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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/17/1981 Adjourned Meeting 273 FEBRUARY 17, 1981 STUDY SESSION The City Council met in session on this date at 1:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Council members present were Mayor Betty L. Edmondson, Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Buchanan, Lynn Car- michael, Bruce Crest and Shirly Doty. Council member Don Hinman present after 1:20 P.M. 1. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER Mayor Edmondson reported that she had received a letter from Jerry Franklin resigning from the Yakima Center Board. She stated that his term will expire in June of 1982. Council member Doty reported that the Downtown Area Redevelop- ment Committee has expressed their concern that the bus stop by the Chinook has not been replaced. It was the general consensus of the Council to refer this question to staff to find out when the shelter will be built. Council member Carmichael suggested that the Parks and Recrea- tion Commission be given the option to form a Swimming Pool Sub - committee. Mayor Edmondson stated that the Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting this afternoon, and Dick Hilligus can give the Commission this direction. It was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Hinman to ask the Parks and Recre- ation Commission to outline and appoint a special task force or whatever they deem necessary to carry out our goals as soon as possible. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Council member Crest requested a report on this next week. Council members briefly discussed and arranged their travel plans to Olympia for the AWC meeting. 2. PARKS DEPARTMENT CASH FLOW PERFORMANCE Don Horan, Acting Director of Finance and Budget, commented that while the revenue collection for a year ends on December 31, 1981, the bills may be paid through the 21st of January, which holds up the closure of the books. In the month of January he only paid payroll and pre - contractual arrangements. He gave some examples on how the cash control system works, and stated that it has no value other than to be able to budget for a shortfall or unexpected revenues. City Manager Zais stated that everything was paid this year that had come in and a loan was authorized for $100,000, however, a short- fall of $24,000 was still experienced. Council member Doty asked if revenues for basketball and volleyball are close to the amount projected. Dick Hilligus stated he would get that information. 3. REPORT ON NOMINATIONS TO CITIZEN COMMITTEE ON CITY FINANCES City Manager Zais commented that this is the committee dis- cussed during the early part of the budget discussions, to look at City finances and the 106% Property Tax lid and City expenses for volcanic ash clean -up that are not reimbursable. He stated that a list of individuals who might serve`on the committee was included in the Council packets. Council member Hinman commented that he thought there should be someone from the banking industry on this committee. Larry Wittenberg, Assistant City Manager, stated that was considered, however, Council had desired a utility committee and we would be asking individuals from the banking community to serve on that. com- mittee. He stated that this is a - temporary. committee. Coun- cil member Beauchamp suggested that a minority serve on the committee and suggested Richard Olivas, Yakima Valley College Board. Larry Wittenberg stated that Council would be making the determination to select the committee. It was the general consensus of the Council that the committee consist of 9 to 11 people. 7 7+ — FEBRUARY 17, 1981 4. REPORT ON 1981 WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT STAFFING REQUIREMENTS Council members discussed a report prepared by Willis White, Public Works Director, and Tom Day, Wastewater Treatment Manager. Mr. Day stated that staff has taken a conservative approach when considering the number of staff needed. He stated that the grant administrators may not think 23 is sufficient and they may require us to hire more staff. City Manager Zais stated that the Sewer Division is on a 10 hour shift at the Treatment Plant, which may need to be changed to an 8 hour shift. He stated that Council and the other members of the three party wastewater agreement must be satisfied with the staffing level. Council members asked various questions regarding the staffing level, which Mr. Day answered. City Manager Zais commented on the editorial in the Herald- Republic regarding the appropriateness of holding an Executive II/ Session on possible sewer sabotage. He quoted an opinion from the Attorney General regarding the intent of the law. He stated that the Executive Session was permissible as there was a threat of pending litigation. BUSINESS MEETING ROLL CALL At 3:00 P.M. the Council members commenced the regular meet- ing, Mayor Edmondson presiding, Council members Beauchamp, Buchanan, Carmichael, Crest, Doty and Hinman, and City Manager Zais and City Attorney Andrews present on roll call. 6. INVOCATION The Invocation was given by Council member Beauchamp. 7. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Edmondson referred to the items placed on the Consent Agenda, questioning whether there were any additions or dele- tions from either Council members or citizens present. Coun- cil member Carmichael requested that Item No. 12 be added to the Consent Agenda, however, Mayor Edmondson stated that there are citizens present wishing to speak to that item. Council member Buchanan requested that Items No. 13, 14, and 16-B be added. Council member Hinman requested that Item No. 16-A be added to the Consent Agenda. It was the general consensus of the Council that the addition of Items No. 13, and 16-B, as requested, be made, however, Council members had questions on Items No. 14 and 16-A. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, including Resolutions and Ordinances by title. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Buchanan 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 The Council minutes of January 26, 1981, were approved, having been duly certified accurate by two Council members and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly. 9. COMMENCEMENT OF ANNEXATION PROCEEDINGS FOR MADISON HOUSE (YAKIMA PACIFIC, E. H. AND LILLIAN LAWSHA, AND TIFFANY FOUNTAINS) NORTH 34TH AVENUE AND ENGLEWOOD. It was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by Doty that February 17, 1981, be set as the time for a meeting with the initiating parties who signed the Notice of Intention to Commence Annexa- tion Proceedings, dated January 13, 1981, those initiating 2 7 5 FEBRUARY 17, 1981 parties being Yakima Pacific, E. H. and Lillian Lawsha, and Tiffany Fountains. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Mayor Edmondson • inquired if the initiating parties are willing to accept their share of the City's existing indebtedness. Mr. Dave Higginbottom, having power of attorney for the three initiating parties, indicated, their willingness to accept their share of the City's existing indebtedness. It was duly MOVED, seconded and passed that the annexation proposed by Petition No. 968 (Notice of Intention to Commence Annexation Proceedings) be accepted by the City of Yakima and that the area sought to be annexed be required to assume the City's existing indebtedness and that a Notice of Intention to Annex be filed with Yakima County Boundary Review Board. The above MOTION was made by Buchanan, seconded by Carmichael and unani- mously II/ carried by voice vote. 10. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Mayor Edmondson proclaimed February 21 through 28, 1981, as Future Farmers of America Week. She also proclaimed February 21 through March 1, 1981, as Yakima Junior Bowling Week as this is the 16th Annual Yakima Junior Bowling City Tournament. 11. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FROM YAKIMA COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT NO. 11 FOR INSTALLATION OF TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICE ON WASHINGTON AVENUE. Mayor Edmondson questioned the amount listed in the report for the maintenance and operation of the traffic warning device, stating she thought it was high. She also asked if it was usual for the City to install a,warning device and then ask for reimbursement from the party requesting it. Dennis Cov- ell, City. Engineer, explained the costs of the maintenance and operation of the signal. Hank Hein, Traffic Engineer, stated that when a sign is warranted, the City will put it in pro- vided the roadway is the City's. He stated he, had some con- cerns about whether the device is really needed, Discussion followed ,regarding staff's suggestion for using flags to control the traffic •and its Use by other fire districts and the City. Fire Chief Carroll commented that most of the other stations are off the street and have not experienced the same problems that District No. 11 has, where several men came close to being run over late at night or early in the morning. It was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by Hinman to accept the report and recommendation. Carried by 6-1 voice vote, Edmond- son voting nay. Mayor EdmondSon stated that she is not aware that the City has asked any entity to pay for warning devices on City streets. 12. REPORT ON WEST WASHINGTON AVENUE SPEED LIMIT Council member Carmichael inquired when the Speed Limit Study will be completed. Hank Hein, Supervising Traffic Engineer, II/ stated that it should be completed in July, 1981. Council member Carmichael asked if it is possible for one area to be cqnsidered before another area. Mr. Hein stated that it is a possibility, however, he would be concerned about City-wide conformity. Council member Carmichael also asked what the cost would be to change the signs. ._Mr. Hein stated that it would involve about 6 signs at $50.00 each, plus the cost of preparing the Ordinance. Ernest Beehler, Reese and Sons, 3103 West Washington Avenue, spoke in support changing the speed limit. He gave •nformation on the number of speed limit signs in that vicinity and where they are located. He stated that the traffic on Washington Avenue had _increased in the last eight years and nothing has been done to make the traffic safer. He stated that Washington Avenue is used for a jogging route, horseback riding, walkers, bikers, marathon route, and bus stop for West Valley S,chools, besides freight trucks and vehicles. He reported that the employees at Western Recre- ation Vehicles work from 7:45 A.M. to 4:15 P.M. because of the heavy traffic. Bill Doyle, Western Recreational Vehicles, 276 FEBRUARY 17, 1981 3401 West Washington Avenue, stated that in talking with the busi- nesses-, they estimate there are about 204 employees working in this area and about 206 daily visitors. He requested that Council lower the speed limit and not wait for the speed limit study. He suggested that a caution sign be installed warning of left hand turns ahead. Barb Beehler, secretary, Reese and Sons, presented a petition signed by property owners, resi- dents and employees, requesting a speed limit of 35 MPH. She gave information on a traffic count she took on Friday, Febru- ary 13, 1981. Joan Fluaitt, Constructional Components, loca- ted on West Washington Avenue, stated that it takes 10 to 14 seconds for one of their 62 foot long trucks to enter traffic on Washington Avenue and at the 50 MPH speed limit the sight line to their driveway is 10 seconds. She submitted a photo- graph of an accident that occurred involving a vehicle and one of their trucks. Mr. Doyle stated that the business owners in that area are willing to pay for the cost to replace the signs, and advertise the fact that the speed limit will be II/ changed. Mayor Edmondson stated that if this change is war- ranted, then the businesses should not have to pay for it. It was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by-Hinman to instruct staff to put up the appropriate signing for 35 MPH on this stretch of road between 24th Avenue and 40th Avenue on both sides of the road and prepare the proper legislation. Council member Buchanan suggested that the lower speed limit should start before 40th Avenue. It was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Hinman to amend the motion to lower the speed limit from 24th Avenue west to the City limits. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Discussion followed on the number of speed limit signs to be installed and Hank Hein stated that the appropriate number of signs will be installed, which he calculated to be six. Council member Crest inquired if there would also be a speed reduction sign installed. Hank Hein stated he would have to work with the County on that. Council member Doty inquired if this motion included left hand turn caution signs. Mr. Hein stated that he is not aware of any sign that the State permits us to use that so indicates left hand turns. The question was called for the vote on the motion. Unani- mously carried by voice vote. *13. AGREEMENT WITH APCOA, INC. TO OPERATE AND MANAGE AIR TERMINAL PARK- ING FACILITIES RESOLUTION NO. D-4432, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to exe- cute an agreement with APCOA, Inc., to operate and manage Air Terminal parking facilities. 14. LETTER OF AGREEMENT WITH PACIFIC POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY TO TRANS- FER OWNERSHIP OF A STREET LIGHTING SYSTEM Council member Crest inquired if the City would be required to convert the street lights in a certain period of time. Dennis Covell, City Engineer, stated that we are, however, the time is not specified. He commented that he was thinking about a two to three year period, depending upon the bond issue in the fall. Discussion followed about the maintenance of the system once it has been converted. Mr. Covell stated that another ' staff person may have to be hired after three to five years to maintain the system. Council member Beauchamp asked what the benefits would be to the citizens to have the City purchase these lights. Bob Peterson, Pacific Power and Light, stated that they are under mandate to change the incandescent and mercury vapor lights. Pacific Power and Light can do it and charge the City, however, the City can do it cheaper and take their time doing it. Resolution No. D-4433, having been read by title, it was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Carmichael that the Resolution be passed. Unanimously carried by voice vote. RESOLUTION NO. D-4433, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to exe-• 277 FEBRUARY 17, 1981 cute a letter of agreement with Pacific Power and Light Com- pany to transfer ownership of a street light system. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Buchanan to, instruct staff to do the work necessary to have a street-light bond issue on the ballot by September 15, 1981.. Unanimously carried by voice vote. *15. OUTSIDE UTILITY REQUEST FOR ROBERT HAINES, 602 SOUTH 72ND AVENUE The Outside Utility Request for Robert Haines for sewer to his property at 602 South 72nd Avenue, was approved. *16. DISPOSITION OF DAMAGE CLAIM RESOLUTION NO. D-4434, A RESOLUTION authorizing payment of $51.02 to Marvin Marshall in settlement of a claim for damages filed with the City of Yakima. 16-A. AWARD BID FOR CITY LEGAL ADVERTISING It was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by Hinman to award the bid to Golden West Publishing Company, based on the lowest bid received. Unanimously, carried by voice vote. Jay White, Herald-Republic Newspaper, asked about the amount of the bids. Mayor Edmondson stated that Golden West Publishing Company submitted a bid of $1.25 per line, and the Herald-Republic submitted a bid of $1.65 per line for both insertions. Mr. White stated that the cheapest is not always the best, and stated that the circulation of the Yakima Herald-Republic is greater than that of the Golden West ,Publishing Company. Mayor Edmondson inquired if the Council desired to reconsider the award of this bid, and it was the general consensus of the Council to not reconsider it at this time. *16-B. SET DATE OF HEARING FOR REVISION OF FARE SCHEDULE March 24, 1981, was set as the date of hearing for revision to the schedule of fares to the Yakima Transit System. *17. ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING MONEY FOR THE PURCHASE OF EMT MATERIALS Ordinance No. 2493, having been read by title only previously, was passed. ORDINANCE NO. 2493, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1981 budget for the City.. of Yakima, appropriating money in 000-General Fund to Account 032.122.522.40.64 therein as a 1981 appropriation for 000-General Fund. *18. ORDINANCE APPLYING EQUIPMENT RENTAL AND REPLACEMENT FUND PROVISIONS TO CERTAIN CITY VEHICLES AND PROVIDING FOR A FINANCIAL REPORTING II/ SYSTEM ORDINANCE NO. 2494, AN ORDINANCE relating to City funds and accounts; applying equipment rental and Replacement Fund provisions to certain City vehicles; providing for a financial reporting system; amending Subsection 3.15.030 A and Section 3.15.050, and repealing Section 3.15.060, all of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. 19. ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE REDEMPTION OR OTHER DISPOSITION OF A DOG OR OTHER IMPOUNDED ANIMAL City Manager Zais commented that last year we had adjustments in the Humane Society Contract that increased our costs and this is an option to lower it. Nancy Kendrick, Humane So- ciety, stated that the Board members feel that the 72 hour notice is more fair to the animal owner. Council member Beau- champ inquired about the rate of animals claimed. Ms. Ken- drick stated that approximately 4% of the animals are re- 278 FEBRUARY 17, 1981 deemed. Walt Feser, Customer Service Manager, explained the posting of impound notice procedure and stated that the animal would not be released to the Humane Shelter until the 4th day. Council member Hinman expressed concern about the owner who may be out of town for the weekend, and have their animal impounded and not get to the shelter in time to claim their pet. Following discussion, the ordinance was read by title, however, it died for lack of a motion. 20. OTHER BUSINESS Council member Doty stated she would like to explore the Coun- cil's policy for Executive Session. It was the general con- sensus of the Council to discuss this at a study session following the trip to Washington, D.C. INFORMATION ITEMS II/ Items of information supplied to Council were: Pending Coun- cil Items List, 2/13/81; memo from Finance Department re Sewer Construction Fund-478 Fund, 2/13/81; letter from Representa- tive Noel Bickham re draft copy of HB 282 to obtain matching and MVET funds for Yakima, 2/6/81; letter from Senator Don Talley and Senate Bill 3440 re increase in State Sales Tax to relieve claims resulting from the volcano, 2/6/81; letter to Dr. Hill from Parks Department re Lions Swimming Pool, 2/13/81; letter to Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce re Petition No. 966 concerning street name changes, 2/9/81; memo from Transit Manager re transit ridership, 2/9/81; monthly report of Code Administration Office Activities, 1/19/81; monthly report of Permit Center of January, 1981; minutes of 1/13/81 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, and agenda for 2/17/81 meeting; minutes of Board of Adjustment meeting of 1/27/81; minutes of Police and Fire Civil Service Commission meeting of 1/20/81; and AWC Legislative Bulletin No. 5, 2/6/81. 21. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, it was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by Hinman that this meeting be adjourned at the hour of 4:50 P.M. Unanimously carried by voice vote. VP READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY 7 DATE ) IOUNCIL vm Br' DATE - — cou BER ATTEST: . air. CITY CLP /I MAYOR • II/