HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/10/99
TAPE #1596
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 10, 1999
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,
February 10, 1999, at 5:30 P.M., with Council Vice-President Carol Arends presiding.
Council members present were Jim Reed, Carlos Montgomery, David Farr, Lon
Overson, John Law, Cecil McConnell, and Wayne Olsen. Council President Mike
Shepherd was absent. Also present were City Attorney Glenna Malanca, Deputy City
Clerk Paula Johnston, and Legislative Assistant Lori Smith.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Vice-President
Arends and invocation given by Reverend Cleveland Williams of the Ebenezer African
Methodist Episcopal Church.
Vice-President Arends made the following announcements:
(1) The Council held a 30-minute Executive Session prior to the Council meeting
from 4:45 to 5:15 P.M. to discuss "Potential Litigation"; immediately followed by a
10-minute Executive Session from 5:15 to 5:25 P.M. to discuss "Litigation".
(2) A 20-minute Executive Session that was scheduled to take place immediately
following the Council meeting was cancelled.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes of Meeting - January 27, 1999 #AB99-024
B. Reimbursement of Indigent Appellate Costs #AB99-025
#0038 M/S/C/U (McConnell/Montgomery) 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
#0058 M/S/C/U (Montgomery/McConnell) On February 10, 1999, the Council does
approve for payment those vouchers included and further described as follows: 227796
through 227987 in the amount of $362,115.04.
TAPE #1596
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
February 10, 1999
Page 2 of 4
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Mr. Olsen announced that the District 1 & 2 meeting scheduled for Thursday, February
18, 1999 has been cancelled. The meeting will be rescheduled, at a later date.
Mr. McConnell reported that City employee, Judy Johnson, with the Department of
Community Development, was scheduled for surgery on Friday, and will be out for 5 to
6 weeks. He wished her a speedy recovery.
Mr. Law announced the next District 3 meeting on Tuesday, February 16, 1999 at the
Senior Center, 7:00 - 9:00 P.M. Judge James Docter will discuss "Crime &
Punishment", and individuals from the U.S. Census Bureau will give a short
presentation and then be available to answer questions for anyone interested in
working with the Bureau during next year's Census period. He encouraged citizens to
cross the bridge and visit the lower Manette business district.
Mr. Overson announced there were businesses, as well as construction activity going
on downtown, and suggested to "keep watching...downtown is coming back".
Mr. Farr reminded the public that Districts 6, 7, & 8 would hold a neighborhood meeting
tomorrow night from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M., Thursday, February 11, 1999 at the Bremerton
School Administration Building on Marion Avenue. Acting Chief Rob Forbes will be the
guest speaker, as well as a general "Questions & Answer" session.
Mr. Montgomery attended the West Sound Technical Skills Center (formerly the Kitsap
Peninsula Vocational Skills Center) 20th anniversary celebration earlier today. The
program included a Dedication, followed by an Open House from 5:00 - 7:00 P.M. He
presented statistics to show that since the City has taken over the Wastewater
Treatment Plant, the City has been able to correct a multitude of errors, far exceeding
expectations, and Stormwater Crews are currently working on ways to reduce the
amount of stormwater coming off of streets and properties. He complimented the
Public Works Department for all their efforts. He also discussed the District 6-7-8
meeting to be held tomorrow night, and stated that a short discussion would be held on
the vacating of various streets that are on maps only, or streets that are existing, but no
one can use because they are too steep.
Vice-President Arends reiterated information about the District 6-7-8 meeting to be
held tomorrow night at 7:00 at the Bremerton School District Building on Marion
Avenue. She also reported on an interesting meeting she attended earlier today at the
Bremerton/Kitsap County Health Department. She thanked them for all the information
provided, including an overview of their background, operations, plans, and policies.
In the absence of the Mayor, Vice-President Arends read the following Proclamation:
The week of February 15 through 21, 1999 as "Chamber of Commerce Week".
TAPE #1596
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
February 10, 1999
Page 3 of 4
LEGISLATIVE REPORT
· A letter of response from Phil Berry, Director of Community Development, was read
that answered concerns raised by Frank Burton & Conrad Esser regarding lack of
safety measures for a hillside adjoining their property, and the potential for
mudslides after Joe Mentor, owner of the Panda Inn, constructed a deck. It is the
view of the Department that all efforts have been made to work out a fair agreement
with all parties concerned. Mr. Mentor has voluntarily agreed to clean any remaining
dirt and gravel from the driveways, as well as adding plantings to the slope of his
property as soon as weather improves.
· Rich Hanna, the City Treasurer, provided a letter to John Becker in response to his
suggestions that the City investigate the idea of refinancing the City's debt, in
particular, the sewer debt. It was explained that the City currently has two
outstanding utility bond issues, the first issued in 1992, and the second issued in
1994. Both were issued without the right of early redemption. It was decided at the
time of issue that the additional interest cost was too high a price to pay for a call
option that was likely to expire unused.
· Information regarding the fiuoridation ordinance was provided by letter to Paul
Drnjevic by Paula Johnston, Deputy City Clerk. She informed him the Fluoride
Ordinance number would be 4647, with an effective date of February 22, 1999, ten
days after Certification of the Special Election Ballot on February 2, 1999.
· Questions raised by Virgil Elkinton have been referred to the Director of Public
Works, and we are awaiting their response.
PUBLIC RECOGNITION
Gordy Byrd asked questions about the $300,000+ spent for fluoridation equipment,
and reported the opening of "Chosen One Music Experience" downtown.
Del Knauss provided a list of questions regarding Sinclair Landing, Kitsap Regional
Planning Council, and "Inside Bremerton". This letter is on file in the Council office. He
was still concerned about money being spent, even though Kitsap Transit was paying
and not the City, to send two members of the City Council to Washington, D.C. Vice-
President Arends stated that as a member of the Kitsap Transit Board, she was asked
by the Board to attend some of the workshops that pertain to items currently affecting
the Board, and they are paying her expenses. She suggested that questions or
concerns about their policies could be addressed to the Kitsap Transit Board Director.
Virgil Elkinton and Roy Mclnnis raised concerns about the Sinclair Landing Project.
They both support the project, and asked to be kept informed on the progress.
Paul Drnjevic again asked whether fiuoridation equipment was installed and tested.
TAPE #1596
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
February 10, 1999
Page 4 of 4
John Becker asked the City Council to pass a Resolution, and send it to Olympia,
discussing the recurring breakdowns of the ferry system, and how it affects the City.
Elizabeth Buell brought a message from Lena Swanson, who was asking the City for
their support in solving the problems with the ferry system. She also asked questions
about the fiuoridation equipment, and whether the City will get any money back.
Mr. Montgomery as a member of the Ferry Advisory Committee, responded to the
concerns over ferry service. He stated that these very issues have been brought to
Olympia, along with a Resolution, requesting an additional ferry to be assigned in
Bremerton. The Committee understands the frustrations, and they are working on it.
Susan Brown commented that the issue is more complicated than just whether ferries
were arriving on-time and are well maintained. She was concerned about the damage
to the shoreline, and whether those issues were being addressed.
H. Emily Moshay announced the "Lets Pull Together, 8th Annual Community Unity
Banquet" to be held Friday evening, February 26, 1999, 6:00 P.M., at the Olympic
Lodge, Naval Station Bremerton. Special guest speaker will be Morrie Miller from
Olympic College. Tickets are $25.00 per person, which includes a full dinner buffet.
Anyone interested in attending can call 405-1450, 377-9623, or 478-0364 for tickets.
Chris Bell stated he was disappointed the fluoride issue did not pass, and expressed
his support for the Sinclair Landing Project.
With no further business meeting adjourned at 6:15 P.M.
CAROL ARENDS, Council Vice-President
City of Bremerton
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