HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/08/1992 Adjourned Meeting 2 50
City of Yakima
December 8, 1992
ADJOURNED MEETING -- BUDGET WRflP UP SESSION
The City Council reconvened on this date at 9:00 a.m. in the
Council Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Mayor
Pat Berndt, presiding, Council Members Clarence Barnett,
Henry Beauchamp, Bill Brado, Lynn Buchanan, Skip Semon, and
Bernard Sims present. Assistant City Manager Rice, Budget and
Finance Director Hanson, City Clerk Roberts, and Deputy City Clerk
Skovald also present.
Mayor Berndt explained that the purpose of this meeting is to vote
on the major budget policy issues. She explained there are two
other issues that will come before Council this afternoon - -a
request from Codes for two Code Inspectors, a DA III, and start up
costs that total about $134,000 and then Management Compensation
totaling about $169,000. Council Member Brado and Council
Member Barnett suggested a 30 -day extension in order to provide
extra time to decide the Fire Department issues.
1993 Budget Major Policy Issues /Decision Budgeted
City Management (Personnel Deletions 1993 Budget - -page 5,
Exhibit I)
It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY SEMON, TO APPROVE THE
•DELETION OF THE PERSONNEL- DA II. The motion carried by a 5 -
voice vote; Barnett and Buchanan voting nay. Council Member
Barnett stated that in order for the Personnel Division to keep
pace with the workload, they cannot afford to lose a person.
It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY SEMON, TO APPROVE THE
DELETION OF LEGAL TEMPORARY SUMMER INTERN 'POSITION. The
motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
It was MOVED BY SEMON, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO APPROVE THE
SHIFTING OF AN ASSOCIATE PLANNER POSITION TO BE FUNDED
THROUGH THE GROWTH MANAGEMENT FUND. The motion carried by
unanimous voice vote.
It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO APPROVE THE
DELETION OF THE TEMPORARY SUMMER INTERN POSITION IN
PLANNING. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
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BUDGET WRAP UP -- DECEMBER 8, 1992
Yakima Police Department (page 11, Supplemental Budget
Proposal, Attachment I -a)
Mayor Berndt explained in the original budget, it was proposed to
2 delete a Police Sergeant position and a Police Lieutenant
position. This proposal requests funding a Police Sergeant
position, two DA II's, and freezing rather than deleting the
Police Lieutenant position. The additional three people would not
be hired now, but would be put into the budget. Council Member
Semon stated the purpose of the two DA II positions is to relieve
regular police officers from clerical work in order to put more
hours on the street. He requested a report after the first
quarter's experience. Council Member Barnett stated he is in
favor of using the 0.1% sales tax funds to maintain the existing
position because it is needed to go into the phase -two expansion
of the neighborhood policing in order to get more policemen on the
streets. Council Member Sims asked for clarification regarding
Exhibit II, page 45 under Police, whether the item is for two
additional DA II's. Budget and Finance Director Hanson explained
those positions are the same ones talked about here.
It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO APPROVE
THE SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET PROPOSAL. The motion carried by
unanimous voice vote.
Yakima Fire Department (page 5, Exhibit I)
Mayor Berndt announced Chief Beeson had made a phone call to the
Rating Bureau, and the additional 30 days to make the decision has
been agreed to, so the item on Exhibit II, page 45, to expand the
size of the Reserve Force for Fire Station #1 and #5 in 1993, is
deferred for 30 days.
Moving back to Exhibit I, page 5, it was MOVED BY SIMS,
SECONDED BY SEMON, TO DELETE THE FIRE INVESTIGATOR
POSITION. The motion carried by 4 -3 vote; Barnett, Brado, and
Buchanan voting nay. Council Member Barnett referred to a meeting
with the Rating Bureau on July 22, where they indicated fire
investigation looked very good and gave credit to the on -shift
investigators, however, the points lost were because there were
not enough people in that position.
It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY SEMON, TO DELETE THE
BATTALION CHIEF POSITION. Council Member Brado expressed
concern about utilizing personnel and questioned any
reorganization. The motion carried by 4 -3 voice vote; Barnett,
Brado, and Buchanan voting nay.
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BUDGET WRAP UP -- DECEMBER 8, 1992
It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP, TO DELETE THE
PUBLIC INFORMATION LIEUTENANT POSITION. The motion carried
by unanimous voice vote.
Engineering (page 5, Exhibit I)
It was MOVED BY SEMON, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO DELETE THE
CONSTRUCTION INSPECTOR POSITION. Council Member Brado
commented that this individual in this position is vital and it
would be detrimental to delete this position. Council Member Sims
questioned whether this position was transferred to the Water and
Sewer Division, and it was determined that was a different
position. Mayor Berndt confirmed that the position being added in
Engineering was not a field position, but rather an office
position. Council Member Sims asked what the workload looked like
for the next six months. Utilities and Engineering Director
Covell listed the projects scheduled. The motion was
withdrawn. It was MOVED BY BRADO, SECONDED BY BARNETT, TO
NOT DELETE THE CONSTRUCTION INSPECTOR POSITION. The motion
carried by unanimous voice vote.
Information Systems (page 5, Exhibit I)
It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BARNETT, TO DELETE THE
OFFSET DUPLICATING MACHINE OPERATOR POSITION. The motion
carried by unanimous voice vote.
It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BEAUCHAMP, TO DELETE THE
TEMPORARY POSITION. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
Streets (page 5, Exhibit I)
David Hussell, Manager of Streets Division, answered questions
from Council about the Street Maintenance Specialist positions,
street maintenance schedules, and the Division's proposed budget
cuts. After debate and discussion regarding street maintenance,
snow removal schedules, the effects of the proposed budget cuts,
and other issues, it was MOVED BY SEMON, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO
DELETE JUST ONE OF THE TWO STREET MAINTENANCE SPECIALIST I
POSITIONS. The motion was withdrawn. It was MOVED BY BARNETT,
SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO RETAIN THE STREET MAINTENANCE
SPECIALIST I POSITION, LISTED FIRST ON EXHIBIT I. The
motion carried by 6 - 1 voice vote; Beauchamp voting nay. It was
MOVED BY BRADO, SECONDED BY BARNETT, TO RETAIN THE STREET
MAINTENANCE SPECIALIST I POSITION, LISTED SECOND ON
EXHIBIT I. The motion carried by 5 -2 voice vote; Beauchamp and
Berndt voting nay.
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BUDGET W -- DECEMBER 8, 1992
Parks & Recreation (page 5, Exhibit I)
It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY BARNETT, TO DELETE
THE PARK CARETAKER POSITION. The motion carried by a 6 -
voice vote; Sims voting nay.
It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO DELETE
THE LIFEGUARD /INSTRUCTOR POSITION. The motion carried by
unanimous voice vote.
Organizational Development & Continuous Oualitv
Improvement ($25,000)
It was MOVED BY SEMON, SECONDED BY BARNETT, TO APPROVE
$10,000 FOR THE ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND CONTINUOUS
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT FUND. It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN,
SECONDED BY SIMS, TO AMEND THE MOTION TO $15,000. The
motion failed by 3 - 4 voice vote; Sims, Buchanan, and Beauchamp
voting aye. The question was called for a vote on the
original motion. The motion carried by 5 -2 voice vote; Buchanan
and Beauchamp voting nay.
City Clerk (page 6, Exhibit I)
It was MOVED BY SEMON, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO DENY THE
CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES /SUMMER INTERN TO DESIGN
AND ASSIST IN IMPLEMENTATION OF A FILING SYSTEM. The motion
carried by 6 -1 voice vote; Buchanan voting nay.
Information Systems (page 6, Exhibit I)
It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY SEMON, TO DELETE THE
PRINT SHOP EQUIPMENT FOR HIGH VOLUME BROCHURES (1992 CARRY
FORWARD POLICY ISSUE). The motion carried by 6 -1 voice vote;
Buchanan voting nay.
Enaineerina (page 6, Exhibit I)
After review by Dennis Covell, Director of Engineering and
Utilities, of the Engineering Technician I position and the non -
personnel expenditures and discussion among Council members, it
was MOVED BY SEMON, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP, TO APPROVE THE
ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN I POSITION. The motion carried by
unanimous voice vote. It was MOVED BY BRADO, SECONDED BY
SEMON, TO DENY THE CAPITAL EXPENDITURES. The motion carried
by 5 -2 voice vote; Buchanan and Beauchamp voting nay.
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BUDGET WRAP UP -- DECEMBER 8, 1992
Convention Center (page 6, Exhibit I)
It was MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO PROVIDE
ADDITIONAL FUNDS FROM THE CONVENTION CENTER OPERATING FUND
FOR STAFF SALARIES. The motion carried by 6 -0 voice vote; Sims
temporarily absent.
Police (page 6, Exhibit I)
It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO REPLACE
EXISTING POLICE COMMUNICATIONS RECORDING SYSTEM OUT OF THE
LAW & JUSTICE CAPITAL FUND FOR A BUDGET OF $25,700'. The
motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO APPROVE
THE 9MM CARBINE PURCHASE AND RETAIN THE 12 GAUGE SHOTGUNS
SO THAT THEY WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF
POLICE ACTION. Council members discussed whether the difference
in ammunition would cause confusion and if there was a need for
the shotguns by the Police Department. Doug Bronson, Yakima
Police Department, explained the shotguns, at least some of them,
could be utilized for specialized purposes and stated Council
Member Barnett's suggestion would be acceptable to the Police
Department. Council Member Barnett commented that he made this
suggestion because of the differences in the two weapons and the
situations where they are used. The intent of this motion is to
keep some shotguns; the number,of shotguns would be determined by
the Police Department. THE QUESTION WAS CALLED FOR A VOTE ON
THE MOTION. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
Public Works Administration (page 7, Exhibit I)
It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY SEMON, TO APPROVE THE
COUNCIL ADDED POLICY ISSUE TO INCREASE THE RATE TO $5,000.
(THIS IS AN INCREASE OF $2,500). The motion carried by
unanimous voice vote.
It was MOVED BY SEMON, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO DELETE THE
TEMPORARY 3/4 TIME DA I AND ADD A PERMANENT 3/4 TIME DA I.
Council Member Beauchamp questioned whether the $800 additional
amount covered wages and benefits. Mayor Berndt commented that
the answer to that question has been yes from a variety of people.
The motion carried by 6 -1 voice vote; Barnett voting nay.
It was MOVED BY BRADO, SECONDED BY SEMON, TO DENY THE
FACILITIES MAINTENANCE POLICY ISSUE. The motion carried by
unanimous voice vote.
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BUDGET WRAP UP -- DECEMBER 8, 1992
Transit (page 7, Exhibit I)
It was MOVED BY SEMON, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO DENY THE
REQUEST TO ADD ONE FULL TIME DISPATCHER FOR 1993. There
was discussion among Council members whether to hire a full time
dispatcher -- someone with full benefits or to continue with bus
drivers with the expense of overtime. The question was called
for a vote on the motion. The motion passed on a 5 -2 voice
vote; Barnett and Buchanan voting nay.
Water (page 7, Exhibit I)
It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY SEMON, TO APPROVE THE
'CONTRACT FOR PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT FOR ADDITIONAL WATER
SERVICE INSTALLATION CREW /RAILROAD CONTAMINATION AREA
FUNDED BY WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY
GRANT /WATER CONSTRUCTION FUND. After Council members
discussed the funding source and other aspects of this issue, the
motion carried by 6 -1 voice vote, Sims voting nay.
Mayor Berndt noted for the record that the Water Comp. Plan Update
and the Water Conservation Plan are deferred.
It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO APPROVE THE
LEAK DETECTION CONTRACT SERVICE. The motion carried by
unanimous voice vote. Council Member Sims commented that a report
shows between 28 and 24 percent leakage. Ty Wick, explained it is
unaccounted water. It is water that goes on fires, is used to
clean streets, and also includes leakage. The average should be
between 5 and 10 percent.
Sewer (pages 8 and 9, Exhibit I)
It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BUCHANAN, TO USE THE
AMENDED PROPOSAL, SEPARATE THE ITEMS; AND ADD THE
LABORATORY COORDINATOR POSITION. The motion carried by
unanimous voice vote. It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY
SIMS, TO DELETE THE LABORATORY CHEMIST POSITION. The
motioned carried by a 6 - 1 voice vote; Buchanan voting nay.
I/ It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO GO TO THE
AMENDED PROPOSAL, AND ADD THE CHIEF OPERATOR POSITION TO
THE BIOSOLIDS STAFFING. The motion carried by unanimous voice
vote. It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO ADD THE
TEMPORARY OPERATOR POSITIONS FOR 1993 ONLY AND ELIMINATE
THEM IN 1994. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. It
was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP, TO DELETE THE
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BUDGET WRAP UP -- DECEMBER 8, 1992
OPERATOR I AND OPERATOR II POSITIONS. The motion carried by
unanimous voice vote. Budget and Finance Director Hanson explained
the motion regarding the temporary positions was intended to be
approved this year and deleted next year and is tied to the -two
laborer positions for 1994. Mayor Berndt mentioned that the
laborer positions listed were not voted on because they are meant
for 1994 and will be voted on at a later date.
Major Policy Issues /Decision -- Unbudgeted (page 45,
Exhibit 11)
Encrineerincr
It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO APPROVE THE
MICROFILMING. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
The next two issues on page 45 under Police have already been
voted on. The next issue under Fire will be deferred until a
later time.
Transit
The first proposal to add an additional Dispatcher for 1994 will
be voted on at that time.
It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY SEMON, TO APPROVE THE
UPGRADE OF THE TRANSIT PLANNER POSITION TO SENIOR PLANNER
POSITION. The motion carried by 4 -3; Brado, Barnett, and Berndt
voting nay.
It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY SEMON, TO APPROVE THE
COUNCIL ADDED POLICY ISSUE TO EXTEND TROLLEY OPERATIONS
THROUGH 1993 BY 3 ADDITIONAL MONTHS (OCTOBER THROUGH
DECEMBER 1993). Council Member Brado commented that some
citizens view the free trolley rides as only helping a special
interest group -- the business people and the people who are on
the transit routes covered. More citizens could be helped by
expanding free bus service while still using the same funding.
Council Member Beauchamp disagreed with Council Member Brado's
statement and explained the trolley system is designed primarily
to help move the heavy foot traffic. He was not opposed to some
sort of a rate for the trolley system users. Council Member
Barnett agreed with, and added to, Council Member Brado's
statement, by commenting that the trolley maintenance and
operation money could be better utilized by providing free rides
to senior citizens using the fixed route buses. Council Member
Buchanan commented that the trolleys are actually saving money
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BUDGET WRAP-UP -- DECEMBER 8, 1992
while transporting people. Most people who are using the trolleys
are older people and young people who are going to their jobs
rather than taking their car. It is the less affluent who are
using the trolleys, the ones who really need it. Mayor Berndt
explained the only reason she is supporting the transit issues is
because of the federal dollars sought after and received. The
projects would not have been continued without that grant money.
The question was called for a vote on the motion. The
motion carried by a 5 - 2 voice vote; Brado and Barnett voting nay.
It was MOVED BY SEMON, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO APPROVE THE
STAFF ADDED POLICY ISSUE REGARDING CAPITAL PROJECT FUNDING
TRANSIT CAPITAL PROJECTS. The motion carried by a 5 -2 voice
vote; Barnett and Brado voting nay.
Refuse (page 45, Exhibit II)
Council Member Barnett commented that it was brought up during
budget review that this rate increase was not needed because of a
brighter revenue picture for 1993. It was MOVED BY BARNETT,
SECONDED BY BRADO, TO DENY THE REFUSE RATE ADJUSTMENT TO
FUND 2% FOR 1 YEAR ONLY TO COVER COST OF CITY IN LIEU TAX
FOR PARKS. After discussion among Council members about whether
or not and /or how and when to adjust the refuse rates, the
question was called for a vote on the motion. The motion
failed by 4 - 3 voice vote; Buchanan, Beauchamp, Sims, and Semon
voting nay. It was MOVED BY SEMON, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO
APPROVE THE REFUSE RATE ADJUSTMENT INCREASE TO FUND 2% FOR
1 YEAR ONLY TO COVER THE COST OF CITY IN LIEU TAX FOR
PARKS. The motion carried by 4 -3 voice vote; Berndt, Barnett, and
Brado voting nay.
Parks and Recretation (page 46, Exhibit II)
It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY BRADO, TO ONLY APPROVE
THE $3,000 CURRENTLY BUDGETED FOR THE YAKIMA SUNFAIR
ASSOCIATION REQUEST. Referring to Attachment II -c regarding
City In - -Kind Services- Sunfair Parade and Run, Council Member Semon
indicated that only the in -kind services be continued by the City
of Yakima, and let the service clubs in the community who have
stepped forward to support this do the cash contribution. The
question was called for a vote on the motion. The motion
carried by a 6 -1 voice vote; Semon voting nay. Mayor Berndt
stated she agreed with Council Member Semon to start decreasing
the dollar amount for this project.
Mayor Berndt stated the Parks Policy Issue would be skipped for
the time being, and the Water issues on page 46 are deferred.
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BUDGET WRAP UP -- DECEMBER 8, 1992
Sewer (page 46, Exhibit II)
Referring to Page 15, Attachment I -d, Item No. 4, Set rate to
recover O &M only for 1993, it was MOVED BY BRADO, SECONDED BY
BARNETT, TO ACCEPT ITEM NO. 4 ON PAGE 16, ATTACHMENT I -D,
I/
TO SET RATE TO RECOVER 0 & M ONLY FOR 1993. Council
Member Sims commented this would set the rate lower for those
people outside the City than what it costs people inside the City
on the sewer system to have the same service. Council
Member Barnett stated there will be a new cost of service study in
1993 and many of the questions and issues will be resolved. After
further debate and discussion among Council members regarding this
issue, the question was called for a vote on the motion.
The motion failed by 2 -5 voice vote; Berndt, Beauchamp, Buchanan,
Semon, and Sims voting nay. It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY
BUCHANAN, TO ACCEPT THE PHASED APPROACH AS RECOMMENDED
EARLIER AND APPROVED BY UTILITY RATE ADVISORY BOARD, ITEM
NO. 3 ON PAGE 16, ATTACHMENT I -D. The motion carried by 4 -
voice vote; Barnett, Beauchamp, and Brado voting nay.
It was MOVED BY BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO APPROVE THE
OUTSIDE AGENCY REQUEST REGARDING THE AG SHOW CASE
PROMOTION CONTRACT FOR AN $8,000 CONTRIBUTION AND $7,000
IN - RIND SERVICES. The motion carried by 7 -0 voice vote.
Parks & Recretation (page 57, Attachment II -d)
It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO ACCEPT A
POLICY FOR A PROGRAM DISCOUNT FOR CITY RESIDENTS AND
ADDITIONAL ADULT SPORTS FEE FOR NON -CITY RESIDENTS. The
motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Council Member Sims
commented that the adult rate decreased by 12.5 percent.
Mr. Flaherty explained the adult rate reduction was proposed
because the rate was determined to be higher than other cities'
rates, and a decreased rate might increase adult participation.
Because Council only considered the items shaded in gray on
Attachment II -d, the next item is on page 59, regarding the 20
Round Passes at Fisher Park Golf Course. It was MOVED BY
BARNETT, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO APPROVE THE INCREASE. The
motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
The next item is on page 60, Attachment II -d, Aquatics. Council
Member Barnett requested each item be voted on line by line.
It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO APPROVE THE
INCREASE FOR GENERAL RECREATION SWIMMING- -YOUTH AT LIONS
AND-SUMMER POOLS FROM $0.75 TO $1.00. After discussion among
Council members about the afordability of swimming and
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BUDGET WRAP ...UP -- DECEMBER 8, 1992
"micromanaging" the issue, the motion failed by 2 -5 voice vote;
Barnett, Beauchamp, Berndt, Brado, and Semon voting nay. It was
MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY BUCHANAN, TO DENY THE
INCREASE FOR GENERAL RECREATION SWIMMING - -YOUTH
(WASHINGTON ONLY) AT SUMMER POOLS FROM $0.50 TO $0.75. The
motion carried by unanimous voice vote. It was MOVED BY
BEAUCHAMP, SECONDED BY BRADO, TO APPROVE THE DECREASE FOR
GENERAL RECREATION SWIMMING - -ADULT AT LIONS AND SUMMER
POOLS FROM $2.25 TO $2.00. The motion carried by unanimous
voice vote. It was MOVED BY BARNETT, .SECONDED BY SEMON, TO
APPROVE THE INCREASE FOR GENERAL RECREATION SWIMMING- -
HONORED CITIZEN AT LIONS AND SUMMER POOLS FROM $0.75 TO
$1.00. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. It was MOVED
BY BRADO, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO SET A FEE OF $3.50 FOR
GENERAL RECREATION SWIMMING -- FAMILY AT LIONS AND SUMMER
POOLS. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. It was MOVED
BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP TO SET A FEE OF $2.00
FOR LAP SWIMMING - -ADULT AT LIONS AND SUMMER POOLS. The
motion carried by unanimous voice vote. It was MOVED BY
BARNETT, SECONDED BY BEAUCHAMP TO APPROVE THE INCREASE,
FROM $0.75 TO $1.00,. FOR LAP SWIMMING -- HONORED CITIZEN.
The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
Regarding Passes (All Pools) and Learn to Swim (All Pools), it was
the general consensus that the rates will be based on three times
a week usage. It was MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO
ADOPT A NEW RATE SCHEDULE KEEPING THE IN -CITY RATES THE
SAME AS LAST YEAR. THE OTHER RATES TO BE ADJUSTED BY 20
PERCENT (ROUNDED TO THE NEAREST DOLLAR). The motion carried
by unanimous voice vote. After further discussion about the rate
changes, it was the consensus among Council members that this
motion means TO SET THE OUTSIDE RATES SUCH THAT A 20 PERCENT
REDUCTION WILL GIVE YOU THE INSIDE RATE THE SAME AS LAST
YEAR'S RATE. Mayor Berndt directed staff to prepare this
schedule reflecting the new rates.
It was MOVED BY SIMS, SECONDED BY SEMON, TO APPROVE THE FEE
OF $25.00 /HOUR (2 _HR. MINIMUM) FOR OPTIONAL JANITOR
SERVICE. After discussion of the janitor service and the fee
proposed, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
Council Member Brado commented on the proposed management
compensation agenda item scheduled for this afternoon. Because
wages are the single most expensive item on the budget, Council
Member Brado suggested Council show by example and take a
5 percent decrease in Council pay and, this afternoon, decline the
Managers their raise. By taking this action, it would show the
labor groups next year Council's sincerity to stop this inflation
spiral. Mayor Berndt mentioned that Council cannot take action on
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BUDGET WRAP UP -- DECEMBER 8, 1992
the management compensation issue now. It was MOVED BY BRADO,
SECONDED BY BARNETT, TO TAKE A 5 PERCENT DECREASE IN
COUNCIL'S PAY. Council Member Buchanan questioned the sincerity
of taking a cut in Council's pay when decreasing real wages of the
management group. Council Member Semon agreed with Council
Member Buchanan and stated if Council is considering taking a
salary decrease then the amount should be increased. It was MOVED
BY SEMON, SECONDED BY BARNETT, TO AMEND THE MOTION TO TAKE
A 10 PERCENT DECREASE IN COUNCIL'S PAY. City Attorney Vanek
indicated there could be a conflict with the law regarding this
matter. He will research the subject and will bring back an
answer. It was MOVED BY BUCHANAN, SECONDED BY SIMS, TO
TABLE THE MOTION. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
Council Member Buchanan commented on the misconceptions of NLC
state delegation members who remarked to him at a recent
conference about the City of Yakima's financial difficulties. The
wrong message is being sent. Mayor Berndt commented that the
economy is doing well, but property tax assessment values have not
kept pace with inflation. Mayor Berndt stated a strategic plan is
needed, particularly for bond issues. She also encouraged
Management to devise some method of asking the rank and file
workers what their thoughts are on cost saving measures.
Assistant City Manager Rice stated the strategic issues need to be
looked at, particularly the Mission /Vision document. As far as
asking the rank and file about savings, it has been asked in the
Administrative Division. Mayor Berndt stated it should be asked
in all divisions; the bottom guy, should have a chance to give his
suggestion.
The Council recessed at 10:55 a.m. until the 11:30 Adjourned
Meeting to discuss legislative priorities and then until 2:00 p.m.
Business Meeting.
1l
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: _ ,
COUNCIL EMB R j / 4ATE
A g.1 , 1 i � /f�° / 13
COUNCIL M M:" DATE
ATTEST:
(;),_;6-
CITY CLERK MAYOR
Minutes prepared by Deputy City Clerk Skovald.
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