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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/20/1977 Business Meeting `Pfl ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING - JANUARY 20, 1977 The City Council met in session on this date at 12:00 Noon in the banquet room of Frasu's West restaurant at the Yakima airport, Yakima, Washington. Council members present were Mayor Betty L. Edmondson, Jean Allard, Ralph Holbrook, W. K. "Pete" Moore, Dr. Bill Simmons and Gordon Wonder. Council member Nadine Walker absent. Regarding appointments to City Boards and Commissions, the following recommendations were made to fill vacancies: reappointment of Neil C. Buren to the Police and Fire Civil Service Commission for six years to December 31, 1982; appointment of Al Bariault to the Planning Commission to August 31, 1982, to replace Dr. Earl Zini who resigned; and appointment of Mr. J. Russell Rennie to fill the unexpired term of Bruce Beaudoin to the City Employees' Civil Ser vice Commission, which term expires June 1, 1981. It was MOVED by Allard, seconded by Wonder that these appointments be made as recommended: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Walker absent. In considering A.W.C.'s advice regarding the disposition of local LEOFF Pension Boards, it was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Allard that recommendations be made to the state that the local Boards be placed under State jurisdiction provided the State Board takes on responsibilities for medical obligations; otherwise, local Boards are to be left alone: carried, Allard, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Edmondson voting nay by voice vote.* Walker absent. The next discussion was with members of the Yakima Valley Construc- tion Federation which included Architects Ron Cameron and Bob Dawley and Contractors Bob Lewis and Dick Wilson. The subject of discussion was a review of City procedures in interpreting and administering building code provisions. In this context, Bob Lewis suggested that there should be some reorganization internally, to enable the building department to have total responsibility for administering all codes, rather than other divisions being involved. He indicated that their problems were not necessarily related to the time involved to conduct reviews and time checks, but questioned the extra work done by the other divisions, such as the Fire Department. Mr. Cameron related his concern over the City's adoption and interpretation of State laws, i.e., the Uniform Building Code with its adopted references. He felt that the principal problem was reference codes, such as the National Fire Code, which were being followed and interpreted by the City, whereas contractors believe that the State's Uniform Fire Codes are to be observed. Contractors have had difficulty in following the application of both codes towards their particular projects. Mr. Cameron indicated that their attorneys had been in contact with the Attorney General's Office which had indicated that State Codes such as the Uniform Building Code and the Uniform Fire Code were all that was required to be followed and questioned the City's practice in adopting the National Fire Code. He recommended that City Codes be examined from a legal standpoint to clarify the requirements, and the City should establish a central clearing house for code reviews. In considering this, Councilman Holbrook raised the question of whether members of the building industry would be prepared to aid the City in examining its procedures to reconcile these differences. Bob Dawley and Mr. Wilson indicated they would be supportive of this type of assistance. Mr. Cameron concurred also, and went on to discuss other problems they encountered in the administration and interpretation of the Zoning Code by the Planning Department, suggesting that this code be revised also so it can be interpreted by the building officials rather than planners. Similarly, other departments such as engineering, often times have not provided sufficient review occasioning delays in processing plans. Council- man Holbrook raised the question of whether one official in the *Mayor Edmondson informed Council that our local Police and Fire Pension Boards voted to retain local board jurisdiction. 4431 ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING - JANUARY 20, 1977 City could inspect and interpret all codes such as mechanical, plumbing, building or fire. Bob Dawley and others indicated that this'might be possible but normally code interpretation was a ; specialized area. Councilman Simmons suggested that the problem !raised by the Contractors' Federation be reviewed, with management, and involve members of the industry in reviewing the problems. 'Councilman Holbrook suggested that the industry should assist in ,reviewing any upcoming ordinances which would amend and adopt by !reference new code provisions. Councilman Moore indicated that he ,believed it was possible for one official to conduct a multitude of inspections and that this approach should be considered. He further supported having the industries involve themselves in I/ !assisting the City and recommended the establishment of an advisory iboard to review code adjustments. The meeting concluded with the 'understanding that the Acting City Manager would confer with incoming City Manager - George Eastman on this matter, and with mem- ,bers of the construction industry to work towards clarity in 'administering and interpreting these codes. iThere 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 1:30 P.M.: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Walker absent. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY -- ://gdh_r. DATE COUNCILMAN DATE COUNCILMAN ATTEST: 1. .0 Adf • ; - CIT 0 , - CLERK MAYOR • - , _ _