HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-10-05 Finance and Safety Minutes ti City of Tukwila
Finance and Safety Committee
Y.
FINANCE AND SAFETY COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes
October 5, 2010 5:00 p.m.; Conference Room #3
PRESENT
Councilmembers: De' Sean Quinn, Chair; Allan Ekberg and Kathy Hougardy
Staff: Shawn Hunstock, Jack Pace, Mike Villa, Peggy McCarthy, Mayor Haggerton, Steve Lancaster
and Kimberly Matej
Guest: Chuck Parrish
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Quinn called the meeting to order at 4:59 p.m.
I. PRESENTATIONS
No presentations.
II. BUSINESS AGENDA
A. Resolution Regarding Annual Cancellation for Accounts Receivable
Staff is seeking full Council approval of an annual resolution to cancel (write -off) account receivables
deemed uncollectible. This year's annual account receivable write -off totals $56,683.18. Staff
reviewed the process by which accounts receivable determines items as uncollectible.
Committee members asked for more clarity on page 7 of the agenda packet regarding special
inspection fees for Westfield Mall. Staff explained that this item and negotiation of reduced fees was
due to a misunderstanding and lack of specificity in a contract between the City and Westfield. This
error is well -noted and will not happen in future contracts. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL.
FORWARD TO OCTOBER 11 COW FOR DISCUSSION.
B. Resolution Onnosine Initiatives 1100 and 1105
This item is sponsored by Councilmember Verna Seal, who is unable to attend the meeting to answer
questions regarding the initiatives, as four Councilmembers at the Committee would constitute a quorum.
Councilmember Seal has requested Council consideration of a resolution in opposition to Initiatives 1100
and 1105. Both initiatives concern liquor (beer, wine and spirits), and propose to close state liquor stores
and privatize the sale and distribution of liquor.
Committee members discussed the initiatives among themselves, and asked staff is there was any way to
predict revenue levels that would come to the City if one or both of the initiatives pass. Staff replied that
the revenue information is not currently quantifiable.
Committee Member Hougardy stated that she believes that a resolution of Council opposition to these
initiatives will serve well in representing her constituents. Based on the current state of economy and after
reviewing financial impact statements, Chuck Parrish mentioned that he felt this was not the time to take
on this type of measure and commended the Committee on opposition. Since the writing of the
informational memo, the draft resolution has been reviewed and approved by the City Attorney's office.
UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. FORWARD TO OCTOBER 11 COW FOR DISCUSSION.
C. Kine County Criminal Justice Sales Tax
Committee Chair Quinn requested this item be put on the Committee agenda for discussion, and possible
recommendation of a Council resolution in support of the tax. He introduced the item and reviewed
information that was included in the Committee packet.
Conversation ensued in detail about the benefits and consequences that implementation of this tax could
have on City revenues as well as the Tukwila community. Unfortunately, as required by State law, an
Finance Safety Committee Minutes October 5. 2010 Pape 2
increased sales tax such as this will be distributed to cities based on population which ultimately leaves
Tukwila receiving less funds than a majority of the cities in King County compared to the City's large
daytime population and service needs. However, the Committee also recognized the current budget
shortfalls most local governments are facing, and the need to continue to provide ongoing support for
public safety. The conversation ultimately resulted in a decision not to move this item forward to full
Council for consideration. The Committee determined that further discussion could lead to complicating
this issue even further.
Committee members were complimentary of the information included in the agenda packet and
encouraged individuals to invest time in educating themselves about this issue prior to voting in the
November General Election. COMMITTEE DISCUSSION ONLY. NOT FORWARDED TO
COUNCIL.
D. Sales Tax Renort
Shawn Hunstock reviewed sales tax revenue through July 31, 2010. Receipts collections continued to be
below budget estimates, and are 6% behind 2009 receipts.
The Preliminary 2011 -12 Biennial Budget which was distributed to City Council last night, sets the 2011
sales tax receipts estimates at the 2009 actual, which was $14.4 million. INFORMATION ONLY.
III. MISCELLANEOUS
Committee Member Ekberg inquired about increased parking use at Tukwila's Link Light Rail Station. Jack
Pace explained that staff is working with Sound Transit to remedy /respond to the capacity issues of
available parking. One item that has been discussed is conducting an exit survey within a parking demands
study to determine where vehicles using the parking lot are originating.
Meeting adjourned at 6:16 p.m.
Next meeting: Tuesday, October 19, 2010 5:00 p.m. Conf. Room #3
Committee Chair Approval
Minutes by KAM. Reviewed by SH