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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 th 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 1 eQ Page 460 inadverently left out.