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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/19/97TAPE #1503 CITY COUCIL MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 19, 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, November 19, 1997, at 5:30 P.M., with Council President David Farr presiding. Council members present were Carlos Montgomery, Bob Winters, Lon Overson, John Law, Cecil McConnell, and Al Colvin. Council members Sherril Huff-Menees and Richard Neville were absent. Also present were City Attorney lan 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 Ron Anderson of the Manette Community Church. President Farr made the following announcements: (1) At the pre-Council Study Session the Fire Department and an Agent from ATF (Alcohol-Tobacco-Fire Arms Agency) presented a status report on the Kona Village fire. Also, the Executive Director, Pam Leazer, gave a report on their activities relating to the Kona Village fire. 2. City Council Study Sessions to continue their discussion on the 1998 Budget will be held on November 20 and 24, starting at 5:30 P.M., in the Council Conference Room. 3. Agenda Item 11A- Public Hearing on the Mayor's proposed 1998 Budget was added to the Agenda. CONSENT AGENDA A. Minutes of Meeting - November 11 #AB97-245 #0071 MISICIU(Montgomery/Winters) Motion to approve 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. #0128 MISICIU(Colvin/Montgomery)On November 19, 1997, the Council does approve for payment those vouchers included and further described as follows: 214452, 214455 through 214733 in the amount of $352,958.37; and Regular Payroll for the period ending November 15, 1997, in the amount of $697,516.00. TAPE # 1503 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes November 19, 1997 Page 2 of 11 COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS Mr. Winters related an incident, which took place the day before the Kona Village Fire, where he had a conversation with Tom Dudzigg, a County employee, about the preparedness of Kitsap County officials following their intensive training to be prepared for a disaster type event. He noted that preparedness was evident when so many emergency response departments came together to fight the Kona Village fire. Mr. Winters noted how important it is to see how quickly our community comes together for the right reasons. He anticipates the need for more donations to meet the needs of fire victims and local fund raising is underway, i.e., the Backside Pub and Eatery and the El Camino Restaurant are accepting donations of toys and cash contributions. Mr. Montgomery reported he spent most of Thursday at the fire scene and saw firsthand the response by the community and the cooperation of all the agencies involved in fighting the Kona Village fire. He commended the Police Department for their efforts in protecting the fire scene and handling the public and media in those areas. As a member of a Department of Transportation Committee, who have been charged with determining the boundaries of who should vote on a "toll," he has reviewed 279 letters from the public voicing their opinion on this issue. Most of those responses are against having "tolls", oppose the construction of a second bridge, and want the voting area restricted to the area around the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Of the 279 letters, 31 were from the Bremerton area. Anyone wishing to comment on this issue can do so by calling Mr. Montgomery at 373-1300 or the City Council office 478-5280. Mr. Overson stated he was saddened by the tragedy of the Kona Village fire, but was please with the response by the emergency organizations. He commended the Police and Fire Departments for doing an outstanding job, particularly given their resources available. He believes the community needs to be inspired by this event to make some changes in the City where changes are needed to help avert these kinds of tragedies in the future. Mr. Law stated the actions by the Police Department and Fire Department at the Kona Village fire demonstrated why they are considered Public Safety Departments. He looks forward to their recommendations and others, who have the expertise, to keep this from happening again. The District #3 Neighborhood Meeting held on November 18 was well attended. He extended a special thank you to Fire Chief Al Duke, Fire Safety Educator Ray Wiggs and Mayor Horton for their participation at that meeting. Mr. McConnell seconded all the comments by his fellow Council members regarding the response to the Kona Village fire. He was on the fire scene shortly after it started and he was amazed over the response of the citizens of Bremerton during this tragic event. The citizens of Bremerton can be proud for TAPE #1503 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes November 19, 1997 Page 3 of 11 their outpouring of compassion and neighborliness as a result of the fire and ho extended a special "thank you" to each of them for their support. Mr. Colvin echoed all of the comments made regarding the responses to the Kona Village fire. He particularly commented the local Red Cross chapter for performing a tremendous job. He announced the following individuals have donated funds toward the beautification project at the north end of the Warren Avenue Bridge: Al Colvin, Carlos Montgomery, Cecil McConnell, David Farr, Gar Freymann, Sherril Huff-Menees, Lynn Horton, Michael Shepherd and Wayne Olsen. He recalled a saying that to everything there is a season and a time for every purpose in the heaven. For him, effective January 1, 1998, after twelve years of service on the City Council, it will be time for him to retire as a Bremerton City Councilman. His experience has been pleasant and rewarding and his faith in humanity has been restored knowing that the citizens of Bremerton; and fellow Council members have added to his pleasant experience. On December 4, 1997, 7:00 P.M., at the Sheridan Park Recreation Center he will be given the opportunity to express his thanks and gratitude to all the citizens and present the newly elected City Council representative for District #1 - Wayne Olsen. He is inviting all past City Council members and Mayors to join him in thanking the citizens and welcoming the new City Council member. When in flight school he learned that sometimes to reach a destination we must compensate for the crosswind. He commended Councilman Farr on his ability and reminded him he may have to compensate for the crosswinds as he pursues his future political aspirations. President Farr thanked Councilman Colvin for his wisdom and good advice. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Lynn Horton announced the Bremerton High School is presenting an all school play on November 20, 21,22, starting at 7:30 P.M., at the Bremerton High School Performing Arts Center. Mayor Horton acknowledged the tragedy of the Kona Village fire and the difficulty it has been on City staff, who were the first responders to the fire as well as all the groups and organizations that came to the aid, including the Red Cross. On December 17, as part of her Mayor's Report, she will formally recognize all of the agencies and groups that assisted the City and fire victims. A fund raising benefit is scheduled for November 28, at the Admiral Theater. Terrie O'Neill, Municipal Services Coordinator, is working on that event in conjunction with the Bremerton Area Chamber of Commerce and others within the community. In regard to Councilman Overson's earlier comment about future changes in City codes, she anticipates bringing some issues before Council once the final report on the fire and all of the ramifications of the fire have been determined. She anticipates the idea of retrofit will be somewhat controversial and for many will be difficult; however, after experiencing the loss of four lives within our community it is something we definitely have to address with the goal that a tragedy such as this TAPE #1503 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes November 19, I997 Page 4 of 11 does not happen again. Today, she met with Senator Slade Gorton and asked him if there were any federal funds available for Iow or no interest loans to help property owners retrofit their structures with life safety equipment. Senator Gorton doubted there was such a federal program, but suggested the City contact HUD as a possible source of funding. She has already directed her staff to research that potential resource. She concurred with earlier comments that everyone did their job in exemplary fashion. All of the Fire Districts worked in concert with one another, as well as the Red Cross and several departments of the City. Her secretary, Elaine Valencia, served as Public Information Officer at the fire scene throughout the weekend to facilitate keeping the media informed about the activities taking place. She related an incident where a King 5 newsman stated in his 18-years as a news reporter covering these kinds of events, he had never seen a better organized operation where people knew what their role was in handling the emergency. He complimented the City on the information given out to the media. She believes that everyone involved did their job very well; however, she reminded everyone that this fire was an isolated incident, i.e. there were not mass casualties or looting. If a catastrophic event, such as an earthquake, is experienced in the City, the City may not have available the support of emergency services from other cities and agencies. Therefore, it is in the best interest of everyone to become emergency prepared his or her own homes and neighborhoods. PUBLIC RECOGNITION Pam Leazer, Executive Director American Red Cross West Sound Chapter, stated she brings regards from more than 130 workers on site throughout the Kona Village fire event from the American Red Cross. Red Cross opened 105 cases and their service center is located at St. Luke's Church. She extended a special "thank you" to Pastor Huff and the members of St. Luke's for their cooperation throughout this effort. Twenty-Three cases have been completed and those individuals are well on their way to recovery. They are still working to reach 18 individual/family units, who need to go through the Red Cross process. She gave assurance that her agency would not stop until they every person affected by this fire was given assistance. The Red Cross provided meals for the victims themselves and the emergency workers, which in this case amounted to 1,555 meals to date. The cost of the disaster relief for this event has been budgeted at $171,000. Through the generosity of the citizens of Bremerton and outlying areas, to date $63,100.00 has been raised in cash donations and $35,561 in pledges. They encourage the continued support of the community to continue to meet the needs of the fire victims. Anyone wanting to contact the Red Cross office can do so by calling (360)377-3761. She extended a personal "thank you" from the Chapter, on behalf of the volunteers and Board of Directors, to the many other human service agencies that they worked closely with and the civic organizations like the Bremerton Central Lions Club, who made a large financial contribution and helped to move the tons of donated clothing, the Rotary Clubs and the local and outside area merchants that have offered discounts and TAPE #1503 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes November 19, 1997 Page 5 of 11 some free new items that will help underwrite some of the costs. She noted the media was quite respectful of their clients when the service center was open and complied with Red Cross's restrictions to ensure confidentially issues for their clients. She also emphasized the importance for people to be prepared for emergency situations and encouraged utilization of the County's K-Prep program and the information available through the Red Cross Office. Several fund raising events are planned that will include the Red Cross. Gordy Byrd announced students from Olympic High School are putting on a free Thanksgiving Dinner on November 25, 11:00 AM - 6:00 P.M., the Neighborhood Christian Center is putting on a free Thanksgiving Dinner on November 26, and the Abundant Life Four Square Church is assisting the Salvation Army in preparing their free Thanksgiving dinner on November 27. Mike Shepeherd, Bremerton resident, announced the Evergreen Neighborhood meeting will be held November 20, 6:30 P.M., at the Smith Building. The discussion topics for that meeting are the Blockwatch Program and traffic on Park Avenue. Susan Brown, Bremerton resident, questioned when the City Council would be addressing the formal complaint she filed and what procedure has been put in place since the City's code did not identify a procedure? lan Sievers, City Attorney, stated Council Vice President Neville would be chairing the meeting when Council handles that complaint. He will also be discussing the time frame when the issue will be dealt with by the Council and Mrs. Brown will be notified as to that date. Mrs. Brown stated she has been researching other cities' "Ethic Codes" as well as information she obtained through the City Council office provided by Municipal Research Services. She found the following information In the Municipal Research Services document: "the National Institute of Municipal Law Officers' model ordinance supports the creation of an Ethics Commission for enforcement, which resolves the problem of the municipal attorney being put into the position of both prosecutor and defender ( which 8 m(2ushe views is a problem in the City of Bremerton). If creation of an Ethics Commission is not feasible due to the size of a city or other reasons, another prosecutorial authority, such as outside legal counsel should perform such enforcement duties." 8A - EXTENSION OF CONTRACT FOR BANKING SERVICES WITH SEAFIRST, #AB97-245 The current contract for banking services is with Seafirst Bank and dates from October 1, 1992. The original three-year contract was extended with Council authorization to November 30, 1997. Seafirst has offered to extend the contract for a period of two years with no change in pricing. This represents a cumulative change in the price of bank services of approximately 2.1% over a period of seven years. Staff recommends approval of the contract extension. TAPE # 1503 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes November 19, 1997 Pag¢6 of 11 Rich Hanna, City Treasurer, briefly reviewed the Summary Statement information. He pointed out a matter of "safe keeping fees" is an issue and something that he will be working on in 1998. The bank interceded on the City's behalf, under the authority of the current contract and extension if accepted, so that the City will not be impacted by the increase in the safe keeping fees that have been handed down from the Bank of New York. He believes the City may seek a safe keeping arrangement with other municipalities or with a different financial institution or broker/dealer since maintaining its own safe keeping with the Bank of New York will become unacceptably expensive. Public comment - None. Mr. Overson requested clarification as to the reasoning behind the 2.1% increase. Mr. Hanna stated the City's banking service contract is paid through a means called "compensating balances" whereby Seafirst pays the City interest on that deposited money. Rather than accepting those interest earnings in cash, they are a credit against the City's account and used to pay for a variety of banking services, i.e. clearing checks, accepting deposits, processing coin/currency/check, etc., which each have a unit price. Mr. Colvin requested Mr. Hanna to clarify the paragraph listing the charges for receiving notification of incoming wires. Mr. Hanna explained currently when funds are deposited to one of the City's accounts via fed-wire the bank calls his office and verbally advise the City that the incoming wire has been credited. What is proposed is that there are two alternative methods of receiving that notification, one being a faxed message and the other being a message sent electronically to a computer terminal and the City can choose a less costly method. #1387 M/S/C/U(Montgomery/Colvin) Motion to authorize the Mayor or her designee to sign the contract with Seafirst Bank. Councilman Bob Winters left the Council Chambers at 6:30 P.M. 9A - RESOLUTION #2633, NAMING THE CITY BUILDING AT 612 FIFTH STREET FOR "REVEREND MARTIN LUTHER KING~ JUNIOR~ #AB97-247 The attached Resolution names the 612 5th Street building in honor of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ,This building is home to the Kitsap Regional Library, Bremerton. Mayor Lynn Horton stated over the past couple of years, representatives of the NAACP contacted her about finding an appropriate building or facility that could be named in honor of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In their search within the community, the NAACP looked at various options and one of the things they liked about the Library building is the fact Dr. King emphasized the need for TAPE #1503 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes November 19, 1997 Page 7 of 11 education, especially dealing with youth, and equality for all people regardless of their race, color or creed. The fact that the building is home to the downtown branch of the library, she felt it was a fitting tribute to Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King. She supports this action and urged Council's confirmation of the proposal as presented. Deborah Jackson, President NAACP, read the following letter: "The purpose of this letter is to request your concurrence on the renaming of the downtown Bremerton branch library to the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It would be honorable in that Dr. Martin Luther King stood for what he believed in reference to all people.., he believed in justice for all. On behalf of the Bremerton branch of the NAACP and in conjunction with the Kitsap Regional Library, we are asking the City of Bremerton, be it the Mayor, City Council and all City officials, approval. We have had favorable response from various groups. In our meeting with the Mayor it was our understanding that the City of Bremerton will maintain the building and we are looking forward to working with you and our plan would include an opening ceremony after the minor repairs are taken care of. In closing, your sincere consideration would be appreciated." Robert Boddie, Director of P.O.W.E.R., stated this has been a long time coming. He acknowledged several youth in the audience that he brought to this meeting so that they could share their feelings about this action. Caressa Atkins, Alecia Smith, Ebony Davis, Mary Davis and Johnquale Ussin, very eloquently described how naming the library building after the Reverent Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was a positive action, would inspire youth to visit the library and use that learning resource, encouraged the establishment of Black History documentation, which would supplement the lack of such materials in public schools. This would be an opportunity for all races to become less ignorant and expand their minds to become more accepting of others, promoting peace, education, and going about something in a non-violent way. Roy Mclnnis, Bremerton resident, stated he has offered to escort the prior youth speakers to the next Bremerton School District Board meeting to share their concerns about the lack of Black History books within their school as well as the limited amount of Black History that is taught in the classroom. As a representative of the Sinclair Missionary Baptist Church, he strongly supports the proposal to name the library building after Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as well making sure that more books on Black History are available for the publics' use. H. Emily Moshay, Bremerton resident, stated her support for this proposal based on the reasons identified by the youth that spoke previously. She looks forward to taking pre-school children on field trips to a library that has an ethnic background. TAPE #1503 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes November 19, 1997 Page8 ofll Terrie O'Neill., Municipal Services Coordinator, stated she was honored to work with various groups, on behalf of the Mayor, to bring this proposal forward. She pointed out the library building, which has an art deco design, was built around the time Dr. Martin Luther King's work was going in the south. The Kitsap Regional Library Board passed a resolution supporting this action and encouraging the various groups to get involved with the library's program. Fifteen ethnic organizations will be working on the naming ceremony, which will be held in January. The proposed work on the library building will be undertaken by members of various groups within the community. Frederick Moore, representing Blacks in Government, expressed their support of this proposal. Elizabeth Buell, Bremerton resident, stated to her knowledge the downtown branch of the library has always been called the Bremerton Public Library. She asked for clarification on the actual name to be used for the library building. She felt the proposed action was very appropriate. Mayor Horton stated for clarification the proposal is to name the building, which is owned by the City of Bremerton, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Kitsap Regional Library will continue to provide library service at that site. Mr. Farr stated his support of this proposal as presented. He views the library building as one of the jewels in downtown Bremerton and he was pleased to hear that through a community effort its condition would be improved. Mr. McConnell expressed his concern that there wasn't a new building that could be named in honor of Dr. King; however, he hoped that the signage could be large enough to gain that recognition when viewed by the public. Mr. Colvin pointed out a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step and this is a first step. He was proud of the youth and their presentation on this issue. He reminded everyone that Dr. Martin Luther King was an advocate for all Americans when the black people became freer than they were previously. He strongly supports Dr. Kings' efforts and the proposal as presented. #2452 MISICIU(Overson/Law) Motion to pass Resolution #2633, naming the City building at 612 Fifth Street for "Reverend Martin Luther King, Junior". 10A - ORDINANCE #4514 (SECOND READING) AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF 1997 UTGO REFUNDING BONDS AND ACCEPTING THE PURCHASE OFFER OF SEAFIRST BANK, #AB97-243 Rich Hanna, City Treasurer, provided the following handouts: (1) Update of the preliminary official statement, which was prepared by the City under the guidance of both of its under writers. This document describes the nature of the bonds TAPE #1503 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes November 19, 1997 Page 9 of 11 proposed to be issued, City background information and its finances. (2) Updated Bond Ordinance. (3) Offer from Seafirst Bank extended following the pricing of the issues early today, including the stated amounts and interest rates. The way the City achieves the lowest cost to the taxpayers in issuance of these bonds is minimizing the market risk associated with their purchase by Seafirst or any other financial institution. The activities on pricing went very well and the timing was good. The city's bonds carry an A-2 rating actually sold in some maturities at lower interest rates than AAA rated bonds did as short as two days ago. In conjunction with the bond issue, he traveled to San Francisco and made ratings presentation to Moody's Investment Service. He believes the City was well served in investing the time and energy involved in that process. He pointed out the Bond Ordinance contained language that was new to this issue, i.e. the bonds will be issued in a "book entry form", which means there will not be physical bonds and exist in an electronic form only. The purpose for that form is to lower the City's cost. With the pricing that was achieved, the City's actual savings on this refinancing transaction are just short of $77,000, having a net present value of not quite $64,000, which is a little over 5% of the outstanding principle. At the prior Council meeting, Councilman Law questioned if the City had looked into an AAA Insured Rating. Based on the pricing available this date, the City was better served by roughly $3,000 to issue under the City's own rating. He noted Jane Towery, representing Seafirst Bank, was present and available to answer questions. Public comment - none. Mr. Law complimented Mr. Hanna on this proposal and assured him that he was not being critical when he previously mentioned the AAA rating. #2973 M/S/C/U(Montgomery/McConnell) Motion to pass Ordinance #4614, on second reading, authorizing the issuance of 1997 UTGO Refunding Bonds. 11A- PUBLIC HEARING ON MAYOR'S PROPOSED 1998 BUDGET, #AB97- 248 This hearing on the 1998 budget is for the purpose of public comment. Rich Hanna, City Treasurer, stated the City Council has met three times in Study Session reviewing most of the budget and copies of the preliminary budget are available for public review in the City Clerk's Office and in the downtown and Sylvan Way branches of the Kitsap Regional Library. The City Council has previously passed the Property Tax Ordinances and discussed reduction of the B&O Tax on garbage. TAPE #1503 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes November 19, 1997 Page 10 of 11 Mayor Lynn Horton pointed out this is a fairly 'status quo' budget. She is looking at some staffing changes within the Police Department and a minor change within the Department of Community Development. Her budget proposes several capital improvement projects, some of which were started in 1997, i.e. Evergreen Park Phase I (to move forward spring of 1998), the development of the Haddon School property (spring of 1998); funding for architectural services for the new club house at Gold Mountain Golf Course; CSO projects (on going); transportation issues - property acquisition for the Gorst- connector Project and possibly some improvements along the Burwell Avenue corridor; construction project on Kitsap Way. TAPE #1504 President Farr announced due to a notification problem, he anticipated this hearing would be continued to November 25. Testimony would be accepted during this meeting and on November 25. Public comment - none. #0023 MISICIU(McConnelllMontgomery ) Motion to continue this hearing until November 25, 1997. President Farr thanked the TV crew for their services: Robert Neal, Kelly Gardner, Annette Atkinson, Shaun Dougherty and Juanita Belcher. With no further business meeting adjourned at 7:08 P.M. City of Bremerton P J/DF/me Cc: Normal Distribution TAPE #1503 Cily Council Reg. Mt& Minutes November 19, 1997 Page 11 ofll FileNault