HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/03/1984 Adjourned Meeting 439
DECEMBER 3, 1984
ADJOURNED MEETING - BUDGET REVIEW
The City Council met in session on this date at 1:30 p.m. in the Council
Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Council members present were
Mayor Clarence Barnett, Lynn Buchanan, Lynn Carmichael, and Shirley
Doty. Council member Henry Rauchamp present at 3:05 p.m.! Council
member Jerry Foy absent and excused.
FINANCE
John Hanson, Director of Finance and Budget, and Bob Wheeler, Accounting
Manager, were present to respond to Council's questions regarding the
proposed budget for 1985. Mr. Wheeler stated the one single most
important thing the City can do for the fiscal quality of the City is a
fixed asset study. He indicated there has never been an adequate
recordkeeping system and the City does not have any personnel with the
expertise to conduct such a study. He added once the asset study is
completed the City can then apply for a Certificate of Performance which
will enable the City to save IA to 1/2% on various bond issues. Mr.
Wheeler stated he is hopeful this can be added to the 1984 or 1985
audget so that a study can be completed by December 31, 1984. Mr.
Hanson reviewed the Major Policy Issues proposed, and explained the
changes which are being contemplated in the Cit
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Rick Pettyjohn, Information Systems Manager, presented his preliminary
budget for 1985. He explained that he proposes to upgrade some of his
existing staff because they have been working out of their current
classifications for most of this year, and should be appropriately
compensated. A brief discussion followed regarding the proposed
purchase of a stapler/stitching machine, an envelope stuffer (to be
utilized by the Copy Center and various city departments) and computer
software.
CUSTOMER SERVICES
Customer Service Manager, Bert Tabayoyon, was present to answer
questions regarding the 1985 preliminary budget for animal control,
parking facilities and water/sewer customer service. Expenditures and
revenues for the 1984 animal control operations were reviewed.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
City Manager Zais explained that this fund will also be used for the
diversion dam project. He stated there will be supplemental material
submitted to Council on Tuesday, December 4, for Council's review and
study.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL
Council member Carmichael questioned where the City stands on
contributions to the Library. City Manager Zais stated new assessments
from the County indicate the City is behind in contributions. Mr. Zais
pointed out that the County has a different contract than the City,
wherein they are legally obligated to make payments. He stated the City
contract indicates the Council has the right to assign any amount it
determines each year for the Library. He stated the Library has
indicated they are comfortable with the amount Council has allocated for
next year.
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
Council member Carmichael suggested that Council take the $1,000
allocated in Account 410 and utilize it towards reestablishing
membership in the National League of Cities.
LEGAL
Council member Doty questioned why the transportation account (430) has
been increased from $792 to $2,000 in the 1985 budget. City Attorney
Andrews stated the attorneys are required to attend certain meetings in
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order to keep their licenses. He stated they paid part of their own
travel expenses in order to attend this year's conference and the City
Manager allocated funds from last year for travel expenses. City
Attorney Andrews also pointed out that two of the conferences had been
held in Yakima, eliminating the need for travel outside the City,
however, next year those two conferences will be held elsewhere, thus
increasing the amount for travel expenses during 1985.
RECORDS
City Manager Zais and City Clerk Roberts spoke to the issue of
attempting to have minutes transcribed in a two-week timeframe. Mrs.
Roberts indicated the office personnel has been trained on the memory
typewriter, however, only having one memory typewriter in the office
makes it difficult for everyone to be able to share the machine.
Therefore, a second memory typewriter has been budgeted in the 1985
budget. Mrs. Roberts also indicated the remodeling of the office area
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should greatly assist in the attempt to have the minutes prepared on a
more timely basis.
PERSONNEL
Bob Weaver, Personnel Officer was present to respond to Council's
questions regarding the proposed budget for 1985. Mt, Weaver stated the
cash reserves are estimated at $703,440 and believes this to be a
responsible figure. He stated they are currently trying to build up the
unemployment compensation fund, but feels this fund is in reasonable
condition also. He stated the $400,000 interfund loan will also be
repaid to the Medical Reserve Fund this year. Mr. Weaver indicated the
last two pages of his report contains information regarding the
reclassifications done this year. He stated 50% of the requests had
been rejected by staff or by Civil Sevice Commission as not meeting the
guidelines and three of the positions that were reclassed did not effect
their salary, only their job duties and responsibilities.
PURCHASING
Mayor Barnett commented that it appears the City lost money by having
the special numbers for scan calls. Jean Reid, Purchasing Agent,
explained that the cost to the City was higher, however, the bills are
100% accountable due to the employees being assigned their own special
numbers. Mrs. Reid pointed out that the City does save a considerable
amount of money by utilizing the scan system for long distance calls.
City Manager Zais pointed out that Mks. Reid will be President of the
Pacific Northwest Purchasing Agent's Association and the conference will
be held in Yakima next year. She currently serves as Treasurer for the
Association.
Bob Wheeler, Accounting Manager, stated in April of 1984 the City paid
off the 1962 Street Bond and has $100,000 remaining to pay on the
Airport Bond.
It was MOVED by Doty, seconded by Carmichael to adjourn this meeting at
the hour of 3:40 p.m., to then meet at 2:00 p.m., December 4, 1984 in
the Council chambers. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Foy absent.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY C 1)..1AAN DATE ////*
UNCIL MEMBER
DATE19i.„ 75
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CIL MEMBER
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CITY CLERK MAYOR --