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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/16/2008 DIGITAL RECORDING CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES RB <<>> ~ 2008 Wednesday, January 16, 2008 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, Washington, Wednesday, January 16, 2008, at 5:30 PM, with Council President Will Maupin presiding. Council members present were Nick Wofford, Carol Arends, Dianne Robinson, Mike Shepherd, Roy Runyon, Adam Brockus, Cecil McConnell, and Brad Gehring. 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 Brad GehrinQ followed by the invocation provided by Pastor G.T. Johnson, former missionary for the United Methodist Church. President Maupin announced that prior to the meeting, a Pre-Council Session was held to discuss General Council Business, and included a 15-minute Executive Session to discuss "Potential Litigation" with action expected tonight. It was further announced that no Council Meeting would be held the 5th Wednesday this month on January 30,2008. MAYOR'S REPORT - There was no MA YOR'S REPORT tonight... PUBLIC RECOGNITION & ANNOUNCEMENTS Adam Brockus explained that no District 3 Meeting would be held on January 29 as previously announced due to a Town Meeting scheduled in the Meeting Chambers on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 with Phil Williams, Director of Public Works & Utilities providing a presentation on "Funding Options for Street Paving Projects" with a meeting-time to be determined. Nick Wofford announced that representatives from the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) based in Seattle would be in Bremerton tonight until 7:00 PM at the Sylvan Way Library to host a scoping meeting to provide citizens an opportunity to view updates to the "Destination 2030" plan. Susan Brown congratulated the Council Members who won their elections, and welcomed new Council Member Runyon; and appreciated the Bremerton Police and Fire Department and their professionalism. Mike Shepherd encouraged the public to attend the 14th Annual Event to honor Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, January 21, 2008 beginning at 10:00 AM in the President's Hall of the Kitsap Pavilion. CONSENT AGENDA A. Check Numbers 321879 through 322172; and EFT-7594 through EFT-7611 in the amount of $1,898,995.49 (#AB08-003) B. Minutes of Meeting - December 19, 2007 (#AB008-004) C. Minutes of Meeting - January 2,2008 (#AB08-005) D. Minutes of Meeting - January 9, 2008 (#AB08-006) E. TAB NW Contract for Storage Cabinets; and amendment to 2008 Annual Budget to carry forward an item from the 2007 Budget (#AB08-007) F. Professional Service Agreement with RH2 ENGINEERING, INC. for Reservoir Seismic Upgrade Design (#AB08-008) G. Agreement with ASURIS for Prescription Drug Coverage for LEOFF 1 Retirees (#AB08-009) H. Amendment to Contract with the KITSAP HUMANE SOCIETY (#AB08-01 0) City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes Wednesday, January 16, 2008 Page 2 of 4 I. Authorize the City Attorney to pursue a lawsuit against BURLEY CONSTRUCTION, INC. relating to the Makayla Heights Development (#AB08-012) 05:39:35 M/S/C/U (McConnelllWofford) Move to approve the CONSENT AGENDA as presented. GENERAL BUSINESS 6A - ORDINANCE NO. 5039. REPEALING AND REPLACING CHAPTER 9.92 OF THE BREMERTON MUNICIPAL CODE ENTITLED "CHRONIC NUISANCE PROPERTIES" (#AB08- 011): Police Chief ROQers explained that the proposed ordinance repeals Chapter 9.92 of the Bremerton Municipal Code entitled "Criminal Activity Nuisance" and enacts a new Chapter 9.92, entitled "Chronic Nuisance Properties". The new ordinance provides a new process for enforcement and abatement of certain nuisance properties that repeatedly occur or exist at chronic nuisance properties. Andy Oakley, Community Resource Officer, provided a POWER POINT presentation to provide further details on this proposed ordinance. Warren Cosby was concerned that some citizens sometimes can not afford to improve their properties. Judy McDonald read a statement in favor of this proposed ordinance. Diana Tennis expressed her long history of concerns with the problems caused by several businesses in the area of the Perry Avenue Mall and was therefore completely in favor of this ordinance. John Hennessey, Seattle Archdiocesan Housing Authority, agreed that the current ordinance in place is not effective, but felt that more consideration should be given to this new proposal to keep the City out of litigation. Cindy Meade was opposed to this proposed ordinance because she felt it was too vague, and did not address all the problems. Denise Solade, Manager of Max Hale Center, asked that the City review the suggested amendments provided by their attorneys which would protect property owners who already have a process in place. Jim Weber with PROA; read 3 minutes of a 7 minute statement. Flo Beaumon, Seattle Archdiocesan Housing Authority, agreed that the law was too vague and urged changes that would make the ordinance more enforceable. Connie Christman, President of PROA, continued to read the rest of the statement begun by Mr. Webber. W.S. Fawcett was upset about the problems caused in her neighborhood which also lower property values, and hoped this ordinance would provide some relief. Jim McDonald provided comments in favor of this ordinance as a landlord, and believes it will provide hope for neighborhoods. Marsha Baker expressed how grateful she was for the Police Department; believed strongly that the City needs this ordinance but that there are parts of the ordinance that need clarification; and emphasized that landlords are not responsible for individuals' behavior. Sister Pat Millen, Catholic Community Services, was deeply concerned that the ordinance would be used as a tool used to block the homeless from getting homes; and encouraged Council to consider the implications and consequences if the ordinance were passed. City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes Wednesday, January 16, 2008 Page 3 of 4 John Wells, President of Olympic Rental Properties, was not necessarily worried about anything in the proposed ordinance; and encouraged people to pursue some form of financial assistance for low income, seniors, and mentally ill to help maintain properties. Dana Schaible believed the City is making him, as a property owner, financially responsible for his tenants and believed if a tenant is breaking the law, the tenant should be held accountable; he added that there are inconsistencies in how evictions may proceed at the City and County levels which cause further delays in the process; and would support a law if it would assist him as a landlord in removing lawbreaking tenants. . Susan Brown served on several abatement boards so she could understand the need for this type of ordinance, but had concerns with some of the current language being confusing or unnecessary. Kurt Weist, Executive Director of the Bremerton Housing Authority, expressed his support for this ordinance. Maria Troupe was frustrated that landlords are not more careful when renting out their properties. Alex Munro was in favor of the City having this type of ordinance, but thinks this ordinance in its current form is too broad. Public Comment was closed. 6:38:27 the Main Motion as amended was made as discussion continued... Ken BaQwell, Assistant City Attorney, provided clarification and further details to address several of the previous public comments, as well as a few questions asked by the Council. He pointed out a few additional changes that were made to language in the ordinance in just the last few days; and further explained that the main purpose for this ordinance was to trigger communication with the City. In response to several additional concerns expressed by the Council, Mr. BaQwell provided assurance that further corrections, changes, and amendments can always be implemented later to the ordinance if deemed necessary. Several Council members provided comments in support of the ordinance, believing that it will be an excellent tool to establish communications and provide options. Thanks were provided to the citizens for their comments, and specifically to Ms. So/ade and Ms. McDonald for spearheading this effort.. . Mr. Oaklev provided further information about the voluntary "Landlord Notification Program" that will soon be implemented to provide an early opportunity for landlords to find out about incidents with their tenants; and their intention to work together with members of PROA to further improve the notification process. 07:08:00 M/S/C/U (Brockus/Shepherd) Move to pass Ordinance No. 5039 repealing and replacing Bremerton Municipal Code Chapter 9.92 relating to chronic nuisance properties, as amended. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS Nick Wofford announced the combined District 8 & 9 District Meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 19 at the Public Works & Utilities Facility located on Oyster Bay Avenue beginning at 6:00 PM with Phil Williams, Director of Public Works & Utilities providing a presentation on "Funding Options for Street Paving Projects". City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes Wednesday, January 16, 2008 Page 4 of 4 Mike Shepherd announced the Town Meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 30 beginning at 5:30 PM in the Meeting Chambers. This meeting will include a discussion on "Streets" and will be hosted by several Council Members. Roy Runyon described a chronic situation on Gregory Way and thanked Community Resource Office Andy Oakley for working with him to solve this problem; and hoped to see people at the January 30 Town Meeting. Adam Brockus emphasized that there would be no District 3 Meeting in January, but residents may attend the Town Meeting on January 30; and encouraged citizens to lobby the Legislature to consider funding for higher education in Bremerton. Brad GehrinQ believes this community is not served by higher education and that Bremerton needs a 4-year school. Will Maupin explained that several Council Members will be going to the Legislative Session on January 30 and he hoped that funding for ferries and four-year schools would be considered. With no further business, President Maupin adjourned the Council Meeting at 7: 15 PM. p~ LORI SMITH Legislative Assistant Atte~ ~ ,) ~ ruz CAROL ET , City erk WM:CE:ls:cg