HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-06-10 Finance MinutesCity of Tukwila
City Council Finance Committee
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes
June 10, 2019 - 5:30 p.m. - Hazelnut Conference Room, City Hall
Councilmembers: Thomas McLeod, Chair; Verna Seal, De'Sean Quinn
Staff: David Cline, Vicky Carlsen, Richard Takechi, Aaron Williams, Rachel Bianchi, Bruce
Linton, Jay Wittwer, Ben Hayman, Brandon Miles, Jeff Friend, James Booth
CALL TO ORDER: Chair McLeod called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
I. PRESENTATIONS
II. BUSINESS AGENDA
A. Storm and Surface Water Billings Transfer to King County
Staff updated the Committee on the transition of the Storm and Surface Water billing and
collection process to King County effective January 1, 2019. The City received a lot of calls and
inquiry during the first quarter but they have since tapered off. Tukwila will still handle old
delinquent bills. Committee members and staff discussed public records requirements and
offsite storage. DISCUSSION ONLY.
B. Fire Station 52 Funding
Staff returned with an updated "D-20" funding model reflecting the direction of the Committee
at its last meeting, which includes $167,000 in 2018 Fire Impact Fees and the unanticipated
Streamlined Sales Tax Mitigation payments that were added back in the 2019 legislative session.
The model also reflects the budget changes made to the Justice Center and Station 51 approved
by Council during the Fire Station 51 MACC and Justice Center mini-MACC decisions as well as a
reduction to 2018 apparatus funding to reflect what was actually spent and placeholder funding
in the out years. Once bids for the mini-MACC are received the full Council will make a final
decision. Chair McLeod asked about earthwork contingency and how to accurately budget it.
Staff noted it is no longer contingency and built in the budget as its included in Design
Development. Soil has to be brought in. Chair McLeod referenced concerns expressed by some
firefighters regarding the grade of the site, which will be at 12%. Chief Wittwer referenced the
Facets study which resulted in the siting decisions recommended by the advisory committee and
approved by Council. The City will be improving the site to accommodate the apparatus. Chair
McLeod asked Mr. Booth for his thoughts on this and he stated that the union does not support
the location as the grade presents issues with vehicle maintenance and inclement weather.
Councilmember Seal inquired further about safety and staff responded that certified engineers
are approving the plans. The roadway will include a heated strip system for ice and snow. The
Committee agreed to forward the funding discussion to the Committee of the Whole for
discussion. FORWARD TO JUNE 24, 2019 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE.
Finance Committee Minutes June 10, 2019
C. Fire Department Financial Update
Staff returned with the additional information requested by the Committee at its last meeting,
which included the labor union agreement vacation policy, history of Fire Department budget
amendments, Station 52 fire responses by type, fire calls per station per year, National Fire
Protection Association standards, and budget needed to full fund current service levels. Data
shows that the number of incidents between 2014 through 2017 increased each year, although
2018 showed a decrease. The average duration of an incident has declined over time.
Councilmember Quinn asked that the City's policy regarding vacation leave be included in the
packet as he thought it had been requested previously. He asked if the City trues up Police
Department overtime and staff responded that it doesn't. Councilmember Quinn stated that
investments in prevention have an impact on suppression. Councilmember Seal stated the
importance of this information in driving future budgets. DISCUSSION ONLY. RETURN TO
COMMITTEE.
D. Fire Marshall's Office Staffing & Budget
The Fire Marshall's Office has had a change in personnel, so the Department is taking a fresh look
at services and staffing. A more detailed memo is being prepared for future Committee
discussion. The Office is responsible for fire investigations, operations and fire permits, hot
plates, address generation, special event permits, business license review, fire code
enforcement, land use reviews, and inspections. Inspections have fallen behind. Chair McLeod
asked for more information about the minimum required level of service and stated that the
Council has to make policy decisions about the level of service to fund. DISCUSSION ONLY.
RETURN TO COMMITTEE.
III. MISCELLANEOUS
Adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Committee Chair Approval
Minutes by LH