CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, November 1, 2004 Shoreline Conference Center
PRESENT: Mayor Hansen, Deputy Mayor Jepsen, Councilmembers Chang, Fimia, Grace, Gustafson, and Ransom
ABSENT: none
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor Hansen, who presided.
2. FLAG SALUTE/ROLL CALL
Mayor Hansen led the flag salute. Upon roll call by the City Clerk, all Councilmembers were present.
3. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT AND FUTURE AGENDAS
§Steve Burkett, City Manager, reported on past and
future Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services events, including Hamlin
Halloween Haunt and an open house at the Richmond Highlands Recreation Center on Saturday, November 6.
4. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Ransom reported on topics discussed at the Seashore Transportation Forum, including the need to build additional capacity to meet future growth. He noted he would receive the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) silver award for national municipal leadership at the December AWC conference.
Deputy Mayor Jepsen said the City should be proud of its recent investments in Paramount Park because of the frequent use of the facilities there. He reported that the City received a “clean audit” from the State Auditor’s office and thanked staff for their efforts.
Councilmember Fimia noted that the school program called “The Works” (sponsored by Shoreline PTA) is taking donations for gently used or new coats at City Hall until November 10.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT: none
Mayor Hansen asked for a motion on approval of the agenda to take item 9(a) before the budget presentation. Councilmember Gustafson moved approval of the agenda as amended. Deputy Mayor Jepsen seconded the motion, which carried 6-1, with Councilmember Fimia dissenting.
9. ACTION ITEMS: OTHER ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS OR MOTIONS
(a) Motion to adopt the Economic Development
Strategic Plan and Ordinance No. 364, amending
Ordinance No. 342 by amending the 2004 Exempt
Salary Table to establish an Economic Development
Program Manager position and eliminate the position
of Economic Development Coordinator
Deputy Mayor Jepsen moved to adopt the Economic Development Strategic Plan and Ordinance No. 364. Councilmember Gustafson seconded the motion.
Mayor Hansen called for public comment.
(a) LaNita Wacker, Shoreline, said it is critical for the City to hire an economic development program manager to guide the City’s strategic plan. She also recommended an 11-member economic development council whose members would serve staggered terms. She recommended that the economic development manager should establish a Council-approved economic development council.
(b) Harley O’Neil, Shoreline, expressed support for hiring an economic development program manager because he/she could provide added assistance to businesses in the various planning and permitting processes in the City. He felt that the City is currently understaffed, so an economic development manager could help relieve some of the workload.
Councilmember Ransom moved to include in the motion a commitment to create an Economic Development Advisory Board. Councilmember Fimia seconded the motion. Councilmember Ransom commented that such a board could be patterned after the City of Burien’s, which has fourteen members representing six categories: 1) business owners; 2) commercial property owners; 3) Chamber of Commerce; 4) merchants; 5) city residents; 6) employment/job training programs; and 7) other. He felt the City has not made much progress in the past eight years without such a board.
Councilmember Fimia moved to postpone further action on this item. Councilmember Chang seconded the motion, which failed 2-5, with Councilmembers Fimia and Chang voting in the affirmative.
Responding to Councilmember Fimia, Mr. Burkett explained that Forward Shoreline deals mainly with external, private-sector potential investors, whereas an economic development manager handles those responsibilities related to internal processes and existing businesses. He said potential investors are usually more comfortable dealing with private sector counterparts. An economic development manager is better suited to improving internal processes, working with developers, and tracking local projects. He emphasized that both the internal and external responsibilities are important.
Councilmember Ransom wondered if part of the problem with past coordinators is that they did not have strong backgrounds in economic development. He felt the Council should consider putting a greater emphasis on professional economic background and qualifications.
Responding to Councilmember Chang, Mr. Burkett said it is unrealistic to expect immediate increases in sales tax revenue, jobs, and property values because economic development is a long-term issue. He said the City can lay the groundwork and hopefully, at some point in the future development will occur. He said three months from now there would probably be few changes as a result of hiring an economic development manager or forming a committee. He emphasized the importance of focusing on what the City can control, i.e. providing good services and facilities, and supporting investors in Shoreline. He said for economic development to occur, the private sector must view Shoreline as a good place to invest its money.
A vote was taken on the motion to adopt the Economic Development Strategic Plan as amended and pass Ordinance No. 364 establishing the Economic Development Manager position, which carried 6-1, with Councilmember Fimia dissenting.
6. WORKSHOP ITEMS
(a) Department Presentations on the Proposed 2005 Budget
Mr. Burkett reviewed the schedule for budget adoption and the budget format.
Debbie Tarry, Finance Director, explained that departmental presentations will focus on any significant changes between the department’s 2004 budget and the 2005 proposed budget in order to expedite the budget review process for the Council. She noted that some departments discussed tonight have few budget changes, so staff will simply answer Council questions on those budgets. She explained the budget format, pointing out that the City is trying to move toward a program-based budget as opposed to an object-based budget. Most budget increases are related to market adjustments for personnel, health care, and increases in the City contribution to the Washington Employees Retirement System. Department budgets (with the exceptions of Police and Human Services) reflect a 1% base budget reduction as requested by the City Manager
Councilmember Grace noted that year-to-date information for 2004 would assist him in determining the amount of resources needed for any given program. Ms. Tarry noted that the budget appendix contains some information on actual year-to-date costs up to mid-October.
Mayor Hansen complimented Councilmember Grace for submitting a list of 40 questions/comments on the budget. He encouraged Councilmembers to submit any questions or amendments in a timely manner so that the budget could be adopted on November 22.
Responding to Councilmember Grace, Mr. Burkett said staff would provide a breakdown of professional services for each fund.
Councilmember Fimia requested that the public hearing be kept open to allow for further comments as the budget is discussed. Mayor Hansen responded that the public would be able to ask questions throughout the budget process.
Councilmember Fimia requested a detail of Citywide professional services, travel, dues and subscriptions, and advertising.
Ms. Tarry reviewed the City Council budget for 2005, which totals $163,000. This represents a 2% increase due to benefits, but reduces travel by $2,700 as part of the 1% Citywide reduction proposal.
7. ACTION ITEM: PUBLIC HEARING
(a) Public hearing to consider citizens comments
on the Proposed 2005 Budget
(a) LaNita Wacker, Shoreline, encouraged the Council to consider providing additional funding to HopeLink for counseling/suicide prevention services. She felt such a program is worthwhile even if it saves just one life. On another topic, she pointed out that neighborhood boundaries were artificially created, as opposed to natural boundaries created by geography. She pointed out that information gathered by the police is not shared with neighborhoods as a part of the Block Watch program. Therefore, neighborhoods must assume responsibility for organizing and sharing information. She noted that neighbors in her previous neighborhood created a telephone directory as a way of getting to know each other.
Councilmember Fimia felt tonight’s public hearing should be kept open to allow for additional comments as the budget is discussed. She felt people would assume they can not comment again if the public hearing is closed. It was noted there is another hearing next week on the proposed property tax and revenue sources. Mayor Hansen said people would be allowed to comment every week until the budget is adopted.
Deputy Mayor Jepsen moved to close the public hearing. Councilmember Grace seconded the motion, which carried 6-1, with Councilmember Fimia dissenting.
The Council continued it discussion of the budget.
Ms. Tarry explained the Human Services budget for 2005, which totals $151,000 and represents a 3.9% reduction. This is due to carryovers in the 2004 budget related to monies awarded in 2003.
Mr. Burkett noted that staff provided additional information on potential options for increasing Human Services funding as requested by Council. Deputy Mayor Jepsen felt these options should be included on a list of items to be considered by the Council.
Councilmember Ransom concurred, adding that he would like a discussion of his proposal to increase human services funding by an additional $100,000. Mayor Hansen said if Councilmember Ransom wishes to make that proposal, he should make a motion at the November 15 meeting.
Responding to Councilmember Fimia, Rob Beem, Human Services Manager, explained that HopeLink operates a food bank at a temporary location two days a week, but there is no medical clinic within Shoreline.
Councilmember Fimia suggested that the City conduct a feasibility study on community medical clinics, noting that a city the size of Shoreline should really have a medical clinic. She requested information on the amount that cities typically contribute to community health clinics.
Mr. Beem said Puget Sound Neighborhood Health Centers expressed interest in relocating its Seattle clinic further north, but as of yet they have taken no action. He added that the Center for Human Services (CHS) provides mental health services on a sliding fee scale.
Councilmember Fimia said there is a whole segment of the working poor who cannot even afford the sliding fee scale. She said she would like the budget to include whatever funding is needed to explore the potential for creating a community health clinic. She also requested additional information on what it would take to find HopeLink a permanent location for its food bank services.
Responding to Councilmember Grace, Mr. Beem reported that the food bank is running slightly under 50% of last year’s usage through the second quarter of 2004.
Councilmember Fimia thanked staff for providing a Needs Assessment of Human Services in the October 26 memorandum. She indicated she would like to work with staff to come up with a proposal to increase opportunities for affordable housing.
Continuing with her presentation, Ms. Tarry explained the City Attorney budget, which totals $488,000, a 1.8% increase over 2004. This budget includes no significant changes to its three main programs: legal services, prosecuting attorney, domestic violence/victim advocacy.
Commenting on its sizeable legal settlements, Councilmember Ransom wondered if the City could do anything to improve the quality of its legal representation.
Ian Sievers, City Attorney, expressed satisfaction with the quality of legal services that four different firms provide to the City. He pointed out that the City has been the prevailing party in several cases. Attorneys from the City’s insurance risk pool handle cases involving damages against the City, but the City does not select those attorneys.
Mr. Burkett said there has only been one large settlement, which was handled by the insurance risk pool.
Ms. Tarry went on to explain the Finance Department budget, which totals $3.5 million and represents an 8% reduction. She explained the distribution of FTEs among various department programs and budget changes for 2005. The major difference between 2004 and 2005 budgets is that the 2004 budget included $258,000 in carry-over expenditures related to the Information Technology strategic plan. This, combined with the elimination of a limited-term project manager, is the primary reason why the 2005 budget shows a $309,000 reduction in this program, as well as a reduction in FTEs and salaries.
Budgeted 2005 contingency expenditures include: $250,000 for emergency operational contingencies; $255,000 for insurance deductible contingencies; and $128,506 for potential changes in salaries and wages as a result of market comparisons and anticipated future increases in the State of Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) contribution.
She explained that the main objectives for the Technology Plan for 2005-2006 include enhancement of online permitting, records management infrastructure, system security, e-government, and the CLASS (recreation registration) system. She said one of the primary efforts will be continuing to integrate existing systems for business intelligence.
Responding to Councilmember Grace, Ms. Tarry explained that the 58% reduction in supplies and is due to a shift from software procurement to systems integration. The 48% reduction in intergovernmental services reflects the fact that Shoreline will not be billed for election services in fiscal year 2005.
Mr. Burkett noted the relatively small number of FTEs in the Finance Department as compared with other cities.
Mayor Hansen pointed out that the City is now reaping the benefits of the initial investment in technology without having to increase staffing levels.
Councilmember Ransom noted that many businesses still list their address as Seattle instead of Shoreline. He wondered what additional action the City could take to ensure that Shoreline businesses are appropriately identified so that it receives all available tax revenue.
Ms. Tarry said the City contracts with a firm for sales tax and utility tax auditing services. It works with the Department of Revenue to identify businesses/people that should be paying sales taxes to Shoreline. She noted that additional revenues have been identified each month as a result of the contract. She added that a business registration program would be proposed for implementation in 2006.
Ms. Tarry outlined the proposed budget for Human Resources, which totals nearly $365,000 for 2005. This represents a 1.28% increase, primarily related to personnel costs and reductions in services and charges.
Councilmember Ransom asked about the Human Resource director’s involvement in training programs and meetings on issues related to State PERS board, health insurance, worker’s compensation, etc. He asked what kind of training programs have been developed in the past year or two, and how many positions are filled each year.
Mr. Burkett said the director generally administers all employee benefit and health insurance programs. He noted that the Human Resources director and Finance director worked closely to develop changes to the employee benefits policy that resulted in considerable cost savings for the City.
Marci Wright, Human Resources Director, outlined her involvement in the Association of Washington Cities Trust, PERS meetings, and in the state professional human resources association and a private sector human resources society. She described the two-part communications training program she conducted this year, as well as the employee recognition program. She said the City has recruited for approximately 18 positions this year.
Mayor Hansen suggested that the City follow up on King County’s health care cost reduction program. Mr. Burkett noted that King County gave a presentation to the City Manager group, so the City is familiar with its key elements.
Responding to Councilmember Fimia, Mr. Burkett noted that City staff conducted the internal employee survey. Councilmembers Fimia and Ransom requested a detailed organizational chart for all City departments.
Mr. Tarry described the Customer Response Team budget, which totals $413,000 for 2005. It represents a 1.45% increase and supports three major programs: 1) 24-hour customer response team; 2) code enforcement services (“strike one” enforcement); and 3) traffic services and Neighborhood Traffic Safety Program (NTSP).
Responding to Councilmember Fimia, Ms. Tarry explained that CRT reports to the Assistant City Manager, and the NTSP is divided between CRT and the Public Works Department. She clarified for Councilmember Ransom that the code enforcement officer is part of the Planning and Development Services department. Councilmember Ransom requested more detailed workload and performance indicators for CRT.
Mr. Burkett noted that CRT is able to assist with the NTSP and code enforcement due to the reduced workload in a variety of areas, including flooding. Councilmember Ransom commented that CRT continues to have a very good reputation in the community. Mayor Hansen concurred.
Ms. Tarry outlined the Police budget, which totals $7.75 million for 2005, an increase of $5.3%. This increase relates directly to the contract with King County relative to increased personnel costs, salaries/benefits, and a larger percentage of activity for certain services in Shoreline. The budget includes a recommendation to add an Administrative Sergeant and reduce a Patrol Officer. The Administrative Sergeant would provide centralized coordination and administration of the special programs that are currently distributed among many officers. The cost for this change is approximately $14,000, which will be offset by grant revenues for the next five years.
Responding to Mayor Hansen, Mr. Burkett said he would provide information about the length of the contract with King County. He noted that participating cities recently exercised an option to extend the contract.
Responding to Councilmember Grace, Mr. Burkett explained that the King County contract is negotiated by multiple cities, and that most increases are driven by the increase in salaries and benefits for County employees. He noted that Cities also pay more if service use increases. He expressed his opinion that it is much more cost-effective for Shoreline to contract for these services.
Councilmember Grace said that year-to-date statistics for the police department would help the Council determine the appropriate level of funding for the various programs. He questioned the reduction of $70,000 in intergovernmental revenues. It was noted that part of the reduction is related to grants received in 2004 for the emergency management program.
Councilmember Fimia questioned the absence of FTEs in the Police budget for the Neighborhood Traffic Safety Program. Ms. Tarry explained that the police department budgets overtime funding ($50,000) to provide additional support to the NTSP. This is in addition to the traffic enforcement provided by regular traffic officers.
Councilmember Fimia noted that reduced traffic speeds are one of the highest priorities for neighborhoods. She felt traffic enforcement in the neighborhoods could be greatly increased. She also requested a breakdown of the increase in the police contract; specifically, how much is related to personnel costs versus increases in service levels.
Tony Burtt, Police Chief, noted that traffic safety is a major priority in Shoreline. He said the department hears about speeding concerns daily, and the four dedicated traffic officers work in areas with the highest accident rates to reduce accidents and increase safety. He noted that officers prioritize and respond to 40-60 complaints received each week. He estimated that the overtime budget equates to approximately 1,162 enforcement hours.
Councilmember Fimia said she would likely propose additional funding for neighborhood traffic enforcement.
Responding to Councilmember Gustafson, Ms. Tarry explained that the School Resource Officer program is funded jointly by the City and School District, as well as by grants.
Councilmember Ransom expressed concern about the proposal to create an administrative sergeant by reducing patrol officers. He noted that in the past, there was an increase in drug crimes when an officer was removed from the street crimes unit. He also questioned whether patrol officers could adequately cover all shifts, and who make up the 10 FTEs in Special Support Services.
Chief Burtt said the traffic enforcement unit works in staggered shifts so they can cover all peak commuter hours. He said Special Support Services consists of the 911 call center, SWAT team, fraud investigator, hostage negotiators, canine services, etc.
Councilmember Ransom requested a breakdown of Police Department staffing. He felt the workload statistics should include more than just 2003, and year-to-date figures for 2004.
Mr. Burkett said detailed statistics were provided as part of the police department annual report earlier this year. He noted that the police department has been at the forefront of providing performance measurement data in the City.
Councilmember Ransom said he might be inclined to propose an additional patrol officer rather than an administrative sergeant after studying the organizational chart.
Chief Burtt explained the rationale for an administrative sergeant. He said centralizing the special programs under one administrative officer would allow more time for officers to respond to calls for service and general patrol. It would also provide for better oversight of the special programs. He felt what is lost with one patrol position would be more than offset by what is gained by having more people in the field.
Mr. Burkett noted that this proposal responds to the request to achieve improvements to existing programs without large budget increases.
Given the increasing costs of law enforcement, Councilmember Chang wondered at what point should the City consider forming its own police department. Mr. Burkett said the current costs would have to increase dramatically in order to make the contract cost-prohibitive. He pointed out that Shoreline’s cost per capita is only $135, which is much less than neighboring cities pay.
Considering the near completion of the Interurban Trail, Councilmember Fimia wondered if there has been any discussion of a bicycle patrol on the trail. Chief Burtt replied affirmatively, noting that the police department has a state certified instructor, who is able to train fellow officers for bicycle patrol. Councilmember Fimia felt this could be accomplished without increased costs in the police contract. She noted that an increased presence of homeless people prevents maximum use of the trail. She also asked about the department’s philosophy on community policing.
Chief Burtt said crime prevention is a key element of the police department’s efforts. He said the department puts a major emphasis on helping people safeguard themselves and preventing repeat offenses.
Councilmember Fimia emphasized the importance of following up with Block Watch groups and reenergizing their efforts. Chief Burtt said the storefront officers are very active in the Block Watch program and are frequent guests at Block Watch meetings. Mayor Hansen commented on the huge number of volunteers that work with the police department in this effort.
Deputy Mayor Jepsen noted that Shoreline police formed the “party patrol,” a joint initiative with neighboring jurisdictions to reduce teen crime. He wondered if the police could establish a similar program to enforce traffic laws at City borders to “send a clear message to people coming from other jurisdictions that speeding isn’t allowed.” He also wondered if the radar trailers used to monitor traffic speeds could be converted to
issue traffic citations. He expressed interest in utilizing technology or other creative methods to enforce traffic instead of relying on increased staffing levels.
Chief Burtt said police departments have traditionally collaborated with each other on various initiatives, including DUI and the party patrol. He felt a traffic enforcement initiative would not be beyond the realm of possibility. He was unsure if radar trailers could be converted for traffic enforcement.
Mayor Hansen said some people would not like this “big brother” approach, but they also don’t have right to speed or disobey stop signs.
Councilmember Ransom commented that the average speed on 15th Avenue NE between NE 175th and NE 180th is 39 mile per hour, despite the posted speed limit of 25. He wondered if selective traffic monitoring by traffic officers is the most reasonable way to slow people down.
Chief Burtt said the department spends a considerable amount of time monitoring traffic along 15th Avenue NE and other high-traffic corridors. He said the department tries to get “the best bang for our buck” with traffic officers.
Mr. Burkett said there is no data for the area posted for 25 mph. He noted that traffic data for the 35 mph section of 15th Avenue NE suggests that 15% of vehicles are going faster than 39 mph.
Due to the time, Deputy Mayor Jepsen suggested that Council conclude its discussion of the budget in order to address item 8(a).
Responding to Councilmember Grace, Ms. Tarry explained that the majority of funding for the teen recreation program is housed in Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, but $43,000 is housed in the police budget as overtime to allow officers to monitor evening recreational programs.
Councilmember Fimia commented that radar traffic enforcement would have limited application in neighborhoods, since it is usually used on major thoroughfares. She felt that major traffic enforcement on arterials might actually encourage drivers to avoid arterials and use residential streets. She said the City needs the reputation that it enforces traffic laws all over the City, which it can achieve without asking for permission or coordinating with other jurisdictions. She felt that 15th Avenue NE is not a fair example of cut-through traffic because it is a major north-south corridor used by many different people from several jurisdictions.
Deputy Mayor Jepsen clarified that his proposal was not to put radar trailers on arterials, but on neighborhood streets if that is where the complaints originate. He felt there could be many practical applications for radar trailers on residential streets.
8. NEW BUSINESS
(a) Selection of Applicants to Interview for the
Vacant Planning Commission Position and
Confirmation of the Process
Tim Stewart, Planning and Development Services Director, reviewed the background on the application process. He distributed an additional application, that of Jack Malek.
Mayor Hansen suggested following past practice, with the mayor appointing three Councilmembers to comprise a subcommittee of three to interview candidates and make a recommendation to the full Council. Councilmember Gustafson supported this approach.
Councilmember Ransom noted there were two sets of interviews last spring and suggested having the full Council conduct the interviews. He felt this could be accomplished very conveniently in one evening session.
Councilmembers Gustafson and Fimia volunteered to be on the subcommittee.
Mayor Hansen stated that he has thought about the composition of the committee. He announced the three people he planned to appoint with Council concurrence: himself and Councilmembers Gustafson and Grace.
Councilmember Fimia objected to this process and felt the full Council should interview a short list of candidates.
Councilmember Ransom expressed a desire to be on the committee, noting that he had never served on a selection committee for the Planning Commission.
In order to simplify and accelerate the process, Councilmember Fimia moved to move forward four names to be interviewed. There was no second. Mayor Hansen said that he was not ready to shorten the list tonight because he felt everyone who applied should be considered.
At 10:00 p.m., Councilmember Ransom moved to extend the meeting to 10:15 p.m. Councilmember Grace seconded the motion, which carried 6 – 1, with Deputy Mayor Jepsen dissenting.
Councilmember Fimia reiterated that the subcommittee approach did not work last time and she felt it would save time to have the full Council involved in the interviews.
Councilmember Chang objected to the Mayor appointing himself to the subcommittee.
Mayor Hansen said he has the same right to serve on the subcommittee as anyone else. He said if for some reason the subcommittee cannot reach consensus, then the matter will be referred to the whole Council.
Councilmember Fimia requested that the Mayor make the subcommittee appointments as a motion.
Mayor Hansen called for a vote on the appointment of himself and Councilmembers Grace and Gustafson to the Planning Commission interview subcommittee, which carried 4 – 3, with Councilmembers Chang, Fimia and Ransom dissenting.
Councilmember Grace asked that the North City project be put on the agenda for November 15. He said he is working on a matrix of options for Council discussion.
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
(b) Discussion of Council Goal No. 8—
Enhancing Public Participation in Government
Mayor Hansen asked that this item be placed on next week’s agenda. Councilmember Chang moved to postpone this item to next week. Deputy Mayor Jepsen seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Councilmember Fimia said she had some amendments she would propose at that time.
11. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:08 p.m., Mayor Hansen declared the meeting adjourned.
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Sharon Mattioli, City Clerk