Councilmembers present: Alan Kiest, Carolyn Armanini, Dwight Thompson, Mary Jane Goss, Nate Herzog, Roger Olstad (8:40 p.m.)

Councilmember absent excused: Ed Sterner (Council approved 11/14/02)

Staff present: David R. Hutchinson, Mayor; Frank Zenk, Director of Public Services; Dennis Peterson, Police Chief; John Hawley, Finance Director; Tema Nesoff, Human Services and Parks Administrator; Ty Peterson, Planning Manager; Susan Stine, City Clerk

Others present: Seven visitors

Mayor Hutchinson called the budget workshop special meeting to order at 7:41 p.m.

Human Services Commissioner Henry Mustin expressed his appreciation for the city’s support for human services programs and discussed the proposed cuts in human services at the regional level.

Human Services Administrator Tema Nesoff noted that the human services budget request covers the same programs with the exception of the Youth Council.

YMCA Youth Development Director Amy Holland and Youth Council representatives Joe Sanders and Carrie Swint reported on the Youth Council’s various activities and plans for future events. In response to questions from council members, Sanders noted that the number of students from Lake Forest Park reached through various programs is comparable to the student population demographics, and he discussed the timing for seeking budgetary support from the school district.

In response to questions from council members, Nesoff discussed issues related to substance abuse treatment, the teen program, the senior center and the domestic violence victims’ advocate position.

In response to a question from Goss, Swint discussed the Shorecrest High School community service requirement for students.

Parks and Recreation Administrator Nesoff reviewed the budget request for community events, the arts council and various programs and projects related to parks and recreation.

In response to a question from Thompson, Nesoff discussed the Third Place Commons organization and its reports.

Goss requested that goals should be identified for events such as Picnic in the Park and results should be measured.

Cmbr. Olstad arrived at the meeting at 8:40 p.m.

Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council executive director Ros Bird said that she is aware of the city’s budget challenges, and she discussed the role of the arts in strengthening the community. She noted that the Arts Council has been in existence for 14 years, and she thanked the city for its support for seven years.

Planning Manager Ty Peterson noted that the departmental budget request is similar to 2002. He discussed proposed increases for development review services, engineering services and hearing examiner services. He reviewed the work plan for the Planning Commission for the comprehensive plan process and the senior housing overlay proposal.

In response to a question from Olstad, Peterson said approximately 50 illegal signs per week are collected.

In response to a question from Kiest, Peterson discussed the schedule for sending sign amortization letters.

Peterson noted that the police department has reported land use incidents to his department, and he expressed his appreciation for the assistance.

Goss said she is interested in a report on the effectiveness of the tree ordinance and permit process. Peterson said that the report is planned for the first quarter of 2003.

Peterson and Zenk discussed the proposed budget for city engineering services and other staff positions.

Kiest exited the meeting at 9:40 p.m.

Zenk said that his budget request reflects the departmental focus on a visionary and entrepreneurial approach to providing the highest possible level of service. He reviewed information provided regarding various areas of responsibility.

In response to a question from Armanini, Zenk discussed proposed expenditures for neighborhood drainage projects.

Armanini exited the meeting at 10:10 p.m.

Steve Danishek, 4626 NE 174^th Pl., noted that the proposed budget includes funds for a drinking fountain at Animal Acres Park. He requested that the fountain include a spigot to provide water for pets.

Director of Public Services Frank Zenk and Parks Administrator Tema Nesoff reviewed items included in the proposed budget for capital improvements at various sites

Finance Director John Hawley reviewed information regarding revenue sources and forecasts and options for new or increased revenue.

Hawley also discussed issues related to vehicle equipment replacement and repair and maintenance budget requests.

Cmbr. Herzog said he would be one hour late to the November 7 and November 14 meetings.

There being no objection, the meeting was adjourned at 10:36 p.m.

Susan Stine, City Clerk

APPROVED:

David R. Hutchinson, Mayor

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