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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/30/94TAPE #1249 UNAPPROVED DRAFT COUNCIL . PROVED DEC 14 1994 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 30, 1994 #0040 #0056 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, Tuesday, November 30, 1994, at 5:30 P.M., with Council President Sherril Huff-Menees presiding. Council members present were Morrie Dawkins, David Farr, A1 Colvin, Carlos Montgomery, Lon Overson, and Richard Neville. Councilmen John Law and Bob Winters were absent. Also present were City Attorney Ian Sievers and City Clerk Kathleen McCluskey. The.meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council President Huff-Menees and Invocation given by Reverend Gary Fogelquist of Seventh Day Adventist Church. CONSENT AGENDA A. Minutes of Meeting - November 16, 1994 #AB94-249 M/S/C/U(Neville/Dawkins) presented. to approve the Consent Agenda as CLAIMS/CHECK REGI8TERS 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/Neville) on November 30, 1994, the Council does approve for payment those vouchers included and further described as follows: 180333 through 180335, 180341 through 180350, 180352 through 180492 in the total amount of $400,691.16; and Retirees Payroll for the period ending November 30, 1994, in the amount of $61,744.88. President Huff-Menees made the following announcement: (1) City Council Study Session to be held Monday, December 5, 1995, 6:00 - 9:00 P.M., in the Council Conference Room. Topics to be discussed at that meeting are: (1) Construction Projects Update presented by Randy Witt, City Engineer; (2) Land Use And Transportation Element - Randy Witt, City Engineer and Ron Hough, Planning Manager; (3) CIP/Comprehensive Plan For Parks And Recreation Department - Pat Harris, Director of Parks and Recreation. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS Mr. Overson pointed out one of the J.C. Penney building windows is TAPE #1249 City Council Reg..Mtg. Minutes November 30, 1994 Page 2 of 9 brightly decorated with bears, toys, etc.. He complimented Council President Huff-Menees for her creativity and part in bringing together other members of Council and several of their spouses along with Mrs. Erhart in creating the display window. He found the decorated window to be a cheerful sight. Mr. Dawkins cautioned everyone to watch for the rain and possible snow this weekend. Mr. Colvin reminded Council to thank several of their wives for their assistance in creating the decorated window in the Penney's building, and he encouraged the public to drive by and view the window. He thanked President Huff-Menees for getting the Council involved in the window decorating effort. He was pleased that someone related to him some good news about the City Council and he had hoped the young lady who shared that information could have attended this meeting to pass on that information to the rest of the Council and viewing audience. Mrs. Huff-Menees thanked everyone that participated and helped decorate the Council's window. She felt it was a nice opportunity for Council to participate with the community in something enjoyable and lighthearted for the holidays. MAYOR,S REPORT MayOr Lynn Horton reported members of the Youth Council have volunteered to decorate her window. She thanked the POWER Organization and Robert Boddie for.hosting a community forum on Tuesday evening to introduce the Police Chief appointee. Approximately 50 people attended that meeting and a wide range of questions were asked over a two hour time period. Mayor Horton read the following Proclamation: (1) December 1, 1994 as World AIDS Day. Joe Elmore, Director of the American Red Cross Chapter in Kitsap County, accepted the Proclamation. He invited the City Council, Mayor Horton and members of the public to attend a Candlelight Vigil on Thursday evening, 6:00 P.M., at the City Hall Park on 4th Street. PUBLIC RECOGNITION Jack Lefcoski referenced a recent newspaper article that stated the City of Bremerton would quit using salt on the road during icy/snowy weather once the current supply is used up. He felt strongly that the City should immediately halt use of salt on roads and to look into selling their current supply. He cited the corrosive effects salt has on vehicles and the damage that can result from extended exposure. Johnny Carv, business owner/810 6th Street, complimented the City's TAPE #1249 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes November 30, 1994 Page 3 of 9 Planning Department and Building Department for their support and assistance in helping her through a remodel of a building at 810 6th Street. She is a strong advocate that buildings in the downtown area do not have to be empty. The building she owns formerly housed her "bra" manufacturing business, which is now handled overseas. It has been hear long dream to provide an outlet for small to mid size manufacturers and importers to sell factory direct to the public. With her connections with the garment industry, she was able to put that plan in action and now she has 45, on its way to 60, new vendors that have never been represented on the peninsula. She is looking for the right person to develop a restaurant in her building. She emphasized not one of the vendors in her building resisted coming to Bremerton and they have all.agreed to sell their wares for not more than 10% over their true wholesale price. She wants everyone to know Bremerton is a wonderful place to do business. She had heard lots of things about how horrible the City of Bremerton is to do business with and how awful it is to do anything new in Bremerton and from her previous experience with the immediate past City administration she could understand that impression. However, under the new City administration she found her relationship with the Fire Department to be nothing but cooperative and excellent and the Planning staff, especially Bonnie, were very tolerant, understanding and generous with their help in working out the details of her project. She emphasized that the process she went through was very easy and anyone who still not doing something in Bremerton because of its old reputation should rethink the process or come and talk to her. When she first contacted Don Pratt, Director of Community Development, he stated "what is it we can do to make this work and to make it a happy experience for us and you". She found that to be a wonderful way to start a project and that is the way it worked. Gordy Byrd reported as of this date he has collected $10,330.01 for his shelter for the homeless. On .November 28th he attended a Neighborhood Information Network meeting for Council Districts 1-2- 3 and was disappointed with the low attendance of members of the public. Lastly, this past weekend he celebrated his 20th year in Bremerton. Don Larson, President Washington Scuba Alliance, reported the City's Parks Department had received the plastic lumber that will be used to display marine interpretive signs. With the assistance of a Parks Department employee, one of the interpretative signs has been installed at Lions Field. Mr. Larson hoped that some kind of "media" event could take place once installation of the signs is complete. It is also his hope that publicizing of the interpretative signs project can come out in diving journals/magazines. TAPE #1249 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes November 30, 1994 Page 4 of 9 Shannon Cook announced Harrison Hospital Annex is sponsoring a Blood Drive on December 13, 11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M., 1:45 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. She was pleased to announce the Festival Of Trees event was a success. 7A - CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENT OF POLICE CHIEF/PAUL Du FRESNE, #AB94-250 The position of Police Chief is currently vacant, and it is recommended that the appointment of Paul Du Fresne be confirmed. Mayor Lynn Horton stated Mr. Du Fresne is presently the Director Of Public Services for Twin Falls, Idaho, a combined administration for both Police and Fire services. Twin Falls has a population of approximately 30,000 people and is very similar to the City of Bremerton. One of the most striking similarities is their transient population in terms of migrant farmworkers. Bremerton's transient population comes in the form of ships personnel.and their families. Both communities easily and readily absorb several hundred to several thousand people during a season. She did do a sight visit in Twin Falls to make sure Bremerton was getting someone who really exhibited the qualities that the Bremerton community has been asking for in a Police Chief. The comments she heard during that visit were very positive... that he was a wonderful asset to their community and they were sorry that he might be leaving; and she made her own selection of the segments of the population she felt were important to talk with. Mr. Du Fresne has a Bachelor's Degree from Eastern Michigan University in Industrial Education, has completed graduate work in criminology from Eastern Michigan University, and has participated in the L.E.E.D.S, an executive training from the F.B.I. Academy. He has participated in numerous local agencies and organizations, implemented the D.A.R.E. program in Twin Falls as well as in Michigan. He also worked successfully in forming a County-wide E- 911 funding campaign and they are in the process of converting over to that system. His community won a national award in traffic safety and they became the first City in Idaho to reach 70% seatbelt usage through their education program. She is very pleased with his credentials as well as the background check conducted by the State Patrol, which came back in the same positive light as her sight visit. On Tuesday, during daytime hours, Mr. Du Fresne met with City Department heads and the rank and file of the Police Department and then followed that with a meeting with members of the City Council and concluding the evening with a Community forum sponsored by P.O.W.E.R. She views Mr. Du Frense as a highly qualified individual and feels strongly that he will serve the City of Bremerton very well. David Bornton, Bremerton resident and associated with the Crime and Gang Intervention Team through the PACK Program and member of the TAPE #1249 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes November 30, 1994 Page 5 of 9 P.O.W.E.R. Board Of Directors, stated he has been in this community 15+ years and 13 of those years he severed as a Police Officer. During that period, he saw 12 Police Chiefs come through either interim or permanent and this is the first Chief candidate he felt warranted him to step forward to the Council to urge approving his appointment. Three things that impressed him most about Mr. Du Frense when he responded to the audience at the P.O.W.E.R. meeting were: (a) his general show of'compassion for all ages who brought forward questions; (b) he stated he is a man that is looking to fix problems, not fix blame; (c) and he is willing to go out among the rank and file and set the standard, not only for the community, but also for his fellow offices. He thanked Mayor Horton and David Bown, Civil Service Officer, for doing an excellent job in searching for such a good candidate for the City of Bremerton. He also thanked the community people who attended all the forums held to gather input from the community as to what to look for in a Police Chief, and everyone who attended the P.O.W.E.R. meeting on Tuesday evening. Lastly, he commended Captain JoeHatfield for the excellent job he has done not only this time but also the three other times he serviced as interim Police Chief. Roy McInnis, 2711 Maple Street, stated he was fortunate to have been able to attend the P.O.W.E.R. meeting on Tuesday evening and he was quite impressed with the way Mr. Du Frense responded to the questions in a very clear and concise manner. At that time, Mr. Du Frense stated that once a problem is identified, then it should be dealt with...Mr. McInnis concurred with that strategy. Robert Boddie, Executive Director P.O.W.E.R., thanked Mayor Horton for giving them the opportunity to put on the community forum to welcome aboard the appointee for Chief Of Police. He felt the community forum was fruitful and a challenge to field the many questions that were raised by the public. He felt Mr. Du Frense handled himself well to address each and everyindividual that asked a question regardless of their age. In regard to bringing more male or female African/American individuals onto the Police Force, Mr. Du Frense is willing to go out and make that happen even. if it means working with youth people within the community to look to that kind of profession. It pleased him that emphasis was placed on an open door policy for youth within the community. Mr. Overson complimented the staff and Mayor on the recruiting and testing process and believed because of that effort the City ended up with a fine selection of candidates. The City Council did meet with Mr. Du Frense on Tuesday evening where he was asked very hard questions, which he handled well. He emphasized he believes the present Police Department does an excellent job, which is a difficult job when having to work with limited resources. He believes Mr. Du Frense has the potential for increasing some of the #1425 #1570 TAPE #1249 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes November 30, 1994 Page 6 of 9 results in making it an even better department. Mr. Colvin stated he was impressed with the wisdom Mr. Du Frense exhibited when answering questions put to him and he appreciated his remarks. President Huff-Menees commended Mayor Horton for her selection of Mr. Du Frense. In looking at his experience, background and accomplishments, she felt there is tremendous potential to benefit this community. And, it is her hope that he and his family will additionally be blessed by this community. Mr. Farr commended the Mayor and staff for the professional manner they used in recruiting and finding Mr. Du Frense. In the short time he has served on the City Council, comments received from the public have mostly evolved around public safety and police matters. He believes there is an opportunity here for some good things to be done. His own personal favorite ex-Police Chief of Bremerton was Art Morken, who was known by all members of the community and a real favorite with the youth. He personally would like to see the new Police Chief be a public figure that is known and recognized by his community. He wished him much success. M/S/C/U(Neville/Montgomery) to confirm the appointment of Paul Du Fresne as Chief Of Police. Paul Du Frense stated he appreciated the complimentary comments and he hopes he will make everyone's aspirations come true. It is his intention to become a leader in the Police Department and a member of this community. It is his intentions to find ways to make the Police Department the best it can be and its service to the citizens of this community. He is very pleased to accept this appointment and he anticipates being on'the-job as early as possible. Mayor Horton announced a Swearing-In ceremony will be scheduled once his beginning date is determined. 8A - ORDINANCE NO. 4492 (SECOND READING) REVISING B.M.C. RELATING TO PURCHASING PROCEDURES, #AB94-241 Public opinion - none. 2.76 M/S/C/U(Colvin/Farr) to approve Ordinance No. 4492 on second reading, revising procedures of materials, equipment, and services by the City of Bremerton, and repealing Chapter 2.76 of the Bremerton Municipal Code. 8B - ORDINANCE NO. 4493 (SECOND READING) ANNEXING ANAREAKNOWNAM WEST MONROE AREA AND FIXING THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF ANNEXATION, #AB94-248 Public opinion - none. #1604 #1649 TAPE #1249 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes November 30, 1994 Page 7 of '9 M/S/C/U(Neville/Colvin) to approve Ordinance No. 4493 on second reading, annexing an area known as the West Monroe Area and fixing the effective date of annexation. Mayor Hotton pointed out Council had overlooked approving the Police Chief's contract at the time they approved his confirmation and asked that they take such action now. M/S/C/U(Montgomery/Dawkins) to approve the Police Chief's contract as presented. 9A - RESOLUTION NO. 2489, REGARDING THE RECOVERY OF FEES FOR THE ABATEMENT OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2100-19TH STREET, #AB94-251 In November of 1993, the City was forced to demolish a fire-damaged building located on the property at 2100 19th Street, Bremerton, after the owner, Jack Champion, failed to do so. The Street Department performed the work and a lien was filed in February of 1994 for the charges to the abatement fund. In March of 1994, further charges in the amount of $364.36 were billed to the abatement fund, subsequent to the Council approval of the lien. This action will recoup these additional charges. Don Pratt, Director of Community Development, stated these were properties that were under enforcement by the City due to the owner neglecting to take care of the clean up or repairs that the City had demanded and as a result taxpayer funds were used to accomplish the work. The City is now-attempting to recover those funds from the property owner. As a point of procedure, he emphasized Council could only allow written testimony as part of this hearing. Public - no written comment was received. Mr. Overson asked ifs there an easy explanation why it did not get included in the official Resolution and what its addition does to the total expended? Mr. Pratt stated he did not know why it was not included, but it appears to be a billing for the hauling and disposal of debris that was received after the action. Mr. C01vin asked the City Attorney if the abatement will be a lien against the property? Ian Sievers, City Attorney, stated yes, Council is indicating, pursuant to the Dangerous Building Code, that this is to be collected through a lien on the property itself, which is included in the resolution. Mr. Colvinquestioned if the lien is not paid, will the City confiscate the property and put it up for sale or foreclose? Mr. 8levers explained these types of leans have a privilege status under State law that the City can file them with the County Treasurer and they will cause a foreclosure sale on the lien when it becomes delinquent after three years, collect the funds and reimburse the City for the amount of #1912 TAPE #1249 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes November 30, 1994 Page 8 of 9 the lien. Mr. Overson stated normally when we do this process staff has done some tests in advance to demonstrate that the amount charged is going to be recoupable through the legal process. What he sees in this proposal is an addition to an existing abatement and hopes that they have gone through the same kindof scruteny so the City feels confident these funds can be recouped. Mr. Pratt stated not exactly, the criteria that was discussed two months ago was criteria that the City proposed to put into effect when using the borrowed bond funds. This abatement took place in January of 1994, which was prior to the City developing criteria such as that. He recalled the demolition was less than $10,000 and the typical building lot within the City would be more than $!0,000. M/S/C/U(Overson/Colvin) to approve Resolution No. 2489, that the additional fees incurred for the demolition of the structure at 2100 19th Street be collected as reasonable abatement costs and become a lien against the property. 9B - RESOLUTION NO. 2490, REGARDING THE RECOVERY OF FEES FOR THE ABATEMENT OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 184 VALLEY DRIVE, #AB94-252 In April and 'May of 1994, the City performed a clean-up of the debris located on the property at Lot 184 Valley Drive, after the owner, Rick Towne, failed to do so. The work was performed by the Street Department, and the abatement fund was charged a total of $1,998.59. David Nelson, Building Official,.stated the City has done several actions with this individual and some response was made, however, the subject back lot was not included in that clean up action. The situation was a continuation of what was found on the front lot and now the City is trying to recoup fees for that clean up process. The content of the debris was trash, construction material, old vehicles, etc. .It was determined that the City would not have much of an opportunity to collect the funds through a judgement against the property owner, so such action is being pursued through a lien on the property. Public - no written comment received. Mr. Dawkins asked if the clean up action taken by the City was just hauling away and disposal of debris? Mr. Nelson explained there was no tear down of any building, just hauling away debris. #2024 M/S/C/U(Montgomery/Colvin) to order, by Resolution No. 2490, that the fees incurred for the abatement of the debris at Lot 184 Valley Drive be collected as reasonable abatement costs and become a TAPE #1249 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes November 30, 1994 Page 9 of 9 personal judgement against the owner, Rick Towne, which if not paid within 30 days, becomes a lien against the property. With no further business meeting adjourned at.6:35 P.M.. KATHLEEN L~KEY, City Clerk ' NEES ~ 1~ ' SHERRIL HUFF-ME , City of Bremerton KLM/SH-M/me cc: Normal Distribution File/Vault