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Home My WebLink About04/21/1993 Adjourned Meeting 238 CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON APRIL 21, 1993 ADJOURNED MEETING The City Council met in session on this date at 7:00 a.m. in The Council Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington for informal discussion. Council Members present were Mayor Pat Berndt, presiding, Bernard Sims, and William Brado (present after 7:45 a.m.). Council Members Clarence Barnett, Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Buchanan, and Skip Semon absent and excused. Staff members present were City Manager Zais, Assistant City Manager Rice,.Glenn Valenzuela, Director of Community & Economic Development, •Don•Skone, Planning Manager, Bob Shampine, Code Administration Manager, Dixie Kracht, Block Grant Manager, Wendy Warren, Cable Communications Manager, Irene Gutierrez, Rebound Administrator, Jack Lovell, Code Administration, James (J.R.) Robinson, Code Administration, Leonard W. Hall, Code Administration, Joan Davenport, Planning; Judy Arington, Community & Economic Development; Mike Gaudette, Code Administration; Hank Buys, Code Administration; Charles Nash, Code Administration; Carolyn Carver, Cpde Administration; Sandy Toney, Code Administration; Spring Wathen, Code Administration; Donna Reyes, Housing Service Center; Jan Matthews, Housing Service Center; and Jerry Robertson, City Hall Maintenance. COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT Glenn Valenzuela commented about his first 60 days as Director and provided a brief summary of his report that outlines the Code Administration, Rebound Plus Program, Yakima Community Television, Housing Services Center, and the Planning Division. Code Administration Division Bob Shampine introduced his staff and commended them on the fine job they're doing. Mr. Shampine described the division's development and implementation of the new computer system. Mr. Shampine explained his emphasis on training and commented about cross training and career development tools. There was discussion regarding the two new fire inspectors who will be hired in the near future and how fire code inspections will be implemented. Requirements regarding fire and theft monitoring devices, the availability of national teleconferencing training, and radon kits were also topics of discussion. Mayor Berndt commented about the good relationship the Code Enforcement Division has with the home builders and construction industry. City Manager Zais suggested that a letter be sent to all affected businesses announcing the commencement of the formal fire inspection program. Rebound Plus Program Irene Guiterrez reported, during the first quarter of 1993, the Rebound staff is monitoring and reinspecting properties placed on • 239 APRIL 21, 1993 — ADJOURNED MEETING inactive status since the inception of-the program. This category includes properties referred to Rebound as nuisances, health hazards, or fire hazards which, after inspection, did not require immediate attention. These properties will be reinspected as time permits to determine if further deterioration requires action, or I/ if the property has been maintained properly. Rebound is continuing the block -by- block, neighborhood cleanup efforts. Three major cleanups were completed in 1992, and two smaller ones were completed in March 1993. Ms. Guiterrez presented a, photo album containing pictures of neighborhood cleanup projects and described community participation. There was discussion concerning community involvement through education, networking, and participation with other agencies thereby enabling staff to promote the program and comply with its federal requirements. Ms. Guiterrez introduced her staff and commended them on a job well done. Due to the shrinking amount, of funding, Mayor Berndt commented about the need to find a funding source for this program, if this program is determined to continue. Yakima Community Television Outlining the division's accomplishments, goals and objectives, Wendy Warren shared the philosophy of YCTV. Public cable access television includes a training and teaching facility which provide opportunities for the people to express themselves through television. Ms. Warren commented about FCC rate regulations and will be attending a workshop concerning this topic in the very near future. Randy Beehler is the new Municipal Producer. He has several public affairs programs including a monthly call -in show on growth management issues, a regular conversation with 4th District Congressman Jay Inslee, and coverage of community forums and news conferences. He is developing plans for more programs and is working toward a full day's worth of public affairs programming to be scheduled weekly. There will be repeat telecasts of Council meetings on Saturdays. Council Member Sims suggested that a program be developed, similar to one recently done on the Police Department, showing how the City interacts with the community. A lot of people don't understand how much volunteer effort there is donated to the City. When the community gets involved, problems get solved. Ms. Warren commented that they are trying to develop a team of citizen volunteers specifically to work on these types of programs. - Ms. Warren provided information about cable regulation, including a franchise renewal update, and its effects on the public. She described overlaps of technology, including a broad I/ ban network which, over cable, delivers information, access to computers, and voice communication. Another area includes a broad base cable system, where everyone can have a fire alarm in their office. The FCC is considering cable rates, and there are new rules about obscene and indecent programming. Housing Services Center Dixie Kracht introduced her staff and briefly described their duties. She explained the philosophy of the division, as well as describing its involvement in the various programs, particularly 2 240 APRIL 21, 1993 -- ADJOURNED MEETING the Hope III Home Ownership program. City Manager Zais provided an update pertaining to what would have been a healthy improvement of funding for CDB programs; however; the economic stimulus package that the federal government was originally- considering, will not happen. Ms. Kracht also commented about the division's participation in graffiti removal and the mural painting project recently undertaken. Plannina Division Glenn Valenzuela emphasized the importance of the Planning Division, the most visible division in the department, and their commitment to excellence. Don Skone introduced staff and briefly outlined their tasks. He commented about housing development standards and the long range planning needed to provide for the changes that will happen due to growth, as well as the community's reaction to those changes. Mr. Skone explained they will develop a time table outlining urban growth area alternatives, including information about expected completion and resources that will be used. Glenn Valenzuela requested that the Council Economic Development Committee be expanded to include a Chamber member and YCDA board member to evaluate issues and make recommendations. He also requested the opportunity for growth management element update discussion during one Council meeting each month. It will also provide citizens an opportunity to input their ideas concerning growth management. Mr. Valenzuela requested that Council appoint a committee, chaired by a Council member, to review the planning permit process. This committee (which will meet no longer than six months) will be asked to review the current process and recommend any changes necessary to expedite the process. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 a.m. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: 11 ‘_.A.■ ♦` ` _ r`s // �6 COUNCIL MEMBER DATE •-4 C/ COUNCIL MEMB DATE ATTEST: >< c1-/ CITY CLERK MAYOR MINUTES PREPARED BY DEPUTY CITY CLERK SKOVALD. 3