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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/24/47 SEPTE~,IBER 24, 1947 The regular meeting of the city council of the City of Bremerton was held in the Eayor's Office at the City Hall on Wednesday, September 24, 1947, at lO:O0 o'clock a.m. Mayor Kean presiding, Commissioner Haddon, Commissioner Gorst, City Attorney and City Treasurer being present. ~otion by Mr. Kean and Mrs. Haddon to approve minutes of September l?th and 18th as written, carried. Clerk read letter from Secretary of Planning & Zoning Commission re using pro- perty in the vicinity of 7th & Rainier for construction of a church, which request was denied by Planning & Zoning Commission. Letter also contained excerpt from minutes of meeting of January 15, 1947, as follows: "Mr. A. W. Lundeen, of the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints next appeared before the Con~ission and requested that the Com- mission consider the application for a church in the vicinity of 7th & Rainier Avenue. It was the unanimous opinion of all the members of the Planning Commission that the proposed site should be abandoned because of the usual objections made from the people living in the immediate neighborhood and several alternate proposals were discussed. The Building Inspector advised Mr. Lundeen that he would work with the Church in order to find a location or provide off-street parking. It was regularly moved, seconded and carried that the request for certificate of use of the property in the vicinity of 7th & Rainier Avenue be denied". Mr. L=udeen appealed from the action and stated purchase of the property was subject to approval of General Church Officials, the Plan- ning Board and City Commission. Letter from Secretary further states the Planning Co~mmission is still of same opinion as expressed in minutes of January 15. Signed John C. Merkel. Mr. L~ldeen was present at the meeting and reviewed the matter. Mr. Long, who is the person wishing to sell the property on w~ich the church was to be erected also spoke. Mr. Nerkel was present representing 'the Planning & Zoning Commission. There was also discussion in regard to three lots owned by Mr. Bartlet, 517 High, adjoining those on which it was proposed to erect the church. Motion by ~r. Kean and ~r. Gorst to refer the matter to the City Clerk and Pur- chasing Agent to make arrangements for a meeting of interested parties, time and place at the convenience of Mr. Bartlett, carried. Members of various labor organizations were present regarding requests to the council re wages, vacations, pay days, etc., for members of the unions. Discussion ensued, but no action taken. Clerk read Reports of Separation for the following: Leonard Blackwood, Robert M. Day, Ronald Jones and Richard E. McFarland, Water. Motion by Mr. Keau and Mr. Gorst to approve separations, carried. Notices of Employment were read by Clerk for the following: Mitchell Besco, Elmer K. Holt, and Earl W. Short, Water. Motion by Mr. Kesn and Mrs. Haddon to approve temporary non-civil service appointments as read, carried. Clerk read Change in Pay Status for the following; Harold Hartvigsen, and Thomas Orrfelt, Fire; Harold C. Faulkner and Howard Kussmann, Police; John Brenesk and Lewis Harris, Recreation. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mrs. Haddon to approve Change in Pay Status as read, carried. Application for license for card tables made by Clarence E. Berg, 2606 6th Street (Chicken Coop Inn) was presented by Clerk. Application approved by Chief of Police. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst to approve application as recommended by Chief of Police, carried. Letter from Water Superintendent and himself was read by Clerk recommending that the bid on truck for Water Supply Department be awarded to Settle Chevrolet Company as low bidder, in the amount of $1,2~2.25 plus states sales ~ax. Further recommend that truck offered for sale or trade-in be disposed of separately as trade allowance does not seem sufficient. Signed Fred C. Wyckoff and C. C. Casad. Motion by Mr. Gorst and Mr. Kean that the recommendations be approved, carried. Clerk read letter from Allen R. Potter, Census Supervisor, certifying the population of the City of Bremerton, as of September 2, 1947, as. 30,931 persons. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst to note contents and file, carried. Letter from T. H. Stevens was read by Clerk protesting water in the streets in front of his home at 922 Park Avenue. Further stated this matter has been reported to the Commissioners before. Signed T. H. Stevens. Motion by Mr. Gorst and Mrs. Haddon to refer the matter to the Superintendent of Streets, carried. Some discussion ensued on method of repairing street so that puddles would not collect there. Clerk read letter from Engineer re transit and level owned by Richard Date, which is being used by the City, also using same equipment owned by Engineer, and City's own transit and level. Transit owned ~y Date has been wrecked and if repairable will be out of use for several weeks. Enclosed letter from Mr. Paul Werner who was in charge. Report should be referred to the City Attorney. $600.00 September 24, 1947 (cont) is set up in the budget but new transit of type desired will cost approximately $700.00. Recommend provision be made for additional sum so that bids may be called at once. Signed E. S. Severance. Notion by Nr. Gorst and Mr. Kean that the recommendation be approved and the matter referred to the City Auditor, and Mr. Werner,s report of the accident be referred to the City Attorney, carried. Some discussion ensued on use of instruments privately owned by the City, but no action was taken. Letter from City Engineer re Capital Hill Sewer District L.I.D. 229 was read by Clerk. Engineer itemized work completed and accepted and recommends pay- ment of Estimate No. 4 in the amount of $9,007.66 to the contractor, M. Noschetto. Signed E. S. Severance. Notion by Mr. Gorst and Mr. Kean that the recommendation be approved, carried. Clerk reported that some time ago there had been discussion regarding marking of tools in use at various shops, and he had made inquiries and received prices on two different types of electric tool markers, one of $13.89 net, and the other $18.58 net. Clerk further recommended the purchase of at least one such marker. Notion by Mr. Gorst and Mr. Kean that the City Clerk and Purchasing Agent be authorized to purchase such tool, c~rried. General discussion ensued and opinion seemed to be that two or possibly three tools to be used for marking would be necessary, but the matter was referred to Clerk. Letter I'rom Department of Public Health enclosing copy of report on field activities of the Division of Sanitation for August, 1947, was read by Clerk. Signed Sam. I. Reed, Chief Division of Sanitation. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst to note contents and file, carried. Clerk read letter from Federal Works Agency Re PROPERTY: CLT: ams, Fire Fighting Facilities, referring to letter of 9/15/47 transmitting City's offer to purchase fire fighting equipment and also letter from City Attorney requesting permission to temporarily lease West Park Station to Bremerton Housing Authority. Proposals of August 28 and September 12 to purchase fire fighting facilities have been forwarded to F.W.A. Administrator with recommendation they be accepted. Will notify as soon as are advised of action taken by Administrator. Regarding City leasing portion of West Park Fire Station to Bremerton Housing Authority, wish to advise have no authority to modify terms of effective lease. However, have no objections since building is vacant and City has no use for it as fire station, to City permitting Housing Authority temporary use of portion of building for public purposes pending Administrator,s consideration of City's offer to acquire it. Wish to direct attention to cancellation provisions of City's lease with Government, which provides Government may cancel at any time without notice in event City breaches contract. Do not anticipate cancellation of lease, suggest City may want to incorporate protective provisions in arrangements with Housing Authority. Signed A. F. Moberg~ Acting for L. R. Durkee, Division Engineer. Attorney read copy of his letter to Housing Authority which states West Park fire station has been leased to the city for use as fire station and lease provides for cancellation whenever the city breaches any of its terms. City has made offer for purchase of building along with others, and feels the offer will be accepted and the building will soon be property of the city. Have requested permission to permit Housing Authority to occupy the building and have not received express approval but proposed arrangements have not been disapproved. Upon authority of City Council, Attorney has been directed to g~ant permission to Housing Authority to occupy the fire station for use as project maintenance space. Housing Authority agrees, in consideration of grant, to assume full custodial responsibility for building while it is in Housing Authority,s possess- ion, and will pay all charges made by city or other public utility for services rendered. Further understood permission granted herein may be revoked at any time by the ~ity and that it will cease upon cancellation of lease by Federal Works Agency. Asks for written acknowledgment of receipt of letter and that terms of permit are satisfactory. Attorney further commented that the Fire Chief, City Clerk, Mr. Wilder of the Housing Authority and himself had made arrangements for the actual transfer, and today the Fire Department is moving their equipment and that owned by the F.W.A. to Station #2, and that this afternoon the Housing Authority will take over. Motion by Nr. Kean and Nfs. Haddon to approve the proposed agreement as read by Attorney Johnsen, and contents be noted and filed, carried. Clerk read agreement between the City Library Board and County Library Board re library service to Rural County Library Districts, 20~ per volume circulated to resident of County District, but fee not to exceed ~4,500.00 for year 1948. Renewal of Agreement to be made before August 1st of each year. It was commented that Mr. Sims, Chairman of the Library Board, had already signed the agreement and as long as it seemed agreeable to the Library Board City Council would have no objections. Notion by Mr. Kean and ~s. Haddon to approve the agreement as submitted by the Library Board, carried. September 24, 1947 (cont) Letter of enclosure was presented by the Clerk from Dr. Floyd R. Town, with copies of correspondence recently received in his office. Copies were regarding questions asked by Bremerton Chief of Police relative to health depart~nents in various cities. Replies were from Police Chief of Spokane, and from Yakima. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst to note contents and refer letters to City Attorney,s office, carried. Clerk read letter from John J. McPherson representing city employees who do not live in the city limits, protesting the ruling proposed by the City Council that all municipal employees must live in the city limits by March 31, 1948. RU~ployees held meeting Monday, September 22, 1947, and requested M~. McPherson to act as chairman. Letter states such ruling would work hardship on many as well as considerable financial loss. Recommend therefore the ordinance be tabled to permit those effected to take advantage of favorable market changes. Letter further states many have already been approached by real estate dealers, and prices and terms quoted would be disadvantageous. Lists reasons as follows: (1) City property is now offered for sale at inflationary prices. (2) Many employees now live within few blocks of city limits and receive city water and services, and will be annexed to city as soon as city can care for them. (3) Most who live outside the city do so because they are unable to get quarters within the city. (4) Many purchased homes outside city as they are able to grow considerable of the family food. (5) Few could buy vacant property and build, and would thus displace families now here, and probably population figure would go down rather than up, therefore, little increase in taxable property. (6) Most city employees now spend their money in Bremerton. (7) Restricting future employment to persons residing within city might create considerable handicap in getting qualified employees for technical positions. (8) Ordinance by its wording could be discriminatory, as Council may decide exceptions on individual basis. (9) Under present laws Council can set residential requirements for those entering city employment in the future, retroactive nature of proposed ordinance as it effects present employees would make it questionable constitu- tionaly under Article I, Par. 23 of State Constitution. Signed John J. McPherson. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst to note contents of letter and refer to the Committee of the Whole, carried. Clerk also read letters from various labor unions protesting the passage of such ordinance on residential qualifications, which stated such ordinance would place hardship on those who lived outside city limits at present. However, all seemed to feel that city would be Justified in limiting future employees to residents only. Letters were received from: United Association of Journeymen Plumbers & Steam Fitters, Local 831; Operative Plasterers & Cement Finishers, Local No. 512; Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen & Helpers, Local No. 672; Sheet Metal Workers, International Association, Local No. 274; International Hod Carriers, Building and Common Laborers Union, Local No. 249; United Brother- hood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Local No. 1597; Building & Construct- ion Trades Council, Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers of America, Local No. 801; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local No. 574. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst to note contents of various letters in general and refer to the Committee of the Whole, carried. Ordinance No. 1748 was read by Clerk, second reading: AN ORDINANCE, appropriating funds for the construction of a traffic maintenance shop and declaring an emergency. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst to pass Ordinance No. 1748 on second reading, carried as follows: Mr. Kean, Yes$ Mrs. Haddon, Yes; Mr. Gorst, Yes. Clerk reported it is time for second reading of Ordinance No. 1749. Motion by Mr. Gorst and Mrs. Haddon to table Ordinance No. 1749 for further discussion, carried. Ordinance No. 1750 was read by Clerk, second reading, entitled as follows: AN ORDINANCE, appropriating funds with which to pay water district assess- ments and declaring an emergency. Motion by Mrs. Haddon and Mr. Kean to pass Ordinance No. 1750 on second reading, carried as follows: Mr. Kean, Yes; Mrs. Haddon, Yes; Mr. Gorst, Yes. Treasurer reported that checks had been received from M~an & Hudson, along with rent report remittance for month of August, 15% of gross, amoung of check $99.02. For the month of July, 15% of gross, $106.72. Had checked and found no agreement with them which had been approved by the Council. Attorney remarked he had copy of agreement with Mahan & Hudson in his file. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst to note contents of report and direct the City Treasurer to put the money in the proper account, carried. Some discussion ensued re agreements between Junior Athletic Council, the Park Director and Mahan & Hudson, but no action was taken. SEPTEMBER 2~, 19~7 (Cont'd) Further report was made by Treasurer that an inquiry had been received about th~ purchase o2 property now owned by the Sanitation Department. Property in question Lots I to 15, Block 6, Port Orchard Addition. Treasurer had checked and stated that the City had actually spent $433.53 on the property, and if the lots were sold at $35.00 each would be total of $455.00, while at a price of $$0.00 each the total price would be $650.00. Suggestions were made that the property should be inspected before it is advertised for sale. Attorney read Ordinance No. 1751, entitled as follows: AN ORDINANCE relating to rates in the City of Bremerton, amending Section 6 of Ordinance No. 585, dated April 8, 1918 as amended, fixing the effective date of this ordinance, and declaring an emergency. Motion by Mrs. H%ddon and Mr. Kean to pass Ordinance No. 1751, carried as follows: Mr. Kean, yes; Mrs. Haddon, yes; Mr. Gorst, yes. Mayor commented a meeting would be held Friday morning at 9:30 to discuss the budget with I)~. Town. Attorney reported that as directed by the City Council a letter has been writ- ten to the Adjutant General of Washington State National Guard, which confirmed tele- phone conversation with Colonel Forbes, granting permission for them to occupy the New Community Building in Sinclair Park Housing Project until such time as formal dis- position of the building is made by the government, or until permission is revoked by Council. The National GuaBd to assume full custodial responsibility with the excep- tion of electrical service. National Guard may make changes after first receiving permission from City Couhcil. Loan receipt forms were attached upon which is listed all personal property left in the building. Asked that the original be returned and copy retained for their files. Also, ask for acknowledgment in writing of receipt of letter and acceptanc6 of terms and conditions. Letter acknowledging receipt of letter and accepting terms and conditions gov- erning use of Community Building at Sinclair Park, addressed to Housing Authority, was also read by Attorney. Property invoice and receipt have been executed by Clerk and signed original enclosed. Attorney further read letter from himself to the City Council re above, which states letter from Housing Authority granting city permission to occupy building was referred to him for p~paration of agreement to allow National Guard Unit in Bremerton to occupy building, subject to the same terms upon which use of building has been granted the city. Suggests that formal agreement should not be made with National Guard, as the agreement with the Housing Authority is an informal agreement, and that permission be granted the National Guard in the same manner and upon same terms as those imposed by Housing Authority. Letter granting same sort of permission to Na- tional Guard has been prepared. Also prepared letter to Housing Authority acknowledg- ing the granting of permission, for which authorization is requested. Recommends Council authorize city attorney to acknowledge granting of permission from Housing Authority, and grant permission to use the building to National Guard subject to terms stated in the letter. Signed 01ur Johnsen. Attorney further reported he had met with Colonel Forbes and made arrange- ments for the receipt of the building from the Housing Authority and delivery of the building to the National Guard, that is turned over receipts signed for Housing Author- ity property, and will have receipt signed by Adjutant General who will acknowledge transfer and accept conditions. Further remarked that National Guard already sug- gested changes they would like to make in the building, and that such changes had been verbally approved, but a letter would be written. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst to concur in the recommendations contained in various letters and contents be noted and the letters be placed on file, carried. Resolution No. 617, was read by Attorney as follows: BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Clerk and City Treasurer be and they are hereby directed to make the following transfer of funds in the 1947 Budget, as follows: PARK FUND PARK FUND From: To: Recreation Roosevelt Field Office Supplies & Printing 60.00 SA,Repairs & ~aint. 2,1OO.OO Trav. Exp.-Training & Conf. 60.00 Publicity & Royalty 60.00 Recreation Retirement & Liability 360.00 SA,Repairs & Maint. 1,200.00 5,Equip. Maint.& Repairs 1,500.00 Roosevelt Field Light and Power 660.00 Water and Fuel 60.00 Telephone 20.00 Warren & Manette Painting 960.00 8A, Repairs & Maint. 915.00 Truck & tractor repairs 60.00 Tires and tubes 60.00 Paint, brushes, fittings VO.O0 Tools & equipment (small) 160.00 Miscellaneous 20.00 Retirement liability llO.OO SEPTF~BER 24, 1947 (Cont'd) RESOLUTION NO. 617 (Cont'd) Forest Ridge Utilities 260.00 Janitor's supplies 60.00 Equipment & supplies 160.00 Truck repair (dump) 22.00 Gas ~nd oil 72.00 Paint & brushes 140.00 Miscellaneous llO.O0 Retirement liability 235.00 Civic Center Cafeteria Repairs 860.00 Office sup. & ptg. 35.00 Janitor's supplies 80.00 Miscellaneous lO.00 Retirement liability ll0.O0 Evergreen General repairs 560.00 Utilities 135.00 Supplies, spray, hose 50.00 Paint and brushes 60.00 Retirement 40.00 Manette and Warren Tools and equipment 100.00 Paint and brushes 100.O0 Utilities ll6.00 TOTAL 5,V!5.00 5~715.00 CAPITAL OUTLAY Forest Ridge Roosevelt Grounds & Bldg. Imp. 1,500.00 GroUnd Imp. & Acquisition 3,500.00 Tools & Equipment 800.00 Roosevelt Tools & Equipment 200.00 Replace Left Field Fence 500.00 Blacktop Area 500.00 3~500.00 3~500.00'" Passed unanimously by the City Council of the City of Bremerton, signed by the Mayor and attested by the City Clerk in authentication of such passage, this 24th day of September, 1947. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst to pass Resolution No. 617 as read, carried as follows: Mr. Kean, yes; Mrs. Haddon, yes; Mr. Gorst, yes. Mrs. Haddon remarked that a Mr. Clarence G. Eheler, Route I Box 1480 was in re- questing permission to cut brush on Sanitation Department property in Tracyton, and she would recommend he be allowed to do so. Further suggested the Attorney prepare some sort of agreement. Motion by Mrs. Haddon and Mr. Kean that the request be referred to the City At- torney, carried. Mayor enquired on action re fire escape at the city hall, and Clerk reported the matter was being handled by the Building Inspector, but would be checked on. Some discussion ensued about the trip to Sequtm to attend meeting of Association of Washington Cities. Mayor commented that the purchase of various equipment in fire stations had been referred to Fire Chief. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst that the City Clerk and the Fire Chief be directed to expedite the purchase of the equipment, carried. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst that the City Clerk and Purchasing agent and Fire Chief estimate the spare parts needed for Stutz Pumper and they be directed to proceed with the acquisition and purchase, carried. Mayor further commented that the survey re switchboard by the telephone company should be started in a few days. Further remarked Mrs. Haddon and he had some ~iscussion with Hite and Crawford re rental of part of Second Street Dock. Also, that Mr. Hagermann had renewed nego- tiations with Bremers for space to rent, instead of leasing a portion of Second Street Dock. Co~issioner Gorst reported that a complaint had been received on fire box at Burwell & Naval, which is out of order. Suggested that t~he matter be called to the attention of the Fire Chief. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mrs. Haddon that all bills be allowed if approved by a majority of the commissioners, carried. SEPTEMBER 24, 1947 (Cont'd) Some discussion ensued about the erection of a church which had been before the council earlier in the meeting, but no further action was taken. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst to adjourn, carried. APPROVED: