HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Operations - 07/13/19940
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OPERATIONS COMMITTEE MINUTES
JULY 13, 1994
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Jon Johnson - Chair, Christi Houser, Leona Orr
STAFF PRESENT: Ken Chatwin, Roger Lubovich, Brent McFall, May Miller, Kelli O'Donnell,
Sue Viseth, Tom Vetsch
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: None
The meeting was called to order at 9:32 a.m. by Chairperson Johnson.
.Approval of Vouchers All claims for the period ending June 30, 1994, in the amount of
$2,232,054.47 were approved for payment.
Unemployment Claim Handling
Risk Manager Chatwin stated that he had been researching the City's unemployment claims history
which was distributed with the agenda. Chatwin noted that some of the claims were in the area of
temporary employees which the City may not be liable for. Chatwin reviewed some of the claims
with the Committee and recommended that the most cost effectiveway to monitor this area would
be to hire a third party administrator with expertise in this area to review claims and pursue those
not valid. A discussion followed regarding negotiated layoffs. Chatwin noted that the City has a
limited time to respond to employee applications during which we may contest claims. City
Attorney Lubovich noted that his staff could perform this function but the third party contractor
looks to be more cost effective. Orr moved to approve the contract for unemployment claim
handling; Houser seconded and the motion passed 3-0.
Probation Services for Municipal Court
Director of Operations McFall informed the Committee that the Court is past six months of operation
and the area of probation services has not been addressed. He noted that currently there are no
supervised probation services and recommended that the City contract with King County Probation
Services at a level of 20 hours per week on an as used basis. In addition, he noted the need for a
probation clerk explaining that many cases will not require checking with a probation officer but
may be required to attend a class or other follow up. Probation fees will be assessed to pay for
services and it is anticipated these will cover costs. McFall noted that over a full year there may be
a slight deficit but if pursued aggressively the City may be able to break even. He added that King
County is ready to go with no start-up cost and can be evaluated over time since their services will
be utilized on a month to month basis. Orr noted that she had met with a probation officer who
claimed it cost nothing to pay for services. McFall responded that every effort will be made and the
Judge is committed to assessing appropriate fees. Lubovich noted that the lag time and collection
issues are contributing factors.
After further discussion, Houser suggested that alternate 2 from the agenda packet be utilized and
assessed at the end of the year. McFall noted his feeling that the need is there for a regular full time
employee. Orr moved to select proposal for services alternate II. Orr seconded and the motion
passed 3-0. McFall requested that the item be placed on the Consent Calendar since it requires a
budget change. Committee Chair Johnson concurred.
Utility Billing - Addition of Regular Part Time Position
Finance Manager Miller informed the Committee that in the last two years two people were lost