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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/30/79 --UNAPPROVED MINUTES CITY COMMISSIONERS' MEETING MINUTES October 30, 1979 #171 Regular meeting of the City Commissioners of the City of Bremerton Washington, TAPE ' (A) 1245 was held in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 239 Fourth Street, Tuesday, October 30, 1979 at 9:00 A.M., with Mayor jarstad presiding. Also present were Commissioner Stewart, Commissioner Swanson, City Clerk Mandio, Assistant City Attorney McCluskey and representatives of the press and radio. Meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and invocation was given by Rev. Jim Hill of the Bremerton Revival Center. MINUTES OF OCTOBER 23, 1979 Motion by Mayor Jarstad and Commissioner Stewart to approve minutes as circulated, carried unanimously. NOTICES OF EMPLOYMENT Bruce Francis Ullock, Accounting/Treasurer, Extra Help, $7.50 per hr., 10/29/79, terminate 1/29/79. Kenneth Eugene Dreager, Accounting/Treasurer, Extra Help, $7.50 per hr., 10/29/79, terminate 1/29/79. Motion by Mayor Jarstad and Commissianer Swanson to approve notices of em'ployment. Un'~]'~"discussion: Commissioner Stewart explained that these employees will work on .a remodeling project for the computer room. Motion carried unanimously. CHANGES OF PAY STATUS Kim Kvistad, Police Dept., Cadet, $3.46 to $3.61 per hr., CETA #4764, 9/26/79. Rita Nowka, Police Dept., Cadet, $3.46 to $3.61 per hr., CETA #4765, 9/26/79. William Broussard, Police Dept., Cadet, $3.46 to $3.61 per hr., CETA #4768, 9/26/79. Patricia D. Horak, Police Dept., Cadet, $3.46 to $3.61 per hr., CETA #4767, 9/26/79. Motion by Mayor Jarstad and Commissioner Stewart to approve changes of pay status, carried unanimously. CANCELLATION OF REPORT OF SEPARATION - Robert Elsen Clerk read memo from Robert Elsen, dated Oct. 24, 1979, requesting that his "Report of Separation" be cancelled. She then read memo from Water Superintendent, dated Oct. 24, 1979, recommending approval. Motion by Commissioners Stewart and Swanson to approve cancellation of "Report of Separation" for Robert Elsen, carried unanimously. Clerk stated she ~ ~n 1 m n' in several cities and their waiting time fee g 2 .00 per hr.; that none of them had a five or ten minute "grace period". She stated she had also sent a letter to Harrison Memorial Hospital regarding billing procedures with Leyde Enterprises but no response has been received as yet. Mr. Levde stated they are still giving five minutes waiting time after arrival at scene until departure and five minutes after arrival at destination until cleared for departure; that the total waiting time is not five minutes. Motionby Commissioner Stewart and Mayor Jarstad to approve waiting time of five minutes after arrival at scene until departure and five minutes after arrival at destination until cleared for departure, retroactive to Aug. 6, 1979, carried unanimously. H.P. TOWING. Harry Penor requested that his towing service be placed on the towing list with the Police Dept. He stated he feels he is being discriminated against because only one company is called by the Police Dept. He stated further that he can respond as quickly as anyone else and his prices are as competitive as Leyde; that he feels the citizens of Bremerton are entitled to the best prices possible for towing. Mayor Jarstad asked if other towing companies in the County would agree to sharing their territories and Mr. Penor stated he did not know; that he could speak only for himself. Mr. Penor stated he wants to share the City's towing with Leyde Towing; that if the State Patrol can share their response, he does not see why the City can't. He stated he requested that he be placed on the list with CITY COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES October 30, 1979 Page two Mr. Leyde in May, but nothing has been done about it. A lengthy discussion followed regarding the difference in fees and Mr. Mussman presented a fee schedule for Leyde and H.P. Towing. These are on file in the Clerk's office. Mr. Penor then presented a fee schedule for Non-Emergency Transportation Service, effective Nov. 1, 1979. This is on file in the Clerk's office. Chief of Police Devery stated he thinks emergency police calls should be limited to one company; but if more than one company is used, it should be handled through CENCOM. He stated the Police Dept. does not want to be involved; that it would be too difficult for the police to maintain a rotation list. He stated further the towing companies should pay the extra expense for the calls and they should have 24-hour service. Commissioner Swanson asked about awarding a bid on a yearly basis and Chief Devery stated that guidelines have been drawn up, but that one year is not long enough; it should be for two or three years. He stated the towing company should be based in the City, have 24-hour service and have enough personnel to give good service.' Mayor Jarstad stated the City'smain concern is that the towing company have adequate manpower and equipment; that the City does have a responsibility in an emergency situation. He stated Mr. Penor's request would be investigated and Chief Devery would come back to Council with recommendations. Mr. Leyde stated anyone involved in an accident or needing a towing service can call any towing company they want. He stated his company averages 30-40 calls per day; that they send a truck out immediately and people deserve to have instant re~o~ on a 24-hour basis. He stated that there isn't room for competition in t~ ~ ~g business; that all it does is raise the rates to the public. CLAIM FOR DANAGES Steven Kraten, $411.26. His claim stated his car was backed into by a City Wastewater truck. Clerk stated copies had been sent to Wastewater for report and will be forwarded to the insurance company. SUMMONS & COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES Clerk presented Summons & Complaint for Damages from Cree Construction Co., Inc. She stated copies had been sent to the City's insurance company and the City Attorney. SERVICE OF SUBPEONAS & VENIRES Commissioner Stewart stated he does not think very many warrants are being served now and Palmet Process Service has said they can serve subpeonas and warrants for $10.00 each. Chief of Police Devery stated the subpeonas are about 100% served at no expense to the City; that the Cadet Training Program is paid through CETA funding. He stated this is a valuable asset to the cadet training. He stated there is.no way to serve 100% of the warrants because once a person leaves the State of Washington, he is out of the Bremerton jurisdiction and the warrant cannot be served. He stated further that the Records Division of a Police Dept. is not open to civilians. Commissioner Stewart stated that it does not look like a very good operation when the money that is coming in is looked at. Bill Ballard explained that it takes approximately six months to train a person to serve warrants. He stated one person has been assigned permanently to serve parking tickets now. He explained the process of serving the warrants and stated it could take anywhere from two to six months. He stated about 70-75% of the warrants are now being served. Chief Devery stated that approximately 1577 warrants have been served and Commissioner Stewart stated he is not satisfied with that, because more warrants are going out and revenue is cut in half. Mr. Ballard stated they are in the process of training more people. WATER & SEWER RATE INCREASE Pete Davies, City Treasurer, presented memo dated Oct. 26, 1979, which stated that a 17.43% increase in water rates and a 37.84% increase in sewer rates is needed in order to handle the projected expenditures for 1980. This memo is on file in the Clerk's office. -2- CITY COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES October 30, 1979 Page three .M~. Davies stated an additional $269,000.00 is needed to meet the projected water budget and $343,000.00 is needed to meet the projected sewer budget. Conmnissioner Stewart stated he does not think there will be any increases in billing operations next year; that delinquents are about half of what they were last year; one in four is on the automatic payment system. He stated he does not want to raise minimum rates; those costs are not increasing. Commissioner Swanson stated one of the reasons for raising rates is depreciation of machinery. He stated the Water and Sewer Departments put 20% of their income back into the General Fund. He stated there is no way a number of these costs can be controlled at this time; the power company will raise their rates and depreciation will continue. He stated another area of concern is the indication of a 60-40 split; that his figures indicate a 70-30 split on revenue. He stated this will have to be resolved before any rates are raised. He stated further the Water Dept. is still quite healthy in terms of revenue, but Wastewater is more of a problem. Commissioner Stewart stated the Treasurer used the Billing Distribu- tion Report. He discussed informing the Navy of any rate increase. Commissioner Swanson stated when they are ready to raise rates, Commissioner Stewart will be informed. Commissioner Stewart statad he wants it cleared up; that he does not care if costs are cut, more water is sold or rates are increased. ChUck Moore, Water Superintendent, stated he has discussed the expenses that are being encountered with the City Treasurer. He stated they do have funds coming in from the work the Water Dept. has done in relation to the Trident expansion. He stated they are still at the same number of people in the Water Dept. that they had 10 years ago and they are being spread pretty thin. Discussion followed regarding the Billing Distribution Report and Commissioner Stewart stated this report should be used. Commissioner Swanson stated he has discussed the rate structure with Jack Shirley and Mr. Shirley has made no indication that the rate structure was that bad. Commissioner Swanson stated he should have the information needed within two weeks to make a decision regarding a rate increase. Mayor Jarstad stated that all the concerns presented today are valid and he hopes it will be resolved soon. Mr. Davies announced that he will have the preliminary budget in computer listing format ready tomorrow and published copies will be available to the public Nov. 13, 1979. Meeting recessed from 10:30 A.M. until 10:40 A.M. PUBLIC RECOGNITION Bob Mussman, Ambulance Committee Chairman, stated he had received three complaints that alleged Leyde Ambulance charged for services or materials that were not per- formed or supplied by Leyde and his investigations tend to support that. He stated he wished to disqualify himself and turn the complaints over to the City Attorney for investigation. He stated he would like to have the Ambulance AdVisory Committee investigate them also. Mayor Jarstad explained that a new policy is being set up and the paramedics will sign off on the arrival and departure times of the ambulance and they will designate which supplies and equipment have been used. He stated this might end some of the complaints. Mr. Leyde stated he will agree with anything that will encourage better service and he will work with the City to bring about better control. He stated he would like to have at least a week's time to respond to complaints. Motion by Commissioner Stewart and Mayor Jarstad to give Mr. Leyde one week's notice on complaints. Under discussion: Mr. Mussman stated there might be times when a delay of one week is not advisable. H~ stated further that most of the time Mr. Leyde has been cooperative and most of the complaints have been resolved to the satisfaction of the customer. Mayor Jarstad complimented Mr. Mussman for taking on the responsibility of the ambulance committee chairman and stated Mr. Mussman has attempted to be as impartial as possible. Commissioner Swanson stated that Mr. Mussman has always given Mr. Leyde an opportunity to respond. Mayor jarstad asked that the complaints be turned over to the City Attorney. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Jarstad complimented ~he paramedics and stated he hopes the Emergency Medical Levy passes next week. -3- CITY COMMISSIONERS' MINb. ZS October 30, 1979 Page four EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT FUND Clerk read memo from City Auditor, dated Oct. 24, 1979, attached to which was an inventory of the investments held by the Employees' Retirement Fund. The memo stated the City has an obligation to the Public Employees Retirement System in the amount of $2,423.00 per month thru Dec. 1983; total obligation as of December 1983 is $123,573.00; that the current investment value of $494,523.43 will be realized only if the securities are allowed to mature.' The memo stated further that to the best of the Auditor's knowledge.and belief, any final balance in this fund reverts to the City's General Fund. Commissioner Stewart stated he thinks interest rates will go down in the next six months; if so, some of these bonds should be liquidated and the benefit given to the individuals on this fund. Com- missioner Swanson suggested checking on medical insurance for them rather than an increase. Commissioner Stewart stated the City should have an actuarial study. Mayor Jarstad stated an increase should be given to them and Ms. Mandio stated she would check to see if the fund can sustain a 10% increase and also check to see if an increase could be converted to medical insurance. CALL FOR BIDS - Agricultural Tractor/Mower (Parks Dept.) Clerk read memo from Parks Superintendent, dated Oct. 24, 1979, requesting call for bids for 1979 agricultural tractor/mower. Motion by Commissioners Stewart and Swanson to approve call for bids for 1979 agricultural tractor/mower for Parks Dept. Under discussion: Commissioner Swanson requested that specifications be reviewed by Equipment Rental Supervisor. Motion carried unanimously. CALL FOR BIDS - Shoring System Clerk read memo from Street Superintendent, dated Oct. 29, 1979, requesting call for bids for one GME, M Series or equal Mini Box w/lift rings 6' high x 12' long x 36" wide and one'GME, MH Series or equal Manhole Box w/lift rings 8' sq. x 8' high and one lifting bridle, at an estimated cost of $6,200.00. Motion by Commissioners Swanson and Stewart to call for bids as stated above, carried unanimously.. COMPUTER ROOM EXPANSION & CALL FOR BIDS - Halon Fire Fighting Equipment Clerk presented requisition from Accounting/Treasurer for computer room expansion, to be paid out of Building Improvement Funds, CR General, and bid call for Halon Fire Fighting Equipment at an estimated cost of $3,000-$4,000, to be paid out of Building Improvement Funds, CR General. Motion by Commissioners Stewart and Swanson to approve above requests, carried unanimously. JOE MENTOR PROPERTY - 11th & McKenzie Clerk read memo from Planning Director, dated Oct. 29, 1979, which stated that a rezone for Mr. Mentor from R-1 to B-3 was approved for off-street parking; that one of the conditions of the rezone was that the property was to be brought into full compliance with building and zoning codes within 90 days of the effective date of the ordinance or the property would revert to R-1. The memo stated the expira- tion date was Oct. 25, 1979 and a field survey of the property indicates that the applicant has not complied with the requirements of the ordinance. Discussion followed and Mr. Alloway, Compliance Officer, stated Mr. Mentor has not brought it into compliance with building and zoning ordinances. Motion by Commissioner Stewart and Mayor Jarstad to send Mr. Mentor a letter and no~him that the property reverts back to R-1 zoning classification effective Oct. 25, 1979, with a copy of Ordinance No. 3537, and tell him he can apply for rezone again, carried unanimously. PARKING ON 15th ST. BETWEEN WARREN AVE. & PARK AVE. Clerk read memo from Police/Traffic Division, dated Oct. 29, 1979, which recommended that 15th St. be made one-way from Park Ave. to Warren Ave., west bound, and that parking be restricted to the south side of the street. She then read memo from Asst. City Engineer, dated Oct. 26, 1979, which recommended that 15th St. between Warren Ave. and Park Ave. be made one-way, east bound. Discussion followed and M~. Frisbie, Asst. City~m~~, stated if 15th were made one-way west bound, CITY COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES October 30, 1979 Page five people would make a left-hand turn from 15th to Warren. He stated they are trying to prevent conflicting turning movements across Warren. He stated they hope that in the future movements across Warren will be prohibited once the by- pass around Olympic College is in. Mr. Whitford, 1106 18th, stated it should be one-way east bound because the street is not wide enough to make turns going west. Commissioner Swanson requested that the Engineering Dept. and Police Dept. discuss this proposal together and make a joint recommendation. Mayor Jarstad stated a decision will be made next week. ORDINANCE, FIRST READING - Dubos Water Easement Vacation Clerk read, first reading, "AN ORDINANCE granting a water easement vacation (Dubos)". Motion by Commissioner Stewart and Mayor Jarstad to approve ordinance on first reading, by title only, carried as follows: Mayor Jarstad, Yes; Commissioner Stewart, Yes; Commissioner Swanson, Yes. ORDINANCE, FIRST READING - Sewer Service Charges Clerk read, first reading, "AN ORDINANCE amending Ordinance No. 3147, Section IV, Subparagraph H.2.d., as amended by Ordinance No. 3217, Ordinance No. 3184 and Ordinance No. 3301". Motion by Commissioners Stewart and Swanson to approve ordinance on first reading, by title only, carried as follows: Mayor Jarstad, Yes; Commissioner Stewart, Yes; Commissioner Swanson, Yes. SEWER FEES FOR SCHOOLS IN THE SUMMER Commissioner Stewart stated the School District waters their playgrounds in the summer and they are charged sewer fees for that and he feels this is unfair to the School District. He stated that since schools are closed in the summer, separate meters should be put in so there will be another bill for the water used for playgrounds. Commissioner Swanson stated that would be the simplest thing to do. ORDINANCE NO. 3559 - Erhart Clerk read, second reading, "AN ORDINANCE amending Ordinance No. 3490 (Erhart)". Motion by Commissioners Stewart and Swanson to pass Ordinance No. 3559 on second reading, by title only, carried as follows: Mayor Jarstad, Yes; Commissioner Stewart, Yes; Commissioner Swanson, Yes. RESOLUTION NO. 1830 - Residential Parking Permit Zones 18 & 19 Clerk read, "A RESOLUTION designating residential parking permit areas (Zones 18 and 19)" Motion by Commissioners Stewart and Swanson to pass Resolution No. 1830, carried as follows: Mayor Jarstad, Yes; Commissioner Stewart, Yes; Commissioner Swanson, Yes. WATER AGREEMENTS (Front Footage, Water & Sewer) Chuck Moore, Water Superintendent, stated the method of agreement with property owners was made years ago when some of the smaller, under-sized water lines were being replaced; that some of the property owners were not able to come up with a lump sum and the City entered into an agreement with them, similar to an LID. He stated it is the City's option to accept this policy; that it has worked well in the past. Commissioner Stewart stated that unless individuals come in and sign the agreement, there is no record and the City has no way to collect. He stated that if the pro- perty is sold, the new owner does not have an obligation to pay if there is no record of an agreement and he feels it is not a very good system. Mr. McCluskey explained that the ordinance states the City maN enter into an agreement, and that Council can set 'the interest rate. Commissioner Stewart stated he does not think the City should be in the finance business and these people should get a loan for these agreements from another source. Commissioner Swanson stated he is opposed to some'of the older people having to get ~ s~ll loan; tha~ the C~ty is a service organization supported by the taxpayers. -5- CITY COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES October 30, 1979 Page six Motion by Commissioners Stewart and Swanson to set interest rate for agreements at 12% and City Council approve each application for front footage agrement. Under discussion: Commissioner Swanson stated they are here to provide a service to the citizens of Bremerton and he does not feel the City necessarily has to make a profit on these agreements. Motion carried unanimously. BILLS ~n by Commissioner Stewart and Mayor Jarstad to give blanket approval to vouchers 13062 thru 13181 inclusive in the amount of $62,449.14 and vouchers 13055 thru 13058 inclusive in the amount of $15,911.54, audited by John Ross, carried unanimously. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS Commissioner Stewart: 1. He asked how the Equipment Rental Program is coming along and Commissioner Swanson stated Jack Motl has submitted a report and he expects to have a meeting with him next week. Commissioner Swanson stated that Mr. Motl said it was a good program, but it was not cost effective to the City. 2. He stated his neighbors say the Wastewater Treatment Plant is much better and they are happy with the results. Commissioner Swanson: He stated the Water Dept. is installing meters at various City locations so water usage can be monitored. He stated he thinks it is necessary that water consumption be looked at and various departments be charged for the water they use. Ma)or Jarstad: He stated he would be out of town next week on a hunting trip. Meeting adjourned at 12:15 P.M. eneL. an Approved: J Robert B. Stewart, Mayor Pro Tempore