HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/24/90 '1990
TAPE ~708 UNAPPROVED DRAFT
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 24, 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, January 24, 1990 at 5:30 p.m.,
with Council President Lynn Horton presiding. Council members
present were Lon Overson, Wayne Estes, Spencer Horning Hank
Waibel, C. R. "Tiny" Collins, Morrie Dawkins, A1 Coivin, and Russ
Johnson. Also present were City Attorney Ian Sievers and Deputy
City Clerk Gil Johnson.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council
President Horton and Invocation was given by Reverend Jim Wallace
of the Neighborhood Christian Center.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes Of Meeting - January 10, 1990, #AB90-012
~0018 M/S/C/U(Waibel/Dawkins) to approve Consent Agenda as presented.
CLAIMS/CHECK 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.
~0037 M/S/C/U(Colvin/Overson) on January 24, 1990 the Council does
approve for payment those checks included and further described as
follows: 103610 through 103783 in the total amount of $279,052.56
and Regular Payroll in the amount of $342,354.38.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Mr. Estes announced Wednesday, January 1, the Bremerton Area
Chamber Of Commerce is sponsoring a bus trip to Olympia and the
opportunity to meet with State Legislators. The cost of the trip
is: later departure $30/including dinner or the 4:00 PM departure
$10/bus trip only.
Mr. Waibel reported on Friday evening, January 19~ 1990, he
attended the First Annual Mayor's Ball, which was well attended and
included excellent entertainment by a variety of groups.
Mr. Johnson reported there has been a lot of interest from citizens
regarding the Cable Television elimination of channels and changes
recently made. He noted 1990 is a special year for cable because
of the 1984 Cable Act, which established a rules, with Congress
including a review process (6-years later- 1990). This is a good
year to complain to your local Congressman or express concerns
about local cable systems, how they are operated, the restrictions
of programming and different channels. Solid Waste - Bremerton is
getting its act together regarding solid waste and one of the
things the City Council, Mayor and staff have agreed on is to move
ahead and set up some kind of mechanism to receive some citizen
input and formalize some of those actions to decide what types of
service will be provided, in what mannerr etc. Mr. Johnson drafted
a proposal outlining a committee membership which would include
representation from the City Council, City staff and citizens to
work together putting together policies so that the Mayor knows
what the citizens and City Council want in a new contract. Mr.
Johnson requesEed additional input from fellow Council members
within the next week so that the Committee can be formed within the
next month. Recycling - good news...in looking at some statistics
on Kitsap County as to what happened in 1989 without a formal
program of education or formal curbside pickup...changes over 1988:
over 66,000 more pounds of aluminum was recycled, newspapers were
up approximately 5,000,000, cardboard recycling more than doubled;
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metal recycling is up, Glass recycling is up four times, almost 1/2
million pounds, metal recycling is up five times - 200,000 lbs.
Just from these figures it shows the public is interested in
recycling and progress is being made in that area. Jail
Information - Mr. Johnson reminded staff that he was still waiting
for additional information as to why Kitsap County jail costs
doubled since 1987. News article "Smith Cove" - he noted he had
received very positive comments over the proposal by the Port of
Bremerton and Don LindGren and their tentative plan for a marina
and enhancement of that area. Water Leak - Mr. Johnson noted if
someone has a water leak that is under Ground between the meter and
building the owners are not charged for sewer services, however,
if the leak is identified within the house, such as a leaky toilet
or faucet and putting water down into the drain, then there is a
charge on the sewer billing. UniGov Article - Mr. Johnson stated
the citizens of Bremerton should think very strongly before Giving
consideration to UniGov. If the population distribution is looked
at within the County and where the votes would be on a Government
such as this, he did not think Bremerton would come out very well.
As far as the Mayor of Bremerton Goes, the Mayor has always had
veto power over the City Council, however, maybe what Mr. Lobe was
commenting on was that he would have liked the veto power without
the City Council having power to override that veto.
Mr. Colvin announced NARFE Chapter is sponsoring a free Income Tax
Assistance program for senior citizens, the handicapped and
low/moderate income citizens, which will be located at the Sheridan
Parks Recreation Center, 680 Lebo Blvd., on Mondays and Fridays
from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.~ beginning February 2 through April 16.
Additional information on this tax program may be obtained by
calling 377-7307. He announced a reception will be held on
February 9, 1990, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., at the Bremer Student Center
at Olympic College, honoring the two newly elected Trustees.
Invitations will be sent out to all City/County elected officials
as well as State officials. Mr. Colvin emphasized the fact that
Olympic College is a Good neighbor and very much appreciated.
Mr. Dawkins reported the Operations Committee met this date with
Carol Dickinson Giving a report on the rehab loan program and first
time buyers program. He noted there are lots of opportunities
available but not very many people have responded. The target area
for the rehab program is the Navy Yard fence to about llth Street.
On Friday, January 19, he attended the all day Flagship Retreat.
As a part of the retreat Mr. Schoneman revealed the marina proposal
for the Smith Cove area. Mr. Dawkins emphasized there are many
positive things happening in Bremerton.
Mr. Collins thanked Mayor Mentor and those on his staff who helped
put on the Mayor's Ball. He felt it was an outstanding event and
was extremely pleased with the number of staff who attended. He
was also extremely pleased with his seating arrangement as he had
the opportunity to sit with the President of the NAACP and
President of the Filipino Group.
Mrs. Horton reported the Citizens Parking Committee will be meeting
on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 5:00 P.M., in the City Council
Conference room. She invited anyone interested in parking issues
to please join them. Also, she reported Flagship has received a
$25,000 grant by the State Community Development Office, which will
be used for coming up with a plan for downtown redevelopment.
Special thanks were extended to Connie Devaney, Grants Procurement
Officer for the City and all those involved in working on the Grant
application.
PUBLIC RECOGNITION
Dick Mumma, Building Official, announced the Bremerton Permit
Center, which was approved by Council the end of October, is now
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complete except for a few minor details. The Building Department,
Planning Department and Community Services Department will be
moving in to their new facility on Thursday, January 25. He noted
there might be a little inconvenience to the public but they will
continue to operate both offices while the move is being completed.
He thanked City departments for their tremendous effort -
Communications Department, Electricians, Data Process Department,
Facilities and anyone else involved. He invited all the Council
members to stop by and see them in their new location.
Mayor Louis Mentor reported the Ball held Friday evening was very
nice and well attended. In regard to the proposal for the Smith
Cove area, it is his feeling this will have a significant impact
on Bremerton. He noted Fred Schoneman had been working on this
plan for several years and when it comes into fruition it will be
a great thing for the City. He extended special thanks to the Port
Of Bremerton and Don Lindgren.
6A - SALE OF REAL PROPERTY - WATER UTILITY MEADOWDALE WELL SITE,
~AB90-013
On December 4, 1985, City Council approved a declaration of surplus
and authorized sale of the 9 acre (plus or minus) parcel of real
property owned by the City Utility known as Meadowdale Well Site.
Similar action was taken by the City Commissioners in 1980.
Surplusing action was conducted in accordance with procedures
outlined in City Police 1-6, including Planning Commission Hearing
and Utility Land Management Plan. The property lies a significant
distance outside the Bremerton City Limits and the Utility service
area. The site will not be utilized for future enhancement of the
City's water supply and distribution system.
The property was placed on the market in January 1986 and
advertised for ten consecutive days as required by statute. The
minimum acceptable bid and appraised value was $135,000.
Subsequently the property was listed with several realtors.
However, no offers have been received. There have been no serious
inquiries until an offer was received on January 17, 1990, in the
amount of $125,000. The prospective buyer will submit earnest
money with the sale subject to obtaining a preliminary plat
approval from Kitsap County within forty-five (45) days of the
offer acceptance by the City. The assessed valuation of $99,000
has remained unchanged for five years.
Mr. Dawkins stated he would step down on this issue due to the fact
that the real estate company he works for is involved in the
proposed sale.
Bill Puffy, Utilities Directors, provided a map showing the
location of the sub3ect site and noted it was located significantly
north of the City limits. At one time the City provided water to
the Esquire Hills/Rolling Hills area and in the late 1970's the
City was required to enter into an agreement to establish a
boundary between the City's water system and the North Perry Water
District. Consequently, the subject site ended up being located
outside the City's system. Originally it was a 10-acre parcel,
however, the well and one acre was deeded over as part of the trade
to North Perry. The City has attempted a number of times to sell
the property.
Mr. Overson questioned if there was marketable timber on the site?
Mr. Puffy explained the property is timbered mostly with alder and
brush, but the value is relative low. Mr. Overson questioned if
the City held onto the property for a few more years what are the
chances the value would go up? Mr. Puffy stated it is hard to
speculate on real estate values - the City has not had much success
marketing the property during the past years. The intent, if the
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sale proposal is accepted, would be to reinvest the money derived
from this sale into the Utility Cumulative Reserve Fund for land
acquisition out and around the City's watershed.
Mr. Estes questioned if the City had tried to trade this site for
other property nearer the City's watershed? Mr. Puffy explained
the properties desires by the City to trade for are mostly owned
by one large corporation and when asked if they were interested in
the subject site they did not indicate they were interested. Also,
Mr. Duffy pointed out large timber companies would prefer to trade
land rather than sell due to the large capital gains tax they would
be required to pay.
Mr. Collins questioned what was the compelling need for the City
to divest itself from this land at this time? Mr. Puffy stated
they are looking to secure other properties around the watershed
in order to protect the City's water supply and in accordance with
recent changes in Federal statutes concerning drinking water
supplies. Much of the City's watershed to the west is currently
in private hands and the City is trying to buy up as much of the
drainage area around the Union River reservoir so that the City
owns 100% of the drainage area. Mr. Collins pointed out the
subject property has platted land on three sides and questioned if
it would be more value as possible developable land and why isn't
the City looking at that point? Mr. Duff¥ restated the City has
a compelling need ~o secure the other properties and the funds
derived from this sale would help purchase lands near the City's
watershed.
Mr. Colvin questioned if there was any other process other than
purchasing that the City could secure land? Mr. Duffy stated
there are one of two methods.., to pay cash provided the seller is
willing to sell or the City can use the condemnation process.
Mr. Colvin pointed out the possibility of maybe using the subject
property as a wedge for annexation in the future.
Mr. Overson pointed out that sale of the subject site would put it
back on the tax rolls for the County and would also allow for some
real estate to be developed.
Deputy City Clerk Johnson raised point as to whether or not a
motion would be needed to reaffirm action to surplus subject
property due to length of time period when property was initially
made surplus. Mr. Overson challenged that point by noting that
action taken officially by a previous Council would be in force
until a change was made. Ian Sievers, City Attorney, stated he
agreed with Mr. Overson.
President Horton questioned if the properties near the watershed
are of a comparable value to the subject site? Mr. Duffy stated
he was not comparing it to another parcel, there are a number of
parcels up in the Blue Hills area and the value of that land is
running about $1,500/acre plus timber resources. The subject site
is appraised~ due to its location, substantially higher.
Mr. Waibel question what would be the procedure for making
something non-surplus? Mr. Sievers stated just a simple motion to
take a property off of being surplus based on change of
circumstances and new needs that may arise or possible just passage
of time, however, the important point to remember is once that
surplus decision is made it is direction to the administration to
continue efforts to sell it.
Mr. Johnson noted because of its location there are a lot of
activities on the property and may in fact be more of a problem
and putting the City in a liability situation.
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Mr. Estes pointed out in the past 10-15 years this area has had a
soft real estate market and now it is just starting to turn around
and careful consideration should be given to that fact.
~0903 M/S/C(Overson/Horning) to accept the offer received on January 17,
1990, subject to the conditions presented by the buyer.
Vote: In Favor: Horning, Waibel, Johnson, Overson,
Horton
Opposed: Collins, colvin, Estes
Bill Duff¥, Utilities Director, stated it has been a number of
years since development of the Utilities Land Management Plan,
which did go through the Planning Commission as well as an
elaborate process. With the number of new Council members and
changes being made, he suggested bringing this plan back to the
Council for a current briefing during a Study Session.
6B - CIVIL SERVICE RULE CHANGE - REMOVING CITY COUNCIL FROM CIVIL
SERVICE RULE MAKING, ~AB90-014
The current Civil Service Rule 6.03 requires confirmation by the
City Council of all rules and amendments thereof. In R.C.W. 41.08
and 41.12, the legislature intended for the Civil Service
Commission to make its own rules and regulations, and does not
require the legislative body to approve those rules. The change
to Rule 6.03 will reflect this intent.
Leila Mills, Counsel to the Civil Service Commission, stated she
was prepared to answer any questions.
Public comment invited - none received.
Mr. Johnson stated he supported this proposal as long as the rules
only apply to the scope of things that the Civil Service Commission
deals with, i.e., procedures for hiring, giving promotions,
dismissals, etc. However, he did want to confirm that Council
would not be waiving any of its rights of confirmation of
Commissioners to sit on the Civil Service Commission, changing the
organizational structure of the Commission, numbers of staff under
the Commission, any financial budget impacts or any thing that
might conflict with the Mayor or City Council's role in labor
relations. Ms. Mills stated it would only affect the rules that
the Civil Service would make as to how it conducts its own business
as a Civil Service Commission, i.e., how it handles appeals,
conducting hearings, etc. Mr. Johnson noted the Civil Service
Commission should be independent of any political pressure from
either the Administration or the Legislative branch.
Mr. Colvin questioned what prompted this proposal and was the City
acting in an adverse way and contrary to Civil Service Rules? Ms.
Mills explained that as a part of her responsibility working with
the Civil Service Commission she researches and reviews current
state law and it became apparent that there was a discrepancy
between RCW 41.08 and RCW 51.12, therefore, that discrepancy was
brought to the attention of the Civil Service Commission.
:1255 M/S/C/U(Waibel/Colvin) City Council approves the change in the
Civil Service Rules removing the City Council from confirmation of
rule making.
7A - RESOLUTION ~2285 - ADOPTING A VEHICLE USE POLICY AND REPEALING
RESOLUTION ~2041, ~AB90-015
The City's Vehicle Use Policy needed updating to be in compliance
with current IRS regulations and City Practice. There are no major
changes other than granting the Mayor to approve short term use of
City vehicles for commuting purposes as deemed appropriate.
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Public comment invited - none received.
Mr. Overson noted reference was made that changes to the policy
were due to recent changes in IRS regulations, however, there were
no changes to the policy relating to the IRS change.
Mr. Waibel questioned the difference between Water District
boundaries and the Water Utility Service area? Bill Duff¥,
Utilities Director, stated it is one of language...the City is not
a Water District but is a Utility.
Mr. Collins questioned when people have to respond to an emergency
why is it that the City cannot pay the employee mileage used on
their personal vehicle as opposed to having a City vehicle in
constance usage? Mr. Duffy stated the City has service trucks, one
ton or larger, which are equipped to carry out a variety of repair
services. Mr. Collins questioned the need for a special vehicle
for the Utilities Director, Forestry Supervisor, and on-call
utility serviceman; and would it be reasonable those named
individuals would be called out at least once a week? Mr. Duffy
stated as Utility Director he attends many meetings which occur
after normal business hours. With respect to the serviceman he is
the one who goes out to where the trouble is being experienced; and
the Forester is a seasonal issue...in the summer months he drives
a vehicle to his home, located near the west end of the City's
watershed, which has a water pumper on it. The water pumping
equipment is then available to use during the summer fire season.
Mr. Johnson noted one of the reasons for this issue being included
in the Council's Statement Of Legislative Intent was due to a lot
of questions Council members had during the budget process
concerning the proper type and numbers of vehicles the City needs
for both Police and Fire. The questions started with how many
patrol vehicles with the official designation "Patrol Vehicle"
(equipped with special equipment) are needed for the Police
Department as opposed to a certain number of staff vehicles or
patrol vehicles with greater than 70,000 miles, Fire trucks going
to the grocery store, etc. And, he expressed concern that these
concerns are not addressed in the proposed policy but still need
to be addressed.
:1477 M/S/C/U(Dawkins/Colvin) to approve Resolution #2285, adopting a
Vehicle Use Policy and repealing Resolution #2041.
With no further business the meeting was adjourned at 6:22 p.m.
KATHLEEN L. MCCLUSKEY, CITY CLERK
APPROVED
LYNN HORTON, Council President
City of Bremerton
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