HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/23/2024 Study Session 319
MINUTES
YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL
STUDY SESSION
April 23, 2024
City Hall —Council Chambers -129 N 2nd Street, Yakima, WA
5:00 p.m. Study Session -conducted in person and virtually via Zoom.
1. Roll Call
Present: Mayor Patricia Byers, presiding;Assistant Mayor Matt Brown and Councilmembers
Reedy Berg, Janice Deccio, Rick Glenn, Danny Herrera (attending remotely via Zoom)and
Leo Roy
Staff: Interim City Manager Dave Zabell, City Attorney Sara Watkins and City Clerk
Rosalinda I barra
2. Public comment(allow 15 minutes)
Natalie McClendon, Yakima resident, spoke on the outcome of the recent petition process
and provided a brief outline of the events.
3. National Day of Prayer Proclamation
Mayor Byers proclaimed May 2, 2024 as "National Day of Prayer" and Linda lasella
accepted the proclamation.
4. Airport Update
Yakima Air Terminal Director Rob Hodgman provided a presentation about the Yakima Air
Terminal regarding air service, terminal modernization projects, Taxilane Charlie project, and
industrial site developments. While the airport has experienced an increase in passenger
volumes since the additional Alaska Airlines flights offering early morning departure and late
night arrival, the revenue has not been as profitable. Efforts are ongoing to maintain full
support, expand advertising, seek additional carriers and/or destinations, and building
improvements.
The Terminal Modernization project phases are underway and staff is seeking grant funding
for construction and design. The Taxilane Charlie project consists of 13 acres for
aeronautical development. Substantial construction was completed in September 2023 and
the City is advertising to seek interested developers. The City is applying for the Department
of Commerce's Industrial Site Readiness program which offers funding to provide for pre-
development planning grants to develop large manufacturing sites. If funded, the City can
conduct environmental analysis, cultural resource analysis, and soils analysis for
approximately 157 acres of airport property to make the site more desirable to the industry.
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After the presentation, Councilmembers asked Hodgman several questions pertaining to the
modernization project and efforts in attracting more passengers.
5. Discussion on Local Government Budget Methodologies
Assistant City Manager Rosylen Oglesby introduced Mike Bailey, a municipal government
finance consultant, who presented Council with various approaches to developing a fiscal
budget. Mr. Bailey discussed the advantages and disadvantages of zero-based budgeting
and other budget models. He also shared best practices offered by the Government Finance
Officers Association (GFOA) including focusing on community outcomes, aligning budget
services, establishing a long-term vision, building trust and open communication, using
collective decision making, creating clear rules, and budgeting for fairness and equity.
The zero-based budget model theoretically starts at "zero" and every expense is justified.
The use of this budget model has declined over the years because it has not been as
practical and comprehensive as other methods. Other versions of zero-based budgeting
include priority based and performance management.
Some advantages include focusing on the community's perspective, engaging the public,
gaining public trust, and providing staff an understanding of Council strategic priorities. There
are challenges when implementing a different budget approach in that it creates extra work as
the agency adjusts to a new method and a learning curve after years of routine budget
processes.
Councilmembers expressed interest in priority based budgeting and highlighted the
importance of having a strategic plan that aligns with Council's priorities. Interim City
Manager Zabell mentioned using the National Community Survey to provide statistical
benchmarks. He also noted Mr. Bailey's willingness to work with the City through this process.
6. Adjournment
MOTION: Brown moved and Deccio seconded to adjourn to the next City Council
regular meeting on May 7, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
The motion carried by unanimous vote. The meeting adjourned at 6:22 p.m.
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