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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-09-27 Committee of the Whole Minutes t ti Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting City Hall Council Chambers September 27, 2010 7:00 P.M. 90= MINUTES EXECUTIVE SESSION Start: 6:30 p m Council President Robertson announced the purpose of the Executive Session is to discuss a Personnel Matter Pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(g) and Potential Property Acquisition or Lease Pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(b). It will last no more than 30 minutes, and no decisions will be made during the Executive Session. Attendees Jim Haggerton, Mayor; Steve Lancaster, City Administrator; Sara Springer, Assistant City Attorney; Shawn Hunstock, Finance Director; Stephanie Brown, Human Resources Director; Tukwila City Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Joan Hernandez, Dennis Robertson, Allan Ekberg, Verna Seal, Kathy Hougardy, De'Sean Quinn. 6.42 p m Rick Still, Parks and Recreation Director, entered the Council Chambers. End. 7:00 p.m. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Robertson called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:06 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; Stephanie Brown, Human Resources Director; David Haynes, Police Chief; Mike Villa, Assistant Police Chief; Bruce Linton, Police Commander; Nick Olivas, Fire Chief; Chris Flores, Assistant Fire Chief; Kimberly Walden, Municipal Court Judge; 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; Nora Gierloff, Community Development Deputy Director; Mary Miotke, Information Technology Director; Christy 0' Flaherty, City Clerk, Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk CITIZEN COMMENTS There were no citizen comments. SPECIAL ISSUES a. Budget: Proposed Program Reductions. Council President Robertson explained that City Administration will present the proposed budget reductions to the Council. Upon completion of the staff presentation, the Council will accept comments from the audience, and he reminded the audience that any questions or comments should be directed to the City Council. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes September 27, 2010 Page 2 of 6 Council President Robertson asked Mayor Haggerton if City Administration supports the proposed program and service reductions that are included in the Council agenda Mayor Haggerton answered in the affirmative. Steve Lancaster, City Administrator, explained the intention of this agenda item is to summarize the proposed program and service reductions to address the current and projected revenue shortfalls for the 2011 -2012 biennium. The proposed program and service reductions will be reflected in the Preliminary Budget for 2011 -2012, which will be distributed to the Council and made available to the public the first week of October. He clarified that the Council is not being asked to make any decisions on this information this evening. He indicated the first public meeting on the preliminary budget is scheduled for October 11, 2010, and the Public Hearing will be held on November 22, 2010. Mr Lancaster explained that the Council will begin review of the Preliminary Budget during the various Council Committee meetings. The proposed program and service reductions result in an estimated $4 million annual budget savings, along with the $3 million in new revenue and $1 million in healthcare savings. These reductions will create a more stable financial situation for the City He requested the Finance Director provide a brief review of the City's 6 -year Financial Planning Model. Shawn Hunstock, Finance Director, reviewed the most current version of the City's revenue expenditures. The Council and City Administration use this tool, referenced as "Attachment A," throughout the entire budget process. He reviewed the following changes to Attachment A: Decrease in Operating and Maintenance (O &M) costs. Lower Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) contribution rates enacted by the state. Decrease in Real Estate Excise Taxes, Investment Interest and Interfund Utility Taxes. Mr Hunstock explained the result of the more reliable information is a decrease in projected revenue of $4 4 million over the model's six years. The decreased O &M expenses are due to reduced expenditure requests by departments and the lower- than expected retirement fund contribution rates, resulting in a total of $16 4 million less in expenditures throughout all six years. The changes also include an estimated ending fund balance of approximately $2.3 million, and with the proposed revenue and expenditure changes revise the estimated ending fund balance to $4 122 million Council President Robertson requested back -up information relating to the projected savings for the reported O &M costs. He also asked that staff clearly identify the Attachment A as "Adopted" or "Proposed," and include a column that identifies the actual revenues and expenses for the previous 3 years Mr Hunstock indicated he would provide that information to the Council. Mr Lancaster explained the proposed program and service reductions will result in a reduction in City staff by an estimated 27 full time equivalent (FTE) positions. He noted that with the hiring freeze implemented earlier in 2010, a number of the positions that are proposed to be eliminated are already vacant. He also explained there are vacancies in some positions that are not proposed for elimination Mr. Lancaster also clarified that the elimination of a specific position may not necessarily mean the individual currently performing those duties will be subject to layoff. The City's contracts with labor groups have provisions that address layoffs. The number of layoffs that will be needed to achieve the reduced staffing levels will be substantially lower than the estimated 27 full time positions. David Haynes, Police Chief, utilized a PowerPoint presentation to provide the Council with an overview of the proposed reductions in the Police Department. He explained that 3 entry -level police officer positions will be eliminated to accommodate the following proposed reorganization. Relocate Crime Prevention Officer to Patrol. o This would reduce the Crime Prevention Surveys for businesses and residents o Reduction of workplace safety presentations to businesses o Reduction of Crime Prevention and Public Safety Education o Eliminate Citizens' Academy o Close Neighborhood Resource Center Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes September 27, 2010 Page 3 of 6 Relocate 1 Traffic Officer to Patrol. o Reduced ability to do targeted traffic enforcement o Certain misdemeanor collisions will not be investigated (to be determined) o Patrol Officers required to engage in additional investigations that are now handled by the traffic unit, thereby reducing their availability for other duties Relocate 1 Tukwila Anti -Crime Detective to Patrol o Reduction in street -level 'buy -bust' undercover operations o Reduction in long -term narcotics enforcement investigations o Reduction in prostitution related enforcement o Reduction in all other in -field services due to the reallocation of case filings and other administrative duties Eliminate the following 3 unfilled positions: o 1 Major Crime Sergeant o 1 Anti -Crime uniformed officer o 1 Detective Chief Haynes explained the proposed staffing reductions would reduce the Police Department by 1 Traffic Officer, 2 Tukwila Anti -Crime Officers, 1 Crime Prevention Officer, and 2 Major Crime Officers With the elimination of the 3 unfilled positions, he plans to create training pipeline positions. The Councilmembers thanked Chief Haynes for the presentation, and they requested paper copies of the PowerPoint presentation. Nick Olivas, Fire Chief, explained the Fire Department has proposed reducing the staffing levels to 12 fire fighters per shift. With these proposed reductions, the Fire Department plans to eliminate the engine company from Fire Station 52, and utilize an Aid Car at that station. Chief Olivas noted that he has received a letter from Robert Ferrell, Manager of the Fire Protection Systems and Services Washington Surveying and Rating Bureau, explaining, "If the number of firefighters is reduced by 3, it is estimated that this change alone will not cause the Protection Class Rating of Tukwila to increase to a 4." He indicated that a copy of this information would be provided for inclusion on the City's website Chris Flores, Assistant Fire Chief, utilized a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the following: Response times for the Tukwila Fire Department Number of calls for service Concurrent calls for 2009 The "6 minute" response area Difference between type of service for an Aid Car vs Engine o Engine is able to respond to: Fires and explosions Emergency Medical Service and Hazmat Calls for service, weather incidents and all other types of calls o Aid Car: Emergency Medical Service Fires ONLY as part of an alarm assignment Aid Car staff cannot put out fires Aid Car staff cannot enter structure per WAC 296 -305 Other categories only as incident support Assistant Chief Flores stressed the importance of time as key to any fire and aid call for service. The Councilmembers asked clarifying questions of staff and requested a copy of the Fire Department's presentation and a breakdown of calls for service by each of the 4 Tukwila Fire Stations Council President Robertson stated there will be additional opportunities for public comments on the budget by way of a Public Meeting on October 11, 2010 and a Public Hearing on November 22, 2010 Council President Robertson called for public comments. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes September 27, 2010 Page 4 of 6 Louise Strander, 14930 57 Avenue South, indicated she is opposed to the proposed reductions in the Police and Fire Departments. She feels that City Administration should reexamine the reductions that are proposed for public safety. She explained that the safety and well -being of the citizens of Tukwila must be at the foreground when balancing the City's budget. She urged the Mayor and City Council to examine the proposed budget cuts to public safety and find a solution that has a less direct impact on those who live and work in the City Joanne McManus, 5610 South 133` Street, spoke against the proposed reductions for the Police and Fire Departments. She feels the proposed reductions are wrong and that the Council should not approve them because they would affect the public safety for the residents of the City. Mackenzie Weitzeil, 13705 56 Avenue South, #A -110, explained that she does not support the proposed reductions to the Fire and Police Departments, and she does not understand why the City would reduce the core functions of the City. It is her opinion that new businesses will not want to relocate to Tukwila when the City is reducing Police and Fire personnel She feels the City should be able to utilize funds from other sources to eliminate the reductions for the Fire and Police Departments Grey Gallagher, 13745 56 Avenue South, #B -306, indicated that she opposes the proposed reductions in the Fire Department staffing. She lives in the area of Station 52 and feels the proposed reductions would not provide the needed assistance to the residents of the City. She explained that if the essential services are reduced, then the residents could suffer the consequences. Kim Karno, 13725 56 Avenue South, spoke against the proposed Fire and Police Department cuts. She feels the timely response that is currently provided by the first responders is critical 9:07 p.m. Council President Robertson declared a brief recess. 9:15 p.m. Council President Robertson reconvened the Committee of the Whole Meeting. The Councilmembers continued the review of the matrix of the proposed program and service reductions for each department for the 2011 -2012 budget period. Council President Robertson encouraged citizens to attend the upcoming meetings on the budget to include the October 11 Public Meeting and November 22 Public Hearing. Community members are also encouraged to contact the Council with suggestions and ideas to deal with the budget issues b. A Contract for Tukwila Urban Center Plan Stakeholder Outreach. Councilmember Duffie indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on August 23, 2010. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Nora Gierloff, Community Development Deputy Director, explained that the Department of Community Development proposes to use a consultant to assist with a stakeholder involvement process to develop refinements for the Tukwila Urban Center Plan. Louise Strander, 14930 57th Avenue South, explained that the Tukwila Urban Center Plan will have significant and long -term impacts on the City She feels there should be a Tukwila Urban Center Stakeholder Committee established. She explained that decisions are best derived through a committee process where members are involved in each step of the process and final outcome. Ms Strander suggested the Council consider the formation of a Tukwila Urban Center Stakeholder Group rather than the proposed consultant outreach Nicholas Lee, 2800 Southcenter Mall, indicated he would like to have a stakeholder committee established rather than the proposed outreach and support process. Councilmember Hernandez requested that staff provide the Council with background information on this item Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes September 27, 2010 Page 5 of 6 Ms Gierloff explained that in March through May 2009, the Planning Commission conducted a Public Hearing and 3 work sessions on the draft Tukwila Urban Center Plan. Upon completion of the Planning Commission review, the Commissioners directed staff to review the comments that were received during the public outreach process, and propose revisions to address the issues that were raised. Staff responded to the concerns regarding the economic feasibility of the Tukwila Urban Center vision and draft development regulations by contracting for a series of focus group meetings and additional analysis with ECONorthwest. Staff has reaffirmed the key aspects of the Urban Center vision, and they recommend approval of the consultant agreement to commence the stakeholder outreach process The project is funded through a Federal Transit Oriented Development grant. The Councilmembers discussed this issue and asked clarifying questions from staff including Tukwila's obligations for regional growth planning and the terms of the grant. It was determined that the Council would like more information on review process options including a stakeholder committee Council President Robertson requested that staff return to a future Community Affairs and Parks Committee Meeting with more information on the Draft Tukwila Urban Center Plan and possible formation of a stakeholder committee. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO A FUTURE COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND PARKS COMMITTEE MEETING. c. Police Incident Command Vehicle. Councilmember Quinn indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on September 21, 2010. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Bruce Linton, Police Commander, explained that the Police Department has recognized the need for an incident command vehicle for several years. He explained the vehicle would be used primarily for Valley Special Response Team calls and other City incidents and emergencies. There will be 14 fully operational workstations throughout the Command Vehicle, and in the event of a catastrophic incident where power and communications are affected, this command post vehicle would support the City's Continuity of Operations on a temporary basis until City functions could be relocated. Funding for the vehicle in the amount of $523,000 will be fully covered by grant funds, narcotics seizure funds, and funds from the bond measure passed through Tukwila Ordinance No. 2296. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. d. Bid Award for East Marginal Way /South 86 Place Signal Pole Replacement. Councilmember Seal indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on September 20, 2010 The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval This project will replace a traffic signal pole that was damaged due to a traffic collision. The traffic signal was temporarily repaired and put back into service until permanent repairs could be constructed. The driver's insurance company will reimburse the City for the replacement in the amount of $35,054. (This amount is under the dollar threshold requiring Council approval and is being brought before the Council because it is unbudgeted and may exceed $40,000 due to change orders COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. e. Annual Traffic Signal Program. Councilmember Seal indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on September 20, 2010 The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. This purchase will replace three 20- year -old traffic signal control cabinets at the intersections of Interurban Avenue South and 58 52 and 42 Avenue South. The new cabinets will accommodate a new fiber line and allow for the expansion of the existing Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes September 27, 2010 Page 6 of 6 f. Grant Acceptance for Tukwila Urban Center Access Project (Klickitat). Councilmember Seal indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on September 20, 2010. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Six grants have been awarded for the Tukwila Urban Center Access Project (Klickitat) in the amount of $11,528,673. Council approval is required to accept the grants for this project, which is part of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Haggerton explained that on September 24, 2010, he participated in the levee funding meeting in Olympia at the Governor's office with other Valley City Mayors. On September 25, 2010, he read a proclamation at the Special Olympics event that was held at the Starfire Sports Complex. He also participated in the Association of Washington Cities webinar meeting on September 27, 2010 b. City Council Councilmember Duffie participated in the King County Housing Development Consortium tour on September 21, 2010. Councilmember Hernandez also participated in the King County Housing Development Consortium tour on September 21, 2010 Councilmember Seal attended the LEOFF Board meeting on September 27, 2010. 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 Council President Robertson and Councilmember Quinn of the Audit Exit Conference that will be held in Conference Room No. 5 in the 6300 Building on September 28, 2010 at 10.30 a.m. ADJOURNMENT 10:43 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT ROBERTSON DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. (A)+0/1" Dennis Robertson: Council President Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk