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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/25/89 FEB 8 FJO9 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 25, 1989 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 25, 1989, at 5:30 p.m., with Council Acting President Hank Waibel presiding. Council members present were Lon Overson, Shirley Marty Crutcher, Lynn Horton, C. R. "Tiny" Collins, A1 Colvin, Morrie Dawkins, and Russ Johnson. Council President Spencer Horning was absent. Also present were City Attorney Ian Sievers and City Clerk Kathleen McCiuskey. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Acting President Hank Waibel and Invocation was given by Reverend Chuck Swanson of Eastgate Assembly of God Church. CONSENT AGENDA A. Minutes of Meeting Held - January 11, 1989, #AB89-015 ~0025 M/S/C/U(Crutcher/Hocton ) 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. ~0034 M/S/C/U(Colvin/Dawkins) on January 25, 1989, the Council does approve for payment those vouchers included and further described as follows: 41079, 41080, 41085 through 41253 in the total amount of $134,820.54 COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS Mr. Colvin reported Sheriff Pat Jones was the guest speaker at the January Sheridan Neighborhood Association meeting. During Sheriff Jones' presentation, he emphasized that without citizen cooperation with the police law and order could not succeed. Mr. Dawkins attended two Committee meetings in Olympia on January 19, hearing a Ferry Report for year 2000. Admiral Parker of the Ferry System expressed his concern over current needs for the system rather than long range plans. The Ferry Riders Coalition will host a meeting with Legislators from 11 areas which are all served by the Ferry System. Mr. Dawkins noted that Senator Ellen Craswell has joined then in recognizing the need to provide permanent funding for the Ferry System. Mr. Collins announced the March Of Dimes "Mothers' March" will be held January 21 through 28th and encouraged everyone to support this effort either through responding to request for donations or to volunteer to participate in the march. He noted that with the Polio vaccine discovery research efforts have been turned toward "birth defects" as well as drug use and abuse by pregnant women. Anyone wishing more information can call the local March Of Dimes Headquarters - 479-2777. Mr. Overson reported Fiscal and Budget Committee met on January 24. During the committee meeting Judge Roy Rainey made a presentation on the proposal to combine District and Municipal Courts. Also, discussion was held on the City's looking into a TAPE ~605 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes January 25, 1989 Page 2 of 6 Biannual Budget rather than an annual budget. Mr. Crutcher reported Council Operations Committee met this date and a key issue discussed was the request for stop signs at 15th and High. Mrs. Horton reported the Operations Committee was tasked with developing a policy statement on street lights in Bremerton- each Council member should have received a copy of her report on this topic. Some of the recommendations included in the report do involve methods which require permanent funding and she urged Council members to review them for future discussions. There will be an agenda item for the February 1 City Council meeting on the request for stop signs at 15th and High. Mr. Waibel announced there will be a Memorial Service for Ged Honsowetz, City Police officer, who passed away this past weekend. The service will be held at Summit Avenue Presbyterian Church, January 27, 7:00 pm. PUBLIC RECOGNITION - None 6A - INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT TO PURCHASE TRAFFIC CONTROL EQUIPMENT, ~AB89-016 The City will save approximately $3,000 using the City of Bellevue contract opposed to using the State contract for traffic controllers. Ken Brees, Street Superintendent, stated as a part of the grant project to replace traffic controllers in the downtown revitalization project the State has allowed the City to purchase items off the State bid. After discussion with the distributor of traffic control devices, it was learned that the City of Bellevue had a contract with the distributor which was lower than the State's. The State will not allow the City to use grant monies to purchase items off the Bellevue contract, however, other items needed for other project areas can be purchased off their contract. Mr. Brees stated attempt would be made again to see if the State would allow the City to use grant monies to purchase the downtown controllers through Bellevue's contract once this proposal is approved. Mr. Johnson requested a more detailed description of the requested item and where they will be located. Mr. Brees explained these were the black boxes that fit inside the metal cabinets. The City is in the process of upgrading all traffic control devices to the same system with master controls for different areas. Mr. Johnson questioned the need for better controls downtown due to decreased traffic in that area? Mr. ~ee$ stated the old controllers are wearing out and grant funds were secured to carry out the upgrading. Effort is being made to standardize the City's equipment as well as being standardized with that used in the County areas. Mr. Collins questioned what would the impact be if no expenditure was approved? Mr. Brees stated the City could not coordinate traffic signals. The new system will adjust according to the traffic load. %0392 M/S/C/U(Crutcher/Colvin) to authorize the Mayor to enter into an interlocal agreement between the City of Bremerton and the City of Bellevue for the purchase of Traffic Control equipment. 6B - COSTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT/SHORELINE PLANNING GRANT AUTHORITY TO APPLY FOR FUNDS AND MAYOR TO SIGN GRANT CONTRACT, ~AB89-017 TAPE #605 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes January 25, 1989 Page 3 of 6 Department of Ecology administers Federal Coastal Zone Management Shoreline Planning Funds. The City of Bremerton has discussed a proposed shoreline Planning Grant program with DOE and has been invited to apply for $9,000 of CZM funds. The $9,000 CZM funds requires $6,018 in local match. The proposed program develops the technical review procedures and implementing procedures required to administer the Waterfront Urban Renewal Plan. The proposed budget and description are attached. Council approval is required for grant request submittal and grant contract signature. Don Pratt, Director Of Community Development, stated the $6,018 in match that is required in order to apply for the grant are in the Planning Department budget as approved by the City Council for 1989. The work proposed is work that is required to implement the Urban Renewal Plan that was approved by Council several weeks ago. There were several items that Council wanted brought back before the City Council, including how to work with the Design Review Board, incentive bonuses for developers, Art Program. The work is proposed to be undertaken by City staff with $500.00 being used for a consultant if necessary. The type of consultant to be used would be on a specific piece of information basis for several hours, helping to determine how a certain kind of legislation would affect the financial scheme. Mr. Johnson questioned for clarification.., under the scope are they talking about water quality control review and approval standards and process - is this how the City can better design retention basins, etc., downtown or we preparing ourselves for the long-term in addressing issues under the Water Quality Control Agency. Mr. Pratt explained no, all that they are asking to do in the study is to develop the City's own water quality controls projects, develop the standards of quality and design standards that the City would approve through the Shoreline Permit process. If the State does mandate some standards for the City within the next six months, this money could go to determining how those standards would be implemented. ~0710 M/S/C/U(Overson/Colvin) to authorize the proposed grant request to be submitted to the Department of Ecology and that we further authorize the Mayor to sign the grant contract if the budget and work program are the same as the request. 6C - PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT - GATES McDONALD & COMPANY, ~AB89-018 Under the requirements established for Workers' Compensation Self-Insurers, the City is required to use a certified claims administrator to process its Workers' Compensation claims. The City requested claims administration proposals and interviewed the four firms whose proposals involved the least cost. The interview panel unanimously recommended the selection of Gates McDonald as the firm most qualified to service the City. Mr. Collins questioned exactly what was the City getting for the funds specified under Paragraph 3 - Compensation - in the contract and how many claims would this involve? Ms. Lesser explained the $65/per claim and $85/per claim figures relate to existing claims (City currently has 10 existing open claims); there are other claims being administered under other contracts. In the last three years the City has had three Workers Comp. Claims administrators - the first claims administrator did an excellent job but was quite costly...that contract allowed the TAPE #605 City Council ReG. Mtg. Minutes January 25, 1989 Page 4 of 6 City to leave the open claims with that contractor. Last year contract was given to another contractor because their price was lower, the service was not as she had hoped to find and the City went out to bid this year to find another claims administrator. Therefore, there are some claims open that were handled by the second administrator, and will be assumed by the new administrator. The oldest open claims will stay with the first administrator. Under the new contract Ms. Lesser negotiated to pay only the open indemnity claims, probably two ($170.00), in addition to the $5,700 as outlined in the contract. Mrs. Horton questioned how long do some of the claims last? Ms. Lesser stated litigated claims may last six years. Mr. Colvin questioned the role of the claims administrator? Ms Lesser explained they send vouchers stating how much the City owes under the law and they make reports to the State. Ms. Lesser noted that the City is required by the State to have a certified claims administrator and the only way the City could undertake the task itself would be to hire a certified individual. Mr. Collins questioned Ms. Lesser if the City could certify her? Ms. Lesser stated yes - it had been proposed, however, the problem that would bring about is the time currently used to manage the program would be spent processing paper work and would not be cost-effective use of her time. Mr. Johnson questioned if the contract implies that if either she or the City discovered or had a high suspicion that the claim may be fraudulent would the administrator prosecute the type of resolution the City wants or make a speedy settlement? Ms. Lesser stated it is the intent of the contract and it is her function to make sure that actions reflecting the City's intent are taken. ~0980 M/S/C/U(Dawkins/Colvin) to approve the Professional Services Agreement with Gates McDonald & Company. 7A - ORDINANCE ~4186 (SECOND READING) OVERSIZED LOADS ON CITY STREETS, ~AB89-007 ~1051 M/S/C/U(Colvin/Horton) to pass Ordinance #4186, on second reading, relating to the transportation of oversize loads upon the streets of the City of Bremerton and amending Chapter 10.24 of the Bremerton Municipal Code. 7B - RESOLUTION ~2241, CITY COUNCIL STATEMENTS OF LEGISLATIVE INTENT FOR FY 1989, ~AB89-019 The Resolution prepared by the City Council expresses the direction and intent of the Council pursuant to concerns related to and adoption of the 1989 budget. Mr. Overson stated basically this is what was agreed upon between Council and staff during budget discussions prior to adoption of the 1989 budget. By and large they are agreed upon, some may have some contention and may need to be renegotiated. Some items will be addressed during Council Study Sessions, some during committee meetings and some will be provided in report form. Police Chief Del McNeal expressed his concern over SLI #2 under section titled "POLICE" and it was his understanding, at the time organization of the Police Department was discussed, this proposed structure would be discussed at a Study Session to see if it would be the best structure. He felt the suggested structure would funnel the department back into the situation where there would be a person in essence acting as an Assistant Chief by having only one Captain. TAPE #605 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes January 25, 1989 Page 5 of 6 Actinq President Waibel stated the City's budget is a living document and if budget adjustments are requested which would affect the Statements of Legislative intent, then appropriate steps would have to be taken to formally amend both the Budget document and the Legislative Intent document. He noted it was his recollection that it was Council intent to structure the Police Department with one Captain and two Lieutenants on a trial basis and the trial period lasted until the time when justification was given for requesting a change in the budget. Mr. Johnson noted that every time this issue has been presented to the Council the position of the Administration has been that both Captains and Lieutenants are needed, with strong support of two captain positions. He pointed out under good management practices it is usually found that there are fewer upper management positions the higher one goes and he would only support action that would following along on that principle. Chief McNeal stated he agreed with Mr. Johnson's idea on upper management staffing, however, past experience in the Police Department resulted from the elimination of Lieutenant positions...with the existence of three Captain positions. Mr. Collins suggested adding an additional SLI titled "Administration of Workmen's Compensation". Mr. Overson pointed out that this topic could be easily addressed during a Council Study Session. Actinq President Waibel stated his support of placing this issue on an upcoming Study Session and if deemed additional review should be given through the SLI process the appropriate amendment can be made to set that process in motion. Mayor Gene Lobe stated his Quarterly report does provide pertinent information regarding Workmen's Compensation, however, if something more is needed please let him know. Mr. Johnson read into the record the major topics to be included under the Statements Of Legislative Intent: Grants Application Management, Police/Judicial System Policy, College Parking, Organization of Police Department, Kitsap Lake Patrol, Cruising Downtown, Jail Operation, Location of Fire Training Tower, Parking Systems Downtown, Plans For New Parking, Parking Ticket Fines, Progress With New Computer System, Medical Insurance, possibly going to a Biannual Budget, Real estate Excise Tax Funds, Contracting, improving ADP security, Attorney workload, Budget Control Ordinance changes, Rehab Housing Loan Program, Downtown Urban Renewal Planning, Qualitative City Development Report, Main Street and EDC Products, Swimming Pool System improvements, Gold Mountain Golf Course, possibility of a District Park or Metro Park System, Athletic Field Funding And Development, Ivy Green Cemetery Long Range Plan, Local Street Plan, Traffic Control Lights, Downtown Utilities Improvements, public appearance of Utilities properties, Safe Drinking Water Act, Utilities Ordinance, Hotel-Motel Taxes, Animal Control and how to better structure the budget. Mayor Gene Lobe stated that a number of these items are already being worked on. ~1574 M/S/C/U(Collins/Coivin) to approve Resolution #2241, Bremerton City Council's Statements Of Legislative Intent for FY 1989. Mayor Gene Lobe stated he would be coming to the City Council requesting $25,000 be allocated for Flagship '89. Flagship will not only be funded through the City and County but also the private sector - potential $1 Million Dollar budget over a three year period. Mr. Johnson stated he was not aware the City had agreed to fund Flagship. Mayor Lobe stated he had not yet submitted a formal request to Council. Actinq President Waibel noted there have been discussions in the general sense but no formal action has been proposed. Mayor Lobe stated funding for Flagship might be available from the 1988 Carryover. TAPE #605 City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes January 25, 1989 Page 6 of 6 available from the 1988 Carryover. With no further business meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m. KA~HLEEN L. MCCLUSKEY, C~TY CLERK APPROVED HANK WAIBEL, Council President City of Bremerton KLM/HW/me cc: Normal Distribution File/Vault