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Home My WebLink About11/19/2008 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES .ma ~ Oft 3 20(18 DIGITAL RECORDING Wednesday, November 19, 2008 The weekly meeting of the City Council of the City of Bremerton was called to order Wednesday, November 19, 2008, at 5:00 PM in Council Conference Room 603 of the NORM DICKS GOVERNMENT CENTER, 345 6th Street, Bremerton, Washington, with Council President Will Maupin presiding. Council Members present were Nick Wofford, Carol Arends, Dianne Robinson, Roy Runyon, Adam Brockus, Cecil McConnell, and Brad Gehring. Council Member Mike Shepherd was absent. Also present were Assistant City Attorney Ken Bagwell; City Clerk Carol Etgen; and Council Assistant Christine Grenier. A COUNCIL BRIEFING was held to discuss General Council Business; and also included a 10-Minute EXECUTIVE SESSION to discuss "Labor Negotiations" per RCW 42.30.140 (4)(b). At 5:30 PM the meeting moved to the City Council Chamber. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Brad GehrinQ followed by the invocation provided by Reverend Elizabeth Stevens of Kitsap Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. MAYOR'S REPORT - There was no Mayor's Report tonight... PUBLIC RECOGNITION & ANNOUNCEMENTS Brad GehrinQ encouraged people to visit the Lulu Haddon Neighborhood Center on Saturday, December 6 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm to have photos taken with Santa. This event is being hosted by businesses in the 15th & Wycoff neighborhood and non-perishable food donations are welcome. Adam Brockus invited the public to WinterFest on Friday, December 5 beginning at Whitey Domstad Vista where there will be a tree lighting event with holiday activities following in Manette. He also announced that the next District 3 Meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 2 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM with Council Member Nick Wofford as guest speaker who will be presenting some possible street projects funding options. Dianne Robinson urged support of the Bremerton High School Choir by attending the 3rd Annual Gala Benefit Dinner & Auction to be held on Saturday, November 22 from 5:30 to 9:30 PM at the Sons of Norway Viking Hall located at 1018 8th Street. CONSENT AGENDA A. Check Numbers 328291 through 328525; and EFT-8280 through EFT-8299 in the amount of $1,308,864.65; and Regular Payroll in the amount of $729,485.77 for the pay period ending November 15, 2008 (#AB08-244) B. Minutes of Meeting - November 5, 2008 (#AB08-245) C. Minutes of Budget Workshop - November.6, 2008 (#AB08-246) D. Minutes of Budget Workshop - November 10, 2008 (#AB08-247) E. Minutes of Council Meeting & Study Session - November 12, 2008 (#AB08-248) F. Acceptance of COPS Universal Hiring Program 2008 Grant Award (#AB08-249) G. Acceptance of 2008 Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant (AB08-250) H. Resolution No. 3074, temporarily extending Cable Television System Franchise with WAVE DIVISION HOLDINGS LLC (#AB08-251) I. Ordinance No. 5067, amending Bremerton Municipal Code Chapter 13.04.060 relating to "Discharging Firearms in City Parks" in order to comply with RCW 9.41.300 (#AB08-252) J. Approval of Letters of Engagement with MORRIS & TARADAY, P.C. and GORDONDERR for Legal Representation (#AB08-253) City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes Wednesday, November 19, 2008 Page 2 of 5 K. Contract Award to CONSTRUCT CO. for the Cambrian Avenue Sewer Replacement Project (#AB08-254 ) L. Ordinance No. 5068, approving the Voluntary Separation and Reduced Work Week Program (#AB08-255) M. Resolution No. 3071, approving East Park Phase I Final Plat Approval (#AB08-236) This item was postponed from the City Council Meeting held November 5, 2008 05:38:41 M/S/C/U (Runyon/Arends) Move to approve the CONSENT AGENDA as presented. GENERAL BUSINESS 6A - APPROVAL OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH CAMP DRESSER MCKEE TO PERFORM A BIOGAS VEHICLE FUEL STUDY (#AB08-256): Phil Williams, Public Works & Utilities Director, explained that the City operates two mesophilic anaerobic digesters as part of its biosolids handling system at the Westside Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), The digesters yield a steady flow of the high energy product, biogas. Under our current operating conditions, a portion of the biogas is captured and utilized as boiler fuel for plant and digester heating. The remaining biogas is flared with no beneficial end use. Mr. Williams added that they have recognized the value of biogas as a renewable energy source and therefore would like to initiate a Vehicle Fuel Study to evaluate the potential for converting biogas to a vehicle fuel. He then provided a PowerPoint@ presentation to demonstrate the technology behind the proposal. There were no comments from the public... Main Motion was made at 5:44:21 PM and discussion by Council Members continued... Brad GehrinQ asked if biogas is currently being used by the City. Mr. Williams responded that biogas is used to heat the digesters and Wastewater Treatment Plant building at this time. Roy Runyon asked if other wastewater utilities in Kitsap County are using or considering biogas as an option. Mr. Williams answered no jurisdictions in Kitsap County are currently using biogas but that one Water District as well as the County are considering its use. Cecil McConnell asked for an estimate on how much biogas will be produced; and what the cost to the City would be to convert vehicles. Mr. Williams answered that the estimate of how much biogas would be produced will be part of the study; and that $3,000 per vehicle is the estimate for converting a vehicle to use the biogas. Adam Brockus asked if other governments have used biogas. Mr. Williams stated there are other government agencies across the United States using biogas. Nick Wofford asked when the study would be completed; and if the change to biogas would impact any current contracts for fuel usage (i.e. Masco Petroleum). Mr. Williams answered that the study would be done after January 151; and currently fuel is purchased as needed and the shift to biogas would not affect the contract with Masco Petroleum. Will Maupin asked if the study would provide the cost per gallon of fuel. Mr. Williams answered yes. 05:51 :40 M/S/C/U (Brockus/Runyon) Move to approve the Professional Engineering Services Agreement with Camp Dresser McKee (CDM) in the amount of $30,000.00; and authorize the Mayor to finalize and execute the agreement with substantially the same terms and conditions as presented. City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes Wednesday, November 19, 2008 Page 3 of 5 6B - ORDINANCE NO. 5069. AMENDING CHAPTER 3.01 OF THE BREMERTON MUNICIPAL CODE TO UPDATE RATES AND FEES FOR 2009 (#AB08-257): Laura Lyon, Financial Services Director, stated that in conjunction with preparation of the 2009 Proposed Budget, the administration is recommending that certain fees and rates found in Chapter 3.01 "Rate Tables" be amended. Specifically, Rate Table A - Financial Services proposed raising the "Not To Exceed" monthly parking garage rate and adding "scanning to electronic format" as chargeable on the copying fee schedule; Rate Table D - Police Department increases charges for accident reports, fingerprint cards, criminal history checks, false alarm fees, and anti-harassment order service fees; Rate Table E - Fire Department increases the ambulance transport fees, setting active firefighter rates as those established by the Washington Fire Chief's Published Rate, and setting a timeframe for second and third false alarm fees; Rate Table F - Parks & Recreation Department increases some fees for facility rental rates, use of park facilities and athletic fields, senior citizen, adult and youth programs, the Ivy Green Cemetery, and Gold Mountain Golf Course programs. There were no comments from the public. 05:53:27 M/S/C (Arends/Wofford) Move to pass Ordinance No. 5069 amending Chapter 3.01 of the Bremerton Municipal Code updating rates and fees in 2009. Voted in favor of the Motion: Brockus, Runyon, Robinson, Arends, Wofford, McConnell, Maupin Abstained: Gehring Motion carried: 7- Yes; 1-Abstention 6C - ORDINANCE NO. 5070. AMENDING CHAPTER 15.06 OF THE BREMERTON MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT THE UTILITY RATES AND GENERAL FACILITIES CHARGES FOR 2009 (#AB08-258): Phil Williams, Public Works & Utilities Director, summarized that the proposed ordinance amends assessments, fees, rates, and charges set forth in Appendix A of Section 15.06.015 of the Bremerton Municipal Code (BMC) to incorporate the consumer price index increase of 5.8% in water, wastewater, and stormwater charges, and implement a 2.2% increase in General Facilities according to the Seattle Construction Index. There were no comments from the public... Main motion was made at 6:03:55 PM and Amending Motion was made at 6:04:34 PM; and discussion by Council Members continued... Mr. Wofford; Mrs. Arends; Mr. Brockus; Mr. McConnell; and Mr. GehrinQ agreed that the new classification was a good idea but did not support the amendment since the details of implementing the change and the fiscal impacts were not known at this time. Mr. Runyon emphasized that the intent of the amendment was to provide a cushion to people during tough economic times and looked forward to seeing this issue brought forward. Ms. Robinson supported the amendment since her constituents have made it clear that they do not want the rates to be increased since it will cause hardship. Mr. Maupin stated that in order to approve the City Budget, we need to know our rates and fees. He added that further study will allow us to get much needed answers to questions which could allow this issue to be brought back at a later time. 06:12:50 A-M/S/F (Runyon/Robinson) Move to amend the new utility rates as proposed by Ordinance No. 5070 to include a new classification under "Retail Water & Wastewater Rates" of "Low Income - Receiving Unemployment Benefits." Monthly Service Charges for this new classification shall be the same as the proposed rates for "Low Income - Seniors" and "Low Income City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes Wednesday, November 19, 2008 Page 4 of 5 - Disabled Citizens". The new classification of "Low Income - Receiving Unemployment Benefits" will not extend beyond two years from the date Ordinance No. 5070 becomes effective. Voted in favor of the Motion: Runyon, Robinson Voted against the Motion: Arends, Wofford, Gehring, McConnell, Brockus, Maupin Amending Motion failed: 2-Yes; 6-No 06:14:57 M/S/C (Arends/Wofford) Move to pass Ordinance No. 5070 adopting new utility rates and' General Facilities charges effective January 1, 2009 and amending Bremerton Municipal Code Chapter 15.06. Voted in favor of the Main Motion: Arends, Wofford, Gehring, McConnell, Brockus, Maupin Voted against the Main Motion: Robinson, Runyon Main Motion carried: 6-Yes; 2-No 60 - RESOLUTION NO. 3075, APPROVING A CHANGE OF HOURS OF PUBLIC ACCESS TO CITY OFFICES (#AB08-259): Laura Lyon, Financial Services Director, summarized that Bremerton Municipal Code (BMC) Section 1.02.010 provides that City offices, which routinely conduct business with the public, shall be open for the transaction of business between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM of each business day from Monday through Friday, unless otherwise posted, The proposed resolution provides for the closure of public counters under certain circumstances as a cost savings measure due to budget constraints. Mark Saterweith asked what the rationale was for selecting Friday. Ms. Lyon responded that there is low walk-in volume on Fridays and less staff is usually available on Fridays so Friday offers the greatest flexibility for the proposed closure. Jerry McClelland suggested that staff work two half-days each week rather than close the counters for a whole day. Ms. Lyon answered that people may choose to work shorter work weeks voluntarily through the reduced work hour program and that his suggestion could be considered. Main Motion was made at 6:22:26 PM and discussion by Council Members continued... Mr. McConnell asked if the resolution can be used to amend the ordinance. Mr. BaQwell answered yes. Mrs. Arends did not support decreasing public access and was sorry that financial challenges are driving this change. Mr. Brockus asked if water and sewer department counters will be closed. Mr. Williams answered no. Mr. Brockus asked what about people who have a Friday deadline for a permit application? Ms. Spencer stated that the Department will be conscientious about posting deadlines that are in line with office hours. Mr. Wofford asked if people can still call in for assistance. Ms. Lyon answered yes, and clarified that the offices will still be open, just not accessible by the public. Mr. Runyon asked if courthouse operations would be affected. Ms. Lyon did not believe the counters at Municipal Court would be closed. Closures are primarily in departments that are experiencing loss in staff and increase in workload. Ms. Robinson asked if the $411,223 saved at the loss of 5 positions will go to the General Fund. Ms. Lyon stated yes; and further added that the City will be getting the word out to the public about the proposed change in hours. City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes Wednesday, November 19, 2008 Page 5 of 5 Mr. Maupin emphasized that this change will impact the public and the infrequent visitors who may not be informed of the changes in hours. Ms. Lyon emphasized that every method available will be used to inform the public to minimize the possibility of an inconvenient visit during a closure. Mr. Wofford suggested leaving commonly requested forms in the lobby. Ms. Lyon agreed that this is a good suggestion and that the City would be considering ways to making information available to people in locations outside of areas that are closed. 06:31 :44 M/S/C (Arends/Wofford) Move to pass Resolution No. 3075, approving a change in hours of public access to City offices. Voted in favor of the Motion: Arends, Wofford, Gehring, McConnell, Runyon, Robinson, Maupin Voted against the Motion: Brockus Motion carried: 7-Yes; 1-No COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS Nick Wofford thanked Mr. Brockus for inviting him to speak at his upcoming District Meeting. Carol Arends invited people to visit the new Mongolian Grill Restaurant (formerly Ponderay Cafe) on Callow Avenue; and also Los Andes Imports & Tours located on Kitsap Way. Dianne Robinson wished the community a Happy Thanksgiving. Roy Runyon encouraged people to patronize local businesses. Adam Brockus announced that the next District Meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 2 at 7:00 PM at the Bremerton Senior Center. Cecil McConnell was happy for Laura Lyon's advancement in her career and offered thanks for her years of service to the City. Brad GehrinQ agreed that he too will miss Laura Lyon; reiterated that a canned food drive would be held on December 6 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at 15th & Wycoff; encouraged people to attend WinterFest in Manette on Friday, December 5; and wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Will Maupin mentioned that a Bainbridge Island entrepreneur who would like to produce electric cars in Kitsap is in contact with Kitsap Economic Development Alliance; attended National Adoption Day in Port Orchard last week with Chief Rogers and Mayor Bozeman; was looking forward to Apple Cup; and announced that there will be no Council Meeting next Wednesday, November 26. With no further business, President Maupin adjourned the Council Meeting at 6:40 PM. Prepared and Submitted by: ~~~~ CHRISTINE GRENIER ... Council Assistant WM:CE:ls:cg