HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/30/96TAPE #1418
UNAPPROVED DRAFT
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
COUNCIL
APPROVED
NOV 13 1996
OCTOBER 30, 1996
#0035
#0054
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, October 30, 1996, at 5:30 P.M.,
with Council President John Law presiding. Council members present
were Bob Winters, Carlos Montgomery, Sherril Huff-Menees, Richard
Neville, Lon Overson, Cecil McConnell, Council members David Farr,
A1 Colvin and Bob Winters were absent. Also present were City
Attorney Ian Sievers and Acting City Clerk Rich Hanna.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council
President Law and Invocation given by Pastor Talmage Wilson of the
Charleston Baptist Church.
President Law announced Council held an Executive Session
immediately prior to the Council meeting to discuss "labor
negotiations".
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes of Meeting - October 9, 1996
#AB96-240
B. Minutes of Meeting - October 16, 1996
#AB96-241
C. City-Wide Phone System Upgrade, Bid Award #AB96-242
Recommendation to GTE
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(Neville/Montgomery) on October 30, 1996, the Council does
approve for payment those vouchers included and further described
as follows: EFT, 202955 through 203175 in the amount of
$364,050.52; and Retirees' Payroll for the period ending 10-31-96,
in the amount of $97,519.77.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Mr. McConne11 announced the next District #2 Neighborhood Meeting
will be held on November 12, 1996, 6:30 P.M., at Fire Station No.
3, with Bill McKinney, Forester, making a presentation on "Forests
& Inhabitants".
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Mr. Overson cautioned drivers to watch out for children on
Halloween for a safe and happy evening.
Mr. Neville thanked everyone, who attended the meeting on Tuesday
evening to discuss parking and parking on planting strips, as well
as Senator Betti Sheldon, Representative Lois McMahan, Tom Dorden,
Joyce Lorensen, Julie Elkinton, Wendy and Bill Trumper, Andy
Parypa, Randy Witt, City Engineer, and Mark Souza, Senior Engineer.
After three hours of discussion, it was decided to monitor the test
area of the existing streets, including Pennsylvania Avenue, until
the next meeting, which is scheduled for January 21, 1997, at the
Memorial Lutheran Church. Flyers advertising the January 21
meeting will be distributed in the affected areas.
Mr. Law emphasized the importance of driving careful on Halloween.
Mrs. Huff-Menees reminded everyone to vote on Tuesday.
MAYOR'S REPORT
Mayor Lynn Horton reminded everyone of the All city Halloween Party
with special guest J.P. Patches appearing at 7:00 P.M.
On October 29 she hosted a meeting that included several Puget
Rental Operators Association members, where they discussed her
Neighborhood enforcement proposals, which were provided to Council
at an earlier date. They discussed not only the basic concepts,
but how to form better linkages with the rental operators and what
the City could do through the Police Department to aid them, if
they get tenants that cause problems in their properties and in the
neighborhoods. A follow up meeting will be held that will be more
of a technical working meeting to go over the details of the
Housing Code and proposed draft ordinances.
PUBLIC RECOGNITION
Kevin Thurston stated his desire to incorporate an Acceptance
Program, a Christ centered program, into the Bremerton School
district. He briefly outlined the intent of this program,
activities involved and its impact on students and the community.
Charlene Burnett, Parks and Recreation Department, invited everyone
to attend the All City Halloween Party on October 31, 1996,
starting at 5:30 P.M., at the Sheridan Parks Recreation Center.
J.P. Patches will make a guest appearance at 7:00 P.M., and costume
judging will take place at 7:30 P.M..
Shirley Howerton, Bremerton resident, stated two weeks ago she
presented the Council with a petition requesting the City ban any
rally type activity along Wheaton Way. It concerned her that the
City has not responded with some kind of action to implement such
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a ban considering the heavy traffic on Wheaton Way and the danger
it presents to pedestrians. She recalled in the 1960-70's
Bremerton had an ordinance that required everyone wishing to hold
a rally or gathering of any sort to go to the law enforcement
agency and inform them of their planned activity. Law enforcement
then had the option and utilized it to identify a safe place where
such an assemble could be held. Mrs. Howerton would like the City
of Bremerton to reinstate that requirement. President Law stated
Mrs. Howerton would receive a response from the City.
Don Atkinson, KITZ, announced KITZ would provide election coverage
on November 5.
Ruth Reese, Swing City Committee, invited everyone to attend the
HARVEST MOON PARTY on November 8, 8:00 - 12:00 P.M., at the
Bremerton Eagles. This event is sponsored by Swing City Committee.
7AA- RESOLUTION #2566 CERTIFYING ANEMERGENCY, APPROVING PURCHASE
OF REPLACEMENT PUMP AND MOTOR ASSEMBLY FOR WASTEWATER PUMP STATION
WB-3 AND WAIVING THE BID PROCEDURES, #AB96-251
President Law announced because this item is an emergency action
item it has been added to the Agenda. He requested the Resolution
be read into the record:
"WHEREAS, a primary backup pump and motor assembly has failed
beyond repair at Wastewater Pump Station WB-3; and
WHEREAS, the pump and motor assembly is the primary backup and
essential to the operation of the pump station; and
WHEREAS, immediate replacement is necessary to ensure the ongoing
operation of Pump Station WB-3; and
WHEREAS, budget currently exists in the Capital authorization
within the Wastewater Fund to upgrade this pump assembly with
current technology similar to WB-3 Pump Assembly #1; and
WHEREAS, estimates have been secured from various vendors to ensure
competitive pricing; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Bremerton:
1. That the failure of Pump Assembly #2 at Pump Station WB-3 is
certified as an emergency situation, needing immediate corrective
action in response to the need for essential backup pumping
capacity.
2. The emergency purchase of replacement components compatible
with current technology, similar to the existing WB-3 Pump assembly
#1, is approved as necessary to address this emergency to address
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this emergency situation, and bid procedures of RCW 35.22,620(2)
are waived."
Public comment - none.
Mr. Overson questioned the cost of the necessary equipment? Rich
Manna, Acting City Clerk, stated the cost would be approximately
$16,000.00.
M/S/C/U(Montgomery-Huff-Menees) to approve Resolution #2566,
certifying an emergency, approving purchase of replacement pump and
motor assembly for Wastewater Pump Station WB-3 and waiving bid
procedures.
7A - APPOINTMENT OF GARY A. POD TO THE BOARD OF APPEALS,
HOUSING/BUILDING CODES, #AB96-243
There is a vacancy on the Board of Appeals, Housing/Building Codes
Committee. It is recommended that Gary A. Pod be appointed to fill
the vacancy.
Mayor Lynn Horton stated when she presented the Neighborhood
Enforcement proposal to Council one of the goals identified was to
expand the City's Board of Appeals, Housing/Building Codes in order
to include a neighborhood element to what has previously been an
all technical group. Gary Pod has been very active in neighborhood
issues as well as the Neighborhood Blockwatch Program and she
believes he will be a good addition to this board. She also
believes he will bring an element to the board that will round out
the membership and give a better perspective of the full needs of
the City. She urged Council to confirm Mr. Pod's appointment.
Public comment - none.
Mr. Neville stated he met Mr. Pod at several Neighborhood
Information Network meetings and he would describe him as a
"straight shooter".
M/S/C/U(Neville/Montgomery) to appoint Gary A. Pod to the Board of
Appeals, Housing/Building Codes Committee.
7B - REAPPOINTMENT OF ROBERT D. KENNEDY TO THE BKEMERTON HOUSING
AUTHORITY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, #AB96-244
Housing Authority Board of Commissioner Robert D. Kennedy's term is
expiring. It is recommended he be reappointed to another term.
Mayor Lynn Horton stated Mr. Kennedy has served on the Bremerton
Housing Authority Board for a considerable amount of time.
Generally, she tries to funnel people through a couple of terms and
then bring in new membership, but in this situation we are trying
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to have the Housing Authority be more proactive in looking at
either new construction for housing or to do more in the community
than simply be managers of Westpark and the Section 8 Program. The
Kitsap consolidated Housing Authority is probably on the cutting
edge of working with low income housing, trying to either erect new
construction or finding new avenues for those in the low income
category to find housing. She believes Mr. Kennedy is on board
with that philosophy to help more people into home ownership and to
look at quality housing for low income populations. She urged
council to confirm Mr. Kennedy's reappointment to the Bremerton
Housing Authority Board.
Public comment - none.
Mr. McConnell pointed out Mr. Kennedy has served 30 years on the
Housing Authority Board. He appreciated having Mr. Kennedy's
biography included in the documentation and was quite impressed
with his involvement within the community.
Mr. Montgomery noted he has been attending the Bremerton Housing
Authority Board meetings and he agrees that Mr. Kennedy has done a
fine job serving on that board. And, all of the Board members work
together as one coercive group in understanding the problems and in
directing the Housing Authority management.
M/S/C/U(McConnell/Huff-Menees) to confirm the reappointment of
Robert D. Kennedy to the Bremerton Housing Authority Board of
Commissioners.
7C - DECLARATION OF SURPLUS PROPERTY AT 1312 LAKEHURST DRIVE,
#AB96-245
Title to property at 1312 Lakehurst Drive was received in August as
a result of an LID foreclosure for assessments in the 1992
Lakehurst Drive LID. The parcel is 200' x 300', abutting Lakehurst
Drive, with no improvements. A parcel map is attached.
It is recommended to surplus the parcel to allow development and
return to tax roles. Proceeds from the sale would remain in the
LID Guaranty Fund. Assessed value for 1997 is $21,230. The
property is of marketable size, and no special restrictions of sale
or negotiated sales are recommended.
Ian Sievers, City Attorney, stated this was a foreclosure lot that
resulted in the deeding of the property in lieu of pursuing that
foreclosure action. The site is a marketable size; therefore, it
does not require a negotiated sale or restrictions on the sale.
The assessed value will not be the fair market value and prior to
it being put out for bid a short form appraisal will be obtained
and used as the minimum price. The sale of the site will be
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advertised in the newspaper, the site will be posted and
surrounding property owners will be notified by mail. If that
action does not succeed in getting a fair market price, the City
will re-evaluate the process.
Public comment - none.
Mr. Overson pointed out the site is approximately 1.5 acres and the
assessed value at $21,120. He questioned if there was something
unknown to Council about the site that would justify the lower
assessed value considering the location of the site? Mr. Sievers
stated from talking with a neighboring property owner the front
part of the subject property is swampy or wetlands and may create
some difficulties in developing the property.
M/S/C/U(Overson/Neville) to declare the property at 1312 Lakehurst
Drive surplus, and authorize sale under BMC 2.78.030 by sealed bid,
without restriction.
7D - BUDGET ADJUSTMENT, SHELTER PLUS CARE GRANT, #AB96-246
The City of Bremerton received a $596,400 grant in January of 1995
from HUD under the Shelter Plus Care Program to provide
alcohol/drug free housing for people who are chemically addicted.
The sponsor and primary provider for the project is Agape. When
the 1996 budget was prepared, we allocated $20,000 from the grant
to be spent this year. The program has been extremely successful,
and to date, has spent $70,000. A budget adjustment is necessary
to cover the dollars that have been spent.
Debbie Peavler-Stewart, Department Of Community Development, stated
she had nothing more to add and would standby for any questions
Council may have regarding this issue.
Public comment - none.
Mr. Overson pointed out the grant amount is $596,400, but the
Budget Adjustment proposes adjusting $85,000 to meet a $105,000
debt. He questioned what about the rest of the $596,400. Rich
Hanna, Acting City Clerk, explained the Shelter Plus Care Grant was
a multiple year grant and what they have attempted to do by
budgeting the more conservative number is to avoid inappropriately
inflating the City's annual operating budget. There was no
expectation that the entire grant would be executed in any single
fiscal year. The original appropriation of $20,000 was based on a
slow start in 1995, but during the course of the program, in
financial terms, is now moving more quickly than anticipated when
the original budget was executed. Mr. Overson stated then in the
following four year budgets that will be broken into approximately
$105,000 each year. Mr. Hanna stated Mr. Overson was correct.
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M/S/C/U(Montgomery/Huff-Menees) to approve budget adjustment.
7E - DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 1997 CDBG/HOME
RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE, #AB96-247
The City of Bremerton will receive an estimated $550,000 in
Community Development Block Grant funds for 1997 from HUD. The
City also has available approximately $430,930 in HOME funds. The
City staff has reviewed the applications for HUD compliance. The
Citizen Advisory Committee has read all of the CDBG applications,
interviewed the applicants, and are making the attached
recommendations.
The HOME funds that are listed as "to be determined", are
anticipated to be utilized for a large project, potentially in the
Smith Cove area to create home ownership opportunities. A request
for letters of interest was advertised, and are due in our office
by 10/31/96. The Kitsap County Administration funds are part of
the Consortium Agreement between the City and County. CRC
submitted the only CHDO application. The staff recommends approval
of this project.
Mayor Lynn Horton thanked the Citizen Advisory Committee members
Deborah Jackson, Drake Evans and Cheryl Kincer, who spent many
hours working on this project for the City. The Committee's
recommendation is given only after serious consideration was given
to each application.
Debbie Peavler-Stewart, Department Of Community Development, stated
the process for making the CDBG recommendation began prior to July
of this year with the Neighborhood Development staff consisting of
Marylyn Waibel and herself, Mayor Horton, Don Pratt, Director of
Community Development, City Council and local organizations,
working together to determine the local policies for use of CDBG
funds. The Policy Plan, which outlines the Federal Rules, local
policies and rating criteria, was approved by the City Council on
August 7, 1996. During the September 4th City Council meeting, the
City Council appointed Drake Evans, Cheryl Kincer and Deborah
Jackson to the Citizen's Advisory Committee, which is charged with
recommending activities to be funded under the CDBG program. The
City received 36 applications requesting funding. She and Marylyn
Waibel also thank the Citizens Advisory Committee for the time and
effort they put into this process.
Deborah Jackson, member of the Citizen's Advisory Committee, stated
she was pleased to present the Committee's recommendations for
distribution of funds received under the 1997 Community Development
Block Grant Program. The recommendation meets requirements of the
CDBG Program and to the greatest extent possible to the procedures
outlined in the Policy. As stated, 36 applications were received,
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which were separated into different categories - Public/Human
Services, Housing, Capital and Economic Development, Planning and
Administration. The amount of funds available in each category
were substantially less than the amount requested. Ms. Jackson
identified the following categories, requested amounts and CDBG
available funds:
Public/Human Services: 16 applications were received requesting
$314,032/available CDBG funds in the amount of $85,000.
Housing: five applications were received requesting $480,892/
available CDBG funds in the amount of $165,000.
Capital and Economic Development: 13 applications were received
requesting $486,160/ available CDBG funds in the amount of
$192,500.
Planning And Administration: 4 applications were received
requesting $145,080/ available CDBG funds in the amount of
$110,000.
Making the decision as to which activities to fund was extremely
difficult. All of the applicants provide important services to the
low and moderate income persons in Bremerton. The Committee's
recommendation is based primarily on the rating criteria outlined
in the Policy Plan; however, they felt additional factors not
included in the rating system should be considered, such as the
consequences if funding was not allocated and funding available
from other sources. She hoped the City Council recognized the
effort of the Committee and approve the recommendation as
presented.
The following individuals, representing various agencies, thanked
the City for considering their agency receive funding:
Marie Jones, Executive Director of Kitsap Youth Services; Linda
Kroum, Executive Director of the YWCA A.L.I.V.E. Program; Pastor
Larry Robertson, Community Resource Center, Kathy Engle, Director
of Big Brother Big Sisters; Julie Pounds, Chuckwagon Senior
Nutrition Program; Barbara Malich, Director Kitsap Community Health
Centers; Ruth Deam, Bremerton Foodline; Jill Robinson, Peninsula
Services; Ellen Epstein, RMH Services; Diane Bradshaw, RMH
Services; Martha Westcott, Kitsap Sexual Assault Center;
The following individuals, representing various agencies, expressed
their appreciation for being considered for CDBG funding, but were
not recommended and how that could impact the Bremerton community:
Kate Borstad, Manager of the Kitsap County Historical Museum;
Helen Aohterman, Executive Director Literacy Council of Kitsap
County; Phil Drouin, KCAP Board Member, regarding emergency Housing
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funding; Reverend Rod Smith, speaking on behalf of KCAP's request
for emergency housing funding; Larry Eyer, Executive Director KCAP
(regarding emergency housing funding; Riki Jacobs, Supervisor of
Crisis Clinic Of Kitsap County.
Mr. McConnell asked if the estimated available funds had to go in
the specific areas as listed? Ms. Peavler-Stewart explained the
amount identified for Public/Human Services is the maximum that is
eligible, which is 15%. Mr. McOonnell pointed out $165,000 is
shown for housing services and questioned if he understood
correctly that did not have to all remain in that particular
category? Ms. Peavler-Stewart explained those funds could go into
the Capital category, but not the Planning category. Mr. McOonnell
questioned the reasons the KCAP Emergency Housing services was
listed under Public/Human Services instead of the Housing category?
Ms. Peavler-Stewart explain KCAP has two different projects, one is
for the transitional emergency shelter service portion and is a
Public/Human Service. The second KCAP application is for a
weatherization program, which is eligible under the Housing
category. Mr. McConnell stated he had a concern with the
recommended allocation for the Admiral Theater under the Capital
and Economic Development category. He did not understand how the
Admiral Theater was funded for $7,500 since that facility is not
designed to assist low income or the needy. He believes once the
facility is completed the middle to wealthy people will be the only
ones to enjoy those activities. In addition, the Admiral Theater
Foundation just received a $750,000 HUD Grant through the City and
he believed the $7,500 could have been placed somewhere else for a
better use. And, at the appropriate time he wanted to make the
motion removing the $7,500 out of the Capital and Economic
Development category and place it into the KCAP Housing services.
Ms. Peavler-Stewart stated those funds cannot be moved into the
Housing category. She stressed the Admiral Theater application is
considered under slum and blight category, which is not a low
income category. Mr. McOonnell stated based on earlier comments by
Ms. Peavler-Stewart he understood the amount listed in the
categories do not have to stay within that group. Ms. Peavler-
Stewart explained the amount of dollars in the Capital and Housing
portions have to stay within their category. The total amount
available in Public/Human Services is $82,500. Mr. McConnell
stated he felt the Pacific Avenue Child Care or the basketball
court for the school would be a better place to spend those dollars
than the Admiral Theater, i.e., giving young people something to do
besides getting in to trouble. He doubted the people going to the
Admiral Theater would be the kind to be in trouble, so we don't
need to spend the extra money on them.
Mrs. Huff-Menees stated Mr. McConnell's comments about the Admiral
theater serving only the upper and middle class is a very
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inaccurate assumption and she was deeply offended by it. At this
point, the proposals/programming for the Theater is not known;
however their intent is to serve every need within this community
and any group that comes to them with a request for programming.
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Mr. McConnell stated he believed Mrs. Huff-Menees' response to his
comments was inappropriate according to Council's rules. As far as
the Admiral Theater is concerned, it is inappropriate to hold that
up over more needy projects. Mrs. Huff-Menees requested Mayor
Horton to comment on that particular funding category. Mayor Lynn
Morton pointed out there were inaccuracies in Mr. McConnell's
comments. The Theater foundation plans include housing a
children's theater group, establish a puppet museum, and planning
programming specifically for children. She believes the Theater
Foundation is planning to provide community activities that are
broader than reaching just the wealthy segment of the community.
The Bremerton Symphony, which is a community symphony, has already
booked programs to be held at the Admiral. Also, community events
covering the first three months of their opening have been
scheduled, and will not be restricted to people of higher incomes.
She reminded Council the theater is in an area of slum and blight
and one of the prime criteria in that category is to alleviate slum
and blight. Mr. McOonnell pointed out when the Admiral Theater
Foundation came before Council initially requesting funding they
stated, if their request was approved, they would not come back to
the City asking for "taxpayer" money. In his opinion, the
Foundation has come back again and again to the City requesting
funds. Mayor Hotton explained $75,000 was used to purchase the
Admiral Theater building, which makes it a City owned building.
The City contracted with the Admiral theater Foundation to
refurbish and operate the facility. The HUD Loan Grant, as
referred to by Mr. McConnell, is HUD money and one of the prime
directives of HUD money is to alleviate slum and blight; and the
site is in a designated area to relieve slum and blight.
Mr. Muff-Menees conveyed her apology to Mr. McConnell and
emphasized she respects his views with respect to different funding
allocations. she also has some differing views on the
recommendations, but her comments were addressing the uses of the
theater, which was of most concern to her. With respect to the
process, it is one that arouses a mix of emotions because as always
there are not enough dollars to meet all the needs and critical
programs. She thanked all of the agencies providing public
services and the work they do within the community. She believes
there are opportunities to meet some of the needs that were not
addressed with the Committee recommendations. Having served on the
County's Block Grant allocating process, she is very aware how
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difficult it is to make decisions as to which agencies are funded.
some times there is the assumption that because the Advisory
Committee worked so hard that when it reaches this point there
should just be a blanket approval of all of their recommendations.
She stressed it is the Council's responsiblity, as a policy board
and legislator function, to review any staff recommendations very
thoroughly. She did not believe the public wished Council to
rubber stamp this process any more than any other staff
recommendation. One area of great concern to her that she wants to
address is KCAP's Emergency Housing program. Based on information
that she has had access to over the past years, she is very aware
of what homelessness is in Kitsap County. She does not believe
Kitsap County as a whole has a good awareness of the degree of
homelessness in the County. Because homelessness is a significant
issue, it affects most of the other social agencies that have been
addressed during this discussion. Not addressing the homeless
issue puts a greater burden on many of the other agencies that are
requesting funding from the City. She believes there are some
alternative ways to provide needed funding and she will be bringing
Council some recommendations to provide additional dollars for KCAP
in the emergency housing category. During this process last year,
Council recommended any additional CDBG dollars received by the
City be allocated to the KCAP Housing Program, which did happen.
She noted such action could be taken again this year and look at
other opportunities. She was disappointed that the Crisis Clinic
was not recommended for funding. As pointed out, this also is an
agency that is on a 24-hour day basis meeting needs within the
community. She has to assume the Advisory Committee had reasons
for making those recommendations. She reviewed some of the
applications and the scoring standards used and she still did not
fully understand that decision. She thanked City staff members for
the improved application process. Overall, she believes the City,
Citizen Advisory Committee and all the applying agencies are all to
be commended.
Mr. Neville expressed deep remorse for the agencies/organizations
that did not receive a recommendation for funding. He expressed
his thanks to the Citizen Advisory Committee for their hard work
and dedication and City staff members Marylyn Waibel and Debbie
Peavler-Steward in their handling the new process. If additional
funds do become available, he looks forward to being able to direct
them toward those services that did not get funded through this
recommendation.
Mr. McConnell stated he would not oppose the recommendation based
on his having a disagreement over one item.
President Law stated he believed the public could observe the City
Council, as a team, will support additional funding, if it becomes
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available, to the areas of most concern to the Council.
Mr. Overson thanked the Citizen Advisory Committee for their effort
in bringing forth a recommendation to Council. On a more positive
note, through the funding allocations a lot of people will be
helped in 1997, as a result of this process. He is confident the
funds that have been distributed are in fact well distributed and
will be well used to better serve our community.
M/S/C/U(Overson/McConnell) to approve the Citizen's Advisory
Committee recommendations.
9A - PUBLIC HEARING ON REVENUE SOURCES FOR THE 1997 BUDGET, #AB96-
250
The City is required by RCW 84.55.120 to hold a public hearing on
revenue sources for the coming year's budget, including
consideration of possible increases in property tax revenues.
Rich Hanna, Acting City Clerk, pointed out an attachment to the
Agenda Bill reflecting his assumptions, as City Treasurer and his
staff's, in the operation of the revenue side of the General Fund
Budget. Most of the assumptions are driven by the changes in the
City's assessed valuation, population and changes in the Consumer
Price Index since the preparation of the 1996 budget.
Public comment - none.
Mr. Overson asked if the U.S. Navy was aware that their B&O Tax
percentage had been increased by 230% for 19977 Mr. Hanna stated
yes, negotiations between the City and U.S. Navy over Utility rates
have been ongoing in excess of a year. Those negotiations will
result in a fairly substantial increase to the Navy's Utility
rates. What is driving a large portion of that change is
historically the Navy had a contract under which only the current
operating costs of the Utility were billed on a month-to-month
basis and the Capital portion was paid on a project-by-project
basis, which was not subject to B&O Tax. By converting the Navy to
an all in rate, which includes the capital component, their B&O Tax
will increase by 230%. Mr. Overson congratulated Mr. Hanna on that
successful negotiation effort.
Mr. McConne11 referenced the Wastewater B&O Tax, retail 90% of
total up 5.5%, and asked 90% of what total? Mr. Hanna explained
retail rate revenue represents 90% of the total revenue of the
Utility. Council will be provided a much greater detail during the
Budget Review process. Mr. McConnell question if "up 5.5%" means
an increase? Mr. Hanna stated a 5% increase in retail rates took
effect July 1, 1996. The Administration will be bringing to
Council a proposal for an increase in retail Wastewater Rates of 3%
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to be effective on January 1, 1997. Mr. McConnell questioned if he
recalled correctly that a 5% increase would be implemented annually
on July 17 Mr. Hanna stated no, there was a one time 5% rate in
July 1996 and their analysis projected from that point forward a 3%
rate increase each January 1. Mr. McConnell stated then the 5.5%
doesn't mean anything as far as rate increase. Mr. Hanna stated it
does because the 5% rate increase took place at mid year 1996, 2.5%
will be reflected in the Utilities revenue 1997 over 1996 and the
remaining three will be the next increase, which would all be an
increase in 1997 over 1996 for a total of 5.5%. Mr. McConnell
questioned if RCW 82.18 states the maximum tax increase for items
under this section is 6%? In 1986, the Garbage Tax was moved out
of RCW 82.16 into RCW 82.18, which removed it from the section that
allowed any amount to be charged into a section that limited the
rate of tax. He believes the State Legislature had a reason for
moving it from "16" into "18". He talked with members of the
legislature and their comments were there was no intent to leave
the Garbage Tax where a higher rate could be charged. Ian Sievers,
City Attorney, stated there is a controversy over what the
Legislature intended by that recodification of Garbage Service from
82.16 to 82.18. The Association Of Washington Cities took the
position that it wasn't intended to affect the taxability of those
services by cities, but simply reorganize that under its own
chapter.
8A- ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) LEVYING PROPERTY TAXES FOR COLLECTION
IN 1997, #AB96-248
The City's property taxes are levied on an annual basis through
passage of an ordinance. The proposed ordinance will enact a
general property tax levy at the statutory rate limit and special
levies for Emergency Medical Services and Bond Redemption at rates
previously authorized by the voters.
Rich Hanna, Acting City Clerk, noted a comparison for Property Tax
Levies 1996 vs 1997 was included in the documentation provided to
Council. That comparison shows the changes in all three components
of this equation: Assessed Valuation changing by 3.09%; total Tax
Rate changed by 0.28%; and the City's Tax Revenue will change by
3.56% between 1996 and 1997.
Public comment - none.
Mr. McConne11 stated he believed the reason the 911 Ballot measure
failed was due to its impact on property taxes. He views this
proposal as a double hit because of the massive reappraisal coming
out of the county that will increase property values. He felt the
reappraisal of properties would increase the income to the City due
to the higher evaluations of properties. There has to be some way
that taxes, such as through emergency levies, can be generated in
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order to service the residents properly. He did not support taking
the 106% tax increase. Mr. Hanna explained the proposed ordinance
does not levy property taxes to what is commonly referred to as the
106% limit. The City's authority to levy property taxes is limited
by two different statutes, the 106% levy limit, which states the
City's property tax cannot grow at a rate greater than 6% per year.
The other constraint that is imposed by statute, and is operative
this year, sets an absolute maximum on the City's property tax
rate. The City is at that maximum rate and that is why the rate is
growing by only 0.28% and Property Tax revenue is only growing by
3.58% this year. Mr. McOonnell stated now that the library bonds
are paid off it is unfortunate that the people won't see any
decrease in their property taxes.
Mr. Neville referenced the memorandum provided by Mr. Hanna, which
was very informative, and asked that it be read for the benefit of
the public. Mr. Hanna complied with Mr. Neville's request.
Mr. Neville pointed out Council will be starting the 1997 Budget
review process on November 5, and encouraged members of the public
to attend the various Study Sessions, which are open to the public.
M/S/C(Montgomery/Neville) to approve ordinance on first reading,
levying Municipal Taxes against all the taxable property within the
City limits of Bremerton for the year 1996, and approving the
assessment roll made by the Assessor of Kitsap County, therefore to
be collected in the year 1997.
Vote on Motion:
Motion carried.
In Favor:
Opposed:
Neville, Overson, Montgomery, Huff-
Menees, Law
McConnell
8B- ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) AMENDING PARKS PROTECTION ORDINANCE
TO ADD ADDITIONAL CITY-OWNED PROPERTIES TO LIST OF PARKS PROVIDED
FOR IN BMC 13.12, #AB96-249
The 1989 Citizen's Referendum, Ordinance No. 4283, "Parks
Protection Ordinance" authorizes the City Council to add properties
to the protected parks listing in the Bremerton Municipal Code
13.12.020 by City Council majority vote of those present.
The proposed ordinance provides for the amendment to the current
list of commonly known parks of the City of Bremerton, adding
additional City-owned properties to the list which properties have
been utilized by the City of Bremerton and its citizens for parks.
Jody Wroblewski, Assistant Parks and Recreation Director, stated
this proposal is really a housekeeping measure that would amend the
Parks Protection Ordinance to include a number of properties that
were not on the original list and to delete one property that is no
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Page 15 of 15
longer under Park and Recreation's auspices, and to make editorial
corrections.
Del Knauss, Bremerton resident, urged Council to support the
proposal as presented and thanked Mr. McConnell for helping the
process get started. He was particularly pleased to see the S.P.
"PAT" CAREY VISTA" added to the ordinance.
Mr. Overson questioned if the Bremerton Board Walk was all on City
property or was some of it on Port of Bremerton property? And, by
adding it to the ordinance would it put an onus on any kind of
proposed changes to that area encompassed by the proposed Sinclair
Landing project? Mayor Lynn ~orton stated she did not believe it
would affect the Sinclair Land project. Mr. Overson's observation
about land ownership is correct, although there is more to the park
than just the boardwalk. Mr. Overson questioned then by default
the City could not put any Port of Bremerton property under this
ordinance? Ian Sievers, City Attorney, stated it is not the Port's
or City's property. The Port of Bremerton has a Harbor Management
Agreement with the Department Of natural Resources. Mr. Overson
asked if Rota Vista Park is City property? Mr. Sievers stated yes.
M/S/C/U(Neville/Montgomery) to approve ordinance on first reading,
amending Chapter 13.12 of the Bremerton Municipal Code to add
additional City-owned properties to the list of parks provided for
in the City's Parks Protection Ordinance.
President Law thanked the TV camera crew for their services:
Nadine price, Robert Rupe, and Patricia Mathas.
With no further business meeting adjourned at 7:36 P.M.
KATHLEEN L. KEY, City Clerk
President
City of Bremerton
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