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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 440 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 II/ 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 delt CIL MEMBER ATTEST: CITY CLERK MAYOR --