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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/04/1981 Study Session L.2 AUGUST 4, 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 Budhanan, Lynn Carmichael, Bruce Crest, Shirley Doty and Don Hinman. 1. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER Mayor Edmondson referred to the green T-shirts she and Council member Doty are wearing and stated they received than for participating in a walk-a-thon in commemoration of St. Elizabeth Hospital's 90th Birthday. Mayor Edmondson stated that at the special Council meeting held July 30, 1981, it was agreed to have members join together in a task force to study the funding operations. She suggested that two Council members be selected to represent the Council and serve on that task force. Council members Buchanan and Carmichael volunteered to serve on that task force. Mayor Edmondson reported she had a message from Mrs. Hathaway, a citizen, stating she is in favor of the transit route changes and would support Sunday transportation. She stated also that Mildred Schatz left a phone message stating she is in favor of bus service on Sunday and would like bus service extended to midnight. Council member Carmichael requested information on the bid process, and in particular, the gravel bid, stating she had heard that the award of the bid will cost the City $5,000 to $6,000 more than it would on a normal basis because additional cost for transportation was not included. City Manager Zais stated that he will check on it and bring back information. 2. DISCUSSION RE ELECTING THE MAYOR AT LARGE Mayor Edmondson stated that there was an Editorial in the Yakima Herald newspaper soliciting citizens' opinions about electing the Mayor at large. She asked if Council members want to continue this discussion until the results of that poll are available. It was the general consensus of the Council to discuss this at this time. Council member Hinman commented that there is an importance attache d to the role of the Mayor that he doesn't think that is what the Charter intended. He suggested that the title of Mayor be changed to Chairman of the Council. Several of the Council members disagreed with that suggestion referring to the public relations role the Mayor performs. Council member Buchanan stated that he has not heard any response from the citizens and there is a lack of interest about electing the Mayor • separately from the Council members. Council member Doty stated she is in agreement with what Council member Buchanan stated. Mayor Edmondson spoke in favor of putting this issue on the ballot. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Crest to not put the amendment to the Charter for public election of the Mayor on the ballot. Council member Beauchamp expressed his concern about taking action on this now and not waiting for the results of the survey in the paper. Mayor Edmondson commented that if the citizens desire that this be put on the ballot, they can obtain the necessary signatures for a petition to do so. The question was called for the vote on the motion. Carried by 5-2 voice vote. Beaucthamp and Edmondson voting nay. 3. FIRE MASTER PLAN STATUS REPORT Larry Wright, Planning Manager, stated that staff is request- ing the appointment of a canmittee of the Council or a Council representative to work with the Technical Advisory group working on the Fire Master Plan. Following discussion, fl AUGUST 4, 1981 the regarding the planning of Fire Master Plan, it was the general consensus of the Council that Council member Budhanan will serve on this committee and Council member Doty will serve as an alternate. 4. EXECUTIVE SESSION It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Buchanan to move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing prospective litigation and collective bargaining. Unanimously carried by voice vote. BUSINESS MEETING 5. ROLL CALL At 3:00 p.m., the Council members commenced the regular meeting, Mayor Edmondson presiding, Council members Beaudhamp, 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 Buchanan. 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. Mayor Edmondson stated that there is an off-agenda item, No.17-A which is a second reading of an appropriation ordinance. Council member Carmichael requested that Item #10 be added to the Consent Agenda. Council member Doty requested that Item No. 14 be removed and Council member Beaudhamp requested that Item No. 12 be added to the Consent Agenda. Council member Hinman stated he would like to talk about Item No. 10 and Council member Doty stated she would like to speak to Item No. 12. Council member Buchanan requested that Item No.17-A be added to the Consent Agenda. It was the general consensus of the Council that the addition of Item No. 17-A, as requested, be made. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and ordinances by title. It was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Beaudhamp 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 July 14, 21, 27 and 28, 1981 were approved, having been duly certified accurate by two Council 1 members and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly. 9. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION APPEARANCE BY MIKE BERNAZZANI, INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF DISABLED PERSONS COMMITTEE - Mike Bernazzani, co-dhairman, gave a status report on the work this committee is performing. He stated that they have four committees established to review education, employment, aeCessibiiityand health and safety. He stated the committee has received a report on employment and he submitted a copy of that report to the Council. Mayor Edmondson thanked him for his report. AUGUST 4, 1981 4 3 1 APPEARANCE BY JOHN BROWN, HARD CORE RUNNERS CLUB John Brown, Bushwhacker Restaurant, representing the Hard Core Runners Club, stated that this club has been organizing a race for Saturday, August 8, 1981 at 8:00 a.m. for a 12.1 mile run. He stated that it will start and finish in the 300 block of Yakima Avenue. He stated that it was not brought to his attention until last week that traffic control would be a problem and a permit was necessary. He requested Council to approve funds for the necessary manpower it will take to possibly close a fed of the side streets and for some police officers to monitor traffic at a few major intersections, such as Yakima and First Street, Yakima and 5th Avenue, Yakima and 16th Avenue and Chestnut and 40th Avenue. He described the route for the race and stated he expects about 100 to 150 runners. Council umber Beauchamp requested information on the number of police officers it would take to cover this race. Officer Clark, Police Department, estimated that it would take 20 to 25 officers at overtime pay at a rate of $15.00 to $20.00 an hour for a minimum of 4 hours, totaling $2,000 to $2,500. Mayor Edmondson inquired if volunteers could be used. Police Chief LaRue stated he would be uncomfortable about using volunteers, expressing his concern about the City's liability exposure. City Manager Zais commented that there is a time problem in that the parade ordinance requires a 30-day filing period in order to allow time for City review. Mayor Edmondson stated that she understood that Mr. Brcwn had called the City and talked to someone in the Police Department about two months ago. Mr. Brcwn stated that about the beginning of June he contacted the Police Department and was requested to hring the information about the race in after the 4th of July. Mayor Edmondson questioned Mr. Brcwn as to when he brought in that information and he replied that he brought it in about 10 days ago. Mr. Brown stated that this could become an annual event and runners come fran all over the country to participate in these events. Hank Hein, Supervising Traffic Engineer, spoke about his concerns regarding traffic control on sane of the major arterials on this route. He reported that he spoke with the County Traffic Engineer and he was not aware of this event, even though the route extends into the County. Stating that he is in favor of this event, Council member Beaudnamp stated that the City is having financial problems and suggested that some support fran the business interest could be found. Mayor Edmondson stated that there are two problems concerning this request; the implementation of a safe route for runners and traffic and the funding for traffic control. Council member Doty suggested that perhaps the race could be delayed for a month in order to have the time to seek volunteers to set up the barricades and to seek funding from some of the businesses who would support this type of event. Mr. Brcwn stated he felt he would lose a lot of the participants if he cancelled or postponed this race. He stated he has about 45 volunteers who are scheduled to put up the barricades and warning signs and will help direct traffic at some of the major intersections. After stating her concerns, it was MOVED by Carmidhael, seconded by Doty that Council turn dawn the request for this proposed run on Saturday, but be willing to consider working with these people for one or two weeks or the least possible amount of time in the future it can be put together. Seeking clarification of the motion, Mayor Edmondson inquired if this motion would mean that the City is willing to pay for the expenses of this run if it is rescheduled one or two weeks later. Council member Carmichael stated she had suggested that they try to work out a situation for sponsors to pay the expenses. Council member Carmichael withdrew her motion and Council. member Doty withdrew her second to the motion. Following discussion, it was MOVED by Carmichael to deny the request. The motion died for lack of a second. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Buchanan to let the race go ahead as scheduled, as long as staff can work with the group involved to work with volunteers to make it a safe effort. Discussion followed on the possible liability to 1, AUGUST 4, 1981 which the City would be exposed and use of the volunteers to direct traffic. Mayor Edmondson questioned if it was the intent of the motion that the volunteers will be used, working with staff and trained by the Police Officers and that Police Officers be used where needed. Council member Hinman stated that the volunteers are people who are acquainted with this type of race. Asked for his opinion again on the number of officers needed, Officer Clark stated that there would need to be an officer at every intersection where there is a traffic signal and Englewood would have to be closed. The question was called for the vote on the motion. Failed by 5-2 voice vote. Buchanan and Hinman voting aye. Mayor Edmondson inquired if the Club would want to hold this race in the next couple of. weeks or later. Mr. Brown stated he would like to hold the race as soon as possible, however, he wants to discuss this with the Club. Mayor Edmondson suggested that he II/ work with the City and County staff regarding this race and perhaps look at an alternate route. PARKING REQUEST Karen Bennett, 508 So. 1st Street, reported on the lack of adequate parking in the 500 block of South 1st Street. She stated there are 14 parking spaces in that block and 12 businesses. She explained that at times they use the cemented parking strip for about 5 minutes for parking when they shuffle their customers' vehicles around in their driveway, however, she stated that they have received parking tickets for doing that. She asked for information on where to go to handle this. Don Horan, Director of Finance, advised that his Division is aware of this problem and is looking into it. City Manager Zais stated that that work will have to be coordinated with the Traffic Engineer. CONCESSION STAND REQUEST AT GARMER PARK Rev. William Matson, Stone Church, stated that they are going to have a sixteen team tournament the 8th of August and the youth group wanted to have a concession stand at Gardner Park. He stated that the funds would be sent to missionaries over seas. City Attorney Andrews reviewed the requirements in the ordinance enacted a few weeks ago which governs concession stands. Rev. Matson stated that he understands there is a 30 day period before the ordinance would be effective. City Attorney Andrews agreed and stated that that time period has not passed and the existing ordinance would be effective. He referred to the Municipal Code and stated that it -contemplates an agreement between the Parks Department and the party involved. Dick Hilligus, Director of Parks & Recreation, stated that contracts generally are reviewed by the Parks Commission and a percentage rate of the gross is negotiated for the Parks Division and then it goes back to the Parks Commission for recommendation to the Council. Mayor Edmondson stated that this request is too late for the Council to do anything and suggested that the youth group give the food away and request donations. ARTERIAL STREETS SPEED LIMIT Forbes Mercy, 4901 Scenic Drive, stated he read in the paper about lowering the speed limits on So. 1st Street and Englewood. He spoke against this action stating that when the traffic is heavy the cars don't travel the speed limit, however, when traffic is light it is safe to travel South 1st Street at 40 MPH. He further commented that when Englewood is improved, the speed limit will probably be raised again. Mayor Edmondson thanked him for bringing this information to the Council's attention. Mayor Edmondson stated she has had a request to discuss Item No. 12 at this time. It was the general consensus of the Council to discuss It No. 12 out of sequence on the agenda. AUGUST 4, 1981 33 12. CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSAL TO PURCHASE BASKETBALL GOALS FOR WASHINGTON PARK TENNIS COURTS Dave Pleasant, a citizen, spoke in favor of installing basketball hoops at Washington Park, utilizing the tennis courts for that function. He stated that the need for basketball courts is greater than for tennis courts. He submitted a petition signed by approximately 80 people in support of this request. Dick Hilligus, Director of Parks & Recreation, stated that it would take about 30 minutes to convert the courts, which would be done about once or twice a year. He requested that the funds to purchase the hoops be taken out of the capital improvement fund. He reported that the Parks Commission has approved the concept of this, but did not want the funds to come out of Parks Funds. Council member Carmichael stated that there are four hoops at Washington, plus those in the gym. She commented that those tennis courts were requested by the community. She also expressed concern about the wear and tear on the tennis courts if hard soled shoes were to be worn while playing basketball. Council member Crest concurred with Council member Carmichael and suggested that perhaps a program teaching tennis should be started. Mr. Hilligus stated that this fall there will be a structured tennis lesson program conducted. Council member Beauchamp commented that this is an appropriate request as they are talking about keeping the tennis courts, but using it for more than one function. He stated that this would be maximizing the use of this facility. Council member Hinman spoke in support of using the courts for basketball when they aren't being used as tennis courts. Rebecca Pleasant, a citizen, stated that they aren't taking tennis away, but would like to carbine the use of the courts for basketball Also. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Beauchamp to accept the Parks Commission recommendation and spend the $1,700 out of the Parks Capital improvement budget and make the courts convertible between basketball and tennis. Carried by 4-3 voice vote. Carmidhael, Crest and Doty voting nay. 10. CONSIDERATION OF SUBMITTING GRANT PROPOSAL TO BONNEVILLE PWER ADMINISTRATION RE ENERGY ELEMENT FOR THE URBAN AREA PLAN Council member Hinman stated that even if we don't get state funding, it is absolutely essential that this be done anyway. It was MOVED by Crest, seconded by Beauchamp to authorize the grant proposal to be developed and submitted to Bonneville Per Administration. Unanimously carried by voice vote. 11. SIX MONTH REPORT ON ANIMAL CONTROL Council members discussed the potential deficit for 1981 and alternatives to consider to attempt to offset that deficit. Mayor Edmondson reflected that the dog license fees continue to be raised, however, the revenue is falling behind. Council member Beauchamp requested information at budget time on figures on the percentage of people who retrieve their impounded dogs. Following discussion, it was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Carmichael to experiment the next six months and not pick up cats and pick up only dogs. Unanimously carried by voice vote City Attorney Andrews stated that according to City ordinances, it is unlawful to allow cats to run loose inside the City limits and this change would require an amendment to the ordinance. It was the general consensus of the Council to instruct staff to prepare the ordinance, as discussed. *13. CONTRACT WITH CASCADE NATURAL GAS CORPORATION FOR RATE REDUCTION FOR CITY HALL RESOLUTION NO. D-4518, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute a "Contract for Natural Gas Service" with Cascade Natural Gas Corporation. AUGUST 4, 1981 14. DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS PROPERTY Council !Tauber Doty questioned the is shelters being surplused and suggested that they not be sold until the next auction. Resolution No. D-4519 having been read by title, it was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Beauchamp that the resolution be adopted. It was MOVED by Doty, seconded by Crest to amend the resolution to ask for removal of two bus shelters, item No. 61, from the auction list. Unanimously carried by voice vote. The question was called for the vote on the motion, as amended. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. RESOLUTION NO. D-4519, A RESOLUTION authorizing the sale of surplus personal property owned by the City. *15. OUT OF STATE TRAVEL REQUEST FOR WAYNE DEAN, PARKS SUPERVISOR II/ The out of state travel request for Wayne Dean, Parks Supervisor, to Rathdrun, Idaho, August 9 through 10, 1981, to attend the Inland Empire Golf Course Superintendent's Association meeting, at a cost of $98.80, was approved. *16. ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR TEMPORARY DOMESTIC WATER SERVICES ORDINANCE NO. 2537, AN ORDINANCE relating to public services and utilities; providing for temporary domestic water service and specifying conditions for furnishing such service; and amending Section 7.68.300 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. *17. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION PLAN TO PROVIDE FOR CLASSIFICATION OF POLICE CADET ORDINANCE NO. 2538, AN ORDINANCE relating to City personnel; adopting a classification and compensation plan for City employees to be effective September 5, 1981; amending Sections 2.20.100 and 2.20.110 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. *17A. ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL (SECOND READING) ORDINANCE NO. 2539, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1981 Budget for the City of Yakima by transferring and appropriating the amount of $10,000 for expenditure during the year 1981. 18. OTHER BUSINESS INFORMATION ITEMS Its supplied for Council information were: memo fran Mayor Edmondson re City Employee's Civil Service Commission - Interview Of Candidates. 7/30/81; memo fran Director of Community Development re Holm Annexation Status. 7/29/81; II/ monthly progress report for June, 1981 fran Beck & Associates. 7/27/81; letter to Chamber of Commerce re sewer rate review committee. 7/27/81; letter from Depailluent of Social & Health Services re position required to be filled by certified waterworks operator. 7/23/81; article from 7/29/81 Wall Street Journal, "Getting the Ax, Employees Learn Government Jobs can Disappear."; and The Mayor, Volume 48, No. 14. July 15, 1981. 19. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to came before the Council, it was MOVED by Crest, seconded by Carmichael that this meeting be adjourned at the hour of 5:10 p.m. to then meet on Wednesday, August 5, 1981, at 8:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. Unanimously carried by voice vote. L; 3 5 AUGUST 4, 1981 St READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY ----/"----../ DATE 744/ ODUNCIL MEMBER , DATE VODUNCIL mEmBEiR, ATTEST: 4 ' . .0 OF iYav--- cg) S2d)2702714-07) .......ma...-. 0.,',....af - ' ar 1...... CITY Ni RK MAYOR f i 1 . . , .