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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/10/1997 Adjourned Meeting 487, CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON NOVEMBER 10, 1997 ADJOURNED BUSINESS MEETING 1. ROLL CALL The City Council met in session on this date at 8:30 a.m., in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington, Mayor Lynn Buchanan, presiding. Council Members Henry Beauchamp, Ernie Berger, John Klingele, John Puccinelli, and Bernard Sims present on roll call. Council Member Clarence Barnett absent and excused. City Manager Zais, Director of Finance & Budget Hanson, City Attorney Paolella, and Acting City Clerk Skovald also present. 2. INVOCATION /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council Member Beauchamp gave the invocation. 3. OPEN DISCUSSION FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER There were no issues discussed. 4. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION No citizen came forward to speak. 5. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGEMENT, LEGAL, AND FINANCE DEPARTMENTS REGARDING REFERENDUM 47 /PROPERTY TAX LEGISLATION City Manager Zais directed attention to the proposed .annual property tax legislation before the Council and summarized recent changes and new requirements in the law created by Referendum 47. He also noted two existing statutory limits which municipalities have had to follow for decades -- the six percent statutory limitation and the $3.60 per thousand assessed valuation cap. City Manager Zais explained the basis under which the implicit price deflator is applied and how that method would affect the property tax allocation. City Attorney Paolella pointed out the differences between the new law and the pre- existing law. He explained the new law requires the Council to take separate actions when considering the annual Tax Levy, the Limit Factor, and the legislation that levies the real property taxes. John Hanson referred to charts from the budget document, depicting property taxes per capita. Yakima is the second I/ lowest per capita for property tax among 14 comparable cities in the state of Washington. Another per capita chart on combined tax dollars shows Yakima third from the lowest of benchmark cities of comparable population to Yakima. He also briefly summarized resources that the General Fund has available to it in 1998 and also explained that cities will no longer be able to recapture lost levy amounts from previous years as was the case under prior law. There was a considerable amount of discussion among Council members and 488 NOVEMBER 10, 1997 staff about property tax allocation and distribution to meet obligations of the City. There was also discussion about the consequences of the new law to local government. 6. CONSIDERATION OF LEGISLATION REGARDING AD VALOREM TAXES PROPOSED FOR 1998: This being the time set for the public hearing, Mayor Buchanan invited testimony from the audience. Anne Haley, Director of the Yakima Valley Regional Library, provided copies of her report to the Council, outlining the various services provided to the citizens of Yakima. Ms. Haley directed Council's attention to the public library outlets located within the City, noting the new expanded facility being built on Summitview Avenue. She reported library customers will be able to access the Internet and utilize other services by using new computer equipment provided by two recent grants; additional capabilities will be available in the latter part of 1998. She explained the intergovernmental revenue from the City of Yakima represents 26% of the total estimated resources to the Rural Library District for 1998. Ms. Haley directed attention to the portion of her report summarizing distribution of resources allocated for residents of the city, as well as details about its sources of revenue and allocations of expenditures. Also included in the report is a list of 20 libraries in the Regional System along with comparisons to other regional libraries in Eastern Washington. Ms. Haley encouraged the Council to accept the staff recommendation to vote favorably on proposed Ordinance "A ", Ordinance "B ", and especially Ordinance "C ". She discouraged the Council from passing proposed Ordinance "D" because funding for City services would be lost. Ms. Haley explained the allocation of the levy rate at 106% will allow the Regional Library System to retain services at its current level. The alternative rate will force a lower level of services for the residents of the city. Dick Ostrander expressed concern about the money the Library needs to continue to do the job it does. He noted the new library will be totally computerized which will make a big service difference to the public. He urged the Council to vote in favor of the 106% levy rate. Mary Place, Council Member - Elect, asked if the Yakima County Auditor released next years' tax assessment valuation figures and, if so, how much will it increase. John Hanson reported the tax rate is 6.8 %, and it is already included in the calculations. There being no one else wishing to comment, the Mayor closed the public hearing. 2 NOVEMBER 10, 1997 4 " 9 RECOMMENDED LEGISLATION: A. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AN INCREASE IN PROPERTY TAX Ordinance No. 97 -67 having been read by title only, it was MOVED BY KLINGELE, SECONDED BY PUCCINELLI, TO ADOPT ORDINANCE "A." The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote; Barnett absent. ORDINANCE NO. 97 -67, AN ORDINANCE relating to the annual property tax levy; authorizing an increase in the City's regular levy from the amount levied the previous year. B. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A LIMIT FACTOR OF 6% FOR THE REGULAR LEVY FOR 1998 Ordinance No. 97 -68 having been read by title only, it was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY KLINGELE, TO PASS ORDINANCE "B." The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote; Barnett absent. ORDINANCE NO. 97 -68, AN ORDINANCE relating to the annual property tax levy; authorizing a limit factor of 106 percent for the regular levy for the 1998 calendar year. C. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE FIXING THE AMOUNT OF AD VALOREM TAXES NECESSARY TO BALANCE 1998 BUDGET Ordinance No. 97 -69 having been read by title only, it was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP, TO PASS ORDINANCE "C." The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Barnett absent. ORDINANCE NO. 97 -69, AN ORDINANCE fixing and levying the amount of ad valorem taxes necessary to balance estimated revenue with estimated expenditures for the 1998 Budget for the City of Yakima. OPTIONAL LEGISLATION: D. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE FIXING THE AMOUNT OF AD VALOREM TAXES The Council did not take action on this option. I/ After the Council recessed from 9:45 a.m. until 9:55 a.m., Mayor Buchanan directed attention to the 1998 Public Safety Department's preliminary budget /policy issues for 1998. It was the consensus of the Council to review first the policy issues and then the preliminary budget requests for each department. 3 490 NOVEMBER 10, 1997 7. POLICE DEPARTMENT BUDGET (See Policy Issues on Pages 49 -50, Preliminary Budget Requests on Pages 350 -366) Police Department ODeratincf Don Blesio, Yakima Police Chief, introduced members of his staff including Marsha Whitmore, Administrative Assistant to the Chief; Captain Doug Bronson, Commander of Police Operations; Captain Pete Atkins, Commander of Police Support Services Division; Lieutenant Jeff Schneider, Investigative Division; and Lieutenant Roy Willson, Uniformed Division. Tim Jensen, Accountant, was also available to answer any questions. Chief Blesio explained an additional full -time custodian position is needed due to the expansion of Municipal Court Services. This position would replace the contracted services currently utilized and would allow a 40 -hour work week. The custodian would work the night shift to better utilize some of the trustee services that are currently available. This proposal is more cost effective because the annual cost for contracted services is expected to be about $24,000 for only 36 hours a week, and the full -time employee would cost about $28,500 for 40 hours a week. Chief Blesio responded to questions from the Council concerning his request to add three police officer positions. Partially funded by a Federal Department of Justice COPS Universal Hiring Program grant, these new positions would help increase the ratio of police officers to population and service demands. There was a brief discussion about the existing number of permanent budgeted positions, the number of temporary workers, and the requested number of new officers. Discussion followed concerning fiscal limitations, replacement vehicles, traffic enforcement and the role of traffic calming devices. Also discussed were methods to employ the police force more efficiently, the importance of community policing, the foot patrol interacting with the public by being visible in neighborhoods and in the downtown area. There were questions from the Council concerning Yakima City /County Narcotics Unit (CCNU) Revenue from seizures and forfeitures. Chief Blesio described the factors which led to scheduling conflicts when pulling away from District Court. Chief Blesio also denoted the significance of utilizing two courtrooms as part of his strategy to reduce the amount of overtime. He noted that the asset forfeiture process would assist in utilizing funds for overtime costs. Discussion continued about police overtime reimbursements. There was discussion about the number of criminal misdemeanor arrests and the number of misdemeanor commitments. There was also discussion about the Bicycle Patrol Specialized Unit, 4 NOVEMBER 10, 1997 particularly its maneuverability, .its effectiveness, and how those officers are trained and' utilized. Chief Blesio identified a number of training opportunities available to police officers, including the state academy at Washington State Training Commission, as well as in house training within the department. In addition, there are also annual in- service training sessions and ongoing classes and seminars covering a multitude of subjects. He also referred to the new training area situated in the new police facility which many other agencies and jurisdictions have utilized. Lieutenant Roy Willson requested replacement of outdated gas masks, helmets and other protective equipment. The request includes replacing face pieces, expired chemical canisters as well as protective headgear, and other pieces of equipment. There was discussion about various chemical agents and types of equipment used for emergency response. City Manager Zais provided a handout concerning professional services and jail costs, comparing budget projections from actual 1997 year -end figures. It appears approximately $200,000 may be saved in total jail costs due to budgeting the original allocation for domestic violence cases without historical data. Mr. Zais also reported 1997 jail contract negotiations with Yakima County are nearing an end with a contract expected soon; negotiations for 1998 contract costs will begin shortly. Also, discussions are in progress with other cities for long term incarcerations. To conclude budget review of this division, the Council also discussed booking fees and increased medical costs for incarcerated individuals. Law and Justice Capital City Manager Zais explained there are two construction projects proposed in the Law and Justice Capital 518 Service Unit. Because of other priorities with the court and the system of establishing the day detention center, $50,000 has been carried over from the 1997 budget for the feasibility of expanding the current jail site. Previously the Public Safety Committee had asked that jail expansion be studied. The second construction project is $50,000 to do some work on the "Butler Building" so it can be used for storage of police equipment and impounds. Police Pension Council Member Klingele noted the $1 million cost projected I/ for pension and medical costs for police and fire retirees. To conclude the budget review session for the Police Department, there were comments, questions, and discussion about upgrading mobile data terminals in the fleet of police cars. Noise Flash Diversion Devices and various office equipment, such as transcribing and fax equipment, were also topics discussed by the Council. 5 492 NOVEMBER 10, 1997 Public Safety Communications Wayne Wantland, Public Safety Communications Manager, explained that after the first year of operating this division, they realized that they need clerical assistance. The .requested clerical assistant position would be a permanent part -time position for four hours a day. The funding would come by a 50/50 split from 911 contract revenue and the telephone utilities tax funding. In response to a question from Council Member Klingele about line item 400, Other Services and Charges, Mr. Wantland explained only a small portion of increased telephone rates is reflected in this line item. It does, however, include implementation of enhancements to the 911 System which will be done throughout the county. After recapping the revenues and expenditures in this fund, Mr. Wantland explained how the 151 Public Safety Communications is set up and how it is funded. It includes the 120 Service Unit which is the 911 Calltaking section, and the 124 Service unit, which includes Public Safety Dispatch /Electronics Maintenance. City Manager Zais explained the separate service units were set up to track dedicated revenues 8. FIRE DEPARTMENT BUDGET (Policy Issues, Page 52 and Preliminary Budget Requests, Pages 371 - 388) Fire Department Operating Al Chronister, Fire Chief, introduced staff members Gene Martin, Deputy Fire Chief; Marty Buehler, Battalion Chief; and Cindy Epperson, Accountant from Finance. Chief Chronister requested the full -time Fire Inspector position, eliminated in 1993 due to budget cuts, be reinstated. This position is needed to aid in arson investigation within the city. Currently, determining the cause and the origin of a fire are ancillary responsibilities for six firefighters, and the current practice is not a good system for efficiency. The Fire Inspector position would be in addition to the existing part -time responsibilities of the firefighters. Chief Chronister outlined some of the duties which will be assigned to this position, including developing a juvenile center program to deter juveniles from setting fires; handling public disclosure requests related to fire investigation reports, and possibly participating in a joint venture -type arrangement with surrounding fire districts, if that concept is developed. There were questions, comments and discussion about ways to decrease the number of arson related fires in Yakima, the variety of venues available during the investigation process, and methods used to identify and deter juvenile arson. Also discussed was whether adding this position would be cost effective. There was also a brief discussion about the Volunteer Firefighters program. 6 NOVEMBER 10, 1997 Fire Department Capital Discussion shifted to the new Fire Department Training Center. Chief Chronister reported a separate account is scheduled to be set up and a budget will be projected for this facility for 1999. Since the facility is so new, all capabilities are not yet fully developed; however, an open house has been held and input from surrounding fire districts is being sought as to how they would like to participate and what they would like to see. One concept includes multi- company drills for major incident practice. Also included in the discussion was how the training center compares to other training facilities in Central Washington. In addition, a demonstration at the Training Center might be scheduled for the Council. City Manager Zais reported the Seattle EMS levy failed during a recent election. Although there is a totally different program established in Yakima, special purpose legislation is one option that could be considered which could affect EMS funding statewide. There was also discussion about the repercussions to the Seattle program since failure of the levy will result in $30 million in reduced funding. Council and staff also discussed the differences in what was proposed to the voters in Yakima last year as opposed to what was on the ballot in Seattle. 9. OTHER BUSINESS After a very brief discussion about the issue, it was MOVED BY KLINGELE, SECONDED BY PUCCINELLI, :sTO DIRECT STAFF TO BRING BACK REVISED INFORMATION ON THE INCUBATOR PROJECT WITH YVCC. The motion carried by 4 -2 voice vote; Berger and Buchanan voting nay; Barnett absent. 10. ADJOURNMENT AT 11:30 A.M. TO NOVEMBER 18, 1997, AT 8:30 A.M. FOR BUDGET REVIEW FOR PUBLIC WORKS. It was MOVED BY KLINGELE, SECONDED BY SIMS TO ADJOURN TO NOVEMBER 18, 1997 AT 8:30 A.M. FOR BUDGET REVIEW FOR PUBLIC WORKS. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Barnett absent. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: k - / . /1' ft CO ' NCIL M DATE 4( r y 412 COUNCI T M:ER DATE ATTEST: ACTING i ITY CLERK / LYNN BUCH' AN, MAYOR Minutes prepared by Acting City Clerk Skovald. An audio and video tape of this meeting are available in the City Clerk's Office 7