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 .