HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/13/1984 Adjourned Meeting 414
NOVEMBER 13, 1984
ADJOURNED MEETING - BUDGET REVIEW
The City Council met in session on this date at 9:30 A.M. in the Council
Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Council members present were
Mayor Clarence Barnett, Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Calmichael, Shirley Doty
and Jerry Foy. Council member Lynn Buchanan present after 9:45 A.M.
Council member Jack Sparling absent.
TRAFFIC ENGINEERING
Dennis Covell, Director of Engineering and Utilities, and Hank Hein,
Supervising Traffic Engineer, were available to respond to Council's
questions. Mr. Hein presented a brief overview of the Traffic Safety
Advisory Committee, Sign Amnesty Week, school traffic signals and the
II/
DWI seat belt issue. He informed Council that Yakima County is the
second worst county in the State in regard to the usage of seat belts.
Council member Carmichael questioned the authenticity of a firm which is
"loaning" car seats. Staff indicated that they will look into this
matter. Mr. Hein noted that street light energy is down substantially.
Two major policy issues that are of concern to Mr. Hein are: vision
obscurements and the painting of crosswalks with plastic paint. Mayor
Barnett expressed his concern with the decreased interest in vision
obscurements, which is an unbudgeted item. Council member Doty ques-
tioned the need for temporary personnel, stating that in the past no-
tices were sent to the property owners prior to the trimming of
branches, shrubs, etc. that obstruct traffic. Council member Foy ques-
tioned if there is an ordinance enforcing this issue. Mr. Hein res-
ponded in the affirmative, however, it is not being enforced. (Council
member Lynn Buchanan present after 9:45 A.M.) Council member Doty stated
that if $4,000 is to be spent on temporary help, she would rather the
monies be spent on enforcing the ordinance. Discussion was held regard-
ing the number of notices being sent to property owners and the cost of
trimming their trees. (City Manager Zais present after 9:55 A.M.)
Council member Doty suggested that together with the second notice,
staff should include the cost of work to be done by the City. Council
member Buchanan suggested that a flat fee be charged for routine trim-
ming. Mayor Barnett expressed his concern with Traffic Engineering
receiving 32% of the travel budget for the entire Engineering Depart-
ment. Mr. Hein reiterated that the figure includes the costs of mileage
reimbursement rates and training costs. Council member Beauchamp ques-
tioned the proposed personnel changes and the capital outlay request for
two-way radios.
ENGINEERING
Dennis Covell, Director of Engineering and Utilities, and Dennis Bertek,
City Engineer, were available to respond to Council's questions. Mr.
Bertek reviewed the projects for this year and the reorganization of the
Department of Engineering and Utilities. He stated that a high emphasis
is being placed on productivity and personnel. Council member Beauchamp
questioned what warrants the proposed addition of two staff members.
Mr. Bertek elaborated on the duties to be perfoLmed by the additional
personnel. Discussion was held among Council and staff on the duties of
the Engineering staff. Council member Doty suggested that perhaps a
student from J. M. Perry Institute could receive on-the-job training by
doing Engineering Technician duties. City Manager Zais provided a
detailed breakdown of personnel costs. Mr. Bertek stated that although
this request is a 10.9% increase in personnel the additional staff is
needed to keep the Department's records current.
There being no further business to come before the Council, it was MOVED
by Carmichael, seconded by Buchanan that this meeting be adjourned at
the hour of 11:00 A.M. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Sparling
absent.
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