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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/25/95TAPE #1329 UNAPPROVED DRAFT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES COUNCIL APPROVED NO'V 21 1995 OCTOBER 25, 1995 #0017 #0030 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, October 25, 1995, at 5:30 P.M., with Council President Sherril Huff-Menees presiding. Council members present were Bob Winters, A1 Colvin, Morris Dawkins, Carlos Montgomery, John Law, David Farr, Richard Neville, and Lon Overson. Also present were City Attorney Ian Sievers and Acting City Clerk Rich Hanna. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council President Huff-Menees and Invocation given by Pastor Talmage Wilson of Charleston Baptist Church. CONSENT AGENDA A. Minutes - October 4, 1995 #AB95-237 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(Colvin/Montgomery) on October 25, 1995, the Council does approve for payment those vouchers included and further described as follows: 188989 through 189162 in the amount of $493,199.64; and Retirees' Payroll for the period ending 10-31-95, in the amount of $84,579.96. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS Mr. Overson announced a new business opened on 4th Street - Charlotte's Cafe, which is located almost across the street from City Hall. He alerted everyone about a growing movement in the City of Bremerton to enact or support a 1940's theme for the City, mostly by the businesses. Mr. Neville reminded everyone of the All-City Halloween Party on Tuesday, October 31, at the Sheridan Park Recreation Center. Mr. Law referenced a newspaper article in The Sun about the U.S.S. Lincoln's arrival and the fact some of the crew will be bused and housed out of Kitsap County. There may be been a couple of things TAPE #1329 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes October 25, 1995 Page 2 of 21 missed in the release sent out by the Navy. First of all, the Navy Facilities Command at Silverdale conducted a study in June to find out availability of housing for the Lincoln crew. Part of the criteria they asked for was if a motel was available that there be room for a minimum of 10 people, so they could handle busing back and forth. Secondly, that if the apartments were available, would the apartment owners provide the linen and other services that would be required for the individuals. Mr. Law noted more than two motels in the area will be used. The Navy in turn had to go out of the County because their concern is that the crew members with families will be able to be housed within Kitsap County and it will be the individuals without spouse that will be commuting in from Pierce County. Again, the same criteria will be used in Pierce County and they will be located in the I-5 corridor. The big thing to not lose sight of is the Commanding Officer has to have the quality of life for his people that we would expect our relatives to have if they were assigned to a ship going to some other city or community and have to have a decent place to live. If there are not enough of that quality facilities in our area, then they will look to surrounding communities. While he regrets seeing people being located outside Kitsap County, we do want that Commander to have a happy crew. Mr. Montgomer~ stated in response to Mrs. Brown's concern, which she brought before Council on October 4, regarding traffic problems on Marine Drive, he has scheduled a meeting for Marine Drive residents on Thursday, October 26, at the First United Methodist Church - 1150 Marine Drive, at 7:00 P.M. Notices of that meeting were mailed out to the residents listed on the signed petition and he encouraged any others interested in the issue to attend as well. Mr. Colvin reported last week he had the pleasure of attending an Association Of Washington Cities (AWC) conference and one of the things that came out of that meeting was the concern for unfunded mandates that are being handed down by Congress. The AWC opposes such mandates because no funds are provided to cities to carry out the mandates. A concerned citizen asked him about Council's Study Sessions and Mr. Colvin assured them that they were open to the public. He was then asked how and when are Study Sessions publicized, which he could not totally answer, and requested that someone from the Council respond. President Huff-Menees pointed out scheduled Study Sessions are announced during the Council Meetings by her and Mrs. Erhart could outline the publishing procedure. MerilVnn Erhart, Legislative Assistant, stated the City Council office is required to put out public notice each time a Study Session or Executive Session is scheduled. That notification process includes faxing or mailing a copy of the notice to Travis Baker at The Sun, submitting it to be placed on the Character TAPE #1329 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes October 25, 1995 Page 3 of 21 Generator (Channel 12). If the notice is not getting on Channel 12, that can be remedied. Mr. Celvin asked if notices were sent to the Libraries? Mrs. Erhart stated no. Mr. Colvln stated he received a request from a single parent wanting to find a computer for her young son. If anyone has a computer they would like to donate, please contact him He was pleased with Mayor Horton's expression of genuine concern about the citizens affected by the proposed condemnation of an area near the wastewater treatment plant. He wanted those residents to know they will not suffer unjustly and there will be equity in whatever the City does in that regard. Mr. Winters wished Council President Huff-Menees a "Happy Birthday". He attended Yesterday's Dinner Theater based on a recommendation by Councilman Montgomery, which he found to be very enjoyable. He also hopes others in the community will take advantage of an opportunity to enjoy a good dinner and see a great play. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Horton reported on Tuesday she attended a portion of the Transportation Summit, which was held in Silverdale, and both Mayor Janet West from Bainbridge Island and she gave comment on the passenger-only service for the City of Bremerton. One of the things that they feel strongly bout is that the City of Bremerton receive two passenger-only boats before Bainbridge Island receives the three jumbo ferries. She was not sure if Bainbridge Island supports the idea of getting three jumbo ferries because they may not have figured out the impact of what that would mean to the island. She is hoping some inroads can be made with Department of Transportation officials and State Legislators in order for Bremerton to get the passenger-only service needed especially in light of the waterfront development that the City anticipates happening. At the present time, three million dollars has been transferred from the Gorst Connector Project into a second passenger-only boat. Even though everyone concurs in parity in the system levels of service, that means Bremerton gets two passenger- only boats, right now the State Department Of Transportation is planning to fund one boat. When the second passenger only boat comes on line that we pay for, then they will pull the first boat off and send it to Southworth. Her recommendation to Council, if that is the case, is the City will pull back the three million dollars and put it back into the Gorst Connector project. She did not believe the City should have to pay for its only passenger-only boat. She's not aware of any other jurisdictions that have stated they are willing to buy a boat or to do some other things to get the kind of service they are asking for. A lot of work needs to be done on this issue and she believes it is right as far as growth management, if Bremerton is the metropolitan center of the TAPE #1329 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes October 25, 1995 Page 4 of 21 community, then we should be accorded that privilege and status; and if Bainbridge Island wants to become the transportation hub of the County, then they need to deal with some of the downfall sides of that - that means more growth, more congestion, widening Highway 305 and maybe having a second bridge to Bainbridge Island. She did not believe they want to do that. Mayor Horton received some information from the State's Department Of Community Development congratulating several cities on their Capital Facilities Element of their Comprehensive Plans, with Bremerton being one of those cities. She acknowledged the good job that City staff members did in developing the City's Comprehensive Plan. PUBLIC RECOGNITION Charlens Burnett, Parks Department, announced the All-City Halloween Party will be held October 31, 1995, 5:30 P.M. - 8:00 P.M., at the Sheridan Park Recreation Center. This event will include entertainment from Magician Kevin Wolfe. A lot of time, effort and money is put into this event by Bremerton Police Officers Association, and the Chief Kitsap Lions Club. Alex Roos stated 700 is a big number, if you win or lose, and it looks like Bremerton is losing. An newspaper article in The Sun stated 700 sailors will be shipped out to Tacoma. As a member of the Board Of Directors of the Puget Rental Owners Association he asked everyone in the audience and members of the Council to do their utmost to reverse this policy. The Association is taking action, but they need support to help Bremerton in its financial problems and gains and not have a loss. We must do what we can to get these people housed in Kitsap County. He personally has a 25% vacancy factor at this particular time. He did not know where the Navy got their numbers, but they did not talk with the Puget Rental Owners Association, which is the leading advocate for rental housing in Kitsap County. Peter Ruckstock presented the schedule of events for the upcoming I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS in downtown Bremerton. This celebration is being offered to the entire community by the Downtown Business Association, the Bremerton Area Chamber Of Commerce, participating sponsors and many resident volunteers. It is their hope this celebration will be a return to the essence of Christmas Spirit we all remember and cherish. This event will kick off on December 2, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 P.M. there will be the Annual Christmas Wish List Treasure Hunt. Treasure hunters will pick up their maps and clues at Yesterday's and after visiting the treasure sites on the map and solving the clues they will deposit their forms in special boxes located in participating businesses. A drawing for a cash Christmas Shopping Spree as well as other valuable gift merchandise TAPE #1329 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes October 25, 1995 Page 5 of 21 will be held on the afternoon of December 16. The second annual Festival of Music will take place on December 16 between 1:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M.. The center piece of this year's festival will be the downtown tree, which is being donated by the Forestry Department and will be located in Farragut Park. The public is invited to help decorate this tree by bringing their own personal ornaments between 1:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. to hang on their downtown tree. Also starting at 1:00 P.M., and scheduled hourly will be three in- door stages for live musical presentations. The stages are located at Ruth Reese's 2nd Avenue Antiques, Amy Burnett's Gallery and the Roxy Theater. Bell Choirs, Brass and Banjo Bands, Barbershop Quartet, Jazz Bands, Choral Groups, Wind Quintets, Strolling Carolers and many others have graciously offered to provide the sounds of the season for the publics' entertainment. They will be providing other numerous locations for different groups to perform their specialties. The center pieces for these outdoor performances will be charcoal and wood burning barrels surrounded by bales of straw, hot cider provided by local merchants and roasted chestnuts provided by members of the Kitsap Historical Society. It is planned to light the downtown tree at dark and finish the days events with a grand community choral sing at the Roxy Theater. Lisa Lightbody stated after watching the City Council meeting of October 18 on video tape, she felt compelled to speak out. It concerned her greatly that one of the Council members stated they were voting for the condemnation because they are tired of the City being sued and they were going to do something about it and therefore vote for condemnation. She wanted to share with the Council what she is tired of: (1) the City forgetting that they are not the bad guys, they are the victims. (2) She is tired of living for the past five years with the awful smell, which is a relatively short period of time compared to some of her neighbors. (3) She is tired of having to spend money on an air conditioner because she cannot open her windows in the summer and in her case that as $400. (4) She is tired of having to leave her home if she wants her baby to be able to play outside. (5) She is tire of her friends making jokes about where she lives. (6) She is tired of the City ignoring the citizens of Oyster Bay neighborhood when they made the City aware of the smell years before any lawsuit was made against the City. These lawsuits were brought against the City as a last resort by the citizens of the affected neighborhood. She does not understand why the City will not wait to see the results of the sewer plant upgrades, but what concerns her most of all is the elected officials of the City will vote for condemnation just so they don't have to hear about it any more. She asked is this the action of a responsible Council member? Even though she is angry, she is willing to do what ever it takes to come to a viable solution so that real problem - the smell - will go away. The TAPE #1329 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes October 25, 1995 Page 6 of 21 citizens of Oyster Bay are not the problem. Lynn Elliott stated she was very offended and angry after the last City Council meeting. She understood Council President Huff- Menees' frustration with members of the audience wanting to speak after the discussion was taken back within the Council. Part of the reason for their wanting to speak again was they would hear the Council members speak and there would be issues brought up that they felt needed to be address prior to a vote on the issue. Mr. Winters made a comment, which she has heard from the Mayor and many others at different times, that this problem was not of this Council's making and she understands that and some Council members feel this condemnation is the best way to deal with the situation. However, she gets tired of hearing this is not of their making - you are all elected officials to represent the City and the problem was of the City's making, not the citizens of Oyster Bay. Yes, this Council got stuck with the problem, however, it was something they knew about prior to running for the elected office. She was also offended and angered when Mr. Winters stated he was tired of the City being sued. The way she was brought up was unless there was absolutely no resort you do not go to court. She has not brought any lawsuit against the City and she had not really contemplated such action even though her husband has discussed it with her a few times. Her understanding is the citizens of the Oyster Bay area came many times to the City about the odor problem at the sewer treatment plant and they were ignored and the issue was "pushed under the rug", and it was not until the lawsuit that the City was forced into doing something. She feels the people in their area are owned an apology from the City. Gordy Byrd announced a benefit concert will be held on October 29, 6:00 P.M., at the Cross Roads Neighborhood Church. Three organizations will benefit from that event - Bremerton Food Line, A.L.I.V.E. Shelter, and the Byrd's Nest. Brian Lighbodv referenced the previous Council meeting and the discussion on the condemnation issue. At that meeting, Mr. DiJulio made a comment that the West Hills Association conducted a study to determine the most affective areas of the smell and that this condemnation area was based on the most affected zone in that study. Mr. Lighbody has seen the map resulting from the study and believes the most affected area looks nothing like that map. As Mr. Winters stated at the last Council meeting, he wanted to see documentation from Mr. Myers supporting his comments. Mr. Lightbody has to wonder if Council had actually seen the study he referenced. Mr. DiJulio also stated that there never has been an odor free sewage treatment plant. Mr. Lighbody has heard many personal accounts of plants that either don't smell or don't smell enough to be offensive. The City has been criticized for having a wait and TAPE #1329 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes October 25, 1995 Page 7 of 21 see attitude in the past, and now is taking some action. There seems to be a lot of confusion within the City as to waiting, ignoring and denying. The City was criticized in the past for taking the wrong action of denying there was a smell instead or fixing the problem. The City is now being criticized for taking the wrong action once again when they should give the correction a chance to work. Mr. DiJulio further stated the City is taking this action now because waiting for the project to be completed could cost the City by more litigation. It was Mr. Lightbody's understanding that the condemnation process would take 1-2 years to complete. If the City really had concerns of future litigation, they would have started the process two years ago at the conclusion of the first lawsuit. He referenced Mr. DiJulio's comment that the City has no control over development of houses in that area. Mr. Lightbody pointed out a new road was built and questioned doesn't the City have control over where roads are built and how and when lots are subdivided? He also questioned doesn't the City issue building permits? Mr. DiJulio also commented that future owners of the property would be bound to a hold harmless agreement. Mr. Lightbody pointed out covenants or deed restrictions, depending on what part of the country you are in, can be placed on properties to control such things as how tall bushes/trees can be to the color of the houses. It makes him wonder if there couldn't be a hold harmless type of agreement added to the property as a covenant and isn't there the possibility of having an odor easement rather than taking the property outright? It has been stated that the City will not make a windfall profit from land. He does believe there is another driving force behind this condemnation, i.e., the City may make more money from business taxes or if it is some great plan the City may have for its future or simply revenge on the people who had the nerve to sue the City for destroying their quality of life. The simple fact that the Mayor and City Treasurer told them they had determined that the subject area was the most conducive to commercial development tells him that odor and future litigation had nothing to do with the determination of the condemnation area. If the City was looking at the odor problem, why would commercial development even come up? He thanked Councilman Colvin for being the first person from the City to show concern for the people in the proposed condemnation area. He is also tired of all the problems the City has blamed on the residents of this area. Most of the residents are decent, rational and reasonable people. He emphasized all they have asked the City was to be reasonable and he agreed with Mr. Winters that these lawsuits do need to stop. As soon as the City starts doing the right thing and stop doing the wrong things they'll stop. 7A - PURCHASE OF REMOTE RESTROOMS FOR GOLD MOUNTAIN GOLF COURSE FROM ROMTEC, INC. OF ROSEBURG OREGON, #AB95-238 Approval to proceed with the purchase of two (2) prefabricated TAPE #1329 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes October 25, 1995 Page 8 of 21 remote restrooms from ROMTEC, Inc. of Roseburg, Oregon for installation at Gold Mountain Golf Course. The purchase price for these remote restrooms is $5,985.00 each, or $11,970.00, plus $50.00 each for the stainless steel toilet paper dispensers, or $100.00 plus freight charge of $450.00 for the total purchase price of $12,520.00 ($11,970.00 + $100.00 + $450.00). This purchase of the prefabricated restrooms would be considered, under City purchasing ordinances to be "sole source". The Parks Department and Gold Mountain Golf Course management endorse the ROMTEC, Inc. prefabricated restrooms, as they are widely used on golf courses and exclusively used by the U.S. Forest Service, as they are the only known company that currently produces a non-porous vault toilet system which makes the system odor free and easy to maintain. In addition, the Parks Department and Golf Course management endorse these remote restrooms as being more than adequate, meet the needs that are consistent with the required quality of the new course, and provide the City a substantial cost savings that what was budgeted for in the Sources and Uses of Funds for this phase. Dan Miller, Project Manager, stated one restroom will be located between the new and older golf course on the 16th tee and existing 15th green, as well as the new 12th green and 13th tee. The second unit will be located at the far area of the new golf course at the 4th green, splitting the distance between the 4th green and 6th green and the 7th tee. Mr. Dawkins asked Mr. Miller to identify other areas where the subject units are being used. And, he questioned if the units were handicapped accessible and if they had a built-in septic system? Mr. Miller stated the units are handicap accessible and do meet the ADA Act in every way. Each unit will have a built-in 750 gallon septic system. ROMTEC is widely used by the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau Of Land Management, National Parks Service, the military,numerous State and local park and recreational agencies. White River Ranger Station, Mt. Baker National Forest, Department Of Natural Resources at R.F.K Recreational site between Purdy and Allen Washington, Lewis County Department Of Community Services provides three units located throughout their park, Ferry County Parks And Recreation have two units located at an off road recreational vehicle park. Public comment - none. Mr. Miller stated during an earlier discussion on this issue, a question was raised whether or not to include urinals in the unisex restrooms. If Council wishes to modify the units by adding #1325 TAPE #1329 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes October 25, 1995 Page 9 of 21 urinals, it would increase each unit by $38.00. Mr. Farr referenced a statement under Section 5 - Impact On Non- Passage that the City would not realize the significant cost savings of approximately $45,000. He questioned the source of that dollar figure? Mr. Miller stated $60,000 had been identified for shelters and septic systems in the project budget. Because the ROMTEC units were endorsed by Gold Mountain Management personnel as well as Parks and Recreation staff, they looked into the possibility of using them at a cost of $12,520 verses what they had planned at a cost of $60,000. The $45,000 savings will go toward expanding the parking area that was not originally considered. Mr. Farr asked if that $45,000 took into account perpetual maintenance of the ROMTEC units? Mr. Miller explained the units will not need to be pumped out more than once each year. Mr. Colvin questioned the need to have Council take formal action to modify the units? Ian Sievers, City Attorney, stated he did not see the need for Council to get involved with design details. M/S/C/U(Dawkins/Montgomery) to approve the purchase of two prefabricated restrooms from ROMTEC, Inc., and authorize the Mayor to approve a purchase order in the amount of $12,520.00 to ROMTEC, Inc. as a "sole source" supplier, subject to City Administrative Policies and Procedures. 8A - PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED 1996 CDBG ALLOCATION RECOMMENDATION, ~AB95-239 Beginning January 1, 1996, the City of Bremerton will once again become a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement. As in previous years, the Development Staff advertised that funds would be available, and 35 applications were received. Mayor Horton appointed a Citizen's Advisory Committee consisting of Jack Lefcoski, Helen Davis, and Cheryl Kincer. The committee read and reviewed the applications, and interviewed each applicant. The staff reviewed all applications for eligibility. Marilyn Waibel, Community Development, stated this hearing is to present the Citizens Advisory Committee recommendations for the 1995 CDBG funding. She then gave a brief description of the process used in setting up the Citizen Advisory Committee, solicitation of applications and interviewing applicants. There is a possibility that the City may receive more or less funding than what has been estimated. The actual entitlement will be known by the end of November and if it is different than what has been estimated, the Citizen Advisory Committee will be reconvened for a final funding proposal. She publicly thanked the Committee members for their willingness to serve. TAPE #1329 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes October 25, 1995 Page 10 of 21 Jack Lefcoski, member of the Citizens Advisory Committee, stated he is very involved with the Kitsap Lake Neighborhood Association and what he has noticed is a lot of apathy and cynicism in our community, which bothers him. He understands the value of grant funding and he encourages people to apply for grants when available. He wanted the public to know that none of the City's elected officials contacted the Committee members and were totally on their own in formulating their recommendation. They tried to cater to the youth and people who can't help themselves. He has served on many committees, but this was the most difficult. Their approach to selecting applicants was not to give everyone a few dollars, but rather select a few and give them significant dollars to carry out their program. He shared the listing generated by the Committee to his neighborhood meeting and they generally across the board agreed with the appropriation of funds. He found this experience to be very humbling, but a worthwhile endeavor. The following individuals expressed their appreciation to the Citizen Advisory Committee and urged Council to accept the Committee's recommendation as presented: Marie Jones, Executive Director for Families United; Linda JoVce, Executive Director of the YWCA of Kitsap County, and Linda Kroum,, the A.L.I.V.E Program Director; Roxann BzTson, Executive Director of Holly Ridge Center; Joann Gower, Kitsap Sexual Assault Center; Gary Garten, President Bremerton Foodline; Kathy Inge11, Director of Big Brothers/Big Sisters; Jim Spencer, Parks & Recreation Department Director; Larry Ever, Executive Director of Kitsap Community Action Program, acknowledged the difficult task of allocating limited CDBG funds and the commitment made by the Citizens Advisory Committee. He was very concerned about the recommendation of "no funding" for Emergency or Transitional Housing in our area. Tonight the emergency housing system will house over 100 homeless people, 2/3rd of which are families with children and over half live in Bremerton. KCAP's role is to provide shelter, help them set goals, access resources, find employment training and permanent housing. They also prevent homelesshess through rental assistant and mediation housing counseling that addresses the causes of homelesshess. Homelessness has been a very significant issue for a number of years and through a partnership with other providers, i.e., St. Vincent DePaul, United Way, and Housing Authorities, they have been able to keep the problem as something not highly visible, but is very significant in terms of the numbers of people impacted. This year places them in a very difficult position because St. Vincent DePaul does not have the revenues from their thrift store to provide the kind of support they had in the past. Kitsap County's CDBG is recommending $26,000 in funding for this program and they have not been selected for any funding from the City's CDBG program. Last year's allocation provide $49,000 from CDBG TAPE #1329 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes October 25, 1995 Page 11 of 21 source to maintain the emergency housing system in the Bremerton/Kitsap County area. He is afraid KCAP will not be able to maintain the same level of service because of the reductions in funding. He has some difficulty in making the connection between the recommendations and the Kitsap Consolidated Plan, the guidance for fund allocation. For example, the plan states priorities for the maximum amount of CDBG funds allowable will be allocated annually to support non-profit organizations that provide critical outreach assistance, supportive services, rental assistance to low and very low income households and individuals and homeless populations. Priority to continue to fund and extend homeless prevention programs and to assist existing shelter and service programs to maintain at least their current level of service. He had a hard time seeing the connection between the recommendations and that planning guidance. Based on that information, he asked Council to give special consideration to this concern because homelessness is a very important issue in our community. Verna 8pain talked about the importance of the Summer Neighborhood Playground Express program and the target group it serves. Because of not enough staffing this past year, they were unable to go to all the sites so some of the youth were not reached. As a single parent, she values her children having the opportunity to play outdoors instead of sitting inside watching TV or not being supervised by an adult. Helen Achterrman, Literacy Council, related a fairy tale that described the kind of life people would lead without the ability to read. The great secret was the fact they tried to function normally, but without the help of being able to read. She described how a person could become isolated from their families, friends and co-workers, if they are employed. There are many different reasons why people can't read, but the end result is always the same ... their options were limited, their potential unfulfilled, and they were surrounded by the "dragons" of frustration, fear and failure. The questions is raised what are they and what are we to do? Unfortunately, funds are diminishing, public awareness and support of the issue are decreasing and happy endings are not necessarily in sight. This is not a fairy tale, but a reality within our community and the people in the story are our relatives and friends. They represent a challenge that this nation has not fully accepted, not government, business, industries or local communities. However, there are many heroes and heroines in the story and they are not the least of those who are the adults who take on the challenge of learning to read and changing their lives in a positive way. It does not guarantee they will live happily ever after, but every new beginning is a promise for the future. The Literacy Council teaches adults to read and she hopes to teach 160 adults in Bremerton alone next year. Some of those adults were TAPE #1329 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes October 25, 1995 Page 12 of 21 in her office today - one family had come from Vietnam and had been in this Country only one day; one man was referred from Kitsap Mental Health and wants to obtain his GED, but is suffering from depression; a group of foreign students (12) and they are all trying to get jobs and the only way they can achieve that is to improve their spoken English; and a group of five development disabled students, who were trying to improve their reading skills because it is important for their own living skills. She asked Council to remember the health of this community depends on the health of the citizenry. The Literacy Council works to help people become healthy and capable citizens by learning to read. Secondly, she asked the City to be a leader in the process next year where the spit between the City and Kitsap County in the CDBG Grant process can be less divisive, smoother and where it does not negatively impact the Agencies and clients as it has done to some degree this year. Henrv Mincey, Community Resources Division of the Bremerton Police Department, stated he did not like to compete with so many worthwhile programs, but over the past two years he has had to operate the Safe Street program on a shoestring budget and utilizing volunteers and does understand why organizations seek out grant opportunities. The Police Department requested CDBG funding to provide clerical and volunteer coordination services for the Community Resource Division. The only reason he came before Council at this time, was to ask that they reconsider funding this particular opportunity, is crime prevention. Crime prevention is one of the most needed services that this community can take advantage of and that include not only the Police Department, but components of the neighborhoods and other areas of the community. He has tried to work with and recognizes the value of programs such as D.A.R.E., G.R.E.A.T., Neighborhood Block Watch Programs; however those programs are only as good as long as they can be accessed by the community. That accessibility means having someone coordinate enormous amounts of paper work, phone calls, correspondence both in coming and out going. The Community Resource Division is not only a benefit to the Police Department's Beat Officer, but will be a viable component of any community citizen driven action involving crime prevention activities. Without the ability to have someone coordinate the clerical and volunteer training component of that division, they will be very limited. He did not want to start off a new division with a deficit and that deficit would be working without what they really need. He asked Council to review the documentation he provided prior to their making a decision on the recommendations presented. In summary, he understands the tremendous task the Citizens Advisory Committee had before them and empathized with their task. But, he felt it would be unfair to his division, the Beat Officers and the community if he does not have the in-house force of people to do the necessary tasks as well as TAPE #1329 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes October 25, 1995 Page 13 of 21 out in the community. Ann Rudnicki, Youthcare Westsound, stated their request for $19,000 was for funding to continue their Transitional School For The Homeless Low Income Youth. Their Transitional School serves youth that are not able to attend regular schools due to disciplinary problems and other situations, but does get them back into a school environment. Their agency was recommended for "no funding"; however this program had been previously funded through the Block Grant administered through Kitsap County. But, most of their students are Bremerton youth and when she had to choose where to apply for CDBG funding, it had to be Bremerton because they are the kids of this community. Knowing the other applicants and the populations they serve, she truly appreciated the dilemma the review committee had in trying to choose who would receive funding. She faces the dilemma, as do all the applications, in coming before Council and advocating for their program knowing what it means to other programs. But, she also does not know what will happen to their program at the end of this year because she does have all the pieces of funding needed to maintain their program. She is aware of the needs of the youth and their program has been successful serving that special population. Ms. Rudnicki introduced one of their students so that Council could here the student's view of the value of their program. A girl student stated Youthcare was a place for her to get away from the bad guys, the hurt, pain, tears and loneliness for a friend. She was given a much needed "extra hand" by a teacher,"Melvin", who is part of the Transitional School. She was kicked out of school in her 9th grade year for a year because she was seen looking at a gun. Then, it was time for High School and after attempting to register at other High Schools, Magnuson Community School was the only one that would accept her. At Magnuson she was encouraged to change her lifestyle and to look at her life and see how important her education and her life really were to her. She emphasized other teenagers need this school to know there is a place to go when no one else wants them and that there are people that really care. Amadous Davidson stated a couple of years ago he was making a lot of bad choices with his life and ended up in jail. When he got out of jail and was on probation he was given a choice - to school or go back to jail. At that time the High School would not accept him and the alternative program could not accept him due to their program period. He felt he had no other choice but to return to jail; however, he met "Mel" from Magnuson School, who offered him schooling and that was where he got his first glitter of hope. He did not believe he would even live until people like Mel took his hand and showed him another way. He felt it was sad this program had to struggle for funding and urged Council to consider the Transitional School for funding. Nancy Schnor, Financial Director of the Kitsap Community Clinic, TAPE #1329 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes October 25, 1995 Page 14 of 21 stated in the past CDBG has supported the addition of a primary care provider clinic setting. This equates to over 2,000 patient visits per year. The patients they see range from infants to the geriatric population, who with the high cost of medical care cannot afford care from any where else. They are unique in their situation in that they do offer a sliding scale fee for all of their patients. They are asking for continued support of their program. Marie Jones stated Families United is a program that has been in Bremerton for three years and its purpose is to encourage communication between parents and children giving them the opportunity to build a bonding relationship. The pilot program was implemented out of Westpark and over the last three years they have served well over 250 families. Through this program she has seen single parents return to school and their children become more interested in school. She has seen lots of the young men, who would have been fighting one another and using bad language, choosing a different lifestyle. She has seen fathers, who had very little contact with their child/children, become involved in interactive games, such as playing ball with their children; and more importantly they have married the mothers of their children. Ms. Waibel stated she would read into the record comments from Julie Pound (Chuckwagon), who was involved in an accident on her way down to this meeting and had her statement delivered: "For 22 years we have been the sole provider of nutrition services for the elderly in Bremerton. We would like to thank the committee for their effort and recommendations for 1996 Bremerton CDBG funds. Difficult decisions had to be made. Chuckwagon is grateful to be recommended for Block Grant funding for the Meals On Wheels Program, hand delivered meals to homebound seniors in Bremerton. Twelve thousand meals on wheels to a maximum 160 persons for $9,000. Meals On Wheels will continue to meet the nutritional needs of elderly persons in our community. These grant funds assure our success, please confirm the recommendations of the Citizens Advisory Committee." Mr. Montgomel7 questioned the purpose of the Salvation Army's recommendation for $9,5007 Helen Davis, Citizens Advisory Committee member, stated the Salvation Army has acquired a building and intends to have space available for a teen center, which would be open late afternoons and evenings. The Salvation Army intends the recommended funding to be used for athletic and recreational equipment for that teen center. Speaking on behalf of the three Committee members, every applicant for the CDBG funds is a valuable, necessary project. Unfortunately, we live in the society if we take from one and give to another I don't believe that at this point we would do any good. Based on the amount of effort put TAPE #1329 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes October 25, 1995 Page 15 of 21 into the Committee's recommendation, she would not change one allocation. Mr. Colvin thanked the Committee for their dedication and attention to the needs for distribution of the CDBG funds. The fact that their recommendations have been accepted almost 100% by the Council is testimony of their herculean good judgemont. He highlighted the Kitsap Community Clinic and the people who need their services, which was not recommended for funding. TAPE #1330 Mr. Overson complimented the Citizens Advisory Committee for their hard and good work and pointed out the difficulty in making any changes at this time is no way definable. #0063 M/S/F(Overson/Law) to accept the recommendations of the Citizen Advisory Committee for the total Human Services Project ($82,5oo.oo). Mr. Overson went on to say if any proposed changes to that recommendation come forth from Council, they could be presented in an Amendment to his motion. Council has not had the advantage of the hours of education and discussion on each of the applications and many of the organizations were not represented at this hearing; therefore Council would be hard pressed to make any changes. Mr. Colvin stated he would vote against the motion because he felt the motion as made would stop further discussion by the Council. President Huff-Menees pointed out as Mr. Overson stated, if Council wished to express their views or offer an amendment to his motion they have that opportunity. She understands the tremendous job the Committee has undertaken to come up with the funding recommendations. However, she would not take away funding from any one of the choices selected for funding, but she would fund a few that were not recommended for funding. She has researched various agencies/programs and knows the importance of the Emergency and Transitional Housing Program and significance of homelessness in Kitsap County, which has not declined since 1994. Also, she believes in the work of Youthcare and in those two instances specifically she is very pained there was not a recommendation for funding. She hopes that reconsideration can be made in those two areas. One of the things she is struck by again this year as she is each year, is that there are so many fine agencies and men and women working in those agencies to meet the needs of this community. Mr. Law stated the Challenge Council has is that they do not see TAPE #1330 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes October 25, 1995 Page 16 of 21 the budgets for the various agencies by other funding sources. He assumed the Committee had available to them budgets showing funding source for at least those that they recommended for funding. Mr. Lefcoski stated the Committee did not have a copy of the various agencies' budgets, but one question they asked each time had to do with whether or not they had applied for Kitsap County's CDBG grants and the City's CDBG grants. He noted the grant application form for the City and County are the same, which made the grant submittal a simpler process. The Committee was not aware of the County's allocation of funding and as of this date the County had not acted on their CDBG funding recommendations. Mr. Colvin asked if CDBG funding was the sole source of funding for these agencies and if not did the Committee see their overall budgets? Mr. Lefcoski explained they did have a budget showing how the various agencies would spend their funding, if they were included in the allocation. Mrs. Davis stated many of the agencies included what they would spend the grant funding on and their project costs and sources to fund those projects. One of the questions the Committee asked the agencies - have you also applied to the County? The response to that question was 99% said yes and that they were expecting funds from the County. They were not provided a yearly operating budget for each agency. Mrs. Waibel stated each agency was asked to provide a budget for a specific project for which they were applying for, not their agency budget. There is a question in the application for other funding sources and if they were pending or committed. Mr. Farr stated the easiest thing Council could do would be to approve in total the recommendations of the Committee, but he believed the members of the Committee would not take it personal if Council made some minor changes. He reminded everyone that the first category, over a total of $600,000 was only about 12-13%. He had in mind some changes in the Human Services area, particularly having to do with Larry Eyers' presentation on Emergency Housing. He also believes the homeless situation in Bremerton is critical and he also sees the opportunity for at least one of the organizations represented at this hearing to be considered for funding out the City's General Fund budget. Mayor Horton stated once Council's deliberations are concluded and if the motion to approve the Citizens Committee recommendation is not passed, she recommended Council form a sub-committee and meet prior to the second reading of the Ordinance. Mr. Neville stated the Committee has done an outstanding job and acknowledged it was a difficult task, nor is it an easy task for the City Council. But, he did not feel comfortable making changes #0525 TAPE #1330 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes October 25, 1995 Page 17 of 21 during the hearing without having more detailed information before them. He too feels some of the needed agencies that got "0" funding should have funding, but once again, where does the money come from. He supported the idea that Council could fine tune the recommendation just a little. He suggested that the Mayor's recommendation be acted up on in order to fine tune the allocation and get it down to some of the needs that have to be addressed. Vote on motion: In Favor: Law, Dawkins, Winters, Overson Opposed: Montgomery, Colvin, Neville, Farr, Huff-Menees Motion failed. M/S/C/(Neville/Montgomery) Council for a sub-committee to revisit the Human Services segment to fine tune the allocations and bring it back within two weeks. Mr Overson asked that the members of the sub-committee be named at this time. The following Council members volunteered to serve on a sub-committee: President Huff-Menees, David Farr, Carlos Montgomery, A1 Colvin, Lon Overson only if he could attend on the scheduled meeting date. Vote on motion: Motion carried. In Favor: Abstain: Montgomery, Dawkins, Colvin, Overson, Neville, Farr, Huff-Menees Winters, Law CAPITAL PROJECTS Pam Root, Project Coordinator for the City's Rehabilitation Loan Program, stated they have been recommended for CDBG funding, which they are very grateful, and it will allow them to continue what has been a highly successful and rapidly expanding program. Last year they rehabilitated 41 homes in a large part with backlogged funds that were under threat of recession by Congress. The program has been spent down completely and without new funding they would no longer exist. For the first time in the history of the program there is a waiting list (20). They are increasingly leveraging their program through market rate loan programs, such as the FHA203 Program, which allows them to put as many low income borrowers as possible through a conventional loan program and use City funding as a supplement. This allows them to help many more people and allows them to mainstream rehabilitation and homebuyer assistance. Glen Godfrey, YMCA Director, stated the YMCA submitted a request for CDBG funds in order to build a multi-use sports field across the street from the YMCA and the recommendation is for one half of the requested amount. He believes they can do the bare minimum TAPE #1330 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes October 25, 1995 Page 18 of 21 with the recommended funding. He noted the sports field will be located just below KCAP's Head Start program and will be available for use by the Head Start children during daytime hours as well as the Parks Department's summer youth program. He acknowledged the effort put into the selection progress by the Advisory Committee and did not support their recommendations be changed. However, he did recommended that in the future the City Council have representation on the Advisory Committee and be part of the whole process. Nancy Schnor, Financial Director Kitsap Community Clinic, stated her agency was recommenced for $75,000 for a renovation process. Last year through CDBG money, they were able to purchase a building at 616 6th Street. With the recommended funding, it will assist them moving forward with the renovation of that building. Their goal is to put in a full Dental Clinic at that site with a fully staffed dental office. Martha MeGavert, Transition Team Program, thanked the Committee for their recommendation of $45,000 to be used to provide housing for the young adults (ages 18-22). Most of the young people they serve are homeless and have no funding or resources. Barbara Mitchell, Director Of Kitsap Day Care Center, stated they were recommended for one half of what they requested and they are very grateful for the funding. She urged Council to approve the Committee's recommendation. They have served families in Bremerton for nearly 30 years taking care of their children. They believe children deserve to have a good environment and by their revamping their floor the children will have a safe and healthy place to play. Donald Pratt, Director Of Community Development for the City of Bremerton, stated his office made an application for "Environmental Remediation". This particular project is designed to remove slum and blight caused by environmental damage in neighborhoods where the owners have not found it economical to repair on their own. It will offer a revolving loan for sites that are environmentally damaged hoping to stimulate the owners into making some changes and possibly selling it. The loan will not be repaid until the property owner either takes out a Building Permit or sells the site to another person. Walt Connelly, Kitsap Lake Elementary PTA, thanked the Committee for their time and efforts put forth on their recommendation. His group was not included in the Committee's recommendation, but he did want Council to give their request another consideration. The current playground equipment is unsafe and part of it has already been removed because of its unsafe condition. There is not enough #1048 TAPE #1330 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes October 25, 1995 Page 19 of 21 play ground equipment on the school site to service 500 children attending Kitsap Lake Elementary School and the children from within the surrounding neighborhood. He emphasized play is an essential part of learning and children do need some physical activity. Without any playground equipment, children are just standing around in the playground areas, getting into fights and in general causing mayhem. He thanked the Committee for listening to their proposal. Mr. Winters spoke up in support of the request presented by Mr. Connelly and recommended that the subcommittee formed to review the Human Services Segment also review Capital Projects as well. If that is what takes place, he would hope the City Council would reconsider the needs of the community in District #9 for playground equipment for the health and safety of the children of that area. Mr. Colvin stated he understood Mr. Connelly to say the Kitsap Lake Elementary School playground equipment is deficient. Mr. Connelly explained they have removed the pre-school/Pre-K playground equipment because it was unsafe. That equipment was put in place by the original builder of the school building as part of his package; however, it was ill thought out and unsafe. Another section in the 1-4th grades needs to be removed as well. The School District has stated they cannot afford any playground equipment and the PTA, in existence for three years, has only be able to raise $2,000 because of the extreme poverty of that area. He noted 51% of the children in that school are on the free and reduced lunch program. M/S/C(Montgomery/Neville) the City Council accepts the Citizens Advisory Committee's recommendation for the capital projects. Vote on motion: In Favor: Dawkins, Colvin, Overson, Neville, Farr, Law, Montgomery, Huff-Menees Opposed: Winters Motion carried. PLANNING AND ADMINISTRATION Donald Pratt, Director Of Community Development, stated he was speaking on behalf of two of the applications made for the Planning and Administration Program under the Block Grant Program. First, continued financial support of the administration of the Block Grant Program - $110,000 requested and subsequently awarded by the Committee represents 1.5 full time equivalent of half of the staff members of the Neighborhood Development Program. The Administration budget is down this year almost one full position because the City is administering a smaller program, no longer #1158 TAPE #1330 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes October 25, 1995 Page 20 of 21 administering the County-wide program, and it includes salaries plus the figure equal to the City's services and supplies ratio to support other City staff. Once that is taken out, there is no more money for the other Planning or Administrative funds; however, if the funding is not taken out of the Block Grant Program to pay for this staff, the funding will be made up assumably by the General Fund. Secondly, we are allowed to fund Planning activities. Planning activities in the neighborhood frequently are and have proven to be in Bremerton the motivation for capital projects, such as the Campus Evergreen Project, which was funded with Block Grant funds 3-4 years ago and now seeing many capital projects, including Evergreen Park expansion, many rehab projects and the environmental remediation that is taking place were all mentioned and defined in the Evergreen Campus project. The project they proposed for 1996 is the Charleston Community Plan. The cost for making that project work is about one half of a full time Planner. That cost plus salary is approximately $40,000, and included in that cost is extensive community relations. A new idea they are considering is having someone design a poster with a schematic view of the neighborhood on one side and text on the backside. He is not recommending that Council divert any Administrative funds for planning. He and the Mayor are looking at other ways to fund that long range planning project. ChezT1 Kincer, Citizens Advisory Committee member, asked if the sub-committee being formed by the City Council will have access to the Kitsap County's Block Grant Fund allocations. President Huff- Menees stated not if Council brings this item back in one week since the County is not meeting to make approve their selection until November 1. Ms. Kincer stated she was told some of the applying agencies that were not included in the Committee's recommendation are receiving thousands of dollars from Kitsap County's Block Grant Program. She felt that information should have an impact on Council's decision. President Huff-Menees pointed out if the County had already acted upon their allocation and the City had that information, then they could take that into consideration. Ms. Kincer asked Council to hold off having the sub-committee meet until the County had approved their Block Grant allocations. She emphasized the selection/recommended process was an extremely difficult process, but a very rewarding experience. In the Human Services Section there are three different agencies that received "0" funding that she felt very strong about. But, the Committee members had decided from the very beginning they would honor the two against one situation. She feels the results of the Committee were as valid today as they were at their review process. M/S/C/U(Montgomery/Farr) to approve the Committee's recommendation for the Planning and Administration budget of $110,000. TAPE #1330 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes October 25, 1995 Page 21 of 21 President Huff-Menees announced the sub-committee will be convened on a schedule that allow them to take into consideration the County's Block Grant approvals, which means bringing the Human Services segment back in two weeks. With no further business meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m. KAAT~EEN~L.~, City Clerk cc: Normal Distribution File/Vault