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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/25/1986 Business Meeting 261 FEBRUARY 25, 1986 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 `Ha11:.Yakima, Washington. Mayor Henry Beauchamp, presiding, Council members Clarence Barnett, Pat Berndt, Lynn Buchanan, Lynn Carmichael, and Jerry Foy present on roll call. City Manager Zais, City Attorney Andrews, City Clerk Roberts and Deputy City Clerk Toney also present. Council member Jack Sparling absent and excused. 2. INVOCATION The Invocation was given by Pastor Vic Pentz, First Presbyterian Church. 3. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER None. 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 that Items Nos. 9 and 17 be added to the Consent Agenda, as requested by Council member Foy. 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. Sparling absent. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an'asterisk ( *) indicate items on the Consent Agenda handled under one motion without further discussion.) *5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETINGS OF FEBRUARY 4 & 11, 1986 The -Council minutes of February 4 and 11, 1986 were approved, having been duly certified accurate by two Council members and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly. 6. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION None. 7. HEARING ON FINAL ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR L.I.D. NO. 1038, 81ST AVENUE SEWER DISTRICT This being the time set for the hearing on final assessment roll for L.I.D. No. 1038, 81st Avenue, Rita Germunson, Office Engineer, reviewed the staff report and responded to questions by Council members. Warren A. Cooper, 409 South 81st Avenue, addressed Council regarding the assessed amount for his property involved in this sewer local improvement district. He 'stated he feels he is being charged an excessive amount given the fact his lot is smaller than most of the lots involved ' inc:the 'L.-I.D. A -brief discussion ensued regarding the formula used to compute the assessments. Council member Foy pointed out three other lots with smaller square footage than Mr. Cooper's lot. Mr. Cooper stated he was referring to fronts footage. Mrs. Germunson indicated that using other standard formulas would result in lower assessments for duplexes on lots- smaller than Mr. Cooper's. There being no other citizens present wishing to address the issue, the public portion of the hearing was closed. The ordinance having been read by title, it was MOVED by Foy, seconded by Carmichael, the ordinance be adopted. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. Sparling absent. ORDINANCE NO. 2942, AN ORDINANCE confirming the assessment roll covering Local Improvement District No. 1038 as created and established by Ordinance No. 2879 of the Ordinances of the City of Yakima. 262 FEBRUARY 25, 1986 8. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FROM THE YAKIMA AIR TERMINAL BOARD REGARDING RESOLUTION OF INDEMNIFICATION FOR BOARD OFFICERS Bill Almon, Chairman of the Yakima Air Terminal Board, appeared before Council to present this request and respond to Council's questions. Mr. Almon reported the airport is currently negotiating with Fred S. James for liability insurance coverage for the Board members, and will have a policy in place shortly. However, the policy has a $10,000 deductible. He requested Council approval of a resolution by the Air Terminal Board which provides that individual board members would be indemnified by the board from personal liability incurred while acting in good faith on air terminal matters. He further commented membership on this board could be jeopordized if this coverage is not afforded to these individuals working in a voluntary capacity. Concern was expressed by Council member Foy that if the resolution is approved, and insurance is not acquired, the City would be liable for any judgement against the board members. Following further discussion on the matter, it was MOVED by Foy, seconded by Buchanan, the resolution submitted by the Yakima Air Terminal Board be approved, with the provision that insurance must be obtained. The question was called for a vote on the motion. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Sparling absent. *9. PRESENTATION BY DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND BUDGET ON 1985 YEAR -END INSURANCE REPORT The year -end report from Fred S. James & Company, dated February 18, 1986, regarding the 1985 insurance claims was accepted. 10. PRESENTATION BY, PERSONNEL DIVISION ON 1985 YEAR -END AFFIRMATIVE ACTION /CONTRACT COMPLIANCE REPORT Personnel Officer Weaver was present to respond to Council's questions. Mayor Beauchamp expressed concern with the progress made in the hiring of minorities, and the lack of minority contractors and laborers being used on various City projects over the last five years. Mayor Beauchamp referred to the Public Works Department where six new employees were added in entry level positions, however, he noted none of these were minority hires. Mr. Weaver referred Council to Page M13 of the report which indicates two minorities were hired by the Public Works Department. Mr. Weaver explained it was necessary to utilize Employment Security for recruitment purposes due to the number of positions open at one time. He indicated there was no oral or written examination given for these positions, rather an evaluation of experience and training was used to determine eligibility of the applicants. Mayor Beauchamp expressed concern with an examination process by which a person who has been employed by the City previously, and doing a satisfactory job, could be disqualified. He stated he is aware of instances in the past where a person has been in City employment for two or three years, tests for a particular position, and is unable to qualify for that position. Mr. Weaver emphasized he shares Mayor Beauchamp's concern, however, there is no mechanism in place at this time to give first preference to individuals who have previously worked for the City. City Manager Zais indicated permanent employees are given credit for years -of- service whenever they apply for promotionals, and stated this could be explored for temporary employees. It was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Foy, that staff work with the Civil Service Commission in evaluating the option for amending the rules to allow credit for temporary employee service in the examination process whenever they apply for permanent city employment. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Esther Huey, Assistant Director of O.I.C., expressed concern with the report, as well as the City's examination procedures. She suggested the City give consideration to the "selective certification" process which would allow a person be hired even though he /she is not in the top three of the register. Mrs. Huey also stated she has not seen a recruitment brochure and suggested the City consider developing such a brochure to be used in the recruitment of minorities. A FEBRUARY 25, 1986 263 brief discussion ensued regarding selective certification after which it was MOVED by Foy, seconded by Carmichael, that the Civil Service Commission be requested to explore the possibility of amending the Civil Service rules to include selective certification in the recruitment process. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Sparling absent. City Manager Zais requested Dennis Covell, Director of Engineering & Utilities, respond to Mayor Beauchamp's comment that he had not observed minorities on job sites during the paving of Walnut, 5th Avenue, 3rd Avenue and Nob Hill Boulevard projects. Mr. Covell stated minorities were employed and used on these jobs. He stated documentation of minority participation is supplied by the contractor and staff conducts on- the - job -site interviews to insure minorities are being employed. He stated he could give no explanation as to why minorities were not observed on the aforementioned job sites by Mayor Beauchamp. Council member Carmichael commented she had observed minorities on some•of these projects. Council member Foy stated staff needs to insure that the contractors are, in fact, hiring and using minorities on the various City projects. *See addition to Item No. 10 in Council minutes of March 11, 1986. *11. SET DATE OF HEARING FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRANTEE PERFORMANCE REPORT FOR MARCH 11, 1986 March 11, 1986 was set as the date of hearing on the 1985 Community Development Grantee Performance Report. *12. REPORT FROM DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND BUDGET REGARDING JANUARY 1985 BUDGET STATUS The Budget Report for the month of January 1986 from the Director of Finance & Budget was accepted. *13. APPROVAL OF OUT -OF -STATE TRAVEL FOR: A. BRUCE CREST, CABLE COMMUNICATIONS, TO. DALLAS, TEXAS. The out -of -state travel for Bruce Crest, Cable Conuuunications to Dallas, Texas, March 13 -16, 1986 to attend the Southwest regional Conference of the National Association of Telecommunications Officers & Advisors, at no cost to the City, was approved. _ B. ROBERT WEAVER, PERSONNEL DIVISION, TO NEW ORLEANS, LA The out -of -state travel for Robert Weaver, Personnel Officer, to New Orleans, Louisiana, June 15 -18, 1986, to attend the Annual Conference of the American Society for Personnel Administration, at a cost of the $350 registration fee (employee paying transportation, meals and lodging), was approved.. • C. DICK ZAIS, CITY MANAGER, TO ASHLAND, OREGON The out -of -state travel for Dick Zais, City Manager, to Ashland, Oregon, April 1 -4, 1986 to attend the Northwest Regional City Management Conference at a cost of $277.50, was approved. • *14. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1986 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR 1986 INSURANCE PREMIUMS (SECOND READING) • An Ordinance appropriating funds for 1986 insurance premiums having been read by title only. at the previous meeting, was brought before the Council for a second reading. ORDINANCE. NO. 2943, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1986 Budget for the City of Yakima; making appropriations from unappropriated fund balances within various funds for expenditure during 1986. . *15. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1986 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR OUTSTANDING 1985 ENCUMBRANCES (SECOND READING) • FEBRUARY 25, 1986 264 An Ordinance amending the 1986 Budget for the City of Yakima, making appropriations for outstanding 1985 encumbrances having been read by title only at the previous meeting, was brought before the Council for a second reading. ORDINANCE NO. 2944, AN ORDINANCE amending the 1986 Budget for the City of Yakima; making appropriations from unappropriated fund balances within various funds for expenditure during 1986. *16. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION PLAN ORDINANCE NO. 2945, AN ORDINANCE relating to City personnel; adopting a classification and compensation plan for City employees to be effective March 31, 1986; amending Section 2.20.100 A., 2.20.100 C., 2.20.110 A., and 2.20.110 F., all of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. *17. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE WASHINGTON STATE ENERGY CODE ORDINANCE NO. 2946, AN ORDINANCE relating to building regulations; adopting by reference the Washington State Energy Code, setting new energy conservation standards for commercial and residential structures within the City of Yakima; repealing existing energy code standards; repealing Chapter 11.05 and reenacting a new Chapter 11.05 and the various sections thereof as a new chapter and new sections of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. 18. OTHER BUSINESS It was MOVED by Foy, seconded by Berndt, that a telegram be sent to Representatives Lewis and Doty asking their support on the passage of SB 4630, relating to Tort Reform Liability, which is to be voted on in Olympia tomorrow. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Sparling absent. Council member Carmichael reported on the various .activities of the Legislative Day in Olympia. She stated the request to continue using Block Grant Funds from general revenue sources for continuation of housing programs was defeated. The Binding Arbitration for Transit Workers was also defeated, while the Water Quality Act was signed by the governor. She stated the Boundary Reveiw Board legislation is in the Senate, and if it does not move out of Committee by Wednesday, it will not be dealt with this year. Council member Buchanan commended staff on the effort expended to verse the Council members on issues to be discussed during • Legislative Day. City Manager Zais commented on the importance of broadening the scope of contacts amoung the legislators, and encouraged Council to do so. Council member Foy spoke of the legislative hot line and the importance of utilizing the hot line to followup on the issues of concern to Council. Council member Carmichael spoke of the importance of HB 1492, HB 1419 and SB 4559 stating it is important these bills make it out of the Senate and House. It was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Buchanan, that support for HB 1419 and SB 4559, pertaining to lifting the 106% lid,`be included in the telegram to Representatives Lewis and Doty. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Sparling absent. Council member Buchanan stated if ESB 4609 passes with the amendment attached the City will have to buy the property along Nob Hill Boulevard, thus increasing the cost of the Nob Hill Boulevard Project. He stated it is important this amendment be taken off of ESB 4609. (Council member Barnett absent after 3:20 p.m.) It was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by Carmichael, that opposition to ESB 4609 as now drafted be added to the telegram' to Representatives Lewis and Doty. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Sparling absent. City Clerk Roberts stated several letters have been received from school children who toured City Hall during the Centenial FEBRUARY 25, 1986 265. Celebration. A sample of the letters was prepared for Council members to review. It was the consensus of the Council the letters be placed in the Council Office in the "readers file" so they may be reviewed when time permits. City Manager Zais reminded Council members they must file public disclosure statements prior to April 15, 1986. Associate Planner, Don Skone distributed copies of the final draft of the Urban Area Zoning Ordiance, the amendments to the Urban Area Plan, Hearing Examiner Ordinance and Interlocal Agreement. He state the material contains proposed findings of fact and conclusions for action on the ordinance and amendment t� the plan for Council's consideration prior to next Tuesday's meeting. Information Items Items of information supplied to Council were: Letter from Yakima County Development Association regarding update of present activities being developed for New Vision. 2/13/86; Memorandum from Public Works Director regarding Parks and Recreation Division sponsored class discussing process of making beer and why various - beers'taste different. 2/20/86;' Letter from Public Works Director to Superintendent of Yakima School District #7 regarding contract for use of Lions Pool facilities. 2/20/86; Letter to Larry Mathews from Water /Irrigation Superintendent responding to Mr. Mathew's request for additional information regarding water rates. 2/20/86; Memorandum from Public Works Director and Traffic Engineering Manager regarding SB 4643 Provisional Drivers License. 2/20/86; Memorandum from Public Works Director and Traffic Engineering Manager regarding Walnut Street from Naches to 6th Street. 2/4/86; and Agenda for 2/25/86 Board of Adjustment meeting and minutes of their February 5, 1986 meeting. 19. 'ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council , it was MOVED by Berndt, seconded by Carmichael, that this meeting be adjourned at the hour of 3:24 p.m. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Barnett and Sparling absen . READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY ,//' / _ ,02.5 /Ya� Se COUNCIL MEMBER DATE C2it &tnidt 3 4244 COUNCIL NI EMBER DATE ATTEST: /69- r-s CITY CLERK MAYOR All-!!1