HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/07/1983 Study Session 4 r'-' JUNE 7, 1983
STUDY SESSION
1. ROLL CALL
The City Council met in session on this date at 2:00 p.m. in
the Council Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Mayor
Lynn Carmichael presiding, Council members Clarence Barnett,
Lynn Buchanan, Shirley Doty and W. K. "Pete" More and
Assistant City Manager Wittenberg and City Attorney Andrews
present on roll call. Council members Henry Beauchamp and
Jack Sparling absent and excused.
2. INVOCATION
The Invocation was given by Council member *Doty.
8a. EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING PROSPECTIVE LITIGATION
Mayor Carmichael reported there is a need to hold the
Executive Session regarding prospective litigation at this
time. It was MOVED by Doty, seconded by Barnett to move into
Executive Session for the purpose of discussing prospective
litigation, to then reconvene the meeting. Unanimously
carried by voice vote. Beauchamp and Sparling absent.
3. OPEN ,DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
Council member Doty informed Council John Beer, Jr., Director
of Community and Economic Development, would like to provide a
status report regarding the rat abatenent program currently
underway. John Beer stated the program has been very
successful and due to the overwhelming response of citizens,
the program has been extended to June 9. He expressed his
appreciation of the assistance provided by the following
participants in the program: Council member Shirley Doty,
Betty Gaudette, citizen, Del Kary, Superintendent, Street
Division, Dixie Kradht, Housing Supervisor, Housing Services
Center, Joe Jackson, Supervisor, Street Division, and also
Yakima County and the Yakima Health District. Mr. Beer
- indicated staff anticipated the City portion of the budget for
the program was on line, however,the County costs for the rat
abatement program may run over budget.
Assistant City Manager Wittenberg informed Council of a recent
legislative session which passed a new DWI state law which
will necessitate the City to pass an ordinance that conforms
with that law. He stated that due to the time element
involved, he would like to request Council approve a special
business meeting for June 21 for this item, to then hold the
regular study session. It was the consensus of the Council to
comply with Assistant City Manager Wittenberg's request.
4. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
II/
Norman Steuart, 217 No. 16th Avenue, informed Council he was
representing the electorate of the City of Yakima, stating he
has been involved gathering signatures in opposition to
Ordinance No. 2693 regarding water rates. Mr. Steuart stated
the citizens of Yakima request Ordinance No. 2693 be revamped,
rescinded or put on the ballot in September. He stated he
will submit the petitions to the City Clerk on Friday, June
10. Mayor Carmichael questioned if Mr. Steuart had the
petitions with him today. He responded negatively; signatures
are still being gathered and he expects to have the necessary
amount by June 10 at 4:00 p.m. Mayor Carmichael informed Mr.
Steuart the City Clerk has been instructed not to accept the
petitions in a legal sense, but the petitions may be deposited
for safekeeping measures only. City Attorney Andrews informed
Mr. Steuart Ordinance No. 2693 is not subject to a referendum
process as Council is carrying out the predetermined
administrative function versus a legislative function in
JUNE 7, 1983 493
setting the water rates. City Attorney Andrews reiterated the
City Clerk cannot accept the petitions legally, however, it is
Mr. Steuart's decision if the petitions are to be deposited at
City Hall for safekeeping rreasiires only, with the
understanding that the petitions are not being filed for legal
action.
5. STATUS REPORT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT REGARDING COMPREHENSIVE UTILITY PLAN
Don Skone, Associate Planner, l,aas present to provide
background information on the Comprehensive Utility Plan and
expanded upon the elements of the plan; 1) the need for sewer
interceptor service areas plan including policy for allocation
II/ of interceptor capabilities; 2) the continuing sewer inflow
and infiltration problems Which were not significantly reduced
by sewer relining; 3) the requirement for an updated City
water system plan by the Washington State Department of Social
and Health Services; 4) the desire and need for a coordinated
City/County storm drainage plan and regulations to alleviate
costly storm drainage prdblems; 5) the growing problems with
the City's antiquated irrigation systems and the resulting
need for capital intensive system repairs and replacements;
and 6) the factor of staff capability, given manpower and
other constraints, to evaluate systems needs and prepare plan
elements. Mr. Skone elaborated on the revised scope and
timing of the Utility Plan Which reflects the current needs
and staff capabilities. He addressed the priority of the four
plan elements which consisted of: I. Water System Element,
II. Irrigation System Element, III. Sewer Systems Element
and, IV. Storm Drainge Element. Addressing Item III. Sewer
Systems Element, Mr. Skone stated that due to the size of the
irrigation system and the inadequate manpower and equipment,
staff would like to revise this plan into an ongoing program
and develop a continuing improvement of the system. He
referred to Item IV. Storm Drainage, stating work had been
discontinued due to lack of funding for Phase II of the Storm
Water Management Plan. Mr. Skone reviewed the schedule of
completed projects and referred to the aerial photo which was
instrumental for the Comprehensive Utility Plan. Addressing
the problem of low irrigation water pressure, Council member
Barnett questioned if staff Checked the citizen's water lines
as well as City water lines for possible corrosion. Dennis
Covell, Director of Engineering and Utilities, responded,
informing Council of an ordinance Which states that for $1,
the City will provide a pressure check on private water lines.
Council member Doty requested further clarification of No. 2,
regarding continuing sewer inflow and infiltration problems.
Dennis Covell responded to Council's questions. It was MOVED
by Barnett, seconded by Doty to accept staff's report with
Council's appreciation. Unanimously carried by voice vote.
Beauchamp and Sparling absent.
6, REPORT FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REGARDING STAFFING AND EARNED LEAVE
LIABILITY STATUS
Fire Chief Ed Carroll was present to expand on staff's report
regarding the effect of the additional three Fire Fighter
positions on earned leave liability balances. He commented
that even with the time lag involved with hiring the
additional Fire Fighters following the passage of the 1983
Budget for the Tire Department, there has been a positive
impact on the earned leave liability prdblem. Chief Carroll
referred to the suggestions outlined in staff's report
regarding additional approaches to reducing the unfunded
liability experienced in the Fire Department. He suggested
the establishment of a dollar amount goal, lowering of the
maximum accrual limits contained within the contract, and also
establishing a, line item within each annual budget to
accommodate cashing out retirement benefits. Council member
Moore requested clarification of Chief Carroll's suggestion of
the establishment of a dollar amount goal. Chief Carroll
responded to Council's questions. It was MOVED by Barnett,
L 9L 1 . JUNE 7, 1983
seconded by Buchanan to accept the report with Council's
appreciation. Unanimbusly carried by voice vote. Beaudhaly
and Sparling absent. Council member Moore stated he would
like Council to research the possibility of the establishment
of a line item in the budget for cashing out retirement
benefits during the upcoming budget process for 1984.
7. REPORT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND BUDGET REGARDING GENERAL
ACCOUNTS UNWLLECTABLE DEBTS AND CITY CREDIT POLICY
John Hanson, Director of Finance and Budget, was present to
expand upon staff's report Which addressed a schedule of
General Accounts uncollectable debts. He informed Council
staff had been advised by the Legal Department that collection
efforts on any bad debts which were past ,particular statute of
limitations provisions would not be viable. He also commented
that several of the debts were too small or the individual who
incurred the debt could not be located. Mr. Hanson informed
Council this was the first occurence of a general accounts
receivable debt write-off within the last ten years. Council
member Moore questioned why Tahoma Cemetery appeared on the
list of Traffic Engineering Division uncollectable debts.
John Hanson respbnded, informing Council of the lack of
appropriate docunentation in several instances which resulted
in the necessity for the bad debt write-offs. Discussion
followed regarding the developrrent of the City's centralized
accounts receivables and of the proposed strengthening of the
City's credit policy. It was MOVED by Barnett, seconded by
Moore to accept staff's recommendation to authorize staff to
Prepare the proper legislation to write off accumulated
_uncollectable debts and endorse a policy of very limited
credit for Obligations to the City. 'Unanimously carried by
voice vote. Beauchamp and Sparling absent.
7a. OTHER BUSINESS
Council member - Barnett reported the Council URAB Committee
members, consisting of Clarence Barnett and Pete Moore, met
with the Utility Rate Advisory Board on June 3rd. He stated
the Council Committee was requested by the URAB to convey two
points to the Council: 1) should the URAB continue to
function, and 2) if the URAB continues, Council should provide
the ground rules and future direction for the Utility Rate
Advisory Board. Council member Barnett relayed the URAB's
position that Council action regarding the water rates issue
destroyed the Board's credibility. ,Council member Moore
_expressed his dissatisfication with the events of the meeting
and questioned if there was a continued need for the existance
of the Utility Rate Advisory, Board. 'Council member Doty
suggested the possibility of the URAB adopting a membership
format similar to that of the Downtown Area Redevelopment
Committee (DARC) Wherein a Council liaison and staff members
attend and have the opportunity to convey suggestions and
participate in the meetings. Council member Doty spoke in
support of the concept of citizen advisory groups, expressing
her appreciation for the time and effort the various groups
have provided to the City. It was the general consensus of
the Council to give this matter further consideration.
Council member Doty requested Council's consideration of the
numerous vacant lots throughout the City Wherein extensive
weed problems exist. She suggested the possibility of
utilizing volunteers to locate the owners of the weedy lots
and then making courtesy calls to the owners, requesting they
comply with the City weed abatement ordinances.
Addressing the recent City clean-up regarding the rat
abatement program, Council member Doty questioned the
feasibility of a program which would involve the construction
of garbage can racks enabling the garbage cans to be kept off
the ground and, therefore, assist in the City's litter control
effort. She suggested the possibility of utilizing the
Craftsman Corp in the construction of the inexpensive racks.
JUNE 7, 1983 495
Addressing the earlier request for a special business meeting,
City Attorney Andrews informed Council of the necessity to
address the recent authorization the City has received in
response to a grant request to Yakima County Area Agency on
Aging. He indicated that due to the time element involved,
the contract needs to be signed by the City and returned to
the County by June 17th. City Attorney Andrews suggested
Assistant City Manager Wittenberg sign the agreement with the
understanding that the agreement_ is subject to ratification by
resolution of the City Council. He indicated staff would
bring this item back to the Council at the June 21st meeting
for Council adoption of the resolution.
8. EXECUTIVE SESSION RBGARDIW COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
It was MOVED by Barnett, seconded by Moore to move into
Executive Session for the purpose of discussing collective
bargaining and then immediately adjourn the rreeting.
Unanimously carried by voice vote. Beauchamp and Sparling
absent.
9. ADJOURNMENT
Following completion of the Executive Session, the meeting was
adjourned at the hour of 4:10 p.m.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE Bytoe DATE SI
COU *IL ADM R
/ Ate
lad • DATE_
COUNCIL MEMBE'
ATTEST:
• ( Pt '
CITY CLERK i
JUNE 14, 1983
There being no quorum present, no meeting was held.