Loading...
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 •4 ; R � / st DATE j..? C ii QL MEYIBER ATTEST: • CITY CLE N / MAYOR