Councilmembers present: Alan Kiest, Carolyn Armanini, Mary Jane Goss, Nate Herzog, Roger Olstad, Ed Sterner

Councilmember excused: Dwight Thompson, Mayor pro tempore

Staff present: David R. Hutchinson, Mayor; Karen Haines, City Administrator; A.J. Housler, Interim Finance Director; Dennis Peterson, Police Chief; Sarah Phillips, Community and Government Affairs Manager; Frank Zenk, Public Works Operations Director; Neil Jensen, City Engineer; Ty Peterson, Planning Manager; Tema Nesoff, Human Services/Parks and Recreation Coordinator; Susan Stine, City Clerk

Others present: Ros Bird, Shoreline/Lake Forest Park Arts Council

Mayor David Hutchinson called the city council budget workshop meeting to order at 6:18 p.m.

There was a brief discussion of the November 4 election, and Mayor Hutchinson noted that he and Cmbr. Armanini remain friends.

Human Services

Human Services Coordinator Tema Nesoff presented information regarding 2003 accomplishments and provided statistics regarding various programs. Cmbr. Armanini suggested that information regarding results of programs for seniors should be included in the newsletter.

Nesoff discussed changes proposed for 2004 and discussed the increase requested for after-school programs.

Parks and Recreation Coordinator Nesoff reviewed 2003 accomplishments and projects. Changes in the 2004 budget include an increase in funding for Third Place Commons and support for the purchase of a show mobile to be used for concerts and events.

In response to questions from councilmembers, Nesoff discussed her contact with the King County Arts Commission requesting funding. She said that council approval would be necessary for an agreement regarding the show mobile. Nesoff said that she would explore the life expectancy of audio-visual equipment suitable for outdoor movies.

Regarding capital improvement funding for parks, Cmbr. Olstad suggested that more interpretive signage would be helpful.

In response to a question from Cmbr. Herzog, Public Works Operations Director Zenk supported the information provided by Nesoff regarding cost estimates for Lyon Creek Waterfront Park bridge replacement.

Planning Manager Ty Peterson provided a summary of 2003 accomplishments and noted the increase in inquiries related to building and planning. In response to questions from councilmembers, Peterson discussed the permit application backlog, types of permits issued within 24 hours, and customer service and assistance. He noted that the state regulatory reform act had been repealed; however, the city still adheres to its own adopted response time requirements.

Peterson noted that the department would propose adoption of the new International Building Code in 2004. This will replace the Uniform Building Code, which has been in use in the state for 25 years.

Peterson discussed the comprehensive plan date and said he anticipates presenting it to the council for adoption in 2004.

Peterson discussed his request for two additional staff members—a building inspector and an additional permit technician.

Public Works Operations Director Frank Zenk reviewed departmental accomplishments for 2003 and discussed the interagency response to education regarding West Nile virus. Cmbr. Kiest encouraged the staff to look for other opportunities to partner with other agencies.

Zenk discussed planned activities for 2004 and noted that staff would continue to seek grant funding for projects.

Zenk noted his request for an additional sewer maintenance position, a box van and power equipment for sewer maintenance.

A 10-minute recess was called for at 7:58 p.m.

Cmbr. Armanini exited the meeting at 8 p.m.

The meeting was resumed at 8:09 p.m.

City Engineer Neil Jensen noted that the capital improvement budget included several street and parks projects as well as a sanitary sewer project. He discussed the King County inflow and infiltration project and noted that the city will be the recipient of $2 million in improvements as part of the project. Cmbr. Goss requested information regarding 1 percent for arts funding from this project.

In response to a question from Olstad, Jensen discussed pedestrian facility enhancements.

Interim Finance Director A.J. Housler reviewed information regarding vehicle and equipment replacement. Kiest requested additional information regarding capital purchases and computer equipment and software.

City Administrator Karen Haines reviewed revenue expectations for 2004 and discussed the city’s five-year financial forecast.

There being no objection, the study session meeting was adjourned at 8:43 p.m.

Susan Stine, City Clerk

David R. Hutchinson, Mayor

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