HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/20/2001 Adjourned Meeting / Study Session 1 4 8.
CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
ADJOURNED MEETING - STUDY SESSION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 20, 2001 - 7:30 A.M.
POLICE STATION /LEGAL CENTER
1. ROLL CALL
Present:
Council: Mayor Mary Place, presiding, Council Members Clarence Barnett,
Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Buchanan, Larry Mattson, John Puccinelli
(present after 7:40 a.m.), and Bernard Sims
Staff: Dick Zais, City Manager; Chris Waarvick, Public Works Director;
Nancy Fortier, Refuse and Recycling Manager; and Melynn
Skovald, Acting City Clerk
2. REVIEW OF REFUSE AUTOMATED PILOT PROGRAM
• Introductions
After handouts were provided, Nancy Fortier introduced employees from the
Refuse Division: Randy Layman, John Callahan, and Walter Winkfield.
• Staff presentation
Ms. Fortier then began the multimedia staff presentation that included a video
outlining semi - automated, manual, and automated refuse collection methods.
Council members posed various questions to staff and inquiries about:
• the reach capabilities of the articulating arm on the automated equipment
• the equipment fuel consumption
• the preferred location for residential customers' containers set out for pick -up
• the proper container handling
Discussion included carryout service provisions and providing information to
customers about service availability. Chris Waarvick explained that an early -on
phased -in customer education approach on how to use the refuse containers is a
reasonable, cost effective way to work with customers who have questions about
refuse service changes.
Council members discussed their concerns about safety and physical challenges
associated with refuse collection. Council members suggested that notification to
customers be provided on the containers following incidents of illegal trash
dumping, exceeding heavy container thresholds, or when inappropriate dumping
practices are observed.
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MARCH 20, 2001 - ADJOURNED MEETING
• Tom Barrington speaks about the Union's concerns
Tom Barrington expressed concern from the Union's point of view about the
potential loss of positions, particularly the temporary employee issue. He noted
that if automated refuse service becomes a reality, then the Union wants an
opportunity to sit down with Chris Waarvick to discuss shifting workers to other
positions to give them a chance to keep their jobs. Other than that one issue,
Mr. Barrington said the automated system is acceptable.
• Council comments and action
Mayor Place noted her concerns about the limited capacity of the smaller sized
refuse trucks being considered for purchase as it relates to gas mileage,
especially if the landfill at Terrace Heights closes. She requested that the city be
. actively involved in that process.
Staff was directed to do further study concerning container rates for 96- gallon
and 32- gallon containers comparing projected revenue from an automated
system if implemented.
After further discussion about this proposal, the City Council directed staff to do
further research on the automated refuse issue and to schedule a public hearing
to hear comments about the proposed changes in the City's refuse service.
3. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 a.m.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: ( 'j 4 ' "'l% s /S1O/
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COUNCIL ME ER DAT
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ACTING CITY CLERK M PLACE, MAYOR
Melynn Skovald prepared the minutes. An audio tape of this eeting is available in the City Clerk's Office
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