HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/22/2024 Study Session/Executive Session 425
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YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
October 22, 2024
City Hall - Council Chambers - 129 N 2nd Street, Yakima, WA
5:00 PM City Council Study Session —conducted in person and remotely via Zoom.
Executive Session —4:30 p.m.
Executive Session regarding collective bargaining pursuant to RCW 42.30.140(4)(a)
MOTION: Brown moved and Deccio seconded to adjourn to Executive Session for 30
minutes regarding collective bargaining pursuant to RCW 42.30.140(4)(a). The motion
carried by unanimous vote.
Present for Executive Session: Mayor Patricia Byers, Assistant Mayor Brown, and
Councilmembers Reedy Berg, Janice Deccio, Rick Glenn, Danny Herrera, and Leo Roy
Executive session was held at 4:32 p.m. and adjourned at 5:00 p.m. The meeting was called
back to order at 5:02 p.m.
1. Roll Call
Present: Mayor Patricia Byers, presiding; Assistant Mayor Matt Brown and Councilmembers
Reedy Berg, Janice Deccio, Rick Glenn, Danny Herrera and Leo Roy
Staff: City Manager Vicki Baker, City Attorney Sara Watkins and City Clerk Rosalinda Ibarra
2. Public Comment(allow 15 minutes)
None.
3. Study Session Items
A. Domestic Water Rate and Fee Study
Director of Public Works Scott Schafer introduced Tage Aaker with the FCS Group who
presented the City's Domestic Water Utility Rate and Fee Study for 2025-2029. The
presentation is intended to inform the City Council of the proposed rate and fee
adjustments that will be included in the proposed 2025-2026 Biennial Budget.
Mr. Aaker provided an overview of the revenue requirement forecast and stated that
utility rates should be self-supporting, and rates are set to recover the cost of providing
the service. In summary, a 6.5% annual increase from 2025-2027 and 4.5% annual
increase for 2028 and 2029 was identified. He also shared the ending fund balance
projections and the bimonthly ready-to-serve rate schedule forecast. He noted that the
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City's connection charges were calculated in 2012 and have not changed since then.
Generally, connection charges are one-time charges which can be used for capital only
for citywide facilities and provide revenue for capital and include future and existing
infrastructure costs. Additionally, he reported a proposed phased-in update to the
domestic water installation and connection fees, which were found to be significantly
under the amount to recover actual costs for labor and the cost of the meter plus the
service line.
B. Resolution authorizing an Interlocal Agreement with Washington Traffic Safety
Commission for traffic safety emphasis patrols
Yakima Police Sergeant Scott Grant briefed the Council on the proposed resolution
regarding traffic safety emphasis patrols.
The City Clerk read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Brown moved and Deccio seconded to adopt the resolution. The motion
carried by a 6-1 roll call vote; with Glenn voting no.
RESOLUTION NO. R-2024-194, A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager of the
City of Yakima to execute an Interlocal Agreement Between the City of Yakima and the
Washington Traffic Safety Commission for funding to provide traffic safety emphasis
patrols.
4. Review of Proposed 2025-2026 Biennial Priority Based Budget Session
A. City Administration Budget Presentation - City Council, City Manager, Economic
Development, City Clerks, and Information Technology Services
City Manager Vicki Baker presented an overview of the services and programs provided
by the City Administration Divisions including City Council, City Manager, Economic
Development, City Clerk's Office, and Information Technology Services.
The City Council's programs consist of AWC membership, stipends, travel/training, and
lobbying efforts. The City Manager programs are made up of city management and
special project professional services. Economic Development programs include Arts
Commission, YCDA contract, fireworks celebration, and federal lobbying efforts. The
City Clerk's office provides programs related to the Public Records Act, Open Public
Meetings Act, Records Management, elections, and LEOFF 1 Pension boards for Police
and Fire retirees. The Information Technology Services Division supports
infrastructure/security programs, GIS, application development, computer operations,
and application development and ongoing support.
B. Human Resources Department Budget Presentation
Director of Human Resources Connie Mendoza presented an overview of the services
and costs associated with the Human Resources Division budget which includes
programs related to personnel administration, payroll administration, Civil Service (for
Police, Fire, and Charter employees), employee health benefit administration, MiCare
Clinic services, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and employee wellness
programs, unemployment compensation and worker's compensation programs.
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C. Community Relations Budget Presentation
Communication and Public Affairs Manager Randy Beehler presented an overview of
the Community Relations Division budget. The primary programs and services
provided include management and administration of the City's communication
initiatives, operation of two cable television channels, administration of cable and
telecommunications franchises, and public affairs initiatives. Mr. Beehler noted that
revenues from franchise fees and public education government (PEG) fees have
covered these expenses; however, these revenues have decreased, and revenues may
no longer adequately fund these activities in the foreseeable future.
D. Airport Budget Presentation
Yakima Air Terminal Director Robert Hodgman presented a budget overview of the
airport operations including general aviation for business and commercial passenger
service. Mr. Hodgman shared data about the positive economic impact on cities near
an airport. He noted that the Yakima Air Terminal is primarily funded by grants through
the Federal Aviation Administration and Washington State Department of
Transportation Aviation which cover expenses related to the airfield, air terminal, and
airport administration. Revenue sources consist of land and facility leases, airport
parking, advertising, landing fees, and grants.
E. Fleet and Facilities Budget Presentation
Fleet and Facilities Manager Kerry Jones presented a budget overview of the
equipment rental and building maintenance services including fuel management,
storage and distribution. Fleet maintenance acquisition and capital replacement do not
include Police and Fire vehicles. Fleet recently began purchasing police and fire
equipment but does not provide maintenance to them. Responsibilities also include
rehabilitation, maintenance, and custodial services for City Hall, Public Works Complex,
Henry Beauchamp Jr. Community Center (HBCC), Yakima Public Affairs (YPAC)
building, MiCare Clinic, and the former Bank of America building.
F. Wastewater/Stormwater Budget Presentation
Wastewater Manager Mike Price presented a budget overview of the Wastewater and
Stormwater divisions. Mr. Price noted that these two divisions are supported by an
enterprise fund that generates revenues through rates based on the cost of providing
services. He also highlighted division accomplishments and current and future
challenges. Staff shared the recommended wastewater rate increases for various
charges to keep pace with inflating operating and maintenance expenses and comply
with capital program requirements of maintaining adequate fund balances. Staff also
proposed a 7% annual increase to the stormwater fee.
G. Water/Irrigation Division Budget Presentation
Water/Irrigation Manager Mike Shane presented a budget overview of the services and
costs provided by the Water and Irrigation Division including water distribution, water
treatment, and maintenance for irrigation distribution and operations. In addition to
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recent accomplishments and proposed water and irrigation capital projects, Mr. Shane
shared recommended water rate increases through 2029 to support annual operating
and maintenance costs, debt service, and capital program expenditures.
H. Finance Department Budget Presentation - Finance, Purchasing, and Utilities Divisions
Director of Finance and Budget Viren Mayani and Financial Services Manager Kimberly
Domine presented a budget overview of the Finance Division programs and services
consisting of producing a balanced budget, the Annual Comprehensive Financial
Report, accounts payable, grants, debt management, cash and investments, capital
management, and administrative support.
Finance Manager Kimberly Domine presented budgetary information regarding
programs offered through the Purchasing Division including purchase of goods and
services, compliance for Certificates of Insurance, P-card program, surplus disposition,
and purchasing policy and procedures. Ms. Domine also shared the current year's
statistics.
Utility Services Manager Anabel Chavez presented an overview of services and costs
associated with the Utility Services Division which are comprised of utility meter
services, account billing and receivables, downtown parking permits, the Enterprise
Resource Planning software, administrative functions and customer service.
5. Adjournment
MOTION: Brown moved and Deccio seconded to adjourn to the next City Council
study session on October 29, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
The motion carried by unanimous vote. The meeting adjourned at 9:44 p.m.
CERTIFICATION
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