Council MIN 12-18-1990 Regular
I.
II.
III.
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
City Council Chambers - City Hall
33530 First Way South
Federal Way, Washington
December 18, 1990 - 7:00 P.M.
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Debra Ertel called the city Council Regular Meeting
to order on the 18th day of December, 1990, at the hour
of 7:05 p.m., in City Council Chambers, Federal Way City
Hall, 33530 First Way South, Federal Way, Washington.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Debra Blankenship, Miss Federal Way, led the council in
the flag salute.
She also led the Council and audience in singing "Happy
Birthday" to Councilmember Webster and to Leon Espinoza,
Media Representative from the Seattle Times.
ROLL CALL OF COUNCIL
Councilmembers Present: Mayor Debra Ertel, Deputy Mayor
Mary Gates and Councilmembers Jim Handmacher, Lynn
Templeton, Joel Marks, Bob Stead and Jim Webster.
Staff Present: J. Brent McFall, city Manager; Sandra
Driscoll, City Attorney; Steve Anderson, Assistant City
Manager, Ken Nyberg, Assistant City Manager; Jim Shanks,
Public Works Director; John Moir, Finance Director; Maj.
Bob Evans, Police Chief; Ed Coutts, Fire Marshall; Jenny
Schroder, Acting Parks/Rec & Human Services Director;
Cheri McCabe, Superintendent of Recreation & Human
Services; Maureen Swaney, City Clerk; Greg Moore, Land
Use Manager; Greg Fewins, Senior Planner; Steve Ikerd,
Parks Maintenance Superintendent; Jerry Draggoo,
Parks/Rec/Human Services Consultant; Chris Green, Deputy
City Clerk.
Media Present: Linda Elliott, Federal Way News; Leon
Espinoza, Seattle Times; Joe Turner, Morning Tribune.
ORIGINAL
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
December 18, 1990 - Page 2
IV.
V.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Bob Green, Federal Way Chamber of Commerce, 34400 Pacific
Highway South, #1, Federal Way - Opposed to business
license fee.
Lynne Schow, P. O. Box 4353, Federal Way - Representing
Federal Way Soroptimists/request to extend flag pole
resolution, which expires 12/31/90.
Helen Middlebrooks, 4265 S.W. 337th Pl., Federal Way -
Chairman of Human Services Commission/endorsed 1991
budget related to full funding of parks/human services
programs.
Ray Schow, 29837-45th Ave. So., Federal Way
Representing All Night Printery/opposed to business
license fee and award of stationery printing contract
(presented written statement to Council).
Richard Burris, P. O. Box 4586, Federal Way - Opposed to
sensitive areas process.
Peter Townsend, 1648 So. 310th, Federal Way - Opposed to
1991 budget & staff salaries (presented written salary
survey documents to Council).
H. David Kaplan, 30240-27th Ave. So., Federal Way - Feels
sensitive areas process needs additional review prior to
adoption.
Bob Pacquette, 302 South 295th Pl., Federal Way - Feels
staff salaries should be lower.
CONSENT AGENDA
1.
2.
3.
4.
Golfun Agreement
Minutes
December 18, 1990 Voucher
Technical Correction to Resolution No. 90-38 and
Minutes
Extension of King County Agreement for Issuance
of Permits for Use of City Property
Extension of King County Agreement for Animal
Control
Extension of Federal Way Fire Petroleum Agreement
Extension of King County Private Security
Extension of King County For Hire Agreement
Approve January 2, 1991 Meeting Date
King County Agreement for Parks Transfer
5.
6.
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
December 18, 1990 - Page 3
Councilmember Handmacher questioned January 2nd meeting
date, as Suburban cities Association Growth Management
Meeting is scheduled for that date; he asked City Manager
if the council meeting could be set over to the following
week without any consequences. Mr. McFall explained it
would not be a problem, other than setting over the
collection of excise taxes for one week. Councilmember
Webster removed Item No. 10 from the Consent Agenda.
Motion by Councilmember Handmacher to adopt the balance
of Consent Agenda; seconded by Councilmember Templeton.
Motion passed as follows:
Handmacher
Gates
Marks
Webster
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Templeton
Ertel
Stead
Yes
Yes
Yes
Motion by Councilmember Handmacher to reschedule the
previously set regular council meeting on January 2,
1991, as a special session on January 8, 1991; second by
Councilmember Marks. Motion passed as follows:
Handmacher
Gates
Marks
Webster
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Templeton
Ertel
Stead
Yes
Yes
Yes
VI.
ENACTMENT ORDINANCES
1.
ORDINANCE NO. 90-79 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FEDERAL
WAY, WASHINGTON, AMENDING FEDERAL WAY ZONING CODE
§§80.65, 80.75, 80.130, 80.155, 80.160 (ORDINANCE NO. 90-
43), PROHIBITING INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF
LANDSCAPING WITHIN REGULATION SENSITIVE AREAS AND
REQUIRED SETBACKS AND ALLOWING COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPING
WITHIN LAKE SETBACK AREAS.
Motion by Councilmember Handmacher to adopt the ordinance
as submitted by the Planning/public Works/Transportation
Council Committee; second by Councilmember Stead.
Discussion: Councilmember Handmacher explained the
language difference between the Committee's ordinance, as
opposed to that of the Planning Commission.
Motion to adopt Council Committee amendment to the zoning
code regarding sensitive areas ordinance passed as
follows:
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
December 18, 1990 - Page 4
Handmacher
Gates
Marks
Webster
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Templeton
Ertel
Stead
Yes
Yes
Yes
2.
ORDINANCE NO.9 0-8 0 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FEDERAL
WAY, WASHINGTON, RELATING TO BUDGETS AND FINANCE,
ADOPTING THE 1991 BUDGET.
Mr. McFall presented an explanation of budget revisions
in certain areas, i.e., police contract reduced,
elimination of intern program, reduction in loan
repayment of street fund.
Motion by Councilmember Templeton to adopt the revised
budget as presented by staff; second by Councilmember
Stead.
Discussion: Councilmember Stead asked for clarification
between the two separate proposed budget ordinances
received by Council. Mr. Moir responded the correct
draft is reflected by December 18th date.
First motion to amend revised budget by Councilmember
Handmacher, to reduce street fund loan repayment by
transferring $201,800 to contingency; second by
Councilmember Stead.
Discussion: Mr. McFall explained this is strictly
voluntary, is not needed at this time and could be
adopted at a later date. Councilmember Stead asked if
the reverse is true--could the funds be borrowed back;
Mr. McFall responded the motion is flexible. Deputy
Mayor Gates asked if all monies must be designated as
repayment to the street fund loan over the three-year
period; Mr. McFall explained the motion only reflects the
1991 repayment--the balance would remain in the general
fund. Councilmember Webster asked about the rationale
and benefit to the city; Mr. McFall explained the street
fund would face future obligations by assuming and
retaining the 1990 revenue support level. Mr. Shanks,
Public Works Director, further explained the city would
probably expend all available funds in 1991.
First motion to amend revised budget reducing the street
fund loan passed as follows:
Handmacher
Gates
Marks
Webster
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Templeton
Ertel
Stead
Yes
Yes
Yes
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
December 18, 1990 - Page 5
Second motion to amend revised budget by Councilmember
Handmacher, to delete the position of buyer and create a
purchasing manager position; second by Councilmember
Templeton.
Discussion: Mr. McFall explained the purchasing manager
position was previously eliminated, but staff feels there
would be a better return on the city's investment with
the hiring of a purchasing manager rather than a buyer.
councilmember Webster asked about clerical assistance if
the buyer is eliminated; Mr. McFall responded the support
would come through the Finance Department. Councilmember
Templeton questioned if either position is necessary at
this time.
Second motion to amend revised budget deleting the
posi tion of buyer and creating a purchasing manager
position passed as follows:
Handmacher
Gates
Marks
Webster
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Templeton
Ertel
Stead
No
Yes
Yes
Third motion to amend revised budget by Councilmember
Marks, to freeze all staff salaries at the current rate,
as well as hiring, until the city does an in-house study
on all salary levels; second by Councilmember Templeton
for discussion of the issue.
Discussion: Councilmember Templeton said he feels this
motion is more a personnel matter than a budget issue,
and objects to the fact that a salary study would cost
$30,000. Councilmember Webster said he would vote
against the motion and agrees with the concept of the
first part of the motion, but not the second; he feels
the city must hire some staff to fulfill its
responsibilities, but he would be inclined to put a hold
on the two percent salary increases until the survey is
completed.
Third motion to amend revised budget freezing all staff
salaries until studies are completed failed as fol1ows:
Handmacher
Gates
Marks
Webster
No
No
Yes
No
Templeton
Ertel
Stead
No
No
No
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
December 18, 1990 - Page 6
Fourth motion to amend revised budget by Councilmember
Webster, fixing any salaries in 1991 by putting on hold
until the salary survey is completed; second by
Councilmember Marks. Deputy Mayor Gates said she could
support the amendment with the understanding that all
monies be placed in the contingency fund. For
clarification purposes, Councilmember Webster agreed to
modify his prior amendment as suggested by Deputy Mayor
Gates; Councilmember Marks agreed to said modification.
Discussion: Councilmember Templeton agreed with the
salary survey, but disagreed with the concept of
withholding salary adjustments for staff, as he feels the
current staff is doing an excellent job and doesn't feel
they are overpaid--he feels the staff goes above and
beyond what their job requirements necessitate. He
doesn't feel the full four percent cost of living should
be allowed, but agrees with a two or three percent
increase.
Councilmember Handmacher agrees with Councilmember
Templeton and is concerned about eliminating any cost of
living adjustments--he doesn't feel it is a staff problem
if salaries were set too high, but rather a council/city
manager responsibili ty issue. He feels it is
inappropriate to eliminate any increase at this time and
recommends a two percent per year cost of living
adjustment.
Councilmember Webster further concurs with Councilmember
Handmacher's reflection on the levels of staff quality,
and does not want to preclude built-in salary level
increases, and wants to move along expeditiously with the
survey. For clarification purposes, Councilmember
Webster said his prior amendment is to set aside cost of
living adjustments only, not individual salary step
increases.
Councilmember Templeton asked the City Manager about the
time frame to obtain a salary study; Mr. McFall responded
it would take approximately six months. Councilmember
Marks expressed his feelings that staff salaries are
already high in comparison to similar studies already
done.
Fourth motion to amend revised budget setting aside cost
of living adjustments only, not individual salary step
increases, until the salary survey is completed passed as
follows:
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
December 18, 1990 - Page 7
Handmacher
Gates
Marks
Webster
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Templeton
Ertel
Stead
No
Yes
Yes
Fifth motion to amend revised budget by Councilmember
Marks, to return the previously deleted sum of $338,200
for the neighborhood parks acquisition program; second by
Councilmember Templeton.
Discussion: Councilmember Templeton said he supports the
program, but is not sure where the replacement funds will
come from. Councilmember Marks suggested funds be cut
from consulting fees, the wellness program, council
travel expenses and administrative costs. Councilmember
Templeton said his major concern is the fact that the
budget needs to be approved tonight. Councilmember Marks
said he feels across-board cuts can be timely made.
Councilmember Stead expressed his concern about such a
statement since he feels most costs related to consulting
fees, as well as travel and training, are beneficial and
not extravagant; he also would like to increase funding
for parks, but feels the council needs to be realistic
and get on with the adoption of the budget tonight.
Councilmember Handmacher agreed with Councilmember Stead,
in that it makes no sense to eliminate consultants, i.e.,
if the parks consultant is cut, the city would need to
hire additional full-time staff. He also feels across-
board cuts are unrealistic and further feels the budget
needs to be adopted tonight. Mayor Ertel concurred with
Councilmember Handmacher, in that, if a specific parcel
for a potential park site is located, the contingency
fund can be used.
Councilmember Webster explained he will vote "no" on the
amendment due to the fact that an increase in one area
will create a cut elsewhere. Councilmember Templeton
said he agrees with Councilmember Handmacher that a
negative vote is not a vote against neighborhood parks,
but feels any cuts need to be specific.
Fifth motion to amend revised budget returning previously
deleted funds to neighborhood parks acquisition program
failed as follows:
Handmacher
Gates
Marks
Webster
No
No
Yes
No
Templeton
Ertel
Stead
No
No
No
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
December 18, 1990 - Page 8
Councilmember Webster asked if the total of $376,546 for
human services is included; Mr. McFall responded in the
affirmative. Councilmember Stead asked for clarification
regarding the law department budget; Mr. Moir presented
an explanation. Councilmember Handmacher asked about the
human services contract; Mr. McFall explained monies
would be received from community block grant funds for
differentials.
Deputy Mayor Gates moved to amend the prior amendment,
specifying any surplus salary of the parks director
position be designated for neighborhood parks; second by
Councilmember Marks.
Councilmember Webster amended the prior amendment to
reflect any salary savings should be placed in the parks
acquisition fund; Deputy Mayor Gates concurred with said
amendment; Councilmember Marks failed to agree.
Discussion: Councilmember Stead expressed his concern
that this is a policy issue and not a budget matter, as
the funds will eventually go into the reserves and can be
designated to neighborhood parks at a later date.
Councilmember Webster, maker of the amendment, concurred
with Councilmember Stead and withdrew his prior
amendment. Councilmember Handmacher said he supports the
motion for the symbolism involved. Deputy Mayor Gates
said she also agrees that it is a policy issue and
realizes funds are needed for comprehensive and long
range planning, transportation and parks, and doesn't
want to sacrifice those areas for neighborhood parks at
this time; she also agrees it is a symbolic motion.
The symbolic amendment to the prior revised budget
amendment placing any excess salary savings in the parks
acquisition fund passed as follows:
Handmacher
Gates
Marks
Webster
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Templeton
Ertel
Stead
Yes
Yes
Yes
Councilmember Marks had some additional questions
regarding line items. Mayor Ertel asked if the revised
budget allowed for depreciation, i.e., data processing
and operations; Mr. McFall explained any excess of funds
over and above operating costs would go into the reserve
account and would not alter the budget. If replacement
equipment is necessary at an earlier time, the council
would have to approve same.
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
December 18, 1990 - Page 9
An explanation of the elimination of the intern program
was offered by Mr. McFall. He said the city can save
money, as well as reducing the required staff time
necessitated by most interns. Councilmember Templeton
said he feels the intern programs are valuable, but also
accepts the rationale of the cut being cost-saving.
Mayor Ertel asked the City Manager to explain the
difference between Assistant to ci ty Manager and an
intern (NOTE TO RECORD: Management Assistant); Mr.
McFall explained the Management Assistant position is
more advanced, since that person would already have a
completed degree, thereby allowing an advanced
independent work level ability, as well as a shorter
tenure.
sixth motion to amend revised budget by Councilmember
Stead, to delete from the 1991 budget the requested
appropriation of $62,400 for the IBM AS400 computer
lease; second by Councilmember Marks.
sixth motion to amend revised budget deleting the
appropriation for the computer lease passed as follows:
Handmacher
Gates
Marks
Webster
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Templeton
Ertel
Stead
Yes
Yes
Yes
Councilmember Stead called for the question. The 1991
revised budget ordinance, as amended by Council tonight,
passed as follows:
Handmacher
Gates
Marks
Webster
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Templeton
Ertel
Stead
Yes
Yes
Yes
Councilmember Handmacher offered the following statement:
He explained the Council tonight reduced the original
City Manager's 1991 budget by approximately a million and
half dollars, and also, as adopted, created a surplus or
contingency of almost a million and a half. He reflected
back to the elections when opponents said it wouldn't
work and there wouldn't be enough money for a new city;
when, in actuality, the Georgette study and incorporation
proponents, including many City Councilmembers, said the
ci ty could provide higher levels of service than the
county without tax increases and still have a surplus.
Thus, he feels the Council has kept their promises to the
citizens.
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
December 18, 1990 - Page 10
Mayor Ertel called for a five-minute recess at 8: 50 p.m. ,
and announced the Council would follow into an executive
session, and would then return to adjourn the regular
meeting early due to the snow storm.
Councilmember Templeton announced tomorrow's 7:30 a.m.
meeting of the Parks/Recreation/Human Services Council
committee is cancelled.
VII.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Council recessed into executive session at 8: 55 p.m. .
The executive session adjourned at 9:10 p.m..
VIII.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the
Council, Mayor Ertel adjourned the regular meeting at
9:10p.m.. JzrCJk r~
N. Christine Gr~
Deputy City Clerk