HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Operations Committee - 11/13/1996 OPERATIONS COMMITTEE MINUTES
NOVEMBER 13, 1996
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Jon Johnson-Committee Chair, Jim Bennett, Leona Orr
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Connie Epperly
STAFF PRESENT: Cliff Craig, Barbara Ekstrom, Jana King, Roger Lubovich, Brent McFall, May
Miller, Kelli O'Donnell, Sue Viseth
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: Barbara Ivanov, Bill Westcott, Rico Yingling,
The meeting was called to order at 4:37 p.m. by Chairperson Johnson.
1997 Budget Review & Recommendation to Council, Cont.
Committee Chair Jon Johnson invited any comments from the public on the 1997 budget. Rico Yingling
introduced himself as President of the Kent Chamber of Commerce. He stated that he would like to speak
on behalf of the Chamber regarding the Asia Pacific Trade Exchange which the city has a history in
supporting at the level of$25,000. He stated that in Asia Pacific Program is not just the trade exchange
but actually activities to teach area business to become trade smart through training. He explained this
extends to surrounding communities with partner chambers through the Green River Valley teaching
companies how to do business with Asian countries including overcoming cultural barriers and working
with governments and other institutions to create trading avenues. Mr. Yingling emphasized that this is
a 365 day a year program with the trade exchange culminating these efforts. He continued that there are
differences between the sister city program and the Kent Chamber's activities. He stated that his
understanding of sister city relationships is to build understanding between countries through cultural
exchanges thereby breaking down fears. He explained that the Chamber's focus is on business,
specifically Asian business. With the current boom in Asia for economic development, the City of Kent
is becoming known as a place for information and management from our side of the ocean. He continued
that the Chamber's focus is a little bit more aggressive and targeted on business with the City's contribution
a key to making the program the success it is today. He concluded that the program is at the cusp of
becoming trade ready and asked for continuing support of the program.
Barbara Ivanov, Executive Director of the Kent Chamber of Commerce, thanked the Council and the
Mayor for their leadership with the Asia Pacific Trade Exchange Program. She also thanked May Miller
for educating the City Government Committee on the overall budget of the City of Kent. She stated that
the Chamber would be forwarding a letter on the budget to the City and noted the Chamber of Commerce
has been comfortable with the hold the line approach and their appreciation of not adding taxes. She
seconded Rico's comments on the trade exchange and added that the targeted companies of the exchange
are smaller companies that may not be able to afford to participate without outside support. Ms. Ivanov
reviewed some of the outcomes of this year's exchange and distributed a copy of the program. She noted
that through the Chamber's partnership with Green River Community College a Title 6b Department of
Education Grant had been received and Green River will assist in teaching businesses throughout the year.
Leona stated that she had attended this years luncheon and voiced her support of the program.
Chairperson Johnson asked if there were any further comments from the public on the 1997 Budget. There
being no
ne ne he asked the Committee to review the Administration staffing survey.
. Orr asked for
clarification on the footnote. McFall responded that cities budget capital projects differently so an attempt
was made to offset the differences created by that. Bennett asked if Kent's total FTE's of 5 included the
City Clerk's Office as part of Administration. McFall responded that it was not that it is a part of the
Department of Operations. He noted that none of the other cities listed include the City Clerk's Office.
He further explained that to compare apples to apples positions were looked at. For example, the City of
Officer is budgeted in the Planning Department
or Public Relations Offi g p
Auburn Business Development and/ g
OPERATIONS COMMITTEE MINUTES, CONT.
Ncwe r 1 1 (1
but actually works out of the Mayor's Office and reports to the Mayor. He noted that positions were
investigated to give the most accurate comparison. McFall noted that Mr. Martin has today resigned his
position as of the end of the year. He continued that anytime there is this type of vacancy the position is
analyzed and the duties, pay range, etc. are reviewed and ultimately would come back to the Committee
with a recommendation. He requested that the position be left in the budget. The Committee concurred
with this recommendation. McFall distributed a chart comparing the assessed value of the City of Kent
to other cities in the State explaining that Kent has moved closer to the larger cities than prior to the
annexation. During further discussion May Miller noted that the assessed valuation of the survey
distributed with the agenda did not include the Meridian Annexation. Bennett asked if the salaries
included benefits. Staff responded that it did not in any of the cities listed. Bennett noted that his
statement at the prior meeting that we may be wanting proved accurate. Miller commented that the graph
included in the budget showing the staffing remaining low as the population has grown reflects that we
are staying lean. McFall stated that the increases to staff resulting from annexations was focused in the
direct service areas.
Johnson asked if there were any questions or comments regarding the Parks Coordinator positions noting
that he had requested the report for information only. McFall stated that Mr. Hodgson is present for any
questions. McFall explained that a brief explanation was given of each program coordinator position along
with their duties and a sense of the volume of what they do. Hodgson stated that their was a bit of a
wording difference in the youth program position recommended. The budget referred to the position as
both a coordinator and a leader. The position was intended to be a recreation leader which is a lower
classification than a coordinator. Hodgson further explained that this position would be recreation leader
in the youth program that would coordinate a vocational type program. He stated that it is hoped to expand
the current jobs program that includes summer jobs, internships, and school to work, and working with the
Lighthouse program to get the kids into job programs with the Chamber of Commerce or business
community.
Bennett asked how participation at Lighthouse is going. Hodgson replied that it has leveled off and varies
and a monthly report is distributed to Council on the youth programs. McFall added that Lighthouse was
the pilot program with other programs serving a broader spectrum of youth. Bennett asked about the van
that was purchased for the youth program. Hodgson stated that part of the original program was a mobile
recreation vehicle to go to areas that don't have parks or a facility. A surplus van has been used to begin
the program. He explained that a grant was received from King County to purchase a motor home. One
was found that is a year old that was utilized by a bank that doesn't have a bed but tables and chairs. He
stated that it is being outfitted with recreation equipment and a grant is being pursued to purchase
computers similar to the school districts. The vehicle will be able to go to any site and kids can either work
on computers or use the recreation equipment outside the van. Bennett asked what percentage of the parks
and recreation programs are covered by fees collected. Hodgson estimated that it was 34-35% and said
he would get the specific number. McFall clarified that it varies since the adult programs mostly cover
the expense of the program while the youth programs are subsidized by the city. Hodgson added that the
youth sports programs also pay their way. During further discussions, McFall noted that the youth
programs are hands on to provide positive interactions with the youth leaders and other role models so they
are staff intensive. Orr noted her concern of the amount spent on staffing. Hodgson stated that for some
of the programs there is an eight to one ratio of kids to staff. This isn't true for Lighthouse but a lot of the
programs are staff intensive to provide the programs without building facilities so the overhead isn't there.
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OPERATIONS COMMITTEE MINUTES, CONT.
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A discussion of reaching at-risk kids followed and May Miller reported that the program coverage is 3 3%
not including the teen tax revenue which is better than most cities.
Johnson asked if the Committee wished to look at any other areas in the 1997 Budget. Bennett questioned
the definition of a hold the line budget when the budget has increased from year to year. McFall pointed
out that the city is also six square miles and 20,000 people larger than a year and a half ago. Miller added
that capital projects also impact the bottom line as projects, grants, etc. vary from year to year. During a
discussion of the impacts of the Meridian Annexation, Orr asked if there was a comparison of revenue to
expenses of the Meridian Annexation. Miller reported that it has been about $100,000 ahead of budget.
Bennett commented that every year after a "hold the line" budget is passed another project comes along
for$100,000. He stated that a lot of cities would be happy with our used equipment and we need to look
at making due with less. Orr concurred that when the utility tax was increased to make up for the lost
revenue from the state, there may be ways to pay for the loss without continuing the tax. May Miller
distributed the draft ordinance noting there is one additional change for $15,000 for legal service for the
law department for indigent council outside services.
McFall stated that the Committee action would be to recommend to Council adoption of the ordinance
adopting the 1997 Budget. Bennett so moved, Orr seconded and the motion passed unanimously 3-0.
Chair Johnson stated that the Mayor's Salary had been sent back to the Operations Committee and asked
if the Committee would wish to review the item now or at a future meeting. Bennett stated he was not
ready now but would like to resolve the issue shortly after the first of the year; Orr concurred. There being
no further business, Committee Chair Johnson adjourned the meeting at 5:20 p.m.
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