HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/08/2020 Study Session232
YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL
STUDY SESSION
October 8, 2020
City Hall -- Council Chambers
9 a.m. Budget Session -- Conducted via speakerphone, live streamed at www.yakimawa.gov
and telecast live on Y-PAC, Spectrum Cable Channel 194 or you may call in and listen by
dialing 1-877-853-5247 or 1-888-788-0099. When prompted for the webinar ID enter 923 1650
2518#. When prompted for the participant ID enter #. When prompted for the meeting
password enter 383693#. There will be no opportunity for oral communications; however, if
you wish to provide written comment to the City Council, please email
ccouncil2@yakimawa.gov. Written comments received by 3 pm on 10/7/2020 for this
meeting will be provided to the City Council prior to the meeting. MINUTES
Roll Call
Council: Mayor Patricia Byers, presiding, Assistant Mayor Holly Cousens, Councilmembers
Kay Funk, Brad Hill, Soneya Lund and Eliana Macias (Council members attending via zoom
audio/video)
Staff: City Manager Robert Harrison, Finance & Budget Director Steve Groom and City
Clerk Sonya Claar Tee
Absent: Councilmember Jason White
Council Review of Proposed 2021 Budget - 2 of 4
City Manager Harrison provided a brief recap of the previous budget meeting. Steve Groom,
Director of Finance & Budget, reviewed projects, debt and current economic status.
Police Chief Murray reviewed the Police Department's budget reporting they currently have
six vacant police officer positions, which will likely be filled in 2021. Councilmember Lund
shared a concern she has with online crime reporting. Chief Murray and IT Services Manager
Carney will look into the issues and report back to Council. City Manager Harrison noted the
City has a very creative IT Department and is impressed with the amount of in-house
programs the City has. He noted there are challenges in paying for ongoing maintenance
expenses for many of the programs and stated the IT Department will bring a presentation on
this issue at the October 13 meeting.
Fire Chief Markham reviewed the Fire Department's budget including concerns about aging
apparatus and fire stations. Councilmember Hill suggested reviewing revenue sources to
replace aging apparatus in the first quarter. Councilmember Funk suggested
Council consider a bond.
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Community Development Director Davenport provided an overview on budgets for Planning,
Codes and the Office of Neighborhood Development. Council members shared positive
comments they've received from the community about the Department. Councilmember Hill
stated the Council has too many priorities, and his top three are a balanced budget, public
safety, to include relying more on Code Enforcement and less on law enforcement, and third,
the mill site.
Public Works Director Schafer reported on budgets for Public Works, Clean City Program,
Refuse, Streets/Traffic, Transit, Engineering and Parks and Recreation. He shared how the
divisions have been affected by the pandemic, with all essential services still being provided.
He noted the community centers are closed due to the pandemic and therefore, the feasibility
studies approved last year have been paused. Councilmember Hill recognized there is public
safety through Community Development and Public Works and does not want them to
endure perennial budget cuts. Councilmember Funk shared she is in favor of a rate increase
for solid waste. Assistant Mayor Cousens stated she would appreciate a reminder sent to
Council on where the City stands with recycling. Public Works Director Schafer noted
currently there is no market for recyclables.
Rob Peterson, Director of the Yakima Air Terminal, provided a PowerPoint presentation on
the Airport's budget.
Councilmember Lund requested a staff report and detailed review and history of the Lodging
Tax Advisory Committees criteria for reviewing and ranking of funds.
Adjournment
MOTION: Cousens moved and Hill seconded to adjourn to a City Council study
session on October 13, 2020, at 9 a.m. at City Hall. The motion carried by unanimous
vote, White absent. The meeting adjourned at 11:05 a.m.
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