HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/20/50 491
September 20, 1950
Regular meeting of the City Council oI' the City of Bremerton, Washing-
ton, w~s held Wednesday, September 20, 1W50 at 10:00 A.M. l'clock in the
Council Chmmbers, City Hall, Bremerton, Washington. Mayor Kean presiding ~nd
Commissioner Haddon, Commissioner Wheaton, City Clerk McGowan, City Treasurer.
Nutter, City Attorney Wallace and Assistant City Attorney Gates being present.
Motion by Mr. Keau and Mrs. ~addon to approve minutes of regular meeting
of September 13, 1950 and special meeting of September 18, 1950 as written,
carried.
Mayor stated there was a group from the Manette P.T.A. present and asked
the Clerk to read a letter from the East Brsmerton Improvement Club, setting
forth their request.
Clerk read letter dated September 15, 19§0 i'2m the E.B.I.C., signed by
James Snell, President, addressed to the Mayor, which stated that the community
of Manette are desirous of obtaining the the Manette Community Building a branch
of the Public Library and the people there, through their various clubs, have
evidenced great interest in this project, and a promise of l§O0 books has been
made. Shelves, which will leck~,~lll be installed at no cost to the City and
the library would be operated on a volunteer basis during such hours that the
building is noEnally open, thus requiring no special services from the City.
The E.B.I.C. has agreed to sponsor this project.
Clerk then read a copy of a letter, dated September 18, 1950, from the
Mayor to James Snell, President, E.B.I.C., stating that the Council meeting ia
held at lO:O0 A.M., Wednesday, and would be glad to have the group meet with
the commissioners; that most of their discussion and policy should be laid out
through and with the Library Board, first, and then with the Park & Recreation
Superintendent. Letter further stated that the Mayor has been a little reluc-
tant to set up branch libraries in any one area of the City because it would
be necessary to provide similar service to other groups. Also, the Mayor ques-
tioned how good a type of service can be made available in the various areas
oi~ the City and what the thinking of the Library Board might be in this con-
nection. It was pointed out that these things cost money and unless the branch
libraries are staffed properly and remain open long enough time, the City might
fail to improve the service as desired by this group.
Mayor Kean then spoke on the matter stating that Mr. Pendergast has not
figured on having a library opened in the Manette Community Building and that
the Library Board is not in favor of opening a branch library; also, if the
budget is curtailed, the Library, Park and Recreation, Fire and Police Depart-
ments will he cut.
Mrs. R.L. Robinson, Route 5, Box 1~6, spoke in favor o~' the branch library
and pointed out that it would be set up and operated at no cost to the City and
would be operated only at such times as the building is open for general use.
Also, the place planned for it would be in the office which would not affect
the use oI~ any room I~or other purposes. She spoke of the enthusiasm which this
proposed project has engendered in the Manette Community and discussed the val-
ue of it to ~he small children and their mothers.
Mayor Kean mentioned that ne had slowed down the setting up of a branch
library because he hadquestioned whether could give good library service over
there. He said he would refer ~his matter to the Library Board because he
understood on the Mayor's recommendation they had tabled the matter.
Mrs. Julia Huguenin, Route 5, spoke in I'avor of the branch library, ex-
plained that ~rs. Robinson has the professional experience necessary to operate
the activity, and told of the support ~'or the project received from the Man-
ette P.T.A., wherein they voted to put up $50.00 to help in getting it started.
She said she felt there would always be sufficient help in East Bremerton to
keep the Library going.
Mrs. Murdoch, 1621 Ironsides, stated that it was hoped by starting in this
way it would eventually lead to library extension service, anG Mr. Kean said
he was afraid this would happen.
Mrs. Ro~ert A. Brown, 1~27 Trenton Avenue, stated the Pythian Sister~
voted highly in favor oI~ this project and ~he Knights of Phythis are voting on
it this weeZ. Also, said ~hat they have proposals to receive donations of
books subject to li0rary approval.
Mrs. Haddon commented she is always interested in library activities but
would recommend that it be referred to the Library Board and Recreation De-
partment i~or a recommendation to the Council.
Mr. Wheaton said the City is.in no position to ma~e any pro~ise.
Motion by Ers. Haddon and Mr. Wheaton to refer the request to the Library
Board and the Recreation Department i~or reconsideration and recommendation to
the Council, carried.
Mayor Kean stated there was a group present from business and pointed
out that last night's paper carried a story that the Council would ~nsider the
budget and business tax, and it isnecessary to bring this to a head. 'l~ere
might be a feeling the Council is rushing this too I~ast and also a feeling
that if the Council delays any longer that it ~0uld put the businessmen or
anyone else who wanted to eppose the tax in an unfavorable position.
September ~0, 1950 (Con't)
Mr. Kean said there were certain things the Council must know in order
to build a budget ordinance; also, pointed out the lac~ bi' funds to provide
the services given in recent years. 0nly a few sources of revenue open to
the City and a business and occupation tax has been proposed. Discussion
should be entered into that would lead to the drawing up of an ordinance.
Steve Kerr, ~'rom the Ch~uber of Commerce,committee for stuc~ing the bud-
get, stated that their chairman, Mr. Russell, aid not think this matter was
going to be brought up today end is not able to be present; however, Mr. Kerr
appeared in his place.
Mr. Kerr stated that the committee has gathere~ a great deal of data but
has not yet completed their study. He said, however, that they felt the cost
of Bremerton city government was one-hall' to one-quarter greater than in other
cities of comparable size in the State. He claimed that their studies indicate
the cost is from $85.00 to $90.00 per capita here, whereas it runs in neighbor-
ing cities as low as $55.00 per person, and if the city was to operate on a
comparative basis, then up to one million dollars could be dropped from the
budget. Mr. Kerr also spoke on the subject as a b~sinessman and claimed that
the tax is morally reprehensible, and that a small group would be taxed For
activities unrelated to that small group in a political subdivision. Mr. Kerr
stated that the tax would have a terrific effect on business activity and that
it is hypocrital to say that business can cover such a tax up. If people want
certain services, he said they should all pay for it in the way of property
taxes, an~ this would be taxing a special group. He said they will place in
the newspapers the figures on city government costs. He called attention to
the services rendered in the navy yard industrial section by.their own police
and fire forces, plus street crews, and the availability oi' these i'orces in
event bi' emergency in the City of Bremerton.
Mr. Wheaton commented that the City has been trying to Z'ind out where
the Chamber has been getting their cost figures and the City has not been
able yet to verify the figures quoted by Mr. Kerr.
Mrs. Haddon pointed out that Bremerton pays higher wages than in Yakima,
andlaboris here asking for more, and the Sanitation Department is short six
men because they can get more money elsewhere. She said more than 75% is
going for wages.
Mr. Kerr stated the Chamber's comparisons were made from city,s in sim-
ilar locations as Bremerton and said if the pay is not the same here, then it
shoul~ 0e raised and that he has always paid many of his men more than the
union scale. He said the Chamber was broad-minded in this respect but they
want economy wherever it can be achieved. II' this cannot be done then the
City shoulC go for something he has always opposed and that ia a 0usiness man-
ager of some kind.
Mr. Carl Westling, Secretary, Retail Clerk's Association, stated ~he
union is opposed to a business tax because it actually is a tax on the consum-
er, an~ in Bremerton it woul~ be unfavorable in competing with Seattle and
Tacoma. He felt the City would be reeeiving more money than anticipated from
the State due to extra money being spent in the liquor stores.
Mayor Kean discussed the budget shortage and said he would be glad to
aave the people know all the facts. He said he has been working on getting
payment in lieu of taxes f~om the Government ant i~' this was accomplished,
then this tax could be stopped. Discussed having the people vote on the tax
and that il' they turned it down the a~xainistration would know what ~o do; Out
ii' it goes to a vote of the people an~ it passes, then it would ta~e a vote of
the people to ta~e it
Mr. Fulmer stated he thought the tax is very dishonest because ithas no
relation to earnings or proI'its and is not sound, and said he felt other meth-
ods bi' taxes should be considered, if necessary to raise money. Would rather
~ave a business registration license fee, he said; or.would be more fair on an
income tax or a sales uax.
A Mr. Brown asked if the Council intended to pass on this tax and Mayor
Kean outlined the proposed procedure as governed by the City ~harter, an~ that
the Council was proposing to pass this tax by ordinance, and it ~ould go to the
voters on Nov. 7th at which time a special election was to be held on the danc-
ing ordinance.
Mr. James McCallum, stated there was not very much time for c~culating
a petition by the date bi~ the general election. Mr. McCallum then read a
copy of a letter which he had turned over to the City Clerk during the meet-
ing. His letter was dated September 20, 1950, I'rom the Kitsap County Tax-
payer,s Association, an~ was signed by C.A. Fulmer, Fresieent and J.A. McCal-
lum, Secretary. The letter asked than any ordinance passed by the Council
be referred by the Council to a vote an~ that a referendum clause be attached
to the ordinance.
Mayor stated ae hag no objection to referring by referendum.an~ they
wanted the people to tell the commissioners i~' they want certain services.
Bill Cook, of the Teamsters Union, stated they held a meeting of the
members of that organization after reading the paper last night that it was
insinuated the City was only going to grant an eighteen cent raise, ne
stated that the 25 cents an hour requeste~ in the letter to the Commissioners
493
September 20, 1950(Con't)
was not out of llne with what they have been oI'fereG by the Cottuty. He said
he was instructed to go b ac~ to the City Commissioners and to continue neg-
otiations on the basis of the 25 cents requested in the beginning. There
have 0een several of their members leaving the employ of the City for better
paying jobs and there are more that will leave if they don't get wages in
comparison to other places doing similar work. Mr. Cook asked for a meeting
with the Commissioners when he woulG go into detail~ He said, however, that
the wages paid here are the lowest received in the industry for heavy work.
Mayor commented that the Commissioners have always recognized that union
membership is entitled to certain rights an~ they always have also consider-
ed that the City employees who are not members of the union are entitled to
Dhe same rights as those who are organized. On the basis of 18 cents per
hour, it would give miscellaneous employees pai~ by the month $31.00 per month
and have proposee to give a thirty-dolLar flat increase across the board.
Clerk read reports of separations for Edithi~Eigner, Library; Fred L.
Walker, Robert Kimball and Harry Mayfield, Sanitation Department.
Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Wheaton to approve the reports of separation,
carried.
Clerk read change in pay status for Roy Kraft and Wilbur H. McCoy, both
from $1.42 to $1.46 per hour, Sanitation Department.
Motion by Mrs. Haddon and Mr. Wheaton to approve the changes in pay, car-
ried.
Application was read by Clerk from Bremerton Bowling Recreation, 9th &
Ca±low, for location license to install pinball machines, approved by the
Chief of Police.
Motion by Mr. Kean ane Mr. Wheaton to appro ~ the license, carried.
Clerk read payroll voucher for perio~ ended September 15, 1~50 /'or
$3V,371.34, audited by City Auditor Vaa.
Motion by Mr. Kean and ~rs. Haddon to approve the payroll voucher,
carried.
Claim voqcher was presented and read by Clerk l'rom Kerr Motors for one
new Ford F-~ Express, furnished under contract No. 245, for $2,137.0~, ap-
proved by Casam and audited by Mr. Vaa.
Motion by Mr. Wheaton and Mr. Kean that the claim be allowed, carried.
Clerk read claim voucher f r6m Facific States Cast Iron Pipe Co., for
pipe furnished under contract No. 240, for $13,215.53, approved by Mr. Casad
and aumit~d by Mr. Vaa.
Motion by Mr. Wehaton anm Mr. Kean to allow the claim, carried.
Clerk stated he had a request from the Municipal Garage for a Call for
bids for parts for a D-V Caterpillar tractor, costing approximately $1200.00.
. Motion by Mr. Wh~aton and Mr. K~an to authorize the tim call, carried.
Clerk read a letter from City Engineer, dated September 20, addressed
to the Mayor and Council, attaching a petition for the improvement of Harklns
from Winfield to Pitt anm Pitt from E. llth to 210 feet north of llth by the
construction of concrete curbs and gutters anm that 57% of front foot has
been signed in favor of the improvement. Letter'recommend~d the establish-
ing of &J.L.I.D. an~ that a resolution be passem calling ~er a hearing of
protests on October ll, 1950.
Clerk then read Resolution No. 7~8 as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BREMERTON:
Section 1. ~l~at the public interest requires the following improve-
ments to be made.
Section 2. That it is the intention of the City Council of the City of
Bremerton to ormer the improvement of Ha~kins Street from Winfielm to Pitt
and Pitt Avenue East llth b~ 210 feet north of the centerlineof East llth
Street by clearing, grubbing, grading for and construction of concrete curbs
anm gutters, together with the doing of any anm all other work in connection
therewith as may be necessary to make such improvement a complete job, all
in accordange with the plans and specifications to be placed on file in the
office of the City Clerk in the City of Bremerton, reference to which is
hereby made for further particulars.
Section 3. That the City Engineer of the City of Bremez'ton is hereby
directed to submit to the City Council at or prior to the date fixed for
hearing such protests to said improvements, the estimatem cost anG expense
of such an imp~ vement, and a stmtement of the~proportionate amount thereof,
which shall be borne by theproperty within the proposed assessment district
and a statement of the aggregate assessem valuation of the real estate, ex-
clusive of improvements, within such proposed district, according to the
valuation last placed upon it for the purpose of a general taxation, together
494
September 20, 1950 (Con't)
with a diagram or plan sh~wing thereon the lots, tracts, and parcels of land
and other property which will be specially benefited thereby, and the estimat-
ed amour o~~ the cost and expense of such improvements to be borne by such
lot, tract or parcel of land or other property.
Section 4. That tho cost an~ expense of sai~ improvement to be borne
b~ said improvement ~istrict and exclusive of any portion borne by either the
State of Washington or other governmental agency, shall be assessed against
said property included in said improvement district in proportion to said
area, except wherein the special benefits conferred upon the property are
not fairly reflected by the use of the termini and ~ne method, the assess-
ment shall be made against the property of the district in accordance with
the special bene£its it will derive from the improvement without regard to
the ~ne and termini method, ane in accordance with the provisions of Section
9~8~ of Remington's Revised Statutes of the State of Washington, the remaind-
er of said cost of the improvement to be paid for by arrangement, if any,
with either the State of Washington or other governmental agency.
Section 8. That the City Clerk he and he is hereby directe~ to give
notice of the date of such hearing to each owner or repute~ owner of any and
~ll lots, tracts, or parcels of land or other property specially benefited
by the improvement, by mailing to the owner or repute~ owner of the property
as shown on the tax rolls of the ~ounty Treasurer, at the address shown there-
on, a notice setbing I~rth thenature of the proposed improvements the total
estimated cost and the estimated benefits~to the particular lot, tract, or
parcel, and the date of the hearing before the City Council at least lO days
beI'ore the date fixed herein for such hearing.
Section ~. That Wec~ues~ay, the llth day of October, 1B§O at ll:O0 A.E.
P.S.T., of said ~ay be and the ss~ue is hereby ~ixed as the date of hearing
p~tests against said improvements by any persons interested therein; and the
City Clerk be and ~s hereby authorized and directed to publish a copy oI' this
resolution in the official newspaper of said city for at least two successive
issues, the first issue to be at least 15 days prior to the date herein fixed
for said hearing, and said publication, together with the malling of the not-
ices hereinabove proviced to the owners or reputed owners~of the lots and
parcels of land included in such imp~ vement as hereinabove set I'orth, shall
be due and legal notice to all concerned in said proposed improvements. ·
Eotion by ~r. Kean and ~r. Wheaton to pass Resolution No. ~48 carried
as follows: Er. Kean, Yes. Nfs. Haddon, Yes. Er.~£neaton, Yes.
Clerk read a letter, dated September 18, 19§0, from Bremerton Lodge No.
l~, Knights of Pythias, signed by Robert A. Brown, Secretary, stating the
Knights of Pythias will take up the matter of a branch library in ~anette on
September ~8 and if the project has the Eayor's approval, he was sure the
club would contribute to a fund to help set up the library branch. In view
of the great interest shown and the present demand, he asked ~pproval of the
project.
Eotion by ~r. Ke~n and Nr. Wheaton to note contents and refer to the
Library Board without comment, carried.
Cler~ read a copy of a letter from Nelson Equipment Company to ~r.
Wheaton, dated September l~, 1~50, stating they were replacing the Eodel 1EiE
New Holland Crusher, purchased by the City from Nelson with a Eodel EOEO
machine, which is capable of producing many times the amount of rock desired
to be produced by the City. Nelson Equipment Company has assumed the lia-
bility of ta~ing back the Nodel 1El~.
Eotion by mr. Kean and Er. Wheaton to note contents and file, carried.
Letter dated September 19, 1980, I'rom~?Bremerton Yacht Club ~o the Coun-
cil was read by Clerk, calling attention to the dangerous practice of children
dropping rocks from the Eanette Bridge on passing boa~s and asking that prompt
action be taken ~y the City and that the City will cooperate with the State
in trying to eliminate ~his hazard. Several suggestions were ma~e for con-
trolling this situation.
Discussion followed au~ ~ayor explained that ~he Police Department has
attempted to apprehend the children responsible. The difficulty of placing
screens was mentioned.
City Attorney stated the City has the necessary ordinance to cover any
violation but the violator must first ~e apprehended in the act,
~r~ Wheaton stated that his experience with those who throw rocks off
the bridge showed it was almost impossible to catch them by a police officer.
Nr. Kean ordered contents noted and communication flled~
Cler~ read Ordinance No. 1898, second reading, '!An Ordinance repealing
Ordinance No. 1888, providing for the creation and establishment of a spec-
ial fund to he known as the "North Perry Avenue Water District Reserve Fund."
Eotion by Er. Kean and Er. Wheaton to pass Ordinance No. 1898, on sec-
ond readSng, carried as follows: Nr. Kean, Yes. ~rs. Haddon, Yes. Er.
Wheaton, Yes.
495
September 20, 1950 (eon't)
Attorney read Resolution No. 749 as follows:
WHEREAS, there has been presented to the City Council of the City of Brem-
erton an initiative measure upon petition which has been filed with the City
Clerk of the City of Bremerton, Washington, and which bears the required number
or signers, petitioning for the adoption of an ordinance regulating dancing and
all other kinds bi' entertainment in establishments licensed for the s ale of
beer, wine and/or spirituous liquor; and
~EREAS, the filing of the necessary petitio~ns and the request for the
holding of a special election create an emergency which requires the Holding of
a s~ecial election in the City of Bremerton; now, there£ore
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council o£ the City of Bremerton:
1. That a special election be held in the City of Bremerton between the
hours of eight o'clock a.m. and eight o'clock p.m. on the 7th day of November,
' 1950, for the purpose o£ submitting to the electors of said City for their ap-
proval or rejection, the question o£ whether or not an orainance permitting and
regulating dancing and all other kinds o£ entertainment in establishments lic-
ensed for the sale of beer, wine, and/or spirituous liquors shall be adopted
by the electors as an ordinance of the City of Bremerton, Washington.
2:. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the ballot title shall be as follows:
Shall an ordinance be a~ pted permitting and regulating dancing and entertain-
ment where beer, ~ ne and/or spirituous liquor are sold under license.
3. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that ~n emergency exists requiring funds for
which no appropriation has been made in the general budget and that the need
for such funds could not have readily been £oreseen at the time of adopting the
budget i'or the year 1950, and that it will be necessary by an emergency approp-
riation to provide su£ficient funds for the holding ~ said election.
4. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the City of Bremerton is here-
by directed to notify the County Auditor of Kitsap County regarding the date of
the special election provided for i~erein in sufficient time to permit said of-
ricer to close the registration rile as required Oy law, and to perform suc~
other duties as are necessary and/or required by law, to the end that the ques-
tion as herein provided fo~ shall be submitted to the voters of the City of
Bremerton at the aforementioned election.
5. BE IT FURTtlER RESOLVED that the voting places for the aforesaid spec-
ial election shall be all of the regular precinct voting places as established
and used for the general election which lie within the boundaries of the City
of Bremerton and/or serve the electors of the City of Bremerton.
Motion by Mr. Kean and Mrs. Haddon to pass Resolution No. ?49 carried as
follows: ~r. Kean, Yes. Mrs. Haddon, Yes. Mr. Wheaton, Yes.
Attorney read Ordinance No. 1899, "An ordinance appropriating funds for
the holding o~' a special election not provided for in the budget for the calendar
year 1950, and declaring an emergency."
Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Wheaton to pass Ordinance No. 1899 carried as
follows: Mr. Kean, Yes. Mrs. Haddon, Yes. Mr. Wheaton, Yes.
Discussion was again taken up on business and occupation tax and the com-
missioners stated thay have decided to adopt a rate similar to the State of
Washington.
On question by Mr. Kerr, City Attorney explained that those under franchises
such as electric, telephone, bus and gas companies would be exempt, as well as
certain games o£ skill now under annual license. Attorney stated hehad written
to the Bellin~n City Attorney for data on licensing of punch boards but has
had no reply.
Mayor asked the City Attorney to make a search and survey and recommend
what should be eliminated in the tax ordinance.
Attorney aiscussed the deadline date of~eptember 23, 1~50 in order to
pass an ordinance. Attorney asked the Council several questions, asking that
definite answers be given so his orfice could go ahead and prepare an ordinance.
The Council agreed that $1.00 should be the registration fee; that $600.00
should be the amount of exemption; that the City Treasurer should have the re-
turn and remittance made to him; that the income should be p~ced in the General
Fund and not earmarked for any special fund; that it is not intended to tax
business done outside the City of Bremerton; effective date to be January l,
1950 to tie in with the l~51 ~udget; that 15 days be allowed following the close
of the bi-monthly period for making the return and remittance.
Attorney answered a question of the I~ayor that it would not be possible to
do anything to those who operate in the City under inter-state license.
Mr. Fulmer asked what the estimated revenue would be md City Clerk stated
that it has been estimated that 1/10 of 1~ would bring in about $3.00 per capita
and the proposed tax would bring in about ~250,O00.00. Further cuts would have
to be made to the budget even ii' the tax goes into effect.
Mr. Fulmer commented t~at it is the concensus or opinion that war is im-
minent and that the City will be faced with expenditures for underground shelters
and other necessities, and asXed why the City didn't consider a sales tax of
1%.
Mayor answered that the State prohibits this ~urce but does allow business
and oocupation tax.
496
September 20, 1950 (Con't)
Attorney asked ii' the Council wanted to make an exemption for veterans of
World War lll an~ the Commissioners stated they did not.
Mr. Kerr asked if the Council intended to provide for a reI'eren~um elec-
tion on this ordinance and the Mayor stated that it was their intention.
Attorney, speaking as a citizen, stated there should be a spirit of help-
fulness rather than an implied threat to the Commissioners an~ ii' the Chamber
Committee has any figures to assist in lowering the budget, these should be
brought in today or tomorrow.
mr. Kerr stated the figures were not complete but they are trying to be
helpful but ii' have no recourse, then will ta~e the figures to the public.
Mayor spoke on the Council,s interest in economy ant have put into prac-
tice most of the recommenoations made by the Chamber Committee last year; that
the money taken I'~m the Water Department last year has been ruled as d'one il-
legally and should be returned, according to a state examiner's recommendatiom.
Mayor said ii' the tax is taken to the public andpassed then it would have to
stay until a vote took it off; also, if it I'ailed, then the budget would have
to he: slashed.
Mr. E.J. Beard spoke ol' the length of time necessary to make a study of
the budget an~ that possibly six months woul~ be needed. He aske~ that the
Council make a deI'~nite statement that the proposed ordinance would be fei'erred
to a vote on November 7th, as there is not s~'£icient time to get out petitions
to have a special election at that time.
City Attorney outlineG the various ways the Council could handle the pro-
posed ordinance, and ii' the Council decides to fei'er the ordinance it must be
Gone not less tha~ 45 days before the election Gate.
Mayor Kean stated that ii' the matter is taken to the people by referral,
then it is taken l'rom the Commissioner's hands; and that the other commission-
ers have been just as strong or stronger I'or additional revenue to provide
the services to the City of Bremerton; and if the people do~t like this ad-
ministration, they can recall the commissioners or vote them out.
Mrs. Haddon stated that htis is'not a new subject as she reported it to
the press sometime ago an~ she I'eels .the(pe0ple wouldn,t want the Council to
take off ten policemen or ten I'iremen and the library. Further, that there is
no industry here to pay any tax and the property tax is very small. If the
war is coming up, then these ~esources will be needed.
Mayor Kean further remarked that this is the only thing the Commissioners
know that would get them out of the dilemma they are in ane if the Council
passes the ordinance anu not referred ~o the p~ople, then the Council can ma~e
changes in it.
Mr. McCallum asked ii' the City had received any responsible opinion from
the State on the transfer of Water DeF~rtment funds and Attorney explained that
the State has promised to renGer an opinion anh that it would back up the State
Examiner' s ~commendation.
Mr. McCallum suggested increasing the water rates and this subject was
discussed by the ~ayor who showed that the State would not allow taking large
.amounts oi' money from the Water Department.
~r. McGowan commented that due to various ways of ~naking up budgets by
the diz'ferent cities that investigation may show the chamber committee's I'ig-
~res are ~rroneous,
~r. Kerr sai~ tha0 ii' the Council should pass the ordinance an~ then re-
fer it to the peoole they ~'eel that taxes once put on are never removed but
think the businessmen will be willing to take a chance on its passage.
Motion by Mr. Kean and ~rs. HaGdon to allow all bills if ap~ro ~d by a
majority of the Commissioners, carried.
Motion by Mr. Kean and '"rs'. Haddon to recess until 3:00 o'clock P.M.,
tomorrow afternoo~,~ carried.
APP~0VED: City Clerk
' Mayor
497
September 21, 1950
Recessed meeting of the City Council of the City of Bremerton, Washing-
ton was held at 3:00 o'clock P.M., September 21, 1950 in the Council Chambers
City Hall, Bremerton, Washington. Mayor Kean presiding and Commissioner Had-
don, Commissioner ~heaton, City Clerk McGowan, City Treasurer Nu~ter, City
Auditor Va~, City Attorney Wallace, Assistant .City Attorney Gates and Water
Superintendent Casad being present.
City Attorney read proposed business and occupation tax ordinance.
City Attorney then suggested that if it is the Council,s intention to pass
this ordinance that they pass it and ii' it is to be referred, that it be by
petition. He said further that if the Council referred it and it passed and
there were future changes to be mmde it would be unwieldy to continue going
bac~ to the voters; also, commented that there were possibilities oI' errors
and duplications due to hurried time for preparing the ordinance.
Mayor commented that ii' the City is to provide the services outlined in
the 1951 budget then it is necessary to ~ave the receipts and the Council has
analyzed the services and costs and f eel h~ve ~iven a good administration.
If the ordinance is passed by the Council it can be change~ 'or revoked but
ii' by a vote oi' the people, then it will have to remain. ~t is the thinking
of the Council to pass the ordinance as feel the need to provide the~rvtces
and ii' the committee wishes to fei'er it to the people for a vote, then it is
optional with any group to t a~e it to the people.
Mr. 'J.W. Bryan, Jr., st'ated it has 0een suggested to put the tax in for
one year and wondered if that had been rejected entirely.
Mayor said it had been considered and Attorney stated he didn't know if
it had been rejec'ted, but would require legislative action by the Council as
to what to ~o on this question.
Mayor Kean stated that two years have been suggested to cover the term
ol' the present officials and the new commissioners ~could stuc~ the matter
over and make corrections.
Mrs. Haddon stated she would like to have the state recognize the need
for re-enactment oi' the current census law for apportionment purposes.
Mr. Wheaton com~mented he would not like to see the tax for an indefinite
time but would like to see it for two years ii' it to be limited. One year
doesn't solve the ~robl'em 'as his departments are running down very fast and
he didn't want sidewalks to fail into disrepair.
Mayor asked the other two commissioners if they were agreed on two years
an~ they stated they were agree4.
Jack Gooding, Accountant, stated the o~dinance seemed to coincide with
the State law and asXed ii' the definitions coincided and City Attorney stated
they did.
C.A.' King asked ii' the revenue would oI'fset the budget deficit or more
than offset 'it.
· Mr. Vaa stated that at $3.00 per c~pita on 1/10 of 1% it woul~ bring
about $225,000.00, and Mr. McGowan stated it would not take care oI' the pre-
sent deficit, and would still have to be cuts made in the budget.
Mr. Bryan, Jr., asked if any a~ternate budget had been prepared on the
present sources of income so that the public in general 'could study taat and
see what would be eliminated.
Mayor answered tHa~ Shis has been studied but no deI'inite budget submitted
as yet.
~r. Bryan asked if these figures could be made available to the Chamber
of Commerce committee or Retail Businessmen Association to see what would have
to be eliminated 'and m~r. Vaa said they could be made available in a day or two.
Mr. James Russell, Chairman oi' the Chamber of Commerce Committee studying
the budget, spoke for the committee, stating the function of the committee is
to try to ~iscourage the tax; that they have checked over theproposed b~dget
figures and have tried to compare them with other cities and have ~und that
the per capita expenditure is too high. Mr. Russell gave per capita figures
from various cities and sal~ it was not the desire of the Chamber committee
to pare down the budget beyond what it should be; however, his main argument
was that some yardsticX should b e set up whereby each department couldb e
checked an~ be ma~e to run on the average with other cities oi' comparative
sidle, etc. The Chamber committee has no objection to the tax if necessary,
but they would rather see the money go into improvements rather tha~.i'or ex-
penses.
Mayor Kean stated that Mrs. Haddon had given him some figures~and that
to balance the 1951 budget without additional revenue and without the raise
would require abandoning the proposed gsrage building and Fifth Street im-
provement, closing the Library and eliminating the entire rark and Recrea-
tion Department, reducing l0 in Police and l0 in Fire Departments, reduction
in other departments, which woul~ cut theddeficit by $346,000.00.
Mr. C.A. King again brought up the question as to how much the tax would
bring and a discussion followed on the per capita income.
Mr. J.W. Br~$n, Jr., stated he was representing the Retail Merchants
Association andhimself, as well, and there were 52 business establishments in
the Association. He stated that he believed the Commissioners were in error
that additional taxes must be raised and the City should get down to economy,
and would be serious an~ grievious mistake to pass the ordinance.
September 21, 1~50 (Con't)
Mayor stated that o~her cities have adopted such a tax prior to Bremerton
and perhaps the Commission should have been complimented for not having done
this before. Accumulated money during the war and last year dug into money
from the Water Department andhave been asked to refund that money.
Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Wheaton to approve the propssed ordinance on
first reading carried as follows: Mr. Kean, Yes. Mrs. Haddon, Yes. Mr.
Wheaton, Yes.
Discussion followed as to whether or not the Council was going to refer
this ordinance to the voters and it appeared that this was not the case.
Attorney advised that it would require a special election an~ it was not
yet known if it could be placed on the November ?th election as there was
some question an the 45 days before election for filing the intention ~ have
a special el'ection.
Mr. McCallum asked ~hat a special election would cost and Mr. Vaa esti-
mated from $1,000.00 to $1,~00.00.
Mr. James W. Bryan, Jr., asked for a show of hangs of thos present op-
posed to the tax end a majority oi' the hands were raised.
Glen Jarstad spoke on having the newspaper give detailed information on
the various functions and expenditures of the City.
Mr. Bryan Sr., asked on the money received from the sale of timber and
was told that about 444,000.00 had been received.
Mr. Budd asked if any attempt has been made on the part of ~the City of
Bremerton to have property properly assesaed on the tax rolls an~ Mayor Kean
explained o£ the efforts made in the past to have this done.
// Mr. Mar.ion Garland, Attorney, was present and the City Attorney stated
that he has received an offer from Mr. Garlanff of $250.00 to settle the Pearl
B. Chapman case.
Attorney stated that'due to technicality of the claim not being filed
until aI'ter the 30 days allowed by the Charter tha~ he felt there was not
much grounds for the claim; howe~er, he knew that a good compromise was better
than going before a jury. The City is wrong from the moral and ethical aspect,
and City Attorney recounted the details leading to the filing oI' a claim, and
recommendea that the City offer to settle for $~O.00. Mr. Garland accepted
the offer.
Motion by Mr. Kean and Mrs. Haddon to concur in the recommenaation and
~rect that the City Clerk draw a warrant for $200.00 for the Chapman case,
carried.
City Attorney stated that in the condemnation of City of Bremerton vs
Kitsap County, et al, that a judgment has been renderem and James K~~ Smith
is to receive $50.00 an~ Norman A. West, Jr., is to receive $250.00, anm that
he needed authorization to sign a claim voucher in order to get the $~00.00
to pay the Clerk oi~ ~he Court.
Motion by Mr. Wheaton and Mr. Kean to authorize the City Attorney to
sign a claim voucher for payment of $~O0.00 for Kitsap County Superior
Court Clerk, carried.
Discussion ensued as to whether there should be a time limit placed in
~he tax ordinance and Mayor stated it was the Commissioners thinking to place
a two year limit on it anm asked Mr. Wallace to include it in the ordinance.
Motion by ~r. Kean and Mr. Wheaton to adjourn, carried.
APPROVED: ~ C~ty Clerk