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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-12-08 Committee of the Whole Minutes TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL December 8, 1997 Tukwila City Hall 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers COMMITTEE OF THE WHO_ LE MEETING_ MINUTES CONVENE: 7:05 P.M. COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Council President Jim Haggerton, Councilmembers Joe Duffle, Joan Hernandez, Steve Mullet, Pam Carter, and Pamela Linder, and Allan Ekberg. OFFICIALS: Mayor John Rants, City Attorney Bob Noe, Administrative Services Director, Viki Witschger, City Clerk Jane Cantu, Public Works Director Ross Ernst, Chief of Police Ron Waldner, Planning Manager Jack Pace, Assistant Planner Nora Gierloff, Finance Director Alan Doerschel, and Recording Secretary Valerie Gow. RESOLUTIONS Director Witschger reviewed Council draft resolutions relating to employee APPROVING THE compensation. The main change in the draft resolution repealing Resolution NON REPRESENTED No. 1271 concerns the elimination of the point factor. The draft resolution EMPLOYEES sets forth City Council philosophy concerning employee compensation and COMPENSATION PLAN for both non represented and represented employees. AND POLICIES: Draft resolution #2 repeals current resolutions concerning the previously adopted non represented employee compensation plan. The new language incorporates the newly adopted non represented salary and benefit program. Responding to a question from Councilmember Duffle, Director Witschger explained the positions listed under Section 1 (H) were only for the positions scheduled to receive step increases in 1998 under the old salary schedule. The decision was to move the positions up by two steps. The position of fire chief is included in the new schedule. Councilmember Mullet referred to Section 1 (F) of draft resolution 2 and suggested that a method be developed to insure all newly hired non represented employees have the same anniversary date of January 1. Director Witschger explained the anniversary date pertains to performance review dates and does not apply to employee vacation and sick leave benefits with respect to the effective date for benefit accruals. She said employees receiving promotions would also have a new date to base performance based merit increases. To efficiently implement the new salary plan, the January 1 date was established for existing employees. Discussion continued on how to insure all employees have January 1, as their performance review date. Director Witschger suggested incorporating a pro -rated system based on the month of the year they are hired. Anything less than one month (hired on December 15, for instance) would not be factored. Councilmember Ekberg suggested deleting the last sentence from Section 1 (F): "All new hires shall have their anniversary date established as their date of hire Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes December 8, 1997 Page 2 into the position." Director Witschger suggested adding the following language to the resolution: "Anniversary dates for all non represented employees for the purpose of performance reviews will be January 1." Director Witschger referred to the assistant fire chief position and said it was one of several positions being reviewed for possible adjustment /modification within the salary plan. Councilmember Carter suggested changing the second sentence in draft Resolution #2 (G) to read: "If above standard performance is achieved in two consecutive years, the employee will move to the next higher step on the anniversary date." Councilmember Ekberg said the term "anniversary date" is confusing and suggested using "performance review date" to reflect step increases and other personnel actions relating to pay and "employee hire date" for all other actions relating to the employee benefit package. Director Witschger referred to Section 1 (F) and said for clarity and consistency she would reference "anniversary date" as the, "(i.e., performance review date)." Director Witschger reviewed the proposed changes and concurred that all references to "anniversary date" would be changed to reflect "performance review date" when it related to step increases and other employee compensation matters. Director Witschger referred to Attachment B and noted the changes included a better definition of vacation leave rates and accrual dates and the addition of disability insurance for all full -time employees. Councilmember Carter suggested including the terminology of "hourly" or "monthly" within the Non Represented 1998 Salary Schedule to correctly reflect the increment of pay. Councilmember Ekberg commended Director Witschger and staff for their work and efforts related to implementing the new non represented salary plan. Mayor Rants, Director Witschger, and Councilmembers discussed employee acceptance and concerns regarding the new non represented salary plan. Mayor Rants indicated some additional work is needed on adjustments to the schedule and indicated that all adjustments will be completed in January. Councilmember Duffle reiterated his concern with adopting the new plan, but accepts the decision by Councilmembers. Consensus: Council President Haggerton noted consensus of moving the resolutions with recommended changes to the next regular Council meeting for adoption. Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes December 8, 1997 Page 3 AN ORDINANCE FORMALLY ADOPTING MODEL FOR GRADU- ALLY INCREASING THE MAYOR'S SALARY OVER A THREE -YEAR PERIOD: Consensus: SUB DIVISION DRAFT ORDINANCE: Council President Haggerton read the proposed ordinance for consideration. Director Doerschel said the proposed ordinance corrects the 1996 resolution. The RCW requires the mayor's salary to be adopted by an ordinance, not by a resolution. Previous to this request, a "resolution" was adopted in 1996. A review of other ordinances reveals that Councilmember compensation is adopted by ordinance. Council President Haggerton read the proposed ordinance for consideration. Director Doerschel said the proposed ordinance corrects the 1996 resolution. The RCW requires the mayor's salary to be adopted by an ordinance, not by a resolution. Previous to this request, a "resolution" was adopted in 1996. A review of other ordinances reveals that Councilmember compensation is adopted by ordinance. Councilmember Linder questioned the interpretation of Section 2 of the draft ordinance. Director Doerschel indicated the section may need further clarification and suggested adding the statement, "No cost -of- living will be included in the years 1998, 1999 and 2000." Councilmember Ekberg suggested including the "WHEREAS" clauses from Resolution 1351 in the ordinance for clarification. Council President Haggerton noted Council concurrence to move the ordinance repealing Resolution No. 1351 for adoption to the next regular Council meeting. Planner Gierloff reviewed the remaining policy issues regarding the adoption of the Subdivision Ordinance. She referred to the public hearings and Council worksessions held on the policy issues. A few policy issues remain and need to be resolved for adoption to occur of the ordinance. Planner Gierloff referred to the dedication and roadway improvement standards for short plats. She reviewed the different scenarios and asked for Council input regarding the adoption of language policy. She reviewed the range of policy decisions beginning with dead end cul -de -sacs of fewer than four residential lots to through streets serving more than four residential lots. Planner Gierloff reviewed each policy statement. (1) The Planning Commission has recommended that subdivisions and short plats of five to nine lots be dedicated to the City and be improved to public street standards. (2) Short plats of four or fewer residential lots that include a through- street connection should be dedicated to the City and improved to public standards, Committee of the Whole Minutes December 8, 1997 Page 4 except that the requirements for improvements may be delayed if the owners enter into a binding agreement not to protect a future LID to improve the street to full public street standards. Planner Gierloff responded to a question from Councilmember Mullet regarding increased costs associated with a street developed to public standards. She said the street would probably be required to be wider for a public street standard. Director Ernst said the design standards are the same for public and private streets. However, since the City does not design the private street, there may eventually be some increase in costs associated with bringing a private street up to public street standards. Councilmember Mullet expressed concern with potential cost impacts to small residential developments. (3) Streets providing access to four or fewer residential lots that, in the City's determination will be extended or connected to other streets sometime in the future and thereafter provide access to more than four residential lots, shall be either dedicated or subject to a binding agreement to future dedication. Planner Gierloff said the statement gives an immediate break to the developer, in that, heavy traffic wouldn't be expected for some time in the future. (4) Private street standards would apply to cul -de -sac or dead end streets providing access to four or few residential lots meeting the criteria for private access roads. (5) Public streets adjacent to a subdivision or short plat shall be improved to "half street" standards unless the City approves a delay of improvements. City approval of a delay and the required no protest LID agreement (for future improvements) apply under the following conditions: The adjacent development is a short plat of four or fewer residential lots; or The future grade or alignment of the adjacent public street is unknown and it is not feasible to establish the grade in a reasonable time period; or The immediate improvement of the street would result in a short segment of improved road with no likely improvements to occur within six years. Councilmember Mullet indicated he would like to maintain flexibility within the policy and that a "one rule" won't work. Councilmembers Carter, Linder, and Ekberg said they agree with policy statements three, four, and five. Planner Gierloff said statement 1 applies to four or more residential lots and needs to be considered separately. Discussion continued on the importance of maintaining flexibility in the language. Planner Gierloff said the language was meant to cover a whole range of options. Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes December 8, 1997 Page 5 Consensus: Consensus: Councilmember Mullet said the City should conduct an arterial review of City streets to aid in the development of City street policy. Councilmembers concurred to accept the five policy statements as presented with the understanding that additional work is needed on the guidelines concerning cul -de -sacs and through streets, etc. Planner Gierloff referred to the second memo of staff's report and reviewed outstanding items needing further clarification by Council. They include the following: 4. Can the City require frontage dedication as part of a short plat? Planner Gierloff said the language concerning dedication of right -of -ways includes proposed language by Councilmember Mullet concerning cul -de -sacs where the Cities goal of an integrated system of local streets rather than a system of cul -de -sacs should be changed to read, "The City's goal is to have a integrated system of local streets whenever practical." Additionally, if the change is adopted, a change in policy may be required concerning cul -de -sacs. Planner Gierloff referred to the existing language and said the language may suffice and exceptions could be made on a case -by -case issue. Councilmember Carter said she is comfortable retaining the language until the City street plan has been reviewed. Discussion continued on the Comprehensive Plan Amendment process and potential appeals that might be incurred if changes were made to the comp plan. Councilmember Mullet said the language concerning the goal of the City to have integrated streets does not necessarily mean the City is made up of a network of through streets. He indicated he does, however, have some concerns with the Comprehensive Plan Policy 7.4.2 statement that the City supports emphasizing a network of residential local access through streets, minimizing cul -de -sacs. He said there might be a conflict with the statement and with the overall neighborhood revitalization effort, which supports livable neighborhoods. Councilmembers discussed their differing interpretations of the language and said the language provides flexibility by not promoting cul -de -sacs but allowing cul- de -sacs where appropriate. Councilmembers concurred with retaining language proposed by Councilmember Mullet in Section 17.20.030 (c) (1) which reads, "Extension: Proposed street systems shall extend existing streets at the same or greater width, unless otherwise approved by the Department of Public Works and authorized by the City Council in approval of the plat.... The City's goal is to have an integrated system of local streets whenever practical." Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes December 8, 1997 Page 6 Consensus: Councilmembers concurred with retaining the language concerning the additional issue and not pursuing a Comprehensive Plan Amendment until further review occurs in 1998. 8. Should the Subdivision Code be specific about the status /need to remove non residential structures (accessory buildings) from newly created lots having no residential structure? Planner Gierloff referred to the draft language concerning the temporary allowance of accessory structures (garages, etc.) if the owner provides a bond or other performance agreement to develop the property for residential use. She said the time period of the allowance has not been established and asked for Council input. Councilmembers discussed the expense of obtaining a bond, the building permit process timelines, and construction time of year weather factors. Consensus: Councilmembers concurred with adding language to allow a 12 -month period for a temporary building to remain on an undeveloped residential lot. Planner Gierloff said she will incorporate the changes and expects to have an ordinance ready for early next year for Council's consideration. REVIEW OF DRAFT COUNCIL HANDBOOK: Councilmember Carter said the draft has been reviewed by City administration and department heads. She developed the draft from reviewing other similar publications. Liability insurance has been added to the draft, as requested by Councilmember Ekberg. Councilmember Linder suggested adding a statement to indicate the total number of votes within the PSRC General Assembly. Other suggested changes include adding a sentence to indicate the Council President can add or delete Council meeting agenda items, including sample agendas for regular and COW meetings, and adding a schedule of committee meetings. Councilmembers discussed the definition of a quorum and how it applies to different types of Council meetings. Councilmember Mullet suggested including a sentence that four members constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and adding additional cautionary language when Councilmembers are appearing together in a social situation. Councilmember Carter recommended all Councilmember sign the handbook's introductory page as a form of welcome to new Councilmembers. Consensus Councilmembers concurred to accept the handbook with recommended changes. Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes December 8, 197 Page 7 ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1997 BUDGET: Director Doerschel referred to the draft Ordinance and said the Finance and Safety Committee has reviewed the changes. Changes involve the over expenditure of funds or departments funds involving the General Fund and two other departments. As a result, a budget amendment is required (per state law and City policy). The Recreation Department had sufficient revenues to cover its increase in expenditures. Unusual amounts of overtime in the Fire Department resulted in expense overruns in Fire Fund. An arbitration payoff of approximately $50,000 also contributed to the expense overrun. The remaining two funds concern a carryover which requires re- budgeting and an increase in revenues from a special assessment fund. Since bonds are redeemed for the actual revenue, an increase in the expenditure was necessary to balance the two funds. Concurrence: CONTINUED REVIEW OF 1998 PROPOSED 1998 -2003 FINANCIAL PLANNING MODEL CAPITAL IMPROVE- MENT PLAN: Director Doerschel said the only real net change involves the over expenditure of the Fire budget. It was Council consensus to forward the Ordinance to the next regular Council meeting for adoption. Councilmember Mullet asked about the allocation of additional funding for the food bank. Mayor Rants said he referred the issue to the advisory committee and is waiting for a decision. Director Doerschel said if he decision is to increase the funding, it will only involve transferring money from one fund to another and will not increase the overall budget. Director Doerschel reviewed some of the budget changes pertaining to federal and state grants and said some of the grants were not renewed which accounts for the budget deduction. Director Doerschel noted several budget corrections. They include: Page 35, $1,038 should be $1,050 for funds moving from Professional Services (line 27 of page 167) to communications in Human Services. Page 20 Contribution Private Sources (see CIP sheet on page 105 of Planning Model) $85,000 should be changed to $325,000 to reflect a carryover of the Long Acres storm drainage which will not be paid until January 1998. The Grand Total Changes Net amount should be changed to $6,692,324 from $6,367,324. Director Doerschel said unless other changes occur before Monday, December 15, this represents the final budget. Goals and accomplishments will be finalized before the budget is published in mid January. Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes December 8, 1997 Page 8 RES. APPROVING PROPOSED 1998 -2003 FINANCIAL PLANNING MODEL CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN REPORTS: MAYOR: Councilmember Mullet requested the "residential through- street plan" be included in the goals for 1998. Director Doerschel said he would include it as a goal for 1998. Director Doerschel said the proposed changes do not include two carryover items, and if the sales tax increase is accepted, the Planning Model will be greatly improved from years past. Councilmember Mullet said it was his understanding that when the sewer plan was started, money would accumulate as it was paid back until there was enough funds to construct the next phase. Funding wise, that's not much different from what is noted on the Water /Sewer Analysis (Attachment D) where the next phase is scheduled in years 1999 and 2000. He said that's somewhat of a different philosophy than what was promised. He said he is not advocating sewer improvements being started before the funding is received and is concerned that including it in the CIP under years 1999 and 2000, property owners will assume the project will occur before development has occurred. He suggested including the funding over a period of time to serve two purposes. One, in case development does occur, the next phase can proceed, and two, if development continues at the current pace, a funding placeholder will insure the next phase of construction will occur when funding has accumulated. Director Doerschel suggested moving the $250,000 allocation from the 1998 column to the 2003 Column (Attachment D) of the Repayment to the 103 Fund and moving $250,000 from the Repayment from Utilities Fund (Attachment A) from 1998 to 2003 to balance the accounts. The totals don't change, just the year it occurs. It provides for greater flexibility and precludes making long -term commitments that are not ready to be made. Director Doerschel said when the adopted budget is presented at the December 15 meeting it will include a list of all the proposed changes. Additionally he recommended including the word "program" versus plan in the resolution. Mayor Rants distributed two suggestions for appointment of individuals to the Lodging /Tax Advisory Committee and will include them on the December 15 Council meeting agenda unless Councilmembers advise otherwise. Director Doerschel said the next meeting of the committee is Wednesday, December 10 at 1:00 p.m. Several complaints have been received involving Union Tank Works. The building is leased to Eagle Harbor Construction. Prior to the issuance of a business license, DOC reviewed the application. Last month the company was advised of the City's nuisance and noise prohibitions and their responsibility for Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes December 8, 1997 Page 9 CITY COUNCIL: code compliance. As a result of increasing complaints, code enforcement has been performing some noise code emphasis on the area neighboring the company. The results indicate that the noise levels are coming from the Burlington Northern terminal. At this point, the noise complaints are not generated by Union Tank Works but by the railroad yard. Mayor Rants referred to a pamphlet from the Washington State Community Trade and Economic Development Council on how to build affordable housing in older neighborhoods. Mayor Rants referenced a letter from the Airport Police Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting referring to the fact that the Fire Department is a part of the mutual aid program which trains and performs drills cooperatively to insure adequate emergency response and preparedness is at a high level. Mayor Rants said the EDC recently changed their goals and focus to retention and recruitment of new business. They also introduced a new action plan. Mayor Rants said the action plan does not fit with the goals and focus pertaining to the retention and recruitment of new business. He reviewed the draft plan and asked for Councilmember's feedback as to whether the work plan was realistic and achievable. Councilmember Carter said she doesn't object to "global" goals as long as there are specific actions to focus on that are realistic and obtainable within a set amount of time. Discussion continued on what the EDC is capable of in terms of personnel. Mayor Rants said a task force that included Bob Watt, the Chairman of the Seattle Chamber of Commerce, developed the action plan. He said the EDC should be the EDC of King County, not just for the City of Seattle. Councilmember Hernandez said the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials will be holding its 1998 conference at the Doubletree Suites on April 24 -26, 1998. Mayor Rants may be giving the opening address. The association has asked for assistance regarding local sites and tour information. She said it's a good reason to establish a position to handle these types of requests and is one way tourism tax dollars could be utilized. Councilmember Hernandez attended the Tourism Committee of the Chamber of Commerce and shared upcoming meeting dates. They include: Business After Hours Wednesday, December 12 Annual Holiday Luncheon Friday, December 12 Networking Breakfast Wednesday, December 17 Chamber Charity Night at the new Outback Restaurant Monday, December 15 at 7:00 p.m. Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes December 8, 1997 Page 10 Councilmember Hernandez also attended the Equity and Diversity Commission. The guest speaker was Lavone Griffin Valotti from the Northwest Regional Education Laboratory of Portland. She is very supportive of the commission and offered to provide information and training to the members. The next meeting is January 8, 1998. Councilmember Hernandez will be attending the King County Jobs Initiative Community Sounding Board on Thursday, December 11 at the invitation of King County Executive Ron Sims. Councilmember Duffie said he is co- sponsoring a health clinic. The clinic, "Healthcare Crossroads" will be held at the Pacific Medical Clinic in Seattle on Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Councilmember Haggerton expressed his thanks to everyone for their expression of sympathy. Councilmember Mullet will be attending the Affordable Housing seminar on Friday, December 12. Councilmember Carter announced the tree lighting ceremony at the Community Center on Thursday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m. She attended the SKCATBD breakfast meeting on Tuesday, December 2. The slide presentation focused on transportation needs. Several legislators were in attendance. During the discussion it became evident that SKCATBD members felt there was lack of leadership in Olympia. The republicans are against a gasoline tax. She said it would be a long process of educating the legislators on transportation needs before any action occurs for increased funding. Councilmember Carter said she attended the ACC meeting and discussed filling the executive director's position. February 8 has been established as the tentative date for an executive retreat for long -range planning. She indicated the long range planning shouldn't be too long as it is anticipated ACC will win some lawsuits and will be no longer be in business within the next year or year and a half. Councilmember Carter attended the Equity and Diversity Commission and Transportation Committee meetings. The Transportation Committee reviewed contracts for the design study for the 180 grade separation and agreed to forward it to City Council for Consent Calendar action. The Pacific Highway Bridge bids were considered too high and will be forwarded to City Council with a recommendation to reject the bids due to project costs. Committee consensus is to consider some value engineering and design changes and reissue the bid. Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes December 8, 1997 Page 11 STAFF: RECESS: ADJOURNMENT: RECONVENE: ADJOURNMENT: Council President Valerie Gow, Recording Secretary The Light Rail EIS Scoping draft was distributed for comments prior to its presentation to the Transit Advisory Commission. Councilmember Linder attended the Lodging /Tax Advisory Committee meeting. The meeting was sparsely attended. Committee members were positive about receiving increased funds but are concerned the funds will be used properly. Director Earnst said the RTA will be holding open houses on December 13 at the Foster High School from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. and at the Tyee High School on December 17 at 7:00 p.m. The format will include a 15- minute presentation followed by public comments. Director Doerschel said the Lodging /Tax Advisory Committee will be issue a full report sometime between December 15 -19. The report will be sent to the Mayor and to the Council. The intent is for Council to review the report on January 5 followed by adoption on January 12. The reason for the quick turnaround is the requirement for a 45 -day polling period required by the state. Director Ernst referred to the Light Rail EIS Scoping draft and asked for any Council input before the draft was presented to the Transit Advisory Commission on Tuesday, December 16. Council President Haggerton recessed the meeting from 9:25 to 9:35 p.m. Council President Haggerton adjourned the meeting to an executive session on a possible land purchase at 9:35 p.m. Council President Haggerton reconvened the meeting at 10:05 p.m. Councilmember Hernandez moved, seconded by Councilmember Linder to adjourn the meeting at 10:06 p.m. All in favor. Motion carried.