HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/08/1992 Adjourned Meeting 1 47
CITY OF YAKIMA,.WASHIINGTON
DECEMBER 8, 1992
ADJOURNED MEETING
The City Council met in session on this date at 8 :00 a.m. in
the Council Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Mayor
Pat Berndt, presiding, Council Members Clarence Barnett,
Henry Beauchamp, Bill Brado, Lynn Buchanan, Skip Semon, and
Bernard Sims present on roll call. Assistant City Manager
Rice, Finance and Budget Director Hanson, City Clerk Roberts,
and Deputy City Clerk Skovald also present.
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1. PUBLIC COMMENT ON PROPOSED 1993 BUDGET
This being the time set for Public Meeting, Mayor Berndt
explained the purpose of this meeting is to give the public
an opportunity to speak to issues that are proposed in the
1993 Budget.
Allen Schmid, President of the Greater Yakima Chamber of
Commerce, recognized the efforts of City staff striving to
operate on a reduced budget with fewer people. Mr. Schmid
explained the Chamber supports fiscal responsibility by
government and suggested the City freeze any proposed salary
increases. He suggested local government revise expenditures
and reprioritize the list of bonds and levies showing
implementation dates and the overall fiscal impact by budget
year upon the citizen. Regarding Fire Code and
Administration, the Chamber urged Council to maintain its
challenge of the recent fire rating bureau's report and .
cooperatively work to seek an improvement of the City's
rating. Mr. Schmid stated any enhancement of equipment and
personnel is a safety issue, indicating any financial burden
should be spread among all citizens of the City and not just
businesses. Regarding Water, Mr: Schmid stated they have
deferred action on the proposed 28 percent water rate
increase, but will continue to review the issue over the next
few weeks until a position statement is developed. Although
improvements have been made, there is great concern about the
leakage in both the domestic and general irrigation water
systems. This has an impact on the cost of water treatment
delivery and rates. Regarding Parks, Mr. Schmidt indicated
the Chamber was waiting for the Master Plan for review and
recommendation. It is the Chamber's position that completion
of the Plan is essential before any bond or levy issues are
submitted to the people. The Chamber of Commerce is
concerned about the application of the In- Lieu -Of Tax for
parks because it has an impact on the City utility rates and
grows automatically without definition of need. Regarding
Police, Mr. Schmid reaffirmed the Chamber's position that
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December 8, 1992 - ADJOURNED MEETING
financing public safety issues affect the whole, and should
be financed by all citizens. He also stated the one -tenth of
one percent monies should be only used for new law and
justice issues, including the new Police and Legal Center.
Regarding Refuse, Mr. Schmid urged the City to phase in
automation of garbage routes. Referencing Sewer, Mr. Schmid
explained since the septage rates were not part of the
initial budget, and as proposed, would be a major increase to
business and users, he urged no action be taken on this issue
at this time. Referencing Streets, An assessment is needed
to determine the future needs of our streets. This in -depth
assessment should encompass both maintenance, as well as new
construction and should be included in the Six Year Street
Plan. The Chamber opposes any consideration of a City Street
Utility Tax until they can review this approach. Mr. Schmid
suggested the budget review process be started earlier with
public input allowed after Council review of each
department's budget.
Referring to the economic climate of Yakima and its impact on
business, Mr. Schmid responded to Council Member Sims request
to predict the economic outcome of 1992 and estimate where
1993 is going. He indicated the last Quarter of 1992 looks
as though it will be a stfong one. Retailers seem to be
having a vigorous holiday season. As for 1993 it looks quite
favorable with the same type of steady growth as seen in
recent years with no major upswings or downswings. The
overall indication is that people seem pretty satisfied with
where the economy is going. It is not a booming economy, but
a strong economy.
At the request of Council Member Buchanan, Mr. Schmid
explained the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
recommendation to freeze wages. This wage freeze would help
balance the budget.
Scott Southwick, Director, Chamber of Commerce member,
commented on the small number of citizens present to comment
on the proposed budget. He referred to Council's
responsibility to represent the interests of the citizens and
the businesses being governed and emphasized the importance
of public comment being allowed prior to the consideration of
the budget review process. Mr. Southwick expressed concern
about certain taxes and fees being increased without first .
asking the public. He stated all expenditures of government
funds need to be cost effective. Mr. Southwick disagreed
with some of the expenditures from the transportation budget
being used to purchase the City Shops.
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December 8,-.19,9,2 - ADJOURNED MEETING
Dan Arnett, Chamber of Commerce member, stated he appreciated
the opportunity for their organization to meet with City of
Yakima Department Heads. Although there are differences of
opinion, the process, if started earlier, could have been
more helpful. Mayor Berndt explained the process is helpful
to Council, as well, because the more people who are
informed, the better the results and the easier it is to do
the job since there are more people who understand the
issues.
Council Member Sims commented on the absence of the Chamber
of Commmerce during the budget review procedure for each
department and asked why they did not attend those sessions.
Mr. Arnett responded to this question by stating there are
time restraints on these meetings, and they have never been
asked. Council Member Beauchamp commented that the input
from the Chamber members has been very helpful in the
decision making process especially due to the complexity of
many of the issues.
There being no one else present wishing to speak, Mayor
Berndt closed the Public Meeting.
The Council recessed at 8:40 a.m. until 9:00 a.
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READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: r e ��.�/r
C. CI MEM ,R `� D•,TE i
COU Y
I L M DATE ATTEST:
K AAP-v%.- ).?) le- at y s ,,—,,e-e
CITY CLERK MAYOR
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