HomeMy WebLinkAbout101209CITY OF .PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP MEETING OF OCTOBER 12, 2009
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present at roll call were David King, Kris Nelson, George
Randels, Catharine Robinson, Michelle Sandoval, and Mark Welch with Laurie
Medlicott excused.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John
Watts, DSD Director Rick Sepler, Public Works Director Ken Clow, and City Clerk
Pam Kolacy .
2010 BUDGET
Mr. Timmons stated that he would like this session to be a roundtable discussion
among Council members to informally discuss the budget and identify any
outstanding issues that staff needs to work on prior to the budget ordinance
coming forward.
Mr. Randels requested that if the budget deliberations are not concluded on
December 7, that a follow up meeting be held the 10th rather than the 14th.
Mr. Timmons stated that staff is working on a three year budget strategy which will
encompass the phasing in of the levy as well as addressing the long term
economic plan for the City.
Mr. Legarsky discussed the mechanics of the levy and how the phase in will work
through 2011.
Mr. Timmons stated he is requesting that the bargaining units forego a cost of
living increase this year. The contract provides a "floor" of 1 % even if the cost of
living index is less than that. At this time we are seeing a negative cost of living
index. He noted that revenue estimates are conservative and signs show that
real estate excise tax numbers will continue to be very low.
Mr. Legarsky said that debt service expense will drop significantly, from $900,000
to $300,000 but then funding will need to be built up in anticipation of dealing with
water filtration. He added this is the last year the City is required to pay $25,000
for the Community Center.
Staff will put together a debt retirement schedule for the Council members.
City Council Workshop Meeting October 12, 2009 Page 1 of 2
In response to Ms. Nelson, Mr. Legarsky explained that many capital projects have
been delayed a year and this affects the overhead charge distributed to the
general fund.
Discussion ensued regarding the Mountain View Commons. There was a
suggestion that Mountain View be allocated as a cost center to show the impact
on the budget overall. This would be part of the Community Service fund.
There was some discussion about potential negative impacts on the budget such
as the interlocal agreements with the County and the latest Eyman initiative.
Mr. Legarsky stated that the state ruled against the city regarding paying voter
costs as billed by the County so that amount was added as an expense to the
Council budget.
Mr. King asked for information on contingency funds.
There was discussion regarding the proposed Policy Analyst position. Council
expressed some concerns about addressing the immediate customer service
needs of DSD rather than adding to the long term strategic planning staff. Mr.
Sepler said that the department is working on cross training and will reorganize to
have a full time counter person, but also that the Council has an extremely
ambitious long range plan. Glen Cove issues alone will take 18-24 months of
intensive work and in addition the Public Development Authority and Fort Worden
need dedicated staff.
Ms. Robinson suggested it would be helpful to articulate the future vision for the
Development Services Department.
Mr. Timmons noted that the funding for streets is a major need that still needs to
be addressed. In the future, water filtration and replacement of water pipes will
need a funding strategy as well.
Council has also not yet discussed the requests from community non-profit
organizations.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:34 p.m.
Attest:
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Pamela Kolacy, MMC
City Clerk
City Council Workshop Meeting October 12, 2009 Page 2 of 2