Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/22/94TAP~ #1212 UNAPPROVED DRAFT 1994 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JUNE 22, 1994 ~0017 ~0037 The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Bremerton was called to order in the City Council Chambers, 239 4th Street, Bremerton, Washington, Wednesday, June 22, 1994, at 5:30 P.M., with Council President Sherril Huff-Menees presiding. Council members present were Morrie Dawkins, Bob Winters, John Law, David Farr, A1 Colvin, Eileen Fitz, and Lon Overson. Councilman Richard Neville was 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-Meneesand Invocation given by Councilman AlColvin. President Huff-Menees announced immediately following the City Council meeting the City Council will reconvene an Executive Session on "litigation, per Chapter 42.30.110(1)(i). CONSENT AGENDA A. Minutes of Meeting -- June 1, 1994 #AB94-125 B. Minutes of Meeting -- June 8 1994 ~AB94-126 M/S/C/U(Fitz/Dawkins) to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. CEa~IMB/WARRANT REGISTERS Vouchers audited and certified bythe auditing officer as required by RCW42.24.080, andthose 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/Farr) on June 22, 1994, the Council does approve for payment those vouchers included and further described as follows: 176237, 176238, 176240 through 176408 in the amount of $213,968.57; and Regular Payroll for the period ending June 15, 1994, in the amount of $589,039.89. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS Mr. Winters stated in response to calls from several constituents regarding City water and sewer rates, he encouraged residents to attend City Council Study sessions, held the first Monday of each month, where they could learn first hand what is being considered by the Council. Mr. Colvin was pleased to introduce someone very special to him, his adopted daughter. Marita Youngquist stated when she was TAPE #1212 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes June 22, 1994 Page 2 of 10 sixteen years old (1966) she came to America as an AFS (American Field Service) exchange student and had the opportunity to become a part of the Colvin family and Branches family. Her year as an AFS student at East High School was one of her greatest experiences that has given her a lot in life and she is very grateful that she came to this corner of the state, which she finds very beautiful. Currently, she lives in Sweden and is a Psychiatrist and the mother of three young children (11, 16, 17). Mr. Dawkins reported he was pleasantly surprised when his daughter was the guest speaker at the Bremerton Central Lions Club luncheon today. Mr. Law was pleased to report the District #3 Neighborhood meeting held on June 21 was well attended and the presentation made by Sheriff Pat Jones was well received. The next District #3 Neighborhood meeting is scheduled for July 19 and the topic for that meeting will be emphasizing "Fire Prevention". Mr. Farr stated it was good to be back after being out-of-town. During his absence, he attempted to receive his messages on his answering machine and partially succeeded. There was one message from a constituent that wanted information on the City possibly looking at the purchase of a vacant lot, located in District #6, that was involved in a bankruptcy. He failed to get the caller's name or phone number and asked if she is listening to the City Council meeting to please call him once again. Mrs. Fitz reported on June 21, five Council members and Mayor Horton attended the Council Coalition dinner meeting hosted by the City of Port Orchard City Council. The guest speak at that meeting was a representative from the Washington Utilities Commission, who talked about "garbage and rates". Mrs. Huff-Menees stated she felt privileged to take part in the Mayor's Summit for youth held June 16 at Olympic College. That event was very well attended and she was impressed with the number of people there and their willingness to pitch in and share their expertise, views and ideas on how we can best address not just the problems of our youth, but also how we can best bring out a lot of the good things happening today with our youth. She is looking forward to seeing some of the results that will come out of that activity. She noted Mr. Neville was absent due to his work requiring him to be involved in Union negotiations'. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Lynn Hotton gave a brief overview of the make up of those attending the "Youth Summit". One of the things that she was most struck by was the fact that everyone was very focused on the youth TAPE #1212 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes June 22, 1994 Page 3 of 10 in the community and what could be done to move forward a youth agenda for the City of Bremerton in a comprehensive fashion. Approximately eight very articulate and bright teenagers also attended this event. Throughout the event she was struck with (1) the fact everyone focused in on what kind of existing facilities are available and how can we maximize what we already have without spending taxpayers dollars to build something else; (2) what existing organizations or groups can be tapped into so we don't have to create another organization and another meetingto attend. Approximately three fourths of the way through the Summit Mr. Montgomery pointed out to her there had not been one voice of dissention. What that meant to her was that everyone came to the Summit with very positive things to place on the table. After the seven individual groups explained why they made their priority list, it became very clear that one lead into another thereby creating a circle. One of the key government roles identified, is to continue providing the network source to bring all the groups together on a periodic basis to map out a game plan, with their help, and to track where we've been and what needs to be accomplished in the future. She extended a "thank you" to everyone who participated in the "Summit" and to her staff. Mayor Horton announced host families are needed for three Japanese exchange students, who will arrive July 27 and depart August 25. A packet of information has been received from the U.S. Department of Energy on the Department Of Energy Programmatic Spent Nuclear Fuel Management And Idaho National ~Engineering Laboratory Environmental Restoration And Waste Management Program Daft Environmental Impact Statement. A media presentation on this issue is scheduled for Thursday, June 23, 12:15 P.M. If anyone is interested, they may access this conference by calling 1-800-553- 0272 and for a listen only access you press Code 00. Following is Mayor Morton's Fublic Policy Statement having to do with reconstruction of damaged buildings: "I wish to share with the City Council and the public the policy which drives the administration of the building and fire codes in the repair of burned or otherwise damaged buildings. As you are aware, we have had two significant fires in older buildings within the downtown core this year. We experienced a burn in two residential structures along Washington Avenue and recently we had three commercial buildings involved in a fire on Pacific Avenue. Although all of the buildings were heavily damaged, some had additional major structural deficiencies. As some of you may know, the City's building codes and fire codes TAPE #1212 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes June 22, 1994 Page 4 of 10 require a professional determination by the Building Official whether or not the building has become a dangerous building. This determination is defined in the Uniform Code for the Abatement Of Dangerous Buildings. Once a building is declared to be dangerous because of damage, the code mandates the Building Official to require that the entire building be brought up to current codes, if it is to be repaired. Without bringing the entire building up to current building codes, the property owner has only one option - removal of the damaged building. A building which suffers both from extensive damage and non- compliance with codes presents a hazard to public health, safety, welfare, especially in terms of an earthquake. I have considered the impacts of removing a structure from a struggling commercial neighborhood or from a residential neighborhood. I will be asked if it is better to have a poorly constructed building or no building at all? This is not the most important question we must ask. The most important question is whether or not it is right and in the best interest of this communityto continue to allow the use of old buildings that do not meet building and safety standards. It is not a question of equity or fairness for the property owner, but a question of fairness and equity for the whole community who must continue to pay to protect these buildings and it is also a question of equity and fairness for the surrounding property owners whose buildings are also endangered by the presence of inadequate structures. While I sympathize greatly with those who suffer the loss of a structure, the potential loss of human life must be the overriding factor. l I must act to protect the interest of the community as well as the adjacent property owners, who have absorbed the cost of maintaining and upgrading their buildings adequately. or have not yet suffered damages to such an extent that would require reconstruction to code. I'm sure that I will be criticized for causing significant expense of repair or loss of income due to removal of damaged buildings. I am convinced, however, that there are long term benefits to the whole community and that we will all be stronger for these decisions. The Uniform Code for the Abatement Of Dangerous Buildings will be administered with this policy in mind. I am a twenty year resident of Bremerton. During that time I have asked and heard others ask why these buildings are allowed to stand? It is time to bluntly state for the benefit of owners of older, poorly maintained buildings in the City of Bremerton today: the cost of extensive damage to your building will be significantly TAPE #1212 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes June 22, 1994 Page 5 of 10 higher in the future. We will not allow you to just repair dangerous buildings - you must bring the whole building up to current codes or remove the building". She has 'instructed her Building Official and the Fire Marshal that codes will be adhered to and the Policy for the City. Mrs. FitZ stated for clarification that buildings that have not been damaged in a fire are not affected by this policy. Mayor Horton stated Mrs. Fitz is correct. She emphasized in two instances the fire 'damage was not the overriding factor, after inspecting those buildingsthey discovered substantial deteriorating of the buildings to the point that is the overriding factor. PUBLIC RECOGNITION Roy Runyon invited the public to a seriesof lectures - "Pacific Wars Of The 20th Century", starting Saturday, June 25, at the Waterfront Books and Christophets Waterfront Cafe. Kal Leichtman stated in May he and Brian Mueller held a debate/discussion with Mayor Horton and Larry Stone. He and Brian would like to schedule another such event, however, Mayor Horton has refused their offer. He was concerned that there were many things that needed to be gone into in more detail. He requested, in writing, the names of the City officials present and past, who were involved in the Kathy Johnston wrongful firing/slander or defamation of character lawsuit. He wants to know the amount, itemized, what was paid from the City Treasury for settling.the lawsuit and the amount paid for legal fees. He would appreciate a response tothat request with a week or two. President Huff-Menees asked the City Attorney if that information could be made available to Mr. Leichtman? Ian Stevers, City Attorney, stated such information could be provided and he understood Mr. Leitchman wished to know the parties alleged to be involved in some kind of allegations that would be listed in the pleading, which is public record. Charlene Burneft, Parks and Recreation Department, announced the following Park sponsored activities: Playground Express Program (free) begins June 27th andruns through August 17. Concerts in the Park (Evergreen Park) begins June 28th, 7:00 - 8:00 P.M., and run through August 9th. Day Camp Program at Sheridan Park Recreation Center for children 5- 11. Swim Class registration starts June 24, 6:30 A.M., at the pool. TAPE #1212 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes 'June 22, 1994 Page 6 of 10 -LIT Program (kids 12-15) development of leadership skills. Children Workshops: Theater Workshop Pottery Workshop Tennis Classes for kids For information on these and other Parks programs, please call 478- 5305. Karen Williams, Martin Luther King Memorial Scholarship Fund, announced the second annualConstitution Day celebration luncheon will be held September 17, at the Bayview Inn. On this day, the Board of Directors would like to take the time to recognize citizens withim the community who are building bridges and not walls between people. Therefore, they are seeking nominations of individuals from within the community, which may be mailed to Martin Luther King Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 190, Bremerton, WA 98310. Don A%kinson, Executive Director Bremerton Main StreetAssociation, statedhe hadthe pleasure of being the Master of Ceremonies at the Martin Luther King Scholarship Fund luncheon last year and found it to be a remarkable program. He commended Mr. Colvin and his committee for a very positive move in bringing people together to build bridges. This week the Antique Galleries of West Sound are celebrating their grand opening. The focal point will be this weekend with a Main Street Social on Saturday evening at 6:00 P.M., in the Gallery complex. The new downtown event brochure is being distributed throughout the community. Effort is underway to add a tunnel boat competition to the Blackberry festivalthis year. Main Street office has been facilitating a Seattle visit for people interested in learning about the Archdiocesan Housing facilities in the Seattle area as they relate to the proposed project involving the Elks Building in Bremerton. That visit has been scheduled for Monday, July 11. C. D. Montgomery stated last Friday he had the opportunity to attend the USS Franklin ceremonies on the Boardwalk, which was a well conducted and well represented with the exception of "The Sun". When his wife contacted The Sun to find out why no one covered that event, she was told they were not invited or told too late to cover the event. His wife wrote the following note toT he Sun: "Because we are a miliarytown, we should be working together as one unit and not separately. We care about those who have served their country and those who have lai~ down their lives for they are our community as well as you and me". Jerry Soriano stated he had been watching the Council proceeding and in particular Mayor Horton's comments regarding the City's building and fire code policies. He owns a building at 141 TAPE #1212 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes June 22, 1994 Page 7 of 10 Pacific, which was recently damaged by fire, and did receive a notice of abatement. He asked the City.what that meant and they basically said he could either repair or build. They did not give him any specific information. He has no problem following what the City wants, however he does have a problem with grandstanding without anyone letting them know. He has already had people checking to see what must be done to restore his fire damaged building. He stressed if he must bring that building up to the existing code, that was fine too...someone should let them know. Shannon Cook announced a Blood Drive will be held Friday, June 24, 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M., and 1:45 - 5:00 P.M., at the Harrison Hospital Annex. For an appointment, please call 792-6575. Gordv Byrd reported he artended the USS FranklinMemorial ceremony andhe believed there was a reporter from The Sun present. Hewas pleased to report that he received a donation of $280.00 from an individual for his shelter for the homeless. His current total of collected funds amounts to $10,291.96 He' made a call to the Governor's Office on a particular issue, which was responded to by a return letter to him from the Governor's Office. Cindv Wyman, volunteer on the Bremerton Central Business District Waterfront Revitalization group, explained her group is open to anyone who would like to attend their meetings and work with them. She outlined the various groups from within the community that also participate. Their goal is to come up with actual ways to raise funds for the redevelopment of downtown Bremerton and the waterfront. Their devotion to this project has moved up their meeting frequency from once each month to once every two weeks and they have expanded so that there is a separate group for downtown retailers that meet approximately every two weeks. She encouraged everyone to not believe that Bremerton is a dying city and much work is underway to make Bremerton a better place. 7A - RESOLUTION NO. 2470, REGARDING THE METHOD OF DISPOSAL OF FO~EITED FIREARMS, #AB94-127 Firearms which are forfeited through court order, and those which come into the possession of the Police Department, and are unclaimed pursuant to RCW 63.32, are disposed of by the department. It has previously been the practice of the Police Department to auction such firearms, as is permitted under State law. Last year, the legislature amended RCW 9.41,098(2) to allow disposal of firearms in any manner as determined by local legislative authority, with the exception of illegal firea_~ms which must be destroyed, and antique firearms which shall be traded or auctioned to commercial sellers. The proposed resolution provides that firearms which are forfeited TAPE #1212 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes June 22, 1994 Page 8 of 10 shall be destroyed. It is anticipated that this practice will decrease the number of firearms in our Community, thereby promoting the public peace, health, and safety. Police Chief Del McNeal stated once the Police take guns off the streets they want to keep them off and they can do that by destroying them, except for antique weapons that would be checked by a antique dealer to determine their eligibility as an antique. He urged Council's support in passing this Resolution. Mr. Colvin questioned what would be done with antique weapons? Chief HcNeal explained an antique weapon, by law, would be auctioned off to a gun dealer. The Police Department handles about 75 ceased guns over the course of the year and it is their intention to destroy them and then ship off the resulting scape metal. Mrs. Fitz stated she is very much in favor of this proposal and always felt it was bad business putting the confiscated guns back onto the street. She questioned if guns that have been ceased have to be held for court cases? Chief McNeal stated the City may be orderedby the court to return a gun to its owner for some reason, but if the court tells the Police Department that a gun can be disposed of, then the City is allowed to destroy it. Mr. Overson questioned if he was correct that the word "firearms" did not include large hives or anything like that? Chief McNeal indicated Mr. Overson was correct, it includes just firearms that have a primer and projectile. Knives, in most cases where they are not claimed, are destroyed as well. Mr. Farr asked if any equipment had to be purchased in order to destroy firearms? Chief McNeal stated no, they can be dismantled with a cutting torch and then dispose of the scape after that process. Jack Lefcoski stated his support of this proposal and asked if there is such a thing as an antique automatic firearm? Chief McNeal stated his answer was an antique automatic would be very unlikely, but again, the law talks about antiques and generally we think of muzzel loaders or something from the Civil War era. Someone could declare the Thompson submachinegun that was used in WWII as an antique, but no one is aware that any such declaration has been made. He would not anticipate that happening, but to his knowledge it would not include anything that would be a fully automatic type weapon or could be made into such a weapon. 8ordyByrd asked if there was any way to recycle the metal from the firearms that are disposed of. Chief McNeal stated mostly likely #1597 TAPE #1212 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes Jtlne 22, 1994 Page 9 of 10 the scape metal will be sent to a smelter. M/S/C/U(Winters/Fitz) to approve Resolution No. 2470, determining the method of disposing forfeited firearms. #1677 7B - ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) ADOPTION OF STATE 8TATUTE8 FOR THE EIfFORCEMENT OF THE OMNIBUS DRUNK DRIVING ACT, #AB94-128 Mayer Berton asked that this item be pulled off the Agenda and be discussed at Council's July Study Session. M/S/C/U(Fitz/Winters) to pull Item 7B off the Agenda. 7C - ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) AMENDING THE 1994 BUDGET: (a) ADOPT8 STORMWATER FUND BUDGET= (b) ADDS FIVE POSITIONS, DELETES TWO; and (c) RECLASSIFIES FIVE EXISTING POSITIONS, ~AB94-129 This amendment to the Budget of the Department of Public Works & Utilities has three parts which include: 1. Adoption of an initial 1994 Budget for the newly created Stormwater Fund in the amount of $440,000; 2. The addition of five new positions and the deletion of two existing positions from the authorized staffing of the Department; and 3. The reclassification of five existingpositions within the department resulting from a review conducted by the department and the Civil Service Officer. Each of these elements are described more fully in the attached documents. Eddy Chu, Public Works and Utilities Director,'stated the Agenda Bill includes three elements: Item 1 - the initial 1994 budget for the newly created Stormwater Fund in the amount of $440,000. Mr. Chu referenced an Expenditure Sheet for the newly created fund identifyingPersonnel, Supplies & Services and Capital Projects & Equipments, with an ending cash of approximately $500,000...total budget is bound at $440,000. If this proposal is approved, the fund would commence as of July 1 through 12-31-94. The 1995 Budget will reflect new revenue projects for that year. Item 2 - describes the added positions of five created positions, two of which are management and three Civil Service. Three of the positions are depicted and described in the Stormwater Fund. The Wastewater Manager position will impact the Wastewater budget in the amount of $29,014 and the Administrative Analyst position will impact the Wastewater, Stormwater and Water budgets in the about of $24,228. The two management positions are being offset with the deletion of a currently budgeted position - Administration Supervisor/Utilities, by $37,778. Therefore, there is a net increase of one management position. Following that is the three added positions: Lead Service Specialist and two Service Specialists, which are needed positions to implement the new TAPE #1212 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes June 22, 1994 Page 10 of 10 Stormwater Program. The net impact to the budget for the above described personnel actions results in a net change of $75,165 in the 1994 budget. Item 3 - the upgrade or reclassification of the current Civil Service Positions. The justification for such action, is due to the consolidation of his department and the proposed action is the reflection of the Civil Service positions that have been long due. S~me employees have been working out of classification, so with this classification change, it will reflect everyone working within their own job classification. Mr. overson pointed out for the public's benefit that the proposed ordinance is a power packed amendment and well written from all that it does in a single vote. Commonly, taking such action would have been accomplished through the adoption of three ordinances, but as a result of prior Council action to modify the required process dealing with management and professional positions, action can be taken through a budget adjustment process. He referenced the Authorized Staffing documentation which reflects adding 11 positions and subtracted 7 with a total increase of four personnel to the Department of Public Works, and at the same time modifying the budget expendingthe funds that have already been provided for ~- the new rates structure that was previously passed. Mr. Law pointed out the $4.00 per month charge to the resident for the Stormwater Program is going towards the $440,000. Gordy Byrd had a question regarding the proposed job titles. Mr. C~u explained that some of the changes involved job title changes and some upgrading and reclassification. M/S/C/U(Colvin/Dawkins) to approve ordinance, on first reading, reclassifying two management and professional positions in the Department Of Public Works and Utilities and amending the 1994 Budget. With no further business meeting adjourned at 6:53 P.M. KAT~HLEENL~.Mc~City Clerk KIi~/SH-M/me cc: Normal Distribution File/Vault