HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Operations - 03/02/1992 OPERATI R NS COMMITTEE INtTTE
March 2, 1992
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Christi Houser
Leona Orr
Jim White
STAFF PRESENT: Jim Hansen
Charles Lindsey
Tony McCarthy
May Miller
Kelli O'Donnell
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: Mary Lou Becker
Bernie Biteman
David Dale
Bill Doolittle
Steve Dowell
Brick Leever
Ted Loudenback
John Naylor
Pam Monroe
Charlene Monuszko
Jan Sowa
Georgia Vorhees
UNIDENTIFIED STAFF &
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC Approximately 80 people were present that were not
identified to the Committee.
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chairperson Houser.
Auuroval of Vouchers
All claims for the period ending February 14, 1992, in the amount of$2,101,054.29 were approved for
payment.
Bids on Photocopy Machine Rental
Customer Services Manager Lindsey reported that bids had been received consistent with the procurement
ordinance on the photocopying services for the City. Nine bids were received with seven being valid. He
recommended that the bid be awarded to Cascade Office System who is currently providing the service and
submitted the lowest bid.
Committeemember Orr Moved to recommend acceptance of the low bid. Committeemember White
Seconded the motion which passed with a vote of 3-0.
January Financial Report
Finance Director McCarthy asked to have this item removed from the agenda as it would be heard at the
City Council meeting tomorrow evening.
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OPTIONS COMMITTEE MATES
March 2, 1992
Employee Definitions Policy
This item was for the Committee's information and there was no discussion.
Housing & Human Services Department
Committee Chairperson Houser informed those present that the public testimony would be given on this
agenda item until 6:30 p.m. She further stated that the item would be continued to the next meeting of
the Operations Committee. Houser asked for anyone wishing to address the Committee to sign up on the
list in the foyer.
Assistant City Administrator Hansen gave an update to those present of why the item was before the
Committee and reviewed his memorandum to the Committee outlining the advantages and disadvantages
of the proposal.
Chairperson Houser called people forward to speak from the sign up sheet.
Pam Monroe stated that the Senior Center had given her a place to utilize her time;to keep busy and make
new friends.
Ted Loudenback stated that he was a member of the Kent Activity Center Advisory Group and presented
a petition with over 400 names who oppose moving the Senior Center out of Kent Parks and Recreation
Department and that there were many more that opposed the move. He read a statement on their behalf
which questioned the necessity of moving the Senior Center out of Parks and into the Department of
Housing and Human Services. He cited examples of how the Senior Center activities and functions are
related to the Parks and Recreation Department with only lib to 2% of the activities related to human
services.
The statement noted the importance of maintaining an upbeat, wholesome image. The Center currently
has 3,000 registered seniors with approximately 400 attending activities daily and with insufficient space
to add more programs. He also stated that the Parks Director was an exceptional administrator and
expressed his disagreement with the Warner Group Study that recommended this change. In closing he
suggested that Parks could be moved under Health and Human Services with the Parks Director
administering the program which would result in a$146,000 savings and that the current proposal would
be a grave error.
Georgia Vorhees stated that she has been a resident of Kent for 17 years and for the past 10 years been
a senior center participant. She stated that she didn't like the proposed changes and read a letter that
appeared in the paper from Gary Monuszko questioning the need to treat people differently.
Brick Leever stated that he was also a member of the Kent Senior Advisory Committee. He noted that it
was important to get a fresh look at an organization but first there must be an understanding of the
department to make recommendations. He noted that the Warner Group did not interview staff or
members of the Senior Center or the likeness to Parks activities would have been oWous.
During further comments he noted that two-thirds of the senior centers in the U.S. were operated under
parks and recreation departments and only one in the area was not operated under parks which was
privately owned. In addition, Federal Way has studied the issue and has concluded to follow the current
Kent structure.
Charlene Monuszko addressed the Committee noting that her husband had written the letter to the editor
read previously. She added that they have lived in Kent for fifteen years and have twoi,children with special
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OPERATIONS COMMITTEE MINCJTES"
March 2, 1992
needs. She outlined her experience in addressing services for special needs in the, ate and Kent area
through which she has learned that Kent is "doing it right"by keeping the services ij the community.
She added that her family has twice considered leaving Kent due to the fact that her children are not
allowed to attend school. Kent has provided services through Parks and Recreation in which her children
are fully participating members of the community. The Parks Department has never,dwelled on deficits.
She added that human services across the country haven't figured that concept out.
During further comments she asked the Committee to study the issue and gather as:much information as
possible to make the right decision. She also suggested changing the name to make it feel better if they
believed it was necessary to make a change now.
Bill Doolittle stated that the purpose of the Warner Group Study was to "improve efficiency" stating that
the City would be pushed to enhance the Senior Center other, than providing more room. Special
Populations recently received the"Best Operations Award"for this size city at Council. He questioned the
potential of containing administrative costs when a new department head would take $40,000 out of
another program.
During further comments he added that he felt that this was an attempt to reduce the responsibility of the
most successful department head in Kent.
Steve Dowell informed the Committee that a few years ago a division at the Senior Center had brought
accusations of theft and fraud resulting in a police investigation. The benefit of this, difficulty had been
the idea of a Senior Activity Advisory Committee which is elected in a democratic nuinner.
John Naylor passed when given an opportunity to speak.
Mary Lou Becker stated that she was one of the original parents ten years ago who asked for the disabled
to retain the old Senior Center for Special Populations. The request was granted by Mr.Wilson who has
their best interest at heart. She added that she was comfortable with Parks and was distressed and
disappointed to read about this proposal in the paper.
She pointed out that she has never seen the Committee members in the Special Populations Center during
a program. She was disappointed that people were never asked for their opinion when,the could have been
a great help to make the transition. She added that the specialists that work at the Special Populations
Center were not educated for human services.
David Dale stated that he is currently a care provider for the disabled. He agreed with the previous
comments regarding the title of Human Services being derogatory. He also questioned there not being a
budget change since Parks and Special Populations both use the same registration,brochures, and mailing
and he was concerned with maintaining the quality and programs. He asked that tie Committee gather
more information before deciding.
Bennie Biteman stated that it was unfortunate that the name was suggested before the new department was
organized. He noted that he is a twenty year citizen of Kent and been active with the Parks Committee
for ten years with eight years on the Council when tough decisions were made. He noted that he disagreed
with the philosophy of the Parks Director.
He added that multiple decisions faced the Council with a city of 40,000 poop , there were many
questions. He suggested a department just for the seniors. Perhaps the seniors sho Wt take the title of
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OP RATIONS COM IME MITES
March 2, 1992
human services but be an independent department. He felt this possibility would follow the lead of
corporations, smaller depamnents for more control and effectiveness.
Committee Chairperson Houser stated that one more speaker would be heard and this item would be
continued at the next Operations Committee meeting which wM begin at 5:45 pan,and run until every one
has a chance to voice there opinion.
Jan Sowa stated that the statement that there was no major impact was incorrect. There would be an
adverse impact on Special Population in having two different places to sign up. She felt they deserve the
same treatment as everyone else instead of square pegs that don't fit.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m. by Chairperson Houser.
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