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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/04/96 COUNCIL APPROVED DEC 18 1996 TAPE #1425 UNAPPROVED DRAFT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 4, 1996 #0027 #0049 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 4, 1996, at 5:30 P.M., with Council President John Law presiding.. Council members present were Bob Winters, Carlos Montgomery, Sherril Huff-Menees, David Farr, Cecil McConnell, and A1 Colvin. Councilmen Lon Overson and Richard Neville were absent. Also present were City Attorney Ian Sievers and Acting City Clerk Paula Johnston. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council President Law and Invocation given by Reverend Cleveland Williams of Ebenezer A.M.E. Church. CONSENT AGENDA A. Minutes of Meeting - November 20, 1996 #AB96-273 M/S/C/U(Huff-Menees/Montgomery) 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. M/S/C/U(Colvin/Montgomery) on December 4, 1996, the Council does approve for payment those vouchers included and further described as follows: 203036, 203944 through 204140 in the amount of $184,166.12; and Regular Payroll for the period ending November 30, 1996, in the amount of $776,880.51. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS Mr. Winters wished Sam Fitz a speedy and safe recovery from his recent surgery. He thanked everyone he called today as part of the March Of Dimes fund raising event. Mr. Montgomery reported recently he talked with the City's Forester about diseased trees and the consultant working on this problem. It appears that contract has been more beneficial than originally anticipated. During his touring the forested areas, they visited the Anderson Creek area where they saw the new fish ladder that was built and the Trout International trout ponds. He noted some of the worries about Anderson Creek have never come to fruition. Mrs. Huff-Menees referenced a recent newspaper article on the TAPE #1425 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes December 4, 1996 Page 2 of 10 Callow neighborhood area, which was a nice feature and contained a lot of information and quotes from some of the residents in that area. However, she was disappointed that the one thing it did not include was the information that the City is in the midst of a planning process for the Charleston neighborhood community and that process has involved a lot of people with very good participation. Although there were frustrations from some of the business people, it was not mentioned that currently there is a group of people who are trying to address all of those issues. She hoped, at some point, that would be included in the newspaper reporting, but she also hopes people will participate in the process at the next Charleston Plan meeting, which is one that has already yielded some positive results for the Charleston area. Mr. Farr noted that an ad in today's "Sun" caught his eye... the City of Poulsbo is looking for someone to serve as a City council member due to the vacancy created by the election of Chris Endresen, who was recently elected as a Kitsap County Commissioner. He congratulated Chris on her election and believes she will make a fine Commissioner and he hopes the City of Poulsbo is successful finding someone of her caliber to fill the vacancy. He reported on a very well lighted Christmas display at Councilman Montgomery's residence, which is highly visible during evening hours at the intersection of 6th and Naval. Mr. McConnell announced there will not be a regular District #2 Neighborhood meeting; however, replacing it will be an Open House on December 17, 5:00 - 8:00 P.M., at the Senior Center where the State Department Of Transportation will talk with interested residents about the replacement of the Manette Bridge. Mr. Colvin thanked all those who attended Hazel and his 50th Wedding Anniversary celebration on November 30. He referenced a newspaper article written by Adele Ferguson about the USS Missouri. He agrees with her comments that all of the citizens in the lower 48 states should write their Representatives and Congressmen to retain the Missouri on the State side. Mr. Law pointed out a lot of leaves are falling and even though it is tempting to sweep or blow them off the sidewalk into the street, they do cause considerable problems when they get swept into the storm drains. As Mr. McConnell mention, the State will host an Open House at the Senior Center on December 17, 5:00 - 8:00 P.M., where they will discuss the replacement of the Manette Bridge. He noted there will not be a formal District #3 neighborhood meeting on that date; however, he will be available to the citizens that evening. John Timmerman, Scout Master Pack 4506/Tracyton, introduced several TAPE #1425 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes December 4, 1996 Page 3 of 10 Weblos, who were working toward earning their Citizenship Badge. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Lynn Hotton reported over the past year she has met with several groups of Weblos, who ask lots of interesting questions about City government and the responsibilities of the Mayor. She announced the Washington Survey and Rating Bureau is just starting the process to grade the City's Fire service. One of the most important components of their grading has to do with the City's water system and the availability of the water to the hydrants. As Over the past few months, in anticipation of the Rating Bureaus visit, Water Utility maintenance personnel have been color coding and repairing fire hydrants. The color coded fire hydrants are significant as a life saving measure. She thanked Public Works for going above and beyond the call of duty carrying out this task. On December i she attended the Kitsap Fire Chiefs' and Fire Commissioners' annual dinner where Fire Chief Mick McKinley was honored as the recipient of the "Person Of The Year Award". Chief McKinley was recognized for his work on the proposed multi- jurisdictional training facility, setting up training programs for Fire Commissioners and Fire Chiefs and planning efforts for the long term health of Kitsap County with the advent of health maintenance organizations, HMOs etc. All of the Fire Districts and Fire Departments in Kitsap county are trying to look long range to service our communities in a much more comprehensive fashion. PUBLIC RECOGNITION Jack Lefcoski stated he wrote to Congressman Norm Dicks suggesting that the USS Missouri be rotated to various locations for public viewing and the receiving port would cover the cost of bringing the ship to that area and its moorage. Gord¥ Byrd reported on several very successful and well attended free dinners provided by various organization during the week of Thanksgiving. He particularly acknowledge the many youth volunteers, who participated in the preparation and serving of those meals. Matthew Palermini, Harrison Memorial Hospital volunteer, thanked all of the blood donors, who support the December 2 Blood Draw. Shannon Bell, Harrison Memorial Hospital volunteer, added that many of those who participated at the December 2 event were first time blood donors. John Thomas, Bremerton resident, pointed out at the time the City Council approved a $175.00 penalty for parking illegally in an Handicap Parking space Councilman Farr suggested that signs be installed identifying that penalty. He asked when would those TAPE #1425 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes December 4, 1996 Page 4 of 10 signs be put up; and he questioned the number of $175.00 citations the city has issued since the fine went into affect? Bill Camp, Bremerton Resident, related an incident that happened during a City Planning Commission Hearing when Don Pratt, Director of Community Development, approached him and another member of the community, following a length discussion and decision by the Commission on a proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment, and was told if they choose not to live their lives as directed by the Mayor and the Planning Commission that they should "vote with their feet"... in other words leave. With over 20 years of community involvement in Bremerton, Mr. Camp was affronted and insulted by that comment. Given that Mr. Pratt is a City official acting on behalf of the Mayor, it did not sit well with him knowing that with all the issues before Council that this would be a typical response given to any member of the community that comes forward at a public hearing that has an issue on his mind that may fly in the face of the best wishes of the Mayor and the Community Development Director. He doesn't suggest that anyone in the community should ever be told by a City official that they would have to move from the City instead of participating in the system to affect a change. He hoped that this comment will shed a light on the performance of the Council for the rest of the evening. Dominique D,Archeaux, representing Swing City about the Holiday Affair planned for December downtown Bremerton. Committee talked 6th and 7th in 7A - UTILITY EASEMENT FOR CASCADE GAS, LOCATION 17TH & WARREN AVENUE, NORTHEAST CORNER, #AB96-274 Cascade Gas Company has requested a ten foot easement across the City's property located on the northeast corner of 17th Street & Warren Avenue, tax parcel number 3804-004-006-0107. This request will allow Cascade Gas to place their new gas main extension under the City's sidewalk at this location instead of in Warren Avenue. Mark Souza, Senior Engineer, stated in most cases the sidewalk is included in City right-of-way; however, at this location it is on City property, so placing the gas main under the sidewalk is a good location because the sidewalk is basically right-of-way. If the property ever changes hands, it would have to be made a right-of- way. By placing the gas main at this location, Cascade Gas will eliminate the need to close down a couple of lanes on Warren Avenue, which would cause pretty sizable traffic delays through that area. Public comment - none. Mr. Winters asked how much this project will cost the taxpayers of #1086 #1190 TAPE #1425 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes December 4, 1996 Page 5 of 10 the City of Bremerton? Mr. Souza stated there will be no cost to the City and Cascade Gas will record the easement and replace the sidewalk. M/S/C/U(Farr/Montgomery) to approve the easement with Cascade Gas Company and authorize the Mayor to execute the same. 7B - PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT CONTRACT FOR ABOVE GROUND FUEL TANK & DISPENSING SYSTEM, #AB96-275 Request for proposals were prepared, distributed and received in accordance with Public Works Small Works Roster project for the purchase and installation of an above ground fuel storage tank and dispensing system. The low bid was submitted by Ace Tank & Equipment Company in the amount of $16,668.21. Wayne Hamilton, Utilities Operations Manager, stated this proposal will eliminate the existing underground tank, which is affected by environmental regulations and is expensive to maintain. Another benefit of the above ground fuel tank is its availability during any emergency situations since currently there is not such a facility in east Bremerton. Public comment - none. Mr. Montgomery stated he assumed the old tank will be removed under another contract. Mr. Hamilton stated that was correct. M/S/C/U(Colvin/Farr) to award the contract for the purchase and installation of an above ground fuel storage and dispensing system be awarded to Ace Tank & Equipment Company, as to specifications and low bid received in the amount of $16,668.21. 8A - ORDINANCE NO. 4578 (SECOND READING) SETTING WATER AND WASTEWATER RATES, #AB96-263 Charlie Brown, Bremerton resident, asked if the City had done anything to reduce the cost of reading meters, such as reading them only once every six months? Rich Hanna, City Treasurer, stated the City has already implemented the following cost saving measures that will reduce cost of meter reading: (1) installation of touch read meters, which are devices that enable the meter reader to wipe a wand across the lid of the meter vault rather than having to physically lift the lid; thereby increasing the speed of accomplishing the meter reading; (2) contracting out the printing and mailing of Utility billing. Neither of those relates directly to reading meters less frequently, but they are two steps the city has taken to reduce cost and improve service. The City does not read meters less frequently due to the large number of rental properties within the service area and the necessary to have actual meter readings on a fairly frequent basis in order to insure that #1341 TAPE #1425 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes December 4, 1996 Page 6 of 10 accurate billings are provided to customers. Mayor Hotton stated there have been discussions with another Utility about the possibility of doing some joint meter reading. However, she was not sure what would come of those discussions, but there are some potentially interesting economies of scale, which she will continue to pursue. M/S/C(Farr/Montgomery) to pass Ordinance No. 4578 amending rates and charges for municipal water and wastewater services, and amending Ordinance No. 4548 and No. 4565. Vote on motion: Motion carried. In Favor: Farr, Colvin, Montgomery, Huff-Menees, Law Opposed: McConnell, Winters 8B - ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) ADOPTING THE 1997 BUDGET, #AB96-276 This Ordinance adopts the City's 1997 Budget at the fund level as described in the text of the Ordinance and as presented in the Mayor's Preliminary Budget document. Rich Hanna, City Treasurer, stated Council, through a series of Study Sessions, public hearings and readings of the Property Tax Ordinance, have spent considerable time reviewing the proposed budget. He believes there is agreement that the proposed budget is a good operating plan for the City for 1997, and continues mostly intact all programs and activities that are currently in place. Charlie Brown, Bremerton resident, referenced several recent newspaper articles in The Sun concerning the Hotel/Motel Tax portion of the budget as well as about the Turner Joy. The Turner Joy brings in 45,000+ visitors each year and as far as he knew the Turner Joy has not requested any funds from the City. He felt it would be appropriate to allocate $2,000.00 of Hotel/Motel Taxes to the Turner Joy in 1997, which could be used to broaden their advertising, thereby bringing more visitors to the Bremerton area. He hope the Turner Joy people will come to the City seeking funding from this source of revenue. The Port of Bremerton has done a lot to support downtown Bremerton and he felt it was appropriate the city do something in return. He believed Council could make that decision at this time. Mrs. Huff-Menees stated once again it is interesting that in a total budget of $72 million the bulk of the comments have been centered on the Hotel/Motel Tax portion. Since she was not present at the prior Study Session addressing this issue, she wanted to make her position known at this time. One of the things that has been disturbing to her during this discussion is the precedent and TAPE #1425 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes December 4, 1996 Page 7 of 10 especially with respect to staff's and Council's funding recommendations, has been the assumption on the part of many folks, who consider themselves experts without having the advantage of the same information available to the Council, that the City has been remiss in not funding at certain levels and not funding certain agencies; and in particular the assumption that the City has not adequately supported Main Street. The Mayor's recommended funding for Main Street was at a $5,000 level, but that is not the extent the city has extended to main Street. Once again she reminded everyone that the Main Street organization does not fit the Main Street model and in many ways does not fit the description of how the city can use the Hotel/Motel Tax dollars. The City has supported Main Street, specifically the Blackberry Festival and Concerts on the Boardwalk, at a very high level. The public may not be aware of the fact the City staffs those events at a very high level, above and beyond the already heavy load that City departments carry. Although she may be unpopular with some of the Main Street folks, she wants this discussion to be balanced. The Parks and Recreation alone supported the Blackberry Festival with 216 hours; Police department 231 hours (many of these hours are "overtime" hours, which are costly to the City), Public Works 55 hours, Fire Department 15 hours. The total of all those hours in terms of dollars amounts to approximately $11,200+. The figures she quoted are modest estimates as a support level for Main Street at over $16,000. With that in mind, she also researched what other cities or Counties do with respect to their community festivals. The Poulsbo Viking Fest receives no city funds and is totally self- supporting through corporate sponsorships, fund raising, charge vendors for spaces, as does the Blackberry Festival. They take great pride in the fact that a smaller community than the City of Bremerton is able to generate that kind of support. The Port Orchard Fathom's '0' Fun Festival receives very minimal support from the City of Port Orchard. The festival organization conducts fund raising events through out the year to support their events and they do it at a very high level. The cities of Poulsbo and Port Orchard have fireworks displays, which Bremerton has yet to manage as a community. This year the funding level from the City of Port Orchard's Hotel/Motel Tax for their festival, which is a larger event, was $4,000 and is the largest amount every recommended to fund that event. The Port Townsend Rhododendron Festival is almost totally self-supporting and receives a minimum of $5,000 and sometimes less; and generate their support from within the community. The Arts event in Gig Harbor does not receive any support from their city. With the growing success of the Blackberry Festival, she does not believe it is unreasonable to expect them to become self-supporting with the kind of staff support and minimum funding that the city already provides. She recommended reducing the funding allocation to the Blackberry Festival by $2,000.00, and in accordance with Mr. Brown's comments, TAPE #1425 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes December 4, 1996 Page 8 of 10 giving $2,000.00 to the Turner Joy; however she was not sure if that wold be possible in terms of the Turner Joy's non-profit status. She also feels the City needs to be more consistent in requiring those agencies receiving Hotel/Motel Taxes to deliver a high standard of performance and accountability, with the exception of the Naval Museum. She made the same comments last year and again this year that if we are going to.have a standard for the allocation of those funds, then it should be across the board. The Naval Museum has not made any attempt to become self-supporting or to assist the city or anyone else with the funding of their organization. She believes they are a significant organization for our community, but they need to do the same work as the Historical Museum and other agencies to try to support themselves. And, only by doing that do they deserve Council's consideration for funding. Mr. Winters stated he was not aware that Councilman Huff-Menees felt so strongly about this issue. He asked his fellow Council members if they received the same detailed information just presented by Councilman Huff-Menees? Mrs. Huff-Menees pointed out the Mayor has stated the City has supported, in some cases with a large amount of overtime, the Blackberry Festival. Some of the information she presented resulted from her research into what level the City had provided. Mr. Winters stated in his opinion it is very important, from a Councilman's position, to have as much information from the Administration and each organization evaluating and testifying to a specific amount of dollars for their particular event. It concerned him that Main Street became upset when the City asked to look at their accounting records in order to determine how their funds are spent. It also concerned him that they did not provide him data in response to his inquiry. He bases his decisions on the information he is given. He finds if Councilman Huff-Menees had such a strong opinion on this issue, she should have shared that same information with her fellow Council members to help make a better decision. He believes every organization works hard and to the best of their ability to provide something good for our community and that is how he feels he should view it. He believes the $16,000.00 figure for Main Street is sufficient to make that organization get up on its feet and run even stronger because what they produce is very visible. He emphasized bringing more people to events in the downtown area is vital to this community; therefore, he believes the funding should be increased as proposed. Mr. Farr stated he thought the way Council evolved into the distribution of the Hotel/Motel Taxes was handled correctly this year and he was fairly happy with the results. He too would like to see performance based allocation of the funds. In regards to Main Street, he humbly submitted that the Blackberry Festival and #1914 #2051 TAPE #1425 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes December 4, 1996 Page 9 of 10 Concerts on the Boardwalk, although they are the highlight of the year, are not the only things that Main Street participates and that they provide additional valuable services for Bremerton that do fall in the category of being worthy of these funds. He also believes the work by the Police Department is to provide support when it involves crowds, and it is appropriate for the Parks Department to be involved because the Boardwalk is a City park. M/S/C/U(Farr/Winters) to approve ordinance (first reading) approving and adopting the financial budget for the several funds of the City of Bremerton for the fiscal year 1997, and appropriating the amounts set forth in each budget to each fund in accordance with RCW 35.33.075. 9A - RESOLUTION NO. 2573, REGARDING RECOVERY OF FEES FOR THE ABATEMENT OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1246 IVY ROAD, #AB96-277 On October 16, 1996, the Public Works Department demolished and removed a mobile home and its appurtenances from the property located at 1246 Ivy Road, after the owner, Jackie Adams failed to do so as ordered by the Building Official. The cost charged to the revolving abatement fund for this action totaled $7,726.03. Council must now decide if the fees are just and reasonable and how they should be collected. Janet Lunceford, Building Department, stated this property had a mobile home on it that had been abandoned for several years by the owner, who thought her son was taking care of the property. The Health Department started the process off with a solid waste complaint, which moved into a dangerous building situation with the Bremerton Department. All attempts to contact the owner failed and no response was made by the owner until the day prior to demolition. The demolition was carried out by the City at a cost of $7,726.03. Charlie Brown, Bremerton resident, thanked the City for eliminating an eyesore. Mr. McConne11 stated he viewed the site prior to the demolition and felt the charges were quite small considering the work required to clear the site. Mr. Winters asked if Mrs. Lunceford had any before and after photographs of the site? Mrs. Lunceford provided several photographs of the subject site prior to the demolition action. M/S/C/U(Montgomery/colvin) to adopt Resolution No. 2573, reviewing charges for the abatement of the property at 1246 Ivy Road and determining the means of collection. TAPE #1425 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes December 4, 1996 Page 10 of 10 President Law thanked the TV camera crew for their Robert Rupe, James Noble and Patricia Matthes. With no further business meeting adjourned at 6:38 P.M. services: KATHLEEN L. McCLUSKEY, City Clerk LAW, C esident City of Bremerton KLM/JL/me cc: Normal Distribution File/Vault