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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/30/97 TAPE # 1461 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTEB APRIL 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, April 30, 1997, at 5:30 P.M., with Council President David Farr presiding. Council members present were Bob Winters, Carlos Montgomery, Sherril Huff-Menees, Richard Neville, Lon Overson, Cecil McConnell, and Al Colvin. Councilman John Law was absent. Also present was Deputy City Clerk Paula Johnston. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council President Farr and Invocation given by Reverend Richard Stone of the Bremerton Unity Church. President Farr made the following announcements: (1) Immediately prior to the Council meeting the City Council held a Study Session on: "Sinclair Landing Association Update"; (2) Immediately following the Council meeting, Council will hold an Executive Session to discuss "Real Estate" per Chapter 42.30.110(1) (b) . (3) A City Council Study Session will be held on May 5, 1997, 5:30 P.M. - 7:30 P.M., in the Council Conference Room. topics of discussion: Sinclair Landing Association Update; Gold Mountain Golf Curse Storage Facility And Future Club House; Community Development Block Grant; Charleston Neighborhood Plan; Update On Computer Training. CONSEMT AGENDA A. Minutes of Meeting -- April 16, 1997 #AB97-085 #0057 M/S/C(Neville/Montgomery) to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Vote on motion: In Favor: Winters, Montgomery, Neville, Farr, Overson, McConnell, Colvin Abstain: Huff-Menees 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 TAPE #1461 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes April 30, 1997 Page 2 of 10 had been made available to the Council. #0076 M/S/C/U(Colvin/Montgomery) on April 30, 1997, the Council does approve for payment those vouchers included and further described as follows: EFT4211, 208363 through 208535 in the amount of $596,979.97; and Retirees' Payroll for the period ending April 30, 1997, in the amount of $95,806.72. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS Mrs. Huff-Menees congratulated the 15 Kitsap County women recently honored at the YWCA Women Of Achievement Banquet. She noted Dr. Carol Whitehead, Superintendent of the Bremerton School District, was one of those honored. Mr. McConnell reported on April 25, 1997, he attended a meeting of the Gold Mountain Golf Course Board of Directors. He encouraged the public to visit the golf course where they will see a new parking lot that was completed one month ahead of schedule, Japanese Cherry trees in bloom and the golf course, which is in excellent condition. Mr. Colvin reported on a telephone conference call he, Mayor Horton and a number of other community people had with General B.O. Davis, who was the Commanding Officer of the Tuskegee Airmen. General Davis advocates that regardless of where people originated we are all Americans and should act like Americans. He encouraged members of the public, who wish to respond to General Davis's outlook on Americanism, to forward their comments to Mr. Colvin and he will forward them on to General Davis. MAYOR,S REPORT Mayor Lynn Horton read the following Proclamations: (1) MAY 4-10, 1997, NATIONAL DRINKING WATER WEEK IN THE CITY OF BREMERTON. Gene Sampley, Public Works and Utilities Director, accepted the proclamation and invited everyone to the CITY-WIDE OPEN HOUSE on May 15, at the Oyster Bay Public Works complex. This event will celebrate Water Week, Public Works Week and Armed Forces Week. (2) MAY 4-10, 1997, PUBLIC SERVICE RECOGNITION WEEK IN THE STATE OF WASHINGTON, which was accepted by Kathleen McCluskey, Director of Administrative Services. Mayor Horton thanked all City employees for the tremendous job they do to service the public. (3) MAY 1, 1997, IKE PARKER DAY IN BREMERTON, in recognition of his unwavering dedication and commitment to see the Admiral Theater renovation completed. Mayor Horton reminded everyone of the upcoming Armed Forces events TAPE #1461 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes April 30, 1997 Page 3 of 10 over the next three weeks, starting with the Armed Forces Queen's Pageant on May 5, 7:00 P.M., at the Admiral Theater, Golf Tournament on May 9, and the Armed Forces Parade and Lions Club Pancake Breakfast on May 17. PUBLIC RECOGNITION Reverend Cleveland Williams, Pastor of the Ebenezer A.M.E. Church, invited everyone to attend the Armed Forces Gospel Concert on May 18, 4:00 P.M., at the Bremerton High School Performing Arts Center. Admission is $7.00 per adult and $5.00 for children under 12 Tickets are available at the Joy & Peace Book Centers, Kitsap Mall Center Office, Ebenezer A.M.E. Church and Mayor Horton's Office. The public is also invited to attend two Choir rehearsals at Our Savior Lutheran church on May 3, 4:00 P.M., and May 13, 7:30 P.M.. Charlene Burnett, Parks and Recreation Department, announced the 11th Annual children's Art Fair will be held May 10 at Olympic College. This event is FREE. As a member of the Westsound Art Guild, she was pleased to report a very successful ART WALK held April 26, which also included a Popcorn Pops Concert by the Bremerton Symphony at the Admiral Theater. Don Larson, President Kitsap Diving Association and Washington Scuba Alliance, gave a detailed rundown of the clean up activities coordinated by the Washington Scuba Alliance and Sinclair Inlet Citizen's Action Committee that took place on April 19. Many local businesses donated food, beverages, garbage collection containers and transportation in support of this event. He was pleased to report Governor Locke signed the Underwater Parks budget. Alex Roos, Bremerton resident, stated he was out-of-town during the hearings on fluoridation; however, he wanted Council to know that he supports their decision to fluoridate Bremerton's water. He also conveyed a message of support from Chuck Laubach, who was also out-of-town during the hearings. He encouraged the public to take part in the Bremerton Lions' Club annual Pancake Breakfast on May 17. Bill Enger, member of Kitsap Cares Partnership and Puget Sound Energy, stated Kitsap Cares Partnership greatly appreciates the action Council took to implement fluoridation at the April 23 City Council meeting. He noted with the recent merging of Puget Sound Power and Light and Washington Natural Gas a substantial reorganization took place among management employees with the loss of 115 employees. He will be bidding farewell to Bremerton as he takes up his new assignment in Bellevue on May 5. He thanked the Council for their support of him and his company and the local activities he participated in over the past 15 years. He and his wife look forward to retiring, 2-3 years away, in Bremerton. TAPE #1461 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes April 30, 1997 Page 4 of 10 President Farr stated his civil leadership will be missed and looked forward to his return. H. Emily Moshay, Bremerton resident, stated due to a family emergency last week, she was not able to attend the public hearing on fluoridation, but she appreciates Council's courage to vote in fluoridation. As a Board member of the YWCA, she thanked those who attended the YWCA Women of Achievement Luncheon on April 29, at the Kitsap Golf and County Club. She also congratulated the 15 women honored at that event. She announced the Swing City Committee is sponsoring a Street Dance on May 17, immediately following the Armed Forces Day Parade at the corner of Pacific and Second Avenue. 7A - APPOINTMENT OF JULIE EVALT ADAMS TO THE BREMERTON HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD, #AB97-086 There is a vacancy on the Housing Authority Board due to the resignation of John Steffens. It is recommended the vacancy be filled by Julie Evalt Adams. Mayor Horton noted Ms. Adams served on the Board of Realtors as an affiliate, worked with Habitat For Humanity and is employed as a Mortgage Loan Officer. Because of her extensive background in housing, predominately in new construction, she will bring an expertise to the Housing Authority Board. The City has been trying to establish greater ties with the Housing Authority Board to undertake housing projects in the City of Bremerton that would further low income housing. She urged Council's confirmation of Ms. Adam's appointment as presented. Public comment - none. Mr. Neville noted Ms. Adams had identified 11 of 15 City committees that she was interested in and willing to serve on, which reflects her eagerness to serve. Mr. Winters expressed his appreciation to have Ms. Adams in the audience during this discussion. #0959 M/S/C/U(Colvin/Montgomery) to confirm the appointment of Julie Evalt Adams to the Bremerton Housing Authority Board. Julie Adams stated she was happy to be back in Bremerton after being away for a number of years. She was born and raised in Bremerton and now that she has returned she is looking forward to seeing new development happen along the downtown waterfront. She emphasized this is still a place where people can afford a good home. 7B - REAPPOINTMENTOF LARRY STONE AND BARBARA BOYD TO THE BREMERTON TAPE #1461 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes April 30, 1997 Page 5 of 10 PLANNING COMMISSION, #AB97-087 Planning Commissioners are nominated by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council (BMC 2.12.010). Their terms are normally four years with a reduction in members from nine to seven in 1996, and with a need to maintain staggered term expiration; several member's terms were shortened. Mr. Stone and Ms. Boyd are two members whose recent terms were shortened to maintain the stagger and whose terms are currently expiring. The Mayor nominates Mr. Stone and Ms. Boyd for new four-year terms. Mayor Horton stated Larry Stone and Barbara Boyd have filled Planning Commission roles in an exemplary fashion and continue to be involved in many facets of the community. She believes because of that involvement they help to bring a well rounded perspective to the Planning commission. She urged Council to confirm the reappointments as presented. Public comment - none Mr. McConnell and Mrs. Huff-Menees commented on the dedication and excellent qualifications that Larry Stone and Barbara Boyd have exhibited in their service to the City. #1210 M/S/C/U(Huff-Menees/Neville) to confirmthe reappointments of Larry Stone and Barbara Boyd to new four year terms. 7C - GOVERNMENTAL 8ERVICES AGREEMENT WITH WESTSOUND COMMUNITY ACCESS TELEVISION, #AB97-088 The attached agreement covers payment for services previously received for the period January 1, 1997 to March 31, 1997. Kathleen McCluskey, Director of Administrative Services, noted the contract covers one quarter period of time ($7,500) for services that have already been rendered. Those services included: regular productions of Inside Bremerton, City Council meetings and Critter Connection, public service announcements, community outreach, town forums and single episode special programming requested. She anticipates more services being provided during the summer months. As discussed with Council, the contract covers one quarter with no commitment for further funding, but at the conclusion of the next quarter staff will bring back an evaluation for Council's review. Alex Roos, Bremerton resident, raised a concern that access channel 12 was only available to cable customers and not available to those not on cable. Because of the nature of cable access programming, he felt the cable access channel should be available to everyone regardless of their financial ability or choice to subscribe to cable. Ms. McCluskey explained the only way to broadcast public access is through cable services. She noted those who receive TAPE #1461 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes April 30, 1997 Page 6 of 10 cable will pay for public access through a pass through tax and those not subscribing to cable services will not pay. The City has tentatively negotiated a senior citizen low-income discount, which is an effort to provide cable to those who find it financially prohibitive. #1325 M/S/C/U(Neville/Huff-Menees) to approve the agreement with Westsound Community Access Television for payment of services ($7,500). 7D - CALLOW AVENUE BASIN CSO, PRIORITY 2 CONSTRUCTION ACCEPTANCE OF CENTENNIAL CLEAN WATER FUND LOAN (NO. L9700047)I ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 2593, #AB97-089 The City applied for and received a Centennial Clean Water Fund (CCWF) loan in the amount up to $828,000 for construction of the Callow Avenue Basin CSO Reduction Project, Priority 2 improvements. The loan is to be paid back over 5 years with no interest. The attached Resolution accepts the loan and authorizes the Mayor to sign all documents relative to the loan. Gene Sampley, Director of Public Works and Utilities, acknowledged the effort of City Engineer Randy Witt and Senior Engineer Tim Richard in securing the variety of loans the City has received over the past several years for a number of capital improvement projects. The commitment made for alternative funding for the many demands put on the City is a testimony to staff's commitment to resolve many issues that must be addressed. He also thanked the City Council and Mayor Horton for their support in working through the somewhat cumbersome procedures in applying for and accepting the loans, which are beneficial to the City. This particular loan is a low interest loan that will be repaid over five years. He acknowledged the Department of Ecology for their contribution to the resolution of many of the issues that the City faced. He noted the procedure for securing these funds was competitive with other cities throughout the State. Public comment - none. Mr. Overson noted when this issue was discussed in the Operations committee it was pointed out that the proforma developed by the City Treasurer demonstrated that the citizens of Bremerton will see approximately .5 million dollar savings. #1463 M/S/C/U(Huff-Menees) to adopt Resolution No. 2593, authorizing the Mayor to sign all applications, agreements and amendments, and other documents relating to Centennial Clean Water Fund Loan documents for the Callow Avenue Basin CSO Priority 2 Project (CCWF Loan No. L9700047). TAPE #1461 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes April 30, 1997 Page 7 of 10 8A - ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) AMENDING CHAPTER 2.46 OF THE BREMERTON MUNICIPAL CODE, EMPLOYEES' SUGGESTION AWARD PROGRAM, #AB97-090 An Employee Recognition Task Force has been formed to look into ways that the City can recognize the many contributions made by employees in serving the citizens. These recommended proposed changes to the Employee Suggestion Award Program are part of that review. The changes open the suggestion program to all employees, provide for awarding exemplary service, streamline and simplify the process, and incorporate needed revisions in terminology. Jim Meith, Human Resources Manager, stated the Employees' Suggestion Award program was put into effect in 1986, and since that time there have been less than 12 actual awards. The Task Force was intent on revitalizing the program and as part of that process looked at what other cities were doing and conducted a survey of City of Bremerton employees. Results of that research are somewhat reflected in the proposed changes. A section has been added in the proposed ordinance that would allow the Mayor and City Council to provide for some type of recognition in the form of either pay or paid time off for an employee that performs above and beyond the call of duty in some emergency situations or carrying out some function of a city approved program. Public comment - none. Mr. Colvin questioned if he understood correctly that elected officials would not eligible under this program? Mr. Meith stated yes, but it would be open to all City employees. Mr. Colvin asked if those at a supervisor level were eligible to submit a suggestion? Mr. Meith explained the program proposes to be open to managers, supervisors and general employees. The Task Force felt strongly that restrictions in the existing ordinance are counter productive and one of those restrictions was eliminating any suggestion awards that might be submitted by management and professional staff. Mr. Colvin stated based on his experience at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and their Beneficial suggestion Program, he did not support the inclusion of managers or supervisors due to their having an unfair advantage over the employees. Mr. Meith explained the make up of the board evaluating the suggestion and making the recommendation would be predominately non-supervisory and non-managers. In their research of other cities, the common practice is to open it up to all employees within an organization. Mrs. Huff-Menees stated she was happy to see proposed changes and views them as substantial improvements over the current ordinance in terms of being able to acknowledge employees in public service and government. There are very few avenues to reward employees for outstanding service. Unlike Mr. Colvin, she was not bothered by TAPE #1461 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes April 30, 1997 Page 8 of 10 the fact supervisors are included. There have been examples this past year of managers/supervisors performing above and beyond their normal duties, especially in emergency situations. She sees this program as being a way to encourage all employees to strive for improvement and an excellent way to acknowledge achievement when it does occur. Mr. Winters questioned if the make up of the 7 member board would include only two employee segment rather than upper management? Mr. Meith stated no, the 7 member board would include 2-3 supervisors or managers with the other five positions comprised of (1) Commissioned Police Officer, (1) Commissioned Firefighter and (2) general employees. Mr. Overson referenced the deletion of language under Section .060(b)..."Employees shall not be eligible for an award for suggestions pertaining to subjects assigned for research or development or to problems assigned for solution or which such employee would normally be expected to offer in line of duty", and questioned the appropriateness of deleting that language? Mr. Meith stated the feeling of the Task Force was this board would decide where and the performance of the duty. In the past, that section created problems due to its being somewhat difficult to interpret. All Class specifications in the City state "perform related duties as required", and if a broad interpretation is used it could be a discentive. The board will still have the discretion to say if something falls within normal duties and not exceptional. Mr. Oversen asked Mr. Meith to highlight the board's duties as stated in the Ordinance. Mr. Meith stated the board basically has the responsiblity of setting up the administration of the program and that is evaluating the submittal as to whether or not there is a cost savings. That cost savings may not be determined until implementation, in which case an award would be held until the cost savings was evident. If the ordinance is approved, a new board would be formed and operating procedures would be developed that make it clear that what is being looked at is something above and beyond the call of duty. He pointed out the ordinance does not include the operating procedures of the board. Mr. Overson questioned who would approve the board's procedures? Mr. Meith stated the board procedures would be approved by the Mayor and Council would have the authority, through the Audit Committee, to audit the program. Mr. McConnell referenced language crossed out under Section .060(c)..."The suggestion must propose a change which was not under active consideration by the City agency affected at the time the suggestion was made.", and questioned why it was deleted? Mr. Meith stated part of the normal investigation currently conducted TAPE #1461 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes April 30, 1997 Page 9 of 10 by the board is to ask those type of questions of the Department. The employees identified an issue of concern that it would be possible for a Department's response to any suggestion, if so inclined, that they are already thinking about such a proposal. What the board proposes would be to ask for verification that something was under active consideration. Mr. McConnell stated it would be reasonable for a supervisor to respond that they had been thinking about a proposal, but not made a formal submittal. Mr. Meith re-emphasized the board would ask for verification, i.e. memos, discussions, etc. Mr. McConnell expressed concern that there were no safeguards in the ordinance that would protect the employee's suggestion not being claimed by the supervisor/manager as their own. Mr. Meith stated he believed that concern was addressed by the addition of allowing employees to submit suggestions to any board member. #2129 M/S/C(Montgomery/Huff-Menees) to approve on ordinance on first reading, amending BMC 2.46, Employee Suggestion Award Program. Vote on motion: In Favor: Montgomery, Huff-Menees, Neville, Farr, Overson, McConnell Opposed: Winters, Colvin Motion carried. 9A - PUBLIC HEARING ON 75% PETITION TO ANNEX OYSTER BAY ANNEXATION AREA; AND ORDINANCE (FIRST READING), #AB97-091 A legally sufficient petition for annexation has been filed for the Oyster Bay Annexation Area as described in the Letter of Intent approved by the City Council 12/11/96, and the petition. A public hearing on the petition pursuant to RCW 35.13,140 is held to take comment on this proposed annexation. The proposed ordinance also adopts amendments to the West Hills Plan originally adopted in 1990 for this area. The Comp Plan designation of Commercial (C) were corrected to General and Highway Commercial (CG) to reflect current nomenclature. The proposed amendments change the zoning south of Zircon Lane and west of Bayview Avenue, adjacent to the treatment plant from SF-3 to multi- family (MF) with a Medium Density Residential (MDR) comp plan designation. The Comp Plan designation south of the wastewater treatment is amended from Industrial General (IG) to Utility (U). Community Development will initiate a zoning review for the SF-3 area north of the treatment plant after annexation to provide for land uses consistent with the current Bremerton Comprehensive Plan designation and the industrial nature of the neighboring treatment plant. Terrie O'Neill, Municipal Services Coordinator, stated the original petition is on file in the City Clerk's Office in the original form TAPE #1461 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes April 30, 1997 Page 10 of 10 and is available for view by Council or the public. President Farr asked the "Appearance of Fairness/Conflict Of Interest" question with all members being seated. Public comment - none. Mr. Montgomery stated he would be the Council member representing this new area. Mr. McConnell questioned the Highway Commercial (HC) and Single Family Residential designations, and the area abutting the sewer treatment plant. Ms. O'Neill stated the area is staying in the zone it is currently listed, Single Family Residential, since there are homes in the area, but the Comprehensive Plan lists it as Commercial. At a later date, the area will be revisited, with new zoning established. Regarding the area abutting the sewer treatment plant, there are lots that already have an Odor Easement Agreement, so the City can not be sued for any odor from the sewer treatment plant. Mr. Overson complimented Ms. O'Neill for her work on this and other annexations. #2355 M/S/C/U(Montgomery/Colvin) to approve ordinance on first reading, approving the 75% Petition for annexation of an area known as the Oyster Bay Area Annexation Area; and amending the City's Comprehensive Plan and zoning for the Area. President Farr thanked the TV camera crew for their services: Rob Rupe, Jamie Campbell and James Noble Jr. With no further business meeting adjourned at 6:45 P.M. City of Bremerton KLM/DDF/me cc: Normal Distribution File/Vault