1986 07 083978
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MOSES LAKE
July 8,1986
Members Present:Norm Johnson,Bill Reese,David Chandler,Wayne Rimple,
Charles Edwards,and Roger Biallas.
Absent:Bill Frederickson
The meeting was called to order at 8 p.m.by Mayor Johnson
Mr.Edwards moved that the minutes of the meeting of June 24 be approved as
submitted,seconded by Mr.Rimple,and passed unanimously.
APPROVAL OF BILLS
REGULAR BILLS AMOUNT
GENERAL FUND $626,358.25
STREET 1,973.20
STREET IMPROVEMENT 5.78
BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT 29,203.30
WATER/SEWER FUND 104,303.42
SANITATION FUND 30,494.38
CENTRAL SERVICES 5,480.84
BUILDING MAINTENANCE 198.29
EQUIPMENT RENTAL 2,561.37
FIREMEN'S PENSION 33.23
LID #53 734.55
TOTAL $801,346.61
Mr.Edwards moved that the bills be approved as submitted,seconded by Mr.
Reese,and passed with Mr.Edwards abstaining from voting for that portion of
the bills to Coast to Coast,and Mr.Rimple abstaining from voting for that
portion of the bills to Moses Lake Steel Supply,and Mr.Biallas abstaining
from voting for that portion of the bills to A &H Printers.
I.CITIZEN INPUT
None
II.CONSENT AGENDA
None
III.CONSIDERATION OF BIDS
CENTRAL DRIVE
A letter was read from Rita Perstac,Municipal Services Director,which stated ID/9
that the City Engineer had prepared the bid tab and memo summarizing the four
bids received.The low bidder is Marchand Construction if the bid is awarded
without the landscaping.If landscaping is included in the bid award,the low
bidder is Basin Asphalt.Also,there was a very minor irregularity on Basin's
bid.If Council decides not to waive the irregularity,Marchand becomes the
low bidder on the base bid with or without the landscaping.
Action Taken:Mr.Rimple moved that the irregularity on the bid be waived,
seconded by Mr.Edwards,and passed unanimously.
Action Taken:Mr.Edwards moved that the bid from Basin Asphalt for the com-
piete project,including landscaping,be awarded,seconded by Mr.Chandler,
and passed unanimously.
I'?fr
•/}0D A letter was read from Municipal Services Director Rita Perstac that stated
that the City Council had requested a recommendation from the Planning Commis
sion regarding to what extent the City's Building Official should enforce the
Uniform Building Code for day care facilities providing care for more than six
children.On June 19,the Planning Commission held a study session on the
matter where representatives from the State Fire Marshal's office and the De
partment of Social and Health Services attended.At their June 26 meeting the
Commission recommended to City Council "that the UBC be deviated from and that
the Building Official be given the latitude,under Section 106 of the Uniform
Building Code to determine the amount of deviation."
Mr.Gavinski stated that there was a lot of discussion that occurred at the
meeting between the State Fire Marshal's Office,the City Building Officialj
and the Planning Commission with regard to the building code,the fire code,
and related matters.They reviewed the actual code language in Section 106
that is quoted in the commission minutes.After a lot of consideration,based
upon the discussion that occurred,the Commission felt that Section 106 would
allow the Building Official sufficient authority to take into account those
special circumstances that may arise but still allows him the ability to main
tain and enforce the life safety requirements of the code.Being assured by
Mr.Kimball that that could be done,he felt that the basis for the recommen
dation that they are making to utilize Section 106 with regard to it's ap
plication to day care facilities.
Mr.Rimple asked if this was in reference to day care facilities only,and
questioned if the Council was specifically addressing day care but giving the
authorization for the Building Official to utilize Section 106 in anything
pertaining to the UBC;and Mr.Gavinski replied that he was using that term in
general but the question arose specifically with regard to day care,and that
provision is in the code so that when people talk about relying upon the code
and code sections in specific applications,it could be applied.This ap
plication arose specifically with regard to day care,and that is why it was
addressed.This recommendation from the commission is relative only to the
day care but there is some discretion for the Building Official to use it in
all cases.
Mr.Rimple inquired if this would give the Building Official the authority to
use Section 106 in any item pertaining to the UBC.Mr.Whitaker replied that
the Building Official already has the authority under the code.The Building
Official's authority could be limited in Section 106,but some sort of action
would have to be passed and affirmative action taken.The statement from the
commission is a statement about how the law is right now.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:2 July 8,1986
IV.PETITIONS,COMMUNICATIONS,OR PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
V.ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION -ACCEPTING STREET AND UTILITIES - SAGE BAY 3 &4
A letter was read from Rita Perstac,Municipal Services Director,which stated
that Eilers/Niessner/Mann have completed installing to city standards street
and utility improvements for plats Sage Bay 3 &4;that they have posted a
$20,000 letter of credit at Security Bank to cover any repair work for the
one-year warranty period.A Resolution accepting street and utilities im
provements was also presented for Council's consideration.
The resolution was read by title only.
Action Taken:Mr.Rimple moved that the resolution be accepted,seconded by
Mr.Edwards,and passed unanimously.
VI.REQUESTS TO CALL FOR BIDS
None
VII.REFERRALS FROM COMMISSIONS
DAY CARE
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:3 July 8,1986
Mr.Gavinski stated that the Building Official does not need a statement but
an acknowledgment would be appropriate since this was a very specific question
with regard to the day care issue.
Mr.Chandler wanted to know how the Building Official has handled it in the
past if he already has all the authority in Section 106.Mr.Gavinski stated
that it really has not been applied previously in any other situation because
the amount of deviation has not been so much as to cause any difficulties.
There have been some y/ery stringent requirements placed upon some day care
_facilities which if strictly applied,and that what the issue is,would the
Building Official strictly apply the code without any deviation or would the
deviation would be something that would be endorsed and supported by the City
of Moses Lake.That would really not allow some day care facilities to oper-
^ate because they could not meet the code.
Mr.Chandler stated that there were some things that were stringent,as a two-
hour wall,and he didn't know of any houses that had two-hour walls,and there
were major structural changes in the windows and doors.He asked if the
Building Official had been faced with that before.
Mr.Gavinski stated that in recent history it hasn't been such an issue where
it caused the amount of discussion that it did.It has perhaps in some very
minor circumstances reliability on the code has been looked to and probably
the code has prevailed,but the wide ranging application of the code in this
case was so far reaching that there were a lot of people that could potential
ly be effected.That is the reason that it became an issue.The Building
Official has not had to rely on Section 106 very much because it was something
of a new experience,researching how in effect you would use Section 106 and
what sorts of record keeping would be necessary in order to protect the City
of Moses Lake from any potential liability.There are some specific require
ments if you read the code provision where he has to note what it is that has
been done and it would have to be stated why it has been done.There is an
alternative that would be used that then would take the place,for instance of
a two-hour wall or a parapet wall,things of that nature.In other words,any
-deviation that the Building Official would make would be covered by something
he would require alternatively which would still allow for the same protection
to the occupants of the building.
Fire Chief Don Garrison stated that in the 26 years that he has been with the
city it has only been used a couple of times on rather minor items,where an
alternate method or alternate materials were used,as opposed to the require
ment in the UBC.
Mr.Biallas asked if he would be the sole judge of that and if this would come
under review by anyone else,and he felt that that would put a lot of pressure
on Mr. Kimball.
Mr.Gavinski replied that that is correct that each deviation would be re
viewed on a case by case basis.Mr.Kimball has something in mind that would
standardize what that case by case basis would become and as to how he would
react if a request were made.
Mr.Edwards asked what the City's liability would be if case someone loses
their lives due to one of these decisions by Mr.Kimball.
Mr.Whitaker replied that the City has some liability exposure for any inspec
tion,however,that exposure has been reduced somewhat by the tort reform act.
Mr.Kimball will be using a check list and a written memorandum will be made
of each situation he considers,what he considered and what variance he al
lowed.This has been discussed and as long as he has acted reasonably in the
recommendations he makes,the City has no greater exposure.
Mr.Gavinski reminded the Council that the application of the UBC only applies
to those situations where there are more than seven children.Even in a fami
ly day care home,at times the day care operator can have more than six chil
dren because of drop ins,but that is a fine point that has to be resolved as
to how many of those homes would actually be affected.For the most part the
UBC has its application in the mini and the day care centers,and there are
very few of those operating within the City of Moses Lake to the City's
knowledge.This is where the City would try to provide the greatest
enforcement.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:4 July 8,1986
Action Taken:Mr.Rimple moved that the recommendation from the Planning Com-
mission that the Building Official be given the latitude of Section 106 of the
Uniform Building Code be upheld,seconded by Mr.Chandler,and passed
unanimously.
VIII.OTHER ITEMS FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
AUTHORIZATION TO APPLY FOR REFERENDUM 38 FUNDS -WELLS 9 &29
AU A letter was read from Municipal Services Director Rita Perstac that states
x that the City has been advised that water quality funds for 40%construction
grants are available through DSHS.The City's water/sewer construction funds
would pay 60%of construction costs if the projects are grant funded.Staff
is proposing the City submit two funding applications for improvements to Well
#9 and Well #29.Well #9 serves the Knolls Vista area and has hydrogen sul
fide gas problems.Staff proposes to eliminate gas from the well water by
sealing the well.Well #29 serves the Port of Moses Lake,Boeing and Housing
Authority property.Staff proposes to change this well from oil lubed to
water lubed because oil can contaminate the well and water system,causing
high maintenance.
Mr.Rimple asked if Well #9 could be fixed by just redrilling and if that
would eliminate the hydrogen sulfide gas problem.Ms.Perstac replied that it
would,that DSHS is aware of the problem,that the City of Tacoma has a simi
lar problem and they have successfully eliminated the gas.
Action Taken:Mr.Chandler moved that the City apply for Referendum 38 funds,
seconded by Mr.Rimple,and passed unanimously.
ftID
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ANNEXATION -SET DATE TO CONSIDER -NOTICE OF INTENT -WOODARD
A letter from Municipal Services Director Rita Perstac was read which stated
that Mr.Woodard of Okanogan has submitted a petition requesting his property
located east of Highway 17 between Nelson Road and Kittelson Road be annexed
to the City of Moses Lake.The site consists of 92 acres.No structures
presently exist on the property but the property is currently farmed.Mr.
Woodard requests the property be zoned Agricultural once it is annexed.Com
mercial and/or light industrial zone change requests may be made in the fu
ture.The annexation request can be referred to the July 10 Planning Commis
sion meeting for a recommendation and July 22 be set as the date to consider
accepting or rejecting the notice of intent to annex.
Action Takeni Mr.Rimple moved that the City refer the notice of intent for
annexation to the July 10 Planning Commission meeting for a recommendation and
July 22 be set as the Council date to consider accepting or rejecting the
notice of intent to annex,seconded by Mr.Reese,and passed unanimously.
EMPLOYEES TRAINING AGREEMENT
The City Manager had presented a letter to the Council requesting that since
the Council had authorized the City of Moses Lake to use a training agreement
for its employees,a schedule specifying the period of commitment which must
be given in exchange for attending training programs as specified by the
training agreement.This training agreement would not be applied in many cir
cumstances,because there are not \/ery many occasions when there is any train
ing which occurs for more than five working days.
Mr.Edwards asked what the normal time generally used for training,and Mr.
Gavinski replied that for the most part most training does not go more than
five days.It is somewhat extraordinary if there is a training program that
takes into account more than five working days.
Mr.Chandler asked how long the Police Academy was.Mr.Gavinski replied that
that was a special set of circumstances and a two year commitment is required
because that is a condition of employment,and that lasts several months.
Mr.Rimple stated that he would like to see the types of training programs
that are being considered before he would require an employee to make a com
mitment to work for the city for an additional five years.He inquired if anemployeewhichwasrequiredforcertification.Mr.Gavinski replied that no
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:5 July 8,1986
training agreement would be required if the training was required for cer
tification or the city specifically required the training.This would be dis
cretionary,voluntary,and desired on the part of the employee.
Mr.Rimple inquired if the City could legally do this,make the employee who
receives training,for instance for 45 days,state that they have to work for
the city five years?Mr.Whitaker replied,"yes".
Mr.Rimple stated that he would like to see what other cities are doing.Mr.
Gavinski stated that he would bring back to the Council a packet of informa
tion that he has for the Council to review.
Action Taken:It was the consensus of the Council that they will review the
information packet before a decision is made on the employee training
agreement.
LEASE -PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
A letter was read from Park and Recreation Director Cecil D.Lee stating that
a few weeks ago the Moses lake School District No.161 notified the City that
it would no longer be possible to lease a portion of Midway School.This has
made it necessary for the Park and Recreation Department to look for place for
the department's administrative offices.The 1000 Ivy Street building fits
into their needs quite well.A copy of the lease agreement with owner Jack
Black was distributed to the Council members with the Agenda.
Mr.Edwards inquired if this was the basement of the building.Mr.Lee re
plied that this was the upper level.
Mr.Edwards inquired as to what period of time the lease would be in effect,
and Mr.Gavinski replied that it was for one year.
Mr.Edwards asked what the difference was with the rent paid at the Ivy Street
Building in comparison to the rent that was paid to the school.Mr.Lee re
plied that it was less.
Action Taken:Mr.Chandler made a motion that the City Manager be authorized
to sign the lease,seconded by Mayor Johnson,and passed unanimously.
IX.COUNCIL QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS
None
X.CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND COMMENTS
INSURANCE POOL
Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manager,presented a copy of the insurance pool proj
ect status report from the Association of Washington Cities dated July 2,
1986,for the Council's information.
LARSON SEWER TREATMENT PLANT
Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manager,presented a copy of a report provided by the //^
Municipal Services Director with regard to the operation of the Larson Treat
ment Plant.It describes how the plant operates and makes a comparison to the
sand dunes site.It is important to note that the Larson Treatment Plant
operates essentially in the same way and manner as the sand dunes site.There
is wery little differentiation between those two facilities.The only real
difference is that there is a rock infiltration system out at the sand dunes
site which is not available at the Larson site,but on the whole the system
operates the same.Once the wastewater is treated it goes into an infiltra
tion basin and eventually filters back down into the soil.
INCINERATION PLANT -PRESENTATION
Mayor Johnson stated that Bob Thoren had a film that he would like Council and
till 2 ienn°n an 1ncinerat1<>n P^nt.The film will be shown next Tuesdaynightat8:00 p.m.J
I/O?
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:6 July 8,1986
,</f &SALES TAX RECEIPTS
City Manager Joseph Gavinski stated that at the AWC convention a number of
cities got into the discussion about sales tax receipts and in Eastern
Washington sales tax receipts for many or most cities in Eastern Washington
are down significantly and apparently without explanation.The City of Yakima
is very upset about it since their last distribution was down some 25%from
the same distribution period last year.He has made inquiry from the Depart
ment of Community Development and they made an inquiry of the Department of
Revenue.He will keep the Council informed when he receives a reply.
SOLID WASTE
py)°City Manager Joseph Gavinski stated that he had had ameeting with the Grant
County Commissioners on solid waste,based upon Councilman Frederickson's com
ment.At this point the commissioners are not inclined to give any permission
to the City of Moses Lake to haul it's solid waste to Adams County,and Adams
County Commissioner would like before they will allow the City to take solid
waste to Adams County.There were a couple of options offered by the Grant
County Commissioners.The Commissioners would like to see the City of Moses
Lake retained in the system but they did not offer anything more than has al
ready been offered in terms of any alteration in rates to give any relief or
any reduction which the City of Moses Lake would favorably consider.At this
point as far as hauling solid waste to Adams County,it seems to be in dif
ficult straits since Adams County wants this permission or some endorsement
from Grant County,and Grant County isn't will to give it for obvious reasons,
if Moses Lake does haul it's solid waste to Adams County it creates difficul
ties for the remainder of the system.
Mr.Biallas inquired if Adams County asked permission from the Grant County
Commissioners for Consolidated to haul to Adams County?Mr.Gavinski stated
that he did not know.
Mr.Chandler stated that what is needed is for the Council,as the elected
body,to make the request directly to the Adams County Commissioners.
Mr.Gavinski stated that if the Council wanted to do that,that he would try
to arrange a meeting between the City's elected officials and Adams County
elected officials to discuss this single issue.
The regular meeting was recessed at 9:10 p.m.and the Council met in an execu
tive session to discuss litigation.The executive session was adjourned at
9:45 p.m.and the regular meeting was reconvened.The regular meeting was
adjourned at 9:45 p.m...^/I
Mayor
ATTEST