HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/05/00
TAPES #1675, #1676, & #1677
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
&
MONTHLY STUDY SESSION MINUTES
January 5, 2000
James N. Docter, Municipal Court Judge, administered the OATH OF OFFICE during a Swearing-In
Ceremony for re-elected Council members Cecil McConnell, District #2, and David Farr, District #6;
as weft as newly elected Council members Ed Rollman, District #4, and Conrad Esser, Distdct #8.
The weekly meeting of the City Council of the City of Bremerton was then called to order in the City
Council Chambers, 239 4th Street, Bremerton, Washington, Wednesday, January 5, 2000, at
approximately 5:45 P.M., with Council President Mike Shepherd presiding. Council members now
present were Jim Reed, Conrad Esser, Carol Arends, David Farr, Ed Rollman, John Law, Cecil
McConnell, and Wayne Olsen. Also present were City Attorney Glenna Malanca, Deputy City Clerk
Paula Johnston, and Legislative Assistant Lori Smith.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council President Shepherd, followed by
the invocation, given by Reverend Roger Hennigan of Apostolic Life Tabernacle Church.
President Shepherd made the following announcements:
(1) City Council held a Pre-Council Session to discuss general Council business, and a brief
reception to welcome new and re-elected Council members.
ELECTION OF CITY COUNCIL OFFICERS
President Shepherd opened nominations for City Council President/Mayor Pro Tempore:
Mr. Farr nominated Carol Arends.
President Shepherd closed the nominations.
#0217 M/S/C/U (Olsen/Reed) Motion to cast vote by roll call in lieu of ballot.
Mrs. Arends was voted Council President by a unanimous vote of the Council.
The meeting was turned over to new Council President Carol Arends.
President Arends opened nominations for City Council Vice-President:
Mr. Law nominated Wayne Olsen.
President Arerids closed the nominations.
#0301 M/S/C/U (Shepherd/McConnell) Motion to cast vote by roll call in lieu of ballot.
Mr, Olsen was voted Council Vice-President by a unanimous vote of the Council.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Lease Extension with Kitsap Transit for Bremerton Transportation Center #AB00-001
Staging Site
#0350 M/S/C/U (McConnell/Olsen) Motion to approve Consent Agenda as presented.
CLAIMS/CHECK REGISTERS
There was no "Vendor Claims" listing this week.
#0390 M/S/C/U (Law/McConnell) On January 5, 2000, the Council does approve for payment as
follows: Regular Payroll for the period ending December 31, 1999 in the amount of $936,630.75; and
Retiree Payroll for the period ending December 31, 1999 in the amount of $119,537.84.
TAPES #1675, #1676, & #1677
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
January 5, 2000
Page 2 of 6
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
The Council members each offered their thanks and appreciation to Mr. Shepherd and Mrs. Arends
for their service as President and Vice-President for the past year. and offered their congratulations
for newly elected Council President Carol Arends and Council Vice-President Wayne Olsen.
Wayne Olsen stated that although the Council members may not always agree on the issues, he
hoped for more fellowship among the new Council in the coming years.
Cecil McConnell reminded Mr. Shepherd of one additional duty to complete which was begun during
his term as Council President, and that is to complete the updating of the "City Council Rules &
Procedures".
John Law announced the next District #3 meeting to discuss a "Cooperative Approach to Combined
Sewer Overflow Reduction" with special guest Gene Sampley, Director of Public Works & Utilities,
would be held Tuesday, January 18, 2000, 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. at the Senior Center located at 13th &
Nipsic. He was also happy to report a positive conclusion with the removal of the abandoned vehicle
in the Manette area, and thanked Chico Towing for their assistance.
Ed Rollman offered compliments to the City's Fire and Police Departments, and thanked Carlos
Montgomery and Lon Overson for their years of service to the City.
Mike Shepherd announced the next District #5 meeting would be held Thursday, January 20, 2000
at 6:30 P.M. at the Memorial Lutheran Church located at 10t" & Veneta. Items to be discussed
include "Fire Prevention" with Scott Rappleye of the Bremerton Fire Department, and the proposed
"Recreation Community Center' with Cris Gears of the Parks & Recreation Department.
David Farr congratulated Mrs. Arends and Mr. OIsen, and pointed out that although it is an honor to
be elected to these positions, it does come with a lot of extra hard work. He wished them luck!
Conrad Esser thanked Mr. Montgomery for his years of service, and thanked the voters for their
confidence in him. He hopes to see a lot of positive things for the City in the coming years.
Jim Reed welcomed Conrad Esser and Ed Rollman, and welcomed back Cecil McConnell and David
Farr. He thanked Mike Shepherd for a "tumultuous", "active", and "productive" past year.
President Carol Arends also thanked Mike Shepherd, and welcomed Conrad Esser & Ed Rollman.
MAYOR'S REPORT
Mayor Lynn Horton discussed the "Final Chapter of Y2K" report by Bill Eley, the City's Information
Services Director. In preparation for "Y2K", the City invested about $65,000 for two back-up
generators, (which could still be utilized throughout the year during power outages); replaced some
equipment at the Wastewater Treatment Plant; and purchased hardware and software for both the
Water and Wastewater Departments. She believes the City of Bremerton was well prepared due to
the regular upgrades to the computer system over the last several years and staff training.
LEGISLATIVE REPORT- There was no report this evening.
PUBLIC RECOGNITION
Don Larson, President of the Kitsap Diving Association, discussed his desire for more water
activities in the Bremerton area, and encouraged further waterfront development.
TAPES #1675, #1676, & #1677
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
January 5, 2000
Page 3 of 6
Gordy Byrd thanked Carlos Montgomery and Lon Overson for their service to the City.
Ed Peitras thanked the City Council for their service and help they have provided.
H. Emily Moshey congratulated Mrs. Arends, and welcomed the new and re-elected Council
members. She invited the public to the Bremerton Chamber of Commerce Luncheon to be held
Tuesday, January 11, 2000, beginning at 11:45 at the Howard Johnson Hotel on Kitsap Way, with
Congressman Norm Dicks as guest speaker. Anyone interested in attending may call 479-3579 to
make reservations. Cost is $14.00 per person in advance, and $16.00 at the door.
Bob Winters congratulated newly elected and re-elected Council members, and encouraged citizens
to become involved by running for City official positions.
Jack Lefcoski stated he will miss the service of Mr. Montgomery and Mr. Overson, and cautioned
new Council members not to "rubber stamp" their decisions, and maintain some "vision".
Susan Brown also addressed the new Council members, and reminded all Council members that
there was no "shame" in stepping down from a vote if they did not feel they had sufficient information.
Larry Dickerson complimented the hard work and dedicated service provided by the City Council.
10A - GRANT ACCEPTANCE COOPERATIVE APPROACH TO CSO REDUCTION, #AB00-002
Kathleen Cahall, Water Resources Manager, reported that the Public Works & Utilities Department
applied for, and received, a State Centennial Clean Water Fund Grant for a project titled "Cooperative
Approach to CSO Reduction". The purpose of this project is to inform citizens about the City's
combined sewer ove~low reduction program and to educate residents in how they can help reduce
overflows by preventing stormwater from their roof drains from entering the sanitary sewer system.
The grant amount is $150,000, and the City's match is $50,000. It was pointed out that even without
the grant, the City would have to provide a program to reduce sewer overflows.
Ruth Natividad asked how the residents would be notified before any action was taken. Ms. Cahall
responded that a multi-media approach would be taken to encourage citizens to participate in the
program on their own, and welcomed any other ideas to further provide information to the public.
Mr. Reed asked if the low-interest loans were for the applicants or the City to use for infrastructure
work. Ms. Cahall stated the grant funding was for the City to use for public education and work in the
right-of-way. They are currently looking into programs to assist applicants. She further explained
that work in the right-of-way could consist of minor work such as disconnecting a downspout and
using splash blocks, or more drastic work such as changing the lateral going into the home.
Mr. Farr stated that $200,000 seemed to be an excessive amount just to "get the word out", and
asked if the City could spend the $150,000 first, and if it proves to be a sufficient amount to educate
the public, the City save the City's $50,000. Ms. Cahall stated that generally, the City's amount of
matching funds would equal 25% of whatever amount from the grant is spent, and clarified that the
money was not only for education, but would also fund necessary construction in right-of-ways.
Mr. McConnell questioned the necessity to spend money on a "logo" and print 30,000 self-help
brochures on separating roof-drainage when there are not that many homes in Bremerton? MS.
Cahall stated that 30,000 was a "high-end" estimate, but they would only print what was necessary to
notify the public, and explained the cost for a "logo", if required for the grant, would be very minimal.
TAPES #1675, #1676, & #1677
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
January 5, 2000
Page 4 of 6
#1984 M/S/C (Farr/Law) Motion to approve and authorize the Mayor to sign the attached Grant
Acceptance, subject to City Administrative Policies and Procedures.
Vote on motion: In favor: Shepherd, Farr, Esser, Reed, Olsen, Law, Rollman, Arends
Opposed: McConnell
Motion carried.
10B -YEAR 2000 AMBULANCE RATES, #AB00-003
Paula Johnston, Deputy City Clerk, stated that pursuant to the ambulance regulatory ordinance,
ambulance rates charged for 911 BLS aid calls must be approved by the City Council. Both local
companies, Olympic and Bremerton, have submitted requests for rate increases for 911 BLS calls to
be effective January 5, 2000. Clerk staff has surveyed regional ambulance companies for
comparable rates. All surveyed companies have raised their rates since 1999 for BLS, and the array
of products and services they provide. It was further stated that several regional ambulance
companies were contacted, and those findings have been incorporated in the packet of information.
It was found that Olympic and Bremerton Ambulance rates were very competitive, even with the
proposed 5% increase.
Kim Doyle, representing Bremerton Ambulance, stated her company is asking for a 5% increase
over 1999 fees, which would raise a BLS rate to $254.65. She pointed out this is still significantly less
than comparable companies, but was necessary due to a number of reasons, including higher cost
for expenses, as well as a continued increase in Medicare and Medicaid write-offs.
Elizabeth Buell asked what the 5% would amount to. Ms. Doyle stated it would be a very minimal
out-of-pocket expense, approximately $3 or $4.
Mr. Farr asked how the proposed 5% increase compared to CPI. Ms. Johnston stated the current
CPI is 2.7%. Mr, Farr stated he could not support the increase if it was higher than the CPI.
McConnell reminded the Council that the CPI rate does not take into consideration that some people
do not pay their bills, which the ambulance companies must absorb. Mr. Farr assumed that if this
was an annual adjustment, it should already consider such factors as non-payment.
Mr. Reed stated the increase seemed reasonable, and suggested that in the future, the City Council
consider not dealing with this type of issue, and allow businesses to run as a "free enterprise".
Mr. Esser asked the staff from the ambulance companies if they would be contacting the State
Legislature regarding the Medicare and Medicaid dilemma; and was there an "early pay" discount.
Bill Sterling, representing both Olympic and Bremerton Ambulance companies, stated that the
discounted BLS rate is shown on an attached spreadsheet; and that yes, they are aggressively
addressing the State regarding Medicaid payments which do not even meet their minimum costs.
Mr. Shepherd asked if the rate of default has changed from last year. Bill Littlejohn, representing
Olympic Ambulance, stated that there is no appropriate "index" to guide their percentage of increase.
M (Farr) Motion to approve a rate increase for the Year 2000, equal to the current 2.7% CPI, rather
than the proposed 5%. Motion died due to lack of a second.
#2780 M/S/C (Shepherd/Reed) Motion to approve the proposed 5% rate increases for Year 2000,
based upon the survey and the relative lower costs for services offered by Olympic and Bremerton
Ambulance companies.
TAPES #1675, #1676, & #1677
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
January 5, 2000
Page 5 of 6
Vote on motion: In favor: Esser, Reed, Olsen, McConnell, Law, Rollman, Shepherd, Arends
Opposed: Farr
Motion carried.
With no further business meeting adjourned at 6:50 P.M.
CAROL ARENDS, City Council President
City of Bremerton
P j/CA/is
C: Normal Distribution
File
MONTHLY CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION:
(1) CONSTRUCTION PROJECT UPDATES - RANDY WITT. CITY ENGINEER
A copy of the Public Works & Utilities. Engineering Division Monthly Status Report was
handed out to City Council members, which included updates on the following:
· Bremerton Transportation Center Project
The switching around of the Holding & Loading Area; Beginning of Construction on the South
Area; and Finishing Work on the Terminal Area Building (expected completion date in February)
· Public Works Projects
Kitsap Way Project; Werner Road Corridor/West Hills Commercial Improvements; Callow CSO,
Priority 3 & 5; Burwell Hill Climb; Pine Road CSO Facility Plan; and 1999 Traffic Calming Program
· Engineering Division Utility Projects:
Miscellaneous Water Projects; W650 Zone Improvements; Anderson Cove CSO; Pump
Station CW-2 Upgrade; Snyder and Ohio Avenue Sewers; CSO Reduction Plan Update;
and Reservoir No. 4 Outlet Pipe and Cover Replacement
· SR304 Transportation Improvement Project:
Executive Steering Committee Meeting; Loss of $8.8 million in funding as a result of
[-695; Right-of-Way Acquisition; Structure Disposal; Public Outreach; Environmental
Cleanup; Gateway Improvements (Porter Street to Montgomery Avenue); and a Biological
Assessment
· Public Works & Utilities Projects:
Evergreen Park Phase [ Renovation; Evergreen Park Phase [I Remediation; Manette
Ballfield Improvements; and Warren Avenue "Carpenter Field" Improvements
TAPES #1675, #1676, & #1677
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
January 5, 2000
Page 6 of 6
(2) RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR CHLORINE WITH KATHLEEN CAHALL. WATER
RESOURCES MANAGER
Visuals were shown, with detailed information provided on the following topics:
· Risk Management Plan for Chlorine
· Bremerton's Use of Gas Chlorine
· Requirements of the RMP
· How Do We Prevent Chlorine Leaks?
· Map of Chlorinating Location at McKenna Falls
· What Would Happen in the Event of a Chlorine Leak?
(3) PRESENTATION OF PORT BLAKEL Y SUB AREA CITY/COUNTY PLANNING PROGRAM
WITH JON HOLAN, INTERIM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR: RICK SEPLAR,
MADRONA POINT PLANNING COMMISSIONER: AND JOHN ADAMS. OF PORT
BLAKEL Y COMMUNITIES
Kitsap County and the City of Bremerton are in the process of preparing a Sub-Area Plan for
approximately 440 acres of undeveloped land owned by Port Blakely. The subject property is
located west of Kitsap Lake, within the City of Bremerton's Urban Growth Area. The proposed
project would include residential, commercial, and business uses, as well as public trails, a
public park, and a buffer adjacent to neighbors.
(4) DISCUSSION ON RECREATION CENTER SITE WITH MAYOR LYNN HORTON AND CRIS
GEARS, PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR
The economic development potential was discussed, as well as the following topics:
· Background information on how this proposed project developed
· The original site evaluation based on criteria that included lot size, site acquisition cost,
accessibility, visibility of the facility, and physical characteristics
· Formation of a Bond Committee and "Y2R" Campaign ("Yes to Recreation"
· Formation of The Project Design Team
· Disadvantages and Advantages of a Downtown site were also provided