HomeMy WebLinkAboutSigned Minutes Retreat 04-10-21Minutes of the Arlington
City Council Retreat
Council Chambers
110 East Third Street
Saturday, April 10, 2021
Councilmembers Present: Mike Hopson, Marilyn Oertle, Debora Nelson, Don Vanney,
Jan Schuette, Jesica Stickles and Michele Blythe.
Council Members Absent: None.
Staff Present: Mayor Barb Tolbert, Paul Ellis, James Trefry, Sarah Lopez, Kristin Garcia,
Bryan Terry, Jim Kelly, Dave Kraski, Marc Hayes, Dave Ryan, City Attorney Steve Peiffle, and
Wendy Van Der Meersche.
Also Known to be Present: Heather Logan
City Attorney / Facilitator Steve Peiffle, began the retreat with an overview and process
explanation. At his request, each councilmember stated their expectations of the retreat. Mr.
Peiffle introduced City Administrator Paul Ellis. Mr. Ellis stated that a shooting occurred
early this morning, and distributed a press release.
AGENDA ITEMS FROM POWERPOINT PRESENTATION - NO ACTION WAS TAKEN
Strategic Priorities and Objectives
City Administrator Paul Ellis reviewed the City's priorities and objectives, which outlines
each department's projects and status of their completion. Discussion followed with Mr. Ellis
answering Council questions.
2022 Budget Modifications
Finance Director Kristin Garcia reviewed
Assumptions from the General Fund.
2022 Budget Modifications and Revenue
2022 Budget Modifications - Revenue Assumptions
Modified revenue reduction = $2.3 million
• Property tax levy reduction to $.75
• 2021 levy rate is $1.34
• 2022 revenues projected to be $2.6 million from $4.4 million
• Fire related grants/donations
• Removed EMS contribution toward debt service
• Fee for service revenue reductions
• EMS - accounting/admin cost allocation
• Fire services to the Airport
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Minutes of the City of Arlington City Council Retreat April 10, 2021
2022 Budget Modifications - Revenue Assumptions
2022 2022
Taxes
Licenses/Permits
Intergovernmental
Charges for Services
Fines/Forfeits
Miscellaneous
Transfers
Total
Adopted Budget
14,439,914
303,552
618,725
1,956,239
172,900
81,550
1,159,782
18,732,662
Modified Budget
12,652,564
303,552
593,725
1,577,591
172,900
80,450
1,004,900
16,385,682
2022 Budget Modifications - Expense Assumptions
Modified expense reduction = $2.1 million
• Reinstate 2 unfilled positions
• Communications
• M&O
• Removed fire department budget
• Increase in police department costs
• Jail costs
• Dispatch services
2022 Budget Modifications - Expense Assumptions
2022
2022
Adopted Budget
Modified Budget
Legislative
213,394
213,394
Executive
1,241,509
1,334,009
Memberships
132,200
132,200
Finance
1,244,154
1,244,154
Legal
85,000
85,000
Personnel
255,098
255,098
Information Tech.
524,531
524,531
Police
8,298,322
8,665,748
Fire
2,652,862
0
Other/Misc.
114,472
114,472
CED
1,949,280
1,949,280
Debt
1,201,192
1,201,192
Transfers
1,877,551
1,957,551
Total
19,789,565
17,676,629
2022 Budget Modifications
Summary
• Revenue reduction of $2.3 million
• Expense reduction of $2.1 million
• Fund balance maintained at approximately 1.5 months of operating expenses
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Minutes of the City of Arlington City Council Retreat April 10. 2021
• Ending fund balance original 2022 budget = $2.33 million
• Ending fund balance modified 2022 budget = $2.10 million
Discussion followed with Ms. Garcia answering Council questions.
Fire Annexation - Review of Financial Obligations
Finance Director Kristin Garcia reviewed the Fire Annexation financial obligations.
Fire Annexation Revenue Summary
• The ambulance utility fee will end 8/1/2021
• August through December 2021= $641,000
• Arlington EMS levy will end on 1/1/2022
• 2022 Arlington EMS levy is $1,050,509 and is replaced with NCRFA EMS Levy
• All transport revenues, district contracts and GEMT revenues will be collected for
services up to 7/31/2021
• Arlington general property tax levy will be reduced in 2022
Summary of Financial Obligations
• 2021 August - December remaining Fire/EMS budgets
• Paid the second Monday of each month
• Rough estimate $550,000 per month
• Employee leave
Calculate balances as of 7/31/2021
• Paid by 12/31/2021
• Currently about $500,000
Reserve contribution
• Paid by 5/31/2022
• $1,000,000
Sales Tax Information
Finance Director Kristin Garcia reviewed the Fire Annexation financial obligations.
• Sales Tax Overview
Total sales tax revenues grew by 70% or $2,613,391 comparing 2015 to 2020
YEAR
2015
3,749,211
2016
4,063,512
2017
4,348,275
2018
4,859,068
2019
5,802,663
2020
6,362,602
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Minutes of the City of Arlington City Council Retreat April 10, 2021
• Sales Tax Overview
Of the 70% overall growth in revenue between 2015 and 2020, retail sales tax
represented 47% of the growth and construction sales tax represented 37% of the
growth,
YEAR R9TAiL cowmu o
2015
2,018,412
352,800
2016
2,175,842
498,757
2017
2,335,849
565,934
2018
2,659,049
549,203
2019
2,908,740
1,190,165
7�7n
3744, 130
7 27a 774
$ Change
1,235,727
976,425
• Sales Tax Overview
The remaining 16% of overall growth in sales tax revenues came from the following
categories combined.
Manufacturing
-
2015 95,156 898,093 242,432 142,318
2016
83,258
880,932
270,013
154,710
2017
105,237
932,457
302,347
106,509
2018
133,786
1,037,950
313,515
165,565
2019
120,287
1,138,148
336,584
188,739
2020
95,337
1,152,465
336,960
194,476
$ Change
180
254,373
94,528
52,158
* Cascade Industrial
Center
(CIC) will increase this
over time
* Other is wireless/cable/phone
companies, agriculture and transportation
• 2020 Lodging Tax Grant Carry Over
• Grants awarded in 2020 were allowed to carryover unspent funds to be applied
toward the event in 2021
• Of the 15 grant awards, 4 are complete the rest requested unspent funds be
carried over
• If all events with unspent funds occur in 2021, the expected grant carryover to be
paid out is $110,000
• What if the event isn't held in 2021?
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Minutes of the City of Arlington City Council Retreat April 10. 2021
• Carryover unspent portion into 2022?
• Grantee will need to reapply in 2022 as anew grant?
Staff Recommendation: Applicants reapply for new grant 2022.
Discussion followed with Ms. Garcia answering Council questions.
American Rescue Plan
Mayor Tolbert reviewed the American Rescue Plan.
• Expected Timing of Payments
• Distribution will be through the State
• Expected distribution between $3.7 - $4.4 million
• Unknown if payments will be "lump sum" or reimbursement based
• If lump sum, distributions expected in two installments
• First installment by June 9th
• Second installment twelve months after first payment
*Guidance from MRSC as of 3/17/2021; waiting official guidance from Treasury
• Qualifying Expenses
• Funds available for qualifying expenses through 12/31/2024
• Qualifying expenses;
• Respond to public health emergency caused by COVID-19
• Provide economic assistance to households, small businesses and
nonprofits impacted by COVID-19
• To aid impacted industries such as tourism, travel and hospitality
• Hazard pay
• Revenue recapture for providing government services (lost revenue)
• Investments in water, sewer or broadband
*Guidance from MRSC as of 3/17/2021; waiting official guidance from Treasury.
• Human Services
American Rescue Plan Funds
o Regional Approach- Snohomish County to local level
o Flexibility for agencies
o Research greatest needs
■ Mental Health
■ Mortgage assistance
Build resiliency into money going out/ wrap -around services
o Businesses
o Community members
North County Human Services Providers Group
• Needs Assessment: Mental Health Services
• Few mental health providers
• Difficulty finding appointments (especially for youth)
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Minutes of the City of Arlington City Council Retreat April 10. 2021
• Group will now be managed by Volunteers of America - Lynsey Gagnon
• Monthly Meetings going forward
Mental Health Social Worker Program
• 2 year pilot program
• State funded
• Social worker with paid interns
• Referrals from city departments (fire, police, code enforcement) of citizens who
have need for services
Discussion followed with Mayor Tolbert answering Council questions.
Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update
City Administrator Paul Ellis reviewed the Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update.
• Current in-house plan needs update (2016-2023)
• Requesting professional guidance with consultant, estimated at $100,000-$150,000
(including review of park mitigation fees)
• 5 year to 20 year plan (short and long range)
• Strategy for funding of Parks and Recreation
• Review level of service (location, type and amount of park facilities
Parks Funding Sources
• LTGO bonds: Limited tax general obligation (LTGO) bonds, issued by vote of council.
General fund revenues must be pledged to pay the debt.
• Park impact fees: Must be used for publicly owned parks, open space and recreation
facilities addressed in the Comp Plan. Fees charged to new housing.
• RCO grants: WA Recreation & Conservation Office grants, generally every other year,
and matching funds required.
• REET 1: Real estate excise taxes (BEET), City tax for capital projects and limited
maintenance.
Park Impact/Mitigation Fees
• Used for publicly owned parks, opens space and recreation facilities
• Address in capital facilities element of Comprehensive Plan
• Identify deficiencies in public facilities serving existing development and
means to eliminate deficiencies
• Identify demands placed on the existing facilities by new development
• Identify need for additional facilities/ improvements
• Charged to residential construction
• Can be also charged to commercial or industrial developments, employees can
directly benefit from nearby parks and recreation facilities
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Minutes of the City of Arlington Cif Council Retreat April�2021
Opportunity for Impact / Mitigation Funds
• Update Fees
• Include Commercial Park Impact/Mitigation Fee
Perunit
single family
duplex
Multifamily
Commercial
per squareft
Burlington
$ 655.00
$ 655.00
$ 0.50
Mount Vernon
$ 855.00
$ 789.00
no fee
Marysville
$ 1,328.00
$ 938.00
no fee
Stanwood
$ 1,330.00
$ 1,042.00
$ 1,042.00
no fee
Arlington
$ 1,662.00
$ 1,497.00
no fee
Edmonds
$ 2,734.05
$ 2,340.16
$ 1.34
Bothell
$ 3,119.91
$ 1,478.80
$ 1.04
Mountlake Terrace
$ 3,240.00
$ 3,242.00
$ 1.20
Brier
$ 3,907.92
n/a
no fee
Lake Stevens
S 4,154.92
$ 3,004.75
no fee
Snohomish
$ 4,150.00
$ 3,600.00
no fee
Lynwood
$ 5,553.69
$ 4,440.77
$ 3,990.33
$ 2.82
Single Family
. �
$ 5, 000.00
$ 4, 000.00
$ 3, 000.00
$ 2, 000.00
$1,000.$00
Ole' z
qe
4�
Discussion followed with Mr. Ellis answering Council questions. Council agreed that staff
move forward with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan update.
Community Park at Smokey Point
Community and Economic Development Director reviewed a potential community park at
Smokey Point.
Potential Community Park/Civic Space along Smokey Point Blvd
Park Acquisition - Option 1: $2.9 million
Knutson property 3.56 acres
• Adequate space for community park/civic space
• Could be subdivided to allow for re -sale of a portion of the property
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Minutes of the City of Arlington City Council Retreat April 10, 2021
• Single family residence on property which could provide income until the site is
developed
• 220 feet of frontage along Smokey Point Blvd requiring parking on site
• Payment options lump sum or financing over 20 years at 5% interest
$1.7 million park mitigation funds
$1.2 million other funding
An additional $2 million for park development
Park Acquisition - Option 2: $1.2 million
Christian Missionary Alliance Church property 2.23 acres
• Approximately 680 frontage along Smokey Point Blvd allowing for street parking
• Abundant parking and accessibility without loss of usable onsite area
• Width could limit its ability creating a shallow, more linear design
• Payment lump sum
$1.2 million park mitigation funds
An additional $2 million for park development
Park Acquisition - Option 3: $2.3 million
Combination of Option 1 and Option 2
• All of church property 2.23 acres and half of Knutson property 1.78 acres
• Provides more visibility and street frontage than the church property
• With the addition of the Knutson property it will allow a wider parcel to increase site
functionality
• Adequate room for future amenities
$1.7 million park mitigation funds
$600,000 other funding
An additional $2 million for park development
Discussion followed regarding funding, First Right of Refusal offer(s), a tie into the Parks and
Recreation master plan, and a maintenance plan, with Mr. Hayes answering Council
questions. Council agreed that Mr. Hayes would continue negotiations on park property.
Facilities
City Administrator Paul Ellis reviewed Facilities.
Facilities - M & 0 / Police Impound
• Completed structural engineers review of the compost facility (proposed location).
• Completed programing and needs assessment in DRAFT.
• Next step, complete design and project cost estimate.
• Next step, complete bid documents, select contractor and construct.
• Complete in 2022.
Facilities - Maintenance Projects
• Security system improvements City Hall.
• Carpet replacement, Police Station and portions of City Hall.
• Window replacement schedule City Hall.
• Next steps, cost estimate to City Council.
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Minutes of the City of Arlington City Council Retreat April 10 2021
Facilities - Library
• Currently Library facility is owned by COA and operated by Sno-Isle.
• Operations is funded by a Sno-Isle max $.50/1000 property tax residential.
• Facility Maintenance is funded from COA General Fund.
• Estimated $200,000 in repairs needed prior to re -opening.
• Other Deferred Maintenance.
• Maintenance responsibilities
• City responsibilities?
• Sno-Isle responsibilities?
• Shared responsibilities?
• Transfer all responsibilities to Sno-Isle?
Discussion followed with Mr. Ellis answering Council questions. Council agreed that staff
move forward. City Attorney Steve Peiffle stated an ordinance would require approval to
repeal AMC 2.62, which created the Library Board.
Airport Development Plan
Airport Director Dave Ryan reviewed a proposed Airport Development Plan.
Request:
To develop a plan for the organized growth of all airport properties
• Very large and complex effort that will require the services of a professional
development consultant
• Plan will be consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan Update and the Airport
Master Plan Update
• Chart a detailed course for the future growth of the airport
• Planning Window: 10 years
• Planning Elements: Infrastructure - water, sewer, roadways, electrical, natural gas,
stormwater, communications (telephone/fiber/wireless)
• Collaborative Effort: Airport, Public Works, Community & Economic Development,
and IT departments.
• Budget: Airport Professional Services (consultant)
Need:
• Similar to developing the City's "Focus Areas" in previous Council Workshops and
retreats, an Airport Development Plan will focus on what infrastructure is there,
what is not and what is the best way to move forward in developing this
infrastructure.
• We've made major changes to the airport owned properties over the last seven
years.
• Many new developments on airport property or by private investment.
• An Airport Development Plan will also help identify areas to ensure the "highest and
best" use for any particular property.
• As Snohomish County continues to grow at a very fast pace, our development plan
will help us make decisions on which areas to develop first, when to develop other
areas, and how to budget Airport and City resources to meet these requirements.
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Minutes of the City of Arlington City Council Retreat April 10, 2021
• Additionally, an Airport Development Plan will assist us in "dove -tailing" the
upcoming Airport Master Plan Update with the City's Comprehensive Plan Update.
Discussion followed with Mr. Ryan answering Council questions. Council agreed that staff
move forward.
Council Meetings and Workshops
Currently
• Currently 2 Business Meetings and 2 Workshops per month.
• Fifth Monday used for joint meeting.
• Items
Discussion
• Reduce Workshops to one.
• Convert second Workshop to StrateLTic Planning MeetinL_.
• Larger block of time for discussing larger items.
• Smaller and routine items go directly to Business Meeting.
Discussion followed with Mr. Ellis answering Council questions. Council agreed for staff to
move forward. The new schedule will take place in September after the summer break.
Fireworks Communication and Emphasis Patrol
Communication
Community Revitalization and Communications Manager Sarah Lopez reviewed how the
City will manage Communications regarding the ban on fireworks in the City limits, which
will begin in July 2021.
• Statement from City- Arlington Update May
• E-newsletter and website and TV21
• Statement on utility bills
• Social Media sites and Facebook groups
• Homeowners Associations
• Press Release
• Electronic Reader Boards
Promote City's Firework Display event
Emphasis Patrol July 4, 2021
City Administrator Paul Ellis reviewed how the police department will manage patrol.
• Supervisor 6pm to tam
• Four Patrol Details 6pm to 2am
• All 911 firework calls routed to supervisor.
Analysis
Firework related calls to Marysville increased by 188% first year of the ban.
• Arlington could go from 20 firework calls to 40 calls on July 4, 2021.
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Minutes of the City of Arlington Cif Council Retreat Aprl_iO Z421
Blue Line / Red Line Flags
City Administrator Paul Ellis distributed memos he received from Police Chief Jonathan
Ventura and from Fire Chief Dave Kraski, regarding the display of Blue Line and Red Line
flags. In each memo, the Chiefs' recommendation stated that ownership should be
transferred to a local community support group.
Discussion followed with Mr. Ellis answering Council questions. There was a
recommendation for banners to be displayed across Olympic Avenue to recognize public
service weeks.
Parking Lot, Wrap up and Further Action Plans
The possibility of hiring an employee in the future to implement the Housing Action Plan
was discussed.
Amazon and the City issued press releases regarding Amazon's move to Arlington for
construction of a distribution center. Mr. Ellis indicated that a statement with talking points
will be provided to staff and councilmembers that will also include the status of widening
172°d Street.
The topic of problems in parts of the country regarding police force was brought up. Mayor
Tolbert recommended the City wait until after legislature, to see if any state laws change.
ADJOURNMENT
The Council Retreat was adjourned at 2:44 p.m.
C
�1
EQ��Barbara Tolbert, Mayor
Page 11 of 11