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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/24/02 JIJL ~ 1 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES July 24, 2002 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, July 24, 2002, at 5:30 P.M., with Council President Carol Arends presiding. Council members present were Mike Short, Will Maupin, Eric Younger, Mike Shepherd, Ed Rollman, Daren Nygren, Cecil McConnell, and Wayne Olsen. Also present were City Attorney Roger Lubovich; Deputy City Clerk Paula Johnston; and Council Assistant Christine Grenier Ellingson. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Cecil McConnell, followed by the invocation provided by Council President Cato! Arend$. Council President Arends made the following announcements: (1) The regular Pre-Council Session, which was open to the public, was held in the Council Conference Room to discuss general Council business from 5:00 to 5:30 P.M. CONSENT AGENDA A. Minutes of Meeting -July 10, 2002 (#AB02-141) B. Minutes of Meeting- July 17, 2002 (#AB02-142) #0025 M/S/C/U (McConnell/Olsen) Move to approve Consent Agenda as presented. CLAIMS/CHECK REGISTERS Vouchers audited and certified by the auditing officer as required by RCW 42.24.080, and those expense reimbursement claims certified as required by RCW 42.24.090 have been recorded on a listing that had been made available to the Council. #0050 M/S/C (Younger/McConnell) On July 24, 2002 the Council approved payment for those vouchers included and further described as follows: Check numbers 270316 through 273123 in the amount of $923,664.27; and Regular Payroll in the amount of $924,980.46 for the period ending July 15, 2002. Voted in favor of the Motion: McConnell, Nygren, Rollman, Shepherd, Younger, Maupin, Short, Arends Abstained: Olsen Motion Carried: 8-Yes; 1-Abstention COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS Mike Short reported on meetings he attended with transportation representatives and officials in Seattle. The estimated cost for downtown transportation improvements in Seattle is approximately $11.9 billion which includes viaduct improvements, seawall upgrades at the ferry dock, and tunnel construction. Eric Youn.qer discussed a law seminar he attended yesterday that covered shoreline regulations and permitting issues. Mike Shepherd thanked the citizens who attended his 4tb Annual District 5 picnic last Saturday at Evergreen Rotary Park; assured the public that staff is working on the odor problem at the lift station located at Park Avenue & Washington Street; and announced that sidewalk construction will be ongoing during the summer between High Avenue and Hewitt Avenue on 10tb Street. Ed Rollman announced the next Concert of the Boardwalk would be held Friday from 8:00 to 8:00 P.M. TAPE #1844 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes July 24, 2002 Page 2 of 6 Daren Ny,qren commented on the District 3 meeting held last night; and informed citizens that they may contact Marilyn Waibel in Community Development at 478-5375 to obtain information on the "Down Payment Assistance Program" or "Low-Interest Home Rehabilitation Loan Program". Carol Arends will be attending Puget Sound Regional Council Executive Board Meeting and Operations Committee Meeting in Seattle tomorrow. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Bozeman asked that Gene Sample¥, Director of Public Works & Utilities, provide an update on the sewage spill. The spill is estimated to be between 250,000-350,000 gallons that occurred over the course of a week and was due to contractor failure to install a plug on a pipe that interconnected the sewerline. Clean up has begun and the storm water line has been cleaned. Mayor Bozeman additionally briefed the Council on the following issues: · Announced that an Interim Finance Director would be selected by next week, and then the position for Director would be filled at a later time. · Would like to introduce the City's new lobbyist at an upcoming committee meeting. · Announced that there is a proposal being considered which would facilitate ferry traffic movement to Burwell Street via a tunnel. Funding is available to assist the city in the overall cost. On a side note, some funding may also be available to assist in fast ferry wake research. PUBLIC RECOGNITION Allen Shute thanked Lori Smith and Paula Johnston for helping him in recent weeks; pointed out that there are drug houses across from his residence and he would like action; and emphasized the need for more cops to be on the streets to address the drug issue and to look at the problem of speeding motorists. Don Larson announced that some plum seedlings and Douglas fir trees are available to plant. Volunteers are committed for the planting projects; has explained that in speaking Jim Trainer, Community Forester, there is interest in setting up an agreement with the City of Bremerton so that trees would be watered in right-of-way areas. He may be reached at 373-7593 to make arrangements. Gerard Krye, of VCW Post #239, announced that flags should be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, July 27 for National Korean War Armistice Day. He reminded the public that any flags that are no longer flyable may be brought to VFW Post #239 at 190 South Dora Avenue for proper disposal. H. Emily Mosha¥ announced that Gracey Kelley had passed away and was a Iongtime volunteer for the Admiral Theater and very active with the West Sound Arts Council. The funeral service will be held at Miller Wood Lawn Mortuary on Friday at 11:00 A.M. with a reception immediately following the service. NEW BUSINESS 8A- 2003 CDBG/HOME POLICY PLAN (#AB02-143): Debbie Peavler- Stewart, Administrative Analyst, stated that as an Entitlement Community under the Community Block Grant Program, the City of Bremerton is required to solicit the input of citizens in the use of CDBS and HOME Funds. Attached is the draft 2003 CDBG/HOME Policy Plan and schedule. The Plan identifies the CDBG rules and regulations, as well as the City's proposed allocation process for CDBG and HOME funds. The Plan TAPE #1844 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes July 24, 2002 Page 3 of 6 was made available to the public for comment from June 11 to July 23, and a public meeting to discuss the plan was held on June 25, 2002. A technical assistance meeting to discuss the elements of the application was held on July 23. According to the plan, applications will be accepted until August 22. The City received two comments from Kitsap Community Resources (KCR) relative to the draft plan. KCR recommends expanding housing services to include homeowners and providing a two-year funding cycle for public service grants. Another comment was received following submission of the documents to Council and the comment provided support for a one-year funding cycle. Lam/Eyer, Director of KCR, provided an overview of the services KCR provides and emphasized that current arrangements disallow the use of CDBG funds to make improvements on rental properties. Changes in the program would allow the rentals to be improved and would encourage home ownership for the elderly and those individuals who fall under the Iow-income bracket. Some of the services include weatherization that will ultimately improve energy efficiency. Allen Shute asked why the improvements should benefit slumlords. Mr. Eyer answered that the goal is to lower energy costs and the benefit goes to the tenant not the landlord. Will Maupin asked where that issue is addressed in the plan. Ms. Pearler-Stewart directed the Council to Part 2, Page 7 of the 2003 Policy Plan. In that segment it is specified that CDBG funds will not be used for private rental housing. Services like weatherization, rehabilitation projects, and increasing opportunities for the homeless are included in the plan. Ed Rollman asked how many housing units would be available to the homeless and what was the estimated cost. Ms. Pearler-Stewart would provide that information at a later time. Mr. Rollrnan asked why the amount of $50,000 is set aside for code enforcement and if the amount is for expected violations. Ms. Pearler-Stewart clarified that the amount is for the salary of the building inspector. Daren N¥.qren asked if other cities' policies have been reviewed. Ms. Pearler-Stewart answered that the policies generally allow use of funds on rental housing. It is at the discretion of the individual jurisdiction to decide the best use of the funds. Cecil McConnell asked for clarification on use of funds for capital projects. Ms. Pearler-Stewart responded that the capital projects would include parks projects, curb cuts, sidewalk repairs, and Admiral Theater improvements. Mike Shepherd commented that the intent of the program was to offer help to those individuals who really need the help and to provide incentives for home ownership. Ms. Pearler-Stewart stated that world changers, habitat for humanity, KCR, revolving loan, and down-payment assistance programs are all intended to improve home ownership levels in the City of Bremerton. Wayne Olsen pointed out that there are homes that are already owned which need attention. He emphasized that homeowners should receive first consideration for funding assistance. Mike Short commented that the program should continue to assist Iow-income homeowners. In addition, improving the rental properties may help in the shod term but when the renter leaves the landlord may raise rent to compensate for improvements made with that assistance. Mr. Eyer clarified that there is a restriction on owners so the rent can not be raised. Mr. Maupin asked that the issue be decided tonight but that Council consider an amendment to address the assistance to rental properties issue. Paula Johnston clarified that an amendment can be made after the Main Motion, and if the amendment survives the vote then the amendment becomes part of the Main Motion. TAPE #1844 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes July 24, 2002 Page 4 of 6 Mayor Bozeman expressed his support for passage of this policy but emphasized that there is a limit on the resources available. He emphasized that there is a need for home ownership considering the high rate of rentership in order to improve the neighborhoods. Mr. M¢Connell stated that the funding should be provided to those who truly demonstrate a need rather than choosing not to do the work. President Arends provided comments in support of the efforts made towards home ownership. Mr. Younger proposed that a Study Session be held to discuss the renter issue and the breakdown of fund usage. Ms. Pearler-Stewart specified that HOME funds goes towards the down-payment assistance program and that $50,000 is available for weatherization and $100,000 is available for World Changers and home rehabilitation program. #1560 M/S/C/U (Maupin/Olsen) Move to approve the 2003 CDBG/HOME Policy Plan 9A- RESOLUTION NO. 2866, PROPOSING A PUBLIC SAFETY BOND ISSUE FOR SUBMISSION TO PRIMARY ELECTION (#AB02-144): Mayor Bozeman announced that the Resolution would allow the public to vote at the September 17, 2002 Primary Election on a proposition which would authorize the City to acquire additional police patrol vehicles; acquire four additional fire trucks, apparatus and related equipment; construct, remodel and equip a new Fire Station and Police and Court facility with related offices. To issue no more than $'12.979 million of unlimited tax general obligation bonds maturing within 25 years to pay the costs of such construction and acquisition and levy annual excess property taxes to pay and retire the bonds. This amounts to approximately $0.59/$'1,000 assessed property value in the first year of the bond issue to $0.33/$1,000 assessed property value in the final year. For the individual homeowner whose property is valued at $100,000 this equated to $4.90 per month in 2003 property taxes decreasing to $2.74 per month in 2027. Mayor Bozeman encouraged support for the bond issue, and emphasized that it has been 10 years since the last major capital improvements were done. Fire Chief Al Duke summarized that there is a need for a new fire station and new fire engines, and would like for the citizens to have the opportunity to decide on whether or not to fund these improvements and purchases. Police Chief Rob Forbes established that this bond would allow the Police Department to come together in one place and not be fragmented. He outlined the needs of his department such as new patrol vehicles, additional office and storage space for seizures. Allen Shute believes that the City needs more money, and given the high percentage of rental properties in the City, property owners should have to pay for public safety. All Council Members offered their support for the bond... Mr. Shepherd addressed the concern over having more officers available by stating that there is the possibility of including those needs in the next budget. Counc# Member Daren Nygren left the meeting at 6:32 P.M. and returned at 6:35 P.M. Wayne Olsen asked for clarification on how the funds would be spent. Mayor Bozeman answered that the individual purchases will be discussed at appropriate times since there is flexibility on equipment purchases. TAPE #1844 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes July 24, 2002 Page 5 of 6 Cecil McConnell asked that Council be involved in process of choosing the locations of the fire station, and police and courts buildings. Mayor Bozeman confirmed that the Council would be notified of any negotiations and plans for public safety buildings, and further clarified that the final decision will be made by Council for the actual location for those buildings. Wayne Olsen agreed that there is a need for more officers. He cautioned that salaries should not be included in bonds since there is the risk that voters may not approve the bond, and the positions would then be unfunded. #2350 MIS/CIU (YoungedOIsen) Move to approve Resolution No. 2866 providing for the submission to the registered voters of the City at the September 17, 2002 primary election a ballot proposition for Public Safety purposes in the amount of $12.979 million. 9B - RESOLUTION NO. 2867 IMPOSING OFF-PREMISES SIGNS MORATORIUM (#AB02-145): Chris Hugo, Director of Community Development, pointed out that there are no provisions in the code for off premises signs, defined as signs that advertise a business, profession, product, event, activity, or service that is not related to a use or activity conducted or offered on the premises or at the location where the sign is located. There is a need for an off premises signs ordinance to protect the public's interest in maintaining the aesthetics of the community, because in many cases these types of signs contribute to visual clutter. The proposed moratorium will provide up to six (6) months to conduct a public process to create the necessary siting and design standards. There were no comments from the public. City Attorney Roger Lubovich clarified for Council Members that if the resolution were passed then a public hearing would need to be held within 60 days. The proposed hearing date is included in the motion for this item. #2610 M/S/C/U (Shepherd/Rollman) Move to pass Resolution No. 2867, with the Public Hearing scheduled for August 14, 2002. 9C - RESOLUTION NO. 2868, IMPOSING MORATORIUM ON APPLICATIONS FOR WIRELESR COMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES (#AB02-146): Chris Hugo, Director of Community Development, said that staff has received several applications for wireless communications facilities (towers, antennae) this year. More applications are anticipated. Since there is very little language in the Comprehensive Plan and no standards in the Zoning Code to guide the permitting and siting of wireless facilities, it is difficult to regulate these facilities in a consistent manner. In addition, applications that are handled administratively in other jurisdictions must be handled as Special Use Permits in Bremerton due to the City's lack of detailed regulations. There is a need for a wireless communication facilities ordinance, both to give applicants some predictability in the permitting process, and to protect the public's interest in maintaining the aesthetics of the community, because in many cases the public feels that these facilities are unsightly. The proposed moratorium will provide up to six (6) months to conduct a public process to create the necessary siting and design standards. Mr. Hu.qo added that the demand for towers has remained high. The question is how to accommodate the industry without impacting property values. The moratorium would allow time to develop standards for the cellular phone towers. TAPE #1844 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes July 24, 2002 Page 6 of 6 There were no comments from the public. #2915 M/SICIU (Shepherd/McConnell) Move to pass Resolution No. 2868, with the Public Hearing scheduled for August 14, 2002. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:54 P.M. Prepared and Submitted by: CHRISTINE GRENIER ELLINGS(~N Council Assistant Attest: ,~ //~:: PA"Ig, L/A'~bi-iNST//~I~, b-e-put~ city Clerk CAROl_ ARENDS, City Council President City of Bremerton CAIP O/Is/cge c: Normal Distribution File