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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/22/1977 Business Meeting 573 AUGUST 22, 1977 The City Council met in session on this date at 1:30 P.M. in the Conference Room at City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Council members present were Mayor Betty L. Edmondson,' Jean Allard, Ralph Holbrook, W. K. "Pete" Moore, Nadine Walker and Gordon Wonder. Councilman Simmons absent. • Mayor Edmondson informed Council of the letter she had received from Ron Cameron stating that he has several' photographs and slides Council might be interested in. He is available to meet either with the Council or the Art Selection Committee in the near future. After discussion, it was the general consensus of the Council to refer the letter to the Art Selection Committee. Jean Allard gave a report on the National League of Cities Regional Conference he attended August 11 and 12, 1977, in Seattle. He spoke' briefly on the different sessions he had attended, which were Land Use Planning, Community Development, Solid Waste Management, Municipal Liability, and City /County Relationships.. In the City/ County Relationships session, the cities were advised to contact their County Assessor and ask where the taxes are going that the County collects from city residents. It was the general consensus of the Council that the County Assessor be asked to make a report at a study session on distribution of tax: monies collected from City Residents. Mayor Edmondson referred to the City' Clerk's letter, stating that an election has been held by the City Employees for the selection of a Civil Service`. Commission member. Marie Donelson, Edward C. Ranking and Akbert'R. Coleman were the 'three names submitted to Council for consideration. Marie Donelson and Edward Rankin gave a brief background of 'their experience; Marie stating that'she had worked for the City of Yakima for 27 years and has been on the Civil Service Commission for approximately four year and Edward stating that he is retired from Rainier Bank after serving as their Vice President and Personnel Officer. Albert R. Coleman was unable to attend this meeting as he had to repair 'a broken water pipe at his home. After a brief answer and question period, Council took a vote by secret ballot. After two tie votes between Marie Donelson and Edward Rankin, it was decided by Council to toss a coin to decide the appointment, as both candidates would be an excellent member of the Commission. Councilman Moore called heads for Marie Donelson and tails for Edward Rankin; the coin was tossed, and landed tails up. It was MOVED by Allard, seconded by Holbrook to appoint Edward C. Rankin as a member of the Civil Service Commission: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Walker and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Simmons absent. Councilman Allard requested that a letter be sent to Marie Donelson thanking her for her service on the Commission, and also to Albert Coleman thanking him for his willingness to serve on the Commission. Mayor Edmondson announced that the "Human Relations Commission Appointment Committee" has submitted four names for Council's consideration to fill the four vacancies on the Human Relations Commission. Councilman Holbrook stated that while he realized that it was late to nominate someone, he would like Council to consider Christine Smart, along with the others nominated. Councilman Holbrook read a letter of recom- mendation for Christine Smart, from the Yakima County Extension Service. Councilman Wonder stated that he thought that people serving on City boards and commissions should live in the City. Councilman Moore stated that he and Councilman Simmons, as a committee, worked with the Community Relations Officer and reviewed the names suggested earlier and chose these four to bring to the Council. Each of the four are of different nationalities and backgrounds. He stated that these people have been contacted and are willing to serve. It was MOVED by Wonder, seconded by Allard that Charles Barnett, Kay Burgstaller, and Darrel Ormstead be appointed to serve on the Human Relations Commission, and that additional information be obtained on Emma Micelli and Christine Smart: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Walker voting nay. Simmons absent. Mayor Edmondson said that the fourth appointment will be considered next week. Police Chief LaRue reviewed the criminal activities in the City of Yakima, referring to the Monthly Report of July, 1977, which was distributed to Council Members. Chief LaRue stated that we are seeing an increase of crime for the month of July, and we are not clearing as many crimes this year as last, but it is still above the national average. Speaking on prostitution, Chief LaRue stated that it is a misdemeanor, and is not reflected on the Monthly Report. Chief LaRue stated that several years ago, the City attempted to prosecute this offense as a felony, which worked well in reducing the crime. However, the Superior Court was flooded with these cases and could not keep up and the City stopped charging prostitution as a felony. He stated that in the past 10 days, twelve girls have been arrested for prostitution and 6 men have been picked up. The cost for these arrests so far is $1,800. He stated that the City gets good cooperation from taxi companies, motel owners and operators, and from * * Inadvertently omitted- belonging to Jack Whitnall, 574 August 22, 1977 the Liquor Control Board. Last year the Police Department had eleven CETA Police Officers on the force, but when the funding for CETA Employees ran out, these Officers were let go. Chief LaRue stated that inclement weather is the best deterrent to crime. At 3:00 P.M. the Council Members moved into the Council Chambers for the balance of the meeting, Mayor Edmondson presiding, Council Members Allard, Holbrook, Moore, Walker and Wonder, City Manager Eastman and City Attorney Andrews present on roll call. Councilman Simmons absent and excused. The Invocation was given by City Attorney Fred Andrews. 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 asked that item #4 be removed from the Consent Agenda, and John Klingele, a citizen, requested that item #10 be removed. It was the general consensus of the Council that items #4 and 410 be deleted from the Consent Agenda, as requested. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, including Resolutions and Ordinances by title. It was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Walker that the Consent Agenda, as read, be passed: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Simmons absent. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk ( *) indicate items on the Consent Agenda to be handled under one motion without further discussion.) Mayor Edmondson stated that the Study Session minutes indicate that Don Schussler had received a letter recommending him as Chairman of the Yakima Center Advisory Board. The minutes should be corrected to read that Don Schussler has been recommended by the Visitors and Convention Advisory Board to be Chairman of the Yakima Center Advisory Board. It was MOVED by Holbrook, seconded by Allard that the minutes of the previous meeting, as amended, having been duly certified accurate by two Councilmen and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly, be approved: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Walker and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Simmons absent. Mayor Edmondson congratulated the Yakima Beetles for winning another State Tournament Championship. The Beetles have won the Washington State Championship for a record = setting sixth consecutive time. City Manager Eastman gave a report of events that have transpired since he was employed, referring to a three page report distributed to Council on "Outline of Key Meetings with Employees and Management ", "Changes in Management Staff ", and "Council and Management Problems /Projects Resolved or in Progress ". Mary Hersey, 1107 South 31st Avenue, requested that Council look into the ambulance service rates, which she stated are outrageous. Councilman Walker reported that there is a Council Committee that is looking into this and is checking with L.A. County for information on their ambulance service. A. J. Stallsmith, 111 North 4th Street, spoke on the problem of prostitution, stating that the big problem is robbing and stealing. He stated that a lot of the people are trying to keep their businesses clean, but people from out of town come in and make trouble. Betty Gaudette, North 6th Street, spoke on the need for playground equipment and a wading pool at Miller Park, and also resurfacing of the tennis courts is needed. ** Mrs. Gaudette also brought to the attention of the Council the fact that there are two openings in the fence which runs along the ditch on the north side of `ui Street in the 700 block in the alley between 6th and 7th Street and in the 700 block on the west side of 3rd Street. Councilman Allard said that Council would be looking at the ditches in the 1978 budget and suggested that she attend Housing Services Community Neighborhood Meetings. City Manager Eastman announced that there are Community Development hearings scheduled on the 19th and 26th of September. * It was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Walker that Resolution No. D -3740 vacating the public easement at property familiarly known as the old City Shops site at 3rd Avenue and Division, be approved: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Simmons absent. RESOLUTION NO. D -3740, A RESOLUTION vacating a public utility easement. * *Inadvertently omitted - Mrs. Gaudette was informed that a spray pool is scheduled in the 1978 Budget for Miller Park. 575 AUGUST 22, 1977 * It was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Wonder that Resolution No. D -3741 authorizing execution of a deed conveying Cahalan Park property to Union Gap, be approved: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Simmons Absent. RESOLUTION NO. D -3741, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager and City Clerk to the City of Yakima to execute and deliver a quit claim deed conveying Cahalan Park property to the City of Union Gap. City Manager Eastman discussed the contract with Preston Shepherd and Associates for professional engineering services in connection with the South Broadway, Fairview/ Sumac, and South Fruitvale Interceptor Sewers, stating that there are some proposed changes for the location of the South Broadway sewer line. These changes can still be made even if this contract is authorized. After Council discussion, it was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Holbrook that Resolution No. D -3742 authorizing execution of an agreement with Preston L. Shepherd and Associates for professional engineering services in connection with Fairview /Sumac, South Fruitvale and South Broadway Interceptor Sewer Line Projects; be passed: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Simmons absent. RESOLUTION NO. D -3742, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute an agreement with Preston L. Shepherd and Associates for professional engineering services in connection with Fairview /Sumac, South Fruitvale, and South Broadway Interceptor Sewer Line Projects. * It was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Walker that the out -of -state travel for Dick Zais to attend the ICMA conference in Atlanta, Georgia, Oct. 29 - 'November 6, 1977, at a cost to City of $785,be approved: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Simmons absent. * It was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Walker that Ordinance No. 2094, amending the 1977 budget and appropriating, transferring and re- appropriating money within and among the various funds and accounts, be passed: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Simmons absent. ORDINANCE NO. 2094, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1977 budget for the City of Yakima; and appropriating, transferring and re- appropriating money within and among various funds and accounts, all as appropriations for the 1977 City of Yakima budget. John Klingele asked if it was necessary to regulate parking outside the CBD. Council- man Wonder read the information given on the "cover sheet" stating that this ordinance would enact a new section to the traffic code, which was previously omitted from the current code. It was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Wonder that Ordinance No. 2095 regulating vehicle parking outside the CBD, be passed: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Walker, and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Simmons absent. ORDINANCE NO. 2095 AN ORDINANCE relating to traffic control; regulating the stopping, standing and parking of vehicles; and enacting Section 9.50.551 as a new section of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. * It was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Walker that September 19, 1977, at 8:00 P.M., be fixed for the time of hearing of the proposed dog licensing ordinance amendments: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Walker and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Simmons absent. Council members discussed a meeting held at Ed Cid Restaurant * to get input on casino - type gambling. The State is considering allowing this type of gambling at two different locations in the State, or at local option. Council can write and let them know their wishes, but it was the general consensus to do this individually rather than as a Council. Council members also discussed the continuance of daily Amtrak train service. It was the general consensus of the Council to refer the matter to the City Manager to send night letters to the Congressmen, with copies of this correspondence to the Visitors and Convention Bureau and Chamber of Commerce to encourage them to write, too. Mr. Eastman also suggested that Council Members write individually to their Congressman. With the resignation of Dave Vargas, Project Director, Council questioned City Manager how this would effect the City. City Manager Eastman said that Don Wenzel has enough experience to take the Professional Engineering test and there are adequate Professional Engineers in private business with whom the City can consult. * *Inadvertently omitted - which Mayor Edmondson and Councilman Allard attended, 576 . • - . AUGUST 22, 1977 . , There being no further business to come before the Council, it was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Holbrook that this meeting be adjourned at the hour of 4:00 P.M.: carried,Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Walker and Wonder vat ng aye by voice vote. Simmons absent. .... READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY ;,/5: ,,. ,kiE (C i p ,- 400pm DATE Ammie A dle r COUNC' TAIAN / ATTEST: i ....kuo■-• - 4r. 1r A r * - -- " CITY, LERK , • i & cePe4477144107 i MAYOR . . . • . . . . i - . , . - • , • • ' • . • , • ' • ' • - • • - ' . i . • , . • . • . ' . . ' • ' . ' . , . . . . .