HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/09/1981 Adjourned Meeting ADJOURNED MEETING - BUDGET REVIEW
DECEMBER 9, 1981
The City Council net in session on this date at 9:00 a.m. in the Council
Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Council members present were
Mayor Betty L. Edmondson, Clarence Barnett, Henry Beauchamp, Lynn
Buchanan, Lynn Carmichael, and Shirley Doty. Council member an Hinman
present after 12:20 p.m. and Council member Buchanan absent after 12:10
p.m.
City Manager Zais referred to the Parks & Recreation Budget and the
reorganization suggestion. He explained that recommendations from the
Parks Commission will also be incorporated in the Budget presentation.
Parks Director, Dick Hilligus distributed some material, reviewing these
and the Parks Budget by the following Service units: Parks Maintenance,
Supervised Leisure Activities, Golf Course Activities, Aquatic
Activities, Senior Citizens Activities, Administration, Cemetery, Parks
and. Recreation Capital, Insurance and General Revenues (Loan Repayment).
He pointed out the organizational chart and explained the proposed
changes in responsibilities. Expenditures, revenues and the differences
were discussed in detail. Council members asked questions about the
source of revenues. Parks Director Hilligus explained that revenues
were gained from rentals, field lights., Association rentals, Slow Pitch,
Softball, Regional Tournaments, etc. He explained the use of seasonal
workers and related costs. He talked about various neighborhood
programs. Council member Doty asked about volunteer work. Parks &
Recreation Director Hilligus explained that every service club was
contacted as well as the garden clubs. He stated that there needs to be
some kind of plan of action -- when and who to contact, etc. Members of
the Parks Commission present indicated that they will look into this
matter. The Golf Course Activities Budget was presented and no
questions were asked. The Aquatics Activities Budget was presented.
There was a lengthy discussion on the suggested closing of Washington
Pool. Council member Beauchamp stated he is against closing Washington
pool. Mayor Edmondson not that the Washington Pool was put in by the
Bond issue. It was suggested that if Washington Pool were closed, that
arrangements be made to get the children to another pool. After further
discussion, it was the general consensus of the Council that staff
instruct the Parks Commission to make a study comparison of the pools --
a pool analysis, costs, revenues, etc.
The Council recessed at 11:30 a.m. to hold a news conference, and then
core back to continue the meeting.
The Council meeting reconvened at 12:10 p.m. Council member Buchanan
absent. The Parks and Recreation Budget was further reviewed. Parks
Director Hilligus referred to the Senior Citizens Budget and explained
that the permanent part-time Senior Center Clerk that is being requested
will act as a tour coordinator and will be funded by revenues from tours
and other revenue producing programs. There was discussion regarding
volunteer help by the Senior Citizens themselves and it was noted that
they do volunteer work with bazaars and other programs. (Council member
Hinman present after 12 :20 p.m.) The proposed reorganization in
Administration was explained in detail which includes deleting office
staff Department Assistant IV and transferring expenditures to pay for
Accounting Technician services in the Finance Department. Most duties
in the Park Office now being done by the Department Assistant IV are
included in Accounting Technician duties and should become a Finance
Department function. It was not that this proposal is in conformance
with the recommendation of the State Examiner's 1980 Audit findings. It
was further noted that the Parks Commission strongly advises that the
Accounting Technician be housed at the Parks Department administrative
office. Parks Director Hilligus reviewed the Tahana Cemetery Budget,
explaining that staffing will continue at the same level with the
exception of the request for two five -month full -time City Workers and
the reclassification of one Laborer to Equipment Operator I due to his
increased work load. He also explained the proposed request to increase
fees in certain areas to cover the costs. The next item brought on for
Parks budget discussion, was the letter and attachments from the AFSCME
Local Executive Board and Fhtployee Committee regarding suggested 1982
Park and Recreation Budget Alternatives. Mary Hersey, Union
Representative, reviewed the proposed alternatives in detail stating the
Union, on behalf of Parks and Recreation employees, proposes a
reorganization of this department by transferring the responsibility for
its management to the Public Works Director and making Parks and
Recreation a division of Public Works. She answered questions from
Council members regarding the proposal. City Manager Zais indicated
ADJOURNED MEETING - BUDGET REVIEW
DECEMBER 9, 1981
•h4 although the above mentioned committee represents 100% of the Parks
Department employees, there are some who have reservations about the
proposed plan mentioned in their letter. He requested that any
employees who have an opinion on this matter, should put their
presentation in writing. No action was taken on the Parks and
Recreation Budget at this time. It was MOVED by Hinman, seconded by
Beauchamp to adjourn this meeting at 12:30 P.M. to again meet in the
Council Chambers on Thursday, December 10, 1981 at 2:00 p.m. for the
purpose of the budget wrap-up. Unanimously carried. Buchanan absent.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY ,._ X DATE
00UNCIL 121 m
DATE
(DUN& MEMBER
ATTEST:
OP
1
CITY CLEr / MAYOR