HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-10-08 City Council Minutes Approved City Council Minutes—October 8, 2018
At 6:00 p.m. Mayor Laurie Gere called to order the regular Anacortes City Council meeting of October 8, 2018.
Councilmembers Eric Johnson,Anthony Young,Ryan Walters,Brad Adams,Liz Lovelett and Matt Miller were
present. Councilmember Bruce McDougall was absent.
Ms. Lovelett moved, seconded by Mr.Young,to excuse the absence of Mr. McDougall who was travelling on
business. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
Mayor Gere moved Item 4a ahead of Item 3a on the Agenda. Councilmembers concurred.
The assembly joined in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Confirmation of Fire Chief David Oliveri:
Mayor Gere requested City Council confirmation of Fire Chief David A. Oliveri effective November 13, 2018.
The mayor reviewed the selection process for the position as summarized in the packet materials for the
meeting. Mr.Young moved, seconded by Mr. Johnson,to approve the appointment of Fire Chief David A.
Oliveri.Vote: Ayes—Young,Walters,Adams,Lovelett,Miller and Johnson. Motion carried. Mayor Gere
administered the Oath of Office to Chief Oliveri.
Executive Session(30 Minutes)per RCW 42.30.110(i)
At approximately 6:08 p.m. Mayor Gere announced that City Council and the City Attorney would convene in
Executive Session for approximately 30 minutes to discuss potential litigation.At approximately 6:38 p.m. the
mayor and councilmembers returned to the Council Chambers and Mayor Gere called the meeting back into
regular session.No action was taken in the Executive Session.
Announcements and Committee Reports
Port/City Liaison Committee: Mr. Johnson reported from the committee meeting held October 2,2018. He
elaborated on the group's discussion of the Olsen Building,the Port/City MOU for development of the North
Basin,the Depot Master Plan,the Maritime Strategic Plan update,the city's development regulations update,the
Port's potential update of the petroleum coke plan, and the Guemes Channel Trail.
Planning Committee: Mr. Walters reported from the committee meeting earlier in the evening at which those
present reviewed the Berk Consulting report on fire impact fees. Mr. Walters referenced the matrix of proposed
fees and said the committee suggested comparing that matrix to other cities which have many categories for fire
impact fees. He emphasized that the committee did not want to create barriers to multifamily construction. Mr.
Miller inquired if the Berk report had been finalized. Mr. Walters deferred to staff to respond.
Ms. Lovelett reported from the recent Skagit Population Health Trust meeting which reviewed the Skagit
County Trends website(www.skagitcountytrends.ewu.edu). She called the site a robust tool for elected officials
to analyze a wide range of metrics. Ms. Lovelett reported that the Trust also discussed implementation of the
First 1000 Days strategic plan adopted by County Board of Health regarding better maternal and child
outcomes.
Mayor Gere reported that earlier in the day the Skagit County Commissioners had approved the multiparty EMS
Service Delivery Agreement which had been approved by Council at its meeting on October 1,2018.
Mayor Gere shared correspondence from Thomas Wooten, Chairman of the Samish Indian Nation,reporting
that the tribal council had approved a resolution recognizing Indigenous Peoples' Day on the second Monday of
Anacortes City Council Minutes October 8, 2018 1
October in lieu of Columbus Day. Chairman Wooten encouraged the City to join in officially recognizing and
celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day through a proclamation. Mayor Gere suggested Council consideration of
this request prior to next October.
Mayor's 2019/2020 Biennial Budget Message: Mayor Gere read her annual budget message into the record,then
distributed hard copies to councilmembers and the press as well as posting it on the city website. [The full text
of the message is included at the end of these meeting minutes.]
Public Comment
No one present wished to address Council on any topic not already on the agenda.
Consent Agenda
Mr. Young removed Item 6b,Approval of Claims, from the Consent Agenda. Ms. Lovelett moved, seconded by
Mr. Adams,to approve the following Consent Agenda items. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
a. Minutes of October 1, 2018
c. Resolution 2024: Sole Source Procurement of a Zetasizer from Malvern Panalytical for the Water
Treatment Plant
The following vouchers/checks were approved for payment:
EFT numbers: 90820 through 90868,total$606,839.75
Check numbers: 90869 through 90914,total$171,199.57
Wire transfer numbers: 238676 through 238879,total $1,553.88
b. Approval of Claims in the amount of: $780,319.73
Mr. Young reiterated his request that staff purchase locally whenever possible. He commented on the many
contributions of local merchants to the community and urged that the value of those contributions be considered
in evaluating the relative value of their prices. Mr. Young moved, seconded by Mr. Miller to approve Consent
Agenda Item 6b. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Public Hearing on Budgeted Revenue Sources,including 1% Property Tax Increase
Finance Director Steve Hoglund summarized the city's planned revenue sources and projected amounts by
category for the 2019/2020 biennium. Mr. Hoglund's slide presentation was added to the packet materials for
the meeting. Mr. Hoglund reported that the Implicit Price Deflator(IPD)for the year was 1.55% so the city was
able to take the full allowed 1%property tax increase without a Declaration of Critical Need. Mr. Hoglund
elaborated that a 1%property tax increase would net the city approximately$50K with an expected$5.74 tax
increase for an average Anacortes household.
Mayor Gere invited members of the audience to comment on this agenda item.
Mr. Young urged preparing for an eventual economic downturn. Mayor Gere and Mr. Miller thanked Mr.
Hoglund for his conservative revenue projections. Mr. Miller requested an easily understandable summary of
how the property tax millage rate affects individual tax bills. Mr. Hoglund explained that property tax for a
particular parcel is based on its assessed value,which is determined by the Skagit County Assessor. The 1%
increase affects only the overall property tax collected for the City of Anacortes,which is then spread over all
parcels in the city based on their assessed value.What affects individual property tax bills is the assessed value
of each property in relation to others in Anacortes.Mr. Walters reminded that the rate of inflation is more than
Anacortes City Council Minutes October 8, 2018 2
1% so the value of the city's property tax revenue in fact shrinks each year even if Council elects to raise the
levy by 1%.
Mr. Walters asked staff to look into how public hearings are advertised and suggested that more than the
published agenda would be appropriate. Mr. Hoglund confirmed that the property tax resolution would not come
back to Council for action until November 19 which left significant opportunity for additional public outreach.
Mike McKenna,4103 D Court,urged Council to be very prudent when considering taxes and fees. Mr.
McKenna said that the combined increases in utility rates, sales tax and property tax over the past three years
had outstripped his 2%COLA as an Island Hospital employee. He said Anacortes is a great town and he is
happy to live here but that residents are losing ground in the face of rising taxes and fees from the city, school
district,hospital district,the pool district and the Port of Anacortes.
No one else wished to address Council on this topic. Mayor Gere left the public hearing open.
OTHER BUSINESS
Review of 2019/2020 Biennial Budget-Public Works
Public Works Director Fred Buckenmeyer presented his department's proposed budget and organization chart
for 2019/2020. His presentation was added to the packet materials for the meeting. Senior Accountant Philip
Steffen distributed hard copies of the Public Works department budget to Mayor and Councilmembers at the
beginning of the presentation. Mr. Johnson and Mr. Walters confirmed with Mayor Gere that councilmembers
would receive the budget document and budget message in electronic format following the meeting. Mr. Young
thanked staff for providing a large print format.
Mr. Buckenmeyer presented the proposed budget for each of the funds managed by his department, focusing on
capital expenditures. He responded to councilmember questions about specific projects.
Facilities Fund 001-713: Mr. Hoglund explained that Senior Center capital projects were included in the lump
sum for General Government Facilities Maintenance Projects in the draft 2019-2024 Capital Facilities Plan,
with anticipation of REET funding. Ms. Lovelett and Mr. Walters asked Mr. Buckenmeyer to bring back a cost
estimate to provide a metal rather than composition roof on the Senior Center,noting that it might be more cost
effective even if the initial price were double the$90K estimate for composition.
Resource Conservation Fund 001-714: Mr. Hoglund explained that the significant apparent reduction in this
budget was due to a recommendation from the state auditors that utility departments fund their share of the
program directly rather than through interfund transfers. Mr. Walters urged budgeting for standardized recycling
receptacles in each city office.
Street Maintenance Fund 104: Mr. Buckenmeyer noted the $1.71M annual budget for pavement overlay/sealing,
per previous Council direction, and said this line item assumed passage of the city's transportation sales tax
initiative in November. He also noted the one additional FTE in the Engineering department to support the
overlay program. Mr. Miller inquired about the staffing levels required at different budgeted amounts. Mr.
Buckenmeyer indicated that there was not a strict formula to predict that but said current staffing was
insufficient to support the increase from$1.1M to $1.7M annually.
Arterial Construction Fund 105: Mr. Buckenmeyer reviewed the roundabout,ADA Ramp and sidewalk
programs included in the budget and indicated which of those projects anticipated grant funding. He also noted
one additional FTE in the Engineering department to support those projects with funding for the position to
come from grants and impact fees. Mr. Walters confirmed with Mr. Hoglund that grants anticipated but not
awarded were not included in the budgeted totals and would require a budget amendment after award.
Anacortes City Council Minutes October 8, 2018 3
Water Fund 401: Mr. Buckenmeyer briefly reviewed the capital projects for the water utility which were
introduced in more detail as part of the Capital Facility Plan discussion at the October 1 City Council meeting.
Mr. Walters inquired about the $7500 annual budget for the energy efficient appliance rebates and asked how
many rebates had been awarded in 2018. Mr. Buckenmeyer reported that a handful of$50 rebates had been
issued and 60 more were pending. Mr.Walters encouraged additional promotion of that program. Water System
Manager Jeff Marrs called Council's attention to budget line 896 and noted that although the Water Treatment
Plant would have significantly increased costs for chlorine due to the new sodium hypochlorite technology,the
plant's overall chemical budget would decrease due to the more efficient use of chemicals in the new plant.
Sewer Fund 440: Mr. Buckenmeyer briefly reviewed the capital projects for the sewer utility which were
introduced in more detail as part of the Capital Facility Plan discussion at the October 1 City Council meeting.
Ms. Lovelett inquired whether the budgeted projects assumed current sewer rates or the increased rates that
would be considered by Council at its November 5,2018 meeting. Mr. Buckenmeyer confirmed that the 2019
and 2020 capital projects assumed current sewer rates.Mr. Johnson inquired about the significant increase in the
department's Interfund Services budget. Mr. Hoglund explained that the Interfund Services line items reflect
departmental charges by Information Technology and Equipment Rental services. He noted that many Public
Works divisions saw increases in those charges in the proposed budget,based on both operating and
replacement reserve charges for increasingly costly equipment.
Storm Drainage Fund 445: Mr. Buckenmeyer noted that no capital projects had been budgeted for the
stormwater utility in 2018 to allow the new rate structure to build some working capital for projects beginning in
2019. Ms. Lovelett noted the line items for weed control in several Public Works divisions. She asked Mr.
Buckenmeyer to report back to Council on how widely herbicides are used by Public Works staff.
Sanitation Fund 450: Mr. Buckenmeyer noted the addition of one FTE for an additional solid waste driver. He
also noted the annual capital expense to replace aging dumpsters. Mr. Walters requested written documentation
from each department providing a justification for any new employee positions being proposed. Mr.
Buckenmeyer and Ms. Schuh explained that each position had been reviewed by the Personnel Committee and
that the Mayor's Budget Message addressed which of those positions had been included in the proposed budget.
Ms. Schuh said she would forward to councilmembers a complete list of proposed positions and the
determinations made regarding each in the proposed budget. Mr. Johnson inquired about the Waste Management
rate change reflected on line 1195. Mr. Buckenmeyer explained that the budget lien item reflects the CPI
adjustment authorized by the city's current contract with Waste Management. He alerted Council that the Skagit
County Solid Waste Governance Board was likely to authorize a tipping fee increase,which the city's solid
waste utility would pass through to customers via rates, and that Waste Management,Inc. would also likely
request a revision to its contract with the city due to changes in the global markets for recycling feed stock. Mr.
Walters confirmed that neither of those potential impacts was addressed in the budget document as presented.
Equipment Rental Fund 501: Mr. Buckenmeyer noted the $1.1M budgeted for equipment replacements in 2019
and said he would provide an itemized list of those prior to adoption of the budget. Ms. Lovelett noted that an
additional mechanic position that had been requested had not been funded in the budget. She requested more
information on how much the city was spending on outside mechanic fees and how much maintenance was
being deferred due to the current staffing levels. Mr. Buckenmeyer agreed.
Mr. Adams thanked Mr. Buckenmeyer for providing the map of gravel streets in response to Mr. Adams's
request at the previous week's Council meeting. He asked Mr. Buckenmeyer to provide a list of which of those
streets should have priority for paving in the future.
Mr. Walters noted that an additional GIS technician that had not been funded in the proposed budget and asked
how the city planned to meet the demand for GIS services. Mr. Buckenmeyer said the budget included funding
Anacortes City Council Minutes October 8, 2018 4
to engage contract or part time help in GIS as needed. He explained the increasing workload to support the GIS
and Cartegraph asset management systems on which more and more city functions depend. Mr. Walters urged
developing more GIS capability in house through training and possibly redistributing workload to end users. Mr.
Young agreed.
Mr. Miller thanked the mayor and staff for curbing the additional FTE requests. He encouraged consolidating
information about position requests and justifications in one place and including calculations of overtime
savings anticipated by such positions. Mr. Miller asked for more information about the proposed grant funded
engineering FTE and asked if that position might help with the overlay program.
Mr. Young emphasized to staff the value of calculating and presenting the revenue that would be generated
and/or costs that would be saved by any proposed budget initiative.
Mayor Gere invited members of the audience to comment on the proposed budget.No one present wished to
address the Council. The mayor advised that the budget review and discussion would continue in the weeks
ahead.
There being no further business,at approximately 8:40 p.m. the Anacortes City Council meeting of
October 8, 2018 was adjourned.
MAYOR'S BUDGET MESSAGE
Honorable City Council and Members of our Community:
I am pleased to present to you the City's 2019-2020 proposed biennial budget, a financial roadmap for the City of
Anacortes that totals $63,112,833 in 2019 and $68,553,276 in 2020. The budget is our tool to provide the services
and quality of life to every Anacortes resident. It also provides a foundation for implementation of the
Comprehensive Plan goals to provide a vibrant future for the next generation. It is a balanced budget that reflects
our commitment to maintain our infrastructure and our intent to provide quality services and amenities to our
residents while being conscientious of our financial position and in compliance with RCW 35A.34.
The budget is the framework for how we allocate our resources of the City to a variety of programs necessary to
move our community toward its achievement of goals within available resources. Once adopted by the City Council,
the budget establishes the direction for all City government programs and services for the coming biennium.
It is my fiscal responsibility to continuously evaluate City revenue and expenditures with a view of maintaining a
strong financial position while providing quality municipal services. In line with the 2016 Comprehensive Plan, the
City seeks to support a dynamic and robust local economy with balanced and sustainable growth that will create jobs
and improve the tax basis within the community. The City supports our public safety departments and provides
staff with the tools and resources needed, and we seek to continuously maintain and improve our public
infrastructure and facilities. We are committed to developing and maintaining a professional,highly qualified, highly
trained and service oriented workforce. We employ sound business practices that are efficient, effective, and
responsive to the delivery of City services. The proposed budget works to provide our continued investment in
much needed infrastructure to allow for growth.
The governmental operating budget totals $26,944,801 and receives 69.5% of its funding from taxes that can only
grow in a strong economy. General taxes fund the operation of police, fire, ambulance service, administrative
services, municipal court, legal, planning, community and economic development, parks and recreation, library,
museum,Anacortes Senior Center and street maintenance.
Anacortes City Council Minutes October 8, 2018 5
Year to date, the majority of our revenue streams are outpacing prior year revenues for the same period. Building
activity continues to be busy, with the current year number of building permits issued outpacing the prior year to
date by 25%. Sales tax receipts year to date are exceeding the prior year revenues through the same period by 20%,
but is skewed by the $90 million high school construction project. When the high school construction project is
removed, the sales tax is continuing to exceed the budget by 9%. This is the sixth consecutive year of sales tax
growth where the increases are being driven primarily by hospitality businesses, vehicle sales, residential
construction,and boat sales.
Property taxes are the City's single largest governmental revenue stream. I have worked closely with staff to develop
a budget with a high level of service to the community that operates within the parameters of Initiative 747,which
limits annual property tax increases to 1%, or the Implicit Price Deflator, whichever is less. The proposed budget
utilizes a 1% property tax increase in revenue projections. Anacortes remains one of the lowest taxing cities in
Skagit County with a 2018 general millage of$1.53 per$1,000 of assessed value,generating a 2018 property tax levy
of$5,038,278.
The City has healthy reserves. In the General Fund $3 million is available in unrestricted cash, $4.8 million is
available for emergency reserves, and $6.2 million is available in Equipment Rental and Reserve (ER&R). ER&R
funds have been methodically replenished to ensure that funding is set aside to replace items as necessary.
Additional restricted reserves funds include $30 million in utilities and $10 million in other governmental restricted
funds.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Police Department:
The 2019-2020 Police budget proposal is a reflection of the department's mission:
• Preventing and responding to crime
• Increasing community readiness and resilience
• Maintaining and enhancing publically owned assets
• Preventing and responding to emergencies
The Police Department staff includes three administrators, three detectives, eighteen patrol officers (including
sergeants and corporals), one Narcotics K-9 officer, and one School Resource Officer. Our non-commissioned
staff consists of five records staff, one code enforcement/animal control officer, and one community resource
officer. In the future,my goal is to increase the staffing of the Commissioned Police Department to meet the needs
of our growing community.
The success of our narcotics detection K-9 team in locating and removing illegal drugs from our community has led
to an increase in funding to offset additional vehicle tow/impound costs, narcotics field test kits, and animal care
costs.
The Community Justice Center is fully operational and the budget includes an increase in the City's portion of jail
fees. We have also budgeted increases for Skagit 911 fees and Spillman records management fees.
The School Resource Officer program has successfully increased our role in providing a safer learning environment
for our middle and high school students, and we continue to focus on training to better prepare our officers in
dealing with high-risk incidents. The budget includes funds to train officers' awareness and skill in dealing with
people with substance abuse issues,mental health disorders,and those in crisis.
Fire Department/Medic:
The City recently entered into an interlocal agreement with Skagit County, City of Burlington, City of Mount
Vernon, City of Sedro Wooley and Aero Skagit Emergency Services to transition the countywide ambulance services
Anacortes City Council Minutes October 8, 2018 6
to a fire based system.While the City has contracted with EMS since 2001 to provide ambulance service on Fidalgo
and Guemes Islands, the interlocal expands the City's service area requiring additional staff and 24-hour services at
each of the three stations to meet call response expectations. This biennial budget uses EMS Levy funds, as well as
City funding, to hire an additional four Firefighter/Paramedics. To prepare for the March's Point Station providing
24-hour service will require $50,000 each year to pay for the increased station costs and the gear for the additional
staff. In addition, $50,000 each year is allocated for contracted services to enhance and improve the City's
emergency operations planning to manage and administer develop,implement,and coordinate the City's Emergency
Management Program.
PUBLIC WORKS
Public Works is the largest department within the City and is responsible for managing and maintaining
construction of streets and sidewalks,water lines, sewer lines and stormwater lines; the production and distribution
of water to the region; maintenance of our streets, sidewalks and street signs; maintenance of our storm water and
sewer system; purchasing and maintaining the City's vehicle and equipment fleet; maintenance, repair and
construction of City-owned buildings; resource conservation, and managing all activities within the public right-of-
way ranging from street vacations to parades.
To support the Public Works Department a total of three new positions have been budgeted for: two engineering
technicians and one sanitation worker. One of the engineering technician positions will be dedicated to the
Pavement Management Overlay program, and is dependent on voter approval of the two tenths of one percent
Transportation Benefit District sales tax that is on the November ballot. The other engineering technician position
will be funded by impact fees allowing additional work to be completed in house rather than through the use of a
consultant. The sanitation department reduced the size of their staff when they moved to automated trucks. They
have since added drop box services and staff are no longer able to complete the routes utilizing the current staffing
model. In the future, my goal is to increase the staffing for an additional equipment mechanic due to the deferred
fleet maintenance and work being outsourced.
There are several capital improvement projects budgeted to improve our aging infrastructure:
• Construction of fiber optic network to connect all our City buildings and improve the water and wastewater
telemetry systems.
• Continued implementation of the Cartegraph asset management software to coordinate our capital
improvement projects.
• Geographical Informational Systems mapping is now available online to allow access to our extensive
mapping system. The Cartegraph system will be even more powerful as we continue to add more data
points. $40,000 has been allocated to assist with data entry into Cartegraph system and mapping.
• Overlay and sidewalk repair programs expansion
• Design and permitting for a second raw waterline serving the connection to the water treatment plant
located in Mount Vernon.
• Wastewater treatment, collection, and conveyance system improvements to include design work on a
combined sewer stormwater overflow system enhancement.
• Storm drainage improvements are underway and will lead to infrastructure enhancements following the
gradual increase of stormwater utility fees.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Our Parks and Recreation staff provides over 70 recreational programs and events for community members of all
ages. The staff maintains 21 parks, including Washington Park, Grandview Cemetery and over 3000 acres of the
Anacortes Community Forest Lands. It manages the facility of the Depot Arts Community Center and Plaza, the
Anacortes Senior Activity Center and the Heart of Anacortes. The biennium budget includes some significant
projects that will improve our parks and recreation programs and facilities:
Anacortes City Council Minutes October 8, 2018 7
• Community Youth Recreation Center: The Parks Construction Fund includes budget for $2.5 million in
2019 and $5 million in 2020 for the Community Youth Recreation Center. A local anonymous donor has
pledged to match each dollar raised for the project, a capital campaign is underway, and grant opportunities
will be explored to provide funding for the remainder of the project. As of today, the master plan process
with the Anacortes School District is currently in process.
• Washington Park infrastructure improvements: $40,000 in 2019 and $50,000 in 2020 for campground
improvements. $25,000 in 2019 and $25,000 in 2020 to design improvements for day use and boat launch
area in anticipation of grant applications to fund these future improvements.
• Grandview Cemetery improvements and expansion: $100,000 in 2019 and$250,000 in 2020
• Guemes Channel Trail: $100,000 is budgeted each year to continue progress
LEGAL
The City Attorney's Office provides in-house counsel to City leaders and staff to support the good work they do
and ensure the City meets the highest legal standards. The legal budget currently funds a full-time City attorney, a
contract specialist, a legal assistant who supports the City Attorney and City Prosecutor and oversees public records
and claims, a part-time legal assistant overseeing the Laserfiche implementation and records management, and
contract City prosecutor.
In addition to continuing to provide quality legal support to all City departments, the legal department has two main
goals for the next biennium. The first of these is to complete implementation of the Laserfiche enterprise content
management software across all City departments. The City has made significant progress towards this goal in 2018
by implementing the software,developing a public portal,and beginning the process of moving City records into the
system. The legal department will focus in the coming biennium on moving all City departments into the system
and building processes to more efficiently and effectively create, store, preserve, and deliver City records and carry
out City business processes.
The City Attorney's office will also focus on a number of Code and process updates in the coming biennium to
better serve the City's legal needs. We anticipate significant Code updates through the development regulation
update as well as a complete rewrite of Tide 13, Public Services. The legal department's budget reflects the funds
necessary to codify all ordinance updates and support other departments in transitioning to the new code. The legal
department will continue work on projects to increase City efficiency and legal compliance, such as working with
City foundations to establish agreements for cooperation, and rewriting the City's procurement and contracting
policies. Additionally, the City Attorney's Office will be carefully evaluating and building on City processes for
responding to public records requests to promote transparency and ensure the fullest compliance with information
requests. In future budgets,I foresee needing to separate the prosecutor support from public records support.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
Currently administrative services consolidates human resources, risk management, the public defender's office,
municipal court, and the senior activity center. In 2019, I am recommending restructuring the department to
incorporate the business management of the City's municipal fiber project and IT services. I anticipate that the
Senior Activity Center will transition mid-biennium to the Parks and Recreation Department to better align core
services. The positions in green are new positions:
Anacortes City Council Minutes October 8, 2018 8
Admin Services
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Human Resources:
The human resources department focuses on prevention and training as a risk management strategy and a way to
reduce liability. Anacortes is recognized as a Well City by the Association of Washington Cities. This designation
provides a 2% discount on medical premiums,which results in significant savings. In 2019, the City is implementing
payments and withholdings for implementation of WA Paid Family Medical Leave Act in preparation for claims
beginning in 2020.
In 2019,funds have been budgeted to transition to an electronic system for recruitment and applicant tracking. This
will improve applicant's experience with the selection process and add efficiencies to the hiring process.
We are committed to providing a safe work environment. The safety committee is actively engaged in reducing
workplace injuries. Our projected 2019 Labor & Industries (L&I) experience factor is 0.8196 which is 18% lower
than L&I anticipates of similarly sized cities. The City's focus on safety and prevention provides cost savings to the
City and employees in premiums,and more importantly,helps reduce injuries.
The human resource department provides labor relations with our four collective bargaining units. Contract
negotiations will begin in summer 2019 for a successor Teamster Local 231 bargaining agreement which now
includes library and museum employees. The current Teamster contract expires on December 31, 2019. In 2019, a
library class and compensation study will be completed in accordance with an agreement made in the collective
bargaining process.
In 2019,we will be entering the second year of a three-year contract with IAFF 1537,the second year of a four-year
contract with the Fraternal Order of Police (commissioned), and the second year of a three-year contract with the
Fraternal Order of Police (non-commissioned).
Public Defense:
The City employs a full-time public defender and legal assistant to meet the state-mandated standards for delivery of
public defense services. Our public defender attends daily in-custody hearings ensuring prompt public defense for
indigent clients. Funding continues to be allocated to determine client's eligibility for public defense. The transition
to in-custody hearings at the Law and Justice Center is complete and running smoothly.
Anacortes City Council Minutes October 8, 2018 9
Municipal Court:
The City contracts with Skagit County District Court for judicial services. The Court continues to see an increase in
probation services following the District Court policy change that alcohol related and domestic violence offenses are
referred to probation for pretrial monitoring and post sentence compliance with treatment requirements. Courtroom
safety is a priority and in 2019 funds are allocated for contracted security and screening services on days when Court
is in session.
Anacortes Senior Activity Center (ASAC):
The Anacortes Senior Activity Center is a vital community hub where seniors thrive. There are an average of 150
visitors per day and 258 programs per month. The ASAC is staffed by one full time administrator,an administrative
assistant,and over 170 volunteers providing nearly 10,000 hours annually of volunteer assistance.The administrative
assistant is a.8 FTE who is transitioning from a Foundation funded position to a City funded position.
In 2017, the ASAC transitioned management from Skagit County to the City of Anacortes. Negotiations are
underway with Skagit County for the successor agreement which includes county funding toward the senior center
administrator wages and City funding for the county managed nutrition program. In 2019, the Anacortes Senior
Activity Center Foundation is contributing$30,000 to transition a Foundation employee to City employment in the
role of administrative assistant. Over the next six years, the Foundation contribution toward this employee's wages
will decrease incrementally.
In 2019, the ASAC will be implementing an Aging Mastery Program through the National Council on Aging. The
City is very appreciative of the financial support,in excess of$100,000,that the Foundation provides to augment the
City's budget for the ASAC.
Municipal Fiber:
For several years the City has been researching the possibility of a municipal fiber network. Initially our water and
wastewater utility systems transitioned to fiber for our telemetry needs to replace the outdated radio frequency
communication systems. We built a telemetry backbone with excess capacity aware that there may be a need for
future expansion in support of a broadband system.
In 2017, the City issued a RFQ for an internet service provider partner. In March 2018, four providers presented
their proposals to City Council. Following the presentations, City Council passed Resolution 2013 detailing the
community's support for municipal fiber, articulating the criticality of technological infrastructure to current and
future development,and kicking off the development of a business plan in support of the municipal fiber network.
An ad-hoc municipal fiber committee formed and over many iterations a business plan is emerging that provides for
building a citywide system over a five year period. The business plan goals include:
• Delivering high speed residential and business internet service at competitive prices throughout the
community
• Providing excellent customer service
• Achieving a market share of 35%or more
• Paying for construction liabilities (loans) with subscriber revenue
• Becoming cash flow positive in 2-3 years
• Becoming a catalyst for local business development and economic growth
I am recommending a methodical approach to this business implementation. Phase 1, the pilot test area, will pass
1000 buildings in the Central Business District, Old Town,and M Avenue. We will gain experience in this pilot area
that will guide future business decisions about how best to move forward with further expansion of the network. I
recommend that Council support this project understanding that we are taking the project in calculated phases and
in a fiscally responsible way.
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The five year construction project is projected to cost $13 million with $3.29 million necessary to support this
project for the first two years. This figure is not accounted for in the proposed budget. Given the significance
of this project, I am supportive of considering multiple funding mechanisms including but not limited to loans from
reserves, bonds, grants, and revenue from our customers. I am looking forward to an interactive conversation to
address funding options for the municipal fiber project.
During the first year, I anticipate hiring four staff members- a Business Manager, a Network Engineer, and a
Customer Service/Technical Representative to support Fiber, and additionally, an HR Manager to support the
Human Resources department as the Administrative Services Director takes oversight of the Fiber department.
With fiber access, I foresee a community where households can connect all their devices without worry,
entrepreneurs have the infrastructure they need to innovate, our education and healthcare providers will have the
platform for learning and telemedicine, and the City will have additional capacity to address local problems, from
growing traffic congestion to managing large databases. All this translates into improved economic performance
with the creation of more jobs, more innovation, as well as incentive for additional infrastructure investments and
companies relocating or expanding into the City of Anacortes.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
The information technology (IT) department supports the City's computing and networking requirements. The IT
department is responsible for the operation and security of the City's computing network at all City buildings, as
well as keeping operational 311 desktop and laptop computers, 111 cell phones, and 53 servers. The department is
funded through interfund charges from the departments that use its services based on the number of electronic
devices the department has. The interfund charges pay for the department's operating costs as well as the
replacement charges for future computers. Included in the budget is funding for 25 additional Laserfiche licenses
each year to continue the citywide electronic content management implementation.
PLANNING, COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Our Planning, Community, and Economic Development department has several projects continuing including the
completion of the Development Regulation updates consistent with the 2016 Comprehensive Plan. Since the
Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Development code updates are near completion, we are focusing on providing
robust economic development, building a strategic plan to address business expansion, business retention and
business attraction in the community and creation of an economic development webpage.
The building department's budget includes a new building inspector position that was filled in 2018 due to increased
permit activity and inspection needs. The department will be moving into the 2018 International Building Codes
next year therefore the budget includes training and materials. Laserfiche implementation is underway to allow
public access to building permits.
Building and Planning staff, in coordination with the finance department, continue to research permit software
allowing for more interactive processing of applications and building permits with the public.
LIBRARY
The Library budget proposal is a reflection of the department's mission as well as the Library's Strategic Plan to
improve access to services and programs, develop and launch branding and communication improvements, better
utilize library spaces and provide staff training to meet the changing needs of the community.
Anacortes Public Library is the only library in Skagit County open seven days a week offering this essential City
service. The Library continues to be the "heart of the community" as demonstrated in the huge attendance for
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programs and events, the demand for materials and downloadable content, the increase in customer help for
technology assistance,and the rising number of visitors.
We have focused on library rebranding to provide consistent signage and marketing materials using an easily
identifiable library logo. The Library has trained more passport agents for the very popular service since we are the
only passport service acceptance facility within 50 miles that is available on weekends.
MUSEUM
The Anacortes Museum serves many constituents. It is also caretaker of three major City properties: the 1910
Carnegie Library Building, the W.T. Preston stern-wheel steamboat (both of which are on National Historic
Registers) and the Anacortes Maritime Heritage Center.
Community engagement is a core value,exemplified in the following ways:
• Support for all City staff and departments on history research that has present day relevance such as sign
collaboration, planning department assistance, and historical content for the A-Town is Our Town
Magazine.
• Support for the Anacortes School District,Port of Anacortes,tribes, businesses,media,and other museums
with assessing and archiving their own collections.
• Increasing online collection availability
• Exhibits that involve the community from start to finish.
SOCIAL SERVICES
The City participates in social service support to aid the poor and infirmed. In 2018, the City adopted municipal
code that exempts low income housing projects from paying impact fees. The Anacortes Family Center benefited
from this policy change when they applied for a building permit for a twenty unit transitional housing project
resulting in cost savings of approximately $160,000 in reduced impact fees and general facilities waivers. The City
also offers a 20%utility bill discount for residents who are within 150%of the federal poverty level.
The proposed budget has the following social identified:
• $108,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding(to date in 2018)
o $65,000 went to Anacortes Housing Authority
o $16,300 has gone to the Anacortes Family Center
o $30,100 Anacortes Family Center to purchase essential appliances for twenty apartments
• $1,500 for Anacortes Community Health
• $10,000 for Skagit Community Action Agency
• $14,000 to the County Health department for chemical dependency treatment
• $10,000 for the Boys and Girls Club for members who meet poverty criteria
• $40,000 to the County for the Meals on Wheels program
• Continue to share the cost of a Community Resource Officer with the Anacortes School District at a City
share of$66,345 in 2019,and$68,261 in 2020.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Balancing the City's 2019-2020 biennial budget is a simple equation of our operating expenditures not exceeding our
operating revenues. As presented, my budget continues our commitment to balance fiscal responsibility while
meeting City Council and community priorities. It reflects my expectation to maintain and improve our
infrastructure. As a reminder, this proposed budget does not include funding of the Municipal Broadband project
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and I look forward to further discussing our funding options for municipal broadband separately. The proposed
budget is a financial roadmap for our City and represents our continued commitment to effective service delivery.
I look forward to your working with you all on the 2019-2020 biennial budget,providing the services and quality of
life to every Anacortes resident.
Respectfully,
Laurie Gere,Mayor
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