HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Operations - 01/28/1995 OPE OM ONS COMMITTEMMINUTES
JANUARY 28, 1995
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Jon Johnson- Chair, Leona Orr,Christi Houser
STAFF PRESENT: Tom Brubaker,Becky Fowler,Arthur Martin,Brent McFall,May Miller,
Kelli O'Donnell
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: Barbara Ivanoff
The meeting was called to order at 9:33 a.m. by Chairperson Johnson.
Approval of Vouchers All claims for the period ending January 12, 1995, in the amount of
$1,266,868.44 (1994 expenses) and the period ending January 13, 1995, in the amount of
$601,471.78 (1995 expenses)were approved for payment.
Authorization t t r Into Service r ement for the Green Ei=lakwafionalTraAe
Program
Governmental Affairs Manager Arthur Martin explained that the proposed agreement broadened
last years agreement in order to assure a greater participation of City staff in activities with
Tradec and the Kent Chamber of Commerce so that as the program grows everyone is kept
informed. Martin noted that it is somewhat difficult to anticipate everything since overseas
participants frequently make last minute schedule changes. Arthur noted that the Trade
Exchange has become the centerpiece of exchanges with Green River Community College,the
City, and high school exchanges as well as business relations. He noted the first cultural
exchange with Yangzhou will occur next month with a puppet troupe visit.
Martin stated that the Chamber of Commerce is in agreement with this service agreement and
encouraged the Committee to authorize the agreement. He noted that the funds have been
budgeted and a time table and a report of last years exchange were included in the agenda
package. After further discussion of the benefits,Houser asked what was meant by the "greater
Kent area". Martin responded the SeaTac Airport vicinity would be used this year. Kent
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Barbara Ivanoff added that the Iced Lion at SeaTac
would be used since it is the only facility large enough to handle 450 people on opening day for
meals, etc. Ivanoff noted the importance of keeping the exchange in the South King County
area. Houser asked if a list was available of who is donating to the exchange including funding
amounts. Ivanoff responded that 1995 will include Keybank,Northwest Airlines, Boeing and
possibly the Port of Seattle as well as exhibitors from service firms. She explained that
sponsors contribute$5,000 to $10,000 and fenders are higher.
Houser asked how much Auburn Chamber of Commerce was contributing,' BEIrbara explained
that their contribution consists of recruiting private sponsors within thez.�,ommunity such as
Keybank and a travel company. Martin added that they have been workingwith an investment
group and are also considering Maanshan as a sister city to Auburn. Rents 4,is also looking for
a sister city in China. Arthur noted that Bellevue also has a considerable interest in the program
and he noted the importance of keeping the program under Kent's control. Christi agreed and
Ivanoff added that the City of Kent has grown a nationally recognized program. She related to
the Committee an inquiry she had from the Asia Pacific Institute in Washington DC as well as
coverage in national publications and recognition by the State. Barbara emphasized the struggle
to hold onto the program while trying to find roles for other entities so that a competitive
relationship doesn't develop with other cities. Martin stated that tentative approval has been
received from the President of the Philippines to speak as the keynote for the conference and
two or three new countries will be visited.
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Arthur requested that the Committee recommend to the City Council that the Mayor be
authorized to enter into an agreement for the Green River Valley International Trade Program.
Houser so moved, Orr seconded and the motion passed 3-0.
Budget Change - Salaried.judges Position
Director of Operations Brent McFall stated that the Municipal Court has continued to grow to
the point where it is no longer efficient to pay the judge an hourly rate. McFall proposed that
the judges position be paid at 85%of full time at Department Head Level 2. He noted that this
would result in a $600 a month savings over the hourly rate. Brent explained that as a
contractor the judge currently is responsible for his own taxes, social security and health care,
etc. McFall recommended the creation of the position of Municipal Court Judge as a salaried
position in Department Head Salary Range 2;that the judge's position be budgeted and paid at
the rate of 85% of full time; and that the budget be amended to reflect the creation of the
position of Municipal Court Judge as a salaried position and the necessary funds to pay for the
position be transferred to salaries and benefits from professional services. Orr asked at what
point an election must occur. McFall replied that 35 hours a week is the breaking point
although magistrate time does not all count as judicial hours. After fixrther discussion, Houser
suggested that municipal court facilities and staff be looked at in the next budget. Orr Moved
to approve the creation of the position of Municipal Court Judge as a salaried position in
Department Head Salary Range 2 to be budgeted and paid at the rate of 85%of full time and
the appropriate budget changes be authorized. Houser seconded and the motion pissed 3-0.
December Preliminary Financial Report
Finance Division Director May Miller reviewed the December Preliminary Financial Report
with the Committee. She noted on page one that cash reflects bills being paid through January
20th and the Police retroactive pay for 1993 and 1994. On page two May reviewed the
investments of the City and noted the charts showing the percentage by type and added that the
funds kept in the State Investment Pool are liquid. In reviewing the expenses on page 7,May
noted that in November projects were transferred which is a month earlier than in previous years
and that the preliminary closing indicates expenses will end$200,000 under budget. On page
9, sales tax is estimated to finish at 7%over budget for the total year and after backing out one
time revenue on page 10 sales tax ends at 5% over budget. Miller added that sales tax is up
primarily in retail sales with significant increases in auto dealerships,building supplies,general
merchandise and furniture with 3,508 businesses reporting for the month.
May reviewed page 12 noting utility tax revenue ended up 4.8%. In reviewing toe,building
permits it was noted that the number of permits was up and the total valuation was down, with
RJC not expected until April. May explained that there are still some signs of growth in tenant
improvement and alterations and significant activity in the industrial base. During further
review, a discussion of the mini-putt marketing followed the review of the golf course revenue.
May noted that the teen positions will be added in January. The Street Fund is estimated to end
at$279,000 over budget which May suggested could be used for asphalt overlay. On page 30
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May indicated that the Teen Project has accumulated$95,600 in 1994 which will be added into
1995. Page 31 shows that the Capital Improvements Funds received $345,408 over budget
primarily from sales tax and real estate excise tax. May estimated that Capital Improvements
will end $124,000 over budget in addition to the $486,000 reserve.
After review of the remaining report,Johnson noted that he would life to see the general fund
have more funds carried forward. Miller noted that 1% has been added and that 100% of
salaries is always budgeted although positions are not filled immediately aid turnover allows
vacancies to be filled at entry level rates.
There being no further business,Johnson adjourned the meeting at 10:17 am.
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