HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/15/1981 Study Session L :79
SEPTEMBER 15, 1981
STUDY SESSION
The City Council net in session on this date at 1:00 P.M. in the Council
Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Council memhers present were
Mayor Betty L. Edmondson, Clarence Barnett, Lynn Carmichael and Shirley
Doty. Council member Hinman present after 1:17 P.M. Council members
Henry Beauchamp and Lynn Buchanan absent.
1. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
Mayor Edmondson reminded Council of the COG general membership
meeting to be held on the 16th at 6:00 P.M. in Moxee at their
Town Hall. She stated that Council member Crest was the
II/ alternate to COG and the Health District Bdard and inquired if
Council member Barnett would like to be appointed as an
alternate to those boards. Following Council member Barnett's
consent, it was MOVED by Doty, seconded by Carmichael to
appoint Clarence Barnett as an alternate to the Health
District and COG. Unanimously carried by voice vote.
Beauchamp, Buchanan and Hinman absent.
Council member Carmichael referred to the article regarding
the invention of portable fire arms simulator by three Yakima
Police Officers. She stated that Reed Follansbee, Ron
Fortier and Tan Morey did an outstanding job and should be
commended. It was the general consensus of the Council that a
certificate of commendation and appreciation be prepared for
the three police officers. Mayor Edmondson stated she would
work with the City Manager on an appropriate certificate.
Referring to the memo in the Information Packet regarding
Senate Bill 898, Cable Rate Deregulation, Council member -
Barnett suggested that a letter similar to the proposed draft
be sent to our Senators. He further suggested that the letter
not mention "pressure" and "influence". (Council member
Hinman present after 1:17 p.m.) Following discussion on
Whether the letter should be sent from the Council members or
the Mayor, it was MOVED by Barnett, seconded by Carmichael
that an appropriate letter be written to our Senators and
Congressmen re SB 898, cable rate deregulation, and as a
minimum, that a letter be sent by the Mayor. Unanimously
carried by voice vote. Beauchamp and Buchanan absent.
Council member Carmichael stated that she and Council member
Buchanan represent the Council on a committee with a member of
the County Commissioners to look into financial aspects of the
joint law enforcement facility. She stated the Committee met
yesterday and it was decided to go back to our staff and then
meet again on October 7, 1981 when additional information will
be available. Mayor Edmondson requested that the rest of the
Council members be kept informed by a report on these
meetings.
2. CONTINUATION OF DISCUSSION ON 1982 BUDGET FORECAST
City Manager Zais stated that Council was trying to address
the policy alternatives and also sane policy issues from the
Departments. Council member Barnett stated that Item No. 8 of
the Budget Policy Alternatives, should not be considered
because a contingency fund is needed. - It was the general
consensus of the Council to consider the Budget Policy
Alternatives in numerical order, as presented in the Forecast,
as follows:
1. A reduction in- service by virtue of selected
personnel layoffs.
2. A reduction in position 'classifications in selected
areas, i.e., reduction in grade.
3. A reduced work week.
4. Adhieving an AFSCNE labor settlement below budget
estimates.
5. Reduction of crew size.
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SEPTEMBER 15, 1981
6. Reduction in work force (General Fund) by attrition.
7. Furlough System (Example: close City Hall between
Christmas and New Years, or operate with a skeletal
force).
8. Eliminate City Contingency Fund and/or dedicate all
potential revenue sharing.
9. Reappraise and reevaluate existing general revenue
for further adjustments (Example: Sales Tax,
Utility Tax).
10. An increase in PBIA Assessments to balance the cost
of Park Department maintenance of the core area
landscaping (approximately $32,000 per annum).
11. An increase in parking meter fees.
12. An increase in animal license fees and impound fees.
Discussion followed on the various alternatives; Council
members expressing their concerns on the various alternatives
which gave them concern. Council member Doty stated that if
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there is going to be a reduction in the work hour week, she
would like to see the labor groups talk with management on the
best way they feel that could be most productive.
COuncil member Barnett commented that Item No. 1 is related to
some of the other items and should probably be considered
along with Items 6 and 7. Council members Carmichael and
Barnett spoke in favor of considering Alternative No. 7.
Council member Hinman spoke against No. 7, because he did not
want the service to the public to be effected. Speaking about
Item No. 3, Council member Hinman stated that this is a viable
alternative done selectively so as not to disrupt public
service. Council member Hinman stated that No. 2 should be
done as a good management technique. Mayor Edmondson
indicated that It No. 4 is always management's goal. Mayor
Edmondson stated that she is opposed to No. 1 unless it is
Absolutely necessary. Council member Doty stated that
measures like cutting back on programs such as the street
sealcoat program, should be considered. Following discussion
regarding Item No. 10, it was the general consensus of the
Council to get a legal opinion. Council then considered item
No. 11, Council member Carmichael questioning if it is worth
increasing the parking meter fees, if the meter heads have to
be changed. Don Horan, Director of Finance, stated that the
lease is the only viable way to go and the City would receive
about $15,000 the first couple of years and then $50,000 after
that. Mayor Edmondson and Council member Carmichael stated
that they don't like Item No. 12 at all. Council member Doty
reported that she had a question regarding reduced rates for
dog licenses for senior citizens. She also suggested that the
increase of impound fees should be considered. Council member
Barnett voiced his opposition to raising dog license fees. It
was the general consensus of the Council to explore other
items other than increase in the license, but look at the
impound fees. City Manager Zais briefly outlined the long
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distance telephone call revenue option that the City now has.
City Manager Zais commented that the preliminary budget is
based upon the nine month budget report, while this report is
based on six months' experience. Don Horan gave a more
detailed accounting of the telephone tax revenue the City
could receive. Mayor Edmondson stated she did not like the
idea of permitting liquor permits for functions at the Senior
Citizen Center because that use was not the use intended for
the Center. Council member Hinman suggested looking for
cost-saving measures in the Planning and Code Administration
Divisions. Council member Carmichael stated that she heard
good remarks about the Action Day Camp offered by the Parks
Department. Speaking about the Parks and Recreation
Department, Mayor Edmondson stated that volunteers and
sponsors of programs or park areas should be encouraged. It
was the general consensus of the Council to continue this
discussion for one week.
It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Carmichael to move into
Executive Session for the purpose of discussing property lease
negotiations and collective bargaining. Unanimously carried
by voice vote. Beauchamp and Buchanan absent.
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SEPTEMBER 15, 1981
BUSINESS MEETING
4. ROLL CALL
At 3:20 P.M., the Council members commenced the regular
meeting, Mayor Betty L. Edmondson presiding. Council members
Barnett, Carmichael, Doty and Hinman and City Manager Zais and
City Attorney Andrews present on roll call. Council member
Beauchamp absent. Council member Buchanan present after
4:20 P.M.
5. INVOCATION
Invocation was given by City Attorney Fred Andrews.
6. WNSENT N: AGE
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Mayor Edmondson referred to the its placed on the Consent
Agenda questioning whether there were any additions or
deletions from either Council members or citizens present.
Council member Barnett requested that Its No. 10 & 12 be
added to the Consent Agenda. Council member Doty advised that
there were some citizens present who wished to speak to Item
No. 10. There was a request to add Item No. 11 to the Consent
Agenda, however Mayor Edmondson advised that there were
citizens present who wished to speak to that item. Council
member Carmichael requested that Item No. 7 be removed from
the Consent Agenda. It was the general consensus of the
Council that the addition of Item No. 12 and the deletion of
Item No. 7, as requested, be made. The Deputy City Clerk then
read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and an
ordinance by title. It was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by
Doty that the Consent Agenda, as read, be passed. Unanimously
carried by roll call vote. Beauchamp and Buchanan absent.
(Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk (*) indicate
items on the Consent Agenda handled under one motion without
further discussion.)
Mayor Edmondson advised Council that a Petition signed by
residents in the vicinity of 304 North 7th Street declaring
certain property a nuisance was received in the City Clerk's
Office. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Carmichael that
staff be directed to investigate it. Unanimously carried by
voice vote. Beauchamp and Buchanan absent.
7. MINUTES
Council member Carmichael requested that the study session
minutes of August 18, 1981 be corrected to shcw that she was
present during the meeting. The Council minutes of August 18,
and 25, 1981, were approved as corrected, having been duly
certified accurate by two Council members and no one present
wishing to have said minutes read publicly.
8. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
None
9. APPEARANCE BY GINI HEINTZMAN, YAKIMA VALLEY TRANSPORTATION ELDERLY
AND HANDICAPPED, RE: SIX MONTH TRANSPORTATION REPORT
Gini Heintzman distributed a ccpy of a graph to the Council
members depicting the miles and boardings. Mrs. Heintzman
reported that they had increased their boardings but had
reduced their mileage in the last two months due to
coordination of services. She advised Council that there had
been 10,099 miles with 4,185 hoardings as of July, 1981.
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SEPTEMBER 15, 1981
10. REVIEW OF REQUEST FOR BIDS RE ELDERLY AND HANDICAPPED
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
Mayor Edmondson requested clarification on whether or not all
bids received will be awarded. Dan Newton, Transit Manager,
advised Council that all bids will be awarded, using the
lowest ones first, but since the bid was competitive, it was
unlikely that they would receive an outlandish bid.
Gini Heintzman, Director of Yakima Valley Transportation
Exchange, spoke to the issue of requests for bids for evening
and Sunday additional services. She stated that there had
been much discussion about the private sector's lack of
participation in the elderly and handicapped transportation.
She felt that the policy and philosophy of Yakima Valley
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Transportation had always been (1) the best service possible
for the elderly and handicapped; (2) that other providers have
an opportunity to participate, but not to exclude Yakima
Valley Transportation Program. She also stated that Yakima
Valley Transportation was not bidding on this request for bids
and that they would only bid on the contingency that all other
bids are acceptable to the City. George Kapellas, Diamond Cab
Company, questioned the change in the bid proposal which
reflected a major change in the insurance. Mr. Kapellas
explained that at a meeting with the Transit Manager,
Transportation Exchange and two other providers, the request
for four proposals that they looked at at that time, indicated
a combined single limit insurance coverage of $300.000. The
new bid that came out calls for a single limit liability of
$1,000,000. Mr. Kapellas stated that in order for Diamond Cab
Company to participate and obtain the caverge required, it
will cost approximately $7,000 for additional insurance for 21/2
months service.
Mayor Edmondson questioned whether this was mandated, an
error, or if it could be dhanged, or if it is a requirement?
City Manager Zais advised that it was not mandated, but State
• law does give a breakdown of What the requirements would be.
Mr. Zais stated that basically it had been a decision between
himself and the City Attorney. Gini Heintzman advised Council
that the $300,000 was actually what the State required. It
was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Carmichael that the request
for bids be approved, as outlined. Council member Doty
replied that she was concerned about the private sector being
able to bid and net the insurance coverage requirement.
George Kapellas advised Council that the $7,000 was an annual
amount, not just for the 21/2 months service as previously
stated. The question was called for the vote on the motion.
Carried by 4-1 voice vote. Doty voting nay. Beauchamp and
Buchanan absent.
11. REVIEW OF SIDEWALK REPAIR AND CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM
Denny Covell, Director of Engineering and Utilities, gave some
background information on the sidewalk repair and construction
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program. Discussion continued on the previous times this type
of program had been given to Council for their approval. Mr.
Covell also advised Council that the City works with the
School Safety Committee every year to reevaluate their
prioritization list of the $30,000 11 cent gas tax the City
uses in conjunction with providing sidewalks or safety walk-
ways for school children. Mayor Edmondson asked when the last
survey had been done? Mr. Covell responded that there had
been two surveys; one was done City-wide which was a
windshield survey and another was an indepth survey of an area
to the east of the downtown business area where they did a
parcel by parcel analysis, identifying 197 parcels for
participation into what was then the sidewalk repair
ordinance, to work it like a L.I.D. improvement, which took
approximately two years. City Manager Zais advised Council
that the State law indicates that the City can assess the full
cost of repair and replacement against the property owner.
The City ordinance that is on the books now provides for a
shared program, approximately 50/50, but even that program has
SEPTEMBER 15, 1981 83
been objectionable to those it has been proposed to or the
funding hasn't been provided to the City to really provide for
a program of repair. Council member Doty requested
clarification on whether or not it was possible to form a
L.I.D. to do sidewalks. City Attorney Andrews responded that
• it was possible to form a LID, but they had found it
unsuccessful because citizens were opposed to paying for
sidewalks that were not in need of repair; Elsie Gregorich,
1516 Browne Avenue, advised Council that the sidewalks in her
neighborhood were a disaster and wanted to know who would be
responsible if any injury occurred, the property owner or the
City. City Attorney Andrews advised her that the property
owner and the City could be responsible depending on the
circumstances. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Barnett to
11/ accept staff recommendation, Option 7. Council member Doty
questioned if they voted for Option 7, did they automatically
agree with the amount of $70,000 sidewalk assessment and if
so, where does the money come from? Mr. Covell replied that
there is a windshield inventory with a dollar figure on it,
and it would take approximately a year for two employees to do
an indepth inventory similar to the one done east of the CBD.
Council member Doty questioned whether or not the City was
close to paying off some of the other bond issues? City
Manager Zais advised Council that in the financial reports
supplied by the Finance Director, there is information on the
Bond Issues. (Council member Buchanan present after 4:20
P.M.) The question was called for the vote on the motion.
Carried by 5-1 voice'. vote. Carmichael voting nay. Beauchamp
absent.
_ 6 *12. REPORT ON SPECIAL PROJECTS COMPLETED BY ADMINISTRATIVE INTERN
The report of the Administrative Intern dated
September 10, 1981, regarding Council Committee Guidelines and
Boards and Commissions Manual was accepted and approved.
*13. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PURCHASE OF TRAFFIC COUNTERS
RESOLUTION NO. D-4544, A RESOLUTION authorizing the purchase
of equipment without calling for bids.
*14. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADAP-07 GRANT APPLICATION FOR AIRPORT
RESOLUTION NO. D-4545, A RESOLUTION authorizing an application
to the Division of Aeronautics, U•S. Department of
Transportation, for financial assistance for airport projects.
*15. OUT OF STATE TRAVEL FOR RICHARD HILLIGUS, PARKS & RECREATION
DEPARTMENT
The out of state travel for Richard Hilligus, Director of
Parks & Recreation, to attend the 1981 Congress for Recreation
and Parks in Minneapolis, October 24-29, 1981, was approved.
OUT OF STATE TRAVEL FOR FRED ANDREWS AND JOHN VANEK, LEGAL
DEPT.
The out of state travel for Fred Andrews and John Vanek, City
Attorneys, to attend the WSMA Convention in Vancouver, B.C.,
November 5-7, 1981, was approved.
*16. INVESTMENT REPORT FOR AUGUST, 1981
The report of the City Finance Officer dated August 31, 1981,
regarding the investments of the City of Yakima was accepted
and approved.
*17. ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE PARKS DEPARTMENT - FIRST
READING
AN ORDINANCE amending the 1981 budget for the City of Yakima
and appropriating money within 131-Parks and Recreation Fund,
for expenditure during the year 1981 was laid on the table for
one week or until September 22, 1981.
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SEPTEMBER 15, 1981
18. OTHER BUSINESS
INFORMATION ITEMS
Its of information supplied to Council were: Press Release
re: Yakima Reaches Agreement with 3 Airlines. 9/11/81; memo
fram Acting Director of Ccmmunity and Economic Development and
Cable Canmunications Coordinator re: Senate Bill 898 - Cable
Rate Deregulation. 9/10/81; minutes of August 11, 1981 Parks
and Recreation Commission meeting; article fran the
August, 1981 Washington Law Enforcement Executive Journal re:
"Three Yakima Officers Invent Portable Firearms Simulator";
memo from Supervising Traffic Engineer re: 1st St./Yakima &
CBD Signal Progression. 9/9/81; memo from Fire Chief re:
Bi-lingual Fire Education Grant. 9/8/81; Yakima Wastewater
Project Progress Report for July, 1981 prepared by R. W. Beck
& Associates. 9/2/81; memo frcm City Attorney re: Damage
claims referred to insurance carriers. 9/3/81; The Mayor;
Vol. 48, No. 17. 9/1/81; Yakima Air Terminal Monthly Report
for July, 1981; and minutes of 8/31/81 Utility Rate Advisory
Board meeting.
19. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to cane before the Council, it
was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Buchanan that the meeting be
adjourned at the hour ei , 30 P.M. Unanimously carried by
voice vote. Beauchamp t
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