HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/22/93'TAPE #1160
UNAPPROVED DRAFT
JAN i 1994
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
DECEMBER 22, 1993
#0057
#0072
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, December 22, 1993, at 5:30 P.M.,
with Council President Eileen Fitz presiding. Council members
present were Richard Neville, Lynn Horton, C.R. "Tiny" Collins,
Morrie Dawkins, Russ Johnson, Lon Overson, and A1 Colvin.
Councilman Hank Waibel was absent. Also present were Acting City
Attorney David Apodaca and City Clerk Kathleen McCluskey.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council
President Fitz and Invocation given by Reverend Greg Thacher of
Abundant Life Foursquare Church.
President Fitz announced Agenda Items 6C, 6D and 7E were pulled off
the Agenda for one week. During the rate hearing at the Previous
Council meeting a number of questions were raised. Mr. Chu,
Director Of Public Works and Utilities provided answers to those
questions in the form of a handout available at this meeting. She
reminded everyone that the Swearing-In ceremony for the new Mayor
and several Council members will take place on December 30, 4:00 P.
M., in the City Council Chambers.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes of Meeting -- December 1, 1993
#AB93-241
M/S/C/U(Horton/Neville) to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
CLAIMS/WARRANT 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/Dawkins) December 22, 1993, the Council does approve
for payment those vouchers included and further described as
follows: 171769 through 171889 in the total amount of $291,752.80.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
MR COLVIN thanked the City employees for their great Christmas
Party. At that party he met a gentlemen from Scotland who shared
that the greatest concerns in Scotland are youth, gangs, drugs,
guns and knives. He also attended a party put on by the Basian
Club. He thanked all the citizens of District #1 for their
cooperation this past year and he is looking forward to a new
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Mayor-elect to challenge District #1. He indicated he has new
respect for the people behind the TVcamera and wanted them to know
how much their efforts are appreciated. Lastly, he wished the City
Council, and all City employees a Merry Christmas and Happy New
Year.
Mr. Dawklns echoed Mr. Colvin's Merry Christmas to everyone.
Mr. Collins reported over the past few days King, Snohomish and
Pierce Counties had a burn ban, but Kitsap County was not included
in that ban. He noted years ago Kitsap County would have been
included and he felt good that he had something to do with keeping
our County out of it. He cautioned that a watch must be made that
air pollution is being scrutinized by the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) and others, who reduce the amount of particulate
before they go into a burn ban. They want more stringent controls
on air pollution and they can have a tremendous affect upon how we
live. Not that it will make the condition of the air a lot better,
but they want to basically shut down all fire places and all
burning. He emphasized the City and County have people trying to
regulated us into total chaos. The two big things that has gotten
the city into trouble them year and the last few years have been
controls placed by higher authorities. The City had a lawsuit
brought against them by a group that doesn't even live in this area
or any place on the sound and that lawsuit is costing us over $30
million dollars over the next few years. He raised the question
"why is this happening to us?". From his point of view it is
happening because we are not watching out for what is going on. We
are allowing other people to make some drastic decisions for us and
the decisions being made are based on "if you don't vote for what
we want then you are against air quality". He questioned how much
more could the City and County afford? He urged the members of the
City Council to stand up and start screaming to the Legislators
when they see something coming that will have an impact on the
citizens of the area.
Mrs. Horton thanked Councilman Johnson and the Commander at Keyport
for the extensive tour of Keyport. She was very impressed with the
high tech knowledge of that installation and how they utilize
computers for monitoring. She thanked Commander Yount of Puget
Sound Naval Shipyard and James Barber for giving her a guided tour
of the shipyard. Prior to the Council meeting, she attended a
Christmas party sponsored by Youth Care at KCCAP, for kids who are
either homeless or their family situations are not good and end up
spending a lotof time on the street. It saddened her to see young
people who are in need in our community. She hopes there are ways
to reach these young people and make their lives better. Lastly,
she wished everyone a Merry Christmas and cautioned everyone to
please drive safely and if you drink please don't drive.
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Mr. Neville wished everyone a very Merry Christmas.
Mr. Overson extended a "Merry Christmas" to everyone.
Mrs. Fitz wished everyone a Merry Christmas and hoped everyone will
drive safely.
PUBLIC RECOGNITION
Mayor Mentor reported the Bremerton Garden Club made a significant
donation to the 4th Street project. A number of amenities for 4th
Street will be in place within 2-3 months. He extended a special
"thank you" to the Marines and Marine Reserves for the Toys For
Tots program that was held on December 18; and to the Bremerton
Elks for their sponsoring a party for the special people in the
community, which was held on December 19. He wished everyone a
Merry Christmas.
Carol Dickinson, Development Manager, reported this week Bremerton
and Kitsap County received over $4,000,000 of Federal and State
funds to three specific housing projects to provide affordable
housing for people in the City and Kitsap County. The State
awarded $900,000 to the Kitsap County Housing Authority to build
senior housing units adjacent to their administrative facilities in
Silverdale; $1,000,000 of State funds to the Catholic Archdiocesan
Housing Authority towards their project of purchase and renovation
of the Elks Building; Agape Unlimited received Federal funds of
over $600,000 to provide five years worth of treatment and
operating expenses for their residential facilities. Also, the
Catholic Archdiocesan Housing Authority received $1,568,160 from
the Federal government towards the Elks building through the Single
Room Occupancy Mod Rehab Program.
Gordy Byrd, P.O. Box 930, reported on his fund raising activities
this past year for his shelter for the homeless. He thanked KCAP,
VFW, Bremerton Elks and Bremerton Yacht Club for their assistance,
during this holiday season, to people with physical and mental
handicaps.
Bernie Forte, 807 Broadway delivered a yule tide greeting from he
and his family through a Christmas poem written by Amanda Bradley.
Ed Rollman, 626 Highland Avenue, stated he is considered
disabled/retired from PSNS and believes he qualifies for the City's
"special disabled/low income" rate for water. However, when he
applied he was told he needed proof other than the physician's
report that he submitted. He backed that document up with a Kitsap
County Disabled Exempt Property Tax Statement, however, the Utility
Department turned him down with the demand for more proof. He was
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told that a Department Of Licensing Disabled Parking Permit would
work, which he obtained in November and submitted to the Utility,
which was rejected. He did receive a letter from the City Clerk
along with an application to appeal the denial at a cost of $25.00.
He pointed out a person on low income disability does not have an
extra $25.00 to put out on something like an appeal, especially
when he believes he is entitled to the low water rate. He felt
strongly that the Utility was discriminating against someone on
disability and that the City should follow its ordinance as
adopted. President Fitz assured Mr. Rollman he would hear from
someone from the City this next week.
7C - ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) CHANGING UTILITY RATES, CREATING A
STORMWATER FUND, ANDAUTHORIZING GENERAL STORMWATER CHARGES, #AB93-
248
The need for an increase in utility rates has been presented to the
City Council in study sessions, and to the public through a public
hearing. The proposed Ordinance will increase water rates
approximately 2% and wastewater rates approximately 30%. The
Ordinance also creates a Stormwater Fund and authorizes a general
stormwater rate.
Rich Hanna, City Treasurer, made a brief statement about previous
discussions on the proposed rate changes. He pointed out the two
Ordinances in the Agenda Packet are identical with the exception of
the Wastewater rates. The ordinances respectively incorporate what
was presented as Option i and Option 2 on the Wastewater rates.
Cal Leischman, 205 High Avenue: (1) City Council does not listen to
the wishes of the people. (2) As a result of action taken by a
previous Council citizens will have to pay abnormally high sewer
and water rates. (3) Citizens are faced with 20-30% increases in
property valuations, increases in income taxes...where does it end.
(4) Elected officials are in their positions to serve the people,
not for the people to serve them. (5) Most people in the City have
wisdom and it would pay if the City Council paid attention to what
they have to say.
Vick Larson, ex-candidate for City Council: (1) According to his
calculations, everyhousehold owes $2,133.33 just to cover the cost
of the recently settled lawsuits. (2) City paid too much to the
attorney who represented the City in the lawsuit settlement. (3)
Taxes on utilities and sewer levy are pricing residents out of
Bremerton. (4) If Council members don't listen to the people, they
don't they can be fired or voted out of office.
Jack Lefcoski, West KitsapLake: (1) What more do the citizens want
the Council to do...the City is in debt and someone has to pay for
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it. (2) Ten years ago the wrong sewer plant design was chosen and
the City ended up with a "lemon". (3) To citizens...in stead of
complaining come up with some recommendations for resolution of the
financial problems. (4) Congressman Norm Dicks has been asked to
seek out some federal grant funding, but there is no guarantee
he'll find it, which is the City's best hope of outside funding.
Roy McInnis, 2711 Maple Street: (1) Cautioned the City Council
members, who will carry on into the new year and incoming Mayor,
when making decisions that affect the wastewater treatment plant
improvements to make sure they know what they are getting. (2)
What will the citizens receive in return for their money? (3) How
did CH2M Hill get out of having any liability over the odor control
problem at the treatment plant? (4) Lawsuit over odor could have
been avoided if the City had addressed complaints from the citizens
that the treatment plant had an offensive odor just two years after
it was built. (5) For 2 1/2 years the City argued against the
citizens who filed a lawsuit that there was no odor problem.
Rose Kerson: (1) She is confused over how the City calculates
billing... she is using $46.50 worth of water and assessed $203.00
for sewer services. Is another 30% going to be added to what she
is already paying? (2) Why doesn't the City sueCH2M Hill for the
odor problem at the treatment plant.
James Kerson: (1) Can the City sell Municipal Bonds to help pay for
the debt? Mr. Hanna stated the City expects to finance the
majority of the capital construction through the issuance of
Municipal Bonds (Water/Sewer Revenue Bonds). President Fitz added
the amount of funds raised through the increase rate would go
toward the cost of service and debt service.
Del Knauss, Olympic Avenue: (1) Challenged City Council's action of
presenting an ordinance when two more public hearings were promised
by President Fitz at the previous hearing. (2) Would like to see
the Water Utility bill broken down to include meter fees, base
charge for new sewer fee, etc. (3) Even though there is Option 1
and Option 2, the bottom line dollar amount is the same amount of
money. (4) At the previous hearing, the Consultant's handout was
broken down bi-monthly and what is proposed at this meeting is
shown as monthly. (5) The highest current winter rates is what
the residents should base paying in the summer (for the sewer
part), not the proposed increase. Mr. Hanna responded that the
City has a summer irrigation rate, which applies to only single
family and duplex residential customers. The water is paid year
around on the actual consumption as read through the water meter.
It is not equitable to charge sewer fees for water that is being
used to water gardens, lawns, etc.
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Daniel Rickabauah, disabled veteran: (1) How will this increase
affect people who are renting? (2) If rents go up due to
increased utilities costs, more people may be found living on the
street because they can't pay their utility bills. (3) Another
$25.00 charge and he and his wife will be out living on the street.
President Fitz suggested Mr. Rickabaugh apply for the low
income/disabled utilities fee.
Elizabeth Buell, High Avenue: (1) The increase won't have as
adverse affect as people think. (2) Citizens can reduce their
water consumption.
Roy McInnis, 2711 Maple Street: (1) Concerned that the City stated,
per Mr. Chu's response to questions previously asked, that the City
has not identified any design flaw that could be contributed to the
designer.
Brian Mueller, 1541 Park Avenue: (1) From previous testimony at the
earlier hearing, it appears designs for odor control existed in the
original plan and if so, maybe there wouldn't be the need for
another consultant. (2) If the Council hasn't already made up
their minds on the rate increase, what have they done since the
last meeting to find out if there another way to avoid the proposed
increase. (3) At the previous hearing, he asked that the City to
request the State Attorney General do an audit on the funds spent
and designs of the wastewater treatment plant and questioned if
anyone contacted the State? (4) Has the City Council done anything
to help the citizens?
Ruth Reese: (1) Who made the decision to accept the settlement of
the lawsuit? President Fitz provided a response on the sequence of
events up to the point of settlement. (2) City Council needs to be
more receptive the citizen concerns and comments.
Councilman Collins and Councilman Hotton re-emphasized the position
the City is in due to environmental regulations along with the cost
of the settlement of the lawsuit. The City is tired of being
required to make sewer improvements when portions of METRO in
Seattle that are still not hooked up to secondary sewer
treatment. It makes one wonder why Bremerton is being hit upon by
a group of environmentalist and the federal government to do more
and burden the local taxpayers. Until all the people in Bremerton
and across the country stand up and say "enough is enough, we
aren't going to take the mandates any more until some sanity is put
into environmental regulations so that we, the people who pay the
bills, can afford them without putting us out of our homes".
Generally, the State and Federal government have a lot of ways to
make local governments pay even more when someone goes against what
they want. In 1994 the Clean Water Act will come before Congress
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and unless the citizens voice their concerns to their Congressional
Representatives it is very likely that more mandates will come
about.
Mr. Johnson stated he was on the City Council at the time the new
sewer plant was built and at that time the City did not have a
choice due to the moratorium placed on future development. At the
time he took office, the plant had already been designed and was
ready to go to bid for construction. The designer was a very
reputable firm and the Council found no reason to question their
ability. He keeps hearing how someone cut out the "odor control"
system out of the original design. He does not recall any change
order that removed an odor control system. They did delete some
gold plating off the plant and cut back some things in the burning
of methane. The plant was designed with early 1970's technology
and the concern of the citizens at that time was rates, rates, and
rates. The City Council does not want to raise rates just to be
raising additional funding. The sewer system and plant
improvements, in most instances, are being mandated by the State
and Federal government. If those mandates are not met by the City
at the time they are due, the City could be facing large fines and
additional lawsuits. Over the period of time when the lawsuit
litigation was going on over the sewer plant odor, the City Council
was repeatedly provided odor control abatement plans. That
information should be made public now that the lawsuit is settled.
In the next few months the State Legislature will be working on
legislation that addresses air quality indoors for business and
places that have over 20 people employed. Such legislation would
required that heating and air cooling systems be certified, report
that it is certified and retested in order to mitigate complains.
about the environmental condition. Every year the City has fought
off having to put a filtration system on the surface water coming
from Casad Dam even though the Union River watershed is protected.
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Mrs. Horton stated it was her understanding the reason why the City
didn't put in stormwater separation and had everything go through
the sewer treatment plant was because at the time the plant was
designed the Department Of Ecology said "design it this way do not
separate because this is the best technology now". DOE does not
grandfather things in and then 5-10 years later they give out
mandates.
A citizen questioned what would be done with the water once it is
separated from flowing into the treatment plant? Mr. Chu stated
for clarification the City would not be doing total separation.
Total separation would be too costly to upgrade the entire City.
The CSO project will take care of most of the stormwater separation
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where it is most appropriate and then provide in-line storage or
outside storage so that the City would not experience more than one
overflow per year. The separated stormwater will be going directly
to the sound 99% of the time. Once a Stormwater Utility is
developed, the City will be asking businesses or property owners
with large impervious paved areas to provide some kind of water
storage and or treatment facility on site, which would be part of
an incentive program. Mr. Johnson expressed concern that Mr. Chu
was belittling the amount of stormwater separation. After many
discussions with consultants over stormwater separation projects,
it is a major project costing millions of dollars. Mr. Chu pointed
out when looking over 350 miles of pipeline in the City, he did not
want to give the impressions that stormwater separation will be
carried out throughout the City. Mr. Collins noted the stormwater
will not be just dumped into the sound but would require some
monitoring. Mr. Chu explained the Utility is monitoring for
quantity and doing a typical sampling to report to the State
Department OF Ecology what impact those out-falls are having on the
sound. Not every discharge point is being sampled for quality.
Mr. Overson pointed out other Utilities have used the ULID process
for payment, but it is his opinion when reviewing this city's make
up of the numbers of rentals and process of establishing a ULID it
would probably be more expensive and disruptive than handling it
the way Mr. Gould has proposed.
Jack Lefcoski, West Kitsap Lake: (1) The City should require that
owners of large paved areas with excessive run off put in holding
tanks, forget incentive program. Mrs. Horton stated for
clarification that currently under "new development" there is a
requirement for catch basins. Mr. Chu was referencing
properties/developments that already exist.
Mr. Montgomery, 605 Cambrian: (1) Department Of Ecology mandates
that existing commercial buildings must store and treat stormwater
runoff before it flows into the storm sewer line.
Mrs. Buell, High Avenue: (1) What about all the cars leaking oil on
City streets and where they park? Mrs. Horton urged Mrs. Buell to
contact the water quality section of the City Utility to report
such conditions.
Mrs. Horton stated she was aware Mr. Gould was not tasked to look
at anything but a rate structure, but questioned if he was familiar
with the method by which the Annapolis Sewer Treatment plant was
financed. Mr. Gould stated no. Mrs. Horton asked if he had an
opinion how the City might fare over the long haul if an assessment
method or a combination of assessment and rates for the City's
needs. Mr. Gould stated from a. consumer's prospective he would be
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indifferent. To a certain degree the comments made earlier
indicating the trade off of one form of debt for another form. He
doubted that a ULID was feasible for what the City is proposing.
The only advantage he saw in the tax assessment process was there
would not be a problem covering debt service. The use of a General
Obligation Bond is a possibility, however, he was not aware of
Council's councilmanic authority to issue a GO Bond without the
authority of the people.
Mr. Johnson asked where in the ordinance did it address summer
rates and where could he find the rules on who is eligible for the
low income/senior/disabled exemption? Mr. Hanna explained the
summer irrigation rate and the low income/senior low
income/disabled rate are contained in a different section of Title
15 of the Bremerton Municipal Code. The draft ordinances address
only one subset of BMC Title 15 that restricts itself to just
rates. The BMC makes reference to a body of State law, RCW Title
74, which relates to a number of State administered social/welfare
programs and therein is a very detailed set of instructions. If
anyone has concerns or questions about qualifying for that
exemption, calls can be directed to the City treasurer's office or
the Utility Customer Service personnel. The City has tried to
avoid duplicating a complex administrative process that already
exists at the State level. Mr. Colvin questioned the need for a
$25.00 fee for an appeal? Mr. Hanna explained there is an
application fee to file an appeal, which is refunded if the
appellant prevails. Such a fee is not to discourage legitimate
appeals, but rather to discourage frivolous appeals of issues. Mr.
Colvin questioned if people are told that the $25.00 fee will be
refunded if they prevail in their appeal? Mr. Hanna stated he
believes that information is included in a packet of information
that describes the process. Mr. Johnson questioned what the $5.00
charge for administration actually covered? Mr. Hanna stated he
believed the charge Mr. Johnson referenced is described in the
ordinance as a "duplicate bill" fee. Under Washington law
municipal utility bills attach to the property. Mr. Johnson stated
he was not talking about a duplicate bill, but rather when there is
a change in tenant...the landlord calls the Utility and requests a
change. Kathleen McCluskey, City Clerk, stated there is a $5.00
fee for that service.
#0772
M/S/C(Overson/Collins) to approve Ordinance, on first reading,
applying the Wastewater Rate Option 1 increasing the basic fee to
$6.00 bi-monthly. (Ordinance Titled Storm-1)
Mrs. Horton stated she will vote no on this proposal because she
believes the City needs to send a message to the Legislators and
Congressmen saying we aren't going to pay for mandates any more so
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stop shoving it down our throats.
Mr. Neville stated he would vote no on the motion because he
preferred Option 2 because it would give the consumer who conserves
water a better price break and Option 1.
Vote on motion: In Favor: Collins, Dawkins, Colvin, Johnson,
Overson, Fitz
Opposed: Horton, Neville
Motion carried.
6A - INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT TO PURCHASE ONE 6300/TRB50C JD
TRACTOR WITH TIGER MOWER, CAB93-242
The Street Department requests approval for the City of Bremerton
to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with Thurston County,
Washington, for the purchase of one (1) John Deere Tractor with
Tiger mower.
Equipment Rental has adequate funds available for purchase of this
equipment. It will replace the existing 10 year ole Tiger mower.
Ken Brees, Public Works Operations Manager, provided staff input.
President Fitz asked the City Treasurer to explain how the
Equipment Rental Reserve Fund works for the benefit of the public.
Rich Hanna, City Treasurer, outlined the intent and purpose of that
fund.
Mr. Neville questioned if other attachments were available, other
than the mover, that would add to the versatility of the tractor?
Mr. Brees stated the only attachment that his department would use
would be a brush trimmer, however the Parks Department already has
that piece of equipment. Mr. Neville questioned if the tractor had
air conditioning? Mr. Brees stated yes, the windows must be closed
at all times due to the nature of work it does.
Mr. Overson pointed out this item was before both Council
committees and discussed thoroughly by committee members.
Roy McInnis, 2711 Maple Street, questioned why would there be a
debate at the time the Council committee's reviewed this item if
the funding for a replacement was already in place? Mr. Overson
explained the process intended to take care of the proper use of
the Equipment Rental Reserve Fund to purchase such equipment.
However, the City Council must budget those funds a year in advance
and must review the contract and proposed procurement to insure
that it fits into the needs of the City, followed by a vote of the
Council approving the contract to purchase. Mr. Johnson noted
during Council committee reviews they also ask if the particular
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item can be purchased in Bremerton, which in this case is not
possible because there is no one that provides that type of
equipment locally.
Jack Lefcoski, West Kitsap Lake, stated he felt $47,000 was a very
high price for a mid sized tractor and questioned if the City went
out for at least three bids? Mr. Brees stated no, and Mr. Lefcoski
was correct that it is a mid sized tractor with a mower attachment.
By coming off the Thurston County's bid the requirement for three
bids had already taken place when Thurston County went out for bid
to get the lowest price. Using this process saves the City time
and money. This action is similar to the City purchasing other
vehicles off the State Bid List.
M/S/C(Horton/Neville) to surplus the existing 1983 tractor w/mower
and authorize the Mayor to enter into an intergovernmental
agreement betweens the City of Bremerton and Thurston County for
the purchase of one John Deere Tractor w/Tiger mower.
Vote on motion: In Favor: Overson, Neville, Horton, Fitz,
Collins, Dawkins, Johnson
Abstain: Colvin
Motion carried.
6B - INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT TO PURCHASE ONE JD4100D
BACKHOE/LOADER WITH OPTIONS, #AB93-243
The Street Department requests approval for the City of Bremerton
to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with Lewis County,
Washington, for the purchase of one (1) JD4100d Backhoe/Loader with
options.
Equipment Rental has adequate funds available for purchase of this
equipment. It will replace the JD510 Backhoe which is being
purchased by the Water Utility from the Street Department as of
01/01/94.
Ken Brees, Public Works Operations Manger, provided staff input.
Public comment - none.
#1332
M/S/C/U (Johnson/Colvin) to authorize the Mayor to enter into an
intergovernmental agreement between the City of Bremerton and Lewis
County for the purchase of one JD410D Backhoe/Loader with options.
6E -AMENDING CONTRACT FOR CONFIDENTIAL EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, LEGAL
ASSISTANT, AND BENEFIT SPECIALIST, #AB93-246
There are five confidential employees not represented by a
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bargaining unit nor included in the Management Compensation Plan.
The Payroll Specialist received Counsel approval for the payment in
lieu of medical coverage provided for in the Management
Compensation Plan. The Legislative Assistant is similarly being
provided this benefit in her 1994 contract amendments. The
remaining three employees have requested this benefit be added to
their contracts. Proposed contract language is attached.
Riah Hanna, City Treasurer, explained the cost savings to the City
by using this process. The employee must provide proof of the
other health insurance coverage and the cash incentive that is
offered to the employee is less than the health insurance premiums
the City would provide.
President Fits questioned the cost of KPS premiums for one month?
Mr. Hanna explained there are different plans under the KPS
programs, however, using his own coverage as an examples the
monthly premium amounts to $125, his spouse is approximately
$145.00 and his child is $55.40, amounting to approximately $300.00
in premiums. If circumstances were such that he had an alternative
source of health care, the current level of benefits would provide
him a cash payment of $80.00 per month should he not elect the
City's employee health insurance.
Mr. Overson stated the words look good but questioned if the City
was responsible for this individual having medical coverage?
David Apodaca, Acting City Attorney, stated no, the City would not
be liable in essence with the employee taking the option to accept
the payment of $80.00 per month in lieu of insurance. He
emphasized everyone wants to be insured and the only reason they
would be taking this option would be if their spouse was employed
and had adequate insurance to cover their family. Mr. Overson
questioned what if the level of coverage is less under the spouses
insurance plan than what the City would provide? Mr. Apodaca
stated he believed if a City employee waived their right to be
insured and accepting the option of payment in cash, the City would
not be liable.
David Boynton, 1747 N. Callow, questioned if the situation occurred
where the City employee chose the new option and then their spouse
lost their option to have medical coverage for the City employee,
would the City employee be allowed to rejoin the City's plan at the
end of each month, on an annual basis, quarterly basis, etc?
Kathleen McCluskey, City Clerk, explained the retired Police and
Fire Officers are allowed to rejoin the KPS plan without any
waiting period (at the beginning of the month). For other City
employees, she had not addressed that point with KPS, however, she
will check out that point prior to second reading of the ordinance.
This option is already in place for City managers with many of them
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Page 13 of 15
electing the option, and a number of them have come back onto the
City's plan as well. President Fitz pointed out this item was not
amending an ordinance but amending a contract.
M/S/C/U(Collins/Overson) to table this item until the language is
made appropriate.
7A - ORDINANCE NO. 4440 (SECOND READING) AMENDING THE DEFINITION OF
"STREET" IN THE ZONING ORDINANCE, AND MODIFYING THE REOUIREMENTS
FOR THE PUBLIC DEDICATION OF STREETS, #AB93-239
Councilmen Horton and Johnson stepped down from hearing this issue
due to their being absent a previous hearings. Let the record not
that they remained seated on the dias during the discussion on this
issue.
Public comment - none.
M/S/C(Dawkins/Colvin) to pass Ordinance No. 4440 on second reading
amending the definition of "street" in the Zoning ordinance, and
modifying the conditions under which a street must be publicly
dedicated, and amending Sections 21.02.050 and 21.02.500 of the
Bremerton Municipal Code.
Vote on motion:
In Favor: Overson, Neville, Fitz, Dawkins, Colvin
Opposed: Collins
Present: Horton, Johnson
Motion carried.
7B - ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) AMENDING THE 1993 BUDGET, #AB93-247
Actions taken by the City since passage of the 1993 budget require
certain corrections in order that the budget continues to
accurately reflect the financial operating plan of the City.
Rich Hanna, City Treasurer, pointed out Council was being asked to
approve Budget Adjustment #24 (510 Equipment Rental Fund to 451
Wastewater/Interfund Loan $1,000,000 required by the lawsuit
settlement agreement); 25 (110 Police Special Project $3,000 -
purchase of a copy machine); 26 (Executive - category change $1,500
- purchase copy machine); 27 (110 Police Special Project'S44,000 -
increases scope of financial operations for D.A.R.E. Program and
Narcotics Enforcement Unit); 28 (Engineering - category change -
$20,000 from Salaries to Professional Services necessitated by
contract with R.W. Beck), as reflected in the Council's Agenda
packet. He noted all proceeding budget adjustments have already
been incorporated into the budget with passage of two proceeding
amending ordinances.
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DeceEber 22, 1993
Page 14 of 15
#2071
Mr. Overson stated during the 1994 budget review it was noted that
the Fire Department is over expended in their 1993 budget. It was
his understanding that a Budget Adjustment would be forthcoming to
adjust that department's budget, however, he did not see one
included with what was being presented. Mr. Hanna stated there was
nothing forthcoming from the Department. He emphasized the Fire
Department is not over expended in budget at the moment, however,
Mr. Overson's point was well taken and is accurate. There were
certain mitigating circumstances in the Fire Department that led to
that condition. Mr. Overson stated his biggest concerns are: (1)
has the amount of over expenditure been determined, (2) will it
have to be absorbed by end of year. Mr. Hanna stated the Fire
Department does expect to have an overrun in their current
appropriation.
Public comment - none.
M/S/C/U(Johnson/Colvin) to approve Ordinance, on first reading,
amending Ordinance No. 4433 relating to the budget of the City of
Bremerton for Fiscal Year 1993.
7D - RESOLUTION NO. 2451, AMENDING VALUE OF SURPLUS UTILITY
PROPERTY (MEADOW DALE WELL SITE), #AB93-249
This property was surplused to utility needs in 1985 with the
Council requiring sealed bids not less than $135,000.00, the
appraised value. The property has not attracted offers approaching
this sum and was reappraised at $80,000.00 in early 1992.
The proposed resolution is required for sale of surplus utility
land and sets the purchase price for sealed bids at $80,000.00.
Kathleen McCluskev explained when this property was first
appraised, the City went out for bid a couple of time and received
no offers. The City also marketed the site through a Real Estate
agent, which produced no offers. The site was reappraised at a
significantly lower value than the first appraisal, which has to do
with the way the land is configured and potential uses. The site
is configured with a well in the center of property, which would
limit the number of units that could be built. There is one
interested party, however, before negotiating a bid the City would
like to see what the market would bear at the new appraised price.
If no bids are received at that price, then she would look to
negotiating a sale with the North Perry Water District.
President Fitz questioned if the City was successful in the sale of
the site at $80,000 what would happen to those funds? Mrs.
McCluskey stated they would be go back to the Utility's capital
fund.
#2454
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December 22, 1993
Page 15 of 15
Mr. Collins pointed out the North Perry Water District purchased
the well, which is in the middle of the property, and some time ago
had tried to purchase the subject site from the City. He
questioned why has the City taken so long to dispose of this site
by selling it to North Perry Water District at a negotiated price?
Mrs. McCluskey stated up to this point the North Perry Water
District has offered to purchase the site at a far lower price than
the appraised value. The City Attorney recommended that prior to
the City negotiating a sale for something substantially less than
the appraised value, the City should see if there is another buyer
at the current market price. If the City and North Perry Water
District could negotiate a price at or close to the appraised
value, she felt it would be a worthwhile effort. Mr. Collins
stated it was his understanding that North Perry Water District
wants to protect their water source the same as the City protects
its water source. Mrs. McCluskey stated City has sold or traded
property based on appraisals. Mr. Dawkins commented that from a
real estate perspective the property could only support three
building sites and doubted that anyone would purchase 2 1/2 acres
at the higher price. Mrs. McCluskey noted it does not cost the
City very much to put the site out for bid at the lower price and
find out what the current market will bear. It had been suggested
that the site be reappraised, however, upon checking she found it
would be rather costly process. Mr. Dawkins added the acre on top
is flat, however, there are a lot of ravens on the site and any
building would have to be done in a way that it wouldn't erode
properties below the site.
Public comment - none.
M/S/C(Horton/Dawkins) to approve Resolution No. 2451, amending the
sale price of surplus utility property commonly knows as Meadow
Dale Well site.
Vote on motion:
In Favor: Neville, Horton, Dawkins, Colvin,
Johnson, Overson, Fitz
Opposed: Collins
With no further business meeting adjourned at 9:12 P.M.
KATHLEEN L. McCLUSKEY, City Clerk
EILEEN FITZ, Council President
City of Bremerton
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