HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/18/2006 Business Meeting 109
BUSINESS MEETING
JULY 18, 2006 - 5:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL
1. Roll Call
Present:
Council: Mayor Pro Tem Neil McClure, presiding, Council Members Ron
Bonlender, Norm Johnson, Bill Lover, and Susan Whitman
Staff: City Manager Zais, City Attorney Paolella and City Clerk in Training
Moore
Absent: Dave Edler (excused)
Mayor Pro Tem McClure called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
2. Executive Session
JOHNSON MOVED AND CAWLEY SECONDED TO MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE
SESSION REGARDING COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AND PENDING LITIGATION
FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE HOUR. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote;
Edler absent.
6:00 P.M. - PUBLIC SESSION
1. Roll Call
Present:
Council: Mayor Edler, presiding, Council Members Ron Bonlender, 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 Cawley gave an invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Open Discussion for the Good of The Order /Special Presentation
A. Proclamations
None
B. Special Presentations:
• 211 Status Report from People for People
Amy Peters, Project Coordinator for 211, thanked the City Council for their
support and gave a status report of the program. They are currently
averaging 70 calls per day.
• Naches River Comprehensive Flood Hazard Management Plan from
Yakima County
Dave Brown, Water & Irrigation Manager, introduced County people to speak
on this issue.
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Terry Keehan, Director of Surface Water, reviewed status on a document he
had previously handed out. Diana Woods, with Surface Water also,
discussed a document she had previously submitted. Joel Freudenthal then
spoke about two areas in particular; the Naches water treatment plant and
Ramblers' Park.
C. Status report on prior meeting's citizen service request:
• Report from Community and Economic Development Department
Regarding Low - Income Housing Plans Along Powerhouse Road by
Next Step Housing
Bill Cook, Director of Community and Economic Development, gave a
report. The applicant, Next Step Housing initially asked the City to purchase
and give the land as a donation. Following meetings with the Council
Neighborhood Committee, the applicant made a recommendation and
received approval on a $200,000 grant. It was the committee's
understanding that Next Step Housing had already or was about to meet
with the neighborhood. The property is properly zoned R -3, and requires no
public input process. Other than discussion and commitment from Council
on financing, there has been no formal application to the City on the project
itself, therefore, we do not have a formal SEPA application. Because the
request fits within the zoning, the land use review and approval would
normally be an administrative process. The SEPA review would be the only
public comment period. The other issue is funding assistance and the
contract with Next Step Housing the Council entered into through Resolution
No. R- 2006 -56. Discussion continued covering financial items. Marty Miller,
Executive Director of the non - profit office of Rural and Farm Worker
Housing, addressed issues regarding the Pear Tree project. It will be 26
units focused on clean and sober residents. Some units are reserved for
those with development disabilities. It is not a halfway house and will not
house sex offenders. House rules and the clean and sober agreement were
distributed for review.
After discussion on the details of the project and the funding application
process, Mayor Edler commented that, in essence, it appeared this was a
public hearing rather than the intended status report. By Council
agreement, citizen input was allowed. Citizens who spoke were Tom
Coleman, Rosie Steel, Steve Gaulke, Donna Hull, and Phyllis Musgrove.
The majority were asking questions and requesting to be kept informed on
the project.
D. Appointments to Council Boards and Commissions:
1. Yakima Housing Authority Board
LOVER MOVED AND McCLURE SECONDED TO REAPPOINT MARTIN
CHACON TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD. The motion carried by
unanimous voice vote.
2. Yakima Urban Area Regional Planning Commission
McCLURE MOVED AND JOHNSON SECONDED TO APPOINT TED
MARQUIS, JR. TO THE YAKIMA URBAN AREA REGIONAL PLANNING
COMMISSION. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
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E. Council Committee Meeting Reports
None
Angie DeVora, Sales & Marketing Coordinator for Cub Crafters, reported on the
recent experience with the CBS Early Morning Show airing from Yakima. Cub
Crafters taxied their new Sport Cub airplane through the city to the Millennium Plaza
for the event. In appreciation of the well- organized assistance from the Police
Department, she presented framed photographs of the event.
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.14 was removed from the agenda. The Acting City Clerk
read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and ordinances by title.
McCLURE MOVED AND JOHNSON 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 June 27, 2006 Business Meeting
The minutes of the, 2005 Adjourned and Business meetings 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 -
Bob Mason, 612 N. 2nd Street, spoke about the graffiti problem in Yakima versus
other areas he saw during a recent two -week road vacation.
Mary McDaniels, 905 Walker Street, spoke in favor of the plan to provide 23 more
uniformed officers and how she appreciated the hours the Council has put into the
study of the issue.
James Evans, 4405 Summitview Avenue, commented that instead of the blight
across from him he now sees beautiful trees, but he is more upset that it took
public money to do this when the people who own property who are not paupers.
Mike Murphy, 4411 Snow Mountain Road, said he was sick and tired of the whole
project and that this town has potential but no vision. He threatened filing a lawsuit
using a big Seattle attorney.
Emma Fishbeck, 72 Avenue and Tieton Drive, gave her concerns about whether
the people who would be going into the "complex" were local people. She also
commented that she feels the police department should be doing drug testing on
their employees.
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PUBLIC HEARING
6. Closed record public hearing to consider the Hearing Examiner's
recommendation on a rezone request by Diocese of Yakima Housing Services
for property located at 5301 Tieton Drive
Bruce Benson, Planning Supervisor, explained that this application for rezone
started in 2004 with a request to change the Comprehensive Plan for five acres of
property bordered by Tieton Drive, 56 Avenue, Chestnut Avenue and a fruit
warehouse. That request was approved in 2005 and changed the Comprehensive
Plan for this property to be high density residential, thereby allowing the submission
of this rezone. Also in 2005, there was a six lot short plat submitted that has
recently been recorded. A Public Hearing was held May 11, 2006. On May 24,
2006, the Hearing Examiner issued a recommendation for approval. Staff
recommends accepting the Hearing Examiner's determination and to direct Legal to
prepare the appropriate legislation
• Mayor Edler opened the closed record hearing
Nancy Gross, 8905 Tieton Drive, said she thinks the project is very nice, although
she had first thought negatively of it. When she looked into it, she discovered it was
to build a retirement place for the elderly. She supports the housing.
• Mayor Edler closed the closed record hearing
JOHNSON MOVED AND BONLENDER SECONDED TO ACCEPT THE HEARING
EXAMINER'S RECOMMENDATION AND DIRECT STAFF TO PREPARE THE
PROPER LEGISLATION. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS
7. Report from Police on Status of Verified Response Program
Chief Granato reported that after a two -year trial, the policy has been successful.
There has been an 84% decrease in the amount of alarms responded to overall.
Statistically, 98% of all alarms nationwide were false. We have not had a significant
increase in burglaries with this program, just 6% over the two -year period.
Previously, our highest year was a19% increase. He urged the Council to continue
the policy. Upon questioning, Chief Granato assured Council that if there is a
recurring problem in a location they will respond to the alarm without requiring
verification. BONLENDER MOVED AND WHITMAN SECONDED TO CONTINUE
THE VERIFIED RESPONSE POLICY. The motion carried by unanimous roll call
vote.
Following a short break to change the video tape, the meeting reconvened at 8:14 p.m.
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*8. Approval of Yakima Police Department 2005 Report
The Yakima Police Department 2005 Report was approved.
*9. Approval of 2005 Year -end Medical Insurance Report
The 2005 Year -end Medical Insurance Report was approved
*10. Consideration of Resolution Accepting and Approving the 2 Quarter 2006
Claims Report
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2006 -110, A RESOLUTION accepting and approving the 2nd
Quarter 2006 Claim Report for the City of Yakima
*11. Consideration of Resolution authorizing execution of agreement with Code
• Publishing for code book supplement services
RESOLUTION NO. R -2006 -111, A RESOLUTION authorizing the execution of a
professional services contract with Code Publishing Company for the provision of legal
publishing services to the City, to include Yakima Municipal Code codification services,
Internet hosting and the creation of searchable electronic files, as well as supplementing
online and printed versions of the Yakima Municipal Code.
*12. Consideration of Resolution granting a permit to Eagle Fireworks to conduct
public display of fireworks on July 29, 2006 and August 12, 2006 at Yakima
County Stadium
RESOLUTION NO. R- 2006 -112, A RESOLUTION granting a public fireworks
display permit to Eagle Fireworks on behalf of the Yakima County Stadium,
Yakima Bears baseball.
*13. Consideration of resolution authorizing approval of the issuance of a
temporary permit to the Sports Center Restaurant for the use of two
parking spaces in the City's downtown parking lot #2 (Millennium Plaza
lot), with conditions, for a period not to exceed 90 days
RESOLUTION NO. R -2006- 113, A RESOLUTION authorizing the execution of a
Temporary Use Agreement with the Sports Center, LLC, permitting the ninety day
temporary use of two parking spaces within the City's downtown parking lot No. 2,
adjacent to the Millennium Plaza, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in said
Agreement.
Item removed from the agenda.
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ORDINANCES
15. Consideration of Ordinance amending the Yakima Municipal Code regarding
vehicle impound regulations
Chief Granato said we often receive complaints from citizens about abandoned
vehicles. By state law we had to send letters out to the last known registered
owner of the vehicle and wait for return receipt of certified mail before we could
impound it. That process ties up two police officers. They put out a request for
information on how other cities handle this problem. Some make it illegal to park
on the street after 24 hours; some give 48 hours notice and then the vehicles are
towed. Chief Granato emphasized that we need to get to the same level as other
cities. By law there is a requirement to attempt to contact the owner, to make sure
the car is properly licensed, and properly parked. The police citizen volunteer
group could look for the vehicles and give notice on them to move or be towed in a
72 hour period. Cynthia Martinez, Assistant City Attorney clarified that what is
being proposed is to repeal the current Chapter 9.48 and add Chapter 9.47 as a
new chapter. The Acting City Clerk read the ordinance by title only, WHITMAN
MOVED AND CAWLEY SECONDED TO PASS THE ORDINANCE. The motion
carried by unanimous roll call vote.
ORDINANCE NO. 2006 -32, AN ORDINANCE relating to vehicle impounds;
repealing Chapter 9.48; adding Chapter 9.47 as a new chapter that
reorganizes Chapter 9.48 for efficiency and ease of use; establishing filing
requirements so that hearings are held in Yakima Municipal Court; changing
notice of unauthorized vehicle impound requirements; and updating to reflect
changes in the law.
*16. First reading of an Ordinance amending the 2006 Budget and appropriating
funds for the SAFER grant for additional firefighters (Read ordinance only at
this meeting; second reading scheduled 8 -1 -06)
An ordinance amending the 2006 budget and appropriating funds for the SAFER
grant for additional Firefighters, was read by title only, and laid on the table until
August 1, 2006
17. Other Business
• Safe Community Action Plan
City Manager Zais said that the Safe Community Action Plan update was the
outcome of the last study session on the subject held July 14, 2006. It represents
about a million dollar reduction from where we started. One of the qualifications to it
is the matter of constant dollar cost. We know over time there will be increases,
especially in unregulated categories such as salaries and benefits for police officers
that will be much greater than the rate of inflation. Fuel and jail costs are also not
governed by inflationary limits. He assured Council that the revenue projections are
conservative and that we believe two - thirds of the revenue source will meet or
exceed the rate of inflation. They are cautiously optimistic this plan will meet the
objectives. He emphasized that he and the Chief still feel very strongly about the
need to build a Deputy Chief level position into the plan. Although it isn't in this
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version, they feel it needs to be included in the future. It is about $120,000 that they
originally had in the 4 year. It will be their objective to make it a policy issue in the
future. The next step is to hold public community forums to get input. He also
spoke about the importance of not competing with a school district bond in an
election.
• Council weighs in
Bonlender commented on the utility tax lid saying there is only 1.5% left that is
protected and if it were lifted, it would cover the cost of the Deputy Chief. He doesn't
think the people that are paying that tax would object. He said we should be ready
to put it on the November election if the school bond isn't on the ballot
Lover said he highly supports this proposal. He went on to say that if the Safe
Community Plan fails, it won't be for a lack of funding. He had hoped we could
identify spending reductions, or a creative package different from the "tax and
spend" method. He doesn't agree with the spending package but is going to vote for
the proposal with whatever funding package the majority decides. However,
because he sees this as a crime reduction package, he has tried to establish
accountability performance and expects to see a significant drop in crime in two
years. He will hold city management to the same accountability the voters hold the
Council.
Johnson thinks this is a package we can sell to the public and the next step is to
identify places in the community to hold public forums. He would like to see this go
to the voters in November.
Cawley commented that he wants to be sure there are accountability features in the
package. He feels the City is long overdue for reorganization in many areas and he
is sure he will find a number of areas where we can reduce spending.
Chief Granato said the benchmarks are our expectations. What we're trying to do
with the Emphasis Patrols is to ask the neighbors to partner with us. It is a process
of education for them and us. It is easy to say we want to reduce crime, but
determining how much will have to be tempered with reality.
McClure said it is time to bring this package out to the community.
Edler said he wasn't comfortable with not having the Deputy Chief position in the
package.
•
Chief Granato explained the need for the position and encouraged the Council to
find the funding or at least authorize it now and find the funding later.
City Manager Zais spoke about the package again noting that it is an extensive
amount of information to take in at one time and we have to bear in mind the
community's ability to absorb it and pay for it by finding the resources from our
overall structure. We are willing to look at expenditure reductions, but they are not
as easy to find as it might seem. We have done the easy part of identifying
reductions over the last few years. We did not ask for the Deputy Chief position for
the first two years of the plan. He said he knows we are going to have other costs
that impact our overall budget, not from this area, but from the rest of the city's
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areas. The budget process is starting. We have mandates and forces beyond our
control that increase expenses. He did reiterate that he and the Chief both feel
strongly that a deputy is desired. Chief .Granato has already given up one position
in order to get the technical support staff that is also so badly needed.
McCLURE MOVED AND WHITMAN SECONDED TO DIRECT STAFF TO
PREPARE A PACKAGE TO TAKE OUT TO THE PEOPLE IN A PUBLIC FORUM.
It was the consensus of Council to hold public meetings rather than hearings in order
to receive public input.
Mayor Edler, speaking to the citizens of Yakima, said it is time for us to seriously
look at crime and move to make a difference in our community. He believes this
plan will do that and requested the citizens of Yakima to participate. He personally
believes it is important to upgrade our education system and challenged our citizens.
He said we have sat and watched our facilities disintegrate and it is time we take
back our city and move into the next generation.
The question was called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by
unanimous roll call vote.
City Manager Zais was approached by Council Members to look into the meetings
scheduled around the Christmas holidays. It was suggested by Council to move the
December 19 meeting back a week to December 12 and the meeting on January
2nd be moved to January 9 Staff will look into and make those changes.
18. Adjournment
McCLURE MOVED AND CAWLEY SECONDED TO ADJOURN TO JULY25, 2006
AT 7:30 A.M. FOR A STUDY SESSION REGARDING POTENTIAL CHANGES TO
LEGISLATION FOR BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS. The motion carried by
unanimous voice vote. Council Member Whitman suggested the study sessions
begin at 8:30 a.m. rather than 7:30. That idea will be discussed further in the future.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY �a
COUNCIL M BER DATE
47 liturA:4 /t'14
COUNCIL MEMBER DATE
ATTEST:
CITY CLEF NEIL McCLURE, MAYOR PRO TEM
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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