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