HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/09/2004 Adjourned Meeting 2 4 0:5
CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 9, 2004 - 7:00 P.M.'
COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL
Roll Call
Present:
Council: Mayor Paul George, presiding, Council Members Ron Bonlender,
Dave Edler, Neil McClure, Mary Place, Bernard Sims, and Susan
Whitman
Staff: City Manager Zais, City Attorney Paolella and City Clerk Roberts
Absent: Council Member Ron Bonlender (excused)
2. Public Hearing on the 2004 Domestic Water Utility Rate Study and proposed
new rates
Dave Brown, Water and Irrigation Manager, referred to a study session held on
September 14 where there were several requests to look at alternative ways to
implement the proposed rate increase. As a result of those requests, Alternative A
was created. It implements the increase in phases; 12% in 2005, 12% in 2006, and
3.5% in 2007. This implementation schedule would create the same cash position in
2009 as the single 20% in 2005 would. This rate schedule takes future needs into
consideration. For perspective purposes, Mr. Brown said that at the projected 2009
rate you can drink 12,000 glasses of water for $1.25.
Council Member Sims asked Mr. Brown to explain the jump in rates. Mr. Brown said
a residential customer using 25 units of water spends about $31.25 every two
months. In the beginning of 2009 their water bill will go up by $9.70 from what it is
today; a 31 % increase over the course of five years. Reasons for the need to
increase rates are capital improvements to the water system plant (a list is provided
in the report supplied), and also, changing weather patterns in the valley. We are
experiencing more water short years and we need to figure out what to do to make
sure we have water in 2010 or 2025. He then gave specifics relating to the current
situation and required capital improvements for the future. Although items like the
"ready to serve" charge are taking a large hit (from $3.65 to $6.00), it is still low
compared to the county and other smaller cities. Mr. Brown sympathized with the
ratepayers but pointed out that this is our drinking water, it is essential for the health
of our citizens, and we must protect this water. He also pointed out that, compared to
other area costs, the proposed rate of Scenario A at $34.50, ranks Yakima at #12 out
of 15. Staff is recommending Alternative A.
The discussion covered volume rates per unit, Nob Hill rates ($41.82 compared to
Alternative A at $34.50), and the reliability of our aquifer for water storage rather than
having to build a reservoir.
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ADJOURNED MEETING — PUBLIC HEARING
NOVEMBER 9, 2004
• Mayor George opened the public hearing
Debbie Briskey, 1705 South 7 Avenue, asked if the newly annexed areas were
going to be paying -a portion of this increase. The answer was that it depends on
where the annexation is. If they were in the Nob Hill Water District they would not be
impacted; but if they were on Fruitvale or by the fairgrounds, they would be part of
the City of Yakima water system.
• Mayor George closed the public hearing
The decision on the rate increase will be part of the budget wrap -up on December
7 If it is approved at that time, legislation will come before Council at the business
meeting on December 14
3. Adjournment to November 16, 2004 at 8:30 a.m. Adjourned meeting for budget
review
PLACE MOVED AND SIMS SECONDED TO ADJOURN TO NOVEMBER 16 AT
8:30 A.M. FORA BUDGET REVIEW. The motion carried by unanimous roll call
vote; Bonlender absent. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY i� -a
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COUNC/ EMBER / DATE
CO NCIL MEMB= DATE
ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK PAUL P. GEORGE, MAYOR
Minutes prepared by Linda Watkins. An audio and video tape of this meeting are available in the City Clerk's
Office
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