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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/08/1982 Special Meeting 308 NOVEMBER 8, 1982 SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING - PRELIMINARY 1983 BUDGET REVIEW The City Council met in session on this date at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Council members present were Mayor Lynn Carmichael, Clarence Barnett, Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Budhanan, Shirley Doty and W. K. "Pete" More. Council member Jack Sperling present after 2:15 p.m. City Manager Zais turned the meeting over to Denny Covell, Director of Engineering and Utilities and Frank Mabry, Water and Irrigation Super- intendent. Frank Mabry reviewed the content of the information packet distributed to the Council members prior to the meeting. The topics addressed were the breakdown of expenditures of the Water Fund, a debt service ratio analysis of the Water Fund indicating a downward trend, and the reflection of the impact of the Water Fund without a 17% rate increase for 1983. WATER Council member Barnett addressed the proposed capital expenditure of $25,000 for lab equipment for water treatment analysis; the additional responsibilities of grounds maintenance at 40th and Englewood and the River Road pump stations at a cost of $2,000. Council member Beauchamp expressed his concerns over -the proposed purchase of $8,000 for a power mower; specifically the number of man hours required to care for the additional sites at 40th and Englewood and River Road pump stations. Council member Buchanan suggested further investigation into the main- tenance costs of the proposed power mower, suggesting it would entail more than four years to pay off the equipment as indicated in the re- port. Council member Barnett addressed the proposed need of 30 addi tional fire hydrants and their cost. Mr. Mabry explained the majority of the replacements were necessary because of damage. Council member Barnett also questioned the increased expenditures for the State Excise Tax on revenues amounting to approximately $12,500, increasing the annual Excise Tax cost to approximately $75,000. Mr. Mabry indicated the tax increase was from approximately 3.5% to 4.1%. Council member Doty raised the question of the purchase of a portable electric gener- ator and electric switch at a total cost of $80,000 capital outlay. Mr. Mabry indicated the portable generator would keep the City's water system operating in a blackout situation. Council member Barnett and Mayor Carmichael addressed the issue of special irrigation rates granted to the Parks Department and Yakima Public School System originally designed to serve only a one-year period in 1981, Which was extended for 1982. It was suggested to delay a decision on the new rate structure until further information could be obtained regarding the impact that the special irrigation rates would have on the parks and schools. IRRIGATION Council member Beauchamp questioned the duties of five Irrigation Specialists during the off season for irrigation. Mr. Mabry explained the various duties which included repairs, cleaning and maintenance which could only be accomplished during the winter months. Council member Beauchamp inquired if it is possible for employees to be moved within Divisions as workloads required. Mr. Mabry indicated that is possible. Council member Doty suggested Irrigation employees could II/ possibly take their scheduled vacations during the winter months when irrigation is not in use. Council member Beauchamp also suggested Irrigation employees take a 2-3 month lay-off in the winter, thus making several positions permanent pert-time. Mr. Mabry agreed it was a pos- sibility to reduce costs by making mandatory vacations during off- irrigation months. (Council member Moore absent after 4:00 p.m.) Council member Beauchamp inquired about over-time pay incurred by the City when Irrigation employees respond to after hours customer service requests. Council member Beauchamp suggested this charge could be passed onto the customer for this special service. Discussion followed regarding charges for non -egergency after hour customer service re- quests. (Council member Barnett absent after 4:05 p.m.) It was MOVED by Buchanan, seconded by Doty to adjourn the meeting to then net at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 9, 1982 to continue discussion on the 1983 Budget Analysis. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Coun- cil members Moore and Barnett absent. NOVEMBER 8, 1982 3 0 9 SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING - PRELIMINARY 1983 BUDGET REVIEW READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BYI , . /r.., ,. _. DATE / r9ec ' L ODU► CIL ID R _ ' DATE 19 •IUNCIL MFG : R ATTEST: CITY MERK j MAYOR 1