HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Operations - 08/24/19940 i
OPERATIONS COMMITTEE MINUTES
AUGUST 24, 1994
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Jon Johnson - Chair, Leona Orr
STAFF PRESENT: Lea Bishop, Ken Chatwin, John, Hodgson, Brenda Jacober, Roger Lubovich,
Brent McFall, May Miller, Kelli O'Donnell, Scott Woods
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: Cheryl Reid
The meeting was called to order at 9:33 a.m. by Chairperson Johnson.
&12roval of Vouchers All claims for the period ending July 29, 1994, in the amount of
$1,705,060.95 and for August 15, 1994, in the amount of $1,691,093.93 were approved for payment.
Filing and Administration of Claims Against the City - Ordinance
City Attorney Lubovich informed the Committee that this item was being brought forward for two
reasons; one, to update filing requirements to be consistent with State statutes; and two, to authorize
the Mayor to settle small claims which would allow more flexibility in negotiations as well as
making administration of small claims easier. Lubovich summarized that the filing period would
remain 60 days to spell out damages and that a $15,000 limit was used for discussion purposes, it
could be higher or lower. Committeemember Orr asked that the council somehow be informed of
the types of claims being settled and the dollar amount of those claims. McFall responded that an
administrative practice of reporting could be instituted or a sentence could be added to the ordinance
in section 2.97.020 stating " ... and report to the Council all settlements entered into should be
reported to the Council". After further discussion, Leona stated that with that addition she moved
to approve this ordinance. Johnson seconded. A discussion followed regarding payment of claims
during which Lubovich noted that they are currently working on establishing a litigation fund so that
individual departments are not hit in their general fund and to help track claims. McFall added that
an amount is being added to the 1995 budget for this purpose. The motion then carried 2-0.
Senior Center Bus - Budget Change
After May Miller explained that the additional funds were needed to meet ADA requirements, Parks
and Recreation Director John Hodgson explained to the Committee that the 24 passenger bus does
have to meet ADA requirements. He noted that this includes a lift, braking system and heavier
chassis. John stated that the City cannot get the bus without this additional expense and the expense
needs to be approved or a decision made not to have one. He added that a lot of seniar, activities go
beyond the 15 passenger limit of a single van which requires the use of two, vim. Recreation
Facility Manager Lea Bishop stated that last month they had over 40 on the waitipg ljj� for a number
of activities and one bus and driver would be more cost effective. McFall poi aw cot that the real
issue is the additional cost of half again because of ADA requirements. Orr, armed khat the driver
cost was. Bishop replied that two part time drivers are utilized at $10 per, hour. lOrta4ped if the vans
were air conditioned. Bishop replied that one was and the other was not andft awed the bus
would be. Johnson noted his surprise at the cost of ADA on these type of issues.
McFall informed the Committee that the City originally though it would not fall under ADA
requirements, Bishop added that it is considered public transportation. Miller informed the
Committee that out of the additional sales tax revenue the money had been reserved pending
approval of this expense. Orr moved to approve the extra $20,000 and asked if this would be enough
OPERA ONS COMMITTEE MINU1%, C..t.
August 24, 1994
funds. Hodgson replied that informal bids have been obtained and he is hopeful the formal bidding
process will be tighter. Johnson seconded the motion which carried 2-0.
July Financial Report
May Miller noted that the first part of the report had been reviewed in the workshop and skipped to
page 13 for review pointing out that the graph at the bottom showed that retail is now the largest
percentage of City businesses and that wholesale is also up which actually generates 60% of the
City's tax revenue. Out of 3,562 businesses reporting in the City 1,575 are retail or wholesale. There
were 172 more businesses from July to July which reflects the filling of vacancies. In reviewing the
report on page 20 and 21, McFall noted that even though the overall golf revenue was down,
merchandise is above budget and the City has to pay more to the contractor. Miller noted that there
will be a rate increase effective in July. Orr asked if this will impact the number of people playing.
McFall responded that the City will track the number of rounds played and prices are competitive
with other courses. Miller added that the driving range may be impacted by the new driving range
facility opening.
On page 22, Miller noted that she was still working on balancing the forecast and on page 26 that
the equipment rental fund will hold the line on rates and each car is being assessed to extend the life
of the cars as possible. In addition, all of the vehicles are self insured and the program will be
extended to the fire vehicles next year. On page 28, May explained that the information services
fund includes computer replacement as part of the six year automation plan and a new training room
will be opening shortly. In the unemployment fund on page 29 increased expenses are reflected due
to layoffs and cutbacks. In reviewing the health insurance fund, Miller noted that claims are going
down and she would be looking at next years rates which may be lower. The liability insurance fund
also has extra funds which could be utilized for the small claims settlement account.
Miller explained that page 35 gives the assumptions used for revenue and that on page 36 sales tax
for 1994 is 4.7% over budget and the forecast for 1995 will include a 4.1% increase over 1994.
During further review, May noted that the franchise fee on cable TV was budgeted for $200,000 and
is actually being collected at $150,000. May informed the Committee that they intend to audit to
make sure these figures are accurate. Brent McFall noted that cable revenues are up over what they
were a year ago but not up to expectations. In reviewing the expenditure analysis by department
on page 40, May explained that the 30% increase in the Council budget was the result of the addition
of health and retirement benefits. After completing her review, May asked if there were any
questions. Orr asked what the status of the Saturday Market was for 1995. May replied that the
current contract provides that they pay the City $30,000 and they keep anything over. Roger
Lubovich noted that they are negotiating a contract for 1995 in which the City will get a percentage
of revenue over a set dollar guarantee. Miller concluded her report noting that in October the
preliminary budget should be ready for review at a Council Workshop.
Committee Chair Johnson asked if there was any further business and upon no response adjourned
the meeting at 10:27 a.m.
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