HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/17/1982 Adjourned Meeting 319
NOVEMBER 17, 1982
ADJOURNED MEETING - BUDGET REVIEW
The City Council met in session on this date at 2:00 p.m. at the Yakima
Center, Room A, Yakima, Washington. Council members present were Mayor
Lynn Carmichael, Clarence Barnett, Shirley Doty and W. K. "Pete" Moore.
Council member Jack Sparling present after 2:30 p.m. Council members
Beauchamp and Buchanan absent.
REFUSE
Dave Rhodes, Director of Public Works, began discussion on the 1983
Preliminary Budget for the Refuse Division indicating that a 15% in-
crease (beginning January, 1983), was being requested to balance the
1983 budget. The result of the requested rate increase is due to in-
flationary costs incurred during the year and also due to the necessity
of drawing from the cash reserves account to balance the 1982 Refuse
budget. In addition to those major factors, there is the possibility of
II/ the City's excise tax being increased by 2% during the 1983 year. Mr.
Rhodes expressed his desire to discuss the possibility of devising a new
rate systeM with the Council. He responded to Council's questions
regarding the additional headcount and equipment purchases as outlined
in the 1983 budget. Mr. Rhodes addressed the issue of devising a new
rate system, suggesting there be two rates; one rate for bin service,
for which he does not anticipate a rate increase, and another for resid-
ential service Which would be a flat-rate charged for two-can pickup
with an additional charge for each can thereafter. The elimination of
the summer clipping pickup service was addressed. Mr. Rhodes informed
Council that 90% of the citizens requesting refuse service are signed up
for one-can pickup and due to the cumbersome system of the route books
presently used by the refuse drivers, revenues are being lost on those
residential customers paying for one-can pickup, but requiring addi-
tional pickup service. Council member Barnett expressed his concerns of
the effect the flat-rate charge would have on the elderly citizens who
are on fixed incomes. Council member Doty expressed her reservations of
the cancellation of the summer clipping service, indicating there is a
viable need for that service. Mr. Rhodes reiterated that the present
revenue collecting system is inadequate and suggested the use of the
computer to improve efficiency and revenues. Council member Barnett
concurred. Staff will prepare a rate increase proposal to be presented
to Council at a later date.
SEWER .
Dennis Covell, Director of Engineering and Utilities, turned the 1983
Budget presentation for the Sewer Division over to John Fisher, Waste-
water Facilities Manager. Following a hrief introduction of the 1983
Sewer budget, Mr. Fisher was available to respond to Council's ques-
tions. Council member Barnett addressed the problem the County Health
District and the Departrrent of Ecology was having with the definition of
sludge. Chris Waarvick, Sewer Maintenance Supervisor, explained that
the City and the County Health District are actively working together
attempting to resolve this prdblem. Council member Moore questioned the
number of maintenance personnel necessary to operate the Wastewater
Treatment Plant, Mr. Fisher explained that the maintenance personnel
are necessary to perform corrective maintenance in order to achieve the
10-15 year life expectancy of the new equipment. He further explained
II/ the staffing requirerrents for the facility. Council member Barnett
addressed the proposed rate increase. Mr. Fisher informed the Council
that due to utility increase fluctuations anticipated for 1983, $250,000
has been budgeted for power expenses.
There being no further business to come before the Council, it was MOVED
by Doty, seconded by Moore that this meeting be adjourned at the hour of
3:45 p.m., to then meet on Thursday, November 18 at 1:30 p.m. in the
Council Chambers, City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Unanimously carried by
voice vote. Beauchamp and Buchana9—.sent.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY .4 „ i giS„' G t „e DATE / -i(-13
Ai r COUNCIr : R i e
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ODUNCIL MEMBER
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CITY CLERK 1 MAYOR