Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/16/2006 Business Meeting 52 BUSINESS MEETING MAY 16, 2006 - 5:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL 1. Roll Call Present: Council: Mayor Dave Edler, Council Members Ron Bonlender, Micah Cawley (after 5:15 p.m.), Norm Johnson, Bill Lover, Neil McClure, and Susan Whitman 2. Executive Session regarding property acquisition /disposition and prospective litigation JOHNSON MOVED AND WHITMAN SECONDED TO MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE HOUR FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING PROPERTY ACQUISITION /DISPOSITION, AND PROSPECTIVE LITIGATION. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Cawley temporarily absent. 6:00 P.M. - PUBLIC SESSION 1. Roll Call Present: Council: Mayor Dave Edler, presiding, Council Members Ron Bonlender, Micah Cawley, Norm Johnson, Bill Lover, Neil McClure, and Susan - Whitman Staff: City Manager Zais, City Attorney Paolella and City Clerk in Training Moore 2. Invocation /Pledge of Allegiance — Council Member McClure Council Member McClure gave the Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Open Discussion for the Good of The Order /Special Presentation Mayor Edler announced that the application for the street name change to Cesar Chavez was received too late to be put on tonight's agenda. The Yakima Herald erroneously printed that it is part of tonight's agenda. The validity of that application will be discussed at the June 6, 2006 business meeting. A. Proclamation • Employee retirement recognition — Judy Arington Mayor Edler read a proclamation honoring Judy Arington for 27 years of service for the City of Yakima. Bill Cook, Director of Community and 53 MAY 16, 2006 Economic Development, added comments of appreciation from himself and his staff for all of Judy's extra efforts. B. Special Presentation • Presentation by Washington Middle School students re: donated artwork for water playground Denise Nichols, Parks & Recreation Manager, introduced Victor Nirani, an instructor at Washington Middle School, who in turn introduced a team from the school. This team donated artwork for the water playground. Mrs. Nichols gave a status report of the water park facilities. C. Status report on prior meeting's citizen service request None D. Appointments to Council Boards and Commissions WHITMAN MOVED AND McCLURE SECONDED TO REAPPOINT JOE MANN AND MICHAEL SIEBOL FOR THREE YEAR TERMS ON THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. 4. Consent agenda Mayor Edler 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. 11 was added to the Consent Agenda. The City Clerk read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and ordinances by title. BONLENDER MOVED AND McCLURE SECONDED TO ADOPT THE CONSENT AGENDA AS READ. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. (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 March 7, 2006 Adjourned meeting The minutes of the March 7 Adjourned 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 Alonzo Marquez, 613 N. 3rd Street, asked questions about Ordinance No. 2005- 24 regarding street naming and renaming. He felt the City had not followed the procedure at the last meeting. Mayor Edler said he would have staff respond to this at the next meeting. Luz Bazan - Guttierrez, 1424 S. 31 Avenue, gave a report on Cinco De Mayo. They felt it was so successful that they would like to have more events like the Hip Hop event held in the evening. For the record, the event next year will be the first weekend in May. She publicly thanked Bernal Baca who chaired the committee. • 2 54 MAY16,2006 Earl Lee, 1213 South 18 Street, said he had many people wanting to change A Street to Cesar Chavez Way. He felt they were following the procedures outlined in the ordinance. Jesus Sosa, Toppenish, said they were able to collect 1,200 signatures in two days supporting this change. He said Mr. Chavez is the Hispanic community's hero. Estella DeIVillar of Yakima also spoke in support of the name change. Lynne Kittelson, 305 North 9 Street, commented that the City didn't appear to be following the ordinance on renaming streets. Mayor Edler responded that he believes we are following it and will have our legal counsel review it. Terry Toth, owner of the Liberty Building, spoke against naming A Street after Cesar Chavez as it doesn't fit in with his plans for the building. He feels the people who own the property on that street are the ones that should make the decision about renaming it. Mike Hunnel, 913 South 4 Avenue, asked how long has there been an ADA coordinator for the City of Yakima and is there any other besides Sheryl Smith? He asked more questions about non - compliant businesses. He was told his request will be treated as a citizen service request and would be answered in writing. PUBLIC HEARING /MEETING 6. Closed Record public hearing for the Cyr House nomination to the Yakima Register of Historic Places (This public hearing has been cancelled.) 7. Public meeting to consider the Final Plat approval of Phase 3 of the Plat of Cottonwood Grove Doug Maples, Code Administration & Planning Manager, explained that Phase 3 is for 34 lots. Phases 1 and 2 were already approved when this property was in the County (99 lots). The City Engineering office has reviewed the plans and design and given their approval, as has the Planning Department. Staff recommends approving the final plat. • Mayor Edler opened the public meeting Kevin McHenry, Yakima County, talked about the plans for Wide Hollow Road and Nob Hill Blvd and transportation improvements in the area. Bill Hordan, 410 North 2nd Street, spoke in support of the project. Mayor Edler opened the public meeting The Acting City Clerk read the resolution by title only; McCLURE MOVED AND BONLENDER SECONDED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. RESOLUTION NO. R- 2006 -77, A RESOLUTION approving the final plat of Phase 3 of Cottonwood Grove, a 228 -lot subdivision in five phases, and authorizing the Mayor to sign the final plat. 3 55 MAY 16, 2006 CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS 8. Report from Irrigation Division regarding status of capital improvements to the irrigation system Dave Brown, Water and Irrigation Manager, gave an update on the irrigation system, the plan, what has been done to date, and funding. It should take until the year 2015 for all of the improvements to be completed. 9. Consideration of Resolutions authorizing amendments to the professional services agreements for technical planning services associated with the Wal- , Mart remand to the Hearing Examiner, with: A. Shockey Brent & Associates • The acting City Clerk read the resolution by title; McCLURE MOVED AND JOHNSON SECONDED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. RESOLUTION NO. R- 2006 -78, A RESOLUTION authorizing the execution of a fifth amendment to City Contract No. 2003 -28, whereby the City is requesting further professional services from Shockey /Brent, Inc. to assist the City with the preparation and presentation of the City's evidence during the remand hearing before the Hearing Examiner, currently set to begin June 19, 2006. B. Kittelson & Associates Council Member McClure questioned the wording of the resolution and suggested that in the fourth WHEREAS, the reference to a remand hearing before the Hearing Examiner, be struck as well as in the fourth WHEREAS of the Third Amendment attached. Bill Cook, Director of Community and Economic Development, agreed with the suggested changes. The Acting City Clerk read the resolution by title only, McCLURE MOVED AND WHITMAN SECONDED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION WITH THE REQUESTED MODIFICATIONS. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. RESOLUTION NO. R- 2006 -79, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager to execute a third amendment to the professional services agreement between the City of Yakima and Kittelson & Associates, Inc. for additional traffic engineering and environmental review services related to City Council's reconsideration of the Wal -Mart application following remand to the Hearing Examiner. 10. Consideration of Resolution authorizing acceptance of Federal FEMA SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) Grant Fire Chief Mayo recognized the efforts of Deputy Chief Steve Scott with regard to this grant. If this grant is received, he will have been responsible for the receipt of $665,000 in Homeland Security dollars over the last four years, plus he has been instrumental in getting Homeland Region 8 money for the Hazmat Team. The 4 56 MAY 16, 2006 Acting City Clerk read the resolution by title only; McCLURE MOVED AND WHITMAN SECONDED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. RESOLUTION NO. R- 2006 -80, A RESOLUTION ratifying application for a $300,000 grant from the federal Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response or SAFER program) and authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary contracts and other documents to accept and implement the grant, if awarded. *11. Approval of First Quarter 2006 Revenue & Expenditure (Budget) Report The First Quarter 2006 Revenue and Expenditure (Budget) Report was approved. *12. Consideration of Resolution authorizing execution of agreement with Allied Arts Council of Yakima Valley for a Youth Visual and Performing Arts program for 2006 RESOLUTION NO. R- 2006 -81, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager of the City of Yakima to execute an agreement between the City of Yakima and the Allied Arts Council of Yakima Valley, to provide a visual and performing arts program for youth. *13. Consideration of Resolution authorizing execution of agreement with the Yakima Valley Umpires Association for 2006 officiating services for the Parks and Recreation softball program RESOLUTION NO. R- 2006 -82, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager to execute an agreement with the Yakima Valley Umpires Association to obtain softball officiating services for the City of Yakima's organized 'softball program. *14. Consideration of Resolution authorizing execution of an amendment to extend the 2004 interlocal agreement with the City of Toppenish for jail services through December 31, 2006 RESOLUTION NO. R- 2006 -83, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment extending the Interlocal Jail Agreement with the City of Toppenish through December 31, 2006 *15. Consideration of Resolution authorizing execution of an agreement with the City of Sunnyside for 2006 jail services RESOLUTION NO. R- 2006 -84, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment extending the Interlocal Jail Agreement with the City of Sunnyside, Washington for the provision of jail services. • 5 57 MAY 16, 2006 *16. Consideration of Resolution setting dates of public hearings on the 2007 -2012 Six -Year Transportation Improvement Plan and the Metropolitan Transportation Plan, and amendment of the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Capital Facilities element to incorporate the adopted Six - Year Transportation Improvement Plan RESOLUTION NO. R- 2006 -85, A RESOLUTION fixing the time and place for hearings on June 6 and June 27, 2006 in the City of Yakima Council Chambers on the Six Year Transportation Improvement Program for the period of 2007 through 2012. *17. Set date of closed record public hearing for June 27, 2006 to consider the Hearing Examiner's recommendation on the rezone of property at 101 North Naches Avenue, requested by United Builders of Washington, Inc. June 27, 2006 was set as the date of a closed record public hearing to consider the Hearing Examiner's recommendation on the rezone of property at 101 North Naches Avenue, requested by United Builders of Washington, Inc. *18. Set date of closed record public hearing for June 6, 2006 to consider the Hearing Examiner's recommendation on the rezone of property at 1708 South 16 Avenue, requested by D.H. Construction and Development, Inc. June 6, 2006 was set as the date of a closed record public hearing to consider the Hearing Examiner's recommendation on the rezone of property at 1708 South 16 Avenue, requested by D.H. Construction and Development, Inc. *19. Approval of First Quarter 2006 reports from Finance Department: A. Treasury Report B. Accounts Receivable The First Quarter 2006 Treasury and Accounts Receivable reports were approved. ORDINANCES *20. Consideration of Ordinance amending the classification and compensation plan for certain City employees (City Engineer and Transit Vehicle Cleaner positions) • ORDINANCE NO. 2006 -20, AN ORDINANCE relating to City personnel; adopting a classification and compensation plan for City employees to be effective June 18, 2006; amending Subsections 2.20.100 A; 2.20.100 E; 2.20.110 A; 2.20.110B; 2.20.110 D all of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. *21. Second reading of an Ordinance amending the 2006 budget and appropriating funds for grant- funded Public Safety communications equipment An Ordinance amending the 2006 budget and appropriating funds to purchase public safety communications equipment, previously having been read by title only, was brought before the Council for a second reading. 6 58 MAY 16, 2006 ORDINANCE NO. 2006 -21, AN ORDINANCE amending the 2006 budget for the City of Yakima; and making an appropriation of $90,799 within the 332 -Fire Capital Fund for expenditure during 2006 to purchase public safety communications equipment. 22. Other Business • AWC Voting Delegates for 2006 Annual Business Meeting CAWLEY MOVED AND BONLENDER SECONDED TO APPOINT WHITMAN, JOHNSON, AND AS VOTING DELEGATES FOR THE AWC CONFERENCE AND STAFF AS ALTERNATES. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. City Manager Zais announced that we will be delaying the June 20 regular business meeting due,to the AWC Conference. Rather than the 20 it will be held on June 27, 2006. City Manager Zais advised there is a meeting tomorrow with the Mexican Consulate to discuss protocol for the upcoming visit of Mexican President, Vincente Fox. 23. Adjournment JOHNSON MOVED AND McCLURE SECONDED TO ADJOURN TO MAY23, 2006 AT 7:30 A.M. FOR A STUDY SESSION REGARDING THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE FUNDING PROPOSAL. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 7:27 pm. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY COUNCIL MEMBER DATE COUNCIL MEMBER DATE ATTEST: CITY CLERK DAVID EDLER, MAYOR Minutes prepared by Linda Watkins. An audio and video tape of this meeting are available in the City Clerk's Office • 7 , 59 ADJOURNED MEETING /STUDY SESSION MAY 23, 2006 - 7:30 A.M. - 9:00 A.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS - YAKIMA CITY HALL • 1. RoII CaII Present: Council: Mayor Dave Edler, presiding, Council Members Ron Bonlender, Micah Cawley, Norm Johnson, Bill Lover, Neil McClure, and Susan Whitman (after 7:36) Staff: Dick Zais, City Manager; and City Clerk in Training Moore Mayor Edler opened the meeting stating that, because public safety is the number one priority of the Council, they had asked our staff to prepare a proposal of what it would cost the citizens of Yakima to bring the police ranks into the western states average of 1.8 officers per thousand population. We are currently at a ratio of 1.5 per thousand. The state of Washington is ranked 50 in the nation with regard to policemen per capita. The Public Safety Committee has heard this presentation and has forwarded it to this study session. 2. Presentation regarding the Yakima Safe Community Action Plan • • City Manager opens presentation City Manager Zais noted that in the fall of 2005 during budget review, Council requested staff to come up with a plan that would substantially enhance the police department and criminal justice system and set a positive course for the future. The Public Safety Committee helped generate the report and it coincides with merging efforts of a group called Yakima Citizens for a Safe Community led by Mayor Edler. Other points made by the City Manager were: > Justice system is faced with growing challenges ➢ We are reactive rather than proactive ➢ Current state sentencing guidelines are problematic > Drugs, gangs, domestic violence, graffiti and poverty are driving crime > Proposing a four -year phased -in action plan that, at the end of four years, would equal $4.5 million a year in spending on criminal justice services > 70% would be directed to police operations by adding 23 officers > Funding would allow the police emphasis patrols expansion to 24 -hrs -a -day, 365 days a year, in crime hot spots in the city > Add two prosecutors and a full time judge plus support staff The proposed plan is a phased in funding strategy that results in investments and enhancements to the criminal justice system well into future. It is not a temporary solution, but a comprehensive integrated approach. In the past week, the media have characterized this proposal as unpractical before it has even been reviewed. We respectfully disagree. The review process is just beginning; the proposal is a work in progress. There will be many more Council meetings and public forums on the subject. 60 ADJOURNED MEETING — MAY 23, 2006 • Police Chief Granato 2005 was a banner year for crime in the City of Yakima. At the budget presentation last year, he presented a policy issue requesting Council look into hiring an additional 22 officers. All strategies to be proactive tried over the last two years at current staffing levels failed. A healthy police department requires a proactive component. Currently the only proactive unit they have is the gang unit, a Sergeant and six officers. • Gang Unit activities — Sgt Joe Salinas Sgt. Salinas gave a presentation about known gang individuals and gang related homicides. He warned that if we do nothing now, we will pay more in the long run. A conservative estimate is that we have 500 -600 gang members in the city. Sgt. Salinas spoke about the benefits of steering the "wannabees" to programs like PAL ". Currently there are 600 kids that participate in the PAL program. With numbers like 500 -600 gang members enhanced by 500 -600 associates, gang activity isn't going to stop. The best we can do is control it. When starting up the gang unit, the three objectives were 1) identify as many gang members as we could, 2) once identified get into their business and curb their activities, and 3,) share what we've done with the public. The Power Point presentation is an excellent tool they use with school districts and with the public. Gangs have infiltrated every school throughout the county and state and our neighborhoods. Council Member McClure asked if there was value in having a second PAL site. Sgt. Salinas responded that rather than divide it into two separate locations, it would be better to have a larger facility. Chief Granato said they propose adding eight officers the first year and then seven or eight in the following years for a total of twenty- three. We have started prosecuting adults in municipal court as a result of the frustration the entire state is facing with the state sentencing guidelines. Our community is taking the criminal justice system wholeheartedly into our own system because the state is not doing their job. Someone needs to wake them up to the fact that they are endangering the citizens of our state. Citizens and businesses want to know how much this is going to cost, but they need to realize there is a cost either way. • Judges Woodard and Olwell speak on Municipal Court Judge Woodard used an analogy of the prosecution being the third leg in a four - legged relay. The gang unit is up and running with the baton. If the prosecution is not there running with their hand back ready to receive it, the baton will be bobbled and the system will break down. If the prosecution is ready but try to pass the baton to the municipal court and they are not ready, the race may be lost there. We are a comprehensive system and you cannot focus on just one aspect of it. Judge Woodard gave a history of the municipal court that started in 1997. They have never reached full staffing. As a result, they have had to close the payment windows, require clerks to work overtime, and gave up two positions. With the understanding that it will take a period of time for police officers to get through training and get on board, their staffing request is phased in. It is for two court clerks and one cashier the first year, two court clerks the second year followed by two court clerks and a cashier and a commissioner following that. They experience extreme turnover for a variety of reasons such as the working conditions, high stress, high volume, and the demand for accuracy with no allowance for error. The court commissioner position has not been filled because there isn't staff to 2 61 ADJOURNED MEETING — MAY 23, 2006 support it. Discussion covered the idea of night courts, caseloads, and other areas where they experience difficulty due to resource constraints. • Cynthia Martinez speaks on prosecution Cynthia Martinez. Prosecuting Attorney, continued the analogy rioting that the prosecutors are_the third leg in the race. With their five attorneys and three support staff they prosecuted 6,000 criminal cases last year. In the first three months of this year, they have seen a 40% increase in caseload. They are actually prosecuting felony crimes (low level) because of the large caseload at the County that is being declined. She then spoke about indigent defense and related caseloads. LOVER MOVED AND CAWLEY SECONDED TO HOLD COUNCIL MEETINGS AT 6 :00 P.M. EVERY TUESDAY WITH EVERY OTHER ONE BEING A STUDY SESSION. Discussion covered Council members calendars and how the summer months are already booked. It was suggested that this proposal be continued for more study sessions with public meetings following. The motion failed by a 5 -2 roll call vote; Bonlender, Edler, Johnson, McClure and Whitman voting nay. BONLENDER MOVED AND McCLURE SECONDED TO CONTINUE THIS STUDY SESSION. Schedules will be checked and staff will advise a date and time selected. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. 3. Audience comments (8:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.) None. 4. Adjournment Mayor Edler emphasized how important this subject is. Council members discussed the potential of holding a retreat to discuss committee structure and operation. Staff was requested to look into scheduling one. McCLURE MOVED AND BONLENDER SECONDED TO ADJOURN. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 9:03:38 AM zi READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY 7O b COUNCIL MEMBER DATE COUNCIL M ER DATE ATTEST: 410/ CITY CLE • A ID EDL MAYOR Minutes prepared by Linda Watkins. An audio and videotape of this meeting are available in the City Clerk's Office 3