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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Operations - 02/11/1992 OPERATIONS COMMITT EE tl1' 'TES February 11, 1992 city Clerk COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Christi Houser Leona Orr Jim White COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Jon Johnson Paul Mann STAFF PRESENT: Ed Chow Jim Hansen Jim Harris Roger Lubovich Tony McCarthy Alana McIalwain May Miller Rose Nelson Kelli O'Donnell MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC IDENTIFIED: Steve Dowell Tim Gates Bill Doolittle Jean Parietti The meeting was called to order at 5:35 p.m. by Chairperson Houser. Approval of Vouchers All claims for the period ending January 14, 1992, in the amount of$1,701,446.38 for the 1991 claims; January 15, 1992 in the amount of$741,793.93 for 1992 claims; and for the period ending January 30, 1992 in the amount of $1,238,545.53, for the 1991 claims, and January 31, 1992 in the amount of $1,005,441.95 for 1992 claims. Resolution for a Full-time Mayor Position City Councilmember Paul Mann stated that he felt that it was time that serious consWexation be given to increasing the mayor's salary to full-time. He said that, "With a city of Kent's 4w and budget it is inexcusable to continue with a part-time mayor." He added that, "With all of ,the administrative responsibilities that fall on the mayor it is time the Council weigh moving in that ditec0 n. Mann continued by outlining the questions that he felt needed to be considered: 1. Compensation for Renton and Auburn mayors to ascertain an average. 2. Consider estimation of benefits for similar size city. 3. Administration consider funding for full-time position from Administration's budget. City Attorney Lubovich reviewed the ordinance attached to the agenda. He noted that it was an ordinance and not a resolution as stated on the agenda. The proposed ordinance amends the City Code to reflect a full-time position and salary, in addition, the stipend for meetings would be eliminated under full-time employment. 1 T • • A OPERATIONS COMMITTEE MINUTES February 11, 1992 Committeemember White asked about the proposed timing. Mann responded that he felt "a reasonable period of time," but two years seemed too long. He felt the mayor would be agreeable to the change. White stated he had backed a full-time mayor since before he took office and felt the fallowing should be addressed: 1. The hiring freeze - particularly police needs. 2. A memo from the mayor explaining his change of position. 3. Staff reductions in Administration to finance the budget increase for a full-time mayor. White stated that this position would be "in the ballpark of $80,000" and would need to be justified without having a lay off in light of the hiring freeze. He agreed with the principal but is concerned that the timing isn't right; he suggested it would be better to wait until the election for public input. He noted that this proposal was first mentioned when the mayor was considering running for Congress. White felt that, "it was important that the mayor make a commitment to the City and not use a full-time position as a stepping stone." Committee Chairperson Houser asked if there were any further comments. Committeemember Orr noted that she was concerned with the process. White stated that he felt it should be a campaign issue for 1993 which would encourage public involvement. Orr stated that this would be impractical and would take the City Council out of the decision process; it would make more sense to make the position one or the other so candidates would know what they are running for. During further discussion Orr suggested an advisory ballot could pose a separate question to voters. White asked what costs would be involved. Houser pointed out that a full-time position would open up the office to people who were never involved before and would be too complicated if it was not decided before the election. Houser suggested a public meeting or advisory ballot to gather public input. She further noted that the need is here for a full-time mayor and the Council has some expertise to decide with public input. White again asked why the proposal was being made at this time. Mann stated that the Council has a responsibility to their constituents when they see a need to address it. During his two terms he has seen it become evident that Administration can't function efficiently;important decisions are put on hold. Mann noted that, "It is impossible to run a $65 million business with a part-time mayor and it is irresponsible." White pointed out that Tacoma has a part-time mayor and full-time manager. Mann.noted that they have a different form of government. During further debate White asked what the function of Administration was under out form of government. Houser asked for a job description for the next meeting. White asked why a change should be made now instead of part of the 1993 budget process. Mann responded that when he had a hint that it was possible now he decided to act on it. Mann had noted the possibility in his campaign and when the Valley Daily News was covering the election. White stated that he needed some answers. Houser noted that the Committee was requesting responses on: funding, the ordinance, whether it should be full- or part-time, administrations function, the relationship to the hiring freeze, and a survey of other cities. She noted that the Committee is only"fact finding" at this point. 2 1 �^ 7r OPERATIONS COMMITTEE MINUTES February 11, 1992 Bill.Doolittle addressed the Committee stating that he objected to the process. He asked that the Council determine whether the position is full- or part-time as opposed to a political campaign deciding the question. He noted his concern on the timing and suggested it be decided and then implemented in 1994 when the new term took effect. He also said that the administration budget is top heavy and should be thinned out. Doolittle noted that it appears that the salary is trying to be justified first before otlter basic issues. He suggested that Federal Way,Auburn and Tukwila could also be looked at for salary information. He noted that if the current position was changed mid-term it would not reflect the choice of the people since the mayor had been elected for a part-time position. Lubovich added that the ordinance was pulled directly from the City Code and sets the salary per state statute as well as full- or part-time and whether a stipend will be given. He also explained that in a mayor/council form of government the mayor is the CEO, while in a mayor/manage.'form the manager is the CEO. He added that the different forms of government should be noted when doing comparisons. Steve Dowell addressed the Committee and asked for more information on the stipend and retirement benefits. Lubovich answered that usually the stipend for meetings is not given for full-time positions. Dowell asked if it would include retirement if full-bane. Lubovich answered that he would be entitled to retirement and other benefits as any other full-time city employee. Hansen stated that a cost break out of all benefits would be prepared for cost comparison. Dowell asked what directions the Committee had been given by the Council. Lubovich replied that it had been passed to Committee for review. Houser added that no action was planned at this point the Committee is just trying to find out the facts and gather suggestions and comments. Office of Housing and Human Services Proposal Assistant City Administrator Hansen reviewed with the Committee the history of the Warner Group Study that came out in 1991. At the time of the report the Warner Group had recommended the creation of a Health and Human Services Department consolidating like functions within the City. He further explained that the recommendation proposed combining the CDBG program, Human Services Commission funding, Special Populations and the Senior Center. After reviewing the recommendations,the,Mayor endorsed the recommendation for an Office of Health and Human Services without adding the Special Populations Center and Senior Center in his memorandum of May 6, 1991. The proposed Office of Health and Human Services was brought to the Operations Committee on January 14, 1992. Following the initial approval by the Operations and Planning Committees, a Councilmember asked that the original proposal be considered incorporating the Special PopubWoap Center and Senior Center. Hansen recommended that the Operations Committee review the origins}PV, al and invite the Planning Committee and Parks Committee to the next meeting, the C 'pf the respective committees have concurred with this approach. Committeemember Orr noted that the staff will develop background information for the next meeting. Houser asked that all of the committees be given the same information. Orr added that it makes sense to have it all at one meeting instead of three times and will save staff time. White stated that he had no problem as long as the other committees can be at the meeting although this doesn't S.We as much time for public input. He stated that he did have a concern with the timing and how it is decided which recommendations of the management study are implemented. 3 f 't OPERATIONS COMMITTEE MINUTES February 11, 1992 Hansen replied that the study has been systematically implemented with cost neutral items being brought forth every month or two as staff time allows which will continue. At some point all of the cost neutral items will be implemented and it will be determined if other items are feasible. During further discussion, Committeemember Orr asked that a memorandum be sent to all of the Committees so that all of the Council is aware of the process. Steve Dowell asked if there would be any increased costs to establish a new depnt. Hansen replied there would not be any increase in the general fund at this time. During further discussion Hansen noted that more detailed information would be prepared for the next meeting. Senior Housing Project Bill Doolittle addressed the Committee with some questions relating to the Senior Housing Project. He noted that when the project was initiated there were 300 elderly people in Kent identified. He had some concerns with King County Housing Authority taking applications without giving Kent citizens priority. Hansen replied that Kent residents will receive priority and that income will be a deervaining factor as well. During further discussion, it was noted that there is only an information list at thi t time. Some senior citizens are under the false impression that being on the information list has a bearing on the final application process. Hansen noted that a letter is being prepared that will hopefullydampen some of the rumors. A discussion followed regarding the ownership of the land at the completion of the project. Meeting Dates Committeemember Orr asked if the meeting dates could be changed as the current schedule will not work for her. It was decided to meet the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 5:30 pxx beginning March 2, 1992. The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m. by Chairperson Houser. 4