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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/14/48 JANUARY 14, 1948 The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Bremerton was held in the I~Iayor's Office at the City Hall on ~ednesday, January 14, 1948, at 10:00 o'clock a.m. ~Iayor Kean presiding, ~ommissioner Haddon, Commissioner Gorst, City ~torney Johnsen and City Treasurer Nutter being present. I.&otion by Mr. Kean and ~Ir. Gorst to approve minutes of previous meetings as written, carried. Clerk read Changes in Pay Status for the following: N. G. McLeod, Building; Willimn N. Bumcrot and Everett V. Estler, Cemetery; Wendell R. Vaa, Clerk's; Alexander NcCall, Finance; ~,~arilynn Arthur, J. Dewey Favero and James Snell, Recreation; Rulon Head and Fred T. Walker, Sa~itation; J. L. Hatfield, Street; William A. Blockhus, Ben Casad, Clifford Casad, Otto Jarstad, Henry Eckland, ~alter Eckland, Ira ~'Ioritz, Nath- aniel ~orrison, Edward Peak, N. B. Pederson and John H. Short, ~ater. ~,~otion by l~r. C~rst and I~'irs. Haddon to approve Changes in Pay Status, carried. i Letter from C. C. Casad, Superintendent of Water Department, was read by Clerk !relative to modification of escalator clause in Contract No. 65, between the City of !Bremerton and the U.S.Pipe & Foundry Company, which contract was made on 12/23/46, and provided for the purchase of cast iron pipe. Escalator clause provides that pay- iment for pipe will be based upon economic conditions affecting the price at the time !of delivery. Bid price was based upon pig iron at S26.88 per ton. Increase or decrease itc be ~2.00 for every change in price of pig iron. Price on pi~e was to be adjusted iup or down as price of pig iron changed. Pig iron advanced to $29.88 and later to !t~33.38 per ton. ~odified escalator clause provides that the i~2.00 increase be applied itc the price up to $29.88 and for any raise above $29.88 the price increase will be i~l.00 per $1.00 increase in the price of pig iron. Recommends the acceptance of the ichange in the proposal and suggest the City Attorney be instructed to prepare any Iresolution unless attached letter is sufficient. i . }¢Iotion by ~{r. Gorst and Mr. Kean that the recommendation be approved and the iCzty Attorney be instructed to prepare the necessary resolution for change in the cost icl the pipe, carried. ~ Clerk read letter from City Engineer recon~ending payment of Estimate No. 1 in Ithe amount of ~70~.9~, on Concrete Block Retaining Wall, Southwest Corner of 8th Street ~and ~.~ation avenue, be made to H~saker Brothers. Motion by ~r. Gorst and ~.~r. Kean to approve City Engineer's recommendation, carried. Letter from City Engineer re dedication of Property for Street Purposes NE Icorner of 6th Street and ~Qarion Avenue was read by Clerk. Several months ago Resolu- ition No. 80~ was adopted dedicating portion of Lots 18 through B0, Block "D", Oyster iBay Addition, for street purposes. Earring construction it was ascertained a larger Iportion of the lot~ wa~ required, and letter included legal description. Adjoining iproperty owners are desirous of purchasing remainder of property. Therefore, Resolu- Ition No. 808 should be rescinded and description set out in new resolution before any !transfers are made. Me,ion by l'~r. Gorst and t~r. Kean to approve reconm~endation and refer to the City !Attorney for the preparation of the necessary papers, carried. i Clerk read letter from Wright's Pharmacy, Manette Station, ~ox ~8, Bremerton, !Wash., signed by R. E. Wri~t, in which I~lr. Wright states for five months he has tried itc get City Engineer's Office to open up alley between llth and 10th between Nipsic iand Vandalia. Alley is now closed from llth down for about four lots. Will appreciate !any help as he has been unable to get anything but promises so far. ~otion by Nr. Gorst and ~r. Kean that the City Engineer be instructed to proceed iwith the Street Superintendent to do v~at work can be done, carried. Claim for D~nages in the amount of $Z0.90, from Pacific Cleaners, 606 North ~ontgomery was presented by the Clerk. Claim covers cost of replacing large mirror in ~he fur department, which was broken by city workmen while cleaning out the basement caused by sewer backing up due to flood conditions in October. Notion by }irs. Haddon and ~r. Gorst to refer the claim to the City Attorney, oarried. JANUARY 14, 1948 (Cont'd) Some discussion ensued as to the best manner to impress on all department heads to have any damage by city employees or equipment reported through the proper channels i~rmlediately, as City is not responsible for damages unless claim is filed within 30 days from date such damage occured. Mr. J. Harvey Leach, of Puget Sound Power & Light Company, was present at the meeting, with a check in the amount of ~147.88, covering damage caused when a 4 KV. primary fell into outside wiring at Police Department and City Iiall. Also presented release of all claims for above damage, which occured on December 13, 1947. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst to authorize and direct the Mayor and Oity Clerk to execute the release to Puget Sound Power and Light Company from all claims for damagers as a result of the accident which occured December 13, l~4V, carried. Clerk reported that a claim had been sent in to the insurance company for remainde: of damage, and that the adjustor had been in and talked to Clerk and Captain Phillips, 'and had stated if a bill were sent in it would be taken care of. Attorney commented City's Fire Insurance Company might have "Cause of Action", and suggested the Release not be delivered until the matter is discussed further. Mayor enquired as to what action should be taken in the future. Stated he had called the light company, and when no action was taken, had called an electrician to do the work and thought the matter could be thrashed out later with the light company. Possibly the Clerk should have referred the calim for the insurance company to the Attorney so that the Attorney might have the full picture. Clerk co~aented that Captain Phillips had showed the adjustor what had happened, and that there had been actual d~ilage by fire in the transmitter room and control boxes Letter from North Side Improvement Club was read by Clerk, which states on Septem- ber 9, 194~6, first step was t~{en toward improving bus service in Daly Area, by re- questing the Mayor to take necessary steps with the Washington Department of Trans- portation for executing a plan developed by negotiations between Transportation Com- pany and a Committee appointed by the Improvement Club. On December 13, 1946, Depart- ment of Transportation held public hearing to citywide rate increase. April 17, 1947 Department issued an order ~8!~Tran~ortatidntCOmpany to conduct trial services in accordance with agreement made with Daly District Improvement Club and other groups. May l, 1947, trial services were in~tAated and considerable dissatisfaction was voiced by Improvement Club relative to the manner in which trials were conducted. Such fact and request for corrective action was registered with Department of Transporation in letter dated ~ay 7, 1947. Further discontent led to public meeting at the City Hall on August 6, 1947. Mr. Jones, representing the Department, and City Council sug- gested Improvement Club and Transportation Company resume negotiations and try to work out a plan suitable to both parties. Improvement Club wishes to present enclosed Alternate Plan for better bus service. Also enclose petition signed by over 500 persons signifying approval. Request City Council, Washington Depar~nent of Transpora tion and Bremerton Charleston Transportation Company accept the plan and effect neces- sary changes to put plan into operation at earliest possible date. Signed S. E. Zabroski, President. Reporter from Sun who was present, stated that Mr. Jones had told Mr. Hatch that he is going to make a reco~mnendation to the directors for an order, which means that Mr. Revelle will probably issue such order, so that an order would be coming out on this matter soon. Attorney remarked that he had always been of the opinion that the matter of routes etc., is for the Department of Public Service to rule upon. Some discussion ensued on the area in question and methods which were being fol- lowed on the bus situation. Motion by Mr. Kean and Er. Gorst to note contents and refer to the Committee of the Whole, carried. Clerk read letter from Bremerton Board of Realtors, addressed to the I~layor, en- closing copy of resolution adopted at last regular meeting. Feel this is a matter of vital importance and that the Board acting as individuals or a board will cooperate and do anything possible to further such program. Signed Walter J. Rue, Secretary. Resolution was read re Head of Bay area, in which it is stated that the tapering off of war activities makes it imperative that provision be made to bring new indus- tries into the County. That area is ideal for such development, with railroad, high- way and water transportation available and being already served with adequate supply of power and water. City Co~m~issioners and County Commissioners are urged to take immediate action to develop the. area, and Board of Realtors reconm~end Development Com- mittee to be appointed consisting of the three City Commissioners and three County Commissioners, or such county and city employees as may be designated, and when such deveIopment~isi?un~er way ~ Administrative Committee be appointed that will represent interests in the county to carry out a progressive campaign to endeavor to secure new industries to locate upon the site, an~ determine policies of leasing, selling, and recapture provisions where use is not made of any portions of the site for the devel- opment of payrolls. Further City Co~issioners consider offering ~ree water for ~ years, and County Commissioners consider providing tax exemption for a like period to encourage new industries to locate in the area. Mayor co~ented that industry is needed in this area and the Board's held is ap- preciated, but ~hinXs the proposals are a little premature, and that when a Board is set up for the development of that area they will decide the policy to be followed. Further mtated discussion had been held with the County Commissioners and it had been suggested that three union groups, Central Labor Council, Netal Trades Council and Construction Council, be requested to select two men l'rom each union to meet with the others. Further remarked the Chamber of Commerce had presented a list of proposed members for such a board. JANUARY 14, 1948 (Cont'd) The Metal ~rades Union have designated Sherman Davis and Lewis E. Hagbo, and ~layorI remarked that as soon as replies are received from the other unions an over all out- line can be planned on what is to be done. As far as certain individuals of the City and County being responsible to the group, the commissioners are responsible to all the people. Further did not believe the City has the right to grant free water nor ~the County to exempt from taxation. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst to note contents and refer to the Head of the !Bay File, carried. City Treasurer reported he had prepared a parking meter report for the year of ~1947, but it has not yet been typed. Will be given to the Commissioners ei~er this laftornoon or tomorrow morning. Shows a drop in over all parking meter collections of about $3,500.00, but that 23 meters have been taken out. The average on each meter was about $10Z.O0 in 1946, and 1947 average is about $99.00. ! Treasurer further co~ented that in the next three to five years the City will be Ifaced with the problem of street space for parking. Mayor commented that such problem is recognized in most cities, but there is nothing can be done. At the last legislature an enabling act was introduced which would enable larger cities to acquire slum areas and vacant buildings to go into the parking lot business, but such act was defeated by the Garage Owners Association and Parking Lot Association. City Attorney reported settlement of the following claims for damages ~d dates on which accidents occurred: R. N. Waterston December 19, 1947 $ E9.?l Butler T. Thomas January $, 1948 ~l.~Z John E. Pugh December 29, 1947 7.25 Reported further that the claim of the Wallach ~l~arifty Drug in the amount of $50.36, for loss of merchandise taken by the Garbage Department, has been investigated, and it is reconm~ended this claim be rejected as if Wallach Thrifty Drug had taken steps to take merchandise in their store and not piled by the garbage can it would not have been picked up. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mrs. Haddon to reject the claim, carried. City Attorney stated he wished to report further that a list of claims filed during the year 194V, with the names of claimants and the amount paid, or if the claim was partially paid, or denied, also the name of the employee responsible for the ac- cident. Stated he would like to file the list of such claims with the City Clerk for ex~nination by the Commission. Some discussion ensued on increase in claims for damages recently. City ~ttorney read i~esolution No. 631, which he had been instructed to prepare at ~revious council meeting, as follows: WHEREAS, the Water Department did on November 21, 1947, request the City Purchas- ing Agent to purchase six 5-inch hydrant extensions of various lengths at an estimated cost of ~372.00; and WHEREAS, the Purchasing Agent purchased said items from Rensselaer Valve Company, and the City has now received a claim, exclusive of sales tax and discount, of $543.00; and WHEREAS, the increase in cost could not reasonably have been foreseen at the time of the purchase, and it now appears that the charge made is reasonable; BE IT ±IESOLVED that the City Clerk be and he hereby is authorized upon approval ~y a majority of the Co~ission of the claim to issue a warrant in favor of the Rens- selaer Valve Company in the sum of $556.50. Passed by the City Council, signed by the Mayor and attested by the City Clerk in authentication of such passage this 14th day of January, 1948. Motion by Mr. Gorst and Mr. Kean to pass Resolution No. 631, carried as follows: ~r. Kean, yes; Mrs. Haddon, yes; Mr. Gorst, yes. Attorney further remarked that the matter of preparation of resolution and deed for the old fire station had been referred to him, and read Resolution No. 632 as follows: WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Bremerton at a regular meeting on the 17th day of December, 1947, directed the City Treasurer to sell at public sale to the aighest bidder that real property hereafter described; and WHEREAS, the City Treasurer posted and published notice of such sale, and on the date thereof, to-wit, the 8th day of January, 1948, sold said premises to Otto Drager and Margaret Grace Drager, husband and wife, in consideration of $9200.00; and WHEREAS, it appears that said premises are no longer required by the City of Bremerton for any municipal purpose and that the price offered is reasonable and a sale of said premises is in the best interest of the City of Bremerton; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED by ti~e City Council of the City of Bremerton that the Mayor and Sity Clerk thereof be and they are hereby authorized and directed to sell the following' real property in Kitsap County, ~ashington, to-wit: South 15 feet of Lot 9 and all of Lots 10, 11 and 12, Block 16, Charleston, according to the official plat thereof to Otto Drager and Margaret Grace Drager, husband and wife for the total purchase price of $9200.00 and for that purpose to execute a deed in the name of the City of Bremerton in favor of the said Otto Drager and Margaret Grace Drager, his wife, ~d to deliver ~aid deed to the grantees at such time as the said purchase price has been paid in full. JANUARY 14, 1~48 (Cont'd) iResolution No. 652 (Cont'd) PASSED by the City Council of the City of Bremerton, signed by the Mayor and at- tested by the City Clerk in authentication of such passage this 14th day of January, 1948. Motion by Mr. Gorst and Mr. Kean to pass Resolution No. 632, carried as follows: Mr. Kean, yes; Mrs. Haddon, yes; Mr. Corst, yes. City Attorney reported further that sometime ago the Council referred for his attention the claim of the City of Bremerton against the Bremerton Charleston Bus Company, who had damaged transit, which was knocked down at the corner of E. Eleventh and Pitt, at a total cost of $77.08 for repairs. On receipt of check from the adjus- !tore for the bus company, enclosing a release in the amount of $77.0~, and requesting the release to be signed by the proper officials of ~gineer's Department, will accept claim of payment. Release prepared for signature of foreman in engineer's department. Motion by Mr. Gorst and Mr. Kean that the Engineer be authorized to sign release to Bremertcn Charleston Transportation Company, carried. City Attorney reported on letter received by the Mayor from the Land Commissioner at Olympia re pollution. Letter acknowledged that the Attorney General had revised his previous opinion, and that the Commissioner of Public Lands would be glad to co- operate with the City in granting an easement or right of way for sewer lines over the harbor areas, subject to existing easements or right-of-ways or future easements or right-of-ways. Enquired whether or not to consider Mr. Carey in an official capa- city in reference to the form of grant or easement, that is method in which City shoul~ be granted easement or right-of-way. Attorney further reported he has dictated a letter to be signed by the Mayor, and suggested as long as Mr. Carey is down there that they go ahead and work out a form and refer it back to the City Attorney before final execution and delivery. Attorney further stated he was not pleased with the easement being subject to future easements or right-of-ways, as the City would not wish to dig up a sewer once it has been built. Mayor co~mnented that Bremerton would also have to secure easements from private parties who owned tidelands, and wondered ii' other cities have as much trouble with the pollution department as Bremerton has had. Mayor further remarked that a meeting is to be held Saturday, January 17, 1948, at 10:30 re pollution, such meeting to be attended by Mr. Carey an~ Mr. Minor, and general discussion would be held on financing, etc..~..~ Mrs. Haddon commented she had noticed a large sign board being erected at Naval Avenue between 4th and 5th, and had suggested the Building Inspector investigate the matter. Mr. Gorst reported that ~r. Bryce, Electrical Inspector, had been in an accident with a City car, and that there is not enough money in the budget to take care of the repairs. The Garage ~ill not be able to do the majority of the work on car as they have no facilities for body repairing, and the Garage foreman has suggested all the work might as well be done outside. The lowest estimate has been received from Ford, and discount on all meterials which will go into the repairs, has been allowed. How- ever, the cost will run around $420.00 or $430.00 and it will be necessary to have an emergency appropriation to cover. Motion by Mr. Gorst and Mr. Kean that the City Attorney be requested to prepare such an ordinance, carried. Mayor remarked some time ago a letter had been received from the Puget Sounders requesting cooperation as to a meeting place, and such meeting is to be held Thursday evening, January 15, 1948, at 7:30 in the Lounge at the Recreation Center, and further co~uented some group should be there to represent the City of Bremerton. Mayor further commented that no pick-up truck had been available for the Rec- reation Department and they had a~cepted a panel truck, and it now seems that Lent's tried to get a panel truck, and as none was available had accepted a pick-up, and wondered ii' some sort of arrangement could be worked out to trade. Notion by Mr. Kean an~ Mrs. Haddon that the City Clerk contact Lent's to see if the pick-up truck is still available, and be instructed to call for bids for pick-up with trade in of panel, if the pick-up is still available, carried. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mrs. Haddon to allow all bills ii' approved by a majority of the Commissioners, carried. Mayor further reported that a meeting had been held with C. White, President of Kiwanis Club, and George Fleming regarding the creation of a Boy's Club at Sheridan Park Fire Station. There is some question of the need of such club in view of the extensive recreation program planned, ~nd Mr;~Pendergast is to meet with the Club to explain progrmu planned. Pending decision on this matter Nayor reported he had told Mr. Searle, of the Housing Authority, that they could use the Basement of the Fire Station for storage. Mr. Searle is very anxious to use the entire building and will vacate not later than the 10th of April. However, will pay no rental, but will main- tain, operate and protect the space. JANUAtl]f 14, 1948 (Cont'd) Can see nothing better for Dormitory "B" than for the School Board to use the lower floor. Yesterday the Fair Association was discussing the Fair in general, and Mayor thought ii' the School Board is agreeable the Fair Association could help remove some partitions in the lower floor an~ make it more practical for Oity use. Asked if ~anyone had any ideas for other tenants. City Treasurer remarked a gentleman had been in enquiring about space to be cared by Otto Drager on the Dock. ~,Iayor stated it was a representative of the National Cash i~egister and he desires the location Mr. ~rager is moving from, to set up a sales and service d~partment. Further remarked it would be more advantageous to the City to have someone who would keep up the floats, etc., down theme as Mr. Dmager did. Mayor had informed the rep- resentative that he had second priority on the space but City would prefer to lease to someone as outlined above. Mayor further repomted that Superintendent of Recreation was to have a letter in today reco~mmending that the hot water heater from the Park Department be declared sur- plus, and that it would then be transferred to a fire station, so that it could be used during the summer months and it would not be necessary to fire up the boiler for hot water. ~otion by Mr. Kean and }~r. Gorst that the electric hot water heater at Roosevelt Field be declared surplus and transferred at an agreed figure from the Park & Recrea- tion Department to the Fi~,e Department, carried. City Treasurer reported that a typewriter in his oI'fice should be meclared sur- plus an~ transferred to ti~e Ss~itation Department. Motion by ~,~rs. Haddon and Mr. Kean to declare the 14 inch L. C. Smith typewriter in the Treasurer's Office surplus, and transfer to the Sanitation Department at a cost of $50.00, carried. Motion by ~.~r. Gorst and Mr. Kean to adjourn, carried. City Cle~ //' APPROVED: ~ayor