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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/18/1993 Adjourned Meeting 265 CITY OF YAKIMA ADJOURNED MEETING MAY 18, 1993 The City Council met in session on this date at 7:00 A.M. in the City Manager's Conference Room at the Yakima City Hall, Yakima, Washington for an informal discussion regarding the Engineering . and Utilities Department. Council members present were Mayor Pat Berndt, Henry Beauchamp, Skip Semon and Bernard Sims. Staff members present were City Manager Zais, Dennis Covell, Director of Engineering and Utilities, Fred French, City Engineer, Chris Waarvick, Wastewater Superintendent, Ty Wick, Water and Irrigation Superintendent, and City Clerk Roberts. Mr. Covell stated the Engineering and Utilities Department is comprised of three divisions: Engineering, with a staffing of 14 people; Water /Irrigation, with a staffing of 28 people; and Wastewater (Sewer), with a staffing of 53 people. Engineering Division Fred French stated the Engineering Division provides support for City divisions for capital improvement projects (CIP) and other projects. The staff can be classified as four different groups: 1) construction; 2) design work; 3) development group; and 4) clerical support. He spoke about the four major projects and five mid -range projects underway. Council Member Beauchamp inquired about the accuracy of the railroad crossing equipment on Walnut Street. Mr. French replied that the equipment is Washington Central Railroad's responsibility. The North 1st Avenue project was discussed, particularly, the contractor's request to crush the concrete into aggregate at the job site and to use that material in their construction. Mr. French assured the Council that the concrete material will be tested to make sure it meets all the specifications. Another project underway is the Tieton Drive improvement project. Engineering is also assisting with the Transit Complex and Public Works Center bids. Budget -wise, City Manager Zais stated the Transit Transfer facility should come in under the revised budget, including property acquisition, since all properties were acquired without having to go through condemnation proceedings. Council Member Beauchamp inquired if that facility will have a public restroom. Mr. Zais stated it will not have public restrooms. Mr. Beauchamp disagreed with that I/ decision. Mr. Covell reviewed the status of the Public Works Complex, "D" Street signals, 48th /Nob Hill intersection improvements, and spoke about the competition for STP funds for several other projects. Mr. French gave Council an update on the design of the Development Standards. Input was solicited from the development industry; however, staff has not had time to complete that project. In the " MAY 18, 1993 - ADJOURNED MEETING meantime, staff is invoking the same standards for everyone who comes to Engineering. Mr. Zais stated that if a developer disagrees with a condition imposed by Engineering, the developer can appeal it to him. Mr. Covell suggested that development standards be discussed at a future study session. Council Member Beauchamp inquired about the ethnic diversity i the Engineering Division. Mr. French stated the Division has no hired too many new people outside the City organization and therefore, does not reflect a diversifid ethnic representation Mr. Beauchamp suggested that an effort, aside from the norm, ma have to be made in order to recruit minorities. Water Division Ty Wick stated the Water Divison has three endeavors: Water Plant, with six staff members; distribution sector responsible for installation of new meters and main repairs; and irrigation, with six staff members, who try to maintain the 65 irrigation systems. He told Council about a project working with the League of Women Voters, to inform the public about ground water problems. The new filter system has made a drastic improvement. When asked about the timing for a decision concerning the irrigation service, Mr. Wick estimated that sometime in 1994, after the judge rules on the water rights, the City will have to determine if the irrigation system should be abandonded or repaired. Mr. Wick stated the Division is working diligently on providing service to the "Railroad" area. The property owner will have to sign an Outside Utility Agreement and pay a water bill, but will not have to pay any connection charges. Wastewater (Sewer) Chris Waarvick stated he is trying to schedule a meeting with Bob Barwin, State Department of Ecology, at a Council meeting to discuss environmental issues. He asked Council if there are any particular issues they would like discussed. Mr. Semon stated he would like a copy of the legislation that was passed enabling these agencies to have all the power they exercise. Mr. Waarvick stated it is in what they consider their rule- making authority. Mr. Semon observed that as a regulatory agency, they only tell us what we can't do and not what we can do to solve a problem. Discussing economic development, Mr Waarvick commented he i working on long term planning for diversity, training, etc. stated the Personnel Office is not equipped to do that kind chore and it may not be appropriate to let them do it all. Ea . of the divisions have to intimately know the diversity o cultures. He stated he is trying to establish goals or performance objectives; however, he is continually running into apathy. He stated that the Civil Service Commission needs to be eliminated or modified since it affects our ability to manage our 2 MAY 18, 1993 >1 -. ADJOURNED MEETING 2 67 employees; how to hire and promote them, and what is expected of them. He described some of the City's training required of all employees, such as defensive driving, first aid, and substance abuse, all of which is done in- house. We need to keep ourselves current to serve the public. City Manager Zais stated a report is being developed that staff will present to Council at a later time. Mr. Waarvick stated that one thing that would be valuable when a new employee is hired, would be to give them a training roster spelling out what the training will be in the next three years and dealing with shift employees even complicates things further. Other discussion involved career ladders within the City, employee creativity, employee morale, inceased complexity of most City jobs, and the need for microfilming records and maps. The meeting adjourned at 9:15 a.m. 1 I ��� I� Ili,. AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: _ ' L ri Al. /� . Ai J • COUNCIL 1 le DATE W Ii 1 1i C•! "I MEMBER DATE ATTEST: ; -) - £. � 4A. M CITY CLERK MAYOR • • i • 3