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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/01/1981 Business Meeting 0 4 DECEMBER 1, 1981 STUDY SESSION The City Council met in session on this date at 1:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Council manbers present were Mayor Betty L. Edmondson, Clarence Barnett, Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Buchanan, Lynn Carmichael, and Shirley Doty. Council member Don Hinman absent. 1. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER cxuncil mb attending the meeting on HJR 7 for the County and suggested that we ask him that to give a briefing of at meeting to the II/ Council a send a City rresentative to that nEeting. Mayor Edmondson stated that Don Horan, Finance Officer, was planning on attending and he would be viewing it fran a city perspective. Following discussion, it was the general cone snsus•of the Council to have staff determine if it would be advantageous to have Don Horan attend that neeting.' Discussion followed regarding the budget review schedule and Council member Doty inquired about the possibility of having another public hearing on the budget after today's hearing. City Manager Zais stated that by law, the hearing must be continued to the next day. He stated that people can give input on the budget during audience participation at each Council meeting. There was a discussion regarding the hearing on the Urban Area Plan to be held at the County Courthouse on Thursday, City Attorney Andreas explaining that it is a formal hearing to satisfy a legal requireuent. 2. REPORT ON STREET LIGHT BOND ISSUE Dennis Covell, Director of Engineering and Utilities, stated that staff would like to go back out for a street light bond issue in an amount $500,000 less that what we asked for on the November ballot. This is what we anticipate we can get fran Bonneville Power for conversion of street lights. Julie Crest, campaign coordinator, stated that it will be more difficult the second time around to sell this bond issue. She stated that Tore participation is needed in the campaign for the street light bond issue. Council member Doty stated that if each Council member got 6-8 people out for an hour doorbelling, it could make a big difference. Mayor Edmondson stated that normally Council members do not become active in a campaign. Council member Barnett expressed his concern about putting this on the sane ballot as the school bond issue. He stated that he also thinks it is too soon after the last election. It was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Buchanan to II/ accept this report to direct staff to prepare legislation to put this item on the ballot for February 2, 1982. Following discussion, the question was called for the vote on the Motion. Carried by 4-2 voice vote. Barnett and Beauchamp voting nay. Hinman absent. . , 3. STATUS REPORT ON SOUrHEAST CCMNUNITY CENTER BUILDING CODE IMPROVEMENT CONTRACT' Council member Beauchamp excused himself fran discussion on this item due to possible conflict of interest. Larry Wright, Acting Director of Community and Economic Developaent, reported that the contract that was let was for $19,300. He stated that the City has been paying for the fire guard at the Community Center and when the code work has been completed, we would cease that operation. He stated that the items that remain are not considered to be a life safety problem. He spoke about the items that remain to be finished. He stated that the Health Clinic area will not be addressed until it is going to be used. 050 DECEMBER 1, 1981 Council members discussed the staff report asking various questions and expressing their concerns. Pete Moore, 1114 So. 28th Avenue, stated that it would seem logical to put a one hour fire wall behind the stage area and use that area for a stage. Council member Buchanan stated that he thoughtAt was assumed that we would go for the reduced stage area and the Council agreed with that assumption. Lou Roederer, Cede Manager, stated that it would give a 17' depth as opposed to a 20' depth on the stage. Bruce Smith, Acting Director of the Southeast Center stated that they don't have any prableps with that, and in fact, it would give than additional .storage. Council member Doty suggested a three step plan of action: 1) finish fire requirements listed on the blackboard; around $8,000, including labor to cone out of the $5,000 left fran original amount of money and whatever additional, being borrowed fran the eventual funding of $20,000 or the insurance; 2) set up task force or canmittee that would draw up a maintenance contract and perhaps work on the responsibilities of both entities for maintenance and use of the building; and 3) when the time is right weather-wise, fix the roof. She also suggested working on filling sane of the vacant offices there. Following further discussion, it was MOVED by Doty, seconded by Buchanan that staff is to advise the SE Center that effective December 7th, they will have to pay for the fire protection on any required event in the evening and at the end of one month, the Council will again discuss the matter. Following a suggestion fran Larry Wright, it was MOVED by Doty, seconded by BuChanan to amend the date to December 8, 1981. Mayor Edmondson requested that the Council be kept advised each week on their progress. The question was called for the vote on the amendment. Unanimously carried ,by voice vote. Hinman absent. Beauchamp not voting due to possible conflict of interest. The question was called for the vote on the motion, as wended. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Hinman absent. Beauchamp not voting due to possible conflict of interest. 4. EXECUTIVE SESSION It was NDVED by Budnanan, seconded by Carmichael to move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing collective bargaining. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Beauchamp and Hinman absent. BUSINESS MEETING 5. ROLL CALL At 3:00 p.m., the Council nembers canmenced the regular meting, Mayor Edmondson presiding, Council members Barnett, Beauchamp, Budhanan, Carmichael and Doty and City Manager Zais and City Attorney Andrews present on roll call. Council member Hinman present after 4:00 p.m. 6. INVOCATION The Invocation was given by Council member Barnett. ADMINISTRATION OF OATH OF OFFICE Clarence Barnett, having been duly elected to the office of Council member for a "short term" for the balance of this year, on November 3, 1981, and the Oath of Office having been administered to him by the City Clerk, is now duly seated as a Council member for the City of Yakima. 7. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Edmondson referred to the items placed on the Consent Agenda, questioning hether there were any additions or deletions fran either Council members or citizens present. Council member Carmichael requested that Item No. 14 be added, however, Council member Doty stated she has a question on that item. DECEMBER 1, 1981 051 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. Unanirrously carried by voice vote. Hinman absent. It was the general consensus of the Council to consider Item No. 17 after the hearings, as requested by a citizen. 8. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Dick Smith, attorney on behalf of Russ Mazolla, representing Carole Folsom-Hill, stated that Mr. Mazolla was unable to be II/ here and referred to the letters fruit Mr. Mazolla. He request that at Council not make a decision on her matter for two weeks. He cemented that her position does not necessarily pertain to the budget because her position can be funded through Community Development Block Grant funds. Mayor Edmondson stated that December 22 is the absolute deadline to pass the badget. Larry Wright, Acting Director of Ccmnunity and Economic Development stated that next Tuesday, there will he a resolution submitting the final application for CDBG and it will be delivered to the Seattle office. Council member Doty -commented that the decision not to fund that position with CDBG funds was made, however, Council could still fund that position out of general revenue. Mayor Edmondson proclaimed this week as Civil Air Patrol Week and cannented that their 4Gth anniversary is tomorrow. She presented the proclamation to Paul Newland, representing the Civil Air Patrol. There were several cadets present and Mr. Newland presented to the Mayor a Certificate of Appreciation for her contribution to Civil Air Patrol. Mayor Edmondson proclaimed Sunday, December 6, 1982, as Sisters of Providence Day in celebration of their 125th anniversary. She further cannented that the Lst of December begins Christmas Festival month. 9. HEARING - PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE 1981 SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE This being the time fixed for the hearing on the proposed arrendrrents to the 1981 Subdivision Ordinance, Larry Wright, Acting Director of Community and Economic Development, stated that many of these anendrrents are mandatory to comply with same changes made by the legislature. He stated that Section 14.10.240 is an exception and was left optional. He stated that at the present tine, there is no required notification to the area residents for short plats and staff feels that 9 lots would be enough activity to effect the neighbors. City Attorney Andrews stated that if Council agrees to this change, II/ then there should be an amendment made to Section 3; 14.10.240 the e ordinance and change it to read "4" and in Section 4; 14.10.170 change "10" to "5". Glenn Rice, representing the Yakima Board of Realtors, did not agree with the staff rec- ommendation on their opinion that the larger number of lots would adversely effect the neighbors. He stated that that requirement would take too much time and be too expensive and is not necessary. Mr. Wright cemented that the subdivision ordinance was not radically amended because we are attemping to modify the entire implementing section of our ordinance including zoning aspect. He stated that the procedure would be the sane as for Planned Development and if this process was not used, it would take quite a bit of time to develop a new review pnocess. Bill Hayes, Officer, Hone Builders Association, stated that the Hane Builders Association is in concurrence with the Board of Realtors as far as increasing the number of lots and the subdivision situation. He asked when the new ordinance would be addressed. Mr. Wright stated that the time frame that has been established is Mardi, 1982. The public hearing portion of the hearing was closed. Following further discussion and explanation of the amendment, and the Ordinance having been read by title, it was MOVED by 05 DECEMBER 1, 1981 Beauchamp, seconded by Carmichael that the ordinance be passed. It was MOVED by Carmidhael, seconded by Buchanan to amend the Motion to dhange 14.10.240 of Section 3, the word nine to four and in 14.10.270, Section 4 dhange the word ten to five, and it will he in compliance with the sane ordinance the County has. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Hinman absent. The question was called for the vote on the Motion, as amended. Carried by 4-2 voice vote. Barnett and Doty voting nay. Hinman absent. ORDINANCE NO. 2566, AN ORDINANCE relating to sabdixision; defining terms and establishing procedures for subdividing Land; exempting certain land divisions from requirements of Title 14 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code; amending Sections and Sub Sections 14.05.100, 14.05.110 A, 14.10.240, 14.10.270, 14.15.070, 15.25.080 A, 14.25.110 B, 14.25.130 A, 14.25.160 A and 14.25.210 B, and enacting new Sections 14.05.025, 14.05.095, 14.10.035 and 14.25.025, all of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. (Council' member Don Hinman present after 4:00 p.m.) 10. HEARING ON MADISION HOUSE ANNEXATION REQUEST This being the time fixed for the hearing on the Madison House annexation request, Don Skidmore, 3401 Roosevelt inquired about the proposed zoning this property will come in under. Larry Wright, Acting Director of Community and Economic Development, stated that there are three zones in that area; Planned Development, R-1 and R-3. The public portion of the hearing was closed. Larry Wright responded to Council's question on fire protection and drainage. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Doty that the annexation be approved and the area be zoned as indicated on the map presented and the staff report and that legislation be prepared. Unanimously carried by voice vote. 11. HEARING ON 1982 BUDGET AND REVENUE SHARING PROPOSALS Mary Hersey, AFSCME Union Representative, stated that Jim Bond has a written alternative to the cut of the position of traffic sign specialist. Jim Bond, City Sign Shop Supervisor, distributed copies of alternatives to the budget proposal, which he then reviewed. Mayor Edmondson stated that Council will lock into this. He clarified the alternative, responding to Council's questions. Glen Pleasant, Traffic Signal Supervisor answered Council member Beaudhamp's questions on the need for the traffic signal controller. Mary Hersey expressed her concern that the deletion of this position would mean a reduction of productivity by one-third. She then spoke about her concerns regarding the elimination of a dreg helper and the consolidation of the refuse routes so they will be picking up more refuse with less people and temporary employees will he used to fill in. She stated that under the Civil Service rules, temporary help can only work 860 hours in any calendar year and about the time that temporary employees became efficient, they run out of time. This jeopardizes the safety of both workers. She stated that the Union is willing to work with management to develop flexible work hours. She distributed a copy of this proposal and a copy of the alternative which was given previously on the proposed reduction of inspectors to three-quarter time. The public portion of the hearing was closed. Mayor Edmondson stated that Council will continue to have review sessions on the budget. 17. ORDINANCE IMPOSING OCCUPATION TAXES ON PUBLIC UTILITIES (TELEPHONE TAX) (Continued from November 24, 1981 meeting) City Manager Zais stated that Council was given a new ordinance that relates to the section the City Attorney had reported on regarding the exemption on the assessment of taxes re $500. Don Horan, Director of Finance and Budget stated that it was not his intention to remove the $500 limitation. 053 DECEMBER 1, 1981 He explained his memo and stated that if all the utility taxes were increased by 1/2 percent, that would give us an additional $123,000. He stated that the long distance calls tax would be a $110,000 revenue. Gary Webster, Chamber of Commerce, stated that their concern was about the lid being left out of the ordinance. He stated that he is here on behalf of Bob Hall, President of the Chanber of Commerce. He asked if the impact on the people and business community had been considered. He stated that businesses would start doing business with organizations outside the state because of the increased cost to place long distance intra-state calls. Ines Rice, 4409 Arlington, asked if students would be exempt. Mayor Edmondson stated that they would not be. Council member Buchanan II/ indicated that his position to this tax is that it would only apply to the City and it should be a County-wide tax. It was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Hinman to instruct staff to prepare legislation to increase all utility taxes, including City refuse, by 1%. City Manar Zais stated that the ordinance can be enacted today by making an amendment to this ordinance. He commented about increasing the tax on the Refuse, stating that the refuse tax is called a license tax and. is ncw equal to 5% of the cash receipt. City Attorney Andreas stated that this Motion could be enacted in two steps. A floor amendment could be made to the ordinance before Council and then staff could bring back an ordinance pertaining to increasing the refuse tax. Ed White, Cascade Natural Gas, commented that the City's revenue increases each time the utilities increase their rates. Bob Peterson, Manager, Pacific Pcwer and Light, gave some figures of revenue the City received from PP&L for the last couple of wars. He further stated that the Utility Rate Committee is useless if Council is going to make any changes without having any input from that committee. He suggested an alternative of raising the lid from $500 to $750. Fcalaaing discussion, it was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by Doty to table this Motion for one week for further discussion. Carried by 6-1 voice vote. Edmondson voting nay. Council member Budhanan stated he would like that information on raising the lid to $750. It was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Beaudhamp to ask the Citizen Finance Committee to address the present issue and cone up with a recommendation to the Council. Mr. Peterson expressed his concern that the Committee may not be able to work within the time frame set by Council. The question was called for the vote on the Motion. Unanimously carried by voice vote. 12. CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED SEWER RATE ADJUSTMENT City Manager Zais commented that this ordinance is in conformance with direction given by the Council last week, but the amount related to the volume charge has been left blank re: the issue of street drainage. The Ordinance having been II/ read by title, it was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Budhanan that the Ordinance be passed. Council member Doty inquired if this ordinance would put the drainage in the sewer rates. Joe Andreotti stated that he was surprised that the surface drainage was included in the billing of sewage. He canmented that they don't even end up in the same place and are totally unrelated. Ines Rice, 4409 Arlington, stated that she is unhappy with what the sewer treatment plant is costing the City. It was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by Doty to adjust the rates with the storm drainage not included. It was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by Doty to amend the ordinance as it is to reflect the volume charge of 51 per ccf for 1981 and 64 er ccf for 1983, and also incorporate funds for street drainage. Unanimously carried by voice mote. The question was called for the vote on the Motion, as amended. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. ORDINANCE NO. 2567, AN ORDINAWE relating to public services and utilities; imposing a sewer service charge and fixing sever service rates and dnarges; wending Section 7.60.020 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. O5 4 DECEMBER 1, 1981 13. AMENEMENT NO. 15 TO R. W. BECK & ASSOCIATES ENGINEERING AGREEMENT (PHASE I, CONTRACT NO. 3) (Continued from November 24, 1981 meeting) The resolution having been read by title, it was MOVED by Hinnan, seconded by Buchanan that the resolution be passed. Ines Rice, 4409 Arlington, expressed her opposition to this arrendnent. Willis White, Director of Public Works stated that staff is preparing to give Council a Bill briefing on this project on the 15th of December and are asking Council to approve $10,000 to extend the contract through the month. He gave a brief deaription of some of the work Beck is handling. Following further discussion, it was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by Hinman to set a figure of $10,000 to continue the operation of the engineer through the month of December. Carried by 4-3 voice vote. Beaudhamp, Carmichael and Doty voting nay. 14. WORK EXPERIENCE CONTRACT WITH O.I.C. (Continued fran NOvember 14, 1981 meeting) Council member Beauchamp withdrew himself frcn discussion on this issue due to possible conflict of interest. ' The Resolution having been read by title, it was MOVED by Budxahan, seconded by Carmichael that the resolution be passed. Following an explanation by Bob Weaver, Personnel Officer, about the program, the question was called for the vote on the Motion. Carried by 4-2 roll call vote. Barnett and Doty voting nay. Beaudnanp voting due to possible conflict of interest. RESOLUTION NO. D-4579, A RESOLUTION authorizing participation by the City of Yakima in a CETA job training program. 15. PURCHASE OF WO REFUSE TRUCKS WITHOUT CALLING FOR BUS The resolution having been read by title, it was MOVED by Beauthanp, seconded by Budianan that the resolution be passed. Del Kary, Refuse Superintendent, reported that he has received a packet fran Hollowfonn regarding the specifications. Willis White, Director of Public Works, stated that the $70,000 figure will still he accepted to purchase the two vehicles. Mr. Kary explained again how these two vehicles cane to be available. It was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Beauchamp to amend the resolution, substituting $70,000 Inhere $74;000 appears in the last paragraph. Unanimously carried by voice vote. The question was called for the vote on the Motion as amenced. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. RESOLUTION NO. D-4580, A RESOLUTION authorizing the purdhase of two refuse collection trucks without calling for bids.. *16. CENTRAL FIRE ALARM HEADQUARTERS AGREEMENTS RESOLUTION NO. D-4581, A RESOLUTION authoriz ing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute contracts for the operation of the Central Fire Alarm Headquarters for the ears 1982 through 1984. *18. ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING MONTES FOR PAYMENT OF LEGAL FEES REGARDING THE CAPITOL THEATRE LITIGATION (FIRST READING) An Ordinance apprcpriating monies for parent of legal fees regarding the Capitol Theatre litigation, having been read by title only, was laid on the table for one week or until December 8, 1981. *19. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1981 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR SNOWPLOWS An ordinance anending the 1981 Budget and appropriating funds for snowplows having been read by title only, was laid on'ihe table for one week or until December 8, 1981. 05 5 DECEMBER 1, 1981 20. OTHER BUSINESS Council member Carmichael reported that she was advised by Peter King, AWC, that City Manager Zais has been asked to sit on the hoard of AWC as an Executive Officer nember. INFORMATION ITEM Items of information supplied to Council were: Article from San Francisco Chronicle dated November 3, 1981, re: "The Prcp. 13 Crunch Sets In"; article fran Business Week dated November 23, 1981, re: "Chicago: The City That Works 11 Doesn't Anymore"; letter to Congressman Al Swift and completed Questionnaire for Municipalities on Cable Franchising. 11/24/81; memorandum fran Parks & Recreation Canmission re: 1982 Preliminary Budget. 11/18/81; monthly report of Chief of Police for October, 1981; news release dated 11/19/81 re: State PERC Upholds City Transfer of Fire Inspection; City of Yakima Planning Commission minutes for November 3, 1981; Parks & Recreation Canmission minutes for October 14, 1981; and a publication: "The Mayor", dated November 15, 1981. 21. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to cane before the Council, it was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by Hinnen that this meting he adjourned at the hour of 6:45 P.M., to then meet at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 3, 1981 in the Council Chambers. Unanimously carried by voice vote. ) READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY 'I.( .4. 4. _.A*IIL '—,YDATE a. 0 .4 2, moUNCI 1 :ER I II _ _ _ DATE .2. -a-ffa- COUNCIL ID:: R ATTEST: e /' , „ /z 7`. 2477ernidenJ CITY CLEJN 1 / i MAYOR 1