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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/03/98 TAPE #1546 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JUNE 3, 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 June 3, 1998, at 5:30 P.M., with Council Vice-President Carlos Montgomery presiding. Council members present were Jim Reed, Carol Arends, Mike Shepherd, Lon Overson, John Law, Cecil McConnell, and Wayne Olsen. Council President David Farr was absent. Also present were City Attorney Glenna Malanca and Deputy City Clerk Paula Johnston. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Vice-President Montgomery and invocation given by Reverend Cleveland Williams of Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church. Councilman Mike Shepherd was not present at the beginning of the Council meeting. Vice-President Montgomery made the following announcement: (1) The City Council held a Study Session prior to the Council meeting to discuss general Council business. (2) Flag Day Ceremony is scheduled for June 14, 1998, 1:00 P.M., on the Boardwalk. (3) On June 9, 1998, 9:00 A.M., in the Community Room of Washington Mutual Bank, the Believe In Bremerton Committee will hold an open Meeting and the subject will be "Program To Build A Better Bremerton." Mayor Lynn Hodon will be the guest speaker at that meeting. CONSENT AGENDA A. Minutes of Meeting - May 27, 1998 #AB98-119 B. Interlocal Agreement with City of Poulsbo for #AB98-120 Traffic Signal Maintenance #0059 MISICIU(McConnell/OIsen) 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 TAPE #1546 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes June 3, 1998 Page 2 of 10 #0079 MISICIU(Arends/Overson) On June 3, 1998, the Council does approve for payment those vouchers included and further described as follows: 220310 through 220311, 220312, 220313 through 220608 in the amount of $1,796,794.40; and Regular Payroll for the period ending May 31, 1998, in the amount of $858,243.72. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS Mrs. Arends reported she attended the D.A.R.E. graduation ceremonies at Naval Avenue Elementary School and Kitsap Lake Elementary School. She was impressed with the students, the essays that were read, and the students' conduct during the program. She was also impressed with D.A.R.E. Officer Christal Gray and the good rapport she has with the students. Mr. Overson stated downtown is looking good with lots of flower baskets and barrels. He expressed appreciation to the Swing City Committee for their maintenance of the flower barrels and the City's Parks and Recreation Department for providing watering services. He noted banners have been hung and thanked the Parks and Recreation Department for their assistance in that effort as well. He pointed out Old Wooley's is open and offering food, antiques and nearly new items. Mr. Law announced the next District #3 Neighborhood Meeting will be held June 16, 1998, 7:00 P.M., at the Senior Center. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Lynn Horton reported the City Council meeting was being broadcast over channel 12 through the use of a mobile TV van. Cable transmission of the previous Council meeting experienced several problems, which are being tracked down so that they can be corrected. She assured the public that telecast reception would be getting better as the system is repaired and apologized to everyone for the poor reception. Mayor Horton referenced a June 2, 1998" article in THE SUN that reported the City of Bremerton was looking into the possibility of forming its own 911 Dispatch Center. She noted it is an issue that has been discussed for a number of months and she assured the Council and the public that before any steps are taken she would have firm figures as to the cost to run such a program. The intent is to provide that service as well as what CenCom currently provides or better, if possible, at a more affordable cost to the citizens. The current 911 system is old and relies on a microwave system that has no backup. Approximately two years ago a Countywide ballot measure was defeated to upgrade that system. Fortunately, the City of Bremerton does not rely on a microwave system and TAPE #1546 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes June 3, 1998 Page 3 of 10 within CenCom Bremerton is somewhat self-supporting and yet its price tag is equal to that of people who do rely on that microwave backbone. The City believes it can operate such a system in-house at a more affordable cost. If the City removes itself from CenCom, they will need some time to reconfigure their system, so she felt it was important to give them as much lead time as possible as to the City's intentions. Mayor Horton read the following Proclamation: (1) June 1-7,1998 MANAGEMENT WEEK, which was accepted by Dennis Cox, President of the local Chapter of the National Management Association. Mayor Horton reported on May 29, 1998, she attended the Awards presentation at Bremerton High School. She was pleased to announce that the 1998 graduating class had garnered over $1.6 million in scholarship offers, which indicates the level of academics that young people are engaged in through the Bremerton School system. She also noted a Bremerton High School underclassman scored the highest score on a National SAT test in Mathematics that compares to a College Sophomore level. She congratulated the students, School Administration, and School District. PUBLIC RECOGNITION Julie Evault, Co-leader of the Crownhill Naval Avenue Campfire Girls, stated her Campfire group had concerns about safety in the schools and littering. Members of this group read a letter in which they identify safety concerns in schools and what they believe should be done to keep violence out of schools and addressing littering in the community. Mayor Horton thanked the Campfire members for coming before the City Council and expressing their thoughts and ideas. She emphasized the City of Bremerton works closely with the School District so those acts of violence are something that does not happen in Bremerton. She also emphasized the importance for young people to communicate any problems they see or become aware of to a teacher, their parents, or someone they trust. Shannon Bell announced the Bremerton "Top Guns" received a Gold Medal at the Special Olympics Games held at Fort Lewis this past weekend. The "Olympic Trojans" received a Bronze Medal. She also was pleased that the participants received a warm welcome at Fort Lewis and they were proud to represent Bremerton. Susan Brown, Bremerton resident, stated she researched City records after Mayor Horton made the statement that the Ethics Commission was dropped when the Ethics Ordinance was amended in the early 1990s. She appreciated the assistance she received from Council's staff Merilynn Erhart. An ordinance the Ethics Commission in1985-86; however an amended ordinance was passed TAPE #1546 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes June 3, 1998 Page 4 of 10 in 1991, which removed the oversight of the Ethics Commission and put that responsibility upon the City Council for code enforcement. She was concerned whether or not it was legal for the Mayor to establish an Ethics Commission without taking formal action by ordinance. She wants to be assured that it would be stated on the record that the Mayors procedure for establishing the Ethics Commission is a legal process. Legislative Report on cluestions raised at previous Council meetings: May 27, 1998: Roy Runyon questioned the amount of money expended in attorney's fees in prosecuting the City's claim against Metcalf and eddy for their operation of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and whether or not funds could be redirected to other needs rather than paying off a lawsuit. Administrative Response: The City Attorney advised Mr. Runyon that the City was in the process of appealing and making motions before a Judge in Pierce County on June 5, 1998. At this point there has not been a determination as to the final cost; however, within a month or two the City Attorney expects more information would be available to the public. Paula Johnston, Deputy City Clerk, announced the City Attorney requests the City Council hold a 5-minute Executive Session to discuss "litigation" immediately following the City Council meeting. Vice President Montclomerv affirmed that Council agreed to hold the Executive Session as requested. Councilman Mike Shepherd entered the City Council Chambers at 5:55 P.M, 8A - BID AWARD TO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY INC. FOR ONE SCHWARZE MECHANICAL BROOM, #AB98-121 A cell for bids for a mechanical broom street sweeper was prepared, advertised, distributed and received in accordance with accepted Call for Bid procedures. Two bids were received that met specification requirements. We wish to accept the bid from Construction Machinery, Inc. as follows: Sweeper $120, 168.90 $135, 154.00 Trade In for 1992 Elgin Sweeper(18,000.00) (15,000.00) Sales Tax (8.6%) 8,786.52 10,333.24 Extended Warranty Package $ 10,714.33 None Offered TOTAL COST $121.669.75 $I 30,487.24 Bob Tulp, Public Works Operations Manager, stated he would standby to answer any questions. TAPE #1546 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes June 3, 1998 Page 5 of 10 Public comment - none. Mr. Reed questioned who wrote the proposal indicating a "1998 MACK Mid-Liner or Equal"...the vendor or the City, Mr. Tulp stated he did not have an answer. Mr. Overson questioned the process of evaluation determining the existing street sweeper needs to be replaced and that the one being purchased is worth the cost of $110,000. Mr. Tulp stated the existing sweeper had been used extensively and more funds are being spent on repairs than its current value. The value identified in the documentation includes the trade-in and surplus value of the existing equipment. Mr. Overson stated some people feel the City needs more street sweeping thereby needing more sweepers. He asked if the City has a way of evaluating how many street sweepers are necessary. Mr. Tulp explained those in the field would like a lot of things that they deem necessary; however, there are limitations on what is financially feasible. If there were enough outcries from the public to have more street sweeping, then that would need to be addressed by the administration. Mr. Olsen asked if this purchase was within budget. Mr. Tulp stated yes. #1082 M/S/C/U(Arends/Law) Motion to authorize acceptance of bid from Construction Machinery, Inc. (CMI) of Kent, Washington for one (1) Schwarze Mechanical Broom with specified equipment per bid. 8B - REDIRECT CAPITAL FUND 510 ACCOUNT TO PURCHASE USED EQUIPMENT INSTEAD OF NEW (PATCH TRUCK, TWO TANDEM DUMP TRUCKS), #AB98-122 To redirect 1998 approved capital funding of $105,000 to purchase new patch truck, to purchase used patch truck, and two used 1988 tandem dump trucks from WSDOT for $21,000 each. Tandem dump trucks will provide more efficient operation. and come with snowplows, in-box sanders, and asphalt applications. Bob Tulp, Public Works Operations Manager, stated he would standby to answer questions. Public comment - none Mr. Reed questioned the person within the City who would assess equipment prior to purchase. Mr. Tulp stated that person is the Transportation Manager Jim Orton. Mr. Overson stated he believes this demonstrates an instance where a significant evaluation has been done of the City's needs and demonstrates a TAPE #1546 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes June 3, 1998 Page 6 of 10 good use of the $105,000. Mr. Tulp stated the City expects a new truck to have a life span of 18-20 years. The Department of Transportation (DOT) uses their trucks a little longer. With the data that was available, going back to the late 1980s, he believes that buying used trucks is being good stewards of City resources. The proposed trucks are nine years old and DOT is willing to repair anything that has been pointed out prior to the actual purchase. He noted that three trucks are being purchased for the $105,000 rather than one. Emphasis is being placed on "doing more for less," which means working smarter. Mr. Overson asked if these trucks were of a different design that those purchased previously. Mr. Tulp pointed out they are 10-yard trucks with snow blows in 10- yard in box sanders. There was some concern that the larger trucks would not be able to be used in the central business district and some residential areas, which may be true, but it was determined that they would be used extensively during the snow season. Mr. Law complimented Mr. Tulp for having the answers to the questions raised during the discussion on this issue at the Operations Committee meeting. He also complimented him on being a good manager and his being fiscally responsible. Mr. Tulp stated he accepted the compliments on behalf of all the staff since they work together as a team. Vice President Montgomery stated he discussed this issue with Mr. Tulp on many occasions and witnessed first hand the work being done with the current equipment that takes more manpower than what can be accomplished with one 10-yard truck. #1343 MISICIU(Shepherd/Arends) Motion to approve the expenditure as proposed to purchase used equipment, instead of new, for optimum use of resources available. 9A - ORDINANCE NO. 4628 (SECOND READING) AMENDING THE 1998 BUDGET. #AB98-116 Rich Hanna, City Treasurer, stated in response to a concern raised by the council during their pre-Council Study Session relating to Budget Adjustment #98-19 and whether or not the amount included interest, yes it did include interest. Public comment - none. Mr. Law questioned, under Budget Adjustment 98-19, how the budget was increased from $95,000 to $115,000 when only $95,000 was budgeted for expenditure. Mr. Hanna explained the budgeted revenues are going to be increased in the amount of $20,000 as that interfund loan is receipted and the TAPE #1546 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes June 3, 1998 Page 7 of 10 expense side of the budget will be increased by a similar amount when that loan is paid back. When that item was discussed as an individual item, its purpose was to finance the cash flow of that fund, which will be repaid by year-end. He was pleased to report that for the first time this year the May Hotel/Motel Tax receipts from the State were above projections and it may be possible that some amount significantly lower than $20,000 will actually be loaned to the Civic Improvement Fund. Mr. Law questioned where the $20,000 was taken off. Mr. Hanna explained the action is increasing both sides of the budget, involving the General Fund and the Civic Improvement Fund. In the case of the Civic Improvement Fund, the revenue side increases as funds are received and the expense side of the budget increases as the loan is repaid. The adjustments are just the opposite for the General Fund since that is lending source and will be repaid later in the year. #1542 MISICIU(Olsen/McConnell) Motion to pass Ordinance No. 4628 on second reading, amending Ordinance No. 4615 relating to the budget of the City of Bremerton for Fiscal Year 1998. 9B - ORDINANCE NO. 4629 (SECOND READING) AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP FOR A SINGLE LOT AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF OHIO AVENUE AN D THIRTEENTH STREET, #AB98-118 Public comment - none. #1591 MISICIU(McConnell/OIsen) Motion to pass Ordinance No. 4629 on second reading, amending the Official Zoning Map of the City of Bremerton for a single lot at the northeast corner of Ohio Avenue and 13th Street. 9C - ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) RENAMING BRUENN AVENUE AND KEAN STREET TO AUTO CENTER BLVD: UNION AVENUE W. TO KEAN BLVD: AND SR3 PARK TO BRUENN PARK. #AB98-123 The ordinance renames Bruenn Avenue and Kean Street to Auto Center Boulevard; and Union Avenue West to Kean Boulevard. Also includes changing the name of SR3 Park to Bruenn Park. This would allow the City to enhance regional recognition of and to clarify the location of the Auto Center neighborhood. Mayor Lynn Horton stated some time ago she and a number of auto dealers discussed issues that were pertinent to Auto Center Way. The auto dealers asked about renaming Kean Street so that it would be more recognizable as a regional Auto Center and not just one street. Following that discussion, the City contacted all property owners or businesses in that area and correspondence from those responding were included in Council's Agenda documentation. The majority of individuals/businesses were in favor of the name change; however TAPE #1546 City Council Reg, Mtg. Minutes June 3, 1998 Page 8 of 10 one of the things raised by those opposing the idea was the expense of changing stationery, etc. As a result, she recommended a one-year delay on implementation of any change. In the meantime, the City would post two street signs to let the public know that the City was moving toward a different name and those wanting to change their stationery and or advertising could do so at any point. Terrie O'Neill, Municipal Services Coordinator, personally contacted the business to discuss their issues with the proposed changes. Terrie O'Neill, Municipal Services Coordinator, re-emphasized the fact that some business owners were concerned about the cost of the change over and questioned whether or not those requesting the change would be willing to pick up some of the cost of new stationery. Some of those same opposing businesses stated they could support the proposal if implementation of the change was delayed for 12-months, which would also allow them to spread out their cost of changing business forms and address as a normal cost of doing business. The Yellow Pages Advertising was also contacted to determine the deadline for advertising in the 1998/99 Telephone Directory. At this point, all deadlines had passed to get any changes in the new Directory. Posting both the existing street name and future name would be helpful. The City contacted the Post Office to make sure the address transition would be smooth. The City was requested by one of the affected parties to provide a detailed explanation how the change will be implemented and what will be done to make it a easier transition for all those involved. To further publicize the change, the Bremerton Area Chamber of Commerce agreed to include pertinent information in their newsletter. That information can also be included in the City Star Newsletter and discussed on Inside Bremerton. Rov Mclnnis, Bremerton resident, pointed out Sinclair Missionary Baptist Church is located on Kean Street; however, the address for the church in the documentation provided shows it as Union Avenue. He noted the Church's address was changed approximately 4-5 years ago from Union to Kean Street. He was not aware the Church had been notified about the requested change, but as a Church EIder he will be staying in close contact with Mrs. O'Neill as the change progresses. Rod Parr, Auto Dealer, expressed the need to clarify the location of all the auto dealerships in the Auto Center Way area, which will make it easier to be identified as a Regional Auto Center. He supported the one-year delay for implementation. He appreciated Mayor Horton's assistance in seeing this move forward since the dealers had worked on the proposal for 6-7 years. Erin Capps, Thomas Lincoln Mercury, expressed his appreciation for Mayor Horton's support for the proposed name change. Auto Glass Plus and the TAPE #1546 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes June 3, 1998 Page 9 of 10 Jennings Corporation have reconsidered the proposed change and are lending their support as well. Some of the auto dealers started the change of name campaign in 1990; however, he recalled that in 1971 when the dealerships were built the name of the road was suppose to be Auto Center Way. However, the freeway was relocated and Auto Center Way was moved over by one block. He also agreed that the 1-year delay in implementation was acceptable. Mr. Law questioned again the procedure that would be used to notify the property owners and businesses, if the proposed change was approved. Mrs. O'Neill noted the address list included in the packet might have been out-of-date due to the fact this project had been on going for approximately eight years. If Council approves the proposal, she would like a 2-week window to make sure all property owners are re-contacted and addresses corrections can be made prior to final reading of the ordinance. Mr. Law stated his support of the proposed change and the fact that it was long over due. Mr. Olsen noted a correction to the record that Auto Glass Plus and Western Washington Beverages were in favor of the proposed change. Mrs. O'Neill stated that not everyone was totally in support; however, the issues she presented earlier in the discussion helped alleviate some of their concerns. Mr. Olsen questioned if Merchants Moving and Storage was still in business. Mr. Parr stated he did not know if they were operating as a business. Mr. McConnell asked if a change is being made to Union Avenue West or the extension of Kean Street. Mrs. O'Neill stated in response to Mr. Olsen's question about Merchants Moving and Storage, they are a viable large business and they were pleased to hear that the proposed change was moving forward. As a point of clarification, Union Avenue is a street behind Poindexter that leads up to Pendergast Regional Park and that street will be renamed Kean Blvd., and Kean and Bruenn will be changed to Auto Center Blvd, Mr. McConnell wanted to make sure Mr. Mclnnis' concern was addressed. Vice President Montgomery stated Kean Street stops at Werner Road and runs north to First Street, Bruenn and then Auto Center Way West. Kean Street might have been "Union Avenue" at one point in time; however, the Union Avenue West being addressed in this discussion is located south of Werner road. Mrs. O'Neill stated she believed Mr. Mclnnis was indicating the church had relocated. Mr. Mclnnis stated for clarification his church did not relocate; however, the City renamed the street to Kean Street when the auto dealerships were developed. Mr. Reed stated the auto center is the jewel in the City's financial crown and anything the City can do to help productivity in that area is beneficial to the whole City as well as to the dealers themselves. It would take strong opposition to make this not sensible, and he supports it fully. TAPE #1546 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes June 3, 1998 Page 10 of 10 Mr. Overson pointed out the last proposed street change presented was also considered sensible, but was voted down. However, this proposal appears to be highly supported by all involved and he commended Mrs. O'Neill's efforts to resolve concorns of those affected. Mr. McConnell noted it appears that Union Avenue West changes to Roosevelt Blvd. West and questioned why that portion was not also changed to the point where it comes into Wilson Drive. Vice President Montgornery explained Roosevelt BIrd. West is residential and Union Avenue is commercial. Mrs. O'Neill explained the transition is more dramatic than indicated on the map. Glenna Malanca, City Attorney, stated the ordinance as presented indicates that the ordinance would become affective in one year. She believes it would be more appropriate for the ordinance to become effective in the normal course after second reading, but that the name change would become effective after one- year. If Council agrees, changes would be made to the ordinance and presented at second ready. Council concurred with her request. #2700 MISICIU(Reed/Law) Motion to approve ordinance on first reading, renaming Bruenn Avenue and Kean Street to Auto Center Boulevard; Union Avenue West to Kean Boulevard; and SR3 Park to Bruenn Park; including the implementation date of July 1, 1999. Vice President Monffiomerv thanked the TV camera crew for their services. With no further business meeting adjourned at 6:40 P.M. City of Bremerton PJ/DF/me C: Normal Distribution FileNault