HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/21/2000 Adjourned Meeting 12
CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
ADJOURNED MEETING - BUDGET REVIEW
NOVEMBER 21, 2000 - 8:30 A.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Mary Place, presiding, Council Members Clarence Barnett,
Henry Beauchamp, Lynn Buchanan, John Puccinelli and Bernard Sims
present on roll call
Absent: Council Member Larry Mattson was absent and excused
Staff: City Manager Zais, Rita Anson, Director of Finance and Budget; Cindy
Epperson, Accounting Manager; Tim Jensen, Accountant; and Acting
City Clerk Watkins
City Manager Zais announced that the unbudgeted policy issue for the Cost -of-
Service and Rate Study for the Water Division is on the agenda this afternoon as
well as the budget hearing. If it is determined more time is needed, the study could
be deferred until next year and a special study session for the subject could be
scheduled. After discussion it was the consensus of the Council to defer review of
the Cost of Service and Rate Study until January 2001. City Manager Zais pointed
out that the budget for Water and Irrigation is presently balanced without a rate
increase and the Cost -of- Service Study is not presently budgeted.
2. FINANCE DEPARTMENT /MUNICIPAL COURT
Intergovernmental
(Budget Pages K -1)
Cindy Epperson, Accounting Manager, explained this category contains contracts
with other agencies and all of the agencies have been invited to come to this
afternoon's public hearing.
Mayor Place relatedthat she had received a request from the Clean Air Authority to
complete their original budgeted request for 2000. They were cut back last year by
$1,200 and they are requesting the City to reinstate that amount. Council Member
Puccinelli explained since the other cities have gone back and given its full
assessment, Clean Air's reasoning is the City of Yakima should pay its fair share as
well. There were questions raised about the impact of the new census on the per
capita rate. It was suggested these questions be asked at the afternoon budget
hearing.
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3. COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Urban Area Hearings Examiner (Budget Page G -1)
Environmental Planning (Budget Pages G -2)
Code Administration (Budget Pages G6; Policy Issue Pages 72 -84 discussed 11/14)
Economic Development (Budget Pages G -16)
Cable T.V. (Budget Pages G -28)
Bill Cook, Director of Community and Economic Development, gave an overview of
the above divisions noting overall they are operating at a 12.5% reduction in staff
since 1995. The Planning Division was the most heavily hit with a reduction in staff
of 33 %. He reviewed his department's various functions explaining how
Neighborhood Development has moved away from an exclusive emphasis on
housing needs into other areas such as financing support like ClientLogic and the
Fruitvale area water and sewer projects. He noted the challenge to prepare for the
mandated update of the GMA in 2002 and how, if relief is not seen in the legislative
process in Olympia, they will be looking for ways to contract out those changes
rather than enlarging the staff. He mentioned that Cable TV has become more and
more focused on telecommunications and they are proposing a name change of
that organization to Telecommunications.
Visitors & Convention Bureau /Convention Center
(Budget Pages G -40; Policy Issues Pages 85 -92)
Kathy Coffey, General Manager of the Yakima Convention Center and Executive
Director of the Yakima Valley Visitors Bureau, was present to answer Council's
questions. She explained the difference between the Sports Commission and the
Sports Complex. The Sports Commission is the marketing arm of sports in the
Yakima Valley, designed to encourage tourism and the use of our facility, which
their policy issue is requesting to continue. The management fee request has
been increased for the year 2001 to accommodate additional labor required to
support the increase in event days scheduled for next year. Mr. Cook commented
that a recent marketing study comparing Yakima with Spokane, the Tri- Cities and
Wenatchee shows we have captured 34% of the market rather than an anticipated
19.5 %.
Capitol Theatre (Budget Pages G -47; Policy Issue Pages 93 -94) - CONTINUED TO
11/28/00
Engineering /Capital Projects
(Budget Pages G -53)
Kay Adams, City Engineer, was available to answer Council's questions. In
response to Council Member Barnett's question about whether Mead Avenue is
going to be completed in 2001, he responded that it is being submitted to the
Transportation Improvement Board and if they approve the design, funds will be
available in 2001 with construction in 2002.
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ADJOURNED MEETING — BUDGET REVIEW
4. FIRE /POLICE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS FUND
(Budget Pages 1 -18; Policy Issue Pages 96 -102)
Wayne Wantland, Public Safety Communications Manager, was available to answer
questions. He explained that the service contract with Yakima County expires in
June of 2001 and they have processed a new five -year contract. The most
significant change is allocating administrative support at 45% to 911, 45% to
dispatch and 10% to the electronic technician section. Council Member Puccinelli
interjected that the first five -year contract didn't include any compensation to the
City for the use of the building and it's utilities. He suggested it would be
appropriate to include that in the new contract. During discussion it was brought out
that this was a negotiable item that was used as an incentive to encourage initial
participation in the joint services of 911. Mr. Wantland also noted that there are
other administrative costs they are sharing that offset some of that expense. He
was unsure as to how they would specifically address rent. Another point he made
was the new contract was taken to both the 911 Operations Board and the
Administration Board during the summer and was approved by both as it is
proposed here.
Council Member Beauchamp asked how language problems are handled.
Mr. Wantland answered that some of the staff is bi- lingual as well as they can rely
on some of the police dispatch employees. He said if it is necessary, they contact
the AT &T Language Line and have access to a translator for virtually any language.
Council Member Barnett asked about the 10% increase in the dispatch fees and
was advised that all fire districts involved have agreed to it and that this increase is
currently only for one year. The agreement is to review the formula in July for
determining the cost per dispatch and prepare a proposal at that time. Council
noted that the policy issue needs to be amended as it shows this as a three -year
contract rather than for one year.
5. POLICE DEPARTMENT
Police Services
(Budget Pages H1 -H13)
Council Member Barnett asked how many cars would the equipment replacement
fund purchase. City Manager Zais said with the combination of general funds and
capital funds the amount is about $200,000 and it could possibly purchase up to 10
cars.
The contingency plan reduction, although the smallest percent of any in the budget
at 1.3% or $165,000, does translate into personnel cuts if it is considered. Chief
Blesio said it's necessary to look at the impact this has on the entire department.
He said, with the reductions, they will be forced into becoming a more reactive
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ADJOURNED MEETING - BUDGET REVIEW
rather than proactive department. He explained that the current breakdown of
department commissioned personnel is about 1.65 officers per thousand
population. That is about the same as what was in effect in 1979: If the
contingency plan goes into effect it will be necessary to reduce some of the services
and they will once again have to look at priorities and dealing with life threatening
issues rather than lesser calls such as for car prowls.
Council Member Sims inquired whether putting video cameras in the entire fleet
would possibly decrease contested cases and decrease complaints against officers.
Yakima currently has one car with a camera at this time. The cost of putting one
into a car is about $5,000 for a complete unit. Council Member Sims asked Captain
Schneider to research this idea and report back whether that would be an efficient
means to reduce our costs in court or charges against officers.
Police Pension
(Budget Page H14)
No discussion
Law and Justice Capital
(Budget Page H15 -17)
No discussion
6. CITY MANAGEMENT
City Council
(Budget Page D -1)
Based on last year's recommendation from the Auditor's office there will be no
salary increase in 2001 for Council members.
City Manager
(Budget Page D -4)
City Manager Zais commented on travel cutbacks made this year and stated they
would continue to cutback as needed.
Legal
(Budget Page D -7)
In response to the question of whether we would be'prosecuting shoplifters this
year, City Attorney Paolella responded they are attempting to fully perform those
functions. There was discussion on the efforts of the Washington D.C. law firm of
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips and how they are used to seek and leverage federal
funding. Council Member Beauchamp asked about the option of work release for
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NOVEMBER 21, 2000
ADJOURNED MEETING — BUDGET REVIEW
jail prisoners to reduce costs of housing prisoners. Mr. Paolella advised that would
be part of Municipal Court's budget, however he would speak with the prosecutors .
about their current recommendations and approaches to recommending that.
The Tier 1 Contingency Plan was identified as $45,000 in three professional
services accounts. This is money that would be used for vacation relief and in
unanticipated litigation matters or for efforts from June De Hart of Manatt, Phelps &
Phillips for leveraging federal funds.
Records /City Clerk
(Budget Page D -13)
No discussion
Human Resources
(Budget Page D -17)
The contingency plan eliminates approximately $2,000 in temporary help. City
Manager Zais provided details about the Workman's Compensation increase from
1999 to 2000 required to make the fund viable. He explained there have been a
significant number of claims from about fifteen individuals who are out on time loss.
Council Member Barnett asked about the new ergonomics issue. Archie Sutton,
Human Resource Manager, said that although we know the impact will be
significant we do not know how much at this time. City Manager Zais pointed out
that the 2001 rates for the health benefit fund are being held at the 2000 level and
to help accomplish this, staff is researching cost containment measures.
Purchasing
(Budget Page D -32)
Sue Ownby, Purchasing Manager, described how using the Internet for supplies
would be an alternative to the central store. She said there is currently about
$10,000 worth of inventory in central stores. In discussing the Contingency Plan,
Mrs. Ownby said Tier 1 eliminates some temporary support, but Tier 2 eliminates
the Assistant Buyer position. If Tier 2 were implemented, this department would be
reduced a total of 50% from last year.
Water
(Budget Page D -75; Policy Issue Pages 52 -68)
It was noted that the policy issue is tied to the Cost -of- Service Study and Council
had agreed to delay discussion on that subject until January 2001.
There was discussion on cross connection device inspection requirements.
Dave Brown, Water /Irrigation Engineer, reviewed the status of the fluoridation issue.
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NOVEMBER 21, 2000
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ADJOURNED MEETING — BUDGET REVIEW
It is currently at the Department of Health for the final approval for construction. At
a recent meeting of the Citizens' Fluoride Committee it was determined we have a
$179,812 grant from the Dental Service Foundation and anticipate another
$125,000. The rest of the money for the $400,000 project would come from the
normal CIP budget. The committee said they thought they would be able to raise
the $125,000 and would let the City know by mid - summer at the latest. Council
Member Barnett questioned the shortfall amount and asked who would be bearing
that cost. He was informed it was the ratepayer, they voted it in and it was in the
description that rates might have to be increased to cover this. Council Member
Barnett stressed that people ought to know that. It was suggested this item be
brought up under "The Good of the Order" section of the Council Meeting as a
method of informing the public. The impact of this shortfall on the rates will depend
on how big the shortfall ends up being and on the bid we receive on the project. It
is unknown at this time. The extra funds will come from reserves and then we
would have to re- evaluate whether to replenish those reserves from a rate increase
or some other method at that time.
Revenues were discussed and it was noted that projected year -end revenues for
2001 were Tess than 2000. City Manager Zais stated that unless there is a rate
increase we couldn't afford to make contributions to the capital fund. This budget,
as submitted, is almost 5% lower than the adopted 2000 budget.
Irrigation
(Budget Page D -93)
City Manager Zais advised there is no general rate increase for this next year in
irrigation. Assistant City Manager Rice distributed replacement pages 66/67 of the
Policy Issue.
With regard to irrigation improvements, City Manager Zais said this budget has
been the subject of considerable review this year and he anticipates coming back
after the first of the year with a more complete study session. Budget page D -100
needs the year corrected from 1999 to 2001.
Mr. Brown handed out a replacement for page 9 of the Cost -of- Service Study book.
He also distributed an aerial photograph of the Water Treatment Facility and the
lagoon.
Wastewater (Budget Page D -36) — CONTINUED TO 11/28/00
7. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Place adjourned the meeting at 11:38 to 2:00 p.m. Business Meeting in
Council Chambers and then to November 28, 2000 at 8:30 a.m. in the Council
Chambers for Budget Review, then to December 1, 2000 at 10:30 a.m. for
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NOVEMBER 21, 2000
ADJOURNED MEETING — BUDGET REVIEW
Executive Session in Seattle regarding pending litigation, then to December 5,
2000 at 8:30 a.m. for Budget Wrap -up, then to noon at Providence Medical Center
for Public Service Legislative Luncheon.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: /� d 1
COUD4`CIL MEMBER TE
CO NCIL MEM R D TE
ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK MARY PLACE, MAYOR
Minutes prepared by Linda Watkins, edited by Karen Roberts. An audio and video tape of this meeting are
available in the City Clerk's Office
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