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02/13/2013 Finance CommitteeFinance Committee Meeting February 13, 2013 Elected Officials Present: Council Member Frank Yamamoto Council Member Adrienne Fraley - Monillas The committee convened at 4:02 p.m. Staff Present: Shawn Hunstock, Finance Director Deb Sharp, Accountant Carrie Hite, Parks, Rec. & Cultural Services Director Phil Williams, Public Works Director Rob English, City Engineer Stephen Clifton, Comm. Svcs. & Econ. Dev. Dir. Al Compaan, Police Chief 1. Discussion regarding alternatives for non - represented longevity compensation. Director Hunstock and Director Hite reviewed the longevity compensation for the four represented bargaining units, and discussed the implications of not having longevity for non - represented employees. There are 40 non - represented employees, and 16 to 17 would be affected. The cost involved would be approximately $33,000 per year. It was noted that non - represented employees do receive 3 days that represented employees do not. Police Chief Compaan spoke on issues within the Police Department that affects 3 staff members. ACTION: Director Hite will make a presentation on this topic to full Council in March for discussion. 2. Potential revenue options. Director Hunstock reviewed the list of potential revenue options that was discussed before at the Council retreat including TBD, sales tax, public safety sales tax, general levy, limited by 6% increase on utility tax; B & O tax, MPD. It was discussed that if it is determined that the city does not move forward with budgeting by priorities then look at pursuing the list of options. There was further discussion on the general levy option versus parks levy. ACTION: Director Hite will discuss during the March Council presentation the differences between a parks levy versus a general levy and the advantages /disadvantages of each. 3. Metropolitan Park District and /or Park Levy Options. Director Hite reviewed the previous work done with the Metropolitan Parks District (MPD) Committee, which Council Member Yamamoto chaired. Director Hite also discussed options that could be considered for a parks levy. Ms. Hite discussed the enhancements that need to happen noting there is approximately $300,000 in deferred maintenance on parks that need to be done, and capital funding of $750,000 for general day to day upgrade of parks. The timeline was reviewed regarding next steps. Finance Committee Minutes February 13, 2013 Page 2 ACTION: This topic will be included in the March Council presentation given by Director Hite. 4. Haines Wharf Park & Walkway Project Accounting. Director Williams discussed a report included in the Committee packet which contains information on the total costs for this project. ACTION: Moved to Consent Agenda at February 19, 2013 Council meeting. 5. Preliminary December 2012 Quarterly Financial Report. Director Hunstock discussed the preliminary December 2012 quarterly financial report. ACTION: Moved to Consent Agenda at February 19, 2013 Council meeting. 6. 2013 February Budget Amendment. Director Hunstock and Mrs. Sharp discussed each of the amendments proposed for the February 2013 budget amendment. ACTION: Moved to February 19, 2013 Council Agenda for discussion and approval. 7. Leak Adjustment Policy revision. Director Hunstock and Director Williams discussed the purpose and need for revisions to the Leakage Adjustment Policy. Revisions to the draft policy were discussed and will be included in the version brought to full Council. The policy addresses concerns of citizens. ACTION: Moved to Consent Agenda at February 19, 2013 Council meeting. 8. Payment Plan Policy for Utility Billing Accounts. Director Hunstock discussed the draft payment plan policy and the circumstances under which a utility customer would be eligible for a payment plan under the new policy. ACTION: Moved to Consent Agenda at February 19, 2013 Council meeting. 9. Energy Savings Contract (ESCO) Ill. Director Williams discussed the project, the grant to be applied for, the match that would be necessary from the City and the future cost savings that will accrue to the City which are guaranteed by the consultant. ACTION: Recommend Staff presentation to the City Council. 10. Ordinance of the City of Edmonds, Washington, granting to Astound Broadband, LLC, a non - exclusive franchise to install, operate, and maintain a fiber optic telecommunications system. Finance Committee Minutes February |3.28|3 Page 3 Director Clifton discussed the new franchise agreement with Astound Broadband which is a replacement for the current agreement with Black Rock Cable. � ACTION: Moved to Consent Agenda at February 19, 2013 Council meeting for approval. = 11' Public Comments D8rrO| Haug commented regarding budget issues and expressed concerns that the public believes w8 have solved issues due tO past actions of the city. H8 indicated that budgeting bv priorities will communicate the need and get people involved. Ron VV8mbOb commented Onthe Strategic Plan, noting parks was 81 the bottom in terms Of priorities. He eDCOU[8ggd Council k} bring Haines Wharf tU Council for discussion and not UOthe consent agenda. HH pointed out that attorneys are not covered OO page 34; seems itshould be the Lighthouse Law Group. H8 discouraged Council tO pay extra for non-represented employees. Bruce Witenberg suggested that thHIVIPD be explained to more citizens. He raised concerns about stacking committees h« using new people because people from the first group have backed out. He raised 8D additional concern regarding the liability Of the city with regard to personnel issues. Where does the money come from? The meeting adjourned at 6:04 p.m.