HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Operations - 03/22/1995 OPE OTIONS COMMITTE I INUTE S
`.e MARCH 22, 1995
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Jon Johnson- Chair, Leona Orr, Christi Houser
STAFF PRESENT: Laurie Evezich, John Hillman, John Hodgson, Mary Ann Kern, Roger
Lubovich, Brent McFall,Jim Miller, May Miller, Kelli O'Donnell
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: None.
The meeting was called to order at 9:35 a.m. by Chairperson Johnson.
Approval of Vouchers All claims for the period ending March 15, 1995, in the amount of
$1,377,671.14 were approved for payment.
Added Item - COPS Fast Grant Apcation
Captain Jim Miller distributed a packet of information explaining that the Department of Justice
COPS Fast program has awarded funding for two police officers based on the original
application. Captain Miller explained that the grant could be applied to entry level or lateral
officers. The Police Department proposes the use of lateral officers. Captain Miller directed
the Committee to the summary page outlining the three proposals that could be utilized with
grant fiends to gain input from the Council on which option they would prefer. He explained
the grant was for $75,000 per officer or 75%, whichever is lower, over three years. Miller
explained option one proposes using the majority of the grant monies the first year to offset any
burden the City might have in staffing for the Meridian Annexation with the City assuming the
majority of the costs for the second and third years. Options two and three take the approach
of spreading the grant and City share in equal increments for option two and the grant portion
declining over three years in option three.
Captain Miller explained that the purpose of the grant was to provide funding for community
oriented policing efforts. The proposals are for funding of two dedicated bicycle officers for
large apartment complexes, certain businesses and in communication with the schools.
Finance Manager May Miller explained that the first option would require about$18,000 from
the general government fund and the financial report shows that approximately$60,000 would
be available. Option 2 would require budgeting some additional revenue possibly from the RJC
permit fees. Option 1 would be preferable with revenue from the RJC and annexation available
for the two remaining years.
Committeemember Houser asked if these officers were included in the sixteen officers being
hired for annexation as well as five support staff. It was explained that this grant was applied
for to take care of some of the existing problems in the City. Captain Miller stated that we have
seen the success of the bicycle program. Currently the bicycle officers are also used as part of
patrol to cover areas of the City in a car. The purpose of this request is to remove the officers
from patrol and make two bicycle officers full-time to put on the street. The grant requires that
the funds be applied to community functions not regular patrol. During further discussion
Committeemember Orr asked if the bicycle officers could be used in the annexation area as part
of the City. In other words, they would not be precluded from the annexation area. Captain
Miller responded that is correct. Orr moved to recommend Option 1; Houser seconded. May
Miller asked if that would include a budget change for 1995. After a response that it would the
Committee voted 3-0 in favor of the motion.
OPERATIONS COMMITTEE MINUTES, Cont.
MARCH 22, 1995
Adoption of Animal Control Ordinance
City Attorney Roger Lubovich explained that the City has an interlocal agreement with King
County for animal control. King County recently updated their code to deal with exotic animals
and the purpose of this ordinance is to update our code so it is consistent with theirs. These
changes would prohibit the private ownership of exotic pets with definitions of exotic pets. The
ordinance allows ownership by museums,zoos,etc. It also provides licensing and regulations
for those that had exotic pets prior to the effective date. During further discussion Assistant
City Attorney Laurie Evezich explained that our current ordinance has a section on snakes.
Evezich requested the Committee to entertain a motion to authorize the City Attorney's Office
to prepare the ordinance to amend the animal control ordinance. Orr so moved, Houser
seconded the motion passed 3-0.
International Park -Yangzhou Pavilion
Parks and Recreation Director John Hodgson reminded the Committee that last fall the City
entered into an agreement with our sister city of Yangzhou which included the building of a
pavilion. In preparation for construction the plans need to be translated into English and a
structural engineer will be required to be on site. Lee and Associates has experience in this area
and have prepared a master plan for the park. They will work with Yangzhou to make sure
everything is done right and the site is prepared for construction. Hodgson noted that the park
is at Burlington Greens and is part of the combined sister cities parks. During further
discussion,Hodgson requested $50,000. He indicated$18,000 would be used to interpret the
plans, provide structural engineering and on site engineering while building. He noted the
remainder of the $50,000 may be used for the five technicians that Yangzhou will be sending
to erect the pavilion although it is hoped that a donation from the foundation may pay for their
stay in Kent.
Houser asked what the City would be giving in return to Yangzhou. After a discussion of
options,May Miller recommended that$50,000 be allocated from the 1994 CIP balance since
funds are available which would leave the reserve intact. Orr so moved,Houser seconded and
the motion passed 3-0.
Kent Commons Water Heater Replacement
May Miller explained that the Commons has had difficulty with the water heater which is close
to rusting out. If this occurred, it could result in serious damage. May stated that staff had
worked with the gas company on the possibility of running gas lines to the Commons. This
would save $14,500 a year. May recommended a budget of$25,000 to run gas to the building
and purchase new tanks. Funding would be from the CIP fund balance. Operation savings
would result in savings in the general fund which had not been budget for this year.
After further discussion, Orr moved to recommend authorization for a budget of$25,000 from
the excess 1994 CIP fund balance to replace the Kent Commons electrical hot water tank with
a gas hot water system. Houser seconded the motion which passed 3-0.
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OPERATIONS COMMITTEE MINUTES, Cont.
MARCH 22, 1995
Commons Air Conditioning Update
May Miller reported that an architect had been hired to begin design work for the air
conditioning at the Commons. Their initial report indicates that we are$300,000 short of what
is needed. Staff has asked for a proposal within $100,000 of the proposed budget. May
indicated that the building leased to service agencies required extensive duct work. She
proposed that the $66,000 budgeted for water pipes be divided with $50,000 used for air
conditioning and the remainder used to work with an architect to assess the project cost for
replacing the water pipes in City Hall. She added that John Hodgson has agreed to defer the
First Avenue Plaza and transfer the$50,000 budgeted for the Commons air conditioning. It is
anticipated other parks projects might have savings that could be used for the First Avenue
Plaza. May noted that this was for the Committees information and she would keep the
Committee updated.
Domestic Violence Staffing
Committeemember Houser stated that the Domestic Violence Advocate spoke to the Drinking
Driver Task Force and Houser noted her concern over the overwhelming amount of work that
she is doing with over 1,000 cases filed last year. She stated that there is currently a part time
person that is willing to work full time and asked if the funds could be found to give part time
staff to domestic violence which could be expanded to full time after the annexation. She stated
that two victims advocates for a City of 60,000 when the case load is so high,seems reasonable.
Roger Lubovich indicated that the handout had been prepared at the request of'Christi Houser
and explained that the cost estimates are for either a new position or the expagsion of the current
person job sharing in the City Attorney's Office to full time. He noted that the cost of
expanding the current person is higher but would save training expenses. Roger agreed that the
advocate is overwhelmed. He noted his concern for staffing of the court for tracking of
domestic violence cases and whether the need is greater in the court. Director of Operations
McFall requested that the Committee allow time to look at these issues. During further
discussion, Roger noted that a new prosecutor has been hired with extensive background in
domestic violence. He explained that staff is working on streamlining the process and
addressing repeat offenders and what can be done between enforcement and prosecution. It was
determined that Administration would look at the options and report back to the Committee.
ReQUested Regort on Harrison Hie
Committeemember Houser requested a report on Harrison House updating,the Committee on
subsidies,etc. McFall stated that a report would be presented at a future Committee meeting.
February Financial Report
Finance Director May Miller distributed the February Financial Report. wring her review,
May indicated that the Councilmanic Bonds were at 34%of capacity with'50%paid off. On
page 10 she noted sales tax came in at 4.2%over budget for March for a cumulative of 5.6%
over for the year totaling over$133,000. During further review,May indicated that fines and
forfeitures are over budget by $18,000 which might be due to an increasing number of tickets
or an increased effort in collections. McFall interjected that fines can take a year or two to be
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OPERATIONS COMMITTEE MINUTES, Cont.
MARCH 22, 1995
paid and must be carried on the books but may not be collected. A discussion followed of
collection efforts. May stated that water and sewer are also being reported.at 4.8%and 3.7%
over budget respectively. May added that the drainage increase had been budgeted for the City
before it was deferred to next January. She projected that this will result in$80,000 over budget
that may be used for the annexation or one time only costs. In reviewing the golf course
revenue and expenses, it was reported that food and lessons are up which results in increase
costs to the City. May completed her review of the February Financial Report.
There being no further business,Committee Chair Johnson adjourned the meeting at 10:40 a.m.
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