HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/01/1989 Study Session 221
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AUGUST 1, 1989
STUDY SESSION
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,• Beauchamp, Lynn Buchanan, Lynn Carmichael,
Jerry Foy and Bernard Sims present on roll call. City
Manager Zais, City Attorney Vanek, City Clerk Roberts and
Deputy 'City Clerk Toney also present.
2. INVOCATION
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council member
Buchanan•... •
3. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
Mayor Berndt announced that 20 students and four adults from
Japan were in Yakima yesterday from our sister City,
Itayanagi, Japan, and received a tour of SnoKist and the
City conducted by Council member Sims. She displayed a
wall hanging the students had made from the bark of apple
trees to present to the City. Mayor Berndt stated the adult
visitors had- dinner with. City Council members last night
and expressed an eagerness for the students of Japan to
learn more about the City of Yakima, stating they would like
to make this trip an annual affair.
Assistant City Manager Stouder gave an update on the Housing
and Urban •Development audit recently conducted at the City
of Yakima Office of Housing'and Neighborhood Conservation.
He stated this year the City received a particularly good
report; noting that the City uses a number of minority
contractors in its Rehabilitation Program, often into the 15
to 30 percent bracket of the total dollar volume of minority
contractors used. He stated the HUD report notes that
actions taken to award contracts to minority business
enterprises are commendable. He also pointed out that
the recent criticism leveled at the HUD agency has been at
the top levels with "political insiders ", and not at the
local level. He.said the City's annual audit this year is
a good indication of how well programs can work to meet the
needs of the community.
Mayor Berndt — announced that on Sunday, 12:00 noon at
Franklin Park she will be welcoming twelve people from the
Soviet Union to the City of Yakima. She stated these
individuals will be spending three weeks in Yakima working
with the organization called Habitat for Humanity.
4. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Mayor Berndt read a proclamation designating the week of
July 31st as Yakima Community Television Week and then
presented the proclamation to Bob Swanson, member of the
Community Programming Advisory Committee. Wendy Warren,
Programming Coordinator, " introduced Connie Little and
Margaret Keys, two community producers who were seated in
the audience. Ms. Warren also informed, Council that Mr.
Swanson has just been named the Coordinator for Mid Valley
Community Television which is establishing an operation in
the Toppenish area.
City Attorney Vanek introduced Jim Tree, recently hired as
the new Assistant City Attorney. Mr. Tree was welcomed by
Mayor Berndt on behalf of the Council.
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5. REPORT FROM FIRE DEPARTMENT REGARDING FIRE OPERATIONS PLAN
REVIEW
Fire Chief Jerry Beeson stated the report is an update on
the report presented in February of this year regarding the
long range operation plan for the Fire Department. He said
he is seeking approval today of a couple of items that he
believes needs immediate•attention. He also asked- Council
to consider a couple of changes to the report submitted
earlier this year. He indicated since the City presented
the need for an EMS levy, the County has decided to pursue
a County wide EMS levy and he feels it is important to
support that idea. He stated it will provide the City with
an important revenue source and will help to bring together
a lot of the activities in the County that have been
fragmented for a long time. Chief Beeson stated this
is an opportunity for the City and County to begin to work
together, especially in the emergency services area. He
stated the second issue that needs immediate attention is
the authorization to begin the lengthy process of
purchasing a new fire pumper so it can be purchased during
1990. He said he is also asking for approval to proceed
with ordering the medical rescue vehicle (MRV). Chief
Beeson stated a major difference in this report and the
report presented in February is that this plan is proposing
to hold community meetings to educate the_citizens regarding
the closure of Fire Station #2. He added that staff would
like the in -put from the.citizens as well. At this time he
yielded to questions from the Council regarding this report.
Council member Barnett referred to the County wide EMS
levy, asking if the,County Commissioners have gone on record
in support of this, or is Chief Beeson referring to the
letter from the director of EMS dated July 7, 1989? Chief
Beeson indicated he is referring to the letter and then
called upon John Stouffer to respond to this inquiry. Mr.
Stouffer, EMS Coordinator, stated he has recommended that
this be placed on the fall ballot, adding that the
Commissioners have given him permission to seek the
endorsement of the Central Washington Fire Chiefs, the
Yakima City Council, the Yakima County Fire Commissioners
and any other affected parties. No decision has been made
to place this on the ballot at this time. Council member
Barnett asked why the EMS budget has increased significantly
over the figures presented by the Ad Hoc Committee, and
secondly, is this figure always going to be 9% of the
revenue or is that figure subject to increase. Mr. Stouffer
responded that this figure is subject to increase or
decrease, further explaining that included in that figure
is approximately $12,000 annually that would be used to pay
a part -time program director, so that can be taken off the
top of that total figure and that amount would be the
budget for the EMS. He stated the Yakima County EMS system
has continued to grow extensively and a lot of programs have
been implemented over the past year. Mr. Stouffer stated
that is an estimated amount needed to continue with some of
the EMS programs. He added that this year's budget is
approximately $57,000. Council member Barnett expressed
concern about the rapid acceleration of cost since this
program was originally introduced to us. Mr. Stouffer
stated there has been a rapid acceleration in the demand for
Emergency_ Medical Services, explaining that in the upper
part of. Yakima County the demand has increased
significantly. Mr. Stouffer commented that the doctors
currently performing EMS duties are not being paid for their
services and are actually losing money in order to provide
EMS.
Council member Foy stated he had reservations about
authorizing the purchase of a fire pumper from the 1990
budget due to the unfunded liabilities currently in the
Police Department, repairs to Miller Pool, and the
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AUGUST ' 4 . , 1989
continuation of Phase 11 of Chesterley Park. He also
questioned the purchase of the medical rescue vehicle with
funds from the General Fund, stating perhaps the City should
wait to see if the levy passes prior to taxing the City's
General Fund further. Mr. Foy suggested waiting until the
responses are in from the other twenty -five fire agencies
with regard to the EMS levy. Chief Beeson responded that a
meeting was held last week with the Central Washington Fire
Chiefs and the County wide EMS levy was u nanimously approved
at that time. Mr. Stouffer interjected that he will be
making a presentation on August 15th to the. Fire
Commissioners Association regarding the EMS levy. He added
that some of the other City Councils have indicated they
are waiting for the City of Yakima to make a decision on the
EMS levy prior to taking a stand on the issue. Chief Beeson
pointed out that, by law, the City of Yakima has the right
to stop a County wide EMS levy; that is, the City has to
approve the EMS levy before the County can proceed with the
matter. Council member Foy cautioned that Council needs to
look at the total picture of what the citizens can bear in
terms of cost. Council member Carmichael pointed out that
the funding for the new fire pumper and the medical rescue
vehicle has been set aside in the budget in the Fire Capitol
Replacement Fund and has no relationship to the money
needed for pool repairs or police needs. Chief Beeson
reiterated that he is requesting . approval to begin the
process of writing specifications on the fire .pumper and the
hazardous material vehicle and time is of the essence. He
pointed out that it took in excess of a year after the
pumper specifications were written, the bid awarded, the
order placed and the fire pumper was delivered. He said it
is a federal requirement to have a means of transporting
injured people from a hazardous material (haz mat) scene at
all times and he does not think it is appropriate to depend
on outside agencies to provide this need. Following further
discussion regarding the recommendations of the report, it
was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY SIMS TO ACCEPT THE
RECOMMENDATIONS AND LOOK AT THE POLICY. DECISIONS AT BUDGET
TIME. In the discussion that followed, Council 'members
expressed concerns and .opinions regarding this issue.
Council member Barnett stated he would like to know how the
County Commissioners feel about the EMS levy. Council
member Carmichael stated the County is also curious to know
what the various fire districts want prior to making a
decision, as well as what the community wants in regard to
the EMS levy. She indicated the City still has the
opportunity to place an EMS levy on the ballot even if the
County does not concur. John Stouffer stated if all the
affected parties endorse this, it will be his recommendation
to the County Commissioners to place the EMS levy on the
November ballot. Council member Sims asked if the County
does not endorse this, will the workshops still be conducted
to inform the citizens about the Fire Department's long
range plans? Chief Beeson responded, "Absolutely." The
question was called for a vote on the motion. Unanimously
carried by voice vote.
6. REVIEW OF COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES. FOR EASTERN
WASHINGTON CITIES MEETING IN ELLENSBURG ON AUGUST 5, 1989
City Manager Zais initiated discussion on the list of
legislative priorities in preparation for the Eastern
Washington cities meeting on Saturday, August 5, 1989 in
Ellensburg. He stated it is hopeful that issues of mutual
concern to Cities in Eastern Washington can be discussed and
a decision made as to what issues might be advanced in
priority into the AWC legislative process which begins this
fall for the 1990 session. He stated the agenda in
Council's packet has been prepared for the meeting on August
5th and includes discussion about the previous bills that
were introduced, but did not pass in the 1989 session,
specifically HB1567 on Targeted Fiscal Assistance, as well
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AUGUST 1, 1989
as Senate House Bill 2124, the City /County Property Tax
Package. He said AWC has been directed to explore other
alternatives that might be considered to enhance these
packages or introduce special legislation, or in some way
modify and renegotiate the package with the County for the
submittal to the next session. Mr. Zais stated he thinks
there is still a very strong objective to having a
City /County package submitted to the Legislature for 1990.
He said a number of alternatives have been suggested and
are included in the material presented to Council today and
have been discussed by Council previously. He stated future
law and justice needs are a key priority and will be
presented along with other issues the Council wishes to
prioritize.
Council member Barnett stated he would like for the Council
not to discuss #7, the increase in the real estate excise
tax, stating it is currently the highest state wide excise
tax in the nation, adding that it is regressive in his
opinion and severely penalizes home buyers.
, Council member Carmichael said she is not in favor of
raising the sales tax as it is not in the best interest of
the community. Mayor Berndt stated she also has problems
with this issue, and feels the Council should wait and see
what happens with the Children's initiative, which could
raise the tax nine tenths of a percent.
Council member Foy expressed opposition to Item No. 4,
•which is seek an increase on the private utility tax lid
from the current level of 6% up to 10% at the option of the
local governing body.
Council member Beauchamp stated he personally thinks
consideration should be given to Item No. 6, Seek an
extension of local gambling taxes to the State Lottery Games
at 10 %. of ,the ,_gross. ,
Council member Barnett asked that the record reflect ,that he
is . opposed to No. 5, which is to obtain authorization for a
new Household Tax up to $5 per month for general government
needs as defined by the individual municipality, subject to
voter authorization; and No. 7, which is to obtain an
expansion in use and increase in the .25% real estate excise
tax presently dedicated for specific capital improvement
purposes.
Further discussion occurred and Council was unable to reach
a consensus as to how the list of concerns should be
prioritized. Mayor Berndt asked that each Council member
list their individual priorities and submit them to her, to
Mr. Zais or Mr. Stouder after the Council meeting.
Keith Daniels, 1215 North 1st Street, urged Council to ask
those .i.n ;attendance at the. meeting, An Ellensburg ,them not
to consider endorsement of the increased real estate tax.
Mr. Daniels stated if the increase in the real estate
excise tax is endorsed by the Council, the Washington
Realtors Association will do everything possible to defeat
it.
7. CONSIDERATION OF LEGISLATION REGARDING WASTEWATER TREATMENT
PLANT DEVELOPMENT:
A. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PURCHASE OF PROPERTY FOR
DEVELOPMENT OF WASTEWATER PLANT MAINTENANCE FACILITY
Wastewater Superintendent: Chris Waarvick was present to
respond to inquiries by the Council regarding the above
mentioned legislation. Council member Barnett asked why is
the City going through all of these recommendations on a
piece of property that has so many liens and judgements
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against it? City Attorney Vanek responded that all of the
sellers and owners of the buildings and property (which
were severed from the land by the bankruptcy judge) met -
and decided that it was in their best interest to try to
sell this property. Mr. Vanek stated the sale of the
building on the property must be approved by the bankruptcy
judge. He stated if Council passes this legislation, he
will prepare a letter for Mr. Zais's signature directing a
clear title be drawn up, with the easements of record, by
October 1st. If they are unable to convey the property
prior to October 1st, the City will get its money back and
that will end of the matter. Council member Sims inquired
if the Environmental Protection Agency has reviewed the land
for contamination? Mr. Waarvick stated the Department of
Ecology (DOE) has reviewed the land, the " City Fire
Department and Code Inspection Department have reviewed
their records and have found nothing to cause the City
concern. Mr,. Vanek stated once the authorization of the
legislation has been given, the property can be inspected
for hazardous waste; pursuant to the ' agr'eemer t that allows
us to enter the property. Mr. Vanek stated'title insurance
can be purchased, and a hazardous waste title search can be
done once the authority has been given by the Council. Mr.
Waarvick added that this procedure is not specific for this
purchase; it will probably be a procedure that the City of
Yakima, or any other .city, will use in the future given the
federal and state liabilities. Mr. Vanek 'added that a
purchaser can ask for an indemnity agreement, however, the
sellers have indicated that they are not willing to take
that kind of risk.
Council member Beauchamp asked what the $35,000 represents?
Mr. Waarvick stated that money will only be spent if the
property is purchased and the relocation is approved. He
stated this is an estimate from the City Engineer's Office
II as to what it will take to provide plans and specifications
to upgrade, that property to the City's needs.
Resolution No. D -5617 having been read by title, it was
MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY .BUCHANAN,. TO .ADOPT THE
RESOLUTION. Unanimously carried by roll call vote.
RESOLUTION .NO. D- 5617 A RESOLUTION authorizing the
execution of a Purchase and Sale Agreement for property and
buildings located at 505 South 3rd Avenue, Yakima,
Washington.
B. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1989 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS FOR PURCHASE OF PROPERTY (FIRST READING)
An Ordinance amending the 1989 budget and appropriating
funds for the purchase of property and architectural fees,
having been read by title only, was laid on the table for
one week, until August 8, 1989.
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It was MOVED BY SIMS., SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO AUTHORIZE
STAFF TO. PROCEED.WITH THE REQUEST FOR ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES
PROPOSED FOR. NECESSARY IMPROVEMENTS AT THE NEW SEWER
MAINTENANCE SITE. Unanimously carried by voice vote.
8. REPORT FROM TRANSIT DIVISION REGARDING COMPUTER PURCHASE AND
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1989 BUDGET, APPROPRIATING' FUNDS
FOR PURCHASE OF COMPUTER (FIRST READING)
An Ordinance amending_ the 1989 budget and appropriating
funds for the purchase of a computer for the Transit
Division, having been read by title only,' was laid on the
table for one week, until August 8, 1989.
Following a brief discussion, Council asked that when
future appropriation ordinances come before, the Council for
a first reading, staff specify that there is no action
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required until the second reading of the ordinance occurs.
Mr. Zais indicated he will convey those directions to staff.
9. OTHER. BUSINESS
Council member Foy referred to the memorandum from Transit
Manager Schultz regarding the request from Allied 'Arts for a
. shuttle bus service on August 26th for the annual "Festival
in the Park," and suggested action be taken on this today.
Transit Manager Bill Schultz stated that in the past there
has been damage to the grass because citizens park their
vehicles on the lawn at Gilbert Park. Attendance is
expected to be larger this year due to the greater marketing
effort. Mr. Schultz indicated that the Transit Committee
supports the idea of the shuttle service from the Chalet
Mall to Gilbert Park. The fare has been set at 35 cents;
the same as the Central Washington State Fa"ir'Shuttle Bus.
It was MOVED. BY . FOY, ' SECONDED . BY..CARMI.CHAEL., : TO.' HONOR THE
TRANSIT .RECOMMENDATION. Unanimously. carried by
voice vote. .
Council member Carmichael asked Water Superintendent Ty
Wick if he is aware that water testing is being done in
Yakima by Columbia Water Resources of the Tri- Cities? Mrs.
Carmichael. stated she recognizes that this is a sales
tactic, however, the general public may be led to believe
that the water is not safe to drink. She suggested placing
a public service announcement in the newspaper to address
this issue. Mr. Wick stated he wasn't aware of this
particular effort, but is aware that this has been done in
the past. Mayor Berndt asked Mr. Wick to call the Better
Business Bureau and let them know that people are getting
misconceptions about this. Mr. Wick stated he.would do so.
Mayor Berndt reported that Green Baron lawn service trucks
have been seen using the water hydrants to fill their trucks
in the vicinity of Holy Family Church and asked if they are
authorized to do so. Mr. Wick stated those hydrants belong
to .Nob Hill Water Company and Green Baron, has. an agreement
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to use them.
Council member Foy asked about the status of the document
being prepared by Dennis Covell • with regard td the traffic
problem at the "s" curve between Lincoln and . "B "' Street.
Council member Buchanan stated the Pierce couplet, as this
area is called, has been re- stripped, making it illegal to
change lanes once you leave Lincoln Avenue. Council member
Foy stated a citizen has been asked that this be resolved
for over a year now and he was told by Mr. Covell that the
issue would be taken care of once the 6 Year Street
Improvement Plan is approved.
Council member Sims asked if Mr. Wick is familiar with the
ozonization of water and if he could brief the Council on
whether that would be an acceptable means in the future of
treating °the 'City's water? Mr. Wick` stated that is a method
of` di infection `that ' has been done in Europe'for r a number of
years. 'There' are some hazards `and he does not believe he
would be recommending this process' at this 'point. He
explained that there are some disinfection by- products from
ozone that they aren't sure of the health effects yet. They
have been doing quite a bit of studies in Europe on this and
the results are yet to be determined. Mr. Wick stated he
has a short video from the American Waterworks Association
and would be happy to make that available for Council if
• they desire. Mr. Zais stated staff could do some further
research and bring a report back to Council.
Information Items:
Items of information supplied to Council 'were: Memo from
Cable Communications Coordinator regarding Cable Television
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AUGUST .1� 1989
Rate Increase; Sale of Cook Cablevision. 7/21/89; Memo
from Chief of Police regarding Narcotics Enforcement Update.
7/14/89; Letter from HUD regarding Annual HUD Review of
Community Development Block Grant, Section 312
Rehabilitation Loan Program, and Urban Homesteading Program.
7/21/89; Monthly Transit Operations Report for June 1989;
Minority Business Enterprise and Community Development Block
Grant Monthly Reports for June 1989; Permit Monthly Report
for June 1989; Legal Department Monthly Report for May
1989; Agenda for August 2, 1989 Police and Fire Civil
Service Commission meeting and minutes of its June 28, 1989
meeting; Minutes of the June 21 and July 12, 1989 Yakima
Urban Area Regional Planning Commission meetings; Agenda
for the July 26, 1989 Yakima Housing Authority meeting and
minutes of its June 2 and June 28, 1989 meetings; and
Agenda for the July 26, 1989 Yakima District Board of Health
meeting and minutes of its June 28, 1989 meeting.
Executive Session
It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN,.SECONDED BY..CARMICHAEL., TO MOVE
INTO :EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO MINUTES. FOR THE
PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING PROPERTY ACQUISITION AND ADJOURN
IMMEDIATELY THEREAFTER.. Unanimously carried by voice vote.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Following the completion of the Executive Session, the
meeting was adjourned at the hour of 3:53 p.m.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: �/h.LC I0ti 1 44 .4 _ /Y/v v $
COUN'IL MEMBER DATE
r li bfle r t
ATTEST: COU CIL MEM DATE
411! 4
CITY CLERK MAYOR
Minutes Prepared by Deputy City Clerk, Barbara J. Toney, CMC.
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