HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/17/1983 Study Session 1472 MAY 17, 1983
STUDY SESSION
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 presiaing. Council members Clarence Barnett,
Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Budhanan, Shirley Doty, W. K. "Pete"
Moore and Jack Sparling and City Manager Zais and City
Attorney Andrews present on roll call.
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2. INVOCATION
The Invocation was given by Dr. Clarence Lally.
3. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
Council member Doty cammented on the past and existing prdblem
of stray cats in the southeast area of the City. She provided
a history of the problem and questioned if it is possible for
the City to assist citizens Who are willing to take stray cats
to the Humane Society Shelter, but cannot afford to pay a
donation. She also addressed the problem of excessive weeds
in vacant lots throughout the City and questioned the City's
participation regarding enforcement of the zoning ordinance
pertaining to this prOblem. City Manager Zais commented on
the stray cat problem and indicated the City currently
provides a cat trap for citizen's use and will continue to
provide this' He coMmented that although the City
ddes nat City:Will continue to assist
citizens on a case by case basis Wherever applicable.
Regarding the problem of excessive weeds on vacant lots, City
Manager Zais responded,' informing Council staff is monitoring
this prdblem, especially during the summer months When the
potential for fire hazards is most prominent.
Addressing the new Council meeting format, City Manager Zais
informed Council of the lack of a quorum for the June 14
Council medang'dtrie to Council attendance at the Association
of Washington Cities Conference in June. He proposed Council
cancel the regular June 14 meeting and call a special meeting
for May 31, 1983. It was the consensus of the Council to
proceed with the City Manager's suggestion.
Mayor Carmidhael reminded Council of the Cable Communications
Division's open house to be held on Wednesday, May 18, from
3:00-5:30 p Yakima Valley Vocational Skills Center.
Mayor Carmichael addressed several invitations to Council
Which included an invitation to extend a welcome address to
- the Disabled American Veteran's Conference, June 9 at 9:00
a.m. She indicated Council member Barnett had expressed an
interest in addressing this conference, however, a possible
conflict has arose and she questioned if any other Council
member would wish to attend in his absence, if necessary. She
__informed.Cbuncil of an invitatiorLfram_the Washington State
Researth Council for Council representation at the June 2nd
meeting in Seattle. She also indicated Council had received
an invitation to the Conference of Legal Secretary's at 9:00
a.m. on May 21st at the Thunderbird Motor Inn. Mayor
Carmichael informed Council of the National Federation of
Local Cable Programmer's Conference on Saturday, May 21st at
1:00 p.m. She informed Council of a call she received fran
Bob Sinclair, Chairperson of the Cammunity Development Block
Grant Advisory Committee, regarding his letter of April 8th
requesting additional assistance regarding Council's
philosophy and utilization priorities of the Community
Development Block Grant funding. Following discussion, it was
the general consensus of the Council to respond to the
Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee
indicating Council's position that the determination of the
allocation of CDBG funds is primarily up to the CDBG Advisory
Cammittee.
MAY 17, 1983
4'73
4. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
- Ines Rice, 4409 W. Arlington; was- present to speak in
opposition of utilizing citizen advisory committees.
5. REPORT FROM COMMUNITY & ECONGIIIC DEVELOPMENT REGARDING CITY COUNCIL
REDISTRICTING,
. John Beer, Jr., Director of Community & Econanic Development,
..., was present to refer to Article 11, Section I of the City
_ Charter therein the Charter directs that upon publication of
the results of each decennial federal census, the City shall
be redivided
- as practicable. John Beer indidated the results of the 1980
alternatives that net the City Charter requirements. He
elaborated on the three alternatives provided to Council for
their consideration. Council member Barnett cemented Option
B appears to be the most equitable option and appears to be
the best option to conform with the City Charter requirements
regarding redistricting. It was MOVED, by Moore, seconded by
Buchanan to direct staff to prepare the appropriate
legislation to hring back to Council, adopting Alternative B.
Unanimously carried by voice vote.
6. REPORT FROM PUBLIC WORKS REGARDING TRANSIT CAPITAL PROGRAM FUR BUS
REPLACEMENT AND-TRANSIT FARES
Dave Rhodes, Director Of Public_ Works, and Bill Schultz,
Transit Manager, were present to address staff's report.
Referring to staff's report, Item No. 1, Fare Policy, Bill
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Schult2 expressed his understanding that fare policy was a
-concern of the Council and commented that the greater issue to
address is on .hat philosophy will the fare policy be based.
He indicated the transit system is continuing to improve,
providing .additional services and, therefore, staff concluded
the City is- justified to raise the rates. Bill Schultz
_ addressed the- necessity of holding public hearings on this
. issue to,receive public input prior to raising the transit
rates. 'Referring , to Item No. 2 of staff's report, Bus
Cleaning, Bill Schultz informed Council of the current
„situation, .therein the problem of getting buses clean, on a
regular. basis, continues to exist. - He indicated lh employees
are responsible for cleaning the buses as well as the
additional responsibilities of maintaining bus shelters. He
addressed the proposal from People for People included in
staff's report which would provide the work to be completed by
this agency on a contract basis, however, he expressed staff's
desire to find an interim solution to this problem and then
research the long-term idea of contracting versus purchasing
bus cleaning equipment. Referring to Item No. 3, Passenger
Shelter Cleaning, Bill Schultz addressed the substantial
increase in the number of shelters and the increased
responsibility of maintaining the additional shelters. He
informed Council of the two proposals received for contracting
shelter maintenance as outlined in staff's report, however, he
indicated ,staff's desire to slow down the rate of bus shelter
purchases and review hcw to best maintain the current
shelters. Referring to Item No. 4, Bus Procurement, Mr.
Schultz informed Council the high peak-hour ridership hours
are in the morning and the afternoon-and staff is
trying to keep the larger buses,on these routes to accommodate
the high ridership. He proposed, of the six buses remaining
in. the transit, capital program, at least three of the buses
consist of the larger (35 feet in length and 43 passenger)
, variety.. Mr. Schultz indicated the difference in price for
the-larger buses is minimal. Referring to Item No. 5,
Computer Procurement, Bill Schultz addressed the Transit
Divison's need for a micro computer to tabulate, organize and
report the system data collected by the division. He
indicated staff would like to recommend that an item for micro
canputer hardware and software procurement be included in
Transit's next umrA Capital Grant. (Beauchamp tenporarily
71+ MAY 17, 1983
absent after 3:55 p.m.) Addressing Item No. 6, Downtown
Terminal Facility, Mr. Schultz commented on the complaints
received regarding the parking of buses at the main transfer
point or staging area on Yakima Avenue. He indicated that due
to crowds, odors, etc., the present location is not conducive
to shopping in the downtown area. Mr. Schultz proposed
Council direct or authorize staff to find a suitable location
for a permanent transit terminal facility. Addressing Item
No. 7, Capital Improvement Program, Bill Schultz commented the
current capital improvement program is nearing an end and
recommended Council reconvene the Council Transit Subcommittee
to address this item, as well as the other items outlined in
the report. Council member Barnett expressed his opposition
to increasing fares for the transit system unless a decrease
in the current transit sales tax is guaranteed. Bill Schultz
responded, expanding on transit's improvements and the
provision of additional services over the past year which
would warrant an increase in the fare box structure.
(Beaudhamp present after 4:10 p.m.) Addressing the Washington
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State Fare Structure Survey provided in staff's report,
Council member Barnett expressed his concerns that the
proposed fare structure would be raising rates to the top of
the fare structure. Council member Doty expressed her
concerns regarding the lack of a scientific manner in which to
determine fare box revenue. Referring to fare box revenue
statistics provided in staff's report, Council member Sperling
questioned the amounts of transit sales tax in other cities.
He indicated he would like to explore Council member Barnett's
suggestion of decreasing the transit sales tax and review the
effect the decrease would on the Transit system. City
Manager Zais commented on the $500,000 reserve the City is
building for the bus replacement fund. He indicated the
replacement cost of one bus is approximately $100,000. Bill
Schultz commented on staff's intention to provide a regular
report addressing ridership data and budget status
information. Referring to a previous report from Transit
regarding anticipated bus cleaning needs, Council member
Barnett requested clarification of staff's present report on
this item wherein staff is indicating a significant increase
is necessary at this time. Council member Buchanan questioned
the status of the two buses currently -being leased from
Seattle. Bill Schultz responded to Council's questions. It
was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Barnett to follow staff's
recommendation that the Transit Subcommittee be reinitiated or
reconvened to address the issues outlined in staff's report
and report back to Council with recommendations. Ines Rice,
4409 W. Arlington, was present to speak in opposition to an
increase in bus rates for senior citizens and students and
also expressed her concerns regarding the cost involved with
locating a permanent transit terminal facility. The question
was called for a vote on the motion. Unanimously carried by
voice vote. Mayor Carmichael addressed-the membership on the
Transit Subcommittee, indicating she would like to continue to
work on the Transit Committee. Council member Sparling
indicated he would also like to remain on the committee.
Council member Doty indicated she would like to be replaced as
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a member of the committee, however, she indicated she would
remain temporarily to share the information she obtained at
the Transit Seminar/Workshop she attended recently.
6a. PRESENTATION CF PETITION BY BETTY CARLSON REPRESENTING YAKIMA
SUBSTANCE ABUSE 00UNCIL (YSAC)
Betty Carlson, 617 South 58th Avenue, presented a petition on
behalf of the Yakima Substance Abuse Council, requesting
enforcement of existing laws prohibiting drug and alcohol
abuse. She informed Council of the membership, activities and
purpose of YSAC.
MAY 17, 1983 475
7. STATUS REPORT ON DATA PROCESSING CONVERSION: CONSULTANT
PERFORMANCE AND SPECIAL STAFFING NEEDS
City Manager Zais informed Council this report represents the
efforts and the failure of those efforts to meet goals and
take proper direction over the computer project. He
indicated. there are many problems in the Data Processing area
Which are substantial and will require a great effort by all
staff to work through these difficulties as they are long-term
and complex prdblems. Assistant City Manager Wittenberg was
present to expand on staff's report, explaining the bottom
line of this report is that staff cannot recover their course
without additional funding resources being devoted to the
project. He indicated staff has tried to do too mudh, too
fast with too little resources. Addressing the proposed use
of micro computers as a partial solution to the existing
problems, Assistant City Manager Wittenberg responded to
Council member Barnett's concern of the role micro computers
would play in the overall computer system. He indicated the
use of micro computers would be complementary to the central
data system and expanded on the purpose of the proposed use of
low cost micro computers. Discussion followed regarding
clarification of the City's current central computer and the
specialized use of micro computers. City Manager Zais
emphasized the main thrust of this report is the need to
address the difficulty staff is experiencing with the main
system and the main programs. He clarified the future
equipment necessities outlined in staff's report are all
related to the central system, the Prime Ccmputer. He
indicated the requests for additional capacity to handle
additional systems has been laid out in the report for
planning purposes for the 1984 Budget. City Manager Zais
commented the specific request at this time is the support for
additional staffing to address the current deficiencies of
this year and for 1984; hardware decisions would be discussed
during the budget process. He addressed another major problem
regarding the data processing conversion Which exists with the
City's software consultant, SYSCON Corporation, of which a
major commitment of money has been invested. He indicated the
City needs to demand and receive accountability from SYSCON in
an effort to correct the unsatisfactory systems delivered by
SYSODN. Discussion followed regarding the manner in Which the
Prime Computer system and the software programs were selected.
Council member Beauchamp expressed his opinion that due to the
inefficient software programs provided by SYSCON, there is a
matter of liability on the part of SYSCON. City Manager Zais
clarified the communications currently underway with SYSCON
regarding their liability. City Manager Zais referred to
staff's report Wherein the need for additional staffing in the
data processing area is imperative to resolve the problems
with SYSCON and the other deficiencies outlined today.
Council member Budianan requested clarification regarding the
II/ warranty policy for the 14 additional terminals and printers
scheduled for installation, as outlined in staff's report.
Rick Pettyjohn, Information Systems Manager, responded,
informing Council an agreement has been reached with the
supplier Wherein staff will notify the supplier When the
equipment is installed, thereby activating the warranty on the
equipment. Following discussion regarding future computer
hardware cost estimates, it was MOVED by Barnett, seconded by
Buchanan to accept staff's report and direct the preparation
of legislation amending the 1983 Budget, taking the funds from
the Contingency Fund Reserve as required, not to exceed the
amount outlined. Council member Beaudhamp indicated he would
vote in favor of the motion only if staff proceeds to
investigate SYSCON's responsibility in this matter. Mayor
Carmichael requested Assistant City Manager Wittenberg to
elaborate upon the negotiation process in place with SYSCON
CoLporation. Mr. Wittenberg informed Council of a letter he
sent to SYSCON the early part of May wherein he outlined the
difficulties staff was experiencing and informed SYSCON no
further payment would be made to then until an action plan had
been decided upon, installed and approved. He indicated
SYSCON responded, indicating they would repair, at no charge,
those programs which experienced "bugs" or errors in the
7E) MAY 17, 1983
prcgrams. Mr. Wittenberg addressed the areas of mutual
difficulties regarding communications of which SYSCON proposed
to repair on a half/half cost basis. He commented on the area
of enhancements to which SYSCON responded, indicating said
enhancements were not originally communicated to than as needs
and, therefore, would be completed on a time and materials
basis charge to the City. He addressed the lack of
docunentation originally received, to which SYSCON responded,
supplying additional documentation. Assistant City Manager
Wittenberg informed Council, staff is in the process of
evaluating SYSCON's proposal and staff will arrive with a
counter proposal to submit to SYSCON, The question was called
for a vote on the motion. Unanimously carried by voice vote.
More abstaining expressing his concern of not being qualified
in this area to make an accurate determination.
8. EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
It was MDVED by Sperling, seconded by Buchanan to move into
Executive Session for the purpose of discussing collective
bargaining and then immediately adjourn the meeting.
Unanimously carried by voice vote.
Information Itets: Items of information supplied to Council
were: letter to the Washington State Department of Ecology
re: Yakima Project C530557-04 -- Litigation Settlement
Documentation. 5/11/83; memo from Director of Engineering &
Utilities _re: Water Treatment Plant Intake Structure -
Consultant Study. 5/13/83; letter from the Mayor of the City
of Bremerton expressing appreciation for time provided by the
City Manager and Sanitary Engineer re: discussion of the
Wastewater Treatment Plant. 5/5/83; letter from Crowley
Maritime Corporation re: appreciatiOn to City staff and the
Fire Department for assistance in the clean-up operation of a
subterranean gasoline spill located in the vicinity of South
24th & West Nob Hill Boulevard. 5/6/83; MOW) from City
Manager to Department and Division Heads re: Telephone
Committee. 5/5/83; - monthly report from the Chief of Police
for April, 1983; monthly report of Code Administration Office
Activities for April, 1983; monthly report of Permit Center
for April, 1983; minutes of the Parks & Recreation Commission
Special meting dated April 27, 1983; minutes from the Board
of Adjustment Special meeting dated April 1983; minutes of
the Civil Service Commission dated April 7, 1983.
9. ADJOURNMENT
Followdng completion of the - Executive Session, the meeting
was adjourned at the hour of 5:45 p.m.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY dew DATE
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CITY CLERK MAYOR
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