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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/30/2016 COUNC9L DIGITAL RECORDING A������,�� P`i CITY COUNCIL JOINT PLANNING SESSION MINUTES �EB � , 1016 Saturday, January 30, 2016 A Joint Planning Session between the City Council, Mayor, and Department Directors of the City of Bremerton was called to order in the Mayor's Conference Room located on the 6�h Floor in the Norm Dicks Government Center located at 345 6th Street, Bremerton, Washington, on Saturday, January 30, 2016, at 9:00 AM, with Council President Eric Younger presiding. Council Members present were Pat Sullivan, Leslie Daugs, Jerry McDonald, Greg Wheeler, Dino Davis, and Richard Huddy. Also in attendance were Mayor Patty Lent, City Attorney Roger Lubovich, Municipal Court Administrator Dawn Nelson, Interim Parks & Recreation Director Jeff Elevado, Public Works & Utilities Director Chal Martin, Financial Services Director Cathy Johnson, Police Chief Steven Strachan, Fire Chief AI Duke, and Community Development Director Andrea Spencer. Lori Smith, Legislative Assistant was present to provide staff support. President Younqer welcomed everyone for taking the time on a Saturday afternoon to attend the Joint Planning Session; and passed out Council Retreat Ground Rules and Council Policy Role. The following is a summarized list of the subjects and key points that were discussed: AWC CITY ACTION CONFERENCE BRIEFING: Leslie Dauqs, Jerrv McDonald, Dino Davis, and Mavor Lent highlighted the issues discussed with State Legislators while attending the AWC City Legislative Action Conference earlier this week. President Younqer stated that as Goals are discussed, he will be assigning the appropriate Council Member or Committee to track its progress... REVIEW OF 2016 CITY COUNCIL GOALS: 1) Performance Audit/Review of Fire Department; and 8) Improve Financial Sustainability of City Parks Both subjects will be monitored by the Public Safety and Parks Committee... The review of the Fire Department will be provided by a separate organization, and will be done after the Parks Department review is completed. The "City of Bremerton Parks Staffing Analysis" was distributed, and it was noted that the search for a replacement Parks Director will be delayed until completion of the Parks staffing analysis. The City Auditor and Audit Committee will be asked if they can help with the Department Audit Reviews but it was clarified that this would be a "work-load analysis" versus a "perf�rmance audiY'; and a timeline for completion was estimated to be early March. 2) Social Media • Address public records requests as newer technology is developed • Utilize Facebook and Twitter accounts for accurate reporting of crimes rather than just "posting"comments It was announced that Kelsie, Lori, and Christine will be the administrators for the City of Bremerton, but established this would not be in real time. The Police Department and Public Works will join the main City of Bremerton Facebook page once it is established with the main purpose of the page being for announcements. It was mentioned that Redmond and Auburn were examples of cities that deal really well with public records issues involved with social media. The City's Facebook page will provide information rather than be used as an open forum. Enhancements to the City's website are needed since there have been complaints by users. City Council Joint Planning Session Minutes Saturday, January 30, 2016 Page2of6 3) Repair City Roads • Secure funding is in p/ace for future Councils This Goal is still valid and will remain. Roger mentioned that he just completed an ordinance that he wi11 be bringing to Council to absorb the duties of the Transportation Benefit District. Dedicating a portion of REET for roads is assigned to the Finance Department through the . Finance & Investment Committee... 4) Maintain Sidewalks to ensure ADA Friendly • Finding permanent not temporary solutions Maintaining Sidewalks is included in the Comprehensive Plan as a goal. An Ad Hoc Committee has been formed to deal with that portion. Richard said there is a lack of sidewalks (200 miles short) out of total 326 miles. Andrea stated there is a section in the Comprehensive Plan. Leslie suggested more signage to identify crosswalks at intersections. Items 4 will be assigned to Public Works Committee... 5) Increase Public Outreach It was acknowledged that improvements have been made, especially with the Kitsap Sun and Josh Farley, and his use of his Blog, Bremerton Beat and postings on Facebook. Chief Strachan gave a report on how the City's Twitter account has been successful, using the Motel 6 explosion as an example of how quickly the news spread with both information and photos. 6) Look at Historic Preservation It was agreed to remove this goal... This idea was reviewed by Community Development but found it to be too cumbersome for tax benefits, and any tax incentives for a property owner are already received from the State. 7) Increase Involvement in Callow Avenue Business District This specific goal will be removed so it can be replaced with a broader coverage area... even though there has been progress, every time one business opens, another one closes... 9) Improve Walkability of the Neighborhoods • More emphasis�n multi-modal as part of all future projects This Item will be assigned to Public Works Committee... Recess from 10:25 to 10:35 PM... Then Council began discussion of New Proposed Topics... Lonq Term Economic Forecast & Balancinp the Citv's Budqet: Cathy distributed a "General Fund Summary ForecasY' draft report to show that the projection for the Revenue vs. Expenditure amounts are not as high as projected earlier; and handouts on the "2016 General Fund Budget—Program Support from Taxes and General Revenues" and "Sales Tax Distribution". There is potential for an increase in property, sale and utility tax revenues when new residents move into homes and apartments currently being built. Eric asked if he should get a "head nod" from Council for possible expansion of the area which would allow the "multi-family tax exemption". Andrea clarified that this expansion would not occur until after the Comprehensive Plan is adopted. City Council Joint Planning Session Minutes Saturday, January 30, 2016 Page 3 of 6 There was discussion on the proposed impacts of new projects on City services and on parking. Cathy indicated that the City may contract with an advisor to review the status of parking Citywide prior to renewal of the.lmpark contact in June. Richard asked if new apartments come with additional parking... Andrea explained that studies have supported 1 parking space per unit... Cathy reminded everyone that the Impark contract is coming up for renewal, but to keep in mind that an RFP will probably be required because of an increase in parking issues due to the new development... Jerry added that the employment at the shipyard has increased, and will continue to increase... There is also potential for increasing sales tax revenue by drawing larger businesses like big box stores or warehouses since a new car dealer brings in about $63,750 sales tax annually... But "big box" stores bring in way more... Eric pointed out that the City cannot really implement a hiring freeze but asked for suggestions on how to restore money to the General Fund. Leslie suggested a review of service contracts (recommended to Audit Committee) and Richard suggested a review of labor contracts (currently being negotiated). The Mayor established that the Council has provided parameters to the administration, which are being considered during labor negotiations. Dino stressed that the City has been able to meet their obligations, but the City cannot run "like a business" as in the private sector because a business needs to grow where government has to offer services regardless of the amount of revenue... and "Market solutions" cannot be applied to a Municipal Government... Leslie clarified that her suggestion to look at"contracts" did not include labor contracts, and that she never wants to "balance the budget" off the backs of employees... The projected budget shortfall is estimated to be over $700,000 and this issue will continue to be monitored by the Finance & Investment Committee. Members of the Council agreed that the best option the City has to mitigate the shortfall would be to increase sales tax revenue. Medical Care Services Succession Plan to Harrison Hospital: Per the Mayor, the City knew the buyout/merger was going to take place, and was initiated by CHI, a private company, and was not under Harrison Hospital's control... The CEO of CHI is not focused on the community, but rather the bottom-line and who has health coverage... Richard provided handouts that emphasized the need to retain medical services in Bremerton and believed that established hospital operators with the ability to recruit medical staff should be contacted to determine their interest in expanding to Bremerton. Discussion also included the Naval Hospital which has discontinued emergency services; problems involved with the mentally ill or drug addicts which impacts Police and Fire resources; and whether or not to demolish buildings or parking lots... Chief Strachan presented a Power Point to address "Transients/Menta/Hea/th Crime"... and clarified that he is referring to predatory type transients, not the down-and-out people who legitimately need help. RV's and tents are a problem in Seattle, and they could move to Bremerton so laws should be on the books to address the issue now ahead of the problem. Mayor reported a recent count showed there are 500 homeless people in Bremerton...it is not just a police issue, but a social services issue. Andrea mentioned that the Planning Commission is keeping the zoning broad for the area of the current Harrison Medical Center so it is not limited to a hospital; and medical facilities are permitted in other areas of the City... A Medical Care Services Succession P/an will be added to the 2016 Goa/s... Recess was called for lunch from Noon to 12:35 PM... City Council Joint Planning Session Minutes Saturday, January 30, 2016 Page 4 of 6 Code Enforcement: Greg Wheeler distributed a handout on the Operation Neighborhood L.I.F.T. (Leadership and Investment Fostering Transformation). This proposal would allow the City to shift away from code enforcement as a complaint driven process to being more proactive. Andrea mentioned that the "Community Volunteers on Patrol Team"will be educated by Janet Lunceford on what Code Enforcement issues to look for when out in the field. Chief Strachan also suggested that door-hangers could be left to notify residents of code violations, and there would be follow-up prior to directing the complaint to Janet. Chal asked for leadership from the Council to establish this as a goal which would give him the leverage he needs to direct his staff to have trash bags and rakes on hand to then use 15-minutes to clean up a spot in any given City right-of-way. Mayor Lent distributed brochures "Make a Difference in your Neighborhood" and "Home Security Survey'; mentioned that Beautify Bremerton happens two times per year and at that time the City works with properties to help with overgrown grass such as for a deployed military person or a person who doesn't have a lawn mower; and suggested that the City inform the citizens about the expectations before using the door hangars. Andrea clarified that most of the complaints are resolved with a letter from the City; that a change in the process can be used to educate residents on rules that are already in place; and that this does not create new regulations. This change would allow the City to get more compliance and allow Janet to focus on more complicated complaints. Greg suggested a letter can be sent from Council to the Administration; or that Council could further discuss this issue at a Study Session to provide direction on the proposed change to Administration. Richard suggested a "welcome letter" that included tips for being a good neighbor, what is expected for living in the City, where they can find additional information, etc. and hoped changes could be made to the website to make this information available and more visible. Eric provided support for Greg's idea; believed it starts with education on the City's website; and that the public should be notified through Council Meetings, website, and social media before the program is implemented... To be discussed at a Study Session to address any concerns before moving forward. Recess fcr 10-minute break...1:45 PM to 1:55 PM... Annexation: Roger presented the "Annexation Methods" handout and summarized each type. Eric pointed out the Berk Study will be available soon which will take into consideration fiscal impacts of annexation for four specific areas. Annexation of areas served by fire districts (No. 5) might be considered in 2016 and would also involve consolidation of fire districts. Marketinq: Mayor provided an update on the "Move to Bremerton" campaign, sharing that the video has been posted on Facebook and the City's website. The intent of the video was to market Bremerton to Seattle with outreach to millennials, young families, and to attract employees of big companies like Microsoft and Amazon. Eric suggested purchasing one of the remaining domains for a website, even if it is not used right away due to limits on our staff resources; and to market Bremerton to the bigger regional real estate market. City Council Joint Planning Session Minutes Saturday, January 30, 2016 Page 5 of 6 Greg said Bremerton is both the education center and job center of Kitsap County; and also have the most affordable view property in Kitsap County. Mayor added that she is looking at how to enhance the brand of the City. Jerry suggested that funding for Google search engine optimization should be included in the next budget; and to that Bremerton National Airport and the Port of Bremerton should be included... Pat mentioned that a screen loops videos onboard the ferry is another idea for the marketing of Move to Bremerton... This issue will continued to be discussed at a Study Session when the website is up and running to consider ideas or input from the Council... Economic Development and "Economic Development 8� Plannina Committee (EDPC)": Leslie brought up the numerous empty buildings in commercial corridors along Wheaton Way, Perry Avenue and Kitsap Way...Dino suggested the formation of a Council driven "Economic Development 8� Planning Committee"... The Mayor believed that the property owners could be asked to come to the table within the next few months to discuss ideas and possible solutions to the empty building problem... Dino agreed that waiting until after the meeting to consider a committee (or task force)... Andrea liked the idea of Council being an advocate for Community Development but indicated that staff resources are limited. Richard provided handouts "Bremerton Commercial Corridors Big Box Retail Study—Sa/es Tax Esfimate"; "Hwy 303 Commercial Corridor Big Box Retail Study— Sa/es Tax Estimate"; and "Bremerton Commercial Corridors Big Box Retail Study—Retail Development on Wheaton Way and Kitsap Way'. Richard also presented a packet of the radius required, with maps which potential ingress/egress locations, and a graph to show what it takes for a location to be a business-friendly environment. Jerry pointed out that the City could work with KEDA and KADA to develop the property around Bremerton National Airport... Mayor Lent emphasized that she will be working within the City's budget for this year but additional marketing could be discussed as part of the 2017 budget. Andrea stated that Community Development is currently focused on more residential projects with density which would allow transit routes to the ferry and encourage investments for commercial projects toward the street front. Greg reminded the Council Members continue to look closely at the �omprehensive Plan. Final comments: Leslie asked for the City to continue a partnership with the Bremerton School District; asked if the Council could consider updating their laptops to i-pads; could the City look at the policy regarding right-of-way to make sure the City is not giving any away; and lastly provided a handout related to "Association of Washington Cities(AWC) Member Pooling Programs" regarding the possibility of health care benefits for Council Members. Eric reiterated that increasing sales tax is the key, and finding out the reason why property owners are not developing, suggesting one-one conversations with business owners to learn first-hand, which Richard volunteered to do since he has the time and is out and around the business anyway... Leslie asked for it to be in partnership with the coordinating Council Member in their respective districts... City Council Joint�Planning Session Minutes Saturday, January 30, 2016 Page 6 of 6 With no further business, President Younger adjourned the City Council Joint Planning Session at 3:20 PM. Prepared and Submitted by: � , LORI SMITH, Legislative Assistant Attest: SHANNON ORIN, City Clerk ERIC Y UNGE , City Co il President EY:SC:Is:cg