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
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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
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