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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/15/1988 Business Meeting 013 NOVEMBER 15, 1988 BUSINESS MEETING • • 1. ROLL CALL The City Council met in session on this date at 2:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Mayor Pat Berndt, presiding, Council members Clarence Barnett, Lynn Buchanan, Lynn Carmichael, Jerry Foy and Bernard Sims present on roll call. Council member Henry Beauchamp present at 2:13 P.M. City Manager Zais, City Attorney Vanek, City Clerk Roberts and Deputy City Clerk Toney also present. 2. INVOCATION The Invocation was given by Council member Foy. 3. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER Mayor Berndt stated she, Administrative Secretary Debbie Moore and other adult chaperones will accompany ten children from Yakima to Disneyland on November 17 -19, 1988, to celebrate the 60th birthday of Mickey Mouse. The trip is courtesy Delta and Horizon Airlines and Disneyland. • Mayor Berndt distributed a rough draft of the prospectus on the War on Drugs to be discussed at the next meeting with Frank Glaspey. She stated the purpose of the document is to obtain grants and funding for the Drug Coalition. Council members were asked to submit comments or suggestions concerning the draft prospectus to her by December 15, 1988. Mayor Berndt also distributed a III committee report and an organizational report for information purposes. Mayor Berndt read a proclamation designating Saturday, November 19th as the 6th Annual Operation Harvest in the City of Yakima. Citizens were asked to contribute canned goods to help stock the shelves of local food banks during this neighborhood food drive. The proclamation was accepted by Barry McNiece who encouraged everyone to have their food donations ready to be picked up early Saturday morning. 4. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Berndt referred to the items placed on the Consent Agenda, questioning whether there were any additions or deletions from either Council members or citizens present. It was the general consensus of the Council that Items Nos. 9 and 10 be added to the Consent Agenda. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and ordinances by title. It was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Sims, that the Consent Agenda, as read, be passed. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. (Subsequent • paragraphs preceded by an asterisk ( *) indicate items on the Consent Agenda handled under one motion without further discussion.) 5. PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS • Mayor Berndt assisted Personnel Officer Archie Sutton with the presentation of service awards to the following employees: 35 years: Edison Darby, Refuse Division; 30 years: W. Jean Groth, Finance Department; 25 years: Clara Sanders, Finance Department, Michael A. Bartleson, Police Department, Delmar J. Kary, Streets & Refuse Department; 20 years: Ronald D. Fortier, Reid J. Follansbee, Howard F. Cyr and William L. Knuth, Police Department, Tony E. Sloan, Darrell A. VanderHouwen and James E. Williams, Fire • Department, Hilda A. Leffel, Information Systems, Norma L. Morrow and Jeanette L. Glaspey of Customer Services, Roy Thompson, AAD /1 • L 020 NOVEMBER 15, 1988 Street Department and Willie L. Boston, Refuse Department; 15 Years: Richard A. Zais, Jr., City Manager, Jean Reid, Purchasing Department, John Haddix, Planning Department, Michael A. Welton, Police Department, Martin A. Buehler, Terry L. Rogers, Fire Department, Teresa Farren, Information Systems, Heide E. Wright and Hipolito Flores, Customer Services, Thelma L. Trimble and Robert L. Haines, Parks and Recreation Department, Willie B. Singleton, Street Department, David 0. Rodrigues, Transit and George H. Bach, Garage Division. (Employees not present to accept their awards were: George Bach, Thelma Trimble, .Terry L: Rogers, Martin A. Buehler, William L. Knuth, and Jerry Forbes.) *6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETINGS OF OCTOBER 25, 1988 The Council minutes of October 25, 1988 were approved, having been duly certified accurate by two Council members and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly. 7. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Doug Pulse, representing Neighbors Against Drugs (NAD), asked Council for a status report regarding the Coalition for the War On Drugs (WOD). He stated the only information in the newspaper has been the request for a raise by the new director and the fact that a conference is planned for May. He said it is his understanding that three of the committees have not met and that one committee met prior to the hiring of the director. He stated the Herald Republic donated space in the paper to be used by the Drug Coalition, however, none of the space has been used by the new director. Mr. Pulse stated it appears that the wind has been spilled from the sales of the Coaliton, adding that one could draw the conclusion that the Coalition was a political invention designed to divert attention and responsibility for leadership in the War on Drugs away from the City Council and City Manager. He said he believes the City Council and City Manager should bear the responsibility for leadership in the War on Drugs in the Community, and should be much more effective in encouraging neighborhoods, education and church leaders, the business community and various service clubs to organize and act positively in the War On Drugs. He ended his comments by stating, "we encourage you to assert yourselves." Mayor Berndt responded that the only Committee that has not met is the Law & Justice Committee due to Sheriff Blair and Chief Green being involved in the budget process. She explained that the Drug Coalition was not allowed to use the space in the newspaper until after the elections due to space constraints. Mayor Berndt stated once the director was hired, he had to establish an office and create a program, however, visibility will be increasing in the near future. Mr. Pulse stated he has seen Mayor Berndt at some of the meetings but has not seen other Council members and feels they should be more involved and visible in this particular effort. Council member Foy interjected that it is a misnomer to think that Council members have to attend all of the meetings involving the Drug Coalition to be involved in the war on drugs. He said he will be attending a meeting this • evening with the Rotary Drug Coalition to determine what action the Rotary can take to address this issue. Council member Carmichael informed Mr. Pulse that she has participated in every march against drugs, provided materials for posters and continues to serve the Governor's Alliance Against Drugs. She commented other Council members have been active in this effort, however, the community may not be aware of all these efforts. Mayor Berndt stated the awareness of the community will be increasing, noting that the School District has volunteered one of their personal relations representatives to work with Mr. Glaspey on a limited basis for the purpose of keeping the community informed on activities of the Drug Coalition. City Manager Zais pointed out that meetings of the Coaliton are open to the public and encouraged Mr. Pulse to attend. Mayor Berndt stated the meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 A.M in Mr. Glaspey's office in the Chinook Tower. Council member Foy also mentioned that the Chamber of Commerce met on Monday and appointed a Law & Justice blue ribbon group to review the drug issue and the funding issue with the Police Department. AAD /2 021 NOVEMBER 15, 1988 Paul Harris, Box 812, Yakima, asked if the American Flag could be placed on the right hand side of the podium as per protocol. Council member Carmichael stated there has been some discrepancy as to that issue due the fact that the platform is not raised. The flag was moved to the right of the podium. A. SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY JAMES HURLEY REGARDING CITY'S PRIVATE SECURITY ORDINANCE City Attorney Vanek stated this item will be deferred 'one week at the request of James Hurley. 8. PUBLIC MEETING ON REZONE OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 810 -820 WEST WALNUT, AS REQUESTED BY JACK SPARLING Associate Planner Larry Lehman reviewed the agenda cover sheet and the recommendation of the Hearing Examiner to deny the request to rezone property located at 810 -820 West Walnut Avenue from R -3, Multi - Family to B -1, Professional Business. Mr. Lehman stated staff felt it might be more appropriate to consider rezoning a larger area, such as the one outlined on the wall map and the vicinity map provided in the Council packets. Before opening the public meeting, Mayor Berndt asked Council members to disclose if they had been contacted by anyone regarding this rezone issue prior to today's meeting. No one had been. Mayor Berndt opened the public meeting for testimony at this time. George Pechtel, representative of proponent Jack Sparling, stated the property is currently zoned R -3, Multi - Family, however, from 1st Avenue to the terminus of Walnut on llth Avenue, there are six single family residences and one very large commercial multi- family unit on that entire street. He added Mr. Sparling's - property is half occupied by business and has been there for over twenty years. Mr. Pechtel stated Mr. Sparling was disappointed with the Hearing Examiner's recommendation for denial, but would like Council to support the staff recommendation to rezone a larger area. He said Mr. Sparling's concept for his property will dovetail very well with the current surrounding uses in that area. Mr. Pechtel stated both hospital areas should be considered as a sub area plan concept because of the massive growth in those areas. Council member Carmichael stated there are sub area plans for the hospitals, but she does not know the status of those plans. Mayor Berndt read into the record a letter from Byron J. Armstrong, Rt. 2, Box 2247A, Selah, Washington, in support of the rezone requested for 810 -820 West Walnut, adding that he would like to see the block between 7th and 8th Avenue, between Walnut and Chestnut rezoned to B -1 also. Barbara J. Harris, P.O. Box 812, Yakima, Washington, stated she owns property in the area of 8th and 9th Avenues, and spoke in favor of rezoning a larger area than that requested by Mr. Sparling. She stated other property owners in the area should be notified to see if they-wish their property rezoned. The being no other citizens wishing to address this issue, Mayor Berndt closed the public meeting and asked for direction from Council. It was MOVED by Foy, seconded by Carmichael, to accept staff recommendations #1 and #2. Following a brief discussion, it was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by Sims, to amend the motion • and expand the rezone area south to Spruce Street. Carried by 6 -1 voice vote. Barnett voting nay. The question was called for a vote on the motion, as amended. Carried 6 -1 voice vote. Barnett voting nay. o . AAD /3 022 NOVEMBER 15, 1988 * 9. PRESENTATION OF PRELIMINARY 1989 AIRPORT BUDGET The Preliminary 1989 Airport Budget was approved as submitted. * 10. REPORT FROM PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT REGARDING EXTENDED TRANSIT SERVICE DURING CHRISTMAS SEASON The report from the Public Works Department, regarding extended transit service through the holiday season, was accepted and approved. The report specifies several service assumptions: 1. No service on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve ( "Be Home Free" operation.) 2 Service schedule based on downtown store hours. 3. Service extensions aimed at shoppers and employees. 4. Transit Operators will be allowed to accrue comp time in excess of 40 'hours allowed by current policy. 5. Service will be provided on one hour headways as is currently done with Saturday service. 6. Service will not be provided on Route 10 - Westside Loop as it does not operate in the downtown area, but will be provided on all other routes. Given the above assumptions, the service will cost approximately $43,827, *11. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT TO DISTRICT COURT AGREEMENT RESOLUTION NO. D -5521, A RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute a modification of the agreement with Yakima County relating to Yakima County District Court costs. * 12. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CANCELLATION OF CLAIMS FUND WARRANTS, PAYROLL FUND WARRANTS AND TREASURY CHECKS RESOLUTION NO. D -5522, A RESOLUTION authorizing the cancellation of outstanding claims warrants, payroll warrants and Treasury checks. * 13. APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 1988 BUDGET REPORT The October 1988 Budget Report was accepted. * 14. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1988 BUDGET AND MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR TRANSIT TURNOUTS (FIRST READING) An Ordinance appropriating funds for Transit turnouts, having been read by title only at this meeting, was laid on the table for one week, or until November 22, 1988. 15. OTHER BUSINESS City Manager Zais stated he and Police Chief Green discussed enhancement of the police foot patrol in the downtown central business district through the holiday season. He said the idea is to hire two additional officers to work overtime each day, covering the hours from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, with no additional personnel on Sunday. Mr. Zais explained that other uniformed personnel will be reassigned as needed to provide two foot patrol officers between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. which will hopefully impact traffic and narcotics enforcement. The cost to do this will be $7,000 plus benefits. Mr. Zais indicated Chief 'Green has exhausted his overtime budget, however, other year end savings are projected and could provide a •source of revenue for this service. Mr. Zais stated he believes Council should approve this in conjunction with the holiday season for the benefit of the business community and retail shoppers. Council member Foy stated he supports providing better service, however, he is concerned that the officers are being called back to work on their days off and could burn out or become ill. He stated Council has a responsibility to think about the negative impact all of the overtime work is causing for the officers. He stated he is also concerned about the officers and AAD /4 • 023 NOVEMBER 1W1988 • their families, adding 'that this is' holiday season for them too, and he is bothered that they are asked to give up time with their families. Captain Wentz stated reserve officers will be used for the increased foot patrol whenever possible. He added that overtime for the officers is on a voluntary basis. It was the general consensus of the Council to support the enhanced foot patrol through the holiday season. Council member Carmichael stated she supports this action, however, she. shares Council member Foy's concern calling officers back on their days off. She added that increasing the foot patrol is not going to be a panacea for the problems of the downtown area. She stated citizen • involvement and cooperation is necessary to help make this a safer • community. Information Items: Items of information supplied to Council were: Memo from the Chief of Police regarding Narcotics Enforcement Update. 11/9/88; Memo from Kathy Coffey, Yakima Valley Visitors & Convention Bureau, regarding Local Option Room Tax. 10/28/88; Reports from Personnel Division regarding vacancies and hiring status for November 1988; 1988 Community Development Block Grant Monthly Report for October 1988 and October 1988 Minority Business Enterprise Report; and Agenda for November 16, 1988 Regional Planning Commission meeting. 16. EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING PENDING LITIGATION It was MOVED by Buchanan., seconded by Beauchamp, to move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing pending litigation and adjourn immediately thereafter to 9:.00 A.M. November 22, 1988, for Budget Review. Unanimously carried by voice vote.. 17. ADJOURNMENT TO NOVEMBER 22, 1988 AT 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 NOON FOR BUDGET REVIEW Following the completion of the Executive Session at 3:17 P.M. the meeting was adjourned to November 22, 1988 at 9:00 A.M. for Budget Review. i READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY J i� ( , )(1 / 61,,0 �G'� C CI : BE• DATE ■ ATTEST: CON IL MB � DATE , 4 CITY CLERK MAYOR Minutes prepared by Deputy City Clerk, Barbara J. Toney, CMC. • • • • AAD /5