Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/11/46 SEPTEMBER 11, 1946 The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Bremerton was held in the Mayor's Office at the City Hall, Wednesday, September ll, 1948 at lO:00 a.m. Mayor Kean presiding, Commissioner Haddon, Commissioner Gorst, City Treasurer and City Attorney being present. Notion by Mr. Kean and Mrs. Haddon to approve minutes of September 4 and 1946, as written, carried. Clerk read petition dated September lC, 1946, ~igned by 15 citizens and propert~ owners abutting on the street known as Park Drive since incorporation of Bremerton, protesting change of name of said street from Park Drive to 18th Street. First signa- ture Victor B. Cole. Mrs. ~adora E. Hicks, 728 Park Drive, acted as spokesman for the group of five, who attended the Council Meeting to protest the proposed change of name of the street. Mrs. Hicks stated she had lived on Park Drive for 24 years, anu the deeds had been checked by property owners as Park Drive for the Street name, and formerly when the change had been proposed to 16th Street it has been protested and not changed, and it would cause confusion if changed now, as Park ])rive is not an extension of 18th Street and is only a short street and there is a space of about three blocks between the end of 18th and the beginning of Park Drive. Felt that to change the name now would cause confusion on deliveries, etc. Mr. Gorst commented the matter had been discussed with the Engineer who had re- commended the change, and the Engineer had agreed that a change of name was not neces- sary as far as they were concerned. Motion by Mr. Gorst and Mr. Kean to instruct the City Attorney to prepare a resolution changing the name from 16th Street back to Park Drive, carried. 548 Reports of Separation were read by Clerk for the following: Joseph M. Hewitt, Fire; Walter Allan Murker, Sanitation; Robert W. Romberg and Roger C. Wiley, Water. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mrs. Haddon to approve reports oi' separation as read, carried. Clerk read Notice of Employment for H. B. Fox, 'Sanltation. Notion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst to approve Employment as reau, carried. Application for Location License to install pinball machines at Rosie O'Gradys, was read by Clerk, signed~by DeMock Atkinson, 108 ~Irst Street, approved by Art Morken, Assistant Chief of Police. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst to approve the application, carried. Clerk read notification of purchase of Blue & Gold Cab Company by L.J. Surdam, from H.C.Lane and authority $o the City to transfer six taxicab permits. Also applica- tion for transfer of permit to engage in taxi business and transfer right of exclusivly designated stands from H.C.Lane, operating as Blue & Gold Cab Company, to L.J. Surdam. Also check enclosed in the amount of $150.00 for transfer fee. Approved by Captain of Traffic and Chief of Police. Mr. Surdam was present and a short discussion took place on Dhe transI'er. Motion by Mr. Kean an~ Mr. Gorst to approve the transfer, carried. Proposed resolution, which had been prepared by Judge Cart, was read by ClerK, setting the population of Bremerton as of September l, 1946, in excess of ~8~000 in- habitants. ~- ...... Sayor commented that the matter had been discussed with him, and that by the population being set in excess of 35,000 that the Judges would receive'higher salaries, and that Juage Cart felt by t~e Commissioners os' Bremerton presenting a resolution to the County Commissioners they would be more inclined to establish that census figure. Motion by Mr. aean and Mrs. Haddon to refer to the City Attorney, carried. Clerk read letter from Bremerton Chamber os Commerce date~ September 6, 1946, addressed to the City Clerk, in regard to the influx of peddlers since the close of th war, and suggesting that there will un~ouotedly be more pedulers invading the city as time goes on. Suggested peddlers and persons taking oreers for merchandise be require. to furnish t~e city a oond in sufficient amount to guarantee their trustworthiness. Signed by Norman J. Box, Manager. City Attorney reported thau th~ AssisDant City Attorney had written to the As- sociation of ~ashington Cities for an opinion on the bonding of peddlers, and that ac- cording to state law it would nod be possible to do this as veterans are exempt from paying any fee in connection with a license, so long as they are residents oI' the state, and all Dnat is necessary is for a veteran to show his honorable discharge in order to procure a licenme. Motion oy Mr. ~ean an~ Mr. Gorst to fei'er the matter to the City Attorney to explain to the Chamber of Commerce, carrie~. Letter was read by Cler~ addressed to Mr. Gorst, dates September 10, 1946, re- questing leave of aos~nce for a period of 22 days during the month of OctoOer, signed by Fred Whirred. Mr. Gorst commented that ~e did not believe Mr. Whirred had leave coming, out that Mr. ~hitted ~as an estate to settle in Santa Fe, an~ ne could do it in 22 days, rather than ta~lng a week at a time at Gifferent periods. MoDion oy Mr. Gorst and Mr. Kean ~o approve the requesD abm refer to the Civil Service Examiner rot approval, carried. Clerk read letter from Puget Soun~ Navigation Company, dated Septemoer 5, 19~6, addressee to Mayor, relative to new terminal for all forms of transportation serving Bremerton which had been diecussed with the Mayor. The matter was studied carefully and discussed with their executives. Have decided benefits would not be obtained by changes suggested for the following reasons. (1) Square foot area is approximately 3240 square feet less than is now available for ferry traffic. (2) Consolidation of transportation in the new terminal would reduce square foot area available for ferry traffic, creating a worse condition than has ever been experienced. (3) Present faci- lity is adequate to handle i'oreseeable future traffic. (4) Tidal conditions at pro- ~osed location are worse than at present one. (5) Caunot favor program involving expenditure of their funds, City's funds or any other funds which would offer no ad- vantages over existing facilities. In view of above the Board of Directors have de- cided to continue to occupy present facilities in Bremerton. Signed Alex N. Peabody, President. Mayor remarked that he had been hoping that some kind of a solution could be worked out on the waterfront and had discussed with Mr. Peabody, but apparently the plan had not worked out. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst to note contents and file, carried. Mayor reported that he and the City Engineer had been to see Manson Construc- tion Company in regard to the improvements on First Street Dock, and they were going to get the C.P.A. clearance so that the work could be done. Letter dated September ll, 1946, addressed to Mayor and City Council was read by Clerk, in regard to sewage treatment, recommending the'selection of an engineer to expedite the matter of sewage treatment. Engineer also recommended that Mr. Durkee of Federal Works Agency be contacted in reference to obtaining $40,000.00 for engineering assistance on project. Time for application of funds from the development board is limited and every effort should be made to get the completed plans for the project. 547 Mr. Gorst commented he and the City Engineer would try and get over to see Mr. Durkee in regard to the matter. The money seems available but the City has received no definite information. The City Engineer wants to Just appoint an engineer, and not advertise for one and thin~s it will be O.K. to do that. Some discussion occured on the engineering survey, and it was again repeated that if the work is not done, the city will not have to reimburse the government for the funds obtained. It was ex- plained a preliminary survey is necessary in order to find out how Bremerton is to handle the City's outfalls, as the Navy Yard is only surveying it,s own sewer outfalls The Treasurer enquired how soon something definite woulG be known, so that necessary funds could be included in this year's budget, and Mr. Gorst commented they would probably have something ready next week. Motion by Mr. Gorst and Mr. Kean to refer to City Engineer and Commissioner of Public Works and Utilities, carried. Clerk reported it was time to open bids on repainting of Water Department Shop at l?th Street and Warren Avenue. Motion by Mr. Gorst and Mr. Keen to open the bids, carried. Bids were read by Clerk as follows: Whitney & Harrison, 805 Naval Avenue, Check No. 763, Bid $923.00, Start 10 days after award and complete in 30 days. Thomas Sign & Paint Company, Route 2 Box 890-A; Bid $909.~0, Start work in ~ days and complete in 20 days (weather permitting). Motion by Mr. Gorst and Mrs. Haddon to refer to City Clerk and Purchasing Agenl and the Water Superintendent, carried. Clerk read letter from Federal Works Agency, dated September 10, 1~46, ad- dressed to Mayor, regarding Project No. 48-~01 F, Fire Fighting Facilities, referring to letter of July 25 and to conference Mr. Tomlinson had with ~ayor on July 24 regard- ing disposition of Capitol Hill and Manette Fire Stations. Letter stated it had been explained that inasmuch as the war need for which these facilities were constructed, no longer exists the facilities must be sold as soon as possible, and first preference is extended to the city, some action is expected, either to make a~bonafide offer or advise them that the City is not interested. Indication had been made that the City would be interested in purchasing and the matter was to be brought up at the meeting on July ~l. Federal Works Agency is willing and anxious to assist the city if it de- sires to acquire the properties. Prompt attention will be appreciated. Signed Fred T. Evans, acting for L.R.~Durkee. Letter was also read by Clerk from Federal Works Agency, dated September 9, addressed to attention of Mayor, in regard to Project No. 45-267 F, Fire Fighting Facilities, in which reference was made to conference with Mr. Tomlinson on July 24, 1946, regarding disposition of Sheridan Park and Westpark Fire Stations, and mobile equipment provided under the projects. The understanding at the time was that there was some question as to the City's need for the Dodge fire trucks, and the Sheridan Park Station but it appeared possible the City would need them and would make an offer to purchase the West Park Station. They expected the matter to be discussed at next regular meeting of Council, and that they would be advised of the result. To date no definite work has been received as to decision, and they would appreciate some informa- tion as soon as possible as to what action is to be taken or when consideration can be given to the matter. Signed L.R.Durkee, Division Engineer. Discussion ensued on purchase of the fire stations, and council agreed the Cit~ should purchase Manette and Capitol Hill Stations~ also that it would be advantageous to have Westpark Station, but there would not be a great deal of advantage in purchas- ing Sheridan Park, as city did not know what the government planned to do about Sheri- dan Park and View Ridge Housing. An offer would have to be made on the stations or they would be put up for bids. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mrs. Hadd~n that the City Attorney be requested to pre- pare a resolution offering 25% of cost for the Capitol Hill, Westpark and Manette Stations ant 10% for the Sheridan Park Station, carried. Letter was read by Clerk addressed to Mayor, dated September 7, 1946, from Tracyton Improvement Club, requesting City to put a blockade across the entrance road at the Old City Dump and if possible cover garbage that is there. P.S.Commissioners of Tracyton Water District have suggested they build a gate across the entrance to the road Bremerton gave the Water District and extend a short barbed wire fence to block the entrance if such a suggestion meets with City's approval. Requested that Bremer- ton cover up present garbage if possible. Signed E.E. Riddell, Secretary. Council agreed that the dump should be fenced off so that garbage could not be dumped there. Motion by Mr. Gorst and Mr. Kean to refer to City Engineer and Sanitation De- partment, carried. Clerk read letter addressed to Mayor, dated September 9, 1946, from Bremerton Public Schools, requesting use of Roosevelt Field for the 1946 Football Season, Re- ported in the past years they have paid 10% of net gross and would like the same agree- ment this year. Portion of grass infield will be part of football field and in event of damage being done to this portion of the field the Associated Student Body will re- imburse the City for repair work necessary at the end of the season for work necessary because of high school football games. Signed L.R.Ramm, Athletic Director. Request approved by Frank Plouf, Recreation Director. Mayor commented that the Field was only to be used for games, and not for prac- tice. Attorney suggested that the City repair the field at the end of the season and present the bill to the School, so that it would be repaired in the proper fashion. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mrs. Haddon that the offer of the Bremerton High School ~ssociated Student Body for the rental of Roosevelt Field for 1946 Football Season be 548 Mr. B. Amon appeared before the council to request the rezoning of property on North Wycoff, and was referred to Nr. Fulmer o~ the Planning and Zoning Con~nission for recommendation to the City Council. Clerk presented petitions from Firemen entitled "An Initiative Neasure, Peti- tion for proposed Initiative Ordinance No. increasing the salaries of the several officers and employees of the Fire Departmen-~--of the City of Bremerton and repealing Ordinances No. 800 and 801 and all other ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflicl therewith, also letter certifying the sufficiency of signatures affixed to the peti- tions. Letter stated the petition contained ~,2~9 valid signatures which have been checked against current registration files, and that there were only 88~ signatures re- quired as only 28% of last preceding vote cast for all candidates for Nayor at election were required. Petition from Firemen entitled "An Initiative Neasure petition for proposed ini- tiative Ordinance No. , providing for and fixing the number of hours per week to be worked by the Firemen of the Fire Department of the City of Bremerton; fixing schedules therefor and providing for vacations and sick leave:" Also letter same as above only petition contained ~,091 valid signatures. Clerk commented Council could reject the petitions or not take action for thirt days on them and. then they would go to the voters. City A~torney read proposed ordinance on first petition entitled as follows: AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR INCREASE IN THE SALARIES OF THE SEVERAL OFFICERS AND ENPLOYEES OF THE FIRE DEPARTNENT OF THE CITY OF BRE~ERTON AND REPEALING ORDINANCES NO. 800, 801 AND ALL OTHER ORDINANCES AND PARTS OF ORDINANCES CONFLICTING HEREWITH. Notion by Mr. Kean an~ Nfs. Haddon that the proposed ordinance be rejected, carried as follows: Mr. Kean, yes; Mrs. Haddon, yes; Nr. Gorst, yes. Proposed Ordinance on Initiative Measure entitled as follows was read by City AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR ~HE FIXING OF THE NUNBER OF HOURS PER WEEK TO BE WORKED BY THE FIRENEN OF THE CITY OF BREMERTON; FIXING WORKING SCHEDULES THEREFOR AED PROVIDING FOR VACATIONS AND SICK LEAVE. Notion by Mr. Kean and Nrs. Haddon to reject the proposed ordinance, carried as follows: Mr. Kean, yes; Mrs. Haddon, yes; Mr. Gorst, yes. Establishing of the original initiative which established wages and hours of both policemen and firemen was cLiscussed at some length, also the fact that now the policemen wished to be under the control of the City Council. council had instructed the Attorney's office to prepare an ordinance taking the policemen out and leaving the firemen under the original ordinance, but that w~s impossible, and it wou~d be neces- sary to repeal the entire ordinance, so that the firemen and policemen can be separate~ Attorney's Office suggested an ordinance be prepared repealing the old ordinance to get it off the books. Notion by Nr. Kean and Mr. Gorst to instruct the City Attorney's office to pre- pare an ordinance for submission to the voters to repeal the existing ordinance fixing pay of firemen and policemen, carried. Clerk read letter addressed to ~ayor and City Council, dated August re: Preliminary estimate of cost of Capitol Hill Sewer District, submitting estimate of cost of Capitol Hill Sewer District and other information relating to it. Entire area in project is in city limits. City's part in financing will be $~9,000.00 cash on hand for the project, and fEO,O00.O0 will be raised by L.I.D. assessments. Request is being presented to State Development Board for the other half, which makes a total cost of $118,000.00. Enclosed two maps of proposed district showing B' contours, ap- proximate location of structures to be served, location of proposed sewer lines, givin~ sizes and grade elevations. Preliminary plans are complete, an~ enclosed ~ copies showing plan and profile. Point of connection with existing sewer is shown on Plan Sheet No. 1. Breakdown of materials and estimate of costs were listed. Proposed sewe~ project will provide gravity storm water and sanitary sewer outlets for Roosevelt Hospital and homes and trailer camps as follows: Private Trailer camp, known as West Trailer Camp is in limits of project with a population of 200 persons. Number of private dwelling units within the district is 180. Approximate mileage of streets is as follows; Improved and paved with either oil top or asphalt, ~.0~ miles; Graded and improved: .~0 miles; Unimproved O.l~ miles. Signed by E.S.Sev~rance, City Engineer. Notion by Nr. Gorst and Br. Kean that the recommendation be ~pproved and that the City Engineer be given authority to submit to the Washington State Development, Board, carried. City Attorney reported that his office had received a letter from Western Gas Company in reply to a letter written to them on September 9, stating that they would make a payment of $1,000.00 on September 18 to apply on the 19~B franchise, and the balance would be paid before December lB, 1B~8. In regard to the insurance policy, the fBO,O00.O0 policy had been c ancelied as it was inadequate, but they agreed to chec~ with Mr. Lund who is in Spokane, and notify the result as soon as a reply is received. The letter was signed by L.A.Campbell, Manager. Attorney suggested that if the payment is not received by September lB, 19~8, suit could be brought. City Attorney agreed to write a letter ~$atlng the city's stand, and as far as the policy is concerned state it must be filed at once as the City does not want any further delay. 549 Attorney reported that a letter had been received from Nona Cox, Special Attorne in the Lands Division in regard to work that was to be done on soil erosion near the water shed and that unsettled cases were to be attended to on October 1, 1946. At- torney recommended that the City accept the of I~er of $16,000.00 that has been made, and not the one recommended by Lt. Gordon of the Navy, who suggested $15,000.00 be accepted and some work to be done by the Navy, which he thought would amount to about $4,000.00 worth, but now it seems 'the Navy will not get to the work, so that the settlement of $16,000.00 should be accepted. Attorney commented he would Just go with the arrangements, as had been instructed by the Council. Attorney reported on proposed ordinance on cleaning up vacant lots. The matter had been discussed with the Fire Chief, and he had stated he did not have the crew available to clean up the lots, nor did he have the authority to charge the cost back to the property owners. Attorney remarked if such an ordinance were drawn up it would very probably not be a valid ordinance in case anyone wished to protest. However, attorney'S office could prepare an ordinance declaring it the duty of property owners to clean up vacant lots if so notified by Fire Chief, and if the lot is not then cleaned up, the owner could be arrested. No action was taken. It was reported by the City Attorney that a meeting had been arranged with Dr. Spielholz and Mrs. Smith on Friday at 10:00 a.m. in regard to health examinations of persons handling food. Attorney also reported that his office will defend the action brought by Thelma Mitchell against the city, for $5,000.00, for being wrongfully arrested on charge of possessing an infectious diseased dog, and the case was reviewed. Mayor enquired about the Wafflechip matter, and City Treasurer reported that they had been unable to make an inventory of the equipment as they could not get in and it was under the sheriff,s Jurisdiction. City Attorney remarked City could bring action to attachethe equipment and then the Sheriff would have to allow entrance. Mayor commented that if the Wafflechip was going to operate so that the City would get its money that woul~ be O.K., but if not they should be put out so that the pro- perty could be rented to someone else. Mayor reported that a cooperative agreement was to be worked out between the City and Navy Yard Fire Departments, which Fire Chief Yett had discussed and wanted to know whether or not it would be in order. Mayor wanted authority for the Mayor and City Clerk to sign such an agreement so that the Navy Yard would have something on file showing agreement for cooperation between the fire departments. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst to authorize the Mayor and Fire Chief to work out the details of the agreement and authority to sign the cooperative agreement, carried. The matter of the Administration Building at Duration Dormitories, which fronts on Chester Street, had been discussed by the Mayor an~ Mr. Searle, and Mr. Searle had suggested that the building be purchased by the City as it was on City property, however the cost would be merely a token payment, and the recommendation will come from the Housing Authority. Mayor suggested that the City Attorney write the Housing Authority making the request for the Federal Building, which is needed in connection with the recreation program. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mrs. Haddon to allow all bills presented at this meeting, if approved by a majority of the council, carried. Motion by Mr. Kean and Mr. Gorst to adjourn, carried. / city Olerk