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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/24/1992 Adjourned Meeting 28 CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON NOVEMBER 24, 1992 ADJOURNED MEETING The City Council met in session on this date at 9:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Council Members present were Mayor Pat Berndt, Clarence Barnett, Lynn Buchanan, and Skip Semon. Council Member Bill Brado absent and excused. City Manager Zais, Director of Finance and Budget Hanson, and City Clerk Roberts also present. Mayor Berndt announced a change in the budget review schedule. The budget wrap -up session will be held on Tuesday, December 8th beginning at 9:00 a.m. Council Member Barnett requested that the policy issue on water rates be deferred until all Council members can be present. It was the general consensus of the Council to schedule this issue as a study session item after the first of the year. PUBLIC - WORKS DEPARTMENT Parks and Recreation Department Dave Flaherty, Parks and Recreation Manager, was present to respond to Council members's questions. Council requested a listing of in- kind services provided to the Sunfair Association. Mr. Flaherty explained the reduction in revenue for program fees, found on page 371. There is an anticipated reduction of $10,000 worth of grants that will no longer be available under the 427 Account for the after - school programs, nor will the City receive approximately $45,000 from the Ron King Tournaments (no expense; no revenue). Also, staff budgets conservatively for the Senior Center Tour Program. City Manager Zais suggested a footnote could be added to the chart to give a brief explanation for the difference. Mayor Berndt pointed out that although the City would not be operating the Christmas Light Tour this year, the budget reflects a year -end projected estimate of $2500; that should be zero. Mr. Flaherty responded to Council's questions and concerns regarding aquatics, increase in program fees, the Ron King Tournament, and the proposed 1993 Parks Bond issue. It was the general consensus to add the increased program fees as a policy issue. The printing of the Parks program brochures was discussed. It is proposed to print the brochures in- house, which would require the acquisition of specialized equipment. Rick Pettyjohn, Information Systems Manager, was available to provide information on the cost of the equipment, and rate of return on the investment. Currently the City contracts with the Yakima Herald - Republic to print and distribute four brochures per year. If the City prints the brochures, it is. intended to print three brochures per year in 1 29 NOVEMBER 24, 1992 - ADJOURNED MEETING booklet form. The method of distribution has not been determined, and Council discussed several options, including mailing to current users and utility customers. Staff will outline these options in a follow -up report. Mr. Flaherty reported that there is $24,000 left in the Parks Bond issue to cover the irrigation canal at Gailleon Park. However, closer review of the costs estimate it to be between $25,000 - $32,000. Fencing the canal would cost approximately $8- 10,000, however, the neighborhood is not interested in fencing the canal. He reported the bids for the Larson Park tennis lighting project came in higher than anticipated. Neither project has enough funds earmarked for it to be completed. He suggested that perhaps the Gailleon Park project should be completed and the tennis court lighting project could be incorporated into the 1993 Parks Bond issue. Council Member Buchanan pointed out that the fence around the irrigation canal on the east side of town has holes in it. It was the general consensus to authorize the covering of the irrigation canal in Gailleon Park. Public Works Administration Council Member Barnett reported an error in the list of authorized personnel wherein the word processing typist is asterisked, indicating it is a policy issue. That was from last year's budget. Council Member Barnett expressed concern about adding staff under this Service Unit since it impacts the rates of the enterprise operations. Mr. Copeland explained the request is to make an existing temporary position a permanent position and gain the benefit of the training of that person. Also, the Union is applying pressure to make that position permanent, implying the City is using that temporary position improperly. Mr. Copeland responded to Council's questions regarding the policy issue relating to educating the public about Public Works and its recycling program. Mayor Berndt commented she could support the fair project, but disagreed with the idea that the City should make school children aware of career opportunities in public works. She requested a policy issue for the fair program only. Equipment Rental Referring to page 360 in the Budget, City Manager Zais reported a correction in Table 2 for the police replacement reserves, which should be $156,000. Council Member Barnett commented that the budget review for Equipment Rental should be last next year because the other budgets should be discussed first. This budget was reviewed, with no changes. Council Member Barnett questioned if all the police vans are really needed. 2 30 NOVEMBER 24, 1992 - ADJOURNED MEETING Environmental Fund Don Toney, Fleet Manager, stated that in 1991 the Environmental Fund was established and funded through a surcharge on fuels. There was a brief discussion regarding the replacement of fuel tanks at the Public Works Complex. Mr. Toney reported the Mainstem record keeping system is no longer operable and the vendor has gone broke. Staff is researching alternatives and will report to Council as soon as possible. Streets David Hussell, Street and Traffic Operations Manager, was available to respond to Council's questions. Concern was expressed by the - Council about the elimination of two permanent Street Maintenance Specialists positions. Mr. Hussell reported staff initiated a comprehensive pavement management system in which they are assessing the condition of the city streets. Mr. Copeland commented that for the last couple of years, the division has been using reserves to meet expenses. Council member Buchanan stated that Council needs an in -depth discussion of the 1 -82 project and what it will cost in the long run. Council Member Brado stated he would like to see the comprehensive pavement management system report as soon as possible. Council Member Barnett questioned why the amount for revenue from the transit buses using the streets was not increased when the data shows an increase of 38,000 miles the buses will operate and an additional 3900 hours. Mr. Copeland stated staff would look at that formula for the 1994 budget. Transit Bill Schultz, Transit Manager, was present to review the budget. The policy issue to add a full time Transit dispatcher was discussed. Mr. Schultz commented that the bus drivers fill in for the dispatchers when necessary, or the dispatcher is paid overtime. The Federal regulations require the City to take Dial - - Ride reservations seven days a week, which is not being done. Council Member Semon stated he would like to add a policy issue to direct that savings from the Transit project fund the trolley operation for the last three months. Council Member Barnett requested an update on the type of data he has been receiving on the Transit capital improvement projects. Mayor Berndt requested a written response of Mr. Schultz' explanation of the increase in the cost to operate the trolleys. Council Member Barnett reminded Mr. Copeland of his promise to provide him with information concerning the 3 31 NOVEMBER 24, 1992 - ADJOURNED MEETING. I/ impact on the non - Transit activities at the shops prior to the sale to the Transit Division. He questioned selling the complex at depreciated book value. The meeting adjourned at 12:07 p.m. ' READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: ; 7 , IAU ! / Z -q3 CI MEMBER ` DATE e rt..8:-.7-gre___.fr.2,3..„,7-.4- —2 ..> - 7 CO C IL MEMBER DATE ATTEST: g eth-12-,„- , -, A le--66-e c?eLt //_56 CITY CLERK / MAYOR 4