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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/02/1997 Adjourned Meeting 1 • 1 CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON DECEMBER 2, 1997 ADJOURNED MEETING -= BUDGET REVIEW The City Council met on this date, at 8:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 129 North Second Street, Yakima, Washington, Mayor Lynn Buchanan, presiding. Also present were Council Members Henry Beauchamp, Jr., John Klingele, John " - Puccinelli, and Bernard Sims. Council Members Clarence Barnett and Ernie Berger were absent and excused. Council Member -Elect Mary Place was also present. City Manager Zais, Director of Finance and Budget Hanson, and Acting City Clerk Skovald were also present. Being continued from November 25, 1997, Mayor Lynn Buchanan called the Budget Review Session to order and directed attention to page 175 of the Preliminary Budget Document. Budget Review for City Management (Wastewater Division and the Water and Irrigation Division) Chris Waarvick, Wastewater Superintendent, responded to questions concerning a variety of issues, including stormdrain appurtenances' repairs, lift station rehabilitation, and the average expected lifespan of a pump station. He commented about problems that occur when stormwater debris plugs up the manhole covers. The effects of the flood of 1996 were minimal because most of the floodwater came from snow runoff, not -from rainfall - =Mr. Waarvick also noted the significance of the King Street project where a loan program has been developed with options available to connect to sewer service. This was created from Public Works Trust Fund seed money. There was also discussion about the treatment plant capacity, the NPDES permit standards, and Clean Water Act compliance issues. Directing attention to page 187 of the budget document, Council Member Klingele queried about parts per trillion measurement. Pete Hobbs, Environmental Analyst, explained some of the Department of Ecology discharge limits and requirements, as well as impacts on wildlife and how that complies with the law. Mr. Waarvick also provided a brief explanation of permit level factors and how that significantly influences discharge as it relates to pollution in the river. Council Member Puccinelli requested a public awareness program be created to educate the public to not pour grease down the drain. The Council discussed costs associated with sewer backup damage claims. They also inquired about a variety of other issues, including the location of the Thompson Trails project site, the four -ppm ammonia limitation, and the special project assessment from the Yakima Valley Council of Governments (YVCOG). 2 DECEMBER 2, 1997 - BUDGET REVIEW Water and Irrigation Divisions Dueane Calvin, Water and Irrigation Manager, entertained questions from the Council concerning water services for new development and annualized professional services costs for the upcoming water rate study. Mr. Calvin noted that the primary costs this year were for Aquavella litigation and development of the irrigation utility ordinance. The Council inquired about the status of the Soda Ash Project, the increased cost for chlorine and how it is used in wells. Mr. Calvin noted that capital improvement projects for 1998 will increase the debt service level to about 15 percent through the sale of bonds to fund Capital improvements. Dave Brown, Water Engineer, commented about the relocation of the Wright Avenue Well, and provided information about the aquifer recharge system, and various water main replacement projects throughout the city.. COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Glenn Valenzuela, Director of Community and Economic Development, introduced Steve Caffrey, Capitol Theatre General Manager; Leonard Hall, Code Enforcement Manager; and Cindy Epperson, Accountant. Mr. Valenzuela presented an overview of the ,proposed community education project that works hand in hand with their goal to continue to provide quality customer service based on Council's priorities and future standards. Leonard Hall entertained questions about the proposed increase in the Dangerous Building Repair and Demolition Service Unit. John Hanson explained the differences in lapsing and non - lapsing appropriation of capital funds. Richard Colgan, Building Superintendent, was available to respond to questions concerning some of the improvements included in the City Hall Maintenance Rehabilitation project. Yakima Convention Center Kathy Coffey, Manager of the Convention Center, described the record - breaking revenue year for the Convention Center and commended the hard work of the crew of operations and services. She explained the Visitors and Convention Bureau withdrew its request for funding from the General Fund because general revenue from this division will be used. There was also discussion about considering looking into using .tables from the WPPS facility for the newly remodeled Convention Center. Planning Division Don Skone, Planning Manager, and Leonard Hall, Code Administration Manager, were available to answer questions concerning provisions for staff to work on weekends -- something that could be considered in the coming year. The Council also suggested that staff take advantage of new technology by avoiding obsolete units and buying cellular telephones with the most current features available. 2 3 DECEMBER 2, 1997 ,;- BUDGET REVIEW A ivar S:; r Economic Development (Capital Development) After directing attention to page 292, it was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY KLINGELE, TO INCLUDE THE BUSINESS INCUBATOR IN THE BUDGET POLICY ISSUES AND BUDGET WRAP -UP DOCUMENTS TO BE PRESENTED ON DECEMBER 9, 1997, SUBJECT TO ALL CONTRACT DOCUMENTS BEING APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON DECEMBER 16, 1997. The motion carried by a 4 -1 voice vote; Buchanan voting nay; Barnett and Berger absent. Council Member Puccinelli pointed out that the funding will be included in the budget and will be available after the issue is decided. Neighborhood Development Services Council Member -Elect Place directed attention to page 294, specifically the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant for raising the elevation of two existing levee sections which would remove the land from the 100 -year flood plain. She noted that the upper levee is only being raised one foot. There was discussion about how this relates to the I -82 Project. Council Member Sims pointed out that the City of Yakima is not able to vote on the County Dike District Plan, and Yakima County could implement a fifty cents per thousand assessment. On page 296, the Grant Writers Report, Glenn Valenzuela explained the priorities for the Grants Writer were set from discussions with Department Heads. As the process becomes more formalized, then the need for a Council committee is necessary to set priorities. There was continued discussion about the grant application process and match money requirements. Engineering Division Fred French, City Engineer, provided an update on the status of the ISTEA projects. He explained the future of the entire act is in question and funding for the program has not yet been reauthorized. He briefly outlined the ISTEA application process and noted that the project must be included in the Six -Year TIP program in order to apply for ISTEA funds. Council Member Sims referred to the high priority of road repairs and asked City Manager Zais to review the timing and source of funds. City Manager Zais outlined the $2 million street overlay program. The proposal would include a grant from the Federal Surface Transportation program combined with a 10 -year loan from the Public Works Trust Fund. Local matching dollars would come from the Street Reserve Fund and the Transit Capital Reserve Fund;. Mr. Zais indicated other options and approaches would be considered in the event the PWTF loan didn't come through or the GMA window is missed. Council Member Sims requested a contingency plan be put in place to start the overlay project as soon as the snow is gone. There was a considerable amount of discussion concerning the funding cycle and the 10 -year service life of the project. City Manager Zais suggested a Council committee be established. The purpose of the committee would be to consider different approaches and to develop a contingency funding plan for the street overlay project. It would include finding an alternative funding source and applying for every grant opportunity available for road repair. 3 it DECEMBER 2, 1997 - BUDGET REVIEW Cable Communications Page 304, Randy Beehler commented about the TCI upgrade, specifically the channel capacity and the digital tier spectrum. Mr. Beehler also described the delicate balance that exists between federal and local regulations. Parking and Business Improvement Area It was the consensus of the Council members present to defer this budget request until the DARC committee meets. Capitol Theatre On page 325, Steve Caffrey provided a brief overview of the performing arts industry in the Pacific Northwest. He indicated the Capitol Theatre has increased its unearned revenue, has had increased attendance, and is operating at a profit. He touched on the community based service philosophy of the Capitol Theatre, which includes schools and the diverse population of the area, and in the future will also include downtown development. He reported the sound equipment is worn out and needs to be replaced. He reported the Board has approved independent securing of funding. This is in cooperation with the City partnership, understanding its priorities and fiscal limitations. He explained that interest earned on the Depreciation Reserve Fund is used to project each year's budget. No direct taxpayer funds are going into the Capitol Theatre for its upkeep. Council Member Puccinelli commended Mr. Caffrey's fine management ability in maintaining and improving the building and looking ahead to identify future needs. CBD Business and Capital Improvements Page 331, Glenn Valenzuela provided a status report on the Commute Trip Reduction parking lot proposal, where discussions are continuing. There was discussion about the proposal. Engineering Beginning on page 333, Fred French was available to respond to questions about the six -year TIP projects, and the arterial street fund. He provided a brief overview of the funding sources and matching funds for each project. Mr. French also provided a status report on the I -82 /Gateway Project, specifically the drainage capability on Lincoln /Fair Avenue /B- couplet. There was also discussion about the Arterial Street Capital Fund, particularly the Englewood Avenue reconstruction location, with clarification forthcoming from Mr. French. Mr. French reviewed the funding and locations for the Arterial Street Capital Fund projects for 1998. He I/ also included the Transportation Improvement Board Funding which includes the Gateway Project, Phase C and the Fair Avenue Project Lincoln and "B" Street Couplet weed abatement and water drainage. Mary Place expressed concern for the pond where children could drown. Dick Zais referred to the policy issue on page 70, the Street Improvements in the Overlay Project. 4 5 DECEMBER 2, 1997. BUDGET REVIEW Mayor Buchanan announced the citizen',s transit forum is scheduled for December 13, 1998 from 9':00'- '''`a.m. td''3 "00 p.m. It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 11:55 A.M. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Barnett and Berger absent. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: ) .14.--P COUNCIL MEMBO. ,/ DATE ■3F�� 0 / of /0/6 / &' COUNCIL MEM Ft DATE ATTEST: A0 AC 1 ING ` ITY CLERK LYNN MAYOR Minutes prepared by Deputy City Clerk Skovald. An audio'and videotape of this meeting are available in the City Clerk's Office • 5