Loading...
03/28/2016 - MinutesCity of Port Orchard Council Finance Committee A meeting of the Council Finance Committee was held at City Hall on March 28, 2016 at 7:30 a.m. PRESENT: Chairman John Clauson, members Bek Ashby and Shawn Cucciardi, Mayor Putaansuu, HR Coordinator Deborah Howard, Public Works Director Mark Dorsey, Treasurer Martin, and Citizen Nick Whittleton. Finance Report The sales tax revenue report was presented and discussed. Collections for the month of March are $309,322 or 7.2% above projection. Year-to-date collection is $1,106,311. Treasurer Martin discussed the three revenue sources for the city, Sales Tax, Property Tax, and Charges and Fees as well as when the bigger payment from Property Tax is expected to be disbursed. The annual report showed that 2016 ended with a higher fund balance than anticipated. Seitel Network Assessment: Treasurer Martin discussed his conversation with Seitel in regards to using their company as a consultant to facilitate the upgrades in the IT department. It is estimated that a roadmap piece from Seitel will run approximately $2,500. It should also be possible for Seitel to work as a contract vendor on the project using a personal services contract. Mayor Putaansuu added one of the reasons for going this route includes moving towards industry standards instead of individual customization. Transportation Discussion: Bonding, Vehicle License Fees: If a portion is borrowed for Tremont, a three month lead time is needed to put together a transaction and require entering the municipal bond market at an appropriate time. This creates a timing issue to make sure the money is received when the construction project is ready to be started. A conversation of bond issuance options continued in regards to both the transportation and City Hall projects. The discussion for the Transportation Benefit District (TBD) will be brought to the next work study meeting. Human Resources Non-represented employees/FSLA Executive Exempt: Treasurer Martin also brought forward the issue of the Mayor’s salary. There were two years where the COLA increases were not extended to the Mayor. And there was some confusion over several pieces of conflicting documentation that Treasurer Martin took to Sharon Cates for clarification. Sharon Cates provided an email stating that the Mayor should have been extended the COLA increases. Treasurer Martin would like authorization to go back and recognize the percentages with no back pay paid. The committee recommended sending the item forward for approval. Deborah Howard spoke to the Teamsters contract being approved and asked for direction for the non-represented employees and executive exempt employees as directed by the committee. Treasurer Martin agreed to run the amounts for the .6% increase for the committee’s approval for non-represented employees. This increase will not be backdated to the beginning of the year. Once approved, it will move forward through the legal process. Support of recommended IT Staffing level: Treasurer Martin spoke in regards to the IT staffing levels. The IT Department is looking for the acceptance of two job descriptions. The current IT manager would become a Local Area Network (LAN) Administrator that would be charged with the infrastructure portion. And a part time help desk position that would work with applications, software, computer setup, and serve as a help desk to employees. Treasurer Martin would like the part time IT Specialist position filled prior to the Seitel IT changes. Under the direction of the mayor, both positions have been set up to be a city employee, a contract employee, or a person provided through an interlocal agreement with a local agency that would provide those services. Public Works – Storm Drainage Utility Staff duties, organizational chart: Public Works Director Mark Dorsey discussed the GIS Specialist position and how the position has evolved since previously discussed. The need is not only for a GIS Specialist, but for personnel with the ability to also perform land review responsibilities. There would be an impact of an estimated $15,000 annually to the budget. The committee recommends bringing it before the full council. Department of Community Development – Administration Assistant: The meeting was adjourned at 8:37 a.m. Community Development Director, Nick Bond, discussed the administration assistant position that had previously been filled twice, and both times resulted in the loss of staff. When last advertised as a temporary, part time position only four applications were received. It is Mr. Bond’s belief that the positions temporary status is affecting the amount and quality of applications received. The department’s workload is as expected, and the need for the position still exists and is expected to continue over the next several years. Mr. Bond is requesting the position be made permanent for as long as economic activity continues. The committee recommends bringing it before the full council for further review. Next meeting April 25, 2016 7:30 am Council Chambers meeting room