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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. 2 8:3, OCTOBER 4, 2005 • 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. 2 284 OCTOBER 4, 2005 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 3 2 a5 OCTOBER 4, 2005 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 4 286 OCTOBER 4, 2005 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. 5 2 8'T OCTOBER 4, 2005 *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. 6 2 8, OCTOBER 4, 2005 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. 7