HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/11/48 FEBRUARY 11, 1948
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Bremerton was held in the
Council Chambers at the City Hall on February 11, 1948, at 10:00 orclock a.m. Mayor
Kean presiding, Commissioner Haddon, Commissioner Gorst, City Treasurer Nutter, As-
sistant City Attorney Merrill %~allace, and members of various Boy Scout troups who
were to take over the City on this date. Boys present and the positions they are to
fill are as follows: DeLoy Eddington, Mayor; Merlin Smith, Commissioner of Finance;
Ed Love, Commissioner of Public Works; Robert Wildman, Clerk; Harry Avery, Treasurer;
Bill Posey, Chief of Police; Jerry Wagner, Bud Scott, Howard Peers, Bob Sixberry,
John Joyce, James Reid, Gerald Hermanson and Joseph Mentor, Police; Bob Pearson,
Captain of Traffic; Dick ~cKimson, Fire Chief; Ken 0geltree, Hank ~aiden, John Slo-
~'necker, Jim Elliott, Douglas Morningstar, Mark Winder and Kenneth Estes, Fire Depart-
ment; Bill Jacobsen, Judge; Ray Ruef, Attorney; Norman Carlson, Engineer; Willy
Robinson, Auditor; Dick Brandenburg, Garbage Superintendent; Bob Lawrence, Street
Superintendent; David Johnson and Carson Riddle, Street Department; Don Van Liew,
~ater Superintendent; Robert Guindon and Frank Douglas, Water Department.
Motion by Mr. Kean and ~rs. Haddon to approve minutes of February 4, 1948, as
written, carried.
Clerk reported this is time set for opening of bids on sale of 193~ G}~C ~ ton
truck and no bids have been received.
Further reported this is time set for opening o~' bids for the purchase of pick-
up truck and 1~ ton truck for Sanitation Department.
Motion by Mr. Kean and ~rs. Haddon to open the bids, carried.
Bids were opened and read by Clerk as follows: SeStle Chevrolet Company,
Burwell, Bremerton; Check #2468, ~50.00; 1948 Standard ½ ton Chevrolet Pickup, less
allowance on 1937 pickup, $1,153.86. 1~ ton Chevrolet Truck with bed, less allowance
on ].939 Ford Dump Truck, ~3,177.11. Delivery about April 15th.
Kerr ~.~otors, 1~ ton 1948 Ford, ~3463.00, alternate bid ~3349.00, alternate bid
i~3,349.00; 01d Truck in trade on either bid, ~250.00. Delivery approximately 60 days.
1948 Ford Pickup, ~1332.O0, trade in $300.O0 on Chevrolet 1937 pickup. Delivery ap-
proximately four months.
Motion by I~r. Gorst and ~r. Kean to refer the bids to the City Clerk and Pint-
chasing Agent, Commissioner of Finance and Sanitation Superintendent, carried.
Clerk presented Location License on pinball machines at Luzon Cafe, signed by
Mrs. E. Florencio, 221 Washington. Approved by Chief of Police. Notation "Formerly
iicenses".
Motion by i~[r. Kean and ~r. Gorst to approve the application, carried.
Letter from Ernest Ye2t, Fire Chief, was read by Clerk, in which it is requested
bids be called for Short-wave Radio to be installed in White Pumper; 2000 feet cable
to be used for Fire Alarm System; 1 or 2 ton or more chassis, dual r~ar wheels, to be
used for a city service ladder truck.
Motion by ]~[r. Kean and Mrs. Haddon to approve the request and refer to the City
Clerk and Purchasing Agent to call for bids, carried.
Clerk read letter from Captain of Traffic and Chief of Police re request of Blue
& Gold Taxi Company for main stand at North end of Bremerton Bottling5 Works building
or last parking meter just South of the alley exit and recommend such requests be dis-
approved. Further recommend disapproval of request for part time stand in front of
the City Club, but recommend approval of part time stand on first meter south of the
alley on the South side of 4th Street just West of Washington. Recofmmend disapproval
of alternate request for main stand at Firest and Washington.
Motion by ~r. Kean and Mr. Gorst to concur in the recommendation and refer the
matter back to the Police Department for reservation of the space as outlined, carried
FEBRUARY 11, 1948 (Cont'd)
Clerk read letter from Captain Phillips and Chief of Police which recommends
approval of transfer of Ace Cab Stand from In & Out Cafe, 507 Park Avenue to the
"Ship", 645 Fourth Street.
Motion by Mr. Kean and Mrs. ttaddon to concur in the recommendation and refer
back to the Police Department, carried.
Clerk read letter from City Attorney which enclosed proposed ordinance amend-
ing building code to permit certain types of construction which are now prohibited.
Amen~uent is designed to permit use of pre-fabricated dwellings such as those now
constructed in Sinclair Heights, Anderson Cove and Qualheim Hill Housing projects.
Proposed ordinance No. 1766, entitled as follows, was read by Clerk:
"An ordinance relating to buildings and/or structurss in the City of Bremerton,
Washington, and adding a new section to Ordinance No. 1418 to be known and designated
as Section 2205 (a).
r~otion by Mr. Gorst and Mr. Kean to approve Ordinance No. 1766 on first read-
ing, carried as follows: Mr. Koan, yes; Mrs. Haddon, yes~ Mr. Gorst, yes. .' ~
Clerk read letter addressed to City Co~cil from Street Superintendent Hatfield
and Fred C. Wyckoff, City Clerk, reco~aending award of bid on furnishing 3/4 ton pick-
up truck with hoist for Cemetery Department, to Settle Chevrolet Company, low bidder,
~1,V53.24. Further recommend used truck be sold to Richard J. Feek, Jr., for ~175.00
to be delivered when new equipment is received. Settle has offered only ~100.00 for
the 1933 Ford and has no objections to selling used truck to higher bidder.
~otion by ~r. Kean and Mr. Gorst to approve the recommendation, carried.
Letter from City Auditor was read by Clerk which stated at the request of the
Mayor he was submitting co~nents and recommendations based on report of State Examiner.
Items called to attention were more or less minor. Emphasized fact in report that ths
City is encottntering difficulty in reduction of services and expenditures due to de-
crease in population as were met when population was expanding. Library Board has
complete charge of Library expen~itures and co~ents on library are being referred
to that board.
Collecting of parking meter money is criticized as not giving adequate control.
Auditor's letter states ordinance has now been amended to provide all coins collected
be ii~aediately placed in a locked container which only the Treasurer can unlock. Such
container will allow Treasurer to exercise greater control on collections. Further
suggests consideration of more modern meter when replacements are required which has
fewer working parts, is automatic and has coin coulter. Would greatly reduce repair
costs and give Treasurer complete control over collections.
Examiner criticized method of handling payrolls as many times they are certi- I
fied by persons other than the department heads, and such payrolls were not properly I
approved by Council action. Auditor recommends separate payrolls be p~esented by all I
departments and certified by heads of departments. Council authorize ~reasurer to ]
certify Wharf and Cemetery payrolls. Also authorize Chief Accountant, Water Department,
to certify Water, Street and Garage payrolls. Daily time sheets are filed in that '
office.
F~mainer called attention to difficulty in following through on payments be-
tween funds. Has been corrected by attaching Treasurer's receipt to vouchers on which
payments were made, eliminating pa~aents not being properly credited and simplify-
ing work of Exmniner.
Records of real and personal property are being compiled as rapidly as time
permits. Ex~niner co~mmented favorably on Police Court records and improved office
procedures which have been instituted.
Auditor feels these reco~tendations will reduce cost of subsequent examination
and benefit the City. Signed Wendell R. Vas.
Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst to concur in the reco~muendations and insti-
tute the proper proceedings to put into effect, and advise the Division of Mm~icipal
Corporations of intention so to do, carried.
Clerk reported the contract with the Housing Authority for the sale and removal
of the building from Qualheim requires the signature of the Mayor and City Clerk.
~otion bf Mr. Gorst and Mr. Kean that the Mayor and City Clerk be authoriaed
to sign such contract, carried.
Letter from City Engineer was read by Clerk clarifying criticisms and objec-
tions made at council meeting of February 4, 1948, by members of Citizens~ Co~aittee
concerning report by City Engineer to State Fact-Finding Committee during hearing of
January 2Vth, and submitting copy of report for the files. Council did not concur
in report, as it was an opinion of the Engineer. Last paragraph of report states
various projects total ~3,800,000 not including other minor projects. No doubt
~$00,000 will be expended during this and next year for Unit 1 of sewage pollution
project, leaving ~3,000~000 for projects that should be completed in the next ten
years, for which no ftmds are provided. Above paragraph was left out of publicatimn
by press, which is unforttmate, as it caused consternation to people concerned and
interested in the installation. Signed E. S. Severance. (Report of City Engineer
attached).
Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst to note contents and file, carried.
Clerk read letter from North Side Improvement Club which stated at February 4th
meeting that organization favorably endorsed priority sequence of problems of Brsmer-
ton as arranged by City Engineer. (1) Through town Highway. (2) Park Avenue Storm
Sewer. (3) Sewage Disposal Plants. Such stand does not minimize need for Pollution
Control but indicates greater seriousness of other problems and State funds for Pol-
lution Control are not to be lost through negligent action on part of the City.
FEBRUARY 11, 1948 (Cont'd)
Motion by Mr. Ke~ and I~r. Gorst to note contents and file, carried.
Letter from North Side Improvement Club was read by Clerk re commerci~ization
of Anderson Cove area, and opposition expressed to Council by Club, especially instal-
lation for oil and gasoline storage. Have learned Kitsap County Co~mmissioners have
granted building permit to Associated Oil Company for construction of garage and ware-
house in Anderson Cove area, which project meets with disapproval of Club. Request
i~ediate steps be taken with County Commissioners to prevent construction of such
facilities in or adjacent to Anderson Cove, as problem is dual responsibility of City
and County.
Motion by Mr. Kean and ~r. Gorst to note contents and refer to Planning &
Zoning Commission through the Building Inspector, carried.
Clerk read letter from Calvin F. Sct~lid, Executive Secretary of Census Board
re dividing state into census tracts. Encloses outlines in detail of meaning, value
and purpose of state-wide tracting program as well as procedure. Asks preparation of
preliminary draft of census tract lay-out for Bremerton. Field representative will
call in next few weeks for such draft.
Motion by Mr. Kean and ~r. Gorst to acknowledge receipt of the letter and refer
the matter to the City Clerk, City Engineer and anyone else they consider necessary to
~furnish the information, carried.
General Claim in amount of $35,635.14 was presented by Clerk for payroll 2nd
ihalf of January 1948, Warrants 5794 to 6110, inc.
Motion by ~r. Kean and ~ir. Gorst to approve payroll, carried.
~r. $~heron Kauffman was present at the meeting and wished the council to con-
:sider lowering the license fee on auctioneers from $~00.O0 to $10.O0 or $15.00. Feels
the $ 00.00 fee is excessive. Stated he had been in to see the City Attorney, who had
a?peared to agree, but wished to check further on the matter. Further stated a bond
is required which would protect the public.
Considerable discussion ensued on such problem, and it was suggested that pos-
sibly different fees could be worked out for different type auctions, but that the
matter would be post-poned until the City Attorney had had time to check on it, and
possibly he is corresponding with Association of Washington Cities to see how other
cities handle auctioneer's licenses.
Treasurer reported no answer has yet been received to letter on lots adjacent
to Forest Ridge Park.
Assistant City Attorney reported suit has been filed against the City of Brem-
erton by Cecil Howard and ,~ife, 1137 ~infield, for d~mges caused by sewer backing up,
lin the amount of $1,094.91 and costs. The claim has been properly filed and rejected.
Papers were served on February 10th.
Lease between City of Bremerton and H. A. Brigham and Ross A. Brigham, was
presented by Assistant City Attorney. The lease has now been properly signed. Is for
portion of Watershed and for a five year period.
Attorney Wallace further stated that Mr. Brigh~ wished for additional land
across the road for 'the purpose of erecting a dry kiln, which would mean an investment
of about $~0,000.00. Has an investment of about $20,000.00. Has an investment of
about $34,000 in his present location, with 24 employees. Suggested Council consider
advisability of leasing extra space to Mr. Brigham.
~'~otion by ~,~rs. Haddon and I',~r. Kean to refer the matter to the Commissioner of
Public Works and Utilities and Water Superintendent, carried.
~,'~ayor commented he wished that I'~ir. Brigham had leased area at the Head of the
,~a~ as there would then be plenty of room to expand, and all necessary facilities are
there.
Attorney further remarked that there had been some discussion re Brigham leas-
ing the property which was formerly rented to Rowley.
~4otion by ~'ir. Kean and ~¢Irs. Haddon to refer the matter to the Co~mmissioner of
Public ~'~orks and the Water Superintendent, carried.
Commissioner Gorst stated that the Water Department has some surplus material
which they wish disposed of and handed list to Clerk who read as follows:
(1) 6 cylinder stirling gas motor, purchased during the war from contractors
and used as auxilliary power for well pump.
~4~ wood s~ve pipe bands purchased as precaution for emergency repairs
necessary from sabotage, etc. Not needed since ~R" cast iron pipe along
hiway installed.
~otion by l~r. Gorst and Mr. Kean that the reco~mmendation be approved and re-
ferred to the City Clerk and Purchasing Agent for disposal, carried.
Assistant City Attorney stated according to Ordinance No. 1741 Washington's
iBirthday is a holiday, and as it is on Sunday this year, Monday will be a holiday in
accordance with the State Law.
Mayor enquired if a letter has been received from Mr. H~amble agreeing to va-
Icate Sheridan Park Station upon request. The Station is now being used by Housing Auth$
ority as storage facility. Clerk to check and see if the letter can be located.
FEBRUARY 11, 1948 (Cont'd)
atthis There time. was some discussion re sewage treatment but it was decided to take no actio
Assistant City Attorney reviewed the Civil Service meeting which was held yester-
day, in which the case of the firem~n was discussed. Further remarked a letter was to
~be written to the Council by Civil Service Secretary, but evidently was not read as
I et ' Y
iy . Possmbly this meeting should be recessed in order to take up the matter.
Motion by ~r. Kean and I~rs. Haddon to allow all bills if approved by a majority
of the commissioners, carried.
Diayor commlented that ~r. Gorst and he are going to Olympia right after this meet-i
ing to discuss bridges with the Toll Bridge Authority. Further con~ented possibly
the Boy Scouts would like to take over the meeting.
~otion by ~ir. Kean and i~rs. Ha~don to recess to Friday, February 13, 1948, at
i10:00 o'clock a.m., carried.
~ayo r
FEBRUARY 13, 1948
The recessed meeting of the City Council of the City of Bremerton was held in the
~ayor's Office at the Cit Hall on Frida Februar 13.
· Y y, y · 1948, at 10:00 o'clock a.m.
l~'..~ayor Kean presmding, Commissioner Haddon, Commissioner Gorst, City Treasurer Nutter,
land Assistant City Attorney Wallace being present.
Clerk read letter signed by City Auditor and Secretary-Examiner of Civil Service
Co~muission, which states in accordance with action taken at Firemen's Pension meeting
held on February 9, 1948, it is recommended that action of Council in separating
Lawrance L. Francoeur on January 21, 1948 be rescinded and separation date be set as
February V, 1948. Mr. Francoeur was injured on his last day at work on the Fire De-
partment, and the extension of his time is in accordance with 1947 Ses~on Laws govern-
ing injured firemen.
Similar action is recommended on Fireman Harvey Jolly. His separation was ap-
proved February 4, 1948, and should be rescinded and terminated as of February 10,
~.9~8. Action in accordance with Civil Service Commission's interpretation of Terminal
Leave rule in Ordinance No. 1671 under which ~'.~r. Jolly accrued his leave.
Motion by Mr. Kean and ~.~r. Gorst to concur in the recommendation, carried.
i Clerk read corrected reports of separation for Lawrance L. Francoeur and Harvey
E. Jolly, Fire Department.
Notion by Mr. Kean and ~r. Gorst to approve the~separations, carried.
Letter from Civil Service Commission was read by Clerk which states in accordance
with action taken at Firemen's Pension Board on February 9, 19~8, L. L. Francoeur was
declared eligible for inactive status pay from December ~0, 1947 through January 20, I
1t948, date on which he was released by Doctor Foster. ' I
~ In accordance with 1947 Session Laws, money is to be paid from General Fund.
!Letter has been addressed to City Council explaining action necessary to correct his
date of separation.
Council suggested contents of the letter be noted and letter filed.
Clerk read letter from Association of Washington Cities, signed by Chester Bieson
Executive Secretary, acknowledging receipt of ~375.00 for 1948 service fee to Associa-
tion of Washington Cities. Expressed thanks for support and cooperation to that or-
ganization given by the City of Bremerton.
Suggestion was made contents be noted and letter i'iled.
Petition was presented by Clerk with 19 signatures, first signature H. P. ~.lartin,
2105 East llth, requesting removal of signboard located at east end of l~[anette bridge,
as it obstructs view of business district and is a danger and detriment to present
business of future growth of such district.
It was commented that the sign in question is on private property and did not
obstruct the view any more than a building located there would do.
l~otion by I~r. Gorst and ~.~r. Kean to refer the petition to the Planning and Zoning
Commission via the Building Inspector, carried.
Clerk read letter I'rom Housing Authority of the City of Bremerton signed by E.
G. Humble, confirming verbal request for permission to use Sheridan Park Fire Station
for warehouse purposes and acknowledging receipt of letter granting such permission.
Housing Authority will assume full custodial responsibility for building and will pay
utilities or other public services furnished by the City. Housing Authority will vacat
at any time requested after reasonable notice. Will greatly facilitate operation of
Housing Authority during current period while storage of furniture and equipment pend-
ing disposition. Thank City Council for favorably considering the request.
FEBRUARY 13, 1948 (Cont'd)
Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst to note contents and file, carried.
Clerk read letter from Co~nissioner of Finance, Superintendent of S~itation and
City Clerk recommending award of bid for furnishing two trucks for Sanitation be made
~to Kerr Motors. Price on pickup less trade-in allowance ~1,052.00, delivery approxi-
mately four months. 1948 V-8 Cab and Chassis, less trade in on 1939 Dump Truck,
~3,238.O0. Kerr ~otors present'ed higher bid than Settle but such difference is more
than offset by thickness of steel to be used in the body. Delivery in sixty days.
Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst to concur in the recommendation and direct the
bids be awarded as recommended, carried.
Assistant City Attorney read letter from City Attorney Joh~sen which states some-
time ago he was instructed to acquire certain property in Manette.~for the extension of
Pitt Street. Negotiations with owners of property indicate it would be impossible tO
arrive at a fair price for payment for the property. Have complete appraisal made by
C. A. Futmer and condemnation proceedings should be instituted by the City. Enclosed
ordinance, which if adopted by City Council, will be sufficient authorization to pro-
ceed with condemnation proceedings. If Council agrees property is necessary asks
attached ordinance be adopted so that Attorney may proceed.
Ordinance No. 1767 was read by Attorney entitled as follows:
"An ordinance declaring ~he need for the condemnation of certain real property
in the City of Bremerton for street purposes, directing condemnation of said property
and payment of just compensation therefor, and declaring an emergency."
Motion by Mr. Gorst and Mr. Ke~¢ to pass Ordinance No. 1767 as read, carried as
follows: Mr. Kean, yes; Mrs. Haddon, yes; Mr. Gorst, yes.
Clerk read letter from Mr. Juel Lange, Houte 3 Box 436, Poulsbo, enclo~2g list
of suitable bench sites. Proposed sites have been selected where they will not ob-
stract traffic and constitute a hazard for pedestrians. Also, encloses photographs
of benches which will show construction and where they are placed on the sidewalk.
Benches are 42" high, 30" wide and 7' long. Weight approximately 200 lbs. or more.
Mr. L~ge was present and stated he had talked with the Manager of the Bus Com-
pany who thought the benches were a good idea. Then Mr. Lange contacted Captain
Phillips who suggested a letter be written to the City Commissioners. Had received
a reply stating disposition of the matter ahd further stated he had now presented this
letter giving info~.~ation on specifications of the benches.
Considerable discussion ensued on placing of benches and difficulties which
might be encountered. Mr. Lange stated he had not yet contacted the Street Superinten-
dent in regard to this matter. Council agreed there seemed to be no objection to such
benches, but the matter should be cleared through the City Attorney's Office before
anything definite is decided.
Motion by ~r. Kean and ~r. Go:.st to refer the entire matter back to the City
Attorney, Street Superintendent and Captain of Traffic for further study and recom-
mendation or preparation of necessary ordinance, carried.
Mayor co~mmented he had received a nu~aber of reports on the Conference on Juve-
nille Delinquency, and did not know just what to do with them. Wondered if another
cormmittee should be appointed on Juvenille Delinquency or if the matter would be
handled by some con~ittee already in operation. No definite suggestions or decisions
were made,
M~yo,r further, enquired if the. Co~.oi~f:eels ready tb 'do~a~ythin~ definite.~onlsew-
age disposal, o~her than~ac~ion already taken. ~ S~e~mm~e,~y CDty.~uditor, CDty~En-
gineer and City Attorney indicates they would like to have a resolution authorizing
one of two plans. Indications are that they do not want to ask the Land Commissioner,s
!Office o~ State Finance Company their opinion on use of State Money to build only East
Bremerton Plant, unless they have some assurance this is the action the Council pro-
iposes to take. Commissioner Gorst remarked that they should be given authority to ask
if Plant ~l could be built with State money.
Notion by Mr. Gorst and ~rs. Haddon that the Co~mmittee be authorized on behalf
iof ~he Council, to ask if State money can be used to build only Disposal Plant #1,
icarried.
Resolution adopted by the Board of County Commissioners, Kitsap County, on Feb-
iruary 9, 1948, was presented to Council. Resolution recites reasons why they are in
flavor of the bridge .across Agate Pass, and further resolve that the Washington State
!Toll Bridge Authority immediately construct such bridge. Ask ~ited support of all
!residents of Kitsap County for immediate construction of such bridge. Listed those to
!whom copies of the resolution were to be sent.
Motion by Er. Kean and ~r. Gorst to note contents and file, carried.
Motion by Mr. Kean and ~r. Gorst to adjourn, carried.
M ay o r