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Home My WebLink About11/23/1993 Adjourned Meeting 35 CITY OF YAKIMA,,,7WASHINGTON NOVEMBER 23, 1993 ADJOURNED MEETING - BUDGET REVIEW I/ The City Council met in session on this date at 9:10 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, and Lynn Buchanan. Council members Skip Semon and Bernard Sims absent and excused. City Manager Zais (present after 9:25 A. M.), Director of Finance & Budget Hanson, Accounting and Treasury Manager Wheeler, Accountant Pettyjohn, and Department Assistant Moen were also present. Mayor Berndt opened the meeting and stated discussion would begin with the Parks Division on Page 390 of the Budget and Page 44 of the Policy Issues. The Public Works Department staff present were Public Works Director Jerry Copeland, Parks & Recreation Manager Dave Flaherty, Parks Maintenance Supervisor John Marsh, Recreation Supervisor Denise Nichols, Traffic Engineering and Street Manager Dave Hussell, Street Supervisor Joe Jackson, Equipment Rental Manager Don Toney, Diane Crull, Department Assistant, and Yakima School District Athletic Director Gene Rostvold. Mr. Copeland stated the Quality Management system is in an early stage at Public Works and many of the employees like it. It may take another year or so, however, before any money savings is seen. PARKS AND RECREATION Mr. Flaherty introduced Mr. Rostvold, Chairman of the Yakima Gang Coalition. This funding request was put into the Parks budget this year and with the Council's approval the City will help finance the Yakima Gang Prevention and Intervention and Summer Youth Programs. Dan Arnett, representing the Yakima Chamber of Commerce was present to ask the City Council and staff questions about I/ revenues generated from the In- Lieu -of -Tax and the variance from last year. He expressed concern that the 1.5% In- Lieu -of -Tax would become a permanent funding mechanism for the Parks Department. Mr. Arnett stated that from the budgeting of 1993 to the end of 1993 the In- Lieu -of -Tax generated about $30,000. The ending fund balance only went up $15,000. He expressed concern that revenue generated through rate increases become a windfall for the parks and recreation. City Manager Zais stated this was put in place under a one year trial; staff went to the Council in April 36 to consider an operation levy for parks. Other revenue choices are now limited. Mr. Arnett stated the we might have to cut back on programs. Council members discussed the $75,000 funding request for the Gang Prevention Coalition. Staff is recommending a $50,000 funding level. Mr. Rostvold stated they have had a continual drop in funding. They received about $10,000 before and that I/ funding source does not look good since more people are competing for funding. He stated they have been able to show some decrease in the crime program. He requested that the funding of $75,000 from the City level be continued. Mayor Berndt asked for discussion regarding the funding request from the Sunfair Association. Mayor Berndt stated she is concerned about the long term liability of the organization and the City cannot do it all. Referring to Page 52, Mayor Berndt expressed concern that the State may eliminate funding altogether for the Senior Nutrition Activity Program and Retired Senior Volunteer Program in the future, leaving the City responsible for funding those programs. Mayor Berndt stated she is not supportive of funding $10,000. On the capital budget on Page 427, Mr. Flaherty stated if the canal cover is not budgeted we will hear from the irrigation company. Staff put in $50,000 to use as matching dollars for a CIP Grant. Mr. Flaherty also reported staff received a grant to place some trees in the Naches Avenue pathway. The Council held a brief discussion on grant based programs. Council Member Beauchamp expanded on the grants available. He stated someone is needed on staff who knows how to write and to get grants. PUBLIC WORKS ADMINISTRATION Mr. Copeland pointed out on Page 317 in the 1993 amended budget the D.A. I should be .75, for a total of 14.90, which is the same as 1994. Council Member Barnett questioned why the funding for a booth at the State Fair was not a policy issue? Mr. Copeland stated there is a policy issue for a public relations budget. Council Member Brado asked about the benefits of how the expansion of the Public Works facility would aid the City? Mr. Copeland stated he doesn't know if he can tell the amount of money saved, however, staff will be able to perform services for the public in a more efficient manner. It will help areas such as the paint shop (painting park benches) and 37 the welding area (for the,mechanics)'::which now violate codes. It will allow a hazardous waste storage on the site. STREETS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEERING Staff responded to questions regarding street inspectors, revenue receipts from annexed areas; and the sealcoating I/ program on a 11.7 year cycle. Council Member Buchanan stated he understands the funding for the I -82 Interchange is coming out of what the City normally spends on streets. He feels staff needs to look at that. Mr. Copeland suggested the City consider a committee to review the street operations and funding options. Mr. Hussell explained his request for reorganization of the Traffic Signs /Markings personnel to provide a promotional path within the division. Council Member Buchanan referred to Page 33, saying Yakima is really behind when it comes to highways. He was told the Tri- Cities has a better road committee and suggested a committee to review this. Council Member Brado stated he would agree to that as long as the whole funding issue is reviewed. City Manager Zais stated our concern with the State is that many revenue levels have fallen off and there is no growth. Funding of the Health District by the State will have an affect on funding of the streets. He stated if there are no changes in 1994 and 1995 we would be in an operating deficit. We to make some decisions on spending and enhancements, the Health District funding and street repair and maintenance. City Manager Zais stated some people on the Capital Improvement Committee may be interested in serving on this committee. They need to understand the difference of capital budget and maintenance budget.. Council Member Barnett asked to introduce a City policy issue. He presented a handout, Memorandum dated October 1, 1993 regarding Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS). He is proposing Council direct staff to review policies and standards and make recommendations to the Council to make allowances for low - income housing. Mayor Berndt asked if this should be in conjunction with the I/ County. Don Skone, Planning Manager, was present to explain if that would be appropriate. Mr. Skone addressed the problem of the' Growth Management standards. He stated staff ,needs Council support in looking at that program to complete the contract. Mr. Hussell stated Bell Walker, Inc., a traffic consultanting firm, was here recently. That report carries into next year, which was not budgeted in the transportation budget. Next year's budget revenue is in place. Mr. Skone asked for a policy issue to,stay within the 38 total amount of dollars of the metro plan as well as the element; and carry the 1993 funding over to 1994. EOUIPMENT RENTAL Don Toney, Fleet Manager, responded to Council's questions regarding their records system, the sideloaders and sweepers, and disposition of worn out equipment. I/ Mayor Berndt referred to the bottom of Page 379, Replacement Equipment. She stated the numbers on Page 379 are correct but not on Page 382. Mr. Toney stated staff intends to hire a retired parts person. IT WAS MOVED BY BARNETT, SECONDED BY BRADO, TO POSTPONE THE BUDGET REVIEW FOR THE REFUSE AND TRANSIT DIVISIONS TO NEXT WEEK'S MEETING ON NOVEMBER 30, 1993. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Semon and Sims absent. Mayor Berndt adjourned the budget meeting at 11:40 A. M., to then resume the meeting at 2:00 P. M. for the regular Business Meeting. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY c , /�/ — y'---, COUNCIIZME :ER DATE /4( /1 Co.NCIL MEMBER DATE ATTEST: X a )- i _ , 2 _ , „ ... 2 le,--&-e (. 4&e.4...,d_so- CITY CLERK MAYOR MINUTES PREPARED BY DEPARTMENT ASSISTANT MOEN An audio and video tape of this meeting are available in the City Clerk's Office I/