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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/18/1986 Business Meeting 275 • MARCH 18, 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 Hall, Yakima, Washington. Mayor Henry Beauchamp, presiding, Council members Clarence Barnett; 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 members Pat Berndt and Jack Sparling absent and excused. II/ '2 . INVOCATION: :> _ . :: :f )_) } i = _ j The Invocation was given by Mayor Beauchamp. 3. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER Mayor Beauchamp expressed sorrow at the loss of three local citizens, Dolores Goodman, Margaret Cash, (mother of Dolores Goodman) and Ted Donelson, husband of former City Clerk, Marie Donelson. Mayor Beauchamp read a proclamation declaring March 22, 1986 as "Greater Faith Community Gym Fund Raising Day" in Yakima. He stated a book written by Reverend Joe Denman entitled "The Truth About the Truth" will be available at various locations, and encouraged participation in this effort. The proceeds from this event will go towards the construction of a gymnasium .which will serve as an alternative to drugs and alcohol for Yakima's youth. Council member Carmichael referred to the letter and map in the Council packet from David Clevenger regarding property'donated for a City park. She stated the map does not indicate which piece of property has been donated for this purpose. She also referred to the memo regarding the 6th Avenue Pedestrian Greenway, stating the memo makes reference to plans, and the plans were not included in the information to Council. Dennis Covell, Director of Engineering and Utilities, indicated the memo was sent to Fred - Stouder :and'`' "ff O felt'f'the informiatioii' should be shared with Council. He stated he has a preliminary copy of the plans in his office, however, the map is not reproducible and could not be included in the packet. He stated he would be happy to review the drawing with her. Council member Buchanan stated the block being considered for a pedestrian greenway was designated by Council as a bicycle path at one time and a map illustrating such was supposed to have been published. He asked what has happened to that aspect. Mr. Covell stated he does not know the status of that project. Council member Buchanan stated this should be researched by staff. Council member Barnett noted an article in the Herald Republic indicated City irrigation systems were to be operating no later than May 1st and questioned if this isn't about' 15 days later than usual. Mr: 'Covell..stated. it takes several days from the time the systems are initially turned on until all systems are fully operational. He indicated staff is hoping to have the systems operational by April 1st. Mayor 'Beauchamp stated the Sarg Hubbard Park issue will be added to the agenda as Item 13 A. 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 consensus of the Couricii`':to" add Items' Nos1 8C and `l3 A, ' 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 276 March 18, 1986 read, be passed. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. Berndt and 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 MEETING OF MARCH 11, 1986 The Council minutes of March 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 011ie Nelson, 3302 Home Drive, gave a status report on the activities of the Nob Hill Now Committee. He stated all of the PTA's, and service clubs have been contacted regarding the passage of the Street Improvement Bond Issue on April 8, 1986. He reported Mr. & Mrs. Paul Kocher and Mr. & Mrs. Mark Bontrager have agreed to head up a committee to do extra telephoning prior to the election and attempt to distribute more reader boards. He stated 35 high school students will be distributing pamphlets on the weekend prior to the election, as well as manning key intersections advising citizens that April 8th is an election day. Mr. Nelson expressed appreciation to the news media for coverage provided in the fall and the support currently be given in this effort. He added it is important citizens realize the project includes Nob Hill Boulevard from 16th Avenue east, and 40th Avenue, Tieton Avenue and North 1st Street as well. Council member Foy stated it is important to point out the fact this is a five million dollar project which will generate jobs for individuals in the community. He expressed appreciation of the efforts of Mr. , Nelson and the -Nob Hill Now Committee. Council member Barnett questioned the financial status of the Committee. Mr. Nelson responded approximately 70% of their goal has been reached through contributions from individuals and various companies. He stated funds are still being sought and asked those so inclined to make their checks payable to the "Nob Hill Now Committee ". Mayor Beauchamp expressed appreciation to Mr. Nelson and the Committee for the effort expended on this issue. 7. HEARING ON 1986 IRRIGATION MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT ROLL This being the time set for the hearing on the 1986 Irrigation Maintenance Assessment Roll, Mayor Beauchamp opened the hearing for comment. Ty Wick, Superintendent of the Water Division, indicated the Preliminary Assessment Roll has been prepared as prescribed by law and the report submitted for Council consideration. He stated the variance in rates is due to the amount of repair and maintenance required by the individual system. Council member Foy suggested Council yield the floor to citizen comments prior to comments and questions by Council members. Ancil Baker, 314 Thornton Lane, (District 689) indicated he has lived at this address for 33 years and has always had poor water pressure. He stated last year they were without irrigation water for 27 days and he does not feel the 50o increase in irrigation rates is justifiable. He stated there was minimal water pressure even after Barge- Lincoln School connected to City water. Mr. Baker asked to be shown the expenditures for this particular district. Council member Foy referred to Exhibit C which indicates expenses for District 689 and requested Ty Wick respond to questions raised by Mr. Baker. Mr. Wick stated there was a combination of events which lead to the increase in irrigation rates..The motor and the pump had to be repaired and there was daily maintenance on the box itself. He indicated Barge - Lincoln School had withdrawn from the irrigation system, however, they still pay the irrigation assessment. Council member Barnett indicated this is a rather small district, therefore, the amount absorbed by each user is greater than that of a larger district. Council member Foy reviewed the assessment from 1981 through 1986 explaining that District 689 had a deficit and it is projected they will have expenses in the amount of $9,000 in 1986. Mr. Baker stated he had been informed by the ditch company of a $14,000 carry -over. Council member Carmichael indicated the ditch company and the March 18, 1986 277 irrigation district are two separate entities with separate expenses. Council member Foy requested Mr. Wick meet with Mr. Baker and review the expenses for the ditch company versus the irrigation district expenses. Reverend Denman having arrived during the hearing, Mayor Beauchamp interrupted the hearing momentarily to present the aforementioned proclamation to him. Reverend Denman stated the purpose of publishing his book is to raise funds to construct a $250,000 gymnasium to be used by the young people of Yakima as an alternative to drugs. He indicated the book sells for $10.00 plus tax. • The hearing having resumed, Florence Hay, 716 South 18th Avenue, appeared before Council asking why two notices regarding the 1986 Irrigation Assessment were mailed out to property owners. Council member Barnett explained that a computer error had been discovered necessitating the need for a corrected notice. There being no other citizens present to speak to the issue, the public hearing was closed by Mayor Beauchamp. Council member Barnett introduced five reductions in assessments and a proposal to change the 97% increase in District 279 so it would be phased in over a two year period. He indicated Council was provided with a copy of this information for review prior to the Council meeting. The proposal having been reviewed by Council member Barnett, it was MOVED by Foy, seconded by Barnett, that the Irrigation Maintenance Assessment Roll be amended to include Council member Barnett's proposal and the rate of District 450 be set at .00530, District 529 be set at .00600, District 688 be set at .00540, District 689 be corrected, if necessary, to .00700, District 857 be set at .01000, District 861 be set at .00840 and District 279 be set at .00520 for the calendar year of 1986. Council member Buchanan commented Council needs to be anticipating improvements in the irrigation districts as well as considering increasing the reserves beyond the four month operating expenses. Council member Barnett was in agreement with this and felt it advisable for Council to request the Utility Rate Advisory Board (URAB) review the four month - operating service and recommend to Council an increase for future years. City Manager Zais reminded Council the City is currently engaged in a study through the Water Comprehensive Plan evaluation for both domestic and irrigation system requirements for the future. He stated when the study is completed by CH2M Hill it will be presented to the URAB and to Council for consideration. Mr. Zais reminded Council there is another pending assignment which Council has given staff in previous months, that being the issue of consolidation of irrigation districts. Council member Barnett pointed out his proposal does have a $2,020 reduction impact on the system. Mayor Beauchamp asked Ty Wick to respond to complaints of poor water pressure. Mr. Wick stated there are several things which could be contributing to this particular problem. He indicated it may be the time of day the system is being used, or that some of the users have installed pumps to increase their pressure, and many of the users have old pipes which need to be replaced with plastic pipe or some other more efficient type of irrigation pipe. The question was called for a vote on the motion to amend the assessment roll. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Berndt and Sparling absent. Ordinance No. 2951 having been read by title, it was MOVED by Carmichael, seconded by Foy, the Ordinance be passed. Unanimously carried by roll call vote. Berndt and Sparling absent. Council member Foy asked Mr. Wick to respond to Page K5 of the financial analysis report which indicates the City has lost 206,289 square feet since 1982. Mr. Wick stated the City receives requests each year from businesses asking they be exempted from the irrigation assessment roll because their entire lot_has asphalted, and this accounts for- the - reduction. ORDINANCE NO. 2951, AN ORDINANCE confirming the irrigation maintenance assessment roll of the City of Yakima for the calendar year 1986 and levying irrigation maintenance assessments according to such roll. 278 March 18, 1986 *8. PRESENTATION OF 1985 YEAR -END REPORT BY CITY EMPLOYEES PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE The report from the chairman of the City Employees Public Relations Committee, dated March 12, 1986, regarding its activities during 1985, was accepted. 9. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT TO CITY EMPLOYEES CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Mayor Beauchamp asked that the Council Committee interview 'the candidates and bring back a recommendation for appointment to the Civil Service Commission. It was MOVED by Barnett, seconded by Foy, that the three names be referred to the Council Committee, and a recommendation be brought to the Council after interviews have been conducted. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Berndt and Sparling absent. *10. CONSIDERATION OF LEGISLATION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT AND APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FOR SOUTH CENTRAL TOURISM REGION 3 FOR TOURIST PROMOTION FUNDING RESOLUTION NO D. 5230, A RESOLUTION authorizing the execution of a Tourist Promotion Agreement with the South Central Regional Tourism Council. AN ORDINANCE the '1986 budget for the City of Yakima; and making an appropriation in the 170 - Tourist Promotion Fund for expenditure during 1986, having been read by title only at this meeting, was laid on the table for one week or until March 25, 1986. *11. APPROVAL OF FINAL CONTRACT PAYMENT FOR LIONS POOL REHABILITATION PROTECT The report from the Public Works Director dated March 18, 1986, with respect to the completion of the work on the Modernization of Lions Pool Facility Project, performed by Frenzel Construction Co., Inc., was approved, the work accepted and payment of the final estimates as therein set forth was authorized. *12. APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 1986 BUDGET REPORT The Budget report for ttemonth of February 1986 from the Director of Finance & Budget was accepted. - 13. OTHER BUSINESS Council member Buchanan reported a number of tapes were brought back from the National League of Cities Conference regarding issues which he and Council member Carmichael felt were pertinent to the Council. He stated the tapes are available in the Council office if Council members would like to listen to them. Council member Buchanan stressed the importance of Council getting involved in the issues addressed in the tapes now or they will be of no value. Mayor Beauchamp stated he would like Council members Buchanan and Carmichael to give a brief overview of the National League of Cities activities at next weeks Council meeting. Council member Carmichael stated the City of Yakima participated in compiling a report on the impact of the Gramm- Rudman Act to present legislators at Washington D.C., and this is available for Council to review also. In reference to Council member Carmichael's inquiry regarding the Clevenger letter, City Manager Zais indicated this has to do with the Gailleon Park property issue. Mr. Zais stated the appropriate action for Council at this time would be to refer this to staff and the Parks Commission for an evaluation and recommendation back to Council on the disposition of that property. It was MOVED by Foy, seconded by Barnett, to refer the item to staff and the Parks Commission for an evaluation and recommendation back to Council on • March 18, 1986 279 the disposition of the property. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Berndt and Sparling absent. City Manager Zais stated the 1986 Final Budget has been printed and a copy presented to Council members today. He stated a summary format has also been prepared for Council. Information Items . Items of information supplied to Council were: Letter from Shirley L. Doty, State Representative, regarding SB4630 with the Ballard - .Briston Amendment, (The Tort Reform Bill). 3/11/86; Letter from Western Warehouse & Investment' Co. asking the City Attorney to review the status of property donated to the City by,the David Clevenger family. 3/12/86; Memorandum from Dennis Covell, Director of Engineering and Utilities, regarding the 6th Avenue Pedestrian Greenway. 3/7/86; Memo from City Attorney regarding Damage Claims Referred to Insurance Company. 3/5/86; City of Yakima, Implementation Tasks, Yakima Urban Area Zoning Ordinance. 3/11/86; 1986 Community Development Block Grant Monthly Report. February 1986; Yakima Center Management Report. February 1 -18, 1986; Letter from Department Of Social And Health Services regarding the City of Yakima, "S" Street Water Line Extension, Yakima County. 3/5/86; and Minutes of the February 19, 1986 Police and Fire Civil Service Commission meeting. 14. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, it was MOVED by Barnett, seconded by Carmichael, this meeting be adjourned at the hour of 3:'06 p.m: Unanimously carried by voice vote. Berndt and Sparling absent. A ; .citizen being present, at 3:09 p.m. and ,wishing r to L speak. to the issue of the 1986 Irrigation Assessment Roll, it was MOVED by Foy, seconded by Carmichael, the meeting be re- opened. .Unanimously carried by voice vote. Berndt and Sparling absent. William Hambelton, 615 South 32nd Avenue, requested the pink card giving notice of the assessment be sent to the property owner rather than the bank or financial institution paying the mortgage. He further requested the actual billing, which is sent out in May, be sent to the payee. Mayor Beauchamp stated staff<,._will investigate the manner in which the notices are processed. Mr.':Hambelton asked why District 661 has almost a. , 33% increase this year. Council member Barnett stated the .increase .in-.rates was necessary to rebuild the reserves and meet a Council policy of having each district have a four month operating reserve. Mr.. Hambelton stated he concurs with that theory, but questioned S by it could not have been spread over two or three years„ rather than, all at one time He indicated he does not -know which_ district he is in and has no idea how much his assessment is for 1986. There being no further business to come before the Council, it was MOVED-by Barnett, seconded by Buchanan, this meeting be adjourned at the hour of 3:14 p.m. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Berndt and Sparling absent. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY,� 1 n om-{ 4 15 r fr6 COUNC: Mpi I:E t DATE ATTEST: COUNCIL MEM:• R ! DATE /(aite-fr— • 0 CITY CLERK MAYO' VI