The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About01/04/1983 Study Session 360 JANUARY 4, 1983 STUDY SESSION The City Council met 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 Carmidhael, Clarence Barnett, Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Buchanan, Shirley Doty, and Jack Sparling. Council member W. K. "Pete" Moore absent. 1. OPEN DISCUSSION POR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER Council - member Doty informed Council of a letter she received from the Conference of Governments (COG) regarding election of officers for 1983 to be held January 19, 1983. Following discussion, it was MOVED by Budhanan, seconded by Barnett to reccmmend Shirley Doty to the Executive Ccmmittee for COG for the 1983 year. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Moore absent. Council member Doty informed Council she is receiving calls from citizens who would like to pay utility bills after working hours and request a night drcp box for this purpose. City Manager Zais stated he would research the request. Council member Barnett inquired what the status was regarding the removal of railroad tracks from Nob Hill Boulevard by Union Pacific Railroad. City Manager Zais indicated he had not received a response fran Union Pacific to-date, but would research the issue. Mayor Carmichael discussed the alternatives cpen to Council regarding interviewing candidates for the Civil Service Commission cpening. Mayor Carmichael announced an off agenda iten; No. 8A Hearing on Resolution of intention to create a local improvement district. (Modesto Sewer District - Ordinance creating a Local Improverent District). 2. DISCUSSION WITH FINANCIAL OONSULTANT RE: 1983 WATER-SEWER BOND ISSUE AND CITY BOND RATINGS City Manager Zais introduced Dave Smith of Foster & Marshall who is the financial consultant for the City. City Manager Zais informed Council of closing procedures regarding the Wastewater Treatment Plant-litigation settlement and also of the tentative downgrading of the City's General Obligation Bond Rating frcm "A-1" to "A" by Moody's Investor Service. He suggested that a personal presentation be made by the City to Moody's in New York City in an effort to retain the "A-1" Rating for both the General Obligation Bond Rating and the future Revenue Bond issue. City Manager Zais expanded on the conditions upon which Moody's based their decision. Discussion followed regarding possible individuals who would travel to New York. City Manager ,Zais provided background information regarding a similar trip to New York in 1978, indicating those involved were two Council members, the Mayor and Bob Peterson of Pacific Power and Light. He informed Council that participants for this trip, in addition to himself, would be David Smith, Dennis Bertek, Sanitary Engineer, and Bob Peterson, Pacific Power and Light. He expanded on Mr. Peterson's participation in making the presentation in 1978 and informed Council Pacific Power & Light would pay Mr. Peterson's expenses for the trip. He also informed Council of Mr. Peterson's capacity as President of the Chamber of Ccmfferce this year and he would therefore, be able to contribute additional information and support pertaining to the economic strength and stability of the Yakima area. Dave Smith responded - to Council's questions regarding the type of meeting which will be held in New York and explained the process of determining bond ratings. It was MOVED by Barnett, seconded by Sparling to authorize the City Manager, Dennis .Bertek and the Mayor to attend the meetings with Moody's Investor Service and Standard & Poor's in New JANUARY 4, 1983 361 York City regarding the bond rating. City Manager Zais indicated that in addition to the Mayor and Dennis Bertek accompanying him, Dave Smith and Bob Peterson would be accompanying him to New York for the presentation. The question was called for a vote on the motion. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Moore absent. 3. RECONSIDERATION OF SOLICITING COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS FOR PROVIDING INDIGENT DEFENSE SERVICE Mayor Carmichael began discussion, informing Council she had received a letter from Sergio Armijo, attorney, with a bid for handling indigent defense for the City. City Manager Zais informed Council he was not are the letter had arrived and II/ indicated this Item on the Agenda today is regarding the issue of Whether or not to solicit for competitive proposals for providing indigent defense service. City Attorney Andrews informed Council of his most recent discussion with Fred Porter in which Fred Porter proposes that for the 1983 year, he will continue to perform indigent defense for the same amount as contracted in 1982, $43,600, and will do this for the entire year. City Attorney Andrews also indicated that Fred Porter has been appointed by the County for indigent defense with the knowledge different arrangements will be made in 1984 by the County. Council member Barnett stated he felt that the City should retain Fred Porter under the revised contract. He indicated that due to changes made in Superior Court regarding jury trials, he feels it is important to retain Fred Porter who is familiar with indigent defense. It was MOVED by Barnett, seconded by Budhanan that we accept Fred Porter's offer for 1983 for the defense of indigents. Council member Beauchamp requested clarification of the contract amount in 1982. City Attorney Andrews informed Council that the 1983 contract is for the original 1982 amount of $43,600. Council member Doty expressed her desire to pursue some type of action to see criteria for indigency changed or recoup expenses in same manner. The question was called for a vote on the motion. Carried by 4-2 voice vote. Beauchamp and Sparling voting nay. Moore absent. BUSINESS MEETING 4. ROLL CALL At 3:00 p.m., the Council members cammencPd the regular meeting, Mayor Carmichael presiding, Council members Barnett, Beaudhamp, Budianan, Doty, Sparling and City Attorney Andrews and City Manager Zais present on roll call. Council member Moore absent and excused. 5. INVOCATION The E y:ation was given by Council member Beaudhamp. CONS 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. Council member Barnett requested the addition of Item No. 11; Council member Doty requested the deletion of Items No. 9 and 13. It was the general consensus of the Council that the addition of Item No. 11 and the deletion of Items No. 9 and 13, as requested, be made. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and ordinances by title. . It was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Buchanan that the Consent Agenda, as read, be passed. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. Moore absent. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk (*) indicate items on the Consent Agenda handled under one motion without further discussion.) 362 JANUAR/ 4, 1983 7. CURRENT STUDY SESSION ITEMS None . • 8. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Leonard Crose, 3111 Tieton Drive, was present to speak on a letter he had received from the City regarding a hedge in front of his house which is blocking the view of on-caning cars. Mr. Crose indicated he had received the letter shortly before Christmas and the letter requested Mr. Crose to remove or alter the hedge to meet City specifications before January 2, 1983. Mr. Crose indicated weather conditions prevent any type of work at this tine and informed Council he has maintained the height of the hedge (20") at the same height II/ which was created by a local improvement completed on Tieton Drive and 32nd Avenue in 1963-64. He informed Council he did not want to eliminate the hedge as it serves as a protection barrier from the traffic on Tieton Drive. City Manager Zais stated he would research this problem and report back to Council. Mayor Carmichael stated William Strole, 201 S. 48th Avenue, has left a message'- for the. Council regarding Sunday bus service. He requested this service be reinstated. 8A. HEARING ON RESOLUTION OF INTENTION TO CREATE A LOCAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (MODESTO- SEWER DISTRICT -- ORDINANCE CREATING A LOCAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT) Dennis Covell, Director of Engineering and Utilities, presented the request for a Local Improvement District on Modesto Way. He expanded on the approximate assessment to each individual, indicating the cost would be approximately $1,625 each except for parcel #8, which has a larger portion of property, of which the assessment would be $1,774. Council member Doty questioned if this Local Improvement was located inside the City limits. Dennis Covell indicated it was not, the City has an outside utility agreement. He also informed Council that Parcel #2 was the only property owner who did not respond, hcwever, the City does have 87% approval of affected property owners to create the Modesto Way Sewer Local Improvement District. Discussion followed regarding the financial conditions of the Local Improvement District. This being the time fixed for the hearing on the Modesto Way Sewer Local Imptoverrent District, LaGrant Barfuss, 4908 Modesto Way, was present to speak in support of the project. There being no other citizen wishing to speak to this issue, the public portion of the hearing was closed. The ordinance having been read by title, it was MOVED by Barnett, seconded by Doty to adopt the ordinance. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. More absent. • ORDINANCE NO. 2661, AN ORDINANCE providing for the. improvement II/ of certain property by constructing a pipe sewer with the necessary wye brandies and inanholes; establishing a Local Improvement DiStrict, providing for the 'method of payment thereof, and creating a special fund. 9. A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A SCHEDULE OF FEES FOR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES OF THE CITY OF YAKIMA DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION FOR 1983 Resolution NO. D-4758, having been read by title, it was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by Barnett to adopt the resolution. Referring to Item No. 4, Administration of Program, of the 1983 Fee Schedule, Council member Doty questioned if the 10% figure used to determine fees for each participant was sufficient. Dave Rhodes, Director of Public Works, expanded on the program fee formula. Council member Beauchamp temporarily absent after 3:45 p.m.) The question was called for a vote on the motion. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Beauchamp temporarily absent. Moore absent. 363 JANUARY 4, 1983 *10. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AN EASEMENT DEED FOR A BUS SHELTER RESOLUTION NO. D-4759, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager and the City Clerk to execute an easenent deed between the City of Yakima and Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital Association. *11. REPORT FROM THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT REGARDING STATE AUDITOR'S 1981 GENERAL EXAMINATION FINDINGS The report from the Accounting Manager dated January 4, 1983, regarding the State Audibor's 1981 General Examination II/ findings, was accepted and approved. *12. ODNFIRMATION OF CITY MANAGER'S APPOINTMENT TO POLICE AND FIRE CIVIL SERVICE (3JMMISSION The report from the City Manager dated January 4, 1983 regarding the confirmation of appointment of Sister Charlotte Van Dyke to the Police & Fire Civil Service Commission, was accepted and approved. 13. AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS TO THE 1982 YEAR-END AMENDED BUDGET (Second Reading) An ordinance providing additional appropriations to the 1982 year-end amended budget, having been ready by title only at the previous meeting, was brought before the Council for a second reading. It was MDVED by Barnett, seconded by Buchanan to adopt the ordinance as read. Council member Doty requested clarifications regarding Item E. of Schedule I. Robert Wheeler, Accounting Manager, was present to provide further information regarding the Schedule. Council member Sparling requested clarification regarding inter-fund borrowing. City Manager Zais expanded on the inter-fund borrowing process. The question was called for a vote on the notion. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. Beauchamp temporarily absent. Moore absent. ORDINANCE NO. 2662, AN ORDINANCE amendi ng the 1982 Budget of the City of Yakima; appropriating various anounts of unappropriated money within various funds for expenditures during 1982. *14. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1982 BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF YAKIMA, AND APPROPRIATING MDNEY WITHIN 478-WASTEWATER FACILITIES FUND FOR EXPENDITURE DURING 1982 (Second Reading) An Ordinance amending the 1982 Budget for the City of Yakima, and appropriating money within 478-Wastewater Facilities Fund for expenditure during 1982, having been read by title only at the previous meeting, was brought before the Council for a second reading. ORDINANCE NO. 2663, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1983 Budget of the City of Yakima, and appropriating money within 478-Wastewater Facilities Fund for expenditure during 1982. 15. OTHER BUSINESS Council member Doty informed Council the Yakima Basin Joint Board, is meeting to set the 1983 Budget and is considering increasing the membership dues. Following discussion regarding the goals and performance of the Joint Board, City Manager Zais informed Council he would put this item on the next agenda for consideration. Council member Buchanan requested information regarding the Marketing Specialist position in the Transit Division. He also inquired about the recent public relations promotion conducted by the Transit Division on Dec. 18 in which the 364 JANUARY 4, 1983 public was allowed to ride the transit system for free if the person donated a canned food item. (Beauchamp present after 3:55 p.m.) Council member Buchanan inquired regarding the cost incurred by the City to conduct this promotion. Dave Rhodes was available to respond to Council's questions. Mayor Carmichael called a special session for Friday, Jan. 7, 1983, at 11:00 a.m. for the purpose of interviewing candidates for the Charter Civil Service Commission. Council number Barnett stated he would like the letter from Mrs. Ken Wertzenberser dated Dec.. 21, 1982 regarding a Diamond Parking complaint referred to the Downtown Area Redevelopment Committee (%RC) for their information and consideraton. Council member Barnett questioned the current procedures for sanding of the City streets due to heavy snowfall. Dave Rhodes reported on the budget for snow removal. INFORMATION ITEMS Items of information supplied to Council were: Council calendar for January 1983; minutes of the regular meeting of the Yakima District Board of Health dated November 10, 1982; article from the Wall Street Journal dated December 17, 1982 "Patching Public Works"; news release from Recreation Supervisor regarding Public Hearong re: Franklin Park Track & Field Facility PrcpoSed by, Yakima, School District #7. 12/17/82; letter. _frau Jeffrey C. Sullivan, Prosecuting Attorney and John V. Staffan, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, to Fred Andrews regarding release of County Park Funds. 12/20/82; article from the Wall Street Journal dated 12/20/82 "Public-Acess TV in Manhattan Is Inclined Towards Sex and Sadism"; memo from City Manager re: Wastewater Litigation: Final Settlement Agreements. 12/27/82; and information from Preston, thorgrimson, Ellis Holman re: HB626 relating to Cable T.V. 12/7/82. 16. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to cane before Council at this time, it was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Buchanan to adjourn this meeting at the hour of 4:15 p.m. Moore absent. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY A i, DATE/36r3 =cu. MEMBER DATE,2/003 COUNCIL MpABER ATTEST: - I. L 0 to CITY CLERK MAYOR