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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/13/1990 Adjourned Meeting 2 1 CITY OF YAKIMA, TiASHINGION - ADJOURNED MEETING: BUDGET' REVIEW - NOVEMBER 13, 1990 • The City Council met in session. on this date at 9:15,A.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Mayor Pat Berndt, presiding, Council members Clarence Barnett "(absent after 11:30 A.M.), Henry Beauchamp, George Pechtel, Skip Semon - and Bernard Sims present. Council member Lynn Buchanan absent, attending Law and Justice'Task Force meeting in Seatac. City Manager Zais, Budget and Finance Director Hanson, Accounting Manager Wheeler and Deputy City Clerk Lovell also present. 1. 1991 BUDGET AND POLICY ISSUES REVIEW At the request of Council member Sims, page numbers will be added to the Budget Review Schedule for all future meetings. A. PLANNING Community and Economic Development Director Glenn Rice and Planning Manager Don Skone were present to answer questions regarding the Planning Division budget. In his introductory comments, Mr. Rice reviewed the Department's accomplishm _ ents over the past year. Council member Barnett asked if the Senior Planner proposed on Page 56 of the Policy Issues document is related to the Rebound Plus Program. Mr. Rice replied that there is no relationship to the Rebound Program; the Senior Planner will be involved with the 2929 Program. Council member Barnett asked what will happen to the Senior Planner in three years when the 2929 funding ends. Mr. Rice replied that the position will be funded from the General Fund or eliminated, following Civil Service and Union guidelines. Council member Barnett suggested that the 2929 funds would be more appropriately applied to the Metro 8 Plan. Planning Manager Skone said the Division has internal needs that can be better addressed through hiring of a Senior Planner. Council member Barnett questioned the necessity of this position since consultants will be utilized for the 2929 program. In reply to questions from Council member Semon, Mr. Skone stated that this could be a promotional opportunity for current, qualified staff members. Mr. Semon felt it imperative to hire in -house to avoid a lengthy training period. Planning Manager Skone reviewed the Division's accomplishments during 1990, and outlined long range projects that were not completed. Council member Pechtel was concerned that the large volume of staff meetings contributes to the backlog of work. He stressed that the Senior Planner must be a "working" staff member. Mr. Rice stated that the Planning Intern proposed on Page 63 would assist with the increasing workload. Mr. Rice sees the Intern position as an opportunity to encourage minority training in the profession. Council member Barnett asked why staff or the City Manager did not ask Council for a change in priorities when it became obvious that Planning needs w not being met. Mr. Rice said that projects cannot be delayed if Yakima is to become a major metropolitan area, and staff is making every effort to accomplish . these goals. City Manager Zais agreed that Planning Division workload is heavy. However, in addition to Council policy, it is AAD /1 NOVEMBER 13,_ 1990 1 8 3 driven. by circumstances in the_, canmunity_ and state and federal mandates that cannot be ignored. Council member Sims praised the Division for recent annexation efforts, and encouraged,a continued aggressive policy.` Council, member Pechtel `complimented the staff for utilizing college students for planning assistance. ° .B. CODE ENFORCEMENT Code Administration Manager Bob Shampine was present to answer questions about the Code Enforcement budget. Mr. Shampine explained that the addition of the Permit Technician proposed on Page, 64 would enable the Department to expedite permit_processing. Mr. Shampine said the current :DA_ IV is performing Permit Technician job duties, and ',has already taken the Plans Examiner certification test. Council member Barnett asked how the Division expects to receive annexation revenue to fund this position when another portion of the Budget•states that annexation revenue will not meet the costs of service. Mr. Shampine explained that as a General Fund Division, the. Codes office generates license and permit `fees from.all newly annexed areas.. Mr. Rice noted that the ; addition of, a Permit Technician will allow the. field inspectors •more'work hours in the field. Mr. Shampine stated that the current part -time DA II is working full time, funded by salary savings in the Division earlier this year. Increased. hours have been necessitated by the expanding volume of business. Council member Barnett asked for clarification of the administration of the Rebound Plus program. Mr. Rice explained that he is the program admin1strator,, and works closely with the Code Enforcement and Housing offices. Mayor Berndt asked staff.to_provide Council with a chart explaining the Rebound Plus program functions. City Manager Zais corrected the Policy Issue-on page °73, stating that the funding source for the Southeast Community Center Emergency Repair Fund will be the Contingency Fund_rather than FRS Funds. Council member Pechtel felt the proposed $15,000 amount was . - insignificant, and should be increased to at least $50,000. Since the City owns the building, Mr. Pechtel said it was bad management • to let the building deteriorate. Council member Sims stated that before the amount-is increased, he would like to know the funding source and how the money would be used._ City Manager Zais said the Contingency Fund is the only available - source of funding at this time., Council member Sims said the facility has improved under the leadership of Rod Bryant,`, but significant improvements are still needed. Council member Barnett suggested that staff might be able to cut the budget in another area to increase this fund. City • Manager Zais said the City needs a Comprehensive assessment of the building's requirements before a new budget is prepared. Mr. Rice said the initial $15,000 will , be used for emergency repairs. He said the Southeast Community,' Center at' ,Work is doing :a a good job of repaying their debt and revitalizing the Center, but community and land use changes { in_ the area have made their 'job difficult. Council member Beauchamp felt the Emergency Repair Fund was essential for the structure, and he agreed that the City needs to develop an aggressive maintenance program for- -the- building. At this point, Mr. Beauchamp . the .facility to be . more of a disgrace than a credit to the community. City Manager Zais suggested that staff be directed to prepare a .comprehensive AAD /2 1 8 4 NOVEMBER 13, 1990 analysis of renovation needs early next year and return to Council with, a formal,, request. `Council member Sims_ requested adding a Policy Issue to' Budget establishing a $100,000 contingency reserve to allow the City Manager discretionary approval of items up to $10,000. The City Manager would report expenditures to Council and request replenishment of. the account. Mr. Zais stated that he now works within the current - authority= of the total budget allocation to process charges that are not specifically addressed. Community and,,Economic Development - Director Rice requested that review of the Housing Division budget be. deferred since Block Grant Manager Dixie. Kracht is :,out of town. The recommendation of the Community Development Advisory Committee will be available next week. Council agreed with this request. C.. CABLE TV Cable Communications Manager Wendy .Warren was present to answer questions regarding the Cable Television budget. Council member ,Barnett stated' that he supports adding the Municipal Producer proposed on Page 76. since the majority of the Council members approved televised Council meetings. Mayor .Berndt reported favorable comments and good, community reaction.following the first .Council forum. Council member Semon asked if ratings information is _available, and Ms. Warren replied that she is investigating the possibility. Mr. Semon asked when the annexation program would be finished, .and.was.told that it will be ready by the end of this month. Ms. Warren advised Council that television cameras should be installed in the Council Chambers and`in.use by early December. D. REBOUND PLUS Rebound Plus Project Coordinator Irene Gutierrez was ,present to answer, questions regarding the Rebound ._Plus budget. . Mr. Rice stated. that Council will soon begin to receive ongoing information items from the Division. City Manager Zais`said the State and federal grants have been updated and are.. included in the 1991 budget. Mayor Berndt reminded Council. that the State grant is one- • time money, and new program funding sources must be pursued. Mayor Berndt encouraged Council members to attend the Northeast Neighborhood meetings because the. group is anxious to work toward solving neighborhood problems. Council member Barnett asked why a Board of Appeals has not been, established for the Rebound program. Mr. Rice stated that this :topic will be discussed at the Council meeting later today. Council member Barnett, asked. if the $100,000 community contribution indicated on page 195 has ,been received. Mr. Rice stated that :there is•interest.in the .community, however, the funds have not been; received. •It,may be channeled through the Coalition_ for ` , the War r on., Drugs oe other' non - profit private organizations. City Manager Zais. stated that additional staff will not be hired if`the additional funding is not received. . I. E. TROLLEY r The Trolley Fund has no Budget Policy `Issues, however, Mr. Rice reminded , „Council that _ they will have to ,address the issue of title to the track property in 1991. AAD /3 NOVEMBER 13, 1990 1 8 5 Mayor Berndt called for a five minute break : before continuing Budget review. • F. TOURIST PROMOTION. 'Yakima Center Manager Kathy Coffey was present to answer questions • regarding the .Yakima _Center budget. Council member Barnett asked for explanation of event day bookings for 1990 and 1991, as he did not see the large increase stated in the budget. Ms. Coffey - 'said that business has been increasing for 10 years,. with the most significant- increase over the past three.years.. She explained the difference between "event days" and "future days," which may • have caused some confusion., Mayor Berndt asked for clarification of Region 9 Tourism funding, because she feels'it is perceived by . ,some people as a Chamber of Commerce function. Ms. Coffey explained. that Region 9 Tourism is a.tri- County effort, funded by contributions from various agencies, including the City. of Yakima, Yakima County, the Yakima Valley Visitors and.Convention Bureau and the Chamber of Commerce.. The Greater Yakima Chamber. of Commerce is the administrator of the, program for the ,State of Washington. Mayor Berndt asked whether the City's contribution would be better spent through the Visitors and Convention Bureau. Ms. Coffey replied that the Convention Center is pleased -with Region 9 tourism • efforts and that, they are - maximizing the money,.that is_, available. -Mayor Berndt requested that , the $1771 contribution - Region 9 Tourism be considered as a Policy Issue._., Council member Barnett requested a presentation from the Region 9 Tourism board at the next Budget session to address the impact on state.fundfng if the City's contribution is reduced. City.Manager Zais said that staff • will request an analysis from the Chamber of Commerce. . Yakima Center Manager.Coffey.advised Council that the'reference to a large - screen TV on page 202 was a misprint, and the request is for a replacement screen. Council member Pechtel asked how much impact the drug problem has had on convention business in Yakima. • Ms. Coffey stated that this has been a_growing concern in the state . .market,and. recent incidents at the- Convention Center have prompted the..- request on Page 81 to hire security guards. Ms. Coffey said this Policy Issue would not change the facility requirement that private users hire one security guard,for,every 100 'participants. . Council: member Pechtel was concerned that the adverse publicity is beginning .to harm the community,. and. suggested promotion of the fact that crime is leveling,: Council .member Sims felt that promotion wouldbring,the ,topic t� the forefront again, and he felt that word of mouth promotion would be the best route. Council member Semon questioned the cost of the Facsimile Machine proposed on Page .,82, and suggested the .unit could be purchased for a substantially lower amount. Ms. Coffey said the figure was taken from the Purchasing'Agent's catalog, however, the actual purchase price after bid.may be lower. Council member Barnett felt that the budget: .narrative did a poor job of explaining scheduled event days to, justify the addition of the two part - time ',positions requested on Page 83. Council member Sims_. suggested that additional information be distributed to Council members prior to Budget wrap- . . . up., Lenore Lambert addressed the Council to.compliment the Yakima Center staff for the excellent job they have done to promote the AAD /4 1 8 6 NOVEMBER 13, 1990 Valley. City Manager Zais advised staff that the unobligated balance in the Yakima Center's Capital Budget is $208,000. G. CAPITOL THEATRE Capitol Theatre Manager : Steve Caffrey and Operations Manager Millie .Dixon were ,present to answer questions regarding the Capitol Theatre ,budget. : 'Budget and Finance. .Director' Hanson corrected the.,Policy Issue on page 86_to read "Unbudgeted." . Council member Beauchamp questioned the $2,000 cost for a /dryer, and was :advised' by, Ms. Dixon that the expense ',included plumbing and ,installation._ Community and Economic Development .Director Rice . said, the. Theatre has been well received by visitors to Yakima, and every. effort. is _being made. maintain__high quality programming. . -. Council• ,member Pechtel asked if the City has supported . the Capitol ". Theatre series.in„ the past. .City Manager'Zais stated. that this was first approved- by Council last summer, and_,this 'is a new request . for, continued support. Council member Pechtel asked if Council will. consider. Series programming every year, and was advised that . should be .considered annually to reassess the need. (Council member Barnett absent after.11:30 A.M.). H. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION City Council. Council ._member Pechtel requested' that Chamber of Commerce dues be,considered as a Policy Issue. ,City. Manager Zais clarified .that the Professional_ Services Account 410 will have - 1990 expenses related to._the Visioning, Process. Mayor Berndt asked Council members to,consider allocating additional funding to Parks • and Recreation, programs. she, suggested that Council_ apply the funds designated'for travel to the National'League of Cities Fall Conference. for ,,that .purpose. Council ,member Pechtel cautioned that adequate funding must be left in the account for Council .participation. at the state - and. national level. It was Council consensus to consider Account as a_Policy Issue. .City. Manager's Office - City Manager Zais_ stated that the budget reflects _.the 199.0_staff additions. Referring, to_ Page 9, Council member Semon asked why the City is spending over .$500,000 on storm water management when the community receives less than 9 inches of . annual, precipitation. Assistant; City, Manager Stouder,replied that - many. these items are mandated by:state and federal requirements. Council _, member Sims, was concerned that the_ City is'mandated into a program that is unnecessary for our area. City Manager Zais stated . that. the City, has spent about half that amount over the past 15 . , years on related claims and improvements for storm system failures and problems. .Mr..Stouder suggested that the detailed work program may,allow some flexibility in the study. Mayor Berndt updated the progress of the Visioning Committee, stating that - nine study areas have_been. identified: The Committee is recruiting leadership for these areas and -identifying_ community resources. The Committee's . goal - to.present the program to. the "public in .January. Mayor . Berndt said that Val,Finalyson agreed -to Chair the' program, which. will be a community effort with Council. support. City Manager Zais stated that the:Metro Plan package is undergoing -contract review. The budgeted. amount is not necessarily the total cost, but targets AAD /5 NOVEMBER 13, 1990 1 8 7 the identified components% to - be addressed this year. Efforts will also continue to-'secure.additional'State� funding. Records - City Clerk Karen Roberts explained the proposed Policy Issue to reformat the Municipal Code Books through a contract with a Seattle firm. She confirmed that changing the page size will reduce the size of the Code Books by at least one - third. The City II . has exhausted its current supply of books, and new books must be ordered in 1991. Ms. Roberts explained staff realignment that is z - ' - "anticipated in'1991, and stated that she hopes to have her vacant staff position filled early in .the year. - 2. 'OTTER - BUSINESS . Mayor Berndt requested that Council members share in the cost of the political advertisement placed by Council member Barnett in opposition to Initiative 547.. Mayor Berndt calculated the cost to each Council member to be $3.55. Mayor Berndt asked for a Council member to volunteer to join City Manager Zais on the Rob Vickers radio show this Friday. George Pechtel agreed to participate. City Manager Zais announced that the final Budget Wrap -up will be held on Tuesday, December 11, from 9:00 -Noon. Mr. Zais, stated that the Budget Review Schedule will be reissued to include page numbers. Review of the Personnel, Purchasing, Legal and Finance budgets will be considered as time allows. The Council agreed to stay until 5:00 P.M. today and continue budget discussion after the regularly scheduled Council .meeting. 30. ADJOURNMENT, ' There being rio•further discussion, the meeting adjourned at the - hour' - of " 12:05" Pa/4 to ' reconvene, at r 2:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers. . " , , . _ READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: COU1CIL MEN)11/g/. R DATE •UNCIL ME B DATE ATTEST: DEPUTY: CITY CLERK ` OR Minutes prepared•by Deputy 'City Clerk Lovell. - AAD /6