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CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
June 14, 2000
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, June 14, 2000, at 5:30 P.M.,
with Council President Carol Arends presiding. Council members present were Conrad Esser, David
Farr, Mike Shepherd, Ed Rollman, John Law, Cecil McConnell, and Wayne Olsen. Council Member
Jim Reed was absent. Also present were City Attorney Glenna Malanca, Acting City Clerk Rich
Hanna, and Council Assistant Christine Grenier Ellingson.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Cecil McConnefi, followed
by the invocation given by Pastor Sam Rachal, Jr. of Mr. Zion Missionary Baptist Church.
President Arends made the following announcements:
(1) Council held a Pre-Council Session in the Council Conference Room to discuss general Council
business; and
(2) City Council will hold a Study Session immediately following the Council meeting tonight, in the
Council Conference Room, to discuss "Proposed Membership Fees for the Senior Center, and
Panderpast Park Usage"; The second Study Session to "Refine Categories for City Councfi Goals
& Objectives; and to Approve Letter of Direction to the MayoK' has been cancelled.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes of Meeting - May 31,2000 (#AB00-144)
B. Minutes of Meeting - June 7, 2000 (#AB00-145)
#0030 M/S/C/U (McConnell/OIsen) 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/U (Law/Farr) On June 14, 2000, the Council does approve for payment those vouchers
included and further described as follows: 242231 through 242438 in the amount of $482,143.44.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
David Farr announced that Anderson Cove Advisory Committee has elected its members and will be
holding a "Day of Caring" this Friday, 9:30 A.M.-3:30 P.M. at the Community Garden located at 2220
Anderson Avenue, which is sponsored by Windermere Realty.
Ed Rollman announced the next District 4 Neighborhood Meeting would be held on Thursday, June
29th, 7:00-8:30 P.M., at the Washington Mutual Building located on the corner of 6th and Pacific
Avenue. The topics will include "Your Views on Success and Progress in the City" and "Where Do
You Want the City to Go", and "Discussion on Solid Waste Survey". He encouraged citizen
involvement in their City government.
John Law reported on the District 3 meeting held on Tuesday, June 13, 2000, at the Senior Center,
where citizens participated in an open discussion on issues of their choice. He thanked Bob Tulp,
Public Works Operations Manager, for providing in depth information regarding right-of-way and
explaining concerns at the meeting.
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Mike Shepherd encouraged public safety during summer vacation.
MAYOR'S REPORT
Mayor Horton read a Proclamation to proclaim Wednesday, June 14, 2000 as "Flag Day"; and
Thursday, June 15, 2000 as "Ralph Munro Day" which was accepted by Ed Wolfe, President of
Bremerton Chamber of Commerce.
Honora Reinhardt, recipient of the Rotary Club Jim Shank Memorial Scholarship, read her winning
essay "From Boredom to Beautification", about "connecting youth with our community" by establishing
a teen volunteer corp. in Eremorton to rehabilitate neglected and low income properties. Ed Wolfe
and Tom Long, Co-Chairs of the Rotary Club Youth Committee, presented Honora with her award.
Fire Chief AI Duke introduced the staff to be promoted and Mayor Horton administered the OATH
OF OFFICE during a Sweating-In Ceremony for Lieutenant Michael Sechrest; Lieutenant Todd
Thorsen; Firefighter Brian Marceau; Firefighter Michael Lande; Firefighter/Paramedic Vincent
Hlavaty; Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Six; and Firefighter/Paramedic Jeffrey Prichard.
LEGISLATIVE REPORT - There was no report for this meeting.
PUBLIC RECOGNITION
Buck King, Kitsap County Foreign War Veterans Association, presented a certificate of appreciation
to Mike Shepherd for his contributions to the organization. He also commented on the speeding
traffic on 1st & Burwell Streets, and requested increased patrols.
Louis Mentor proposed that the change-of-government issue be considered
Carol Atkinson of Main Street Association, announced the "Concerts on the Boardwalk" bands
scheduled for each Friday during July, from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., and thanked several sponsors,
including Ace Paving, Fred Meyer, East Bremerton Rotary, Bremerton Sun, Port of Bremerton, Puget
Sound Energy, and Brackard-Middleton.
Keith Hoofnagle, Steven Lowrimore, and Mary Sump, members of the Anderson Cove Advisory
Committee, provided a copy of their recent newsletter, and expressed their appreciation for the clean-
up plans for Anderson Cove properties where there has been a history of slumlords and drug
activities. Jeannie Johnson was specifically thanked for her efforts and role in this process.
Karl Urseth provided a letter to express his concern that the handicap access ramps are not
operated after 7:30 P.M. at the Bremerton ferry terminal. He asked the Mayor and Council to contact
Washington State Ferries and insist that the ramps are kept open during all hours of ferry operation.
9A- ALLOCATIONS OF HOME FUNDS (#AB00-146): Debbie Peavler Stewart, Administrative
Analyst for the Department of Economic Development, stated that as a member of Kitsap County
HOME Consortium, the City of Bremerton receives an annual allocation of HOME funds from the
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to expand the supply of safe, sanitary and
affordable housing for low-income persons. Within the City of Bremerton, over 60% of the properties
are renter-occupied. This percentage is severely disproportionate to the national average of 35%
renter occupied units. In order to increase the number of owner occupied properties, the City of
Bremerton has developed a policy stating that HOME funds will primarily be used to support
homeownership activities within the City. The following are requests for HOME funds:
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· Community Resource Center requests $145,680 to continue their existing program that was
initially funded in 1996. Funds will be used to assist 15 low and moderate-income persons or
families to acquire, and rehabilitate properties within the Bremerton City limits. The funds are
loaned to the family and are paid to a revolving fund that is administered by CRC.
· Bremerton Housing Authority requests $80,000 to be set aside to provide a match for 40 low
income families who establish Individual Savings Accounts (ISA) and, over a period of time
period, usually 3 years, save funds to purchase a home. HOME funds would be used as a grant
to match participant deposits dollar for dollar. A full time financial counselor will be working with
the participants throughout the savings period to establish sound financial management skills.
· The Economic Development Department requests $75,000 for the existing homebuyers
assistance program. Between 50 and 60 homebuyers are assisted each year. The program
currently is utilizing program income to operate and funds are being depleted. The requested
funds will allow staff to continue this program without interruption.
There were no comments from the public.
Wayne Olsen left the meeting at 6:15 P.M., and returned at 6:17 P.M.
Mr. Farr asked if advertising for the programs has been adequate with respect to drawing potential
homebuyers. Ms. Pearlet-Stewart replied there was extensive advertising, but the real threat is
misinformed people believing homeownership is impossible, and that there is no assistance available.
#1550 M/S/C/U (Shepherd/Law) Move to authorize allocation of funds in the amount of $145,680 to
CRC, authorize a set aside of funds in the amount of $80,000 for Bremerton Housing Authority ISA
Program and authorize $75,000 for the City housing program.
10A - ORDINANCE NO. 4713 (SECOND READING), AMENDING CHAPTER 21.02 OF THE
BREMERTON MUNICIPAL CODE, APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO THE ZONING CODE: AND
AUTHORIZING THE EXTENSION OF TIME PERIOD IN DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS (#AB00-
143): The first Reading of this ordinance was provided at the Council Meeting on June 7, 2000.
There were no comments from the public.
#1650 M/S/C/U (Farr/McConnell) Move to pass Ordinance No. 4713 on second reading, amending
Chapter 21.02, by providing for the extension of time periods, through development agreements, for
project approvals and permits, including Planned Unit Developments,
11A - PUBLIC HEARING AND RESOLUTION NO. 2758. REGARDING RECOVERY OF FEES FOR
SECURING THE BUILDING ON THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1226 6TM STREET. #AB00-147:
Janet Lunceford, Building Development Specialist II, summarized that in February of 2000,
neighbors reported vagrants were occupying the vacant house located at 1226 6th Street. An
inspection of the site verified the allegation, and an abatement order was issued allowing the owners
of record, Ocwen Federal Bank, until March 6, 2000 to secure the building against entry. The
abatement order was faxed to Ocwen on March 3, 2000. There was no action taken by the owners,
and the City secured the building on March 15, 2000. The cost of this action, including administrative
fees, totaled $1,825.60.
There were no comments from the public.
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Mr. Esser asked what measures will be taken to contact Ocwen Bank to ensure the fees will be paid,
and also asked what process was in place to prevent repeat occurrences. Ms. Lunceford explained
that this lien will become a "tax lien", meaning the fees must be paid at the time the property taxes
are due, with interest. She confirmed that the power to the house has been turned off, and that the
neighbors would be watching the building closely to ensure that it remains secure.
Mr. Farr asked how long a building could be boarded up and vacant before the abatement process
could be pursued. Ms. Lunceford replied that the Uniform Code for Dangerous Buildings allows a
building to stay vacant for 6 months, as long as the building is secure. After that, the building is
considered "abandoned", and can be abated again as a "Dangerous Building", with steps taken to
demolish it. Mr. Rollman pointed out this building was abandoned for a couple years, and asked for
clarification on the conditions that allowed for an abatement. Ms, Lunceford confirmed the building
was vacant for a couple years, but indicated that the building was not vandalized until recently. She
explained that if a building remains vacant, but is not being vandalized, there is no violation.
#1865 M/S/C/U (Rollman/Olsen) Move to pass Resolution No. 2758, order that the fees incurred for
securing the building at 1226 6th Street be collected as reasonable abatement costs, and become a
lien against the property.
11B - PUBLIC HEARING AND RESOLUTION NO. 2759, REGARDING RECOVERY OF FEES FOR
REMOVAL OF VEGETATION ON THE LISTED PROPERTIES, #AB00-148: Janet Lunceford,
Building Development Specialist II, reported that Ordinance No. 4584 declares that it is unlawful and
a nuisance to allow, continue, or maintain grass and weeds exceeding twelve (12) inches in height,
shrubs, brush, vines, or trees which constitute a fire hazard or provide a harborage for rats, rodents
or horticultural pests, or noxious and poisonous plants. The list of properties contained in the Council
Information Packet is currently in violation of the ordinance (several pictures of the violations were
provided). Pursuant to Section 9.14 of the Bremerton Municipal Code, Council is asked to approve
the removal of the nuisance vegetation on the properties, and collection of the costs incurred by
personal judgement against the owner and a lien against the property. It was announced that several
properties set for abatements have since been completed, and are now in compliance~ and may be
removed from the list. Those listed properties are as follows: 328 S. Hartford; 2530 N. Lafayette;
1112 N. Montgomery; 602 Sheridan Road; 2137 7th Street; Vacant Lot East of 2137 7th Street; and
the Vacant Lot located at the 2000 Block East 18th Street
There were no comments from the public.
#2025 M/S/C (Farr/Rollman) move to pass Resolution No. 2759, ordering that the nuisance
vegetation on the properties identified by the attached listing be removed by the City with fees
incurred collected as reasonable abatement costs, which shall become a personal judgement against
the owner and a lien against the property.
Voted in favor of this motion: Farr, Esser, McConneil, Law, Rollman, Shepherd, and Arends
Voted opposed to motion: OIsen
Motion carried: 7-Yes; 1-No.
11C - PUBLIC HEARING AND ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) APPROVING DEVELOPMENT
AGREEMENT OF OLYMPIC PROPERTY GROUP FOR THE WEST HILLS PROJECT. #AB00-149
Bill Palmer, Interim Director of Community Development, emphasized that Resolution No. 2599
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passed on March 14, 1997, provided initial approval to extend the project for a 15-year period. In
addition to other terms, all of the original conditions of project approval have been incorporated by
reference into the proposed Development Agreement, which received Planning Commission approval
on April 18, 2000. He added that this agreement adds clarity to the conditions of project approval.
Jon Rose, Vice-President of the Olympic Property Group, explained the necessity for the extension,
then provided a presentation on the details of the project for the 270-acres located in the West Hills
area, including the history, environmental, and legal information for the project area.
Mr. Shepherd left the meeting at 6:32 P.M., and returned at 6:41 P.M.
Mr. Farr left the meeting at 6:43 P.M. and returned 6:46 P.M.
There were no comments from the public.
Mr. Farr had specifically requested ahead of time for a list of mutually agreed upon "milestones" from
the Developer that would be used to show an on-going, measurable level of effort, and expressed his
disappointment that such a list was not provided. Mr. Rose responded that he understood the
importance of "milestones", but asked Council to look at the company's track record. He provided a
handout to the Council, which outlined the achievements and expectations of Olympic Property
Group, and summarized that over $880,000 has been invested in this project, including $472,000 in
City sewer and water main construction costs, adding value to the property. He further pointed out
that $125,000 in property taxes has also been paid, and that the City has also invested significant
time and energy reviewing and approving the project. Mr. Esser appreciated the interest for this
project in the City, but suggested that they provide preliminary benchmarks by second reading.
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Ms. Malanca noted that the before second reading, additional documentation, including milestones,
could be crafted without violating the text of the ordinance as read in first reading.
Mr. Rose provided clarification on their level of participation in street improvement projects, such as
traffic lights on Warren Avenue, and when such improvements might be made. He noted that the
commitment is the same, except now the Developers agreed to pay interest.
Mr. McConnell pointed out that the project is "for the Developer" and "by the Developer", and wanted
to reach some understanding about the Development Agreement and the City's role.
#1100 M/S/C/U (Shepherd/McConnell) Move to approve on first reading ordinance authorizing the
Mayor to sign the West Hills Development Agreement.
With no further business, meeting concluded at 7:15 P.M then adjourned to the Council
Conference Room for a Study Session.
CAROL ARENDS, City Council President
City of Bremerton
PJ/CNcg/Is
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