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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/01/2007 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES ~ AU& - 8 'Z007 DIGITAL RECORDING VVednesday, August 1, 2007 The weekly meeting of the City Council of the City of Bremerton was called to order in the City Council Chambers, of the NORM DICKS GOVERNMENT CENTER 345 6th Street, Bremerton, VVashington, VVednesday, August 1,2007, at 5:30 PM, with Council Vice-President Brad Gehring presiding. Council members present were Nick VVofford, Carol Arends, Mike Shepherd, Adam Brockus, and Cecil McConnell. Council Members VVill Maupin, VVendy Priest, and Dianne Robinson were absent. Also present were City Attorney Roger Lubovich; Deputy City Clerk Cherie Henry; and Legislative Assistant Lori Smith. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Cecil McConnell followed by the invocation provided by Reverend Ron Anderson of Manette Community Church. Vice-President Gehrina announced that a Pre-Council Session to discuss General Council Business was held prior to the meeting. MAYOR'S REPORT Mavor Bozeman introduced Bill Chapman of the Recreation & Conservation Funding Board (formerly lAC) and Heather Ramsev, with the National Park Service and Land & VVater Conservation Fund Grant Program, who explained that they were here not only to celebrate the NO.1 ranking given to the City of Bremerton's Boardwalk and Blueberry Park Projects, but also to present a ceremonial check in the amount $2,201,510 for placing first state-wide in the Trail Development and Land & VVater Conservation Grant categories. Vice-President Gehrina thanked all City of Bremerton staff members involved for their efforts in seeking this grant funding and for finding ways to improve Bremerton's parks. Andrea Spencer, Director of Community Development was introduced to present the Mayor's Employee of the Month Award for the Month of July to Nicole Ward, Planner. PUBLIC RECOGNITION & ANNOUNCEMENTS Adam Brockus announced a "Block Party & Yard Sale" at East 1 th Street on August 11; the "Back 2 School Bash" in the parking lot of the New Life Assembly of Bremerton located at 1305 lronsides Avenue in Bremerton on Saturday, August 25 from 11 :00 AM to 3:00 PM; and the "Manette Fest" on Saturday, September 8 beginning with a 5-K run at 9:30 AM. Nick Wofford reminded citizens about the First Friday Art VValk activities and the Concert on the Boardwalk with the salsa/jazz band "Trombanga" playing from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. He also urged citizens to vote in the Primary Election on August 21. Lori Oberlander, Executive Director with Habitat for Humanity was pleased to announce that one of their homes [New Hope] will be listed in the "2007 Parade of Homes" this weekend, August 4 & 5; and also encouraged citizens to volunteer, noting that information can be found at www.kitsaphabitat.orq. Mike Walton, YMCA Marketing Director, presented an update on the current activities of the Kitsap Family YMCA, particularly noting "Community Day" and Open House at the Kitsap Family YMCA this Saturday, August 4 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Jane Rebelowski spoke in support of local neighborhood parks. CONSENT AGENDA A. Check Numbers 318409 through 318641; and EFT-7273 through EFT-7279 in the amount of $530,198.44 for the period ending July 31, 2007; and Retiree Payroll in the amount of $79,446.47 for the period ending July 31, 2007(#AB07 -184) City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes VVednesday, August 1, 2007 Page 2 of 5 B. Minutes of Meeting - July 18, 2007 (#AB07-185) C. Minutes of Meeting - July 25,2007 (#AB07-186) D. Appointment of Greg VVheeler to the Planning Commission (#AB07-187) E. Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement with TIFERET, LLC for the sale of two City-owned parcels located on Sheldon Boulevard (#AB07 -188) GreQ Wheeler thanked the Mayor and the Council for this opportunity to serve on the Planning Commission; and stated he was looking forward to the hard work he has ahead of him. 06:00:46 M/S/C/U (Arends/Brockus) Move to approve the CONSENT AGENDA as presented. PUBLIC HEARING 6A - ORDINANCE NO. 5020 AMENDING SECTION 17.60 OF THE BREMERTON MUNICIPAL CODE (BMC) TITLED "FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT" (#AB07-189): Nicole Ward, Department of Community Development, explained that the action before the City Council is to conduct a public hearing and adopt Ordinance No. 5020 amending BMC Section 17.60 "Floodplain Management" making it compliant with the requirements set by Federal Emergency Management Agency and the State Department of Ecology. The proposed amendments have been reviewed by the Floodplain Management Specialist at the Department of Ecology and if adopted will bring the City of Bremerton into compliance with the State regulations. It was further pointed out that the addition of the three words "in the floodplain"was added to the first sentence of Sub-Section 17.60.325 on page 5. Helen Miller asked if City of Bremerton employees have the authority to determine if a property is within a floodplain because she was aware of a situation where a neighbor was subjected to what was viewed as an arbitrary decision by a Public VVorks employee. Mr. Shepherd suggested that this might have been an isolated incident, and offered to contact the Community Development Department to look into the issue further, and perhaps coordinate a meeting with the property owners and City staff if necessary. 06:11 :00 M/S/C/U (Brockus/VVofford) Move to pass Ordinance No. 5020 to amend BMC Section 17.60 "Floodplain Management", as amended. GENERAL BUSINESS 7 A - RESOLUTION NO. 3032. AUTHORIZING THE PLACEMENT OF THE QUESTION ON THE NOVEMBER 6. 2007 BALLOT REGARDING AN INCREASE IN THE CITY'S REGULAR PROPERTY TAX LEVY TO FUND SPECIFIED CITY PROGRAMS ("NEIGHBORHOODS NOW! REVITALlZA TlON INITlA TIVE") (#AB07-190): Mavor Bozeman reminded the Council that he was not asking the Council to approve a tax increase for our citizens, but was instead asking the Council to approve the placement of this Initiative on the ballot to let the citizens decide. He then provided a Power Point presentation to provide details on why this Initiative was needed, and if approved, what it would provide to improve a deteriorating street system and improve maintenance to "old and decaying" neighborhood parks. Laura Lvon, Financial Services Director, also provided a Power Point presentation to show the financial aspect of the plan and to explain that the next phase of revitalization for the City extends the renewal out to City neighborhoods. This next six-year plan requires additional funds to adequately provide for the operations and maintenance of the City's existing and future park and recreation facilities, provide additional code enforcement efforts in City neighborhoods, improve and construct sidewalks, and renovate, improve, and develop identified neighborhood parks. In order to provide funding for these proposed programs and activities - a proposition is recommended to be taken to the voters of the City of Bremerton in the upcoming general election on City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes VVednesday, August 1, 2007 Page 3 of 5 November 6, 2007 - requesting approval a temporary (6-year) regular property tax levy rate lift to $2.12 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation for collection in 2008 and increase the levy each year thereafter as allowed by RCVV 84.55 for each of the five succeeding years. This levy rate is estimated to be $0.1889 per thousand dollars of assessed value higher than would otherwise be imposed under the limitations established by RCVV 84.55.010. RCVV 84.55.050 authorizes the voters of a city to permit the levy of taxes in excess of the levy limitations established in RCVV 84.55.010. The Kitsap County Auditor requires a resolution approved by the City Council authorizing the placement of the question on the November 6, 2007 general election to be submitted no later than August 14, 2007. This resolution authorizes the placement of the question on the ballot and adopts a plan for use of the funds if the levy lift should be approved by the voters. Wyn Birkenthal, Parks & Recreation Director continued the presentation to address how the plan would assist in providing Park Operations and Maintenance Improvements. Andrea Spencer, Community Development Director discussed the Community Improvement Program component of this plan that would emphasize a proactive rather than enforcement approach. Ms. Lyon, speaking on behalf of Phil VVilliams, Director of Public VVorks, addressed the inclusion of a plan to create new neighborhood sidewalks if this Initiative is approved. Mr. Lubovich highlighted the amendments that were recently made to the Resolution, and pointed out that copies of the amended resolution were available in the back of the room. Vice-President Gehrina established that the question before the Council was whether or not this issue should be placed on the ballot, and then opened the public hearing to comments... William North, a member of the Parks Commission, stated that at their last meeting, the Commission resolved to favorably support the placement of this levy plan on the ballot. Jennifer Balliet with the Manette Neighborhood Coalition first asked if the area at 1 yth & lronsides would be eliminated from the plan if it was found to not be structurally sound; and pointed out that there was a large grassroots effort in support of keeping this property a park. A number of attendees in the audience stood up in agreement. Ms. Lyon explained that a structural review has not yet been done therefore language was added to protect the City if structural damage was ultimately found. Dave HedQer encouraged the Council to place this issue on the ballot to see if "Bremerton" is interested in investing in Bremerton. Sylvia Klatman, Executive Director of the Bremerton Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) established that the BACC Board of Directors has voted to endorse this proposal and encourage the Council to place this levy on the ballot to provide citizens an opportunity to show their support. Rov Runvon stated that he liked the plan, agreed that the proposed projects were important, and complimented Mayor Bozeman on the presentation, however he reminded the Council that there are currently other priorities in the City, specifically the deteriorating City streets. He regrets that a Levy Lid Lift to improve City Streets was not brought forward. Paul Drnievic was not interested in having his taxes increased, but agreed that a sign of a "good City" is its parks. He also believed this Initiative would help keep children better occupied and therefore asked that the Council place this item on the ballot. Arnie Hobbs admitted that he had a few concerns about some details, primarily funding beyond the 6-year time-frame, but he is in favor of placing this item on the ballot to generate dialogue. City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes VVednesday,August 1, 2007 Page 4 of 5 John Strauss could see no harm in placing this item on the ballot so voters could decide. Colleen Smidt, PTA President at Naval Avenue Elementary, stressed the importance for children to have a safe, well maintained place to play,and therefore asked that this issue be placed on the ballot. Patricia Eder spoke of the 36-year history and importance of the property at 1 yth & lronsides remaining as a park for the neighborhood, and appreciated that the property was included in the plan. Gene Hart stated that the citizens want a chance to vote, but feels the City "went the wrong way" and chose the wrong issue. Vice-President Gehrina thanked everyone for their comments; then closed the hearing to the public; and opened the hearing for comments from the Council... 07:03:25 M (Brockus/Wofford) Main Motion, as amended was made by Brockus and seconded by Wofford as discussion by the Council continued. . . Mr. Shepherd provided his observations and comments; adding that he has encouraged the Administration for about 6-years to "evaluate park-use and costs" to reduce some wasted park resources and has been assured that this has now happened. Mrs. Arends expressed her concern about some details that were not provided when this issue was first presented to the Council and also is concerned that any information that is give to the public is accurate. She asked a question specifically about the use of utility-owned land, and if used [for the proposed project at Anderson Cove], would the Parks Department have to reimburse Public VVorks. Mr. Birkenthal clarified that no utility land is involved in the plans at Anderson Cove; and also addressed funding and prioritization issues. Mr. McConnell was disappointed that Phase I did not include plans for a park in District 2, but proposed a site on the west side of the City's VVater Department on Olympus Drive. Mayor Bozeman hoped that citizens would look at the whole City, but also hoped that once the current parks were maintained to an improved level that the City could look around at adding more parks where they are lacking. Mr. Wofford was concerned that citizens were still confused about the details of the levy, and asked for further information about how assessed amounts are determined. Ms. Lyon responded that the assessed value process is done by the County Assessors Office on a 6-year cycle, and offered further explanation on how the calculations are used for assessing property tax increases. She admitted that property tax laws in VVashington are very complicated but described how the complex levy system worked. Mr. Brockus asked and received input to his questions regarding the length of time to get a structural report of the reservoir at 1 yth & Ironsides [the consultant was directed to begin the process as soon as possible]; possible expansion of the flower basket program [not included in the levy]; and would the levy focus more on fixing or adding sidewalks [both]. Mayor Bozeman added that due to the interest in this particular piece of property [1 yth & lronsides], the Administration has made a decision to not recommend this property be used for anything but park usage, and if a structural problem is determined, they would just figure out a way to solve it. Vice-President Gehrina recessed the Council Meeting at 7:28 PM and reconvened at 7:38 PM... Mrs. Arends proposed an amendment to supersede the pending Main Motion proposed earlier to continue the discussion and postpone action on this issue until the Council Meeting next week... City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes VVednesday,August 1, 2007 Page 5 of 5 07:40:20 M/S/C/U (Arends/Shepherd) Move to postpone the action on Resolution No. 3032 to the next Council Meeting on VVednesday, August 8,2007. Voted in favor of Motion: Shepherd, Arends, VVofford, McConnell, Gehring Voted opposed to Motion: Brockus Motion carried: 5-Yes; 1-No COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS Cecil McConnell announced that tomorrow he would be taking his wife out to a restaurant of her choice in celebration of their 5th wedding anniversary today...! Adam Brockus referring to the earlier discussion, it was noted that 9 spoke in favor; and 2 spoke against [the proposed "Neighborhoods Now!" initiative]. Mike Shepherd was pleased that he had such a good turnout for his District 5 Picnic held last Saturday; and thanked fellow Council Member Cecil McConnell for grilling the hamburgers and hotdogs. He also provided comments on the grant received by the City earlier in the evening. Carol Arends acknowledged the many accolades received by the City lately, and expressed her appreciation to all of the City employees for their efforts. She also reminded the citizens to attend the First Friday Art VValk activities this week. Nick Wofford reported that he joined several Bremerton Port Commissioners on a tour of the breakwater construction site in Everett earlier today; and reminded citizens to volunteer and to vote! Brad Gehrina congratulated Cecil & Mae McConnell for 5th year of wedded bliss; and also thanked Mr. VVheeler for accepting his appointment to the Planning Commission. Lastly, he reminded citizens to participate in some of the many activities going on all over town. VVith no further business, Vice-President Gehrina adjourned the Council Meeting at 7:50 PM. LORI SMITH Legislative Assistant Attest: CA-'-A1~)~~ L~ PAULA JOHNSTO , City Clerk VVM:PJ:ls:cg