HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/17/1981 Study Session 033
NOVEMBER 17, 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, Clarence Barnett, Henry Beauchamp, Lynn
Buchanan, Lynn Carmichael, Shirley Doty and Don Hinman.
1. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
Mayor Edmondson reported that there was an individual present
that would like to care before the Council to bring some
information to them at this time. Gini Heintzman, Yakima
II/ Valley Transportation Excthange, explained that this year is
International Year of Disabled Persons and distributed cards
that are used to tell people that they have parked in a
handicapped person's place. Ms. Heintzman requested that they
would like to have this approved to have IYDP, City of Yakima,
1981, typed on the cards. Ms. Heintzman also requested that
instead of people receiving a ticket the first time around,
that these cards be placed on their windshield as a warning.
She also stated that they would like permission to pass these
cards out at the Mall on December 5, 1981 during the Handicap
Fair. Mayor Edmondson requested clarification on Ms.
Heintzman's requests pertaining to staff use of these cards in
place of a ticket and stated that a report from staff would
have to cane before the Council on this matter. It was MOVED
by Hinman, seconded by Beauchamp that the use of these cards
by citizens be approved to be put on cars that are parked in
spaces reserved for handicapped people and that staff be
directed to prepare a report regarding the possibility of
using the cards in place of a citation the first time.
Unanimously carried by voice vote.
Mayor Edmondson advised Council that City Manager Dick Zais
had been elected President of the Washington State City
Manager's Association.
Council, member Doty gave an update on the Christmas tree
report which she gave at the last Council meeting. She
advised that the Christmas Festival Committee and DARC were
not interested in providing a Community Christmas Tree. Mayor
Edmondson stated that if any citizen was interested in
volunteering in any way that they should contact Shirley Doty.
Council_member Doty advised that she would like to relinquish
her membership on the RSVP Board and also the DARC Cammittee.
She told Council when each Board meets, stated that she had
learned a great deal while serving on these boards. It was
MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Buchanan that Henry Beauchamp
be appointed to fill the vacancy on the DARC Committee.
Unanimously carried by voice vote. Council member Barnett
expressed some interest in serving on the RSVP Board, but
wanted to talk to Mrs. Doty about the Board at a later date.
Council member Carmichael gave a brief report on the lobbying
efforts that were achieved in Olympia last week at the AWC's
Legislative Day. She also explained . that PACC would be
sponsoring a seminar on HJR7 with the Cities and Counties and
felt that the City should send a representative.
Council member Barnett reported that a citizen had discussed
with him the possibility of starting and serving on a
Centennial Planning Commission to celebrate the City of
Yakima's Centennial Birthday in 1985. Mayor Edmondson
advised that Mr. Barnett should advise the citizen to contact
the Yakima Valley Museum and talk to the Director, Bill Pugh.
2. REVIEW OF 1982 PRELIMINARY AIRPORT BUDGET
Assistant City Manager Larry Wittenberg and Airport Manager
Gary Robbins presented the 1982 Preliminary Budget for the
Airport. Mr. Wittenberg told Council that based upon a
conservative budget in both expenditures and revenue
031+ NOVEMBER 17, 1981
categories, they were bringing a balanced budget before them
for the first time in three years. As part of the
preliminary presentation, we are projecting a carry-over of
$53,000. Mr. Wittenberg discussed one problem which revolved
around outdated leases, which were negotiated ten, fifteen or
twenty years ago with no provisions for escalation in grades
to match inflation. He also stated that as a result of sane
of those leases and other factors at the Airport such as an
extraordinary low ground rent that sane problems had occurred.
He explained that there was a lack of ccupetitive bidding for
agricultural leases at the Airport and those tended to be
renegotiated on kind of a year-to-year basis with little or no
increase in the ground rental for grazing and agricultural
uses on the land surrounding the Airport runways themselves.
He stated that they had instances where although the City held
the prime lease there were a series of subleases in effect and
the prime lessee was realizing a profit because the sublease
resulted in more income than the City was receiving fran the
prime lease. He stated that all of those problems have been
attacked over the last 18 to 24 months and we have negotiated
all the leases that either previously expired or expired in
1981. Mr. Wittenberg advised that in the past months an
assessment and an appraisal of the fixed based operators had
been completed and the Council had increased the ground rent
fran ½ to 3 per square foot which essentially tripled the
income due the Airport. He also explained that by having the
agricultural leases go out to bid we have realized significant
increases in revenue. We have also ti up the lease
documents and provided that any sublease required the approval
of the City and without that permission, the lease would
become null and void. Mr. Robbins briefed Council on the
airfield facility maintenance items which include reroofing
the Central Building and painting the runway and taxi way
margins. Mr. Robbins advised that they had agreed that the
reroofing could legitimately be a capital improvement item.
Mayor Edmondson questioned if the Change in the budget as it
pertains to the CFR (Crash/Fire/Rescue) was taken out of the
Airport budget to balance it or because they felt that Fire
support should be handled in the General Fund. Mr. Robbins
advised that this issue is one of the key issues that will be
discussed with the County for joint operations of the Airport.
Mr. Robbins stated that in the 126, General Revenues, there is
$37,222 in revenue sharing but in light of the uncertainties,
it was prudent we keep that $53,000 carry over ' - since
they were not sure what will happen with the airline
negotiations. He stated that we can't be certain what
expenses will be involved in any joint venture that is agreed
upon with the County since there may be some start up costs so
rather than take that $37,000 out and show it at a zero
balance, it is prudent to leave that there until we have a
little better feel for what's going to happen. He advised
that mid-year is the target date for the joint venture. City
Manager Zais advised that since the negotiations with Republic
Airlines had not been completed that Council should lock at
the possibility of Republic not serving Yakima and the effect
that new carriers could have on the revenue base and that we
need to keep that kind of reserve built in there. He stated
that the decision on whether or not Republic stays depends on
air profitability and also the $800,000 in Federal subsidy.
Mr. Robbins briefed Council on the Capital Improvement Fund-,
361. He stated that the revenue total will be the same as in
the preliminary budget but the expenditures will be a little
different. He reported that the anticipated $130,000 fran the
last ADAP project and some expenditures and revenues for the
remaining three months of the year, should leave us with a
little over $300,000 to start the year. Mr. Robbins also told
Council that they were looking at alternative heat sources
such as solar, geothermal and also modernization of the
building to accommodate the handicapped. Discussion followed
on the drainage budget item. Mr. Zais explained that they had
felt it was a legitimate responsibility of the Airport capital
improvement fund to contribute to the City wide drainage study
since that is where a great many of the drainage problems
exist. Council member Beauchamp asked hcw they generate
035
NOVEMBER 17, 1981
administrative revenues. Mr. Robbins explained that it is
made up of airline rentals, the restaurant lease and rental
cars which are the largest income producers at the Airport.
He also stated that it includes fixed base operators, fuel
flowage fees, and parking lot fees. He explained that 523,
Airfield Maintenance, generates revenues through landing fees,
carry-over on the leasehold tax incames, FRS and the sale of
electricity. Mr. Zais stated that the Capital Improvement
Fund is the recipient today of the benefit of good staff work
in negotiations with FAA in terms of reimbursement of Federal
funding. He reported that this fund over the last ten years
has been responsible for a great many interfund loans since
the City had not really allocated its fair portion of matching
funds from within the immediate budget and while waiting for
Federal reimbursements. Mr. Zais stated that in 1979 when the
II/ City was concerned in terms of what the final local City mate
might be in completion of the major projects such as the
runway extension and the completion of the fishery deal, it
was recammended using FRS in the amount of $250,000 to apply
toward the City's anticipated share once the projects were
audited and closed out. It was programmed in the 1980 budget
and was reappropriated into the 1981 budget. It has allowed
the City to pay off the interfund loans that were outstanding
and also at the same time in the past year they have worked
hard with FAA in terms of those grants to gain additional
credit. He advised that the result has been that we have
gained additional revenue and it has allowed us to save more
of the City's share which gives us a healthier cash position
in the capital fund allowing us to do such things as a program
in the budget for the next year and shift the bond debt
service requirements fran the operation budget to the capital
budget. Mr. Zais explained that that goes back to the bond
issue of 1974 so that we have a good cash flow position to
apply toward additional grants and aid that may become
available to the City or to apply towards terminal
improvements and other expenditures that don't have any
prospect of receiving Federal or State funding. Discussion
followed concerning the landscaping that has been budgeted to
be done in 1982 with Council member Doty questioning the
budget cost of $4,000 and what was involved. Mr. Robbins
explained that $2,800 was for landscaping that will be done by
themselves and the rest was for benches for the front of the
terminal. Council member Doty advised that they should
contact the City shops regarding some free trees that they
were given which would help save money. Discussion followed
regarding fire protection with Mr. Wittenberg explaining that
during the latest negotiations with the County on a joint
airport venture they had come up with doing it on a per call
basis. He explained that basically the way that is done is to
take the total budget for the Fire Department, divide it by
the total number of calls they received in a year and a
proportion of calls that are generated by the Airport, times
the per call rate for the total budget of the Fire Department.
II/ Council member Barnett asked what impact Republic Airlines
pulling out would have on the budget and would the County
still be interested in a joint venture. Mr. Wittenberg
explained that Republic's landing fees were $77,040 and the
terminal rent is $44,032 with the total anticipated between
$125,000 and $130,000 for 1982. Mr. Wittenberg advised that
the County was aware of the fact that Republic may pull out.
Council member Carmichael expressed concern on not having a
Council member as a representative for Airport negotiations.
Mr. Wittenberg presented an update on the negotiations with
the County identifying several major issues, some of which
were: what would be the Civil Service end or collective
bargaining situation of employees at the airport in the event
of a joint venture; City service charge for divisions that
service the enterprise operations of the City, whether that
would continue or be reduced or eliminated based upon what the
Airport Board decided they wanted to do, either contract with
the City or the County for those services or sane private
entity; another issue which we've gone into is
Crash/Fire/Rescue; the make-up of the Airport Advisory Board;
equipment, how that would be handled as far as a replacement
Q 3 XVEMBER,17, 1981
_schedule since it was removed frcin the City Garage a year or
so ago and maintenance is done at the Airport; capital
imprOvement programs for the air terminal and airfield;
another issue is possessery interest in the airfield property,
they are discussing a phased transfer of ownership to a 50/50
split hetmaaa-the City and County. If the authority were
dissolved, it is required by State law that you have to have a
provision in the agreement in case the authority is dissolved
and they were thinking About a phase- transfer of 10% of the
value per year to a maximum of 50% within five years. Mr.
Wittenberg requested that Council appoint a:member of Council
to be in on the negotiations as a City representative. It was
the general consensus that Council member Buchanan be
appointed to serve as the representative for Council.
BUSINESS MEETING
3. ROLL CALL
At 3:00 P.M., the Council members commenced the regular
meeting, Mayor Edmondson presiding,-Council members Barnett,
Buchanan, Carmichael, Doty and Hinman and City Manager Zais
and City Attorney Andrews present onroll call.
4. INVOCATION.
The Invocation was given by City Manager Zais.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Edmondson 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 Hinman requested that Items No. 9 and 10 be
added to the Consent Agenda. It was the general consensus of
the Council that the addition of Items No. 9 and 10, as
reque be made. The City Clerk then read the Consent
Agenda items, including resolutions and ordinances by title.
It was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Buchanan that the
Consent Agenda, as read, be passed. Council member Hinman
suggested that items that have been discussed previously and
passed by a split vote for the legislation to be prepared, and
come back to Council on the Consent Agenda, should have that
date of discussion noted in the minutes. He stated that that
would save time because a Council member probably would not
take it off the Consent Agenda if the minutes would reflect
their vote on that issue. Following a brief discussion, it
was the general consensus of the Council to reflect the date
that an item was discussed and legislation was directed to be
' prepared. The question was called for the vote on the Motion.
Unanimously carried by roll call vote. (Subsequent paragraphs
preceded by an asterisk (*) indicate items on the Consent
Agenda handled under one motion without further discussion.)
*6. MINUTES
The Council minutes of November 3 and 5, 1981, were approved,
having been duly certified accurate by two Council members and
no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly.
7. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION _
Ines Rice, 4409 Arlington, commented about the effect
increasing Business Licenses would have upon the businesses.
She also commented that the City should not be paying for the
fire protection services at the Southeast Community Center.
Mayor Edmondson proclaimed November 17th as "Jim Nolan Day".
She stated the community will be celebrating at the Yakima
Center his 38 years of broadcasting service in the valley.
NOVEMBER 17, 1981 037
She also proclaimed Thursday, November 19th as "The Great
American Smoke-Out Day", sponsored by the American Cancer
Society. The week of November 15-21 was proclaimed as
American Education Week and the week of November 22-27th as
Bible Week.
8. PRESENTATION OF 1982 BUDGET FOR YAKIMA VALLEY CONFERENCE OF GOVERN-
MENTS
Bob Brandow, COG, distributed a paper on the COG budget
comparison for 1980, 1981 and 1982. He mentioned that there
will be COG general membership meeting in Toppenish on
December 16th at 7:00 P.M. He reviewed the process of
preparing the 1982 COG budget. He reported the general
II/ membership has reviewed this budget and it has been
recommended to the various members. He stated that the per
capita assessment will remain at the same level as the last
three years, which is 23.383. He stated that the goals have
not been changed. He reviewed his report which was previously
distributed to the Council. He commented that there will be
one additional Planner hired to concentrate on local
assistance programs. He stated that one area in which the
City of Yakima can benefit is in the area of technical
assistance. He stated that the City's assessment for 1982
will be $17,151, including YMATS which is less than the 1981
figure because it's based on less population. Council member
Hinman expressed his concern that the City is subsidizing the
other cities involved with COG because the City does not
realize enough benefits from COG for the assessment paid.
Mr. Brandow commented on the benefits the City receives and
further stated that the City of Yakima indirectly benefits by
the programs performed by COG for the other cities, in that
problems in areas that could be annexed by the City are being
addressed prior to annexation. Mayor Edmondson commented that
the most important role we play in COG is unifying the
government within Yakima County. She stated that COG is
available if the City calls upon them for assistance. Council
member Doty suggested that staff should be asked to explore
some of the functions that COG can do for us. Council member
Hinman suggested that a drug abuse program for youth would be
an item that COG could explore. Mr. Brandow stated that his
staff has foreseen the reduction in Federal funding and have
planned accordingly to deal with those reductions. It was
MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Doty to continue to support
COG for the 1982 year and approve our local assessment and
direct staff to prepare a letter so stating. Council member
Hinman spoke about the lack of communication between the
Committee he served on for Transportation and YMATS.
Mr. Brandow stated that there is still the potential for that
problem, however, staff is aware of that and is addressing
that problem. The question was called for the vote on the
Motion. Unanimously carried by voice vote. (Council member
II/ Hinman absent after 4:00 P.M.) City Manager Zais stated that
the policy document that came out of YMATS needs to be revised
because it does not reflect the Council's policy. Mr. Brandow
suggested that it be referred to the members of the staff
serving on those committees.
*9. REQUEST FOR PERMIT TO INSTALL A TRAFFIC SIGNAL REQUESTED BY FIRE
DISTRICT NO. 11 ON WASHINGTON AVENUE FOR THE FIRE STATION
RESOLUTION NO. D-4577, A RESOLUTION granting a permit to
Yakima County Fire Protection District No. 11 to install and
maintain a traffic control signal.
*10. LEASE AGREEMENT WITH SUNDANCE TRAVEL SERVICE, INC. AT THE YAKIMA
AIR TERMINAL
RESOLUTION NO. D-4578, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing
the City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute a lease
agreement with Sundance Travel Service, Inc.
038 NOVEMBER,17, 1981
*11. FIX DATE OF JOINT HEARING WITH YAKIMA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND
UNION GAP CITY COUNCIL ON URBAN AREA PLAN
December 3, 1981, at 7:30 P.M. in Room 231:at the Yakima
County Courthouse, was set as the date of a joint hearing on
the Urban Area Plan.
*12. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1981 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING MONEY FOR THE
COST OF CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL
ORDINANCE NO. 2564, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1981 Budget for
the City of Yakima; appropriating the amount of $10,000 from
unappropriated money in 763-Parking and Business Improvement
, Assessment Fund to Account No. 763.612.573.90.42 therein, as a
1981 appropriation for 763-Parking and Business Improvement
Assessment Fund.
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*13. ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE INCREASE IN BUSINESS LICENSE FEES,
DISCUSSED AT THE NOVEMBER 3 AND 10, 1981 MEETINGS
ORDINANCE NO. 2565, AN ORDINANCE relating to license and
business regulations; adopting a business license fee and a
schedule of rates therfore; and amending Section 5.52.030 of
the of Yakima Municipal Code:
14. OTHER BUSINESS,
Council member Barnett stated that Irvin Lisle is interested
in serving_ on the Centennial Planning Committee suggested by
the Yakima Valley Museum and Historical Society. It was MOVED
by Barnett, seconded by Doty that .subject to Mr. Lisle
agreeing to this, that he be appointed as the City's liaison
to.the Centennial Planning Committee. Unanimously carried by
voice vote. Hinman absent.
15. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, it
was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by Carmichael that this
meeting be adjourned at the hour of 4:10 P.M., to then meet on
Thursday, November 19th at 1:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers
of City Hall. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Hinman
absent.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY ,J17.4. /v Al 1, DATE „
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CITY CL' (. MAYOR