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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 09/24/2008 e CALL TO ORDER - SPECIAL MEETING: ROLL CALL: PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: WORK SESSION: Proposed 2009 Preliminary Budget Adjustments e 6319 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING Port Angeles, Washington September 24, 2008 Mayor Braun called the special meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order at 5 :02 p.m. Members Present: Mayor Braun, Deputy Mayor Wharton, and Councilmembers Di Guilio, Kidd, Perry [via speaker phone], Rogers, and Williams. Members Absent: None. Staff Present: Interim Manager Osterman, Attorney Bloor, Clerk Upton, G. . Cutler, T. Gallagher, D. McKeen, N. West, Y. Ziomkowski, B. Smith, S. Sperr, T. Pierce, M. Puntenney, D Bellamente, R. Bonine, and 1. Lafferty. Public Present: N. Hendricks; K. Beirne, T. Bock, J. Pankowski, 1. Vennetti, T. Moore, C. LeBer, G. Vennetti, P. Pittis, B. Noach, 1. LeBer, P. Ripley, G. & 1. Holmquist, P. Brown, K. & M. Wahlsten, J. Chavez, L. Murphy, M. Juskevich, A. Butler, M. Teel, K. Craven, L. Little, B. LeBer, K. Craven, L. & 1. Monger, L. & K. Fairchild, S. & N. Jervis, T. Sample, H. Bear, T. Bock, C. Bear, M. Duffy, 1. Ruddick, A. Anderson, M. Barnhill, T. Smith, 1. Fairchild, L. Crowley, G. Carlson, L. & N. Peterson, J. Clevenger, K. Peterson, S. Tikka, P. Doig, P. Dawson, S. Jones, L. Hamilton, c., A. & C. Turner, J. Childers, C. & S. Gudgel, B. Bear, D. Erickson, S. Rockett, B. Rathod, A. Beasley, B. Knebes, 1. Garcelon, C. & V. Latimer, T. Hester, D. & A. Latimer, A. Clawson, E. King, K. & K. Winn, and K. Macias. All others present in the audience failed to sign the roster. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Councilmember Rogers, followed by a moment of silence in honor of U.S. Forest Service Officer Kristine Fairbanks and former California Corrections Officer Richard Ziegler, both of whom tragically lost their lives this past weekend. Proposed 2009 Preliminary Budget Adjustments: Mayor Braun opened the meeting by informing the public that this meeting constitutes a City Council work session. He indicated there would be no public comment, and he asked that all in attendance be respectful during the course of the meeting. Interim Manager Osterman indicated the work session had been called so the Council could consider adjustments to balance the preliminary 2009 Budget. He explained the process undertaken thus far with the City departments reviewing current operational levels and future needs, as well as commitments to adopted plans which he delineated. The department requests have been under review by City Council committees, and during those reviews, it became clear that major policy program decisions would need to be made in order to balance the 2009 Annual Budget. Interim Manager Osterman indicated - 1 - I 6320 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING September 24, 2008 WORK SESSION: (Cont'd) Proposed 2009 Preliminary Budget Adjustments (Cont'd) the public will have the opportunity to provide input during public hearings scheduled for November 4, November 18, and December 2, after which the City Council will approve a final Budget for 2009. e Finance Director Ziomkowski used PowerPoint slides to discuss the difficulties faced in balancing the budget, something that has been occurring over the last several years. She indicated that limitations have been placed on revenues, citing the closure of the Rayonier Mill, the Motor Vehicle Excise Tax voter initiative, and the property tax voter initiative. Director Ziomkowski indicated the City has sustained increasing expenses in such areas as j ail costs, prosecution costs, voter registration, and election costs. Another key factor is inflation, and Director Ziomkowski indicated the gap between expenses and revenues is growing. She indicated the City has made no major service cuts in previous budgets and has been extremely frugal and pro-active with City funds. More was done with fewer resources, and cuts were made on discretionary items. Director Ziomkowski indicated the City can no longer keep doing more with less. She then reviewed in detail the projected sales tax revenues through 2012, overall revenue and expenditure projections for .the same period, and how evaluations were undertaken on the 2009 Budget-with regard to segregating essential and mandated services as opposed to services that are wanted or nice to have. Staff prepared a proposal of possible service cuts and revenue enhancements to present to the Finance Committee and the Parks Oversight Committee. Various reductions to the General Fund were itemized with the associated savings if implemented. Revenue enhancements were identified as well. Interim Manager Osterman advised the Council that a proposed newsletter, as distributed to the Council this evening, would be sent to the public in the near future. The newsletter is intended to inform the public as to the budget process, difficulties being experienced, and the proposed revenue enhancements and expenditure reductions. In reviewing the proposed list of reductions, the Council discussed and then agreed by consensus to have staff proceed with the following for budgetary purposes: Reduce citywide travel/training and supplies by 10% - $16,400 Personnel -reduction and reorganization in Finance, and City Manager Departments - $60,000 Eliminate Senior Center part-time employee - $11,500 Transfer street functions to Stormwater Utility - $235,000 Reduce vehicle replacement program - $288,000 Reduce United Way contribution - $62,500 Reduce Fine Arts Center support - $27,500 Reduce Humane Society contract - $26,000 Reduce Art Feiro Marine Life Center support - $22,500 Eliminate low-use neighborhood parks - $25,000 Director Ziomkowski noted it is anticipated that the support to United Way, the Art Feiro Marine Life Center, the Fine Arts Center, and the Humane Society would be eliminated in 2010. The Council considered the recommendation to close the William Shore Memorial Pool because of a $400,000 deficit. Finance Director Ziomkowski had pointed out that contacts were made with other agencies to determine the opportunity for partnership, but no interest was expressed by the YMCA, the County, or the School District. The Council discussed in depth the recommendation to close the pool as of December 31,2008, the impact on the community, the need for a partnership or funding source in order to fund the deficit, other reductions that might be made in order to keep the pool open, and other possible collaborative efforts. The possibility of a Transportation Benefit District had a been discussed by the Finance Committee, but the members opted not to pursue that ., option in that it would add to the cost of car tabs. Individual Councilmembers emphasi~ed they did not want to close the pool, but felt there are no other options. - 2 - e e WORK SESSION: (Cont'd) Proposed 2009 Preliminary Budget Adjustments (Cont'd) ADJOURNMENT: CITY COUNCIL MEETING September 24, 2008 6321 Lengthy discussion and debate followed, after which the Council agreed by consensus to fund the Pool for one quarter in 2009 and to schedule closure for March 31, 2009, providing time for a funding partner to step forward. However, if there is no credible community movement to help fund the Pool by year end 2008, then the Pool will be closed as of December 31, 2008. The Council acknowledged that some staff members may opt to seek employment elsewhere in view of the Pool closure. Should this occur, then the City should consider closure earlier in view of liability and safety issues. The Council considered the other reductions of approximately $200,000 that were recommended, all of which were non-controversial. By consensus, the staff was directed to proceed with those reductions as well. The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m. /11{L~Wa1bI~~U- Gary Brau, ayo ~1~~~. j~ Becky J. Up , C Clerk - 3 -