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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-10-23 Committee of the Whole MinutesOFFICIALS ATTENDANCE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL October 23, 2006— 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers City Hall COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE NOTE: The Executive Session scheduled for 6:45 pm Pending Litigation; pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) was cancelled. CALL TO ORDER /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President, Dennis Robertson, called the meeting to order at 7:07 pm and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Present were Dennis Robertson, Council President, Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Joan Hernandez, Pam Carter, Jim Haggerton, Pam Linder, and Verna Griffin. Steve Mullet, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Lori Sutter, Assistant Police Chief; Darrell Baskin, Assistant Police Chief; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Katherine Kertzman, Tourism Manager; Kevin Fuhrer, Finance Director; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Diane Jenkins, Council Assistant; Christy O'Flaherty, Deputy City Clerk. AMEND AGENDA MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY DUFFIE TO AMEND THE AGENDA FOR REVIEW AND CLARIFICATION OF RESOLUTION #1475, REGARDING MEDICAL BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYEE DEPENDENTS, TO FOLLOW SPECIAL ISSUES ITEM 4D. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. CITIZEN COMMENT There were no citizen comments. SPECIAL ISSUES a. An ordinance for Allentown /Foster Point sewer revenue bonds Kevin Fuhrer, Finance Director, provided an overview of this topic. A $3.3 million revenue bond issue was included in the adopted 2006 -2011 Capital Improvement Program as a funding source for the Allentown /Foster Point Sewer Project. As this project also includes water and surface water improvements, the debt will be spread proportionately among the three utilities (sewer at 55 water at 29 and surface water at 16 The City has retained the services of Hugh Spitzer with Foster Pepper as bond counsel and Sean Keatts with Lehman Brothers as bond underwriter. This issue was discussed at the October 16, 2006 Finance Safety Committee meeting and the October 17, 2006 Utilities Committee meeting. Hugh Spitzer from Foster Pepper and Sean Keatts from Lehman Brothers spoke to the Council regarding various aspects of the bond issue to include the draft ordinance and related attachments; total debt service; potential interest rates; bond insurance; and projected fees. If the City Council adopts the bond ordinance on November 6, 2006, final pricing of the bonds will occur on that day, and bond proceeds will be distributed to the City on November 20, 2006. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING City of Tukwila Page 2 of 5 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes October 23. 2006 b. An ordinance regarding the Metropolitan King County sewer rate pass- through for 2007 sewage disposal fees Councilmember Haggerton indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on October 17, 2006. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Metropolitan King County has adopted Ordinance No. 15522 increasing the 2007 monthly sewer fee from $25.60 per month to $27.95 per residence or per residential equivalent for King County component agencies. As a component agency, Tukwila passes these costs on to their sewer customers. The King County Metro sewage capacity charge will also increase from $34.05 per month to $42.00 in 2007. Councilmember Hernandez inquired if the capacity charge is a one -time fee for new connections. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, answered in the affirmative. Councilmember Carter relayed that it is the policy of the City to pass- through increased costs from other agencies. Councilmember Linder conveyed her appreciation for the level of detail provided in the agenda packet regarding this issue. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING c. A Resolution approving a Public Works fee schedule Councilmember Haggerton indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on October 17, 2006. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The City's sewer rate change is needed to meet operational and capital expenditures for the sewer enterprise fund. The monthly residential flat rate will increase from $8.00 to $8.80 per residential connection, and from $14.00 to $15.40 for up to 750 cubic feet or fraction thereof for the commercial /industrial customers. The sewer charges are included in the resolution setting the Public Works fee schedule. Councilmember Carter referenced the rate breakdown from neighboring jurisdictions included in the agenda packet. Tukwila's rates are in the lower middle range compared to other cities and districts in the area. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING d. An ordinance establishing 2007 water rates and rates for water supplied for fire protection purposes Councilmember Haggerton indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on October 17, 2006. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The City last increased water rates in the year 2000. With the possibility of wholesale water rates significantly increasing in the future, a rate increase is proposed to maintain rate stabilization. The residential water rate for summer will increase from $2.98 to $3.07 per 100 cubic feet and from $3.83 to $3.94 for commercial /industrial customers. The fire protection lines were last increased in 1996, and these charges defray expenses related to building sprinkler systems and hydrants. Councilmember Haggerton stated this rate increase is primarily a pass- through from Cascade Water Alliance. Many members of the Alliance will be experiencing higher increases in rates, and Mr. Haggerton credited Public Works staff members, Jim Morrow and Pat Brodin, for keeping Tukwila's rates to a minimum. Council President Robertson asked for clarification regarding the meaning of "rate stabilization." Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, explained this would diffuse a larger rate increase that could happen in the future. It is considered to be more effective to have minimal rate increases on a regular basis rather than larger increases less often. City of Tukwila Page 3 of 5 Citv Council Committee of the Whole Minutes October 23. 2006 Councilmember Carter indicated it would be beneficial to have a breakdown of comparisons of local water district rates, similar to the chart provided for sewer rates. Mr. Morrow indicated that information would be forthcoming. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING AGENDA AMENDMENT PER PAGE 1 e. Clarification of Resolution #1475 regarding medical benefits for employee dependents Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, provided information regarding this issue. In 2001 the City passed Resolution #1475, providing extended medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees' dependents while employees are on active duty military leave from the City due to results of the New York and Washington, DC tragedies. In light of recent and pending deployments of Tukwila employees, clarification of the resolution is being requested. Section #3 of the resolution reads, "The premium cost for this coverage shall be paid for by the City of Tukwila." When the resolution was passed in 2001, all premium costs for employee and dependent healthcare were borne by the City. Beginning in January 2006, employees have been subject to a premium share. Clarification is being requested regarding the Council's intent as to whether the City should pay the premium share or if the employee should bear the cost. Currently the maximum share is $35.00 per month, and the premiums may be discontinued in the near future. One employee has been activated to military duty and one more has orders pending. Tukwila has not had more than six staff members deployed at any one time. Mayor Mullet explained that the premium payment instituted in January 2006 was in lieu of raising co- payments on doctor visits or on prescription medications. Co- payments are not paid for by the City for any employees. Discussion ensued among the Councilmembers with a consensus that medical premiums for employees and their dependents, while employees are on active duty military leave from the City, should be paid for by the City of Tukwila. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING f. Review of Ordinance No. 1551 regarding Council travel guidelines Council President Robertson stated he brought this forward to the full Council for discussion due to recent questions regarding the travel policy for Councilmembers. Ordinance Number 1551 approved Council Travel Guidelines. The Councilmembers discussed the guidelines with specific attention to V. Council Travel Decisions as follows: A. Beginning each year, after funds for local meetings, the Council retreat, and meals are subtracted, each Councilmember will be allotted an equal share of the remaining Council travel budget for State, National, and Sister City travel. That share shall be available to that Councilmember for use in travel expenses throughout the year. B. Each Council member will prepare a travel plan at the beginning of the budget year showing planned travel and expected associated costs. Dates and locations of known state and national conferences will be supplied as soon as they are known. C. Any Councilmember's funds that are not used for travel in that year will be returned to the shared travel fund, which can then be used by other Councilmembers. 1. Councilmembers desiring to use shared travel funds will prepare a Request for Travel form highlighting the benefits to the City. 2. The Council President will prioritize the requests to the Council. The City Council will make the final decision on use of the funds. City of Tukwila Page 4 of 5 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes October 23. 2006 3. After all Request for Travel forms are received by the Council President and no shared funds remain, travel requests will be denied unless additional funds are budgeted. 4. If an opportunity for a conference or training arises mid -year after travel funds are expended or planned for the City, Council will decide if the benefit to the City is high enough to warrant the additional travel expense. Council President Robertson indicated that currently the Council travel budget is divided by eight, to include the seven Councilmembers and the Council Assistant position. In the past, the funds allocated to the Council's staff person have not been fully utilized, and the remainder has been available for Councilmember travel needs. In 2007, the Council travel budget will be increased by $10,000. Concern was expressed regarding the desire to send Councilmembers to Japan for Sister City related trips. The Council Travel Guidelines state, "Sister City travel will not be budgeted separately and will be part of each Councilmember's travel allocation." The additional $10,000 in the 2007 budget should help to ensure that one or two Councilmembers could travel to Japan. The Councilmembers discussed various aspects of the travel guidelines and current process to include allocation of the budget allotments as they relate to the Council Assistant position; issues involving unplanned events that come up at mid -year; the need for more effective monitoring of the budget; and possible revisions to the guidelines for consideration at a Council Committee. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO RETAIN THE CURRENT COUNCIL TRAVEL GUIDELINES 8:43 pm Council President Robertson declared a five minute break. 8:51 pm Council President Robertson re- opened the Committee of the Whole meeting. MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY DUFFIE TO MOVE THE SPECIAL MEETING (scheduled at the end of this Committee of the Whole meeting) TO BE CONSIDERED AT THIS TIME. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. Special Meeting Minutes Available under separate cover 8:54 pm The Committee of the Whole Meeting resumed. g. Continuation of review of 2007 Proposed Budget and CIP Councilmember Linder referenced the November 20, 2006 public hearing date on the proposed 2007 budget. Council President Robertson indicated he has requested the public hearing date be changed to December 4, 2006. Detailed data and final figures regarding tax information will not be available until late November. Modifying the date would allow Councilmembers time to propose budget changes prior to the public hearing. Councilmember Linder expressed concern about the possibility of considering and implementing new taxes within a short time frame. There are many potential options, and a thorough review of the impacts would need to be considered, as well as allowing adequate time to receive input from citizens and businesses. Councilmember Linder suggested the Councilmembers be asked if it is the intent to review a list of new taxes on November 20 for possible implementation. Council President Robertson declined polling the Councilmembers and indicated any proposals and potential benefits could be considered in four weeks. Councilmember Carter indicated there has been very little discussion on this issue in the recent past and reiterated the need for careful consideration before instituting new taxes. 9:06 pm Councilmember Linder excused herself and left the meeting. Kevin Fuhrer, Finance Director, introduced each of the following sections of the budget for review by the City Council. The Councilmembers discussed the items and asked for clarification from staff as needed. City of Tukwila Page 5 of 5 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes October 23, 2006 Council amendments or additions to the preliminary budget were noted by the Finance Director and departmental staff members. CIP General All Policies pg. 1 -VI Planning Model, Att. A B pg. VII -X Planning Model, Att. C pg. XI -XIV Police Department pg. 83 -98 Hotel /Motel Tax pg. 137 Capital Items Summary pg. 179 -180 10:02 pm Mayor Mullet left the meeting. 10:06 pm Council President Robertson declared a five minute break. 10:13 pm Council President Robertson re- opened the Committee of the Whole meeting. Water CIP pg. XV -XVI, 77 -111 Budget pg. 153 -157 Sewer CIP pg. XVII XVIII, 112 -137 Budget pg. 158 -163 Surface Water CIP pg. XIX XX, 138 -166 Budget pg. 168 -172 REPORTS MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ TO DISPENSE WITH REPORTS. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. ADJOURNMENT 11:07 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT ROBERTSON DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. Dennis Robertson, Council President Chris O'FIahetty, Deputy City Clerk c7