HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-11-12 Finance MinutesCity Council Finance Committee
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes
November 12, 2019 - 5:30 p.m. - Hazelnut Conference Room, City Hall
Councilmembers: Thomas McLeod, Chair; Verna Seal, De'Sean Quinn
Staff: David Cline, Vicky Carlsen, Jay Wittwer, Juan Padilla, Jeff Friend, Rachel Bianchi,
Bruce Linton, Tony Cullerton, Erika Eddins, Jack Pace, Laurel Humphrey
CALL TO ORDER: Chair McLeod called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
I. PRESENTATIONS
II. BUSINESSAGENDA
A. Resolution: 2020 State Legislative Agenda
Staff is seeking Council approval of a resolution that would adopt a legislative agenda for use
during the 2019 Washington State Legislative Session. The draft agenda was discussed in the
Public Safety Committee, and Councilmember Idan with Councilmember Robertson's
agreement requested items addressing racial equity, workforce development, and climate
change. Councilmember Quinn suggested language encouraging equity in departments and
appreciation of the business license partnership. Councilmember McLeod suggested including
technology. Staff will present additions around equity in departmental work programs and
privacy considerations. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. FORWARD TO NOVEMBER 12, 2019
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE.
B. 2019 3rd Quarter General Fund Report
Staff presented an update on the General Fund based on financial data through November 3,
2019 for the reporting period ending September 30, 2019. Total revenue is $46.1 million, or $175.7
thousand over the allocated budget. Unbudgeted or unplanned expenditures include local
business code violations, snow events, Andover Park East propane leak, and the East Marginal
Way power pole accident. DISCUSSION ONLY.
C. Ordinance: 2019-2020 Budget Amendment
Staff is seeking Council approval of an ordinance to amend the 2019-2020 Biennial Budget. Staff
provided an overview of the changes, categorized as housekeeping amendments, adjustments
to the Public Safety Plan, added revenue -backed projects/expenditures, unanticipated events,
and truing up the Fire Department to current staffing and service levels. The reserve fund
balance policy is met and exceeded in both 2019 and 2020 after all amendments are included.
Staff went overthe budget changes bydepartment. Councilmembers asked clarifying questions
and discussed the passage of Initiative 976, which may result in the loss of sales tax revenue
from Metro bus purchases. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. FORWARD TO NOVEMBER 12, 2019
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE FOR PUBLIC HEARING.
Finance Committee Minutes..............................................................................................................................November12, 2019
D. Marijuana Retail Zoning Considerations
Committee members discussed considerations regarding expanding marijuana retail zoning,
including other cities' experiences with excise tax revenues and crime around retail locations.
Tukwila's small residential population is a factor in the calculation of potential tax revenue.
Crime and robberies are also of concern as long as marijuana retail remains a cash -based
business due to Federal law. Committee members agreed no further work is needed at this time
and staff will continue to monitor local, state and federal issues around marijuana. DISCUSSION
ONLY.
III. MISCELLANEOUS
Staff distributed a draft scope of services for the third -party review of the Fire Department that was
requested by Council in its budget proviso. The purpose is "to analyze the operational costs, services
and practices of the Tukwila Fire Department and provide recommendations on how to improve
monitoring and accounting for costs, staffing and service levels." Committee members offered
comments and suggestions.
Chair McLeod distributed copies of Resolution 1950, which adopted financial policies for the last
budget cycle. The Committee agreed that Council will revisit policies in 2020 in preparation for the
2021-2022 budget.
Adjourned at 6:48 p.m.
(__P Committee Chair Approval
Minutes by LH