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 _
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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;
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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
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OUNCIi MEMBER
11/ ATTEST:
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