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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/08/1983 Study Session 388 FEBRUARY 8, 1983 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 Carmidhael, Clarence Barnett, Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Bucthanan, Shirley Doty, W. K. "Pete" Moore and Jack Sparling. 1. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER Council mamber Doty requested Council's decision regarding representation for the Conference of Governments Executive Committee. Following a brief discussion, it was the general consensus of the Council to maintain the Council representation for the Conference of Governments Executive Committee as it currently exists. It was MOVED by Sparling, seconded by Moore to continue the balance of the year with the present member representation to the Conference of Governments for the 1983 year. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Council member Sparling questioned the status on the street light at 1st and Yakima Avenue. City Manager Zais informed Council member Sparling that he would request staff to contact him regarding _this issue. City Manager Zais reported he had just received a call fram the City's financial consultant, Dave Smith, regarding the result of Moody's Investors Service determination on the City's bond rating. He informed Council that although Standard & Poor's Colporation is still evaluating the rating and has requested further information, Moody's Investors Service has reached a determination that the Utility Bond Rating will be rated "A"; down from the "A-1" rating which the City previously held. He stated this rating of "A" will be the same as the General Obligation Bond rating the City received last month. City Manager Zais cited continuing economic reversals, and higher than normal unemployment as some of the criteria on which they based their decision. He informed Council that Moody's spent extra time evaluating the City's bond rating status, and they were pleased with reports presented to them by the City and the Chamber of amerce. He indicated they were also pleased with the settlement of the Wastewater Treatment Plant litigation. City Manager Zais informed Council that the additional information supplied to Moody's Investor Service by the City aided in preventing the rating from declining further. Council member Beauchamp questioned if their decision was final. City Manager Zais responded in the affirmative. Mayor Carmichael announced the Council has received an invitation from the Washington State Snowmobile Association to attend their convention in Yakima on February 19, 20 and 21, 1983. Mayor Carmichael informed Council she had received a letter from the Yakima Air Terminal and copies of their By-laws. She questioned if a motion was in order to approve the By-laws. City Manager Zais stated that copies of the Yakima Air Terminal's By-laws should be made and have a motion made to approve them. 2. RECONSIDERATION OF 1983 BUDGET ISSUES A. REPORT FROM LEGAL DEPARTMENT ON POTENTIAL STAFF REDUCTIONS Council member Barnett commented on the recent Washington State Supreme Court ruling to the effect that all persons charged with violating City criminal ordinances are entitled to jury trials, which was not previously true. He requested City Attorney Andrews to elaborate on this new ruling and its anticipated affect on the City's Legal Department. City 388 FEBRUARY 8, 1983 Attorney Andrews responded, informing Council that the new ruling will increase the City prosecuting duties to an extent Which cannot be determined fully at this time. Council member Beauchamp requested clarification of the staff report regarding scheduling of jury trials. City Attorney Andrews was available to respond to Council's questions. City Manager Zais commented on the amount of time required to research and analyze all legal cases, emphasizing the time element involved is essential. B. REPORT FROM FIRE DEPARTMENT ON DEPUTY CHIEF POSITION City Manager Zais reminded Council of the motion that was II/ tabled at the December 16, 1982 Budget Wrap-Up Meeting, regarding the elimination of the Deputy Fire Chief position. It was MOVED by Beaudhamp, seconded by Buchanan to remove the motion from the table regarding the elimination of the Deputy Fire Chief position. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Council member Doty requested clarification regarding the training portion of the staff report. Fire Chief Ed Carroll explained the jab classification, indicating some documents of the job classification are not up to date. He commented on the shifting of roles in the department and the jab responsibilities of the Deputy Fire Chief. Council member Doty questioned the number of Captains currently employed in the Fire Department. Chief Carroll responded to the Council's questions regarding the responsibilities performed by the Captains and Battalion Chief. The question was called for a vote on the motion. Motion failed 3-4. Barnett, Beaudhamp, Carmichael and Moore voting nay. C. REPORT FROM POLICE DEPARTMENT ON ADMINTSTRATIVE ASSISTANT POSITION AND SERGEANT STAFF ASSIGNMENTS Council member Doty requested clarification of staffing requirements and questioned if the "On Guard" program is the City's primary Community Services program. Police Chief Jack LaRue was present to respond to Council's questions. Council member Doty questioned the staffing requirements for the Community Services Program. Council member Barnett requested clarification regarding the consolidation of the Administrative Assistant and the Secretary to the Chief of Police and Command Staff position. Chief LaRue expanded on the staff report, responding to Council's questions. It was MOVED by Barnett that we proceed with the reassignment plan proposed by the Chief of Police. Motion failed for lack of a second. It was MOVED by Barnett, seconded by Doty to move Item No. 2C down to became Item No. 6A under the Business portion of the meeting. Unanimously carried by voice vote. It was MOVED by Beaudhamp, seconded by Doty to move Item No. II/ 2A down to become It No. 6B under the Current Study Session Items of the Business portion of the meeting. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Council member Moore commented regarding the Housing Review Committee meeting held last night, February 7, 1983, at the Housing Services Center. He infonmed Council of the Committee's recommendation to eliminate two positions at the Housing Services Center, those being the positions of Rehabilitation Specialist and Department Assistant III. It was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Beauchamp to consider this topic under the Business portion of the meeting as Item No. 6C. Council member Doty suggested moving the Item down under Other Business as Item No. 16A, Consideration of Housing Services Staffing Recommendations to then be moved up after Audience Participation on the Agenda. It was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Beauchamp that we consider the Housing Services staffing recommendations under Item No. 16A of the Business portion of the regular agenda. Unanimously carried by voice vote. 390 FEBRUARY 8, 1983 BUSINESS MEETING 3. ROLL CALL At 3:00 p.m., the Council members commenced the regular meeting, Mayor Carmichael presiding, Council members Barnett, Beaudhamp, Buchanan, Doty, Moore and Sparling present. 4. INVOCATION The Invocation was given by City Attorney Andrews. 5. CONSENT AGENDk Mayor Carmichael referred to the Items placed on the Consent Agenda, questioning Whether there were any additions or deletions fram either Council members or citizens present. Council member Barnett requested Item No. 15 be added to the Consent Agenda. It was the general consensus of the Council that the addition of Item No. 15, as requestai, be made. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and ordinances by title, It was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Sparling that the Consent Agenda, as read, be passed. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk (*) indicate items on the Consent Agenda handled under one motion without further discussion.) 6. CURRENT STUDY SESSION ITEMS A. Item No. 2C It was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Beauchamp to accept staff's report regarding the consolidation of the Administrative Assistant and Secretary to the Chief positions, but do not fill the vacancy created. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Council member Moore commented that the Council is not reducing on-street personnel; the need to address financial limitations is necessary at this time. B. Item No. 2A It was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Sparling to accept the recommendation of the Legal Department. Carried by 6-1 voice vote. Doty voting nay. 7. MINUTES The Council minutes of December 16 and 21, 1982 and January 4 and 7, 1983 were approved, having been duly certified accurate by two Council members and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly. 8. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Ken Schiller, General Manager of Cox Cable, announced Cox Cable will provide restructured programming effective March 1, 1983. Mr. Sdhiller expanded on the new options available to Yakima residents, informing Council that "Home Box Office" (HBO) will replace the "Playboy" channel previously offered. II/ Dr. Warren Starr, 5804 Douglas Drive, was present to thank the Council for listening to concerns of the public regarding the "Playboy" channel. He also stated he was pleased that Cox Cable has listened to the residents regarding the elimination of the "Playboy" channel. Dr. Starr also commented on the report written by John Beer, Jr., Director of Camninity and Economic Development, regarding cable television rate regulation. Dr. Starr informed Council of his opposition to cable rate regulation. Jim Allision, Yakima Valley gkills Center, was present to speak in support of Cox Cable's new programming structure. It was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Doty to move Item No. 16A, Housing Services staffing recomendations, up to become the next item of business. Unanimously carried by voice vote. FEBRUARY 8, 1983 39 16. OTHER BUSINESS A. HOUSING SERVICES STAFFING RECOMMENDATIONS Council member More commented that at budget time, it was proposed Council eliminate the positions of Rehabilitation Specialist and Department Assistant III. Council member Doty had expressed some concerns of deleting these pOsitions, as these are positions that work directly with the citizens. He stated that at the Housing Services Review Committee meeting held last night, February 7, 1983, it was decided to bring this issue to the Council today. Council member Moore stated that after discussing the evaluation of these two positions, it was the consensus of the Housing Services Review Committee II/ to suggest the elimination of the Department Assistant III position at this time and retain the position of Rehabilitation Specialist for a period of three to six months time. Council member Moore commented that due to the necessity to give the employees two weeks notice, Council needed to act upon this item in a timely manner. Council member Doty expressed her concerns, stating that the Rehabilitation Specialist position is very instrumental, especially with the Craftsman Corps. Council member Beaudhamp commented he concurred with the suggestion, however, there was one area in the Housing Services Center he was not comfortable with. He stated he would like to see the default counseling program restructured It was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Beaudhamp to delete the position of Department Assistant III from the Housing Services Division; that we do not maintain the position of Rehabilitation Specialist, and review the position in four to six months from now. Council member Buchanan expressed his concerns regarding the time element placed on the position of Rehabilitation Specialist. Council member Moore explained the reasoning behind the decision of reviewing the position in four to six months, stating he wants the opportunity to evaluate the productivity of the position. Mayor Carmidhael questioned why the Department Assistant III position is being eliminated. Council member Moore stated reductions have to be made due to over staffing. City Manager Zais informed Council that the deletion of the Department Assistant III position and the retention of the Rehabilitation Specialist for four to six months, to then be reviewed, was the recommendation of the Advisory Committee. He expanded on the need to examine the Housing Services Center's relationship to Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guidelines. Following further discussion, the question was called for a vote on the motion. Unanimously carried by voice vote. 9. REPORT ON DOWNTOWN AREA REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION REGARDING PARKING LOT ENFORCEMENT HOURS Council member Doty reported she had received a complaint that II/ ,citizens are still not being informed of the two hours free parking at the Diamond parking lots. She informed Council that a suggestion has been made to post signs in the stores, Which would inform customers of the first two hours of free parking available to the customers. In addition, the suggestion included educating the clerks in the stores regarding the parking regulations, therefore, they could become more knowledgeable when asked by customers What the parking regulations include. Council member Doty questioned if these kinds of suggestions would be of value. Council member Moore stated he felt these suggestions should be brought to the Downtown Area Redevelopment Committee's (DARC) attention at their next meeting. Assistant City Manager Tarry Wittenberg commented that Diamond Parking has been receptive to suggestions in the past, however, he could not anticipate their reaction to the suggestions just mehLioned. City Manager Zais concurred with Council member Moore in that these suggestions should be brought to DARC's attention. Council member Barnett expressed his concerns regarding communication problems pertaining to the free parking after 8:00 p.m. as suggested in the report. It was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by Moore to approve the new enforcement hours. Unanimously carried by voice vote. 3 9 2 FEBRUARY 8, 1983 10. REPORT FROM OONVENTION CENTER AND TROLLEYS REGARDING 1982 YEAR-END STATUS Les McNary, General Manager of the Yakima Center, was available to present a report to Council regarding the 1982 year-end status of the Convention Center and the Trolleys. Mr. McNary expanded on the creation of the anticipated "HOST" program wherein the Convention Center will participate in developing a program to train managers and owners of businesses that are tourist oriented so that they, in turn, may train their staff as well informed tourist recipients. Mr. McNary addressed the need to resurface the roof of the Convention Center in 1984. Council member Barnett questioned the status of the trolley service. Mr. McNary reported there will be trolley services for the 1983 _year, however, he inforthed Council of the possibility that the trolley services II/ may not be able to operate inside the City limits due to the possible removal of electrical wiring by the Union Pacific Railroad. He indicated trolleys could be relocated in the County. Mr. McNary reported he anticipated running the trolleys for the entire season, and does not anticipate Yakima Valley Transit or Union Pacific nuking any changes during this 1, season of April 1, to September 5, 1983. Mr. McNary introduced the needy hired Trolley Coordinator, Barbara Thompson. Mr. NcNary responded to Council's questions. It Was MOVED by Budhanan,_seconded by Moore to accept the report. Unanimously carried by voice vote. *11. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT NO. 5 WITH WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF 'TRANSPORTATION REGARDING SOUTH FIRST STREET, MEAD TO ARLINGTON, PROJECT RESOLUTION NO. D-4776, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute Supplement No. 5 to an agreenent with the State of Washington, Department of Highways, for partial reimbursement of costs for overlay of South 1st Street from Mead to Arlington Streets. *12. RESOLUTION SETTING A DATE FOR HEARING ON THE CONFIRMATION OF THE 1983 IRRIGATION MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT ROLL RESOLUTION NO. D-4777, A RESOLUTION setting a date for hearing on the confirmation of the irrigation maintenance assessment roll for the year 1983. *13. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE OOLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT WITH THE YAKIMA POLICE PATROLMEN'S ASSOCIATION RESOLUTION NO. D-4778, A RESOLUTION authorizing the amendrrent of the 1983 Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Yakima and the Yakima Police Patrolmen's Association. *14. FIX DATE OF HEARINGS A. February 22, 1983, was set as the date of hearing for a major modification/rezpne from R-2 to Planned Development located at 54 W. Nob Hill Boulevard (Bamboo Terrace). B. February 22, 1983, was set as the date of hearing for a rezone request from R-3 to B-1, located in the vicinity of 300 block of South lath Avenue, as requested by D. Miller and J. Sahr. 15. ORDINANCE RELATING TO ALCOHOL OONSUMPrION AT THE SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER Ordinance No. 2675, having been read by title, it was MOVED by Sparling, seconded by Buchanan to adopt the ordinance as read. Carried, by 5-2 voice vote. Barnett and Beauchamp voting nay. FEBRUARY 8, 1983 393 16, OTHER BUSINESS City Manager Zais informed the Council that a suit has been 'filed against the City regarding a bus accident. Mayor Carmichael addressed the topic of Council attendance at the National League of Cities Conference in March. She suggested Council members Doty and Beauchamp be authorized to attend the conference. Council member Doty expressed her opposition to attending the conference due to budgetary constraints. Mayor Carmichael then suggested Council member Beaudiamp and City Manager Zais as possible candidates to attend the conference. Council member Beauchamp expressed his support for Council attendance at the Conference, indicating II/ it was not necessarily important that he go, but stated he felt it is important for the City to be represented. INFORMATION ITEMS Items of information submitted to Council were: memo from Director of Community & Economic Development to the City Manager re: Closing Out Sale - 6 North 3rd Street (Dahnken). 1/28/83; memo from the Director of Public Works to the City Manager re: 1982 Christmas Decoration Report. 2/2/83; memo from the City Attorney to the City Manager re: Damage Claims Referred to Insurance Company. 2/3/83; letter from the Supervising Traffic Engineer to C.C. Akin, Chairman, Local Service Committee, Pacific Northwest Bell Telephone Company re: 2nd Avenue Parking. 1/27/83; article from Business Week dated February 7, 1983 "A Fiasco That May Rock Municipal Bonds."; infolitation from The Bureau of National Affairs, Inc. dated 1/17/83 re: "Regan Likely to Propose Consolidation of CDBG, Revenue Sharing for Fiscal 1984."; minutes of the City ' of Yakima Planning Commission meeting of January 4, 1983; minutes from the Community Programming Advisory Committee meeting dated January 11, 1983; and Legislative Digest No. 1, dated January 26, 1983. 17. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to cane before the Council, it was MOVED by Mbore, Seconded by Sperling that this meeting be adjourned at the hour of 4:05 p.m. Unanimously carried by voice vote. - 6 / 7e-5 READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY 40 COUNCIL mg' R AL(.4 DATE COUNCITY ' ATTEST: II/ /1 / 4 MAYOR At