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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/29/95TAPE #1274 UNAPPROVED DRAFT APR 19 199 5 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MARCH 29, 1995 #0032 #0049 The regular 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, March 29, 1995, at 5:30 P.M., with Council President Sherril Huff-Menees presiding. Council members present were Bob Winters, A1 Colvin, Morrie Dawkins, Carlos Montgomery, John Law, Richard Neville, David Farr and Lon Overson. Also present were City Attorney Ian Sievers and City Clerk Kathy McCluskey. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council President Huff-Menees and Invocation given by Reverend Rick Lund of Family of God Lutheran Church. CONSENT AGENDA A. Minutes of Meeting - March 8, 1995 #AB95-059 M/S/C/U(Neville/Farr) 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. M/S/C/U(Colvin/Dawkins) on March 29, 1995, the Council does approve for payment those vouchers included and further described as follows: 183298 through 183300, 18313 through 183508 in the total amount of $302,573.25; and Retirees' Payroll in the amount of $86,100.92 for the period ending March 31, 1995. President Huff-Menees made the following announcements: (1) Following the Council meeting, the City Council will hold a Study Session to discuss the Fire Department's fire boat. (2) Study Session, Monday, April 3, 1995, 6:00 - 9:00 P.M., in the Council Conference Room. Topics to be discussed: (a) Construction Project Update (b) Roosevelt Field Replacement (c) Blueberry Park Master Plan (d) Evergreen Park Master Plan COUNCIL MEMBER REPORT8 TAPE #1274 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes March 29, 1995 Page 2 of 12 Mr. Winters cautioned drivers to please drive more carefully. Even though weather conditions have been nice, he has observed several accidents on Kitsap Way. Mr. Colvin reported over the past week he received two phone calls from citizens expressing their support of Mayor Horton's performance as Mayor. Mr. Dawklns stated the last report he heard about the impact of traffic on Kitsap Way was that it is already 175% over capacity. Bremerton is becoming crowded with traffic like other towns. Mr..Montgomery stated he received a note from Roy Miller, a West Bremerton resident, expressing his appreciation of the Public Works paving crew for the professional asphalt overlay work on 6th Street between Wycoff Avenue and Montgomery Avenue. He announced a District #8 newsletter will be mailed out soon reporting on Forest Ridge Park's redevelopment. Mr. Farr emphasized City Council Study Sessions are open to the public and he hoped members of the public would be interested in the City's fire boat issue and attend the Study Session immediately following the City Council meeting. Mr. Neville reminded everyone of the West Bremerton Narrows Neighborhood Information Network meeting, April 11, 7:00 - 8:30 P.M., at the Neighborhood Christian Center. The program for that meeting will include parking enforcement, presented by Deborah Goodell, Parking Supervisor, and continued discussion on neighborhood pre-planning outlook and neighborhood concerns. Lastly, the Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring, along with the Bremerton Police Department and the Youth Council, Battle Of Bands on Friday, March 31, at Sheridan Park Center, 8:00 - 12:00 P.M., Admission - $3.00. Mr. Overson reported things are happening in the downtown area with the reconstruction of the Elks Building kicking off mid April and a completion date of February 1996. The general plan is for the Elks Building to be retained in its original architecture along with an added section. The street level area will be retained for a marketing/commercial area. There are two areas in the project where people need to get involved: (1) a search is on to rename the building. Suggestion of names can be forwarded to the City Council Office or Steve McGraw, who is with the Catholic Archdiocese Organization located in Seattle; (2) a marketing plan is needed for the commercial areas located along the street level. He was pleased to report the opening of a new business at 315 Pacific Avenue - This, That And The Other. TAPE #1274 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes March 29, 1995 Page 3 of 12 MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Lynn Hotton read the following Proclamation: 1. April 1995 as Earthquake Awareness Month. Mayor Horton announced the City will participate in an earthquake drill at City Hall on April 26, 8:56 A.M.. City business will be disrupted for a period of time to allow employees to participate in a "drop, cover and hold" procedure and evacuation of City Hall. The City's Emergency Manual is completed and will be brought to Council within a week or two for their approval. Mayor Horton introduced the 1995 Armed Forces Queen candidates. Amy Kilbridge, South Kitsap High School; Jessica Cox, Kings West High School; Erica Phillippi, Bremerton High School; Kelly Herkert, Bremerton High School; Ami Jefferson, Bremerton High School; Christina Wright, Bremerton High School; Kinsey Loudon, South Kitsap High School; Mashavu Gordon, Olympic High School; Jennifer Enriquez, Olympic High School; Shawna Stine, Olympic College. Mayor Horton also introduced Lorna Crawford and Lynn Wallace, Queens Court Co-Chairmen. PUBLIC RECOGNITION LeroV Adams, Chief Storekeeper, Bangor Base, stated he is seeking out needs in Bremerton that could be matched with volunteers from the Navy, Army and Air Force for community sponsored programs. He would like to also see a tie in with Kings Bay, Georgia and Sub Base Bangor since Naval personnel travel back and forth between the two bases on a regular basis. Helen Haven, Anderson Hill Road, invited City Council members and anyone in the general public to participate in a walking tour of the Anderson Creek Watershed property on Friday, April 7, 1995, 3:00 P.M.. The tour will be lead by Kathleen Cahall, Water Resources Manger. Del Knauss asked when did City Council change the rules that would not allow testimony on the Land Use Element of the proposed Comprehensive Plan during Public Recognition, since it was not listed on printed Agenda under "Public Hearing" for this meeting? President Huff-Menees stated Council had not changed any rules. Mr. Knauss pointed out that in his opinion the people wanting to talk about the Land Use Element of the proposed Comprehensive Plan should have been allowed to speak during the time designated as "Public Recognition"- President Huff-Menees explained Council was not taking that interpretation. Public testimony on the Land Use Element was taken at length during the March 22 Public Hearing. 7A - BID AWARD - OLYMPUS DRIVE PHONE SYSTEM UPGRADE, #AB95-060 Bids were opened for the Olympus Drive phone upgrade project on #0863 TAPE #1274 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes March 29, 1995 Page 4 of 12 March 15, 1995. Opening List). Northwest. Five (5) bids were received (see attached Bid The low bidder was Sprint United Telephone - The existing phone system at the Olympus Drive facility is currently being utilized to its capacity. Fifteen (15) additional lines would have to be leased at a cost of $180.00 per year, per lihe to accommodate the relocation of Engineering personnel into this facility. If this system is not installed, the City will pay over $10,000 annually to U.S. West in line lease charges. A breakdown of this value is shown below: , 42 lines @ $180 per line, per year = Data circuit annual cost = TOTAL = $7,560.00 $3,120.00 $10,680.00 (, Includes 15 new lines for Engineering) Installation of this system will eliminate these charges in total. Jim Spencer, Administrative Analyst Public Works and Utilities Department, explained this item was budgeted under Water Capital in an amount of $17,500. Five bids were received with the low bidder being Sprint United Telephone NW in the amount of $14,173.00. A positive feature of this bid is the fact it will be paid in full in 11/2 years. Public comment - none. Mr. Law complimented Mr. Spencer on the presentation he made before the Fiscal and Budget Committee; and the financial data provided identified its being cost effective. Mr. Spencer acknowledged the assistance of personnel in the Electronics Division in generating those numbers. Mr. Winters questioned if the City had a purchaser for the surplused phone equipment? Mr. Spencer explained the old telephone system will be put up for sale and their intent is to get the best price for it. Mr. Overson questioned for clarification if the Engineering Department phone numbers will stay the same under the new system? Mr. Spencer stated yes. M/S/C/U(Montgomery/Colvin) to authorize and direct the Mayor to execute the contract for the Olympus Drive phone system upgrade with Sprint United Telephone - Northwest for the bid amount of $14,173.00, subject to City Administrative Policies and Procedures. TAPE #1274 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes March 29, 1995 Page 5 of 12 0931 #0996 7B - REAPPOINTMENT OF PLANNING COMMISSIONER TO NEW TERM -- WAYNE OLSEN, #AB95-061 Wayne Olsen has served on the Planning Commission since January 1993. He was appointed at that time to serve an unexpired term. It is recommended he be appointed to another term on the Planning Commission. MaYor Lynn Horton reviewed Mr. Olsen's background, emphasizing his community activities and that he is the sole proprietor of Olsen Sheetmetal. He has served well on the Planning Commission, therefore she urged Council to confirm his reappointment to the Planning Commission Public comment - none. Mr. Montgomery stated Mr. Olsen served with him on the Citizens Advisory Committee for the Comprehensive Plan and with his dual position on the Planning Commission he was a great asset to the citizens on that group. He highly recommended Mr. Olsen be reappointed to the Planning Commission. President Huff-Menees thanked Mr. Olsen for his prior service and willingness to continue to serve. M/S/C/U(Colvin/Montgomery) to approve the reappointment of Wayne Olsen to another term on the Planning Commission. 7C - REAPPOINTMENT OF PLANNING COMMISSIONER TO NEW TERM -- JOHN HANCOCK, #AB95-062 John Hancock has served on the Planning Commission since August 1993. He was appointed at that time to serve an unexpired term. It is recommended he be appointed to another term on the Planning Commission. Mayor Horton reviewed Mr. Hancock's community involvement, employment, and education background. She emphasized Mr. Hancock has been a wonderful asset to the Planning Commission and urged Council's confirmation of his reappointment. Public comment - none. Mr. Neville asked Mayor Horton if this appointment fills all vacancies on the commission? Mayor Hotton stated no, she has one position still open. M/S/C/U(Neville/Farr) to approve the reappointment of John Hancock to another term on the Planning Commission. TAPE #1274 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes March 29, 1995 Page 6 of 12 #1131 8A - ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) RELATING TO CABLE TVOCCUPATION TAX AND AMENDING BMC 5.02, #AB95-063 At present, cable companies pay a 5% franchise fee and a 2% tax on gross revenue. This amendment would redistribute this charge to 7% tax and zero percent franchise fee after April 1, 1995, the date that cable franchise agreements expire with both TCI and Falcon. This action is being taken because the Navy has advised the City of its intent to become sole franchise authority over all Navy properties within the City. When existing franchises expire, we will no longer be able to charge franchise fees of 5% for subscriber revenue generated at Jackson Park or PSNS. We do have the taxing authority to charge tax on this Navy subscriber base. Thus, by taxing at 7% and reducing the franchise fee, we will retain the same level of income generation from cable operations throughout the City, including Navy properties. Paula Johnston, License Inspector, pointed out this proposal is not a tax increase to the cable companies or cable subscribers, it is only redistribution. The City has been told the Navy is taking an active role in becoming a Franchise authority within Navy properties. The action before Council would protect the City's taxing authority to retain the Utility Tax and Franchise Fee revenues that are currently coming from Navy properties. It looks unlikely, in the City's refranchising, that the City will be able to count the Navy properties as part of the City's franchise area. The City does have full taxing jurisdiction over all utility companies that operate within Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Jackson Park. Public comment - none. M/S/C/U(Colvin/Dawkins) to approve ordinance, on first reading, relating to occupation tax for cable television service companies, and amending Chapter 5.02 of the Bremerton Municipal Code. 9A - CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING TO DISCUSS BREMERTON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN REVISIONS -- HOUSING; CAPITAL FACILITIES; AND UTILITIES ELEMENTS, #AB95-052 Planning Commission Resolution No. 1995-1 proposes amendments to the Bmme~on Comprehensive Plan to bring it into compliance with the Growth Management Act (GMA). The March 29, 1995 continued public hearing will focus on the Housing; Capital Facilities; and Utilities Elements of the Plan. Proposed revisions to these elements are attached as exhibits. If the Council is ready to consider a resolution adopting the proposed amendments, the public hearing should be continued at TAPE #1274 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes March 29, 1995 Page 7 of 12 #1360 least once more to a time and a certain date. direct the staff to prepare a resolution revisions for consideration at that time. The Council should and any additional President Huff-Menees announced at the March 22 City Council meeting the discussion on the Transportation Element was carried over to this meeting, however, it will be carried over to the City Council meeting on April 5. Ron Hough, Planning Manager, stated this is the third of four public hearings on the Comprehensive Plan. He pointed out there is one issue that was left over from the March 22 meeting, a Land Use issue that received extensive testimony regarding the Anderson Creek area. The proposal is to change that area from its current designation as Utility Land to Industrial Park. At the previous Council meeting, there was public testimony requesting that the redesignation be delayed until some additional studies and environmental work be done on the property. If that was the case, then the designation should be Utility Land (UL). The question was never asked of the City Council following that testimony, therefore, he asked if Council would like to direct staff to make that change back to Utility Land or leave it as is..."Industrial Park", and take additional testimony on the Land Use Element at the April 5 Council meeting. M/S/C/U(Law/Colvin) to not make any changes until additional input is given at the April 5 City Council meeting. HOUSING ELEMENT - presented by Kay Wilson, Senior Planner - The Housing Element of the Comprehensive Plan is one of the required elements by the Growth Management Act. The City is required to conduct an inventory to determine existing housing conditions and adopt goals, policies and strategies to show how we are going to comply with Growth Management goals. Ms. Wilson presented an expanded overview of the Housing Element. Mr. Colvin asked if the City can enforce private citizens to develop their real estate holdings into low income housing? Mr. Wilson stated unfortunately no. Mr. Colvin asked how is it proposed to equalize low income housing between the City of Bremerton and the County? Ms. Wilson stated that is a good question and no one has an answer because no one is getting specific about it. She anticipates it will become an interesting discussion over the coming year at the Kitsap Regional Planning Council level. What she felt it would mean to the City, is if there is money in the County to build low income housing units, this would give Bremerton a guidance that the City should not accept more low income housing unless there were circumstances that TAPE #1274 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes March 29, 1995 Page 8 of 12 make it important to have it. For example, it might be with this policy in affect a proposal for an Elks building type of single room occupancy downtown would be proposed and the City policy might say by the year 2014 we're going to bring our proportion of low income housing down. But, she felt the City Council would have some discretion to say well "this particular kind of housing is very important for the City and it is important we have it". She also felt the situations would come up when a source of funding was identified. There is also an issue here that needs to be addressed and that is you can't expect to sprinkle low income housing throughout the County in rural areas as much as in urban areas because people that need low income housing probably will need bus service and convenience to other services. One way this might work on a County-wide level, if there is agreement that the low income housing should go into the urban growth areas. She emphasized the City of Port Orchard is in the same situation as Bremerton - having a high proportion of low income housing. Mr. Overson asked, by comparison, how much low income housing has the County developed around the Silverdale area? Ms. Wilson stated they did not conduct an inventory of the County's low income housing, therefore, she did not have an answer for Mr. Overson. There is a report generated by the County that could provide an answer. Mr. Montgomery asked if it was true that the County, through their Land Use Element, have almost precluded additional low income housing by limiting the number of units per acre? Ms. Wilson stated she didn't believe anything the County has done would limit low income housing, but you probably would not choose a rural site with a low density for such housing. Basically, instead of approving a specific policy like the City's, the County adopted the same general policy that is in the County-wide policy thereby leaving the issue open. CAPITAL FACILITIES ELEMENT - presented by Kay Wilson, Senior Planner, - An overview of the Capital Facilities Element, which included an introduction, Planning Framework that describes the regional and state and county-wide policies that the City must work within; and it includes two main parts - A Capital Facilities Plan and a Capital Facilities Program. Mr. Overson asked Ms. Wilson to explain the negative figures displayed under "Capacity". Ms. Wilson stated the graphic showed that sometime in the next 20 years if the City 'did not add any capacity to the sewer treatment plant and conveyance system, there would be a deficit to handle 11,000 new people. She referenced the City's Sewer Comprehensive Plan that indicates what can be done to build the capacity in order to handle the additional population. TAPE #1274 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes March 29, 1995 Page 9 of 12 Over the next six years, assuming the City's CSO outflow program removes the stormwater out of the sanitary sewer system, the City's sewer capacity is adequate. Over the next 20 years, the City will have to make most of the improvements identified in the Sewer Plan in order to handle the increased population. If no improvements are made and the sewer plant and conveyance systems says the same, there will be ll,000 people who would have to go without sewer service. Mr. Overson questioned what would happen with 21,000 additional people? Ms. Wilson explained currently there are approximately 8,000 people in the City's sewer service area that are not hooked up, so the City will be required to hook up 20,000 new people plus the existing 8,000. The sewer plan will be coming before Council in the next few months and the last draft she reviewed showed the City would have the capacity to serve 80,000 people once all the improvements were made as listed in the plan. Mr. Montgomer7 asked if it was true that the sewer treatment plant is currently operating at 60% capacity? Kathleen Cahall, Water Resources Manager, stated currently the sewer plant is at 60-70% capacity. Ms. Wilson stated one of the reasons we are talking about more than 20,000 people is that the City's sewer service area goes beyond City limits. It takes in another 10-20,000 people in the 20-year period being discussed. Mr. Overson asked if that wasn't incorrect planning because we've taken people outside the City on sewers and as a result it restricts future sewer capacity? Ms. Wilson stated the sewer service area study, which was conducted as part of the new Wastewater Plan, drew the City's service area back from where it was previously thought the City would service in years prior for that very reason. The past is past, and for whatever reasons sewer service was extended outside the City and the present sewer service boundaries are pretty much based on the drainage basins. The Comprehensive Plan proposes the use of the sewer service area that is in the City's draft Wastewater Plan and suggests a couple of additions: (1) add a little area west of Kitsap Lake to bring the boundaries straight down following the section line, which would include property that they feel would be logical to receive sewer service; (2) the Rocky Point area has been identified to be included in the sewer service area only if it chooses to annex into the City. If they choose to not annex, as a result of the coming election, the City's sewer service boundary would simply preclude them, which would add some capacity to the positive side. In terms of the capacity of the City's sewer plant, it would give more flexibility and lower the number of County residents being served by the City's treatment plant. Mr. Overson raised the point about failing septic systems in the Rocky Point area and people having to close their homes and move out. Ms.. TAPE #1274 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes March 29, 1995 Page 10 of 12 Wilson stated that would be an issue between affected residents and the Health District, if the annexation proposal is not approved. Mr. Farr brought out the point that when more people sign up for sewer service more revenue is generated, which could be used to increase plant capacity thereby creating a positive result by gaining new service areas. John Poppe, Wastewater Manager, explained when more people are involved you have the economy as a scale and the diffusion of cost is better. Mr. Overson questioned aren't we a bit ahead of ourselves by planning additions that we are not prepared to take aboard, particularly the challenges the Utility has been up against, or do you feel we have a plan that will adopt this and the details will fold out? Ms. Wilson stated the draft Wastewater Treatment plan says the City has the potential to serve some 86,000 people, if improvements are made as identified in that plan. Mr. Colvin asked if it was true that separation of stormwater from the sewer system will increase capacity of the sewer treatment plant? Ms. Wilson stated yes, and the table she provided during her discussion is premised on that very fact. If the City does not remove the stormwater from the sewer system, there would not be enough capacity for the next six years. Mr. Lawquestioned if the current sewer treatment plant capacity of 60-70% is already factoring in the stormwater? Mr. PopDe explained right now that includes stormwater and with the rainfall they see a peaking factor four times the normal flow through the treatment plant. As soon as there is a rainfall, the volume of flow can shoot up to 30 million gallons per day, which is the design capacity for that facility, and is clearly indicative of high rain inflow infiltration. Mr. Law questioned once the stormwater separation is complete, will the treatment plant be below the 60- 70% capacity. Mr. Poppe stated yes, and the work being done to separate stormwater is actually investing in the long term. TAPE #1275 Mr. Farr asked for clarification on a figure that showed Puget Sound Naval Shipyard using 3.2 million gallons of water per day. And, under "Assumptions" it shows the same figure for PSNS for the year 2000 as 2014. He questioned is it not anticipated that PSNS will increase in its water usage? Ms. Cahall stated the City was told by PSNS to use that assumption unless they heard differently from them. Mr. Farr referenced the proposed shipyard expansion plans and questioned if their water use would remain constant? Ms~ Cahall stated that was something that needed to be looked into. UTILITIES ELEMENT - presented by Kay Wilson, Senior Planner - This element is comprised of an Introduction, Goals and Polices and an TAPE #1275 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes March 29, 1995 Page 11 of 12 Inventory Analysis and Future Needs; and deals with natural gas, electric utilities and telecommunication. Mr. Overson highlighted the natural gas utility and the fact it projected triple distribution capacity to an area over a 3-year period. Ms. Wilson explained several major projects will be undertaken by the natural gas company over the next three years that will upgrade the distribution pipeline to the peninsula area. Mr. Law questioned if Bremerton was considered part of the North Kitsap designation for Puget Power? Ms. Wilson stated yes, Puget Power separates Kitsap into two service areas and Bremerton is included in the south part of the North Kitsap area. Mr. Law stated there was mention of transmission lines from llth Street over to Manette and after that he heard that Bainbridge Island transmission lines were not contemplated. He questioned if there would still be an upgrade to transmission lines to Manette whether or not the Bainbridge Island route was completed? Bill Enger, Puget Power, stated no, the Manette route would only come into play if the Bainbridge Island route was included. That project has been placed "on hold" due to cost and they are looking at other alternative methods of solving some of those problems. Mr. Oolvin asked how Bainbridge Island was serviced at the present time? Mr. Enger stated Bainbridge Island has experienced some of the poorest reliability in Puget Power's nine county system. Therefore, Puget Power's main concern is to improve that reliability. Mr. Overson noted in the downtown part of the City, Puget Power has done an excellent job providing reliability during difficult weather conditions. The other side of that, there are areas in need of pole maintenance, however, the word out is that Puget Power has slowed their maintenance program due to funding restrictions. He questioned if that situation was short term? Mr. ~nger stated that question was difficult to answer and they are challenged in having to work with restricted budgets. Puget Power has reduced its staff in nine counties by 20% in the last two years. But, it is their intention to maintain the system in a reasonable manner and they are trying to do their best to meet that need. Public comment - none. Mr. Colvin stated he was aware that a member of the City Council feels that lighting for the City in some areas is inadequate and he anticipated Mr. Enger would be contacted in the near future. Mr. Enger stated he would be happy to address that point when contacted. Mr. Meville stated in dealing with the Mayor on the #0575 TAPE #1275 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes March 29, 1995 Page 12 of 12 issue of street lighting, the City is taking an aggressive approach and pursuing every option to make improvements. Mr. Dawkins stated the Planning staff has done a magnificent job with a tough subject that took three years to develop in putting together the Comprehensive Plan. He recognized that not everyone understands all phase of the plan, and anticipates that challenges will be made for some time. Bill Enger stated Puget Power deals with over 80 jurisdictions in the nine county service territory and the Growth Management Act, Comprehensive Plan and Utility Elements in all of the jurisdictions have been a real challenge for their organization. They have found the.City's planning staff, particularly Ron Hough, Kay Wilson and Don Pratt, to be receptive to inquiries and input as well as challenging them from time-to-time, as they should. He was pleased to report Puget Power is satisfied with the Utilities Element of the City's Comprehensive Plan. Councilman Bob Winters left the City Council Chambers at 7:30 P.M. M/S/C/U(Law/Colvin) to oontinue the public hearing on proposed revisions to the Bremerton Comprehensive Plan to April 5. With no further business meeting adjourned at 7:55 P.M. KA~THLEE~NL.M~cCLU Y,KE City Clerk KLM/SH-M/me cc: Normal Distribution File/Vault