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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/19/1985 Adjourned Meeting l ` 1 t NOVEMBER 19, 1985 ADJOURNED MEETING - BUDGET REVIEW The City Council met in session on this date at 9:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Council members present were Mayor Clarence Barnett, Pat Berndt, Lynn Buchanan, Jerry Foy and Jack Sparling. Council member Lynn Carmichael present after 9:50 a.m. Council member Henry Beauchamp absent. Staff members present were Director of Finance and Budget Hanson, Accounting Manager Wheeler and Department Assistant II Leon. City Manager Zais present after 9:30 a.m. Environmental Planning Prior to the discussion of the Environmental Planning Division, Mayor Barnett commented that $20,750 is an extremely conservative figure for the City's share of the jointly funded position of Hearings Examiner. Glenn Rice, Director of Community and Econanic Development, and John Haddix, Planning Supervisor, were available to respond to Council's questions. In reference to the major policy issue of computer automated mapping, Mr. Rice explained staff could not get a cost on a feasibility study because this is a long range issue and staff does not have the capability to do any cross canparisions. He also listed the various types of maps which would be generated from the base map. Council member Foy stated that in reviewing the fiscal impact, funding source and public impact statement, he questioned if this will cause another rate increase in utilities. Mr. Rice responded this is an "enterprise ", therefore, it must cover its own costs. In response to Council member Berndt's inquiry of how the city has already expended $10,000 for the Hearings Examiner when one has yet to be appointed, Mr. Haddix stated these expenses have incurred largely due to advertising throughout the year. Code Administration Glenn Rice, Director of Community and Economic Development, and Bob Shampine, Code Administration Manager, were available to respond to Council's questions regarding reimbursement of costs in the Weed Abatement Program and property liens. .The Council members expressed concern about the length of time involved by City staff to clear just one parcel and the possibility of deleting the Weed Abatement Program. It was the general consensus of the Council to address this program under the Major Policy Issue of the Code Administration Division's budget. (City Manager Zais present after 9:30 a.m.) Mr. Shampine then distributed a memo depicting the increase of right -of -way permit fees. Council member Buchanan commented he has no qualms about charging the fee for the initial permit, however, he suggested the annual renewal fee be emitted. Mr. Shampine responded that liability insurance is reviewed at the time of renewal and an inspection is again required, therefore, the renewal fee aids in the recovery of the City's expenses. A brief discussion ensued regarding the savings in energy costs in the budget for City Hall. In regards- to the Office of Housing and Neighborhood Conservation budget, Mayor Barnett informed Mr. Rice that Dixie. Kracht, Housing Supervisor, should be anticipating a reduction of funds in the CDBG program. He advised her to have an alternative program with which to operate under. Cable TV • (Council member Carmichael present after 9:50 a.m.) Glenn Rice, Director of Community and Economic Development, and Bruce Crest, Cable TV Coordinator, were available to respond to Council's questions. Mayor Barnett mentioned the slight increase in personnel for 1986. Mr. Crest stated since August, his staff has dedicated one day per week to work in conjunction with other City personnel to produce shows. The Council members expressed concern with the charging of overtime to the Cable TV Division, cable tv customers benefitting fram the produced shows, and the inventory list compiled and distributed by Mr. Crest. (Mayor Barnett temporarily absent. after 10:00 a.m.) It was the general consensus of the Council to meet with the Community Programing Advisory Committee for the purpose of discussing future goals and directions for the Cable TV Division. (Mayor Barnett present after 10:23 a.m.) Discussion ensued • NOVEMBER 19, 1985 ADJOURNED MEETING - BUDGET REVIEW with City Manager Zais responding to Council's inquiries regarding the building lease where they are presently located. Mr. Crest concluded the discussion by noting that although a large amount of money is invested in capital equipment, long term plans are going to be necessary to keep this equipment in place and operable. Yakima Convention Center • Glenn Rice, Director of Community and Economic Development,'Les McNary, Yakima Center Manager, and Dianne Gilliland, Assistant Manager, were available to respond to. Council's questions. Mr. Rice commended Mr. McNary and Ms. Gilliland for their efforts in producing an organized budget with the assistance of Bob Wheeler, Accounting Manager. Mayor Barnett led the discussion by questioning why the 1986 revenue figure is below the 1985 figure. Mr. Wheeler explained the City has received more . hotel /motel tax this year than estimated, thereby creating a larger ending balance for 1985. He continued to explain that because of this larger ending balance in 1985, the Center won't be needing as much motel tax to balance the budget next year. Staff continued to provide Council with information on operating equipment, hotel /motel taxes, justification for the 6% wage increase request and the Yakima Convention Center advertising. City Manager Zais concluded that he would provide Council with a recap of the depreciation fund for the Center. • Capitol Theatre Glenn Rice, Director of Community and Economic Development, and Eli Ashley, Capitol Theatre Manager, were available to respond to Council's questions. Mayor Barnett questioned the County of Yakima's participation in the Capitol Theatre's future. Mr. Ashley commented due to the local municipalities adopting legislation which enables them to keep their roan taxes, rather than giving these monies to the county government.This • legislation lowers the county's collection total, thereby decreasing the contribution to the Capitol Theatre. Fred Stouder, Assistant City Manager, interjected by explaining room tax expenditure limitations. A brief discussion ensued regarding revenues from roan tax. There being no further business to came before the Council, it was MOVED by Foy, seconded by Carmichael, this meeting be adjourned at the hour of 11:20 a.m. Unanimously carried by voice vote. Beauchamp absent. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE B0'../ DATE COUNCIL MEMBER 4 %‘ . DATE 7' n COUNCIL' M E ATTEST: CITY CLERK MAYOR • • b.