HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/07/1979 Business Meeting 308 AUGUST 7, 1979
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, Don Hinman, Nadine Lee and
Jack Sparling. Council members Lynn Buchanan and Gordon Wonder present
at 2:15 p.m.
Mayor Edmondson commented on the time schedule of the Wastewater Pro-
ject, referring to the June, 1979 monthly progress report submitted by
R. W. Beck and Associates, stating that the City is 55% of time into the
project with only 35% of the work completed. Dennis Bertek, Supervising
Sanitary Engineer, reported that there were two months' time loss last
winter due to cold weather. He reported that they are also claiming
extension for other items. He reported that there have been sane delays
waiting for materials such as fill dirt. They have about 6-7 projects
going simultaneously. There are some differences in interpretation of
the contract which will have to te resolved. Councilman Wonder referred
to the report questioning the working relationship between the con-
tractor and R. W. Beck. Mr. Bertek stated that there are some disputes
between the contractor and the engineers, however, he assured the
Council that the City is getting a quality project.
Councilman Wonder congratulated Dick Hilligus, Director of Parks and
Recreation, on his moving the Parks and Recreation Department to the
Parks Shop, which will result in considerable savings for the City.
It was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Hinman to move into Executive Ses-
sion for the purpose of discussing collective bargaining: carried,
Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting
aye by voice vote.
Upon completion of the Executive Session, Art Zerbach, Director of
Finance and Budget, reviewed his financial report, dated August 3, 1979.
Mr. Zerbach stated that the 1980 revenues will be impacted by the 106%
lid law for property tax assessments. Next year the levy will be at
$2.90 per $1000 of assessed valuation, which is a decrease of 66' per
thousand from this year's levy. Mayor Edmondson inquired if the City
could vote to increase that lid law for the City. Mr. Zerbach stated
that that is an option staff is looking at. The law allows the City to
lift the lid, however, the R.W.C. requires the levies to be set in
October. In order to get this on the ballot, we have to give 45 days-
'
notice and we will not get final assessment notices from the Auditor
until November. Mr. Zerbach also reported that sales tax revenues are
down. For the first six months, we have received $83,000 or 8% less
than what was received in 1978. He stated that he is expecting as much
as a $100,00 short fall. Mr. Zerbach stated that the gas tax revised
estimate from the State would indicate there will be a $20,000 short
fall in the Street Division revenue. Council member Lee inquired about
the $20,000 cost the City will have to pick up for cable TV stating that
she thought the City was going to be reimbursed for these costs. Mr.
Zerbach stated that the agreement with Cox Cable TV was that the City
would be reimbursed for costs relating directly to their obtaining the
franchise. The City has experienced costs not related directly to the
franchise, i.e., administrative costs and trips to Washington, D.C.
Staff is trying to get the 5% tax rather than 3%, so that the additional
2% would cover these costs. Mr. Zerbach stated that the total projected
revenue for 1980 exclusive of beginning balance or any federal sources,
is up approximately 8%. He reported that the total revenues for 1979 in
the General Fund are projected to be 1.8% short of expectations. Inc-
luding beginning fund balance, they are expected to be very close to the
total budgeted. Councilman Wonder inquired why Council should wait
until the 1980 budget to do something about the expected shortage of
$15,000 in Animal Control. Mr. Zerbach stated that the dog licenses are
not caning in as much as we expected and we are experiencing more people
leaving their animals at the Shelter which means that not only are we
losing the impound fee, but we are paying the Shelter to care for these
animals.. Council members discussed the Street budget, and questioned
the spring clean-up program. Willis White, Director of Public Works,
explained the spring clean-up program stating that anything that is left
out is picked up. He reported that next year he plans to establish a
rate for this. Councilman Wonder suggested that this program should be
under the Refuse Division and a small pickup fee be charged. City
Manager Zais stated that staff is looking at the "nice to have programs"
the City has been providing without charge - we can't afford to sub-
sidize all of these programs. Mr. White stated that the Street Division
is labor and equipment intensive, such as for the seal coat program.
Following discussion, it was the general consensus of the Council to
AUGUST 7, 1979 309
continue the seal coat program. Council members briefly discussed the
Cemetery ,budget, City Manager Zais informing them that the $10,000
expected deficit has been reduced to an expected $6,000 deficit. The '
Tourist Promotion and Yakima Center budget was next discussed. City
Manager Zais reported that the revenues from the Center have been sub-
sidizing the Trolleys. He explained that the capital expenditures for
1979, stating that same of those are one time purchases.
Following discussion, it was the general consensus of the Council to
discuss the preliminary 1980 Community Development Block Grant appli-
cation at a special meeting, which staff will schedule.
Councilman Wonder absent after 4:45 p.m.
It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Lee to accept the recommendation of
the Parks and Recreation Department and put a General Obligation Bond '
issue on the November ballot. Dr. McGuinness, Parks and Recreation
Commission member, spoke in support of putting the bond issue on the
ballot. He reported that the City has 400 acres less than what the
National Park Association recommend as a minimum. He stated that the
City is short on neighborhood parks. He reported that the Parks system
will became very important because of the gas shortage. He also repor-
ted that the number of people wanting to join athletic programs is
increasing. Councilman expressed concern that only approx-
imately $11,000 worth of improvements for the East side of town is
included in this bond issue. Dick Hilligus, .= ,& Recreation Dir-
ector, and Dr. McGuinness reviewed the recent improvements to the parks
in that area of town, including improvements to Kiwanis Park, Washington
Pool, Washington Tennis Courts and a spray pool at the Southeast Com-
munity Park. Councilman Beauchamp stated that there is not enough cover
for shade at Washington Park at the baseball fields. Following dis-
cussion, it was the general consensus of the Council to have the Parks
and Recreation Commission and staff work with the School District re-
garding planting trees at the Washington Park Ball Diamond. City Man-
ager Zais reported that the City has in reserve for indebtedness for
open space and parks, an amount in excess of $13 million. The question .
was called for the vote on the motion: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan,
Edmondson, Hinman, Lee and Sparling voting aye by voice vote. Wonder
absent.
It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Lee to instruct staff to prepare
legislation for inter-changing the names of Kissel and Chesterley Park:
carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, _Edmondson, Hinman, Lee and Sparling voting
aye by voice vote. Wonder absent.
It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Buchanan to set the date of hearing
on Transit_ Fare Increase, for August 28, 1979: carried, Beauchamp,
Buchanan, EdMondson, Hinman, Lee and Sparling voting aye by voice vote.
Wonder absent.
It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Lee to set a date of hearing to
impose a sales and use tax to finance the transit operations, for August
28, 1979: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee and
Sparling voting aye by voice vote. Wonder absent.
It was MOVED by Lee, seconded by Hinman that Resolution No. D-4127,
authorizing the execution and filing of a project agreement for con
struction proposal for improvements to South 10th Avenue fran Mead
Avenue to Nob Hill Blvd., with the State of Washington, Urban Arterial
Board, be passed: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee
and Sparling voting aye on roll call. Wonder absent.
RESOLUTION NO. D-4127, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the Mayor
and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute and file a project
agreement for construction proposal with the State of Washington, Urban
Arterial Board.
Items of information supplied to Council were: letters fran R. L.
Crossland, Director, Yakima County Clean Air Authority and Lee Campbell,
President, Glascam Builders, Inc., re Dust Abatement on the 48th and
Summitview Project. 7/23-24/79; memo from Dick Hilligus, Director of
Parks & Recreation re Office Space. 7/30/79; memo from Community Dev-
elopment Department re lighting on Bitterroot. 7/26/79; letter from
Supervising Traffic Engineer and Mr. William R. Wbelke re situation at
McKinley Avenue and No. 40th Avenue. 6/11/-7/9/79; letter from Mayor
311 AUGUST 7, 1979
Edmondson to Yakima County Commissioners re sanitary sewer service to
Fairviea Sumac Area. 8/1/79; Yakima Wastewater Project Monthly Progress
Report for June 1979; Outside Utility Request; (a) Mr. Wilson Cousineau,
402 So. 48th Avenue for sewer; (b) Edna Honsinger, 1710 So. Cornell
Avenue for water and seaer; (c) Steve Laframboise, 2209 West "J" Street
for water; (d) Kenneth B. Shafer, 1724 So. 7th Avenue for sewer; and (e)
Harry Stotsenberg, 1302 East Viola for sewer and water; Yakima Air
Terminal monthly report for June 1979; Police monthly report for June
1979; AWC letter re vacant position(s) on AWC Board of Directors; defen-
dants brief in support of motion for reconsideration - Safeway vs. City
of Yakima; and Housing Services Center Newsletter - July.
There being no further business to come before the Council, it was MOVED
by Sparling, seconded by Beauchamp that this meeting be adjourned at the
hour of 5:20 P.M.: carried, Beauchaup, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee
and Sparling voting aye by voice .4. Wonder absent.
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