HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/18/2012 08A Council General Information ' t 1 1 17 11 - :,. __ -
BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No.
For Meeting of: September 18, 2012
ITEM TITLE: Council General Information
SUBMITTED BY: '
CONTACT
PERSON/TELEPHONE:
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
1. Weekly Issues Report
2. Memo from Yakima Police Department regarding 2012 officer hiring update
3. Memo from Yakima Fire Department regarding brown out update
4. Block by Block August 2012 monthly report
5. Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission minutes from July 11 and August 8, 2012
6. 9/10/12 Letter from Carol Roos regarding recognition of Harmon Center employees
7. City Meeting Schedule for week of August September 17 -24, 2012
8. Preliminary Future Activities Calendar as of September 17, 2012
4. Preliminary Council Agenda
5. 2012 Study Session Schedule
6. Newspaper /Magazine /Internet Articles:
* "Wearing Uniforms in Political Advertisements," MRSC.org, September 4, 2012
Resolution Ordinance Other
(specify)
Contract: Mail to:
Contract Term: Amount: Expiration Date:
Insurance Required? No
Funding
Phone:
Source:
APPROVED FOR
SUBMITTAL: City Manager
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
BOARD /COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Click to download
❑ info packet
MEMORANDUM
September 13, 2012
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Tony O'Rourke, City Manager
SUBJECT: Weekly Issues Report
• ARTS COMMISSION MEETING: This Committee (Adkison) will be meeting on
Wednesday, September 19 a 3:30 p.m. in the CED Conference Room.
• KIWANIS PARK BALL FIELD GRAND OPENING: There will be a grand opening
ceremony at Kiwan Park on Saturday, September 22 at 2:00 p.m. The Yakima
Valley Community College Women's Fast Pitch Softball Team is planning to play a
few innings of exhibition after the ceremony and Parks &Recreation will provide
refreshments.
• AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT FULL -SCALE EXERCISE A full -scale aircraft accident
exercise is happening a the Yakima Air Terminal on Saturday September 15,
2012. The exercise will start at 11:00 a.m. and run until about 3:00 p.m. The
scenario will present a mass casualty event for the Yakima Fire and Police
Departments and their mutual aid partners to respond too. Currently there are 21
agencies and departments playing or supporting the event.
• EI SENHOWER HIGH SCHOOL EXPANSION PROJECT: Since the construction
began, there have been issues with mud track out, dust, mud in the streets, and
loud equipment after hours. Code Administration has dealt w ith the General
Co to address all of these issues. Earlier this week the codes de partment
received more neighbor complaints including parking in front of ma and
refuse containers being blocked so they could not be picked up. No parkin signs
will be installed on the west side of the street.
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YAKIMA POLICE DEPARTMENT
INTEROFFICE MEMO
DATE: September 11, 2012
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the Yakima City Council
City Manager Tony O'Rourke
Chief Dominic Rizzi
FROM: Capt. Greg Copeland
SUBJECT: 2012 Officer hiring update
I was asked to submit a memo regarding an update of our efforts to hire officers thus far
this year.
As you know, the testing process for officers is quite involved, and we usually end up
disqualifying about 90% of applicants for various reasons. Applicants first have to pass a
written and physical agility test. Once they make it through these initial tests they must
pass an oral board. Candidates who successfully complete the oral board are given an
initial ranking and are placed on a scored list.
A thorough background check is done and candidates who pass the background then must
pass a polygraph exam, a psychological exam, and a physical exam. The candidates who
can successfully pass all of these stages (again, less than 10 percent normally) are offered
a position.
So far, in 2012, we have hired six entry -level candidates and one lateral candidate. Our
most recent hire was an entry -level candidate who successfully passed all of the
requirements and was hired on September 4, 2012. He has been accepted to attend the
September 2012 Police Academy.
This puts us past the halfway mark of reaching our directive to hire 12 officers this
year. We have several other candidates "in the pipeline" to be hired.
Both the department and human resources believe it will likely take most of the year to
hire all of our open positions. The above process takes time and the hiring of entry -level
officers must coincide with openings at the academy. Sometimes we have to delay a
hiring to accommodate the academy's schedule; otherwise, we end up paying a recruit
while he or she waits for the academy class to start.
Lateral candidates save us time and money since we do not have to send them to the basic
academy. We are on the lookout for good lateral candidates.
In summary, we will move through the hiring process as quickly as we can. However,
the process is time - intensive and some factors (most particularly academy availability)
are out of the City's control. We must take care in selecting our officers, as we want to
ensure we are getting the best and most - qualified individuals.
.0144
Administration
Fire Suppression "A _
Fire Investigation f`
& Education Fly 401 North Front Street, Yakima, WA 98901 (509) 575 -6060
Training Fax (509) 576 -6356
Communications 14.1 Dt0' www.yakimafire.com
September 6, 2012
TO: Honorable Mayor, Members of City Council
Tony 0' Rourke, City Manager
FROM: Dave Willson, Fire Chief Ord
SUBJECT: YFD Brown out update, citizen request _
This is an update on brownouts of the Yakima Fire Department in response to a citizen
request at the September 4 council meeting.
YFD brown outs have averaged 6.56 days per month for a total of 52.5 days thru the
end of August. This equates to YFD experiencing brown outs 21.11% of the time in
2012. The estimated percentage of brownouts for 2012 was just over 19 %. One major
reason for the increased number of brown outs over the original estimate is due to
having two unfilled firefighter positions in 2012.
JANUARY 5.5 days
FEBRUARY 14 days
MARCH 3 days
APRIL 10 days
MAY 2 days
JUNE 8.5 days
July 9
Aug 7.5
TOTAL 52.5 days
In 2011 (pre brownout) the average on duty shift personnel numbered 19.91 persons
per day on shift. So far in 2012 (with browning out) the average on duty shift personnel
has numbered 19.46 persons per day. This information is taken from the City TAMS
payroll /scheduling system.
BROWN OUT DEFINED
A brown out is defined as a day when 5 apparatus are staffed rather than 6 or more.
The number of brownout days is accurate within several hours in any given month.
Data is taken from the City TAMS official payroll /scheduling system.
The number of apparatus initially dispatched to a report of "structure fire" does not
change when the Department is in a brown out mode. During a brown out, there are no
apparatus remaining in service in the city during a structure fire. Even during non brown
out days, the remaining apparatus may be dispatched to the structure fire if the fire is
large or a rescue situation is apparent. This year during a brown out we have not
had a second simultaneous structure fire that we have not been able to respond
to.
MUTUAL AID AND CALL BACK
During brown out days off duty firefighters are usually called back to place more
apparatus in service during a structure fire. The number of persons called back
depends on many factors but is heavily dependent on how long crews at the fire scene
will be out of service or unavailable to respond to concurrent alarms. Back up
apparatus are usually staffed by off duty crews in approximately 45 minutes.
The Mutual aid system is designed to call apparatus from outside agencies surrounding
the jurisdiction. The system has pre- determined responses for each level of emergency
(second, third, fourth alarm). Each jurisdiction sends one or two apparatus to a mutual
aid call if they can do so without depleting their own protection levels. The system
works well and is used when your own resources have been exhausted. Mutual aid
apparatus usually begin arriving on scene in approximately 30 minutes.
STANDARD RESPONSE TIMES
It is nearly impossible to find a national standard for response times, dispatch times, etc.
due to the large numbers of variables in the fire service nationwide. Volunteer
departments often have a jump time of over 10 minutes due to the nature of personnel;
some departments do not have separate 911 /dispatch duties so numbers are not
comparable. Some departments have coverage areas in the hundreds of miles and
have travel times that may approach an hour. It seems an easy task to define an
average response time but the numbers really do not give an accurate comparability
scale.
In Washington State House Bill 1756 was passed requiring all departments with paid full
time paid members to set a standard of response and report the percentage of time that
these standards are met. The Yakima City Council adopted the standards listed below
for the City of Yakima Fire Department. Response times will become longer as
apparatus are not available to take calls in their area, weather conditions worsen, or fire
stations become less effective in placement due to population growth etc.
Adopted Standards and Performance for the Yakima Fire Department:
"Every fire jurisdiction shall adopt service delivery objectives in a written statement for
all services that are provided in an emergency mode." These include the following, if
appropriate:
A. FIRE SUPPRESSION
1. Turnout Time:
• Goal /Standard:
The Yakima Fire Department has adopted a turnout time standard of 120
seconds (2:00) for a structure fire incident, which the department should meet
90% of the time.
2006 Average 175 seconds (2:55) met standard 51%
2007 Average 174 seconds (2:54) met standard 57%
2008 Average 163 seconds (2:43) met standard 59%
2009 Average 186 seconds (3:06) met standard 51%
2010 Average 183 seconds (3:03) met standard 53%
2011 Average 176 seconds (2:56) met standard 55%
2. Travel Time:
• Goal /Standard:
The Yakima Fire Department has adopted a travel time standard of 240
seconds (4:00) for the arrival of the first engine company to a fire
suppression incident, which the department should meet 90% of the time.
2006 Average 255 seconds (4:15) met standard 85%
2007 Average 260 seconds (4:20) met standard 86%
2008 Average 255 seconds (4:15) met standard 85%
2009 Average 260 seconds (4:20) met standard 85%
2010 Average 261 seconds (4:21) met standard 86%
2011 Average 260 seconds (4:20) met standard 82%
3. Initial First Alarm AggirWt:
• Goal /Standard:
The Yakima Fire Department has adopted a response /travel time standard of
480 seconds (8:00) for the arrival of the full complement of a 1st alarm
response to a fire suppression incident, which the department should meet
90% of the time.
2006 Average 577 seconds (9:37) met standard 67%
2007 Average 557 seconds (9:17) met standard 73%
2008 Average 553 seconds (9:13) met standard 76%
2009 Average 489 seconds (8:09) met standard 89%
2010 Average 528 seconds (8:48) met standard 87%
2011 Average 501 seconds (8:21) met standard 92%
B. EMS
1. Turnout Time:
• Goal /Standard:
The Yakima Fire Department has adopted a turnout time standard of 90
seconds (1:30) for an EMS incident, which the department should meet 90%
of the time.
2006 Average 130 seconds (2:10) met standard 65%
2007 Average 131 seconds (2:11) met standard 65%
2008 Average 130 seconds (2:10) met standard 65%
2009 Average 133 seconds (2:13) met standard 63%
2010 Average 134 seconds (2:14) met standard 63%
2011 Average 139 seconds (2:19) met standard 60%
2.
• Goal /Standard:
The Yakima Fire Department has adopted a travel time standard of 240
seconds (4:00) for a BLS unit, which the department should meet 90% of the
time.
2006 Average 269 seconds (4:29) met standard 84%
2007 Average 274 seconds (4:34) met standard 82%
2008 Average 261 seconds (4:21) met standard 83%
2009 Average 267 seconds (4:27) met standard 83%
2010 Average _ 284 seconds (4:44) met standard 79%
2011 Average 282 seconds (4:42) met standard 80%
CALL PROCESSING TIME
Call processing time in Yakima consists of two components.
• Call taking (911)
• Dispatching.
The Spillman software program was implemented starting in 2011 causing a one minute
increase is call processing times. Many bugs have been worked out and the call
processing times have been reduced to pre Spillman levels. These figures are taken
from the ERS reporting system used for YFD reporting.
Average Dispatch time from receipt of 911 call
to time alarm is sounded in fire stations
ar AVERAGE DISPATCH TIME
(Alarm to Dispatch) _
2007 0:02:26
2008 0:02:13
2009 0:02:39
2010 0:02:09
2011 0:03:28
January 1 - August 31 2012 0:02:36
NFPA establishes the following recommendations for alarm processing:
4.1.2.3 Alarm Handling.
4.1.2.3.1 The fire department shall establish a performance objective of having an alarm
answering time of not more than 15 seconds for at least 95 percent of the alarms
received and not more than 40 seconds for at least 99 percent of the alarms received,
as specified by NFPA 1221.
4.1.2.3.2 When the alarm is received at a public safety answering point (PSAP) and
transferred to a secondary answering point or communication center, the agency
responsible for the PSAP shall establish a performance objective of having an alarm
transfer time of not more than 30 seconds for at least 95 percent of all alarms
processed, as specified by NFPA 1221.
4.1.2.3.3 The fire department shall establish a performance objective of having an alarm
processing time of not more than 60 seconds for at least 90 percent of the alarms and
not more than 90 seconds.
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August 2012 Monthly Report
Presented by Matt Klaus - Operations
Manager
Contact us at (509) 728 -6802 or mklaus @blockbyblock.com
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BLOCK
BLOCK
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Highlights
July 2012 through August 2012
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY ®® AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC TOTAL
Leaves (block faces) 12 - - - •• - •- 10 0 -- - -- - 10
Graffiti - Removed 12 •- •- -• -- - -- 1566 5660 - -- -• •- 7226
City Garbage Cans Emptied 12 -- - - •• - •• 245 312 - -- -- - 557
Hospitality Assistance 12 •- - - -- - -- 119 206 - - -- -- 325
Business Contact 12 -- -- - •• - -- 364 135 - - -- - 499
Weed Abatement (block faces) 12 - - - -- - - 291 158 - - -- - 449
Trim Trees 12 •- - - •. - •• 239 329 -- - -- - 568
Trash (Ibs) 12 -- •- - -• - -• 14679 20325 -- -- -• •- 35004
Power Washing (gallons) 12 -- - -- - - •- 2900 5475 -- -- - -- 8375
Graffiti - Removed - -July 2012 through August 2012
8000
6000
4000
2000
Raw r
0
7/12 8/12
Graffiti removal has been a large focus of our Ambassador team. Each staff member is equipped daily with
graffiti remover so they can address each new tag they find in the field. Additionally, we have been deploying a
special two person team to either paint out graffiti or use our power washer to rinse it off various surfaces.
Graffiti is a constant battle for our team in downtown. However, our approach of Immediate removal and training
each of our staff members on how to remove it is helping us keep a clean look throughout downtown.
r Page 2 of 3
Highlights
Accomplishments ,
Block by Block has a two man graffiti crew cleaning and removing
graffiti in and around the downtown business district. The crew hit 'la
th streets the first week of August and has had good success in #
/
making a big impact on the removal or painting over of over 5250 tags }� I f
from public and private property. . .
Field Observations '
Our team is in full gear painting over graffiti throughout the entire Before - Yakima Waste Dumpster
district. Our approach uses color matching paint to eliminate the
patch look of random paint that looks as bad as the graffiti. This is the
biggest graffiti push we've had in downtown for years. t '
We have also been working closely on quality of life issues throughout
downtown which include public drinking, public urination and illegal
camping. - �"`
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Events
Icaliiiii
The annual Hotshots 3 on 3 basketball tournament brought about
5000 people to the downtown. The Downtown Ambassador crew was
on site all weeked long removing trash, giving directions and providing After - Yakima Waste Dumpster
a safety presence. The event went off very smoothly and little issues .
were reported throughout the entire weekend. The staff of the Yakima ' r :'k.,- - .011 ,.ry;;
Sports Commission did an excellent job in managing the event. The `; r,
Sports Commission was well prepared for clean up after the event was t
completed and left downtown looking great on Monday morning. We - E , 4...� _ _.
look forward to next year's event. y f
Initiatives 7. - r - ir . . . . -
As the weather starts to change, we will be switching into the fall Ambassador Staff Providing Visibility for
season operations. Fall Season operations include shrub pruning in Hotshots 3 on 3 Tournament
the landscaped area and planters and full leaf clean up throughout
the district. Depending on weather, we intend to start removing the
hanging baskets for the winter and shut down the irrigation system for
the season sometime during the first ten days of October.
In addition, the Ambassador team will have a presence at the Fresh
Hop Ale Festival, the Yakima Farmer's Market and Oktoberfest. Come
enjoy these great downtown events.
Al BLOCK,
Page 3 of 3
Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting Minutes for
July 11,2012
Commissioners Present: Chair Rod Bryant, Sam Karr, Mike Nixon, Paul Williams, Jo Miles, and Alec Regimbal
Absent and Excused Tom Hinman and Tim Pettingill.
Guest: Council Liaison Maureen Adkison, Yakima City Council Member
Staff present: Ken Wilkinson, Parks & Recreation Manager; Joseph Calhoun, Planner; and Melynn Skovald,
Public Works Office Assistant
Call to Order. Welcoming everyone in the audience and viewers watching on YPAC, Chairman Rod Bryant
called the July 11, 2012 meeting to order at 5.30 p m with a quorum present at City Hall in the Council
Chambers, 129 North 2 Street, Yakima, Washington. It was moved by Williams, seconded by Miles, to approve
as written the minutes of the June 13, 2012 Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, the motion was '
unanimously approved
Introduction of City Manager Tony O'Rourke
Ken Wilkinson introduced City Manager Tony O'Rourke who stepped forward to express his affinity to parks and
recreation both professionally and personally; being an advocate of exercise and recreating, Mr O'Rourke also
underscored the importance of building upon the enhancement of the quality of life of this community and
maximizing the delivery of recreational opportunities.
Metropolitan Park District
' <en Wilkinson reported that information is continuing to be gathered and implications involving different scenarios
are being analyzed about the formation of a MPD Results will be provided to the Park Commission. He also
explained that he recently met with Yakima County Assessor David Cook who - explained that budget based tax
rates are used and clarified what is involved and how pro- rationing relates to fluctuations in assessed property
value Discussion followed about the taxing authority, which is something that changed several years ago after
the state legislature moved a Metropolitan Park District up the pecking order within the junior taxing district
hierarchy. More meetings with the County Assessor will follow Chair Rod Bryant explained that a MPD is being
looked into as a possible funding source as we try and keep our parks looking as nice as they are with the hope of
improvements in the future.
Proposed Disc Golf Course at Randall Park
a. Project Presentation — Yakima Valley Disc Golf Association
Utilizing a map showing the tentative layout as a point of reference, Ken Wilkinson provided background
information about the proposed disc golf course project at Randall Park and reported that a mailing was sent to
nearby residents and regular users of Randall Park, inviting them to provide their comments.
Jesse Ingram, with Yakima Valley Disc Golf, briefly described the sport and explained that it was a sport for
people of all age levels, genders and skill levels. He also stated that the game is played similar to ball golf He
expounded the positive qualities attributed to disc golfs success, including obeying rules of courtesy and
etiquette, designing holes that do not disturb passive park users and creating the course to make use of the
natural layout of the park. Mr. Ingram explained they have been working to raise funds throughout the
community, involving local business donations to help pay for baskets, tee pads, signs on each hole and help pay
for a large sign at the start of the course detailing the rules of disc golf, what the sport entails and a general
overview of the course. A grant has been awarded from Legend's Casino for $4,000 and so to date they've
raised just over $6,000 which will be used to pay for a nine -hole disc golf course They have been working on
course design layout since earlier this year (Feb. /Mar). The initial course design for Randall Park is nine holes
and is a tentative layout, open to changes and suggestions. Yakima Valley disc golf and volunteers also work
vith Park Maintenance as far as construction and installation of equipment elements. If the project is approved
ley would like to start installing baskets September 2012.
1
Park Commission members discussed at length answers to a variety of questions they asked about initial course
design and tentative layout, a tournament series event held at Sarg Hubbard Park, disc golf equipment, the rules
and how to play Also discussed were event advertising and marketing efforts along with information about the
August 18, 2012 tournament at Randall Park open to anyone who wants to play
a. Citizen Input
Chair Rod Bryant invited comments from the audience.
• Susan Ames spoke in support of the Disc Golf course, describing favorable impacts she has seen
involving other areas in Washington state, including decreased influence from gangs and positive
economic activity at local businesses.
• Mary Faucher spoke in support of a disc golf course at Randall Park, and offered an alternative layout
that would move holes 5 and 6, utilizing more of the north end of Randall Park. Parks and Recreation staff
will meet with Ms Faucher to discuss her suggested disc golf course layout.
• Brice Davis and Laura Busey also spoke in support of a disc golf course at Randall Park.
IT WAS MOVED BY WILLIAMS, SECONDED BY REGIMBAL TO MOVE FORWARD SO THAT EVERYBODY
WORKS SPECIFICALLY WITH THIS PROPOSAL, FINALIZING THE DESIGN OF THE COURSE THROUGH
THE DIVISION, AND THEY WILL WORK WITH THE COMMUNITY AND THE YVDGA ASSOCIATION TO
FINALIZE ALL THE DETAILS. The motion carried unanimously. It was noted that a meeting will be held with
Mary Faucher and some other golfers to discuss a tentative layout adjusting Hole 5. A meeting will be held to
discuss a tentative layout and to finalize course design Ken Wilkinson explained that it is an easy process to
move a disc ball basket and reinstall it at a different location.
Proposed 2013 Fees Increase Discussion
Increases are being proposed for recreation programs, services and facility rentals for 2013. These adjustments
are being proposed because operational and utility costs have increased and an increase in fees are necessary to
continue to provide park and recreations services, although fees will be kept as low as possible to provide direct
services and programs for the highest number of people at the lowest possible price A preliminary proposed fee
schedule will be forthcoming Ball field rental for tournaments from outside the area is proposed to increase
making them more comparable to other places around the state that these groups are utilizing; Harman Center
ballroom rental fees will be proposed for an increase, although entrance to swim at Franklin Pool might be
decreased to encourage adults to participate with their children which will help with supervision as well. The two -
month pass will be eliminated for Fisher Golf Course because most participants just buy a season pass.
Discussion followed about daily payment processing and the cash transmittal process Swimming pools have
been close to capacity and participation at Fisher golf course has been steady.
Parks & Recreation Manager's Report
Ken Wilkinson provided a preliminarily announcement about an industrial sewer line project for the north side of
town that Wastewater is in the process of designing Part of the sewer line will need to go through Elks Park, but
hopefully it will have little effect to Little League The project has two options — one would impact the ball fields a
little bit and the other has the potential of damaging some of the trees. It has not been determined which option
would be used Park Commissioner Paul Williams suggested choosing the path to go through the ball fields and
then redo the turf and add new dirt and amendments because the turf on those ball fields need repair Project
dates have not yet been set, although they originally spoke of January and then having it done by the time
baseball season begins, but that timeframe is adjustable and it seems like this section of the big project could be
adjusted to best fit the needs of the park users and be the least disruptive to the ball player Ken Wilkinson will
bring back additional information as the project gets closer
Kiwanis Park Update
The Kiwanis Park project is coming to an end, with just a few odds and ends to complete. The Service Clubs
were notified that the project did go over budget; their assistance along with aid from Parks Capital will be
needed, a final report on the unforeseen overruns will be forthcoming The grants manager with RCO reported
that the project was substantially completed to meet their deadline, and they are saying that the $50,000 retainer
will be returned The ball field lighting system was being tested and was monitored from a remote location to
adjust the timing which is why the plaza lights were on during daylight hours over the past several weeks. The
manufacturer will provide training on how to operate and maintain the lights. September 22, 2012 is the official
grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled for 2 00 p.m which is the same day the fair opens and the
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Sunfair parade is that morning There will be various members of the service clubs and possibly city officials
speaking and the Yakima Valley Community College Women's Fastpitch Softball team is scheduled to play a few
innings that afternoon.
Ken Wilkinson also briefed the Park Commission about the following.
• Responding to a question from Park Commissioner Sam Karr, Ken Wilkinson reported that we did not
receive the grant; however, other resources are being sought for safety netting around the ball fields.
• The City Council appointed Jim Williams to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Jo Miles and Alec
Regimbal were reappointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission
• The first concert in the Franklin Park Sunset Concert Series is this Thursday, July 12, at 6:30 p.m
Adjournment.
The next meeting will be August 8, 2012 The meeting adjourned at 6.40 p m
3
Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting Minutes for
August 8, 2012
Commissioners Present: Chair Rod Bryant, Tom Hinman, Mike Nixon, and Jo Miles
Absent and Excused: Paul Williams, Sam Karr, Alec Regimbal and Tim Pettingill
Guest: Council Liaison: Maureen Adkison, Yakima City Council Member
Staff present: Ken Wilkinson, Parks 8 1 ecreation Manager; Joseph Calhoun, Planner; and
Melynn Skovald, Public Works Office Assistant
Call to Order. Welcoming everyone in the audience and viewers watching on YPAC, Chairman Rod
Bryant called the August 8, 2012 informational meeting to order without a quorum present at 5:30 p.m.
at City Hall in the Council Chambers, 129 North 2nd Street, Yakima, Washington.
Metropolitan Park District (MPD) Information Update
Formation of a MPD has been introduced as a possible funding source for Parks and Recreation. Ken
Wilkinson identified and outlined details about three MPD levy options, all of which would utilize a MPD
of $.50 per $1,000 of assessed value, the 3.5% In Lieu Tax allocation, and fees and charges collected
for services, facility rentals and recreation programs. Each scenario included an example outlining how
each option would impact the property tax amount for property with an assessed value of $150,000.
Also included in the presentation was a chart listing past Parks and Recreation Tax Levy Rates from
'.008 through 2012, which are down $.06 per $1,000 of assessed value. Parks and Recreation Manager
Wilkinson concluded his informational update about forming a Metropolitan Park by scrolling through
four Park and Recreation facilities slides as presented to the City Council at July 24, 2012 Study
Session. These slides displayed the location and number of community, neighborhood, mini parks;
parkways, pathways, open spaces, and current park and recreation facilities (including what properties
we maintain and are responsible for), as well as a column describing the amenities and acreage that
would be added to the MPD. Park Commission members briefly compared and evaluated some of the
options and asked additional questions about the Utility Tax, particularly how the utility tax was put into
effect, how it was established and if it can be changed. Discussion followed about MPD levy options
and if an MPD is imposed what impact it would have on citizens. Chair Rod Bryant pointed out that an
MPD is being discussed since funding constraints have made it nearly impossible to maintain all of the
parks and facilities currently being taken care of and still maintain the quality in place right now.
Proposed 2013 Fee Increase Discussion
Increases are being proposed for recreational programs, services and facility rentals for 2013. Fees and
charges have not been increased since 2008. Adjustments are also necessary to bring some fees in
line comparable to what other park systems around the state are charging. Fees and costs have
traditionally been kept low to allow people to be able to afford to participate; however, the economy has
been tough and operational costs have increased
A draft of the proposed itemized fee schedule was provided to the Park Commission for review and
comment so they can bring back questions for further discussion during the September 12, 2012 Park
Commission meeting. The fee increase request will be scheduled for City Council consideration
possibly in late September or early October. Ken Wilkinson asked the Parks Commission to specifically
weigh in on whether or not to increase the fee for entry for youth into the swimming pools by $.50 ($2.00
Der youth versus $2.50). Park Commissioner Jo Miles noted his preference to leave the children's fee
wit and not increase it, if possible. Park Commissioner Miles also pointed out that lowering the
children's swimming pool admission rate could be included as an option to consider if a MPD is formed.
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Also discussed were tennis court reservations, whether to increase the honored citizen fee by $ 25 and
increasing the ballroom fees at the Harman Center. Park Commission members asked for clarification
about the senior citizen age, which is 62, noting a typo needing correction referring to seniors who are
65 and over. There was a request for attendance figures for Franklin and Lions Pools. There were
additional questions about the proposed fee adjustments, including a new separate service fee that will
be charged for specific services for things currently being provided that previously weren't charged a
fee. 2013 increases are not proposed for Tahoma Cemetery since fees were adjusted by ordinance in
2011. No fee increases are planned for Fisher Golf Course since existing rates seem to be right in line
with the facility and services offered. Other potential fee adjustments mentioned include assigning a
special mowing services fee since costs go up for fuel vd potential overtime when special mowing
services are provided It was noted that the survey did not i nclude a question about willingness to pay
an increased fee for program services. Chair Rod Bryant requested that a Fisher Golf Course fee
amount for one adult and two juniors be added to the fee schedule to encourage single parent
household participation
Online Program and Facility Reservation Program Demonstration
After searching for a new user - friendly software program for online program registration and facility
rentals, Staff discovered an organization out of Utah, called Sportsites. Ken Wilkinson provided a
demonstration utilizing the software where it is being used currently in Mapleton. There is a $3.00
convenience - transaction fee that the user will be charged in addition to the program fee when utilizing
the online program to sign up, register or rent a facility. There will be no additional cost to the City and
once a certain revenue threshold is met, the convenience transaction fee comes to the City. Advertising
on the City's website will be allowed and links to outside sports events sites can be added. The software
interfaces well with the Finance Department for auditing purposes, and the software also allows report
generation. Parks Commissioner Tom Hinman suggested an on -line apparel store be added to the site.
Different points of sale locations are preliminarily being discussed, including utilizing Kiosks at separate
locations, such as at Public Works or at the Harman Center, where users can register themselves
online, sign waivers and agreements for recreational programs, rent a facility for a social event or
reserve a picnic shelter. The proposed contract is scheduled to go to City Council for discussion and
consideration in September 2012, and if approved, training and an interim use period will take place with
full implementation expected January 2013.
Parks and Recreation Manager's Report
Franklin Park Sunset Concert Series. The next Franklin Park Sunset Concert Series is August 9, 2012 at
7.00 p.m and the Community Band will play on Wednesday, August 8, 2012, at Randall Park. Council
Member Maureen Adkison requested that the attendance numbers for the popular free Concert in the
Park events be submitted to the City Council.
RCO Acquisition Grant Application- Presentation. Ken Wilkinson and Joseph Calhoun will travel to
Olympia in mid August to make the RCO Acquisition grant application presentation and answer
questions about the Mill Site soccer complex proposal.
Harman Center Events. Lois Cruikshank, President of Seniors, Inc. announced the following upcoming
events at the Harman Center:
• The new trips and tours book will be out the first of the year and will be included in the newsletter
that comes out quarterly for $12 a year.
• Seniors Inc holds their monthly meeting on the second Thursday of the month, the next meeting is
Thursday, August 9th
• The next fund raising event is a tri -tip dinner at 5:30 — 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 14, 2012. The
cost is $12.00 for adults and $6.00 for 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased in advance or they
will be available at the door.
2
\ppointments to the Park Commission. Jim Williams has been appointed to the Park Commission. A
Jew Youth Commissioner needs to be appointed since Tim Pettingill will no longer be on the Park
Commission since he is going away to college. Forms are available to download online at the City's
website.
Adjournment
The next Park Commission meeting will be Wednesday, September 12, 2012. The meeting adjourned
at 6:30 p.m.
3 ..
August 23, 2012 CITY OF YAK MA
SEP102012
Yakima City Council
129 North 2nd ST
OFFICE OF CITY COUNCIL
Yakima, WA 98901
To Whom It May Concern:
I believe it is important to recognize the outstanding contributions that some of our Yakima City
employees make. Too often, citizens complain about petty issues but forget to credit those who do an
outstanding job.
In general, services the Harmon Center provide to seniors and their families are excellent. However, I
wish to bring to your attention, the outstanding job done by two employees of the Harmon Center— Ron
Anderson and Irene Raptcheff.
Ron is a kind and gentle man. He works closely with all seniors attending events or trips provided by the •
center. He provides a wealth of knowledge about services for seniors and their families at the center, as
well as in the community. He spends personal time at special events or on trips where he is needed.
Irene spends far more time than her contracted hours. Her knowledge and skills are amazing. She plans
outstanding trips at a reasonable price for seniors and those who need to accompany them. She truly
cares about providing meaningful experiences for all of the seniors. She is always alert to our needs and
strives to provide a positive experience for all. She does excellent follow -up on all trips, taking
suggestions for improvement and future travel. As a senior herself, she has phenomenal energy and
devotion to a job well done.
I am writing this letter as I think it is important to point out the "good" in our community. Thank you for
your attention.
Sincerely,
au,/ , _.
t r If
Carol Roos
408 South 35 Ave
Yakima, WA 98902
1
CITY MEETING SCHEDULE
For September 17, 2012 — September 24, 2012
Please note: Meetings are subject to change
Monday, September 17
10:00 a.m. City Council Media Briefing — Council Chambers -
Tuesday, September 18
10:00 a.m. County Commissioners Agenda meeting — Council Chambers
5:45 p.m. City Council Executive Committee meeting — Council Chambers
6:00 p.m. City Council meeting — Council Chambers
Wednesday, September 19
12:00 p.m. PAL Board meeting — PAL Center
2:00 p.m. TRANS- Action Committee meeting — WSDOT
3:30 p.m. Arts Commission meeting — CED Conference Room
5:30 p.m. Community Review Board — Council Chambers
Thursday, September 20
9:00 a.m. Hearing Examiner — Council Chambers
10:00 a.m. SIED Board meeting — New Vision
3:00 p.m. Bid opening — Council Chambers
5:00 p.m. Stanton Academy opening — Stanton Academy
Friday, September 21
2:00 p.m. Bid opening — Council Chambers
Monday, September 24
12:00 p.m. Capitol Theatre Board meeting — Capitol Theatre
12:00 p.m. Greenway Board meeting — Greenway Visitors Center
1:30 p.m. City Council Legislative Committee meeting — Mayor's office
Office Of Mayor /City Council
Preliminary Future Activities Calendar
Please Note: Meetings are subject to change
Or anization: Meeting Pur ose Partici ants' Meeting Locationh= -'� a
Mon. Sept. 17
10:00 a.m. City Council Media Briefing Scheduled Meeting Coffey Council Chambers
Tue. Sept. 18
12:00 p.m Miscellaneous Issues Scheduled Meeting Cawley, Adkison, TBD
Lover
5 p m. (T) City Council Executive Scheduled Meeting Council Council Chambers
Session
6.00 •.m. Ci Council Meetin• Scheduled Meetin• Council Council Chambers
Wed. Sept. 19
µ�,w.�.... n... „ . �_,.w...__.,..� _....�.,�.......� ,m.
12 00 p m. PAL Board Meeting Board Meeting Coffey PAL Center
2:00 p.m TRANS - Action Committee Scheduled Meeting Ettl WSDOT Conference Room
Meeting
3:30 •.m. Arts Commission Scheduled Meetin• Adkison CED Conference Room
Thur. Sept. 20 �.�.� �.�.....� ._ ..�M
10:00 a.m SIED Board Meeting Board Meeting Coffey New Vision Office
5 p m. Stanton Academy Opening Scheduled Event Open Stanton Academy
.ept. 22
1 p m. Kiwanis Park Grand Scheduled Event Open Kiwanis Park
O.enin•
Mon. Sept. 24
12 00 p.m. Capitol Theatre Board Board Meeting Bristol Capitol Theatre
Meeting
12.00 p.m. Greenway Board Meeting Board Meeting Ettl Greenway Visitors Center
1:30 p.m. Council Legislative Scheduled Meeting Cawley, Ettl, Mayor's Office
Committee Meetin. Adkison
Tue. Sept. 25
10 00 a m City Council Study Session Scheduled Meeting Council Council Chambers
1200 p.m. Miscellaneous Issues Scheduled Meeting Cawley, Adkison, TBD
Ettl
Wed. Sept. 26
1200 p.m. YVVCB Board Meeting Board Meeting Adkison Holiday Inn
5 p m Historic Preservation Scheduled Meeting Bristol Council Chambers
Commission
Thur. Sept. 27
10:00 a m Yakima Regional Public Scheduled Meeting Bristol Howard Johnson
Facilities District
p.m. Yakima County EMS & Scheduled Meeting Lover Memorial Hospital Classroom
Trauma Meetin• C
Mon. Oct. 1
10:00 a m. City Council Media Briefing Scheduled Meeting Lover Council Chambers
Tue. Oct. 2
12 00 p m. Miscellaneous Issues Scheduled Meeting Cawley, Adkison, TBD
Coffey
5 00 p m. City Council Special Meeting Scheduled Meeting Council Council Chambers
6.00 p.m City Council Meetin• Scheduled Meetin• Council Council Chambers
Wed. Oct. 3
8 30 a.m Welcome WAMOA Scheduled Event Cawle Red Lion
Thur. Oct 4
9 00 a m. Joint Admin & 911 Scheduled Meeting Lover Toppenish
Operations Meeting
4 00 p m GFI Steering Committee Scheduled Meeting Ettl, Coffey, TBD
Meeting Adkison
6 00 p m. Valley Mayor's Meeting Scheduled Meeting Cawley Toppenish
6 00 p m. Regional Fire Authority Scheduled Meeting Cawley, Coffey, Station 95
Adkison
Fri. Oct. 5
8.00 a.m. Sister Cit Meetin• Scheduled Meetin• Adkison CED Conference Room
Mon. Oct. 8
8 30 a m Pension Board Meetings Board Meeting Coffey Human Resources
Conference Room
Tue. Oct. 9
10 00 a m City /County Joint Study Scheduled Meeting Council Council Chambers
Session
12.00 p m Miscellaneous Issues Scheduled Meeting Cawley, Adkison, TBD
Coffe
Wed. Oct. 10
11 a m Sports Commission Scheduled Meeting Ettl TBD
3 30 p.m Yakima Planning Scheduled Meeting Ensey Council Chambers
Commission
5 30 p m Parks & Recreation Scheduled Meeting Adkison Council Chambers
Commission
Thur. Oct. 11
1 00 p m Harman Center Board Board Meeting Adkison Harman Center
Meeting
1 p m. Yakima Regional Clean Air Scheduled Meeting Lover Council Chambers
Meeting
2 00 p.m Yakima Basin Fish & Scheduled Meeting Ettl YBFWRB Office
Wildlife Committee Meeting
5 • m. YCDA Board Meetin• Board Meetin• Adkison New Vision Office
PRELIMINARY FUTURE COUNCIL AGENDA
September 25
10:00 a.m. City Council Study Session — Council Chambers
• Mill site
o Environmental assessment
o Appraisal
o Critical path
October 2
5:00 p.m. Special Meeting — Council Chambers
• Strategic priorities
6:00 p.m. Business Meeting — Council Chambers
• Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Technical Assistance
Agreement with the National Development Council (NDC) for economic
development activities
• Report on changing residency requirements for boards and commissions
• Resolution supporting the Yakima River Basin Integrated Water Resource
Management Plan
7 p.m. Public Hearing — Council Chambers
• 2012 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Hearings
• Closed record public hearing and ordinance considering the City of Yakima
Planning Commission's recommendation on amendments to the City of
Yakima's Urban Area Zoning Ordinance Title 15
9/12/2012
2:30 PM
2012 STUDY SESSION SCHEDULE
Council Chambers
10:00 a.m.
September 25 Mill site
• Environmental assessment
• Appraisal
• Critical path
October 9 City /County Joint meeting — jail issues
October 23 Trails and pathways
October 30 North 1 Street and signage issues
November 13 Stormwater
9/12/2012
2:29 PM
Wearing Uniforms in- Political Advertisements MRSC Insight Page 1 of 2
Wearing Uniforms in Political Advertisements
Posted a:i September 4, 2012by Paul S:iliivan
This fall's election is only a couple of months away, and candidates for office or proponents /opponents of ballot
measures maybe wondering if their advertisements may make use of photographs showing police officers, deputy
sheriffs, firefighters, or other uniformed employees dressed in their agency uniforms. State law, specifically RCPT
42.17A.555, prohibits the use of public facilities for the support or opposition of candidates or ballot propositions;
does this prohibition include the use of official uniforms?
The state Public Disclosure Commission, which enforces state political campaign regulations, recently issued
revised election campaign guidelines that, among other things, specifically address the use of uniforms in political
campaigns. (The revisions also provide guidance relating generally to the use of government facilities in
campaigns; it is an excellent source of information.) Here is a summary of some of the guidelines that apply to the
use of uniforms in campaigns:
1. Employees may use uniforms they own during non -work hours to assist a campaign; they may not use
agency - purchased, agency - owned, or agency - replaced uniforms to assist a campaign.
2. "Former" uniforms, those that are no longer used by an agency, may be used in a campaign, provided that
they have exceeded their life expectancy or have been "retired," they have been sold to an employee or other
person following agency procedures, and there is no expectation the uniform will be returned to or used by the
agency in the future. The fact that the uniform is no longer used should be documented.
3. Photos and videos showing uniformed employees may be used in a campaign if they were made in the
ordinary course of business, were not staged for campaign purposes, and are made available to a campaign
under the same terms as they would be made available to the public. It is suggested that any advertisement
using a photo or video that includes a uniformed employee make it clear through a disclaimer that the public
agency is not supporting or endorsing a candidate or ballot measure.
4. Uniforms that are not property of the agency, that have been rented or purchased with non- public funds,
may be used in a campaign.
The guidelines for uniforms also apply to parts of uniforms, such as shirts and pants, and to related items, such as
badges, firearms, handcuffs, logos, emblems, radios, etc.
Questions regarding the guidelines can be posed to the Public Disclosure Commission, at (360)753 -1111.
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f ;,r ; ,., About Paul Sullivan
Sr
�. a t,„ Paul has worked with local governments since 1974 and has authored MRSC publications on local elections, ordinances, and
general local government operation. He also provides training on the Open Public Meetings Act,
View all ports br Paul Sullivan ..
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