HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/07/90 TAPE ~710 UNAPPROVED DRAFT
C-~TY COUNCIL SEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 7, 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 7, 1990 at 5:30
with Council President Lynn Horton. Council members present were
Lon Oversonr Wayne Estes, Spencer Horning, Hank Waibel, Morrie
Dawkins, C. R. "Tiny" Collins and Russ Johnson. Councilman A1
Colvin was absent. Also present were City Attorney Ian Sievers
and City Clerk Kathleen McCluskey.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council
President Horton and Invocation was given by Councilman Russ
Johnson.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes Of Meeting - January 24, 1990, #AB90-022
B. 1989B Pre-commercial Thinning Contract ~3140, Change
Order ~1~ - Extending Term of Contract To 5-31-90, #AB90-023
#0038 M/S/C/U(Waibel/Dawkins) to approve Consent Agenda as presented.
CLAIMS/WAKKANT 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.
#0056 M/S/C/U(Dawkins/Horning) on February 7, 1990, the Council does
approve for payment those vouchers included and further described
as follows: 104591 through 104740 in the total amount of
$123,541.78 and Regular Payroll in the total amount of $358,533.88
and Retirees Payroll in the total amount of $56,095.25.
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Mr. Estes answered publicly how he is getting along with the
Council...it is an exercise of patience, that government has two
speeds: (1) stumble; (2) stop; however, he has been assured that
is not true as government moves slowly. On Thursday he will be
holding the first Ethics Committee meeting and looks to 6-8 weeks
to complete the project. Also, he is collecting information on
"slum landlords" and hopes to tighten up codes in order to do away
with some of the deplorable conditions currently in the City of
Bremerton. And, in response to comments made about his casual
dress for City council meetings, he will put on a suit when slum
landlords are done away with.
Mr. Waibel stated he was personally pleased with the election
results on both the Parks and School Levy issues. He felt the
public spoke out on the future of the City and their concern for
that future.
Mr. Johnson stated he was pleased with the outcome of both the
School Levy and Parks issue, but more importantly he thanked all
the citizens who put a lot of effort into promoting both issues.
It shows that the level of concern that the citizens of Bremerton
have for their city, whether or not one agrees 1004 with what they
are doing, they care and he for one appreciates it. He thanked
Olympic Cable Vision for returning one of two channels which had
been removed. He still is not convinced that all the Canadian
programs duplicate most of what is on CBS and he encouraged the
public to continue writing letters voicing their opinion on this
TAPE #710
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
February 7, 1990
Page 2 of 11
issue - it does have an effect.
Mr. Dawkins stated he received phone calls today from some of the
lobbyist for the Ferry Riders Coalition and apparently the plan
worked out where the transit systems will be limited in the amount
of money they can receive from the additional 5 cents per gallon
gas tax has convinced five or six key Legislators that the
Transportation Bill is a viable product. Once this Bill is passed,
the passenger only ferry should be back on duty.
Mrs. Horton announced on Thursday, February 8, a contingency of
City staff and elected officials will be attending the AWC
Conference in Olympia, and will be meeting with Legislators.
PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Louis Mentor congratulated the citizens of Bremerton for
supporting the School Levy, which will help the schools become even
better. And, he congratulated the City Council for allowing the
citizens of Bremerton to vote on the Park issue, no matter if one
agreed with or disagreed with the way it turned out.
Mayor Mentor read a Proclamation recognizing the National Society
Daughters Of The American Revolution as sponsor of the month of
February as American History Month each year. Through this
endeavor they stress pride in the United States of America through
community service, educational programs, essays contests and
historic tours. And, Mayor Mentor did proclaim February as
AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH.
Mayor Mentor proclaimed February as Black History Month to
celebrate throughout the nation the significant benefits received
from and contributions of Black Americans. Black History Month is
of special significance in fostering a spirit of cooperation
between all segments of our multi-ethnic community, paying tribute
to the vital role, past, present and future of our Black community
in the fields of business, commerce, government, science,
education, religion and culture. Mayor Mentor presented the
proclamation to Alice Egans. Alice Eqans accepted the proclamation
and explained this event was established by a past Black leader,
Dr. Carter E. Woodson. First he set out to have the Black
Community Week in 1926, following that time Black History Month was
established in 1976. This celebration stimulated other efforts
for the improvement of Negroes. The hidden truth revealed the bias
in text books and other printed materials. Dr. Woodson was
convinced if a race had no recorded history, its achievements would
be forgotten. February was the month set aside for Black History
mainly because of two past individuaisr President Lincoln and
Fredrick Douglas.
PUBLIC RECOGNITION
Mayor Louis Mentor presented floral corsages to Jackie Wedge and
Cynthia Land from the Police Officers Association for their fund
raising project which netted $1,300 from the Bremerton business
community for the D.A.R.E. Program. Police Chief McNeal stated
some months ago Jackie came to the Police Department and wanted to
volunteer to do something that would help the community. One of
the things foremost in their minds (Police Dept.) is the D.A.R.E.
Program. He put her in contact with the D.A.R.E. Program
coordinator, Officer Emm, who then worked with Jackie on a specific
idea. What Jackie did was to get two graduating classes from
Bremerton High School together and organized a joint group effort.
Jackie Wedqe briefly outlined what brought her to the point of
wanting to do something for her community and the effort behind
"1990 For D.A.R.E." The whole concept was tied to a fund raiser
as a part of the 1983/1984 class reunions. They felt it was very
important to make a statement to the City that young adults are
concerned with the youth of the community and are participating in
TAPE #710
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
February 7, 1990
Page 3 of 11
helping to continue making it a better place to grow up. Cynthia
Land stated once they organized they had no difficulty getting
cooperations from within the community. Jackie thanked all the
members of the community who came forward helping sponsor this
event, especially the Police Department. And, she presented
Officer Emm with a check in the amount of $1,264.27 with the
balance of $35.73 provided by the end of the month, making a total
contribution to the D.A.R.E. Program of $1,300.00. Officer Emm
stated the donated funds would go toward materials for the program,
such as notebooks, tee shirts, certificates, etc., which are funded
exclusively from private funds. He personally thanked Jackie and
Cynthia for helping to make his job easier. Cynthia Land
explained she and Jackie would like to pass this effort on to
another group who could keep it active as an annual event to help
support the D.A.R.E. Program.
Police Chief Del McNeal reported on a request made by Council
regarding rising costs of Kitsap County Jail services over the past
two years. A review was made, starting with 1987 and ending in
1989, and annually over those years jail costs have risen
approximately $260,000. The reasons for this rise in costs (1986-
1989) averages a 7.5~ salary increase. It is not known what the
salary increase will be for 1990. Another reason for the rise was
that in 1988-89 they went from 110 beds to 138. This increase in
beds brought about a rise in more coveralls for inmates, bedding,
medical needs, etc. As an example of that, in 1987 they spent
$109,000 on food for meals in the jail. In 1989 they spent
$165,000.00 for those food needs. Other rises included utility
bills (1988) $4,500 up to (1990) $7,000. In addition to this and
probably one of the larger costs is staffing: 1987 - 43 jailers,
in 1988 - 47, and 1990 - 50. Also, one cook and 1 1/2 maintenance
persons were added.
Mr. Johnson pointed out the cost of having jails and operating them
is actually becoming a crisis not only locally but throughout the
State. And, the costs causing the rise in expenditures is not
something that is controllable. He assured everyone that the
Police Department and City Council are watching carefully how the
money is spent, however, it is an expensive proposition to run
jails.
Mary Suetterlein, Park Board member, thanked the citizens of
Bremerton for their resounding vote on Tuesday, February 6. The
Park Board did endorse the ordinance and when the Board was dealing
with the Roosevelt Field issue there were mixed feelings of support
for the Ordinance. She noted the Board did much study of State,
Federal and local documents that related to park lands, financing
of park lands and they finally came to an unanimous decision that
park lands must not be sold. She recommended Council review the
Park Board documents and end this issue of sale. And, she thanked
the Friends Of Bremerton Parks and Recreation - these people
rallied on their own, spent their cwn money, did an extreme amount
of work to put the ordinance together in conjunction with City
staff and City Council.
Del Knauss, Olympic Avenue, thanked the City Council, Mayor
Mentor, Friends Of The Parks, Parks Board and citizens for their
support of the "Save Our Parks" Referendum. A vote has been taken
and a determination of the citizens to keep the parks has been
expressed. It is time for the members of the Council who spoke
against the referendum to reassess their stance and stop pursuing
their personal goals or those of special interest groups and
concentrate on the wishes of those who elected them.
Ken Kilande~, 58-B McNeal, stated before he lived in Bremerton he
had traveled all around the country. In his opinion, TCI Cable
Company is one of the worst cable companies he has ever dealt with.
TAPE #710
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
February 7, 1990
Page 4 of 11
He strongly objected to their taking Channel CBUT off the air. He
pointed out the FCC required that they only cut out duplicating
programs, not the entire channel. He believes that something needs
to be done to get CBUT back on the air. He pointed out the
headquarters of TCI is in Colorado and he urged people to write to
the Denver office: Executive Managers Office, TCI Cable Corp, 4643
South Ulster St. Parkway, Denver, Colorado 8280237.
Glenn Jarstad, 2823 Hefner, member of Friends Of The Parks, stated
he was pleased to see the citizens support of the Parks Ordinance.
During the formulation and development of this ordinance there
never was the issue of incompetency or taking away a representative
government by the people who were elected to the Council. It was
strictly a format or ordinance that was not in the City to end this
- but to let the people vote on if they wish to dispose of a
valuable asset. He noted the College did get $475,000 and that the
obligation was on that State agency to use it wisely and begin
doing what they said they would do in their Comprehensive Plan.
He did express concern over Flagship '88 - if the City is
contracting with them he does not want to see any kind of political
lobbying on any issue. Friends Of The Parks group will need a fund
raiser to cover about $1,000 expenses
6A - 1990 RATE INCREASE PROPOSALS FOR AMBULANCE COMPANIES, ~AB90-
024
The Ambulance Advisory Committee has reviewed the 1990 rate
proposals for Olympic and Bremerton Ambulance companies. Evidence
of rising Costs and competitive rates to other regional firms was
reviewed by this committee. It is the recommendation of the
Advisory Committee that the proposed increased rates for 1990 be
approved by Council.
On December 20, 1989, this item was tabled until further review of
financial statements for each company were reviewed and the
Advisory Board had the opportunity to give the proposed rates a
second review.
Paula Johnston, License Inspector, stated at the December 20
Council meeting it was Council's direction to staff and ambulance
companies to come back again with additional cost history to
justify the rate increases. The City Attorney, Fire Department and
Tax and License Department communicated at great length with the
owners of both ambulance companies. And, in response to that
another Ambulance Advisory Committee meeting was held so that the
ambulance companies could offer additional costs history. During
this meeting explanation was given of some of the trends in rate
increases over the past five years.
Lorna Corrigan, Attorney representing Olympic Ambulance, provided
copies to Council members of a breakdown of "uncontrollable
operating expenses" - fixed costs to the ambulance company every
year, which were not all of the costs the ambulance company must
pay, i.e., building cost/maintenance and cost of equipment had been
omitted. Ms. Corrigan reviewed payroll figures (1986) and noted
the 40.894 increase was due in part to additional personnel being
added. In 1987 there was a 19.814 increase in cost of payroll.
For all uncontrollable costs there was a 524 increase between the
last two years. The substantial portions of that increase are
payroll and medical supply costs.
Ms. Corrigan reviewed the information relating to different types
of customers, which included private patient who pays the ambulance
bill out of pocket, Medicare patient and Welfare patient. It was
noted the ambulance company receives different compensations for
the same kind of services, i.e., example of the total cost of an
ambulance run for a private patient is $147.13, the amount paid for
a Medicare patient is $108.00 and amount paid for a Welfare patient
TAPE #710
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
February 7, 1990
Page 5 of 11
is $70.51. What developed at the Ambulance Committee meeting was
the discussion of some of those increases of cost and differential
in different types of costs. Equipment costs is a fairly steady
rate between ambulance companies in different jurisdictions. The
ambulance when purchased cost about the same no matter where it is
purchased and medical supplies are the same amount. The financial
figures presented demonstrate an increased cost of 524 over the
last year and what is being requested is a 104 rate increase. Ms.
Corrigan stated she feels this is a fair increase considering the
fact that there is a situation where the citizens need to be
protected in the circumstances where they have a critical service
that has to be performed. At the same time, however, she did not
feel it was fair to expect one private business man to absorb all
of that cost. Therefore, what is being asked is to share in the
distribution of the costs by allowing Olympic Ambulance and
Bremerton Ambulance to submit a rate increase that represents a
proportionate cost that they have to actually absorb.
Graylee Johnson, owner Bremerton Ambulance Company, stated
Bremerton Ambulance is a start up company and she did not have a
history of costs. She is relying on her five years experience in
the ambulance service as well as the strength of Olympic Ambulance
and their projections of service costs.
Mr. Overson expressed concern that Council was given a list of
expenditures not a list of expenses and he questioned the statement
"uncontrollable"; and that brings forth the possible recommendation
that the ambulance companies should take control of their
expenditures and expenses. He also was concerned that no
information was provided on the income side of this services, which
would allow a comparison of income and expenses. Ms. Corriqan
stated she did not want to misrepresent payroll figures and just
say they were paying people twice as much as last year - that is
why she explained personnel had been added. In terms of outlay she
was confused as to exactly what information Council desired ...
they did provide expenditure. Mr. Overson emphasized the need for
more detailed financial information showing number of calls,
income, etc.
Mr. Estes questioned if there were two ambulance companies in the
City of Bremerton? Graylee Johnson stated in order to guarantee
that no competition come into Bremerton a new company was invented,
which would guarantee their employees full time employment. Eric
Tucker stated in the City of Bremerton there are two separate
entities - Bremerton Ambulance and Olympic Ambulance. Each company
has their own equipment. Basically, the thought behind the new
company was to provide job security~ provide the people of
Bremerton with quality employees and quality equipment. Mr. Estes
questioned if they share the same facilities? Ms. G. Johnson
stated yes, they do share facilities which helps to keep overhead
expenses down. Mr. Estes stated, as a citizen of Bremerton, how
does one figure there is any competition in this type of
arrangement? Mr. Tucker stated right now between the two companies
there is no competition. There is an agreement between the two
companies that for one month the calls that originate with
Bremerton Fire Department in the City of Bremerton will be handled
by one company and the next month those calls will be handled by
the other company. Now, if another company came into the City and
their not being a part of the cooperative business arrangement
between the two companies, that would represent competition.
Mr. Horninq stated there is no question in his mind that ambulance
service expenses for usual items have gone up, but the information
provided does not provide that information. It does not give the
rate increase on any given product and how that affects the total
billing. Also needed is what the gross incomes are for the two
companies to justify the requested increase. And, Mr. Horning
TAPE #710
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
February 7, 1990
Page 6 of 11
stated it would be difficult for him to support this requested
increase based on the information provided. Ms. Johnston stated
she had requested the financial information with Mr. Littlejohn
declining to provide it. Ms. Corriqan stated to her understanding
Mr. Littlejohn did not decline to give gross income and it is her
understanding he must provide it.
Mr. Waibel pointed out the information included under "Per
Transport" does recognize the increased cost per transport. And,
in fact it has gone up from $90.68 to $140.20 between 1988 and
1989. He questioned are there regulations that require the number
of personnel that would cause a 504 increase in the need for
payroll to man these ambulances? Ms. Corriqan stated that
increase is not entirely attributable to addition of persons and
did have to do with a labor dispute that was an uncontrollable
cost. She feels that the ambulance companies have demonstrated an
increase in costs and are not asking the citizens to absorb all of
it. Mr. Homing stated if the costs have increased by that much
(504) then an increase should be asked. Ms. Johnston stated for
clarification - the Council would like to see a financial
statement, revenues verses expenses. Both Acting Fire Chief Meigs
and Ms. Johnston asked Mr. Littlejohn for financial statements and
he declined at this time. Mr. Horninq stated it was his
understanding that information was part of the regulatory action
and the City was entitled to that information. Ms. Johnston stated
it is her understanding that it would be provided on a voluntary
basis. Ian Sievers, City Attorney, stated he felt the City had the
right to that full financial picture to see if the unit costs have
eroded their profit margin and that information was excluded from
the statement provided. He had responded to Mr. Littlejohn's
attorney and stated the City did expect that revenue information.
Mr. Horninq stated he was not interested in beating a business down
where they make no profit thus won't be here at the end of the
year. The information provided paints a very bleak picture. Mr.
$ievers stated it might be more logically assumed, from the
information provided, that business is booming. For instance,
their fuel costs went up 424, which one would assume would
translate more trips, more businesses and more profit margins.
President Horton noted not only is financial information needed but
to include number of trips for 1988 and projected trips for 1990.
She questioned if the additional manpower was to accommodate
additional trips or simply to swell the corporation? Ms. Corriqan
stated a portion of that was because they took on additional
functions, i.e., dispatching function. President Horton requested
a history of trips, why new personnel were added, any new functions
undertaken, etc.
Mr. Johnson stated the Council needs whatever kind of financial
statement that shows what the profit margin is today and what it
was previously. Mrs. Corriqan requested from Mr. Sievers some
authority which would require that the financial statement must be
provided. Mr. Johnson stated for clarification...if he could view
a segmented income statement for the Bremerton operations of
olympic Ambulance that would probably answer his questions.
Mr. Dawkins stated he was not sure if the Council should be delving
into a private businessman's tax statements. He also was concerned
if Council did not like the current service provided by the two
companies it may be opened up for bids and the low bidder getting
the business. This is not something he wants to see happen. Mr.
Sievers stated if Bremerton were a larger community with a number
of ambulance companies and people could select a carrier based on
rates, which would be competitive because they had to compete for
private calls, the City may not have a business license regulation
at all. Here it was felt there was one operated and the City
needed to guarantee a certain level of service - accessibility on-
TAPE #710
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
February 7, 1990
Page 7 of 11
call provision in the licence - and in exchange for that providing
availability the City wants to set a rate to guarantee a fair
profit and make sure they can provide the required service. If the
City were a larger community then we would probably switch to a
contract for the 911 service that the City felt obligated to
provide, then there would be assurance of a competitive rate on
that contract through competitive bidding. In both cases, it
insures a fair rate to the citizens. Mr. Dawkins questioned if the
financial information must be made public? Mr. Sievers stated he
did not believe the information needs to be made public - the City
does have the Gross receipts information through the B&O Tax, which
is not made available for public information and must protect that
privacy. He assumed this process would afford the businesses
similar protection yet no one has provided that information. Ms.
Corrigan stated part of her client's concern about giving a full
financial statement and/or doing an audit is that when an ordinance
says that you have the authority and should exercise the authority
to compare rates in different jurisdictions what it is doing is
Giving you a standard, i.e., if in Seattle they are charging
$100.00 per call and a request for the Bremerton area is $105.00,
obviously something is wrong. But, when someone is going into to
examine a businesses books that leaves you without a standard.
President Morton stated if the City is comparing other ambulance
companies in other areas with those in the City, then information
regarding per capita income of those other companies needs to be
furnished so a comparison can be made.
Mr. Overson stated it appears that the ambulance company is
experiencing about a 104 increase in business annually as well as
a 6-104 increase income due to rate increases thereby obtaining a
15-164 year additional income to the ambulance company. Also, many
people in this region received only a 34 pay increase in the last
two years. Ms. Corrigan stated all that her client is asking is
that Council make the most objective judgement possible without
proceeding to a point where a standard is not used. And, they asked
that the Council look at it objectively in terms of how this is
dealt with in other cities and towns, how the rates work out taking
into account demographic characteristics.
Mr. Collins pointed out on page 20-21 of the Agenda packet there
are 1989 and 1990 rates for various services and supplies that are
provided by three different companies. And, the Ambulance Advisory
Committee had the opportunity to review the proposal for a second
time and he requested a report on that meeting. Ms. Johnston
stated all of the documents provided to Council in the Agenda
packet, including the rate schedule Ms. Corrigan just reviewed,
were submitted to the Ambulance Advisory Committee. Police Chief
Del McNeal stated when the rates were first presented the Advisory
Committee did review them and the request seemed logical and
reasonable at that time. Then, the Council requested additional
information and a second set of information was reviewed, however,
they did not ask that information be broken down per capita run for
supplies costs. There was discussion on profit and Mr. Littlejohn
did have some reservations about opening his accounting books and
have the City decide what his profit margin should be. The
Committee felt on the comparisons and on the information provided
that the rate increase was justified. They recognized that
recommendation may not have answered all Council questions,
however, it was based on the information provided to the Committee.
Mr. Johnson commented that private enterprise is wonderful, he
supports it, but what is being asked is to monitor rates for the
City and the monopoly.
#3021 M/S/F(Dawkins/Collins) to approve the proposed 1990 Ambulance
Rates.
TAPE #710
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
February 7, 1990
Page 8 of 11
Vote: In Favor: Waibel, Collins, Dawkins,
Opposed: Overson, Estes, Horning, Horton, Johnson
Motion failed.
#3067 M/S/C(Johnson/Waibel) that this item be continued until the Council
is provided sufficient financial statements showing the profit
levels of Olympic Ambulance and Bremerton Ambulance for the
Bremerton community so that Council can determine if the rates are
proper.
Mr. ~orning stated he would accept a piece approach so that they
could compare literally what they use, bandages, etc., so that a
comparison of costs today can be made with past years service
costs. Mr. Johnson stated the intent was to allow the companies
to do it on a per unit basis but related to the Bremerton Area.
And, the Council does need to see something that reflects both
revenues and expenses.
Vote: In Favor: Waibel, Johnson, Overson, Estes, Horning
Horton
Opposed: Collins, Dawkins
6B - PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT FOR DITC~ CLEANING, ~AB90-025
The City Street Department wishes to enter into a Professional
Services contact with Ditch Master, Inc., for the clesn~ng of
ditches within the City limits of Bremerton.
Under this contract, Ditch Master will be paid $160.00 per hour for
their Ditch Master Truck with operator. The City Street Department
will provide one flag person and one laborer. The contract shall
terminate 3/31/90 and will not exceed $12,500.
Ditch Master Inc., is a sole source service. They are the only
manufacturer of this piece of equipment and only sell to state,
counties and cities.
Ken Brees, Street Superintendent, stated this process was carried
out two years ago and cost the City approximately $5,000, which was
the first time the City used this machine. During this first time
use it did better than anticipated and included a section of the
Old Belfair Highway which is under Bremerton's jurisdiction. He
noted the ditches are in pretty good shape and he anticipates
completing the work in half the time this time. He proposes doing
this work every two years or divide into 1/2 yearly in order to
keep up with the cleaning process.
Public comment invited - none received.
Mr. Dawkins questioned how many miles would this entail? Mr. Brees
stated primarily along streets where there are no curbs and
cutters.
Mr. Waibel questioned if it would be possible to include in the
contract a requirement of minimum linear feet per day? Ian
Sievers, City Attorney, stated yes, and although the department is
paying by the hour for the equipment and labor so it does have
expectation of a minimal level, he suggested adding the following
wording to Section 3, COMPENSATION: "City agrees to pay Contractor
according to the terms of the Contractor's proposal at the rate of
$160.00 per hour provided contractor completes a minimum of 3,200
lineal feet of ditch cleaning per day."
Mr. Overson questioned if the contract stated not to exceed
$12,5007 Mr. Sievers stated it is certainly something that could
be monitored by the department, but he did feel it was good to be
up front with the contractor and include it under COMPENSATION -
total compensation not to exceed $12,500.
TAPE #710
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
February 7, 1990
Page 9 of 11
TAPE #711
#0019 M/S/C/U(Waibel/Horning) to authorize the Mayor to enter into a
Professional Services contract between the City of Bremerton and
Ditch Master Inc., for the cleaning of ditches; including
additional sentences to Section 3, COMPENSATION : :City agrees to
pay Contractor according to the terms of the Contractor's proposal
at the rate of $160.00 per hour provided Contractor completes a
minimum of 3,200 lineal feet of ditch cleaning per day and total
compensation not to exceed $12,500.
7A - PUBLIC HEARING - WEST HILLS AREA PLAN - TO ACCEPT PUBLIC
COMMENTS AND CONSIDER A PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION FOR
ADOPTION OF THE PLAN AND PRE-ANNEXATION ZONING BY PASSAGE OF
RESOLUTION ~2287, ~AB90-026
Owners of property in the "West Hills" unincorporated area have
expressed interest in annexation. The West Hills Area Plan was
developed to help guide future planning, growth and development in
this 130 acre area, located generally south of Werner Road and west
of SR-3. The Plan includes background information about the area
as well as more specific proposals for streets, land use, sewer and
water lines, etc. The Plan also includes the Planning Commission's
recommendations for "pre-annexation zoning", which would take
effect upon annexation. A Resolution is being provided for the
City council's consideration for adoption of this Area Plan as an
amendment to the City's Comprehensive Plan.
Ron Hough, Planning Manager, stated a Neighborhood Area Plan had
been developed and he provided slides showing the general area,
which consists of a 130 area extending from the east right-of-way
of S.R. - 3 to the City limits near Union Avenue, and from Werner
Road on the north to the Sunn Fjord complex on the south. The area
contains 175 dwellings, the Honda Dealership, Coca-Cola Bottling
Company, a restaurant, a church and a neighborhood park. There are
two fairly distinct neighborhoods - one between Oyster Bay Avenue
and the freeway (north of the sewage treatment plant), the other
is located on top of the hill - Pointdexter and Humphrey Avenue
areas. Through the middle is a considerable amount of vacant land,
which is all zoned residential. Forty percent of all the
properties in the entire area are currently vacant.
This particular area is already covered by the City's Comprehensive
Plan, however, that plan needs to be updated for various reasons:
(1) the City has streets, water lines, reservoirs, sewer system,
etc., within the area and immediately surrounding it, which need
to be planned for future development, impacts of development; (2)
area is an active growth area; (3) there has been interest in
annexation of this area by several people who own property in this
area. Also, the Comprehensive Plan has not kept pace with recent
developments in the area and is currently outdated.
Mr. Hough provided a view graph showing the proposed land use,
which would become the modification to the Comprehensive Plan Map.
When this issue was before the Planning Commission, they considered
two alternatives, Alternative A and B. The plan before Council was
Alternative B, which was ultimately approved by the Planning
Commission. The only difference between A and B is an area along
the east side of Oyster Bay Avenue toward the freeway which is
currently in residential use. The Planning Commission and staff
concluded that this area was not the best location for a long range
residential future.
An existing Zoning Map was provided showing County and City
designations. County commercial zones are Business Trade (Cocoa
Cola Co.); Business General (includes Honda dealership and most of
the gravel pit area); Business Neighborhood (restaurant) - all the
TAPE #711
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
February 7, 1990
Page 10 of 11
other residential areas are zoned currently by the County are R-
5MH, which is a 5-unit per acre designation. The County also has
R-30 (Sunn Fjord). City's zoning in the area includes Single
Family (SF), Industrial General, Industrial Park. The zoning
alternative approved by and recommended by the Planning Commission
is Alternative A. In this case the Planning Commission received
input from the County Commissioners, County staff and residents at
the neighborhood meeting and got the impression that the people who
live and own property in this area may want to keep it residential
for the foreseeable future. Therefore, the Planning Commission is
recommending maintaining a residential zoning on the area until
such time the economic climate changes and someone comes in for a
rezone application, PUD, or some other proposal to change the land
use. It is felt this is consistent with what the County is doing.
A Circulation Plan shows a change which would dedicate right-of-
way for a new street coming down between Coca Cola and the Honda
Dealership and connecting with Cottman. This would provide access
into a new commercial center and the gravel pit behind the
dealership would eventually become Commercial or Light Industrial.
There would be some improvements in the circulation system -
Roosevelt Street would connect better with Oyster Bay Avenue.
There are also proposals in the Neighborhood Plan for sewer and
water systems and specific proposals for each one of those areas.
The Plan emphasizes land use, circulation, water and sewer systems,
pre-annexation zoning and the Comprehensive Plan Amendment.
The Plan is intended to be adopted as a part of the City's long-
range Comprehensive Plan to guide future growth and development of
services within this area. It will assist the City by providing
adequate levels of utilities and will assist local property owners
by giving them a preview of what the City has to offer and what the
zoning would be if they decided to annex into the City. It is
known that there is interest to annex in that area due to the fact
that there has been verbal discussion with individuals on this
issue.
Mr. Hough pointed out this is only a plan, it will not be effective
in this area until it is annexed into the City. Also, the
Comprehensive Plan, which is being amended, was adopted by
Resolution #2121 on July 9, 1986.
Glenn Jarstad, Hefner St., stated he heartily endorses this pre-
annexation plan for the people in this area. Where the City is
looking long-range for establishment of commercial properties and
tax base, this is a prime area where the City can look at it far
enough ahead so that the people who live in the residential area
can become acquainted with what the City offers. He applauded the
Planning Commission and staff for keeping the right focus on what
is being attempted to do in that area, which is to assure proper
land values in return to the people as they sell their property.
Roy McInnis, 2711 Maple Street, stated he felt some people who live
in the proposed area were confused over this issue. He has urged
people to come to the City Council meetings, Planning Commission
meetings and/or ask staff questions if they are not sure of certain
issues. He feels the Planning Commission is doing a fine job in
moving toward the progress of the City by making the zoning right
and plan for annexation of that area.
Mr. Waibel raised a point of question.., should the "Appearance Of
Fairness/Conflict Of Interest" questions be asked? Ian Sievers,
City Attorney, stated no, since the area is so large and is
comprehensive planning; and, zoning proposals are not enacted by
this action and that would more likely be a quasi judicial
proceeding although with an area this large it would probably be
TAPE #711
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
February 7, 1990
Page 11 of 11
Legislative if the City adopted this whole area or annexed it and
implemented at that time.
Mr. Overson expressed concern over the terms "City of Bremerton",
"Navy Yard City" and "the City", and questioned if "Navy Yard City"
was a City? Mr. Houqh stated no, it is an unincorporated area of
the County. Mr. Overson he suggested changing the writing so as
to clarify those three terms. Mr. Houqh stated they did run into
a problem as people in the Navy Yard City area feel the proposed
area is included in their area and do not recognize it as "West
Hills" The exact area referred to as "Navy Yard City" is not
completely known due to its being unincorporated. Mr. Overson
pointed out some confusion regarding people from the Navy Yard City
area giving testimony.., he questioned if they were speaking for
all the people in that area or just themselves? Mr. Hough stated
no, they are just residents in that area. However, there is an
organized group called Westside Improvement Club".
Mr. Waibel stated he wished there was some designation for public
right-of-ways, because he did not think the City wanted the
triangle between S.R.-3 and Werner Road and the approach to S.R.-
3 to be residential. Mr. Houqh stated most zoning districts
include public rights-of-way where zones come together.
Mr. Johnson questioned why wouldn't the proposed West Hills area
come up to Union Avenue and 3rd Street? Mr. Hough pointed out the
City boundary and noted everything lying west is inside the City.
Mr. Johnson stated this was the first time he had seen a proposal
such as this and he believes it is a good method.
Mr. Dawkins questioned if it was known where the new road comes in
from the Gorst area and circles down Werner Road? Mr. Hough stated
he did not have that information.
#1109 M/S/C/U(Overson/Waibel) to approve Resolution #2287, adopting the
West Hills Area Plan as an amendment to the City of Bremerton's
Comprehensive Plan.
With no further business meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
KATHLEEN L. MCCLUS~TY CLERK
APPROVED
L HORTON, Council President
City of Bremerton
KLM/LH/me
cc: Normal Distribution
File/Vault