Loading...
04/25/1992 City Council:nt3t mmut" Ju[SJtut to MAY 5, 1992 APPROVAL EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING April 25, 1992 The special meeting of the Edmonds City Council was called to order at 8:30 a.m. by Council Presi- dent Jeff Palmer in the Community Services Conference Room, 250 5th Ave. N., Edmonds. PRESENT STAFF Laura Hall, Mayor Dick Mumma, Building Official Jeff Palmer, Council President Brent Hunter, Personnel Manager Steve Dwyer, Councilmember Barb Mehlert, Recorder Dave Earling, Councilmember Michael W. Hall, Councilmember William Kasper, Councilmember John Nordquist, Councilmember Tom Petruzzi, Councilmember Dianna Phillips, Student Representative CONTINUED REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF 1992 PERMIT FEE ADJUSTMENTS (Continued from March 17, 1992 and April7, 1992) Staff Report and Recommendation Dick Mumma, Building Official, said the City Council reviewed and discussed the request for build- ing permit fee increases at its March 17 City Council Meeting. As a result of the discussion, ,� the Council directed the proposal take the following form: 1. That there be a 20% overall increase in fee revenues rather than the 30% increase initially proposed; 2. That steps be taken to adjust fees so that the fee charged be closer to the cost of service provided as estimated in the average cost table provided to the Council; and, 3. That any year end "excess" revenues be rolled over into the next year (The City Attorney has provided the Council with a draft ordinance to address this). Mr. Mumma said these directives were inc luded in the "Summary of Proposed 1992 Fees" listed as Exhibit 1 in the Agenda Memo packet.. Mr. Mumma explained to the Council how the building permit fees are calculated, and reviewed the Summary of Proposed 1992 Fees. Mr. Mumma recommended the Council approve the proposed fees, and direct the City Attorney to prepare the necessary ordi- nance for adoption. Mr. Mumma said the Summary of Proposed 1992 Fees portrays a fairly accurate picture of what it costs the City, per permit, to do business. Council Discussion and Deliberation Councilmember Kasper said he doesn't believe in 100% recovery. Dick Mumma, Building Official, said the Proposed Fee Schedule allows for a 90% recovery. Councilmember Kasper said he is against the philosophy behind the fees, not the figures. Councilmember Dwyer arrived at 8:50 a.m. Council President Palmer feels the majority of the Proposed 1992 Fees are better at moving the fees to the average cost, however, feels the fees that are fixed by ordinance are not, and asked why there isn't a recommendation to increase those fees to reflect a higher fee. The Council discussed the fees that are fixed by ordinance, and Council President Palmer suggest- ed further Council review of the Demolition, Fence, Sign, and Lawn Sprinkler permits. Mayor Hall arrived at 9:05 a.m. Councilmember Dwyer asked Mr. Mumma to prepare a list of those permits that the public view as a "nuisance" permits. Councilmember Dwyer said this list should be discussed at a future Council Meeting. Councilmember Hall feels regulation of all permits is important, and said the City should retain regulatory control. Dick Mumma, Building Official, said the exemption from the requirement of a permit does not ex - exempt the requirements of the ordinance. Council President Palmer suggested the Council separate the fees that are fixed by ordinance, and have that come back as a separate issue so the Council can look at potentially eliminating "nui- sance" fees. COUNCILMEMBER EARLING MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER PETRUZZI, FOR ADOPTION OF THE FEES LISTED ON THE SUMMARY OF PROPOSED 1992 FEES, EXHIBIT 1, EXCLUDING THE FEES THAT ARE FIXED BY ORDINANCE. MOTION CARRIED with Councilmember Kasper voting no, as he feels excess revenue is included, which won't be able to be backed out next year. As to disposition of the fees that are fixed by ordinance, it was the consensus of the Council to continue with the current fees, until Staff makes a report to the Council at the May 26 Council Work Meeting. Council President Palmer asked Mr. Mumma to include in the report, which fees are considered "nuisance fees" and report on options as to how those fees could be reviewed rather than utilizing the current process. Council President Palmer said he would ask the City Attorney to update the ordinance accordingly, and then place it on the April 28 City Council Consent Agenda. Update on Excess Capacity Process and Issues This item was added to the Council Agenda for Council discussion. Peter Hahn, former Community Services Director, provided the Council with an update on the excess capacity process and issues. CONTINUED DISCUSSION ON PROPOSED ORDINANCE INCREASING WATER RATES (Continued from April 14, 1992) Council President Palmer said the lowest rates for base charge and highest volume charge are contained on Schedule A-1 included in the packet prepared by Art Housler, Administrative Services 1 Director. 11.5 Peter Hahn, former Community Services Director cautioned the Council that the City will be most �(C( likely entering into a severe drought, therefore, the City might receive less revenue if a in- crease in the volume charge takes place. Councilmember Kasper feels the issue of the proposed Public Works Facility has to be resolved. Councilmember Petruzzi said he doesn't have a problem including the bonding for the Public Works i Facility in the Proposed Water Rate Increase, because if the Council decides not to construct the facility, all the Council is going to do is push up the timing on Capital Improvement Projects. Councilmember Petruzzi said the decision does not have to be made right now whether the Proposed Rate Increase includes.the construction of the Public Works Facility. Councilmember Dwyer said the proposed Public Works Facility is causing a substantial amount of confusion .to the public. Councilmember Dwyer said the public keeps hearing about the $4.5 mil- lion dollar building, and think the entire funding of that building is provided for in the pro- posed water rate increase. Councilmember Dwyer clarified that $300,000 is the amount provided for in the proposed water rate increase. Councilmember Dwyer said regardless of the decision on the building of the Public Works Facility, it will not affect the initial proposed 25% increase. Council President Palmer said it is his understanding, listening to all Councilmembers, that the concept of building a new Public Works Facility, and the financing of it, is not far enough along so as to be considered in the proposed rate structure before the Council. The Council concurred. Therefore, COUNCIL PRESIDENT PALMER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER HALL, NOT TO INCLUDE FINANC- ING OF THE PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY IN THE CURRENT ANALYSIS AND DETERMINATION OF THE RATE STRUC- TURE. MOTION CARRIED with Councilmember Kasper abstaining as he feels all of the factors are not being included. The Council proceeded to discuss the proposed rate percentages by year, and what level of Capital Projects the City wished to fund. Councilmember Hall said he doesn't feel the City would have a problem in convincing the public that the proposed rate increase of 25% for 1992, 15% for 1993, and 10% for 1994, is needed, as long as it doesn't include the Public Works Facility. Councilmember Hall said he is hearing from the public that they don't want the Public Works Facility factored into the proposed water rate increase at all. Councilmember Petruzzi said if the Public Works Facility is built, a certain percentage of it has to be allocated to the water rates. EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 2 April 25, 1992 Councilmember Hall feels the 25-15-10 proposed rate structure should be adopted so the existing projects could be provided for, which excludes the Public Works Facility. Councilmember Hall said the City is going to have to do the Capital Projects sooner or later. Councilmember Dwyer agreed, however, said the experts are saying they can be deferred with no major impacts. Councilmember Petruzzi said the 25-11-9 proposed rate structure would be more palatable to the public. Councilmember Hall feels the City is in the position it is because somebody did not plan ahead. Councilmember Hall said the situation now has to be corrected. Councilmember Earling said he is concerned over the neglect of the infrastructure across the Country over the last 10 - 15 years. Councilmember Earling said even though the City of Edmonds can be proud of its low taxes, he is concerned the City may be deferring problems that shouldn't be deferred. Councilmember Dwyer said at some time in the future, a Public Works Facility has to be built, and some portion of the building should come out of the water utility. Councilmember Dwyer feels, however, that this is a decision that should be kept separate. Councilmember Dwyer said people believe that the 25% increase is being driven by a $4.5 million dollar building. Council - member Dwyer said people don't believe that there is only a $300,000 debt service in a 50% rate increase. Councilmember Dwyer feels it is important to divide the process so the citizens real- ize the rate increase is being driven by increased water costs. Councilmember Hall said the public should be educated so there are no misconceptions. Council President Palmer said if the 25-15-10 is adopted, the base and volume percentages each go up 50%. Councilmember President Palmer said if you look at the 25-11-9, the base goes up 55% and the volume goes up 42%. Mayor Hall said she is concerned that the recommendations and advise of Mary Hughes was not taken and expressed concern over not listening to the experts. Councilmember Dwyer said Mayor Hall's recommendation on this subject also did not adhere to the recommendations by Mary Hughes. COUNCILMEMBER HALL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER EARLING FOR DISCUSSION, THAT THE CITY RAISE THE WATER RATES 25% IN 1992, 15% IN 1993, AND 10% IN 1994 AND THE CITY SPECIFICALLY NOT INCLUDE THE FUNDING OF THE PUBLIC WORK BUILDING. Under discussion, Councilmember Petruzzi said he has carefully studied all the scenarios and listened to all the discussions, and feels the Proposed Water Rate Increase of 25-11-9 is the rate schedule the Council should adopt. Council President Palmer agrees and feels the Council can effectively adopt the 25-11-9. MOTION FAILED with Councilmember Hall and Councilmember Kasper voting yes, Councilmember Dwyer, Councilmember Nordquist, Council President Palmer, Councilmember Earling, and Councilmember Petruzzi voting no. COUNCILMEMBER DWYER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER PETRUZZI, TO ADOPT THE WATER RATE INCREASE OF 25% IN 1992, 11% in 1993, and 9% IN 1994. Under discussion, Councilmember Dwyer said his motion reflects the proposed 25-15-10, coupled with Council President Palmer's previous motion to eliminate the inclusion of the proposed Public Works Facility. Councilmember Hall said if the City chooses the lower rate figures, excluding the Public. Works Facility, he doesn't believe the public will take another raise in a couple of years because the City chooses to construct the proposed Public Works Facility. Councilmember Hall said there is going to have to be a percentage of the water rate that has to go into the funding of the Public Works Facility, however, Councilmember Hall believes there are other funding options. Councilmem- ber Hall said the Council is being too conservative even with the adjustment in the base and vol- ume rate. Councilmember Hall said the City doesn't have any idea of the decrease in volume charg- es if a drought should occur. Councilmember Kasper said there are projects in the City that have no reserves. Councilmember Kasper said the problem is going to become worse next year if something isn't done. MOTION CARRIED with Councilmember Dwyer, Councilmember Nordquist, Council President Palmer, Coun- cilmember Earling, Councilmember Petruzzi voting yes, and Councilmember Hall and Councilmember Kasper voting no. EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 3 April 25, 1992 With regards to the volume versus the base charge, Council President Palmer said he would like to see the volume charge carry a higher percentage than the base charge. Council President Palmer said currently, the volume rate is 62% and base rate is 38%. It was the consensus of the Council to have Mary Hughes, Water Rate Consultant, attend the upcom- ing City Council Meeting, with the purpose of providing the Council with a grid of what the ef- fects would be for. various base and volume percentages. As far as the effective date of the water rate increase, Council President Palmer said he did not want a retroactive water increase. The Council agreed to begin utilizing the new rates effective May 1, 1992. COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST, TO MAKE THE INCREASE EFFEC- TIVE MAY 1, 1992. MOTION CARRIED. CONTINUED REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF SALARY TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS (Continued from March 24 and April 7, 1992 Brent Hunter, Personnel Manager, reviewed the Task Force Recommendations. It was noted the amount of funds available in the Salary Pool is set at $28,300. COUNCILMEMBER DWYER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER PETRUZZI, TO ESTABLISH AN ANNUAL SALARY BUDGET FOR EACH EMPLOYEE GROUP IN ADVANCE OF BUDGET AND LABOR NEGOTIATIONS. MOTION CARRIED. Mr. Hunter said the Council wished to discuss the authority and composition of the City's negotia- tion team. Mr. Hunter said the idea behind the "authority" ties directly to the motion previously made by Councilmember Dwyer. Mr. Hunter said once the bargaining team has a set amount of funds to work within, they would continue negotiating, rather than coming back to the Council every time a change is made. Mr. Hunter said this procedure would be followed as long as the negotia- tions stayed within the set amount of funds. Regarding composition, Mr. Hunter said the Council wanted to discuss who the negotiator should be, and whether Department Heads would be at the negotiating table. Mr. Hunter recommended someone from a department be present at the table to answer technical questions relating to the department, but not be part of the negotiating pro- cess. Councilmember Earling said the purpose of this discussion was to not have the Department Directors included in the Executive Sessions on this subject. COUNCILMEMBER EARLING MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST, THAT THE CITY UTILIZE THE PER- SONNEL. MANAGER AS THE CITY'S NEGOTIATOR, ONLY UTILIZING AN OUTSIDE NEGOTIATOR SHOULD THE NEED ARISE, AND THAT DEPARTMENT HEADS NOT BE PRESENT AT EXECUTIVE SESSIONS RELATING TO LABOR NEGOTIA- TIONS. MOTION CARRIED. Regarding the Marketplace cities, Mr. Hunter said the Committee's recommendation is to not use the existing (7) Marketplace cities, instead use more specific comparisons for each position. Councilmember Dwyer said caution should be used when utilizing salary surveys and when job compar- isons are being made. It was the consensus of the Council that other cities can be used in surveying salaries, includ- ing the (7) Marketplace cities, however, the Council wanted a broader mix. COUNCILMEMBER HALL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER PETRUZZI, THAT THE CITY USE A MORE SPECIFIC COMPARISON FOR EACH POSITION WHICH MAY INCLUDE OR MAY NOT BE LIMITED TO THE (7) MARKETPLACE CITIES. Under discussion, Councilmember Kasper inquired if the motion provided for private sector compari- sons. Councilmember Petruzzi replied affirmatively. MOTION CARRIED. Mr. Hunter and the Council discussed proposed changes in COLA and the recommendations of the Salary Task Force. Mr. Hunter said the recommendation is to have a fixed floor and a fixed ceil- ing of 3% and 6% respectively. Councilmember Kasper said he believes 2% and 6% should be used for the fixed floor and a fixed ceiling. COUNCILMEMBER PETRUZZI MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER KASPER, TO USE A RANGE FOR COLA WITH A MAXIMUM OF 6% FOR A CEILING, AND A MINIMUM OF 2% FOR A FLOOR. MOTION CARRIED. Mr. Hunter reviewed the Salary Pool Recommendations for the Directors and Managers. Mr. Hunter said it is the recommendation of the Task Force to remove the top of the salary range and make the individuals eligible for up to a 5% salary increase. It was noted these individuals consist of the positions listed on Page 10 of the Agenda Packet, Grade Level A-1 through D-2. Council President Palmer asked if the 5% cap pertains to 1992 only, and Mr. Hunter replied 1993. Mr. Hunter said 1992 is viewed as a transitional year. EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 4 April 25, 1992 Mr. Hunter reviewed the Mayor's• recommendation regarding pay increases of Directors and Manag- ers. After review of these recommendations, the following action was taken:. COUNCILMEMBER PETRUZZI MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER HALL, TO AUTHORIZE -THE MAYOR TO .USE HER BEST JUDGEMENT CONSISTENT WITH HER RECOMMENDATION REGARDING PERFORMANCE PAY INCREASES FOR DIREC- TORS AND MANAGERS AS SHOWN ON PAGE 21 OF THE AGENDA PACKET, WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT NO ONE WILL RECEIVE AN INCREASE GREATER THAN 3%, AND WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE INCREASE WOULD BE AVAILABLE TO ALL EMPLOYEES WHO ARE EMPLOYED AS OF APRIL 1, 1992. MOTION CARRIED. Regarding Supervisors/Professionals (C2 through Fi), Mr. Hunter reviewed the. Salary Pool Recommen-. dations, listed on page 22 of the Agenda Packet. Mr. Hunter said the current program allows for a 1% to 4% salary increase on their anniversary date. Mr. Hunter said the Task Force recommends a 0% to 5% increase instead. COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER KASPER, THAT.THE EMPLOYEES LISTED IN THE C2 THROUGH F1 RANGE RECEIVE A O% to 5% MERIT •INCREASE ON THEIR ANNIVERSARY DATE THROUGH 1992 WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THEY WOULD NOT RECEIVE ANY ADDITIONAL COLA DURING THAT PERIOD OF TIME-. MOTION CARRIED. On the issue of bonuses, the Council decided to discuss this at a later date. On the issue of Department Directors' Secretaries, COUNCIL PRESIDENT PALMER MOVED, SECONDED BY.COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST, TO DIRECT THE MAYOR AND PERSONNEL MANAGER TO PURSUE REMOVING THE, DEPARTMENT DIRECTORS' SECRETARIAL POSITIONS FROM THE BARGAINING UNIT. MOTION CARRIED. As to the disposition of the Salary Task Force, it was the consensus of the Council to designate the Salary Task Force as a Council Committee, whereby, adding it to the ordinance designating such authorized Council Committees. COUNCILMEMBER PETRUZZI MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER. NORDQUIST, TO DESIGNATE THE SALARY TASK FORCE AS "SALARY REVIEW COMMITTEE" TO CARRY OUT THE WORK AS ASSIGNED BY THE COUNCIL. THE "SALARY �F-REVIEW COMMITTEE" WILL COMPOSE OF THREE COUNCILMEMBERS, AND A MAYOR'S DESIGNEE. THE "SALARY RE- VIEW COMMITTEE" SHALL BECOME A PERMANENT AND PAID COMMITTEE. MOTION CARRIED. With no further business, the Mayor.and Council adjourned the meeting at 12:32'p.m. THESE MINUTES ARE SUBJECT TO MAY 5, 1992 APPROVAL. A PERMANENT RECORDING OF ALL COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE KEPT IN THE -CITY CLERK'S OFFICE. THE OFFICIAL SIGNED COPY OF THESE MINUTES IS ON FILE IN THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE. R onda J. March, City Clerk Laura all, ayo EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 5 April25, 1992 AGENDA EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 1992 SPECIAL WORK MEETING LOCATION: COMMUNITY SERVICES BUILDING CONFERENCE ROOM 250 FIFTH AVE. N., EDMONDS, WASHINGTON CALL TO ORDER - 8:30 A.M. FLAG SALUTE 1. CONTINUED REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF 1992 PERMIT FEE ADJUSTMENTS (CONTD. FROM MARCH 17 AND APRIL 7, 1992) (20 MINUTES) 2. CONTINUED DISCUSSION ON PROPOSED ORDINANCE INCREASING WATER RATES (CONTD. FROM APRIL 14, 1992) (60 MINUTES) 3. CONTINUED REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF SALARY TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS (CONTD. FROM MARCH 24 AND APRIL 7, 1992) (60 MINUTES) ADJOURN THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO ATTEND PARKING AND MEETING ROOMS ARE HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE