HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/06/1999 Special Meeting432
CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
APRIL 6, 1999
SPECIAL MEETING
The City Council met in session on this date at 7:30 a.m., in the
Conference Room, at the Probation Center, 207 South 3rd Street, Yakima,
Washington. Mayor John Puccinelli, presiding, Council Members
Clarence Barnett, Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Buchanan, John Klingele, and
Mary Place present on roll call. Council Member Bernard Sims was
absent and excused. City Manager Zais; Assistant City Manager Rice;
Assistant City Attorney McMurray; Assistant City Attorney Peterson;
Chris Waarvick, Director of Public Works; Cindy Epperson, Financial
Services Manager; Dueane Calvin, Water & Irrigation Manager, Doug
Mayo, Wastewater Manager; Dave Brown, Assistant Water & Irrigation
Manager, Pete Hobbs, Acting Assistant Wastewater Manager, Bill Cobabe,
Housing Services Manager; Marketa George Oliver, Administrative
Assistant to the City Manager; and Deputy City Clerk Skovald were also
present.
REPORT ON REQUEST FOR FLUORIDATION OF DOMESTIC WATER
Mayor Puccinelli opened the meeting and invited discussion about the
request to fluoridate the City's domestic water supply.
Dr. Russell Maier, a family physician, read a statement about oral
health in Yakima County, particularly focusing on children's dental
health. He provided statistics that indicate Yakima has one of the
highest rates of dental decay among children in the state. He
reported that a grant is available for fluoridating the City's
drinking water. He feels fluoridation is the safest, most effective
method to reduce cavities. He urged the Council to favorably consider
fluoridating the water supply. There were.a number of citizens who
spoke in favor of fluoridation, including John Vornbrock, Vice -
President of Memorial Hospital, who also provided copies of survey
results reflecting 60 percent or above in favor of fluoridation.
Others in favor include Diane Keith Patterson, 4406 Uplands Way;
Dr. Melvin Carlson; Lori Frymier, 1014 South 33rd Avenue; Gail
Webster, Yakima Health District, Dr. Chuck Forester; Jeff and Joyce
Hagen; and Dr. Doran Riehl.
Council Member Place asked several questions and requested
clarification about the amount of natural fluoride in the wells of Nob
Hill Water, or in other private water supplies. Dave Englund,
representing Nob Hill Water, provided information about the 1 PPM in
one well with blended amounts in the other wells as shown by raw water
chemical tests. Council Member Beauchamp asked several questions
about the methodology used in the survey.
Mayor Puccinelli invited Water Department staff to comment about
environmental concerns.
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Pete Hobbs, Environmental Analyst, noted there has not been a lot of
research on the effects of fluoride on salmon and trout. Salmon seem
to not want to swim in water above .50 PPM. There are no .water
quality standards for fluoride, only ground water regulations for the
surface water quality. Mr. Hobbs also entertained several questions
from Council about secondary treatment, and whether there are any
significant effects found to affect the health of fish, and how
fluoride affects the pH in drinking water. Dueane Calvin, Water and
Irrigation Manager, provided an indication of the costs to add
fluoride to the water distribution system. It would include an
injection process, initially, and then maintenance costs to monitor
the various chemical contents. Special testing equipment for fluoride
would have to be purchased and maintained.
Freya Burgstaller felt fluoridation would be a waste of money because
children don't drink enough regular drinking water to receive any
beneficial effects. She suggested that another organization sponsor
fluoridation or that oral treatment be used, or fluoride drops be made
available. She also expressed concerns about fluoride affecting fish.
Michael Fluegge noted that Stangard Gel can be used and people should
be taking responsibility for brushing their teeth instead of affecting
the environment. Dueane Calvin spoke as a private citizen, noting
high amounts of fluoride can cause fluorosis. Council Member Place
expressed concern about the variable doses of fluoride in the water
and the unknown effects of fluorosis. There was a considerable amount
of discussion concerning the need for more information about the
effects of fluoride use. DeLoris Boaz, 102 Gilbert Drive, feels
fluoride is an inorganic compound that the body doesn't need and that
nutrition will take care of cavities, not fluoride. Dorothy Rose also
opposed using fluoride and indicated her preference for natural foods.
REVIEW OF LEGISLATION REGARDING SEWER CONNECTION FEE INSTALLMENT
PAYMENT PLAN
City Manager Zais summarized the request received last fall to create
an installment payment plan, in addition to "the lump sum payments, for
the wastewater connection fee. The request addressed individuals for
whom a lump sum payment would create a financial hardship. After
budget preparation and legal advice, the possibility presented itself
to try to create a payment program for low- income individuals, or for
all parties who might want to extend the timeframe for which payment
has to be made. Mr. Zais directed attention to two alternatives in
the report and requested- Council direction on which would be the
preferred choice.
Council Member Barnett explained his preference would be unrestricted
city assistance because it should be applied to all people.
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APRIL 6, 1999 -- STUDY SESSION
Council Member Place asked who would be responsible for collecting
those fees. City Manager Zais explained that staff usually, does not
do collection except for LIDS. The Finance or Customer Service
Divisions would need to track and follow up on these payments. Cindy
Epperson, Financial Services Manager, noted some similarities with the
LID payment system; evidently the utility billing system does not have
an amortization schedule and is not set up to track those fees.
Council Member Klingele noted his preference for an annual system for
the various times when they are due.
Mayor Puccinelli expressed concern that allowing everyone to utilize
the payment plan could result in the taxpayers subsidizing new
development in the West Valley.
Council Member Beauchamp suggested adjusting the interest rate for
people to participate in a payment plan. He referred to it as a low
and moderate - income safety net. City Manager Zais explained that
state law sets the maximum interest rate and would mirror the interest
rate in place under state lien law. Council Member Barnett noted that
it is for existing single family homes and excludes new construction.
After some discussion about whether to include everyone or only low to
moderate income individuals, City Manager Zais reiterated the general
consensus of the Council members present to bring back the safety net
version of the ordinance. Council Member Barnett reiterated his
thoughts that all people should have the benefit, not just low to
moderate single family dwellings.
It was MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY PLACE, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING
AT 9:17 A.M. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Sims absent.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY:
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK JOHN PUCCINELLI, MAYOR
Minutes prepared by Deputy City Clerk Skovald
the City Clerk's Office
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An audio tape of this meeting is available in
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