HomeMy WebLinkAbout101413 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP OF OCTOBER 14, 2013
CALL TO ORDER
The Port Townsend City Council met in workshop session on October 15, 2013 in the
Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.
by Deputy Mayor Kris Nelson.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present at roll call were Robert Gray, Kris Nelson, Catharine Robinson,
Michelle Sandoval, Deborah Stinson, and Mark Welch with David King absent.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts,
Public Works Director Ken Clow, Public Services Director Rick Sepler, City Engineer
Dave Peterson, Deputy Finance Director Corena Stern, Police Chief Conner Daily,
Interim Library Director Bev Shelton, City Clerk/Admin Services Director Pam Kolacy,
and Special Assistant Bob Jean.
2013 SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET AND DRAFT 2014 BUDGET COUNCIL WORKSHOP
2013 Supplemental and 2014 Draft Preliminary Budget Overview
City Manager Timmons presented the preliminary budget overview, noting that this is
an introduction and a broad look at the budget based on the facts we know today. He
stated that the cost recovery for a large capital project, the LT2 project, is not included
in this draft. The project will affect three years of budgets and we want to be as
accurate as possible regarding the impacts of that project.
Public Involvement Budget Process and Transparency
Mr. Timmons reviewed the public process which has taken place regarding the City's
finances which is detailed in the packet. He referred to the "Budget in Brief' which is a
first draft summary of the budget document. He recommends budget adoption in
December so that October and November revenue reports will be in hand.
2013 Supplemental Budget
Deputy Finance Director Corena Stern reviewed the 2013 supplemental budget
narrative. She noted this is a mid-level look which does not include every line item
change.
2014 Draft Preliminary Budget
City Council Workshop October 14, 2013 Page 1 of 3
Special Assistant Bob Jean reviewed the Budget Message in detail. He stated he
believes the City's finances have turned a corner but noted he still cautions restraint
for 2014.
2013 and 2014 Departmental Budgets, Goals and Highlights, Department Heads
City Manager Timmons reviewed the City's organizational structure, noting that with
many positions turning over, the City must position itself to recruit new employees
while also retaining institutional memory. He said that a significant organizational
need is in the Human Resources area.
Mr. Timmons stated that undesignated costs for the Council budget include cost
overruns for the expanded newsletter, election and voter registration costs. The City
Manager's budget is status quo with line item adjustments. IT costs are higher in
every department which partly reflects the addition to the staff. City Attorney costs
include District Court and the change in the Prosecuting Attorney position.
City Engineer Dave Peterson reviewed the plan for capital projects which includes
smaller projects such as the Sheridan Street sidewalk, Landes Street path, and
Kanu pump station. Design will proceed on the large projects with plans to begin
Howard Street in 2015 and the LT2 water project in 2015 and 2016.
Mr. Timmons commented that the Customs House project will be transferred to the
Washington Trust for Historic Preservation.
City Clerk Pam Kolacy reviewed the Administrative Services budget. She stated that
the Payroll/Benefits Administrator position has been moved from Finance to
Clerk/HR so that HR costs can be consolidated in one cost center. She also stated
that the Professional Services budget is larger to accommodate potential costs for
recruitments. The IT budget reflects the additional staff person added this year.
Police Chief Conner Daily noted that there are three officers who have the potential
to retire, with two letters already received with intention to retire; this will have an
impact on the department both for hiring new officers and conducting a promotional
test for sergeant. Academy costs are now about $8,500 per candidate.
Interim Library Director Bev Shelton stated that next year will be the rebuilding year
for the Library including the move back to the Carnegie Building . She commented
on the new Library Advisory Board; collaboration with the school district;
and collection acquisitions. She also reviewed a memo regarding the next Library
Director. There was brief discussion among Council members about the
recommendation, which is to promote from within with a mentoring component.
Public Services Director Rick Sepler addressed the four divisions within the
department: Planning (2014 will be the initiation of the process to update the
City Council Workshop October 14, 2013 Page 2 of 3
Comprehensive Plan); Development Services (will be affected by any spikes in
permit applications), Parks and Pool (hoping to maximize use of volunteers but still
losing ground on park maintenance); Facilities and Equipment Rental (look at rental
and lease options as well as acquisition).
Public Works Director Ken Clow commented on the day-to-day maintenance of the
operations we already have. The street budget is bare bones, and would benefit
from an extra $100,000 for chip seal and asphalt work. Infrastructure that is not kept
up results in large projects down the road. LT2 expenses include increased testing
and more patrols in the watershed. Funding to complete the Stormwater Plan is
requested.
Mr. Timmons noted that there are several intergovernmental contracts with the
County totaling almost a million dollars a year that need to be renegotiated. The two
bargaining unit agreements are stable for 2014; alternative health care plans will be
reviewed for 2015. Internal controls and processes will be reviewed for efficiency. It
is hoped that some funding can be diverted to the Street Fund without compromising
the General Fund.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:47 p.m.
Attest:
J
Pamela Kolacy, MMC
City Clerk
City Council Workshop October 14, 2013 Page 3 of 3