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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/30/47 APRIL 30, 1947 The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Bremerton was held in the iMayor's Office at the City Hall on Wednesday, April 30, 1947, at 10:00 a.m. Mayor iKean presiding, Commissioner Haddon, Commissioner Gorst, Chief of Police, City Attor- iney, City Treasurer and Captain of Traffice being present. ; Motion by Mr. Kean and Mrs. Haddon to approve minutes of April 23 and April 26, !1947, as written, carried. Clerk read Change in Pay Status for Louise Sherfick, Water Department. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst to approve Change in Pay, carried. Notice of ~nployment for Ray Hackett, Sanitation, was read by Clerk. Mo~ion by ~rs. Haddon and Mr. Kean to approve employment, carried. Hearing on revocation of taxi driver's license of James W. Butler was postponed iuntil later in the meeting so the arresting officer could be present. ~ Mrs. Deskins and Mrs. Knapp appeared before the Couucil requesting that the exten- Ision of Schley Boulevard be given a name so that they would have an address to receive imail and deliveries. ~ The matter was referred to the City Engineer's Office and the Commissioner of !Public Works and Utilities. ~ A lady was present requesting a cross walk or white line at Marlowe Avenue and iParkside Drive. Stated there are two bad curves there and it is almost impossible to !get across the street. Captain Phillips agreed to check on the matter and find the best solution. Clerk read application for location license to install pinball machines at Hung iFar Low Cafe, signed by Gerald Dong, 2~4 Second Street. Approved by Chief of Police. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst to approve the application for installation of ipinball machine at Hung Far Low, carried. Claim for Damages was presented by Clerk for Richard A. Daly, Route 5, Box 2930, lin the amount of $237.13, damages to 1941 Model Ford V-8 pick-up and loss of pay due to Ibeing ~mable to use automobile. Damage caused by collision with street cleaning ve- ihicle on High Street. Motion by Mr. Gorst and Mr. Kean to fei'er to the City Attorney, carried. i Clerk read letter from Kitsap County Council of Girl Scouts, signed by Lyle Job, iCamp Co-ordinator & Supervisor, verifying permission granted by the city for the use !of Forest Ridge as a site for 1947 Kitsap County Girls' Day Camp, for the dates of ~June 16 to June 27; June 30 to July ll. They are to be at Illahee St~ e Park, July i14 to July 25; July 28 to August 8. Pleased to have use of Forest Ridge and promise ~cooperation to m~e camp successful. Signed Lyle Job. Motion by Mr. Kean and ~r. Gorst to approve the request and refer to the City Park and Recreation Department, carried. Letter from Bremerton Round Table was read by Clerk extending invitation to Mayor .~and Commissioners to participate in celebration May 1. Asked that Commissioners honor Ithem by riding in first car following the colors and band. Also asking Judge Cart to !ride in the same car. Signed D.J. Gillies, President. Mayor suggested that contents of letter be noted and letter filed. Clerk presented petition to create an improvement district for the improvement of iadequate sewerage for Charleston Eavy View Addition and others. First signature Lloyd iL. Butterfield, 245 South Tracy, 73 signatures altogether. Motion by Mr. Gorst and Mr. Kean to refer to the City Engineer's Office for ~report, carried. Mr. Gorst remarked that Mr. Casad had reported there is quite a lot of scrap iron !scattered around, and would like to have City Clerk authorized to dispose of it. Motion by Mr. Gorst ~ Mr. Kean that the scrap iron be declared surplus and the iCity Clerk be instructed to dispose of it to the best interests of the City, carried. ~ City Treasurer reported that the $360,000 worth of U.S.Treasury Bonds had been ireceived this morning, and the price was 103 11/32, accrued interest to April 28, !$3,313.19, shipping charges, insurance, etc., $60.87, and they would be allocated as idesignated in th.~ resolution of invemtment. City Attorney reported that he had received a copy of general appropriation bills Ipassed by the legislature. A few weeks ago the Bremerton School Board tried to decide iwhat to do about appropriation as it cannot be paid to any employee who advocates the iright to strike against the Government, State or Municipality. Attorney stated he had idlscussed the matter with the Attorney General's Office. Olympia is following a pol- !icy Bremerton might follow, of having employees sign affidavits stating they would not istrike and did not belong to any orgaflization to overthrow the government. Attorney iGeneral's Office is of the opinion such an affidavit would only be teEned as prima- ifacie evidence, and the Attorney General's Office is not supplying any affidavits. iAttorney stated there was some question as to the value of such an affidavit, but that iit would not be too complicated to get such an affidavit. There was some discussion las to the preparation and distribution of such affidavit. Motion by ~r. Gorst andMr. Kean to refer the matter to the City Clerk and City At- !torney i'or preparation of form of affidavit to be submitted to employees, carrie~. APRIL 30, 1947 (Cont'd) Clerk reed letter from Chief of Police and Captain of Traffic reconEending the revocation of taxi cab license of James Walter Butler. Mr. Butler was present in the audience and was represented by Attorney Frederick B. Cohen. Officer Little, who had arrested Mr. Butler on April ll, 1947, on the grounds that he was cruising in violation of Ordinance No. 1631, was present and presented the facts on the last arrest. Described the route taken by Mr. Butler and how he had traveled back and forth on the same streets at a speed of about l0 miles per hour. Captain Phillips reviewed the previous arrests of Mr. Butler, and stated the difficulties there would be if all cab~ in operation in the city should decide to cruise arouud in hopes of picking up a fare. Mr. Cohen spoke in bahalf of his client, stated that Mr. Butler was only con- victed of one offense, the others were forfeiture of bail. Read section from Ordin- ance on revocation of license. Also stated that several of the arrests were before Mr. Butler ever became a cab driver, so should not be considered on a revocation. City Attorney stated he would like to study the matter before rendering an opi- nion and asked that the case be postponed until he could study the matter thoroughly. Mr. Cohen also stated that taxi cab companies will not employ Butler as a driver as they feel he will be picked up immediately if he drives a cab. Captain Phillips reported that no such action would be taken but that the owners of cabs and the driver's union had requested that if a driver was to have a hearing on revocation of license that his license be picked up by the Police Department, even though this is not according to the ordinance. Mr. Butler's license had been picked up, but he had it returned when he requested it from the Clerk. Mr. Butler spoke to the Council and stated that he had never had an accident while driving a cab, and would like to have his driving record checked. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Corst to continue the hearing until 10:00 o'clock a.m~ Saturday, May 3, 1947, carried. There was some discussion regarding the acquisition of the Manette and Capitol Hill Fire Stations. Mr. Tomlinson had been in to see the Commissioners. Council agreen no action should be taken until the City knows more about the situation in Bremerton in the future, and would not know just what housing was to be closed, or what the general situation would be until after July 1. Mayor commented that the stations concerned were established prior to the present administration coming into office, and that it would be advisable for the City Attorney to study the agreements made between the F.W.A. and the City prior to October, 1942. Mr. Gorst commented that re entrance to Roosevelt Hospital at Bertha & Adelle (Highway 21), the City is in the process of getting a right of way and the property is being appraised. Mayor reported that he had written a letter to the Land Commissioner's Office asking that when they get ready to make a survey of the land at the Head of the Bay that the City Engineer's Office be notified so that someone can be sent to work with them on it. Motion by ~. Kean and Mrs. Haddon to allow all bills if approved by a majority of the Commission, carried. In reply to question from the Mayor, the City Clerk stated that nothing further had been heard regarding the theft of City of Bremerton Warrants from the Todd Print- ing Company. Clerk reported it is now time for the opening of bids on TD-6 Tractor ibr sale by the Street Department. Motion by Mr. Gorst and Mr. Kean to open the bids, carried. Bids were opend and read by the Clerk as follows: R.E.Playter, Poulsbo; Cashier's Check 26V72, $112.50. Amount of Bid $2,250.00. Howard-Cooper Corp., 307 S.E.Hawthorne Boulevard, Portland 14; Certified Check No. 10124, amount $105.00; Bid Price $2,100.00. E.A.Wortman, Route 4 Box 273, Port Orchard; Bank Money Order $V1.30; Amount of bid, $1,426.00. Motion by Mr. Gorst and Mr. Kean to award the TD-6 Tractor to R.E.Playter for the sum of $2,250.00, carried. Clerk stated it is now time to open bids on retaining wall for Warren Avenue Playfield. Motion by Er. Kean and Mr. Gorst to open the bids, carried. Clerk opened and read bid as follows: Keith 0. Branch, 2616 E. llth; Bid Bond; Amount of Bid $2,601.00. Notion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst that the bid be referred to the City Engineer for checking and recommendation, carried. Mayor remarked that the meeting of officials of cities and the county of Kitsap County was held Tuesday evening, and a number of matters were discussed, and that it had been moved that the County Commissioners be authorized to call meetings if and when they determined it was necessary. Further commented that such meetings would be beneficial to all concerned and it would be well to hold them once or twice a year. APH~ 30, 194V (Cont'd) ~ Clerk enquired about the possibility of licensing private detectives. City Atto~ I ney reported that Seattle was preparing a revised ordinance governing such a license, and it wo~d be well to wait until it could be studied. There was some discussion on ri're works for the Fourth of J~y, which matter had also been discussed at the meeting held the previous evening. The present ordinance in effect in Bremerton gives the Fire Chief control of the manner of fireworks ~lowe~. Did not seem a very good ordinance as the City Council can not deliver its authority to an individual. Mayor reported Chester Beeson and himself would be going to Port Angeles on Thurs- i day to discuss the meeting of the Association of Washington Cities to be held there !on May 14th, 15th and 18th. There was a short discussion on the license fee as proposed by the Barber's Union on Schools, but Council has not had an opportunity to study the matter thoroughly. City Treasurer suggested that at the same time the Council study the idea of a busines~ tax as the City is losing a number of sources of revenue and cost of operation is not going down. There was further discussion but no definite action was taken. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst to recess until lO:O0 o'clock a.m., Saturday, Nay Z, 1947, carried. CyCye~k APPROVED: Mayo r ' MAY 3, 1947 Recessed meeting of the City Council of the City of Bremerton was held in the Mayor's Office at the City Hall on Saturday, May 3, 1947, at 10:00 o'clock a.m. Mayor Kean presiding, Commissioner Haddon, Commissioner Gorst, City Treasurer, City Attorney and Chief of Police being present. Hearing which had been continued to this morning in connection with taxi driver, James Walter Butler, as to whether his license should be revoked for various viola- tions, was held. Butler and his attorney, Frederick B. Cohen, were present. Clerk read letter from City Attorney who recommended that the Council dismiss the present charges, without prejudice to the right of the Chief of Police to file additional charges at any time it appears that Mr. Butler has been convicted of any offense agains the City of Bremerton, or the State of Washington. Attorney's recommendation was based bn the fact that Butler had not been convicted of any charges but had only for- feited bail. The Ordinance No. 14V4, calls for a conviction before suspension or re- vocation of a license. Attorney's letter also recommended that the ordinance be amended to provide that charges may be filed by the Chief of Police, either after con- viction or bail forfeiture by any cab driver. Motion by ~ir. Kean and Mr. Gorst to concur in the reco~mmendation and charges be dismissed, carried. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst that the City Attorney be directed to amend the ordinance as recommended in concluding paragraph of his letter, carried. Clerk read letter from Hear Admiral R. W. Christie, U.S.N., Commander, U.S.Naval Base, Bremerton, dated May ~, 194V, which stated that the management had received re- commendations from various organized groups in the naval base, as well as from many workers, suggesting that daylight saving time be adopted. Admiral Christie stated that the management is in favor with the adopting of daylight saving time but feels it is a community problem rather than a matter which the Navy should initiative; there- fore, referred the question to the City for handling in accordance with applicable state and city laws. The management of the naval base is willing to arrange its schedule to agree with daylight saving time. Discussion ensued and Mayor Kean pointed out that such a change should be state-wide for the sake of uniformity. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst to acknowledge Admiral Christie's letter, advise him we are in accord with his suggestion but that it should be adopted on a state-wide scale and that we referred his letter and also the action of the Council to the gover- nor for his information, carried. Letter was read by Clerk from City Engineer, Gat e~ May l, 1947, recommending award of bid to Keith Branch for construction of a retaining wall on Warren Avenue Playfield, for the amount of $2,601.00 Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst to concur in the recommendation and direct the City Clerk to proceed, carried. MAY 3, 1947 ~Cont'd) Commissioner Gorst presented two Sewer Applications and Agreements; one for Rev. G.l.~'I.Trygstad on Perry Avenue, $25.00 deposit ~aid in cash; and one for N.?.?eterson on Cambrian near 15th, accompanied by check for $25.00 for the deposit. The applications require the signatures of the Mayor and City Clerk. Motion by Mr. Gorst and Mr. Kean that these sewer applications be approved and Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to sign, carried. City Treasurer reported that he had previously notified the owners of 62 pieces of property that unless the LID assessments against their property were paid on or before April 25, 1947, foreclosure proceedings would be started. 0nly seven pieces of property have not been cleared and would legally come up for foreclosure. Explained that expenses of foreclosure and time involved would be so much that it would not be worth foreclosing on the properties involved and recommended to Council that Treasurer send additional notices and see if he can close up the remaining seven. City Attorney concurred in recommendation and said a fine Job had been done in having so few delin- quencies in a city of this size. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mrs. Haddon that Treasurer address a letter to the va- rious property owners reciting the various provisions of the law before starting fore- closing proceedings, carried. City Attorney read emergency ordinance as follows: An Ordinance appropriating funds for use of the Water Department and declaring an emergency. Motion by Mr. Gorst and Mr. Kean to approve the ordinance carried as follows: Mr. Kean, yes; Mrs. Haddon, yes; Mr. Gorst, yes. Commissioner Hadcon brought up the cost of the operation of the dump and stated she wondered if the Water Department would be willing to allow a reasonable amount for the land there and if some arrangement could be made to cut down the maintenance of the dump. Mayor Kean stated that he had previously proposed that the Water Depart- ment should stand part of the cost as that department would benefit from the reclaimingt of the land. Mrs. Haddon said that since the Sanitation and Water Departments have handled the dump, the operation has been much more satisfactory and compliments have been received from the Health Department and the County Commissioners and that the Health Department has stated it is one of the best operated in the state. Motion by Mr. Gorst and Mr. Kean that the matter be taken up in a meeting of the Co~issioners, carried. City Attorney reported had received $216.68 for damages sustained by city when an automobile demolished a light standard at Fourth & Washington some weeks ago. Mayor reported that at the request of the Younglove Grocery he and Building In- spector went to the First Street Wharf. The gracery company wished to make some parti- tion changew; however, since the partitions had been put in originally by the grocery firm, the changes involved the building code and did hot require any other official action. Clerk read letter from City Attorney dated May 2, 1947, relative to the agree- ments made by the City with the U.S.Government concerning Capitol Hill and Westpark Fire Stations. In addition to other terms contained in the lease agreement, the At- torney pointed out that there is no provision for the purchase of property except that any payments made to the Government by the Lessee shall be applied on the purchase price. Mayor stated note contents of the letter for our records. Mayor remarked he did not believe City's records are complete enough because negotiations were started by previous administration, and that it is possible the Fire Chief has some information in his files. Suggested the City Attorney contact the Fire Chief. Also suggested con- tacting ~r. Searle an4 Glen Wilder of the Bremerton Housing Authority. Clerk read a copy of the lease for certain space on the Second Street Wharf, between the City and A. C. Burkland. Mayor made a few explanatory remarks regarding the occupants oi' the 2nd Street Wharf. Motion by Mr. Kem~ and Mrs. Haddon to approve the lease agreement and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the lease, carried. ~ayor discussed consolidation of activities of various city departments in cen- tral building, such as the previously proposed storage building. , Mayor commented a bridge meeting was held Friday, May 2, 1947, in his office, called more or tess by Clarence Shain, Director of State Highways, and'Jack Claypool, Division Engineer of the highway department. In attendance, besides the foregoing and the city officials~ were Senator Jack Rogers and Representatives Ford and Brown. Mayor said the letter that was directed to be written has been prepared and is going forward. The decision reached at the meeting was to ask Representative Homer Jones what would be hi~thinking of making federal money available almost in the immediate future, and that/~ was the thinking of the representatives and senators in Washington that the money wouldn't be available that then we go ahead and make an opening in street from Pacific to Washington, and that it would be the procedure that the highway department would improve and repair, and widen the approaches to the present bridge. MAY ~ 1947 Mayor stated he, City Attorney Md Chief of P~lice have been discussing codify- ing ordinances, md were wondering if, with the cooperation of City Attorney, the City Clerk,s office could work on such a project, taking into consideration the workload of the Clerk's office. Attorney outlined briefly the procedure to be followed in check- ing the ordinances. It was suggested by Clerk that City Attorney discuss the matter further in Clerk's Office, md that he felt something might be worked out. Motion by Mr. ~rst and Mr. Kean to adjourn, carried. Mayo r