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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-10-13 Committee of the Whole MinutesCALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: 0 Calling the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. was Pam Carter, Council President, who also led the Pledge of Allegiance. COUNCIL ATTENDANCE: Present were Council President Pam Carter; and Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Joan Hernandez, Jim Haggerton, Pamela Linder, David Fenton and Richard Simpson. OFFICIALS: Steven M. Mullet, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, Acting City Administrator; Lucy Lauterbach, Legislative Analyst; Bob Baker, Deputy City Clerk; and Alan Doerschel, Finance Director. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL October 13, 2003 7:00 p.m. Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers COMMITTEE OF WHOLE MEETING MINUTES a. Manor's Budget Message and Presentation of Proposed 2004 Budget and Six -Year Plannina Model Announcing City administration's "best shot at balancing... revenue and expenditures... Mayor Mullet presented Council with the Proposed 2004 Budget and Six -Year Planning model. He reported the real work of the budget begins with the ability and motivation of departments to stay lean throughout the year. Additionally, he reported a need to find creative, new ways to approach old problems and to be willing to "let programs go" that are no longer productive. Although it hasn't been easy, part of the City's successes in the past couple of years have been due to the fact departments have been frugal, even in good times. For that reason, a surplus, or savings account was established that we are now able to draw upon until the passing of the current recession and until Tukwila is able to once again experience positive growth. "Attachment A" (within the budget) shows fixed cost expenditures have left a consistent sub -total of approximately $2.5 million each year, through 2009, to be applied to capital projects. While this may seem like a lot of money to taxpayers, City Administration and Councilmembers are aware the price of construction utilizes the money very quickly. The City's future is looking better and sales tax revenues are improving. The Urban Center and Transit Oriented Development plans are looking very good. Mayor Mullet also reported the mall expansion is taking shape and the new U. S. Naturalization and Immigration building is also under way. Finally, Mayor Mullet noted the Segale annexation is creating much excitement at the planning levels. Thanking the Council for their assistance, cooperation and policy direction, Mayor Mullet concluded his comments. Alan Doerschel, Finance Director, noted one newly proposed position, not included within the document is that of a Golf Pro. The person filling this position is expected to provide golfing lessons throughout the year. Additionally, Mr. Doerschel noted departmental expenditure growth was kept at a 4% inflation limit. Agreeing to keep the review process the same as in past years, the budget will now be scheduled on various and appropriate committee agendas. Beyond that, the Committee of Whole will review the budget and final decisions and approval will be made at a City Council Regular meeting. b. Economic Development Update Key Customer Assessment Rob Larsen. Rhonda Berry, Acting City Administrator, introduced Rob Larsen. City of Tukwila Page 2 of 5 City Council Committee of Whole Minutes October 13, 2003 Rob Larsen. President, ClearPath Strategic Real Estate Execution, 719 2nd Ave., Suite 1405, Seattle, reported a long- standing relationship with the City of Tukwila in the areas of leasing and dealing with commercial clients. He has helped the City market itself, especially in the realm of economic development. Reporting favorably, Mr. Larsen noted Tukwila is the City with the "most promising future in the region" due to its current infrastructure. CiearPath has begun an Urban Center Retail Key Customer Feedback Assessment wherein they have surveyed a sampling of major businesses within the City to determine impressions and receive feedback in several areas of interest. Businesses contacted thus far include major retailers, large and /or growing businesses and some real estate developers. ClearPath has not yet contacted businesses within the Westfield Shopping Mall at Southcenter. With many more businesses to be contacted, those already interviewed were asked several questions relative to their impression of the City, its services, and other key factors. Mr. Larsen used a Power Point presentation to present Council with his findings. Reporting on a positive note, businesses stated Westfield Shopping Mali at Southcenter is a major draw to the area. And, many reported, "all roads lead to Southcenter." Also viewed in a positive light were the City's vision for growth, easily obtained permits, and access to area businesses. Viewed in a negative light, or areas where improvement may be focused, were such items as severe traffic congestion (especially during Christmas season), restrictive sign codes, lack of area amenities, lack of high -speed internet access, lack of grocery stores and a challenge in hiring a quality labor force for area jobs. With the above responses, Mr. Larsen put the question to Council, "Where do we go from here His ideas include, 1) completing the assessment, 2) understanding the opportunities for change /growth, 3) creating a strategy for that change /growth, and 4) creating a "roadmap" to prioritize and implement specific economic development actions. Questions from Council were posed to Mr. Larsen on such items as the potential for City's own bus system; a possible grocery store coming into Tukwila, cultural aspects, transportation, signage restrictions, and the potential to relax some standards to allow businesses to grow and stay in the area. Mr. Larsen's contract with the City is valid through December 31, 2003, and his work on this project will continue through that date, unless Council moves (at a later date) to extend the contract, allowing work to continue. Council spoke favorably of Mr. Larsen's work and the assessment. CITIZEN COMMENT /CORRESPONDENCE: Byron Saunders, Tukwila. reported suspicious activities at an address near his home and asked for City assistance. He reported the coming and going of (as many as 5) cars as late as 2:00 a.m. to this residence. He provided Rhonda Berry with the address and she was directed by Mayor Mullet to handle the issue. The address in question is intentionally omitted. SPECIAL ISSUES: a. Draft ordinance for re- funding bond issue for 1994 bonds. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, RELATING TO CONTRACTING INDEBTEDNESS; PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF $4,455,000.00 PAR VALUE OF LIMITED TAX GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 2003B OF THE CITY FOR GENERAL CITY PURPOSES TO PROVIDE FUNDS WITH WHICH TO PAY OR CURRENTLY REFUND ITS OUTSTANDING LIMITED TAX GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, 1994, TO PAY THE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS OF SUCH REFUNDING AND TO PAY THE COSTS OF ISSUANCE OF THE BONDS; PROVIDING FOR AND AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OUT OF THE PROCEEDS OF THE SALE OF THE BONDS HEREIN AUTHORIZED AND FOR THE USE AND APPLICATION OF THE MONEY DERIVED FROM THOSE INVESTMENTS; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH U.S. BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, AS REFUNDING City of Tukwila City Council Committee of Whole Minutes TRUSTEE; PROVIDING FOR THE CALL, PAYMENT AND REDEMPTION OF THE OUTSTANDING BONDS TO BE REFUNDED; FIXING THE DATE, FORM, MATURITIES, INTEREST RATES, TERMS AND COVENANTS OF THE BONDS; ESTABLISHING A BOND FUND; PROVIDING FOR THE PURCHASE OF BOND INSURANCE; AND APPROVING THE SALE AND PROVIDING FOR THE DELIVERY OF THE BONDS TO LEHMAN BROTHERS INC. OF SEATTLE, WASHINGTON; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Page 3 of 5 October 13, 2003 Councilmember Joe Duffle introduced this item and announced its consideration and approval at the October 6 Finance and Safety Committee meeting. It was in 1994 that the City issued bonds for building a new community center and fire station. Alan Doerschel, Finance Director, advised Council this is the second part of the bond work currently being handled by staff. The process for this re- funding will be the same as that recently used for the golf course. A review of the proposed ordinance shows several "blanks" where numbers and figures must be completed. Mr. Doerschel explained those figures would not be ascertained until Monday afternoon, October 20, 2003. Figures will be brought to the meeting and inserted into the final documents. In addition to the proposed ordinance, Council must also enter into an agreement with Lehman Brothers as it relates to the sale of the bonds. By passing this ordinance and re- funding the bonds, the City stands to save nearly $374,000.00 over the next 10 years. In addition to paying a 102% premium on the bonds we're selling, the City must also pay closing costs. Currently, the interest rate on the existing bonds varies between 5.10% and 5.90 That percentage is expected to drop into the 2.X% range. Council consensus existed to forward the proposed ordinance to the October 20 Regular meeting. b. Draft resolution increasing the Municipal Court Petty Cash Fund A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, INCREASING THE MUNICIPAL COURT PETTY CASH FUND LEVEL, AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 1520. Councilmember Duffie announced consideration and passage of this item at the October 6 Finance and Safety Committee meeting. Alan Doerschel, Finance Director, announced the need to increase the petty cash fund for the Municipal Court from $300.00 to $500.00 to adequately cover costs associated with witness fees. The increasing volume of activity within the Municipal Court necessitates such an increase. Passage of this resolution will also eliminate the need to request manual warrants as the new fund amount will prove ample to cover associated expenses. Council consensus existed to forward the proposed resolution to the October 20 Regular meeting. c. Draft ordinance amending the 2003 budget o AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, AMENDING THE 2003 BUDGET ADOPTED BY ORDINANCE NO. 2008, PROVIDING FOR UNANTICIPATED REVENUES, EXPENDITURES AND TRANSFERS IN THE GENERAL, VALLEY NARCOTICS ENFORCEMENT TEAM (VNET), FACILITY REPLACEMENT, AND EQUIPMENT RENTAL FUNDS; ESTABLISHING LIMITED TAX G. O. BONDS, 2003 FUND 209 AND LIMITED TAX G. O. REFUNDING BONDS, 2003 FUND 210 AND REPLACING LIMITED TAX G. O. BONDS, 1994 FUND 201, WITH INITIAL REVENUES AND TRANSFERS, AND EXPENDITURES FOR 2003, PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE Councilmember Duffie announced review and passage of this item at the October 6 Finance and Safety Committee meeting. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of Whole Minutes Page 4 of 5 October 13, 2003 Alan Doerschel, Finance Director, described the proposed ordinance as a housekeeping issue, which is done annually to make department expenditures match current budgets. Councilmembers received clarification to several whereas clauses within the proposed ordinance, as well as basic account numbers. The Council asked Mr. Doerschel to report back on a $20,000.00 expense cited within the Parks budget (15.576.800.30) entitled "Supplies." He's to bring a memorandum to Council explaining the expense. Council consensus existed to forward the proposed ordinance to the October 20 Regular meeting. d. Draft resolution increasing the number of members on the Lodging Tax Advisory Board from seven to nine. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, INCREASING THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE FROM SEVEN TO NINE MEMBERS AND AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 1381 Councilmember Duffie reported consideration and passage of this item at the October 6 Finance and Safety Committee meeting. Alan Doerschel, Finance Director, reported a growing desire by many in the community to become involved with the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. History has shown that when someone wants to get involved, they stay involved and they draw others who will also get and stay involved. One newly proposed member is an (unnamed) hotelier. Mr. Doerschel noted there is also another person in the community "who should be" involved. If the resolution is passed, names will be brought forth for consideration. Finally, Mr. Doerschel noted another update /report is forthcoming from Katherine Kertzman on tourism, marketing and economic development within the City. No date has been set yet, but may occur in January, 2004 due to impending budget reviews and the holiday seasons. Council consensus existed to forward the proposed resolution to the October 20 Regular meeting. REPORTS: a. Mayor Mayor Mullet attended a Port of Seattle meeting last week, as well as the Tukwila Food Pantry fundraising breakfast. The Mayor's Day of Concern for the Hungry (held recently) raised 3,000+ pounds of food for the Tukwila Food Pantry. Donations were received from Safeway and Larry's Markets. He was proud to announce Rhonda Berry was named Woman of the Year and was honored as such at a dinner on October 9, 2003. Finally, he reported attendance to a meeting in Spokane on October 10 relative to the Building Code Council. b. City Council 0 Councilmember Duffie attended the October 9 Tukwila Food Pantry fundraising breakfast and Ms. Berry's Woman of the Year dinner later the same night. Councilmember Hernandez attended last week's Tukwila Business and Government Affairs meeting; the October 7 Utilities Committee meeting; the October 8 Suburban Cities dinner meeting; and the October 9 Tukwila Food Pantry fundraising breakfast. Council President Carter spoke in favor of receiving project updates at the Committee level, once a project has been approved at a City Council Regular meeting. This serves as informational for all Councilmembers and allows them to see the status of a project before it is completed, sometimes one or two years after being approved by the Council. Councilmember Haggerton attended the October 8 Suburban Cities meeting City of Tukwila Page 5 of 5 City Council Committee of Whole Minutes October 13, 2003 Councilmember Linder attended the October 9 Tukwila Food Pantry fundraising breakfast; and the (subsequent) South King County Human Services Forum. Ms. Linder agreed with Ms. Carter's thoughts regarding regular project updates at the Committee level on projects approved during City Council Regular meetings. Councilmember Fenton attended the October 13 Transportation Committee meeting. Councilmember Simpson attended the October 13 Transportation Committee meeting. c. Staff Rhonda Berly reported the Human Services Advisory Board toured the interior of the Way Back Inn homes last year before residents moved in. Additionally, Council may have that same opportunity in the near future. Ms. Berry will keep them informed. d. City Attorney Shelley Kerslake was not present. e. Legislative Analyst Lucy Lauterbach distributed a handout (point paper) for Council review /consideration before an October 15 lunch with local area legislators. MISCELLANEOUS: Councilmember Haggerton noted that during a recent house -to -house visit, he met with a neighbor to the old blue house" (attempted arson by someone hired by a school principal, etc.). The neighbor informed Mr. Haggerton that he would like to buy the property, just to demolish the "eye sore." Mayor Mullet and Rhonda Berry explained the home is still "tied up" in litigation with the Courts. Mr. Haggerton would like an opinion from the City Attorney relative to the perceived time it may take to free the home from litigation. ADJOURN: 8:57 p.m. DUFFIE MOVED; HERNANDEZ SECONDED; TO ADJOURN THE COMMITTEE OF WHOLE. The motion carried 7 -0. Pam- Carter, Council President V 6(1 _k Robert H. Baker, CMC, Deputy City Clerk Date Minutes Signed: October 20, 2003