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.
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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
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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
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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,
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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,
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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
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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-•
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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
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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-
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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
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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.
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