Council MINS 10-06-1998 Regular
FEDERAL WAY CITY COUNCIL
Council Chambers - City Hall
Regular Meeting
October 6, 1998 - 7:00 p.m.
MINUTES
I.
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Gintz called the meeting to order at 7:06 PM.
Council Present: Mayor Ron Gintz, Deputy Mayor Michael Park, Councilmembers Jeanne
Burbidge, Jack Dovey, Mary Gates, Linda Kochmar and Phil Watkins.
Staff Present: City Manager Kenneth Nyberg, Deputy City Manager Philip Keightley, City
Attorney Londi Lindell, City Clerk Chris Green and Deputy City Clerk Laura Ulanowski.
II.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Deputy Mayor Park led the Pledge of Allegiance.
III.
PRESENTATION
a.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation
Councilmember Dovey presented Bonnie Lindstrom of the Federal Way Domestic Violence Task
Force with a proclamation proclaiming October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Ms.
Lindstrom thanked the Council and gave a brief synopsis of upcoming events and stated members
of the task force included employees from the Law Department, Public Safety Department and
Human Resources Department as well as others from various agencies.
Deputy Mayor Park announced the City received a plaque at Family Fest Sponsor Appreciation
Night on September 28, 1998; Councilmember Gates presented the plaque to Joann Piquette of the
Arts Commission.
b.
Youth Commission Introductions/Certificates
Councilmember Dovey introduced the new Youth Commission members and presented each of
them with a certificate. The new Youth Commission members are: Harumi LaDuke, Lee Murphy,
Rachel Wilhelm, Paul Vronsky, Argia Beristain, Jennie Roloff, Brittany Bieleski, Benedict
Palisoc, Mailinh Vu, Lisa Kwak, and Ebony Taylor-Walker.
ORIGINAL
City Council Regular Meeting
October 6, 1998 - 2
Councilmember Gates also introduced the Youth Commission members in the audience that are
currently serving on the commission.
IV.
CITIZEN COMMENT
Linda Jenkins - announced on Saturday, October 10, 1998 the Historical Society will celebrate
its 10'" anniversary at Calvary Community Church and invited the City Council to attend.
Joann PiQuette - spoke regarding the Arts Commission budget and submitted a publication on the
significance of arts to the community.
Merle Daniel - stated his wife Marilyn Daniel spoke at the September 15, 1998, City Council
Meeting on the Westway neighborhood problems, offered his concerns and asked for the City's
support in cleaning up the area.
Bob Landowski- stated the people who spoke at the September 15, 1998, City Council Meeting
on the Westway neighborhood spoke for the community, and asked for something to be done in
the neighborhood.
Mayor Gintz stated that City Manager Ken Nyberg and Public Safety Director Ron Wood would
address the issue this evening.
Wendy Godina - thanked the Council for the lighted cross-walk at 312'" street and stated a petition
had been submitted over six months ago regarding the Pavilion Centre/312th access item and
asked that a decision be made to rectify the situation at the intersection.
Larry Moe - stated he agrees with most of the recommendations for the 312"'/Pavilion Centre
access improvements, with the exception of the left hand turn continuing out of the QFC parking
lot.
Dale Pinney, First Western Development Services, representing QFC- stated he concurred
with the staff recommendations to reduce accidents at 312"'/Pavilion Centre access and asked
for a trial period to see how the modifications/improvements would fair.
Lawrence Wilson - asked how many accidents had to occur at the 312"'/Pavilion Centre access
before something is done. Mr. Wilson stated Pavilion Centre is not a good neighbor if they
allow this situation to continue.
Mel Godina - concurred with the other statements regarding 312"'/Pavilion Centre access and
stated his wife, who spoke earlier, had been involved in a collision at the intersection.
City Council Regular Meeting
October 6, 1998 - 3
v.
CONSENT AGENDA
Minutes/September 15. 1998 Ree:ular Meeting
Voucher/October 6. 1998
Monthly Financial Reoort/ August 1998
Arts Commission Reolacement
Joe's Creek Flow Control Structure/Final Acceotance
Council Bill #199/Solid Waste Franchise Rate/ ADDroved Ordinance No. 98-
321
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Councilmember Gates pulled consent item (t).
MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR PARK TO APPROVE CONSENT ITEMS (a), (b), (c), (d),
AND (e). COUNCILMEMBER BURBIDGE SECOND. The motion carried as follows:
Burbidge
Gates
Kochmar
Watkins
yes
yes
yes
yes
Dovey
Gintz
Park
yes
yes
yes
Item (f): Council Bill #199/Solid Waste Franchise Rate/ ADDroved Ordinance No. 98-321
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FEDERAL WAY, WASHINGTON, AMENDING ITS SOLID
WASTE AND RECYCLING UTILITY SCHEDULE OF RATES AND RETAINAGES FOR SERVICE TO
PROVIDE FOR A 4.45% INCREASE IN THE COLLECTION RATES FOR COMMERCIAL AND
RESIDENTIAL WASTE GENERATORS AND A 5.45% INCREASE IN THE COLLECTION RATE FOR
MULTIFAMILY WASTE GENERATORS, DIRECTING CITY STAFF TO ISSUE A REQUEST FOR
PROPOSALS FOR RECYCLABLE MATERIALS PROCESSING, AND AMENDING THE CITY'S
FRANCHISE FOR SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING AGREEMENT (AMENDS PREVIOUS
ORDINANCE NO. 93-167, 94-218, 97-287, AND 94-221).
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GATES TO AMEND COUNCIL POLICY ON
"RETAINAGE" OR "RATE OF RETURN" TO BE PROVIDED TO THE CITY'S SOLID
WASTE FRANCHISEE AS FOLLOWS: THE PREVIOUS RATE OF RETURN IN THE FORM
OF A RANGE OF 8%-11 % WITH A TARGET RATE OF 9.5% SHALL BE CHANGED TO
ARANGEOF5%-8%, WITH A TARGET RATE OF 6.5%. COUNCILMEMBERKOCHMAR
SECOND. The motion carried as follows:
Burbidge
Gates
Kochmar
Watkins
yes
yes
yes
yes
Dovey
Gintz
Park
yes
yes
yes
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GATES TO AMEND EXHIBIT "A" OF COUNCIL BILL
NO. 199, RATES AND RETAINAGES FOR SERVICE TABLE, TO BE CONSISTENT WITH
City Council Regular Meeting
October 6, 1998 - 4
THE COUNCIL POLICY ON THE "RATE OF RETURN". COUNCILMEMBER KOCHMAR
SECOND. The motion carried as follows:
Burbidge
Gates
Kochmar
Watkins
yes
yes
yes
yes
Dovey
Gintz
Park
yes
yes
yes
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GATES TO ADOPT A POLICY REQUIRING THE CITY
TO RECOVER 100% OF THE GROSS REVENUE FROM THE MARKETING AND SALE OF
RECYCLABLE MATERIALS COLLECTED FROM SINGLE-FAMILY AND MULTI-F AMIL Y
RESIDENCES. THE POLICY SHOULD REQUIRE THE REVENUE FROM THE
MARKETING AND SALE BE SHOWN ON THE BOOKS OF THE FRANCHISEE, FEDERAL
WAY DISPOSAL, AND NOT ON THE BOOKS OF ONE OF ITS RELATED COMPANIES,
RECYCLING NORTHWEST. COUNCILMEMBER KOCHMAR SECOND. The motion carried
as follows:
Burbidge
Gates
Kochmar
Watkins
yes
yes
yes
yes
Dovey
Gintz
Park
yes
yes
yes
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GATES TO AMEND SECTION 4 OF COUNCIL BILL
NO. 199 TO AUTHORIZE BUT NOT REQUIRE THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO
ISSUE A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FROM AN ALTERNATE VENDOR FOR
PROCESSING OF RECYCLABLES COLLECTED AT CURBSIDE, AND TO REQUIRE THAT
ANY PROPOSALS SUBMITTED INCLUDE A RETURN TO THE CITY OF REVENUE
FROM THE MARKETING AND SALE OF RECYCLABLES. THE PRECISE LANGUAGE
CHANGES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 4: EVALUATION OF ALTERNATE RECYCLABLES PROCESSING
VENDOR. THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR AND/OR HIS DESIGNEE Sfñ'rH; MAY
ISSUE A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS TO PROCESS RECYCLABLES COLLECTED AT
CURBSIDE. THE REQUEST SHALL RDQUfiST REOUIRE THAT PROPOSALS INCLUDE
A RETURN OF REVENUE, TO THE CITY'S RATE BASE, FROM THE MARKETING AND
SALE OF THE RECYCLABLES. THE DIRECTOR OR DESIGNEE SHALL EV ALU A TE THE
PROPOSALS RECEIVED AND PRESENT A RECOMMENDATION TO THE CITY
COUNCIL FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AND THEN TO
THE FULL CITY COUNCIL AS TO THE PREFERRED VENDOR AND ANY PROPOSED
CHANGES TO THE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT THAT MAYBE NECESSARY TO ALLOW
SELECTION OF THAT VENDOR. COUNCILMEMBER KOCHMAR SECOND. The motion
carried as follows:
City Council Regular Meeting
October 6, 1998 - 5
Burbidge
Gates
Kochmar
Watkins
yes
yes
yes
yes
Dovey
Gintz
Park
yes
yes
yes
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GATES TO AMEND SECTION 3 OF COUNCIL BILL
NO. 199, AS REVISED IN THE CITY COUNCIL PACKET ON OCTOBER 6, BY DELETING
REFERENCES TO SECTIONS 12 AND 21 OF THE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT, AND TO
AMEND EXIDBIT "B" OF COUNCIL BILL NO. 199 BY DELETING PROPOSED CHANGES
TO SECTIONS 12 AND 21 OF THE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT. THE PRECISE WORDING
OF THE CHANGES TO SECTION 3 AS FOLLOW:
SECTION 3. AMENDMENT. SECTION 2, "DEFINITIONS," PAGES 1-6; AND SECTION
3, "SCOPE OF WORK" PAGES 7-8; SDCTION 11, "ASSIGNML1IT" FAGI: 11 AND
SI:CTlON 11 "ASSIGNMDff, SUB FRANCIIISING, DI:LI:GATION OF DUTIDS," FAGDS
Zt=Zt-, OF THE CITY OF FEDERAL WAY FRANCHISE FOR SOLID WASTE AND
RECYCLING COLLECTION ARE HEREBY AMENDED AS SET FORTH IN EXHIBIT "B"
ATTACHED HERETO AND INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE. COUNCILMEMBER
KOCHMAR SECOND. The motion carried as follows:
Burbidge
Gates
Kochmar
Watkins
yes
yes
yes
yes
Dovey
Gintz
Park
yes
yes
yes
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GATES TO ADOPT AMENDED COUNCIL BILL NO.
199/S0LID WASTE FRANCIDSE RATE/ENACTMENT ORDINANCE. COUNCILMEMBER
KOCHMAR SECOND. The motion carried as follows:
Burbidge
Gates
Kochmar
Watkins
VI.
yes
yes
yes
yes
Dovey
Gintz
Park
CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS
yes
yes
yes
Mayor Gintz introduced the Honorable Chris Taute, Mayor of the City of RiversdaIe, South
Africa, who is visiting the area to learn more about our form of government; he is studying at
Highline Community College until November. Mr. Taute thanked Mayor Gintz and the Council,
and stated South Africa was previously governed by the white minority and is a weak mayor form
of government.
City Council Regular Meeting
October 6, 1998 - 6
a.
1999-2000 Proposed Biennial Budget/City Manal!er's Presentation
Mayor Gintz stated there would be no deliberations on the 1999-2000 Budget and no questions
would be asked this evening. Mayor Gintz stated the first budget deliberations would be on
October 20, 1998, and introduced City Manager Kenneth Nyberg.
Mr. Nyberg stated this budget represented an historic moment, as it is the last budget of one
century and the first of another. Mr. Nyberg related the upcoming budget schedule via overhead,
stating final adoption of the 1999-2000 Budget is scheduled for December 1, 1998. Mr. Nyberg
presented the Council with the proposed Preliminary Budget, and stated it is available for public
review at the City Clerk's Office and Federal Way Libraries. It will also be available for purchase
at the City Clerk's Office. Mr. Nyberg's letter to the Council regarding the 1999/2000 budget
proposal is attached as Exhibit "A".
b.
Planning Commission Ap,pointments
Council member Watkins stated the Council interviewed 12 applicants for 4 positions on the
Planning Commission at this evening's special meeting.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER WATKINS TO APPOINT BILL DRAKE TO A TWO-YEAR
UNEXPIRED TERM; ERIC FAISON, JIM SEMPEK AND JOHN CAULFIELD TO FOUR-
YEAR TERM; AND APPOINT HOPE ELDER, EDWARD SOULE AND SOPHIA MCNEIL,
AS ALTERNATES, ALSO TO FOUR-YEAR TERMS. Councilmember Dovey Second. The
motion carried as follows:
Burbidge
Gates
Kochmar
Watkins
yes
yes
yes
yes
Dovey
Gintz
Park
yes
yes
yes
c.
English Creek Maintenance Contract Award
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER WATKINS TO APPROVE THE ENGLISH CREEK
MAINTENANCE CONTRACT A WARD TO SUMMIT TREE SERVICE IN THE AMOUNT
OF $24,800.00, AND APPROVE A 10% PROJECT CONTINGENCY IN THE AMOUNT OF
$2,480.00. COUNCILMEMBER GATES SECOND. The motion carried as follows:
Burbidge
Gates
Kochmar
Watkins
yes
yes
yes
yes
Dovey
Gintz
Park
yes
yes
yes
City Council Regular Meeting
October 6, 1998 - 7
d.
Pavilions Centre Access/So 312th St
Public Works Director Cary Roe introduced this item stating the City had reached a mutual
agreement with the businesses located at this intersection, and showed the Council an overhead
detailing the modified plan for access into the businesses at this intersection. Mr. Roe stated the
plan included a one year monitoring program to see how the revisions fair and evaluate the
improvements. The plan includes realignment of the second driveway at Albertsons to line up
with the driveway at QFC, c-curbing at the median, and "No Left Turn" signs out of the QFC
parking lot during peak hours.
Mayor Gintz stated he had concerns about allowing the second driveway at Albertsons to remain
open.
Council member Kochmar stated safety should be first and asked why the signs out of the QFC
would prevent left-hand turns at peak hours only. Councilmember Kochmar also stated she felt
the one year monitoring program is too long and if the driveways of Albertsons and QFC are
aligned she asked what would prevent someone from shooting across 312"'?
Mayor Gintz also questioned the no left turn during peak hours only.
Mr. Roe stated aligning the driveways at Albertsons and QFC would enable drivers to see each
other.
Mayor Gintz stated public safety needed to be considered and he has a problem with allowing the
left hand turn out of Albertsons. Mayor Gintz also questioned the pedestrian cross-walk light at
312'" asking why it was a flashing yellow light rather than a solid red.
Mr. Roe suggested converting the pedestrian cross-walk light to a solid green-yellow-red light to
give drivers warning to slow down and then come to a complete stop.
Councilmember Watkins stated he is concerned about allowing the driveways at Albertsons and
QFC to line up.
Mr. Roe stated he would like to see a 50-75 % reduction in accidents at the intersection; this
proposal was a negotiated process with the property owners, staff and Council. Mr. Roe stated
he had first proposed a c-curbing improvement all the way down at this intersection.
Councilmember Gates stated the driveway alignment at Albertsons makes no sense; she is
convinced the pedestrian cross-walk light should be changed to a solid green-yellow-red light.
She also likes the right-hand turn onto Highway 99 from the QFC parking lot and feels the one
year monitoring program is too long.
Councilmember Dovey asked Mr. Roe what hours are considered peak hours; Mr. Roe stated peak
hours are 4-6 PM. Council member Dovey asked Mr. Roe who was involved in the discussions
City Council Regular Meeting
October 6, 1998 - 8
to reach this proposal; Mr. Roe stated staff and representatives from Pavilion Centre, QFC and
Albertsons were all present.
COUNCILMEMBER WATKINS MOVED TO ACCEPT THE RECOMMENDATION FOR
IMPROVEMENTS AT 312m/PAVILION CENTRE ACCESS WITHOUT THE DRIVEWAY
ALIGNMENT AT ALBERTSONS AND TO REDUCE THE MONITORING PERIOD FROM
ONE YEAR TO 100 DAYS TO SEE HOW THE REVISIONS FAIR. COUNCILMEMBER
BURBIDGE SECOND.
COUNCILMEMBER GATES OFFERED A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT TO HAVE
BUSINESSES ADD AN EDUCATIONAL LEAFLET OR PAMPHLET TO CUSTOMERS
EXPLAINING HOW TO EXIT THEIR PARKING LOTS SAFELY; ALSO, TO CONVERT
THE PEDESTRIAN CROSS-WALK LIGHT FROM A FLASHING YELLOW TO A SOLID
GREEN- YELLOW-RED LIGHT. COUNCILMEMBER BURBIDGE SECOND.
Councilmember Dovey expressed concerns about the amendment asking who would pay for the
leaflet to customers and stated he does not want to force businesses to pay for the leaflet. Mr.
Dovey stated the Council had instructed staff to go back and come up with a proposal that would
work for everybody and now Council is trying to redesign again. Mr. Dovey stated he would vote
against the amendment.
Councilmember Gates withdrew her amendment.
MA YOR GINTZ OFFERED A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT TO CLOSE THE 3RD DRIVEWAY
OUT OF ALBERTSONS. COUNCILMEMBER KOCHMAR SECOND. The amendment failed
6-1 as follows:
Burbidge
Gates
Kochmar
Watkins
no
no
no
no
Dovey
Gintz
Park
no
yes
no
Councilmember Watkins called for a vote on the main motion approving the recommendation
with the elimination of the driveway alignment at Albertsons and QFC and to reduce the
monitoring period from one year to 100 days. The motion passed 6-1 as follows:
Burbidge
Gates
Kochmar
Watkins
yes
yes
yes
yes
Dovey
Gintz
Park
no
yes
yes
City Council Regular Meeting
October 6, 1998 - 9
COUNCILMEMBER BURBIDGE MOVED TO CONVERT THE PEDESTRIAN CROSS- WALK
LIGHT (14TH S. AND S. 312TH STREET) FROM A FLASHING YELLOW TO A SOLID
GREEN/YELLOW/RED LIGHT. COUNCILMEMBER GATES SECOND. The motion carried
as follows:
Burbidge
Gates
Kochmar
Watkins
VII.
yes
yes
yes
yes
Dovey
Gintz
Park
yes
yes
yes
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Kenneth Nyberg stated he and Public Safety Director Ron Wood would address the
comments made at the September 15, 1998 Council meeting by Westway residents. Mr. Nyberg
stated there would be an executive session this evening expected to last approximately 45 minutes
and no action is expected.
COUNCILMEMBER GATES MOVED TO SUSPEND mE RULES AND EXTEND THE
COUNCIL MEETING PAST 10:00 PM. COUNCILMEMBER WATKINS SECOND. The
motion carried as follows:
Burbidge
Gates
Kochmar
Watkins
yes
yes
yes
yes
Dovey
Gintz
Park
yes
yes
yes
Public Safety Director Ron Wood addressed citizen comments regarding the Westway
neighborhood stating the public has invested many dollars in improvements in the area, and then
went over specific comments/concerns that were made at the September 15, 1998, Council
meeting. Mr. Wood addressed specific instances regarding comments made about slow response
times by police and showed overheads to show exact times calls for those instances were made,
times police were dispatched to the call, times police arrived at the scene, and times police cleared
the scene. Mr. Wood stated that Valley Communications in Kent is the City's independent
dispatch company and provided all records regarding specific response times.
Mr. Wood also reported on the police service schedule for the Westway area and staffing of the
Westway Resource Center.
Mr. Nyberg readdressed the Council stating there has been an overall decrease in crime, citywide,
and stated he feels there has been outstanding service by both Chief Wood and his officers. Mr.
Nyberg recommended to the Council that he and Chief Wood, or his designee, meet with the
Westway Homeowners Associations to delineate a mutual understanding and broaden the base of
community support.
City Council Regular Meeting
October 6, 1998 - 10
Mayor Gintz stated he believes good service is being provided in the Westway area; in every
single incident brought up by the residents, the Public Safety Director has shown the City did
respond. Mayor Gintz endorsed the recommendation by the City Manager to meet with the
homeowners association, and asked Councilmember Dovey to attend the meeting as Chair of the
Parks/ Recreation/Public Safety/Human Services Committee; he also asked for another
Councilmember to attend; Councilmember Kochmar stated she would attend the meeting. Mayor
Gintz asked the City Manager to arrange the meeting, which will be open to all Westway
residents.
VITI.
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Dovey stated the next meeting of the Parks/Recreation/ Public Safety and Human
Services Committee is scheduled for October 12, 1998, at 5:30 PM.
Councilmember Watkins stated the next meeting of the Land Use/Transportation Committee is
scheduled for October 19, 1998, at 5:30 PM.
Councilmember Burbidge stated she would attend a Sound Transit Meeting on October 7, 1998
and a Regional Water Meeting on October 8, 1998.
Councilmember Gates stated the next Finance/Economic Development/Regional Affairs meeting
is scheduled for October 27, 1998, at 12:00 PM, and thanked Derek Matheson, Assistant to the
City Manager, for his work on the Legislative Agenda Position Paper.
Council member Kochmar thanked Councilmember Gates for her work on the solid waste franchise
rate reduction.
Deputy Mayor Park thanked the Mayor, City Manager, and staff who attended the Living Pioneer
Ceremony, and stated he was very honored by their presence to see him accept the award.
Mayor Gintz thanked Police Chief Ron Wood and City Manager Kenneth Nyberg for their
response/report on the Westway area.
Council adjourned to Executive Session at 10: 13 PM.
IX.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
a.
b.
c.
Collective Bar!!aining/Pursuant to RCW 42.30. 140(4)(a)
Liti!!ation/Pursuant to RCW 42.30. 1l 0(1) (i)
Property Acouisition/Pursuant to RCW 42.30. 11O(l)(b)
No action was taken in Executive Session.
City Council Regular Meeting
October 6, 1998 - 11
x.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Council, the regular meeting of the Federal Way City
Council was adjourned at 10:40 PM.
~~
~~
October 6, 1998
Honorable Mayor and City Council
People of the City of Federal Way
While developing the 1999/2000 biennial budget, my thoughts retum to the fall of 1996, when I prepared
the first two-year budget for City Council consideration. That budget was crafted with a set of newly
developed analytical tools for measuring what municipal services and programs should be kept and what
shou.ld be changed or eliminated in order to produce a budget where demand exceeded resources.
Another objective for that budget was to achieve organizational stability through the year 2000 with only
an inflationary increase in property taxes for those years.
In retrospect, I believe that first biennial budget met or exceeded all those expectations. This
strengthens my resolve to once again use those tools and objectives to propose the budget I am
presenting to you tonight.
BUDGET FRAMEWORK
Preparatory to presenting the City's final budget of this Century, I call to mind again the four basic
municipal functions that form the foundation for this as well as that first biennial budget.
. Protection of the public investment, such as infrastructure, rights of way, buildings, park
lands and the like:
. Enforcement of laws, codes and ordinances so as to ensure public safety and maintain an
orderly environment in which people can live, work and play;
. Inspection of buildings, structures, areas and grounds to ensure conformance to the laws
enacted by the legislative body or dictated by higher authority, which laws promote safety
and the common good;
. Mandates which are new requirements leveled on municipalities by higher levels of
government often without accompanying funding.
I believe these four basic functions of govemment have stood the test of time. I believe they do provide
a process of analysis and forecasting on which a budget can be confidently prepared. Finally, I believe
the foundation for the City's first two-year budget is solid, sound, and sustainable. Although the budget is
uniquely a product of City Council consensus, I have presented my rationale for creating this next
biennial budget which I now deliver for your consideration, deliberation, and ultimate adoption.
PROPOSED BUDGET
Consistent with the previous budgets I presented to the Council, this proposed budget contains two
elements: (1) a base-line budget element that consists of fine tuning of our basic services; and (2) a new
programs section that contains both the continuation of currently funded temporary activities and the new
or expanded programs based on identified community needs. Also, this two-year budget reflects the
same organizational stability as in the past and, I believe, can be sustained for the next biennial period
with service fees and revenues adjusted by only the rate of inflation. The total proposed budget
expenditures for 1999 are $44.4 million, which is comprised of $33.5 million operating budget,
$2.4 million interfund services, $6.7 million interfund transfers, $1.1 million in surface water capital and
$.7 million in the City Manager contingency fund.
mrmRtT
('It t'(
1999/2000 PROPOSED BUDGET IN BRIEF
BASE-LINE OPERATIONS
The base-line operating expenditures total $33.5 million for 1999, a 1.1% increase over the 1998
projected year-end total of $33.2 million. The proposed base-line operating expenditures for the year
2000 total $33.8 million, or 0.9% over the proposed expenditure for 1999. Included in these numbers is
an increase in human service funding from the $200,000 a year to $306,000 in 1999 and $312,000 in the
year 2000. The budget also covers a general salary increase of 2.5% for each of the two years and
includes a new medicel benefit plan since the existing plan will no longer be available through the
Association of Washington Cities (AWC)
These actions are accomplished at no new taxes or fees other than an inflationary increase in property
taxes for each of the two years. The total operating revenues for 1999 are $36 million, a .6% increase
over the 1998 year-end estimate. The $36 million includes $2.4 million in designated revenues for
Suñace Water Management and Utility taxes, leaving approximately $33.6 million available for
operations.
According to the preliminary data from the King County Assessor's Office, the City's 1999 proposed
property tax meets the three-way test of the $1.60 statutory limil, the 106% legal limit, and the Implicit
Price Deflator (IPD) limit. The reason for this is that the City has not levied the maximum allowable
amount in past years upon which the IPD calculations based.
HIGHLIGHTS OF CHANGE
In preparing this budget, I conducted an analysis of the adequacy of Police Department staffing;
completed a review of all programs and services offered by the City to detennine their continued
viability; and directed a review of the City's pay and benefits in comparison with other public and private
practices. These analyses and reviews have resulted in my recommending a number of changes for
your consideration. However, this budget looks to maintain or improve existing service levels and does
not present very many new initiatives as might be found in previous budgets of my administration.
A more detailed list and explanation of these changes is listed in the Recommended Program Changes
immediately following this letter. The following material will highlight the major changes and where
applicable will include the accompanying funding sources.
In the last three years, there has been a decided shift in the duties required of City staff. We have
changed from a mission of creating, fonning, and establishing services and programs to one of
delivering and sustaining levels of services and programs that provide for basic municipal services. As
these services are better delineated, the service levels become more defined. This provides clarity for
establishing staffing levels and it is in that direction that this budget document is aimed. While there is a
continuing need to be watchful to ensure staffing is appropriate to the services delivered, I believe the
foundation for future municipal services from the Cily of Federal Way has been established in the 1997-
1998 goals and budget plans.
It is based on these observations and conclusions, I recommend the following action areas for Council
consideration:
A. Changes in Staffing Status:
I am recommending converting 7.40 existing positions previously approved or funded by City Council
to regular employee status. This includes converting the street maintenance contract to an in house
City crew comprised of 4.5 City employees with a combination of purchased and leased equipment.
We anticipate the first year's saving will cover all but $16,000 of the program start-up costs and the
City will realize a projected cost savings of approximately $120,000 a year starting in the year 2000.
These savings will afford the City to accomplish more in street and traffic maintenance needs with
the same amount of resources. The remaining recommendations convert two previously approved
positions that were filled with contract employees and convert two temporary part-time help to
regular part-time help with benefits.
2
199912000 PROPOSED BUDGET IN BRIEF
The net impact from these changes will be $113,374 savings to general fund and $19,520 cost in
Solid Waste Fund.
B. Change in Staffing Levels Fully Funded by User Fees:
I am also recommending 4.75 new positions to support inspection and maintenance functions all of
which are supported by user fees. One position is an eight-month park maintenance position funded
from athletic fees from the new Celebration Park. A Surface Water Maintenance (SWM) position
addresses the maintenance needs for the many recently completed SWM facilities. This would be
funded from existing SWM fees. An additional building inspector would support the existing and
proposed development activities in the City. The position would be funded with the Uniform Building
Code (UBC) fees schedule update as discussed later in this letter. The proposed Deputy Public
Works Director position fills a critical organizational void in the Public Works Department. This
position would be half-funded by SWM fee and half funded by the savings from the conversion of
street mainten¡¡nce contract to City staff. Finally, an Information System support person has been
included and the funding has been provided in the budgets of past and proposed information system
programs.
There is no direct impact to the General Fund from any of these program additions.
C. Public Safety Service Level Adjustments:
To further the City Council's goals of public safety, I recommend adding ,eleven positions--eight
swom and three civilian. These positions will allow the City to better deal with unwanted activities in
our community through intervention and prevention. These positions will allow the City to extract and
coordinate intelligence on organized crimes, juvenile crimes, and youth and gang activities so we
can attack these crimes proactively and effectively. While this staffing may not meet all the public
safety needs of the community as identified by my analysis, they do represent a significant step
toward the service the Council envisioned when we formed our own Department.
All of the other staffing changes recommended in this budget have little or no impact on the City's
General Fund. However, the Public Safety positions recommended for Council consideration
represent an adjusted level of service and represent additional costs. Grants are being sought to
potentially provide up to 50% of the first three year's costs for some of these positions. But, even
with secured grants, Council will need to provide an additional on-going funding source. Some
options for Council consideration include:
Redirect funds from other on-going programs/services;
Redirect a portion of the utility tax now being collected;
Raising property tax above the rate of inflation;
Establishing additional tax sources, such as admissions tax;
Reduce the requested number of positions;
Retain current staffing levels in the department.
The least impact on the taxpayers is to redirect 1/2% of 1 % of the utility tax now being collected.
D. Program and Service Changes:
This section includes the recommendations for: the continuation of certain programs/ services
started in 1997/96 whose funding will run out at the end of 1996; the elimination of existing programs
that do not provide the outcomes or meet the City's desires; the addition of certain programs on a
trial basis to better evaluate their impact to the community and finally; those necessary maintenance
or replacement programs to preserve or restore property and facilities that are in City ownership.
Some of these programs are:
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1999/2000 PROPOSED BUDGET IN BRIEF
A one-year trial of a Community Communications Technician and a contract lobbyist;
The replacement and support of the permit tracking system which is not Y2K compliant and will
no longer be supported by the vendor;
The eariy redemption of 1991 bonds using income from real estate excise tax to reduce the
future potential liability against the General Fund;
The recruitment of a new City Manager; and the reconfiguration of City Hall;
The continued support of the Economic Development Executive program that provides a
localized and focused approach in marketing and redevelopment of Federal Way. This program
can be supported with the implementation of the new 1 % hotel/motel tax.
The elimination of the City's membership in the Seattle-King County Economic Development
Council (EDC) and the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC),
Continuing Arts Commission funding at the $42,500 level.
Employee Benefit Considerations:
I reviewed the City's Employee Benefit policies and programs with a view to encourage organization
stability. To that end, I recommend a combination of the traditional and non-traditional approach.
Following the traditional method, I recommend providing three additional vacation days--for a total of
18 days per year--when employees have more than 10 years of service with the City. I further
recommend the City Council consider a not-so-traditionalleave benefit for senior staff. The program
would provide for a one-month leave--using two weeks' of the employees accrued vacation and two
weeks' of City paid leave. This senior management recognition leave would be taken between the
10th and the 12th year of employment. The sabbatical would be offered to those in management
positions on whose leadership this organization depends and whose actions affects the well-being of
the entire community.
F. Fee Adjustments:
This budget also recommends City Council systematically review and adjust all service fees. The
benefits of a systematic review of fees are to avoid steep fee increases in a single year, and allow
each service user to bear their share of increasing service costs, thus reducing the reliance on
general taxes. Two areas reviewed during this budget have not kept pace with costs are the general
building/land use related fees and business license fees.
E.
1.
Building, Planning and Public Works Development and Permit Fees: The last adjustment of the
City's building, land use, plan review, and engineering fees was in 1994. The City's building
permit fees are based on the State's Uniform Building Code (UBC) fee schedule, which is
adjusted once every fourth year. The recommendation is for Council to adopt the State's 1997
UBC fee schedule and approve adjustments to other charges and permit fees by the cumulative
inflationary factor effective January 1, 1999, with all fees adjusted annually by inflation
thereafter. Building Permit fees will be compared and adjusted to match the UBC schedule
every fourth year when available.
The UBC fee adjustment is projected to generate $108,000 which wili provide funding of an
additional inspector and the maintenance and replacement of the new permit tracking system.
The adjustment of land use and engineering fees would increase the revenue; however, the
amount will not be significant and is susceptible to high fluctuations.
2.
Business License: The City's current business license fee schedule was adopted in 1991 with
various new sections with different charges and provisions added through the years. Staff
recommends the City simplify and increase the basic business license fees to $50; eliminate the
$25 extra fee for in-home business; and implement a $500 licensing fee for new or expanded
establishments which require Liquor Board and/or Gambling Commission permission. These
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1999/2000 PROPOSED BUDGET IN BRIEF
adjustments will better reflect the different processing and special review costs that are
necessary for these activities.
These adjustments could generate $85,000 in additional general revenues.
CONCLUSION
While this budget is an effort to comprehensively address the City's service needs for the next two to
four years, it does not satisfy all the demands placed on the legislative and administrative section of the
City organization. It is, however, a budget that addresses the fundamental responsibilities of local
govemment in protecting, enforcing, and inspecting the physical welfare of the community and carrying
out mandates generated from other levels of govemments. It does so without substantial tax increases. It
provides a service level that can be sustained into the foreseeable future. It provides a compensation
and benefit base to recruit and retain quality employees. Finally, it provides the process for fee
adjustments for a more equitable way to maintain these services. This budget seeks to both strengthen
and bolster the organization so it can professionally perform and effectively deliver municipal programs
and services for the citizens of Federal Way into the 21st century.
Respectfully submitted,
~
City Manager
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