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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/25/86TAPE #402 -- _ UNAPPRDVED ~ #0072 #0084 · CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES November 25, 1986 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, November !9, 1986, at 5:30 p.m. with Council President Spencer Horning presiding. Council Members present were Lon Overson, Morrie Dawkins, Marry Crutcher, Hank Waibel, "Tiny" Collins, Mary Lou Long, A1 Coivin and Russ Jonnson. Also present were Acting City Attorney Lorna Corrigan and City Clerk Kathleen McCluskey. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by President Homing with Police Pastor Mike Grimshaw of the First Church of the Nazarene giving the Invocation. Mr. Horning asked Mr. Grimshaw to give a vocal rendition of the "Lord's Prayer" sometime in the future. CONSENT AGENDA Item #A - Minutes of November 19, 1986, #AB86-442; Item #B - Bid Award Recommendation - Minority & Women Owned Business Advertising of City Bid and Personnel Notices, #AB86-443. M/S/C/U/(Long/Colvin) to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. CLAIMS/WARRANTS REGISTER 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/(Johnson/Long) on November 25, 1986, the Council does approve for payment those vouchers included and further described as follows; Regular Warrants, #26596, #26713 and #26602 - #26712 in the total amount of $86,109.97. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS Mr. Waibei reported attending a competition between the Bremerton Police Officers anG County Sheriff Deputies to benefit organizations such as Campfire Girls. Mrs. Long stated she received a letter from Mrs. Dennis Gange complaining of water shut-off for 3 days without being notified. Mrs. GanGe and her neighbors, in the Sherman Heights area, were upset and Mrs. Long stated she would follow-up to see that this type of problem does not occur in the future. Mr. Colvin appreciated the response from the citizens on the Preliminary Budget and thanked fellow Fiscal & Budget committeemen, Russ Johnson (Chrm.) and Lon Overson for their dedication and hours .spent on working on budget pro01ems ana shortfail. Mr. Johnson stated a Mr. Dave Caliahan Representing the Puget Sound Council of Governments - Transportation committee, will be available for 1 hour in the City Council Study Room for a meeting with Council members who have questions. Mr. johnson noted that the list of transportation priorities furnished by the Transportation committee is different than that received at the recent PSCOG meeting. Mayor Gene Lobe reported on the status of Police Chief Don TAPE #402 City Counci ~g. Mtg. Minutes November 25, 1986 Page 2 of 8 #0455 Cundiff who was in the hospital this week for tests. He is now home and calls and visits are discouraged at this time according to Mrs. Cundiff. PUBLIC RECOGNITION Mr. Joe Stadler 908 Plum, appeared before Council again to request the revocation of Ordinances #4061 and #4062 (Mentor). He cited the same concerns with inadequate fencing, problems with landscaping installed, non-compliance with drainage codes, etc. He felt any Engineer, if consulted, would endorse this statement. (Let. on file - City Clerk's office). Pastor Mike Grimshaw, 3206 Pine Rd. announced that his Church and other organizations such as other churches and the Salvation Army are providing "Thanksgiving" meals to any person not able to afford the costs or individuals who are alone during the holiday. In addition, those without transportation will be provided free transportation. VACATION OF ALLEY AND STREET BY OPERATION OF LAW, #AB86-444 Mr. Dave Baker stated Mr. & Mrs. Billy Buchanan, owners of property on South Charleston have requested that the south 1/2 of the East 115 feet of Porter Street, abutting Lot and the north 50' of the east 5' of the alley abutting Lot 17 and the north 20' of Lot 16, Block 4 of Port Orchard Addition as per plat, be vacated by operation of law. He said this was plated during the period from 1889 - 1894 and pursuant to the Laws of the State of Washington, 1889-90 said property should be automatically vacated. He added that when streets and alleys are not improved Dy a speciric time limit the property is reverted back to the original property owner of abutting land. Mr. Dawkins asked how many areas are involved with Mr. Baker noting that the Port Orchard Addition has several and there are other areas throughout the City similarly affected. · M/S/C/U/(Waibel/Collins) to approve Vacation of Alley and Street by Operation of Law, South Charleston - BiilV j. & Elizabeth L. Buchanan. PUGET POWER EASEMENT REQUEST, #AB86-445 Mr. Bill Enger, Manager/Puget Power, presented a request for Easement for proposed Underground Electrical Facilities to serve the Coca-Cola Plant and Westhills Honda (Haseiwood) with an alternate electrical source. Ms. McCluskeV stated there are apparently two issues, unresolved with the City; (I) Use of the Easement (Private or Public), and (2) whether or not the City snouid charge for the Easement. Mr. Enger introduced Ms. judy Sleasman who explained the need fo~' the Easement which will enhance service to existing property owners Coca-Cola and Westhills Honda. She stated Puget Power did not offer to pay for the easement at the time of the request. Mr. Johnson stated he was not in favor o~ continuing granting of easements without Financial reimbursement Dack to the City. Mrs. Sleasman noted that the City has already granted the property owners an easement but Puget Power also needs an easement to cross city owned property in it's name. Mr. Homing felt this was a Policy issue but Mr. johnson stated State law precludes granting something without monetary consideration to private entities and cited an easement on Gold Mountain in the past which he felt was wrong. Ms. Lorna Corrigan, City Attorney, stated the issue is whether or not this is being granted to private parties vs public use and if it is private the City can require remuneration. In response to ~r. Dawkins, Ms. Sieasman stated she would need to check with Puget Power engineering TAPE #402 ~ City Council ~g. Mtg. Minutes Noventer 25, 1986 Page 3 of 8 staff to determined if the easement is for only the' two aforementioned businesses. #08i2 · M/S/C/U/(Coiiins/Coivin) to table a request for Easement - Puget Power for two-weeks for Coca-Coia & Westhills Honda with the following questions to be addressed; (1) How many units being served?, and (2) a legal opinion regarding Public vs private. ~2~BULANCE RATES, EA886-446 Pursuant to the Bremerton Municipal Code, Ambulance companies must submit a new rate schedule prior to December 1, of each year to be effective January 1 of the next year. Fire Chief Leonard Marks, Ex-Officio member of the Ambulance Committee stated the proposed 1987 Ambulance Rates schedule is consistent with rates in the immediate area. He stated one of the problems, occurring in the past, was that Medicare would not accept assignments. Mr. Bill Littlejohn, Owner/Olympic Peninsula Ambulance (singular operator in the City), gave a short overview of the rate increases which he felt were nominal. Ms. Ruth Graise Westpark resident, objected to raising the Ambulance rates with a proposed cut in emergency services. Mr. Stan Christensen 419 Plum, thought the City should provide ambulance service, charging users, like in the County Fire Districts and other cities within the County. Chief Marks stated that no citizen, needing the services of ambulance or the Rescue vehicles is turned away due to the inability to pay. Mr. Crutcher commended Mr. Littiejonn's service to the community and would support. Mr. Overson felt many of the charges are being increased from 12% up to 53% which is beyond increase in other private industry. Mr. Littlejohn responded that no increase was sought from the City during 1986. He disagreed with the percentages stated by ~__r. Overson and stated that after it was agreed to take assignments, when Medicare coverage was available, the Federal government lowered the coverage of supplies such as oxygen fees and cannuias therefore the dramatic increase in low-cost supplies. Mr. Overson asked wnat authority the Ambulance committee has with Chief Marks stating no statutory authority. He would like to see the law rewritten to give the Committee some authority. Mr. Dawkins asked Chief Marks to explain why the ambulance is staffed with Bremerton Fire Paramedics to hospital with Mr. Marks noting the liability for patient care until that patient is release into the doctor's care at the hospital. He stated it has been the practice the past 10 years for a paramedic to ride the ambulance to the hospital with R-1 following which allows quicker return to service for the medical vehicles. #1447 · M/S/FAILED/(Coiiins/Crutcher) to accept the proposed 1987 Ambulance Operating Rates as described in agenda bill attachments. Discussion followed with Mr. Johnson proposin~ that the rate issue be tabled until Council can discuss. Mrs. Long could not understand why rates need to go up when high-cost items such as Gasoline have Gone down. Mr. Collins noted that SL!'s should be drafted prior to June !, 1987, ~equesting a study of rates for all companies doing business in the City (e.g. taxicabs and ambulances), etc. VOTE: In favor: Overson, Crurcner a Homing Opposed: Collins, Long, Coivin, johnson & Dawkins Abstain: WaiOel FAILED for lack of majo?it¥. #1587 Mr. Collins requested that Council draft a Statement of Legislative Intent (SLI) prior to June 1, 1987, requesting a study of rates for all companies doing business in the City of Bremerton. Discussion continued with consensus of the Council that rates continue the same and the issue be scheduled for the December Study Session. Mr. Ljttiejohn was receptive to meeting with the Council however he stated the ordinance only requires that the Ambulance operator prove rates are competitive. He felt Council has not identified the problem but will agree to meet in December. PROPOSED JAIL CONTRACT BETWEEN KITSAP COUNTY AND CITY OF BREMERTON, #AB86-447 Before Council is the proposed jail contract between the city and county culminating over a year of negotiations. Mr. Bill Brouqhton, gave staff presentation and identified the following concerns: (1) Liability assumed by the City of Bremerton in operating a correction facility that cannot meet State Jail Commission Standards; (2) Prohibitive costs associated with staffing and operating a correction facility; (3) Strongly worded directlye from the State Jail Commission to either bring the existing facility up to established state standards, or the facility will be reduced to an 8-hour holding facility only with the potential of no place to house prisoners; (4) exorbitant costs associated with bringing current jail facility up to State standards, and (5) failure of the City of Bremerton to buiild a correctional facility that is in accord with State Jail Commission Standards. He added that he still has two concerns about the draft contract, not resolved in his opinion: (A) Definition of what is a "City" prisoner and (B) payback provision because the County does not want to be responsibile for paying back the State Treasury if contract, at some future date, is terminated. Although the contract meets the requirements of the City Council Mr. Brouqhton still feels there are ambiquities contained in the draft. M__r. Broughton highlighted areas in the contract that would be beneficial to the City. Mayor Lobe spoke of the needs and concern of the City to enter into this type arrangement with the County. He stated many sections were written and fewfitted which do not necessarily please either side however, the County is not obligated to ente~ into a contract with the City and Mayor Lobe explained the necessity of expediting the agreement before the State Jail Commission meets in Spokane mid- December. Mr. Brouqhton added that the contract is written to pay for only the space/services that are used therefore there is no cost during a given month if we have no offenders housed in the County jail. Mr. Bill Mahan, County Commissioner, stated it makes no difference to the County whether the City approves the contract or not and could not commit to changing the two sections Mr. Brou~hton dislikes. He gave a short history explaining that the State Commission offered cities/counties funding for new holding facilities 10 years ago and when dollars were available, the City decided they did not want to apply for funding. The State Jail Commission has now stated the $800,000 to expand the County Jail is forthcoming only if the City agrees to a 10-year Agreement. Mr. Stan Christensen, 419 Plum, was opposed to contracting out jail services and expressed concern that, if the jail is full, where is the City going to house their offenders. He also felt additional costs, such as transporting back and forth, medical coverage/treatment for prisoners, etc. are TAPE #402 City CounciZ }g. Mtg. Minutes Noventer 25, 1986 Page 5 of 8 TAPE #403 #0512 not defined or estimated in the proposed contract. Ms. Ruth Davie, 1511 Park, does not think the City should contract out any more services. Mr. Doug Bush, Scty./Treas. - General Teamsters Local #589, representing corrections officers that would be displaced if the contract is approved, reminded City Council that the present Non- Uniformed Employees contract addresses provisions for employees/positions contracted out. This contract draft, if approved, would be a breach of the current working agreement. Mr. David Hughes, Police Patrolman and former corrections officer, agreed w~th supporting the contracting out of jail services because of the Budget crunch and no money to fund building a facility for the City. Ms. Dorothy Christensen, 419 Plum, questioned why the City could not directly receive the $800,000 from the State to apply to it's own facility. Ms. Kay Charleston 201 Shore Drive, felt it was the same dollars for everybody whether the City or County does the work. Ms. Davies felt the contract was too open-ended. Mr. Christensen said contracting jail services has been reviewed for over 4 years. Mr. Colvin was concern that Section 13 guaranteed no space for City prisoners with Mr. Manan stating that is the way the City proposed the contract. Mr. Mahan also responded to several citizens testimony stating the State will not fund the $800,000 unless a contract is agreed upon between the City and the County. Mrs. Long felt the City may want to build it's own facility in the future but would be locked into a 10-year agreement. She was also concern about the fact no space is secured by Section 13 with Mr. Mahan stating that the Commission may not even approve the proposed contract with verbiage as is in Section 13. Ms. Joni Weber, Director/Internal Management-County, reiterated why the State is requiring a lO-year commitment by the City. Mr. Collins stated the cost to build or remodel a jail is figured at $70,000-75,000 per cell and a cost the City could not consider in the near future because of priorities established. Mr. Wa~bei noted errors in ver0iage, Section 17 (a) & (b) that S~ate jail Commission should 'De changed ~o "whatever agency exists" with Ms. Cottitan concurring. Mr. Waibel also was concerned about page 2d (1) and (2) and wanted language to agree with Sta~e law. Mr. Waibe! will prepare the suggested language changes and submit to the Mayor. Mr. Waibel also requested estimated medical and transportation figures be provided. He further questioned Section 17b, regarding termination. He felt this language was not favorable for the City. Also addressed was who will be liable, County or the City, during transport of prisoner. · M/S/C/U/(Waibei/Collins) to continue for 1-week dicussion and proposed changes to a contract between the City and the County for Jail facility services. Recessed from 7:25 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. PROPOSED BUDGET FY87 - HEARING, #AB86-450 Mr. Johnson, Chairman of the Fiscal & Budget Committee, along with Council members A1 Colvin and Lon Overson, presented an overview of the Council's response to the Mayor's proposed 1987 Budget. Mr. Johnson used slide displays for a short presentation defining the 1987 priorities, the Mayor's proposed Budget, what Council wishes to fund and other considerations. He felt Council has identified approximately $200,000 in carryover money, not indicated on the Mayor's proposal. He noted that the Levy passed in September will guarantee Rescue I & II funding. Ms. McCluskey read a letter fl~om !~!sjden%s a~' the Eastwir:d Apartme~.~.ts (Retirement community] who expressed concern that Tape #403 '- City CounciX ~g. Mtg. Minutes November 25, 1986 Page 6 of 8 there may be a reduction in Fire department Rescue responses or level of services, signed by 65 individuals (on file in the Clerk's office). Also a call was received from Mr. & Mrs. Newland, 935 Highland opposing any decreases in Public Safety. A letter was also received from Mr. Roy Alloway, President of the Police Officers' Association, which did not support Police Management's solution to budget cuts at the officer level vs elimination of management positions within the department. Testimony began with Ms. Kay Charleston, President of the Kitsap Senior Alert Newspaper was opposed to any decrease in Rescue/Paramedic services. Rev. Les OtterbV, Our Saviours Lutheran Church spoke in support of manning the Paramedic personnel at full-strength. Ms. Dorothy Christensen, 419 Plum noted the Mayor recommended Management at 92% of cities surveyed and suggested the $i89,000.00, set aside for salary increase be earmarked for Police, Fire and Secretary personnel. She felt volunteer firefighters are not substitutes for paid departments. Mr. joe Stadler, 908 Park, was in favor of elimination of management in the following departments; Personnel Director, Planning Director and was in favor of implementing enforcement powers and moving the cemetery operation out from under the Parks department. Mr. Stan Christensen, 419 Plum, opposed reserve Police officers because of the need to be trained by regular patrolmen but ultimately displace their trainer. Mr. Ray Wiggs, 2335 Terrace Avenue, Citizen/Paramedic BFD~ was aware of the difficult decisions facing Council in approving the 1987 budget but felt the Fire department staffing is at the breaking point and cannot continue to cut personnel without affecting the medical aid/fire responses. He noted that when he first became a member of the department responses were 500-600 year (1968) with more man-power however now responses are in excess of 4,000 per year. The City has a high percentage of elderly in need of the Paramedic services presently offered. Chief Marks expressed dismay that City Council thinks it can continue Paramedic Staffing, even with the passage of the EMS Levy, at current levels. His only alternative to an additional $100,000 cut would mean personnel. He stated "trained volunteers" are not instantly available. The Fire department's first responsibility is to the citizens it serves. Mr. Harold Fitzwater, former City Auditor, 2700 Maple Avenue, criticized the Preliminary Budget document as vague and patterns of spending when the line item indicates a large balance. Ms. G!adys Sherman, Manager of Eastwind apartments, stated she had the support of all 65 residents within an hour of circulating the letter submitted because they are fearful of losing Paramed!c services. Mr. Dave Moen, Firefighter/Paramedic-Pres. of IAFF #437, reminded Council that the September EMS levy netted 81% approval by the citizens to maintain current level of Paramedic services and not jeopardize firefighting responsibilities. He wanted to know why the levy figure is not in addition to the Fire department's fair share of budget each year because it has been the only department actively pursuing levy funding year after year when necessary. He concurs with Chief Marks that the level of service cannot be maintain if the budget is cut an additional $100,000 and does not agree with local businessmen and Chamber of Commerce members that the B & 0 tax is reducing retail trade. He felt the problem is lack of adequate parking, traffic flow patters and old buildings as a lack of incentive to locate within the downtown core. He stated citizen input placed Public Safety as #1 oriority however it appears in the budget as #8. Tape #403 '~ City Council ~g. Mtg. Minutes November 25, 1986 Page 7 of 8 Ms. Lucille Blackman, Westpark, supported Paramedic services. Ms. Mildred HoV, Resident Mgr. at Belmont Terrace, said the Resthome uses the services of R-i on a continual basis. Mr. Joe Hatfield, BPD Captain, was in favor Council member Dawkins suggestion to raise the B & O Tax now, while the City faces yet another tight budget year with a ramp-down and total elimination in 3-5 years. Ms. Ruth Gaise, Westpark resident, spoke of using R-1 services two weeks ago and supported funding the Fire department at current levels. Mr. Dave Hughes, BPD Officer, stated that since he was employed by the City (1977) he has seen nothing but budgetary problems and budget cuts and as an officer will concur with Mr. Wig~s that domestic and street crime are on the increase. Ms. Ruth Davie quoted budget comparisons between 1982 and 1986 and criticized the Preliminary Budget document that did not break down line items for the public to review. She suggested that the Mayor be required to have a Budget Statement in June of each year. Mr. Robert Schneidler President of B~emerton Area Chamber, 921 Pershing Avenue, thanked the efforts of those on the Fiscal & Budget Committee for their dedication. He also thanked the Council for taking the position of no increase in the B a 0 which the business community supports. Mr. Glenn K.Jarstad, former Mayor/2823 Hefner, said the City is in another crisis year. He was concerned about reduction in Fire department staffing and what it would mean in terms of ISO Fire rating which may uitimareiy increase insurance rates. He did not like the B a 0 Tax but in a City without a good tax base it seems the only alternative. He was in favor of what is acceptable to the citizens. He strongly supported the position that any reserves in the budget be designated to Public Safety. Mr. Doug Bush, Teamsters Local #589/Non-Uniformed Employees Representative, stated the City is taking an unfair position in proposing demotions at the top of a Class series by reducing the wages of the Department Secretaries. He reiterated that if Council approves the new Jail contract between the City and County the Union's position will be that it is a breach of the existing working agreement. He reminded Council that it was the non-uniform sector that proposed freezing salaries for 1986 and hoped that Council will see fit, regardless of 1987 Budget decisions, to take care of people who have suffered during the lean years. Mr. Ron McKiernan, Vice-President of Local #437 expressed disappointed in this years budget process. He concurred with Mr. Moen that the B & O tax is not the factor keeping businesses out of the City. Ms. DorothV Christensen 419 Plum asked if Managers were to be given raises with Mr. johnson stating none are scheduled for Management as of this hearing. Mr. Ron janisch, BPD Officer reminded the elected officials that the priority is to the Citizens. Mr. Morning asked if Council wanted to address funding for the Visitor's & Convention Bureau. Mrs. Long felt it was a duplicate of the services provided by the Chamber of Commerce however Mr. Overson Eeit they provide a vital service in encouraging people into the City who spend dollars providing revenues of significant amounts. Mr. Crutcher was opposed to any cuts in Police and Fire department noting that an anticipated increase in population during 1987 will bring more emergency situations that must be responded to by these departments. Mr. Collins was not convinced that Public Safety will be hampered and spoke of a study being done in PSNS on "how to reduce the number of people" and "do the job more effectively". Mr. Dawkins commended ~ormer Mayor jarstad and concurred that the B & 0 Tax issue affects a minor population (businessmen) however Tape #404 City Council g. Mtg. Minutes November 25, 1986 Page 8 of 8 #1712 #1795 loss of services effects 35,000 citizens and he was still supporting an increase for the coming year of the tax. Mr. Horninn honestly felt 1987 will be the toughest year and the city will be more fortunate in the years to come. ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) AMENDING ORDINANCE #4076, SECTION 1, LEVYING MUNICIPAL TAXES FOR THE YEAR 1987, #AB86-448 Presented for consideration is an amending ordinance Levying Municipal taxes for the year 1987. Ms. McCiuskey explained the need for the ordinance due to the failure of the County citizens to approve the Library indebtness in the NovemOer general election. She explained that without this amendment to Ordinance #4076, Section 1, the City will be charging residents more than is legally possible. She stated the ordinance is housekeeping and eventually the citizens of the county will assume tax as a whole. Mr. Waibel made comment that after September the city residents are part of the County Library District and could vote on the debt assumption. Mrs. Long was concerned that the City will be reimbursed the amounts paid year after year, or it's share of the equity in the Library assets. Mr. Overson noted that this is not the issue before Council. · M/S/C/(Waibel/johnson) to approve an ordinance, first read- ing, of the City of Bremerton amending Ordinance #4076, Section #1, levying Municipal taxes against all the raxabie property within the City limits o~ Bremerton for the year 1986 and approving the assessmen~ roll made by the Assessor of Kitsap County, therefore to be cokiected in the year 1987. VOTE: In favor: Dawkins, Crutcher, Waibei, Collins, Long, Johnson & Homing Abstain: Colvin a (Overson - Left meeting) ORDINANCE (FIRST READING) ESTABLISHING A DEFERRED COMPENSATION FUND, #AB86-449 Recent changes in governmental accounting standards require inclusion of the Deferred Compensation plan in the City's financial statements. Proper Financiai presentation necessitates creation of the proposed fund. Ms. McCius~ey stated this is also a housekeeping ordinance. · M/S/C/U/(Johnson/Colvin) to approve an ordinance establish- ing the Deferred Compensation Fund in order to Provide for proper accounting and financial presentation of the Deferred Compensation Plan of the City. With no further business, meeting adjourned at 10:06 p.m. APPRO D: CER HOR cil President cc: Normal Distribution File/Vault KATHLEEN L. MCCLUSKEY, City Clerk