Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/09/2018 Study Session/Adj to Executive Session 407 vo,r, 149 t.,24autV YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION October 9, 2018 City Hall --Council Chambers 9 a.m. -noon -- MINUTES 1. Roll Call Council: Mayor Kathy Coffey, presiding,Assistant Mayor Dulce Gutierrez, Council Members Holly Cousens (on and off via speakerphone), Kay Funk, Brad Hill, Carmen Mendez and Jason White Staff: City Manager Moore,Assistant City Manager Cortez and Acting City Clerk Stephens 2. 2019 Budget Preparation#1 Assistant City Manager Cortez introduced members of the Finance team. Ms. Cortez began with a review of expenses, reserve levels, and reviewed suggested cuts to address the 2019 deficit. Council members discussed how to address structural deficits by changing the City's business model. Assistant City Manager Cortez discussed a Regional Fire District Authority. City Manager Moore noted a study was done in 2012-2013, and Council did not proceed any further. Mayor Coffey reminded Council this is a regional decision and requires partners to move forward.After Council discussion, MOTION: Gutierrez moved and Hill seconded to direct staff to further investigate a Fire District Authority business model. The motion carried by a 6-1 vote, Funk voting no. MOTION: Hill moved and Mendez seconded to direct staff to further investigate a Metropolitan Park District, along with pros and cons of such a district. The motion failed by a 4-3 vote, Funk, Gutierrez, Mendez and White voting no. MOTION: Gutierrez moved and White seconded to adjourn to an Executive Session for up to 30 minutes to discuss possible selling of City land. The motion carried by a 6-1 vote, Funk voting no. Executive Session was held from 10:10 a.m. and adjourned at 10:15 a.m. Council Member Cousens left the meeting (via speakerphone)after Executive Session was held. Council members requested additional information on the inclusion of utility expenses in calculating the reserve deficit, steps to repeal the Charter amendments, how many businesses YC DA has brought to the City of Yakima in the last feW years and Yakima crime rates as compared to other cities in the state with the percentage of investment for police in 408 general funds. Assistant City Manager Cortez reported she was asked to look at privatizing Information Technology and Code Administration; however, the cost to replace these services with contractors would not be a savings. Ms. Cortez stated the Airport is part of enterprise funds and if Council is interested in privatizing the Airport there are a lot of obstacles surrounding this issue.After Council discussion, it was Council consensus not to pursue privatizing the Airport, Information Technology Services or Codes. Council Member Mendez shared that the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) has an insurance plan for cities. It was Council consensus to further investigate this option with AWC. Assistant City Manager Cortez reviewed salaries and benefits.After Council discussion, it was Council consensus (except for Funk)to have reopener language added to union contracts. It was Council consensus to have a study session on the process and strategies of union negotiations by the end of the year. Council Member Cousens rejoined the meeting (via speakerphone) at 11:02 a.m.Assistant City Manager Cortez discussed how to fill the void of the deficit and long term challenges. After discussion, MOTION: Gutierrez moved and Hill seconded to initiate conversations with the Yakima School District regarding the possible transfer of Lions pool facility and tennis courts to the School District. The motion carried by unanimous vote. MOTION: Gutierrez moved and Mendez seconded to schedule an appointment with the Yakima School District within the next ten days and include the Yakima School District Board Chair, Superintendent, City Manager, Mayor, and Deputy Mayor. MOTION: Mendez moved and Gutierrez seconded to amend the motion to include the Vice Chair in the meeting. The amendment carried by unanimous vote. The motion as amended carried by unanimous vote. Assistant City Manager Cortez reviewed the training budget and suggested reducing the travel and training budget. MOTION: Gutierrez moved and Hill seconded to cut the proposed savings under the administrative category equaling$255,002.12. The motion carried by unanimous vote. Council Member Cousens left the meeting (via speakerphone) at 11:36 a.m.Assistant City Manager Cortez reviewed a proposal to eliminate some positions and make new positions, which creates some salary savings. MOTION: Gutierrez moved and Hill seconded to accept the proposed savings for position cuts under the salary saving category in the amount of$546,940.68. The motion carried by a 5-1 vote, Funk voting no, Cousens absent. Assistant City Manager Cortez clarified that this also includes four vacant police officer positions and a fire assistant vacancy. MOTION: Hill moved and Funk seconded to accept the proposed savings and cuts in the quality of life program in the amount of$45,000. The motion carried by a 5-1 409 vote, Mendez voting no, Cousens absent.After Council discussion, MOTION: Gutierrez moved and White seconded to approve the YCDA$50,000 allocation. The motion carried by a 5-1 vote, Mendez voting no, Cousens absent. MOTION: Funk moved and Gutierrez seconded to not fund Jurassic Parliament. MOTION: Gutierrez moved and Hill seconded to amend the motion to approve up to $4,000 for Jurassic Parliament(or not fund$11,000 of the$15,000). The motion to amend carried by unanimous vote, Cousens absent. The motion as amended carried by unanimous vote, Cousens absent. It was Council consensus to have training after the oath of office is taken by new Council members. MOTION: Funk moved to not fund the National League of Cities. Council Member Mendez suggested this issue wait until Council Member Cousens is available. The motion tailed for lack of a second. Council Member Funk stated she wrote letters to Council members regarding an executive session and requested Council read the letters. Mayor Coffey stated she does not think they need to discuss this further. Council Members Mendez, Hill and Gutierrez agreed. 3. Public comment(allow 15 minutes) Luz Ba7an Gutierrez, stated she is representing the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and does not think the deletion of the Cinco De Mayo and 4th of July events is appropriate to do at this time. Tony Courcy, City resident, shared his concern about the budget. 4. Adjournment MOTION: Gutierrez moved and Mendez seconded to adjourn to a City Council Study Session on October 11, 2018, at 5 p.m. at City Hall in the Council Chambers. The motion carried by unanimous vote, Cousens absent. The meeting adjourned at 12:26 p.m. CERTIFICATION at/ READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY [[21)(1 ,2 COUNCIL MEMBE E L MEMBER DATE A" ST d • CITYCLE MA OR tsS) C7) ) ik 0 t'a1,1000,'—‘*\ --" V1i A S‘l