Council Minutes for October 27, 2008 City of Bellingham, WA

RECORD OF PROCEEDING OF CITY COUNCIL

CITY OF BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON

City Council Chambers
Monday, October 27, 2008, 07:00 PM
Book: 62, Page: 1

Special Meeting

Called To Order The meeting was called to order by Council President Pro Tempore who led the Flag Salute/Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call
Present:

Jack Weiss, Council Member, First Ward
Gene Knutson, Council Member, Second Ward
Barry Buchanan, Council Member, Third Ward
Stan Snapp, Council Member, Fourth Ward
Terry Bornemann, Council Member, Fifth Ward
Louise Bjornson, Council Member, At Large

Excused:

Barbara Ryan
Council Member
Sixth Ward

OTHER BUSINESS

6

2

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
TERRY BORNEMANN, CHAIR AS COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE

AB18193 1. PRESENTATION OF CITY OF BELLINGHAM SERVICE PRIORITIES AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY

Presented by: Pamela Jull, PhD.

Dr. Jull reviewed the results of the City of Bellingham survey. She gave a PowerPoint presentation covering

· Past survey results
· Characteristics of the current survey
· Strengths and weaknesses of the survey
· Scope of analysis
· Findings regarding ratings on issues of:
§ Quality of life
§ City performance
§ Budget and taxes
§ BTV10 and COB.org
§ Environment
§ Safety
§ Neighborhoods

The results indicate:

· Residents are mostly pleased with the quality of life in Bellingham
· The City is given high marks for key priority areas
· The majority of residents showed a willingness to pay more to maintain services
· Environmental issues are important to residents.

AB18194 2. PRESENTATION OF THE MAYOR'S PROPOSED 2009 CITY BUDGET

Presented by: Mayor Dan Pike
John Carter, Finance Director
Brian Henshaw, Budget Manager
David Webster, CAO

Mayor Dan Pike led a PowerPoint presentation covering:

City's Mission Statement.
· He discussed his thoughts regarding the Property tax levy recommendation not to raise the tax the statutory 1% and bank it instead.
General Fund Services
Budget approach for 2009
Highlights of 2009 Budget
Proposed staffing
Comparison of budgeted FTE's to City population
Citywide expenditure budget
General fund expenditures by type of service
Review of 2009 Capital Budget projects
Budget challenges for 2009 and beyond
· Responses to the challenges including
§ Hiring freeze
§ Absorbing inflationary increases
§ Re-scoping and delay of capital projects
§ Creation of Long-term Fiscal Stability Task Force
Goals for 2009 budget

John Carter reviewed the calendar for the next steps in the budget review and approval process.

Jack Weiss clarified the use of reserves for the Fairhaven Library renovation would be paid back with a new source of revenue for it. John Carter explained that there would still be 10% in reserves that would be sufficient buffer going into 2010.

Terry Bornemann requested that departments describe what falls under the category of “Other Services and Charges”. These numbers are sometimes quite large and Council should understand what is included in that. In may be important to look at in terms of where there may be strategic cuts made.

Gene Knutson noted that cities across the nation are struggling to balance their budgets and complimented the Mayor and Finance Departments on their work. He feels confident the City's budget is in good hands and that the City will come through the economic downturn just fine. Mayor Pike gave credit to previous administrations for the prudent reserve policies that are important right now.

3. OLD/NEW BUSINESS

Gene Knutson clarified that the letter supporting the ballot initiative regarding the At-Large position and signed by five Council Members was not done in a meeting outside the public view and was not done by email. A letter was drafted by one member and passed around for signature at a City Council meeting.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:22 PM. Terry Bornemann, Council President Pro Tempore

ATTEST: J. Lynne Walker, Legislative Assistant
APPROVED:

This is a digital copy of an original document located at Bellingham's City Hall. The City of Bellingham specifically disclaims any responsibility or liability for the contents of this document. The City of Bellingham does not verify the correctness, accuracy, or validity of the information appearing in this document.