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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/28/48 JANUARY 28, 1948 The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Bremerton was held in the iNayor's Office on January 28, 1948, at 10:00 o'clock a.m. Nayor Kean presiding~ Com- missioner Haddon, Commissioner Gorst, City Engineer Severance, City Attorney Johnsen and City Treasurer Nutter being present. ~otion by ~r. Gorst and ~r. Kean to approve minutes of January 23, 1948, as written, carried. Clerk reported this is time and place set for opening of bids for pick-up truck ;for Park and Recreation Department. Notion by Mr. Kean and l~r. Go rst to open the bids, carried. 0nly bid received was opened and read by Clerk as follows: Lent's, New 1947 } ton Chevrolet Pick up, $1,403.99, less allowance for 1947 Chevrolet Panel, $1,450.00; Amount due City of Bremerton $46.01. Clerk recommended acceptance of bid. Notion by I',~r. Kean and Nr. Gorst to concur in the recommendation and award the bi to Lent's~ carried. Report of Separation for Gale Wade, Recreation, was read by Clerk. ~.~otion by ~r. Kean and Mr. Gorst to approve Separation, carried. Clerk read Change in Pay Soatus for Edwin A. Schlie, Police. Notion by ~r. Gorst and Nr. Kean to approve Change in Pay Status, carried. Notice of Employment for Jasper R. Hill, Sanitation, was read by Clerk. ~,~otion by ~,Qrs. Haddon and Nr. Kean to approve employment, carried. Clerk read letter from John J. McPherson, Secretary-Examiner Civil Service Com- mission, requesting his present desk chair be declared surplus and a new chair pur- chased. Present chair wartime product and construction is makeshift. Cost of chang- ing this chair will be nearly as expensive as purchase of a new chair. Requisition attached for purchase of Oak Posture Chair, $42.00. Motion by I,~r. Kean and r~r. Gorst to concur in the recommendation and refer to the City Clerk and Purchasing Agent, carried. Clerk reported that Audrey Hamilton, ll~8 Jacobsen Boulevard, had called his office to report she had received a letter from Henry ~¥altenberg, l~18 Fisher, Fort Wayne, Indiana, in which she was asked to take up with the City Council the matter of obtaining right of way to his property at l~2B Chester Street which is now occupied by his brother Robert Naltenberg. Robert Naltenberg has recently been in a hospital and is unable ~o carry in wood or coal, because it is necessary to cross private property he cannot get wood and coal brought to him. He is in pretty bad straits because of this. Welfar~ Department has also suggested taking this matter up with the City Counci Letter addressed to the Nayor from Audrey Hamilton written for Henry ¥~altenburg was read by Clerk. Letter states Mr. Robert Waltenburg has been in the hospital and must have coal and wood at once. His brother in Fort Wayne owns the property and Old Age Assistance and Engineer's office said this would be quickest way to get action. Asks to be advised what action Council takes. ~ayor remarked that this matter has been "in the mill" for a long time and that ib should be cleared up. Engineer reported that Nr. Wallis gave a quit claim deed to the City for Street purposes, but that ~r. Garland had notified the City that Nr. Wallis gave a deed which was of no value, as he was not the legal owner, only had a contract. Engineer felt that ~.~r. Wallis should be contacted to allow a right of entry to ~,~r. Waltenburg. Nr. Gorst suggested that if a right of entry is not allowed to start condemnatio~ proceedings, and Attorney stated that it would not be up to the City to bring such the proceedings, but that the person who finds such right of way necessary should bring proceedings, if only one is involved. Motion by ~r. Kean and ~¢~r. Gorst that the City Clerk acknowledge the communica- tion anm the matter be referred to the City Attorney, City Engineer and the Commissione~ of Public ~orks, carried. D'Ir. James Skirving was present at the meeting and suggested the City purchase the l~ lots adjacent to Forest Ridge Park. The lots at present have no buildings on them, and ~r. Skirving suggested City purchase for park purposes before buildings are erected on them. Nayor commented there would be advantages to purchasing the lots, and if they are to be purchased now is the time to do so. Council agreed such purchase would benefit the future park plans. ~.~otion by ~.~r. Kean and ~r. Gorst to refer the matter to the Co~mittee of the ~hole, City Engineer, City Attorney ~d Park and Recreation Superintendent, carried. Some discussion ensued on original acquisitio~ of Forest Ridge Park site. Clerk read letter from L. J. Surdam, Ace Cab Company, requesting transfer of cab stand now located at the "In & Out Cafe", ~0~ Park Avenue, to the "Ship" located at ~45 Fourth. ~otion by Nr. Kean and ~r. Gorst to refer to Police and Traffic Departments for recommendation, carried. JA~UARY 2~, 1948 (Cont'd) Letter from Bremerton Bottling Works, signed by Bill H. Ford, was read by Clerk 'e space now occupied by the Blue & Gold Taxi at 128 First Street, which Mr. Harry C. Lane has been notified to vacate. Mr. Lane has been given permission to install a telephone box at the north end of the building just south of the alley exit. Mr. Ford nrlieves Mr. Lane should be granted parking space adjacent to the telephone box at the first parking meter south of the alley exit. Mayor commented the place requested by Mr. Lane is just across the ramp used by people coming off the ferry, and it is also used by those waiting for persons coming off the ferry,~and Captain Phillips felt these people should be given some considerations. ~otion by Mr. Keen and Mr. Gorst to refer the communication to the Police Depart- Iment for study and recommendation, carried. Clerk read letter from Blue & Gold Taxi, signed by Harry C. Lane, asking for consideration of changes in downtown taxi stands. Wished to change main stand from south end of Bremerton Bottling Works building to North end of same building or last parking meter just south of the alley exit. No. 2. Parking meter directly in front of Bremerton City Club between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. Alternate #1, main stand, tfirst parking meter North of unloading zone on east side of Washington at First. This ~was original stand granted in 1941. Moved because of alterations in Locker Club. Notion by Mr. Ke~ and Mrs. Haddon to refer the communication to the Police Department for study and reconmendation, carried. Letter from City .Emgineer re Capitol Hill Sewer District, L.I.D. No. 229, was read by Clerk. Letter states in order to justify final quantities of project it is necessary to make Change Order No. 4. During ~onstruction changew in location were required as existing utilities were not properly located, changes in street alignment or for other unforseen reasons. Attached tabulation showing anticipated quantities set out in contract, and former change orders as compared with final quantities, with such additions or credits in accordance with bid prices. Final "As Built" plans of project and sewer cards are on file in City Engineer's office. No lamphole listed in original but has been incorporated in construction. Contractor agreed to construct one for $40.00 additional. Extension of 60 calendar days to January 28, 1947, is ireco~nended for completion and final cleanup. Notion by Mr. Gorst and Mr. Keen to approve Change Order No. 4, carried. Clerk read letter from Engineer recon~ending payment of Estimate No. Noschetto, on Capitol Hill Sewer District, State Development, L.I.D. No. 229, File No. 26-1-52, in the amount of $18,567.91. Itemized wore done, payments made and amount to be withheld until final clearance. Motion by Mr. Gorst and Mr. Keen to approve the recommendation, carried. Clerk presented general claim in the amount of i~36,102.93 to cover payroll for 1st half of January, 1948, Salary Warrant Numbers 5458 to 5474 to 5793, inc., which was approved by the Commissioners. Letter from B. A. Getschmann Company, 257 Fourth Street was read by Clerk. Letter states it is understood that premiums on insurance coverages carried for the City are distributed among members of Kitsap County insurance ~en's Association. Such association does not comprise all insurance agents in the city. ~r. Getsclzmann states he has maintained regular insurance office for 12 years and has never had any insur- ance business from the city nor been given an aooportunity to bid on any. Asks for consideration or an opportunity to bid on such voerage as may be required. Mayor co~mmented that Mr. Getschmann has mutual insurance, and does not think a mutual company has ever been given any business by the City of Bremerton. In mutual insurance companies if a community should suffer disaster loss then the insurance would not amount to much as the whole thing would ~o by the board. Does not think the City wishes to participate in such insurance, as most cities and court.ties do not ;carry insurance with mutual companies. Motion by Mr. Keen and Mr. Gorst to refer the matter to the City Clerk and Pur- chasing Agent, carried. Clerk read letter I'rom Ralph Purvis, in which Rr. Purvis states he represents the Wallach Thrifty Drug Company, who have referred to him a claim against the City in the sum of $15.36, covering damage sustained when Sanitation employees removed certain packaged merchandise from their store by mistake. Claim which was submitted has been rejected by the Commission. Further states he is writing in order to attempt to avoid legal action on such a small matter. Asks that the Commission reconsider rejection of the claim or refer to City'w Insurance carrier. Desires to inform both Commission and Insurance carrier unless the claim is paid legal action will be insti- tuted. Before ~.~r. Purvis prepares such action would like to be advised whether the claim will be paid. Asks for reply from Commission or Insurance carrier. City Attorney remarked that Wallachs had two cases of stationery in the rear of the building near the garbage cans, and when the cans were emptied the bo~es of sta- tionery were thrown in with the other trash. The insurance company was advised of the circumstances and the adjustor took the matter up with his superiors, and it was claime9 there is no liability and the claim should be denied. The City has insurance to cover such claims. Mayor remarked he felt sorry for Wallach, but if this claim is paid it would establish a precedent, and if it is not paid people will probably be more careful a- bout setting things near garbage cans. was City Attorney recommended the Council should notify Mr. Purvi~ that the claim previously given careful consideration before being denied, and in view of the cir- cumstances there is no way in which it can be honored. Notion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst to concur in the recommendation, carried. JAR~A~f 28, 1948 (Cont'd) Clerk read letter from Fred Walker, Sanitation Superintendent, in which he re- quests call for bids for two new trucks, ~ ton pickup as transportation for foreman and 1½ ton truck and bed for hauling paper, etc. Trade in of 193V Chevrolet Pickup and 1939 Ford truck. Recommends City Clerk be authorized to call for bids on equip- Motion by Mrs. Haddon and Mr. Kean that the City Clerk and Purchasing Agent be authorized to call for bids for cars as requested, carried. Clerk reported that he is still holding the release and check from the Puget Sound Power & Light Company for signature, such papers cover damage done to Police equipment. Papers are being held pending word from the insurance company. Further reported that he has been advised by insurance representative that a che~k is in the mail to cover claim on insurance company, and they will consider the matter closed. City Treasurer stated the Boy Scouts wish to take over the City on Wednesday, February ll, as part of their program. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst to grant the request and set aside February ll, 1948, as Boy Scout Day, arrangements to be made by the City Treasurer, carried. City Attorney read his letter to City Council re Cecil Howard vs City of Bremer- ton, Claim $1,094.91, which claim was referred to Attorney at meeting of December 3rd. Claim has been investigated and Attorney recommends that it be denied as there is no liability. Recommends claimant be notified of denial of claim. Motion by Mr. Gorst and Mr. Kean to approve the recommendation ~ld deny the claim, carried. Attorney further reported that he had discussed the proposed increase in salary of Oran Hoffman, Street Department, with the City Auditor. They have agreed that any increase would be in violation of the state budget law which provides that no salaries fixed in the budget may be increased during the budget year, which makes it impossible to grant an increase in salary for the duties he is now performing. Could be granted an increase if there were additional duties to perform. Further suggested perhaps the matter could be discussed further by the Commissioner of Puglic Works, City Audi- tor and City Attorney. Further report was made by Attorney that on January 12th the City filed a lien against certain premises at lll7 Park Avenue for charges for garbage services in the sum of $38.65. The lien has now been satisfied by payment and it is in order to exe- cute and deliver a fo~nal satisfaction of that lien. It would be in order for the Council to authorize the ~ayor and City Clerk to sign the necessary satisfaction made to Robert E. Holly and Edna K. Holly and Albert Horn and Ida Horn. Motion by Mrs. Haddon and Mr. Gorst that the Mayor and City Clerk be au~horized to sign the Satisfaction of Lien, carried. Ordinance No. 1764 was read by City Attorney, second reading, entitled as follows: An ordinance relating to the regulation of traffic on the public streets of the City of Bremerton and to parking meters, and amending Section 12 of Ordinance No. 1459 and Section 16 of Ordinance No. 1459 as amended. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst to pass Ordinance Mo. 1764 on second reading, carried as follows: Mr. Kean, yes; Mrs. Haddon, yes; Mr. Gorst, yes. City Attorney reported the City is being sued by Norman Crist and Claude Brees on residential requirements. Time for appearing is within 20 days. Would like to have the Council refer the matter to the City Attorney for action in the future. Motion by Mr. Ke~ and Mr. Gorst to refer the matter to the City Attorney, carried. ~ayor reported progress regarding proposed lease on 2nd Streot Dock to Harley Pry. Proposed lease similar to former one with Otto Drager. Mrs. Haddon remarked that it seemed if seating space could be arranged in the assembly hall on the First Street Dock, the hall could be rented to various organiza- tions. Feels it would seat about 150 persons. Mayor suggested that the City Clerk investigate the matter, find out how many benches or seats would be needed in the space. Mrs. Haddon remarked she thought such an assembly hall would be used often~ and it would at least be a public service to have such hall available. City Attorney co~mnented there might be some misunderstanding about the last suit filed on residential qualifications. The first action was dismissed, and the second one was substituted for it. Eayor reported the Fact Finding group met yesterday. Further reported that he was appointed to the executive committee of the Association of Washington Cities, at the meeting in Spokane last week. Mayor commented that he was of the opinion that it would be advisable to pur- chase the lots adjacent to Forest Ridge Park. Mrs. Haddon and Mr. Gorst concurred in the opinion. Mayor suggested the City Treasurer check on the value, and if it is right, check with the Auditor to see if money is available, also talk to Park & Recreation Superintendent. Possibly the County should be contacted to see if the entire block can be secured. Further suggestion was made that the Treasurer and Clerk investigate the entire matter and come in with a recommendation on amount to be offered. J~{UARY 28, 1948 (Cont'd) Motion by Mr. Kean and Mrs. Haddon to allow all bills if approved by a majority of the Commissioners, carried. Further remarks were made by the Mayor that Mr. Searle of the Housing Authority is investigating the matter of dedication of streets in Sheridan Park as to widths, etc , and will have a letter in soon with recommendation. Also remarked that the Housing Facts and Goals is meeting Thursday evening and will probably make recommendations, so the meeting of the Council should be recessed. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst to recess to Friday, January 30, 1948, at 11:00 o'clock a.m., carried. Mayo r JANUARY 30, 1948 The recessed meeting of the City Council of the City of Bremerton was held in the Mayor's Office at the City ttall on Friday, January 30, 1948, at 11:00 o'clock a.m. Mayor Kean presiding, Commissioner Haddon, Commissioner Gorst, City Attorney Johnsen, City Treasurer Nutter and Mr. Searle, Bremerton Housing Authority being present. Clerk read letter from Robert H. Hilstad, Bremerton Fire .Department, asking for extension of time on moving into the City as he has three children in school, and wishes to postpone such a move until the school year is over. Mr. Warren Bailey, Silverdale, was present at the meeting. He stated he also plans on moving into Bremerton, but has one child in school, and would like to post- pone such a move until the child is through the school year. Letter from Albert W. Lewis, Fire Department, was read by Clerk. Mr. Lewis also requested extending date of time to become city resident as he has three chil- dren in school and moes not wish to interrupt their school term. Attorney Johnsen commented such extension could only be granted by amending the ordinance. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst to note contents of letters and refer to the Committee of the Whole and City Attorney, carried. Clerk read letter from Washington Veterans' Home, Retell, Washington, suggest- ing the construction of a shelter shed with seats along side wharf at Bremerton Port Orchard-Annapolis ferry landing. Would be desirable as many members spend consider- able ~ounts of their pension in Bremerton. Such pensions and payroll amount to over one-half million annually. Signed Paul A. Sheely, Superintendent. Mayor consented that Mrs. Haddon had suggested such shelter, and was to t~e it up with the Building Inspector. Mrs. Had~on stated she thought there was pos- sibly some sort of building already owned by the City that could be used, but that she would again consult the Building Inspector. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst that the City Clerk note contents of letter and refer to Commissioner of Finance, carried. Clerk remarked that Mr. Harley Pry is present at the meeting as he is trying to arrange a lease with the City on the property to be vacated by Otto Drager on the Second Street Dock. Wishes a lease similar to that of Draaer's. Is anxious to get possession as soon as possible as otherwise it will be necessary to pay another month's rent at his present location, and possibly would be paying on two locations. Mayor stated that he ha~ not realized Mr. Pry was anxious to move in, and there did not seem any reason to delay, as a lease could be drawn up v~ry similar to that with Drgger. Mr. Pry stated he would like additional space on the Dock if there is any avail- able. Suggestion was made that he could secure the space formerly occupied by the Seattle Star. Further stated if the space on the second floor is vacated he would like to have that. Mr. Pry further reported that his floats, e$c., would be available as a public f~cility. Rental of $80.00 was agreed upon for space formerly occupied by Drager and the space formerly occupied by the Seattle Star, the City Attorney to work out such a lease. Clerk read letter addressed to Mr. Jesse Epstein, Director, Eeglon I, Public Housing Administration, ~80 Market Street, San Francisco, which has been prepared for the Mayor's signature. Letter confirms understanding reached in meeting held January ~, that the City of Bremerton will accept by dedication Streets, ~unicipal Areas and and Underground Utilities in Sheridan Park Housing Project, WASH. 48-049, ~ich are described in detail. City will continue to serve project with utilities as stipulated in existing contracts on areas remaining under Public Housing Rental program of Bremerton Housing Authority. As street widths designated is somewhat divergent from widths recommended by Bremerton Committee on Housing Facts and Goals, copy of this letter is to be submitted to that body with recommendation of City Coundil for accept- ande of revised widths. JANUARY 30, 1948 (Cont'd) last night Mr. Searle co~mmented that at the meeting of Itousing Facts & Coals held it was pointed out that the street widths were slightly different than their recommen- ~dation, but that they had approved the new widths as outlined in the letter. Notion by Er. Gorst and Mrs. Haddon that the letter be approved and Nayor auth- orized to sign, carried. Nayor enquired about designating approaches to streets from the water, and re- imarked that in the over all program on parks and recreation areas, must not lose sight iof water front. Mr. Searle conm~ented in platting the first sector and in continuing ~other sectors, there is a stipulation in the law that every 1~20 feet is to be ac- cessible to meander line for sewers, etc. Feels such approaches will be protected by the City and County Engineer. Nr. Searle further remarked that he had not realized that the Housing was going to hand over areas for municipal purposes at no cost, but that this had been done in Renton and Taaoma as reserves for City parks, and other things. Suggests that Er. Gorst and Nr. Severance check on the balance in Bremerton and see what property would be valuable to the city of Bremerton for such purposes, and then a second letter ~ould be written dedicating such areas for such purposes. Clerk read letter from Fred T. Walker, Superintendent of Sanitation recommending that one G~C, Model 19~, 2 ton dump truck, Serial No. 1~-~119~09 be declared surplus and City Clerk be instructed to dispose of it. ~otion by Nrs. Haddon and Nr. Gorst to approve the recon~endation, carried. City Treasurer reported that Nfs. Haddon and he had gone out and inspected the .property adjacent to Forest Ridge Park, and would contact the owner. At present only wished to report some progress. City Attorney reported that Colonel Forbes of the National Guards called him and stated that General Llewellyn was leaving for Washington, D.C., and planned to see what could be done to bring along the granting of some housing locations to the City and other municipalities in which the National Guard is interested. Was speaking in particular of the building at Sinclair Heights. Attorney had stated he did not know of anything which could be done or if the City wanted the General to interest himself in Sinclair Heights, but if so, would have the ~ayor call back. Suggested that all the General could do would be to contact Senators Cain and ~agnuson, and then contact Representative Jones so they would be ~amilar with the matter when it did come up~ ~rs. Haddon enquired about the possibility of some chairs or benches having been declared snrplus, which could be secured for seating purposes in the auditorium on the First Street Dock. ~r. Searle stated there are quite a number of both wooden and steel folding chairs which have been declared surplus and have been turned over to War Assets for disposition. City Attorney reported that on the matter of Ethel L. Bouchier vs City of Bremer- ton, Elliott and Lee, Attorneys, have filed appearance in behalf of the City, and an answer has been prepared in which all of the claims of the plaintiff are denied and authorization of the Nayor is requested on behalf of the City. This is the case on which the contractor of the Capitol Hill Sewer project dug a road across the property. ~otion by ~r. Kean and Mr. Gorst that the authorization be granted, carried. Clerk read copy of letter he had written to ~r. Searle, regarding surplus shrubs and flowers the Housing Authority might have in their nursery at View Ridge, and won- dering if a donation could be made to the City and possibly services of landscape gardener in an advisory capacity in the event the City should interest themselves in beautification program which has been commented on numerous times in the press. Reply from ~r. Searle was also read by Clerk in which he stated the matter has been discussed with Bremerton Housing Commissioners and they do not deem it advisable ito permit personnel of the Housing Authority to do work on property not within the iscope of their operations. Willing to cooperate with the City by furnishing surplus itubers, bulbs, shrubs and nursery stock for beautification of municipal areas. Believe ifrom information received that the donation would be quite extensive. i ~ayor commented the Clerk should be commended for his efforts in this matter. !Council felt that the matter should be studied further. Some discussion ensued as to iwhat parts of the City should be worked on. It was further pointed out that such a !program should probably be sponsored by some organization, such as the Legion, as the iCity would be responsible for maintenance if they undertook such a plan. ~ayor reported that George Lord had been in this morning requesting the City ap- !point someone in the City employ to head the Red Cross Drive among city employees. !The City Treasurer has been interested in the Red Cross for years, and he is the Sec- iretary of that organization, and in view of that fact would be the proper person to select. ~otion by D~r. Kean and Mrs. Haddon that George Nutber be requested to cooperate with the Red Cross and authorized to select assistants from various departmentw as he deems necessary, carried. ~otion by ~r. Gorst and Mr. Kean to adjourn, carried.