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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/30/03 TAPES #1903, #1904 & #1905 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES ,'D,U/~ ,?, 0 2003 July 30, 2003 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 30, 2003, 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; City Attorney Roger Lubovich; Deputy City Clerk Paula Johnston; and Legislative Assistant Lori Smith. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Cecil McConnell, followed by the invocation provided by Pastor Talmafle Wilson of Charleston Baptist Church. President Arends made the following announcements: 1. A Pre-Council session was held in the Council Conference Room to discuss updates to the meeting agenda; and 2. Item 8B "COMMI~q'EE APPOINTMENT FOR EMS LEVY VOTERS' PAMPHLET" has been added to tonight's agenda under NEW BUSINESS. CONSENT AGENDA A. Minutes of Meeting - July 9, 2003 (#AB03-136) B. Minutes of Meeting - July 16, 2003 (#AB03-137) #0040 MISlCIU (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. #0060 MISICIU (Younger/McConnell) On July 30, 2003, the Council approved payment for Check Numbers 282409 through 283205; EFT7765 through EFT7770; and P7767 in the total amount of $576,613.73. COUNCIL MEMBERS Mike Sh~rt attended the World Changers Closing Ceremony; and thanked Mr. & Mrs. Bob Tulp and congratulated all of the students for all of their efforts in this program. Will Ma~Ipin thanked Senator Betti Sheldon for hosting the Welcoming Party & Picnic for the Japanese students from Kure, Japan. Mike Sl~pherd discussed his attendance at the World Changers Closing Ceremony; the District 5 Annual Picnic; and "Arts in the Park". He also announced the First Friday Art Walk. Ed Rollman was able to attend several of the World Changer project sites; and was pleased he had a chance to discuss the Government Center project with one of the on-site contractors. Daren Nvaren invited the public to attend a Community Event sponsored by the Manette Business Association on Saturday, August 2 at 1:00 P.M. on the Manette Community Stage, with a performance by the "Chester Avenue Jazz Band". Cecil M~;Connell announced the District 1 & 2 Town Meeting to be held on Thursday, August 21, 2003 from 6:30 to 8:00 P.M. at the Sheridan Park Center to discuss the "Proposed Tunnel". TAPES #1903, #1904 & #1905 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes July 30, 2003 Page 2 of 5 Wayne Olsen also encouraged citizens to attend the District 1 & 2 Town Meeting; discussed the Exchange Student program with Kure, Japan, sponsored by the Central Lions Club for over 30 years; and reported that he was also able to visit several World Changer project sites. Carol Arends discussed her attendance at the World Changers Closing Ceremony. MAYOR'S REPORT - Mayor Bozeman .... · Encouraged citizens to support the EMS Levy and Passenger-Only Ferry ballot measures; · Discussed a tour of the Conference Center by members of the Public Facilities District; · Hoped that the Council would discuss any concerns with the Six-Year Transportation Plan with himself or Gene Sampley, Public Works & Utilities Director; · Was pleased to see the progress of all the downtown construction projects; · Thanked Elaine Valencia for all her dedicated work on the Kure, Japan Exchange Student program; and invited Bob Barton to further discuss the program, and introduce the host families and the three students: Craig & Leesa Bowie, hosting Mami Isobe; Al & Elaine Valencia, hosting Hideki Omote; and Bill & Ruth Rossiter, hosting Ayumi Hars. A gift from the students was also presented to the Council President. PUBLIC RECOGNITION Alien Shute and Roy Runyon discussed their concerns about lack of information on the proposed tunnel. Mr. McConnell and Mr. Olsen reiterated the invitation to the District 1 & 2 Town Meeting where the proposed tunnel is scheduled for discussion. Tiny Collins, Bruce Fields, Daren Kruse, Eric Richardson, Charles Dirk, Terry King, Mike Goodyay, Clarence Land, Mr. & Mrs. Dan Turek, and Sherry Vivier spoke in opposition to the proposed location for the new Homeless Men's Shelter in the Charleston neighborhood. H. Emily Moshay commended the Council for thoroughly studying the issues and making decisions that benefit the community. Don Bulmon suggested that the Homeless Men's Shelter be located near the Max Hale Center. Don Larson admired the work on the Gateway project and Evergreen Park expansion; presented information on the beautification being done in other cities; and requested help from the City in watering and mowing certain landscaping locations. 8A - APPOINTMENT OF LINDA STREISSGUTH TO THE BREMERTON PLANNING COMMISSION (#AB03-138): Sherrill Huff Menees, Municipal Services Coordinator, stated that there is a vacancy on the Planning Commission created by the resignation of Joan Dingfield, who was also recognized for her 8 years of [unpaid] service on the Commission. Mayor Bozeman is recommending to appointment of Linda Streissguth to fill the vacancy. There were no comments from the public. #2559 M/S/C/U (Younger/McConnell) Move to confirm Linda Streissguth to the Bremerton Planning Commission effective immediately. 8B - APPOINTMENT OF CHARLES SHORROCK~ THOMAS MOORE, AND SONDRA McKIERNAN TO THE VOTER PAMPHLET PRO STATEMENT COMMITTEE (#AB03-142): Ro~ler Lubovich, City Attorney, explained that on July 23~, the City Council passed Resolution TAPES #1903, #1904 & #1905 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes July 30, 2003 Page 3 of 5 No. 2895 placing the Property Tax Levy to fund Emergency Medical Services on the September 16, 2003 ballot. If the City desires to participate in the committee selection process for the local voters' pamphlet, it must appoint persons known to favor or be against the measure to serve on the "Pro" and "Con" committees. Membership is limited to three persons per committee. It is recommended that City Council appoint Charles Sharrock, Thomas Moore, and Sondra McKiernan to the Pro Levy Committee. All are residents of Bremerton. It was noted that no citizens have come forward to be appointed to the committee against this measure. Roy Runyon expressed his concern that this item was placed on the agenda at "the last minute~. Mr, Lubovich pointed out that an announcement was made at the last Council meeting [July 23] requesting any citizen interested in being appointed to either of these Committees to contact the City. The names of the three citizens who volunteered to provide the "pro" statement were provided to the Council during their FISCAL & BUDGET and OPERATIONS COMMITTEE meeting last night [July 29]. It was further explained that "time is of the essence" as the deadline to write and provide the statements for the Voters' Pamphlet is on Monday [Aug 4]. #2851 MISIClU (Nygren/McConnell) Move to approve the Voter Pamphlet Pro Statement Committee consisting of Charles Sharrock, Thomas Moore, and Sondra McKiernan. 9A - PUBLIC HEARING AND ORDINANCE [FIRST READING] SETTING THE MAYOR'~ COMPE~ISATION THROUGH A SEPARATE ORDINANCE (#AB03-139): Roger Lubovich, City Attorney, pointed out that Section 2 of Ordinance No. 4357 established the Mayor's compensation through the budget. The proposed ordinance repeals Section 2 of Ordinance No. 4357 and establishes the Mayor's salary and benefits by ordinance outside of the annual budget process. The ordinance does not change the current salary. There were no comments from the public. #3075 M/S/C/U (McConnell/Olsen) Move to approve the proposed ordinance on first reading. 9B - PUBLIC HEARING AND ORDINANCE [FIRST READING] REGARDING THF REORGANIZATION OF THE DEPARTMENTS OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVF SERVICES; CREATING A NEW JOB DESCRIPTION FOR "DIRECTOR OF CAPITAl PROJECTS"; AND MODIFYING OTHER JOB DESCRIPTIONS (#AB03-140): Michael Wilson, Finance Director, announced that the administration is proposing to combine the departments of Administrative Services and Finance into the new department of Administration and Finance. This new department would be comprised of the divisions of Finance, City Clerk, BKAT, and Information Technology, and would offer more effective integration of programs to better serve citizens and city departments. Job description and salary ranges need to be modified or created for Director of Capital Projects, Finance Officer, Director of Administration and Finance, City Clerk, and Civil Service/Human Resources Specialist. It was explained that although the Human Resources Department was removed from this proposal, the Council was urged to allow the return of this Department to the proposed plan. Helen Miller expressed her concern that this plan was merely a way of implementing a "City Manager" form of government". Mr. Wilson responded that this plan was in place prior to his hire with the City, and although he was not interested in taking on any additional work, he fully supported this proposal from the Mayor. Each of the Council members provided comments both in favor and in opposition to this issue prior to the vote... TAPES #1903, #1904 & #1905 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes July 30, 2003 Page 4 of 5 TAPE #1904 Mayor I~lozeman offered clarification that this proposal was not changing his original request to have the Finance Director [Treasurer] report directly to him; and that the purpose of this proposal was to address the findings and recommendations of a report presented from the contracted firm of "MILLER & MILLER", which showed that the Administrative Services Department was in need of improvements. President Arends indicated that the Council has made previous suggestions to the Administration to "break down" the requests into separate actions rather than presenting all requests on one Agenda Bill for action. #t 219 M/S/F (Shepherd/Olsen) Move to approve the proposed ordinance on first reading, amending the salary bands to remain at the 2002 budget level to total salaries at $318,150.00. Voted in favor of the Motion: Maupin, Olsen, Nygren, and Shepherd Voted opposed to the Motion: Younger, Short, McConnell, Rollman, and Arends Motion failed: 4-Yes; 5-No 9C - PU, I~ILIC HEARING AND ORDINANCE rFIRST READING1 APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO ORDINANCE NO. 4839 RELATING TO THE CITY OF BREMERTON FISCAL YEAR 200,3 BUDGET (#AB03-t4'1): Michael Wilson, Finance Director, summarized that the City Council passed Ordinance No. 4837 on December 4, 2002, authorizing the formation of Utility Local Improvement District (ULID) No. 2002-01. The City Council passed the Fiscal Year 2003 City Budget Ordinance (Ordinance No. 4839) on December 11, 2002. The Fiscal Year 2003 City Budget authorized the establishment of a Public Safety Bond Fund to account for and fund the various Public Safety capital projects and vehicle acquisitions. The City Council approved on January 29, 2003, the issuance of revenue bonds to finance the construction of the Conference Center Parking facility and Hotel Plaza capital revenue bonds to finance the construction of the Conference Center Parking facility and Hotel Plaza capital improvement projects. The City of Bremerton is required to maintain separate accounting for the City's parking system as a condition of the issuance of revenues for financing the construction of the Conference Center Parking facility. Upon the formation of local improvement districts, the City is required to maintain sufficient revenues within a LID guaranty fund to cover bond covenants for the financing of the LID capital project improvements. The City Council approved on February 26, 2003, documents relating to the City's participation in the construction and purchase of ownership interest in the Bremerton Government Center. It is a significant objective of the City of Bremerton to perform certain downtown pedestrian and BTC ingress and egress capital improvements. The Parks Development Fund has received grant funding in 2003 to perform two Parks capital improvement projects resulting in the need for a budget adjustment. Each of these actions has an impact on the City of Bremerton's Fiscal Year 2003 City Budget resulting in the need to amend the Fiscal Year 2003 City Budget Document. Roy Runyon referred to SECTION 1, Item No. 8, of the proposed ordinance entitled "DOWNTOWN PEDESTRIAN / BTC ACCESS CAPITAL FUND (FUND 309)", and asked several questions related to funding for the proposed tunnel. Gene Sampley, Public Works & Utility Director, responded that $1.5 million is a direct appropriation; the $4.7 million has been appropriated for a tunnel. He explained that a study for this project was initiated in May to study preferred alternatives, which has been forwarded for environmental analysis. He clarified that there is a process that must be followed, and just because the money is budgeted, does not mean that construction will begin. It will be what the public decides is the best alternative. TAPES #1903, #1904 & #1905 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes July 30, 2003 Page 5 of 5 Helen Miller wanted to be sure that the Council did not approve one action that would commit the City for the tunnel without knowing it or meaning to. Mr. Youn~ler had specifically asked if the public decided they did not support a tunnel, could the appropriated funds be used for another alternative. Mr. Lubovich stated that in his opinion, because the money has been specifically appropriated for use of a tunnel, the City would have to make a request to use the money for another use. Ms. Miller referred to SECTION 1, Item No. 13 of the proposed ordinance entitled "GENERAL FUND" and asked if the budget included funds to hire an additional firefighter. Mr. Wilson responded yes. Mr. Runyon expressed concern that at a time where there should be hiring freezes and pay cuts, SECTION 1, Item No. 12 of the proposed ordinance entitled "PUBLIC WORKS AUTHORIZED STAFFING" includes a budget amendment for the hiring of two additional Managing Engineers, and questioned how much will the change from Salary Band 15 to Salary Band 16 cost the citizens. Sherril Huff- Menees clarified that Council already took action on the Pay & Classification Study, but that these positions were inadvertently left out when the previous action was taken. Mr. McConnell and Mr. Shepherd asked additional questions on the budgeted amounts for the proposed tunnel. Mr. Lubovich clarified that this ordinance was setting the budget, but no action on the tunnel would take place until or unless the Council takes specific action on it. #0228 M/SIC (Shepherd/Olsen) Move to approve the proposed ordinance on first reading. Voted in Favor of the Motion: Maupin, Short, Olsen, McConnell, Nygren, Rollman, and Arends Voted Against the Motion: Shepherd, Younger Motion carried 7-Yes; and 2-No With no further business, the regular meeting of the City Council was adjourned at 9:09 P.M. Prepa, req.~nd Submitted by: LORI SMITH Legislative Assistant CAROL ARENDS, City Council President City of Bremerton CNPJIIslcge