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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/01/1996 Business Meeting • 153. CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON OCTOBER 1, 1996 BUSINESS MEETING 1. ROLL CALL The City Council met in session on this date at 2:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers of City. Hall, Yakima, Washington, Mayor Lynn Buchanan, presiding. Council Members Henry Beauchamp, Ernie Berger, John Klingele, John Puccinelli, and Bernard Sims present on roll call. Council Member Clarence Barnett absent and excused. City Manager Zais, City Attorney Paolella, and City Clerk Roberts also present. 2. INVOCATION /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Puccinelli. 3. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER A. PROCLAMATIONS (IF APPLICABLE) Council Member Berger read a proclamation declaring October 6 -12, 1996 as RSVP Volunteer Week urging citizens to become volunteers. Council Member Puccinelli read a proclamation declaring October 7 -13, 1996 as Yakima Symphony Orchestra Week in celebration of its 25th consecutive season. Council Member Klingele read a proclamation declaring October 6 -12, 1996 as Week Without Violence encouraging citizens to replace violence with sports and fitness activities. Mayor Buchanan read a proclamation issued in honor of W. K. "Pete" Moore, Fire Chief, in dedication of the new Fire Training Facility. Mayor Buchanan read a proclamation recognizing outstanding women educators by declaring October 1996 as Alpha Delta Kappa Month. • 4. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Buchanan referred to the items placed on the Consent Agenda, questioning whether there were any additions or deletions from either Council members or citizens present. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and ordinances by title. It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY KLINGELE, THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA, AS READ, BE ADOPTED. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote; 1 4 OCTOBER 1, 1996 Barnett absent. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk ( *) indicate items on the Consent Agenda handled under one motion without further discussion.) *5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 3, 1996 BUSINESS MEETING The minutes of the September 3, 1996 Business meeting, was approved, having been duly certified accurate by two Council members and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly. 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY JUDGE STEPHEN BROWN RELATING TO JUVENILE JUSTICE CENTER AND TRUANCY PROGRAM Judge Brown thanked the Council and the city voters for their support for the construction of the new Juvenile Justice Center completed last summer. He reported the modern facility is running efficiently and is operating at a 70 -bed capacity with room for future growth. Now there are beds available for dependency cases, truancy cases, District Court juvenile programs, as well as Juvenile felony cases. Judge Brown specifically detailed the success of the Truancy Program. He provided a brief history of the local volunteer program and reported it has had the most successes of all Truancy programs throughout the state according to a summary from the Institute of Public Policy that came out the end of August. Judge Brown provided contact information and urged citizens to volunteer for the Community Truancy Board and the Guardian Ad Litem Program. 6A. SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY BEV LUBY BARTZ, REPRESENTING THE COALITION OF NEIGHBORHOODS ASSOCIATION Bev Luby Bartz, representing the Coalition of Neighborhoods, presented Council with a second place award they received at the Sunfair Parade. The Boy Scouts and the Alley Cats were recognized for their community involvement to achieve this award. 7. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER PROPOSAL THAT THE TRANSIT SERVICE FARE STRUCTURE BE MODIFIED TO ALLOW DIAL -A -RIDE CLIENTS TO RIDE THE FIXED ROUTE BUS SYSTEM FARE FREE Bill Schultz, Transit Manager, explained this proposal is presented in an effort to find a cost effective means of transportation for some Dial -a -Ride clients who can make use of the fixed route transit service. The 35 cent fare which would be waived is off -set by the $12 -$14 cost per trip under the Dial -a -Ride system. While the savings won't be large, staff believes the incentive may be worth a try. Mayor Buchanan opened the public hearing and invited testimony from the public. There being no one, he closed the public hearing. It was MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY KLINGELE, TO APPROVE THE PLAN. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Barnett absent. 2 - 155 OCTOBER:: 1, 1996 8. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Larry Mathews, 805 South 17th Avenue, requested assistance with a clearview problem on 16th Avenue between McLaren and Tieton Drive. He was advised the issue is being processed through the proper legal procedure to be resolved. Edward Meyer, 1014 South 23rd Avenue, reported on his situation resulting from the sewer back -up at 24th and Nob Hill Boulevard and the potential for future damage from water run -off from that property which is under construction. The issue regarding the water run -off was referred to staff; the sewer back-up. issue is already being pursued through the damage claim process. Richard Andring, 203. South 8th Avenue, addressed the YVC wall issue, stating the wall would most likely not support any additional height. He was advised that a separate cyclone fence is being installed today. Betty. Gaudette, 701 North 6th Street, thanked the Council for their support and staff's participation in the recent Northeast Neighborhood Maintenance Walk. Luz Gutierrez thanked the three Council members who voted to place her on the Airport Board. She requested the Mayor to review all the City's boards and commissions for membership diversity. 9. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF DIAL -A -RIDE CONTRACT TO DIAMOND CAB Bill Schultz, Transi•t reported three bids were received during the bid process for the Dial -A -Ride Contract. Followed by a period of analysis, the two lowest bidders were interviewed by the Council Transit Committee. It is their recommendation to award the contract to Diamond Cab, d /b /a Access Paratransit, the lowest responsible bidder. Mr. Schultz indicated the current average cost per ride is $12 and the average under this contract would drop to $10. this results in a savings of approximately $300,000. For 1996 $866,000 has been allocated for the Dial -A -Ride Budget. Council Members Sims and Klingele questioned the expected savings wondering how realistic it is to generate the amount of savings indicated. Mr. Schultz explained the per boarding cost form of payment to be utilized in this contract which will include separate fees for wheelchair and non wheelchair passenger boarding. Helen Bradley, Director of Aging & Long Term Care, spoke on behalf of the seniors who have utilized the Dial A Ride services furnished by People For People during the present contract period. She spoke favorably, describing the responsiveness and ability to get a lot done in a short 3 156 OCTOBER 1, 1996 period of time demonstrated by People For People. She urged the Council to consider the safety of the citizens and possible liability of the City when making its decision, not on costs alone. Sheila Brogdon, a staff member of Aging and Long Term Care, explained her agency does contract with People For People for senior transportation services in Yakima. She monitors their services and feels they provide a very good quality service for the seniors. She described the quality training People For People has provided their employees enabling them to get the rider to their destination safely. She urged the Council to consider the past performance of People For People when making the decision to award the contract. Council Member Berger indicated the City recognizes the importance of addressing ADA requirements and the responsibility associated with that; however, the budget crunch and the ADA requirements have affected the budget drastically and is expected to increase even more. Mary McDaniels, 1418 South 44th Avenue, a DAR client, commented the driver's knowledge and safety and attention to client's needs is excellent, but the administrative costs are too high. However, she urges that if the Council accepts a lower bid that assurances are in place that the quality of service will be maintained or improved. Council Member Berger asked if she was recommending that the lower bid not be accepted. Ms. McDaniels reiterated her earlier statement about assuring the quality of the service remain. She also asked if at the end of this year if it is mandatory that this contract be renewed. She feels it is important to cut cost, but also maintain the quality of service. Council Member Berger explained if they don't meet the ADA requirements then it won't be renewed. Chris Fix, 302 W. Lincoln Avenue, Transportation Director of People For People, explained People For People is very disappointed with the decision and the bid process for the contract. He does not feel the City of Yakima gave them adequate time to respond to its decision to award the bid to Diamond Cab. He indicated many people wanted to attend this meeting but were unable to because of short notice for which staff had apologized. Mr. Fix sympathized with the City's budget problems, but feels neither People For People nor the Dial -A -Ride program should take responsibility for that situation. He explained he has talked to the Transit Committee about costs reduction and feels his agency submitted a very good bid. He feels a long term contract is needed to project costs more economically. He requested the Council to consider holding a public hearing so the Dial-A- I/ Ride users could voice their opinion about the program. Mr. Fix pointed out that People For People is a professional service organization and is willing to make a smooth transition if the Council decides to award the contract to Diamond Cab. 4 OCTOBER 1996 1 5 7 Lynne Kittleson, 305 North 9th Street, expressed concern about the quality ofservice thatDiamond Cab can give. She has experienced long delays when using Diamond Cab. She asked that the Dial -A -Ride service costs be investigated before the contract is awarded. Richard Andring related a personal experience with Diamond Cab concerning the fare he was charged. He asked what bid prices were submitted by Diamond Cab. Council Member Berger explained that it is $6.50 for no wheel chair and $10.00 with a wheelchair. Mr. Andring urged the Council to award the contract to Diamond Cab because he feels they will furnish service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and maybe Dial -A -Ride with Diamond Cab will encourage people to utilize this service in the evening and ridership will increase. Emily Day, 607 South 9th Street, reported that she used Dial -A -Ride six days a week going to work and to the store and she explained that she has had long delays and does not like the practices of the management of People For People. Mary McDaniels pointed out that the Dial -A -Ride Service will not be a 24 hours service even with Diamond Cab. The Dial - A -Ride service, whether it be with Diamond Cab or People For People, will still only be operating the hours that they have been operating. Even though additional transit services are needed and additional Dial -A -Ride services are needed, this contract will not provide those additional services should it- go to Diamond Cab even though they operate 24 hours a day. If services are needed beyond the establish service hours, people will be paying regular cab rates for any services,,that :.,they require or will be charged regular rates if it is beyond the service time. Richard Andring asked what will be the service time provided. Council Member Klingele reported that Dial -A -Ride services are only required by Federal law to be provided the same times as regular transit service, 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturdays. Council Member Berger commented if we go broke and can't afford a transit service, we will not, have a Dial - A -Ride program either. We are only trying to save the system; but with the costs increasing at the rate they're increasing, choices have to be made to keep things solvent. Mr. Andring asked if the law required Dial -A -Ride services be provided because shuttle bus services were provided for the Fourth of July activities. Mayor Buchanan and Council Member Berger explained that was not a requirement. Council Member Sims again questioned whether it was realistic to believe that the costs to operate be provided for approximately 25 percent less. Since these were the bids that were submitted, he asked if the City was bound by the lowest bid. City Attorney Paolella explained all the bids could be thrown out and re -bid again. Mr. Paolella further explained that under this contract, 5 :. 158 OCTOBER 1, 1996 . there are protections built in to make sure that services required under the law are provided. There is a 10 day termination provision in the event the contractor failed to provide the required services. Finally, there is a 30 day termination provision in addition, which gives the city a wide degree of discretion as far as continuing this or not, if it's working. Council Member Sims also asked where are we now in relationship to other Dial -A -Ride services for other parts of the state. Bill Schultz pointed out that on a per passenger basis, our costs are very low compared to other transit systems in the state. There may be one or two that are lower, but the majority are higher in costs. $20 is not unusual for a trip cost. Most of these are not contracted services, most of them are provided by the transit systems themselves. Council Member Puccinelli questioned whether that is a fair comparison because a lot of these Transit systems are PTBAs and are spread out over a lot bigger transportation area. Council Member Beauchamp commented, as a member of the Transit Committee, both proposals were considered very carefully. Concerning Diamond Cab's ability to perform, the equipment they would use and trying to assess whether they had the capacity to actually do the services and at the end of the whole process, the Transit Committee could not find adequate reasons that say they could not do it after hearing all their answers to all the questions; yet we know we have been getting excellent service by the current provider. On the other hand we know the cost of the whole system has been growing at an enormous proportion and we've been looking for ways to bring costs under control. This bid did come in a couple of hundred thousand dollars less and it was difficult for the committee to ignore that. City Manager Zais pointed out we are still projecting a growth in demand for Dial -A -Ride Services and that growth is still projected to occur, based on usage and demand for services the last five years. What this would help offset is some of that growth cost that is built into the budget. Otherwise, it is going to compound with growth and impact payment of the fee for service. It cost so much to provide the service, but aside from that is the continuing demand for the service. Mr. Zais suggested the low bidder respond. Pam Scott, owner of Diamond Cab and Access Paratransit, stated that one of the main things that she would like to address is that the cabs will not be providing Dial -A -Ride services. Access Paratransit will provide the service with four wheel drive tour vans and eight sedans. If the ridership creates a need for more, she will get more. She spoke about the process she went through to prepare for this opportunity. The City Transit Division, with the exception of Bill Schultz, had a chance to meet some of the people that are assisting her in establishing Access Paratransit 6 159 OCTOBER 1 1996 up, her financial backer and her trainer. Arrow Transportation, onew3o'fl, the biggest paratransit companies on the other side, is providing the experience and a lot of expertise in this process. Mayor Buchanan announced that a message from a viewer concerning Dial -A -Ride was just received and copies were distributed to the Council Members. Bill Schultz, Transit Manager, briefly explained how the transition will take place which will include an agreement between the contractors; the estimate is that Access Paratransit will take approximately six weeks to get ready to take over the contract. In that time staff will be working with them and with the current contractor to try to make a smooth transition. We need to actually come to an agreement as to what the startup date will be and certainly the current .contractor has a say in that as well.,. We will try working with the various staffs involved to try to make it as smooth a transition as possible. Council Member Klingele requested the public be provided any changes in phone numbers, etc. After Resolution No. R -96 -131 was read by title, it was MOVED BY KLINGELE, SECONDED BY BERGER, TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote; Barnett absent. RESOLUTION NO. R -96 -131, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager and City Clerk to execute a transportation services agreement with Diamond. Cab Company, doing business as Access,Paratransit. *10. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BLACK & VEATCH FOR DEVELOPING COST OF SERVICE MODELS FOR THE WATER DIVISION RESOLUTION NO. R -96 -,132 A RESOLUTION authorizing execution of a contract for engineering services with Black & Veatch. *11. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH CITY OF TOPPENISH AND TOPPENISH SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR THE D.A.R.E. PROGRAM RESOLUTION NO. R -96 -133, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute an agreement to provide D.A.R.E. services with the City of Toppenish and Toppenish School District No. 202. *12. SET DATE OF PUBLIC MEETING FOR OCTOBER 15, 1996 ON THE EMERY LANE FINAL PLAT October 15, 1996 was set as the date of public meeting to consider the final plat of. Emery Lane. 7 1.6a. OCTOBER 1, 1996 *13. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING DEPENDENT COVERAGE FOR THE FIRE COMMAND STAFF ORDINANCE NO. 96 -66, AN ORDINANCE relating to city and employee contributions toward the city health care plan; requiring the chief, deputy chief, and battalion chiefs of the Fire Department to contribute towards dependent health care coverage; and amending Subsections B, C, and D of Section 2.04.030 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. 14. OTHER BUSINESS There was none. Information Items: Items of information provided to Council were: Agenda for September 25, 1996 Yakima Housing Authority Board meeting; Agenda for the October 1, 1996 Downtown Area Redevelopment Committee meeting and minutes of its September 5, 1996 meeting; Monthly Annexation Status Report for October 1996; Monthly Report of the Chief of Police for August 1996; Monthly Report from Office of Neighborhood Development for September 1996; Monthly Personnel Report from Human Resources Division for August 1996; Legal Department Monthly Report for June 1996; Assignments Pending in Office of Environmental Planning as of October 1, 1996; and Agenda for the September 26, 1996 Yakima International Airport - McAllister Field Board meeting and minutes of its August 22, 1996 meeting. 15. EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING PROSPECTIVE LITIGATION It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY KLINGELE, TO MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION, CONCERNING PROSPECTIVE LITIGATION FOLLOWED BY ADJOURNMENT TO OCTOBER 8, 1996 AT 7:30 AM AND OCTOBER 15, 1996 AT 7:30 AM. City Manager Zais reported that the County has requested that the October 15, 1996 meeting be canceled. They have conflicts that day and have asked that be suspended. It was MOVED BY KLINGELE, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO AMEND THE MOTION TO STRIKE OUT OCTOBER 15, 1996 MEETING. The amendment passed by a 5 -1 voice vote; Berger voting nay; Barnett absent. The question was called for a vote on the motion as amended. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Barnett absent. 1 8 161 OCTOBER 1, 1996 16. ADJOURNMENT TO OCTOBER ,8, 1996 AT 7:30 AM FOR INFORMAL DISCUSSION AT THE , ^WASTEWATER`•MAINTENANCE FACILITY, THEN TO OCTOBER 15, 1996 AT 7:30 A.M. FOR JOINT CITY /COUNTY /UNION GAP MEETING AT ESD #105 CONFERENCE CENTER Following the conclusion of the Executive Session, the meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: Or OUNCIL ME BER DATE • COUNCIL NtER • DATE ATTEST: • • CITY CLERK L ' BUCHANAN, MAYOR • Minutes prepared by Deputy City Clerk Skovald. An audio and video tape of this meeting are available in the City Clerk's Office • • • 9