HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/30/97 TAPE #1480
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
JULY 30, 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, July 30, 1997, at 5:30 P.M., with
Council President David Farr presiding. Council members present
were Carlos Montgomery, Sherril Huff-Menees, Richard Neville, Lon
Overson, John Law, Cecil McConnell, and Al Colvin. Councilman Bob
Winters was 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
President Farr and Invocation given by Pastor Rick Long of
Neighborhood Christian Center.
President Farr made the following announcements:
(1) Council held an Executive Session prior to the Council meeting
to discuss "Labor Negotiations";
(2) Council will hold a Study Session immediately following the
Council meeting to discuss the "1997 - 2002 Capital Improvement
Program; and
(3) Council will hold their monthly Study Session on Monday, August
4, 1997, 5:30 - 7:30 P.M. Topics of discussion: "Puget Sound Water
Quality Action Team,' and "sinclair Landing Update and Review of
Agreements.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes of Meeting -- July 16, 1997 #AB97-169
#0036 M/S/C/U(Neville/Montgomery) 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.
#0059 M/S/C/U(Colvin/Montgomery) on July 30, 1997, the Council does
approve for payment those vouchers included and further described
as follows: EFT 4343, 210943 through 21095, and 211018 through
211389 in the amount of $973,359.78; and Retirees' Payroll for the
period ending July 31, 1997, in the amount of $99,001.09.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Mr. Colvin congratulated the citizens of Bremerton for adhering to
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the City's desire to clean up weeds and debris.
Mr. McConnell congratulated Mayor Horton on being selected to
receive the Bridge Builder Award.
Mr. Law announced District #3 will not hold a Neighborhood meeting
in August; however, he welcomes calls from constituents, who may
have concerns or questions. He cautioned senior citizens against
signing up with credit card companies to order merchandise with the
enticement that they will win a super prize. They should not give
out their credit card numbers freely. Recently, he was asked to
help an older gentleman, who had become involved with such a
promotion and become indebted. Mr. Law was able to help this
person through a local group whereby the merchandise was returned
and the debt reduced. As an alert to the public, if they notice a
neighbor receiving delivery of a lot of packages they might check
to see if that person is involved in such a scam. Local help is
available through the Senior Information and Assistance Office 895-
5700. Lastly, Mr. Law congratulated Council's Legislative
Assistant Merilynn Erhart on receiving First Place in the City
Employee Pie Baking Contest, which took place at the City Employee
Annual Picnic on July 25.
Mr. Overson announced Council Districts #1, #3, #5, #7 and #9 are
up for election at the next General Election and the deadline to
sign up to run for those positions is August 1 at the Elections
Division at the Kitsap County Courthouse.
Mr. Neville reminded everyone of the next Concert in the Park at
Evergreen Park is scheduled for August 5. He offered his
congratulations to Mayor Horton on winning the Bridge Builder Award
which is richly deserved. He extended condolences to Council
President Farr on having another birthday this year.
Mr. Farr encouraged anyone having an interest in City government to
take advantage this week to sign up for open elected offices. He
announced Council Districts #6, #7 and #8 will hold a joint
Neighborhood Meeting on July 31, 1997, 7:00 P.M., at the Bremerton
School District Office located at 134 N. Marion Avenue. Mayor
Horton and City Engineer Randy Witt will be guest speakers at that
meeting, which will also include the following topics: Gateway
Project, Sinclair Landing Project Update, and traffic calming
devices.
MAYOR'S REPORT
Mayor Lynn Horton reported on the afternoon of July 25, City
employees, who chose to participate, were released two hours early
in order to participate in community service projects throughout
the City. This effort resulted from a suggestion by Marylyn
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Waibel, Department of Community Development. Following that
activity, the City employees held their annual picnic that included
a softball game and Pie Baking Contest. Once again, the Parks
Department was the recipient of the trophy for the softball
tournament and her team (Fire Department) came in last. Since the
Parks Department has won two consecutive years, she will be joining
their team next year as their handicap.
Mayor Horton introduced Bob Battin, Bremerton Central Lions Club
and Chair of the Sister City Exchange Program. Bob Battin stated
he has chaired the Sister City Committee for the Bremerton Central
Lions club for the past five years and served on the committee
several years prior to being named Chair. Over the years he has
been impressed with the quality of students applying for the
exchange program, which gives him great hope for the future under
the leadership of such outstanding young people. And, the exchange
students coming from Kure, Japan, have also been outstanding young
men and women. He thanked Mayor Horton and her Secretary Elaine
Valencia, who has helped coordinate this program for 15 years, for
their support and tremendous help they have provided. He appealed
to members of the public to consider being a host family next year
and information on the exchange program can be obtained by calling
the Mayor's Office. He called up the students, who then introduced
themselves: Ms. Kanae Yamane, Mr. Yousuke Oka and Ms. Naoko
Miyagi. Mayor Horton extended a special "thank you" to Mr. Battin
and all the Lions Club members, who spend a large part of their
time as hosts in conjunction with the City to carry out this
program. Without their assistance, this program would not be
possible.
PUBLIC RECOGNITION
Reverend Cleveland Williams, Ebenezer A.M.E. Church, congratulated
Mayor Horton on being named the recipient of the Bridge Builder
Award. He extended an invitation to the City Council to attend a
reception for Bishop Vernon R. Byrd, who is the presiding Prelate
of the 50 Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church, at the Ebenezer
A.M.E. Church on August 8, at 3:00 P.M.
Larry Dickerson, Bremerton resident, reported about six months ago
a campaign was started to fight drug dealing, crime, prostitution,
etc., in the City's core area. At that time, he contacted the
Bremerton Area Chamber of Commerce for assistance, however, their
response was they did not become involved in that kind of activity.
That response did not deter him and every business he contacted,
with the exception of one, was more than gracious in applying
pressure and influence to help clean up the area. He publicly
thanked the following businesses for their support: Kitsap Bank,
Seafirst Bank, Kitsap Federal Credit Union, Coffee Oasis, Bremerton
Dance Center, Doyle Chiropractic Center, Dillan Insurance Agency
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and Clarke Whitney CPA. A short time ago, he had the opportunity
to join Bremerton Police Officers in a drug house raid and at that
time he learned from the officers that the numbers being reported
in regards to percentages of crimes in Bremerton are not accurately
reflected and are much greater. He believes Acacia Crips have
regained a major stronghold in the City and are becoming more
organized. Three years ago the City had a major Drug and Gang
Unit, which apparently was disbanded and left only four officers
working 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M., unless they were on special
assignment. He was also told several Police Officers attempted to
bring the gang problem forward, but were "called on the carpet" for
doing so. He was also told there is an attempt to put the Police
Officers into a 12-hour shift, which would increase their stress
factor and they felt it might be an attempt to reduce funds within
the Police Department. Mr. Dickerson believes the City Council
should investigate this matter with no reprisals on any Police
Officer that comes forward with information. Lastly, he was
concerned that a lot of the misdemeanor charges, such as
prostitution, small amounts of marijuana, etc., are not written up
as a ticket because the Municipal Court cannot handle it due to the
right to a speedy trial. He believes the Court system should be
expanded so that those kinds of illegal actions can be prosecuted.
He also wonders why THE SUN has not done investigative reporting on
the drug and crime problems in Kitsap County?
Patricia Mathes, Westsound Cable Access Television member, thanked
the Council for providing her with a response to the question she
raised at the July 16 City Council meeting. Despite the City's and
County's action Westsound Community Access Television, as a
nonprofit organization, is alive and well. Westsound consists of
approximately 300 individuals, who are members or appointed by
memberships through groups and are still active. Anyone wanting
information about Westsound membership can contact her at 373-2250
or P.O. Box 41, Bremerton WA 98337.
Gordy Byrd stated he intends to locate his shelter for the homeless
in the Seattle area because someone has offered him a building at
no cost.
7A - EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS: BKAT INTERIM EXECUTIVE, BRUCE STIER; AND
BKAT PRODUCTION COORDINATOR, ROBERT NEAL, #AB97-170
The attached contracts are for the full time positions of Interim
Executive Director and Production Coordinator for Bremerton Kitsap
Access Television (BKAT).
Kathy McCluskey, Director of Administrative Services, stated the
proposal to fill the subject positions will enable the City to
resume management of public access services for Bremerton. Today,
Kitsap County accepted the termination of the Westsound contract,
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and are currently reviewing a funding proposal with the City to
pass their funding onto the City to manage the newly formed BKAT.
The access program will continue, but will be evaluated during the
year. Ms. McCluskey stressed there is much work ahead, such as
obtaining new equipment, recruiting, and training.
She addressed concerns discussed at the County Commissioner meeting
on Monday, and the comments on "a government takeover" and
censorship. To those who may not understand or recall, the City
ran public access with TCI as a partnership for more than 10 years,
and during that time only a handful of tapes were not shown, and
that was due only to the technical quality of the tapes, not based
on content. The purpose of what is being done under this
structured organization has to do with management, not controlling
programming. This program is not fully funded and will operate on
a "shoestring" budget, as it has for the last 10 years. Also,
there is no intent to hire more new staff and new equipment
purchases will be limited; however, with the County assisting in
the funding, they will be further ahead than in the past.
In addition, a Citizen Advisory Committee is being proposed, which
will promote community outreach, deal with programming issues,
recommend policy, and acting as a "bridge" between the public,
public access, and elected officials.
In conclusion, six goals were stated: 1) to continue public access,
and improve it; 2) to make the equipment and facilities available
to anyone in Kitsap County; 3) training and retention of qualified
volunteers; 4) to develop clear policy and direction; 5) establish
Citizen Advisory Committee; and 6) to reevaluate in one year
(midyear 1998).
Bruce Stier, Interim Director, stated he believes access
television is a very important part of the community, and thanked
Council for their continuing efforts.
Charlene Burnett, Westsound Board member, stated her support of the
hiring of Bruce Stier and Bob Neal. She was saddened to see the
end of Westsound Community Access Television, but glad to see the
City take over proper management.
Gar Freymann, Bremerton resident, stated his concern that City
Council meetings and other programs of interest, such as Bremerton
High School Graduation Ceremony, were not being televised by
Falcon, who service a portion of Bremerton residents. He asked what
was Falcon Cable's role in the new public access television?
Henry W. Siekes, who is also known as Hank Mann, stated he has been
in the broadcasting business for 35 years and managed a Cable
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Access facility as part of a regular television system in Tacoma,
WA for Tribute Publishing Company (90,000 customer based system
that was later purchased by Viacom and now owned by TCI). He has
known Bruce Stier for 25 years in the broadcast business, primarily
the Seattle market, and could vouch for Mr. Stier's credentials.
He also served with him for approximately two years as a member of
the Westsound Board of Directors. He emphasized Bruce is a man of
even temperament and fairness, a producer who works well with the
public and the board members, and also has public relations skills
and video technical expertise. As a member of the Westsound Board
of Directors, Mr. Siekes had become discouraged, humiliated, and
ashamed over the past 18 months because of the actions of the
Westsound members, who did not have a business background and did
not understand a Board of Directors was appointed by the conveners
to run the business of a corporation. Before there was a basic
foundation of a business, they had to establish a business with all
of the infrastructure in place before it could become a profitable
business representing public access within the community. One of
his biggest frustrations is that the producers believe that the
City of Bremerton and Kitsap County control program content, which
is not the case. As a Board member, he never heard anyone from the
City or County make any request to censor or prevent a taped
program from running on Channels #3 (Falcon) or Channel #12 (TCI).
He thanked the City Council for continuing Bremerton Access
Television and incorporating Kitsap County into that plan. He
believes without the City's lead the cable access organization
might have just collapsed. He has strongly supported cable access
television for all the years he has been in the broadcast business,
especially those associated with cable television. He also thanked
the City for recognizing the need for the public to have access to
the airwaves that they truly own.
Mr. McConnell questioned the source of funds for the subject
positions, and if it was included in the 1997 budget? Ms.
McCluskey explained "Public Access" is already budgeted under
General Miscellaneous 0173 and identified under the Administrative
Services in terms of direction and management.
Mr. Neville questioned if he understood correctly that the cable
access office would be located at the TCI facility? Mr. Stier
stated no, their primary location is at 7266 Tibardis Road and they
will also be using the TCI studio located on Sylvan Way. BKAT will
interface with the producers at both of those locations. Mr.
Neville asked if Mr. Stier had a plan to bring back and involve
more volunteers? Mr. Stier stated yes, and training sessions are
being held on Thursday evenings. Mr. Neville stated in response to
the concern about the tie-in with Falcon Cable Television with TCI
to broadcast City Council meetings, he hoped that would be one of
the main priorities. He agreed that Mr. Stier is known for the
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quality of his work and that he is a gentleman.
#1597
Mr. Colvin asked if Westsound Cable Television was a nonprofit
organization? Ian Sievers, City Attorney, stated yes. Mr. Colvin
asked if the Westsound organization was dissolved? Ms. McCluskey
stated the future of Westsound is up to that organization since the
City has no authority or ownership; however, they will not receive
any funding or equipment from the City or County. BKAT is not a
new organization, but rather the reactivation of Bremerton
Community Access as a budget unit of the City and small division of
the City with that title over the next 16-17 months. Mr. Colvin
asked if BKAT will have a Charter and be an independent entity?
Ms. McCluskey stated no, and it will not be independent from the
City. Mr. Sievers emphasized BKAT is a City program that will
involve a service contract with Kitsap County.
Ms. McCluskey noted the Westsound Board of Directors did a very
good job and the fact the organization failed as a nonprofit at
this point in time should not be viewed as a reflection on them.
She expressed a special "thank you" to the Board members for their
efforts and for moving ahead to support this new program within the
city. It was her understanding that the majority of the Westsound
Board supports the BKAT program.
M/S/C/U(Neville/Colvin) to approve contract with Bruce Stier as
Interim Executive Director of BKAT for the period 8/1/97 to
12/31/98, subject to 30-day without cause termination.
#1745 M/S/C/U(Montgomery/Huff-Menees) approve contract with Robert Neal
as Production Coordinator of BKAT for the period 8/1/97 to
12/31/98, subject to 30-day without cause termination.
7B - SECTION 108 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING, #AB97-171
Kitsap County applied, at the City of Bremerton's request, for a
loan from HUD under the Community Development Block Grant Section
108 Program and an EDI Grant for construction of a parking facility
in relation to the Sinclair Landing Association Project. The
application was approved for a loan in the amount of $2,700,000 and
a grant in the amount of $475,000. In order to execute the
documents to "reserve" the funds with HUD the County requires
execution of the attached Memorandum of Understanding. The parking
facility will be a "turnkey" project in which the developer
constructs the facility and the City will purchase it when it is
completed. Loan documents for the Section 108 funds will not be
executed until the City is ready to purchase the facility.
Repayment of the loan will be required only after loan documents
have been executed.
The Memorandum of Understanding does not lock the City of Bremerton
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into this project. If the project does not "pencil" out we will
not proceed. '
Mayor Lynn Horton noted this is the second HUD Loan that the City
has embarked upon, the first was a pass-through to the Admiral
Theater. She emphasized the City was not committing to do anything
other than reserving the HUD money for a loan. As progress is made
through the Framework Agreement and the Business Agreement with the
Commercial Group and other participating agencies in the
public/private partnership, and City will look toward Bond Counsel
for a recommendation whether or not to proceed with the project.
If this project is not a sound financially, the City's Bond Counsel
will be the first to recognize that situation.
Public comment - none.
Mr. McConnell referenced Item 6 in the Memorandum of Understanding
that talked about the City agreeing to provide collateral that may
be required by HUD, including a Deed of trust on the property, and
asked if that would create any kind of interference with actually
getting the parking garage built. Mayor Horton stated no, and the
City may elect to pay back the HUD loan when financing for the
whole structure is secured since interest on the HUD loan was not
discounted. Mr. McConnell stated he assumed the cost of the loan
would be subtracted from the eventual purchase price of the garage.
Mayor Horton stated that needs to be factored into the purchase
price and that point had not been discussed previously.
#1917 M/S/C/U(Montgomery/Colvin) to authorize the Mayor to sign the
Memorandum of Understanding.
8A - RESOLUTION NO. 2618, ADOPTING A CITY INVESTMENT POLICY, #AB97
172
The City's investment policy was last updated in 1990. The
proposed revision adds the Washington State Local Government
Investment Pool (LGIP) to the list of authorized investments and
updates the reporting and performance standards sections.
Rich Hanna, City Treasurer, stated the proposed policy looks very
similar to the policy that has been in place since 1990, which was
drafted off a model provided by the Municipal Treasurers'
Association of the United States and Canada. He believes the
policy has served the City well and guides Council, Fiscal and
Budget Committee and the Treasurer's function.
Public comment - none.
#2069 M/S/C/U(Colvin/Montgomery) to adopt Resolution No. 2618, adopting
a Policy for the Investment of City Funds.
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8B - RESOLUTION NO. 2619 REGARDING RECOVERY OF FEES FOR THE
REMOVAL OF VEGETATION ON THE LISTED PROPERTIES AB97-173
Ordinance No. 4584 declares that it is unlawful and a nuisance to
allow, continue, or maintain grass and weeds exceeding twelve (12)
inches in height, shrubs, brush, vines, or trees which constitute
a fire hazard or provide a harborage for rats, rodents, or
horticultural pests, or noxious and poisonous plants. The listed
properties are currently in violation of the ordinance and pursuant
to Section 9.14 of the Bremerton Municipal Code, Council is asked
to approve the removal of the nuisance vegetation on the property
and collection of the costs incurred by personal judgment against
the owner and a lien against the property.
Janet Lunceford, Building Department, handed out the original
pictures taken showing the subject area that involved abatement
action. And, she asked that Item #2 be deleted from the list (1519
N. Callow Avenue).
Public comment - none.
Mr. Colvin stated he believes some people believe this action is a
way to get a "cheap,, clean up for their property. Ms. Lunceford
assured Mr. Colvin not all of the properties can be abated within
a few hours, some can take as much as 14 hours.
#2177 M/S/C/U(Montgomery/Colvin) to adopt Resolution No. 2619, approving
nuisance vegetation abatement on the listed properties and
determining means of collection of costs incurred for its removal.
9A - ORDINANCE FIRST READING REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 4282 AND
ELIMINATING THE ADMIRAL.THEATER FUND #AB97-174
admiral Theater Fund was created by Ordinance No. 4282 in 1990
shortly after the City purchased the theater building. The
intended purpose of the funds was to provide a budgeting and
accounting for the rehabilitation and subsequent operation of the
building. As we now know, these functions are being carried out
being a nonprofit corporation rather than the City and therefor,
this fund of the City is not necessary.
Rich Hanna, City Treasurer, stated the initial
Admiral theater renovation is completed and now ' portion of the
of the provisions for the ordinance as it present~ operation. One
exists requires
this fund be the recipient of any Admission Taxes collected as a
result of events at the theater. He did not believe that was the
intention of the Administration or City Council; therefore, he
recommended that an unnecessary ordinance be repealed.
Public comment - none.
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Mr. Colvin asked if any money remained in the fund? Mr. Hanna
stated no.
#2319 M/S/C/U(Overson/Montgomery) to approve ordinance on first reading,
repealing Ordinance No. 4282 which created the Admiral Theater
Fund.
9B - ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 4180 AND
ELIMINATING ThE ATHLETIC SPORTS FUND, #AB97-175
The Athletic Sports fund was created by Ordinance No. 4180 in 1988
to provide budget and accounting for several activities
administered by the Parks Department. For the past several years,
these activities have been included within the Parks Department of
the General Fund. Since the fund is no longer used, it is
recommended that it be eliminated.
Rich Hanna, City Treasurer, stated this fund was used primarily for
league sports (basketball and softball). General Accepted
Accounting Principles state the City should operate the City using
as few funds as possible; therefore, that was reason these kinds of
activities were included in the Parks Department's Athletic
Division. This fund has not been used for a number of years and he
did not anticipate any future need.
Public comment - none.
Mr. Overson questioned if he recalled correctly that this fund was
once used to collect funds to help promote the Pendergast Regional
Park construction? Mr. Hanna stated yes, the money that had
accumulated in this fund was transferred to the Capital Projects
Fund.
#2465 M/S/C/U(Montgomery/Colvin) to approve ordinance on first reading,
repealing Ordinance No. 4180 which created the Athletic Sports
Fund.
9C - ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) SETTING LEGISLATIVE AND
ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS OF THE CITY BUDGET, #AB97-176
The ordinance controlling administration of the City's budget was
last amended in 1991. The proposed modifications will increase the
authority of the Mayor and the Fiscal and Budget Committee to
offset the effects of inflation and will provide a simpler
mechanism for dealing with technical errors.
Rich Hanna, City Treasurer, stated the recommended action would
increase from $5,000 to $10,000 the authority of both the Mayor and
Fiscal and Budget Committee to approve adjustments to the budget.
In the case of both the Mayor and Committee, their authority is
limited to changes that result in a "0" net change within any given
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Department within the fund of the City. As always, only the full
City Council has the authority to increase the bottom line
expenditure authority of any Department or fund within the City.
The Mayor's authority would be expanded from the current $5,000 up
to $10,000 to move previously authorized appropriations among
category groups. The net effect within a Department has to be net
to "0." The Fiscal and Budget Committee would have that same
authority, but in addition could add and delete capital projects
from the authorized appropriations.
Gar Freymann, Bremerton resident, asked if this action takes away
anything from the City Council's power of authority? Mr. Hanna
stated both the current ordinance and with the proposed amendment
Council is delegating either down to the Mayor or Fiscal and Budget
Committee a certain amount of authority to make modifications to
the budget. In the absence of this kind of delegation, any
modification to the City's budget, because it was approved by an
ordinance passed by the full city Council, would require an
amendment to make any change. What is desired is a balance between
the Council maintaining their control over the budget and burdening
the council with bureaucratic red tape. He believes it is a
reasonable amount and $10,000 is the threshold for contracts being
brought before Council for approval.
Mr. Freymann restated his main concern was that the entire Council be
accountable.
Mr. Overson asked the Treasurer to define the difference between
Ordinance Nos. 4332 and 3896, the Budget Control Ordinance, and
which one takes precedence? Mr. Hanna stated the earlier ordinance
was amended by No. 4332. Mr. Overson asked how the accountability
of the Council is still maintained even though Ordinance No. 4332
changes the amount of the fund level, and does reconciliation still
have to come before Council on all budgetary changes? Mr. Hanna
stated regardless of what "level of authority" is appropriate to
approve a given budget adjustment, the budget will be amended by
ordinance. He reiterated the authority he is asking Council to
delegate to the Mayor and Fiscal & Budget Committee is to move
appropriations within a Department. Only the full Council would
have the authority to increase the expenditure authorizations for
any Department.
Mr. Law referred to Mr. Overson's comments, and asked if a memo
could be addressed to each Council member listing the items
approved by the Fiscal and Budget Committee in order to avoid any
surprises? Mr. Hanna stated that could be done.
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Mr. Montgomery asked how many times a year has the transferring of
funds taken place? Mr. Hanna stated maybe two times.
Mr. Colvin asked that additional training on this subject be
provided to Council members.
Mr. Overson commented that even though there have not been many
changes lately, in other administrations this has not always been
the case.
#0021 M/S/C/U(Huff-Menees/Colvin) to approve ordinance on first reading,
amending Ordinance No. 4332, setting forth legislative and
administrative controls on the budget of the City of Bremerton; and
amended to include notification to all Council members of any
agenda items that would require a budget adjustment action by the
Fiscal & Budget Committee.
9D - ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) ADOPTING A TwO-YEAR BIENNIUM BUDGET
BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 1999, ~AB97-177
The Legislature, through RCW 35.34.040 has authorized cities to
budget on a two-year biennium basis. The proposed ordinance will
have the City begin budgeting in this manner beginning with the
1999 fiscal year.
Rich Hanna, City Treasurer, stated the time for this idea has come,
and during the "off-year" the City would experience a significant
savings in the amount of staff and Council time. Other reasons in
favor of this change include: the tax base for the City has
stabilized, there is relatively low inflation, and an experienced
City financial staff is in place with better computer hardware and
software tools.
Charles Brown, Bremerton resident, stated the 106% lid is no longer
automatic, it is now 103%. He asked will the Council now be
required to vote on the other 3% and how would this issue be
addressed?
John Thomas, Bremerton resident, asked if going to a two-year
budget will reduce the number of bridge loans between tax receipts
and expenditures?
Mr. Hanna stated in regard to property taxes, under the biannual
budget format the City would still levy a Property Tax Ordinance.
In regard to bridge loans, assuming Mr. Thomas was referencing the
Tax Anticipation Note that is implemented every year to finance the
General Fund cash flow, there would be no change to current
practices. He pointed out a biannual budget would not be
identified as one "lump sum" to Departments for operation over 24
months. The appropriation would be segregated into the first and
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second years of the biennium.
Mrs. Huff-Menees stated it was her understanding that going to the
biannual budget would not preclude the budget review process in
some form taking place annually. Mr. Hanna stated Mrs. Huff-Menees
was correct. The statutes that authorize biannual budgeting
specifically require a mid-biannual review. As discussed in
Council Committee, at its very worst that mid-biannual review could
begin to look and feel like a full-blown annual budget presentation
by the administration. At its very best, it would be a very brief
presentation informing the Council mid-biennium figures are
charting as planned. Mrs. Huff-Menees stressed the importance of
the budget review process so that the Council can get a full
picture of the financial status of the City. She also felt the
review process provided Council with one of the best educational
tools.
President Farr asked if other First Class cities similar in size to
Bremerton had adopted a biannual budget or was Bremerton breaking
new ground? And, had there been any computation of savings to
staff time as a result of the two-year budget? Mr. Hanna stated 14
cities in the State of Washington are using biannual budgets, which
are skewed to the larger populated cities (Seattle, Tacoma,
Spokane, Bellevue, Redmond, Vancouver, Kennewick, etc.). The city
of Port Angeles had previously used a biannual budget for a number
of years, but have returned to an annual budget
due to their unstable tax base, i.e., plant closure, etc. He also
understood the change to an annual budget coincided with the change
in City Managers, which may have been a personal preference of a
new Manager. He could not quantify dollar cost savings in staff
time, but from his research he learned that other cities
experienced significant savings in staff time. He was hopeful that
he and his staff will have more time to do other things, such as
providing Council with some educational opportunities.
Mr. McConnell referenced Section 2, line 6: "Council fiscal and
Budqet committees may consider such proposed modifications and
refer them to City Council with any recommendations," and asked if
the word "may" should be changed to "will?" Mr. Hanna stated he
would review that point prior to second reading of the Ordinance.
Mr. McConnell pointed out State government uses a biannual budget
and he believes it will also be beneficial to the City because it
will require the Mayor and staff to look into the future and make
determinations to address those needs.
#0539 M/S/C/U(Montgomery/Colvin) to approve ordinance on first reading,
adopting a two-year fiscal biennium budget beginning January 1,
1999.
TAPE #1481
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
July 30, 1997
Page 14 of 15
9E - ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) AMENDING THE 1997 BUDGET (BUDGET
ADJUSTMENTS 97-1 THROUGH 97-24)t #B97-178
A number of actions have been taken by the Cities which need to be
incorporated into the Budget in order for the document to remain an
accurate projection of City financial activity.
Rich Hanna, City Treasurer, stated the proposed ordinance
summarizes and incorporates into the budget 24 Budget Adjustment
requests that have been processed through Fiscal and Budget
Committee to date. Most of the significant adjustments to the
budget have been approved by Council under separate Agenda Bills.
He identified the following Budget Adjustment requests that had not
been seen by the full Council: (1) 97-3 - increasing the capital
authorization for two Police cars by $7,900. (2) 97-8 - upgrading
one position in the Forestry Division of the Water Utility. (3)
97-17 - increase the Human Resource Department Supplies and
Services line item by $8,000, providing for the City's employee
drug and alcohol testing program ($5,000) and for administration of
the medical and child care reimbursement account. (4) 97-21 -
allocates the Community Development Block Grant revenues. The
original budget was based on an estimated amount and this Budget
Adjustment reflects the actual allocations and incorporates the re-
authorization of HUD loan repayments that have come into the
Department, including the HOME Program and reappropriates prior
years' letters of credit, which were not included in the original
adjustment. (5) 97-22 - increases the appropriation of revenues
by $36,255.00 for three different programs within the department
and none of them affect
General Fund tax revenues. (6) 97-24 - appropriates $15,168 for
the upgrade replacement of the telephone system in the Parks
Department, which was authorized in the 1996 budget; however
delivery of materials was delayed so the expenditure did not occur
until 1997.
Public comment - none.
#0660 M/S/C/U(McConnell/Montgomery) to approve ordinance on first
reading, amending Ordinance No. 4579 relating to the budget of the
City of Bremerton for Fiscal Year 1997.
President Fart thanked the TV camera crew for their services: Bob
Neal, Patricia Mathes, and James Nobel, Jr.
With no further business meeting adjourned at 7:21 P.M.
TAPE #1481
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
July 30, 1997
Page 15 of 15
DAVID FARR, Council President
City of Bremerton
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