HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/12/1988 Study Session 289
APRIL ,i2; 1988 ..
) . .I;._
STUDY /BUSINESS MEET :ING - . ,
1. ROLL CALL
The - City , 'Council , Imet in 'session - on this; :date: at :2:00 :P.M'.: in the
Council Chambers of City Hall, Yakima,,: Washington. Council - members
present •were'' Mayor Pat Berndt, presiding,: Clarence Barnett, Henry
Beauchamp, Lynn" - Buchanan, -Lynn Carmichael; Jerry Foy and Bernard
Sims .:-City ::Manager :Zais City •Attorney Vanek, Acting City Clerk
Toney, and Department Assistant Barber also present. , •
2. INVOCATION. i
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council member Buchanan.
3. OPEN DISCUSSION ` FOR THE" GOOD OF THE- ' ORDER' • '
Mayor - Berndt' read a .proclamation designating April 17 =23, 1988 as
"Volunteer Week" in the City of Yakima. •The .' proclamation was
accepted by Jo _Newhouse -who stated DOVIA'. will •be• :sponsoring. a
.recognition luncheon at: the Towne Plaza at noon. on Monday, April
18, 1988 -for: the .purpose of recognizingi ,fouri outstanding
volunteers from. ' Yakima. She . , introducedt' ',= DOVIA. members_ Susan
Russell, Leanna Mooth, and Sue Ingraham.
Mayor Berndt read a proclamation designating ,April 11- 18,'1988 as
"Parliamentary Week in Yakima." The proclamation was accepted by
John- Klingele ,‘ local. resident- arid. certified parliamentarian:'
. Council: Member Foy, stated in view \of , the fact :!that : the Governor
recently signed:.; three bills relating to drugs ;: and • the drug
problems, he7: :would like:, to make' a: motion- regarding: this - issue. It
was MOVED by Foy, seconded by Beauchamp, that the City Attorney
bring in' the appropriate z.. forms : that would be.: necessary t for:' the new
mandate ,described in •._House Bill 692 and . House : Bill : '1445 which
relates to drug houses, . etc. Council _{ member 'Barnett; "inquired if
this. ' would . be •: an: ordinance .. - City Attorney' Vanek stated,. no. He
• explained=- that - there are • certain sections of House Bill 692 which
require the.-Police .Department to !give notice to landlords if there
are drug activities at ; a certain property: the stated -most ' likely
• this occurs through : the. serving of , search warrants and the
discovery of drugs upon the premise. He added this is an.'incident
where- the .state legislature has •again 'imposed a new duty directly
upon the :,:city without compensation for such. Council member Foy
stated the intent of the • motion :is to let the .:citizens and the
police department know e what 'our' policies are going be in
relationship to :these :itwo 'House Bills. .He stated: the -City needs to
proceed. with the proper forms and 'documentation ;so'.they, will be
• _ ready for usage -when needed:. 'He: indicated .there: are a lot of other
. things in the - claw which will Sneed clarificat ion ,..,:however, he
believesr information swill • be forthcoming' from the City
Attorney. - The question was called• fbr • a ; vote . on • the- motion.
Unanimously •carried by voice vote.: r -... .. •
Rick : Hargraves ,-; -' South Naches Avenue, < presented _ a - petition to
• Mayor Berndt _from the South. Naches Cleanup Committee requesting the
City Council take , simmediate action •to implement the provisions of
House Bill 692. The petition asked the Council to immediately
close -down the ;property:. at 214- South Naches due to- rthe • drug: traffic
at: that location. He stated the landlord has been notified and has
recognized r this problem, .and:'the- Polices Department has )documented
• the I drug: traffic . at .this. residence: He :,stated. the:.. Committee is
aware, the Council: acted on this last .week,'? but :they.';.want make
sure_ the criteria is; 'firm' - before: Council . makes' a decision. Mr.
Hargraves stated the Committee. would also like to have information
regarding', the hiring of a coordinator for the war on drugs. He
stated .the.-citizenry :this City -needs' to know what_ process will
be:. used : in '- the selection.. of the coordinatort and ±, requested
informations about ;this_ 'process . He stated' the Committee further
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requests that a person'be selected who has the passion and the
communication skills needed to see this City mobilized against the
plague that is eating the soul of this City.
Mayor Berndt stated it is her understanding that the County and the
School District are meeting today to adopt the concept that the
City adopted last week. Tomorrow morning the original committee is
meeting and the first. item on the agenda is' to establish a
committee .to write the job description and begin interviewing
people. She stated it is planned to appoint an interim person to
begin work immediately while the committee continues to search for
a coordinator. Mayor Berndt encouraged input from citizens
regarding the criteria for the:job description.
5. SET DATE OF HEARING FOR APRIL 19, 1988 ON THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE
EASTSIDE ANNEXATION PETITION (PHASE I)
It was the •general consensus of the Council to consider Item No. 5
out of sequence on the Agenda and discuss it at this time.
It was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded:by Carmichael; to set the date
of April 19, 1988 for the acceptance' of the Eastside Annexation
Petition. Council member Barnett asked if this is sufficient time
for public notice to be :given regarding this matter, and Mr. Zais
responded affirmatively. The question was called for a vote on
. the motion. Unanimously carried by voice vote.
4. CONTINUED REVIEW OF WATER & SEWER COMPREHENSIVE PLANS /SCHEDULE FOR
HEARINGS ADOPTION.'
City Manager .Zais prefaced Assistant City Manager Stouder's report
on the Water• and Sewer Comprehensive Plans stating 95 -99% of
today's packet is Water /Sewer Comprehensive Plan information and
suggested that after the meeting, Council members extract the
other agenda items and maintain this as a separate document.
•
Mr. Stouder stated it has been almost three years since staff began
a major look at . the City's utility system. He stated this
initially began as a review as.part of the question of the future
. water needs of the .community, particularly the issue of the
Rattlesnake .Creek and the feasibility for storage and supply of
water for the urban area for the next fifty years. It.was at that
time it became evident that it'was time for a comprehensive review
of the City's utility questions in general; both the - water and
sewer systems. In the spring and summer of 1985 the City began the
,. consultant selection process and entered into contracts with Culp-
. Wesner -Culp to do the Sewer Comprehensive Plan. Stouder
noted two representatives are present today from Culp - Wesner -Culp,
• Dennis Dorratcague and Tony Krutsch. CH2M Hill'was selected to do
the., Comprehensive Water Plan in conjunction with the Rattlesnake
Feasibility Study and Russ Stepp is present to respond to questions
in that regard. Mr Stouder stated staff has tried.to freeze the
process,. provide the Council 'with information in one document and
give Council. members the 'opportunity to' ask questions and discuss
these plans. He indicated 'the Rattlesnake Creek ,issue will be
discussed next week and a public hearing has been scheduled for May .
3rd, 1988 and such hearings will continue until Council and the
public is satisfied that staff has sufficiently responded to the
•
important issues and identified the alternatives. Mr. Stouder
yielded to questions from the Council at this time.
•
Council member Barnett referred to the second page of the
memorandum, the last sentence of the second,. paragraph which refers
to the future of the Water• system and an additional well and
continued investigation of 'the Pilot Program for the domestic
irrigation system.. Mr. Barnett asked whether an apparent change
for . the next five to ten years suggested here; Is due to • three or
four factors? He'stated he would'like to list three or four points
and ask if these might have .a bearing on that reconthendation or
statement, one of them being an apparent change in position of the
Department of.Ecology that ground water is not contaminated and
• will yield adequate supply of water and to protect the City's
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- 'ground " . - water' 'right's: = He explained ..when • he ..;:reads; : the ..Plan, it
• 'appears based on• a general_ premise of the 'contaminationr:ofj ground
water. He asked, is the plan going to be changed due to what he
feels - Mist be an °.apparent • change zof position:: of: :the. Department of
•Ecology ? : He 'stated the second point ..is that it appears-'the City
=does = notr have • a good ; • letter of d nterest• from . surrounding
ccrr nunities, "because - the: memorandum' • indicatesf they_' :apparently can
meet `their 'Water = :needs in the near future .o He stated , his. :question
is whether •• th :I•raises =some doubts v :among')' the surrounding
• .. • '- communities • as to"- "whether - Yakima will be :considered the regional
•. • • purveyor- of ;water-; t-which is one of the basic :aspects of 'the plan.
Thirdly, ;he: stated: it appears that ' DOE =: will' not even consider the
conversion =of water =rights', to the Water Treatment Plant 'until after
the • adjudication • of -the Acquavella • -case. He stated ?this might
- . continue for !five to ten years. Finally, the' effectiveness: of the
Rariney Collector which will not be effective because - of 'the '.Yakima-
- Tieton Irrigation District:
'- Mr ;''Stouder- responded'. the • - simple - answer' to all • of those- questions
- is - "yes:" t= He - stated Mr•. Barnett :has; : in ta': nutshell ; crystalized
1 _ some : of the : -major 'changes , that have :occurred over !the_l.past three
• years' and` why we have arrived -at our «current:.positlomat.Mr :1- Stouder
stated -it' is .true that - the City :has seen, a difference in :informal
conversations with DOE and.. their stance: on the drilling*. of new
wells in the metropolitan area. The initial impression that was
given -by. DOE was-.that it was likely that, :additional 'wells would not
be ' "allowed in; fthe urban area because. of the.: contamination issue.
He ; stated staff has sensed =ra softeninga:of :that position _-Fand well
_permits are being- granted :: , He =Stated DOE _representatives :may wish
. to : respond ;to' this issue_ .:during_.the• public hearings.: ,He .stated a
'large part -. of the City" s? motivation .in, rpur suit _ :for_rnew storage was
'!based -:on ': the -: premise - , -,that: - 'additional' ' ;well. edriirl )- might be
difficult. ,.3 .
Council :Member Barnett' asked`if 'this :means that t.the-basic concepts
Hof - '. the final "- Plan Jwitll have '_to bet-.;-revised 7 and Mr. •)'
"responded`, =t` "yes, "' - ' .adding.'' :that - 'he .. thinks': -the.: reasoning the
• ':philbsophical_ direction on that issue - tthe`:f first ydraft - should be
•
chariged ;' t"o reflect : -what we • seer' as the - current_. = reading•. we are
getting from DOE:=' -vHe - 'reiterated' :perhaps: DOE , can- address that ,
question at the public hearing, so staff is receiving the correct
reading. -
• t'Council• member' Foy stated in light' of' that,. there may .be numerous
• changes =' in the Plan' :because of the - DOE' s :change= ' of , opinion. He
• Stated , their 'March ;5th -; 1987 • letter (-under ` Item: 2) 'r says that the
City. should` use - ground water• as an alternative_r supply source and
- reassess 1 with DOE. - He stated' if DOE is' 'really. starting - Atoosoften,
• should we not have - soiree - kind: :of an':- indication of` that:'.=through
`correspondence so that' they its does not :'cause• confusion" during the
, publi'c' hearing ?` I'm trying 'to make rsomer•decision° based: on the
' material presented and - I think they need to inforM :us of that now
• because it could affect the: Plan - drastically - •an . regards to the
Pilot Program and an additional well. Mr. Foy stated :we( need to
know what DOE 's position is now.
i .r F- .. n :q ' f:7: ■
- Stouder' agreed saying -a generalized policy. - of the DOE; is one
• ' • thing, +•:'arnd= u how they -: might: !respond::' to -ar :spec ific •.:.re_quest for
an additional well is another. • :'1_- c:. r _ _ _ ;:)
• ICouiicil - member Foy:'referred to the March 1987 letter• which tells
Us that we should' reconsider and: •reapproach thatiquestion,tcand why
did they put it in there? He stated they should be able to
• • 'support ' seine= direction ' in another :letter • stating , Lthey.r - are now
• = :finding 1 that,' in their' review • of- wells, ': and :. that water I source,
they -are - riot finding-• • He stated DOE refers "to it in
another section of :the' document; as well Mr:. Foy commented they do
not comment on the fact that all of the static tests being done
"today on current wel•ls by farmers:. indicate there has been a drastic
change -in the water table. t J
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•
Mr. Stouder stated issue'also involves the drainage and the
contamination of ground water which opens up a whole new area.
Water Superintendent Ty Wick, stated the DOE's position all along
has been that they want the City to go to ground water because of
the lessor impact t� surface water supplies because• they know we
are involved in the adjudication and all of; that water is tied up
and we would have to build storage to get•new water. He stated DOE
has been adamantly opposed to our direction toward surface water
from the beginning and has always suggested, we go this route. Mr.
Wick stated in the past DOE has been uncertain as whether or not
they would allow the City to drill wells and now they (DOE) is
saying they probably will allow the City to drill wells. Mr. Wick
stated the other .question that needs to be addressed is the power
to pump the •water out of the ground•, and the gamble on whether
drilling a well will-result in water or a dry hole. stated Nob
Hill Water Company has a dry hole in 'which. they have
several hundred thousand dollars, and once they get a well they
have to pump ,the water out of the.ground..He stated-the City has
always `depended on'surface water and gravity flowing it•to the
system with no cost for power, and he does• not think this should be
changed at this time. He explained the well is our emergency
backup and the•additional well:referred to is to replace the Ranney
Collector as a short term answer. •
•
In response to Council. member Barnett's question about surrounding
agencies being interested in participating in the City's
Rattlesnake Creek venture, he commented it is the'City's judgment
• that there is not a wholesale rush to; participate in this study
at this paint.. He 'stated the surrounding :cities seem to believe,
that in short run, their sources of. water, and the studies they
- have conducted' indicate they will have adequate water for the next -
five to ten years. Mr. Stouder recalled it was Council's wish to
obtain letters of interest from surrounding cities stating they
-.would participate in the Rattlesnake Creek Project;' and one
• point it was of some interest to the Bureau' of Reclamation,
.however, this concern was less during this summer's work with the
Off Reservation Storage Site Committee. He stated he does not
detect, at this point, that Selah, Union Gap' and others are looking
to the City as a regional purveyor of water.
Council member Foy asked in light of the sewer system currently in
existence, and what took place when it was originally developed,
+isn't.it important for us to ask Nob Hill Water, Union Gap and
Selah, in writing,' to send us a response to a letter of intent so
that they say; at this point and time,. in the short run, we do not
feel that that is important or is in our venue to look at. He
expressed concern that the City might have.the same problem that
.:existed with the County and the sewer system. He stated it is
important to put it in writing from the beginning that the City
of Yakima is planning a tremendously important program' that will
have ramifications as far as rates and dollars =are concerned, and
we would like for you to sign a• letter of - intent regarding this
project.
Council member Barnett commented it was brought up before that one
of the reasons we wanted this is because the City will
eventually reach a point in time where they.will.want these other
entities to help pay for this burden. .
Mr. Stouder stated, yes, and this was done a year -and -a -half ago,
but he believes it is appropriate at this time to do this again.
•
.Council member Buchanan stated staff should really be talking to
the County in the urban area in addition to those three entities.
He asked if Terrace Heights should also•be included and it was the
consensus of the Council to include Terrace Heights.
Mr. Stouder stated. the third question Mr'. Barnett asked was the DOE
will not consider the transfer of any of the water rights until the
adjudication case has been resolved. He stated Ty Wick has some
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informat iOti regard • thiS question arida asked . !la irro :. to - address
- ::thi ,.., .,- . i =71 ..f.:( • ; :if --; I 0
.
Mr. -Witk 'Stated the 'City did- Make .applicationi. arid j DOE • (did not
crefuse -uS 'City)
can get at interiwForder , _-; however , it is
. 'non' binding and When the judge - is 'ready- to inake f inali decision,
the Order Carr be thrown out. ' , r . : .7!..: Fo:z: 71 - ..: r
.? ' : '.:: ): j_ '-',; 1 .. n _1 . . : - _iv:: 1 t :=...ie . i.. : ' t:r:!`. .
' ' 'CounCiF 'neither; - Foy • •'this . WOUld: 1 15 - e:•: , Iike builditigY-a house
Lia"'ithotat.. ' Clear ' title. • Mr. .Stouder- Stated ()that is:
• Council rneMber -' Barnett -; stated thisr ' issue bothers . him more than
. • ' 'anything 'else ' . in' ' this .. entire' . Plan. • He --. aSked if 'We go' -ahead , and
then ' find '. out ' we an' t - do , it, ' Where: are We? "He i - stated : he thinks •
- 'we' have to (be. Very Careful i "on 'this: • •.1••.' •,- -_=- , _: : ‘s .., • •
I •
Mir. Stouder stated Mr. Barnett ' s fourth' qUestiont has:1 to,do with
the Ranney Collector. . Council member Foy interjected that he
' ' 'would:- like' - to . Come 7 back -to the - Ranner C011e ' be'cause : he some
cbncernsi: - thiS- part.' of t.' the ' Plan : COuncil:xmembert Foy stated
'
when ; we 'reach that: '' .portion-i of - the --; tekt',. . 'he. t -"ask .for
!:aratif idation: ' ' " . .' • . : 7' ' '' r -' - - '‘ 4 1 ' : ' -. ':.,.. .: '.: ' ,
• ..- .- .h' , : 'Lit ' I : j " ::- . I: •'
Council member 'Barnett referred to .. the: investigation Lthe Pilot
Program and recalled that at theY: (January ..64 -' .1 P•COUnCil
meeting, .discussion occurred on establishing a committee to review
all . the %ramif icat ions of. a 'pilot program:. and - this , issue was
'tabled ..'. Mr : Stbuder .s tatedf :when ' the -1 lot .- Program was [discussed it •
was thought ' -that i-that type".-of sounding i board. wouldd:se 'helpful to
staff to identify the impact and asking the questions. Council
'-inember - Foy . , SUggested :-the Minutes.' of-the ...January . - 6th meet ing be
provided-; so COUnc i I'. 'can r-reView f what - was .:discussedi:at ,..that time.
He' Stated those ininUteS- contain a pretty'.good: text what'- we were
massaging -at that: - time:. He Stated dt ' would probablr; be2.:a_i good text
to have with us during • this discussion. Mr. Stouder stated if we
pursue a 'pilot prograrvOr soine kind 'of) incremental test, the nature
- :of :..'what We . ••might do now isA different - -from e- what.: ..we :previously
discussed and it might be less complex for :la - :committee-i - or Council
to monitor or address along the way. He stated the initial concern
. • "with • the ' formaticin of Ca cbmmittee Was ' the time-. the 'pilot study
' Vtight rt'equire J of ' 'staff . ' He' ' 'stated : .a- - citizen. group is very
, • ' ' : -: - intortant- in- any Of '.- the'se efforts ,'' bUt ' i-f . yOU -*establish them, you
' ' titne'- and c attention • to", fully . Serve :them and
1 -ProVide iinforrnat ion- to t- them `..',, He5Statedi basedic on the pilot
' Prograrn - PropoSai as ' ''-'• ident if led, it 'might be ‘ :little less
complex for staff to be involved in a citizen group. Mr. Wick
stated 'Staff! s ;- thought - -Was ' to select) at
. ' • ' random i. , 'with different - tYpes ' of pltunbing , ':ancli var ioUs 2.corid it ions ,
` ' tbr-See , 'how ;Itnich water •buid "be required • He:: 'stated .it . would be
• - very small' . and • nothing :would ' be abandoned,' and . the'. .irrigation
yttern 'Wbuid-' still :be ' functioning'. dUring'fithe timen period .
Maybr Berndt Stated 'her r toneern about the ' .piiot. cprograrn3 is- the use
' . let: doineStie.'•water ' at a '.pre=determined -irrigation water ., rate which
I would be assessed to the homeowner is not at all thei same:thing as
what would really happen if the people were paying for metered
ater; 'because -when '..youl have -irrigation water you: pay for it in
• ' adVance one lump - sum 'So • :you "might' as ' well use stated
. r 'that': is what ' 'keeps - -Yakimaigreen: If .. people- arer'paying for) domestic
' -aS - 'used ''-on, -' the ir lawns :)there will - be -a.' :drast icc: reduction in
watering -'whiCh'' Will" effett •?the . locik - .but: "City She .stated if we
' ..go . intd a pilot- ' progtam , ..and do it . On! la ;bulk: tate:: like f iwe do on
' ' irrigation- Water', 'you , are not going to be ;gettingsthel same; kind of
• . :Pi clime ' ybil Would rifT , the. irrigation water - truly metered.
- : • i . J .:_f . , -..: ,.. •-• i x .., • - i .. : ..- :.,.: -.. '_.:.' ._ :: :::..-.., : 01.:'
• ' Codnair• 'inember i Barriett- asked if ' - under .:. the '. tee ' piloti :plan that
staff has deVeloped , Will there be . separate meters. for irrigation
'
water. MWick ''' stated 'under the ' pilot . program there , will be one
fil'e ter ' 'for the ' hbuSe and " one for • the) irrigat ion: • 'Be - stated these •
' .. Will be - read :rnbrithly and staff -Will be notifying the users rof their
- ion and getting thin involved f.'..He 'said: he thinksc itizens
fiaill.: b&-Table ' to , Water-'-'-in' . one:-` Setting and veover;.frone .., front yard,
WhereaS the''' nOW have to :move the sprinkler Several ._ times cover
fthe Sante area: 'Mayor- ' Berndt' asked . Mr Wickhat .'makesi:Dhirn think
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people will water their lawns when•they have to pay for the amount
of water being used. Mr. Stouder responded that is really the test
of the pilot program; will the lawns remain green and what will it
cost to-do so. Mayor Berndt stated if they are not paying for
it as they .use it, it will not be a true test. Mr. Stouder
commented the conditions of the pilot program have yet to be set,
and perhaps there will be a mechanism where some pay a certain rate
and others pay another rate. He stated it could be set up a
variety of different ways. Council member Buchanan stated -it will
take a lot of staff time just to monitor a pilot program. because of
so many variables. involved. Mr. Stouder stated that was staff's
initial concern after the pilot program' was proposed, the other
hand, staff istrying to provide information so Council can make a
decision. He stated if Council feels ,comfortable making a
decision on the irrigation question without the pilot program,
staff is ready to proceed.
Council member Carmichael stated conservation also plays a part in
a, pilot program and this cannot be forced•upon people. She stated
she'thinks people are going to be prone to be more conservative if
the water is metered, but she does not see the same concern being
taken on the part of the users if the irrigation water usage is
not metered. She stated she believes metering will make a
• significant difference.
•
Mr. Stouder commented the issue of metering. and the'cost of that
metering might be something Council will to establish as a
condition of the pilot study after the public hearings.
,Council member Foy stated he pays for domestic water rate from
• November to April 1st each year and on,April 1st he begins his
summer watering. He asked how the City determine what is used
for summer irrigation versus his domestic consumption.
Mr. Wick stated the readings for winter water usage are used as a
base and any water used .over that base amount is charged as
. irrigation water.
Council member Foy stated when he adds water to his swimming pool,
or his five children come home for a visit and use a•tremendous
amount of water for showers,.does the City have any way of•knowing
for what purpose the water is being used? Mr. Wick.stated, "No,"
and pointed out that a citizen with a situation like the one
:described by Mr. Foy, would not be involved in this type of study.
•
Mr. Foy referred' to the report that indicates there are 17,268
• 'domestic :water users•today and in the General District and.the Fair
District there are 3,268 accounts. The report indicates if the
City goes to domestic, the 17;268 customers would form an L.I.D. to
. • • pays for the cost of shifting from irrigation to domestic. He
stated he,is one of the 17,000 customers who will be paying for the
-L.I.D. He asked what happened to the 3,000 . that will receive the
'benefit?
•
Mr. Stouder stated.his service delivery would not be effected, but
if the cost of the system is transferred to everyone, ,then Mr. Foy
would ,be effected. Mr. Stouder stated that is one of the
• 'alternative method of financing. He stated other methods of
• financing ,considered • included spreading •the . cost throughout the
entire system, and another was spreading the cost between those who
will benefit from the improvements. Mr. Foy stated he did not want
to get into . a lot of technicality, but if : the vault . is installed
and the second meter is off of a tee, where is he going to put his
anti -surge and control panel for the underground sprinkler system?
• , He stated the study says that part of the pilot test is to
determine for =.,•people the impact of being placed on a metered
system, and I think it responds to the Mayor's question, that if I
have a metered run and I• set it at fifteen minutes, I get better
• saturation'of the lawn and I run it once. But to do an effective
. :study I:must have an electrical outlet and I.have to have a system
that works, that tells me that from your meter I have got to get
• back to that somewhere, to put the anti - surging valve on and
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• G : to. ;.put an -,electric, !outlet with .1a - control - timer ;' if , : I'rn!.s going to
• - give _you t- an adequate , reading ..;The .pilot; study_: was to be - so
+ the - citizens could :go to automatic sprinkler systems, and encourage
people to: _do r _so; _ , , F . „ _ _
Mayor Berndt +:stated under .the current :system: .if :a- citizen uses •
domestic water for • irrigation,.. they -pay - 'fa certain , rate: She asked
if, _this :. impacts rtheir sewer bill and Mr'. Wick - responded, no i
• ■ H Councih :member :Buchanan : stated. ,, a number - 'of:, years ago ;there were
• . .several.- .- :deve1opersv-'on the •west • side - of the City. that;'- removed
•irrigationc(systems and • ;sold • the irrigation rights - (to , farmers and
other interested° parties. He :.stated at that - .+time_. ' °:argument was
made by the City that this was a better. system r. to go.;.to'.;' ;because
the City will forever give special irrigation rates for irrigating
lawns,- .flowers.,.: etc. He stated., just_ a., .few.'years. 'ago , _.onr:this very
• Counci :hecheard -.City ( people:; saying,: well, . we:'' may: •have.: said that
in the , past., but; :now ;we • have: to look at higher costs :for domestic
• water, potable water, so,we - may scrap thatsirrigatiorn_:system. So
the J people who , give up their;: current - irrigation system are looking
-at ,;,the :of;: there not.rbeing-:•any irrigation crate-- in the
future .,And+ we, may now, say we may ;never_: do : that, , abut we ; said that
:once: °before: andrthen we' .have • talked about ?giving •:it .up, :so7.;it is a
very._ reah•:possibility. + •..._: 1 r : a.l .c ., . -- , _ .
;:.t : "J:, r . . J •.. • Js :►,
Council .• member .Barnette :interjected he -had: .asked a•: question last
year which ;was referred - - .touthe Legal, Department. - for} - a response and
he was unable toy locate -it . Be (_asked.;° •. "Whata:.is the ::basis _that we
furnish. irrigation:. :water to• -_( those districts •c that -I taveD-;no water •
rights ?:" i Hey stated. he +recalled. that ones: of thec inr. the study
• indicates- • that•:: approximately- 13 of the:: show:-°= -zero for
Water,' rights.: -Mr:. Barnett- stated. he: •-: is bringing '.this; •-to Mr.
• Stouder's attention only because Council did not receive a response
tor.the _inquiry:: Mr: Stouder.. stated. •he.- will _check -on -this. - 21
• • Council member•.. Beauchamp' [stated a few months ::ago when :this issue
was:Tbeing discussed:;the installation costs =:were discussed as there
will.
bei sane citizens. who cannot • :.afford:': to;.: pay r \these.;: costs . He
• stated page - :D14.1 -of + reports, lists Anstallat lay: :costs'• '• of $180-
. $ 200 - :to • install a 50 ::.foot. line With _ •two :-,risers : - He :asked , - • if this
is, a ,realistic -- estimate: :,: Mr.. Wick- istated_' the: estimate for :the 50
feet was. obtained fran .Ak+land r member
.Buchanan 'questioned ) why was the estimate based on•.50')feet•.when the
• yards are :150 - . deep? .:Mr.3' Wick stated that•:•;! ° • just Y.a �) f igure
selected to get the water to the back of the house . Mr . Buchanan
asked: >if .this is just . to take the: water to:-the- house. :rand then
tie ;.into, :the , house again. "Mr: - ■ Wick c:responded _'No:":_ Council-
Foy explained ;that-, one• ac.. single! meter' +usage,.bib•, off :the house
and ; the other: rone;! .,withx.,the Second 'meter,. requires you - :to run a
• - singlet line :;:::Council member .Foy - , ref erred:c toF- :page.i D15 °,:othe:7second
• paragraph,; the current rates' are •aisted. cat /100. cubic.?feet, and
page: :K22 ( lists: the'. current'. .rates at•.•21 (cents per : 1000( Cubic feet.
• Mr.. .Foy asked • what .; is :.:the . correct: rate ?'.•:Mr..: Wick= stated•: ;it• is 21
: cents' .'per cubic feet..::.: Following ::_brief discuss ion on the
• . current' cost •ofi.irrigation••water versus the cost of domestic water
for irrigation purposes, Mr . +- Foy, suggested .staff - _• re -write this
paragraphF :.because_•it:-is unclear ; : - Council member r,Barnett Mr.
Wick chow, he ',reconciles •$.28 in the: :.narrative " -•of.• ;this.;t text- versus
• the $13 quoted: to the: Commissioners. (Mr. Wick:: responded the_" $13 is
. for -: the ",water. and the ° $.14...73 :is. for the. capital ..improvements to
make. (the-water available. , • 1 , r.
City Manager • :Zais : - referred to '--section HI -H; ; page 6; •-•:Issue 4 and
answer and asked Mr. Barnett if that is the question and answer he
is seeking... ,(.The .contents Issue 4; -reads:- as ollows:,; Do' - ;any of
the property owners in irrigation :rdistricts:cservedrby - the City have
a: right:;-to)-:continued water service 'from. ;a; c particular- , source based
• . on,.;water:,rights_.initially :acquired r'out -of•, assessments:•originally
• • levied _ within •a :;given district? •Answer ;No. ): Mr Barnett -
yes ::and no . He . stated the text ° (indicates it appears the . property
owners would . not have legitimate grounds :,toichallenge.the source of
• •• • water •supplied , by the • :City + as long as such action:; does ;not. conflict
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APRIL 12, 1988
• -with 'any specific` contract. He asked if .that means Council will
have to review every L.I:D.. for that determination.- Mr. Wick,
stated, ,no, it would - be a' written contract for that specific
purpose. Mr. Foy asked if that "written contract "' isn't an
L.I.D. ?. Mr. Wick responded, "No, an L.I.D. is just to build a
capital improvement, and has nothing to do with the service." Mr.
Foy asked•if all of. the L.I.D.'s have'been constructed with the
same .contractural' criteria ?•Mr. Wick stated, under L.I.D. law,
they are all the same. Mr. Foy read from the text which states
the'property owners would not have legitimate grounds to challenge
.the source of water supplied by the City as ,l'ong . as' the property
owners continue to receive an "adequate" supply of water that can
be used for irrigation. Mr. Foy stated a definition of the word
adequate is needed.
Council member Barnett referred to page D15, paragraph 3; which
states any reduction in, water currently lost through the irrigation
systems could be reserved by:the City and used'•to meet future
growth water needs, and:then .referred to page 2G, the next to the
last sentence on the first page of:the Thorgrimson letter which
states . if' . these water rights are not used for five successive
years, they revert to the State for reappropriation. Mr. Barnett
asked. how can we. reserve this water that•we have saved and not have
it reappropriated? Mr. Wick explained that it is because we are a
municipality, and cities have a special interest in the water laws.
He stated the City does have the • ability to reserve those water
rights for future needs, but whether this request will be honored
is unknown until' the actual • request is made: Mr. Stouder
interjected Council will have t� address questions
about the Water and Sewer.Canprehensive Plans -to representatives of
Preston Thorgrimson's office at a future meeting. He 'suggested
that Mr. Barnett engage in this type.of discussion`at that time.
•
Mr.. Barnett referred to page D16 which refers to the Clean Water
Act Amendments which has placed an additional $400,000 burden upon
the City, adding that the 1988 permit is going to cause us to act
on some issues earlier than originally anticipated. He asked that
staff provide Council with a revised summary chart to reflect the
compression that DOE is imposing upon the City - of Yakima to receive
this 1988 permit? He stated we must convey to the general - - public
that we -have approximately 9 million dollars worth of work that
has to be, done because of DOE'-and' the Clean Water Act Amendments.
Mayor Berndt stated this needs:to be made abundantly clear to the
citizens during the public hearings. on this issue. •
' Council member Foy read the third paragraph of.page D16 which
states 'the preparation of a facility plan (a revision of the Beck
Study along with the Comprehensive Plan itself) will be required to
• further qualify for funding." A recommendation on this will be
presented to the Council on April 19th, and he asked if it is not a
fact that we cannot establish any rates until this plan is
developed' because the City's eligibility for State'and Federal
• funding will not even be considered until such a plan is rendered.
Mr. Stouder responded,• "Yes and no." He stated the City is
required by law to have a Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan in
place, .and the water plan must be revised every five years. He
stated it has been almost'thirteen years since this has, been done,
however,' the agencies realize the City is working on the plans, and
they are trying to qualify the City for funding. He " the
..simple answer ; is yes, at one point we have to adopt this sewer
plan, but more importantly, from the. sewer plan comes a preliminary
engineering document, a facilities plan is what we need as an
application requirement for some of the improvements.
Council member Foy asked if at the public hearing on April 19th
the citizens ask :questions. regarding these plans, we can't
establish rates until the plan is developed, and secondly, if it is
' presented to us on the same day of the public hearing, Council will
not have had an.opportunity to study it, so how will he respond.
Mr. Stouder stated we are mixing two issues. He pointed out that
staff has been having a dialogue with DOE to qualify some of the
improvements that were budgeted for this year and next' for the
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APRIL ' "12.x. 11988
•
facil He - stated we recently- , received -= $940:;000' =from - -the' Public
-Works Trust Furid (a twenty year loan =at. 1% iinterest -) -rand• -we' see an
opportunity perhaps to receive some DOE funding for .what would have
been our local share that we basically would be budgeting or have
budgeted-.' :In'order to •qualify-for that fundingl -we need a facility
_. • plan::. r'
et, . ;r,1'. r;.. E7. ' J
..Council:Dmember_rFoy stated; what; you are saying!' is there :are some
strategies --:.for the application of r•funds.rthat r we :have ; Tnot.: received
. yet,. cbut.: DOE i :wi}ll ing ' to 1work with usthey 'are • developed . Mr .
.Stouder ;stated that : is correct,' : and the _, ;proper !answer_ is that
• whatever we :do 'at -th is stages_ in. preparing the .necessary eligibility
• r + documents, T ' i.e.: Lthe 'facilityr 'pian - w il'. r soften :the: burden of
future rate ' increases . if ; we ::receive r;state `=funding: Mr•c VStouder
stated': Council _ will :not. be . _stalking about rates 'on: :April 19th,
but will'. be... discussing ° .a' '.faci ity 'plany_to equal +ify •.::the : of
• • .Yakima •for; ;State - that -':will ultimately_,_.reduce: •the3 impact
• • , . • potential'lyor stretch; out :the; impact of whatever 2increasesi to the
7customei there .are. :: • f :oii_t ._._ 1z: :i
: r: V • . C.,vs: f •
•
Council memberr Barnett :commented he - .appreciated seeing the. letter
. • 'signed; by.• <. the : City Manager toathe. .Department :of Ecology which
indicates the City Council would like to determine the:'extent of
their commitment before we get too far in the hole. Mr. Stouder
- stated he isa quite.. \pleased 7 ;about ; ■DOE's, :willingness :torwork with
they_fCity.eiHe::`expla'ined -.that staff : -is. discussing: ":_applying" for a
• program..-:-.f or ..funding -but - the: - . regulations and'c the
program :haves .not yet- been (released. :He'.stated.itDOE,, isu Working with
• the City: 7before',their 'program =ins - ready for _-publics' application to
• .help -. qualifyi._the CCity. of Yakima , -for- funding.:'Mr. :)Stouder= stated
DOE . -has. - put- in- writing that- they :are' willing :tot works :With"' us, and
• . she °.would like .'.to see '".a ' grant approval -in the next • six n to nine
months;:
s• . _', .. C_. .`1:. =r. +t . 9' c P s . i .('_
- • Council �3member :.Carmichael stated _s.Andrea Beatty Riniker,, .the head
:of.s_ithe State Department:'. :of -Ecology;. ' has -s accepted '.a :position with
• Sea Tac- kAirpOrt ;. •• and' 'asked if sthererhas :been .any news about her
replacement: _Mr. :'Stouder_ r responded, person rhas been
- appointed.: "who was serving '�as7i the +legal representative_: from the
Attorney ;,General's _office. '- r.Councii- member Carmichael "asked if
. - - there as; ;.any- anticipation•. of a +change ¶.of+ 'attitude - .with-•the - change
of leadership :. • r Mr;: F Stouder - .:responded; '.i nor;:":-(Mr. Zaisa•. • stated
:frequently. ,the: City ~has received: rstern; , l harsh' ands :blunt: letters
from the Department of Ecology, however, the_. -City; :has been
effective in defusing and disarming those - letters in meetings with
DOE:. 'He stated is-that kind)_of'cdtalogue othatchas paid.:cthe City
sane. dividends -.in.: terms of ,the' fact = that the Gi.ty is :continuing to
work:_° to rmeet.; 'deadline :;set by DOE, ^ ; but ; ..we ,:also expect some
participation, t involvement = and '. recognition -•:.of the; fund
diff:iculties.! we' r.facel: here ; :,, particularly ::r as._then�federal.Jr funding
.process :continues to back ..for water .and (. :sewer projects'.
j 1`._: i -- '.' : ;! -f[',. ;:;)_t -: „":
(COW ' =' 'to _ : Exhi'bit :-vr C, ?: the from
CWC-HDR;: page r'.five,_7•dated' *March ";.30, 1988, :=indicating: :.there is a
discrepancy in the figures presented in the letter∎.andi:theisurranary
of capital improvement needs. Mr. Krutsch stated the letter
contains :,figures thatc °were. ;listed An =the table 'and•. puts a total cost
in thei-letter;. whereas 'they .had •'appeared•ras : twos or •three •=iterns in
. the table:.; He .stated on: page -(six, ' the .$1;850.;.000 = 'represents three
separate• items . Mr _ 'Barnett& stated the trickling filter: : - pumping
• :station `' listed" at :$2,.000,000; i -: however., •:Gthe= ::• :summary' sheet
- .indicates. -cost" Is_ 2; 300•,•000.: He tasked which = figure:, is :correct?
Chris?Waarvick _stated •= both' figures -are °accurate.,. explaining'; that in
• - the capital improvement - siurunary=7 - .'when-3_?staff: vreferred acto the
• • trickling af Uteri project ;:• • they are.: `speaking : _:of.: the./ umbrella for
improvements to be : done:'during • that :.time:: He - .stated.: Just dike the
aeration _.system iimprovement• •that-we s are about: _to. renter.: into;, there
arelEother. :'caosts oft - - smal+ler tems Cori . around that time.
Waarv.ick. 'stated "c:.he ` outlined ' uwh' ch :was - -reviewed by
'Mr_:, 'Barnett the :others day;! `a fullyb•detailed _trickling filter
•project rand- ancillary maintenance type7of, improvement items. Mr.
. Stouder stated staffvcan - +list• • the. figures and r general i •costs, in the
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APRIL 12,1988
next draft. Mr. Barnett interjected he is requesting any new
. material', he just wants to understand the material he has already •
• received.
.
Mr. Foy- referred to page six of Chris Waarvick's letter which
states the City's final report to Council will be incorporated into
the appendix document which accompanies the final Plan. He asked
if the final Plan will be received after the public hearing. Mr.
Stouder stated 'Council will be receiving a financing Plan (rate
study)-'prior to the final published document. Mr. :Foy asked if
this would:be during the public hearing. or afterward.. Stouder
stated the next two meetings with the citizens will be on the plan,
and then he..anticipates providing. the Council With_'.the financing
plan, and he is assuming Council will have public hearings on the
financing plan also. He stated then there' will` be the final
:.publication .of the document which ultimately will include a
financing plan,' but staff prefers to have Council's direction on
the financing plan and the Water Sewer.Canprehensive:Plans in one
final document. Mr. Foy stated he wants:to make'sure there is a
review of the financing plan by the citizens prior to printing the
• final .Plan. Mr. Stouder stated the appropriate reviews will be
held .prior to presentation of the final Plan to the City
. Council.
•
Council member: Barnett - asked Chris Waarvick, "If'this is your 1988
permit, are you going to have to move same things ahead ?'Is this
going :to' have some significant impact on• your .analysis of rate
structure." Mr. Waarvick. responded, "Yes, it will have an impact
on the analysis of the rate structure and he will have to be
realistic. and. sensitive to the issue. ". We will be presenting the
. financing plan illustrating what the impact of the acceleration of
• some of these projects are, knowing full well we can't afford it.
Council member Barnett asked if we do not implement those
requirements, are .they going to fine us $10,000 a day? Mr.
Waarvick stated he did not know, however, they have not fined us
because they know the City is making an :honest attempt' t� resolve
• the issues,. City Manager Zais emphasized the City must" - find a way
- sanehow to meet ,those ,requirements because , the City is subject to
fine and penalty as a corporate entity and personally somewhere
down ' the . road . He stated - we are obligated and have to find a way
to comply with those requirements. Council member Foy restated
.. we are subject to fine corporately and individually. Mr. Zais
indicated such fines have been levied the past in some
jurisdictions.
Council member Foy referred to tab I -B -I, page D4X5, Continent A -24,
• which says Industrial waste sprayfield users are presently being
billed 1/2 the cost until resolution of'the billing situation, and
asked'is the sprayfield 2/3's cost? Mr. Waarvick responded the
• strong` waste.surcharge is presently at 2/3's the .potential rate. •
,That:is the charge for stronger waste 'going into the domestic
wastewater system. Council member Barnett stated the answer given
in the text says 1/2. Mr. Waarvick stated the sprayfield users and
the strong waste issues are different and the answer in text
is correct. •
•
Council member Barnett referred to page D4. X6 questioning how is a
legal. opinion on applying a new'CCRC (Capital Cost Recovery Charge)
going to affect the funding source and how will this be reflected •
in the final Plan:, He stated Preston Thorgrimson's legal
department responded under I -H, page 5, "We.would suggest revision
of the state code in order to permit recalculation of the charge,
not only in the circumstance listed above, but upon a deterinination
of actual versus estimated costs of providing the facilities for
Which the charge is made." Mr. Barnett stated he assumes before
the City •implements'the CCRCH there will be a change in the
legislation, and he believes they are cautioning_ the'City not to
• add the additional charge. He stated the additional charge was to
be used in the future to fund some '7 million dollars of new trunk
facilities. He stated if we feel hesitant in adding that charge,
he sees that area of the Plan being hindered significantly. Mr.
Stouder commented he is unaware 'of any hesitation in'this area.
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APRIL 12 ;; 1988 "
Cotirricil • member - tBarnett ' asked= that Preston `- . Thorgrimson" s 'f off ice
advise the Council whether we can 'reassess -the' capital • cost
recovery charge. City Attorney Vanek stated four different
distinction's are � being 'Made ;. 1) people' `who have-•connected-'and paid
the ` charge :;' can' we `surcharge' , thenn, 2 ) people= - -who have :i s igned an
insta Breit' agreement and are •paying 'i-t, -:"3) - "people" =whb shave not
• Connected 'and' Piave mot paid the charge; sand 4)'• !change •of' use in
the'= `proper-ty. 'Mr- c >rVanek stated • his • interpretation of the' legal
opinion' 1 ' is" - that 'the" : best ' chance ' is against «unconnected . property,
that; 18 the clearest • property. Council• members Foy stated he would
like' to have 'thisci "section 'pulled and {correlated _ with 'section 10
and have -them give us some •rationale as to what is "going: on Chris
Waarvick Stated 'what :'they - might be fref err ing.r'to.rim the lchange of
• • Code'iS to "allow;' -even - if you have• :already :- paid ;,::.to icome:`back and
adjust- `Lit': :stated the 'City does have. - they author ity_to_
•the. rates r those who have . not already signed. 'or connected to the .
• Sewer". - (See D4X6 - under 1' -D=l) . '
1.' • - ' .t ?:r i , "i r
Council' Member; Foy `referred' to! page 1 D4 X7, `••under tab the
bottom = `of the page '= under - •paragraph C; - which °talks- 'about "an
appropriate 'decision =c-is to recognize :the:• hydraulic problems and
• iinpleinent:= a:- _program of ''correction:` ` L.I.D.1 ;'''flow:• r impact ='tcan be
identified - -- and =should = be brought =to '"Council's attention." He
stated' -he believes•:Counci1 :has discussed, tf•'long :: 'enough ;:'end the
Council Shbuid require- J0174 future L :I :D.8 -; , =.as part of the input
• information= -for' decision; that - information, 'and: •I think we• to
• make• -sure that'' takes; place: This just makes the suggestion . that it
should be, • I would Tike: -to be' more • specific and' rsay it must be
• • brought' to • our attention'. -1 • He • :stated: he thinks this:' is good
decision ;Makirig - material, and since theyi now have':? the' -tools to
cbIlectLand':' identify it,' =we: had better know 'about
Council member - Barnett= Treferred .t.6: page D4 :- X8,L!comment.i -B =4 which
asked Lwhatf= iS 'the legal - basis for providing : :irrigationt:water to the
• • districts 3 with ' ".=no• water rights.; = and' - stated'' .he" • did note °find a
• response to this ' question.. 'Mt t Stbuder" sta•ed : =staff = wil•1^ pursue
this' }'and provide •an response: t t '
• Council member- - Barnett !then:' referred to :: Section -I =D-3;) `page DXIV
• L7 • which": relates:' to: i:question 'asked formerly by:" Cbunc il: member
Sims arid '-himself;� -Which ;States 'significant:capital 'expenditures can
• • - be- reduced 'from'facility needs' by re location' of= sewer maintenance.
Mr Barnett' stated he has never been convinced of :those.. :savings.
Mr. 'Waarvck :stated' this is answered in: more' detail in the letter
to the -Cityi from , Culp - Wesner- Culp • exhibit 1C page 6.; .the. fourth
• paragraph, ; which indicates ":the :.. need for -'additional materials
storage ,' = office• 'space ,- 1 and locker •'area '-'all • resulting from •
increased' •requirements on the plant. 'Estimated cost ism; - $'7-00, 000.
Iinprovemerits .as' `described' 'here - would _ not= be 's )if' ^the new
'opera. ion!`s 'centers,' - as described "in'-:the;: Canprehensive were
constructed= in the near future." Cdunci1i member - Barnett: stated
• - thee- -'•Culp- Wesner =Culp 'getter- indicates }'a ` cost Of . ":4700;000 to
• accoirQnddate = space= needs,' however, - elsewhere in the •report, :the cost
to builds -a new •operations' center is listed at one mill ion' " dollars .
Mr'. Barnett stated - -' he does not understand tibia: =there - will be a
significant - 'savings. Mr. Waarvick stated the 'estimated' 'cost of
centralizing the sewer maintenance 'function is one( .milhiont:dollars.
He' `stated''' if this 1 is' not "done,J'` the.!:City' +will= have to spend
$700,000 "'to-- 'accamodate 1 s Spade rineeds " at: :'the-' current faoitiity. The
• difference- now `- becomes '4300000' A between Staying ' -'ati Jthes .current
location= arid' making•-•- the needed (improvements, or building' a more
centralized 'operations - Mr: Barnett. stated - -he _would.discuss
this" :with .Mr..7:14aary ck''-later: ast "he •need's further: clarification on
this issue. Mr. Stoiider: : stated the reality• is. "that at' :some point
- there :will= be' add=itional- space needs' • 'and' we' need' = to 'determine if we
-want' to centralize -them 'iri ' a' more transportat ion 7ef f is ient _locat ion
orj expand the " plant: 'Mr: 'Stouder•.' pointed: out.' that.7:there is a
• cbst' in' terms' of '1 efficiency - and ::: travel T.time • and.' staff could
prepare: a' report( of that' if Councih•• des iresI Xouncil rmemberi•Barnett
stated he 'does - riot : = wish -' staff: l to prepare : Such:: a' report;.. but he has
never been convinced of: the cost savings: 'in, • any.' of. the. :previous
• :discussions.- Mr. :Stouder .ipointed • out:'thatf :_the• - estimates don' t
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APRIL 12, 1988
address the size of the building, the type of land, or'other costs
that are all unknowns at this time.
Council member Barnett initiated discussion on the Homeowners
• Chapter, II -B, page YKC7 /034.4, the last paragraph which talks
about spreading the cost among the present 17,250 users, and asked
• if Mr. Stouder had indicated the City will probably have to go onto
the utility 'concept first. Mr. Stouder stated, "yes," and further
explained. Preston Thorgrimson's response to those questions: they
refer to one option for the Council which is the creation of a new
utility :district that assumes the operations. or administrative
• responsibilities of the other 65 or 66, and then to finance an
improvement, all the voters of that new utility district would
vote, if you wanted to.choose that avenue to spread out the cost of
that whole system. He stated if you had a district of 17,000
people and you passed a 10 million dollar bond issue, you might be
doing some of those improvements' one year and' some of the
improvements another year, and all of the people would not be
impacted in any pne year, but all of the people would benefit from
• the improvements even though it may not be at their particular
house, if nothing more than it's a more ,modern,- efficient system
and keeps Yakima - .green. He stated one, alternative that was
reviewed in' the report was a system wide absorption of the
improvement costs whether you directly • benefit• in your :yard next
year or not. Council member Foy stated 'this portion of the report
• says "the•General.and the Fair Avenue system service areas only are
converted to domestic water use, a capital expense of.$1,200,000 at
the Naches River Water Treatment Plant would be required." If this
expense were to be evenly divided among the 1 preserit - 17,250
accounts, those are domestic user accounts, it would result in a
pro-rated cost of $69.56, or basically $70 per account. : He stated
his question is, if those two districts were converted, this
would result, in a 1,200,000 .expense. That is another 3,068
customers,, but in .essence the $1,200,000' is going to be divided
among the 17,250 domestic users, so if a person happens to be in
one of those districts, and is also 'a part of the 308 irrigation
gravity flow customers and is converted to domestic, the burden of
the $1,200,000 is being divided by the 17,250 domestic users. He
stated. he does not understand the philosophy. He said he
understands everyone in the City sharing and trying to improve the
quality, of life in the community but he has difficulty when it is
17,250 people and 3,268 receiving the benefit are not included.
Mr. Stouder stated. he agrees that it is a question of philosophy
and howthe Council. perceives it. He. reminded Mr. Foy the
system paid for the improvement of the, line to. Gleed, and the .
improvement was the prevention of the loss: of one and one -half
million gallons of water per day, that, everyone benefited, but the
direct beneficiaries of that action was 15 households. He' stated
the cost of that improvement was over $270,000. Council member Foy
stated that incident involved treated domestic water the case
of these two districts involves irrigation water. Mr. Stouder
cautioned Mr. Foy not to lose sight of the overall objective which
is to prevent the leakage and wastage of water. Council member
Buchanan and Mayor Berndt pointed out that this section is talking
about domestic water. Mr. Foy stated General and Fair Avenue do
not use'domestic water. Mr. Buchanan stated that is correct, but
you are going to save the irrigation water which can then be used
to increase the supply of domestic water. Mr. Foy stated if he
read this information as a layman, it would be difficult for him to
support this. He stated we need to be careful in the manner in
which'this is presented so that people will understand that the
concept is that we all share in the quality of . life of the
community and therefore, this is what our accomplishment is, that
17,250 domestic users today will pick up the $69.56 pro rated cost
for 20 years or $7.00 per year, you'll pick it up and 'we will go
out and take care of these two major districts. He stated we need
to explain that better, you are selling a product and a system and
a concept and'it does not sell well the way it is written. Mr.
Buchanan commented that what Mr. Foy is saying is that they really
should let those 3,000 people on those two irrigation districts pay
the $1,200,000, plus those people are then going to have to pay
considerably increased water costs. As far as they are concerned,
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•
' they r'would` ae soon -' stay' right where icthey : are. ' Council member
: Barnett stated -they already - paying for the . diversion-'dam, they
• ' -are;''getting' a' double 'e'wha iny. 'Mr. Barnett statedxhe"doesi - not know
• the•solutibn•, - -biit t" they are the' 'ma in :people for :th e' divers lon
I darn: that` we had to put= in so 'they" could .have - •irrigation :iwater and
now we are talking about a system to take :that =irrigation water
away from than and then we throw another $1,200,000 at them. So now
= they) have' had tiao'"•layers of high 'cost; if - , they are -thei group that
' has to stand' the -'entire cost. Mr. •Buchanan. rcautioned'- not to
overlook the'• third layer of! 'cost ;'because`then'. the -water :bills are
going to skyrocket in order •to irrigate what they have been
irrigating
•now. -"Mr.: Foy stated . he does note have 'any'- problem with
• the - larger • domestic' user helping' or providing 'that service:; but he
thinks - the 'way -) you' "express • it :and' `what" -you ' do • with Fitt has a
definite response to how you 'are` going Fttb sell sit,° otherwise it is
' - going -to` appear as though :' -thee -'big 'Users'' are paying' -the - expense
'Tor the •little •districts- of 3,200• users.- We need'°'to point- -'out that
`they • are=- eti111' going t� carry :the' burdenf-of 'the diversion dam even
though -they rimy not use - -the' water at all. Council member' Buchanan
poinited; out that =this' is his •CoUnci-Y' district)'which:•:.is'Ucanprised
fto'stly "of downtown-: businesses. '! ' - _ -'` '•' '
Ty Wick stated this same- type of'. philosophy' was 'used 'on the
jdiversion' darn ;' 'it was :a :1.1 'rriillion 'dollar-` project! acid ; -bf that
•-total amount', these peop'l'e are paying $60, 000• •whichLwas'' f inanced
• - over - - a considerable' `length ' of time : He stated ' FRS - money -i and HUD
rinoney' Was ''used 'to benefit the` entire' City because Ait:;'also'i affects
E Nact es Cowiche'- and the -- west' side -`of 3 town'.' Count]- member Foy
caeti'onedz -M ':•` WiCk-• tb •'be- "careful when . :he - talks 'about using'FRS and
- -'HUD money- because -`that iinoriey"is :not :"directly 'but "of /the citizen's
pocket:? ,. ,,. J: ' r :r_ r, r_5 _..P
For 'point of••clarification; Council member Sims tasked' if it is
'correct that the = irr rdistrict does not- 'include- the 'idowntown
'area any longer- 'because those •'businesses ::'have ibeen written. Mr.
Wick' "stated - zthe core' 'area' never F was • 'included.: tin the _L:` -I. D. and
-tt qs . true 'that" a' of . the businesses .:have been.r 'eliminated
'upon ' request: ' Council member: Buchanan' :: - clarified:- his= ':learlier
f comment'' about this- 'area being -iri •this Council' :District 'stating he
was '= referring - to • fruit " row; 'which is . 'included fin . the_ L. I . D.
-assessments' . . F r { _, r. ' :t cr
2 Cbunc l , member . ;Barnett`- referred ito '`the'- memorandum. from . •Housing
• 'Manager = 'Dixie' Ktacht,` 'whi'ch ' refers to J the 'cost'- estimate 'for the
' eomplete-'ireplace rent -of the -'plumbing, 'iand''then' furtherJdowri in the
paragraph; -'she talks '.'about :cost' being -'$1;'100 from
- Housing: and '$676,' plus some other things: He '- this is not
enumerated h the narrative' 'of -'the• Homeowners' section:' :'The only
'narrative that mention's -`an. 'increased cost: to' the':- haneowner is a
• :range- 'of $250- $275:' He •stated it' - appears that -maybe true if those
Conditions: =exist, buts if the other. condition `exists;' then it could
' the $1 plus range. " Mr. Stouder : reminded...him -t of the
alternative that `-'staff- is -.looking' at if •we'•:haVe a= pilot'''program
that was reviewed- in the `summary• memo'' whi'ch • °precludes replacement
of the plumbing inside the house etc. The costs provided by Dixie
Kracht are speaking' ' =to -the °•interior' plumbing.; • - tithe: hose bib,
etc.', 'and Ti's -riot- applicable :under' what 'we are' talking-1 ',about as a •
• pilot :program: • _ r ; _ r. • ;1
:. :� Vii: i :� .. •r; a ?_ .:
Council ' member • ' Foy ' = stated 'staff =should go back' to the 'cost i estimate
! of a coinplete replacement , fran}'the water main, . because c ifc you are
go ing- to- use two "meters arid: •yoU put the • : --: meter _there, you
are starting' at 'the. main 'or -T property •line''and' from:r'there 'you are
' stalking about •-gett'ing - source where" if :you,'.want::to really
geta an i accu'rate'- "study' - of ' a'(-conservative use 'ofi °water you • have to
Put ' an 'electrical'' timer•on it 'so that'A.f-'lI - am 7 going :to spend the
money to °'give' •you-'ari adequate • example of what,`my consumption will
be, I want PVC in the ground, I want it metered so that each valve
' When 'it= goes: -on' °fi'fteen' minutes' :of watering! and.' done
• • -and' have= done'my conservative approach through ..modern7'technology.
- You • arse= =not going to get "'it i if you just 'cane '•off the' -tee; rand cane
up jwi'th the riser-':'. Mr. .Stouder=•'stated thatu <was .noted:,) -that is a
•
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APRIL 12, 1988
• different issue you commented on earlier from the domestic meter as
opposed to what Dixie's comments were. Dixie's comments were
directed towards the earlier questions about cost•to the interior
plumbing. With the alternative that is proposed, then same of your
points come into play that are different from Dixie's comments and
Clarence's comments.
Mayor Berndt stated she thinks' some serious analysis of just how
absolutely precise we want to be, whether it is worth the cost, or
'whether the method we are currently using will do the job.
Ty Wick stated that what Mr. Foy is suggesting wasn't anticipated
in what staff presented. He 'stated basically what was suggested
was how much water does it take to water the way they have been
. watering now, and what they have been used to watering, so we can
determine how that compares to•the domestic water rates. Mr.
Stouder stated he you can take the 50 feet, if that cost
estimate of $180 is for 50 feet, if it is 100. feet, it's $360 for
:ballpark figures for what we are addressing. Council member
Buchanan . stated' for 150 foot lots, you cannot do it on 50 feet.
Mr. Stouder stated you could double that cost or three times it.
Mr. Buchanan stated you are beginning with an erroneous figure
because all of the lots in the east side of town in these
irrigation districts are 50x150 and if you put a 50 foot extension
:into the lot,. then you have to have 100 feet of hose to reach the
front edge of the lot or awfully close to it. Mr. Wick stated a
lot'of..people have just a. riser in the back and they run hoses
from it. Mr. Stouder stated he thinks this is easily resolved by
• taking the 50 feet and doubling it. Council member Barnett stated
he only has one concern on the figure that is in the homeowners
section and that is to make sure it won't be higher•:after we
finalize the Plan. He cautioned staff to make sure there isn't any
hidden cost and this may have to came through the pilot program.
Mr. Stouder stated the real cost, quite frankly, is the rebuilding
of the irrigation line or the transfer, that - -is the 12 million
dollars. Council member Buchanan interrupted saying the real cost
issue is going to be rebuilding the sewer lines. He 'stated the
study in which the irrigation lines on the east side of town were
shut down, and nobody irrigated their lines and-there wasn't any
water in the lines, so therefore, there was a drastic reduction in
the infiltration rate going to the treatment plant. He stated if
they had continued irrigating during that period of time you may
have, had a drastically different results in your test, but since
the test proved what they said it would prove before the test was
started, obviously the point'is proven. And I maintain that the
water is not running from an irrigation line into the sewer line,
the -water is running from the top of the ground into the sewer
line. We have.had the pictures of the water cascading into these
sewer lines and that is where our infiltration is caning from. Now
if our irrigation goes on and the water keeps going into the sewer
lines.after have spent these millions of dollars. to do all of
the quick . fixes on the irrigation system, and--then: we: have to go
ahead and spend all of that money on the sewer lines which are
leaking; people are going to be really upset.
Mr. Stouder stated we will be replacing the collection lines in the
• sewer; that is.a given. Mr. Buchanan stated if we are going to be
doing that, then that will probably solve an awful , lot of the
irrigation water problems. Mr. Stouder stated the essential
question is that'when we the collection system for the
,sewer lines, that is the time to replace the irrigation lines if
that is the.direction the Council chooses to • take. Council member
Buchanan reminded Mr. Stouder that a man from Union Gap had stated •
recently, if you have all of those big breaks in the :sewer lines
that the water can run into, how much of the water is running out
of those sewer lines into the rocks and sand that the City is
underlain with and contaminating other water supplies.
•
Council member Barentt stated he thinks the initial summary which
gives a good review of the changes that have transpired, and the
method in which you put these attachments is very good. Mr. Barnett
stated Mr. Stouder has been yelled at more or less in one form or
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APRIL 12, 1988
another for the past few hours, and you ought to be complemented
for the work you did to put this document together. Mr. Stouder
commented there are several;; ; people ,that, have been working on this
for over three years and particularly the last several months
putting this document together. He stated generally the City's
infrastructure is in pretty good shape and we should be proud of
that - , :fact, ; :however• -• this . doesn'.t -mean ..that: we don' _t ,have „ some
pretty, tough „decisions ahead of us., He stated recently the National
Council ,: and . Public .Works , spent three , year studying „the, nation' s
infrastructure„ . and •. Nancy Ruttledge, , who use, _.to ,be ..the` head . of : the
same,, board •. here in Washington, State,., who, that National
Council. , Mr:, Stouder• shared an article. from , the„Wall - r Street
Journal which graded the US infrastructure .in, . „the
, following „,ways:
Highways C +, Mass transit C -, Aviation B -, Water Resources B• Water
Supply B -, Wastewater •C,, So1id Waste C -, and Hazardous, Waste D.
The article predicts that the nation will double in poplulation
- by the ( year 2000 ,and recommends that -,,45, billion, dollars., be spent
annually, on _public ,-works. • : ; He stated:, , he, i , .,would , . rate our
infrastructure.. higher ,than., any of ; these, grades, 1 but cautioned .,that
w e not lose sight. of the fact, that, w e need to , make some , of_ ; these
investments to keep it the B or B+ grade we now have.
6. OTHER BUSINESS
t'. : ' '1 . t i ")' ' , _ i _+'c + a)' 1 ):._ _
None ,, nt
.7. EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING PROSPECTIVE LITIGATION
It was MOVED by Foy, seconded by;', Buchanan, to move into Executive
Session for approximately twenty minutes for the purpose of
discussing prospective litigation. and adjourn immediately
thereafter .v Unanimously carried by, voice vote.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Following the completion of the Executive Session, the meeting was
adjourned at the hour of 4:0 P.M.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE B� rCOUN MEMBER DATE
ATTEST: 0/ IL BER
ACTIN Ltt \ZiAz/Y-11C
CT ITY CLERK MAYOR
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