predominantly black neighborhood, but feels this honor should be represented in a manner which would 223 I EBRUARY 21, 1984 be utilized by various sectors of the community. Esther Huey stated she would like to go on record as stating the "gift" (referring to naming of the park) would not be refused, however, she questioned the gift itself. Council member Doty 'reiterated there is a definite distinction between the park and the pool; the park has never been considered for closure. Mayor Barnett stated there being no comment by Council on this, the Audience Participation portion of the meeting was closed. 10. RECONSIDERATION OF S.E. CENTER PROPOSAL FOR HEALTH CLINIC FRS FUNDING (Continued from 2/14/84) Mayor Barnett informed Council that the,Health District is establishing a committee to review the needs of the low - income and disadvantaged people. He expressed his concern with Dr. Schlesinger's letter which states if Council should approve all or part of the funding request, the services would primarily be provided to migrants, excluding the lower income people of Yakima. He expressed a second concern with regard to a letter from the Yakima County Medical Society with a request for Council to ensure cooperation and coordination between the health clinics in providing proper health care to the individuals in the southeast area of Yakima. Council member Doty, being a liaison on the Health District Board, explained there are two immediate problems which the Health Board is currently facing; one which surfaced with Southeast Community Center's request for monies and the Health District's endeavor to aid in any way possible; the second concern is in regard to the adequacy or duplication of services within the agencies with. relation to sufficient funding to be dissipated among various agencies. Council member Buchanan commented that although he has been contacted by the Health Board on this request, the Federal Revenue Sharing Fund was discussed during the presentation of the budget last year and further requests regarding this fund should also be done at budget time. Mayor Barnett expressed his concern that according to the lease between the Southeast Community Center and the Health Clinic there is indication the medical services are to be provided to Yakima County residents, and asked if the County Commissioners are willing to participate with the funding. Council member Carmichael remarked that Council is not in a financial position to consider the request at this time. Mayor Barnett questioned Cecil Collins, Director of Southeast Community Center, if this is a one -time request. Mr. Collins replied that in December 1983, during the budget hearings, he had presented this same request and Council referred the item to the Health District, due to certain legal ramifications. Mr. Collins proceeded to inform Council that the Health District was "co-sponsoring" or "supervising" the clinic, which would be done cautiously. He provided background information on the clinic stating $12,000 was being requested. The intent of the program is primarily to serve the .community and he stressed that the number of migrants needing health care is expanding at a rapid pace. Mayor Barnett questioned if monies were received for the clinic, would the local people be provided this service using funds received from migrant health care. Mr. Collins responded negatively, adding that is why he has been seeking other funding sources. Council member Buchanan referred to the increase of $400 to $1,000 in the rental agreement between Southeast Community At Work' and the Upper Valley Medical Clinic. Mr. Collins cited reasons for the increase, stating the $400 is essentially for costs of utilities and the $1,000 is advantageous to the Center because of the clinic being housed there. Council member Carmichael questioned the layout of the Southeast Yakima Community At Work, Incorporated organizational chart as it pertains to responsibility of the program. Mr. Collins provided Council with details of the chart, stating the financial responsibility lies with the Southeast Community Center. Mayor Barnett and Council member Buchanan expressed their concerns with the possibility of duplication of services by the clinics. Dr. John Boykin, 224 FEBRUARY 21, 1984 Internist and member of the Board, expounded upon the opportunity to work in the clinic on a volunteer basis because of the need for health care service. Discussion was held regarding the repetitious request to Council for provision of "seed money" for new programs of this nature. Council member Carmichael stated the City's prime responsibility is to provide services the citizens cannot provide for themselves, such as fire and police protection. Summarizing the presentation, Mr. Collins emphasized the main issue is to provide better health care to the people of the community who . can least afford it. Magnolia Rentz stated that although Item No. 11 was tabled for one. week, she would like to provide the reasoning for the request for exemption from City gambling tax by the Southeast Community Center. She stated there is correlation between the FRS funding request for a health clinic and the request for exemption from City gambling tax; the reason being that if the Southeast Community Center hadn't been required to pay the City $27,962.72 in gambling taxes last year, this money could have been used for funding of the clinic. Albert Snow, 308 North 6th Street, member of the Southeast Community Center Board of Directors, briefly stated that if Council should decide not to provide funding for the clinic, the responsibilities as far as health care to the southeast area of Yakima goes, would rest upon the shoulders of the Council. Nellie Haupt, representative for Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital, stated the hospital is in support of a health clinic at the Southeast Community Center. Mary Vargas, a volunteer at the Upper Valley Health Clinic, cemented on the necessity of full-time doctors at the clinics. Dee Chavez-Gray, a volunteer at Upper Valley Health Clinic, listed several reasons in support of the FRS funds. Mr. Collins stated that with the support of the Yakima Health District, the clinic would he a successful operation. Mayor Barnett referred to comments previously made on duplication of services, stating he would rather have a clinic with total health care services as opposed to a few clinics providing the same services, and added dental care is also a need for which a clinic could be formed. He stated perhaps the ad hoc committees for the clinics could see a dental care clinic as a long range plan. Council member Doty expressed her viewpoint that health care for the people of Yakima is not necessarily the sole responsibility of the Council even though the Council may desire to allocate monies for such a health care program. Discussion' was held pertaining to the need for further information on, this issue by the committees of the present health care clinics. Because of the diligent time and effort put forth by the staff and physicians on this issue, Mr. Collins requested a decision be made today. Council member Doty informed Mr- Collins if Council should approve the request, Council could not give the funds directly to a non-profit organization such as the Southeast Community Center; the funds would be channeled through the Yakima Health District. City Attorney Andrews verified this statement by Council member DOty. No action was taken on this request. Mr. Collins asked Council for guidance in directing the proponents of the FRS funding source. Council member Carmichael stated Council is in no position to provide recomendations; the avenue to which he is to follow is up to the Southeast Community Center and the Upper Valley Health Clinic. 11. CONSIDERATION OF S.E. CENTER REQUEST FOR EXEMPTION FROM CITY GAMBLING TAX (Tabled for one week) 12. AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR LEGAL ADVERTISING It was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Doty to follow the staff recanmendation and award the bid to the lowest bidder, The Sun Press. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Beauchamp, More and Sparling absent. 22'5 FEBRUARY 21, 1984 13. AN AMENDMENT TO THE ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION FOR THE CONFERENCE OF GOVERNMENTS Council member Carmichael asked for clarification of the proposed resolution dealing with COG in working cooperatively with outside agencies. Council member Doty provided background information, stating this is a new classification primarily designed to compensate COG for their time and efforts on outside informational requests. Discussion was held regarding COG's meeting schedule and newsletters. Resolution NO. D-4923 having been read by title, it was MOVED by Doty, seconded by Carmichael that the resolution, as read, be adopted. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. Beaudhamp, Moore and Sparling absent. RESOLUTION NO. D-4923, A RESOLUTION ratifying the amendment of the Yakima Valley Conference of Government Articles of Incolporation. *14. DISPOSITION OF DAMAGE CLAIM A. Damage Claim filed by Karin Knutzen RESOLUTION NO. D-4924, A RESOLUTION authorizing payment of a claim for damages filed by Karin Knutzen with the City of Yakima on February 7, 1984. *15. PRESENTATION OF POLICE ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1983 The report from the Police Chief, regarding the 1983 Annual Report was accepted and approved. *16. APPOINTMENTS TO THE TRAFFIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION The report from the Traffic Engineer, dated February 21, 1984 regarding appointments of Mark Bontrager, John Klingele, Keith Farnum, Bill Orr, Richard Flathers, George Ingalsbee, and Tom Gasseling to the Traffic Safety Advisory Commission was accepted and approved. *17. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST TO PROHIBIT PARKING ON WEST WASHINGTON AVENUE, FROM SOUTH 40TH AVENUE TO SPRING CREEK ROAD The report from the Traffic Engineer, February 21, 1984 regarding the prohibition of parking on West Washington Avenue, from South 40th Avenue to Sparling Creek Road was accepted and approved. *18. JANUARY 1984 BUDGET REPORT; The report fran the Director of Finance and Budget, dated February 24; 1984 regarding revenues and expenditures for 11/ January was accepted and approved. *19• TREASURYREPORT FOR jANUWC1984 The report fran the Director of Finance and Budget, dated January 31, 1984 was accepted and approved: *20. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1984 BUDGET TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR CARRY-OVER ENCUMBRANCES FROM 1983 (Second Reading) An Ordinance appropriating funds for carry-over encumbrances from 1983 having been read by title only at the previous meeting, was brought before the Council for a second reading. ORDINANCE M. 2748, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1984 Budget for the City of Yakima; making appropriations fran unappropriated fund balances within various funds for expenditure during 1984. 226 FEBRUARY 21, 1984 *21. ORDINANCE PROVIDING DENTAL BENEFITS TO CERTAIN RETIRED CITY EMPLOYEES ORDINANCE NO. 2749, AN ORDINANCE relating to City government employees; authorizing eligibility for certain retired City employees to participate in certain City insurance plans; and amending Section 2.04.040 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. *22. ORDINANCE SETTING A MONETARY LIMIT FOR PURCHASES WITHOUT CALLING FOR BIDS ORDINANCE NO. 2750, AN ORDINANCE relating to City govetiment administration; setting a monetary limit for purchases without calling for bids; and amending Section 1.80.040 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. *23. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION PLAN FOR CITY EMPLOYEES 'ORDINANCE NO. 2751, AN ORDINANCE relating to City personnel; adopting a classification- and compensation plan for City employees to be effective March 24, 1984; amending Sections 2.20.100 and 2.20.110 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. 24. OTHER BUSINESS City Manager Zais praised Chief Pleas Green for the exceptional report, which was presented to Council today. Information 'Its: Its of information supplied to Council were: letter from Colonel Raymond C. Olmstead re: Invitation to ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening of Yakima Fire Center Gym. 2/14/84; monthly report of Chief of Police, January, 1984; and - Yakima Fire Department Activity Report for January, 1984. 25. 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 4:30 p.m. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Beauchamp, Moore and Sparling absent. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY 111L, , ! DATE COUNC L :ER lir i lIC ill 6. L:CLAAAL/LA. DATE '•/,../-Ft-/ m:. 11 ATTEST: j - CITY CLERK MAYOR • __-•