Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/24/1981 Study Session 043 NOVEMBER 24, 1981 STUDY SESSION 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 Betty L. Edmondson, Henry Beauchamp, Lynnn Carmichael, Shirley Doty and Don Hinman. Council members Clarence Barnett and Lynn Buchanan absent. 1. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER Mayor Edmondson noted that there will be a vacancy on the Housing Authority and that copies of the applications will be furnished Council members for their study and to see if there are an adequate number of applications or if there is need to advertise again. It was also noted that due to the resignation of John Maxon from the Cable TV Committee, there is a vacancy on that Committee. It was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Doty that Terrence Massoth be appointed to fill the vacancy, unanimously carried. Barnett and Buchanan absent. Mayor Edmondson stated that she will advise Terry Massoth that he has been appointed. There was discussion regarding the Industrial Revenue Bond Workshops to be held in Seattle on December 8, and Spokane on December 10, 1981. Mayor Edmondson noted that one of the County Commissioners is going to attend one of these and asked if any Council members were interested in attending with him. Council member Doty stated she is interested in attending the one in Seattle on December 8, and will contact the County Commissioners. City Manager Zais reported that Don Horan, Finance Director will also be attending that session. Council member Doty noted that although Council member Barnett is absent from this meeting, he had indicated last week that he would be willing to serve on the R.S.V.P. Committee in her place. It was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Beauchamp that Clarence Barnett be appointed as the City representative to replace Shirley Doty on the R.S.V.P. Committee. Unanimously carried. Barnett and Buchanan absent. Council member Doty asked if the Street Light Bond issue is going to be brought up again and City Manager Zais stated that a report will be brought to the Council regarding this matter. 2. REVIEW OF PROPOSED TRANSIT BUS SPECIFICATIONS AND REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO CALL FOR BIDS City Manager Zais referred to the letter in the information packet that indicates that the UMTA Grant for $398,000 has been approved for the purchase of three buses, with the city share to be $79,000. Public Works Director Willis White reviewed the Grant stating that they will suggest submitting an amendment regarding the fare boxes and radios, stating they will need three of these for the three buses. The Grant states two only because at first they had thought to purchase two buses. He stated that this will not be a problem because there is a contingency amount of $30,000. Mayor Edmondson asked where the five bus shelters are to be placed. Dan Newton, Transit Manager stated there is a priority list and according to that they will he placed at 16th and Nob Hill, by Yakima Valley College; 5th and "D ", the State Welfare Office; in front of the Hospital at 30th and Tieton; Medical Center at 11th and Spruce; and Chalet Mall at 56th and Summitview. Public Works Director White reviewed the bus specifications and shelter specifications as well as some Transit statistics that were given during the Budget session and stated that Dan Newton, Transit Manager, and Rich Anenson, Fleet Manager, are present to answer questions regarding these. There was discussion regarding the companies that manufacture these 31 O14 NOVEMBER 24, 1981 STUDY SESSION foot mid-sized buses and it was noted that one of them is in Canada although 90% of the parts are American made. After discussion it was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Doty that specifications as outlined, be approved, that staff be authorized to proceed with the bid process, and that bids be limited to companies that assemble the vehicles in the United States, all subject to UMTA approval. Carried by 4 to 1 voice vote. Edmondson voting no, Barnett and Buchanan absent. Mayor Edmondson explained her no vote, stating that although she agrees with the concept that American products should be purchased, she also feels that the most cost effective purchase should be made. 3. REPORT ON PROPOSED BID LIMIT FOR PURCHASE OF SUPPLIES, MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT OR SERVICES Assistant City Manager Wittenberg explained that the Purchasing staff and a Citizens Committee have done an excellent job of getting the information to the people on this ballot issue and we now have a Charter amendment which allows the Council to set the bid limit for supplies and materials. He introduced two members of the Citizens Committee, Bob Knutson, General Supply and Gayle Bolm, Yakima Office Supply. He stated that the report submitted in today's material is an update of the one submitted previously that recommended that this issue be submitted to the voters and now that the ballot issue has passed, are recommending that the Council set the bid limit at $7,500. Jean Shipman, Purchasing Agent, answered questions asked regarding written quotes noting that there would be a procedure followed with written quotes, just as there is a procedure for the bid process, but that it will not be as lengthy, as complicated or as costly. Also, the low quote would be accepted as long as it met the requirements. If it met the specifications, the low bid would be accepted and used. Mayor Edmondson asked questions about the recommendation for a $7,500 bid limit and a previous request for $5,000. Purchasing Agent Shipman explained that the previous ballot request had been for $5,000 which was voted down and in putting the issue on the ballot at this time, it had been stated that the Council would set the limit and the recommendation is for a limit of $7,500. This will be reviewed in two years and cannot be changed before that time. After discussion, it was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Carmichael that the report be accepted and that the appropriate legislation be prepared to set $7,500 as the bid limit. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Barnett and Buchanan absent. OTHER BUSINESS Mayor Edmondson noted that the Council has determined that the Parks and Recreation Budget session will be held on Wednesday, December 9, 1981, from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon at the Yakima Convention Center. 4. EXECUTIVE SESSION It was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Beauchamp that the Council move into Executive Session to discuss pending litigation. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Barnett and Buchanan absent. (Pete Moore, newly elected Council member starting January 1, 1982, requesting to sit in on the Executive Session, it was the general consensus of the Council that he be allowed to do so.) 9 4 5 NOVEMBER 24, 1981 • BUSINESS MEETING 5., ROLL CALL At 3:00 P.M., the Council members commenced the regular meeting, Mayor Edmondson presiding, Council members Beaudhamp, Carmichael, Doty and Hinman and City Manager Zais and City Attorney Andrews present on roll call. Council members Barnett and Buchanan absent. 6. INVOCATION The Invocation was given by Council member Beauchamp. II/ 7. CONSENT AGENDA . - Mayor Edmondson referred to the items placed on the Consent Agenda, questioning whether there were arty additions or deletions fran either Council members or citizens present. Mayor Edmondson requested that Items No. 16 and 17 be removed. Council member Doty requested that Items No. 8, 13 and 14 be removed and Council member Hinman requested that Item No. 15 be removed since it would be the only it remaining on the Consent Agenda. It was the general consensus of the Council that all items listed be removed from the Consent Agenda. 8. MINUTES Council member Doty referred to Item No. 15 in the minutes of November 10th and requested that the sentence be reworded so that it is a question rather than a statement about documentation existing. it was -MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Doty that the minutes of November 9 and,November,10, 1981, as corrected, be approved, having been duly certified accurate by two Council ,members and no one present wishing. to have said minutes read publicly. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Barnett and Buchanan absent. 9. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Mayor Edmondson gave recognition to Al Burleson and James Henness for receiving a certificate of ccipetancy for Cross Connection Control Specialist I. Mayor Edmondson proclaimed the week of.Novemher 22 thru_26th as Family Relations Week and Adoption Week. Babb Larson, Parks Department, 3305 W. Lincoln, inquired about the status of this request for a hearing on:the management of the Parks Department. _Mayor .Edmondson stated ,that the public hearings will start in Decemher. II/ Ines Rice, 4409 Arlington, voiced her. objection to Council making decisions in the Study Session and not allowing any public input. Mayor Edmondson stated that Council does give direction to request staff to prepare legislation, however, that legislation will come on the ,business agenda and public input may be given at that time. She stated that the citizens can always call any Council member to express their opinion. 10. REPORT ON CENTRAL AVENUE PARKIICRESTRICTIMS, - Catherine Melford,_907_Central Avenue,- stated she did not understand the recommendation_by_staff,to.deny.thiS request. She stated she has a letter from Mrs. Alice Gbolston, which she read to the Council, in support of the parking restriction. Mrs. Colston lives at 904 So. 7th Street. She spoke about the difficulty in getting out of her driveway and passing other vehicles when there are parked cars on the road. Following discussion, it was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Hinman to accept the staff's secondary recommendation to restrict parking fran 8th. Street. to Fair.Avenue,on the south side of Central Avenus and request, legislation be prepared. Unanimously carried by voice vote. ,Barnett and Buchanan absent. NOVEMBER 24, 1981 01+ 11. STATUS REPORT ON SOUTHEAST COMMUNITY CENTER BUILDING ODDE IMPROVEMENT CONTRACT Mayor Edmondson stated that there are two Council members who must excuse themselves from discussion and this would leave the Council without a quorum to make a decision. Mayor Edmondson stated that this item will be continued one week. (Council member Hinman absent after 3:50 p.m.) 12. PRESENTATION AND CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED SEWER RATE ADJUSTMENTS Lynn GUttmann, Brown and Caldwell representative, was present and reviewed the sewer rate study, answering Council members' questions. Council members deliberated on the staff and utility Rate Advisory Committee's recommendations regarding the setting of an increased sewer rate. Don Horan, Director of Finance and Budget, spoke about the payment for street drainage and the proposed policy for listing that in the sewer budget rather than the street budget. It was MOVED by 11/ Beauchamp, seconded by Doty to accept the recommendation of the Utility Rate Committee, as proposed, with the exception of the street drainage program, which we would discuss further with the other Council members and request staff to bring this before the Council next week. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Barnett, Buchanan and Hinman absent. City Manager Zais mentioned that another resignation has been received from Donna Barlow from the Utility Rate Advisory Committee. There was discussion about which items can be continued for one week because one of the Council members has to leave shortly. It was the general consensus to continue Items No. 13, and 14 for one week. 17. ORDINANCE RELATING TO LICENSES AND BUSINESS REGULATIONS: IMPOSING OCCUPATION TAXES ON PURT1IC UTILITIES Lee Zoebrisk, Pacific Northwest Bell, Public Affairs area, stated that the proposal of staff goes beyond what is felt to be reasonable, as a way to compensate for HB 61. He distributed a handout on how this Bill impacts the phone company and explained how part of their business will be subject to retail sales tax now rather than a utility tax. He distributed a handout of the City's proposed changes in telephone taxes. He stated that under the phone company's proposal, the City would be receiving about the same amount of revenue as it receives now. He stated that the tax base, as it is proposed by the phone company is a stable tax base, while the long distance calls are quite volatile. Following discussion, it was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Carmichael to defer action on this for one week. Carried by 3-1 voice vote. Edmondson voting nay. Barnett, Buchanan and Hinman Absent. 13. AMENDMENT NO. 15 to R. W. BECK & ASSOCIATES ENGINEERING AGREEMENT Continued for one week. 14. WORK EXPERIENCE CONTRACT WITH O.I.C. Continued for one week. 15. INVESTMENT REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER, 1981 It was MOVED by Carmidhael, seconded by Beauchamp that the report of the Director of Finance and Budget, dated September 30 and October 31, 1981 regarding the investments of the City of Yakima, be accepted and approved. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Barnett, Buchanan and Hinman absent. 16. APPROVAL OF OUT OF STATE TRAVEL FOR DFt,:- KARY, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Willis White, Director of Public Works, stated that Del Kary went to California yesterday to inspect these vehicles and he says they meet our specs. He stated that the trucks would • 0 4 7 NOVEMBER 24, 1981 cost $70,000 each, which is a $24,000 savings for both trucks. Following discussion, it was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Doty to authorize the approval of out of state travel for Del Kary. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Barnett, Buchanan and Hinman absent. Discussion on the purchase of the two refuse vehicles continued; Mr. Vitlite and Mr. Kary responding to the Council's questions. There was concern expressed by the Council regarding the rapidity of this transaction and it was the general consensus that Council is interested in this particular proposal for these two trucks and have staff submit this for finalized action next Tuesday. - 18. OTHER BUSINESS ODUNCIL INFORMATION Its supplied to Council were: memo from the City Manager re: City of Vancouver, WA 1982 Preliminary Budget. 11/19/81; letter from UMPA re: Grant Approval. 11/11/81; budget information on equipment rental maintenance and operation costs; memo from the Transit Manager re: Summitview Expanded Service Data; 11/3/81; and memo re: October, 1981 Ridership & Revenue. 11/3/81; mbnthly report from Yakima Air Terminal for September, 1981; minutes of November 12, 1981 Cable TV Advisory Committee meeting; and minutes of October 20, 1981 Police and Fire Civil Service Commission meeting. Minutes of September 15, 1981 also. 19. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to cane before the Council, it was by Carmichael, Seconded by Doty that this meeting be adjourned at the hour of 6:15 p.m., to then meet on November 30, 1981 at 3:00 p.m. at the Yakima Center. Unanimously 'carried by voice vote. Barney, Buc an and Hinman absent. IF READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE B' _2,AL DATE/ - /2. - rar - A CO L MEMBER 11 , DATE / ODUNCIL : R ATTEST: . . lehm7mideni CITY 111 MAYOR It