HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/03/2008 04B Minutes 05-21-2008 Council Intergovernmental Relations Committee ,� ..x as _ n,. � i a,, , , ,r rra, G ty ± Counc , Comrniftee Meefang .a . .v.
Council IntergovernmentaRR Cations Committee III
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
2 :30 p.m.
City Manager's Conference Room
Council present: Norm Johnson, Neil McClure Absent: Dave Edler
Commissioner: Absent: Mike Leita
City staff present: Dick Zais, Dave Zabell, Rita DeBord, Bill Cook, Charlie Hines
County staff present: Vern Redifer, Steve Erickson
Regional Aquatic Study:
The initial feasibility study is done. However, there is more work to be done on costs and
fees. A year- around facility and a summer only facility were considered in the initial study.
The YMCA has expressed an interest in participating in the operation of the facility. Talks
between the City and YMCA will continue. Dick Zais reported that a meeting to discuss
the project with the board of the Public Facilities District (PFD) will occur on May 22. A
regional aquatic center concept could include the cities of Yakima, Selah and Union Gap,
along with Yakima County. If the momentum continues at this pace, the project may be
readyy to be placed on the fall 2008 ballot.
West Valley Neighborhood Plan 411
City and County staff discussed the West Valley Neighborhood Plan at a meeting. held
April 30. Steve Erickson reported that he expects the matter to be ready for consideration
by the Regional Planning Commission in July. Steve intends to schedule another planning
meeting for the first week in June.
Consolidated City /County Issues
City and County staff have been considering better coordination or consolidation of streets
maintenance activities in urban areas. They have arrived at the conclusion that it does not
appear to be feasible at this time to do a complete consolidation. However, there are
common functional areas that would benefit from coordination. For example, the City
might concentrate on snow removal, street lighting and traffic signal maintenance, and the
County could focus on pavement preservation management. Chris Waarvick is preparing
a draft coordination document. Better utilization of large pieces of equipment would be a
highlight of this effort.
The study to identify opportunities for consolidation between the City and County
Purchasing Departments is nearing completion. The consultant's final report and
implementation model will be presented to this committee in the near future.
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Help is needed to analyze the potential that exists to coordinate or consolidate the Codes
and Planning areas. Dick Zais stated that the update to the Interlocal Agreement would
• have to be complete and other consistencies must be in place to do this. Dave Zabell is in
contact with a company that could execute a study on the matter. Details on the cost of
the study and other matters will be forthcoming. It would be ideal to have the study
underway by mid -year. In the interim, the City's Codes manager position may be under
filled. The City appreciates the County's offer to allow Dave Saunders to help out
occasionally.
The work that is being done by this committee to reach common and uniform . standards for
development is paving the way for coordination and /or consolidation. The matter should
also be discussed with the Regional Permitting Customer Service Committee. It is
possible that the upcoming performance audit might also suggest such a course of action.
EMS Levy
Yakima Fire Department Chief Charlie Hines talked about Emergency Medical Care and
Service (EMS) levies. Yakima County's levy currently stands at 25 cents per $1,000 of
assessed value. A change in the levy would require a sixty- percent voter approval. No
determination has been made as to whether or when the City might request a change in
the levy. A Council study session is scheduled for June 24.
Parking Proposal
il The County requested conceptual approval to change some parking spaces near. the
Courthouse from parallel to angle parking for better access to handicapped parking. Norm
and. Neil approved of the idea and suggested the County take the request to the Council
Transportation- Transit Committee meeting immediately following this committee meeting.
The next Intergovernmental Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 2,
beginning at 2:00 p.m., in the City Manager's Conference Room. .
Approved by:
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Neil McClure, Acting Chair Date
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