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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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)
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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.
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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
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ADJOURNED MEETING /STUDY SESSION
MAY 23, 2006 - 7:30 A.M. - 9:00 A.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS - YAKIMA CITY HALL
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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
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• 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.
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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
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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
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