Council Minutes for March 21, 2009 City of Bellingham, WA

RECORD OF PROCEEDING OF CITY COUNCIL

CITY OF BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON

Council Retreat - Woodstock Farm
Saturday, March 21, 2009, 08:00 AM
Book: 63, Page: 1

Special Meeting

Called To Order The meeting was called to order by Council President Barry Buchanan.

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
Barbara Ryan, Council Member, Sixth Ward
Louise Bjornson, Council Member, At Large
David Webster, Chief Administrative Officer
Joan Hoisington, City Attorney

Excused:

OTHER BUSINESS

OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE FOR ALL OR PART OF THE DAY:

Daniel V. Pike, Mayor
Janice Keller, Communications Coordinator
John Carter, Finance Director
Marty Mulholland, IT Director
J Lynne Walker, Legislative Assistant
Liz Jennings, Whatcom Coalition for Healthy Communities

David Webster, Chief Administrative Officer, served as facilitator.

AB18353

REVIEW OF DAY'S AGENDA AND TARGETED DELIVERABLES

David Webster, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and Council President Buchanan reviewed agenda and expectations for the day.

OVERVIEW OF PROPOSED COB PERFORMANCE MEASURE SYSTEM

David Webster, CAO introduced the framework and desired outcomes for a system of improved performance reporting. These are the first steps in a multi-year effort toward a system of long range goals with incremental action commitments and linked measurement indicators. He explained the proposed Legacy program which will help provide focus and accountability with seven to ten council focus areas having long range impacts of 20 - 50 years. Additionally the process will help identify strategies, community indicators and a timeline. He presented a PowerPoint which detailed the background, project goals, steps in the Legacy process, roles, how the recommended model would work and his expectation of council's input during the brainstorming session to determine a draft Legacy program for the City.

LEGACIES IDENTIFICATION

Council and staff brainstormed on refining Legacies and strategic commitments keeping in mind that the Legacies will need to be supported by city policy and budget.

BREAK

ALIGNMENT OF STRATEGIC COMMITMENTS WITH LEGACIES

Council and staff continued to refine the Legacies and strategies. There was consensus by the council to proceed with the following draft nine Legacies:

· Clean Drinking Water
· Healthy Growth & Environment
· Vibrant Sustainable Economy
· Sense of Place
· Safe & Prepared Community
· Mobility & Connectivity Options
· Access to Quality of Life Amenities
· Quality, Responsive City Services
· Equity & Social Justice

COMMUNITY INDICATORS OF STRATEGIC COMMITMENT PROGRESS AND SUCCESS

Public feedback on the council's draft will occur April - June, 2009 with internal project team reviews and recommendations. Council consideration of the Legacies and strategic commitments will occur in June, 2009. If adopted, project budget preparation for 2010 and 2011 would be developed during the remainder of the year and would include public involvement strategies and tactics.

SOME BUDGETARY FOOD FOR THOUGHT WHILE LUNCHING

John Carter, Finance Director presented a review of the Financial Forecast Model he has developed.

LUNCH

FINANCIAL UPDATE SINCE 3/9/09 PRESENTATION

Mr. Carter reviewed a reconciliation of the General Fund reserves.

LONG-TERM FISCAL SOLUTIONS DISCUSSION FOR EARLY COUNCIL FEEDBACK ON A RANGE OF POSSIBILITIES

Mr. Carter and the council worked through the Financial Forecast Model and explored different scenarios and assumptions, which allowed council members to see the affects over the next five years of the various scenarios on the General Fund Surplus/Deficit and General Fund Reserve Ending Balance.

Mr. Carter reviewed the work being done and recommendations made by FAST ( Fiscal Alternatives for Stability Taskforce). Recommendations will be finalized and presented to the Mayor on April 29, 2009 and a worksession is planned with council in May, 2009.

COUNCIL OPERATIONS ISSUES

Council and staff discussed communication between Council President and staff with regard to setting of the agenda. Council President Buchanan and David Webster will define a procedure so that after staff reviews the proposed agenda items, the Council President can provide further review prior to publishing the agenda.

Staff and council reviewed procedures and operations in order to further refine process and communication for council and staff.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m. Barry Buchanan, Council President

ATTEST: Linda D. Anderson City Clerk Representative for J. Lynne Walker, Legislative Assistant
APPROVED: 04/13/2009

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.