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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. 1 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 2 s 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 3 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. 4