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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/08/92CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JUL JULY 8, 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, July 8, 1992, at 5:30 p.m., with Council President Lynn Horton presiding. Council members present: Lon Overson, Hank Waibel, Morrie Dawkins, Russ Johnson, and C.R. "Tiny" Collins. Council members A1 Colvin, Eileen Fitz and Richard Neville were absent. Also present were City Attorney Ian Sievers and Acting City Clerk Rich Hanna. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council President Horton and Invocation given by Councilman Russ Johnson. CONSENT AGENUA - NONE #0023 CLAIMS/WARRANT REGISTER8 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(Waibel/Dawkins) on July 8, 1992, the Council does approve for payment those vouchers included and further described as follows: 153128 through 153217 in the total amount of $268,730.88; and Regular Payroll for the period ending June 30, 1992 in the total amount of $603,000.41. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS Mr. Overson reported he spent the 4th of July in eastern Washington and he believed that section of the State could also meet the "most liveable City" criteria. He was pleased with the cooling wet weather over the 4th, which was appropriate weather for the dangerous conditions. His neighborhood experienced lots of noise from fireworks being discharged about 1:30 AM July 5th and a quick call to 911 brought City Police, who quickly resolved the problem. He complimented the City's police for following the Ordinance as written and doing a good job of enforcement. Mr. Waibel reported he spent July 4th in Medford, Oregon and experienced rainy weather there as well. Mr. Johnson viewed this year's fireworks restrictions as an TAPE #1037 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes July 8, 1992 Page 2 of 16 improvement, however, he did have burning debris from discharged fireworks falling on his home and yard. Fortunately, he did not have any damage to his home and he was able to resolve the situation without assistance from the police. He was emphatic that there needed to be stronger controls over fireworks that pose a treat to homes when discharged. Mr. Dawkins stated he believed everyone noticed a difference, for the better, of less fireworks being discharged. Possibly, the grand old 4th celebration with fireworks will be scaled down and restricted to professional displays. He noted this would probably hurt some organizations, but there are other ways of raising money. Mr. Collins pointed out people can change .... in years past people thought they had to have candles on their Christmas tree, however, today there are very few people who still follow that practice. He thanked the TCI Cable Access group for their dedication to televising City Council meetings and other community programs and events. He also thanked them for the fun picnic they sponsored on Tuesday, July 7. Mrs. Horton echoed Mr. Collin's sentiments about the Cable Access Program and believed this program was good due to a lot of effort by a number of volunteers. Statistics reveal because of the volunteer effort on public access, the City has in excess of $15,000 donated in camera and programming time. She believed this community owed all Cable Access Program volunteers a debt of "thanks". She also attended and enjoyed the picnic. Mr. Johnson noted at the last minute he had to miss the picnic, however, he extended a special thanks to the Cable Access crew and TCI for sponsoring that event. He urged people to tune into TCI Channel 29 or Olympic Cablevision Channel 39 and view some of the programming - they are bringing new productions to the viewers. Mrs. Horton thanked the residents of Bremerton for doing their part in adhering to the Fireworks Ordinance. Mayor Mentor reported he also enjoyed the Cable Access Crew's picnic. That same evening he planned to attend the Concert In The Park at Evergreen Park, however, due to the cooler weather it had been canceled. Approximately 30 people were not aware the concert had been canceled as well as a tuba player who came from Bellingham. In spite of the cancellation, the tuba player gave an impromptu concert for the people who had already shownup at the park. The Mayor reminded everyone of the Concert On The Dock scheduled for Thursday, July 9, 6:00 - 7:00 P.M. A small version of the Farmer's Market will also TAPE #1037 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes July 8, 1992 Page 3 of 16 be set up along with that event and open for business from 4:00 -8:00 P.M. Over the weekend he attended the Sinclair Baptist Church sponsored "Community Reunion". Up coming event: July 10, 1:00 - 3:00 PM, at the Westhills Elementary School - Bike Rodeo, sponsored by the Bremerton Police Department. The Mayor was also very glad to see the rain come in and cool down the fire danger over the 4th of July weekend. PUBLIC RECOGNITION Bob Sauter, member of VFW Post 3694, stated he is spearheading a campaign to get a Navy ship named after the late Captain Don Ross, Medal Of Honor recipient. He requested City Council's participation in his endeavor and encouraged them to write to their Legislators in Washington, D.C., urging them to support such a proposal. He reported on a recent field trip of 40 students from Naval Avenue School students to Ivy Green Cemetery. He provided Council with a group of letters written by the students expressing their thoughts and opinion of the cemetery and the individuals it represented. Richard Chrtsinger, outgoing Commander VFW Post 3694, reported his Post has done exceptionally well recycling products as a fund raising effort. However, there are pranksters in the community who are abusing the system either by dropping their cat litter, garbage, etc., into the recycling containers. Recently, someone set fire a newspaper container belonging to Bremerton Central Lions Club. This morning he checked one of his collection containers and found evidence of someone attempting to set it on fire. He emphasized the recycling paper containers are for the public use, not abuse. Walt Connelly, Phinney Bay Place, representing the E. Phinney Bay Place Citizens' Coalition, handed out pictures depicting problems that have existed for ten years, through three administrations of the Mayor and many different changes on the City Council. They are concerned over the City's easement on 26th Street that has a storm sewer line running through it to the bay. Eight years ago this sewer line ruptured and has resulted in washing out dirt and anything in its way. He has repeatedly requested the City respond with some kind of corrective action, however, to no avail. Over ten years, it has not only washed out the City's bulkhead at the bottom of 26th Street but has started to wash out bulkheads on both sides of the easement. He personally does not have property affected, but people who are affected are senior citizens whose property values continue to climbwhile they have no use of their waterfront due to this bulkhead erosion. The bulkheads are now sitting at an angle of 45-60 degrees out to TAPE #1037 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes July 8, 1992 Page 4 of 16 the bay and are unusable. His intent at this time is to put on the record that there is a problem and the residents cannot get a response from the City Engineers, Risk Manager, etc. There was a City crew out in August of 1991 to correct the problem. At that time they dug out the hole that measured 12 ft. by 12 ft. by 8 ft. deep...filled it and placed barriers around it. The photos handed out showed that the barrier has fallen down. He has two small children who play on that easement and he is concerned that someone will fall into one of the holes or behind one of the bulkheads and become trapped when the tide comes in. He requested that someone in the City take on the responsibility of correcting this situation. Just prior to this meeting, he was informed the bulkhead at the end of 25th Street had also collapsed due to a storm sewer line. President Hotton requested the City Attorney respond to Mr. Connelly by the end of the week. Wade Lieseke voiced his objection to the City contracting for an outside Attorney to represent the City in a law suit related to odor problems from the City's wastewater treatment plant and nearby residents. He strongly objected to using Utility Department funds to fund this legal service due to the fact that such funding is derived from rates collected ...paid for by the residents of Bremerton. He emphasized the residents near the sewer treatment plant are sick and tired of the impact of odor from the plant. He also objected to the City receiving sewage from the City of Port Townsend and the disposing of the resulting sludge at Olympic Landfill. He did not believe it was in the best interest of citizens of Bremerton to take in any outside contracts for process of sewage waste through the City's wastewater treatment plant. Richard Chrisinger stated he echoed Mr. Lieseke's remarks regarding the problems related to odor from the City's wastewater treatment plant. His rental property in that area was recently reassessed by the County resulting in a significant increase in his property tax. He has challenged the County over that increase and hopes to have his property tax lowered. Larr~ Sawyer, "L" Street resident, stated he was opposed to the City taking money out of the Utility Fund to fund outside Attorneys to handle the lawsuit between the City and residents near the wastewater treatment plant over the odor issue. Not only do the residents end up putting up with the odor but now they will be paying for attorney fees to fight against them. He emphasized it was not the citizens fault that the City's sewer treatment plant is totally unfit. Their area is well known throughout the County as "the place that smells" and TAPE #1037 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes July 8, 1992 Page 5 of 16 does not project a positive image for their community. Henz~Bakley, 4142 "D" Street, stated his residence is located directly above the City's wastewater treatment plant. He expressed his concern that at times his home is almost unlivable due to the sewage plant odor. He felt this situation had gone on a long time. Originally, he was opposed to the citizens of the area obtaining an attorney to represent them over this issue and believed the interested parties could sit down and discuss the issue and determine how to resolve the problem. He cited several areas with secondary treatment plants that do not experience odor type problems and questioned why the City could not come up with a solution to correct the City's odor problem. Some areas even have attractive picnic areas adjacent to a sewage treatment plant...being only a few feet away from the actual sewage treatment process. He strongly objected to the City hiring outside Attorneys to fight this case using funds provided by the citizens through payment of sewer rates. He was amazed that the City is not holding someone accountable for the problem that exists through the operation of the sewage treatment plant. 6A - OVERWATER PARK PROJECT UPDATE REPORT, #AB92-170 Dave Baker, City Engineer, stated hopefully this would be near the last update that he would be providing for the overwater park. He has made application for the last of the funds available from EDA. The project is starting to wind down - the concrete topping has been poured completely out to the north end (Turner Joy end), the foundation for the gift shop is completed and the extension to the boardwalk that will hold the gangway is due sometime this week. This will allow workers to have walk-on- access to the Turner Joy rather than to access by boat. Landscaping will be the last thing to be completed and presently the utilities are being hung on the boardwalk. Long lead time items include: street lights, small dome lights and sewage pump that will handle the flow from the gift shop. In general, the boardwalk will be complete and useable within the next couple of weeks. Contractor feels certain that August i is a good date for allowing total use of the boardwalk. Mr. Johnson stated he did not think the boardwalk project was anywhere near complete. Council has not heard one word about what is going to happen for mitigation of that project and there are hundreds of thousands of dollars out there and Mr. Baker was still the project manager. Mr. Baker stated he would be addressing Council for a number of months but it would not be reporting on the boardwalk. Mr. Johnson TAPE #1037 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes July 8, 1992 Page 6 of 16 emphasized it was still the "boardwalk project" and he did not want to lose site of that fact. Mr. Overson questioned if Mr. Baker, as Project Manager, considered the mitigation to be part of the overwater park? Mr. Baker stated yes he did. What he is reporting on today is the construction Quigg Brother's portions of the boardwalk and it does not include the mitigation nor does it include anything that would result from that mitigation. The City and FishPro have a meeting scheduled with the Corps of Engineers and agencies involved on July 15. At that meeting, the City is suppose to get some direction as to which way to go and up to this point, it has been mainly gathering information. Mr. Johnson noted he had heard that there were several meetings over the past few weeks, however, the Corps did not make those meeting. Mr. Baker stated yes, there have been meetings over the past few weeks and there was one instances where the Corps arrived at a different time or place than City representation. However, there have been meetings since then where all interested parties were present. Mr. Johnson stated he still did not feel like he knew what was going on? Mr. Baker stated neither does anyone else. Mr. Johnson stated he did not find that acceptable. Mr. Baker invited Mr. Johnson to join City staff at those meetings. Mr. Johnson stated he would accept that invitation if he is informed of where and when those meetings are held. Mr. Baker restated the next meeting will be July 15 and he would provide the time and place as soon as it was confirmed. President Hotton stressed the importance of moving along the mitigation portion of the boardwalk project. She felt the City was in an uncomfortable situation and needs to get a response from the Corps. She requested the City Attorney assist in that effort in order to bring the mitigation portion to conclusion. Mr. Johnsonquestioned if the administration knew how the City would pay back the notes from the funds borrowed from the Public Works Complex project? Mr. Hanna, City Treasurer, stated at this time he did not have a solution. Mr. Johnson questioned when would Mr. Hanna have a recommendation and when did the money have to be repaid? Mr. Hanna stated he did not know when he'd have a recommendation. The funds would need to be repaid by November 1. Mr. Johnson questioned shouldn't someone be giving this situation serious review now? Mr. Waibel thanked Mr. Baker for providing a map of the boardwalk project site. Mr. Overson questioned when would the ramp to the Turner Joy be operable? Mr. Baker stated the intent is to have the ramp i TAPE #1037 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes July 8, 1992 Page 7 of 16 delivered back from Aberdeen (being refurbished) either the end of this week or early next week. Once the ramp is in place, foot traffic will be allowed even though some utility work still needed to be done. Mr. Overson questioned if the security closure for that ramp would follow next? Mr. Baker stated the security enclosure is an addition to what he just outlined. President Hotton expressed concern over the need to put together a financial package for repayment of the Public Works Complex fund and to start working on that process soon. Mr. Hanna stated the administration continues to hope that given the time schedule that was provided by the Corps early on in this process, by August i the City should have much better grasp of what the City's financial obligation will be. It is much easier arranging financing for the order of magnitude of financing needed once that amount is known. It seems like external borrowing is the only means reasonably available to the City unless we are far luckier in terms of the overall cost of the mitigation. Mr. Johnson stated the assumption made by Mr. Hanna may not be a logical assumption that the City will run out and keep borrowing this money. The debt service next year, which has very poor revenue estimates along with a lot of increased expenses, does not project a very positive financial position. As of yet, he had not seen any alternative method of financing come from the administration. 7A - CHANGE ORDER #2 TO OUIGG BROTHERS-MCDONALD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE OVERWATER PARK, #AB92-171 This Change Order adds $22,377.12 (including tax) to the existing contract and includes changes either required, desired or requested in order to complete the Overwater Park Project in a timely manner and to satisfy the needs of the Harbor Master Facilities, P.S.N.S. sculpture, the Wheelhouse Tavern and the Turner Joy. The new contract amount (including tax) will be $1,907,818.09. The Port of Bremerton has indicated, by letter, that they will pay for the additional cost incurred in providing for the Harbor Master Facilities. Dave Baker, City Engineer, explained "Exhibit One" of Change Order #2 is a summary of the Change Order proposals that are included in this Change Order. There are eight items included - two items are deletions (costing the City less than anticipated), and the other six items are additions, the largest being $19,748.00 for construction of the foundation for the Harbor Master's office, which the Port of Bremerton has indicated they will fund. Therefore, the amount of TAPE #1037 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes July 8, 1992 Page 8 of 16 contract increase as far as the City goes is approximately $1,200.00. Public comment - none. #1534 M/S/C/U(Johnson/Waibel) to approve Change Order #2 to the Quigg Brothers-McDonald Construction Contract. 7B - AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY OF BREMERTONANDTHE CITY OF PORT ANGELE8 FOR THE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF WASTEWATER SOLIDS, #AB92-172 The City of Port Angeles is commencing construction of a new secondary wastewater treatment plant for service to their community. During construction, the City has a requirement to provide for an alternate site for the treatment and disposal of primary wastewater solids and has petitioned the City of Bremerton Department of Utilities for assistance. Attached for City Council's consideration is an agreement between the City of Bremerton and the City of Port Angeles for treatment and disposal of primary wastewater solids. The agreement provides for limits on the quantity and quality of primary wastewater solids which the City of Bremerton will accept and sets forth a rate schedule for the treatment and disposal of these solids. Bill DuffV, Utilities Director, explained the City of Port Angeles is in the process of building a secondary wastewater treatment plant, as was the City a few years ago. They requested the City assistance in disposing of their sludge for a period of 18-24 months during construction of their plant. In order to take on that responsibility, an Interlocal Agreement between the City and the City of Port Angeles is required. He anticipates approximately one truck load of sludge per day and the City will be reimbursed for all costs associated with the treatment of the sludge. The sludge will enter the system going directly to the digesters for processing. President Hortonquestioned if the City presently had capacity in its sewage treatment plant to handle the additional input? Mr. Duffy stated yes, current they are using only one of two digesters and the plant is running about 60% of its capacity. President Hotton questioned would the system be degraded in any way by the additional input? Mr. Duffy stated no. Mr. Overson questioned the amount of income the City would derive from this agreement? Mr. DuffV stated the City would t TAPE #1037 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes July 8, 1992 Page 9 of 16 receive approximately $6-7,000.00 per month, which is placed back into the Utility Capital Improvement Fund. Mr. Overson noted it was also a "good neighbor" policy as well. Mr. Dully noted someday the City may have mechanical or equipment failures in the treatment plant and may need to utilize some other facilities for short periods of time. Mr. Collins requested Mr. Duffy give a brief description of how solid waste flows through the treatment plant. Mr. Dully explained sludge will be loaded into a truck in Port Angeles where they will add lime to neutralize the sludge. It will be trucked to Bremerton, samples will be taken to insure the percentage of solids and there will be a check for contaminates. Following that checking, it will be introduced to the septic holding facilities where septic is dumped from septic haulers or RV facilities. It will then be pumped directly into the digesters, which are fully self-contained. It will be processed in those digesters from 12-18 days while the biological action goes on. Then, it will be removed from the digesters into the City's tanker truck and transported out to the City's sludge disposal site on Utility land. Those lands are located south of the Old Belfair Highway and west of Gold Mountain Golf Course. The sludge will then be applied with the City's liquid application vehicle onto forest lands as fertilizer. M:. Collins emphasized the sludge is not transported and deposited into the County landfill. Mr. D~ffy stated that was correct. Currently, the City is disposing 100% of sludge on dedicated lands for forestry. The following individuals spoke in opposition to this proposal: Wade Lieseke, David Johnson, Navy Yard City; Roy McInnis, 2711 Maple Street; Following are comments made by the above listed individuals: (2) why is it that you can drive along the road above the sewer treatment plant and see an open vat?; (2) why is the odor from the wastewater treatment plant permeating the atmosphere and why can't something be done to stop such odor? (3) will the addition of Port Angeles' solid waste increase the odor problem? (4) From the inception of the City's sewage plant operation and even after complaints came in about excessive odor from the plant the City denied there was a problem. (5) From the inception of the City's plant operation and for 4-5 continues years, Mr. Duffy promised something would be done about the odor problem, however, the problem still exists. (6) Instead of fighting a legal battle over the odor problem, why doesn't the City and citizens come together and try to agree on a solution. (7) Question - is Mr. Dawkins, who is a real estate agent, telling prospective TAPE #1037 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes July 8, 1992 Page 10 of 16 buyers of homes located above the plant that there is a odor problem? Mr. Duffy explained in response to the question about the "open" vat...there are a number of circular chambers in the plant and the two to the south represent ~the primary clarifiers and the two to the north are secondary clarifiers. The large tall facility is a biofiller and in addition to that several aeration basins. Sludge from this contract will not enter any of those facility and will be self contained. And, there will be no odors from solids brought in from Port Angeles. With regard to the rest of the questions relating to the treatment plant, he could not address them at this time, but did acknowledge they were being studied. #2073 M/S/C/U(Overson/Collins) to approve the agreement between the City of Bremerton and the City of Port Angeles for the treatment and disposal of wastewater solids and authorize the Mayor to execute said agreement subject to City Administrative Policies and Procedures. 7C - INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT SERVICES BETWEEN KITSAP COUNTY 8EWER DISTRICT NO. I AND CITY OF BREMERTON, #AB92-156 The contract between the City of Bremerton and Kitsap County Sewer District No. 1 expired on September 30, 1986. The original contract provided for treatment of the District's wastewater by the City at its Charleston Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant. The District has indicated their preference for a new wholesale contract which provides for the treatment of the District's wastewater and allocation of a portion of the capacity of the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant for use by the District. Th~ attached agreement between the City of Bremerton and Kitsap County Sewer District No. 1 allocates 0.40 MGD of the Treatment Plant's capacity for use by the District and establishes a service rate for the treatment of the District's wastewater. The agreement additionally provides a clarification of responsibilities between the City of Bremerton and the District with respect to collection, conveyance, treatment and disposal of the District's wastewater. Bill DuffV, Utilities Director, stated the City has been providing wastewater treatment services to Sewer District #1, i.e. Navy Yard City since 1949. The most recent contract #2214 #2265 TAPE #1037 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes July 8, 1992 Page 11 of 16 expired in 1986, and the proposal is to continue that service to the District. President Hotton pointed out Council did have a Study Session on this proposal on July 1. She acknowledge that people in the audience are looking for an answer on the odor question. The previous item and this item have no bearing on that odor question and the City is in a lawsuit with the residents of that area and upon advise of Attorney some of those questions cannot be answered. Any questions raised regarding the odor problem will be directed to the City Attorney. Public comment - none. Mr. Waibel suggested eliminating the statement that nothing in the contract precludes itfrom being renewed. M/S/C/(Johnson/Overson) to approve the agreement between the City of Bremerton and Kitsap County Sewer District No. 1 and authorize the Utility to adjust the billing rate of the District's customers to allow for reimbursement of the cost of service pursuant to the wholesale rates established in the contract, subject to City of Bremerton Administrative Policies and Procedures as amended. M/S/C/(Waibel/Overson) to amend the motion eliminating the last sentence in Section 2. Vote on Amendment: Motion carried. In Favor: Johnson, Waibel, Collins, Dawkins, Horton Abstain: Overson Mr. Waibel questioned if there was an answer why there are no additional charges for excesses during the first two years of the contract? Mr. Dully explained the excess discharges from the Sewer District are fixed by the size of the meter and pump stations...there are no excesses. Mr. Waibel stated in the contract there is a procedure for them to pay for anything over a certain amount, at a higher rate but is not in effect during the first two years of the contract. Mr. Duffy explained that was an agreement worked out. The District wanted an opportunity to go through and review their system to separate their storm and CSO's. Mr. Waibel stated if the District has to pay for their excesses they will work much quicker to correct their system. If they don't pay for the excesses, they'll take the full two years to resolve any problems. Mr. Duffy pointed out it has taken the District four years to sign this agreement. Mr. Waibel continued to press i TAPE #1037 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes July 8, 1992 Page 12 of 16 the question why the District wasn't being charged a higher rate for excesses occurring within the first two years? And, why does the City have to give them that opportunity at the City's expense? Mr. Dully stated actually the City is already a year into that. The City could wait an additional year to sign the contract, then it would be a moot issue. The conditions under which the City has been working with the District are those contained in this contract, which commenced August 1, 1991. If the contract is approved, it will be retroactive to August 1, 1991. Mr. Waibel questioned does the City want to agree to not charge for excesses? Mr. Overson pointed out that condition was part of the arrangement agreed to by the District. Mr. Waibel questioned if the City negotiated anything in this contract in favor of the City? Dully stated unfortunately Mr. Waibel was not present during any of the Study Sessions held on this issue. He believes, as well as the City Attorney and City Treasurer, that this is a good agreement and the City is being well compensated. President Hotton stated if Sewer District #1 is, in good faith, trying to deal with their separation issue which benefits the City's system as well, then the City needs to give some latitude. Vote on main motion: Motion carried. In Favor: Johnson, Overson, Collins, Dawkins, Horton Opposed Waibel 8A - ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) AMENDING CITY HALL OFFICE HOURS, #AB92-173 The current ordinance states that all offices of the City will be open for business nine hours daily. While that is true of most offices, some of the smaller two person departments (Civil Service, Personnel, and Mayor) may close for lunch leaving the office open eight hours. Ian Sievers, City Attorney, stated this ordinance had been changed about two months ago and office hours had always been nine hours, except for a couple departments. The City Clerk felt that small offices were not accounted for in either ordinances up to this point and should be indicated requiring eight hours of office time. Mr. Dawkins stated he felt it was logical not requiring nine hours of open service to the public for small offices where there may be only 2 employees. President Hotton questioned if there was anything in Washington State Law that states how many hours municipal TAPE #1037 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes July 8, 1992 Page 13 of 16 offices must be kept open to the public? Mr. Sievers stated he did not believe so because there are other governmental agencies in Kitsap County who have special open and close hours. Mr. Waibel stated the proposed ordinance makes it appear that City employees receive a 1/2 hour lunch..."will be open for eight hours" does not indicate a minimum of eight hours. Some offices are open nine hours with cross coverage. He suggested changing the wording to allow some longer opening hours. Mr. Johnson expressed his displeasure over this ordinance and did not want the citizens put in the position where they come to City Hall during the day and see a sign hanging on the door "Out-To-Lunch". Certainly, every offices does not have to be open all the time, but there are enough people in City Hall to respond to citizens needs. If the citizens want to meet with Department Heads or elected officials, then they should set up an appointment. He has not heard one comment about people coming to City Hall and finding people out-to-lunch and unable to do business until said employees returned. He will hear a lot of comments it the citizens come down to City Hall and see a sign stating "Quiet Time" or "Out-to-Lunch" on the front door. Maybe the wording: "All offices will be open nine hours" may be inappropriate. What may need to be stated is that City Hall will be open and there will be some coverage to assist the citizens. Mr. Collins stated he concurred with Mr. Johnson and felt it indicates to the citizens that we are doing a lousy job of supervising people. Mr. Overson stated he was caught between the need for service to people, the need to keep the office open, especially during times when the public can come to those offices, and the concern that we have an ordinance that is liveable. He felt there could be more artful wording in the ordinance to make it more acceptable and effective. As presented, the ordinance states that some offices will not be open certain times, however, specific offices are not listed nor what times they would closed. President Hotton stated at this point in time the ordinance contains very high minded words in light of the fact the City is looking at another very difficult budget session. Frankly, there are no more single bodies to "cut" and she is planning to send a memo to Mayor Mentor asking for an immediate response in light of the Fiscal and Budget Committee meeting held July 7, and the fact the City's Ending Year cash is TAPE #1037 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes July 8, 1992 Page 14 of 16 virtually "0". We may be looking at shorter hours of City Hall being open. She agreed with what was being said, however, the words may not be right. The City does need to provide services to the public, but lets keep in mind that if we take the position that the doors have to be open from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, but find ourselves in a budget bind that won't allow us that schedule, then maybe we need to figure out how we man those windows and service to the public and still look at some budgetary restrictions. Mr. Collins stated he viewed this proposal as saying the Sign Shop is making a sign for the front door that states "Out-To- Lunch". Mr. Dawkins disagreed with Mr. Collins and pointed out certain offices will simply have a sign on their door that they will be out for a specific time for lunch and will be open for business at a specific time. Mr. Waibel stated there is a problem that will need to be addressed budget-wise in the future, however, changing the time "nine hours" to "eight hours" does not do what is desired. Roy McInnis, 2711 Maple Street, stated Council had spent 12 minutes on one of the dumbset things he has heard in his life. What he is hearing from this discussion is that the Mayor has no leadership capabilities as far as being the Chief Executive of the City to say if he deems a person could go out of the office at a certain time. He pointed out there is always someone available at the City Hall "Counter". He did not support putting a "Out-To-Lunch" sign on the front door. Mr. Johnson pointed out that was what the Mayor was proposing to do through this ordinance. Mr. Waibel stated we currently have an ordinance that says every office will be open nine hours between 7:30AM and 5:00 PM, which does not allow enough flexibility to man offices, particularly in tight budget times. The wording needs to be changed and just changing "nine hours" to "eight hours" does not do it. #3180 M/S/C(Waibe1/Collins) to table this item. Vote on motion: Motion carried. In Favor: Overson, Waibel, Collins, Johnson Abstain: Dawkins, Horton TAPE #1038 8B - ORDINANCE #AB92-174 (FIRST READING) AMENDING THE 1992 BUDGET, TAPE #1038 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes July 8, 1992 Page 15 of 16 Actions taken by the City since passage of the 1992 budget requires certain corrections in order that the budget continues to accurately reflect the financial operating plan of the City. Rich Hanna, City Treasurer, offered his apology for the lack of Item 92-14 and 92-12 having been through Fiscal and Budget Committee prior to this week. Due to some scheduling problems those item were addressed at the Fiscal and Budget meeting held July 7. Mr. Johnson stated it appears we are just going along with business as usual from the Administration. It was brought out in February and March that the City would be experiencing shortfalls. Current City Treasurer's projection for this year, if nothing else goes wrong, indicates the City will have $66,000 in Ending Cash; that is not counting Interfund Loan activities or resolution of mitigation. He believes the City is in "deep financial trouble" and it is now nearly the end of July and there has not been any kind of proposal from the Mayor saying what we are to do or alternatives. At the end of the year, Council will balance the budget one way or another, such as: (a) transfer a portion of 1992 bills over to the next year; (b) cut off whatever percentage is needed about November 1 across-the-board of every department. He believes now is the time to do something that will have the lesser impact than if we wait until later in the year. The only things that have improved the financial situation have been windfalls, i.e., taxes, negotiations with some other party, etc. Those windfalls did not happen by managing anything. All Council is doing at this time is codifying the Budget Amendments that have gone on during the year that Council previously approved. By no way does this address the budget problems with the City's General Fund. He is not satisfied with that, nor is the Treasurer and Fiscal and Budget Committee. President Horton stated she concurs with Mr. Johnson's comments. She firmly believes that financial control must be taken now. The City's "saving account" is getting smaller and smaller and could be wiped out with one major expense. She will be sending a memo to the Mayor requesting him to provide a response to Council within the next two weeks. If there is no response, she will ask Council to look at seriously opening up the budget for negotiations the first part of August. Mr. Overson stated under the previous Mayor the City Council and Mayor worked together to develop approximately one million dollar carryover. That padding is now totally gone and anyone who thinks there is any left to carryover at the end of the #0225 #0314 TAPE #1038 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes July 8, 1992 Page 16 of 16 year is "praying" for a windfall. hard to come up with a solution. He hoped staff was working Mr. Walbel stressed the proposed ordinance is just a compilation of all the Budget Adjustment previously approved, except for two items. President Hotton when Council approves Budget Adjustments in the future, she would like to see the ending dollars in the fund that is being decreased and somewhere on the form any budget adjustments that have been previously authorized for that fund. Public comment - none. M/S/C/U(Johnson/Waibel) to approve Ordinance on first reading amending the City's 1992 budget. Councilman Waibel left the Council Chambers at 7:17 P.M. 8C - ORDINANCE NO. 4381 (SECONDREADING) AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONINGMAP OF THE CITY OF BREMERTON FOR PROPERTY LOCATED NORTH OF PEARL STREET AND WEST OF WHEATON WAY (8ETTERLUND REZONE), #AB92-16974 President Hotton suggested holding over this item for one week due to the fact the remaining Council members eligible to vote on this issue did not constitute a quorum. Ian Sievers, City Attorney, recommended Council continue this item due to the appearance of fairness. M/S/C/U(Collins/Dawkins) to continue this item for one week. Mr. Johnson stated he previously made an incorrect financial statement under Item 8B... actually, the City does have more than $66,000 contingency in a 53 million dollar budget because the Utility has a fair amount of contingency. With no further business meeting adjourned at 7:18 P.M. KATHLEEN L~Y, City Clerk LYNN HORTON, Council President City of Bremerton KLM/LH/me cc: Normal Distribution File/Vault