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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 11/30/19901747 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING Port Angeles, Washington November 30, 1990 I CALL TO ORDER Mayor Sargent called the special meeting of the City Council to order at 7:30 P.M. II ROLL CALL Members Present: Mayor Sargent, Councilmen Cornell, Hallett, Lemon, Nicholson, Ostrowski, Wight. Members Absent: None. Staff Present: Manager Pomeranz, AttorneyKnutson, Clerk Upton, S. Brodhun, M. Cleland, B. Collins, K. Godbey, L. Glenn, J. Pittis, B. Titus, L. Danks, Y. Ziomkowski. Public Present: J. Butler, T. Cohen. III - VII - SUSPENDED VIII LEGISLATION Presentation of 1991-1992 Proposed Biennial Operating Budget City Manager Pomeranz presented the 1991-1992 Proposed Biennial Operating Budget to the City Council. He reviewed activities and accomplishments during 1990 and presented goals for 1991-1992. Manager Pomeranz stated he was presenting a conservative, balanced budget which reflects an 8 percent increase in revenues and a 7.16 percent increase in expenses. Manager Pomeranz referenced the Financial Management Policy on Page 5. This is a new policy, much of which is already a matter of practice for the City of Port Angeles. He noted this policy could be adopted as part of the Budget. Discussion ensued with respect to the merits of continuing with a biennial budget as compared to an annual budget. Manager Pomeranz was of the opinion that a biennial budget often results in a less than precise document for the second year. The figures submitted for the second year must be viewed as a flexible plan. It was his recommendation that Council consider an annual budget in the future. It would, however, be important to prepare a five-year plan in conjunction with the budget. Councilmembers agreed this is a matter for future consideration and that a five-year plan would be a very important factor. At this time, Councilman Hallett expressed his pleasure with the appearance of the budget document. Additionally, Mayor Sargent expressed her appreciation in receiving the budget in a format she had requested over three years ago. The Mayor acknowledged the hard work which has gone into the budget preparation on the part of staff members, particularly the commitment on the part of Yvonne Ziomkowski, Financial Services Manager. Councilman Hallett noted it would be helpful to receive historical data with respect to the cost of government, inclusive of inflationary factors. Councilman Lemon urged the implementation of accountability and a system of monitoring for each of the departments in terms of budgeted expenditures. Manager Pomeranz agreed it is important that accurate and timely reports be submitted to the City Council concerning budget/expense activities. It is his plan to work with Administrative Services Director Godbey to enhance the program as soon as possible and not wait for the results of the Integrated Finance System to implement certain improvements. A centralized purchasing system is also planned in the immediate future. Manager Pomeranz then submitted for Council consideration the various departmental budgets. Department Directors responded to specific questions pertinent to their respective budgets. In reviewing the Administrative Services budget, Manager Pomeranz responded to an inquiry concerning the possible need for more personal computers. He indicated it would not be advisable to purchase additional equipment until the consultants have submitted their recommendation. -1- 1748 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING November 30, 1990 Administrative Services Director Godbey indicated it was her desire to acquire more personal computers in order for Administrative Services to fulfill its duties. Lengthy discussion was held concerning the request of the Fire Department to increase its number of full time equivalents with a possible $.50 rate increase for Medic I. By consensus, Council agreed to conduct a public hearing on December 18, 1990, with regard to the proposed $.50 rate increase. Councilman Cornell was interested in consid the ~ of the Fire Department ~ncrease via the monies in reccr~~~J . In considering the budget for Parks & Recreation, Councilmembers expressed interest in having a review conducted with respect to fees currently being - charged for the Cemetery, the Pool, and the Vern Burton Memorial Community Center. By consensus, Council directed staff to prepare such a review, to include consideration of possible fee increases. Councilman Hallett suggested this matter be returned to Council for review as part of the budget, with possible inclusion of fee increases as additional sources of revenue. Discussion concerning architecture fees for the Senior Center resulted in an agreement that the fee amount should be included in the budget for future reimbursement at the time of the bond issue. In conjunction with the Planning Department budget, Council inquired as to whether the funding would be sufficient to support the increased workload, particularly due to the Growth Management Act. Planning Director Collins reviewed the funding which will be forthcoming because of the Growth Management Act and the fact a Senior Planner position is to be funded by CMA funds. He noted that plan review fees, rezone fees, etc., are worthy of review, as they are somewhat low in comparison to other municipalities. Review of the Police Department budget involved lengthy discussion about the City/County Joint Dispatch Agreement and the title and salary for the Communications Director, a title which has been specified by the terms of the contract. Police Chief Cleland stated the job description has not yet been written for the Communications Director, so there is still opportunity for input. The salary range has been set at a Captain's level. The Public Works Department budget involved limited discussion of an extra engineering staff member, which will be funded by Water/Wastewater for combined sewer overflow, systems inventories, and the like. Public Works Director Pittis indicated the various fees in Public Works are also low and Council may wish to consider a revision of the fee structure. Manager Pomeranz then reviewed the Non-Departmental portion of the budget, which serves as the cost center for the expenditure of administrative costs and programs which are not specifically associated with any operating department in the City. IX CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS/LATE ITEMS There were no items submitted. X ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION There was no need for an executive session. XI ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 11:05 P.M. C or CC.190 -2-