HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/02/98
TAPES #1583 & #1584
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
DECEMBER 2, 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,
December 2, 1998, at 5:30 P.M., with Council Vice-President Carlos Montgomery
presiding. Council members present were Jim Reed, Carol Arends, Mike Shepherd,
John Law, Cecil McConnell, and Wayne Olsen. Council President David Farr and
Council member Lon Overson were 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 Wally Snook of the Silverdale United
Methodist Church.
Vice-President Montgornery made the following announcements:
(1) The City Council held a Study Session prior to the Council meeting to discuss
general Council Business.
(2) The City Council will hold a Study Session immediately following the meeting
tonight to discuss "Water and Wastewater Rates", in the Council Conference
room.
(3) Item 8C on the Agenda will be relocated to the end of the meeting tonight.
(4) The City Council will hold a Study Session on Monday, December 7, 1998, 5:30
- 7:30 to discuss 1) Construction Project Updates; 2) CSO Updates; and 3)
Proposed Amendments to Bremerton Title 21.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes of Council Meeting - November 10, 1998 #AB98-268
B. Professional Services Agreement Update for Wastewater #AB98-269
Treatment Plant SCADA Process Control System
#0052 MISICIU (McConnell/Olsen) 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.
#0075 M/S/C/U (Arends/Olsen) On December 2, 1998, the Council does approve for
payment those vouchers included and further described as follows: EFT 5129, and
225953 through 226060 in the amount of $228,710.79.
TAPES #1583 & 1584
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
December 2, 1998
Page 2 of 8
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Mr. Law reported on the active business activity in the Manette area, including a
Christmas party at the Manette Book & Coffee House on Friday, December 4, 6:00 -
10:00 P.M.
Mr. Shepherd announced that Santa Clause is scheduled to arrive in a fire truck down
4th Street, in front of City Hall, on Friday, December 4 between 5:00 and 6:00 P.M. The
Art Galleries will also be open during this time. He encouraged to public to participate in
the annual blood drive to be held at Bremerton High School on Monday, December 7.
He announced that on Tuesday, December at 7:00 P.M., the choirs from
Bremerton High School and Mountain View Junior High will be performing at the
Bremerton High School Performing Arts Center; and the Bremerton High School Band
would perform at the same location on Wednesday the 16th.
Mrs. Arends reported on a fun evening she had at the Christmas party and tree lighting
event at the Olympic Lodge at PSNS.
Mr. Montgomery also attended the Christmas party and tree lighting, and felt it was the
best one yet. He also participated on the inaugural run of the new Cascade Amtrak
train, and was very impressed.
PUBLIC RECOGNITION
Ruth Enderle, Admiral Theater, announced several Christmas activities happening this
month, and stated some of the events are expected to sell-out. Anyone wanting tickets
or more information may call 373-6743. She also suggested tickets for any one of the
many events planned for the coming year as holiday gifts.
Don Larson provided an update on local water-related activities, and again urged
support for an underwater park. He announced April 17, 1999 as Earth Day, and asked
the Council for their support.
8A - ORDINANCE NO. 4641 (SECOND READING) REDUCING THE BUSINESS AND
OCCUPATION (B&0) TAX ON GARBAGE AND REFUSE BUSINESS, #AB98-266
Public comment - none.
#0490 M/S/C/U (McConnell/Law) Motion to pass on second reading Ordinance No.
4641 reducing the B&O Tax on garbage and refuse businesses.
8B - ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) UPDATING CITY PURCHASING POLICY,
#AB98-270
The City's current purchasing policy has been in place since 1984. Since that time, no
adjustment has been made to the dollar values at which the various procedures are
required. The proposed ordinance will raise the threshold for formal bidding of general
TAPES #1583 & 1584
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
December 2, 1998
Page 3 of 8
purchases from $10,000 to $20,000, It will also increase the thresholds for services as
follows: letter agreement increased from $5,000 maximum to $10,000 maximum,
contract with Mayor's approval increased from $10,000 maximum to $20,000 maximum,
and contracts exceeding $20,000 will require Council approval.
Rich Hanna, City Treasurer, clarified that this is not an attempt to revise procedures,
but to update them to compensate for the affects of inflation. He pointed out a section
of the ordinance where language was added requiring the Mayor to inform the Council
on Professional Service Agreements in excess of $10,000, but less than $20,000.
Public comment - none.
#0600 MISICIU (Arends/Olsen) Motion to approve on first reading the ordinance up-
dating the City's purchasing policy.
9A - RESOLUTION NO. 2683 SETTING FEES FOR GLENN JARSTAD AQUATIC
CENTER, #AB98-272
The existing fee structure of the Glenn Jarstad Aquatic Center has been in effect since
January 1, 1995. The proposed fee increases help to offset pool costs driven by
inflation, and make our rates more compatible with other pools in the area.
Jim Spencer, Parks & Recreation Director, stated that fees have not been raised at the
pool for four years. Taking a survey of local pools arrived at the increased rate.
Public comment - none.
Mr. Reed wanted to clarify the rates between private lessons at $9.00/half-hour and
semi-private lessons are $13.50/half-hour, when it seems it should be the other way
around. Mr. Spencer explained that a family would pay the $13.50 for a half-hour if
they had 2-3 children taking the lesson together. The $9.00 fee would be paid for only
one child.
#0710 M/S/C/U (Shepherd/Arends) Motion to pass Resolution No. 2683 as presented,
setting fees for Glenn Jarstad Aquatic Center.
9B - RESOLUTION NO. 2684 SETTING FEES FOR GOLD MOUNTAIN GOLF
COMPLEX AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO 2640, #AB98-273
In order for the City's Gold Mountain Golf Complex to remain financially sound, it is
necessary to implement fee changes on a systematic and regular basis. Fees at the
complex were last changed in January 1998.
Jim Spencer, Parks & Recreation Director, stated that the fee increases being
presented were consistent with the Performa associated with the financial modeling at
the Gold Mountain Complex, as well as being consistent with the preliminary budget
TAPES #1583 & 1584
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
December 2, 1998
Page 4 of 8
reviewed in November. Overall, the increase equates to a 3.5% increase, and indicated
that passes and punch-card opportunities are available to assist the local golfer. For
example, a punch card that provides 20 rounds of golf can be purchased for $355,
which breaks down to $17.75 per round. In comparison, regular weekday fees on the
Olympic Course are $22 on weekdays and $26 on weekends. A pass holder realizes
even greater savings, based on the averages of players playing the course.
Public comment - none.
Mr. Reed wanted to know how the actual performance of the golf course performed in
reality, versus the increases based on Performa, which he considers a generated item
of perception. Mr. Spencer responded that actually the golf course did not do well this
year relative to what was budgeted. The department missed the estimates in terms of
the number of rounds projected for both courses, which he attributed to more
competition from other courses, and overestimating the number of rounds. New
projections will reflect current numbers of 60,000 and 50,000 rounds, with the fee
increase added to offset the loss of rounds.
Mr. McConnell stated these fees were comparable to other courses he has played on.
He also wanted to clarify to for the public that the Senior Punch Card is allowed for use
between Monday and Friday at a cost of about $800.00 per year. For an active player,
this works out to about $3.50 per round of golf, which is a pretty good deal.
#0900 M/SIC (McConnell/Law) Motion to pass Resolution No. 2684 as presented,
setting forth a fee structure for Gold Mountain Golf Complex.
Vote on Motion: In Favor: Olsen, McConnell, Law, Shepherd, Arends,
Montgomery
Opposed: Reed
Motion carries.
10A - PUBLIC HEARING AND RESOLUTION NO. 2681, REGARDING RECOVERY
OF FEES FOR THE ABATEMENT OF GARBAGE AND DEBRIS ON THE PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 654 HIGHLAND AVENUE, #AB98-274
On October 1, 1998, Public Works removed garbage and debris on the property located
at 654 Highland Avenue after the owner, Daniel Cole, failed to do so as ordered by the
Building Official. The cost of the action, including administrative fees, totaled $792.02.
Council must now decide if the fees are just, and how they should be collected.
Judy Johnson, Building Inspector, provided details on the process gone through by the
City to-date on this abatement. Paula Johnston, Deputy City Clerk, read a letter into
the record which was submitted by the owner Daniel Cole, dated November 25, 1998,
regarding the situation: Dear Bremerton City Council: This statement is regarding the
past situation at 654 Highland Avenue, specifically the request to recoup costs incurred
TAPES #1583 & 1584
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
December 2, 1998
Page 5 of 8
in the abatement of said property. My situation is best explained through a chronology
of events concerning this matter. I received an "Order to Remove Refuse within 72
Hours" on August 14, 1998. I notified the tenant and they told me that the bags of
garbage specifically mentioned were soon to be moved. The bags were removed at a
cost of $200 on August 16, and / was within the prescripted order. I investigated the
garage (where the debris were located) thereafter and was satisfied that there was not a
nuisance situation. It appeared to be typical carport items and all loose items were
bundled or in bags. Not long afterward, the tenants moved out and when I came to the
residence on October 1, there was a City vehicle. Apparently they were loading the
vehicle to fulfill the order. My notion, however, was that they were aiding the move, due
to the welfare status of the tenant. I became fully aware of the whole situation when I
received the notice dated November 13. However, I have now been notified by the
tenant that some clothing and other items picked up by the City of Bremerton were
actually personal belongings that were to be taken to the new place of residence. I
have since reimbursed the amount of $175. In conclusion, I have no objections to the
action taken by the City and my compliance will be absolute. However, I would like to
protest the costs by the amount of the total I have paid ($200 + $175) toward the
solution of this problem. Respectfully submitted, Daniel Cole."
Mr. Reed asked if Mr. Cole was involved prior to the end result. Ms. Johnson stated
Mr. Cole received his notice on August 18. The site was not actually cleaned up until an
additional 30 days later.
#1216 M/S/C/U (Law/McConnell) Motion to pass Resolution No. 2681 such that the fees
incurred for the abatement of garbage and debris located at 654 Highland Avenue be
collected as reasonable abatement costs, and become a lien against the property.
10B - PUBLIC HEARING AND RESOLUTION NO. 2682, REGARDING RECOVERY
OF FEES FOR THE ABATEMENT OF GARBAGE AND DEBRIS ON THE PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 428 S. LAFAYETTE, #AB98-275
On October 13, 1998, the Public Works Department removed garbage, debris,
appliances, and a dilapidated camper shell from the property located at 428 S. Lafayette
after the owners, Alan Faessler and Keith Davidson, failed to do so as ordered by the
Building Official. Council must now decide if the fees are just, and how they should be
collected.
Judy Johnson Building Inspector, provided details on the process gone through by the
City to-date on this abatement.
Public comment - none.
Mrs. Arends asked if the owners occupied the home. Ms. Johnson stated no; the
owners had a different address. Mr. Reed asked how long the owners were given to
clean up the property. Ms. Johnson responded that the notice stated 30 days, but they
TAPES #1583 & 1584
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
December 2, 1998
Page 6 of 8
actually had 9 months for the process to take place. Regarding Mr. Cole's property, he
wondered if the tenants returned to the property to redeposit the bags of "garbage" after
Mr. Cole cleaned the property. Mr. Shepherd noted from the pictures that there
appeared to also be an abandoned refrigerator, which posed a real danger.
#1420 MISICIU (Shepherd/McConnell) Motion to pass Resolution No. 2682 such that
the fees incurred for the abatement of garbage and debris located at 428 S. Lafayette
be collected as reasonable abatement costs and become a lien against the property.
8C - ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) ON 1999/2000 BUDGET, #AB98-271
The Ordinance adopts the City's 1999-2000 Biennium Budget at the fund level as
described in the Mayor's Preliminary Budget.
Rich Hanna, City Treasurer, stated that to-date, there have been two Public Hearings
as well as four Study Sessions on this issue, each with a considerable amount of
discussion. This ordinance as written, adopts by reference, the Mayor's preliminary
budget, which has incorporated the results of all the previous hearings and discussions.
Roy Runyon, Bremerton resident, referred to the "1999 Budget Program Expenditure
Summary" on page 17 of the Preliminary 1999/2000 Budqet. He pointed out that under
"Internal Service Funds", specifically "Risk Management", it shows that the 1995/1996
Biennium budget was $2.128 million; and for 1999/2000 Biennium, the proposed budget
shows $4.285 Million, which is over a 100% increase. He asked the following
questions: 1 ) What is included in Risk Management? 2) What accounts for the over
100% increase in the Risk Management budget over the amounts budgeted for
1995/19967 3) Is the amount that Bremerton spends on Risk Management in-line with
what other municipalities of similar size spend? 4) How can the City reduce its
exposure to risk (whether it be litigation, insurance claims, etc.) 5) Are contractors,
vendors, and employees required to submit to dispute resolution procedures? What are
these procedures? He closed his comments with a suggestion that the elected officials,
City Council and Mayor, decline the proposed increase in salaries to demonstrate their
personal dedication to containing the cost of government in the City of Bremerton... or to
donate that increase to a charity or other worthwhile cause.
John Becker, Bremerton resident, pointed out several line items in the Budget relating
to the implementation of fluoride, and wanted to know what would happen to that
money, or where would it be applied, if fluoride is defeated in the February election?
The following members of the community urged Council to follow the recommendations
for fund allocations made by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, specifically the full
amount of funding recommended for the Peninsula Visitor & Convention Bureau to
support their mass marketing proposal: Warren Olsen. Executive Director, Economic
Development Council; Grant Griffin, Executive Director, Peninsula Visitor & Convention
Bureau/Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Member; Wayne Junge, Bremerton Chamber
TAPES #1583 & 1584
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
December 2, 1998
Page 7 of 8
of Commerce/Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Member; Yong Kang, owner of Oyster
Bay Inn/Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Member; Rowena Jongeward, Midway Inn
Manager/Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Member; and Rick Leenstra, owner of
Kitsap Harbor Tours.
Becky Bogard, Legislative Council to both the Washington State Hotel & Motel
Association and the Washington Association of Visitor & Convention Bureaus, stated
that she was part of the drafting group which put together the State Law that allowed the
City of Bremerton to impose the hotel/motel tax, as well as setting the guidelines for its
expenditure. She provided a brief review about why the law came about, and asked
Council to review this law to understand why it was written the way it was. It was
determined that the tourism professionals at the local level were best suited to
determine what tourism is in their jurisdiction. Each City was encouraged to develop a
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee made up of these tourism professionals to decide how
the money should be spent, and for the City's to carefully consider those
recommendations. Additionally, she assured Council that there are several means
available for local jurisdictions to measure tourism impacts.
Yvonne Dean, Bremerton School District, was concerned about the timing of the
increase in water and wastewater rates, and the affect it may have on the upcoming
Bremerton School District levy.
Robert C. Schneidler, President of Admiral Theater Foundation, and also representing
the other 20 volunteer Board of Director members, came to endorse and support the
proposal of the Visitor & Convention Bureau. However, due to Ms. Bogard's earlier
comments, he added that the basic philosophy to taxation would be violated if those
who are taxed could direct how those expenditures were made. Lastly, he urged the
Council to collectively endorse the Theater.
TAPE #1584
Mr. Hanna responded to several questions regarding the Risk Management fund. He
stated the Risk Management is one of two internal service funds operated by the City, to
serve the operational units of the City. The Risk Management fund deals with the
liability (property and casualty), and worker's comp exposure. The increase in dollar
terms is due to the City maintaining a larger pool of assets, and retaining a larger
portion of the risks than in previous years. It was determined that the City is better
served by not purchasing the lower levels of insurance held in prior years. Each year,
staff members review the insurance market to determine what best meets the financial
interest to the City. He deferred the question regarding ways the City can reduce risk to
the Risk Manager. In answer to a previous question about money budgeted for
fiuoridation costs, he stated that in the 1999 Water Utility Budget, there is $25,000
allocated for the Capital Construction of the fluoridation facilities. If the voters vote "NO"
on the fluoride issue, those dollars will not be spent, and will be carried forward.
TAPES #1583 & 1584
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
December 2, 1998
Page 8 of 8
Mr. McConnell wanted to know when this form of Risk Management began. Mr.
Hanna explained he couldn't recall exactly when, but it has been a number of years.
He further explained that self-insured retention is a question reviewed annually.
Mr. Law complimented Mr. Leenstra from Kitsap Harbor Tours for his efforts in
advertising his business outside of the local area. He wanted to know from Mr. Griffin,
why the Armed Forces Day and Blackberry Festival were not advedised in the VCB
brochure, and how the promotion of Bremerton' s festivals compared with other cities in
the brochure and on the web site.
Mr. Reed wanted to know if more advertising from the VCB is truly what is needed to
increase the hoteliers business. He suggested they combine their efforts and energy to
help the City implement lighting to Pendergast Fields, which could bring in sport
tournaments, with possibly thousands of participants.
#0410 M/S/C/U (Law/Olsen) Motion to approve the ordinance adopting the 1999-2000
Budget on first reading.
With no further business, meeting adjourned at 7:10 P.M.
City of Bremerton
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