HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/15/1993 Adjourned Meeting 2 =3 0 7
CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
JUNE 15, 1993
ADJOURNED MEETING - CITY /COUNTY RETREAT
The City Council met in session on this date at 1:30 p.m., in the
Yakima School District Library, 104 North 4th Avenue, Yakima,
Washington, for the purpose of continuing the City /County Retreat.
Council Members present were Mayor Pat Berndt, Clarence Barnett,
Bill Brado, Lynn Buchanan, Bernard Sims, and Skip Semon. Council
Member Henry Beauchamp absent and excused. City staff members
present were City Manager Zais, Assistant City Manager Rice, and
City Clerk Roberts. County Commissioners present were Chuck
Klarich, Chairman, Bettie Ingham and Jim Lewis. County staff
members present were Dick Anderwald, Dema Harris, and Dan Hesse.
Also present was Kelsey Gray, WSU, retreat facilitator.
Kelsey Gray asked two questions: 1) If the two entities want to
continue the discussion today; and 2) If so, are they willing to
take an issue through the problem solving process. Commissioner
Lewis expressed concern about not utilizing what was learned at
the previous retreat and suggested a liaison be designated to
advise each entity of shared concerns. Ms. Gray stated she came
prepared to talk about how to talk with each other without
exploding. She suggested an alternative topic, interest -based
problem solving and reflective listening. Discussion ensued
regarding the communication liaison suggestion, with each entity
speaking about the weaknesses in their structures which makes
communication between the two entities difficult. The
Commissioners have elected officials they have no control over,
and the Council has to work within the Open Public Meetings Act
and cannot be as flexible and spontaneous as the County in
scheduling meetings. Ms. Gray asked for a commitment from the
elected officials to develop a position that would improve the
relationship between the City and County. After listening to the
Council members and Commissioners, she reported she heard
commitments to improving the working relationship from Council
Members Brado, Semon, Buchanan, Sims and Berndt; a conditional
commitment from Council Member Barnett depending upon the
positions; a commitment from Commissioner Ingham with the proviso
that our action will hold us accountable; a commitment from
Commissioner Lewis with a focus on communication; and a
conditional commitment from Commissioner Klarich depending on
whether the process is too restrictive with too many rules.
Commissioner Klarich stated he is concerned things might get
bogged down because the City was not called; however, he agreed
there are a lot of issues needing to be discussed with the City.
Ms. Gray stated that in problem solving, there must be some ground
rules and suggested the elected officials allow staff to have a
major part in coming up with the process. Commissioner Klarich
commented his style is to come in with a solution to a problem and
ask why it won't work. Ms. Gray stated it is critical that both
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JUNE 15, 1993 - ADJOURNED MEETING
CITY /COUNTY RETREAT
parties understand the problem. She conducted an exercise on
reaching a solution to a problem regarding emergency management.
Commissioner Ingham commented that part of the problem is
different City and County consultants' reports and suggested that
one consultant be retained to review a shared problem in a
collaborative effort. Another issue considered was consolidated
911. One of the problems is the number of entities involved in
this issue. Ms. Gray asked if everyone is aware of all the
entities' interests. The Commissioners and Council members voiced
their interests and concerns. Following a 15 minute recess, the
entities continued discussion on consolidated 911. The City wants
to maintain or improve the level of service to its citizens.
Also, in addition to dispatch services, the dispatchers perform
other clerical duties within the Police Department. Council
Member Barnett commented that the City and County are not working
from a common base of information and perhaps a meeting should be
called and information shared. Ms. Gray suggested the City and
County meet and establish a set of criteria for a solution; then
meet as a smaller group with the other entities to hear their
criteria for a solution. Staff can then develop alternatives and
bring it back to the policy makers, after which they can have a
joint meeting. Following further discussion, she again suggested
the policy makers come together and decide on the criteria for a
solution - not how is it going to work. Then give the criteria to
the Operations Group to come back with the alternatives.
Suggestions were made by the policy makers to conduct regular
meetings, with a facilitator or a structured meeting agenda.
After a discussion regarding individual schedules, it was
determined the two entities would meet monthly on the 4th Tuesday
at 7:30 a.m. Mrs. Gray gave some suggestions on how to structure
the joint meetings. (Commisisoner Klarich absent after 3:55 p.m.)
Commissioner Lewis commented that no individual policy maker
should have any contact or influence over the staff if they are
given a joint assignment. Ms. Gray urged them to stop the process
after a few meetings and reflect on how it is working and how it
can be improved. (Mr. Hesse absent after 4:00 p.m.) It was the
consensus that Dick Anderwald, Dick Zais and Glenn Rice work out a
schedule to alternate being facilitators or finding a facilitator.
The meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m.
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