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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/23/91TAPE #884 UNAPPROVED DRAFT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES CINNCI. #0028 #0034 JANUARY 23, 1991 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, January 23, 1991, at 5:30 p.m., with Council President Lynn Horton presiding. Council members present: Lon Overson, Wayne Estes, Spencer Horning, Hank Waibel, C. R. "Tiny" Collins, A1 Colvin, Morrie Dawkins. Councilman Russ Johnson was absent. Also present were City Attorney Ian Sievers and City Clerk Kathleen McCluskey. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council President Horton and Invocation given by Reverend Richard Axmann of the First Baptist Church. President Hotton announced Council would hold an Executive Session immediately following the Council meeting and the topic to be discussed was "potential litigation". CONSENT AGENDA A. Minutes Of Meeting - January 9, 1991, #AB91-016 B. Minutes Of Meeting - January 16, 1991, #AB91-017 M/S/C/U(Waibel/Estes) to approve Consent Agenda as presented. CLAIMS/WARRANT REGISTERS Vouchers audited and certified by the auditing officer as required by RCW 42.24,080, and those expense reimbursement claims certified as required by RCW 42.24,090, have been recorded on a listing that had been made available to the council. M/S/C/U(Colvin/Dawkins) on January 23, 1991, the Council does approve for payment those vouchers included and further described as follows: 123298 through 123465, 122752 in the total amount of $170,767.25. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS Mr. Colvin reported he enjoyed the Council Coalition dinner meeting held Tuesday, January 22. One of the things he learned from the meeting was the majority of citizens of Kitsap County were not covered by mandatory garbage collection. He felt, considering the emphasis on ecology, that such a mandate should be instituted throughout the County. He expressed concern over the way newscasters were TAPE #884 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes January 23, 1991 Page 2 of 19 reporting and/or asking questions of the military, that could be used against our own troops. He was also concerned over the war protesters and felt that people should be standing behind our government and military personnel who were protecting the right of peace for all mankind. He requested that the Mayor and City Council adopt a Resolution supporting our armed forces throughout the world. Mr. Dawkins stated he supported Mr. Colvin's suggestion for a Resolution supporting the military personnel. Mr. Estes reported the "blue tarped" house on Burwell had been demolished and the lot was scraped clean and filled with dirt. He felt this was a good start in getting rid of slum housing. He reported the United States Submarine Veterans were working on getting an area set aside at Ivy Green Cemetery for 48 plots to give honor to U.S. submarine veterans. This would make Ivy Green a veryunique cemetery. In response to the war protesters, he believed the best way to protest anything going on with this Country was through the Ballot box. This fall there would be four City Council positions on the ballot and he hoped there would be more than four candidates for those positions. Mr. Homing displayed a button he was wearing that designated recognition and honoring of veterans, military forces serving in the war zones and those active military supporting the front line military personnel. He noted if anyone would like more information about the pin they could call Mary Reiger, Assistant Vice Principal of Bremerton High School. Many High School students were showing their support of the military forces by wearing these pins. Mr. Waibel stated he was happy to see the increase in visible support of the President and military forces in the war zone. He cautioned that this war action may not be over quickly and the citizens of the United States needed to continue showing their support of the military forces. He noted the recent Cyclecross event held at Forest Ridge Park was featured on Channel 5's Evening Entertainment program. He complimented the Fire Department on their Annual Report, that was recently distributed, and noted it had lots of good information. Mrs. Horton reported the Council Coalition Dinner meeting was very successful and she thanked Councilman Collins and Mrs. Erhart, Council's Legislative Assistant, for their part in planning the event. The guest speaker at the dinner was a representative from the Association Of Washington Cities, who talked about legislative issues that were facing cities in TAPE #884 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes January 23, 1991 Page 3 of 19 Washington State. Over the weekend Councilman Johnson, who was out-of-town, requested that the Council and Mayor develop a Resolution showing support of those reserve units in Bremerton, who had been called to active duty, and all other military personnel currently serving in the war zone. Mrs. Horton noted that work was already underway to provide such a Resolution and she urged everyone to join in the "yellow ribbon" theme, showing support for all military personnel serving to maintain peace for all mankind. She also encouraged everyone who owned an American Flag to fly it as a sign of support for the military troops. If someone had a flag but no pole, she suggested they call the Council Office (478-5280) for coordination with someone who did. Mr. Collins pointed out flags were displayed along Pacific Avenue today and they will continue to be displayed every Wednesday. PUBLIC RECOGNITION Mayor Louis Mentor read a Proclamation supporting President Bush and the Congress's military force actions again Saddam Hussein's occupation of Kuwait. Mayor Mentor urged all Americans to drive with their headlights on during this military conflict to show support for President Bush, Congress and our military forces. Mayor Mentor announced yellow ribbons would be available to the public, at City Hall and several other City locations, to be used as visible support of our military troops. He noted the Chief Kitsap Lions Club volunteered to display the American flags on Pacific Avenue every Wednesday. He received two phone calls from residents wishing to donate their American flags to the City. He noted no one favors war, but we do favor our troops and the City as a whole was coming forth with all kinds of visible support. Duane Petro, 3027 Clare Avenue, announced the Kitsap Dixieland Jazz Society were sponsoring the Kitsap Dixieland Jazz Festival, March 15,16, and 17 at the Quality Inn Bayview. Mr. Petro gave a brief history of the their organization and invited everyone to please come and enjoy the entertainment during the festival event. 6A - APPOINTMENT TO PLANNING COMMISSION - ROBIN J. ABILLE, #AB91-018 There has been a vacancy on the Planning Commission for many months. Mayor Mentor recommends the vacancy be filled by Mr. Robin J. Abille. Mayor Mentor briefly outlined Mr. Abille's background and urged the Council to confirm his appointment to the Planning Commission. TAPE #884 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes January 23, 1991 Page 4 of 19 Public comment - none. #0648 M/S/C/U(Waibel/Dawkins) to approve the appointment of Robin J. Abille to the Planning Commission. 7~ - PUBLIC HEARING - TO CONSIDER THE ADVISABILITY OF MODIFYING CURRENT PROCEDURES FOR THE PROVISION OF ~DVI~NCED LIFE SUPPORT SERVICES, #~B91-019 Council has the authority to provide for the establishment of a system of ambulance service to be operated as a public utility of the City or by contract after a call for bids. Such action can be taken only if Council first determines that the City is not adequately served by existing private ambulance service. Therefore, should Council decide to consider a change in the present emergency medical services system, it is necessary to conduct a hearing to determine whether or not the City is being adequately served by existing private ambulance service. Fire Chief Chet Meigs stated the Bremerton Fire Department was in charge of all 911 Emergency Medical calls and he described the following process: a call is received at CenCom via 911, in most cases, Bremerton Fire Department is dispatched to that call. On arrival, the Bremerton Fire Department paramedic evaluates the patient and decides at that point whether the patient was in need of advance life support (ALS) or basic life support (BLS), and would transport be necessary. If BLS transport was necessary, the patient would be turned over to the private carrier for transportation to a health care facility and Bremerton Fire Department personnel would return to services ready to respond to the next emergency call. If a patient was determined to need ALS, transport would be automatic, in most cases, and the Fire Department paramedic stabilizes the patient, who is them placed in the private carrier. The Fire Department paramedic accompanies the patient, along with the necessary equipment, in the private carrier to the health care facility; and the Bremerton Fire Department ambulance follows behind empty except for the EMT driver. The reason the Fire Department vehicles follows the private carrier was to retrieve the paramedic and his equipment from the hospital or health care facility. Chief Meigs proposed that the Bremerton Fire Department take on the responsibility of transporting ALS patients, which would make proper use of their vehicles and manpower. The citizens of Bremerton currently pay, through property taxes, at a rate of 25 cents per thousand dollars evaluation to TAPE #884 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes January 23, 1991 Page 5 of 19 provide this paramedic service. It is proposed to charge a flat rate user's fee per transport of $125.00, the out-of- Bremerton residents would be charged a slightly higher rate. It was his opinion that the Bremerton Fire Department could provide a self-supporting system with transporting advanced life support patients only and reduce the cost to the public. Kathleen McCluskey, City Clerk, read a letter into the record from Kathy Rolstad, R.N., Quality Review Program Coordinator, citing the following concerns: (1) lack of heat in Olympic Ambulance transport vehicles during winter months; (2) limitation of space available in private carriers for larger boxes of equipment and medications needing to be transported with ALS patients and inconvenient locations of such equipment; (3) blankets being used from patient to patient without a cover sheet; (4) dangerous driving practices, including not yielding the right-of-way to Fire Department Rescue Units, and new inexperienced drivers unfamiliar with the streets in Bremerton resulting in longer transport times; (5) the EMS Officer has been unable to document any ongoing quality assurance within OlympicAmbulance as a company. And, Ms. Rolstad concludes that there was no question from a quality assurance standpoint, that patient care would be enhanced with Paramedics functioning in a spacious and familiar environment surrounded by all of the supplies needed to deliver complete patient care. Terry McCluskev, Attorney representing Olympic Ambulance and Bremerton Ambulance, posed the question to Chief Meigs "who set up the current system for answering emergency calls and how patients are transported?" He noted Bremerton and Olympic Ambulance Companies inherited the current system and were not allowed to have paramedics - the Bremerton Fire Department provided paramedics. The present Medical Director of Kitsap County does not allow Olympic Ambulance to have paramedics, however they are capable of providing them, if allowed, and would be glad to do that. Also, they could use City paramedics and charge the citizens for the use of those paramedics and fund that money back to the City. In addition, the letter read into the record from Kathy Rolstad had never been presented to the ambulance companies prior to this meeting nor had this person made any previous complaints to either Olympic or BremertonAmbulance. If there had been any problems with the adequacies of the services provided, they should have at least received such a notice and given a chance to make any corrections. The City has an Ambulance Committee that had been in existence for many years and it was his understanding that committee did not meet this past year even though they were suppose to meet annually. This would be the TAPE #88& City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes January 23, 1991 Page 6 of 19 ~;MAPPROVED DRAFT appropriate committee to review such complaints, if brought up. Mr. McCluskey noted he felt it was odd that someone having complaints covering a two year period had not presented them to someone in the past. The ambulance companies would like an opportunity to answer those complaints, after being provided specific information as to when those instances happened, witnesses to them, which people were involved, etc. In reference to RCW 35.21.766, Mr. McCluskey could see nothing in Chief Meigs presentation that got to the point that the City was not being served adequately under the current system. If Chief Meigs had more information supporting his position that inadequate service was currently being experienced, then it should be presented. It was Mr. McCluskey's opinion that all of what Chief Meigs stated was based on hearsay. If there were problems with the services being provided by the ambulance companies, they would be happy to correct them, to provide added service needed and cooperate with the City as had been the practice in the past. They do not believe the City was inadequately served at this time. Dust~ Rhodes, 2513 Reid Avenue - Acting President Of Sheridan Neighborhood Association, stated last fall the Sheridan Neighborhood Association heard a presentation by Chief Meigs on this subject and a motion was made as follows: "to urge the Council to make the best use of our excellent Medic One Fire Department services3) The feeling at that time was that the proposed $125.00 fee may make the ALS transport program self- supporting and eliminate having to pass a Bond issue to support the program. Jim Strait, 6530 Harlow Drive, President of Kitsap Lake Neighborhood Association, stated at a recent Neighborhood Association meeting this issue was discussed. During that discussion, residents complained of having to wait for the private ambulance to arrive and were not happy with this situation. He also heard complaints about high costs and patients being charged for paramedic supplies, which were not part of the private carrier's equipment. He personally felt if someone was suffering a life threatening condition they should be transported immediately and not have to wait for a private ambulance. He did not support the City's paramedic having to ride in a private ambulance when transporting an ALS patient. Cecil McConne11,3245 Almira Drive, stated he supported Chief Meigs' proposal and felt the mere fact that a patient had to wait for a private ambulance to arrive for transport was sufficient to meet the RCW requirement that the current system TAPE #88~ City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes January 23, 1991 Page 7 of 19 ! UNAPPROVED DRAFT could be improved. In the event he should need paramedic services, the paramedics were located only four blocks from his residence and he could be in the hospital long before a private ambulance would arrive at his residence. This could mean a life or death situation for him. He urged Council approval of this proposal. Roy McGinnis, 2711 Maple Street, stated 7-8 years ago he questioned the City Council about the need to have a City Medic One vehicle follow a private ambulance when transporting patients to the hospital. It was his feeling that as tax payers the citizens of Bremerton were being charged double for ALS transport services. William Seidel, 6504 Lake Drive, stated he supported Chief Meigs' proposal and had always questioned having a private ambulance transport ALS patients when citizens were taxed for such services. He felt the current system was redundant, foolish, wasteful and dangerous to the patient. Mr. McCluskeV stated under B.M.C. 5.50.050 it stated that in the event the City's Fire Department operates an aid ambulance the Fire Department reserves the right to respond to any emergency situation and/or transportation of any patient to a hospital when the officer in charge determines that special circumstances exist requiring transporting the patient by aid car. Therefore, the Fire Department does have the privilege to transport this person, if they feel circumstances warrant such transport. From 1989 statistics, the City transported ALS patients 18 times. Mr. McCluskey emphasized if it was determined that no transport was necessary, after responding to an emergency call, there was no charge made for the response by the private ambulance. He also noted that if an ALS patient was transported in a private ambulance with a paramedic aboard the patient would be charged only the BLS rate. Chief Melts stated in response to Mr. McCluskey's question - he inherited the current system and was not convinced it was the best method, therefore he sought a reasonable solution to improve the system. In 1989 the City transported 18 ALS patients and in 1990 24 patients. In all of these instances he had one major factor and that was the length of time before a private ambulance could arrive at the emergency site. In one instance there was no private ambulance available to answer the call and in some cases it was a BLS call with no available private carrier. The City does have ALS backup transport through Mutual Aid Agreements with Fire Districts #7, #15 and #1. He noted he was not saying that Olympic TAPE #88a City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes January 23, 1991 Page 8 of 19 UNAPPROVED DRAFT Ambulance had not provided the service they are designed to provide...they were a very adequate BLS service. He did not feel the proper method to operate was to have City paramedics on the floor of private ambulances working over a patient with an inexperienced driver at the wheel. But, with the familiarity of City Fire Department personnel in the ambulance with a City paramedic on board and familiarity with working with those people on an on going basis would provide improved service to the public. Mr. McCluskev questioned if there had been times when Bremerton or Olympic Ambulances had shown up on the emergency scene and provided the full emergency care due to the City's emergency vehicles not being available? Chief Meigs stated yes, there were those occasions. However, in the case of an ALS call the City did have the back up of Mutual Aid Agreements with other Fire Districts. Mr. Collins stated it was his understanding that ALS meant that someone had a life threatening condition and questioned if that was a correct definition? Medical Officer Andrew Tats, a paramedic, stated an ALS patient was not always someone with a life threatening condition, but someone who had the potential of having a life threatening condition. A BLS patient was someone in a non-critical status, for example sprained ankle or sprained wrist, that the potential was not there to become critical. Mr. Collins questioned what requirements were necessary for someone to be determined ALS and those for BLS? Mr. Tats explained the requirements for EMTs'and Paramedics, according to the State of Washington. Mr. Collins stated that he felt the whole field of medical treatment had changed significantly in the past four years by what the medical field deemed necessary treatment and how to deliver it. He believed Chief Meigs's solution addressed what his constituency felt was a problem and as their steward felt it was his problem and he supported the proposal as presented. Mr. Estes questioned Mr. McCluskey how his clients justified having the Fire Department vehicle follow the private ambulance to the hospital? Mr. McCluskey stated the reason was probably to pick up the paramedic, who rode along side the patient in the private ambulance. And, that would only happen when the paramedic determined his presence was required during transport. When the ambulance arrived at the hospital, the paramedic would be released to return to his City vehicle and the private ambulance personnel would take care of the follow up paperwork with the hospital and clean/prepare ambulance for next call. If the paramedic had to take on the additional duties of follow up paperwork and clean up the ambulance, he TAPE #88l City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes January 23, 1991 Page 9 of 19 UNAPPROVED DRAFT would be delayed longer than what he is currently. Mr. Estes questioned Mr. Tate if Mr. McCluskey's last statement was correct, in his opinion? Mr. Tats stated he disagreed on one point made by Mr. McCluskey and that being when a paramedic makes contact with any patient and accompanies them to the hospital, he also continues conveying information both verbal and written to the accepting nurse, physician or both. On ALS transports this information is readily available to pass on to the hospital personnel and emergency personnel can be returned fairly quickly to service. Mr. Estes requested explanation of the what type of situation would necessitate ALS transport? Mr. Tats explained someone who was experiencing chest discomfort, that might be a cardiac origin from the heart, a person who was short of breath, a significant long bone fracture, a premature delivered baby, drug overdose, alcohol related incidents, falls resulting in dramatic injuries, diabetics or seizure disorders, or a multiple combination of injuries. Mr. Estes questioned the percentage of BLS transport as compared to ALS transport? Mr. Tats explained that 1,883 patients were considered ALS, 896 patients were considered BLS and Other included those who either refused or did not need further medical assistance from emergency personnel. Mr. Estes questioned if there was any difference in the suspension of the private ambulance and City ambulance? Mr. Tats explained the suspension of the City's vehicles were identical and provided a smooth ride. Mr. McCluskey stated the reason the current system was in existence was due to the ambulance companies being required to work that system. Mr. Waibel stated the RCW appears to ask the City Council to determine that the private ambulance service was bad. He did not believe that was what the RCW was actually requiring, but rather saying was the private ambulance adequate as it could be. Because the City has a surcharge that the citizens of Bremerton were paying, the adequacy of service can also be measured in terms of efficiency of service, not just whether the quality was high enough. The first question that needed to be ask was is this the most efficient system for providing advanced life support services? He did not believe that everyone attending the Council meeting believed that the current system was the optimal system. There seemed to be two ways to improve the service and efficiency of the service: (1) to provide the entire service by a private ambulance and contract the entire service out; (2) to use the paramedic service and City Rescue One Service to provide that service and not duplicate the transport. That question had already been asked of the citizens of Bremerton and they have said they were willing to pay additional taxes and surcharge to have that service provided by the Rescue One service. TAPE #88a City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes January 23, 1991 Page 10 of 19 ~NAPPROVED DRAFT Therefore, the public had spoken that they would prefer to have a system in place internal to the City to provide drivers and medics who are familiar with the City, in the City's employment and have a long term commitment to the City. Mr. Dawkins questioned how many ambulances did the City have at this time? Chief Mei~s stated two. Mr. Dawkins questioned where would backup ambulances come from in the event the City's two vehicles were already engaged? Chief Meigs stated he was reasonably sure the private carrier would still be in the area to respond and the City also had the benefit of Mutual Aid Agreements with the surrounding Districts, of which right now the City responds two and three to one into their districts compared to their reciprocation. Mr. Dawkins questioned where would the $125.00 per transport go? Chief Meigs stated that would be determined by the City Council. Mr. Dawkins questioned how many emergency calls were answered by the Rescue One units? Mr. Tats responded 3,342 and Chief Meigs stated transports by private ambulance with a Bremerton paramedic on board was 1,851, City paramedics transported 24, City transported 16 with another Fire Department with a City paramedic aboard their unit and 26 transports were made by other Fire Districts. Mr. Dawkins questioned what dollar amount of impact would this have on the City if transporting ALS patients was undertaken by the City? Chief Meigs noted he learned from Mr. Littlejohn, not 100% of all fees could be collected and Medicaid does not pay $100%. Mr. Dawkins expressed concern that, if approved, the City would be getting into private business status and was not sure the City should take over part of private industry. He did admit that having the City vehicle follow the private ambulance to the health care facility was not efficient use of equipment. Chief Meigs restated that he believed this program could be a self- supporting system. Mr. Dawkins questioned if additional equipment and staff would be required? Chief Meigs stated he would need to obtain one additional unit to use as backup to the present two vehicles, but would not need additional staff. Mr. Homing stated he understood Chief Meigs' position and appreciated his approach and attempt to look at a way to improve the system. However, he believed the Council did have a question to be answered and that question was clear - is the City being adequately served by a private ambulance system? As far as "adequately" he believed the City was being served, which may not be ideally but he encouraged the City to look at ways to improve service by opening dialogue, not with the current carriers, but with everyone. He believed if the City degraded the private industries' ability to serve by taking TAPE #885 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes January 23, 1991 Page 11 of 19 away a good portion of their carries they would be placed in an even worse position. Therefore, he would not support this proposal at this time and did not recommend that the City take over the ALS transports. Chief Meigs stated it was his intent to bring this issue before the Council for discussion - not a decision at this time. Mr. Morning expressed his feeling that this issue needed further examination and other options looked into. Mr. Overson questioned what other municipalities had gone to transporting ALS patients? Chief Mei~s stated the following cities provided ALS transport: Tacoma, Port Angles, Olympia- Lacy-Tumwater. Mr. Colvin questioned how could the City better serve the citizens and yet eliminate the need for the City's vehicle following the private ambulance? Chief Meigs stated he had also inherited the current system and hoped to come up with a solution that would be of most benefit to the citizens. Mr. Colvin stated he would like to give more time to study this issue before he made a decision. TAPE #885 President Morton stated she felt everyone agreed that there were inefficiencies in the present system and something needed to be done. She questioned how long it took to answer an ALS call? Mr. Tats stated the average response time was 3.4 minutes from the time they received the call to the time they arrive at the scene. President Morton questioned assuming the City were to go to having private ALS totally, who would respond to the 911 call and if the City responded and subsequently turned over the patient to the private carrier would that care be degraded? Chief Mei~s stated that was what the City Tacoma experienced in patient care from the City's paramedic to the private ambulance paramedic. Last year the City of Tacoma passed a Resolution to undertake the ALS transport program due to the fact that it was not efficient care for patients. In Kitsap County it is required that the attending paramedic stay with the patient all the way to the turnover at the health care facility. President Morton stated if everyone agrees that what is being done now was inefficient and in fact costing the tax payers dollars and even perhaps degrading their health care, she felt this needed to be addressed. Chief Meigs stated he did not believe that the Council would want two paramedic units responding to all emergency calls and he also would not support such a system. He did not want patient care down graded, but rather that it be upgraded at a lower cost. He did not want to say how it would work if Olympic Ambulance had paramedics because Kitsap County MS Council would have to make some rulings, with TAPE #885 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes January 23, 1991 Page 12 of 19 private ambulances, on what happens if they decided to do paramedic services. President Hotton questioned if any other municipality had-gonethe.private-route-without entering into this problem? Chief Meigs stated he was certain there were jurisdictions that operated their systems the same as the City's current system and believed that it was a very efficient system. Some of those jurisdictions were located in strictly volunteer districts and do not have the manpower initially available. President Horton questioned in the communities that have taken over the ALS transport from the private carrier, had their call rate increased appreciably? Chief Meigs stated the systems that offer ALS and BLSthe call rate was rising on almost a daily basis regardless who was answering the calls. President Hortonquestioned if there was an increase in calls directly related to ALS calls? Chief Meigs stated he had only "word-of-mouth" information from Mr. Littlejohn and it was his feeling that Port Angeles medics actually started a "line" when it was not actually warranted. The Chief of Port Angeles refutes that allegation. Mr. McCluskeV stated in reference to the question about the ALS transport if both private and City had paramedics, he believed that would be something that would need to be worked out. It was his belief that the City Council or the Ambulance Committee could work out the details for just a system. President Hotton questioned if the system went to 100% ALS private care what would the cost to the patient be at that time? Mr. McCluskev stated it could be exactly the same as current fees by giving the ambulance companies the 25 cents per thousand that supports the City's paramedic program. Mr. Waibel stated that a member of the public pointed out this issue had been brought to Council's attention 8 years ago. For over six month Chief Meigs had been reviewing this problem and it had been discussed in the Operations Committee. The best information had been gathered and Council members had the opportunity to provide requests for information during that six month period. He did not support delaying action on this issue for further study. #0249 M/S/F(Waibel/Collins) to direct the Mayor to prepare an Ordinance expanding emergency medical services to provide transport and direct the Mayor to make the appropriate Budget Ordinance amendments needed to implement that new program. Mr. Colvin stated Chief's Meigs presentation was excellent, however he did not believe he had the opportunity to hear the other side's position. He supported further study of options available. TAPE #885 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes January 23, 1991 Page 13 of 19 Mr. Collins questioned if there was a requirement as to how many ALS or emergency calls a paramedic had to experience to become qualified? Mr. Tats explained to become qualified as a paramedic was not determined by the number of patients treated, it was a matter of demonstration of quality clinical knowledge, quality clinical practical skills, etc. Mr. Collins questioned to whom do paramedics demonstrate those skills? Mr. Tats explained they demonstrate everyday when they are out in the field, on documentation, by quality of care given to the patient by the paramedic as viewed by the receiving nurse and doctors and the doctor that reviews all the charts as well as the quality assurance coordinator for the County. There is a Quality Assurance Committee that evaluates every emergency run and they look for any problems and provide suggestions for improvement. Mr. Collins questioned how many paramedics were on staff for the City's Fire Department? Mr. Tats stated the City had 12 paramedics. Mr. Waibel noted the letter read into the record was the quality assurance person from the Quality Assurance Council. Mr. Collins questioned the number of EMTs currently employed by the City? Mr. Tats stated everyone on the staff of the Bremerton Fire Department that worked in the field as well as one Deputy Chief were State certified Emergency Medical Technical. Mr. Colllns questioned if Mr. Littlejohn could provide 12 paramedics and 12 EMT's full time? Mr. Littlejohn stated yes. Mr. Homing stated it may be true that 8 years ago someone from the public asked the questions why do ambulance follow ambulances, but if the Council makes a decision from one person giving a perspective without looking at all of the options he did not believe Council was doing their job. He did not think that was serving the public well. We do not know what other possibilities are available because Chief Meigs brought forth one proposal, which may be sound, but may not be the best. Chief Meigs admitted that what he cares about most was serving the patients and public as cheaply and efficiently as possible. Many items had been contracted out by the Council and he raised the question "why did we do that" .... possibly because private enterprise can be creative, efficient and can do a good job. He was not willing to support this motion as stated and did not feel adequate discussion had been given or the opportunity to look at other concepts. He pointed out the Chief admitted the need for additional ambulances if ALS transport was taken on by the City and it was not known if additional staffing would be required. Mr. Colvln brought up the concern that if the City took over #0518 TAPE #885 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes January 23, 1991 Page 14 of 19 the ALS transport program it would create a hardship for the private ambulance companies and questioned if the City was prepared to take over all ambulance services at this time? President Hotten noted if the private company took over the BLS and ALS operation, one of two things would have to happen - either they would be charging the public for the whole ALS service and that means rates far and above what they would get from the City of Bremerton, which was included in their tax dollars; or the City would have to turn over the 25 cent levy that the City now accrues in order for them to make this efficient for them to do without passing that cost on to the public. She suspected if the Council did the latter option the public would come screaming at each and every Council member. Vote: In Favor: Opposed: Motion failed. Waibel, Collins, Estes, Horton Dawkins, Colvin, Overson, Horning M/S/C(Waibel/Colvin) that this topic be returned to Council in three weeks after the Council was able to direct the Mayor and Fire Chief to look into whatever questions they have and that recommendation be modified based on whatever information is obtained. Mr. Morning stated he would not support the motion due to the fact that three weeks was not long enough time to study options that the free enterprise was willing to bring to the Council. Vote: In Favor: Collins, Colvin, Overson, Estes, Waibel, Horton Opposed: Horning, Dawkins 7B - PUBLIC HEARING - ZONINGAMENDMENTS - TO CONSIDER PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE TEXT OF THE BREMERTON ZONING ORDINANCE, #AB91-020 Throughout 1990, a series of proposed amendments were processed through the Planning Commission and City Council. The final package of proposed amendments was approved by the Planning Commission on October 16, 1990 and recommended for City Council approval. Since that time, these changes have been discussed at a November 1990 Council Study Session and at the Operations Committee. Zoning Ordinance Amendments require a City Council public hearing prior to action. This hearing is for the purpose of TAPE #885 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes January 23, 1991 Page 15 of 19 public input and the consideration of the Planning Commission's recommendations. The City Council's decision on these amendments willbe returned in ordinance form for final approval. Ron Hough, Planning Manager, stated this was the last of three major packages on the Zoning Ordinance amendments, that were started about a year ago. This particular package involves four sections of the Zoning Ordinance and the Planning Commission completed their review in October 1990, and the City Council discussed it during the November 5th Study session. During the Study Session, Council had some minor concerns about several sections, i.e. through lots, etc. Considering the length of time that the Council had to review the amendments, Mr. Hough brought attention to only the following slightly controversial areas: Chapter IX, Section 2-A..Definition of Combining And Dividing Lots - "if two or more lawfully created lots are contiguous and in the same ownership, and if all or part of the lots do not meet the requirements established for a lot width and area, the lands involved shall be considered to be an undivided parcel for the purpose of development and use, and no portion of the parcel shall be used or sold in a manner which diminishes compliance with lot width and area requirements, nor shall any division of any parcel be made which creates a new nonconforming lot." During the Council study Session Council voiced objection to the wording and felt the City should encourage owners to develop existing small lots rather than be required to consolidate them into "conforming" lots. Chapter IX, Section 4-F Extension Of A Normal Life Expectancy Structure - (a new item "3") "Extend the normal life expectancy of the structure through the replacement of major structural components different from those contained in the structure at the time it became a nonconformity." This would prevent improvement or materials that would result in the extension of a normal life expectancy of a non-conforming structure but allowing for weatherization. This would not just apply to houses but would include commercial buildings and possibly sign structures. The existing style of a building could be repaired and maintained of primary structural material but they could not change that style. The idea of the non-conformities was to allow them to phase out gradually over their normal life expectancy and eventually go away. TAPE #885 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes January 23, 1991 Page 16 of 19 Chapter VIII - New Section: "The proposed amendments to the Planned Unit Development (PUD) requirements of Chapter VI included a transfer of some open space requirements to the Landscaping Chapter to apply to all new residential developments of one acre or larger. It is recommended that the following new section be added as Section 4, and that existing sections be renumbered to accommodate this addition: Section 4: Open Space - The following Open Space Requirement shall apply to any residential development, including land divisions having a total gross area greater than one acre. Mr. Hough noted the idea behind this section was to require 15% open space requirement for new subdivisions and major residential developments. During the Council Study Session there was some disagreement with just limiting that to residential and that industrial and commercial should also have the 15% open space requirement. If Council wishes to not limit it to just residential, then the word "residential" could be removed and it would apply to any development larger than one acre. Chapter IX, Section 4-A - "There have been numerous discussion as to whether or not a parking lot is a "structure". This is important to pin down so that we can be consistent in our treatment of existing parking lots. By definition, a paved parking lot is indeed a structure. An unpaved lot may be no more than a vacant lot and does not rate structure status. if a paved parking lot is considered a structure, it could continue as a legal nonconformity until it was removed, altered, or amortized". The reason for this change was to recognize that a paved parking lot at least partially conforms to the requirements and if the parking use goes away the parking lot remains the same as a structure would remain. Mr. Dawkins questioned if there would be any advantage not to pave a lot? Mr. Hough stated no, it only applied to uses that go away. If there was an existing parking lot, whether paved or not, as long as it continues in operation legally it would be a continuing nonconformity situation. However, in the case of an unpaved lot if the parking lot ceased to be used for parking for a period of one year, then that use goes away and it cannot be re-established as a parking lot unless it was paved. Chapter X, Section 9-A-1 (added new section "b" - "An appeal of any Zoning Ordinance Interpretation may be filed at any time and does not require a Request for Review". The Director Of Community Development occasionally does an interpretation of the zoning to make it more clear and concise for people using the Zoning Ordinance. By adding this new section it provides the public an opportunity to appeal those Zoning TAPE #885 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes January 23, 1991 Page 17 of 19 Ordinance interpretations, since it was not already stated in the Zoning Ordinance. Through Lots - Mr. Hough explained there were some particular situations throughout the City where through lots built from one street to another or to the waterfront, etc., and the City requires normal front yard setback from all rights-of-way, thereby requiring two front yards. If someone wanted to put up a 6-foot fence to provide privacy and a back yard area they would have to go through a Variance process to prove that they were experiencing a hardship and this really was not a hardship style issue. In an attempt to deal with this problem, an amendment was developed that would allow the Director of Community Development to make an administrative decision on Through Lots or have it go to the Planning Commission for a decision - this would be a Zoning Ordinance Exception and strictly an Exception for Through Lot frontages and it would be followed with some criteria on which that Exception would be based. This would fit into Chapter III under Definitions and under Chapter IV, the general provisions of the Ordinance. Under Section X, a more formal process for reviewing and approving Exceptions to the Zoning Ordinance was included. Therefore, it was proposed to establish a more formal Exceptions process, with criteria, and a normal approval process similar to the Variance and Special Use Permit process. Public comment - none. Mr. Collins stated he was impressed with the Through Lot solution and besides the examples presented by Mr. Hough, there were areas that were significantly impacted by the topography of the City. Mr. Dawkins stated the Council Operations Committee had reviewed the amendments. President Hotton stated for the record that Councilman Johnson, who was out-of-town on business, called her and questioned what the definition was for "adjoining properties"? She noted his concern had already been addressed under Definitions Section. Under the section on Open Space, she noted Council did discuss during their Study Session the idea of having the 15% Open Space requirement on all development, not just residential. Also, under the section relating to combining of two small lots, Council had voiced their concern that they did not support that concept. And, under Zoning Exceptions section the Planning staff was recommending that they go back through the Planning Commission and Council needs TAPE #885 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes January 23, 1991 Page 18 of 19 to determine if that is the process they wish to adopt. Mr. Overson stated he felt the criteria was highly subjective and questioned if that would cause any trouble? Mr. Hough stated the criteria was consistency with the Comprehensive Plan, clear relationship to the public interest, well being of the neighborhood or community, applied in a manner that will not result in a hazard to health or public safety, and clear that it was not a hardship situation that should be considered for a Variance. He felt they were fairly decent criteria and that his staff or the Planning Commission would not have any difficulty in applying them to a situation. Mr. Homing stated he wanted to support strongly the concept if you own the adjacent lot it should continue to be "stand alone". He personally experienced a similar situation in another town and he purchased the adjoining lot for his protection never thinking he would give up his development rights. He did not want residents of Bremerton to experience a similar situation and he believed lots should stand alone even if they were nonconforming. He supported the Through Lot Exception proposal and commend staff for their developing the suggested addition to the Zoning Ordinance. #1297 President Hotton stated she supported applying the Open Space requirement to all development. She believed the City needed to be as liveable as possible and this was a step in the right direction. She supported striking the word "residential" in the Open Space section, for developments over one acre. Mr. Waibel stated his agreement to President Horton's suggestion relating to Open Space. Mr. Hornlna stated he did not necessarily disagree with President Horton's proposal, however, he believes that good industrial development would include providing for open space. He stated for the record he was not supporting small infill lots in the Central Business District (CBD) or adjoining the CBD where the lots were smaller. Mr. Estes stated he did not support the requirement for open space for an industrial or business development. M/S/C(Waibel/Dawkins) the City Council accept and approve the Planning Commission's recommendations for the Zoning Ordinance Amendments with the elimination of the word "residential" from Section 4 -Open Space and to allow the continuation of divided lots thereby eliminating Item 2 under Chapter IX, Section 2-A, and referring back to the Planning Commission the Administrative Exception procedure. Vote: In Favor: Overson, Horning, Waibel, Collins, Dawkins. Colvin TAPE #885 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes January 23, 1991 Page 19 of 19 Opposed: Estes With no further business meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. KATHLEEN L.'McCLUSKEY, C~y Clerk ~'~ President LY~~HORTON, Council City of Bremerton KLM/LH/me cc: Normal Distribution File/Vault