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
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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.
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