HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/21/1981 Adjourned Meeting n
APRIL 21, 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, Lynn Buchanan, Lynn Carmichael, Bruce Crest,
Shirley Doty, and Don Hinman. Council member Henry Beauchamp absent.
1. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
Reference was made to a memo from Parks and Recreation Dir-
ector Dick Hilligus re Federal Employment Act of 1974. There
was discussion on whether to send a letter to the appropriate
agency advising of the impact this will have on cities. About
2/3 of the proposed cuts, changes and modifications impact all
City activities.
Mayor Edmondson reminded the Council members that Thursday,
April 23, 1981, the First Annual Labor Relations Institute II/
will be held.
Mayor Edmondson reported that there is going to be a govern-
mental accounting conference Tuesday, May 12, 1981, at SeaTac
Airport, re GAAFR standards and that the Mayor or a designated
Council member has been invited to attend. It was reported
that Finance Director Don Horan will be attending.
City Manager Zais informed the Council of a meeting in Olympia
with the State Community Affairs Office in the Department of
Ecology, to review the status of our claims, etc. It has been
set for Wednesday, May 6, 1981, from 1:30 to 4:00 P.M. Coun-
cil members Buchanan, Carmichael and Doty indicated they might
attend.
Council member Crest reminded Council members of the 0.I.C.
banquet to be held on April 28, 1981.
2. REVIEW OF CITY/COUNTY URBAN AREA PLANNING ISSUES AND POLICY POSI-
TIONS
The Council reviewed each of 12 issues of contention with the
proposed statements to each, as compiled by Community Develop-
ment staff from the various meetings and discussions that have
been held. After discussion it was the general consensus of
the Council to approve all items as written, except on Issue
3, whether an annexation policy should be included in the
Yakima Urban Area Plan -- answer, yes. Strike the balance of
the proposed statement "the City Council further believes that
it would be beneficial to have the Regional Planning Com-
mission recommending to both the City and the County on annex-
ations"; and on Issue 8, whether membership on the Regional
Planning Commission should be changed -- change the word
supports, to acknowledges, "the Council acknowledges the
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original position, as contained in the Yakima Urban Area
Planning Agreement, etc.". It was noted that this statement
will be delivered to the Planning Commissioners as soon as
corrected. At the same time we will pick up the Commission-
ers' dissertation on these twelve issues. Council member Doty
complimented staff members for a good job on this document.
There was discussion regarding the order in which Council
prefered to put the items for discussion for future Study
Sessions. It was decided to leave them in the order listed,
and put a cover on the packet that was being returned to the
Commissioners giving Council's preference as to priority
order.
3. CONSIDERATION OF CITY POLICY RE PROPOSED STATE LEGISLATION INCREAS-
ING LOCAL SALES TAX (SENATE BILL 3086 OR HOUSE BILL 749)
City Manager Zais explained that the proposed State legisla-
tion increasing local sales tax that recently was passed out
of committee in the House to be considered on the House floor
this week is strongly supported by the Association of Washing-
ton Cities. He stated that Representative Noel Bickham has
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APRIL 21, 1981
requested that the City advise him and our other State repre-
sentatives of the City's overall position on this measure.
Also the Association of Washington Cities would like to be
notified. He also stated that the staff had previously ex-
pressed support for this measure. Council members had ques-
tions regarding what the City would lose if this proposed
legislation is passed. Finance Director Don Horan explained
what would be lost in Motor Vehicle Taxes and what would be
gained in additional Sales Tax. Mayor Edmondson indicated
that she feels that the trade-offs are poor and she is not in
favor of the proposed legislation. Several other Council
members indicated they are not in favor of the proposed legis-
lation. City Manager Zais noted that the proposal is not
something that is being imposed on the Council. It is still
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their choice choice as to whether or not it is enacted. After fur-
ther discussion, it was MOVED by Doty, seconded by Carmichae
that the Council oppose the proposed legislation increasing
local Sales Tax -- Equalization (SB 3086, or HB 749) and so
advise Representative Noel Bickham and the Association of
Washington Cities as requested. Unanimously carried by voice
vote.
4. DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED AGENDA COVER SHEET AND INSTRUCTION MANUAL
City Manager Zais referred to the proposed Agenda Cover Sheet
and Instruction Manual, stating that it has been prepared by
the City Clerk and Assistant City Manager and is being pre-
sented to Council for their information and comments. Council
member Hinman suggested that contact person and telephone
number be added to the agenda cover sheet. It was the general
consensus of the Council to approve the new form and proce-
dures with the addition of suggested changes.
5. REVIEW OF YAKIMA CENTER ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION RE
BUILDING EXPANSION FOR STORAGE PURPOSES: ALSO DISCUSSION RE AP-
POINTMENTS TO COMMISSION
Assistant City Manager Wittenberg referred to his memo in
which he explained that previously the City Council had allo-
cated the sum of $7,000 for the construction of a storage
facility in 1981, and that originally it was proposed that a
temporary metal sided building be placed against the rear of
the Center. Earlier this year the Yakima Center Advisory
Board approved plans for the structure and City staff com-
menced work on all the necessary details. Upon contacting th
Center's architect, Mr. Ron Cameron, for needed drawings, he
suggested that a permanent addition be made to the original
building. Subsequently, a member of the business community
offered to donate up to $10,000 on a 50/50 matching basis if
this were approved. He further explained that the new plan
was discussed by the Commission who voted to recommend to the
City Council, the construction of the permanent addition. The
total cost is estimated to be in the $17,000 to $20,000 range,
which means we might need another $3,000. Les McNary, Direc-
tor of Yakima Center, and Ron Cameron, Architect, were present
to answer,questions. After discussion it was MOVED by Hinman,
seconded by Crest to instruct staff to go ahead- per recommen-
dation and follow through going out for bid of the proposed
construction of the permanent addition to the Yakima Center.
Unanimously carried by voice vote.
Mayor Edmondson referred to the memo regarding current and
impending vacancies on the Yakima Center Advisory Commission.
She stated that the Committee of the Council is Chairman Lynn
Buchanan, Don Hinman, and Lynn Carmichael. She noted that
there is a vacancy for the position held by Jerry Franklin.
Also, a couple of term expirations occurring up in June.
Larry Wittenberg, Assistant City Manager, stated that Jeanne
Crawford does not desire to be reappointed to the position she
has held and has recommended that Eileen Williams be appointed
to fill her position. Mayor Edmondson asked if Eileen Wil-
liams had filed an application and was informed that one has
been sent to her but not returned. Mayor Edmondson asked if
there were any further comments or information the Committee
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APRIL 21, 1981
of the Council wishes other than the urgency of meeting and
filling the vacancy we now have and working towards consid-
ering the others. There was no further comment or action
taken at this time.
6. CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSAL TO FINANCE COMMITTEE ON "INTERNATIONAL
YEAR OF DISABLED PERSONS"
City Manager Zais, explained that previously a request had
been received for $1,000 to help finance the program of the
International Year of the Disabled Persons. At that time,
City Attorney Andrews had advised that there needed to be a
description of the program that the Council would consider and
adopt as an endorsement. Letters have been received from Gini
Heintzman and Nadine Lee with suggestions for such a program.
City Manager Zais further explained that these have been
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reviewed and Finance Director Don Horan has reformated the
proposals to a program covering the balance of the year. He
stated that the funding is not presently budgeted and would be
appropriate as a contingency expenditure. He further stated
that if this is accepted by the Council, the City Attorney
will prepare the appropriate legislation which will be brought
back to the Council. Council member Doty referred to a call
she had received from a citizen who was concerned about this
establishing a precedent in the funding of a particular com-
mittee, and felt that maybe this type of action would be
better done by private citizens. She also asked questions
about how this came about in the first place. Mayor Edmondson
reviewed the fact that Gini Heintzman had previously been
appointed as liaison person for the local entity, as requested
by the State and Federal governments, and that Gini has fol-
lowed through on goals and programs as suggested by the U. S.
Council of the International Association. There was formed a
citizens group, which is a truly representative group repre-
senting the school district, Council on Aging and others. They
met and came up with a plan whereby beneficial information
will be given about barriers in the business community, and
will be encouraged in the updating of equipment for disabled
persons. After further discussion it was MOVED by Hinman,
seconded by Crest that the staff be instructed to prepare the
proper legislation to implement this proposed plan and request
for the $1,000: carried by 4-2 voice vote. Buchanan and Doty
voting nay. Beauchamp absent.
OTHER ITEMS
City Manager Zais stated that Ken Fisher has requested the
Council state its position on the Variable Gas Tax measure
(SSB 4283). After discussion it was MOVED by Hinman, seconded
by Doty that a phone call be made expressing the support of
this measure. Carried by 5-1 voice vote. Buchanan voting
nay. Beauchamp absent.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
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City Manager Zais requesting a brief Executive Session on
prospective litigation, it was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by
Hinman to move into Executive Session to discuss prospective,
litigation. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Beauchamp
absent.
BUSINESS MEETING
7. ROLL CALL
At 3:00 P.M. Council members commenced the regular meeting.
Mayor Edmondson presiding, Council members Beauchamp,
Buchanan, Carmichael, Crest, Doty, and Hinman, and City Man-
ager Zais and City Attorney Andrews present on roll call.
APRIL 21, 1981
8. INVOCATION
The Invocation was given by City Manager Zais.
9. 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 Hinman requested that Items No. 13 and 14 be added
to the Consent Agenda. -It was the general consensus of the
Council that the addition of Items No. 13 and 14 as requested,
be made. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items,
including resolutions and ordinances by title. It was MOVED
II/ by Carmichael, seconded by Crest 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.)
*10. MINUTES.
The Council minutes of April 2 and 7, 1981, were approved,
having been duly certified accurate by two Council members and
no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly.
11. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Mayor Edmondson read four proclamations:
1. Cancer Zontrol Month, from April 27 to May 6, 1981.
2. ' 10th .Anniversary of Yakima Symphony Orchestra Week --
week of April 21, 1981.
3.- Days 'of Remembrance of the Holocaust -- April 26 -- May
3, 1981.
4. Youth Temperance Education Week by the Womens,Christian
Temperance Union -- April 26 --May 3, 1981. ..
12. CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSAL TO INCREASE REGULATORY LICENSE FEES AND
FIREWORKS PERMITS.
Lou Roederer, Code Manager, explained that general business
licenses were increased beginning January, 1981, but that
regulatory licenses have not been increased since 1975, and it
is proposed that they be increased 50% and referred to the
schedule attached to his staff report. He stated that regu-
latory licenses are more costly to process than the general
business license in that some require Police records inspec-
tion and on-site inspection by his office priorito issuance.
Council members asked questions about the reasoning for regu-
latory licenses on some of the items listed in the report,
such as religious solicitors, junk dealers, dance studios,
taxi drivers, etc. City Attorney Andrews reported that his
office is investigating the regulations regarding street
vendors and will be including religious solicitors in the
report back to the Council, not so much as to what to charge
but information on the regulation of this type of selling.
City Manager Zais referred to the revenue factor regarding
regulatory licenses and Mr. Roederer reported that in 1980,
447 of these permits were issued, the revenue for which was
$18,617.50 and with the proposed increase it will raise ap-
proximately $27,000 in 1981. It was asked if there should be
hearings and notices sent to the persons involved, in pro-
posing such an increase in fees. City Manager Zais explained
that usually this was part of the budget hearings, and hear-
' ings have not been held in the past on this kind of proposed
increase. The last time was during the 1,975 budget prepara-
tion and during the budget hearings there was an opportunity
for persons to respond. These regulatory licenses were not
looked at during the 1980 budget. Council members indicated
that it.seems to have been quite some time since these licen-
ses have been reviewed, regarding whether they Are now actu-
ally regulated, that there does not seem to be a known basis
for the fees for some of them, and they feel there should be
APRIL 21, 1981
some investigation to determine which ones are actually being
regulated and which ones should be regulated. Council members
are also concerned about increasing the fees 50%. Discussion
indicated they feel they should be studied also and suggested
a possible percentage increase each year. After further
discussion it was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Beauchamp that
this matter be referred back to staff and ask them to come
back with a smaller rate increase that 'will be spread over a
number of years, and also review each of these items to see
whether or not they really need to be regulated. Unanimously
carried by voice vote. See Page 335
*13. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAYMENT FOR EMERGENCY REPAIR OF CAPITOL
THEATRE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT'
RESOLUTION NO. D-4472, A RESOLUTION authorizing payment for
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emergency repair for Capitol Theatre air conditioning unit.
*14. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN ANIMAL CONTROL AGREEMENT
WITH THE YAKIMA COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY
RESOLUTION NO. D-4473, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing
the City Manager and the City Clerk of the City of Yakima to
execute An' Animal Control Agreement with the Yakima County
Humane Society.
15. SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT NO. 2, ON THE PROPOSED WATER RATE ADJUSTMENT
City Manager Zais explained that pursuant to Council's direc-
tion, staff has brought back a report on two other alterna-
tives with options relating to the various irrigation charges.
This report reviewed by Public Works Director Willis White and
Sanitary Engineer Jon Wiese, who answered questions from
several Council members regarding cost of items, projected
revenue and various options defined in this report. After
discussion it was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by Doty that we
accept option 9-C, which is using a $2.20 per account as a
billing/ready-to-serve charge utilizing 9-A regarding the
volume charges: motion failed by 5-2 voice vote, Beauchamp,
Carmichael, Crest, Edmondson and Hinman voting nay. It was
then MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Beauchamp to authorize a
straight, across-the-board 25% increase, and leave the ground
rules the same. Carried by 5-2 voice vote, Doty and Edmondson
voting nay. Council members complimented the staff on the
tremendous amount of work they have done in preparing the
information on the water rates that has enabled the Council to
come to the decision that has been made.
*16. DISPOSITION OF DAMAGE CLAIM, (a) FRED C. WILLIAMS, 313 SOUTH 9TH
AVENUE.
RESOLUTION NO. D-4474, A RESOLUTION denying a claim for dam-
ages filed with the City by Fred C. Williams.
*17. APPROVAL OF OUTSIDE UTILITY REQUEST FOR'SEWER, REQUESTED BY RUTH
REEMS, 731 SOUTH 12TH STREET
The Outside Utility Request was approved subject to payment of
the Capital Cost Recovery Charge and removal of existing
dwelling upon completion of the new dwelling.
*18. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1981'BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING $145,955 TO
VARIOUS ACCOUNTS FOR CABLE TV COMMUNICATIONS FUND
ORDINANCE NO. 2511, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1981 budget;
appropriating the total amount of $145,955 to various accounts
as 1981 appropriations for the Cable TV Communications Fund.
19. OTHER BUSINESS
City Manager Zais reported that quarterly budget status re-
ports will soon be presented to the Council.
APRIL 21, 1981
FOR COUNCIL INFORMATION :.
Items of information supplied to the Council were: corres-
pondence from HUD re Community Development Fait
Equal Opportunity Monitoring Visit. 2/23/81. Reply by City
Manager. 4/16181; Press release stating Richard Anenson will
fill the position of Fleet Manager; Letter to City Attorney
and City Manager from Iry Newhouse, State Senator, advising of
appropriation to fund the Municipal Research Council, 4/13/81;
Memo from Director of Parks and Recreation re Federal Reces-
sion Bills -- Parks and Recreation, 4/17/81; Memo.from AWC re
AWC Officer and Board of Director Elections Resolutions Com-
mittee Activities, 4/6/81; Agenda for 4/21/81.Airport Advisory
Commission meeting.
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20. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, it
was MOVED by Crest, seconded by Doty that this meeting be
adjourned at the hour of :45 P.M. Unanimously carried by
voice vote.
READ AND CERTIFIED BY ,
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** Inadvertently omitted on Page 334 .
, .
Regarding the proposed- increase in the Fireworks Permit Fee, authorization
was given for legislation to be prepared,to amend the Yakima Municipal Code
to increase the permit fee to twenty-five dollars ($25.00).
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