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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993.12.06 Council MinutesMINUTES PASCO CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 6, 1993 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 8 00 P M by Joyce DeFelice, Mayor ROLL CALL By Deputy City Clerk Councilmembers present Joyce DeFelice, Michael Garrison, Edgar Hargrow, Chris Jensen, Charles Kilbury, Dan Lathim, and Carl Strode Also present Gary Crutchfield, City Manager, Greg Rubstello, City Attorney, Dan Underwood, Finance Director, James Ajax, Public Works Director, David McDonald, Community Development Director, Larry Dickinson, Fire Chief, and Kurt Luhrs, Administrative Assistant PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance CONSENT AGENDA MOTION Mr Garrison moved to approve the Consent Agenda Seconded by Mr. Lathim Motion earned unanimously Consent items are as follows A) Approval of Minutes To approve minutes of Regular Meeting held November 15, 1993 B) Bills and Communications To approve General Claims in the amount of $389,363 90 ($39,620 56 being in the form of Wire Transfer Nos 2829, 2830 and 2834, and $349,743 34 consisting of Claim Warrants numbered 83964 through 84178) Payroll Claims To approve Payroll Claims in the amount of $438,794 37, Payroll Voucher Nos 33340 through 33527, and 33528 through 33719 Bad Debt Write-Offs To approve bad debt write-offs for utility billing, ambulance, cemetery, and Municipal Court non-criminal and criminal accounts receivable in the total amount of $68,203 17 and, of that amount, authorize $64,049 31 be turned over for collection C) Dellinger Purchase Agreement Amendment To approve the Amendment to the Dellinger Purchase Agreement and authorize the City Manager to sign the Amendment D) Resolution No 2103 To approve Resolution No 2103, appointment Mary Ramirez to a new four-year term as Municipal Court Judge E) Special Permit Go-Cart Track on the 2800 Block of West Irving Street (MF #93-58-SP) To approve the special permit for the R X Lyle Go-Cart Track, as recommended by the Planning Commission F) Special Permit Day Care Center at 820 North 20th Avenue (MF #93-63-SP) To approve the special permit for the Education Institute for Rural Families at 820 North 20th Avenue, as recommended by the Planning Commission MINUTES REGULAR MEETING PASCO CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 6, 1993 G) Special Permit Expansion of Existing Community Service Facility - La Chnica (MF #93-64-SP) To approve the special permit for the LaChnica expansion, as recommended by the Planning Commission H) Resolution No 2104 To approve Resolution No 2104, accepting the work performed by Transtate Paving Co, Inc under Contract Nos. 92-3-02, 93-3-07, 93-3-08, 93-3-09, and 93-3-10 for the construction of the 1993 Federal Aid Overlays I) Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) (One Year Update) To set 8 00 p m, Monday, December 20, 1993, as the time and date to hold a public hearing to consider adopting a one year CHAS for the 1994 Block Grant Program year PROCLAMATION AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS None VISITORS Mr Pat Crawford, of 1635 W Cartmell, addressed Council concerning his water bill being estimated He felt that he was being over- estimated on a regular basis and wanted the problem looked into Mr Crutchfield suggested that since the Finance Director Mr Underwood was attending the meeting, they should get together and see if they could arrive at a mutual understanding before meeting's end REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES AND/OR OFFICERS Mayor's Activity Report Mayor DeFelice reported that on December 2, 1993, she attended the Tn-City Visitor & Convention Bureau Annual Banquet B F Regional Council Board Meeting - November 19. 1993 Mr Kilbury reported that in his absence Mr Lathim attended the meeting Mr Lathim explained that he didn't bring his notes with him, however, the Advisory Board on Hanford Issues passed B F Distnct Health Board Meeting - November 21. 1993 Mr Strode reported that the recommendations of the Budget Committee were reviewed and the 1994 budget was approved, also reviewed a request by the Health Officer to modify the way budgets are reviewed and approved Parks and Recreation Advisory Council Meeting. - December 2, 1993 Mayor DeFelice explained that she was unable to attend the meeting Air Pollution Control Authority Board Meeting - December 2 ,1993 Mr Hargrow reported that the Board passed Resolution No 93009 - reorganizing the Board membership as Walla Walla County has withdrawn, Walla Walla County paid $5,000 for grants, the EPA has ruled that Benton and Franklin Counties are non-attainable areas and gave very stiff guidelines for burning, and a new inspection officer was employed. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1994 Budgets - Annual Operating and Capital Projects Mr Underwood, Finance Director, addressed Council and noted for the -2 MINUTES REGULAR MEETING PASCO CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 6, 1993 record that notice of the public hearing was published as required by law MAYOR DEFELICE DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN TO CONSIDER THE CITY OF PASCO 1994 BUDGETS Mr Clair Cranston, of 907 W Nixon Street, addressed Council and asked if the public would be getting more information than was provided by the newspaper ad Mr. Crutchfield explained that Mr Underwood could recite what was in the budget ordinance, in terms of the amounts by fund, and he would try to respond to any questions or concerns Mr Underwood gave an overview of the 1994 Budget for those present Mr Crutchfield explained that all operating funds are budgeted to reflect the long standing policy that budgeted expenditures are within estimated/expected revenues for the next year The fiscal policy reflected is that the City "live within its means " No new taxes are proposed, nor are there any additional utility rate increases proposed for next year Mr Underwood continued with the overview of all funds within the 1994 budget Ms Joanne Arno, of 5108 W Argent, addressed Council and expressed concern about the new rates for utilities She questioned why the City was going to build a sewer line to Road 100 when it would serve so few citizens and not do anything to help those living in the County that are experiencing septic tank problems Mayor DeFehce explained that placing the proposed sewer out to Road 100 would be serving property within the City limits Mr Crutchfield presented a recommendation to Council for a couple of changes that could be considered between now and when the budget is finally adopted He recommended the following changes 1) An additional $20,000 to be allocated from the ending fund balance of the General Fund to be used for the purchase of two (2) Life Pak 10 defibrillator and monitor machines (and associated purchases) used on the ambulances The local Fire Chiefs, along with the EMS Program Director, have concluded that this equipment, earned on the ambulances, needs to be upgraded 2) An additional person is needed to help cover Economic Development/Block Grant activities due to the increase in growth with the advent of sewer getting out to the 1-182 Corridor next year, not to mention the commercial property owned by the City next to the Red Lion It would appear prudent to devote more time to marketing the commercial property on 20th Avenue, but spending a lot more time facilitating development and growth in the 1-182 Corridor The East Pasco Neighborhood needs assistance with putting together a firm and marketable package for certain retail services that might better serve that neighborhood This effort could cost an additional $40,000 from the General Fund to dedicate an individual full time to economic development 3) There has been concern expressed over the community's image and a way to counteract this would be to contract with a private firm to undertake a vanety of P R activities, i e, working with the School District, the County, etc, and working on a more proactive basis This activity would cost approximately $30,000 to $40,000 -3 MINUTES REGULAR MEETING PASCO CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 6, 1993 from the General Fund and at the end of 2 years reassess the need to continue with the program Mr Strode asked if the new safety equipment would be replacing existing equipment and what would become of the presently used equipment? Mr Dickinson, Fire Chief, explained that the Life Pak 10's would replace two (2) Life Pak 5's that are currently in service The maintenance on the Life Pak 5's is going well, however, they are limited in their capabilities and their technology is 15 years old The Life Pak 10 has added a number of features, as well as pace-making, which puts pulses into the body instead of a major shock. The City will receive a significant trade-in value on the Life Pak 5's Mr Hargrow expressed his support in improving the City's image, however, he felt it would be more effective to use a professional company to do the job. Mayor DeFelice felt this was a new approach to an age-old problem This will be the first time the City has actually taken this approach She expressed her feelings about the Economic Development Specialist and felt that the City can put the infrastructure in place and then wait for citizens to come to the City, but this is the time when it's necessary to go out and knock on doors (like Mr Dellinger did) He was very successful in getting a business to locate here Possibly the P R person and the Economic Development Specialist could work together since a lot of their work would be interactive Mr Cranston felt the City should use funds to inform the citizens of ordinances pertaining to keeping their property clean Mr. Crawford asked if the Cruising Committee has ever given it's recommendation to the Council? He felt that correcting this problem would help improve Pasco's image Following three (3) calls from Mayor DeFelice for further comments from the floor, either for or against, the public hearing was declared closed ORDINANCE NO. 2976 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE CITY OF PASCO OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 1994 MOTION Mr Garrison moved for the first reading, by title only, of Ordinance No 2976, for consideration of the 1994 Operating Budget Mr Lath= seconded the motion Motion carried unanimously by a roll call vote of seven (7) ORDINANCE NO. 2977 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE CITY OF PASCO CAPITAL PROJECTS BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 1994 MOTION. Mr Garrison moved for the first reading, by title only, of Ordinance No 2977, for consideration of the 1994 Capital Projects Budget Mr Lathim seconded the motion Motion carried unanimously by a roll call vote of seven (7) ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS NOT RELATED TO PUBLIC HEARINGS None -4 - P L Wi'sit fl It MINUTES REGULAR MEETING PASCO CITY COUNCIL . UNFINISHED BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS. DECEMBER 6, 1993 Extension of Commercial Avenue. Extension of Water Transmission Main in Commercial Avenue MOTION Mr Jensen moved to authorize the expenditure of $30,000 of artenal street money to pay for certain improvements involved with bnnging the extension of Commercial Avenue from commercial access street structural standards to commercial collection artenal structural standards and, further, to authorize the expenditure of $175,000 to extend a 16-inch water transmission line prior to the extension of Commercial Avenue by others Mr Garrison seconded the motion Motion earned unanimously by a roll call vote of seven (7) First Phase - Pressure Sewer Line to Serve Road 68 and Road 100 Interchanges-Services - Consultant Agreement - Design Services MOTION Mr Garrison moved to approve Amendment No 3 to Bovay Northwest, Inc Agreement to provide engineenng services to the city Mr Hargrow seconded the motion Motion carned unanimously by a roll call vote of seven (7) MISCELLANEOUS - INCLUDING SUGGESTIONS FROM COUNCIL. Cable TV Committee Mayor DeFelice explained that there had been discussion about setting up a Cable TV Committee with the other cities to look into what role city government can play in regulating the Cable TV industry She also explained that Mr Garnson has expressed an interest, and with the Council's concurrence, he would be appointed to this committee (Mr Hargrow was appointed as alternate) Youth Gang Activities Mr Garnson stated that he was very concerned about activities by youth gangs and wanted the City Attorney to look into the possibility of a mandatory sentence for people (of any age) who are carrying or discharging concealed weapons He felt that if this wasn't possible the community needs to start lobbying with the State Legislature to help disarm youth gangs Mr Strode agreed with Mr Garrison's statement He went on to explain that on the National level 60% of violent crimes are committed by persons 17 years of age and under He hopes existing laws can be enforced and that more stringent punishment could be given for these crimes Mr Jensen explained that he attended the Governor's Forum on the Youth Initiative Bill and one of the most significant messages that came out of that meeting is to increase the penalties for juveniles found carrying firearms He also stated that there was a strong message from many communities that suggested lowering the age from 18 years to 16 years for being remanded to adult court Mr Lathim was upset about people who make statements without being involved He feels it takes everyones involvement to correct a problem He also felt that all Councilmembers should be on a youth committee Mr Hargrow spoke in reference to the Cable TV Committee and expressed his interest in being an alternate -5 MINUTES REGULAR MEETING PASCO CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 6, 1993 Mr Cranston felt that the Brady Bill was a federal eyewash He explained that it's already a federal law that any felon, dealing in drugs, who is caught with possession of a firearm (if convicted) must spend five (5) years in pnson. Unfortunately, due to the heavy case load, not one case has been remanded to federal court in the last five (5) years Mayor DeFelice directed the City Attorney to look at the available options and report back to Council Employee of the Year Award Mr Crutchfield explained that several months ago the Council approved the creation of an Employee of the Year award, however, no specific form of recognition was given He stated there would be a plaque and recognition at the Awards Banquet He suggested that Council authonze an additional personal holiday to the individuals selected each year in the four categones ORDINANCE NO. 2978 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A VACATION DAY AWARD MOTION Ordinance No 2978, was read by title only Mr Jensen moved to adopt Ordinance No 2978, authorizing a vacation day award Mr Strode seconded the motion Motion earned unanimously ADJOURNMENT No further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9 14 P M. c_p_ OprZeLJ2, eFelice, Mayor ATTEST Cathenne D Seaman Deputy City Clerk PASSED and APPROVED this L20 day of Lecepi, 1993 - 6