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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 11/29/1994 2901 CITY COUNCIL MEETING Port Angeles, Washington November 29, 1994 CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Sargent called the special meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order SPECIAL MEETiNG: at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Mayor Sargent, Councilmembers Braun, Doyle, Hulett, McKeown, and Ostrowski. Members Absent: Councilman Schueler. Staff Present: Manager Pomeranz, Attorney Knutson, B. Collins, L. Glenn, S. Ilk, J. Pittis, B. Titus, and Y. Ziomkowski. Public Present: None. Public Hearing and Because there were no members of the public present at this meeting, a public Work Session - 1995 hearing was not conducted. Proposed Budget Manager Pomeranz commenced a review of the proposed 1995 Budget, and Councilman Hulett inquired about the positions in the City Manager's office and Finance Department which will not be filled. Manager Pomeranz responded and further explained that a position in City Light will be eliminated through attrition. Manager Pomeranz pointed out that there is little growth in City revenues; however, expenditures continue to grow due to commitments to bargaining units and debt service. Members of the Council recommended that the budget be closely monitored and revenues and expenses be kept balanced. Manager Pomeranz then delineated some of the capital projects which are included in the budget and gave a brief review of the Summary of Funds. Councilman Doyle inquired as to why expenses were $1.14 million higher than revenues. Acting Finance Director Ziomkowski explained that the City has received some monies in 1994 for projects which will not start until 1995. Therefore, the Enterprise Fund shows the revenue in one year, while the project is scheduled for the following year, thus affecting the balance. Councilman Braun asked if the budget could be changed to reflect this so it doesn't appear the City has a $7 Million reserve one year, and a $7 Million deficit the next. Acting Director Ziomkowski explained how this could possibly be accomplished. Councilman Doyle referenced Page 27 and asked what constitutes Interfund Transfers. Manager Pomeranz explained that this was money coming out of the Criminal Justice Fund into the General Fund. This is due to the new sales tax that was levied in May, 1994. Manager Pomeranz offered to review the budget page-by-page and answer any questions the Council may have. At Councilman Ostrowski's request, Acting Finance Director Ziomkowski explained that there was a decrease in the motor vehicle tax revenue because of a change in the method of distribution of this tax. Consideration was given to gambling taxes, and Councilmember McKeown clarified that the tax on punchboards/pulltabs was reduced from 4% to 3.5% in 1994. Manager Pomeranz informed the Council that Mr. Reg Midgley has requested a meeting with the Council regarding gambling taxes. Mr. Midgley will be invited to give a brief presentation at the special meeting of December 2, 1994. Councilmembers McKeown and Doyle felt the 1995 proposed gambling tax estimates were too high, as the fishing industry will be totally closed in 1995, thereby decreasing the number of tourists who might gamble. Also, the new Jamestown Casino will be opened in 1995, which could have a significant impact on these taxes. This figure was, therefore, reduced by $10,000. Discussion followed concerning Medic I, and Fire Chief Glenn stated that he felt revenues could be increased if Medic I was made a full-service program. This would also make Medic I more cost effective. Mayor Sargent and Councilmembers Ostrowski and Braun expressed interest in discussing this issue further in 1995. - I - 2902 CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 29, 1994 Public Hearing and Manager Pomeranz reviewed the budget by department, giving a brief explanation Work Session - 1995 of expenditures. The Mayor and Council expenditures for travel were increased by Proposed Budget $13,500 to accommodate the anticipated expenses for the Council's Japan trip. (Cont'd) Mayor Sargent inquired about the EDC funds, and Acting Director Ziomkowski explained that in 1994 these funds were split, with $7,000 in the Community Development fund and $15,000 in the General Fund under Health and Community Services. In 1995, a total of $22,000 was placed in the City Manager's fund. Referring to Page 73, Councilman Braun felt the word "monitor" was too weak. Attorney Knutson suggested changing the wording to "monitor and attempt to influence". At the request of the Council, Manager Pomeranz explained how the cost of living allowance is determined. Manager Pomeranz also pointed out to the Council that costs for personnel benefits were decreased for most departments due to the change in the health insurance provider. Manager Pomeranz stressed the importance of hiring a part-time employee in order to meet custodial and gronndskeeping needs at the new facilities. During discussion of the Planning Department budget, it was noted that the Associate Planner has resigned, and the position will remain vacant at this time. Planning Director Collins requested that this position and the staffing funds not be removed from the budget at this time, as he felt that this position will need to be filled in the future in order the maintain the current level of service. Discussion followed, and Director Collins stated that he felt that the permitting process would be lengthened if this position remained vacant. It was the general consensus of the Council that this decision could be postponed to a future meeting. Currently, the budget states that two new police officers will be added in 1995. However, some of the Criminal Justice Funds which will pay for these positions will be used for the PenCom expansion. Police Chief Ilk felt it would be wise to hire only one officer initially and re-evaluate the second position at a later date when it is known how much money remains in the fund. Manager Pomeranz advised the Council that a number of departments had requested additional persOnnel; however, only the Police and Parks & Recreation Departments had these requests granted. Councilman Braun asked why $10,000 was transferred from the Property Fund to the Public Works Fund. It was explained that Deputy Public Works Director Ridout was spending a great deal of time managing the City's properties; therefore, it was felt that the property fund should participate in these costs. Manager Pomeranz then reviewed the agency requests for Convention Center funds and reminded the Council that these agencies will be giving their presentations at the meeting to be held, Saturday, December 3, 1994. He then reviewed the remaining Special Revenue Funds. Councilman Braun asked if it was possible to show what amount the different entities paid towards PenCom. Manager Pomeranz responded that this was possible, and that the City paid about 50% of these expenses. Manager Pomeranz reminded the Council that each department had made some real sacrifices in order to achieve a balanced budget. He informed the Council that the debt service schedules were basically mandated; however, these schedules provide a good summary of the City's debts and commitments. Mayor Sargent praised the staff for the great job they did in putting this budget together. The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, December 2, 1994, at 5:00 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:28 p.m. -2-