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Home My WebLink About09/15/04 TAPES #1970 & #1971 ~ CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES ~F-,° ~ 2004 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. Aisc 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 McConnell, 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 $1,556,330.00 (#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 (#AB04-185) #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 (#AB0~ 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 15.0t AND 15.06 OF THF BREMERTON MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO ASSESSMENTS., RATES~ FEES~ AND CHARGES FOR WATER~ WASTEWATER~ AND STORMWATER SERVICES (#AB04-'IS'I): 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 APPENDIXA 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. Ro;ler 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-mai/, letter, or phone call with comments opposed to the rate changes: Jeanette Moore; George 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 Bra;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. Gehring 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 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, McConnel! 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 #1971 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 Nygren 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 TO THE BREMERTON CHARTER TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF THE CITY OF BREMERTON (#AB04-188): Roger Lubovich, City Attorney, s(ated 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.qren thanked Vice-President McConnell for the tremendous amount of work he and the City Attorney spent to clean up this document. Mr. McConnell 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 Nerf 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/ClU (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 t8, 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 Resoumes (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. Wendy 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 Gehrinf:l 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 Nyt:lren 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: Legislative Assistant If~ULA JOH,~TON, City Clerk DAREN NYGREN, Cit~ C~uncil President City of Bremerton DNIP JIIslcge