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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/04/98 T APE #1529 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MARCH 4, 1998 The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Bremerton was called to order in the City Council Chambers, 239 4th Street, Bremedon, Washington, Wednesday, March 4, 1998, at 5:30 P.M., with Council President David Farr presiding. Coundl members present were Jim Reed, Carlos Montgomery, Carol Arends, Mike Shepherd, Lon Overson, John Law, Cecil McConnell, and Wayne Olsen. Also present were City Attorney Glenna Malanca and Deputy City Clerk Paula Johnston. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council President Farr and invocation given by Reverend Cleveland Williams of Ebenezer A.M.E. Church. President Farr made the following announcements: (1) The Council held a Study Session prior to the Coundl meeting to discuss general Council business. (2) The City Council held a Study Session from 5:05 - 5:25 on the City's Insurance and Self-Insurance Program. (3) Immediately following the City Council Meeting, the City Council will hold a 45- minute Executive Session to discuss issues relating to "litigation" and "real estate". Deputy City Clerk Paula Johnston announced Agenda item 3B would be discussed as a "New Business" item. CONSENT AGENDA A. Minutes of Meeting - February 18, 1998 #AB98-037 Mr. McConnell pointed out he was absent from the February 18, 1998 City Council meeting and his name should be removed from voting on Agenda item 8B. #006.S M/S/C(Arends/Montgomery) Motion to approve the Consent Agenda as corrected: deleting Councilman McConnell's name from those in attendance and removing his name as a voting member on Agenda item 8B. Vote on motion: In Favor: Reed, Montgomery, Arends, Shepherd, Farr, Overson, Law, Olsen Abstain: McConnell Motion carried. TAPE #1529 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes March 4, 1998 Page 2 of 11 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 #0099 MISICIU(Montgomery/Arends) On March 4, 1998, the Council does approve for payment those vouchers included and further described as follows: 217420, 217423 through 217597 in the amount of $490,351.57; and Regular Payroll for the period ending February 28, 1998, in the amount of $816,977.17. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS Mr. Montgomery announced he will holding a District #8 Public Meeting on March 12, 1998, 6:30 - 8:30 P.M., at the Bremerton School District Administration Office (Board Room). The Topic of discussion for that meeting is "Concerning The Revision to The Shoreline Master Plan" with AliceSchisel from Department of Ecology as guest speaker. All questions are to be in writing prior to the meeting and will be addressed at the end of the presentation. If sufficient time permits, questions from the floor will be permitted. Flyers advertising this meeting are to be mailed out to voting constituents whom border on Marine Drive and Madrona Point Drive (along the channel). Mrs. Arends announced the Bremerton School District will hold public forums from March 15-27 at various schools to discuss new Statewide testing for grades 4-7 and a pilot program for grade 10. Information on this issue can be obtained from Terrie Edwards 478-5115. Mr. Shepherd announced the Bremerton School Board of Director will meet March 5, 1998, 5:30 P.M. The agenda for that meeting will include the discussion of boundary redistricting that affects those areas near Olympic College and Evergreen neighborhood, The next District #5 Neighborhood Meeting will be held March 26, 1998, 6:30 P.M., at the Lutheran Memorial Church. Topics of discussion for that meeting will be Blockwatch Program, strip parking, and spring cleaning. The following musical events will be held at the Bremerton High School Performing Arts Center: Bramerton Junior High Concert on March 18, 1998, at 7:30 P.M., Bremerton High School Orchestra will perform on March 17, 1998; and the Bremerton High School Vocal Concert will be held on March 24. Mr. Overson expressed his support for the Neighborhood Blockwatch Program and in particular the Highland Blockwatch group. Blockwatch Captain Ed Rollman was instrumental in apprehending a bank robber within minutes of that robbery taking place. Over the past year, Mr. Rollman has been involved in solving three significant crimes and Mr. Overson applauds him for his work in keeping their neighborhood a safer place to live. He encouraged others who are interested in improving their neighborhood to actively support the Neighborhood Watch Program. TAPE #1529 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes March 4, 1998 Page 3 of 11 Mr. Law extended a "welcome home" greeting to the USS Sacramento crew. The next District #3 Neighborhood Meeting will be held on March 17, 1998, 7:00 P.M., at the Senior Center. The subject for that meeting will be announced at a later date. Mr. McConnell announced District #2 will resume Neighborhood Meetings on April 23. Flyers announcing the Agenda for that meeting will be sent out. Mr. Farr reported Council held a Study Session/Retreat on February 28, 1998. He believed that time spent was productive. He thanked all those who gave input on possible changes to the format of City Council meetings. Council has decided not to make any changes to the Council meeting format and will work to make the present schedule work better. He announced Council has set up a Study Session on March 16 that will include a presentation by Kitsap County Chris Endresen on the County's Comprehensive Plan. The Bremerton Planning Commission has been invited to attend that Study Session, which will be held in the City Council Chambers, and he hoped to have it either televised over Channel 12 live or taped and replayed at a later date. Today he attended the Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council meeting where a vote was taken and Resolution passed requesting the Kitsap County Commissioners delay for 90 days the Comprehensive Plan with the hopes that the County and cities can come to some agreement on outstanding issues. He reported he and Rodney Johnson, a mayoral candidate, both experienced break-ins at their residence this past weekend. Two of his vehicles were victims of car prowl. He noted it might be time to set up a Blockwatch group in his neighborhood. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Lynn Horton announced the City of Bremerton, in cooperation with the Kitsap County Sold Waste Program, has undertaken a Corrugated Cardboard Recycling Program. Drop off points are the Olympus Drive Fire Station and the Kitsap Way Fire Station. The Citizens Commission on Council Salary will hold a Study Session on March 9, 1998, 5:00 P.M., in the City Council Conference Room; and a Public Hearing on Apdl 6, 1998, 5:30 P.M., in the City Council Chambers. After 28 years, the City's mortgage on the Parking Garage located at 4th and Washington has been paid off after having been refinanced several times. PUBLIC RECOGNITION Teresa Dembicer, Bremerton resident, reported on Friday evening Bremerton Police Officers entered (pushed in the door) and searched the home of her friend, Scott Doty, without a search warrant. She and her friend were awakened and it upset her that she was not allowed pull on her clothes over her pajamas. The officers took several little "buck knives" and BB guns that have little or no value. Mr. Doty was a Marine most of TAPE #1529 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes March 4, 1998 Page 4 of 11 his life and not one to hurt anyone. She believed the two Police Officers involved in that incident should be punished. Don Atkinson announced the 2nd Annual Senior Fair will be held at the Kitsap May on March 7-8, 1998, during Mall hours of operation. Ed Rollman, Blockwatch Captain for the Highland Avenue neighborhood, gave a detailed account of his part in helping to capture a suspected bank robber on February 26, 1998. He commended Detective Andy Oakley for his quick response and disregard for his own personal safety while taking down information from Mr. Rollman about the person he suspected to be a bank robber. He praised the Bremerton Police Department and believes they have turned a corner on public relations with this kind effort. Earl Buff, Bremerton resident, stated with regard to the Chinook Salmon crisis of becoming an endangered species, he questioned if the removal of a screen in Kitsap Lake could enhance salmon spawning? He also identified Gorst Creek as a possible location to help enhance the salmon. Suean Brown, Bremerton resident, announced at Council's Retreat on February 28, 1998, the City Attorney recommended forming a Citizens' Advisory Committee to review the City's Ethics Code. She asked if the City Council had set a time line for the formation of that committee? President Farr stated no time line had been set at this point, however, Mrs. Brown will be notified as soon as the City sets that action in motion. Mrs. Brown stated during Council's discussion on the Ethics Cede, it disturbed her that Councilman Overson stated he did not want anyone on that committee that had an opinion. She interpreted that comment to mean someone with a 'hidden agenda" was not desired. She emphasized it is important to have people with good opinions, which is a way to develop healthy laws. She has made it clear that her 'agenda" is to have the law changed so that no one can interfere in any way with any City committees. She could understand if Council did not wish to have her serve on that committee, but she hoped that a wide variety of people would be selected that represented Bremerton. 3B - POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, #AB98-038 Jim Meith, Human Resources Manager, stated in regard to a question raised regarding the salary for this position, what is proposed is not a change from the existing position (Director of Community Development). A survey of comparable cities, based on some alignments that were done two years ago on salaries, showed that the Director of Community Development's salary was actually slightly ahead of the average; therefore, even with some additional responsibilities it was felt it was an adequate salary level. Currently, recruitment activities are underway and with Council's approval the City could move forward with the selection process. That recruitment effort resulted in 40 requests for applications to date and 10 have been submitted. TAPE #1529 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes March 4, 1998 Page 5 of 11 Public comment - none. Mr. Overson stated he was contacted by active citizens, who have worked with the Department of Community Development (DCD), about their concorn that the position description appears to require significant additional work for the DCD, but there is no intent, at this point, to add staff to that organization. It was requested that an explanation come from City staff assuring the public that even though the work load is increased they can accomplish what is required above and beyond the work load they are having trouble keeping up with currently. Mayor Horton stated she did not believe the City is requiring the person in that position to do additional work, but she hoped to attract someone with economic development experience, i.e. bringing new businesses to the community, working with new businesses, business retention, etc. Donald Pratt, former Department of Community Development Director, did that same kind of work, but did not come with that kind background. With the addition of Judy Johnson as the Building Official, some of the workload has been taken off the DCD Director position. In regard to the "thin staff", she pointed out most City departments are working with limited staffing to provide City services. Mr. Overson thanked Mayor Horton for her explanation and noted this does not necessarily represent an increase in workload as a mild change in focus. #0963 MISICIU(McConnell/Overson) Motion to approve the position description for Director of Economic and Community Development and necessary changes in the 1998 budget authorized staffing; and authorize the Council President to sign the position description. 8A - CONFIRMATION OF ALLISON DUKE III AS FIRE CHIEF, #AB98-039 The Human Resources Manager via the Civil Service Officer has completed a promotional recruitment for the position of Fire Chief. The Mayor is requesting confirmation of the appointment of Allison Duke III to the position of Fire Chief. Mayor Lynn Horton stated AI Duke has been with the City of Bremerton since 1984, and has 20 years of expertise in the field of fire service, which included working for the Los Angeles Fire Department from 1979 - 1984. Mr. Duke has served as Interim Fire Chief since July 1997. She expressed her confidence in Mr. Duke's abilities as a Fire Chief and the person in charge of Emergency Management for the City of Bremerton. She pointed out the Kona Village Apartments fire was testimony to his leadership within the Department in terms of fire response, response to the community and dealing with the media. He was also instrumental in the recoupment of approximately $80,000 in FEMA Funds covedng damages from past storms in late 1996 and eady 1997. She also pointed out Mr. Duke is well respected among the rank and file and urged CounCil to confirm his appointment as Fire Chief. Public comment - none. TAPE #1529 City Council Re(]. Mtg. Minutes March 4, 1998 Page 6 of 11 Mr. Law questioned if the position will be by contract or under Civil Service? Mayor Horton stated by contract; however, it did go through a Civil Service process. Mrs. Arends stated it was a testimonial to Mr, Duke that so many of her fellow Council members wanted the opportunity to nominate him for the position of Fire Chief. She believes he has been a man that has been "tested by tire". Mr. Overson expressed the fact Bremerton is fortunate to have the quality of staff to aspire to this position and Mr. Duke did standout during the Kona Village Apartment fire. #111S MISICIU(Olsen/McConnell) Motion to confirm the appointment of Allison Duke III to the position of Fire Chief and waive the requirement to seek applications from non- employees. Fire Chief AI Duke thanked the City Council for their confidence in his abilities for this position. He feels honored to work for the City. He thanked the members of his staff, the rank and file, Mayors Office and his wife for their support. Mayor Horton noted Chief Duke would be officially sworn in at a later date. 8B - BID AWARD TO ACTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. FOR DEMOLITION OF PROPERTY UNDER ABATEMENT LOCATED AT 1018 BURWELL STREET, #AB98-040 The Building Department ordered the building at 1018 Burwell Street abated and vacated after unsafe conditions were found on the site. The owner of the building, Betty Mahan, failed to meet the deadlines of the abatement order for repairs to the building. The City is now prepared to demolish the building and bids were obtained for the work. The low bidder was Active Environmental, Inc. with a bid of $29,747.50. Council must now decide whether to award the contract to this contractor. Judy Johnson, Interim Director Department of Community Development stated she would answer any questions Council might have. Public comment - none. President Farr asked if there was something to indicate the authorization to start the demolition will be immediate or is there a waiting period? Ms, Johnson stated she expected there might be a two-week waiting pedod before the demolition actually commences. If the contract is awarded Active Environmental, Inc., have agreed to a 30- day completion period. Mr. Law pointed out the variation between the bids and asked if the low bidder is apprevod will they be required to post a Bond? Ms. Johnson stated that firm had already posted a 5% Bond when the bid was submitted. The request for proposals TAPE #1529 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes March 4, 1998 Page 7 of 11 detailed what was required, they were aware that an asbestos survey had been conducted and all of the contractors were given the opportunity to tour the site. Mr. McConnell pointed out the low bidder did not participate in the walk through nor signed an addendum. He questioned the importance of a "signed addendum"? Ms. Johnson stated the addendum that was not signed was just a part of the package that did not have any bearing on the total bid. The firm did not do a walk through; however, the City did do a performance check through the Department of Labor and Industries and the Better Business Bureau, which resulted in no complaints and verified they are currently licensed as a contracting company. In reference to Mr. Law's comment that a wide variety of bids were received, the various companies have different opportunity for recycling, some just demolish and remove the debris. It was her belief that Active Environmental Inc., is proposing to do a considerable amount of recycling materials rather than just disposing it at the landfill. Mr. McConnell pointed out the varying times for days of completion - 2 to 30. He questioned how a firm could complete the work in two days when others indicated they would require 10-20-30 days? Ms. Johnson stated she could not provide an answer considering the requirement includes demolition and site clearing. Mr. Reed asked if the fact this firm did not attend the walk through left the door open for them not to have seen some of the required work, and does the contract allow for them to add increases based on unknown hazardous conditions? He also questioned if their bid proposal included information about any proposed recycling activities? Ms. Johnson stated no, however, information obtained from other sources indicated that they do a considerable amount of recycling. No information on planned recycling activities was identified in the bid; it was just a dollar bid. The City did not make the walk through a requirement of the bid; it was an added service provided by the City. In answer to the question if the company could add items to the bid, the bid price was complete without any language that would allow any add on costs. Mr. Reed expressed concern that some type of hazardous waste contamination might be found after the work is underway. He asked if the City checked with anyone that had used their services to determine how they leave the site once the demolition is complete? Ms. Johnson stated no, but the City knows how the site is to be left and that was discussed in the request for proposals. Regarding contaminated sites, that was one reason for opening up the site for pre-inspection. The walk through included a complete inside attic to basement inspection. There may have been an outside inspection made by the firm at some other time. Mr. Overson questioned if he understood correctly that the City pays upon completion of the contract? Ms. Johnson stated yes. Glenna Malanca, City Attorney, stated for clarification that the motion is not an award of contract that would obligate the Mayor to sign. The motion should include authorizing the Mayor to sign the contract and it is within her discretion, considering other possibilities that may or may not arise, to actually sign the contract. TAPE #1529 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes March 4, 1998 Page 8 of 11 Mr. Olsen asked if Ms. Johnson had spoken with the company about their bid proposal and that they understand what was expected of them? Ms. Johnson stated she had not personally talked with the firm; however Janet Lunceford of the Department of Community Development had dealt directly with the firm. #1523 MISICIU(Overson/Shepherd) Motion to authorize the Mayor to enter into a contact in the amount of $29,747.50 for demolition of 1018 Burwell with Active Environmental, Inc., subject to City Administrative Polides and Procedures. 9A - RESOLUTION NO. 2644. ESTABLISHING USE OF DECORATIVE STREETLIGHT STANDARDS FOR SR304 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT). #AB98-041 The City Council has expressed a desire to establish a standard for the use of decorative streetlights in the City. The priority location for use of this standard is in the SR304 Transportation Improvement Project. The proposed decorative streetlight standards will use a fluted pole and decorative base. It incorporates the same lighting pattern as those on regular City streetlights. This would allow the same lighting patterns, intensity, and pole spacing. The increase in project costs to provide decorative streetlight standards over regular streetlight standards is estimated to be $137,000 for the entire project. This is a 2.3 percent increase over the total cost of installing a regular streetlight system on the project, and is 0.5 percant of the entire SR304 project budget. To establish the use of a decorative streetlight standard for the project, passage of the attached Resolution is recommended. A Citywide comprehensive decorative street lighting plan will be prepared for future Council consideration. Lynn Price, Senior Engineer, stated the Environmental Impact Statement process has been going on for some time for the SR3/304 project and dudng part of that time there has been considerable discussion regarding the need to develop a connection from the Gateway entry area to the downtown area. That discussion was in terms of using landscaping and decorative streetlights. He displayed a drawing showing a decorate street light proposed for the project - 40 ft. standard fluted streetlight pole with a decorate base and set up for the standard luminaries used throughout the City. The cost of the decorative street lighting is $137,000 for the total project. Currently, the City is in the process of developing the contract specifications for the Burwell portion of the project and the additional cost for street lighting is approximately $67,000. As stated, the percentage of increase over a standard strcctlight (State Department of Transportation type street lighting) is 23% for the whole project, which is only 0.5% of the total project costs. TAPE #1529 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes March 4, 1998 Page 9 of 11 It was necessary to bring this issue before the Council at this point in order to continue the finalization of the project specifications to incorporate the decorative streetlights in that contract. Teresa Dembicer, Bremerton resident, opposed the additional cost for decorative lighting and felt it would be better to spend those funds on positive kinds of activities for youth in the Bremerton community. Mr. Overson asked if the light poles would be painted green? Mr. Price stated yes. Mr. Overson asked if he understood correctly that the new lights would not be replacing existing lighting? Mr. Price explained the new lighting would be installed on the north side of the street behind the sidewalk, and will be part of the City's lighting system. The existing lights located on the south side of the street that are currently part of the Puget Sound Energy will be removed. Mr. McConnell asked what other purpose could the funds proposed for the decorative lighting be used for? Mayor Lynn Horton explained the funds for this project are transportation dollars and cannot be spent on general government i.e., parks, police, fire, etc. This project will be funded through State, Federal, and City funds. Those funds can be used for lighting and amenities to the transportation corridor. Mr. Olsen asked what kind of light standard would be used if the decorative standard was not selected? Mr. Price explained they would use the galvanized steel light poles, such as those located on Kitsap Way. Mr. Olsen questioned if the decorative standards would require more maintenance over the years, i.e., needing repainting? Mr. Price stated yes, there would be some additional costs for maintenance, but it is difficult to determine the exact cost. The type of paint used on the decorative poles would not involve a heavy-duty maintenance requirement. The fact that the poles will be situated behind the sidewalk will lessen the likelihood of vehicles causing damage. Mr. Olsen asked who will be responsible for the paint on the poles long term? Mr. Price stated the City would be responsible for that maintenance. Mr. Shepherd questioned any differences between the decorative and standard light poles as far as height and illumination? Mr. Price explained the illumination will be the same and the only other difference will be that one is decorative and one is not. This is also part of a hopefully longer-term type of development for future identification of decorative type luminaries throughout other parts of the City. Mr. Reed questioned if the upgraded light poles are approved, will it set the standard for other projects, either private or public, throughout the City? Mr. Price stated not entirely, It would set the standard for arterial street lighting where it was deemed' that decorative lighting would be best suited; however, it would not be setting a city-wide standard. Mr. Reed stated if Council decides to make this large investment in the Gateway area, we should decide if this type is desired throughout the City, which could TAPE #1529 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes March 4, 1998 Page 10 of 11 be proposed through a comprehensive Decorative Plan. He has watched the City Council consistently buy the cheapest, lowest end products for most projects; however, he believes it would be a wise investment and an opportunity to "polish its surface". Mr. Montgomery disagreed with Mr. Reed that the City only purchases low quality products. The City is required by law to take the lowest cost that meets the specifications of the project. Bob Tulp Public Works Operations Manager, stated the proposed lighting system for the DOT project will remove all existing Puget Power lights that are on Burwell Avenue, which reduce the lighting cost that he carries in his budget for street lighting. In regard to Mr. Reed's comment about purchasing the cheapest product, the Kitsap Way corddor has a good light system with galvanized poles and decorative lighting in front of City Hall on Fourth Street. He worked with the Enginccring Department on the proposed design and he applauds their efforts in recommending the decorative standards that will be an enhancement that will require only low maintenance. In regards to Mr. Reed's other point, the City is currently working on standards for contractors and other improvements in the City; thereby not having to rely on the Utility Company to put in their system that ends up costing the City top dollars. Mr. Olsen stated he would vote against this proposal because he believes the galvanized poles look nice and blend in better than the green light standards. He believes landscaping along Burwell Avenue will lend itself to the Gateway affect along that route. He believes the additional cost of $137,000 could be spent more wisely on something else as part of that project. #2120 MISICIU(Montgomery/Reed) Motion to pass Resolution No. 2644 establishing the use of decorative streetlight standards on the SR304 Transportation Improvement Project as the standard streetlight pole for the project. Vote on motion: In Favor: Reed, Montgomery, Arends, Farr, Overson, Law, McConnell, Opposed: Shepherd, Olsen 10A - ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) ESTABLISHING A PUBLIC ACCESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE, #AB98-042 The Public Access Citizens Advisory Committee is a joint County/City committee organized to promote and develop optimal utilization of the public access television system. This committee of nine individuals will work with the BKAT Executive Director to make recommendations regarding the provisions of public access facilities and services, promote community outreach, and provide a forum for citizen concerns. Kathleen McCluskey, Director of Administrative Services, stated of the nine members, the County would appoint four and four would be confirmed by the City Council. The ninth member would be a youth, who would be jointly appointed by the City and County. TAPE #1529 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes March 4, 1998 Page 11 of 11 During the discussion at the Fiscal and Budget Committee, Councilman McConnell was concerned about the City Charter provision that requires committee members live in the City and are 18 years or older. That is stated in the Charter, but it does qualify the statement "unless accepted by an Ordinance". It is desired to have a youth on the board and it was important to have members represent the entire County because the Cable system and this committee will represent the entire County. She anticipates the committee will be up and running by April 1998. Public comment - none. Mr. Law asked for clarification on the differences between this committee and the previous Cable Access Committee. Mrs. McCluskey stated the prior committee was called the Cable Communications Advisory Committee, which was more far reaching in its responsibilities that involved telecommunications, franchising, etc. The purpose of the Public Access Advisory Committee is specifically public access. If there is an interest in having a telecommunications committee, the Administration could revamp the ordinance and make it even broader than that for the Cable Communications Advisory Committee and deal with Internet, etc. Mr. Law questioned if the committee expanded into other areas it would only be done with Council's concurrence and public notice. Mrs. McCluskey stated yes. #2332 M/S/C/U(Olsen/Montgomery) Motion to approve Ordinance on first reading, establishing a Public Access Citizens Advisory Committee, and repealing Chapter 2.100 of the Bremerton Municipal Code. President Fan' thanked the TV camera crew for their services: Robert Neal, Kris Knowles, Carl Heard, Robert Dumas and Gretchen Elliott. With no further business meeting adjourned at 6:43 P.M. DAVID FARR, City Co City of Bremerton PJ/DF/me cc: Normal Distribution File/Vault