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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/11/95 COUNCIL N:PROVED JAN 5 1995 CITY COUNCIL KEETING HINUTES JANUARY 11, 1995 #0035 #0054 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, January 11, 1995, at 5:30 P.M., with Council President Sherril Huff-Menees presiding. *Council members present were Morrie Dawkins, John Law, David Farr, Carlos Montgomery, Bob Winters, Lon Overson, and Richard Neville. Councilman A1 Colvin was absent. Also present were City Attorney Ian Sievers and City Clerk Kathleen McCluskey. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council President Huff-Menees and Invocation given by Reverend August Lubkeman of Memorial Lutheran Church. CONSENT AGENDA A. Minutes of Meeting - December 21, 1994 #AB95-002 M/S/C/U(Neville/Montgomery) to approve the 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(Overson/Neville) on January 11, 1995, the Council does approve for payment those vouchers included and further described as follows: 181069 through 181270 in the total amount of $449,965.56. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS Mr. Winters stated today he had the opportunity to view the televised memorial service for the four Seattle firefighters who lost their lives in a recent fire. He felt it was only fitting that we pay our last respects to those firefighters who gave their lives and service to the community. He was pleased that the Bremerton Fire Department was represented at the memorial service. He displayed a map showing the boundaries of the Kitsap Lake Neighborhood Association (KLNA) and stressed the fact that anyone living within those boundaries is welcome to attend KLNA meetings. Police Chief Paul Du Fresne and A1 Wilkins of the Bremerton Fire Department will be the guest speakers at the 'next KLNA meeting, which will be held on January 18, 6:30 P.M., at the Cascade Natural Gas building. The following KLNA meeting is scheduled for February 23, 6:30 P.M., at the same location. TAPE #1258 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes January 11, 1995 Page 2 of 10 Mr. Dawkins stated we've all been reading about the fire disaster in Seattle, which brings it closer to home that such an incident could happen in any city and at any time. He believes the citizens of Bremerton can be proud to have a Fire Department that is always on the upbeat doing the right thing at the right time. Mr. MontgomezTannounced Council Districts #6, #7, and #S will hold a joint District meeting on February 2, 1995, 7:00 P.M., at the Bremerton School. District Administration Office, located at BuNell and Montgomery. The agenda for that meeting will be announced next week. Mr. Law announced the next District #3 Neighborhood meeting will be held on Tuesday, January l7, 1995, 7:00 P.M., at the Senior Center. The guest speaker at that meeting will be the City's new Police Chief Paul Du Fresne, who will answer questions and discuss topics brought up by members of the audience. Mr. Farr encouraged the residents of Districts #6, #7 and #8 to attend the February 2nd meeting. Mr. Overson reported the Neighborhood Information Network meeting, held on Tuesday, January 10, was well attended and lots of interesting discussion took place. Mrs. Huff-Menees encouraged people to attend the joint meeting for Council Districts #6, #7 and #8 on February 2. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Lynn Hotton echoed the sentiments in regard to the loss of firefighters in the recent fire in Seattle. The City did send a formal letter to both Mayor Norm Rice and their Fire Chief expressing our condolences to the City and to the families who lost a family member. The City did send a fairly large contingency to the memorial services. After watching the media reporting on the fire and memorial service, it is very evident that something like that could happen any where and every time a firefighter or Police officer goes into a situation like that, there is a chance for something to happen. She felt the City of Bremerton has been very fortunate in minimizing losses due to fire and hopes we can prevent something like that happening here. Mayor Horton read the following Proclamation: (1) Proclaiming January 16, 1995, as Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the City of Bremerton. The Proclamation was accepted by Deborah Jackson, President of Blacks in Government. Mayor Horton reported today she acted as Master Of Ceremonies for a "Geography Bee" at Peace Lutheran School. She was amazed at the TAPE #1258 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes January 11, 1995 Page 3 of 10 questions being asked the students and how astute they were from the 5th grade to the 8th grade. She found reading some of the questions a challenge, without having to answer them. She emphasized many times our young people.get slammed and the older generations tend to view them as being strictly what one reads about them in the newspapers, but there is so much good in young people world wide. She believes we have an obligation to the youth and one way would be to show support for the upcoming school levy. PUBLIC RECOGNITION Jack Lefcoski assured the public that there are lots of "empty seats" that could be filled at City Council meetings. He announced on Tuesday, January 17, 1995, 6:30 P.M., the Planning Commission will meet to discuss the City's Comprehensive Plan relative to the Growth Management Act. One element of the Comprehensive Plan is "transportation" and the public will have an opportunity to voice their concerns and opinions on such topics as neighborhood concerns, the Manette Bridge rebuilt or relocation, outside chance of a third bridge, and the Gorst-Bremerton gateway. Roy McInnis stated he wanted to put a plug in concerning advertisement for the City of Bremerton. He will be traveling to Nashville, Tennessee for the mid-winter board meeting of the National Baptist Convention USA Inc.. Upon his return from Tennessee, he would like to talk with City officials and anyone else interested in placing an advertisement in a souvenir booklet that will be published as part of a far west Baptist Church regional workshop that will be held in the Seatac area the 4th weekend of April. He felt it would be beneficial to the City of Bremerton to become known by people across the United States. GordyByrd reported he enjoyed the Neighborhood Information Network meeting on Tuesday and the information provided on the. K-Prep program was very helpful. He too was impressed with the televised memorial service for the four Seattle firefighters and felt it showed that people care about their fellow firefighters. He hoped anyone having any information about the cause of that fire would call Crime Watch. Don Atkinson, Bremerton Main Street Association, presented the City Council a plaque in recognition of their winning "FIRST PLACE" in the 1994 Holiday Window Decorating Contest. The City Council window was judged on being the most elaborate, colorful and appropriate display. He hoped this tradition is carried on into the future. Approximately 30 windows were decorated in the downtown area by a variety of groups and individuals. In reference to the future of Bremerton Main Street Association, there was a dramatic announcement in today's newspaper that he is becoming involved in getting KITZ Radio back on the air sometime in March. TAPE #1258 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes January 11, 1995 Page 4 of 10 He emphasized there will be a Main Street after "Don", just as there was a Main Street after "Pete". Main Street is formulating an aggressive program for the balance of 1995 and beyond, which includes a 2-part retreat .planned for late January. In February, they will be examining every aspect of Main Street and analyzing everything they stage and support. It is anticipated that some activities will be dropped and new ones added. They are also working on a colorful Schedule of Events for 1995. He would like to think that the only difference in the future is that when Main Street and the City tie into some worthwhile program they will also have a local radio station behind them. President Huff-Menees stated she felt she could speak for the Council that they are interested in participating in the window decoration program next year. She wished Mr. Atkinson well in his endeavor and looks forward to seeing the upcoming plans for Main Street; and it will be nice to have a local radio station again. Shannon Cook sent "get well" wishes to her father. She volunteered to do sign language at City Council meetings for anyone needing such services at Council meetings. Also, any youth interested in volunteering at Harrison Hospital can obtain more information by calling 792-6519. Deborah Jackson, President of Blacks In Government, made the following announcements of upcoming events: (1) January 16 - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 1st Annual Birthday Celebration at the Kitsap Pavilion, ll:00AM- 1:00 P.M., sponsored by the Ebenezer AME Church of Bremerton. The keynote speaker at that event will be The Honorable Frank Burgess, Federal Court Judge. (2) January 28 - 4th Annual Community Unity Banquet will be held at the Kitsap Pavilion - Admission is $25.00 per person. The keynote speaker for this program will be Carl Mack, an engineer, author, lecturer, and actor. Also, on behalf of Ms. Jackson's family, she thanked Mayor Horton and Police Chief Du Fresne for their attending the funeral of her nephew Mascio Campbell. A - 3027 OLYMPUS DRIVE BUILDING REMODEL CONTRACT AWARD, ~AB95-003 The City Council at its Study Session on May 11, 1994, approved a facility plan which allocated building space to City departments. One aspect of the plan was the consolidation of the Engineering Division into one facility. The 3027 Olympus Drive building was designated for this purpose. To meet the space requirements of the engineering division, a remodel including the addition of floor space, was required. TAPE #1258 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes January 11, 1995 Page 5 of 10 Bids were recently opened for a remodel of the 3027 Olympus Drive building. Seven bids were received with. the low bidder being Cleaver Construction in the amount of $109,268. The 1995 Water Utility budget has $90,000 allocated for the remodel. An increase in the project budget of $35,000 is required to complete the project. Council action is required for award of the contract. Tim Richard, Senior Engineer, stated the remodel proposal would consist of the construction of additional floor space including an additional floor for about one half of the structure. The space created would provide room for all engineering staff currently located at the Permit Center on 4th Street. The relocation would combine all of the Engineering staff to improve communication, better use of staff and allow more efficient operation of the division. The building is owned by the Water Utility Fund. At the May 11, 1994, Study Session, the Facility Plan was approved to include this relocation and as a result of that the 1995 Water Capital Fund budget included $90,000 for this project. On completion of the plans, the Engineer's estimate for the project was $145,000. Bids on this project were opened December 5, 1994, and the base bids, not including sales tax, ranged from $109,000 to $171,000. The low bidder was Clever Construction at $109,268.00, plus sales tax and a 5% contingency construction, making the total project cost $124,550.00. An additional $35,000 is necessary to fund the improvements as presented. The staff recommendation is to award the contract and that additional funds be allocated from the Water Capital Improvement Fund for 1995. The project from which these funds will come will be identified in the future as the 1995 budget year progresses, and a budget adjustment will be made at that time. Roy McInnis questioned the need for the additional $35,000 to complete the project? Mr. Richard explained the base bid came to $109,628.00, which does not include sales tax amounting to $9,000, for a total project cost of $118,600. Then, a 5% contingency was added and that amount to $5,600 for possible overruns, bringing the total cost to $124,550. Mr. Neville noted Mr. McInnis's question related specifically to the $35,000. He pointed out $90,000 had already been approved in the 1995 budget and in order to make the total come out an additional $35,000 is needed to complete the project. Ma~or Hotton stated she interpreted Mr. McInnis's question as being the estimate for the project was actually lower than the low bid. She emphasized there are variances in Engineering estimates and actual bids received on projects. This was a project where an amount was budgeted prior to the Engineer's estimate being determined, and when the bids were opened and the low bidder determined the actual project cost was identified. Mr. Overson asked if the Engineer's estimate moves to fit the situation? Mayor Hotton stated no, she believed it depends on TAPE #1258 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes January 11, 1995 Page 6 of 10 where you end up at the end of the process. She noted when this project was first reviewed by the Engineer staff, they anticipated the cost to be lower. Mr Winters asked Mr. Richard to explain the layout of the project, especially the addition of the second floor. Mr. Richard explained the existing building is a steel frame structure with half of the structure in open bays for storming Utility trucks and the remainder of the building is a two story structure. With the construction of the Public Works Complex, the large equipment has been moved to that location, thereby vacating the "bay" areas. The expansion will include extension of the second floor through the bay area and finishing the newly construction area on the top floor into offices and doing some finish work downstairs. Mr. Winters asked when the old telemetry equipment is removed, would 'that possibly eliminate the need for this remodel job. Mr. Richard stated no, the telemetry equipment takes up only 30-40 sq. ft., and it is proposed to move 11-12 staff into the building. Mr. Winters questioned the square footage that will be acquired when the second story is completed? Mr. Richard stated the second story would provide an additional 3,000 sq. ft. of office space. Mr. Dawkins questioned the square footage of the Engineering Department space in the building on 4th Street? Mr. Richard stated he felt the space would be about equal. Mr. Farr stated when this proposal was discussed in mid 1994, a number of details were reviewed for reorganization of the space for the different departments. He asked Mr. Richard to summarize which services will be moved from their present location to the new location. Mr. Richard stated currently one half of the Engineering Division that deals with transportation issues is located on the second floor of the Permit Center, along with the City Engineer and survey crew, and all of them will be moved to the new location. Mr. Neville asked if this proposal would bring the building into ADA requirements? Mr. Richard state there is no handicap access to the second floor. If one was proposed, it would require installation of an elevator, however, the first floor is in compliance. The proposed plans have been reviewed by the Building Department. Mr. Neville stated he could not support this proposal without meeting ADA standards, and felt City facilities have to meet such requirements. Mayor Hotton emphasized the lower floor of the building is currently handicap accessible. A conference room and several offices are located on the upper floor and they are not handicap accessible. Mr. Neville asked if he understood correctly the planned use for the second story will be for offices? Mayor Hotton stated it will be used for both uses, offices and a conference room. She pointed out ADA requires that reasonable TAPE #1258 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes January 11, 1995 Page 7 of 10 accommodations be made available for disabled employees, which could be provided on the lower level of the building. There is'no requirement to make such accommodations for the general public. Ian Sievers, City Attorney, stated the rules are more stringent where public access is needed. He felt that an exception may have been made based on the value of the remodel compared with the existing building, however, he did not know the precise requirements. Mr. Neville stated he foresees a change order or another bid proposal coming back in a couple of years for installation and preferred to address the problem now thereby saving the taxpayers money. Mayor Herton indicated there are no plans to install an elevator, however, if such access is needed the City might consider installing a chair lift like the one to be installed on the second floor of the City Hall building. Mr. Law asked if there would be any public services on the second floor that could not be delivered to a handicapped person on the first floor? Mayor Hotton stated she knew of none, based on the fact the ground level floor is handicap accessible. Mr. Winters stated he walked through the building, asked questions, and looked around and observed that surplus materials were being stored in the bay area. He questioned where will the extra surplus material be housed if the bay area is to be converted to office space? Mr. Richard explained the proposed project includes finishing off the bay area to a point where it will be insulated and used to archive files. The inventory of pip fittings, etc., will be located in that same area. Mr. Winters questioned the additional cost of $35,000 to complete the work that is to be done to the building and was finding it hard to support due to that inconsistency. Mr. Richard emphasized the project would also include electrical, heating and ventilation of the newly constructed area and there is no place to structurally place the floor beams on the outside of the building, so there is the requirement for a structural wall. Mr. Farr stated he is not an expert on ADA requirements and in his understanding the ADA Act goes the extra mile and certainly provides requirements to cover almost all situations for any type of public buildings. In recognizing that, he suggested Council rely on staff's assurance that the City would be meeting ADA requirements. Mayor Hotton pointed out Jack A11ingham, staff support from the Planning Department, was present and could substantiate her earlier comment about meeting ADA requirements on this proposal. She also pointed out currently the City's Municipal Court Room and Attorney's Office are not handicap accessible. If the City hired a disabled person, it is required that the City provide #1812 TAPE #1258 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes January 11, 1995 Page 8 of 10 accommodations for that individual. Mr. Dawktns reflected on the original cost of installing an elevator in the City Hall building. He also supported the comment that information available on the second floor could be brought down to the public area on the ground level, which is handicap accessible. President Huff-Menees stated with concern voiced regarding the cost of this project, she reminded Council that the lowest bid, which is the recommended bid, is $109,000 and six other bids were above $125,000, which substantiates the fact that this project is greater than the City's original estimate. She felt comfortable accepting the lowest bid. M/S/C(Law/Farr) to authorize and direct the Mayor to execute the contract with Cleaver Construction in the amount of $109,268 for the remodel of the 3027 Olympus Drive building. Vote on motion: Motion carried. In Favor: Overson, Farr, Law, Huff-Menees, Montgomery, Dawkins, Opposed: Winters, Neville 7B - BREMERTON COMMUNITY ACCESS TELEVISION RULES, #AB95-004 On June 23, 1994, City Council adopted Bremerton Community Access Television Rules & Procedures. Subsequently, it was determined by staff that clarification of intent in rules application required changes in the procedures. The Cable Communications Advisory Committee, working with staff, proposes the following changes: scheduling of playback requests to provide equitable time allocation of Public, Education, and Government programming; and addition of a "Safe Harbor" provision to facilitate airing programming intended for more "mature" audiences at hours when more sensitive viewers are less likely to be watching. Other changes include provision for suspending playback in the event BCAT determines that any materials may be in violation of BCAT rules and provides an appeal process for'producers of such programming. Public comment - none. Mr. Neville thanked the Cable Communications Advisory Committee for their effort in developing this plan, especially Patrick Hirsch, Bremerton Cable Access Manager, which tightens up the governing of community access television. Also, this will provide more ways of helping the public become more user friendly as well as protecting the City's interest. President Huff-Menees echoed Mr. Neville's comments and noted that #1973 #2119 #2227 TAPE #1258 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes January 11, 1995 Page 9 of 10 the City has an immensely dedicated group of people working with BCAT and are fortunate to have their expertise and dedication. M/S/C/U(Neville/Montgomery) to approve and adopt Bremerton Community Access Television Rules & Procedures as presented. 8A - RESOLUTION NO. 2492, SETTING THE HEKRING DATE FOR VACATION OF M~DISON 8TREETKNDA PORTION OF THE ALLEY WITHIN THE MONROE STREET ANNEXATION AREA, #AB95-005 The City Council is being requested to hear an application for the vacation of Madison Street and a portion of the alley within the recent Monroe Street annexation area. Title 35 R.C.W., Chapter 35.79 requires "...legislative authority by resolution shall fix a time when the petition will be heard and determined by such authority for a committee thereof, which time shall not be more than sixty days nor less than twenty days after the date of the passage of such resolution". Jack A11ingham, Current Planning, provided a view graph showing the location of the subject site...north of Werner Road about 100 feet to the west of Kean Street at the intersection of Werner Road and Kean Street. By passing the Resolution, Council will set a Public Hearing date of February 1. Public comment - none. M/S/C/U(Montgomery/Dawkins) to adopt proposed Resolution No. 2492 to set date for public hearing (proposed public hearing February 1, 1995 -- 21 days after Resolution adopted). Mr. Montgomery asked if the City could investigate the possibility of another Resolution to vacate the remainder of the alley? Mr. Allingham states yes, the City could advertise vacation... reviewing the whole alley to see if it is warranted. 8B - RESOLUTION #2493, AMENDING THE DATE OF THE ROCKY POINT ANNEXATION ELECTION, #AB95-006 Public Comment - none. Mr. Winters stated he could not support this proposal as presented due to the fact that it was an add on item to the Agenda and the public was not given prior notice that the action would be before Council at this meeting. M/S/C(Law/Farr) to approve Resolution #2493, amending the date of the Rocky Point Annexation Election to May 16, 1995, for said proposition by mail in ballot. TAPE #1258 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes January 11, 1995 Page 10 of 10 Vote on motion: In Favor: Overson, Neville, Farr, Huff-Menees, Montgomery, Dawkins Opposed: Winters With no further business meeting adjourned at 6:45 P.M. KA McCLUSK~Y, City Clerk KLM/SH-M/me cc: Normal Distribution File/Vault