CITY OF SHORELINE

 

SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL

SUMMARY MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING

 

Monday, November 6, 2006

6:30 p.m.

Shoreline Center

Mt. Rainier Room

 

PRESENT:       Deputy Mayor Fimia, and Councilmembers Hansen, Gustafson, McGlashan, Ryu, and Way

 

ABSENT:        Mayor Ransom

 

1.                  CALL TO ORDER

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:32 p.m. by Deputy Mayor Fimia, who presided.

 

2.         FLAG SALUTE/ROLL CALL

 

Deputy Mayor Fimia led the flag salute.  Upon roll call by the City Clerk, all Councilmembers were present, except for Mayor Ransom.

 

Councilmember Ryu moved to excuse Mayor Ransom. Councilmember Gustafson seconded the motion, which carried 6-0.

 

3.         CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

 

Bob Olander, City Manager, reported that City staff went on a trip to San Francisco in an attempt to obtain a bond rating from Standard & Poors.  The City received an “AA-” bond rating and rated “strong” concerning the City’s financial management practices.  He said the ratings will assist the City in obtaining better interest rates in the future and thanked the Finance Department for a good presentation.  He announced the Employee of the Year (Don Held), the City Team of the Year (City Portal Implementation Team), the Professional Police Staff of the Year (Sharon Crook), the Police Officer of the Year (David Paulus), and the Police Volunteer of the Year (Elise Schwartzmiller).  He reported on the success of the Annual Hamlin Halloween Haunt and on the final “Ivy Out” event at Brugger’s Bog on October 21.  Many Shoreline residents have volunteered over the year to help rid the parks of invasive species.  He noted that Tuesday, November 7th is Election Day, and he encouraged residents to vote.  The next regular meeting of the Library Board will be on Thursday, November 9.  All City offices will be closed on Friday, November 10th, in observance of Veterans’ Day.

 

Councilmember Way mentioned she had a conversation with a neighbor who asked if the City can post signage at traffic circles informing drivers how to navigate through them.  She also reminded voters that they can cast a provisional ballot if they lose their absentee ballot for the election in November.

 

Councilmember Ryu attended Hamlin Haunt and said it was an excellent event.

   

5.         GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT 

 

            (a)        LaNita Wacker, Shoreline, stated that Ordinance No. 439 on the Consent Calendar concerns driveways that go to the rear yard or abutting property lines.  She understood that it had been pulled and felt the public hadn’t received proper notification.  She said she wanted an official notice posted.  She expressed support for the ordinance and said Mayor Ransom’s comments brought this issue to her attention.  She said there are thousands of houses with single car garages, and driveways make sense in these cases.  She said subdivisions allow for “aging in place” and this would allow for a 10-foot driveway for an additional house with a 5 foot setback for a structure.

 

Mr. Olander replied that the proposed Ordinance No. 439 would be heard at a future Council meeting.

 

6.         APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

 

There was Council consensus to remove item 7(c), Ordinance No. 439, from the Consent Calendar.  Upon motion by Councilmember Gustafson, seconded by Councilmember McGlashan and carried 6-0, the agenda was approved as amended.

 

7.         CONSENT CALENDAR

 

Upon motion by Councilmember Gustafson, seconded by Councilmember Hansen and carried unanimously, the following Consent items were approved:

           

Minutes of Business Meeting of September 11, 2006

 

Ordinance No. 443 Reclassifying the City Engineer to Capital Projects Administrator

 

Councilmember Way asked for clarification that all references to cottage housing would be removed from the Code. 

 

Joe Tovar, Planning and Development Services Director, confirmed that all references to cottage housing need to come out of the entire Shoreline Municipal Code.  However, it is a Planning Commission, SEPA, and full public comment hearing process which may take some time.

 

8.         ACTION ITEMS: OTHER ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS

 

(a)                Richmond Beach Saltwater Park (RBSWP) Update – Master Site Plan

 

Dick Deal, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director, introduced this item and the City staff involved in the process.  He noted that there were a number of residents who are interested in redesigning this park.

 

Jerry Ernst, Hewitt Architects, stated that the study has been going on for about a year.  He described the process and reviewed the six master plan goals and the phases of the plan.  He highlighted the overall assessment, to include stakeholder interviews, the Park Board discussions, the Planning Commission visual survey, steep slope designations, erosion information, and photos of existing conditions which noted design and safety issues.  He commented that the stakeholders felt that beach access is the most important aspect of the park to the community.  He said early this year the City published several articles, mailed questionnaires to residents, and held an open house on March 18 for residents to review and comment on the master plan.  He discussed the list of 16 potential improvements projects included in the master plan.  He shared a list of public comments received at the July 29 open house.  He commented that there was an attempt at prioritizing groups of projects into three categories “Early Implementation”, “Design Development”, and “Further Study”.  He highlighted that the draft master plan was presented to the Park Board on September 21, 2006 and they are recommending approval of the following projects:

 

1.      Park entrance improvements - $85,000 to $100,000

2.      Improve park road - $550,000 to $680,000

3.      Create steep slope stairs and trails - $250,000 to $340,000

4.      Steep slope stabilization - $50,000 to $70,000

5.      To improve bridge access and safety - $425,000 to $600,000

6.      Beach wash down area - $17,000 to $25,000

7.      Overlook parking near entrance - $100,000 to $130,000

8.      Mid-level terrace - $300,000 to $425,000

9.      Signage and interpretive graphics - $100,000 to $130,000   

 

Future projects for consideration include determining the usage of the caretaker residence, better pathways/entrance on the midlevel terrace, possible wetland overlooks (if the wetland is re-established), restoration of the beach dunes, and working on the bridge over the railroad tracks.  He concluded that he is optimistic of returning to the Council in the next couple months with a final master plan for their adoption.

 

Bill Clements, Chair, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Board, thanked the City staff and the consultants for including the Park Board and the public in the process.  He also thanked the citizens of Shoreline for approving the Parks bond.  Mr. Clements reviewed the total funding for the nine projects and stated that the cost would be $1,877,000 to $2,500,000.  He highlighted that this amount is less than the $2,640,000 that was allocated from the Parks bond.  He urged the Council to support this plan and felt it was a good prioritization of needs and a good use of available funds.

 

Mr. Deal added that the City continues to look for more funding and these projects allow participation by a host of volunteer groups.

 

Mr. Olander asked Mr. Deal what kind of feedback he would want from the Council.  Mr. Deal responded that he would prefer Council approval on the plan along with any feedback or suggestions to the recommended Phase 1 improvements.  He said he would like to see construction on this project begin in the summer of 2007 and the completion of Phase 1 improvements by 2008.

 

There was no one wishing to provide public comment on this item.

 

Councilmember Way thanked the staff, citizens, and the Park board for their efforts.  She inquired if a citizen’s committee has been established.

 

Mr. Deal replied that a citizen committee is not planned for this action, but the Parks board serves as the point of contact.  However, the process has included several public meetings to solicit input from Shoreline residents.

 

Councilmember Way inquired how many people visit the park annually.  Mr. Deal replied that he is unsure and there is a need to do some surveys to determine that information.  He said during the summer the parking lot is always full and there are also a large number of residents who walk to the park.  This type of survey needs to be done for all parks in Shoreline.

 

Councilmember Way discussed the mid-level terrace parking and asked if there was any analysis concerning how much more impervious surface would be added based on the draft plan.  Mr. Deal responded that impervious surface information would be discussed in the design development.  He added that they anticipate this area will be heavily used and that is why the direction was to put some grass and irrigation at that location.

 

Dave Buchan, Capital Projects Manager, stated that adding a lawn area serves as a fire break and helps to maintain parks and homes.

 

Councilmember Way commented that before the Council approves this plan they need to have the basic facts.  She said an increase in impervious surface affects the environment, and even an estimated amount would satisfy her.  She said she would like this to progress very carefully and wants the residents to get the best possible project.

 

Councilmember McGlashan said he attended the on-site open house and discussed the “oval” area above the restrooms.  He asked what happened to the proposal to install a child’s play area there.  Mr. Deal said that area is a part of the long range plan and analysis work needs to be done.  He also responded to Councilmember McGlashan that the bridge is on the list of items needing to be replaced.

 

Councilmember McGlashan asked about the $140,000 line item on the last page and questioned if it was for contingency funding.  Mr. Deal responded that the project is only in the conceptual phase, but once it enters the design and development phase the funding will be allocated appropriately.

 

Councilmember McGlashan inquired why there was a funding range for each item.  Mr. Ernst responded that the range gives confidence that the projects can get done.  He also stated that they do include contingency funds.

 

Councilmember Ryu said she was glad to see that steep slope stabilization is in the plan.  She mentioned that bullet #2 under the park road improvements refers to controlling drainage and surface water runoff by sloping the road towards the curb.  She asked if the sloping would be enough to control the water if there is an increase in impervious surfaces in that area.  Mr. Ernst responded that the slope stabilization is conceptual and there maybe a need for drainage swales to recharge water beck into the system.

 

Councilmember Ryu stated that the cost of the steep slope stabilization ($50,000 - $70,000) was a “bargain.”  Mr. Ernst responded that this amount was just for the “pilot” project.

 

Mr. Buchan thanked Maureen Colaizzi for her coordination with students from the University of Washington. 

 

Councilmember Ryu discussed the funding for the three park levels.  She asked if there were any other items that would qualify for future grants.  Mr. Deal responded that there are some items that are very grant-eligible, but the highest priority projects have been identified by both the community and the City staff to be accomplished first.       

 

Mr. Olander pointed out that this project has a good chance because water access parks rank very high for grant approval.

 

Councilmember Ryu added that this is a good beginning, but not a “cure-all” for the entire park.  She expressed support for starting the projects.

 

Councilmember Gustafson thanked the Park Board for their input and presentation.  He was in favor of beginning the first phase of the project.  However, he felt the project will require some adjustment as it progresses.  He noted that the report said that the invasive species covered the entire park.  He inquired if the UW students were going to remove it a section at a time and complete the entire project over a ten-year period.  Mr. Deal responded affirmatively; however, the project would evolve into a stewardship program after the students receive complete training.  Councilmember Gustafson added that this should be a high priority issue rather than it taking 10 years to complete.  He also said he would like a platform built with possibly some signage concerning the trains for small children to read as they observe the trains passing by.  Mr. Deal replied that the trains are an important part of the park experience and that signage has been discussed.

 

Councilmember Gustafson also mentioned that there are probably some residents interested in purchasing memorial benches for this park which should be included as part of the planning process.  He concurred with Councilmember Ryu and stated that this project would rank high with the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC).

 

Councilmember Hansen appreciated the work on this project.  However, he pointed out that the play area is on a steep slope.  He felt that moving the bridge to a new location would encroach on an undisturbed natural area; he suggested renovating the current bridge.  He noted that the west side of the road between lots 2 and 3 is very eroded and since the park is only going to get more popular, more parking and stabilization is needed.  He pointed out that the roots of the invasive species will be removed, which will further erode the slopes and cause instability.  He greatly appreciated the raised trails and favored the overall plan.

 

Mr. Deal noted that he will be coming back to the Council at a later date with a proposal for a train viewing area as part of the Richmond Beach Pump Station Park plan.

 

Councilmember Way reminded the Council that access to the beach trail is one of the highest priorities.  She noted that there is a creek that runs through that area and it needs to be protected.  She felt there needs to be an emphasis on reconnecting the wetland and water features of the park to the Puget Sound.  She suggested that the Alliance for Puget Sound could provide assistance in this regard.  She was dismayed at hearing about the removal of Madrona trees and requested a look at alternative solutions.   

 

Mr. Deal said that item will be revisited during the design development phase.  He noted that this site is challenging because it faces the west, has slopes, and has dry soil.  However, he is confident that the design team will come up with a strategy that will fit the site needs.

 

Mr. Buchan added that some of the trees have been burned and are dead.  He said the ones that are healthy will be preserved.

 

Councilmember Way was also concerned about the beach activity proposal in Phase 2 of the project, noting that preservation seems to be a lower priority than allowing activity there.  She was concerned about allowing too many events there and also about “over-engineering” the beach.  Mr. Ernst stated those are just suggestions that have been submitted.

 

Mr. Olander noted that the community said that they wanted “to keep the park as neutral as possible” and that is the direction the staff is taking.

 

Deputy Mayor Fimia inquired if there were any bicycle racks at the park.  Mr. Deal stated that there are and they are looking at placing more throughout all City parks to get as many people as they can out of their vehicles.  Deputy Mayor Fimia encouraged more ecotourism and advertising even along I-5 to attract more people to City parks and businesses.  She said it may be a way to enhance economic development.  She inquired if there was a theme for the signage and any possibilities for water detention.

 

Mr. Deal agreed that a theme would be appropriate, and said staff is looking into those issues.  He also said the design phase is appropriate to discuss the possibilities of water collection on the site.

 

Councilmember Ryu said the Richmond Beach Pump Station needs a new name; she noted that a citizen suggested the name “Buford Park.”

 

Deputy Mayor Fimia said it sounds like there is general support for this item with some relatively minor exceptions.

 

Mr. Olander said he would incorporate the suggestions of the Council and bring back a more formal authorization to proceed with the master plan and design at a later date.

 

RECESS

 

At 8:15 p.m., Deputy Mayor Fimia called for a five minute recess.  At 8:22 p.m., the meeting reconvened.

 

9.         ACTION ITEM: PUBLIC HEARING

 

(a)                Public hearing to receive citizens’ comments on the 2007 Proposed Budget

 

Debbie Tarry, Finance Director, introduced the 2007 Proposed Budget and the items remaining on the budget schedule.  She noted that the budget is scheduled for adoption on November 27, 2006.  She commented that the City’s current financial position is excellent, with a proposed budget that is balanced and totals $68.2 million.  It primarily provides the same level of services, with some enhancements in street sweeping and parks maintenance.  The budget also incorporates the 2007 Capital Improvement Program activity.

 

Deputy Mayor Fimia opened the public hearing.  There was no one wishing to provide public comment on this item.

 

CommunicationS and Intergovernmental Relations (CIR) Budget

 

Ms. Tarry continued and discussed departmental budgets.  She began with the Communications and Intergovernmental Relations (CIR) department which is $1,400 less than last year.  She noted that the communications portion of this budget was reduced by $17,000.

 

Councilmember Way inquired if lobbying was a part of this department’s budget.  Mr. Olander responded that the City maintains two lobbying contracts, one in Washington State and the other in Washington, D.C.

 

Joyce Nichols, Communications and Intergovernmental Relations Director, stated that the City pays for the contracts during the legislative sessions.  She added that the upcoming session is a long session and will cost approximately $16,000 for the State services.  Special sessions are paid for on a weekly basis.  Federal lobbying sessions cost $30,000 for the year.

 

Responding to Councilmember Ryu, Ms. Nichols stated that she spends time in Olympia and Washington D.C. lobbying on behalf of the City.  Mr. Olander added that he has received good reports concerning Joyce and her lobbying efforts.

 

Councilmember Way added that she is impressed with the lobbyists the City has in Washington D.C.

 

Councilmember Ryu inquired about the Council of Neighborhoods.  Ms. Nichols replied that the Council of Neighborhoods includes the community leaders and the support that the City staff provides in event coordination and assisting with newsletters and other mailings.

 

Councilmember Ryu asked about Council of Neighborhood meeting attendance.  Ms. Nichols responded that there are 14 Council of Neighborhood organizations with two representatives for each.  She said that there are normally between 14 – 20 attendees at each Council of Neighborhoods meeting.

 

Councilmember McGlashan inquired what items were cut from the CIR budget.  Ms. Nichols responded that her department attempts to spend only what is needed every year and the budget is less because there were some special projects last year.

 

Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) budget

 

Ms. Tarry discussed the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) budget.  She stated it is $147,000 less than the 2006 budget. She highlighted the major programs and makeup of the department.  She announced that there is a significant increase in projected revenues in the recreation programs based upon recent successes.  She noted the key changes in the budget as follows:

 

 

 

Councilmember Ryu felt there was a slight increase in the budget due to fewer one-time costs and increased expenditures.  Ms. Tarry explained that there is no public arts expenditure in 2007, which represents most of the savings.

 

Councilmember Way asked if there was an increase in the off-leash police officer contract.  Mr. Deal confirmed that there was and they will be more aggressive in enforcement.

 

Councilmember McGlashan inquired about the line item for $110,000 for long-term maintenance.  Mr. Deal responded that the pool would close two weeks for summer repairs.  These repairs would include $80,000 for boiler repairs and washing the pool bottom. 

 

Councilmember Gustafson said he has noticed the increased revenue and the number of participants in recreation programs.  He commented that the department has become more efficient in publicizing the programs and more people are participating.

 

Councilmember Way commented on the information on page 199 concerning specific Parks programs.  She added that there are wonderful programs listed there, however, she is concerned about graffiti and community policing.  She questioned if there is a need to increase funding in those areas.  Mr. Olander responded that the City is hoping to put more “eyes” in the Parks system.  He felt that that would help curb the problems.

 

Councilmember Way also inquired if there was any collaboration between the court, the schools, and the City on this issue.  Mr. Deal replied that there has been an effort to work together to apprehend offenders, but no ongoing training or vigilant effort to curb graffiti.

Mr. Olander added that quick removal is the key to preventing graffiti from occurring.

 

Councilmember Gustafson commented that the Youth Master Plan can help educate the parents about this.

 

Deputy Mayor Fimia wondered if there were going to be any rate increases this year.

Ms. Tarry responded that there were going to be some, however, they would only contribute less than $5,000 in revenues.

 

Mr. Deal added that the biggest difference in the revenues is tied to the summer day camp experience.  He said it is successful and the summer revenue has increased the most.  He also said field rentals have increased.

 

Ms. Tarry highlighted the 2006 Parks fee schedule comparisons on pages 333 – 336.  She said there are minor changes in the rates.

 

Mr. Olander pointed out that there are automatic CPI adjustments, according to Council policy.

 

Deputy Mayor Fimia asked if the staff has thought about making certain recreation periods “free” based on low usage.  Mr. Deal responded that there aren’t any low usage times at the pool or the recreation center, so the idea hasn’t been discussed.

 

Planning and Development Services (PADS) budget

 

Ms. Tarry outlined the Planning and Development Services (PADS) department budget, which has a $320,000 increase from 2006 to 2007.  This increase is primarily centered on salary and benefit changes and some recommended one-time funding.

 

Mr. Tovar noted that the key departmental changes include the Natural Resource Management Strategy (NRMS) which was adopted as Council Goal #6.  This strategy includes $75,000 for consultant assistance and $25,000 to offset some staff participation.  Another portion of NRMS is $30,000 for the planning of the Town Center.

 

Councilmember Way asked how the plan would be implemented and whether or not it would be contracted.  Mr. Tovar responded that if the Council approves the $100,000 request, three-fourths of that would go towards a contract to retain a consultant to do the primary research; the remaining $25,000 would be used for the project manager to execute the permitting.

 

Councilmember Way asked whether some of the funding could be devoted to some carbon offset analysis.  Mr. Olander responded that it could be considered as one of the strategies to be implemented as part of the Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement.  He noted that the scoping of the NRMS comes later.  Councilmember Way responded that she would like the carbon offset analysis included as a part of the NRMS scope.  Mr. Olander said that the City staff hasn’t discussed at what level this topic will be approached.

 

Councilmember Ryu said she is frustrated with Economic Development Strategy because implementation is always a problem.  She added that the $100,000 should be spent on the development of practical tools that are designed for the Northwest.  Mr. Tovar responded that he purposely wants this to be called a “strategy” because a strategy is more action-oriented than a plan.       

 

Deputy Mayor Fimia commented that she shares the same concerns about one-time expenditures.  She added that there are citizens that are willing to join an economic development task force to put together a plan and work on grants.

 

Councilmember Way mentioned that the grant idea could be used as a match for other funds that people can apply for.

 

Mr. Tovar said he would come back to the Council with a scope and plan on how the consultant budget could be allocated.  However, there would need to be some type of public involvement program.  He added that he would come up with a list of short-term actions for the Council to review.

 

Councilmember Hansen asked if the City was applying for grants and giving funding to other organizations.  Mr. Olander explained that the staff recommendation is that this is not something that the staff can do with existing time and resources; it will require the assistance from outside agencies. 

 

Deputy Mayor Fimia inquired how this differed from the natural resources section of the City’s Comprehensive Plan.  Mr. Tovar responded that the natural resources section of the Comprehensive Plan provides direction to the Capital Budget and regulations.  He added that you need to have programs and small projects throughout the community to be effective.

 

Economic Development BUDGET

 

Ms. Tarry commented that the Economic Development budget for 2007 is $36,000 less than the previous year.  The changes include $20,000 of unused one-time funding from 2006 that did not get carried over to 2007.  Additionally, the biggest change is the proposed professional service contracts for $135,000; this budget does not include funding for Forward Shoreline.

 

Councilmember Ryu inquired if there is any funding allocated for the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce Tourism and Travel Bureau.  Mr. Olander said there is none at the present time.

 

Tom Boydell, Economic Development Manager, stated that there has been a $20,000 reduction to Community Capital Development (CCD), as promised.  He stated that CCD has done some real estate advisory services on a small basis and there have been more added this year such as Clearpath and Aurora Square, which may need to be stepped up to explore more opportunities.

 

Mr. Olander discussed Councilmember Ryu’s question concerning Chamber funding.  He stated that in this budget cycle the City staff didn’t explore any new employee positions or any new ongoing programs that did not have its own dedicated revenue source. 

 

Councilmember Way asked for some clarification on the “Buxton portal.”  Mr. Boydell stated that it will be a website to help small businesses and developers in the local area.  He added that it should be operating very soon.

 

PUBLIC WORKS BUDGET

 

Ms. Tarry noted that the Public Works (PW) budget was $578,000 less this year.  Specifically, the budget is $288,000 less due to the purchase of the annex building and not having to pay lease payments any longer.  Additionally, there were one-time carry over funds from 2005 to 2006.  She discussed the PW budget by each section, noting that the Street Fund utilizes 38% of its total budget.  Key changes, she highlighted, are that there were $454,000 in carryovers that did not move into 2007.

 

Councilmember Ryu inquired whether there would be an increase in the level of service in the City’s street sweeping.

 

Paul Haines, Public Works Director, stated that they have managed to reduce the cost and increase the service level.  He said the service will increase from three times a year to six times a year.  He added that the City had been utilizing King County contracts at $86 per lane mile.  However, after the capitalization of the equipment the City’s cost will be about $20 per lane mile.  He said currently with the capitalization of the equipment still going on the cost will be about $28 per lane mile in the first five or six years.  Currently the City spends 800 hours staff time doing work that a street sweeper can do.  The street sweeper can do manual catch basin cleaning, spill cleaning, overlay preparation, individual customer response, and road striping.  Also, street sweeping is the most effective way to reduce pollutants in the streams and lakes. 

 

Responding to Councilmember Ryu, Mr. Haines clarified that a snow removal attachment could not be added to the street sweeper.  However, there is a nozzle attachment to do low head lifts out of catch basins for doing vactoring.  He added that they also will be budgeting for maintenance and the servicing of equipment.

 

Councilmember Way inquired if this equipment was being financed.  Ms. Tarry responded that the City recommendation is to buy equipment with cash and put some funding away for future replacement and maintenance.

 

Councilmember Way asked what the stormwater operations filtration statement referred to.  Mr. Haines said this item will be added to the Aurora maintenance costs.  The costs are for maintaining the elaborate vaults with the mechanical filter systems.

 

Deputy Mayor Fimia said on page 245 the Neighborhood Traffic Safety Program and traffic services budget has dropped almost 29%.  She asked for an explanation.  Mr. Haines said the overall budget did not decrease.  There has been over $170,000 in carryovers from 2006 to 2007.

 

Deputy Mayor Fimia asked who was responsible for cleaning up the debris after storms.

Mr. Haines responded that in 2007 there will be more recycling events sponsored by King County and hopefully a City-sponsored event in February or March.

 

Councilmember Ryu encouraged Mr. Haines to start advertising early for the recycling events so people can save their items for it.  Mr. Haines added that it is good to advertise and let the residents know early.  He added that he will start advertising about the February or March recycling event as soon as the day is confirmed.

 

Councilmember Hansen mentioned that Waste Management has “green debris” pickup service available to residents who aren’t composting those materials.  He also mentioned that the City chips Christmas trees with the Boy Scouts and other organizations.

 

Deputy Mayor Fimia said it would be great to have more opportunities, either with Waste Management or the City.  She felt the process needs to be easier for seniors and others.  Mr. Haines noted that the Waste Management contract can be discussed at a future Council meeting.

 

Mr. Olander added that it is important to take a look at what other municipalities are doing before the City makes changes.

 

Continuing the presentation, Ms. Tarry noted that the 2007 Capital Expenditures were $35 million.  She said the expenditures were a reflection of what was approved in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).  She noted that one-time allocations were allotted to the Town Center Plan, the Environmentally Sustainable Community Strategy, and the proposed street sweeper purchase.  She said the City is expected to be at 32% general reserves at the end of 2007.  She also added that the market adjustment and salary tables have been applied to the employee salary tables.

 

Councilmember Ryu asked if the steps on the salary table get increased automatically.

Mr. Olander responded that moving from step to step is based on a satisfactory performance review.

 

Deputy Mayor Fimia commented that the materials the Council has been given and the process that Ms. Tarry has used has been extraordinary.  She said the materials and memorandums have answered all of her questions and have been timely and thorough.    

 

Councilmember Way agreed with Deputy Mayor Fimia’s comments and recommended that the public get a copy of the budget book.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

At 9:56 p.m., Deputy Mayor Fimia declared the meeting adjourned.

 

 

 

_________________________

Scott Passey, CMC

City Clerk