Donald MacGilvra, Alan Kiest, Carolyn Armanini, Dwight Thompson, Mary Jane Goss, Nate Herzog

Peggy Gerdes (excused)

David R. Hutchinson, Mayor; Police Chief John Rogers, Administrative Sergeant Scott Drown, Police Department Secretary Linda Page, Municipal Court Judge Linda Portnoy, Court Administrator Jane Poppe, Finance Director Joyce Papke, Accountant Peggy Graham, City Clerk Susan Stine

State Senator Darlene Fairley, 49 visitors

Mayor David Hutchinson called the council budget workshop to order at 7:30 p.m.

Councilmembers agreed to add citizen comments as the next item on the agenda.

Daniel Block, 2519 NE 184^th Pl., stated his support of the local police department and noted their prompt response to calls. He said his experience with the Lake Forest Park police department has been positive.

John Chambers, Jr., 18413 47^th Pl. NE, said he has experienced the level of service provided by both Lake Forest Park and King County. He urged the council to keep the police department and urged the council to keep dispatch and patrol.

Dan Olson, 16150 41^st Ave. NE, said grew up in the area and has experienced the level of service provided by the county. He supports the Lake Forest Park police department including dispatch and noted that Crime Watch is a service implemented by dispatch.

Marta Brakke, 18206 Ballinger Way NE, Library Commission chair, encouraged the council to honor the city’s obligation to pay the library rent according to our agreement with the library district.

Dawn Talbot (Dr. DeWitt), 2610 NE 184^th Pl., said she is strongly against making changes to the police services. She said the city has a good local force, and, as a medical professional, she knows that minutes count in emergencies.

David Rice, 2530 NE 184^th Pl., said he supports keeping the city’s police department and described his experience with a 2½-hour response time with King County in the past. As a Cubmaster at Brookside School, he noted the strong presence of the officers in the schools.

Greg Schaeffer, 16816 35^th Ave. NE, said that he appreciated seeing the police officers patrolling in his area after annexation to Lake Forest Park. As a taxpayer, he said he is in favor of our local police department.

Harlan Patterson, 2638 NE 184^th Pl., said his experience with Lake Forest Park police department has been very positive, and this was not the case when he was served by King County. He said he appreciates the preventative work by the officers at the high schools. As the chief budget officer at University of Washington, he said he knows you get what you pay for. He encouraged the council to select the amount of service the city can afford.

Barbara Snow, 2632 NE 184^th Pl., said her experience with the Lake Forest Park police department has been wonderful and noted particularly the block watch program. She asked for information regarding the amount of savings per household if the city were to contract with King County for police services.

Ken Hooper, 17711 Ballinger Way NE, a Lake Forest Park police officer, described a friend’s experience with King County regarding a car prowl.

Miriam Yates, 17575 47^th NE, said she supports the city’s police department and appreciates the comments others have made. Ms. Yates said she volunteers at the Shoreline Historical Museum and is aware that the city has supported the Arts Council. She requested that the city provide support to the Shoreline Historical Museum also.

Florence Beaird, 16041 38^th Ave. NE, said she fell in love with an older house in Lake Forest Park and requested help with the requirements of the city’s building department for her remodeling project.

Debra Born, 3715 NE 162^nd St., said that as a Park Commissioner, she is aware that the city has promoted use of the gymnasium building at interim city hall. She expressed concern regarding her experience when she attempted to rent the facility.

Michael Munro, 3751 NE 170th Pl., said he supports keeping the local police department and understands the challenge of dealing with the impacts of Initiative 695. He said his parents live outside the city, and he believes there is a difference in the level of service between the local force and King County.

Archer Howard, 3519 NE 156^th St., said he serves as a crime watch volunteer and said the city has a very fine police force. He recommended looking at other areas for budget cuts rather than disrupting police services.

Chris Wytowicz, 4031 NE 204^th St., described his experience with the police department when he was in a car accident. He said people don’t understand what you lose when police services are cut back.

State Senator Darlene Fairley, 17430 Ballinger Way NE., described her experience in another city served by King County and said she is in favor of retaining the city’s police department. Also, she said victim services are among the most important that the city provides and encouraged the council to retain the domestic violence victim advocate services.

John Isler, 18422 47^th Pl. NE, said he is constant and unwavering in his desire to keep the local police department and dispatch forever.

Jerry Pickard, 3712 NE 180th, expressed his support for the police department and noted the positive presence of officers in schools and throughout the community. He reminded the council that the local police department made a quick response to a possible bank robbery. He recommended that the council consider cuts in less critical areas.

Kathy Byrd, 2607 NE 184^th Pl., expressed her appreciation of the police department as a parent and a block watch participant. She said such programs are effective because the officers know the residents and the residents know the officers.

Chris Sheehan, 17837 40^th Ave. NE, described his experience with criminal activity in his neighborhood, the involvement of dispatch and police officers in a successful outcome in this situation. He also expressed his support for the municipal court process.

Harold Myhre, 16273 36^th NE, expressed concern that older citizens may not be able to afford to live here if taxes are increased, and he asked the council to consider that in developing the budget.

Jim Lenker, 16540 35^th NE, described his experience as a burglary victim prior to annexation to Lake Forest Park and the underwhelming response by King County. He said he appreciated the high profile of the police department and believes that low crime rates are the result.

Morris Parrish, 17711 Ballinger Way NE, a Lake Forest Park police officer, said the effectiveness of the Lake Forest Park system is dependent on the police, dispatch and the municipal court. He encouraged the council to give this matter careful consideration.

Bill Proctor, 3505 NE 156^th, said that outsourcing police dispatch and possibly outsourcing police services would have a negative impact on Lake Forest Park. He said patrol officers would have to be taken off the road to take care of some of the duties currently done by dispatchers. He said the department’s location in the mall area serves as a deterrent to crime. He encouraged the city to contract Black Diamond and Duvall—cities that have recently established their own police departments.

Mitch Cleveland, 17345 Beach Dr. NE, said he lives near the intersection of Ballinger Way and Bothell Way and noted that the police department’s response time to traffic accidents at the intersection is incredible.

In response to a question from Cmbr. Armanini, many visitors who had not spoken indicated their support for the city’s police department.

Cmbr. MacGilvra said that the budget calendar notes a public hearing on the budget on Dec. 6 and final public comments on Dec. 9. He also noted that information had been compiled regarding the I-695 vote in Lake Forest Park, and I-695 lost in all but one precinct in the city.

Thompson noted that this is a complicated year for the budget process. He said he believes that the council preliminary budget will look somewhat different than the mayor’s proposed budget.

Hutchinson discussed the city’s budget process and the surveys, citizen comments and input from volunteers serving on commissions that have helped shape the process.

He noted that a councilmember has asked King County Sheriff Reichert for a proposal for contract law enforcement services, and the administration will carefully assess this information. He noted that the city contracted for a study of the police dispatch services, which shows that considerable savings may be realized by contracting for dispatch services.

Hutchinson announced that the city’s new website has been launched, and the address is www.cityoflfp.com.

Goss said she believes that many who commented earlier are involved with the crime watch program or block watch groups. She said her interest in potential savings from contracting for police services is based on information provided in the five-year budget projections which indicates an increasing shortfall in coming years. Goss said many citizens signed a petition requesting that the city ask for a free study from King County regarding contracting for police services, and she presented additional pages of signatures supporting the request for the free study. She said she believes that the future of the city is at stake.

A five-minute recess was called for at 8:47 p.m.

The meeting was resumed at 8:55 p.m.

Municipal court administrator Jane Poppe distributed the November 15, 1999 report of the court, an update to the 1999 state of the court report, and a 10-month report of court revenues.

Judge Linda Portnoy discussed the court’s revenue recoupment program planned to begin in January 2000 and detention costs.

Poppe reviewed November 15 report of the court, especially the impact of budget cuts. She said the court recommends that a request for proposals (RFP) be prepared on the public defender and the prosecution contracts.

In response to a question from Kiest, Portnoy noted that the court had recommended this course of action previously and noted the potential for money saved for these services. She also noted that agreements might be awaiting signature for detention services.

In response to a question from MacGilvra, Poppe discussed the third clerk part-time position which had been cut from the mayor’s budget.

In response to a question from Herzog, Poppe discussed costs related to court interpreters.

In response to a question from Thompson, Portnoy discussed various fees proposed and noted that court fees are exempt under Initiative 695.

Chief John Rogers acknowledged the public comments in support of the police department. He expressed concern about the effect that the proposal for contracted law enforcement services has on police department employees. He said that the information has been reviewed in the department, and questions have been raised regarding level of service and facilities. He noted that the proposal was based on 911 emergency calls only from 1996.

Rogers reviewed the proposed 2000 budget and compared various items with the 1999 budget figures. He noted that the potential loss of the department’s dispatch services would change the way policing and law enforcement is done in this city. He noted specifically response time to calls, the loss of a 24-hour facility, recordkeeping currently done by dispatchers, and the 24-hour business and non-emergency phone line.

In response to a question from Kiest, Rogers discussed information that King County may eliminate marine patrol services. Rogers said other options for this service are still being explored.

In response to a question from Kiest, Rogers discussed safety and other issues that would be resolved in the design of a new facility.

Goss introduced Mary Pat Illingworth, representing the King County Sheriff.

In response to questions from MacGilvra, Rogers said he had recommended various cuts to the departmental budget with the exception of the two officer positions. Rogers discussed the lease-to-purchase plan for new vehicles to avoid the immediate financial impact of a direct purchase.

In response to questions from MacGilvra and Thompson, Rogers and Drown discussed issues related to the reserve officer program.

Thompson expressed some concern that the department may be top-heavy and that cuts could be made at the sergeant level. Rogers discussed the role of supervision in training and developing officers and reducing risks and liability. In response to a question from Thompson, Rogers suggested that department heads could decide where to make cuts if the amount of the cut is determined.

In response to a question from Thompson, Rogers discussed the relationship between the department’s dispatch and the crime watch program run by volunteers. He said there is a question on how this program would operate without the local dispatch staff.

In response to a questions from Thompson, Rogers said that the contracts for detention services approved by the council are awaiting signatures. Regarding the training budget, Rogers said this was reduced by the amount needed for the two officer positions which were cut.

Councilmembers noted that legislative, municipal and finance department presentations still remained and that these should be done at the November 18 meeting.

Thompson moved that the council budget committee at its Nov. 17 meeting prepare suggested amendments to the mayor’s budget for presentation to the council for approval at its Nov. 18 meeting. Armanini seconded.

In response to a question from MacGilvra, Thompson explained the intent of the budget committee and the format for the council’s preliminary budget.

Goss expressed her interest in attending the budget committee meeting as part of her education as a councilmember and because she is extremely interested in this year’s budget.

In response to a question from finance director Joyce Papke, Thompson suggested that staff attend the budget committee meeting.

In response to a request from finance director Papke, council agreed to hear the finance department budget presentation.

Papke said that the finance department has made great strides, and this has been confirmed by the state auditors. She said the department has a long way to go, and much of what is produced does not meet her standards.

Papke noted that she had requested an accounting manager position in 1999, but the council had approved funding for a senior accountant position. She was at first distressed because she could not imagine how this would enhance the department; however, she is in agreement if the department is allowed to continue with the present configuration which includes the use of Tom Anderson as a part-time consultant.

Armanini expressed concern regarding the temporary employee status for the part-time position. Papke described the work schedule and said she believes it meets the test to continue payment for professional services.

Armanini noted the council had been informed that part of Anderson’s value was due to the training he provided, and accountant Peggy Graham agreed that the training she receives from Anderson continues, and she believes in the value of having different levels of management in the department.

Papke said she believes that she could create another position at the accountant level with payroll and sewer billing, but she believes the department needs a position at a higher supervisory level.

In response to a question from Armanini, Papke said her ten-year plan for the department would include eventually shifting the accountant’s duties away from the lesser tasks, but she indicated that the present system is working extremely well.

In response to a question from MacGilvra, Papke said the cut of $1,000 in capital outlay was for three new chairs in her department. She was informed by the city administrator that furniture should be purchased from the capital improvement fund.

Papke also noted that she was informed that Anderson’s computer is not Y2K-compliant. In response to a question from Thompson, Papke said that she is aware that two computers are not Y2K-compliant, but she was informed not to purchase new equipment because equipment may become available if the staffing level goes down.

Goss asked if both Anderson and Papke are providing training for Graham, and Papke said that Graham is doing extremely well; however, she noted that she cannot handle the department on her own. In response to a question from Goss, Papke discussed the learning curve for a new hire with accounting experience in the department and noted that some procedures are specific to Lake Forest Park. Papke said she understands that the salary level is sufficient to hire someone from outside the metropolitan Seattle market.

In response to questions from Herzog, Papke said the city has paid Anderson approximately $18,000 to date in 1999. Papke said the dues are for her membership in Washington Municipal Treasurers Association (WMTA), Washington Finance Officers Association (WFOA), International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and Washington City/County Management Association (WCMA).

Kiest said he will be absent from the Nov. 18 council meeting due to a personal schedule conflict.

Armanini moved that Kiest’s absence on November 18 be excused. Thompson seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

Thompson requested that the proposed salary schedule be redone to include all full-time equivalents with names and columns to show last year’s and this year’s budget.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:06 p.m.

Susan Stine

City Clerk

APPROVED:

David R. Hutchinson, Mayor

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