HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/16/1979 Business Meeting APRIL 16, 1979 241
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. Edmondson, Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Buchanan, Don Hinman,
Nadine Lee, Jack Sperling and Gordon Wonder.
Council members discussed the vacancy on the Planning Commission due to
the resignation of Edna Woitt. Mayor Edmondson distributed a list of
possible candidates and also a letter supporting the appointment of
Patricia Powers, an attorney, to serve on the Planning Commission.
Council members, wishing to reflect on this information further,
continued this discussion for one week.
Council members discussed the ?WC Convention and it was MOVED by Wonder,
seconded by Beauchamp to appoint Mayor Edmondson and Councilman Hinman
as two of the voting delegates. Councilman Sparling nominated
Councilman Wonder to be the third voting delegate at the AWC Convention.
The question was called for the vote on the amended motion: carried,
Beauchcnip, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Sparling and Wonder voting
aye by voice vote.
Council member Lee reported that the Council Agenda Committee (Mayor
Edmondson, Council members Lee and Buchanan) met and discussed the
proposed agenda changes. The Committee recommends the following:
A. Council meeting day be changed from Monday to Tuesday.
B. Instead of having both a study session and business meeting on
the same day, the Committee is recommending the following:
(1) The first and third Tuesday of each month would be
designated for Study Session its only. No formal
business would appear on this agenda. Both these
meetings would be day meetings.
(2) The second and fourth Tuesday of each month would be
designated as formal business days. Every second Tuesday
would be an evening meeting and the fourth Tuesday would
be a day meeting.
(3) Those months having fifth Tuesday may be designated as
a study session, formal business or if there is not a
need, could be free.
C. All day meetings would begin at 2:00 PM. The evening meeting
would begin at 7:00 PM,
Councilman Wonder spoke in favor of changing the Council meetings to a
Tuesday, however, he suggested that the two business meetings should be
evening meetings. Mayor Edmondson cautioned that two evening meetings
per month would create more expense for the City for staff time.
Councilman Beauchamp inquired about the advantages of splitting the
formal business and study session meetings. Councilman Buchanan stated
that it would allow Council more time to study an item in depth.
Council member Lee stated that it is possible there might be a time when
Council won't need to meet for a study session. City Manager Zais
stated there may be times official business should be enacted at a study
session meeting, however, it would only be for emergency actions.
Council then discussed when audience participation should appear on the
agenda. Following discussion regarding having audience participation at
both the formal business meeting and the study session meeting, it was
the general consensus of the Council to only have audience participation
during the business meeting and place it on the agenda early in the
meeting, but following any hearings. Council member Lee suggested
holding the study sessions in the Council Conference Room Following
discussion, it was the general consensus of the Council to try holding
the study sessions in the Conference Roam. City Manager Zais stated
that it requires legislation to implement these proposed changes, and
that an ordinance could be brought back next Monday. He further stated
that the Ordinance would not go into effect until 30 days after its
publication. Councilman Wonder inquired if an emergency could be
declared in order to put this ordinance into effect immediately. City
Attorney Andrews reported that the Supreme Court has been upsetting some
recent ordinances which contain emergency clauses. He stated there has
to be a valid reason for the emergency clause and that reason has to be
stated in the ordinance. Mayor Edmondson recapped the proposed changes
to be made, as follows:
242 APRIL 16, 1979
Council meeting days will be changed to Tuesday. The first and
third Tuesday of each month will be designated for study sessions only,
to begin at 2:00 PM. The second and fourth Tuesday of each month will
be designated as formal business days, to begin at 7:00 PM. Those
months having a fifth Tuesday, if necessary, may be designated as a
study session or formal business meeting. Audience participation will
be held only during formal business meetings, and will be placed early
on the agenda, but following any hearings. Council will net in the
Conference Room for study sessions on a trial basis.
Abe Gonzales, Chairman, Human Relations Commission, Al Falk, Vice
Chairman and Emma Michelli were present to discuss the office of
Community Relations Officer. Mayor Edmondson reported that Dolores
Goodman, member of Human Relations Commission, had sent a letter stating
she is out-of-town. Mayor Edmondson reviewed the discussion which had
taken place on March 19, 1979. Mr. Gonzales described the Human
Relations Commission's frustration in not having the authority to assign
work to the Community Relations Officer (CRO). He stated that the
Commission wants the duties of the CRO clarified. He further stated
that the Human Relations Commission would like to know what information
is going to the Council. City Attorney Andrews stated that maybe the
word "deputy" in the ordinance is causing the confusion regarding the
CRO duties relating to the Human Relations Ccmmission. City Manager
Zais stated that maybe the term "administrative assistant to the Human
Relations Cc:mission" would be more correct. Councilman Sparling
compared the Human Relations Commission to a Council and suggested that
maybe they should be compensated for their work. Councilman Sparling
absent after 7:50 P.M. Councilman Beauchamp suggested that a Council
Committee of three members should be formed to meet with the Human
Relations Cammission and try to find a solution to the concerns raised
by the Human Relations Commission. It was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded
by Lee to form a Council Committee with Council members Lee, Hinman and
Beauchamp to sit down and work with the Human Relations Commission
members to come up with recommendations regarding the CRO and Human
Relations Commission. Councilman Wonder stated that he felt all the
Council members should have the Human Relations Commission's input. The
question was called for the vote on the motion: Beauchamp, Hinman and
Lee voting aye on roll call. Buchanan, Edmondson and Wonder voting nay.
Sparling absent. The motion failed for lack of a majority vote.
Councilman Hinman suggested that staff work with the wording in the
ordinance and come back with three proposed revisions regarding the
reporting of the CRO - (1) Human Relations Commission would have more
control of staff person; (2) Council and City Manager would have control
of staff rrember, or (3) combination of control of staff person.
Councilman Wonder stated he thought Council should meet with the Human
Relations Commission again to clear up same conflicts and misconceptions
between the Council and CRO. Mayor Edmondson inquired if Council would
like staff to begin the interview process for selection of a Community
Relations Officer. It was MOVED by Beauchamp to advertise the position
and determine at a later time who the CRO would report to. The motion
failed for lack of a second. Following discussion, it was the general
consensus to continue this discussion for one week. City Attorney
Andrews questioned if Council wants to start over with the Human
Relations Commission members term4 staggering the terms, in light of
recent resignations. It was the general consensus of the Council that
the legislation being prepared to reduce the number of Commission
members, should also include new staggered terns for the Commission
members.
At 8:00 P.M., the Council members commenced the regular meeting, Mayor
Edmondson presiding, Council members Beauchamp, Buchanan, Hinman, Lee,
and Wonder and City Manager Zais and City Attorney Andrews present on
roll call. It was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Lee that Council member
Sperling be excused from this meeting: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan,
Edmondson, Hinman, Lee and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Sparling
absent.
The Invocation was given by Councilman Hinman.
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. The City Clerk then read the
Consent Agenda items, including resolutions by title. It was MOVED by
Wonder, seconded by Lee that the Consent Agenda, as read, be passed:
carried, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Wonder and Beauchamp voting
aye on roll call. Sparling absent. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by
an asterisk (*) indicate items on the Consent Agenda to be handled under
one motion without further discussion.)
APRIL 16, 1979 243
Mayor Edmondson proclaimed Saturday, April 21, 1979 as "Super Walk Day"
and encouraged citizens to support the efforts of the March of Dimes to
fight birth defects. She also proclaimed the week of April 22 thru 29
as Youth Temperance Education Week as designated by the Women's
Christian Temperance Union.
*It was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Lee that the minutes of the
April 9, 1979 meeting, having been duly certified accurate by two
Council members and no one present wishing to have said minutes read
publicly, be approved: carried, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee,
Wonder and Beauchamp voting aye on roll call. Sparling absent.
Council members received Petition No. 949, Notice of Intention to
Commence Annexation Proceedings, filed by Cox Cable of Yakima, Inc. It
was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Hinman that April 16, 1979 be set as
the time for a meeting with the initiating parties who signed the Notice
of Intention to Caulmence Annexation Proceedings, dated April 10, 1979,
those initiating parties being Cox Cable of Yakima, Inc.: carried,
Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee and Wonder voting aye by
voice vote. Sparling absent. Mayor Edmondson inquired if the
initiating party would be willing to accept its share of the City's
existing indebtedness and Kenneth B. Schiller, General Manager,
representing Cox Cable of Yakima, Inc., indicated they would. It was
duly maved, seconded and passed that the annexation proposed by Petition
No. 949 (Notice of Intention to Annex) be filed with the Yakima County
Boundary Review Board. The Above motion was made by Wonder, seconded by
Hinman and carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee and
Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Sparling absent.
Council members discussed the staff reports written in response to the
Yakima Nuclear Study Group letter dated December 21, 1978 regarding
transportation of nuclear materials and radioactive waste. Several
Council members expressed concern that the City does not have the
authority to regulate or prohibit the transportation of nuclear
materials within the City of Yakima, as it is governed by the State.
John Vanek, Assistant City Attorney, stated that the intent of the State
Legislation is to exclude Counties or Municipalities fran making
regulations on this, even though they have not made any regulations.
Albert Snow, 308 N. 6th Street, expressed frustration with the lack of
power the City has for transportation of hazardous and nuclear materials
through the City. He reported that highly toxic material travels
through the City by rail on a regular basis. He urged Council to send
comments to the Federal Department of Transportation - Materials
Transportation Bureau, who is contemplating drafting new regulations
with respect to the transport of nuclear materials. Nancy Faller, 2207
Barge, expressed concern about the apparent lack of preparedness the
City has should there be a nuclear accident at Hanford. Ernestine Herr,
8 N. 32nd Avenue, reported on accidents involving spillage of hazardous
material. She also reported that the Seattle P.I. reported on trucks
transporting hazardous material Which are being improperly carried.
Deborah Beadle, Rt. 2, Box 440B, read an excerpt from the "Nuclear
Madness" magazine which stated there is no safe dosage of radiation.
Following discussion, it was the general consensus of the Council to
accept the staff reports.
Gail Hadar, Eichler Disposal, stated their position is to assume only
the City's commercial business. She also stated that Eichler Disposal
would pick up refuse at City buildings free of charge. It was MOVED by
Wonder, seconded by Reaudhamp to accept the report as written by Willis
White, Public Works Director: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson,
Hinman, Lee and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Sparling absent.
Stating that it would take some time to review the sidewalk repair
program and with Councilman Sparling being absent, it was MOVED by
Wonder, seconded by Beauchamp to continue the discussion of the sidewalk
repair program to a study session agenda: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan,
Edmondson, Hinman, Lee and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Sparling
Absent.
Council members discussed the contract addendum to the Yakima Air
Terminal Project - Engineering Services Contract with Preston Shepherd.
Carol Darby, Director of Community Development, and Del Kary, Ailport
Manager, explained the addendum would coven removal of the quonset but
for the Fish Hatchery and design of the snow removal storage building.
Del Kary gave the following cost figures:
214 APRIL 16, 1979
$42,400 construction cost of snow removal equipment storage
$20,000 replacement of quonset but per agreement with the
Fish Hatchery
$7,020 engineering cost for design of snow removal equipment
building.
$1,800 supervision for construction of quonset but and snow removal
equipment storage building.
Carol Darby reported they have been reviewing the 05 Grant and will be
meeting with FAA on Wednesday for further review in order to better
understand this project. She recommended that Council approve this
addendum. It was MOVED by Lee, seconded by Buchanan to approve the
Yakima Air Terminal project - Engineering Services Contract Addendum No.
3 with Preston Shepherd: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson,
Hinman, Lee and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Sparling absent.
It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by Lee that Resolution No. D-4069,
extending dates of repayment for various interfund loans, be passed.
City Manager Zais reported that it did not look probable at this time
II/
that the trolley loan could be repaid and suggested considerati6ii be
given to cancelling it. If that is Council's desire, staff would have
to pursue it by checking with the State Examiner. Council members
discussed the trolley loan and it was the general consensus to refer
this to the Trolley Advisory Board for their input. The question was
called for the vote on the motion: carried, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee,
Wonder, Beauchamp and Buchanan voting aye on roll call. Sperling
absent.
RESOLUTION NO. D-4069, A RESOLUTION extending the date for repayment of
various interfund loans.
*It was MDVED by Wonder, seconded by Lee that Resolution No. D-4070,
authorizing execution of an agreement with Book Publishing Canpany for
supplement service to the Yakima Municipal Code Book, without calling
for bids, be passed: carried, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Wonder
and Beauchamp voting aye on roll call. Sparling absent.
RESOLUTION NO. D-4070, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City
Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute an agreement
with Book Publishing Canpany for supplement service for the Yakima
Municipal Code without calling for bids.
It was MOVED by Beauchamp, seconded by Wonder to accept the report from
the Fire Chief regarding fire hydrant deficient areas within the City
and include it in our fire committee discussion regarding the Fire
Department and address this at preliminary budget time: carried,
Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee and Wonder voting ay 6 by
voice vote. Sparling absent.
It was MDVED by Wonder, seconded by Lee to fix a time of hearing on
Petition No. 942, filed by Yakima Valley Bank, requesting annexation of
property located at the intersection of 48th Avenue and Tieton Drive,
for May 7, 1979: carried, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Wonder and
Beauchamp voting aye on roll call. Sparling absent.
It was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Hinman that Ordinance No. 2287,
amending the Municipal Code regarding redemption of impounded vehicles,
be passed: carried, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, Wonder and
Beauchamp voting aye on roll call. Sparling absent.
ORDINANCE NO. 2287, AN ORDINANCE relating to traffic control, public
safety and morals; authorizing the release of impounded vehicles to
their legal owner upon certain conditions; and amending Section 6.84.080
of the City of Yakima Municipal Code.
Mayor Edmondson reported that Petition No. 948, filed by citizens
requesting the removal of parking meters in the immediate vicinity of 8
So. 2nd Avenue contains 121 signatures. Sandra Pritchard, 917
.Gonestoga Boulevard, reported on the poor parking situation for
employees of several businesses located in the vicinity of So. 2nd and
Yakima Avenues. She stated that if diagonal parking were permitted on
Chestnut, 20 more parking spaces would be available. She also stated
that the two hour parking limit poses a problem for the employees in
that area. It was the general consensus of the Council to refer this
matter to staff. Mayor Edmondson stated that staff would notify Mrs.
Pritchard (at 575-7037) when the report comes back to Council.
245
APRIL 16, 1979
Janet Snodgrass, 407 N. 40th Avenue, reported that she has received a
notice from the City Clerk stating there will be a charge of $2.50 per
Council padket,beginning May 7, 1979. City Manager Zais stated that the
notice was sent in order to attempt to recoup some of the expense of the
paper, printing and assembling of the packets. Mayor Edmondson inquired
how many packets are being prepared. Iris Litzenberger, City Clerk,
reported that she is preparing 43 Council packets. John Klingele, 1312
West Walnut, inquired why the news media was not given a letter. City
Manager Zais stated that it is common practice to provide Council
packets free of charge to the news media, Women's League of Voters, the
Library and the Chamber of Commerce. Several Council members expressed
their opinion that there should be a fee for the Council packets;
however, some thought that $2.50 seed high.
After stating he thought the draft letter to the County Commissioners
regarding Probation Services is excellent, it was MOVED by Wonder,
II/ seconded by Lee that the draft of the letter to be sent to the County
Commissioners regarding Probation Services be the final letter and be
sent to them: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee and
_Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Sparling absent.
Items of information supplied to Council were: excerpt from The
Kiplinger Washington Letter regarding Wage and Price
Restraint. 3/30/79; article from Travel and Leisure re Washington
Yakima Valley. April issue; minutes of March 13, 1979 meeting of the
Police & Fire Civil Service Canmission; AWC Memo re AWC Board of
Directors; 1979 Election; Resolutions Committee. 4/3/79; and AWC
Legislative Bulletin No. 13, 4/6/79.
There being no further business to cane before the Council, it was MOVED
by Lee, seconded by Wonder that this meeting be adjourned at the hour of
10:40 P.M.: carried, Beauchamp, Buchanan, Edmondson, Hinman, Lee, and
Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Sparling absent.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY/ . DATE 3 4r 7,
DATE G 414. 7 ?
COUNCILMAN
ATTEST:
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1419,,A
CITY o f MAYOR
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