HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/06/95COUNCIL
APPROVED
JAN 10
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
DECEMBER 6, 1995
#0022
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, December 6, 1995, at 5:30 P.M.,
with Council President Sherril Huff-Menees presiding. Council
members present were Bob Winters, Al Colvin, Morrie Dawkins, Carlos
Montgomery, John Law, David Farr, and Lon Overson.
Councilmen Richard Neville and Bob Winters were 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 Pastor Sam Rachal,
Jr. of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church.
CONSENT AGENDA
None
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/Montgomery) on December 6, 1995, the Council does
approve for payment those vouchers included and further described
as follows: 190049 through 190210 in the amount of $384,410.41;
and Regular Payroll for the period ending 11-30-95, in the amount
of $710,732.33.
President Huff-Menees made the following announcement:
(1) City Council Executive Session immediately following Council
meeting to discuss "Real Estate".
(2) Two City Council Study Sessions following the above noted
Executive Session. Topics of discussion: "Waterfront Project
Negotiation" and "Memorandum Of Understanding".
(3) City Council Study Session on December 18, 1995, starting at
5:30 P.M., in the Council Conference Room. Topics of discussion
will be Public Works and Utilities Department issues.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Mr. Colvin expressed his appreciation for all cards, letters and
get well wishes he has received these past few weeks. He was
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pleased to report some good news - Pauline Machinski wished to
thank Dave Coleman of the Parks Department for taking care of a
problem that was the Parks Department responsibility. He referenced
a letter he received from the Bremerton - Kitsap County Health
District in which they explained the Health District can respond to
unhealthy living conditions under their Solid Waste Regulations, if
the garbage is located outside of the house. The
Residential/Landlord Tenant Act Chapter 59.18 RCW also grants
certain rights to tenants, including the right to a clean rental at
the commencement of the tenancy. The tenant is required to notify
the landlord the unit is not clean.
Mr. Dawkins stated being the sentimental type, he is enjoying the
beautiful Christmas light displays throughout the City.
Mr. Montgomery announced the Forest Ridge Park restrooms are in the
process of being restored.
Mr. Law recognized the fact thatAmy Burnett Gallery is advertising
in the Seattle newspapers and encouraging people to come to
Bremerton. The next District #3 Neighborhood Meeting is scheduled
for January 16. He extended "Happy Holidays" to everyone.
Mr. Farr stated two projects in the City caught his eye - the
remodel and second story addition to the former National Bank of
Bremerton at 6th and Park and the former Elks' building.
Mr. Overson stated somewhat counter to a letter to the Editor some
new homes are being built in District #1 and District #9. He
enjoyed the weekend activities downtown, including the arrival of
St. Nick. He complimented the City Street Department for their
efforts keeping the Warren Avenue Bridge sanded this morning in an
effort to make driving safer on icy streets.
MAYOR'8 REPORT
Mayor Lynn Hotton stated it was good to be back after missing a
rather lively Council meeting the prior week. She was pleased to
report the "big toy", which was funded through Block Grant funds,
is in place at the Warren Avenue Playfield. The Parks Department
will be systematically replacing play equipment that is not up to
standards. She pointed out a survey has been included on the
Utility Billing seeking citizen input on what they feel are
important areas of the City (20-identified areas). Citizens are
being asked to rate their "top five" issues where they would like
to see more emphasis placed.
PUBLIC RECOGNITION
John Thomas suggested that the proceeds from the sale of the
Anderson Creek watershed property be placed in a special account as
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seed money for building a filtration facility when needed. Also,
if the shallow wells in the Anderson Creek area become polluted due
to industrial uses in that area, possibly the City could provide
those residents with City water for a period of time. At the
previous Council meeting someone commented about the construction
at the Walmart site on Wheaton Way causing environmental problems.
He cautioned that the contractor should not be blamed, but rather
the public officials allowing the dirt to be moved during the rainy
season. He referenced two letters to the Editor, one from Mr.
Pratt, Director of Community Development and Bill McKinney, the
City's Forester, and felt it was a shame the local newspaper could
not report issues as they happen and that City Officials have to
respond in that manner.
Fay McClain, owner of This That And Another representing the
Downtown Business Association, reported the Treasure Hunt went very
well. She invited everyone to the Christmas Music Festival on
December 16.
De1 Knauss started he is a registered voter and hoped that gave him
the right to speak during this opportunity for public input. He
along with others in the community were not pleased with Mr.
Montgomery's comments relating to his serving only registered
voters in the City. The City Charter only requires that members of
the City Council, Mayor and Civil Service Commission be registered
voters, also many of the Department Heads, staff and members of
commissions are not required to be registered voters. The City,
State and Federal government does not ask people if they are
registered voters before collecting tax dollars from them, which
pays for their salaries. The City is currently working on making
some changes to the City Charter, maybe we should include a section
titled the "MontyAmendment" that says only registered voters have
the right to speak to the City Council during Public Recognition or
Agenda items. It concerned him that a few Council members were
making the whole Council look bad.
Carol Atkinson, Bremerton Main Street, thanked Councilman Overson
and Councilman Law for attending the Christmas Tree lighting
ceremony on December 1. She also thanked the Bremerton Fire
Department, Police Department, Bremerton High School Choir and
Bremerton High School Key Club for their help in making this event
a success. Main Street is excited about working with the Port Of
Bremerton on the dedication of the pedestrian shelter on the First
Street dock, and the Grand Opening of the Police Resource Division
on 4th Street. Both events will occur on December 14, beginning at
5:00 P.M., on the waterfront.
Gordy Byrd extended a special "thank you" to a group of Olympic
High School DECA Club members for their effort in preparing a
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Thanksgiving Day dinner, which was free
7A - PUBLIC DEFENDER CONTRACT -- ROVANG & ASSOCIATE8, #AB95-263
The law firm of Rovang & Associates was hired to perform public
defender services under a three year contract commencing February
1, 1994. The attached proposed contract makes the following
changes:
The term is extended for a three year period, January 1, 1997
to December 31, 1999.
Compensation for 1996, the final year of the existing contract
shall be in the amount of $98,000. A reduction of $17,000
from the 1995 compensation. The reduction is based upon two
factors: a) a decrease in assignments; and b) the extension of
the contract assures Mr. Rovang continued cash flow on an
annually negotiated basis.
Carryover cases reduced from 6 months to 4 months. The court
agrees that cases assigned by December 31, 1999 (the
termination of the contract) could be handled within the
following 4 months.
Kathleen McCluskev, City Clerk, pointed out when she brought the
Agenda bill to Council Committees the amount of the proposed
contract was $105,00 and now that figure has been reduced by
$7,000, which was due to continued negotiations with Mr. Rovang
after taking a closer look at the cost if the City took on that
responsiblity in-house. The information used to evaluate the
contract covered a number of different things, not just the number
of cases assigned, because there is a certain level of staffing
that the contractor needs to maintain and the fluctuation in cases
assigned may or may not affect that staffing. Therefore, criteria
used included cases assigned, comparing the cost of in-house legal
services, and comparables using the city of Port Orchard Municipal
Court and the District Court, who charge a per case cost. She
emphasized the City's proposal is a "flat rate", which brings down
the cost over a "per case" fee.
Public comment - none.
Mr. Colvin asked if Mr. Rovang was a citizen of Bremerton? David
Rovang stated no, he resides in Mason County, but does pay
Bremerton Business and Occupation Tax for the business he carries
out in Bremerton.
Mr. Dawkins stated based on the comparables for the city of Port
Orchard and the County's District Court, it appears the contract
with Mr. Rovang is saving the City money. He asked Mr. Rovang if
he could give a percentage estimate of cost savings to the City?
Mr Rovang stated he did not have a percentage estimate, but as Ms.
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McCluskey stated it is difficult to value the contract because of
the different circumstances that go into it. This contract has
been negotiated on a flat fee cost basis where other jurisdictions
base their cost on how many cases are assigned, how many probation
violations are assigned and how many appeals are assigned and each
thing is priced differently. The amount he has agreed to is
considerably less than comparable services for other jurisdictions.
Mr. Dawkins pointed out a considerable cost savings for the City
for costs for trials. Mr. Rovang noted under the District Court
they pay separately for four different services that are all
included in the flat rate he has agreed to under this contract.
The other advantage to the City under this contract is that his
office is available to give services to the Court in excess of just
case assignments. An example of that is there are times when
someone will come into Court, who is disabled or disadvantaged,
finding it difficult to represent themselves and yet they are not
entitled, under the law, appointment of an attorney, and therefore
the Judge would be unable to appoint someone to represent them.
But, since his firm has agreed to provide defender services to the
City of Bremerton on a flat rate basis, if there is an attorney
available in the Court room they will often volunteer to represent
that person at no extra compensation even though they are not
required to under the contract. The Municipal Court Judge has
found that to be very useful and helpful to him and Court staff.
President Huff-Menees stated when this issue came to Council Fiscal
and Budget Committee there was high praise from Ms. McCluskey and
others with respect to Mr. Rovang's work and how smoothly the
contract had been administered.
M/S/C/U(Montgomery/Colvin) to approve the Public Defender Contract
with Rovang & Associates.
7B - LABOR AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF BREMERTONAND THE
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS LOCAL 437 - JANUARY 1,
1996 THROUGH JANUARY 31, 1998, #AB95-264
The attached Labor Agreement between the City of Bremerton and the
International Association of Fire Fighters Local 437 has been
negotiated pursuant-to the provisions of RCW Chapter 41.56, the
Public Employees Collective Bargaining Statute of the State of
Washington, for the purpose of setting forth the wages, hours, and
working conditions which are to be in effect during the term of the
agreement for all employees included in the bargaining unit which
is represented by the Union. The attached agreement replaces the
existing agreement, which will expire on December 31, 1995.
Jim Meith, Human Resources Manager, explained this agreement has
been ratified by Fire Fighters Local 437. Funds for this agreement
are included in the 1996 proposed budget.
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Public comment - none.
M/S/C/U(Montgomery/Farr) to approve the Labor Agreement by and
between the City of Bremerton and the International Association of
Fire Fighters Local 437 for the period of January 1, 1996 through
December 31, 1998.
Mr. Law stated during his short time on the City Council this is
the second contract approved for this group; however, there has
never been a representative from the Union present to say they are
satisfied with the contract. He questioned if this was the normal
practice? Mr. Meith stated Mr. Law's observation was noted. Fire
Chief Mick McKinley pointed out the Union negotiation process has
been different under Mr. Meith's direction and there is now on-
going dialogue that allows the airing of concerns or issues a lot
earlier than in the past.
7C - LETTER OF INTENT TO ANNEX THE TRACYTON BEACH AREA (10%),
#AB95-265
The City Council has before them a Letter of Intent to Annex an
area, designated as the Tracyton Beach Area into the City of
Bremerton. This Letter of Intent is the first step in a process
which is defined by RCW 35.13.125.
The City Council is required by this law to determine:
1. Whether the City will accept, reject, or geographically modify
the proposed annexation; and
2. Whether the City will require the simultaneous adoption of a
comprehensive plan, or whether the City will allow provisional
zoning to be assigned administratively according to BMC
21.02.260; and
3. Whether the City will require the assumption of a proportional
share of the City's current indebtedness as a condition of any
future Petition for annexation.
Terrie O'Neill, Municipal Services Coordinator, explained this is
the first step in the petition method of annexation, which is the
most commonly used method in the State. The annexation area is
comprised of 15.22 lacres with approximately six houses. The
applicants are looking for City utilities and desire to be annexed
into the City. If this petition to annex is approved, the next
step will to go before the Boundary Review Board, who will have an
opportunity to review the issue and hold a public hearing for
affected jurisdictions.
The annexation area is contiguous to the City on three sides and it
also has a City park that was donated to the City about two years
ago.
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Jack Lefcoski, Bremerton resident, asked the City Council to think
hard before approving the proposed annexation because he believes
the ideal placement of a third bridge across the Washington Narrows
would involve the subject area, particularly the off ramp on the
east side.
MS. O'Neill pointed out the base map identified an "exclusion" for
Parcel #80, which is incorrect and that parcel is included in the
annexation area. In response to Mr. Lefcoski's comments, the
property is currently zoned in the County for development and
annexation will not affect that; however, the property owner
prefers developing it in the City.
Dede Beckley stated she owns parcel 012 and neither objects or
agrees with the proposal to annex the subject area into the City.
However, she wanted to make a statement to perhaps protect what
goes on lots 109 and 108, which is a water run off problem and a
sensitive area. Pictures were provided showing how the water
problem affects her property. A small drainage line was put in by
her father in the 1960's, which drains into a pond. She emphasized
the maintenance of that pond and the road have been mainly her
responsibility and her father's before her. However, the drain has
been inadequate from the very beginning. If people build new
homes and invest their money, they should be aware their homes
might be flooded at Christmas time. She was not looking forward to
having 78 houses built on the site and expected it would impact her
property by expanding her "water drainage problem"; and she did not
want to have traffic from 78 homes traveling on her road down to
Tracyton Beach Road. She believed putting traffic from 78 homes on
to Tracyton Beach Road would also be a traffic hazard.
David Smith stated he is part of the group proposing to purchase
the property from Gerald Vergeer and he is the one behind the
annexation proposal being presented. As Ms. O'Neill mentioned,
there are several advantages for their wanting to annex into the
City of Bremerton. He believes some of Ms. Beckley's fears will be
solved by the proposed development. In order to proceed with their
project, they must go through a public hearing process where
environmental issues will be addressed.
Mr. Colvin asked Ms. O'Neill if she was aware of the drainage
problem as identified by Ms. Beckley? Ms. O'Neill stated when the
site is annexed into the City those kinds of problems come under
the City's jurisdiction. She was not familiar with Ms. Beckley's
specific problem, but she did talk with her about being included in
the annexation, since she was not one of the petitions, as well as
availability of sewer. She also emphasized some of the issues
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will be addressed during the public hearing process through the
Planning Commission on January 16, 1996. Plus, there will be a
SEPA review process that will be handled by Jack Allingham in the
Department Of Community Development. Mr. Colvin asked based on the
statement by Ms. Beckley, what kind of liability is being brought
into the City, if the annexation is approved? Ian Sievers, City
Attorney, stated by virtue of the annexation and inclusion of Ms.
Beckley's property and other properties on that private easement
and natural drain through those lots, within the City it does not
mean the City assumes responsiblity for that prior easement and
privately maintained drainage system. The City does have a
Stormwater Utility that will try to correct and fix some of the
problems, but it is on a priority basis.
Mr. Montgome17 asked if a marsh land existed in lots 108 and 1097
David Smith stated they are not purchasing lots 108 and 109 because
they are too small a developer to get involved in a critical
wetlands problem. Upon their review of the site it was noted there
are some grasses indicative of a wetland, but he was not sure if it
was greater than 10,000 square feet. Ms. Becklev explained the pond
she identified is listed on the National Field Service Map and a
small portion of it is identified as a wetland.
Dwight Nichols, E. 31st, which is in the County, stated he is in
favor of the annexation. He is concerned about drainage of water
across Tracyton Beach Road that damages the roadway. With the
addition of 78 homes in that area, will it increase the water run
off on Tracyton Beach Road?
Mr. Farr noted the staff recommendation is to require the
simultaneous adoption of the Comprehensive Plan and Land Use
designations. He asked what is the current County land use
designation for the subject area? Ms. O'Neill stated it was her
understanding the zoning is R-4 and the Comprehensive Plan
designation is R-9.
M/S/C/U(Montgomery/Colvin) to accept the area as proposed; require
the simultaneous adoption of a comprehensive plan and land use
designations; and require the area to assume a proportional share
of the City's current indebtedness upon annexation.
8A - ORDINANCE (FIRST READING), AMENDING THE 1995 BUDGET (BUDGET
ADJUSTMENTS #24, #25, #29, #30, AND #32 THROUGH #46), #AB95-266
A number of actions have been taken by the City which need to be
incorporated into the Budget in order for the document to remain an
accurate projection of City financial activity.
Rich Hanna, City Treasurer, stated the vast majority of the Budget
Adjustments have already been reviewed and approved by Council in
1953
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the context of contracts and other similar actions. This action
completes that process by actually amending the Budget as adopted
by ordinance.
Public comment - none.
Mr. Law noted the Council Fiscal and Budget Committee reviewed each
of the Budget Adjustments and were satisfied with the explanations
given for each of them.
M/S/C/U(Montgomery/Colvin) to approve ordinance, on first reading,
amending Ordinance No. 4519 relating to the budget of the City of
Bremerton for Fiscal Year 1995.
8B - ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) ADOPTING THE 1996 BUDGET ~
REPEALING ORDINANCE NO.~S 4515, 4400, 4356, AND 4231, #AB95-267
This ordinance adopts by reference the Preliminary 1996 Budget as
presented by the Mayor and modified by the City Council.
Mayor Lynn Hotton stated this budget is very close to the original
Preliminary Budget she submitted to the Council with the exception
of some minor changes and the inclusion of taking over the
operation of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. As far as staffing
goes, this is a fairly flat budget and dollar wise it comes very
close to cost of living increases and the majority of that is in
salary increases and then increases in supplies and services.
There is increased staffing levels in the Fire Department, although
to bring on those new positions it is necessary to ramp down some
of the overtime costs. Her reasoning behind increasing staffing
levels in that department was based on the fact that it is a high
stress and physically demanding job and continually running the
Department on overtime was not a good use of our human resources.
Under the Capital items in the Utilities (Water, Wastewater and
Stormwater) there are a multitude of projects, with the most
significant being the next phase of the Callow Avenue stormwater
project and some carryover of projects not completed in 1995.
Parks projects have been identified and funded in the amount of
approximately $350,000, which are mostly coming from the Real
Estate Excise Tax, as well as the Roosevelt Field Replacement Fund
for Phase I of Evergreen Park expansion. She was not sure how far
those funds would stretch, but it will at least include: Evergreen
Park - shoreline restoration, new restrooms, parking areas and new
pathways, 3-small basketball court areas and sand volleyball area;
new big toy. In 1996 she anticipates acquiring the old Hadden
School site as per the Roosevelt Field Replacement Fund plan has
designated. The budget reflects the use of Hotel/Motel Tax funds
to the Admiral Theater, Visitor and Convention Bureau, Bremerton
Area Chamber Of Commerce, Kitsap County Historical Museum. There
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is some residual money in that fund; however she asked that Council
not make a decision at this time on allocating those funds until it
is know whether or not the Bremerton/Kitsap County is successful in
acquiring the U.S.S. Missouri. If that effort fails, then Council
could re-look at allocating those funds.
Diane Robinson, Elandan Gardens, spoke in favor of increased
allocations for the Visitor and Convention Bureau. She expounded
on the importance of attracting people to visit Kitsap County's and
Bremerton attractions. As a new business, their livelihood is
dependent on getting people to stop by their establishment and
promoting this area throughout the State and northwest is a
positive step in that direction.
Linda Miller, Visitor and Convention Bureau (VCB, read a letter
from Sandy Ward, Executive Director of the VCB, in which she talked
about the role of the VCB in coordinating tourism advertising,
selling conventions, establishing relationships with state-wide
media and travel writers, sending out visitor information, etc.
She stressed the impact of not having a person specifically to
serve as Convention Sales Person and how that affects the City of
Bremerton and Kitsap County overall. She urged the City Council to
reconsider their 1996 Hotel/Motel Tax allocation to the VCB by
allocating $40,000 to complete their 1996 Marketing Plan.
John Thomas pointed out the two additional fire fighter positions
are in addition to current staffing. In 1983 one position was cut
on each Fire shift bringing the number of fire fighters per shift
to 11. As of this date, there are still 11 fire fighters per
shift- 4 at Station 2, 4 at Station 3 and 3 at Station 1. Station
2 and 3 run the medic units cutting fire fighting staff down to two
at each station. He quoted NFDA standards: "no fire fighter will
enter a burning building less there is a team of two and there
will be a back up-person in case something happens." He pointed
out when there is a 2-man engine company, they cannot go into a
burning building. Calls for Bremerton Fire department services
show that the City cannot provide coverage with two people on an
engine company. The City of Seattle is eliminating 3-man engine
companies and going- to 4-man engine companies. He expressed
concern that the citizens were not being given what they need in
terms of adequate fire protection.
De1 Knauss asked for answers to the following questions:
(1) Will there be any increase in Wastewater rates?
(2) Where is the money coming from for the condemnation of property
near the Wastewater Treatment Plant?
And, he made the following statement: "Bremerton Main Street is
down from $35,000 to about $5,000 - he hopes the Blackberry
Festival and Concerts On The Dock will not be eliminated due to the
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decrease in funding."
Mayor Lynn Horton stated in response to Mr. Knauss's questions as
it stands now she has not included a utility rate increase in the
1996 budget. At this point, she anticipates getting through all of
1996 without an increase, and that does include the condemnation
area. The problem may be in 1997 because there will be some
stormwater projects that come on line according to the Consent
Decree the City agreed to. In January of 1996, she anticipates
coming to Council with a 5-year cash flow projection and a listing
of all of the projects for the next five years. She and her staff
believe, if some of the phasing of the projects can be changed
through the concurrence with Puget Sound Alliance, the City may be
able to go without a rate increase in 1996 in total. If that
fails, she and staff will be back before Council with a rate
increase proposal and at this point she was not sure what that
increase would amount to. In regard to Bremerton Main Street
funding, although they requested $35,000 for 1996, their 1995
allocation was $13,000 and what remains in the 1996 budget for that
group is $5,000.
Beverly Woods, Executive Director Bremerton Area Chamber Of
Commerce, stated the Chamber had requested $29,950 and Council's
recommendation is for $17,000, which will require them to readjust
their budget.
TAPE #1343
Ms. Woods assured Council they would do the best job they could
with the amount of money given to them. She also noted that the
Chamber and Visitor and Convention Bureau are pooling some of their
funds for advertising and working closely together for the
betterment of Bremerton. She also stressed that this is a critical
year to work on bringing conventions to Bremerton in order to fill
the hotels/motels with people other than the military or to sit
vacant.
Mr. Colvin stated Mayor Horton spoke of a possible rate increase,
but did not state an amount. Mayor Hotton stated at this point it
was not known the amount of the increase if the City is not
successful in getting Puget Sound Alliance to agree to some kind of
change to the Decree. If that effort is unsuccessful, she
anticipates the rate increase may be around nine percent.
Mr. Farr stated it was difficult dividing up the funds for non-
profit organizations and he also hoped to see the continuation of
the Blackberry Festival and Concerts On The Dock. He referenced
the Police Department's Community Resource Division's staffing,
which included a volunteer position that funding under the Block
Grant program had been requested, but was not selected for funding.
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He requested Mayor Horton to address that issue. Mayor Hotton
stated it is her understanding that the actual Block Grant
allocation may come in higher than the funds approved by Council.
When the City knows the exact amount of Block Grant funding it will
receive and it is greater than that already addressed, the Block
Grant Committee will be reconvened to make their recommendations to
the City Council and at that time Council may choose to
allocate funds for the Community Resources position. Originally,
that position was under the forerunner of Americorp and that
funding helped with volunteer staffing for the Safe Streets
program. Mr. Farr stated if the City gets additional Block Grant
funds, he hoped that position would be funded; and in the event it
is not funded under Block Grant funds he hoped Mayor Horton could
look to some other source within the 1996 Budget. Mayor Hotton
stated through her discussions with the City Treasurer over the
1996 budget, they both believe that 1997 could be a much more
financially challenging year for a myriad of reasons: (1) there is
a movement in Olympia to put a lid on property tax assessment not
to exceed 102% or the inflation rate; (2) with the opening of
Walmart the Wheaton Way corridor may be affected with decreased
revenues. She is being conservative before moving forward with any
expansion of staffing.
Mr. Law stated the City's largest motel has stated they will lease
out 85% of their rooms to the Navy, which means a 77% decrease in
Hotel/Motel Tax income from that one source. The City is not
looking at the funding for Hotel/Motel that we had in the past. He
too is disappointed about the funding level for Main Street and
believed it should have had a larger allocation. One of the
solutions to this problem is for the City of Bremerton to be able
to tax the same as King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties for their
hotels and motels. Hopefully, the City will get the backing of the
VCB to recognize the fact they would benefit from that increased
tax as well. While we want to have the attractions of Kitsap
County and Bremerton advertised there is only so much funding
available. Because the VCB and Chamber Of Commerce have the same
objective, and that funding allocation comes out to $39,000, they
are each taking a share of attracting people to Bremerton. Some
funds have to be spent locally in order to have something here for
people to see once they get here. He hoped the VCB would support
the City if the Council should decide to encourage the Legislature
to give Kitsap County the authority to increase the Hotel/Motel
Tax. Mr. Colvln asked Mr. Law to further explain what he meant
about the City seeing a 77% decrease in Hotel/Motel Tax from one
facility. Mr. Law explained the City's largest motel announced
they are renting out or leasing 85% of their rooms to the military.
Therefore, after 30 days that is no longer a motel type tax income.
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Mr. Knauss stated he wished to correct a statement made about his
earlier comment. He referenced the decrease in funding to
Bremerton Main Street, which covered a number of years, in which it
went from $35,000 to $5,000. He did get one of his questions
answered by the Mayor following her comments...the City is taking
a short term loan from the Water Utility and lending it to the
Wastewater Utility to fund the purchase of properties in the
condemnation area.
President Huff-Menees stated the development of the 1996 budget was
a very smooth process overall and she complimented Mayor Horton,
Mr. Hanna, City Treasurer, and staff on a process that was very
smooth and direct. Again this year, the most painful part for her
was the issue of funding the non-profit organizations. The City
Council certainly recognizes the activities they performwithin the
community are worth lots more dollars than what is available for
what they all do so very well.
Mr. Overson stated even though it is only $100,000 in a
$68,000,000, over 30% of this years Hotel/motel Tax allocation goes
to museums. He did not think museums provide that much return on
the investment and possibly something could be done to reduce that
investment and give more to the organizations that can provide a
better return. Mayor Hotton stated one of the things discussed
during Council's deliberations was to talk to the Naval Museum
about the possibility of relocating on the Missouri, if efforts
were successful in getting it to remain in Bremerton. There was
also discussion that if the Missouri did not come to Bremerton that
the Naval Museum needs to come up with a marketing plan on how they
can attract more visitors, and how they can become a more
competitive museum and to phase in an Admission fee. President
Huff-Menees stated she agrees with Mr. Overson's comments and she
feels the need to look closely and tie results to the decisions
with all of the other agencies, which has not been done for the
Naval Museum. In view of that being the largest funding allocation,
it is only fair that those discussions begin to take place and that
there are some requirements placed on those allocations as well
with respect to results.
M/S/C/U(Law/Farr) to approve ordinance on first reading, with an
amendment to Professional and Management Employee Group to include
the Legislative Assistant and Executive Secretary at Band 13,
approving and adopting the financial budget for the several funds
of the City of Bremerton for the fiscal year 1996, and
appropriating the amounts set forth in each budget to each fund in
accordance with RCW 35.33,075; and repealing Ordinance No.'s 4515,
4400, 4356, 4231, 4160 and BMC 2.50,020(c).
With no further business meeting adjourned at 7:40
TAPE #1343
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
December 6, 1995
Page 14 of 14
KATHLEEN L. ity Clerk
S~ERRIL HUFF-MENEES, Council President
City of Bremerton
KLM/SH-M/me
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