- Balancing the Budget
- Improving Transparency in the Budget Process
- Taxi Cabs
- Divesting from Dafur
- Working to Keep NOAA in Seattle
- Incentive Zoning
- Animal Shelter
- Seattle Storm
- Preserving Disabled Parking for the Lake City Community Center
Balancing the Budget
It was a challenging budget year but Jean Godden, chair of the Budget Committee is happy to report that City Council was able to preserve and restore the services that our citizens need most in times like these.
Increases to the proposed 2009/2010 budget included funding for shelter and food programs, expanded funding for assistance to victims of domestic violence as well as a modest addition for the library book collections fund. These priorities were identified thanks to the overwhelming advocacy of citizens. It is a tribute to the involvement of constituents that the City Council was able to maintain and increase so many direct services.
Improving Transparency in the Budget Process
In order to promote a more transparent budget process, “green sheets” and “issue identification papers”, are now available on the Budget Committee’s web site when the Council is dealing with budget issues in the Fall. I’m a firm believer in making the budget process as transparent and user friendly as possible. “It is my hope that the availability of these documents will allow citizens interested in following the budget more information and a greater understanding of the process”, said Councilmember Godden.
Taxi Cabs
Improving customer service for taxicab users and requiring the taxi industry to invest in environmentally sensitive “green” cabs in the future was the goal behind taxi legislation passed this year.
“The provision of more cabs will reduce wait times for taxicab patrons,” said Councilmember Jean Godden, Chair of the Finance and Budget Committee. “It is essential that we begin to retire cabs that contribute to global warming. This legislation will do just that, requiring new cabs to get 30 miles to the gallon by 2013. It is a much needed step towards a more sustainable city.” Godden said.
Divesting from Dafur
Following a lengthy review and analysis of the geo-political and social issues affecting the people of Sudan and specifically those suffering from genocide in the Darfur region of that country, the Board of Directors of the Seattle City Employees Retirement System (SCERS) took action to divest in companies that have business interests in Sudan.
Councilmember Jean Godden, chair of the Retirement Board said, “I’m very pleased with our decision. The president and Congress have acknowledged that the government of Sudan has engaged in genocide in the Darfur region -- the first time that such a declaration has been made during the commission of such abhorrent crimes. While the retirement board is not heavily invested in companies doing business in Sudan, it is gratifying that the board, through passage of a new financial policy, was able to take this step.”
Working to Keep NOAA in Seattle
Councilmember Godden continued her efforts on the Council to keep the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) home-ported in Seattle. Her efforts included lobbying federal, sate and local elected officials, writing published editorials and directing city staff to remain involved and engaged.
“These operations are an essential facet of Seattle’s historic maritime heritage. They provide a significant economic benefit and a source of professional employment for Seattle and its residents,” said Councilmember Godden.
NOAA, which provides more than 70 Seattle-based jobs in the Marine Operations Center, Pacific, on Lake Union will be making a decision shortly on whether the agency will stay in Seattle or move to Everett, Bellingham or ports in Alaska. The question regarding NOAA’s future was prompted by the July 2006 fire which crippled the center and forced the agency to seek temporary berthing for its ships.
Incentive Zoning
The Seattle City Council approved a Workforce Housing Incentive program intended to stimulate creation of affordable housing by trading new capacity above established zoning heights in exchange for reserving a portion of a new building’s homes for persons earning less than Seattle’s median income.
“Our goal is to provide a clear, consistent and certain program that will offer the promise of more affordable homes for Seattle’s citizens,” said Councilmember Jean Godden.
The newly expanded program gives the city the ability to present developers with a choice: build to a certain threshold height without an affordable housing requirement; or, build higher in return for setting aside 15% - 17.5% of living space in the bonus height area for people who make no more than 80 percent of this area’s median income. Alternatively, a developer may opt to pay a fee equivalent to $18.94 per square foot of the new development space. The city can use fees only to fund development of affordable housing.
Animal Shelter
Councilmember Jean Godden was joined by Mayor Greg Nickels in honoring the late Neal Duncan, a Seattle Animal Shelter officer who died on the job in 2006, and unveiling improvements made to the shelter benefiting employees, customers and the animals.
"The Seattle Animal Shelter does a real service for our city. It is one of the most progressive municipal shelters in the country. We owe much to the great programs the shelter operates including active fundraising, an anti-cruelty campaign, volunteerism, excellent animal care, and much more," said Godden.
Seattle Storm
The city of Seattle will work collaboratively with the new local owners of the Seattle Storm to keep the professional women’s basketball team playing at KeyArena, under a resolution passed by the City Council.
“Having the Storm play at KeyArena is good for the fans and good for the Seattle Center,” said Councilmember Jean Godden, chair of the Finance and Budget Committee who co-sponsored the resolution.
The resolution requests that the Mayor and Seattle Center work with the new local owners to extend the length of the lease. It also notes that having women’s professional basketball as a tenant at KeyArena helps the city financially and provides other public benefits to residents and taxpayers of the city.
Preserving Disabled Parking for the Lake City Community Center
When the city announced plans to put in a new sidewalk along the only side of the Lake City Community Center with street access, wiping out parking used for loading and for the disabled, the community took action. Community members and LCCC Board members made phone calls and wrote letters, and with the help of Councilmember Godden was able to convince the city that the limited funds for new sidewalks could be better spent in other locations, thus preserving the disabled parking the Lake City Community Center needs.
The Lake City Community Center began with the Lake City Lions Club, which purchased the land in 1944 and donated it to the city. The LCCC continues to this day, under the leadership of a Board of Directors, providing the organization and meeting place for community events. Over 40,000 people use the facility in a year. The activities include community meetings, dances, doll shows, train meets, flea markets and an annual salmon bake.
The activities which have served the community for decades require two things: an adequate nearby space for loading and unloading food and goods, and convenient disabled parking for the many senior volunteers and other disabled participants. While sidewalks are coveted in many neighborhoods, the stretch in front of the community center wasn’t the ideal choice.
2007 Accomplishments
- 2008 Budget:
- NOAA Support
- Seattle City Light 2006 Storm Review
- Millennium Cable Re-Franchise Agreement
2008 Budget
Councilmember Godden helped to set aside $1.5 million for the “rainy day fund” in order to ensure stability in future times of need. She also made several other contributions to the budget including
Health and Human Services: The Council approved a total of $5.5 million dollars for human service related programs. This amount includes continued funding for the Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness, $400,000 for food banks and food delivery; $500,000 to help human service organizations develop plans for disaster situations and $20,000 for outreach to South Asian communities to help victims of domestic violence. Councilmember Godden was also persistent in advocating for dental services, allocating $100,000 for dental services for the uninsured and marginalized populations. $25,000 will go to the Puget Sound Neighborhood Health Southeast Family Dental Clinic and $75,000 will go to ICHS.
Libraries: Ensuring that libraries received increased funding for their collections. Together with councilmember Steinbrueck, Councilmember Godden was able to allocate $2 million for library materials in order to purchase books, CDs, DVDs and other materials for the Seattle Library system.
Senior Centers and Community Centers: Councilmember Godden supported $300,000 for our senior centers, adding $200,000 to the Mayor’s proposed $100,000 to assist with building capacity and operating costs due to decreased financial support from the United Way. The Council also authorized a $2.5 million appropriation toward the acquisition of Phinney Neighborhood Center and the University Height Center and was also able to keep the Cascade People’s Center open through the next year.
P-Patch: Councilmember Godden led the charge to allocate $20,000 to the Hazel Heights p-patch. The money will be used to complete the P-patch, providing an opportunity for the neighbors to grow food in their own community.
History Link: Councilmember Godden led the council in allocating $100,000 toward maintaining HistoryLink. HistoryLink is a vital force in recording and maintaining the history and heritage of Seattle, Puget Sound and all of Washington. Godden views this action not only as an aid toward preserving our cultural heritage, but as a small tribute to Seattle icon Walt Crowley.
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NOAA Support
Councilmember Godden sponsored a resolution citing the historic importance and economic impact of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) Marine Operations Center, Pacific and urging that NOAA maintain their Homeport Marine Operations in Seattle. The Marine Operations Center, Pacific has been a significant economic benefit and a source of employment for Seattle and its residents. These operations have been, and continue to be a vital facet of Seattle’s maritime heritage. Councilmember Godden is working hard to ensure that NOAA remains on Seattle’s Lake Union.
Seattle City Light 2006 Storm Review
On December 14, 2006, Seattle was hit by a 100-year storm. Nearly 49 percent of Seattle City Light (SCL) customers lost power. City Light mobilized 300 SCL employees, 104 contract and mutual aid workers, 45 line and service crews and 10 tree crews to begin restoration work. All power was restored within 9 days. While this restoration time is on par with the nationwide average for storm events this size, there were problems with the response that needed to be addressed. The Council, led by Councilmembers Godden and Conlin conducted a review to identify problems and to explore ways of improving response to future storms.
City Light conducted a thorough and timely review assisted by Davies Consulting. The City Council and Mayor supported recommendations for improving storm response in the areas of processes, policies, and training. As a result, the Council approved additional funding in the City Light budget for;
- 31 additional line workers;
- An Outage Management System;
- A Department Operations Center;
- An Asset Management Program;
- Regulatory compliance
Millennium Cable Re-Franchise Agreement
As chair of the Energy and Technology Committee, Councilmember Godden sponsored the Millennium Cable Re-Franchise Agreement. Offering a variety of new services to customers including a lower-priced tier ($19.99), increased cable service discount for low-income/disabled subscribers, and free cable modem service for up to 50 city-sponsored community technology centers. Millennium, now Broadstripe Cable, will also offer video-on-demand (VOD) within 12 months and will increase the number of HDTV channels.
In response to two public hearings, customer service was also improved. A new call center has been added with expanded hours. Audits will be carried out to enforce the Cable Customer Bill of Rights. The cap on liquidated damages that was a part of the previous franchise was also removed. This means that if Millennium is found to be out of compliance with the agreement, monetary fines can be assessed with no cap on total fines.
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2006 Accomplishments
- Seattle City Light Rate Case
- Environmentally Critical Areas (ECA) Ordinance
- Technology Matching Grants
- Surplus Property/ Open Space Process
- Honoring Jimi Hendrix
- Comcast Cable Franchise Renewal Agreement
- Habitat Protection and Education on the Skagit River
Seattle City Light Rate Case
As Energy and Technology Committee Chair, Jean led the Seattle City Light rate review resulting in an 8.4 percent system-wide rate decrease starting January 1, 2007. During the 2001 Western energy crisis, the city went to ratepayers on four separate occasions to ask for help and got it. Since those difficult days, the city's beloved utility has come a long way. Today Seattle City Light is back on solid financial footing having paid off its short-term debt and making giant strides on paying off long-term debt. Relatively small budget adjustments will result in ratepayers receiving the rate relief they deserve and were promised when rates were steeply increased in 2001. It's immensely satisfying to be able to offer real rate relief.
Environmentally Critical Areas (ECA) Ordinance
Councilmember Godden took the lead in shepherding this important piece of environmental protection through the Council process. As a result the Council unanimously passed an ordinance strengthening protections in ecologically sensitive areas. The ordinance expands buffers to 75 feet in riparian areas along salmon bearing streams and restricts pesticide use within 50 feet of shorelines, streams and waterways. "This ordinance provides leadership in protecting ecosystems essential to Seattle and the region," said Councilmember and Chair of the Energy and Technology Committee Jean Godden. "The new ECA policy reflects the importance of creating environmental protections that respect the interests of property owners."
Technology Matching Grants
The Energy and Technology Committee, led by Councilmember Godden, appropriated $103,000 to support 13 community based technology projects promoting digital equity. Groups ranging from the Tigrean Community Association to Reel Grrls will leverage matching grants topping $300,000 to increase technological literacy, open access to electronic information and promote the use of technology for civic engagement. This committee action was supported by the full Council in an unanimous vote.
Surplus Property/ Open Space Process
In response to community concerns over the sale of the Soundway East property in West Seattle and several City Light Substation properties in 2004, Councilmembers Godden and Rassmussen responded with a resolution giving the public more opportunities for involvement in the sale of the city's surplus property. The public will benefit from enhanced notification of plans and increased information sharing, as well as more opportunities to review and comment on upcoming sales or reuse plans of real property. "This is a clear victory for citizens and open government," said Councilmember Jean Godden, co sponsor of the resolution. "Neighbors will be better informed about the plans for surplus property," she added.
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Honoring Jimi Hendrix
Councilmember Jean Godden sponsored a resolution encouraging the Seattle Parks Department to name the park adjacent to the Central District's Colman School for the internationally acclaimed musician. "It's time Seattle establishes a fitting tribute to honor the rich cultural contributions of one of the city's most successful artists," said Councilmember Jean Godden. The park is located in the neighborhood of Hendrix's youth and near the planned site for the Northwest African American Museum.
Comcast Cable Franchise Renewal Agreement
Working closely with community activists and the Seattle Channel, Councilmember Godden led the Council to approving the Comcast Cable Franchise Renewal for the next 10 years. Comcast will provide over $6.6 million in benefits including more than $4 million in funding for new arts programming known as ArtsZone and greater support for Seattle Community Access Network (SCAN). The agreement offers a wealth of benefits to consumers including a "Cable Customer Bill of Rights" to ensure top customer service and privacy protections, in addition to discounts for low income and disabled customers second to none in the country.
Habitat Protection and Education on the Skagit River
Taking the lead from the Energy and Technology Committee, chaired by Councilmember Godden, the Council approved the budget of the Skagit Environmental Endowment for Fiscal Year 2006, ensuring the availability of $1 million in contingency funds to support protecting some of the 5,800 hectares of unprotected land in the upper Skagit watershed vulnerable to timber and mining claims. The budget also includes over $100,000 for research and education in the Skagit Watershed.
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- Funding for North Cascades Environmental Learning Center
- Apprenticeship Program
- Bond issue
- Capital Improvement Program
- Confirmation of Jorge Carrasco - Superintendent of Seattle City Light
- Intellectual Property
- Klamath Falls
- Magnuson Park: Restoring Wetlands and Improving Sports Fields
- Nucor Steel Co.: Protecting Family-wage Jobs, Getting a Better Deal
- Overtime
- Rates Resolution
- Recruiting the Best-Qualified Candidate to Serve on the Seattle City Light Advisory Board
- Skookumchuck Dam Sale
- Stateline Transmission
- Vacancy Rate
Funding for North Cascades Environmental Learning Center
Councilmember Godden along with the full Council approved more than $450,000 in funding for the Skagit Environmental
Endowment Commission for fiscal year 2004, including additional funding to establish the Environmental Learning Center.
The center will serve as a hub for youth summer programs, education, internships, and a graduate fellowship in environmental
education.
Apprenticeship Program
Council reviewed a City Light study on the Apprenticeship Program and authorized the release of $250,000
appropriated solely as a reserve for the program. Council released the funds on the condition that they are used
to begin implementing improvements to the program and expansion of access.
Bond issue
The Council authorized City Light to sell up to $60 million in new bonds to fund the capital program and to
refund up to $249 million of previously sold bonds if at least 5% in savings will result.
Capital Improvement Program
During the review of City Light's proposed 2005 and 2006 budget, Council's review of the capital program
resulted in reductions of $25 million in spending over the following two years.
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Confirmation of Jorge Carrasco - Superintendent of Seattle City Light
Immediately upon taking office in January of 2004, Councilmember Godden took the reigns on the confirmation of
Jorge Carrasco, the Mayor’s nominee for Superintendent of Seattle City Light. The result of this thorough due
diligence process was a 9-0 council vote confirming Mr. Carrasco’s nomination.
"Mr. Carrasco withstood intense public scrutiny and the Council's investigation into his background and ability
to run City Light with composure and candor, and we felt confident that he was the right choice to move the utility
forward," said Councilmember Jean Godden, who led the Council's confirmation process.
The Council, which has authority to confirm or deny the nomination, spent the month of January holding meetings
on the nomination, including a public hearing at which Carrasco took questions from citizens. Council members also
submitted to Carrasco a list of 20 questions regarding his management experience and style that Carrasco responded
to in writing.
Seattle City Light is one of the largest municipally-owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served.
City Light serves about 322,000 residential customers and approximately 30,000 business customers. More than 50
percent of City Light's power generation is supplied by city-owned hydroelectric plants. In years with heavy
precipitation, those plants supply almost all of Seattle's power needs, but in dry years the utility must make up
the difference by purchasing power from outside the region.
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Intellectual Property
The Council authorized City Light to license the Sustainable Building Advisor Program developed in partnership
with Seattle Central Community College and the Sustainable Development Training Institute. This represents the first
time that any city department was successful in licensing intellectual property and earning a revenue stream.
Klamath Falls
City Light was required to make a decision by the end of 2004 on whether to renew the Klamath Falls cogeneration
plant contract. Council reviewed the results of the assessment and the mini-Integrated Resource Planning process
conducted by City Light.
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Magnuson Park: Restoring Wetlands and Improving Sports Fields
On June 14, 2004, the Seattle City Council approved a Master Plan for the Magnuson Park Athletic Fields and
Wetlands Project. I am pleased by the common sense approach the council took on this issue. Instead of a
mega-sports complex that would have made Magnuson Park the largest sports complex in the world with lights
operating until 11 p.m., the plan now calls for development of a multi-purpose activity and sports meadow, seven
lighted playfields with the possibility of two additional unlit fields and wetlands/wildlife habitat at the park.
Lights on playfields must be turned off no later than 10 p.m. and there will be no lights on Sundays.
The revised plan passed by the council now calls for development of the multi-purpose activity sports meadow
and a portion of the wetlands to be completed in the first phase of the project. Additional wetlands and four
lighted fields will be constructed in the second phase. The construction schedule will depend on available funding
and now requires council approval. This means there will be further opportunity for monitoring impacts. The
council also approved a resolution creating a citizen's committee to advise the Parks Department and report to the
council's Parks Neighborhoods and Education Committee on progress of the Magnuson Park project.
By working together with community and sports enthusiasts, I believe we were able to meet the needs of our city
while addressing neighborhood concerns. I am gratified by the level of respect and civility demonstrated during
this process and hope that this will be a guide for the resolution of future issues.
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Nucor Steel Co.: Protecting Family-wage Jobs, Getting a Better Deal
As Chair of the Energy and Environmental Policy Committee I took the lead in re-negotiating two electrical rate
contracts with Nucor Steel which were approved in March 2004. These set Nucor's electricity rate within a range of
$42 - $51/megawatt-hour, and permitted SCL to interrupt power to the steel plant if electricity could be sold at a
price above that range. The contracts reflect a $2/megawatt-hour increase in the upper limit of Nucor's price
range over the previous contract.
To settle a previous contract it inherited from bankrupt Birmingham Steel, Nucor has paid City Light $9 million
and committed to invest at least $2 million in its Seattle operations. Since the new contracts took effect, Nucor
has been interrupted on numerous occasions particularly during peak usage months in July and August. As of August
17, 2004, that price difference provided an additional $687,000 to City Light and its ratepayers. I am heartened
to see this win-win approach has produced additional earnings.
While focusing on getting the best deal for Seattle City Light's (SCL) ratepayers, I felt strongly that we
needed to preserve the living wage jobs Nucor provides. As on of the city's largest electrical users, Nucor Steel
employs 285 workers, whose average annual earnings are $72,000, and pays $1 million in B&O taxes each year into
the City's general fund. While I did not wish to see this industry move away from Seattle I wanted to ensure we
got the best deal possible for ratepayers. By working together with my colleagues we ended up with a better
agreement that saved the public close to a million dollars. I am pleased that we were able to successfully
strike the right balance.
In 2005, Seattle City Light will be coming forward with a rate process to evaluate and design new electrical
rates including this interruptible rate for Nucor. The current Nucor contracts are valid only until new rates are
in place. As a result we'll be talking about this issue again in the months ahead.
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Overtime
The Council reviewed an Overtime Study that City Light had conducted in response to a Council Statement of
Legislative Intent approved during the 2004 budget process. City Light's recommendations to improve the management
and reporting of overtime will be tracked in 2005.
Rates Resolution
The Council adopted a Rate Resolution clarifying and modifying policy (where appropriate). The Resolution
related to financial, public participation, revenue requirements, cost of service, and rate design principles that
City Light should use as the basis for the rate case expected in 2005.
Recruiting the Best-Qualified Candidate to Serve on the Seattle City Light Advisory Board
As chair of the Energy and Environmental Policy Committee, I was charged with leading the recruitment and
selection process to fill a vacancy on the Seattle City Light Advisory Board. After weeks of considering and
interviewing dozens of exceptional candidates, Gary Swofford was named to fill the board vacancy. His appointment
was unanimously confirmed by a vote of the full council.
Mr. Swofford brings a wealth of experience to the board including more than 35 years of experience in the
energy industry. Previously, Mr. Swofford held the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
for Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and served as Vice President for PSE in Customer Service. He has a background in
electrical engineering from the University of Washington and in engineering economy for public utilities from
Stanford University. I am pleased Mr. Swofford has generously offered his time and applaud his commitment to
serve our city.
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Skookumchuck Dam Sale
The Council authorized City Light to sell its ownership share of the remaining piece of the Centralia Plant,
the Skookumchuck Dam for approximately $650,000 for the property and reimbursement for operating costs.
Stateline Transmission
PPM Energy offered City Light the opportunity to purchase long- term transmission for the Stateline Wind Project.
Council authorized City Light to execute the contract for the 80 MW of transmission (June-October) and 105 MW
(November to May) beginning December 1, 2004 to ensure that the project has firm transmission from 2011 forward.
Vacancy Rate
City Light analyzed the number of vacant positions, length of time that the positions had been kept unfilled,
and reasons for the vacancy level. Council examined City Light's report and recommendations to determine whether
the utility met the Council requirements as listed in a Statement of Legislative Intent adopted with the approval
of the 2004 budget.
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