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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-10-14 Committee of the Whole MinutesTUKWILA CITY COUNCIL October 14, 2002 Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers COMMITTEE OF WHOLE MEETING 7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Calling the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. was Richard Simpson, Council President. COUNCIL ATTENDANCE: Present were Council President Richard Simpson; and Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Joan Hernandez, Pam Carter, Jim Haggerton, and David Fenton. Councilmember Pamela Linder was absent. OFFICIALS: Steven M. Mullet; Mayor; John McFarland, City Administrator; Lucy Lauterbach, Legislative Analyst; Bob Baker, Deputy City Clerk; Viki Jessop, Administrative Services Director; Alan Doerschel, Finance Director; Bruce Fletcher, Director of Parks and Recreation; Rick Still, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation; Jack Pace, Deputy Director of Community Development; Jim Morrow, Director of Public Works; Frank Iriarte, Public Works Coordinator; Brian Shelton, City Engineer; Ryan Larson and Robin Tischmak, Senior Engineers; and Gail Labanara, Public Works Analyst. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: a. Non represented Employees' Compensation Plan Viki Jessop, Administrative Services Director, presented the Mayor's proposed non represented employees compensation plan for 2003. By way of defining a control point, Ms. Jessop explained it is an average of the comparables in the market when an analysis is done. Based on a regression line methodology, above the control point are the merit pay component which has existed since 1998, below the control point are the steps employees go through automatically so long as they are performing their duties satisfactorily. Reviewing the historical background of the non represented wage plan, Ms. Jessop reminded Council the initial study was conducted in 1997, based upon Council direction to eliminate cost of living adjustments from the plan. To maintain market parity and internal equity, it was decided a wage study would be conducted every two years. It was in 1998 that the plan went into effect, which also included adoption of a merit plan an "all or nothing" approach in terms of dollars awarded. In the summer of 2001, a second two -year follow -up wage study was conducted. The recommended increase, in lieu of COLAs, covered the years 2002 and 2003. The Council reviewed information to make a decision and approve the non represented wage increase in alignment with the adopted non represented wage plan. Thereafter, Mayor Mullet and the Council expressed concern about the overall financial well being of the City in the short and long term. In light of that concern, the Administrative Services Department staff was asked to do a review of the wage system and to provide options to the plan for consideration. To gain perspective on the non represented wage plan, Ms. Jessop met with the City Administrator and Finance Director. Consensus was that from a recruitment and retention perspective, a step system allows for the flexibility of placing those newly hired employees at an appropriate salary and rewarding other employees for longevity. It was agreed that the Decision Band methodology using linear regression in developing the control point for the non represented employees is an effective tool. With a desire to retain the overall integrity of the system, the following plan elements are considered basic and important: City of Tukwila Page 2 of 9 City Council Committee of Whole Minutes October 14, 2002 1. Decision Band Methodology for creating classifications 2. Market analysis using comparable jurisdiction's top step wage 3. Regression line analysis to establish the Control Point for each DBM rating with a range of 25% and 60% used to establish the steps 4. Steps below the control point are automatic as employees move through the system. 5. A market adjustment is applied to individual classifications when a new control point is 10% or greater below the market. To make a determination on how to proceed, a demographic review of the placement of existing non represented employees (on the wage scale) was conducted. Noting 22 employees are above the control point and eligible for merit, eight are at the control point, while another 12 are below the control point, Ms. Jessop stressed the importance of looking at how wages above the control point would be handled "so as not to detriment those who have achieved merit standing." Councilmember Haggerton spoke against elimination of the merit pay in its entirety. Councilmember Duffie spoke against elimination of the merit pay at all. Councilmember Fenton spoke in favor of eliminating the merit increase for 2003, yet suggested a "bonus of some sort." Councilmember Carter, in light of current economic hardships, agreed this item must be considered, yet suggested additional work should be done on the proposal before Council considers its action. Councilmember Hernandez agreed with Ms. Carter and suggested the item be remanded to Finance and Safety Committee for further review and revision. Additionally, she spoke against losing long -term employees of the City. Finally, she sought a review on how the budget would impact the City using various types of merits (flat rate versus percentage rate) based upon the wage. Mayor Mullet explained two points of contention with the merit pay system with one being the measurement of a "very subjective thing." It's not so easy to determine merit in a service- oriented business such as City government. He sees many inequities regardless of how the City proceeds. And, he sees much friction and staff time when implementing and offering "bonuses." The Mayor notes no one is being "picked on," this is just a way to affect cost savings for the next year. Calling it a way to "keep certainty on the pay scale," Mayor Mullet recommended the following for 2003, as it relates to non represented wage plan earners: 1. Maintain the basic plan methodologies and systems. 2. Control points will remain as is. 3. Merit pay is to be eliminated. 4. Providing a COLA of 1.71% in 2003. 5. Employees below the control point will receive a COLA and steps (as is the current practice). 6. Employees at or above the control point will receive COLA only. 2003 is to be a transition year with a market analysis being done in the summer for implementation in 2004. There, a recommendation may be made to address ways to apply the study and /or COLA's for employees who have wages above the control point. Questions and answers were exchanged between Ms. Jessop and Council. Although City staffers who would be affected by this proposal were invited to speak, none chose to address the Council. Ms. Jessop asked the Council to review the item further to determine whether or not they are in alignment with the Mayor's proposal. Any decision(s) should be made and /or adopted in late November or early December, 2002. Council consensus existed to remand this item back to Finance and Safety. City of Tukwila Page 3 of 9 City Council Committee of Whole Minutes October 14, 2002 b. Tacoma Smelter Plume Child -User Area Study Frank Iriarte, Public Works Coordinator, reminded Council that (approximately 6 months ago) the Washington State Department of Ecology released a Soil Study that was part of the Tacoma /Smelter Plume Project. The objective of that entire project was to determine the extent of arsenic and lead contaminations in Pierce and King Counties. Of the 72 locations that were sampled, over 60 showed arsenic levels above the 20 parts per million standard set by the State of Washington. Over one dozen of the locations showed lead levels above the 200 parts per million threshold also established by Washington, as being contaminated. In Tukwila, there were two locations surveyed, both within the vicinity of the Riverton Medical facility (Hospital). Soil samples were collected there with elevated arsenic levels above the 20 parts per million standard. The lead contamination levels were below the criteria (for contamination) as set by the State. Therefore, the soil samples were satisfactory with regards to lead content, and are marked as insignificant. There are no emergencies. The Department of Ecology and the Department of Public Health issued advisories approximately four months ago that informed the community of the dangers of arsenic and advised those with young children to take protective measures. Children are encouraged to wash their hands, wash their fruits and vegetables, remove shoes upon entrance to their homes and to not eat soil. Approximately two weeks ago, the Department of Ecology informed the City they are launching a "child use study" in King County. The focus will be on the "use areas" frequented by children in King County; i.e., parks, schools, childcare facilities, and other recreational areas. Although all 72 areas merit testing, costs to test all sites are prohibitive to the Department of Ecology. Therefore, a prioritization of the locations must be established. To that end, the Department of Ecology hopes to receive input from citizens, municipalities and school officials in identifying and prioritizing child -use areas. Additionally, they hope to get a "buy -in" from the public on the process they will follow /pursue. Studies will be conducted in 2003. Meetings are scheduled for: Federal Way Council Chambers Highline Community College Showalter Middle School Tukwila Mr. Iriarte noted the City will publish this information in The Hazelnut and on the City's website. Mr. Iriarte also expects DOE will announce the meetings in local area newspapers. c. Proposed Draft Noise Ordinance October 30, 2002 November 6, 2002 November 20, 2002 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Receiving no supporting documentation and /or information relative to the amendments made to the proposed draft ordinance, Councilmember Carter asked that this item be pulled from the agenda. Such was the will of the Council. Council agreed to forward this item to the October 28, 2002 COW meeting. d. Proposed 2003 Budaet and Six -Year Plannino Model Steve Mullet, Mayor, presented Administration's final draft of 2003 Budget and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Currently, the City has met their 3.5% reduction goal for the 2003 planning model. To do this, staffing has been decreased by eight positions; 7 of which were actual positions and one (Economic Development Coordinator) was only planned and not filled. Most positions lost were from the Department of Community Development. "Others will be coming from other departments in following years" as the City continues to find better and more efficient delivery models. City of Tukwila Page 4 of 9 City Council Committee of Whole Minutes October 14, 2002 The CIP has been reduced in some areas and some projects have been pushed to the "out years" with hopes the current recession will run its course before the projects become critical in need. All utility funds are in fair shape, yet a small increase in sewer fees may occur in 2004. With the help of Public Works trust fund monies, the City will continue those vital Capital efforts on Cascade View drainage, Allentown and Foster Point sewers. Tukwila International Boulevard will move forward and Tukwila Village will most likely see a ground- breaking in 2003 on Phase I. The golfers and general public will enjoy a new clubhouse and restaurant by 2004, which does not impact the general public, as it is paid for with golf fees received. The City anticipates "enough monies to deal with neighborhood traffic and safety efforts." Cascade View Park should be included, and the City may complete a successful trade of the 16 Avenue Bridge and the South Central Swimming Pool, as well as keeping Fort Dent Park open, both with minimal impact on the City's budget. Tukwila has been fortunate in its weathering of financial challenges in recent history. Mayor Mullet stated his belief that the City will also weather this challenge, but not without changing the way the City conducts its business. The implementation of a Utility Tax, while not required to balance the 2003 budget, is a necessity, unless the City is willing to take deep cuts in our service levels. The Mayor submits imposition of such a tax would be far less traumatic than would be the impacts of service level cuts. Further, he suggested institution of a limited scope Utility Tax as soon as practical. Through the upheaval in 2002, the City has managed to move forward. The City has, through reorganization, managed to place shift commanders into the organizational structure of the Fire Department with no additional staffing. Through the efforts of the City's lobbyists, we have a planning grant to review traffic and transportation oriented development issues in the central business district. This is timely, in light of the fact Westfield's ShoppingTown at Southcenter is looking to increase the size of the mall, which of course, will bring increased amounts of traffic into Tukwila. This, too, will present its own set of problematic challenges. The connectivity project is "looking very good" and the Mayor anticipates being able to move forward "soon." This project alone could place Tukwila as a prime location for businesses and residents for the next 20 years. In past years, it has been the will of Council to forward budgets to respective Committees for detailed analysis. Should that be the same case this year, City Administration is prepared to discuss details at Council's pleasure. Alan Doerschei, Finance Director, reviewed two documents in the planning model entitled "Attachment A" and "Revised Attachment A The primary difference between the two documents shows potential revenues as a result of implementing a Utility Tax. After much consideration and review of six various options and as many draft planning models (showing numbers under each option) the final presentation is a suggestion for a 6% Utility Tax. The Utility Tax, if successfully passed, would be implemented in February, 2003, with the first month of fee collection being in March, 2003. It is anticipated that between March and December, 2003, $2.25 million revenues would be generated. Utility taxes are anticipated to rise at the level of (approximately) 5% per year, as utility rates rise. A question and answer period (between Mr. Doerschei and the Council) was conducted, with clarification being provided to individual inquiries. City of Tukwila Page 5 of 9 City Council Committee of Whole Minutes October 14, 2002 Consensus of Council was to forward various parts of the CIP and Proposed Budget to various committees. Additionally, Mr. Doerschel intends to present a "more formal presentation" on Utility Tax options as well as a draft ordinance on October 28, 2002. e. King County Jail Agreement An Interlocal Agreement Between King County and the City of Tukwila for Jail Services John McFarland, City Administrator, reported the Suburban Cities Jail Negotiations Team has concluded its meeting with King County. A 13 -month effort has culminated in a final draft Jail Contract which is being recommended for approval by all participating jurisdictions. Upon meeting, member cities (the coalition) created six objectives for the group. They included reducing the cost of services below that of King County; establishing a reasonable amount of capacity (available beds) for use by member cities; providing at least a 10 -year transition period; changing the committee to a forum to work out management and transition issues; assuring space would be available for city inmates even if the Council was not able to afford operating space for County inmates; and gaining title to sites for possible re -sale with proceeds being used to build a new misdemeanant facility for city use. Mr. McFarland reported that after much consideration and negotiation, all objectives have been met. He noted there is some "breathing room" to work out more cost effective alternatives to housing prisoners in the future. Next, Mr. McFarland reported on the key points of the contract, some of which include: a daily rate of $77.37 per day, with a 5.8% annual inflator. Booking charges are $148. Bed guarantees are made through 2012. The contract is valid through 2012, with annual renewal clause options thereafter. A forum has been established to manage the contract, with representative cities being selected by the Suburban Cities Association. King County executive Ron Sims has reviewed the draft agreement and has advised the coalition that the terms of the agreement are acceptable to King County. He seeks approval from member cities by November 1, 2002. Various Councilmembers praised Mr. McFarland and other member cities for their diligent efforts in achieving such a good contract. Many spoke in favor of moving forward with the agreement. Council then was provided an opportunity to ask questions of Mr. McFarland with respect to the draft agreement. Council consensus existed to forward the draft agreement to the October 21, 2002 Regular Meeting. f. Briefing on Southwest Kina County Economic Development Jack Pace, Deputy Director, Community Development, reported on the cooperative efforts between King County, the Port of Seattle and the cities of Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, SeaTac and Tukwila. The collaborate efforts are to review "economic issues." In the year 2000, King County received a grant from the US Economic Development Administration in the amount of $125,000.00. Additionally, funding in the amount of $45,000 was supplied by the Washington State Office of Trade and Economic Development and participating jurisdictions. The economic development planning process has been guided by a Steering Committee. It was later in 2000 that a roundtable discussion was held, wherein representatives from the development industry spoke about issues facing Southwest King County. Since then much work has taken place. By collaborating on issues of economic development by all parties previously mentioned, planning can take place which will produce efficiencies, enabling the cities, Port and County to achieve more than could be accomplished if each entity acted independently. To that end, another roundtable meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, October 23, 2002 at 6:30 p.m., at Highline Community College. Mr. Pace asked which of the Councilmembers may attend. Although City of Tukwila Page 6 of 9 City Council Committee of Whole Minutes October 14, 2002 several Councilmembers already have meetings scheduled for that evening at least four responded affirmatively. Additionally, Mayor Mullet will attend. Providing background, Mr. Pace reported we are trying to cooperatively look at issues which help all entities by way of dealing with economic issues. A major question to be considered is whether or not the City wants to continue the cooperative efforts. Another question for consideration will determine what areas (of concern) the Council feels should be considered. Some issues include: how we may better market the region in economic issues; how can we tie real estate websites to the various City websites (e.g., a vacant commercial property exists in Tukwila and you want information from the real estate group; by linking the two sites, individuals would be able to learn zoning information or other permit activities on the property, etc.); considering what we might do to assist small businesses in terms of economic development, marketing, financing, etc. The Council will also be asked their thoughts and opinions on other issues for consideration. A positive rapport with other Cities is a definite plus Mr. Pace reported, especially with regard to such issues as tourism and marketing. Mr. Pace ended by informing Council that after the October 23 meeting, follow -up meetings will be held with the Chamber of Commerce and business community, once feedback has been received from the Council on their level and interest. Fielding questions from the Council, Mr. Pace ended by stating he sees this approach as a way to use King County resources and their money to review ways to develop economic strategies with each of our diverse areas. g. Consideration of Potential transfer of South Central Pool 16 Ave. So. Bridae to the City of Tukwila John McFarland, City Administrator, noted very positive negotiations with Mike Thomas, Senior Policy Analyst with King County. In conjunction with members from the City of Tukwila, an agreement has been drafted which will allow for a transfer of the South Park Bridge to King County and the South Central Pool to the City of Tukwila. Through it all, both sides have done a terrific job in making this a nearly revenue neutral proposal. Looking at the proposal (long term), the bridge costs approximately $450,000.00 per year maintenance. And, this is just our maintenance fees /costs, not replacement costs. Any effort to remove the bridge from our succeeding planning models is good news. Yet, to take over the bridge, King County needed some financial assistance. To that end, the City will pay $3 million (cash) at the beginning of 2003, for which the City will sell 20- year bonds. The $3 million is to cover operations and maintenance of the bridge by King County. Additionally, the City will accept responsibility for the South Central Pool. Although the pool is 30+ years old, it's in remarkably good shape and plans are already under way to make it an even better recreational amenity in the Tukwila area. It must be noted that the bridge /pool swap is a "package deal" and may not be separated out. The agreement represents good public policy and City staff recommends approval. Bruce Fletcher, Director of Parks and Recreation, reported King County has 10 swimming pools which will be mothballed and /or closed by the end of 2002. For that reason, he is pleased the City of Tukwila will take over the ownership and operation of the South Central Pool. Built in 1973, the swimming pool inspection summary grades it as a "very functional community pool" and "well suited" considering its age. The city's aquatic consultant, Kevin Johnston, reports the pool has many more years of useful life with just "modest" improvements. Most importantly, a boiler must be replaced, an oil tank must be replaced, and one fire code condition exists and is being addressed. Recently, King County extended the pool offer to include all equipment in the pool, all computers and CLASS licenses and system (same as at Tukwila Community Center). City of Tukwila Page 7 of 9 City Council Committee of Whole Minutes October 14, 2002 Working with Tukwila's Personnel office, it has been determined that a full -time Aquatic Programmer /Coordinator (Pool Manager), full -time Aquatic Specialist (Senior Swim Instructor) and half- time Facilities Operation Technician (Pool operator) would be required to run the pool. Additionally, many part-time staff persons would be hired (life guards and swim instructors). Mr. Fletcher noted new programs and events to make the pool a thriving recreational activity for residents are being considered and would be handled by the Aquatic Programmer /Coordinator. Swimming lessons will be offered, classes in adult fitness, lap swimming and specialized classes will be held. The pool will be available for rental for birthday parties as will private rental opportunities. Questions and answers between Mr. Fletcher and the Council took place. In the end, Mr. Fletcher explained the City is ready to proceed with the transfer agreement. Staff is to finalize the proposed agreement and return to Council upon its completion, for consideration and action. h. A resolution uraina oassaae of a Homeland Security Bill Jim Morrow, Director of Emergency Services, presented the proposed resolution and noted there is a great deal of reservation with the same from the standpoint of validity and necessity. It is a suggestion from the National League of Cities that all cities from across the country may like to endorse. The Homeland Security Bill is currently held up in Congress for political reasons. The Administration and Congress cannot agree upon the Personnel Administration Rules for all of the people that would fall within this new department. Until the Bill is passed, there are approximately $3 million dollars being withheld. The vast majority of that money will stay with the Federal government to pay for airport security (now being federalized) and another portion will go to deal with our Health Departments. Raising the consideration of a recent news release (small pox), Mr. Morrow asked how we would deal with that. Using created figures of 1.5 million people in King County, Mr. Morrow noted 1.5 million people would have to be inoculated within seven days in order to counteract the exposure. That means that 200,000 people per day would require inoculation within the seven -day period; with an average of 5,000 persons administering the inoculations. Sadly, though, roughly only 200 people in King County are qualified and /or trained to administer the shots. So, the money would go for the training of individuals on how to inoculate others. There are more individuals that will be needed for that type of inoculation. The vaccine spoken of is very, very valuable. It will have to go under a secure network from wherever it comes from into the different locations throughout the County. Follow -up with all individuals must take place, questions to individuals post inoculation must also take place. In the past, there were not so many concerns about the adverse reactions to the inoculations as exist today. It was estimated (50 years ago) that between one and two people out of each 1 million that are inoculated will perish. According to the United States, inoculations ceased in 1973 because small pox had been eradicated within the United States. It has been eradicated throughout the world that is why inoculations have not been kept up. Thus, fewer numbers knowledgeable on administrating inoculations. Out of this Bill to the King County Health Department, approximately $1.4 million has been allocated. There will not be much money from this Bill which will trickle down to the cities and local groups that need it. One aspect being considered in King County is the formation of a group to identify what equipment is necessary for the first responders, in any sort of an emergency; not just one of weapons of mass destruction. That group will consider the types of equipment that will be necessary and where deficiencies are evident. Mr. Morrow has been asked to serve with that group to determine where the deficiencies may be found. Here in Tukwila, Level A suits have been purchased for Police Department personnel. The suits will arrive soon and training will follow immediately thereafter. City of Tukwila Page 8 of 9 City Council Committee of Whole Minutes October 14, 2002 Mr. Morrow concluded by noting his insight that Tukwila will receive very, very little, as a result of this Bill. Councilmember Haggerton spoke against unfounded mandates, yet is in favor of the proposed resolution. Councilmember Carter noted she would be in favor of sending a letter to the National League of Cities or other entities, yet spoke against the resolution and potential political fights. Councilmember Hernandez agreed that a letter may be more appropriate than a resolution. Council consensus existed to forward this item to the October 21 Regular Meeting for discussion and /or vote. REPORTS: a. Mayor Mayor Mullet reported a "move out there" for Conservation Futures to allow them to be used for maintenance and operations. He believes that will be considered at the Suburban Cities Association in the near future. He attended an ACC meeting this evening. The Mayor and John McFarland will be meeting with Laura Loveland, new Director of the Department of Agriculture. Next, the Mayor reminded Council Clay Jenkinson will appear Thursday evening. Finally, he noted the current concessionaire at Foster Clubhouse has tendered a 60 -day resignation. To that end, Gordon Harris, of Gordon's Steakhouse and BBQ, North Bend, has been contacted and is willing to stand in upon the exit of the concessionaire's exit. b. City Council Councilmember Duffie asked if Sound Transit issues are still handled as quasi judicial matters. Mr. McFarland noted Council may speak about Sound Transit, yet when it comes to issues associated with the routing (related to Conditional Use Permitting process in the City), he must remain silent. Mr. McFarland noted Mr. Duffie and other Councilmembers may discuss the other lines of business covered by Sound Transit (Sounder, Light Rail, Express Bus). Councilmember Hernandez attended the October 11 Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce luncheon meeting and the October 12 Conference of the National Association of Insurance Women. Council President Simpson attended the October 12 Highway 99 Action Committee meeting and the October 11 Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce meeting. Councilmember Carter attended the October 8 SCATBd meeting, the October 9 ICP Regional Forum and (later) Ribbon Cutting ceremony at the Mongolian Grill. She also attended the October 9 PRSC Transportation Policy Board meeting. On October 10 she attended the Regional Policy Committee meeting and the October 12 Autumn Arts and Crafts show at the Tukwila Community Center. Councilmember Haggerton attended the October 9 Suburban Cities Association South Caucus meeting and a Cascade Water Alliance Board meeting later the same date. Councilmember Linder was absent due to illness. Councilmember Fenton had no report. c. Staff John McFarland, City Administrator, had no report. City of Tukwila Page 9 of 9 City Council Committee of Whole Minutes October 14, 2002 d. City Attorney Neither the City Attorney nor his representative was present. e. Intergovernmental Lucy Lauterbach, Legislative Analyst, noted Councilmembers Haggerton and Linder will attend an AWC Regional meeting on October 16, along with Mayor Mullet, Mr. McFarland and herself. MISCELLANEOUS: Council President Simpson reported receipt of an invitation from Tukwila Library employee Sharon Kidd. The invitation is for November 5, 2002, to listen to Sandy Feinberg, Meddle County Library, Long Island, New York. Ms. Feinberg is Director and Family Place Advisor, who will speak on parenting skills. Mr. Simpson Ms. Carter noted they would attend. Due to the fact November 5 is election night and Utilities Committee meeting night, conflicts may arise. ADJOURN: 9:46 p.m. DUFFIE MOVED; FENTON SECONDED; TO ADJOURN THE COMMITTEE OF WHOLE. The motion carried 6 -0. Richard Simpson, Council P)ident Robert H. Baker, CMC, Deputy City Clerk Minutes sianed on October 21. 2002