HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/09/2012 Study Session 292
YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL
STUDY SESSION
October 9, 2012
Council Chambers -- City Hall
10 a.m. Joint City /County Study Session regarding Jail Issues
MINUTES
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1. Roll Call
Council: Mayor Micah Cawley, presiding, Assistant Mayor Maureen Adkison, Council Members
Sara Bristol, Kathy Coffey, Rick Ensey, Dave Ettl and Bill Lover
Staff: City Manager O'Rourke and City Clerk Clear Tee
Guests: County Commissioners Rand Elliott , Kevin Bouchey and Mike Leita
2. Discussion regarding Jail Issues.
City Manager O'Rourke review projected costs of inmate expenses and what steps need to be
taken in the future.
Chief Rizzi and Captain Copeland presented the findings of the jail study. Chief Rizzi pointed out
the final study will put us in a position to make a long -term decision for jail costs and what is best
for the tax - payers of the City.
Council Member Ensey wondered what it will look like for the City if we go on our own? Chief
Rizzi explained the study is not complete so we do not know the full costs at this time and asked
Council for direction.
Commissioner Leita complimented the Chief in regard to the study and stated there may be a
benefit to being regionalized. He also cautioned the City about relying on surveys, as the County
did many years ago and it went awry.
Mayor Cawley agreed they need more information to make the best decision. Assistant Mayor
Adkison questioned where we stand with the medical costs? Captain Copeland explained the
medical costs are high and some are absorbed by the County. The recommendation by the
consultant is to move to phase two to obtain actual costs by conducting a value comparison of
the County and City jails.
Yakima County Department of Corrections Director Ed Campbell presented information on the
County's jail costs and stated the City only pays for misdemeanant housing and associated
medical costs. Chief Rizzi warned this information is misleading, as the City pays for any
prisoners who also have a misdemeanor attached to the felony. He doesn't believe the City
should be paying for the felony inmates.
Yakima County Budget Director Craig Warner presented a handout of revenues and expenses
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related to the jail issues. Chief Rizzi . stressed again that he feels the information presented by
the County is misleading.
Commissioner Leita stated the City has the ability to close the City jail and transfer all the
inmates to the County. City Manager O'Rourke wondered if the County could charge the daily
rate instead of the base of 110 with a minimum /maximum allowance and suggested further
discussions take place to come come up with a better rate structure. He would like to see all
options.
Commissioner Leita invited Council members to attend the County's Law and Justice Committee
meetings for informational purposes. City Manager O'Rourke suggested the City proceed with
phase two of the jail study, sit down with Yakima County and work on optimal charges.
Ettl moved and Adkison seconded to authorize expenses for the next phase of this study.
Moved by Council Member Dave Ettl, Seconded by Assistant Mayor Maureen
Adkison. Approved 7 -0. Council Members voting Aye: Adkison , Bristol , Cawley , Coffey ,
Ensey , Ettl , Lover .
3. Adjournment
Council Member Ettl reminded Council that the GFI report is due in November and a Study
Session is scheduled for November 13, 2012. He encouraged anyone with questions to contact
him or Lt. Merryman..
The meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m. to the next Council Business meeting on October 16, 2012.
Motion: Adjourn, Moved by Council Member Rick Ensey, Seconded by Council Member Sara
Bristol. Carried 7 -0. Council Members voting Aye: Adkison , Bristol , Cawley , Coffey , Ensey ,
Ettl , Lover . •
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