HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/03/1983 Study Session MAY 3, 1983 4 55
STUDY SESSION
1. ROLL CALL
The City Council met in session on this date at 2:00 p.m. in
the Council Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Mayor
Lynn Carmichael presiding. Council members Clarence Barnett,
Henry Beauchamp, Shirley Doty, W. K. "Pete" Mbore and Jack
Sparling and City Manager Zais and City Attorney Andrews
present on roll call. Council member Lynn Budianan present
after 2:38 p.m.
2. INVOCATION
II/ The Invocation was given by Council member Doty.
3. OPEN DTSCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
Mayor Carmichael questioned Council member Doty regarding the
outcome of "Clean Up and Green Up" day held in Yakima on April
30, 1983. Council member Doty responded, informing Council
that the event was a big success with an estimated 600-700
volunteers participating in the clean-up. She expressed her
hope that this would become an annual event in the City of
Yakima.
4. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
None.
5. WATER RATE LEGISLATION: REQUEST FOR CLARIFICATION OF METHOD OF
COMPUTING NEW RATES (Previously discussed on 4/26/83)
Frank Mabry, Superintendent, Water Division, was present to
distribute additional data Which illustrated the impact of the
water rate study over a two-year period versus the one-year
study previously provided to Council. Council member Barnett
began discussion, referring to several proposed
recommendations he had compiled using a compound interest
formula. He referred to staff's 5% Proposal for 1984
pertaining to a 3/4" meter size Wherein a $5.70 rate is
proposed and would produce a net effect of a campound increase
of 13.32%. Council member Barnett proposed that this rate be
dropped to a $5.68 rate which would produce a compounded •
increase of 12.92%. He also addressed staff's 8% Proposed
Rate for 1983 pertaining to Volume Charges for the next 600
cubic feet Which amounted to a 76 rate. Council member
Barnett proposed this amount be decreased to 75 which would
produce an increase of 7.14% versus staff's 8.57%. Addressing
the 5% Proposed Rate for 1984 pertaining to Volume Charges for
the next 600 cubic feet, Council member Barnett proposed
reducing the rate from 80 to 79< per cubic foot, thus
reducing the total 1983/1984 percent increase to 12.86% versus
staff's proposed increase of 14.28%. Addressing the 5%
Proposed Rate for 1984 pertaining to Volume Charges for the
next 23,000 cubic feet, Council member Barnett recommended
increasing staff's proposed 46 rate to LYN, creating a 14.63%
increase versus staff's proposed 12.19% increase. Council
member Barnett commented that by utilizing these proposed
adjustments, the residential user would not incur more than a
13% increase through 1984. He addressed the effect this would
have on the large commercial /industrial user, indicating that
by utilizing his recommendation for the Volume Charge for the
next 23,000 cubic feet in 1984, the commercial/industrial user
would incur an increase of $2.30. Council member Barnett
commented that if Council adopts staff's report, he would like
to see his proposed recommendations approved for the benefit
of the residential user. Council member Moore spoke in
support for Council member Barnett's recommendations. Council
member Doty addressed Council member Mbore's motion at the
MAY 3, 1983
1 4 5
City Council meeting of April 26, 1983, regarding water rates,
Wherein a committee would be established to work in
conjunction with the Utility Rate Advisory Board. She
expressed her confidence that the Committee and the URAB would
be able to develop viable suggestions pertaining to reaching
complete equality of water fees paid by residential users, as
well as commercial and industrial users. She commented that
prior to. the 1984 budget review process, perhaps the Committee
and the URAB may be able to devise a system of water rate
equality Wherein a 5% increase for 1984 may not be the correct
percentage 'necessary. Council member Doty suggested that the
domestic irrigation rates be increased over a two-year period
versus the proposed one-year time period. Discussion followed
regarding the possibility of phasing in the domestic
irrigation rates for residential, schools (including Yakima
Valley Community College) and City parks' use over a two-year
period. It was the consensus of the Council to direct staff
to prepare the proper legislation authorizing a water rate
increase of 8% for 1983, and 5% for 1984, as outlined in
staff's report, adopting Council member Barnett's
II/
recommendations. Domestic irrigation rates for residential
and commercial/industrial users would be increased by 17 for
1983 and to 20 in 1984; to increase the parks and schools
(including Yakima Valley Community College) user rates for the
first 5,000 cf in a billing cycle to 10 per ccf and to remain
at the 10 rate in 1984.
6. STATUS REPORT REGARDING URBAN AREA PLAN DRAFT ZONING ORDINANCE AND
REVIEW NEW MAJOR/MINOR MODIFICATIONS CRITERIA
John Beer, Jr., Director of Community and Econanic
Development, was present to provide a presentation expanding
on the three major Objectives established for the Urban Area
Zoning Ordinance Whidh included: 1) Flexibility; Which
addressed the new ability of the zoning administrator to
adjust basic design standards, thereby, allowing added
flexibility to developers in the type and variety of projects
successfully completed, with a minimum number of problems. 2)
Reduced application processing time; which includes the
development of varying levels of review, allowing for many
land use cases to be handled administratively versus the
lengthy review process associated with the Planned Development
Zone. 3) Consistency in land use decisions; which includes a
new process Wherein the Hearing Examiner represents a major
element of the new zoning ordinance. The Hearing Examiner's
function will be quasi-judicial and will be the common element
between the administration of the zoning ordinance both by the
City and the County. This objective also provides an
extensive appeals process which is much shorter in timeframe
than the current process used by either the City or the
County. John Beer introduced Dick Anderwald and Mark
Hinthorne of the County Planning Department. Mt. Beer and
Larry Wright, Assistant Director of Community and Economic
Development, responded to Council's questions. Mr. Beer
informed Council of the goal to adopt the joint Urban Area
Plan by the end of 1983; to have the system in place before
January 1984. Dick Anderwald, Yakima. County Planning
Director, was present to express his support for the proposed
Urban Zoning Ordinance. It was MOVED by Doty, seconded by
Moore to accept staff's report. Unanimously carried by voice
vote. '
6a. PROCLAMATION
Mayor Carmichael proclaimed May 1-7, 1983, as Mental Health
We in the City of Yakima and presented the proclamation to
Fran Lewis, Director, Central Washington Comprehensive Mental
Health. Ms. Lewis extended an invitation to Council to attend
a tour of the Mental Health Center on Friday, May 6, 1983.
MAY 3, 1983
4 57
7. REPORT FROM PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION ON REVIEW OF CITY POOL
NEEDS AND FUNDING FOR OPERATING LIONS POOL AND WASHINGTON POOL
Stan Lochrie, Chairman of the Parks Commission, was present to
introduce Dick Loofburrow of Loofburrow/Hollingbery
Associates, Who compiled the drafted Aquatics Needs Study
Report. Stan Lochrie informed Council of the Parks
Cdmmission's recommendation to re-open Washington Pool for
this year and to make a long-term commitment for the continued
operation of Washington Pool. He addressed staff's report
Wherein the opening of the pool would necessitate an
approximate $37,000 increase in the present aquatics budget,
however, adjustments in the budget could be made Which would
reduce the present budget by approximately $30,000 allowing
for the opening of Washington Pool at an overall budget
II/ increase of only $6,500. The Commission recommended opening th
Washington Pool, utilizing the $6,500 from the Contingency
Funds and indicated this funding would allow for pool
operation on a little or no fee basis. The Commission
encouraged Council to re the pool for all citizens and
reduce the fees, as the income level in this area is generally
lower than other areas of the City. Discussion followed
regarding availability of using the pool during evening hours.
Mayor Carmichael requested clarification of the Commission's
proposed reduction in rates. Stan Lochrie responded,
informing Council of the current fee schedule of 5�c for
students and $1.00 for adults. He indicated the Commission is
requesting approval from the Council to consider a possible
reduced fee sdhedule. Mayor Carmidhael expressed her concerns
regarding a possible reduction in fees, as the current fee
schedule is not excessively high and reducing the fees at
Washington Pool may set a precedence, necessitating the
lowering of rates at all pools. Stan Lochrie responded,
informing Council the Commission has recognized this area as a
low income area which is different from other areas in the
City. Council member Barnett indicated he had no objection to
a reduced fee schedule if this reduction in fees is legally
feasible and expressed his support for the opening of
Washington Pool. Council member Moore questioned the lack of
revenue information availability in staff's report and
questioned the expense incurred with opening the pool versus
the revenue received. Jodi WrOblewski, Recreation
Superintendent, was present to respond to Council's questions.
Dave Rhodes, Director of Public Works, was present to address
the effect the proposed water rates would have on the pool's
operational costs. He informed Council that the majority of
water needed to fill the City's pools will be utilized prior
to the proposed water rate increase taking effect. Council
member Beauchamp complimented the Parks Commission on their
report and urged Council to support the opening of Washington
Pool. It was MOVED by Barnett, seconded by Sparling to
approve staff's report to re-open Washington Pool for the 1983
season with additional funding of $6,500 from the Contingency
II/ Fund and requested staff to provide the necessary legal
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counsel regarding the fee schedule. Mayor Carmichael
requested clarification of Council mealber Barnett's motion
regarding the fee issue. Council member Barnett responded,
indicating he was authorizing staff to provide legal research
regarding the legal feasibility pertaining to reduced or an
alternate fee schedule. Council member Doty addressed the
need for an aggressive approach to developing active programs
for Washington Pool. Dick Loofburrow commented on the
successful swim program held by the YMCA Where swim sessions
were held free of charge. He indicated it was a major goal
for Washington Pool to reduce the fees. Mayor Carmichael
expressed her concern of the cost involved with the pool,
questioning if $6,500 would be sufficient to cover the
vandalism which has been associated with Washington Pool in
the past. Paul Sdhafer, Parks & Recreation Commission member,
commented the Commission is also concerned with the vandalism
in that area and is currently working to effectively address
that issue. Marsha Williams, United Indian Nation, was
present to suggest that effective attendance at Washington
Pool might be increased if the recreation program were coupled
L15 8 MAY 3, 1983
with the United Indian Nation's Children Feeding Program which
would provide a base to bring children in. Dolores Goodman,
1002 S. Sixth Street, was present to distribute a letter
addressing the need for funding of crime prevention and for
the poor and disadvantaged people in Yakima. She expressed
her support for the opening of Washington Pool. The question
was called for a vote on the motion. Unanimously carried by
voice vote.
•
8. REVIEW OF MUNICIPAL ENERGY/WATER ISSUES
It was MOVED by Barnett, seconded by Doty that the City
Council's representatives of the Yakima Basin Joint Board be
authorized to commit the expenditures of fees, not to exceed
$5,000, to participate in justifiable Yakima Basin Joint Board
programs. Mayor Carmichael expressed her concern that the
action required, as outlined in staff's report, regarding the
Yakima Basin Joint Board would result in a perpetual
authorization. Larry Wright, Assistant Director of Community
& Economic Development, responded, informing Council these
funds were for a legal defense fund. Council member Doty
commented this proposed action would allow for a sharing of
costs within the YBJB. Discussion followed regarding
guidelines for the City Council representatives' participation
in the Yakima Basin Joint Board. Council member Moore
expressed the importance for,Yakine to take a strong position
on the Joint Board. Council member Doty concurred. The
question was called for a vote on the motion. Unanimously
carried by voice vote. It was NUVED by Barnett, seconded by
Buchanan to authorize staff to apply for initial technical
assistance grants from the Washington State Energy Office.
Unanimously carried by voice vote. Council member Barnett
questioned if staff needed a motion regarding the dam
rehabilitation. Dennis Covell, Director of Engineering and
Utilities, responded informing Council that it was his
understanding , staff has a letter forthcoming from the
Washington State Energy Office informing staff that the low
head hydro consideration of the dam is not allowed as being
feasible. Dennis Covell indicated staff needed direction from
Council to return the temporary permit application to the
Federal Energy Regulatory Canmission. Larry Wright
interjected, informing Council that as a result of
conversations with the Energy Office, there is a major pump
station the City uses to lift water to a high level reservoir.
He indicated that under a "least cost alternative" it is
possible there is a type of generator that can be placed on
the diversion dam, at very low expense, with the sole function
of providing to the lift station. He indicated the cost
could be justified by the power consumption the City currently
has versus the cost of installing 'equipment. He indicated
that the Federal Energy Regulatory Canmission is currently
reviewing this alternative as a possibility for the City. He
advised Council to delay before returning the FERC permit.
Council member Doty questioned if the City would incur any
expenses if the City retained the FERC permit. Larry Wright
responded, indicating that as far as reporting requirements
are concerned, part of the requirements of the FERC permit can
be met by the fact of the further study the State Energy
Office is conducting and would not entail any work on staff's
_part. Dennis Covell responded, informing Council if the City
continued with the FERC permit, as a modified version from
that was discussed initially, staff would have to process a
considerable amount of paperwork regarding fish life, which
staff would have to complete whether the low head hydro is on
the dam or not. Dennis Covell informed Council that following
discussion with the consultant for the diversion dam by staff
and the Council committee, it was determined there were three
possibilities for the dam rehabilitation, of which all three
possibilities utilize sane of the existing which is
hopefully undamaged. He indicated there is a possibility of
an all concrete addition to the section of the dam that is
salvagable, or there is a second possibility of a rip rap
diversion structure, and the third possibility involves
concrete with the use of energy dissapaters in it and would
MAY 3, 1983 4 5
give an undesirable appearance of teeth on the concrete slab.
The consultant will be evaluating the cost of each proposal
and staff anticipates results of that study in approximately
to weeks. Dennis Covell indicated that the rip rap
possibility may be the most cost-effective solution. He
stated that if this is the case, staff would preclude low head
hydro. Larry Wright informed Council that upon receipt of the
consultant's suggested alternative, staff will prepare a
report providing Council with the new information.
9. EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING PROSPECTIVE LITIGATION
It was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Barnett to move into
Executive Session for the purpose of discussing prospective
II/ litigation and disposition of property and then immediately
adjourn the meting. Unanimously carried by voice vote.
Information Items; Itens of information supplied to Council
%ere: memo from the Director of Community and Economic
Development regarding Allocation Process for Emergency Jobs
Bill Funds. 4/28/83; memo from the Director of Canrnunity and
Economic Development regarding First Quarter Report on 1983
Community Development Block Grant Program. 4/28/83;
arbitration settlement of the dispute between the Yakima Fire
Dispatchers, I.A.F.F. Local 469 and the City of Yakima.
4/26/83; article from the Wall Street Journal, "Bill to Guide
Local Regulation of Cable TV is Passed, 15-2, by Senate
Commerce Panel." 4/22/83; letter of resignation from the
Board of Adjustment by Howard W. Elofson, 4/28/83; and Council
Calendar for May, 1983.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Following the canpletion of the Executive Session, the fleeting
was adjourned at the hour of 5:45 p.m.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY ( DATE
UNCIL MEMBER
DATE45/301
muNcaz MEMBER 0
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK MAYOR
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