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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/26/96TAPE #1389 UNAPPROVED DRAFT COUNCIL APPROVED JUL 10 1996 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JUNE 26, 1996 00039 00071 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, June 26, 1996, at 5:30 P.M., with Council President John Law presiding. Council members present were Bob Winters, A1 Colvin, Cecil McConnell, Carlos Montgomery, Sherril Huff-Menees, David Farr, Richard Neville, and Lon Overson. Also present were City Attorney Ian Sievers and City Clerk Kathleen McCluskey. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council President Law and Invocation given by Pastor Talmage Wilson of Charleston Baptist Church. President Law made the following announcements: (1) Council just concluded an Executive Session where they discussed "Labor Negotiations; (2) Council will hold a Study Session on July 1, 5:30 PM - 7:30 P.M., topics: SLAUpdate and initial review of proposed Charter changes; (3) Council will hold an Executive Session on July 3, 1996, 5:10 P.M., in the Council Conference Room to discuss "potential litigation". CONSENT AGENDA A. Minutes - June 5, 1996 0AB96-137 B. Minutes - June 12, 1996 0AB96-138 Bid Award Recommendation for Ductile Iron Pipe for the Year 1996 0AB96-139 M/S/C/U(Neville/Farr) 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 June 26, 1996, the Council does approve for payment those vouchers included and further described as follows: EFT 6732, 198963 through 199185, 199186 in the amount of $894,734.06; and Regular Payroll for the pay period ending 6/15/96 in the amount of $679,937.06; and Retiree Payroll for the pay period ending 6/30/96 in the amount of $92,694.72. TAPE #1389 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes June 26, 1996 Page 2 of 10 COUNCIL MEMBER. REPORTS Mr. Colvin reported on June 24 he attended an event at the Bremerton National Airport where he represented the Tusksgee flyers. At that event, a young man came up to him and told him that the Tusksgee airmen saved his father's life during the WWII. Mr. Colvin quoted Tuskegee Commander B.O. Davis: "...we must all be Americans and not label ourselves as members of other groups thereby diminishing the essence of American citizenship. I continue this fight and hope you will stay with me." Mr. Colvin asked anyone in the public that shares those sentiments to please write to him and forward it to the City Council office. Mr. McConne11 encouraged residents of District #2 to attend the next District #3 Neighborhood Meeting on July 16, 7:00 P.M., at the Senior Center. The program for that meeting will be the Fire Department, who will be putting on fire safety demonstrations; and encouraged parents to bring their children to participate in this event. Mr. Farr wished Councilman Colvin a "Happy Birthday". He received a call from a constituent expressing their appreciation of the Department Of Community Development's good work in cleaning up old derelict cars in District #6. He has also received complaints from some citizens about a residence that has turned into an eyesore across from Ivy Green Cemetery. To his knowledge that property, which is owner occupied, has been abated by the City more than once. It was his hope that the owners of that property would clean up the site, which would benefit the entire neighborhood and create more pride within our community. Mrs. Huff-Menees thanked the Parks Department for all the beautiful planters filled with flowers, the hanging baskets and pocket parks throughout the City that are so beautifully planted and maintained. Mr. Winters encouraged those youth, who recently graduated from High School and are 18 years old, to register to Vote in order to be eligible to vote in the upcoming election. Mr. Overson stated every Council District has challenges such as Mr. Farr described and in fact they are found all over the County. However, he wanted everyone to "have faith" that something can be done about them. He was encouraged by the fact that his wife, Elly, and their neighbors worked for four years on getting rid of an "eyesore" property across the street from his residents. Finally, last week those responsible for that unsightly property came out and cut the shrubbery, are scrapping and painting the structure and hauling away trash. Mr. Law announced the next District #3 Neighborhood Meeting is TAPE #1389 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes June 26, 1996 Page 3 of 10 scheduled for July 16, 1996, 7:00 P.M. at the Senior Center. He emphasized this meeting is not limited to District #3 residents and encouraged others to attend as well. The Fire Department will be featured free refreshments will be provided. PUBLIC RECOGNITION Police Chief Paul Du Fresne presented a Letter of Commendation to Dave Vannest, a citizen Block Watch Captain, for providing information to the Police that led to the arrest of an individual for criminal trespass. Chief Du Fresne noted this was the second time Mr. Vannest had reported an in progress crime that resulted in an arrest, which proves that Block Watch programs do work. Emily Moshay, Swing City Committee, announced a fund raising Car Wash will be held on June 28, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, at the East Bremerton Washington Mutual Bank. Funds raised from that event will be used to assist in sprucing up downtown Bremerton. On Tuesday, July 16, 7:00 - 10:00 P.M., at the Melody Lane, the Swing City Committee is sponsoring a JAZZ NIGHT with Cap Demerio and his trio featuring vocalist Whitney James. Admission cost for that event is $10.00 per person and may be purchased from Ruth Reese, Old Bank Antiques & Making Waves Deli or Barbara Coombs at Washington Mutual Bank, or from Rachel Souza and Michael Laine at Technology Inc. Additional information can be obtained from Barbara Coombs at 792-8585. Charlens Burnett, Bremerton Parks Department, stated the Parks Department received a Community Development Block Grant that enabled them to expand the Playground Express Program from one mobile van with two staff members traveling to two sites per day four times per week to a fully staffed four locations in the City... old Haddon Elementary school site, Warren Avenue Playfield, Manette Playfield, Armen Jar Elementary School, five days a week from 10:00 AM to 3:00 P.M. This is a collaboration with the Parks Department, Americore, Bremerton School District (free lunch program for all children on the playground) and Kitsap Transit (free and reduced bus passes for children). At day 3 of the program, over 300 children per day have participated in the program. Concerts In The Park commenced on June 25, with over 300 people attending the first concert. The Children With Special Needs Camp starts on July 1. Lena Swanson complimented the City on the beautiful job of constructing sidewalks and planting trees on Naval Avenue near Ivy Green Cemetery. In reference to the property identified by Councilman Farr, she agreed it is an absolute eyesore and supported the City abating the property and charging the owner, if they don't clean it up. She announced she has been selected as the 1997 Honorary Chairman Of The Western Division Reunion of the American TAPE #1389 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes June 26, 1996 Page 4 of 10 Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor. That Reunion will be held at the Best Western Bayview Inn June 5-6-7, 1997, and she expects approximately 150 participants. She is the Area Chairman for the Employment Support of the National Guard and Reserve and their quarterly meeting will be held at the Oyster Bay Inn in September 1996. She emphasized her enthusiasm about bringing business to Bremerton; however, she cautioned businesses that there are citizens in the community concerned about the cost of services in the local area. She was greatly disturbed over the treatment she received when she tried to participate in the Armed Forces Parade. She received written material from the Armed Forces Parade Committee that stated no ,'political candidates" would be allowed; however, several political candidates were observed walking in and riding in the parade. She emphasized she respected that request. She asked the City Council to look into the issue for her. Matthew Palermini thanked all of the 60 participants at the June 24th Blood Drawing, Shannon Kraetsch reported the Hospice Walk held on June 22, raised $5,756.00, and with a generous donation from The Willows, they raised a total of over $9,000. Gordy Byrd expressed his appreciation to everyone that helped him through his recent medical problems. He reported on a recent survey he took regarding the possibility of having a theme type park in Bremerton and all of the responses were positive. A1 Duke, Assistant Fire Chief, reminded the public that discharging fireworks is restricted to July 4, 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Sale of fireworks commences on June 28, 12:00 noon. Mr. Meville asked if that information would be publicized at the fireworks stands? Mr.. Duke stated posters listing that information have been printed and are being distributed to the fireworks stands. Del Knauss commented on the new seating arrangement of the City Council members. He referenced a recent issue about parking lot sweeper noise, and thanked Councilman McConnell for his effort in getting the situation addressed by the City. He believed the situation would not have been given the attention it finally received without the pressure put on by Mr. McConnell. On the issue of a revised City Charter, he believes Council should take a strong look at City "at will employees", who he believes should be under Civil Service in order for Council to get more "honest answers" and not be in fear of losing their jobs if they were blunt and told Council what they needed to hear. He referenced a recent newspaper article about the Sinclair Landing project and found it hard to believe the figure cited of 14,000 people coming to the downtown area. It also concerned him that the money amount of the TAPE #1389 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes June 26, 1996 Page 5 of 10 project keeps changing as well as the ideas. He feels strongly that the public needs to know the amount it will cost the taxpayer. He also wants to know what land the City will be giving up as part of this project and whether or not the City will be leasing space for a new City Hall? He also believes the SLAproject should go to the citizens on an Advisory Vote. He again raised the issue of losing Roosevelt Field and the fact it was a "done deal" because decisions were made in Olympia, not by the people of Bremerton. Emily Moshay responded to Mr. Knauss's comments - lets keep that dream, it can be done and Bremerton can hold lots of people. 7A - WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT ODOR CONTROL PROJECT, APPROVAL OF CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER #9 AND REVISION TO ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGE ORDER AUTHORITY, #AB96-140 Staff have negotiated Contract Change Order (CCO) #9 on the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Odor Control Project in the amount of $14,990.93 for modifications to the centrifuge room odor containment area. This brings the total amount of change orders on this project to $264,430.24. The Mayor's administrative change order authority as provided by City Council for this project of $250,000 will be exceeded by CCO #9, therefore City Council must approve this Change Order. Staff requests that the Mayor's administrative change order authority be re-authorized in an amount of $175,000 above the cumulative total of CCO #9. The amount is expected to meet the requirements of the project and is within the 10% of the construction contract amount budgeted for change orders. The request is made to expedite the change order process and facilitate timely completion of the project. Council will continue to be apprised of the project status, including change orders, as part of the monthly project status report. Randy Witt, City Engineer, reviewed the information in the Summary Statement addressing Change Order #9. He reminded Council of recent Council action whereby the Mayor's Authority to approve change orders had increased; however, Change Order #8 on this project used up almost of the that authority and Change Order #9 exceeds that amount. It is felt that the procedure of having the Mayor have change order signature authority and then informing the Council through Study Sessions has worked very well and expedited their handling of change orders; and there have been no issues of delay on the contract. He would like to continue that process since the contract is time sensitive and requested Council approve an additional $175,000.00 change order/signature authority for the Mayor. Public comment - none. #1404 TAPE #1389 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes June 26, 1996 Page 6 of 10 Mr. Neville asked if the accumulated amount of the change orders exceeded the 10% contingency factor? Mr. Witt stated no, the 10% contingency amount is $510,000 and the accumulated change order amount plus the increased change order authority is approximately $480,000. Mr. Neville asked if Mr. Witt anticipated any additional change orders? Mr. Witt stated yes, and he is confident that the remaining contingency will cover any future change orders. Mr. Neville questioned the anticipated completion date for this project? Mr. Witt stated mid-July. Mr. Farr stated he found the process being used in this instance to be unwieldy to approve a change order request for $14,000 when to date change orders on the project amount to $264,000. He would like to see that process changed to a certain percentage of the project and have a complete update on the project when it became apparently the limit was close to being reached. Mr. McConnell asked if there was any limit on any individual change order the Mayor could authorize? Mr. Witt explained the Bremerton Municipal Code sets a limit of 20% of the project cost or $30,000 or whichever is less unless the City Council chooses to change that figure. M/S/C/U(Montgomery/Farr) to authorize and direct the Mayor to execute Contract Change Order #9 to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Odor Control Project in the amount of $14,990.93; and to approve re-authorization of the Administrative Change Order Authority of the Mayor on the Wastewater Treatment Plant Odor Control Project in the amount of $175,000 above the cumulative total in Change Order #9. 7B - APPROVE CONTRACT FOR STATE PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW FUND (PERF) GRANT TO DEVELOP CHARLESTON COMMUNITY PLAN, #AB96-141 The City has been awarded a PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW FUND (PERF) grant to help fund development of a Specific Area Plan for the Charleston Community. Approximately $39,000 in CDBG funds is earmarked to do a Charleston Business District plan. The PERF grant will provide an additional $40,000 to expand the scope of the plan to include surrounding neighborhoods. The PERF grant is targeted for development of an "Integrated GMA/SEPA Plan" under the new State regulatory reform legislation. The grant will also fund a ,,poster-brochure" version of the land use plan, and a videotape to help explain the streamlined permitting system that will be possible with the plan. Don Pratt, Director of Community Development, stated the City's 1996 budget currently has $30,000 earmarked to undertake the Charleston Neighborhood Plan, which is scheduled to start in July/August. Earlier this year, the City was offered a grant #1650 TAPE #1389 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes June 26, 1996 Page 7 of 10 opportunity by the State, and the City asked the State to increase the scope of the project to fund: (1) more planning so that developer that would build projects in this area would not have go through the SEPA process and would be covered in the planning process; (2) that we could produce a video, which would more effectively explain to the developers the types of development and manner of development that is desired in the neighborhood; (3) that we could produce, rather than a text document, a plan on a schematic map that would use something other than plot lines describing what is happening and convey in a more user friendly manner what we think this neighborhood can become. The grant was accepted and awarded by the State and the action before Council is to approve the contract offered by the State. Council is also asked to approve a Budget Adjustment, which will authorize the City to accept the funds from the State and begin spending funds upon their receipt. Public comment - none. Mr. Neville asked Mr. Pratt to describe the affected area and how members of the public can become involved with this project. Mr. Pratt stated the City actually started this project in 1995, but backed off of it in order to complete the Harrison Neighborhood Plan. The primary focus is to look at the Charleston Business District as it extends primarily from llth Street down to the beginning of the Navy's new annexation area. With the grant funds, the staff may readjust their thinking and look to the west into the residential neighborhood. Several interest groups have been identified along with the Bremerton Area Chamber Of Commerce, who want to become involved in the project. Public meetings will be held and notices advertising those meetings will be posted in the local businesses. Mr. Neville asked if he understood that the time when the public would get involved was late September? Mr. Pratt stated Mr. Neville was correct. Mr. McConnell stated he was happy to see the City putting some effort into outlying districts and areas. M/S/C/U(Huff-Menees/Montgomery) to approve the contract as submitted and Budget Adjustment #96-23. 7C - BUDGET ADJUSTMENT, DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT POSITION CHANGES ONLY (BUILDING DEVELOPMENT PERMIT MANAGER AND DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST II), #AB96-142 The process of reorganizing the City's permitting function requires replacing the Building and Code Official position with a more service and systems oriented position. Additionally, the Planner position in the permit process needs to be replaced with the more general and service oriented position of Building & Development #1884 TAPE #1389 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes June 26, 1996 Page 8 of 10 Specialist II~ Both these changes require budget adjustments. Don Pratt, Director of Community Development, stated in March he and Mayor Horton approached the City Council about some changes they would like to make regarding service to clients at the Department of Community Development, the way they issue permits, and deal with people across the counter. Regardless of who the client is, developer or private citizen, the Community Development staff needs to be response to them. There are new and modern techniques of customer service and it is his desire to train his personnel in those techniques. In order to train people, manage employees and monitor and evaluate employees with those skills, job descriptions must be in place to tell the employee what their training will be, required skills and expectations of their position. Currently, his department is operating under job descriptions that are 10 -15 years old and were adopted when issues of customer service were not a priority. In order for supervisors to draw out the skills and train staff, job descriptions must be changed in order to adequately monitor whether or not they are happening. In order to change the job description and title of the job description, a Budget Adjustment is required; however, there are no funds involved with that action. The amendment before Council accomplishes the above described change and brings a more service oriented posture to the people behind the counter and will give the department the opportunity to train people, not work them out of job description and to evaluate people for their ability to deliver those services. The amendment offers no more personnel numbers to the department nor the need for additional funding. He and Mayor Horton are anxious to fill both of these vacant positions. Public comment - none. President Law asked if he understood correctly that neither of the positions were Civil Service? Mr. Pratt explained one position is an at will employee (Development Permit Manager), which will require Council confirmation, the Community Development Specialist II is a Civil Service position. He noted he has already completed two different processes to come through the job description changes. President Law asked if this action would abolish a Civil Service position. Mr. Pratt stated no, only the title is changing. M/S/C/U(Montgomery/Huff-Menees) to approve Budget Adjustment Request No. 96-20. 8A - ORDINANCE NO. 4560 (SECOND READING) FINAL AS8ESMMENT ROLL FOR U.L.I.D. #327, KITSAP LAKE SEWER, #AB96-124 Public comment - none. #1938 #2095 TAPE #1389 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes June 26, 1996 Page 9 of 10 M/S/C/U(Colvin/Montgomery) to pass Ordinance No. 4560 on second reading adopting and confirming the assessment roll for Utility Local Improvement District No. 327 providing for the improvements by extension of sanitary sewer in Northlake Way and Kitsap Lake Road as described in Ordinance 4450 providing for the levying and assessing for the costs and expense thereof against the parcels and lots of land within the boundaries of said improvement district; providing for the collection thereof; creating and establishing a special fund therefore. 8B - ORDINANCE NO. 4561 (SECOND READING) AUTHORIZING A BORROWING OF $237,000 AND ACCEPTING THE PURCHASE OFFER OF SEAFIRST BANK, #AB96- 135 Ellzabeth Buell asked the purpose of the borrowed funds? Kathleen McCluskey, City Clerk, explained the City's central computer system will be upgraded as well as many of the PC's, networking all of the City's computers, a new computer system for the Police Department, plus some other miscellaneous equipment. The debt repayment will be spread over the next four years out of General Fund monies. Mr. McConnell pointed out the need to keep up with technology, especially in the area of computers; however, he preferred the City not borrow funds for that purpose and pay an additional expense of interest. M/S/C/U(Montgomery/Huff-Menees) to pass Ordinance No. 4561 on second reading, relating to contracting indebtedness; providing for the issuance, specifying the installment payments, interest rate, terms, and covenants and fixing the form of a $237,700 par value Limited Tax General Obligation Bond, 1996, of the City for general City purposes to provide funds with which to pay the cost of upgrading an existing City computer system and acquiring new computer systems and equipment; establishing a bond redemption fund and an acquisition fund; and approving the sale and providing for the delivery of the bonds to Bank of America NW, N.A., doing business as Seafirst Bank. President Law thanked the TV crew for their services: Nadine Price, Dave Noble, and Martin Strode. TAPE #1389 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes June 26, 1996 Page 10 of 10 With no further business meeting adjourned at 6:43 P.M.. KATHLEEN L. McCLUSKEY, CLty Clerk · LAW, Council City of Bremerton KLM/JL/me cc: President Normal Distribution File/Vault