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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-10-11 Committee of the Whole Minutes LA ,/,4 y Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting o City Hall Council Chambers October 11, 2010 7:00 P.M. 90; MINUTES COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Robertson called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:03 p m and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. OFFICIALS Present were Dennis Robertson, Council President; Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Joan Hernandez, Allan Ekberg, Verna Seal, Kathy Hougardy, De'Sean Quinn. CITY OFFICIALS Jim Haggerton, Mayor; Steve Lancaster, City Administrator; David Haynes, Police Chief; Nick Olivas, Fire Chief; Shawn Hunstock, Finance Director; Peggy McCarthy, Deputy Finance Director; Bob Giberson, Public Works Director; Gail Labanara, Public Works Analyst; Rick Still, Parks and Recreation Director; Dave Johnson, Acting Parks and Recreation Deputy Director; Jack Pace, Community Development Director; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk. CITIZEN COMMENTS There were no citizen comments. SPECIAL ISSUES a. A Grant Agreement for Duwamish Gardens. Councilmember Hougardy indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on September 28, 2010 The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Bob Giberson, Public Works Director, explained the City has been awarded a grant for the Duwamish Gardens Project by the King Conservation District. The City acquired the Duwamish Gardens site in 2008 for future restoration as a salmon habitat site. King Conservation District has awarded this project $52,929.34 for design of the project. Additional grant funding is being sought from the Salmon Recovery Funding Board. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. b. A Consultant Agreement for Surface Water Comprehensive Plan. Councilmember Hougardy indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on September 28, 2010 The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval Mr. Giberson explained this contract is funded from the 412 Fund (Surface Water), and this contract will update the City's Surface Water Comprehensive Plan, which was last updated in 2003 Four consultant firms were short listed from the Consultant Works Roster, and CH2M Hill was chosen as the most qualified CH2M Hill successfully completed the 2003 Surface Water Comprehensive Plan. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes October 11, 2010 Page 2 of 6 c. A Resolution Authorizing the Cancellation of Past Due Accounts Receivable and Returned Check Write -offs. Councilmember Quinn indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on October 5, 2010. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. There are certain receivables that have been deemed uncollectable, and they need to be removed from the accounts receivable ledger. The items included reflect those that have already been through the collection process. While collection of the amounts due is unlikely, the City will pursue receipt of the funds COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. d. A Resolution Opposing Initiatives 1100 and 1105. Councilmember Quinn indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on October 5, 2010. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Councilmember Seal explained the resolution expresses the City Council's opposition to Initiatives 1100 and 1105, which are on the November 2, 2010, General Election ballot. Both initiatives concern liquor (beer, wine and spirits), and propose to close the Washington State Liquor stores and privatize the sale and distribution of liquor. She explained that in 2009 the City received tax distribution of $88,352 in liquor excise tax and a payment of $124,409 from liquor profits. Ms Seal explained the difference between the 2 initiatives and the impact privatization would have on the City and the Tukwila Police Department. Council President Robertson called for public comments. Pam Carter, 4115 South 139 Street, urged the Council to approve the draft resolution opposing Initiatives 1100 and 1105. She feels that if the 2 initiatives were to succeed, the impact to the state's general fund would have a negative effect on education in the State of Washington Ms Carter explained that she is a member of the Tukwila International Boulevard Action Committee, and they routinely provide litter patrol on Tukwila International Boulevard and the majority of the trash collected is alcohol related. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. e. Budget Presentation and public input. Council President Robertson explained that tonight's budget presentation provides another opportunity for public input on the proposed budget and is being conducted in public meeting format. The Council has been working through the difficult financial situation of the City. He explained there will not be Council discussion this evening on the budget. The Council will be discussing the budget at a special Council work session on October 19, 2010, and a Public Hearing is scheduled for November 22, 2010, with possible adoption of the budget on December 6, 2010 He requested the audience direct their comments to the City Council. Steve Lancaster, City Administrator, explained the purpose of this evening's meeting is to receive public input on the City's preliminary 2011 -2012 biennial budget. He indicated the budget is available at City Hall and on the City's website, and copies are also available for review during this meeting. Shawn Hunstock, Finance Director, provided an overview of the budget challenges that have been addressed in the preliminary budget. He utilized a PowerPoint presentation to outline the key events that played a role in the City's current financial situation, as well as General Fund expenditures distributed by department. Mr Lancaster outlined the proposed reductions previously presented by City Departments. The total annual savings were achieved with reductions from all departments within the City. He indicated the number of full time equivalent (FTE) positions proposed to be eliminated was based on 2010 budget figures, and those proposed reductions equate to the elimination of 27.5 staff positions. Approximately half of those positions are currently vacant. The number of reductions equals an annual savings of $4,159,581 and 8% of the total City staff. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes October 11, 2010 Page 3 of 6 Councilmember Hougardy asked if the City has "rainy day" funds. Mr Hunstock explained the City has approximately $6 million from the ending fund balance He indicated the Council adopted a Cash Reserve Policy in 2009 that established a 16% reserve for the City. He also explained that because the Council adopted that policy, the City received a very favorable bond rating for the recent bond sale Mr Lancaster clarified the City has continued to draw down the ending fund balance very slowly over the years, depleting the reserves the City had accumulated Council President Robertson stated the current trend of the depletion of the City's ending fund balance is unacceptable. Even if the Council were to accept all of the proposed reductions as they are presented in the Preliminary Budget, he feels that future Councils will again be in this same position. In his viewpoint, that while the proposed reductions will help the financial situation, they will not completely solve the problem The Council would like to hear from the citizens, and the comments received will assist the Council with the direction they will provide to administration for additional proposals and solutions for the budget. Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk, acknowledged receipt of 4 written comments received in the City Clerk's Office relating to this public meeting on the budget. The following comments were distributed to the City Council and referenced into the record: 1. A 1 -page email from Hugh R. Tobin dated 10/9/10, with the subject line of "Save Fire Station 52." 2. A 3 -page email and 1 -page attachment from Mackenzie Weitzeil dated 10/9/10, with the subject line of "ideas budget fyi." 3 A 1 -page email from Lori Green dated 10/11/10, with the subject line of "Parks and Recreation• Why They Matter." 4 A 2 -page document from the Crisis Clinic received via fax, dated 10/11/10, with the subject line of "2011 -2012 Budget Hearings 7:46 p.m. Council President Robertson called for public comments. Kathleen McDermott, 5302 South 137 Street, explained she is very concerned about the proposed elimination of the senior shopping program and the closure of Fire Station 52. She feels the service area associated with Engine 52 has a vulnerable population, and she hopes the City has thought about the citizens who are served by this Fire Station. She offered a suggestion that staff be responsible for cleaning their work areas by emptying the trash, recycling and vacuuming She also feels the City should utilize more volunteers. Laura Linde, 3045 45 Avenue SW, Seattle, acknowledged the work the Council has done during this difficult situation. She is a counselor at Foster High School, and she thanked the City for the current funding for the human service programs that benefit the students in the Tukwila School District. The continued support has provided the students with critical counseling during this difficult time and has allowed the school counseling staff to continue working with other students who need help. Foster High School staff members were able to implement a Comprehensive Counseling and Guidance Program for the students due to the additional assistance. The support that is provided makes a significant difference in the lives of the students and families of the Tukwila School District. Anne Merklin, 1229 West Smith Street, Kent, represents Catholic Community Services (CCS), and she thanked the Council for the continued support of the CCS Emergency Assistance Program. Since the start of the economic crisis, the CCS office has seen a significant increase in families and individuals requesting assistance within Tukwila. The CCS Emergency Assistance program provides emergency financial assistance to meet the basic needs of low- income families, seniors and the disabled They assist the clients with rental assistance, food /gas /motel vouchers and utility assistance. She thanked the City for the continued financial support toward human services. Nathan Phillips, 4800 South 188 Street, Suite 232, SeaTac, explained he is with the South King Council of Human Services. He has seen the proposed reductions other cities are making in human Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes October 11, 2010 Page 4 of 6 services, and he commended the Council for the balanced approach in the preliminary budget. He feels the balanced approach will ensure continued funding for domestic violence victims, critical service for isolated seniors, programs for youth, and local food banks. He thanked the Council for the continued support. Jack Gobright, 14440 58 Avenue South, stated he is a Tukwila resident who lives in the service area for Fire Station 52, and he is against the closure of that station He has medical issues and has had to call for assistance Mr. Gobright recounted an incident he had with City inspectors when he was making home repairs and recommended the Council look for reductions within the Department of Community Development. Louise Strander, 14930 57 Avenue South, expressed that the City Council must make public safety a top priority while trying to balance the City's budget. She indicated that removal of the fire engine from Station 52 will create long -term consequences for the citizens and businesses of Tukwila She urged the Mayor and Council to reexamine the proposed reductions and find a solution that has less of a direct impact on those who live and work within the City of Tukwila Howard Cohen, 14918 58 Avenue South, indicated he has lived in Tukwila for 27 years, and 4 years ago he had a heart attack, and Engine 52 saved his life. It appears that by closing Station 52 the City will save approximately $500,000 annually He feels there are other ways to save the necessary funding to retain the services of Engine 52. From his standpoint, there has been excessive spending by the City by way of a new communications system, a mobile command unit, speed boats, costs associated with the termination of an employee, and painting Police vehicles a different color He encouraged the Council to investigate any of those purchases that were under $40,000 as possible fraud Chuck Parrish, 4430 South 150 Street, provided a copy of his written comments to the Council and City Administration. He disagrees with the staffing reduction associated with creation of "The Hazelnut" newsletter, and from his standpoint it is not in the best interest of the City to replace "The Hazelnut" with the Tukwila Reporter newspaper. He provided a cost comparison between the Tukwila Reporter and "The Hazelnut." With regard to Fire Station 52, he clarified that the intent is to eliminate the fire engine, but replace it with an aid car and associated staff. Mike Hansen with the Sabey Corporation, 12201 Tukwila International Boulevard, explained that he appreciates the thoroughness and efficiency the Council has displayed during this difficult time while trying to balance the budget. Increasing revenue sources and eliminating positions are some of the most difficult decisions to be faced. As Tukwila moves forward as a community of citizens, employees and businesses, we can continue to welcome opportunities that will add vitality and stabilization to our economic base. We can be the envy of the region over the next several years because of how we met these challenges. He thanked the staff, City Council, and Mayor's Office for the effort and work completed. Grey Gallagher, 13745 56 Avenue South, B -306, feels that closing Fire Station 52 is not in the best interest of the community and hopes the City Council will vote against this proposal In her opinion, City staff should have their base pay reduced, and employees who have been with the City for less than 5 years could be laid -off. She also suggested the City Council reduce expenses associated with their weekly meetings. Additionally, employees should clean their own work areas In her view, these types of reductions might help retain Fire Station 52 David Lipke, 6208 South 152" Street, Apt. 18, indicated he is against closing Fire Station 52. He explained that Engine 52 has responded rapidly to the calls for service at the San Juan Apartments The community is growing very fast, and he feels the City needs Engine 52 for the safety of the citizens and business community. Steve Rydeen, 10606 232 Avenue East, Buckley, stated he is the President of Local 2088 representing the Tukwila firefighters. He indicated that 4 years ago the City paid a consultant to perform a fire study, and the results indicated the Fire Department was understaffed When an engine is out of service, it has a cascading effect on the neighboring jurisdictions that have current mutual aid agreements with the City, and it also presents risks to citizens and firefighters. On October 4, 2010, Tukwila had a fatality fire, and mutual aid units responded from as far away as northeast Renton. He feels the City needs to maintain the work force and ensure the citizens receive a rapid response to fire calls. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes October 11, 2010 Page 5 of 6 Robin Allsopp, 5910 South 149 Street, acknowledged this is a very difficult time for the City with the proposed budget cuts. She feels the City should not look at public safety for these reductions and look elsewhere within the City for the necessary budget reductions She feels the firefighters do this type of job because it is their passion. With their work force reduced, it will make their duties more difficult. Gail Lovelady, 14433 Macadam Road South, feels the Fire, Police and Human Services budgets should be protected from reductions. She suggested the City could save money on Tukwila Days by reducing the paid entertainment, and utilizing volunteers for more services. She also feels the City could eliminate the Family 4 at the Fort event to save even more funding She would be willing to volunteer her time to help save Tukwila Days, as this event is a key to the community's togetherness Anthony Murrietta, 14675 Interurban Avenue South, explained he is the Business Representative for the 150 Teamsters employed by the City He came before the Council in June and July regarding alternative cost saving measures and areas where the City could make substantial reductions. The Teamsters have reviewed City records and have identified places where the City has been able to make substantial cuts and save money In their view, there is a $2.2 million discrepancy as it relates to the City's self- insurance fund, which is alarming. They would like to see the City not abandon continued conversations toward cost saving measures that both benefit the City financially and limit the impacts to the employees Joe Chanes, 14720 56 Avenue South, spoke on behalf of Engine 52 and the importance of having a fire station in the area of old Tukwila. In the event of a snowstorm or if there is an emergency in the service area of Station 52, he feels the other stations would not be able to adequately respond to the call for service. The fact that there is a fire station near the Tukwila Elementary School is very important to the community. Joanne McManus, 5610 South 133 Street, expressed that the Police, Fire, and Parks Departments are very special to her. She stated she is against the proposed reductions and feels that Engine 52 is a necessity for the City. She provided the Council with an overview of her experiences with the Fire Department. John Borden, 6320 9 Street East, Tacoma, stated he has been a Tukwila firefighter since 1986. He clarified the difference between the type of response someone would receive with an aid car or an engine company An aid car has a crew of 2, and there is a crew of 3 for an engine company The engine crew is able to assist the residents more efficiently with a call that requires a medical response because of the additional medical equipment that can be used with the additional firefighter If there was a standard fire call and Aid 52 responded first, they could not enter the building or structure because of WAC 296 -305, and they not properly equipped. Mr. Borden identified the 3 firefighters in attendance who will be laid -off if the proposed reductions for the Fire Department are approved. Charphle Thomas, 15232 62 Avenue South, thanked the staff of Fire Station 52 for the service they provide to the community. She provided examples of times when her family was in need of the services from Station 52. She would like the City to look at other ways of reducing costs, and stated she does not read "The Hazelnut" and feels this item could be eliminated. Almaz Berhe, 14481 58 Avenue South, said she supports the Fire Department and Station 52. They have responded fast for her calls for assistance, and she does not support the reduction of staff from Station 52 She asked the Council to look for other areas to reduce the budget and keep Fire Station 52 Becky Hettman, 14223 55 Avenue South, commented that she has lived in Tukwila her entire life. She explained that her father was a volunteer for the Tukwila Fire Department, and the area known as "old Tukwila" has always been and should continue to be home to Engine 52 She asked the Council to keep Station 52 open, as it is an invaluable asset to the citizens of Tukwila Katrina Dohn, 14442 46 Avenue South, indicated that she agrees with the previous speakers about the importance of Fire Station 52 She was a teacher at Tukwila Elementary School for 22 years, and the school had several occasions where calls for service were made and Engine 52 responded. She is also concerned about the proposed cuts relating to children. She explained there is statistical data showing that children involved in activities where adults and children connect do far better when they move into adulthood. She feels that what we do for the children today will have an impact on the budget in the future. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes October 11, 2010 Page 6 of 6 Ellen Gengler, 13727 Macadam Road South, stated that as a long -term resident of Tukwila, she is struck by the disparity in the lives of the people who live in Tukwila compared to the cost of operations of the City. She questioned the accomplishments and goals sections of the budget as they relate to fee increases and the use of funding for an employee appreciation event. She suggested using the budgeted amount to provide essential services to the residents and community Jim Bernhard, 14241 59 Avenue South, commented that he lives within 2 blocks of Station 52, and recently the firefighters were there to help his family He feels Station 52 is in a strategic location in old Tukwila, surrounded by single and multi family homes. He encouraged the Council to reconsider the closure of Fire Station 52. Herbert Griffith, 14921 58 Avenue South, relayed that his wife had a stroke on October 4, 2010 and Station 52 responded to a call for service within 2 minutes. She asked him to speak against the closure of Station 52. In his view, without the quick response and aid from Station 52, his wife would be paralyzed. He feels that Fire Station 52 is a very important part of the community. Paul D'Oyley, 14480 58th Avenue South, thanked the Council for hearing the comments and concerns on the proposed closure of Fire Station 52 this evening. The Fire Department is his neighbor, and he feels the firefighters at Station 52 are role models for the children in the community Joe Tice, 3269 South 137 Street, explained he is here to support the human services the City provides to the community. He asked the Council to remember the families in the community who have the least and usually need the most support from their community He urged the City to continue looking for ways to save money that might be able to save some employees their jobs. This would eliminate the chance that those employees affected by layoffs will be suffering too. He suggested possible staff furlough days, rather than terminating employees Paul Coblentz, 4438 South 164 Street, conveyed that at a recent Council Coffee Chat there was discussion about the possible closure of the Tukwila Pool. He explained he is against this suggestion, as this type of facility provides an important service to the children and seniors of the community. Alice Russell, 13904 56 Place South (she did not speak), provided a citizen comment sheet with her written comments. Her comments urged the Council to retain the programs that are for the youth and seniors of Tukwila She feels these programs are very important. 9:07 p.m. Council President Robertson closed the Public Meeting. Mayor Haggerton and the Council thanked everyone in the audience for attending this evening's meeting. REPORTS There was Council Consensus to dispense with reports. ADJOURNMENT 9:10 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT ROBERTSON DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. Dennis Robertson, Council President Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk