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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/28/90 TAPE ~714 UNAPPROVED DP. AFT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 28, 1990 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 February 28,, 1990 at 5:30 p.m., with Council President Lynn Horton presiding. Council members present were: Wayne Estes, Spencer Horning, Hank Waibel, Morrie Dawkins, C. R. "Tiny" Collins, A1 Colvin and Russ Johnson. Councilman Lon Overson 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 Invocation was given by Chaplin Ben Belcher of Harrison Hospital. CONSENT AGENDA A. Minutes Of Meeting Held - February 14, 1990, %AB90-036 ~0049 M/S/C/U(Waibel/Horning) 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 which has been made available to the council. %1950 M/S/C/U(Colvin/Dawkins) on February 28, 1990 the Council does approve for payment those vouchers included and further described as follows: 105392, 105393, 105404, 105405, 105696 through 105921 in the total amount of $205,463.57 and Retirees Payroll in the total amount of $49,598.65. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS Mr. Estes reported the Ethics Committee met on February 22, work is progressing and when a draft ordinance is completed it will be sent to each City Department for review for their evaluation. During discussions with a leading local landlord it was pointed out the Housing Code needs to be rewritten, however, it should also include responsibilities for tenants as well as those for landlords. Mr. Estes welcomed any landlord in the community to provide input into such an ordinance, and they can contact him through the City Council office. By getting rid of slums Bremerton will be upgraded greatly. Mr. Homing reported he, as well as other Council members, attended a farewell reception for Dick Mumma, former Building Officials for the city; and Mr. Horning wished Dick and his family good luck. He commended Mr. Mumma on the many contributions he made to the City while serving the City. He attended the Council Coalition TAPE #714 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes February 28, 1990 Page 2 of 9 dinner/meeting on February 27, and particularly enjoyed Mayor Rice's presentation, that he is an ally of Bremerton, and when Mayor Rice formed a bond with this community eight years ago it was a very positive experience. He thanked Russ Johnson and former Councilman Jim Adrian for their effort in establishing the bond with the King County and Seattle delegation. Mr. Waibel also felt the meeting of the Council Coalition was extremely beneficial for the City and that it offered an excellent opportunity to get some important points across to Mayor Rice. He noted Mayor Rice did a very good job explaining why he felt the region was just as important as Seattle itself and that benefits to other parts of the region benefitted Seattle. Mr. Waibel attended the Elks reception honoring Mayor Mentor, which offered a fine program and semi-roast of Mayor Mentor. Mr. Johnson thanked everyone for their compliments on the Council Coalition dinner/meeting and extended additional thanks to Merilynn Erhart, Council Legislative Assistance, for coordinating this event and Marie Lou Cameron of the Visitor & Convention Bureau for assistance in setting up a display showing some of the many positive projects going on in the City. Mr. Johnson expressed amazement that Mayor Rice, in making decisions as to how he lobbies in Olympia and how he works with other cities, is just as willing to look at temporary increases in some of his general fund operating costs if it means long-term growth to the region, which in turn will be long-term growth for Seattle. Mr. Johnson pointed out there was a news article in today's newspaper about some long range plans for Olympic College. There was also a plan in today's newspaper which talked about possibly moving some of Kitsap County's offices to Bremerton. He felt if there was a way for Bremerton to help both Port Orchard and the County solve their problem in a cost effective way he would certainly welcome that and would be willing to work with them. Mr. Colvin applauded Councilman Estes' effort in trying to improve housing conditions within the City and hoped he did not get discouraged while undertaking this task. He complimented Russ Johnson and Merilynn Erhart for their efforts putting together the Council Coalition meeting. He enjoyed Mayor Rice's presentation and was impressed with Mayor Rice's concern for the cities surrounding the City of Seattle. He attended the Elks roast of Mayor Mentor on Sunday, which was well attended and a very enjoyable event. Mr. Colvin stated he was pleased with the list of Service Clubs who will be assisting in the clean up of Bremerton; and Del Knauss has been appointed to work with Terri Hartson to work on a "year round clean up" program for the City. During the past week Mr. Colvin received a number of calls from concerned citizens over the new utility billing. They expressed TAPE #714 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes February 28, 1990 Page 3 of 9 concern with the difficulty in understanding them and the poor response of Water Utility personnel' in trying to answer questions relating to the new billing. Mr. Colvin suggested that anyone having difficulty should contact Mayor Mentor's office. Mr. Colvin congratulated a long time bus driver (48 years of service), who recently retired and noted how gentle and kind this man had been to residents of Bremerton for these many years. Mr. Dawkins reported the Bremerton Central Lions Club has volunteered to undertake ongoing clean up efforts on the area from Pacific to Park Avenue along 4th Street. He pointed out the Transportation Bill is up and ready to go, however, he believes it will not be passed during the regular session but will be voted on during a Special Session. Mr. Collins reported the meeting of the Council Coalition was very informative and enjoyable. Mrs. Horton also attended the Council Coalition event and thanked Mr. Collins for his assistance in coordinating security details for Mayor Rice's visit as well as coordinating services of the Officers CLub. She noted one of the things discussed with Mayor Rice during the meeting was the possibility of having cross-Lake Washington ferry service. Obviously, one of the benefits of that happening would be the addition of several Legislative Districts, who would at that point have a vested interest in ferry service and that in turn would help Bremerton and Kitsap County as far as spot lighting the Washington state Ferry System. She also echoed Mr. Johnson's comments regarding the proposal that some County offices could be moved into the downtown area. She did not want to see this become an inflammatory issue but she also thinks it is something that should be looked into to see if there is any feasibility of not just County involvement but maybe State, Federal and City participation in some type of combined governmental services facility. PUBLIC RECOGNITION Mayor Louis Mentor thanked Russ Johnson and the City Council for inviting the Mayors of Kitsap County cities to the Council Coalition meeting. He introduced Terri Hartson, who will coordinate an ongoing clean up program for the City of Bremerton. Terrie Hartson briefly outlined what has happened so far in developing the clean up program. Approximately 700 letters requesting help have been mailed out and she is getting a good response from the general public as well as service organizations. Gene Nelson, 323 Dora St., stated he had a suggestion to present~ which he also presented to the Board Of Regents of Olympic College on February 27. The future growth of the college and future growth TAPE #714 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes February 28, 1990 Page 4 of 9 of the City depends upon what the City Council and the Regents of Olympic College do in the next few months to a year. The City has something the college wants -Roosevelt Field; and, he stated for the record that he is totally against the sale of Roosevelt Field just to sell it, however, he believes Olympic College should have it for their expansion. The college has something the City wants and needs and before they sell it the City should use their trump card to get it...that is waterfront property in the downtown area. Before the City looses the power it holds (Roosevelt Field), it should take some action. If the college condemns Roosevelt Field to acquire it, they will drive the wedge between the City and the college deeper and will cost the taxpayers more money. Mr. Nelson presented the suggestion of Bremopoly - he previously presented a card to Olympic College which stated "BOARDWALK" and he presented a card titled "PARK PLACE" to Council President Lynn Horton and recommended that the City and Olympic College exchange cards (actually trade proDerties), which would be of great benefit to both entities. Lawrence Stein, 1514 N. Wycoff, expressed concern over the new Water Utility billing and the poor response of Water Utility clerks to try and help explain the new format. He felt the old billing was understood by the residents. The new format does indicate clearly how much water was used, however, it just lists the price charged for sewage, which has increased in cost. He felt that the billing should include more explanation as to what it really states. 6A - SAFETY INCENTIVE PROGRAM AWARDS, %AB90-037 In October, 1988, the City established a Safety Incentive Program designed to encourage safe practices, promote safety awareness, and recognize employees who demonstrate safe working habits. Three employees to be recognized under this program will be presented with certificates and pins. Mayor Louis Mentor stated it was his pleasure to recognize three employees for their contributions to the City's safety and loss control efforts. He introduced Jethro Purdy (JP) , who is a relatively new City employee, a labor worker in the Sign shop. He is being recognized at this time for his attention to the safety issues he encounters daily and for his accident free performance to date. Mayor Mentor noted the City is proud to have JP as an employee. And, he presented him with a "Safety" pin and a Certificate Of Appreciation which stated: "Jethro Purdy has given exceptional service and attained special recognition for excellence in the Safety Incentive Program". Jethro Purd¥ thanked everyone for this honor, however, he felt it would not have been possible had it not been for his superiors instilling in him a certain importance to be safe while working with different types of TAPE ~714 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes February 28, 1990 Page 5 of 9 equipment and operation of heavy vehicles. Mayor Mentor introduced Jack Allingham, who has been employed for the past 3 1/2 years as a Senior Planner in the Planning Department. His position requires him to service the public from his office as well as at construction sites. He is being recognized for his ability to work safely and effectively to a variety of difficult circumstances. Mayor Mentor presented Jack with a "Safety" pin and a Certificate of Appreciation. Jack Allin~ham thanked the Director of Community Development, Don Pratt and all the members in the Planning Department for allowing him to accept this award. Mayor Mentor recognized Dave Siliven, veteran employee of 24 years in the Parks and Recreation Department. He is truly a working foreman who spends every day working side-by-side with his crew. At this time he is being recognized for the example he sets by working efficiently and safely in a wide array of projects. His ability to lead in a positive professional manner is valued by the City and is of great benefit to the public. 7A - ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) RELATING TO OUTDOOR FIRES AND THE FIRE ALARM CODE, %AB90-038 The proposed ordinance prohibits some types of fires that are currently permitted and incorporates some pollution control requirements of the Air Pollution Control Board. The proposed ordinance sets out a more efficient system for issuance of fire permits, and specifies the purpose and general standards of the 1977 Fire Alarm Code. Finally, sections pertaining to violations and penalties are removed as they are addressed in other ordinances. Gre~ Finke, City Fire Marshal, stated the intent of this ordinance is to rewrite a somewhat antiquated ordinance, which does not represent changes that had come about in recent years through changes required by both Department Of Ecology and Air Pollution Control Board regarding open burning and the types of materials that are allowed to be burned. The former ordinance allowed burning of many other products, which today by modern regulations are considered to be hazardous and noxious items. The proposed ordinance eliminates burning of anything other than natural vegetation, such as tree branches, lawn clippings, etc. Anything that is a treated wood, such as plywood, painted woods, chemically treated wood, rubber products, petroleum products, dead animals, trash, rubbish, garbage, which have all been basically declared illegal by the Air Pollution Board, are prohibited. The intent of the proposed ordinance is to bring the City's Municipal Code into alignment with the State agencies that mandated what can and cannot be burned. Public comment invited - none received. TAPE #714 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes February 28, 1990 Page 6 of 9 Mr. Estes requested clarification of the difference between a "burn barrel" and an "incinerator". Mr. Finke stated an incinerator is generally a masonry structure that was originally designed to burn trash. The problem with incinerators is that people who burn trash are burning illegally - it is not permitted by air pollution control regulations. Mr. Estes questioned who are the higher authorities that dictate such regulations? Mr. Finke stated Air Pollution Control Board regulates burning and pollution inherent with burning processes and the Department Of Ecology handles pollution on the ground and in the waters, both being State agencies. Mr. Finke noted there are many issues that the municipality has a problem with in regard to enforcement from a regulatory standpoint due to the varying requirements placed on the general population by the different bodies. The largest single problem the City has is finding some uniformity in applying the City's laws and ordinances to such things as open burning. Burning as a residential clean up fire does not present a problem to the City...the problem stems from large developmental land clearing type burning situations where other properties are affected. The City has had a recent history of many complaints by various individuals and/or corporations regarding damages they have suffered both physically health wise as well as monetary wise. Mr. Estes questioned if the mandating regulations process will come to a halt? Mr. Finke stated State regulations are created without any vehicle for enforcement and as such place the responsibility for enforcement on the local municipality. President Horton stated, as a representative on the Air Pollution Board, to some extent the City is mandated by Federal regulations. The Air Quality Board was created by the State Legislature and as such they have rule making capacity. In order to lodge complaints or comments regarding rule making, citizens need to direct their comments and concerns to the State Legislature and also the U.S. Congress. Since she has been seated on the Board she has tried to interject a little "common sense" into the proceedings - it is very difficult because those who live in Kitsap County have relative clean air compared to a lot of other jurisdictions, such as Tacoma, King and Snohomish Counties. Mr. Johnson stated he feels the Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Authority (PSAPCA) has become a group of zealots who are out of control. He acknowledged the environment has to be cleaned up but there should be a more fair treatment between what is being required of residents and what is being required of big business. Even in the PSAPCA rules there is nothing passed as yet which requires any reduction in residential yard waste burning, barbecue pits, weeny roasts, etc. However, he is concerned over some of the language contained in the proposed ordinance which technically says "no weeny roasts" after dark, and depending on lot size configuration yard waste clean up may not be allowed. TAPE #714 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes February 28, 1990 Page 7 of 9 Specifically, under Section 3 it addresses not allowing any kind of a fire on a public street; and he questioned if this includes public rights--of-way. He hoped this did not exclude the portable barbecues that are used for food preparation at Street Fairs. Mr. Finke stated the proposed ordinance did not specifically state that no barbecues would be allowed at Street Fairs. Those are controlled cooking fires and would not come under this ordinance. And, yes it included Public right-of-ways, alleys, sidewalks. Mr. Jonson questioned the section where it states it will be unlawful to start or kindle a fire on any public beaches within the City limits. Mr. Finke stated for clarification that what they consider a "fire" is not a barbecue. A barbecue is a controlled fire, contained area..ring of rocks, etc. What they are concerned with is a loose, open, uncontrolled fire whether it be driftwood or wood that was brought to the beach. They are not trying to regulate people who want to have a barbecue at the beach. Mr. Johnson suggested that a list of definitions be included to clarify such points. And, he questioned the wording "unlawful to start or kindle any fire using a flammable liquid"....does this exclude lighter fluid to start charcoal? Mr. Finke stated what they are referring to in that passage is regarding land cleaning fires and does not preclude chemical lighter fluids. Mr. Colvin questioned what was the cost of a burning permit to do residential clean up burning and how long were they good for? Mr. Finke stated currently they are going through a transition whereby the Department Of Community Development has elected not to continue writing Fire Permits on behalf of the Fire Department. They have given the permit fee and writing of permits back to the Fire Department, however, the Fire Department is not in a position to make monetary cash transactions and in the best interest of the Fire Department they would like to delete the charging of a fee. The only reason they would like to continue writing permits is that on the permit itself it gives each person a copy of the burning regulation. And, each permit would be valid for a one year period. Mr. Homing stated he did not agree with the wording which eliminates beach fires. He cited the instance where vegetation is cut from a steep embankment and the only place where it can be disposed of is on the beach. Mr. Finke stated this is something they can work on with the City Attorney and come back with a revised proposal. Mr. Horninq noted in Section 5 it restricts the size of a pile to be burned not to exceed four feet by four feet and not more than three feet in height. Mr. Finke stated the logic behind this wording is that it is not necessarily a maximum but they do need to keep it in reasonable terms. The main concern is that there is adequate control available in the area where the burning activity will take place. Mr. Horninq noted in Section 11 TAPE #714 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes February 28, 1990 Page 8 of 9 by reference it is including the "1977 Fire Alarm Code" and he requested that a brief explanation of what that includes be incorporated in the wording of the ordinance. ~1741 M/S/C/U(Waibel/Colvin) To table this issue for two weeks. Presi4ent Horton stated on Thursday, March 1, 1990, she will be attending a 3/4 day session with the PSAPC Board and will present the Council's concerns during that meeting. 7B - ORDINANCE ~4261 (SECOND READING) ESTABLISHING A CITY SOLID WASTE POLICY AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE, #AB90--35 Don Larson, Bremerton resident, commended the Council for thinking ahead on the solid waste issue. #1816 M/S/C/U(Colvin/Waibel) to pass Ordinance #4261, on second reading, establishing a Solid Waste Committee and amending Bremerton Municipal Code Chapter 6.06. Mr. Johnson thanked Mr. Larson for his comment and noted he had reviewed a letter from Mr. Larson regarding Bremerton garbage services and found it to be one of the more well researched issues that he has seen. He will be passing it on to Brem-Air Disposal, Inc., for their reconsideration. And, he encouraged him to fill out an application to service as a Committee member for the City. 7C - RESOLUTION #2288, RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMIT PETITION 800 BLOCK OF PARK AVENUE, EAST SIDE ZONE 6, #AB90-039 The residents of the 800 block of Park Avenue, east side, have submitted a petition for residential permit parking. The petition has been signed by a minimum of 2/3 residents as required by BMC 21.08. The area has been posed for not less than 10 days. Kathleen McCluske¥, City Clerk, stated the request had been approved by the Engineering Department and the area had been posted for 10 days with no appeal. Public comment invited - none received. #1915 M/S/C/U(Colvin/Dawkins) to approve Resolution #2288, designating a residential parking permit area (Zone 6). With no further business meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. TAPE #714 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes February 28, 1990 Page 9 of 9 KATHLEEN L. M Y CLERK APPROVED LO~NN HORTON, Council President City of Bremerton KLM/LH/me cc: Normal Distribution File/Vault