Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/01/2002 Special Meeting 424 CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 1, 2002 - 8:30 A.M. - NOON ALLIED ARTS CENTER - 5000 W. LINCOLN AVENUE 1. ROLL CALL Present: Council: Mayor Mary Place, presiding, Council Members Clarence Barnett, Lynn Buchanan, Paul George, Larry Mattson, John Puccinelli, and Bernard Sims Staff: City Manager Zais, Assistant City Manager Rice, and City Clerk Roberts 2. COUNCIL RETREAT The first order of business was to rename the meeting as a "Council Recharge" or "Advance for the Future ". • Review / amend if needed City Mission and Vision Statements Council members reviewed the Mission and Vision Statements and amended the Mission Statement to add "physical" environment, as underlined. The Mission Statement, as amended, reads: The Mission of the City of Yakima is to provide superior services and public facilities for the people, businesses and institutions within the city boundaries, or where appropriate to provide urban services, in order to enhance the quality of life and the economic and physical environment, within the community's willingness and ability to pay. • Review / amend City Council priorities Council members reviewed the City Council Priorities and Strategic Issues last updated February 16, 1999. After consideration, the following changes were made: I. HIGHEST PRIORITIES A. Economic Development - Emphasis on Literacy and Education -- Economic Development includes attracting and retaining businesses in the area, developing apr industrial pafk sites and providing educational opportunities. for thc citizcns in thc community. 425 FEBRUARY 1, 2002 — SPECIAL MEETING B E. Money /Resources -- Manage Existing Resources Effectively /Identify Revenue Sources -- The cost of fixed, mandated and contractual expenditures for municipal services has become increasingly difficult to fund each budget year. Examine alternate ways to contain costs, maximize existing resources and identify alternative revenues to maintain future financial stability. C E. Law Enforcement /Public Safety and Well Being -- This area includes an emphasis on community and traffic safety and preventing violent criminal acts, combating gangs and illegal drugs. ete. Emphasis should also focus on training to improve public responsiveness and cultural sensitivity. D G. Enhancing Visual and Governance Image of the City -- This priority deals with improving the City's appearance /aesthetics and enhancing community respect, pride and confidence in City government. Continue efforts to improve and maintain the City parks system and to revitalize neighborhoods. II. NEXT HIGHEST PRIORITIES E 11,4. Infrastructure - Maintain and Enhance Public Works /Utility Capital Facilities -- The City will continue to plan and explore alternatives for financing and constructing capital improvements to the City's basic public facilities: sewer; water; irrigation; parks; streets; public safety; and other public facilities. F G. Unfunded Mandates -- Inform the Public on the Cost Impact of Unfunded Federal, State and Local Agencies' Mandates . -- A special effort will be made to inform the public and taxpayers on of the impact that State, Federal, and local agencies' mandates have on increasing the cost of City services. G 1-kB. Communications -- Enhancing City Communications, Both Internally and Externally -- An open flow of communications utilizing available technology with the citizenry City residents is crucial to enable Council and staff to respond to the public's needs, concerns, and questions. ete. 2 42 :6 FEBRUARY 1, 2002 — SPECIAL MEETING Citizens' ideas, complaints and suggestions should be openly solicited and willingly accepted. bier Communications between and within the various departments and divisions of the City are also important and will enable the City to better meet customer needs. H I4-5. Cooperative Partnerships between City government, other public agencies, businesses, and citizens' groups need to be fired encouraged and developed to meet the future challenges facing our community. 11. 14-k ONGOING RESPONSIBILITIES A B. Cultural /Ethnic Diversity -- Broaden ethnic /cultural diversity and representation in City employment, commissions and boards, and City business activities. The City should utilize all available community resources and seek diversity and ethnic representation in City employment and public contracts. B A Workforce Development/Customer Relations -- The City is committed to the enhancement of employee productivity, training, teamwork and service to the public which promote efficient, effective and courteous delivery of quality municipal services to citizen;,. The City nccds to train and dcvclop skilled workers to bcttcr serve customcr nccdG. C. Youth Involvement -- Encourage the Community to become more involved in seeking opportunities for youth. Ethnic and gender balanced internships, mentoring programs and employer cooperation with citizen groups and government arc needed to encourage promote more youth involvement in the community. Council members discussed the possibility of writing a newspaper article that would feature city issues from the perspective of a council member. Council Member George stated he would be willing to write the articles, but it would have to be done with the concurrence of all the Council members. It was the general consensus of the Council to write a newspaper article on a quarterly basis, or more frequently if desired, with all Council members agreeing on the article's content. The Council took a five - minute recess and then resumed the meeting. 3 427 FEBRUARY 1, 2002 — SPECIAL MEETING • 1990 -2000 Historical Trends: Ten Year Comparison of City Statistics Council Members reviewed the chart provided by City Manager Zais that illustrates how the City has changed over the last ten years. City Manager Zais pointed out that the growth in the number of employees, approximately 80 %, was primarily due to the creation of a municipal court, 9 -1 -1 calltakers, and increased police and wastewater service. Council Member George suggested that this chart be placed on the City's website, and be updated to include 2001 statistics if possible. • Review 2002 Strategic Issues City Manager Zais emphasized that these issues are not in any prioritized order and asked Council if there were any issues they would like deleted or added or wish staff to prioritize. Council added a couple of issues and amended others, as indicated below: 1. Aggressively pursue economic development Initiatives /partnerships • Pursue and encourage private use of new HUD tax credit area for Yakima— "Renewal Community" • Seek expansion of tourism in Yakima • Continue to support Central Business District renovation projects • Support City /County Airport industrial development • Participate in Port District initiatives • Participate in Yakima Chamber of Commerce Strategic PlanningNisioning initiative "For A Better Tomorrow" • Seek regional economic development assistance from state legislature • Explore local job opportunities with Department of Energy /Hanford Clean- up Project • Continue Telecommunication and Technology Planning project 2. Prepare 2003 City Budget • Prepare for future fiscal challenges /tax initiatives /state budget reductions • Update Contingency Budget Reduction Plans to offset potential revenue losses • Determine Council spending priorities for future • Explore opportunities for regional cooperation, consolidation of services with other public utilities 3. Aggressively Seek Grants/ Funding for City Street Repairs /Capital Projects • Establish City Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Standing Committee • Prepare ballot proposition for Real Estate Excise Tax to fund street repairs —fall 2002 • Negotiate cost - sharing agreement with Yakima County for street construction and rehabilitation for newly annexed areas • Implement Capital Improvement Projects for Congdon development 4. Pursue City Annexations • Complete negotiations with West Valley Fire District to provide 24 -hour fire protection to newly annexed areas • To limits of GMA boundaries • Extend municipal services to newly annexed areas 4 428 FEBRUARY 1, 2002 — SPECIAL MEETING 5. Preserve City Water Rights • Defend City in Acquavella litigation /mediation • Make a policy decision regarding the future of the irrigation system after mediation is concluded • Monitor Endangered Species Act designations /potential "Takings" liability. • Pursue initiatives to obtain funding for salmon recovery • Pursue watershed planning • Continue to protect City irrigation water rights 6. Continue to Defend City of Yakima Interests in the Wastewater Odor Litigation Case 7. Comply with EPA Clean Water Act/Mandates • Adopt Wastewater Facility Plan • Adopt Cost -of- Service Study for mandated wastewater projects • Prepare financing package to accommodate Council- approved capital projects • Implement NPDES permit requirements • Pursue Stormwater Management Plan with Yakima County. • Continue in DOE Study Re Eastern Washington Stormwater Plan • Prepare to comply with federal Stormwater mandate deadline of 3/03 8. Continue 4 -Party Wastewater Agreement Negotiations with Yakima County, Union Gap, Terrace Heights and City of Yakima 9. Continue to Implement Growth Management Plan • Process Amendments to Urban Area Zoning Ordinance • Update Capital Facilities Plan and Transportation Plan • Complete GMA Five -year Comprehensive Plan update 10. Continue to Implement Police Department Review Panel Recommendations • Expand community policing /partnerships /crime prevention efforts and diversity training for Police personnel • Examine options for review of new citizens complaints as of January 2002 11. Mitigate Increased Rail Service • Approve a final design solution and pursue funding for Railroad Grade Separation Project • Implement "Quiet Zone" for whistle blowing • Evaluate fire safety /emergency response options at railroad crossings • Review fire response capabilities 12. Continue Implementation and Review of Anti - Graffiti Abatement Program 13. Review Space Needs at Police Station /Legal Center /Jail Facility and Municipal Court 14. Pursue State Legislative /Congressional City Priorities • Complete funding for YVCC Higher Education Center / study traffic mitigation • Seek restoration of 1 -695 "Backfill" funding in 2002 legislative session • Seek mandate relief /funding for Endangered Species Act, Stormwater requirements and water basin planning • Obtain new funding for transportation /infrastructure needs • Seek reimbursement for local airport- related costs to combat terrorism from federal government 15. Monitor 1710 Manning Standard from National Fire Protection Association 16. Prepare for Renewal of Emergency Medical Services Operating Levy in 2002 5 4 2.9. FEBRUARY 1, 2002 — SPECIAL MEETING 17. Complete Major City Capital Projects (Water /Sewer Utilities, Streets and Parks) for 2002 18. Complete Relocation of Larson Park Ballfield at Kiwanis and Tennis Courts at Kissel Park — Reassess Future Use of Kiwanis Park 19. Obtain Funding to Complete Implementation of Kissel Park Development Plan and Environmental Remediation 20. Continue to Support Public Facilities District • Finish plans /initiate bid for Yakima Center Expansion Project • Secure financing for Expansion Project 21. Revisit Cemetery Citizen Advisory Committee Recommendations 22. Monitor all Clean Air Regulations 23. Maintain, Promote and Enhance City Website 24. Continue Strengthening City Code Enforcement Efforts 25. Continue Planning to Finance and Extend Sewer Service to City Residents 26. Continue to Strengthen Intergovernmental Partnership with Yakima County /other entities 27. Review Airport Master Plan /Fire Protection Costs with Yakima County 28. Support "Yakima's Promise" /Programs for Youth 29. Determine Preferred Transit Service for Newly Annexed Areas 30. Continue to Update /Upgrade Computer Equipment and Technology in All City Departments 31. Continue Renewal of Yakima Interurban Trolley Operations 32. Continue City Hall Renovation 33. Replace City's Banking Line of Credit That Expires June 2002 34. Enact New Council District Legislation Based Upon Census /Annexations 35. Seek Replacement Parking Near Federal Courthouse • Action items Listed below are items that require further follow -up by Council or staff: • Council written and approved newspaper articles • Put Website address on YPAC banner during Council meetings and on Council member business cards (if desired) • Put Ten -Year comparison chart on City Website and include available 2001 information • Request report from Office of Neighborhood Development on funds expended for Yakima's Promise program, and staff time spent on program • Add pit bull ban from newly annexed area to the agenda item relating to dog licenses • • Council – Staff Relations Mayor Place distributed an article from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks Association entitled "Who is My Boss" that addresses etiquette and professionalism at Council meetings. Council discussed the rules for conducting a council meeting with the following results: • Citizens will be allowed to speak longer than the 3 -5 minute suggested timeframe. If they are repeating the same information or if they are being abusive, the mayor may ask citizens to summarize their issue. 6 43 0 FEBRUARY 1, 2002 — SPECIAL MEETING • Council members should treat others with respect, even while disagreeing with their point of view • Discussion order: staff report and information, motion and second, then discussion and vote • Council members were asked to contact staff prior to the council meeting with questions so they could be answered • Council and staff need to be cognizant of rules for closed record hearings — perhaps an outline of the information that was discussed could be provided to Council before the meeting 3. ADJOURNMENT BARNETT MOVED AND MATTSON SECONDED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT NOON. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: U-ua Q' /' -'_ a CO CIL MEMBER D7\ E L - 3/* >— COUNCIL MEMB R DATE ATTEST: CITY CLERK / MARY PLACE, MAYOR Minutes prepared by and Karen Roberts. An audio tape of this meeting is available in the City Clerk's Office 7