Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/03/97 TAPE #1491 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 3, 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, September 3, 1997, at 5:30 P.M., with Council President David Farr presiding. Council members present were Bob Winters, Carlos Montgomery, Sherril Huff-Menees, Lon Overson, Richard Neville, John Law, Cecil McConnell, and Al Colvin. 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 Reverend Cleveland Williams of Ebenezer A.M.E. Church. President Farr made the following announcement: (1) The City Council will hold a 20-minute Executive Session immediately following the Council meeting to discuss "personnel." CONSENT AGENDA A. Minutes of Meeting -- August 20, 1997 ~AB97-198 #0021 M/S/C(Neville/Montgomery) to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Vote on motion: In Favor: Montgomery, Huff-Menees, Neville, Farr, Overson, Law, McConnell, Colvin Opposed: Winters Motion carried. 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. #0041 M/S/C/U(Colvin/Montgomery) on September 3, 1997, the Council does approve for payment those vouchers included and further described as follows: 212192, 212193, 212195 through 212407 in the amount of $503,132.44. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS Mr. Winters commented on the very successful Blackberry Festival and complemented Mayor Horton on doing a great job thanking the USS Nimitz for their involvement in the Bremerton community and wishing them well on their way to their new homeport. In his opinion, the weekend event was the best he has seen take place on the boardwalk TAPE #1491 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes September 3, 1997 Page 2 of 8 and hoped to see more in the future. Mr. Montgomery reminded everyone of the MOM Rally in support of keeping the USS Missouri on the mainland coming up on September 6, starting at 10:00 A.M., on the boardwalk. This evening, at 7:00 P.M., he will attend a Naval 106 Session at the Naval Undersea Museum. The topic of discussion at that meeting will be how the USS Missouri will be treated in Hawaii. Mrs. Huff-Menees congratulated Main Street, the many volunteers and sponsors of the Blackberry Festival on a job well done. And, once again the community was treated to a great festival. Mr. Neville echoed congratulations to all those involved in the Blackberry Festival. He encouraged the public to become involved with the planning of a new park for the old Haddon School site on September 23, 7:30 P.M., at the Sheridan Recreation Center. Mr. Overson extended a "job well done" for the Blackberry Festival planning and accomplishment. He reminded everyone school is back in session and to please drive cautiously where children are present. He noted the State has passed some new traffic control regulations for in and around school areas and increased the penalties for traffic violations in those areas. Mr. Law congratulated everyone involved with the Blackberry Festival, it was a fantastic event. He announced the next District #3 Neighborhood Meeting will be held September 16, 1997, 7:00 P.M., at the Senior Center. The guest speaker for that meeting will be Henry Mincey of the Police Community Resource Division. Mr. Mincey will be discussing "Crime Prevention." Mr. McConnell announced there will be a District #2 Neighborhood Meeting on September 25, 1997, 6:00 P.M., at Fire Station #3, Olympus Avenue and E. 31st Street. The guest speakers at that meeting will be Jim Spencer, Director of Parks and Recreation and Jim Trainer, Urban Forester and they will be discussing "Parks and Flora." Mr. Colvin congratulated all the participants in the Blackberry Festival and particularly the person in charge of the weather. He reminded everyone of the Constitutions Day luncheon on September 7, 1997, 1:30 P.M., at the Kitsap Golf and Country Club. During this event, Mayor Lynn Horton will be presented with the "Bridge Builder Award". Mr. Farr also encouraged the public to attend the meeting on September 23 to help plan the park for the old Haddon School site. The site is in District #6, but it will be a city park for everyone TAPE #1491 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes September 3, 1997 Page 3 of 8 to enjoy, not just the surrounding neighbors. MAYOR'S REPORT MaYor LYnn Horton reported today at the Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council meeting an update was given on the SR16/Tacoma Narrows Bridge issue. It appears that members of Kitsap County, Mason County and possibly Jefferson County will be involved, as well as Gig Harbor/Tacoma area, in an advisory vote to see what the people would like to see happen to that bridge in terms of if there is public support for a "toll" for whatever improvements are decided upon. The Kitsap County Commissioners will be appointing two people from local organizations from an anti position and two people for pro positions to sit on a citizens involvement committee to look at the perimeters of the issue. Anyone interested in serving on such a committee should contact the Kitsap County Commissioner's Office. Mayor Horton announced she will also attend the Navy 106 Session this evening at the Naval Undersea Museum. She will be presenting some historical information she was provided by the Kitsap Naval Museum about Bremerton's part in the war effort. That information deals with ships that were brought into Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for repair, including the USS NEVADA, which showed torpedo damage on its port side and includes photographs of an aircraft carrier, the USS Bunkerhill, which was a victim of two bomb carrying Japanese suicide planes. She believes something that has been lost in the discussion on the USS Missouri is that everyone knows Hawaii suffered a loss, but if it had not been for Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and the people within Bremerton and Kitsap County the war effort would in all probability have been vastly different. She will also be reading several thank you notes from several ships that were serviced at PSNS that expressed their appreciation for the workers' craftsmanship and skill that made their fighting possible when they returned to the war zones. PUBLIC RECOGNITION Don Atklnson stated the Missouri on the Mainland Committee is hoping for a large turn out at the Navy 106 Session this evening. He also reminded the public of the MOM Rally on the boardwalk on September 6. He also announced tickets are still available for the Martin Luther King Scholarship Fund's Constitution Day Luncheon and information on that event can be obtained by calling Gene Hart 373- 3744. Mr. Atkinson noted a variety of events during the Blackberry Festival took place away from the boardwalk, including the USS Nimitz Open House, the Golf Tournament at Gold Mountain Golf Course, bathtub races, the car show on 4th Street and the Fly In at the Bremerton National Airport. He commended the Blackberry Festival Committee for their efforts to provide activities that encompassed a variety of interests. TAPE #1491 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes September 3, 1997 Page 4 of 8 H. Emily Moshay, speaking on behalf of the Kitsap Community Resources (formerly KCAP), announced enrollment in the Headstart Program is down and they are looking for more enrollees at Suquamish, Sinclair, Elizabeth Center, Westpark Full Day, Westpark Part Day, Rosemary Moen, Naval Avenue and Bainbridge Island. This program is for 3 and 4 year old children and is free for families that are income eligible. Information on this program can be obtained by calling Sherrie or Betty at 377-0053 Extension 308 or 354. Elizabeth Buell, Bremerton resident, stated she was disappointed all of the blackberry pie was sold out so quickly at the Blackberry Festival. She also announced during the MOM Rally there will be a large scroll for people to write messages and hand prints, which will be sent to the President. She utilizes the recycling center at 5th Street and Naval Avenue and was recently told by the City that they could no longer accept automobile parts. She questioned why would the City impose such a restriction? 8A - APPOINTMENT OF NICK GARGUILE, SR. TO THE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION, #AB97-199 There is a vacancy on the Parks & Recreation Commission. It is recommended Nick Garguile, Sr. be appointed to fill the vacancy. Mayor Horton stated Mr. Garguile does not need an introduction because he has been a long time City resident and business owner. He has a great love for youth in the community as well as recreational facilities. She sees him as an outstanding addition to the Parks Commission and brings an added business perspective. She urged Council to confirm his appointment as presented. Elizabeth Buell, Bremerton resident, stated she has known Mr. Garguile a long time and whatever he gets involved with succeeds and she agrees he will be an asset to this commission. Mr. Winters stated Mr. Garguile is of the highest quality citizen, a devoted family man, a community leader and very dedicated person for the well being of the City of Bremerton. He was proud to support his appointment. Mr. Law stated Mr. Garguile has always been a "booster" of the City. #0768 M/S/C/U(Law/Colvin) to confi£m the appointment of Ralph Garguile, Sr. (also known as Nick) to the Parks & Recreation Commission. 8B - EMS HELIPORT LICENSE AGREEMENT, #AB97-200 To allow the Mayor to enter into an agreement for the City with Harrison Hospital to apply for a grant with the Department of TAPE #1491 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes September 3, 1997 Page 5 of 8 Transportation for development of a heliport located on its' facility at 2520 Cherry Avenue. The agreement would also make available the heliport for Fire Department use. Al Duke, Fire Chief, stated the location of the proposed heliport would be above the Harrison Hospital Emergency Room. If grant funding is received, they will also make the heliport available for City use. The proposal for a heliport at that location is included in the Harrison District Plan. April Chandler, Sun Reporter, asked if there wasn't already a heliport and would there be any adverse noise affect on the surrounding neighbors? Chief Duke explained currently Harrison Hospital uses the Bremerton Middle School parking lot at the corner of Wheaton Avenue and Sheridan Road. This requires transporting a critical ill patient from Harrison Hospital by ambulance to the heliport area, which causes a small time delay. Harrison Hospital is the major user of that heliport and the Fire Department only uses it on an emergency basis. There have been a few complaints over the use of that parking lot and studies are currently underway to study the affect on the surrounding neighbors. He pointed out this request is just asking permission to apply for a grant for a heliport. Mr. Neville pointed out the agreement states the City will not have any operational or maintenance responsiblity nor will any commercial helicopter traffic be permitted on that site. Chief Duke stated initially the Hospital wanted the City to take on ownership of the heliport, but even though the Fire Department uses helicopter emergency service approximately 24 times each year they also have other landing sites through the City (Naval Hospital, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Bremerton High School Athletic Field if certain visibility distances are met). Mr. Neville pointed out during the formulation of the Harrison District Plan it was proposed that the traffic route for taking off and landing would be over the greenway area bordering the hospital. Mr. McConnell asked if the Hospital had to have the same restrictions for landing during daylight hours? Chief Duke explained those restrictions apply to landing sites in the field, not an official heliport, which would have electronic landing lights. #0955 M/S/C/U(Montgomery/Huff-Menees) to enter into the EMS Heliport License Agreement with Harrison Hospital on behalf of the City of Bremerton. 9A - RESOLUTION NO. 2623, TO BE PLACED ON THE NOveMBER 4, 1997 BALLOT FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE AND SERVICES TAX, #AB97-201 TAPE #1491 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes September 3, 1997 Page 6 of 8 A Resolution setting forth a Property Tax Levy to fund Emergency Medical Services for submission to the voters of the City of Bremerton, for approval and ratification or rejection, at the General Election on November 4, 1997. Fire Chief Al DUke stated this issue was brought to Council during a Study Session. Currently, the EMS program, which has been running since 1980, is levied at 25 cents per thousand. This issue has been on the ballot in 1980, 1986, and 1992. At the time it was presented in 1992, there was discussion about raising the EMS levy to 50 cents per thousand. Currently, all other Fire agencies inside Kitsap County tax the 50 cent rate. In 1984 the City looked at splitting the ambulance service because of the volume of calls and at that time one medic unit running medical calls ran 6.8 calls per day. Today, one unit runs 6.2 calls per day and the second unit runs 7.6 calls per day. The City is not currently funding the maximum to cover the cost of the program, which runs approximately $770,000 and collects approximately $511,000 between the EMS Levy and billing. The City wants to be proactive and be able to enhance EMS services in the paramedic field. Mike Shepherd, Bremerton resident, asked what is the proposed increase over the current levy? Chief Duke stated the current rate is 25 cents per thousand dollars and proposed levy is 50 cents per thousand dollars. Mr. Winters asked if there was an EMS Levy vote in 1992? Chief Duke stated yes. Mr. Winters asked Chief Duke to read the statement for the use of the levy funds, if it is approved: Chief Duke read the following: "The immediate impact would be $310,000.00 increase to the General fund. With this increase Department would like to upgrade and/or increase one staff position, add a public educator and increase the staffing on floor by four employees, one firefiqhter and three firefighter/paramedics. There are several capital purchase needs that also exist in the Fire Department that might be met with passaqe of this levy." Mr. Winters stated he would endorse this proposal. Mr. Montgomez-f questioned the City response time with two EMS units? Chief Duke stated 4.5 minutes. Mr. Montgomery questioned the response time if an additional EMS unit was added? Chief Duke stated in the 3-minute category. #1150 M/S/C/U(Montgomery/Winters) to pass Resolution No. 2623, setting forth a property tax levy to fund emergency medical services for submission to the voters of the City for approval and ratification or rejection at the election to be held on November 4, 1997. TAPE #1491 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes September 3, 1997 Page 7 of 8 President Farr announced the City was seeking volunteers to prepare Pro and Con statements for the Voters Pamphlet. Anyone wishing to volunteer can do so by calling the City Council Office. 10A - ORDINANCE NO. 4605 (SECOND READING) r ANENDING THE PENALTIE~ FOR VIOLATION OF THE CITY BUILDING CODEm ~A~97-196 A recent case has found that courts of limited jurisdiction such as municipal court, are only authorized by court rule to issue search warrants upon probable cause to believe evidence of a criminal offense may be found, and not authorized to issue warrants for evidence of a civil infraction. Many of the model codes adopted in the City Building Code, BMC chapter 17.04, contain specific misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor penalties. However, other sections declare a violation to be "unlawful", and under the default penalty of BMC 17.04.110, these would be classified as civil infractions. Since these construction and fire code violations often require on-site inspection for successful prosecution, it is recommended that the default penalty be changed to a misdemeanor to allow search warrants to be issued. Public comment - none. #1246 M/S/C/U(Montgomery/Huff-Menees) to pass Ordinance No. 4605 on second reading, amending the penalty for violations of the City Building Code, and amending Bremerton Municipal Code 17.04.110. 10B - ORDINANCE NO. 4606 (SECOND READING) m ADOPTING THE 1997 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AS AMENDED~ ~AB97-192; AND ORDINANCE NO. 4607 (SECOND READING)~ AS AMENDED, REVISING TW~ OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF BREMERTON TO MAINTAIN CONSISTENCY WITH 1997 COMPREHENSIVE PL;%N AMENDMENTA The Bremerton Comprehensive Plan may be amended only once each year. The process begins with the April I deadline for applications. This year's ten amendment proposals were submitted to state agencies and other individuals and jurisdictions for review, and were processed by staff and the Planning Commission before arriving at the City Council for final public hearings. Six proposals, if approved, will require Rezones to maintain Plan/Zoning consistency. To expedite the process, the Planning Commission has considered the Rezones at public hearings and staff has scheduled both the Plan Amendments and their related Rezones for simultaneous action by the City Council. Because of the number of proposals, and the complexity of some, the public hearing has been divided into two parts. It will begin on August 20, and continue to August 27 to allow time for questions and discussion. President Farr stated Council will entertain a motion that will continue two of the items until September 17 and delay second reading of the ordinances until September 24. However, if anyone TAPE #1491 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes Septe~ber 3, 1997 Page 8 of 8 wished to speak on any of the issues regarding the Comprehensive Plan Ordinance or Rezone Ordinance their input would taken at this time. Public comment - none. #1347 M/S/C/(Huff-Menees/Montgomery) Motion to return Section 6, having to do with the Merit Company property for discussion before Council in two weeks. Vote on motion: In Favor: Colvin, Winters, Montgomery, Huff- Menees, Neville, Overson, Law, Fart Opposed: McConnell Motion carried. #1372 M/S/~U(Huff-Menees/Montgomery) Motion to bring back for discussion Section 10, having to do with the level of service on the Wheaten Way corridor in two weeks. #1411 M/S/C/U(Huff-Menees/Montgomery) Motion to continue the second reading of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment Ordinance for three weeks. #1437 M/S/~U(Huff-Menees/Montgomery) Motion to continue the second reading of the Zoning Ordinance for three weeks. Presi4ent F&rr thanked the TV camera crew for their services: Bob Neal and James Nobel, Jr. With no further business meeting adjourned at 6:24 P.M. City of Bremerton PJ/DF/me cc: Normal Distribution File/Vault