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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Operations - 10/11/1995 OPE RA.TONS C OMMITTE AIINU E S OCTOBER 11, 1995 COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Jon Johnson-Committee Chair, Christi Houser, Leona Orr STAFF PRESENT: Kelly Brown,Ed Crawford,Sharon Hayden,Roger Lubovich,Brent McFall,Judge McSeveney, May Miller, Kelli O'Donnell, Leona Orr, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: Mr. Chen The meeting was called to order at 9:38 a.m. by Chairperson Johnson. Ap2roval of Vouchers: All claims for the'period ending 'September 29, 1995, in the amount of $1,105,612.81 were approved for payment. Municipal Court Report Director of Operations Brent McFall noted that the Committee previously requested a comparison of Aukeen District Court charges to the expenses of Kent Municipal Court. McFall stated that a report had been distributed with the agenda and that Judge McSeveney, Chief Crawford, and Roger Lubovich were invited to speak to the Committee regarding how the system is actually working compared to the district court system. Court Administrator Kelly Brown explained that in 1993 police officer overtime for court appearances was at$73,000 which had been reduced to $25,000 in 1994. Judge McSeveney stated that in 1994 the Court made a commitment to tighten up the system to provide better service in scheduling bench trials and motions. This resulted in calendaring these items for Thursdays and Fridays when most officers are on duty thus reducing overtime. In addition, monitoring of fines and probation has also been improved. McSeveney stated that he had sent out a"How are we doing?" letter to the 129 lawyers utilizing the Court in 1994 and received no negative responses. McFall pointed out that there is also a certain amount of lead time in collection of fines. Kelly added that the Office of the Administrator of the Courts and the State Auditor have stated that it normally takes three to five years to establish accounts receivables. She stated that it is remarkable that after two years we will equal Aukeen's numbers which has been a long established court. During further comments, McSeveney noted the limitations of only one courtroom. City Attorney Lubovich stated that the figures used in the comparison were the actual filing fees for Aukeen in 1993. He noted that new fees were proposed at a much higher rate which facilitated the City dropping out. Roger explained that the secondary theme was the drive to improve service. The Municipal Court compliments the attorney and police operations; Aukeen made no accommodations. Since the move to Kent Municipal Court, domestic violence cases have been dealt with to cut down repeat offenders. Lubovich gave additional examples of improvements in service to the citizens of Kent. Chief of Police Ed Crawford explained to the Committee that while at Aukeen an officer would work until 3 or 4 a.m. and come into court for a 9 a.m. hearing but attorneys would show up late leaving officers waiting. The Municipal Court has consistent starting times. He noted that McSeveney is also the Co-Chair of the Domestic Violence Committee and serves as a voice of the constitution. Crawford stated that there have been many positive improvements including scheduling consistency and responsiveness to the City. He concluded that on the police side there are two issues that need to be addressed down the road: video arraignment and added security. Finance Director May Miller stated that on the collection side Aukeen always had the attitude of, "that's our business,we'll let you know." May noted that there is now cooperation between the City and the Court Administrator which will lead to continued improvements in revenue collection. During further discussion, Committeemember Orr asked what the status of video arraignment was. McFall replied that OPERATIOSS COMMITTEE MINVCES, CONT. OCTOBER 11 1995 there have been equipment problems. After further discussion, Committeemember Houser asked for a report at the next Operations meeting. Capital Facilities Plan Director of Finance May Miller reviewed the Capital Facilities Plan with the Committee. On page 3 she noted that the annexation startup costs for 1996 will be covered by the annexation revenue and have not all been transferred over. During her review May noted that the plan combines all of the plans for water, streets,parks,etc. The plan will be updated every"" ar and the annexation will be included next year. May asked for authorization to adopt the 1996 portion of the CFP to be folded into the 1996 budget. Houser asked what the property sale on page 3 was. Miller and McFall stated that they would need to check and respond back. During further discussion Chair Johnson asked if the sidewalks in the annexation area would have the same priority as the original sidewalk program. McFall responded affirmatively that school areas would have top priority with funding available. Orr moved to recommend adoption of the 1996-2001 Capital Facilities Plan with the 1996 portion to be added to the 1996 budget. Houser seconded and the motion passed 3-0. Chair Johnson asked to have the item placed under Other Business on the Council Agenda. Lubovich noted that a resolution will be prepared to document the adoption of the plan. Miller noted that there will be a Budget Workshop from 5:30-6:30 on Council night and the hearing on the CFP will be continued at Council. There being no further business, Committee Chair Johnson adjourned the meeting at 10:25 a.m. Page 2 OPERATIONS COMMITTEIAMINUTE S OCTOBER 11, 1995 COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Jon Johnson-Committee Chair, Christi Houser, Leona Orr STAFF PRE SENT: Kelly Brown,Ed Crawford,Sharon Hayden,Roger Lubovich,Brent McFall,Judge McSeveney, May Miller, Kelli O'Donnell, Leona Orr, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: Mr. Chen The meeting was called to order at 9:3 8 a.m. by Chairperson Johnson. Approval of Vouchers: All claims for the'period ending September 29, 1995, in the amount of $1,105,612.81 were approved for payment. Municipal Court Report Director of Operations Brent McFall noted that the Committee previously requested a comparison of Aukeen District Court charges to the expenses of Kent Municipal Court. McFall stated that a report had been distributed with the agenda and that Judge McSeveney, Chief Crawford, and Roger Lubovich were invited to speak to the Committee regarding how the system is actually working compared to the district court system. Court Administrator Kelly Brown explained that in 1993 police officer overtime for court appearances was at$73,000 which had been reduced to $25,000 in 1994. Judge McSeveney stated that in 1994 the Court made a commitment to tighten up the system to provide better service in scheduling bench trials and motions. This resulted in calendaring these items for Thursdays and Fridays when most officers are on duty thus reducing overtime. In addition, monitoring of fines and probation has also been improved. McSeveney stated that he had sent out a"How are we doing?" letter to the 129 lawyers utilizing the Court in 1994 and received no negative responses. McFall pointed out that there is also a certain amount of lead time in collection of fines. Kelly added that the Office of the Administrator of the Courts and the State Auditor have stated that it normally takes three to five years to establish accounts receivables. She stated that it is remarkable that after two years we will equal Aukeen's numbers which has been a long established court. During further comments, McSeveney noted the limitations of only one courtroom. City Attorney Lubovich stated that the figures used in the comparison were the actual filing fees for Aukeen in 1993. He noted that new fees were proposed at a much higher rate which facilitated the City dropping out. Roger explained that the secondary theme was the drive to improve service. The Municipal Court compliments the attorney and police operations; Aukeen made no accommodations. Since the move to Kent Municipal Court, domestic violence cases have been dealt with to cut down repeat offenders. Lubovich gave additional examples of improvements in service to the citizens of Kent. Chief of Police Ed Crawford explained to the Committee that while at Aukeen an officer would work until 3 or 4 a.m. and come into court for a 9 a.m. hearing but attorneys would show up late leaving officers waiting. The Municipal Court has consistent starting times. He noted that McSeveney is also the Co-Chair of the Domestic Violence Committee and serves as a voice of the constitution. Crawford stated that there have been many positive improvements including scheduling consistency and responsiveness to the City. He concluded that on the police side there are two issues that need to be addressed down the road: video arraignment and added security. Finance Director May Miller stated that on the collection side Aukeen always had the attitude of, "that's our business,we'll let you know." May noted that there is now cooperation between the City and the Court Administrator which will lead to continued improvements in revenue collection. During further discussion, Committeemember Orr asked what the status of video arraignment was. McFall replied that OPERATIOSS COMMITTEE MINIMS, CONT. there have been equipment problems. After further discussion, Committeemember Houser asked for a report at the next Operations meeting. Capital Facilities Plan Director of Finance May Miller reviewed the Capital Facilities Plan with the Committee. On page 3 she noted that the annexation startup costs for 1996 will be covered by the annexation revenue and have not all been transferred over. During her review May noted that the plan combines all of the plans for water, streets,parks,etc. The plan will be update&&-w ar and the annexation will be included next year. May -' asked for authorization to adopt the 1996 portion of the CFP to be folded into the 1996 budget. Houser asked what the property sale on page 3 was. Miller and McFall stated that they would need to check and respond back. During further discussion Chair Johnson asked if the sidewalks in the annexation area would have the same priority as the original sidewalk program. McFall responded affirmatively that school areas would have top priority with funding available. Orr moved to recommend adoption of the 1996-2001 Capital Facilities Plan with the 1996 portion to be added to the 1996 budget. Houser seconded and the motion passed 3-0. Chair Johnson asked to have the item placed under Other Business on the Council Agenda. Lubovich noted that a resolution will be prepared to document the adoption of the plan. Miller noted that there will be a Budget Workshop from 5:30-6:30 on Council night and the hearing on the CFP will be continued at Council. There being no further business, Committee Chair Johnson adjourned the meeting at 10:25 a.m. Page 2