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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/19/05 QJIR. DIGITAL RECORDING - CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES - ..1. totS .~', Wednesday, October 19, 2005 The weekly meeting of the City Council of the City of Bremerton was called to order in the City Council Chambers, of the NORM DICKS GOVERNMENT CENTER 345 6th Street, Bremerton, Washington, Wednesday, October 19, 2005, at 5:30 PM, with Council President Daren Nygren presiding. Council members present were Mike Short, Will Maupin, Carol Arends, Dianne Robinson, Mike Shepherd, Wendy Priest, Cecil McConnell, and Brad Gehring. Council Also present were City Attorney Roger Lubovich, City Clerk Paula Johnston, and Council Assistant Christine Grenier. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Cecil McConnell followed by the invocation provided by Associate in Ministry Ethyl Nelson of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. President Nyaren announced that a Pre-Council session was held in Council Conference Room 603 from 5:00 to 5:30 PM. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Bozeman... . Presented an Employee Service Award to Scott Ferido of the Parks Department, and thanked him for his outstanding and dedicated work in maintaining the grounds in the downtown area and by the conference center; . Thanked the Council for their efforts in addressing the affordable housing issue; and . Presented a City Service Award to Roy Mcinnis for his ten years of service on the Community Development Block Grant Committee. PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS Ed Pietras of the Knights of Columbus announced the 23rd Annual Italian Spaghetti Festa to benefit the Olympic Peninsula Kidney Center on Sunday, October 30 from 1 :00 to 7:00 P.M. at the Knights of Columbus Hall located at Burwell & Montgomery. The cost is $6 for adults and $3 for children ages 6 to 12, and people may call (360) 479-9210 for more information. Daren Nyaren proclaimed February 13, 2006 as "Angie Harrison Day". Ann Krieaer of the Elizabeth of the Daughters of American Revolution accepted the proclamation. She summarized that members of the organization are actual descendents of those who fought in the American Revolution and that the organization offers scholarships to graduating high school seniors. DouQlas Stutz announced that there will be a Harvest Social on Tuesday, October 25 from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Kitsap Family YMCA, and the cost is $3 for non-members and free for members. CONSENT AGENDA A. Check Numbers 303345 through 303388; EFT-8637; EFT-8639 through EFT-8645; 8638P in the amount of $634,419.84 (#AB05-234) B. Purchase of Ambulance from BRAUN NORTHWEST of Chehalis, W A (#AB05-235) C. Release of Sewer Easements for Kitsap County Consolidated Housing Authority (KCCHA) Harborside Development (#AB05-236) There were no comments from the public. 5:50:45 M/S/C/U (Priest/Arends) Move to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. 6A - PUBLIC HEARING TO AMEND HOME CONTRACT WITH KITSAP COMMUNITY RESOURCES (KCR) FOR REHABILITATION OF OPAL COURT (#AB05-237): Betsy Howe, with Community Development, explained that in December 2003, the City of Bremerton awarded Kitsap Community Resources (KCR) $650,000 in HOME funds toward the purchase of Opal Court, 12 units of transitional housing for families. Opal Court was purchased in June 2004 with City and other leveraged funds. City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes Wednesday, October 19, 2005 Page 2 of 7 Since then, rehabilitation work has revealed significant mold, pest, and structural damage. KCR is requesting an amendment increasing the original award by $150,000 in HOME funds to cover construction work necessary to make the units habitable. In addition, she outlined concerns expressed by Council at a previous Study Session and summarized how KCR achieved ownership of the property. KCR did pursue due diligence when acquiring the property and considered potential costs associated with unit rehabilitation. While these additional costs were not entirely expected, there are funds available to complete rehabilitation which would ultimately meet the need to increase affordable housing in Bremerton. There were no comments from the public. Mr. Short emphasized his concerns over spending funds on this project and that cost overruns may take away funding from other projects. He asked if this additional funding would cover the project through completion. Ms. Howe answered that she believes the estimate is accurate and Mr. Eyer of KCR concurred. Ms. Howe added that the City has adequate funding to cover this project. Mr. McConnell asked why it took so long to discover damage. Mrs. Priest clarified that the termite damage was not discovered until the work began and could not have been seen during the inspections. Ms. Howe stated damage was unknown until 2002. Mr. McConnell emphasized that future projects should have more in depth inspections so that more costs are known up front. 6:01 :05 M/S/C/U (Arends/Priest) Move to approve amendment to existing HOME contract with KCR increasing award by $150,000. 6B - PUBLIC HEARING ON THE 2006 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) ALLOCATION PROPOSAL (#AB05-238): HUQh Moraan and Betsy Howe, both with Community Development, summarized that this bill requests the support of the Council in the assignment of federal grant funds to certain public and non-profit agencies who have applied for the money. Proposed block grant allocations and HUD-required annual action plan are delivered to the Council yearly following deliberations by two Citizen Advisory Committees, according to an approved Policy Plan. The one-year action plan is part of and will be submitted to HUD with the 2006-2010 Consolidated Plan discussed elsewhere. They both thanked citizens and staff who participated in the decision making process throughout the year. Mr. Moraan then outlined the proposed allocation schedule for next year. Mike Eliason, Governmental Affairs Director for the Washington Association of Realtors, thanked members who served on the committee and recommended approval of these allocations. Will Maupin discussed his experiences serving on the committee; believed that this is a key year for these projects; and hoped that in the future the projects would be self-sufficient. Mrs. Arends commended the committee for their efforts in coming to a decision on this issue. 6:10:26 M/S/C/U (Arends/Maupin) Move to approve the proposed 2006 CDBG priorities and authorize the allocations. 6C - PUBLIC HEARING AND ORDINANCE NO. 4950 ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 20 OF THE BREMERTON MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE ZONING CODE (#AB05-239): Chris Huao, Community Development Director, stated that the proposed ordinance enacts the fifth and final "package" of a new section of the zoning code and a new zoning map. This is the final step in the implementation of the 2004 Comprehensive Plan. The enactment of development regulations consistent with the 2004 Comprehensive Plan is necessary to maintain compliance with the State Growth Management Act. Package #5 consists of the full proposed Title 20 Zoning Code. Amendments, edits, and revisions to zoning packages #1 through #4, previously reviewed and adopted but not enacted, are City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes Wednesday, October 19, 2005 Page 3 of 7 contained in Package #5. Adoption of the proposed ordinance (Package #5) will make the Title 20 zoning code and official zoning map effective. Previously adopted Ordinances No. 4932 ("Package #1 "), No. 4937 ("Package #2"), No. 4941 ("Package #3"), and No. 4946 ("Package #4) will be simultaneously repealed. Mr. Huao added that two additional items have been heard by the Planning Commission so those changes will be incorporated into Package 5 prior to final action on November 30th. President NYQren emphasized that no action will be taken tonight and that there will be further opportunities to offer comments regarding the zoning code. Mark Warrens expressed concerns over language in the ordinance and suggested that average lot size definition be changed to include provisions for geologic hazards or critical areas as well as change the language of average building lot area. Mr. GehrinQ stated that these concerns have already been passed to Community Development. Brian McConauQhyof Barclay's North (new development), commended planning staff for the work they have done to ensure the growth of affordable sizing and appreciated the flexibility in lot size. James Robertson of Emmanuel Apostolic Church, requested that the Planning Commission recommendations be approved, and hoped that the church's property will be designated commercial. 6:22:40 M/S/C/U (Arends/Priest) Move to continue the Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 4950 adopting the proposed zoning code and proposed official zoning map to the November 30, 2005 City Council Meeting. 7A- RESOLUTION NO. 2982 ADOPTING THE 2006 to 2010 CONSOLIDATED PLAN FOR HUD- FUNDED ACTIVITIES (#AB05-240): HUQh Moraan, Community Development, stated that a three to five year' consolidated plan is required of each primary jurisdiction receiving funds for local activities from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The City of Bremerton receives funding directly from HUD for Community Development Block Grant funds and from Kitsap County as a consortium member for HOME funds. Annual allocations total approximately $500,000 from each source. Ron Adams, Kitsap County CDBG Manager, was here to offer his support for this plan. There were no comments from the public. Mr. Shepherd believed that his concerns regarding homeless needs were addressed and supported this plan; and requested that in the next planning cycle the plans of the housing authorities be integrated to fully address this issue. 6:28:07 M/S/C/U (Short/Arends) Move to pass Resolution No. 2982 adopting the 2006 to 2010 Consolidated Plan for HUD-funded activities. 7B - ORDINANCE NO. 4949 AMENDING TITLE 7 OF THE BREMERTON MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO ANIMALS (#AB05-241): Ken Baawell, Assistant City Attorney, pointed out that the proposed ordinance clarifies the City's position regarding the treatment of animals, makes the City's animal cruelty provisions consistent with other jurisdictions and clarifies enforcement and penalty provisions for improper treatment of animals. He summarized that Council Members Priest and Short served on the committee in addition to citizens to address a whole range of issues on treatment of animals and infractions. The proposed changes adopt the state statute which will facilitate enforcement done by the Kitsap Humane Society as well as increasing the fines for maltreatment of animals. Mrs. Priest summarized her experiences while serving on the Animal Control Committee and thanked the citizens and Humane Society for their feedback during the process. She believed that adopting the state statute would allow for more leeway in managing animal control. City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes Wednesday, October 19, 2005 Page 4 of 7 Paula Johnston thanked citizen members Laura Dooley, Cynthia CruQer, and Doua Wakefield for their efforts in addressing this difficult issue. Mr. Short also thanked citizens for their involvement on the committee. Cynthia CruQer thanked the City for taking the issue of animal cruelty seriously and believed that the cruelty is more clearly defined and will make enforcement much easier. Mr. GehrinQ asked if pot belly pigs would be included in the definition of pets. Mr. Baawell believed that pigs are still considered livestock and not pets but this issue could be addressed in the near future. Mr. McConnell asked how the Humane Society can ensure that all animals be licensed. Officer Tim Anderson of the Humane Society stated that while there is a requirement to license all cats and dogs, not all individuals do so. If an animal is impounded and unlicensed, and the owner comes to claim the animal, there would be an opportunity to license at that time. Mr. McConnell asked for more information regarding traps to catch roaming animals. Officer Anderson responded that traps are available and people may contact the Humane Society for more information. Mr. Shepherd pointed out that people may also license animals at the time of adoption; and mentioned that if a pot bellied pig were not used for human consumption then the pig would be considered a pet. Mr. BaQwell reiterated that this issue would need to be addressed. Mr. Shepherd supported the inclusion of language to allow for livestock as pets if not for consumption. Mrs. Arends supported the changes in this ordinance; and asked if there was an emergency number to ensure a response to report an animal in danger. Officer Anderson stated that this issue may need to be addressed on a case by case basis and would require a follow-up. 6:49:15 M/S/C/U (Priest/Short) Move to pass Ordinance No. 4949 amending Title 7 relating to animals. 7C - ORDINANCE NO. 4951 RELATING TO THE CONSOLIDATION OF THE BREMERTON HOUSING AUTHORITY (BHA) AND KITSAP COUNTY CONSOLIDATED HOUSING AUTHORITY (#AB05-242): President Nyaren summarized that the City Council retained the services of a consultant to evaluate the financial aspects of the proposed consolidation of Bremerton Housing Authority (BHA) and Kitsap County Consolidated Housing Authority (KCCHA). The consultant made a presentation at the August 31,2005 City Council Meeting as well as a follow-up presentation during a Study Session on October 11, 2005. In addition, BHA and KCCHA had an opportunity to make a presentation during a Study Session October 18th. Mr. Lubovich outlined proposed changes made to the ordinance which would address board terms served by Council Members. Ted Johnson, Development Director for BHA, was pleased at how the City responded in moving forward with the master planning process on Westpark. Jerry VanFossen, Puget Rental Owners Association, expressed concerns over consolidation and believed it would be ineffective to have low-income housing projects in direct competition to higher- ended housing projects, and may ultimately lower the amount of grant funding available. Troy Erikson resident member of the KCCHA Board, thanked Council for their involvement in bringing this issue forward and expressed his support for consolidation. He summarized that KCCHA has been responsible for locating low-income housing within neighborhoods in order to remove the stigma of low income housing. Commissioner Patty Lent asked the Council to support consolidation so that the County may take a regional approach to creating affordable housing. City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes Wednesday, October 19, 2005 Page 5 of 7 Donna Pope provided testimony on how KCCHA has supported her efforts to achieve home ownership. Jackie Davis of Port Orchard Vista, provided testimony on how KCCHA has changed her life by making access to services and affordability available to low income residents like herself. Jean MorQan also of Port Orchard Vista, provided testimony on how affordable housing options offered by KCCHA have changed the quality of her life. Mayor Kim Abel, of Port Orchard and Chair of the KCCHA Board, asked that the Council support consolidation because Bremerton will have a voice on the board to make decisions on housing, and reducing redundant infrastructure with the savings of $250,000, bringing KCCHA programs to Bremerton that have not been available. Bill May, Port Commissioner, believed that to address housing issues, it must be done on a regional basis and encouraged the Council to support consolidation. Norman McLouahlin, Executive Director of BHA, did not believe that there will be a slowdown on redevelopment of Westpark; and mentioned that there is ongoing discussion with Quadrant Homes which would allow for further construction in about 2 years. Chris Holden, BHA Commissioner, summarized that BHA would like to see a consortium of agencies to work together on housing issues to include homeless services provided by varying groups and faith based organizations; asked that Council not support consolidation since there is no BHA and KCCHA Naomi Rodriauez, BHA, recognized fellow employees and clarified that while KCCHA may have built the housing but the BHA worked with individuals. Lynn Horton, BHA, believed that BHA is doing what is best for the City by working on the redevelopment of Westpark, a project that was not considered a priority by KCCHA; and asked that Council not support consolidation. David Farr, BHA Commissioner, asked Council to not support consolidation; and emphasized that the board does not support consolidation on a unanimous basis. There would be an economic impact felt for years if the wrong decision is made. The Council recessed from 7:27 - 7:40 P.M. Jim Johnson, employee of BHA, recognized the leadership of the agency and was proud to be affiliated with an agency that helps people. Mike Eliason, Government Affairs Director for the Washington Association of Realtors, commented that the association still does not have a position on the consolidation at this time; pointed out his concern regarding consolidation as specified by the consultant report as a blending of cultures and asked the asked that employees who are part of the agencies be considered as part of this decision. Mayor Darlene Kordonowy of Bainbridge Island, agreed with concerns expressed by Mr. Eliason and stated that KCCHA did look at efficiencies given a consolidation, there may be 5 positions restructured or moved to other areas; discussed projects that were saved by KCCHA involvement; mentioned a consortium of agencies to look at affordable housing and rental assistance across the county. 7:49:30 M/S (Maupin/Arends) Move to pass Ordinance No. 4951 consolidating Bremerton Housing Authority and Kitsap County Consolidated Housing Authority as amended. City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes Wednesday, October 19, 2005 Page 6 of 7 Council Members continued the discussion regarding the pros and cons of consolidation.. . Mr. Shepherd provided historical background information on how the relationship with KCCHA has evolved to bring in private development; expressed concerns over how these proposed changes might impact Westpark redevelopment; and believed the difference in cultures and the timing of the proposed consolidation may be ineffective and could not support consolidation at this time. Mr. GehrinQ commented that the community must continue to provide affordable housing options. Mr. Maupin supported consolidation and believed that organizations the groups could work well together; added that KCCHA involvement has helped bring projects forward and BHA activity has only recently occurred due to the discussions on proposed consolidation; would like to see the focus be placed on what is most efficient and can get through this long term process of redevelopment. Mr. McConnell emphasized that BHA focuses on low-income housing while KCCHA considers redevelopment; was concerned that consolidation would not make home ownership available for all. Mr. Short pointed out that the City has a responsibility to the people who need affordable housing; emphasized that action taken by the groups did not move forward until the discussion of consolidation began; supported consolidation which would be in the best interest of City; believed that consolidation would provide more options to the citizens but this process would take a few years to accomplish; he responded to a question raised during Study Session by stating that if Westpark had problems that the recourse for the City would be a direct voice on the board with the Mayor and a Council Member. Mrs. Priest thanked members of the Blue Ribbon Committee, staff of BHA and KCCHA, and Council Members; was excited for the renewal being brought about in Bremerton; emphasized while the groups both serve a purpose and are fiscally sound, that mission and culture are quite different; believed that a lack of communication between BHA and KCCHA is the real reason for projects being slowed; requested quarterly reports on Westpark progress; and supported the establishment of a consortium of service based groups to work together to bring more comprehensive planning into the planning process. Mrs. Arends believed that she did not see why the groups could not work together and believed that with their particular strengths it is possible; and supported consolidation because that would be best for Bremerton and Westpark. Ms. Robinson thanked those who participated in the Blue Ribbon Committee, BHA and KCCHA, reiterated the Mayor's goal for Bremerton to be a local resource for affordable and respectable low- income housing; and hoped consolidation would accomplish meeting this goal. Mr. Shepherd mentioned that the City still needs to address long-term housing needs and that additional policy discussions between the City and County about lot size need to take place so that areas may have affordable housing without having an urban element. Mr. NYQren believed that accountability for projects must be addressed and that at this time the City and the citizens do not have control over spending relating to these projects; stated that the residents' ability to relocate is hampered if the City and County do not work together; and that he has confidence in the board members of both BHA and KCCHA. Mr. Lubovich clarified that if this ordinance were to be passed by the Council, it would also need to be passed by all jurisdictions in the County to become effective. 8:27:00 M/S/F (Maupin/Arends) Move to pass Ordinance No. 4951 consolidating Bremerton Housing Authority and Kitsap County Consolidated Housing Authority, as amended. City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes Wednesday, October 19, 2005 Page 7 of 7 Voted in favor of the motion: Maupin, Short, Arends, Nygren Voted against the motion: Gehring, McConnell, Priest, Shepherd, Robinson Voted on motion: 4-Yes; 5-No Motion failed. The Council recessed from 8:29 -8:30 PM to clear the chambers. PUBLIC RECOGNITION Mr. Eliason commended the Council for addressing important issues like affordable housing. Matt Keouah of KCR, expressed his appreciation to the Council in voted on what is best for the City; and reported that KCR has a good working relationship with BHA and KCCHA COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS Mike Short believed that the decision made tonight will benefit residents of Westpark. Carol Arends attended the YWCA Unity Luncheon on behalf of the Mayor this afternoon, and the discussion focused on domestic violence and at the luncheon former Police Chief Rob Forbes was honored. Wendy Priest thanked President Nygren for leading the deliberations on the housing authority issue. Cecil McConnell also thanked President Nygren for his role in this process. Brad Gehrina announced "Survival Saturday" to be held on Saturday, October 29th at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds from 10:00 AM. to 3:00 P.M. The event will be sponsored by the Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management. Daren NYQren announced that there would be a District 3 Community Meeting on Tuesday, October 25 from 7:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Manette Senior Center. The meeting will include a District 3 Candidates Forum and will be moderated by representatives of the League of Women Voters. With no further business, the meeting of the City Council was adjourned at 8:40 P.M. Prepared and Submitted by: ~~ j;t,~ CH ISTINE GRENIER Council Assistant Attest: DN/PJ/ls/cge