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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/18/97 TAPE #1472 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JUNE 18, 1997 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 18, 1997, at 5:30 P.M., with Council Vice President Richard Neville presiding. Council members present were Bob Winters, Carlos Montgomery, Sherril Huff-Menees, Lon Overson, Cecil McConnell. Council President David Farr and Council members Al Colvin and John Law were absent. Also present were City Attorney Ian Sievers and Deputy City Clerk Paula Johnston. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Vice President Neville and Invocation given by Deacon Roy McInnis of Sinclair Missionary Baptist Church. CONSENT AGENDA A. Minutes of Meeting -- June 4, 1997 #AB97-129 #0011 M/S/C(McConnell/Montgomery) to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Vote on Motion: In Favor: Montgomery, Neville, Overson, McConnell, Winters Abstain: Huff-Menees 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. #0030 M/S/C/U(Montgomery/Huff-Menees) on June 18, 1997, the Council does approve for payment those vouchers included and further described as follows: 209822, 209834, 209835, and 209844 through 210063 in the amount of $407,240.54. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS Mr. Winters reported on June 16 the Ad Hoc Telecommunications Advisory Committee met and reviewed the draft Telecommunications Ordinance with the City Attorney as well as created their Executive Summary, which will be presented to Council at a Study Session. He thanked all of the committee members for volunteering their time to this effort. The committee's final meeting will be held on June 23, 6:00 P.M., in City Council Conference Room. He announced, in Councilman Law's absence, the District #3 Neighborhood Meeting will be held June 24, 1997, 7:00 P.M. at the Senior Center. The program TAPE #1472 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes June 18, 1997 Page 2 of 10 agenda includes: Police Department Update, Manette Bridge Replacement and Update from Councilman Law. Mr. Montgomery reported he attended the dedication of the mural on the bulkhead at Lions Field and the Flag Day Ceremony. It concerns him that people appear to have lost respect for the American flag. Recent action by Congress has made it an offense to burn the American flag and he believes it should be an offense when people ignore the flag because it is the symbol of our country. He was disappointed that The Sun did not see fit to publish a photo of that ceremony on the front page of the newspaper. Mrs. Huff-Menees expressed her appreciation to her fellow Council members, Mayor Horton, Council staff, and many others throughout the various City Departments for their support and assistance to her over the past several weeks, which have been a challenging time for her family. She also expressed her appreciation to many others in the community for the generous spirit of concern and caring she and her family have received during this difficult time. Mr. Overson, on behalf of all the Council members, welcomed Mrs. Huff-Menees' return to the Council. He also attended the Flag Day Ceremony and thanked Bob Sauter for his efforts and Gene Nelson and Councilman Montgomery for making excellent presentations. On June 12 he held a District #4 Neighborhood Meeting and those attending appreciated Tim Richard, Senior Engineer and Ron Hough, Planning Manager for being available to be part of their discussions. On June 15 he attended the Dedication ceremony for the new Catholic School located at 6th and Veneta. Mr. M¢Connell announced District #2 will hold a special meeting on June 24, 6:00 - 9:00 P.M., at the Sheridan Park and Recreation Center (Lounge), to discuss the 20 acre parcel on Almira Drive and Riddell Road. The intent of this meeting is to inform the residents of what is proposed as a use for that area and receive public input. Mr. Neville announced Councilmen Colvin and Law are representing the City at the Association Of Washington Cities Annual Conference in Spokane this week; and Council President Farr is on vacation. .MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Lynn Horton stated public access (Channel 12) has experienced problems over the past three weeks and there are varying opinions as to the actual cause, i.e. modulator or line transmission. Effort is underway to put together a package of upgrades for the City's system and the initial equipment for the Kitsap County Court House and the Givens Center in Port Orchard, with the idea of getting the best price for the equipment. TAPE #1472 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes June 18, 1997 Page 3 of 10 During the week of June 9-13, 70 people from Kitsap County attended emergency management training (Earthquake and recovery exercise) in Maryland. The training sessions were regimented and attendance was mandatory. The training involved people that had gone through earthquake situations and their presentations gave everyone a bird'seye view of what it is to experience an actual event. A mock emergency experience was staged where all bridges were disabled, several buildings were lost and there were casualties; and following that, they held a recovery exercise. As a result of that training, they learned there are more things that Deed to be put in place up front in order to make decisions immediately when an event happens, i.e. the communications system including cellular telephone, radios and ham radios. Another area that needs further study is the roadway system and the impact of an earthquake on bridges and overpasses, which may mean using water access between east and west Bremerton. Also, it is important to make sure the Bremerton National Airport is operational in the event the I-5 corridor was also disabled and the city had to look at other areas, such as eastern Washington, Portland, Oregon or Vancouver B.C., for rescue team assistance. She anticipates involving the City's middle managers and staff dealing in services in regional training programs. She announced the City is not in a position to provide lawn mowing for residents that come under the City's abatement program that addresses tall grasses. At the time the ordinance was approved, it was stated that low-income or disabled people would be assisted with finding someone within the community to provide that service. The AmeriCorps volunteers will be involved; however, donations of lawn mowing equipment and weedeaters are needed. Mayor Horton extended condolences to the family of Bud Wallace, a city employee who passed away. Bud was a valuable employee and his co-workers will miss him and the City has lost a very good asset. PUBLIC RECOGNITION Little Britches Rodeo Court Queen Rachel Edwards introduced her Princesses and announced the Little Britches Rodeo will take Dlace June 28 and 29, starting at 12:00 at the Silver Spurs Arena near the Kitsap County Fairgrounds. Larry Dickerson, Bremerton resident and Block Watch Program supporter, was pleased to report as of June 17, 1997, the following streets were drug sale free: 5th Street from Park Avenue to Chester Avenue; one side of 4th Street from Chester Avenue to Park Avenue; Broadway Avenue from 6th Street to the Warren Avenue Playfleld. More help is needed to get rid of prostitution activities that are being promoted by a group of women that are a coordinated sisterhood of criminals. Of the 24-houses that have been taking TAPE #1472 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes June 18, 1997 Page 4 of 10 down since September, 21 of them have been associated with the same group of women. He is aware of seven houses having been taken over by coercion and violence by that same group of women. He knows two girls in east Bremerton, Rhonda and Adawn, who are trying to take over houses owned by older ill men on the guise of taking care of them. He encouraged Council to support his request that the Police Officers stop those women when seen on the street. Vice President Neville thanked Mr. Dickerson for his tireless effort. 7A - CONTRACT FOR COMPUTER TRAINING CONSULTANTm ~AB97-130 Agreement between the City and Robert Bounds for the procurement of office automation computer software training as per the attached contract. Training is to be provided in the new City training facility. Bill Eley, Information Services Manager, stated this is the final phase of the project to provide in-house computer training. Public comment - none. #0751 M/S/C/U(McConnell/Montgomery) to approve the contract as presented. 7B - SR304 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (E42043) -- AGREEMENT WITH WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY SERVICESm #AB97-131 The City has an Agreement for Aid with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) which provide for WSDOT staff to provide land acquisition, relocation, and related services on City projects. City staff have negotiated a Task Assignment to that agreement for WSDOT Real Estate Services (RES) staff to provide right-of-way acquisition and relocation services for the SR304 Transportation Improvement Project. WSDOT RES were selected because of familiarity with acquiring property for right-of-ways in accordance with Federal Highway Administration requirements. This task assignment to the agreement is for developing a project scoping estimate for the entire SR304 corridor, and for acquisition and relocation services for the properties from Preble Street to the Bremerton Ferry Terminal. The estimated not-to-exceed amount of this work is $507,000. Adequate funding exists for this work. Staff recommends approval of the Task Assignment. Randy Witt, City Engineer, stated the task assignment was developed once the scope of services was defined so that it fit with what the design consultant is doing as well as their needs for maintaining what the Federal Highway Administration and State require for right-of-way acquisition. This task assignment covers the acquisition of property from Preble to the Ferry Terminal. As additional funding comes into the project, he anticipates extending the task out to the Missouri Gate area before the end of 1997. TAPE #1472 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes June 18, 1997 Page 5 of 10 Public comment - none. Mrs. Huff-Menees stated she was happy to see this proposal come before Council since the project has taken several years to get underway. Property owners in the subject area have been anticipating, but were not sure what to count on. She felt it was important to get the acquisition process started so that the affected property owners can make plans for their future. Mr. Winters questioned the number of properties involved in the acquisition and what agency estimated the proposed cost of $507,000. Mr. Witt explained of 91 property 89 will be acquired along with two easements; and the State estimated the cost. Mr. McConnell questioned for clarification if the $507,000 would be the cost of acquiring the 91 properties? Mr. Witt stated no, it is the fee to WSDOT to conduct the appraisals, negotiate with the property owners, coordinate the investigations of the structures; and they are under a separate contract with Parametrix Inc., for site inspection for lead paint, asbestos, etc. The actual cost of acquisition is under a separate cost. #0891 M/S/C/U(Huff-Menees/Montgomery) to authorize and direct the Mayor to execute the attached Task Assignment for WSDOT Right-of-Way Acquisition Services on the SR304 Transportation Improvement Project. 8A - RESOLUTION NO. 2603t CAMPBELL WAY MID-BLOCKt ~AB97-132 During development of the Harrison District Plan, the community expressed a desire to stop the traffic from using Campbell Way to bypass the intersection at Lebo Boulevard and Wheaton Way. The Harrison District Plan discussed long term potential improvements, and requests Public Works staff to address short term improvements. Staff met with the community and formulated a recommendation to close Campbell Way at a mid-block location. After review by the City Traffic Safety Committee, temporary barricades were placed on Campbell Way. Follow-up meetings and discussions with the community support a permanent mid-block closure with a right turn improvement on eastbound Lebo Boulevard at Wheaton Way. The Traffic Safety Committee at the meeting on May 14, 1997 recommended the closure. Staff recommends that the Campbell Way have a mid- block closure by passage of the attached resolution. Randy Witt, City Engineer, briefly reviewed the public input process during development of the Harrison Plan that identified the desire of the residents in the subject area to eliminate people using Campbell way as a by-pass. Since the temporary closure, people have complained that traffic backs up at the light at the intersection of Lebo Blvd., and Wheaton Way. If approval is given TAPE #1472 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes June 18, 1997 Page 6 of 10 for the closure, a study will be undertaken to determine if a right-turn-lane would be appropriate, and if so, how long it would be. It was estimated that a 75-foot right turn pocket would cost $18-20,000. Wendy Sailor, Cafe owner at 1231 Campbell Way, stated her support of the closure and described the problems they have experienced while the temporary barricade has been in place, i.e. vandalism, traffic squeezing by to use Campbell way as a bypass. She also resides in the subject area and since the temporary closure she has had a more safe access in and out of her residence. She emphasized the residents of that area that she has been in contact with are in full support of the closure. Roy McInnis, Bremerton Resident, stated his support of the proposed action and urged Council to just "do it". Mr. Witt pointed out "Dead End" signs will be put in place so that the public won't mistake it as a temporary closure for construction purposes. Mr. Overson noted the Agenda documentation identifies the consideration of an "improved right turn lane", not "proposed right turn lane". Mr. Witt explained when the Agenda Bill was put together their sense was the right turn lane was more a "sure thing"; however, subsequent to the Traffic Safety Committee meeting it was felt the problem was not as severe once the public become adjusted to the closure. Mr. Overson stated in his opinion the right turn lane should be in place due to the heavy traffic on Lebo Boulevard and the bus traffic. He felt the only aspect to study was the size of the right turn lane and how soon funding could be identified to complete the project. Mr. McConnell questioned the kind of barrier structure to be constructed? Mr. Witt stated a barrier similar to the one installed at Forest Ridge Park - ground mounted wood posts with diagonal red and white crossings on both sides. Vice President Neville stated for the record, he was pleased over the development of Neighborhood Plans throughout the City; and what the citizens want or recognize as problems within those neighborhoods are being considered and fixed appropriately in a timely manner. #1321 M/S/C/U(Montgomery/Huff-Menees) to adopt Resolution No. 2603, declaring a mid-block closure of Campbell Way. 8B - RESOLUTION NO. 2604t BURWELL STREET BETWEEN WYCOFF AVENUE AND THE ALLEY BETWEEN WYCOFF AVENUE AND CALLOW AVENUE. ESTABLISHMENT OF TAPE #1472 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes June 18, 1997 Page 7 of 10 A ONE-WAY STREET, ~AB97-133 City staff received complaints about the intersection of Burwell Street and Wycoff Avenue. The complaints focused on problems associated with the steep grade at which Callow Avenue intersects Wycoff Avenue. To address this issue, the Public Works Department in coordination with the City Traffic Safety Committee temporarily closed Burwell Street at the east side of Wycoff Avenue. During an evaluation of the closure, public comments were received on the closure, including several discussions at the Charleston Community Plan meetings. Public and staff comments were reviewed at the Traffic Safety Committee meeting of May 14, 1997, and staff recommended that rather than closing Burwell Street, a more effective method to address the issue would be to make Burwell Street an eastbound one-way street between Wycoff Avenue and the alley between Wycoff Avenue and Callow Avenue with no changes to the remaining portion of Burwell Street as shown on the attached site plan. Staff recommends approval of this recommendation by passage of the attached resolution. Randy Witt, City Engineer, pointed out addressing the closure of the subject area commenced prior to the beginning of the Charleston Plan; however, at that time ideas were incorporated into the plan for public comment, which has been a valuable exercise in gaining community support. The comment came back that total closure of the subject area was excessive and encouraged the City to keep the down hill movement available for people in the neighborhood to access the Burwell signal. To accommodate that request, both the staff and Traffic Safety Committee felt retention of one lane down hill would be acceptable and allowing two way traffic traveling west on Burwell Street between Callow and the alley, which allows nozmal business access to the alley. Public comment - none. Mr. Montgomery noted about two years ago he recommended this change to the Engineering Department, which drew a lot of pro and con comments and he totally supports the proposal as presented. Mrs. Huff-Menees stated at the time the City implemented the trial closure, she only heard from a few of her constituents and their request was in support of leaving one lane open for east bound traffic off of Wycoff for circulation purposes. She had personally witnessed several accidents at the apex of that intersection and was pleased this proposal will provide a safer route. Mr. Overson questioned how soon barricades could be erected? Mr. Witt stated he expected the work could be completed in about two weeks. TAPE #1472 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes June 18, 1997 Page 8 of 10 #1522 M/S/C(Huff-Menees/McConnell) to adopt Resolution No. 2604, declaring that a portion of Burwell Street be a one-way street. Vote on motion: In Favor: Montgomery, Neville, Overson, McConnell Huff-Menees Opposed: Winters Motion carried. 9A - PUBLIC HEARING ON ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) FINAL ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR LID NO. 329 -- JENNER AVENUE IMPROVEMENTS, ~AB97-13· On May 7, 1997, the City Council passed Resolution No. 2594 setting June 18, 1997 as the hearing date for the final assessment on Local Improvement District (LID #329) Jenner Avenue. Any person who objects to the assessment must make their objection in writing and file them with the City Clerk at or prior to this hearing. The LID was formed by Council adoption of Ordinance No. 4558. The improvements funded by the district generally include the construction of curb and gutter, sidewalk and storm drainage improvements. A meeting was held with the property owners on March 19, 1997 to discuss the assessments and establish an interest rate and term. The action before the City Council is the public hearing and on the ordinance adopting and confirming the Final Assessment Roll, and then the passage of the ordinance. Paula Johnston, Deputy City Clerk, announced the City Clerk's Office did not receive any written objections to the proposal. Vice President Neville asked the "Appearance Of Fairness/Conflict of Interest" question with all council members being seated. Randy Witt, City Engineer, pointed out the subject area includes six lots. and the LID proposal was prompted by the impact of stormwater jumping over small asphalt curbs and damaging properties. The fact that the City did not receive any complaints from the affected property owners this winters is testimony of the effectiveness of the improvements. He emphasized no negative comments were received on the project. Public comment - none. Mr. McConnell questioned the total footage of the subject properties? Mr. Witt stated approximately 600 ft. Mr. Montgomery questioned the correct Tax Lot number for Lot #6, as shown on pages 50 and 52. Mr. Witt stated there may be a typographical error and he would confirm the correct number prior TAPE #1472 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes June 18, 1997 Page 9 of 10 to second reading of the ordinance. #1765 M/S/C/U(Montgomery/Huff-Menees) to approve ordinance on first reading, adopting and confirming the assessment roll for Local Improvement District No. 329 providing for the improvement to Jenner Avenue as described in Ordinance 4558 providing for the levying and assessing for the costs and expense thereof against the parcels and lots of land within the boundaries of said improvement district; providing for the collection thereof; creating and establishing a special fund thereof. 9B - PUBLIC HEARING ON SURPLUS OF PROPERTIES NORTH OF TWR WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT, #AB97-135 Commencing in February of 1994, the City initiated odor mitigation efforts including purchase of properties in the vicinity of the WWTP. Currently, the City either owns or is in the process of acquiring all the properties, less 4321 "C" Street, identified and authorized for condemnation by City Ordinance No. 4533. The improvements on these properties are determined to be surplus to the City's needs. City Council action is requested to authorize disposal by demolition or sale, as determined appropriate by the Mayor, of the improvements to those properties in the general area shown in Exhibit (1) and specifically identified in Exhibit (2). The City will retain ownership of the land at this time. BMC Chapter 2, Section 78 dictates policy and steps to be taken to sell property owned and determined to be surplus by the City. Following Council approval, appropriate ads and notices will be published by the Public Works & Utilities Department. Three properties within the condemnation area excluded from this request, and are specifically identified in Exhibit (3). Paul Lucas, Administrative Analyst, stated Council is being asked to authorize the sale of houses structures, other structures, mobile homes, etc., within the condemnation area in order to save the City demolition cost. The City has already received inquiries about the availability of several mobile homes. Elizabeth Buell, Bremerton resident, stated she understands the City does not want to be sued, but questioned why can't the older people that want to retain their homes sign a release that they won't sue the City; and what use does the City have for the properties? Ian Sievers stated Mrs. Buell question's is well past us at this point. The City owns all of the identified properties and now need to pursue the best management policy. The issue of surplusing the real property is not part of this discussion. Council will receive programs and plans for the subject property at a future City Council meeting. Mr. Montgomery questioned if the three lots at the corner of TAPE #1472 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes June 18, 1997 Page 10 of 10 Cottman and Oyster Bay area were included in the demolition plan? Mr. Lucas stated no. Mr. Winters referenced Agenda Bill Item #5 - IMPACT ON NON-PASSAGE, which states "The City will retain ownership of property improvements surplus to the city's needs"; and #6 IMPACT ON STAFFING, BUDGETS, FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT OR OTHER RESOURCES, which states "non". He asked if there would be no cost to the City if Council takes no action at this time? Mr. Lucas stated not necessarily. There is no impact on staff if the resolution is not approved; however, there would be an impact on the cost of demolition. #2003 M/S/C(Montgomery/Huff-Menees) to designate as surplus those improvements to properties identified in Exhibit (2) and authorize the Mayor to determine the most appropriate way for disposal of those improvements. Vote on motion: In Favor: Montgomery, Neville, Huff-Menees, Overson, McConnell Opposed: Winters Motion carried. Vice President Neville thanked the TV camera crew for their services: Rob Rupe, Patricia Mathes, and James Nobel, Jr. With no further business meeting adjourned at 6:38 P.M. City of Bremerton PJ/RN/me cc: Normal Distribution File/Vault