HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/18/2008 Adjourned Meeting 335
YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL
ADJOURNED MEETING — BUDGET REVIEW
NOVEMBER 18, 2008 – 8:30 A.M. – 12:00 NOON
COUNCIL CHAMBERS – CITY HALL
1. Roll Call
Present:
Council: Mayor Dave Edler, presiding, Assistant Mayor Micah Cawley, Council
Members Kathy Coffey, Rick Ensey, Norm Johnson, and Bill Lover
Staff: City Manager Zais, Finance Director DeBord, Deputy Director of Budget
and Accounting Epperson and City Clerk Moore
Absent: Council Member Neil McClure
2. City Administration - Part II - Utilities
• Wastewater
• Wastewater Capital Reserves
• Wastewater Collection Systems Project Fund
• Wastewater Facilities Project Fund
Assistant City Manager Zabell pointed out that these utilities are self - supporting and
highly regulated with regard to public health and public safety. The Wastewater
utility is currently in leadership transition as Doug Mayo, Wastewater Manager, is
transferring to City Engineering. Scott Schafer and Max Linden presented a video
primer that gave a good overview of the Wastewater utility and its maintenance
requirements to stay in compliance. These are large scale projects, each costing
millions in dollars.
Mr. Linden distributed a document giving status of the Wastewater Treatment Plant
Projects through 2015 at a total projected budget of $22,905,000. This does not
include costs associated with emergency repairs or other upcoming regulatory
issues. Nor does it address the collection system that is over 300 miles long, is
aging, and needs upkeep. Mandates account for 93% of the Wastewater division's
activities and, as a result, rates have to be reviewed every three years.
A policy issue to enhance security at the facility by additional lighting and an
automated front gate was discussed. Increased security is required under
Homeland Security.
• Stormwater
• Stormwater Capital
•
Staff explained that Stormwater is another government mandate. 2009 is the third
year of The NPDES Phase 2 implementation for eastern Washington will begin it's
third year in 2009. Mr. Schafer explained they are working to meet the compliance
schedule of 2012. The UIC requires that we inventory every one of the dry wells by
2011. The NPDES Phase 2 requires that the entire system must be mapped by
2012.
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BUDGET REVIEW
Mr. Zabell advised that, with regard to the rate structure, our ordinance is more
onerous than the federal regulation. That is not our intent; therefore, we will be
coming back with a minor amendment to rates extending the 20% discount into
2009. There had been a request to waive the fees for the airport. Legal opinion is
that the Council does not have the statutory authority to do so.
The policy issue to add a second crew was discussed. It implements Council
direction from last year.
• Water
• Domestic Water Improvement
Dave Brown, Water & Irrigation Manager, gave a status report of projects. He said
there have been challenges in hiring qualified staff. Their policy issue is for a
reorganization that would allow for a training position to qualify people to operate the
plant. They are also looking to add another level of operator as an incentive to keep
staff.
• Irrigation
• Irrigation Improvement
City Manager Zais spoke about the irrigation regulations, improvements and bond
funding.
3. Finance
• Information Systems
• Utility Services
• Community Services
• Financial Services
• Police Pension
• Firemen's Relief and Pension
• State Examiner
• SunDome
• District Court
• Transfers
• Public Facilities District
• Contingency
• Capitol Theatre Reserve
• Risk Management
• Cemetery Trust Bonded Debt
Rita DeBord, Director of Finance and Budget, reported on the electronic bill payment
system and the new utility services system. Rick Pettyjohn, Information Systems
Manager, also gave project updates. Pete Hobbs, Utility Services Manager, noted
that we are seeing declining revenues and a delay in receipt of payments as well as
more non - payments. Linda Kraft of Healthy Families gave an update on that
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BUDGET REVIEW
program. Tim Jensen, Treasury Service Officer, spoke about the impacts of the
financial crisis on investments for the City. City Manager Zais referred to reports
across the country about millions of dollars being lost through bad investments, and
assured Council that we have not lost money but we are not gaining either.
4. Other Business
Appointment to Regional Planning Commission — JOHNSON MOVED AND CAWLEY
SECONDED TO APPOINT JOHN CRAWFORD TO THE REGIONAL PLANNING
COMMISSION. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
5. Adjournment
CAWLEY MOVED AND ENSEY SECONDED TO ADJOURN.. The meeting
adjourned at 10:21 a.m. �/ �
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY t ! �4' a y —
COUNCIL Mt BE/ DATE
•
COUN IL MEB3' DATE
ATTEST:
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A IL-
CITY CLERK DAVID EDLER, MAYOR
Minutes prepared by Linda Watkins. A CD and DVD of this meeting are available in the City Clerk's
Office
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