HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-30-2004
CITY COUNCIL RETREAT
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
WASHINGTON
April 30, 2004 8:00 AM
Truitt Building
On April 30, 2004, the Auburn City Council met at 8:00 a.m. in the Truitt
Building, Rainier Room, located at 102 West Main Street in Auburn for the
purpose of conducting the Council's annual retreat. Mayor Pro Tem Singer
called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. The following Councilmembers were
present: Rich Wagner, Sue Singer, Gene Cerino, Nancy Backus, Bill Peloza,
Roger Thordarson, and Lynn Norman. Mayor Lewis and the following staff
members were also present: Planning and Community Development Director
Paul Krauss, Acting Fire Chief Russ Vandver, Human Resources and Risk
Management Director Brenda Heineman, Maintenance and Operation Manager
Fred Sears, Finance Director Shelley Coleman, Executive Assistant Duanna
Richards, Police Chief Jim Kelly, Public Works Director Dennis Dowdy, City
Attorney Daniel B. Heid, Assistant City Attorney Joseph Beck, Parks and
Recreation Director Daryl Faber, Interim Assistant Fire Chief Mike Gerber,
Deputy City Clerk Cathy Richardson, and City Clerk Danielle Daskam.
Part 1: Where Are We Now?
Mayor Pro Tem Singer led the discussion regarding the City's vision and
mission statements and possible revisions to them. Mayor Pro Tem Singer
suggested that the vision statement should be more visible throughout the City
and included in more documents. Councilmember Wagner commented that the
vision statement should remain static and that the mission statement be revised
as necessary. He recommended that the issue of safety should be incorporated
in the mission statement.
Mayor Lewis recommended that the discussion of possible revisions to
the vision and mission statements occur in Council Committee meetings and
suggested that the Planning and Community Development Committee (PCDC)
take the lead in this effort. Mayor Pro Tem Singer agreed.
Discussion then turned to vision map progress report from the Department
Directors. Finance Director Coleman reported that the Finance Department is
looking to provide a more user-friendly Finance Department for the customers.
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The Finance Department intends to take advantage of available technology,
enhance financial reporting, and create a more accountable budget document.
Also on the horizon is conversion of the utility billing from bi-monthly to monthly
billing. Council member Backus recommended implementing payment on-line for
customers. Finance Director Coleman agreed there are many payment
alternatives that the City could provide to the customer, such as payment by
credit card, payment on line, and payment through a kiosk. Payment alternatives
and the service provider fees are being reviewed.
Assistant City Attorney Beck explained that the City Attorney's office is
primarily reactionary. The Legal Department's emphasis has been on customer
service and responding to and treating all customers equally, whether the
customer is an internal customer or an external customer. Mr. Beck also briefly
spoke regarding the number of vacancies that have occurred in the department
in the recent past. A full staffing level was recently achieved enabling the
department to increase responsiveness.
Human Resources Director Heineman reported that the Human
Resources Department emphasis was the Connections program this year. The
program was presented to all employees and incorporated into the hiring
processes.
Acting Fire Chief Vandver also commented on the Connections program
and how it was implemented in the Fire Department. The Department stresses
positive interaction with citizens.
Parks and Recreation Director Faber stated that the Parks and Recreation
Department has also stressed the importance of good customer service. He also
noted the improved interdepartmental coordination and work with community
groups. Projects that the department has worked on cooperatively are: Tree
City USA designation, the non-motorized trail plan, Les Gove Spray Pool project,
Cedar Lanes park renovation, the Terminal Park project, West Beverly
neighborhood association, the Green River Trail, and the White/Stuck River
Trail. A Request for Proposal for the golf course clubhouse is being distributed
next week. Also, improvements are being made to the Les Gove Campus
buildings. In response to a question from Councilmember Wagner regarding the
relocation of the department from City Hall to Les Gove Park, Director Faber
stated that he has heard of only one customer complaint about the relocation.
He believes that the department is closer to the customer and is more user
friendly at its new location. Director Faber also noted that the rental revenue for
the senior center has increased substantially because of facility rental
promotions. Conference rooms at the Parks and Recreation building are also
busy with recreation classes, other City uses, and outside rentals. Director
Faber pointed out that the golf course staff performed recent renovations to the
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fairways, and park maintenance staff performed renovations to the GSA park
complex thereby saving the City several thousand dollars.
Planning and Community Development Director Krauss reported on
progress on the Auburn Environmental Park. David Evans and Associates has
been selected as the consultant to facilitate the project. Initial concepts are
expected by May. Another consultant, Environmental Coalition of South Seattle
(ECOSS), has been retained to secure grants and provide public information
services. Director Krauss also noted that the City acquired several properties
recently and is in the process of acquiring others. There was discussion
regarding parking for the proposed Environmental Park. Councilmember
Wagner inquired whether there would be parking to accommodate school
busses. Councilmembers also inquired whether there would be concessions at
the park. Councilmember Norman suggested that the City look to the service
groups to participate in constructing concessions. Director Krauss added that
another source of funding would be through private sector developers who have
mitigation obligations. Councilmember Norman suggested that the City look to
the Port of Seattle for possible funding.
Director Krauss reported on the law and justice building project, human
services, urban center designation, annexations, Terminal Park improvements,
housing repair program and economic development efforts. The department's
major focus has been in customer service and completing the merger of building
and planning for the one stop permit center. Also noted was the emphasis on
code enforcement. Mayor Lewis reported that the code enforcement officers are
clearing approximately 190 cases per month and new enforcement ordinances
ensure public responsiveness.
Police Chief Kelly reported on the GSA public safety complex project and
the Regional Jail Advisory Group activities. Chief Kelly commented on the law
and justice building project and the department's preparations for the upcoming
move. Staff are also working on technology methods to keep the Court and
detention facility connected and forming strategies for transporting prisoners
between the court and the detention facility. Chief Kelly reported that the Police
Department was awarded $84,000 in Homeland Security funding for the civil
disturbance unit and special response team. Chief Kelly explained that as a
nationally accredited police department, the department surveys citizens every
three years to receive feedback on the department's interaction with the public.
Customer care policies have been incorporated in staff performance review.
Public Works Director Dowdy spoke regarding improving relationships
with external agencies and cited several examples of cooperative efforts with the
Muckleshoot Indian Tribe. Director Dowdy noted work with the cities of Pacific,
Sumner, Algona, and Enumclaw on common transportation issues. Director
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Dowdy also spoke re~arding trail development along West Valley Highway from
Peasley Canyon to 15 h Street, with an ultimate connection to the City of Sumner.
Director Dowdy also spoke regarding the investment the City has made in
improving the City's usage of the CRW permitting software and streamlining
mitigation fees and facility extension accounts.
Director Dowdy reported on the maintenance operations and the success
of the pothole hotline.
Director Dowdy spoke regarding the A Street corridor project. With the
work of Public Works and Planning staff, the City was able to apply for a $1.8
million (transit oriented development) grant to complete a segment of the A
Street corridor from 15th Street to the post office at 3rd Street. The project is in
pre-design and properties have been identified for acquisition.
Councilmember Wagner recommended that storm drainage projects need
to be identified on the vision map, and Mayor Lewis suggested developing a
public works projects map.
Part 2: Where Are We Going?
City-wide issues: The Big Picture
Local street restoration fundinQ
Public Works Director Dowdy reviewed pavement condition levels, funding
scenarios and staff recommendations for local streets. He explained the
pavement condition index (PC I), which is a number assigned to a street to give
an indication of its condition, i.e. 90 = good, 70 = fair and 50 = poor. Of the 160
miles of streets, approximately 85 are local streets. The majority of local streets
are asphalt. Types of street treatments, including crack sealing, surface
treatment, slurry seal, and chip sealing, were discussed. Strategies for street
restoration include treating the streets in the best condition first thereby keeping
good streets from declining. However, treating the best streets first may mean
that other streets are ignored and streets that are in poor condition decline more
quickly.
The Council then reviewed examples of streets in varying conditions.
Current local street funding comes from the 328 Fund at an amount of
approximately $150,000 annually. The current level of investment will result in
an eventual deterioration of the system to a PCI of 48 in ten years. An
investment of $650,000 a year would see deterioration to a PCI of 57 atter ten
years. Funding in the amount of $1.5 million annually would result in a system
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PCI of 70 after ten years, and funding in the amount of $3.1 million annually
would see continual improvement to a PCI of 100 eventually. Additional sources
of funding, including HUD funds and real estate excise tax, were discussed.
Director Dowdy stressed the importance of investing in sealing as many
streets as possible and complete the crack sealing program within two to three
years. He proposed expending utility funds ($50,000 to $100,000 annually) to
pay for the cost of utility trench repairs.
Director Dowdy explained that the PCI would be re-evaluated at the end
of three years to assess the success of the program. Focus then would be
directed to the rehab streets, which were not eligible for sealing because of their
degree of deterioration. Also, attention would be directed to those streets that
are in need of pedestrian, ADA, and street lighting improvements.
Director Dowdy recommended moving ahead with the property tax levy lid
lift for street improvement funding, establish long-term goal of achieving PCI of
70, establish community goals, assess benefits of investments, establish a
financial allocation plan, planned expenditures which would lead to efficiency
gains, and periodic re-evaluation of the program.
Mayor Pro Tem Singer and Councilmember Wagner spoke regarding the
non-motorized transportation plan funding and integration policies.
Mayor Lewis spoke regarding trails and how to integrate components that
allow pedestrian pathways or bike paths.
Councilmembers Backus, Singer and Norman expressed the need for
pathways/bikeways on West Valley Highway and R Street SE.
Mayor Lewis suggested the Public Works and Planning and Community
Development Committees establish standards and costs for non-motorized
improvements.
Fire Station fundinQ
Acting Fire Chief Vandver presented information on fire station location
plan and funding options. He distributed a Fire Department recommendation for
fire station location and service delivery. In 1982 a station location study
revealed that four fire stations were needed; thereafter, two stations were
constructed (stations 31 and 32). In 1995, the station at GSA (station 33) was
added to meet the demands of the City's growth. He noted that the build out of
the Lakeland area is putting stress on station 33's response time. There is
currently a 9.5 minute response time to parts of Lakeland Hills.
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Fire Department staff recommendation is to move station 31 to 30th and I
Street NE, move station 33 to the area of 45th and A Street SE, establish a
downtown fire station, and maintain station 32 at its existing location. Director
Vandver noted that better coverage could be gained if station 32 is relocated up
the hill from its current location, possibly in a partnership with the Muckleshoot
Indian Tribe. The proposed plan would cover 80 to 90% of the population within
a five minute response time. The plan is designed for an 80,000 population build
out. Also included in his report was information on new station costs throughout
the region. The estimate for a new station 31 is approximately $10 million.
The Fire Department's report also discusses funding options including
forming a fire district or regional fire authority with neighboring departments.
Councilmembers discussed the formation and operation of a fire authority.
Mayor Lewis suggested that the next steps related to future fire station
funding includes completion of plans for a 30th Street station, continued search
for land for the south end station, and participation in meetings with other
jurisdictions to review alternatives.
The Council recessed at 10:15 a.m. and reconvened at 10:30 a.m.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Options
Mayor Pro Tem Singer updated the Council on the recent joint meeting of
the Planning and Community Development Committee and Human Services
Committee. The Committees discussed updating policies on home repair
funding and a more holistic approach for utilizing CDBG funds. Councilmember
Backus added that there was discussion regarding more emphasis on
development rather than repair.
Director Krauss explained that CDBG funding allocation has traditionally
gone through the Human Services Committee. In the past, CDBG funds have
been used to off-set sidewalk and street repair in low income neighborhoods.
The City has not undertaken clearance of blight, however, it is an eligible activity
for CDBG funds. Also, economic development projects can be accomplished
through Section 108 loan funds.
Councilmember Wagner expressed concern that City could also be
competing for funds with needy organizations. The City must guard against the
City being the prime funding contestant each time.
Councilmember Norman agreed with the holistic approach of assisting
specific populations. She noted that over the past few years over $1 million has
been used for home repairs. She suggested that the amount spent could have
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been used to make a bigger impact on the population. Councilmembers agreed
it is a difficult and complicated issue.
Mayor Lewis and Councilmembers discussed the potential development
of Auburn Way South from 6th Street SE to 1 z1h Street. Mayor Lewis suggested
the Planning Department staff and the Planning and Community Development
Committee work on a development vision for the area.
Economic Development
Mayor Lewis spoke regarding the need for an economic development
coordinator to develop an economic plan for the entire city. He spoke regarding
options to partner with the Chamber of Commerce and the Auburn Downtown
Association to retain an economic development coordinator/manager on a
contract basis.
Councilmember Norman stated there is a need for a dedicated individual
with the time and expertise to follow through on opportunities. Decisions need to
be made on the types of businesses to attract. Design guidelines need to be
established for downtown to ensure that any new improvements will be
complementary to the downtown look.
Director Krauss spoke regarding recent transit station leases and other
potential development in and around the transit station. He addressed the need
for additional parking in downtown. Mayor Lewis and Council discussed the
need for a police substation in the downtown area after the police and court
move to the new law and justice building on East Main Street. There was also
discussion regarding programs to support transit-oriented development and
potential condo developments in the downtown area. Director Krauss reported
that the armory building recently sold to the Public Schools Employees Union.
Other issues
Mayor Pro Tem Singer reviewed the plan for City Hall plaza renovations.
The proposed project cost is estimated at $300,000. She referred to option 3,
which utilizes individual pavers to facilitate drainage and repairs, relocates the
flags and artwork further from the building, and converts some of the existing
planting areas to grass. She spoke of potential for arts funding for the plaza.
Neighborhood issues
Les Gove Park
A community group is being formed to develop a vision for the Les Gove
Park campus. Mayor Lewis requested the Council provide lists of potential
members for the community group. Councilmembers discussed the dynamics of
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the community campus committee. Parks and Recreation Director Faber
advised that there is budget allocation for the Les Gove Master Plan.
Annexations
Mayor Lewis commented that King County has allowed urban
development with rural infrastructure in potential annexation areas. He is
suggesting to propose that King County bond an amount to bring the
infrastructure up to urban standards, and the City annex the Lea Hill and West
hill areas. A condition of any agreement would be that any future development in
potential annexation areas would be by City standards. Discussion followed
regarding unbridled growth in the Lea Hill area and the impact on the City.
Other issues
Council member Peloza suggested adding the Auburn Airport Park to the
vision map. The area of A Street SE was suggested for a neighborhood analysis
next year. Mayor Lewis suggested adding the revitalization of West Main Street,
East Main Street and A Street to the vision map. Mayor Pro Tem Singer
suggested adding the Arts Commission's proposed artworks locations to the
vision map. Discussion followed regarding gateways and the Auburn Way South
Burlington Northern overcrossing project.
Councilmember Peloza commented on the downtown Christimas and
holiday decorations. Mayor Lewis stated that in the past the City assumed the
responsibility for hanging and taking down the decorations. Mayor Lewis
suggested working with the Auburn Downtown Association to ensure adequate
holiday decorations.
The Council recessed the meeting at 12: 11 p.m. for a lunch break.
The Council meeting reconvened at 1 :00 p.m. Councilmembers present
included Rich Wagner, Sue Singer, Gene Cerino, Nancy Backus, Roger
Thordarson, and Lynn Norman.
Part 3: The Buck Stops Here: Budget Issues
Pre-Budget Presentation by Finance Director
Finance Director Coleman reviewed the contents of a new video clip
prepared by Mayor Lewis and Director Coleman which illustrates the
components of property tax based on a $175,000 valuation home. The video
also includes discussion of a graph showing the allocation of property tax money
among City departments and funds; i.e. 33% to police, 19% to fire, 10% to parks
and recreation, 8% to planning, 5% to public works, 5% to streets, 5% to
personnel, 4% to finance, 3% to legal; and 1% to Council/Mayor and 7% to
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nondepartmental (all General Fund funds; does not include utility/enterprise
funds). The video also discusses other sources of revenues received by the
City.
Director Coleman referred to her handout which includes a ten year
history of annual property tax levy rates and property tax rates.
Director Coleman reviewed a summary of property tax revenue with a levy
lid lift that would maintain the existing levy rate and ensure a 1 % annual growth
for local streets funding. Discussion followed regarding the wording for a ballot
title for a potential levy lid lift. Mayor Lewis questioned whether the ballot title
could include a levy rate rather than fixed levy amount and leaving the term open
ended. Director Coleman responded that a levy lid lift ballot must include a fixed
levy amount which would be sustained if approved by the voters.
Director Coleman discussed options for funding $1.5 million annually for
local street improvements. She proposed dedicating real estate excise tax
(REET) revenues to provide a portion of the needed funding.
Director Dowdy proposed implementing a private utility mitigation fee for
access to City right-of-way. However, there is no city in the State of Washington
that has approved a private utility impact/mitigation fee. The City of Seattle
completed a study of the cost of private utilities' access to city streets. To date,
no city has established a reliable impact fee for private utilities. Director Dowdy
suggested starting with public utilities and thereby establish two to three years of
cost history statistics associated to utility trench repairs. Councilmember Cerino
recalled an Association of Washington Cities presentation of the issue within the
last few years. He noted that per federal law, the cities must provide utilities with
access to public streets. City Attorney Heid cautioned that there are some
statutory limitations on what a City can charge utilities for franchise fees.
Discussion followed regarding implementation of a utility mitigation fee.
Director Coleman proposed dedicating property tax from new construction
for capital projects (see last page of Finance handout). Assuming $250,000
annually from new construction property taxes, the City could service $3 million
in debt over a 20 year issue (assuming 5% interest rate).
Mayor Lewis requested Finance Director Coleman and Public Works
Director Dowdy prepare an analysis of the street improvements utilizing
dedicated REET funds, dedicated property taxes from new construction (a 20
year bond issue of $3 million), and a levy lid lift.
Councilmembers discussed potential fire station construction and funding
options. Mayor Lewis estimated a ballot issue for fire station construction
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funding could be presented to the voters as early as next year provided the fire
station construction plan is completed.
Councilmembers discussed the guidelines for elected and appointed
officials' ballot proposition activity. City Attorney Heid explained that cities
cannot expend money to support or oppose ballot measures, except through a
very limited process. City Attorney Heid urged the Council contact him with any
questions.
Finance Director Coleman reviewed information relating to the City's total
debt capacity (contained in the Finance handout). The City has approximately
$7.7 million is outstanding debt. Director Coleman briefly reviewed the types of
debt: general obligation, revenue bond, and local improvement district bond
debt. General obligation debt can be incurred with or without voter approval.
Revenue debt is retired by means of revenue debt other than taxes; i.e. water
and sewer improvements that are retired by means of revenue from the utilities.
Councilmembers discussed the lease/purchase options for the new justice
center building on East Main Street. The City has a two-year window to exercise
a purchase option on the building. Finance Director Coleman prepared an
analysis of purchase and funding options versus lease payments. She advised
that REET 1 revenue may be used for municipal buildings such as the justice
center. The City will have approximately $5 million in REET 1 revenue by the
end of 2004. Finance Director Coleman recommended exercising the purchase
option as early as possible for maximum cost savings. The City can exercise the
option in February 2005.
The Council recessed at 2:30 p.m. and reconvened at 2:45 p.m.
Finance Director reviewed the 2004 budgeted fund balances for the
General Fund and Cumulative Reserve Fund. The 2004 estimated ending fund
balance for the General Fund is $11,317,195. The 2004 estimated ending fund
balance for the Cumulative Reserve Fund is $4,405,171. Mayor Lewis noted
that the one percent limit on property tax increases and increasing personnel
costs will deplete the reserves by year 2007 or 2008. The City would require four
percent more in sustained growth in sales tax revenue in order to maintain the
current level of reserves.
Director Coleman reviewed the Mitigation Fees Fund which includes the
Lakeland fire mitigation fees, transportation mitigation fees, and Lakeland traffic
mitigation fees. The fund also includes interest earnings and impact
administration revenue which is collected with each school impact fee collected.
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City of Auburn Council Meetlno Aoenda
Julv 19. 2004
Councilmember Cerino expressed concern regarding
vehicles exiting onto Auburn Way South and the potential for
additional traffic congestion in an area, which is already
congested.
Senior Planner Jeff Dixon stated that the site is located on
the southwest corner of Auburn Way South and Cross
Street. A median will be installed on Auburn Way South to
limit traffic on the Auburn Way South driveway to right-turn-
in and right-turn-out only. The existing Cross street driveway
will be used temporarily until the City completes the Cross
Street improvements. Upon completion of the
improvements the driveway be relocated and shared with
adjacent business.
Councilmember Cerino pointed out that traffic would be
exiting from the subject property into the right lane on
Auburn Way South, which is an exit-only lane for Highway
18. Traffic is very congested during peak hours and it will be
extremely difficult for vehicles to merge left in this particular
area.
Director Krauss noted that the property is a freestanding
parcel. Closing the Auburn Way South driveway and
relocating the Cross Street driveway would leave the
property without any access. Director Krauss concurred that
the right turn movement of vehicles onto Highway 18 is
congested.
Councilmember Singer requested the preservation of the
children's art currently on the building.
Director Krauss stated that the artwork was drawn on
primed, plywood panels prior to being erected and can be
preserved if they are in good condition.
Mayor Lewis stated that the panels were constructed such
that they could be removed. Mayor Lewis instructed staff to
make sure the panels are removed and preserved for
relocation prior to demolition of the building.
Councilmember Peloza concurred with Councilmember
Cerino and Director Krauss and suggested erecting a yield
sign for vehicles turning right from the subject property.
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City of Auburn Council Meetino Aoenda
Julv 19. 2004
Councilmember Cerino inquired regarding the fuel tanks on
the subject property.
Planner Dixon stated that the fuel tanks were removed in
1996.
MOTION CARRIED. 6-1. Councilmember Cerino voted no.
4. Ordinance No. 5863
03.4.2.1.2
An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Auburn,
Washington, amending Sections 18.32.020, 18.32.030,
18.32.040, 18.32.060, 18.50.050 and adding a new Section
18.50.080 to the Auburn City Code, relating to zoning and
land use
Councilmember Singer moved and Councilmember Norman
seconded to introduce and adopt Ordinance No. 586a.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 7-0.
B. Resolutions
1. Resolution No. 3744
05.1.2
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Auburn,
Washington, accepting a grant from the State of Washington
Office of Juvenile Justice to create a Neighborhood Learning
Center at Olympic Middle School
Councilmember Singer moved and Councilmember Norman
seconded to adopt Resolution No. 3744.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 7-0.
2. Resolution No. 3745
03.9 V-01-04
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Auburn,
Washington, initiating street vacation proceedings and
setting a public hearing to consider the vacation of the
alleyway located in Block 5, Ballard's LW Park Addition to
Slaughter in Auburn, King County, Washington
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City of Auburn Council Meetina Aaenda
JulY 19. 2004
Councilmember Wagner moved and Councilmember Cerino
seconded to adopt Resolution No. 3745.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 7-0.
3. Resolution No. 3748
05.1.2
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Auburn,
Washington, authorizing the Mayor to award a
Neighborhood Matching Grant for the West Hill Community
Playground project
Councilmember Singer moved and Councilmember Norman
seconded to adopt Resolution No. 3748.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 7-0.
IX. MAYOR'S REPORT
A. Executive Session
No executive session was held.
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City of Auburn Council Meetino Aoenda
Julv 19. 2004
X. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting
adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
APPROVED THE DAY OF APRIL, 2004.
Peter B. Lewis, Mayor Cathy Richardson, Deputy City Clerk
City Council agendas and minutes are available to the public at the City Clerk's
Office, on the City website, and via e-mail. Complete agenda packets are
available for review at the City Clerk's Office and at the Library.
Internet: http://www.ci.auburn.wa.us
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Director Coleman reviewed the Capital Improvement Projects Fund. The
fund includes funds dedicated to fire engine and aid car replacement, technology
improvements, Council programs, downtown revitalization, REET 1 and :! funds,
LID funds, and accumulated interest. The 2004 estimated ending fund balance
for the Capital Improvement Projects Fund is $12,726,188.
Mayor Lewis recommended establishing a replacement fund for
technology.
Mayor Pro Tem Singer proposed establishing a maintenance fund for arts.
The City has an extensive inventory of public art, but there is no dedicated fund
for maintenance of the art.
Finance Director noted that the City pays $55,200 annually for lease
payments for the Fire Station 33 site. The same annual payment would support
$688,000 in bonded indebtedness (assuming a 20 year bond issue at 5%
interest rate).
Mayor Lewis spoke regarding technology improvements to improve
employee efficiency. He cited examples of technology improvements in the
Police Department that have increased department efficiency.
Parks and Recreation Director Faber reported on the satellite controlled
irrigation system installed in approximately 20 of the City's parks. The system
allows park maintenance staff to control irrigation from the desktop. With the
same system, staff will be able to lock park restrooms and also control field
lighting.
Parks and Recreation Director Faber presented some preliminary
concepts for 15th Street NW median improvements to replace the existing trees
and plantings. The existing median appears unappealing, and, because of its
size, is unable to support trees and plants. Councilmembers discussed the need
for additional sidewalks and improved bus stop pads for 15th Street NW.
Councilmembers discussed the City's allocation of pool hours at the new
YMCA and possible programs for senior swim hours.
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There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 3:34 PM.
APPROVED THIS
\C\\lAr-- DAY OF JULY, 2004.
~(?
Peter B. Lewis, Mayor
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Danielle Daskam, City Clerk
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