HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-2010-148 City Charter Amendment; Mayor-Council Form of Government; Special Election February 8, 2011A RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION NO R-2010-148
of the City Council of the City of Yakima, Washington, providing for the
submission to the voters of the City of Yakima, at a special election to be
held therein on February 8, 2011, of a Proposition on whether Articles I,
II, III, V, VI, and VII of the Charter of the City of Yakima should be
amended to abandon and abolish the Council -Manager form of
government and adopt the Mayor -Council form of government; making
ancillary and corrective amendments throughout the Charter; and
requesting the Yakima County Auditor to call a special election
WHEREAS, Chapter 35 22 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) authorizes first
class cities of the State of Washington to amend and revise their charters to abandon and
abolish the Council -Manager form of government and adopt the Mayor -Council form of
government, upon approval by a majority of the qualified voters of the city voting in a general or
special election called for that purpose, and
WHEREAS, an amendment of the charter may be initiated by the City Council through
the passing and approval of a resolution requesting that a proposition be submitted to the
qualified voters in the City of whether the City should adopt an amended charter abandoning
and abolishing the Council -Manager form of government and adopting the Mayor -Council form
of government pursuant to amended Charter Articles I, II, III, V, VI, and VII, with ancillary
amendments throughout the Charter to correct the designation of "City Commission" to "City
Council," and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to hold a special election in the City of Yakima on
February 8, 2011, for the purpose of submitting to the qualified voters of the City the proposition
of whether the City of Yakima should abandon and abolish the Council -Manager form of
government and adopt the Mayor -Council form of government pursuant to amended Charter
Articles I, II, III, V, VI, and VII, with ancillary amendments throughout the Charter to correct the
designation of "City Commission" to "City Council," and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds and determines that the best interests and general
welfare of the City of Yakima would be served by submitting to the qualified voters in the City
the proposition of whether the City of Yakima should abandon and abolish the Council -Manager
form of government and adopt the Mayor -Council form of government, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YAKIMA.
1 The proposition to be submitted at the special election shall be in the form of a ballot title
as follows
PROPOSITION NO 1
ADOPTION OF AMENDMENTS TO THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF YAKIMA TO
ABANDON AND ABOLISH THE COUNCIL-MANAGER FORM OF GOVERNMENT AND
ADOPT THE MAYOR -COUNCIL FORM OF GOVERNMENT WITHIN THE CITY OF
YAKIMA, AND MAKE FURTHER AMENDMENTS
Page 1 of 2
PROPOSITION NO 1 concerns an amendment of the City of Yakima Charter This measure
would amend Charter Articles I, II, III, V, VI, and VII to abandon and abolish the Council -
Manager form of government and adopt the Mayor -Council form of government. Adoption of the
proposition will also make ancillary amendments throughout the Charter to correct the
designation of "City Commission" to "City Council " Should this proposition be approved?
YES
NO
2 The City Clerk is authorized and directed to file a certified copy of this resolution with the
Yakima County Auditor
3 The Yakima County Auditor is requested to call and conduct a special election to be held
in the City of Yakima on February 8, 2011, for the purpose of submitting to the qualified
voters of the City of Yakima the proposition set forth in Section 1 above
4 Severability If any section, sentence, clause or phrase of this resolution should be
held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity
or unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of any other section,
sentence, clause or phrase of this resolution
ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL this 7th day of December, 2010
ATTEST
APPROVED AS TO FORM
City Attorney
Micah Ca h1ey, Mayor
Page 2 of 2
BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
' YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No. 1
For Meeting Of December 7, 2010
ITEM TITLE: Consideration of two draft Resolutions and associated City Charter
Amendments, either of which if approved would direct the necessary actions be
taken to establish February 8, 2011 as the date for a special election to be held
in the City of Yakima on a ballot proposition amending the Yakima City Charter
to abolish the current Council -City Manager form of government and adopt a
Mayor -Council form of -government in accord with the terms of the approved and
incorporated City Charter Amendment.
SUBMITTED BY: (1) City Attorney draft — requested by Mayor Cawley and Assistant Mayor
Coffey
(2) City Council Form of Government Committee draft — (Council members
Ensey, Edier and Lover)
CONTACT PERSON/TELEPHONE: City Attorney — 575-6030
SUMMARY EXPLANATION: The City Council requested that a Charter Amendment be
prepared in accord with some specifically identified "bullet points" that identified the basic
framework for the abolishment of the present Council -Manager form of government presently
utilized by the City and the establishment of a Mayor -Council form of government. The City
Attorney submitted a draft of the Charter Amendment to the Council for review and discussion
Subsequently, the members of the Council Form of Government Committee prepared their own
proposed Charter Amendment that differed from the draft provided by the City Attorney. Mayor
Cawley and Assistant Mayor Coffey have requested that the original draft Charter Amendment
be included on the Agenda for Council discussion, together with the Committee's proposed
Charter Amendment. Action by the Council to submit either one of the attached resolutions and
a proposed Charter Amendment in whatever form the Council may ultimately decide upon will
result in this proposition being placed before the voters of Yakima as a ballot measure on
February 8, 2011 for voter consideration.
Resolutions X Ordinance Other(Specify) Charter Amendments
Contract Mail to (name and address):
Phone'
Funding Source
APPROVED FOR SUBMITTAL: \ ,
`> City Manager
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: This is a Council policy issue.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Council Form of Government
Committee recommends the Resolution and Charter Amendment it has submitted.
COUNCIL ACTION:
[1) Ij �'� A
FT
RESOLUTION NO. R -2010-
A RESOLUTION of the City Council of the City of Yakima, Washington, providing for the
submission to the voters of the City of Yakima, at a special election to be
held therein on February 8, 2011, of a Proposition on whether Articles I, II,
III, V, VI, and VII of the Charter of the City of Yakima should be amended
to abandon and abolish the Council -Manager form of government and
adopt the Mayor -Council form of government; which amendment also
provides for amendment of Article XI Section 2 pertaining to approval of
franchises and repeal of Article XV pertaining to City Emergency Hospital;
approving ballot title; making ancillary and corrective amendments
throughout the Charter; and requesting the Yakima County Auditor to call
special election
WHEREAS, Chapter 35.22 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) authorizes first
class cities of the State of Washington to amend and revise their charters to abandon and
abolish the Council -Manager form of government and adopt the Mayor -Council form of
government, upon approval by a majority of the qualified voters of the city voting in a general or
special election called for that purpose; and
WHEREAS, an amendment of the charter may be initiated by the City Council through
the passing and approval of a resolution requesting that a proposition be submitted to the
qualified voters in the City of whether the City should adopt an amended charter abandoning
and abolishing the Council -Manager form of government and adopting the Mayor -Council form
of government pursuant to amended Charter Articles I, II, III, V, VI, and VII, with ancillary
amendments throughout the Charter to correct the designation of "City Commission" to "City
Council," and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds and determines that such amendment should also
include elimination of voter approval of grants, renewals and extensions of franchises (Charter
Article XI Section 2) to render such provision consistent with state law; and
WHEREAS, the City Council further finds and determines that such amendment should
include elimination of Charter Article XV which provides:
ARTICLE XV
City Emergency Hospital
The City shall have the power and authority to provide for the establishment,
maintenance and operation of an emergency hospital, either in conjunction with
the County of Yakima, or separately; and the City Commission of said city, may
in lieu thereof, designate some existing hospital within the city limits as a city
1
emergency hospital, and provide by ordinance for the treatment of emergency
accident patients therein, at the expense of the City of Yakima.
As adopted by vote of the people, December 5, 1936;
which Article is superfluous to the needs, uses and purposes of the City of Yakima, and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to hold a special election in the City of Yakima on
February 8, 2011, for the purpose of submitting to the qualified voters of the City the proposition
of whether the City of Yakima should abandon and abolish the Council -Manager form of
government and adopt the Mayor -Council form of government pursuant to amended Charter
Articles I, II, Ill, V, VI, and VII, with ancillary amendments throughout the Charter to correct the
designation of "City Commission" to "City Council;" together with amendment of Charter Article
XI Section 2 to eliminate voter approval of grants, renewals and extensions of franchises, and
elimination and repeal of Charter Article XV pertaining to City Emergency Hospital, all as set
forth in the proposed amended Charter attached hereto as Exhibit "A," and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds and determines that the best interests and general
welfare of the City of Yakima would be served by submitting to the qualified voters in the City
the proposition of whether the City of Yakima should abandon and abolish the Council -Manager
form of government and adopt the Mayor -Council form of government, together with
amendment of Charter Article XI Section 2 and elimination and repeal of Article XV as set forth
herein, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YAKIMA:
1 The proposition to be submitted at the special election shall be in the form of a ballot
title as follows:
PROPOSITION NO 1
ADOPTION OF AMENDMENTS TO THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF YAKIMA TO
ABANDON AND ABOLISH THE COUNCIL-MANAGER FORM OF GOVERNMENT
AND ADOPT THE MAYOR -COUNCIL FORM OF GOVERNMENT WITHIN THE
CITY OF YAKIMA, AND MAKE FURTHER AMENDMENTS
PROPOSITION NO. 1 concerns an amendment of the City of Yakima Charter.
This measure would amend Charter Articles 1, 11, 111, V, VI, and VII to abandon
and abolish the Council -Manager form of government and adopt the Mayor -
Council form of government; adoption of the proposition will also amend Charter
2
Article XI Section 2 to eliminate voter approval of grants, renewals and
extensions of franchises, and would eliminate and repeal of Charter Article XV
pertaining to City Emergency Hospital. Adoption of the proposition will also
make ancillary amendments throughout the Charter to correct the designation of
"City Commission" to "City Council." Should this proposition be approved?
YES
NO
................... .
2. The City Clerk is authorized and directed to file a certified copy of this resolution with
the Yakima County Auditor.
3. The Yakima County Auditor is requested to call and conduct a special
election to be held in the City of Yakima on February 8, 2011, for the purpose
of submitting to the qualified voters of the City of Yakima the proposition set
forth in Section 1 above.
4. Severability. If any section, sentence, clause or phrase of this resolution
should be held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent
jurisdiction, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or
constitutionality of any other section, sentence, clause or phrase of this
resolution.
ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL this day of December, 2010.
ATTEST:
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Jeff Cutter, City Attorney
3
Micah Cawley, Mayor
City Emergency Hospital
ARTICLE XVI
Civil Service
ARTICLE I
Name, Boundaries, Powers, Rights and Liabilities
SECTION 1. The people of the City of Yakima, within the boundaries as now
established, or as hereafter established, shall continue to be the body politic and
corporate by name of City of Yakima, and under that name shall have perpetual
succession; shall use a corporate seal; may sue and be sued; may acquire property within
or without its boundaries for municipal purposes by purchase, gift, devise, lease, or
condemnation, and may sell, lease, hold, manage and control such property as its
interests may require, except that property purchased for park purposes shall be within
the city limits; and except as prohibited by the constitution of the State of Washington, or
restricted by this charter, the City of Yakima shall have all municipal powers, functions,
rights, privileges and immunities of every name and nature whatsoever pertaining to
cities of the first class within the State of Washington.
SECTION 2. This entire charter amendment and each article, section and subsection
thereof' inclusive shall become effective and enforceable on behalf of the City of Yakima
upon the first swearing in of a duly elected Mayor following the election enacting this
charter and shall continue to be so until further amendment is adopted. The enumeration
of particular powers by this charter shall not be held or deemed to be exclusive, but in
addition to the powers enumerated herein, implied hereby or appropriate to the exercise
thereof, the City of Yakima shall have, and may exercise, all powers which under the
constitution and laws of the State of Washington it would be lawful for said charter
specifically to enumerate. All powers of the eCity, whether express or implied, shall be
exercised in the manner prescribed by this charter, or if not prescribed herein, then in the
manner provided by law, ordinance or resolution of the eCity Council.
Furthermore, all powers of the City, unless otherwise provided in this charter, shall be
exercised by the Mayor and City Council in a mavor-Council form of government. They
shall be subject to the control and direction of the people at all times by the initiative,
referendum and recall provided for in this charter.
Back to top
ARTICLE II
Elective Officials&s, Qualifications, Authorities and Responsibilities -- Mayor -Council -
Manager Form of Government
SECTION 1. A. The elective officialers of the City of Yakima shall consist of a Mayor
and seven Council members, who shall all be residents and qualified electors of the City
and shall not hold any other public office while serving as an elective official of the City
City Charter
ARTICLE I
Name, Boundaries, Powers, Rights and Liabilities
ARTICLE II
Elective Officials, Qualifications. Authorities and Responsibilities Officers — Mayor -
Council Manager Form of Government
ARTICLE III
Elections
ARTICLE IV
Legislation by the People
ARTICLE V
The Recall
ARTICLE VI
Ordinances: Additional Powers and Limitations on Officers
ARTICLE VII
Limitation of Taxation
ARTICLE VIII
Special Boards
ARTICLE IX
Public Utilities
ARTICLE X
Claims
ARTICLE XI
Franchises
ARTICLE XII
Power to Incur Indebtedness
ARTICLE XIII
Amendments
ARTICLE XIV
Schedule
ARTICLE XV
except that of Notary Public or member of the military branch of the state or federal
;.foverninent. The Mayor shall be the chief executive officer of the City., who shall
constitute the Council, and _one of whom shall be th
SECTION 3 of this- 4 4-b -One Council member shall be elected from each of four
separate districts of the City; and three Council members shall be elected from the City at
large without regard to residence in any particular area of the City., The elective
officials of the City shall each be elected by majority vote of the qualified electors of the
City to terms of four years, all at the times and in the manner hereinafter provided in this
charter and by the laws of Washington. The Council members so elected shall constitute
the legislativegoverning body of the City. One of the seven elected Council members
shall be the Council president, chosen as provided by SECTION 3 of this Article II. Any
elective official that ceases to possess any of the qualifications specified in general law
or in this charter or convicted of crime involving moral turpitude while in office shall
immediately forfeit that official's office.
1
B. (1) The City shall be divided by ordinance of the City Council into four districts as
nearly equal in population as practicable based on 1970 federal census data and on actual
population counts of areas annexed to the City subsequent to the 1970 federal census,
which division shall be accomplished so as to be effective not less than ninety days prior
to the municipal primary election to be held during the year 1979. On the publication of
the results of each decennial federal census, the City shall be redivided by ordinance of
the City Council into four districts as nearly equal in population as practicable, which
redivision shall be accomplished so as to be effective not less than ninety days prior to
the municipal primary election to be held next following the publication of census results
for nomination of candidates for "district positions" on the Council, as defined in
Subsection C (2) of this SECTION.
On the division or redivision of the City into districts as provided by this subsection, any
territory thereafter annexed to the City and contiguous to only one then existing district
shall be added to and constitute a part of that district; and if annexed territory is
contiguous to more than one then existing district, the annexed territory shall be divided
into segments, as nearly equal in population as practicable, according to the number of
then existing districts contiguous to the annexed territory and each segment shall be
added to and constitute a part of its then existing contiguous district.
(2) Whenever the population of any district exceeds the population of any other district
by more than ten percent, the City Council shall by ordinance redivide the City into four
districts as nearly equal in population as practicable; provided, that any such redivision
shall be accomplished so as to be effective not less than ninety days prior to any
municipal primary election for Council members to "district positions" as defined in
Subsection C (2) of this SECTION.
C. (1) At the municipal election to be held in the year 1977, three Council members shall
be elected from the City at large without regard to residence in any particular area of the
City.
(2) Not less than ten days before the time for filing declarations of candidacy for the City
Council for the election to be held in the year 1979, the City Clerk shall designate by
consecutive numbers, commencing with the number one and ending with the number
four, the positions on the Council to be filled by candidates nominated from districts, and
such designations shall be thereafter permanently considered as separate offices for
election purposes as "district positions" according to their permanently designated
number. At the municipal election to be held in the year 1979, eight candidates shall be
nominated from the four districts, as follows: Candidates for "district positions" shall file
their candidacy for nomination by the electors of the district wherein each candidate,
respectively, resides. At the primary election, each qualified voter of each district may
cast only one vote for a candidate. The names of the two candidates from each district for
whom the largest number of votes are cast at the primary election shall appear on the
citywide general election ballot, and the one candidate from each district who receives
the highest number of votes, as cast by the citywide electorate at the general election,
shall thereby be declared as duly elected to each respective "district position" as a
member of the City Council.
(3) Not less than ten days before the time for filing declarations of candidacy for the City
Council for the election to be held in 1981, the City Clerk shall designate, by consecutive
numbers commencing with the number five and ending with the number seven, the
positions on the Council to be filled by candidates to be elected from the City at large
without regard to residence in any particular area of the City, and such designations shall
be thereafter permanently considered as separate offices for election purposes as "at large
positions" according to their permanently designated numbers.
D. (1) Council members shall be elected for four-year terms. On the expiration of those
terms, succeeding elections shall be conducted so that three Council members are elected
at large without regard to residence in any particular area of the City and four Council
members elected to "district positions" in the manner provided by Subsection C of this
SECTION.
(2) In the event the Mayor, as an elected official of the City, or any Council member
elected or appointed to an "at large position" of the Council moves that member's place
of residence outside the city boundary, or in the event any Council member elected or
appointed to a "district position" moves that member's place of residence outside the
district from which that member was nominated or appointed, then the Mayor or that
Council member shall t-lity forfeit the office of Mayor or Council member and the
position held by that member shall be deemed to be vacant. A Council member shall not
be disqualified from his or her cun•ent term of office if district lines are changed. thereby
causing the Council member to live outside his or her respecti\-e district. When this
change in district lines affects a current Council member, that person shall be allowed to
complete his or her current term of office.
In the event a Council vacancy occurs for any reason, including. but not Limited to those
set forth in F below, in the Council, the vacancy shall be filled by the appointment of
some qualified person by a majority vote of the remaining members of the Council, but
such appointee shall hold office only until the next regular municipal election, at which
time a qualified person shall be elected to serve for the remainder of the unexpired term
for that position. If the vacancy occurs in a position held by a Council member originally
nominated or appointed from a district, then the appointee shall be a resident of that
district and the Council member who is elected to serve for the remainder of that term
shall be a resident of that district and shall be nominated and elected in the manner
provided by Subsection C (2) of this SECTION.
1(3) Provision for the time and manner of election of the Mayor and Council
member:',officials, and the conduct of such biennial elections shall be governed by
general state laws, by this charter, and by applicable ordinances of the City as they may
be enacted from time to time. As amended by vote of the people November 2, 1976.
E. The annual salary of the Mayor shall be an amount equal to the salary of the highest
paid City employee other than the municipal court judges or the Chief Administrative
Officer, and shall be specifically provided by ordinance. The annual salaries of the
Council President and each Council member shall be as set forth in City ordinance. The
salaries of the offices of Mayor, Council President and of each Council member may be
increased or decreased from time to time by ordinance, but any change in the
compensation attaching to an elective office shall not be applicable to the term then
being served by the incumbent.
F. iiie office of Mayor., Council President or Council member shall be deemed vacant if
any of the following occur:
1. failure to qualify within ten days after certification of election or as otherwise
provided by state law, or
2. death, or
3. resignation, or
4. removal from office by recall, or
5. failure to maintain residency requirement of the office, or
6. absence from four consecutive regularly scheduled meetings of the city
council without being excused by the council. or
7. conviction of a felony or a crime of moral turpitude, or
8. judicially declared incompetency.
In the event of a vacancy in the office of Mayor, the members of the Council shall elect
one of their number to the vacant office of Mayor for the unexpired term or during the
continuance of an absence or disability and shall then follow the procedure set forth in
D (2) to appoint a person to the Council position left vacant by the person assuming the
office of Mayor.
_SECTION 2. A. The Council shall constitute the legislative department and authority of
the City government and shall have power to adopt rules of order and regulations for the
conduct of its business.
SECTION 3. B. The Council shall choose its own chairmanCouncil President at the first
meeting and at the first meeting after eachthe subsequent biennial elections. The
eh -airman shall have the title of Mayor during the biennium for which he is chosen -The
Council PresidentMayor shall preside at all meetings of the Council and shall also set the
Council Agenda for each meeting held by the Council.. The Council President shall be a
member of the City Council with equal rit!hts and privileges and shall be entitled to vote
on all matters coming before the Council. The Council President shall not possess any
veto power. The Council President shall have the powers and perform the duties
conferred and imposed upon him by this charter, the City Council and the ordinances of
the City. He shall he recognized as -the heal of the City for all ceremonial purposes and
b -y the-€-e-vernor for purposes of military, law. He shall
duties but in time of public dancer or emergency shall, if so authorized and directed by a
la\\. He shall also 1
j tli it ether ei +be ereof. If a vacancy occurs in the office of
Council PresidentMayor, or in case of his absence or disability, a P4yo-rCouncil
President pro tem shall be elected by the Council from its members to act as
MayorCouncil President for the unexpired term or during the continuance of the absence
or disability. The Council shall then follow the procedure set forth at Section 1 D (2) to
appoint a person to the Council position left vacant by theperson assuming the office of
Council President pro tern. The M' •- • - . - ected justices of
the peace in the City of Yakima as Police Judge, who shall be designated as "Municipal
,Jude."
C. Four Council members shall be a quorum for the transaction of business. but in the
absence of a quorum the members present at a mectina may adjourn the meeting to a
later date fhe Council shall have no authority to employ its own staff.
SECTION 1. Except as otherwise provided in this charter, all powers of the City shall be
vested -in -the -Council. Each membef-of the-Geuncil shall receive --t
each regular and special -meeting of the Council attended by him not to exceed in all the
surn of 51250 00 per annum, t
s --qualifi-ed--e-k tors of the City and an easing to possess any-ef-t-he
qualifications specified -in general late or in this charter or convicted -of --cmc involving
SECTION 53. The Council shall meet at the times and places fixed by ordinance, but
must hold at least two regular meetings each month. The Clerk shall call special
meetings of the Council upon written request of the Mayor, the Council President or any
two Council members. Requests for special meetings shall state the subjects to be
considered and no other subject shall be considered at a special meeting except by
consent of all members of the Council. All meetings of the Council and of committees
thereof shall be open to the public, and the rules of the council shall provide that citizens
of the City shall have a reasonable opportunity to be heard at any meetings in regard to
,C)i3 0141 Jo 001410.10 luaLLll.Iudap {U13 JO apcul aq Ol lipnp U% asnu0 ,Ct:LLI [Tauno;)
t?oq luaull.rndap
0SO4},}O 113A0LLIa. . 11 Ing 'liJunop 041-}-e-s gLLIaLU idooxa `.{1D 04}
Jo soa.CO[dwo puu S.1031.1T.o `s}ltoL[ Iuoul}.Irdop [[t13LUi1 ,{LIu 113 0,101.110J put luloddt O[ (z)
?uut,oq oiignc[ - - ' - -- - ,� oqi uiAotuaa uoiinlosaa few'. c put
It:A.oulaa s,aoScutlN ail Jo uoi.}sanb Pg.-
rOL[l `>[1010 sl! L[lth•1 po}u iCioulil 3q [[MIS {Ido..1 c.It ',Cup lr41 uodn aluunuJOl Hugs soopuol.,
s1I4 pUI3 `.1o&Tru1,\] 041c�3U1A0at0.1 L1011n[OSa.I [tui`[ oLp. 3lnlilsu03 OOI,I.IOS Lions o Olup
441 LL10.ij "cup ls.lff-rfli{ j-c?E[1 uOc}n }[l'L[s uoiln}osa4-041 Stan. i-} si ,f[da.1 oU luaAa 01.11 UI
'1.LIIL[ aAOUIa.1 0.i f3t31�EI4}jFil S,}iounoj oqi `.1oa[e}4-1
�SLIIlt?15 UO11n10Sa.1 01.
alnp
P, LUIL[-aA{4LF 1•-e-UO11LI1Ul
:1.13l0q s,Ctp fllu{l-lsce[ 1- - F&1tla - ftj0 al0A {- i
oq ,CtLU pU11 ulael
OLDS
•[iouno;) 041 Aq paxil aq {uul
1n L uJ 041 put, slu31.uu.IO.1oD alms put luUo!reN 044 J0 l.loddlls 041.10J L[1to 1nio.tj.o
sum 04 L[OIgA\ .TO I:i-?1-agl,to Uoill'.,aTdx.o ai}l 5u(MOltoj pasdula st4.1 i3,C OLIO FILM .1 CLFUT\}
. _ t aailarad
paidaoot: ,Io opo oul si4 Jo `uT aouoiaadxa it=niot sp.{ al aoua.la.ta.1 lctoadls L[1i,11 {11(igF?
put .10local?4o Jo ststq 0141 uodn uaso1.[a aq [[tL[S a0
put? a0-3tU1JA[ {.4D oq 11uL1S 0}111 0SO4\ a0oiljo ut luioddc ins 1{ou11o) 04I 'L NOIJ I iIS
'11OUnOD OL[l Jo a.Fnst;old 041
1U3op {UW 1i St `{poq Uzi10 S11 J0 S00.{0[diuo pus OSOOL[0 [lugs (10Un03 OL[( 1 IOI LJ [5
•lt0a042 paaapTsuoo 2u1ag aallt til /WE
tuolj 'uotssas uado ui atTT M `itouno;) at,
t�Lit'1oA3A1oq `papt.lo.1d :,{Io4eAtJd 10 ,{[otggnd Totino `.1
put; tiouno7 alit `Xit11bui'jo asod.ind ®tit ioj Ido-oxg •satcutp.iogns stq JO :{LIE .io 1a�L;Llry�J
1U poalip [fritts sJogtuau.l 10 S3O1 ILULLIOO Stl JO :CUE' .10U `t13U1100 crit 1OL[t13N [ NOt.I..Dr_iS
-uaCua.Iinba.T u aq lou
,{)[J alit utti.t1,11 a.II' t{atpj. LJotLjA1 `>I.10,11 aLf} Ui SX4111104143--atil,p
t[>;CIs 1ofi;uUtAt ,C1L) alit 40 rCtt.logtnu DLit .Iopun .10 .Cq opi',LLI sluoul}U[O
.iaai.jjo utlutoddii .iaq}.o .I0 .I3 . - - : - i Jas Jo suotstAold
ort} o} }oaEc}ng •aLutl ,Cur Suuutoddc Lions JaL[}o 10 .l ut 7g-}-r4q--pa aaa
XCiy 'aoljj0 .i0 tuaLu}.nJdap qms LII satcuip.1ogns ,gxouit--pue iLlioddt 01 Lull.' 01 aigisuodsai
001 4o 10 1UaLu-}:iudap atit je-pE?-a- Eil aZI10 i1nL', r{eLt-1-4-aril'til;iAt .C1tD 41 ' t t NUl_t.p 5'
•aouuuiplo Xq panuituoostp 10 pagstigntsa `pau tssu `patngt.itstp
`pagtiosaid aq Hugs stuatuii dap aqui) sattnp pug slaMod `S1Lift.i a4J •panut)uoo
aq [tags aOLIa1SIXa LII MOU S1UaLUt.Iu'dap aAUE11SLUiTup atit `Itouno0 /CID aCi} {q uotlou
1aLtiinj &utpuad •pul?uiap ,Ci?ui ssauisnq ottgnd alit su ttouno3 'CID aLtt ,{q patualo aq auris
stuatutiudap angu.itstutuipd •J0ApJA[ alit ,{q pautl.ulalap aq Hugs 1aJL.J ..Q ant.}2l1)stutulpv
joR[7 atp Jo sat}t[tgtsuodsa.l oi.itoads aLI I. •A1i) aL[1 Jo uopu.itstutulpu te.lauax>
attt LII tSISSL 0) .Iaoljjp a ATte1)STLI1Lupy jaILD T.1 }LIIOcicri; Itt?L[S .IOALJnt aq1 t'O T 1`IOI1 D[S
'UOI}njOS {
r0 a7Ut1Ulp.l0 ,{g aUICU1?.}ci) r{I;CU [1JURO) ^Ci} SC' Saitnp 1-4410 IiD11S LU.IO.tlad 0i (6)
`spoau a1n)n4 s}i
pull Uma} 10 rcti4 _ _ , _ - - 01 01 (L)
:}tutgns o} a[gcst\pu }t uiaap ,{Lau! aL[
ao Ng lap ,Cq poiinba.i aq .C>✓LU STI stlodal 11011S pun( ; - -- -
:}u3ti)adX3 10
r • - - - -- - - - - - UOI}dOpu .104 puoululooa1 o1 (c)
-,{DUaa101.117
JO saLUtt UI 'apt() puri M1:1 Ulftuii?twi O} .IO,CL't,\t 341 }L}t1 .{i LIi ItaLlno;) 041 40!L[.1t
.Cltio Ini; 3LIt of to0fgns 'p0tn30X3 .{IIn. gi!u•j 011' sopuruIp o puu smut Itr Imp oas 01 (I,)
413EM
}r.LI1 .Cq pallnbal aq r{1l UI aoUl pua}}l S14 Lto!LI.11 ti' IlounoD 041 JO tie punt).0 01 (E)
:13 icuutAi .Ctt)
}
fully and freely discussing with the City Manager anything pertaining to appointments
and removals of City officers and employees and City affairs.
SECTION 14. The City Manager and other efficers, as:Tistants and employees. shall
receive such salary or compensation as the Council shall fix by ordinance and it shall be
payable at such times as the Council shall determine.
SECTION 5. A. The Mavor shall be the chief executive officer of the City. In addition to
the powers and duties granted a chief executive and/or administrative officer under the
laws of the State of Washington, the Mayor shall have the following powers and duties:
1. The power to appoint and. remove the administrative heads and assistant
administrative heads in each department of the City government, provided the
appointment, but not the removal, of an administrative head and assistant
administrative head shall be subject to the approval of the City Council and,
further provided, that the head or assistant head of any department shall not be
deprived by any such removal of any standing under the civil service provisions
of this charter which the employee may have had before appointment as head or
assistant head of a department. City residency shall not be a requirement for
these positions.
2. The power to appoint and remove a city clerk, provided such appointment, but not
removal, shall be subject to the approval of the City Council. City residency shall
not be a requirement for this position.
3. The power to appoint and remove the city attorney, provided such appointment,
but not removal, shall he subject to the approval of the City Council. City
residency shall not he a requirement for this position.
4. Thepower to appoint and remove, subject to the civil service provisions of this
charter, all other officers and employees of the City of Yakima or to authorize the
head of a department or officer responsible to the Mavor to appoint and remove
subordinates in such department or office.
5. The power to make all other appointments required to be made by the Mayor by
the laws of the State of Washington and in the manner provided thereby.
6. The power to appoint and remove a chief administrative officer, provided such
appointment, but not removal, shall be subject to the approval of the City Council.
Residency within the City shall not be a requirement for this position. The chief
administrative officer, under the general supervision of the Mayor, shall assist the
Mavor, in the discretion of the Mavor shall supervise the administrative offices
and shall perform such other duties as are delegated to the position by the Mayor
from time to time. The 'salary of such administrative officer shall be fixed in the
discretion of the Mayor but shall not exceed one hundred ten percent of the salary
of the highest paid employee of the City (other than the Mayor. the municipal
court judges or said administrative officer) or such higher amount as set by the
City Council, from time 10 time.
7. The power to appoint and remove an executive secretary and assistants who are
not subject to civil service, whose compensation shall be fixed by the City
Council. City residency shall not be a requirement for these positions.
8. Whenever the City Council shall be required to appoint any member of a board.
committee, commission or other body, unless the appointee is a Council member,
it shall be the duty of the Mayor to nominate a suitable person for such
appointment. City residency may be required for these positions and shall be
specifically stated in ordinance. If the City Council refuses to appoint any
nominee of the Mayor, then the Mayor shall, within forty five days thereafter,
nominate another person to fill the office, and may continue to nominate until
Council appointment. If the Mayor fails to make another such nomination within
forty five days. then the City Council shall select a suitable person to fill the
office.
9. The power to remove a Council appointee, other than a Council member
appointee. from a board, committee or commission of the Council. Upon such
removal, the vacancy for the unexpired term, if any, shall be filled by
appointment in the same manner as if at the beginning of the term, except as
otherwise provided in this charier.
10. The duty to see that all laws and ordinances are faithfully enforced and that law
and order are maintained in the City.
1 1. The duty of the Mayor annually at the first meeting of the City Council in
October to communicate by message to the City Council a statement of the
conditions and affairs of the City. and to recommend the adoption of such
measures he or she may deem expedient and_proper. The Mayor shall make
special communication to the City Council from time to time as he or she may
deem useful and proper. and shall submit reports on City matters when so
requested by the City Council.
1'). The duty to prepare and present to the City Council a budget and a budget
message setting forth the programs proposed for the City during the next fiscal
year. Budget preparation and presentation shall comply with applicable state
statutes. City Charter provisions and City Ordinance and shall generally include a
budget forecast presented to the Council by mid-October, a preliminary budget
presented to the Council before November 1. and a final budget presented to
Council no later than the final December Council meeting of each Year.
13. The power to recommend to the City Council for adoption such measures and
ordinances as may be deemed expedient and to make such other
recommendations to the City Council concerning the affairs of the City as may
seem desirable.
14. The power to veto ordinances or parts of ordinances passed by the Council and
submitted to him or her as provided herein: provided that such veto may be
overridden by the vote of a majority of all Council members plus one more vote.
15. The power to make investigation into the affairs of the City under the supervision
of the Mavor or any department or division, or the proper performance of any
contract or obligation running to the City of Yakima.
16. The power to make recommendations in connection with the awarding of public
contracts and see that all contracts made by the City of Yakima are faithfully
performed.
17. The duty to hold no employment other than that of the City.
18. The duty to approve for payment and submit to the City Council at each meeting
for its allowance all claims and bills.
19. The authority to execute contracts and execute settlement aareemcnts on behalf of
the City so long as said contracts and settlement agreements have been previously
approved by Council. To the extent specifically approved and provided for in
ordinance the Mayor may have limited authority to execute contracts and
settlement agreements in amounts less than or equal to those specifically provided
by ordinance without first obtaining Council approval.
20. The Mavor shall not vote on any matters before the Council for consideration.
21. The Mayor shall attend all regularly scheduled meetings of the City Council
unless previously excused from said attendance.
22. 'T'he Mavor shall have no authority to implement, increase or reduce taxes
assessed against the citizens of the City ; the Mavor shall possess no taxing
authority on behalf of the City.
SECTION 6. Nothing in this Article shall affect the pension or Civil Service or merit
system of the City of Yakima in existence at the effective date hereof.
As amended by vote of the people November '1, 1958 Effective dates lune 1, 1959.
.e'
ARTICLE III
Elections
SECTION 1. Elections shall be general, primary or special. The manner and method of
holding and calling all municipal elections. both t?eneral and special. shall be according
to State law. All municipal elections shall be non-partisan and by the qualified electors
of the City.
A general election shall be held on the second Tuesday in March 1959, at which time the
first council provided for herein shall be elected. A general election shall also be held on
the.
1959. After the election held the second Tuesday in March, 1960, all general elections
March of every second year thereafter. The
Wash+xgton for-prit +Fy—cicctions in mun-i-eii9e41,ties, or if same are -t -x 3plicablc in si eh
mani - - .. _- - - .c held whenever
C'eimi-ssion serving under the-ehafte -How in fo-
fc
respectively. i'hc terms of counci
shall -he -gin en the first Mond-at--m-June fokk i -ng -their election.
finance make all
feral
As -e -n e -tiled -lay -vete =th
195-4-;
Rack to top
ARTICLE IV
Legislation by the People
er 1, 1958. €f=feetive date -December 11,
SECTION 1. The people of Yakima, in addition to the method of legislation herein
before provided, shall have direct legislation by the initiative and referendum.
SECTION 2. The initiative shall be exercised in the following manner:
(a) A petition signed by registered and qualified electors of the City, accompanied by the
proposed legislation in the form of a proposed ordinance and requesting that such
ordinance be submitted to a vote of the people shall be filed with the City Clerk.
(b) Within two days from the filing of such petition the City Clerk shall certify the
number of votes cast at the last general City election and the number of signers of such
petition, and shall present such certificate, petition and proposed ordinance to the City
Councilmmission.
(c) If such petition be signed by qualified electors in number equal to twenty per centum
of the total number of votes cast at the last preceding general city election, the City
Councilmmission within twenty days after receipt thereof, except as otherwise provided
in this Charter, shall either pass such ordinance without alteration, or submit it to a
popular vote at a special election which must be held within thirty days after the date of
the ordering thereof: Provided, however, that if any other municipal election is to be held
more than thirty days but within ninety days after the filing of the petition, said proposed
ordinance shall be submitted without alteration to be voted upon at such election.
SECTION 3. If, prior to the date when any ordinance shall take effect, a petition signed
by qualified electors equal in number to ten per centum of the entire vote cast at the last
preceding general city election shall be filed with the City Clerk, protesting against the
enactment of such ordinance, it shall be suspended from taking effect. Immediately upon
the filing of the petition the City Clerk shall do all things required in SECTION 2 of this
article. Thereupon the City Councilmmission shall immediately reconsider such
ordinance, and, if it does not entirely repeal the same, shall submit it to popular vote at
the next municipal election; or, the City Councilmmission may call a special election for
that purpose; and such ordinance shall not take effect, unless a majority of the qualified
electors voting thereon at such election shall vote in favor thereof.
SECTION 4. The City Councilmmission may submit to popular vote for adoption or
rejection at any election any proposed ordinance in the same manner and effect as
provided in this article for submission on petition.
SECTION 5. There shall not be held under this article more than one special election in
any period of six months.
SECTION 6. The City Councilmmission, by ordinance, shall make further regulations
for carrying out the provisions of this article not inconsistent herewith.
Back to top
ARTICLE V
The Recall
A. An elected official of the City may be subject to a recall election if the ethics
committee determines that the elected official has knowingly committed a
violation of the code of ethics, that the violation constitutes moral turpitude
rendering the elected official unfit to remain in office. and that there are no
mitigating circumstances. The ethics committee ma.y make a recommendation to
the City Council that the elected official be subject to a recall election and that his
or her name be placed on a recall election ballot to beplaced before the elector
for determination. The recommendation of the ethics committee that an elected
official be subject to a recall election shall be in addition to any other available
penalties established by ordinance.
B. The City Council, by a vote of a majority plus two, may pass a resolution to place
the elected official's name on a recall election ballot for action by the voters of
the City on the next available general or special election established by state law.
The City Attorney shall prepare a ballot synopsis for the recall election.
C. If approved by a majority of the electors voting in the election. the elected official
shall be removed from office effective the date the recall election results are
certified by the county auditor.
D. The City Council may adopt. by ordinance, procedures to implement the
p:royision.s of this charter section. Such procedures shall be consistent with the
provisions of this charter section.
E. An officer removed from office by recall election or who shall resign from such
office pending recall proceedings against him shall not be eligible to hold anv
city office or employment within two years after such removal or resignation.
State of Washington for elective officers.
SECTION 2. An officer removed ffom 4f -7i -cc -by recall election or who shall resign from
such office pending recall proceedings against him shall not he eligible to hold any city
eft -ice. o+-e1r1-l-}koyment--twit ' - :Itch removal or resignation.
Back to top
ARTICLE VI
Ordinances; Additional Powers and Limitations on Officers
SECTION 1. A. At all meetings of the City Council every resolution and ordinance shall
be in writing and read aloud by title before a vote is taken thereon; provided, at the
request of a majority of eCouncil members present, a resolution and ordinance shall be
read aloud in its entirety before a vote is taken thereon. Upon every vote the yeas and
nays shall be called and recorded. All ordinances, except ordinances making
appropriations or codifying or rearranging existing ordinances, shall be confined to one
subject, which shall be clearly expressed in the title. Ordinances making appropriations
shall be confined to the subject of appropriations. The enacting clause of all ordinances
shall be, "Be it ordained by the City of Yakima."
B Every ordinance, except those which become emergency ordinances, passed by the
City Council shall. within five days thereafter, be presented to the Mayor.
C. Within ten days after its presentation. the Mayor shall either sign the ordinance and
return it to the City Clerk: or veto the ordinance and return it to the City Clerk with a
written and signed statement of the reasons for the Mayor's veto: or sign and partially
veto an appropriation ordinance and return it to the City clerk with a written and signed
statement of the reasons for the partial veto. If an ordinance is not returned by the Mayor
within ten dans after its presentation it shall be deemed enacted without the Mayor's
siunature. Within thirty days after an ordinance has been vetoed and returned or partially
vetoed and returned. the City Council may override the veto or partial veto by enactinu
the ordinance by a minimum of five affirmative votes.
C. Every ordinance passed by the City Council shall be signed by the Mavor, or the
Council President or two City Council members in the event of prior Mayoral veto.
attested by the City Clerk and recorded in a hook kept for that purpose.
SECTION 2. A. Ordinances making the annual tax levy or relating to local
improvements or assessments therefore, or making appropriations, emergency
ordinances, or ordinances adopted by vote of the electors shall take effect at the time
indicated therein; all other ordinances shall take effect thirty3-9 days after the date of the
publication thereof as herein provided.
B. An ordinance which is subject to the veto power of the Mayor and which is not
vetoed, or the approved portions of an ordinance which has been partially vetoed, shall
he deemed enacted on the date that it is approved by, or ten days after if is presented to,
the Mayor. An ordinance which is vetoed, or the vetoed portions of an ordinance, shall
be deemed enacted on the date that the City Council overrides the veto or partial veto.
An ordinance which is not subject to the veto power of the mayor shall be deemed
enacted on the date it is approved by the City Council.
C. An emergency ordinance is one to provide for the immediate preservation of the
public peace, property, health or safety. The unanimous vote of the City
Councilcommission shall be necessary for the passage of an emergency ordinance. No
measure making or amending a grant, renewal or extension of a franchise or other special
privilege shall ever be passed as an emergency measure.
SECTION 3. Upon its final passage, each ordinr:
1.1
r resolution shall be authenticated
for that purpose. Tthe number and title of each ordinance passed by the City
Councilr xission, with certificate as herei-n-provideelrattached thereto shall be published
once in the official newspaper of the eCity. Said certificate shall be signed by the City
Clerk and shall be in substantially the following form: "Ordinance No. bearing
above title, was duly and regularly passed by the City Commission of the City of
Yakima, Washington, on the day of 4-920 , and is now on file
with the undersigned at the office of the City Clerk, where the same is open to the public
inspection. Dated . City Clerk."
SECTION '1. Members of the City
Commission shall be qualified electors of the City,
-sept that of Notary Public or member of the
»cffi crit. A member of the City Commission
els specified in this SECTION, or who may -be
military branch of tl
ceasing to possess any of th
his office. A certified copy of the judgment of conviction filed in the office of the City
Clerk shall be lxima fat!' - - forfeiture as above provided.
SECTION 4 . No elective official. officer or employee of the City shall solicit or receive
any pay, commission, money or thing of value, or derive any benefit, profit or advantage,
directly or indirectly from or by reason of any improvement, alteration or repair, or
purchase of materials required by the City, or any contract to which the City shall be a
party, except his lawful compensation or salary as such officer or employee. A violation
of any of the provisions of this SECTION shall disqualify the offender to continue in
office or employment and he shall be forthwith removed therefrom.
SECTION 65. Any purchase of supplies, material, equipment or services, except for
public work or improvement, where the cost thereof exceeds a specific sum to be set by
ordinance$2,000 shall be made upon call for bids in the same method and under the same
conditions as required herein on a call for bids for public work or improvement. This
monetary limit for the purchase of supplies, material, equipment and services may be
increased from time to time, but no more often than one time in any twenty-four month
period, by ordinance enacted by the vote of no less than a two-thirds majority of the City
Council members, up to but in no case to exceed any amount allowed by &State law. In
the event of an emergency declared by resolution of the City Council, any purchase of
supplies, material, equipment or service may be made without calling for bids.
As amended by vote of the people November 6, 1981.
SECTION 67. In addition to the provisions of the general law the City Councilmmission
may by ordinance create and establish special funds into which all monies received for a
special or specific purpose may be placed: Provided, however, that such fund or funds
shall be other than those deriving revenue from taxation.
I3ack to top
ARTICLE VII
Limitation of Taxation
SECTION 1. The fiscal year of the City shall commence on the first day of January and
end on the last day of December each year.
SECTION 2. The City Councilminissioii shall have power and authority to assess, levy
and collect taxes upon all the real and personal property (not exempt from taxation)
within the City for the corporate uses and purposes thereof and provide for the payment
of the debts and expenses of the City. The Mayor shall have no authority to assess. levy
or collect any taxes on behalf of the City.
SECTION 3. The aggregate of all the property taxes levied or appropriated for City
purposes including funds for the rar y -parks and playgrounds, police and firemen's
relief shall be taken and apportioned by the City Councilmmission from the current
expense fund which for any one year shall not exceed eighteen mills on each dollar of
assessed valuation of the property within the City except as follows:
(a) The levies for redemption of and interest on the bonded debt of the City heretofore or
hereafter authorized in the manner provided by law;
(b) The levy for local improvement district assessment guaranty fund as required by law;
(c) Such other levies as may have been heretofore or which may hereafter is required by
general law.
SECTION 4. No special levies shall be made for other purposes than those above
specified except those, which may be authorized at an election.
SECTION 5. All City funds shall be administered by the City Councilmmission; and
boards or committees selected by the City Councilmmission to assist in the management
of any municipal activities, if any are selected, shall act in an advisory capacity only.
SECTION 6. The City Councilmmissionshall make no appropriation in aid of any
corporation, person or society not expressly authorized by this charter.
I3ack to top
ARTICLE VIII
Special Boards
SECTION 1. The City Councilmmission may appoint advisory boards to assist in
administering the public library, parks and playgrounds and city planning. The City
Councilor nissioR shall have full charge of the budgets for such purposes and shall bye
ordinance regulate the organization and duties of such boards, and may provide that any
monies acquired by donation, bequest or from leases or concessions, fines, or penalties
shall be used in addition to the amount set aside in the annual budget out of the tax levy.
Back to top
ARTICLE IX
Public Utilities
SECTION 1. The City Councilmmission shall provide by ordinance rules and regulations
and make provisions for the control, management and operation of all public utilities
owned and operated by the City, or which may hereafter be acquired by the City in the
manner provided by law, or which the City may by law govern, control or regulate.
SECTION 2. The City Councilmmission shall have power to arrange by ordinance for
the financing and repair, replacement, rehabilitation or extension of any public utility
owned and operated by the City, provided, however, that such financing shall be
arranged upon the credit of the utility itself and not upon the issuance of general
obligation bonds of the City.
Back to top
ARTICLE X
Claims
SECTION 1. All claims for damages against the City, whether sounding in tort or arising
out of contract, shall be presented in writing to the City Councilmmission within 30 days
after the date upon which such damages are claimed to have been sustained. Such claims
shall accurately state the time, place, cause, nature and extent of the alleged damages and
give the actual residence of the claimant by street and number, if any, at the date of
presenting such claim, and for six months immediately prior to the time such claim for
damages accrued, and shall be verified by affidavit of the claimant or if the claimant be a
minor or otherwise incapacitated from verifying, then such claim shall be verified by any
relative or by an attorney or agent of such claimant, to the effect that the same is true. No
action shall be maintained against the City for any claim of damages until 60 days have
elapsed after the rejection of such claim. Failure to present any such claim in the manner
or within the time in this SECTION provided shall be a bar to any action against the City
thcrefortherefore.
Back to top
ARTICLE XI
Franchises
SECTION 1. No exclusive franchise shall ever be granted.
SECTION 2. No franchise or right to occupy or use the streets, highways, bridges, or
public places of the City shall be granted, renewed or extended except by ordinance;
„'hip
special ele
elt�c�{}F� oti1 - : Provided, that the City Councilmmission shall have
authority without necessity of reference to the electors, to pass an ordinance granting
permission to lay a spur track or tracks connecting a main line of railroad with adjacent
manufacturing plants, warehouses or other private property.
SECTION 3. No franchise shall be granted unless there be inserted therein a provision
that the City may acquire the public utility for the exercise of which the franchise is
granted, either by agreement or by condemnation, and that upon such purchase by the
City, either by agreement or condemnation, no value of the franchise itself shall be taken
into account in fixing the price to be paid by the City for such utility.
SECTION 4. No franchise shall be granted by the City for a longer term than twenty-five
years.
SECTION 5. No franchise shall be renewed or extended earlier than three years prior to
its expiration.
SECTION 6. No franchise shall be granted without provision for proper compensation to
the City. Such compensation shall when feasible be a percentage upon the gross earnings
of the person or corporation to whom such franchise is granted arising from the exercise
of such franchise. When the determination of the gross earnings by the exercise of the
franchise is not feasible the ordinance granting said franchise shall prescribe such other
mode of determining the compensation to be paid the City by the grantee as shall be
deemed reasonable and just.
SECTION 7. The grantee or assignee of any franchise granted by the City shall submit to
the City Councilmmission within sixty days after the first day of January of each year, an
annual report verified by the oath of such person or the president, treasurer or general
manager of such corporation, which shall contain such detailed information as may be
prescribed by the City Councilmmission to enable it to determine the amount of
compensation to be paid to the City for the use of said franchise during the preceding
year. Any such person, persons, or corporations which shall refuse or fail to make any
such report within the time specified shall be liable to a penalty of one hundred dollars
for each and every day during which he or it shall fail to file such report, such penalty to
be sued for and recovered by the City in any court having jurisdiction thereof.
SECTION 8. No franchise granted by the City shall ever be leased, assigned or otherwise
alienated without the express consent of the City Councilmmission by ordinance passed
for that purpose, and no rule of estoppel shall ever be invoked against the City in case it
shall assert the invalidity of any attempted transfer in violation of this SECTION.
SECTION 9. The grant of every franchise for a street, suburban, or interurban railroad or
bus line shall provide that all United States mail carriers, city officials, policemen and
firemen shall at all time while in the actual discharge of their duties be allowed to ride
upon such cars or buses under said franchise without paying therefore, and with all rights
of other passengers.
SECTION 10. No franchise, right, privilege, or license shall be considered as granted by
any ordinance except when expressed therein in plain and unambiguous terms, and if any
ambiguity appears therein it shall be construed in favor of the city and against the
claimant under said ordinance.
Back to top
ARTICLE XII
Power to Incur Indebtedness
SECTION 1. The City may borrow money and become indebted in any legal way,
subject, as to the amount and manner of incurring indebtedness, to the provisions and
limitations of the constitution and laws of the state and this charter; and subject to the
same provisions and limitations, the City may issue bonds to secure any existing or
contemplated indebtedness.
SECTION 2. When a popular vote is not required by law, the City Councilmmission by
ordinance may authorize any indebtedness and the issuance of bonds.
Back to top
ARTICLE XIII
Amendments
SECTION 1. This charter may be amended in the manner provided by the laws of the
State of Washington. In addition thereto the City Councilnimission may provide by
ordinance for a special election to be held on the first Monday in December, 1931, at
which time amendments to this charter may be submitted: Provided, that if a petition for
such election signed by not less than 500 qualified voters of the City shall be submitted
not less than 30 days prior thereto, then the City Councilmniission shall be required to
call such election. At the said special election the City Councilmmission may submit
other questions which in its judgment should be determined by the people. In subsequent
years special elections for amending this charter may be called by the City
Councilmmission or shall be called upon petition of not less than 500 qualified voters.
Back to top
ARTICLE XIV
Schedule
SECTION 1. Upon the taking effect of this charter all title, right and interest of the
former corporation in and to any and all property, real or personal, of whatever kind of
character, shall vest in and be owned by the corporation created by this charter.
SECTION 2. All ordinances and resolutions in force at the time this charter shall go into
effect and not inconsistent herewith, shall remain in force until amended or repealed or
until they expire by limitation. All rights and obligations in favor of or against the City
existing at the time this charter shall go into effect shall continue without modification.
All street an other improvements, all vacations of public streets, alleys or places, all
assessments for improvements, all suits and actions in court, all fines, penalties and
forfeitures and all other matters relating to the City that may have been begun and not
completed, shall be completed according to the law and ordinances existing prior to the
time this charter shall go into effect, and all taxes and assessments levied and remaining
unpaid when this charter shall go into effect shall be collected as provided by the law
existing and in effect at the time the same were levied.
SECTION 3. At the election to be held for the purpose of adopting or rejecting this
charter, articles numbered I to XIV, inclusive, shall be submitted upon the ballot as a
complete charter and shall be included in the vote "For the Charter" and "Against the
Charter," and in the event that a majority of all votes cast thereon, shall be "For the
Charter" said charter shall be adopted.
Back to top
ARTICLE: NY
Ci -t_ - Hospital
The City shall have the power and authority to provide for the establishment,
therein, at the expense of the City of Yakima.
Back to top
ARTICLE XVI
Civil Service
SECTION 1. The general purpose of this charter amendment is to establish for the City
of Yakima a system of personnel administration based on merit principles and governing
the appointment, promotion, transfer, layoff, removal, discipline and welfare of its
employees, and other incidents of city employment.
SECTION 2. The following terms, whenever used in this Article, shall be construed as
follows:
(a) "Commission" means the civil service commission herein created, and
"Commissioner" means any one of the three members of any such commission.
(b) "Appointing power" -- Appointing power means the officer or person, board or
committee who is empowered to make appointments for employment in the city civil
service.
(c) "Appointment" includes all means of selecting, appointing, or employing any person
to any office, place, position, or employment in civil service.
(d) "City" means the City of Yakima, Washington.
(e) "Employees" means all persons regularly employed by the City of Yakima,
Washington, either on a part-time or full-time basis with the exception of those persons
listed in SECTION 6.
SECTION 3. There is created a city civil service commission, which shall be composed
of three persons. The commission members shall be appointed by the City Council in the
following manner:
(a) One member shall be appointed by the City Council.
(b) The second member shall be appointed by the City Council from a list of three names
submitted to the Council chosen by a referendum of city employees, excluding police
and firemen. The City Clerk shall conduct the referendum and shall formulate proper
rules and regulations for said referendum.
(c) The third shall be appointed by the City Council from a list of three names submitted
to the council by the other two civil service commissioners.
(d) The term of office of the commissioners shall be for six years or until a successor is
selected and qualified, except that the first three members of the commission shall be
appointed for different times, as follows:
The appointee from the employee referendum list shall serve for a period of six years,
the appointee at Large as designated in subsection (a) above to serve for a period of four
years, and the third appointee to serve for two years. All commissioners must be
registered voters of Yakima County. Any member of the commission may be removed
from office for incompetence, incompatibility, or dereliction of duty, or malfeasance of
office, or other good cause; provided, that no member of the commission shall be
removed until charges have been preferred, in writing, due notice, and a full hearing held
before the City Council. Any vacancy in the commission shall be filled in the same
manner as provided for selecting the commissioner previously filling the vacancy. Two
members of the commission shall constitute a quorum and the votes of any two members
concurring shall be sufficient for the decision of all matters and the transaction of all
business to be decided by the commission. No member of the civil service commission
shall engage in active partisan or non-partisan politics and hold any salaried public office
or engage in city employment, other than his commission duties. The members of the
commission shall serve without compensation.
SECTION 4. Immediately after appointment the commission shall organize by electing
one of its members chairman and shall hold regular meetings at least once a month, and
such additional meetings as may be required for the proper discharge of its duties. All
meetings of the commission shall be open to the public. It shall appoint a chief examiner
who shall also serve as secretary of the commission and such assistants as may be
necessary. The chief examiner shall keep the records for the commission, preserve all
reports made to it, superintend and keep a record of all examinations held under its
direction and perform such other duties as the commission may prescribe. The chief
examiner shall be appointed as a result of competitive examination, which examination
may be either original and open to all properly qualified persons, or promotional and
limited to persons already in the service of the City of Yakima, Washington. The chief
examiner shall be subject to suspension, reduction, or discharge in the same manner and
subject to the same limitations as are provided in the case of members of the classified
service. A pay and classification plan with job descriptions providing equal pay for equal
work shall be devised by the chief examiner with the cooperation and approval of the
civil service commission which shall be submitted in ordinance form to the City Council
for passage.
SECTION 5. It shall be the duty of the civil service commission:
(a) To make suitable rules and regulations not inconsistent with the provisions hereof.
Such rules and regulations shall provide in detail the manner in which examinations may
be held, and appointments, promotions, transfers, reinstatements, demotions,
suspensions, and discharges shall be made, and may also provide for any other matters
connected with the general subject of personnel administration, and which may be
considered desirable to further carry out the general purposes of this Article, or which
may be found to be in the interest of good personnel administration. The rules and
regulations and any amendments thereof shall be printed, mimeographed, or
multigraphed for free public distribution. Such rules and regulations may be changed
from time to time. Prior to adoption of new rules or changes in existing rules all
interested parties shall be given an opportunity to express opinions concerning the
proposed rules at the regular public meetings of the commission.
(b) To give practical tests which shall consist only of subjects which will fairly
determine the capacity of persons examined to perform duties of the position to which
appointment is to be made. Such tests may include tests of physical fitness or manual
skill or both.
(c) To make investigations and report upon all matters concerning the enforcement and
effect of the provisions of this Article, and the rules and regulations prescribed
hereunder; to inspect all departments, offices, places, positions, and employment affected
by this Article, and ascertain whether this Article and all such rules and regulations are
being obeyed. Such investigations may be made by the commission or by any
commissioner designated by the commission for that purpose. Not only must these
investigations be made by the commission as aforesaid, but the commission must make
like investigation on petition of any citizen, duly verified, stating that irregularities or
abuses exist, and setting forth in concise language, in writing, the necessity for such
investigation. In the course of such investigation the commission, or the chairman or
chief examiner when authorized by a majority vote of the commission, may issue
subpoenas to compel the attendance at such place as may be designated in this City of
witnesses and the production of books and papers pertinent to any inquiry or
investigation authorized by this Article; or may take depositions of witnesses. Subpoenas
shall also be used at the request of the parties to the proceedings other than the
commission and the chairman. The commission or any member thereof, or the chief
examiner, when authorized by the commission, may administer oaths and take testimony.
The commission or the chief examiner may examine such public records, as they require
in relation to any matter, which they have authority to investigate.
(d) To conduct hearings and investigations in accordance with this Article and by the
rules of practice and procedure adopted by the commission, and in the conduct thereof
neither the commission, nor designated commissioner shall be bound by technical rules
of evidence. No informality in any proceedings or hearing, or in the manner of taking
testimony before the commission or designated commissioner, shall invalidate any order,
decision, rule, or regulation made, or confirmed by the commission; provided, that no
order, decision, rule or regulation made by any designated commissioner conducting any
hearing or investigation alone shall be any force or effect whatsoever unless and until
concurred in by at least one of the other two members.
(e) To hear and determine appeals or complaints respecting the allocation of positions,
the rejection of an examinee, and such other matters as may be referred to the
commission.
(f) To provide for, formulate, and hold competitive tests to determine the relative
qualifications of persons who seek employment in any class or position, and as a result
thereof establish eligible lists for the various classes of positions, and provide that
persons laid off because of curtailment of expenditures, reduction in force, and for like
causes, head the list in the order of their seniority, to the end that they shall be the first to
be reemployed.
(g) It shall be the duty of the Civil Service Commission to certify to the appointing
authority, when a vacant position is to be filled, on written request, the names of the
three persons highest on the eligible list for the class. Any one of the three persons so
certified may be appointed. If there is no such list, to authorize a provisional or
temporary appointment list for such class. Such temporary provisional appointment(s)
shall not continue for longer than five months in any one fiscal year.
(h) To keep such records as may be necessary for the proper administration of this
Article.
As amended by vote of the people November 8, 1983.
SECTION 6. The classified civil service and provisions of this Article shall be applicable
to and shall include all employees of the city except the following:
(a) Officers elected by the people and persons appointed to fill vacancies in elective
offices;
(b) Members of boards and commissions and the City Manager;
(c) Employees under civil service coverage within the police and fire departments;
(d) All department heads; one confidential secretary and one administrative assistant for
the City Manager;
(e) Judges, City Attorney and all assistant city attorneys;
(f) Persons employed in a professional or scientific capacity to make or conduct a
temporary and special inquiry, investigation, or examination on behalf of the City
Council or a committee thereof, or by authority of the City Manager.
SECTION 7. All appointments to and promotions to positions in the classified civil
service of the City of Yakima shall be made solely on merit, efficiency, and fitness,
which shall be ascertained by open competitive examination and impartial investigation.
No person in the classified civil service shall be reinstated in or transferred, suspended,
or discharged from any such place, position, or employment, contrary to the provisions
of this Article.
SECTION 8. For the benefit of the public service and to prevent delay, injury, or
interruption therein by reason of the enactment hereof, all persons holding a position
which is deemed classified under SECTION 6 for a continuous period of six months
prior to the effective dates of this Article, and still currently employed, are eligible for
permanent appoint-ment under civil service to the offices, places, positions or
employment which they then held without examination or other act on their part, and not
on probation; and every such person is automatically adopted and inducted permanently
into civil service, into the office, place, position or employment which he then held as
completely and effectual to all intents and purposes as if such person had been
permanently appointed thereto under civil service after examination and investigation.
SECTION 9. The tenure of every person holding an office, place, position or
employment under the provisions of this Article shall be only during good behavior, and
any such person may be removed or discharged, suspended without pay, demoted or
reduced in rank, for any of the following reasons:
(a) Incompetency, inefficiency, or inattention to, or dereliction of duty;
(b) Dishonesty, intemperance, immoral conduct, insubordination, discourteous treatment
of the public, or a fellow employee, or any other act of omission or commission tending
to injure the public service; or any other willful failure on the part of the employee to
properly conduct himself; or any willful violation of the provisions of this Article or of
the rules and regulations to be adopted hereunder;
(c) Mental or physical unfitness for the position which the employee holds;
(d) Dishonest, disgraceful, or prejudicial conduct;
(e) Drunkenness or use of intoxicating liquors, narcotics, or any other habit forming
drug, liquid, or preparation to such extent that the use thereof interferes with the
efficiency or mental or physical fitness of the employee or which precludes the employee
from properly performing the function and duties of any position under civil service;
(f) Conviction of a felony, or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude;
(g) Any other act or failure to act which in the judgment of the civil service commission
is sufficient to show the offender to be an unsuitable and unfit person to be employed in
the public service.
SECTION 10. No person in the classified civil service who has been permanently
appointed or inducted into civil service under provisions of this Article, shall be
removed, suspended, or demoted except for cause, and only upon written accusation of
the appointing power or any citizen or taxpayer; a written statement of which accusation,
in general terms, shall be served upon the accused; and a duplicate filed with the
commission. Any person so removed, suspended, or demoted may within ten days from
the time of his removal, suspension, or demotion, file with the commission a written
demand for an investigation, whereupon the commission shall conduct such
investigation. The investigation shall be confined to the determination of the question of
whether the removal, suspension, or demotion was made in good faith for cause. After
such investigation the commission may affirm the removal, or if it finds that removal,
suspension or demotion was not made in good faith or cause, shall order the immediate
reinstatement or reemployment of such person in the office, place, position, or
employment from which he was removed, suspended, or demoted, which reinstatement
shall, if the commission so provides be retroactive, and entitle such person to pay or
compensation from the time of the removal, suspension, or demotion. The commission
upon such investigation in lieu of affirming a removal, may modify the order by
directing a suspension without pay, for a given period, and subsequent restoration to
duty, or demotion in classification, grade, or pay. The findings of the commission shall
be certified, in writing to the appointing power, and shall be forthwith enforced by such
officer. All investigations made by the commission pursuant to this SECTION shall be
by public hearing, after reasonable notice to the accused of the time and place thereof, at
which hearing the accused shall be afforded an opportunity of appearing in person and
by counsel, and presenting his defense. The subpoena provisions of SECTION 5 of this
Article shall apply to all such hearings. If the order of removal, suspension, or demotion
is concurred in by the commission or a majority thereof, the accused may appeal
therefrom to the superior court of the county wherein he resides. Such appeal shall be
taken by serving the commission, within thirty days after the entry of its order, a written
notice appeal, stating the grounds thereof, and demanding that a certified transcript of the
record and of all papers on file in the office of the commission affecting or relating to its
order, be filed by the commission with the court. The commission shall, within ten days
after the filing of the notice, make, certify, and file such transcript with the court. The
court shall thereupon proceed to hear and determine the appeal in a summary manner.
Such hearing shall be confined to the determination of whether the order of removal,
suspension, or demotion made by the commission, was or was not made in good faith for
cause, and no appeal shall be taken except upon such ground or grounds. The decision of
the superior court may be appealed to the Supreme Court.
SECTION 11. Whenever a position in the classified service becomes vacant, the
appointing power, if it desires to fill the vacancy, shall requisition the commission for the
naives and addresses of persons eligible for appointment thereto. The commission shall
certify the names of three persons highest on the eligible list for the class to which the
vacant position has been allocated, who are willing to accept employment. In case of
more than one vacancy in a particular class one additional name shall be certified for
each additional vacancy. If there is no appropriate eligible list for the class, the
commission shall certify the name of three persons standing highest on the list held
appropriate for such class. The appointing power shall forthwith make is appointment to
the vacant position from the list of person so certified. To enable the appointing power to
exercise a choice in the filling of positions, no appointment, employment, or promotion
in any position in the classified service shall be deemed complete until after the
expiration of a period of six months' probationary service, as may be provided in the
rules of the civil service commission, during which the appointing power may terminate
the employment of the person certified to him, if during the performance test thus
afforded, upon observation or consideration of the performance of duty, the appointing
power deems him unfit or unsatisfactory for employment by the City of Yakima.
Thereupon the appointing power shall select from the three persons certified as standing
next highest on any such list and such person shall likewise enter upon said duties for the
probationary period, until some person is found who is deemed fit for appointment,
employment, or promotion whereupon the appointment, employment, or promotion shall
be deemed complete.
SECTION 12. All offices, places, positions, and employment corning within the purview
of this Article shall be filled by the appointing power; nothing herein contained shall
infringe upon the authority that the City Council may have to fix the salaries and
compensation of all employees employed hereunder.
SECTION 13. No treasurer, clerk or other officer, or employee of the City subject to this
Article shall approve the payment of or be in any manner concerned in paying, auditing,
or approving any salary, wage, or other compensation for services, to any person subject
to the jurisdiction and scope of this Article, unless a payroll, estimate, or account for
such salary, wage, or other compensation, containing the names of the persons to be
paid, the amount to be paid, and any other information which, in the judgment of the
civil service commission, should be furnished on such payroll, bears the certificate of the
civil service commission, or of its chief examiner or other duly authorized agent, that the
persons named therein have been appointed or employed in compliance with the terms of
•alopIy sup Jo
asuzgd zo `asntlo `aoualuas `NOI.L33S ap° Xut Jo /Cliltuopnmsuoo zo'Cuilun ioajjt
fou Iltgs joazagp X1nluuopmpsuoo J0 Xlipiltn alp ltuopmpsuooun Jo piltnui aq 0� plaq
aq pinoLls aloply sltp. astzgd zo `asnulo `aoualuas `NOI.LD3S Xuu 3I 'OZ NouDaS
'6C6I `aunt
ui icupuoy\I zs.Ig oq nue puu uo loaJJa puu aozoj Ilnj aq hugs apply siLi.L '6I NOI.LORS
zta C Iuosg Lions jo asolo uTMollo3 JCzunuu f Jo icUp aqz uo punk asuadxa luauno
aLl� ui paould aq Iltgs papuadxa fou put papino1d os spunj aqT Jo /Cut `asodind
Lions ioj spunj Ituopippu apinozd /Call liounoj /CID aq j 'uoissiuiuroo aq jo lzoddns
oq .zoj pasn aq Hugs papinozd os spunj aq j •aloi1.zy sigl jo adoos age zapun papnloui
asogz jo Ilozked [elm s,ztaX uipaoazd aqg jo luao zad auo jo Reg auo ltnba urns
u .zuaX Itosg LIMO .0J 1.0�pnq Clio alp ui apinozd Hugs liounop
/CID aqi 'SI NOI.LD3S
•zauoissialLuoo XUu z0 UOISSIUILUoo azg Xq op
o� os pazinbaz zanaua4M `Xjpsaa put pualit put `slun000u put `sluauunoop `szadud `s>looq
Lions aonpozd hugs oslu put `aoinzas linio loaCgns `2uaLu/Coldcua put `suopisod `saotld
`Saogj0 lit put Cut 2uiLIItpzaddu /CtM Cut uI z0 2uiiClddt slun000u puu `s uazunoop
`szadud `s>Iooq jo uopoadsui age ui aoutisissu puu sapiliotj alquuostaz lit `Saa/ColdLua put
`s zagzuaLu szr `uolssputuoo aLp p.Iojjt put uoissiuILuoo azp / q paquosazd aq `aurp of tui
tuOJJ `X-eui St Suopuinaz puu Salnz Lions put 'apply j0 SuoISIAO.id alp lno 2LrpCzzto
ui sktM .zadozd lit ui pre Timis /11J aqz jo saa,Coldwa puu snow() IIy 'L I NOI.LD3S
•asod.Ind ltogilod ,Cut .ioj
`fuigg alqunlun zaLllo Xuu zo `saoinzas .10 `iCauour jo uopnquzuoo Are a>I[Lu oz 2ui1oapau
IO `Ounpfogz. IM z0 2U1AI2 z0j op 01 OS uaata.Ig1 .IO asiuwOzd .10 091A.I2S 1IAI0 zapun LIOSzad
Cut JO uOftSLladt1o0 .10 `1uaul/oldLLl0 `>Iut.1 ltnOIJO 041 a utgo zaautw ,Cut uI .IO `aaoLuap
`alotuozd `alztgosip Hugs `paluioddt z0 papala zagla4M `zaogjo oilgnd oN '9I NOI.L33S
•uostaz Lions zoj apuz2 ui paonpaz zo pazzajsuuzl
`palouzap `passiwsip aq uoszad /Cm hugs zou `jailaq JO uo11ullgJt Ito111lod `Ur21.10 Itu°! '-'
`uo0110z `1o10o `aotz SIL JO asntoaq plaLipM aq fou gals X1i0 aqz jo aoinzaS pagissulo ui
uoplsod Xut 01 .IO uOuuOLuO.Id .IO 1uaLLI1utOddt ITU 01 LIOS.Iad Xuu Jo 142iz °ILL S I NOI.LD3S
./Catuopu Kilo ,Cq siins Lions ui paluasazdaz aq llugs UOISSIuituoo
agd •uoissunuioo azo. jo salnz put alopzy sup jo 1uaLuaozojua zadozd alp ioj iCItssaoau
aq Xtur goigp `suns Iinio lit lonpuoo puu uI2aq Iltgs uoissiuruioo ata 'i i NOIID S
•uoissiuzuroo alp jo salnz aLiy. zo apply sigl
4 iM Xidumo sliuj .10 sazuloin `aouaWau alqudlno g2nozgp zo XllnjiliM oqM aaiColduia
.10 zaogjo oilgnd tut jo /Cud azg Xjn.iao asnjaz zagi.znj Xuuz puu `paluioddt Xlzadozduu
*to icllt2alli aq spug ,i WOLIM aaXolduza .10 zaogjo oilgnd Amp Cud aq2 /jT .Iao asnJaz
Ings uoissIu uzoo ag,I quauzams aluznoot put anzl u `UOISSIunuoo ail uMOU?I St I JOSUI
`sI lun000t 10 `01aLII1S3 IIozXud 3111 Mil put `uoissruiuzoo jo saint azg puu aloi�Iy siq�
•
c
- REVISED
•
AGENDA ITEM #11 (B)
CITY COUNCIL FORM OF GOVERNMENT. COMMITTEE
DRAFT PROPOSITION REPLACEMENT
•
•
•
A RESOLUTION
( (8) rep 6c
RESOLUTION NO. R -2010 -
of the City Council of the City of Yakima, Washington, providing for the
submission to the voters of the City of Yakima, at a special election to be held
therein on February 8, 2011, of a Proposition on whether Articles I, II, III, V, VI,
and VII of the Charter of the City of Yakima should be amended to abandon and
abolish the Council -Manager form of government and adopt the Mayor -Council
form of government; making ancillary and corrective amendments throughout
the Charter; and requesting the Yakima County Auditor to call a special election.
WHEREAS, Chapter 35.22 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) authorizes first class cities
of the State of Washington to amend and revise their charters to abandon and abolish the Council -
Manager form of government and adopt the Mayor -Council form of government, upon approval by a
majority of the qualified voters of the city voting in a general or special election called for that purpose;
and
WHEREAS, an amendment of the charter may be initiated by the City Council through the
passing and approval of a resolution requesting that a proposition be submitted to the qualified voters
in the City of whether the City should adopt an amended charter abandoning and abolishing the Council -
Manager form of government and adopting the Mayor -Council form of government pursuant to
amended Charter Articles I, II, III, V, VI, and VII, with ancillary amendments throughout the Charter to
correct the designation of "City Commission" to "City Council;" and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to hold a special election in the City of Yakima on February 8,
2011, for the purpose of submitting to the qualified voters of the City the proposition of whether the
City of Yakima should abandon and abolish the Council -Manager form of government and adopt the
Mayor -Council form of government pursuant to amended Charter Articles I, II, III, V, VI, and VII, with
ancillary amendments throughout the Charter to correct the designation of "City Commission" to "City
Council;" and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds and determines that the best interests and general welfare of
the City of Yakima would be served by submitting to the qualified voters in the City the proposition of
whether the City of Yakima should abandon and abolish the Council -Manager form of government and
adopt the Mayor -Council form of government, therefore
Page 1 of 2
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YAKIMA:
1. The proposition to be submitted at the special election shall be in the form of a ballot title as
follows:
PROPOSITION NO. 1
ADOPTION OF AMENDMENTS TO THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF YAKIMA TO ABANDON AND
ABOLISH THE COUNCIL-MANAGER FORM OF GOVERNMENT AND ADOPT THE MAYOR -COUNCIL
FORM OF GOVERNMENT WITHIN THE CITY OF YAKIMA, AND MAKE FURTHER AMENDMENTS
PROPOSITION NO. 1 concerns an amendment of the City of Yakima Charter. This measure would amend
Charter Articles I, II, III, V, VI, and VII to abandon and abolish the Council -Manager form of government
and adopt the Mayor -Council form of government. Adoption of the proposition will also make ancillary
amendments throughout the Charter to correct the designation of "City Commission" to "City Council."
Should this proposition be approved?
YES [_]
NO [
2. The City Clerk is authorized and directed to file a certified copy of this resolution with the
Yakima County Auditor.
3. The Yakima County Auditor is requested to call and conduct a special election to be held in the
City of Yakima on February 8, 2011, for the purpose of submitting to the qualified voters of the
City of Yakima the proposition set forth in Section 1 above.
4. Severability. If any section, sentence, clause or phrase of this resolution should be held to be
invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or
unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of any other section,
sentence, clause or phrase of this resolution.
ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL this day of December, 2010.
Micah Cawley, Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Jeff Cutter, City Attorney
Page 2 of 2
•
•
•
•
CHARTER
ARTICLE I
Name, Boundaries, Powers, Rights and Liabilities
Section 1.
The people of the City of Yakima, within the boundaries as now established, or as
hereafter established, shall continue to be the body politic and corporate by name of
;City of Yakima, and under that name shall have perpetual succession; shall use a
corporate seal; may sue and be sued; may acquire property within or without its
!boundaries for municipal purposes by purchase, gift, devise, lease, or condemnation,
;and may sell, lease, hold, manage and control such property as its interests may
;require, except that property purchased for park purposes shall be within the city limits;
'and except as prohibited by the constitution of the State of Washington, or restricted by
this charter, the City of Yakima shall have all municipal powers, functions, rights,
privileges and immunities of every name and nature whatsoever pertaining to cities of
the first class within the State of Washington.
Section 2.
This entire charter amendment and each article, section and subsection thereof
inclusive shall become effective and enforceable on behalf of the City of Yakima upon
the first swearing in of a duly elected Mayor following the election enacting this charter
and shall continue to be so until further amendment is adopted. The enumeration of
particular powers by this charter shall not be held or deemed to be exclusive, but in
addition to the powers enumerated herein, implied hereby or appropriate to the exercise
thereof, the City of Yakima shall have, and may exercise, all powers which under the
constitution and laws of the State of Washington it would be lawful for said charter
specifically to enumerate. All powers of the city, whether express or implied, shall be
;exercised in the manner prescribed by this charter, or if not prescribed herein, then in
'the manner provided by law, ordinance or resolution of the Csity Council.
Furthermore, all powers of the City, unless otherwise provided in this charter, shall be
exercised by the Mayor and City Council in a Mayor -Council form of government. They
%shall be subject to the control and direction of the people at all times by the initiative,
;referendum and recall provided for in this charter.
ARTICLE II
A#ieersElective Officials, Qualifications, Authorities and Responsibilities —
Ceu-ns+l-ManagerMayor-Council Form of Government
Section 1.
A. The elective officers officials of the City of Yakima shall consist of a Mayor and
seven Council members, who shall all be residents and qualified electors of the City and
shall not hold any other public office while serving as an elective official of the City
;except that of Notary Public or member of the military branch of the state or federal
;government. The Mayor shall be the chief executive officer of the City. , who shall
Page 1 of 26
;constitute the Council, and one of whom shall be the Mayor chosen as provided by
One Council member shall be elected from each of four
separate districts of the City, and three Council members shall be elected from the City
at large without regard to residence in any particular area of the City The elective
!officials of the City shall each be elected; by majority vote of the qualified electors of the
City to terms of four years, all -at the times and in the manner hereinafter provided in this
charter and by the laws of Washington. The Council members so elected shall
constitute the governing legislative body of the City. One of the seven elected Council
members shall be the Council President, chosen as provided by SECTION 3 of this
Article II. Any elective official that ceases to possess any of the qualifications specified
in general law or in this charter or convicted of crime involving moral turpitude while in
office shall immediately forfeit that official's office
B.(1) The City shall be divided by ordinance of the City Council into four districts as
nearly equal in population as practicable based on 1970 federal census data and on
actual population counts of areas annexed to the City subsequent to the 1970 federal
,census, which division shall be accomplished so as to be effective not less than ninety
idays prior to the municipal primary election to be held during the year 1979.
On the publication of the results of each decennial federal census, the City shall be
,redivided by ordinance of the City Council into four districts as nearly equal in
population as practicable, which redivision shall be accomplished so as to be effective
not Tess than ninety days prior to the municipal primary election to be held next following
the publication of census results for nomination of candidates for "district positions" on
the Council, as defined in Subsection C(2) of this section
On the division or redivision of the City into districts as provided by this subsection,
any territory thereafter annexed to the City and contiguous to only one then existing
district shall be added to and constitute a part of that district; and if annexed territory is
contiguous to more than one then existing district, the annexed territory shall be divided
,into segments, as nearly equal in population as practicable, according to the number of
then existing districts contiguous to the annexed territory and each segment shall be
added to and constitute a part of its then existing contiguous district.
(2) Whenever the population of any district exceeds the population of any other
district by more than ten percent, the City Council shall by ordinance redivide the City
into four districts as nearly equal in population as practicable; provided, that any such
redivision shall be accomplished so as to be effective not less than ninety days prior to
any municipal primary election for Council members to "district positions" as defined in
Subsection C(2) of this section.
C.(1) At the municipal election to be held in the year 1977, three Council members
shall be elected from the City at large without regard to residence in any particular area
of the City.
(2) Not Tess than ten days before the time for filing declarations of candidacy for the
City Council for the election to be held in the year 1979, the City Clerk shall designate
,by consecutive numbers, commencing with the number one and ending with the number
four, the positions on the Council to be filled by candidates nominated from districts, and
such designations shall be thereafter permanently considered as separate offices for
election purposes as "district positions" according to their permanently designated
'number.
Page 2 of 26
•
•
•
•
•
•
At the municipal election to be held in the year 1979, eight candidates shall be
nominated from the four districts, as follows: Candidates for "district positions" shall file
their candidacy for nomination by the electors of the district wherein each candidate,
respectively, resides. At the primary election, each qualified voter of each district may
cast only one vote for a candidate. The names of the two candidates from each district
for whom the largest number of votes are cast at the primary election shall appear on
the citywide general election ballot, and the one candidate from each district who
receives the highest number of votes, as cast by the citywide electorate at the general
election, shall thereby be declared as duly elected to each respective "district position"
as a member of the City Council.
(3) Not less than ten days before the time for filing declarations of candidacy for the
City Council for the election to be held in 1981, the City Clerk shall designate, by
consecutive numbers commencing with the number five and ending with the number
seven, the positions on the Council to be filled by candidates to be elected from the City
at Targe without regard to residence in any particular area of the City, and such
designations shall be thereafter permanently considered as separate offices for election
,purposes as "at large positions" according to their permanently designated numbers.
D.(1) Council members shall be elected for four year terms. On the expiration of
those terms, succeeding elections shall be conducted so that three Council members
are elected at large without regard to residence in any particular area of the City and
four Council members elected to "district positions" in the manner provided by
Subsection C of this section.
(2) In the event the Mayor, as an elected official of the City, or any Council member
elected or appointed to an "at large position" of the Council moves that member's place
of residence outside the city boundary, or in the event any Council member elected or
appointed to a "district position" moves that member's place of residence outside the
district from which that member was nominated or appointed, then the Mayor or that
Council member shall the forfeit the office of Mayor or Council member and the
position held by that member shall be deemed to be vacant. A Council member shall not
be disqualified from his or her current term of office if district lines are changed, thereby
causing the Council member to live outside his or her respective district. When this
change in district lines affects a current Council member, that person shall be allowed to
complete his or her current term of office. In the event a Council vacancy occurs for any
reason, including but not limited to those set forth in F below, in the Council, the
vacancy shall be filled by the appointment of some qualified person by a majority vote of
the remaining members of the Council, but such appointee shall hold office only until the
next regular municipal election, at which time a qualified person shall be elected to
serve for the remainder of the unexpired term for that position. If the vacancy occurs in
a position held by a Council member originally nominated or appointed from a district,
then the appointee shall be a resident of that district and the Council member who is
elected to serve for the remainder of that term shall be a resident of that district and
shall be nominated and elected in the manner provided by Subsection C(2) of this
section.
&(3) Provision for the time and manner of election of the Mayor and Council
membersofficials, and the conduct of such biennial elections, shall be governed by
Page 3 of 26
1 general state laws, by this charter, and by applicable ordinances of the City as they may
be enacted from time to time.
As amended by vote of the people November 2, 1976.
E The annual salary of the Mayor shall be an amount equal to the salary of the
highest paid City employee other than the City Administrator and any municipal court
'judge who is paid more than the City Administrator, and shall be specifically provided by
ordinance. The annual salaries of the Council President and each Council member shall
be as set forth in City ordinance. The salaries of the office of Council President and
each Council member may be increased or decreased from time to time by ordinance,
but any change in the compensation attached to that office shall not be applicable to the
(term then being served by the incumbent.
F. The office of Mayor, Council President or Council member shall be deemed vacant
if any of the following occur:
1. failure to qualify within ten days after certification of election or as otherwise
provided by state law, or
:2. death, or
3. resignation, or
14. removal from office by recall, or
5. failure to maintain residency requirement of the office, or
6. absence from four consecutive regularly scheduled meetings of the city
council without being excused by the council, or
7 conviction of a felony or a crime of moral turpitude, or
8. judicially declared incompetency
In the event of a vacancy in the office of Mayor, the members of the Council shall elect
one of their number to the vacant office of Mayor for the unexpired term or during the
continuance of an absence or disability and shall then follow the procedure set forth in
D(2) to appoint a person to the Council position left vacant by the person assuming the
office of Mayor
Section 2.
AThe Council shall constitute the legislative department and authority of the City
government and shall have power to adopt rules of order and regulations for the
conduct of its business.
Section 3.
B. The Council shall choose its own chairman Council President at its first meeting
and at the first meeting after the subsequenteach biennial elections. The chairman shall
have the title of Mayor during the biennium for which he is chosen The Mayer -Council
President shall preside at all meetings of the Council and shall also set the Council
,Agenda for each meeting held by the Council. The Council President shall be a member
of the City Council with equal rights and privileges and shall be entitled to vote on all
matters coming before the Council. The Council President shall not possess any veto
power The Council President shall have the powers and perform the duties conferred
and imposed upon him by this charter, the City Council and the ordinances of the City.
Page 4 of 26
•
•
•
right to vote as another member thereof. If a vacancy occurs in the office of
MayefCouncil President, or in case of his absence or disability, a Mayor Council
President pro tem shall be elected by the Council from its members to act as def
Council President for the unexpired term or during the continuance of the absence or
disability. The Council shall then follow the procedure set forth at Section 1 D(2) to
appoint a person to the Council position left vacant by the person assuming the office of
Council President pro tem.
C. Four Council members shall be a quorum for the transaction of business, but in the
;absence of a quorum the members present at a meeting may adjourn the meeting to a
later date.
Section 4.
Except as otherwise provided in this charter, all powers of the City shall be vested in
Section 36.
The Council shall meet at the times and places fixed by ordinance, but must hold at
least two regular meetings each month. The Clerk shall call special meetings of the
Council upon written request of the Mayor, the Council President or any two Council
members. Requests for special meetings shall state the subjects to be considered and
no other subject shall be considered at a special meeting except by consent of all
members of the Council.
All meetings of the Council and of committees thereof shall be open to the public, and
the rules of the council shall provide that citizens of the City shall have a reasonable
opportunity to be heard at any meetings in regard to any matter being considered
thereat.
Section -6.
!serve during the pleasure of the Council.
Page 5 of 26
•
•
•
9Z Jo 9 aged
!Aouo6aou o
JO ao!npe ag;;nog;!nn `;! a){ew o; suosaad oy;;oohs Aew pue;uawwano6 Apo aq;,
4o oo! o JO ;uawpedap Aue Jo pew aq o; ;!pne ue asneo Aew !!ounoo aq; ;eq; `pap!noad;
I!A!O o;;oofgns aie oqM saaAoidwo pue saao!Mo `speaq;uawpedap aset}io-fenowaJ
pue saao!jjo 'speaq ;uawpedap !!e ow!; Aue ;e anowaa pue ;ulodde o1 (z)
'A;lled!o!unw aquo sa!eji.e ani;ea;s!u!wpe aq; JOAO uo!slnaadns leaaua6 anal of (l,)
:aq !legs aa6euep! Apo GLI; sal;np pue saamod oql
Vis;
:A;!llgeslp JO aouasge gons 6uunp eogio ag;;o sal;np ag; wao}aad o; uosaad
6uueag o!lgnd a pun pa;dope aq ;ou !legs aa6cucljj ag; 6u!nowaa uo!;nlosoa lou!} a puc,
s!q pue 'aa6cue,n; ago, 6uinowaa uol;nlosaa leu!, a;n;!;suoo aolnaos gons
Adoo e jo w!q uodn ao!naas io a;ep ag; woad SAep A1!!g; u!L(1!M 'Aew aa6eueW Apo aql
as s!q l!;un anu!
oq isnw ao6euclN Apo oq; `icnowoa s!q Jo a;ep onl;oai4a oq; aao;aq sAep A1!!q; ;seal ;v
:l!ouno3 og;;o a;on A;!aofew
c Aq panowaa aq Aew pue uaaa; a;lu!4opui ue aoj pa;ulodde aq !legs aa6euej Apo agl
13s
:!lounoO ail Aq
a>le; !legs ao6euelN Apo gons `ao!}}o s!q 4o sol;np aq; uodn 6uuo;uo aao4a8
9Z Jo Z abed
•pj uol;oes
.salc}}c pue saai(oldwo puc
a;eulpaogns saapao an!6 (legs 4oaaa4; aogwaw JO aaT4!wwoo Aue JOU
;uawaa!nbaa c
Z-1-110tracIS
waa�aaay; leaddc ou aq licgs aaay; puc
'9
.eoueuipao Aq panu!;uoos!p,
JO pags!Ige;sa `pau6!sse `pa;nqu;s!p `paquosaad aq Ileys s;uewpedap sal;np pue
saamod `s;y6u eqj .panu!;uoo aq Veils aoua;s!xe u! MOU s;uewpedap an!;ea;s!ulwpe ay;;
`I!ounoO Aq uol;oe aayJn4 6u!puad .puewap Aew ssau!snq o!lgnd ay; se I!ounoo
�(;!O ay; Aq panu!;uoos!p pue pa;eaao aq hays s;uew}aedap an!;ea;s!u!wpy .aoAetj ay;
Aq pau!waa;ap aq !legs ao;ea;s!ulwpy Apo ay; ;o sei;!I!q!suodsaa oi;ioads ayl .40 ay;
;o uo!;ea;s!u!wpe Ieaauab eq; u! ;s!sse o; ao;ea;s!u!wpy Apo e ;u!odde Keys aoAevq ayl
•fot uoi;oes
uo!;nlosar;
`aeon( Icos!; ay; J041a6pnq an!;e;ua; e I!ounoO ay; o;;!wgns pue aaedaad of (g}
A1!3 ay; Io uo!;tpuoo le!oueu!; ay;;o pas!npe �(lln; i!ouno0 ay; d- )1 o1 (L}
`;ua!padxa JO f(aessaoau;
- - - - - - - - •• - -.A. The Mayor shall be the chief executive
officer of the City. In addition to the powers and duties granted a chief executive and/or
administrative officer under the laws of the State of Washington, the Mayor shall have
the following powers and duties:
'1. The power to appoint and remove the administrative heads and assistant
administrative heads in each department of the City government, provided the
appointment, but not the removal, of an administrative head and assistant
administrative head shall be subject to the approval of the City Council and,
further provided, that the head or assistant head of any department shall not be
deprived by any such removal of any standing under the civil service provisions of
this charter which the employee may had had before appointment as head or
assistant head of a department. City residency shall not be a requirement for
these positions.
'2. The power to appoint and remove a city clerk, provided such appointment, but not
removal, shall be subject to the approval of the City Council City residency shall
not be a requirement for this position.
3 The power to appoint and remove a city attorney, provided such appointment, but
not removal, shall be subject to the approval of the City Council City residency
shall not be a requirement for this position.
.4. The power to appoint and remove, subject to the civil service provisions of this
charter, all other officers and employees of the City of Yakima or to authorize the
head of a department or officer responsible to the Mayor to appoint and remove
subordinates in such department or office.
5. The power to make all other appointments required to be made by the Mayor by
the laws of the State of Washington and in the manner provided hereby.
6 The power to appoint and remove a City Administrator, provided such
appointment, but not removal, shall be subject to the approval of the City Council
Residency within the City shall not be a requirement for this position The City
Administrator, under the general supervision of the Mayor, shall assist the Mayor,
and in the discretion of the Mayor shall supervise the administrative offices and
shall perform such other duties as are delegated to the position by the Mayor from
time to time. The salary of the City Administrator shall be fixed in the discretion of
the Mayor but shall not exceed one hundred ten percent of the salary of the
highest paid employee of the City (other than the Mayor, the municipal court
judges or said City Administrator) or such higher amount as set by the City
Council, from time to time.
7. The power to appoint and remove an executive secretary and assistants who are
not subject to civil service. City residency shall not be a requirement for these
positions.
8 Whenever the City Council shall be required to appoint any member of a board,
committee, commission or other body, unless the appointee must be a Council
member, it shall be the duty of the Mayor to nominate a suitable person for such
appointment City residency may be required for these positions and shall be
Page 8 of 26
•
•
•
specifically stated in ordinance If the City Council refuses to appoint any nominee
of the Mayor, then the Mayor shall, within forty five days thereafter, nominate
another person to fill the office, and may continue to nominate until Council
appointment. If the Mayor fails to make another such nomination within forty five
days, then the City Council shall select a suitable person to fill the office.
9. The power to remove a Council appointee, other than a Council member
appointee, from a board, committee or commission. Upon such removal, the
vacancy for the unexpired term, if any, shall be filled by appointment in the same
manner as if at the beginning of the term, except as otherwise provided in this
charter.
10.The duty to see that all laws and ordinances are faithfully enforced and that law
and order are maintained in the City.
11. The duty of the Mayor annually at the first meeting of the City Council in October
to communicate by message to the City Council a statement of the conditions and
affairs of the City, and to recommend the adoption of such measures he or she
may deem expedient and proper. The Mayor shall make special communication to
the City Council from time to time as he or she may deem useful and proper, and
shall submit reports on City matters when so requested by the City Council.
12. The duty to prepare and present to the City Council a budget and a budget
message setting forth the programs proposed for the City during the next fiscal
year. Budget preparation and presentation shall comply with applicable state
statutes, City Charter provisions and City Ordinances and shall generally include a
budget forecast presented to the Council by mid-October, a preliminary budget
presented to the Council before November 1, and a final budget presented to
Council no later than the final December Council meeting of each year.
13. The power to recommend to the City Council for adoption such measures and
ordinances as may be deemed expedient and to make such other
recommendations to the City Council concerning the affairs of the City as may
seem desirable.
14. The power to veto ordinances or parts of ordinances passed by the Council and
submitted to him or her as provided herein; provided that such veto may be
overridden by the vote of a majority of ail Council members plus one more vote.
15. The power to make investigation into the affairs of the City under the supervision
of the Mayor or any department or division, or the proper performance of any
contract or obligation running to the City of Yakima.
16. The power to make recommendations in connection with the awarding of public
contracts and see that all contracts made by the City of Yakima are faithfully
preformed.
17. The duty to approve for payment and submit to the City Council at each meeting
for its allowance all claims and bills. To the extent specifically approved and
provided for in ordinance the Mayor may have limited authority to pay claims and
bills in amounts less than or equal to those specifically provided by ordinance
without first obtaining Council approval.
18 The authority to execute contracts and execute settlement agreements on behalf
of the City so long as said contracts and settlement agreements have been
previously approved by Council. To the extent specifically approved and provided
Page 9 of 26
for in ordinance the Mayor may have limited authority to execute contracts and
settlement agreements in amounts less than or equal to those specifically
provided by ordinance without first obtaining Council approval
,19. The Mayor shall not vote on any matters before the Council for consideration.
20.The Mayor shall have no authority to increase or reduce taxes; the Mayor shall
possess no taxing authority on behalf of the City
Section 456.
Nothing in this Article shall affect the pension or Civil Service or merit system of the
City of Yakima in existence at the effective date hereof.
As amended by vote of the people November 4, 1951. Effective date, June 1, 1959
ARTICLE III
Elections
,Section 1.
Elections shall be general, primary or special. The manner and method of holding and
;calling all municipal elections, both general and special, shall be according to State law.
!All municipal elections shall be non-partisan and by the qualified electors of the City.
A general election shall be held on the second Tuesday in March, 1959, at which time
held on the second Tuesday in March, 1960, at which time councilmen shall be elected
to succeed those elected for Ona year terms at thc election held on thc-second Tusssday
in March, 1959. After the election held the second Tuesday in March, 1960, all general
glections shall be held on the second Tuesday in March of every second year
thereafter. The primary elections shall be conducted in the manner provided by the laws
'of thc State of Washington for primary elections in municipalities, or if same are not
second Tuesday in March, 1959, respectively. The terms of Councilmen elected to
•
'their election.
As amended by vote of the people November 4, 1958. Effective date December 11,
1958.
ARTICLE IV
Legislation by the People
Section 1.
The people of Yakima, in addition to the method of legislation hereinbefore provided,
shall have direct legislation by the initiative and referendum
Page 10 of 26
•
•
•
Section 2.
'; The initiative shall be exercised in the following manner:
(a) A petition signed by registered and qualified electors of the City, accompanied
by the proposed legislation in the form of a proposed ordinance and requesting that
(such ordinance be submitted to a vote of the people shall be filed with the City Clerk.
(b) Within two days from the filing of such petition the City Clerk shall, certify the
;number of votes cast at the last general City election and the number of signers of such
petition, and shall present such certificate, petition and proposed ordinance to the City
1 CommissionCouncil.
(c) If such petition be signed by qualified electors in number equal to twenty per
;centum of the total number of votes cast at the last preceding general city election, the
1 City Council within twenty days after receipt thereof, except as otherwise
provided in this charter, shall either pass such ordinance without alteration, or submit it
to a popular vote at a special election which must be held within thirty days after the
date of the ordering thereof: Provided, however, that if any other municipal election is to
be held more than thirty days but within ninety days after the filing of the petition, said
;proposed ordinance shall be submitted without alteration to be voted upon at such
election.
Section 3.
If, prior to the date when any ordinance shall take effect, a petition signed by qualified
electors equal in number to ten per centum of the entire vote cast at the last preceding
• general city election shall be filed with the City Clerk, protesting against the enactment
of such ordinance, it shall be suspended from taking effect. Immediately upon the filing
of the petition the City Clerk shall do all things required in Section 2 of this article.
1 Thereupon the City Gem, ; -on -Council shall immediately reconsider such ordinance,
,and, if it does not entirely repeal the same, shall submit it to popular vote at the next
1 municipal election; or, the City Commission Council may call a special election for that
purpose; and such ordinance shall not take effect, unless a majority of the qualified
,electors voting thereon at such election shall vote in favor thereof.
Section 4.
The City Commission Council may submit to popular vote for adoption or rejection at
any election any proposed ordinance in the same manner and effected as provided in
this article for submission on petition.
Section 5.
There shall not be held under this article more than one special election in any period
of six months.
Section 6. _
The City Council, by ordinance, shall make further regulations for
carrying out the provisions of this article not inconsistent herewith
ARTICLE V
The Recall
Page 11 of 26
'Section 1.
The holder of any elective office, whether elected or appointed thereto, may be
.removed from such office by recall proceedings as provided by the laws of the State of
Washington for elective officers.
Section 2.
' An officer removed from office by recall election or who shall resign from such office
pending recall proceedings against him shall not be eligible to hold any city office or
employment within two years after such removal or resignation.
ARTICLE VI
Ordinances; Additional Powers and Limitations on Officers
Section 1.
A. At all meetings of the City Council every resolution and ordinance shall be in
writing and read aloud by title before a vote is taken thereon: provided, at the
request of a majority of Csouncil members present, a resolution or ordinance shall
be read aloud in its entirety before a vote is taken thereon. Upon every vote the
yeas and nays shall be called and recorded. All ordinances, except ordinances
making appropriations or codifying or rearranging existing ordinances, shall be
confined to one subject which shall be clearly expressed in the title Ordinances
making appropriations shall be confined to the subject of appropriations. The
enacting clause of all ordinances shall be, "Be it ordained by the City of Yakima "
B. Every ordinance, except those which become emergency ordinances, passed by
the City Council shall, within five days thereafter, be presented to the Mayor.
C. Within ten days after its presentation, the Mayor shall either sign the ordinance
and return it to the City Clerk, or veto the ordinance and return it to the City Clerk
with a written and signed statement of the reasons for the Mayor's veto, or sign
and partially veto an appropriation ordinance and return it to the City Clerk with a
written and signed statement of the reasons for the partial veto. If an ordinance is
not returned by the Mayor within ten days after its presentation, it shall be deemed
enacted without the Mayor's signature. Within thirty days after an ordinance has
been vetoed and returned or partially vetoed and returned, the City Council may
override the veto or partial veto by enacting the ordinance by a minimum of five
affirmative votes
D. Every ordinance passed by the City Council shall be signed by the Mayor, or the
Council President or two City Council members in the event of prior Mayoral veto,
attested by the City Clerk and recorded in a book kept for that purpose.
As amended by vote of the people November 7, 1972.
Section 2.
A. Ordinances making the annual tax levy or relating to local improvements or
assessments therefor, or making appropriations, emergency ordinances, or
ordinances adopted by vote of the electors shall take effect at the time indicated
therein all other ordinances shall take effect 30 days after the date of the
publication thereof as herein provided.
Page 12 of 26
•
•
•
•
•
•
B. An ordinance which is subject to the veto power of the Mayor and which is not
vetoed, or the approved portions of an ordinance which has been partially vetoed,
shall be deemed enacted on the date that it is approved by, or ten days after it is
presented to, the Mayor. An ordinance which is vetoed, or the vetoed portions of
an ordinance, shall be deemed enactedon the date that the City Council overrides
the veto or partial veto. An ordinance which is not subject to the veto power of the
Mayor shall be deemed enacted on the date it is approved by the City Council.
C. An emergency ordinance is one to provide for the immediate preservation of the
public peace, property, health or safety. The unanimous vote of the City Council
shall be necessary for the passage of an emergency ordinance. No measure
making or amending a grant, renewal or extension of a franchise or other special
privilege shall ever be passed as an emergency measure.
Section 3.
Upon its final passage,
that purpose. Tthe number and title of each ordinance passed by the City
CommicsienCouncil, with certificate as herein provided, attached thereto; shall be
published once in the official newspaper of the eCity. Said certificate shall be signed by
the City Clerk and shall be in substantially the following form: "Ordinance No
bearing above title, was duly and regularly passed by the City Commission Council of
the City of Yakima, Washington, on the day of 201-9 , and is now
on file with the undersigned at the office of the City Clerk, where the same is open to
public inspection.
Dated
City Clerk."
Section -4.
Members of the City Commission shall be qualified electors of the City, and shall not
crime involving moral turpitude while in office shall immediately forfeit his office. A
'Section 64.
No elective official, officer or employee of the City shall solicit or receive any pay,
;commission, money or thing of value, or derive any benefit, profit or advantage, directly
or indirectly from or by reason of any improvement, alteration or repair, or purchase of
materials required by the City, or any contract to which the City shall be a party, except
;his lawful compensation or salary as such officer or employee. A violation of any of the
provisions of this section shall disqualify the offender to continue in office or
;employment and he shall be forthwith removed them.
Section 65.
Page 13 of 26
Any purchase of supplies, materials, equipment or services, except for public work or
improvement, where the cost thereof exceeds $27988a specific sum to be set by
ordinance shall be made upon call for bids in the same method and under the same
conditions as required herein on a call for bids for public work or improvement. This
monetary limit for the purchase of supplies, material, equipment and services may be
increased from time to time, but no more often than one time in any twenty-four month
period, by ordinance enacted by the vote of no less than a two-thirds majority of the City
Council members, up to but in no case to exceed any amount allowed by state State
law. In the event of an emergency declared by resolution of the City Council, any
,purchase of supplies, material, equipment or service may be made without calling for
bids.
Section 67.
In addition to the provisions of the general law the City Commission Council may by
`ordinance create and establish special funds into which all monies received for a special
or specific purpose may be placed: Provided, however, that such fund or funds shall be
'other than those deriving revenue from taxation.
ARTICLE VII
Limitation of Taxation
Section 1.
The fiscal year of the City shall commence on the first day of January and end on the
last day of December each year
Section 2.
The City Commission Council shall have power and authority to assess, levy and
collect taxes upon all the real and personal property (not exempt from taxation) within
the City for the corporate uses and purposes thereof and provide for the payment of the
.debts and expenses of the City. The Mayor shall have no authority to assess or levy any
taxes on behalf of the City.
Section 3.
The aggregate of all the property taxes levied or appropriated for City purposes
;including funds for the library, parks and playgrounds, police and firemen's relief shall
;be taken and apportioned by the City Commission Council from the current expense
;fund which for any one year shall not exceed eighteen mills on each dollar of assessed
'valuation of the property within the City except as follows:
(a) The levies for redemption of and interest on the bonded debt of the City
'heretofore or hereafter authorized in the manner provided by law;
(b) The levy for local improvement district assessment guaranty fund as required by
law;
(c) Such other levies as may have been heretofore or which may hereafter be
;required by general law.
Page 14 of 26
•
•
•
• Section 4.
No special levies shall be made for other purposes than those above specified except
;those which may be authorized at an election.
•
•
;Section 5.
All City funds shall be administered by the City Council, subject to the budgetary
;authority of the City Council; and boards, committees, and commissions created by the
!City Council to assist in the management of any municipal activities, if any are created,
shall act in an advisory capacity only.All City funds shall be administered by the City
management of any municipal activities, if any are selected, shall act in an advisory
capacity only.
Section 6.
The City Commission Council shall make no appropriation in aid of any corporation,
person or society not expressly authorized by this charter.
ARTICLE VIII
Special Boards
Section 1.
The City Commission Council may appoint advisory boards to assist in administering
the public library, parks and playgrounds and city planning. The City Commission
Council shall have full charge of the budgets for such purposes and shall by ordinance
regulate the organization and duties of such boards, and may provide that any monies
acquired by donation, bequest or from leases or concessions, fines, or penalties shall
be used in addition to the amount set aside in the annual budget out of the tax levy.
ARTICLE IX
Public Utilities
Section 1.
The City Commission Council shall provide by ordinance rules and regulations and
make provisions for the control, management and operation of all public utilities owned
and operated by the City, or which may hereafter be acquired by the City in the manner
provided by law, or which the City may by law govern, control or regulate.
Section 2.
The City Commission Council shall have power to arrange by ordinance for the
financing and repair, replacement, rehabilitation or extension of any public utility owned
and operated by the City, provided, however, that such financing shall be arranged
upon the credit of the utility itself and not upon the issuance of general obligation bonds
of the City.
ARTICLE X
Page 15 of 26
Claims
Section 1.
All claims for damages against the City, whether sounding in tort or arising out of
contract, shall be presented in writing to the City Commission Council within 30 days
after the date upon which such damages are claimed to have been sustained. Such
claims shall accurately state the time, place, cause, nature and extent of the alleged
damages and give the actual residence of the claimant by street and number, if any, at
the date of presenting such claim, and for six months immediately prior to the time such
'claim for damages accrued, and shall be verified by affidavit of the claimant or if the
'claimant be a minor or otherwise incapacitated from verifying, then such claim shall be
verified by any relative or by an attorney or agent of such claimant, to the effect that the
same is true. No action shall be maintained against the City for any claim of damages
until 60 days have elapsed after the rejection of such claim. Failure to present any such
claim in the manner or within the time in this section provided shall be a bar to any
'action against the City therefore.
ARTICLE XI
Franchises
.Section 1.
No exclusive franchise shall ever be granted.
Section 2.
No franchise or right to occupy or use the streets, highways, bridges, or public places
of the City shall be granted, renewed or extended except by ordinance, which ordinance
;shall be submitted to a vote of the electors of the City at a general or special election
.and shall not become operative unless approved by a majority of the electors voting
1 ,upon said franchise: Provided, that the City Commission Council shall have authority
without necessity of reference to the electors, to pass an ordinance granting permission
to lay a spur track or tracks connecting a main line of railroad with adjacent
manufacturing plants, warehouses or other private property
Section 3.
No franchise shall be granted unless there be inserted therein a provision that the
City may acquire the public utility for the exercise of which the franchise is granted,
either by agreement or by condemnation, and that upon such purchase by the City,
either by agreement or condemnation, no value of the franchise itself shall be taken into
account in fixing the price to be paid by the City for such utility.
Section 4.
No franchise shall be granted by the City for a longer term than twenty-five years.
'Section 5.
No franchise shall be renewed or extended earlier than three years prior to its
'expiration.
Page 16 of 26
•
•
•
• 'Section 6.
No franchise shall be granted without provision for proper compensation to the City.
Such compensation shall when feasible be a percentage upon the gross earnings of the
person or corporation to whom such franchise is granted arising from the exercise of
such franchise. When the determination of the gross earnings by the exercise of the
franchise is not feasible the ordinance granting said franchise shall prescribe such other
mode of determining the compensation to be paid the City by the grantee as shall be
deemed reasonable and just.
Section 7.
The grantee or assignee of any franchise granted by the City shall submit to the City
Commission Council within sixty days after the first day of January of each year, an
annual report verified by the oath of such person or the president, treasurer or general
manager of such corporation, which shall contain such detailed information as may be
prescribed by the City Commission Council to enable it to determine the amount of
compensation to be paid to the City for the use of said franchise during the preceding
year. Any such person, persons, or corporations which shall refuse or fail to make any
such report within the time specified shall be liable to a penalty of one hundred dollars
for each and every day during which he or it shall fail to file such report, such penalty to
be sued for and recovered by the City in any court having jurisdiction thereof.
Section 8.
• No franchise granted by the City shall ever be leased, assigned or otherwise
alienated without the express consent of the City Commission Counc,l by ordinance
passed for that purpose, and no rule of estoppel shall ever be invoked against the City
in case it shall assert the invalidity of any attempted transfer in violation of this section.
•
Section 9.
The grant of every franchise for a street, suburban, or interurban railroad or bus line
shall provide that all United States mail carriers, city officials, police men and firemen
!shall at all time while in the actual discharge of their duties be allowed to ride upon such
cars or busses under said franchise without paying therefore, and with all rights of other
passengers.
Section 10.
No franchise, right, privilege, or license shall be considered as granted by any
ordinance except when expressed therein in plain and unambiguous terms, and if any
ambiguity appears therein it shall be construed in favor of the city and against the
,claimant under said ordinance.
ARTICLE XII
Power to Incur Indebtedness
Section 1.
1 The City may borrow money and be comcbecome indebted in any legal way, subject,
as to the amount and manner of incurring indebtedness, to the provisions and
Page 17 of 26
limitations of the constitution and laws of the state and this charter; and subject to the
same provisions and limitations, the City may issue bonds to secure any existing or
contemplated indebtedness.
Section 2.
When a popular vote is not required by law, the City Commission Council by
ordinance may authorize any indebtedness and the issuance of bonds.
ARTICLE XIII
Amendments
Section 1.
This charter may be amended in the manner provided by the laws of the State of
Washington. In addition thereto the City Commis ion Council may provide by ordinance
for a special election to be held on the first Monday in December, 1931, at which time
amendments to this charter may be submitted: Provided, that if a petition for such
election signed by not less than 500 qualified voters of the City shall be submitted not
less than 30 days prior thereto, then the City Commission Council shall be required to
call such election. At the said special election the City Commi cion Council may submit
other questions which in its judgment should be determined by the people. In
subsequent years special elections for amending this charter may be called by the City
Council or shall be called upon petition of not less than 500 qualified
voters.
ARTICLE XIV
Schedule
Section 1.
Upon the taking effect of this charter all title, right and interest of the former
corporation in and to any and all property, real or personal, of whatever kind or
character, shall vest in and be owned by the corporation created by this charter.
Section 2.
All ordinances and resolutions in force at the time this charter shall go into effect and
not inconsistent herewith, shall remain in force until amended or repealed or until they
;expire by limitation. All rights and obligations in favor of or against the City existing at
the time this charter shall go into effect shall continue without modification. All street and
other improvements, all vacations of public streets, alleys or places, all assessments for
improvements, all suits and actions in court, all fines, penalties and forfeitures and all
other matters relating to the City that may have been begun and not completed, shall be
completed according to the law and ordinances existing prior to the time this charter
;shall go into effect, and all taxes and assessments levied and remaining unpaid when
this charter shall go into effect shall be collected as provided by the law existing and in
'effect at the time the same were levied.
Page 18 of 26
•
•
•
•
Section 3.
At the election to be held for the purpose of adopting or rejecting this charter, articles
numbered I to XIV, inclusive, shall be submitted upon the ballot as a complete charter
and shall be included in the vote "For the Charter" and "Against the Charter," and in
event that a majority of all votes cast thereon, shall be "For the Charter" said charter
shall be adopted.
ARTICLE XV
City Emergency Hospital
The City shall have the power and authority to provide for the establishment,
maintenance and operation of an emergency hospital, either in conjunction with the
County of Yakima, or separately; and the City Commission Council of said city, may in
lieu thereof, designate some existing hospital within the city limits as a city emergency
hospital, and provide by ordinance for the treatment of emergency accident patients
therein, at the expense of the City of Yakima.
As adopted by vote of the people, December 5, 1936.
ARTICLE XVI
Civil Service
• Section 1.
The general purpose of this charter amendment is to establish for the City of Yakima
a system of personnel administration based on merit principles and governing the
appointment, promotion, transfer, layoff, removal, discipline and welfare of its
employees, and other incidents of city employment.
•
Section 2.
The following terms, whenever used in this Article, shall be construed as follows:
(a) "Commission" means the civil service commission herein created, and
"Commissioner" means any one of the three members of any such commission.
(b) "Appointing power"—Appointing power means the officer or person, board or
committee who is empowered to make appointments for employment in the city civil
service.
(c) "Appointment" includes all means of selecting, appointing, or employing any
person to any office, place, position, or employment in civil service.
(d) "City" means the City of Yakima, Washington.
(e) "Employees" means all persons regularly employed by the City of Yakima,
Washington, either on a part-time or full-time basis with the exception of those persons
listed in Section 6.
Section 3.
There is created a city civil service commission which shall be composed of three
persons. The commission members shall be appointed by the City Council in the
following manner:
(a) One member shall be appointed by the City Council.
Page 19 of 26
(b) The second member shall be appointed by the City Council from a list of three
names submitted to the Council chosen by a referendum of city employees, excluding
police and firemen. The City Clerk shall conduct the referendum and shall formulate
proper rules and regulations for said referendum.
(c) The third shall be appointed by the City Council from a list of three names
'submitted to the council by the other two civil service commissioners.
(d) The term of office of the commissioners shall be for six years or until a
,successor is selected and qualified, except that the first three members of the
!commission shall be appointed for different times, as follows: The appointee from the
'employee referendum list shall serve for a period of six years, the appointee at large as
'designated in subsection (a) above to serve for a period of four years, and the third
appointee to serve for two years. All commissioners must be registered voters of
Yakima County. Any member of the commission may be removed from office for
,incompetency, incompatibility, or dereliction of duty, or malfeasance of office, or other
'good cause; provided, that no member of the commission shall be removed until
;charges have been preferred, in writing, due notice, and a full hearing held before the
City Council. Any vacancy in the commission shall be filled in the same manner as
provided for selecting the commissioner previously filling the vacancy. Two members of
;the commission shall constitute a quorum and the votes of any two members concurring
shall be sufficient for the decision of all matters and the transaction of all business to be
'decided by the commission. No member of the civil service commission shall engage in
'active partisan or non-partisan politics and hold any salaried public office or engage in
!city employment, other than his commission duties. The members of the commission
'shall serve without compensation.
:Section 4.
Immediately after appointment the commission shall organize by electing one of its
;members chairman and shall hold regular meetings at least once a month, and such
:additional meetings as may be required for the proper discharge of its duties. All
meetings of the commission shall be open to the public.
It shall appoint a chief examiner who shall also serve as secretary of the commission
and such assistants as may be necessary. The chief examiner shall keep the records
;for the commission, preserve all reports made to it, superintend and keep a record of all
examinations held under its direction and perform such their duties as the commission
,may prescribe.
The chief examiner shall be appointed as a result of competitive examination, which
;examination may be either original and open to all properly qualified persons, or
promotional and limited to persons already in the service of the City of Yakima,
Washington. The chief examiner shall be subject to suspension, reduction, or discharge
'in the same manner and subject to the same limitations as are provided in the case of
'members of the classified service.
A pay and classification plan with job descriptions providing equal pay for equal work
'shall be devised by the chief examiner with the cooperation and approval of the civil
:service commission which shall be submitted in ordinance form to the City Council for
passage.
Section 5.
Page 20 of 26
•
•
•
•
•
•
It shall be the duty of the civil service commission:
(a) To make suitable rules and regulations not inconsistent with the provisions
hereof. Such rules and regulations shall provide in detail the manner in which
examinations may be held, and appointments, promotions, transfers, reinstatements,
demotions, suspensions, and discharges shall be made, and may also provide for any
other matters connected with the general subject of personnel administration, and which
may be considered desirable to further carry out the general purposes of this Article, or
which may be found to be in the interest of good personnel administration. The rules
and regulations and any amendments thereof shall be printed, mimeographed, or
multigraphed for free public distribution. Such rules and regulations may be changed
from time to time. Prior to adoption of new rules or changes in existing rules all
interested parties shall be given an opportunity to express opinions concerning the
proposed rules at the regular public meetings of the commission.
(b) To give practical tests which shall consist only of subjects which will fairly
determine the capacity of persons examined to perform duties of the position to which
appointment is to be made. Such tests may include tests of physical fitness or manual
skill or both.
(c) To make investigations and to report upon all matters concerning the
ienforcement and effect of the provisions of this Article, and the rules and regulations
prescribed hereunder; to inspect all departments, offices, places, positions, and
employments affected by this Article, and ascertain whether this Article and all such
rules and regulations are being obeyed. Such investigations may be made by the
commission or by any commissioner designated by the commission for that purpose.
Not only must these investigations be made by the commission as aforesaid, but the
commission must make like investigation on petition of any citizen, duly verified, stating
that irregularities or abuses exist, and setting forth in concise language, in writing, the
necessity for such investigation. In the course of such investigation the commission, or
the chairman or chief examiner when authorized by a majority vote of the commission,
may issue subpoenas to compel the attendance at such place as may be designated in
this City of witnesses and the production of books and papers pertinent to any inquiry or
investigation authorized by this Article; or may take depositions of witnesses.
Subpoenas shall also be issued at the request of the parties to the proceedings other
than the commission and the chairman. The commission or any member thereof, or the
chief examiner, when authorized by the commission, may administer oaths and take
testimony. The commission or the chief examiner may examine such public records as
they require in relation to any matter which they have authority to investigate.
(d) To conduct hearings and investigations in accordance with this Article and by
the rules of practice and procedure adopted by the commission, and in the conduct
thereof neither the commission, nor designated commissioner shall be bound by
!technical rules of evidence. No informality in any proceedings or hearing, or in the
manner of taking testimony before the commission or designated commissioner, shall
invalidate any order, decision, rule, or regulation made, or confirmed by the
commission; provided, That no order, decision, rule or regulation made by any
designated commissioner conducting any hearing or investigation alone shall be any
force or effect whatsoever unless and until concurred in by at least one of the other two
members.
Page 21 of 26
(e) To hear and determine appeals or complaints respecting the allocation of
positions, the rejection of an examinee, and such other matters as may be referred to
the commission.
(f) To provide for, formulate, and hold competitive tests to determine the relative
,qualifications of persons who seek employment in any class or position and as a result
thereof establish eligible lists for the various classes of positions, and provide that
;persons laid off because of curtailment of expenditures, reduction in force, and for like
;causes, head the list in the order of their seniority, to the end that they shall be the first
to be reemployed.
(g) It shall be the duty of the Civil Service Commission to certify to the appointing
authority, when a vacant position is to be filled, on written request, the names of the
three persons highest on the eligible list for the class. Any one of the three persons so
certified may be appointed. If there is no such list, to authorize a provisional or
temporary appointment list for such class. Such temporary or provisional appointment(s)
'shall not continue for longer than five months in any one fiscal year.
(h) To keep such records as may be necessary for the proper administration of this
Article.
As amended by vote of the people November 8, 1983.
;Section 6.
j The classified civil service and provisions of this Article shall be applicable to and
shall include all employees of the city except the following:
(a) Officers elected by the people and persons appointed to fill vacancies in elective
'offices;
(b) Members of boards and commissions and the City Manager;
(c) Employees under civil service coverage within the police and fire departments;
(d) All department heads, one confidential secretary and one administrative
assistant for the City Manager;
(e) Judges, City Attorney and all assistant city attorneys;
(f) Persons employed in a professional or scientific capacity to make or conduct a
'temporary and special inquiry, investigation, or examination on behalf of the City
;Council or a committee thereof, or by authority of the City Manager.
Section 7.
All appointments to and promotions to positions in the classified civil service of the
;City of Yakima shall be made solely on merit, efficiency, and fitness, which shall be
ascertained by open competitive examination and impartial investigation. No person in
;the classified civil service shall be reinstated in or transferred, suspended, or discharged
from any such place, position, or employment contrary to the provisions of this Article.
Section 8.
For the benefit of the public service and to prevent delay, injury, or interruption therein
by reason of the enactment hereof, all persons holding a position which is deemed
'classified under Section 6 for a continuous period of six months prior to the effective
;dates of this Article, and still currently employed, are eligible for permanent appointment
under civil service to the offices, places, positions or employment which they then held
;without examination or other act on their part, and not on probation; and every such
Page 22 of 26
•
•
•
•
•
•
person is automatically adopted and inducted permanently into civil service, into the
'office, place, position or employment which he then held as completely and effectually
to all intents and purposes as if such person had been permanently appointed thereto
under civil service after examination and investigation.
Section 9.
The tenure of every person holding an office, place, position or employment under the
provisions of this Article shall be only during good behavior, and any such person may
be removed or discharged, suspended without pay, demoted or reduced in rank, for any
of the following reasons:
(a) Incompetency, inefficiency, or inattention to, or dereliction of duty;
(b) Dishonesty, intemperance, immoral conduct, insubordination, discourteous
treatment of the public, or a fellow employee, or any other act of omission or
commission tending to injure the public service; or any other wilftlwillful failure on the
part of the employee to properly conduct himself; or any willful violation of the
provisions of this Article or of the rules and regulations to be adopted hereunder;
(c), Mental or physical unfitness of the position which the employee holds;
(d) Dishonest, disgraceful, or prejudicial conduct;
(e) Drunkenness or use of intoxicating liquors, narcotics, or any other habit forming
drug, liquid, or preparation to such extent that the use thereof interferes with the
efficiency or mental or physical fitness of the employee or which precludes the
employee from properly performing the function and duties of any position under civil
service;
(f) Conviction of a felony, or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude;
(g) Any other act or failure to act which in the judgment of the civil service
commission is sufficient to show the offender to be an unsuitable and unfit person to be
employed in the public service.
Section 10.
No person in the classified civil service who has been permanently appointed or
inducted into civil service under provisions of this Article, shall be removed, suspended,
or demoted except for cause, and only upon written accusation of the appointing power
or any citizen or taxpayer; a written statement of which accusation, in general terms,
shall be served upon the accused; and a duplicate filed with the commission. Any
person so removed, suspended, or demoted may within ten days from the time of his
removal, suspension, or demotion, file with the commission a written demand for an
investigation, whereupon the commission shall conduct such investigation. The
investigation shall be confined to the determination of the question of whether the
removal, suspension, or demotion was made in good faith for cause. After such
investigation the commission may affirm the removal, or if it finds that removal,
suspension or demotion was not made in good faith for cause, shall order the
immediate reinstatement or reemployment of such person in the office, place, position,
or employment from which he was removed, suspended, or demoted, which
reinstatement shall, if the commission so provides be retroactive, and entitle such
person to pay or compensation from the time of the removal, suspension, or demotion.
The commission upon such investigation in lieu of affirming a removal, may modify the
order by directing a suspension without pay, for a given period, and subsequent
Page 23 of 26
;restoration to duty, or demotion in classification, grade, or pay. The findings of the
commission shall be certified, in writing to the appointing power, and shall be forthwith
enforced by such officer.
All investigations made by the commission pursuant to this section shall be by public
;hearing, after reasonable notice to the accused of the time and place thereof, at which
hearing the accused shall be afforded an opportunity of appearing in person and by
;counsel, and presenting his defense. The subpoena provisions of Section 5 of this
;Article shall apply to all such hearings. If the order of removal, suspension, or demotion
is concurred in by the commission or a majority thereof, the accused may appeal
!therefrom to the superior court of the county wherein he resides. Such appeal shall be
'taken by serving the commission, within thirty days after the entry of its order, a written
'notice of appeal, stating the grounds thereof, and demanding that a certified transcript
of the record and of all papers on file in the office of the commission affecting or relating
to its order, be filed by the commission with the court. The commission shall, within ten
days after the filing of the notice, make, certify, and file such transcript with the court.
The court shall thereupon proceed to hear and determine the appeal in a summary
manner. Such hearing shall be confined to the determination of whether the order of
`removal, suspension, or demotion made by the commission, was or was not made in
good faith for cause, and no appeal shall be taken except upon such ground or grounds.
The decision of the superior court may be appealed to the supreme court.
Section 11.
Whenever a position in the classified service becomes vacant, the appointing power,
:if it desires to fill the vacancy, shall requisition the commission for the names and
addresses of persons eligible for appointment thereto. The commission shall certify the
:names of three persons highest on the eligible list for the class to which the vacant
;position has been allocated, who are willing to accept employment. In case of more than
one vacancy in a particular class one additional name shall be certified for each
additional vacancy. If there is no appropriate eligible list for the class, the commission
shall certify the name of three persons standing highest on the list held appropriate for
such class. The appointing power shall forthwith make its appointment to the vacant
position from the list of persons so certified.
To enable the appointing power to exercise a choice in the filling of positions, no
'appointment, employment, or promotion in any position in the classified service shall be
deemed complete until after the expiration of a period of six months, probationary
'service, as may be provided in the rules of the civil service commission, during which
:the appointing power may terminate the employment of the person certified to him, if
during the performance test thus afforded, upon observation or consideration of the
!performance of duty, the appointing power deems him unfit or unsatisfactory for
;employment by the City of Yakima. Thereupon the appointing power shall select from
the three persons certified as standing next highest on any such list and such person
'shall likewise enter upon said duties for the probationary period, until some person is
found who is deemed fit for appointment, employment, or promotion whereupon the
appointment, employment, or promotion shall be deemed complete.
;Section 12.
Page 24 of 26
•
•
•
•
All offices, places, positions, and employments coming within the purview of this
Article shall be filled by the appointing power; nothing herein contained shall infringe
upon the authority that the City Council may have to fix the salaries and compensation
of all employees employed hereunder.
Section 13.
No treasurer, clerk or other officer, or employee of the City subject to this Article shall
approve the payment of or be in any manner concerned in paying, auditing, or
approving any salary, wage, or other compensation for services, to any person subject
to the jurisdiction and scope of this Article, unless a payroll, estimate, or account for
such salary, wage, or other compensation, containing the names of the persons to be
paid, the amount to be paid, and any other information which, in the judgment of the civil
service commission, should be furnished on such payroll, bears the certificate of the
civil service commission, or of its chief examiner or other duly authorized agent, that the
persons named therein have been appointed or employed in compliance with the terms
of this Article and the rules of the commission, and that the payroll, estimate, or account
is, insofar as known to the commission, a true and accurate statement. The commission
shall refuse to certify the pay of any public officer or employee whom it finds to be
illegally or improperly appointed, and may further refuse to certify the pay of any public
officer or employee who a uilful-lywillfully or through culpable negligence, violates or fails
to comply with this Article or with the rules of the commission.
• Section 14.
The commission shall begin and conduct all civil suits which may be necessary for the
proper enforcement of this Article and rules of the commission.
The commission shall be represented in such suits by the city attorney.
•
,Section 15.
The right of any person to an appointment or promotion or to any position in classified
service of the City shall not be withheld because of his race, color, religion, national
origin, political affiliation or belief, nor shall any person be dismissed, demoted,
transferred or reduced in grade for such reason.
,Section 16.
No public officer, whether elected or appointed, shall discharge, promote, demote, or
in any manner change the official rank, employment, or compensation of any person
under civil service or promise or threaten so to do for giving or withholding, or neglecting
to make any contribution of money, or services, or any other valuable thing, for any
political purpose.
Section 17.
All officers and employees of the City shall aid in all proper ways in carrying out the
provisions of this Article, and such rules and regulations as may, from time to time, be
prescribed by the commission and afford the commission, its members, and employees,
all reasonable facilities and assistance in the inspection of books, papers, documents,
and accounts applying or in any way appertaining to any and all offices, places,
positions, and employments, subject to civil service, and also shall produce such books,
Page 25 of 26
papers, documents, and accounts, and attend and testify, whenever required so to do
by the commission or any commissioner.
Section 18.
The City Council shall provide in the city budget for each fiscal year a sum equal to
one half of one per cent of the preceding year's total payroll of those included under the
scope of this Article. The funds so provided shall be used for the support of the
commission. The City Council may provide additional funds for such purpose; any part
of the funds so provided and not expended shall be placed in the current expense fund
on the first day of January following the close of such fiscal year.
Section 19.
This Article shall be full force and effect on and after the first Monday in June, 1959.
Section 20.
If any section, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Article should be held to be invalid
or unconstitutional, the validity or constitutionality thereof shall not affect the validity or
constitutionality of any other section, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Article.
As adopted by vote of the people March 10, 1959. Effective date June 1, 1959.
Page 26 of 26
•
•
•
CITY OF YAKIMA
RESOLUTION NO. R-2010-148
SPECIAL ELECTION TO BE HELD FEBRUARY 8, 2011
BALLOT PROPOSITION -AMENDMENT OF CITY CHARTER TO ABOLISH COUNCIL-
MANAGER FORM OF GOVERNMENT AND ADOPT
MAYOR -COUNCIL FORM OF GOVERNMENT
A RESOLUTION
of the City Council of the City of Yakima, Washington, providing for the
submission to the voters of the City of Yakima, at a special election to be
held therein on February 8, 2011, of a Proposition on whether Articles I,
II, III, V, VI, and VII of the Charter of the City of Yakima should be
amended to abandon and abolish the Council -Manager form of
government and adopt the Mayor -Council form of government, making
ancillary and corrective amendments throughout the Charter; and
requesting the Yakima County Auditor to call a special election.
WHEREAS, Chapter 35.22 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) authorizes first
class cities of the State of Washington to amend and revise their charters to abandon and
abolish the Council -Manager form of government and adopt the Mayor -Council form of
government, upon approval by a majority of the qualified voters of the city voting in a general or
special election called for that purpose; and
WHEREAS, an amendment of the charter may be initiated by the City Council through
the passing and approval of a resolution requesting that a proposition be submitted to the
qualified voters in the City of whether the City should adopt an amended charter abandoning
and abolishing the Council -Manager form of government and adopting the Mayor -Council form
of government pursuant to amended Charter Articles I, II, III, V, VI, and VII, with ancillary
amendments throughout the Charter to correct the designation of "City Commission" to "City
Council," and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to hold a special election in the City of Yakima on
February 8, 2011, for the purpose of submitting to the qualified voters of the City the proposition
of whether the City of Yakima should abandon and abolish the Council -Manager form of
government and adopt the Mayor -Council form of government pursuant to amended Charter
Articles I, II, Ill, V, VI, and VII, with ancillary amendments throughout the Charter to correct the
designation of "City Commission" to "City Council;" and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds and determines that the best interests and general
welfare of the City of Yakima would be served by submitting to the qualified voters in the City
the proposition of whether the City of Yakima should abandon and abolish the Council -Manager
form of government and adopt the Mayor -Council form of government, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YAKIMA:
1. The proposition to be submitted at the special election shall be in the form of a ballot title
as follows:
Page 1 of 25
PROPOSITION NO. 1
ADOPTION OF AMENDMENTS TO THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF YAKIMA TO
ABANDON AND ABOLISH THE COUNCIL-MANAGER FORM OF GOVERNMENT AND
ADOPT THE MAYOR -COUNCIL FORM OF GOVERNMENT WITHIN THE CITY OF
YAKIMA, AND MAKE FURTHER AMENDMENTS
PROPOSITION NO. 1 concerns an amendment of the City of Yakima Charter This measure
would amend Charter Articles I, II, III, V, VI, and VII to abandon and abolish the Council -
Manager form of government and adopt the Mayor -Council form of government. Adoption of the
proposition will also make ancillary amendments throughout the Charter to correct the
designation of "City Commission" to "City Council." Should this proposition be approved?
YES......... ..
NO
2. The City Clerk is authorized and directed to file a certified copy of this resolution with the
Yakima County Auditor.
3 The Yakima County Auditor is requested to call and conduct a special election to be held
in the City of Yakima on February 8, 2011, for the purpose of submitting to the qualified
voters of the City of Yakima the proposition set forth in Section 1 above
4 Severability if any section, sentence, clause or phrase of this resolution should be
held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity
or unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of any other section,
sentence, clause or phrase of this resolution.
ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL this 7th day of December, 2010.
/s/ Micah Cawley
Micah Cawley, Mayor
ATTEST
/s/ Deborah Kloster
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM
/s/ Jeff Cutter
Jeff Cutter, City Attorney
Page 2 of 25
CHARTER
ARTICLE I
Name, Boundaries, Powers, Rights and Liabilities
Section 1.
The people of the City of Yakima, within the boundaries as now established, or as
hereafter established, shall continue to be the body politic and corporate by name of
City of Yakima, and under that name shall have perpetual succession; shall use a
corporate seal; may sue and be sued; may acquire property within or without its
boundaries for municipal purposes by purchase, gift, devise, lease, or condemnation,
and may sell, lease, hold, manage and control such property as its interests may
require, except that property purchased for park purposes shall be within the city limits;
and except as prohibited by the constitution of the State of Washington, or restricted by
this charter, the City of Yakima shall have all municipal powers, functions, rights,
privileges and immunities of every name and nature whatsoever pertaining to cities of
the first class within the State of Washington.
Section 2.
This entire charter amendment and each article, section and subsection thereof
inclusive shall become effective and enforceable on behalf of the City of Yakima upon
the first swearing in of a duly elected Mayor following the election enacting this charter
and shall continue to be so until further amendment is adopted. The enumeration of
particular powers by this charter shall not be held or deemed to be exclusive, but in
'addition to the powers enumerated herein, implied hereby or appropriate to the exercise
thereof, the City of Yakima shall have, and may exercise, all powers which under the
constitution and laws of the State of Washington it would be lawful for said charter
specifically to enumerate. All powers of the city, whether express or implied, shall be
exercised in the manner prescribed by this charter, or if not prescribed herein, then in
the manner provided by law, ordinance or resolution of the City Council. Furthermore,
all powers of the City, unless otherwise provided in this charter, shall be exercised by
the Mayor and City Council in a Mayor -Council form of government. They shall be
subject to the control and direction of the people at all times by the initiative, referendum
'and recall provided for in this charter.
ARTICLE II
Elective Officials, Qualifications, Authorities and Responsibilities — Mayor -
Council Form of Government
Section 1.
A. The elective officials of the City of Yakima shall consist of a Mayor and seven
Council members, who shall all be residents and qualified electors of the City and shall
not hold any other public office while serving as an elective official of the City except
that of Notary Public or member of the military branch of the state or federal
Page 3 of 25
government. The Mayor shall be the chief executive officer of the City. One Council
member shall be elected from each of four separate districts of the City, and three
Council members shall be elected from the City at large without regard to residence in
any particular area of the City. The elective officials of the City shall each be elected by
majority vote of the qualified electors of the City to terms of four years, at the times and
'in the manner provided in this charter and by the laws of Washington. The Council
members so elected shall constitute the legislative body of the City. One of the seven
elected Council members shall be the Council President, chosen as provided by
;SECTION 3 of this Article II. Any elective official that ceases to possess any of the
'qualifications specified in general law or in this charter or convicted of crime involving
moral turpitude while in office shall immediately forfeit that official's office.
B.(1) The City shall be divided by ordinance of the City Council into four districts as
nearly equal in population as practicable based on 1970 federal census data and on
actual population counts of areas annexed to the City subsequent to the 1970 federal
;census, which division shall be accomplished so as to be effective not less than ninety
;days prior to the municipal primary election to be held during the year 1979.
On the publication of the results of each decennial federal census, the City shall be
'redivided by ordinance of the City Council into four districts as nearly equal in
population as practicable, which redivision shall be accomplished so as to be effective
not less than ninety days prior to the municipal primary election to be held next following
the publication of census results for nomination of candidates for "district positions" on
the Council, as defined in Subsection C(2) of this section.
On the division or redivision of the City into districts as provided by this subsection,
any territory thereafter annexed to the City and contiguous to only one then existing
district shall be added to and constitute a part of that district; and if annexed territory is
contiguous to more than one then existing district, the annexed territory shall be divided
into segments, as nearly equal in population as practicable, according to the number of
then existing districts contiguous to the annexed territory and each segment shall be
added to and constitute a part of its then existing contiguous district.
(2) Whenever the population of any district exceeds the population of any other
'district by more than ten percent, the City Council shall by ordinance redivide the City
;into four districts as nearly equal in population as practicable, provided, that any such
'redivision shall be accomplished so as to be effective not less than ninety days prior to
any municipal primary election for Council members to "district positions" as defined in
,Subsection C(2) of this section
C.(1) At the municipal election to be held in the year 1977, three Council members
shall be elected from the City at large without regard to residence in any particular area
'of the City.
(2) Not less than ten days before the time for filing declarations of candidacy for the
City Council for the election to be held in the year 1979, the City Clerk shall designate
by consecutive numbers, commencing with the number one and ending with the number
four, the positions on the Council to be filled by candidates nominated from districts, and
such designations shall be thereafter permanently considered as separate offices for
election purposes as "district positions" according to their permanently designated
number
Page 4 of 25
At the municipal election to be held in the year 1979, eight candidates shall be
nominated from the four districts, as follows: Candidates for "district positions" shall file
;their candidacy for nomination by the electors of the district wherein each candidate,
'respectively, resides. At the primary election, each qualified voter of each district may
cast only one vote for a candidate. The names of the two candidates from each district
for whom the largest number of votes are cast at the primary' election shall appear on
the citywide general election ballot, and the one candidate from each district who
receives the highest number of votes, as cast by the citywide electorate at the general
election, shall thereby be declared as duly elected to each respective "district position"
as a member of the City Council.
(3) Not Tess than ten days before the time for filing declarations of candidacy for the
City Council for the election to be held in 1981, the City Clerk shall designate, by
consecutive numbers commencing with the number five and ending with the number
seven, the positions on the Council to be filled by candidates to be elected from the City
;at large without regard to residence in any particular area of the City, and such
;designations shall be thereafter permanently considered as separate offices for election
;purposes as "at large positions" according to their permanently designated numbers.
D.(1) Council members shall be elected for four year terms. On the expiration of
those terms, succeeding elections shall be conducted so that three Council members
are elected at large without regard to residence in any particular area of the City and
four Council members elected to "district positions" in the manner provided by
Subsection C of this section.
(2) In the event the Mayor, as an elected official of the City, or any Council member
elected or appointed to an "at large position" of the Council moves that member's place
of residence outside the city boundary, or in the event any Council member elected or
appointed to a "district position" moves that member's place of residence outside the
district from which that member was nominated or appointed, then the Mayor or that
Council member shall forfeit the office of Mayor or Council member and the position
held by that member shall be deemed to be vacant. A Council member shall not be
disqualified from his or her current term of office if district lines are changed, thereby
causing the Council member to live outside his or her respective district. When this
change in district lines affects a current Council member, that person shall be allowed to
complete his or her current term of office. In the event a Council vacancy occurs for any
reason, including but not limited to those set forth in F below, the vacancy shall be filled
by the appointment of some qualified person by a majority vote of the remaining
;members of the Council, but such appointee shall hold office only until the next regular
municipal election, at which time a qualified person shall be elected to serve for the
;remainder of the unexpired term for that position. If the vacancy occurs in a position
held by a Council member originally nominated or appointed from a district, then the
appointee shall be a resident of that district and the Council member who is elected to
serve for the remainder of that term shall be a resident of that district and shall be
nominated and elected in the manner provided by Subsection C(2) of this section.
(3) Provision for the time and manner of election of the Mayor and Council officials,
and the conduct of such biennial elections, shall be governed by general state laws, by
this charter, and by applicable ordinances of the City as they may be enacted from time
to time.
Page 5 of 25
E. The annual salary of the Mayor shall be an amount equal to the salary of the
highest paid City employee other than the City Administrator and any municipal court
judge who is paid more than the City Administrator, and shall be specifically provided by
'ordinance. The annual salaries of the Council President and each Council member shall
be as set forth in City ordinance. The salaries of the office of Council President and
each Council member may be increased or decreased from time to time by ordinance,
but any change in the compensation attached to that office shall not be applicable to the
term then being served by the incumbent.
F. The office of Mayor, Council President or Council member shall be deemed vacant
if any of the following occur:
1. failure to qualify within ten days after certification of election or as otherwise
provided by state law, or
2. death, or
3. resignation, or
4. removal from office by recall, or
5 failure to maintain residency requirement of the office, or
6. absence from four consecutive regularly scheduled meetings of the city
council without being excused by the council, or
7. conviction of a felony or a crime of moral turpitude, or
judicially declared incompetency
In the event of a vacancy in the office of Mayor, the members of the Council shall elect
one of their number to the vacant office of Mayor for the unexpired term or during the
continuance of an absence or disability and shall then follow the procedure set forth in
D(2) to appoint a person to the Council position left vacant by the person assuming the
office of Mayor
Section 2.
A. The Council shall constitute the legislative department and authority of the City
government and shall have power to adopt rules of order and regulations for the
conduct of its business.
B. The Council shall choose its own Council President at its first meeting and at the
first meeting each biennial election. The Council President shall preside at all meetings
of the Council and shall also set the Council Agenda for each meeting held by the
Council The Council President shall be a member of the City Council with equal rights
'and privileges and shall be entitled to vote on all matters coming before the Council.
The Council President shall not possess any veto power. The Council President shall
;have the powers and perform the duties conferred upon him by this charter, the City
'Council and the ordinances of the City. If a vacancy occurs in the office of Council
President, or in case of his absence or disability, a Council President pro tem shall be
elected by the Council from its members to act as Council President for the unexpired
term or during the continuance of the absence or disability. The Council shall then follow
ithe procedure set forth at Section 1 D(2) to appoint a person to the Council position left
vacant by the person assuming the office of Council President pro tem.
Page 6 of 25
C. Four Council members shall be a quorum for the transaction of business, but in the
absence of a quorum the members present at a meeting may adjourn the meeting to a
later date.
Section 3.
The Council shall meet at the times and places fixed by ordinance, but must hold at
least two regular meetings each month. The Clerk shall call special meetings of the
Council upon written request of the Mayor, the Council President or any two Council
members. Requests for special meetings shall state the subjects to be considered and
no other subject shall be considered at a special meeting except by consent of all
members of the Council.
All meetings of the Council and of committees thereof shall be open to the public, and
the rules of the council shall provide that citizens of the City shall have a reasonable
opportunity to be heard at any meetings in regard to any matter being considered
thereat.
Section 4.
The Mayor shall appoint a City Administrator to assist in the general administration of
the City. The specific responsibilities of the City Administrator shall be determined by
the Mayor. Administrative departments shall be created and discontinued by the City
Council as the public business may demand. Pending further action by the City Council,
the administrative departments now in existence shall be continued. The rights, powers
and duties of the departments shall be prescribed, distributed, assigned, established or
discontinued by ordinance.
Section 5.
A. The Mayor shall be the chief executive officer of the City. In addition to the powers
and duties granted a chief executive and/or administrative officer under the laws of the
State of Washington, the Mayor shall have the following powers and duties:
1. The power to appoint and remove the administrative heads and assistant
administrative heads in each department of the City government, provided the
appointment, but not the removal, of an administrative head and assistant
administrative head shall be subject to the approval of the City Council and,
further provided, that the head or assistant head of any department shall not be
deprived by any such removal of any standing under the civil service provisions of
this charter which the employee may had had before appointment as head or
assistant head of a department. City residency shall not be a requirement for
these positions.
2. The power to appoint and remove a city clerk, provided such appointment, but not
removal, shall be subject to the approval of the City Council. City residency shall
not be a requirement for this position.
3. The power to appoint and remove a city attorney, provided such appointment, but
not removal, shall be subject to the approval of the City Council. City residency
shall not be a requirement for this position.
Page7of25
4. The power to appoint and remove, subject to the civil service provisions of this
charter, all other officers and employees of the City of Yakima or to authorize the
head of a department or officer responsible to the Mayor to appoint and remove
subordinates in such department or office
5. The power to make all other appointments required to be made by the Mayor by
the laws of the State of Washington and in the manner provided hereby
6. The power to appoint and remove a City Administrator, provided such
appointment, but not removal, shall be subject to the approval of the City Council.
Residency within the City shall not be a requirement for this position. The City
Administrator, under the general supervision of the Mayor, shall assist the Mayor,
and in the discretion of the Mayor shall supervise the administrative offices and
shall perform such other duties as are delegated to the position by the Mayor from
time to time. The salary of the City Administrator shall be fixed in the discretion of
the Mayor but shall not exceed one hundred ten percent of the salary of the
highest paid employee of the City (other than the Mayor, the municipal court
judges or said City Administrator) or such higher amount as set by the City
Council, from time to time.
7. The power to appoint and remove an executive secretary and assistants who are
not subject to civil service. City residency shall not be a requirement for these
positions
8. Whenever the City Council shall be required to appoint any member of a board,
committee, commission or other body, unless the appointee must be a Council
member, it shall be the duty of the Mayor to nominate a suitable person for such
appointment. City residency may be required for these positions and shall be
specifically stated in ordinance. If the City Council refuses to appoint any nominee
of the Mayor, then the Mayor shall, within forty five days thereafter, nominate
another person to fill the office, and may continue to nominate until Council
appointment If the Mayor fails to make another such nomination within forty five
days, then the City Council shall select a suitable person to fill the office.
9. The power to remove a Council appointee, other than a Council member
appointee, from a board, committee or commission. Upon such removal, the
vacancy for the unexpired term, if any, shall be filled by appointment in the same
manner as if at the beginning of the term, except as otherwise provided in this
charter.
10 The duty to see that all laws and ordinances are faithfully enforced and that law
and order are maintained in the City.
11.The duty of the Mayor annually at the first meeting of the City Council in October
to communicate by message to the City Council a statement of the conditions and
affairs of the City, and to recommend the adoption of such measures he or she
may deem expedient and proper. The Mayor shall make special communication to
the City Council from time to time as he or she may deem useful and proper, and
shall submit reports on City matters when so requested by the City Council.
12 The duty to prepare and present to the City Council a budget and a budget
message setting forth the programs proposed for the City during the next fiscal
year. Budget preparation and presentation shall comply with applicable state
statutes, City Charter provisions and City Ordinances and shall generally include a
Page 8 of 25
budget forecast presented to the Council by mid-October, a preliminary budget
presented to the Council before November 1, and a final budget presented to
Council no later than the final December Council meeting of each year.
`13.The power to recommend to the City Council for adoption such measures and
ordinances as may be deemed expedient and to make such other
recommendations to the City Council concerning the affairs of the City as may
seem desirable.
14.The power to veto ordinances or parts of ordinances passed by the Council and
submitted to him or her as provided herein; provided that such veto may be
overridden by the vote of a majority of all Council members plus one more vote.
15. The power to make investigation into the affairs of the City under the supervision
of the Mayor or any department or division, or the proper performance of any
contract or obligation running to the City of Yakima.
16.The power to make recommendations in connection with the awarding of public
contracts and see that all contracts made by the City of Yakima are faithfully
preformed.
:17.The duty to approve for payment and submit to the City Council at each meeting
for its allowance all claims and bills. To the extent specifically approved and
provided for in ordinance the Mayor may have limited authority to pay claims and
bills in amounts less than or equal to those specifically provided by ordinance
without first obtaining Council approval.
18.The authority to execute contracts and execute settlement agreements on behalf
of the City so long as said contracts and settlement agreements have been
previously approved by Council. To the extent specifically approved and provided
for in ordinance the Mayor may have limited authority to execute contracts and
settlement agreements in amounts less than or equal to those specifically
provided by ordinance without first obtaining Council approval.
19.The Mayor shall not vote on any matters before the Council for consideration.
20.The Mayor shall have no authority to increase or reduce taxes; the Mayor shall
possess no taxing authority on behalf of the City.
;Section 6.
Nothing in this Article shall affect the pension or Civil Service or merit system of the
City of Yakima in existence at the effective date hereof.
ARTICLE III
Elections
Section 1.
Elections shall be general, primary or special. The manner and method of holding and
calling all municipal elections, both general and special, shall be according to State law.
All municipal elections shall be non-partisan and by the qualified electors of the City.
Page 9 of 25
ARTICLE IV
Legislation by the People
Section 1.
The people of Yakima, in addition to the method of legislation hereinbefore provided,
shall have direct legislation by the initiative and referendum.
Section 2.
The initiative shall be exercised in the following manner:
(a) A petition signed by registered and qualified electors of the City, accompanied
by the proposed legislation in the form of a proposed ordinance and requesting that
'such ordinance be submitted to a vote of the people shall be filed with the City Clerk.
(b) Within two days from the filing of such petition the City Clerk shall certify the
number of votes cast at the last general City election and the number of signers of such
petition, and shall present such certificate, petition and proposed ordinance to the City
Council.
(c) If such petition be signed by qualified electors in number equal to twenty per
centum of the total number of votes cast at the last preceding general city election, the
;City Council within twenty days after receipt thereof, except as otherwise provided in
this charter, shall either pass such ordinance without alteration, or submit it to a popular
vote at a special election which must be held within thirty days after the date of the
ordering thereof: Provided, however, that if any other municipal election is to be held
more than thirty days but within ninety days after the filing of the petition, said proposed
ordinance shall be submitted without alteration to be voted upon at such election.
Section 3.
If, prior to the date when any ordinance shall take effect, a petition signed by qualified
,electors equal in number to ten per centum of the entire vote cast at the last preceding
general city election shall be filed with the City Clerk, protesting against the enactment
of such ordinance, it shall be suspended from taking effect. Immediately upon the filing
of the petition the City Clerk shall do all things required in Section 2 of this article.
Thereupon the City Council shall immediately reconsider such ordinance, and, if it does
not entirely repeal the same, shall submit it to popular vote at the next municipal
election; or, the City Council may call a special election for that purpose; and such
'ordinance shall not take effect, unless a majority of the qualified electors voting thereon
at such election shall vote in favor thereof.
,Section 4.
The City Council may submit to popular vote for adoption or rejection at any election
any proposed ordinance in the same manner and effected as provided in this article for
submission on petition.
Section 5.
There shall not be held under this article more than one special election in any period
of six months.
Page 10 of 25
:Section 6.
The City Council, by ordinance, shall make further regulations for carrying out the
'provisions of this article not inconsistent herewith.
ARTICLE V
The Recall
;Section 1.
The holder of any elective office, whether elected or appointed thereto, may be
;removed from such office by recall proceedings as provided by the laws of the State of
!Washington for elective officers.
'Section 2.
An officer removed from office by recall election or who shall resign from such office
pending recall proceedings against him shall not be eligible to hold any city office or
'employment within two years after such removal or resignation.
ARTICLE VI
Ordinances; Additional Powers and Limitations on Officers
!Section 1.
A. At all meetings of the City Council every resolution and ordinance shall be in
writing and read aloud by title before a vote is taken thereon: provided, at the
request of a majority of Council members present, a resolution or ordinance shall
be read aloud in its entirety before a vote is taken thereon. Upon every vote the
yeas and nays shall be called and recorded. All ordinances, except ordinances
making appropriations or codifying or rearranging existing ordinances, shall be
confined to one subject which shall be clearly expressed in the title. Ordinances
making appropriations shall be confined to the subject of appropriations. The
enacting clause of all ordinances shall be, "Be it ordained by the City of Yakima."
B. Every ordinance, except those which become emergency ordinances, passed by
the City Council shall, within five days thereafter, be presented to the Mayor.
Within ten days after its presentation, the Mayor shall either sign the ordinance
and return it to the City Clerk, or veto the ordinance and return it to the City Clerk
with a written and signed statement of the reasons for the Mayor's veto, or sign
and partially veto an appropriation ordinance and return it to the City Clerk with a
written and signed statement of the reasons for the partial veto. If an ordinance is
not returned by the Mayor within ten days after its presentation, it shall be deemed
enacted without the Mayor's signature. Within thirty days after an ordinance has
been vetoed and returned or partially vetoed and returned, the City Council may
override the veto or partial veto by enacting the ordinance by a minimum of five
affirmative votes.
D. Every ordinance passed by the City Council shall be signed by the Mayor, or the
( Council President or two City Council members in the event of prior Mayoral veto,
I attested by the City Clerk and recorded in a book kept for that purpose.
IC.
Page 11 of 25
Section 2.
A. Ordinances making the annual tax levy or relating to local improvements or
assessments therefor, or making appropriations, emergency ordinances, or
ordinances adopted by vote of the electors shall take effect at the time indicated
therein: all other ordinances shall take effect 30 days after the date of the
publication thereof as "herein provided.
B. An ordinance which is subject to the veto power of the Mayor and which is not
vetoed, or the approved portions of an ordinance which has been partially vetoed,
shall be deemed enacted on the date that it is approved by, or ten days after it is
presented to, the Mayor. An ordinance which is vetoed, or the vetoed portions of
an ordinance, shall be deemed enacted on the date that the City Council overrides
the veto or partial veto. An ordinance which is not subject to the veto power of the
Mayor shall be deemed enacted on the date it is approved by the City Council.
C. An emergency ordinance is one to provide for the immediate preservation of the
public peace, property, health or safety. The unanimous vote of the City Council
shall be necessary for the passage of an emergency ordinance. No measure
making or amending a grant, renewal or extension of a franchise or other special
privilege shall ever be passed as an emergency measure.
Section 3.
Upon its final passage, the number and title of each ordinance passed by the City
Council, with certificate attached thereto shall be published once in the official
newspaper of the City. Said certificate shall be signed by the City Clerk and shall be in
substantially the following form: "Ordinance No bearing above title, was duly
and regularly passed by the City Council of the City of Yakima, Washington, on the
day of 20 , and is now on file with the undersigned at the office of
,the City Clerk, where the same is open to public inspection
Dated
City Clerk."
Section 4.
No elective official, officer or employee of the City shall solicit or receive any pay,
,commission, money or thing of value, or derive any benefit, profit or advantage, directly
or indirectly from or by reason of any improvement, alteration or repair, or purchase of
materials required by the City, or any contract to which the City shall be a party, except
his lawful compensation or salary as such officer or employee. A violation of any of the
provisions of this section shall disqualify the offender to continue in office or
employment and he shall be forthwith removed.
Section 5.
Any purchase of supplies, materials, equipment or services, except for public work or
improvement, where the cost thereof exceeds a specific sum to be set by ordinance
;shall be made upon call for bids in the same method and under the same conditions as
'required herein on a call for bids for public work or improvement. This monetary limit for
the purchase of supplies, material, equipment and services may be increased from time
Page 12 of 25
to time, but no more often than one time in any twenty-four month period, by ordinance
enacted by the vote of no Tess than a two-thirds majority of the City Council members,
up to but in no case to exceed any amount allowed by State law. In the event of an
'emergency declared by resolution of the City Council, any purchase of supplies,
;material, equipment or service may be made without calling for bids.
'Section 6.
In addition to the provisions of the general law the City Council may by ordinance
create and establish special funds into which all monies received for a special or
;specific purpose may be placed: Provided, however, that such fund or funds shall be
other than those deriving revenue from taxation.
ARTICLE VII
Limitation of Taxation
!Section 1.
The fiscal year of the City shall commence on the first day of January and end on the
!last day of December each year.
;Section 2.
The City Council shall have power and authority to assess, levy and collect taxes
upon all the real and personal property (not exempt from taxation) within the City for the
corporate uses and purposes thereof and provide for the payment of the debts and
expenses of the City. The Mayor shall have no authority to assess or levy any taxes on
behalf of the City.
Section 3.
The aggregate of all the property taxes levied or appropriated for City purposes
including funds for the library, parks and playgrounds, police and firemen's relief shall
be taken and apportioned by the City Council from the current expense fund which for
any one year shall not exceed eighteen mills on each dollar of assessed valuation of the
property within the City except as follows:
(a) The levies for redemption of and interest on the bonded debt of the City
heretofore or hereafter authorized in the manner provided by law;
(b) The levy for local improvement district assessment guaranty fund as required by
law;
(c) Such other levies as may have been heretofore or which may hereafter be
required by general law
Section 4.
No special levies shall be made for other purposes than those above specified except
those which may be authorized at an election.
Section 5.
All City funds shall be administered by the City Council, subject to the budgetary
authority of the City Council; and boards, committees, and commissions created by the
Page 13 of 25
City Council to assist in the management of any municipal activities, if any are created,
shall act in an advisory capacity only.
'Section 6.
The City Council shall make no appropriation in aid of any corporation, person or
society not expressly authorized by this charter.
ARTICLE VIII
Special Boards
;Section 1.
The City Council may appoint advisory boards to assist in administering the public
library, parks and playgrounds and city planning. The City Council shall have full charge
of the budgets for such purposes and shall by ordinance regulate the organization and
duties of such boards, and may provide that any monies acquired by donation, bequest
or from leases or concessions, fines, or penalties shall be used in addition to the
amount set aside in the annual budget out of the tax levy.
ARTICLE IX
Public Utilities
Section 1.
The City Council shall provide by ordinance rules and regulations and make
.provisions for the control, management and operation of all public utilities owned and
operated by the City, or which may hereafter be acquired by the City in the manner
provided by law, or which the City may by law govern, control or regulate.
Section 2.
The City Council shall have power to arrange by ordinance for the financing and
repair, replacement, rehabilitation or extension of any public utility owned and operated
by the City, provided, however, that such financing shall be arranged upon the credit of
;the utility itself and not upon the issuance of general obligation bonds of the City.
ARTICLE X
Claims
Section 1.
All claims for damages against the City, whether sounding in tort or arising out of
contract, shall be presented in writing to the City Council within 30 days after the date
iupon which such damages are claimed to have been sustained. Such claims shall
accurately state the time, place, cause, nature and extent of the alleged damages and
;give the actual residence of the claimant by street and number, if any, at the date of
'presenting such claim, and for six months immediately prior to the time such claim for
'damages accrued, and shall be verified by affidavit of the claimant or if the claimant be
Page 14 of 25
;a minor or otherwise incapacitated from verifying, then such claim shall be verified by
'any relative or by an attorney or agent of such claimant, to the effect that the same is
!true. No action shall be maintained against the City for any claim of damages until 60
;days have elapsed after the rejection of such claim. Failure to present any such claim in
the manner or within the time in this section provided shall be a bar to any action
;against the City therefore.
ARTICLE XI
Franchises
!Section 1.
No exclusive franchise shall ever be granted.
!Section 2.
No franchise or right to occupy or use the streets, highways, bridges, or public places
!of the City shall be granted, renewed or extended except by ordinance, which ordinance
;shall be submitted to a vote of the electors of the City at a general or special election
!and shall not become operative unless approved by a majority of the electors voting
upon said franchise: Provided, that the City Council shall have authority without
!necessity of reference to the electors, to pass an ordinance granting permission to lay a
spur track or tracks connecting a main line of railroad with adjacent manufacturing
plants, warehouses or other private property.
Section 3.
No franchise shall be granted unless there be inserted therein a provision that the
City may acquire the public utility for the exercise of which the franchise is granted,
either by agreement or by condemnation, and that upon such purchase by the City,
either by agreement or condemnation, no value of the franchise itself shall be taken into
account in fixing the price to be paid by the City for such utility.
!Section 4.
I No franchise shall be granted by the City for a longer term than twenty-five years.
Section 5.
No franchise shall be renewed or extended earlier than three years prior to its
!expiration.
!Section 6.
No franchise shall be granted without provision for proper compensation to the City.
!Such compensation shall when feasible be a percentage upon the gross earnings of the
!person or corporation to whom such franchise is granted arising from the exercise of
!such franchise. When the determination of the gross earnings by the exercise of the
;franchise is not feasible the ordinance granting said franchise shall prescribe such other
!mode of determining the compensation to be paid the City by the grantee as shall be
!deemed reasonable and just.
Page 15 of 25
Section 7.
The grantee or assignee of any franchise granted by the City shall submit to the City
Council within sixty days after the first day of January of each year, an annual report
verified by the oath of such person or the president, treasurer or general manager of
such corporation, which shall contain such detailed information as may be prescribed by
;the City Council to enable it to determine the amount of compensation to be paid to the
City for the use of said franchise during the preceding year. Any such person, persons,
or corporations which shall refuse or fail to make any such report within the time
specified shall be liable to a penalty of one hundred dollars for each and every day
'during which he or it shall fail to file such report, such penalty to be sued for and
'recovered by the City in any court having jurisdiction thereof
Section 8.
No franchise granted by the City shall ever be leased, assigned or otherwise
'alienated without the express consent of the City Council by ordinance passed for that
;purpose, and no rule of estoppel shall ever be invoked against the City in case it shall
!assert the invalidity of any attempted transfer in violation of this section.
Section 9.
The grant of every franchise for a street, suburban, or interurban railroad or bus line
shall provide that all United States mail carriers, city officials, police men and firemen
shall at all time while in the actual discharge of their duties be allowed to ride upon such
cars or busses under said franchise without paying therefore, and with all rights of other
passengers.
Section 10.
No franchise, right, privilege, or license shall be considered as granted by any
ordinance except when expressed therein in plain and unambiguous terms, and if any
;ambiguity appears therein it shall be construed in favor of the city and against the
claimant under said ordinance.
ARTICLE XII
Power to Incur Indebtedness
!Section 1.
The City may borrow money and become indebted in any legal way, subject, as to the
'amount and manner of incurring indebtedness, to the provisions and limitations of the
constitution and laws of the state and this charter; and subject to the same provisions
and limitations, the City may issue bonds to secure any existing or contemplated
indebtedness.
Section 2.
When a popular vote is not required by law, the City Council by ordinance may
authorize any indebtedness and the issuance of bonds.
ARTICLE XIII
Page 16 of 25
Amendments
;Section 1.
This charter may be amended in the manner provided by the laws of the State of
Washington. In addition thereto the City Council may provide by ordinance for a special
election to be held on the first Monday in December, 1931, at which time amendments
to this charter may be submitted: Provided, that if a petition for such election signed by
not less than 500 qualified voters of the City shall be submitted not less than 30 days
prior thereto, then the City Council shall be required to call such election. At the said
special election the City Council may submit other questions which in its judgment
should be determined by the people. In subsequent years special elections for
amending this charter may be called by the City Council or shall be called upon petition
of not less than 500 qualified voters.
ARTICLE XIV
Schedule
Section 1.
Upon the taking effect of this charter all title, right and interest of the former
corporation in and to any and all property, real or personal, of whatever kind or
character, shall vest in and be owned by the corporation created by this charter.
Section 2.
All ordinances and resolutions in force at the time this charter shall go into effect and
not inconsistent herewith, shall remain in force until amended or repealed or until they
expire by limitation. All rights and obligations in favor of or against the City existing at
the time this charter shall go into effect shall continue without modification. All street and
other improvements, all vacations of public streets, alleys or places, all assessments for
improvements, all suits and actions in court, all fines, penalties and forfeitures and all
other matters relating to the City that may have been begun and not completed, shall be
completed according to the law and ordinances existing prior to the time this charter
shall go into effect, and all taxes and assessments levied and remaining unpaid when
this charter shall go into effect shall be collected as provided by the law existing and in
effect at the time the same were levied.
Section 3.
At the election to be held for the purpose of adopting or rejecting this charter, articles
numbered Ito XIV, inclusive, shall be submitted upon the ballot as a complete charter
and shall be included in the vote "For the Charter" and "Against the Charter," and in
event that a majority of all votes cast thereon, shall be "For the Charter" said charter
shall be adopted.
ARTICLE XV
City Emergency Hospital
Page 17 of 25
The City shall have the power and authority to provide for the establishment,
maintenance and operation of an emergency hospital, either in conjunction with the
County of Yakima, or separately; and the City Council of said city, may in lieu thereof,
designate some existing hospital within the city limits as a city emergency hospital, and
provide by ordinance for the treatment of emergency accident patients therein, at the
'expense of the City of Yakima.
As adopted by vote of the people, December 5, 1936.
ARTICLE XVI
Civil Service
Section 1.
The general purpose of this charter amendment is to establish for the City of Yakima
a system of personnel administration based on merit principles and governing the
appointment, promotion, transfer, layoff, removal, discipline and welfare of its
employees, and other incidents of city employment.
Section 2.
' The following terms, whenever used in this Article, shall be construed as follows:
(a) "Commission" means the civil service commission herein created, and
"Commissioner" means any one of the three members of any such commission.
(b) "Appointing power"—Appointing power means the officer or person, board or
committee who is empowered to make appointments for employment in the city civil
service.
(c) "Appointment" includes all means of selecting, appointing, or employing any
person to any office, place, position, or employment in civil service.
(d) "City" means the City of Yakima, Washington
(e) "Employees" means all persons regularly employed by the City of Yakima,
Washington, either on a part-time or full-time basis with the exception of those persons
listed in Section 6.
Section 3.
There is created a city civil service commission which shall be composed of three
'persons. The commission members shall be appointed by the City Council in the
following manner.
(a) One member shall be appointed by the City Council.
(b) The second member shall be appointed by the City Council from a list of three
names submitted to the Council chosen by a referendum of city employees, excluding
police and firemen. The City Clerk shall conduct the referendum and shall formulate
proper rules and regulations for said referendum.
(c) The third shall be appointed by the City Council from a list of three names
submitted to the council by the other two civil service commissioners
(d) The term of office of the commissioners shall be for six years or until a
successor is selected and qualified, except that the first three members of the
commission shall be appointed for different times, as follows: The appointee from the
employee referendum list shall serve for a period of six years, the appointee at large as
Page 18 of 25
designated in subsection (a) above to serve for a period of four years, and the third
appointee to serve for two years. All commissioners must be registered voters of
Yakima County. Any member of the commission may be removed from office for
incompetency, incompatibility, or dereliction of duty, or malfeasance of office, or other
good cause; provided, that no member of the commission shall be removed until
charges have been preferred, in writing, due notice, and a full hearing held before the
City Council. Any vacancy in the commission shall be filled in the same manner as
provided for selecting the commissioner previously filling the vacancy. Two members of
the commission shall constitute a quorum and the votes of any two members concurring
shall be sufficient for the decision of all matters and the transaction of all business to be
decided by the commission. No member of the civil service commission shall engage in
'active partisan or non-partisan politics and hold any salaried public office or engage in
city employment, other than his commission duties. The members of the commission
shall serve without compensation.
Section 4.
Immediately after appointment the commission shall organize by electing one of its
members chairman and shall hold regular meetings at least once a month, and such
additional meetings as may be required for the proper discharge of its duties. All
;meetings of the commission shall be open to the public.
It shall appoint a chief examiner who shall also serve as secretary of the commission
and such assistants as may be necessary. The chief examiner shall keep the records
for the commission, preserve all reports made to it, superintend and keep a record of all
examinations held under its direction and perform such their duties as the commission
may prescribe.
The chief examiner shall be appointed as a result of competitive examination, which
examination may be either original and open to all properly qualified persons, or
promotional and limited to persons already in the service of the City of Yakima,
Washington. The chief examiner shall be subject to suspension, reduction, or discharge
in the same manner and subject to the same limitations as are provided in the case of
members of the classified service.
A pay and classification plan with job descriptions providing equal pay for equal work
shall be devised by the chief examiner with the cooperation and approval of the civil
service commission which shall be submitted in ordinance form to the City Council for
passage.
Section 5.
It shall be the duty of the civil service commission:
(a) To make suitable rules and regulations not inconsistent with the provisions
hereof. Such rules and regulations shall provide in detail the manner in which
examinations may be held, and appointments, promotions, transfers, reinstatements,
demotions, suspensions, and discharges shall be made, and may also provide for any
other matters connected with the general subject of personnel administration, and which
may be considered desirable to further carry out the general purposes of this Article, or
which may be found to be in the interest of good personnel administration. The rules
and regulations and any amendments thereof shall be printed, mimeographed, or
Page 19 of 25
.multigraphed for free public distribution. Such rules and regulations may be changed
;from time to time. Prior to adoption of new rules or changes in existing rules all
interested parties shall be given an opportunity to express opinions concerning the
proposed rules at the regular public meetings of the commission.
(b) To give practical tests which shall consist only of subjects which will fairly
determine the capacity of persons examined to perform duties of the position to which
appointment is to be made. Such tests may include tests of physical fitness or manual
skill or both.
(c) To make investigations and to report upon all matters concerning the
enforcement and effect of the provisions of this Article, and the rules and regulations
;prescribed hereunder; to inspect all departments, offices, places, positions, and
employments affected by this Article, and ascertain whether this Article and all such
,rules and regulations are being obeyed. Such investigations may be made by the
commission or by any commissioner designated by the commission for that purpose.
Not only must these investigations be made by the commission as aforesaid, but the
commission must make like investigation on petition of any citizen, duly verified, stating
that irregularities or abuses exist, and setting forth in concise language, in writing, the
necessity for such investigation. In the course of such investigation the commission, or
,the chairman or chief examiner when authorized by a majority vote of the commission,
may issue subpoenas to compel the attendance at such place as may be designated in
;this City of witnesses and the production of books and papers pertinent to any inquiry or
'investigation authorized by this Article; or may take depositions of witnesses.
Subpoenas shall also be issued at the request of the parties to the proceedings other
than the commission and the chairman. The commission or any member thereof, or the
chief examiner, when authorized by the commission, may administer oaths and take
;testimony. The commission or the chief examiner may examine such public records as
they require in relation to any matter which they have authority to investigate.
(d) To conduct hearings and investigations in accordance with this Article and by
;the rules of practice and procedure adopted by the commission, and in the conduct
;thereof neither the commission, nor designated commissioner shall be bound by
!technical rules of evidence. No informality in any proceedings or hearing, or in the
;manner of taking testimony before the commission or designated commissioner, shall
invalidate any order, decision, rule, or regulation made, or confirmed by the
;commission; provided, That no order, decision, rule or regulation made by any
-designated commissioner conducting any hearing or investigation alone shall be any
;force or effect whatsoever unless and until concurred in by at least one of the other two
members.
(e) To hear and determine appeals or complaints respecting the allocation of
'positions, the rejection of an examinee, and such other matters as may be referred to
'the commission.
(f) To provide for, formulate, and hold competitive tests to determine the relative
'qualifications of persons who seek employment in any class or position and as a result
;thereof establish eligible lists for the various classes of positions, and provide that
persons laid off because of curtailment of expenditures, reduction in force, and for like
;causes, head the list in the order of their seniority, to the end that they shall be the first
!to be reemployed.
Page 20 of 25
(g) It shall be the duty of the Civil Service Commission to certify to the appointing
'authority, when a vacant position is to be filled, on written request, the names of the
;three persons highest on the eligible list for the class. Any one of the three persons so
'certified may be appointed. If there is no such list, to authorize a provisional or
:temporary appointment list for such class. Such temporary or provisional appointment(s)
- 'shall not continue for longer than five months in any one fiscal year.
(h) To keep such records as may be necessary for the proper administration of this
Article.
As amended by vote of the people November 8, 1983.
Section 6.
The classified civil service and provisions of this Article shall be applicable to and
shall include all employees of the city except the following:
(a) Officers elected by the people and persons appointed to fill vacancies in elective
offices;
(b) Members of boards and commissions and the City Manager;
(c) Employees under civil service coverage within the police and fire departments;
(d) All department heads; one confidential secretary and one administrative
assistant for the City Manager;
(e) Judges, City Attorney and all assistant city attorneys;
(f) Persons employed in a professional or scientific capacity to make or conduct a
temporary and special inquiry, investigation, or examination on behalf of the City
Council or a committee thereof, or by authority of the City Manager.
Section 7.
All appointments to and promotions to positions in the classified civil service of the
City of Yakima shall be made solely on merit, efficiency, and fitness, which shall be
ascertained by open competitive examination and impartial investigation. No person in
the classified civil service shall be reinstated in or transferred, suspended, or discharged
from any such place, position, or employment contrary to the provisions of this Article.
Section 8.
For the benefit of the public service and to prevent delay, injury, or interruption therein
by reason of the enactment hereof, all persons holding a position which is deemed
classified under Section 6 for a continuous period of six months prior to the effective
dates of this Article, and still currently employed, are eligible for permanent appointment
under civil service to the offices, places, positions or employment which they then held
without examination or other act on their part, and not on probation; and every such
person is automatically adopted and inducted permanently into civil service, into the
office, place, position or employment which he then held as completely and effectually
to all intents and purposes as if such person had been permanently appointed thereto
under civil service after examination and investigation.
Section 9.
The tenure of every person holding an office, place, position or employment under the
provisions of this Article shall be only during good behavior, and any such person may
Page 21 of 25
be removed or discharged, suspended without pay, demoted or reduced in rank, for any
'of the following reasons:
(a) Incompetency, inefficiency, or inattention to, or dereliction of duty;
(b) Dishonesty, intemperance, immoral conduct, insubordination, discourteous
treatment of the public, or a fellow employee, or any other act of omission or
commission tending to injure the public service; or any other willful failure on the part of
the employee to properly conduct himself; or any willful violation of the provisions of this
Article or of the rules and regulations to be adopted hereunder;
(c) Mental or physical unfitness of the position which the employee holds;
(d) Dishonest, disgraceful, or prejudicial conduct;
(e) Drunkenness or use of intoxicating liquors, narcotics, or any other habit forming
;drug, liquid, or preparation to such extent that the use thereof interferes with the
efficiency or mental or physical fitness of the employee or which precludes the
employee from properly performing the function and duties of any position under civil
service;
(f) Conviction of a felony, or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude;
(g) Any other act or failure to act which in the judgment of the civil service
commission is sufficient to show the offender to be an unsuitable and unfit person to be
employed in the public service.
Section 10.
No person in the classified civil service who has been permanently appointed or
inducted into civil service under provisions of this Article, shall be removed, suspended,
,or demoted except for cause, and only upon written accusation of the appointing power
or any citizen or taxpayer; a written statement of which accusation, in general terms,
shall be served upon the accused; and a duplicate filed with the commission. Any
'person so removed, suspended, or demoted may within ten days from the time of his
removal, suspension, or demotion, file with the commission a written demand for an
investigation, whereupon the commission shall conduct such investigation. The
investigation shall be confined to the determination of the question of whether the
;removal, suspension, or demotion was made in good faith for cause. After such
investigation the commission may affirm the removal, or if it finds that removal,
suspension or demotion was not made in good faith for cause, shall order the
immediate reinstatement or reemployment of such person in the office, place, position,
or employment from which he was removed, suspended, or demoted, which
reinstatement shall, if the commission so provides be retroactive, and entitle such
person to pay or compensation from the time of the removal, suspension, or demotion.
,The commission upon such investigation in lieu of affirming a removal, may modify the
order by directing a suspension without pay, for a given period, and subsequent
restoration to duty, or demotion in classification, grade, or pay The findings of the
;commission shall be certified, in writing to the appointing power, and shall be forthwith
enforced by such officer.
All investigations made by the commission pursuant to this section shall be by public
!hearing, after reasonable notice to the accused of the time and place thereof, at which
;hearing the accused shall be afforded an opportunity of appearing in person and by
'counsel, and presenting his defense. The subpoena provisions of Section 5 of this
Page 22 of 25
,Article shall apply to all such hearings. If the order of removal, suspension, or demotion
is concurred in by the commission or a majority thereof, the accused may appeal
therefrom to the superior court of the county wherein he resides. Such appeal shall be
taken by serving the commission, within thirty days after the entry of its order, a written
notice of appeal, stating the grounds thereof, and demanding that a certified transcript
of the record and of all papers on file in the office of the commission affecting or relating
to its order, be filed by the commission with the court. The commission shall, within ten
days after the filing of the notice, make, certify, and file such transcript with the court.
The court shall thereupon proceed to hear and determine the appeal in a summary
manner. Such hearing shall be confined to the determination of whether the order of
'removal, suspension, or demotion made by the commission, was or was not made in
good faith for cause, and no appeal shall be taken except upon such ground or grounds.
The decision of the superior court may be appealed to the supreme court.
Section 11.
Whenever a position in the classified service becomes vacant, the appointing power,
it desires to fill the vacancy, shall requisition the commission for the names and
addresses of persons eligible for appointment thereto. The commission shall certify the
names of three persons highest on the eligible list for the class to which the vacant
position has been allocated, who are willing to accept employment. In case of more than
one vacancy in a particular class one additional name shall be certified for each
additional vacancy. If there is no appropriate eligible list for the class, the commission
shall certify the name of three persons standing highest on the list held appropriate for
such class. The appointing power shall forthwith make its appointment to the vacant
position from the list of persons so certified.
To enable the appointing power to exercise a choice in the filling of positions, no
appointment, employment, or promotion in any position in the classified service shall be
deemed complete until after the expiration of a period of six months, probationary
service, as may be provided in the rules of the civil service commission, during which
the appointing power may terminate the employment of the person certified to him, if
during the performance test thus afforded, upon observation or consideration of the
performance of duty, the appointing power deems him unfit or unsatisfactory for
employment by the City of Yakima. Thereupon the appointing power shall select from
the three persons certified as standing next highest on any such list and such person
shall likewise enter upon said duties for the probationary period, until some person is
found who is deemed fit for appointment, employment, or promotion whereupon the
appointment, employment, or promotion shall be deemed complete.
Section 12.
All offices, places, positions, and employments coming within the purview of this
Article shall be filled by the appointing power; nothing herein contained shall infringe
upon the authority that the City Council may have to fix the salaries and compensation
of all employees employed hereunder.
Section 13.
No treasurer, clerk or other officer, or employee of the City subject to this Article shall
approve the payment of or be in any manner concerned in paying, auditing, or
Page 23 of 25
SZ to VZ a8ed
}led Aue `asodand Lions JOI spunj !euo!1!ppe op/mild Aew !lounoO au -uo!ss!wwoo,
ay} jo joddns aql ao} pasn aq !legs pap!noad os spunj aqi ap!1Jy s!q} jo adoos;
eqg aapun papn!ou! asoy} jo !!oiAed !eToT s,aeai( 6uipaoaad all jo 'Liao lad auo jo auo
o� !enbe wns e aeaA !eosg pea aoj }a6pnq Abp aql u! ap!noad Heys Hounoo Ap!o agl
- 91. uogoes
.aauo!ss!wwoo Aum JO uo!ss!wwoo ay} Aq
op of os paa!nbaa aanauagnn `A4!1sa} pue puane pue `slun000e pue `sluawnoop `sJaded`
`qooq Lions aonpoad !legs os!e pue `aowas !!np of pafgns `sTuawAo!dwa pue `suo!}!sod
`seoe!d 'sao!}}o He pue Aue 6u!u!epadd0 Aem Aue u! JO 6u!A!dde slun000e pue
`swawnoop `waded `s){ooq 4o uogoadsu! ay} u! aouels!sse pue sal}I!1o01 a!geuoseaa !!e,
`saaAo!dwa pue `saagwaw si! 'uo!ss!wwoo all paoj a pue uo!ss!wwoo Gyp Aq paquosaad
aq `aw!1 01 awl} woad 'Aew se suo!Te!n6aa pue sap Lions pue 'apply s!yl 4o suo!s!noad;
0L ono 6u!Aaaeo ui sAenn aadoad !!e u! p!e !!els App0 all }o saaAo!dwa pue saao!}}o !!y
• LI uo!;oes;
asodand !eopod;
Aue aol 'Bum a!gen!en aaygo Aue JO `saowues JO 'Aauow jo uogngpluoo Aue New o},
6ugoa!6au JO `6uip!oggpM JO 6u!/0 JOJ op 01 os uajeaali JO as!woad JO aoinaas llnlo aapun,
uosaad Aue 4o uogesuadwoo JO `}uawAo!dwa `){uea !e!ol}g° Gg} abueLio aauuew Aue ui
JO `a}owap `a1owoad `a6aelos!p !legs 'palu!odde JO pa}oa!0 aannagnn 'Jeogjo o!!gnd oN
▪ g uo!;oas
•uoseaa Lions aoj apea6 u! peonpaa JO paaaa;suaq
`palowap `pass!ws!p aq uosaad Aue !legs lou `ja!!aq JO uoge!!!J}e !eoggod 'u!6uo'
!euogeu `uo!6i!aa `ao!oo 'Goal s!y }o asneoaq p!aLy}!nn aq Tou Heys Auo a(g 4o ao!naas'
pa!4lsse!o u! uog!sod Aue 01 JO uo!1owoad JO 1uaw1u!odde ue 01 uosaad Aue jo }y6u aql
▪ g uogoes
-AawoT1e A1!o 0111 Aq sT!ns Lions u! paTuasaadaa aq !legs uo!ss!wwoo aql
.uo!ss!wwoo all 4o sap pue appy 9!1114o 1uawaoao4ua aadoad,
aLil aoJ Aaessaoau aq Aew 11o!ynn s1!ns !!n!o !!a Tonpuoo pue u!6aq 110119 uo!ss!wwoo aql
• 71.
uog3as
•uo!ss!wwoo all 4o sap all LiT!nn JO appy 9!111 Lio!nn A!dwoo
o� 9!!04 JO sale!o!n `aoua6!!6au a!ged!no Li6noayi JO AHn4H!nn 0(4M aaAo!dwa JO aao!go
oi!gnd Aue 4o Aed ag1 Ajg.iao o1 asnjaa aay}an4 Aew pue `palu!odde A!aadoadw! JO A!!e6a!!!'
aq o1 spuy 1! wo(nn aaAo!dwa JO J001}}0 o!lgnd Aue }o Aed 0111 A4!}aao o1 asn4aa Heys,
uo!ss!wwoo 0111 .}uawaiels a1eanooe pue anal a `uo!ss!wwoo ag1 01 umou)i se aeJosu! 'Si
1un000e JO `alewgsa `!!oJAed 011110(41 pue 'uo!ss!wwoo allsap 0111 pue apgay 9!11} 4o
swag' all g1!nn aoue!!dwoo u! paAoldwa JO palu!odde uaaq anal u!aaagj paweu suosaad
ag110111 'iva6e pazuoylne A!np Jaw JO aauiwexa Ja!Lio 91! 4o JO `U0!SS!ww00 ao!naas_!!np
a(14o aleo!J!laao all smog `!!oiAed Lions uo pags!wn} aq wogs `uo!ss!wwoo 00!naas
Hn!o 0111 101uaw6pnf all u! 'go!ynn uo!1awao4u! lay}o Aue pue `p!ed aq o1 junowe all `p!ed,
aq o1 suosaad aqi Jo saweu all 6u!u!eluoo `uo!1esuadwoo Jaw JO 'a6enn 'Aae!es Lions,
aoJ Tun0000 ao `alew!1sa `!!oJAed 0 ssa!un `ap!}ay 9!1114o adoos pue uo!1o!psunf ag101
1oafgns uosaad Aue 01 `sao!naas ao} uo!lesuadwoo aa(10 .10 `a6enn `Aae!es Aue 6u!noidde
!of the funds so provided and not expended shall be placed in the current expense fund
on the first day of January following the close of such fiscal year.
(Section 19.
This Article shall be full force and effect on and after the first Monday in June, 1959.
;Section 20.
If any section, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Article should be held to be invalid
!or unconstitutional, the validity or constitutionality thereof shall not affect the validity or
!constitutionality of any other section, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Article.
i As adopted by vote of the people March 10, 1959. Effective date June 1, 1959.
Page 25 of 25
CIUDAD DE YAKIMA
RESOLUCION NO. R-2010-148
ELECCION ESPECIAL PARA EL 8 DE FEBRERO 2011
PROPUESTA DE BOLETA -- ENMIENDA AL ESTATUTO DE LA CIUDAD PARA ELIMINAR
EL ESTILO DE GOBIERNO CONCEJO-ADMINISTRADOR Y ADOPTAR EL ESTILO DE
GOBIERNO ALCALDE-CONCEJO
UNA RESOLUCION
del concejo de la ciudad de Yakima, Washington, a condicion de
que se presente a los electores de la ciudad de Yakima, una
propuesta si se deben enmendar los articulos I, II, III, V, VI y VII
del estatuto de Ia ciudad de Yakima para eliminar y derogar el
estilo de gobierno del concejo-administrador y adoptar el estilo de
gobierno del alcalde-concejo, realizar cambios y enmiendas
auxiliares en el estatuto y pedir que el auditor del condado de
Yakima Ileve a cabo una eleccion especial el 8 de febrero del
2011.
CONSIDERANDO QUE, el capitulo 35.22 del codigo de !eyes del estado de Washington
(RCW por sus siglas en ingles), autoriza que la ciudades de primera clase del estado de
Washington enmienden y revisen sus estatutos para eliminar y derogar el estilo de gobierno del
concejo-administrador y adoptar el estilo de gobierno del alcalde-concejo al ser aprobado por Ia
mayoria de los votantes calificados para voter en la ciudad con ese propbsito en una eleccion
especial, o una eleccion general; y
CONSIDERANDO QUE, una enmienda al estatuto puede empezar en el concejo de la
ciudad por aprobacion de una resolucion; pidiendo que una propuesta sea presentada a los
votantes calificados de la ciudad si la ciudad debe o no adoptar una enmienda al estatuto de !a
ciudad para eliminar y derogar el estilo de gobierno del administrador-concejo y adoptar el
estilo de gobierno del alcalde-concejo conforme a la enmienda de los articulos I, 11, 111, V, VI, y
VII del estatuto, con cambios auxiliares en el estatuto para corregir Ia designacion de "comisiOn
de Ia ciudad" a "concejo de la ciudad" y
CONSIDERANDO QUE, el concejo de Ia ciudad desea Ilevar a cabo una eleccion
especial en la ciudad de Yakima el 8 de febrero del 2011, con el proposito de presentar a los
votantes calificados de la cuidad una propuesta si la ciudad de Yakima debe o no eliminar y
derogar el estilo de gobierno del concejo-administrador y adoptar el estilo de gobierno del
alcalde-concejo, conforme a las enmiendas de los articulos I, II, 111, V, VI y VII del estatuto y
para corregir la designacion de "comision de Ia ciudad" a "concejo de Ia ciudad" y
CONSIDERANDO QUE, el concejo de Ia ciudad determine presentar a los votantes
calificados de Ia cuidad una propuesta si la ciudad de Yakima debe o no eliminar y derogar el
estilo de gobierno del concejo-administrador y adoptar el estilo de gobierno del alcalde-concejo
sirve en el mejor interes y bienestar a la ciudad, por lo tanto
SEA RESUELTO POR EL CONCEJO DE LA CIUDAD DE YAKIMA:
Pagina 1 de 26
1 La propuesta presentada para la eleccion especial debera ser el titulo de boleta a
continuaci6n.
PROPUESTA NO 1
ADOPTAR ENMIENDAS AL ESTATUTO DE LA CIUDAD DE YAKIMA PARA ELIMINAR Y
DEROGAR EL ESTILO DE GOBIERNO DEL CONCEJO-ADMINISTRADOR, Y ADOPTAR EL
ESTILO DE GOBIERNO DEL ALCALDE-CONCEJO EN LA CIUDAD DE YAKIMA Y REALIZAR
ENMIENDAS ADICIONALES.
Propuesta No 1 se refiere a una enmienda al estatuto de la ciudad de Yakima. Esta medida
enmienda los articulos I, II, III, V, VI, y VII del estatuto para eliminar y derogar el estilo de
gobierno del concejo-administrador y adoptar el estilo de gobierno del alcalde-concejo. La
adopci6n de esta propuesta tambien realiza cambios auxiliares a traves del estatuto para
corregir la designaci6n de "comisi6n de la ciudad" a "comisibn del concejo." ,Deberia esta
propuesta ser aprobada?
No..........
...... ............ [1
2. La oficinista de la ciudad tiene autorizaci6n e instrucciones para presentar una copia
certificada de la resoluci6n al auditor del condado de Yakima
3 Se le pide al auditor del condado de Yakima realizar una eleccion especial para Ilevarse
a cabo en la ciudad de Yakima el 8 de febrero del 2011, con el prop6sito de presentar a
los electores calificados de la ciudad de Yakima la propuesta establecida en la secci6n
1 antedicho.
4 Divisibilidad de las clausulas. Si alguna secci6n, clausula o frase de esta resoluci6n
Ilega a ser nula o inconstitucional por un tribunal de jurisdicci6n competente, dicha
invalidez o no constitucionalidad no afectara la validez o constitucionalidad de alguna
otra secci6n, frase, o clausula en esta resoluci6n
ADOPTADA POR EL CONCEJO DE LA CIUDAD este dia 7 de diciembre del 2010.
DAR FE:
/s/ Deborah Kloster
Secretaria de la Ciudad
APROBADO DE ESTA MANERA:
/s/ Jeff Cutter
Jeff Cutter, Fiscal de la Ciudad
/s/ Micah Cawley
Micah Cawley, Alcalde
Pagina 2 de 26
ESTATUTO
ARTICULO 1
Nombre, limites, autoridad, derechos y responsabilidades
Seccion 1.
El pueblo de Ia ciudad de Yakima, dentro de los limites como estan establecidos o
como sean establecidos, continuara siendo Ia entidad politica y corporativa bajo el
nombre de la ciudad de Yakima, y bajo dicho nombre tendra sucesion perpetua; usara
;un precinto corporativo; podra demandar y ser demandada; podra adquirir propiedades
:dentro y fuera de los limites de la ciudad para propositos municipales por medio de
compra; obsequio, para el desarrollo, el contrato, para expropiacion, y podra vender,
arrendar, administrar y poseer control de dichas propiedades como lo requieran sus
intereses, excepto que una propiedad adquirida con el proposito de un parque, debera
estar dentro de los limites de Ia ciudad; y excepto como sea prohibido por Ia
constitucion del estado de Washington o restringido por este estatuto, Ia ciudad de
;Yakima tendra todos los poderes municipales, funciones, derechos, privilegios e
,inmunidades absolutes de toda naturaleza a Ia ciudades de primera clase del estado de
,Washington.
Seccion 2.
Esta enmienda complete del estatuto incluyendo cada articulo, seccion y sub seccion
'del mismo, entrara en vigor y se aplicara de parte de Ia ciudad de Yakima al momento
,del juramento del alcalde debidamente elegido, seguido de la eleccion para ejecutar
este estatuto y continuara siendo asi hasta que sea adoptada una enmienda adicional.
,La enumeracion de las autoridades particulares en este estatuto no sera o se
considerara exclusiva, mas es una incorporacion a las autoridades enumeradas aqui,
,implicito por Ia presente o la apropiacion de Ia ejecucion del mismo, Ia ciudad de
Yakima tendra y ejecutara toda Ia autoridad en Ia que bajo las (eyes de Ia constitucion
del estado de Washington le sea legal enumerar especificamente en dicho estatuto.
Toda la autoridad de Ia ciudad ya sea expresada o insinuada debera ser ejecutada de
la manera descrita en este estatuto y de no ser descrito aqui, entonces del modo
,dictado por la ley, las ordenanzas o las resoluciones del concejo de Ia cuidad. Ademas,
;toda autoridad de Ia ciudad, al menos que de otro modo ester" establecidos en este
estatuto; seran ejecutadas por el alcalde y el concejo de Ia ciudad, en un estilo de
gobierno de alcalde-concejo y estaran sujetos al control y la direccion del pueblo en
todo momento por Ia iniciativa, el referendum y el retiro establecidos en este estatuto.
ARTICULO 11
Funcionarios elegidos, requisitos, autoridad y responsabilidades — estilo de
gobierno alcalde-concejo
Seccion 1.
A. Los funcionarios elegidos de la ciudad de Yakima deberan consistir de un
alcalde y siete concejales, los cuales deberan ser residentes y electores calificados de
Pagina 3 de 26
la ciudad y no deberan tener otro cargo publico mientras ocupan el cargo de funcionario
elegido de Ia ciudad, excepto que sea notario publico o miembro de las fuerzas
armadas o del gobierno federal. El alcalde sera el director ejecutivo de la ciudad. Un
concejal sera elegido de cada uno de los cuatro distritos individuales de la ciudad, y
tres concejales seran elegidos en la ciudad sin restricciones geograficas, sin importar
su residencia en un area particular de Ia ciudad. Cada uno de los funcionarios elegidos
de Ia ciudad debera ser elegido a un termino de cuatro anos por la mayoria de votos de
los electores calificados de Ia ciudad en el tiempo y la manera establecida en este
estatuto y por las (eyes del estado de Washington. Los concejales elegidos constituiran
la entidad gubernamental de la ciudad. Uno de los siete concejales elegidos sera el
presidente del concejo, escogido de la manera establecida en Ia SECCION 3 de este
articulo II. Todo oficial electo que deje de poseer alguno de los requisitos especificados
por la ley en general o en este estatuto, o es convicto de un crimen por conducts
inmoral mientras ocupa el cargo, perdera el derecho a ejercer dicho cargo.
B. (1) La ciudad debera ser dividida en cuatro distritos por ordenanza del concejo en
partes iguales de acuerdo a Ia poblacion y de acuerdo a los datos del censo federal de
1970 y en el conteo actual de areas anexadas a Ia ciudad despues del censo federal de
1970, lo cual dicha division se cumplira y entrara en rigor no menos de noventa dias
antes de las elecciones primarias municipales a Ilevarse a cabo en el alio 1979.
En la publicacion de los resultados del censo federal en cada decenio, Ia ciudad sera
reorganizada por ordenanza del concejo en cuatro distritos divididos en partes iguales
de acuerdo a Ia poblacion, lo cual dicha division se cumplira y entrara en rigor no
menos de noventa dias antes de las elecciones primarias municipales a Ilevarse a cabo
seguido de Ia publicacion de los resultados del censo para la nominacion de candidatos
para "puestos distritales" en el concejo, como es definido en la sub seccion C(2) de
esta seccion.
En la division y reorganizacion de la ciudad en distritos como este provisto en esta
sub seccion, todo territorio de ahi en adelante anexado a la ciudad y contiguo a un solo
distrito existente sera agregado y formara parte de ese distrito; y si un area territorial es
anexada y es contigua a mas de un distrito existente, el territorio anexado sera divido
en partes iguales de acuerdo a Ia poblacion, de acuerdo al numero de distritos
entonces existentes contiguos al territorio anexado y cada segmento sera anadido y
formara parte del entonces distrito contiguo existente.
(2) Cuando ocurra que Ia poblacion de un distrito excede por mas de diez por
ciento, a la poblacion de algun otro distrito, el concejo de la ciudad debera por una
ordenanza reorganizar la ciudad en cuatro distritos divididos en partes iguales de
acuerdo a la poblacion provisto que toda reorganizacion se cumplira y entrara en rigor
no menos de noventa dias antes de las elecciones primarias municipales para
concejales para "puestos distritales" como es definido en Ia sub seccion C(2) de esta
seccion.
C. (1) En las elecciones municipales a Ilevarse a cabo en el alio 1977, tres concejales
seran elegidos sin restricciones geograficas en la ciudad sin importar la residencia en
un area en particular de la ciudad.
(2) La oficinista de la ciudad, a no menos de diez dias antes del periodo de
postulacion de candidatura designara con numeros consecutivos; empezando con el
numero uno y terminado con el numero cuatro, los puestos en el concejo que seran
presentados por los candidatos de los distritos nominados al concejo de Ia ciudad para
las elecciones a Ilevarse a cabo en el alio 1979, y dichas designaciones seran de ahi
Pagina 4 de 26
en adelante consideradas cargos distintos para propositos electorales como "puestos
distritales" de acuerdo a su designacion numerica permanente.
En las elecciones municipales a realizarse en el alio 1979, ocho candidatos de cuatro
distritos seran nominados a seguir: los candidatos para "puestos distritales"
presentaran su candidatura por nominacion de los electores del distrito donde
respectivamente reside cada candidato. En las elecciones primarias, cada elector
calificado de cada distrito emitira por un candidato solamente. Los nombres de los dos
candidatos de cada distrito para quien la mayoria de votos en las elecciones primarias
sean emitidos apareceran en la boleta de las elecciones generales de la ciudad entera,
y el candidato de cada distrito que reciba la mayor parte de los votos como son
`emitidos por el electorado en las elecciones generales, sera de ese modo debidamente
declarado elegido como concejal de la ciudad en cada "puesto distrital" respectivo.
(3) La oficinista de la ciudad, a no menos de diez dias antes del periodo de
postulacion de candidatura designara con numeros consecutivos; empezando con el
;numero cinco y terminando con el numero siete, los puestos en el concejo que seran
!presentados por los candidatos que seran elegidos sin restricciones geograficas en la
;ciudad, sin tener en cuenta el lugar de residencia en algun area en particular de la
;ciudad; y dichas designaciones seran de ahi en adelante consideradas como cargos
distintos para propositos electorales como "puestos sin restricciones geograficas" de
acuerdo a su designacion numerica permanente.
' D. (1) Los concejales se elegiran a terminos de cuatro anos. Al vencimiento de dichos
'terminos, seguiran elecciones que se conduciran para que los tres concejales sean
elegidos sin restricciones geograficas sin tener en cuenta el lugar de residencia en
algun area en particular de la ciudad y cuatro concejales elegidos a "puestos distritales"
,de Ia manera provista en sub seccion C de esta seccion.
(2) En caso de que el alcalde, como oficial electo de Ia ciudad o cualquier concejal
de la ciudad elegido o nombrado a un puesto "sin restricciones geograficas" del concejo
;cambia el lugar de residencia de ese miembro fuera de los limites de Ia ciudad, o en
caso que algun miembro elegido o nombrado a un puesto "sin restricciones
geograficas" cambia el lugar de residencia de ese miembro fuera del distrito al cual el
miembro fue nominado o nombrado; el alcalde o ese miembro del concejo perdera todo
derecho al puesto como alcalde o concejal y el puesto bajo dicho miembro se considera
'vacante. Un concejal no sera descalificado en ejercer su termino si las tineas distritales
:son cambiadas y de ese modo ocasionando que el concejal viva fuera de su distrito
respectivo. Cuando este cambio en lineas limitrofes afecta a un concejal, esa persona
debera ser permitida terminar el termino del puesto que sostiene en la actualidad. En
caso de que por cualquier razon ocurra una vacante de concejal, incluyendo, pero no
limitados a aquellos que se establecen en la seccion F de abajo, la vacante la ocupara
una persona apta que por nombramiento de la mayoria del voto de los concejales
restantes; mas dicha persona nombrada ocupara el puesto solamente hasta las
,proximas elecciones municipales, y entonces una persona calificada se elegira para
'servir por el resto del termino no vencido de dicho cargo. Si la vacante ocurre en un
puesto ocupado por un concejal que originalmente haya sido nombrado o nominado por
un distrito, entonces, la persona nombrada debera ser residente de ese distrito y el
concejal elegido a servir el resto del termino debera ser residente de ese distrito y
debera ser nominado y elegido en la manera provista en la sub seccion C(2) de esta
,seccion.
Pagina 5 de 26
(3) Una disposicion en el tiempo y la manera que se elige el alcalde y los
concejales oficiales y la conduccion de tales elecciones bienales, sera gobernada por
las (eyes del estado; por este estatuto y por todas las ordenanzas validas de Ia ciudad
de Ia manera en que sean ejecutadas periodicamente.
E. El salario anual del alcalde sera una cantidad igual al salario del empleado mejor
pagado de la ciudad aparte del administrador de Ia ciudad y todo juez del tribunal
municipal que recibe un salario mayor al del administrador de la ciudad, y debera ser
establecido por ordenanza. Los salarios anuales del presidente del concejo y cada
concejal debera ser conforme lo dispuesto en una ordenanza de Ia ciudad. Los salarios
de la oficina del presidente del concejo y cada concejal puede ocasionalmente
aumentar o disminuir por una ordenanza, mas todo cambio en la compensacion ligado
a ese puesto no sera aplicable al termino que entonces ejerce el titular.
F. El puesto de alcalde, presidente del concejo o concejal se considerara vacante si
alguno de los siguientes sucede:
1. falta de requisitos de cumplimiento durante los diez dias despues de Ia
certificacion de las elecciones o como de otra manera sea establecido por ley estatal, o
por
2. fallecimiento, por
3. renuncia, por
4. destitucion del cargo, por
5. incumplimiento de mantener el requisito residencial, por
6. ausencia consecutiva sin permiso del concejo en cuatro juntas programadas
del concejo de Ia ciudad, por
7. culpabilidad de un delito grave o un crimen por conducta inmoral, por
8. declaracion judicial de incompetencia (incompetente por declaracion/fallo
judicial)
En caso de que ocurra una vacante en la oficina del alcalde, los concejales elegiran
uno de sus enumerados a la vacante en el puesto de alcalde para el termino no
vencido, o durante la continuacion por ausencia o discapacidad y entonces se debera
seguir el procedimiento establecido en D(2) para nombrar a una persona al puesto del
concejo dejado vacante por Ia persona asumiendo el cargo de alcalde.
Seccion 2.
A. El concejo constituira el departamento Iegislativo y la autoridad del gobierno de la
ciudad y tendra el poder de adoptar las normas de procedimiento y los reglamentos
para gestionar los asuntos.
B. En su primera reunion y Ia primera reunion de las elecciones bienales el concejo
debera escoger su propio presidente. El presidente del concejo presidira en todas las
juntas del concejo y debera programar Ia agenda para cada junta que efectiie el
concejo. El presidente del concejo debera ser un concejal con los mismos derechos y
privilegios y tendra el derecho de votar en todos los asuntos presentados al concejo. El
presidente del concejo no poseera autoridad de veto. EI presidente del concejo tendra
la autoridad y desempet ara las responsabilidades otorgadas en este estatuto, el
concejo de Ia ciudad y las ordenanzas de la ciudad. En caso de que ocurra una vacante
en la oficina del presidente del concejo, o por caso de su ausencia o discapacidad, se
elegira un presidente del concejo temporal de los miembros del concejo para que se
desempene como presidente del concejo para el termino no vencido y durante Ia
Pagina 6 de 26
,continuacion de Ia ausencia o discapacidad. El concejo seguira entonces, las
instrucciones establecidas en la seccion 1 D(2) para nombrar a una persona al puesto
del concejo dejado vacante por la persona que asuma las responsabilidades de
presidente del concejo encargado.
C. Cuatro concejales formaran un quorum para Ia transaccion de Ia agenda, pero en
'ausencia del quorum, los miembros presentes en Ia junta pueden aplazar la reunion
para otra fecha.
Seccion 3.
El.concejo se reunira a la hora y el lugar acordado por ordenanza, mas deberan
Ilevarse a cabo al menos dos reuniones regulares al mes. La oficinista convocara
reuniones para asuntos particulares con peticiones por escrito del alcalde, el presidente
'del concejo o dos concejales cualesquiera. Las peticiones para reuniones de asuntos
particular deben tener el motivo para ser consideradas y no se tocara otro tema en las
!reuniones de asuntos particulares excepto con el consentimiento de todos los
concejales.
Todas las reuniones del concejo o los comites del mismo deberan ser abiertos al
publico, y las normas del concejo le brindaran a Ia ciudadania una oportunidad
'razonable para ser escuchados en cada reunion concerniente a todo tema que por eso
se esten entablando.
Seccion 4.
El alcalde nombrara un administrador de la ciudad para que asista en la
;administracion general de Ia ciudad. Las responsabilidades especificas del
administrador seran determinadas por el alcalde. Los departamentos administrativos
seran creados o suspendidos por el concejo de la ciudad de acuerdo como lo requiera
!Ia demanda publica. Los departamentos administrativos existentes continuaran en
vigencia, pendiendo accion adicional del concejo de Ia ciudad. Los derechos,
'autoridades y responsabilidades de los departamentos deberan ser distribuidos,
,asignados, establecidos o suspendidos por ordenanza de la ciudad.
Seccion 5.
A. El alcalde debera ser el ejecutivo a cargo de Ia ciudad. Ademas de Ia autoridad y
responsabilidades dadas; el administrador oficial encargado debera desempefiar las
,siguientes responsabilidades, como lo es requerid'o por las (eyes del estado de
'Washington:
'1. La autoridad de nombrar y destituir a directores administrativos y asistentes
en cada departamento del gobierno de Ia ciudad, provisto que el
nombramiento, pero no el despido de un director administrativo y asistente
administrativo estara sujeto a Ia aprobacion del concejo de Ia ciudad y
ademas siempre que, el director o asistente director de cualquier
departamento no debera ser privado debido a su destitucion de ninguna
posicion bajo las disposiciones del servicio civil de este estatuto la cual el
empleado haya tenido antes de su nombramiento como director o asistente
directivo de un departamento. La residencia en la ciudad no es un requisito
para Ilenar este puesto.
Pagina 7 de 26
2. El poder y Ia autoridad de destituir al oficinista de la ciudad, provisto que el
nombramiento, pero no el despido estara sujeto a Ia aprobacion del concejo
de Ia ciudad. La residencia en la ciudad no es un requisito para Ilenar este
puesto.
3. El poder para nombrar y destituir al fiscal de la ciudad, siempre que dicho
nombramiento, pero no el despido estara sujeto a la aprobacion del concejo
de la ciudad. La residencia en la ciudad no es un requisito para Ilenar este
puesto.
4. La autoridad para nombrar y destituir a todos los demas oficiales o
empleados de la ciudad de Yakima; o autorizar al director de un
departamento, o asistente responsable en la oficina del alcalde para nombrar
y destituir subordinados en dichos departamentos, u oficina esta sujeto a las
disposiciones de la administracion publica de este estatuto.
5. La autoridad para realizar otro tipo de nombramientos requeridos por el
alcalde, las Jeyes del estado de Washington y en la manera establecida por Ia
presente.
6. La autoridad para nombrar y destituir al administrador de Ia ciudad, siempre
que, dicho nombramiento y no la destitucion estaran sujetos a la aprobacion
del concejo de la ciudad. La residencia dentro de Ia ciudad no sera un
requisito para este puesto. El administrador de la ciudad, bajo la supervision
general del alcalde debera asistir al alcalde y a discrecion del alcalde,
supervisar las oficinas administrativas y Ilevar a cabo otras responsabilidades
de Ia manera que ocasionalmente son delegadas por el alcalde. El
administrador de la ciudad tendra un salario fijo a discrecion del alcalde, mas
no debera exceder el ciento diez por ciento del salario del empleado de la
ciudad mejor pagado (otro que no sea el alcalde, juez del tribunal municipal o
dicho administrador de la ciudad) o Ia cantidad mas alta ocasionalmente
determinada por el concejo de la ciudad.
7. La autoridad para nombrar o destituir un secretario ejecutivo o asistentes que
no esten sujetos al servicio publico. La residencia en la ciudad no debera ser
un requisito para este cargo.
8. Cada vez que se requiera que el concejo de la ciudad nombre algCin miembro
a una junta, comite, comision u otra entidad al menos que la persona
nombrada sea un concejal, sera la responsabilidad del alcalde nombrar a la
persona adecuada para dicho cargo. La residencia en la ciudad podria ser
requerida para estos cargos y debera ser indicado en la ordenanza. Si el
concejo de la ciudad se rehusa a nombrar un nominado del alcalde, entonces
el alcalde debera dentro de los cuarenta y cinco dias sucesivos, nombrar a
otra persona para Ilenar Ia vacante, y podra continuar nominando hasta que
el concejo haga el nombramiento. Si el alcalde falla en hacer dicho
nombramiento en cuarenta y cinco dias, entonces el concejo de la ciudad
escogera a Ia persona adecuada para Ilenar Ia vacante.
9. La autoridad de destituir un nominado del concejo, otro que no sea un
concejal nominado a una junta, un comite, o una comision. En dicha
destitucion, la vacante para el termino incompleto, si existe, debera ser
ocupada por nombramiento de la misma forma que se hace al principio del
termino, exceptuando como este establecido en este estatuto.
Pagina 8 de 26
' 10. La responsabilidad de ver que todas las (eyes y ordenanzas se cumplan y
que el orden y la ley se cumplen en la ciudad.
11. Las obligaciones del alcalde en la primera reunion anual con el concejo de Ia
ciudad en octubre, comunica por mensaje al concejo de la ciudad un
comunicado de las condiciones y los asuntos de Ia ciudad, y recomienda la
adopcion de dichas medidas que juzgue oportunas y adecuadas.
Ocasionalmente, el alcalde dara un comunicado especial al concejo de la
ciudad como considere que sea necesario y adecuado, y debera someter
reportes de los asuntos de Ia ciudad cuando los pida el concejo de la ciudad.
12. La responsabilidad de presentar un presupuesto y un mensaje del
presupuesto al concejo de la ciudad, partiendo con los programas propuestos
por el concejo de Ia ciudad durante el siguiente ario fiscal. La preparacion y
presentacion del presupuesto debera cumplir con los estatutos aplicables
estatales, estipulaciones del estatuto de la ciudad y ordenanza de Ia ciudad y
generalmente incluira una proyeccion del presupuesto presentado al concejo
a mediados de octubre; un presupuesto preliminar se presentara al concejo
antes del 1 de noviembre, y un presupuesto final presentado al concejo no
antes de la Ultima reunion del alio del concejo de Ia ciudad.
13. La autoridad de recomendar al concejo de la ciudad la adopcion de dichas
medidas y ordenanzas como sea que juzgue conveniente y hacer otro tipo de
dichas recomendaciones al concejo de la ciudad concerniente a los asuntos
de Ia ciudad como se estime aconsejable.
' 14. La autoridad para vetar ordenanzas o parte de ordenanzas aprobadas por el
concejo y sometidas al alcalde conforme a lo establecido aqui; siempre que
dicho veto sea por el voto de la mayoria de todos los concejales mas uno.
15. La autoridad de realizar investigaciones en los asuntos de la ciudad bajo la
supervision del alcalde o todo departamento o division, o el rendimiento
adecuado de todo contrato u obligacion permitida a la ciudad de Yakima.
16. La autoridad de hacer recomendaciones vinculadas con la otorgacion de
contratos publicos y supervisar que todos los contratos hechos por la ciudad
de Yakima se cumplan al pie de la tetra.
;17. La responsabilidad para la aprobacion de pagos y someter al concejo de la
ciudad en cada reunion su asignacion de facturas y reclamos. El alcalde
tendra autoridad limitada en pagar reclamos y facturas hasta el punto que
esten especificamente aprobadas y establecidas por ordenanza en
cantidades menos o iguales a aquellas que ester' especificamente
establecidas por ordenanza sin antes obtener aprobacion del concejo.
18. La autoridad para ejecutar contratos y ejecutar convenios de liquidacion de
parte de la ciudad con tal de que dichos contratos y convenios de liquidacion
hayan sido aprobados anteriormente por el concejo. Al punto que sea
especificamente aprobado y establecido, en una ordenanza el alcalde podra
tener autoridad limitada para ejecutar contratos y convenios de liquidacion en
cantidades menos o igual a Ia cantidad especificamente establecida por
ordenanza sin antes obtener aprobacion del concejo.
19. EI alcalde no votara por ningun asunto para su consideracion ante el concejo.
20. EI alcalde no tendra la autoridad de aumentar o reducir los impuestos; el
alcalde no poseera autoridad tributaria de parte de la ciudad.
Pagina 9 de 26
Seccion 6.
Nada en este articulo afectara la pension, la administracion publica o el sistema de
merito de Ia ciudad de Yakima como existe a la fecha en vigor del mismo.
ARTiCULO III
Elecciones
Seccion 1.
Las elecciones seran generales, primarias o especiales. La manera y el metodo para
realizar todas las elecciones municipales, ambas generales y especiales, se realizaran
de acuerdo a Ia ley estatal. Todas la elecciones municipales seran no partidistas y por
los electores calificados de la ciudad.
ARTICULO IV
Legislacion del pueblo
Seccion 1.
El pueblo de Yakima, ademas del metodo de legislacion aqui antes establecido,
tendra legislacion directa por Ia iniciativa y referendum.
Seccion 2.
La iniciativa se ejecutara de Ia siguiente manera:
(a) Una peticion por votantes registrados y calificados de Ia ciudad, acompanado
por Ia legislacion propuesta en la manera de una ordenanza propuesta y pidiendo que
tal ordenanza sea sometida al voto del pueblo que sera presentado con Ia oficinista de
la ciudad.
(b) Durante los dos dias despues de Ia presentacion de dicha peticion la oficinista
de Ia ciudad certificara el numero de votos emitidos en las ultimas elecciones generales
de la ciudad y la cantidad de firmantes de dicha peticion, y presentara dicho certificado,
peticion y ordenanza propuesta al concejo de la ciudad
(c) Si dicha peticion es firmada por electores calificados, en un numero igual al
veinte por ciento del numero de votos totales en las ultimas elecciones generales de la
ciudad, el concejo de la ciudad durante veinte dias despues del recibo del mismo,
excepto a que este establecido de otra manera en este estatuto, debera pasar dichas
ordenanzas sin alteraciones o someter al voto popular en elecciones especiales las
cuales deben Ilevarse a cabo dentro de los treinta dias despues de Ia fecha de la orden
del mismo: no obstante, establecido que si hay otras elecciones municipales a
realizarse a mas de treinta dias, pero durante noventa dias despues de la presentacion
de la peticion, dicha ordenanza propuesta sera sometida sin alteracion para el voto en
dichas elecciones.
Seccion 3.
Pagina 10 de 26
Si antes de Ia fecha de que alguna ordenanza entrara en vigor, una peticion por
'electores calificados que iguale al numero de diez por ciento de los votos enteros
emitidos en las ultimas eleccionesgenerales sera presentada al oficinista de la ciudad,
{protestas en contra de la ejecucidn de dichas ordenanzas, seran suspendidas para
entrar en vigor. Inmediatamente a la presentacion de la peticion, el oficinista de Ia
ciudad Ilevara a cado todos los requisitos en la seccion 2 de este articulo. Por lo tanto,
el concejo de la ciudad debera inmediatamente reconsiderar dicha ordenanza, y si no
es derogada completamente, sera sometida al voto popular en las proximas elecciones
municipales o, el concejo de la ciudad convocara elecciones especiales con ese
proposito; y dicha ordenanza no entrara en vigor, al menos que Ia mayoria de los
,electores votando en estas dichas elecciones voten a favor de la misma.
(Seccion 4.
El concejo de la ciudad podra someter al voto popular para la adopcion o el rechazo
{en elecciones toda ordenanza propuesta en la misma forma y efecto como es
establecido en este articulo para someter una peticion.
Seccion 5.
No se Ilevara a cabo bajo este articulo elecciones especiales mas de una vez en un
periodo de seis meses.
'Seccion 6.
El concejo de la ciudad, por ordenanza, hara reglamentos adicionales para Ilevar a
cabo las disposiciones de este articulo no contradictorio con lo adjunto.
ARTICULO V
Retiros
Seccion 1.
El titular de todo cargo electivo, ya sea elegido o nombrado a este, podra ser
destituido de dicho cargo por procedimiento de retiro como este establecido en las
Jeyes del estado de Washington para cargos electivos.
'Seccion 2.
Un funcionario destituido de su cargo por retiro de las elecciones, o que debera
renunciar a dicho cargo por cargos de retiro pendiente en su contra, no tendra
elegibilidad para ocupar ningun cargo en la ciudad o empleo hasta dos anos despues
Ide su destitucion o renuncia.
ARTICULO VI
Ordenanzas; autoridades adicionales y restricciones en funcionarios
Seccion 1.
Pagina 11 de 26
A. En todas las reuniones del concejo de Ia ciudad toda resolucion y ordenanza debera
estar por escrita y Ieida en voz alta por su titulo antes de que se emita voto a este:
siempre que, a peticion de Ia mayoria de los concejales presente, una resolucion u
ordenanza se leers por completo en voz alta antes de que se emita un voto a este.
Cada voto a favor y en contra sera anotado. Todas las ordenanzas, exceptuando
aquellas de apropiaci6n, codificacion o la reorganizaci6n de ordenanzas vigentes
estaran limitadas a un tema el cual se expresara en el titulo. Ordenanzas que se
refieren a Ia apropiaci6n estaran limitadas al tema de apropiaci6n. La clausula para
promulgar todas las ordenanzas sera, "Sea ordenado por la ciudad de Yakima."
B. Toda ordenanza, excepto aquellas que son ordenanzas de emergencia, aprobadas
por el concejo de la ciudad, deberan, durante cinco dias en adelante, ser presentadas
al alcalde.
C. Durante los proximos diez dias despues de su presentacion, el alcalde firmara la
ordenanza y la devolvera al oficinista de la ciudad, o vetara la ordenanza y Ia devolvera
al oficinista de Ia ciudad con una declaraci6n escrita y firmada con los motivos del veto,
o firmara y vetara parcialmente una ordenanza de apropiaci6n y Ia devolvera al
oficinista de la ciudad con una declaracion escrita y firmada con los motivos del veto
parcial. Si el alcalde no devuelve Ia ordenanza dentro de los diez dias despues de su
presentacion, se considerara ejecutada sin la firma del alcalde. Durante los treinta dias
despues de que una ordenanza ha sido vetada y devuelta o parcialmente vetada y
devuelta, el concejo de la ciudad podria hacer caso omiso al veto o al veto parcial
ejecutando la ordenanza con un minimo de cinco votos a favor.
D. Cada ordenanza aprobada por el concejo de la ciudad debera ser firmada por el
alcalde, el presidente del concejo o dos concejales en caso de un veto por el alcalde,
atestiguado por la oficinista de la ciudad y registrado en un Iibro con ese proposito.
Seccion 2.
A. Las ordenanzas que hacen parte de una exaccion tributaria anual o que esten
relacionadas a reformas locales, o valoraciones por to tanto, o que sean de
apropiaciones, ordenanzas de emergencia u ordenanzas adoptadas por el voto de los
electores entraran en vigor a partir de la fecha indicada: todas las demas ordenanzas
entraran en vigor 30 dias despues de la fecha publicacion del mismo como lo aqui
establecido.
B. Una ordenanza que esta sujeta a la autoridad de veto del alcalde y que no ha sido
vetada, o que las partes aprobadas de Ia ordenanza que hayan sido parcialmente
.vetadas se estime son ejecutadas en la fecha de aprobacion, o diez dias despues de
ser presentadas al alcalde. Una ordenanza que haya sido vetada o las partes que han
sido vetadas en una ordenanza entran en vigor en la fecha en que el concejo de la
ciudad anule el veto o el veto parcial. Una ordenanza que no esta sujeta a la autoridad
del veto del alcalde, sera ejecutada en la fecha en que es aprobada por el concejo de Ia
ciudad.
C. Una ordenanza de emergencia es aquella que esta provista para la proteccion de la
tranquilidad, la propiedad, la salud, o la seguridad pCiblica. El voto unanime del concejo
de la ciudad sera necesario para la aprobacion de una ordenanza de emergencia. Una
Pagina 12 de 26
medida que realice o haga una enmienda a una subvencion, la extension o renovacion
.de una licencia u otros privilegios particulares jamas se aprobara como medida de
`emergencia.
Seccion 3.
En base a su aprobacion final, el numero y el titulo de cada ordenanza aprobada por
el concejo de Ia ciudad, con un certificado adjunto al mismo deberan ser publicados por
una vez en el periodico de la ciudad. Dicho certificado sera firmado por Ia oficinista de
la ciudad y debera ser substancialmente de la siguiente manera: "Ordenanza N°
que Ileva el titulo en el parrafo anterior, fue debidamente y regularmente aprobada por
iel concejo de Ia ciudad de Yakima, Washington en este dia del mes de
'del 20 , y archivada por el firmante abajo en el departamento del oficinista de la
'ciudad, donde el mismo esta disponible para Ia inspeccion publica.
Fechado
Oficinista de la ciudad"
Seccion 4.
Funcionarios electos, oficiales o empleados de la ciudad no podran solicitar o recibir
ningun tipo de pago; comision, dinero u objeto de valor, o sacar provecho, ganancia o
ventaja, directa o indirectamente de o por motivo de alguna mejora; cambio o arreglo, o
!la adquisicion de materiales requeridos por la ciudad, o algun contrato en el que Ia
;ciudad forme parte de, excepto por su indemnizacion legal o salario como dicho oficial
o empleado. Una violacion de alguna de las estipulaciones en esta seccion
idescalificara al delincuente para que continue en su puesto o empleo y entonces
Idebera ser destituido.
Seccion 5.
Toda adquisicion de suministros, materiales, servicios o equipamiento, exceptuando
trabajos de obras publicas o mejoras; donde el valor del mismo excede la suma
impuesta por una ordenanza, se hara por medio de ofertas con el mismo metodo y las
mismas condiciones aqui requeridas en un anuncio de trabajos de obras publicas y
mejoras. Este limite monetario para la adquisicion de suministros; materiales,
equipamiento y servicios puede aumentar ocasionalmente; pero no mas de una vez en
un periodo de veinticuatro meses por una ordenanza ejecutada por el voto de no
menos de dos tercios de la mayoria de los concejales de la ciudad, hasta el limite pero
;sin exceder la cantidad permitida por ley estatal. En caso de que una emergencia sea
,declarada por el concejo de la ciudad, toda adquisicion de suministros, materiales,
servicios o equipamiento puede efectuarse sin pedir ofertas.
!Seccion 6.
Ademas de las estipulaciones por ley general, el concejo de la ciudad puede por
medio de una ordenanza crear y establecer fondos particulares en los cuales todo el
dinero recibido para un fondo en particular, o con proposito especifico sera depositado:
,establecido, siempre y cuando, que dicho fondo o fondos provienen de otros que no
son derivados de ingresos tributarios.
Pagina 13 de 26
ARTICULO VII
Limitaciones tributarias
Seccion 1.
El ano fiscal de la ciudad empezara el primer dia de enero y terminara el ultimo dia
de diciembre de cada ano.
Seccion 2.
El concejo de la ciudad tendra el poder y Ia autoridad de evaluar, imponer y recaudar
impuestos en toda propiedad de finca y bienes raices (que no ester' exentas al
aumento de impuestos) dentro de la ciudad para use corporativo, y propositos del
mismo y establecer el pago de las deudas y los gastos de la ciudad. El alcalde no
tendra Ia autoridad para evaluar o imponer impuestos de parte de Ia ciudad.
Seccion 3.
El total de los impuestos aplicados a toda propiedad o apropiados para propositos de
Ia ciudad incluyendo fondos para la biblioteca; parques y zonas de juego, fondo de
ayuda de Ia policia y bomberos, deberan ser sacados y distribuidos del fondo de gastos
corriente por el concejo de Ia ciudad, el cual en un ano no debera exceder dieciocho
millones en cada dolar del valor tasado a la propiedad dentro de la ciudad excepto en lo
siguiente:
(a) Los impuestos para el reembolso de y los intereses de Ia deuda afianzada de la
ciudad de aqui en adelante o de ahi en adelante en la manera establecida por ley;
(b) El fondo de garantia de valoracion tributaria para mejoras de los distritos locales
como es requerido por ley;
(c) Otro tipo de exacciones como hayan sido impuestas antes o de aqui en adelante
sea requerida por ley general.
Seccion 4.
No se recaudara ningun tipo de impuestos con otros propositos que los ya
especificados anteriormente, excepto aquellos que puedan ser autorizados en las
elecciones.
Seccion 5.
Todos los fondos de Ia ciudad deben ser administrados por el concejo de Ia ciudad, y
sujetos a la autoridad presupuestaria del concejo de la ciudad; y juntas, comites y
comisiones creadas por el concejo de la ciudad para colaborar en Ia administracion de
todas las actividades municipales, si se ha creado alguna, actuara en capacidad de
asesoria solamente.
Seccion 6.
El concejo de Ia ciudad no hare ninguna apropiacion en asistencia a ninguna
corporacion, persona o sociedad que no este expresamente autorizada en este
estatuto
Pagina 14 de 26
ARTICULO VIII
Juntas particulares
Seccion 1.
El concejo de la ciudad podra nombrar juntas asesoras para ayudar en la
administracion de la biblioteca; parques y zonas de juego, y planificacion urbana. El
concejo de la ciudad tendra completa responsabilidad de los presupuestos para dichos
propositos y debera por ordenanza, regular la organizacion y las obligaciones de dichas
;juntas, la estipulacion de todo dinero recibido por donaciones, legados, concesiones,
multas, o sanciones sera usado ademas de la cantidad fijada aparte del presupuesto
anual proveniente de la exaccion de impuestos.
ARTICULO IX
Servicios publicos
Seccion 1.
El concejo de la ciudad facilitara por ordenanza las normas y los reglamentos y
tomara las medidas para el control, la administracion y operacion de todos los servicios
;publicos que pertenecen y son administrados por la ciudad, o que puedan ser
'adquiridos por Ia ciudad en la forma prevista por ley, o que Ia ciudad pueda gobernar,
controlar o regular por ley.
Seccion 2.
El concejo de la ciudad tendra el poder de tramitar por medio de una ordenanza Ia
financiacion y Ia reparacion, sustitucion, rehabilitacion o ampliacion de toda utilidad
publica que pertenece y es administrada por la ciudad, a condicion, sin embargo, que
;dicha financiacion se tramite sobre el credito de la utilidad de si mismo y no en Ia
emision de bonos de obligacion general de la ciudad.
ARTICULO X
Reclamos
Seccion 1.
Todos los reclamos por danos y perjuicios contra la ciudad, ya sea que surjan
demandas por agravio o por contrato, deberan ser presentados por escrito al concejo
de la ciudad dentro de un plazo de 30 dias despues de Ia fecha en que dichos danos se
afirma que se hayan sucedido. Dichos reclamos indicaran con precision la hora, el
lugar, causa, naturaleza y la gravedad de los presuntos danos y proporcionaran la
,residencia actual del demandante, si existe, con calle y numero, en la fecha de
presentacion de dicha demanda, y por seis meses de acumulacion inmediatamente
antes del tiempo de dicho reclamo por danos y perjuicios, y se comprobara por
Pagina 15 de 26
declaracion jurada del demandante o si el demandante es un menor de edad o
incapacitado para comprobar, dicho reclamo debera ser verificado por algin familiar o
por un abogado o agente del demandante, que en efectivo lo dicho es verdadero.
Ninguna accion se mantendra en contra de Ia ciudad para los reclamos de danos hasta
que hayan transcurrido 60 dias despues del rechazo de dicho reclamo. El hecho de no
presentar dicho reclamo en la forma o dentro del tiempo designado en esta seccion
sera por lo tanto, un obstaculo para toda accion contra la ciudad.
ARTICULO XI
Licencias
Seccion 1.
No se conceders una Iicencia exclusiva.
Seccion 2.
No se conceders, renovara o se extenders una Iicencia o derechos de ocupacion o
use de las calles, carreteras, puentes o lugares publicos de la ciudad, a excepcion de
una ordenanza que se sometera a votacion de los electores de Ia ciudad en elecciones
generales o especiales y no sera efectiva sin la aprobacion de Ia mayoria de los
electores que voten sobre dicha Iicencia: Siempre y cuando que el concejo de la ciudad
tenga la autoridad, sin necesidad de referencia a los electores, para aprobar una
ordenanza que concede el permiso para construir un segmento del ferrocarril o un
ferrocarril conectando una Tinea principal de ferrocarril adyacente con las plantas de
fabricacion, almacenes o la propiedad privada.
Seccion 3.
No se conceders una Iicencia a menos que aqui se introduzca una disposicion que la
ciudad podra adquirir Ia utilidad publica para el ejercicio de que se conceda la Iicencia,
ya sea por acuerdo o por expropiacion forzosa, y que despues de la compra por Ia
ciudad, ya sea por acuerdo o por expropiacion forzosa, ningun valor de la misma
Iicencia se tomara en cuenta al fijar el precio que pagara Ia ciudad por Ia utilidad
publica.
Seccion 4.
No se conceders una Iicencia por un termino de mss de 25 anos por Ia ciudad.
Seccion 5.
Una Iicencia no sera renovada o extendida antes de tres anos de su caducidad.
Seccion 6.
No se conceders una Iicencia sin disposicion de una recompensa adecuada a Ia
ciudad. Dicha recompensa cuando sea posible sera un porcentaje de los ingresos
brutos de Ia persona o empresa a Ia que se le concedio Ia licencia surgiendo del
operativo de tal licencia. Cuando la determinacion de los ingresos brutos por el
operativo no es posible, la ordenanza de concesion de dicha Iicencia debera
Pagina 16 de 26
recomendar de que otro modo se le recompensara a la ciudad por el beneficiario que
.se considere razonable y justo.
,Seccion 7.
El beneficiario o cesionario de toda licencia concedida por la ciudad, presentara al
concejo de la ciudad dentro de sesenta dias despues del primer dia de enero de cada
ario un reporte anual, verificado por una declaracion de dicha persona o por el
ipresidente; el tesorero o el director general de tal corporacion, que debera contener la
'informacion detallada como sea recomendado por el concejo de Ia ciudad para poder
;determiner la cantidad de recompensa pagada a Ia ciudad por el use de dicha licencia
durante el alio anterior. Toda persona, personas o empresas que se nieguen o se
;rehtasen a entregar dicho reporte dentro del plazo designado seran sancionados con
una multa de cien dolares cada uno y todos los dias durante el cual el o ella no
presento dicho reporte, dicha sancion de ser demandado y recuperado por Ia ciudad en
Itodo tribunal que tenga jurisdiccion del mismo.
Seccion 8.
Una licencia concedida por Ia ciudad no sera arrendada, designada o de otra manera
abandonada sin Ia autorizacion expresa del concejo de la ciudad por ordenanza
aprobada para ese proposito, y la regia de impedimento legal no sera invocada en
contra de Ia ciudad en caso de que afirme la nulidad de algian intento de transferencia
en violacion de esta seccion.
Seccion 9.
La concesion de todas las Iicencias para lineas del bus o el ferrocarril en una Calle,
un suburbano o interurbano debera proveer que todos los carteros de los Estados
Unidos, los funcionarios municipales, policias y bomberos, en todo tiempo, mientras
que esten en el desempeno de sus funciones podran subir en tales vehiculos o
autobuses bajo dicha licencia sin tener que pagar por tanto, y con todos los derechos
de los demes pasajeros.
Seccion 10.
No se considerara concedida una licencia, derecho, o privilegio por cualquier
;ordenanza, a menos que sea expresada en terminos claros y sin ambiguedades, y si
;alguna ambiguedad aparece aqui, se interpretara a favor de Ia ciudad y en contra del
demandante en virtud de dicha ordenanza.
ARTICULO XII
El poder de asumir endeudamiento
Seccion 1.
La ciudad puede pedir dinero prestado y endeudarse en cualquier forma legal,
siempre que la cantidad y Ia forma de contraer deudas, este sujeta a las disposiciones
Iimitaciones de la constitucion y las leyes del estado y de este estatuto; y sujeta a las
mismas disposiciones y Iimitaciones, la ciudad podra emitir bonos para garantizar
,cualquier deuda existente o prevista.
Pagina 17 de 26
Seccion 2.
Cuando un voto popular no es requerido por ley, el concejo de la ciudad puede
autorizar cualquier endeudamiento y emision de bonos por ordenanza.
ARTICULO XIII
Enmiendas
Seccion 1.
Este estatuto se puede enmendar en la forma establecida por las Jeyes del estado de
Washington. Ademas, el concejo de Ia ciudad puede aqui, pedir por ordenanza
elecciones especiales que se Ilevaran a cabo el primer lunes de diciembre del 1931, en
el que se puede presentar enmiendas al estatuto. Siempre y cuando, que si una
peticion para dichas elecciones esta firmada por no menos de 500 votantes calificados
de Ia ciudad y sera presentada a no menos de 30 dias antes de esto, el concejo de la
ciudad estara obligado a Ilamar dichas elecciones. En dichas elecciones especiales el
concejo de la ciudad podra presentar otras preguntas que a su juicio deben ser
determinados por el pueblo. En anos siguientes, elecciones especiales para enmendar
el estatuto podran ser convocadas por el concejo de la ciudad o por peticion de no
menos de 500 votantes calificados.
ARTICULO XIV
Agenda
Seccion 1.
Al tener efecto el estatuto todos los titulos, derechos e intereses de la corporacion
antigua y de cualquier y toda propiedad, real o personal, de todo tipo o caracter, debera
conferir y ser propiedad de la corporacion creada por este estatuto.
Seccion 2.
Al tener efecto este estatuto, todas las ordenanzas y resoluciones vigentes y no
contradictorio de acuerdo con lo siguiente, permaneceran en vigencia hasta que sean
enmendadas o derogadas o hasta que expiran por limitacion. Todos los derechos y las
obligaciones a favor o en contra de la ciudad existente en el momento de que este
estatuto tenga efecto seguiran sin modificaciones. Todas las calles y otras mejoras; las
desocupaciones de las calles publicas, callejones o lugares, las evaluaciones de las
mejoras; las demandas y las acciones en los tribunales, las multas, sanciones y
perdidas y cualquier otra cuestion relacionada con la ciudad que puede haber sido
iniciado y no terminado, debera realizarse de acuerdo con Ia ley y las ordenanzas
existentes antes de que tenga efecto este estatuto, y todos los impuestos y los avaluos
tributarios y pendientes de pago cuando tenga efecto este estatuto deberan ser
recaudados conforme a la ley existente y en efecto en el momento que fueron
impuestos.
Seccion 3.
Pagina 18 de 26
En las elecciones que se Ilevaran a cabo con el proposito de adoptar o rechazar este
estatuto, incluso, los articulos enumerados del I a XIV, se presentaran en la boleta
;como un estatuto completo y se incluiran en Ia votacion "por el estatuto" y "contra el
estatuto", y en caso de que Ia mayoria de los votos emitidos sean "por el estatuto"
dicho estatuto sera adoptado.
ARTICULO XV
Hospital de emergencia de la ciudad
La ciudad tendra el poder y la autoridad de proveer el establecimiento,
;mantenimiento y la operacion de un hospital de emergencia, ya sea en relacion con el
condado de Yakima, o por separado, y el concejo de Ia ciudad de dicha ciudad, puede
en lugar del mismo, nombrar un hospital existente dentro de los limites de la ciudad
como un hospital de emergencia de la ciudad, y proveer por ordenanza el tratamiento
de los pacientes de accidentes de emergencia aqui, a expensas de la ciudad de
Yakima.
Como fue adoptado por voto del pueblo el 5 de diciembre del 1936.
ARTICULO XVI
Administracion publica
Seccion 1.
El objetivo general de esta enmienda al estatuto es establecer para la ciudad de
Yakima un sistema de administracion de personal basado en principios de merito y
gobernado por nombramiento, ascenso, traslado, despido, destitucion, disciplina y
;bienestar de sus empleados, y otros incidentes de empleo de la ciudad.
;Seccion 2.
Los siguientes terminos, cuando se utilicen en este articulo, se deben interpretar de
,la siguiente manera:
(a) "Comision" significa la comision de administracion publica creado por este
estatuto, y "comisionado" significa cualquiera de los tres miembros de dicha comision.
(b) "El poder de nombrar" significa el poder de nombrar de un funcionario o persona,
;junta o comite que tiene el poder de hacer designaciones para empleo en la
administracion publica de la ciudad.
(c) "Designacion" incluye todos los medios de seleccion, nombramiento, o empleo de
toda persona en cualquier oficina, lugar, posicion o empleo en la administracion
publica.
(d) "Ciudad" significa la ciudad de Yakima, Washington.
(e) "Empleados" significan todas las personas empleadas regularmente por la ciudad
de Yakima, Washington, ya sea de tiempo parcial o tiempo completo con la excepcion
;de las personas mencionadas en la seccion 6.
Seccion 3.
Pagina 19 de 26
Se creera una comision de la ciudad de la administracion publica que sera
compuesta de tres personas. Los comisionados seran nombrados por el concejo de la
ciudad de Ia siguiente manera:
(a) Un miembro sera designado por el concejo de la ciudad.
(b) El segundo miembro sera designado por el concejo de Ia ciudad a partir de una
lista de tres nombres presentados al concejo elegido por un referendum de empleados
de Ia ciudad, excluyendo a la policia y los bomberos. La oficinista de la ciudad Ilevara a
cabo el referendum y formulary las normas y reglamentos apropiados para dicho
referendum.
(c) El tercero sera designado por el concejo de Ia ciudad a partir de una lista de tres
nombres presentados al concejo por parte de los otros dos comisionados de la
administracion publica.
(d) El mandato de los comisionados sera de seis arms o hasta que un sucesor sea
elegido y calificado, salvo que los tres primeros miembros de Ia comision sean
nombrados en diferentes tiempos de la siguiente manera: La persona nombrada de la
lista de los empleados del referendum ejercera sus funciones por un periodo de seis
anos, la persona nombrada sin restricciones geograficas como es indicado en el
articulo (a) servira un periodo de cuatro anos, y la tercer persona nombrada servira un
periodo de dos anos. Todos los comisionados deben ser votantes registrados en el
condado de Yakima. Cualquier miembro de la comision puede ser despedido de su
cargo por incompetencia, incompatibilidad o incumplimiento de deberes, o un acto
ilegal de oficina, o cualquier otra buena razon, siempre y cuando que ningun miembro
de la comision sea despedido hasta que los cargos sean sometidos, por escrito, con
debida consideracion y una audiencia completa ante el concejo de la ciudad. Un puesto
vacante en Ia comision sera desempenado de la misma manera en la cual fue
seleccionado el comisionado previamente en ese puesto. Dos miembros de Ia comision
constituira un quorum y los votos de dos miembros concurrentes seran suficientes para
la resolucion de todos los asuntos y Ia operacion de los asuntos que se decidira por la
comision. Ningun miembro de la comision de administracion publica debera participar
en la politica activa partidaria o no partidaria ni ocupar un cargo publico asalariado o
participar en un trabajo de Ia ciudad, excepto los deberes de su comision. Los
miembros de Ia comision desempenaran sus funciones sin compensacion.
Seccion 4.
Inmediatamente despues del nombramiento, la comision se organizara eligiendo uno
de sus miembros a presidente y se reunira regularmente al menos una vez al mes, y
para todas las reuniones adicionales que sean necesarias para el desempeno
adecuado de sus funciones. Todas las reuniones de la comision seran disponibles al
publico.
Se designara un director administrativo que tambien actuary como secretario de la
comision, y tales asistentes como sea necesario. El director administrativo conservara
los registros de la comision, mantendra todos los reportes que reciba, supervisara y
mantendra un registro de todos los examenes realizados bajo su direccion y Ilevara a
cabo sus funciones, tales como determine la comision.
El director administrativo sera designado como resultado de un concurso por
oposicion, que tal concurso puede ser original y disponible a todas personas
debidamente calificadas, o de promocion y con limitacion a personas que ya estan al
servicio de la ciudad de Yakima, Washington. El director administrativo estara sujeto a
Pagina 20 de 26
la suspension, reduccion, o Ia descarga de la misma manera y con sujecion a las
mismas Iimitaciones que se proporcionan en el caso de los miembros del servicio
clasificado.
El director administrativo definira un plan de clasificacion y salarios con
descripciones de los puestos que proporcione igual tabajo, igual salario con la
cooperacion y aprobacion de la comision de administracion publica que se presentara
,por ordenanza al concejo de la ciudad para su aprobacion.
Seccion 5.
El deber de Ia comision de Ia administracion publica sera:
(a) Hacer normas y reglas adecuadas y no contradictorio con las disposiciones del
presente. Las normas y reglas estableceran con detalle la manera en que los
examenes se Ilevaran a cabo, y los nombramientos, ascensos, traslados, restituciones,
descensos de categoria, suspensiones, y despedidas ocurriran, y podran establecer
cualquier otra cuestion relacionada con el tema en general del personal de
administracion, y que se considere favorable para Ilevar a cabo las intenciones en
;general de este articulo, o que sea en el interes de buen administracion del personal.
Las normas y reglas y cualquier enmienda deberan ser imprimidas, mimeografiadas o
,,multigrafiadas para su distribucion publica y gratuita. Dichas normas y reglas se pueden
cambiar de vez en cuando. Antes de Ia adopcion de nuevas normas o cambios en las
normas vigentes todo partido interesado tendra la oportunidad de expresar sus
opiniones sobre las propuestas en las reuniones regulares publicas de la comision.
(b) Dar examenes practicos que solamente consistan de los temas que
determinaran con imparcialidad la capacidad de las personas examinadas para
desempenar los cargos del puesto en que el nombramiento se hara. Estos examenes
pueden incluir pruebas de aptitud fisica o habilidad manual o ambos.
(c) Realizar investigaciones e informar sobre todos los asuntos relativos al
cumplimiento y el efecto de las disposiciones de este articulo, y las normas y reglas
;establecidos en este documento; para inspeccionar todos los departamentos, oficinas,
lugares, puestos y empleos afectados por este articulo, y determinar si este articulo y
todas las normas y reglas estan siendo obedecidos. Estas investigaciones pueden ser
realizadas por la comision o cualquier comisionado designado por la comision a tal
efecto. No solo deben ser estas investigaciones realizadas por Ia comision como se ha
dicho, pero la comision tiene el deber de realizar una investigacion al presentarse una
peticion por algun ciudadano, debidamente comprobada, indicando que existen
irregularidades o abusos, y exponer en palabras concisas, por escrito, la necesidad por
dicha investigacion. En el desempeno de dicha investigacion la comision, el presidente
o el director adminstrativo cuando sean autorizados por Ia mayoria de votos de la
,comision, podran emitir citaciones para obligar Ia asistencia en un lugar como sea
designado en esta ciudad de los testigos y Ia produccion de libros y documentos
pertinentes a toda investigacion o pregunta autorizada por este articulo, o podra tomar
las declaraciones de los testigos. Citaciones tambien se presentaran a peticion de los
partidos en los tramites legales aparte de la comision y el presidente. La comision o
algun miembro del mismo, o el examinador principal, con la autorizacion de la comision,
podran tomar juramentos y recibir testimonios. La comision o todo miembro de este, o
el director administrativo, cuando autorizado por la Ia comision podra administrar
tjuramentos y Ilevar a cabo declaraciones. La comision o el director adminstrativo
Pagina 21 de 26
podran revisar los archivos publicos como sea requerido en relacion con todo asunto en
el que tengan autoridad para investigar.
(d) Llevar a cabo audiencias e investigaciones conforme con este articulo y por las
normas de la practica y el procedimiento adoptado por la comision, y en el
comportamiento de este ni Ia comision ni el comisionado designado deberan estar
vinculados por las normas tecnicas de las pruebas. Ninguna informalidad en algun
procedimiento o audiencia, o en la forma de tomar testimonio ante la comision o el
comisionado designado, anulara la orden, decision, norma o reglamento dictado, o
confirmado por Ia comision; siempre y cuando que ninguna orden, decision, norma o
reglamento realizado por el comisionado designado Ilevando a cabo toda audiencia o
investigacion sera Ia unica en efecto y vigente a menos que y hasta que este de
acuerdo por lo menos de uno de los dos miembros.
(e) Escuchar y determinar las apelaciones o quejas respectando la asignacion de
los puestos, el rechazo de un candidato, y otros asuntos remitidos a la comision.
(0 Mantener, formular y Ilevar a cabo examenes competetivos para determinar las
calificaciones de las personas que buscan empleo en todo clase o puesto y como
consecuencia de esto establecer elegibles listas para las diversas categorias de
puestos, y proveer que las personas despedidas por reduccion de gastos, reduccion de
personal, y por causas similares, sean primeros en la lista por orden de su antiguedad,
a fin de que ellos sean los primeros que sean empleados de nuevo.
(g) Certificar a la autoridad nominadora, cuando sea necesario desempenar un
puesto vacante, a solicitud por escrito, los nombres de las tres personas mas elegibles
en Ia lista para Ia categoria. De las tres personas certificadas cualquier puede ser
nominada. Si no existe una lista, para autorizar una designacion provisional o temporal
para tal categoria. Dicho nombramiento(s) provisional o temporal no continuaran por
mas de cinco meses de algun ano fiscal.
(h) Mantener dichos registros como sea necesario para Ia administraction
apropiada de este articulo.
Como fue enmendado por voto del pueblo el 8 de noviembre del 1983.
Seccion 6.
La administracion publica y las disposiciones clasificadas en este articulo seran
aplicables y incluiran todos los empleados de la ciudad, menos los siguientes:
(a) Funcionarios elegidos por el pueblo y las personas nombradas para desempenar
los cargos electivos vacantes;
(b) Los miembros de las juntas y comisiones y el administrador de la ciudad;
(c) Los empleados bajo la cobertura de Ia administracion publica dentro de los
departamentos de policia y bomberos,
(d) Todos los jefes de los departamentos, una secretaria confidencial y un asistente
administrativo para el administrador de la ciudad;
(e) Los jueces, el abogado de la ciudad y todos los abogados asistentes de la ciudad;
(0 Las personas empleadas de una capacidad profesional o cientifico para Ilevar a
cabo una investigacion temporal y especial, o un examen en nombre del concejo de la
ciudad o una comision del mismo, o por Ia autoridad del administrador de Ia ciudad.
Seccion 7.
Todas las designaciones y ascensos a cargos clasificados en Ia administracion
publica de la ciudad de Yakima se efectuaran exclusivamente en el merito, la eficiencia
Pagina 22 de 26
y la capacidad, que se determinara mediante un concurso de meritos y una
linvestigacion imparcial. Ninguna persona clasificada en la administracion publics sera
Ireintegrada o transferida, suspendida o despedida de cualquier lugar, puesto, o trabajo
al contrario de las disposiciones de este articulo.
;Seccion 8.
Para el beneficio del servicio publico y para evitar retrasos, lesiones, o Ia interrupcion
;aqui debido a la promulgacion del presente, todas las personas que ocupan un puesto
;que se considera clasificado en Ia seccion 6 por un periodo continuo de seis meses
,antes de Ia fecha efectiva de este articulo, y actualmente empleados, son elegibles
,para una designacion permanente de acuerdo con la administracion publica a los
cargos, lugares, puestos o trabajo que ocupan sin examen u otro acto de su parte, y
que no esten en un periodo de prueba, y cada persona es automaticamente aprobada y
admitida de forma permanente en Ia administracion publica, al cargo, lugar, puesto o
!empleo que se ocupo como completo y con eficaz a efectos practicos, como si esa
'persona habia sido nombrado de forma permanente a la administracion publica,
despues de un examen y investigacion.
Seccion 9.
La ocupacion de toda persona que tenga una oficina, lugar, puesto o empleo bajo las
disposiciones de este articulo sera solamente mientras mantengan buena conducta, y
,toda persona podra ser despedida o suspendida sin pago, bajada de categoria o
bajada en rango, por cualquiera de las siguientes razones:
(a) Incompetencia, ineficiencia, falta de atencion a, o negligencia en el
cumplimiento del deber;
(b) La falta de honradez, la intemperancia, Ia conducta inmoral, la insubordinacion,
!el trato inadecuado del publico, o de un compariero de trabajo, o cualquier otro acto u
omision que pueda danar el servicio publico; o algin otro malintencionado por parte del
empleado para comportarse adecuado, o alguna violacion malintencionada de las
disposiciones de este articulo o de las normas y reglas que sean adoptadas a
continuacion;
(c) Incapacidad mental o fisica de la posicion que el empleado tiene;
(d) Deshonesto, vergonzoso o conducta perjudicial;
(e) La embriaguez o el uso de bebidas embriagantes, estupefacientes, o algin otra
droga, liquido, o preparacion que crea dependencia a tal punto que su uso interfiere
con Ia eficiencia o aptitud fisica o mental del empleado o que prohibe que el empleado
cumpla debidamente Ia funcion y los deberes de toda posicion en la administracion
publica;
(f) La condena por un delito grave o delito menos grave que implique conducta
;inmoral;
(g) Todo acto u omision de acto que a juicio de la comision de la administracion
(publica sea suficiente para demostrar al infractor como una persona no adecuado y no
apropiado para ser empleado en Ia administracion publica.
1Seccion 10.
Ninguna persona clasificada en Ia administracion publica que ha sido designada de
,forma permanente o admitida en la administracion publica bajo las disposiciones de
,este articulo, sera despedida, suspendida o bajada de categoria, menos cuando haya
Pagina 23 de 26
razon para hacerlo, y solo cuando haya una declaracion por escrito de la persona con
el poder de nombramiento o algun ciudadano o contribuyente; una declaracion por
escrito de tal acusacion que, en terminos generales, se le notificara al acusado, y sera
presentado ante la comision. Toda persona que sea despedida, suspendida o bajada
de categoria tendra un plazo de diez dias desde el momento de su despedida,
suspension o destitucion, para presentar una peticion escrita a Ia comision para una
investigacion, lo cual la comision Ilevara a cabo. La investigacion se limitara a la
determinacion de si la despedida, suspension o destitucion de dicha persona fue por
motivo de buena fe. Despues de dicha investigacion Ia comision podra confirmar Ia
despedida, o si se considera que Ia despedida, suspension o destitucion no fue por
motivo de buena fe, inmediatamente ordenar Ia restitucion o empleo de dicha persona
en la oficina, lugar, puesto, o empleo del que fue despedido, suspendido o bajado de
categoria, y dicha restitucion, si Ia comision lo pide retroactivo, autorizara a Ia persona
sus ingresos y compensacion desde el momento de su despido, suspension o
destitucion. En lugar de declarar la despedida, la comision referente a la investigacion
puede modificar el orden dirigiendo una suspension sin pago, por un periodo
determinado, y la posterioridad de la restauracion al empleo, o descenso de categoria
en la clasificacion, nivel, o pago. Las conclusiones de la comision seran certificadas por
escrito por el poder de nombramiento, y seran inmediatamente aplicadas a dicho
funcionario.
Todas investigaciones realizadas por la comision conforme a esta seccion se Ilevaran
acabo por audiencia publica, despues de suficiente notificacion al inculpado del tiempo
y lugar, en Ia cual el acusado tendra la oportunidad de aparecer en persona y con un
abogado, y presentar su defensa. Las disposiciones de citacion de la seccion 5 de este
articulo se aplicaran a todas las audiencias. Si Ia orden de expulsion, suspension o
descenso de categoria es de acuerdo con Ia comision o la mayoria del mismo, el
acusado puede apelar de este al tribunal superior del condado en donde vive. La
apelacion sera adoptada al presentarle a la comision, dentro de los treinta dias
despues de la admision de Ia orden, una apelacion por escrito, declarando las razones
del mismo, y exigiendo que una transcripcion certificada del archivo y de todos los
documentos existentes de Ia oficina de la comision que afectan o se relacione con la
orden, sea presentada por Ia comision ante el tribunal. La comision debera, en un plazo
de diez dias despues de la presentacion de Ia notificacion, desempenar, certificar, y
archivar dicha transcripcion con el tribunal. Inmediatamente despues el tribunal
procedera para determinar y escuchar Ia apelacion de una forma sucinta. Dicha
audiencia se limitara a la determinacion de si la orden de expulsion, suspension o
destitucion de la comision, fue o no fue por motivo de buena fe, y ninguna apelacion se
Ilevara a cabo excepto por dicha determinacion. La decision del tribunal superior se
puede apelar ante Ia Corte Suprema.
Seccion 11.
Cuando un puesto clasificado en Ia administracion publica surga vacante, la persona
con el poder de nombramiento, si desea desempenar el puesto, le pedira a Ia comision
los nombres y las direcciones de las personas elegibles para el nombramiento. La
comision certificar los nombres de las tres personas mas elegibles en la lista para la
categoria a la que el puesto vacante ha sido asignado, y que esten dispuestos a
aceptar empleo. En caso de que haya mas de una vacante en una categoria particular
un nombre adicional se certificara para cada vacante adicional. Si no existe una lista
Pagina 24 de 26
elegible que es apropiada para la categoria, la comision certificara los nombres de tres
personas mas elegibles de una lista apropiada para dicha categoria. La persona con el
ipoder de nombramiento inmediatamente debera hacer su designacion al puesto
vacante de la lista certificada de personas.
Para permitir que la persona con el poder de nombramiento ejerce una opcion del
,desempeno del puesto, ningun nombramiento, empleo, o ascenso de algun puesto en
;el servicio clasificado se considerara completo hasta despues de la expiracion de un
plazo de seis meses, periodo de prueba, como se detallen en las normas de la
comision de la administracion publica, durante el cual la persona con el poder de
nombramiento podra terminar el empleo de la persona certificada, si durante el examen
de rendimiento ofrecido, por observacion o consideracion del cumplimiento del deber, la
persona con el poder de nombramiento lo considera no capacitado o insatisfactorio
;para un empleo con la ciudad de Yakima. Entonces Ia persona con el poder de
,nombramiento seleccionara una de las siguientes tres personas certificadas en dicha
!lista y dicha persona tambien entrara a dichos cargos para el periodo de prueba, hasta
.que encuentren alguna persona capacitada para el nombramiento, empleo, o ascenso
por lo cual el nombramiento, empleo, o ascenso se considerara completa.
Seccion 12.
Todas oficinas, lugares, puestos y empleos dentro del alcance de este articulo se
designaran por la persona con el poder de nombramiento, nada contenido aqui debera
;infringer con la autoridad que el concejo de la ciudad tiene para fijar los sueldos y la
compensacion de todos los empleados en este articulo.
'Seccion 13.
Ningun tesorero, secretario u otro funcionario o empleado de la ciudad sujeto a este
articulo aprobara el pago de, o estara de alguna manera preocupado en el pago de, Ia
,auditoria, o la aprobacion de algun sueldo, salario u otra compensacion por servicios, a
toda persona sujeta a la jurisdiccion y alcance de este articulo, al menos que una
nomina, presupuesto, o cuenta por dicho sueldo, salario u otra compensacion, que
tenga los nombres de las personas a quien se les pagara, la cantidad, y cualquier otra
informacion que, en la opinion de la comision de la administracion publica, debe ser
presentada en dicha nomina, contiene el certificado de la comision de la administracion
publica, o de su director administrativo u otro agente debidamente autorizado, que las
personas nombradas aqui hayan sido designadas o empleadas en conformidad con los
?terminos de este articulo y las reglas de la comision, y que la nomina, presupuesto, o Ia
cuenta es, por lo que es conocido por la comision, una declaracion verdadera y exacta.
La comision podra negarse a certificar el pago de todo funcionario o empleado publico
a quien se le descubre que fue designado ilegalmente o irregularmente y, ademas,
puede negarse a certificar el pago de todo funcionario o empleado publico que,
intencionadamente o por negligencia culpable, no cumple con o desobedece este
articulo o las reglas de la comision.
Seccion 14.
La comision comenzara y Ilevara a cabo todas las acciones judiciales que podran ser
necesarios para la aplicacion apropriada de este articulo y las normas de la comision.
La comision sera representada en tales acciones judiciales por el abogado de la
ciudad.
Pagina 25 de 26
Seccion 15.
No sera rechazado el derecho de cualquier persona a una designacion o ascenso o
para cualquier puesto del servicio clasificado de la ciudad por su raza, color, religion,
origen nacional, afiliacion politica o creencia, ni sera despedido, bajado de categoria,
transferido o bajado de rango portal razon.
Seccion 16.
Ningun funcionario publico, ya sea electo o designado, debera descargar, ascensar,
bajar de categoria, o de cualquiermanera cambiar el rango oficial, el empleo, o la
compensacion de cualquier persona bajo la administracion publica o prometer o
amenazar de hacerlo por regalar o negar una contribucion de dinero o servicios, o
cualquier cosa valiosa, para cualquier proposito politico.
Seccion 17.
Todos los funcionarios y empleados de la ciudad ayudaran Ilevar a cabo las
disposiciones de este articulo por todos medios posibles, y tales normas y reglas que
puedan, de vez en cuando, ser dictados por la comision y proveer a la comision, sus
miembros y empleados, suficientes facilidades y asistencia en Ia inspeccion de los
libros, papeles, documentos y cuentas que tengan relacion con o que apliquen de
cualquier manera con todas las oficinas, lugares, puestos y empleos, sujeto a Ia
administracion publica, y tambien deberan presentar dichos libros, papeles,
documentos y cuentas, y atender y presentar una declaracion, siempre y cuando sea
necesario para hacerlo por Ia comision o cualquier comisionado.
Seccion 18.
Cada alio fiscal el concejo de la ciudad proveera en el presupuesto de la ciudad una
suma igual a la mitad del uno por ciento de la nomina total del alio anterior para
aquellos incluidos en el alcance de este articulo. Los fondos deberan ser suministrados
para el apoyo de la comision. El concejo de la ciudad podra proveer fondos adicionales
para tal proposito; aquellos fondos suministrados que no se hayan gastado se
colocaran en la cuenta de gastos actual el primer dia de enero despues de que se haya
terminado dicho alio fiscal.
Seccion 19.
Este articulo debera ser vigilente y efecto al inicio y despues del primer lunes de junio
del 1959.
Seccion 20.
Si alguna seccion, oracion, clausula o frase de este articulo debe ser considerada
invalida o inconstitucional, la validez y Ia constitucionalidad de Ia misma no afectaran a
la validez y la constitucionalidad de cualquier otra seccion, oracion, clausula o frase de
este articulo.
Como fue aprobado por voto del pueblo el 10 de marzo del 1959. Fecha de vigencia 1
de junio del 1959.
Pagina 26 de 26