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Home My WebLink About07/09/2025 STUDY SESSION AGENDA PACKET ____________________________________________________________________________________ CITY COUNCIL 345 6th Street, Suite 100, Bremerton, WA 98337  Phone (360) 473-5280 WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2025 CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION AGENDA Starting at 5:00 PM in Council Conference Room 603 Council Conference Room 603 will be open to the public to attend the Study Session in-person, but there will be no opportunities for input. However, public questions or comments may be submitted at any time to City.Council@bremertonwa.gov. Please remember that the content of the Agenda Bill items is subject to change; and no action at the Study Session is anticipated. If approved by the Council, these items will be placed on the July 16, 2025 City Council Meeting Agenda, or as indicated.  Members of the public may click the link below to join the webinar: https://bremertonwa-gov.zoom.us/j/87318266756?pwd=ZWlMVnVYbFBHYjY5U1RJUmFreDFXUT09  Or One tap mobile: US: +12532050468…87318266756#…*857582# or +12532158782… 87318266756#…*857582#  Or Telephone: Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 253 205 0468 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 444 9171 or +1 669 900 6833 Webinar ID: 873 1826 6756; Passcode: 857582 A. AGENDA BILL BRIEFINGS 1. Confirm Reappointment of Chuck Henderson to the CDBG Project Review Committee 2. Confirm Reappointment of Grace Crowley to the CDBG Project Review Committee B. GENERAL COUNCIL BUSINESS 1. Briefing on Association of WA Cities Annual Conference – Council Member Jeff Coughlin 2. Continued Discussion on Lodging Tax 2027 Request For Proposals for Destination Marketing Organizations – Council President Eric Younger 3. Regional and Other Committee/Board Briefings 4. Other General Council Business (As necessary and as time allows) C. INFORMATION ONLY PRESENTATION – Beginning at approx. 5:30 PM 1. Overview of 2025 Legislative Session & Preview of 2026 Legislative Session – 26th Legislative District Representative Adison Richards D. ADJOURNMENT OF STUDY SESSION Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations provided upon request. Those requiring special accommodations, please contact the City Clerk at (360) 473-5323 at least 24 hours prior to the Meeting. AGENDA BILL CITY OF BREMERTON CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT: Study Session Date: 07/09/2025 Confirm Reappointment of Chuck Henderson to the CDBG Project Review Committee COUNCIL MEETING Date: 07/16/2025 Department: Executive Presenter: Mayor Wheeler Phone: (360) 473-5266 SUMMARY: The Mayor is seeking confirmation for the re-appointment of Chuck Henderson to the CDBG Project Review Committee. This is a two-year term. ATTACHMENTS: Application to the committee is available in the Mayor’s Office. FISCAL IMPACTS (Include Budgeted Amount): None. STUDY SESSION ACTION: ☐ Consent Agenda ☐ General Business ☐ Public Hearing RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to confirm the re-appointment of Chuck Henderson to the CDBG Project Review Committee for a two-year term. COUNCIL ACTION: Approve Deny Table Continue No Action Form Updated 04/19/2024 A1 From: noreply@civicplus.com Sent: Monday, June 9, 2025 8:14 AM To: WebMaster <WebMaster@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Greg Wheeler <Greg.Wheeler@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Jennifer Hayes <Jennifer.Hayes@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Online Form Submittal: Application for City Boards / Commissions / Committee CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Application for City Boards / Commissions / Committee Date 6/9/2025 First Name Charles Middle Name Basil Last Name Henderson Home Phone Address1 Address2 City Bremerton State WA Zip 98310 Occupation Commercial Real Estate Broker Employer The Henderson Group (Self Employed) Work Address1 Bremerton, WA 98310 Work Address2 243 4th Street, Bremerton, WA 98337 City Bremerton State WA Zip 98310 Work Phone 3604347000 Fax Field not completed. Email thehendersongroup1@msn.com Education Field not completed. Local References Field not completed. I am interested in serving: Community Development Block Grant Advisory Board Is this an application for reappointment? Yes If yes, how many years have you served on this commission or committee? 6 How long have you lived in Bremerton 20 Why are you applying for this appointment? I want to serve Which of your personal and / or professional interests prompted you to apply for this appointment? I enjoyed the process from doing it before Have you ever served on any other Bremerton board, commission, committee or task force? If yes, please list. CDBG, Parking, YMCA Advisory Council Please list your qualifications for this appointment (include skills, activities, training, education): I have been a Real Estate Broker for over 45 years and have sold and leased many buildings in Bremerton What are your community interests (committee, organizations, special activities)? Field not completed. Please list any accommodations you need to perform volunteer duties: Mary's Place, Music Discovery Center, YMCA Advisory Council Chairperson We welcome your willingness to serve Bremerton. Pursuant to the Washington Public Disclosure Act, (RCW 42.56), this form constitutes a public record and is subject to public release upon request. Prior to release, the following information may be redacted pursuant to RCW 42.56.250(3): Residential addresses, residential telephone numbers, personal wireless telephone numbers, personal electronic mail addresses, social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, identicard numbers, and emergency contact information of employees or volunteers of a public agency, and the names, dates of birth, residential addresses, residential telephone numbers, personal wireless telephone numbers, personal electronic mail addresses, social security numbers, and emergency contact information of dependents of employees or volunteers of a public agency. Applicants are considered for appointment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, marital or veteran status, or the presence of any disability. Updated 3/24/2020 Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. AGENDA BILL CITY OF BREMERTON CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT: Study Session Date: 07/09/2025 Confirm Reappointment of Grace Crowley to the CDBG Project Review Committee COUNCIL MEETING Date: 07/16/2025 Department: Executive Presenter: Mayor Wheeler Phone: (360) 473-5266 SUMMARY: The Mayor is seeking confirmation for the re-appointment of Grace Crowley to the CDBG Project Review Committee. This is a two-year term. ATTACHMENTS: Application to the committee is available in the Mayor’s Office. FISCAL IMPACTS (Include Budgeted Amount): None. STUDY SESSION ACTION: ☐ Consent Agenda ☐ General Business ☐ Public Hearing RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to confirm the re-appointment of Grace Crowley to the CDBG Project Review Committee for a two-year term. COUNCIL ACTION: Approve Deny Table Continue No Action Form Updated 04/19/2024 A2 From: noreply@civicplus.com Sent: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 1:48 PM To: WebMaster <WebMaster@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Greg Wheeler <Greg.Wheeler@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Jennifer Hayes <Jennifer.Hayes@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Greg Wheeler <Greg.Wheeler@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Jennifer Hayes <Jennifer.Hayes@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Andrea Spencer <Andrea.Spencer@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject: Online Form Submittal: Application for City Boards / Commissions / Committee CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Application for City Boards / Commissions / Committee Date 6/17/2025 First Name Grace Middle Name Hawkins Last Name Crowley Home Phone Address1 Address2 Field not completed. City Bremerton State wa Zip 98312 Occupation Employment Specialist and Professor Employer TRAC Associates and Edmonds College Work Address1 4710 Auto Center Blvd Work Address2 Field not completed. City Bremerton State WA Zip 98312 Work Phone 360-554-8280 Fax Field not completed. Email gracecrowley@gmail.com Education PhD: Learning Sciences and Human Development - University of Washington (IN PROGRESS) M.Ed.: Curriculum and Instruction - University of Washington Master's Certificate: Education for the Environment and Community - IslandWood Graduate Program BA: Outdoor Leadership - Warren Wilson College Local References Thom Woitas (Habitat for Humanity): Anna Mockler (City Council): Sam Cooke (Personal): I am interested in serving: Community Development Block Grant Project Review Committee, Planning Commission (18 years or older) Is this an application for reappointment? Yes If yes, how many years have you served on this commission or committee? CBDG 1 year How long have you lived in Bremerton 4 years Why are you applying for this appointment? To be more involved and have an impact on my long-term community. To help create and maintain the Bremerton that I love. Which of your personal and / or professional interests prompted you to apply for this appointment? Community care and engagement. Political education and action. Working as a professor and advocate for low-income parents and people with disabilities. Creating a just future through community development. Have you ever served on any other Bremerton board, commission, committee or task force? If yes, please list. CBDG Please list your qualifications for this appointment (include skills, activities, training, education): Teaching, running conservation corps, working with low-income parents and non-profits across Kitsap County. Permanent resident and parent living in Bremerton. What are your community interests (committee, organizations, special activities)? Environmentalism, racial and social justice, homelessness, disability, community engagement Please list any accommodations you need to perform volunteer duties: I have a service dog who comes with me. We welcome your willingness to serve Bremerton. Pursuant to the Washington Public Disclosure Act, (RCW 42.56), this form constitutes a public record and is subject to public release upon request. Prior to release, the following information may be redacted pursuant to RCW 42.56.250(3): Residential addresses, residential telephone numbers, personal wireless telephone numbers, personal electronic mail addresses, social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, identicard numbers, and emergency contact information of employees or volunteers of a public agency, and the names, dates of birth, residential addresses, residential telephone numbers, personal wireless telephone numbers, personal electronic mail addresses, social security numbers, and emergency contact information of dependents of employees or volunteers of a public agency. Applicants are considered for appointment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, marital or veteran status, or the presence of any disability. Updated 3/24/2020 Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. AWC 2025 PRESENTATION BY JEFF COUGHLIN JULY 9, 2025 Joint WA Transportation Committee Keynote on AI and Digital Transformation Fire District Funding 💰Revenue Tools •General Fire Levy: Up to $1.50 per $1,000 AV •EMS Levy: Up to $0.50 (6, 10 yrs, or permanent) •Benefit Charge: Voter-approved; replaces $0.50 of levy; can fund ~60% of RFA ops •Levy Lid Lifts & Excess Levies: Temporary boosts for ops or capital (60% approval) •Transport Fees & GEMT: Additional EMS revenue 🏛Governance Choices •Stay city-run •Annex into District or RFA •Form new Regional Fire Authority (RFA) ️⚠️Transition Impacts •City must decide how to reallocate fire funds •Transfer of assets, debt, and employee liabilities •Clear communication critical to counter misinformation Public Works Sessions 🏅APWA Accreditation (Lake Stevens) •Used accreditation to: •Standardize processes & documents •Build internal team culture and accountability •Improve service delivery & asset management •Strategic planning aligned departments and improved project focus •Adopted Balanced Scorecard model •Held monthly & quarterly project reviews •Engaged staff and community in vision/mission updates •💡Key Takeaways •Accreditation isn't just about paperwork —it's a tool for deep culture change •Aligning vision → values → metrics keeps large departments on track •Employee burnout dropped with clearer project priorities Public Works Sessions 💰Funding Opportunities State/Local: Public Works Board, TIB, CERB, REET, TBDs, and impact fees Federal: SRFs, BIL funds, grants for clean water, broadband, safety, and resilience Tips for success: ◦Plan early (shovel-ready) ◦Bundle funding sources ◦Understand restrictions and timelines Public Works Sessions 🏙Case Study: Kennewick Southridge Revitalization •Used Local Revitalization Financing (LRF)to leverage $13.6M in bonds •Funded sports complex, roads, and infrastructure to attract development •Results (2010–2024): •$609M new construction value •$73M in sales tax increments •74 new businesses and over 1,100 new full-time jobs 🧭Strategy •Combine public investment + developer contributions •Use arts, amenities, and infrastructure to shape economic growth •Local governments can lead transformational capital projects with the right tools Homelessness Response 🏙Auburn’s Model: Compassion, Accountability, Community •Built and funded a full in-house team: outreach, shelter contracts, sober housing, and resource center •City-led outreach goes into the field —with laptops, vehicles, radios, and spending authority •Focus on wraparound services within shelters: employment, health care, ID replacement •"No handouts" approach: meet people where they are, walk them through real solutions •Balanced philosophy: ◦Compassion without enabling ◦Accountability with clear expectations ◦Community inclusion, not dependency 📈Outcomes (2024) •1,366 total outreach contacts •205 people housed •Over 1,300 field hours logged by city staff Homelessness Response 🔁Continuum of Care •Housing doesn’t end the journey —ongoing support ensures long-term stability •Auburn and Ferndale emphasize follow-through, relationship-building, and case management 📈Ferndale’s Data-Driven Evolution •Moved from “We’re fine” mindset to “We must act” post -COVID •Focused on coalition building, facility expansion, and data improvements •Recognized challenges of: ◦Invisible populations ◦Outdated or siloed data ◦Need for school-and neighborhood-level insights ◦🛠Shared Best Practices Consolidate services into one-stop campuses.Use local general fund dollars as base, leverage ARPA/state/federal support.Prioritize prevention, navigation, and measurable outcomes.Don’t wait for county or state —cities can and should lead Finances 🔧Tools & Trends Cities face property tax constraints (101% limit), requiring more use of excise taxes, fees, and special purpose districts Sales tax is volatile but can grow fast; property tax is stable but capped “Right tool, right place” –align funding sources with purpose and flexibility 📈Budgeting in Difficult Times Maintain a transparent “Wait List ”of unfunded priorities —supports equity, trust, and better decisions Follow core principles: ◦Take care of existing obligations first ◦Avoid new obligations without new revenue ◦Budget is a reflection of policy priorities, not just numbers ◦⚖️Balancing Act Infrastructure replacement must be planned and budgeted annually —avoid reactive spending Use 3D budgeting: balance service delivery, infrastructure needs, and reserves across all funds Finances 📈Tax Increment Financing (TIF) New tool allowing cities to capture increased property tax from new development Exempt from 101% cap —supports capital projects without general fund burden Cities must: ◦Forecast value growth and development ◦Complete impact and mitigation analyses ◦Submit project to State Treasurer for review ◦Notify taxing districts and hold public briefings ◦🧭Modern Budget Practices Adopt Priority-Based Budgeting: Fund what matters most to the community, not just what was funded last year Emphasize accountability, collaboration, and transparency Invest in agile tools and community engagement for smarter planning 🧭Reminder:Cities must also update the Business License Threshold ordinance by Oct 1, 2025 per RCW 35.90.080 Business License Threshold Cities using BLS must update ordinances by Oct 1, 2025 (AWC recommends adoption by Aug 26, 2025 to meet 75-day notice requirement) New threshold: $4,000/year for out-of-city businesses (Up from $2,000 —effective Jan 1, 2026) Required under state law to maintain enforcement authority (RCW 35.90.080 compliance) Cities can still choose: Exemption for businesses below the threshold No-fee registration instead of exemption Ordinance language developed in partnership with AWC and business community FIFA 🌍Global Spotlight •6 matches in Seattle: June 15–July 6, 2026 •750,000+ visitors expected in Puget Sound •2 billion+ global viewers —Seattle will host Team USA •Average 9-day stay for international fans 💸Estimated Impact $929 million in economic benefit (Visit Seattle) Major boost for: ◦Lodging, restaurants, transportation ◦Retail, tourism, arts, and public spaces 🌐Statewide Activation Fan Zones across WA —not just Seattle (e.g., Bremerton, Bellingham, Tri-Cities, Spokane, etc.) Libation Zones and expanded alcohol service available under special state rules (through 2027) Seattle Metro Chamber “World Cup Ready” toolkit launching July 2025 FIFA 📅Timeline Q3 2025: Watch Party Playbook + Safety Planning Q4 2025: FIFA Viewing Portal opens, Small Biz Playbook released June 2026: Event begins ✅Local Action Checklist Partner now with chambers, tourism orgs, and businesses Coordinate infrastructure & construction schedules Clean and stock public restrooms Consider community activations: lighting buildings, hosting watch parties, branding 🚫Avoiding Red Cards Don’t use official FIFA branding (e.g., “FIFA World Cup 26™”) without permission Use approved generic phrases (e.g., “The Beautiful Game,” “Summer of Soccer ”) 📚Resources World Cup Ready toolkits Small Business Megaevent Playbook Digital marketing assets (available late 2025) Vendor Conversation From:Dainius Marijosius <dainius.marijosius@deckard.com> Sent: Thursday, June 26, 2025 6:51 AM To:City Council <City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us> Subject:AWC Conversation follow up Hi Jeff, I really enjoyed our conversation and appreciated the time you spent walking me through Bremerton ’s challenges with short-term rentals. It ’s clear you’ve been giving this a lot of thought, and it was great to talk through how Deckard Technologies might help. After running some numbers, we can get the Rentalscape system—including the three-letter compliance campaign—into the city for $7,500. I’ll leave it to you to share internally. I’ll follow up with you next week unless you think there ’s a better city contact I should reach out to. My contact info is below. Thanks again, Dainius Preparing a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) Request For Proposal Bremerton City Council Study Session July 9, 2025 Discussion Topics Goals & Elements of a Standard DMO RFP City Council’s Strategic Priority Areas Key Questions to Inform RFP Performance & Reporting Metrics Next Steps 27/8/2025 Goals for the Council Discussion 37/8/2025 Clarify the City’s vision for tourism promotion and the role a DMO should play in supporting economic development. 1 Ensure alignment on strategic priority areas as defined in the July 25, 2024, LTAC Transition Study. 2 Provide feedback on performance and reporting metrics to make sure we are measuring what’s important. 3 Typical Elements of a Standard DMO RFP 47/8/2025 Scope of Services with clearly defined deliverables and tourism objectives. Experience and qualifications of staff and leadership. Proven ability to promote tourism and manage lodging tax dollars. Demonstrated collaborative track record with tourism stakeholders. Quality and frequency of performance reporting. Established market research and data analysis capabilities. Track record using digital tools and technology for visitor engagement. City Council’s Strategic Priority Areas 57/8/2025 Develop a robust tourism business plan and branding strategy promoting the City of Bremerton and local Bremerton-based tourism. Develop and quantify impact of a focused plan to attract the Youth Sports travel market that leverages the Pendergast Park improvement project. Develop innovative ways to provide visitor information services and support. Including in person, website, social media, and media campaigns. Key Questions to Inform RFP 67/8/2025 What is the most important role a DMO should play for Bremerton? How can the DMO ensure tourism benefits the entire community, not just downtown or waterfront areas? What role should the DMO play in supporting local events, especially those funded by lodging tax dollars? How would you like to see the DMO collaborate with local community-based organizations? DMO Performance & Reporting Metrics 77/8/2025 Tourism & Economic Impact Lodging tax revenue trends (quarterly or annual) Hotel occupancy rates / Average daily rates Estimated visitor spending and economic impact Breakdown of overnight vs. day visitors DMO Performance & Reporting Metrics –cont. 87/8/2025 Marketing & Promotion Performance Website traffic and referral sources Social media growth and engagement metrics Digital ad impressions, click-through rates, and conversions Newsletter/email open rates and subscriber growth DMO Performance & Reporting Metrics –cont. 97/8/2025 Visitor & Event Data Origin of visitors (regional, national, international) Seasonal trends in visitation Event attendance estimates (DMO-supported events) Surveys or feedback from event participants and partners DMO Performance & Reporting Metrics –cont. 107/8/2025 Organizational Accountability Budget transparency: how lodging tax dollars were spent Admin vs. programmatic cost breakdown Progress toward work plan or contract deliverables Any grants, sponsorships, or other revenue sources Next Steps 117/8/2025 Summarize Council Input –staff will compile discussion and incorporate into a first draft of the RFP. Process to Review and Refine –identify who should review the draft and provide input. Timeline –establish a date when the final draft RFP will be brought back to the Council for approval to issue. Thank you! 127/8/2025