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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. • • 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 - DATE ,g ,F COUNCIL MEMBER • A / DATE/11 f./.9 1 (2 COUNCIL loirmER ATTEST: II/ , 2, 4 , CITY CLERK allfro MAYi;