HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/19/1985 Study Session w . 29
March 19, 1985
;;,STUDY SESSION;,.
The City Council met is session on this date at 2:00 p.m. in the Council
Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Council members present were Mayor ,
Clarence Barnett, Henry Beauchamp, Pat Berndt, Lynn Buchanan, Lynn Carmichael',
Jerry Foy.and Jack Sparling.
1. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
Council member Carmichael stated she had received communication from the
Association of Washington Cities stating that appointments will be made
to the Resolutions and Nominations Committees during the early part of
. May so that work can be done prior to the June conference. She indicated
if any of the Council members are interested in serving on either of
these committees, they should submitt this information to AWC prior to
May 1st for consideration.
2. REPORT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING & UTILITIES REGARDING
EVALUATION OF FRUITVALE CANAL PROJECT
Dennis Covell, Director of Engineering & Utilities, gave a brief history
of the function and current condition on the canal. Referring to the
recolm endations contained in the staff report on page 2, Mr. Covell
stated recomiendations 1 -7 are proposals to assist with the financial
problems of the canal, while 8 and 9 pertain to storm drainage. He
stated staff believes the canal should be a major component in the
solution of storm drainage management for the Urban Area and the report
is for future evaluation purposes in this endeavor. It was MOVED by
Carmichael, seconded by Buchanan, to accept the report. Unanimously
carried by voice vote.
3. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR TELEPHONE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
Council member Foy excused himself from discussion on this item due to
possible conflict of interest. Fire Chief Ed Carroll gave a background
report on the telephone communications system currently being used in
City Hall. He indicated a users group had been organized in 1983 due to
the divestiture that was to occur in 1984. Chief Carroll stated a
contract had been entered into with PNB and AT &T to stabilize prices for
a two year period. He stated a physical. feature inventory had been
completed in 1984 with the current features being. outlined in the report
to Council. He indicated the next step is to request proposals addressing
the five assumptions outlined in the staff report. A matrix will then be
analyzed and a reconuuendation made to Council for a future communications
system. Discussion followed on monthly charges- incurred by the City,
after which' City Manager Zais interjected there is no Council action
required on this item today.
Regarding a matter of interest to the Council, City Manager Zais
reported there is currently a proposal pending in Olympia to reduce the
gambling tax on cardrooms from 20% to 10% and the tax on punch boards
and pull tabs from 57 to 3.1 %. Mr. Zais stated the City is currently at
those maximum limits. Should this reduction be approved, it would result
in approximately $45,000 loss of revenue. Mr. Zais stated a reduction in
gambling tax was contemplated in the Budget this year due to the YWCA
moving outside the City limits. He indicated a total of $62,000 was
derived from this revenue source during 1984, and the $45,000 would be
in addition to that figure. Mr. Zais stated the Association of
Washington Cities is working diligently on the City's behalf to make the
legislative and elected officials aware of the impact this proposal
would have on the City of Yakima.
BUSINESS MEETING
4. ROLL CALL
At 3:00 p.m., the. Council members coimnenced the regular meeting, Mayor
Barnett presiding, Council members Beauchamp, Berndt, Buchanan,
Catiuichael, Foy and Sparling present on roll call. City Manager Zais,
City Attorney Andrews, City Clerk Roberts and Deputy City Clerk Toney
also present.
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5. .INVOCATION
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council member Berndt.
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6. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Barnett referred to the Items placed on the Consent Agenda,
questioning whether there were any additions or deletions from either
Council members or citizens present. The City Clerk then read the
Consent Agenda items, including resolutions and ordinances by title. It
was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Buchanan, that the Consent Agenda,
as read, be passed. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. (Subsequent
paragraphs preceded•by an asterisk ( *) indicate items on the Consent
Agenda handled under one motion without further discussion.)
7. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Kelley Beard, manager of the Casa de Blanca restaurant, addressed
Council regarding the street people at the bus stop located near his
restaurant, subjecting patrons to offensive language, gestures, and
vehicle vandalism. He indicated his first concern is to have the bus
stop removed to another location, and secondly, pass an ordinance which
would allow merchants to request that the street people not congregate
for such long periods of time. •
Maud Scott, southeast resident, addressed Council regarding a petition
presented to Council on March 5th concerning the apartment house being
constructed on South 9th Street. City Manager Zais indicated Council has
been provided with a report from staff and a letter has been sent to the
petitioners. Ms. Scott presented a fact sheet listing the dates on which
the various permits were obtained for the project and raised additional
questions pertaining to those dates. She also questioned whether or not
a plot plan is required prior to a permit being issued. Ines Rice, 4409
Arlington, addressed Council regarding the same issue. She stated accord-
ing to the Comprehensive Plan a building permit should not have been
issued until a plot plan was approved and on record for such a project.
The inquiries of Ms. Scott and Mrs. Rice were referred to staff for
investigation and followup.
8. HEARING ON 1985 IRRIGATION MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT ROLL
This being the time fixed for the hearing on the 1985 Irrigation
Maintenance Assessment Roll,' the hearing was declared open for public
testimony. Office Engineer Rita Germunson reviewed the report briefly
for the benefit of Council and citizens present and then responded to
inquiries and comients regarding the assessment roll. Florence Hay, 716
South 8th Avenue, questioned why her rate had gone up $16.46 from last
year Mayor Barnett indicated this particular irrigation system required
extensive repairs last year, and this district also pays for use of the
Naches Cowiche Canal System. Benjamin Van Eaton, 1602 South 14th Avenue,
District #857, questioned what work had been done on his irrigation
district. Ms. Germunson stated in 1982 District #857 rates had been
increased to cover the estimate of a pump, however, the rate had been
reduced in 1983, leaving an insufficient reserve. Rick Hargreaves, 205
South Naches, District #308, stated he has lived at this address for
three years and has never had irrigation water on his property during
that time. He indicated he had been told irrigation water was not
available in his area, therefore, he would get a cheaper rate on his
domestic water because he would have to use it to water his lawn. Mr.
Hargreaves stated he feels he should be reimbursed rather than being
charged irrigation maintenance assessment. Council member Carmichael
stated that citizens are obligated to pay their share of irrigation
system maintenance whether they use irrigation water or not. She indicat-
ed it is the individual's responsibility to bring the irrigation lines
from the main pipe to their property. Edward Meyer, 1014 South 23rd
Avenue, District #861, conuented that several years ago his assessment
was increased approximately 30%, and this year it has been increased
from $55.67 to $122.48. He stated he feels this is unfair. City Manager
Zais reminded Council and the citizens that the diversion dam project is
a million dollar project, which is partially funded through assessments
to the participants of the system. He further stated that without the
project the irrigation system will be inoperable. Ms. Germunson commented
that District #861 did not have any increases in 1983 or 1984 and is
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projected to have a 1207 increase in, : ,expenditures during 1985. She added
they have .a small cash reserve, however, it is not •sufficient to cover •
the anticipated expenses. Mayor Barnett also pointed out that District
#861 is comprised of only 23 parcels, therefore, the assessment is
higher than those of larger districts. Mayor Barnett stated he has
requested staff investigate the possibility of consolidating some of
these districts in an attempt to reduce some of the larger assessments.
Mrs. Michael Whitacre, 1015 South 19th Avenue, District #454, complained
of a 52.5% increase in their irrigation maintenance assessment. She
stated they only have enough water pressure to run one sprinkler, and if
the neighbor turns their irrigation water on, then their water pressure
is insufficient to operate even one sprinkler. Council member Carmichael
pointed out that this is the first increase since 1982 for District
#454. Mayor Barnett questioned whether or not she has requested the City
check the pressure on the main line. Mrs. Whitacre indicated they have
not made such a request. Mayor Barnett also pointed out that District
#454 ended up with a deficit in 1984 which must be collected this'year.
He stated the Naches Cowiche Company rates were raised, and this
accounts for part of the increase, as well as the fact that this
• particular district is small.
There being no other citizen present desiring to address this issue, the
public hearing was declared closed. Mayor Barnett distributed a memo to
Council with his proposed recommendations for reductions. A discussion
followed regarding the various districts and proposed reductions to the
irrigation maintenance assessment rolls, and other possible ways to
reduce these rates to the users of the system. It was MOVED ,by Foy,
seconded by Carmichael, to amend the assessment roll which was originally
• filed with Council so as to change District #534, #658, and #664 to
correspond with the recoiiiniendations of the memo by Mayor Barnett dated
March 19, 1985. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Ordinance No. 2857
having been read by title, it was MOVED by Buchanan; seconded by Foy,
that Section One of the Ordinance be amended to read as follows: "The
Irrigation Maintenance Assessment Roll of the City of Yakima for the
calendar year of 1985, as heretofore filed with the Yakima City Clerk,
and the assessments contained therein as amended by the Council during
the confirmation hearing are hereby approved and confirmed, and the
lots, tracts and parcels of land described in said rule are hereby
assessed and charged in the respective amounts set forth and specified
in said amended roll." Unanimously carried by roll call vote. It was
MOVED by Foy, seconded by Buchanan, that the Ordinance, as amended, be
passed. Unanimously carried by roll call vote.
ORDINANCE NO. 2857, AN ORDINANCE confirming the irrigation maintenance
assessment roll of the City of Yakima for the calendar year 1985 and
levying irrigation maintenance assessments according to such roll.
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9. REPORT FROM DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ON TEN YEAR
HOUSING SERVICES CENTER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM REVIEW
Assistant City Manager Stouder highlighted the report presented to
Council and the draft report distributed to Council today. Mr. Stouder
indicated this program is currently being threatened by governmental
budgetary cuts. He stated ten million dollars_ has been spent in the
target area over the past ten years for improving housing, streets,
sidewalks, irrigation lines, and other community assets. Glenn Rice,
Director of Community & Economic Development, coiiuiiented briefly on the
10 year recap of the programs completed by the Office of Housing &
Neighborhood Conservation with the use of Community Development Block
Grant Funds. He indicated a copy of the report would be prepared for
Council members Buchanan and Carmichael to take with them on their
upcoming trip to Washington D.C. It was MOVED by Foy, seconded by
Carmichael, to accept the report. Unanimously carried by voice vote.
10. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE CONTINUATION OF FEDERAL
REVENUE SHARING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS
• The Resolution having been read by Mayor Barnett, it was MOVED by
Carmichael, seconded by Buchanan; that the Resolution be adopted. Carried
by 6 -1 roll call vote. Sparling voting nay. Council member Sparling
explained he feels this is one area which we could do without, therefore,
he voted against the motion.
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RESOLUTION NO. D -5094, A RESOLUTION to the President of the .United
States Congress.
*11. SET DATES OF HEARINGS ON REZONE REQUSTS:
a. Set Date of Hearing for Rezone of Property Located at. 4708 Tieton
Drive, Requested by Time Oil
April 2, 1985 was set as the date of hearing for a Major Modification
to an existing Planned Development located at 4708 Tieton Drive, as
requested by Time Oil Company.
b. Set Date of Hearing For a Major Modification to an Existing Planned
Development, Requested by Inline Construction
April 2, 1985 was set as the date of hearing for a Major Modification
to an existing Planned Development located at South 40th Avenue &
Nob Hill Boulevard, as requested by Inline Construction.
c. Set Date of Hearing For Rezone of Property Located at 708 North 2nd
Street
April 16, 1985 was set as the date of hearing for the rezoning of
property located at 708 North 2nd Street, from R -3 to Planned
Development, as requested by Four Seasons Square.
*12. APPROVAL OF TREASURY REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 1985
The report from the Director of Finance and Budget dated February 28,
1985, regarding the investments of the City of Yakima, was accepted and
approved.
*13. APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY BUDGET REPORT
The report from the Director of Budget and Finance dated February 28,
1985, regarding the revenue and expenditure report for February, 1985,
was accepted and filed.
*14. APPROVAL OF OUT OF STATE TRAVEL
a. Assistant City Manager
The out -of -state travel for Assistant City Manager, Fred Stouder, to
attend the Annual Conference of American Society for Public
Administration in Indianapolis, Indiana, March 23 -27, 1985 at a cost
of $790, was approved.
b. Ty Wick, Al Burleson, and Dave Brown, Water & Irrigation Division
The out -of -state travel for Ty Wick, Water & Irrigation
Superintendent, Al Burleson, Irrigation Supervisor, and Dave Brown,
Water Treatment Plant Supervisor, to attend the AWWA Pacific
Northwest Section Meeting in Boise, Idaho May 1st -3rd, 1985 at a
total cost of $600, was approved.
*15. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE SERVICE INSTALLATION CHARGES
FOR SMALL WATER METERS
ORDINANCE NO. 2858, AN ORDINANCE relating to public services and utili-
ties; adopting a schedule of installation charges for water service .
installations;, and amending Section 7.68.043 of the City of Yakima
Municipal Code.
*16. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE REZONING PROPERTY AT 103 NORTH 6TH STREET,
-AS REQUESTED BY LARRY BECKER
ORDINANCE NO. 2859, AN ORDINANCE accepting the recouu endation of the
Planning Commission and rezoning property at 103 North 6th Street from
R -1. One - Family Zone to Planned Development Zone.
*17. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE REZONING PROPERTY AT 1507 WEST YAKIMA
AVENUE, AS REQUESTED BY BONNIE ARMSTRONG
ORDINANCE NO. 2860, AN ORDINANCE accepting the recommendation of the
Planning Cc:mission and rezoning property at 1507 West Yakima Avenue
from R -3, Multiple - Family Zone to Planned Development Zone.
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18. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CLASSIFICATION AND
COMPENSATION PLAN REGARDING HOUSING:' SERVICES CENTER POSITION
RECLASSIFICATION •
Bob Weaver, Personnel Officer, was present to give a brief review of
this item. He stated basically the responsibilities and duties of the
Housing Supervisor; Home Remodeling Supervisor and the Home Remodeling
Technician have been restructured, therefore, constituting the reconu end --
ed adjustments in their pay ranges. Following a discussion of these
positions, and the Ordinance having been read by title, it was MOVED by
Foy, seconded by Carmichael, that the Ordinance be adopted, as approved
by Personnel Officer Weaver. Unanimously carried by roll call vote.
ORDINANCE NO. 2861, AN ORDINANCE relating to City personnel, adopting a
classification and compensation plan for City employees to be effective
April 22, 1985; amending Sections 2.20.100 and 2.20:110 of the City of
Yakima Municipal Code.
19. OTHER BUSINESS
Council member Sparling indicated he feels something should be done with
regard to the situation that Mr. Beard mentioned during__audience
participation today. City Manager Zais indicated these issues have been
the subject of considerable review and discussion with staff and the
Council Transit Committee over the past two years. He stated the final
determination was to leave the bus stop at it's present location, and
attempt to patrol the area more frequently. However, he indicated the
issue of relocating the bus stop remains a problem for staff to resolve.
He indicated there is little that can be done to prevent citizens from
congregating on a public sidewalk unless property is being damaged by
the individuals.
Council member Foy stated there is a Yakima Joint Basin Board meeting on
March 29, 1985. He indicated he will be unable to attend the meeting as
he will be in Seattle on that date. Mr. Foy informed Council that a
position paper regarding hydro development is anticipated to be adopted
at this meeting and a Council representative should be present to
attempt to postpone the adoption of the document. Assistant City Manager
Stouder indicated he would be present at the meeting on the 29th of March.
Information Items
Items of information supplied to Council were: Memo from Director of
Engineering & Utilities and the City Engineer regarding Engineering
Division Project Highlights 3/13/85; Memo from Transit Customer Relations
regarding Year End Adjustments to Monthly Operations Report; Yakima
River Basin Water Enhancement Project Newsletter, Phase 2, Number 9,
March 1985; Yakima Valley Conference of Governments Newsletter, Volume
11, No. 2, March 1985,... and Minutes of the February 19, 1985 Police and
Fire Civil Service Commission meeting.
ADJOURNMENT •
There being no further business to come before the Council, it was MOVED
by Buchanan, seconded by Berndt, that this meeting be adjourned at the
hour of 5:05 p.m. Unanimously carried by vice vote.
OF
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY .: = )44 , , ,,I DAZE
MUNCIE MEMBER
DAl'E f -a1,3 - ,Ps
COUNCIL MEMBER
CITY CLERK £YORE
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