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taPES #1535, #1536
CITY COUCIL MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 1, 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, Bremerton, Washington,
Wednesday, April 1, 1998, at 5:30 P.M., with Council President David Farr
presiding. Council 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 Wdliams of Ebenezer A.M.E.
Church.
President Farr made the following announcement(s):
(1) The Council held a Study Session prior to the Council meeting to discuss
general Council business.
(2) The City Council will hold a Study Session on April 6, 1998, 5:30 - 8:00 P.M.,
in the Council Conference Room. Topics of Discussion: Bremerton
Transportation Center; Construction Projects Update, SR3/304 Project
Update; Street Improvement Program; Attitude and Direction of the
Bremerton Area Chamber of Commerce; Discussion of Negotiations Between
the City and Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes of Meeting - March 18, 1998 #AB98-065
#0067 MISICIU(McConnell/Montgomery) Motion to approve the Consent Agenda
as presented.
CLAIMS/CHECK REGISTERS
Vouchers audited and certified by the auditing officer as required by RCW
42.24.080. and those expense reimbursement claims certified as required by
RCW 42.24.090, have been recorded on a listing that had been made available
to the Council
#0091 M/S/C(Montgomery/Arends) On April 1, 1998, the Council does approve
for payment those vouchers included and further described as follows: EFT 4717,
218095 through 218105, 218109, 128110, 218120 through 218501 in the amount
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City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
April 1, 1998
Page 2 of 13
of $1,600,931.05; and Retirees' Payroll for the period ending March 31, 1998, in
the amount of $105,524.79.
Vote on motion: In Favor: Reed, Montgomery, Arends, Shepherd, Farr, Overson,
Law, McConnell
Abstain: Olsen
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Mr. Olsen reminded the public of the Arbor Day Celebration scheduled for April
4, 12:00 noon. The location of that event is at the right-of-way on the northern
end of the Warren Avenue Bridge.
Mr. Law announced the next District #3 Neighborhood Meeting is scheduled for
April 21, 1998. The subject of discussion will be the design of the new Manette
Bridge and the guest speaker will be the architect responsible for that project.
Mr. Overson stated the Bremerton Area Chamber of Commerce appears to
becoming more active and he is encouraged by that resurgence. He encouraged
his fellow Council members to get involved, observe and contribute where
possible to help that organization take on a leadership role.
Mr. Shepherd reported District #5 held a Neighborhood Meeting on March 26,
1998, which was well attended. Bremerton Police Captain Joe Hatfield and Bob
Tulp, Public Works Operations Manager were guest speakers at that meeting.
One of the outcomes of that meeting will result in a clean up effort in District #5
on April 18, 1998, while other clean up activities are taking place on the First
Street Dock and Lions Field. Volunteers for the District #5 clean up will meet at
9:00 AM in front of the Chester Arms Apartment. He announced the first fund
raising event, a Spaghetti Feed, in support of the Martin Luther King Jr. Library
Fund will be held April 25, 1998, 12:00 noon - 3:00 P.M., at the Smith Building
located on Park Avenue. He encouraged his fellow Council members and
members of the public to support that event.
Mrs. Arends announced the opening of Bremerton Cinema, which is located on
Callow Avenue, and joins the neighboring building that was renovated over the
past year into a jewelry store and pawn shop. The theater will be showing family
movies and second run films. She announced Council Districts #6, #7 and
will hold a joint Neighborhood Meeting on April 14, 1998, 7:00 P.M., at the
Bremerton School Administration Building.
Mr. MontGomery announced the program for the Joint Districts #6, #7, and #8
Neighborhood Meeting will include Assistant Police Chief Henry Mincey and an
Animal Control Officer.
TAPES #1535, #153b
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
April 1, 1998
Page 3 of 13
Mr. Farr reported today he attended the monthly meeting of the Kitsap Regional
Coordinating Council. Today, he met with Susan Brown, who is a frequent visitor
at City Council meetings and a champion for changes to the City's Ethics Code.
He and Mrs. Brown have had a rather long-standing, sometimes unpleasant,
relationship. One of his favorite sayings is "There is no more effective block to
learning than thinking you know all about the subject to start with". After
reviewing some of his past reactions, he had to admit that he had effectively
placed a block to learning and possibly exasperated the situation with Mrs.
Brown and apparently wrongly from the start that this was more of a personal
attack and perhaps even politically motivated and shut off his ability to hear some
of what Mrs. Brown was saying. Since he thought it was personal, some of his
responses were flippant and perhaps sarcastic and for those actions he
apologizes to Mrs. Brown. He expects he and Mrs. Brown will find several areas,
in the future, where they will disagree, but from his part he will be able to get past
taking issues personally, which does not befit this office, and conduct himself in a
more professional manner. He thanked Mrs. Brown for her willingness to meet
with him. Mr. Farr pointed out several newspaper articles that reflected favorably
on Bremerton, i.e., March 29th Seattle P.I. "Want a water view, a half-hour
commute and a price under $150,0007" And, an article in THE SUN giving an
account of Councilman Montgomery's testimony during a court proceeding, as to
his dealings with the giant rag ball that was removed from a City pump station,
which proved to be humorous to the jury members and those in the audience.
MAYOR'S REPORT
Mayor Horton stated she personally witnessed Councilman Montgomery's
testimony that brought some levity in a long, complex, and tedious trial.
For those interested in Ferry schedules on Bremerton runs, the Washington
State Ferry System has presented four optional ferry schedules and is seeking
input from ferry users. She emphasized it is very important to get as much input
as possible from the Bremerton community because the Ferry System will be
making decisions on ferry route schedules very soon.
Starting on April 3, 1998, a Dale Chihuly Glass Exhibit will open in the old
Montgomery Ward building on 4th Street. This is a rare treat for Brennerton and
Kitsap County to have the opportunity to view the work of a world-renowned
artist. In addition, several other art events will be held over the next week.
Proclamations: (1) APRIL 1998 as BREMERTON DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
MONTH. Fire Chief AI Duke accepted the proclamation and reported the City will
be emphasizing City employees preparing their own families as well as City
buildings for a disaster that may occur in the future. He noted a "fault" runs
through Bainbridge Island, which did experience an earthquake not long ago, and
a fault that runs down 6th Street in the City of Bremerton.
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City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
April 1, 1998
Page 4 of 13
(2) APRIL 8, 1998, as ARBOR DAY. Jim Trainer, Urban Forester, accepted the
proclamation and invited everyone to the Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday,
April 4. This event is a cooperative effort with the Washington State Department
of Transportation, Bremerton Public Works Department, and Bremerton Parks
Department and plant materials from the National Tree Trust.
PUBLIC RECOGNITION
Roy Mclnnis, Bremerton resident, related a situation where he was at odds with
the billing division of the Water Department over water charges that occurred in
December 1997. In his attempt to resolve the matter, he discussed the problem
with several Water Utility employees and at the end of that contact he left with an
attitude of an unhappy customer. As a result, he would like the administration to
look at the possibility of implementing water rate increases at a time other than
winter months. He did apologize to Water Utility billing employee Ann Finnegan
for having an attitude that was unbecoming for him. President Farr stated the
changes from summer rate to winter rate would probably be explained as not so
much an increase in the winter but a decrease in the summer to allow watering
lawns. He assured Mr, Mclnnis he would receive a response to his request.
Joseph Victor Paul II stated he was encouraged by the Mayor's report about the
Dale Chihuly exhibit coming to Bremerton. As a master gemologist/appraiser,
Mr. Paul has had a life long appreciation for transparent and translucent
mediums. Mr. Chihuly studied the classical form of glass flowing and creation
under the masters of that craft in Italy. Mr. Chihuly's art creations are produced
under a "team concept". He noted Mr. Chihuly is one of few people in his own
native town that has a living exhibit in the U.S. Court House in downtown
Tacoma (the old railway station).
Susan Brown, Bremerton resident, thanked President Farr for his comments,
Councilman Law, and Councilman McConnell for comments that they made at
the previous Council meeting. She especially appreciated Mr. McConnell's
response to her calls, questions, and concerns. She also thanked Del Knauss
for his passion. She encouraged members of the public interested in rewriting
the City's Ethics Code to look into volunteering for the citizens committee that will
be formed.
E. L. Sturdivant, Bremerton resident, expressed concern that the Growth
Management Act could possibly allow higher densities than 6-units per acre in
urban in-fill areas. It has been stated that such developments would not be low
income, however, he believes in time it will become a low income area, which
can create a real problem for municipalities and Kitsap County. If that happens,
he believes it will force people to relocate and spend their earnings in areas
outside of Kitsap County and municipalities within the County. He urged the
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City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
April 1, 1998
Page 5 of 13
municipalities to join together and fight the Growth Management Act and Kitsap
County's Comprehensive Plan. He does not have confidence in the credibility of
the current Kitsap County Commissioners and people within the construction
industry told him that the County has had "backroom dealings" with the cities.
Some see the County's actions as "jerking" around the cities by giving them a
"carrot" so that they won't appeal the County's Comprehensive Plan. He felt
strongly that the City should pursue annexing property north of Riddell Road to
McWilliams Road. President Farr stated there has been a lot of hassling over
the County's Comprehensive Plan revisions over the past several months and
there is still time for members of the public to give input on the County's
proposal.
Del Knauss, Bremerton resident, asked the following questions:
(1) What Revised Code of Washington (RCW) or what article of the Washington
State Constitution permits the Mayor of Bremerton to appoint a Pay Commission
to set City Council salaries? (NOTE: The Mayor should ask the City Attorney
what part Article XXVII Section 1 of the Washington State Constitution plays in
the Mayor appointing a Citizens' Pay Commission.).
(2) What State Law (RCW), Bremerton Municipal Code, or Article of the
Washington State Constitution forbids the City Council from answering questions
from a citizen about future pay increases?
(3) The Memorandum (paragraph 3) dated 3/26/98, from City Attorney Glenna
Malanca, addresses Article XXX Section 1 of the Washington State Constitution.
Question: What does the last sentence of Paragraph 3, which states unsolicited
involvement in the Commission's process could be interpreted as attempting to
influence Council compensation, have to do with Article XXX Section 1 ?
(4) Based on the memorandum (Paragraph 3) dated 3/26/98 from City Attorney
Glenna Malanca, does this mean that eight of the City Council members violated
the law by answering the Pay Commission questionnaire last year?.
(5) Considering that the Mayor takes an oath of office that requires you to uphold
the laws of the State and City, will you contact Municipal Research and inquire
whether the City is in compliance with the Washington State Constitution and the
revised Code of Washington concerning Council pay, how the Mayor formed a
Pay Commission, and if members can receive a raise dudng their term?
Chadie Brown, Bremerton resident, stated following up on Mr. Mclnnis' concern
about the sewer and water bills, he would like to see the City implement a
"Monthly Budget Paying Plan" similar to those used by the other utilities.
TAPES #1535, #153b
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
April 1, 1998
Page 6 of 13
President Farr agreed such a plan was a good idea; however, he recalled that it
had been discussed.
Robert Neal, Video Production Coordinator for Bremerton Kitsap Access
Television and Northwest Board member of the Alliance for Community Media,
extended an invitation to the City Council members to attend a Spring conference
entitled "Sound Access Organizing", 1:30 P.M., at the Admiral Theatre on April 4,
1998. Immediately following the conference, they will hold the Best of the West
Video Awards Festival. A no-host social starts at 5:30 P.M., and the awards
show gets underway at 7:00 P.M. Mr. Neal noted over 250 entries from around
the northwest region would compete for the various award.
Bob Jaenicke, Bremerton resident, expressed his concern over the practice of
Police Officers parking their vehicles (in some instances several Police vehicles
are present), so that they block entrances to businesses when they are
investigating traffic situations. He was not supportive of the Police Officers'
actions when Mayor Horton and Police Chief Du Fresne asked them to perform
their duties.
8A - BUDGET ADJUSTMENT REQUEST FOR BREMERTON KITSAP
ACCESS TELEVISION FOR THIRD CAMERA AND NEW CONTROL ROOM.
#AB98-066
A budget adjustment is required for allocating Bremerton Kitsap Access
Television (BKAT) funding for additional expansion of the City Council chamber
equipment upgrade that includes the third remote camera and the control booth
conversion. The funding source is the retroactive County reimbursement to the
City for 1997 BKAT operations.
Kathleen McCluskey, Director of Administrative Services, stated at the time the
1998 budget was developed, not all of the funding elements were known;
however, a contract was signed between the City an Kitsap County identifying
their contribution to public access. In addition, the City recovered five months of
payment from August through December 1997, and part of those funds will go
toward funding BKAT in 1998. The proposed Budget Adjustment reflects the
provision of that revenue source of $25,000 and moves existing funds that had
been allocated from City sources over to "capital" to purchase the third camera,
which was of interest to the Council. If this request is approved, $10,792.00 will
be used to purchase a third camera, $535.00 will purchase a monitor to be
mounted in the Council Chambers, and approximately $3,500 will be used to
relocate the control booth. With the relocation of the control booth, it will clean
up the Chambers, allow for additional seating, and provide a larger control room
that can be used for training sessions and editing processing.
TAPES #1535, #153b
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
April 1, 1998
Page 7 of 13
Patricia Mathes stated it was her understanding that the City Council had
already approved $55,000 for the work identified. She also thought it was an
excellent idea to move the control booth. It was also her understanding that the
contract approved by the City Council between Kitsap County and City was
changed during the County's approving process. She questioned if that contract
needed to come back to Council for re-approval? She noted the contract with
Kitsap County was based on an Intergovernmental Agreement, which at the time
did not exist. If that agreement was approved, she would stand corrected. Mrs.
McCluskey stated the listing of equipment by line item, which was also available
to the public, came before the City council approximately a month ago. If Ms.
Mathes wished to receive a copy of that information, a copy would be provided.
All of the contracts mentioned by Ms. Mathes have been approved by the City
Council and Kitsap County. The County expects to spend approximately
$30,000 per year on governmental services, but only $15,000 is being allocated
due to the start date commending mid year.
Mr. Montgomery expressed his support of this request.
#1801 M/S/C/U(Montgomery/Arends) Motion to approve Budget Adjustment #98-
9 and Change Order #1 in the amount of $16,482.92.
8B - INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH KITSAP COUNTY TO
CONSTRUCT A COMPOSTING SYSTEM. #AB98-067
Kitsap County has provided an Intergovernmental Agreement that makes funding
available that will enable the City to build a composting system for use by the
Bremerton Parks & Recreation Department to compost vegetative/organic waste
originating in our Park system. The cost of the project is not to exceed $10,000.
A composting structure will be built in Stephenson Canyon adjacent to the
nursery. The composted product will be recycled to the benefit of City Parks and
land.
Jim Spencer, Director of Parks and Recreation, stated about two years ago this
item was brought to Council for consideration. At that time, the City was ready to
move forward, but development of the operations plan became so cumbersome
that the decision was made not to proceed. It was then decided to develop a
better agreement with the Bremerton-Kitsap Health District that would be more
manageable for the City. Kitsap County's involvement was held in place so that
the City could use Department of Ecology funds, through the County, to establish
a composting system at no cost to the City. The City intends to recycle all
vegetative and/or organic wastes coming off of City parks, which will be recycled
overtime and distributed back into the parks.
Public comment - none.
TAPES #1535, #153b
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
April 1, 1998
Page 8 of 13
Mr. Overson asked if the citizens would be allowed to dispose of vegetation
waste at this site? Mr. Spencer stated no, the site would be limited to City use
only due to the fact the requirements addressed just waste coming off of City
parks. Mr. Overson stated he was not aware of any plans for the City to develop
a cornposting facility for citywide use. Mr. Spencer agreed with Mr. Overson that
there is no such plan,
Mr. Law stated it was his understanding that there is a plan to buffer the
proposed cornposting area with trees. Mr. Spencer stated yes, they have
considered a barrier to shield the site from the nearest neighbor. He pointed out
that there are not a lot of neighbors near the site.
Mr. Shepherd asked Mr. Spencer to explain why use of the site will be limited to
the City. Mr. Spencer explained the use is limited by the capacity of the site,
which was specified in the agreement. The City believes it can generate the
volumes without taking materials from outside sources,
Mrs. Arends asked if ivy was suitable for composting? Mr. Spencer stated he
would guess yes because it is vegetative or organic.
Mr. McConnell asked if an enclosure will be built to prevent the public from
dumping their yard waste into the cornposting unit or will it be an area that is
open to such action? Mr. Spencer stated the facility will be built adjacent to the
nursery in Stephenson Canyon and it will be gated.
#2063 M/S/C/U(Shepherd/Montgomery) Motion to authorize and direct the Mayor
to enter into the Intergovernmental Agreement with Kitsap County that
establishes a cornposting system in Stephenson Canyon and approve Budget
Adjustment 98-7.
Mayor Lvnn Horton thanked Dr. Willa Fisher, Bremerton-Kitsap Health District,
for her assistance in making it possible for a good project to become sensible. In
response to Mrs. Arends' question about cornposting ivy, it is best to cut it up into
little pieces because ivy vines do not decompose easily.
8C - BID AWARD FOR CORROSION CONTROL AND FLUORIDATION
FACILITY, #AB98-068
The Corrosion Control and Fluoridation Facility will provide two functions:
adjustment of water pH for corrosion control, and addition of fluoride.
Construction of a corrosion control facility is required to comply with the Lead and
Copper Rule as administered by the Washington State Department of Health.
The Department of Health has mandated that the corrosion control facility be
operating no later than November 30, 1998. In April 1997, City Council directed
staff to implement fluoridation of the Water System.
TAPES #1535, #153~.
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
April 1, 1998
Page 9 of 13
Bids were opened for construction of the Corrosion Control and Fluoridation
Facility Project on March 12, 1998. Ten bids were received for this project. The
bid from Pease & Sons, Inc. for $793,089.00 (857,329.21, including sales tax)
was the low bid. Pease & Sons requested to withdraw their bid due to a bid
error. The second lowest bid was from TEK Construction, Inc. for $867,081.94
(937,315.58 including sales tax). The bid from TEK Construction included a bid
form titled "List of Proposed Substitute Equipment/Material Suppliers" which was
deleted by addenda. The engineer's estimate for this project was .$950,000
including sales tax. The action before the City Council is award of a contract with
Pease & Sons, Inc. for construction of the project titled "Corrosion Control and
Fluoridation Facility' in response to a request for bids. In the event Pease &
Sons, Inc. does not enter into the contract, the bid form titled "List of Proposed
Substitute Equipment/Material Suppliers" be waived on the TEK Construction,
Inc. bid, and a contract be awarded to TEK Construction, Inc. for $937,315.58
(including sales tax) for construction of the project titled "Corrosion Control and
Fluoridation Facility'
Tom Knuckey, Engineering Department, stated references were checked for
Pease & Sons, and TEK Construction. Both contractors appeared to be well
qualified for the project. Both bids allow for construction within the allocated
budget and construction can be completed within the time limit outlined by the
Department of Health.
Elizabeth Buell, Bremerton resident, stated she has read articles that indicated
fluoride is poison to some people. She believes the decision to fluoridate City
water should be left up to a vote of the citizens of Bremerton. Mr. McConnell
pointed out the issue before Council is strictly approving a bid award for a
Corrosion Control and Fluoridation Facility, not on the issue of fluoridation.
President Farr agreed with Mr. McConnell and asked those speaking to stay
with the issue, which is the awarding of a contract.
Councilman Olsen left the Council Chambers at 6:40 P.M.
Ruth Natividad, Citizens For Safe Water, encouraged Council not to sign any
contracts that would obligate the City's money for the purpose of fluoridating the
City's water supply. Citizens For Safe Water are currently circulating petitions
and have gathered over 1,000 signatures to place the issue of fluoridation on the
ballot for a vote of the people. Anyone interested in collecting signatures should
contact her at 377-7306.
Philip Heggen, Bremerton resident, stated he has been before Council several
times expressing his opposition to fluoridation. He reported there is a Superior
Court Injunction currently being introduced to stop this fluoridation effort.
TAPES #1535, #153b
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
April 1, 1998
Page 10 of 13
Paul Drnievic, Citizens for Safe Water, asked that Council delay voting on and
awarding the contract for construction of the Corrosion Control facility. Recently
learned information indicates there were three tests done to determine the lead
content of water at the faucet in houses in Bremerton. The first and third tests
indicated a 90% probability that lead levels are within tolerance. The second test
was not quite clear and appears to be inconclusive. This does not seem to be a
basis for justification for installing the Corrosion Control Facility and adding
anther chemical to our water. People want to avoid exposure to chemicals, not
adding more chemicals. Kathleen Cahall, Water Resources Manager, and Gene
Sampley, Director of Public Works and Utilities, indicated the facility is needed
because Bremerton's water is so soft that it leaches lead from piping installed in
houses. It is planned to add lye (sodium hydroxide, caustic soda - commonly
known as Drano) to at least the water from Casad Dam. Mr. Sampley also said
that when fluoride is added to the water (it appears Bremerton will use fluosilicic
acid), more lye would have to be added to the water. This indicates that the
reason for adding lye may be as a buffer to prevent the fluosilicic acid from
creating much damage to the water system. Great damage has been proven
and known to occur in many water systems where they use a fluoride base acid
and don't add a buffering agent such as lye or lime. Even with the addition of a
buffering agent, there is damage to water systems and an increase in lead at the
faucet. About 1993, Tacoma, Washington had a lead content of 0.035 PPM (the
allowable upper limit is 0.015 PPM). When Tacoma's fluoridation system failed
and fluoride was not being added to the water, the lead content dropped to 0.017
PPM. A definite indication that fluoride leaches lead from water system. The
information provided so far does not indicate a need for a Corrosion Control
Facility and definitely should not be a reason to spend more Bremerton
Taxpayers' money on an unneeded project. All persons interested in and who
want more information or interested in collecting signatures to put the fluoridation
issue to a vote of the people should call 377-7206. Mr. Knuckev pointed out
requirement for corrosion control is independent of the fluoridation. Corrosion
control was identified during studies that were performed several years ago. Mr.
Drnievic acknowledged that studies were completed, but he doubts that they are
conclusive that the lead content of water at the faucet is dangerous.
#2802 M/S/C/U(Montgomery/Overson ) Motion to award a contract for
$857,329.21 (including sales tax) with Pease & Sons, Inc. for construction of the
project titled "Corrosion Control and Fluoridation Facility" in response to request
for bids. In the event Pease & Sons, Inc. does not enter into the contract the_bid
form titled "List of Proposed Substitute Equipment/Material Suppliers" be waived
on the TEK Construction, Inc. bid, and a contract be awarded to TEK
Construction, Inc. for $937,315.58 (including sales tax) for construction of the
project titled "Corrosion Control and Fluoridation Facility", and authorize the
Mayor to execute the same.
TAPES #1535, #153~,
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
April 1, 1998
Page 11 of 13
Mr. Shepherd stated 10% of the three studies the City conducted on corrosion
control exceeded the confidence level. Approximately one out of ten of the 180
homes surveyed exceeded the threshold for lead, which is 0.015 PPM.
Exceedents statistically derived from that was .02 of a milligram per liter of lead
in the water. Based on his calculations, only 7,000 homes in Bremerton are
affected and he suggested that those homes be re-plumbed to correct the lead
problem at a total cost $175,000, which could be provided through a home
assistance loan program through the City. That action would be much cheaper
than building a Corrosion Control Facility, long-term maintenance and staffing of
a facility that would have a life span of 20 years. Mr. Knuckey stated many
facilities have a 50-year life span when pumps and equipment are well
maintained. Mr. Shepherd stated he understands that the injection system for
fluoridation is not separate from the corrosion Control facility project, and that it is
a small part of the entire $937,000 cost of the project. He stressed the
importance of paying attention to the citizens' pleas to not continue with
implementation of the fluoridation. The City routinely moves forward on plans
that were approved and then regretted them later. He views this as another
perfect example where come November 1998, the City will have spent a lot of
money for a project that is not needed.
Mr. Law stated we continue to have referendums/discussions on fluoridation.
Prior to the Council vote on fluoridation, he polled his district and 80% of those
contacted wanted the issue of fluoridation to go to a vote of the people. The
Council chose to make the decision to approve implementation of fluoridation.
The second part of his question to the residents was if they supported fluoridation
and well over 60+% stated they did support fluoridation, therefore, that was the
basis for his supporting implementation of fluoridation. If the decision to
fluoridate is changed through a vote of the people in November, the city will have
to "bite the bullet" at that time.
TAPE #1536
Mr. Overson stated he appreciated Mr. Shepherd's concern, however, he was
not a participant in the studies, and the information he shared was his own
opinion. At this point, the Washington State Department of Health did not
provide the option recommended by Mr. Shepherd.
Councilman Olsen returned to Council Chambers at 6:45 P.M.
Mr. Olsen stated because he stepped out of the City Council Chambers during
this discussion, he would abstain from voting.
TAPES #1535, #153~.
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
April 1, 1998
Page 12 of 13
Mr. Reed stated even though this issue is not fluoridation; his focus is more
financial. Mr. Knuckey did indicate there would be an ability to delete items
within the contract that could save the City money in the event the initiative
against fluoridation prevailed. In addition, that there was the possibility to
redesign the system and meet the corrosion control requirements without
implementation of the fluoridation. He supports the position that the issue of
fluoridation should be put to the vote of the public when it affects thousands of
people. He does support meeting the demands of the corrosion control, but not
spending money to fluoridate when there is significant opposition to it.
President Farr agreed with Mr. Law's comments that Council did make a
decision on the Corrosion Control Facility and must move forward without picking
apart at every expenditure request. He respects the varying views of his fellow
Council members, however, he believes replacing someone's plumbing would be
considered a "gift" from the City and doubted that action would be legal.
Vote on Motion: In Favor: Montgomery, Arends, Farr, Overson, Law, McConnell
Oppose: Shepherd, Reed
Abstain: Olsen
Motion carried.
8D - SR304 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: AGREEMENT
WITH WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO
PROVIDE FUNDING FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY ACQUISITION. #AB98 - 069
City staff, in cooperation with the project partners, has actively pursued grant
funding for the project. As part of the various grant applications, all project
partners have provided matching funds. To access the matching funds provided
by other agencies an agreement must be executed.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) through its
participation in various grant applications has agreed to provide $431,653
towards Right-of-Way acquisition on the project. The attached agreement
provides for disbursement of those funds to the City of Bremerton for use on the
project. Staff recommends that the City Council authorize execution of the
attached agreement.
Tom Knuckey, Engineering Department, stated he was standing in for Randy
Witt, City Engineer, who was out-of-town. The approval of this item would
provide funds for right-of-way acquisition for a portion of the Gateway project.
Public comment - none.
Mr. McConnell questioned if he understood correctly that the State would
acquire the properties along the highway? Mr. Knuckev stated he would have
TAPES #1535, #153~.
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
April 1, 1998
Page 13 of 13
the City Engineer respond to Mr. McConnell's question since he had not been
involved with this project.
Mr. Montgornery pointed out the City is the lead agency on this project and he
was pleased the project has moved forward to this point.
Mr. Reed explained the City contracted with the Department of Transportation to
negotiate the purchase of properties within the project area.
#0198 M/S/C/U(Arends/Montgomery) Motion to authorize the Mayor to execute
the attached agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation
for Right-of-Way funding on the SR304 Transportation Improvement Project.
President Farr thanked the TV camera crew for their services: Robert Neal, Jay
Bennett, Cheri Thompson, and Kris Knowles.
With no further business meeting adjourned at 7:04 P.M.
DAVID FARR, City esident
City of Bremerton
PJ/DF/me
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