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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/05/2010 Business Meeting 337 YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING OCTOBER 5, 2010 COUNCIL CHAMBERS, YAKIMA CITY HALL 6:00 P.M. — BUSINESS MEETING 1. Roil Cali Present: Council: Mayor Micah Cawley, presiding, Assistant Mayor Kathy Coffey, Council Members Dave Edler, Rick Ensey, Dave Ettl and Bill Lover Staff: City Manager Zais, City Attorney Cutter and City Clerk Kloster Absent: Council Member Adkison 2. Invocation /Pledge of Allegiance Council Member Ettl gave an invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Open Discussion for the Good of the Order A. Proclamations - None B. Presentations /recognitions /introductions - None C. Status reports on prior meeting's citizen service requests - None D. Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Council Committees It was the consensus of Council to have Dave Ettl take Bill Lover's position on the GFI Committee. 4. Consent Agenda Mayor Cawley advised that correspondence had been received asking for a postponement of Item No. 7, the Public Hearing on the Barge Chestnut Neighborhood District. City Manager Zais explained that the proponents had asked for more time and a date for a study session with Council on the subject. EDLER MOVED AND COFFEY SECONDED TO DO SO. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Adkison absent. Mayor Cawley referred to the items placed on the Consent Agenda, questioning whether there were any additions or deletions from either Council members or citizens present. Items number 4B and 15 were added to the consent agenda. The City Clerk read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and ordinances by title. COFFEY MOVED AND ENSEY SECONDED TO ADOPT THE CONSENT AGENDA AS READ. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk ( *) indicate items on the Consent Agenda handled under one motion without further discussion.) *A. Consideration of approval of City Council Meeting Minutes 1. Special Business Meeting — September 9, 2010 2. Regular Business Meeting — September 21, 2010 The minutes of the September 9, 2010 Special Business meeting and the September 21, 2010 Regular Business meeting were approved, having been duly certified accurate by two Council members and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly. 338 OCTOBER 5, 2010 *B. Consideration of approval of Council Committee Meeting Minutes • Rules and Procedures Committee — September 30, 2010 ➢ Committee recommendation that the full Council not conduct a public hearing regarding Initiative 1053, but offer Mr. Eyman the opportunity to present information about Initiative 1053 during Audience Participation at the October 19 Council business meeting. 5. Audience Participation Jim Evans, 4405 Summitview, asked whether his previous question about property assessments within the City of Yakima had been researched. He acknowledged that Mr. Zais had advised that property taxes are handled through the County, not the City. He complained about raising the utility taxes, City staff, new equipment, and the City's quality of work. Robbie Byrne, 109 Shamrock Drive West, spoke about the newspaper article on a potential utility tax hike. She said she must look to Council and the City Manager to manage the budget and not raise taxes. Candie Turner, 7800 West Mead, supports the utility tax increase if it is necessary to maintain firemen and police officers. Randall Leofsky, 2606 Barge Street, spoke about the Barge /Chestnut Historical Preservation District guidelines. He said that when creating the district people are asked to sign away their property rights; it is like signing a contract with the terms being the ordinance and guidelines. He wants to be assured that everyone knows what they are signing and requested a delay as he doesn't think the community is ready. Ann Knapp , 2606 Barge Street, read a letter into the record submitted by AJ & Shannon Heckert, 112 N 27 Avenue, objecting to the design guidelines. She also expressed her thoughts that the hearing needs to be postponed, analyzed, and the facts need to be obtained through a public process. Lynn Harden, 913 Pleasant Avenue, spoke about the budget and gave advice on why people are resistant to new taxes. He said they don't feel the government treats them fairly and credibly. He had other comments regarding the .3% sales tax and how some of the cities did not spend it properly, the need for more police and fire personnel, the inappropriateness of the crime analyst position, the ladder truck for the Fire Department, and the fact that police cars are being taken home. Todd Curtis, 7907 Englewood Crest Drive, claimed that the first priority of government is not to overly burden the taxpayer. He commented that he appreciates Council's courage and dedication. 7:00 P.M. — PUBLIC HEARINGS 6. Closed Record public hearing to consider the preliminary plat of Mountain View Estates Joseph Calhoun, Assistant Planner, said the public hearing covers a 20 -lot preliminary subdivision in the vicinity of Chestnut and South 67 Avenues. It is zoned R -1 and the proposed land use is single family homes. The Hearing Examiner conducted an open record hearing on August 12 Staff recommends approval. • Mayor Cawley opened and closed the public hearing with no one coming forward to speak. 2 339 OCTOBER 5, 2010 COFFEY MOVED AND EDLER SECONDED TO ACCEPT THE HEARING EXAMINER'S RECOMMENDATION.AND DIRECT LEGAL TO PREPARE THE APPROPRIATE LEGISLATION. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote; Adkison absent. • - _ __ ___ - _ _ ! '_ Deferred CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS 8. Presentation of 2011 Preliminary General Government Budget Forecast and set date of public hearings for November 16, 2010 for: A. 2011 Ad Valorem Tax B. 2011 Proposed City of Yakima Budget City Manager Zais presented a budget in the amount of $189.7 million; 7.3% less than the 2010 amended budget. The general government portion of $56.8 million is balanced in accordance with the Priorities of Government, and is 5.2% less than the amended 2010 budget. Mr. Zais spoke about the reduction in revenues, and also confided that, in his 33 years of preparing budgets, at no point have the budget needs been so great and the City's ability to maintain basic services been so threatened. He stated we are not capable of sustaining current services; erosion and elimination of basic services is inevitable. He also stated that the City has established a consistent track record of living within their means. As the tax revenue has declined, the City has made responsible reductions in programs. From 2009 to mid -year 2010, the City has reduced it's spending by $5.6 million and eliminated over 30 full -time positions. Salaries have been frozen and furloughs implemented. He then spoke about the potential financial impacts if Initiative 1100 and 1105 pass (privatizing liquor sales and distribution, and eliminating liquor profits). Given the adverse impact of the budget reduction, City Manager Zais said he felt obligated to also submit a tax proposal for Council consideration to help mitigate some of the proposed reductions. He proposed the City Council consider approving an increase in the tax applied to city -owned wastewater, water, refuse and stormwater utilities as well as to private water and refuse services. He suggested the additional tax sunset in three years allowing for an opportunity to determine if the economy will recover or other spending reductions can be made. Should the proposed utility tax be adopted, the average household in Yakima will pay less than $5 more per month. The amount raised would be approximately $2.1 million. Even with this, approximately $1.5 million would still need to be reduced. City Manger Zais then reviewed the various charts depicting different aspects of the budget. He spoke about the Priorities of Government, the discontinuance of utilizing the reserves to balance the budget, the relative impact of sales tax reductions, and uncontrollable costs such as healthcare, fuel, utility costs, property and liability insurance, and impacts from the state. He detailed various departments and reduction tiers. Finance Director DeBord explained the budget process and the necessity of holding a minimum of two public hearings; one for the budget, one for the proposed property taxes. To follow tradition, she proposed both meetings be held Tuesday, November 3 340 OCTOBER 5, 2010 16`". In addition, she proposed the Council /department budget meetings be held every Tuesday beginning October 26, 2010 from 9 a.m. to noon. CAWLEY MOVED AND COFFEY SECONDED TO SET THE DATE OF NOVEMBER 16, 2010 FOR THE TWO REQUIRED HEARINGS. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Adkison absent. 9. Consideration of a Resolution authorizing execution of a professional services agreement and amendments to retain Magallan Consultancy as the Yakima Gang Free Initiative coordinator and planner Assistant City Manager Zabell gave background information on the Gang Free Initiative (GFI). The proposed contract will provide a dedicated professional to the GFI effort, working with staff, Council, and the steering committee. This is a professional services agreement, not an employee. Mike Merryman, GFI Director, said the key focus is on sustainability of this effort. The City Clerk read the resolution by title only; COFFEY MOVED AND EDLER SECONDED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION. Council Member Lover commented on the $75,000 that had been allocated to this issue for 2010 compared to the $90 per hour in the contract. He also stated he wasn't pleased with the matrix that was used suggesting the work product wasn't strong enough to demand that level of compensation. He would rather hire a full time local consultant. The motion carried by 5 -1 roll call vote; Lover voting no, Adkison absent. RESOLUTION NO. R- 2010 -113, A RESOLUTION authorizing The City Manager of the City of Yakima to execute all applicable contracts to hire Magallan Consultancy as the Yakima Gang Free Initiative Coordinator and Planner. *10. Consideration of a Resolution adopting Yakima Transit's proposed Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program RESOLUTION NO. R- 2010 -114, A RESOLUTION authorizing the filing of a resolution amending Resolution No. 2000 -33 for Yakima Transit's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program and its associated triennial goal with the Federal Transit Administration, an operating administration of the United States Department of Transportation, as authorized by 49 C.F.R. Parts 23 and 26, & United States Code Titles 23, 42, and 49 and directing staff to implement the program. *11. Consideration of a Resolution adopting Yakima Transit's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Program RESOLUTION NO. R- 2010 -115, A RESOLUTION authorizing the revision of Yakima Transit's Equal Employment Opportunity Program and authorizing the filing of the resolution with the Federal Transit Administration, an operating administration of the United States Department of Transportation, as authorized by 49 C.F.R. Parts 23 and 26, & United States Code Titles 23, 42, and 49 and directing staff to implement the program and to develop goals associated with the program. *12. Consideration of final contract payment for Fire Station #94 improvements (Standard Motion V -B — accept the project and approve the final payment) The report from Brockway Opfer Raab Architecture, dated August 27, 2010, with respect to the completion of the work on Fire Station #94 improvements, performed by Stephens & Sons Construction, was approved, the work accepted and payment of the final estimates as therein set forth was authorized. 4 .341 OCTOBER 5, 2010 *13. Set Date of public hearing for October 19, 2010 on the 2011 CDBG and HOME Annual Action Plan October 19, 2010 was set as the date of public hearing to consider the 2011 CDBG and HOME Annual Action Plan *14. Set Date of public hearings for November 2, 2010 for: A. 2010 Rezone and Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment Applications November 2, 2010 was set as the date of public hearing for the 2010 Rezone and Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment Applications B. 2010 Text Amendments to the 2025 Comprehensive Plan November 2, 2010 was set as the date of public hearing for the 2010 Text Amendments to the 2025 Comprehensive Plan ORDINANCES *15. Consideration of an Ordinance amending the Yakima Municipal Code by adding two new "youth commissioner" positions to the Parks and Recreation Commission ORDINANCE NO. 2010-40, AN ORDINANCE relating to the Park and Recreation Commission; adding two "Youth Commissioner" members to the Park and Recreation Commission, stating their ages for appointment, specifying a two -year term of service, and staggering specific initial term expiration dates for the initial Youth Commissioner appointees; requiring a majority of five members to pass motions regarding business of the Park and Recreation Commission; and amending Chapter 1.35 entitled "Park and Recreation Commission" of the City of Yakima Municipal Code, specifically Sections 1.35.010, 1.35.020, and 1.35.030. *16. Consideration of an Ordinance relating to public safety pertaining to crimes of a harassing nature ORDINANCE NO. 2010 -41, AN ORDINANCE relating to Public Safety; repealing certain sections of Chapter 6.45 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code for the purpose of adopting the equivalent and additional Revised Code of Washington statutes found within RCW Chapters 9A.46 and 9.61 pertaining to crimes of a harassing nature, including the crimes of cyberstalking and violation of restrictive orders, which can be issued in such cases. *17. Consideration of an Ordinance amending the Yakima Municipal Code to address updated parking meter technology in certain City -owned parking lots ORDINANCE NO. 2010 -42, AN ORDINANCE relating to Traffic; amending The City of Yakima Municipal Code Section 9.50.215 to address updated parking meter technology in certain City -owned parking lots. *18. Second reading of an Ordinance amending the 2010 budget and making an appropriation in the Economic Development budget and authorizing grant funding from SIED for North 1 Street corridor revitalization study services ORDINANCE NO. 2010 -43, AN ORDINANCE amending the 2010 budget for the City of Yakima; and making appropriations of $25,000 within the 123 - Economic Development Fund for expenditure during 2010 to conduct a North 1 Street corridor revitalization study. 5 342 OCTOBER 5, 2010 19. Other Business Council Member Edler initiated discussion on whether the City Council was interested in considering a utility tax increase or "killing" the idea now. Following Council comments, EDLER MOVED AND ENSEY SECONDED TO COMMUNICATE TO THE CITY MANAGER AS A COUNCIL THAT THEY ARE NOT INTERESTED IN ENTERTAINING A COUNCILMAN/C UTILITY TAX INCREASE. City Manager Zais advised that Council did have the option of referring the issue to the voters through a special or municipal election. He strongly suggested finding out what the people would say before making this decision. Following individual Council member comments, the motion carried by a 6 -0 roll call vote; Adkison absent. Council Member Coffey said that, although Council typically does not engage in conversation with citizen speakers during audience participation, she felt it was a disservice when a statement is made erroneously and we do not clarify it. She then corrected comments that had been made by Mr. Lynn Harden regarding 1) the City's stewardship of the .3% sales tax revenue, and 2) information regarding the Fire Department's ladder truck. Mayor Cawley concurred that Council may make a statement after someone is done speaking, but should not interrupt the speaker. Mayor Cawley referred to Item Number 15 and advised that applications for the two new youth positions on the Parks and Recreation Board are available in the City Clerk's office. 20. Adjournment EDLER MOVED AND ENSY SECONDED TO ADJOURN TO OCTOBER 12, 2010 AT 6 :00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS FOR A JOINT PUBLIC MEETING WITH YAKIMA COUNTY ON THE WEST VALLEY NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Adkison absent. The meeting adjourned at 8:26 p.m. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY TOTER DATE r 419 e 1PIP Ci CIL MEM':ER - I 1 DATE ATTEST: /^ «� ✓ l,ti CITY CL` RK MICAH CAWLE AYOR Minutes prepared by Linda Watkins. A CD and DVD of this meeting are available in the City Clerk's Office 6