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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/28/1981 Study Session 1„9.n u JULY 28, 1981 STUDY SESSION The City Council net in session on this date at 2:00 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 reported that the annual Air Show will be held September 12th, at which time the Shrine Club and Civil Air Patrol will have a dunking tank. She stated that she has volunteered to sit in the tank and asked the other Council members and staff to volunteer also. She asked Council to advise her by the end of the week whether they can or not. Discussion followed regarding the appointment to the City II/ Employees Civil Service Commission. It was the general consensus of the Council to schedule a special Council meeting to interview the three individuals who have submitted their applications. City Manager Zais commented that these interviews can be done in Executive Session. Council member Doty expressed her pleasure about the City Council meeting agenda being printed in the Herald-Republic and asked that a letter of appreciation and commendation be sent. Mayor Edmondson stated that that will be done. Mayor Edmondson asked the Council to consider putting on the ballot the Charter amendment for the people to directly vote for a Council member/mayor designated position. She commented that this would end the confusion as to who elects the Mayor. She stated that this will not change our form of government. Council member Doty asked that Council delay this one week and talk about it next week. 'Following discussion, it was the general consensus of the Council to discuss this next week. Fire Chief Ed Carroll showed the Council members the new logo for the Fire Department. He stated that the department members made the suggestions for the overall design and the work was done by a student at J. M. Perry Trade School. He stated that the black letters are done with reflective tape which shines and appears white at night. Council member Beauchamp reported that a citizen living in the Jerome Avenue area called him complaining about the transit buses speeding and expressing concern about the safety for the Children in the area. The citizen reported that the bus was doing 45 MPH in a 25 MPH zone between 16th and 20th Avenues. 2. REPORT FROM COUNCIL COMMITTEE REGARDING PUBLIC SAFETY AFFIRMATIVE ACTION ISSUES AND POLICE CADET PROGRAM City Manager Zais gave some background information and stated that there are basically two or three recommendations. One recommendation is to dhange the certification rules for entry level positions in the Police and Fire Department from a "Rule of One" to a "Rule of Three." He stated that this will give some flexibility in that area as well as be consistent with the other civil service employees. The second recommendation relates to promotional exams. He stated that the committee felt that it was unnecessary to Change the existing system as originally suggested, because of the change to the "Rule of Three." He stated that a lot of time was spent on the Police Cadet Program. He noted a correction that needs to be changed in the Cadet Program on the first page, last paragraph, which establishes Civil Service status. He stated that a one year probationary period and a one year in-service period would be served and that would be the end of employment. The discharge of employees must be reviewed by Civil Service. City Manager Zais stated that there are a couple of actions Council can take. He said that the appropriate action is for the Council, in cooperation with staff, to make this presentation to the JULY 28, 1981 : 21 Civil Service Commission. Once that has been established, we would plan to begin the process of implementing the Cadet Program. He stated that he believes we can have the program started by September. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Carmichael to accept the report and recommendation and a presentation be made to the Police. & Fire Civil Service Commission so the appropriate rule changes can be made and the Cadet Program be started. Unanimously carried by voice vote. It was the general consensus of the Council —to ask the Committee of the Council to present this to the Police and Fire Civil Service Commission. BUSINESS MEETING 3. ROLL CALL At 3 :00 p.m., the Council members canmenced the regular meeting, Mayor Betty L. Edmondson presiding, Council members Beauchamp, Buchanan, Carmichael, Crest, Doty and Hinman and City Manager Zais and City Attorney Andrews present on roll call. 4. INVOCATION The Invocation was given by Council member Beauchamp. 5. 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 was an error on the Consent Agenda and Item No. 17 should not be on the Consent Agenda and Item No. 18 should have been. It was the general consensus of the Council to make these corrections. Council member Hinman requested that Item No. 14 be removed and Council member Buchanan requested that Item No. 12 be removed from the Consent Agenda. Mayor Edmondson requested that Item No. 16 be removed from the Consent Agenda. It was the general consensus of the Council that the addition of Item No. 18 and the deletion of Items No. 12, 14, 16 and 17, as requested, be made. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and an ordinance by title. It was MOVED by Doty, 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.) 6. ANNEXATION PETITION NO. 974, FILED BY THE ESTATE OF MILDRED A. CAHOON It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Beauchamp that July 28, 1981 be set as the time for a meeting with the initiating parties who signed the Notice of Intention to Commence Annexation Proceedings, dated July 3, 1981, those initiating parties being George A. Cashman for the estate of Mildred A. Cahoon. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Mr. Cashman and Mr. Applegate, representing the estate of Mildred A. Cahoon, were asked if they were willing to accept their share of the City's indebtedness and they replied in the affirmative. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Beauchamp that the annexation proposed by George A. Cashman for the estate of Mildred A. Cahoon, be accepted by the City of Yakima and that the area to be annexed be required to assume its share of the City's existing indebtedness, and that a Notice of Intention to Annex be filed with the Yakima County Boundary Review Board. 7. HEARING ON SIX YEAR TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR 1982 TO 1987. This being the time fixed for the hearing on the Six Year Transportation Improvement Program for the years 1982 -1987, Denny Covell, City Engineer, reported that the revenue JULY 28, 1981 forecast for street is dismal. He reported that this program is the same as last year with the exception of an added project at Mead and South 1st Street where one of poles for the signals has been damaged. The pole has to be moved back, which will require the purchase of right-of-way. He stated that cost is estimated at approximately $60,000. City Manager Zais spoke about the funding for arterial street improvments in the past and stated that in the absence of any other sources of funding, that projects in the future either won't be done or local funding sources must be considered, i.e., bond issues. Mr. Cheshire, Papa Ccmos' Restaurant, asked if the 9th Street-Yakima Avenue channelization program is included in this program. Mr. Covell stated that that is one of the projects that is slated for construction either this year or the next. He stated that that was a project that was going to be discussed at Council this week, but was postponed until mid-August to allow some citizens time to hold II/ a meeting they wanted in order to discuss proposals and alternatives. The public portion of the hearing was closed. Resolution No. D-4514, having been read by title, it was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Buchanan that the Resolution be adopted. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. RESOLUTION NO. D-4514, A RESOLUTION adopting a Six Year Transportation Improvement Program for the period of 1982 through 1987 for the construction of streets and arterial streets in the City of Yakima. 8. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION A. PRESENTATION BY JAMES PDSEY,, RE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND SOUTHEAST YAKIMA COMMUNITY AT WORK Council member Beauchamp requested to be excused from discussion on this it due to conflict of interest. Mr. Posey submitted a proposal for changing the contract between the City and the Southeast Yakima Community At Work. He stated that they are hurting financially and will be facing budget cuts. He gave some background information on the contract which was signed in 1971. He reported that the Southeast Community Center has passed its recertification in terms of utilization of those facilities. Carol Darby, Director of Community Development, reported that there is some discrepancy on the recertification. She stated that HUD has certified the agreement between the City of Yakima and HUD, which does not deal with the certification for the Southeast Community Center. She reported that HUD sent someone to verify the agreement, however, that individual went to the Southeast Community Center without a City official and went through the facility and told Mr. Posey it was fine. She stated that a letter is going back to HUD that says from now on they should work with the City. She reported that the other certification is between the City and the Southeast Community Center and after working through some problems, the City has authorized that II/ certification. Mr. Posey commented that the City should not ask the Southeast Community Center to comply with conditions related to the recertification of the facility that is not required in the contract between the City and HUD. He distributed a copy of the agreement between the City and HUD. He also distributed a copy of the agreement between the Southeast Community Center and the City. He stated that the contract is ten years old and there is only one item that provides for assistance by the local body and that is for maintenance of landscaping of the grounds. He stated that that was predicated on a lot of things that no longer exist. Mayor Edmondson stated that in 1975 or 1976, the Council was petitioned to take over some of the maintenance and operation costs, so the programs were discussed. She reported that the discussion broke down because the Southeast Community Center wanted to retain the right to do their an programming. Mr. Posey distributed a copy of his May 21, L L. 3 JULY 28, 1981 1981 file memo of a meeting held on May 14, 1981. He also distributed a copy of the HUD regulations relating to utilization of public facilities. He stated that he would like to make the Center a facility that the entire community can utilize. He stated that it could be used for emergency preparedness to accommodate people in times, of emergencies. Mayor Edmondson commented that Mr. Posey is asking for $30,000 or $32,000 annually for M & 0 for the facility and insurance. Following discussion, Mayor Edmondson stated that the staff will need to review this request. B. OTHER Ines Rice, 4409 W. Arlington, requested that the contract on the administration of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Construction and Design Contract be made available to her. City Manager Zais stated that staff will be contacting her about this. Mayor Edmondson proclaimed this week as CPR Week and stated that this week, KNDO-TV will be televising a Red Cross CPR television campaign. She also proclaimed this weekend as St. Elizabeth Medical Center Weekend, commemorating 90 years of service to the community. *9. MINUTES The Council minutes of July 7, 1981 were approved, having been duly certified accurate by two Council members and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly. 10. OONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED APPOINTMENTS TO UTILITY RATE ADVISORY BOARD It was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Doty that Rod Hufstader he the public utility representative and confirm the recommended appointments in all areas as listed. Carried by 6-1 vote. Carmichael voting nay. City Manager Zais stated that the Chamber of Commerce has formed a special committee of six representatives which are desirous of receiving the consultant report on utility rates. He stated that he has informed than that staff will work with them, , but in conjunction with the advisory board. He suggested that if they wished to participate that they attend the meetings scheduled for the advisory committee. It was the general consensus of the Council to concur with the City Manager's suggestion. *11. GRANT INCREASE FROM EPA tOR PHASE II, WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT RESOLUTION NO. D-4515, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute an agreement accepting an offer from the United States Environmental Protection Agency for a grant of funds to aid construction of water pollution control facilities. 12. LEASE AGREEMENT WITH METRO FOR TRANSIT BUSES Council member Buchanan expressed concern about the condition of these buses and the responsibility of the City for repairing them. City Manager Zais reported that staff has asked Seattle about the question on major repairs and we have been notified that in the event that major repairs would be needed, they would send a replacement engine and the City would be responsible for installing it. He stated that this is not in the contract because they use a standard contract and won't change it. He stated that we will receive a letter confirming the telephone conversation he had with them regarding this budget. He stated that the buses were repowered and have less than 40,000 miles on the engines now. Resolution No. D-4516 having been read by title, it was MOVED by Doty, seconded by Carmichael that the Resolution be adapted. Carried by 6-1 roll call vote. Buchanan voting nay. JULY 28, 1981 RESOLUTION NO. D-4516, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute an "agreement for the rental of transit coaches" for the Municipality of Metropolitan Seattle. *13. VACATION OF A PORTION OF PUBLIC UTILITY EASEMENT (fILDOW LAKE OONDOMINIUM) RESOLUTION NO. D-4517, A RESOLUTION vacating a portion of a public utility easement at Willow Lake, a Groenig Development property. 14. CHANGE ORDER NO. 10 FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT CONSTRUCTION, OONTRACT NO. 5, SCHEDULE A WITH PETER KIEWIT AND SONS Council member Hinman questioned Items No. 3, 4 and 5 and Jon Wiese, Sanitary Engineer, explained the reasons for including these items in the Change Order. Following this explanation, II/ it was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Carmichael to accept and approve the Change Order as outlined. Carried by 6-1 voice vote. Hinman voting nay. *15. INVESTMENT REPORT FOR JUNE 1981. The report of the City Finance Officer dated June 30, 1981, • regarding the investments of the City of Yakima was accepted and approved. 16. ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING AND TRANSFERRING FUNDS FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL REPLACEMENT AT 40TH AVENUE AND TIETON DRIVE (FIRST READING) Mayor Edmondson referred to the report in which it is stated that the City's insurance will not cover the loss and collection from the motorist is not feasible and asked why it isn't. Don Horan, Director of Finance, stated that the individual does not have any insurance and he not responsible. An Ordinance appropriating and transferring funds for traffic signal replacement having been read by title only, was placed on the table for one week or until August 4, 1981. 17. ORDINANCE RELATING TO SPEED LIMIT Hank Hein, Supervising Traffic Engineer, gave some background information on the speed limit traffic study. He requested that action be taken on this in time for it to be implemented before school opens. He introduced Dick Bishop, Transportation Planning and Engineering, Inc. Mr. Bishop used an overhead projector and slides to present his report. He gave information on the methodology for performing this study. He listed his conclusions, as follows: 1) speeds are higher than posted limits; 2) several limits are unreasonably low; 3) raising speed limits tend to lower speeds; and 4) there is a need for City-wide consistency. Mr. Bishop reported that II/ there is a list in the report which shows the streets recammended to have the speed limits revised. He distributed an additional map which shows the streets that have been recommended to be changed. He commented that there are no recommended changes for more than 5 MPH and two streets are being recommended to have laver speed limits. Council member Carmichael expressed her concern regarding the recommended speed limit change on Summitview Avenue by 24th Avenue because of the school in that area. Council member Hinman expressed his concern about raising the speed limit on 40th Avenue. (Council member Crest absent after 5:15 p.m.) Discussion followed on the proposed speed limit change on Summitview Avenue. There was also discussion regarding the speed limit on Washington Avenue west of 24th Avenue. Ordinance No. 2535, having been read by title, it was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Beauchamp that the Ordinance be passed. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Beauchamp to lower the speed limit on Summitview Avenue east of 40th Avenue from the recamended 35 MPH to 30 MPH. City Attorney Andrews stated that that would require two amendments in the Ordinance; one on page 2, No. 12 from 7th Avenue to 4 0th Avenue and D on page 3, from L25 JULY 28, 1981 24th Avenue to 40th Avenue. The question was called for the vote on the motion. Carried by 5-1 voice vote. Edmondson voting nay. Crest absent. The question was called for the vote on the motion, as amended. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. Crest absent. ORDINANCE NO. 2535, AN ORDINANCE relating to traffic control; designating speed limits on certain City streets; amending Section 9.50.350 of the City of Yakima. Municipal Ccde. *18. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION PLAN TO PROVIDE FOR THE ADDITION OF A NEW POSITION OF CABLE TELEVISION 00ORDINATOR ORDINANCE NO. 2536, AN ORDINANCE relating to City personnel; adopting a classification and compensation plan for City employees to be effective August 29, 1981; amending Sections 2.20.100 and 2.20.110 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. 19. OTHER BUSINESS INFORMATION ITEMS Items supplied for Council information were: memo from Director of Public Works re Wastewater Treatment Plant odors. 7/22/81; correspondence from John Moore, attorney re Yakima and Zais vs. Sloan, Et. Al. 7/17/81; memo from Transit Manager re bench advertising contract. 7/20/81; article from W11 Street Journal, "Punting the Block Grants". 7/21/81; article from Wall Street Journal, "For Fast Cash, Cities Pursue Illegal Parkers". 7/23/81; correspondence from Mark Cornett, Yakima Valley Community College re Handicap Access. 7/21/81; and minutes of the July 15, 1981 meeting of the Yakima Center Advisory Commission. 20. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, it was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Carmichael that this meeting be adjourned at the hour of 5:30 p.m. to then net on Tuesday, August 4, 1981 at 11:30 a.m. in Room 104 at the Yakima County Courthouse. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Crest absent. / READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY .. / . DATE Sr:EMBER DATE ii ) COUNCIL MEMBER ATTEST: N / a • 1-014kgalialj ■1 / 1 2 e .:‘ .0 0. AlbririArgI 4 W''" --;"‘" CITY fii; RK MAYOR . I i/%1