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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/28/78 UNAPPP-QVED MINUTES CITY COMMISSIONERS' MEETING MINUTES ..... ~"~' November ~8, 1978 TAPE #145 Regular meeting of the City Commissioners of the Ci~yof Bremerton, Washington, (A) 1643 was held in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 239 Fourth Street, Tuesday, November 28, 1978 at 9:00 A.M., with Mayor Jarstad presiding. Also present were Commissioner Stewart, Commissioner Swanson, City Clerk Mandio, Asst. City Attorney McCluskey and representatives of the press and radio. Meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and invocation was given by Rev. Erskine of the Free Methodist Church. MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 21, 1978 Motion by Mayor Jarstad and Commissioner Stewart to approve minutes as circu- lated, carried unanimously. NOTICES OF EMPLOYMENT Leonard Kruse, Municipal Court, Judge Pro T~m, $10.73 per hr., ]1/21/78. Police Dept., Downtown Parking Attendants, $3.50 per hr., 11/24/78: Carlerie L. Wyrich, Carol J. Remmer, David J. Ballard, Dorothy M. Knudsen, Deborah J. Huff, Mary A. Schuster, and Bonni~ J. Alleger. Motion by Commissioners Stewart and Swanson to approve notices of employment, carried unanimously. TAXICAB DRIVER'S LICENSE APPLICATION Dennis W. Myers, approved by Sgt. Mares for Chief of Police. Motion by Mayor Jarstad and Commissioner Swanson to approve application for taxicab driver's license, carried unanimously. CALL FOR BIDS - Street Sweeper Clerk read memo from Street Superintendent, dated Nov. 27, 1978, requesting authorfzatlon to cal. 1 for bids for one new street sweeper at an estimated cost of $50,OOO. Motion by Commissioners Swanson and Stewart to call for bids for new street sweeper, carried unanimously. BID AWARD - Office Machine Maintenance Clerk read memo from Asst. Purchasing Agent, dated Nov. 27, 1978, which redommended awarding bid for office machine maintenance to Tri-County as the low bidder. Motion by Mayor Jarstad and Commissioner Stewart to award bid for office machine maintenance to Tri-County as low bidder, carried unanimously. BID AWARD - Truck Mounted Crane and Heavy Duty Flatbed Body Clerk read memo from Water Superintendet, dated Nov. 27, 1978, which recom- mended rejecting all bids for truck, cab and chassis and awarding bids for truck mounted crane and heavy duty flatbed body to Coast Crane Co. in the amount of $20,147.74, as low bidder. Motion by Commissioners Swanson and Stewart to follow recommendation of Water Superintendent and award bids as stated above~ carried. LINKBELT CRANE Clerk read memo from Water Supervisor, dated Nov. 28, 1978, which stated the Municipal Garage has on inventory a limited number of spare parts for . the Linkbelt Crane which was recently surplused and sold, approximate value iS $302.51, and a pile head driver, approximate value is $100.00. Motion by Commissioners Swanson and Stewart to declares items surplus and dispose of in the best interest of the Cify, carried'unanimously. ENGINEE~ AiD DRAFTSMAN - Water Dept. Clerk read memo from Water Superintendent, dated Nov. 27, 1978, requesting that City Council direct Civil Service Commission to call for an examination . and form an eligibility list for an Engineering Aid Draftsperson for the Water Dept., starting salary Grade 7A. Motion.by Commissioner Swanson and Mayor Jarslad to approve request for Engineering Aid Draftsperson, at Grade 6A instead of 7A, carried unanimously. CITY COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES November 28, 1978 Page two COMPLETION OF SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER ADDITION Clerk read memo from parks Superintendent, dated Nov. 20, 1978, which stated that Commercial Builders has completed, to the Parks Dept. satis- faction, the addition to the Senior Citizen Center; that the remaining balance due is $5,871.10. Motion by Commissioner Stewart and Mayor Jarstad to accept job as complete and authorize payment of balance due, carried unanimously. EMERGENCY PURCHASE OF SPECIAL SLUDGE CHOPPER PUMP Clerk read memo from Wastewater Supervisor, dated Nov. 24, 1978, which stated an emergency situation has developed at the Manette Wastewater Treatment Plant and requesting authorization to purchase one Model 500 Vaughn Chopper Pump, Drive and 30 hp Motor from Vaughan Pump Co., cost is $4,676.OO, additional equipment to cost from $1,5OO.OO - $2,000.00. M~tion by Commissioners Swanson and Stewart;' to approve purchase of Sludge Chopper Pump from Vaughan Pump Co. as an emergency, carried unanimously. AGREEMENT - City and Bremerton Gardens Clerk presented agreement between the City and Bremerton Gardens, attached to which was a performance bond in the amount of $4,000.00 for the completion of improvements by Bremerton Gardens of the four items listed on the agreement. Motion by Commissioner Swanson and Mayor Jarstad to accept Agreement and Performance Bond, carried unanimously. · DESIGNATION OF LEGISLATIVE LIAISON Clerk read letter from Association of Washington Cities, dated Nov. 22,' 1978, requesting that a legislative liaison be designated to serve as the primary contact person in the City for legislative matters. Motion by Mayor Jarstad and Commissioner Stewart to designate City Clerk Mandio as legislative liaison, carried unanimously. BREM-AIR RATE INdREASE Clerk read letter from Richard O. Netzell, C.P.A., dated Nov. 22, 1978, attached to which were schedules reflecting a 9.4% increase in rates for Brem-Air. Commissioner Stewart suggested referring the schedules to John Ross for auditing. ORDINANCE NO. 3479 - Special Police Commissions Clerk read, second reading, "AN ORDINANCE amending Ordinance No. 2988, Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8 relating to Special Police Commissions". Motion by Commissioners Stewart and Swanson to pass Ordinance No. 3479, on second reading, by title only, carried as follows: Mayor Jarstad, Yes; Commissioner Stewart, Yes; Commissioner Swanson, Yes. ORDINANCE NO. 3480 - Additional Funds for 1978 Clerk read, first reading, "AN ORDINANCE of the City of Bremerton amending Ordinance No. 3402 as amended by Ordinance Nos. 3423 and 3443, appropriating additional funds for the year 1978, and declarfng an emergency". Motion by Commissioners Stewart and Swanson to pass Ordinance No. 3480, by title only, carried as follows: Mayor Jarstad, Yes; Commissioner Stewart, Yes; Commissioner Swanson, Yes. B&O TAX ORDINANCE Clerk read letter from Ray Soule, President.of 8remerton Area Chamber of Commerce, dated Nov. 28, 1978, opposing the proposal to raise the B&O tax. The letter requested that the 1979 budget not be adopted without further study of the expense/revenue issue and that the Chamber appoint a Task Force to work with the City in analyzing the revenue alternatives and also studying the proposed budget. This letter is on file in the City Clerk's office. Mayor Jarstad stated he appreciates the willingness of the Chamber to appoint a Task Force to work with the City departments and be hopes that everyone -2- CITY COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES November 28, 1978 Page three understand the crisis regarding this year's budget. He explained that it was known this year would be a crisis year and that' taxes might have to be raised; that several articles appeared in the newspaper relating to th'is. He stated the City is $800,000.00 short this year; that positions will not be filled for those retiring this year. He stated that Commissioner Stewart had requested that the budget hearings be held early this year so that he could participate as he is going on vacation and will be gone next month. He discussed the removal of sales tax on food and the reduction in popula- tion, which left the City with a deficit. He spoke of the services of the Police and Fire Departments which must be maintained. He stated again that he appreciates the fact that the Chamber of Commerce will put together a Task Force and welcomes their interest. Harry Bennett, representative of the new car dealers, stated one of the things that is most alarming is the ti~e element they are experiencing with the B&O Ordinance; that they have not had time to study and evaluate it. He stated this would make the highest tax in the State of Washington. He asked why it is necessary to double this tax when business is increasing. He requested that more time be allowed before passageof the ordinance and that a Task Force be appointed to work with City departments to review and study tbi~ ordinance and the budget ordinance. Roger Tolekson, 4023 NW Country Lane, requesteda two-week delay in the acceptance of the ]978 budget. He stated they are trying to get an injunction in Superior Court to delay adoption of the 1979 budget. Commissioner Stewart stated the B&O Tax Ordinance would not take effect unti.1 30 days after publication. He stated that budget amendments and changes are made throughout the year. He stated further that everybody can improve in produ~tivitV and 'the City has to look at farming out some of the'jobs that can be done cheaper. He stated the budget is off $800,000.00 and the B&O Tax increase will only raise $400,000.00. Mayor Jarstad discussed the various increases and impressed upon the business representatives present the importance of continuing with services. He spoke of.the high number of arrests and the importance of the fire department. Dick Brinkerhoff stated he has a business in the City limits, but he lives in Port Orchard. He stated he wished the City Council had told the citizens of Bremerton the B&O taxes would be raised .resulting in businessmen raising prices. He stated this will discourage any expansion into the City limits and he fails to see where it is the responsibility of the business people to foot the bill for the community services, such as the swimming pool. Mayor Jarstad stated he can understand his feelings; that the B&O tax is a bad tax. He stated that maybe the business community can help get some relief regarding taxation through legislation. He stated further that the City is very limited in the way they can get money into the General Fund. He stated it is impossible to continue to operate the City departments and necessary services on the income that is available at present. He stated the Council does not like to raise this tax; that in their judgment, with the tremendous growth in the area, they felt it was wise to maintain services. He stated' further the Council wants the business community's input.' Roger Tolekson asked what the City~s priorities in the budget are and Mayor Jarstad responded that public safety is-top priority. Mr. Tolekson then asked why the Parks and Public Works budgets are so-high. Commissioner Swanson stated his budget increase is less than IO% and he pointed out that to cut street maintenance any further would mean they would not be able to clean the street downtown, remove snow and would probably close out any signalization improvements. Mayor Jarstad explained that it is necessary to have Parks programs in order to give the citizens activieies in which to participate. -3- CITY COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES November 28, 1978 Page four Mr. Tolekson agreed that public safety should have top priority, bat he felt Parks programs and street maintenance could b~ cdt. He asked if the Council felt that a hundred percent increase in the B&O tax was reasonable and Mayor Jarstad replied no, but he hoped they could come up with a better alternative. Mr. Bennett asked what the percent ~ncrease in the budget is and Mayor Jarstad replied that it is 16.8%. Mr. Bennett asked what the 1978 increase over projected B&O tax is and Commissioner Stewart replied 16%. Mr. Bennett stated that meets the increase in the budget and it is keeping pace at the present time with what the B&O tax share is. He asked why the increase could not be kept at 6%. Mayor Jarstad stated that property taxes are kept at 6% and he would like to be able to keep the City's expenses at a 6% increase, but costs for supplies have risen more than 6%. He stated the City can either cut services or raise taxes wherever it is possible.. Commissioner Stewart stated the City has to have a balanced budget and it can either cut staff or raise taxes. Ron yon Hollobach, 3226 Rocky Point Dr., stated the City could end up with a regresslye tax situation by driving busine'ss away. He asked how long it has been since property tax has been re-evaluated. Commissioner Stewart explaine~ that property taxes will only be raised 6%. He stated the City has to try to improve productivity. Mayor Jarstad discussed revenue sharing and stated that money was not funneled into many areas where it was needed. He stated he wished tbat money had been mandated for capital improvements but it was utilized to keep the labor force. Mayor Jarstad closed public testimony and stated he hoped that everyone under- stands the willingness of the City to amend the ordinance if it is necessary. ORDINANCE NO. 3481 ~ 1979 Budgst Clerk r~ad, second reading, 'IAN ORDINANCE of the City of Bremerton approving and adopting the financial budget for the several funds of the City Govern- ment for the City of Bremerton for the fiscal year 1979 and appropriating the amounts set forth in said budget to each fund in accordance with RCW 35.33.075". Mobion by Mayor Jarstad and Commissioner Stewart to pass Ordinance No. 3481, on second reading, by t'itle only, carried as follows: Mayor Jarstad, Yes; Commissioner Stewart, Yes; Commissioner Swanson, Yes. Meeting recessed from 10:30 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. LINDSTROM SHORELINE SUBSTANTIAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT Clerk read letter from Dr. Derrig, Dr. Lindstrom and Dr. Proteau, dated Nov. 28, 1978, requesting that the 15 ft. easement condition be deleted from the substantial development permit that was approved Nov. 21, 1978. This letter is on file in the Planning Dept. Dr. Derrig was present and stated he did not see that the easement has any p~rt of blacktopping a small parcel for parking~ He questioned the need 'for screening and also asked that an oll separator be eliminated. Discussion followed and Mayor Jarstad stated that Dr. Derrig had agreed to all the condi- tions at the hearing. Ms. Mandio stated this is not a public hearing, as 'it has not been advertised. Mr. McCluskey explained that the only thing that could be accomplished is that Dr. Derrig request an additional public hearing, but no action can be taken today. Ken Attebery, Planning Director, ~ead the conditions and stated these are State regulations that the City must follow. Mr. McCluskey explained that once the property is so'ld, the City will not be able to require an easement and this is the time to get it. Mr. Attebery stated he feels the City acted in a way that fulfills the Shoreline Management Act. Mayor Jarstad asked that Mr. Attebery meet with Dr. Derrig and his partners and go over the provisions and Mr. Attebery agreed to do this.. -4- CITY COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES November 28, 1978 Page five DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY PARKING Sandra Binz, 251 Sugar Pine Dr., spoke about the downtown holiday parking and ticketing. She stated that the hours for ticketing and amounts of the tickets should be clarified so that customers know what to expect. She stated that two hours is not lgng enough to shop and many people will not come downtown to shop because 6f the parking situation. Mayor Jarstad explained that the two-hour limit was put on the meters to prevent people who work downtown from parking all day and evening and so the meters will be free for shoppers. Joe Widen stated he had read the newspaper and he did not find the hours or ticketing method to be used. Commissioner Stewart stated the hours that cars can park is Monday through Friday, 9:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M., Saturday, 9:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. and Sunday, 10:OO A.M. - 5:00 P.M., and that cars will be ticketed during these hours. Anne Maloof, 278 Kitsap Lake Rd. NW, stated that the revenue that the City is getting is not going to compensate for the bad will this parking is generating throughout the City and she, for one, will not shop in'downtown Bremerton this year. BID OPENING - Heat Lamp Applicator Motion by Mayor Jarstad and Commissioner Stewart to open bids at this time, carried unanimously. 3M Company, bid bond enclosed, $2,837.83. This was the only bid received. Motion by Commissioner Swanson and Mayor Jarstad to refer to Street Superinten- denf for evaluation and award next week, carried unanimously. HUDSON'S INTERIORS PARKING Clerk read letter from Eunice Hudson, dated Nov. 27, 1978, which requested consideration of the Council to secure a parking area for her commercial building on City-owned property. The letter listed four methods to secure the necessary parking. This letter is on file in the Planning Dept. Discus- sion was held and Commissioner Stewart stated he felt that a lease could be prepared to allow her to use this property for parking. Motion by Commissioner Stewart and Mayor Jarstad to negotiate a lease with Eunice Hudson. Under discussion: Commissioner Swanson stated that only one or t~o parking stalls could be developed on this parcel and stay within zoning and building codes. Commissioner Stewart stated there is no other use for that property than parking for the adjacent business. He asked why the City can't grant a variance. Commissioner Swanson stated that this is a critical corner and intersection and they must be sure that proper provi- sions have been developed for traffic before allowing too many cars to park there; that his department wants to look at it before making any firm commitments about a variance. Question was called and motion carried as follows: Mayor Jarstad, Yes; Commissioner Stewart, Yes; Commissioner Swanson, No. TAPE #145 KLEA APPEAL REGARDING MERCER ENTERPRISES DECISION (B) 1845 Commissioner Stewart stated he thinks the Planning Director did act proper. ly and in accordance with the judge's ruling.TM He stated the City should rule to allow Mercer Enterprises to continue with their development. Commissioner Swanson stated he had read t~e judge's 'decision and his instruc- tions to the City were very clear. He stated the 9 dwelling units per acre ordinance was ineffect when Mercer Enterprises applied and the City should proceed to process their application if there are no major changes made. He stated he does not think any major changes were made and he agrees that what. the Planning Director has done is well within the intent of the judge's decision. -5- CITY COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES November 28, 1978 Page six Mayor Jarstad stated the judge did not say in his directive that it was based on strict compliance to numbers; that it was the intent of numbers he was referring to. He stated he supports the Planning Director in his recommendation to the Council. Motion by Mayor. Jarstad and Commissioner Stewart to concur in the'recom- mendation of the Planning Director regarding the application for Mercer Enterprises, carried unanimously. ORDINANCE NO. 3482 - B&O Taxes Clerk read, second reading, "AN ORDINANCE amending Ordinances 1917, Section 2; 2136, Section 1; 2901, Section 1; and 3173, Section 1, codified as BMC 5.02.020 relating to Business and Occupation taxes and the rates thereof". Motion by Commissioners Stewart and Swanson to pass Ordinance No. 3482 on second reading, by tit. le only, carried as f~llows: Mayor Jarstad, Yes; Commissioner Stewart, Yes; Commissione'r Swanson, Yes. ORDINANCE, FIRST READING - Business Licenses Clerk read, first reading, "AN ORDINANCE amending Ordinances 1917, Section 10; 2002, Section 1; and 3173, Section 3; codified as BMC 5.O2.110 relating to Business Licenses". Motion by Commissioners Swanson and Stewart to approve ordinance on first reading, by title only, carried as follows: Mayor Jarstad, Yes; Commissioner Stewart, Yes; Commissioner Swanson, Yes. ORDINANCE, FIRST READING - Payment of Business License Fees Clerk read, first reading, "AN ORDINANCE amending Ordinances 1917, Section 11;.2385, Section 2; codified as BMC 5.O2.120 relating to Business License Fees and the payment thereof". Motion by Commissioner Stewart'and Mayor Jarstad to approve ordinance on first reading, by title only, ~arried as follows: Mayor Jarstad, Yes; Commissioner Stewart, Yes; Commissioner Swanson, Yes. ACCEPTANCE OF RESTRICTIVE COVENANT Clerk read memo from Water Superintendent, dated Nov. 28, 1978, attached to which was a Restrictive Covenant from Puget Sound Power & Light Co. to aliow thelCity to drill a well on Vena Ave. Motion by Commissioners Swanson and Stewart to accept Restrictive Covenant subject to approval from City Attorne~'s office, carried unanimously. BILLS Motion by Commissioner Stewart and Mayor Jarstad to give blanket approval on vouchers 07493 thru 07563 inclusive in the amount of $48,403.32, audited by John Ross, carried unanimously. COMM%SSIONERS' REPORTS Commissioner Stewart: 1. Wished everyone a happy holiday season.' Stated he would be leaving Saturday for a month. 2~ Stated he met with PUD and the City will be adding 16OO accounts to the computer system. He stated this will be a steady increase in revenue over the years and it will not be necessary to hire any more people to take care of this business. Commissioner Swanson: 1. Stated he attended a seminar in Seattle last week which will be productive in control systems for water and sewage'plants. 2. Stated he thinks the City has to look at &he distribution of where tax money goes; that cities seem to get what is left over in terms of tax dollars. He stated that further cuts in Public Works would be hazardous and he does not see where there are many services that can be eliminated. He stated there is room for improvement in efficiency. CITY COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES November 28, 1978 Page seven Mayor Jarstad: 1. Stated h~ welcomed the opportunity to work with the committee from the business community on the budget ordinance. 2. Stated be hopes commissioner stewart has a wonderful vacation~ Meeting adjourned at 12:20 P-M. KATHLEEN L. MANDIO, City Clerk Approved: GLENN K. JARSTAD, Mayor -7-