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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/21/1982 Study Session September 21, 1982 285 STUDY SESSION The City Council net in session on this date at 1:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Council members present were Mayor Lynn Cannidiael, Clarence Barnett, Shirley Doty, W. K. "Pete" Moore, and Jack Sparling. Henry Beauchamp present after 1:50 p.m. and Lynn Buchanan absent. 1. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER Council member Doty mentioned that Janet Snodgrass, a City resident, wanted Council to know she appreciated Cox Cable reinstating C-SPAN (Congressional station) as part of their II/ regular programming. Council member Doty also requested that John Beer, Jr., Director of Canmunity and Economic Development, attempt to get publicity on the Wood Stove Seminar being held September 29th at 7:00 p.m. since this is an important issue which the Fire Department continues to receive inquiries about. Council member Barnett stated he has received more phone calls regarding the street lights being put on a timer system for turning them off and expressed concern about Council not giving this matter adequate consideration. City Manager Zais stated a report will be presented in approximately two weeks on this subject. Council member Sparling requested status information on the left turn problem on South First Street. Dennis Covell, Director of Engineering and Utilities, stated he is hoping to hear about the grant application in approximately two weeks. Mayor Carmichael mentioned that various vacancies exist on several Boards and Commissions. Council member Doty stated that she has already contacted two people on the Human Relations Canmission for reappointment. The Mayor stated that there are term expirations on the Yakima Center Advisory Commission and the Planning Commission. Also, on the Board of Appeals there are two vacancies; however, the Mayor advised there currently is not a Council committee established to handle this procedure. (Beauchamp present after 1:50 p.m.) 2. REPORT FROM S.E. COMMUNITY CENTER REGARDING ADVISORY TASK FORCE RECOMNENDATIONS Ray Pleasant, the new Director of the Southeast Community Center, expressed his appreciation to the members of the task force for their assistance. Council member Doty questioned the amount of funds available for the Board training program. Bruce Smith, Community Center Youth Director, stated there is approximately $3,500 to $4,000 still remaining from the original $8,000 allocation. Also, Council member Doty requested that a breakdown be provided as to the make up of the Board of Directors, since she feels the Southeast neighborhood is not being represented. Mr. Pleasant stated that the five Caucasians listed were dhoosen because of their willingness to serve and possible technical abilities, but that he would researdh this further. Council member Sparling questioned Whether United Way has made any allocations to the Center. Mr. Smith stated that the United Way had not provided any funds since last year, since it felt the Center should be given a year to grow and a chance to improve its accounting system before being allocated any further monies. 3. PRESENTATION OF 1983 PRELIMINARY BUDGET FORECAST City Manager Zais stated that over the last several years, Council has been provided with a preliminary budget forecast as a preview of that is anticipated and to allow Council input prior to finalizing the budget. The City Manager reviewed the report, and mentioned the substantial difference between revenues and expenditures for 1983 and brought to Council's attention a number of special requests for funds which should be considered in the coming years, as outlined in the report. He further reported that the City is faced with the problem of September 21, 1982 not having sufficient funds to maintain necessary services without a tax increase in 1983. City Manager Zais requested that should Council consider enacting a 1- local option sales tax, it should begin discussions with the County Commissioners inmediately. In the meantime, the City Manager said he will be meeting with each department individually to work on reductions, and will continue to plan and prepare the preliminary 1983 budget. Council member Doty reccmmended considering holding a public meeting to provide those interested an opportunity to voice their opinions as to What services they might be willing to reduce or eliminate. City Manager Zais stated that although public input might be helpful, Council should realize the public will only be familiar with external services and not those provided internally to other departments. Council member Sperling- reccmmended considering receiving input as to budget cuts from about ten people whose opinions are respected by Council. City Manager Zais recommended Council review the 1980 budget, as it represents an excellent example of anticipated impacts had revenue sharing not been utilized. Assistant City Manager Wittenberg voiced his objection to initiating a public forum since he felt the vast majority of the public does not attend these neetings, only those with specific pet peeves, and that this type of project would involve additional staff time and effort. Council member Doty requested the City Manager review these ideas with his staff and advise Council of results. It was the general consensus of the Council to continue discussion of the budget forecast under Item No. 10 on the regular Business Agenda. 4. EXECUTIVE SESSION It was MOVED by Barnett, seconded by More to move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing pending litigation. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Buchanan absent. BUSINESS MEETING 5. ROLL CALL At 3:00 p.m., the Council members commenced the regular meeting, Mayor Carmichael presiding, Council members Barnett, Beauchamp, Doty, Moore, Sparling and City Manager Zais and City Attorney Andrews present on roll call. (Council member Buchanan present after 4:25 p.m.) 6. INVOCATION The Invocation was given by Council member Doty. 7. 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 the deletion of Item No. 18; Council member Barnett requested deletion of Item No. 16; and Council member Doty requested on behalf of 'John Klingele, a Yakima resident, the deletion of Item No. 17, and she also requested deletion of Item No. 24. Ines Rice, 4409 Arlington, requested deletion of Item Nos. 19 and 23. It was the general consensus of the Council that the deletion of It Nos. 16, 17, 18, 19, 23 and 24, as requested, be made. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and ordinances by title. It was MDVED by Moore, seconded by Doty that the Consent Agenda, as read, be passed. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. Buchanan absent:. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk (*) indicate items on the Consent Agenda handled under one motion without further discussion.) 2 September 21, 1982 8. APPOINTMENT OF CLERK OF THE CITY ODUWIL RESOLUTION NO. D-4710, having been read by title, it was MOVED by Beaudhamp, seconded by Moore to adopt the resolution as read. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Buchanan absent. RESOLUTION NO. D-4710, A RESOLUTION appointing a Clerk of the Council. The Oath of Office was adrainistered,to Karen S. Roberts by City Attorney Andrews, with Iris Litzenberger, former City Clerk, participating in the ceremony. II/ *9. MINUTES The Council minutes of September 1 and 7, 1982, were approved, having been duly certified accurate by two Council members and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly. 10. CURRENT STUDY SESSION ITEMS Item No. 3 It was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Doty to form a committee to meet with the County Ctmmissioners regarding discussion of the V local option sales tax. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Buchanan absent. It was the general consensus of the Council that this committee shall consist of the Mayor and Council members Doty and Barnett with Buchanan as alternate. City Manager Zais stated he would discuss the idea. of a public forum with the Department heads and advise Council next week. 11. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Ines Rice, 4409 Arlington, spoke in favor of a public forum for open discussion of the 1983 budget forecast. 12. REPORT ON GENERAL INSURANCE PROGRAM Council member Moore stated he felt the cost of hiring Mr. Spencer as a consultant is too high, just to gather information from staff and the present carrier, and requested greater consideration be given to a local company who could probably perform this function at a lower rate. City Manager Zais stated there is no local company available. Council member Doty stated she believed the proposed procedure is not all that necessary and will generate unnecessary expense. City Manager Zais stated there is no one among City staff who is capable of preparing specifications, issuing bids, evaluating the response, reviewing the credentials of the bidders and granting an award; these tine consuming duties II/ should be performed by a professional consultant. Council member Sperling stated he is in favor of hiring the requested consultant since he felt this type of service could probably generate a substantial savings in the long run. Council member Beauchamp questioned whether someone could prepare an impartial package with the current carrier providing the input, since he felt the current coverage is adequate and the process is not beginning from wretch. Council member Barnett questioned whether Mr. Spencer could perform his services for a lesser amount by possibly reducing the scope of the project. It was MOVED by Sperling, seconded by Carmichael to hire Mr. Robert Spencer to perform the services outlined in the report on a amount not to exceed $5,000. After further discussion, the question was called for a vote on the motion. The motion failed by 3-3 voice vote. Moore, Doty and Beauchamp voting nay. Buchanan absent. (Council member Buchanan present after 4:25 p.m.) Council members repeated their opinions for the benefit of Council member Budhanan. It was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Sperling to reconsider this motion. The motion carried by 4-3 voice vote. Doty, Moore and Beauchamp voting nay. It was MOVED by Sperling, seconded by Barnett to hire Mr. Robert Spencer to perform the services outlined in the 268 September 21, 1982 report at an amount not to exceed $5,000. The motion failed by 3-4 voice vote. Doty, More, Buchanan and Beaudiamp voting nay. (See additional discussion under Other Business.) 13. REPORT ON PURCHASE OF UTILITY BITLING SOFTWARE Council member Beauchamp questioned the circumstances under which the City could conceivably return much of its develop- ment costs as mentioned in the report. Assistant City Manager Wittenberg explained that should this system be marketed elsewhere the City could possibly receive a royalty and this will be considered as part of the negotiations. It was MOVED by Doty, seconded by Beauchamp to accept the report and authorize proceeding with development of the software system. Unanimously carried by voice vote. 14. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT FOR PREPARATION OF FERC PERMIT RESOLUTION NO. D-4711, having been read by title, it was MOVED by Doty, seconded by Buchanan to adopt the resolution as read. Council member Moore expressed his concern as to Whether low head hydro is a viable project and that the main concern should be to repair the dam. He fdrther questioned the responsibilities and rights of the Naches-Cowiche Irrigation District to this water. Dennis Covell, Director of Engineering and Utilities, stated that this district will be a to participate in the costs to maintain the dam, although their financial status is currently poor. Furthermore, he advised they have rights to 50% of that water and if unable to participate to the necessary extent, they will probably have to reduce their usage. Council member Barnett stated he did not think a rip-rap is the answer since this would only last a year. Council member Doty expressed her concern that if the City does not proceed to request a FERC permit that it could possibly lose these funds when available. Mr. Covell stated there is a potential of a pay-back in the future, and therefore, felt this procedure should be given consideration. The question was called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by 4-3 roll call vote. Sparling, Buchanan and Moore voting nay. RESOLUTION NO. D-4711, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute an agreement with CH2M-Hill. for professional services. *15. AGREEMENT WITH D.O.T. FOR VOLCANIC ASH REMOVAL PROJECT RESOLUTION NO. D-4712, A RESOLUTION authorizing the execution of a supplemental agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation concerning volcanic ash removal. 16.- INVESTMENT REPORT FOR AUGUST, 1982 Council member Barnett questioned a matter concerning the General Obligation Bonds. Assistant City Manager Wittenberg stated an error had been made in the May 1982 report Wherein the heading for G.O. bonds read December 31, 1981 instead of May 31, 1982. It was MOVED by Budhanan, seconded by Doty that the report from the Acting Director of Finance and Budget dated August 31, 1982, regarding the investments of the City of Yakima, be accepted and approved. Unanimously carried by voice vote. 17. HEARING DATE SET FOR REVIEWHOF GTEED WATER SERVICE John Klingele, 1312 W. Walnut, requested that this hearing be set for the evening of October 26, 1982 or for the regular evening meeting of October 12th in order to give those residents involved, Who possibly work during the day the opportunity to voice their opinions and cements. It was MOVED by Sparling, seconded by Beaudhamp to hold a special meeting at 7:00 p.m., October 26, 1982 in the Council Chambers for the specific purpose of discussing Gleed water service alternatives. Unanimously carried by voice vote. 2 6 c September 21, 1982 18. HEARING DATE SET FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF ENDORSING SJR 143 It was MOVED by Doty, seconded by Beauchamp to set the date of hearing for October 5, 1982 to discuss endorsement of SJR 143 (Community Redevelopment Finance). Unanimously carried by voice vote. 19. OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL FOR INFORMATION SYSTEMS DIVISION Council member Barnett spoke on behalf of Ines Rice, who could not be present, indicating she felt the City is spending too much money for travel. It was MOVED by Doty, seconded by Buchanan to authorize the out-of-state travel for Steven R. II/ Myers, Information Systems, to attend a Prime Computer Course in Boston, Massachusettes, September 26 - October 8, 1982 in the approximate amount of $3,073. Unanimously carried by voice vote. *20. OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL FOR PERSONNEL DIVISION The out-of-state travel for Sheryl Smith, Personnel Division, to attend an International Personnel Management Association Conference in San Diego, California, October 4-5, 1982 at a cost of $240, was approved. 21. ORDINANCE PERTAINING TO REFUSE COLLECTION OPDINANCE NO. 2637, having been read by title, it was MOVED by Barnett, seconded by Maore to adopt the ordinance as read. Mary Hersey, 1107 So. 31st Avenue, and Business Agent for AFSCME Local 1122, questioned why this proposed ordinance was not available for public perusal until noon today and also when had Council reconsidered Ordinance No, 2625. Ms. Hersey stated that if Council did in fact reconsider Ordinance No. 2625 in Executive Session, she believed this to be in violation of the open meeting laws. Further, she requested that Council delay acting on this natter until it has held another public hearing to gain input from the citizens. She stated that if Council did not provide additional time before rendering its decision, she would be left no choice but to take additional action, which could possibly involve another referendum. Ms. Hersey also advised that the Union she represents will spend the labor and money necessary to stop this action. City Attorney Andreas stated that in response to her question regarding reconsideration of Ordinance No. 2625, that this was discussed in Executive Session and is legally permissible since it involved prospective litigation. Council member Moore stated this ordinance is necessary fran a legal standpoint as a result of Supreme Court action and in no way is the City trying to eliminate City service. R. L. "Dick Wiehl, attorney for 'Yakima Valley Disposal, stated that by passing this ordinance the City is giving every resident a chance to "vote" by providing them the opportunity to choose between City service and private business. Council member Beauchamp stated his primary concern is that should private haulers take over this service, unfair business practices could ensue, such as undercutting current prices with the intention of raising prices later after the City has been driven out of the business. He further stated this ordinance represented a significant Change and to act upon this matter now without citizen input would be hasty. It was MOVED by Beaudhamp, seconded by Doty to delay action on this issue and to hold a public hearing to provide for citizen input. Council member Moore stated he had no Objections to holding this in abeyance for a limited time, but is still concerned with the legal aspect if nothing is changed. Council member Barnett stated that under the proposed wording the City would be a competitor not only for bin service, but also for can service and provided all residents with a choice. The question was called for a vote on the notion. The motion failed by 3-4 voice vote. Barnett, Carmichael, Buchanan and Sparling voting nay. The question was called for a vote on the main motion. The motion carried by 5-2 roll call vote. Beauchamp and Doty voting nay. 270 September 21, 1982 ORDINANCE- NO. 2637, AN ORDINANCE relating to health and sanitation; providing for and regulating garbage storage, collection and disposal; prescribing rates and imposing charges for refuse collection service; requiring a license and imposing a tax on private garbage haulers; repealing City of Yakima Ordinance No. 2625, enacted July 20, 1982; repealing Sections and Subsections 4.16.010, 4.16.080, 4.16.130, 4.16.140, 4,16.150, 4.16.170(k), 4.16.180C, 4.16.185 and 4.16.220; amending the title to Section 4.16.180 and amending Sections and Subsections 4.16.180E, and 4.16.210; and enacting . new Sections and Subsections 4.16.141, 4.16.151, 4.16.170(k), 4.16.172 and 4.16.180C, all of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. *22. ORDINANCE FIXING AND LEVYING THE AMOUNT OF AD VALOREM TAXES FOR 1983 ORDINANCE NO. 2638, AN ORDINANCE fixing and levying the amount of ad valorem taxes necessary to balance estimated revenue with estimated expenditures for the 1983 Budget for the City of Yakima. 23. ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR LEGAL FEES FOR RATTLESNAKE WATERSHED (First Reading) Council member Barnett spoke on behalf of Ines Rice, who could not be present, that she felt the City should have followed her advice on this issue long ago. The ordinance appropriating funds for legal fees for the Rattlesnake Watershed having been read by title only at this meeting, was laid on the table for one week or until September 28, 1982. 24. ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR COMMUNITY ACCESS TV EQUIPMENT AND STAFF (First Reading) Council member Doty stated that her prior question and her reason for removing this Item fran the Consent Agenda had been resolved. An .ordinance appropriating funds for ccmmunity access TV equipment and staff having been read by title only at this meeting, .was laid on the table for one week or until September 28, 1982. *25. ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR INFORMATION SYSTEMS SOFTWARE PURCHASE (Second Reading) An Ordinance appropriating funds for Information Systems soft ware purchase having been read by title only at the previous meeting, was brought before the Council for a second reading. ORDINANCE NO. 2639, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1982 budget for the City of Yakima; and appropriating money within 199-Federal Shared Revenue Fund for expenditure during 1982. *26. ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING FUNDS FROM FEDERAL SHARED REVENUE FUND AND TRANSFERRING FUNDS TO THE GENERAL FUND (Second Reading) An ordinance appropriating funds from the Federal Shared Revenue Fund and transferring funds to the General Fund having been read by title only at the previous meeting, was brought before the Council for a second reading. ORDINANCE NO. 2640, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1982 budget for the City of Yakima; and appropriating and transferring funds for general government expenditures during 1982. 27. OTHER BUSINESS (Sperling absent after 6:15 p.m.) It was MOVED by Buchanan, . seconded by Beauchamp to reappoint Robert Phillips to a four-year term to the Yakima Center Advisory Ccmmission. Unanimously carried by voice vote. -(Sperling absent.) September 21, 1982 271 City Attorney Andrews advised that the Pacific Union representatives will be coming to Yakima on October 14th to discuss the YVT track issue and he would inform the Council committee members as to the time When known. City. Manager Zais questioned Council's desires regarding the insurance matter. It was the general consensus of the Council that the City Manager should make information on the current coverage available for open competition, and after receiving bids, report to Council for possible consideration of utilizing consultant services for evaluation purposes. (Moore absent after 6:20 p.m.) ITEMS OF INFORMATION II/ Items of information supplied to Council were: letter from Dept. of Energy re: Rejection of Proposal on Cleothermal Resources. 9/8/82; memorandum from AWC re: Cancellations of Kelso and Spokane Mini-Conventions. 9/13/82; article from Wall Street Journal, "Aggressive Management Improves Outlook for Republic Airlines, but Troubles Remain." 9/7/82; article from APWA Reporter, "The solution is political" (on Public Works). September 1982; memorandum from Community & Economic Development Director re: Fire Master Plan Status Report. 9/15/82; Parks & Recreation Dept, Status Report of Cash Flow. 9/9/82; Parks & Recreation Dept. Program Status Report. 9/10/82; memorandum from Community & Economic Development Director re: Wood Stove Seminar. 9/16/82; Yakima Valley VCB Potpourri Newsletter. September-October 1982; Fire Department Emergency Activity Report for August, 1982; Police Department Monthly Report for August, 1982; monthly report on Engineering projects for September 1982; monthly report of Code Admin- istration Office Activities for August, 1982; and monthly report of Permit Center for August, 1982. 28. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, it was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by Beauchamp to move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing collective bargaining and immediately adjourn thereafter. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Sparling and Moore absent. Following the completion of the Executive Session, the meeting was adjourned at the hour of 6:50 p.m. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE . CCURATE B71010e/61,6441,0 DATE/I/Petri- co MEMBER DATE / COUNCIL w1:1 R ATTEST: A r \ MAYOR ' CIA}fsALeAr.\CIL