HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/02/1982 Business Meeting MARCH 2, 1982 127
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 Carmichael, Clarence Barnett, Lynn Budhanan, Shirley Doty and
W. K. "Pete" MOore. Council member Henry Beauchamp present after 1:55
p.m. Council member Jack Sparling absent.
1. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
Council member Doty stated that after hearing all the negative
comments about the City, someone suggested to her that
something positive be heard at the Council meeting each week.
She suggested that perhaps Council members can search out
something positive to share each week.
II/ City Manager Zais introduced John Beer, Jr., Director of
Community and Economic Development.
Council member Doty expressed her concern about the S.E.
Community Center and their difficulty with obtaining funding
from United Way. She suggested an amendment to her three step
plan of action, which would be to invite some citizens from
the community to evaluate the Center's whole financial
situation. She asked if the Council Committee could be formed
today. Council member Barnett suggested that the Council
Committee be formed and hold a meeting and then come back with
an approach to seeking citizens to serve on this committee.
It was the general consensus of the Council to move this item
to the business agenda under Item No. 8.
Mayor Carmichael reminded Council that appointments still need
to be made to the Housing Authority, Planning Commission,
Human Relations Commission and Parks Commission. Discussion
followed on Whether advertisements should be made for these
vacancies. It was the general consensus of the Council to
fill these positions, but advertise for those vacancies coming
up. (Council member Beauchamp present after 1:55 p.m.)
2. REPORT FROM TRANSIT DIVISION RE: ELDERLY AND HANDICAPPED
TRANSPORTATION
City Manager Zais stated that Larry Wittenberg, Assistant City
Manager is serving as Acting Public Works Director. Dan
Newton, Transit Manager, reviewed the four policy issues and
staff recommendations listed in his memo dated February 11,
1982. Council member Barnett inquired about the first staff
recommendation, asking if the decreased funding for
handicapped service would impact that program. Mr. Newton
stated there will be some reduction in service, but staff
hopes the diversified methods to be tried this year will more
effectively service those programs. He also stated there are
other funding sources for transportation of the elderly and
II/ handicapped. He reported that the Transit Committee met with
representatives from the elderly and handicapped service
providers, over a two-nonth period, about transportation for
their clients. Council member Barnett questioned the impact
on the elderly if we only service the handicapped in the
future. Council member Doty reported on the Transit
Committee's concern about this and their definition for
"qualified handicapped", which would include an elderly person
that was handicapped for medical reasons, i.e., an arthritic
condition. She stated they didn't want to eliminate people
who need the door-to-door service when necessary, however,
they wanted to find ways to save money. Referring to page 5,
Council member Barnett stated he felt the money allocated for
the elderly and handicapped dispatcher would be more valuable
under program one. Mr. Newton stated that program one also
includes a dispatcher. Discussion followed regarding the
dispatcher position. Mayor Carmichael stated that the Transit
Council Committee felt it was important to specify the amount
of money to be spent on this and to set some priorities for
service levels. It was the general consensus of the Council
to discuss It No. 3 and then decide on this item.
1 f en. MARCH 2, 1982
3. REPORT FROM TRANSIT DIVISION RE: UMTA SECTION 5 OPERATING FUNDS
Dan Newton, Transit Manager, gave some corrected figures to
make in his report, dated February 22, 1982. He stated that .„
on page two, third paragraph, $141,000 should be $151,000 and
in the next paragraph down, the last figure should be $53,000
instead of $60,000. Also, these changes should be made on
pages 4 and 5 of the report. Council member Barnett brought
up his concern that maybe the day would cone when the City
could not afford to allocate 3.5% for elderly and handicapped
transportation and if sum of these buses had the wheel chair
lifts, we would at least have that service available. Council
member Buchanan asked how these rates would fit in with the
proposed new rates for transit. Mr. Newton stated that he
will be bringing infoii'tion on that next week. Responding to
Council member Budhanan's question, Mr. Newton stated that we
currently have four 45 passenger buses on the routes and three
currently exceed capacity during peak periods four out of
twenty-six trips. Council member Doty stated she does not
believe we should purchase eight new buses at once. Mr.
Newton stated that it is possible the funding won't be
available in a-couple of years. Council member Barnett stated
that his hesitation is that if we don't get eight buses, then
someone else will get the money. City Manager Zais asked how
many of the buses were repowered and Mr. Newton replied that
eight of then were repowered two years ago. Asked why we
should buy the buses now when they were repowered and should
last another 4-7 years, Mr. Newton stated that in five years
we would be looking at purchasing new ones and the funding may
not be available at that time. Discussion followed regarding
the location of the shelters; Council member Moore expressing
his concern that they might be placed in residential areas.
He asked if staff has researched, these locations and have
permission to put than at those locations. Mr. Newton stated
that he had not obtained permission from adjacent property
owners where he wants to locate the shelters. It was MOVED by
Barnett, seconded by Buchanan that these two items be placed
on the business agenda of next week's agenda. Following
discussion about postponing this one week, the question was
called for the vote on the aution. Carried by 5-1 voice vote.
Carmichael voting nay. Sparling absent.
BUSINESS MEETING
4. ROLL CALL
At 3:00 p.m., the Council members commenced the regular
meeting, Mayor Carmichael presiding, Council members Barnett,
Beauchamp, Buchanan, Doty, and Moore and City Manager Zais and
City Attorney Andrews present on roll call. Council member
Sparling absent and excused.
5. INVOCATION
II/
The Invocation was given by Council member Beauchamp.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
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 Buchanan requested that Item No. 12 be added to
the Consent Agenda. Council member Beauchamp requested that
Item No. 13 be added, however, Council member Barnett stated
he understood there were sane options to consider. Council
member Beauchamp requested that Item No. 17 be added, however,
Council member Barnett stated that according to the staff memo
there are some people who might want to speak to this item.
It was the general consensus of the Council that the addition
of Item No. 12, as requested, be made. The City Clerk then
read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions by title.
MARCH 2, 1982 1 ' 2
It was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Buchanan that the
Consent Agenda, as read, be passed. Unanimously carried by
roll call vote. Sparling absent.
*7. MINUTES
The Council minutes of December 17 & 22, 1981 and January 5,
8, 12, 19 & 26, 1982, were approved, having been duly
certified accurate by two Council members and no one present
wishing to have said minutes read publicly.
8. CURRENT STUDY SESSION ITEMS
Council Canmittee for Southeast Community Center Maintenance
Council members Doty and Moore and Mayor Carmidiael
volunteered to serve on this Committee. It was MOVED by
Budhanan, seconded by Barnett that Mayor Carmichael and
Council members Doty and Moore be appointed to the Council
Committee for S.E. Carmiunity Center Maintenance. Unanimously
carried by voice vote. Sparling absent.
9. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
None
10. HEARING ON 1982 IRRIGATION ASSESSMENT ROLL
Frank Mabry, Water /Irrigation Superintendent, stated that the
City provides operation and maintenance for 65 separate
irrigation districts; of which, 38 requires pumping. He
stated that each district is accountable for its own operation
and maintenance. He stated that one item of concern was that
there are 10 districts that operated in a negative balance.
This negative cash balance has not been paid to date, nor has
there been any interest assessed to that irrigation district.
He reviewed the formula for calculating the assessments. He
stated that this was reviewed with the Utility Rate Advisory
Board and they suggested a four month operating reserve.
Speaking about some of the smaller districts, he stated that
sometime in the future, Council might want staff to look at
consolidating some of the smaller districts. He stated that
staff has responded to the various phone calls and letters, in
some instances, visiting the citizen to answer their
inquiries. He reported there was an error in calculating the
assessment for District 098, in which there was a problem with
the October data for power. The net effect is that the
assessment for that district should be reduced fran $.0160 per
sq. ft. to $.0102. Those citizens present objecting to their
assessments were: Edgar Haynes, 404 So. 27th Ave.; Wayne
Kesterson, 621 So. 26th Ave., District 556; Charles Nichols,
902 S. 9th Ave., spoke about the poor quality of the water
being delivered; Frank Stein, 117 N. 31st Ave., District 567;
Ed Moore, 413 S. 29th Ave., questioned why his assessment is
higher than his neighbors who have the same size lot and
larger than his; Kenneth Walker, 611 N. 47th Ave., District
098, inquired about abolishing the district and using City
domestic water; Judy Wilson, 304 No. 29th Ave., District 857;
Ray Diaz, 1710 Dalton, District 308; and Gordon Bender, 911 S.
25th Ave., District 601. Council members and staff responded
to the citizens inquiries regarding abolishing their
irrigation districts; City Attorney Andrews stated there is no
provision in the State Law for abolishing this type of system.
The public portion of the hearing was closed. Ordinance No.
2601 having been read by title, it was MOVED by Doty, seconded
by Buchanan that the ordinance be passed. City Attorney
Andrews reminded the Council that the assessment roll needs to
be amended and the Motion and Second was withdrawn. It was
MOVED by Doty, seconded by Buchanan to pass the ordinance, as
amended to shod the corrected figure for District 098, as
outlined by staff. Council member Beauchamp expressed his
concern about the large capital expenditure for the Glen Drive
:1 MARCH 2, 1982
District, which is not a large district and would have a large
impact on the citizens in that district. The question was
called for the vote on the motion. Carried by 5-1 roll call
vote. Beauchamp voting nay. Sparling absent.
ORDINANCE NO. 2601, AN ORDINANCE confirming the irrigation
maintenance assessment roll of the City of Yakima for the
calendar year 1982, and levying irrigation maintenance
assessments according to such roll.
11. REPORT ON ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DIKE REPAIR
Dennis Covell, Director of Engineering and Utilities, stated
that he now guestimates that it will cost $39,000 to repair
the dike located by the wastewater treatment plant. He spoke
about some of the problems they faced with the high water and
stated they needed additional riprap. He reported that they
decreased the amount of bank they felt should be armored in
order to save money; but will probably recommend that that
work be budgeted in the future. He reported that
approximately 15-20 acres have been lost over the last seven
years. It was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by Moore to
authorize the expenditure from the sewer cash reserve fund for
the completion of the Yakima River Dike for the total amount
of $39,000; a difference of $14,000 over the $25,000
previously allocated. Carried by 5-1 voice vote. Doty voting
nay. Sparling absent. City Attorney Andrews stated that he
will bring back a resolution next week ratifying this action.
*12. PRESENTATION OF 1981 POLICE ANNUAL REPORT
Report accepted.
13. REPORT ON NECESSARY BOILER REPAIR AT EISENHNER POOL
Dick Hilligus, Director of Parks & Recreation distributed
copies of the quotes received for repair of the boiler at
Eisenhower Pool. He reccmmended that Option three be
accepted, which is to fund the _repair from the Capital
ImprOvement Budget. He stated that $5,500 could be taken frcm
the Naches Avenue Street Tree Pruning Project, leaving a
balance of $9,500 for that project. He stated that that would
mean only the most hazardous trees would be pruned. Council
member Buchanan asked when the Wider was installed. Mr.
Hilligus stated it was installed in 1974 and Wayne Dean, Parks
Supervisior, explained the reasons why this boiler did not
last very long. Council member Doty expressed her concern
about taking the funds from the Naches Avenue street tree
pruning project and reducing the scope of that program. Mr.
Hilligus stated he thought the $9,500 balance would cover the
most hazardous limbs to be trimmed. It was MOVED by Doty,
seconded by Barnett to use Option 3 to fund the boiler repair
at Eisenhower Pool. Unanithously carried by voice vote.
Sparling absent.
*14. CITY-STATE AGREEMENT FOR FADS FUNDS FOR 40TH AVENUE & TIETON DRIVE
RESOLUTION NO. D-4623, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing
the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to
execute an agreement with the State of Washington, Department
of Transportation for partial reimbursement of costs for
improvenent to the intersection of 40th Avenue and Tieton
Drive.
*15. CONTRACT WITH YAKIMA ODUNTY RE: ELDERLY AND HANDICAPPED
RESOLUTION NO. D-4624, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing
the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to
execute an agreement with Yakima County, Provident Industries,
and Diamond Cab Company, relating to specialized
transportation services.
MARCH 2, 1982 131
16. CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION PLAN - SEWER MAINTENANCE (Continued
from 2/23/82 meeting)
Council member Barnett requested clarification on whether this
Change would increase the staffing, in the. sewer maintenance
division. Dennis' CoVell,, DireCtor of Engineering and
Utilities, referred to It No. 6 in his memb dated 2/2/82,
and stated that it will not increase the staffing of the Sewer
Division. He named the positions that would be in this
Division if this organizational_dhange is approved. There was
concern expresSed, and discussion followed regarding the size
of the crews. Speaking about the career ladder this proposal
would establish, Council member More stated he would like
some -assurances that this concept would be accomplished.
Council member Buchanan commented that this is more a
management decision rather than Council policy decision. City
Manager Zais explained that this is an area of management
concern to make a policy recommendatiOn, however, since it
- atrendS' the 'pays' classification plan', it; takes Council's
authorization. Ordinance No'. 2602 having been read by title,
it was MOVED by Doty, seconded by Beauchamp that the ordinance
be passed. Carried by 4-2 roll call vote. Buchanan and Moore
voting nay. Sparling absent. Council member Barnett stated
that he voted in the affirmative, based on the premise that
there would not be any additional increase of personnel in
this division.
17. ORDINANCE REGULATING THE MOVING OF BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES
Ordinance No. 2603, having been read by title, it was MOVED by
Beaudhamp, seconded by Doty that the ordinance be passed.
Council member Barnett referred to the staff memo dated
3/2/82, which indicated that some people wanted to be notified
When this item is discussed by Council and asked if they had
been notified. Hank Hein, Supervising Traffic Engineer,
stated they have been notified and Dennis Herron and Jerry
Price are present. He stated that Mr. Williams was present
earlier, but had to leave. Council member More stated he
spoke with Mr. Williams and had been told that if the $300,000
insurance limitation was in the ordinance, he would not object
to this ordinance. There was some discussion regarding the
Code provision to bring these houses up to code once they have
been relocated to another piece of property. (Council member
Buchanan absent after 5:40 p.m.) Following this discussion,
the question was called for the vote on the Motion.
Unanimously carried by roll call vote. Buchanan and Sperling
absent.
18. OTHER BUSINESS
It was MOVED by Doty, seconded by Moore to move into Executive
Session for the purpose of discussing pending litigation and
then immediately adjourn the meeting. Unanimously carried by
voice vote. Buchanan and Sparling absent.
INFORMATION ITEMS
II/
Items of information supplied to Council were: memo from City
Manager re: Council Originated Pending Items. 2/26/82; memo
from John Snider, Jr., Chairman of the Kittitas-Yakima
Resource Conservation and Economic Development Council re:
Council Meeting. 2/19/82; news release from Bruce Crest,
Cable TV Coordinator re: Community Access Channel 12.
2/23/82; memo from Tom Day, Wastewater Facilities Manager re:
Budget Questionnaire Summary. 2/17/82; memo from Tom Day,
Wastewater Facilities Manager re: Personnel Development.
2/22/82; memo from Larry Wright, Acting Director of Community
& Economic Development re: Outside Utility Connection
(Water). 2/22/82; Airport Advisory Minutes dated January 26,
1982; a pUblication, "The Mayor". 2/15/82; "Seattle's Capitol
Report". 2/12/82 & 2/19/82; memo from Dennis Covell, Director
of Engineering and Utilities re: Sludge Management Plan
Review by City Council. 2/25/82; and news release from Hank
Hein, Supervising Traffic Engineer, re: downtown traffic
signals.
32
MARCH 2, 1982
19. ADJOURNMENT
Following the completion of the Executive Session, Mayor
Carmichael declared the meting to he adjourned at the hour of
6:10 p.m.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY DATE.? 3e4ar T 2
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C ii QL MEYIBER
ATTEST: •
CITY CLE N / MAYOR