11/09/1993 City CouncilEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
November 9, 1993
THESE MINUTES WERE APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 23, 1993
The work session meeting of the Edmonds City Council was called to order at
7:00 p.m. by Mayor Laura Hail at the Library Plaza Room, 650 Main St.,
Edmonds. All present joined in the flag salute.
PRESENT
Laura Hall, Mayor
Dave Farling, Council President
Michael Hall, Councilmember
John Nordquist, Councilmember
Jeff Palmer, Councilmember
Steve Dwyer, Councilmember
Tom Petruzzi, Councilmember
Chris Hewett, Student Representative
ABSENT
William J. Kasper, Councilmember
STAFF
Art Housler, Admin Service Director
Chuck Day, Accounting Manager
Minh Truong, Accountant
Paul Mar, Community Serv. Dir.
Dan Prinz, Police Chief
Arvilla Ohlde, Parks & Rec. Manager
Brent Hunter, Personnel Manager
Dee McGrath, Executive Secretary
Doug Farmen, Accountant
MaryAnn Paige, Recorder
(Councilmember Kasper previously notified Council of his absence from this
meeting)
Mayor Hall congratulated Councilmembers Petruzzi and Dwyer on their re-elec-
tion to the City council.
Executive Session on a Legal Matter and Labor Negotiations
Mayor Hall recessed the meeting for a 30 minute Executive Session.
Reconvene
Mayor Hall called the meeting back to order at 8 p.m. Mayor Hall welcomed
Councilmember Elect Barb Fahey.
Review of Revenue and Expenditures
Administrative Service Director Art Housler addressed the Mayor's recommenda-
tion in the Budget Message regarding transfer of funds. We are expecting to
spend $12,384,300 by year end, which is less than the budget by $139,700.
There is no change on what Council approved during the year. The Mayor has
recommended that transfers totaling $357,300 be made; this includes $232,300
to the Street Fund, $40,000 to Fire Vehicle Aid car replacement fund, and
$85,000 to Council Contingency fund, and Mr. Housler presented detail on
these transfers.
Mr. Housler reviewed 1994 Revenues. The Property tax does not include the 3
percent increased property tax levy, which is in the Criminal Justice Fund
' 007. The EMS Property tax represents 35� per $1,000 of assessed property
value. The Sales Tax remains flat through 1994. The Utility Tax shows an
i increase because of the increase in rate, and does not reflect the possibili-
ty of any decrease in usage. The other Taxes represent the combined remain-
ing individual line items. Mr. Housler reviewed the Tax breakdown. In 1990,
63.9 percent of the total budget was from taxes and the 1994 budget is at
68.9 percent. The gas utility went up 10 percent and electric utility is up
$100,000 because we increased the rate from 5.25 to 6 percent to pay for the
Public Works Facility, that is the General Fund share plus the Street Fund
share.
He then reviewed the Expenditures. The Council budget is up 12.3% and that
is for the TV cable consultant. Administration for the mayor is down 9.5
percent which is in the equipment area, plus a cut in Professional Services.
Bruce Agnew was budgeted under the Mayor's office in 1993, but in 1994 is
under Community Service budget. The Court budget is down 8.2% because of the
new hires in the Court, who are being paid less than those who left. The 9.6
percent increase in Administrative Services Accounting is due to increased
auditor's fees, plus the restoration of the half-time accounts payable job.
There is an increase in the City Attorney account because of increase in
litigation, plus some carryover from 1993. Most of the Non -department expen-
ditures are fixed costs and they go up every year, generally more than our
growth in revenues. There are substantial increases in SnoCom, Sno-Isle
Library, and the Public Health District. He stated without the transfer of
year end final amounts, which have been reduced in 1994 plus the Salary Pool,
which has increased, we would have a 7.5 percent increase on all the other
fixed cost categories. The Police Department has an increase in prisoner
care and SnoCom charges. The Fire Department remains flat, any increase
would be for equipment. This does not include labor contracts, the money is
still in the salary pool but will be adjusted in the final budget. Community
Services includes the transfer of Bruce Agnew from the Mayor to Community
Service, plus the addition of a full time secretary. Planning is increased
by the Growth Management person and the Growth Management contract, however,
there will be revenues to cover these by way of a grant. Mr. Housler stated
that we end up with a total budget of $13,170,880, a 1.7 percent increase in
expenditures over 1993. Councilmember Petruzzi stated that there will be a
1.7 percent increase, if Council makes the year end adjustments. Without the
transfers there is a 3.4 percent increase projected over the 1993 budget.
Mr. Housler reviewed a handouts showing how funds are distributed and how
they have changed over the last two or three years in the eight departments.
Mr. Housler also reviewed a chart on salary and benefit trends, showing the
percentage of salaries/benefits to expenditures budget for General fund only,
and for all funds.
Mayor Hall thanked the Accounting team for their work on the budget.
Review of Mayor's Budget
Mayor Hall stated that the first presentation would be by the Sister City
.commission, as they are requesting some additional funds.
. J
t i�t�vX Don Carr, Vice Chairman of the Sister City Commission, presented the report
.,�r�LzJ�` on the Sister City Program. He stated that Commission members Mr. and Mrs.
Dublin were in the audience. Last year there were four visitations from our
' `" Sister City. The Commission is trying to involve more citizens in the pro-
gram, primarily by getting people involved in the home stays for visitors.
This year they raised enough money to offer scholarships to students, and
after the first of the year will have a program for students to compete for
the scholarships. Money has been used on home stays, and communication
costs, but their main focus is on scholarships. They are asking for $1,500
in funds to be used in public support of these activities. Mayor Hall
Page 2 November 9, 1993
APPROVED MINUTES
thanked the Commission for their work and stated that Arvilla Ohlde is the
staff link to the Commission. Councilmember Hall asked if the requested
$1,500 is for specific activities as the entire budget is $4,000. Mr. Carr
responded that the $1,500 is earmarked for those specific activities that
involve the general public, mostly visitation activities. A portion of their
fund-raising money will be dedicated to scholarships. Councilmember Petruzzi
said that he endorsed the $1,500 and would like to squeeze a little more if
we can. He asked why this was funded from the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund last year
and this year from the Mayor's budget. Art Housler responded that it is
under the Mayor's budget because she is responsible for the Sister. City Pro-
gram, but last year the request for funds were received after the Mayor budg-
et was requested. Councilmember Palmer stated that he would like to set the
record straight on the funding requests. The Sister City funding request,
just like other groups, did come in in plenty of time to be considered in the
Mayor's budget. Council responded to the Mayor's request for recommendation
of September 16, and at that time he requested and the Council concurred,
that the Mayor include these funds in her budget. The request from the Sis-
ter City was received in the Executive Office on September 1, two full months
before the budget was presented to us on November 1. He stated that it was a
misconception and inaccurate to state that this request arrived after the
Mayor's budget was submitted to City Council. The Mayor replied that it was
last year that the request came in late and that is why is was under Ho-
tel/Motel. Councilmember Petruzzi stated he would like to transfer $500 from
the Hotel/Motel Tax :to the Mayor's budget to increase the funding to $2,000
for. the Sister City Program, and would like Council to remember this when
they approve the final budget.
Executive Secretary Dee McGrath, presented information on the Administration
funds. She stated that the Mayor's office has worked hard to keep costs
down. In 1991 the budget was $125,000 and they have managed to bring it down
to $111,830 in 1994. The major change is the $12,000 in Professional Servic-
es that will be moved to Paul Mar's budget for the Multimodal facility. She
noted a discrepancy in the budget on page 11 which* shows 101 percent expended
in 1993. There was a transfer of funds from supplies -to equipment, in order
to purchase a fax machine, and for some reason the figures were not accurate-
ly reflected. The correct amount should by $122,770 for the 1993 budget.
which puts them at about 98 percent expenditures. Doug Farmer has a correct
page to reflect this change. Councilmember Petruzzi had a question on the
Municipal Court, but was reminded that this budget would be reviewed on
November 10. Councilmember Palmer had a question on travel to the AWC confer-
ence, and a similar item under City Council but a difference in amounts. .The
response was because one conference was for a week and the other for a couple
of days.
Personnel Manager Brent Hunter reviewed the Personnel 'Division. He stated
that Professional Services has gone up to primarily include EAP, the Employ-
ee Assistance Program, and physicals. There was a question on LEOFF, a dis-
ability insurance program in the 1994 budget, and Brent replied that had been
identified but that there was no amount budgeted for that. He was also ques-
(��" tinned as to why there was a $200 charge for firefigheter physicals and $500
for the Assistant Fire Chief, Brent stated that he will find out and let
Council know. The advertising budget fluctuates because of the amount. of
personnel ads required. He also `noted that there was a cut back in Civil
Service during 1993, but needed to be increased in 1994 for Civil Service
testing assessment labs. Current labor negotiations should be finished soon,
however the 1995 contract negotiations will begin in June. Councilmember
Dwyer asked if we have sufficient budget in Civil Service to cover the seiec-
Page 3 November 9, 1993
APPROVED MINUTES
tion of a new Police Chief, and any effect .down the line if an in-house per-
son is chosen. Brent replied that the budget is for Civil Service testing
and only covers the police sergeant. Councilmember Nordquist questioned the
$500 under miscellaneous for a Christmas party. After discussion, it was
decided that as this was really an awards ceremony, and that it just happened
to occur during the holiday season, that in the future to call it an awards
ceremony.
Review of Council Budget
riff" It was noted that the Council budget is $2,000 less than 1993 and Council
agreed that budget was acceptable.
Review of Administrative Services Budget
Art Housler noted that there is a 2 percent reduction in Administration ser-
vices, and there has been some rearrangements of amounts based on 1993 histo-
n",�hJ ry. Councilmember Petruzzi questioned where is the reduction in equipment.
Art replied essentially it is computer equipment, no other equipment is need-
,�;'��, ed in 1994. Councilmember Palmer requested that staff supply a list of all
equipment purchases, broken down by division. Art replied it is available
and will supply this list. He mentioned that we have $19,000 budgeted for
equipment but $12,000 is in Fire Department, $5,00 in Police, so most of it
is public safety equipment.
Accounting Manager Chuck Day reviewed the Accounting Budget and stated there
is a 10 percent increase in salaries because of the half-time accounts pay-
able clerk position restoration. The Intergovernmental Services budget is
increased because of the State audit hourly rate increase, which will be
between $51.50 to $52 per hour.
City Clerk Rhonda March reviewed the City Clerk division. The significant
item is the restoration of the Receptionist, and the Business License Clerk
to full time. She reviewed current and proposed staff levels. She noted
that voter registration will move to NonDepartment. This is billed by the
County and is not a City function. Councilmember Palmer questioned the cost
of meals for the Clerks Academy at the University of Washington. He ques-
tioned if the meals would be covered under our new meal policy, as he feels
that employees need to eat lunch whether they are at the office or at a con-
ference. It was decided to review the meal charges as the vouchers are re-
ceived to determine if they are valid charges. Mayor Hall stated that we
should look at our meal requisition policy, as perhaps it is too restric-
tive. Councilmember Palmer also had a concern if we had enough budgeted for
hearing notices and agendas, and maybe should increase this item.
Review of Community Requests
Dick Bruns, 816 Walnut, stated that he was not requesting any funds but ques-
tioned if taxation was equal if a property was in two taxing districts.
r �'✓ / o Councilmember Palmer responded that taxing districts can overlap and that
they can establish their own taxation, which results in some residents paying
?�{ taxes to more than one district.
Council President Earling noted that we received requests tonight from three
groups, Library, Snohomish County Youth Task Force and Sister City. The
Council will reprioritize this later when the entire budget is heard.
Page 4 November 9, 1993
APPROVED MINUTES
Council
V� COUNCILMEMBER DWYER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER PETRUZZI, TO REQUEST
STAFF TO DRAFT AN AMENDED SALARY ORDINANCE FOR 1993 WHICH PROVIDES FOR NON -
REPRESENTED EMPLOYEES, TO. PROVIDE FOR DIRECTORS TO RECEIVE $644/EMPLOYEE, AND
THE REMAINDER OF THE TO.
EMPLOYEES TO RECEIVE $546/EMPLOYEE PER
YEAR. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mayor Hall mentioned a•letter from Bill Brubaker regarding the Woodway Elemen-
tary School, which might be developed into a park. Arvilla Ohlde stated that
{ e G�u3'l4 the school site is in Snohomish County.
Mayor Hall reminded Councilmembers of the ground breaking on Wednesday,
November 17, at the Public Works Facility, and requested that they contact
Dee McGrath to let her know if they will be able to attend.
Council President Earling stated that the Record Taker will not have the
minutes of the November 9 or the November 10 .workshop meetings available
.until Monday, November 15.
Councilmember Petruzzi showed a sample of the Christmas cards that are being
sold by the Edmonds Visitor Bureau.
With no other business before the Mayor or Council, Mayor Hall adjourned the
meeting at 9:25 p.m.
pc/ECC.11-9.93
aura Ni-4a May r
R onda O M ch, City Clerk
*See Minutes of 12/7/93, Page 7, Paragragh 2.-
o-�
Page 5 November 9, 1993
APPROVED MINUTES
AGENDA
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL
PLAZA MEETING ROOM - LIBRARY BUILDING
7:00 -10:00 p.m.
NOVEMBER 9, 1993
WORK SESSION ON 1994 BUDGET
(City Council Committee Meetings regularly. held
the second Tuesday of each month are cancelled)
CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M.
FLAG SALUTE
1.
(30 Min.)
EXECUTIVE SESSION ON A LEGAL MATTER AND LABOR NEGOTIATIONS
2.
(60 Min.)
REVIEW OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURES
3.
(15 Min)
REVIEW. OF MAYOR'S BUDGET
4.
(15 Min)
REVIEW OF COUNCIL BUDGET
5.
(30 Min)
REVIEW OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES BUDGET
6.
(30 Min)
REVIEW OF COMMUNITY REQUESTS
7.
(5 Min)
COUNCIL.
ADJOURN
PARKING AND MEETING ROOMS ARE ACCESSIBLE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES. CONTACT THE
CITY CLERK AT 771-0245 WITH 24 HOURS ADVANCE NOTICE FOR SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS.
The Council Agenda appears on Chambers Cable, Channel 32.