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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/23/95TAPE #1310 UNAPPROVED DRAFT COUNCIL APPROVED SEP 13 1995 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 23, 1995 #0021 #0038 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 23, 1995, at 5:30 P.M., with Council President Sherril Huff-Menees presiding. Council members present were A1 Colvin, Morrie Dawkins, Carlos Montgomery, John Law, David Farr, Richard Neville, and Lon Overson. Councilman Bob Winters was absent. Also present were City Attorney Ian Sievers and Deputy City Clerk Gil Johnson. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council President Huff-Menees and Invocation given by Pastor David Martinez of Sylvan Way Baptist Church. Gil Johnson, Deputy City Clerk, announced Agenda Item 7A had been pulled indefinitely. CONSENT AGENDA A. Minutes of Meeting - August 9, 1995 #AB95-178 M/S/C/U(Neville/Dawkins) to approve Consent Agenda. 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/Overson) on August 23, 1995, the Council does approve for payment those vouchers included and further described as follows: 187342, 187351, and 187360 through 187410 in the amount of $141,711.38; and Regular Payroll for the period ending August 15, 1995, in the amount of $645,647.78 President Huff-Menees make the following announcements: (1) City Council Executive Session - immediately following tonight's Council meeting, and prior to tonight's Study Session, in the City Council Conference Room. Topic to be discussed: "Personnel"; (2) City Council Study Session - immediately following tonight's Executive Session, in the Council Chambers. Topic to be discussed: "Gorst - Bremerton Connector Project". TAPE #1310 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 23, 1995 Page 2 of 8 COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS Mr. Overson reported the Concerts on the Boardwalk are over for the year, and it was his hope they could extend the schedule a few more weeks next year because he thought they were great. He did remind citizens of the Blackberry Festival happening Labor Day weekend on the boardwalk. He thanked the Police Department for their excellent handling of a difficult situation he had the opportunity to observe in the Highland area on Tuesday evening. He also complimented the Fire Department on the fine job they did handling the tire shop fire. Mr. Neville gave notice to the public that the Parks & Recreation Department is now removing hazardous trees in Evergreen Park, Warren Avenue Play Field, East Park, and Sheridan Park. There will be new trees planted in their place. Mr. Farr stated it was good to be back after spending two weeks in North Dakota visiting his daughter and grandchildren. While on his vacation there, he visit a wastewater treatment plant and found it interesting the way they used ponds covered with duck-weed as an odor deterrent, and apparently it is effective. He spent a few hours Tuesday with the Police Chief, Fire Chief, and the Director of Cencom, going over the proposed Cencom Budget for next year. That budget comes in at about $2.3 million, with Bremerton contributing 25%. He commented that this is a significant amount, and they were looking at the various services offered to find any areas where cuts could be made. Public Safety is what most citizens demand, but those costs are going up while revenues for the City are NOT going up. One way to bring in more revenues is to make Bremerton as attractive as possible for commercial development. Mr. Law reported the second annual Manette Day Summerfest was held last week, and festivities included a parade, which was one of the shortest in the Northwest. There was a good turn out, and he feels this event is now becoming a tradition. He thanked all those who helped make it happen, and also the Police Department for all their help blocking the streets for the parade. Mr. Montgomery also enjoyed the Concerts on the Boardwalk, and was pleased with the excellent turn out for each event. He thanked the many sponsors, because without their help the concerts would have been difficult to put on. He specifically thanked Carol Atkinson and the Mainstreet Association for all their help in putting the concerts together. He commented it was a "big mystery" how Carol was able to provide such nice weather on each concert night! He recognized Gerald Fitzpatrick for his efforts and his rapport with young people, and also acknowledged his appreciation for the presence of the Police Department's Bicycle Patrol. For those who TAPE #1310 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 23, 1995 Page 3 of 8 live around Forest Ridge Park, improvements are being made by the Parks & Recreation Department, such as brush removal from around the tennis courts, new playground equipment, new picnic areas, and paved parking. He pointed out this is one example of public officials responding to the needs and requests of the citizens. For those who doubt it, he reminded them that Bremerton is "alive and kicking", and he believes there will be more exciting things happening in the near future... keep tuned! Mr. Dawkins stated he saw a sign stating the Manette parade was the "world's shortest parade", and asked Mr. Law just how long it was? Mr. Law stated it was about 3 blocks long, with each block about 100 feet long. Mr. Dawkins reported the golf course continues to be shaping up, and getting closer to the point of planting grass. He feels it is going to look beautiful when complete, and now with the trees cut down a full view of the Olympic Mountains is visible. He encouraged the public to come and take a look. Mr. Colvin thanked Larry Green for bringing to the Council's attention the City's fee for submitting a City employment application, He assured Mr. Green that several Council members agreed with his thoughts that a fee could discourage good people from applying for jobs. He also thanked President Huff-Menees for a fine letter she wrote to Mr. Green addressing the application fee issue, and feels she captured the sentiments of the Council very well. On Monday he attended a session by Fletcher Wright, and the more he hears their ideas the more he likes them. Also, he wanted citizens to be aware of a pamphlet about "Lead in Drinking Water". MAYOR,S REPORT Mayor Hotton wanted to clarify Mr. Colvin's comments, that there is no lead in the City's water systems. But, in some homes built in the late 50's, 60's and early 70's due to the use of lead solder in the piping, and the water going through the piping caused the lead to leach out. Anyone can call the Water Department (478-5315) and receive information where their water can be tested. If someone feels they may have a lead problem, they can turn on the water tap for a couple minutes first thing in the morning, or after any time the water has sat stagnate. In regard to the application fee issue brought up by Mr. Green, there will now be notice given at the time of the job announcement about the $15 application fee, per Council's directive. Mayor Horton pointed out a second American flag on display on the wall behind the Council members. This flag is tattered and war- torn, and rightfully so, since it was THE flag flown aboard the USS Medley D. Butler, DD636/DMS29, from 1943 to 1945. It was on board during the invasion of Sicily, Normandy, South of France, and the TAPE #1310 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 23, 1995 Page 4 of 8 Okinawa invasion. In commemoration of the 50th year celebration of the end of World War II, it is an honor to have this flag on display at Bremerton City Hall, courtesy of Kal Leitchman, who served aboard the USS Medley D. Butler during that time. PUBLIC RECOGNITION Jeff Lefcoski announced the Kitsap Lake Neighborhood Association will meet on August 24, 1995, 6:30 P.M., at the Cascade Natural Gas building on Kitsap Way. The topic of discussion at that meeting will be boats on Kitsap Lake. He emphasized there is no movement to outlaw boats on Kitsap Lake, however, he expects more boats will be coming to Kitsap Lake when they are outlawed on Panther Lake, Tiger Lake and Lake Tahyuah. He report the Kitsap Lake sewer installation project is going well and very close to being half done. He is very happy with the contractor on that project and people are already ditching their yards in anticipation of hooking up to the sewer. Larry Green, NAACP, expressed the NAACP's appreciation for Council President Huff-Menees' letter and Councilman Colvin's earlier comments. The NAACP feels the $15.00 application fee is unfair because people working for the City do not have to pay it. The people who can least afford the fee are required to pay it. He has been told the City will make an effort to inform the public of the fee waiver, but if that is the case, why have it at all. He also felt it was unenforceable and once people are aware they don't have to pay the fee he doubted the City would receive very much revenue. Therefore, since it is unfair and not enforceable, the NAACP suggests that it be rescinded. In reference to comments made about absence of minorities on boards and commissions he shared the following experience: In the 60's there were requirements that there be blacks, other minorities and women serving on committees and boards in order to receive Federal and State funding. City officials actively recruited minorities to place them on boards, which they did. However, as soon as those revenues became available to undertake a project you could not find one minority had been hired. So, it is not that people are not willing to serve, rather it is because they got "soured" on it because it hadn't resulted in something positive for them. Recruiting and hiring minorities is not that difficult and he personally has proven that. A good example of that was when the Bremerton School District stated they couldn't find any minority teachers to hire and he used his own vacation time to recruit black school teachers in 1969, some of whom are still teaching in this community. He felt strongly the only reason it was not happening in the City was lack of desire. He noted there have been some things come out of his discussion with Council that he feels are favorable. He pledged that he would work closely with the City, TAPE #1310 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 23, 1995 Page 5 of 8 but he also pledged that he will point out the errors and ways minorities have been treated. He must see some progress in future actions. Lastly, he referenced President Huff-Menees' comment that the Affirmative Action Officer is still alive and active. He questioned if he is active where are the results? What he talked about at the previous meeting was the absence of minorities on construction projects within the City. Alex Roos, Puget Rental Owners Association, thanked the City Council and elected officials who attended their Rental Owners' political picnic last week. For those who didn't attend, they missed a great salmon dinner. As a Bremerton Central Lions Club member, he extended an invitation to a going away picnic for the Japanese exchange students on August 24, 6;00 P.M., at Chuck Laubach's ranch in Central Kitsap. Don Larson, President Washington Scuba Alliance, reminded everyone one that coming up in September are a lot of Washington Water Weeks events. A journal listing those events is available to the public at no cost by calling 1-800-424-4EPA. His group and the Citizens' Action Committee are sponsoring the semi-annual Sinclair Inlet clean up and marine fair on September 9, 11:00 AM - 2:00 P.M., at the First Street Dock. As a part of that activity, a 41 ft. U.S. Coast Guard patrol boat will be open to the public. The Coast Guard also hopes to have a rescue helicopter available for a water rescue demonstration that afternoon. He related the Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia is planning to sink a 366 ft. destroyer escort - HMCS McKenzie off of Sidney on September 16, which will become British Columbia's newest scuba and tourist attraction. That project received $531,000 in Federal Provincial money. The City of Sidney donated $40,000 from the local community for that project as well. Police Paul Du Fresne announced Detective John VanSantford recently returned from the Northwest Police and Fire Olympics Competition (an international competition) where he won a Gold Medal and a Bronze Medal in the Fire Arms Competition for the Police long gun. The City is very proud to have Detective VanSantford compete in this event on his own time and especially proud that he did so well. Detective John VanSantford stated the completion is international and has been going on since 1977. He competes in the fire arms portion, which were done with rifles at ranges 100 - 300 yards in four different positions and within different time limits. He received the Gold Medal for "Individual" and a Bronze Medal in the "Team Match". He was proud to represent the City. Chief Du Fresne noted Detective VanSantford has been with the Police Department for four years and this year has served as Detective. In addition, John is president of the Department's social association that takes cares of charitable activities and social #1490 TAPE #1310 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 23, 1995 Page 6 of 8 events within the department. Carol Atkinson, Executive Director Bremerton Main Street Association, reminded everyone of the Blackberry Festival coming up on September 2 and 3. She displayed the Blackberry Festival posters. Lou Weir, President of the Main Street Association, stated as a side comment if the Sinclair Landing project gets off the ground, the City's annual budget process will be much easier and may border on the enjoyable side. He announced the addition of a limited supply of Blackberry Festival wine called Berry Wine available at the festival. Fifty cases of wine will be available for purchase by the public. The label for the wine was created by Bev Cobain and printed by Bremerton Printing. On Tuesday, August 29 The Sun will have an insert listing the Blackberry Festival schedule of events and an order form for people wishing to order wine for delivery at the 2-day festival. John Law pointed out there has been an increase of incidents of graffiti over the past few weeks and urged the public to call 911 to report the location so it can be removed as soon as possible. Mayor Hotton asked that such calls be made to her office rather than 911. 7B - AMENDMENT TO FLEET MAINTENANCE CONTRACT (RYDER), #AB95-175 Section 4.08(a) of the City's contract with Ryder MLS for fleet maintenance provides for an annual adjustment to the approved budget within the contract. The contractor and staff have tentatively agreed to the budget contained in the attachment. Gil Johnson, Deputy City Clerk, noted there was no increase to the fee this year. Public comment - none. Mr. Overson extended hearty compliments to Mr. Hanna for his stealthy negotiations of this contract whereby the budget for 1995 of $580,000 covers a fleet size of 242 vehicles. M/S/C/U(Montgomery/Law) to authorize the Mayor to sign the proposed contract amendment. 7C - PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT FOR INSURANCE BROKER SERVICE, #AB95-179 The City's existing contract for broker services terminates September 30, 1995. Since ongoing services are necessary for the City to secure insurance coverage at the lowest possible cost, the City wishes to extend the contract for one additional year. During that period, we expect to receive a consultant's report on the risk management program and will incorporate any feasible #1612 #1645 #1683 TAPE #1310 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 23, 1995 Page 7 of 8 recommendations in subsequent contracts. remain at $20,000 per year. The service fee will Public comment - none. Mr. Dawkins asked Ms. Lessor, Risk Manager, to explained how this process worked. Pe~vLessor, Risk Manger, explained the City uses the services of an Insurance Broker to market needs for insurance on a city-wide basis. The City has used Willis Carroon for the last 10 years and they have provided excellent service. Their fee has remained constant over the past five years and the City will do a request for proposals at a later date after completion of the Risk Management consultant report. In the interim, it is proposed to continue the contract with Willis Carroon. Mr. Colvin noted at the Council Fiscal and Budget Committee Ms. Lesser explained how that actually saved the City money. Ms. Lesser stated the agreement with Willis Carroon is based on a flat fee of $20,000 for services provided. The other possible alternative is to purchase insurance through an Insurance Agent, which would require paying a commission for that marketing technique. The commission rate would be far in excess of the flat rate paid to Willis Carroon for those same services. M/S/C/U(Dawkins/Law) to approve the professional services contract extension with Willis Corroon Corporation of Seattle. 8A - ORDINANCE NO. 4524 RESERVE FUND, #AB95-176 PUblic comment - none. (SECOND READING) DEFINING CONTINGENCY M/S/C/U(Colvin/Montgomery) to pass Ordinance No. 4524 on second reading, establishing a Special Revenue Fund of the City to be called the Contingency Reserve Fund and repealing BMC 3.36. 8B - ORDINANCE NO. 4525 (SECOND READING) AMENDING THE OFFICIAL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND ZONING MAPS OF THE CITY OF BREMERTON FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1000 EAST BROAD STREET LOCATED AT THE WEST END OF BROAD STREET APPROXIMATELY 460 FEET WEST OF WHEATON WAY IN EAST BREMERTON, #AB95-177 Public comment - none. M/S/C/U(Montgomery/Dawkins) to pass Ordinance No. 4525 on second reading, amending the Official Comprehensive Plan and Zoning maps of the City of Bremerton for property located at 1000 East Broad Street, located at the west end of East Broad Street approximately 460 feet west of Wheaton Way in East Bremerton. (File #'s CPA-07-95 and RZ-02-95). TAPE #1310 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 23, 1995 Page 8 of 8 With no further business meeting adjourned at 6:35 P.M. KATHLEEN L. McCLU~KEY, City Clerk SHERRIL HUFF-ME~~~NE~' o~n~l Pres'~ident City of Bremerton~ KLM/SH-M/me cc: Normal Distribution File/Vault