HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/28/2014 Study Session 128
YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL
STUDY SESSION
October 28, 2014
City Hall -- Council Chambers
10:15 a.m. Study Session regarding Refuse /Recycling Rate Study, Budget and Capital Investment
-- MINUTES
1. Roll Call
Council: Mayor Micah Cawley, presiding, Assistant Mayor Kathy Coffey, Council Members
Maureen Adkison, Tom Dittmar, Rick Ensey, Dave Ettl and Bill Lover
Staff: City Manager O'Rourke and City Clerk Claar Tee
2. Refuse & Recycling Rate discussion
Scott Schafer, Public Works Director, opened the Refuse and Recycling Rate discussion. He
stated there has not been a rate increase since 2008, as the utility tax increase in 2011 did not
affect their department. The Public Works budget is in a deficit situation due to the lack of rate
increases and the cost of the leaf bag program, community clean -up events and illegal dumping
clean -ups. A recycle pilot program was recently completed, which was very successful.
Loretta Zammarchi, Refuse and Recycling Manager, further discussed rates adding that in 2010,
Yakima County increased landfill fees by 15 %. The rate study was needed to identify the
reasons the division is not self sustaining. Ms. Zammarchi introduced Rick Hlavka with Green
Solutions Environmental Consulting and Chris Bell of Bell and Associates, Inc.
Rick Hlvaka presented a PowerPoint highlighting the rate study. Chris Bell also noted the
success of the recycling program. Council Member Dittmar stated he was in the pilot program
and was extremely surprised -how much he was able to recycle, thus saving further waste from
the landfill.
Mr. Hlvaka discussed a bundled approach, with customers utilizing refuse, yard waste and
recycling services into one package, which would realize a reduction in their monthly bill.
Mr. Bell suggested implementing the rate structure in January and beginning the service the
following year because the refuse department does not have the funding to handle the service
prior to this. Assistant Mayor Coffey asked if any of the new suggestions would be mandatory
service. City Manager O'Rourke noted the only item that is mandatory is garbage service;
however, there will be a significant savings if customers choose to bundle.
After further Council discussion, City Manager O'Rourke requested direction from Council.
The general consensus was to include this in the budget process. Council asked staff to bring
back options if they choose not to implement the recommendations.
3. 2015 Preliminary Budget Presentation
City Manager O'Rourke briefed Council on the budget and announced that this budget is
balanced, prudent, and is $2.3 million less than 2014 projected year -end expenditures. He
reviewed the budget in a PowerPoint presentation.
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Assistant Mayor Coffey reported on a Lodging Tax Committee meeting. She noted the
SunDome requested $50,000 from the City and a $50,000 match from the County, which the
County chose not to do as they are assisting with capital improvements at the SunDome. Her
recommendation is $75,000 for the SunDome. Mayor Cawley indicated the SunDome is a good
investment and creates a better partnership.
Council Member Dittmar stated he is glad to see funding for Police and Fire and is happy to hear
about the Corporal positions at the Police Department. Council Member Ettl echoed the
sentiments. Council Member Lover stated he has talked to neighborhood groups and feels if a
new pool is going to be built, it should be east of 16th Avenue.
Finance and Budget Director Epperson reported she will have the full budget summary ready for -
the next meeting and the public hearing on, the property tax will be November 18 with a final
budget public hearing on December 2.
4. Summary of Capital Investment Opportunities
Tony O'Rourke, City Manager, briefed Council on the capital investment opportunities. As
requested by Council, a simple matrix was included for clarity. It was Council consensus to
hold a separate meeting to discuss these issues.
5. Adjournment
Motion: Ensey moved and Coffey seconded to adjourn to the next Council Business
meeting on November 4, 2014 at 6 p.m. at City Hall. The motion carried by unanimous vote.
The meeting adjourned at 11:44 a.m.
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