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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. Page 1 T-------- -------- City of Auburn SDecial Council Meetina Minutes ADril 30. 2004 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 Page 2 ----,-' City of Auburn SDecial Council Meetina Minutes ADril 30. 2004 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 Page 3 . _"_______________,'._... _._,_~______ _~_.____ n. --,-- City of Auburn SDecial Council Meetina Minutes ADril 30, 2004 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 Page 4 --¡- - City of Auburn SDecial Council Meetino Minutes ADril 30. 2004 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. Page 5 -¡ City of Auburn SDecial Council Meetino Minutes ADril 30. 2004 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 Page 6 ¡ -. - - --..- City of Auburn SDecial Council Meetino Minutes ADril 30. 2004 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 Page 7 --.,-- -- -- - - City of Auburn SDecial Council Meetino Minutes ADril 30. 2004 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 Page 8 .,---- City of Auburn SDecial Council Meetino Minutes ADril 30. 2004 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 Page 9 .n -.....--. --.-.~r...---- -- City of Auburn SDecial Council Meetino Minutes ADril 30. 2004 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. Page 1 0 - ¡ - -- 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. Page 10 -~ ----1" - 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 Page 11 --~- ¡.- 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. Page 12 - r~ 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 Page 13 "'"T-- - -- . City of Auburn SDecial Council Meetino Minutes ADril 30. 2004 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. Page 11 '-1'--' City of Auburn SDecial Council Meetino Minutes ADril 30. 2004 There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 3:34 PM. APPROVED THIS \C\\lAr-- DAY OF JULY, 2004. ~(? Peter B. Lewis, Mayor ....;.. ~' ~~, Danielle Daskam, City Clerk Page 12 ~ ~-----·-·_·_"____'____n____.___.._