HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-05-24 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers May 24, 2010 7:00 P.M.
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council President Robertson called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. and led the
audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
OFFICIALS
Present were Dennis Robertson, Council President, Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Joan Hernandez,
Verna Seal, Kathy Hougardy, and De'Sean Quinn.
Councilmember Ekberg was not present.
CITY OFFICIALS
Jim Haggerton, Mayor; Steve Lancaster, City Administrator; Shawn Hunstock, Finance Director;
Peggy McCarthy, Deputy Finance Director; David Haynes, Police Chief; Bob Giberson, Public Works
Director; Gail Labanara, Public Works Analyst; Jack Pace, Community Development Director; Rick Still,
Interim Parks and Recreation Director; Dave Johnson, Interim Parks and Recreation Deputy Director;
Mary Miotke, Information Technology Director; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Melissa Hart, Deputy City
Clerk.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
Introduction and swearing in of Lateral Police Officer Daniel Lindstrom.
David Haynes, Police Chief, introduced Police Officer Daniel Lindstrom, to the Council. Officer Lindstrom
was born and raised in Minnesota and has been working in law enforcement since 1996.
Mayor Haggerton administered the Oath of Office to Daniel Lindstrom, Badge #188. Officer Lindstrom
stated he is very excited to be in Tukwila and thanked the Mayor and Council for the opportunity to serve
the City.
AMEND AGENDA
Council President Robertson requested the Council amend the agenda to add an item 4c, "Proposed
council schedule for budget adjustment work sessions," under "Special Issues."
There was Council consensus to amend the agenda as proposed.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Jeff Scherrer, P.O. Box 1094, Lynnwood, indicated he owns the Maple apartment complex in Tukwila,
and he currently leads the Tukwila Apartment Managers and Owners (TAMO) group. TAMO meets
monthly to discuss crime free housing and other issues relating to the residential rental properties within
Tukwila. He explained that at the May 19, 2010 TAMO meeting, Kathy Stetson, Code Enforcement
Officer, conducted a presentation on Ordinance No. 2281, the Residential Rental Business License and
Inspection Program. Mr. Scherrer thanked the staff, Mayor Haggerton and Council President Robertson
for attending the meeting and for participating in the discussion. He feels staff now has a better
understanding of the TAMO group and their priorities. Mr. Scherrer also extended an invitation to the
June 16, 2010 TAMO meeting to be held at the Towne and Country Suites, 14800 Interurban Avenue
South, starting at 12:00 p.m.
Council President Robertson explained that staff provided very good information to the attendees and he
felt the TAMO group understood the explanation of the program.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
May 24, 2010 Page 2 of 8
Councilmember Duffie asked Mr. Scherrer for his opinion on Ordinance No. 2281 regarding the
Residential Rental Business License Program.
Mr. Scherrer explained that due to the number of questions and comments during the meeting, it
appeared to him there still needs to be more interaction and engagement between TAMO and the City.
He suggested the property owners, managers and the City form a partnership to continue working on
resolving some of the issues by reaching out to the absentee owners.
Councilmember Quinn commended staff for reaching out to TAMO and presenting the information that
was previously provided to the Council. He asked Mr. Scherrer if he thought the presentation created an
open line of communication between TAMO and City staff.
Mr. Scherrer indicated that from his perspective, there was no communication between the City and
apartment managers and property owners prior to the adoption of Ordinance No. 2281. He feels the
presentation and subsequent meeting have opened the lines of communication. Mr. Scherrer explained
that he is very hands on and interacts with his tenants to resolve problems, and he knows that is not
always the case with some property owners.
SPECIAL ISSUES
a. A resolution surplussing Duwamish Gardens (Carosino) structures.
Councilmember Duffie indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee
meeting on May 10, 2010. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval.
Bob Giberson, Public Works Director, explained that in 2008, the City purchased the Carosino property
located at 11245 and 11269 East Marginal Way South, along the Duwamish River for the Duwamish
Gardens estuarine restoration project. In order for the project to move forward, the existing structures
need to be demolished or removed from the site. The Washington State Department of Archaeology and
Historic Preservation (DAHP) is requesting the City advertise for bids twice to offer the relocation of the
farmstead house. If no interested parties can be found to relocate the farmhouse, the City can proceed
with demolition. The other buildings have no value due to dilapidation and asbestos, and those will be
demolished.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
b. Program Reductions: Information Technology, Public Works Department, Foster Golf and
Parks and Recreation Department.
In accordance with preliminary budget targets and the schedule established at the April 5, 2010 Regular
Council Meeting, staff is presenting information on proposed program or service reductions related to
Information Technology, Public Works Department, Foster Golf and Parks and Recreation Department.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY:
Mary Miotke, Information Technology Director, introduced the following budget items and provided a
summary of the proposed reductions.
Reduce Cell Phone Budget:
The proposal is to continue electronic monitoring of the accounts, consolidating and revising call plans,
and reducing the total number of cell phones in service. Replacing all cell phones with newer models has
reduced service calls and repairs. These reductions would have an annual cost savings of $10,000.00.
Miscellaneous Budaet Line Items:
The proposal is to reduce the Information Technology budget to include non standard software
purchases, staff training, technical support and repair and maintenance. This reduction would have an
annual cost savings of $14,500.00.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
May 24, 2010 Page 3 of 8
Microsoft Office Licenses:
The proposal is to standardize the versions of Microsoft Office software and review possible alternate
licensing. Staff will provide a separate proposal relating to a new licensing strategy at the June 8, 2010
Finance and Safety Committee meeting. This reduction would have an annual cost savings of
$27,000.00.
Computer and Laptop Specifications:
The proposal is to reduce the specifications for PC and laptop computers and extend the rotation period
from 4 years to 6 years. This reduction would have an annual cost savings of $63,000.00.
Councilmember Hernandez asked if the rotation would affect the maintenance costs associated with
extending the length of service of the computers.
Ms. Miotke explained that with the proposed virtualization of the servers and applications, the processing
power requirements would be within the servers and the expected useful life of the desktop computer
would be extended.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT:
Bob Giberson, Public Works Director, introduced the following budget items and provided a summary of
the proposed reductions.
Eliminate Vacant Position:
The proposal includes elimination of the vacant "Development Engineer" position. This reduction would
have an annual cost savings of $101,049.00.
Mr. Giberson explained there are three Development Engineers funded through the General Fund. One
of the three Development Engineers was transferred in June 2009 to the vacant National Pollution
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Coordinator, which is budgeted in the Surface Water Enterprise
412 Fund.
CERT Training:
The proposal is to reduce the vacant Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Trainer position to
half time (0.5 FTE). This reduction would have an annual cost savings of $89,189.00 for 2010 and
$44,494.50 for 2011.
Street Maintenance:
This proposal is to reduce the level of service within the Street Division and to eliminate the vacant Street
Division's Maintenance and Operations Specialist position. The service impacts will be a reduction in
mowing, fall leaf removal, potholing, and street asphalt sealing. This reduction would have an annual
cost savings of $65,500.00 for 2010 and $71,500.00 for 2011.
Councilmember Quinn explained this proposal is a visible reduction that the citizens will notice.
Councilmember Seal explained the City could conduct public outreach to the citizens and announce the
decrease in mowing, street clearing, and maintenance.
Councilmember Hougardy asked if the citizens could be notified of the frequency of street maintenance.
She suggested an article in the Hazelnut and a posting on Channel 21.
Annual Bridge and Overlay Programs:
This proposal is to reduce the level of service within the annual bridge and overlay programs and
eliminate the vacant Senior Transportation Engineer position. This reduction will have an annual cost
savings of $137,511.00.
Dump Pass and Neighborhood Cleanup Programs:
This proposal is to eliminate the dump pass and neighborhood cleanup programs. The elimination of the
program will have some negative impacts to residents that do not have regular garbage and recycling
services. This reduction would have an annual cost savings of $32,500.00.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
May 24, 2010 Page 4 of 8
Mr. Giberson explained the contract with Allied Waste will expire in 2012 and staff will issue a new
Request for Proposals for services in Tukwila. He also explained that with a new contract for collection
service, there will be a discussion relating to mandatory trash collection for City residents.
Councilmember Quinn asked that the City Administration document the complaints by individuals who are
impacted by elimination of the program and provide the information to the Council.
Councilmember Seal explained the dump pass program has been a benefit to the residents and they
appreciate the program. However, elimination of the program provides the City an opportunity to reach
out to the citizens and for neighbors to work together.
Councilmember Hernandez indicated she agrees with the comments that have been expressed, and staff
has provided information indicating there have not been any significant issues associated with the
elimination of the program. She explained she is confident that staff will continue to monitor the
complaints and update the Council if necessary.
Council President Robertson asked if the Code Enforcement Department's dump pass fund was still
available.
Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst, explained that Code Enforcement has a $1,000 budget for necessary
debris removal from problem areas.
PARKS AND RECREATION:
Rick Still, Interim Parks and Recreation Director, introduced the following budget items and provided a
summary of the proposed reductions.
Foster Golf Links:
This proposal is to reduce the General Fund subsidy for Foster Golf Links by requiring the restaurant
concessionaire to pay their portion of the utilities, equipment maintenance, and custodial service. This
reduction would have an annual net savings of $62,000.00.
Council President Robertson asked if the debt service payment is the only remaining item that is funded
through the General Fund.
Shawn Hunstock, Finance Director, answered in the affirmative.
Mr. Still explained the 3 divisions within the Parks and Recreation Department that will be discussed are:
Administration, Recreation, and Park Maintenance. He explained that with the proposed program
reductions, the revenue generated from the programs would also be decreased. Staff reviewed programs
that have the least amount of cost recovery to eliminate.
Council President Robertson clarified the program descriptions contained in the 2009 -2010 biennial
budget identify that the Tukwila Community Center activities generate approximately $90,000.00 per year
in revenue, while the programs generate $455,000.00 annually. Mr. Robertson asked the Council if there
was consensus to have a brief discussion about policy decisions relating to program funding priorities and
reductions, such as Teen /Youth programs, Adult programs, and Senior programs.
Mr. Still clarified that general programs involve the preschool programs and adult sport activities. For
example, with the proposed elimination of the Senior Program Specialist, the program work would be
completed by having a position split 50% to general programs and 50% to senior programs. Staff
proposes providing a reduction within a program, but having the program functions completed elsewhere.
Discussion ensued among the Councilmembers regarding policy decisions related to the budget, and
Council consensus existed to review policy decisions at a future Council meeting.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
May 24, 2010 Page 5 of 8
Recreation Administration:
This proposal will reduce the administrative capabilities for the Parks and Recreation Department by
eliminating the Deputy Director position. This reduction would have an annual cost savings of $70,000.00
for 2010 and $103,000.00 for 2011.
Special Events:
This proposal is to eliminate the Tukwila Days special event. This reduction would have an annual cost
savings of $25,000.00.
Councilmember Hougardy asked if staff has reviewed other alternatives in reducing costs and possibly
continuing with the event.
Mr. Still explained that staff has analyzed all available options for reducing costs. There has been a
decline in Tukwila Days attendance over the last few years, while the attendance for the Backyard Wildlife
Fair has significantly increased.
Councilmember Seal suggested combining the Tukwila Days festival and the 4 th of July celebration.
Councilmember Hernandez asked how many people have been attending the Backyard Wildlife Fair,
noting the smaller events have an important community value also.
Mr. Still explained that there were over 700 people in attendance at the May 2010 Backyard Wildlife Fair.
It is also less expensive to promote the Backyard Wildlife Fair.
Special Events:
This proposal is to eliminate the employee recognition banquet. This reduction would have an annual
cost savings of $12,000.00 for each year.
Councilmember Duffie explained that recognizing the employees is very important, and he felt this event
should not be eliminated.
Councilmember Hernandez concurred with Councilmember Duffie, and she suggested honoring
employees at Council meetings.
Councilmember Hougardy requested the City Administration consider continuing with this event.
Councilmember Quinn explained he does not support eliminating this event. The positive morale that is
generated by recognizing the employees once a year is very important.
Councilmember Seal explained that her employer has provided a survey to employees to review the
events the employees feel should be kept or eliminated. She explained this type of survey could benefit
the City and the employees.
Council President Robertson explained the employee recognition is very valuable for the employees.
Steve Lancaster, City Administrator, thanked the Council for the positive comments about the importance
of employee recognition. He clarified that while the banquet is one element of employee recognition, a
committee is working on a more effective way to acknowledge the employees. Those proposals will be
presented to the Council during the 2011 -2012 budget process. He also indicated this line item will be
moved from Parks and Recreation to the Mayor's Office budget.
Council President Robertson explained the Council does not approve of elimination of this program for
2010 and requested that City Administration continue exploring alternatives.
Senior Recreation and Programs:
This proposal includes elimination of the vacant "Senior Programs Recreation Specialist" position. Staff is
also proposing to reduce staff resources, materials, supplies, and contracted services for the senior
programs, events, and trips. The Senior Program Recreation Specialist position became vacant at the
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
May 24, 2010 Page 6 of 8
end of January 2010. This reduction would have an annual cost savings of $62,000.00 for 2010 and
$102,000.00 for 2011.
Councilmember Duffie explained the Council needs to look at these programs more closely. He
explained we need to take care of the senior citizens, and these programs are very helpful for the
participants.
Councilmember Hernandez suggested the City consider collaborating with other cities for senior and
youth /teen programs.
Councilmember Hougardy explained the proposed budget reductions are a challenge, and she
acknowledged staff's efforts for the creative ideas presented. She suggested staff continue analyzing the
programs with low participation and consider reducing those programs before eliminating an essential
program.
Councilmember Quinn stated reduction in programs is a very difficult topic for discussion. He explained
that he agrees with Councilmember Hernandez's suggestion about collaborating with other cities. These
programs have a big impact on the community, and he would like to have staff review this type of
alternative.
Mr. Still explained the Community Center staff currently collaborates with other cities to share programs,
and he stated that information would be provided to the Council.
Council President Robertson suggested staff consider reducing the number of senior excursions rather
than reducing the Meals on Wheels or health and safety programs that involve basic human needs.
Mayor Haggerton suggested there be a review of the critical programs being offered and reductions in
those less critical programs.
Councilmember Quinn expressed the Council will rely on City Administration to provide those operational
suggestions that support the most efficient methods of service while saving money. Creativity during this
tough budget process is essential.
Youth and Teen Proarams:
This proposal will permanently reduce the temporary part -time staffing for the youth and teen programs.
The service impacts associated with the proposal may include eliminating the Ladies Night Out, Teen
Summer Kickoff Festival, Teen Spring and Winter Break Camps, and Up All Night Basketball
Tournament. This reduction would have an annual cost savings of $51,000.00.
Councilmember Quinn asked if the remaining Tukwila Community Center programs are self- sufficient.
Mr. Still answered in the affirmative. He explained some of the programs that have not been eliminated
are because the operational costs are low.
Councilmember Duffie explained that if the City continues to eliminate the programs for youth and teens,
he feels the kids will end up on the streets. The City needs to let the citizens know these programs are
very important to youth.
General Services and Programs:
This proposal would permanently reduce general recreation programs and services by reducing
temporary part -time staff, materials, supplies, contracted services, trips, events, leagues, camps, and
activities. This reduction would have an annual cost savings of $77,000.00.
Facility Rentals and Operations:
This proposal would permanently reduce the facility rental and operations programs and services. This
reduction would have an annual cost savings of $11,000.00.
Council President Robertson explained that after review of the accounting, there is no way to know if the
Community Center rentals and operations are generating revenue or losing revenue.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
May 24, 2010 Page 7 of 8
Councilmember Hougardy asked if the costs become prohibitive if staff were to increase the rental fees.
Mr. Still answered in the affirmative.
Administrative Expenses:
This proposal would permanently reduce the Tukwila Community Center marketing and CLASS Software
scheduling capabilities, materials, supplies, and contracted services. Specific impacts may include
eliminating the advertising in the Banquet and Special Events NW Guides, newspaper subscriptions,
reducing CLASS program maintenance, printing and distributing the Recreation Brochure, special
accommodation services, and staff training. This reduction would have an annual cost savings of
$17,000.00.
Park Maintenance Standards:
This proposal will reduce the Parks Maintenance Division staffing by transferring a 0.50 Full Time
Employee (FTE) Park Maintenance Specialist position to the Golf Maintenance budget. This reduction
would have an annual cost savings of $28,000.00.
Park Maintenance Services
This proposal would reduce various Parks Maintenance programs and services, including extra labor
(temporary part -time) staff resources, operating supplies, contracted services and other services. Some
of the reduced services will include mowing, aerating, fertilizing, weeding, trash removal, hanging flower
basket program, flower displays, and trail and parking lot repairs. This reduction would have an annual
cost savings of $77,000.00.
Chuck Parrish, 4430 South 150 Street, explained he is very proud of the process the City Administration
and Council have utilized during this difficult service reduction process. However, he felt the Council
could have reviewed the impact data for the programs prior to reviewing the revenue enhancements that
have been previously discussed. Mr. Parrish indicated that a Business and Occupation Tax could be
utilized to provide a sustainable budget for the City. He encouraged all departments to present pertinent
budget explanations during a Committee of the Whole meeting.
c. Proposed Council Schedule for Budget Adjustment Work Sessions. (Per Agenda Amendment
on Page 1)
Council President Robertson distributed a proposed schedule for review of the remaining budget
adjustments. The following items and timeline were discussed:
June 14, 2010 Committee of the Whole Meeting: Review the proposed program /service reductions for
Fire and Police and Council discussions relating to the Fire Department options relating to a Fire District
and /or Fire Authority.
June 22, 2010 Special Work Session: Review program /service reductions for the Pool, new revenues,
Citywide program /service reductions and the Six -Year Financial Plan.
June 28, 2010 Committee of the Whole Meeting: Public Hearing (or Meeting) on Council decisions to
date followed by a Council discussion on the items and a schedule for implementing the decisions.
July 12, 2010 Committee of the Whole Meeting: Public presentation to Council on status of labor
negotiations followed by a Council discussion relating to next steps, which could include scheduling
another round of program /service reductions, if necessary.
September 13, 2010 Committee of the Whole Meeting: Review and discuss status of new revenues,
program /service reductions, compensation reductions versus budget targets. Consider further reductions,
if necessary, and set targets and schedule Council work sessions for September and October.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
May 24, 2010 Page 8 of 8
REPORTS
a. Mayor
Mayor Haggerton reported that on May 18, 2010, he participated in the 2nd Grade Brown Bag Lunch at
Tukwila Elementary School. On May 19, 2010, he attended the Suburban Cities Association dinner. He
also reminded the Council of the Memorial Day Event at the Museum of Flight on Monday, May 31, 2010
starting at 12:00 p.m. Mayor Haggerton also conveyed that King County would cover the costs
associated with the debris removal and maintenance for the Tukwila levee.
b. City Council
Councilmember Hernandez attended the Tukwila Pond ribbon cutting ceremony on May 12, 2010. On
May 13, 2010, she attended the Seattle Southside Visitors' Center grand opening, on May 14, 2010, she
attended the Southwest King County Chamber lunch, and later that afternoon attended Senator Murray's
Press Release in Kent, regarding funding for the Howard Hanson Dam. She also attended the Suburban
Cities Association dinner on May 19, 2010. On May 21, 2010, she attended the K -9 Unit fundraiser.
Ms. Hernandez also clarified the Equity and Diversity Commission will have their next meeting on
June 10, 2010.
Councilmember Seal attended the K -9 Unit fundraiser on May 21, 2010.
Councilmember Hougardy attended the Tukwila Pond ribbon cutting on May 12, 2010 and the Seattle
Southside Visitors' Center grand opening on May 13, 2010. She also attended the Suburban Cities
Association dinner on May 19, 2010.
Council President Robertson attended the Tukwila Apartment Managers and Owners Meeting on
May 19, 2010. He explained the meeting was a great avenue for opening the lines of communication and
suggestions. The City has been trying to create a Residential Rental Business License and Inspection
Program since 1999.
c. Staff
There was no report.
d. City Attorney
The City Attorney's presence is not required at Committee of the Whole meetings.
e. Intergovernmental
Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst, reminded the Council of the Joint School Board and City Council
Meeting on May 27, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at the Tukwila School District Office.
ADJOURNMENT
9:48 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT ROBERTSON DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MEETING ADJOURNED TO NVENE A SPECIAL MEETING.
Dennis Robertson, Council President
Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk