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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/11/91CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES #0034 #0062 DECEMBER 11, 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, December 11, 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, Morrie Dawkins, A1 Colvin and Russ Johnson. 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 A1 Colvin. President Horton announced Council would hold a Study Session immediately following the Council meeting to discuss "Basic Life Ambulance Service"; and an Executive Session on "Labor Negotiations". CONSENT AGENDA A. Minutes Of Meeting - November 20, 1991, #AB91-298 B. Minutes Of Meeting - November 26, 1991, #AB91-299 Bid Award Recommendation - Chlorine For 1992, Awarded To Jones Chemicals, inc., In The Amount Of $48.75 Per 150# Container And $321.50 Per 1-Ton Container, #AB91-300 M/S/C/U (Waibel/Oawkins) presented. to approve Consent Agenda as 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/Overson) on December 11, 1991, the Council does approve for payment those vouchers included and further described as follows: 140855, 140897, 140899 through 141067 in the total amount of $559,266.72; and Regular Payroll for the period ending November 30, 1991, in the total amount of $405,495.52. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS Mr. Overson stated he was proud to have been part of the TAPE #975 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes December 11, 1991 Page 2 of 21 memorial service commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day on Saturday, December 7. Mr. Estes recently toured several properties, some of which are extremely dangerous. He will provide a listing of those 30 properties to the Mayor and Council for consideration of future clean up action. The worst property he encountered is located north of the Turner Joy where transients had broken in and were using the space for housing. Mr. Horning reported earlier today he attended his final Kitsap Regional Planning Council meeting, where everything seemed to be in order. Mr. Johnson stated he was pleased to be back in the Pacific Northwest after spending most of the past week on the east Coast. He reported this is the 5th week that Olympic TV Cable's community access channel had been off the air. He noted effort was being made to get equipment repaired and programming back on the air. In reference to a recent news article in The Progress, Morrie Dawkins served as the City's first Mayor under the current Council form of government. Mr. Colvin reported he attended the Pearl Harbor Day ceremony and noted CAPT. Lon Overson made an excellent presentation at that event. On Tuesday, December 10, he attended a "Human Rights Conference", which was held at Bangor due to the threat of a Nazi group disturbing the meeting. He felt strongly that the American people who believe in freedom and justice for all should stand up for that right. Mr. Dawkins stated he missed the Pearl Harbor Day ceremony due to the Bremerton Central Lions Club members unloading and sacking 10 tons of potatoes, which were donated to local food banks, Salvation Army and St. Vincent DePaul. Ken Brees, Street Department Superintendent, provided the City's loader to assist loading the 100 lb. sacks. He noted that a supply of 10 tons of potatoes would last about 5 days at the three named agencies. Mrs. Horton reported this past week she toured the Turner Joy, which was a wonderful experience. A special invitation has been extended by Mike Schroeder to the Council for a tour of the Turner Joy. She was excited about some of the ideas the Committee had come up with as to public participation, i.e., to allow Sea Scouts/Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts and various groups to spend over-night aboard the ship as part of their experience with those groups; also plans for handicapped accessibility to parts of the ship; additionally a room on TAPE #975 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes December 11, 1991 Page 3 of 21 board that they are talking about making available to CenCom as an Emergency CenCom Center in case of a major catastrophe in this area. She also extended a "job well done" to Bill Amo for his role as tour guide. PUBLIC RECOGNITION Mayor Louis Mentor reported he attended a farewell event for Admiral Clark, who is leaving this area as of January 9. He also attended the "Human Rights Conference" held on December 5. He was very impressed with the numbers of participants at that conference, as well as the excellent program. On Sunday, December 8, he participated in a "special peoples"' cruise sponsored by the Bremerton Yacht Club. He noted the assistance of personnel on the special cruise from the USS Carl Vinson and USS California. On Friday, December 6, he attended the renaming service at the Jewish Synagogue, as well as a "Christmas Party", sponsored by personnel off the USS Nimitz, for Bremerton High School teachers and administrators. He thanked Councilman Estes for his assistance in helping to clean up Bremerton. Debbie Goodell, Animal Control Supervisor, and Betsy Harris, Animal Control Officer, presented two adoptable dogs, Fritz and Suzie, that are available through Bremerton Animal Control. Ms. Goodell explained the new voice mail directory currently being used by Animal Control to provide information to the public covering Kitsap County. Charlene Burnett, Parks Department, reported on the recent 2nd annual Parks Department Poster Contest (sponsored by Brem-Air Disposal Inc.), which featured the theme "Keep America's Most liveable City Liveable - Recycle". Over 150 entries were received and the winners of the contest were present to receive their awards. Jeff West, Peninsula Recycling, stated judging the posters was extremely difficult and he was struck with the amount of complexity that was conveyed through the posters. The following winners of the contest were announced and introduced: Kindergarten - 2nd Grade 1st Place Amanda Valentine, age 8, Naval Avenue School 2nd Derrick Neshem, age 8, Naval Avenue School 3rd Brittany Huey , age 8, Naval Avenue School Honorable Mention - Autumn Sabol, age 6, Armin Jahr School Grades 3 through 5 1st Place Marit Bockelie, age 10, Armin Jahr 2nd Teresa Collier, age 10, Star Of The Sea 3rd Danny Kennedy, age ll,Star Of The Sea Honorable Mention - Laila Vermers, age 10, Naval Avenue School TAPE #975 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes December 11, 1991 Page 4 of 21 Grades 6 through 8 1st Place Camy Cohen, age 11, Bremerton Middle School 2nd Amanda Maders, age 11, Bremerton Middle School 3rd Racheal Dias, age 11, Bremerton Middle School Honorable Mention - Jennifer Palumbo, age 12, Bremerton Middle School Grades 9 through 12 1st Place Michael Lawrence, age 16, Bremerton High School 2nd Melinda Kimple, age 16, Bremerton High School 3rd Carey Koiler, age 17, Bremerton High School Honorable Mention - Brian Yeaman, age 17, Bremerton High School Prizes consisted of: 1st place - $25.00. 2nd place - $20.00 3rd place - $10.00 Dave Baker, City Engineer, provided the following update on construction projects: 15TH Street Project: Many have been concerned over the length of time this project has been under construction. Many different operations have been going on that do not normally happen in a street construction project. The telephone line along 15th needed to be underground, which was a project all by itself, power was relocated as part of the project and a water line installed. All of this activity had to go on prior to the construction of the street. However, in order to get the lines into the ground, the curb, gutter and sidewalk had to be removed. Therefore, as a result there has been curb, gutter and sidewalk removal, approximately 6 weeks to underground the telephone, 4 weeks to underground power and about 2-3 weeks to lay the water line. Currently, the repouring of the curb, gutter and sidewalk is being done and progressing nicely. The road work is now under way and will move along quite rapidly. It is hoped that the first lift of asphalt will be placed within the next two weeks, depending on the weather. If weather allows, the second lift of asphalt will be placed or may be delayed to a later date. Over Water Park Project: Council was provided with Monthly Report #2, which outlines the progress being made. All of the 16 inch piling are in place and all but four of the pile caps have the base framing to establish the concrete forms. As of today, the contractor is tieing steel for the beams and anticipates actually pouring concrete on the beams before the end of this week. The contractor has ordered the 18 inch TAPE #975 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes December 11, 1991 Page 5 of 21 piling, which is due to arrive December 20. running about on schedule. The contract is Mr. Walbel questioned if the site diagram included in the handout was the most up-to-date? Mr. Baker stated this particular drawing was the one that belonged with the No.2 report. He does have an over-all picture of the site. Mr. Waibel stated one of the significant changes made was to veer out from the shore in order to comply with Department of Fisheries and the current diagram did not show that. Mr. Baker stated that was correct. He will provide a modified drawing along with Report No. 3. The following members of Friends of the Park group spoke on the issue of Roosevelt Field being condemned by Olympic College: Del Knauss, Olympic Avenue; Rick Smith, Attorney; E. L. Sturdivant, 3231 Halverson; Glenn Jarstad, 2823 Hefner Avenue. Their comments covered their shock at the idea of Olympic College proposing the City trade Roosevelt Field for waterfront property; behind door negotiations and decision making, City being put in position to have the responsibility of cleaning up any toxic materials found at Roosevelt Field, City's attempt to defend condemnation proceedings was just a "dog and pony" show. Bill Amo, 6625 Lake Drive, related a recent incident where someone dumped several bags of garbage along the gate area of the new federal facilities in the downtown area. Effort was made to locate who may have deposited the bags at that location and when that was unsuccessful, they contacted the City Street Department for assistance. As of this date, no one from the Street Department had responded and Mr. Amo was concerned that no one really cared whether or not the debris was cleaned up. Mayor Mentor stated he would look into the problem. President Horton noted as part of the new garbage collection contract, consideration is being given to a stiffer penalty for anyone caught dumping garbage. Don Larson, 135 Rainier Avenue, related a conversation he had with Fred Schoneman, and the fact that many year ago Mr. Schoneman had proposed a walkway along the waterfront from the downtown area to Olympic College. Effort is still underway investigating the possibility of building an underwater park near the Turner Joy. 6A REAPPOINTMENT TO PARKS BOARD - RICHARD NEVILLE, #AB91-301 The term of Parks Board Commissioner Richard Neville has expired. I am recommending he be reappointed to another term. #2901 TAPE #975 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes December 11, 1991 Page 6 of 21 Mayor Louis Mentor emphasized Mr. Neville's contribution to the Parks Board over the past four years and highly recommended that he be reappointed to another term. Public comment - none. M/S/C/U(Waibel/Estes) to confirm the appointment of Richard Neville to the Parks Board. 6B - BID AWARD RECOMMENDATION - EXTERIOR RENOVATION OF 245 4TH STREET BUILDING, #AB91-302 Call for Bid was prepared, advertised, distributed and received in accordance with accepted Call for Bid procedures for cleaning and repair of all exterior wall surfaces, including stucco, concrete and terra cotta, of the 245 4th Street Building. Bids were received from seven firms and recorded as follows: Puget Sound Masonry & Restoration McCullough's A&A Construction RPM Company Diamaco Inc. Pioneer Masonry Restoration Olsen Brothers Painting NOTE: Alt. #1 (Additive] $38,450. $3,915 41,800. 3,650 42,000. no bid 43,560. no bid 46,900. 9,508 47,225. 4,650 59,226. 1,775 Additive #1 is for replacing metal parapet caps Mayor Mentor noted the building was purchased last summer and he was now working on remodeling/development plans on what needs to be done. One of the most urgent needs of the building is to have the exterior surface sealed. Currently, moisture is being blown into the inside of the building and damaging walls, etc. Along with the sealing, it is desired to clean and regrout the terra-cotta stone at the front of the building. The roof also needs to be repaired, however, it is not as critical due to the top floor not being occupied at this time. Before the roof is repaired, there needs to be a plan forHVAC needs. The building needs to be kept as rented as possible and encourage new occupants in order to get the income to pay off the building debt. Bonds were approved by Council in September, therefore, funding for the proposed maintenance is in the budget. He urged Council to approve this request in order to protect the City's asset. Public comment - none. Mr. Dawkins noted he had experienced the same type of problem TAPE #975 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes December 11, 1991 Page 7 of 21 and repair solution with the building he owns in the downtown area and was pleased with the results. Mr. Colvin questioned if the sealing process carried any guarantee? Dave Baker, City Engineer, stated the contract calls for a specific material which has a 10 year life guarantee itself. The contractor is the guarantee for the application of that material. TAPE #976 Mr. Estes explained the sole purpose of this proposal is to keep it dry and protect the building. When the building was purchased, Council was told this building was to be used for office space and not considered as an investment project. Mr. Johnson questioned if there was a reason the contract was not included in the agenda packet and does it meet all requirements for governments to contract? Mr. Baker stated the contract is a standard City contract and did meet all regulations. He did not know why the contract was not included in the agenda packed. Mr. Johnson questioned what was meant by Alternative #1 Additive? Mr. Baker explained Alternative #1 is the sheet metal coping on the parapet wall. The parapet wall will have to be finished, then the sheet metal coping will go on that wall (a removable coping). Mr. Johnson stated he guessed the sealing process was needed to keep the building from rotting, however, it was not an indicating how much longer he would vote to spend money on this building. Mr. Homing questioned the background of the proposed contractor? Mr. Baker stated this contractor has been in business for a number of years and is a Seattle firm. Several references were checked out, some of which go back 7 years and the business had been operating prior to that. Mr. Homing questioned if this sort of work was something they were use to doing? Mr. Baker stated it was their specialty. Mr. Overson questioned if it was true that the contractor would not get to the work for some time? Mr. Baker explained it was true that the contractor was not required to start the work until February, 1992, which allowed the contractor flexibility in the event of severe winter weather. However, the contractor does have the option to start earlier. Mr. Overson stated at the time the building was purchased, the Mayor promised Council a comprehensive plan for the use of that building. As of this date, Council has not seen any such plan and questioned if this contract should be held pending results of that comprehensive plan on the possibility that it could influence what is happening here? Mr. Baker stated from #0139 TAPE #975 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes December 11, 1991 Page 8 of 21 an Engineering point of view, the building does need to be protected. Mr. Overson questioned when would the comprehensive plan be available? Mr. Baker stated he was not sure, however, it would not be ready until they had the opportunity to review HVAC design and establish a schedule; and to fix the roof. President Hotton stated she would not support this proposal, not because the building needs to be waterproofed in some capacity. When Council first saw the agenda bill, the building and renovations were somewhere under $500,000; and the renovations projected at $300,000. During Council's Study Session last week on this issue, the Mayor indicated that remodel/renovations of the building would probably be closer to two million dollars. Currently, the City is paying $40,000 for this building out of the General Fund, which would pay for a Police Officer on the street. She was of the opinion that a new City Hall could be built for two million dollars. She believed if Council had been given that accurate information when deliberating on the purchase of this building, it would not have been purchased. However, now the City is faced with a "use it or lose it" situation. She hoped before any expenditures happen on this building Council will be provided a full analysis of what it will cost to renovate this building and a plan as to what will be done with it once it is renovated. Mr. Waibel stated the City does not have $40,000 being paid out of the General Fund that would be available to fund a Police Officer. The City is receiving rent for all but $9,000 of that amount. President Hotton challenged Mr. Waibel's comment in that there is a line item in the budget for $41,000 going out in 1992 for the 4th Street Building. The City is taking in $40,000 from rents and the debt service on the building is $80,000, making a net loss of $40,000 each year. Mr. Estes pointed out the building was no longer on the tax rolls, making an additional loss to the City. M/S/C(Dawkins/Collins) to award contract to provide cleaning and restoration of exterior of 245 4th Street Building be awarded to Puget Sound Masonry & Restoration as to specifications and low overall bid including Alternate Additive #1 in the amount of $42,365.00 plus tax. Vote: In Favor: Opposed: Motion carried. Waibel, Collins, Dawkins, Colvin, Johnson, Estes Overson, Horning, Horton, TAPE #976 City Council Reg.'Mtg. Minutes December 11, 1991 Page9 of 21 7A - ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) ADOPTING THE CITY'S 1992 BUDGET, #AB91-303 The proposed ordinance will adopt the Mayor's 1992 Budget as amended by the City Council. Passage of a budget ordinance is required by RCW 35.33.075. Mayor Mentor reviewed the amount of time and effort put into developing the 1992 balanced budget. When initiating the budget process, they were one million dollars out-of-balance and great effort was made to not eliminate positions and to maintain services as much as possible. There has been a slight increase in revenue projections for 1992, but unfortunately that has been offset by 5-7% increases in costs of supplies and wages as well as additional costs for CenCom services, Bremerton/Kitsap County Health District, auto/truck repairs and loss of federal funding for streets, etc. After Council's review of the proposed budget, Mayor Mentor Was requested to come up with an additional $110,000. One source for that funding was identified from the fact that revenue projections, which were made in August, were very cautious and after three months of additional experience they are able to come up with more accurate projections. The other sources of funding included a proposal to the Teamsters Union and to managers to accept a smaller cost of living increase in 1992, in order to save fellow employees' jobs. These proposals will be voted on next week by the employees. Therefore, a balance budget could be presented at this time. There had been some discussion about cutting the Bremerton/ Kitsap County Visitor And Convention Bureau's (VCB) funding by the amount of rent they collect from Bremerton Historical Ships Committee. Mayor Mentor felt this should be reviewed, however, if Bremerton Historical Ships Committee felt they were paying too much rent, they have the opportunity to renegotiate new terms with VCB or move elsewhere. In regard to Bremerton Main Street Association request for funding, the amount recommended by the Mayor was included in the proposed budget. In a recent citizens' survey the downtown area was the one thing in Bremerton that needed the most improvement. Bremerton Main Street Association has been very important in the revitalization of the downtown and they will continue in that role in 1992, and even take on more responsibilities. It had been suggested by some Council members to eliminate the position of Grants Procurement Officer. Over the past two years, this suggestion had been made several times and each time Mayor Mentor had outlined the outstanding contributions made by the person filling that position. In the last two TAPE #976 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes December 11, 1991 Pagel0 of 21 years the City had received $2,738,133.00 in grants through the dedicated effort of the Grants Procurement Officer. The suggestion has been made to contract out such services. After checking with a number of other cities, it was learned that none of them had a grants writer on staff, but that type of responsibility fell within the individual department areas or was contracted out. In both instances, the costs associated with grant application duties were funded by those cities. He emphasized that contracted grant writers receive a fee in the area of 10% of the total amount of the grant, which cannot be funded through the proceeds of the grant, if awarded. Mayor Mentor reviewed the lengthy list of past accomplishments of the Grants Procurement Officer and listed the following future projects: community based policing, All Veterans Memorial, new access into Bremerton, Evergreen Park beach reconstruction, urban forestry, assistance for Police Department in dealing with "hate crimes", arts in the central business district, dangerous building abatement money, money to assist in meeting new handicapped accessibility legislation, sewer separation, storm water - clean water, Pendergast Sports Complex, Regional Transportation Plaza, Admiral Theater. Lastly, a balanced budget is being presented, which the City Treasurer believes is consistent with past years in reflecting honest revenue and expenditure projects, leaning towards the conservative so as to give some "breathing room" throughout the year. There is uncertainty in our economic future even though the experts are saying we've reached bottom and the recession is turning around. Therefore, our monthly assessments of our revenue and expenditures will be scrutinized even more closely than in the past. The balance sheet in all positions and programs will be closely monitored. If the revenue projections prove to not be accurate, appropriate measures will be taken to keep the City solvent. He urged Council to pass the proposed budget, as amended per Council's request. The following individuals spoke in support of Mayor's recommended funding request for the Bremerton/Kitsap County Visitor and Convention Bureau (VCB): Bill Amo, 6625 Lake Drive; Linda Near read a letter into the record from Bill Krabler, President of the VCB Board; Jim Allen, owner Forget Me Not Florist and President of Bremerton Main Street Association, read a letter into the record fromAmy Burnett of Amy Burnett Gallery; Delores Weir read a letter into the record from Lou Weir; Mary Harris, owner of Yesterday's-Today- Tomorrows. The following comments were made by those listed above: (1) there is no problem about the Historical Ships TAPE #976 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes December 11, 1991 Pagell of 21 renting office space from the VCB; (2) VCB provides additional services (some free, some paid) to Historical Ships; (3) need healthy VCB to succeed; (4) efforts now by the VCB will bear fruit in the future; (5) need to continue efforts that have been produced to date; (6) more dollars and effort need to be financed to promote tourism to this area; (7) current Director of VCB doing outstanding job; (8) need to maintain VCB budget at present level; (9) refreshing to see many organizations and governments pulling together for common cause - that being the betterment of Bremerton; (10) women are playing a major factor in creative growth process; (11) purpose of BMSA, when organized, was to zero in on the needs of the central business district and become the catalyst needed to bring together all factors and help downtown Bremerton come back to the proud, vibrant business district that it once was; (12) many things have been accomplished through BMSA to bring customers back to the downtown business district; (13) new business owners and property owners have been attracted; (14) improvements have been made to buildings; (15) events have been developed and implemented in downtown area; (16) City government has made major contributions to infrastructure in downtown area; (17) new property/business owner invested considerable amount of money in downtown location and did so because the City fathers were looking towards the future, change and progress; (18) all projects currently underway - Turner Joy, waterfront, marina, Farmers' Market, etc., are increasing the momentum of recovery; (19) this is not the time to stop progress by cutting support of things that are working. Glenn Jarstad, 2823 Hefner, questioned the $41,000 allocated to Cable Access Programming. He did not support the idea of paying out $41,000 to televise City Council meetings. President Horton stated as the budget stands at this time, the Bremerton Main Street program is funded at the Mayor's proposed level. The discussion with Council was Council's need to see Main Street's budget for 1992, which up until two days ago Council had not seen. The direction from Council, prior to seeing that budget, was to not fund that program. At no time was Main Street's funding removed from the proposed budget. Secondly, in regard to the VCB funding, there was discussion that Council desired to see the Historical Ships organization have space, if not free, then the City would try to offset that funding. There was no move to remove VCB's funding from the budget. President Horton stated she did not believe the proposed budget figures had been substantiated to her satisfaction. The TAPE #976 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes December 11, 1991 Pagel2 of 21 amendments she is suggesting are simply reduction of staff level to several full time positions, but for 1/2 year increments to allow the City to do a mid-year review and to see how the budget stands. If, at that time, the City is in good financial shape, then the "Operations Contingency Reserve" fund of $100,000 would continue to fund those positions for the remainder of the year. She offered the following changes to the proposed budget and requested open discussion on those recommended changes: (1) deletion of the Grants writer position and contract out such services. Grant writing services could be obtained for either a flat fee for the grant writing or an hourly basis; and if the grant was awarded, then a percentage of that grant (around 5%) would also be paid out. Review of grants awarded in 1991, amount to three grants, with the possibility of a couple additional grants. Reviewing the list of grants received to date, many were awarded in 1989 and 1990. Council had previously discussed the option of contracting our various services as a cost savings measure. In deliberations on the City's solid waste contract, the rates being proposed for Bremerton verses the City of Poulsbo, who fund their own solid waste pick up service, are coming in considerably lower. In certain instances contracting out is economically advantageous and she believed grants writing was one of them. By placing funds into a reserve fund, the City could use that pool of money as set aside for funding grant writing and would provide funding up front for that service. If revenue projects do not meet the realities at mid- year and the options are to lay off life safety people, she felt it was prudent to hold back funds in a reserve contingency fund. If budget projections maintain, then at that time funding can continue for those positions funded for 1/2 year. (2) Civil Service Officer funded full time for first quarter of year and half time for the 2nd through 4th quarters ($4,030). And, to fund Civil Service Office Assistant full time ($11,787). (3) Probation Officer - full time for one half year ($18,980). And, to fund Legal Tech I position full time for one half year ($12,369) . (4) Fund Project Manager position ($45,000) (4) Transfer $100,011 To Operations Contingency Reserve Additional Sources Of Fund: TAPE #976 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes December 11, 1991 Pagel3 of 21 (A) Reduce professional services - Planning ($5,000) Increase Intergovernmental Revenue - Planning ($8,065) (B) Increase Permit Fee Revenue - Building ($20,000) (C) Increase Court Fee Revenue - Municipal Court ($48,077) (D) Project Management Fees ($45,000) (Z) Municipal Services Coordinator - full time one year of year ($19,780) (F) Delete Grants Writer ($48,086) (G) Reduce Set-aside for employee medical and salaries (54,569) Mr. Johnson stated in response to the issue of funding BMSA, he believed Council is committed to supporting this group. When it was first organized, the intent was to ramp down funding support as it became more stable on its own initiative. Over the past few years City circumstances changed and it has been evident that the downtown area needed help and as long as that condition persists he felt the City would be their to provide backup. The future for the downtown area looks much brighter and when it achieves a greater stability the City will go back to the understanding that BMSA will become self-supporting. This should not be construed as a signal that the City does not care any more. In response to the question relating to Cable Access TV funding, he emphasized that the broadcast of City Council meetings cost absolutely nothing due to the dedication of the volunteers who man the cameras. He noted the Council meetings are actually a training ground for the rest of Bremerton Access Television programming. The budget line item of $41,000 covers the cost of 1/2 -time paid staff member, funding to buy tapes, etc., and the purchase of one or two small pieces of equipment each year in an effort to build up the Cable Access program. He assured everyone that Council was the last group to receive benefit from this program and the intent of its use is to provide an "open government" forthe benefit of the community. Mr. Homing questioned if the D.A.R.E. and Crime Stoppers Programs were included in the proposed budget? Mr. Hanna, City Treasurer, stated yes, that is the intention of the Mayor's revised budget. Due to the fact it does not have a financial impact, the budget document did not reflect that change, but it is the transfer of one patrolman position to TAPE #976 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes December 11, 1991 Pagel4 of 21 Crime Prevention. Mr. Hornin~ stated he supported the idea of a "Contingency Reserve" fund due to the fact that the City is going from a sound block of money at the start of the year and it is projected that 1992 will be ended with a slim amount of money remaining. Mr. Overson pointed out the 1991 budget started out with the intent to add approximately 40 people, however, this did not happen as proposed, which turned out to be a cost savings to the City considering the down turn of the economy. The City Council now has the opportunity and responsibility to pro- actively be even more conservative than the Mayor and hopefully save the City from big problems in 1992. He emphasized if the State had been more conservative in their estimates for 1991, their 1992 budget outlook would not be as bleak. Mr. Waibel questioned for clarification the exact documentation Council would be voting on and noted there were no new organizational or personnel numbers being presented even though Council directed that several changes be made? Mr. Hanna stated that point was well taken and it was the Mayor's intent that his proposed budget combined with the financial summary of Council changes (included in the budget packet) would constitute the document to be approved. Mr. Waibel stated he believed Council needed to identify those changes, either by a motion or amendment to the motion, or they would not be part of the budget document. Mr. Collins questioned if the Civil Service Officer position will be full time, per page 38 of the Agenda Packet? Mr. Hanna stated yes, that was correct. President Hotton noted that what Mr. Waibel was referencing was the fact that there were some things Council wanted specifically input into the description. Mr. Hanna stated President Horton and Councilman Waibel were correct and an oversight on his part. The only "descriptive" notation he recalled was the Real Estate Tax Excise fund where there was some discussion relative to some Parks Department projects, which was one of the many updates pages to the preliminary budget. President Morton stated one of those "descriptive" issues had to do with collections and the Treasurer's office. Mr. Waibel suggested that a motion will be needed on the budget documents and then amended to make sure that all of the other things are included. Mr. Johnson related the City of Edmonds recently enacted a 6% tax increase after realizing that they had not done so in the two previous years, which brought about citizens of Edmonds facing an 18% tax increase because they were going back to recoup the two previous years. He questioned if the City now #2240 #2329 #2495 TAPE #976 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes December 11, 1991 Pagel5 of 21 had a similar option? Mr. Manna stated no, throughout his tenure the City had taken the 106% limit. Mr. Walbel pointed out that the City did have the opportunity to bring its taxing level up several years ago and in 1990 the lid of that tax was reached. Mr. Johnson questioned in regard to the operation contingency reserve idea - could that be handled by having a budgeted line item for ending cash? Mr. Hanna stated he believed it could and from an operational standpoint it might be easier and accomplish the intention of what the contingency applies. M/S/C(Johnson/Estes) to approve the budget per pages 35-36 in Agenda Packet, including the cumulative reserve portion of page 38 and replacing the general fund portion with the handout received this date and that staff be directed before second reading of Ordinance to provide revised preliminary budget book pages for personnel and line allocation of funds and changing Operation Contingency Reserve to Ending Cash. Mr. Colvin questioned if this motion would include the Grants Writer position? President Horton stated as the motion was made it would delete the Grants Writer position, however, the ending year cash would provide funding to have that service for contracting out for grant writing. M/S/C(Colvin/Collins) an amendment to the main motion to include the Grants Writer position and fund it from Ending Cash. Vote on amendment: Motion carried. In Favor: Collins, Dawkins, Colvin, Johnson, Waibel Opposed: Overson, Estes, Horning, Horton M/S/C(Waibel/Collins) an amendment to the main motion that the Civil Service Officer position be filled fulled time with funding taken out of Ending Cash. Vote on amendment: Motion carried. In Favor: Dawkins, Colvin, Estes, Waibel, Collins Opposed: Johnson, Overson, Horning, Horton #2605 M/S/F(Waibel/Collins) an amendment to the main motion that the Probation Officer is funded for a full year with funding coming out of Ending Cash; and that the position of Legal Tech TAPE #976 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes December 11, 1991 Pagel6 of 21 be deleted from the 1992 budget Mr. Homing stated he agreed, fundamentally, that a full time Probation Officer is needed, however, he was not supportive of keeping the Legal Tech position. He felt the proposal to fund the Probation Officer and Legal Tech full time for the first half of the year would provide an opportunity to find out if projected revenue incomes would be at a level to support them. He noted that both positions have not proven to support themselves from revenues collected in those specific areas. Therefore, he will not support the amended motion as made. Mr. Waibel stated for clarification that he had intended to exclude the Legal Tech position from the 1992 budget and wanted that stipulated in the motion. Mr. Collins, second to Mr. Waibel's motion, agreed to have that wording added to the motion. Mr. Johnson stated he could not support the amended motion due to the lack of credibility in Court revenue projections. He did support funding of the positions full time for 1/2 of the year and if funding was not produced to cover the costs of the positions, then they would go away. He was not convinced that the Administration would address this issue at mid- year unless it was specifically stipulated in the budget document. Mr. Colvinquestioned for clarification Mr. Waibel's statement that a Probation Officer could not be hired for just 1/2 year? Ian Sievers, City Attorney, stated he believed Mr. Waibel was speaking from a "policy" point of view of what should be done. Mr. Colvinquestioned if revenue projections became a reality would the position be funded for the full year? Mr. Sievers stated it would take an affirmative action to amend the budget to include such funding. President Hotton pointed out the Mayor's budget reflected the position of Probation Officer not be funded for 1992. Mr. Waibel noted the contingency fund looked nice and he supposed Council could depend on staff to request budget adjustments in a timely manner to keep personal on board, however, he had experienced situations whereby that was not done. Vote on amendment: Motion failed. In Favor: Colvin, Waibel, Collins, Dawkins Opposed: Johnson, Overson,Estes, Horning, Horton #2937 M/S/F(Waibel/Colvin) an amendment to the main motion to TAPE #976 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes December 11, 1991 Pagel7 of 21 include the Treasurer reporting directly to the Mayor and the Mission Statement of the Treasurer's Department will include language describing the revenue collection as part of his mission. Mr. Waibel explained his motion was a "revenue neutral" issue, but one that was included relating to personnel line items to take place. A Treasurer's Department would be created with its own set of line items and reporting directly to the Mayor. And, during the first three months of 1992, all of the various departments will determine which of their personnel have revenue collection functions. Mr. Colvin stated he favored this idea, however, he questioned it there should not have been a Study Session on this item before adopting such a proposal? Mr. Waihel stated there had been previous discussions on this issue and that the Mayor was agreeable to such a proposal. Mr. Johnson stated he agreed in concept with Mr. Waibel as well as with the City Auditor, who had reviewed the City's Charter on this issue. However, he believed there were a number of implications that go beyond the straight dollar and reporting process. If such a move were to be made, then there are a lot of other things that need to go along withit. He also questioned the legality of Council trying to engineer this type of change during the adoption of the budget. He would like to see this issue addressed in 1992. Mr. Waibel pointed out Council did have the right to make such a change at this time. Delineating who would report to the City Treasurer and how it would affect all the other departments could be dealt with later. Mr. Sievers stated the suggested motion would affect the document and the reorganization of the City Treasurer by placing an organizational page in the Budget Document, which could be done at this time. An affective date could be stipulated for an organization change, however, he was not sure how that could be written into the Budget document. He noted it might be appropriate to include this issue under the process of SLI's (Council's Statements Of Legislative Intent). Mr. Waibel stated he wishes to have his motion address moving the City Treasurer directly under the Mayor and then discuss the other aspects of such a move during a Study Session process. He emphasized Council had discussed some of these same changes during the 1991 Budget process, which resulted in no action of any kind. Therefore, that was why he wanted some time lines included in the budget so that steps could be taken to achieve development of the new organization. He emphasized the Charter states that all revenue collection has to be done by the City Treasurer. Mr. Colvinquestioned if the motion could be approved, in concept, TAPE #976 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes December 11, 1991 Pagel8 of 21 and have details worked out later? Mr. Sievers stated specific changes are being proposed to the budget document and if Council wanted to add an amending section to the ordinance itself, which adopts the budget, that would be possible. Wai~el stated if Council approves the present motion without his amendment, the organizational chart will be approved. What he is striving to do is to have a couple of the pages changed in the budget document relating to the City Treasurer reporting directly to the Mayor, not the City Clerk. The City Clerk's department would be reduced by that organization. TAPE #977 In discussing this with the City Attorney and City Treasurer during a brief break of the Council meeting, Mr. Waibel explained the budget could be amended by amending the organization chart for the Treasurer's office to report directly to the Mayor, having it removed from the City Clerk's Department; and the Mission Statement of the Treasurer's Department contains' the statement that such office will provide all revenue collection services. Mr. Waibel amended the wording of his amended motion and was concurred in by Mr. Colvin, who seconded that amended motion. Mr. Johnson stated he would continue to oppose the amended motion as presented. He pointed out the City Charter says that the City Treasurer shall receive and keep all moneys due and belonging to the City. That does not say that the City Treasurer or his people collect all the money. He cautioned Council to carefully look at what was being proposed. Waibel stated as a clarification to his amended motion, he wanted the statement in the Charter, which Mr. Johnson read, to be part of the Mission Statement of the Treasurer's Department. Mr. Overson stated this issue had been reviewed many times and that it was a contentious discussion. He did not advocate engineering such a change from the Council podium and urged Council to take the needed time to do it correctly. President Morton stated she understood the concern that the City be in conformance with the City Charter, however, she cautioned against taking on Administrative chores at this time. She would feel much better about making such changes if the Mayor worked with his staff to develop such a proposal. Mr. Overson pointed out there are items in the City Charter that are not taken and applied literally and Council needs to understand how those applications fit. Mr. Waibel emphasized that this is the only time Council can make such a change. Effort by Council had been made to do it at other times within the year, however, steps were not taken by the Administration to make it happen. Mr. Morning. stated he agreed with Mr. Waibel in that Council had requested that things like this be handled Administratively and unfortunately just never happened TAPE #977 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes December 11, 1991 Page 19 of 21 #3239 and those are the things that drive Council to take on such "engineering" type actions. He would not support the motion as made because he believed it was far more dramatic than any discussion held so far. It goes beyond how it will affect other departments, people responsibilities, possible salary adjustments to'Senior Department Mangers, etc. He understood the concept of such a proposal and hoped Mr. Waibel would prevail in making the Charter comply in the new year. Mr. Waibel pointed out he brought this issue up in October and requested that it be part of the budget discussion, which it was, and now there appears to be some hesitancy to move forward on such a change. If Council does not change the organization chart as part of the budget, it won't happen. Mr. Collins stated Mr. Waibel's proposal was in line with the proposed organizational Chart that Council President Horton brought forth during one of their budget Study sessions; and that was one of the reasons he supported this proposal because it had been seriously thought over for several years. He acknowledged there are ramifications, which can be worked out. Mr. Colvln noted in the process of reviewing Charters of other cities, City Treasurer's have a direct line from the Mayor and they do work. Vote on amended motion: In Favor: Waibel, Collins, Dawkins, Colvin Opposed: Johnson, Overson, Estes, Horning Abstained: Horton Motion failed. President Hotton noted her abstention was based on the fact that she agreed with the proposal in principal but needed to see it in practicality. M/S/F(Collins/Waibel) an amendment to the main motion to make the Municipal Services Coordinator a full time position for the entire year and reduce the Ending Cash by $19,780. Vote on amended motion: Motion failed. In Favor: Opposed: Waibel, Collins, Dawkins, Colvin Overson, Estes, Homing, Johnson, Horton Discussion on the main motion: President Horton restated the main motion as follows: that the Mayor's budget be approved (page 38) with the inclusion of the Cumulative Reserve Fund; and from the handout sheet the TAPE #977 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes December 11, 1991 Page 20 of 21 Civil Service Officer is funded full time for a full year; Grants Writer is funded full time for full year; inclusion of D.A.R.E. and Crime Stoppers Programs; deleting the transfer to Ending Year cash the appropriate amount to make a balanced budget. Mr. Homing stated he did not believe Council was being fair and honest about what the City is facing in 1992. He noted there is only $37,000 being put into Ending Cash and he would not support this budget as proposed. He pointed out this would be the first time in his tenure on the Council that he would not support adopting the City's budget. He did not believe the City would go without major lay offs mid-year. President Hotton noted she felt the City had spent too much this past year and some people were being too optimistic at this point. She hoped there would be a major turn-around in the economy with the advent of the 1992 Presidential election. Mr. Johnson stated he would vote in favor of the budget as proposed, but realizes'that about July-August of 1992, Council will have to consider some tough budget adjustments that will affect the City. He wished that more progress had been made to make some conservative cuts at this time. President Hotton pointed out the projection for ending cash in 1991, is $800,000 and that only about $100,000 is anticipated for ending cash in 1992. If this happens, the City will witness a year of "cash flow" problems. Mr. Colvln stated he agreed with Mr. Horning, however, he would support approving the proposed budget based on the fact that it is not etched in concrete and can be revised throughout the year. Mr. Waibel stated he was much more optimistic than some of his fellow Council members and emphasized a more positive attitude would prove more beneficial to the City. Mr. Estes stated realistically speaking, 1992 will be challenging and he reminded Council to remember the City's priorities when the times come, if they come, to do any cutting, i.e., police, fire, etc. President Hotton stated she did not believe this proposed budget addressed Council's priorities. TAPE #977 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes December 11, 1991 Page 21 of 21 Vote on main motion: Motion carried. In Favor: Opposed: Collins, Dawkins, Colvin, Johnson, Overson Estes, Horning, Waibel, Horton With no further business meeting adjourned at 9:07 p.m. KATHLEEN L. McCLUSKEY,'Ci~Clerk RTON, Council President City of Bremerton cc: Normal Distribution File/Vault