HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/15/1980 Adjourned Meeting 03S ADJOURNED MEETING -- COMMUNITY FORUM
MAY 15, 1980
The City Council met in session on this date at 7:00 p.m. in the Board
Room at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Yakima, Washington. Council members
present were Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Carmichael and Shirley Doty.
Councilman Lynn Buchanan present between 8:25 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. Also
present were City Manager Zais and the meeting facilitator John
Klingele.
Mr. Klingele brought up for discussion the issue of the transit system
and the proposed alternative for its funding. Velma Shaw, a citizen,
stated that the people she had talked with feel that the people using
this system should pay a realistic fare. Council member Carmichael
stated that currently the fare box is only paying about 22% of the
operating expenses. Tom Klingele, a citizen, suggested the use of a bus
pass, which would speed up service. Tony Sloan, a citizen, inquired if
the City has to be in the transit business. His asked if the City
considered contracting it out or giving a franchise. Council member
Carmichael stated that the City purchased the transit from a private
firm that could not make it. Mrs. Shaw suggested that the fare box fee
should generate 50% of the operating expenses. City Manager Zais stated
that the bus fare would have to be About $1.00 or $1.25 per ride to
support 50% of the transit, assuming there is not a drop in ridership.
Councilman Beauchamp stated that for our community to grow, our revenues
have to grow also with new business. He asked if the community does not
have a transit system, would a large firm invest in the City? Tan
Klingele suggested that the household tax should be on each residence in
the City, not each house. City Manager Zais reported that the household
tax is set up pursuant to State law. City Manager Zais stated that
there is another option. The sales tax taxes people, but there is a
gross business tax on profits which is an option and it is a tax on the
businesses. Tony Sloan inquired how much revenue .3% sales tax would be
for a year. Stating that he did not bring that information with him,
City Manager Zais recollected that it was about $500,000 million for. 1%
and $1.5 million for .3%. Tom Klingele questioned that the new engines
should only be good for two years. City Manager Zais stated that new
transmissions are also being installed, but other parts are hard to get.
Velma Shaw expressed concern about the Police and Fire Departments'
budgets and stated she would like to know what their budgets were for
1979 and 1980 and the percentage that was cut. She stated that there
were quite a few people wondering if the Parks & Recreation budget
suffered as great a percentage of cuts and personnel. City Manager Zais
reported that there were cuts in the 1977, 1978, 1979 and 1980 budgets
and reviewed some of the reductions in the Police and Fire Departments
and change of responsibilities in the Fire Department. He stated that
most of the Parks programs are self-supporting. The Parks Department
budget decreased about 4 percent this year. He stated that almost 50%
of the general budget is in the public safety budget. City Manager Zais
inquired if the citizens were willing to have the taxes raised in order
to keep present government services. Tan Klingele stated he thought the
citizens would be willing to pay extra taxes for Police and Fire
services. Tony Sloan echoed that opinion stating that the citizens
wouldn't mind paying extra if it goes for Police and Fire services and
not for giving management high raises. Council member Doty stated that
management salary increases have not been as high as other employee
groups; i.e., 4-5% for management vs 7-10 percent for other employee
groups. Judy Bedard, a citizen, inquired if any fire inspections are
being made since the transfer of that responsibility to the Canmunity
Development Department. City Manager Zais stated that these are being
done on a limited, basis until additional staff is hired. Ms. Bedard
reported that some restaurants have their exits blocked. Velma Shaw
reported on the volume of jay walkers by the County Courthouse and
suggested that either the law be enforced or crosswalks should be
painted there.
Judy Bedard inquired how much income is received from the rental of the
houses at Oak Flats and Where that revenue is going. City Manager Zais
stated that the expenses for fixing the houses up are caning out of the
Water Department, and that fund will also receive the revenue. The
houses are being rented at fair market value.
Tom Klingele inquired if FRS money could be used for a new pipeline for
sending water to the Gleed Area. City Manager Zais reported that two
years ago it would have cost about $500,000 and would only serve 27
customers. If the pipeline fails, the City is still responsible to
ADJOURNED MEETING COMMUNITY FORUM 0 37
MAY 15, 1980
provide water. He stated that to provide wells would cost $200,000 to
$300,000 and the City is„, not sure it would be acceptable to the
residents. Tony Sloan thanked the City for these community meetings and
thanked Council for not trading the Oak Flats property and for not
taking action on the ordinance regarding Police and Fire Civil Service
Commission Rules and Regulations. (Councilman Buchanan present at 8:25
p.m.).
Tony Sloan reported that there is a dust Problem in the 600 block on So.
18th Avenue to 24th Avenue. He also stated that his neighborhood was
the last on the list for the new sidewalk program that was started a few
years ago. He stated that the 600 block of 16th Avenue is quite
hazardous. Mr. Sloan also reported on a recent incident involving a
letter he received from the Refuse Division requesting that he obtain
another trash can and fix up a rack or container for his trash cans. He
stated that he has done this, however, it won't last long with the
treatment that his cans get from the Refuse crew. Mr. Sloan also gave a
list of vacant houses or garages that are open for trouble. They are
located in the 300 block of No. 3rd Avenue; 1200 block of Garfield; 500
and 600 block So. 6th Street. He stated that since the City has an
ordinance regarding abandoned buildings having to be sealed or locked,
he dOeS not know if the City be liable for damages if someone gets
hurt. He also stated that various citizens have been asking him about
youth employment for the summer and asked if the City is going to have
any programs this year.
Judy Bedard inquired if Council will have neighborhood meetings next
fall or spring and Council members indicated that that is a possibility.
Tam Klingele stated that more people aren't attending these meetings
because the citizen's have lost faith in the City Council. (Councilman
Buchanan absent after 8:45 p.m.) Velma Shaw inquired if staff was
checking on areas where the vegetation over-growth is hazardous. City
Manager Zais stated that it is done on a complaint basis. Tan Klingele
cited several areas that should be Checked, as follows: going south on
10th Avenue and Tieton, going east on llth Avenue and Spruce and at "D"
and 4th Streets. He stated that he thought the City might be held
liable for accidents since there is an ordinance against it that the
City should enforce.
The meeting was adjourned at the hour of 9:00 p.m.
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