HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/02/2009 DIGITAL RECORDING �
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, December 2, 2009 DE� �' � ZQ�
The weekly meeting of the City Council of the City of Bremerton was called to order Wednesday,
December 2, 2009, at 5:00 PM in Council Conference Room 603 of the NoRnn DicKS GovERNnnENT
CENTER 345 6`" Street, Bremerton, Washington, with Council President Cecil McConnell
presiding. Council Members present were Nick Wofford, Will Maupin, Carol Arends, Dianne
Robinson, Mike Shepherd, Roy Runyon, Adam Brockus, and Brad Gehring. Also present were
City Attorney Roger Lubovich, City Clerk Carol Etgen, and Council Assistant Christine Grenier.
A COUNCIL BRIEFING was held to discuss General Council Business and at 5:30 PM the meeting
moved to the First Floor Meeting Chambers.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Brad Gehrinq followed by the invocation
provided by Minister Tanva Johnson of Emmanuel Apostolic Church.
MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Patty Lent...
• Reported on a very busy first week in office which included meeting with Kitsap Regional
Coordinating Council and Kitsap Health District boards, a roundtable with other mayors from
Kitsap cities, and various meetings with City Department Directors and Management staff;
e Enjoyed a pleasant Thanksgiving holiday; and
• Looked forward to working with administration and Council in 2010.
PUBLIC RECOGNITION
Paula Stenz, of new non-profit group "Soul Works", announced that there will be employment
opportunities to bring rain gardens to Bremerton and this program will help people gain work
experience after getting through challenging life experiences such as addiction, unemployment,
and displacement.
Vern LaPrath congratulated Patty Lent as the new mayor; encouraged the City to cut spending
and to not raise taxes in order to balance the budget; and hoped the community would support the
City of Lakewood in response to the loss of the their four police officers.
Kimberlv Tavler thanked Mike Shepherd for his 12-years of service and for supporting the
community around Evergreen Park by helping to improve parking, sewer, and park expansion; and
welcomed Greg Wheeler as the incoming new District 5 Council Member. Mike Shepherd
thanked them for their support.
The following "Friends of Evergreen Park" spoke in opposition to the proposed housing project
near Evergreen Park...
Catherine Purves encouraged Council to consider the impact that the proposed housing project
will have on current residents and Evergreen Park with respect to parking and traffic.
Tim Henkel emphasized that the project will completely block the view from his properties and
was concerned that the project's scale was inappropriate for the proposed location and that the
rental housing involves a higher rate of crime.
Kris Dav read a statement on behalf of Kyle Cruver, that this project will negatively impact
Evergreen Park and impact the residential nature of the community.
H. Emily Moshav was concerned that the project, if built, would impact businesses like CJ's
Evergreen Store and the community would no longer be a close knit family-friendly safe
neighborhood; and the project does not fit in the Evergreen Park area.
David Mercer does not believe that Evergreen Park will be able to handle the stresses that the
project would produce; and encouraged Council to "think this through".
,
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Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Page 2 of 6
Kris Garland expressed concerns that the proposed project would only allow one parking space
per unit which is inadequate and parking at Evergreen Park does not have the capacity to pick up
�,; the overflow from additional vehicles from visitors or residents; was against reckless development.
Lisa Lawrence did not believe that the City's Engineering Department has not addressed traffic;
and added that the estimated traffic is about an additional 820 vehicle trips per day in the area of
the project; and thanked Mr. Shepherd for his service to the neighborhood.
Bill Hoke also recognized Mr. Shepherd's contributions and welcomed the new mayor; could not
fathom the amount of traffic that would come to that neighborhood; encouraged planners to outline
how much sunlight would be lost by allowing the structure to be built.
Raven Ravne supported greater density and new housing stock; and asked for a moratorium to
prevent this project until planners, architect, and developers can meet to find a solution that fits for
Evergreen Park.
Jim Pecoad believed that this project will overshadow the park and the lack of light will limit the
use of the park.
City Clerk Carol Etqen added that a letter was also provided by John Larson in opposition to the
proposed project near Evergreen Park and that the letter will be made part of the meeting record.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Check Numbers 334828 through 335058; and EFT-9327 through EFT-9384 in the amount of
$2,447,155.25; and Retiree Payroll in the amount of $78,887.77 for the pay period ending
November 30, 2009.
B. Minutes of Meeting — November 18, 2009
C. Award Contract to CALGON CARBON CORPORATION for Pre-Purchase of UV System Equipment
for "UV Treatment Facility" Project
D. Award Contract to SCI INFRASTRUCTURE for Construction of "Gorst Sewarage and Septic
Abandonment" Project
There were no questions or comments from the public...
06:12:50 M/S/C/U (Arends/Brockus) Move to approve the Co►vsENT AGEN�a, as presented.
GENERAL BUSINESS
6A — RESOLUTION NO. 3103 TO ASSUME A PORTION OF INDEBTEDNESS FOR THE SOUTH
KITSAP FIRE & RESCUE (SKFR) LONG TERM DEBT ATTRIBUTABLE TO THOSE
PROPERTIES WITHIN THE SOUTH KITSAP INDUSTRIAL AREA (SKIA) ANNEXED TO THE
CITY OF BREMERTON: Andv Parks, Financial Services Director, summarized that the City
annexed the South Kitsap Industrial Area (SKIA) effective April 1, 2009 and other adjacent
properties during 2009. The annexation actions taken did not specify whether or not the City
would assume the non-voter approval general obligation debt attributable to the annexed property.
As the County Assessor prepared the tax statements they noted this, and have inquired as to
whether or not the City intended to assume this liability. The total indebtedness to be assumed, if
the Council agrees, is $7,227.65 (principal only). If not, the annexed property owners will be levied
a tax of approximately $0.0369 per $1,000 (of assessed valuation) in 2010. The City's tax rate
after the annexation in 2009 is $1.96.
06:16:12 Motion was made and discussion by Council Members continued...
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Wednesday, December 2, 2009
' Page 3 of 6
Adam Brockus asked if any of the property is located on Port of Bremerton property and if so, will
the Port help assume debt. Andv Parks answered yes, the property is located within the Port and
the Port is a major land owner. However, they will not be assessed the tax. Also, it was the City of
Bremerton that initiated the SKIA Annexation and therefore will assume responsibility for the
additional liability.
Mike Shepherd pointed out that while the City may be assuming debt, we will also be receiving
revenue as part of the annexation. Mr. Parks continued that the effect of this action will ensure
property owners in that area are not double-taxed.
Rov Runvon hoped that in the future that Council would be informed of such debt obligations at
the time of annexation. Mr. Parks responded that legal counsel reviewed this matter, and that
this is a new issue since the annexation just occurred. From here forward we will be considering
this issue and Council will be kept in the loop.
Brad Gehrinq provided his support; and commented that the Fire Department has assumed
responsibility for SKIA and this is cleaning up the details. Mr. Parks added the overall percentage
of debt being assumed is less than a half %.
' I debt was set ori inall b lev or bond. Mr. Parks res onded
Mr. Brockus asked if the origina g y y y p
that the debt was caused by Council manic action through annexation which was considered non-
voter approved general obligation debt.
06:20:45 M/S/C (Runyon/Shepherd) Move to approve Resolution No. 3013 assuming portion of
indebtedness of South Kitsap Fire & Rescue attributable to annexed properties.
Voted in favor of Motion: Runyon, Shepherd, Robinson, Arends, Maupin, Wofford, Gehring,
� McConnell
Voted opposed to Motion: Brockus
Motion carried: 8-Yes; 1-No
PUBLIC HEARINGS
7A — PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING ORDINANCE NO. 5097 TO ADOPT UTILITY RATES AND
GENERAL FACILITIES CHARGES; AND TO AMEND CHAPTER 15.06 OF THE BREMERTON
MUNICIPAL CODE Andv Parks Financial Services Director, explained that the proposed
ordinance amends Appendix A of Section 15.06.015 relating to assessments, rates, fees, and
charges for municipal water, wastewater, and stormwater services by establishing new rates for all
categories to implement a 3% rate increase effective January 1, 2010 and an additional 3% rate
increase effective July 1, 2010. This public hearing was continued from the Council Meeting on
November 18, 2009.
President McConnell opened the Public Hearing for comments...
President McConnell stated that with no further comments, the Public Hearing was now closed to
the public as discussion was opened to the Council...
Carol Etgen re-read the Main Motion as made by Wofford and seconded by Maupin during the
Public Hearing on November 18... "Move to approve Ordinance No. 5097 adopting new utility
rates effective January 1, 2010 and July 1, 2010, and amending Chapter 15.06 of the Bremerton
Municipal Code (BMC)" and discussion by Council continued...
Rov Runvon asked for clarification on PILOT and proposed increase in utility rates. Mr. Parks
explained that the Council encouraged the administration to fund general fund programs with
appropriate revenue like PILOT from utility funds; and added that the staff is prepared to consider
other options if rates are not raised.
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Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Page 4 of 6
Dianne Robinson asked if we are meeting the necessary level of the service within the utilities.
Phil Williams answered yes, financially speaking; and that he was not certain if PILOT would be a
continuous source of funding after 2010. Ms. Robinson did not support any rate increases at this
time.
Adam Brockus asked if property taxes could be raised instead of utility rates. Mr. Parks
answered that Council already approved the 1% increase. Mr. Brockus also raised questions
about natural gas purchases and related taxes. Mr. Parks stated that changes in actual revenue
have caused an impact of approximately $700,000 to the current budget.
Brad Gehrinq asked if there any specific cost reductions to generate enough revenue to offset the
use of utility reserves. Mr. Parks responded that there may be future discussions regarding fire
department consolidation, setting up a regional parks district, annexation, and expanding
economic development. Mr. Williams encouraged Council to increase rates; and emphasized that
a reduction in reserves would mean that there would be less funds to work on future capital
projects.
Nick Wofford asked if the timing for a proposed rate increase would be more appropriate after the
utility rate study and efficiency review are completed in 2010. Mr. Parks answered responses
from those studies would have to be evaluated and that any action would be up to Council.
Wilt Maupin hoped that former rate increases which brought the utilities into a solvent state would
mean that no increases would be needed now; and stated that using reserves now may result in a
rate increase later to pay for projects to be paid out of the enterprise fund.
Cecil McConnell did not support tax increases at this time or the idea that the rate payers should
support the general fund.
Rov Runvon asked for more information on how citizens can receive financial support for paying
their utility bills. Mr. Williams explained that there are programs available which provide energy
assistance for low-income residents through a partnership with Puget Sound Energy and Kitsap
Community Resources.
Adam Brockus requested historical information on the reserves. Mr. Williams responded that in
2004 Wastewater reserves had deteriorated below 12% of operation and maintenance budget and
money was being borrowed from other funds and that the Water balance had dropped as well.
06:58:45 M/S/F/U (Wofford/Maupin) Move to approve Ordinance No. 5097 adopting new utility
rates effective January 1, 2010 and July 1, 2010, and amending Chapter 15.06 of the Bremerton
Municipal Code (BMC)".
Council recessed at 6:59 PM and reconvened at 7:09PM...
PUBLIC HEARINGS — Continued...
7B — FINAL PUBLIC HEARING ON ORDINANCE NO. 5099 TO APPROVE AND ADOPT THE
2010 ANNUAL CITY BUDGET: Andv Parks, Financial Services Director, summarized that the
City of Bremerton prepares its budget on an annual basis under the authority granted by Chapter
35.33 RCW. The budget process is designed to meet the operations and service needs of the City
by integrating the planning and implementation of City programs and objectives with the allocation
of resources sufficient to support such services and programs within the limits of available funds.
A preliminary annual budget for fiscal year 2010 has been prepared and filed with the Office of the
City Clerk. Public hearings have been held for the purpose of fixing the final City Budget and the
City Council has deliberated prior to the approval and adoption of the budget. One change has
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Page 5 of 6
been made to the preliminary budget. Within the General Fund, the City Council appropriation has
been increased $1,000 and Financial Services appropriation decreased $1,000, for a net effect of
$0 on the General Fund. There are no other changes proposed at the time of submitting this
agenda bill. Additional changes included reductions to Municipal Court, Police/Fire Pension,
General Facilities, and Water-Wastewater-Stormwater Utilities.
President McConnell opened the Public Hearing for comments...
President McConnell stated that with no further comments, the Public Hearing was now closed to
the public and opened to the Council for discussion...
07:12:45 Motion was made and discussion by Council continued...
07:13:20 Amending Motion was made and discussion by Council continued...
Mr. Brockus asked which employees the COLA decrease would affect. Mr. Wofford asked what
savings the COLA decrease provides. Mr. Parks answered that 47 of 350 employees would be
affected and he estimated savings through a COLA reduction at about $50,000.
Mr. Gehrinq believed that staff has already sacrificed quite a bit in overall compensation.
Mr. Maupin agreed and believed that further concessions are being taken in the coming year.
Mr. Shepherd stated that the new budget already assumes furlough and an approximate loss in 5
to 8% of salary per employee.
Ms. Robinson looked at what other cities are doing to bring costs down and considered a
reduction in COLA as an option to consider.
Mr. Runvon asked for clarification on personnel costs. Mr. Parks responded that personnel costs
are approximately 28% of budget, and that other savings have been found through voluntary
reduced work hours and voluntary retirement or separation which has brought total employee
numbers from 370 to 351.5 FTE's.
Mr. Runvon asked for clarification on benefits costs. Mr. Parks answered that the City can
expect a 12% increase in insurance premiums.
Mr. Runyon added that other areas use 90% of Seattle Tacoma CPI while we use 100% of CPI
which may be bringing costs up.
Mr. Maupin recommended not singling out a small group of employees.
Mr. Gehrinq believed in applying changes equally and by not doing so would create disparity
among employees; and that we should look at how COLA is provided should be looked at since it
does increase the cost of government.
Mrs. Arends emphasized that is in unfair to single out a dedicated group for a relatively small
savings which does not seem right.
07:32:30 Amendment/S/F (Runyon/Robinson) Move to amend Ordinance No. 5099 to reduce the
Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) for non-represented, management and professional employees
from two percent to one percent.
Voted in favor of Motion: Robinson
Voted opposed to Motion: Shepherd, Arends, Maupin, Wofford, Gehring, Brockus, Runyon,
McConnell
Motion failed: 1-Yes; 8-No
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Page 6 of 6
07:33:20 M/S/C (Arends/Wofford) Move to approve Ordinance No. 5099 adopting the City of
Bremerton 2010 Annual Budget as amended.
Voted in favor of Motion: Arends, Maupin, Wofford, Gehring, Runyon, Shepherd, McConnell
Voted opposed to Motion: Robinson, Brockus
Motion carried: 7-Yes; 2-No
COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Brad Gehrinq offered his condolences to the City of Lakewood for their four fallen police officers;
and welcomed new Mayor Patty Lent.
Adam Brockus invited the public to Winter Fest on Friday, December 4 beginning at 6:00 PM at
Domstad Vista on the east end of the Manette Bridge. Festivities will include an appearance by
Santa, hot cocoa, tree lighting to be set off by Police Chief Craig Rogers, and a performance by
Bremerton High School choir.
Rov Runyon announced First Friday Artwalk and tree lighting events to be held downtown.
Dianne Robinson thanked citizens of Anderson Cove for the work being done to start up a Child
Care facility; congratulated owners of Hi-Lo's Cafe and 15`" Street Bakery for creating
neighborhood businesses; and announced that she will be attending the Grand Opening of West
Side Treatment Center to be held on Friday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at 1956 Taft Street.
Carol Arends encouraged people to support businesses and thanked people who are keeping
those businesses going even during a down economy; and invited the public to come downtown
for First Friday Artwalk.
Nick Wofford also thanked Hi-Lo's Cafe for improving Bremerton; and encouraged people to
participate in the sub-area planning process.
President McConnell presented a plaque to Mike Shepherd for his 12-years of service to the City
of Bremerton. Mike Shepherd then invited the public, staff, and Council Members to attend his
last District 5 Community Meeting to be held on Thursday, December 10 beginning at 6:00 PM at
Our Saviour's Lutheran Church located at 10` Street & Veneta Avenue; and added this will also be
an opportunity to meet newly-elected Council Member Greg Wheeler.
With no further business, President McConnell adjourned the Council Meeting at 7:42 PM.
Prepared and Submitted by:
CHRISTINE GRENIER
Council Assistant
Attes :
/ ` -
CAROL TGEN, City lerk
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CECIL McCO NELL, City Co cil President
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