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
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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
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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.
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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
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