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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/09/92TAPE #1055 UNAPPROVED DRAFT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 9, 1992 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, September 9, 1992, at 5:30 p.m., with Council President Lynn Horton presiding. Council members present: Lon Overson, Richard Neville, Eileen Fitz, C. R. "Tiny" Collins, Morrie Dawkins, A1 Colvin, Russ Johnson and Hank Waibel. Also present were City Attorney Ian Sievers and City Clerk Kathleen McCluskey. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council President Horton and Invocation given by Carl Johnson, Business Manager Of Peninsula Bible Church. President Horton announced Council will hold a Study Session immediately following the City Council meeting to discuss "1993 Budget Review with Administrative staff". CONSENT AGENDA - NONE #0039 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) on September 9, 1992, the Council does approve for payment those vouchers included and further described as follows: 156446 through 156520 in the amount of $91,166.44. PUBLIC RECOGNITION Mayor Louis Mentor read the following Proclamations: 1. Proclaiming the month of September 1992 as "ALCOHOL AND DRUG TREATMENT WORKS MONTH", which was accepted by Ruth Manning, representing the Association Of Chemical Dependency Treatment Providers For Kitsap County. 2. Proclaiming the week of September 13 through 19, 1992, as "VOICE OF DEMOCRACY WEEK", which was accepted by Gary Lackey, Jr. Vice Commander of Post 239. i TAPE #1055 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes September 9, 1992 Page 2 of 15 3. Proclaiming September 17, 1992, as "CITIZENSHIP DAY" and the week of September 17-23, 1992, as "CONSTITUTION WEEK", which was accepted by Thelma Hertzke, representing the Elizabeth Ellington Chapter of the National Society Of The Daughters Of The American Revolution. Bob 8auter reported Miller Woodlawn is a part of Service Corporation International, which is based in Houston, Texas, and are the sponsor of the "Vietnam Wall Experience". Bremerton has been selected as one of 100 cities in the United States to have the Vietnam Wall replica displayed on October 23, 24, 25. This wall is 240 feet long, 8 feet high and contains the names of all 58,175 men and women who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. He emphasized support will be sought from the City Council, the community as a whole and the active and inactive military community. 4A - AMENDMENTNO. 1/CONTRACT NO. 3310 - PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BREMERTON AND HDR ENGINEERING, INC., #AB92-219 W.A.C. 246-290-100 (4.g) requires the Water System Comprehensive Plan to contain a Utility Operations Program section. This requirement is detailed in the Department of Health guidelines and provides that operating procedures be developed in order to insure the proper treatment and delivery of domestic water supplies. Attached for City Council's consideration is Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. 3310 between the City of Bremerton and HDR Engineering, Inc. This amendment provides for the development and inclusion of a formal utility operations program into the Utility's Water System Comprehensive Plan and extends the term of the contract to December 31, 1992. The total cost of the additional work as defined is estimated not to exceed $14,110. Bill DuffV, Utilities Director, stated originally he had intended to write the Operations Plan and include it in the Utility's Comprehensive plan, however, due to the departure of several key staff members he no longer has that capability. In order to conclude the Plan and get on with its adoption, he proposes having the consulting firm integrate that into the Comprehensive Plan. Public comment - none. Mrs. Fitz questioned for clarification if the funding for this proposal came from the Utility? Mr. Duffy stated yes, funding #0361 TAPE #1055 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes September 9, 1992 Page 3 of 15 would come out of the Utility's Cumulative Reserve Account. Mr. Johnson noted Fiscal and Budget Committee did review this proposal and recommended "do pass". M/S/C/U(Johnson/Fitz) to approve Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. 3310, Professional Services Agreement between the City of Bremerton and HDR Engineering, Inc. for the update of the Utility Water System Comprehensive Plan and authorize the Mayor to execute the same, subject to City Administrative Policies and Procedures. 4B - GRAb"E APPLICATION - DWI TASK FORCE TRAFFIC SAFETY PROGRAM, #XB92-220 When the City Council approved the hiring of Lester Pope for the remainder of the grant period (8/1/92 - 9/30/92) you were informed that we would be pursuing continued funding through 6/30/93. Mr. Pope has been successful in procuring funds from the State Traffic Safety Commission in the amount of $23,400. Additional funds of $5,784 are necessary to meet the budget request for the nine month period. Mr. Pope is pursuing funding from the other cities, the county and private and community organizations. Preliminary commitments pending final budget approval have been made. If all the funds do not materialize the program will be scaled down to meet the funds available. The City of Bremerton's contribution would be about $1,000. The request for these funds will be made during our budget process. Funding beyond 6/30/93 will be determined by the 1993 legislature. We have included in the budget for the first time, reimbursement to the City for supervisory, accounting, and office space in the amount of $2,762.00. Les Pope reported for the first time in 1992, the DWI prevention efforts were coordinated with the various law enforcement agencies in Kitsap County, treatment agencies and hospitality industry. They have directly contacted approximately 40,000 people and made them aware of our message. So far in 1992, the DWI emphasis patrols have resulted in approximately 135DWI arrests and 400 citations for other kinds of violation. He noted when people are contacted through the DWI emphasis patrols they are finding about 1-3 people driving on the roads over weekends have in fact been drinking and the police are arresting about 1-10. He had good news that in 1991/Kitsap County alcohol related fatality collisions have been reduced about 50% and so far in #0540 #0559 TAPE #1055 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes September 9, 1992 Page 4 of 15 1992, that number has been staying fairly constant. Mr. Overson stated in the future Mr. Pope's figures may be more representative if they are "per 1,000". Mr. Colvin noted the fact that we are not arresting as many people as we should be. Mr. PODe stated he was not sure it was accurate to say we were not arresting as many people as we should. The goal is to reduce the number of people we are arresting with the hope that there are less drunk drivers out on the roadways. It is significant that they are contacting as many people as they are who are still drinking and driving...so the problem still exists in significant proportions. President Hotton pointed out counties that have DWI task forces have 'almost a 27% reduction in alcohol related collisions per 100,000, while none- task force counties had only slightly over 13% reduction. Public comment - none. M/S/C/U(Dawkins/Collins) motion to approve grant application and acceptance of grant, and motion to approve employment of Lester Pope until grant funds are depleted but no later than 6/30/93. M/S/C/U(Dawkins/Colvin) to approve the employment of Les Pope until grant funds are depleted but no later than 6-30-93. 5A - RESOLUTION NO. 2401, ESTABLISHING ANADHOC COMMITTEE TO EVALUATE AND ASSESS THE BREMERTON CITY CHARTER AND FORM OF CITY C-,OVERNMENT, #AB92-207 Kathleen McCluskey, City Clerk, stated this item was brought before Council two weeks ago and continued for further rewrite of the Resolution. Mr. Johnson stated Mr. McConnell provided excellent input regarding self-evaluation and looking at City government and how it operates. He and Mr. McConnell modified the Resolution that include the following: Committee's Charter: to ask the committee to undertake their review under two contexts: (1) how well the government is responsive to citizens needs and services; (2) how well the government operates as a corporation and how its organization fits. He also included wording that this committee would be subject to the Open Meeting Acts and keeping a taped recording of their meetings. Also, he included the date of January 1, 1993, as the date of expiration of the committee. i TAPE #1055 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes September 9, 1992 Page 5 of 15 Cecil McConnell, Almira Drive, stated Council has before them an opportunity to do an evaluation of the City government that has been in force 10+ years. The purpose of the Ad Hoc Committee will be to review the City's Charter, study the City Departments and how they respond to the public. He believed this will provide a great opportunity to study the City's government and make improvements where needed and leave it alone where it is not needed. Mr. Johnson pointed out the structure of the Committee Charter also sets it up that once the Committee takes affect, it is the Committee's committee, not a Council or City committee. Mr. Overson commended Mr. Johnson for another superior job in assisting in the development of this proposal. Mayor Mentor pointed out the statement on the front of the Agenda Bill pushes toward a City Manager form of government. He did not think that was correct and other types of government should be reviewed as well. Also, the proposed document appoints Mr. McConnell as provisional Chairman of the Committee and questioned if that meant Mr. McConnell would automatically become a member of the committee? In response to the inclusion of adding a representative from BACON to serve as a member, he questioned if BACON was "alive and well", and if there are minutes from their meetings and are there "officers"in that organization? President Hotton stated BACON is alive and well and they do comment on land use hearing issues. Mr. Johnson emphasized if there were no officers then the City was remiss because BACON was the result of commitments made by the City through Federal grants a number of years ago. AndV Par~pa, 1122 Hayward, stated he believed this proposal was a step in the right direction. For the Mayor's information there is a BACON organization. He believed the proposal includes the statement that various types of government will be studied by the Ad Hoc Committee. Mrs. Fits stated she would like to strike the following words from the Summary statement: (second paragraph last sentence)"i.e., A City Manager/Council/Mayor Government. Mr. Collins complimented Mr. Johnson for doing an excellent job. However, under the Resolution, Section B-Membership, he would like to strike the last sentence. He believed the last sentence was in conflict with the prior sentence and felt the Committee membership should be limited to 12 members as identified in the first sentence of that section. Mr. Johnson ) TAPE #1055 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes September 9, 1992 Page 6 of 15 stated he had no problem with Mr. Collin's request, however, once the Committee was assembled he wanted he wanted the opportunity for others to serve as particular expertise as needed. Mr. Colvin questioned if that would preclude the Committee from asking for assistance from other individuals? Mr. Collins stated no, they could ask others to participate by providing information but would not serve as members on the Committee. Mr. Collins stated he felt it would be advisable to change the date of expiration of the Committee to April or May of 1993 (AD Hoc Committee's Charter). Under Section "b" of the Charter (CORPORATE EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS), he believes the intent is to: "determine the real or perceived problems with the delivery of municipal services". President Hotton stated she disagreed with Mr. Collins on that point and that looking at corporate efficiency and effectiveness is different than talking about real or perceived problems. This group may come up with the fact that the City is doing some services very well and that it behooves the City to not only expand that kind of service but expand it into other departments. She believed Mr. Collins was looking at it from a negative perspective and she felt it needed to be looked at as an all inclusive perspective. Mr. Co111ns stated if the City is providing water at half the going rate every place else, then we should deliver twice as much water. President Hotton stated no, that was not what she said. She was referring to functions of City government not to service delivery. Mr. Collins pointed out the only thing the City has is delivery of services to city residents, i.e. Fire protection, water, etc. In reference to Committee Composition, he felt Bremerton business owners should be represented on the Committee because they comprise a significant portion of the City's tax base. President Hotton pointed out two weeks ago Mr. Collins was preaching a Freeholders process where everyone was elected from the City. Mr. Co111ns stressed that process was not being established. Mr. Johnson raised the point did Mr. Collins want an out-of- town developer on the Committee who may do away with the Planning Commission so we can't have any decent rules. He emphasized this is our City - we ought to run it. Mr. Collins stated if we exclude that particular portion of our tax base then so be it. President Hotton pointed out the previously proposed Resolution did include representation from the business community. Mr. Johnson stressed there still can be - just pick someone who live in the City. President Hotton suggested, under the Membership Section, include one member of Bremerton business owners who is appointed by the Bremerton Area Chamber Of Commerce, and who resides in the City limits. Mr. Collins stated he agreed with that suggestion. He stressed the importance that the City Council be a "arms TAPE #1055 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes September 9, 1992 Page 7 of 15 length" from this Committee except when requested to be interviewed by the Committee. In reference to Open Meetings, he suggested making the recorded tape of their meetings be the minutes and be required. Mr. Johnson questioned the need for that stipulation? Mr. Collins stated maybe Council would want to go back and find out what actually went on at those meetings once the results are brought to Council. Under Administrative Support, he recommended changing the wording by deleting the word "Municipal". He suggested adding the wording: "The Council Administrative Assistant will provide this service and be appropriately compensated". He stressed there will be significant time required for the Legislative Assistant to assist the Committee and he felt adequate compensation should be provided for what would be "off-duty" hours. President Horton stated Mr. Collin's last statement was not appropriate for this document. Mr. Johnson emphasized supplying appropriate documentation would be included under the Legislative Assistant's normal duties and would not be required to attend the Committee's meetings. President Horton stated she believed the Council Legislative Assistant would speak up if the responsibilities became more than what was expected under normal work conditions. Mr. Collins questioned, under the Committee Officers in the Resolution, if Mr. McConnell is appointed to the Committee as a continuing member, did Councilman Dawkins get to appoint someone else from within his District to serve on that Committee? Mr. McConne11 stated in answer to that question, no he is not on the Committee but someone has to call the first meeting. The only thing a provisional Chairman does is to call the meeting to order, initiate nominations and election of the Committee chairman, who then takes over the meeting. In reference to Mr. Collins' point about not wanting non-voting members on the Committee, he agreed with that recommendation. However, he suggested that two alternates be included in the event someone resigns from the Committee. He had no objection to the recommendation that minutes of Committee meetings be provided by a taped recording. Mr. Collins stated it Mr. McConnell's recommendations are included in the proposal, he would support the proposal. President Horton stated for clarification the following recommended modifications: 1. Under the "Membership" section of the Resolution - deleting the last sentence and the inclusion of one member from Bremerton business owners appointed by the Bremerton Area Chamber Of Commerce, who would be a City resident and registered voter. TAPE #1055 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes September 9, 1992 Page 8 of 15 2. Under "Committee Composition" of the Charter - include wording that "City Council members will be available to the Committee in an advisory, non-voting capacity and be available for interview and then retreat to an arms length relationship. 3. Under "Open Meetings Act" of the Charter - "...verbatim tape recordings will be the minutes and will be required". 4. Under "Administrative Support" of the Charter - strike the word "Municipal". Mr. Collins questioned if Council desired to include two alternate members in the composition of the Committee? President Borton stated if a vacancy existed then it would be up to the Council member from that District to appoint someone else to fill the position. #1490 M/S/C(Overson/Johnson) to pass Resolution No. 2401, establishing an Ad Hoc Committee to evaluate and asses the Bremerton City Charter and make recommendations to the full Council on changes which will provide a better City government for the citizens of Bremerton as amended per President Horton's recommendations listed above, including the expiration date of the Committee of April 1, 1993. Mr. Colvin questioned what is the ultimate goal of this Committee? President Horton stated that would depend on the content of their report. That report may say the current form of government is doing everything in a fabulous manner. She suspected the Committee will generate some form of ballot issues, either requesting a Freeholders process, charter changes or a change in government and Charter changes. Mr. Colvin questioned would Council have the final authority on what happens. President Horton explained Council could choose at that point to take their recommendation and place it on the ballot or reject it. And, if rejected, the citizens could take it to the public via the petition method. Mr. Collins stated he still supported changing the date of expiration of the committee to April 1993. Mr. Overson emphasized the date of January 1, 1993 was part of his motion. #1569 M/S/C(Collins/Neville) an amendment to the motion to change the Expiration Date Of The Committee to April 1, 1993. Vote on Amended motion: In Favor: Collins, Dawkins, Colvin Neville, Waibel Opposed: Johnson, Overson, Fitz, Horton TAPE #1055 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes September 9, 1992 Page 9 of 15 Motion carried. Vote on main motion: Motion carried. In Favor: Overson, Neville, Fitz, Horton, Collins, Dawkins, Colvin, Johnson Abstain: Waibel 5B - RESOLUTION NO. 2404, APPROVING NOVEMBER BALLOT PROPOSITION FOR DRUG/GANG VIOLENCE SPECIAL POLICEUNIT EXCESS LEVY - AGENDA BILL SUBMITTED BY PHIL OLWELL, CITY RESIDENT, #AB92-221 With the dramatic increase in drugs and violence related to gang activity, it is requested that City Council approve a ballot issue for the November election. This issue would request citizen approval of a levy in the amount of $430,000 to form a special law enforcement unit to counteract this negative impact on the City of Bremerton. The levy would supplement law enforcement activity by enabling the Bremerton Police Department to create a special unit specifically devoted to combatting these illegal activities. Phll O1we11 stated drugs and gang activities are on going problems in Bremerton and he urged Council to pass the proposal as presented. He believes the need is evident and that the voters will support it as a ballot measure. Mayor Mentor emphasized Bremerton was no different than other cities or counties and no one had answers to all the problems we face today. He is not supposing to "change the world" with a $450,000 levy, however, he believes this would be a start and the City could take a stand against drugs and gang violence. Some people are concerned that all Bremertonwill do is chase drug dealers and gangs somewhere else...well, he hoped that was the case and other communities would get tough and keep chasing those individuals even farther away. If we don't start somewhere it will never happen. He sees this proposal as a modest start but it is a "start". He urged Council to approve this proposal as presented. Mr. O1we11 stated he got involved with this issue because of a problem he experienced in his neighborhood. He emphasized he does not intent to let this proposal stop here...he plans on doing what he can as a citizen and Chairman of this Agenda item to see that these funds are utilized and continued on into the future. President Hotton reported on Thursday, September 3, she called a meeting together comprised of Mr. Olwell, several representatives from the City's Police Department, Bremerton TAPE #1055 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes September 9, 1992 Page 10 of 15 citizens, representatives from the Apartment Owners Association, City Council representatives, Bob Reynolds, Security Analysis Bangor Base, and Mayor Mentor. She found that meeting to be very productive and she hoped it would be the first of many. She emphasized she had no problem supporting this resolution, however, she did not believe money was the sole issue. Money can't be thrownat something after the fact, we need to be proactive, develop a Law Enforcement Plan, development of a regional network of communications between all cities and County law enforcement agencies and legislative issues that need to be addressed at the State level. She would like the City to initiate a symposium bringing together as many facets of the community, i.e., neighborhoods, businesses, service agencies, churches, Kitsap County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, County Sheriff's Office, Kitsap County Commissions. The goal of such an event would be to develop a nucleus for what she hoped would become a law enforcement policy for this community. Following the gathering of basic input, to develop it further throughpublic hearings and then to adopt it as the policy of the entire community. Additionally, as Chair of the Kitsap Regional Planning Council, she will propose that they look at law enforcement on a regional basis, not the Police aspects but more a communications system on a regional basis. Regarding legislative issues, she believed there was lots to be done on a legislative basis, such as providing tools to help landlords evict people who are operating drug houses. She emphasized a one year levey is not enough and there needs to be a comprehensive attack on the problem. Mr. Dawkins stated if this Levy passes in November, citizens should be ready to "storm" the State Legislature with input and recommendations as to what needs to be done to ease some of the difficulties all communities in Washington are experiencing. Mr. Collins questioned if Council approves this proposal and it is placed on the ballot, could Chief McNeal initiate action to hire the additional police officers so they could be ready to start work on January 2, 19937 Chief Del McNeal explained right now there is a list for entry level officers that will expire in October. He has already sent notice to the Civil Service Commission requesting them to create a list that will follow the expiring list. Mr. Collins questioned if there were eight officers posted on the current list? Chief McNeal stated there are eight names on the lateral list and he did not know how many were listed on the entry level list. If this proposal passes, he intends to carry out background checks so that as of January he will be prepared to hire. TAPE #1055 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes September 9, 1992 Page 11 of 15 When an officer, other than a lateral transfer, is hired they must be sent to the State Police Academy (3-months). To get someone in to work in and become familiar with the City is normally an additional three months. Mr. Collins questioned if Chief McNeal could give a solid "I will have eight new Police officers on duty by January 2, 1993"? Chief McNeal stated no. However, any unexpended funds from a levy will be held in an account and be carried over into 1994. President Hotton stated assuming this proposal passes, Council will want progress reports on his recruiting efforts. Chief McNeal stressed he is working toward having an active list from which to draw as soon as the current list expires. That would give him three months to conduct background checks and preliminary type work. Mr. Collins stated he hoped the Chief would apprise Council of any "bottlenecks" in the hopes that this effort would not come to the same conclusions as when Council authorized the hiring of police officers and nine months later they still were not on board. Mr. Colvin questioned if Chief McNeal could explain what Mr. Collins was alluding to? Chief McNeal explained hiring does take time and one year he hired nine officers due to five officers leaving on disability and retirement. Currently, he is only aware of a couple officers who may be eligible to retire but he had no knowledge of any impending disabilities. Mr. Dawkins questioned if there was any kind of a roster listing people who had already completed State Police Academy training? Chief McNeal stated he knows of one former Bremerton Police officer who would like to come back to work for the City and is on the list for rehire. He also has a "lateral" list and was recently contracted by a Suquamish Officer who was interested in any openings in Bremerton's Police Department. President Hotton requested those in the audience in support of the proposed levy to stand and be acknowledged. (Note: a large numbers of individuals stood in support). And, she requested those in the audience to stand who were opposed - three individuals stood up. Elizabeth Bue11, High Avenue, expressed concern over the number of levy/bond issues on the ballot that are asking the property owners to keep paying higher taxes. She urged Council to first get the funding and then go after the new hires. Clay Henderson, West Bremerton, stated a large number of people in the audience were there because of a letter TAPE #1055 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes September 9, 1992 Page 12 of 15 circulated around their neighborhood addressing a number of problems. He was pleased that two known crack houses have been shut down, and that graffiti on a viaduct and Salvation Army building have been painted over. He was concerned that the "Crips" gang logos are painted all around Coontz play field. He and his wife are very concerned about unsafe conditions in the area of the Bremerton ferry terminal and have consciously changed their using that area during late evening hours. If a Levy is approved, he stressed there needed to be good controls to monitor that those funds go to actual protection and not new dictating machines, computers, etc. He wants more Police officers placed in the neighborhoods. He requested Chief McNeal explain the "hock and talk" program and why it was not being instituted by officers in the City who are already trained in that program. Bernie Waldbillig reported he attended the meeting referenced by President Morton and at that meeting he made the statement that we need to realign what we have before we go for more funding. No one will convince him that what he has gone through in the past seven months is proper procedure. Andy ParVpa, Hayward Avenue, stated he and his family had been touched tragically as a result of drugs in the loss of his son. Previously, he fought bitterly against any reduction in the Police Department. He appreciates that drug selling and drug use has to be stopped and DWI's have to be taken off the street. At the same, he questioned if all other alternatives have been examined? He also referenced the instances where the Police Department was authorized to hire additional Police officers but instead chose to use overtime ... why weren't those officers hired? He questioned what will the citizens receive in return if the Levy passes? Mayor Mentor pointed out this proposal is to just place the issue on the ballot. During the next two months prior to the election, details will be published outlining what will be funded through those levy dollars. There are lots of changes needing to be made, but some of those changes will take time and the levywill provide funding necessaryto address some of the issues more quickly. TAPE #1056 Gregg Hanneberg, Wycoff, stated he has three children in Bremerton High School and related an incident that happened about two years ago that affected his middle child. That child was afraid of going to school because he had been living with threats of violence in the Middle School. When his life was threatened, he finally brought out the situation and a warrant of arrest was issued for the offending child. When the offending child's locker was searched, they found hives TAPE #1056 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes September 9, 1992 Page 13 of 15 and guns. He views this proposal as "something is better than nothing". The public has to stand up for our children in order to provide them a safe place to grow up. Cecil McConnell, Almira Drive, expressed. concern over the number of taxing ballot issues scheduled for the November election. He suggested that all the City Council's from the cities in Kitsap County along with the County Commissioners sponsor a levey the same magnitude as the proposed Open Space Ballot issue. He believed a levy of that size could have an affect in deterring crime in all of Kitsap County. The small levy proposed may give the drug dealers notice that Bremerton is not going to let them run wild, however, it is going to take more funding than what is proposed in the levy proposal. Kathleen McCluskey, City Clerk, read into the record a letter received from Del Knauss. Mr. Knauss urged Council to vote "NO" on this proposal. He believes there is a need for a regional network between law enforcement agencies throughout Kitsap County and all avenues should be thoroughly investigated before Bremerton commits to this levy. Chief McNeal briefly explained the "knock and talk" program and the limited access it brings to their officers. Some of that type of policing has been done, but has not been done lately. The proposed levy would involve eight people, a supervisor would be in charge of a six-man unit with the seventh person going to the D.A.R.E. program, which would enhance the Block Watch Program and continue the D.A.R.E. program into the Jr. High or High School. People who band together in a neighborhood through a Block Watch is the best line of defense because drug dealers do not want to come into an organized neighborhood. He would have two 3-man teams of officers, who could be uniformed or undercover. He would very much like to have the opportunity to send two officers to the High School for a month to assist in its opening. There has been some talk about a program through the Parks Department where midnight basketball would be available for kid out on the streets. The good thing about that kind of program is there would be a police officer at that site. With the additional officers, Chief McNeal could send a 2-man team into neighborhoods to stake out drug houses and drug activity. Currently, a patrol officer may be sent out on such a mission but if a radio call comes in for a more serious situation, he is called away from that neighborhood. President Hotton noted then this units function in life would be gang and drug activities and if a call came in for a more serious situation they would not leave their post and report to the other scene. Chief McNeal stated about the only time they would leave their TAPE #1056 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes September 9, 1992 Page 14 of 15 post would be if a homicide were in action...life safety comes before drug activity. Clay Henderson questioned if Chief McNeal and his Police Captains live in the City of Bremerton. Chief McNeal responded no. Mr. Johnson stated he would support this measure even though it is not as detailed as he would like. He realizes the funding level of this levy will not solve all the problems that have been identified and believed the total solution to the problem would be to maintain a stronger recreation through the Parks Department, improving opportunities like Christmas In April, economic development in the downtown area, strong churches and enhanced school programs. Hopefully, within the next two months the public will be informed of the details of how this funding source will help the citizens of Bremerton. If the levy passes, Fiscal and Budget Committee will keep a close eye on how it is spent. He emphasized this proposal would not preclude the Police Department from experiencing some cuts during the 1993 budget process. President Hotton stated if the levy passes, those funds will be put into a totally separate fund and watched separate from the Police Department budget. Mr. Colvin stated he will support this proposal because it is needed. He did want to see something included that would enable the City to cooperate with the County and other law enforcement agencies. Mr. Collins stated he would support placing this item on the ballot, however, he does not believe it is the answer to the problem. It was pointed out by Bob Reynolds, at the meeting Thursday, that Kitsap County law enforcement agencies lack shared communication. He strongly recommended to Mayor Mentor that he take the "bull by the horns" and convene a meeting of all law enforcement in the area, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Naval Investigator Service, Security at Bangor, Security at PSNS, all of the cities and Tribes. We have to do something and just talking together is better than what we have now, which is utter silence. Silence is what allows drug houses to wedge their way into neighborhoods. Mr. Dawkins emphasized this is the first step of a long journey. #0243 M/S/C/U(Waibel/Fitz) to pass Resolution No. 2404, approving proposition for excess levy. TAPE #1056 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes September 9, 1992 Page 15 of 15 With no further business meeting adjourned at 7:14 P.M. KA HLEEN ~.i McCLUSKEY, City Clerk LYNN HORTON, Council President City of Bremerton KLM/LH/me cc: Normal Distribution File/Vault