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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council Workshop - Minutes - 06/20/2017Kent City Council Workshop Minutes June 20, 2OL7 Kent, Washington Approved July 5, 2OI7 Date: June 20, 2OL7 Time: 5 p.m. Place: Council Chambers East/West Attending: Jim Berrios, Councilmember Tina Budell, Councilmember Brenda Fincher, Councilmember Dennis Higgins, Councilmember Dana Ralph, Councilmember Les Thomas, Councilmember Councilmember Higgins opened the meeting at 5:02 p.m. Agenda: Union Pacific Railroad June 2O, 2Ot7, Malfunctioning Railroad Crossing Gates: Kelly Peterson, Transportation Engineering Manager, provided an update on today's Union Pacific Railroad malfunctioning crossing gates. Union Pacific and the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission were notified and an investigation has been initiated, Kelly indicated that the city will install signs at the railroad crossings that will include phone numbers to call when a malfunction occurs. 1. Southeast 248th Corridor Uodate Kelly Peterson, Transportation Engineering Manager, provided unique details on the four corridors: SE 24}th Street, Kent-Kangley, SE 256th Street, and SE 248th Street. Kelly detailed the SE 248th Street corridor from 94th Avenue South to 132nd Avenue SE., that included the future YMCA site at Morrill Meadows. Kelly talked about the new housing developments and the potential areas of development. Tim LaPorte, Public Works Director, indicated that his department will prepare cost estimates for the improvements to SE 248th Street, including funding options. Those costs will include various alternatives that will be brought to both the Public Works and Economic and Community Development Committees in July. Councilmembers Berrios, Budell, and Ralph requested the costs be broken down by sections that would be improved, Councilmember Ralph indicated that the project plan should be consistent as new development occurs. Councilmember Higgins confirmed that the classification of SE 248th is consistent with the Transportation Master Plan and that the proposed roundabout for SE 248th and 116th Avenue SE is already included in the plan. Page 1 of 2 Kent City Council Workshop Minutes June 20, 2OL7 Kent, Washington Approved July 5, 2Ot7 2. Mid Biennium Budget Preview and Fiscal Cliff Aaron BeMiller, Finance Director, expressed his appreciation to Senior Financial Analysts Kathleen Etheredge, Michelle Ferguson, and Shane Sorenson, in addition to Deputy Finance Director, Barbara Lopez, for their work on this project. Aaron BeMiller indicated that the city's expenditure side grows at a faster rate than revenues. Aaron indicated this is a tough issue due to its complexity and that the forecast is bleak and jaw-dropping. The city needs to incorporate fiscal cliff/structural imbalance as part of its decision-making process. Aaron detailed the fiscal cliff and structural imbalance, including the known and potential reduction/elimination of current revenue sources, including annexation sales tax credit and items at risk in the State's budget. Key Factors include the ongoing, annual loss of over $7m due to the change from origin to destination- based sales tax. No specific mechanisms are in place to compensate for lost revenues and increased costs. BeMiller reviewed known and potential impacts from July 2OL7 - July 202L, and various General Fund 6-year forecasts. There is no future budgeting of additional staffing after 2Ot9. BeMiller reviewed all funds and how they are affected positively and negatively by the loss of revenues. Information was presented regarding potential mitigations including policy options for current revenues, new revenue options, reduce expenses, strategic use of fund balance. Other considerations include outstanding budget challenges: parks capital, police staffing, city campus space planning. The city must resolve $2.8m baseline gap for 20L8, address annual, ongoing structural imbalance, begin to address 54.7m annexation sales tax credit impact in 2018 mid-biennium budget process, and begin planning for potential sales tax mitigation loss in 2O2L. BeMiller indicated next steps will include another presentation at the July 5,2OL7, workshop to discuss 2018 mid-biennium budget update, forecasts for street and capital resources funds, impact scenarios, follow-up questions from today. Councilmember Higgins provided closing comments and advised that we should consider every option to determine what is equitable, fair, and good for businesses, the community and residents. cilm ember Hi e meeting at 6:32 p.m Ki ey City Clerk. June 20, 20t7 ggins urn d Page 2 of 2