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LOCAL NEWS

Planners "going separate way" from city council

Al Tebaldi removed from Planners

SUNNYSIDE (Monday, 1-10-00)---The City Council has removed Al Tebaldi from the Planning Commission saying this evening the PC chair is pulling in a different direction from the majority of the city council

The vote was 4-2. Favoring the measure were Councilmen Don Vlieger, Mike Aguirre, Chad Werkhoven, and Mike Farmer. Against were Errol Brown and Roy Anciso.

The move comes at a time when Superior Court Judge Michael Leavitt overturned a council decision to deny rezoning Clint Hegert's 20 acres of east Sunnyside property from low-density R1 to high density R3. To bolster his decision, Leavitt--who is up for election this year--noted Sunnyside planners had approved the residential rezone.

Don Vlieger got the ball rolling, noting Tebaldi was confirmed for a second term by the prior city council in late 1997. The council in its present form came on board Jan. 8, 1998. Tebaldi has been a "de facto" commissioner since then.

City commissions serve at the Council's pleasure.

Acting City Mgr. Mark Kunkler suggested the council simply confirm Tebaldi, and recommended the council ratify the '97 council's decision. But that wasn't to be.

"I would not support Mr. Tabaldi," said Don Vlieger.

Chad Werkhoven said "It's been obvious to me the Planning Commission is going in a different way from where we want to go. I don't support him either."

Mike Farmer said, "I can't support him", and Mike Aguirre agreed.

Errol Brown disagreed with the four and said so. "I think Al Tebaldi has served in good faith. He has encountered obstacles on the council. I see no problems with him serving."

Roy Anciso said Tebaldi "has done a fine job the last couple of years."

Mayor Ed Prilucik called for a resolution to let Tebaldi finish his term to Jan. 8, 2002. He said if the motion fails, the position would be declared empty. After the 4-2 vote, Prilucik said, "Al Tebaldi's spot on the commission is declared vacant."

Errol Brown protested. "We have some important decisions coming up. How can we move on?"

Vlieger spoke for the council majority when he said "They're like us. The (PC) has a commission chair pro tem. They can move on just like we would."

In other business, the council:

Resolved to spend $15,000 from the city's current expense fund to provide economic development money for DRR food processing. The business will provide 45 local jobs. In addition the business will pay enough in property and utility taxes to recoup the $15,000 next year. DRR plans to break ground in February and get rolling by May.

Okayed reciprocal agreements with Granger and Union Gap to house each others' prisoners as needed.

After no volunteers came forward, Mayor Ed Prilucik said he would act as the council's representative on the Yakima County Council of Governments (COG).

Agreed that Errol Brown would be council rep on the Sunnyside Inc. board, with Don Vlieger acting as alternate.

Agreed to support Valley Processing Inc. as it goes for a $5-million bond issue to expand its business. The expansion probably will bring another 15 jobs to town. The city isn't financially liable in any way; it simply lends its support as the jurisdiction in which the business operates.

Discussed the city's late-fee dates as residents pay their water bills. Currently, the city bills on the 10th for the month just passed. If it isn't paid by the 20th, a $10 late charge kicks in. If it isn't paid by the 10th of the next month, water is shut off. The city mails a bill reaching home owners by the 10th. Problem is, 60-70 percent of city residents are renters, so bills are mailed to absentee home owners, who often live far away. So the city mails a warning notice out on the 15th. Plus that, they put a red tag on the door of a residence a few days before shutoff time. Some councilmen believe the city is wasting money by mailing an extra notice each month. Staff agreed to study state law regarding notices to see if one monthly bill can simply be sent to home occupants, with warnings on the back. Staff will come back with legal info for the council's Jan. 17 meeting.

Discussed a "hiring freeze" in which all new hires will be brought before the council for approval.

Automobile purchases already are supposed to earn council approval. Councilman Mike Farmer contends three were purchased without council okay last year. Staff were asked to verify this and bring the info to the council for discussion Jan. 17.

Planners "going separate way" from city council Al Tebaldi removed from Planners SUNNYSIDE (Monday, 1-10-00)---The City Council has removed Al Tebaldi from the Planning Commission saying this evening the PC chair is pulling in a different direction from the majority of the city council The vote was 4-2. Favoring the measure were Councilmen Don Vlieger, Mike Aguirre, Chad Werkhoven, and Mike Farmer. Against were Errol Brown and Roy Anciso. The move comes at a time when Superior Court Judge Michael Leavitt overturned a council decision to deny rezoning Clint Hegert's 20 acres of east Sunnyside property from low-density R1 to high density R3. To bolster his decision, Leavitt--who is up for election this year--noted Sunnyside planners had approved the residential rezone. Don Vlieger got the ball rolling, noting Tebaldi was confirmed for a second term by the prior city council in late 1997. The council in its present form came on board Jan. 8, 1998. Tebaldi has been a "de facto" commissioner since then. City commissions serve at the Council's pleasure. Acting City Mgr. Mark Kunkler suggested the council simply confirm Tebaldi, and recommended the council ratify the '97 council's decision. But that wasn't to be. "I would not support Mr. Tabaldi," said Don Vlieger. Chad Werkhoven said "It's been obvious to me the Planning Commission is going in a different way from where we want to go. I don't support him either." Mike Farmer said, "I can't support him", and Mike Aguirre agreed. Errol Brown disagreed with the four and said so. "I think Al Tebaldi has served in good faith. He has encountered obstacles on the council. I see no problems with him serving." Roy Anciso said Tebaldi "has done a fine job the last couple of years." Mayor Ed Prilucik called for a resolution to let Tebaldi finish his term to Jan. 8, 2002. He said if the motion fails, the position would be declared empty. After the 4-2 vote, Prilucik said, "Al Tebaldi's spot on the commission is declared vacant." Errol Brown protested. "We have some important decisions coming up. How can we move on?" Vlieger spoke for the council majority when he said "They're like us. The (PC) has a commission chair pro tem. They can move on just like we would." In other business, the council: Resolved to spend $15,000 from the city's current expense fund to provide economic development money for DRR food processing. The business will provide 45 local jobs. In addition the business will pay enough in property and utility taxes to recoup the $15,000 next year. DRR plans to break ground in February and get rolling by May. Okayed reciprocal agreements with Granger and Union Gap to house each others' prisoners as needed. After no volunteers came forward, Mayor Ed Prilucik said he would act as the council's representative on the Yakima County Council of Governments (COG). Agreed that Errol Brown would be council rep on the Sunnyside Inc. board, with Don Vlieger acting as alternate. Agreed to support Valley Processing Inc. as it goes for a $5-million bond issue to expand its business. The expansion probably will bring another 15 jobs to town. The city isn't financially liable in any way; it simply lends its support as the jurisdiction in which the business operates. Discussed the city's late-fee dates as residents pay their water bills. Currently, the city bills on the 10th for the month just passed. If it isn't paid by the 20th, a $10 late charge kicks in. If it isn't paid by the 10th of the next month, water is shut off. The city mails a bill reaching home owners by the 10th. Problem is, 60-70 percent of city residents are renters, so bills are mailed to absentee home owners, who often live far away. So the city mails a warning notice out on the 15th. Plus that, they put a red tag on the door of a residence a few days before shutoff time. Some councilmen believe the city is wasting money by mailing an extra notice each month. Staff agreed to study state law regarding notices to see if one monthly bill can simply be sent to home occupants, with warnings on the back. Staff will come back with legal info for the council's Jan. 17 meeting. Discussed a "hiring freeze" in which all new hires will be brought before the council for approval. Automobile purchases already are supposed to earn council approval. Councilman Mike Farmer contends three were purchased without council okay last year. Staff were asked to verify this and bring the info to the council for discussion Jan. 17.