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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/01/00 TAPE #1729 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES November 1, 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, November 1, 2000, at 5:30 P.M., with Council President Carol Arends presiding. Council members present were Jim Reed, Conrad Esser, David Farr, Mike Shepherd, Ed Rollman, John Law, Cecil McConnell, and Wayne Olsen. Also present were City Attorney Glenna Malanca; Acting Deputy City Clerk Rich Hanna; and Legislative Assistant Lori Smith. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council member Cecil McConnell, followed by the invocation given by Council President Carol Arends. President Arends made the following announcements: (1) Council held a Pre-Gouncil Session in the Council Conference Room to discuss general Council business; and (2) Council will hold two Executive Sessions immediately following the meeting tonight in the Council Conference Room to discuss a "Real Estate Acquisition" per RCW 42.30.110(1)(b); and to "Review Personnel Performance" per RCW 42.30.110(1 )(g). CONSENT AGENDA A. Meeting Minutes - October 18, 2000 (#AB00-240) #0028 M/S/C/U (McConnell/Law) 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. #0048 M/S/C/U (Law/McConnell) On November 1, 2000, the Council does approve for payment those vouchers included and further described as follows: 246366 - 246552 in the amount of $620,814.13; and Retiree Payroll for the period ending October 31, 2000 in the amount of $115,137.06. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS Jim Reed reported on the "lively" District 8 & 9 meeting held a few weeks ago and hoped those who attended found it informative. He added that his wife and new baby boy are doing well. Conrad Esser thanked the citizens who came to the District 8 & 9 meeting, and also hoped they found it informative. He commented on the new sculpture on the "Embassy Center" on 6th Street, appreciating the art deco design. Mike Shepherd echoed the sentiments of Mr. Esser, and added that Reverend Robertson and his congregation have even more plans for future improvements in the area. He announced several upcoming events including the "First Friday Art Walk" and the next District 5 meeting on Thursday, November 16 with a representative from the Kitsap County Division of Aging. Lastly, he thanked all of the downtown businesses that participated in the Downtown Bremerton Trick-or-Treat event. Ed Rollman reiterated that low-income Bremerton residents could contact Kitsap Community Resources at 479-1507 or 377-0053 to submit an application for help in paying their energy bills. John Law announced the next District 3 meeting would be held Tuesday, November 21, 2000 beginning at 7:00 P.M. in the Senior Center located at 13th & Nipsic. TAPE #1729 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes November 1,2000 Page 2 of 5 Wayne Olsen thanked the Bremerton Chamber of Commerce and downtown businesses for their efforts in organizing the Third Annual Downtown Bremerton Trick-or-Treat event, and because of its enormous success, he announced a similar Christmas event is currently being planned. President Arends attended and enjoyed the dinner served at the Knight's of Columbus' 18th Annual Spaghetti Festa event held on Sunday to benefit the Olympic Kidney Center. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Horton announced an "Election-Night Results Party" on Tuesday, November 7, beginning at 7:30 P.M. at the Admiral Theater. This non-partisan community event sponsored by The SUN, the Olympic College Foundation, and the Admiral Theater will include a computer link directly to the courthouse allowing immediate voting results. Mayor Horton was pleased to announce the "Exemplary Compliance Record" award was presented by the Department of Ecology to John Poppe, Wastewater Manager and Pat Coxon, Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager in recognition of the quality service done at the Wastewater Treatment Plant facility. She personally thanked them and their staff for the outstanding job they have done. A Proclamation was read proclaiming continued support for the "lt's Time for Kitsap Kids" initiative promoting developmental assets in order to help accomplish its community purpose, role and mission. Charlene Burneff of the City Parks Department received the Proclamation as a new member of the County Commission on Children & Youth, who explained that this was not a "program", but rather a positive way of thinking about children, and not to focus on the negative. LEGISLATIVE REPORT- There was no report this evening. PUBLIC RECOGNITION Susan Brown provided a history on the steps she has taken over the past several years to have a clear process included in the "Council Rules & Procedures" to file an ethics complaint against a City official. She provided copies of the "Appearance of Fairness" statement as defined by Municipal Research Services and by the City. H. Emily Moshay reported on the excellent turnout for the Third Annual Downtown Bremerton Trick- or-Treat event. She announced the Bremerton Chamber of Commerce's "After Hours Reception" at the Collective Visions Gallery located at 331 Pacific Avenue, this Friday at 5:00 P.M. Anita Williams announced that the Bremerton Symphony is celebrating their 58th year. She introduced the new maestro, John Welsh, and added the City is very lucky to have him. He left a brochure with upcoming performance dates. Roger Nance, Jr. asked for clarification regarding the approval process for building permits. Suzanne & Pat Wright, owners of Just Your Cup 'O Tea, were thrilled to participate in the "bigger and better" Downtown Bremerton Trick-or-Treat event held last evening. She also asked for volunteers for the Lutheran Social Services, and stated that anyone interested may contact Beth Buchanan at 377-5511, ext. 17. TAPE #1729 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes November 1, 2000 Page 3 of 5 Susan Holland discussed public safety issues of the parking lots in downtown Bremerton after a series of broken windows and break-in of vehicles parked in the lots. She learned from the Police Department that over 200 break-ins occurred over the last 2 months. She asked that an ordinance be passed which would require business owners to provide surveillance cameras, lighted areas, and signs posted in high crime areas. She believed it was the responsibility of the managers, businesses, and the City to provide safety. She will return in two weeks to see if any positive action has been taken. Bob Duprie, Manager of Diamond Parking, was unaware of the figures provided on the number of break-ins, and asked that it be verified. He further stated he believes a number of the break-ins have occurred in a "problem area", and not just particularly because of the parking lot. He handed out a list of suggestions and believes a "curfew" ordinance should be considered. 9A - ORDINANCE NO. 4724 (SECOND READING). AMENDMENTS TO THE BY-LAWS OF THE BREMERTON PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION (#AB00-236): The.first reading of this ordinance was heard at the Counc~ meeting on October 25, 2000. Cris Gears, Parks & Recreation Director, reiterated the Parks & Recreation Commission considered reducing the number of members from 9 to 7, and that this action would have no impact on the current Commission because there are 2 vacancies at this time. There were no comments from the public. #1390 M/S/C/U (Farr/Olsen) Move to pass Ordinance No. 4724 on second reading, regulating the functions of the Bremerton Parks & Recreation Commission. 9B - ORDINANCE NO. 4725 (SECOND READING) ON STREET VACATIONS FOR PORTIONS OF "C" STREET. NEBRASKA AVENUE, AN ALLEY BETWEEN BAY VIEW DRIVE WEST, AND STATE ROUTE 3, SOUTH OF "C" STREET (#AB00-238): The first reading of this ordinance was heard at the Council meeting on October 25, 2000. Information was provided by Jeff Shea, Senior Engineer, which reiterated that the rights-of-way are located in areas that were purchased by the City as part of the Wastewater Treatment Plant odor mitigation; and that a portion of these properties have been purchased by Rodney & Linda Parr for development, and the City has retained the portion of the property abutting the north end of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. There were no comments from the public. #1480 M/S/C/U (Reed/McConnell) Move to pass Ordinance No. 4725 on second reading, vacating a portion of C Street, Nebraska Avenue, and an alley between Bay View Drive West and State Route 3. Wayne Olsen stepped out of the meeting at approximately 6:17 P.M., and was not available for the previous vote. 9C - PUBLIC HEARING ON REVENUE SOURCES FOR THE 2001-2002 BUDGET (#AB00-241): Rich Hanna, City Treasurer, stated this hearing is being held as required by RCW 84.55.120, and that the hearing must include discussion of possible increases in property tax revenue. There were no comments from the public. No action from the City Council is required. Wayne Olsen returned to the meeting at approximately 6:21 P.M. TAPE #1729 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes November 1, 2000 Page 4 of 5 9D - ORDINANCE (FIRST READING), LEVYING PROPERTY TAXES FOR COLLECTION IN 2001 (#AB00-242): Rich Hanna, City Treasurer, mentioned that the City's property taxes are levied on an annual basis through passage of an ordinance. The proposed ordinance will implement a general property tax levy at the statutory rate limit and special levies for EMS and bond redemption at rates previously authorized by the voters. The language of the ordinance has been provided by the State Department of Revenue via the County Assessor's Office in order to comply with the provisions of Referendum 47. If Initiative 722 is passed by the voters, this ordinance may require modification at a latter date. Bob Duprie, Manager of Diamond Parking, asked that the City of Bremerton re-evaluate the way businesses are taxed. Mr. Hanna responded that the valuation placed on real property is established by the Kitsap County Assessor's office. He further explained that the value-based tax process would include taxes on transactions taking place on business premises such as the B & O Tax, and Sales Tax. The property valuation would determine whether total taxes on any given property would increase or decrease. #1935 M/S/C/U (Law/Reed) Move to approve ordinance on first reading, levying property taxes for collection in 2001. 9E - ORDINANCE (FIRST READING), AUTHORIZING THE LEVY OF PROPERTY TAXES AT A RATE IN EXCESS OF THE INCREASE IN THE IMPLICIT PRICE DEFLATOR (#AB00-243): Rich Hanna, City Treasurer emphasized that Referendum 47 requires City Council to pass by super- majority a separate action stating their intention to levy property taxes at a rate greater than the change in the Implicit Price Deflator. The change in the Implicit Price Deflator for 2001 taxes is 2.51%. Non-passage of this ordinance would result in the growth of future tax levies being limited by this rate of change. There were no comments from the public. Mr. Shepherd asked how much revenue would be lost if the tax rate were reduced. He also asked if during the budget process budget cuts were made, would then the Council be bound to collect the property taxes based on the increase, or could there be an allowance be made. Mr. Hanna answered that $55,000 in revenue would be lost if the ordinance were not approved and any additional information could be made available prior to the second reading of the ordinance. Mayor Horton suggested that a meeting be held with the County Assessor to help educate the Council on the assessed valuation of City property. #3645 M/S/F (Farr/OIsen) Move to approve ordinance on first reading, limiting the City's levy increase to 106% of the 2000 levy. Voted in favor of this motion: Farr, Olsen, Shepherd, Arends Voted opposed to this motion: Esser, Reed, McConnell, Law, Rollman Motion failed. With no further business, meeting concluded at 7:07 P.M. Council then reconvened in the Council Conference Room for two Executive Sessions to discuss a "Real Estate Acquisition" per RCW 42.30.110(1 )(b); and to "Review Personnel Performance" per RCW 42.30.110(1 )(g). TAPE #1729 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes November 1, 2000 Page 5 of 5 CAROL ARENDS, City Council President City of Bremerton CNPJIIs/cge c: Normal Distribution File