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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-18-1997 Special Council Mtg SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 18, 1997, 5:00 PM I. Introduction Mayor Booth called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM in the Council Work Area. Councilmembers in attendance included Jeanne Barber, Stacey Brothers, Sue Singer, Rich Wagner, Gene Cerino, Trish Borden, and Fred Poe. City staff in attendance included Police Chief Dave Purdy, Personnel Director Brenda Heineman, Fire Chief Bob Johnson, Parks and Recreation Director Dick Deal, Finance Director Diane Supler, Public Works Director Frank Currie, Assistant Planning & Community Development Director Lynn Rued, Financial Analyst Sherri Crawford, and City Clerk Robin Wohlhueter. Guests in attendance included Pete Lewis and John Raeder. II. Review 1998 Budget Calendar Diane Supler provided a handout to Members of the Auburn City Council that included a City of Auburn 1998 Budget Calendar and a Interoffice Memorandum dated August 5, 1997 to Department Heads from Chuck Booth, Mayor and Diane Supler, Finance Director regarding 1998 Budget Process Kickoff. Ms. Supler introduced Sherri Crawford, lead staff member on the preparation and coordination of the budget process. Ms. Supler highlighted the 1998 Budget Calendar. The Budget calendar is a fast paced schedule that began with the Council retreat to set 1998 goals in May. There is a legal requirement to obtain estimates of revenue as adopted in the budget for current year and proposed preliminary budget by October 6, 1997. Council work sessions will be held on November 5 and 6, 1997, adoption of the property tax levy on November 17, and final budget hearing and adoption of the Budget on December 1, 1997. Following adoption of the final budget, staff will be looking at a 1997 budget amendment. Position control sheets along with a comprehensive package of the last ten years expenditure information were also distributed. Departments were asked to limit the program improvements to their top three priorities except the Public Works Department because they include water, sewer, and storm. Salaries will be based upon the COLA and step increases. Departments are limited to a 3% increase in expenditures over 1997 excluding salaries. Measurements on the revenue side of the budget are projected with growth and increase based on new construction. Ms. Supler reminded the Council that Referendum 47, a roll back on property tax, will be presented to the voters November. Mayor Booth explained one time adjustments to departmental baseline budgets have been moved making the budgets more directly comparable. Step and grade adjustments on a 3 % with the CPI is on the conservative side. Operations are limited to a 3% increase with the exception of salaries. Special City Council Meeting Minutes 1998 Goals August 18, 1997 Page No. 2 Ms. Supler expressed appreciation to the Council in moving the budget calendar up this year and the lead time staff has had in development of the 1998 budget. III. 1998 Goals Mayor Booth explained the 1998 goals of the Council were developed by the Council at its work sessions in May. Department Directors were given the 1998 Goals to develop objectives for implementation. Brenda Heineman briefed the Council on the department directors session, as facilitated by Don Kurle, in development of the objectives to meet the 1998 goals. Each department director met with members of their staff and Mayor to review and further refine departmental objectives. Mayor Booth indicated staff is working on revenue projections and potential for increase in revenue available to the City. For example, the City currently collects $2.00 for parking violations which does not cover control services. Finance is considering raising the fee to $5.00. Other areas of review may include false alarms fees, B & O tax feasibility, utilities, property tax, and human service programs. Studing this issue with other south King County community cities, Ms. Supler highlighted the property tax allocation as it relates to the area of manufacturing. The City of Auburn has lost $32 million dollars within one year of assessed valuation from previous years. They are working with other Finance Directors and King County to gain a better understanding of why assessed valuations are going down for particular industries. Generally, assessed valuations have been going down for property. Ms. Supler explained that King County is responsible for making the valuation assessments. At this time it is unknown why the assessed valuation in Auburn has decreased. Ms. Supler is trying to meet with King County to better understand trending information and whether the decrease is based on the real estate portion or the personal property portion. Discussion centered around the income level of Auburn's population. Mayor Booth noted that since April a range of 47% to 51% of Auburn's population is considered low income, 11% of Auburn's children live in poverty, 23% of Auburn's families receive assistance or support, and 49% below 80% of the median income level for King County. Looking at construction you can build and construct a home in Auburn with the same general characteristics for a substantial difference if the same home were built in Bellevue. The Bellevue purchaser has a higher disposal income and, therefore, are getting more property tax and an increase in sales tax because of the difference in disposal income. There is a numerator denominator effect for those citizens who have difficulty surviving in upper directed communities if they lose a job or martial status Special City Council Meeting Minutes 1998 Goals August 18, 1997 Page No. 3 changes. When this happens these people are moving to south King County which results in high need low income citizens who will have a greater impact on your human resources and other needs. In response to a question raised by Councilmember Cerino with regard the to where Auburn's utility tax is in relation to other jurisdictions, Ms. Supler indicated that Auburn is in the middle in comparison to other cities. Ms. Supler announced there is a revenue workshop scheduled for September 15, 1997, and at that time staff will have a better idea of revenue projections for 1998. Staff will circulate Bellevue's user fee study. Discussion centered around the Council's review of each goal and objective as developed by City Council and department directors for 1998. The City Council raised many questions with regard to existing programs, performance measures, and anticipated programs. For the purpose of these minutes, changes to the 1998 goals are marked with revision marks, and comments are italicized. I. Protect and improve our residential neighborhoods. · Increase neighborhood block watches by 10% city-wide. Dave Purdy provided a brief overview and responded to questions with regard to block watches. They anticipate increasing this program by 10%. · Expand neighborhood disaster preparedness program into ten additional neighborhoods. · Review city code requirements to determine whether there are more efficient and effective methods to enforce civil code violations. Frank Cutfie noted the process in place is time consuming in enforcement of civil code violations. Staff will be reviewing and developing a more efficient way to enforce code violations. · Develop and implement site plan review process to insure high quality development that is sensitive to protecting residential areas from intrusion by non-residential uses. Lynn Rued explained this goal is a reaction to rezone of a single family home on Auburn Way South. Councilmember Borden inquired about a proposed goal, "Continue neighborhood base planning". Ms. Supler explained that some of the goals were consolidated. Special City Council Meeting Minutes 1998 Goals August 18, 1997 Page No. 4 II. Assure Public Safety · Expand Community Oriented Policing Program to meet level by forming a city-wide task force to problem solve. Initially, adopt a school program, and work with the PTA to educate parents about drugs. · Establish a response regional HazMat team with other jurisdictions in the region. In response to a question raised with regard to whether or Federal Way is part of the regional response team, Bob Johnson indicated they are. Additionally, Auburn will receive an $8,000 decontamination trailer. · Research options available to establish a ~scally sound policy to deal with welfare reductions as a result of federal legislation. As previously discussed (above) Mayor Booth indicated this is an area where we will need to get very creative in addressing. We will be working very hard with county, state and federal governments. It was suggested this objective be moved to Goal IX. · Explore additional funding opportunitios for tho devolopmont of non motorizod transportation faeilitios. [This item was moved to Goal Number III at Councilmember Singer's request.] Councilmember Cerfno raised a question with regard to rule enforcement of bicycle alders. Chief Purdy responded that there is no strfct enforcement of bicycle safety. The City's approach is handled through bicycle safety programs, bike rodeos, and other community activities. W~th regard to pedestrfan traffic, Frank Currie reported that each intersection comer by state law is a crosswalk. Anything in-between is noL If you mark a crosswalk the theory is you are identifying that area as a safe place based on a number of national studies done by larger cities. Chief Purdy mentioned this position is also a result of case law of which the City's liability insurance provider is reviewing. · Increase bicycle safety program to include civic group participation by 20%. · Create a video library to orient and re-certify mandated City employee safety and regulatory training on a more timely basis. Special City Council Meeting Minutes 1998 Goals August 18, 1997 Page No. 5 This objective was developed by the Personnel Department. The maintenance and operational areas of the City are becoming more technical with regulatory requirements. This objective will assist in keeping certifications current in a timely manner. III. Increase revenue for transportation construction. · Develop impact fee program for transportation improvement for City Council adoption. This objective is 80% complete, and there was discussion that it should be dropped. Some of the Councilmembers feel this issue is not resolved in terms of implementation of a program. · Support regional and state funding efforts for grade separations under FAST and FMAC, and pursue Federal and private fund sources. Progress has been made with regard to this item. · Evaluate transportation neods in light of growth and preservation to determine if Transportation Plan and Six Year Plan need to be modified. Explore the creation of revenue source to retire bonds required to complete necessary street and arterial improvements including consideration of a General Obligation Bond to meet the needs of the Transportation Plan. It was agreed this item would be dropped. - This is to put more emphasis on preservation to balance preservation with new construction. Councilmember Wagner suggested this item focus more on the balance of preservation with new construction. Councilmember Wagner suggested creating a revenue stream to pay off bonded indebtedness that would dramatically increase the amount of money that we would see in the next three years by borrowing or creating a revenue stream to pay off borrowing. · Continue efforts to develop intermodal transit hub by 1999 employing RTA, METRO and grant funding. No comments were made under this objective. · Explore additional funding opportunities for the development of non- motorized transportation facilities. (This item was moved from Goal Number II at Councilmember Singer's request.) Special City Council Meeting Minutes 1998 Goals August 18, 1997 Page No. 6 IV. Increase number of opportunities for youth involvement. · Evaluate current formal and informal youth programs to determine their effectiveness in meeting community needs, integrating any necessary changes into existing City plan. · Conduct fire and safety classes and career training seminars for Auburn youth at area schools and fire stations. · ldentif~ Pursue funding for the design and construction of a skate park facility through contributions and grants from community service organizations, and private/public sector. [Changes made to this objective at Councilmember Singer's request.] Mayor Booth reviewed each objective under this goal There is a community group that is working on the skate park facility. The City is working on grants to obtain funding for this issue. Mayor Booth reported that a minimum amount of the original $15,000 allocated for the study was used in 1996. The remainder went back to the General fund. Recent legislation addressed the cities liability issues in this area. Discussion center around the late night and after school programs. Mr. Deal explained that staff is looking at various ways to fund these programs. Mayor Booth cautioned the Council in funding existing programs for the City to prevent the program from exceeding a 1% increase over prior year fund level and the money is available. There may be some shifting in priorities as the Council proceeds in looking at each program area. V. Increase planning efforts for targeted areas. · Complete Downtown Transit Hub Plan for Council consideration. Councilmember Wagner recalled the intent of this objective is to include proactive economic development. · Expand efforts to idcntify and promote desirable businoss locations in A~urn. Proactive economic development to encourage businesses that will have a positive impact on the City's economy. Councilmember Borden recalled encouraging light manufacturing as part of economic development. Diane Supler questioned including light manufacturing when the City does not collect any sales tax on manufacturing. Manufacturing jobs generally do not tend to pay high salaries, and have recently received preferential treatment in the tax laws Special City Council Meeting Minutes 1998 Goals August 18, 1997 Page No. 7 and lower assessed valuations. This objective addresses promotion of desirable business which include good tax base on sales on construction and equipment and tend to have higher paying jobs. Councilmember Poe feels there are light manufacturing jobs that pay better than some jobs available in Auburn. Councilmember Poe suggests changing the City's posture toward economic development. He referred to a recent South County Journal article that discussed an increase in tax revenue for the City of Renton by $2 million due to a proactive approach to economic development. Mayor Booth suggested the following wording, "Proactive economic development to encourage businesses that will have a positive impact on the City's economy.' Councilmember Borden suggested placing, "Continue and increase neighborhood base planning" to be under this goal. · Develop a framework for analyzing the impacts of annexations. Insure that annexations occur under optimal financial circumstances through the use of phasing, agreements with the Council to meet current needs, local financing options and service agreements with other districts. · Review residential development standards to help control long term costs to homeowners and taxpayers. · Apply for grants for renovation of the Senior Center and existing Library. · Continue and increase neighborhood base planning. The last objective was added as a result of Council discussions under Goals Number X of the these minutes. VI. Complete comprehensive utilities plans for storm/sanitary system including cost of service study and rate restructure. · Develop a long-term strategy for construction of capital facilities. · Conduct a cost of service study on storm/sanitary sewer and water systems to determine if current rate structure is adequate. It was agreed that water would be added to this objective. VII. Improve the management of capital projects. Special City Council Meeting Minutes 1998 Goals August 18, 1997 Page No. 8 · Centralize capital projects management to increase reporting capabilities. · Updato Capital Facilities Plan and integratc into capital projects. This item is similarly described below. · Research and propose changes to the Capital Facilities Plan to meet future City needs for Council adoption. · Update capital projects management procedures to improve management accountability and control. [This objective was added at Councilmember Poe's request.] VIII. Continue to seek a positive relationship with the Muckleshoot Tribe. · Continue~.~!crk to ensure that new tribal developments are processed in a timely manner. [Revision of this objective was made at Councilmember Singer's request.] · Work with the Tribe and other agencies on improvements for Hwy. 164. · Ensure that the Tribe is notified of projects and planning efforts of mutual interest and work to facilitate gaining their cooperation. · Work to obtain adequate levels of public transit to Muckleshoot facilities. Mayor Booth reviewed each objective under Goal Number VIII. Councilmember Brothers asked if the City has taken any position on the Muckleshoot Amphitheater with regard to appeals with BIA. Mayor Booth responded that the City has challenged its SEPA and NEPA processes, and have, along with surrounding jurisdictions, addressed concerns in the areas of transportation, public safety, and compliance with GMA. There is a pending request from the King County Executive, and surrounding Mayors to meet with the tribe to talk issues out. The Gobal Issues Committee is meeting on a regular basis with Tribe. With regard to objective, "Work to obtain adequate levels of public transit to Muckleshoot facilities", Mayor Booth discussed the intent is to work with the Tribe to substitute the public transit for individual cars over the City's streets. IX. Mitigate impacts of state and federal regulation by increasing revenue. · Study and evaluate current fees/taxes, establishing impact fees, employment tax. and B & O taxes. Present options available to Council on revenue projection estimates and study and consider advantages and Special City Council Meeting Minutes 1998 Goals August 18, 1997 Page No. 9 disadvantages. [Revision to this objective was made at Councilmember Singer' request.] · Present findings and plan to City Council for action. · Research options available to establish a fiscally sound policy to deal with welfare reductions as a result of federal legislation. · Explore using more bonding capacity to respond to current and future needs within a growing community. The last objective was added as a result of prior discussions. P/ease see Goal Number II. Councilmember Wagner suggested the City look at increase service levels by increasing bond indebtedness. X. Create a Property Advisory Board to help the City improve property management. · To assist in improving the management of City-owned property, the responsibility for reviewing, discussing and analyzing the use and/or sale, lease or purchase of property will be delegated to the Municipal or Financial Services Committee. [Revision to this objective was at Councilmember Singer's request.] Mayor Booth reported, upon advise of the City's Legal Department, the City has an obligation to maintain discussions and consider offers in executive session by state law. Having Municipal Services review these issues will assist the City is focusing on utilization and program impacts. IV. Summary and Discussion Discussion is reflected throughout the minutes. Mayor Booth requested City Councilmembers submit any comments or suggestions. Councilmember Poe will submit comments for an objective to be included with Goal Number VII. Councilmember Borden suggested the Council receive the prioritization list developed during the Council workshop held in May. Councilmember Wagner drew attention to the Senior Center and Library renovation. Even though the City will not be doing this project in 1998, Councilmember Wagner felt applying for grants is worthwhile. This would be listed under Goal Number V. Special City Council Meeting Minutes 1998 Goals August 18, 1997 Page No. 10 V. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 6:44 PM. Approved this 2nd day of September, 1997. Charles A. Booth, Mayor Robin Wohlhueter, City Clerk 97M8-18a