HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/04/2005 Business Meeting 282
CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
BUSINESS MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 4, 2005 - 2:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL
1. Roll Call
Present:
Council: Mayor Paul George, presiding, Council Members Ron Bonlender,
Dave Edler, Neil McClure, Bernard Sims, and Susan Whitman
Staff: City Manager Zais, City Attorney Paolella and City Clerk Roberts
Absent: Council Member Mary Place (excused) Present after 3:28 p.m.
2. Invocation /Pledge of Allegiance
Council Member McClure gave an invocation, followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance led by Council Member Bonlender.
3. Open Discussion for the Good of The Order /Special Presentations
A. Proclamations
• Disability Employment Awareness Month
Mayor George read a proclamation declaring October as Disability
Employment Awareness Month. Tom Gaulke, Chief Operations Officer for
. Provident Horizon Group accepted the proclamation and invited the Council
and the public to an Open House on October 14 at 1510 South 36
Avenue.
• Week Without Violence
Council Member McClure read a proclamation declaring October 16 - 22,
2005 as a Week Without Violence. Melinda Barrett, Chief Executive
Officer of the YWCA, accepted the proclamation. She spoke about their
partnership with Yakima Valley Community College, Yakima Police
Department, and the School District to do an eight month diversity
education series beginning October 18 with Joseph Sebarenzi, who was a
member of the Rwanda parliament during the 1994 genocide. He will
speak about forgiveness as a moral response to violence. The Council and
public are encouraged to attend.
• Fire Prevention Week
-Mayor George read a proclamation declaring the week of October 15 as
Fire Prevention Week. Deputy Fire Chief Steve Scott accepted the
proclamation and spoke about this year's theme, "Use Candles With Care ".
He also reported that next Tuesday, the 11 is the Fire Department's
annual spaghetti feed that partners with Safe Kids of Yakima.
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• Community in Motion Week
Council Member Bonlender read a proclamation declaring October 12,
2005 as Community in Motion Day. Ken Mehin, Transit Manager, accepted
the proclamation. He reported that ridership is up due to the new routes to
Selah and is expected to continue to rise because of the impact gas prices
is having on the community.
• Harvest Marching Band Festival Day
Council Member Edler read a proclamation declaring October 15 as
Harvest Marching Band Festival Day. Forrest Fisher accepted the
proclamation and said this year's festival is the largest ever with 26 bands
that will be coming from Idaho, Oregon, and all across Washington.
B. Special Presentation:
• Special recognition of Bruce Newell and Shannon Needham, Fire
Department, Life Savers Award
Bruce Newell and Shannon Needham were introduced by Fire Chief Mayo
and recognized for life saving actions taken in a fire last year.
• Special recognition of Dick Hernandez, Transit Operator of the Year
Ken Mehin, Transit Manager, introduced Dick Hernandez, the 2005
Operator of the Year. Dick has been a City employee for 18 years and is
also recognized as a great ambassador for the city.
C. Citizen service requests
• Response to Mike Hunnel service request re: handicapped parking stalls
on private property
Joe Caruso, Supervising Code Inspector, told of a letter that was sent to
Mr. Hunnel in response to the questions he asked at the last Council
meeting. They researched the Washington State Code back to 1990. That
information and codes relating to buildings already in place were provided
to Mr. Hunnel. Mr. Caruso advised that we do not require retrofitting a
building's parking unless there is reconstruction. That is true throughout
the state. They also contacted the Building Officials organization but
haven't received an answer back. They will give this information, plus
information on enforcement, to Mr. Hunnel and let him know it was covered
at today's meeting.
D. Consideration of appointments to boards and commissions
• Community Review Board
McCLURE MOVED AND SIMS SECONDED TO REAPPOINT GREG ,
BOHN AND BOB MASON TO THE COMMUNITY REVIEW BOARD. The
motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Place absent.
Council Member Sims asked to schedule an interview of the applicant for
the vacant position on the Board.
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Council Member Edler gave an update on the selection process of the
Aquatics Subcommittee. They are holding up the appointments until they
have contacted elected officials of the other involved government entities.
That should be completed by the first of November and then the committee
will be appointed.
4. Consent Agenda
Mayor George referred to the items placed on the Consent Agenda, questioning
whether there were any additions or deletions from either Council members or
citizens present. Item No. 12 was removed and Items Nos. 6, 7, and 15 were
added to the Consent Agenda. The City Clerk read the Consent Agenda items,
including resolutions and ordinances by title. SIMS MOVED AND McCLURE
SECONDED TO ADOPT THE CONSENT AGENDA AS READ. The motion
carried by unanimous roll call vote; Place absent. (Subsequent paragraphs
preceded by an asterisk ( *) indicate items on the Consent Agenda handled
under one motion without further discussion.)
*A. Approval of the minutes of the September 13, 2005 Adjourned meeting
and the September 20, 2005 Business meeting
The minutes of the September 13, 2005 Adjourned Meeting and the September
20, 2005 Business meeting were approved, having been duly certified accurate
by two Council members and no one present wishing to have said minutes read
publicly.
5. Audience Participation
No one came forward to speak.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS
* 6. Presentation of the Yakima Valley 2006 preliminary budget
The Yakima Valley Conference of Governments 2006 preliminary budget was
accepted.
* 7. Consideration of Resolution agreeing to Kittitas County opting out of the
Yakima Basin Watershed Management Plan
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2005 -152, A RESOLUTION affirming Kittitas County's
decision to opt -out of the Watershed Management Plan Yakima River Basin and
directing the City Manager to execute any necessary and appropriate documents
to effect that opt -out.
*8. Consideration of Resolution authorizing execution of professional services
contract with Public Safety Testing, Inc. for police officer recruitment
testing
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RESOLUTION NO. R- 2005 -153, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager
to execute a professional services agreement with Public Safety Testing, Inc. for
advertising and testing services related to the hiring of entry level and lateral
police officers.
*9. Consideration of Resolution declaring Police Department automatic rifles
as surplus equipment and authorizing their trade -in through a formal
sealed bid process
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2005 -154, A RESOLUTION declaring the attached list of
automatic rifles with equipment to be surplus to the needs of the City of Yakima
and the Police Department, and authorizing their trade -in through the formal
sealed bid process.
*10. Consideration of Resolution authorizing the purchase of Wastewater
Treatment Plant blower procurement package from Turblex, Inc.
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2005 -155, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager
to execute all documents for the purchase of the Wastewater Treatment Plant
blower Procurement Package from Turblex, Inc.
*11. Approval of Second Quarter 2005 Revenue and Expenditure (Budget)
Report
The Second Quarter 2005 Revenue and Expenditure (budget) Report was
accepted and approved.
12. Accept report from State Auditor on the City's 2004 Audit
City Manager Zais noted that the City received a clean financial audit with the
highest financial rating. This is the 18 in a row we have received. He wanted to
take this opportunity to draw a distinction between this audit and what is
proposed on ballot measure Initiative 900 and to let the public know what is in
place today.
Rita Anson, Finance and Budget Director, said that the results of the 2004 State
Auditor's audit is a clean opinion, called an "unqualified opinion ". That means no
ifs ands or buts to that opinion and it is the highest rating available. Ms. Anson
explained what is included in the financial report, that it is really three audit
reports; Financial Reporting (compliance and internal controls), Federal
Regulations (for major federal programs), and Financial Statements. We
received a clean opinion in all three areas. In answer to Council Member Sims
question of what we pay the state auditors, Ms. Anson responded approximately
$100,000 each year. State law sets the amount. This does not include the cost
of staff time in Finance, and throughout the City, preparing reports, following up
on questions, and researching data.
Mayor George asked what is the difference between this audit, and the
performance audits that are part of the initiative. Ms. Anson advised that the
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major issue with 1 -900, is that it says the state auditor shall review and analyze
the economy, efficiencies and effectiveness of public policy, management, fiscal
affairs, and the operations of each entity. It moves away from financial reporting
and compliance issues, and tackles a whole landscape of new issues. In regard
to the economy, they will review and analyze economic issues within each
jurisdiction, the efficiency and effectiveness of policies that Council sets, and get
into a lot of public policy issues that overlap with the responsibilities of the
Council. It will expand the responsibilities and the expertise required of the state
auditors vastly past where they are today. They will need expertise in economics,
public policy making, what is going on in the various jurisdictions, what services
the community wants, whether the jurisdiction is providing those services, and at
what level. They would require expertise on all services, such as
water /fire /police /irrigation, in order to make decisions. They may have to hire it
out. This initiative will have a huge impact on the auditor's office as well as on
internal staff.
Ms. Anson clarified that the state audit being presented is only one of many
audits that the City currently undergoes. There are audits performed by the
Federal Government (HUD), the IRS Department, there is arbitrage analysis, and
there are environmental issues, Henry Bacon issues, a long list of agencies that
are overseeing the City's practices. This initiative would create another group
with many levels of expertise that we would have to respond to in addition to all
of the ones we currently undergo. This initiative is a major issue and shouldn't
be taken lightly when voters are making their decision.
Mayor George asked if it is possible that, if 1 -900 is passed, the, auditor is going
to be taking us to task for policies that we were elected to do? Ms Anson
responded that it is not only possible; it is the intent of the initiative. Discussion
continued on possibilities and potential impacts if the initiative passed; items
such as disagreements with decisions, responses required to the auditors
recommendations, and auditors not being from the local area.
EDLER MOVED AND McCLURE SECONDED TO ACCEPT THE STATE
AUDITOR'S REPORT. Council Member McClure emphasized that the Budget
Strategy Team made no recommendations to cut our existing budget. The only
thing they recommended was divesting us from the public library. They
recommended no cuts unless it became critical and that they had found a strong
fiscal management. The question was called for a vote on the motion. The
motion carried by unanimous roll call vote; Place absent.
*13. Set date of public hearing for October 18, 2005 to consider the 2006
Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan
October 18, 2005 was set as the date of public hearing to consider the 2006
Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan.
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*14. Set date of public meeting for October 18, 2005 to consider the final Plat
approval for Cottonwood Grove Phases 3 and 5
October 18, 2005 was set as the date of public meeting to consider the final
approval of Phases 3 and 5 of the plat of Cottonwood Grove.
ORDINANCES
*15. Consideration of an Ordinance amending the Municipal Code relating to
utility taxes, substituting a utility tax for a franchise fee for companies
selling or furnishing natural gas
ORDINANCE NO. 2005 -56, AN ORDINANCE relating to business regulations
and utility taxes; amending utility taxes on companies in the business of selling
or furnishing natural gas; and amending Chapter 5.50 of the City of Yakima
Municipal Code, specifically sections 5.50.020, .030, 050, .060, .065, .070, .080,
.090, .095, .100, .110, .120, .130, .140, .150, .160, . 170, .180, and .190.
*16. First reading of an Ordinance amending the 2005 budget and appropriating
funds for reimbursable Engineering Division project related engineering
expenses (Read ordinance only at this meeting; second reading scheduled 10/18/05)
An Ordinance amending the 2005 budget and appropriating funds for reimbursable
Engineering Division project related engineering expenses, was read by title only, and
laid on the table until October 18, 2005 for a second reading.
*17. First reading of an Ordinance amending the 2005 budget and appropriating
funds for unanticipated Cemetery Division staff retirement cash out expenses
(Read ordinance only at this meeting; second reading scheduled 10/18/05)
An Ordinance amending the 2005 budget and appropriating funds for unanticipated
Cemetery staff retirement cash -out expenses, was read by title only, and laid on the
table until October 18, 2005 for a second reading.
*18. First reading of an Ordinance amending the 2005 budget and appropriating
funds for GMA grant for Comprehensive Plan amendment for
environmental compliance (Read ordinance only at this meeting; second
reading scheduled 10/18/05)
An Ordinance amending the 2005 budget and appropriating funds for GMA grant for
Comprehensive Plan amendment for environmental compliance, was read by title only,
and laid on the table until October 18, 2005 for a second reading.
19. Other Business
Council Member Sims reported that, at a recent conference, we had been
awarded a plaque recognizing the City as a leader in the 2 -1 -1 program.
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Council Member McClure noted that, although Council Member Place was
missing today's meeting, it was the first meeting she has missed in eight years.
She was attending an AWC event at which the City was receiving an award for
its Wellness Program.
Council Member Edler advised City Manager Zais that he had just received a call
before the meeting regarding a call center that would like to locate in Yakima and
would need some help. He also gave an update on the status of the negotiation
of an agreement with the City of Moxee to allow them to connect to our sewer
plant to serve the SR -24 industrial corridor. They have been experiencing some
difficulty with our requirement for outside utility agreements (OUAs) on the east
side of the river within the boundaries of the Urban Growth Area (UGA).
Negotiations are in process. He suggested having staff contact the major
property owners in the area and personally ask them if they would be willing to
participate in an annexation. Council Member Sims commented that the UGA is
the proposed area that will eventually become part of city limits. Since 1965
we've had OUAs in any area we were going to serve in the future and it is his
opinion that should be part of the platform from which we extend service to other
communities. Someone has to serve those areas and be planning 20 year in
advance to have adequate service for development. That corridor is a major
industrial potential for . this area and needs to be adequately served. Because
there is not a lot of grant money for those extensions, the citizens of Yakima will
be paying those rates until there is adequate service for those communities and
they can stand on their own. That's the reason for the OUAs.
Council Member Whitman shared a conversation she had with a friend who
noticed that good things are happening downtown, especially by the Capitol
Theatre.
• Information Items
Items of information provided to Council were: 10/05/05 Community Review Board
Meeting Agenda; Washington State Department of Ecology Meeting Notice — Rule
Revisions for the Centennial Clean Water Fund and State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF);
9/28/05 Memo from Dave Brown re: US Bureau of Reclamation Yakima Project Total
Water Supply Available; Planning Division Assignments Pending as of October 4, 2005;
9/27/05 Yakima Herald - Republic article, "Cle Elum River runs too low for fish "; 9/28/05
Seattle Post - Intelligencer "Bump in tax revenue brings calls to spend it "; 9/27/05
Seattle Post - Intelligencer "Mayor offers $760 million budget "; and 9/27/05 Seattle
Times article, "$55 million windfall for next year's city budget ".
20. Executive Session regarding collective bargaining (allow approximately 25
minutes)
McCLURE MOVED AND SIMS SECONDED TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE
SESSION FOR APPROXIMATELY 25 MINUTES WITH ADJOURNMENT
THEREAFTER. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Place absent.
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