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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/01/1989 Study Session 221 .�i 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. AD /1 222 AUGUST 1, 1989 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 AD /2 223 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 AD /3 224 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 AD /4 AUGUST 1, ;1989 22 5 • 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. , 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 AD /5 2 2 6 AUGUST 1, 1989 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 • 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 AD /6 7 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. • • .