HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/12/1983 Adjourned Meeting 156 DECEMBER 12, 1983
ADJOURNED MEETING - BUDGET WRAP-UP
The City Council net in session on this date at 1:30 p.m. in the Council
Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Council members present were
Mayor Lynn Carmichael, Clarence Barnett, Lynn Buchanan, Henry Beauchamp,
Shirley Doty and W. K. "Pete" Moore. Council member Jack Sparling
absent.
Mayor Carmichael advised that Terry Wakefield, a Wastewater Treatment
Plant employee, wished to address the Council regarding the Sew budget
tomorrow morning.
It was decided that Council would proceed by following the City
Manager's memo of December 9, on Final 1984 Preliminary Budget
Status/Policy Decisions, beginning with Page 1 of Exhibit
TATER7OPERATING
A. Microcomputer
It was MOVED by Barnett, seconded by DOty to approve the
microcomputer purchase, subject to the limitation imposed, which is
after the appropriate study has been made. Council member Buchanan
voiced his objection stating he did not want to approve something
that was in the future and wished to review the study and confirm
this is needed before making a decision. council member Moore
concurred and stated he would not vote in favor of the motion. The
motion failed by 3-3 voice vote. Council members Moore, Buchanan
and Beauchamp voting nay. Sparling absent.
B. Water Utility Tax Rampdown
City Manager Zais advised that this rampdown also applies to Sewer
as well, and would result in a reduction in revenue to the General
Fund. Council 'manber Buchanan questioned whether the City is
required to reduce these taxes now or in the future. City Manager
Zais stated the City is not obligated to do so except for the
- private sector tax which must be reduced to 6%. Council member
Barnett requested consideration be given to a rampdown on a much
smaller scale to begin with, such as 0.5% for 1984. It was MOVED
by Moore, seconded by Doty to ramixlown the sewer and water utility
tax 0.5% per year for five years, making it a total of 10%, and
then be subject to review. After brief discussion, the question
was called for a vote on the motion. Unanimously carried by voice
vote. Sparling absent.
DOMESTIC WATER IMPROVEMENT
A. Englewood Heights Reservoir
B. High Zone Study
C. Pacific Street Watermain
It was MOVED by Doty, seconded by Barnett to approve the
expenditures for Items A, B, and C in the amounts of $175,000,
$11,312 and $45,000, respectively. Unanimously carried by voice
vote. Sparling absent.
D. Gleed Water
Council member Moore stated he was opposed to budgeting $250,000
since it gives a false impression that the City is planning to
spend this much to rectify the problem, and that this money should
remain in the contingendy reserve fund. It was MOVED by Mbore,
seconded by Buchanan to strike Item D from the budget. Unanimously
carried by voice vote. council member Doty abstaining due to
possible conflict of interest. Sparling absent.
IRRIGATION
A. Diversion Dan Rehab
Dennis Covell, Director of Engineering & Utilities, explained if
Bonneville Power were to provide funding, it would be approximately
$119,000 to apply against the total projected. This amount, along
with existing funding, he said, would reduce the shortfall to
$200,000. However, without this, the City would face a shortfall
of approximately $300,000. Council mernber Moore stated that
although he understands BPA has turned the City down, BPA still
DECEMBER 12, 1983 157
shows funding of the Fishway and Fish Screen for the diversion dam
in its budget, except at a later date, and recouvended the City
wait until that future date before proceeding. Mr. Covell stated
this is a possibility; however, the dam may not survive until then.
City Attorney Andrews explained that BPA is restricted by law from
funding a fish enhancement program if there is some other agency,
through sane other law, so mandated to fund the program. He
further explained that BPA probably had this in its budget subject
to legal approval, and since legal interpretation of this
restriction was given only a week ago, this will probably be
removed fran BPA's budget. Council member Doty reminded Council
that this $45,000 FRS for the fish screen is a mandated
expenditure. It was MOVED by Barnett, seconded by Doty that the
$45,000 of Federal Revenue Share money be approved. Unanimously
II/ ' carried by voice vote. Sparling absent.
B. Irrigation Rate Increase 5%
It was MOVED by Barnett, seconded by Buchanan to defer this item
until after appropriate worksheets have been prepared by staff, to
then be submitted for Council consideration. Unanimously carried
by voice vote. Sparling absent.
TOURIST PROMOTION
It was MOVED by Barnett, seconded by Buchanan to approve the expenditure
of $1,000 for the Centennial Celebration utilizing the depreciation fund
of the Yakima Center and that appropriate design for the paperweight be
brought back to Council at a later date. Unanimously carried by voice
vote. Sparling absent.
CAPITOL THEATRE
A. Crosswalk between Capitol Theatre and City Parking Lot on South 3rd
Street
It was MOVED by Doty, seconded by Buchanan to approve the
expenditure for a crosswalk between the Capitol Theatre and the
City Parking lot on South 3rd Street in the amount of $3,325.
Unanimously carried by voice vote. Sparling absent.
B. Establish a Capitol Theatre Depreciation Reserve
C. Code Deficiencies: (1) Exits, and (2) Seat Risers and Hand Rails
D. Maintenance Needs - Air Conditioning
Council member Moore stated that a report fran the Capitol Theatre
Committee approximately a year ago asked for the establishment of a
depreciation reserve fund, and that at that time he had suggested
that the interest revenue from the $1 million insurance settlement
be used and kept in tact for that purpose; furtheLnure, he would
still like to see this occur. He stated he felt the air
conditioning maintenance should be funded fran the depreciation
reserve. Council member Moore also said he is opposed to spending
$150,000 to add additional exits to the Theatre since it is not
required by Code and could also destroy it as an historical
II/ building. He further stated that the building is safe and meets
the Building Code of 1976 when it was reconstructed. Council
member Doty questioned where the money would cove from since it is
not currently in the depreciation reserve account. Council member
More explained that it would be borrowed and paid back into the
depreciation reserve account, with interest, always maintaining the
$1 million. It was MOVED by Mbore, seconded by Buchanan to
establish a Capitol Theatre Depreciation Reserve based on the
interest earned from the $1 million insurance fund in existence and
that handrails and seat risers be put into the Capitol Theatre, in
addition to the naintenance needs such as air conditioning, and
that the monies for these items be taken out of the newly created
Depreciation Reserve. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Sparling
absent.
Council member Doty stated that sane people, especially those who
have been in the audience of the Capitol Theatre, feel
uncomfortable and are desirous of additional exits in the building,
and requested that consideration be given to receiving a third
opinion about the need of same. Mayor Carmichael concurred in
wanting an outside unbiased opinion as to the need for additional
exits. It was MOVED by Doty, seconded by Beauchamp to delay a
decision on Item C(1) regarding the exits until Council has a
158 DECEMBER 12, 1983
chance to bring in at least one other objective viewpoint. The
motion carried by 4-2 voice vote. Barnett and Moore voting nay.
Sparling absent. Eli Ashley, Capitol Theatre Manager, requested
that other theaters be studied along with the Capitol Theatre when
the outside third party does its study. (Council member Beauchamp
absent after 3:00 p.m.)
WASTEWATER PLANT CAPITAL RESERVE
A. River Dike Project
It was MOVED by Barnett, seconded by Doty to approve the River Dike
Project in the amount of $100,000. Unanimously carried by voice
vote. Beauchamp and Sparling absent.
SEWER CONSTRUCTION FUND
A. Sewer Rehabilitation Project (Infiltration)
It was MOVED by Barnett, seconded by Doty to approve the Sewer
Rehabilitation Project and Infiltration in the amount of $150,000.
Unanimously carried by voice vote. Beauchamp and Sperling absent.
SEWER
B. Strong Waste Surcharge
It was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Barnett to approve the staff
recommendation of not increasing the surcharge, thereby eliminating
$111,000 from the Revenue column. Unanimously carried by voice
vote. Beauchamp and Sparling absent.
A. Personnel Reclassification (Operations)
John Fisher, Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager, explained that the
request by T Wakefield does not apply to this item. It was
MOVED by Barnett, seconded by Buchanan to defer this matter until
after completion of Contract No. 6. Dennis Covell, Director of
Engineering and Utilities, explained that although Contract No. 6
is considered final, there is still some "clean-up" work which will
be completed by July 31, 1984. Council member Doty stated she
could agree to a delay of no more than six months. The question
was called for a vote on the motion. Unanimously carried by voice
vote.- Beauchamp and Sparling absent.
REFUSE
A. Solid Waste in Lieu of Tax - Change from 8% to 6% Savings
B. General Fund Revenue Reduction
City Manager Zais explained that the ($30,600) under General Fund
Revenue Reduction includes the private hauler income the City
receives. He also advised that Items A and B will require
legislation to con e before Council. It was MOVED by Doty, seconded
by Buchanan to decrease the solid waste in lieu of tax from 8% to
6%, which also effects the General Fund revenue. Unanimously
carried by voice vote. Beauchamp and Sparling absent.
EQUIPMENT RENTAL AND REVOLVING
A. 1984 Replacement Reserves (General Government)
B. 1984 Fleet Capital Outlay
It was the general consensus of the Council to consider this matter
under the heading of Federal Revenue Sharing.
TRANSIT
A. Expanded Marketing Plan
Council member Barnett stated that since there is only an
anticipated increase of fare box revenue of approximately $20,000,
he could not justify the expenditure of $52,000 to raise this
amount; therefore, he would recommend limiting the Marketing Plan
expenditure to the amount of the farebox revenue increase. Bill
Schultz, Transit Manager, explained that the $51,950 is
approximately a $30,000 increase over 1983. Council member
Buchanan stated he would rather stay at the present marketing
level, which is approximately $20,000. Council member Doty stated
she could not agree to eliminating the entire requested increase
and would recommend a budgeted expenditure of $30,000. It was
DECEMBER 12, 1983 159
MOVED by Barnett, seconded by Buchanan that the expanded Marketing
Plan be fixed at $25,000. Unanimously Carried by voice vote.
Beauchamp and Sparling absent.
B. Elderl /Handicapped Service Funding Level/Fees for Service
Council member Barnett requested clarification as to how the
$93,000 figure was determined and if it represents 31/2% of the
transit sales tax. Bill Schultz, Transit Manager, explained that
it is not quite double 31/2%. Bob Wheeler, Accounting Manager,
stated that 31/2% of the transit sales tax is approximately $56,000.
Bill Schultz stated they are requesting a restatement of the
original policy, since the .original intent to limit the expense was
pegged at 31/2%, but was based on receiving matching UMTA funds.
Since the City no longer receives UMTA funds, he said, this
II/ figuratively reduces the program in half. It was MOVED by Barnett,
seconded by Buchanan to authorize up to 5.8% of the transit sales
tax for the City's program for elderly and handicapped services
funding level. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Beauchamp and
Sparling absent.
It was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by Moore to establish a 25 fee
for services for the elderly and handicapped for a one-way ride.
Motion carried by 4-1 voice vote. Barnett voting nay. Beauchamp
and Sparling absent.
C. Transit Dispatch
It was the general consensus of the Council to delay a decision on
this matter until additional information is available. (Buchanan
absent after 3:55 p.m.)
D. Transit Fleet - Spare Components and Painting
It was MOVED. by Barnett, seconded by Moore to authorize the
expenditure of $44,500 from the Transit Capital Fund for spare
parts and painting. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Beauchamp,
Buchanan and Sparling absent.
PARKS AND RECREATION
City Manager Zais wished to bring to Council's attention certain items
which appear on Exhibits I and II involving. the Parks Division, stating
that, as so noted, the 1983 projected actual for Parks will require a
year-end appropriation of approximately $70,000. On Exhibit II it was
requested that the $30,295 under '84 Beginning Balance be corrected to
$23,327; and the last column, '84 Projected Ending Balance figure of
$22,949 he changed to $15,981. City Manager Zais stated the Parks
revenue balance is not offsetting the total budgeted for the department.
A. Contract Out CBD Maintenance
It was MOVED by Doty, seconded by Barnett to approve $31,700 to
contract out CBD maintenance. Unanimously carried by voice vote.
Beauchamp, Buchanan and Sparling absent.
II/ B. Supervised Leisure Activities
Council member Barnett stated that his interpretation on this item
and on Item E - Senior Center Recreation Leader Position, is these
items are calling for additional funds that are unbudgeted or the
funds have already been expended and there is not much of a balance
for Items B and E. Jodi Wroblewski, Recreation Superintendent,
stated the Senior Center position is responsible for the tour
program, which is doing very well. City Manager Zais explained
that the requested funds are caning out of the cash balance and not
from the revenue generated by the tours, since this revenue has
already been accounted for within the budget. Mayor Carmichael
stated she did not want to expand the Senior Center position unless
it could definitely be funded by the revenue generated from the
tours. It was MOVED by Doty, seconded by Barnett to stay with the
budgeted amount of $9,500 for supervised leisure activities and
attempt to generate new ideas on improving the program.
Unanimously carried by voice vote. Beauchamp, Buchanan and
Sparling absent.
160
DECEMBER 12, 1983
C. Reconstruction/Modernization of Lions Pool
Council member Barnett stated that on Page 251 of the preliminary
budget it lists other funding alternatives for Lions Pool, and
requested that staff follow through with contacting the Yakima
School District. He further stated that he is opposed to using FRS
funds or a General Obligation Bond Issue. He requested that
consideration be given to utilizing other City employees from other
departments Who could assist in applying for grants. Council
member Doty also recommended the possibility of receiving
assistance from certain people in the community who have this
expertise. Assistant City Manager Wittenberg volunteered his
services, since he has previous experience in this area.
D. Aquatics Subsidy-Fee Study/Evaluation to be conducted
After a brief discussion, it was the general consensus of the
Council to temporarily set Item D aside.
II/
E. Senior Center Recreation Leader Position - Increase to Full Time
Mayor Carmichael stated she is not willing to go more than 3/4 time
for this position. It was MOVED by Barnett, seconded by Doty to
Maintain the position at 11 time and authorize staff to come back at
a later date for additional consideration. Unanimously carried by
voice vote. Beauchamp, Buchanan and Sparling absent.
There being no further business to cone before the Council, it was MOVED
by Doty, seconded by Barnett that this meeting be adjourned at the hour
of 4:30 p.m. to then meet on December 13, 1983 at 9:00,a.m. in the
Council chambers, City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Unanimously carried by
voice vote. Beauchamp, Buchanan and Sparling absent.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY Na/a.A.- DATE
COUNCIL :ER
DATE / P/
COUNCIL MEMBER
ATTEST:
4 Oa -1\aii)
CITY CLERK 0 MAYOR
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