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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/04/1979 Study Session ' 389 STUDY SESSION -- BUDGET REVIEW DECEMBER 4, 1979 The City Council met in session on this date at 9:00 A.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington; Mayor Betty L. Edmondson. presiding, Council members Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Buchanan, Don Hinman, 1 Nadine Lee, Frank Roberts and Gordon Wonder present on roll call. Mayor Edmondson announced that there needs to be a change made in the budget review schedule as Carol Darby is unable to make her presentation on December 6, 1979. Following discussion, it was the general consensus of the Council to schedule the budget review on the Community Development Department for Monday, December 10, 1979, at 2:00 P.M. PUBLIC WORKS: II/ Willis White, Director of Public Works, stated that his department is composed of Water, Sewer, Transportation, Streets, Refuse and City Shops Divisions. He gave a brief recap of his budget stating that the operational budget expenditures are estimated to be $7,964,401 and that revenues are expected to be $7,920,394. Street Division: Mr. White stated that in 1978 there were 26 employees in this division; in 1980 it is proposed that there be 20 employees. He reported that this year a Street Inspector and a Concrete Specialist will be deleted from the budget. Mr. White spoke about the Sidewalk Repair Program being decreased in 1980, thus, reducing the need for the Concrete Specialist. Councilman Wonder expressed concern about. not doing a Sidewalk Repair Program which could result in injuries to citizens and involve the City in lawsuits'. City Manager Zais state& that the current program of 50/50 shared costs of repair of sidewalks between the City and the homeowner is not efficient, as the homeowner is either unwilling or unable to pay their share. He also stated that the State allows the City to charge 100% of the,repair costs to the homeowner. Mr. White stated that he is requesting that $17,000 from FRS funds be used to fund the position of Street Specialist I, which is proposed to be deleted. He explained the Sealcoat Program, stating that it is proposed to be put on a nine year cycle. Several Council members expressed concern about lengthening the cycle. Mr. White stated that he is requesting FRS funds in the amount of $30,000 to bring the Sealcoat Program back to a five to seven year cycle. Mr. White reported that next year it is planned to charge the property owner for Spring Cleanup costs. Council members discussed policy of disposal of used rock after the Sealcoat Program— City Manager Zais stated that a legal opinion and inquiry from the State Auditor's Office was obtained and it was their opinion that it is considered a gift of public funds to give the used rock to citizens. Councilman Buchanan inquired if the used rock could be sold to citizens because the cost of disposing of the rock is so expensive. It was the general consensus of the Council to request staff to investigate this suggestion. Mr. White explained the Street Sweeping Program for 1980 and gave the schedule on how often the streets are swept. Council members expressed concern about placing the hospital areas and the YVC area on a priority basis when the City has grown so large. Mr. White reviewed the street maintenance budget stating that $4,000 of FRS funds has been requested to cover emergency street work. He stated that the $17,610 budgeted for snow and ice removal covers material and equipment rental only, it does not cover any labor costs. Transit: Mr. White distributed a supplement to the Preliminary Budget, giving changes in expenditures. He stated that Daniel Newton has been hired as Transit Manager and that he will begin his duties on December 17, 1979. Mr. White stated that the Transit Supervisor position is proposed to be replaced with a Marketing Specialist. He also stated that a Department Assistant I position will be deleted and a Dispatcher position will be created. He stated that 390 STUDY SESSION -- BUDGET REVIEW DECEMBER 4, 1979 a Laborer position for cleaning buses will be added to this Division, which was previously performed by a CETA person. Several Council members questioned the need for a Marketing Specialist. Mr. White •stated that that position won't be filled until the new Transit Manager becomes familiar with the transit operations and can make recommendations. He reported that staff is preparing the UMTA application for 1980. Refuse: Willis White described the route book and labeling system in the Refuse Division. He stated that a Department Assistant II has been requested to keep the route books updated. The deletion of two City Worker II's and seven City Worker III's is also being proposed. Council discussed the issue of bin collection for housing units of four or less, and for four or greater upon request. Mr. White reported that it is planned to increase the bin collection by 22 accounts and $5,000 has been budgeted to purchase II/ bins, if necessary. He also stated that a rate increase for residential and bin service is being considered for 1981. Water/Sewer: Mr. White stated that he plans to come to Council at the first of the year for a Water rate increase of approximately 55%. He stated the City is using 10 million gallons of water a day. He reported that he is working with the Fire Department on a Fire Hydrant Study. He explained that the increase in the potable water supply is basically due to inflation. He also reviewed the budget for the Irrigation Division. Mr. White reviewed the personnel chart of the Sewer Division stating that this division has been understaffed for quite a while. He also reviewed the $7,000 of requested capital outlay for this division. He stated that a rate increase in sewer may happen before four years. Equipment Rental: Mr. White stated that there is no change in personnel in this budget for equipment rental. He reported that some landscaping will be done at the City. Shops using EDA funds. He reviewed the Fleet Maintenance budget. Council members discussed the Maintenance and Operation rate which Mr. White explained is paid back by the departments on an actual incurred cost basis for the previous year. Mayor Edmondson questioned the wisdom of using last year's figures without adding an inflation factor. Mr. White stated that the average hourly rate charged to departments is $24.00. Mr. White reviewed the mainstem program and how it is vital to the maintenance of the vehicles. There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at the hour of 4:0 P.M. III 1 , READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY 9 ., , A_, A I Ai DATE 1.2240 A ar . 1171k / • dig DATE — COUNCILMAN ATTEST: / .of r -er: ./Ardr d CITY CL /I" MAYOR