HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-07-07 Finance and Safety MinutesFINANCE AND SAFETY COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2010 5:00 p.m.; Conference Room #3 **Wednesday meeting due to holiday
PRESENT
Councilmembers: De' Sean Quinn, Chair; and Dennis Robertson (for Kathy Hougardy)
Absent: Allan Ekberg
Staff: Shawn Hunstock, Peggy McCarthy, Dave Haynes, Tami Erble Harris, Nick Olivas, Bob
Benedicto, Marty Grisham, Gail Labanara, Bob Giberson, Hillman Mitchell, Jack Pace, Steve
Lancaster and Kimberly Matej
Guests: Mary Hulvey
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Quinn called the meeting to order at 5:01 p.m.
I. PRESENTATIONS
No presentations.
City of Tukwila
Finance and Safety Committee
II. BUSINESS AGENDA
A. Bond Ordinance for Southcenter Parkway Extension
This item was originally heard by the Finance Safety Committee on June 7, 2010. At that time,
Committee members had some clarifying questions for staff and requested the item return to Committee
for further discussion, unless grant fund processing was time sensitive.
Staff is seeking approval of an ordinance providing for the issuance of new bonds in the amount of $6
million, and authorization for the execution of a continuing disclosure agreement for such. The
information memo in the Committee agenda packet addressed prior Committee inquiries (see Committee
minutes dated June 7, 2010).
Council President Robertson expressed concern over the City's current economic situation and the cost of
items being requested in the draft bond ordinance (outside of Southcenter Parkway improvements). He
acknowledged the need for these emergency preparedness items; however, he was concerned this may not
be the best way to finance these items. Committee Chair Quinn shared his concerns with the emergency
preparedness items, which included: 1) the City's ability to pay for these items in the short-term in
comparison to the need; and 2) how the Police Department will secure matching grant funds for the
mobile command unit if the items are not included in the draft bond ordinance.
Staff answered questions and provided clarity on emergency preparedness items as outlined in the
Emergency Preparedness Capital Asset List included in the Committee agenda packet. The items are
essential to maintaining continuity of internal and external operations during and emergency. Failure of
current equipment, not replaced through the bond, could be catastrophic. After a lengthy discussion, the
two Committee Members agreed to forward this item to Council for discussion, recommending that the
draft bond ordinance be approved as is, including the purchase of the emergency preparedness items.
UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. FORWARD TO JULY 12 COW FOR DISCUSSION.
B. Resolution: Establishing a Seattle Southside Visitor Center Change Fund
Staff is seeking full Council approval of a resolution that will establish a change fund in the amount of
$100.00 for Seattle Southside Visitor Center. The addition of the change fund is needed for cash
transactions related to customer purchases such as admission tickets and transportation. The change fund
will increase operational efficiency and improve customer service for the Center. This will require the
repeal of Resolution No. 1676. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. FORWARD TO JULY 12 COW FOR
DISCUSSION.
Finance Safety Committee Minutes July 7, 2010 Page 2
C. Ordinance: Admissions and Entertainment Tax
Staff is seeking Council approval of a draft ordinance amending the Tukwila Municipal Code section
relating to Admissions Tax.
Language in the current ordinance makes application of the Admissions Tax difficult, as application to
certain businesses is unclear and inconsistent. The draft ordinance clarifies and expands the applicability
of the Tax to other businesses.
The Committee requested staff provide additional information and return to Committee prior to this item
moving forward to Council:
In consideration of the definition and applicability of Admissions Tax, do surrounding
jurisdictions' use a definition as broad as the draft being proposed?
Provide a list of businesses that are anticipated to be impacted by this new application of
Admissions Tax.
RETURN TO FUTURE FINANCE SAFTEY COMMITTEE WITH REQUESTED
INFORMATION.
D. Sales Tax Report
Shawn Hunstock reviewed sales tax revenue through April 2010. Unfortunately, receipts continue to
decline, with April numbers falling 32% below budget estimates and $120,000 below actual receipts for
the same month last year. INFORMATION ONLY.
III. MISCELLANEOUS
Meeting adjourned at 5:53 p.m.
Next meeting: Tuesday, July 20, 2010 5:00 p.m. Conference Room #3
Committee Chair Approval
Minutes by KAM. Reviewed by SH