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,
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AUGUST 4, 1981
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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
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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
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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
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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;
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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
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