HomeMy WebLinkAbout111413 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP OF NOVEMBER 14, 2013
CALL TO ORDER
The Port Townsend City Council met in workshop session on November 14, 2013 in
the Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. Mayor David King called the meeting to
order at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Council members present at roll call were Robert Gray, David King, Kris Nelson,
Catharine Robinson, Michelle Sandoval, Deborah Stinson and Mark Welch. Staff
members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts,
Special Assistant Bob Jean, Public Services Director Rick Sepler, Public Works
Director Ken Clow, Police Chief Conner Daily, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy.
2014 PRELIMINARY BUDGET GENERAL FUND LINE ITEM REVIEW
Public Comment
Steve Oakford attended a Mountain View meeting and re-emphasized the necessity
of moving forward with all possible diligence to get capital repairs funded. He also
stated that some City meetings should be held during the day so people who
depend on public transportation can attend.
In response, the Mayor noted that scheduling meetings is difficult because if
meetings are held during the day then working people cannot attend. He added
that most Council Committee meetings are held during the day. Mr. Timmons
added that the City webstreams all Council meetings and several other meetings so
that they are available to the public at home and on demand.
Council Discussion
Mayor King stated that the Council has reviewed all the line item budget funds with
the exception of the General Fund categories and that review is the purpose of
tonight's meeting. He added that public comment has been placed on the agenda
although this is not usually allowed at workshops, but the Council would like the
public to have as many opportunities as possible to comment on the budget.
Undesignated Revenues: Mr. Timmons explained the purpose of the
undesignated revenues fund, noting that these are funds undesignated by
statute. Council discussed whether the 1% property tax levy can be designated
for a specific purpose such as streets or community services. The several lines
at the end starting with "Budg/Acctg" will be renamed to clarify.
City Council Workshop Meeting November 14, 2013 Page 1 of 2
City Council: It was noted that the two line items labeled "miscellaneous" have
been combined.
City Manager: There was brief discussion regarding the Manager's travel budget
and travel policies in general.
City Attorney: possible need for more staffing.
Planning: Discussion on impact of the 2015 Comprehensive Plan update and
effect on the budget.
Development Services: Discussion about potential of increasing cost recovery.
Finance: Training needs were discussed both for Finance Department and City-
wide.
Police: Discussion regarding staffing needs.
City Clerk: Although changes in the organizational structure are under review,
budgets for these departments will not be affected. For 2014, some City-wide
training costs will be budgeted in the Clerk Department because the HR function
is housed there.
City Facilities: Public restroom fund is not active.
Non-Departmental: includes wellness committee, new unemployment fund and
can contain funds set aside for future Council designation.
Public Educational Government Access (PEG:) Additional equipment funds have
been allocated.
Grants Management: This fund is being eliminated.
Fund Equity and Education Fund: Mr. Timmons and Ms. Stern reviewed the
various transfer and fund details reflected in the line item budget.
Some further general discussion ensued, including a preliminary tally of the value
of direct and indirect support to community groups which is currently estimated at
1.3 million dollars for 2013. Lodging Tax Committee has accepted preliminary
budget and will be meeting to discuss work plan and internal allocations.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Attest:
ZZ
Pamela Kolacy, MMC
City Clerk
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