HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/07/1982 Adjourned Meeting 326 DECEMBER 7, 1982
ADJOURNED MEETING -- TRAFFIC ENGINEERING AND ENGINEERING
The City Council met in session on this date at 9:00 A.M. in the Council
Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Council members present were
Mayor Lynn Carmichael, Clarence Barnett, Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Buchanan,
Shirley Doty, W. K. "Pete" Moore and Jack Sparling.
TRAFFIC ENGINEERING
City Manager Zais turned the meeting over to Dennis Covell, Director of
Engineering and Utilities, and Hank Hein, Supervising Traffic Engineer.
Hank Hein began discussion with Service Unit 116, informing Council the
service level could be improved through purchasing and installing more
efficient lights that are City-owned. He indicated these lights would '
pay for themselves in five years due to reduced costs to the City from
Pacific Power and Light, and provide both energy savings and increased
efficiency. He also informed Council that reversing the
turn-off/reduction Street Light Program implemented in mid-1982 would
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cost an estimated $30,000. Council member Barnett requested further
clarification on the street light reduction program. Hank Hein expanded
on the options available and contract legalities with Pacific Power and
Light regarding reinstituting residential street lighting. Council
member Doty inquired about the possibility of some arterial street
lights being left on during the winter months and having them turned off
during the spring and summer months. Hank Hein responded indicating
possible problems involved with that alternative. Council member
Buchanan stated that he felt the street light inventory should be
documented. Glen Pleasant, Traffic Signal Shop Foreman, was present to
respond to Council's questions. Council member Moore suggested someone
could go out and take an inventory of the lights, and questioned the
knowledge level required to do this. He suggested the possibility of
hiring an engineering student to do the job. Council member Barnett
expressed his concerns regarding the legal contract term of one year
with Pacific Power and Light, stating that since the City would be
locked into a contract for one year, Council needs to determine if the
lights should be on or off. He stated his desire to have the lights on.
Council member Moore expressed his agreement with Council member Barnett
regarding relighting residential areas and also agreed with Council
member Doty's suggestion of leaving certain arterial lights on. It was
MOVED by Moore, seconded by Buchanan to reinstate the previous lighting
system prior to the turn-off/reduction program as soon as possible.
Unanimously carried by voice vote. Mayor Carmichael indicated she would
like to investigate the arterial lighting alternatives before making a
determination. Council member Moore suggested a committee be formed to
meet with staff and come back to Council with a recommendation on the
arterial street light program. It. was MOVED by Buchanan and seconded by
Beauchamp that the Council Committee on street lights consist of Council
members Barnett, Doty and Moore. Carried 4-3. Barnett, Doty and Moore
voting nay. Hank Hein informed Council of potential liability problems
on arterials with the lights out. Council member Barnett questioned the
proposed purchase of computer software for $450, questioning how often
the software would be used to justify the expenditure. Hank Hein
informed Council staff will be bringing a proposed resolution to Council
next week, authorizing execution of a City/State agreement for downtown
signal progression system. Council member Sparling requested
clarification on street lights in service and the effect of a successful
bond issue.
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Council member Sparling requested clarification of different lamp
qualities and production. Council member Buchanan questioned the
proposed purchase of a compact, self-contained jack-hammer type drill.
Council member Doty requested a breakdown on the travel budget. Hank
Hein expanded on the division's travel expenditures.
ENGINEERING
Dennis Covell, Director of Engineering and Utilities, presented the
Engineering budget. Council member Barnett questioned the 43% increase
in administrative costs. Dennis Covell expanded on all of the
administrative positions. Council member Barnett questioned the 17.9%
increase in capital improvements. Council member Beauchamp questioned
reorganization responsibilities. Dennis Covell expanded on the effects
of the reorganization and was available to respond to further discussion
on the reorganization.
DECEMBER 7, 1982 327
ADJOURNED MEETING -- TRAFFIC ENGINEERING AND ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS - STREET DIVISION
Dave Rhodes, Director of Public Works, presented the proposed 1983
budget for the Street Division, informing Council on the status of the
division and relating his concern regarding street deterioration, staff
reductions and lack of sidewalk, curb and alley maintenance. Council
member Moore questioned the manpower reductions. Dave Rhodes indicated
two street maintenance positions had been removed due to budget
reductions. Council member Moore expressed his concerns regarding the
staff reduction, and inquired when the City originated the leaf pick-up
service. Discussion followed regarding the leaf pick-up service in
conjunction with refuse service. Mayor Carmichael expressed her desire
to see a policy established requiring leaves to be bagged for pick-up.
Council member Barnett stated he felt favorable publicity is necessary
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containing the leaves for pick-up by the City. He indicated a change is
necessary, but it is important to inform the public. It was MOVED by
Moore, seconded by Buchanan to request staff to prepare the proper
legislation to report back to Council regarding mandatory bagging of
leaves. Council member Barnett indicated he would have to vote against
the motion as the cost of bags are expensive to those on fixed income
people. He suggested staff report back with alternatives to plastic
bags. Council member Moore withdrew the motion. Following brief
discussion, it was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Buchanan to request staff
to prepare the proper legislation for the control of leaf pick-up and
such legislation to provide for pick-up other than the current method.
Council requested staff to report back in the First Quarter of 1983.
The question was called for the vote on the motion. Unanimously carried
by voice vote.
It was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by Moore to adjourn this meeting at
the hour of 12:00 P.M., but to continue the discussion on the Street
Division at a later time. Unanimously carried by voice vote.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY Li77;
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