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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/09/1981 Study Session 3 JUNE 9, 1981 STUDY SESSION • The City Council met in session on this date at 6:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Council members present were Mayor Betty L. Edinondson, 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 , Mayor Edmondson reminded Council of the COG meeting next ' Monday at 2:00 P.M. at the Yakima County Courthouse. She also commented that the AWC Conference begins next Tuesday. Mayor Edmondson read into the record a letter she received II/ from Jack W. Snook, Deputy Fire Chief from White City, Oregon, addressed to the Council members, as follows: "I would just like to take a moment' of your valuable time to express my thoughts regarding your community, and more specifically your Yakima Fire Department. For the past two years I have had the most fortunate opportunity to instruct at the 22nd and 23rd' 'Yakima Staff and Command Schools respectively. During these brief periods of time I have observed many unique and precious * activities which, unfortunately, many times we seem to take for granted. The leadership, direction and general commitment of Chief Ed Carroll, his assistant, Ken, and persons such as Bill' I Crawford ancl• Virginia are quickly becoming a rarity in our profession. Few people realize the amount of work, res- ponsibility, and organizational ability that goes into the development and delivery of the finest command school offered in this country. I, for one, was deeply touched and impressed with what I've seen during these past two years. I would hope - that you and the members of your City Council Would take just a brief moment to thank' those people aforementioned in this letter on behalf of the Fire service." Mayor Edmondson • thanked Fire Chief Ed Carroll and his staff for their efforts towards this project. 2. ' CONSIDERATION APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ' City Manager Zais stated that the appointment to the Civil Service COmtission should be'effective after the hearing which is before the Commission. Council member Hinman stated that he has not met a couple of the applicants, and asked if in- terviews could be scheduled. It was the general consensus of the Council that interviews be scheduled with the applicants for the week after next. Mayor Edmondson stated that there will be a vacancy in August �n the Planning Commission and 'there is currently one vacancy on the Housing Authority which will be addressed as soon as possible. Council member Doty staied that there is a vacancy on the Human Relations Com- mission and Assistant City Manager Wittenberg stated that there is a vacancy on the Yakima Center Commission as Bob has Philiips declined to - acCept the appointment. Council member Buchanan explained that there was some confusion be- tween the father and the son when that appointment was made. City Manager Zais reported that there is a vacancy on the Parks Commission with the resignation of Dr. McGuinness. 3. REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL RULES Council member Crest stated that the Committee looked at two aspects‘ of Council and Mayor responsibility and salary. He reviewed the first page of the memo dated 5/26/81 which gives proposed recommendations from the Committee. He commented about the expansion of the roll of the Maydr in community affairs,. 'i.e. speaking engagements. He stated that the ex- pansion is mainly due to the request for appearances by the ' Mayor, but many of these are because the other members do not take their share of responsibilities for these functions. He also commented about the committee's concern about the Cost for ceremonial gifts being Paid'by'the Mayor. ' Council member Doty stated that the committee thought that some standard gift could be purchased and also keep funds 300 JUNE 9, 1981 available for special commemorative gifts, if necessary. She stated she understands that in some municipalities, the Visitors and Convention Bureau has funds set aside for this purpose. She stated that the committee felt that the Council should take more responsibility and be mofe visible in the community. She stated that the committee even considered the possibility of requiring the Council members to serve on a minimum number of boards and commissions. She stated that the committee also recommends that all Council members be covered by a life, liability insurance policy on Council business to be paid by the City. Mayor Edmondson asked how a Council member is going to be legislated to serve on boards and make them go out into the community. Council member Doty suggested that a handbook be prepared to be given to prospective and new Council members which would outline the duties and responsi- bilities and peer pressure 'would be the only way to enforce it. Discussion followed on the item of the ceremonial gifts, Mayor Edmondson commenting that this would have to be reviewed for 'legality as the gifts would be purchased with public II/ money. She stated that if we ask the V & C to purchase these gifts, the Council should be prepared for them to request additional funds at budget time. Council member Crest stated that the committee discussed this with the City Manager and got a tentative opinion that this would be okay. He stated that the committee considered budgeting for this in the Coun- cil's budget and the Mayor and Council would make the decision on the gift. We could then go, to the V & C and help them draw up a document that would spell out how the money would be appropriated and what mechanics would be necessary to get it out of funds to be sent. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Doty to accept recommendation No. 1 on Page 2 and direct the committee to further explore this recommendation. City Manager Zais stated that he understands that Council will designate a sum of money each year, allocated to the V & C and they would administer it pursuant to a set of guidelines. The question was called for the vote on the'motion. Carried by 5-1 voice vote. Edmondson voting nay. Beauchamp absent. Mayor Edmondson stated that the Mayor's responsibilities cannot be legislated. Council member Buchanan commented about differences in salary for the Council members due to the - mechanics of the law. He stated that it is recommended that the salaries for the Council members and Mayor be increased through several terms of office, as follows: Effective Date Council Salary . Mayor's Salary January, 1982 $250.00 $500.00 ($33.00 Increase) ($200.00 Decrease) January, 1984 $285.00 $570.00 ($35.00 Increase) ($70.00 Increase) January, 1986 $325.00 $650.00 II/ ($40.00 Increase) ($80.00 Increase) The Committee recommends that the Council members and Mayor not receive City health or retirement benefits. Council member Carmichael questioned why the retirement benefits would be eliminated for the position of Mayor. Council member Crest gave some background information on how this benefit was first started and stated that staff could not find any legislation that authorized this. He stated that the Committee felt that benefits such as this should be given equally to all Council members. He commented that-the benefit to being Mayor should just be the added salary. Council member Carmichael expressed concern about eliminating a benefit and decreasing, the salary of a person who is working one half a work week. She stated that when a person works 20 hours per week that person is entitled to have any benefits the firm offers. Mayor Edmondson stated that the position of Mayor is perceived by the citizen as being the head of the City. Council member Crest read the items listed on Page 3 of the report and it was MOVED by Doty, seconded 'by Buchanan to accept these items on 381 JUNE 9, 1981 Page 3 that have just been Carried by' 4-2 voice vote. Carmichael and Edmondson voting nay. Beauchamp absent. Council member Crest stated that there are three other projects the committee wants to look at, listed on Page 3 and the idea of handbooks could be included.as a project. Council member Carmichael requested that any report coming from the Committee 'in the future be distributed to the Council members prior to the meeting to give adequate time to review the recommendations. Mayor Edmondson stated that when this committee was first formed they were'going to review the rules and procedures. She asked the committee members the status of that project. Council member Crest stated that those rules and procedures are being done on a piece meal basis now, as Council has been busy in other committee meetings. II/ 4. CONSIDERATION OF BUS SERVICE TO THE CENTRAL WASHINGTON STATE FAIR Followin discussion, it was MOVED by Hinman, seconded b g Y by Carmithael'to'accept the report staff to grOceed with the bus service. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Beau- champ absent. EXECUTIVE SESSION It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Doty to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing pending and prospective litigation. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Beauchamp absent. „. BUSINESS MEETING I I 6. ROLL CALL At 8:15 P.M., the Council members commenced the regular_ meeting, Mayor Edmondson presiding, Council members Buchanan, Carmichael, Crest, Doty and Hinman and City Manager Zais and City Attorney Andrews present on roll call.. Beauchamp absent. 7. INVOCATION • The Invocation was given by Council member Doty. 8. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor'EdinOndson referred to the items placed on-the Consent Agenda questioning whether there were any additions or deletions from either Council members or citizens present. Council membeT Doty requested that Item No. 16 be removed from the Consent Agenda. It was the general consensus of the Council that the deletion of Item No. 16, as requested, be made. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, including ordinances, by title. It was MOVED by Hinman, II/ seconded by Carmichael that the Consent Agenda, as read, be passed. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. ,Beauchamp absent. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk (*) indicate items on the Consent Agenda handled under one motion without further discussion.) 10. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION No citizen was present wishing to speak about any issues. 9. MINUTES • The Council minutes of April 30, May 5 and 7, 1981, were approved,: having been duly 'certified accurate by Council members and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly. 382 JUNE 9, 1981 11. REPORT FROM CITY ATTORNEY ON WATER RIGHTS LITIGATION City Attorney Andrews stated that last week there was a ques- tion raised about individuals possibly needing to file for their water rights for irrigation. He stated that he has - learned that any claims by, City or water districts, or by irrigation districts will protect the individuals who use the water and the individuals need not file their claims. John -Kiingele, a citizen, asked if the City had considered putting a generator on the PP & L Canal to provide power for street lights. He stated that if someone produces power on their own, then the utility company is required to buy that power. Mayor Edmondson thanked him for his suggestion. 12. REVIEW OF CORRESPONDENCE FROM EXECUTIVE BOARD FROM THE BROADWAY/ STANTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CONCERNING VARIOUS TRAFFIC MATTERS II/ Don Hunt, principal of Stanton School, representing the PTA, stated that an identical letter was sent to the County Com- missioners and City Council,, because this is a dual problem. He stated that the recent change of the speed limit on Wash- ington Avenue by 40th Avenue has increased the traffic on Lower Ahtanum Road and 3rd Avenue. He stated that the parents are concerned about the development of Washington Avenue and the traffic control. He stated that there is a meeting scheduled on August 25, 1981, with Mark Bontrager, Yakima School.District, and representatives of.the Police'and Sheriff Departments to work towards law enforcement on this street. He stated that speeding isn't so much a problem as the road being so heavily traveled. Mayor Edmondson stated that Council will work as best they can to solve this problem. Mr. Hunt stated that the best way to work through this is through the School Safety Committee. *13. ORDINANCE REPEALING A SECTION OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO WEED ABATEMENT PROGRAM ORDINANCE NO. 2518, AN ORDINANCE relating to the Fire Code of the City of Yakima; and repealing Section 10.05.100 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code relating to the duty to remove hazardous vegetation and debris. 14. ORDINANCE TO GRANT A SPECIAL IRRIGATION WATER RATE FOR YAKIMA SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 7 Council member Crest asked that he be excused due to possible conflict of interest. Ordinance No. 2519, having been read by title, it was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Buchanan that the Ordinance be passed. City Attorney Andrews stated that there should be a change made in the Ordinance. He stated that Section 7.68.251 should read as follows: • Bulk rate for municipal purposes. A. The charge for domestic water used by the City of Yakima for filling swimming pools or wading pools in the City parks and for all City irrigation purposes, and the II/ charges for all domestic water used for irrigation pur- poses by any municipal corporation which by agreement with the City makes playgrounds or recreational areas' available for City park and recreation use shall be as follows: First 5,000 cubic feet 10 per cubic foot Over 5,000 cubic feet 5 per cubic foot He explained the necessity of the language change, which was too restrictive. It was MOVED by Doty, seconded by Hinman to amend Section 1 -- 7.68.251 A wording to be as suggested by the City Attorney. Carried by 4-1 voice vote. Carmichael voting nay. Crest not voting due to conflict of interest. Beauchamp absent. Council member Carmichael spoke in opposi- tion to this Ordinance. She stated that this reduced rate for 3 8 3 JUNE 9, 1981 the Parks and Recreation Department was established to alleviate some financial difficulty the Parks Department was facing. At that time, it was discussed as to whether this would open the door for other entities being given this rate. She commented that one of the reasons for the financial -difficulty was because the School District pulled out of the Lion's Pool contract in 1981. The City is going to be foregoing about $12,000 that would have been received from the School District. This Ordinance would also save the School District about $10,000. She stated that other City Departments were not offered the reduced rate for irrigation. Mayor Edmondson stated she would vote against the Ordinance because when this was adopted at budget time if was for a certain purpose for one year only. At that time we discussed if it:Was going to include other 'entities and we decided against it. The question was called for the vote on the Motion. Carried by 3-2 roll call vote. ,Carmichael and —Edmondson voting nay. Crest .not ,voting due to conflict of interest. Beauchamp absent. ORDINANCE NO. 2519, AN_ORDINANCE relating. to- public services and utilities; specifying rates for certain customers use of domestic water for irrigation purposes; and amending Subsection 7.68.251 A and 7.68.251 B of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. 15. ORDINANCE REGULATING INSTALLATION OF FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES Ordinance No. 2520, having been read by title, it was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Buchanan that the Ordinance be passed. Fire Chief Carroll explained the reason for amending this section of the Code which will eliminate the direct burial of .a and increase the quality of the system check valve. The question was called for the vote on the Motion. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. Beauchamp absent. ORDINANCE NO. 2520, AN ORDINANCE relating to public services and utilities; regulating the installation of fire protection - services; and amending Section 7.68.275 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code; and declaring an emergency. 16. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION „PLAN J CITY EMPLOYEES Council member Doty questioned the reclassification of a Labor Helper to Transit Service Worker. Assistant City Manager Wittenberg explained that this is the result of a classification study performed by the Personnel Division. He reported that that position's duties were changed from those duties performed by Labor Helper. Ordinance No. 2521, having been read by title, it was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Carmichael that the Ordinance be passed. Unanimously carried II/ by roll call vote. Beauchamp absent. ORDINANCE NO. 2521, AN ORDINANCE relating to City personnel; adopting a classification and compensation plan for City employees to be effective July 13, 1981; amending Sections 2.20.100 and 2.20.110 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. *17. ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING FUNDS FROM FRS AND CONTINGENCY FUND TO THE VOLCANO EMERGENCY FUND (SECOND READING) ORDINANCE NO. 2522, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1981 Budget for the City of Yakima and appropriating, transferring and reappropriating money within and among various funds and accounts, as appropriations for the 1981 City of Yakima Budget. *18. ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING FUNDS WITHIN VARIOUS FUNDS AND ACCOUNTS (FIRST READING) An Ordinance amending the 1981 Budget and appropriating money within various funds and accounts, having been read by title o L JUNE 9, 1981 only at this meeting was laid on the table for two weeks or until June 23, 1981. 19. OTHER BUSINESS 1 • City Manager Zais asked how much of a Council meeting the Council would desire next week since the meeting would be scheduled .at the same time as the AWC Convention. Following discussion, it was the general consensus of the Council that unless something important comes up, the next meeting will be considered cancelled. INFORMATION ITEMS Items of information supplied to Council were: memo from City Manager in response to letter from H. A. Lindley, re ambulance -service; monthly progress-report for April, 1981, from R. W. II/ Beck on Wastewater Treatment Plant; emergency activity report for May, 1981, from the Fire Department; monthly report of Permit Center for May, 1981; monthly report of Code Administration Office activities for May, 1981; monthly report from Yakima Air Terminal for April, 1981; minutes of May 7, 1981, Civil Service Commission Appeal Hearing;-Ietter from Dr. Don McGuinness, M.D., resigning from the Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission; and Valley News published by Yakima Visitors and Convention Bureau. June, 1981. EXECUTIVE SESSION • It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Buchanan to move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing pending - litigation and prospective litigation, and then .immediately adjourn the meeting to meet on June 23, 1981, at 11:30 A.M. at the County Courthouse to'discuss Urban Area Plan. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Beauchamp absent. 20. ADJOURNMENT Upon completion of Executive Session, the meeting was adjourned at the hour of 9:45 P.M. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE B 0211AAnu.301J2 DATE67 OUNCIL MEMBER DATE 30 --t/ COUNCIL MEMBER ATTEST: e gir _eV CITY 0 . ERK (MAYOR II/