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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/07/1989 Business Meeting :: 085 • ,,'FEBRUARY 7, 1989:: • BUSINESS MEETING • • 1. ROLL CALL • • - 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, Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Buchanan,. Lynn Carmichael, Jerry .Foy and Bernard Sims present on roll call. City Manager Z City Attorney Vanek, City' Clerk 'Roberts and Deputy City Clerk Toney also present. 2. INVOCATION The Pledge of Allegiance was led by City Attorney Vanek. 3. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER Mayor Berndt read a proclamation declaring February 12 -18, 1989 as Vocational . Education Week and presented it to Brenda Hovis, a vocational education student.. Ms. Hovis presented Council with an autographed poster promoting the Skills Center. • 4. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION None. 5. CONSIDERATION. OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CALL FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE CITY'S LEGAL ADVERTISING • Council member Carmichael asked why this business item was being presented at a time scheduled for study session items. City Manager Zais commented the City Charter and Municipal Code requires this action to be taken at the first meeting in February. Resolution No. D -5545 having been read by title, it was MOVEDT BY CARMICHAEL., SECONDED. BY 'SI'MS, THAT THE RESOLUTION'.BE:'ADOPTED. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. • RESOLUTION.NO. D -5545, A RESOLUTION prescribing a form of contract for printing and publishing city legal advertising; and directing publication of a call for proposals therefor. 6. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION FROM POLICE CHIEF AND COUNTY SHERIFF REGARDING STATE GRANT FUNDING FOR JOINT LAW ENFORCEMENT AND MINIMUM SECURITY FACILITIES Police Chief Green was present to respond to Council's questions. Council member Barnett expressed concern that there does not seem to be a consensus between the County Commissioners and the Council on this issue, and they're not acting on it. Chief Green commented the Commissioners have discussed- this and there seemed to be a consensus to support the request. Discussion ensued about the proposed jail, and in particular, about funding the staffing and maintenance and operations of that facility. City Manager Zais stated joint meetings with the County have been held to discuss revenue needs for operation and maintenance. The County and City Associations have been meeting to work out a' joint resolution 'to present to the Legislature. He handed out copies of the distribution of the revenue this legislation would promote. Council member Foy 'indicated two state 'legislators ' indi'cate&'it ' would be futile to give them any proposal which does not have endorsement from both the City and the County. Sheriff Blair commented this is a concept and the maintenance and operations expenses would have to be discussed later. Phil Pleasant, citizen, expressed his disapproval of this AD /1 • 0 /6 FEBRUARY 7, 1989 proposal, stating funds should be spent on rehabilitation programs and jobs, not jails. Council member Carmichael commented the rehabilitation issue needs to come through the judicial system. Council member Foy stated there are programs being done in the community to address this problem; one of them being Choices, sponsored by U. S. West. It. was :MOVED . BY CARMICHAEL:, •:SECONDED :BY: : :_:BOCHANAN, TO . . ACCEPT : .THE: .: REPORT THAT HAS.. BEEN. 'PRESENT:ED., _TO USAND ADOPT ITS CONCEPT::: IN`'HOPES "THAT:'".YAKIMA COUNTY. W:hLL: BE.: ::JOINING US - .IN:' PURSUING` °RESOLUTION. ;::OF : THIS PARTI'.CULAR ... ISSUE. Unanimously.carried by voice vote. • .. 7. REPORT FROM PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT REGARDING PROPOSED SOLID WASTE LEGISLATION Stating he just received the latest AWC Legislative Bulletin which changes everything that was in this report, Council member Barnett commented he thinks staff should look at the. latest draft bill, and then Council can work through the Chamber of Commerce hot line on Thursday. Council member Foy suggested Jerry Copeland, Director of Public Works, join in the discussion on the hot line to the legislators. Discussion followed on the reduced requirements in the new bill pertaining to recycling refuse and yard debris. It was MOVED . BY,: - ,CARMICHAEL SECONDED BY ='FO.Y `:_T0: ACCEPT: :"THIS." REPORT_ AND: _DO:'"NOTHING " WITH . IT ` Council member..Barnett stated he'would.vote..in the .affirmative as long as this motion means we don't accept the written staff recommendation. The question was called for a vote "on the motion. Unanimously carried by voice vote. 8. REPORT FROM DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ON CITY /COUNTY AIRPORT PLAN Don Skone, Planning Manager, commented the Yakima Air Terminal Board retained Knipper, Dunn, Franklin , Architects to prepare a concept study for the Yakima Air Terminal, I/ based upon a 1987 Airport Master Plan. That Plan projects passengers will double over the next 20 years and it was concluded the most important element of the Plan is to expand the terminal. He said the consultant prepared four basic alternatives ranging in approximate costs of $7.5 million to $16 million. He commented that some federal funding is available. The Plan recommends that a financial feasibility study be done to identify the' impacts and benefits of each of the four concepts and that supervision of that be through a joint ad hoc committee, consisting of members of the Council, the County Commissioners and Yakima Air Terminal Board. He said staff is in agreement with that recommendation. Council member Barnett inquired if the County Commissioners have acted on this request and Council member Buchanan replied that the County has already appointed someone to be on the ad hoc committee. Council member Foy asked how much City staff time will be required to work with the consultant. Mr. Skone stated staff would participate in an advisory role. Responding to the Council's concern regarding the funding for the study, City Manager Zais said he believes the funds should come from the Airport budget 'and` all other funding alternatives should be exhausted before they request funding from the City. Council member Buchanan expressed concern about the need for this financial feasibility study. Following a few comments regarding Council member Buchanan's concerns, it was MOVED BY FOY, . SECONDED ::B.Y:..CARML.CHAEL T O ` FORM. AN.. AD' : HOC ?`C OMMI'TTEE - - ..OF "=LYNN. BUCHANAN ..AND JERRY FO:Y ` WITH "`. :O.UTS'IDE , FINANCIAL CONSULTANT ;;:ADVISER HIRED,, TO:` .:MEET WITH_ THE COUNTY AND AIRPORT BOARD.. Unaniinously.carried by.voice vote. .. 9. STATUS REPORT FROM LEGAL - DEPARTMENT REGARDING PROPOSED LEGISLATION ON INTRASTATE LONG DISTANCE TAX CHARGES AD /2 FEBRUARInY7 1989 0 9 7 City Manager Zais distributed copes.of correspondence dated February 7, 1989, which was faxed'from Preston, Thorgrimson, the City's legal consultant. He said we can't tax the other carriers, such • as Sprint that provide long distance service at 6% or 6.4% because of a challenge on the question of disparate taxation. This would mean a revenue base of only 4.4 %. They can't be taxed at the higher rate as long as the ..telephone franchise fee and the utility tax would be in effect. Council members expressed, a desire to • postpone discussion on this item until after Council has an opportunity to read the letter just received from the consultant. City Attorney Vanek briefly outlined the contents of the letter and stated he could bring back further information next week. City Manager Zais said staff is still trying to get financial information from the other carriers. Larry Mathews, 805 South 17th Avenue, said that going from the franchise fee and charging the 2% as a utility tax is bad because indirectly it goes to the consumer. He commented the basis for the franchise is they are using City property and right -of -way. .Council member • . Foy stated that cost is put into the monthly charge. It was MOVED .BY CARMICHAEL, SECONDED.. BY BUCHANAN TO TABLE. THIS TO - _._ 14., 1989. Unanimously carried by voice vote. 10. REPORT FROM •FIRE DEPARTMENT REGARDING FIRE DEPARTMENT OPERATIONS (PLEASE BRING REPORT) . • Jerry Beeson, Fire Chief, introduced staff members Gary Vance, Battalion Chief in charge of support services, Gene Martin, Deputy Chief, Dave Bachmann, Captain in charge of public education, Rick Andring, Captain in charge of EMS, Rick Bowman, training division drill instructor (Haz Mat . expert), and.Mike Nugent, Battalion Chief. of training. He said these people contributed; information',in this report. Dave.Bachmann narrated a slide. presentation Ill`uminating the .shortcomings" of. Fire. Stations 2 'and . 3`, , comparing '..them to . Fire Station 5 and briefly outlined the proposed alternative fire station location sites. He commented that 82% of Fire Station 2's response location is within another station's response area. Council member Barnett took exception to the statement in the report which says Fire Station No. 2 is inefficient, because the 1986 consultant's report indicates Fire Station No. 2 has a faster response time than Fire Station No. 1. Chief Beeson said he referred to it as being inefficient because the majority of its service area is covered by other stations, thus it is not the most efficient location for that station. Council member Buchanan commented if we continue to get new equipment, the time will come when we can't get the equipment. in the station bays because. the bays are too small. There was discussion regarding the Medical Rescue . Vehicles (MRV) proposed to be purchased, and its ` interaction with the fire response vehicles. in emergency calls. Chief Beeson stated both the. MRV and the fire response vehicle would be responding on first alarms, however, if it is a false alarm or a minor incident, the MRV unit can return to the station. Council member Foy said it appears under this plan that 5 MRVs will be. needed. Chief Beeson stressed the fact that he is not asking to increase personnel. Council member Barnett commented that in Plan A, it is indicated the response time to the western fringe of the city would not improve. He said he finds the same thing true in Plan. B and would like to see .that added • . as' one of the disadvantages (page 17 -19).' Council member Foy said he is concerned about initiating .the 9 -1 -1 program only within the city limits because if the- County then decides to establish a 9 -1 -1 program, they could collect from city residents (County surpasses the City in levying of that charge), leaving the City with the expenses,- but no funding source. City Manager Zais reported the 9 -1 -1 program has been deemed eligible for funding under the Block Grant Program. The County could apply for those funds and AD/ 3 O 9 8 FEBRUARY 7, 1989 would have a high probability of success in receiving funding for capital construction costs of this kind of facility. Council member 'Foy also expressed concern about the timing for placing 9 -1 -1, the EMS levy and General Obligation Bonds for capital improvements on the next general election, following Council adopting Section A and B of the recent police report and looking at funding sources for a $7 million facility (separate Police Department and holding facility). Referring to the issue of dispatching the closest ambulance, Council member Barnett asked if this has been discussed with the ambulance companies. Chief Beeson stated it has not. Council member Barnett further commented that according to a 1984 ambulance ad hoc committee report, two of the three hospitals found no problem on the timeliness or quality of pre - hospital care. Chief Beeson stated he relied on a 1987 report from the pre - hospital care committee, hospital and EMS providers. Council member Barnett stated that responsibility should rest with the EMS Coordinator instead of forming a committee of the EMS Council. Mr. Beeson stated if a committee is being formed to develop standards, the City should be a part of it. Council member Foy stated he would like to bring this report back at the next study session. He further commented he doesn't believe Council will move on this plan within the next six months. Chief Beeson stated there are some issues in the report that require a decision be made in the near future otherwise it might inhibit our ability to improve our services. City Manager Zais commented we had envisioned this taking several sessions of review. He said other priorities may have to change slightly depending upon this next legislative session. There are some operational aspects that Chief Beeson will have to prioritize. It was MOVED BY CARMICHAEL, SECONDED BY :FOY,'.. THAT WE ACCEPT THE REPORT, WITH: ,OUR :COMPLIMENTS ,' HOWEVER, 'RESERVE .: ANY' :,DECISION ON THE ' THAT IT_ CONTAINS UNTIL A` .LATER. TIME, .. WITH STAFF `'TO COME BACK' WITH A TIME <LINE, AND THEN COUNCIL WILL DEAL WITH` THE ISSUES IN.: THE REPORT. Council member Beauchamp suggested breakfast meetings be .held with staff and some.. of. the Council members to deal with specific questions Council may have. However, some Council members express concern that questions would be raised and those Council members not present wouldn't hear staff's responses. Council member Carmichael clarified her motion, stating the motion was to accept the report, but ask the Chief and staff to prioritize and put a time line together so Council can deal with this on a piecemeal basis. She commented if the hospital or ambulance representatives want to come in, they don't have to sit through all the meeting. The question was called for a vote on the motion. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Mayor Berndt stated the motion does not preclude Council member Beauchamp's idea to •do this in smaller groups. City Manager Zais stated notes on those meetings and questions that are asked by individual Council members are kept and can be shared with those Council members unable to attend the meetings. Council member Barnett pointed out the general public would not be privy to the type of concerns Council discusses at these group meetings. 11. OTHER BUSINESS Council member Foy referred to a memo from Shirley Doty and a $10,000 request (Central University pilot training program at Yakima airport). He asked if Council was supposed to get additional information on this. Council member Buchanan responded the State needs to conduct a study to make sure this is a feasible project. It would be the only training program in the west. He said Council will be getting additional information. AD /4 FEBRUARY. 7•, 1989 0 9 9 Information Items: Items of information supplied to Council were: AWC Memo from Stan Finkelstein, regarding Governor Booth Gardner's Tax Reform /Spending Control Plan. 1/26/89; EPA Superfund _Fact Sheet announcing site investigations at 13 Yakima area sites. 1/27/89.; ,Memo from Street & Refuse Divisions Manager. regarding Refuse Division Collection Schedule. 2/1/89; Memo from Director of Public Works regarding PTBA Meeting -Selah Community Center 1/10/89. 1/18/89; Letter from General Manager, Visitors & Convention Bureau, regarding preliminary budget, job description and plan of action for 1989 tourism promotion. .1/19/89; Memo from YMATS Transportation Planner, Jan 011iver, regarding Final Proposal for HRP Funding (I -82 /Yakima Avenue and I -82 /Nob Hill Blvd Interchanges Traffic Study Proposal). 1/20/89; Agenda for January 25, J989 Housing Authority Board meeting and minutes of its December 21, 1988 meeting; Minutes of the December 28, 1988 Air Terminal Board meeting; and Agenda for the January 25., 1989 District Board of Health meeting and minutes of its December 21, 1988 meeting. 12. EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY AND - PENDING LITIGATION It was MOVED. BY .BUCHANAN,'SECONDED BY 'BEAUCHAMP,..TO ADJOURN INTO EXECUTIVE .SESSION FOR THE . PURPOSE' .0F. .DISCUSSING .DISPOSITION OF. PROPERTY.. AND. PENDING LITIGATION, TO BE FOLLOWED BY IMMEDIATE ADJOURNMENT TO FEBRUARY' .1989 AT 11:00 A.M. AT. THE HOLIDAY INN FOR: AN. SESSION REGARDING PERSONNEL. Unanimously carried by voice vote. 13. ADJOURNMENT TO FEBRUARY 8,..1989,AT.11:00 A.M. AT THE•HOLIDAY INN FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING PERSONNEL Following- completion of the Executive Session, the meeting adjourned at the -.hour of 5:30 P.M. . . / READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: , �/ 1 �� 1 4L %.d c.� —2` / `1 N R DATE A l �l j1r COUNCIL MB t • DATE ATTEST: • Kait-e-iyt__ (Sat 44yr CITY CLERK MAYOR AD /5 .