HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/03/1984 Study Session JANUARY 3, 1984 179
SWEARING IN OF NEW COUNCIL MEMBER& FOR 1984
' Clarence Barnett, Lynn Buchanan, Lynn Carmichael and Shirley Doty,
having been duly elected to the Office of Council members on November 6,
1983, and the Oath of Office having been administered to then by Yakima
Superior Court Judge Gavin, are now duly seated as Council members for
the City of Yakima.
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 Lynn Carmichael, Clarence Barnett, Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Buchanan,
II/ Shirley Doty, W. K. "Pete" Moore and Jack Sparling.
1. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
Council member Beauchamp requested a brief oral report be
given regarding street snow removal. Dave Rhodes, Director of
Public Works, advised that all work has been performed by the
City's own force without any outside assistance. He advised
that the cost of materials (rock and salt) alone is
approximately $20,000. Should poor weather continue, he
stated there might be a problem with low supplies, since the
truck from Utah has not arrived with additional salt. There
has been daily snow control in the CBD area and regularly on
arterials. At this point, he advised residential streets are
not being plowed. He further mentioned that the workload has
been heavy enough to require a night crew for the last three
weeks.
Council member Sparling questioned whether a report had ever
been prepared in response to discussion held on August 12th
concerning the cost of operating a business in Yakima, Union
- Gap, and Sunnyside for comparison purposes. City Manager Zais
responded that a report has been provided to Council and that
a copy of same would be given to him.
Dennis Covell, Director of Engineering & Utilities, introduced
the newly hired Water/Irrigation Manager, Ty Wick, who gave a
brief report of his work experience.
2. REPORT ON TRANSIT MARKETING PROGRAM
Bill Schultz, Transit Manager, introduced Karen Dean, Customer
Relations Specialist. Ms. Dean reviewed the report provided
in the Council packets. Council member Sparling questioned
whether there exists statistical information on the cost of
operating a 14 passenger bus. Mr. Schultz stated he is not
familiar with any recent studies; however, in his opinion many
of the operating costs would remain the same, such as cost of
insurance, salaries and fuel, with differences being in
capital cost for the vehicle. He advised the full size
transit buses have a life span of approximately 10 years,
while the 14 passenger style only lasts approximately 3-5
years. His general feeling is that there is a savings in the
long run to continue operating only the regular transit buses.
Council member Barnett requested that staff research the
reason for the increase in 1983 over 1982 in the honored
citizen usage and a decline in the student and adult usage.
It was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Moore to accept the
report. Unanimously carried by voice vote.
3. EXECUTIVE SESSION
It was MOVED by seconded by Doty to move into
Executive Session for the purpose of discussing disposition of
property. Unanimously carried by voice vote.
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180
JANUARY 3, 1984
BUSINESS MEETING
4. ROLL CALL
At 3:00 p.m., the Council members commenced the regular
meeting, Mayor Carmichael presiding. Council members Barnett,
Beauchcup, Buchanan, Doty, Moore and Sperling and City Manager
Zais and City Attorney Andrews present on roll call.
5. INVOCATION
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council member Barnett.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Carmichael referred to the Items placed on the Consent
Agenda, questioning whether there were any additions or
deletions from either Council members or citizens present.
Mayor Carmichael requested that Items Nos. 8 and 16 be removed
from the Consent Agenda, as requested by staff. It was the
general consensus of the Council that the deletion of Items
Nos. 8 and 16, as requested, be made. The City Clerk then
read the Consent Agenda items including a resolution and
ordinance by title. It was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by
Doty that the Consent Agenda, as read, be passed. Unanimously
carried by roll call vote. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by
an asterisk (*) indicate items on the Consent Agenda handled
under one motion without further discussion.)
7. CURRENT STUDY SESSION ITEMS
None
8. MINUTES
Mayor Carmichael mentioned that staff had requested the
following change be made in the minutes of the December 8,
1983 Council meeting: Under Finance, paragraph two, lines 10
and 11, the sentence which reads, "Mr. Hanson advised that any
increase which might be implemented would not impact the users
until 1985." should be stricken and rewritten to read, "Mr.
Hanson advised that should the increase be delayed until after
a survey has been conducted, then such increase would not
impact the users until 1985". It was MOVED by Beauchav,
seconded by Doty to that the Council minutes of the December
8, 1983 meeting, as corrected, having been duly certified
accurate by two Council members and no one present wishing to
have said minutes read publicly, be approved. Unanimously
carried by voice vote.
9. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Donna West and Terry Sicilia of the American Red Cross were
requested to cane forward to receive a proclamation in
recognition of area blood donors. Mayor Carmichael read the
proclamation proclaiming January 1984 as Yakima Red Cross
Volunteer Donor Month.
Linda Lopez, 2502 Summitview, requested that Council consider
setting a date of hearing on a rezone application filed by Mr.
and Mrs. Lopez. She stated that although they had written
requesting an appeal, it had not been filed in a timely
manner. However, due to the holidays causing possible delay
of the filings, she requested that Council be willing to
reconsider. Herb Schmidt, 5204 Douglas Drive, stated that he
owned property on the same street as the Lopez', and is
appearing in support of the appeal being heard. City Manager
Zais stated that staff has prepared a resolution setting a
date of hearing on this matter for January 24, 1984 at 3:00
p.m., should Council wish to hear same. Resolution No.
D-4899, having been read by title, it was MOVED by Moore,
seconded by Buchanan to adopt the resolution. Unanimously
carried by roll call vote.
JANUARY 3, 1984 181
RESOLUTION NO. D-4899, A RESOLUTION setting the time for
hearing a rezone appeal for property located in the 400 block
of North Naches Avenue, Yakima, Washington.
Ernie Berger, 1206 S. 37th Avenue, commended each Council
member in supporting the community. He felt the mayor's
position involves a learning process and that he has witnessed
Mayor Carmichael growing in that capacity. He stated it is a
mistake to change the mayor's position every year or two and
requested that Council give consideration to retaining Lynn
Carmichael as the Mayor.
10a. ELECTION OF MAYOR
II/ Council members Beauchamp and Buchanan nominated Lynn
Carmichael to be re-elected as Mayor. Council members Moore
and Sparling nominated Clarence Barnett to the position of
Mayor. There being no other nominations, nominations were
closed. Council member Doty expressed concern that something
which should be considered routine by the Council has been
blown out of proportion by the media. She stated that her
feelings had not changed in believing the Mayor's position
should be limited to a two-year term. Council member
Beauchanp stated that change, just for the sake of change, is
not necessary and that consideration should be given to the
plerson's ability and to the time involved in serving. It is
his belief that Lynn Carmichael has done a very good job and
has served well without flaunting her power, always valuing
the opinions of others. The vote was called on the nanination
of Lynn Carmichael. Failed by 3-4 roll call vote. Barnett,
Doty, Moore and Sparling voting nay. The vote was called on
the nomination of Clarence Barnett. Carried by 4-3 roll call
vote. Beauchamp, Buchanan and Carmichael voting nay. It was
MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Carmichael to cast a unanimous
ballot for Clarence Barnett as Mayor. Unanimously carried by
voice vote. The newly elected Mayor, Clarence Barnett,
presided over the balance of the meeting. Mayor Barnett
stated he appreciated the support and the opportunity to serve
as Mayor. He also advised that the term of office for Mayor
should probably be one of discussion by the Council this year.
10b. ELECTION OF ASSISTANT MAYOR
Council member Moore nominated Shirley Doty to the position of
Assistant Mayor. Council member Carmichael nominated Lynn
Buchanan to the position of Assistant Mayor. The vote was
called on the nanination of Shirley Doty. Carried by 4-3 roll
call vote. Beauchamp, Buchanan and Carmichael voting nay.
The vote was called on the nomination of Lynn Buchanan,
Failed by 2-5 roll call vote. Barnett, Buchanan, Doty, Moore
. , and Sparling voting nay. It was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded
by Buchanan to cast a unanimous vote for Shirley Doty as
111
II/
Assistant Mayor. Unanimously carried by voice vote.
10c. APPOINTMENTS TO SPECIAL COMMITTEES AND BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Conference of Governments
Council member Doty stated she would be willing to continue as
designee for COG, but wished to be removed from the COG
Executive Board. It was the general consensus of the Council
that Council member Doty and Mayor Barnett continue to serve
on COG.
COG Executive Board
It was the general consensus of the Council to appoint Mayor
Barnett to serve on this Board.
District Board of Health
Council member Carmichael stated she wished to be removed as
designee. It was the general consensus of the Council to
appoint Council members Doty, Beaudhamp and Buchanan as
designees on this Board, with Council member Sparling and
Mayor Barnett as alternates.
182 JANUARY 3, 1984
Law and Justice Commission
It was the general consensus of the Council that Council
member Beauchaw should remain as Council's designee.
Joint Board for Urban Area Planning
It was the general consensus of the Council that Council
members Doty and Carmichael should continue as designees.
Downtown Area Redevelopment Committee
It was the general consensus of the Council to appoint Council
member Carmichael to serve on this Committee.
Yakima Basin Joint Board
It was the general consensus of the Council that Council
member Moore and Council member Doty, as alternate, continue
to serve on this Board.
Yakima -Kittitas Resource Conservation & Economic Development
It was the general consensus of the Council to appoint Council
members Beauchamp as delegate and Carmichael as alternate.
Yakima Sunfair, Inc.
It was the general consensus of the Council that the designee
position remain vacant at this time.
It was the general consensus of the Council that further
appointments to other Committees of the Council and Boards and
Commissions be handled at a later date.
10d. RULES OF PROCEDURE
It was the general consensus of the Council to postpone this
matter.
11. HEARING ON REZONE REQUESTED BY CRESCENT CONVALESCENT CENTER
This being the time fiXed for the hearing on the rezone
requested by Crescent Convalescent Center, 505 North 40th
Avenue, John Haddix, Planning Supervisor, was available to
respond to Council's questions. He stated it is his
understanding the building will remain one story and advised
that any expansion contemplated by the Center would have to be
approved by the Board of, Adjustment. Speaking in favor of the
rezone was Bill Almon, of 101 So. 12th Avenue, from the law
firm representing the applicant, Mr. Hyatt. Mr. Almon gave a
brief history on the zoning of the property dating back to the
1960s culiminating by stating the zoning boundary line was
erroneously placed, bisecting the building. In response to
the concern about the building being more than one story, he
answered in the negative. Mr. Almon stated that the request
is simply asking that the property continue to function as a
convalescent center, and to finish what was started 20 years
ago. There being no other citizen present wishing to speak to
this issue, the public portion of the hearing was closed. It
was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Carmichael to accept the
II/
report and the recommendation of the Planning Commission.
Unanimously carried by voice vote.
12. REPORT BY CITY EMPLOYEES PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE RE: CITY OF
YAKIMA'S 98TH BIRTHDAY
Bruce Crest, PR Committee Coordinator, introduced the other
members of the Committee who were present, Karen Dean, Kathy
Thompson and Ila Cherrington, in addition to Mel Wagner,
Chairman and Bob Mull, Yakima Centennial Cammission. Council
member Beauchamp questioned if there is a reason for referring
to this celebration as a party. Mr. Crest stated there was no
special reason and another word could be used without any
difficulty. Mayor Barnett questioned whether by having
several events over three successive years might detract from
the Centennial Celebration. Mr. Crest explained that various
other groups throughout the City are planning activities, with
the concept being one of increasing interest, and using this
JANUARY 3, 1984 183
as a "lead-in" event. Council member Moore questioned if this
is a legal expenditure. City Manager Zais explained that the
State Examiner had been consulted and had advised it is
permissible. Council member More insisted that such a
statement by the Examiner be put in writing before he would
vote in favor of the expenditure. It was MOVED by Sparling,
seconded by Carmichael to approve the request of the PR
Committee of the $600 expenditure for 1984. The motion
carried by 5-2 voice vote. Moore and Barnett voting nay.
13. REPORT ON DATA PROCESSING CONVERSIONS/REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Larry Wittenberg, Assistant City Manager, stated he was
II pleased to make this presentation and mentioned that the
Information Systems Division's operations have improved and is
on track with the promises and schedules provided to Council
last year. He added they are now fully staffed, and recently
completed a settlement with a vendor without incurring any
legal expenses. Assistant City Manager Wittenberg stated that
one item being presented is a Request for Proposal which is
designed as a concentrated effort to determine where we are
going and how to get there. Referring to an item on page H5
under Limitations, paragraph 2, Council member Doty questioned
if it is legal for the City to reserve the right to negotiate.
Assistant City Manager Wittenberg explained that this clause
allows both parties to negotiate the proposal. City Attorney
Andrews advised this negotiation is legal and takes place
prior to execution of a contract. City Manager Zais advised
that this entire presentation has been through several
revisions and all department heads have been involved in its
preparation. Mayor Barnett questioned whether the City is
setting its sights too high in establishing a cost accounting
system in the proposed tier. Assistant City Manager
Wittenberg explained that this is one of the issues which will
be determined by the study. Council member Sparling
questioned the cost of hardware for the system. Assistant
City Manager Wittenberg stated that as a rule of thumb, the
Operating costs for data processing should be approximately 1%
of the total budget. City Manager Zais stated that just
because more money is spent, the system is not automatically
improved; however, staff is trying to do a better job of
planning and designing the system so future monies spent will
result in improved services. Council member Beauchamp
questioned how broad will the circulation be for the Request
for Proposal. Assistant City Manager Wittenberg responded
that it will be circulated not only City-wide, but also within
the State of Washington and perhaps the Pacific Coast. It was
MOVED by Doty, seconded by Beauchamp to accept the report.
Unanimously carried by voice vote.
*14. REQUEST FOR WAIVER TO PERMIT SERVICES OUTSIDE CDBG TARGET AREA
II/
The report from the Director of Community & Economic
Development, dated January 3, 1984, was accepted and approved.
*15. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE OF CITY SURPLUS PERSONAL PROPERTY
RESOLUTION NO. D-4900, A RESOLUTION authorizing the sale of
surplus 1948 fire truck to Yakima County.
16. SET DATE OF HEARING ON REQUEST FROM PEOPLES STORE TO PRO-RATE
BUSINESS LICENSE FEE FOR 1984
City Attorney Andrews advised that .the appeal procedure which
has been suggested to Council on this matter is inappropriate.
He explained that City ordinance states the annual business
fee is due and payable on January 1, for that year or any part
thereof, and there is no means by which a pro-rata share of
the fee can be made. He further explained there is a
provision for a pro-rated fee if a new business starts during
the year, but that there is no way to generally know in
advance if a business is going out of business. The only way
Council could consider this request, he advised, is through an
184
JANUARY 3, 1984
amendment to the Municipal Code. Council member Beauchdiv
observed that should such a change be enacted, he could
foresee the possibility of other canpanies caning back at a
later date, if they had gone out of business, and request a
pro-rata share of their fee be returned. Council member Doty
stated that since an existing business can't appeal for a
pro-rata fee, it is conceivable that an exchange of monies
between the purchaser and Peoples Store could occur. It was
the general consensus of the Council, that under the advice of
legal counsel, no action can be taken by the Council in this
matter.
*17. OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL EYJR RICHARD LYONS, TRANSIT OPERATIONS
SUPERVISOR
The out-of-state travel for Richard Lyons, Transit Operation
Supervisor, to attend a training program for Operations
Supervisors in Los Angeles, California, March 11-16, 1984, at
a CObL of $1,300, was approved.
*18. OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL FOR DAVE RHODES, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC )RKS
The out-of-state travel for Dave Rhodes, Director of Public
Works, to attend a FEMA Seminar in Emmitsburg, Maryland,
January 9-13, 1984, was approved.
*19. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1983 BUDGET, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS IN THE
URBAN ARTERIAL BOARD AND THE PARKS FUND (Second Reading)
An Ordinance appropriating funds in the Urban Arterial Board
and the Parks Fund and amending the 1983 Budget, having been
read by title only at the previous meeting, was brought before
the Council for a second reading.
ORDINANCE NO. 2740, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1983 Budget for
the City of Yakima; making appropriations from unappropriated
fund balances within various funds for expenditure during
1983.
20. OTHER BUSINESS
City Manager Zais distributed the report from the consultant
on the Gleed water study and a staff analysis of same, which
is to be discussed at next week's meeting.
INFORMATION ITEMS
Items of information supplied to Council were: memorandum
from Director of Community and Economic Development and Code
Administration Manager regarding Freeze Damage to Yakima
Convention Center and Senior Citizens Center. 1/3/84; letter
from Dept. of Housing and Urban Development regarding
implementation of Civil Rights legislation for CDBG.
12/22/83; letter from Dept. of Housing and Urban Development
regarding Complaint Investigation - Yakima Neighborhood Health
Service. 12/22/83; letter from International Engineering
Company, Inc., regarding Plans and Specs - Irrigation System
Diversion Dam. 12/16/83; letter from Greater Faith Baptist
Church regarding celebration services for the late Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr.'s birthday on January 15, 1984; memorandum
from COG regarding Treatment Alternatives to Street Crime
(TASC) Program. 12/17/83; memorandum from Director of Public
Works and Transit Manager regarding November Transit Operating
Report. 12/29/83; McCaw Cablevision of Yakima Monthly Report
for November, 1983; monthly report of Chief of Police for
November, 1984; minutes of Yakima Center Advisory Canmission
for DeceMber 14, 1983; minutes of Planning Commission for
December 6, 1983; minutes of Downtown Area Redevelopment
Committee for December 1, 1983; Labor Relations Report for
December, 1983; and article from Wall Street Journal entitled
"Cable-Television Firms and Cities Haggle Over Franchises That
Trail Expectations". 12/28/83.
JANUARY 3, 1984 185
21. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to cane before the Council, it
was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Beauchav that this meeting be
adjourned at the hour of 4:35 p.m. Unanimously carried by
voice vote.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY -
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