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
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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.
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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
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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. '
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