HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/10/97
TAPE #1508
CITY COUCIL MEETING MINUTES
DECEMBER 10, 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 December 10 1997, at 5:30 P.M., with Council President David Farr
presiding. Council members present were Carlos Montgomery, Bob Winters,
Sherril Huff-Menees, Richard Neville, Lon Overson, John Law, Cecil McConnell,
and Al Colvin. 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 Floyd Ussin of the Emmanuel Apostolic
Church.
President Farr made the following announcements:
(1) Council held a Study Session prior to the Council meeting to discuss
general Council business.
(2) Council held an 10-minutes Executive Session prior to
the Council meeting to discuss a "personnel" matter.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes of Meeting - October 15, 1997 #AB97-231
#0014 M/S/C/U (McConnell/Colvin) Motion to approve the Consent Agenda as
presented.
CLAIMS/CHECK REGISTERS
Vouchers audited and certified by the auditing officer as required by RCW
42.24.080, and those expense reimbursement claims certified as required by
RCW 42.24.090, have been recorded on a listing that had been made available
to the Council
#0031 M/S/C/U (Colvin/Montgomery) On December 10, 1997, the Council does
approve for payment those vouchers included and further described as follows:
215092 through 215244 in the amount of $590,785.41.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Mr. Colvin stated over the next few weeks he would be expressing his thoughts
and views about his tenure with the City and his service to the public. His work
on the City Council been a pleasure and he has greatly enjoyed working with the
City employees and the public as a whole. He was pleased that he has a good
working relationship with each of his fellow Council members. He is just as
TAPE # 1508
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
December 10, 1997
Page 2 of 14
human as anyone is and any mistakes that he has made can be attributed to his
own ignorance. In conclusion, he thanked everyone who attended the District #1
reception that was held in his and Hazel's honor. He was still overwhelmed
about the honors that have been bestowed upon him and the fact his wife kept it
a secret from him.
Mr. McConnell thanked Bremerton Kitsap Access Television for broadcasting
City Council meetings at 5:30 P.M. on Thursdays. Now that the General election
is long over, he hoped that any remaining political signs would be removed.
Mr. Law again reminded everyone that District #3's next Neighborhood meeting
will be held on January 20, 1998. He displayed an advertising flyer that came to
his residence from Local Focus Inc. He checked with the City's Licensing
Department and learned as of this date that company did not have a City
Business License:- He cautioned the public to not become alarmed when
receiving an advertisement printed on "red" paper since it does not always mean
something official, such as this advertising flyer. He urged the public to contact
the City's Tax and License Department if they have questions about a specific
business solicitation.
Mr. Overson stated it is beginning to look like Christmas around the community
and downtown is looking bright with various activities going on. He also
reminded everyone that this is National Anti-substance Abuse Month and hoped
the public would pay attention, particularly if they are driving a vehicle.
Mr. Neville stated in response to the formal complaint filed by Susan Brown that
involved two City Council members, he received three different legal opinions on
that issue and all of them came to the same conclusion that there was no
violation of the Bremerton Code of Ethics whatsoever. Prior to the Council
meeting, he met with the Council, excluding the two Council members named in
the complaint, and asked if they thought there was any need or any possible
violation issue. The Council's response was there was no need or violation.
Therefore, the matter has reached a conclusion and Mrs. Brown is thanked for
her diligence and willingness to see that everything is above board and
conducted properly.
Mrs. Huff-Menees stated the events this past week honoring Councilman Colvin
and his wife were no less than they deserved. The Colvin's have set a standard
for others to strive to achieve and served this City remarkably well.
Mr. Montgomery announced Districts #6, #7 and #8 will hold a joint
Neighborhood Meeting on December 16, 1997, 7:00 P.M., at the Bremerton
School District Office located on Marion Avenue. The discussion will include
streets in the Kitsap Way area.
TAPE # 1508
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
December 10, 1997
Page 3 of 14
Mr. Winters announced this would be his last Council meeting. On January 22,
1997, he sold a property (his residence in District #9) on an owner contract and
that person was to live up to that contract. At that time, he went to the City
Attorney as well as sending letters to the City's Department Heads stating that he
wished to remain on Council for the last year of his term, but questioned what
was required for him to be legal as far as his residence requirement. In order to
reside within his District, he had to rent an apartment within that District to remain
legal. As of November 1, 1997, he discontinued renting the apartment; therefore,
he may possibly be illegally serving on Council at this time. He did not want to
bring any negative tones to the Council that could be the basis for someone to
have a Council decision overturned. He believes in the last 3.9 years that he has
served to the best of his ability in everything he could to follow and remain on
Council by attending more meetings than a few others on Council. He believes
as a Council member it is important to reside and do the best one can for the
constituents you represent and the District you are elected to represent. Tonight
he asked the Council members to let him know their opinion on his residence
issue and they responded, in majority, that the right thing for him to decide was to
resign tonight. He will do that with some regrets, most of all he has been thankful
he was able to serve, had an opportunity to meet a lot of people, attended
seminars/workshops, and to be part of the decision process. He sees the future
of Bremerton as being a tough one and he wishes the best to next Council
person of District #9, Jim Reed. With three weeks remaining he did not want to
create a problem for the other Council members, within the legal system, or his
family; therefore, he resigned his position.
Mr. Winters stepped down and left the Council Chambers at 5:52 P.M.
PUBLIC RECOGNITION
Gordy Byrd stated he appreciated the earlier comment relating to no drinking
and driving during the holidays. He noted Councilman Colvin has touched so
many people's lives and deserves the recognition he is receiving for his service
to the community. He enjoyed participating in the Special People's Boat Cruise
on December 7, which was hosted by the Bremerton yacht Club.
Shannon Bell announced the Harrison Hospital Auxiliary will hold a Blood Drive
on December 15, 1997, 11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M., and 1:45 P.M. - 5:00 P.M., in
the Harrison Hospital Auditorium.
Carol Atkinson, Bremerton Main Street Association, reported approximately
1,000 people turned out for Santa's arrival downtown on December 9 and 400
children had their pictures taken with Santa. This event was an opportunity to
give something back to the community. She thanked all of the different
organization that decorated windows and opened businesses for this event. On
the issue of allocation of the Hotel/Motel Tax fund, it was her understanding that
the first reading of the 1998 Budget did not include Fund 104 (Hotel/Motel Tax),
TAPE #1508
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
December 10, 1997
Page 4 of 14
since allocation of those funds was tabled to be further studied during a Study
Session. Paula Johnston explained the motion to approve the 1998 Budget
Ordinance, on first reading, included Fund 104 with the actual allocation of those
funds to be approved at second reading of the ordinance on December 17.
Roy Mclnnis, Bremerton resident, stated he promised Mr. Colvin that he would
contribute to the beautification project at the north end of the Warren Avenue
Bridge and he wanted to make good on that promise before traveling to
Louisiana for the Christmas holidays.
Bob Jaenick, Bremerton resident, stated he believed if Randy Witt, City
Engineer, lived in the City of Bremerton he would do a better job of traffic control.
He was not pleased over Mayor Horton's remarks, which were reported in the
newspaper, addressing "crummy" voters in Bremerton. He is one of those
"crummy" voters who lives in west Bremerton and voted for Rod Johnson for
Mayor. He pointed out Mayor Horton did not win the recent election by a "land
side", she won by the true crummy voters who are out of town half of the year
and write in letters from Arizona without having a clue what is happening in
Bremerton.
Susan Brown, Bremerton resident, stated now that the issue of her complaint
had been responded to she was ready to work to rewrite the City's Code of
Ethics, which she views as very inadequate. Her primary concern is that the
City's commissions need to be autonomous. Giving anything of value alters the
dynamics of objectivity and impartiality that is essential for their operations. She
continues asking members of the public their opinion on this issue and no one
has told her that the behavior she described was appropriate. Anyone wishing to
contact her may do so by calling 377-2065.
Charlie Brown, Bremerton Resident, announced he learned through a public
radio station that the Navy would be holding a "free" Open House aboard the
Missouri over three weekends in January. Admission tickets will be required and
can be obtained through the Navy's Seattle Public Affairs Office. He felt
someone within City government should contact the Admiral in charge to make
sure Bremerton residents have an opportunity to get tickets.
8A - INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT - LABORATORY
SERVICES/BREMERTON-KITSAP COUNTY HEALTH DISTRICT~ #AB97-256
Bremerton is required by the Washington Department of Health to sample the
water system to ensure safe water quality. The Bremerton-Kitsap County Health
District is the closest laboratory approved to perform these analyses and has
been provided satisfactory service to the City for many years. This interlocal
agreement sets up a formal procedure for providing this service.
TAPE #1508
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
December 10, 1997
Page 5 of 14
Kathleen Cahall, Water Resources Manager, stated the City has been doing
business with the Bremerton-Kitsap County Health District for many years. That
agency is certified to provide bacteriological analysis for water sampling and one
of two labs certified within Kitsap County to conduct such work. Because of the
contract amount of $19,000, it was determined that a more formal procedure
would be appropriate.
Bob Jaenike, Bremerton resident, asked if he understood correctly that the City
would be paying the Health District $19,000 for the service provided. Ms. Cahall
explained the approximate cost of $19,000 will be paid from revenue generated
through Utility rates. Mr. Jaenike asked if this would be another addition to
Bremerton residents' water/sewer bills? Ms. Cahall further explained State and
Federal law require safe drinking water. This particular testing procedure is
budgeted annually and included in the cost of the drinking water. She pointed
out the City has some of the lowest drinking water rates in the entire state and
one of the ways to keep those rates Iow was by providing good quality water and
making sure things are working correctly.
President Farr stated he would abstain from voting on this issue because he
serves on the Health District Board of Directors and participated in setting the
rates for the testing fees. He turned over the meeting to Council Vice President
Richard Neville.
Mrs. Huff-Menees stated she would abstain from voting on this issue because
she also serves on the Health District Board of Directors.
Mr. Colvin questioned if he understood correctly that this proposal would not
increase the resident's water bills? Ms. Cahall stated Mr. Colvin was correct.
Mr. Overson pointed out all public water systems having four or more customers
are required to perform this same testing.
#1052 M/S/C/U (Montgomery/Overson) Motion to approve the Interlocal
Agreement with Bremerton-Kitsap County Health District and authorize the
Mayor to sign the agreement, subject to City Administrative Policies and
Procedures.
President Farr resumed chairing the Council meeting.
8B - PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT - TECHNICAL SYSTEMS
INC. FOR WTER SYSTEM SUPERVISORY CONTROL & DATA
ACQUlSITION~ #AB97-257
In 1992, the City began upgrading the system that water operators use to control
the valves, pumps, alarms, and other critical components of the drinking water
system. This project completes this upgrade, which replaces old and outdated
TAPE//1508
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
December 10, 1997
Page 6 of 14
control equipment with computerized components and converts electronic signal
transmission from telephone to radio, which will provide reliability and provide
long-term cost savings. Upgrading the SCADA system will provide the strictest
control of water quality and quantity. The project is recommended to be sole-
source to Technical Systems, Inc., the company that has designed and
constructed all previous SCADA upgrades for the City. The total cost of the
project is not to exceed $371,204 and will take approximately 2 1/2 years to
complete.
Kathleen Cahall, Water Resources Manager, briefly reviewed the process for
monitoring instruments, pumps, flow, etc., by remote control. She provided
photographs showing the old style telemetry, which was a tone system. Although
that system worked consistently, it was limited in its controlled and data
management abili.ty.and operator interface. Because it was a system of the
1970's, the City is having difficulty in obtaining spare pads to maintain the
system. The city began the upgrade of the telemetry system in 1992 and the
proposed project is the final phase of that upgrade. The first phase put the
surface water system on the new telemetry SCADA System. The final phase will
put all well systems and reservoirs on the SCADA System. The new system is
much more compact and fits on a Pentium computer. A major improvement
included in this project, at a cost of approximately $120,000, is the conversion of
the electronic signal from telephone to radio telemetry. There are many
advantages to radio telemetry, i.e. improved reliability, maintenance of equipment
in-house and most important to customers it will decrease the City's cost by $17-
19,000 annually, which is the current cost for telephone service for this function.
Public comment - none.
Mr. Law asked if the City would pay for the project as it is being developed or
initially? Ms. Cahall stated the City will pay as the various stages are completed.
Mr. Montgomery questioned if a backup system will be in place to keep the
radios on line at all times? Ms. Cahall stated yes; however, the city has had very
few problems with the telephone system, but when there is a communication
failure because of the system the Department has to rely on the telephone
company to make repairs.
Mr. Colvin questioned if the savings in telephone costs had been estimated?
Ms. Cahall stated the estimated cost saving is $20,000 per year over the 4-5
year completion period. At this time, she did not know what cost increases the
telephone company may implement during in future years.
#1339 MISICIU (Neville/Montgomery) Motion to approve the Professional
Services Agreement with Technical Systems, Inc., and authorize the Mayor to
sign the agreement, subject to the City Administrative Policies and Procedures.
TAPE #1508
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
December 10, 1997
Page 7 of 14
9A - RESOLUTION #2637 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
DRAFT ACCESS REPORT APPROVAL, #AB97-258
The SR304 Transportation Improvement Project will change where and how
vehicles access the highway. To effect the change in access control on SR304
from the SR3/304 interchange to the intersection of 1st Street and Callow
Avenue, a formal Access Hearing must be held. Prior to having this hearing, the
City must approve the Draft Access Report that is the foundation for presentation
and discussion at the Access Hearing. The attached drawing provides an
overview of the access changes. The report is available for review at the City
Council and Engineering Division Offices. This item was discussed at the City
Council Study Session of December 1, 1997.
Staff recommends approval of the report with a modification that will allow a right
turn movement from southbound Callow Avenue to westbound First Street for
consideration at the Access Hearing by passage of the attached Resolution.
Randy Witt, City Engineer, explained approximately two years ago the City
Council approved an Environmental Impact Statement for this project.
Approximately one year later the City received approval of the Record of
Decision from the Federal Highway Administration. In that time period a Valued
Engineering review was conducted, which m-evaluated what to do with Burwell
Street. Since receiving the Record of Decision, the City is authorized to
commence design of the project. The City also received limited authorization to
implement right-of-way acquisition. Effort is underway on both of those tasks.
One of the items that shows up in the design of this project is a formal hearing
process, which is carried out by the State, for the changes in access on the
highway. A change in access on this project means: (1) we want a limited
access facility, i.e., no driveway or street connections except at certain locations
from the SR3/SR304 interchange to First Street along SR304. The exceptions to
that were Kitsap Transit's base access, Missouri Street Gate, and Farragut Street
Gate. Prior to the State's public hearing, the City must approve the Design
Report.
The Access Report is set up to follow exactly what is in the Environmental Impact
Statement. In the City's process of communicating with the community,
particularly through the Cambrian/Charleston Beach planning, staff heard from
the community that they wanted some access off of First Street. Discussions on
that issue ranged from installing a traffic signal to continuing what is approved
and dealing with crosswalks, etc. Staff recommendation at First Street is to
modify the report to allow turns into the neighborhood at First Street. Tums out
of that location are not recommended due to sight distance issues beyond the
curb. Staff is not recommending a traffic signal at that location for cost reasons
and it would set up left hand turn movements from the neighborhood, which is
the issue people tried to address.
TAPE #1508
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
December 10, 1997
Page 8 of 14
Elizabeth Buell, Bremerton resident, questioned what kind of access would be
acceptable from First Street onto Callow Avenue. Mr. Witt stated vehicles could
turn right onto First Street and right turn only when exiting First Street.
Bob Jaenick, Bremerton resident, questioned why Kitsap Transit would be
allowed to access their property from the roadway when residents will be
restricted. In his opinions, buses move much lower than smaller vehicles. Mr.
Witt explained bus access would be through Kitsap Transit's maintenance
garage. The bus storage area will be accessed either from Callow and First
Street or at the Farragut Gate signal.
Mr. McConnell questioned if Rogers Street will be open or closed? Mr. Witt
stated two things on the project will affect Rogers Street: (1) the plan identifies a
slip ramp for people wanting to turn right into the neighborhood off of Rogers
Street. That proposal was largely driven by the angle of the Farragut Street
intersection. (2) Anyone coming from the other direction or straight across will
have to use Farragut Street.
Mr. Overson stated it was his hope that the issue of impact on neighborhoods
will be given attention during the State's public hearing. Mr. Witt stated the
appropriate time to discuss that issue will be at the State hearing.
Mrs. Huff-Menees stated she appreciated the modification allowing the right turn
onto Callow from First Street; however, she believes there will be a need to re-
address the impact to both Rogers Street and Cambrian Avenue since there are
no improvements planned for those streets.
Mr. Colvin questioned for clarification if Kitsap Transit would have any
advantages over ordinary drivers? Mr. Witt stated no, as it relates to what is
being discussed at this time. This project will have HOV lanes, which give priority
to buses. Mr. Colvin stated it was his understanding that the plan is not so
etched in concrete and necessary changes could be made. Mr. Witt stated he
believed the modification made at First Street is recognition that there is some
flexibility; however, he did not want to give the idea that flexibility is "wide open."
He re-emphasized what is being proposed is to implement what is in the
Environmental Impact Statement.
1837 M/S/C/U (Montgomery/Law) Motion to pass Resolution #2637 approving
the Draft Access Report, with modifications, for consideration t the Access
Hearing.
9B - RESOLUTION #2638 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
PARKING ON BURWELL STREET
TAPE # 1508
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
December 10, 1997
Page 9 of 14
When the City Council selected the preferred alternative from the SR304
Transportation Improvement Project it included providing three lanes of traffic on
Burwell Street. At that time staff was directed to evaluate methods to address
the replacement of the lost on-street parking removed along Burwell Street from
Hewitt Avenue to Chester Avenue. A series of neighborhood meetings were held
to develop a recommendation, which was then reviewed by SWDOT and FHWA
staff. All property owners and residents were notified of the neighborhood
meetings. The recommendation is generally to provide up to two asphalt parking
spaces per unit off of the alley for those properties that front on the south side of
Burwell Street from Hewitt Avenue to Chester Avenue, which do not currently
have two improved spaces per unit. The report summarizing the neighborhood
meetings and a Resolution detailing the recommendation are attached. This item
was discussed at the Study Session of December 1, 1997. All the people who
attended the neighborhood meetings were notified of the Study Session and this
Council meeting.
Staff recommends passage of the attached Resolution addressing the parking on
Burwell Street in conjunction with the SR304Transportation Improvement Project.
Randy Witt, City Engineer, stated when the City passed the Resolution to
provide three traffic lanes on Burwell Street one of the issues was how to
address parking that would be removed and could parking needs be mitigated. It
was known at that time, which was unusual from past history, that the Federal
Highway Administration and the State considered addressing the parking that
would be removed as an eligible cost. A year ago when this issue was being
discussed, the main idea was to provide a parking lot in the neighborhoods on
the same side where the parking was removed. With that kind of vision,
meetings were set up with residents on Burwell on a block-by-block basis to
discuss various options and to get input from those affected by such a change.
The blocks affected were from Hewitt to Chester Street. McClure Research was
hired to facilitate the meetings with the residents, which in his view worked well.
From the meetings with the residents came the opinion that locating parking lots
within the neighborhood was not a good idea based on issues of safety, distance
from residences, and impact on abutting properties. Following investigation by
staff into how many parking spaces are already available, it was recommended
that 2-spaces per unit be designated. If those spaces already exist on a
property, then nothing more will need to be done; however, if not then the project
will fund installing two asphalt parking spaces either on the owners' property, if
space is available, or along the alley. He emphasized this program is voluntary.
Properties that do not have sufficient space for two on-site parking spaces off the
alley will not have additional beyond that. Properties that front on the south side
of Burwell Street from Hewitt Avenue to Chester Avenue and do not have access
to on-site parking may develop mutually acceptable and appropriate alternative
asphalt parking space placement. Existing dirt or gravel parking areas may be
paved under this program; existing paved areas will not be improved. A question
TAPE #1508
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
December 10, 1997
Page 10 of 14
was raised whether or not the project would fund the building of a garage. The
Federal Highway Administration stated such a project could be funded at the
same level as paving two asphalt-parking spaces with the funding being released
after the garage structure was built. Lastly, this program terminates one year
after the date of award of the construction contract for Burwell Street.
Daniel Waldbillig, Seabeck resident and owner of a property on Burwell Street,
stated the preferred alternative in the Environmental Impact Statement (ELS) is to
use Burwell Street with no parking allowed. In accordance with the ElS
The reason for the expanded highway is due to a population increase in the City
of Bremerton. Various statistics have been cited that would justify the change to
the Burwell corridor; however, he challenges those figures and seriously doubts
that over the next 20 years Bremerton will see an increase in population of
52.4%. He also dpu_bted the traffic count figures of 10,000 vehicles using Bum/ell
and Sixth Street daily and 23,000 vehicles traveling in and out the shipyard's
gates. He also challenged the number of employees (15,128) cited to work in the
Central Business District and that does not include PSNS employees. He quoted
the following from the December 1, 1997, Study Session: "a traffic light at this
intersection (first and Callow) would force traffic to stop, see advertisements in
the store windows and would be good for business. A stoplight would be ideal
because you have businesses on both sides of the street. We are worried about
parking on Burwell for some of these renters, but we are not protecting our
businesses down here." Mr. Waldbillig emphasized the Council has some
concerns about the businesses in the Callow area, but in the ElS there was a
proposal that was put forth by the Charleston Business District, Paul Hoskins &
Associations to route traffic down Callow and onto Montgomery and down Sixth
Street. This would put traffic past over 16 businesses. Even though that
proposal was supported by most of the business along 6th Street, it was
determined to run the traffic down Burwell traveling through a residential area. A
consequence in the ElS if this project is not built is the resultant delays in travel
through the intersections and roadways may encourage drivers to seek
alternative routes. The alternate routes could mean traveling through residential
neighborhoods where safety, noise and air pollution are a major concern and
local residential areas would degenerate if traffic increases through those areas.
He feels that their Council representative is not representing the residents of the
affected area within District #5. It concerned him that Council members made
negative statements about the needs of renters or those living along Burwell
Street. He personally could care less about how the Navy exists out of the
Montgomery Street gate. He questioned when someone gets killed at dangerous
intersections, who pays their estate? This type of behavior leads him to believe
that this Council is not the governing body that has the knowledge or wellbeing of
the residents of the City, as a whole, to make a decision that affects thousands of
lives and cost millions of dollars.
TAPE #1508
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
December 10, 1997
Page 11 of 14
Mr. Witt explained the ElS cites as a preferred alternative having Burwell with
parking on both sides. Following approval of the ElS but prior to the Record of
Decision, the modification came about. He pointed out the Record of Decision is
the controlling document and the City went through a public hearing process to
approve that modification. Regarding traffic counts and projected population
statistics, he reminded everyone that the ElS and prior discussions are looking
forward 20 years into the future.
Mr. Waldbillig pointed out THE SUN newspaper ran an article on December 9,
1997, which stated the fourth most dangerous street in Kitsap County is the area
on SR304 from South Cambrian Avenue to Rogers Street with a daily traffic total
of 30,489 vehicles. The ElS cites current traffic in that area as 30,489 daily on
Rodgers Street. The ElS states the no-build alternative on SR304 from
Cambrian to Rogers will have an astounding number of vehicles per day of
26,600 traveling along that route in 2020. He cautioned lets not build it if the
traffic count could be reduced by 4,000 vehicles per day. He pointed out there
are a lot of errors in the ElS.
Mr. McConnell questioned if the City will allow planting strip parking in the areas
that do not have on-site or alley parking spaces? Mr. Witt stated no. He noted
he did not believe Council has made a decision yet on how they want to address
the parking on planting strip issue. If that is an available option, then it can be
considered for a particular area. Residents that currently do not have on-site
parking, but space is available, could possibly have a driveway to their property
off of a side street. No consideration is being given to parking spaces on Burwell
to accommodate the residents on corner lots.
Mrs. Huff-Menees stated in all of the four years she has served on the City
Council and for nearly two years prior to that time, she has been involved with
this issue. She has never in all of her years in County and City government been
involved with a project that offered more opportunity for public input. The number
of public meetings taking place on every aspect of this project number in the
dozens. She has also never seen the City go to such lengths to try to address
the needs of the residents in a specific area that will be impacted by a highway
project. Those who have taken advantage of the opportunities to attend public
meetings and make their view known, have their view represented. The majority
of the residents, as stated by Mr. Witt, favor the proposal being presented at this
time. She took exception to the earlier comment that this Council should not be
making a decision on this issue considering the immense amount of time they
have spent studying this issue regardless of individual comments and opinions
that might have been made. She is comfortable with the work performed by staff
and the amount of time it has been studied by the City Council and she intends to
support that process.
TAPE//1508
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
December 10, 1997
Page 12 of 15
Mr. Law questioned why the realignment of Burwell Street, i.e., parking, is not
done on an incremental basis as the traffic volume increases? Mr. Witt stated
there are a series of improvements to be made on Burwell Street, such as
overlaying the street, bulb outs and landscaping on the south side, and from a
construction perspective that needs to happen all at once. The other sense is
that this is a benefit immediately that won't be fully utilized until later, but will
benefit the corridor.
TAPE #1509
Mr. Overson stated he believed some of Mr. Waldbillig's
statements were accurate in that the EIS contained some
questionable statements. He echoed Mrs. Huff-Menees comment
that the City has gone to great extent to provide a win-win
scenario. He .personally supported the idea for a one-way
grid using Burwell and Sixth Street, but apparently that is
not an option. He anticipates at some point in time there
will be the need to eliminate parking on both sides of
Burwell.
Mr. Neville stated he did not support the one-way couplet concept based on the
fact that deterioration happens in a residential neighborhood where that takes
place. It was quite surprising to learn that the Federal government would help
out with replacement of parking, which has not been approached by the City in
previous projects. He pointed out automobiles do present an impact either by
traveling or parking in limited spaces, such as cities. In this instance, the citizens
in the affected area have given their input and they are receiving something in
return. It is the process working to its fullest extent and it does have his support.
Mr. Montgomery discounted the earlier comment that by doing nothing it will
reduce the number of vehicles by 400 daily. He also questioned the validity of
THE SUN's quoted traffic count in a recent newspaper article on the gateway
project. He does support one-way streets and has experienced them across the
United States. He reminded everyone that change is inevitable; therefore, he will
support the proposal as presented even though he was initially not in favor of
what was proposed.
#0079 M/S/C/U (Huff-Menees/Montgomery) Motion to pass Resolution #2638,
regarding the SR304 Transportation Improvement Project; Parking on Burwell
Street.
9C - RESOLUTION 32639 REGARDING RECOVERY OF FEES FOR
REMOVAL OF VEGETATION ON THE LISTED PROPERTIES, #AB97-260
Ordinance #-4584 declares that it is unlawful and a nuisance to allow, continue or
maintain grass and weeks exceeding twelve (12) inches in height, shrubs, brush,
vines or trees which constitute a fire hazard or provide a harborage for rats,
TAPE #156c~
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
December 10, 1997
Page 13 of 15
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 judgement against the owner and a lien against the property.
Judy Johnson, Department of Community Development, asked that the
following that items 2, 3, 4, 5, 11 and 15 be removed from the Weed Abatement
Listing. She noted many of the listed weed abatement issues have been on going
since July- August 1997.
Public comment - none.
Mr. McConnell questioned, under Item #1- 1914 6th Street, if it was originally
maintained as a hedge? Ms. Johnson stated she was not knowledgeable of the
site's history, but it appears it could have been a hedge at one point in time. Mr.
McConnell questioned, under Item #9-5962 Harlow Drive, if the maintenance
area included the City's right-of-way? Ms. Johnson stated yes.
Mr. Overson questioned the reason for eliminating some of the items from the
Weed Abatement Listing? MS. Johnson stated the items removed reflect the
fact that the property owners complied with the ordinance and as of this date the
properties have been cleaned up, except for Item #11-2433-39 Snyder Avenue,
which is being further researched regarding composting and the City's
requirements.
#0169 M/S/C/U (Montgomery/Colvin) Motion to pass Resolution #2639, ordering
that the nuisance vegetation on the properties identified by the attached listing
except those identified, be removed by the City with fees incurred collected as
reasonable abatement costs, which shall become a personal judgement against
the owner and a lien against the property.
10A - ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) AMENDING THE 1997 BUDGET,
#AB97-261
A number of actions have been taken by the City which need to be incorporated
into the budget in order for the document to remain an assurance projection of
City financial activity.
Rich Hanna, City Treasurer, stated based on the City Attorney's advice due to
their being personally affected by part of the Budget Adjustment two Council
members should step down from considering this proposal. Mr. Colvin stated
because he is affected by this action he will step down. Mr. McConnell stated
he was also affected by the proposal and would step down.
Mr. Colvin and Mr. McConnell left the Council Chambers at 7:12 P.M.
City Council Reg. Mtg, Minutes
December 10, 1997
Page 14 of 15
Mr. Hanna pointed out this item deals with a variety of different topics affecting
the 1997 Budget. He highlighted the following major items included in the
proposed ordinance: (1) Adjustment #27 - authorizing several changes to the
Wastewater budget including litigation and claim settlements, capital projects at
the Waster Treatment Plant and Callow Avenue CSO, capital funding from State
grants and loans, and the acquisition and rental of Zone 1 properties.
This item was previously acted upon by the City Council. (2) Adjustment #30 -
adjustment provides for the level of activity at the golf course in 1997, which has
been greater than anticipated. This item was also previously acted upon by the
City Council. (3) Adjustment #34 - adjust for litigation expenses in excess of the
original estimate. This item was not previously approved by Council, but Council
has been brief in a number of Executive Sessions on the different issues of
litigation that have. resulted in Professional Services costs for outside counsel. (4)
Adjustment #35 - adjusting budget to reflect changes related to assumption of
Bremerton Kitsap Access Television effective 8/1/97. Council previously acted
upon this issue. (5) Adjustment #97-38 - adjustment will provide expenditure
authority for the issue of the 1997 UTGO Refunding Bonds, which Council
approved by Ordinance.
Public comment - none.
#0999 MISICIU (Montgomery/Huff-Menees Motion to approve Ordinance, on first
reading, amending the 1997 Budget.
President Farr thanked the TV camera crew for their services: Bob Neal,
Jeremy Kasson, Juanita Belcher and Shaun Dougherty.
With no further business meeting adjourned at 7:15 P.M.
DAVID FARR, City Council Presicf'ent
City of Bremerton
P J/DF/me
Cc: Normal Distribution
FileNault