HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-10-04 Finance and Safety MinutesFINANCE AND SAFETY COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes
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Citv Council Finance and Safetv Committee
October 4, 2016 - 5:30 p.m. - Hazelnut Conference Room, City Hall
Councilmembers: Verna Seal, Chair; Dennis Robertson, Kate Kruller
Staff: David Cline, Mike Villa, Marty Grisham, Brandon Miles, Gail Labanara, Peggy
McCarthy, Vicky Carlsen, Jake Berry, Derek Speck, Laurel Humphrey
Guest: Jerry Thornton, Community Police Advisory Board member
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Seal called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
I. PRESENTATIONS
II. BUSINESSAGENDA
A. Interlocal Agreement: South Kin Cg ounty Fire Training Consortium
Staff is seeking Council approval of an interlocal agreement to continue participation in the
South King County Fire Training Consortium in the amount of $52,108.00 for a term from January
1, 2017 through December 31, 2019. Participation in the Consortium has continued to be
beneficial to the Fire Department and to the City. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. FORWARD TO
OCTOBER 10, 2016 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE.
B. Resolution: Ordering the Cancellation of Past Due Accounts Receivable
Staff is seeking Council approval of the annual resolution that would declare the cancellation of
uncollectible accounts receivable. The total for this year includes false alarm fees equaling
$411.07, miscellaneous billings equaling $46,724.68 and NSF checks equaling $544.71 for a total
of $47,680.46. Councilmember Robertson asked for additional detail regarding the fire re-
inspection fees at Amara Pointe Apartments back in 2013. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. FORWARD
TO OCTOBER 17, 2016 REGULAR CONSENT AGENDA.
C. Lodging Tax ax Approval Process
Staff is seeking Council approval of a proposed process for approval of lodging tax applications.
The City collects a 1% excise tax on overnight lodging stays which can be spent on tourism
promotion if approved by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) and the City Council. The
Washington State Attorney General recently issued an informal opinion that municipalities could
change the dollar amounts recommended by the lodging tax advisory committee if the advisory
committee is given 45 days' notice before the City Council takes final action. This differs from
past interpretation of state law and Tukwila's practice in which the Council only approved or
denied recommendations from LTAC.
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Staff is proposing a modified process to accommodate the new Attorney General opinion. If the
Council desires to modify the amount to be provided to an applicant, the City will provide 45
days' notice to LTAC before taking final action. LTAC will meet during this time to consider the
Council's modification and provide a comment letteror choose notto comment. Afterthe 45 day
period the City Council could take final action, and the City would enter into agreement with the
applicant. Committee members discussed the proposal as well as the current LTAC practice to
accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. FORWARD
TO OCTOBER 10, 2016 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE.
D. Permitted Uses of Lodging Tax Funds
Staff provided an overview of the legally permitted uses of lodging tax funds, which is outlined in
Revised Code of Washington 67.28.1815. Proceeds from the tax can be used for activities,
operations or expenditures designed to increase tourism or welcome tourists to the City.
Tourism can include those who travel from other areas to stay overnight in Tukwila as well as
those who travel to Tukwila for the day. Economic activity from residents is not considered
tourism. Committee members and staff discussed examples of allowable and disallowable uses.
INFORMATION ONLY. FORWARD TO OCTOBER 10, 2016 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE.
E. Proposed 2017 -2018 Biennial Budget: Lodging Tax
The lodging tax fund is undergoing change due to the transition of Seattle Southside Visitor
Services to the Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority (SSRTA). Staff is projecting
revenues of $733,000 for 2017 and $755,000 for 2018, reflecting a 3% growth estimate. The
proposed budget includes expenditures in three categories: operations, day marketing, and third
party applications. Councitmember Krutter encouraged staff to consider ways to include Tukwila
International Boulevard business owners in tourism and marketing activities. Staff noted that
day marketing analysis will kick off with a survey and Council input is desired. DISCUSSION
ONLY. FORWARD TO OCTOBER 10, 2016 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE.
F. Budget Review - Multiple Departments
Pursuant to the process requested by Council earlier this year, sections of the proposed 2017-
2018 budget are being presented to standing Council Committees prior to moving forward
through the full Council review process. Staff presented proposed 2017 -2018 budgets for the
following departments and funds: Police Department, Drug Seizure Fund, Fire Department,
Public Safety Plan Funds. Committee members discussed the proposals as detailed in the
agenda packet. Staff noted that cell phone costs are going to remain in individual City
Departments and not be reallocated to the Technology and Innovation Services Department as
previously suggested. Chair Seal spoke to the importance of ensuring overtime estimates for
Police and Fire are as accurate as possible in order to avoid a major amendment as happened
in 2015. She also stressed the importance of retaining adequate funding for training. The
Committee recommended thatthe CIP page for "Relocate Fire Station 51" remove the reference
to "satellite station." They also requested that the CIP page for "City Hall Facilities" be removed
as there is no funding plan within the timeframe of the CIP. COMMITTEE DISCUSSION.
FORWARD TO SEPTEMBER 26, 2016 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE WITH REQUESTED
CHANGES.
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III. MISCELLANEOUS
Adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Next meeting: Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Committee ChairApproval
Minutes by LH