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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/19/99 TAPES 1617 & 1618 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MAY 19, 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, May 19, 1999, at 5:30 P.M., with Council President Mike Shepherd presiding. Council members present were Carlos Montgomery, David Farr, Lon Overson, John Law, Cecil McConnell, and Wayne Olsen. Council members Carol Arends and Jim Reed were absent. Also present were City Attorney Glenna Malanca, Deputy City Clerk Paula Johnston, and Council Assistant Christine Grenier. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council President Shepherd and invocation given by Chaplain Bob Miles of Belmont Terrace. President Shepherd made the following announcements: (1) City Council held a Study Session prior to the meeting to discuss general Council business, in the City Council Conference room; and (2) Item 10(D) has been pulled from the Agenda tonight. CONSFNT AGENDA - There were no Consent Agenda items this evening. 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. #0054 M/S/C/U (Montgomery/McConnell) On May 19, 1999, the Council does approve for payment those vouchers included and further described as follows: EFT 5415; 230822; and 230832 through 230987 in the amount of $314,067.81; and Regular Payroll in the amount of $790,742.25 for the pay period ending May 15, 1999. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS Mr. Montgomery was happy to be back after being out of town for a few weeks. He reported on a walk-through at Anderson Cove with staff from the City's Wastewater Department to see progress being made to reduce overflows. He congratulated the staff for all their fine work. Mr. Farr thanked members of the Central Lions Club for the great Armed Forces pancake breakfast they sewed over the weekend. Mr. Overson attended the City's Open House event held last Thursday. He stated it was very educational, as well as entertaining. He encouraged citizens to attend next year. Mr. Law appreciated the good turn-out for his District #3 monthly meeting held last night, and thanked the shift-Sergeant from the Police Department for his attendance. He acknowledged Dave Boynton and his Americorps Team for their quick and outstanding response in the removal of graffiti. Mr. Olsen thanked Main Street Association and all other volunteers for their hard work and assistance in putting together the Armed Forces Celebration. He also reported on an outstanding musical performance from Fourth & Fifth Graders from Crown Hill Elementary. President Shepherd announced a District #5 meeting would be held Thursday, 7:00 P.M. to discuss Block Watch, and an update on the construction project at Evergreen Park, including the upcoming Grand re-Opening. He also enjoyed the Armed Forces activities. TAPES #1617 & 1618 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes May 19, 1999 Page 2 of 8 MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Horton expressed her thanks to everyone who spent many months to prepare for the Armed Forces Day activities, which were a great success. She encouraged citizens to welcome home the USS MT. HOOD tomorrow morning around 10:00 A.M. Mayor Horton read the following Proclamation: May 22 - 28, 1999 as "National Safe Boating Week", which was received by Commander Charles Craig from the Bremerton Power Squadron, who encouraged boating safety. LEGISLATIVE REPORT - There was no report this evening. PUBLIC RECOGNITION Larry Dickerson would support an Ordinance to assist the City in controlling stray cats, and would also support a leash law for cats. He also asked if the City has made a determination on low-income criteria to qualify for reduced cable rates with TCI. Paula Johnston affirmed that TCI and the City were currently working on the standards, which will be in place June 1 Ward J. Yohe encouraged City Officials as well as the public to attend the "lmage Downtown Bremerton II" workshop to be held in the Washington Mutual Building at 5th & Pacific. Del Knauss asked for clarification over which items are truly being recycled by Brem-Air. Regarding downtown development, he suggested the Mayor and Council visit the downtown waterfront areas of Poulsbo, Kingston, and Port Orchard, where they were successful in improving their downtown areas with "simple" changes, rather than "pie-in-the-sky" ideas. Don Larson reported on a recent visit to San Diego where he took a harbor tour cruise out to a lighthouse with a restaurant that overlooked the downtown area. He suggested something similar for Bremerton. He again urged Bremerton to develop an underwater park. Don Atkinson reported on the 'Y2K Expo" planned this weekend at Kitsap Mall; and that Rev. Richard Stone of Bremerton Unity Church would be discussing the metaphysical meaning of 'Star Wars"at Arm Chair Books in Port Orchard at 6:00 P.M. Tom McDonald. owner of Quality Used Tires, expressed his exasperation with the City over the Permit process he has been through regarding his tire business. The following citizens also spoke in support of Mr. McDonald and Quality Used Tires: Charles Zeitler (who also offered his observation that the City appears to be driving more business out of Bremerton, rather than bringing it in); Bob Jaenicke; Ed Pietras; Archie Taft; Darla Merker; Eugene Childress; Roger Gingrich; George Thomas; Dave Butcher; Elizabeth Buell; David Vannest (who also confirmed handicap accessibility); John L. Blake (who stated he was researching the area for a business he plans to open, but is now apprehensive after seeing what Mr. McDonald has had to endure, and did not feel the City could expect people to pay a lot of money for beautification of the old buildings around town all at once); John Davis (who stated he did not understand why the City would place "strict" requirements on Quality Used Tires, yet allow the business next door to store piles of "junk" and several old vehicles); John Vail (who took issue with several requirements of the letter dated 5/14/99, and believed there needed to be a real evaluation of the applied codes and standards); and Paul Brooks (who felt the main concern had to do with the TAPES #1617 & 1618 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes May 19, 1999 Page 3 of 8 City's Building Inspectors, and their unwillingness to work with small businesses). In addition, Walter Wheeler referred to a letter dated 5/14/99 from the City's Building Department to Mr. McDonald, and asked for a written response from the City Attorney to the following issues: 1 ) Why is the condition that "there will be no storage of tires visible on this site" not applied to other tire businesses in the City; 2) Why is the Fire Code, cited in the same letter that prohibits "storage of tires within 10-feet of the property", not enforced elsewhere; and 3) If the carport structure is not acceptable, then what type of structure would be allowed? He then provided numerous pictures taken of other tire businesses in the City to support his claims of inconsistent enforcement. Ruth Natividad used this opportunity to also express her frustration with the City's permit and inspection process. Mr. Farr wanted to dispel the rumor that "the whole City is against" Mr. Tom McDonald, which is not the truth. Mr. McDonald had contacted him late last week, and although he may not have acted as quickly as some thought he should, he had prepared a letter asking for a meeting between Mr. McDonald and the Mayor to reach some understanding and conclusion. He encouraged Mr. McDonald not to move out of the City, but to work this out. Mr. Montgomery wanted clarification on his belief that when discrepancies were found during inspections, the Building Officials were to cite the B.M.C. or code, which addressed the particular violation. President Shepherd requested the Building Department to provide a report on this issue at the next City Council meeting. Wayne Olsen stepped out approximately 5:50 P.M. and returned to the meeting at 6:30 P.M. Susan Brown announced the Parent Educators Network would host part-I of a seminar on June 4 at the Silverdale Community Center and part II on June 11at the Givens Center. Citizens can call the Project Family office at 373-0985 for more information. Citizen residing on 2146 7th Street reported that after returning recently from a deployment with the USS CARL VINCENT, he discovered some trees leaning into his garage, and was dismayed at the length of time it took the City to respond. Jacob Lincoln thanked the City Council for the improvements done to Burwell Street. However, he noticed that cars travel faster now because there are two lanes, and suggested on-call crosswalks for PSNS workers at the Naval Gate and State Street Gate. 9A - PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES TO UPDATE THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT SCADA PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEM- PHASE II #AB99-079 On December 2, 1998, the City Council approved the Professional Services Agreement with Casne Engineering for the upgrade of the software and control logic for the Wastewater Treatment Plant SCADA, Phase I. Casne Engineering has completed the required portion of Phase I, prior to going out to bid, at a cost of $20,901. This request covers Phase II of the required equipment control upgrades to Buildings 500/700. The consultant's quotation is for $69,072 to complete the tasks contained in the Scope of Work, and not to exceed $80,000, should the City of Bremerton request, in writing, additional services. Pat Coxon, Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager, clarified that SCADA stands for "Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition" TAPES #1617 & 1618 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes May 19, 1999 Page 4 of 8 There were no comments from the public. Mr. Overson questioned if this work was required due to the Y2K issue. Mr, Coxon stated that if this upgrade were not done, the SCADA system would not work come January 1, 2000. Mr. Farr asked for an explanation of the relationship between the initial Award of Contract in Phase I, and the award of this contract for Phase II. Mr. Coxon stated Phase I. was the more critical portion of the project, and Phase II takes in the rest of the two buildings, which is the primary portion of the plan. They did not solicit bids after concluding Casne Engineering was the best firm for the job. Bids will be solicited from other firms for the hardware installation portion of the project. Mr. Farr still questioned the appropriateness of a smaller contract (without bids) leading to the award of a larger contract. John Poppe, Wastewater Manager, stated that this project could have been completed in one phase, but due to budgetary issues, the project was divided into two phases. This allowed the City to "test" this firm, by giving them this small portion of the project, to see what type of work they did, and to see if budget requirements could be met. Upon their completion of Phase l, the City was satisfied to pursue them to complete Phase II. #2090 M/SIC (Montgomery/Overson) Motion for Council to approve the Professional Services Agreement with Casne Engineering to upgrade the 500/700 Area Control System (Electrical) for the SCADA System at a cost not to exceed $80,000, and authorize the Mayor to sign the contract, subject to City Administrative Policies and Procedures. Vote on motion: In Favor: McConnell, Law, Overson, Montgomery, Olsen, Shepherd Opposed: Farr Motion carried. 9B - INFORMATION SERVICES AND PURCHASING ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE, #AB99-080 The Information Services Department continues to experience increased demand for services and training to keep up with new technology. We have been successful in the past five years in substantially improving our computer resources throughout the City. However, due to budget constraints we have been unable to increase staffing to service those resources. In 1985 the I/S Division had a staff of six, in 1999 they had a staff of 4. A recent Assessment of Staffing Requirements for the I/S Division conducted by the Bremerton Electronic Commerce Resource Center recommended the hiring of an additional PC Technician. In order to meet this recommendation without increasing the overall staffing of the Administrative Services Department, the following budget amendment is requested: Information Services Manager assumes the vacant Purchasing Supervisor position providing purchasing services and I/S Management. The hands on computer work currently performed by the Information Services Manager would cease. Kathy McCluskey, Administrative Services Director, provided the staff report. She reported that this opportunity presented itself with the retirement of the current Purchasing Manager. The end result of hiring a PC Technician is that PC functions would be performed by individuals with those specific skills and at the appropriate level of pay. This will free the Network Administrator, Computer Analyst, and I/S Manager from PC work to perform the functions for which they were hired. There were no comments from the public. TAPES #1617 & 1618 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes May 19, 1999 Page 5 of 8 Mr. McOonnell questioned what would happen if the current I/S Manager leaves for another job or retires, will it be possible to hire another person capable of being both the Purchasing Manager and I/S Manager? Ms McCluskey responded that she believes it would be possible since these two positions are combined in a number of other cities, however, she felt it was important to review the situation when that time arrives, and it is best to remain flexible. #2715 M/S/C/U (Montgomery/Farr) Motion for Council to approve the budget adjustment moving the purchasing function to Information Services and adding one PC Technician. 10A - ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) AMENDING SECTION 6.02 SOLID WASTE ADVISORY COMMI'FI'EE, #AB99-081 The Ordinance reduces committee membership from 11 to 7, and establishes meetings as necessary rather than monthly. Kathy McCluskey, Administrative Services Director, stated this would set up a Committee comprised of one Council member; the Public Works Director or designee, Administrative Services Director or designee, City Attorney or designee, and three Bremerton citizens. She described the duties and responsibilities of the committee, and asked any interested citizens to contact the Mayor or City Clerk's office to receive an application. There were no comments from the public. Mr. Farr asked who would be designated the Chair for this Committee? Ms. McCluskey stated the committee would be less formal and advisory in nature. They would not meet monthly, but "as needed". A Chair was not designated, as the rules of Parliamentary Procedures would preside over and guide the meeting. Mr. McConnell suggested the Council member be designated as the Chair so that reports could be made to the Council. Ms. McCluskey stated that change could be made at second reading. President Shepherd established that the second sentence of sub-paragraph (c) of the Ordinance would now read "The City Council President shall appoint the Council Member who shall serve as Chair". #3030 M/S/C/U (Montgomery/FarO Motion to approve the Ordinance with amending language on first reading. 10B - ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) REGARDING CHANGES TO THE COMMUTE TRIP REDUCTION LAW AND AMENDING BMC CHAPTER 10.40, #AB99-082 The State Legislature has amended several sections of the Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) law after a review of its impacts in recent years on both the environment and major employers throughout the state. These amendments affect the goals, reporting, good faith efforts, exemptions, and enforcement in the CTR program. These amendments must now be incorporated into the City CTR ordinance, by modification of BMC 10.40. Jeff Shea, Senior Engineer, pointed out a few significant changes, such as the goals for reducing the Vehicle Miles Traveled as established by State CTR Law and CTR Task Force Guidelines for affected employees went from 20% in 1997 to 25% in 1999. The program has been extended, and the established reduction goal is 35% for the year 2005. He stated that employers are required to make a good faith effort to implement a CTR Program, but that failure to achieve the Single Occupant Vehicle rate or Vehicle Miles Traveled goals will not be a violation. TAPES #1617 & 1618 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes May 19, 1999 Page 6 of 8 There were no comments from the public. TAPE #1618 #0045 M/SIC (Farr/McConnell) Motion to approve Ordinance on first reading, which changes the Commute Trip Reduction Law and amends B.M.C. chapter 10.40. Vote on Motion: In Favor: Farr, Olsen, McConnell, Law, Overson, Shepherd Abstain: Montgomery Motion carried. 10C - ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) RELATING TO USE OF RIGHT-OF-WAY: AND ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) RELATING TO SETTING FEES FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY USE PERMITS. #AB99-083 City staff has prepared a new Right-of-Way Use Ordinance that combines, simplifies, and addresses conflicts in three existing chapters of the Bremerton Municipal Codes that currently regulate use of the right-of-way. The new Right-of-Way Use Ordinance repeals existing BMC Chapters 11.02, Standard Specifications for Public Works, 11.12, Breaking Pavement, and 11.24, Construction on Public Property;, and replaces them with a new Chapter 11.02, Right-of-Way Use, and provides a new name for Title 11, Streets and Rights-of-Way. A summary Ordinance for publication and an ordinance establishing fees and charges for the new Right-of-Way Use Permits have also been prepared. Attached is a summary of the major features of the Right-of-Way Use Ordinance. Staff recommends passage of the ordinances. Randy Witt, City Engineer, highlighted some of the major features of the ordinance, which combines the three sections of the Bremerton Municipal Code that address the use of the right-of-way, into one comprehensive chapter. Application requirements are now clearly defined, as well as fees and charges for each of the categories, which are specified in the second ordinance. David Butcher asked for further information on insurance requirements for the homeowner with regards to the sidewalk issue; and further clarification on the two-permit process. Ruth Natividad wanted to know the fee for the right-of-way permit. Mr. Witt stated that the only insurance requirement for the homeowner would be "homeowner insurance", and then work could be done in the right-of-way. He stated it is very common for the City to require multiple permits on different types of jobs, and it is the duty of the City to coordinate the permit process as smoothly as possible. Regarding the fees, he reiterated that a list setting forth the fee schedule is included on the second ordinance. He explained the fees were established by basing the amount upon the estimated hours for a permit to go through the process without any "hitches". Mr. Farr understands the need for the ordinance, but had concerns over the deposit requirements. Mr, Witt stated the deposit is required during the construction phase, when they actually break the pavement. The Performance Deposit amount is based on 150% of the value of the work based on the assumption that City crews will have to go in and complete the work after someone already started it, and was unable to finish it. The Warranty Deposit is to make sure the contractor is able to come back and finish any defects in their work. These deposits are held for two years, to allow time for any defects to show up. He assured Council that language can be included to return unused deposits back in a timely manner. Mr. Law supported the need for deposits based on unfinished work done on Perry Avenue. TAPES #1617 & 1618 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes May 19, 1999 Page 7 of 8 Mr, McConnell asked for clarification of language on the fee schedule for TYPE C Permits, and suggested it be more "user friendly". Mr. Witt stated he would most likely be back in one year to "fine-tune" the ordinance. President Shepherd had requested Mr. Witt compare the proposed fees with other jurisdictions, which showed a wide range of fees was being used. For the most part, the proposed fees for Bremerton were found to be in the "average" range. He also asked for comparison of fees charged for deposits. Mr. Witt stated that survey was not done, but in his experience, he found 150% is typical. #1161 M/SIC (Montgomery/McConnell) Motion to approve ordinance and its summary related to use of the right-of-way on first reading. Vote on Motion: In Favor: Montgomery, Olsen, Law, Overson, Shepherd Opposed: McConnell, Farr Motion carried. #1177 M/SIC (Montgomery/Law) Motion to approve ordinance related to setting fees and charges for Right-of-Way Use Permits on first reading. Vote on Motion: In Favor: Olsen, Law, Overson, Montgomery, Shepherd Opposed: McConnell, Farr Motion carried. 11A - RESOLUTION NO. 2703 SUPPORTING EFFORTS BY WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (WSDOT) TO PRESERVE AND MAINTAIN THE HOOD CANAL BRIDGE, #AB99-085 This proposed Resolution recognizes the significance of the Hood Canal Bridge as a link between the north Olympic Peninsula with the Puget Sound Region and all points east. Repair to the Bridge has been necessitated by storm damage. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is being requested to expedite the repairs, and to not impose tolls to recover costs of repairs. John Law gave a brief presentation, stating the significance of this Resolution is to remind the "decision makers" that Hood Canal Bridge is very important to all of us, and the repairs should be done as scheduled; and without tolls as promised by WSDOT. There were no comments from the public. #1315 M/S/C/U (Law/Montgomery) Motion to pass Resolution No. 2703, supporting efforts by WSDOT, and to preserve and maintain the Hood Canal Bridge. 12A - CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING. AND RESOLUTION NO. 2704 ON PLANNED UNIT 97- 0003, WEST HILLS PUD: APPLICANT: OLYMPIC RESOURCE MANAGEMENT. #AB99-086 Council must decide if the applicant's request for a one time one-year extension of the preliminary approval for PUD 97-0003, West Hills PUD. The applicant must show that progress is being made and that it is very likely that the Final Plan will be submitted within the extended time period. Jon Holan, Planning Manager, stated that Olympic Resource Management requested for this time extension for the subject site which is 270 acre piece of land that lies west of Third Street and wraps around the southern property boundary of the National Guard Armory property. The PUD was approved by City Council on May 14, 1997. He stated that staff believes the applicant has made a good-faith effort to complete the project, and progress is being made. TAPES #1617 & 1618 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes May 19, 1999 Page 8 of 8 President Shepherd verified this was a Quasi-Judicial matter, and then read the Appearance of Fairness Doctrine. All Council members remained seated. Mr. Farr stated that he is a Board Member of the Kitsap Economic Development Council; and has been involved in discussions with this particular project. Mr, Montgomery stated that he attended the first two meetings held regarding this project at the Department of Community Development, and listed to all the input. He also personally observed the progress of this project, but did not feel any of this would affect his decision. President Shepherd asked the Appearance of Fairness Doctrine for members of the public. There were no comments from the public. Mr, Overson clarified that progress is being made, but raised concerns with the remainder of the project. Mr. Holan stated that a Development Agreement could be considered. Mr. McConnell referred to the list of conditions, and asked if they were there at the beginning of the PUD. Mr. Holan clarified that these were the same conditions that the City Council approved in 1997, and would continue to be applicable to the PUD. John Rose, Project Manager with Olympic Property Group, gave a brief history of the project for the benefit of the newer City Council members, provided a current update, and included reports on future phases of the project. #1990 M/S/C/U (Montgomery/Farr) Motion to approve the request for the time extension. With no further business meeting adjourned at 8:08 P.M. City of Bremerton P J/MS/Is C: Normal Distribution File