HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/23/2021 Study Session299
MINUTES
YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL
STUDY SESSION
March 23, 2021
City Hall -- Council Chambers
5 p.m. Meeting conducted virtually via Zoom
Roll Call
Council: Mayor Patricia Byers, presiding, and Councilmembers Kay Funk, Brad Hill, Soneya
Lund and Eliana Macias
Staff: City Manager Robert Harrison, City Attorney Sara Watkins and City Clerk Sonya Claar
Tee
Absent: Assistant Mayor Holly Cousens and Councilmember Jason White
2. Public comment (allow 15 minutes)
None.
Fund Balance Policy
Steve Groom, Director of Finance and Budget, reviewed a PowerPoint regarding a new
Fund Balance Policy for the City.
MOTION: Lund moved and Hill seconded to adopt the Fund Balance Policy. The
motion carried by unanimous vote, Cousens and White absent.
4. Fiscal Sustainability and Financing of Public Safety Vehicles
City Manager Harrison reviewed a PowerPoint regarding his 2021 Action Plan including goals
and immediate steps. He stated he is currently evaluating the City's current
budget situation, given the City has insufficient revenues to provide ongoing services and
obligations.
Steve Groom, Director of Finance and Budget, reviewed a PowerPoint regarding exploring a
possible shared dispatch, a Regional Fire Authority and Levy Lid Lift. After Council
discussion,
MOTION: Hill moved and Lund seconded to direct staff to prepare a report
providing more information, particularly cost sharing, for a consolidated fire district.
After discussion, Councilmember Funk stated she would like this to include the property tax
cap of $3.10 and $2.10 in terms of the real numbers of property tax revenue actually
collected. The motion carried by unanimous vote, Cousens and White absent.
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Fire Chief Markham and Police Chief Murray reported on perpetual vehicle replacement
strategy options, which includes annual funding of $1 million for Police and $1 million for Fire.
Mr. Groom reported on the American Rescue Plan Act, which will provide $25.5 million
dollars to the City in two payments, half in May and the other half 12 months later. He noted
there are a lot of unknowns and the City is looking for guidance from the U.S. Treasury
Department. Mr. Harrison noted this one-time revenue should be spent on one-time
expenses. Mr. Harrison reviewed the County Elections Calendar indicating dates
of upcoming Countywide levy and bond elections.
5. Mill Site Planning and Financing
Joan Davenport, Director of Community Development and Bill Preston, City Engineer,
provided an update to the Mill Site project planning and financial planning. Finance Director
Groom reviewed financial obligations for the project.
6. Adjournment
MOTION: Hill moved and Macias seconded to adjourn to the next Council regular
meeting on April 6, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The motion
carried by unanimous vote, White absent. The meeting adjourned at 6:59 p.m.
CERTIFICATION
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY
COUNCIL MEMBER DATE
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