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