HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/10/1992 Adjourned Meeting 'S
CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
NOVEMBER 10, 1992
ADJOURNED MEETING— BUDGET REVIEW
The City Council met in session on this date at 9:06 A.M. in the Council
Chambers, at Yakima City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Mayor Pat Berndt,
presiding (absent after 11:45 A. M.), Council Members Clarence Barnett
(absent after 11:15 A. M.), Henry Beauchamp (present after 9:20 A. M.),
Bill Brado, Lynn Buchanan, Skip Semon (present after 9:14 A. M.), and
Bernard Sims present. City Manager Zais, Director of Finance & Budget
Hanson, and Department Assistant Barber also present.
POLICE
Law and Justice Sales Tax
Police Chief Pleas Green ' introduced his staff: Department
Administrative Assistant Marsha Devine; Captain Follansbee, Patrol
Division; Captain Vereb, Administrative Support Services; Captain
Blesio, Investigative Division; and Lieutenant Adkins, Patrol
Division.
Mr. Hanson introduced Tim Jenson, Accountant, assigned to the Police
Department.
Council Member Barnett asked for a discussion regarding the 0.1% Law and
Justice Sales Tax. Chief Green stated the vote on this tax measure was
successful. The 1993 budget indicates the reduction of one Lieutenant
position and one Sergeant position to balance the budget. With the
sales tax measure passage the Police Department is now requesting to
fund the Sergeant position and two Police DA II positions for support
personnel to free police officers from routine clerical and
administrative duties. This would increase the Department's efficiency
and effectiveness. It is hoped that through the use of automation in
hardware and software, in the future, officers may call in and have a
clerical person key the information directly into the computer. That
way the work will not be done two or three times. (Semon present after
9:14 A. M.)
Council Member Barnett reminded staff that material was sent out to the
public for support and passage of this measure so it would put more
police officers on the street. Chief Green stated with automation and
paperflow, the Department is suggesting that half of that money go
toward operation and maintenance. There is an uncertainty of state
funding. Mayor Berndt stated the City should have that information in
the next month or so. There is also an uncertainty of the jail costs,
however, staff will come back in December with that information.
Council Member Barnett stated the problem is that if we lead people to
believe there will be five more officers on the street and then we don't
do it, our credibility will be questioned.
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Chief Green stated he is asking for two support personnel at this time
and delay hiring three additional support personnel anticipated in the
tax measure. (Beauchamp present after 9:20 A. M.)
Policy Issues
No discussion or questions regarding policy issues.
Patrol
Council Member Brado asked if Chief Green is asking for additional
vehicles? Chief Green stated the Department has adequate vehicles.
Council Member Barnett stated on Page 360, Equipment Rental, Table I,
the Police Department is asking for two patrol sedans in their vehicle
replacement. Staff will check into that and correct it.
Council Member Beauchamp asked what kind of feedback is received on 911?
Chief Green explained it has been cumbersome, however, with training and
working with the 911 staff it will be worked out. Council Members
Beauchamp, Barnett and Buchanan commented on receiving complaints from
citizens regarding 911 and trying to reach the Police Department. A
combined communications center using 911 may replace the existing
Dispatch Center. This would be a central receiving /dispatching center
for police, fire, medical services, and emergencies. The City plans to
have a joint operation within two years.
Administration
Council Member Sims asked why the total Police Department budget is not
summarized on the first page of their budget as it is all law
enforcement? Mr. Hanson stated part of the Police Department functions
are in separate capital funding, however, it can be done. Council
Member Barnett added we must look at the Public Works budget regarding
the police equipment, the project is too complex. Staff will review
this.
Investigative
Captain Blesio explained the State education program for drug prevention
and crime. Staff explained how the State Task Force and National Guard
works with the City.
Patrol
Expenditures are anticipated in this service unit due to projected
retirements.
Administrative Support Services
City Manager Zais stated contracting out for the Police Department
vehicles has been a significant savings. Council Member Barnett asked
why not do that for other departments? City Manager Zais explained the
City may not reduce staff in an area unless other work is available.
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NOVEMBER 10, 1992
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Administration
Chief Green explained a daily cost increase due to the addition of
County jail beds and the number of City inmates. Staff will bring back
a 'report and a projection of costs of other jails. Staff would like to
receive input from the City Council members.
,Capital Outlay
Staff responded to questions regarding the number of mobile video units,
car shields, and insurance.
Council Member Beauchamp pointed out that on Page 267, Administrative
Services, (8) 4- Drawer File Cabinets are listed at $240 each. On Page
266, Detective Division, (2) requests the same items at $275 each.
Staff explained this information was received from Purchasing and they
will review it.
City Manager Zais stated the Capital Improvements Account 600 shows an
expenditure for a facility for the City Police and Legal Departments.
Staff has chosen to come back to the Council when the designs and
proposals of the architect are available. The plan is to begin
construction near the end of 1993.
After a brief recess, Mayor Berndt reconvened the Budget Review meeting
at 10:15 A. M.
FIRE.
Fire Chief Beeson introduced the Fire Department staff present: Deputy
Fire Chief Gene Martin; Battalion Chief David Bachmann; Battalion
Chief Mike Meyer.
Policy Issues
Council Member Brado stated the Reserve Force program was implemented
without first talking to.the City Council or the City Council Committee.
He feels there is no excuse for that, and doesn't like the way this
policy issue was sent to the Council. Chief Beeson apologized, saying
this is the past practice. Mayor Berndt explained to Council Member
Brado that it is an unbudgeted item. This is also part of the overall
Fire Department Plan and was part of the direction the City Council has
given. Council Member Brado should have been brought up to date on
that. Council Member Beauchamp stated he feels there was a lot of
debate to weigh through the issues where revenues could be used. Staff
is willing to meet and discuss it.
The proposed Auxiliary Reserve Force was reviewed. Council Member
Barnett asked if the Fire Department is using students in professional
positions to become a fourth member on a fire apparatus. He asked if
the Department is talking of using a second ladder truck on the fire
line, using reserves? He asked if the Department is putting the second
ladder truck into use? Chief Beeson stated the Department is waiting
for a response from the Survey Rating Bureau. In contract negotiations,
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only three personnel may be used on all apparatus. He stated we would
have to tentatively review how we can use that truck. Council Member
Barnett asked if there is a manner in which the second ladder truck
would be more readily available? Chief Beeson stated, that to get a rig
in service we could use a reserve, however, this program is not designed
to staff trucks. Council Member Barnett stated he is not seeking an
answer, this was just an idea. Staff explained there will be
limitations, however, we will provide the training for these people.
Council Member Buchanan stated he feels these reserves are just as
professional as anyone else. Battalion Chief Bachmann explained there
are two distinct reserves, the reserves for Station 2 and the training
for the college students. There are high schools which have programs
also. The Department is talking about the 'future and having people
eligible to test for full -time employment, while looking at the cost.
Council Member Brado stated it looks like an excellent program. The
Department has introduced this program to the firefighters to address
their concerns. The Department is looking at receiving federal funding
to help with this program. Deputy Chief Martin stated this also falls
under State education for students. City Manager Zais stated if there
is no funding, the Department will carry this item over and return with
it next year. Chief Beeson explained it would be next Fall before it
could be implemented.
On Page 273, Council Member Barnett questioned the reduction of a
Battalion Chief (Shift). Chief Beeson explained the Department now has
five Battalion Chiefs and must determine how to reduce one position. He
stated as a member of the National Electronic Mail System, the
Department is getting schedules for review of organization and
will change the working schedule. Council Member Barnett asked if it
wouldn't be better if the Council knew what the Department is going to
do before the Council approves this? City Manager Zais stated
basically, the City charges the Chief with the changes he must make.
Mayor Berndt commented one complaint received is that the Fire
Department is too top- heavy.
Council Member Barnett asked whether the Fire Investigator position was
eliminated in just part of the Fire organization? Chief Beeson stated
the Department has a number of Fire Inspectors, they are considering
only one position. Council Member Brado asked if the Department
discontinued the Bureau of Fire Prevention in 1979? Chief Beeson
responded, "Yes." Council Member Brado asked how are we going to follow
up on fire investigation and how do we lower our fire rating if we
continue this? Chief Beeson explained the Department has personnel to
cover this. Also, a State agency provides assistance whenever the
Department asks for it. City Manager Zais stated staff is reviewing the
Fire Investigator position with Bob Shampine in Code Administration.
If these duties are removed from Codes it may help increase the fire
rating. Staff will be coming back to Council in December regarding
fire rating, part of which may be involved in this part of the budget.
Staff is waiting for a response from the rating service.
After a brief recess, Mayor Berndt reconvened the Budget Review meeting
at 11:10 A. M.
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NOVEMBER 10, 1992 9
FINANCE
Director of Finance and Budget, John Hanson introduced staff Managers
Rick Pettyjohn, Information Systems and Bert Tabayoyon, Customer
Services.
Policy Issues
Discussion covered the booklet maker for printing the Parks Brochure,
the size and distribution of the Brochure. Mr. Pettyjohn stated new
equipment is required due to the varied sizes and distribution of the
Brochure. Council Member Barnett stated he cannot support justification
for this machine. Mr..Pettyjohn suggested the Council review it with
the Parks' budget. Council Member Barnett pointed out staff recommends
approval of this Policy issue if funding is provided in the Parks'
Division for the Brochure. Mayor Berndt asked Mr. Pettyjohn to come
back when the Parks' budget is reviewed.
Information Systems
Council Member Barnett asked why there was an increase in revenues in
1993 over 1992? Staff asked to review that; it may be the grant
revenue. Staff will come back with that information.
Council Member Beauchamp expressed concern the City canceled the order
for two Prime 5540 computers. Mr. Pettyjohn explained the City's
computer programs are being converted to an "open system ", UNIX
technology. This system is recommended because Prime is going out of
the computer hardware business. (Council Member Barnett absent.)
Staff explained the replacement, maintenance and use of the City's
computers. Council Member Brado is still receiving nine to ten utility
bills at his address each month and asked for assistance. Council
Member Sims agreed that is a program situation. Council Member Sims
asked if the UNIX is a low -range unit? Mr. Pettyjohn stated it has
great accountability. Three software areas, Payroll, Budget
Preparation, and Cost Accounting, require major rewrite and conversion
efforts and are very dependent on this program. Mr. Hanson stated this
budget does not include any strategic plans as it did last year. The
Department plans to use the existing units as long as possible.
Mr. Pettyjohn stated our conversion policy is first, for the dispatcher
for public safety. The dispatcher is becoming busier and 911 may be
used with that machine.
•
Customer Services
Mayor Berndt asked what the average cost of collection is for parking.
Staff will bring that information back to Council.
On Page 198, Council Member Brado asked for clarification regarding
Animal Control's pay for increase for calls after regular working hours.
Mr. Tabayoyon stated standby pay was not budgeted for 1992. It has
only been required and paid from June through December, 1992 and the
full year for 1993. He explained how it works and that these people get
•
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$1.00 per hour when on standby pay, when shifts overlap and one person
is on standby time.
Mayor Berndt asked staff to come back with information regarding how
much is collected at this time for a parking violation. (Mayor Berndt
absent after 11:45 A. M. and the gavel was passed to Assistant Mayor
Buchanan.)
Information Systems
Council Member Sims asked if UNIX is going to accept the language from
the Prime computers. Mr. Pettyjohn stated Prime has come out with a
product to convert the information. This would be a gradual
conversion. .
IT WAS MOVED BY SEMON, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO ADJOURN THE BUDGET MEETING
AND THEN RESUME THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING BACK IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT
1:30 P. M. FOR AN EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING PENDING AND PROSPECTIVE
LITIGATION. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Mayor Berndt
and Council Member Barnett absent.
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ATTEST: COUNCIL MEMBER DATE
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