HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/20/96TAPE #1367
UNAPPROVED DRAFT
COUNCIL
APPROVED
APR 13 1996
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 20, 1996
#0025
#0038
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, March 20, 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 Kathy
McCluskey.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council
President Law and Invocation given by Councilman A1 Colvin.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes -- February 28, 1996 #AB96-055
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 March 20, 1996, the Council does
approve for payment those vouchers included and further described
as follows: 196015, 196018 through 196212 in the amount of
$252,945.87
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Mr. Overson announced the Kitsap County Museum is sponsoring a
Historic Tour Of Homes on March 30, 2:00 - 6:00 P.M., Admission
$25.00 per person, with tour buses departing from the Washington
Mutual Bank parking lot. He extended compliments to the Swing City
Committee on their very successful "Swing Dance" held on March 15
at the Elks' Hall. On March 19 he attended the Council Coalition
Dinner Meeting, which was hosted by the City of Poulsbo, where they
learned how counties and cities strive to work out financial
challenges over construction, annexations etc. He will be
attending the Audit Committee meeting on March 21 and the Council
Oversight Committee meeting on March 22.
Mr. Neville reported on his recent trip to Camel, California,
where he artended an international conference on making cities
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livable. During the conference, he had the opportunity to talk
with people from variously countries and shared with them the
Fletcher Wright proposal, which they concurred had the right kind
of elements to produce a successful development/redevelopment of a
downtown area. One of the main topics discussed at the conference
was "workshop for a good city for children and youth." Europeans
integrate their youth in with their elderly, resulting in their
learning social interaction in public places. In his opinion, such
activity does not happen in America and it is believed that is one
of the reasons why there is so much social decline in our country.
He is looking forward to sharing information he gained from the
conference with his fellow Council members, City staff and members
of the public. He announced the Sheridan District Planning Meeting
will be held March 25, 7:00 P.M., at the Harrison Hospital
Auditorium.
Mr. Farr reported the City's Fire Boat is back in service. He has
received a number of complaints and comments from constituents
about the number of people running red stop lights, which concerned
him as well. A few weeks back, following a storm that passed
through this area, he commented about how courteous people were at
intersections when confronted with non-functioning signal lights.
Running red lights is more common in Southern California, and he
did not want to see it become a greater problem in this area. He
discussed this problem with Mayor Horton and she gave some
assurances there would be some educating and emphasis given to stop
this practice. If anyone has experienced this problem, he would
like to hear from them and calls can be made to the City Council
Office.
Mrs. Muff-Menees complimented the Swing City Committee on their
very successful and very enjoyable dance. She understands proceeds
from that dance will go toward sponsoring another event during the
Armed Forces Festival. On March 16 she did a partial tour of the
new 18-hole golf course at Gold Mountain, and found it to be
spectacular.
Mr. Mont~emery reminded residents living along Kitsap Way and
Weslon Place about the meeting scheduled for March 26, 7:00 P.M.,
at the Oyster Bay Public Works facility, to review plans showing
what the State and City plan to do in that area and to give their
input into the project. Anyone with questions about this
project/meeting are welcome to call Mr. Montgomery at 373-1300.
Mr. Colvim thanked Councilman Neville for the comprehensive report
on his recent trip. He reminded residents of the Sheridan District
Planning Meeting on March 25. He thanked the Public Works
Department for beginning repairs on a fence around a field adjacent
to the Warren Avenue bridge.
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Mr. Winters urged the youth in the community to register to vote.
Mr. Law reported the District #3 Neighborhood meeting held on March
19, was well attended and Randy McGreal of Fletcher Wright gave an
excellent presentation on the Sinclair Landing project, which was
followed by an exchange of ideas. Mr. Law pointed out an increase
in incidents of graffiti and asked for citizens cooperation to
locations where graffiti has appeared. If the graffiti is on
private property, he asked the property owners to please see that
it gets cleaned up or call the City for assistance.
MAYOR'M REPORT
Mayor Hotton suggested people call her office to report incidents
of graffiti and a Police Officer will be dispatched to photograph
it and then have the Community Service workers assist in the clean
up.
In regard to Mr. Farr's comment about people running red lights,
during the last Legislative Session a bill was proposed to
implement a pilot program in some cities that would issue automated
traffic tickets for running red lights. She did not know the
outcome of that bill, but she had discussed with Chief Du Fresne
the possibility the City of Bremerton volunteer to be one of the
cities for that project. She is very aware of the problem and she
and Chief Du Fresne will have further discussions to bring about
more emphasis at specific locations. Even though she has spoken
against traffic enforcement quotas, she is in favor of traffic
tickets for life safety issues.
The week of March llth she was in Washington D.C., along with
Richard Hayes of Kitsap Transit and Randy McGreal of Fletcher
Wright Development Corporation, lobbying for a substantial sum of
money for the downtown waterfront project. They were seeking 9
million dollars from the Federal Transit Authority and what that
means is the era of discretionary funds is pretty well over where
the Department of Transportation has a lump sum from Congress and
they allocate according to their priorities. Now, it is primarily
an earmarking process, so they called on every Congress member they
could reach to try and make sure they were part of the earmarking
loop and process. They were able to talk to John Horsley, who now
works for the Department of Transportation, and had him introduce
their group to the right entities in Department of Transportation
and help them to work their way through the funding process, which
she believes went very well. They also had the opportunity to meet
with H.U.D. officials in order to get some things clarified
regarding two H.U.D. loans and grants (one for the Admiral Theater
and one for the downtown waterfront project). They also met with
the Technical Committee working on the USS Missouri applications.
Although the committee was not at liberty to divulge who might be
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the front runner, they were very complimentary on the
comprehensiveness of our proposal. They also indicated they hoped
to get their technical review concluded by mid May and forward
their recommendation on to the Secretary of Navy for the final
decision. They did point out this is an election year and weren't
sure if those in charge would be willing to make a decision prior
to the election. Prior to their return, they took a side trip to
Baltimore and Annapolis, Maryland, to look at some redevelopment
projects as well as a couple in Washington D.C.. The Baltimore
waterfront development has been touted as one of the finest
waterfront redevelopment projects. After looking at their project
and knowing what our project will look like, there is no comparison
in the quality of the Sinclair Landing project. Even though there
are elements of the Baltimore project that she thinks were well
done overall, she felt it could have been better, but compared to
what it was before, which was brown field and old industrial
property that had reverted back to the City, it was truly a
marvel. They also looked at a project in Union Station in
Washington, D.C., a retail project that is akin to what is
envisioned for the Bremerton Ferry Terminal. In their discussions
with shopkeepers they learned their busiest times of day was during
the peak computer runs and during the lunch hour.
Mayor Horton highlighted the following: (1) the City has been
awarded a grant from the Association Of Washington Cities, which
will enhance the City's Wellness Program. The grant provides
$1,000 per year for a period of four years and it will help provide
educational information to City employees about wellness. (2) The
City received a grant in the amount of $40,000 from the State
Department Of Community Trade and Economic Development, which will
fund the Charleston Neighborhood Plan. (3) As of March 19, 172
City employees have signed up for the YMCA Wellness program.
PUBLIC RECOGNITION
Charles Brown stated he has attended a number of Sinclair Landing
Association meetings and heard the reference to Boston, Cleveland
and Baltimore as places where developments have been very
successful. He challenged the fact that Bremerton is no where near
the same population as those other cities and their tax base is
significantly more than the City of Bremerton or Kitsap County in
general, and SLAshould not be using those as comparisons. He also
did not. believe one could compare the Union Station in Baltimore
with the Ferry Service in Bremerton, again based on the
significantly lower number of people passing through this area. He
again raised the issue of the Mayor attending the neighborhood
meetings so that citizens can ask her questions as to how Bremerton
and the Port of Bremerton are going to fund 50 million dollars.
The Mayor mentioned a HUD loan, which he pointed out means it must
be paid back, and he believes the City underwrites that loan. His
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mother-in-law attended the District #3 Neighborhood Meeting and
conveyed to him that lots of questions were raised after the
presentation was made on the Sinclair Landing project.
Larry Eyer, Executive Director, Kitsap Community Action Program
(KCAP), complimented the City on the Daddy Daughter Dance and hoped
this would become an annual event. On behalf of KCAP, he thanked
the City Council, Mayor and City staff for their support of
projects or partnerships with the City,i.e., the location of a Head
Start facility at East Park, lease extension at Smith School to
remodel that facility, a property swap to enable KCAP to build
duplexes to house low-income families.
Gordy Byrd reported on the 1940's Swing Dance held on March 15. He
asked if graffiti was an act of vandalism? Ian Sievers, City
Attorney, stated yes. Mr. Byrd noted fares on Kitsap Transit and
the Port Orchard Ferry had been waived today as part of an
environmental awareness promotion. Based on his past experience,
he encouraged those providing foster care to take care of their
foster children because they will remember the treatment they
receive the rest of their lives.
John Wickersham, Chaplain with the Disabled American Veterans of
this area and Secretary for the Kitsap County Veterans
Coalition,202 Burwell (Box 415, Bremerton, WA 98337), thanked
Councilman Farr for bringing up the issue of people running red
lights. He strongly supports ticketing people running red lights
and putting pedestrian safety at stake. He also had concern with
Kitsap Transit using OPTICOM to change traffic light signals,
resulting in stranding pedestrians in crosswalks.
John F. McDonald, 2206 Burwell Place, asked if the condemnation
area near the sewer treatment plant will always be a buffer zone
and if so, would that fact be in writing?
7A - APPOINTMENT OF LIONEL COLLINS, SR. TO THE PARKS & RECREATION
COMMISSION, #AB96-056
There is a vacancy on the Parks & Recreation Commission and it is
recommended Lionel Collins, St. be appointed to fill the vacancy.
Mayor Lynn Horton reviewed Mr. Collins' work background and
community involvement that involves considerable contact with youth
in the Bremerton community. She first became acquainted with Mr.
Collins when her daughter attended Bremerton Junior High School and
learned how well he relates to youth. It is her hope to get input
from that specific age group to the Parks and Recreation Commission
because it has been somewhat difficult capturing the kinds of
things that age group would like to see in the way of park
facilities and programs. She urged Council to confirm the
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appointment of Lionel Collins to the Parks and Recreation
Commission.
Public comment - none.
M/S/C/U(Colvin/Montgomery) to confirm the appointment of Lionel
Collins, Sr. to the Parks & Recreation Commission.
Lionel Collins thanked the Mayor and City Council for nominating
him for this position. He is very active in the community and
enjoys interacting with youth and he promised to do the best that
he can to help make Bremerton a better place for youth from their
perspective.
7B - REAPPOINTMENT OF CAROL JOHNSON TO THE PARKS & RECREATION
COMMISSION, #AB96-057
Carol Johnson's term on the Parks & Recreation Commission is
expiring, and it is recommended she be appointed to another term.
Mayor Lynn Horton reported Carol has just completed one term on the
Parks and Recreation Commission and is well respected within the
community, the Commission, the Parks and Recreation Department
staff, and the Parks and Recreation participants in the community.
Carol is a business owner and has been involved in Women's soccer
as well as the Pendergarst Committee and Bremerton Athletic
Roundtable. She urged Council to confirm the reappointment of
Carol Johnson to a second term on the Parks and Recreation
Commission.
Jim Spencer, Parks and Recreation Director, reported on carol's
behalf, in the true tradition of a Parks Commissioner she could not
be present at this meet because she was at a soccer game. He
emphasized the fact Carol has done amazing things for the Parks
Department and has been a very positive asset to his department.
Mr. Neville pointed out comments made by Carol on her application:
"I started out with soccer fields as my only goal to achieve with
the Parks Board; however, I totally believe in our park system and
the staff. They are the best and I'll do anything for any of them
any time."
Mr. Winter reported Carol had approached him to become involved in
some public service activity.
M/S/C/U(Winters/Colvin) to confirmthe appointment of Carol Johnson
to another term on the Parks & Recreation Commission.
7C - CPG COMPOSTING PARKS WASTE PILOT PROJECT, #AB96-058
The City has been awarded a $9,000 Coordinated Prevention Grant
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(CPG) for a pilot project for Park yard and returned to benefit
City parks and land. Three enclosures (approximately 18' x 18' and
6' high), with drainage and air holes, would be located within
Stephenson Canyon, for this purpose. The action before the City
Council is approval of the grant.
Jim SDencer, Parks and Recreation Director, stated Kitsap County
submitted the original grant request and the City piggy backed onto
their submittal. The City's portion of the grant is $9,000, to be
used towards a composting program, which will utilize waste (wood
chips, grass, leaves, etc.) from the Parks Department only. The
ultimate aim of this project will be to use the resulting product
from the composting in City parks.
Public comment - none.
Mr. Overson asked if the Street Department would be allowed to use
the composting site for applicable materials that they might pick
up? Mr. Spencer stated the current plan does not include other
departments, but if there is capacity within the concrete bunkers
they would entertain that notion.
Mr. Farr noted when this issue came before them at Council
committee he thought it would be a place for citizens to dispose of
yard waste. Disappointingly, that was not the case and he hoped
some enterprising person would start such a facility in Bremerton.
M/S/C/U(Farr/Montgomery) to authorize and direct the Mayor to
accept the CPG funds for the establishment of a composting Parks
yard waste projects and approve the associated budget adjustment.
7D - INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BREMERTON AND
BREMERTON HOUSlN3 AUTHORITY FOR SUPPLEMENTAL POLICE SERVICES,
#AB96-059
Request approval for the Mayor to sign an Inter/Local Agreement for
Supplemental Police Services for the Bremerton Housing Authority,
and approval of a General Fund Budget Adjustment Request related to
this agreement.
Police Chief Paul Du Fresne stated he sees this agreement to be
productive and beneficial for the City and the Housing Authority
and he is looking forward to getting this project started.
John 8teffens, Bremerton Housing Authority Commissioner, stated on
behalf of Chairman Buettenbach and the residents of the Housing
Authority he urged Council's approval of the agreement. He
believes it is more than just an agreement, but rather a
partnership with their residents, the citizens of the City and the
City's Police Department. He commended Mayor Horton and the City
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Council for bringing to Bremerton a Police Chief with integrity and
compassion for the citizens of Bremerton.
Oharlie Brown asked if any money would be exchanging as part of
this agreement? Ohief Du Fresne stated the agreement provides for
the Housing Authority to fund one full time officer, who will be
assigned 40-hours per week to the Westpark complex, to provide
community police service. It also provides some overtime money to
cover additional shifts at overtime rates as necessary. The sum
total of the agreement is $75,500. The 1996 budget amount is for
considerably less than that amount, $56,000, because the service
would be started three months into the budget year. The agreement
will be continued three months into 1997, because it is a year long
contract.
Mark Fisher, 1404 Burwell Street, asked if regular Police patrols
would be provided through the Westpark area? Chief Du Fresne
stated the agreement provides for supplemental Police services and
the City does provide regular Police beat coverage for that area.
Mr. Overson stated this is a rerun for the City and in his opinion,
it appears that an excellent contract has been developed and
provides for a full time Police Department employee. By doing
that, it will not involve pushing the City's present Police
Officers farther to cause them to put in overtime to provide the
contracted services.
Mr. Colvin questioned if incidents of criminal activity within
Westpark substantially exceeds the rest of the City? Chief Du
Fresne stated that is not necessary true. The incidents of
criminal activity in Westpark are counted as a separate zone in the
City and it has not been found they "exceptional" exceed other
areas. Because of the per capita population density in the park
complex, it does provide for many more calls for service than some
of the less densely populated areas. Mr. Colvln asked if there
would be any incremental measurable results? Chief Du Fresne
stated they will study the number of calls for service and the
contacts between the Officers and residents. His department will
be very supportive of the Residents' Patrol and crime prevention
efforts. He will be reporting back to Council and the Housing
Authority at least quarterly on what they see as significant
factors. The contract also calls for daily reports to the Housing
Authority and they have a commitment to make Westpark as safe as
possible and that means those folks unable to abide by the rules or
follow the laws don't have a place in that project. Mr. Colvin
asked if the daily reports would be available to the Council to
review? Chief Du Frense stated he saw no problem providing that
information.
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Mr. Mont~omer]F noted as the Council representative for this area,
he has been contacted by several Westpark residents and they are
totally in support of this agreement and claim that it is needed
desperately.
M/S/C/U(Montgomery/Farr) to approve the Interlocal Agreement for
Supplemental Police Services for the Bremerton Housing Authority,
and approve the General Fund Budget Adjustment.
8A - RESOLUTION NO. 2542 RENAMING THE BREMERTON MUNICIPAL SWIMMING
POOL, #AB96-060
In spite of all the trials and tribulations regarding the funding
and building of the indoor swimming pool project (1979), it was
through Mayor Glenn Jarstad's perseverance that the project was
completed. Arville Ohlde, former Parks & Recreation Director,
recalled that the bond issue that passed to fund the swimming pool
construction was disqualified and the school district couldn't
participate as anticipated. But then-Mayor Jarstad found the
funding to complete the constructions. Mayor Jarstad stated that
if a pool was build, he would jump off the diving board in his
suit, which he did!
As a tribute to Mr. Jarstad's commitment to the swimming pool
project, plus his long standing and continuing dedication of the
City's parks and recreation programs, a group of citizens proposed
to rename the Bremerton Municipal Swimming Pool to the "Glenn
Jarstad Aquatic Center".
On February 27, 1996, the Parks & Recreation Commission's reviewed
the proposal and concurred with the evidence of Mr. Jarstad's
contributions to the park system and the City of Bremerton. The
Commission voted unanimously to recommend the renaming of the
Bremerton Municipal Swimming Pool to the "Glenn Jarstad Aquatic
Center".
Mayor Lynn Horton read the Resolution in its entirety and added
that she feels this is a fitting tribute to former Mayor Jarstad.
She appreciates Mayor Jarstad's efforts and believes a lot of
things would not be in the Parks and Recreation system today
without his contribution. This recognition is the least we can do
for someone who has given us so much in the community.
EliZabeth Bue11, High Avenue, stated this is a fitting thing to do
and urged Council to pass the Resolution.
Jim Spencer, Parks and Recreation Director, stated he had the
opportunity to do a fair amount of the research in preparation of
the Resolution and the responses he received were only
complimentary to Mayor Jarstad's contributions. He wholeheartedly
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endorses this proposal and urged Council to approve the Resolution
as presented.
Susan Leville, Glenn Jarstad's daughter, stated the Jarstad family
members are pleased to be able to share in this surprise and honor
of their father. They were with him all the way when he served as
Mayor and know how much this honor means to him.
Austin Clark, former City of Bremerton Commissioner Of Finance,
stated 10 of his 13 years working for the City were working along
side of Glenn Jarstad and he knows of no one who has worked harder
on behalf of the City of Bremerton. Glenn Jarstad has continued to
work in the community and his finger prints have been left lovingly
behind in almost every aspect of City life we enjoy today. He
wholeheartedly endorses the Resolution and urged Council to cast a
favorable vote.
Verda Miller thanked the City Council for bestowing this honor on
her brother and emphasized he really deserves it.
Gene Jarstad stated since he lived 18 years as the Mayor's son
he wanted Council to know that his father wore clip on ties and
polyester suits, so when he dove off the diving board into the
newly build swimming pool it wasn't that big of an expense.
June Jarstad stated she has know Glenn, her husband, for 54 years
and married to him for the past 52 years. She believes he is one
of the greatest men she has known and after being married that long
and still able to say such a thing is a pretty good recommendation.
She thanked everyone responsible for this wonderful honor.
Mr. Stokes stated he lived in Bremerton before the bridges were
built, before the sewer were installed, before healthful recreation
was initiated and he can say he is proud to be associated with
Glenn Jarstad. He commended the Mayor, City Council and City staff
for the efforts they are undergoing with this honor and urged the
City to continue the emphasis on good, healthful recreation.
Mr. Winters asked if some kind of public celebration is planned to
formalize this recognition? Mr. Spencer stated yes, a new sign
will be installed and as part of that change there will be
activities honoring Glenn Jarstad; however, no date has been set.
Mr. Colvin stated he was present when the Municipal Pool was first
opened and had always through Mayor Jarstad had been pushed off the
diving board, but apparently he jumped on his own accord. He noted
Glenn is a great citizen and a great person for this community.
Mr. Neville stated as a life long resident in Bremerton, he has
been acquainted with Mayor Jarstad for a number of years. He asked
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that the list of accomplishments included in the Agenda Packet be
read for the public's benefit. Kathleen McCluskey, City Clerk,
read into the record the follow: (1) Built Hal's Corner Park on the
eastside. (2) Built new tennis courts on the westside. (3) Built
Citizens Center on eastside. (4) Built Bataan Park on eastside.
(5) Leased land at City property for Kitsap Square Dance building.
(6) Developed fish rearing ponds at Gorst Creek on City property.
(7) Built Otto Jarstad Park at City Gorst Creek land. (8)
Purchased White Blueberry land for park on eastside. (9)
Established Rotary Park on westside of Warren Avenue Bridge. (10)
Purchased property on south end of Kitsap Lake - established park
and lake access, saved filtration system. (11) Build 18-hole
Municipal Golf Course (Gold Mountain). (12) Built Olympic size
swimming pool on eastside. (13) Bought property on beach from
Lions's field northwest. (14) Beautified Wheaton Way off-ramps on
eastside. (15) Rebuilt dock at Lion's Field and built new boat
launching ramps and floating dock for boaters. (16) Build Bachman
Park on eastside. (17) Bought old Smith School site on westside -
developed into a community playfield and social services building.
(18) Bought old Bremerton High School site on westside and
developed into open space including soccer field, softball and
tennis courts. (19) Acquired surplus government property at
N.A.D., upland and marine waterfront on westside. (20) Built
Community Theater Building on eastside. (21) Continued the large
development of Lion's Field. (22) Developed seven acres of
Roosevelt Field with lights and many other improvements. Mr.
Neville emphasized thanks to Mayor Jarstad, Bremerton now has
9,000+ acres of open space.
Mr. Colvin credited Mayor Jarstad's influence on him to become a
candidate for City Council and thanked him for his encouragement.
M/S/C/U(Colvin/McConnell) to adopt Resolution No. 2542, renaming
the Bremerton Municipal Swimming Pool to the "Glenn Jarstad Aquatic
Center".
Glenn Jarstad, former Mayor of Bremerton, stated this great honor
is a total surprise to him and before he made any further comments
he introduced family members in the audience i.e.,daughter- Janice,
son - Dr. John Jarstad, his wife Pat and their children. He talked
about is love of Bremerton from the time he was a child and along
the way many fine people made contributions for the betterment of
Bremerton. He emphasized we have to recognize the fact that the
City of Bremerton is a support city for the greatest Naval shipyard
any where in the United States and it is a very hard job because of
limited funds. It is a known fact that Bremerton has the lowest
tax base of any City its size in the State, but maybe other people
in Bremerton and around the area aren't aware of that fact. It
bothers him when people run down the operations of Bremerton City
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government. He emphasized we can take pride in what has been
accomplished as a City over the last 50-70 years. When he took
office as Mayor, he believed it was an opportunity to see what he
could contribute, along with his fellow Commissioners, and with the
City staff. This honor is represented of all the people, who
worked so hard during those years. He is proud of the City today
and effort is being made to continue the progress in parks and
recreation, such as the Pendergast Regional Park. Another
important aspect to him is the availability of beach access for the
public and he supports the effort toward acquiring properties in
the Smith Code area. He is encouraged by the park and recreation
facility expansion projects, but he emphasized where there is a
concentration of people in the City and you do not provide open
space and activity centers for them to enjoy, you have degradation
of property values. And, if you provide opportunities like Lion's
Field, Golf Course, and tennis courts, etc., even if people don't
use it they know that it is there...it is a visual attraction
creating wealth in the City and makes people happy.
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9A - ORDINANCE NO. 4548 (8ECOND READING) SETTING WASTEWATERRATEG,
#AB96-054
The following individuals spoke in opposition to the proposed sewer
rate increase: Verna Rae Oraker, 623 N. Summit; Charlie Brown, 1333
E. Hope Street; Celeste A. Griffin; 1104 8th Street; Mark Fisher,
1404 Burwell Street; John F. McDonald, 2206 Burwell Place.
The following comments were made by the above noted speakers: (1)
Believes the decision to approve the rate increase has already been
made. (2) The City's sewer system is costing the citizens a lot of
money and we need to remember they are the ones paying for the
increases. (3) Question - why do we have to see such significant
rate increases over the next few years? Where is the
accountability for the management of this facility? (4) Question -
are there specific projects to be funded out of the money generated
by the sewer rate increase? (5) Question - is money being used to
purchase properties in the condemnation area north of the sewer
treatment plant? If so, how much of that 5% increase is being used
for that purpose? (6) Question - Are there other sources of funds
to purchase properties in the condemnation area besides a sewer
'rate increase? (7) Question - is any of this money being used to
pay off lawsuits brought by people living near the sewer treatment
plant, or are those funds coming from the General Fund? (8)
Purchased home in Bremerton in order to be close to ferry
transportation; however they were not aware of the high cost of
sewer charges. (9) High sewer bills must be paid first before
making any kind of home improvements. (10) High costs for sewer are
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Page 13 of 19
driving people out of the City. (11) Question - can't the City
come up with programs to help those who what to help the City
become better overall, not just in the downtown area. (12) Don't
penalize people for wanting to live in the City of Bremerton. (13)
Reminded Council those that pay the high sewer costs are the same
people that vote on their election. (14) It is wrong when the City
is asking the majority to take homes away from the minority. Such
action should be put before the vote of the people and let them
decide. (15) Not one penny of Utility water or wastewater rates to
be used toward disrupting peoples homes.
Rich Hanna, City Treasurer, stated in response to the question if
any portion of the rate increase is used to fund: (1) property
acquisition in the vicinity of the wastewater plant; (2) settlement
of the lawsuit; the answer in both cases is yes. The settlement
with the Westhills Association was funded along with a number of
capital improvements by a Bond that was issued on behalf of the
Utility in 1994. The debt service on that Bond issue is a portion
of the on going expenses of the utility that requires an increase
at this time. The bonds are not financing the property
acquisition, that is being funded on a current basis, but the funds
ultimately for all projects undertaken by the Utility are user
rates.
Mayor Hotton stated when she took office two years ago, the 30%
increase in Utility rates had already been processed. At that
time, a study of the Utility identified that not only was a 30%
increase necessary, but another 25% rate increase would be needed
in 1995. She believes the City has done well in keeping costs as
low as possible and clearly no one wants to see a rate increase,
but delaying any increase for a year and making it a 5% rate
increase instead of a 25% rate increase is a testimony that the
staff is doing everything they can to keep costs down on the
wastewater treatment plant and water operations. The City has been
successful in obtaining low interest loans and grants, which have
helped to keep costs down.
Mr. McConne11 stated for the public's benefit, since the City took
over operation of the wastewater treatment plant a much better job
of management is being done than when it was contracted out and the
City may have ended up in worst shape if that contract had
continued. He asked how much money from the Wastewater Fund has
been spent on acquisition of properties in the condemnation area?
Mr. Hanna stated he did not have that information in front of him,
but the amount of money spent to date is on the order of 1.5
million dollars at about 60% completion. Mr. McConne11 asked if
the acquired properties are sold will any of those funds be
refunded back to the citizens of Bremerton? Mr. Hanna stated any
money derived from sale, rent, lease, etc., of those properties, or
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any other property belonging to the Utility would go directly back
into the financial support of the Wastewater Utility and would mean
that much small rate increases in the future. Mr. McConne11 asked
if he understood correctly that this proposal will implement a 3%
rate increase in 1997 and will continue annually for the next 10
years? Mr. Hanna referenced the presentation made by staff to
Council in a Study Session showing projection of the revenues and
expenses of the Wastewater Utility out to the year 2008. The extent
that those predictions are accurate, it is believed rates will need
to be increased by designated amounts listed in the Ordinance. Mr.
McConne11 asked what specific capital improvements will this rate
increase fund? Mr. Hanna stated what dominates the capital
improvements projected for the Wastewater Utility is the
elimination of combined sewage system. As Council is aware, the
City is under a Consent Decree and legally obligated to perform
those capital improvements, which total in 1992 dollars
approximately 11 million dollars of improvements that must be
carried out in the period of years 1996-2007.
Mr. Overson stated this is not an easy issue, but from his
perspective as a Councilman it is the right and best. thing to do.
We are contributing our fair share toward keeping the waters of
Puget Sound clean and is a part of the City's function. The buffer
zone by the sewer treatment plant is important and he believes
future generations will appreciate that effort.
Mr. Farr asked how a 5% increase relates to the inflation factor
for two years? Mr. Hanna stated it is equal to the change in the
CPI, since the rate was last adjusted.
Mr. Neville stated he was not present at first reading of the
ordinance, but he did attend the Study Sessions where the issue was
discussed. He also recalled the discussion at the time of the 30%
rate increase and the fact that a 25% increase in rates was
anticipated for 1995, which was a staggering proposal. Staff has
worked hard to bring the rate increases down to a more manageable
figure, which will be added to the monthly service bill rather than
the "flow" bill, so it will even out in future years to where it
will be more equitable in the sewer rate category. Sewer rates are
strictly a user product. The City's water rates are held low
mainly because there is a financial resource through harvest of
timber in the watershed. There is not a separate finance resource
like that for the wastewater Utility. But, staff is now looking
into ways to generate revenue through marketing of the water being
released from the sewer treatment plant, i.e. irrigation water.
The City is already disposing biosolids from the wastewater
treatment plant on forested lands, which enhances the growth of
trees. Many cities throughout the State do not have the luxury of
having a place to dispose of the biosolids and must pay to have
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March 20, 1996
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them trucked away.
Mr. Montgomery noted he has been a regular visitor at the sewer
treatment plant over the past few months and has observed staff
working had to keep costs down as much as possible yet provide an
efficient service.
Mr. Colvin asked John McDonald if his questions have been answered?
Mr. McDonald stated he made more of a statement than asking a
question ... of all the wonderful things he has heard from Council
about the condition of the sewer treatment plant, no one said
anything about the people in the condemnation area whose lives have
been disrupted.
Mr. Winters stated he voted no on this issue the previous week and
he is disturbed on how the City is conducting the condemnation. He
received calls from people thanking him for his convictions and his
vote for what he believes. He believes there are other options and
the City can be more creative; therefore he will again vote no.
Mr. Colvin pointed out for clarification Council is not voting on
anything to do with condemnation of property at this time.
Mr. Hanna stated a member of the audience asked him what does this
rate increase mean in terms of dollars on his sewer bill. To
clarify that point, a single family residence would see $1.49 per
month added to their sewer bill.
President Law emphasized the bottom line is "you pay as you go",
based on the fact costs of supplies have gone up, which he has
accepted as good business judgement. Mr. MoConne11 stated he did
not believe the City is "paying as we go sewer rate", but rather
paying to condemn millions of dollars worth of property and using
sewer rates to fund that action. He does not support passing on
the cost of that property acquisition on to the sewer ratepayers.
Mr. Montgomer]Fpointed out of the four proposals brought to Council
during a Study Session, the 5% rate increase on the base rate was
the most fair to the ratepayers.
M/S/C(Montgomery/Overson) to pass Ordinance No. 4548 on second
reading, amending rates and charges for municipal wastewater
services; and amending Ordinance No. 4529.
Vote on motion:
Motion carried.
In Favor - Overson, Neville, Farr, Huff-Menees,
Law, Montgomery
Opposed - Winters, McConnell
Abstain - Colvin
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9B - ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) AMENDING PARKING REGULATIONS TO
ENHANCE PENALTIES, REPEAL RE-PARKING, #AB96-061
The proposed ordinance addresses complaints about the re-parking
prohibition in the downtown business district, which is felt to be
confusing and unfair to visitors to the City, or to others who have
multiple trips downtown during the day. This provision is replaced
with a more conventional approach to controlling commuter parking
on the streets, with a more conventional approach to controlling
commuter parking on the streets, with the aid of mobile computer
units. The base fine for overtime parking has increased from $5.00
to $10.00, with second and third tickets during any rolling 30 day
period costing $25.00 and $50.00, respectively. The tickets will
be tracked during the 30-day period with the use of mobile
computers in the field. In conjunction with these changes, the
free parking zones downtown will be reduced from a 3 to 2 hour
limit. With the greater likelihood of tickets and a higher cost
for repeat offenses, it is intended to make it more economical for
commuters to use off-street commercial parking lots.
Mayor Lynn Horton stated this proposal attempts to address
complaints on the re-park issue. She concurs with those who feel
the re-park regulation is not fair. She held two public meetings
to discuss this issue, one that involved businesses in the downtown
area and one for the residential areas, primarily the westside,
which is impacted by Shipyard commuters. The consensus from those
meetings was in support of this proposal. The proposal is to ramp
down the 3-hours to 2-hours and it is intended in any given 30-day
period to give a "warning" ticket on the first offense, which will
be tracked in the computer. The second instance of overtime
parking will result in the first infraction, which will be $10.00.
If someone has a clean record within a 30-day period, then a
warning ticket would be in order and could result in 12 warnings
within a year. If a commuter is parking on the street, they will
have to move their vehicle 60 times per month in order to avoid
getting the upper limit of parking citations. The intent of this
proposal is to deal with the re-park issue and direct the long-term
parkers into appropriate parking lots.
Deborah Goodell, Parking Enforcement, cautioned there could still
be problems with the 2-hour parking; however by using the tire stem
location rather than chalking tires it will make a major change in
how people respond when they see a parking regulator pass by.
Mr. McConnell asked if the hours of enforcement will remain the
same - 4:00AMto 8:00 PM? Ms. Goodell stated the intention is to
leave it flexible so they can provide enforcement when problems
occur. At this point, almost any parking limitation in a time zone
either has specific time periods on the signs or it is a 24-hour
period. In most areas of the City, for instance a 2-hour
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enforcement is 24-hours, 7 days a week. There are some areas that
only wished to have enforcement Mondays through Fridays. Mr.
MaConnell noted there was no language in the Ordinance addressing
the "warning" ticket. Ms. Goodell explained that would be
addressed as a Policy of the City. The written warning will be
included in a folder that outlines City's parking laws and directs
them to the nearest parking lots located throughout the City.
Jeff7 8oriano, 509 4th Street, stated what he looks to is what is
the purpose of the change, who will it benefit and can it be
enforced. He believes the biggest problem the City will have is
trying to figure out a good enforcement program. He does not
believe the present system has worked. There are very few parking
stalls in the downtown area that are classified as "free stalls".
He hopes there will be an area where individuals can come down a
couple of time in a day to do business in the downtown area. He
asked will there be enforcement to stop the problem that has taken
place in the past? And, why do we need each and every month a free
time...if people violate the regulations, they should be ticketed.
He is in favor of the 2-hour limit rather than the 3-hour, but he
knows the 3-hour hasn't worked because there has not been proper
enforcement and that does not reflect on the job being done by Ms.
Goodell and the Parking Regulators, because they are being asked to
do too much. He had no solution, but he wanted to explain the
problem that he foresees. He wants to avoid creating too much of
a problem for the public on not knowing what is taking place.
Charlie Brown asked if the proposed ordinance applied to vehicles
with a State Disability sticker? Ms. Goodell stated people with
the State Disabled sticker or other permits in their windows can
exceed the time limitation on any of the parking areas except for
the Disabled Parking Zones themselves.
Elizabeth Bue11 stated she was glad to see the re-park issue being
eliminated.
Mr. Winters asked the City Attorney if he should step down from
voting on this issue because it directly affects him, his parking
practices and his business. Ian Slevers, City Attorney, stated
Mr. Winters could remain seated because it is a legislative matter.
Mr. Winters stated he probably pays more parking tickets than
anyone in the Council Chambers. When he was before Judge Martin he
actually had a case - not only does he have a commercial vehicle
but it is marked as a com]nercial vehicle. His business is located
in the 100 block of Pacific Avenue and he is not able to utilize
the alley behind his business to load and unload equipment;
therefore, he must do his loading and unloading through the front
of his business. If he gets delayed in his store, while he is in
the process of unloading/loading his vehicle, he gets ticketed. He
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presented the Judge a copy of the ordinance showing that commercial
vehicles were exempt from time limits and the Judge ruled in his
favor. Now, the proposed ordinance appears to eliminate commercial
vehicles from being exempt and he wanted to know why that was being
proposed. Ms. Goods11 stated commercial vehicles will be a mute
point because the re-parking issue will no longer be in force.
State law states that someone must be "actively" loading and
unloading, which includes the use of flashers. If a commercial
vehicle looks like it is just parked, then the vehicle will be
ticketed. Parking enforcement will be patrolling an area within 3-
7 minutes after the 2-hour period has lapsed. Again, she cited the
use of the tire stem location for determining how long a vehicle
has been parked in one space. One of the parking regulators will
be assigned to just the downtown area and she will also be
extending some hours by starting a shift at 11:30 A.M., and working
until 8:00 P.M.. Mr. Winters asked if re-parking has been allowed
recently? Ms. Goods11 stated she has not been actively enforcing
re-parking for 3-4 months.
Mr. McConne11 stated he hoped the City would be a little lax in
enforcement on Wednesday evenings during City Council meetings, he
did not want to discourage people from attending City council
meetings. Ms. ~oodell stated she generally works with the
businesses in the community and if a special event is taking place
in many instances the Parking Regulators are off duty by that time.
Because there is some flexibility, she is able to route a Parking
Regulators to Olympic College in the evenings where residents are
heavily impacted by people attending evening classes.
M/S/C(Huff-Menees/Montgomery) to approve ordinance on first
reading, amending the parking code to remove prohibition on re-
parking except in residential permit areas; increasing penalties
for overtime parking and repeat offenders; and amending BMC Title
10.
Vote on motion:
In Favor - Neville, Huff-Menees, Law, Montgomery,
McConnell, Colvin
Opposed - Winters
Abstain - Overson, Farr
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With no further business meeting adjourned at 8:10 P.M.
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