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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 128 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 I/ 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 2 129 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. 3 130 FEBRUARY 28, 1995 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 I/ 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 I/ 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. 4 le 1 31 : 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. 5 1..32 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: I/ 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. 6 133 FEBRUARY 28, 1995 *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. 7 134 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 I/ There was no motion made to approve this resolution. The Council returned to Executive Session. 8 • 135 FEBRUARY 28, 1995 25. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned immediately following Executive Session, at 4:05 p.m. I/ 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 9