HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/10/93TAPE #1093
UNAPPROVED DRAFT
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
#0021
#0043
MARCH 10, 1993
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 10,
1993, at 5:30 p.m., with Council President Eileen Fitz
presiding. Council members present were Lon Overson, Richard
Neville, Lynn Horton, Hank Waibel, C. R. "Tiny" Collins,
Morrie Dawkins, A1 Colvin and Russ Johnson. Also present were
City Attorney Ian Sievers and Rich Hanna serving as Acting
City Clerk.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by
Council President Fitz and Invocation given by Councilman A1
Colvin.
President Fitz announced Council would hold a Study Session on
the "Ad Hoc Committee Report" immediately following the
Council meeting.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes of Meeting - February 17, 1993
#AB93-042
M/S/C/U(Waibel/Collins) to approve Consent Agenda as amended.
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) March 10, 1993, the Council does
approve for payment those vouchers included and further
described as follows: 164508, 164509, 164538 through164698 in
the total amount of $126,388.23.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Mr. Overson pointed out a new business located on Pacific
Avenue - "EveryDay's A Picnic".
Mrs. Hotton reported on March 9 she attended the Economic
Diversification Summit, which she found very interesting
especially the perspectives from various entities. At that
meeting, a representative from Southern Electric talked about
some of the things their company looks for when they search
TAPE #1093
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
March 10, 1993
Page 2 of 21
globally for locating power plants. Also at that meeting was
a representative from the State Department Of Tourism who
talked about "trade and tourism". A second follow up meeting
on the issue of Economic Diversification will be held March 25
where the goal is to come up with some planning strategies on
how Kitsap County can diversify economically. In reference to
proposed legislation by the State Legislature, one issue has
to do with limiting powers of Animal Control
groups/departments. Part of that legislation would change the
enforcement of cases of animal mistreatment/barking dogs from
Animal Control to Police Departments or Sheriff Departments.
Mrs. Horton expressed concern that Police and Sheriff
Departments' focus on the greater need for their services in
instances of acts of harm against property or persons and the
animal control issues would not get their priority attention.
This issue is presented under Senate Bill 5532. She was also
concerned over Senate Bill 5832 - a pet seizure bill requiring
that all animal shelters, pounds and other facilities
receiving government funding make any pet available to a
research facility or commercial establishment upon demand.
Additionally, all animals must be held an additional day and
would requires that animals be released to anyone for any
purpose, including breeding, upon payment of a reasonable fee.
The City of Bremerton, as well as many other jurisdictions
within the State, have outlawed that kind of activity because
it encourages puppy breeding mills rather than duly sanctioned
people, who are in the business of breeding and who provide
proper care and sanitation facilities. Anyone who wishes to
oppose either of these bills may do so by call the Legislative
Hotline - 1-800-562-6000.
Mr. Waibel announced he would not be seeking reelection to
Council District #3. His reasons for announcing his decision
at this time are: (1) to clear up the issue that "people will
be making comments about the AD Hoc Report on the "form of
government" based on whether or not they want to be re-elected
or not", which he is not using as a basis for his decision at
this time; (2) to allow time for someone within his District
to consider running for the District #3 position.
Mr. Colvin reported NARF is still in the process of assisting
people with their Income Tax Filing, with services available
Mondays and Fridays at the Sheridan Park Recreation Center.
Mr. Collins stated last week Mr. Larson spoke about a problem
of litter and junk vehicles in the Montgomery Avenue area,
which he also had received several telephone calls about from
concerned citizens. As a follow up report, the Shipyard has
been contracted about cleaning up that particular area.
TAPE #1093
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
March 10, 1993
Page 3 of 21
Mrs. Fits reported she also attended the Economic
Diversification Summit on March 9, which she found to be very
informative and exciting. She related the following
statistics that were given at that meeting: the country of
India has the highest number of college graduates of any place
in the world per capita and they are willing to work for very
low pay; Korea also has a very large number of college
graduates, but they have the highest number of people with
PHD's of any place in the world per capita. She stressed the
need to encourage students to stay in school and to play for
additional higher training following high school. We will
lose the race in developing new technology if we do not buckle
down and pay attention to educating the young.
PUBLIC RECOGNITION
Mayor Mentor reported work is underway on the mitigation
project and interviews are underway for filling two Civil
Engineer positions. He noted "Everyday's A Picnic" has been
open for business for about 4 months on Pacific Avenue and is
a wonderful store to purchase gift items. He reported on his
week's activities that included: Kitsap Day in Olympia, ride-
a-long with Police Patrol from 8:00 P.M. to 3:30 A.M., which
was an enlightening experience, Filipino Women's Ball on March
6; JASON Project - Keyport Naval Museum. Mayor Mentor
reminded the public that they can make a complaint about
litter/junk vehicles, etc., to the City's Building Department,
who will follow up with an investigation. He pointed out that
not all problems can be resolved quickly, however, they do get
results eventually in areas that do come within the City's
jurisdiction.
Mayor Mentor reported he requested Mrs. Marshall to outline
her concerns over assignment of teams to ball fields by the
Parks Department in writing so that he could respond to her in
writing.
Ouame McDonald, President of the NAACP and Director Of the
Multi-Cultural Affairs And Affirmative Action at Olympic
College, stated many people within the community were
disturbed over an account in the newspaper as it related to
remarks made by Captain Hatfield of the Bremerton Police
Department. Mr. McDonald did talk with Captain Hatfield about
his remarks and Captain Hatfield has agreed to speak to the
NAACP on March 11 at the Sinclair Baptist Church. He extended
an invitation to all Council members to attend that meeting.
The area of concern over Captain Hatfield's remarks was that
it appeared that young men, especially those who are
African/American or Puerto Rican who wear certain kinds of
TAPE #1093
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
March 10, 1993
Page 4 of 21
cloths or hair styles, seem to be typed cast as "gang
members". Mr. McDonald stated he and the following
individuals would be speaking on this issue: Darrell Fields,
volunteer at Bremerton High School; Pastor James Giles, member
of the Washington State Commission on African/American
Affairs; Holly Banks, NAACP Legal Redress Committee; Joann
Miller, organiz.er of Kitsap County Youth Services Association;
Pastor Sam Rachal.
Dartall Fields, 415 Yantic Avenue, volunteer at Bremerton High
School, reported he works with young men and women who have
been "kicked out of school", but who want to get back in. He
related an incident early in the school year where two
students were involved in a fight, one being black and one
white, with the black student being suspended for a full
school year and the other student was able to return after a
three day suspension. He stated School Administrators do not
understand the times we are in and he believes they should
become better educated in order to handle students properly.
He emphasized the lack of gyms for sport type activities for
all youth, not just organized sports activities. He stressed
problems will not be getting smaller but will be worse if the
community does not address the problem. He emphasized the
fashion of today is "sagging" garments and wearing "cross
colors" or wearing multiple ball caps. It concerned him that
School Administrators were not asking the students "what can
we do to help them", but rather seeing students are kicked out
of school.
Reverend James Giles stated recently the Washington State
Commission on African/American Affairs released a Juvenile
Justice Racial Disproportional Study, conducted by Dr. George
Bridges of the University of Washington. Statistics show
youth of color in the State of Washington comprise only 15% of
the total youth population. Approximately 2.4% of that figure
is African/American yet the study indicates that
African/American youth are twice as likely to be arrested for
a given "infraction" than white youth. Also, despite lower
arrest rates than whites, youth of color were referred to the
Juvenile Court and detained at substantially higher rates than
white youth and 11 times more likely to be sentenced to
confinement. Despite disproportional high rates for referral,
youth of color were diverted from criminal prosecution at
lower rates than white youth. Overall, youth of color were
less likely than whites to be diverted from prosecution. At
the State level, racial and ethnicality is the most pronounced
in sentencing and confinement. African/American youth were 7
times more likely to be confined than white youth. He noted
Dr. Bridges conveyed to the Commission that there was a sense
TAPE #1093
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
March 10, 1993
Page 5 of 21
of freedom among white District Attorneys, Prosecuting
Attorneys and representation of law enforcement officers
across the state, to make racial remarks...terms like nigger,
greaser, etc. It concerned him that a considerable amount of
money could be raised to fund a Gang Task Force and he
wondered where that same tax money was or recommendation for
doing some type of pro-active programs...recreational youth
centers, etc.
Holly Banks, Attorney, stated she was recently asked to join
the NAACP Legal Redress Committee primarily because a large
portion of her practice is defending juveniles in the offender
system. As a Juvenile Defense Attorney, she has had both
youth and parents express their perception that
African/American youth have been given some disparity of
treatment in the legal system. The Legal Redress Committee,
in conjunction with the Youth Committee, are preparing a
program designed to provide a network of support for the
African/American youth involved in the Juvenile Justice
System. This efforts entails an informational and training
program about the Juvenile Justice System and targeting
interested members of the community, specifically the youth.
It is hoped that this program can be presented in May and they
have requested cooperation and participation from various
factions in the community, including the Juvenile Court
System, Superior Court System and law enforcement agencies.
There will be an opportunity to present perceptions from both
sides - law enforcement/court systems and the youth, but
primarily targeted toward helping the young individuals deal
with this system.
Joann Miller, member of Kitsap County Youth Association,
stated her co-members Marie Jones and Loxie Egans are also
present at this meeting. Their initial organization was a
spin off of the Kitsap County Cultural Diversity Task Force
and they became interested in West Park because they felt West
Park youth were being ignored. Upon entering West Park, they
found parents were very depressed, youth were despondent and
many of the community activities opportunities were eliminated
due to lack of transportation, resources and interest.
Recently, she learned that the Police unit that is stationed
at West Park is now operating from the hours of 8:00 AM to
4:00 P.M., which caused West Park residents great concern that
they will once again become targets of acts of crime.
Previously, that Police Unit's hours extended to 2:00 AM,
which covered the time when acts of crime generally occurred.
Ms. Miller's group is also asking that Council address this
issue.
TAPE #1093
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
March 10, 1993
Page 6 of 21
Murray Phelps stated he believes in the "rights for fishing"
and stressed the need to not have fishing nets closer than 5-
10 miles off the coastline. He wants his grandchildren to
have the opportunity to fish and without protecting those
rights now they will not be available in the distant future.
In reference to troubled youth, he related that statistics
support that only 2% of young people who either get into
trouble or cause trouble had the opportunity to enjoy nature
when they were young, either with their families, camps, etc.
He stressed that statistic may be turned aroundif communities
help provide nature/environmental opportunities for youth in
their early years.
Paster Sam Rachel Jr., Mt. Zion Missionary Church, 13th &
Hewitt, stated the NAACP has given him the task of chairing
the Political Action Committee. That committee's objective
for 1993 is promoting voter registration and active
participation in voting through public forums whereby they can
be instructed and informed of political issues needed in this
community. Much of this promotion will be done through local
churches, however, there are those who would not be reached
through that source and efforts will be made so that
information will be available to every citizen as well as
opportunities for voter registration.
Mr. McDonald asked all the young men of color in the audience
to stand and be recognized. He emphasized all of the young
men standing have good records in school and all very
ambitious and expect to do something with their lives. He
noted many times the public will see such young men dressed in
"sagging" garments or multiple caps on their heads and they
will not be gang members. He wanted to dramatize the fact
that one cannot always tell "a book by its cover". He
thanked City Council for being patient and paying attention to
them. He looked forward to further communications with the
City in the future as well as seeing some results from the
various programs that were discussed this evening.
Mrs. Fitz stated she works in a school where there are many
wonderful young people. She stressed even those students who
have problems need someplace to go. Mayor Mentor stated when
he read the newspaper article Mr. McDonald referenced he also
was quite upset and that was why, at the previous Council
meeting, he stated for clarification what was said at that
meeting and that it was a very positive and informative
meeting. He noted the Police Chief and Captain Hatfield would
be attending the NAACP meeting scheduled for March 11.
Regrettably, he would be unable to attend that meeting due to
a prior commitment for a Regional meeting in Seattle. He
TAPE #1093
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
March 10, 1993
Page 7 of 21
expressed his appreciation for Mr. McDonald, the prior
speakers and others in the audience for making their presence
known. He was very sorry that the referenced news article
misrepresented what was actually stated. Mr. McDonald thanked
the NAACP constituents and all the people in the audience who
have sat patiently through this presentation. Mr. Johnson
stated some of the speakers mentioned some very promising
initiatives, which he believes will be very positive and would
be the type of program that could be made available to the
public through the Cable Access Channel. He emphasized use of
the Cable Access Channel is at no cost to the user and is a
very effective way to get the word out to those in the
community.
eordV Byrd, P.O.Box 930, reported as of this date he has
collected $16,747.49 for his shelter for the homeless. He was
pleased to report he will soon be attending Olympic College
and was looking forward to the learning opportunities he would
experience there.
Don Atkinson, Executive Director Bremerton Main Street
Association, gave a complete run down of St. Patrick Day
celebration events starting March 13 and running through March
17.
Bettsy Harris, Bremerton Animal Control Officer, announced a
legislative alert for dog owners in the City - there is a bill
proposed by the State Senate Agriculture Committee that would
require Animal Control agencies and Humane Societies to make
pets available, at a reasonable cost, to research facilities
or commercial establishments. What that means to cities and
Animal Control agencies is that they would no longer have the
freedom to find adoptive homes for animals. She urged
citizens to please contact their State Legislators and voice
their opinion on this issue.
Don Larson, 135 Rainier Avenue, President Of Washington Scuba
Alliance, reported the good news that the Underwater Parks
bill passed 48-0 on the Senate floor. He noted a news article
in today's Seattle P.I. reported Bruce Higgins was selected as
a Jefferson Award recipient for his efforts in developing the
Edmonds Underwater Park. In that article, it related that
during the summer months 200 people a day visit the Edmond's
Underwater Park, which is currently being expanded due to
increased usage. Mr. Larson reported he was told that the
City of Edmonds' annual cost for the underwater park amounts
to approximately $2,000 in labor costs for clean up of that
area and approximately $700 utility bill. Additionally, the
City of Edmonds received a grant to build a rock jetty where
#2337
TAPE #1093
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
March 10, 1993
Page 8 of 21
tide pools are available to the public. Mr. Larson presented
Council with a copy of the "Count Down To Earth Day" poster
and a copy of a booklet titled "Environmental Project Action
Guide", which are available to the public by calling 1-800-
RECYCLE. He pointed out one suggestion in the Action Plan
Guide: "clean up a lot and put a park in its place". He liked
that idea very much and hoped that Evergreen Park could be
expanded along the waterfront.
6A - KITSAP SQUARE DANCE ASSOCIATION LEASE -- ELECTRICAL
IMPROVEMENTS, #AB93-043
The Kitsap Square Dance Association (KSDA) has an existing
lease agreement with the City for their activities. KSDA has
requested permission to update the electrical service for the
existing facility which will require extension of the overhead
electrical service by Puget Power. An easement agreement for
installation of the overhead electrical facilities is required
between the City and Puget Power to service KSDA's existing
facility.
Bill McKinneV, Utility Department, explained KSDA has a
current lease agreement on City Utility property that runs
through April 30, 1998. The electrical improvements that have
been done by KSDA to service the facility requires the
installation of a 40 ft. pole, transformer and high voltage
overhead lines. Puget Power requires an Easement Agreement
with the City for this installation.
Mr. Dawkins supported this proposal and noted the effort of
KSDA members in keeping up and improving that facility, which
he views as a real asset for the City. Mr. Colvin shared Mr.
Dawkins opinion and urged Council to take "speedy" action on
this issue.
Public comment - none.
Mr. Johnson questioned what is the power to be used for? Mr.
McKinney explained the RV facilities have existed for the past
10-15 years and the installation of power would be to service
that facility. KSDA would be responsible for all installation
costs and associated costs.
Mr. Collins questioned why the new power line was not an in-
ground installation? Mr. McKinney stated he did not have an
answer to that question at this time. The proposal that was
made and requested did include overhead power lines.
M/S/C/U(Colvin/Dawkins) to approve the attached easement
agreement between the City of Bremerton and Puget Power and
TAPE #1093
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
March 10, 1993
Page 9 of 21
authorize the Mayor to execute the same subject to
Administrative Policies and Procedures.
City
6B - AUTHORITY TO SIGN, PUGET 8OUND REGIONAL COUNCIL (PSRC)
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT, #AB93-044
The Puget Sound Regional Council is the successor agency to
the Puget Sound Council of Governments. The City refused to
sign the Puget Sound Regional Council Interlocal agreement
last fall because of decreased Bremerton voting strength. The
Council directed the Mayor to pursue the issue with the Puget
Sound Regional Council leadership. Several discussions have
taken place and enough other jurisdictions have signed to
implement the Interlocal Agreement whether or not Bremerton is
a member.
Mayor Louis Mentor reported he was directed by Council to send
a letter to PSRC last October requesting an opportunity to
discuss with them issues within the agreement that adversely
affected the City. Recently, a meeting was held with
representatives of the Regional Council, where there was good
discussion on the areas of concern. Mrs. Hotton stated she
attended that meeting and although the voting structure of the
Puget Sound Regional Council will not change at this point in
time, there was good discussion on issues. For her, one of
the main issues was the feeling of disinfrachisement that
Bremerton has with the rest of the Planning Council. One of
the comments made by the Regional Council representatives at
that meeting was that they are in the process of forming a
Growth Management Committee. She felt strongly that, on
staff and elected official levels, the City should
participate on that committee. She also encouraged
representatives from Kitsap County to also sit on that
committee because there are valuable issues that need to be
dealt with. She emphasized there are people in the Puget
Sound Regional Planning Council who want to include Kitsap
County entities in the PRPC. Even if the City gets additional
votes, she did not see it making a great deal of difference.
Public comment - none.
Mr. Johnson expressed concern that much of what he reads in
mail received from PSRC relates to railroads and airports. If
PSRC is truly regionally representative, he felt cross sound
transportation should be a concern as well as east sound
transportation, particularly in view of the difficulty
crossing the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and the need for fast ferry
service from the peninsula. He felt effort should also be
underway developing alternatives to I-5. He questioned how
TAPE #1093
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
March 10, 1993
Page 10 of 21
did such discussion get placed on PSRC's agenda? Mark
Kilbranson, Director Of Administrative Services for PSRC,
stated at PSRC they find it important to get Kitsap County and
those cities within Kitsap County as a part of the Regional
Council. The issues raised by Mr. Johnson are issues they are
faced with on a daily basis and although the publications and
information mailed out may not seem to hit direct concerns for
the City of Bremerton, they are always looking to hear what
those concern are. As part of their outreach, PSCR is getting
out into the different counties. At least once each year
their Executive Board will travel to the counties tolisten to
their concerns as well as share some of their concerns and
ideas.
Mr. Johnson suggested bringing the Executive Board members to
Kitsap County by way of the ferry. Mr. Neville pointed out
Mr. Kilbranson resides in Kitsap County and is aware of our
needs and concerns and will be an open liaison.
Mr. Waibel stated regionalization was to do two things: (1)
coordinate things in a regional area; (2) give local control
to that region. He found it rather interesting that the State
Department Of Transportation has a greater voice than one of
the members of that region. He felt that should be part of the
exercise in getting the voting structure changed.
#2849
M/S/C(Horton/Neville) to authorize Mayor Mentor to sign the
Interlocal Agreement on behalf of the City of Bremerton.
Vote on motion:
In Favor:
Opposed:
Overson, Neville Horton, Waibel,
Fitz, Collins, Dawkins, Colvin
Johnson
7A - RESOLUTION NO. 2426 TO APPROVE THE PRELIMINARY PLANNED
UNIT DEVELOPMENT FOR 8T. PAUL'8 EPISCOPAL RETIREMENT HOME
PROJECT AT 700 CALLAHAN DRIVE, #AB93-045
The City Council, following a public hearing on May 27, 1992,
approved the Preliminary Planned Unit Development for a 76-
unit senior retirement complex on a portion of a 3.5 acre site
occupied by St. Paul's Episcopal .Church. A condition of
approval required a Cooperative Parking Easement Agreement,
which was not fully completed and signed until December 1992.
The applications will have two years in which to prepare the
final complete plans for the development for administrative
Final PUD approval.
Ron Hough, Planning Manager, pointed out there had been a
considerable span of time between Council's public hearing on
TAPE #1093
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
March 10, 1993
Page 11 of 21
May 27, 1992, and one of the reasons was the requirement for
the Deed Restriction or Cooperative Agreement to limit
development of the elderly retirement housing and to assure
that additional parking would be provided if there were any
changes to the plans or change to the use. The process
required communications between three parties - St. Paul's
Church, Retirement Homes Of Washington and the City. Things
changed some during the process because St. Paul's were also
working on financing the project, designing the project, and
the City was busy with growth management issues. The parking
agreement has been approved by the City and signed off by
everyone. The key statement in the agreement is: "Any party
seeking a modification to the land use approved through the
PUD process that will affect the demand for parking generated
by that partv's activities shall first obtain the City's
approval for such land use change". SPRC and St. Paul's agrees
and understands that lack of adequate parking facilities shall
constitute adequate grounds for denial of a reuuest for change
in use". Much work has been done on the proposed project and
the project has been named St. Paul's Canteberry Manor. The
project's work schedule will bring them to the Building Permit
process by July with possible beginning of construction in
August.
Reverend Steve Winfield, St. Paul's Episcopal Church,.
expressed his joy over the progress being made on the project.
He announced W.P. Clark is the contractor for the project and
they are set with their interior designers and financial
backing. He emphasized the Episcopal Retirement Homes of
Western Washington, FDRC and St. Paul's Church are all working
together to see this project become a reality. At this time
they have not undertaken any marketing for the project,
however, they already have 50% of the units reserved. He
anticipates all of the units will be reserved prior to actual
start of construction.
TAPE #1094
Mr. Johnson stated he hopes that staff would use this project
has a minimum base line - bench mark - as an excellent project
for other PUD type projects. He emphasized this project is the
depth and quality that he expects to be brought before
Council. He congratulated everyone involved for the well
thought out project.
#0012
M/S/C/U(Waibel/Colvin) to pass Resolution No. 2426, approving
a Preliminary Planned Unit Development on property located
southeast of the intersection of Callahan Drive and Clare
Avenue (St. Paul's Episcopal Church P.U.D.).
TAPE #1094
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
March 10, 1993
Page 12 of 21
7B - ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) TO AMEND THE OFFICIAL ZONING
MAP FROM "GB" TO "MF" FOR PROPERTY AT CALLAHANANDCLARE, SITE
OF ST. PAULe8 EPISCOPAL RETIREMENT HOME PROJECT. ~AB93-046
The City Council, following a public hearing on May 27, 1992,
approved the Preliminary Planned Unit Development for a 76-
unit senior retirement complex on a portion of a 3.5 acre site
occupied by St. Paul's Episcopal Church. The PUD included a
REZONE from "General Business" (GB) to "Multi-Family
Residential" (MF) to allow the residential development at this
location.
Approval of this Ordinance will complete the REZONE process,
allowing this project to proceed.
Public comment - none.
#0079
M/S/C/U(Waibel/Dawkins) to approve Ordinance, on first
reading, amending the Official Zoning Map of the City of
Bremerton for property located southeast of the intersection
of Callahan Drive and Clara Avenue (St. Paul's Episcopal
Church Rezone and P.U.D.).
7C - ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) AMENDING THE 1993 BUDGET,
ORDINANCE NO. 4398 AND ORDINANCE NO. 4401, #AB93-047
This budget amendment will implement the recommendations of
the R.W. Beck study of the City's Engineering and Utility
Departments. The amendment provides for a consolidation of
management through the creation'of a Public Works Director
with responsibility for both departments. Also a Project
Manager position is created to provide management of major
capital projects. Two Senior Civil Engineer positions are
created to provide working managers for the City's engineering
needs.
Mayor Louis Mentor stated over the past two years he has been
studying his public works departments to see how they could be
reorganized to be more efficient. It has been costly to the
City in the past to not have one person coordinating the
different services in the Utility Department, Wastewater,
water, storm water, Streets, Engineering, etc. Through his
review and the Study completed by R. W. Beck, the need for
coordination between the various departments is very apparent.
Through this review process, City employees have shared their
views and support the concept for better coordination.
Additionally, he looked into what other cities were doing in
this area. Out of the 20 largest cities, excepting the City of
Seattle, Bremerton and Mercer Island are the only cities who
did not have the type of Public Works Department similar to
what he is now proposing. Following completion of the R.W.
TAPE #1094
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
March 10, 1993
Page 13 of 21
Beck Study, he presented the results to Council Committees and
his staff and now he feels it is time to move forward in
developing a Public Works Department and initiate hiring of a
Public Works Director.
Gene 8ampley, Consultant from R. W. Beck, stated the primary
focus of the Study was to look at the organization at the top
management level coming through the Division Managers. They
interviewed approximately 25 employees focusing on the
managers and those employees who had a particular functional
position that was important to the operations of the
departments in question. They had overwhelming support for
this concept of a coordinated department through a single
manager and they also talked with the Department Heads in the
various departments that normally coordinate with the Utility
and Engineering Departments, Street Department, etc., and also
found strong support for a Public Works type of concept of
integrated coordination. Most of all, the other departments
were looking for was coordination interdepartmental with Fire,
Parks and Community Development. The Study focused on what
would best serve the needs of the City following five
criteria: (1) should be unified under a single manager; (2)
Engineering function should be unified into a single division;
(3) should include a separate major projects management
function as provided in the Project Manager position, which is
newly created with the recommended organization; (4) structure
should be based on functional considerations rather than
funding considerations. (This is a recommendation that
focuses primarily in the Engineering area/ Utilities
operations area where there may be cross over in funding type
of activities, but functionally they are very similar and
management of those functions should be the primary focus
rather than the funds from which these activities are
performed and financed.); (5) organization should be as flat
as possible so that it does not create a hierarchy structure
that just creates bureaucracy for the City, but should
minimize that bureaucracy and increase the organizational
responsiveness and managerial accountability. Accountability
is a strong feature of this organization and having an
individual accountable for all activities associated with the
Public Works functions would be in the best interest of the
City. Based on those criteria, they developed the recommended
organization structure.
Rich Hanna, City Treasurer, stated in the context of the
Committee hearings conducted with Council over the past
several weeks, a repeated area of concern was making sure to
not lose fiscal controls over various funds that are
represented, both rate supported and tax supported funds; and
TAPE #1094
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
March 10, 1993
Page 14 of 21
that proper measures are in place to assure that the rate and
tax supported portions of the City did remain fiscally at
"arms length", preserving the integrity of the accounting
systems and those various funds. He personally assured
Council that is well within the capacity of his department,
and as evidence to that he prepared a list of those areas
where those kinds of accounting transactions are currently
taking place. All of the Administrative Departments of the
City, for example City Treasurer, City Attorney, Personnel,
Civil Service, Data Process and City Clerk, provide services
to the rate based funds of the City. This work is performed
on a paper service basis and regular billings are submitted to
the Utility and they in turn reimburse the tax supported funds
from which City staff are paid to perform that work. Within
the Water Utility itself, all of the payroll costs are
distributed to the various functional areas of the Water
Utility, both the operational and capital project within both
the Water and Wastewater Utility utilizing a labor
distribution account. This accounting mechanism has been in
place for a number of years and has been audited by the State
Auditors Office and Federal Government pursuant to the City's
contract with the U.S. Navy, and neither of those entities
have questioned validity of those procedures. Within the
Street Department, work is performed on a fee for service
basis for the City's Water 'and Wastewater Utility. The
General Fund is reimbursed by Kitsap County, Mason County and
other cities within Kitsap County, for related traffic signals
work performed by the City. Within the Engineering
Department, work is done on a fee for service basis for
various capital projects for the Water and Wastewater
Utilities, the Arterial Street Fund as well as the City's
Street Fund. Also, similar accounting treatments are provided
to the Parks Department to distribute their costs
appropriately among the General Fund, Golf Course and Athletic
Sports Complex.
Mr. Hanna referenced the Budget Adjustment ... within the
Utility it is proposed to reduce the Personnel Budget by
$84,000 and increase the Interfund Charges For Professional
Services (this being a reflection of the increased level of
services provided to the Utility through the utilization of
positions that are paid from the General Fund), in the amount
of $84,000. Within the Engineering Department, personnel
costs would be increased by $120,000 and increase Interfund
revenues by a corresponding amount. This reflects the "other
side of the coin" - the work performed on behalf of the
Utility by staff added to the Engineering Department.
Additionally, work that will be performed by the new Project
Manager position will be billed out to the capital projects,
TAPE #1094
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
March 10, 1993
Page 15 of 21
including but not limited to the capital projects budgeted in
the Water and Wastewater Utility, Golf Course and various
arterial street projects that are contained within the 1993
budget.
Mrs. Horton question under this new hire hierarchy there are
several positions at the lower working level that changed, had
Mr. Sampley talked with those workers who will be affected?
Mr. Sampley stated no. Mrs. Horton questioned if anyone had
talked with those workers? Mr. Sampley stated the area most
affected is the sewer maintenance crew, which currently
operates out of the Street Department and would be managed out
of the Utility's Operations Department. Those individuals
would not be physically relocated but rather a management
function that is identified and reorganized. Mr. Wayne
Hamilton has been directing those activities more recently and
is working very well. In the area of billing and accounting
of customer service, he had talked with those employees. Mrs.
Horton questioned if those individuals felt they had been
brought on board, their questions adequately answered and were
they comfortable with the proposed reorganization? Mr.
Samplev stated he could not attest to their level of
"comfort", but he could attest to the level of maybe
discomfort. He was not aware of any "discomfort" on their
part and he felt confident that he would have heard otherwise
prior to the recommended approach.
Mr. Overson stated he was disappointed with the Study and
found it beyond his understanding that an individual with Mr.
Sampley's background and ability would have spent this much
time and money and came up with one, and only one,
recommendation. He personally could think of various ways of
reorganization. The substance of the problems is the City
does not have the right staff and leadership is lacking. He
believes there are other solutions to that problem and wished
Mr. Beck had recommended them. City Council could direct the
Mayor to "go out and hire staff needed and provide the
leadership", and he believes the problems would be solved.
Also, there has been discussion of costs of the present
organization, however, the Study does not present a "cost
saving".
Mr. Waibel requested clarification...Council received a change
for Exhibit C-1 that leaves out the Utility Operation Manager
and reduces the proposed Public Works manning by one and yet
the bottom line did not reduce. He questioned if the correct
manning was 90 or 91, etc.? Mr. Hanna noted the correct
number is 91. Mr. Waibel questioned under Section 3 of the
Ordinance, would it be appropriate to actually describe the
TAPE #1094
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
March 10, 1993
Page 16 of 21
labels as Section 3, C1 through C7. He stated he appreciated
Mr. Sampley's one-best recommendation and the expertise he put
into the completed Study.
Public comment - none.
Mr. Johnson stated he agreed with Mr. Overson and in his
opinion the Study received lacked sufficient depth to be able
to evaluate it. At the time the Study was presented to
Council, he seriously thought he was looking at an Executive
Summary. Council is being told that one of the objectives is
to flatten the organization yet the height of management is
being raised by adding a senior manager at a higher price and
told there would be no change in funding. He did not believe
that would hold "true" over time. When Council's Fiscal and
Budget Committee reviewed this item, he asked lots of
questions of the Personnel Director concerning job
descriptions for personnel who would be working below the
Public Works Director as to which of'those people would have
to have their salary cut in order to fund this proposal. At
that time, the position descriptions were not written and the
Personnel Director stated she had a "ball park" idea what it
would cost. Because of that, he anticipates Council being
presented with further budget adjustments to meet personnel
costs. It concerned him that just prior to the Council
meeting the Administration handed out a new "wiring diagram"
that shows the organization, which in fact creates another
work center and also has the City Treasurer reporting to the
Public Works Director in the Utility, which is in violation of
the City Charter. He does not support the concept as
presented and believes the organization should be flattened,
not made higher.
Mr. Collins stated he believed the Program Analyst and
Computer Operator should remain under the Administration and
the City Treasurer should have a direct line to the Mayor, not
the Public Works Director. Any notation betweens the City
Treasurer and Public Works Director should be via a "dotted"
line, which would take the Treasurer out of a functional
responsibility in the organization but still gives overseeing
responsibility for financial.
Mr. Colvin questioned if there were any other solutions to
reorganizing the public works areas proposed? Mayor Mentor
stated no, however, other concepts were looked at and
discarded. What he requested in the Study was the best
concept for the City. Mr. Colvin raised the issue of the
linkage of the City Treasurer to the Public Works Director and
questioned the Mayor's opinion on that issue? Mayor Mentor
TAPE #1094
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
March 10, 1993
Page 17 of 21
stated he liked Mr. Collins' comment regarding the reporting
line of the Treasurer to the Mayor and Public Works Director.
Mr. Hanna stated he had no problem with their depiction of
reporting lines. Mr. Colvin questioned the current
relationship between the City Treasurer and the Utility
Department? Mr. Hanna stated it is not portrayed in the
organizational chart, but functionally the proposed linkage is
currently what is happening. Pursuant to the Charter, he is
the financial officer over all of the funds of the City.
Mayor Mentor stated in reference to Mrs. Horton's comment
regarding employees being informed of proposed changes, he has
talked with all affected employees both in departmental
meetings and privately and he has received their support on
this issue.
Mr. Colvin stated he understood that financially this proposal
was a "wash"? Mayor Mentor stated yes, there will be the same
number of employees, except for the Project Manager position,
which will be funded through specific projects. If the City
did not hire a Project Manager, then an outside consultant
would be hired for that responsibility and could be more
costly than having someone on staff.
Mr. Overson stated when Mr. Hanna presented the costs to
Council Committees he presented a small picture of the two
departments and a very select group of people. In fact, what
he selected were the maximum possible costs for those
individuals and the minimum possible cost for the Public Works
Director. If you take the actual fiscal year 1993 budget for
the two departments and compared them as passed in this year's
budget and then compared them to this proposal, he believed
the figures would about $50,000 off. Mr. Hanna stated in
reference to the assumptions they used in costing the
positions - a standard approach to solving this kind of
problem is used in his office for vacant positions. The
assumption is made that the person will have a spouse and two
dependents, which affect medical insurance premiums, and it is
assumed they will be hired into the third step in terms of
seniority progression through job range. All of those entered
assumptions were used in costing all of the vacant positions
included in the financial analysis. Where the positions were
not vacant, the actual salary and benefits of the incumbent
presently in those positions are used. He assured Council
there was no effort, on his or his staff's part, to skew the
data in either direction. Mr. Overson emphasized what he was
saying is that the effective cost will be significantly more
than the 1993 budget for these positions. He believes it will
have a greater impact in the 1994 budget. The City just asked
TAPE #1094
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
March 10, 1993
Page 18 of 21
the citizens of Bremerton to support additional funding for
Police and now it is proposed that more money be put into
another level of management, which he does not believe is
needed.
Mrs. Fits stated there has been some discussion about having
a Public Works Director in the past that didn't work. The
City has many large projects in the Utility and Street
Departments and there is need for someone to coordinate all of
the departments to make sure they are all "on board" at the
same time and utilized more effectively. She feels that a
Public Works Director could handle that responsibility and
past experience where each individual Departments works on its
own has not proven to be the best approach. Council has
requested establishment of a Project Manager position on
different projects for some time and this proposal would
provide that position with funding coming from the various
projects. Mr. Overson and Mr. Johnson raised the concern that
they did not feel the report covered what they wanted.
Because of their concern, she re-reviewed the contract with
R.W. Beck and Associates and believes the scope of work was
provided in the Study. There may be added costs at some time
in the payroll area, but she believes contracting should be
kept in house and having a Public Works Director and Project
Manager would decrease the amount of outside contracting for
professional services for project management. She supports
this proposal and hopes to see it put into place.
Mr. Johnson stated he never reviewed the requested scope of
work sent to R.W. Beck, but he did have a copy of the Agenda
Packet for the meeting where the contract was approved. At
that time, he made an amendment to the proposal whereby
Council added a significant number of things that were
included in the Council motion. If they were addressed, they
were glossed over so much that there was no meaning to them
and there were things missed. He expressed concern that
possibly that information was not passed on to R.W. Beck.
Mr. Waibel stated one thing not yet addressed is the fact that
we've actually been out of compliance with the City Charter
for the past 8-9 years... the City is suppose to have a Public
Works Director. This proposal will go a long ways to putting
the City in compliance with the Charter. He would like to see
it done for less cost and felt it was great to be able to do
it for the same cost for awhile, but he does expect it will
cost the City more to be in compliance with the Charter. Mr.
Collins' discussion of the revamping of the wiring diagram on
Exhibit C-2 is absolutely necessary - the Treasurer should
never have another supervisor between him and the Mayor. He
TAPE #1094
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
March 10, 1993
Page 19 of 21
would not accept a wiring diagram showing the Treasurer
supervised by both the Director of Public Works and Director
Of Administrative Services. Any motion he would make would
modify Exhibit C-2 to have the Treasurer's office hard wired
to the line between the Mayor and Director of Public Works and
Utilities and as liaison and coordination soft wired between
the Treasurer's office and Administrative Supervisory Public
Works and Utilities. He noted Exhibit C-2 is the only
organization chart that does show the Project Manager and he
assumes there may be some projects that will take place under
the City Engineer and under some of the other wiring diagrams.
He recommended that the Project Manager and Office Assistant
Senior be added to each of the Organization Charts to show the
Public Works Director and Utilities Director will be able to
utilize these people for all of the departments called out in
Exhibit C2 through C7.
#1279
M/S/C(Waibel/Collins) that the City Council approve ordinance,
on first reading, with the modification of Exhibit C-2 to hard
wire the City Treasurer to the section between the Mayor and
the Director Of Public Works, with the addition of the Project
Manager and Office Assistant Senior to Exhibit C3 through C-7;
and amending the Ordinance under Section 3 to state:
"Exhibits Cl through C7 as modified".
Mrs. Morton stated the ideal situation may be this scenario,
but in fact the reality is that when you get a person who is
in charge of that much of the City of Bremerton government,
you run the inherent risk of things going wrong. She believes
there even today there are Council members who feel that some
current City Department heads have too much power. If this
proposal is approved, we had better be on our toes fiscally
and make sure there is no inappropriate cross over between
the Utility funds and the General Fund. Such improper action
has happened in the past and we need to safeguard that it does
not happen in the future. She believed if the hierarchy had
been added to last year, there would have been a tremendous
difference in what we are looking at now verses what we could
of had. To some extent Mr. Sampley's Study talked about what
we were, however, we were sort of wounded and she was not sure
it gave a clear representation of how it would be if we were
functioning fully.
Mr. Collins stated he believed by law there is suppose to be
a group of elected officials who look over the Utility - a
Utility Board. The City does not have such an body and he
believes it is something that should be in place.
Sievers, City Attorney, stated he is not aware of a State
Statute that states there is a separate Utility Board. The
TAPE #1094
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
March 10, 1993
Page 20 of 21
City's Utility is not a Utility Special Purpose District and
the City's Utility board is 'the City Council. Mr. Collins
emphasized Council acts on Utility items just the same as any
other business and he believes it would be to a greater depth
if we acted only as a Utility board, or if there was a board
of the Council that was set up. He questioned if something
like that could be established? Mr. Sievers stated he was
sure internally, by Ordinance or Policy, Council could set up
a separate board constituted of Council members as a
subcommittee or perhaps other citizens, similar to the Golf
Course Board.
Mr. Colvin stated he believed Mrs. Horton had some valid
concerns and questions if there were safeguards built into the
document presently before Council? Mrs. Hotton stated when
this project was first presented to Council she asked several
times what has changed then from now. If nothings has
changed, how can it be safeguarded fiscally and what kind of
internal mechanism are in place. The Treasurer has given his
assurance that safeguards are in place, but other than that
there has been no mention of how we will prevent revisiting
past days. Mr. Manna stated if there have been problems as
far as lack of proper segregation of funds between the rate
base and tax base funds of the Utility, he assured Council
that situation predated his tenure as City Treasurer. As
mentioned earlier, the financial records of the City are
subjected to a rigorous review by the State Auditor's Office
and one of their primary focus is exactly this...making sure
that the integrity of each individual fund is preserved,
particularly with respect to those that receive their
financing from rate payers as opposed to those that receive
funding taxpayers. During his tenure with the City that has
never been a problem and he offered his personal assurance
that as long he is the City Treasurer that will be the case.
He referenced the State Accountancy Act that is addressed
specifically in State law which governs maintaining the
integrity of various funds.
Mr. Colvin questioned if he was correct in his understanding
that according to the City Charter there is a Utility Board?
Mr. Sievers stated he was not aware there was a section in the
Charter that addressed a Utility Board. Mr. Hanna made the
point that Council does act in the interest of the rate payers
when decisions are made that affect them and Utility
properties. And, if Council does not act in the interest of
the rate payers there is a system of checks and balances
through the State Auditors that will enforce that
responsibility.
TAPE #1094
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
March 10, 1993
Page 21 of 21
Mr. Johnson stated Mr. Hanna's answer is great from an
accountants point of view, but the real problems come when
dealing with interdepartmental manpower and equipment and
having control over who is doing what and where. He does not
believe there is a good check and balance system that an
auditor could go through to make sure a "Utility driver
wasn't in the wrong place". It is more than just separating
funds into the proper funds.
Vote on motion:
Motion carried.
In Favor: Colvin, Neville, Waibel, Collins,
Dawkins, Fitz
Opposed: Overson, Horton, Johnson
With no further business meeting adjourned at 8:26 P.M.
KATHLEEN L. 'MhCLUSKEY, City Clerk
EILEEN FITZ, Counc~ President
City of Bremerton
KLM/EF/me
cc: Normal Distribution
File/Vault