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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 II/ 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 • 231 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 II/ 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 J 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 II/ 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 II/ 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 II/ 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. II/ 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 , T 0---1.--..y.„_\e„......1 A E 6 - ).-- ‘ . . gi , COUNCIL. MEMBER t DATE COUNCIL MEMBER ATTEST: f .....giii.d4e .........L.L.. ..::: ... ' , 1 ' . ,/ / /1 t - / Ji On ., ..i .ial - CITY CL :i •- -1 1 ' / MAYOR- . 1 .,; , ,) • . ., . ** 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). . , - - , - - - - 111 .. . ' . . : . . . . , . . . . ■ P , ■ ■ - . I . ■ 1 . . * .