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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/12/1987 Business Meeting 59 • MAY 12, 1987 • 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. Assistant Mayor Clarence Barnett, presiding, Council members Pat Berndt, Lynn Buchanan, Lynn .Carmichael, Sims present on roll call. City, Manager Zais,- City Attorney Vanek, -, - Clerk Roberts and - Deputy • City Clerk , Toney also present. Mayor Henry Beauchamp present after. 2:08 p.m. Council, member Jerry Foy absent and excused: - Council member Sims read a proclamation declaring.the week of May • 10 -16, , - 1987 -.as "Small .Business Week" in the , City of .Yakima. The proclamation was accepted,by David Siegley and Patrick.Gilmore. Council member Berndt read a proclamation declaring the week of May 10 -16, 1987 as "Youth For Christ Campus Life. Week" in the City of Yakima. The Proclamation was accepted by Gene Sweeney. Council - member Carmichael read a proclamation declaring the week of May 10 -16, 1987 as "National Police Week" in the City of Yakima. -The proclamation was accepted by Police Chief ,Pleas. Green and - -Lieutenant Mike Welton. Chief Green' thanked rCouncil' for this proclamation and stated ,the, police patrol, cars will have blue • ribbons' tied to' the antennas during thee. week - of May :10 -16th in ,. recognition of..this. occasion. , 2. INVOCATION • - The of Allegiance was led•by'Council' member Barnett.. 3. •-OPEN.DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER • Council member Carmichael commented a number of studies have been conducted in•the downtown area regarding the synchronization of the traffic signals located on Yakima Avenue, and she feels it is time to re- evaluate the situation. - Therefore, it was MOVED by ,, Carmichael, seconded by Buchanan, to ask,.staff to bring back a plan for synchronizing of the traffic signals on Yakima Avenue so that we -can, study that and,!come to some new conclusion. Unanimously carried by -,•Foy absent. 4. . CONSENT AGENDA - Mayor Beauchamp 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 to add Items:Nos. 9 and 12, as requested by.. Council members,:Carmichael and Barnett. The City .Clerk then read'the Consent Agenda items, including resolutions'and ordinances . by title. It was MOVED by. Carmichael, seconded 'by,Berndt, that the Consent Agenda, as read,-'be passed. Unanimously. carried °.by roll call vote., Foy. absent. ,(Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an • asterisk:(*) 'indicate items the Consent Agenda handled under one motion without further discussion.) • *5. APPROVAL OF.-THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETINGS OF-MARCH 24, AND APRIL 7 : &. 14, 1987. - • - - • The Council minutes of March 24 and •April 7 -& 14, 1987 were approved,,• : having. been. duly : certified ,accurate - by two :Council members. and, no one present - wishing to have said _minutes read publicly. .. . A &M2 /1 60 MAY 12, 1987 6. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION None *7. SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY THE YAKIMA CONSTITUTION BICENTENNIAL COMMITTEE Ines Rice, Co-Chairperson of the Yakima Constitution Bicentennial Committee, ''presented to Council the Certification of the U.S. National Bicentennial Committee signed by the National Chairman, Chief' Justice Warren Burger. This certificate recognizes Yakima as a Bicentennial Community with the distinction of being the first Bicentennial Community in the State -of Washington. David Raymond, of the Yakima Exchange Group, introduced Ralph Hinkley and Keith McDonald, members of the Freedom Shrine Committee, who presented a Freedom Shrine consisting of a plaque and twenty -eight documents, S(-f; - to r :Ines :Rice" -and" =the Yakima Con "Bicentenni'al• rCommittee. The documents are replicas of various instruments' of our nation's heritage, including the Declaration of Independence. Mr. McDonald stated a set of these documents was also presented to Davis High School, Eisenhower High School, West Valley High School and, formerly, Carroll High School. Mrs. Rice indicated the Committee is co-sponsoring a program with the County Auditor's office on May 28th at the Convention Center to honor the 50 year voters. Supreme Court Justice William Goodloe will be*the speaker at this program. Mrs. Rice gave a brief report on the activities of the Committee, stating the Yakima School District is planning a program in the . fall. Committee member Winifred Sinclair displayed small centennial flags and a bicentennial lapel pin which may be purchased from committee members. A discussion ensued regarding the possibility of the Committee ordering the flags and pins through the City of Yakima at a reduced price. City Manager Zais indicated he does not see any problem with the Committee ordering these items through the City. Mayor Beauchamp suggested to Mrs. Sinclair that the Committee develop a plan for marketing these items and submit a cost estimate for the merchandise to be ordered. 8. REPORT FROM FIRE DEPARTMENT REGARDING PROPOSED REORGANIZATION City Manager Zais commented this is a comprehensive evaluation and 'proposed'Jreorgahization by' department`.managemerit - anda himself. He commented many of the issues addressed in this proposal actually o. "surfaced = du"ring the s•tithe when s Acting" Fire 'Chief, !but `did not receive a comprehensive evaluation until after Chief Beeson had been on board for some time. He stated management attempted to ensure that input was received from all fire department personnel • regarding this reorganization. Mr. Zais stated it was management's decision to include in this report the _additional staffing requests for the reorganization, rather than present it during budget review sessions later in the year. Fire Chief Beeson reviewed the process used in the evaluation of the fire department and his reasons- for the proposed reorganization. He stated he solicited continents and suggestions from those within the organization and received over 200 different suggestions which were • reduced, and utilized- in developing the reorganization and restructuring of the Fire Department. Regarding the additional staffing, he stated' the proposal requests an additional secretary and one cadet firefighter; the cadet position being earmarked for minorities and women. Chief Beeson stated the reorganization also calls for two additional Battalion Chiefs; one to address training needs and the other in charge of a new division of support services. The training division is being expanded fran one individual to four. There will be a Battalion Chief to supervise three Captains; each with specific responsibilities in the organization. One of the Captains will be responsible for public education, one will coordinate the emergency medical services program, and the third will act as a drill instructor. He stated he feels this type of structure in the area of training will make the positive impact needed in this subject area. The support services division is a newly created division, and essentially will tie a number of the existing divisions, such as communications, A &M2/2 61 MAY ' 12', 1987 - mechanics; and investigations under the - responsibility of the Battalion Chief . Through this process, it is felt that sane of the administrative responsibilities will be placed on the Battalion Chief, .thus increasing productivity and efficiency of the Fire Department: He stated there currently is • a , position in the department; -:that is -- 50% fire investigation = -t and r. 50% •public educat ion : =: However, r he believes there is• a need for; greater public education,.- therefore, the - reorganization plan strongly emphasizes public education. Mr. Beeson stated the cost -of the reorganization , is negligible and staff has tried to earmark sources- where savings are <being made within the organization today and in •:the• 'caning years. -. He .requested Council's support in the proposed reorganization of the Fire Department. '`• Chief ‘, Beeson- responded to Council member Barnett's inquiries regarding various aspects of the proposed reorganization. Council members Buchanan and Carmichael commented they would like to , see further evaluation of the cadet program-; prior to adoption of the proposed reorganization. Following further comments and discussion, Battalion Chief Berger, addressed Council regarding Chief Beeson' s - proposal. Mr :. Berger stated he is. approaching his 28th year of service on the Yakima Fire .Department', serving in the capacity of. Battalion Chief - -for the .past 7;: .years. , He stated ',he., also served as _Deputy • Chief : -for a period of time under •Ed Carroll's •administration. Mr. Berger stated the Fire. Department ..needs., new .,direction, . however,. .he is opposed.- to the type of changes Chief Beeson is :proposing. He • .Indicated the cost 'of implementing this plan needs to; -be addressed, and added Tony Sloan has • information to present on this aspect of the- oproposal:. Referring - to an organizational chart he had prepared, Mr. Berger stated the span of control is not what was indicated in the - proposal. He stated .a training, officer is needed in administration to direct •the, three shifts and , maintain continuity :in, the training program for all three4,shifts. He explained ; the method by- ,which this , has been -.handled in the past; the Captain -with- the ;least-_ seniority is assigned until he .becomes efficient, then another captain, is • assigned. . He , suggested- this be made ; a .permanent position at the- rank of a - Battalion Chief, but stated, is his belief that three Captains under: the Battalion Chief are .not needed. Mr. Berger stated- ,he views the proposed reorganization as being ; ''top; - heavy." He commented further -this is the •same - ,reorganization- ',plan . Chief ;Beeson implemented in Colorado, with one minor:. change.- Mr. Berger stated he learned : of the . Cadet Program just eight - days. :_ago;:: and was surprised to, , see it included in - the .final = recommendation. He suggested Council - conduct a study .session so -the_. subject may be discussed in more detail. Battalion Chief O'Dell: also addressed Council regarding the. proposed reorganization, stating he••has been with -the Fire Department for twenty -five. , years; - ._and he feels the proposal of •a • Battalion Chief with - four .Captains' under . his supervision °is. extremely top heavy. - :cHe- ..stated one'rof the •positions, being deleted in the 1reorganization' is that of the . firefighter /driver: for •the three. Battalion, " Chiefs.• Mr. 'O'Dell .stated it is 'unanimously. agreed amongst the firefighters and officers that this position is the most productive, firefighter position in the department;, .yet this position has-been-dieted in the proposed reorganization. Council member Barnett - conmented he had spoken with a former Fire Chief -about the organization plan and he . indicated this is•••the ;one position he felt could be eliminated. Mr-: O'Dell defended -the: - position on , :-the" basis of productivity, stating, - "he ( the firefighter /driver -)-, is - generally •.the- first one on, the scene: of- a, major fire, - the first, one to mask. up, the first one. to - take --a-. line- in,, or t h e : first one,- to -I initiate +a rescue; a very - important • individual." He -- stated . in t the , case of a•- , ,major hotel -fire, this firefighter is immediately: sent in .to -investigate the . fire and radio- information to - Battalion Chief, who in turn relays that information •: to_ - the •responding - .1 apparatus. Mr. O'Dell stated- they also try to keep a- fire investigator in that vehicle to provide immediate primary,. investigation on every fire scene. He noted- the Fire .:Investigation Division ois being reduced to half of the present manpower, . land he - does not. concur with this recommendation. . He recalled that two , - ago - the Fire Investigation• Division was increased to reduce the- amount of arson fires,.. and he •_believes the - proposed - reduction , to - this division A &M2/3 62 MAY 12, 1987 would be.counter- productive. Council member Carmichael asked Mr. O'Dell if. he participated in the development process of the proposes reorganization as submitted by Chief Beeson. He replied, • "Basically, no, not in that particular one." Al Tobia, Firefighter for approximately 10 years, addressed Council regarding this issue stating he has served -as the driver for the past three'months and has had the opportunity to fight more fires in that capacity than he did on an engine company in six years. He spoke opposing the reorganization stating it is top heavy and does not properly serve the needs of the citizens. He pointed out that he has a Lieutenant; a Captain; a Battalion Chief; the `Deputy Chief- the Fire Chief in charge of him.. He spoke in favor of the training r -1 :officer,.::: does : not= 'ifeel ra drill master=- :waSCC needed. Following further comments by Mr. Tobia, Council member Carmichael • >>__ : .Mr'. Tobiaa.if he was.'given opportuni :tp:to participate in this study and he replied, "No." Council member Sims asked Mr. Tobia if he was asked to participate in this study, and he responded, "Na." Council member Buchanan commented, there have been a couple of requests made today for Council to address this particular issue during a study session, and Council has also been - cautioned not to make a "snap decision" on the proposed reorganization. He further stated Council has had this information for -two weeks now, therefore, he does not feel a decision at this time would. be hasty. Mayor Beauchamp asked Mr. Tobia if his presentation today is representative of the firefighters in opposition to this plan. Mr. Tobia responded he is speaking for himself, and the people with wham he associates. Mayor Beauchamp asked if he was encouraged by anyone to come before Council today. He responded he was encouraged to speak by some of the firefighters. Mayor Beauchamp further questioned if Mr. Tobia was encouraged by his Battalion Chief'.(for whom he drives) to speak in opposition to 'the plan and he responded negatively. Captain Joe Valenzuela Council, reminding them of his former request that the new Fire Chief be given support, as he was going to Ileed - it. Mr..Valenzuela stated the Chief has been very participative, • and indicated the Fire Department does need some reorganization. • He stated there are over 100 programs t� be administered, and many .:1 ofnthem currently have no''supervision.= 'Captain Va1enzuela tated some of his ideas were incorporated into the reorganization plan, r,r' o:as _were, those ofr a± number of"other' employees, and . even : :so - this is not the way. he would have reorganized the department. He ▪ creiterated• the need- to give =:their full 'support toy Chief Beeson at. this time. He indicated the reorganization would allow the day -to-day supervision needed to *administer the various programs outlined in the reorganization plan. Fire Inve Tony Sloan spoke in opposition of the reorganization as presented by Chief Beeson. Mr. Sloan spoke of the need to complete the Fire Master started in 1979, - 1980 and 1981 for the City of Yakima, adding this was not included in Chief Beeson's reorganization plan. He stated the cost to implement this plan will be approximately $80,000- 90,000; and this figure does not include fringe benefits. Mr. Sloan stated he does. not feel a reorganization should be attempted' until a Fire Master Plan has been completed. Council • member Barnett pointed out discrepancies in the implementation costs presented by Fire Chief Beeson and those of Mr. Sloan. He stated he would like to see a reconciliation of these two sets of figures. Mr. Sloan stated he is willing to provide that information for Council member Barnett. Discussion continued regarding the history of the Fire Master Plan, with City Manager Zais reminding Mr. Sloan of Council's concern at that time that the Fire Department was driving this and not necessarily the community, and this had resulted in a loss of credibility. Council member Carmichael asked Mr. Sloan if he had participated in the development; of the reorganization plan, and he replied, "Yes, but 7 my.: opinionL did =snot count." 1 Council Berndt =carunented, "other than the financial aspect, she does not view it as Council's • responsibility' to - .advise .- %a .depar-tmentr head howl to organize his • staff." Mayor Beauchamp and Council member Carmichael were in • = v :agreement:: City :Manager - 2ais. - lexpressedr.;'appreci'ation - 'for CCouncil member Berndt's continent, however, he stated it. is the obligation of management, under the Charter, to present any organizational changes to Council for consideration and final action because it A &M2/4 63 MAY 12, 1987 invariably involves legislation. Council member Barnett commented . he would like to re- evaluate some of ,the • remarks: made in :relationship to -Chief Beeson's document prior to•making. -a- • decision on, the matter.•.Indicating her support -.of ,Chief:Beeson, -it was . . MOVED -by, Carmichael•; seconded by Berndt, to ,accept , the report, and authorize the department reorganization with the exception the Cadet Program that was proposed. Council member Barnett requested •he,be:allowed to, abstain from voting on the basis of•the.•fact that . he:•had requested -additional information for evaluation, prior to making a decision on the issue. Mayor Beauchamp stated the reorganization has merit, however, he does not see any value in . delaying :a "decision :,on the .Cadet -Programs: •Councilr, member Carmichael. explained that she would like tor,have:•an opportunity to review the Cadet - Program currently :used - in the ;Police Department prior to making a decision on this aspect of the reorganization. City Attorney Vanek stated Council should vote on Council member •- Bar-nett's ,request to'be ;allowed. to abstain from voting on this issue. - It• ,was -, MOVED by Buchanan; seconded by Berndt, that Council member Barnett be allowed to abstain..,The question was called for a vote on the motion. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Foy absent. The question was called for a vote on•'the,main emotion. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Barnett abstaining, and Foy • absent. _ *9. PRESENTATION OF- 1986 TRANSIT,.ANNUAL REPORT The report.,fr•om• the Director of, Public -Works dated May 12,• 1987, •regarding the -Transit Division: Annual . Repor.t -, was ; placed-on the - .Consent- Agenda, and,accepted..as submitted.-. *10. REPORT FROM, PERSONNEL .DIVISION- REGARDING QUARTER 198.7,-VEHICLE SAFETY RECORD.- , • ; The report from the Personnel. Division regarding-the first quarter 1987 - •vehicle safety. ,record. -was accepted. *11. RE_PORTS;'_FROM,'DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE. &-BUDGET: 2 r r r A. FIRST QUARTER-1987- INSURANCE REPORT = r r, The report from-the-Department of- ,Finance •and - Budget regarding the first quarter 1987 insurance report- was :accepted., - r -., B. FIRST QUARTER.1987• CENTRAL BILLING REPORT - The,; report 'fran, 'the . Department: of Finance• and-Budget regarding the first,quarter 1987 central billing ,status,, was accepted. .C.•.. APRIL 1987 BUDGET REPORT:- The report from the•Department of Finance - and Budget regarding the April 1987 budget status,-was accepted. *12. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING,-FOR:-THE CONSOLIDATION OF LOCAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS NOS. 1035,_1036, 1037, 1038 AND 1041 INTO CONSOLIDATED,rLOCAL- ;IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT• NO. 2,--1987 AND AUTHORIZING THE-- SALE OF BONDS.-•T0 SEATTLE :NORTHWEST -SECURITIES ORDINANCE NO. 3016,.AN ORDINANCE of the Yakima, Washington, providings for; the consolidation -: .Local - -Improvement .Districts Nos. 1035,. 1036, 1037, 1038, and.1.041.• into ,Consolidated- Local Improvement District No. 2; authorizing the issuance and sale of Consolidated : • Local Improvement ' District: No. • -2 • bonds. - in the aggregate, principal amount - of $298,150,37; providing. the form, terms,, rates; ,maturity, conditions- and covenants, of.-.said bonds; providing-for the-disposition of the proceeds their-,sale; and confirming the, sale - -ofv such bonds. • ,_r • v. * 13. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE APPROVING AND REZONE OF PROPERTY AT 1802 -1804 SOUTH 24TH AVENUE, AS REQUESTED BY IRWIN RESEARCH A &M2/5 64 MAY 12, 1987 ORDINANCE NO. 3017, AN ORDINANCE affirming the Hearing Examiner's recommendation granting a master•application and rezone of property in the vicinity of Wide Hollow Creek at 1802 through 1804 South 24th Avenue, and amending the zoning map of the City of Yakima. *14. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1987 BUDGET AND 1 '.APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR DISTRICT' COURT' COLLECTION- SERVICES=(SECOND READING) The ordinance amending the 1987 budget and appropriating funds for district court collection services having been read by title only at a previous meeting, was brought before the Council for a second reading. ORDINANCE NO. 3018, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1987 budget for the City of Yakima; and making an appropriation in the General Fund for expenditure during 1987. • 15. OTHER BUSINESS Council member Berndt asked if Council has any interest in adopting a resolution or ordinance to prohibit the establishment of fruit /produce stands on various lots within the City. She' indicated often these weekend ventures turn into semi - permanent eyesores and there are more of than appearing around the City each year. She stated she has been informed that the City currently does not have an ordinance to address this, and asked if there is • a consensus to ask someone to look into a possible solution to the problem. Council member Buchanan suggested this could be tied to permanent yard sales. City Attorney Vanek commented there is an ordinance which regulates the number of garage sales a person may `-' conduct per year, add this is handled on •a "catiplairit basis by the Code Administration office. He stated the City did at one time regulate itinerant businesses, however, that has been repealed by the City Council on the advise of the legal department because -it• is unconstitutional. Following further discussion, it was decided that Council members Berndt and Carmichael would meet with Mr. Vanek to discuss this matter. Council member Carmichael stated the Code Administration Division is also aware of the problem and have been working on possible solutions. Council member Barnett absent after 4:15 p.m. - - Council member Carmichael stated, traditionally, Council has cancelled the Council meeting the week 'of the Association of Washington Cities Conference to allow Council members to attend the conference. She stated the conference will be held in Yakima year the week of June 16th, and encouraged Council members to attend. It was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Berndt, to cancel the June 16th Council meeting, and only' if- there is a dire necessity, • conduct a Council meeting on June 30th. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Foy absent. • Council member Carmichael stated she was asked by John Klingele to mention that appointments need to be made to the Traffic Safety Advisory Collunission. Council member Berndt stated she had previously received the same request from John Klingele and was told those appointments have been placed on hold. City Manager Zais Tasked'; Council'-- )4 rmbers "'Berndt and' Carmichael 'to meet with Assistant City Manager Stouder regarding this matter. City Manager Zais called attention to the informational item in the = Councii packet regarding the award the City of Yakima isirrgoing to receive from the American Planning Association and the Planning Association of Washington in connection with the Urban Area Zoning Ordinance. He stated the APWA Conference will be held at the Bellevue Hilton May 14th -15th and noted Mayor Beauchamp and Supervising Associate Planner Don Skone will be attending that conference. A &M2/6 • :65 MAY 12, 1987. • City Manager Zais stated he was informed a few minutes earlier • by Don Skone that the Eastside Annexation was approved by the Boundary Review Board today. City Manager Zais read a resolution of appreciation and commendation.for Bob Weaver during his tenure as Personnel Officer for'the- City of Yakima. It. was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by _Carmichael, toy approve the resolution. Unanimously carried by roll 'call 'vote. Barnett:and Foy absent. -• ..._' . RESOLUTION` NO: -' D- 5351, A RESOLUTION of, and commendation for the services performed, by Robert H. Weaver during • his tenure as Personnel Officer for the City of Yakima. Information Items II Items of information' supplied to Council were: 'Letter from Rep. Mary Margaret Haugen, Chair, House 'Local Government: Committee regarding New Laws Relating to Cities. 4/29/87; Letter from 'Regional Director, Office of Community Planning's( Development, HUD, 'regarding Audit Examination by Office of State - Auditor for 1985`on ' HUD - ' CDBG.' '4/28/87; Letter fr mm American , Planning • Association /Pl'anring `A's"sociatibn of Washington : regarding • City and County of Yakima, Urban Area Zoning Ordinance selection as an award recipient for' 1987 APA/PAW Awards Program. •4/29/871 .to property Owners Tram City -' Engineer regarding ° Tieton Drive ' `Reconstruction - 40th Avenue to -' .66th Avenue.. ,- 4/30/87;' ' • • Memorandum [rani Supervising Associate Planner regarding Status -Report: ' on 'Annexation Strategy Work 'Program 5/8/87; Yakima Valley Conference bf Governments,• News In Brief, Vol. 13, ' No. 5, May 1987; 1987 'Community Development Block. Grant Monthly Report. for April 1987; Minutes of • the April 2', 1987 . Downtown Area Redevelopment Committee meeting; and Agenda for ' ' ' May 13, 1987 Traffic Safety Advisory Commission meeting • 16. EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING COLLECTIVE BARGAINING ' It was'MOVED by Berndt, seconded by Sims, to move 'into executive session for the purpose' of'discussing collective {bargaining for • approximately 20' minutes, and to adjourn: immediately thereafter. unanimously'cartied by voice vote. Barnett and Foy absent. ' 17. ADJOURNMENT . • ''Following -the completion of the executive session, "the meeting was adjourned at'the hour of 5:10 p.m. - . READ AND CERTIFIED' ACCURATE BY •v... L r ' , COUN MEMBER l'' DA • ATTEST: -' 44. ' Y ..a' " ' If- -. • . COUNC L E mER r DATE . CITY CLERK' �' • MINUTES PREPARED BY ' , : , I 4 . .._,A, ./ - DEPUTY . .TTY' CLE' of -- , • A &M2/7 •