HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/08/96TAPE #1376
UNAPPROVED DRAFT
COUNCIL
APPROVED
MAY 22 1996
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MAY 8, 1996
#0021
#0032
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Bremerton
was called to order in the City Council Chambers, 239 4th Street,
Bremerton, Washington, Wednesday, May 8, 1996, at 5:30 P.M., with
Council Vice President Richard Neville presiding. Council members
present were Bob Winters, A1 Colvin, Cecil McConnell, Carlos
Montgomery, Sherril Huff-Menees, David Farr, and Lon Overson.
Council President John Law was absent Also present were City
Attorney Ian Sievers and Deputy City Clerk Gil Johnson.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Acting
President Neville and Invocation given by Pastor August Lubkeman of
Memorial Lutheran Church.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes -- April 24, 1996
#AB96-091
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 May 8, 1996, the Council does approve
for payment those vouchers included and further described as
follows: 197520 through 197526, 197537 through 197691 in the amount
of $283,799.61; and Regular Payroll for the period ending 4-30-96,
in the amount of $811,122.09.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Mr. Overson reported on an eventful weekend with the grand opening
celebration at the Emperor Palace on Washington Avenue and the
ground breaking for a new school building at Star of the Sea
Catholic Church; and the Olympic Torch Run on Tuesday, May 7.
Mr. Farr was pleased to report that a sight obstruction problem
identified about a year ago has been remedies. He credited the
success in getting that sight obstruction removed to Bob Tulp,
Public Works Operations Manager.
Mrs. Huff-Menees congratulated all those involved in the planning
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and organizing of the Bremerton portion of the Olympic Torch Run,
which turned out to be a wonderful event. She reminded everyone of
the upcoming Armed Forces actives the week of May 13 - 18; and
congratulated the new Armed Forces Queen's Court.
Mr. Montgomery reported on Saturday he attended the West Park
Community Wellness Festival, which was well attended and provided
lots of good information. He thanked Tracy Nelson and Deborah
Brown for inviting him to that event. He noted the Head Start
Program celebrated its 30th Anniversary this weekend. He observed
the Olympic Torch Run from the boardwalk and noted the rainy
weather did not bother those that turned out for this event.
Districts 6, 7, and 8 will hold a combined Neighborhood Meeting on
Thursday, May 23, 7:00 P.M., at the Bremerton School District
Office. The program for that meeting will be an update report on
the Sinclair landing Project and Mayor Horton to talk about goals
and priorities and answer questions.
Mr. McConnell announced the next District #2 Neighborhood Meeting
is scheduled for May 14, 6:30 P.M., at Fire Station #3. The guest
speaker at that meeting will be Jim Spencer, Parks and Recreation
Director.
Mr. Colvin reported he also attended the Grand Opening of the
Emperor's Palace where he found the food, service and friendliness
to be impressive. He too attended the ground breaking ceremony at
Star of the Sea Catholic Church and was very impressed by the many
young people that were so well behaved. On Tuesday, May 7, he
attended an event in Tacoma where he witnessed Governor Lowerysign
a $150,000 Americorps Grant that will help youth between 15-18
years old. The next District #1 Neighborhood Meeting is scheduled
for May 16, 7:00 P.M., at the Sheridan Park and Recreation Center.
The guest speaker at that meeting will be Mayor Lynn Horton. He
encouraged senior citizens, who were happy over the removal of the
Scotch broom, to attend that meeting in order to thank Mayor Horton
for her support in that endeavor.
Mr. Winters reported he participated in the West Park Community
Wellness Festival and was pleased that the weather cooperated, lots
of people came and received good information. Regretfully, he was
unable to attend the Grand Opening of the Emperor's Palace. He too
enjoyed the festivities of the Olympic Torch Run and was somewhat
disappointed that the only television coverage given to Bremerton
was the torch being carried onto the ferry to continue the run to
Seattle. During that event, he made his own video and will pass it
on to TCI Cable Access for possible viewing on the access channel.
Mr. Neville announced Mayor Horton and Council President John Law
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have gone to Washington D.C., as part of the Puget Sound Naval
shipyard contingency to accept the Commander In Chiefs Excellence
Award for Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. He noted the week of May 5 -
11 is Municipal Clerks' Association Week and extended a special
"thank you" to Kathleen McCluskey, Gil Johnson and all the Clerk's
staff for a job well done. He announced Bremerton High School
students are presenting the play "WEST SIDE STORY" on May 9, 10 and
11.
MAYOR'S REPORT
In the absence of Mayor Horton, Mayor Protem Bob Winters read the
following proclamations:
(1) May 6 - 13, 1995 as National Nurses Week and May 13, 1995 as
Navy Nurse Corps Day. Captain Maggie Rowell, Director of Nursing
Services/Naval Hospital, accompanied by CDR Chris Stokey, Senior
Department Heads/Naval Hospital, accepted the proclamation on
behalf of the hundreds of nurses in this area.
(2) May 12 -18, 1996, as ARMED FORCES WEEK.
of the Armed Forces Activities accepted
briefly outlined the festival activities.
John Curtis, Chairman
the proclamation and
PUBLIC RECOGNITION
Gordy Byrd talked about the Olympic Torch Run and was disappointed
Bremerton didn't get more coverage on the Channel 11 News program.
He wanted the public to know he is still working to fund a shelter
for the homeless.
Dave Olson handed out a copy of a newspaper article titled "CODE
911", which listed the ages of the individuals involved in the
tragic beating of Darren McGiesey were 21 years of age. He read
the following statement: "Eastside Tavern has been the victim of
an over zealous, highly prejudice, sloppy and inaccurate
investigation by the Bremerton Police Department and Washington
State Liquor Control Board Officers and Agent. Both the Bremerton
Police Department and the Washington State Liquor Control Board in
their hurried rush to judgement, have failed to or purposely
ignored facts leading to the true crimes and criminals in this
case, in an attempt to bolster their position and what has been
described and purported to be a hate crime by the media. Further,
false and inaccurate statements in this case have been responsible
for the arrests, false warrants and charges were used to accomplish
this end. He could only wonder which business or individual will
be the City's next victim. As many of you know, if the City wants
property for development and no buy out figure can be agreed on
with the property owner, the City simply condemns and takes the
property leaving the tenants homeless, without being compensated
for years of hard work and personal investment. This is also the
case with businesses of Bremerton. Who or what business or
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individual will be cheated out of his or her investment and
livelihood next at the hands of City government? Any intelligent
and thinking individuals will see through sham that is being
paraded before them. If you believe that innocent until proven
guilty still should be in affect in this city and this country,
then your incumbent to call your Mayor at 478-5266 or his area
Councilman John Law at his home 479-2723, or office 478-5280, and
ask them what they, as individuals, are doing to get to the truth
in this matter and if those answers are not sufficient, don't
hesitate to call your Chief Of Police at 478-5228. The public has
the right to know the truth, don't forget to let these people know
that they work for you and you're paying attention. And, if the
answers are insufficient, exercise your vote to get rid of the
ineffective individuals.
Joan Dingfield introduced Doyle Detroit, the new Executive Director
of Westsound Community Access Television. DoVle Detroit commented
that usually she is running a TV camera or directing in the
transmission booth, so she found it a pleasure to be "out front"
and greet everyone. Effort is underway planning the transition
between management from TCI Cable Vision to the new non-profit
access corporation, which will be a fairly slow transition. It is
expected that some time in the next 4-5 months her group will be
taking over and improving the service that TCI and the City have
already provided. She hopes to expand government coverage to
include several cities, in addition to Bremerton. The next
Westsound Community Access Television Board meeting will be held on
May 13, 6:30 P.M., in the meeting room below Ryan's Restaurant on
Fairgrounds Road; and they are very interested in having community
support and participation in the new access corporation.
Charlle Brown thanked Mayor Horton and Councilman Colvin for their
support in getting rid of the Scotch broom at the north end of
Warren Avenue bridge.
Lan Wong, representing Emperor's Palace #2, thanked the Council
members-for attending their Grand Opening event. The restaurant is
open for business and she hoped everyone would stop by and see
them.
John Thomas related a recent incident where his Fire Department,
Sub Base Bangor, along with two other Fire Departments were called
out on a mutual aid medical aid call. His emergency crew passed by
the residence three times before finding it because the house
number was not visible from the street. He strongly urged everyone
to take note of how their home address is displayed and if it is
not clearly posted, to fix it so it could be identified quickly in
the event of an emergency situation.
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Carol Atkinson, Bremerton Main Street Association, commented on the
success of the Olympic Torch Run through Bremerton and particularly
the effort given by Terrie O'Neill, the City's Municipal Services
Coordinator, who chaired the local Torch Run Committee. Ms.
Atkinson announced a mural will be painted on a building at the end
of the Naval Museum depicting Puget Sound, ferries, Olympic
mountains and highlighting the Blackberry Festival. Weather
permitting, the mural should be completed by Armed Forces Week.
7A - AGAPE ADMINISTRATION FEES, #AD96-092
When AGAPE first received Shelter Plus Care funds, it was decided
not to use any dollars for administrative costs until it was
determined how far the rental assistance dollars would go. The
program has been in operation since July of 1995, many of the
clients are unable to contribute toward the rents, thus allowing
AGAPE to recoup some administrative fees.
Deborah Peavler-Stewart, Neighborhood Development Department,
stated the City received a $596,400 HUD grant in January 1995, to
provide drug and alcohol free housing for people, who are
chemically dependent. The sponsor and primary provider for the
project is AGAPE, whose program is composed of three stages that
are geared toward fostering independence. In this program
individuals progress from living in a structured group home to
living in subsidized apartments throughout the City. The Shelter
Plus Care Grant Program provides rental assistance. When the
program was started, a decision was made to forego Administrative
reimbursement until the program could be evaluated. The program
has been active since July 1995, and the clients have been able to
pay more in rent than anticipated. The program allows an 8%
Administrative Fee for specific actions associated with the
program. The analysis revealed the City of Bremerton accomplishes
approximately 2% of the activities and AGAPE accomplishes 6%. It
is recommended that AGAPE and the City be allowed to recoup the
Administrative cost.
Barbara Day-Miller, Executive Director AGAPE, thanked the City
Council, Mayor Horton and Ian Sievers, City Attorney, for their
support, as well as Marylyn Waibel and Deborah Peavler-Stewart.
So far, 43 patients have been provided housing through this program
and they now have a men's and women's house open on Crawford Drive
and two duplexes, which makes four units of two bedroom facilities,
on Fitz Drive, and an individual two bedroom house with a
additional apartment. Out of the 43 people that started in the
program, only two have aborted the program, one returned to in-
patient treatment and has returned to their facility, so they have
approximately a 99.9% success rate to date. Recently, they placed
their first male client, who had custody of his two children, which
was a first for this program.
#1337
#1391
Vote on motion:
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Gene Hart asked if there was a waiting list and if so, how many
people were on it. Mrs. Day-Miller stated at the present they have
13 men and 4 women on a waiting list and all available housing is
filled. She emphasized over two thirds of the rent fees are coming
from the client residents, which means the grant will last longer
than the 10 year allocation period.
Charlie Brown asked if the rental fees were fixed or on a sliding
scale based on income? Mrs. Day-Miller stated they are based on
the individual's income. If someone has absolutely no income, then
their rent is fully subsidized until they become employed.
Mr. Colvin complimented Mrs. Day-Miller on her leadership for this
program. Mrs. Day-Miller shared the fact they have been able to
lease two duplex units for five years and the landlords are very
supportive of the program.
Mr. McConnell pointed out on Attachments A, B. and C, it states the
amount that may be used for Administration is "0", but on Exhibit
1 it authorizes the utilization of up to 8%. Ms. Pearlet-Stewart
explained HUD regulations allow the 8% Administrative fee, and
pointed out that authorization on page 7 of the regulations
provided in the Agenda Packet.
M/S/C/U(Farr/Winters) to amend the contract with AGAPE to allow
administrative fees, 6% for AGAPE and 2% for the City of Bremerton,
based on the "Shelter Plus Care Program - Administrative Fee",
Exhibit 1.
8A - ORDINANCE NO. 4551 (SECOND READING) AMENDING THE SELECTION
PROCESS, BENEFITS, AND STARTING COMPENSATION FOR DEPARTMENT HEADS,
MANAGEMENT, AND PROFESSIONAL STAFF; AND AMENDING CHAPTERS 2.49 AND
2.50 OF THE BREMERTON MUNICIPAL CODE, #AB96-080
Public comment - none.
M/S/C(Montgomery/Huff-Menees) to pass Ordinance No. 4551 on second
reading, amending the confirmation standards, salary, and
compensation plans, work schedules, and leave benefits for
department heads, management and professional staff; and amending
Chapter 2.49 and 2.50 of the Bremerton Municipal Code.
In Favor: Overson, Farr, Huff-Menees, Neville,
Motion carried.
Opposed:
Montgomery, Colvin, Winters
McConnell
9A - PUBLIC HEARING ON ALMIRA/RIDDELL ROAD APARTMENT SITE PLAN
REVIEW, #AB96-093
In March of 1991, the City Council approved a request to rezone the
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subject 20 acre site from "Single-Family (SF-3)" to "Multi-Family
(MF)". Because of the size and location of the site, and the high
level of interest shown by surrounding residents, the City Council
conditioned the rezone approval to require the preliminary site
plan to be reviewed by the Council at a public hearing. The site
plan is now returning to the City Council for a public hearing.
The attached "Analysis and Decision" describes the proposal and the
seven specific factors the Council asked to be addressed in the
design.
Actin~ President Neville asked the "Appearance Of Fairness/Conflict
of Interest Question." Mr. McConnell revealed the fact he had
received several phone calls concerning this issue and his response
to each of those callers was to encourage them to come to the
public hearing to voice their position before the full Council.
And, approximately 11/2 months ago he had a discussion with Mr.
Allingham on this proposal, but because Mr. Allingham is a staff
members he did not see that as an ex parte communication. Ian
Sievers, City Attorney, stated he saw mo problem with Mr. McConnell
being seated. Actin~ President Neville announced all Council
members presented will remain seated.
Jack Allingham, Senior Planner, explained this proposal is a site
plan review application for the construction of 360 dwelling units
on a 20-acre site located just west of Almira Drive and south of
Riddell Road. The site is undeveloped and abuts the current K-
Mart/Eagle Hardware/Albertson's commercial complex further to the
west.
The site was rezoned to Multi-Family in 1990 and at that time the
City Council put a condition on the rezone requiring that a
preliminary site plan be presented to the City Council for review
and approval. He noted Council was provided the site plan review
application, a preliminary grading and drainage plan and a
preliminary utilities plan. The specific points that Council was
to look, as required in the Rezone Ordinance, were: transit access
and turnouts; access onto neighborhood streets; streets and
sidewalks; open space; setbacks and types of vegetation within
them; basic lighting; and trash facilities.
This project is being proposed as a two phase project. The
proponent is proposing to construct 180 dwelling units on the south
half of the site for Phase I. This phase will also contain
approximately 312 off-street parking spaces as well as a
recreational building with a swimming pool, sports court and a tot
lot. At total building out, there would be an additional
recreational building, another sport court and tot lot. The plan
has ample provisions for open space, which amounts to 15% of the
site. The architect calculates the open space as shown on the plan
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to be approximately 26% of the site.
The current Comprehensive Plan designation for this site is medium
density residential 8-18 dwelling units per acre. This plan, on 20
acres, falls right at 18 dwelling units per acre and is consistent
with the Comprehensive Plan. The allowable density in a Multi-
Family Zone allows one dwelling for every 2,053 square feet of lot
area. At that density, the zoning allows up to 424 dwelling units
and if additional open space is provided and a Planned Unit
Development process was used, up to 600 dwelling units could be
reviewed and approved on this site. Therefore, the 360 dwelling
units being proposed are well within the density limitations.
The off-street parking requirements are based on the number of
bedrooms per dwelling unit and range between 1.5 and 2 spaces
depending if it is a 1-2-3 bedroom unit. The plan provides for 625
parking spaces, which is what the architect calculates as the exact
minimum required and is consistent with the requirement for parking
and zoning.
During the rezone of the site, transit was an issue and this plan
shows the location of transit stops on Riddell Road just west of an
access driveway onto the site and another one just south of the
access driveway on the site at Clemens Street. The site has
essentially three access location, one on Almira Road across from
the intersections of Clemens and Almira Drive, a new access being
proposed at Maple Avenue, which moves out to Hollis, and a third
access at Riddell Road. Two publicsstreets abut the site -- Almira
Drive and Riddell Road. Almira Drive is a collector and is paved
to standard width with curbs and gutters, but no sidewalks.
Riddell Road is also paved, but is not developed to minimum
standards for an arterial street, having no curbs, gutters or
sidewalks. As a requirement of the approval and as being proposed,
the plan calls for placing a 5-foot wide sidewalk along Almira
Drive and Riddell Road. This plan also shows a 5-foot wide
planting strip between the street and the sidewalk with street
trees.
Setback requirement for the Multi-Family zone are essentially a 20
ft. setback fronting the streets and 5 ft. side yard setbacks from
the south and west property lines. The Zoning Ordinance requires
for multi-family projects that one of the side yard setbacks have
a minimum of a 15 ft. setback. The area along the south property
line does show a minimum 15 ft. setback to the structures and that
allows a 5 ft. side yard setback located along the west property
line, which abuts the commercial zoning.
Because this is a preliminary plan, a detailed lighting plan has
not been submitted. However, lighting is not allowed to flood onto
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adjoining properties and generally parking lot lighting is a
shielded light source that does not produce glare and generally
interior sidewalk lighting is a softer but less directional light
source. A detailed lighting plan is usually required at a final
plan review.
A final aspect the rezone required was reviewing the location of
trash facilities/dumpsters and the plan has locations shown, which
appear to be screened and located within the inner parking lot
areas away from surrounding residential areas.
The Planning staff reviewed the preliminary plan and recommends the
City Council approve the preliminary plan subject to a final plan
to be approved by the Director of Community Development. The
analysis and decision of the City Council, which has been provided
as a condition, will state that the final plan be approved by the
Director, that this approval process mirrors the City's final PUD
process, and is approved by the various Departments. The plan
before Council is conceptual and not a design plan for
construction, but is thorough enough to define what is proposed by
the developer.
Rick Manning, developer, handed out color photos of an apartment
complex he built in Port Orchard ( Arbor Terrace Apartments). He
assured the public that he is a local person and works out of his
office in Port Orchard. It is his desire to build a project that
will make him proud, such as the prior projects he built in Kitsap
County. He emphasized the project as proposed is not a low income
project, but rather affordable housing. Several meetings were held
with surrounding neighborhoods to hear their concerns and his input
to them was his concerns were the same as theirs. He pointed out
the site would be built out in two phases and from the market
reports they have received this project will be well received.
The following individuals spoke in opposition to the proposed
project and voiced their concerns: Ramona Cariese, Almira Drive;
Robert Kollars, 4119 Petersville Road; Don Schomberg, Manager of
Guardian Mini Storage- 1950 NE Riddell Road; Susan Bell, Clemens
Street; Susan Brown, 1333 E. Hope Street; Wade Ketterling, 1502
Almira Ct.; Walter Nutter, 1518 Almira Ct.; Tonya Patnode, 1332
Hollis Street; Joann Foss, 1328 Hollis Street; David Patterson,
4115 Westview; Michael Shannon, 1518 Vue Ct.; A1 Mercer, Hollis
Street; Charlie Brown, 1333 E. Hope Street: (1) Concerned that if
3-story units are built it will block the view and will limit the
view to the back side of the buildings. (2) Impact on traffic will
only make current traffic even more hazardous. (3) Currently,
there are no sidewalks on Almira Drive and children are required to
walk along the roadside. (4) The developer proposes to put in
sidewalk for only a 2-block area, which is not sufficient to meet
the needs of the neighborhood. (5) The subject site is marshy and
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at one time was a swamp. (6) Any access onto Riddell Road should
be limited because of the adverse impact it will have on the
already heavily traveled street. (7) When there is ice/snow on
Riddell Road vehicles have difficulty traveling up the hill (east)
and in some instances have slid into commercial buildings. (8)
Want to keep neighborhood safe with a residential safe feeling.
(9) Children do not have sidewalks to ride their bikes on and
increased traffic on Clemens will impact that area adversely. (10)
If the site is developed, trees need to be planted along Almira
Drive to replace what currently provides shade along the subject
site. (11) The developer must be required to put in sidewalks
along Almira Drive the entire length of the subject site. (12)
Ouestion - will the glacial rock be saved? (13) City's planning
staff holds a threat over the neighborhoods that maximum MF zoning
of 600 total units is allowable on the subject site. (14) At the
time of the rezone, the City Council ignored the Planning
Commission's recommendation to limit MF zoning to 15 dewellings per
acre and allowed it to go up to the maximum. (15) If the proposal
is approved and construction begins, the neighbors would like to
see the following: (a) limiting the access onto Almira Drive to one
proposed entrance. (b) A row or two of evergreens planted in the
buffer zone between the complex and the residential areas on Almira
Drive and Hollis, preferably something that is already a fair size,
at least 7 feet, which could also help buffer noise. (c) The City
make the improvements to Riddell Road at the beginning of phase I
construction. (d) All construction equipment, supply vehicles,
etc., be prohibited from using Almira Drive for access to and from
the construction site and be required touse the Riddell Road or
Hollis Street entrances for the majority of the construction
period. (e) Riddell Road access point will be both an entrance and
exit. If the City is going to make Riddell Road a mainline artery,
there is no excuse for it not to be both an entrance and exit. (f)
The City's easement between the twenty acre parcel and the
businesses fronting Wheaton Way be used as an alternate
construction entrance and exit. This should also be considered as
a permanent access to the apartment complex. (g) Construction
equipment and vehicles cannot-be allowed to park along Almira Drive
or Hollis Street. (h) Construction work hour limits be enforced,
i.e., no work done before 6:30 AM or after 10:00 PM, or as the
normal residential Noise Ordinance allows. (i) No slash burning or
other burn methods be allowed before, during or after the
construction phase because of the adverse affect on residents
suffering from asthmatic conditions. (j) Need for extra Police
patrols due to increased number of residents and serious
consideration for increased Fire and emergency vehicles. (16) The
following statement was read into the record from a letter written
by Bruce and Georgia Nelson submitted during the initial rezoning:
"The next time that you hear "rezone" and no one from the
neighborhood involved attends and protests, will you be able to
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convince yourself that no one cares. If a turn out of 100+ people
could not convince you, why should anyone try. There would have
been more people attending your meeting if they thought your minds
were not already made up." (17) Urged Council to use extreme
caution approving something that cannot be undone. (18) People
living to the north use Riddell to Almira Drive and then up Clemens
and over and down Halverson to avoid congestion on Wheaton Way.
(19) Traffic on the streets surrounding the subject site currently
adversely affects the residents and they view this project as
something that will compound the current problems without the City
doing something to make their neighborhoods more traffic safe.
(20) Concerned about having contacted 12 City of Bremerton
telephone numbers and no one responded to messages recorded.
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(21) Question - why build more apartments when the current vacancy
rate for rentals is so high? (22) Question - if we are trying to
develop our community, why aren't we trying to develop it into
family areas? (23) Concerned about the loss of wildlife and birds
when the subject site is developed. (24) Several questions were
raised regarding how stormwater drainage will be handled. (25)
Question -what happened to the access proposed for the southwest
corner of the subject site? (26) Question - has provision been
made within the development site to take care of the water that
runs off of Almira Drive? (27) Question - why can't the City buy
this property and keep it as a wooded park?
Gil Johnson, Deputy City Clerk, read the following letters into the
record: Edith and Richard ThomDson, 1304 Hollis Street - We live
right behind this acreage, which you propose to build 360 units and
that is OK with us providing you leave the road behind us as is.
We have lived here since 1979 and use the road for our motor home
and cars all this time. If a pathway is used over 7 years, it is
lawful for it to be a road as we understand it. And, it is safer
than the Hollis Street side with so much traffic to back onto when
we come out of the garage. Please note our wishes and thanks so
much.
Gloria L. Agas, 1522 Almira Court - Over five years ago, I wrote to
the members of the then City Council (all except Council member Lon
Overson have been replaced by new members) and to the Bremerton
Planning Commission to express my opposition of the rezone of the
above 20-acre parcel from single-family (SF-3) to multi-family
(MF) and the subsequent construction of a 440 unit multi-family
apartment complex on the site by American Redicorp, Inc.
I am again writing to the Honorable members of the City Council to
express my opposition of the construction of a 360-unit multi-
family apartment complex on the same parcel. In fairness to the
owner(s) of the property, since I do not wish them deprived of
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their income from the property, I am not opposed to the
construction of a complex of a much lesser total number of units.
My reasons for opposing the new proposal are the same as my reasons
for opposing the rezone request and the construction of a 440-unit
multi-family apartment complex five (5) years ago. I am enclosing
copies of letters for your reference.
To summarize my reasons, they are as follows:
(1) Increased noise and traffic in the neighborhood. The
expansion of the nearby shopping complex and the opening of Almira
Drive Extension within the last five years have created more
traffic congestion, noise and hazards to pedestrians and
neighborhood residents. We use to be able to walk (pollution
control and good exercise) to the shopping centers without fear of
being sideswiped by passing vehicles. Across the street from one
of the proposed entrances to the apartment complex, on Clemens
Street, is one of two school bus stops along Almira Drive where
about 15-20 young school children congregate while they wait for
their school bus on school days. These young neighborhood children
walk to the bus stop along the street curbs due to the absence of
a sidewalk on this section of Almira Drive where they can walk
safely. This is especially dangerous to them during the early and
dark hours of winter and on rainy days. This is same problem of
the senior citizens and others, and occasionally, residents of the
Kitsap Mental Health Center, who go for their daily "free and
leisurely walks" along Almira Drive and Riddell Road. There may or
may not be any statistical records of pedestrian accidents at these
locations, but we do not need them to happen to drive our point.
Construction of the apartment complex would require cutting down
most of the buffer trees on the site and this would open up the
entire neighborhood to the traffic noises and light glares coming
from the busy stretch of Wheaton Way and Riddell Road and not
counting the noise of the over 600 projected number of vehicles
that will come from the complex. I would like to invite the
decision-making body to come and observe these locations during
peak hours of any work/school days and on weekends.
(2) Increased demands on water, sewer, stormwater, and street
services.
The City of Bremerton is very lucky to have a remarkable water
resource and it is not experiencing water shortages the neighboring
water districts have. Let us not abuse one of the very few good
things that we still have. Sewer, stormwater, and street services
are another matter. The Bremerton Wastewater Treatment Plant
continues to have problems with sewage spills and odor control;
City stormwater and street crews cannot keep up with the stormwater
system and street maintenance. Again, I wish to invite the
decision-making body to come and see for themselves the rapidly
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deteriorating neighborhood streets, covered with potholes and
bulging road surfaces. It is very hazardous trying to avoid the
potholes especially when it is dark and rainy and with tailgaters
and speeding motorists behind you. Also, it takes more than one
phone call or written report to the Street Division before a
pothole is repaired.
(3) Increased police and fire services.
Again, the City of Bremerton is lucky to have dedicated Police and
Fire personnel. but does anybody know that now and then a Police
car would be stationed at one of the street corners facing the site
to monitor motorists and other events? Why is there a need for
this additional burden to the Police force?
(4) Overcrowded schools.
When will we see the end of overcrowded schools? Let us
concentrate on giving a good and solid education to the school
children, instead of worrying about building additional schools.
What good are additional school buildings to accommodate more
students if the quality of education they get does not prepare them
to be good citizens?
If the City is interested in increasing its tax base,why not
encourage developers and investors to invest in the revitalization
of downtown Bremerton? New residents will not do their shopping in
Bremerton or stick around in Bremerton because there are no big
shopping centers and adequate entertainment in Bremerton. They 3-
18 will go to Silverdale, Tacoma and Seattle for their shopping and
entertainment needs.
I urge the City Council to consider these things. Thank you for
listening."
Wade Ketterllng expressed concern that at the last meeting with
surrounding neighbors, a City Engineer stated he considers the
developer's stormwater holding tanks to be half the size they need
to be. He was not aware of any reference to a retaining wall at
the top of the slope under Almira Drive, which he believes will be
a necessity. Since Kitsap County paved the short roadway leading
to the Kitsap Mental Health facility, residents in that area have
seen increased traffic on Almira Drive, which is being used as a
by-pass of five stop lights on Wheaton. He is greatly concerned
that the proposed project will cause his property value to decrease
and he believes with increased density there will be an impact on
local schools.
Charlie Brown asked if Mr. Manning owned the subject site or just
the developer? Mr. Manning stated at the present he does not own
the site, but once he receives the necessary permits he will
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proceed with the financing. He emphasized this hearing was not the
first time he has met with residents in a public form to discuss
some of the concerns, which he believes have been addressed. They
have included a lot of things that were not pointed out to them
that needed being done when they first started this process. In
the beginning, they were only going to be required to provide a
site plan. Issues such as stormwater and traffic were brought up
at the public meetings, which necessitated them to meet with
consultants and get their expert opinions on any impacts. He
pointed out they started out with a zoned piece of property when
they pursued this project and his approach was to not work against
the neighbors, but to make the process as easy as possible. The
Wetlands Report identified that there are no wetlands on the
subject site. In regard to the traffic concerns, he conducted a
detailed traffic analysis that revealed "a not substantially
increased number of cars from the 1991 study in most areas". The
fossil rock will be retained on the site and a buffer placed around
it. It was mentioned that it would be nice to have the section
closest to Riddell Road as part of the first phase. The first
phase will be purchased once they receive approval on their
financing and the project is approved. They do have a contract to
purchase the entire site, however, they will not be purchasing the
second portion until and if they develop the proposed project.
Therefore, development of roads or any other amenities on phase 2
would be impractical at the phase 1 stage. He pointed out there is
no easement on the west side of the site, which borders the
shopping center, it is actually an overlay of asphalt that was done
when Eagle Hardware was developed. In reference to the concern
about the need for more Police officers, he pointed out once this
site is developed it will generate more tax revenue, which he
believed would be more than substantial. He pointed out there is
little need for Police patrols at the Arbor Terrace Apartment
complex and they do allow a couple of Police Officers to reside at
the complex. In reference to the site drainage concern, he pointed
out the plan calls for retention ponds that were engineered through
extensive study on how much water would be flowing off the
roadways. This issue will be further addressed through the
development process. In reference to the people accessing their
backyards through the use of an easement on the subject site, there
has been verbal agreement that they will allow and make provisions
for that access in the project. A survey will be required to
fulfill that commitment and will be part of the ongoing process.
In regard to the question about the drainage pipe coming down off
of Almira Drive onto the site, tentatively they plan to run that
pipeline into one of the detention ponds.
Robert Kollars stated he believed Mr. Manning has been the brunt of
a neighborhood problem that is not his responsiblity. So far,
about 95% of the comments made at this hearing have to do with
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existing traffic problems. He questioned if this project is
approved and is developed, is it possible to use this opportunity
to improve a bad traffic situation? He pointed out a problem of
vehicles speeding up the hill on Hollis Street, and asked about the
possibility of installing a circular traffic calmer in the middle
of the street that would require people to slow down? He continues
to be apposed to the whole issue, but he did not want to be a NIMBY
-"not in my back yard", and say forget it without having a
solution. If the project is developed, he preferred looking at
ways to make it a positive thing where problems are addressed.
Michael Shannon asked the depth of the water retention pond? Mr..
Montgomery pointed out the plan shows the retention pond depth at
6 feet. He also noted the plan shows stormwater storage tanks
underneath several of the parking lots. Mr. Farr interjected the
plan, as presented, is a conceptual design and purpose of this
hearing is not to address final details. Mr. Shannon stated from
past experience he has seen drains catching only a portion of the
run off during heavy rains and questioned where will that excess
water go? Ned Lever, City Engineering Department, pointed out and
discussed the preliminary storm drainage plan and utility plan
provided by the developer. In response to an earlier comment about
the run off vaults not being the correct capacity, he was alluding
to something Mr. Lever stated at a neighborhood meeting and that
was the preliminary storm drain analysis had some errors and needed
to be revised for final design. Water will be detained in the
vaults and the stormwater will have to be released at the pre-
developed rate.
Mr. Montgomery referenced an area that is currently in grass and
questioned if it was a platted street or will the developer be
required to put in a street? Mr. Allingham explained it is an
undeveloped but dedicated City right-of-way, approximately 60 feet
wide, and approximately 30 feet leads to the site itself and it
would require improvements to Maple Street to access Hollis Street.
Mr. Montgomery questioned the elevation grade of the proposed
access onto Almira Drive? Mr. Allingham stated a sufficient grade
would be required to allow vehicles to enter onto~Almira at an
adequate sight distance. Mr. Montgomery asked if slash burns are
allowed in the City. Mr. Allin~hamstated yes, the Fire Department
controls outdoor burning and for a project such as this it would
require the written approval of all the surrounding property
owners. He was aware of instances where developers have paid for
hotel accommodations for people in a particular area when they
carried out a slash burn. Mr. Montgomery stated the proposed plan
looked good to him, except for the access onto Almira Drive. He
asked if the City Council will have an opportunity to approve the
final site plan? Mr. Allingham stated normally a multi-family
development that is zoned for multi-family does not receive City
Council approval. However, when this site was rezoned in 1990, the
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City Council required that a preliminary site plan be brought
before the Council. The approval being recommended by City staff is
that the final site plan (construction document) be reviewed by the
Director Of Community Development, who would normally review and
approve a site plan per the Zoning Code. That decision would be
announced through a public notice with an appeal process.
Mr. Overson pointed out the elevation of the site from Almira Drive
is such that views should not be impacted by the building
structures and that the view may be improved once trees on the site
are removed or thinned. He believes "traffic" is the major concern
and the City needs to do something concrete to address the problem,
which would involve something that is traffic taming, such as stop
lights. He doubted a traffic calming circle would be appropriate
on Maple Avenue due to the steep grade. He asked Mr. Allingham if
anyone has considered using what appears to be a City right-of-way
through the present shopping center between what is now Albertson's
Grocery store and the Video store? He also believed if this were
a county project, they would use that kind of access and place a
stop light where those four streets meet. Mr. Allingh~m stated he
did raise that question with the City's Engineering Department and
it was determined the area is an easement for utilities and not
public right-of-way. Mr. Overson questioned if the City had given
up on considering that possibility and hoped for a more "can do"
attitude because he believes it would be a better option for an
access. Mr. Allinqhamstated to use that easement it would require
action by the City Council. Mr. Overson stated in his opinion
there needs to be a stop light at the Riddell Road access and
Hollis Street access. He has personally been contacted by
residents on Worrall, who are unsettled at the speed people travel
in that area. He asked if the City is considering placement of
stop lights to alleviate some of these concerns? Mr. Allinqham
stated no.
Mr. Winters asked for clarification if Mr. Shomberg's storage
business is inside the City? Mr. Allinghamstated no, everything
on the north side of Riddell Road is outside the City limits. Mr.
Winters questioned the height of the structures and would they be
3-stores? Mr. Manning explained the structures are a 2-story over
a basement that allows straight-in access from the parking lots to
the second floor, which allows for handicap access to the middle
floors. From the parking lot elevations, the structure would be 2-
story measuring 16 feet plus 8-12 feet for the roof structure. Mr.
Winters questioned other projects built by Mr. Manning? Mr.
Manning described a similar project built in Kingston, which was
very well received and he just completed a project in Pierce
County, which resulted in an excellent recommendation from the
Planning Department for that jurisdiction. Mr. Winters referenced
Congressman Norm Dicks' comments about increasing density within
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the City; however, what the City has come up against on at least
three projects is "we don't want it in our back yard or across the
street". At some point, the City must come to a decision where
density will occur within City limits. Residents do not want to
see increased costs for utilities or services, but are against
increased density, which could help keep those costs down.
Mr. McConnell expressed concern, based on his past experience, that
the neighborhood may be impacted by noise generated at the outdoor
swimming pool during the summer months. He felt it might be more
appropriate if the recreation building would be turned around so
that the building would act as a buffer between the residents
across Almira Drive and the swimming pool. And, that any damage
done to Almira Drive from construction vehicles would be repaired
by the developer- He questioned where the stormwater being piped
down from Almira Drive will be released into? Mr. Lever explained
the stormwater will go into the conveyance system entering into the
Pine Road interceptor and heads down towards Lions Field. Mr.
McConnell asked if the bus stop on Riddell Road will have a pull
out? Mr. Allingh~m stated yes, improvements to Riddell Road will
be required that pull outs be provided as well as a turning lane.
Mr. McOonnell asked if the water retention ponds on this site would
be open or covered? Mr. Lever pointed out there are a number of
options for the type of structure used for detention. Underground
storage is acceptable as are open ponds. There is also an option
for infiltration. Mr. McOonnell asked if the intent is to have
open water retention ponds? Mr. Lever stated the proposal shows
underground concrete vaults under the parking areas, which would
not be open ponds; however, that decision is up to the developer.
Mr. M~Connell stated when this issue was discussed at the Council
Operations Committee meeting, he was led to believe that there
would be an open water retention pond. Mr. Lever stated the plan
submitted with the application does not show an open pond, but does
show concrete vaults under the parking lots; however, either are
acceptable. Mr. McOonnell stated he opposed having an open pond
because of the safety of children He agreed with Mr. Overson that
some kind of traffic delays need to be provided because of
increased traffic problems in that area. He also believed that
during construction, access to the site should be limited to
Riddell for the heavier equipment. He was also concerned that this
project would place a lot of people into an already impacted area.
He would like to see the requirement attached that the final plan
for the project come back before Council for approval because the
Planning staff approval process could increase the density up to
400 units and decrease open space. He was in a quandary over this
proposal because this site is in his district, but there is no
legal way he could vote against the proposal because it conforms to
the City's Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan. He recalled
that 20+ years ago when Merit Mart was built the subject site was
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a negotiated buffer as a condition of approval and was a wetland.
That point was brought up in 1991, but there was no recording to
substantiate that action.
Mrs. Huff-Menees stated it disturbed her to hear a resident say
they called City offices several times and their messages were
never returned, and hoped such a situation can be corrected. She
referenced Mr. Kollar's comments that this does represent an
opportunity to provide some traffic improvements for the area
around the proposed site, which are badly needed now and more so if
the project is approved. She asked if Mr. Manning had an
opportunity to see the petitions signed by the residents? She
asked if Mr. Manning was willing to work out start times for
construction so it did not adversely impact the neighborhoods? Mr.
Mannin~ stated being sensitive to noise during construction is
something they address even if it was not part of the requirements
for approval. Mrs. Huff-Menees asked Mr. Manning to address
proposed buffer landscaping? Mr. Manning explained a 20-foot
landscaping buffer is planned to runs around the project, which
includes a fully irrigated landscape plan that will be in place
prior to start of construction. Landscaping is a way to soften
this kind of project, so they do spent money in that area and that
can be seen in other projects he has built; and it is
professionally maintained. Mrs. Huff-Menees concurred with Mr.
Overson's comments relating to traffic issues and would like to see
the motion to approve contain some contingencies in terms of some
definitive plans coming back to Council with respect to traffic
calming. She noted that was not the developer's responsibility,
and if traffic lights were not possible she was aware of a variety
of other kinds of traffic calming methods.
Mr. Farr stated his support of this proposal and noted a lot of the
concerns expressed during this hearing have to do with traffic
problems. In his opinion, a lot of the traffic problems are County
residents passing through the residential neighborhoods on their
way to the large apartment complexes and shopping areas outside the
City. The City needs a larger revenue base in order to cut down
the cost of services to City residents. An earlier comment from
the public identified that Riddell Road is under the County's
jurisdiction, but rarely does one see a County Sheriff Deputy
patrolling that area, but there is City Police patrols along Almira
Drive. Legally, he could not see how the Council could deny a
project that meets the conditions set forth by the City Council and
one that would help revitalize the City. He did not think it was
fair to lay extra restrictions or penalize the developer for the
actions of law breakers. He agreed there needs to be some focus on
current traffic problems, but not to the detriment of this project,
and should be addressed through enforcement. He felt an earlier
comment that the project would draw drug dealing was completely
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unfair to the developer. He estimated the market rate for the
units would be $500-800/month, not low income housing. If he were
in the position of the neighborhood, he would strive to establish
a friendship with the developer, which may gain much more in the
long run.
Mr. Colvin thanked the residents for sharing their views with the
Council. He asked, under the law, the maximum number of units that
can be built on the subject site? Mr. Allingham stated 600, with
360 proposed under Phase I.
Mr. Neville asked the Deputy City Clerk to review the five
conditions required as part of the rezone approval. He too was
concerned over the non-response from City departments to Mrs.
Patnode and encouraged her to contact Mayor Horton's office or the
City Council for assistance. Based on her testimony, she contacted
approximately 15 different City numbers and no one responded to her
messages.
Mr. Montqomeryquestioned if the easement behind Eagle Hardware was
usable as an access to the site for construction equipment? Mr.
Manninq explained the easement belongs to Eagle Hardware and he
doubted they would want him to use that area as an access. The
easement area is within his property line; however, once an area
has been asphalted over for a certain number of years, it becomes
the property of the person, who had it asphalted. Mr. Sievers
stated that was correct. Mr. Montgomery asked Mr. Manning if it
was necessary to have an access from the site onto Almira Drive?
Mr. Manning stated yes. Mr. Montqomery asked why couldn't access
be limited to Riddell Road and Hollis Street, if some type of
traffic calmer can be installed on Hollis Street? Mr. Manning
stated it is important to enter the project in as many areas as
possible. The project will impact traffic on each of the streets
less if access can be gained from all of them as proposed. In
reference to the location of the swimming pool, it will be set down
a lot lower than the grade of the street and when driving into the
complex it will be very picturesque making it a nice entry. In
regard to any excessive noise from the swimming pool area, he
anticipates having a retaining wall along Almira, which will also
act as a buffer. Mr. Montgomery noted the landscape architectural
firm for the site is a well respected group. Mr. Manning pointed
out additional landscaping has been added to that proposed by the
landscape architect and they have worked with this group on other
projects.
M/S/C(Farr/Winters) to approve the "Analysis and Decision" of the
Bremerton City Council approving the preliminary site plan review
for the Riddell Road and Almira Drive apartments, subject to the
conditions for final site plan approval as proposed.
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Mr. Montgomery made an amendment to the motion, that was later
withdrawn after further discussion, that addressed the advisability
of pursuing the idea of providing an access to the project through
the easement across the shopping center to the west and
installation of stop lights on Riddell Road and Hollis Street
accesses. Mr. Farr spoke to Mr. Montgomery's amended motion and
cautioned the Council to not obligate the City to something that
may be difficult to provide. He did not want to see the current
traffic problems tied in any way to the approval of a project that
meets all of the current requirements. He cautioned Council to
think through this suggestion and come up with another avenue and
cause the Administration to address, to Council's satisfaction, the
traffic problems that have been identified during this hearing.
Mr. Sievers stated the approval of the final plan by the Director
of Community Development would be fairly mechanical and would not
warrant Council's holding up that decision based on development of
some kind of traffic calming devices in the subject area. If this
project meets Council's approval, it does not mean Council cannot
require consideration, at Council level, of other matters and just
insist the Administration bring forward options or suggestions for
additional access and traffic calming for that area.
Vote on motion:
Motion carried.
In Favor:
Opposed:
Overson, Farr, Huff-Menees, Montgomery,
Neville, Colvin, Winters
McConnell
With no further business meeting adjourned at 8:35 P.M..
KATHLEEN L. Mc~CLUS~KE, City Clerk
~JOHN E. LAW, Council President
City of Bremerton
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