HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/22/04 AGENDA FILE
239 4th Street ,, Bremerlon, WA 98337 · Phone (360) 478-5280 · Fax (360) 478-5251
SEPTEMBER 22, 2004
CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
1. PRE-COUNCIL STUDY SESSION: 5:00 - 5:30 P.M. in Council Conference Room 209
A. Presentation on the Appointment of Committee Members to submit PRO and CON
Statements for Ballot Measure for proposed Bremerton City Charter Amendments -
Roger Lubovich, City Attorney
B. Update on "DOWNTOWN PROJECTS" with Gary Sexton, Economic Development Director
2. CALL TO ORDER: 5:30 P.M. in Council Chambers
A. Pledge of Allegiance
B. Invocation
3. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Claims & Check Register (#AB04-190)
B. Minutes of Meeting - September 15, 2004 (#AB04-191)
4. NEW BUSINESS
A. Appointment of Committee Members to submit PRO and CON Statements for Ballot
Measure for proposed Bremerton City Charter Amendments (#AB04-192)
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS - ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
A. Ordinance No. 4909 [Second Reading] amending Bremerton Municipal Code Chapters ~ '~.
15.01 and 15.06 relating to Assessments, Rates, Fees, and Charges for Water,
Wastewater, and Stormwater Services (#AB04-181)
6. ADJOURNMENT OF CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
Immediately following the City Council Meeting, the Council Members will convene in the Council
Conference Room for a LEGISLATIVE REVIEW COMMITTEE to hear presentations on the following
proposed items. Please note that no action will be taken, and the content of these items are subject
to change.
1. Interlocal Cooperative Purchasing Agreement between the City of Bremerton and King
County Fire District 2 (Burien) for Potential Future Purchase of Diesel Exhaust Extractors -
Fire Chief Al Duke, Bremerton Fire Department
2. Proposed Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 4883 relating to the City of Bremerton's
"2004 Annual Budget" - Mike Wilson, Finance Director
3. General Council Business - Daren Nygren, Council President
E-mail: citycouncil@ci.bremerton.wa.us · Web: www.ci.bremerton.wa.us
DATE SUBMITTED: BILL
AGENDA BILL
CITY OF BREMERTON
CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT: Approval of Claims and Checks Committee Meeting Date: _
Register COUNCIL MEETING Date: _ ~6;~~o~..O)Z
Department: Financial Services
Presenter: Cathy Johnson
Phone: 473-5296
SUMMARY: Consent agenda item. Approval of payroll, checks and electronic fund transfers.
ATTACHMENTS:
FISCAL IMPACTS (Include Budgeted Amount):.
APPROVALS:
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR:
CITY ATTORNEY:
FINANCE DIRECTOR:
MAYOR:
FISCAL/BUDGET:
OPERATIONS: CONSENT AGENDA []
COUNCIL PRESIDENT:
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to Approve:
1) Check #'s r~. ~ througho,~.~-~c/9~and EFT's ~_through
in the amount of $ //3,32.0/~o ~)
2) Regular Payroll for the pay period ending_ ~--t/~'-O! in the amount of $ /~ ~']/~ ~, t~./,
3) Retiree Payroll for the pay period ending_ in the amount of $
COUNCIL ACTION: [] Approve [] Deny [] Table [] Continue [] No Action
DATE SUBMITTED: SEPTEMBER 16, 2004 BILL# C,q- iq
AGENDA BILL
313
CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT: Minutes of Meeting - Committee Meeting Date: N/A
SEPTEMBER I~t 2004 COUNCIL MEETING Date: September 22, 2004
Department: City Council
Presenter: Daren Nygren,
Council President
Phone: (360) 473-5280
SUMMARY: Attached are the minutes for the Council Meeting held September 1 $, 2004.
ATTACHMENTS: Minutes for September 15, 2004
FISCAL IMPACTS (Include Budgeted Amount): 0
APPROVALS:
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR:
CITY ATTORNEY:
FINANCE DIRECTOR:
MAYOR:
FISCAL/BUDGET: CONSENT AGENDA []
OPERATIONS:
COUNCIL PRESIDENT: ~ ~
k.)°
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to pass the Consent Agenda as presented.
COUNCIL ACTION: [] Approve [] Deny [~1 Table [] Continue [] No Action
TAPES #1970 & #1971
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
The weekly meeting of the City Council of the City of Bremerton was called to order in the City
Council Chambers, 239 4th Street, Bremerton, Washington, Wednesday, September 15, 2004, at
5:30 P.M., with Council President Daren Nygren presiding. Council members present were Mike
Short, Will Maupin, Carol Arends, Dianne Robinson, Mike Shepherd, Wendy Priest, Cecil
McConnell, and Brad Gehring. Also present were City Attorney Roger Lubovich; City Clerk Paula
Johnston; and Legislative Assistant Lori Smith.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Cecil McConnel!,
followed by the invocation provided by Reverend Ron Anderson of Manette Community Church.
President Ny~lren made the following announcements:
1. A Pre-Council session was held in the Council Conference Room from 5:00 to 5:30 P.M.; and
2. The Study Session scheduled to take place immediately following the Council Meeting to
discuss the "PROPOSED INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT CONCERNING LAW AND JUSTICE SALES TAX
REVENUE" has been postponed until 5:00 PM on Wednesday, September 29, 2004.
MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Bozeman...
· Read a proclamation to proclaim September 17, 2004 as "POW & MIA Remembrance
Day", which was accepted by Jerry Edaelev, Post Commander of V.F.W. Post 239, who
invited the public, the Mayor, and members of the City Council to the Dedication Ceremony
of the Kitsap County Veterans Memorial this Saturday, September 18, 2004 at 11:30 AM at
the Silverdale Waterfront Park;
· Read a proclamation to proclaim the Month of October 2004 as "Brain Injury Awareness
Month", which was accepted by Suzanne Griffin, who also provided information from the
BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA to "...create a better future through brain injury
prevention, research, education, and advocacy...";
· Read a proclamation to proclaim the Week of September 25 - October 2, 2004 as "Voter
Registration Awareness Week".
· Welcomed commercial real estate professionals from the National Association of Industrial
and Office Properties (NAIOP) who would be in Bremerton for a conference at the Kitsap
Harborside Conference Center on Thursday, September 16;
· Was pleased to announce the 2005 Budget almost ready to submit to the Council;
· Encouraged the Council to support the proposed increase to utility rates; and
· Invited Jonna Koehn, Municipal Court Administrator, to the podium to announce that the
Court Office would begin evening hours the first Wednesday of each month to process
passports.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Check numbers 293597 through 293876, EFT-6416 through EFT-6420; EFT-6422 through
EFT-6425 in the amount of $1,566,330.00 (#AB04-183)
B. Minutes of Meeting - September 1, 2004 (#AB04-184)
C. Minutes of Meeting - September 8, 2004 (#AB04-185)
D. Contract Award to PEASE AND SONS, INC. for EB-6 Pump Station Modifications (#AB04-186)
#0025 M/S/C/U (Priest/McConnell) Move to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
5A - APPOINTMENT OF JUDY FRIEDBERG-NERF TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION (#AB04-
'187): Mayor Bozeman stated that there is a vacancy on the Planning Commission and highly
recommended the vacancy be filled by Judy Friedber.q-Nerf, who was also present.
TAPES #1970 & #1971
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
Page 2 of 5
There were no comments from the public.
#0115 M/S/C/U (Maupin/Arends) Move to confirm the appointment of Judy Friedberg-Nerf to the
Planning Commission.
6A - ORDINANCE [FIRST READING] AMENDING CHAPTERS 15.01 AND 15.06 OF THF
BREMERTON MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO ASSESSMENTS~ RATES~ FEES~ ANr)
CHARGES FOR WATER~ WASTEWATER~ AND STORMWATER SERVICES (#AB04-t81): Phil
Williams, Director of Public Works & Utilities, explained that ENGINEERING AND ECONOMIC
SERVICES, INC. (EES) was retained by the City to perform a cost-of-service rate study provided
municipal utilities. The proposed ordinance incorporates amendments to Bremerton Municipal
Code Chapters 15.01 and 15.06, and APPENDIX A of Chapter 15.06 relating to assessments, rates,
fees, and charges for water, wastewater, and stormwater services recommended by EES as
determined by the study. Roller Lubovich, City Attorney, referred to a change made in Section
15.06.015 "INCORPORATION AND CPI ADJUSTMENT" which now states the rates will be automatically
adjusted based on the most current Consumer Price Index (CPI) if rates are not otherwise
adjusted by the Council during the previous six-month period; and further provided clarifications to
APPENDIX A. Mr. Williams provided a detailed POWER POINT presentation to explain the reasons
for the proposed utility rate amendments; and also discussed the details of the senior and Iow-
income programs.
Citizens who submitted an e-mail, letter, or phone call with comments opposed to the rate
changes:
Jeanette Moore; Geor,qe Tillett; John A. Hall; Ida Mae Cooper; Laura Santos; and Richard
Sollom.
Citizens in attendance at the meeting who provided comments opposed to the rate changes:
Richard Cook (who submitted a list of questions and comments); Del Knauss (also asked that if
these rates are raised, that the City then lower the Excise Tax); John T. Hoffman; Darrell
Jensen; and Harvey Kravitz.
Jerry Bral:lier expressed his concern with the General Facilities Fee, and asked the City to
consider eliminating the 150% surcharge added to properties that are served by the City but
located in the County. Mr. Maupin established that with the new rate schedule, the surcharge
would be eliminated.
Gene Sampley, former Public Works & Utilities Director, addressed the actions taken by the City
to address odor control and to remain in compliance with the Federal Consent Decree regarding
mandated Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) projects. He also explained that the next phase is to
develop the Stormwater Capacity to take the separated water from the other program to be in
compliance with federal mandates.
Mr. Gehrinf:l recognized the need to raise the rates, however, was still concerned with the City
raising the General Facilities Fees to the absolute maximum provided by law all at once.
Mr. Shepherd believed that the City was off to a good start regarding efficiencies, but does not
believe the City has put in enough effort, and could do better. He discussed the raise in excise tax
to this utility made at the beginning of the year to pay for General Fund deficits (for a public
relations program with staffing for the Administration), and would like to see the specific number
that this rate increase will generate in excise tax; and if 1300 qualified people applied and received
3
TAPES #1970 & #1971
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
Page 3 of 5
the "low-income" waivers, what impact would this have, and has this been included in this
proposal. He also was concerned that the burden due to reduction in capacity fees for those
outside the City who are currently paying 150%, will be passed on to new customers through the
connection fee.
Mr, Short asked for additional information regarding timber sales and capital improvements; and
commented that the rates provided from the study are as fair as they can be, although he was
troubled by the timing and also sympathized with the working-poor.
Mr, McConnell asked how much income would be generated by the proposed increase; and why
was November 1 selected rather than January 1 for the proposed increase effective date. Mr.
Williams responded that a total of $2.5 million in new revenue would be generated; and it was
explained that if the new rates went into effect on November 1, it would be helpful to have use of
real numbers when addressing the budget.
TAPE #197'1
Mrs. Arends commented that rates for all utilities have gone up, including telephone and cable,
and although no one wants to raise rates, it is unfortunately, a necessity.
Mr. Maupin discussed the improved quality of life due to the improvements made to the sewer
systems; and reminded the public that the City will review the utility rates annually.
Ms. Priest reminded the public that when the City is reviewed for a bond rating, how the City funds
its utility is considered, and currently the City does not have a very good rating. She also
reminded the public that a conservation measure is included in the proposal. She concluded that
although this utility rate increase was a very difficult decision to make, she would support it.
Ms, Robinson also commented on the number of meetings she participated in to study this issue,
and feels the City has done the best they could do with this proposal. She too voiced her concern
about the working poor and Iow-income citizens, but was pleased to learn that programs to
address these situations are in place.
President Ny.qren addressed the need for surface filtration; and the reasons why it is not an
efficient use of public funds to use forestry resources to fund capital improvements due to the
fluctuation in the timber markets. He also emphasized that there will be another hearing on this
issue at the next Council Meeting on September 22nd.
#0375 M/S/C (Arends/) Move to approve the proposed ordinance on first reading, as amended.
Voted in favor of Motion: Priest, Robinson, Arends, Maupin, Short, Nygren
Voted opposed to Motion: Shepherd, Gehring, McConnell
Motion carried: 6-Yes; 3-No
6B - RESOLUTION NO. 2940 REGARDING SUBMISSION OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS T(3
THE BREMERTON CHARTER TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF THE CITY OF BREMERTON
(#AB04-188): Ro.qer Lubovich, City Attorney, stated that the proposed resolution directs the
proposed amendment to the City Charter be submitted to the qualified voters for approval or
rejection. The proposed amendments update and clarify the Charter to provide for more efficient
operation of City government. Mr. Lubovich provided a memo summarizing the proposed
amendments to the Charter.
TAPES #1970 & #1971
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
Page 4 of 5
President Ny~ren thanked Vice-President McConnell for the tremendous amount of work he and
the City Attorney spent to clean up this document. Mr. McConnel! discussed the amendments
and the reasons why they are being proposed.
Del Knauss expressed his concern that a committee of the citizens was not formed to provide
their input, and was particularly concerned with the section discussing "Initiative and
Referendums". Mr. Shepherd agreed that a citizen committee be formed, and offered his help to
establish one.
#1070 M/S/C (Gehring/Short) Move to pass Resolution No. 2940 to submit the proposed City
Charter amendments to the qualified voters of the City of Bremerton for approval or rejection.
Voted in favor of Motion: Shepherd, Robinson, Maupin, Short, Gehring, McConnell, Priest, Nygren
Voted opposed to Motion: Arends
Motion carried: 8-Yes; 1-No
6C - RESOLUTION NO, 2941 REGARDING SUBMISSION OF PROPOSED BAN ON
FIREWORKS TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF THE CITY OF BREMERTON {#AB04-189): Fire
Chief Al Duke pointed out that the proposed City Council Resolution supports a proposed Kitsap
County Resolution seeking an advisory vote of County residents on whether Kitsap County and
each incorporated City enact an ordinance to ban the sale and use of fireworks. He further
indicated that there would be no cost to the City to place this issue on the ballot, as the County
It was noted that Teresa Walker submitted a letter; and Don Larson and Richard Neff provided
comments in support of this Resolution.
John Hoffman did not think the City should "step on the toes" of tradition, and was not in favor of
banning fireworks; Harvey Kravitz added that a ban would infringe on the rights of citizens.
The Council member provided comments in support of this Resolution prior to the vote...
#"1730 M/S/C/U (Arends/Shepherd) Move to pass Resolution No. 2941 to submit to the qualified
voters of the City of Bremerton a proposal to ban fireworks.
PUBLIC RECOGNITION
Don Larson announced the 14th Annual Sinclair Inlet Watershed Clean-Up event would take place
this Saturday, September 18, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM on the Bremerton Waterfront as well as
the Port Orchard Shoreline in Annapolis and the Gorst to Bremerton Shoreline; reiterated his
request for an underwater park; and requested time with the Council for a presentation by the
Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Mike Short discussed the Memorial Ceremony he attended on September 11 at Pendergast Field,
and commended the job done by guest speaker Fire Chief Al Duke; and invited citizens to hear an
"Overview of the Bremerton Comprehensive Plan" at the meeting for Districts 6, 7, 8, & 9.
Will Maupin provided additional information regarding the District 6, 7, 8, & 9 Neighborhood
Meeting scheduled Thursday night, September 16 from 7:00 to 8:30 with representative from the
Department of Community Development on the City's Comprehensive Plan.
Carol Arends also encouraged citizens to attend the District 6, 7, 8, & 9 Neighborhood Meeting,
and mentioned that refreshments would be provided.
TAPES #1970 & #1971
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
Page 5 of 5
Dianne Robinson added that the establishment of Neighborhood Associations would also be
discussed; and particularly urged District 6 residents to come and provide their support.
Mike Shepherd emphasized the importance of Bremerton's Comprehensive Plan; discussed a
recent visit and tour of Bremerton with Senator Bob Oke; and lastly, mentioned the problem of ivy
infestation.
Wend¥ Priest invited citizens to attend the District 4 & 5 Community meeting on Thursday,
September 23, 2004 from 7:00 to 8:30 P.M. in the Bremerton Council Conference Room; and that
if any citizens were interested in adding their name to a mailing list for future meeting notices,
could call the Council office at (360) 473-5280. She thanked One World Bagel for their support of
the "Peanut Butter & Jam Sessions" this summer, and hoped the tradition would continue.
Brad GehrinR complimented the presentation by the Bremerton Police Color Guard at the 9/11
Memorial Service last Saturday; announced the dedication of a Veteran's Memorial at 11:30 A.M.
on Saturday, September 18 at the Silverdale Waterfront Park; and invited the public to attend the
Bikers Blues Blast Event on September 24 & 35 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, with
proceeds benefiting school and veteran programs.
President NyRren announced the Splash & Jam event to be held at the YMCA this Saturday,
September 18; a "Fit Kids" class for ages 6 to 12 beginning September 21; and an after-school
soccer program to be held at West Hills Elementary beginning September 28. If anyone would like
additional information they are asked to call the YMCA at (360) 377-3741.
With no further business, the meeting of the City Council was adjourned at 8:45 P.M.
Prepared and Submitted by:
LORI SMITH
Legislative Assistant
Attest:
PAULA JOHNSTON, City Clerk
DAREN NYGREN, City Council President
City of Bremerton
DNIP JIIslcge
DATE SUBMITTED: 9/16/04 BILL #
AGENDA BILL
CITY OF BREMERTON
CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT: Appointments to Pro and Con Committee Meeting Date: 9/22/04
Committees for City Charter Amendment COUNC1L MEETING Date: 9/22/04
Ballot Measure Department: City Council
Presenter: President Nygren
Phone: 473-5280
SUMMARY City Council is required to formally appoint Committees to write statements "For"
and "Against" the City Charter Amendment Ballot Measure. Committee members do not have to be
residents of the City. Each Committee shall have no more than three members, however, a
Committee may seek the advice of any person in preparing their statement(s).
ATTACHMENTS: Specifications for Committee Statements for Ballot Measures for 2004
FISCAL IMPACTS (Include Budgeted Amount):.
APPROVALS:
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR:
CITY ATTORNEY:
FINANCE DIRECTOR:
MAYOR:
FISCAL/BUDGET:
OPERATIONS: CONSENT AGENDA []
COUNCIL PRESIDENT: ?~ct.~... ~
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
I move to appoint ., and
to the Committee for writing the "For" statement for the Charter Amendment Ballot Measure.
I move to appoint .,. and
to the Committee for writing the "Against" statement for the Charter Amendment Ballot
Measure.
COUNCIL ACTION: [] Avprove [] Deny [] Table [] Continue [] No Action
7
Specifications
Committee Statements for Ballot Measures
2004
Last Day to Submit Statements
Primary Election Measures - Monday, August 2, 2004
General Election Measures - Monday, September '~,-2004-
Committees to Write Statements "For" and "Against" Ballot Measures
The legislative authority of a jurisdiction that submits a ballot measure that is included in the
Local Voters' Pamphlet shall:
~ Formally appoint a committee to prepare a statement advocating the voters'
approval of the measure; and
~ Formally appoint a committee to prepare a statement advocating the voters'
rejection of the measure.
The authority shall appoint persons known to favor the measure to serve on the committee
advocating approval and shall, whenever possible, appoint persons known to oppose the measure
to serve on the committee advocating rejection. Conunittee members do not have to be residents
of the district. If the authority fails to make such appointments, the County Auditor shall, in
coniunction with the Local Voters' Pamphlet Advisory Committee, make the appointments.
No committee shall have more than three members, however, a committee may seek the advice
of any person or persons in preparing their statement(s).
The committee shall elect from among their members a chairperson and shall immediately notify
the County Auditor of the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the committee members.
All statements for and against measures will also appear on the Kitsap County On-Line Voters'
Guide.
Length of Statements and Rebuttals:
Statements "for" and "against" measures appearing in the Local Voters' Pamphlet shall not
exceed 200 words, except that the committee may use up to 4 headings to summarize and
identify major arguments or portions of the statement for the convenience of the reader. Words
contained within headings that number more than eight shall be included in the computation of
the number of words in the statement.
Rebuttals to the statements "for" and "against" measures appearing in the Local Voters'
Pamphlet shall not exceed 75 words and must address only issues raised in the opposing
statement without injecting issues not previously discussed by either the statement "for" or
"against" that measure. Headings are not permitted in connection with rebuttal statements.
Restrictions on the Style of Statements
Ali statements published in the Local Voters' Pamphlet shall be of substantially similar format
and style. To promote such consistency, the following standards of format have been
established:
Statements shall be typed, single-spaced, on white, 8 V: x 11" paper.
The chairperson's name, address and telephone number, measure name and whether
statement is "for" or "against" shall appear on the top of each page of the statement.
> The statement shall be typed in paragraph style without tables, lists, graphs or other
material requiring multiple indentations.
} Words, phrases and sentences, which are italicized, bold, underlined, or emphasized in
some other manner, will be typeset the same as the rest of the text. Such exaggerations
reduce the readability of the statement. However, headings may be in bold and all capital
letters.
Deadline for Submission of Statements and Rebuttals
Primary Election
Statements "for" or "against" measures appearing in the Primary Election Local Voters'
Pamphlet shall be submitted to the County Auditor by Monday, August 2, 2004. The County
Auditor will submit a draft copy back to the committee for verification by Tuesday, August 3,
2004. If the statement is rejected by the Auditor's Office, the committee has until Wednesday,
August 4, 2004 to appeal the decision.
Rebuttals to the statements "for" and "against" measures appearing in the Local Voters'
Pamphlet shall be submitted to the County Auditor by a member of the committee by Thursday,
August 5, 2004. If the rebuttal is rejected by the Auditor's Office, the committee must appeal the
same day.
Extensions to deadlines may be made as deemed necessary by the County Auditor and shall
apply to all jurisdictions equally. Decisions on appeals are final.
General Election
Statements "for" or "against" measures appearing in the General Election Local Voters'
Pamphlet shall be submitted to the County Auditor by Monday, September 20, 2004. The
County Auditor will submit a draft copy back to the committee for verification by Tuesday,
September 21, 2004. If the statement is rejected by the Auditor's Office, the committee has until
Wednesday, September 22, 2004 to appeal the decision.
Rebuttals to the statements "for" and "against" measures appearing in the Local Voters'
Pamphlet shall be submitted to the County Auditor by a member of the committee by Thursday,
September 23, 2004. If the rebuttal is rejected by the Auditor's Office, the committee must
appeal the same day.
Extensions to deadlines may be made as deemed necessary by the County Auditor and shall
apply to all jurisdictions equally. Decisions on appeals are final.
2
Fees
No fees shall be charged to committees submitting materials to be included in the Local Voters'
Pamphlet.
The cost of the Local Voters' Pamphlet shall be considered an election cost to those jurisdictions
included in the pamphlet and shall be prorated in the manner provided in RCW 29A.32.
Content
By law, the County Auditor is required to reject any statement which contains any obscene,
vulgar, profane, scandalous, libelous or defamatory matter, or any language which in any way
cites, counsels, promotes or advocates hatred, abuse, violence, and hostility toward, or which
tends to cause ridicule or shame upon any person or group of persons by reason of sex, race,
color, religion or manner of worship.
Editing of Statements
In a publication of this magnitude, material submitted for publication may contain some
inadvertent errors in spelling, punctuation or syntax, which could adversely affect the readability
of the statement and/or unfairly prejudice the statement or confuse the voters. The County
Auditor may correct such incidental errors as long as this does not affect the content of the
statement. The Auditor's Office is not obligated, however, tO make such corrections and will
assume no responsibility for errors, which result from inaccuracies in the original statement
submitted by the committee.
Unacceptable Statements
If any portion of the statement is rejected, only that rejected portion may be re-written and
submitted for inclusion in the statement.
The committee proposing the statement may appeal any rejection to the County Auditor or
submit a revised statement. The County Auditor shall render a decision within one working day
of the appeal. This decision shall be considered final due to time constraints.
Send or Bring Statements To:
Kitsap County Auditor - Elections Division
Attn: Local Voters' Pamphlet
1026 Sidney Avenue, Suite 175
Port Orchard, WA 98366-4206
(Located in Givens Community Center--Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Office phone number: (360) 337.7128
E-mail: sboltz~co.kitsap.wa.us
3
20
2004 Local Voters' Pamphlet
Kitsap County Elections Division Phone: 360.337.7128
Committees - Ballot Measures -- Statement Identification
Jurisdiction:
Proposition:
Committee Members
Chairperson Name:
Title / Organization
Address:
Telephone Number:
Phone Number listed in the Pamphlet
FAX Number: E-Mail:
Name:
Title / Organization:
Address:
Telephone Number:
Phone Number listed in the Pamphlet
Name:
Title / Organization:
Address:
Telephone Number:
Phone Number listed in the Pamphlet
I hereby certify that the above-named individuals have been appointed and have consented to
serve as indicated and the name, titles and organizations should be listed in the official Local
Voters' Pamphlet in the manner set forth above.
Chairperson of Committee Date
DATE SUBMITTED: August 18, 2004 BILL # Oq' lB!
AGENDA BILL
CITY OF BREMERTON
CITY COUNCIL
SUB2ECT: Ordinance No.-- 4c~ 0 ~ Committee Meeting Date: August 25, 2004
Amending BMC Chapters 15.01 and 15.06 COUNCIL MEETING Date: ~"t'e ..... ......... ~.~. ~ , .... ~cm,~
Relating to Assessments, Rates, Fees, and Department: Public Works &
Charges for Water, Wastewater, and Utilities
Stormwater Services. Presenter: Phil Williams
Phone: 5315
SUMMARY: Engineering and Economic Services, Inc. (EES) was retained by the City to perform a
cost-of-service rate study for City provided municipal utilities. The proposed ordinance incorporates
amendments to Bremerton Municipal Code Chapters 15.01 and 15.06 and Appendix A of Chapter
15.06 relating to assessments, rates, fees, and charges for water, wastewater, and stormwater services
recommended by EES as determined by the study.
It was noted that a Study Session held on this issue Monday, September 13, 2004.
ATTACHMENTS:
Proposed ordinance
FISCAL IMPACTS. The Study concluded the recommended rates are required to meet O&M,
capital improvements, and recover appropriate system development charges and fees for development
activities. Failure to implement study recommendations will result in significant budget shortfalls.
APPROVALS:
DIRECTOR OF PW&U: ~14lt-
CITY ATTORNEY:
FINANCE DIRECTOR
MAYOR
OPERATIONS:
COUNCIL PRESIDENT:
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
(2) I move to adopt Ordinance No.4C/Oc on second reading.
COUNCIL ACTION: [] Approve [] Deny ~ Table [] Continue [] No Action
ORDINANCE NO. ~ Oc~
AN ORDINANCE amending Chapters 15.01 and 15.06 of thc
Brcmerton Municipal Code and Appendix A of Section 15.06
relating to assessments, rates, fees and charges for Municipal
water, wastcwater and stormwater services.
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to amend the definition of and
method for establishing certain utilities system development charges and fees set forth in
Chapters 15.01 and 15.06 o f the Bremerton Municip al Code; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to establish system development
charges and fees for the City's Stormwater Utility; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to amend the rates, fees and charges
set forth in Appendix A of Section 15.06.015 of the Bremerton Municipal Code; NOW
THEREFORE,
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BREMERTON, WASHiNGTON,
DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Section 15.01.020 of the Bremerton Municipal Code entitled
"Definitions" is hereby amended by amending certain subsections as follows:
15.01.020 DEFINITIONS. The following definitions under Section 15.010.020 are
amended to read as follows:
(e) (1) "Equivalent Residential Unit" (ERU) shall mean ........... *~ ..... ~- ....... :~*:~r
~ ~n ............ , .... 'a .............. ~,~ac.~. a unit of measurement to determine wastewater
general facility charges and shall be based on 236 gallons per customer day.
(g) (2) "General Facilities Charges" (GFC) shall mean the charge established to reflect
the proportionate cost share for existing source, treatment, distribution, transmission, collection,
interception, and storage facilities that will be paid by new customers to the City utility.
(s) (17) "Stormwater system" shall mean all facilities for collecting, transporting,
pumping, treating and discharging stormwater.
1
Utility Rates
13
SECTION 2. Section 15.01.030 of the Bremerton Municipal Code entitled
"Utility Service Agreement" is hereby amended as follows:
15.01.030 UTILITY SERVICE AGREEMENT.
(a) Each customer of the Utility and any person requesting utility service from the
Utility for water, wastewater, or stormwater shall be required to make application and enter into
· 'ty S ' Agr pt
a Utd~ ervme cement, exce a £er'.Sce cement shall n~t to be
a v ............... j .............. j ....... cements ......... ,~ .... :t shall be execute nor to
connection to the utility system or activation of the account.
(b) The Agreement shall include the name and address of the owner and the service
address of the premises served together with the service requested. The Agreement shall be
signed by the owner of the property or his designated agent and shall be filed with the
Department. The applicant shall pay all fees for installation of the utility service as herein
provided at the time of filing.
(c) The Agreement for service shall constitute a contract between the Applicant and
the Department in which the applicant agrees to pay for service provided at the rate and in the
manner specified.
(d) The Agreement shall be effective at the time it is signed by the Director or his
designee and charges for service to the premises shall be assessed fi-om date of connection.
(e) Estimated fees, assessments, and conditions quoted by the Department in writing
for utility service shall become invalid after one hundred eighty (180) days from the date of the
estimate unless the applicant enters into a Utility Service Agreement with the Department prior
to that time.
SECTION 3. Section 15.01.070 of the Bremerton Municipal Code entitled
"Developer System Improvement - Agreements" is hereby amended as follows:
15.01.070 DEVELOPER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT - AGREEMENTS.
(a) A property owner or owners of any specified area situated within the Utility
service area requiring utility service may petition the Department to construct public system
improvements. The Department shall review the petition, and, subject to the Utility
Comprehensive Plan, engineering and economic feasibility, and at the Department's option,
construct the improvements upon execution of a System Improvement Agreement between the
owner and the Department specifying the improvements. The estimated costs for said
improvements shall be paid in full upon execution of the agreement. When completed and
accepted by the Department in writing, the improvements shall become part of the Utility's
system and shall be conveyed by Bill of Sale prior to service.
{b) If 60% or more of the property owners o£a specified area situated within the
Utility service ama petition the City to construct public system improvements, the City may
construct said improvements upon execution of a System Improvement Agreement between the
property owners and the City specifying the improvements, the terms and conditions for the
improvements, and the reimbursement of all costs associated with the improvements.
Reimbursement at actual cost for the improvements may be paid in full or in monthly
installments plus interest at a rate set in the System Improvement Agreement with 20% of the
2
Utility Rates
cost due prior to installation and the balance together with interest due within thirty-six (36)
months of the date from the completion and City acceptance of the improvement.
(c) Deferred payments for the construction of system improvements shall be limited
to system improvements and shall exclude connection fees and general facility fees.
(d) The City may construct the improvements, on behalf of the property owners,
utilizing City staff, negotiated contracts, or competitive bids subject to State statutes governing
utility construction.
(e) Property owners or developers of plats or developments shall have the option of
installing the plat's interior utility system and connection to the utility system at their expense,
subject to Utility Development and Construction Standards. The owner or developer shall pay 4-)
charges according to the conditions of any existing reimbursement agreement for any main
installed through a System Improvement Agreement.
SECTION 4. Section 15.01.090 of the Bremerton Municipal Code entitled
"Developer System Improvements - Reimbursement" is hereby amended as follows:
15.01.090 DEVELOPER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS - REIMBURSEMENT.
(a) The City may enter into Agreements with property owners responsible for the
installation of system improvements to provide for reimbursement to owners by others benefiting
from the improvements and connecting to the improvements at a later time (latecomers).
(b) Requests for reimbursement shall be made in writing prior to drafting the System
Improvement Agreement and specific provisions of recovery shall be included in the Agreement.
The Department shall determine the area that is subject to the cost recovery and shall identify the
properties benefiting from the utility system improvements in a description or a drawing that will
become part of the System Improvement Agreement.
(c) Reimbursement from each benefiting property owner shall be determined by the
Department as stipulated in the System Improvement Agreement. Cost recovery payments by
properties benefiting from connections to developer extensions shall be collected by the City.
(d) Reimbursement to the property owner constructing the improvement shall be
limited to fifteen (15) years from the date of acceptance of the improvement. The City shall
retain fifteen (15) percent of the cost recovery payments for maintaining records and
administration of the program and forward the remainder of the payment to the property owner
who originally constructed the waters wastewater~ or stormwater system improvement.
SECTION 5. Section 15.06.015 of the Bremerton Municipal Code entitled
"Incorporation and CPI Adjustment" is hereby amended to read as follows:
15.06.015 INCORPORATION AND CPI ADJUSTMENT.
(a) Assessments, rates, fees and charges attached hereto as Appendix A and
incorporated herein by this reference are hereby adopted.
eCommencing January November 1, ~,~,~ .2005, and :~ T ....... November 1 of each
su-ccessive year thereafter, the fees, utility rates and,,,,,,~,,~o-u ..... in this section~ not otherwise adjusted.
by the City Council during the previous six-month periods shall automatically be adjusted based
3
Utility Rates
15
upon the most current Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers, Seattle, T T e r,;,,.
~, and the General Facility Charges shall be adjusted according to the most current
Seattle Construction Index (SCI).
SECTION 6. Section 15.06.020 of the Bremerton Municipal Code entitled
"Assessments" is hereby amended to read as follows:
15.06.020 ASSESSMENTS.
(a) General Facility Fee Charge.
(1) A General Facility Fee Charge (GFF) (GFC) shall be charged on all new
or expanded service connections to the utility system. Existing connections within the system as
of the effective date of this Code shall be considered to have paid their proportionate share of the
General Facility fee Charge for existing use.
(2) The calculation of the General Facility Charge for water shall be based on
the meter size to be installed for a new or expanded water utility service.
(3) The calculation of the General Facility f~e Charge for water and
wastewater will shall.be based on the number of Equivalent Residential Unit(s) (ERU) served
and shall be a~e~,~ncd an~ ~sesse~ computed as follows:
Single Family Residence 1 ERU/Unit
Duplex (two units) Twz units 1 ERU/Unit
Multi-family (3 or more units) ~ 0.65 ERU/Unit
Mobile Home Space in Mobile Home Park 0.65 ERU per space
(Common building at additional commercial rate
and laundry areas at laundry rate.)
Recreational Vehicle Waste Dumping Station 0.65 ERU per station
Schools 0.030 ERUper student
capacity
Churches (School uses at additional per student 0.65 ERU per 100
capacity rate.) seats
Hospitals - General _1 ERU per bed
Convalescent Hospitals 0.50 ERU per bed
Residential Care/Boarding Facilities 0.25 ERU per bed
4
Utility Rates
Hotels and Motels (Additional charges for 0.25 ERU per room
restaurant or tavern at restaurant or tavern rate, or motel unit
laundry areas at laundry rates, and meeting room
areas with fixtures at commercial rate.)
Food Preparation and/or Serving Areas 0.15 ERU per 100
square feet
Vehicle Wash
Self-Service Vehicle Wash 1.17 ERU per bay
Full-Service Vehicle Wash 15.66 ERU per bay
All Other Vehicle Washes See Wet
Industrial
Laundries & Laundromats 0.30 ERU per 100
square feet
Industrial Laundries See Wet
Industrial
Remodels of the above-listed, which result in no increase in the units on which the charge for a new
building is calculated, the ERU for the remodel will be calculated on the basis of the fixtures added
using the amounts in the Commercial Section.
Commercial, Office, & Dry Industrial Charge for each
plumbing fixture
to be installed.
Bathtub w/or w/o shower 0.13 ERU
Dental unit or cuspidor 0.1 ERU
Dishwasher 0.1 ERU
Disposal 0.~1 ERU
Drinking Fountain 0.05 ERU
Floor Drain 0.01 ERU
Fountain/Backwash 0.~1 ERU
Kitchen Sink 0.08 ERU
Laundry Tray 0.08 ERU
Lavatory 0.05 ERU
Service Sink 0.08 ERU
Shower (each head) 0.13 ERU
Swimming Pool/Backwash 0._21 ERU
Urinal 0.17 ERU
Urinal Trough (for each 2-foot section) 0.17 ERU
Wash Sink (for each set of faucets) 0.08 ERU
Washing Machine 0.07 ERU
5
Utility Rates
27
Water Closet 0.33 ERU
Wet Industrial To be deter-
mined on an
individual basis
by the City
utilizing the
formula listed
below
GFC -- (G.P.D./236) x SRFx F
G.P.D. = Anticipated volume of
discharge to sewer in gallons per day.
SFR = Current General Facility
Charge for a single family residential unit.
F = Extra strength factor, whole
number multiplier derived for every 330
mg/1 of biochemical oxygen demand or
suspended solids, or fraction thereof, in
excess of the first 330 mg/1 of biochemical
oxygen demand or suspended solids.
Example:
Factor Range
1 0-330
2 331-
660
3 661-
990
(continues per 300
increment)
Undefined Building and Sewer Use To be deter-
mined on an
individual basis
by the City.
6
Utility Rates
Additional Loading or Change of Use Determined on
basis of
additional
loading or new
use for entire
facility less
credit for former
use. No refunds
if new use is less
than former use.
4.~ The following are the definitions of the classifications used in establishing
the ERUs.
"Church" is defined as a building or structure whose principal use is for worship and in which
the incidental use for school or recreational purposes is less than 12 hours per week. Church
buildings used for school purposes in excess of 12 hours per week shall be charged the GFC per
student capacity in addition to the charge per 100 seats as a church.
"Commercial building" is defined as a building used for conducting of wholesale or retail trade.
Dry industrial buildings or structures are those buildings or structures housing light industrial
activities where use of water and subsequent discharge of sewer does not occur in connection
with the industrial process. Warehouses and other storage buildings with sewer connections are
classified as dry industrial buildings.
"Convalescent hospital" (or rest home) is defined as a building or structure used for housing of
persons convalescing from illness or injury or persons requiring close personal care. No
additional charge shall be made for laundry or food and drink preparation and serving facilities
included in the convalescent hospitals.
"Food preparation and serving facility," includes restaurants, taverns, delicatessens, and
wholesale and retail bakeries, but does not include canneries, dairies, cheese factories, packing
houses and similar facilities, which shall be classified as "Wet Industrial" under the paragraph
addressing wet industrial.
"General hospital" is defined as a building or structure used for the temporary housing of ill or
injured persons and containing facilities for medical and surgical treatment of such persons. No
additional charge shall be made for laundry and food and drink preparation and serving facilities
included in hospitals.
"Hotel" (or motel) is defined as a building or group of buildings used for temporary housing of
persons containing rooms or units intended for the use of transient persons. Those areas within
hotels and motels to be used for commercial preparation of and serving of food and drink shall
be charged at the rate for food preparation and/or serving. Commercial areas within hotels and
motels, including convention facilities and other such common areas other than lobby areas, shall
be charged at the rate for commercial and dry industrial areas. Areas used for laundry facilities
in hotels and motels shall be charged at the rate for laundries and Laundromats. Such additional
7
Utility Rates
charges for food and drink, commemial areas and laundry shall be in addition to the charge per
room or motel unit.
"Industrial laundry" is defined as a building or structure or parts of buildings and structures used
for housing and operating laundry equipment for the large scale washing of uniforms, towels,
linens, etc. The anticipated volume and strength of the sewage to be generated from an industrial
laundry would be considerably more than that from a commemial laundry or Laundromat.
Industrial laundries shall be classified as "Wet Industrial" under the paragraph addressing wet
industrial.
"Laundry" and "Laundromat" is defined as a commercial building and structure, or parts of
commercial buildings and structures used for housing and operating laundry equipment by the
general public to wash clothes and linens for personal use.
"Multi-family residence" shall be defined as a building or a group of buildings housing three or
more families, living independently of each other, a family being defined as one or more person
living as a single housekeeping unit or household sewer service being provided through not more
than one sewer connection. Common buildings in an apartment house complex requiring sewer
service shall be charged as commercial buildings and that portion of buildings housing common
laundry facilities shall be charged as laundries and Laundromats.
"Mobile Home Park," (including travel trailer parks) is defined as any area or tract of land having
a sewer connection, and where sewerage collection pipes are extended to two or more spaces
occupied by, or intended to be occupied by a mobile home, travel trailer, or motor home which
are defined as a vehicle with our without motive power which is designed, used, or intended for
use as a place of human habitation, or as eating, sleeping, or living quarters or any combination
thereof. A mobile home space is defined as the individual location having a sewer hookup for
each such vehicle. For purposes of determining the GFCs for mobile home parks' common
buildings, such as recreation halls, etc., shall be charged as commercial buildings. Buildings
housing laundry facilities shall be charged as laundries and Laundromats and food or drink
service buildings shall be charged a food preparation and/or serving.
"Recreational Vehicle Waste Dumping Station" is defined as a building or structure used for the
dumping of sanitary sewer wastes from recreational vehicle holding tanks. Includes gray water
from sinks and showers. (This excludes an individual collector installed by a homeowner for
his/her own use.)
"Residential Care/Boarding Facility" is defined as a residential building or structure used for
housing of persons requiring either long-term supervision and general care, or any type of
dependency recovery. No additional charge shall be made for laundry or food and drink
preparation and serving facilities included in the Residential Care/Boarding Facilities.
"School" is defined as a building or group of buildings used for school purposes more than 12
hours per week, involving assemblage for instruction, education, or recreation. Schools may be
public or private.
8
Utility Rates
"Single family residence" shall be defined as a building containing one kitchen, designed and/or
used to house not more than one family, including all necessary employees of such family, such
building having a single sewer service connection. Mobile homes occupying a separate lot and
providing permanent housing with a separate sewer connected shall be classified as a single-
family residence.
"Undefined buildings" and" undefined sewer use" are those not defined in Section (a)(4).
"Vehicle wash" is defined as a commercial building or structure used for washing vehicles. Self-
service vehicle washes are coin-operated facilities serving the general public that require the
customer to wash the vehicle. Full-service vehicle washes are facilities serving the general
public, wherein the vehicle is washed for the customer, either automatically or by attendants. All
other vehicle and parts washing or steam cleaning facilities that discharge to the sanitary sewer
will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
"Wet industrial "is defined as a building or structure housing industrial activities where the use
of water and subsequent discharge to the sewer occurs in connection with an industrial process.
Facilities with a discharge of 200,000 gallons per day or ~eater are considered wet industrial.
Other facilities that discharge less than 200,000 gallons per day, and whose anticipated strength
of the sewage to be generated from the facility is ~eater than domestic sewage strengths may
also be considered wet industrial. Those facilities will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The
anticipated volume and strength of sewage from an average single-family residence shall be
considered when calculating GFCs.
(5~ Additional loading or change of use is defined as an increased demand for
wastewater treatment from an existing wet industrial building or structure. The additional
loading may be the result of replacement or addition to an existing structure or facility, a change
in use, or a fifteen percent (15%) or ~reater increase above the permitted volume or character of
the wastewater constituents being discharged.
(6) ERUs shall be determined on the basis of the number of single family
residence equivalent units with the additional loading or the new use with credit being given for
the number of single family residence equivalent units of the original facility. No refund will be
given if the change of use results in a decreased sewer loading. Any addition to an existing
single family residence which does not result in an additional dwelling will be exempt from
additional charge.
(7) The calculation for General Facility Charges for stormwater shall be based
on the number of Impervious Surface Units (ISUs) as defined in BMC 15.01.020.. The number
of ISUs charged shall be based on the total impervious area divided by the amount of impervious
area in an ISU. However, all single-family residential parcels as defined in BMC 15.01.020 shall
be one (1) ISU. For commercial developments, wherein the City requires that the development
provide for onsite detention, the ISUs charged shall be based on the number of acres (5.4 ISUs
per acre).
9
UtiliO, Rates
8~ Thc GFF For non-city residents, all GFCs shall be assessed and paid at the
time of execution of the Utility Service Agreement and prior to occupancy of the new or
expanded facilities and shall be in addition to rates and other fees, assessments, and charges
established for utility service. For city residents, twenty-five percent (25%) of all GFCs shall be
paid at the time of issuance of a development (grade and fill) permit and the remaining balance,
in addition to rates and other fees, assessments, and charges established for utility service, shall
be paid at the time of execution of the Utility Service Agreement.
FFF.
(b)(-c,-) Connection/Inspection Fee. A connection/inspection fee shall be charged for all
service connections to the utility system. Additional fees may be charged ifa reinspection is
required as a result of the property owner/developer's failure to comply with the correction notice
from a prior inspection, inaccessibility of facilities for scheduled inspections, or an unsafe site.
The connection/inspection fee or deposit shall be assessed and paid at the time of execution of
the Utility Service Am'cement.
10
Utility Rates
22
~ Change in class of service or ERU assignment. When a change occurs which would
place the customer in a different class of service or change the ERU assignment from that on
which general facility charges have been paid, an additional general facility charge shall be
charged. The additional fee shall be the difference between the general facility charge,
calculated at the current rates, based on the current class of service and ERU assignment, and the
general facility charge that has already been paid.
(d) Wastewater connection agreement. A wastewater connection agreement may be
executed between the City of Bremerton and a user who desires to obtain wastewater service for
an existing residential or nonresidential structure connected to a septic system. The wastewater
connection agreement, negotiated on a case- by- case basis, will allow the user to make payments
on any connection fee in excess of $5,000 over a period of time ranging from one to five years.
(e) Capital reserves. The general facility funds collected under this chapter shall be
deposited in the utilities capital reserve fund and used only for utility system capital
improvements.
SECTION 7. Appendix A to Section 15.06.015(a) is hereby amended to mad as
stated in Exhibit A attached hereto.
SECTION 8. Severabili~. If any one or more sections, subsections, or
sentences of this Ordinance are held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not
affect the validity of the remaining portion of this Ordinance and the same shall remain in full
force and effect.
SECTION 9. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force ten
(10) days from and after its passage, approval and publication as provided by law. The rates, fees
and charges as set forth within Appendix A of this Ordinance shall take effect on November 1,
2004.
APPROVED by the City Council the day of ,2004
PASSED by the City Council the day of ,2004
DAREN NYGREN, Council President
Approved this day of ., 2004
CARY BOZEMAN, Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
PAULA JOHNSTON, City Clerk ROGER A. LUBOVICH, City Attorney
11
Utility Rates
23
PUBLISHED the day of ,2004
EFFECTIVE the day of ,2004
ORDINANCE NO.
R:\LEGAL\OrdinancesXPublic Works & Utilities~2004 Rate Ordinance - 08~16-04 - Final2.doc
12
Utility Rates
24
Appendix A
ASSESSMENTS, RATES, FEES, AND CHARGES
EFFECTIVE JA~4~A-R-Y4NOVEMBER 1, 2004
Within Outside
City Limits 2004 City Limits 2004
GENERAL FACILITY CHARGES
Water (per ERU) $ ?.9.12 $ 275.75
Water (per Meter Size)
5/8" x3/4" $ 2,300.00 $ 2,300.00
1~' $ 5,750.00 $ 5,750.00
I 1/2" $ 11,500.00 $ 11,500.00
2'_~' $ 18,400.00 $ 18,400.00
Greater than 2" Calculated based on usage Calculated based on usage
Wastewater(perERU) $ ?.9.!2 $ 3,482.00 $ 276.75 $ 3,482.00
Stormwater (per ISU) $ 933.00 $ 933.00
Water
Par Fr.~nt Fc.c,t $ 29.~2 $ 39.53
OffRzadP. ata $ 1,92!.99 $ !,53!.50
OffRca~ Rate $ :,275.25 $ !,97.38
PrnpeX!aa nat !n:!'.:~a:d in UL!D #327 $ 73.05
CONNECTION/INSPECTION FEES
Water
5/8"x3/4" $ !,5277.2 $ 1,715.00 $ 2,29! .12 $ 2,572.50
1" $ !,53!.59 $ 1,848.00 $ 2,297.25 $ 2,772.00
1 1/2" $ 2,27..25 $ 2,899.00 $ 2,562.27 $ 4,348.50
2" $ 2,~.77.97 $ 3,682.00 $ 2,715.~.~. $ 5,523.00.
Greater than 2" Actual Time & Materials 150% of Actual Time & Materials
Field Inspection Fees
Water main extensions (per foot) $ 1.02 $ 1.10 $ !.52 $ 1.65
but not less than: $ a..OS.n. 9 $ 410.00 $ 6!2.69 $ 615.00
Pump Station $ 526.02 $ 540.00 $ $9d.04 $ 810.00
Miscellaneous (per hour) $ n. 2.E$ $ 45.00 $ 5~.22 $ 67.50
Lateral Connection at P/L $ n. 2.g$ $ 45.00 $ ~q.22 $ 67.50
Lateral Connection at Main $ 26g.0! $ 270.00 $ ~.02.02 $ 405.00
Conveyance Facility Ext. (Per Foot) $ !.23 $ 1.50 $ 1.99 $ 2.25
but not less than: $ 22:.62 $ 325.00 $ n. 82.q2 $ 487.50
Pump Station $ 536.93 $ 540.00 $ EOq.9~. $ 810.00
Miscellaneous (per hour) $ ~.2.85 $ 45.00 $ ~q.32 $ 67.50
1 of 8
£5
Within Outside
City Limits 2004 City Limits 2004
RETAIL WATER SERVICE RATES
General Service - Monthly Service Charge
Meter Size
5/8 x 3/4 inches $ 5.31 $ 8.02 $ 7.95 $ 12.03
linch $ 5.9? $ 9.17 $ 9.99 $ 13.76
1 1/2 inch $ ~°.52 $ 13.03 $ !2.97 $ 19.55
2 inch $ ! !.59 $ 17.50 $ !77.5 $ 26.25
3 inch $ 22.99 $ 33.22 5; 22.92 $ 49.83
4 inch $ ~.9.9~. $ 61.82 $ 51.52 $ 92.73
6 inch $ ?.5.29 $ 219.39 $ 2!7.92 $ 329.09
8 inch $ 529.25 $ 800.69 $ 795.~! $ 1,201.04
10inch $ !,E97,9 $ 2,858.72 $ 2,~°29.75 $ 4,288.08
12inch $ 7,1!E.g7 $ 10,749.49 $ !9,~7E.22 $ 16,124.24
Residential Commodity Charge (per HCF) $ 0.77 $ I. 15
0- 10 HCF/Month $ 0.87 $ 1.31
Over 10 HCF/Month $ 0.97 $ 1.46
Non - Residential Commodity Charee (her HCF~ $ 0.94 $ 1.41
Fire Protection - Monthly Service Charge
Service Size
1 inch $ !9.52 $ 13.67 $ !5.$3 $ 20.51
l 1/2 inch $ !5.~3 $ 20.57 $ 22.59 $ 30.86
2 inch $ 29.57 $ 26.75 $ 29.E3 $ 40.12
3 inch $ 22.57 $ 29.47 $ ?..99 $ 44.20
4 inch $ 2~.7! $ 32.12 $ 27.9! $ 48.18
6 inch $ 39.~°3 $ 40.08 $ ~.5.39 $ 60.13
8 inch $ ~.!.9~. $ 53.36 $ 51.57 $ 80.04
10 inch $ 57.53 $ 74.79 $ ~°5.32 $ 112.19
12 inch $ ~°2.?. $ 106.91 $ !23.?. $ 160.37
Commodity Charge (per HCF) 5; 1.53 $ 1.88 $ 2.30 $ 2.82
- For Usage Other Than Firefighting
Low-Income Senior and Low-Income Disabled Citizen - Monthly Service Charge
Base Charge (per account) $ 5.31 $ 8.02 $ 7.9~ $ 12.03
Commodity Charge
0 - 5 HCF/Month~ No Charge No Charge
5 - 10 HCF/Month $ 0.87 $ 1.31
Over 10 HCF/Month ....... ~, ~v ...... J $ 0.77 $ 0.97 $ 1.15 $ 1.46
Temporary/Construction Meter
1" Meter
Deposit $ '~92.19 $ 105.00 $ !92.!9 $ 105.00
Base Fee (per month) $ 5.9? $ 9.17 $ 9.99 $ 13.76
Set Up Fee $ 79.5~. $ 90.00 $ !!97.5 $ 90,00
Hydrant meter (3" Meter)
Deposit $ 5!9.59 $ 510.00 $ 5!9.59 $ 510.00
Base Fee (per month) $ !9.99 $ 33.22 $ 2g.5~ $ 49.83
Set Up Fee $ 79.5~. $ 90.00 $ !19/,~ $ 90.00
Equipment Loss/Damage Actual Time & Materials 150% of Actual Time & Materials
Commodity Charge (per HCF) $ 0.73 5; 0.94 $ 1.15 $ 1.41
2 of 8
26
Within Outside
City Limits 2004 City Limits 2004
RETAIL WATER SERVICE RATES (cont'd)
City Parks and Recreation Dept. - Irrigation
Commodity Charge (~er HCF~ $ 0.48
3of8
Within Outside
City Limits 2004 City Limits 2004
RETAIL WASTEWATER SERVICE RATES
Monthly Service Charge
Single Family
Base Charge (per account) $ ! !.?. $ 18.12 $ !3.5~ $ 20.84
Commodity Charge (per HCF) $ 3.68 $ 4.24
Duplex on 1 Meter or 2 Bldgs on 1 Meter
Base Charge(per unit) $ 9.39 $ 14.37 £ 19.g2 $ 16.53
Commodity Charge (per HCF) $ 3.68 $ 4.24
Multi - Family
Base Charge(per unit) $ 9.39 $ 14.37 $ !9.g2 $ 16.53
Commodity Charge (per HCF) $ 3.68 $ 4.24
Commercial I
Base Charge (per account) $ 17.51 $ 26,79 $ 29.15 $ 30.81
Commodity Charge (per HCF) $ 3.78 $ 4.34
Commercial Il
Base Charge (per account) $ !7.82 $ 27,26 $ 29.52 $ 31.35
Commodity Charge (per HCF) $ 5.92 $ 6.81
Commercial III
Base Charge (per account) $ 17.~5 $ 27.02 $ 29,22 $ 31.07
Commodity Charge (per HCF) $ 4.85 $ 5,57
Low-Income Senior and Low-Income Disabled Citizen
Base Charge (per account) $ 7.35 $ 11.25 $ °.?.7 $ 12.94
Commodity Charge (per HCF)
0 - 5 HCF/Month No charge No charge
Over 5 HCF/Month $ 3.68 $ 4.24
Seetaee Disposal
(Per Gallon ofTank Capacity) $ 9.!3 $ 0.15 $ 0.13 $ 0.15
4of8
Within Outside
City Limits 2004 City Limits 2004
RETAIL STORMWATER RATES
Monthly Service Charge
Single Family / Duplex
Base Charge (per account) $ ~.59 $ 5.97 N/A
Exception: Duplex
with 2 Meters (per account) $ 2.55 $ 2.99 N/A
Multi - Family
Base Charge (per ISU) $ 4.59 $ 5.97 N/A
Commercial
Base Charge (per ISU) $ '~.59 $ 5.97 N/A
Public School Dis~-icts (per account) $ 4.59 $ 5.97 N/A
Low-Income Senior and Low-Income Disabled Citizen
Base Charge (per account) $ 2.81 $ 3.65 N/A
Multi - Family & Commercial Rate Adjustment
Water Quality (per lSU) $ ~v.~'~'~ $ (0.66) N/A
Water Quantity (per lSU) $ ~.~' e~, $ (1.99) N/A
Stormwater Penalty
New Multi - Family & Commercial
development without on-site detention
Charge (per ISU) $ 1.02 $ 1.33 N/A
IMPROPER STORMWATER INFLOW RATES
The following rates are established for Improper Stormwater Inflow, based upon the stormwater [SU
for each lot and adjusted annually on the following schedule:
EFFECTIVE DATE RATE
May 1, 2002 25% Stormwater Fee for Property
May 1, 2003 50% Stormwater Fee for Property
May 1, 2004 75% Stormwater Fee for Property
May I, 2005 100% Stormwater Fee for Property
A~ter May 1, 2005, the Improper Stormwater Inflow Rate will remain at 100% of the Stormwater Fee for a proper~y
unless otherwise modified by the City Council The fees shall be deposited in the Wastewater Fund (45 I).
5 of 8
25
Within Outside
City Limits 2004 City Limits 2004
MISCELLANEOUS FEES AND CHARGES
Park Reservation Fee $ 29.~2 $ 30.00 $ 39.~2 $ 30.00
(non-refundable)
Office Services
New Account (includes water turn-on) $ 20.00 $ 20.00
Account Maintenance $ 5.11 $ 5.00 $ 5.11 $ 5.00
Past DueNotice $ 2.55 $ 2.50 $ 2.55 $ 2.50
Lien Rccovery Charge $ !92.19 $ 100.00 $ !92.!9 $ 100.00
Duplicate Bill Charge $ 1.02 $ 1.00 $ 1.02 $ 1.00
Close Account/Meter Read/Water Service Turn-
off $ 25.99 $ 20.00 $ 25.00 $ 20.00
Field Services
Pavement Restoration Charge
(refundable, if assessed and not required)
Asnhalt Patch $ 694.00 $ 1,041.00
Concrete Patch $ 894.00 $ 1,341.00
Asphalt Trench $ g!~.~°9 $ 817.00 $ !,225.20 $ 1,225.50
Concrete Trench $ 2,2'.g.29 $ 2,348.00 $ 2,522.~.5 $ 3,522.00
County Road Permit N/A Cost
Wet Tapping (Water Main Only)*
8" and smaller- !nc!.exc~lexcavation & backfill $ !,995.93 $ 2,852.00 $ 2,992.55 $ 4,278.00
8" and smaller- serviceto propertyline $ 2,5°~.77 $ 5,746.00 $ 5,279.~5 $ 8,619.00
E"an~ :ma!!cr ~ only $ ~.90.9E $ 735.!2
Greater than 8"x 8" Actual Time & Materials 150% of Actual Time & Materials
*Does Not lnclude Pavement Restoration Charge
Fire Hydrant lnstallation~ $ ~,,0E7.95 $ ~,!2 !. ! !
..... *,~ Actual Time & Materials 150% of Actual Time & Materials
Water Meter Reinstallation
3/4"& 1" $ ~9.2'~ $ 68.00 $ ~9.?, $ 68.00
1-1/2"& 2" $ ?..95 $ 108.00 $ 9n..95 $ 108.00
3" and greater Time & Materials Time & Materials
Water Meter Reactivation $ ~.2.$$ $ 48.00 $ ~,2.$g $ 48.00
Water Meter Tampering
Tampering Removal $ !2q.77 $ 173.00 $ !?..77 $ 173.00
Tampering Reinstallation Time & Materials Time & Materials
Cross-Connection Control
Inspection $ a. 2.$$ $ 45.00 $ ~.2.$$ $ 45.00
Fire Service - Detector, Meter & MXU $ 2 !~.5! $ 397.75 $ ~ !~.51 $ 397.75
Storz Adapter $ 231.77 $ 236.00 $ 23!.77 $ 236.00
6of8
30
Within Outside
City Limits 2004 City Limits 2004
MISCELLANEOUS (cont'd)
Water Service Turn-off/Turn-on
(Customer Request)
Regular Hours $ 20.00 $ 20.00
After Hours $ !07.2! $ 150.00 $ !07.22 $ 150.00
Delinquency Notice $ !9.72 $ 10.00 $ !9.72 $ 10.00
Water Service Turn-off/Turn-on
(Delinquent Accounts)
Regular Hours $ '~2.EE $ 45.00 $ n. 2.gg $ 45.00
AfterHours $ !07.2! $ 150.00 $ !07.2! $ 150.00
Flow and Pressure Test (Uncertified)
3/4"& 1" meters only $ ~.2.E$ $ 48.00 $ ~2.gS $ 48.00
I-1/2" & 2" meters only $ S5.75 $ 87.00 $ g5.75 $ 87.00
Larger than 2" Time & Materials Time & Materials
Utility Plant Locates
Regular Hours N/C N/C
After Hours $ 197.2! $ 150.00 $ !97.21 $ 150.00
Emergency N/C N/C
Meter Test Fee (based on meter size)
3/4" & I" $ ?..95 $ 108.00 $ 9~,.95 $ 108.00
1-1/2"&2" $ !53.!5 $ 148.00 $ !53.!5 $ 148.00
3" or greater Time & Materials Time & Materials
Engineering Services*
Plan Check Fees
Main Extensions: per foot $ 0.22 $ 0.25 $ 0.?, $ 0.38
BUT not less than $ 2!n..'~! $ 214.00 $ ~2!.52 $ 321.00
(Includes hydrants and appurtenances
and connection to water system)
Pump Stations $ 525.02 $ 536.00 $ 80~,.04 $ 804.00
Fireline Extension $ E5.75 $ 86.00 $ !2E.55 $ 129.00
Irrigation Systems $ °~5.75 $ 86.00 $ !25.£5 $ 129.00
System Connections $ °,,5.75 $ 86.00 $ !28.55 $ 129.00
Miscellaneous (per hour) $ '~2.Eg $ 45.00 $ 5~..22 $ 67.50
* Fees include original review and one resubmittal review.
Additional reviews will be charged at miscellaneous hourly rate (above).
7 of 8
33.
Within Outside
City Limits 2004 City Limits 2004
MISCELLANEOUS (eont'd)
Storm Drainage Plan Review Fees **
Preliminary Drainage Plans
Residential Development $ 32 !.83 $ 332.00 N/A
Non-Residential Development $ 229.73 $ 230.00 N/A
Plus per lSU $ !0.2! $ 10.00
Final Detailed Drainage Plans
Residential Development (per lot)
0 - 20 Lots $ 25.7n. $ 36.00 N/A
21 - 50 Lots $ 25.53 $ 26.00 N/A
51 - 100 Lots $ 22.97 $ 23.00 N/A
100+ Lots $ 20.~.2 $ 20.00 N/A
Minimum Charge $ 255.25 $ 255.00 N/A
Non-Residential Development
per 1SU $ 20A2 $ 20.00 N/A
Minimum Charge $ ~05.20 $ 306.00 N/A
Resubmittal Fees
First Resubmittal No Charge N/A
Subsequent Resubmittal $ 255.25 $ 255.00 N/A
Storm Drainage Inspection Fees **
Residential Development (per lot) $ !5.22 $ l 5.00 N/A
Non-Residential Development (per ISU) $ !5.22 $ 15.00 N/A
Minimum Charge $ !57,5 $ 153.00 N/A
Conveyance Facility Extensions (per foot) $ 0.77 $ 0.80 N/A
Minimum Charge $ 306.20 $ 306.00 N/A
Unscheduled Inspections* (per site visit) $ ~.22~ $ 45.00 N/A
*(Unscheduled inspections shall be tracked through the course of a project and billed at~er the final site
inspection. Fees for unscheduled inspections shall be paid prior to final occupancy approval.)
** Does not apply to single family residence or duplex construction on an existing established lot.
Utility/Lien Search Fee (Manual)* $ 30.00 $ 30.00
*Search per parcel
8of8
3?
u;/uo/4uv~ IZ:Uu ~ qz3 ~4 ~I~S EEB BELLEVUE ~002/017
~ee~ Economic and Engineering Services
10900 NE 4~. Street~ Suite 1110 n Bellevue~ WA 98004
P.O. Box 1989 · B~llevue, WA 9BOfB9
Phone~' 42~;~152.8t[00 · Fax: 425,~5~,~4189
Memo
To: Mike Wilson r~,.l
From: A~e Sanchez Vimoche
Date July 6, 2004
Su~e*zt; Water and Sewer Rate Options
The rate options for the water and sewer utilities are presented in the following pages. The options are
a result of the direction provided by City staff over the last couple of week~. These options (with
changes incorporated after your review) will be presented at the July 21, 2004 workshop. The mt,.'
options are summarized below:
SEWER UTILITY
· Option 1 - Across the board adjustmeut - This option incucases all classes and both
components (base and commodity) by the overall adjuslment nxtuirexi for thc utility in any given
year (e.g. 10%, 8%, and 6%). For reference, this optior~ generates approx. 19% from the base
charge and 81% from the commodity charge.
· Option l - Mid raage increase on ['n~ed component- This option is intended to be a mid nmge
option between option I and 3. The fixed charge has been set at $15.00 for the single family class.
The commodity charge is set to generate the target revenue. All other cl0z~es maintain the ~ ginal
proportion to the single family rate. The revenue split is 21% base/79% commodity.
· Option 3 - All increase applied to fixed componen~ - This option is intended to target a gnxater
percentage of revenue from the fixed component than is currently generated. The commodity
charge remains at current levels. The revenue split is 33% base/67% commodity.
Bill enmparisons for each major enstomer class of service have been provided. The bill compari~ on is
designed to show the annual impact of each option at varying usage levels. The largest impacts are
seen with Option 3 at low usage, This occurs as a result of the base charge compfiBing a greater
percentage of the bill for lower users. Thc multi-family bill comp~son has been generated ba~ed on
City specific account data provided for a 12-month period for a small, medium and large unit
customer. All rate options are designed to generate the annual overall rate adjustment specified.
WATER UTILITY
vr/wtzvv~ Jz:vv ~x qzs 4~4 4189 EE~ BELLEVUE ~003/017
~O~.~qDUlv~ FOR Mike Wilson
July 6, 2004
Page 2
The base meter charge has been maintained between residential and commercial.
· Option 1 - Aerosa the board adjustment - This option incma.q~ all cla~ses and both
components (base and commodity) by the overall adjustment required for the utility in any given
year (e.g. 30%, 15%, and 10%). Meter charge and flat usage charge is unchanged. For reference,
this option gmerates approx. 40% from the base charge and 60% from the coam~odity charge.
· Option 2 - Ii,dating slr~ctur, for coromerelal, two block consumption rate for resldential-
The roajor difference between this option and option thr~ is th~ roeter charge. The ro~er charge
for this option has been increased by the overall adjustment (e.g. 30% in 2004). The commodity
charge is adjusted to tie to the target mveme. For commemial custoroers, this option is the same
as Option 1. The residential rate is designed so that the fi~t block is 12 cents less than the s~cond
block_ This is not a great rate differential; however, this option begins to get the concept of
conslawation in place, while making considerations for the large impact of the overall adjustment
to rates that is required. Tho first block ia 0-1,000 cubic feet and over 1,000 cubic f~t_ Reve~me
generation is similar to Option 1 at approx 40% base/60% commodity.
· Option 3 - Siroilar to the rate structure o! option 2 - This option increases the fixed meter
charge based on the cost of service results. The unit cost for the residential class indicated that the
fixed mt cost could be increased to be in the range of $8.00 - $8.45. This option increases the 5/8
x 3/4" rate to approx $8.1X) and adjusts the commcdity charge as necessary to collect the target
revenue. All other meter sizm maintain the existing ratio to the 5/8 x 3/4" rate. Revenue
gen~rotion is al~rox 44% base/56% commodity.
Bill ceropadson, arc provided for the residential class and all others at va~ing usage levels and ateter
sizes. The "other" bill coroparison has only b~n provided for 2004, a~ th~ 2005 and 2006
adjustments are applied across the board to both components. Shriller to the sew~ utility coroparison,
option three, with a larger increase to the fixed charge, has a larger impact on the smaller users during
the first year of the adjustmmt.
Please review the options provided and pro,ride comment as soon as possible. The options eau be
refined for the luly 21, presentation or all opfious can be presented. Thank you.
35
36
3?
38
0
~ ~ 0 0 0 0 0
~o~O oo 0030
C~ri~tine~renier- Re~-~i~i 3 Neigh~orh(~0d Mae[lng Page
From: <Tnlzz@cs.com> FILE
To: <cgrenier@ci.bremerton.wa.us>
Subject: Re: District 3 Neighborhood Meeting
Thank you for the invitation to the neighborhood meeting. Unfortunately I
have a prior commitment. However, I just wanted to let you know that I attended
the Bremerton City Council meeting for the first time last week. I was
motivated to go by the article in the newspaper about the proposed utility rate
increase. Ithink the newspaper and the handouts available at the meeting were
not very useful in explaining why the extra money is needed and how exactly it
will be used. I understand the difference between capital and O&M expenses. ~'~.) ~", __
I also understand that the infrastructure, at a minimum, needs to be
maintained and a reserve built for upgrades. What l don't understand is why there is
no reserve and that the City wants to build that reserve by substantially
/
raising rates in a short period of time. I am concerned about our elderly
residents and others who are on a fixed income. Utilities is not a service that we
can choose to do without or go to another provider. I urge you to reconsider
the percent rate increase proposed.
Thank you.
Michelle Miller
40
Rate Increase Questions and Comments
* What measures have you taken to cut operating and maintenance
cost?
*Will any of the increased revenues go to increases for department
heads already receiving higher salaries than the mayor?
*Shouldn't it be the goal of a public utility to minimize cost and
maximize service ?
*No matter how much revenue is generated it can always be spent?
(Give me million and I can find ways to spend two million)
*Private services (cable, natural gas, phone co., etc.) eager to provide
hookup to gain more customers base.
*No specifics on Capital Improvements that are need/projected. (Only
glittering generalities)
*Is it realistic to assume no new revenue bonds or will more simply be
added later.
*Timber is renewable resource, I don't see it appearing in the Capital
Improvements side only being taken away from the 0 & M expenses to
demonstrate a need for new revenue.
Presented by Richard Cook, concerned citizen
c~ri~{~n~e~"r~ier ~-~s~ion reVerSibility Rates
From: Christine Grenier
To:
Phil
Williams
Subject: Question regarding Utility Rates
Hi Phil.
I received a call from Ida Mae Cooper who requested clarfication regarding the utility rates. (~-7 c~ - G 2.
She would like a response during the Council Meeting, "Whether the proposed rate increases are monthly
or bi-monthly?"
Thank you,
Christine
CC: Lori Smith
42
From: City Council
To: City Council
Date: Wed, Sep 15, 2004 4:15 PM
Subject: Citizen Concern
Mr. George Tillett of District 7 called the Council office today to voice his strong objection to the proposed
utility rate increase.
(360) 377-3749 Work
(360) 479-2830 Home
TO: PRESIDENT DAREN NYGREN BREMERTON CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 15-2004
FROM: JOHN A HALL
514 SHORE DRIVE
BREMERTON, WASH.
DEAR COUNCIL MEMBERS
I WISH THIS LETTER TO BE READ INTO THE RECORD.
THIS LETTER 1S IN REGARDS TO THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE (# ABO-181} RAISING
RATES, FEES, AND CHARGES FOR WATER, WASTEWATER, AND STORMWATER SERVICES,
ITEM 6-A ON THE COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA FOR SEPTEMBER -15-2004.
AS I UNDERSTAND THE PROPOSAL BASED ON THE NUMBERS POSTED INTODAY'S
BREMERTON SUN .THE RATES WOULD INCREASE BY $10.00 A MONTH THIS YEAR, AND
BY AN ADDITIONAL $14.00 A MONTH BY JAN Is~' 2006 · FORA TOTAL 36 % INCREASE IN A
PERIOD OF LESS THAN A YEAR AND 6 MONTHS. THIS IS BASED ON MY MATH AND THE
NUMBERS PUBLISHED IN THE BREMERTON SUN. I DON'T REMEMBER ALL THE
INCREASES WE HAVE HAD FOR OUR WATER, STORMWATER, AND SEWER OVER THE LAST
FEW YEARS, BUT I KNOW IT HAS BEEN TOO MUCH! TO BEGIN WITH, THIS ISN'T A RATE
INCREASE, IT IS A TAX INCREASE, AND THE MOST UNFAIR TAX THAT CAN BE ASSESSED.
WE CAN'T LIVE WITtf OUT WATER AND SEWER. THIS INCREASE WILL BRING THE COST OF
THE MOST BASIC NECESSITY TO $960 A YEAR FOR THE AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD.
AND WHAT ABOUT THE $1.5 MILLION A YEAR FROM TIMBER HARVEST THAT WILl, GO
INTO THE CAPITOL IMPROVEMENT FUND? WHAT WILL THAT MONEY BE SPENT ON?
IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT %40 OF THE RESIDENTS OF BREMERTON ARE SENIOR
CITIZENS. A LARGE NUMBER OF THEM CAN'T AFFORD THIS KIND OF TAX INCREASE.
I THINK THIS INCREASE IS OUTRAGEOUS AND AM TOTALLY OPPOSED 1T
ARELY
44
09_ 0.04 cl:l¥ COUNCIL 0FFICE
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to tell you of my concerns regarding a large increase in water and sewers
rates. I have only lived in Bremerton for two years and was shocked by my first bill. In
fact I called because I thought there must have been an error! I have lived in several
states and have never paid so much for sewer rates.
I read in the paper that Bremerton is being compared to Bainbridge and I think that is like
comparing apples to oranges. Just look at the difference in average household wealth.
We all want Bremerton to be more attractive and I know the city is really working on
this. There are a lot of run-down properties in Bremerton and they look even worse with
the patches of weeds for a front "lawn". I know people think the grass will come back
with the rain but it really just greens up with moss and weeds. There are weeds growing
in the sidewalk cracks and not cut back. People don't try to maintain their yards because
it is already too expensive. It makes Bremerton look shabby whereas a nice flowerbed
could improve the look of any worn out property.
A lot of the people who live in Bremerton are just getting by as it seems the majority of
business (jobs) in town are service or retail industry. As you know these jobs typically
pay minimum wage or only slightly better. So people can't pay more. There are many
old cities in the world and in the USA that manage to maintain a sewer system without
high rates. City, local, state and federal governments have to become more efficient with
fewer layers and needless complexity. Anyway aren't property taxes supposed to help
support and maintain the infrastructure?
If utility prices get too high no one will buy those little run-down houses and fix them up
and current owners will just let them get shabbier. People won't move here to commute
for jobs over the water if there is little to gain such as a lower cost of living.
I would ask that you reconsider increasing the cost of water and sewer. Increasing the
rates is always the "knee jerk" reaction to solving a problem but just taking more and
spending more money doesn't always solve the problem and charging more in this
instance may just create a new ones. If there must be more spent and it can't be found in
the existing budget then why not consider increasing sales tax on nonessential goods and
then those with more money to spend can chip in more.
Jeanette Moore
2316 East 16th St.
Bremerton, WA
98310
45
i ~Y-~C~-d~'Water ~"~-§ewer Rates Page 1 1
From: <Synelesantos@aol.com >
To: <citycou ncil@ci.bremerton.wa.us>
Date: Mon, Sep 13, 2004 11:11 AM
Subject: Water and Sewer Rates
Hello:
I know that you are meeting this evening to discuss an increase in water and
sewer rates. I have to tell you that our water bill is a huge burden on our
family as it is. We are a one income family with three small children.
No matter how much we conserve our bill is always around $150.00. A FORTUNE!
This is because of the high sewer rates. If we want to save money in our
utility bills, we can leave the lights off or get the smallest garbage can or
not make long distance calls. But no matter how short our showers or small our
water usage we have a large bill. Why the increase anyway and why the high
sewer rates?
We pay our bill regularly but we are sometimes late. Recently we were late
three weeks...the latest we have ever been - but still not a whole month late.
Our water was shut off and we were charged an extra $43.00. The reason we
were late was because my husband had to take an unpaid leave of absence for two
and a half months.
I don't think water should be shut off, at least not without an extended
grace period. This is not a service someone can live without. Also, since it is
the city of Bremerton, I believe that the "late fees" or "reconnect fees" or
the fees they charge to have a man come out and put a late notice on your door
should be voted on.
I am not the only one who feels this way. I hope that you will take these
comments into consideration when you meet this evening.
Thank you,
Laura Santos
328 Bryan Avenue
Bremerton, WA 98312
46
City C??n~ciJ -~Water & s~ewe~ Increas~_s ~_~
From: "Richard Sollom" <sollomr@cox.net>
To: <citycouncil@ci.bremerton .wa .us>
Date: Mon, Sep 13, 2004 1:06 PM
Subject: Water & Sewer Increases
City council of Bremedon,
Water / Sewer Increases.
I am Richard A Sollom and have been in Bremerton for all my 51 Years. I own business's in the city and
the county along with many apartments and houses.
I would like before you decide to increase utility rates to think how you could pay off the debt that our for
fathers in council left us instead of going to the people yearly. The sewer plant should not be a continue
burden. We pay the highest rates around and should be declining in cost instead of increasing.
In my business I cannot pass this cost along, I have tried but our city is sixty percent Iow income and I end
up with vacancy which cost us more.
Bremerton housing in which we have a few contracts with, does not recognize these cost. They use a rent
reasonable in which it beats you down on rents for units that should rent for more.
Please reconsider any increases, this is another item that adds to the list of everyone else that wants there
hand in your pocket and makes me think of selling out in Bremerton and going else were for this business
used to be fun and know it is turning into how much more can I get out of you.
Thanks for considering.
Richard Sollom
47