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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/10/1981 Adjourned Meeting 288 MARCH 10, 1981 STUDY SESSION The City Council met in session on this date at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Council members present were Mayor Betty L. Edmondson, Lynn Buchanan, Lynn Carmichael, Bruce Crest, Shirley Doty and Don Hinman. Council member Henry Beauchamp present after 6:45 p.m. 1. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD. OF THE ORDER Council members discussed the need to reset a date to discuss the evaluation of the City Manager because the Sanctuary Restaurant can't accommodate the meeting on the 17th. It was the general consensus of the Council to meet on March 17th in the Council Conference Room at 11:00 a.m. Mayor Edmondson mentioned the vacancies on several boards and commissions and it was the general consensus of the Council to have the vacancy list updated. Following inquiry, it was the general consensus of the Council to send Dennis Damion a follow-up letter advising him of the status of the petition he submitted regarding street name changes. Inquiring on behalf of the DARC Committee, • Council member Doty asked if there has been a recent traffic study performed showing the traffic pattern in the CBD, particularly where the alignment of the streets werechanged. She stated they also questiOned the turning situation at Yakima Ave. and First Street. She stated that they also wanted information on the sidewalk repair program, citing the deterioration of the sidewalks in front of the Yakima Mall. Mayor Edmondson commented about the responsibilities of the abutting land owners and stated she did not know of any funding source to cover that type of project. City Manager Zais stated that he would check with the Traffic Engineer to see if there have been any studies performed recently. He also stated that he could provide the Committee with a copy of the various reports Council received regarding the intersection of Yakima Ave. and First Street. Council member Doty inquired about the status of the Fire Master Plan. City Manager Zais stated that after prioritizing the projects, which were discussed at budget time, he decided that the utility planning needed to be completed first. Carol Darby, Director of Community Development, stated that the recent staff changes in her department will also affect this project. She stated that it is about an 18 month project. Council member Beauchamp expressed his concern that the City might be losing quite a large amount of revenue by not enforcing the purchase of business licenses, as reported in the Yakima Herald-Republic. city Mafiager cothmented that the revenue the City receives fok licenses is about $225,000 per year and perhaps 20% is not collected. He commented on the centralization of this program into the Permit Center. He also explained the process followed for delinquent licenses. Carol Darby, Director of Community Development, gave a detailed description of the process for handling business licenses and those that become delinquent. She stated that she had wanted that function under her supervision for one full year before coming back to Council to report on its status. City Attorney Andrews gave information on how his office handles the delinquent business licenses once it comes to his attention. Assistant City Manager Wittenberg stated that he checked the records when this function was performed in the City Clerk's Office and in the year 1977-78, June to June, there were 2,910 business licenses issued including 233 new businesses; in 1978-79, June to June, there were 2,754 business licenses issued including 395 new businesses. He stated that when they checked on the delinquent licenses, most of the businesses had gone out of MARCH 10, 1981 289 business. Council member Beauchamp inquired if staff cross-checked these with the business listings from the phone company. City Manager Zais commented that that effort is not made, however, staff does check with the City utility billing. It was the general consensus of the Council to discuss the National League of Cities Conference next week during study session, and in the meantime, Council members can write down a few concepts that they derived from the workshops attended. Council member Crest expressed his concern about the two vacancies in the Police Department, especially in light of the fact of the recent burglaries. City Manager Zais stated that those positions will be filled following the retesting of the applicants. Tom Day, Wastewater Manager, reported on the recent sewer explosions that occured over the weekend. He reported that staff has been monitoring the major sewer trunk lines and has pinpointed the source in the area in the vicinity of North 16th Avenue and River Road. He stated that he has sent a sample away to be analyzed. He stated they would be televising the lines and checking for damage. Fire Chief Carroll stated that he suspects the material is hexane, a derivative of peroleum. He commented that the chemical continues to dilute itself with the air mixture. 2. APPOINTMENTS TO COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL FINANCES Council member Hinman stated that after reviewing the budget, he has concerns about the city's credibility to make sure we do have a shortfall coming up. He stated he understands there is $321,000 of contingency funds available and $193,000 of FRS funds available. City Manager Zais commented on the unfunded liabilities, i.e., equipment rental fund and library obligation. He also commented that the other items to be studied was the, financial impact of the clean-up of the volcanic ash. He also commented on the presentation given on financial indicators and trends. Discussion followed, and concern was raised that the Committee seemed to be heavily directed towards raising the 106% lid levy law. Council members discussed the applicant and the process used to determine these names. Assistant City Manager Wittenberg commented that he did not use the boards and commission applications because this would not be an ongoing committee and we were seeking a specialized talent. Council member Hinman again raised his concern about asking citizens to study this when we aren't sure that a tax raise is necessary or we may not have to pay the volcanic ash expenses. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Beauchamp, to postpone the selection of this committee at this time and pick it up later. Failed by 5-2 voice vote. Buchanan, Carmichael, . Crest, Doty and Edmondson voting nay. Following discussion, it was the general consensus of the Council to postpone this and have staff come back with broader direction and goals. 4. EXECUTIVE SESSION 1 _ • It was MOVED by Crest, seconded by Carmichael to move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing pending litigation. Unanimously carried byrvoice vote. BUSINESS MEETING 5. ROLL CALL At - 8:00 p.m., the Council members commenced the regular meeting, Mayor Edmondson presiding, Council members Beauchamp, Buchanan, Carmichael, Crest, Doty and Hinman and City Manager Zais and City Attorney Andrews present on roll call. 29 0 MARCH 10, 1981 6. INVOCATION The Invocation was given by Council member Carmichael. 7. 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 Beauchamp requested that Item No. 13 be removed and Mayor Edmondson requested that Items No. 8 and 17 be removed from the Consent Agenda. It was the general consensus of the Council that the deletion of Items No. 8, 13 and 17, as requested, be made. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items including resolutions and an ordinance by title. It was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by Doty that the Consent Agenda, as read, be passed. 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.) 8. MINUTES Mayor Edmondson referred to the February 10, 1981 minutes, and requested an addition to state ... "in an area where there is a board or commission established by ordinance "... to request a board or commission to appoint a special task force. It was MOVED by Crest, seconded by Carmichael that the minutes of February 10, 1981, as corrected, and the minutes of February 17, 23 and 24, 1981, 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. 9. HEARING ON IRRIGATION MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR 1981. Betty Gaudette, 701 No. 6th Street, stated that she has one •service, but because there are two houses she gets two assessments. She also spoke about the low water pressure in her irrigation system. She commented that she has 90 feet less on her property now that is in gravel and bark. Norm Steuart, 217 No. 16th Avenue, spoke against the proposed rate increase for domestic water for irrigation. He stated that there are 2600 users of this domestic water who do not seem to be aware of the impact of this on their water bills. He stated that they pay the regular rate in the winter and in the spring they pay only 10c per cubic foot over the highest winter reading and no extra charge for the sewage. He commented that the increased rate proposed is 40c per 100 cubic ,feet for the whole amount of the treated water that goes through the meter. The public portion of the hearing was closed. Ordinance No. 2499, having been read by title, it was MOVED by Doty, seconded by Buchanan that this ordinance be passed. Unanimously carried by roll'call vote. ORDINANCE NO. 2499, AN ORDINANCE confirming the irrigation maintenance assessment roll of the City of Yakima for the calendar year 1981 and levying irrigation maintenance assessments according to such role. 10. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Rev. Joe Denman read a letter he had submitted prior to the meeting regarding his concerns relating to the relocation of a fence on a piece of property that he obtained through a vacation of Central Avenue. He expressed his concerns about the lack of cooperation he received from the City. He requested $1,000 compensation. He requested that Council respond to his letter by mail. Lois Layman, Nob Hill Church of God, requested an outside utility connection for water to their church being built on 40th Avenue north of Englewood. She explained that the fire at their church at 18th Ave. and Nob Hill Blvd. accelerated MARCH 10, 1981 2 91 their plans for building their new church. She explained the financial impact that the alternatives researched would have on the church. She stated that one of the alternatives researched was annexation, however, they have a problem in obtaining the necessary assessed valuation. She stated that if they can't obtain water at a reasonable price, they will have to sell the property. Larry Wright, Planning Manager, stated that under the present resolution, the only emergency that can be recognized is one that is health oriented. He stated that if Council wants to grant this outside utility, they would have to amend the existing resolution. He stated that there are a number of people who would like to have outside utilities whose single - family residence ised tp be served with water. As soon as it changes use, it requires a new outside utility agreement. Following discussion, it was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Buchanan to instruct staff to facilitate this matter and bring back an amendment to the resolution. City Attorney Andrews questioned if Council wants to change their - policy or do they want to make an exception without changing their policy. Council member Hinman stated that he would like to accommodate the church and either use the same policy or change it by resolution. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Buchanan that we facilitate this request and make an exception of an outside utility agreement to the Nob Hill Church of God. Concern was raised by the Council about making a change in their policy and the repercussions of doing this. City Attorney Andrews stated that if Council is making an exception to their policy, they don't have to describe it or list its rationale. If they are changing the policy, then a resolution would be needed to add this as an exception to the policy. Mayor Edmondson commented that the motion is to make an exception. Council member Carmichael inquired if'this is a unique situation. Larry Wright stated that there are other property owners just outside the City limits who used to have water, but the use of the property has changed and they want water. Cify Manager Zais suggested that the City Attorney review the resolution and if a resolution is needed, come back to Council. The question was called for the vote on the motion. .Unanimously carried by voice vote. Mayor Edmondson presented the Council with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Christmas Festival Committee. The Mayor proclaimed March as National Nutrition Month. She also proclaimed the week of March 15th as Poison Prevention Week. 11. REPORT ON FIXED BASE OPERATOR RENTAL RATES It was. MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Buchanan to accept the Airport Advisory Commission's recommendation and the rental rate be increased to 2.5Q per sq. ft. and the rental rates be reviewed every two years. Council members discussed the other options presented in the staff report dated February 26, 1981. The question was called for the vote on the motion. Failed by 2 -5 voice vote. Beauchamp, Carmichael, Crest, Doty and Edmondson voting nay. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Beauchamp to basically follow the Airport Advisory Commission's recommendation, but raise the rental rate from 2.5Q to 3e per sq. ft. and review it in two years. Carried by 5 -2 voice vote. Carmichael and Edmondson voting nay. 12. AMENDMENT NO. 12 TO R. W. BECK & ASSOCIATES' ENGINEERING AGREEMENT Alan Bushley, R. W. Beck & Associates, stated that his firm disagrees with the staff report. He gave some background information regarding the inspection work on the Mullen Contract stating that the inspector supposedly working on overall inspection, spent the majority of his time on the Mullen contract. He stated that he has on file a letter that states he is to give 30 days notice when he knows he will exceed the budget and he failed to do that. He commented that he did not know that the inspector was charging most of his time to Contract No. 3 until the end of January. Mayor Edmondson stated that it may not be grant eligible under these conditions. Mr. Bushley stated that he would be happy to talk 2S2 MARCH 10, 1981 to the agencies. Willis White, Director of Public Works, stated that a. similar incident resulted in being ineligible for grant reimbursement. It was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Buchanan to accept the recommendation of staff to amend the - R. W. Beck contract in the amount of $17,759. Discussion followed, and it was the general consensus of the Council to have staff investigate this for grant eligibility. The question was called for the vote on the motion. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Resolution No. D-4437, having been read by title, it was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Beauchamp to adopt the Resolution. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. RESOLUTION NO. D-4437, a Resolution authorizing the City Manager and. City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute an II/ amendment to the agreement with R. W. Beck & Associates to prepare a wastewater facilities design. 13. LEASE OF PETTIBONE FRONT END BELT LOADER TO YAKIMA COUNTY Council member Beauchamp stated he thought the lease rate was low and inquired about the maintenance and operations cost for this piece of equipment. Willis White, Director of Public Works, stated that the $5.00 per hour rate is based on what the equipment rental fund charges the Street Division. He commented that we do not charge a profit. Resolution No. D-4438, having been read by title, it was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by Doty that the Resolution be adopted. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. RESOLUTION NO. D-4438, A RESOLUTION authorizing the lease of a Pettibone front-end belt loader to Yakima County. *14. CITY WIDE SPEED STUDY CONSULTANT CONTRACT AGREEMENT RESOLUTION NO. D-4439, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute an "Agreement for Professional Services - Arterial Speed Limit Study" with Transportation Planning and Engineering, Inc. *15. COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT WITH IAFF, LOCAL 469 (PERS) RESOLUTION NO. D-4440, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute a Collective Bargaining Agreement for calendar years 1981 and 1982 with -Local 469, International Association of Firefighters, AFL-CIO, covering PERS Fire Department Employees. *16. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) OFFER OF GRANT AGREEMENT/ AMENDMENT RESOLUTION NO. D-4441, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing II/ the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute an agreement accepting an offer from the United States Environmental Protection Agency for a grant of funds to aid construction of water pollution control facilities. 17. PIPELINE CROSSING PERMIT WITH BURLINGTON NORTHERN RAILROAD Mayor Edmondson questioned the City having to pay Burlington Northern $200 a year for this permit. Dennis Covell, City Engineer, explained that this line is being constructed by a private contract, but it will be given to the City. Mayor Edmondson asked if he anticipates anyone else connecting to the line and the City Engineer replied in the affirmative. Resolution No. D4442, having been read by title, it was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by Doty that the Resolution be adopted. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. RESOLUTION NO. D-4442, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute a pipeline crossing agreement with Burlington Northern, Inc. 293 MARCH 10, 1981 *18. PURCHASE TRUCK REPAIR PARTS WITHOUT CALLING FOR BIDS RESOLUTION NO. D-4443, A RESOLUTION authorizing the purchase of repair parts without calling for bids. *19. PURCHASE OF MATERIAL AND HIRING OF LABOR FOR BUS REPAIR WITHOUT CALLING FOR BIDS RESOLUTION NO. D-4444, A RESOLUTION authorizing the purchase of repair parts and hiring of labor for bus repair without calling for bids. *20. RENEWAL AGREEMENT WITH YAKIMA HEALTH DISTRICT FOR "BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC" SERVICES AT SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER II/ RESOLUTION NO. D-4445, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute an agreement with the Yakima County Health District for "blood pressure clinic" services. *21. DISPOSITION OF DAMAGE CLAIMS A. RESOLUTION NO. D-4446, A RESOLUTION denying a claim for damages against the City filed by Erma Jean Ruffin. B. RESOLUTION NO. D-4447, A RESOLUTION denying the claim for damages against the City filed by Dolores Burdine Watson Goodman. *22. FINAL PAYMENT TO HOYDAR-BUCK FOR PLUMBING REPAIRS AT YAKIMA MUNICIPAL AIRPORT The report of the Director of Community Development dated March 3, 1981, with respect to the completion of the work on emergency plumbing repairs at the Yakima Municipal Airport, performed by Hoydar-Buck, Inc. was approved, the work accepted and payment of the final estimate as therein set forth was authorized. *23. SET DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON MELVIN L. EBERLE REZONE REQUEST March 24, 1981, was set as the date of hearing on Melvin Eberle's rezone request. *24. OUT OF STATE TRAVEL FOR DOROTHY STOVER, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT The out of state travel request for Dorothy Stover to attend a workshop on organic analysis of wastewater in Albany, Oregon, March 16 thru 21, 1981, at a cost of $350 was approved. 25. STATUS REPORT ON CITY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Item continued. 25A. CHANGE ORDER NO. 3 TO CONTRACT WITH DAVLIN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY FOR THE SOUTH 72ND AVENUE TRUNK SEWER PROJECT RESOLUTION NO. D-4448, A RESOLUTION authorizing Change Order No. 3 to the contract with Davlin Construction Company for the South 72nd Avenue trunk sewer'project. *26. ORDINANCE IMPOSING FEE FOR. CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYMENT EXAMINATIONS (NON-PROMOTIONAL) ORDINANCE NO. 2500, AN ORDINANCE relating to City government administration; imposing a fee, with certain exemptions for taking certain Civil Service examinations enacting Chapter 2.45 "Personnel Examination Fee" and Section 2.45.010 thereof as a new Chapter and new Section of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. 7S4 MARCH 10, 1981 3. REPORT ON PROPOSED FINANCE DEPARTMENT REORGANIZATION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF BUDGET ANALYSIS UNIT Don Horan, Acting Finance Officer, outlined the proposed changes in the Treasurer and Accounting Offices and the • purpose for these changes. Discussion followed regarding the Budget Analysts positions, Council questioning the supervision, salary and classification of those positions. Concern was expressed that during the budget discussion, the request was for one Budget Analyst and now staff is suggesting two. The suggestion was made that perhaps what is needed is one Budget Analyst and one Computer Programmer. Council also expressed concern that the Budget would be prepared by the Budget Analyst instead of the Department Head. Assistant City Manager Wittenberg commented that he perceives the Budget II/ Analyst as being service-oriented to the operating departments of the City. City Manager Zais commented about the difficulties some of the - staff has experienced in understanding the Budget computer printout. Following further discussion, it was MOVED by Beauchamp to accept the Finance reorganizational plan as presented, but delay for one week the decision on the Budget Analyst position. The motion died for lack of a second. Following discussion, it was MOVED by Crest, seconded by Buchanan to continue this item for one week. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Larry Wittenberg explained the alternative in office space for the Budget Analyst which would leave the Council office available for Council's use. 27. OTHER BUSINESS Council member Carmichael expressed her displeasure with the disruptions caused by the news media when they enter and leave the Council Chambers. Discussion followed on how to rearrange the seating to allow the news media the capability of exiting without too much distraction. FOR COUNCIL INFORMATION Items of information supplied to Council were: news items re Council attendance at National League of Cities Annual Convention. 3/2/81; memo from Director of Community Development re 7-11 Food Store-North 16th Avenue and Lincoln. 3/5/81; memo from Director of Parks & Recreation re 1980 Volleyball and Basketball Revenues Report. 3/5/81; memo from Director of Parks & Recreation re swimming pool advisory committee. 3/5/81; memo from City Engineer re South 48th Avenue Bridge - Subsurfaces Investigation. 3/3/81; memo from Director of Community Development re Neighborhood Skills Building Workshop. 3/3/81; memo from Director of Community Development re Cascade Airways. 2/25/81; monthly report from Yakima Air Terminal for January, 1981; correspondence to Director of Parks & Recreation from Department of Human Services re frozen CETA Title II-D and VI monies effecting proposed Yakima County Community Work Project. 3/2/81; report II/ on complaints received in the Police Department for January 1981; memo from City Attorney - Damage Claims submitted to insurance carriers. 3/3/81; correspondence from Judith Boekholder re AWC meeting in Olympia in February. 3/2/81; memo from Assistant City Manager re Pending Legislative Bill. 2/24/81; memo from City Engineer re proposed legislative noted in AWC Bulletin No. 6. 2/20/81; AWC Legislative Bulletin No. 8, February 27, 1981; Seattle Capital Report, February 27, 1981, Vol. 3, No. 7; Rural Development Resources, February, 1981, Vol. 10, No. 1; and correspondence from Chamber of Commerce re Response to Petition for Street Name Changes submitted to Yakima City Council. 3/3/81; 2 9 5 MARCH 10, 1981 28. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, it was MOVED by Crest, seconded by Beauchamp that this meeting be adjourned at the hour of 11:35 p.m., to then meet on March 11, 1981, at Franklin Junior High School Library at 7:30 p.m. for a Neighborhood Meetin Unanimo y carried by voice vote. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY DATE COUNCI MEMBER i` I Aiu...; ‘_■ 4111 DATE kJ 7 4 5;s' OUNCIi MEMBER 11/ ATTEST: / 9 00,61 - • LERK /dzge2211 Air (MAYOR