HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Operations - 02/08/1995 j.
OPEOMONS COMMITU*MINUTES
FEBRUARY 8, 1995
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Jon Johnson- Chair, Leona Orr, Christi Houser
STAFF PRESENT: John Hillman,Bob Hutchinson,Roger Lubovich,Arthur Martin, Brent
McFall, Kelli O'Donnell
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: None.
The meeting was called to order at 9:33 a.m. by Chairperson Johnson.
Axproval of Vouchers All claims for the period ending January 30, 1995, in the amount of
$810,897.50 (1994 expenses) and the period ending January 31, 1995, in the amount of
$1,061,143.49 (1995 expenses)were approved for payment.
Appointment of Auditing Officer - Ordinance
Director of Operations Brent McFall explained that at the request of the State Auditor, this
ordinance would codify the current process for audit responsibility. McFall stated that he or
John Hillman from Finance would be glad to answer any questions the Committee has. When
no questions were asked,Committeemember Christi Houser moved to recommend approval of
the ordinance appointing the Operations Committee or its authorized designee as the City
auditing officer.
RTC Inspection Project
McFall stated that the Regional Justice Center(RJC)will soon be entering into the construction
phase which to the City means inspections. McFall stated that the City canwt handle this large
of project with the current staff and proposed that a special project fund be set up to be financed
out of the fees for the RJC permits. He noted that the expected permit revenue is $190,000
which has not been budgeted for and asked that these funds be placed in a project account to pay
for the two positions. McFall noted that one position would begin immediately,and the second
would begin approximately January 1996. He emphasized that these positions would be hired
with the understanding that when the project was completed the positions would be phased out
also. It is possible that if annexation passes positions may be added in the future that these
inspectors could apply for if Council creates new positions.
Committeemember Houser stated that she was uncomfortable hiring two positions and
suggested hiring two part time inspectors. She also questioned the expense of upgrading a
position to lead inspector. McFall replied that the upgrade was not in the proposal. Houser
asked if it would be possible to hire them as part-time to save funds. McFall noted that it would
depend on the workloads and issues of assignment. During further discussion,,Orr agreed that
it seemed like a lot of money just for inspections. Building Inspector Bob Hutchinson explained
that it is an awful lot of project. He stated that the largest project in recent history was Signature
Pointe. This project is similar to having four Signature Pointe projects at one time. He noted
it was not an exact science to come up with projections but using historic data this is the best
he has. Hutchinson noted that there is enough activity now that there is no surplus inspector
time with current staff. It is anticipated that one inspection may require three or four inspectors
at once with two or three days of no inspection in which the project person can help catch up.
He noted that no staffing could result in construction delays.
r OPERATIONS COMMITTEE MINUTES, Coat
FEBRUARY 8, 1995
During further discussion Orr asked if it would be possible to track the actual hours involved
in the project. Bob stated that it is not currently done but he could certainly come up with a
system for this project. Houser asked if a separate vehicle would be purchased. McFall stated
that an existing vehicle would be used with some equipment rental charges associated with it.
Committee Chair Johnson asked that a quarterly report be brought back to the Committee.
McFall suggested that one position be authorized now with quarterly reports and coming back
to the Committee for authorization to hire a second inspector. Hutchinson noted that with this
type of construction it is hard to predict when there will be an acceleration of activity; January
is the best estimate at this time.
After discussion of the impacts of annexations on inspectors, Orr moved to recommend that a
project budget be established for the Regional Justice Center in the amount of$190,000 to be
funded by permit fees paid by King County for the construction of the Regional Justice Center,
and that one building inspector position be authorized in the project budget. This position will
terminate upon conclusion of the RJC project. Any remaining funds in the project budget upon
conclusion of the project shall be transferred to the General Fund of the City. Orly reports
will be provided to the Operations Committee. Houser seconded and the motion passed 3-0.
Committee Chair Johnson asked if there was any other business to come before the Committee.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 9:57 a.m.
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