HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/28/1995 Business Meeting 127
CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
FEBRUARY 28,''
BUSINESS MEETING
1. ROLL CALL
I/ The City Council met in session on this date at 2:00 p.m.,
in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Mayor Pat Berndt,
presiding, Council Members Clarence Barnett, Henry
Beauchamp, Ernie Berger, Bill Brado, Lynn Buchanan, and
Bernard Sims present on roll call. City Manager Zais, City
Attorney Paolella, City Clerk Roberts and Acting Deputy City
Clerk Thompson also present.
2. INVOCATION /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Buchanan.
3. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
A. PROCLAMATIONS (IF APPLICABLE)
None
4. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Berndt referred to the items placed on the Consent
Agenda, questioning whether there were any additions or
deletions from either Council members or citizens present.
It was the general consensus of the Council to remove Items
Nos. 14 and 20 from the Agenda and to remove Items Nos. 11
and 13 from the Consent Agenda. The City Clerk then read
the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and
ordinances by title. It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY
BUCHANAN, THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA, AS AMENDED, BE
ADOPTED. 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.)
*5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 24, 1995 BUSINESS
MEETING
The minutes of the January 24, 1995 Business meeting, was
approved, having been duly certified accurate by two Council
1/ members and no one present wishing to have said minutes read
publicly.
6. PUBLIC HEARING ON THE EAST MEAD ANNEXATION PETITION
This being the time set for the public hearing, Bruce Benson,
Associate Planner, presented a brief overview of the staff
report stating 77 percent of the property owners in the area
have signed petitions wishing to annex to the City. He also
pointed out that the legal description and map have been
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FEBRUARY 28, 1995
amended to remove a piece of property which has been
purchased by the Central Washington State Fair Association.
Mr. Benson also thanked the Council Members for their
attendance at two community meetings held at Fire Station No.
5. A letter from Kenneth Jones, owner of 1622 South 14th
Street, opposing the annexation, was entered into the record.
Mayor Berndt opened the public hearing and asked if anyone
wished to comment.
Connie Little, 2002 Simpson Lane, stated she is looking
forward to being in the City of Yakima, especially because of
water quality and quantity problems and a lack of fire
protection services in her area. She thanked the Department
of Ecology and the City of Yakima for cooperating with her in
an attempt to correct the water problems.
Mayor Berndt asked if anyone else wished to comment. There
being no one, she closed the public hearing.
Ordinance No. 95 -10, having been read by title, it was MOVED
BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP, TO ACCEPT PETITION
NO. 1176 AND ADOPT THE ORDINANCE. The motion passed by
unanimous roll call vote.
ORDINANCE NO. 95 - 10, AN ORDINANCE annexing property to
the City of Yakima and zoning said property. (Nob Hill
Boulevard /East Mead Avenue Annexation)
Mayor Berndt and the Council welcomed the residents of this
• area to the City of Yakima.
7. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Larry Mathews, 805 South 17th Avenue, referred to section
7.60.131 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code stating this
section requires City residents who have septic tanks to pay
the City's sewer charge if sewer service is available.
Mr. Mathews believes there are approximately 130 people with
septic tanks who are not paying the sewer charge. He
encouraged the Council to either enforce this provision or
change the Municipal Code. He feels since every City
resident must pay for garbage service, whether or not they
have garbage, the City should be consistent in the
enforcement of their codes. City Manager Zais stated this
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may have been an item in the cost of service study which is
still being reviewed. Staff was instructed to research this
matter and respond to Mr. Mathews.
8. REPORT FROM PLANNING REGARDING COUNCIL REDISTRICTING
Glenn Valenzuela, Director of Community & Economic
Development, explained that with today's approval of the Nob
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FEBRUARY 28, 1995
Hill Boulevard /East Mead Annexation, Council Districts 1 and
3 will need to be revised. In' 1991, staff used the GIS
mapping system to prepare three different alternatives and
Council chose the alternative they were most comfortable
with. Mr. Valenzuela asked Council if they wished to follow
I/ that same process this year.
After discussion, it was the consensus of the Council to
direct staff to submit Council district alternatives using
the GIS mapping system. It was also suggested staff try to
make the district lines as even as possible.
9. PRESENTATION OF THE YAKIMA CENTER EXPANSION CONCEPT PLAN
PROPOSAL
Kathy Coffey, General Manager of the Convention Center,
introduced Al Royal, Visitor's and Convention Bureau (V & C)
Board President. Mr. Royal addressed,Council explaining that
Traho, Inc. Architects has prepared several conceptual
designs. The V & C board and steering committee are making
no design recommendation at this time. They are waiting to
see how much funding will be available from the State and
then they will be forming a design element committee who will
make a recommendation to Council. Mr. Royal stated they have
requested 10 million dollars; $8 million to build the new
facilities and $2 million to upgrade the existing facility to
match the new construction.
Council Member Brado expressed his concerns regarding the
possible closure of "A "'' /or 8th Street and also his
concerns regarding adequate parking for an enlarged facility.
Council Member Berger expressed his support of the Convention
Center expansion but stated he is opposed to any plan which
would restrict traffic on or close either 8th Street or "A"
Street.
Mayor Berndt encouraged the Council Members to attend the
design element committee meetings and voice their opinions
early in the process. She also informed Council she took
this project to the Mayor's Institute on City design in
Oakland, California. She has also encouraged the residents
of this area to become involved in the development process.
I/ After further discussion, it was MOVED BY BARNETT,
SECONDED BY SIMS, TO ACCEPT THIS REPORT. The motion
carried by unanimous voice vote.
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10. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGEMENT REGARDING PROPOSED REORGANIZATION
OF DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING AND UTILITIES:
A. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF
PERSONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH DENNIS COVELL
City Manager Zais, reviewed the proposed reorganization
report provided to the Council. With the retirement of Denny
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Covell from the position of Director of Engineering &
Utilities, Mr. Zais recommended a realignment of the City's
administrative structure. The primary objectives of the
reorganization plan are to 1) reduce managerial overhead; 2)
strengthen internal coordination and communications between
the various City divisions, effectively delegating the span
of control of the City Manager's office; and 3) provide
additional technical staff support and capabilities which
would not otherwise be possible within existing budget
constraints. This proposal will eliminate the position of
Director of Engineering & Utilities. The divisions of Water
and Wastewater will be under the direction of the Assistant
City Manager and the division of Engineering will be under
the direction of the Director of Community & Economic
Development. The addition of the proposed Senior Project
Engineer will help 1) with future utility resource planning;
2) enhance coordination of the development review process
between Engineering, Planning, and Code Administration; and
3) provide continuity in the project management of the I -82
design proposal.
City Manager Zais also explained that the Agreement For
Professional Engineering Services with Denny Covell is for
the balance of this year and will be for Phase I of the I -82
development.
Council Member Brado expressed two concerns, 1) the workload
addition of adding the Engineering division to Community &
Economic Development; and 2) the need to train someone else
on the City staff to work with the I -82 project.
Council Member Berger questioned the difference in the hourly
rate of pay in the proposed agreement versus the hourly rate
of pay Mr. Covell was paid while a City employee.
Denny Covell, 4805 Castleview Drive, explained that the
hourly rate of $58.50 is more than his hourly rate as a City
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employee, however, he will now be an independent contractor
and will have overhead expenses. The City will not be paying
any insurance, social security, or other benefits to
Mr. Covell. As an example, he pointed out that his
counterpart at CH2M Hill charges $95 an hour.
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FEBRUARY 28, 1995
It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP, TO ACCEPT
THE PROPOSED REORGANIZATION` "`' INSTRUCT STAFF TO
PREPARE THE PROPER LEGISLATION. The motion carried by
unanimous voice vote.
Resolution No. R -95 -30 having been read by title only, it was
MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO ADOPT THE
I/ RESOLUTION. The motion carried by unanimous roll call
vote.
RESOLUTION NO. R 95 - 30, A RESOLUTION authorizing
execution of an Agreement for Professional Engineering
Services with Dennis E. Covell.
11. REPORT AND CONSIDERATION OF LEGISLATION AMENDING THE 1995
BUDGET TO INCREASE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED POLICE DEPARTMENT
PERSONNEL:
A. RESOLUTION GIVING PRE AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE
AGREEMENT WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO FUND
ADDITIONAL POLICE OFFICERS AND EQUIPMENT
Council Member Brado asked what the result would be if the
City hired additional officers and the Federal funding was
discontinued.
Police Chief Pleas Green explained if the funding ends there
is a good possibility that other funds will be available
through Federal Block Grants. He also explained if all
Federal funding is discontinued, the City would have prior
notice and would be able to handle the loss through ..
attrition.
Resolution No. R -95 -31 having been read by title only, it was
MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO ADOPT THE
RESOLUTION. The motion carried by unanimous roll call
vote.
RESOLUTION NO. R 95 - 31, A RESOLUTION authorizing the
City Manager of the City of Yakima to execute an agreement
with the United States Government to secure funding for four
police officers, equipment, and related programs under the
1994 Federal Crime Bill.
I/ B. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1995 BUDGET AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR ADDITIONAL POLICE OFFICERS AND
EQUIPMENT
An Ordinance amending the 1995 budget and appropriating funds
for five additional Police Officers and related equipment
needs, having been read by title only, was laid on the table
for one week, until March 7, 1995.
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FEBRUARY 28, 1995
*12. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY PLAT OF
VILLA MESSINA REQUESTED BY ROBERT HARRISON
RESOLUTION NO. R 95 - 32, A RESOLUTION concerning the
application submitted by Robert J. Harrison, d /b /a Messina
Construction, for a twelve lot subdivision between North 37th
and North 34th Avenues and between Englewood Avenue and
Fairbanks Avenue, City No. UAZO Preliminary Plat #7 -94:
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approving the preliminary long plat, subject to certain
conditions.
13. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF CONTRACT
RENEWAL WITH UNION GAP FOR RADIO MAINTENANCE
Council Member Buchanan asked 1) if the City can repair 31
pieces of equipment for $1,800 per year; and 2) what amount
of hourly wage this equates to.
Fire Chief Al Chronister explained this is a two year renewal
of an existing contract to repair the Union Gap mobile police
radios only. On an average, the City spends 40 -50 hours a
year on this repair which equates to approximately $30 per
hour. The City's technician handles repairs under $250;
repairs over $250 are referred back to Union Gap for
approval.
Resolution No. R- 95 -33, having been read by title only, it
was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY BERGER, TO ADOPT
THE RESOLUTION. The motion carried by unanimous roll call
vote.
RESOLUTION NO. R 95 - 33, A RESOLUTION authorizing and
directing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of
Yakima to execute a communications equipment repair and
maintenance agreement with the City of Union Gap.
14. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION SETTING DATE OF PUBLIC MEETING
FOR MARCH 28, 1995 ON THE 1995 IRRIGATION MAINTENANCE
ASSESSMENT ROLL
This item was removed from the Council Agenda.
*15. CONSIDERATION OF AWARD OF LEGAL ADVERTISING CONTRACT TO THE
YAKIMA HERALD REPUBLIC
The City's legal advertising services contract, effective
through February 20, 1996, was awarded to the Yakima Herald
Republic. I/
*16. ACCEPTANCE OF 1993 STATE AUDIT REPORT
The 1993 State Audit Report was accepted.
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*17. ACCEPTANCE OF THE FOURTH QUARTER 1994 ENGINEERING CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENTS REPORT
The Fourth Quarter 1994 Engineering Capital Improvements
Status Report was accepted.
I/ *18. APPROVAL OF THE FINAL CONTRACT PAYMENT FOR THE BIOSOLIDS
REMOVAL PROJECT
The report from the Wastewater Superintendent, dated
February 28, 1995, with respect to the completion of the work
on the Biosolids Removal Project, performed by Trimax
Environmental Services LTD., was approved, the work accepted
as "substantially complete ", and payment of the final
estimates as therein set forth was authorized.
*19. SET DATES OF PUBLIC MEETINGS /PUBLIC HEARING FOR:
A. PUBLIC MEETING FOR MARCH 21, 1995 ON THE APPEAL OF THE
HEARING EXAMINER'S DECISION REGARDING WASHINGTON MIDDLE
SCHOOL
March 21, 1995 was set as the date of public meeting on the
appeal of the Hearing Examiner's decision to approve the
construction of a new Washington Middle School.
B. PUBLIC MEETING FOR MARCH 7, 1995 ON THE VILLA MESSINA
FINAL PLAT
March 7, 1995 was set as the date of public meeting to
consider the final plat of Villa Messina.
C. PUBLIC HEARING FOR MARCH 28, 1995 ON THE PROPOSED
REDUCTION OF DIAL -A -RIDE SUNDAY SERVICE
March 28, 1995 was set as the date of public hearing to
consider a proposed reduction in Dial -A -Ride Sunday Service
hours.
20. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE CREATING TERM LIMITS ON THE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
This item was removed from the Council Agenda.
I/ *21. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE APPROVING RIGHT -OF -WAY VACATION OF
NORTH 8TH AVENUE BETWEEN "J" STREET AND MADISON AVENUE AS
REQUESTED BY WILLIAM ASH
ORDINANCE NO. 95 - 11, AN ORDINANCE vacating an
undeveloped portion of the right -of -way of North 8th Avenue
between "J" Street and Madison Avenue.
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FEBRUARY 28, 1995
22. OTHER BUSINESS
Council Member Brado referenced the State Condominium Act and
Public Offering Statement to explain his lack of support for
zero lot lines and narrow private driveways in recent
subdivision proposals that have come before Council. He
submitted the documents to staff for review.
I/
Information Items:
Items of information provided to Council were: DOE Notice of
deadline for free hook up to City water system. Undated;
SunTran Comments Survey. Undated; Letter from TCI regarding
program changes. 2/16/95; ICMA Congressional Week in
Review. 2/10/95; Assignments Pending in Office of
Environmental Planning as of February 28, 1995; Human
Services Vacancy /Hiring Reports for January 1995; Minutes of
the December 8, 1994 and January 12, 1995 Community
Development Advisory Committee meetings; Minutes of the
January 26, 1995 Yakima Air Terminal Board meeting; Minutes
of the January 25, 1995 Yakima District Board of Health
meeting; Minutes of the November 14, 1994 Joint Charter
Civil Service Commission and Police & Fire Civil Service
Commission meeting; Letter from The Secretary of
Transportation Federico Pena regarding Proposed Environmental
Justice Strategy. 2/15/95; and Article from the March 1995
Scientific American, "Seeking the Criminal Element."
23. EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING:
A. COLLECTIVE BARGAINING (FIRE BATTALION CHIEFS)
B. DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY
C. PROSPECTIVE LITIGATION
D. PENDING LITIGATION REGARDING BROADWAY FIRE DISTRICT
It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO ADJOURN
TO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS ITEM C, THEN TO
RETURN TO OPEN SESSION TO CONSIDER ITEM NO. 24, AND
FINALLY TO MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION ONCE AGAIN
WITH IMMEDIATE ADJOURNMENT THEREAFTER. The motion
carried by unanimous voice vote.
24. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION TO CONSIDER RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING
EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES WITH DAVIS WRIGHT
TREMAINE FOR CHARTER CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
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There was no motion made to approve this resolution.
The Council returned to Executive Session.
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FEBRUARY 28, 1995
25. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned immediately following Executive
Session, at 4:05 p.m.
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READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: Ilk' Q tL. 0
C S UNC I R / DAT
i111 fl !1.i _ '
COY CI MEMBER DATE
ATTEST:
'1 ;;?
CITY CLERK MAYOR
MINUTES PREPARED BY ACTING DEPUTY CITY CLERK THOMPSON; AUDIO AND VIDEO TAPES OF THIS MEETING
ARE AVAILABLE IN THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
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