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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/30/95TAPE #1311 UNAPPROVED DRAFT COUNCIL APPROVED SEP 20 1995 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 30, 1995 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, August 30, 1995, at 5:30 P.M., with Council president Sherril Huff-Menees presiding. Council members present were Bob Winters, A1 Colvin, Morrie Dawkins, Carlos Montgomery, John Law, David Farr, and Lon Overson. Councilman Richard Neville was absent. Also present were City Attorney Ian Sievers and City Clerk Kathy McCluskey- The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council president Huff-Menees and Invocation given by Council member A1 Colvin. Kathleen McCluskey, City Clerk, announced Item 8B was pulled off the Agenda for one week. CONSENT AGENDA - NONE #0026 #0442 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 August 30, 1995, the Council does approve for payment those vouchers included and further described as follows: Retiree Payroll for the period ending 8-31-1995, in the amount of $82,470.21. M/S/C/U(Colvin/Dawkins) to approve vouchers presented in the amount of $1,115,626.84. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS Mr. Overson reported he had the opportunity to volunteer his services at the City's Information Booth near the USS Missouri, and feels it was a very worthy experience. He got quite an education about the Missouri, the people who came to visit the Missouri, and also about the people who volunteer to support the Information Booth. He complimented the Chamber of Commerce for putting it all together, and also complimented the other Information Booth workers for being very courteous, knowledgeable, and very customer oriented- He feels the taxpayers money was well spent in the development of the booth. Also he encouraged everyone to come out TAPE #1311 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 30, 1995 Page 2 of 31 this weekend, and divide their time the best they can between the USS Missouri ceremonies and the Blackberry festival. Mr. Farr said he was fortunate enough to visit the facility where the fire rescue boat was repaired, along with other members of the Police Department and Fire Department, and had the opportunity to ride the boat back to Bremerton. He was happy to report the boat performed very well. This all happened to be very timely, due to getting the boat back on Monday, and on Wednesday of the same week the boat was used to rescue a woman, who had jumped off the Warren Avenue Bridge. He points out this was a good, and worthwhile investment, and commended those involved in the rescue. Also, he has received some calls from constituents voicing their concerns regarding the danger of two roads (Corbet and 13th Street), which both enter Kitsap Way right next to each other. He researched the accident history for a five year period for that area and now would like to enlist the help of the public to learn their concern and/or suggestions about that specific intersection. Anyone wishing to respond to his request may call the City Council Office - 478-5280, or comments can be submitted in writing. Mr. Law stated there is no question Bremerton will have enough activities available for everyone this weekend. He believes the Missouri ceremony will be a fantastic event, and will give the older generation the opportunity to highlight and talk about the history of WWII to their grandchildren. He reminded everyone that the Manette Bridge, which is having some refurbishment work done, is closed at 7:00 P.M., each evening, with the exception of Friday and Saturday evenings. Mr. MontGomery reported work continues in Forest Ridge Park. Mr. Dawklns reported the Bremerton Central Lions Club volunteered to man the information booth at the Missouri on Sunday afternoons the past 8 weeks. One of the most asked question they experienced was to identify the other ships moored near the Missouri. Mr. Oolvin thanked Ms. McCluskey for her explanation on why the City has to charge for the employment examinations, which he found to be very logical, except a lot of citizens do not understand the reasoning behind the fee. He was not sure if the City disclosed there is a fee and that it can be waived upon request. He was knowledgeable of an incident where a young lady applied for a job and was not told the fee could be waived if she could not afford the $15.00. He asked that someone check into see if the City is disclosing that information. He also thanked Ms. McCluskey for the information provided to him on the City's Sign Ordinance. He feels strongly that the people behind the Admiral Theater project are right on target. He enjoyed a recent tour of the Admiral Theater TAPE #1311 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 30, 1995 Page 3 of 31 and was pleased that the general public will have an opportunity to participate in the fund raising effort towards its redevelopment. He was pleased that the County and City are part of that project. Today he received a video tape of the movie produced about the Tuskegee Airmen, which he was apart of for a short time. Mr. Winters asked those traveling on Northlake Way to please use caution during the sewer construction project. Mrs. Huff-Menees wished everyone a safe and happy holiday weekend. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Pro Tem Bob Winters read the following Proclamations: (1) September 2 through October 1, 1995, as WASHINGTON WATER WEEKS. Don Larson, President Washington Scuba Alliance, accepted the proclamation and reminded everyone of the Sinclair Inlet Clean Up event on September 9, and the special slide show being presented at the Kitsap Regional Library as a part of the Washington Water Weeks activities. (2) September 2 and 3, 1995, as BREMERTON BLACKBERRY FESTIVAL. Carol Atkinson, Bremerton Main Street Association, accepted the proclamation. PUBLIC RECOGNITION Ed Pietras, member of the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Committee, extended an invitation to the City Council and citizens to participate in the Martin Luther King Constitution Day Luncheon on September 17, 1:30 P.M., at the Bayview Inn. Special recognition will be given to Dr. Claudia Thompson, who will be awarded the "Bridge Builder Award" for her contribution toward building bridges, not walls. Richard Chrlsinger, dual resident State of Missouri and State of Washington, read a Resolution adopted by the Veterans Of Foreign Wars, J. Wilbur Adams Post No. 3404, Springfield, Missouri, supporting the preservation of the U.S.S. Missouri as a National Historical Monument. Mr. Chrisinger displayed a picture of the U.S.S. Missouri on a goodwill ambassador tour of Australia in 1986; and he donated a video tape to the City Council of that action. Denise Hollis, representing the Kitsap County Council For Human Rights, invited the public to participate in a training program. The National coalition Building Institute is a nation-wide organization and is committed to helping people learn how to get along. This diversity training/community building training can handle and deal with every issue imaginable. David Boynton, resident of Bremerton and employed by the Kitsap.Community Action Program, stated he was fortunate to participate in the 1994 3-day TAPE #1311 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 30, 1995 Page 4 of 31 seminar, which was held in Silverdale and drew 40 people representing Police Departments, Sheriff's Department, City of Bremerton, The Sun, businesses, federal facilities, and School Districts- Following that training, members of that group then went out into the community and conducted 8-10 training sessions. He felt strongly that the program was beneficial, especially in dealing with the youth problem in Bremerton. The next training event is October 18, 19 and 20, 9:00 - 4:30 P.M., at the Silverdale Community Center. Further information may be obtained from Mr. Boynton at 478-2311 or Denise Hollis 895-4883. Mike Dascenzo, Bremerton business owner and property owner, reported the Charleston Business District is alive and well, and involved in some strong efforts to revitalize that area. He represents the Charleston Business Association, a coalition of Charleston business people that have come together to bring the problems of the area to the attention of the City, and to lend their expertise and efforts to improve that area, returning it to a viable commercial area. David Johnson, 4311 "E" Street, read into the record the following letter in response to some phone calls he and others in his neighborhood have received from a Real Estate Agent from Seattle, who is working on behalf of the City: "To the City of Bremerton/Public Works Department from the Oyster Bay Council/Date August 22, 1995. The below signed residents of the Oyster Bay neighborhood do not wish to be contacted by the City's Real Estate Agent, Rosa Abeyta, of Seattle. We hope that the letter persuades the City to follow the intent of the Bremerton's Municipal Code Title IV, Chapter 39, which covers solicitation." The reason they drafted and signed this letter is to let the City know they don't need any assistance in devaluing their neighborhood. If people in that neighborhood want to sell their residents to the City they can contact the City. Beverly Woods, Executive Director Bremerton Area Chamber Of Commerce, reminded the residents of Bremerton and Kitsap County of the 50TH Anniversary Ceremony on the U.S.S. Missouri on September 2, 2:00 P.M. She also announced the U.S.S. Missouri would be closed to visitors on August 31 and September 1 in preparation for the event on September 2. She encouraged anyone hosting relatives or out-of-town guests to direct their attention to the activities on the waterfront and all the other wonderful things available to do in Bremerton. The U.S.S. Missouri will open up again on September 2 (after the ceremony) and will remain open through September 3 (10:00 AM - 6:00 P.M. daily). MerilVnn Erhart, Tutor/Literacy Council Program, extended an open invitation to City Council members and members of the public to the TAPE #1311 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 30, 1995 Page 5 of 31 Literacy Banquet on September 7, 7:00 P.M., at the Silverdale Hotel on the Bay. The program for that event will include honoring students and tutors, presentation of the Jen Southworth Award, and a special presentation titled "Sarajevo Report - Peace Theater In A Time Of War". Reservations may be made by calling the Literacy Council 373-1539. Gordv Byrd expressed his disappointment that people he has helped out through his Byrd's Nest Fund have not paid back monies they borrowed and promised to repay. Of over $5,000 given out he has only received $300.00 in repayment. Don Larson, President Washington Scuba Alliance, expressed his appreciation for the Proclamation read relating to Washington Water Weeks. He also thanked the City's Parks Department for granting his group permission to be on the boardwalk on September 9 for their Sinclair Inlet Clean Up event, which runs from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Normally, they gather on the First Street Dock for that event, however, it is closed to the public at the present time. The U.S. Coast Guard will again be part of their planned activities. He publicly thanked the Kitsap Department Of Community Development for assisting him in mailing out the posters advertising the clean up event. The Department Of Environmental Protection Agency will mail out at no cost Water Weeks Journals, which may be obtained by calling 1-800-424-4EPA. Laura Boyle of the Kitsap Regional Library designed a poster advertising a slide presentation - The Sacred Earth, showing underwater life and local clean up efforts, at the Library on September 23, 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Carol Atkinson, Bremerton Main Street Association, reminded everyone of the Blackberry Festival on September 2 and 3, which will feature a great lineup of entertainment. The available of a "festival wine" has turned into a very successful project and attracted much interest. Traffic in the downtown area will be congested and she urged the public to use the park and ride lots at Olympic College and Bremerton Junior High School on Wheaton Way. Kitsap Transit will provide free shuttle service to the park and ride lots. Also, Horlock Transportation will provide free shuttle their services between Port Orchard and Bremerton. 7A - POLICE DEPARTMENT REORGANIZATION, #AB95-180 Action is requested to restructure the Police Department into three divisions, to provide for the addition of a Manager of Community Resources, to remove three sergeants position from the authorized number of ten, and to add three Lieutenant positions. This action will amend the City of Bremerton Annual Budget '95 document, pages 36, 37, and 38. TAPE #1311 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 30, 1995 Page 6 of 31 Police Chief Paul Du Fresne stated this proposed action is the culmination of over six months of work with staff under the direction of the Mayor's office. This involved the commanders of the existing divisions, officers from the Patrol Division, including all of the Sergeants, members of the Police Officers' Association and input from the City Treasurer and Human Resources Department. It also included reviewing an earlier Police Department study and search of the ICP and International Association Of City Managers on documents on Police organization. During his tenure in the City, he has looked closely at the operations of the Department and how it could be organized to provide a more efficient and better organized service. In his opinion, there were not significant changes needed, but there are things that could be done to greatly improve the service. The first of those was to organize the Police Department into three functions (1) SuDDort Services - formerly the Administrative Divisions. The major function of this division is criminal investigation, including special operations, investigations, drug enforcement and straight detective investigations, and are now organized under a heading of General Criminal Investigations. Those services will be supervised by two existing Sergeants, but the change will be the support of Lieutenant positions that will provide for a management position that he feels will assist both Captains and himself in seeing that the goals and objectives of the Department and the City can be more appropriately addressed within that Division. Other changes to the Support Services Division will be discussed under the discussion about the Community Resources position. (2) Operations Division, essentially the patrol function, will have three shifts being managed by five Sergeants and two Patrol Lieutenants. Again, the intention of adding the Lieutenant positions was to provide some mid-level managers, who could take on special projects and more closely provide management supervision around the clock to the patrol operations. This recommended change came out of a concern expressed by the first line supervisors, who felt many of the details they were handling on a daily basis took them away from direct supervision of their patrol officers. By consolidating some administrative and project duties under two shift Lieutenants, it is expected the shift Sergeants will be out on the streets in excess of 60% of their time, possibly 80%. It also supports the Captains and their involvement in special projects, such as the RV Program and follow up on training programs. (3) Community Resource Division - As most everyone is aware, the Safe Streets program has been very successful in the City over the past 1/2 years and when the program was initially brought in its focus was to assist helping organize grass roots efforts to deal with serious crime problems in low income neighborhoods and neighborhoods where crime had become a serious concern and where apparently neighbors did not feel empowered enough to come together to address those conditions as a TAPE #1311 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 30, 1995 Page 7 of 31 community. He felt fortunate to be able to bring the Safe Streets Program into the Community Resource Division and organize the City's crime prevention function, drug and gang education functions, DUI Task Force and some support services in volunteer areas and public information within the department. This is a major change and means moving the office of Safe Streets and its Director, Henry Mincey, from the Mayor's office to the Police Department. The recommendation for that change came after serious discussions with all of the members of the Police Command, the rank and file and intermediate supervisors. Some joint operations have already taken place to address a number of key issues from problems neighborhoods and locations to special events, such as the Black Berry Festival and he has seen some great results from that effort. If Council gives its approval to move forward with the above described changes, he will proceed with the process prescribed by Civil Service Rules and by other provisions to make the changes within the Department. Public comment - none. Mr. Winters stated his only concern was that a civilian would be working within the Department and questioned how was that worked out with the rank and file? Chief Du Fresne stated Henry Mincey has a strong background in police service having served as a Deputy in the County that surrounds St. Louis, Missouri, and is a former graduate of the FBI Academy. Once the officers within the department became acquainted with Mr. Mincey, they recognized his abilities and desire to work cooperatively with them. Mr. Mincey brings a perspective to the department that the City will benefit from because he has chosen not to be a police officer, but a civilian involved in community organizations and improvement, and felt they needed to be closely tied to their community. That accounts why the "beat Police Officer" program has blossomed so well in the short time it has been in place. Mr. Overson stated it is proposed to add two Lieutenants to the Operations Division and have five Sergeants and 32 Patrol Officers report to them, however the lines of the organization chart do not make it clear as to who reports to whom? Chief Du Frense explained the need to be very flexible with mid-level management and supervision, and with the Lieutenants, he will have that ability using flex time to support the call loads and patrol emphasis. The Patrol Officers will continue to report to their supervisor, the Sergeant, but he expects the Lieutenants and Sergeants to work more closely as a team and not as a direct line. Some may find this a new way to carry out their work, but he believes they will find it to be more productive and satisfying. Sergeants will be expected TAPE #1311 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 30, 1995 Page 8 of 31 to be more involved in solving problems and finding solutions to situations within the department than simply passing them up the line. Another issue addressed was Councilman Overson's concern about partitioning off positions within the department so communications between them had to come up and over a wall. With the new configuration he expects to be able to rotate the Lieutenants around the various positions so that they can be more broadly prepared to handle any one of the Divisional positions. The benefit from that kind of staffing is their thinking of the whole department as their "beat" and not just one narrow section. Mr. Farr stated his concern, based on past experience, was the possibility of adding another layer of mid-management that would act as an insulator factor both from the line of communication up and also some times isolates the person at the top from the public input. He asked the Chief how this additional middle management level will affect those communications? Chief Du Frense stated he expects the Lieutenants will be regular members of his senior staff meetings and involved in decisions at his level. Therefore, communication amongst them should be at its maximum. The other issues of whether or not the Sergeant level and below feel they can communicate issues past Lieutenants to Commanders is dependant on them doing their job correctly. He has to make that his responsiblity as Chief and also the responsibility of the Captains. They will manage by "walking about" and being at locations where things are going on and being present to be in communication with the Police Officers. The idea that only good ideas come from top management is simply not correct. He has already experienced that from beatcops coming up with great ideas and program that are both low cost and very effective in dealing with problems. This is what the concept of community policing is all about - more than just connecting with members of the community. Mr. Law complimented Chief Du Frense and his senior officers for their communicating with the City Council as this concept was being developed. He asked the target date for having the Lieutenants on board? Chief Du Frense stated he had thought he could have the positions in place by September, however, he expects to post the positions, begin contract negotiations with Mr. Mincey, and test as soon as the first week in October, and hopefully have them designated by mid-October. He will be processing Mr. Mincey's contract in the near future. Mr. Law asked if the Lieutenant Register will be developed out of Sergeants in Bremerton. Chief Du Frense stated yes, he expects them to be line promotions and he anticipates nine of the 10 Sergeants will actually compete for the positions. An important aspect is this will provide an opportunity for professional advancement within the Police Department. The City has skilled people who may wish to pursue Police administrative positions outside the City and this kind of #1997 TAPE #1311 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 30, 1995 Page 9 of 31 promotion will help them get ready, if that is their wish. If not, it will give the City the best quality of administrators within the department. Mr. Colvin asked how the new organization will impact the neighborhoods- Chief Du Frense stressed it should not affect the ,'beat" system and should provide a heightened awareness of management at the level of the supervisory positions. president Huff-Menees asked Chief Du Fresne to explain some of the changes that have taken place with policing, such as relating directly with communities. Chief Du Fresne stated there is NO community where Police Officers alone can provide for the safety and security for all its citizens. It can't be done that way, but is a concept we have lived under far too long. It has to be clearly understood that it takes close involvement and partnerships with individuals in communities, neighborhoods, and the police. There have been some dramatic decreases in crime in the last year, and this is a trend everyone wants to see continue. It is his intention to open up his department so that the public feels comfortable and confident in coming to them. Mr. Overson noted staff will be increased by one, without increasing the 1995 budget, and that is good work! M/S/C/U(Overson/Farr) to adjust authorized staffing in the budget. President Huff-Menees announced Council will move directly to the Public Hearing due to the number of citizens wishing to comment. She asked the ,,Appearance of Fairness/Conflict Of Interest" question with all Council members being seated. 10A - SR3/SR304 BREMERTON FERRY TERMINAL TO ~ORST VICINITY TRANSPORTATION PROJECT (E4204), PUBLIC HEARING ON PREFERRED ALTERNATIVES, ~AB95-185 On August 23, 1995, the City Council held a televised Study Session where staff presented the preferred alternative for the SR3/SR304 Bremerton Ferry Terminal to Gorst Vicinity Transportation Improvement Project. This meeting is to hear public comment on the alternatives and the recommended preferred alternative. Council selection of preferred alternative will be at a subsequent meeting. RandV Witt, City Engineer, pointed out the handouts provided at this hearing are the same as those distributed at the August 23 Study Session. The purpose of this hearing is to take public comment on this subject. Beginning with a review of project recommendations, he explained the project is broken up into three sections: Section A being TAPE #1311 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 30, 1995 Page 10 of 31 primarily State Route 3 from Gorst to the inter-change; Section B being from the interchange up to the U.S.S. Missouri gate area; and Section C being the portion of town from the U.S.S. Missouri gate area to the ferry terminal. The highlights and recommended alternatives for proposed improvements include: Alternative A1 improvements at the existing grade along the existing alignment, widening it to four lanes in each direction, two lanes for general purpose, and two lanes for high occupancy vehicle traffic (car pools, van pools, buses, etc.); to reconstruct the railroad bridge at the Gorst end of the project; to construct a high occupancy vehicle bi-pass lane around State Route 3 and State Route 304 interchange; and to extend the frontage road along to Earhart Avenue. Section B goes up to a little past the Missouri gate and its project elements are: (1) three lanes in each direction, one of the west bound lanes being a HOV lane and will eliminate the direct access to properties along that section; (2) improvements to Charleston Beach Road to accommodate businesses in that area; (3) provide a new signalized intersection at Charleston Beach Road and the Missouri gate. This plan does not include the fly-over ramp as discussed in Alternative B-1. Section C is the area past the Missouri gate into town. Staff recommendation is Alternative C-3, which is the one-way couplet, which can be broken into sections for consideration: gateway area; two lanes from each direction south of Burwell with the alignment on Cambrian to Wycoff to Callow Avenue; a new major intersection at Farragut to provide controlled access into the shipyard and neighborhoods; limiting the access from the west between 1st and Farragut; softening the corner at Rodgers Avenue and Lafayette Avenue to allow access from residential neighborhoods; expanding the Kitsap Transit base; landscaping and general gateway concept improvements. In the downtown ferry terminal area near Pacific Avenue and Washington Avenue, the recommendation is: (1) to provide a one-way couplet on Pacific, which would be two lanes, and three lanes on Washington Avenue; (2) to modify the access to the ferry terminal; (3) to improve the signal system. Staff's recommendation on the Callow Avenue/Pacific portion is that 6th Street and Burwell Street become a one-way couplet with three lanes in each direction, which would require parking modifications on Burwell Street and Callow Avenue; surface improvements to 6th Street, Burwell Street, Callow Avenue and Montgomery Avenue; and Callow Avenue and Montgomery Avenue would become a one-way couplet between Burwell Street and 6th Street - two lanes in each direction. The project schedule will have to be revised slightly and will push receiving Federal approval to March-April 1996. Once that approval is given, the project can move full speed ahead on improvements design and right-of-way acquisition. The following responses were made to questions raised during the TAPE #1311 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 30, 1995 Page 11 of 31 August 23rd Study Session: (1) Funding commitment - for Segments B and C from the interchange into Bremerton the project costs are approximately 18 million dollars and a little over 13 million dollars have been identified. This includes the design costs and work to date. Staff is confident the project will compete well for its remaining funds. Segment A, which is the State highway portion SR3, has 26 million dollars of its 30 million shown in the Highway Department's 6-Year Plan. Again, staff feels that project will compete well to receive full funding. Jeff Peacock, Parametrix Inc., introduced Bernie Chaplain, who has been quite involved with the Environmental Impact Statement. In response to a question regarding adverse impacts that were not identified as displacements - that is fairly well quantified in the environmental documentation. Alternative A-1 is the recommendation. Residential access modification will happen on 13 residences on Sherman Heights, a comparable number on Front Avenue and seven at Terrace Park Apartments seven. These are generally speaking some modest changes in circulation and how they would get to their homes. With respect to noise, there is a significant number of residences impacted by noise, but under the no build situation there are currently 44 residents to date that exceed the Federal guidelines that would be considered for mitigation. So while the number appears to be huge, 59, it is an increase of 15 residences over today. Those residences are in entirety well above the existing roadway and fairly well isolated, not a clustered neighborhood. At this point, they are not considering putting in noise walls to mitigate noise impact primarily because they are all view homes and anticipated the owners would not want walls in their yards in front of their view. If this becomes an issue, they will be happy to meet with each of the individual owners and make sure an acceptable solution is found. There are some visual impacts, particularly Terrace Park Apartments due to the roadway getting closer and higher than its current elevation because of the banking required for the roadway on the curve. The fly-over ramp for southbound Hwy. 3 traffic to turn east onto Hwy. 304into Bremerton is not being recommended for consideration. Therefore, Alternative B-1 is recommended without the fly-over. Mr. Overson stated he understood the fly-over portion would cost 6.2 million dollars, however Mr. Peacock was showing the fly-over as the difference between 11.4 and 6.2 million dollars. Mr. Peacock stated that was correct - he as showing construction cost. The difference rests in the costs of the Environmental Impact Statement and preliminary design. With respect to ride share through the corridor, 72% of the vehicles are currently carrying one person through the corridor, which was registered at the screen line at the Gorst railroad TAPE #1311 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 30, 1995 Page 12 of 31 bridge and is fairly indicative of the entire corridor. However, most importantly they have broken out the number of people being moved by different modes and the important statistic here is essentially one half of the people are ride sharing. In respect to the different traffic volumes that could be expected under each of the scenarios, they have identified the traffic volumes on the main thoroughfares and have information for the side streets with any significance, in terms of traffic volumes. He showed the basic Baseline Existing Conditions in 1992. To answer one specific question asked frequently, "what would the traffic volumes be with no action?", he showed graphics to identify that and the corresponding level of service at the key intersections. He showed the traffic volume on Alternative C-2 (which was the alternative at Buell Street with a four-lane facility -- basically a balance of volumes between Buell Street and 6th Street is shown under any of the alternatives); and the one-way couplet system. Another request was to show a bigger picture of the downtown area, and its relationship to the Manette Bridge. This is done with both Alternative C-2, and their recommendation, Alternative C-3. Regarding the question "how do the alternatives operate and function in the Callow/Montgomery area?", in Alternative C-2 it is very straight forward, and there is simply a 90 degree corner at Callow Avenue and Burwell Street. Under the one-way couplet scenario, Callow Avenue would become one-way southbound, and Montgomery Avenue would become one-way northbound. They have identified the lane geometric they feel would be required to make the one-way couplet work more efficiently, still showing Callow with on-street parking, but removing approximately 10-15 stalls, with some flexibility. The parking situation on Montgomery Avenue has a kind of quasi on-street parking, a rolled curbed shoulder with a very wide right-of way. It is not parking that is dedicated to a lane inside of a curb, so they have not identified any impacts to parking on Montgomery Avenue. Importantly, the intersection of concern under this alternative is the Callow/Burwell intersection, and they really feel that they need four lanes at that intersection to make it function properly, with a double left turn lane on to Burwell Street. Mr. Witt wanted to make an apology to some people he met with a few weeks ago who asked him about the parking on Callow Avenue, when he told them parking on Callow would not be affected. When details were looked at, specifically the lane requirements at the south end to make the one-way connection work, some parking was lost. Also, he has been asked if llth Street was considered as part of the one- way couplet, and yes, it was discussed in early project concepts, but it wasn't used for a few reasons. One reason being to use it in conjunction with Burwell Street, it is too far away, so if you go to use it in conjunction with 6th Street at a one-way couplet, TAPE #1311 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 30, 1995 Page 13 of 31 it makes the connection to the south more difficult. Eleventh Street in general, with a connection to the south, is a little more difficult and problematic. So, even though it was considered, it was discounted as the 6th/Burwell couplet optimized what they were trying to do in that area. Del Knauss Bremerton, pointed out that he has been on the Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) for quite some time, and objects to many ideas in this plan. After tonight's presentation, he still objects, and wants to remind Council that the CAC hasn't been involved in this for about 18 months. During the last few years, parametrix has held several meetings around town, but he also wanted to remind Council that a lot of people don't go to the meetings, they don't read the newspapers, and they don't get channel 12. TAPE #1312 Mr. Knauss went on to say he knows from past experience that the way to find out what people are thinking on specific issues is to walk door-to-door and ask them. He presented a petition containing 387 signatures, collected in about 14 hours, against any one-way couplet program in the City of Bremerton. Most of those signatures come from residents living between Warren Avenue, Callow Avenue, 1st Street and the west side of 6th Street. He pointed out the people are asked to believe the one-way couplet is being proposed to solve a twice a day traffic problem, other than that the residents in that area can get in and out and most of the people he talked with stated "leave it'alone, you don't need to do anything". When he served on the Citizens Advisory Committee he thought getting rid of parked vehicles on BuNell was a good idea, however, after investigating that area one discovers alleys are not maintained and some residents do'not have proper driveways into their property. Jeff Peacock stated at the previous hearing the "no build" idea for that area would not kill the project and it didn't have to be in the EIS. The following reasons were given by those signing the petitions in opposition to the one-way couplet: (1) safety of children walking to nearby schools; (2) severe impact on existing businesses along BuNell Street, Callow Avenue, Naval Avenue and 6th Street; (3) impact on easy access to residential and businesses; (4) property values will decline for a number of years; (5) affects access for Kitsap Transit to residents in that area. He related that many people stated to him they would sign the petition, but felt it would not make any difference. He hoped Council could prove them wrong in this instance. Walt Draper, Bremerton School District 300 Montgomery Avenue, stated the School District Board of Directors recently declared the School Administration Facility property as excess. The Board Of TAPE #1312 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 30, 1995 Page 14 of 31 Directors have also approved a purchase agreement with a buyer, who wants to develop that site, which they believe is a good business decision for the School District. However, the traffic flow is obviously of great importance to the person buying that site. The buyers feel strongly that one-way traffic on Burwell Street and 6th Street is not in their best interest for the kind of development they are interested in, which would be a significant project between 2-3 million dollars. Therefore, he wanted to go on record for the School District to see Burwell Street and 6th Street remain two-way traffic. Jack Richland, Commercial Real Estate Agent and developer from Seattle representing Dr. Rhiner, stated Dr. Rhiner has contracted with the Bremerton School District for the purchase and development of the School District property at the corner of Burwell Street and Montgomery Avenue. They became interested in the School District site about four years ago and at that time the School District was not ready to sell. Subsequently, they have entered into an agreement, and he has been specifically charged with developing the property. His knowledge of Bremerton goes back to when he attend school here. Based on his 30 years in the Real Estate business, he had to come to Bremerton and look at it in a different perspective. From the Charleston business district east to Warren Avenue the City's Comprehensive Plan has a zoning designation of mid-rise density (between 8 and 18 units to the acre). The City also has made allowance in their master planning for high rise development in another area with a major project planned for the downtown waterfront. If the density is taken to 18 units per acre, there would be 50-60 residents per acre. The current density is single family and probably at 20-25 residents per acre. The plan, as he understands it, under the Growth Management Act mandates allows for growth into the year 2020. If in fact that is the case, there will significant redevelopment within the identified corridor or within the high rise density corridors. The School District property is the single largest undeveloped retail parcel that is available for redevelopment within the confines of the City. This parcel relates to the canned food warehouse and two other businesses. The two of them together are one block from where the Shipyard opens a gate at the Commissary, puts in a 3,500 car garage nd 10 million dollars into recreational facilities, and currently building barracks. The School District site project will have service oriented retail tenants, they are not destination shoppers like a supermarket. If a one-way arterial system is implemented, it will create four lanes of traffic flowing on one side of a property that is best combined between Burwell Street and 6th Street and fronting on Montgomery Avenue. An example of this can be seen in downtown Redmond and one will see the development has stagnated. Development taking place in Redmond today takes place outside of the one-way corridor. A one-way corridor would significantly and adversely impact the TAPE #1312 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 30, 1995 Page 15 of 31 ability and type of development that would occur on the School District headquarters property. As mentioned the development would be in the range of 2-3 million dollars. If it goes into a lesser use because of the impact of traffic, he would suspect it would become more a secondary retail in terms of its nature rather than something more service oriented. If again with that corridor you made allowance under the City's own ordinances for the growth of up to 18 units per acre, you have also made allowances for mixed use development, which would allow retail or office use on the ground floor level and multiple residential development above. He strongly opposed any system that has a one-way traffic flow where there is a third and fourth lane that lose the opportunity to turn into a service shopping area. Bob Cooper, Charleston Business owner and representing the Charleston Business District Association, stated most of the members of the association are adamantly against the proposal for one-way streets based on the fact it seems like the Charleston Business District is being chopped in half. He pointed out lots of people choose not to travel up Burwell Street and prefer traveling on Callow Avenue and straight onto llth Street and proceed on to their destination. People want the quickest way to get through Bremerton in their effort to get across town. The same applies to people getting off the ferry. If parking is eliminated on Callow Avenue, he questioned what other parking will be made available for customers in that area, or will they have to walk 3-4 blocks, in which case a lot of the Charleston District business will be hurt. As far as making a one-way street one block long it does not make sense. If Callow Avenue is one way,'make the whole street one way, not a block. If a section of Pacific is made one way, he felt all of Pacific Avenue should be made one way, not 2-3 blocks. He also felt the description given as to how traffic coming from Manette would access the ferry terminal under the one-way street scenario was very confusing. If Pacific Avenue is one way, will it be blocked off at night so the kids don't cruise? And, if it is blocked off, how will people reach the ferry terminal? Also, he asked where will the people living along Burwell Avenue park? Mike Dascenzo, small business owner at 334 N. Callow Avenue, member of the Charleston Business District Association, and Bremerton resident, stated if the revision is intended to just overcome the problem of traffic in and out of the shipyard, lets keep in mind Bremerton is more than just the shipyard. He does understand the shipyard provides a great deal of revenue and benefit to Bremerton and has had a long time close relationship. But, first of all we must consider Bremerton to be a City. Perhaps one of the ways to address the problem of traffic is to deal specifically with the leadership of the shipyard and bring up the issue of "flex hours" staggering the dismissal of each shift in such a way that there is TAPE #1312 City Council Reg. Mtg- Minutes August 30, 1995 Page 16 of 31 not a lot of traffic at any one time. The C-1 plan that deals with lanes of traffic going through Callow looks to him like it was going from two lanes to four lanes and then back to two lanes, which made very little sense. If parking is removed from Callow Avenue, the businesses along that section will die. Carl Gleaver, business owner in Charleston Business District and member of the Charleston Business Association, stated he has researched the issue of one-way streets with people, who have experience with one-way streets. He is not looking forward to the prospect to having to deal with such a proposal because he is told by small business owners that it makes staying in business real tough. He asked Mr. Peacock the time differential to having streets two-ways as opposed to one way? Mr. Peacock stated they did not do any analysis on travel times. They feel, looking at the design details depending on which alternative is selection, they would optimize the signal system through interconnection and progression to make that function most efficient. Mr. Gleaver stated he suspected the differential in travel times between having them one-way and two-way would be 35-40 seconds. He appreciated the design of the project, but it is designed to have traffic flow through the City. As a businessman, he is interested in not only flowing that traffic through the City, but making it easy for his customers to get into his place of business. He concurs with the earlier comments and hopes the City Council gives them serious consideration before jumping on the "one-way" bandwagon. Beverly Woods, Executive Director, Bremerton Area Chamber Of Commerce, stated the Chamber has studied the proposal for the Bremerton-Gorst corridor and new gateway to Bremerton. At the August 22 Board Of Director's meeting the Board voted to give their full support to the Bremerton-Gorst Corridor project. The Board stressed the need to improve the flow of traffic and access to all of our downtown area as well as to the Bremerton ferry terminal. In regards to the one-way couplets, new information has been given during this hearing about the change in vehicle parking on Callow Avenue and some other areas Due to that, she wanted to hold off addressing whether or not the Chamber was in favor of one-way couplets. She wants to poll the Chamber membership and come back to Council within the next two weeks with their answer on that particular proposal. She questioned is it essential that a vote be taken on whether or not to have one-way couplets to proceed with this project and can the project move forward with other portions of the project and maybe hold off for further study on the one-way proposal? Mr. Witt stated yes, it is essential that Council vote on something - we need to have a preferred alternative. The staff recommendation was for the one-way couplets, but as previously discussed, none of the alternatives lead to a condition of failure. Mrs. Woods stated for clarification, must Council vote on a route TAPE #1312 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 30, 1995 Page 17 of 31 in Section C in two weeks? Mr. Peacock stated as a point of clarification, the Environmental Impact Statement must have an endorsement of an alternative to move forward with the project. However, the alternative is not an either or situation, it is perfectly within Council's realm, jurisdiction and authority to follow a recommendation, for example, that would move forward with a gateway entrance up to Burwell. It is not at all inconceivable that Council may choose to do nothing between Callow Avenue and Pacific Avenue and move forward with a one-way couplet down on the waterfront. That would be the action required to allow the EIS to move forward. Mrs. Woods suggested Council look at doing a pilot one-way project before moving on to more permanent fix or expansion of any other one-way arterials. She felt it was important to note that the Chamber feels a gateway project into Bremerton and easy access to the downtown core, which is not just downtown Bremerton but all commercial areas of the City, is essential to the redevelopment of Bremerton. Also essential to increased ferry service gaining fast passenger ferries and an increase in car ferry service is proper access to and from the ferry terminal. The Chamber will be going to Olympia to lobby for more monies to expand the ferry terminal and ferry service and they want to make sure every effort has been made to provide access to that terminal. She emphasized no matter what the Council decides the Chamber will stand by to help the City go through the process. John McConne11, 313 E. 28th Street, stated he works in Commercial Real Estate and has had a lot of work in the Callow Avenue and Montgomery Avenue area within the past 5-6 years. He does not believe one-waying roads will be the answer the City is looking for. He sees real difficulty for people accessing their neighborhoods between 6th and the Shipyard boundary if the one-way couplet proposal is implemented. He recalls in time past that ideas, such as this proposal, would be reported in the local newspaper, however, it appears the newspaper is tired of reporting on "new ideas", and now consultants are hired to do the work. He agreed with the Callow Avenue businesses people that there isn't enough parking for them now and taking away parking would definitely hurt them. He feels strongly that the shipyard workers head directly out of Bremerton when they end their shift and don't bother to stop in Bremerton to spend their money. And, the same thing happens when they travel into their jobs. Paul Standberry, 122 Olympic Avenue, stated he and his wife have lived in Bremerton only two years and previously lived in Seattle. However, he has followed Bremerton's progress for about 30 years. He is a consulting futurist and has had the opportunity to travel around the country and write articles for various publications about general trends, so he is not specifically qualified to comment on the engineering proposal, but can relate experiences he TAPE #1312 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 30, 1995 Page 18 of 31 has had from similar types of plans in other urban areas. He first became involved in this matter by attending a community meeting and he appreciated the opportunity to become familiar with the characteristics of an intended plan. Some of the assumptions and justifications for the reasoning were made clear to the public at those meetings. While he and his wife were living in Seattle, they participated in some of the discussions formulating the present plan to develop the Seattle Center. In that plan, public input was solicited from the very beginning and members of the public were allowed to be present at many of the discussion meetings so that prospective alternatives were presented to the group and public comment was solicited. During that period, a lot of public antipathy toward the plans were diffused. The hostility came to the Seattle Center Development Plan from people who lived outside the Seattle area and did not want to help fund the project. It was his understanding that Council was not terribly excited about the one-way alternative, although he believes creating such streets without going through an expensive land acquisition process would allow handling traffic problems Bremerton may face in the future. However, it may have adverse affects on neighborhood businesses, as pointed out by earlier testimony. He felt traffic was pretty sparse except during peak rush hour periods and ferry landings. And, the residential neighborhood is currently going through gentrification with many property improvements and an increased emphasis on family lifestyles in the area. Using this route as a super arterial will increase noise, pedestrian hazard and depress property values. Where then in contrast can traffic be directed in such a way to reduce congestion and improve neighborhood liveability? In considering this alternative, he made use of some friends that live in other parts of Bremerton, particularly a family who live on llth Street. According to residents of the llth Street neighborhood, this area suffers from its present volume of two-way traffic, which is virtually continuous at all times of the day. Creation of a one-way zone along this street would allow it to clear during traffic light stops thus facilitating pedestrian crossing and eliminating a hazard for children at streets between the signals. If the traffic level continues to increase along llth Street, more traffic lights will have to be installed to insure pedestrian safety. Currently, traffic on 6th Street does not seem as heavy as on llth Street. Creation of a one-way street here seems likely to equalize traffic volume between 6th Street and llth Street thus reducing llth Street congestion, its resurfacing needs and increases drive by traffic for 6th Street businesses presuming people knew what lane to be in to turn into the business they wish to access and it would improve access on both sides of the street if there was sufficient knowledge of the neighborhood. He believes delaying the decision concerning one-way determination might be a worthwhile consideration, so a better, more careful consideration of the possibility of one-waying llth Street may be taken into TAPE #1312 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 30, 1995 Page 19 of 31 consideration. He believed the larger couplet route would only involve about 4-minutes of maximum discomfort due to stop lights. He also supports the idea of doing a "trial" one-way route. Marry Stanberry, Bremerton resident, stated her main concern has to do with transit service if the one-way couplet plan is implemented. And, she did not believe that the affect it would have on transit services had been addressed. She did not want to see more parking lots built. She pointed out instead of seeing traffic flow faster through the City why not have it pause a little so they can see what businesses are available along their route. She had not experienced long waits at traffic signals such as what she experienced when living in Seattle. The needs of single family residents need to be understood and protected. Marion Shoning, business owner of Cliff's Cycle Center on Charleston Beach, asked which project would be the first to get underway? Mr. Witt stated the way the project funding is set up the project will start in-town and work outward. Ms. Shonin~ stated the only problem that exists is from Highway 3 - if there is an accident it backs up traffic into the City and stops any traffic movement coming north from Silverdale. She felt the project should start at the opposite end of the project (Gorst to Hwy. 3). It concerned her that she cannot have a bus stop in front of her business and she pays for street lights, but does not have the benefit of any. She asked when would Charleston Beach Road be closed? Mr. Witt stated Charleston Beach Road would not be closed as part of this project. The ability to acquire properties would come in March-April 1996. They foresee working on the gateway area and progressing out of town. As shared earlier, not all funding is in place and Charleston Beach Road beyond the Missouri gate is a questionable area of when they will actually get out there. Ms. Shonlng stated she wants to stay in business and keep her employees employed and questioned where does she go and what does she do? Mr. Witt explained Ms. Shoning does have some time before the project will reach her place of business. Mr. Peacock stated they certainly understand the implications and impacts of a major project like this are very serious to business owners and to residents. With respect to "wiping out her business" he was not sure of the location of her business and would be happy to meet with her individually to discuss her concerns and identify the timeline the project would be moving forward in her area. Roy Mocker, resident above the proposed gateway, stated when he first heard about this project the alternatives included a route over the hillside and past a school. Through pressure by the public, the alternatives were changed to reflect what is being presented at this time. The gateway concept is a slick and polished version of what he is dealing with today during the sewer TAPE #1312 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 30, 1995 Page 20 of 31 construction project. He did not know the rational for eliminating business as part of this project. The reason he selected the location of his home had to do with his ability to walk or ride his bicycle to work and not have to drive. He felt the project would change, in his opinion unfavorably and doing away with the Callow Business District with the one-way couplet proposal. He recalls one-way streets in Denver and the affect that had on lack of development. He did agree with the proposal to one-way an area near the ferry terminal and the improvements planned for Gorst. Diane Cooper, business owner at 611 N. Callow Avenue, state her family planned a long time before going into business and picked the Charleston District because they felt it had makings of a revitalization to the community. She would like to see more beautification through redevelopment in the Charleston District, i.e., redevelopment of the School District site. She is concerned that not enough attention was given in the planning process to the affects to the community and businesses. If the one-way couplet proposal is implemented, she is afraid their family business will be displaced and eventually put out of business. If parking is taken off a section of Callow Avenue, it will put a severe strain on the remaining parking spaces in that area. Randy McGreal, representing Fletcher Wright redevelopment team, stated they do not have a position on the one-way couplet proposal or improve Burwell Street. But, they are opposed to the idea of doing nothing on Burwell because it is important that the gateway into the City continues on beyond the gateway on down Burwell and into the central business district. And, that the quality of that gateway be consistent from Highway 3/304 all the way down to the downtown area. They are in favor of a one-way couplet directly downtown on Washington Avenue, First Street and Pacific, and the reason being if their redevelopment project becomes a reality it will significantly increase the traffic volumes in that area and the two-way existing traffic grid will be stressed. They have not studied that specific issue, but is simply their perspective today. Joe Schoemaker, downtown business owner, stated he recalls when the fill was put across Warren Avenue playfield and the Fred Schoenman overpass was built to allow the easy flow of traffic from the downtown core out of Bremerton to eliminate traffic congestion. The idea of one-way streets was studied in 1975, and he agreed that things have changed since that time. Action to one-way streets was not taken then because it would gridlock the central business core. At the time 6th Street and 11th Street were widened, as well as some widening on Burwell, he believed the Commissioners made commitments to the residents of those area that those streets would not be made one-way because parking had been cut back considerably. If a section of Pacific is made one-way flowing into the ferry TAPE #1312 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 30, 1995 Page 21 of 31 terminal, it will eliminate his and other businesses. Such action may be good for the City, but he did not see the necessity nor did he think it was a wise decision. If Pacific Avenue is used as storage for overflow traffic from the ferry terminal, it will block what use to be the main gate of the shipyard and it would make the pedestrian traffic more difficult. Most of the business downtown depend on pedestrian traffic and finding a parking space is currently a problem. Washington Avenue as a storage area is a most feasible location as it stands now. He questioned what will be done with emergency vehicles if the one-way couplet is implemented? He emphasized that would have a heavy impact on Police and Fire coverage on rapid response. If a heavy flow of traffic is brought in from Gorst to the downtown area, allow two-ways streets so it can be flushed out on a more equal and consistent basis rather than have it all flow through one point. He believes the concept of one-way streets in the downtown core will gridlock the downtown business district. Dale Magnuson reminded Council they do not represent Puget Sound Naval shipyard or Department Of Transportation. He was not pleased about the current service provided by the ferry system and questioned why would the City want to build a large structure for parking to service the ferry system? He made a conscious effort to purchase a home within walking distance to his work at PSNS. It concerned him that the City eliminated several crosswalks on Burwell Street, thereby leaving crossings at Callow Avenue and Naval Avenue. He pointed out the one-way couplet proposal would impact four large apartment buildings in his neighborhood south of Burwell Street. He questioned how are all these residents going to get to where they need to go? In his opinion, the only time there is a traffic problem is during rush hour periods. He asked what is it that we are trying to achieve in Bremerton? Is the intent to create a boutique for the Puget Sound area or are we trying to create a liveable city? Today, he almost got stopped by a Police Office by mistake instead of a vehicle that was traveling 46 miles an hour up Burwell Street. Jerry Soriano, downtown business owner and property owner, stated he is also asking himself what are we trying to do by on-waying streets. During the previous hearing he heard that the purpose of one-way streets was to improve the traffic to downtown Bremerton. He questioned does traffic need to be improved downtown at the present time. His observations tell him that any time during the majority of the day there is very little traffic problem on Burwell Avenue. In listening to the experts they say there isn't going to be a problem until 2020, if then. He questioned who is the one that suggested the one-way couplet plan? As a citizen living on 5th Street, none of the property owners around him are interested in having one-way streets. As a downtown business owner, he does TAPE #1312 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 30, 1995 Page 22 of 31 not know one person that agrees to have one-way streets on 6th Street and Burwell Street. With regard to the little couplet in downtown, he did not see any benefit at this time. If something comes up in the future to warrant such a change, then maybe it can considered. He questioned what are you doing if you put a little one-way street running from Burwell on Pacific down through Washington Avenue? In his opinion, all you would get is a mess in traffic flow. If the benefit is the ferry terminal, then let's build the ferry terminal and when we get the traffic let's make the change. This portion of the whole project is least expensive. At this point he felt it was better to stand pat and do nothing with this area. After attending a number of public meetings on this project, he is baffled how Parametrix Inc., and the City Engineer can recommend the one-way couplet. In his opinion, they aren't doing it for the citizens of Bremerton or the business owners of Bremerton (downtown and Callow Avenue). Mike Middleton, property owner off of Burwell, stated he did not believe anyone was looking at the big picture. He sees a major arterial being planned for a location that does not need it at the current time. He questioned who is really driving this plan? Louis Soriano stated he has been a Bremerton resident for 62 years and remembers the kind of traffic encountered during the WWII period and immediately following the war. He recalls that one-way streets were discussed 25 years ago and here we are again talking about them. He does not see a traffic problem today and questioned what are we trying to fix? At the prior hearing on this issue, Parametrix's made the comment that there was very little impact of displacement. He was amazed at that comment, yet it was stated that three businesses and their employees would be displaced on First Street. He pointed the Department Of Transportation has not provided funding or a commitment for a new ferry terminal, and that could be 1-6-10 years away. He was concerned what one-way streets would do for such events like the Blackberry Festival. He was also concerned with ferry backups and how that would be affected by one- way streets. If Council makes a decision to adopt one-way streets of some nature, which he hoped they would not, he hoped they would give some consideration to the displacement of property. Don't displace property now until it is needed. Don't displace businesses, many of them are having a very difficult time making a living. He hopes the experts are correct that in 2020 this City will need one-way streets and traffic revision. Elizabeth Buell, High Avenue, stated she has lived in Bremerton a long time and recalls the time when someone wanted to filling the mud flats at Gorst so people didn't have to drive so far, but that got stopped. And, when Callow Avenue was widened it contributed to the closing of a grocery store due to lack of parking. Now, this TAPE #1312 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 30, 1995 Page 23 of 31 proposal talks about taking parking away from businesses on Callow Avenue. She pointed out Bremerton has a lot of senior citizens and they need to park close to businesses they wish to patronize. She supports the gate way proposal, but did not support the one-way couplet. Cecil McConnell pointed out the City Council has talked a lot about bringing more businesses into the City. When he reviewed Alternative C he learned it would displace 11 businesses plus 65 residents. He did not support the one-way couplet proposal and felt it would do more harm than good. Larry Sharp, owner of Bremerton Grocery Outlet/6th & Montgomery, voiced his objection to the one-way couplet proposal. He agreed that such a plan would hurt more than a few businesses. He estimated that approximately 80 businesses along 6th Street would be affected if 6th Street was made one-way. In that same scenario people trying to reach his business would have a round-about route. He is probably the largest retail business on 6th Street and would anticipate losing a lot of customers coming in from the west, if they are made to use a round-about route. Considering the climate of business in Bremerton, he wouldn't think the City would do anything that would hurt the businesses that already exist. Patricia Pratt stated she has watched change take place in various places where she has lived and she has also seen some regions that have done some nice things. She suggested the City take a look at how to slow traffic down rather than speed it up. What has been presented is a way to make this place look like all other places. The reason that the Leavenworth area has succeeded is because it is a place to slow down and enjoy. She moved back to Bremerton due to the economics in Port Angeles thinking she could improve her financial situation coming back to this area. After being back for a year, she doubts she will achieve her goal because aesthetically the City is not a comfortable place to live. She does not want to just cater to people using Bremerton as a route to commute. Maybe someone should look at how to make the City more beautiful and slow down traffic so that they feel peaceful as they drive-through the City. Jack Lefcoski, Bremerton Resident, stated he is against the one-way couplet proposal...if it ain't broke don't fix it. He is also against the proposal to widen the road for the area between Gorst and the wastewater treatment plant. He has been working for 46 years promoting the "Sinclair bridge". Parametrix, Inc., stated at the previous hearing that the money spent on this proposals between the wastewater treatment plant and Gorst will not preclude a bridge. He cautioned don't fool yourself, it will slow down the bridge. No one will give the County 20 million dollars for this TAPE #1312 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 30, 1995 Page 24 of 31 project and later on fund a bridge project. In that context, if the proposal presented will preclude the bridge it should be put on the back burner. The idea of putting a double HOV lane on a two mile span is total nonsense. The place where a HOV should be located is all the way between Poulsbo and Belfair. He does not believe in HOV lanes or that they move vehicles. Jeff Peacock also commented that one half the people traveling through Gorst are in buses, which is true and they will stay in them. However, if six lanes are to be built, then let all six lanes go, don't build 6-8 lanes and only have four of them available for single occupancy vehicles (SOV). He pointed there are three sources of vehicle traffic, the shipyard, Harrison Hospital and Olympic College and/or High School. He suggested putting a viaduct on Wycoff that would go over the top of Kitsap Way, which could carry all the southern incoming traffic heading north to llth Street, thereby not impacting the residential neighborhoods. TAPE #1313 Regarding the concept of widening the beach road between the sewer treatment plant and Gorst, he questioned what are we going to do with all those cars in Gorst? He could not imagine eight lanes of traffic flowing through Gorst. He viewed that as an adverse impact on the businesses in Gorst. The first overpass coming down from Belfair is misaligned and he could not imagine putting two more lanes under it without tearing it down and realigning it. If the Sinclair Bridge had been built 30-40 years ago, the proposed beach road improvement would not even be discussed. The current roadway can handle the traffic going to Belfair. He loves the "gateway" concept into Bremerton, but he pleaded with Council to listen to the public speaking on this issue and the fact they do not support the one-way coupling of Burwell Street and 6th Street. President Huff-Menees cautioned Mr. Lefcoski that testimony was not being taken on a bridge across Sinclair Inlet. Mr. Lef~oski stated in 1993 there were 35,000 vehicles traveling through Gorst daily and when you multiply that times 365 days, it equates to 53,000,000 miles. It is being projected that in the year 2010 there will 50,000 vehicles traveling through Gorst, which equates to 91,000,000 miles. In 1993 we were spending $5,000,000 per year in waste of gasoline and that is just for the five mile segment that would have been eliminated if a bridge existed. By the year 2010 we'll be spending $7,000,000 just in gas. Ed Pietras, 128 Bloomington, stated that as a resident, he is concerned that the one-way couplet would adversely affect his neighborhood as well as the businesses in the Callow Avenue/6th Street/Burwell Avenue areas. He cited how Vancouver, B.C. retained its residential atmosphere by keeping their 2-way streets through a very high traffic area of their city. He opposes the one-way street couplet proposal. TAPE #1313 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 30, 1995 Page 25 of 31 Dale Maineson, 132 Bloomington Avenue, stated as he circulated a petition opposing the one-way couplet proposal he did not have a single person refuse to sign. He did come across two people living in an apartment building that felt the one-way couplet would not affect them. He personally experienced the problems of one-way streets in Germany and the only people benefitting from them were taxi drivers, who made their money driving the long route to a destination. He hoped a youthful vision on the issue would be of interest to the Council. Dana Schidley, owner of residential property on Montgomery Avenue, stated from what he has heard not one person, other than the City Engineer and consultant, is in favor of the one-way couplet proposal. If PSNS is eliminated, there would be no traffic problem. He views ferry traffic as stable. He asked if anyone had talked with PSNS or is working with them to institute flex time or restricting movement of traffic at specific times and make those areas accessible to highways. He believes one-way street will kill neighborhoods and businesses. He sees the traffic problem being getting cars out of Bremerton and the problem with traffic flow through Gorst. He is concerned about the shipyard putting heavy traffic out onto Montgomery that will bottleneck Burwell and devalue his property. He questioned if the issue of Manette residents accessing the ferry terminal under the one-way street proposal had been addressed? Donna Magneson, 132 Bloomington Avenue, stated of all the people testifying, no one has stated they want or approve the one-way couplet proposal. She believes the City would be hurting, through loss of business taxes, brought about by viable businesses closing their doors. She is also concerned about the safety of local residents in her neighborhood crossing Burwell Street if it is turned into four lanes of traffic. She felt there had been a lot of anticipatory things done, such as removal of crosswalks, that she did not believe the citizens were aware of and it appears that it is pre-decided. It is interesting to her that all testimony at this hearing has been "No", and yet it will take a couple weeks before Council will make their decision. She hoped Council-was paying attention to the comments made by the citizens and those who signed the petitions as to what they want. Bremerton has a small town flavor and offers a lot of facilities at an easy pace of life. If a change is made to the layout of streets, those things won't be possible. She is particularly concerned about the safety of children crossing Burwell Street and 6th Street due to heavy traffic volumes. Mr. Witt thanked everyone in the audience for coming and sitting through 2-1/2 hours of testimony. He felt only one thing was brought up that needed an immediate response and that was the last TAPE #1313 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 30, 1995 Page 26 of 31 comment about removing crosswalks in preparation for the one-way alternative. He emphasized those two issues are not related in any way. Mr. Peacock also extended his appreciation to everyone attending the hearing and those who offered their input on the proposal. It was anticipated there would be passionate feelings on the proposals. The planning process has covered over four years of time and they have, to the best extent of their ability, objectively and professionally tried to assess the situation, analyze the range of alternatives and provide that information to the public at every opportunity available. As they indicated at the previous hearing, they held in excess of 40 meetings on this project over the last four years and have heard the whole range of alternatives. While the overwhelming preponderance of speakers this evening were opposed to the one-way couplet system, he could give assurance that there have been people advocating it strongly. He did not pretend to know why they were not represented at this meeting. What was heard during this discussion was a general feeling they have heard throughout the process. In addition, through all of their public outreach efforts, they strongly encouraged people to express their opinions to the City Council, who are the decision makers. He felt the public expressed very eloquently their feelings on the project and he applauded that and did not take exception or defense to any of the issues raised during the discussion. In answer to the question if PSNS is involved in the planning process, yes they have been involved at every level of the project over the past four years, i.e. technical aspects on Technical Advisory Committee as well at the highest levels of the Shipyard on the Executive Policy Steering Committee. He took pleasure and pride in the fact that public involvement was a major objective throughout this process. This project is a huge investment and the future of Kitsap County, Olympic Peninsula region and the City of Bremerton. The project is between 45 - 50 million dollars and as heard during this hearing with a couple of exceptions the issue is a million dollar question on one-way couplets on 6th Street and Burwell Street. Quite frankly, he takes a lot of pride in that the community, for the most part, endorsed- the extensive improvements that have been recommended betweens Gorst and Bremerton and the Gateway into Bremerton as indicated in the rendering. As they stressed at the previous hearing, the question of one-way couplets on Burwell Street and 6th Street between Callow Avenue and Pacific Avenue is not a make or break issue. The project terminus as defined over four years ago was Gorst and the ferry terminal and we are obligated to look at the full range of alternatives between those two terminations. That one discrete segment in the big picture cost wise is very minimal and not a make or break question on this issue. If Council chooses not to go forward with one-way couplets or to four lane Burwell TAPE #1313 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 30, 1995 Page 27 of 31 Street to the downtown area or do nothing, it will not result in a catastrophe. Mr. Witt emphasized again the amount of citizen involvement over the past four years in the planning of this proposal and that involvement did bring about a change in direction of the project. He was pleased with comments made by the public and nothing stated at this hearing was a surprise. They will be coming back before Council in two weeks to address some of the more technical issues. In closing, he stressed their policy to meet with people individually to discuss their concerns. President Huff-Menees stated that concludes the hearing on this issue and thanked everyone for attending. 7B - CONTRACT AWARD, McCLAIN SEWER REPLACEMENT PROJECT, #AB95-181 Bids were opened for the McClain Sewer Replacement Project on August 7, 1995. Only one bid for this project was received. The bid from Stan Palmer Construction was $143,493.02, including tax. The engineer's estimate for this project was $95,714.00, including tax. The project was reviewed with the sole bidder and a price of $120,731.49 was negotiated to complete this project. This project is included in the 1995 budget, and sufficient funds exist to do this work. The action before the City Council is approval of a contract for construction of this project. RandV Wltt, City Engineer, explained the bid received was high and they reviewed the area of concern with the contractor, specifically the soils and pumping of the water for a portion of the area. They were able to negotiate a lower contract price given the difference between the City's estimate and the contractor's bid. This project is identified in the draft Sewer Comprehensive Plan and is located in E. 31 Street - between McClain Avenue and Stewart Avenue. It is an area where an existing 18 inch line connects to an 8 inch line and causes surcharging. The street will be overlaid as part of the City's overlay project and it is necessary to remedy the sewer line problem prior to the pavement work. Public comment - none. Mr. Colvin questioned for clarification if Mr. Witt was satisfied with the quality of the bid and the bid process? Mr. Witt explained the project was advertised for three weeks; and yes, he was satisfied with the quality of the bid and the contractor. Mr. Winters asked Mr. Witt to explain the discrepancy between the Engineer's estimate and the original bid amount. Mr. Witt stated after discussing the project with the contractor, he believes the fair price is $123,000 based on a little misunderstanding or some TAPE #1313 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 30, 1995 Page 28 of 31 assumptions the City should not have made. #0849 Mr. Farr asked if the City had satisfactory dealings with the contractor in the past? Mr. Witt stated yes. M/S/C(Farr/Montgomery) to approve a contract for $120,731.49 with Stan Palmer Construction, Inc. for construction of the McClain Sewer Replacement Project and authorize the Mayor to execute the same. Vote on Motion: Motion carried. In Favor: Abstain: Overson, Farr, Law, Huff-Menees, Montgomery, Dawkins, Colvin Winters 8A - ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) REORGANIZING HEARING EXAMINER UNDER THE MUNICIPAL COURT, #AB95-182 Over the past several years, administrative hearings have been assigned first to the municipal court with the court given discretion to assign the appeal to the Office of Hearing Examiner established under BMC 2.84. The Bremerton court has broad powers conferred by RCW 3.50: "...the court shall have jurisdiction and shall exercise all powers by this chapter declared to be vested in the municipal court, together with such other powers and jurisdiction as are generally conferred upon such court' in this state either by common law or by express statute." Municipal courts organized under RCW 35.20 have express authority to use judicial officers for a city's administrative hearings. The proposed ordinance adopts this organization to allow the flexibility of using judges and court commissioners, rather than contracting for a hearing officer, and utilizes the existing court support staff for scheduling, file management, and conducting hearings. Ian Sievers, City Attorney, stated this project started off as a house keeping correction for vehicle hearings. As they were conducting some training on junk vehicles, it was noticed that the City's ordinance referred to the Municipal Court for impound hearings and that was passed at the time the City's Municipal Court was a department of District Court. State law requires that impound hearings be heard in District Court, or by local ordinance by a Hearing Examiner process. The City did not want to send impound hearings to District Court in Port Orchard for the convenience of City Police Officers and on the other hand we did not want to use the Hearing Examiner because it is an expensive process and also is appealed to City Council. So, he used that as an opportunity to point up something that has been in transition since 1987-1988, which involved the use of a Hearing Examiner TAPE #1313 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 30, 1995 Page 29 of 31 consultant and was a very expensive kind of a technical process and again involved a lot more appeals to Council. At that time, the City adopted a hybrid of selecting a Hearing Examiner with preference for the Municipal Court and started off with Utility billings and expanded more recently to Business License decisions. The proposed ordinance has been developed, with the concurrence of Municipal Court Judge Martin, which does away with the Chapter that sets up the Hearing Examiner as a separate office. As mentioned in the Agenda Bill, it is being set up as a Division in Municipal Court where there are a number of judicial officers that can handle these kinds of adversarial hearings. A short procedural section has been included that will do away with the City Council appeal. The rest of the ordinance deals with the correction to the impound hearing and corrects some of the language in other appeals for Utilities, Utility billing and Business Licenses that refer to first going to Municipal Court and then going to a Hearing Examiner. Public comment - none. Mr. Law asked for clarification if he understood correctly that a Court Commissioner will be appointed to hear such cases rather than the Municipal Court Judge? Mr. Slevers stated he believed the Municipal Court Judge would have time to hear most of the hearings himself. He did not see the need to hire additional staff, although that is something that is allowed as an option. Also, Court Commissioners were added to the ordinance and the City's does have a Court Commissioner on staff, but he doubted that person would be used that often. He expected if a second tier was needed it would be a Pro Tem attorney appointed by the Judge. Mr. Law noted then a budget adjustment would not be required. Mr. Sievers stated no, although "impounds" is one of the more frequent administrative hearings held and the Judge will have to monitor the demand on his administrative staff. Mr. Law made the observation that if there is need for a budget adjustment to make sure impounds take place, it should be discussed by Council. Mr. Farr asked if the only changes to Section 5.02,360 REVOCATION OF BUSINESS LICENSE CONDITIONS were the lined out sentences? Mr. Sievers stated that was correct. The wording in that section is simpler and referring to Hearing Examiner rather than referring to Municipal Court and then deferring to the Hearing Examiner. Also, at the end of that section there is a lined out portion with new wording "filed under BMC 2.62,045", rather than referencing the Hearing Examiner chapter for procedure. Mr. Colvin asked if Court Commissioners are attorneys? Mr. Sievers explained they don't have to be attorneys to adjudicate civil infractions and certain misdemeanors and other kinds of hearings in #1153 TAPE #1313 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 30, 1995 Page 30 of 31 Municipal Court, such a mitigation hearings. They do have to pass a qualifying test that is established by the Court Administrator for the State of Washington. Kathleen McCluskey, City Clerk, pointed out Penny Hill, the City's Court Manager is a Court Commissioner, who would be able to sit on the subject hearings, if appoint by the Judge. Ms. Hill is a backup to the Municipal Judge on certain kinds of cases and situations at no additional cost to the City. M/S/C/U(Montgomery/Colvin) to approve ordinance, on first reading, reorganizing the hearing examiner function as part of the Bremerton Municipal Court, and repealing Chapter 2.84, and amending Chapters 2.62 and 9.08 of the Bremerton Municipal Code. 9A - RESOLUTION NO. 2519, INITIATING VACATING PORTER STREET AND ALLEYS ADJOINING AND WITHIN BLOCK 4 AND 7, PLAT OF PORT ORCHARD; AND SETTING A HEARING DATE, #AB95-184 The City Council is being requested to vacate a portion of the undeveloped right-of-way of Porter Street and a portion of an adjoining alley, all within the block bounded by Constitution and Charleston Avenues. These right-of-ways are subject to vacation by operation of law, and since no compensation can be charged, the adjacent owners, the resolution method of vacation has been used to initiate this vacation. The proposed resolution both initiates the vacation and sets the hearing date. In addition to the posting of the hearing notice, all adjacent property owners are mailed notice of the vacation hearing and given a right to protest. Ian Sievers, City Attorney, stated this resolution is a little different than a resolution simply setting a hearing date for street vacations. He included a memorandum of understanding in the Agenda Packet in which he explained the new program of Vacating By Resolution method rather than a petition by an adjacent property owner. He wants to use this process since there are streets where the City does have a lot of choice and should belong to the adjacent owners, and it is in the City's best interest to try and process those as quickly as possible to put the property back on the tax roll. This process also reduces the amount of staff time if the City only relied on the petition method. The proposed process is similar to the 10% petition for annexation in that the Council thinks it is a good idea but it is not the actual hearing on the merits. In addition, a public hearing must be held as well as an ordinance approved dealing with the matter. The proposed resolution accepts the vacation and sets the hearing date, but we are not relying on the petition method and Council is starting the vacation over a number of right-of-ways. #1276 TAPE #1313 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 30, 1995 Page 31 of 31 Public comment - none. Mr. Colvin asked if the City give a portion to each property owner? Mr. Sievers stated he did not believe there was any exception to that rule for vacation by operation of law. The City simply passes the vacation and they do vest immediately with the Ordinance one half to each of the adjacent property owner. M/S/C/U(Montgomery/Farr) to pass Resolution No. 2519, proposing the vacation of Porter Street and portions of adjoining alley between Constitution and Charleston Avenues, and setting hearing date. With no further business meeting adjourned at 9:27 P.M.. City of Bre~' KLM/SH-M/me cc: Normal Distribution File/Vault