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Home My WebLink About11/03/99 TAPE #4658 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES November 3, 1999 The weekly meeting of the City Council of the City of Bremerton was called to order in the City Council Chambers, 239 4th Street, Bremerton, Washington, Wednesday, November 3, 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, Acting Clerk Rich Hanna, and Legislative Assistant Lori Smith. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Vice-President Arends, followed by the invocation, given by Gwendolyn Johnson, from Emmanuel Apostolic Church. Council Vice-President Arends made the following announcements: (1) City Council held a Pre-Council Session in the Council Conference room, prior to the meeting, to discuss general Council business; (2) A Work Session would be held in the Council Chambers, immediately following the meeting tonight to discuss the "City Budget"; (3) The Study Sessions originally scheduled next Monday, November 8, 1999, at 5:30 P.M. to discuss "The City Budget", as well as the Study Session to discuss "Tourism in Bremerton and Kitsap County & An Economic & Development Update" have been cancelled. (4) City Council will hold the next City Council meeting on Tuesday, November 9, 1999 due to the Veteran's Day holiday; (5) City Council will hold a Study Session immediately following the City Council meeting next Tuesday, November 9, 1999, in the Council Conference room, to discuss "Recommendations of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee". CONSENT AGENDA A. Minutes of Meeting- October 13, 1999 #AB99-229 B. Minutes of Meeting- October 20, 1999 #AB99-230 #0060 M/S/C/U (McConnell/Olsen) Motion to approve Consent Agenda as presented. CLAIMS/CHECK REGISTERS Vouchers audited and certified by the auditing officer as required by RCW 42.24.080, and those expense reimbursement claims certified as required by RCW 42.24.090 have been recorded on a listing that had been made available to the Council. #0080 M/S/C/U (Montgomery/McConnell) On November 3, 1999, the Council does approve for payment those vouchers included and further described as follows: 235804, and 235821 through 236024 in the amount of $332,624.23. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS Carlos Montgomery thanked all those who voted for him, as well as those who worked on his re- election campaign. He appreciated all the support. TAPE #1658 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes November 3, 1999 Page 2 of 5 David Farr thanked all those who attended the last District 6-7-8, and asked all those who would like to be included on the mailing list to receive notices of upcoming District 6-7-8 meetings to call the Council office at 478-5280. In addition, he thanked all those who came out and voted. John Law announced the next District 3 meeting on Tuesday, November 16, 1999 at the Senior Center located at 13th & Nipsic, beginning at 7:00 P.M. would be a discussion on "View Corridors", with a representative from the legal department, as well as Jon Holan, the City's Planning Manager. Cecil McConnell also thanked all those who voted, particularly those who cast their vote for him! LEGISLATIVE REPORT A response from the City Attorney was provided to concerns raised by Del Knauss regarding an "Information Item on the Impacts of I-695" presented at the October 13, 1999 City Council meeting. PUBLIC RECOGNITION Patricia L. Foote Project Coordinator for Gateway Community Family Resource Center (formerly known as the Phoenix Project), provided information on the project, which included a childcare center for 136 children, with an emphasis on infants and extended hours. This is a joint effort by Kitsap Transit and a number of other collaborative partners. The facility will be located at the Park & Ride Lot at 6th & Montgomery. She is asking the City for a Joint Resolution of support. John Becker raised concerns over the "Purchase Offer for the KPS Building" discussed at the Council meeting last week. He asked 1) Why was the item not placed on the published Agenda, providing an opportunity for those who wished to comment; and 2) If this item was only brought as an "approval to negotiate", where does "negotiation" end, and "commitment" begin. Ruth Natividad was also concerned with the item being hastily added to the Agenda, and added her opposition. Gordy Byrd requested a copy of the letter sent to Del Knauss, and raised concerns of low attendance at various local informational meetings. He encouraged citizens to be more involved. AI Colvin congratulated all participants in the recent election. He extended sincere thanks to the Mayor, Council, and citizens for welcoming the Tuskegee Airmen who were special guests at the Constitution Day Luncheon on September 18, 1999, specifically thanked Carlos Montgomery for creating the "key to the City" which was presented to the Airmen. He announced a memory book commemorating the event would soon be available. AI Buss, representing the Disabled American Veterans, raised concerns about what he viewed as "excessive" regulating of the parking strip in front of the Disabled American Veterans Hall located at 2315 Burwell Street during bingo nights from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Mondays and Thursdays. 9A - ORDINANCE NO. 4671 (SECOND READING) AUTHORIZING CONDEMNATION OF PROPERTY FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY ON THE WERNER CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT, #AB99-223 (First Reading of this Ordinance was presented at the October 29, 1999 meeting). There were no questions or comments from the public. Mr. Reed supported the improvements, but reiterated his concerns that condemnation should not take place until every reasonable attempt to negotiate reasonable properties value are attempted. TAPE #1658 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes November 3, 1999 Page 3 of 5 Mr. Shea responded that appraisals were done with a certified Appraiser, and also a Reviewer. It was explained that the disparity in amounts had to do mainly with the size of the property. Another step in the process is available if a price can not be agreed on. Mr. Farr pointed out that no one has come forward to request that step tonight, and clarified with Mr. Shea that proper notifications were sent to affected property owners letting them know they had this opportunity. Mr. Montgomery added that condemnation is a very valuable tool to businesses for tax purposes, which each of the affected business needs to look into. He further pointed out that only one property in the entire corridor was not a business, and that federal transportation dollars as well as an EDA grant were involved, and there has already been one extension. #0791 M/S/C (Montgomery/Farr) Motion to pass Ordinance No. 4671 authorizing the purchase of properties through condemnation for the purpose of providing right-of-way for widening and developing Kean Blvd., and Werner Road between Auto Center Way and Auto Center Blvd. Vote on Motion: In Favor: Law, Overson, Farr, Montgomery, Olsen, McConnell, Arends Opposed: Reed Motion carried. 9B - ORDINANCE NO. 4672 (SECOND READING) LEVYING PROPERTY TAXES FOR COLLECTION IN 2000, #AB99-226 (First Reading of this Ordinance was presented at the October 29, 1999 meeting). Ruth Natividad asked how much of an increase was this going to be. Rich Hanna, City Treasurer, stated the tax rate will from 1999 will actually go down for the year 2000, by approximately 2.9%. #1060 M/S/C/U (Montgomery/Olsen) Motion to pass Ordinance No. 4672 on second reading, levying property taxes for collection in the year 2000. 9C - ORDINANCE NO. 4673 (SECOND READING) AUTHORIZING THE LEVY OF PROPERTY TAXES AT A RATE IN EXCESS OF THE INCREASE IN THE IMPLICIT PRICE DEFLATOR, #AB99-227 (First Reading of this Ordinance was presented at the October 29, 1999 meeting). John Becker asked what the implicit Price Deflator (IPD), was; and what the increase would be. Mr. Hanna responded that the IPD is a measure of inflation, like the more common CPI. He further clarified that even with the passage of this Ordinance, the tax rate would be lower in the year 2000 than it was in 1999 (a decrease of approximately 1.1/4%). #1150 M/S/C (Montgomery/Olsen) Motion to pass Ordinance no. 4673 on second reading, limiting the City's levy increase to 106% of the 1999 levy. Vote on Motion: In Favor: Farr, Montgomery, Olsen, McConnell, Law, Overson, Arends Opposed: Reed Motion carried. 9D - ORDINANCE (FIRST READING), SETTING GREENS FEES FOR GOLD MOUNTAIN GOLF COMPLEX, AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 2657 & RESOLUTION NO. 2684, #AB99-231 Pat Westhoff summarized that in order for the City's Gold Mountain Complex to remain financially sound, it is necessary to implement fee changes on a systematic and regular basis. Greens fees were last updated in January 1999. TAPE #1658 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes November 3, 1999 Page 4 of 5 There were no questions or comments from the public. Mr. McConnell pointed out that rates are only increased every other year, and only by $1.00 per round. He further pointed out that all revenue goes back to improving the Golf Complex. #1243 M/S/C/U (Montgomery/McConnell) Motion to approve ordinance on first reading, establishing greens fees for the Gold Mountain Golf Complex, and repealing Resolution Nos. 2657 and 2684. 9D - ORDINANCE (FIRST READING), AMENDING BREMERTON MUNICIPAL CODE 15.06, SETTING UTILITY ASSESSMENTS, RATES, FEES, & CHARGES, #AB99-232 Rich Hanna, City Treasurer, stated the proposed ordinance will allow the City's utility assessments, fees, and charges to be adjusted to compensate for the effects of inflation. Adjustments will take effect December 1, 1999 and on January 1 of each year beginning 2002. These adjustments are necessary to allow the utility to meet the costs of operations and maintenance, and to implement the capital improvements, which are mandated to meet environmental and water quality regulations. John Becker asked what this increase would cost the ratepayer, and why a rate higher than inflation. Mr. Hanna stated the proposed rate increase would be 6% on average, effective December 1, 1999, and adjusted for inflation each January beginning in Year 2002. He further explained the intention was to adjust the rates for the approximate rate of inflation anticipated for the years 2000 and 2001. The purpose is to preserve the financial stability of the utilities to be able to deal with the court mandated environmental improvements. He did not believe that 3% was an unreasonable rate. Roy Mclnnis voiced his concerns over the assumption that inflation will increase by 3%. Mr. Overson took issue over the questions being asked regarding the proposed fee increases. He pointed out that having a quality Utility does cost money. He complimented staff for the great work they are doing to keep the costs down. He also pointed out these proposed fee increases are less than being proposed in the County. Mr. Montgomery agreed with the comments made by Mr. Overson, and reminded citizens that most fee increases are due to State mandates. Mr. Reed stated he could possibly support about 85% of the proposed fee increases, but would not support this item as currently drafted due to the "presumed" rate of inflation. Mr. Olsen did not like the increase, but reminded citizens that the Utility Department has bonds that must be paid; and the City is forced to comply with State, non-funded, mandates. Mayor Horton further commented that a $600,000 Congressional Line-Item Appropriations Grant was received, which was the first time money was ever received from the State of Washington or the Federal Government in the form of a grant. In the past, the City has had to pay 100% of all past loans used for stormwater improvements through the ratepayer. She is hoping that the City will be included in future Line-Item Appropriations. Mr. Farr referred to "Appendix A", and asked if the rates shown reflect an increase of 6% over what is in effect today? Mr. Hanna responded the increase will be 6% overall, and the increase is on the fixed, rather than the volumetric portion of the bill. With the current sewer utility rates, approximately 73% of the rate revenue is derived from the volumetric charges, with the other 27% from the fixed fee portion. The City is currently working to get a more equitable distribution. TAPE #1658 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes November 3, 1999 Page 5 of 5 Mr. Law observed this increase is necessary to protect the purchasing and servicing of the sewer system for the next two years. He agreed it was circumventing I-695, but stated this would be the only time he would vote along these lines. The problem in this particular case is the City's Legal Department is diligently trying to stay ahead of the stringent requirements placed on the City by the Puget Soundkeepers Alliance. #2475 M/S/F (McConnell/Law) Amendment to Main Motion, eliminating the last sentence of 15.06.015 which states "However, these fees and charges shall not, in any case, decrease". Vote on Motion: In Favor: Olsen, McConnell, Law, Farr, Arends Opposed: Montgomery, Reed, Overson Motion failed. #2495 M/SIC (Montgomery/Olsen) Motion to approve ordinance on first reading, amending assessments, rates, fees, and charges for municipal water, wastewater, and stormwater services; and amending Chapter 15.06 of the Bremerton Municipal Code and Ordinance 4642. Vote on Motion: In Favor: Montgomery, Olsen, McConnell Law, Overson, Arends Opposed: Reed, Farr Motion carried. With no further business meeting adjourned at 6:42 P.M. CAROL ARENDS, Council Vice-President City of Bremerton P j/CA/is C: Normal Distribution File