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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/08/90TAPE #755 UNAPPROVED DRAFT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 8, 1990 f i Ltt #0033 #0033 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, August 8, 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 Colvin and Russ Johnson. Also present were Acting City Attorney Lelia Mills and City Clerk Kathleen McCluskey. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council President Horton and Invocation was given by Councilman A1 Colvin. CONSENT AGENDA - A. Minutes Of Meeting - July 25, 1990, #AB90-206 B. Bid Award Recommendation - Ductile Iron Pipe - Awarded to U.S. Pipe and Foundry in the amount of $21,302.64, #AB90-201 M/S/C/U(Waibel/Colvin) to approve Consent Agenda with correction to the Minutes (Page 2) - Mr. Waibel's report: the second Queen's Trophy was won at Lakefest in Olympia. 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. M/S/C/U(Colvin/Overson) On August 8, 1990 the Council does approve for payment those checks included and further described as follows: 111386 in the amount of $15,300.00. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS Mr. Johnson reported the Bremerton Solid Waste Advisory Committee met on August 2. At this meeting they brain stormed and listed all the services and policies they would like the City of Bremerton to put into place for the Solid Waste Program; and they also included list of items they did not to see in such a program. He felt everything on the list is feasible, some of which may need definition to keep the price reasonable. The services listing was developed without considering costs at this point in time. He believed within one year the citizens of Bremerton will be receiving the full range of services. He announced on August 23, 5:30 p.m., there will be a bus tour of the Kitsap County Landfill, lead by their Environmental Engineer. He extended an invitation to Council members and City staff who might like to participate in this tour. The Tour will begin at the Water Utility Office on TAPE #755 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 8, 1990 Page 2 of 17 Olympus, 5:30 p.m. Also, next week he will be submitting a Resolution addressing the Sinclair and Dyes Inlets Urban Bay Action Plan. Mr. Colvin reported he has had several conversations with Bremerton citizens and he shared the following concerns: (1) downtown subsidized housing - more information is needed; (2) new parking regulation policies; (3) boardwalk proposal from 4th Street to Olympic College - more information is needed; (4) Roosevelt Field question: is the City prepared to take any action? If the College should be successful in obtaining Roosevelt Field, the question has been asked what will the City us the money for? (5) one-way streets; (6) hazardous waste disposal; (6) increase of gas price due to middle eastern conflict; (7) potential fire hazards - these have been reported to the Fire Chief; (8) future of "Senator Estes" Mr. Dawkins stated he attended several Good Will Games events and felt this grand event was extremely beneficial not only for our particular area but for people in general getting to know one another better. Mr. Overson publicly commended the City Auditor, John Koch, on his completing a two year program to become a Certified Internal Auditor. This is quite an achievement and the City is very fortunate to have him because he is so highly qualified, does a good job and intends to stay with the City for some time. Mr. Estes stated most of his efforts this past week have been to prevent a commercial parking lot being moved into a Residential District. Mr. Horning announced, for the public's benefit, the growth management issue it is going on hot and heavy at the City/County level and becoming very intriguing. It appears that Kitsap County, Bremerton and the small cities will continue to work together and come up with some great solutions to proper growth management in Kitsap County. Mr. Waibe~ reported he attended the Dancing Brains and Dementia program the weekend of July 26, which was held in the purple building and it was a very interesting evening. Amie Barnette's paintings were well displayed. He attended the 200 So. Lafayette Block Party - he had a good time and this activity worked very well getting people acquainted. Last Friday evening he attended the Seattle Torch Light Parade, which was televised on Channel 7. Bremerton's float had a very good position in the parade and the Armed Forces Court were picked as "the ones who smiled the most all through the day" TAPE #755 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 8, 1990 Page 3 of 17 Mrs. Horton thanked Mr. Dawkins for inviting her to participate in the Star Fest '90 dunk tank. Her family has been enjoying the opportunity to host an exchange student from Kure, Japan, as well as her niece, who is visiting from England. Everyone is having a great time and their exchange student's level of english has improved greatly with her gaining confidence. PUBLIC RECOGNITION Roy McInnis, 2711 Maple Street, extended an invitation to the City Council to a meeting to be held August 19, 4:00 PM, at the Sinclair Baptist Church, 440 Union Avenue, to discuss some very serious conditions and happenings within the City and County area. The following individuals have also been invited to this meeting: Kitsap County Sheriff Pat Jones, Bremerton Police Chief Del McNeal and Kitsap County Commissioners. He urged the Council members to please make an effort to attend this meeting. President Horton announced Item 6A had been pulled off the Agenda for two weeks. 6B - RESOLUTION #2307f. ADOPTING "HOUSING BREMERTON" OBJECTIVES,_ #AB-90-203 On July 18, 1990 City Council held a Study Session to discuss the housing issue as it relates to future growth and development. At the Study Session, Council considered certain objectives, target areas, and target populations to guide deliberations on "Housing Bremerton". These objectives will provide the base for identifying and adopting specific development actions to achieve the objectives. Carol Dickinson, Community Services manager, stated this would be the first of a series of steps for the City Council to identify ultimately specific strategies on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis, a housing-type-by-housing type basis and an income level-by- income level basis for housing City wide. As staff they felt it was important to bring these objectives and this Resolution to Council in an attempt to make a public statement in terms of what is the City's "jumping off point". There is a great deal of concern, on the part of the citizenry, with all the recent meetings on Vision 20/20, news stories on vacancy rates, housing crunch and possibilities of urban renew. The purpose of the proposed Resolution is to lay out and be specific about what some of these objectives are in order to clarify to the public the direction the City is headed. The City is going to be proactive on houseing, not reactive and not reactive to proposals from other jurisdictions or news stories - Bremerton will set the tone for what type of housing is desired in Bremerton now and in the future. The process to do this will take about three months and will involve a series of meetings, a public hearing, staff reports and lots of opportunity TAPE #755 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 8, 1990 Page 4 of 17 for input. Ms. Dickinson requested that a modification be made to Objective #1 to read: "Accommodate population growth by increasing housing density, as per the Comprehensive Plan." This would make clear the fact that the City is trying to come up with housing objectives that support the recently adopted Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance. Objective #3 talks about affordable housing - she wanted to make clear that through that statement affordable housing means housing that can be lived in by all income groups whether a low, middle or upper income household. It is no longer realistic to assume affordable housing only means low income. Effort is being made to increase home ownership and there is interest in redevelopment and where necessary demolition of structures, whether they be residential or commercial, that are no longer economically viable. There is interest in not displacing existing low income households within the community but to make sure houses are fixed up and/or a relocation plan developed in the event there is a displacement need. It is desired to have a diverse housing market, one that appeals to a broad sector of the environment. It is recognized how important the role of the USS Navy, PSNS, Navy personnel on ships undergoing overhauls and it is desired to include them as an important segment of the housing market, but not the driving segment. Another important segment of this proposal is to "expand the tax base", both commercial and residential and by providing housing that is affordable to all income aspects and all market segments of the community, the City will, by definition, expand the City's tax base. Staff will use the language adopted in the Resolution, the objectives, target areas, target population as the baseline for providing more specific recommendations. This will be presented first to a sub- group of Council to identify specific needs in individual neighborhoods in the community, with discussion of specific strategies to meet those needs, and then brought before full City Council for adoption. The ultimate object is to take all of the specific and put them into one Resolution which would supersede the proposed Resolution. Public comment - none. Mr. Estes questioned if affordable housing means minimum housing standards - segregating neighborhoods in either economic or ethnic groups? Ms. Dickinson stated that was not her definition of what affordable housing is and it is not the definition she heard back from any Council members, Mayor or other people in the community. What is being looked at is the broadest possible spectrum of all kinds of people, all income groups, all types of housing that make up the fabric of the community. Mr. Estes questioned if she was prepared at this time to give an example of something existing now that is considered "affordable housing"? Ms. Dickinson stated one could drive into any neighborhood of Bremerton and without much TAPE #755 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 8, 1990 Page 5 of 17 trouble identify what income person lives in a specific unit. There are single family detached homes that are owner occupied by people who's annual income does not exceed $15,000; and those homes are located next door to people's who annual income is $75,000. She is knowledgeable of this fact because she has received telephone inquires from both groups for housing rehab loan money. The City can assist the $15,000 per year homeowner but are not in a position to assist the $75,000 per year homeowner. The same seems to stand for the apartment units - going rates for apartments range from $250 - $450 - $550/monthly, with all different kinds of income level people live there. Mr. Estes questioned if there will be a section of Bremerton dedicated as "affordable housing" or will it be distributed throughout the City? Ms. Dickinson stated by talking about "affordable housing" as housing that is affordable to all income groups throughout all neighborhoods, by definition this shows that there is no intent to segregate the community along income lines or housing type lines. The City's Zoning Code provides for all different kinds of housing in every neighborhood of the City. Mr. Estes questioned if "high density housing" means tenement housing? Mr. Dickinson stated what has been discussed, based on the discussions held July 18, lead by a housing consultant, examples of high density housing related to complexes of not more than 4-5 stories that were in zones that provided for 100 units per acre. The highest density zoning in Bremerton right now provides for 24 units per acres. She feels staff would recommend to Council that the City is in the "driver's seat" of defining housing styles and qualities that make sure there are no tenements in the community. The City can learn from other cities past mistakes that providing a simple block structure packs people in regardless of the income level, not quality housing that becomes an asset to the City. High density does not necessarily mean high rise. Mr. Estes noted there are currently housing projects around Bremerton and other cities in the area with all the houses looking the same - he questioned if the City would be taking into consideration cosmetic factors so that there can be some distinction? Ms. Dickinson stated that would need to be a recommendation made to the Council and City staff for consideration when developing these policies. Mr. Waibel suggested changing the language on Objective #3 to read as follows: "Support the development of affordable housing for all income groups" He felt this would be more easily understood by someone who was not as familiar with the document. The City would not be providing the housing itself, but would be providing support through whatever programs are available. mr. Johnson pointed out the City of Bremerton is still suffering from WWII - its housing stock was severely scared during the build up to support the Navy effort at that time, i.e., larger homes were TAPE #755 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 8, 1990 Page 6 of 17 subdivided and made into apartment, etc. At lot of that type of housing has not gone away, and as a result, there still is an imbalance of types of current housing. This condition has been recognized and Ms. Dickinson has taken a leadership role which puts Bremerton in front of any other city, establishing all levels in the housing market. Everyone always keys in on low income and low- moderate income because there are Federal funds available for those categories. What the City of Bremerton wants to do is to keep those programs active, using Federal dollars to improve low to moderate low housing, but to also expand wants for developers to work in Bremerton helping people in all income brackets. For example, one could compare a house in the Dockside development on Kitsap Lake with an exact home on Lake Sammamish or Lake Washington - Bremerton has the "affordable house" He believes the City of Bremerton can offer properties for all level of income. In talking about high rent districts, there also has to be design consideration as to retail and services development and other amenities. When talking about a housing program in Bremerton, it is not the standard run-of-the-mill project addressing low income needs, but the entire City housing stock spectrum and to end up with the utopia of housing balance within the community. He felt it took a great deal of courage for the City to come out and say they will help the whole community and not just the low income. Mr. Horning stated he was part of the Committee who put this proposal together and emphasized the intent is that Bremerton needs to change its image by doing the right things...this being a step in that direction. He noted someone with an above average income in Seattle may not be eligible for affordable housing and what Bremerton has to offer is that affordable housing. He stated his support of the amendments suggested to Objective #1 and Objective #3. President Horton stated as a result of the newspaper article relating to housing in Bremerton, the City Council and Mayor decided to become proactive, taking control of Bremerton's destiny as far as housing stock, making decisions as to what was compatible in Bremerton. She believes this is what the City is trying to do and approving this Resolution would be the first step in that direction. Mr. Overson stated he had some difficulty with the proposal and as Mr. Johnson pointed out one of the problems with the City is density. Recently a new Zoning Ordinance was passed, which took away the option in R-1 areas for building a duplex, thereby reducing density. That same Zoning Ordinance increased the lot size required for building a home, thereby reducing density. This proposal is saying the opposite - he believed it is counter to direction. He agreed that the City needs to accommodate population TAPE #755 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 8, 1990 Page 7 of 17 growth following the Comprehensive Plan, but he did not believe it had to be done by density. President Morton pointed out that currently there are areas in the new Zoning Ordinance that do provide for 25 units per acre and the intent of other changes restricting density was to protect single family areas and at the same time encourage multi-family in appropriate areas. This proposal does not diverge from the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance or the intent that was laid out. Mr. Overson stated he did not support President Horton's position nor "affordable housing" He noted as Mr. Johnson pointed out, the "affordable housing" at Dockside compared with the cities to the east, is not a function of anything but demand. As demand goes up the cost goes up and the City cannot control that. Mr. Colvin stated at first he thought this might be a rouse to locate all low income housing in downtown Bremerton, however, it has been clarified that is not the case. The City has some good intentions with this proposal and he hoped there would not be pockets of housing established, which will be regretted later. One of the provisions he did like, was the provision to increase home ownership for all income groups. Mr. Dawkins noted there are areas of questionable housing that were built in 1942-1946 that are still standing today. He felt this proposal was a good start to getting what is needed in the City of Bremerton. Mr. Collins stated in relating to the word "affordable", it was the committee's intent that there be an integration of various types of housing, low, middle and upper income. He noted he would like to change the word "affordable" to "integrated" because of the difficultly people have with that description. He cited an excellent example in his neighborhood - a young couple recently purchased a home for 1/4 the cost of that house in Seattle. They both now commute to Seattle daily because they found a home in a neighborhood they wanted, being truly affordable. He questioned if there was any way to change the word "affordable" to "integrated"? Ms. Dickinson suggested deleting the word "affordable" in Objective #3, which would read as follows: "Support the development of housing for all income groups". In response to other comments made by Council members, she takes to heart the issue with regard to density, supporting existing Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance, the concern not to have rent control, concern that the best design possibly is imagined and to write up words to achieve that, not developing neighborhoods in ways that segregate on any income level or lifestyle. Mr. Horning stated when discussion addressed the questioned "is there anything the City could do to keep Bremerton housing TAPE #755 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 8, 1990 Page 8 of 17 affordable to mixed income groups and realizing it is a function of demand, the City can still be in a position of being a supplier of a demand. For example, FHA financing is done on a County areas basis. If the City continues to argue for limits that will encourage that here, that will help that middle income level. Good neighborhoods can be protected, which have 25-30-35 year old houses that are not gold plated. If those are zoned out, density would be a major impact there. Rehabilitation can be encouraged in certain neighborhoods to keep the quality and affordability there and not encourage rehabilitation of one house on a blighted block. These are the kinds of things government can do and should do. He encouraged the Council the support this proposal. Mr. Colvin questioned if government funds would be available for some of these houses? Ms. Dickinson stated the whole trend of the Federal Government the last 10 years has been to get out of the housing business and housing subsidy business. So, in terms of having lots of Federal programs to go to help the City achieve our goals, they simply do not exist. There are lots of different tools available to finance new construction and rehabilitation of existing buildings that allows the City to have housing that is affordable for moderate and middle income people. She stated she would encourage the City to take advantage of those financing mechanisms to achieve housing inventories. Mr. Colvin questioned if there are any provisions for citizens to keep their housing from becoming blighted? Mr. Horning stated that is where rehabilitation loans need to go. Areas that are absolutely blighted now need to be assessed rather than rehab one home in the middle of a neighborhood, which could stop a whole block from being redeveloped. There are areas that are protected and areas that are not protected. Ms. Dickinson stated within the confines of the objectives being proposed, they are to set the tone for discussion in terms of specifics of how to achieve those objectives and what is the next step. President Horton stated there are some tools at the Cities and Housing Authorities disposal so that there can be some things done ...rehabilitation and getting new housing stock. That will be the next phase to come under discussion. Mr. Colvin questioned if there would be help for those homeowners who want to keep up their yards? Ms. Dickinson stated that is a concern to keep in mind as movement is made forward in the process and discussion direction of specific housing strategies and what all of the aspects of the resulting programs might be. 1079 M/S/C/U(Horning/Waibel) to approve Resolution #2307, containing Objectives, Target Areas, Target Populations For Housing In Bremerton, including amendments to Objective #1: "Accommodate population growth by increasing housing density, as per the Comprehensive Plan" and Objective #3: "Support the development of housing for all income groups". TAPE #755 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 8, 1990 Page 9 of 17 CITY EMPLOYEES, #AB90-204 This proposed benefit increase applies to one individual who retired from the City prior to the State's take over of the retirement program. While actuarial analysis of the fund is not possible, it appears reasonable to assume that the assets of the Retirement Fund are sufficient to grant this increase. Rich Hanna, City Treasurer, stated there is one surviving retiree under this plan, who is well over 90 years of age. This plan is funded and maintained on the local level, the balance being approximately $50,000. There has been consensus, in recent years, the City did not wish to place themselves in a position in out years placing a burden on the General Fund, but by the same token, at the expense of this retiree, the City did not want to enrich the General Fund by minimizing the retirement benefits. Public comment - none. #1855 M/S/C/U(Colvin/Dawkins) to approve Resolution #2309, to increase the benefits of retired employees as authorized by Ordinance #3411. 6D - RESOLUTION #2310, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION GRANT APPLICATION, #AB90-205 The City of Bremerton has been invited by the Economic Development Administration to apply for $1,200,000 to construct the downtown waterfront project. This is an increase from the previous grant application of $892,883. The increase is due to a more recent estimate received on the project by an outside estimator. Consequently, both the grant amount and the City's required cash match increases. For completion, the grant application requires passage of this resolution. Connie Devaney, Grants Manager, stated after receiving the estimate by a professional estimating company, it was clear that the Grant amount needed to be increased. When this was done it was also necessary to increase the cash match. The City's increase reflects about $250,000 increase, which she provided budgets; and she provided letters of support from the Bremerton Historic Ships Association and Puget Sound Naval Centennial Board. The Centennial Board designated the $100,000 that they intent to spend on PSNS Centennial Plaza and art work as cash match for the project. And, Bremerton Historic Ships Association has designed $283,500 of the money they have received from the State and money they raised locally as cash match for the project. This increase gives the City the opportunity to have the maximum amount of Federal dollars that are available for the project. It gives the City flexibility in not having to limit the project in any way. TAPE #755 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 8, 1990 Page 10 of 17 Mr. Waibe~ questioned if the $83,500 increase by the Bremerton Historic Ships Association result in a decrease in the amount the City would have to come up with in order to have the total come to $1.2 million. Ms. Devaney stated no, because the budget reflects construction of a gift shop. Public comment - none. Mr. Johnson questioned if the City was getting into the gift shop business? Ms. Devaney stated no, the Historic Ships Association will build it with their money and own it. However, they are a private non-profit organization and the gift shop is included as a part of the City's project, which can be used as cash match. Mr. Johnson stated the City should take advantage of the grant even though it is for more money than he previously anticipated. However, he noted he has reached his limit and if there were any more increases in costs he would consider reducing the scope of the project. #2122 M/S/C/U(Waibel/Colvin) to approve Resolution #2310, authorizing application to, cash match designation for, and Mayoral signature of the Economic Development Administration Grant. 7A - PUBLIC HEARING - PARKING AMENDMENTS - TO ACCEPT PUBLIC COMMENTSAND CONSIDER THE PLANNING COMMISSION'S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AMENDMENTS TO PARKING RELATED SECTIONS OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE, #AB90-164 As part of this year's Zoning Ordinance review and refinement project, a number of revisions have been proposed to various sections of the Ordinance that pertain to off-street parking requirements. The proposed amendments were reviewed by the City parking Committee and Planning Commission. An introductory public hearing was conducted by the City Council on June 27, followed by Study Sessions on July 9 and August 6. This public hearing was scheduled to provide for additional public comment prior to any Council decisions on these proposals. If approved by the City Council, an ordinance will be prepared by staff and returned for Council approval to officially amend the text of the Zoning Ordinance and the Zoning Map. Ron Hough, Planning Manager, summarized the proposals, basically being divided into four categories: Revisions to Chapter 7 of the Zoning Ordinance - (1) dividing lots into three classifications of parking lots ...Classes A,B,C, for different purposes. Class A is the standard lot, which would be required in most cases; Class B would be downtown reduced standards; Class C would be commuter parking lots, having reduced space size, isle width, etc. The new Parking Lots Standards Table has been revised, based primarily on TAPE #755 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 8, 1990 Page 11 of 17 the Walker Study to reduce sizes of spaces, isles, etc. There are some minor changes to landscaping and setback requirements and other minor adjustments that add more flexibility in designing smaller and narrower lots. (2) Revisions to the Limited Parking Overlay District (LPO), which is an overlay applied on Residential zoning districts anywhere in the city, with Council approval, such as any other rezone. The LPO allows commercial parking lots and has been amended to provide for Class A and C parking lots. The LPO zone was also amended to require a Special Use Permit for any parking lot in a residential district and Class C commuter lot could be only approved as an interim, short term lot with a time limit established for that lot. (3) Amendments to the Land Use Tables of Chapter 5 - proposing to eliminate four designations that previously pertained to parking and replace those with other designations that are more easily understood and more closely related to the changes. Those designations are: accessory parking, non-accessory parking, commuter parking and parking structure. (4) Application of the LPO zone to the Zoning Map - the Planning Commission has recommended four specific areas for application of the LPO zoning district, i.e., northeast corner of west Bremerton in the Smith Cove area between llth and east of Park; surrounds Olympic College and Bremerton High School east of High Street, north of llth Street and on both sides of Warren Avenue; along the east side of park Avenue, north of 7th where there is a multiple family zoning district, vacant lots and old houses, being a transitional area; along Marion near Arsenal. There were two individual requests for consideration, letters from two specific property owners requesting their properties be considered for the LPO zoning district. These requests were discussed at a Council Study Session and it was determined since these two properties were individual properties they should go through the normal rezone process, which allows for notification to surrounding property owners and public hearings held before the Planning Commission and City Council. The Planning Commission action was taken on June 5, following a continued public hearing. The Planning Commission recommended the changes that were proposed with one major exception - that Section 10C be eliminated, which deals with parking requirements for the central business district. Because of testimony and the recommendation from the Parking Committee, the Planning commission felt that required parking in the central business district was inappropriate at this time. This has been discussed, at Council Study Sessions and he was not sure if this issue had been resolved. The Planning Commission's unanimous recommendation still stands. Mr. Hough explained there were some other minor adjustment to the draft, which came out of Council's Study Sessions, that needed to be resolved, which included: the reduction of bicycle parking TAPE #755 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 8, 1990 Page 12 of 17 requirements; reduction of parking for bed/breakfast establishments, to make them more specifically a bed and breakfast and not a motel; adjustment to the Minimum Design Requirements Table For Parking Space Width to allow them to be no narrower than 8 ft. 6 inches. Currently the standard spaces go as low as 8 feet 6 inches in width and up to 9 feet; correction of parallel parking spaces in the Minimum Design Requirements Table...there was an error and corrected to reflect 8 feet in width and 22 feet long. Lastly, he called for Council approval of the proposed amendments, as recommended by the Planning Commission or as Council may wish to revise. If there was a controversial area that cannot be decided at this time, he suggested tabling that issue and go ahead with the rest of the amendments. Don Atkinson, Bremerton Main street Association, stated they would like to express their appreciation of the thoroughness of the process of the City, City Council, Parking Advisory Committee and Planning Commission. The Association has expressed themselves through representation on the Parking Committee, testified during the Planning Commission's public hearing and the principle issue Main Street Association has a position on is the original proposal to restore the 304 parking requirement in the downtown business district/new construction and major remodeling. Their position is to waive any parking requirements in the downtown business district, creating the most dynamic and exciting development opportunity and atmosphere in the central business district as 804 of the downtown area comes on the market...could go to one developer or could attract considerable outside capital, capital within the community to take the downtown Bremerton area to its highest development potential. It is their desire to send out a signal that Bremerton is proactive as it relates to quality development of the downtown area. And, it is his feeling that major developments would deal with the parking issue. Gary Garten, Bradley Scott, stated his firm is working to market some of the downtown properties and they support Main Street's position. Many of the existing buildings would make it very difficult for someone to come in an rehabilitate and carry the additional burden of having to provide parking because of some new requirement. He urged Council's approval on this proposal, which would provide a successful opportunity to turn downtown around and hopefully other solutions can be found to deal with parking. President Horton stated Council had a lengthy discussion and debate regarding parking requirements in the central business district. She received additional information from Municipal Research and that by and large, except for the City of Bellingham which totally exempts the central business district, most other communities TAPE #755 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 8, 1990 Page 13 of 17 either had no reduction of parking requirements or if there were reductions, the reduction was in lieu of a participation in a Parking Fund or Transit or Van Pool Program. Two communities were contacted and neither of them had much development at that time, however, one city stated they were going to be developing a project soon and were very hopeful about it. Out of 11 communities, one community said there should be no requirements in the central business district without any further requirement. To her understanding, Mayor Mentor will be bringing to Council a proposal for further participation the City may have in some parking. Several months ago this Council approved a Parking Plan, one element being bringing the central business district up to parody with the other areas of Bremerton as far as parking. Effort has been put forth, little- by- little, putting bits of that plan in place. Exempting downtown property holders from any participation in parking and yet expecting the City to provide parking and enforcement for keeping commuters out of the downtown and residential areas, is unfair to the rest of the community. She also stated she believes it is short sighted - a lot of other communities have spent time looking at parking proposals and as the supplemental information indicates, there are very few of them who have said "no requirements"....one out of 11 cities. She believes that a 30~ requirement would be a lead providing some sort of standards. At a Housing Conference she attended, a prominent builder from Bellevue stated that developers want standards. She stated she would not vote for the amendment as presented without any parking requirements in the central business district and she believed 30~ is not too prohibitive. Mr. Johnson stated he agreed with President Horton's position and noted that the private sector of downtown Bremerton, since Lt. Wyckoff's time, had not developed any parking and he doubted within the next 100 years they will do so. People who shop at a mall do pay for parking as rental costs are assessed business owners and they in turn collect those costs through the customers. He did not understand how the downtown business people expect parking for the vibrant downtown will happen unless they make it happen, unless that alternative solution is for the City Council to come up with funding to build them some parking facilities. This is not acceptable.o.he is very tired, as a resident, to see downtown landowners not carry their share of the load in developing parking in the downtown. Mr. Collins stated he had been following issues in the City Bellevue, where they are initiating some heavy requirements on any of the builders/developers in the Bellevue area central business district and they are anticipating using the maximum latitude the State has given deriving monies from developers for the installation of parking. TAPE #756 TAPE #755 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 8, 1990 Page 14 of 17 Mr. Waibel stated one of the reasons the City of Bellevue is levying costly requirements is to limit development...that is not what we want to happen in Bremerton. He believed if the Council approves requirements of 304 parking in the downtown area a message is being sent that the developers have to produce 304 of what is required. The other half of that message is the City is going to produce the other 70~. The message that he wanted to see go out, at this time, is that the City cannot provide parking as a service. The only way the City can provide parking is if it is a pay-for- itself case. In fact, any developer will have to take 100~ of the required parking on themselves to make their business go. A 304 is not an insult...it gives the wrong message. Mr. Overson stated there is a big problem - a commuter problem. The City allows the commuters to park their vehicles in the City and then leave. Requiring builders to put in 100-200~ parking is not going to solve the commuter problem. A solution is needed and he did not feel this was it. The public has said "any self- respecting developer will build parking needs", but at the same time they say "don't require parking". He questioned how accurate their belief is that the "builder will build what he needs". He did agree that some requirement for parking would be helpful but would not solve the problem. Mr. Colvin stated he believed circumstances needed to be separated. He felt if some of the buildings were torn down and rebuilt there is no possible way for them to provide parking. He believes those types of situations should be exempt from any parking requirements. He supported taking this on a case-by-case basis and use common sense and those people who are able to provide parking be required to and those not able let them refurbish buildings without parking requirements. Another thing that is not descriptive in the amendments, is whether or not parking would be required adjacent to a building... there may be parking areas nearby in some instances. President Horton stated in looking at other cities' zoning ordinances addressing parking regulations and the people who had reductions in the central business districts participated in other programs in lieu of parking on site. What was stressed in those ordinances was that if a particular site could not support parking on site then the Planning Department would work with the developer and come up with a parking plan that would be tailor made for that site. Mr. Colvin stated he would support something like that if it were included in the amendment. Mr. Waibel stated none of the cities listed in President Horton's supplemental information, except the City of Seattle, has a shipyard or ferry terminal as the major border to the City in the central business district, so he did not feel that Bremerton could look at any other city for solutions. He did not believe the #0129 TAPE #756 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 8, 1990 Page 15 of 17 solution is requirement of 30~. M/S/F(Waibel/Collins) to approve the proposed amendments to the parking Regulations with the exception of parking regulations within the central business district (Paragraph 10C).; Mr. Overson questioned if business people on Callow Avenue do any remodeling would they be required to provide parking? President Horton stated yes. Mr. Morning stated if the City could solve Bremerton's parking problem downtown with a 30~ parking requirement he would support it. He will vote in favor of the motion as it stands - and in his opinion Bremerton's parking problem will not be solved with a 30~ parking requirement downtown, it would only inhibit development...that would be the wrong thing to do. Vote: In Favor: Opposed: Motion failed. Estes, Horning, Waibel, Collins Dawkins, Colvin, Johnson, Overson, Horton Mr. Hough suggested going ahead and pass the rest of the recommendations or consider recommendations in the Staff Report as an alternative that came out of previous discussions. Mr. Waibel explained his motion was to pass all changes except for Paragraph 10C. Mr. Horning questioned if Mr. Dawkins understood the motion as he was under the impression that Mr. Dawkins supported the intent of the motion, however, he voted negatively, and would he want to ask for a reconsideration? Kathleen McCluske~ questioned if corrections had been made to the amendments as previously stated early in this meeting, particularly those relating to Item #3 under Staff Report, last half of sentence: "and consideration of the additional two private party's LPO requests"? Mr. Houqh reviewed the Staff Report recommendations and acknowledged that the last half of Item #3 had been deleted through previous discussions by Council. He pointed out he had three other minor changes relating to: bicycle parking requirements, parking for bed/breakfast establishments and Designs Standards Table, and questioned if Council wanted to include them in the amendments? Mr. Waibel stated yes. Mr. Overson questioned in the 800 block of Burwell is a parking lot of approximately 24 parking stall, dirt, unkept area, no guard from cars coming over the rock wall onto Burwell - will the proposed amendments help that problem? Mr. Hough stated he was not sure if it was a legal or illegal parking lot. Mr. Overson stated he had TAPE #756 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 8, 1990 Page 16 of 17 reported it to Mr. Hough various times and the answer he had received back from Mr. Hough was that there are no parking requirements in downtown. Mr. Hough stated the requirements, if passed, do adopt standards for parking lot development if someone wishes to develop a parking lot. Mr. Overson questioned if the proposed amendments are adopted could the City then go back to the owner of a specific parking lot and require improvements to that parking area. Mr. Hough stated that was not on his agenda. Mr. Overson pointed out another parking lot - at the end of Highland Avenue across 6th Street, a lot where a house was torn down, the owners brought in rock, dirt and grass and allows parking. He questioned if the amendments would help correct that condition? Mr. Hough stated that particular lot was a legal parking lot. Mr. Overson questioned if this proposal would solve the commuter problem downtown? ~r. Hough stated it was not intended to solve commuter problems. Mr. Johnson stated he agreed with Mr. Overson except he did not believe the City was trying to solve the commuter problem - but was trying to solve a piece of it by requiring landowners to provide decent parking. With the examples cited by Mr. Overson, it reflects the type of parking lots developed when there aren't any parking requirements. Mr. Waibel stated there is a difference between having a requirement for a certain number of parking spaces and having standards for parking lots. Mr. Johnson stated those on Council who want to require that landowners in downtown supply parking that talks about spaces and he would very much like to see programs developed where a developer could supply parking or if he can't then they would be required to join some parking LID or other program, or prove that employees were participating in transit services, etc. Some of that responsibility must be shouldered by the landowners. Downtown is a neighborhood just like any other part of the City and the people who reside in that neighborhood don't take their civic responsibilities and provide resources, paint their houses, etc., the neighborhood will go down hill. #0490 M/S/C(Dawkins/Colvin) called for a reconsideration. Vote: In Favor: Opposed: Estes, Colvin, Collins, Waibel, Dawkins, Horning Johnson, Overson, Horton #0499 Vote on original motion to accept Planning Commissions recommendations. Vote: In Favor: Motion passed. Estes, Horning, Waibel, Collins, Dawkins, Colvin Horton, Johnson, Overson TAPE #756 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 8, 1990 Page 17 of 17 With no further business the meeting was adjourned at 7:18 p.m. CLERK APPROVED City of Bremerton KLM/LH/me cc: Normal Distribution File/Vault