HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/16/1993 Adjourned Meeting 20
CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
NOVEMBER 16, 1993
ADJOURNED MEETING - BUDGET REVIEW
The City Council met in session on this date at 9:00 a.m. in the
Council Chambers at Yakima City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Council
Members present were Mayor Pat Berndt, presiding,
Clarence Barnett, Henry Beauchamp, Bill Brado, Lynn Buchanan,
Skip Semon (present after 10:30 a.m.), and Bernard Sims. City
staff members present were City Manager Zais, John Hanson,
Director of Budget & Finance, Robert Wheeler, Accounting Manager,
Cindy Epperson, Accountant, and Deputy City Clerk Skovald.
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Mayor Berndt opened the meeting and stated discussion would begin
with the Rebound Plus Program on Page 191 of the Budget.
Rebound Plus Program
Glenn Valenzuela, Director of Community and Economic Development,
and Irene Gutierrez, Rebound Manager were introduced.
Mr. Valenzuela referred to a correction on Pages 192 and 195.
Rebound will only be receiving $65,000 from the Center of
Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) instead of $75,000. This is a
result of increased in -house costs for the Substance Abuse
Coalition, and they have cut funding in all their contracts.
Ms. Gutierrez explained an application will be submitted to the
Department of Community Development for various assistance grants.
DCD has received a 28% cut, and it is anticipated that Rebound
will receive a grant award of about $100,000. A report will be
provided to Council next week. Since the three -year program
funded by criminal justice money is up, a new program package will
be submitted focusing on youth involvement through community
service with an emphasis on rediscovering citizenship and
leadership formation, particularly by enhancement of the Alley Cat
and Graffiti Cleanup programs. The budget will be reduced by
$100,000 with cuts in contractual services which will be replaced
by volunteer services of residents and youths. Responding to a
question from Council Member Barnett concerning the ending cash
balance of this account for the end of 1994, Mr. Hanson explained
this budget will have to be adjusted when it is known exactly how
much the grant will be.
Hearing Examiner - 020
Mayor Berndt referred to Page 235 of the Budget. There were no
questions.
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ADJOURNED MEETING - BUDGE Tr ±REVIEW - NOVEMBER 16, 1993
Environmental Planning K�. 'a'" "
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Mayor Berndt referred to Page 235 of the Budget and pages 15 -19 of
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the Major Policy Issues.
Council Member Barnett provided the amounts for Step A and E for
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both the DAII and the DAIII positions, in response to Council
Member Brado's question.
Referring to Page 15 of the Major Policy Issues, the addition to
staff of an entry -level Assistant Planner to assist in the
coordination of the Commute Trip Reduction Program, Council Member
Beauchamp suggested utilizing a contracted position instead of
adding the position to the budget for this temporary one -year
assignment. Mr. Valenzuela and Mr. Skone provided explanation
concerning the viable alternatives, which include either utilizing
professional services or contracting the Commute Trip Reduction
Program out to Yakima Valley Council of Governments (YVCOG).
There was discussion among Council members concerning the workload
of the position. Mr. Skone made a presentation, with the use of
flip charts, that outlined the following four options: (1)
Hiring a temporary one -year Assistant Planner, or (2) Utilizing
Professional Services, or (3) Contracting with Yakima Valley
Council of Governments (YVCOG) who would also work with Yakima
County's program, or (4) Falling out of compliance with the law
by doing nothing, which would have some potential costs
associated. Council members discussed the cost of salary and
benefits for this position, as well as the availability of
qualified personnel with expertise in the Yakima area, and the
possibility of doing the CTR program in conjunction with Yakima
County with a private consultant. Mayor Berndt suggested
discussing the issue with YVCOG during their presentation at this
afternoon's Business Meeting.
Mayor Berndt referred to Pages 18 - 19 of the Major Policy Issues.
Council Member Barnett commented about the request for increased
City commitment, from $15,000 to $35,000, to the Washington State
Agricultural Showcase. Recognizing its advantages, it seems as
though their success over the past two years should give them the
momentum so that they would not need the requested increase. It
appears to be excessive. After discussion concerning the amounts
other entities are contributing, Council requested the information
be provided before the City's level of commitment be determined.
I/ Code Administration
Mayor Berndt referred to Page 20 of the Major Policy Issues.
Concerning the policy consideration to upgrade the DAII position
to a DAIII position, the same questions were asked as those
concerning the DAII and DAII position request for the Planning
Division. The answers to be provided by staff.
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ADJOURNED MEETING - BUDGET REVIEW NOVEMBER 16,. 1993
Referring to Page 239 of the Budget under Service Unit 149,
Council Member Barnett asked whether the 700 pages of Uniform
Building Code were new or a "rehash" of the old. Leonard Hall,
Supervising Code Inspector, indicated that it is a rehash, but
also includes additional reformatted information. Bob Shampine,
Code Administration Manager, explained most of the changes are
initiated by the building industry. At the request of Council
Member Brado, Mr. Shampine provided explanation of how these
changes came about. Council Member Buchanan inquired why the
projected revenues for 1994 declined for building code inspections
for Selah. Mr. Hall explained they estimate projects will be
tapering off next year. Mr. Shampine directed attention to a
typographical error on Page 239 of the Budget, concerning
extensive training instead of expensive training. Council Member
Buchanan referred to a needed correction of typographical errors
of reformatted instead of reformated and three volumes instead of
these volumes. At the request of Council Member Buchanan,
Mr. Shampine clarified the meaning of the Account 570 Residual
Equity Transfer on Page 240 of the Budget. Mr. Hanson provided
additional explanation concerning this issue.
Going back to the issue of the declining revenues for building
code inspections shown on Page 239 of the Budget, Council Member
Sims questioned how revenues could be declining when Selah
expanded by annexing property. Mr. Shampine stated that figure
could change as more information becomes available on this issue.
In answer to a question from Mayor Berndt about the distinction
and relationship between what dangerous buildings Code
Administration deals with and what buildings Rebound Plus deals
with, Mr. Shampine explained that Code Administration deals with
commercial buildings that are unable to be rehabilitated and need
to be torn down. Rebound deals mainly with those residential
buildings that can be rehabilitated and works closely with the
Housing Office.
Council Member Beauchamp referred to Page 240 of the Budget, and
asked about the type of licensing required of transient vendors.
Mr. Shampine explained a business license is required if the
business operates more than 600 hours a year. The City's
transient business license requirements were declared
unconstitutional several years ago and were removed. This issue
was further discussed and staff was directed to report back.
At the request of Council Member Sims, Mr. Shampine provided an
update on the Lee's Music building issue.
City Hall - 051
Mayor Berndt referred to Page 243 of the Budget. There were no
questions or discussion.
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ADJOURNED MEETING - BUDGE T,.• REVIEW - NOVEMBER 16, 1993 '
City Manager's Office
Mayor Berndt referred to Page 198 of the Budget and directed
attention to the Metropolitan Yakima Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Hanson commented that this item will be moved to the Community
I/ and Economic Development Department next year.
Glenn Valenzuela presented comments concerning Metropolitan Yakima
Comprehensive Plan development and suggested a Council
subcommittee be selected to study this issue.
Mr. Valenzuela explained the need to shift $40,000 from the CTR
program into the Growth Management Metro Plan budget for the
purposes of finishing the traffic study. There was discussion
about where this is reflected in the Budget.
Economic Development -- 123
Mayor Berndt referred to Page 245 of the Budget. Mr. Valenzuela
provided an update on the Urban Development Action Grant (UDAG).
A report will be provided to Council in December showing how UDAG
funds will be used in 1994 and 1995. Mr. Zais commented that
there is a pending audit in conjunction with the payment of Davis
Bacon reporting wages paid by the Haas Corporation in connection
with this project, which could affect this budget.
Cable Communications
Mayor Berndt referred to Page 257 of the Budget and Page 21 of
Mayor Policy Issues.
To address a concern expressed by Council Member Barnett,
Wendy Warren, Cable Communications Manager, provided explanation
about reducing expenditures in the Division.
Council Member Beauchamp commented on the large amount of people
who watch the City Council telecasts. Ms. Warren reported
possible future program broadcasting plans at YCTV.
I/ Office of Housing and Neighborhood Conservation
Mr. Hanson indicated that the budget summary of the Office and
Neighborhood Conservation on Page 246 of the Budget reflects what
is done as an administrative formality.
The Council recessed from 10:45 to 11:00 a.
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ADJOURNED MEETING - BUDGET REVIEW - NOVEMBER 16, 1993
Yakima Convention Center - 170
Mayor Berndt referred to Page 262 of the Budget.
Council Member Barnett provided copies of a letter from
Jim Elliott expressing concern about the manner in which room tax
is distributed between the Yakima Center and the Capitol Theatre.
This issue will possibly be considered by Council in the future.
Kathy Coffey, Convention Center Manager, reported the Convention
Center is having a good year and is ahead in all statistics except
future bookings.
Capitol Theatre
Mayor Berndt referred to Page 269 of the Budget. Steve Caffery,
Manager of the Capitol Theatre, explained the major change in the
budget. The operating agreement will delete room tax revenue
specifically allocated for maintenance and place it into the
General Operating Fund for the Capitol Theatre. Mr. Caffery
described the community services provided and the three
programming formats offered by the Capitol Theatre. He stated the
room tax allocation received from the State all goes toward
community services programming.
City Council
Mayor Berndt referred to page 151 of the Budget. There were no
questions.
City Manager's Office
Mayor Berndt referred to Page 154 of the Budget. There were no
questions.
Lecial Department
Mayor Berndt referred to Page 157 through 163 of the Budget.
Ray Paolella, City Attorney, introduced Susan Woodard, City
Prosecutor, and Linda Spence, Legal Assistant.
Mr. Paolella referred to the Department's budget and answered
questions from Council members concerning the significant
projected increase in traffic and criminal case arraignments in
District Court. Concerning the efficiency of the Department,
Mr. Paolella referred to contributing factors, the use of outside
legal counsel to pick up the extra workload and shifting personnel
back and forth between the civil and criminal divisions, to try to
accommodate some of the changes. Susan Woodard explained Domestic
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ADJOURNED MEETING - BUDGET,.. - NOVEMBER 16, 1993
Violence cases are very labor intensive as far as lawyer time and
are different than a typical traffic case with extra time spent in
case preparation.
There was discussion about Council Member Semon's comment
concerning whether there is any basis to bring a lawsuit against
the Federal Government because of the incredible costs they have
put on local government because they cannot manage the immigration
laws and the borders. Those costs are impacting local government
and are a direct result of the Federal Government failing to
patrol borders in an adequate manner to keep people, who don't
belong here, from coming here. It is not our fault, but we are
suffering for it. Mr. Paolella indicated that might be something
to pursue in partnership with other jurisdictions because of some
real barriers and cost involved.
Legal Counsel Service Unit 622
Mayor Berndt referred to Page 161 through 163 of the Budget.
There were no questions.
Records
Mayor Berndt referred to Page 164 of the Budget. City Manager
Zais indicated the impacts that the costs of elections have on the
City Clerk's budget. Karen Roberts, City Clerk, explained that
the County has found a method to keep track of their election
expenses and that includes charging applicable expenses to the
City.
Human Resources
Mayor Berndt referred to Page 169 of the Budget. Archie Sutton,
Personnel Officer, provided handouts to Council members concerning
City Personnel History -- Full Time Equivalents. There was a
brief discussion concerning the FTE subject, the Policy issue
proposed to reinstate the Department Assistant II position, and an
update of the situation concerning the Civil Service Examiner
position.
Mr. Hanson introduced the Health Benefit Committee members who
I/ have been working to consolidate the City's health benefit
program. The consolidation agreement will be presented to Council
sometime in January 1994. Jerry Sweesey, Bob Van Dyke,
Jeri Betschart, and Sheryl Smith provided explanation and answered
questions about the consolidated plan.
Purchasing Division
Sue Ownby, Acting Purchasing Manager, was available to answer
questions. There were no questions.
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ADJOURNED MEETING - BUDGET REVIEW ;NOVEMBER 16,, 1993
Mr. Hanson indicated that the CBD Capital Improvem 321 was
missed on Page 275.
Council Member Barnett provided City Manager Zais with a list of
questions for the Public Works Department scheduled for Budget
Hearings next week.
There being'no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned, at
11:50 p.m.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: 1
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COUNCIL M BER DATE
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COUNCIL MEMBER/ DATE
ATTEST:
4 0.A.vtdd --
CITY CLERK MAYOR
Minutes prepared by Deputy City Clerk Skovald. An audio and video tape of the
Council meeting are on file in the City Clerk's office.
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