HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/31/90COUNU -
TAPE #709
UNAPPROVED DRAFT
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 31, 1990
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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 31, 1990 at 5:30 p.m.,
with Council President Lynn Horton presiding. Council members
present were: Lon Overson, Wayne Estes, Spencer Horning, Hank
Waibel, Morrie Dawkins, C. R. "Tiny" CollinS, A1 Colvin and Russ
Johnson. Also present were City Attorney Ian Sievers and City
Clerk Kathleen McCluskey.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council
President Horton Invocation was given by Chaplin Kenneth Morita of
the SubBase Bangor Chapel.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes Of Meeting Held - January 17, 1990, #AB90-016
M/S/C/U(Waibel/Estes) to approve Consent Agenda as presented.
CLAIMS/WARRANT REGISTERS
Vouchers audited and certified by the auditing officer as required
by RCW 42.24.080, and those expense reimbursement claims certified
as required by RCW 42.24.090, have been recorded on a listing which
has been made available to the council.
M/S/C/U(Colvin/Dawkins) on January 31, 1990 the Council does
approve for payment those vouchers included and further described
as follows: 103798 through 103803, 103816 and 104048 through 104223
in the total amount of $324,255.75
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Mr. Johnson congratulated the Ferry System for notifying the public
on Ferry Schedules as well as being ahead of their construction
schedule. And, he was pleased to have Chaplin Kenneth Morita
provide the Invocation and reminded everyone he represents one of
the larger communities in Bremerton - Jackson Park.
Mr. Colvin reported a group of citizens admonished him that the
City does not have a place to hang coats/hats when coming to a City
council meeting. And, he hoped the City would look into this
concern. Mrs. Horton noted to her understanding it was determined
that no one used the coat rack that was previously located near the
Council Chambers. Mr. Colvin thanked Del Knauss for keeping him
informed.
Mr. Dawkins stated considering the low number of individuals who
usually attend City Council meetings, he felt there was plenty of
room for their coats/hats in the seating provided.
Mr. Overson stated the progress in the downtown area is good to see
... Utility's project is nearing completion and work will soon
commence on the waterfront park.
Mr. Estes stated he spend this afternoon in Olympia, sharing a
luncheon with State Legislators. He noted due to the Legislators
being very busy, they did not have the opportunity to lobby for the
things they had wanted to, however, he has a pet project. In the
1992 Legislative Session they will be redistricting and Mr. Estes
believes the City should push making Bremerton the major part of
some Legislative District instead of the way it is now so that it
has a better voice towards transportation. Max Vekich,
Representative of the. 35th District, is in favor of such a
proposal.
Mrs. Horton stated over the weekend she attended the American
Women's Pacific Coalition's first Anniversary dinner, which was a
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very nice affair and well represented. After watching an
"Earthquake Readiness" program on TCI she strongly urges everyone
to become more aware of earthquake preparedness.
PUBLIC RECOGNITION - None
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6A - KITSAP PHYSICIANS SERVICE CONTRACT, #AB90-017
The proposed Administration contract with KPS for employee medical
benefits has been reviewed by the City's consultant Ron V~lick
of Corroon & Black as well as staff.
Kathleen McCluskey, City Clerk, stated there was one change to
Schedule A with the deletion of: "The Following cost containment
features will be instituted April 1, 1986" (located on Page 2 of
Schedule A).
Mr. Johnson questioned under "E Contingency Reserve, Deficit,
Surplus" - who determines how the surplus is figures and if there
is one? Rob Schneidler, KPS, stated surplus is defined under D-17
"Surplus" - Net Premium Income less the Administrative Expenses,
Conversion Charges, Incurred Claims and other mutually agreed upon
charges for the Contract Year, and then each one of those items
Administrative Expenses, Conversion Charges, Incurred Claims are
also defined. Mr. Johnson questioned if this fell under
"generally accepted accounting procedures"? Mr. Schneidler stated
absolutely. Mr. Johnson questioned, Under Item E6 Interest
Earned/Interest Charged: "The Interest earned or charged shall be
set at the current portfolio rate of the Corporation for the
contract year", is the City at the mercy of the KPS investors?
Mr. Schniedler stated unless the City desires to have their money
separated from the total portfolio and keep track of it getting
credit for the actual return...KPS's normal practice in all their
contracts is to give credit at their portfolio rate. And, KPS has
out performed in Equities, Dow Jones, etc. Ms. McCluskeV stated
both of Mr. Johnson's questions had been dealt with during contract
negotiations. In regard to the Interest Earned section, the City
decided to go along with KPS's standard procedure since this would
be the first year the City would be under this type program; and,
the contact provided for the opportunity to change at a later date
if the City so desired. Mr. Johnson requested clarification of
statement: "regardless of all the above the Corporation reserves
the right to change the premiums based on reasonable actuarial...".
Mr. Schneidler stated any time the Legislature is in Session they
can act to change the liability of the employer, therefore, that
would change the contractual relationship with KPS if additional
benefits were required mid-year. Therefore, that paragraph allows
KPS, regardless of all other guarantees given, to change the rate
being charged based on an actuarial determination of the value of
an additional benefit that any governmental agency may require them
to provide. Mr. Colvin questioned if this also pertained to
deficit carried forward and would the contract be reopened? Mr.
Schneidler stated it would not be reopened during the contract year
but in negotiations for the subsequent year they reserve the right
to negotiate to off set the deficits that had occurred in the
current year.
Mr. Waibel questioned if KPS had any problem with making a change
in Schedule A to read: "The Following cost containment features
apply to surgeries performed on an emergency basis will not require
a second opinion"? Mr. Schneidler stated that change would be
acceptable.
M/S/C/U(Dawkins/Colvin) to approve contract with KPS to provide
employee medical benefits, including the wording: "The following
cost containment features apply to surgeries performed on an
emergency basis will not require a second opinion.
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#0544
6B - CLAIMS ADMINISTRATION SERVICES - MOORE & MULLIN, INC.,
#AB90-018
In early 1988, after reviewing competitive proposals, the City
entered into a contract with Moore & Mullin for claims
administration and adjusting services. The contract was for a one
year period, unless extended by mutual agreement. An extension of
an additional year was approved by Council in 1989 with a
termination date of January 31, 1990. Moore & Mullin has provided
excellent service to the City, was the low bidder, and will extend
its contract for an additional year at the same cost - $9,200.
Council's authorization to extend the present contract for an
additional year is required.
Kathleen McCluskeV, City Clerk, stated since this is a Professional
Services Agreement, a call for bids is not required.
M/S/C/U(Horning/Waibel) to authorize the extension of Moore &
Mullin's professional services agreement for the period February
1, 1990 through January 31, 1991.
6C - EXTENSION OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT - TRANS 360,
#AB90-019
The City desires to extend the contract with Trans 360 for
additional truck driver training. The training is for an
additional 21 employees and travel expenses for the trainers. The
maximum cost for the additional training and expenses is $12,000
and will be shared by the Utilities and Street Departments.
City employees need to undergo training so they can pass the State
Commercial Drivers Licensing examination.
Public Comment invited - none received.
Mr. Estes questioned what was driving this additional training and
how complicated are the trucks that have to be driven? Ken Brees,
Street Superintendent, stated what is driving the training is new
requirements of Commercial Drivers License as opposed to what was
in the past called a Combination Drivers License. Testing
procedures and requirements are much stiffer under the new
requirements. The types of trucks the City uses are:
tractor/trailer, 3,000 gallon tanker, trucks holding 2,000 gallons
of water, dump trucks that pull equipment trailers, etc. Some of
the trucks are automatic shifts, some are 10-speeds with two speed
axles, 13-speed road rangers, etc. Some of the employees are
required to drive all types of trucks. Mr. Estes questioned if the
training included other things besides driving skills? Mr. Brees
stated the first thing they learn is where and what to look for on
the truck (initial inspection of the truck), which includes safety
items, maintenance, oil leaks/breaks, etc. The training is very
safety oriented with 18 hours of class room training and 4 hours
road training.
Mr. Overson questioned what criteria was used in selecting drivers
eligible for the training? Mr. Brees stated on his initial request
for such training he requested funding for 20 drivers, which was
the maximum class size allowed. He scheduled 21 drivers in the
event that someone could not make the class (cost of the extra
driver is being included in the proposed extension). All drivers
under the classification of Service Specialist Seniors, Service
Specialist, Foremen and Leadman, by job description, are required
to have a Combination License, which is now called a Commercial
Drivers License. Mr. Overson questioned how many people would this
involve? Mr. Brees stated there are 42 employees between the
Street Department, Water Utility and Parks Department. Mr. Overson
questioned if the City would not then hire anyone for those
position that did not have a valid Commercial Drivers License? Mr.
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Brees stated he could not guarantee that due to his not knowing
what the City will be doing with job descriptions. The proposed
testing will cover all the current employees under those
classifications. There will be five more Service Specialist hired
this year. Mr. Overson questioned if this would be the last time
he, Mr. Brees, would come before the Council requesting such driver
training? Mr. Brees stated he could not say at this time.
Mr. Collins stated he believes the City has already trained an
exceptional number of people for what is basically a heavy
equipment operator and questioned if there was a restriction on
"tonnage"? Mr. Brees stated any vehicle above 26,000 gbw (13 ton).
He briefly outlined the difficulty of scheduling driver needs
considering not all of the drivers work within the Street
Department and vehicle needs change according to their work load.
Mr. Dawkins pointed out that this is just another area where the
Federal and State regulations have impacted City costs. In this
particular instance he felt it was a small cost compared to other
mandated requirements.
President Horton question how many employees in the first group
trained passed their test. Mr. Brees indicated one employee from
the Street Department and one or two from the Utility had passed.
President Hotton questioned how many had taken the test but
failed? M__r. Brees stated on the written portion of the test some
failed the air brake part. What happens to those that fail is that
during the next testing they will be retested on only the part
failed. P_/resident Horton questioned what happens if an employee
does not pass, is the City out the investment? Mr. Brees stated
there is virtually no reason why they should not pass the test as
there is an oral test opportunity if an employee had trouble with
a written test. President Horton stated before any additional
hires she would like to see an update to the job descriptions that
includes the license requirement. Caroline Marshall, Personnel
Director, stated her plan is to wait until the two sessions of
training have been completed, determine who has passed and who has
not and then review the job descriptions and evaluate who has what
position. President Horton questioned if Ms. Marshall would be
ready to act on this by the time Department's needed new hires?
Mrs. Marshall stated she was not sure but did explain that each
employee has a different date when their license expires so she
would have up to that expiration date before something would have
to be done. She hoped to be ahead of the expiration dates and she
believed those that expired the first of the new year were covered.
Mr. Johnso~ stated the first time this issue was approved by
Council it was his understanding the $10,000 cost covered the total
training program. He supported the previous proposal after talking
to some Federal, State and County agencies who also had to meet
that mandate. He expressed concern that the same employees who
have been using the same equipment for a number of years all of a
sudden are not or may not be qualified for the grade level they are
in. If the City has a truck driver that cannot pass the Commercial
License test then maybe the City needs an employee who can. Mrs.
Marshall stated she is totally in favor of the training being
provided to this particular work force. The City has some very
heavy equipment in both the Utility and Street Departments. The
classification system that encompasses this group of employees has
been called[ many things in the past. Most of the work force has
been around a long time, however, not all of them during their
career with the City have been exposed to the equipment that they
are suppose to operate. There is some disconnection between the
persoWs work history and the equipment that they are expected to
operate. She stressed the importance of the maintenance and safety
aspects of the training and its value to the City. If someone does
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not pass the required test then that employee will have to be
placed in a different classification.
Mr. Waibel questioned what are the possibilities that any new hires
will be required to have a Commercial Drivers License for this
classification or will the City have to provide training on an in-
hire basis? Mrs. Marshall stated she did not believe the City
would benefit by hiring people that need to be trained. It is done
as an apprentice or some other arrangement where until they are
trained they are at a lower rate. But, it would be her expectation
in order to get into the driver~ classification they would have to
possess the license. She would like to see some kind of
apprenticeship or learning kind of classification where training
dollars are spent at a lower wage rate. This concept is not in
place at this time. Mr. Waibel stated he believes this Council
wants to go on record that the policy is to not provide this
training for new hires in the future.
Mr. Collins questioned how much would it cost the City to train an
in-house instructor, who could train every employee in the City on
safety/maintenance/driving? Mrs. Marshall stated this is a good
concept and what is being done now is that employees in the Foreman
classification are taking training and in turn training other
employees in proper use of hand equipment, etc. This is a new
beginning and interest in making a commitment to training. She
would prefer to wait for a period of time to see how that proceeds.
Mr. Brees pointed out the City is not in the competition for
attracting highly qualified individuals under the current wage
structure. For what the City is paying they get people who have
little or no experience.
M/S/C(Overson/Dawkins) to approve the contract change order for
Trans 360.
Vote:
In Favor:
Abstain:
Colvin, Dawkins, Collins, Waibel, Horton,
Horning, Estes, Overson
Johnson
7A - ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) REGARDING PARKING, #Ab90-020
In April of 1989, the Council approved a comprehensive Parking
Plan. Mid-year a number of the plan elements were adopted,
including correcting outdated sections, revamping handicapped
parking, additional violations and impoundment for failure to
respond to parking infractions, and increased parking fines.
The proposed Ordinance completes the plan by revising parking
administration to include a Parking Advisory Board and parking time
and fee zones set by Resolution. The residential parking permit
system, now under Title 21, has been simplified and incorporated
into the new parking administration scheme. Finally, sidewalk
parking is prohibited and planting strip parking is only allowed
in suitable posted locations.
Andy Parvpa, 1122 Hayward, Parking Committee member, briefly
outlined work that went into the Parking Plan and proposed
ordinance since 1987, which was provided by both staff and
volunteer citizens committee. He noted the ordinance is not cast
in concrete and subject to change, however, it did eliminate one
portion where there was conflict of ordinances, as well as language
which addresses no parking on sidewalks and corrects language which
takes the responsibility away from the abutting landowner for
damages done to public right-of-ways if the City decrees it to be
used for parking. He noted the Engineering staff will be the lead
agency and progress can only be made as funds are available. When
the Engineering staff is able to determine where vehicles will be
allowed to travel i.e., one way streets, parking on one side of
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street or both sides of street, etc., changes will come about which
would eliminate any gridlock. Portions of the ordinance can be put
in abeyance and acted on slowly the same as when Ordinance #4211
was adopted. He urged the Council to pass this ordinance, as
presented.
President Morton stated she did not believe this ordinance
completes the plan and is actually the first step in putting the
plan into operation.
Del Knauss, Parking Committee member, stated he supported the
ordinance as presented. Considering all the hard work that has
gone into preparation of the ordinance he urged the Council to
approve it as presented.
Mr. Estes stated he also worked with the Citizen Parking Committee
for several months and was very aware of the effort put into the
Parking Plan as well as this ordinance. He believes it is
basically a good thing and something that needs to get started.
He offered to give anyone interested a tour of areas where people
have stored junk vehicles, trailers, boats, etc., on streets, just
taking up space where it could provide viable vehicle parking.
Mr. Collins stated he supported the proposal except for that
portion relating to the Parking Advisory Board and the fact that
there is no charter criteria as to what their purpose will be.
Mr. Colvin stated he had one reservation and that was the idea of
having all day parking near the center of the City and hoped the
Parking Advisory Board would take that into consideration. And,
he hoped the City would issue warning tickets for first offenders
who may not be informed of the new parking regulations. President
Morton stated there was discussion in committee and there will be
effort made to notify the public through the news media and warning
tickets will be issued.
Mr. Johnson commended the citizens and staff for a "good job" and
pointed out there is a way to help ease some of the parking at
Olympic College now by simply re-striping parking areas and
questioned if this type of suggestion or plan be given to the
Parking Advisory Board who would then bring it to the City council?
President Morton stated yes, and the Committee has worked very
well with staff to follow through on such approved actions.
M/S/C(Collins/Waibel) to approve Ordinance, on first reading,
relating to parking control and amending regulations establishing
parking fees for on street parking, enforcement procedures and
fines, and amending Chapters 10.04, 10.08, 10.11 and 11.10 of the
Bremerton Municipal Code, and repealing 10.19 and 21.08, with the
exception of Section 2,020(a) -Parking Advisory Board/Committee,
which is to be identified along with their responsibility and
duties and inserted into this in place of the present .020(a) for
second reading which should be in approximately two weeks,
including the modification to the procedure for locating or
relocating Residential Permit Zones administratively with an appeal
to the Parking Advisory Board and City Council (similar to
procedure for locating Commercial Parking Zones).
Vote:
In Favor:
Opposed:
Estes, Horning, Waibel, Horton, Collins,
Dawkins, Colvin, Johnson
Overson
7B - RESOLUTION #2286, ESTABLISHING PARKING ZONES, TIME LIMITATIONS
AND FEES, #AB90-021
The commercial zone includes short-term, long-term and free zone
parking. The residential zone is petitioned by residents or the
Parking Advisory Board. There shall be 30 minutes, 2-hour and 10-
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hour zones. Fees are stated in a range so that they can be changed
and applied administratively.
Hank Clark, 129 Sheridan Road, Parking Committee member, stated one
of the things discovered early on in studying the parking situation
that the key is in enforcement. He recognized that the Police
Department is limited in funds so it will take the cooperation of
people in all the areas to make this program work. Most of the
infractions that have been viewed are so flagrant they should not
be missed.
Mr. Estes noted he discussed with Mayor Mentor the issue of
enforcement and that it fell under his administrative jurisdiction.
Mr. Collins questioned why parking meters are still in place at
Kiwanis Field along 4th and 5th Streets. It was his understanding
that they would be removed. Kathleen McCluskey, City Clerk, stated
what was directed was to not put meters on the other side of
Kiwanis Field. A lengthy discussion was held about installing
meters on 5th Street, where there are not meters, and Council said
no...we don't want to do that. Mr. Collins stated he believed
there was some discussion about removing those that had already
been placed. Mrs. McCluskey stated she did not recall such a
statement, the meters are currently being used and there had not
been any complaints. And, Mrs. McCluskey pointed out the map
provided to Council shows parking meters currently in place.
President Horton stated on 5th Street there is parking allowed on
only the north side of the street. On Kiwanis Field there is
parking on both sides - the south side provides parking for
residents and since Kiwanis Field is on the north side and there
are no residents on that side then the meters were placed.
Mr. Johnson expressed concern that the rates were too low,
particularly in the lower tur.nover time periods. He felt the
shorter the time meter the more valuable the parking spot. Also,
there has been a policy that City meters should not be such a
bargain that they deter the development of the private sector and
questioned if the City is encouraging private parking. President
Horton stated the Parking Plan stated the City will be on a par
with whatever commercial parking area adjacent to it. Mrs.
McCluskey stated the intent of the 10-hour zon~ the 15 cents or
$1.50 for 10 hours, will be those spaces farthest away, least
convenient and least desirable. The closer you get to a business
or Shipyard the higher the rate. On the 30-minute zone (10 cents
for 1/2 hour), the reason there is not a range is because the City
has very few of them. Mr. Johnson questioned if the City had any
15-minute meters which are used around Post Offices, Pharmacies,
etc.? Mrs. McCluskey stated no, she did check into this and the
1/2 hour meters are also 15-minutes. And, no meter heads have been
changed yet due to the fact that they are currently looking at an
electronic meter head. These would allow much more flexibility in
changing metered times and allowing those changes to be made
locally rather than sending them out. Currently the City has 149
10-hour meters out of approximately 500 meters, so they are looking
to replace just the 10-hour meters initially. Replacement of these
meters was included in the 1990 budget.
#2931
M/S/C/U(Dawkins/Colvin) to approve Resolution #2286, establishing
parking zones, time limitations and fees within the City of
Bremerton.
With no further business meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
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January 31, 1990
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APPROVED
KATHLEEN L. MCCLUSKEY, CITY CLERK
LYN~~HORTON, Council President
City of Bremerton
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