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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 II/ 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. II/ 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 II/ for the public so that the citizens understand the necessity for 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; DATE / COUNCIL rio BER / 7,:...k„,.` DATE /— 5 COUNCIr l 'EMBER 11 ATTEST: qm. . a a 00 A144A1P j Aa12 0 . CITY CLERK MAYOR 1