HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/19/2026 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA PACKET
CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA – AMENDED
AUGUST 19, 2026 5:00 PM
345 6th Street, Suite 100, Bremerton, WA 98337 - Phone (360) 473-5280
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1. BRIEFING: 5:00 – 5:30 P.M. in COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM 603
A. Review of Agenda
B. General Council Business (Only as necessary)
2. CALL TO ORDER: 5:30 P.M. in FIRST FLOOR CHAMBERS
3. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Claims & Check Register
B. Minutes of Council Meeting – August 5, 2026
C. Minutes of Study Session – August 12, 2026
D. Department of Commerce Grant Agreement for Jarstad Aquatic Center Assessment and Roof
Repair
4. GENERAL BUSINESS
A. Resolution No. 3416 to change the name of 8th Street from Warren Ave to Pacific Ave to Bishop
Roberston Way
B. Authorization for the Council President to negotiate compensation and extend a conditional offer
of employment for the position of Legislative Office Manager Item added
The Council will meet for 15-Minutes in Executive Session to discuss the qualifications of an applicant for
public employment as allowed under RCW 42.30.110(1)(g). Action is anticipated.
C. Ordinance No. 5540 to increase Vehicle License Fees
D. Review of Complaint against Councilmember Jennifer Chamberlin
(Potential action)
5. MAYOR'S REPORT
6. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
7. COMMUNITY COMMENT – Please state your name for the record and limit comments to 90
seconds. This is an opportunity to address the Council on topics not included on the agenda
but still related to the work of the City Council.
8. ADJOURNMENT OF CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING
AGENDA BILL
CITY OF BREMERTON
CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT: Study Session Date: N/A
Claims & Check Register COUNCIL MEETING Date: August 19, 2026
Department: Legal Services
Presenter: Angela Hoover
Phone: (360) 473-5323
SUMMARY: Approval of the following checks and electronic fund transfers:
1. Check Numbers 415839 – 415962 and EFT Numbers V46860 - V46956 in the grand total
amount of $3,391,247.58
2. Regular Payroll for pay period ending July 31, 2026 in the amount of $1,310,212.63
3. Regular Payroll Retro Check Correction for pay period ending July 31, 2026 in the amount of
$2,258.15
4. Regular Payroll payouts for pay period ending July 31, 2026 in the amount of $30,317.28
5. Regular Payroll void and reissue retiree check for the pay period ending July 31, 2026 in the
amount of $668.72
ATTACHMENTS:
FISCAL IMPACTS:
STUDY SESSION ACTION: ☒ Consent Agenda ☐ General Business ☐ Public Hearing
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Move to approve the Claims & Check Register as presented.
COUNCIL ACTION: Approve Deny Table Continue No Action
Form Updated 04/19/2024
3A
AGENDA BILL
CITY OF BREMERTON
CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Minutes of Council Meeting – August 5, 2026
Study Session Date: N/A
COUNCIL MEETING Date: August 19, 2026
Department: City Council
Presenter: Council President
Phone: (360) 473-5280
SUMMARY: The Minutes for the Council Meeting held on August 5, 2026 are attached.
ATTACHMENTS: Council Meeting Minutes
FISCAL IMPACTS (Include Budgeted Amount): None
STUDY SESSION ACTION: ☒ Consent Agenda ☐ General Business ☐ Public Hearing
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Mo ve to approve the August 5, 2026 Council Meeting Minutes as presented.
COUNCIL ACTION: Approve Deny Table Continue No Action
Form Updated 04/19/2024
3B
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Bremerton was called to order Wednesday August
5, 2026 at 5:05 PM in Council Conference Room 603 of the Norm Dicks Government Center, 345 6th
Street, in Bremerton, Washington, with Council President Jane Rebelowski presiding.
Councilmembers present were Jennifer Chamberlin, Denise Frey, Christy Cammarata, Michael
Goodnow, Anna Mockler, and Rick Tift. At 5:30 PM, the meeting moved to the First Floor Meeting
Chambers. Also present were Assistant City Attorney Brett Jette; City Clerk Angela Hoover; IT
Manager Dave Sorensen; and Legislative Assistant Christine Grenier.
CONSENT AGENDA
3A – CLAIMS AND CHECK REGISTER
Check Numbers 415612 through 415838 and EFT Numbers V46710 through V46859 in the grand
total amount of $4,761,049.31; Regular Payroll payouts for pay period ending June 30, 2026 in the
amount of $41,135.69; Regular Payroll for pay period ending July 15, 2026 in the amount of
$1,289,734.35; Regular Payroll Payouts for pay period ending July 15, 2026 in the amount of
$30,337.70; and Retiree Payroll for pay period ending July 31, 2026 in the amount of $41,396.15
3B – MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING – JULY 15, 2026
3C – MINUTES OF STUDY SESSION – JULY 22, 2026
3D – LEASE AGREEMENT WITH UNITED STATES OF AMERICA REGARDING HISTORIC
BUILDING 50 (PUGET SOUND NAVY MUSEUM)
Comments were provided by 1 community member, 1 of which stated their name for the
record: Alden Bradford (Item 3D)
5:36 PM M/S/C (Frey/Tift) Move to approve the CONSENT AGENDA as presented.
Voted in Favor of Motion: Chamberlin, Frey, Cammarata, Goodnow, Tift, Rebelowski
Voted Opposed to Motion: Mockler
Motion carried; 6-Yes and 1-No
4 – GENERAL BUSINESS – There were no General Business items.
5 – MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Wheeler provided highlights of the following:
Weaving Notes sculpture nominated for American Public Works Association’s CODA Award
Kitsap Lake Aquatic Vegetation Harvest Update
Loxie Eagans Boulevard Improvements Project Update
Chip Seal Project Updates for Manette, Kitsap Way, and Oyster Bay
Parks and Recreation Department Update, including Summer Concert Series and the Parks
and Recreation Commission
First Friday Artwalk and Taste of Kitsap
Fun At the Playgrounds Program
Civics Academy Update
6 – COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Jennifer Chamberlin announced that volunteers are welcome for the next Warren Avenue Bridge
Clean-Up on Saturday, August 15 starting from Café Perfetto at 9:00 AM; encouraged the
community to show their support for the proposed shelter at the Planning Commission’s next
meeting on Monday, August 17 beginning at 5:30 PM at the Norm Dicks Government Center; and
requested that a complaint against her be discussed in an open meeting.
Denise Frey encouraged the community to attend the Open House for the Safe Routes to School
Project on Tuesday, August 25 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at View Ridge Elementary School.
Christy Cammarata reported on a survey to businesses relating to community events and planned
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Page 2 of 3
to share the responses soon.
Michael Goodnow shared there is a new mural by Spread Supplies and planters are arriving
tomorrow on Callow Avenue; announced Cars on Callow planning meeting on Thursday, August 6
at 6:00 PM at Typewriter Fever; also announced the Charleston Business District’s Monthly
Meeting on Tuesday, August 18 at 6:00 PM at Typewriter Fever; welcomed new businesses Callow
Fibers and Ship Shape; and announced this weekend’s West Sound Film Festival.
Anna Mockler encouraged the community to contact Councilmembers individually, with
information available on the City of Bremerton’s Website; shared that the People’s Exchange on
Callow Avenue offers food, clothes, supplies, and legal assistance on Thursdays usually from 4:00
to 7:00 PM; attended the Lulu Haddon Park Celebration last Friday; and announced that the Star of
Hope Project will be featured at her next Townhall Meeting on Thursday, September 10 from 4:00
to 7:00 PM at St. Vincent de Paul.
Rick Tift – None.
President Rebelowski announced that for anyone who would like to contact the Council, the
Councilmember’s phone numbers are also listed online; announced that the results of the Budget
Community Priorities Survey will be discussed at the August 12 Study Session; and
shared upcoming meetings on the Council’s schedule.
7 – COMMUNITY COMMENT
Comments were provided by 6 community members, 6 of which stated their name for the
record: Sally Hass, Zach Martin, Christie Schultz, Suzanne Griffith, Joslyn, Jose Camacho,
8 – EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 6:15 PM, the Council went into Executive Session for 10-Minutes to receive and evaluate
complaints or charges against a public officer or employee as allowed under RCW 42.30.110 (1)(f).
No action was anticipated.
At 6:30 PM, President Rebelowski called the meeting back to order.
9 – ADJOURNMENT OF CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING
With no further business, President Rebelowski adjourned the Council Meeting at 6:30 PM.
Prepared and Submitted by:
______________________________
CHRISTINE GRENIER
Legislative Assistant
APPROVED by the City Council on the 19th day of August, 2026.
________________________________________
JANE REBELOWSKI, City Council President
City Council Reg. Mtg. Minutes
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Page 3 of 3
Attest:
________________________________________
ANGELA HOOVER, City Clerk
JR:AH:CG
AGENDA BILL
CITY OF BREMERTON
CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT: Study Session Date: N/A
Minutes of Study Session – August 12, 2026 COUNCIL MEETING Date: August 19, 2026
Department: City Council
Presenter: Council President
Phone: (360) 473-5280
SUMMARY: The Minutes for the Study Session held on August 12, 2026 are attached.
ATTACHMENTS: Council Meeting Minutes
FISCAL IMPACTS (Include Budgeted Amount):
STUDY SESSION ACTION: ☒ Consent Agenda ☐ General Business ☐ Public Hearing
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Mo ve to approve the August 12, 2026 Study Session Minutes as presented.
COUNCIL ACTION: Approve Deny Table Continue No Action
Form Updated 04/19/2024
3C
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MINUTES
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
A Study Session of the City Council of the City of Bremerton was called to order on Wednesday, August
12, 2026, at 5:00 PM in Council Conference Room 603 located in the Norm Dicks Government Center at
345 6th Street, with Council President Jane Rebelowski presiding. Other Council Members present were
Jennifer Chamberlin (remote), Denise Frey, Christy Cammarata, Michael Goodnow, and Anna Mockler.
Councilmember Rick Tift was absent. Legislative Assistant Christine Grenier provided staff support.
A. AGENDA BILL BRIEFINGS
1. Department of Commerce Grant Agreement for Jarstad Aquatic Center Assessment and
Roof Repair was presented by Parks and Recreation Director Tim Barker. Council consensus
for the item to be placed on the August 12 Council Meeting Consent Agenda.
2. Resolution to change the name of 8th Street from Warren Ave to Pacific Ave to Bishop
Roberston Way was presented by City Attorney Kylie Finnell. Council consensus for the item to
be placed on the August 12 Council Meeting General Business.
B. INFORMATION ONLY PRESENTATION
1. Community Budget Priorities Survey Summary Results was presented by Finance Director
Mike Riley. This item was information only.
C. GENERAL COUNCIL BUSINESS
1. Finance, Investment, and Parking Committee Briefing (Last Meeting 7/28/26) – Chair
Michael Goodnow reported that discussion focused on the survey.
2. Public Safety and Parks Committee Briefing (Last Meeting 8/4/26) – Christy Cammarata
reported there will be debrief on the FIFA Fan Zone and special events in Quincy Square.
3. Housing & Homelessness Ad Hoc Committee Briefing (Last Meeting on 8/5/26) – Jane
Rebelowski reported that the UW Student Consulting Lab Project application is in progress.
4. Kitsap Community Resources Board of Directors Briefing (Last Meeting on 6/18/26) –
Anna Mockler reported that the board meets on 3rd Thursdays (except during the summer), that
positions have been officially filled, the audit process is nearly completed, and the annual retreat
will be on August 20.
5. Regional and Other Committee/Board Briefings – Council President (and LTAC Chair)
Jane Rebelowski shared data on tourism from Visit Kitsap Peninsula, which included countywide
occupancy, revenue, and top locations of origin for tourists; and announced the Lodging Tax
grant application is posted online.
6. Other General Council Business was discussed – Council President Jane Rebelowski
attended the Grand Opening for Peninsula Community Health Services respite center with
Denise Frey and Anna Mockler.
Jennifer Chamberlin requested an update on Willow Street, which was then provided by Public
Works Director Chance Berthiaume.
Council President Rebelowski shared that interviews for the Legislative Office Manager position
will be done on Monday, with a recommendation for a hire possible on Wednesday.
Anna Mockler discussed the Transportation Benefit District and this item was confirmed to be on
the August 19 agenda.
City Council Study Session Minutes
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Page 2 of 2
D. ADJOURNMENT OF STUDY SESSION
With no further business, the Study Session was adjourned at 6:17 PM.
Prepared & submitted by:
_____________________________
CHRISTINE GRENIER
Legislative Assistant
APPROVED by the City Council on the 19th day of August 2026.
JANE REBELOWSKI, Council President
ATTEST:
______________________________
ANGELA HOOVER, City Clerk
JR:AH:CG
AGENDA BILL
CITY OF BREMERTON
CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT: Study Session Date: August 12, 2026
Department of Commerce Grant Agreement
for Jarstad Aquatic Center Assessment and
Roof Repair
COUNCIL MEETING Date: August 19, 2026
Department: Parks & Recreation
Presenter: Tim Barker
Phone: (360) 473-5428
SUMMARY:
In 2023 the Parks & Recreation Department applied for and received a Department of Commerce
grant in the amount of $299,730 for an assessment ($100,000) of the Jarstad Aquatic Center
including funding towards repair of the roof ($199,730) following the facility assessment. The
assessment will identify building deficiencies and allow for critical repairs to the structure and roof
system allowing the facility to continue to operate safely and be available for use by the community.
ATTACHMENTS: Washington State Department of Commerce Grant Agreement for Jarstad Aquatic
Center Assessment and Roof Repair
FISCAL IMPACTS (Include Budgeted Amount):
Funding for the project is in the 2026 budget in the amount of $299,730. The potential impact on
future budgets will be determined after the assessment has been completed.
STUDY SESSION ACTION: ☒ Consent Agenda ☐ General Business ☐ Public Hearing
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Move to approve the grant agreement with the Department of Commerce for the Jarstad Aquatic
Center Assessment and Roof Repair project and authorize the Mayor to finalize and execute the
agreement with substantially the same terms and conditions as presented.
COUNCIL ACTION: Approve Deny Table Continue No Action
Form Updated 04/19/2024
3D
Grant to
City of Bremerton
through
The Local Community Projects Program
For
Jarstad Aquatic Center Assessment & Roof Repair (Bremerton)
i
Table of Contents
FACE SHEET ............................................................................................................................ 4
SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS ...................................................................................... 5
1. GRANT MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................................... 5
2. COMPENSATION ............................................................................................................................. 5
3. CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS PERFORMANCE MEASURES ......................................................... 5
4. STATE PUBLIC WORKS .................................................................................................................. 6
5. SITE CONTROL ................................................................................................................................ 6
6. DOCUMENTATION AND SECURITY .............................................................................................. 6
7. BASIS FOR ESTABLISHING REAL PROPERTY VALUES FOR ACQUISITIONS OF REAL
PROPERTY PERFORMANCE MEASURES ................................................................................... 7
8. EXPENDITURES ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT .................................................................... 7
9. BILLING PROCEDURES AND PAYMENT ....................................................................................... 8
10. CLOSEOUT CERTIFICATION .......................................................................................................... 9
11. INSURANCE ..................................................................................................................................... 9
12. ORDER OF PRECEDENCE ........................................................................................................... 11
13. REDUCTION IN FUNDS ................................................................................................................. 12
14. REAPPROPRIATION ...................................................................................................................... 12
15. OWNERSHIP OF PROJECT/CAPITAL FACILITIES ...................................................................... 12
16. CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP OR USE FOR GRANTEE-OWNED PROPERTY ............................. 12
17. CHANGE OF USE FOR LEASED PROPERTY PERFORMANCE MEASURE ............................. 13
18. MODIFICATION TO THE PROJECT BUDGET .............................................................................. 13
19. SIGNAGE, MARKERS AND PUBLICATIONS ................................................................................ 13
20. HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL ARTIFACTS ................................................................................. 14
21. TERMINATION FOR FRAUD OR MISREPRESENTATION .......................................................... 15
22. FRAUD AND OTHER LOSS REPORTING .................................................................................... 15
23. PUBLIC RECORDS ACT ................................................................................................................ 15
24. APPLICABILITY OF COPYRIGHT PROVISIONS TO ARCHITECTURAL/ENGINEERING DESIGN
WORK ............................................................................................................................................ 15
25. TREATMENT OF ASSETS ............................................................................................................. 15
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS ...................................................................................16
1. DEFINITIONS.................................................................................................................................. 16
2. ACCESS TO DATA ......................................................................................................................... 16
3. ADVANCE PAYMENTS PROHIBITED ........................................................................................... 16
4. ALL WRITINGS CONTAINED HEREIN .......................................................................................... 16
5. ALLOWABLE COSTS ..................................................................................................................... 16
6. AMENDMENTS ............................................................................................................................... 17
7. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) OF 1990, PUBLIC LAW 101-336, ALSO
REFERRED TO AS THE “ADA” 28 CFR PART 35 ....................................................................... 17
ii
8. ASSIGNMENT................................................................................................................................. 17
9. ATTORNEYS’ FEES ....................................................................................................................... 17
10. AUDIT .............................................................................................................................................. 17
11. BREACHES OF OTHER STATE CONTRACTS ............................................................................. 18
12. CODE REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................................ 18
13. CONFIDENTIALITY/SAFEGUARDING OF INFORMATION .......................................................... 18
14. CONFORMANCE ............................................................................................................................ 19
15. CONFLICT OF INTEREST ............................................................................................................. 19
16. COPYRIGHT PROVISIONS ........................................................................................................... 19
17. DISALLOWED COSTS ................................................................................................................... 20
18. DISPUTES ...................................................................................................................................... 20
19. DUPLICATE PAYMENT .................................................................................................................. 21
20. GOVERNING LAW AND VENUE ................................................................................................... 21
21. INDEMNIFICATION ........................................................................................................................ 21
22. INDEPENDENT CAPACITY OF THE GRANTEE ........................................................................... 21
23. INDUSTRIAL INSURANCE COVERAGE ....................................................................................... 21
24. LAWS .............................................................................................................................................. 22
25. LICENSING, ACCREDITATION, AND REGISTRATION................................................................ 22
26. LIMITATION OF AUTHORITY ........................................................................................................ 22
27. LOCAL PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION COORDINATION ............................................................... 22
28. NONCOMPLIANCE WITH NONDISCRIMINATION LAWS ............................................................ 22
29. PAY EQUITY ................................................................................................................................... 23
30. POLITICAL ACTIVITIES ................................................................................................................. 23
31. PREVAILING WAGE LAW .............................................................................................................. 23
32. PROHIBITION AGAINST PAYMENT OF BONUS OR COMMISSION .......................................... 24
33. PUBLICITY ...................................................................................................................................... 24
34. RECAPTURE .................................................................................................................................. 24
35. RECORDS MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................................... 24
36. REGISTRATION WITH DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE AND SECRETARY OF STATE .............. 24
37. RIGHT OF INSPECTION ................................................................................................................ 24
38. SAVINGS ........................................................................................................................................ 25
39. SEVERABILITY ............................................................................................................................... 25
40. SITE SECURITY ............................................................................................................................. 25
41. SUBGRANTING/SUBCONTRACTING ........................................................................................... 25
42. SURVIVAL ....................................................................................................................................... 26
43. TAXES ............................................................................................................................................. 26
44. TERMINATION FOR CAUSE ......................................................................................................... 26
45. TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE ........................................................................................... 27
46. TERMINATION OR SUSPENSION FOR LOSS OR REDUCTION OF FUNDING ........................ 27
iii
47. TERMINATION PROCEDURES ..................................................................................................... 27
48. TREATMENT OF ASSETS ............................................................................................................. 28
49. WAIVER .......................................................................................................................................... 29
ATTACHMENT A - SCOPE OF WORK ....................................................................................30
ATTACHMENT B - PROJECT BUDGET ..................................................................................31
ATTACHMENT C - CERTIFICATION OF THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS TO COMPLETE
THE PROJECT .........................................................................................................................32
ATTACHMENT D - CERTIFICATION OF THE PAYMENT AND REPORTING OF PREVAILING
WAGES ....................................................................................................................................33
ATTACHMENT E - CERTIFICATION OF LEADERSHIP IN ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL
DESIGN (LEED) .......................................................................................................................34
4
FACE SHEET
Grant Agreement Number: 24-96647-128
Project Name: Jarstad Aquatic Center Assessment & Roof Repair (Bremerton)
Washington State Department of Commerce
Local Government Division
Local Community Projects
1. GRANTEE 2. GRANTEE Doing Business As (optional)
City of Bremerton
680 Lebo Blvd.
BREMERTON, Washington 98310
N/A
3. GRANTEE Representative 4. COMMERCE Representative
Brian Hauschel
Parks Operations Manager
(360) 473-5305
brian.hauschel@ci.bremerton.wa.us
Sarah Alway
Program Manager
(360) 725-2978
sarah.alway@commerce.wa.gov
PO Box 42525
1500 Jefferson Street SE
Olympia, WA 98501
5. Grant Amount 6. Funding Source 7. Start Date 8. End Date
$299,730.00 Federal: State:
Other: N/A:
Upon Final Signature June 30, 2027, if funds are not
reappropriated; June 30, 2029,
contingent on reappropriation.
9. Award Method
Direct: ☒ Competitive: ☐
NOFO/RFX #
N/A
Proviso #
Engrossed Substitute Senate
Bill 5949, Laws of 2024,
Chapter 375, Section 1018
10. Tax ID # 11. SWV # 12. UBI # 13. UEI #
91-6001231 SWV0000221-00 181-002-539 N/A
14. Grant Agreement Purpose
The purpose of this performance-based Grant Agreement is to provide funding for Jarstad Aquatic Center Assessment &
Roof Repair (Bremerton), a legislatively approved project that furthers the goals and objectives of Jarstad Aquatic Center
Assessment & Roof Repair (Bremerton) as described in Attachment A – Scope of Work.
COMMERCE, defined as the Washington State Department of Commerce, and the GRANTEE, as defined above,
acknowledge and accept the terms of this Grant Agreement and attachments and have executed this Grant Agreement on
the date below to start as of the date and year referenced above. The rights and obligations of both parties to this Grant
Agreement are governed by this Grant Agreement and the following other documents incorporated by reference: Grant
Agreement Terms and Conditions including Attachment A – Scope of Work, Attachment B – Project Budget, Attachment
C – Certification of Availability of Funds to Complete the Project, Attachment D – Certification of the Payment and
Reporting of Prevailing Wages, Attachment E – Certification of LEED, application as submitted for grant funding,
applicable Local Community Projects Program Notice of Funding Availability, and applicable Local Community Projects
Program Guidelines (as they may be revised from time to time).
FOR GRANTEE FOR COMMERCE
Greg Wheeler, Mayor
City of Bremerton
Date
Mark K. Barkley, Assistant Director
Local Government Division
Date
TEMPLATE APPROVED AS TO FORM ONLY
Lisa Koperski, Assistant Attorney General, on 07/23/2025
5
SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
GENERAL GRANT
STATE FUNDS
THIS GRANT AGREEMENT, entered into by and between City of Bremerton, a Local Government, and
WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, as defined on the Face Sheet of this Grant
Agreement, WITNESSES THAT:
WHEREAS, COMMERCE has the statutory authority under RCW 43.330.050(5) to cooperate with
and provide assistance to local governments, businesses, and community-based organizations; and
WHEREAS, COMMERCE is also given the responsibility to administer state funds and programs
which are assigned to COMMERCE by the Governor or the Washington State Legislature; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Legislature has, in Laws of 2023, Chapter 474, Section 1025,
made an appropriation to support the 2024 Local and Community Projects Program, which was
reappropriated and amended in Laws of 2025, Chapter 414, Sections 6051 and 7022, and directed
COMMERCE to administer those funds; and
WHEREAS, certain direct appropriations are provided for in the enabling legislation; and
WHEREAS, the Project is one component of a larger multiphase project, which will result in the
identification of building deficiencies and allow for critical repairs; and
WHEREAS, the enabling legislation also stipulates that the GRANTEE is eligible to receive funding
for design, acquisition, construction and equipment, or rehabilitation activities of the Project.
GRANTEE and COMMERCE are individually a “party” and, collectively, the “parties.”
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of covenants, conditions, performances, and promises hereinafter
contained, the parties agree as follows:
1. GRANT MANAGEMENT
The Representative for each of the parties shall be responsible for and shall be the contact person for
all communications and billings regarding the performance of this Grant Agreement.
2. COMPENSATION
COMMERCE shall pay an amount not to exceed $299,730.00 for the capital costs necessary for or
incidental to the performance of work as set forth in Attachment A (Scope of Work).
3. CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS PERFORMANCE MEASURES
A. The release of state funds under this Grant Agreement is contingent upon the GRANTEE
demonstrating and certifying that it has expended or has access to funds from non-state sources
as set forth in ATTACHMENT C (CERTIFICATION OF THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS TO
COMPLETE THE PROJECT). Such non-state sources may consist of a combination of any of the
following:
i. Eligible Project expenditures prior to the execution of this Grant Agreement.
ii. Cash dedicated to the Project.
iii. Funds available through a letter of credit or other binding loan commitment(s).
6
iv. Pledges from foundations or corporations.
v. Pledges from individual donors.
vi. The value of real property when acquired solely for the purposes of this Project, as
established and evidenced by a current market value appraisal performed by a licensed,
professional real estate appraiser, or a current property tax statement. COMMERCE will not
consider appraisals for prospective values of such property for the purposes of calculating the
amount of non-state matching fund credit.
vii. In-kind contributions, subject to COMMERCE’s approval.
B. The GRANTEE shall maintain records sufficient to evidence that it has access to or has
expended funds from such non-state sources and shall make such records available for
COMMERCE’s review upon reasonable request.
4. STATE PUBLIC WORKS
For work done at the cost of the State, GRANTEE must comply with public works statutes RCW
39.04 and RCW 39.10, apprenticeship requirements, and the state and local building codes, as
applicable. If GRANTEE has questions about compliance, GRANTEE will need to visit the
Washington State Department of Labor & Industries Public Works Projects website for more
information.
5. SITE CONTROL
GRANTEE who receives grants for construction, purchase or renovation of facilities must provide
written evidence of and maintain site control, either through outright ownership of the subject property
or a long-term lease, for a minimum of 10 years after the later of: (1) final grant payment; or (2) the
date when the facility is made usable to the public for the purpose intended by the Washington State
Legislature, including GRANTEE having secured all required licenses, certifications, and/or permits.
GRANTEE must provide written evidence of continuing site control as may be requested by
COMMERCE.
6. DOCUMENTATION AND SECURITY
The provisions of this Section shall apply to capital projects performed by nonprofit organizations, for-
profit organizations, and public benefit corporations that involve the expenditure of over $250,000 in
state funds. The provisions may also apply to Tribes and local governments, depending on the
location of the Project. Additionally, COMMERCE reserves the right to review all state-funded projects
and to require that projects performed by other entity types comply with this Section. Projects for
which the grant award or legislative intent documents specify that the state funding is to be used for
pre-design or design only are exempt from this Section.
A. Deed of Trust. This Grant Agreement shall be evidenced by a promissory note and secured by a
deed of trust or other appropriate security instrument in favor of COMMERCE (the Deed of Trust).
The Deed of Trust shall be recorded in the County where the Project is located, and the original
returned to COMMERCE after recordation within 90 calendar days of Grant Agreement
execution. The Deed of Trust must be recorded before COMMERCE will reimburse the
GRANTEE for any Project costs. The amount secured by the Deed of Trust shall be the amount
of the Grant Agreement as set forth on the Face Sheet.
B. Term of Deed of Trust; Commitment Period. The Deed of Trust shall remain in full force and
effect for a minimum period of 10 years following the later of: (1) final payment of state funds to
the GRANTEE under this Grant Agreement; or (2) the date when:
i. the facility improved or acquired with grant funds; or
ii. a distinct phase of the Project
7
is made useable to the public for the purpose intended by the Washington State Legislature (the
Commitment Period). Upon satisfaction of the Commitment Period and all other Grant Agreement
terms and conditions, COMMERCE shall, upon written request of the GRANTEE, take
appropriate action to reconvey the Deed of Trust.
C. Title Insurance. The GRANTEE shall purchase an extended coverage lender’s policy of title
insurance insuring the lien position of the Deed of Trust in an amount not less than the amount of
the grant.
D. Covenant. If the Project will be partially funded by a loan and the term of said loan is less than the
Commitment Period as defined in Special Terms and Conditions Section 6(B), COMMERCE may
require that GRANTEE record or cause to be recorded a covenant in a superior lien position
ahead of the lender’s security instrument that restricts use of the facility or property for the
purpose(s) stated elsewhere in this Grant Agreement for at least the term of the Commitment
Period as defined in Special Terms and Conditions Section 6(B).
E. Subordination. COMMERCE may agree to subordinate its Deed of Trust upon request from a
private or public lender. Any such request shall be submitted to COMMERCE in writing, and
COMMERCE shall respond to the request in writing within 30 calendar days of receiving the
request.
F. Deed of Trust on Leased Property. COMMERCE may require, at its sole discretion, a Deed of
Trust on the fee interest of the real property where the Project is located, if the Project is on
leased property.
7. BASIS FOR ESTABLISHING REAL PROPERTY VALUES FOR ACQUISITIONS OF REAL
PROPERTY PERFORMANCE MEASURES
When all or part of the grant is used to fund the acquisition of real property, before funds are
disbursed, the GRANTEE shall procure and provide to COMMERCE evidence establishing the value
of the real property eligible for reimbursement under this Grant Agreement as follows:
A. GRANTEE purchases of real property from an independent third-party seller shall be evidenced
by a current appraisal prepared by a licensed Washington State commercial real estate appraiser
or a current property tax statement.
B. GRANTEE purchases of real property from a related or subsidiary organization, such as an
affiliated LLC, shall be evidenced by a current appraisal prepared by a licensed Washington State
commercial real estate appraiser or the prior purchase price of the property plus holding costs,
whichever is less.
8. EXPENDITURES ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT
Payments to the GRANTEE shall be made on a reimbursement basis only. The GRANTEE may be
reimbursed, at the rate set forth elsewhere in this Grant Agreement and as authorized by the
Legislature, for work associated with the Project expenditures. Reimbursable costs are determined by
the Scope of Work, Attachment A. Generally, costs within the following cost categories are
considered capital expenditures:
A. Real property, and costs directly associated with such purchase, when purchased or acquired
solely for the purposes of the Project;
B. Design, engineering, architectural, and planning;
C. Construction management and observation (from external sources only);
D. Construction costs including, but not limited to, the following:
i. Site preparation and improvements;
ii. Permits and fees;
iii. Labor and materials;
iv. Taxes on Project goods and services;
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v. Capitalized equipment;
vi. Information technology infrastructure; and
vii. Landscaping.
E. Other costs authorized through the legislation.
For Direct Appropriations, COMMERCE may also consider reimbursing for work performed prior
to Grant Agreement execution but will not consider reimbursing for work performed prior to the
capital budget effective date unless the Project’s scope of work as approved by the legislature
includes such work.
For competitively-awarded projects, COMMERCE may also consider reimbursing for work
performed prior to Grant Agreement execution, but in no situation will reimburse for work
performed prior to the date specified in the program guidelines applicable at the time of Grant
Agreement execution.
All work requesting reimbursement must fall into eligible expenditures. Please see the most
recent version of the program guidelines for a complete list of eligible costs.
9. BILLING PROCEDURES AND PAYMENT
COMMERCE shall reimburse the GRANTEE for up to 100% of each invoice for eligible Project
expenditures, up to the maximum payable under this Grant Agreement. When requesting
reimbursement for expenditures made, the GRANTEE shall submit to COMMERCE a signed and
completed Invoice Voucher (Form A-19), that documents capitalized Project activity performed – by
budget line item – for the billing period. The GRANTEE must submit all Invoice Vouchers and any
required documentation electronically. Submissions shall be in accordance with directions provided
by COMMERCE. Funds are reimbursement based and cannot be advanced under any circumstance.
Disbursements of funds for invoices due and payable within 30 days are not considered advanced
payments.
The GRANTEE shall evidence the costs claimed on each voucher by including copies of each invoice
received from subgrantees/subcontractors providing Project goods or services covered by the Grant
Agreement. The GRANTEE shall also provide COMMERCE with a copy of the cancelled check or
electronic funds transfer, as applicable, that confirms that they have paid each expenditure being
claimed at the time the voucher is submitted or within 30 calendar days of COMMERCE’s
disbursement of payment, and before any subsequent reimbursement request is made. Proof of
payment must be provided at the time the final grant reimbursement is requested.
A voucher must be certified (i.e., signed) by an official of the GRANTEE with authority to bind the
GRANTEE. The voucher shall be submitted to COMMERCE within 60 calendar days following the
completion of work or other termination of this Grant Agreement, or as soon as possible after the end
of the State biennium but in no case later than [15] calendar days following the end of the State
biennium unless Grant Agreement funds are re-appropriated by the Washington State Legislature in
accordance with Special Terms and Conditions Section 14 (Reappropriation).
If GRANTEE has or will be submitting any of the invoices attached to a request for payment for partial
reimbursement under another contract or grant agreement, GRANTEE must clearly identify such
contracts or grant agreements in the transmittal letter and request for payment.
Each request for payment must be accompanied by a Project Status Report, which describes, in
narrative form, the progress made on the Project since the last invoice was submitted as well as a
report of Project status to date. COMMERCE will not release payment for any reimbursement request
received unless and until the Project Status Report is received.
In the event that the Grant Agreement is executed or the award amount in Special Terms and
Conditions Section 2 (Compensation) is expended before construction completion of the Project, as
identified in Attachment A (Scope of Work), the GRANTEE agrees to continue providing complete
Project updates to their COMMERCE Representative quarterly or upon request.
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COMMERCE will pay GRANTEE upon receipt and approval of properly completed invoices and
supporting documentation, which shall be submitted to the Representative for COMMERCE not more
often than monthly. After approving the Invoice Voucher and Project Status Report, COMMERCE
shall promptly remit a warrant to the GRANTEE. Payment shall be considered timely if made by
COMMERCE within 30 calendar days after receipt of properly completed invoices. Payment shall be
sent to the address designated by the GRANTEE.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, COMMERCE may, in its sole discretion, holdback up to the final 10%
of grant funds until the Project is complete and the facility has been issued a Certificate of Occupancy
from the appropriate local permitting entity, or for projects without occupiable space, when
comparable evidence of Project completion is submitted by GRANTEE. COMMERCE will hold back
grant funds and shall not disburse such funds to the GRANTEE until the GRANTEE submits to
COMMERCE a copy of the issued Certificate of Occupancy or other COMMERCE-approved
evidence of completion. The evidence of completion must be submitted with GRANTEE’s final
request for reimbursement.
10. CLOSEOUT CERTIFICATION
COMMERCE shall complete and send a Grant Closeout Correspondence when:
A. All activities identified in the Scope of Work shown on Attachment A are complete and the Project
is useable to the public for the purpose intended by the Washington State Legislature, or
B. When final payment is made and GRANTEE has certified that the Project will be completed, and
the public benefit described will be maintained for the term of the Commitment Period as defined
in Special Terms and Conditions Section 6(B).
The GRANTEE shall respond to confirm receipt of the Grant Closeout Correspondence when there are
grant funds remaining at closeout that will be de-obligated.
Notwithstanding anything in A. or B. above, the right of COMMERCE to recapture funds or seek other
remedies for failure to make the Project usable to the public shall survive the closeout or termination of
this Grant Agreement.
COMMERCE reserves the right to request additional information related to the Project.
11. INSURANCE
A. Insurance Requirements for Reimbursable Activities
The GRANTEE must have insurance coverage that is substantially similar to the coverage described
in Section 11(B) below for all periods in which GRANTEE performed work for which it will seek
reimbursement. The intent of the required insurance is to protect the State of Washington should
there be any Claims, suits, actions, costs, damages, or expenses arising from any loss or negligent or
intentional act or omission of the GRANTEE or subgrantee/subcontractor, or agents of either, while
performing under the terms of this Grant Agreement.
B. Additional Insurance Requirements During the Term of the Grant Agreement
i. The GRANTEE shall provide proof to COMMERCE of insurance coverage that shall be
maintained in full force and effect, as indicated below, and shall submit renewal certificates
not less than 30 calendar days prior to expiration of each policy required under this Section:
a. Commercial General Liability Insurance Policy. Provide a Commercial General
Liability Insurance Policy, including contractual liability, written on an occurrence basis, in
adequate quantity to protect against legal liability arising out of or related to this Grant
Agreement but in no less than $1,000,000 per occurrence. Additionally, the GRANTEE is
responsible for ensuring that any subgrantee/subcontractor provide adequate insurance
coverage for the activities arising out of or related to subgrants/subcontracts (if any).
Commercial General Liability Insurance coverage shall be maintained in full force and
effect during the term of this Grant Agreement and throughout the Commitment Period as
defined in Special Terms and Conditions Section 6(B).
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b. Property Insurance. The GRANTEE shall keep the property insured in an amount
sufficient to permit such insurance to be written at all times on a replacement cost basis.
Such insurance shall cover the following hazards, as applicable:
1. Loss or damage by fire and such other risks;
2. Loss or damage from leakage or sprinkler systems now or hereafter installed in any
building on the premises;
3. Loss or damage by explosion of steam boilers, pressure vessels, oil or gasoline
storage tanks, or similar apparatus now or hereafter installed in a building or building
on the premises.
This property insurance coverage must be maintained in full force and effect throughout
the term of this Grant Agreement and the Commitment Period as defined in Special
Terms and Conditions Section 6(B).
c. Professional Liability, Errors, and Omissions Insurance. If GRANTEE will be
providing any professional services to be reimbursed under this Grant Agreement, the
GRANTEE shall maintain Professional Liability or Errors and Omissions Insurance with
minimum limits of no less than $1,000,000 per occurrence to cover all activities by the
GRANTEE and licensed staff employed or under contract to the GRANTEE. The State of
Washington, the Department of Commerce, its agents, officers, and employees need not
be named as additional insureds under this policy. This insurance must be maintained
throughout the term of the Grant Agreement and the Commitment Period as defined in
Special Terms and Conditions Section 6(B). GRANTEE shall require that any
subgrantees/subcontractors providing professional services that are reimbursable under
this Grant Agreement maintain Professional Liability or Errors and Omissions Insurance
at the coverage levels set forth in this subsection.
d. Fidelity Insurance. Every officer, director, employee, or agent who is authorized to act
on behalf of the GRANTEE for the purpose of receiving or depositing funds into program
accounts or issuing financial documents, checks, or other instruments of payment for
program costs shall be insured to provide protection against loss where:
1. The amount of fidelity coverage secured pursuant to this Grant Agreement shall be
$2,000,000 or the highest of planned reimbursement for the Grant Agreement period,
whichever is lower. Fidelity insurance secured pursuant to this paragraph shall name
the State of Washington, the Department of Commerce, its agents, officers, and
employees as beneficiary.
2. Subgrantees/subcontractors that receive $10,000 or more per year in funding
through this Grant Agreement shall secure fidelity insurance as noted above. Fidelity
insurance secured by subgrantees/subcontractors pursuant to this paragraph shall
name the GRANTEE and the GRANTEE’s fiscal agent (if any) as beneficiary.
3. Fidelity Insurance coverage shall be maintained in full force and effect from the start
date of this Grant Agreement until GRANTEE has submitted a Closeout Certification
Form, subject to the following: Fidelity Insurance must be issued on either (a) a “loss
sustained” basis; or (b) if issued on a “loss-discovered” basis, provide coverage for at
least 6 months following the date of COMMERCE’s receipt of the Closeout
Certification Form.
4. Fidelity Insurance for Organizations with No Employees.
Notwithstanding Special Term and Condition 11(B)(4), the requirement for fidelity
insurance described in that term is hereby waived as long as the GRANTEE does not
have any employees (including, but not limited to, volunteers, work-study
placements, and interns).
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ii. The insurance required shall be issued by an insurance company authorized to do business
within the State of Washington. Except as otherwise set forth in this Section, each insurance
policy shall name “the State of Washington Department of Commerce, its agents, officers,
and employees” as additional insureds on all policies. All policies shall be primary to any
other valid and collectable insurance. The GRANTEE shall instruct the insurers to give
COMMERCE 30 calendar days’ advance notice of any insurance cancellation or modification.
iii. The GRANTEE shall submit to COMMERCE within 15 calendar days of the Grant Agreement
start date, a certificate of insurance which outlines the coverage and limits defined in this
insurance section including, without limitation, the type of insurance coverage under the
policy, the designated beneficiary, who is covered, the amounts, the period of coverage, and
that COMMERCE will be provided 30 days’ advance written notice of cancellation. During the
term of the Grant Agreement, the GRANTEE shall submit renewal certificates not less than
30 calendar days prior to expiration of each policy required under this Section. Additionally,
GRANTEE shall provide copies of insurance instruments or certifications, at COMMERCE’s
request and until six (6) months after COMMERCE has received a Closeout Certification
Form from GRANTEE. Copies of such insurance instruments and certifications will be
provided within 15 calendar days of COMMERCE’s request unless otherwise agreed to by
the parties.
iv. GRANTEES and Local Governments that Participate in a Self-Insurance Program.
Self-Insured/Liability Pool or Self-Insured Risk Management Program – With prior approval
from COMMERCE, the GRANTEE may provide the coverage above under a self-
insured/liability pool or self-insured risk management program. In order to obtain permission
from COMMERCE, the GRANTEE shall provide: (1) a description of its self-insurance
program, and (2) a certificate and/or letter of coverage that outlines coverage limits and
deductibles. All self-insured risk management programs or self-insured/liability pool financial
reports must comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and adhere to
accounting standards promulgated by 1) Governmental Accounting Standards Board
(GASB), 2) Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), and 3) the Washington State
Auditor’s annual instructions for financial reporting. GRANTEE’s participating in joint risk
pools shall maintain sufficient documentation to support the aggregate claim liability
information reported on the balance sheet. The State of Washington, the Department of
Commerce, its agents, and employees need not be named as additional insured under a self-
insured property/liability pool, if the pool is prohibited from naming third parties as additional
insured.
GRANTEE shall provide annually to COMMERCE a summary of coverages and a letter of
self- insurance, evidencing continued coverage under GRANTEE’s self-insured/liability pool
or self-insured risk management program. Such annual summary of coverage and letter of
self-insurance will be provided on the anniversary of the start date of this Grant Agreement.
12. ORDER OF PRECEDENCE
In the event of an inconsistency in this Grant Agreement, the inconsistency shall be resolved by
giving precedence in the following order:
1) Applicable federal and State of Washington statutes and regulations
2) Special Terms and Conditions
3) General Terms and Conditions
4) Attachment A – Scope of Work
5) Attachment B – Project Budget
6) Attachment C – Certification of the Availability of Funds to Complete the Project
7) Attachment D – Certification of the Payment and Reporting of Prevailing Wages
8) Attachment E – Certification of Intent to Enter the Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED) Certification Process
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9) Application as submitted by the GRANTEE for funding
10) Notice of Funding Availability
Program Guidelines, as revised. GRANTEE acknowledges that the Program Guidelines may be
revised by COMMERCE from time to time and agrees that the most recent version of the Guidelines
shall be applicable. COMMERCE will post notice on its website
https://www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/capital-facilities/ drawing attention to the
sections of the Guidelines that have been revised.
13. REDUCTION IN FUNDS
In the event that funds appropriated for the Project contemplated under this Grant Agreement are
withdrawn, reduced, or limited in any way by the Governor or the Washington State Legislature, or
other funding source, during the Grant Agreement period, the parties understand and agree that
COMMERCE may suspend, amend, or terminate the Grant Agreement to abide by the revised
funding limitations. The parties understand and agree that GRANTEE shall be bound by any such
revised funding limitations as implemented at the discretion of COMMERCE and shall meet and
renegotiate the Grant Agreement accordingly.
14. REAPPROPRIATION
A. The parties hereto understand and agree that any State funds not expended by the End Date
listed on the Face Sheet will lapse on that date unless specifically reappropriated by the
Washington State Legislature. If funds are so reappropriated, the State's obligation under the
terms of this Grant Agreement shall be contingent upon the terms of such reappropriation.
B. In the event any funds awarded under this Grant Agreement are reappropriated for use in a future
biennium, COMMERCE reserves the right to assign a reasonable share of any such
reappropriation for administrative costs.
15. OWNERSHIP OF PROJECT/CAPITAL FACILITIES
COMMERCE makes no claim to any real property improved or constructed with funds awarded under
this Grant Agreement and does not assert and will not acquire any ownership interest in or title to the
capital facilities and/or equipment constructed or purchased with state funds under this Grant
Agreement; provided, however, that COMMERCE may be granted a security interest in real
property to secure funds awarded under this Grant Agreement. This provision does not extend to
Claims that COMMERCE may bring against the GRANTEE in recapturing funds expended in violation
of this Grant Agreement.
16. CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP OR USE FOR GRANTEE-OWNED PROPERTY
A. The GRANTEE understands and agrees that any and all real property or facilities owned by the
GRANTEE that are acquired, constructed, or otherwise improved using state funds under this
Grant Agreement shall be held and used by the GRANTEE for the purpose or purposes stated
elsewhere in this Grant Agreement for the Commitment Period as defined in Special Terms and
Conditions Section 6(B).
B. This provision shall not be construed to prohibit the GRANTEE from selling any property or
properties described in this Section; provided, however, that any such sale shall be subject to
prior review and approval by COMMERCE and that all proceeds from such sale shall be applied
to the purchase price of a different facility or facilities of equal or greater value than the original
facility and that any such new facility or facilities will be used for the purpose or purposes stated
elsewhere in this Grant Agreement.
C. In the event the GRANTEE is found to be out of compliance with this Section, the GRANTEE
shall repay to the state general fund or state building construction account, as determined solely
by COMMERCE, pursuant to General Terms and Conditions Section 34, the principal amount of
the funds disbursed under the Grant Agreement, along with interest at the rate of the higher of: (i)
five percent (5%) per annum, or (ii) the rate of interest of state of Washington general obligation
13
bonds issued on the date most close in time to the effective date in which legislation authorized
funding for the subject facility. Repayment shall be made pursuant to General Terms and
Conditions Section 34 (Recapture). This repayment is in addition to any other remedies available
at law or in equity.
17. CHANGE OF USE FOR LEASED PROPERTY PERFORMANCE MEASURE
A. The GRANTEE understands and agrees that any and all real property or facilities leased by the
GRANTEE that are constructed, renovated, or otherwise improved using state funds under this
Grant Agreement shall be used by the GRANTEE for the purpose or purposes stated elsewhere
in this Grant Agreement for a period of the Commitment Period as defined in Special Terms and
Conditions Section 6(B).
B. In the event the GRANTEE is found to be out of compliance with this Section, the GRANTEE
shall repay to the state general fund or state building construction account, as determined solely
by COMMERCE, pursuant to General Terms and Conditions Section 34, the principal amount of
the funds disbursed under the Grant Agreement, along with interest at the rate of the higher of: (i)
five percent (5%) per annum, or (ii) the rate of interest of state of Washington general obligation
bonds issued on the date most close in time to the effective date in which legislation authorized
funding for the subject facility Repayment shall be made pursuant to General Terms and
Conditions Section 34 (Recapture). This repayment is in addition to any other remedies available
at law or in equity.
18. MODIFICATION TO THE PROJECT BUDGET
A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Grant Agreement, the GRANTEE may, its discretion,
make modifications to Grant Amounts associated with line item(s) in Attachment B (Project
Budget) that will not increase the Grant Amounts associated with line item(s) by more than 20%.
B. The GRANTEE shall notify COMMERCE in writing by email when proposing any budget
modification or modifications to a line item in Attachment B (Project Budget) that would increase
the Grant Amounts associated with line item(s) by more than 20%. Conversely, COMMERCE
may initiate the budget modification approval process if presented with a request for payment
under this Grant Agreement that would cause one or more budget line items to exceed the 20%
threshold increase described above.
C. Any such budget modification or modifications as described above shall require the written
approval of COMMERCE by email, and such written approval shall amend the Project Budget.
Each party to this Grant Agreement will retain and make any and all documents related to such
budget modifications a part of their respective Grant Agreement file.
D. Nothing in this Section shall be construed to permit an increase in the amount of funds available
for the Project, as set forth in Special Terms and Conditions Section 2 (Compensation) of this
Grant Agreement.
19. SIGNAGE, MARKERS AND PUBLICATIONS
A. Taxpayers of Washington State as participant in funding Project
If, during the period covered by this Grant Agreement, the GRANTEE displays or circulates any
communication, publication, or donor recognition identifying the financial participants in the
Project, any such communication or publication must identify “The Taxpayers of Washington
State” as a participant.
B. Ensure coordinated Climate Commitment Act branding.
If Climate Commitment Act funding is involved in this Grant Agreement, then the following
provisions apply to GRANTEE and its subgrantees/subcontractors including, without limitation,
any and all contractors, subgrantees/subcontractors, service providers, and others who assist
GRANTEE in implementing the Project in order to strengthen public awareness of how CCA
funding is used and to ensure consistent branding and funding acknowledgments:
14
i. Funding source acknowledgement. - The GRANTEE must display or circulate in any and all
communications including, without limitation, on websites and in announcements, press
releases, and publications used for media-related activities, publicity, and public outreach
that: “This project is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The
CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work
reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the
CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.”
ii. Include the “Climate Commitment Act” logo at climate.wa.gov/brandtoolkit, consistent with the
branding guidelines posted at climate.wa.gov/brandtoolkit for:
a. any Project website or webpage that includes logos from other funding partners; and/or
b. any Project media or public information materials that include logos from other funding
partners; and/or
c. On-site signage, to the extent possible. By way of example only, this means that for
consumer-related projects or programs, a decal may be placed on front of installed heat
pump or a logo printed on a delivery tag.
iii. The GRANTEE is responsible for ensuring that its subgrantees/subcontractors comply with
Section 19(B).
20. HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL ARTIFACTS
Prior to approval and disbursement of any funds awarded under this Grant Agreement, GRANTEE
shall cooperate with COMMERCE to complete the requirements of Governor’s Executive Order 21-02
or GRANTEE shall complete a review under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, if
applicable. GRANTEE agrees that the GRANTEE is legally and financially responsible for compliance
with all laws, regulations, and agreements related to the preservation of historical or cultural
resources and agrees to hold harmless COMMERCE and the State of Washington in relation to any
claim related to such historical or cultural resources discovered, disturbed, or damaged as a result of
the Project funded by this Grant Agreement.
In addition to the requirements set forth in this Grant Agreement, GRANTEE shall, in accordance with
Governor’s Executive Order 21-02 as applicable, coordinate with COMMERCE and the Washington
State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP), including any recommended
consultation with any affected tribe(s), during Project design and prior to construction to determine the
existence of any tribal cultural resources affected by Project. GRANTEE agrees to avoid, minimize, or
mitigate impacts to the cultural resource as a continuing prerequisite to receipt of funds under this
Grant Agreement.
The GRANTEE agrees that, unless the GRANTEE is proceeding under an approved historical and
cultural monitoring plan or other memorandum of agreement, if historical or cultural artifacts are
discovered during construction, the GRANTEE shall immediately stop construction and notify the
local historical preservation officer and the State's historical preservation officer at DAHP, and the
COMMERCE Representative identified on the Face Sheet. If human remains are uncovered, the
GRANTEE shall report the presence and location of the remains to the coroner and local enforcement
immediately, then contact DAHP and the concerned tribe's cultural staff or committee.
The GRANTEE shall require this provision to be contained in all subgrants/subcontracts for work or
services related to the Project described in Attachment A (Scope of Work).
In addition to the requirements set forth in this Grant Agreement, GRANTEE agrees to comply with
RCW 27.44 regarding Indian Graves and Records, RCW 27.53 regarding Archaeological Sites and
Resources, RCW 68.60 regarding Abandoned and Historic Cemeteries and Historic Graves, and
WAC 25-48 regarding Archaeological Excavation and Removal Permits.
Completion of the requirements of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act shall
substitute for completion of Governor’s Executive Order 21-02.
15
In the event that the GRANTEE finds it necessary to amend the Project described in Attachment A
(Scope of Work), the GRANTEE may be required to re-comply with Governor's Executive Order 21-
02 or Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
21. TERMINATION FOR FRAUD OR MISREPRESENTATION
In the event the GRANTEE commits fraud or makes any misrepresentation in connection with the
grant application or during the performance of this Grant Agreement, COMMERCE reserves the right
to terminate or amend this Grant Agreement, accordingly, including the right to recapture all funds
disbursed to the GRANTEE under the Grant Agreement.
22. FRAUD AND OTHER LOSS REPORTING
GRANTEE shall report in writing all known or suspected fraud or other loss of any funds or other
property furnished under this Grant Agreement immediately or as soon as practicable to the
COMMERCE Representative identified on the Face Sheet.
23. PUBLIC RECORDS ACT
Notwithstanding General Terms and Conditions Section 13 (Confidentiality/Safeguarding of
Information), COMMERCE is a public agency subject to the Public Records Act, RCW 42.56 (PRA).
Under the PRA, all materials relating to the conduct of government or the performance of any
governmental or proprietary function prepared, owned, used, or retained by COMMERCE or its
functional equivalents are considered public records. The PRA requires that public records
responsive to a public records request be promptly produced unless the PRA or an “other statute”
exempts such records from production. This Grant Agreement is not intended to alter COMMERCE’s
obligations under the PRA. The parties agree that if COMMERCE receives a public records request
for files that may include confidential information under General Terms and Conditions Section 13
(Confidentiality/Safeguarding of Information), COMMERCE may notify the other party of the request
and of the date that the records will be released to the requester unless GRANTEE obtains a court
order enjoining disclosure. If the GRANTEE fails to obtain the court order enjoining disclosure,
COMMERCE may release the requested information on the date specified. If the GRANTEE obtains
a court order from a court of competent jurisdiction enjoining disclosure pursuant to the PRA,
COMMERCE shall maintain the confidentiality of the information per the court order.
24. APPLICABILITY OF COPYRIGHT PROVISIONS TO ARCHITECTURAL/ENGINEERING DESIGN
WORK
General Terms and Conditions Section 16 (Copyright Provisions) are not intended to apply to any
architectural and engineering design work funded by this Grant Agreement.
25. TREATMENT OF ASSETS
Title to all property furnished by COMMERCE shall remain in COMMERCE. General Terms and
Conditions Section 47 (Treatment of Assets) is superseded by this provision.
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GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
GENERAL GRANT
STATE FUNDS
1. DEFINITIONS
As used throughout this Grant Agreement, the following terms shall have the meaning set forth below:
A. “Authorized Representative” shall mean the Director and/or the designee authorized in writing to
act on the Director’s behalf.
B. “Claim” shall mean any and all claims, losses, costs, damage, expenses, liabilities, liens, actions,
causes of action (whether in tort or contract, law or equity, or otherwise), and attorneys’ fees and
costs.
C. “COMMERCE” shall mean the Washington State Department of Commerce.
D. “Grant Agreement” shall mean the entire written agreement between COMMERCE and the
GRANTEE, including any attachments, exhibits, documents, or materials incorporated by
reference, and any amendments executed by the parties.
E. "GRANTEE" shall mean the entity identified on the Face Sheet performing service(s) under this
Grant Agreement and shall include all employees and agents of the GRANTEE.
F. “Personal Information” shall mean information identifiable to any person, including, but not limited
to, information that relates to a person’s name, health, finances, education, business, use, or
receipt of governmental services or other activities, addresses, telephone numbers, social
security numbers, driver license numbers, other identifying numbers, and any financial identifiers.
G. ”State” shall mean the State of Washington.
H. "Subgrantee/subcontractor" shall mean one not in the employment of the GRANTEE, who is
performing all or part of those services under this Grant Agreement under a separate subcontract
or subgrant with the GRANTEE. The term “subgrantee/subcontractor” refers to
subgrantees/subcontractors of any tier.
2. ACCESS TO DATA
In compliance with RCW 39.26.180, the GRANTEE shall provide access to data generated under this
Grant Agreement to COMMERCE, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee, and the Office
of the State Auditor at no additional cost. This includes access to all information that supports the
findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the GRANTEE’s reports, including computer models
and the methodology for those models.
3. ADVANCE PAYMENTS PROHIBITED
No payments in advance of or in anticipation of goods or services to be provided under this Grant
Agreement shall be made by COMMERCE.
4. ALL WRITINGS CONTAINED HEREIN
This Grant Agreement contains all the terms and conditions agreed upon by the parties. Such
amendments shall not be binding unless they are in writing and signed by personnel authorized to
bind each of the parties. No other understandings, oral or otherwise, regarding the subject matter of
this Grant Agreement shall be deemed to exist or to bind any of the parties hereto.
5. ALLOWABLE COSTS
Costs allowable under this Grant Agreement are actual expenditures according to an approved
budget up to the maximum amount stated on the Grant Agreement Award or Amendment Face
Sheet.
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6. AMENDMENTS
This Grant Agreement may be amended by mutual agreement of the parties. Such amendments shall
not be binding unless they are in writing and signed by personnel authorized to bind each of the
parties. No other understandings, oral or otherwise, regarding the subject matter of this Grant
Agreement shall be deemed to exist or to bind any of the parties hereto.
7. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) OF 1990, PUBLIC LAW 101-336, ALSO
REFERRED TO AS THE “ADA” 28 CFR PART 35
The GRANTEE must comply with the ADA, which provides comprehensive civil rights protection to
individuals with disabilities in the areas of employment, public accommodations, state and local
government services, and telecommunications.
8. ASSIGNMENT
Neither this Grant Agreement nor any Claim arising under this Grant Agreement, shall be transferred
or assigned by the GRANTEE without prior written consent of COMMERCE.
9. ATTORNEYS’ FEES
Unless expressly permitted under another provision of the Grant Agreement, in the event of litigation
or other action brought to enforce Grant Agreement terms, each party agrees to bear its own
attorneys’ fees and costs.
10. AUDIT
A. General Requirements
COMMERCE reserves the right to require an audit. If required, GRANTEEs are required to
procure audit services, at the request of COMMERCE, and provide documentation of the audit to
COMMERCE based on the following guidelines.
The GRANTEE shall maintain its records and accounts so as to facilitate audits and shall ensure
that subgrantees/subcontractors also maintain auditable records.
The GRANTEE is responsible for any audit exceptions incurred by its own organization or that of
its subgrantees/subcontractors.
COMMERCE reserves the right to recover from the GRANTEE all disallowed costs resulting from
the audit.
Responses to any unresolved management findings and disallowed or questioned costs shall be
included with the audit report. The GRANTEE must respond to COMMERCE requests for
information or corrective action concerning audit issues within 30 calendar days of the date of
request.
B. State Funds Requirements
In the event an audit is required, if the GRANTEE is a state or local government entity, the Office
of the State Auditor shall conduct the audit. Audits of non-profit organizations are to be conducted
by a qualified certified public accountant.
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The GRANTEE shall include the above audit requirements in any and all subgrants or
subcontracts.
In any case, the GRANTEE’s records must be available for review by COMMERCE at any time
during the Commitment Period as defined in Special Terms and Conditions Section 6(B).
C. Documentation Requirements
The GRANTEE must send a copy of the audit report described above no later than 9 months after
the end of the GRANTEE’s fiscal year(s) by sending a scanned copy to
comacctoffice@commerce.wa.gov or a hard copy to:
Washington State Department of Commerce
ATTN: Audit Review and Resolution Office
1500 Jefferson Street SE
PO Box 42525
Olympia. WA 98501
In addition to sending a copy of the audit, when applicable, the GRANTEE must include:
i. Corrective action plan for audit findings within three (3) months of the audit being received
by COMMERCE; and
ii. Copy of the Management Letter.
If the GRANTEE is required to obtain a single audit consistent with Circular A-133
requirements, a copy must be provided to COMMERCE; no other report is required.
11. BREACHES OF OTHER STATE CONTRACTS
GRANTEE is expected to comply with all other contracts and grant agreements executed between
GRANTEE and the State of Washington. A breach of any other contract or grant agreement entered
into between GRANTEE and the State of Washington may, in COMMERCE's sole discretion, be
deemed a breach of this Grant Agreement.
12. CODE REQUIREMENTS
All construction and rehabilitation projects must satisfy the requirements of applicable local, state, and
federal building, mechanical, plumbing, fire, energy and barrier-free codes. Compliance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 28 C.F.R. Part 35 will be required, as specified by the local
building Department.
13. CONFIDENTIALITY/SAFEGUARDING OF INFORMATION
A. “Confidential Information” as used in this Section includes:
i. All material provided to the GRANTEE by COMMERCE that is designated as “confidential”
by COMMERCE; and
ii. All material produced by the GRANTEE that is designated as “confidential” by
COMMERCE; and
iii. All Personal Information in the possession of the GRANTEE that may not be disclosed
under state or federal law.
B. The GRANTEE shall comply with all state and federal laws related to the use, sharing, transfer,
sale, or disclosure of Confidential Information. The GRANTEE shall use Confidential Information
solely for the purposes of this Grant Agreement and shall not use, share, transfer, sell, or disclose
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any Confidential Information to any third party except with the prior written consent of
COMMERCE or as may be required by law. The GRANTEE shall take all necessary steps to
assure that Confidential Information is safeguarded to prevent unauthorized use, sharing,
transfer, sale, or disclosure of Confidential Information or violation of any related state or federal
laws. Upon request, the GRANTEE shall provide COMMERCE with its policies and procedures
on confidentiality. COMMERCE may require changes to such policies and procedures as they
apply to this Grant Agreement whenever COMMERCE reasonably determines that changes are
necessary to prevent unauthorized disclosures. The GRANTEE shall make the changes within
the time period specified by COMMERCE. Upon request, the GRANTEE shall immediately return
to COMMERCE any Confidential Information that COMMERCE reasonably determines has not
been adequately protected by the GRANTEE against unauthorized disclosure.
C. Unauthorized Use or Disclosure. The GRANTEE shall notify COMMERCE within 5 working days
of GRANTEE’s discovery of any unauthorized use or disclosure of any confidential information
and shall take necessary steps to mitigate the harmful effects of such use or disclosure.
14. CONFORMANCE
If any provision of this Grant Agreement violates any statute or rule of law of the State of Washington,
it is considered modified to conform to that statute or rule of law.
15. CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Notwithstanding any determination by the Executive Ethics Board or other tribunal, COMMERCE
may, in its sole discretion, by written notice to the GRANTEE terminate this Grant Agreement if it is
found after due notice and examination by COMMERCE that there is a violation of the Ethics in Public
Service Act, RCW 42.52 and RCW 42.23, or any similar statute involving the GRANTEE in the
procurement of, or performance under, this Grant Agreement.
Specific restrictions apply to contracting with current or former state employees pursuant to RCW
42.52. The GRANTEE and all subgrantees/subcontractors (if any) must identify any person employed
in any capacity by the State of Washington that worked on this Grant Agreement, or any matter
related to the Project funded under this Grant Agreement or any other state funded project, including,
but not limited to, formulating or drafting legislation, participating in grant procurement, planning and
execution, awarding grants, or monitoring grants, during the 24 month period preceding the start date
of this Grant Agreement. Any person identified by the GRANTEE and their
subgrantees/subcontractors (if any) must be identified individually by name, the agency previously or
currently employed by, job title or position held, and separation date. If it is determined by
COMMERCE that a conflict of interest exists, the GRANTEE may be disqualified from further
consideration for the award of a grant.
In the event this Grant Agreement is terminated as provided above, COMMERCE shall be entitled to
pursue the same remedies against the GRANTEE as it could pursue in the event of a breach of the
Grant Agreement by the GRANTEE. The rights and remedies of COMMERCE provided for in this
clause shall not be exclusive and are in addition to any other rights and remedies provided by law.
The existence of facts upon which COMMERCE makes any determination under this clause shall be
an issue and may be reviewed as provided in Section 18 General Terms and Conditions (Disputes) of
this Grant Agreement.
16. COPYRIGHT PROVISIONS
Unless otherwise provided, all Materials produced under this Grant Agreement shall be considered
"works for hire" as defined by the U.S. Copyright Act and shall be owned by COMMERCE.
COMMERCE shall be considered the author of such Materials. In the event that the Materials are not
considered “works for hire” under the U.S. Copyright laws, the GRANTEE hereby irrevocably assigns
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all right, title, and interest in all Materials, including all intellectual property rights, moral rights, and
rights of publicity to COMMERCE effective from the moment of creation of such Materials.
“Materials” means all items in any format and includes, but is not limited to, data, reports, documents,
pamphlets, advertisements, books, magazines, surveys, studies, computer programs, films, tapes,
and/or sound reproductions. “Ownership” includes the right to copyright, patent, and register as well
as the ability to transfer these rights.
For Materials that are delivered under the Grant Agreement, but that incorporate pre-existing
materials not produced under the Grant Agreement, the GRANTEE grants to COMMERCE a
nonexclusive, royalty-free, irrevocable license (with rights to sublicense to others) in such Materials to
translate, reproduce, distribute, prepare derivative works, publicly perform, and publicly display. The
GRANTEE warrants and represents that the GRANTEE has all rights and permissions, including
intellectual property rights, moral rights, and rights of publicity, necessary to grant such a license to
COMMERCE.
The GRANTEE shall exert all reasonable effort to advise COMMERCE, at the time of delivery of
Materials furnished under this Grant Agreement, of all known or potential invasions of privacy
contained therein and of any portion of such document which was not produced in the performance of
this Grant Agreement. The GRANTEE shall provide COMMERCE with prompt written notice of each
notice or claim of infringement received by the GRANTEE with respect to any Materials delivered
under this Grant Agreement. COMMERCE shall have the right to modify or remove any restrictive
markings placed upon the Materials by the GRANTEE.
17. DISALLOWED COSTS
The GRANTEE is responsible for any audit exceptions or disallowed costs incurred by its own
organization or that of its subgrantees/subcontractors.
18. DISPUTES
Except as otherwise provided in this Grant Agreement, when a dispute arises between the parties
and it cannot be resolved by direct negotiation, either party may request a dispute hearing with the
Director of COMMERCE, who may designate a neutral person to decide the dispute.
The request for a dispute hearing must:
i. be in writing;
ii. state the disputed issues;
iii. state the relative positions of the parties;
iv. state the GRANTEE's name, address, and Grant Agreement number; and
v. be mailed to the Director and the other party’s (respondent’s) Grant Agreement
Representative within 3 working days after the parties agree that they cannot resolve the
dispute.
The respondent shall send a written answer to the requestor’s statement to both the Director or the
Director’s designee and the requestor within five (5) working days.
The Director or designee shall review the written statements and reply in writing to both parties within
10 working days. The Director or designee may extend this period if necessary by notifying the
parties.
The decision shall not be admissible in any succeeding judicial or quasi-judicial proceeding.
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The parties agree that this dispute process shall precede any action in a judicial or quasi-judicial
tribunal.
Nothing in this Grant Agreement shall be construed to limit the parties’ choice of a mutually
acceptable alternate dispute resolution (ADR) method in addition to the dispute hearing procedure
outlined above.
19. DUPLICATE PAYMENT
COMMERCE shall not pay the GRANTEE, if the GRANTEE has charged or will charge the State of
Washington or any other party under any other grant, subgrant/subcontract, contract, or agreement,
for the same services or expenses. The GRANTEE certifies that work to be performed under this
Grant Agreement does not duplicate any work to be charged against any other grant,
subgrant/subcontract, contract, or agreement.
20. GOVERNING LAW AND VENUE
This Grant Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of
Washington, and the venue of any action brought hereunder shall be in the Superior Court for
Thurston County.
21. INDEMNIFICATION
To the fullest extent permitted by law, the GRANTEE shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the
State of Washington, COMMERCE, agencies of the State, and all officials, agents, employees, and
representatives of the State, from and against all Claims for injuries or death arising out of or resulting
from the performance of the Grant Agreement.
The GRANTEE’S obligation to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless includes any Claim by any and
all of GRANTEE’S agents, employees, representatives, and/or subgrantee(s)/subcontractor(s) (and
their agents, employees, and representatives, to the extent that GRANTEE is using any
subgrantee/subcontractor for the Project).
The GRANTEE’S obligations shall not include such Claims that may be caused by the sole
negligence of the State and its agencies, officials, agents, and/or employees. If the Claims or
damages are caused by or result from the concurrent negligence of (a) the State, its agents, and/or
employees and (b) the GRANTEE, its subgrantees/subcontractors, agents, and/or employees, this
indemnity provision shall be valid and enforceable only to the extent of the negligence of the
GRANTEE (and/or its subgrantees/subcontractors) and their agents, officers, representatives, and/or
employees.
The GRANTEE waives its immunity under RCW 51 to the extent it is required to indemnify, defend,
and hold harmless the State and its agencies, officers, agents, and/or employees.
22. INDEPENDENT CAPACITY OF THE GRANTEE
The parties intend that an independent contractor relationship will be created by this Grant
Agreement. The GRANTEE and its employees, officers, representatives, and/or agents performing
under this Grant Agreement are not employees or agents of the State of Washington or
COMMERCE. The GRANTEE will not hold itself out as or claim to be an officer or employee of
COMMERCE or of the State of Washington by reason hereof, nor will the GRANTEE make any claim
of right, privilege, or benefit which would accrue to such officer or employee under law. Conduct and
control of the work associated with the Project will be solely with the GRANTEE.
23. INDUSTRIAL INSURANCE COVERAGE
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The GRANTEE shall comply with all applicable provisions of RCW 51 (Industrial Insurance). If the
GRANTEE fails to provide industrial insurance coverage or fails to pay premiums or penalties on
behalf of its employees as may be required by law, COMMERCE may collect from the GRANTEE the
full amount payable to the Industrial Insurance Accident Fund. COMMERCE may deduct the amount
owed by the GRANTEE to the accident fund from the amount payable to the GRANTEE by
COMMERCE under this Grant Agreement and transmit the deducted amount to the Department of
Labor and Industries (L&I) Division of Insurance Services. This provision does not waive any of L&I’s
rights to collect from the GRANTEE.
24. LAWS
The GRANTEE shall comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, codes, regulations, and policies of
local and state and federal governments, as now or hereafter amended.
25. LICENSING, ACCREDITATION, AND REGISTRATION
The GRANTEE shall comply with all applicable local, state, and federal licensing, accreditation, and
registration requirements or standards necessary for the performance of this Grant Agreement.
26. LIMITATION OF AUTHORITY
Only the Authorized Representative or Authorized Representative’s delegate by writing (delegation to
be made prior to action) shall have the express, implied, or apparent authority to enter, alter, amend,
modify, or waive any clause or condition of this Grant Agreement. Furthermore, any alteration,
amendment, modification, or waiver of any clause or condition of this Grant Agreement is not effective
or binding unless made in writing and signed by the Authorized Representative.
27. LOCAL PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION COORDINATION
Where applicable, GRANTEE shall participate in local public transportation forums and implement
strategies designed to ensure access to services.
28. NONCOMPLIANCE WITH NONDISCRIMINATION LAWS
A. During the performance of this Grant Agreement, the GRANTEE, including any
subgrantee/subcontractor, shall comply with all federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws,
regulations, and policies including, but not be limited to, not discriminate on the bases
enumerated at RCW 49.60.530(3). In addition, GRANTEE, including any subcontractor, shall give
written notice of this nondiscrimination requirement to any labor organizations with which
GRANTEE, or subgrantee/subcontractor, has a collective bargaining or other agreement. The
funds provided under this Grant Agreement shall not be used to fund religious worship, exercise,
or instruction. No person shall be required to participate in any religious worship, exercise, or
instruction in order to have access to the facilities funded by this Grant Agreement.
B. Obligation to Cooperate. GRANTEE, including any subcontractor, shall cooperate and comply
with any Washington state agency investigation regarding any allegation that GRANTEE,
including any subgrantee/subcontractor, has engaged in discrimination prohibited by this Grant
Agreement pursuant to RCW 49.60.530(3).
C. Default. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, COMMERCE may suspend GRANTEE,
including any subgrantee/subcontractor, upon notice of a failure to participate and cooperate with
any state agency investigation into alleged discrimination prohibited by this Grant Agreement,
pursuant to RCW 49.60.530(3). Any such suspension will remain in place until COMMERCE
receives notification that GRANTEE, including any subgrantee/subcontractor, is cooperating with
the investigating state agency. In the event GRANTEE, or subgrantee/subcontractor, is
determined to have engaged in discrimination identified at RCW 49.60.530(3), COMMERCE may
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terminate this Agreement in whole or in part, and GRANTEE, subgrantee/subcontractor, or both,
may be referred for debarment as provided in RCW 39.26.200. GRANTEE or
subgrantee/subcontractor may be given a reasonable time in which to cure this noncompliance,
including implementing conditions consistent with any court-ordered injunctive relief or settlement
agreement.
29. PAY EQUITY
The GRANTEE agrees to ensure that “similarly employed” individuals in its workforce are compensated
as equals, consistent with the following:
A. Employees are “similarly employed” if the individuals work for the same employer, the
performance of the job requires comparable skill, effort, and responsibility, and the jobs are
performed under similar working conditions. Job titles alone are not determinative of whether
employees are similarly employed;
B. GRANTEE may allow differentials in compensation for its workers if the differentials are based in
good faith and on any of the following:
i. A seniority system; a merit system; a system that measures earnings by quantity or quality
of production; a bona fide job-related factor or factors; or a bona fide regional difference in
compensation levels; and/or
ii. A bona fide job-related factor or factors may include, but not be limited to, education,
training, or experience that is: Consistent with business necessity; not based on or derived
from a gender-based differential; and accounts for the entire differential; and/or
iii. A bona fide regional difference in compensation level must be: Consistent with business
necessity; not based on or derived from a gender-based differential; and account for the
entire differential.
This Grant Agreement may be terminated by COMMERCE, if COMMERCE or the Department of
Enterprise Services determines that the GRANTEE is not in compliance with this Section.
30. POLITICAL ACTIVITIES
Political activity of GRANTEE employees and officers are limited by the Campaign Disclosure and
Contribution provisions of RCW 42.17a and the Federal Hatch Act, 5 USC 1501 - 1508.
No funds may be used for working for or against ballot measures or for or against the candidacy of
any person for public office.
31. PREVAILING WAGE LAW
The GRANTEE certifies that all subgrantees/subcontractors performing work on the Project shall
comply with State Prevailing Wages on Public Works, RCW 39.12, as applicable to the Project
funded by this Grant Agreement, including, but not limited to, the filing of the “Statement of Intent to
Pay Prevailing Wages” and “Affidavit of Wages Paid” as required by RCW 39.12.040. The GRANTEE
shall maintain records sufficient to evidence compliance with RCW 39.12 and shall make such
records available for COMMERCE’s review upon request. The GRANTEE is advised to consult the
Industrial Statistician at the Washington Department of Labor and Industries to determine whether
prevailing wages must be paid. COMMERCE is not responsible for determining whether prevailing
wage applies to this Project or for any prevailing wage payments that may be required by law.
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32. PROHIBITION AGAINST PAYMENT OF BONUS OR COMMISSION
The funds provided under this Grant Agreement shall not be used in payment of any bonus or
commission for the purpose of obtaining approval of the application for such funds or any other
approval or concurrence under this Grant Agreement provided, however, that reasonable fees or
bona fide technical consultant, managerial, or other such services, other than actual solicitation, are
not hereby prohibited if otherwise eligible as Project costs.
33. PUBLICITY
The GRANTEE agrees not to publish or use any advertising or publicity materials in which the State
of Washington or COMMERCE’s name is mentioned, or language used from which the connection
with the State of Washington’s or COMMERCE’s name may reasonably be inferred or implied,
without the prior written consent of COMMERCE.
34. RECAPTURE
In the event that the GRANTEE fails to perform this Grant Agreement in accordance with state or
federal laws, and/or the provisions of this Grant Agreement, COMMERCE reserves the right to
recapture funds in an amount to compensate COMMERCE for the noncompliance (which may include
all funds disbursed under the Grant Agreement, along with interest at the rate of the higher of: (i) five
percent (5%) per annum, or (ii) the rate of interest of state of Washington general obligation bonds
issued on the date most close in time to the effective date in which legislation authorized funding for
the subject facility) in addition to any other remedies available at law or in equity.
COMMERCE’s ability to recapture or seek remedies shall survive any receipt of a Closeout
Certification Form or termination of this Grant Agreement.
Repayment by the GRANTEE of funds under this Section shall occur within the time period specified
by COMMERCE. In the alternative, COMMERCE may recapture such funds from payments due
under this Grant Agreement.
35. RECORDS MAINTENANCE
The GRANTEE shall maintain books, records, documents, data, and other evidence relating to this
Grant Agreement and performance of the services described herein, including, but not limited to,
accounting procedures and practices that sufficiently and properly reflect all direct and indirect costs
of any nature expended in the performance of this Grant Agreement.
GRANTEE shall retain such records for a period of 6 years following the date of final payment. At no
additional cost, these records, including materials generated under the Grant Agreement, shall be
subject at all reasonable times to inspection, review, or audit by COMMERCE, personnel duly
authorized by COMMERCE, the Office of the State Auditor, and federal and state officials so
authorized by law, regulation, or agreement.
If any litigation, Claim, or audit is started before the expiration of the 6 year period, the records shall
be retained until all litigation, Claims, or audit findings involving the records have been resolved.
36. REGISTRATION WITH DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE AND SECRETARY OF STATE
If required by law, the GRANTEE shall complete registration with the Washington State Department
of Revenue. Nonprofit and for-profit businesses must also be registered with the Washington
Secretary of State and current with all required filings.
37. RIGHT OF INSPECTION
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At no additional cost, the GRANTEE shall provide right of access to its facilities to COMMERCE, or
any of its officers, or to any other authorized agent or official of the State of Washington or the federal
government, at all reasonable times, in order to monitor and evaluate performance, compliance,
and/or quality assurance under this Grant Agreement. At no additional cost, the GRANTEE shall also
provide any documents related to this Grant Agreement to COMMERCE upon request to assist
COMMERCE in the periodic monitoring of this Grant Agreement.
38. SAVINGS
In the event funding from state, federal, or other sources is withdrawn, reduced, or limited in any way
after the effective date of this Grant Agreement and prior to normal completion, COMMERCE may
terminate the Grant Agreement under the "Termination for Convenience" clause, without the 10
calendar day notice requirement. In lieu of termination, the Grant Agreement may be amended to
reflect the new funding limitations and conditions.
39. SEVERABILITY
The provisions of this Grant Agreement are intended to be severable. If any term or provision is illegal
or invalid for any reason whatsoever, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect the validity of the
remainder of the Grant Agreement.
40. SITE SECURITY
While on COMMERCE premises, GRANTEE, its agents, employees, and/or
subgrantees/subcontractors shall conform in all respects with physical, fire, and other security policies
or regulations.
41. SUBGRANTING/SUBCONTRACTING
A. GRANTEE must execute binding agreements with all subgrantees/subcontractors that will
perform work under this Grant Agreement.
B. GRANTEE must ensure that any and all subgrantees/subcontractors that perform work related to
this Project are duly authorized and licensed in Washington State to perform the work
contemplated by this Grant Agreement.
C. Neither the GRANTEE nor any subgrantee/subcontractor shall enter into subgrants/subcontracts
for any of the work associated with the Project contemplated under this Grant Agreement without
obtaining prior written approval of COMMERCE. In no event shall the existence of the
subgrant/subcontract operate to release or reduce the liability of the GRANTEE to COMMERCE
for any breach in the performance of the GRANTEE’s duties. This clause does not include grants
of employment between the GRANTEE and personnel assigned to perform work associated with
the Project under this Grant Agreement.
D. Additionally, the GRANTEE is responsible for ensuring that all terms, conditions, assurances, and
certifications set forth in this Grant Agreement are carried forward to any subgrants/subcontracts.
Every subgrant/subcontract shall include a term that COMMERCE and the State of Washington
are not liable for Claims or damages arising from a subgrantee’s/subcontractor’s performance of
the subgrant/subcontract. GRANTEE and its subgrantees/subcontractors agree not to release,
divulge, publish, transfer, sell or otherwise make known to unauthorized persons personal
information without the express written consent of COMMERCE or as provided by law.
E. Data Collection - GRANTEE will submit reports, in a form and format to be provided by
COMMERCE and at intervals as agreed by the parties, regarding work under this Grant
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Agreement performed by subgrantees/subcontractors and the portion of grant funds expended for
work performed by subgrantees/subcontractors, including, but not necessarily limited to, minority-
owned, woman-owned, and veteran-owned business subgrantees/ subcontractors.
F. The GRANTEE shall maintain written procedures related to subgrantees/subcontractors as well
as copies of all subgrants and subcontracts and associated records. For cause, COMMERCE in
writing may: (a) require the GRANTEE to amend its procedures for subgrantees/subcontractors
as they relate to this Grant Agreement; (b) prohibit the GRANTEE from hiring
subgrantees/subcontractors with a particular person or entity; or (c) require the GRANTEE to
rescind or amend a subgrant or subcontract.
G. The GRANTEE is responsible to COMMERCE if the subgrantee/subcontractor fails to comply
with any applicable term or condition of this Grant Agreement. The GRANTEE shall appropriately
monitor the activities of the subgrantee/subcontractor to assure fiscal conditions of this Grant
Agreement. In no event shall the existence of a subgrant or subcontract operate to release or
reduce the liability of the GRANTEE to COMMERCE for any breach in the performance of the
GRANTEE’s duties.
H. Every subgrantee/subcontractor shall include a term that COMMERCE and the State are not
liable for claims or damages arising from a subgrantee’s/subcontractor’s performance of the
subgrant or subcontract.
42. SURVIVAL
The terms, conditions, and warranties contained in this Grant Agreement that by their sense and
context are intended to survive the completion of the performance, cancellation, or termination of this
Grant Agreement shall so survive including, without limitation, any Recapture provision in this Grant
Agreement.
43. TAXES
All payments accrued on account of payroll taxes, unemployment contributions, the GRANTEE’s
income or gross receipts, and/or any other taxes, insurance, or expenses for the GRANTEE or its
staff shall be the sole responsibility of the GRANTEE.
44. TERMINATION FOR CAUSE
In the event COMMERCE determines the GRANTEE has failed to comply with the conditions of this
Grant Agreement in a timely manner, COMMERCE has the right to suspend or terminate this Grant
Agreement. Before suspending or terminating the Grant Agreement, COMMERCE shall notify the
GRANTEE in writing of the need to take corrective action. If corrective action is not taken within 30
calendar days, the Grant Agreement may be terminated or suspended.
In the event of termination or suspension, the GRANTEE shall be liable for damages as authorized by
law including, but not limited to, any cost difference between the original Grant Agreement and the
replacement or cover Grant Agreement and all administrative costs directly related to the replacement
Grant Agreement (e.g., cost of the competitive bidding, mailing, advertising and staff time).
COMMERCE reserves the right to suspend all or part of the Grant Agreement, withhold further
payments, or prohibit the GRANTEE from incurring additional obligations of funds during investigation
of the alleged compliance breach and pending corrective action by the GRANTEE or a decision by
COMMERCE to terminate the Grant Agreement. A termination shall be deemed a “Termination for
Convenience” under General Terms and Conditions Section 45 (Termination for Convenience) if it is
27
determined that the GRANTEE: (1) was not in default; or (2) failure to perform was outside of his or
her control, fault or negligence.
The rights and remedies of COMMERCE provided in this Grant Agreement are not exclusive and are
in addition to any other rights and remedies provided by law.
45. TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE
Except as otherwise provided in this Grant Agreement, COMMERCE may, by 10 business days
written notice, beginning on the second day after written notice is sent, terminate or suspend this
Grant Agreement, in whole or in part. If this Grant Agreement is so terminated or suspended,
COMMERCE shall be liable only for payment required under the terms of this Grant Agreement for
services rendered or goods delivered prior to the effective date of termination or suspension.
46. TERMINATION OR SUSPENSION FOR LOSS OR REDUCTION OF FUNDING
The Washington State Constitution Article 8 Section 4 and RCW 43.88.130 and RCW 43.88.290
prohibit the expenditure or commitment of state funds in the absence of appropriation. In the event
that funding or appropriation is not available at the time the request for reimbursement and supporting
documentation are submitted, the issuance of payments will be delayed or suspended until such time
as funds or appropriation become available. If funding does not become available within a reasonable
time, COMMERCE may terminate the Grant Agreement, by notice to the GRANTEE Representative.
Termination shall be effective as of the date of suspension.
If the Grant Agreement amount is not fully drawn down and should the Washington State Legislature
fail to enact a budget appropriating funds to fulfill the contractual obligation outlined in this Grant
Agreement by midnight of June 30 of each odd-number year, the GRANTEE shall immediately
suspend all reimbursable work under this Grant Agreement and take all reasonable steps necessary
to minimize the cost of performance directly attributable to such suspension until the suspension is
cancelled. COMMERCE shall notify the GRANTEE immediately upon the lifting of the suspension.
Further, should there be any loss or suspension of federal funding that supports this Grant
Agreement, the Grant Agreement may be immediately suspended by COMMERCE upon notice to the
GRANTEE. Should federal funding that supports this Grant Agreement be terminated, this Grant
Agreement and all obligations, including payment for work done under this Grant Agreement, will be
terminated as of the date of the termination of the federal funding.
Payment for any work done on the Grant Agreement prior to the loss of funding shall be done in
accordance with the requirements of the funding source.
47. TERMINATION PROCEDURES
Upon termination of this Grant Agreement, COMMERCE, in addition to any other rights provided in
this Grant Agreement, may require the GRANTEE to deliver to COMMERCE any property specifically
produced or acquired for the performance of such part of this Grant Agreement as has been
terminated. The provisions of the "Treatment of Assets" clause shall apply in such property transfer.
COMMERCE shall pay to the GRANTEE the agreed upon price, if separately stated, for completed
work and services accepted by COMMERCE, and the amount agreed upon by the GRANTEE and
COMMERCE for (i) completed work and services for which no separate price is stated, (ii) partially
completed work and services, (iii) other property or services that are accepted by COMMERCE, and
(iv) the protection and preservation of property, unless the termination is for default, in which case the
Authorized Representative shall determine the extent of the liability of COMMERCE. Failure to agree
with such determination shall be a dispute within the meaning of the "Disputes" clause of this Grant
Agreement. COMMERCE may withhold from any amounts due the GRANTEE such sum as the
28
Authorized Representative determines to be necessary to protect COMMERCE against potential loss
or liability.
The rights and remedies of COMMERCE provided in this Section shall not be exclusive and are in
addition to any other rights and remedies provided by law or under this Grant Agreement.
After receipt of a notice of termination, and except as otherwise directed by the Authorized
Representative, the GRANTEE shall:
1) Stop work under the Grant Agreement on the date, and to the extent specified, in the notice;
2) Place no further orders or subgrants/subcontracts for materials, services, or facilities except as
may be necessary for completion of such portion of the work under the Grant Agreement that is
not terminated;
3) Assign to COMMERCE, in the manner, at the times, and to the extent directed by the Authorized
Representative, all of the rights, title, and interest of the GRANTEE under the orders and
subgrants/subcontracts so terminated, in which case COMMERCE has the right, at its discretion,
to settle or pay any or all Claims arising out of the termination of such orders and
subgrants/subcontracts;
4) Settle all outstanding liabilities and all Claims arising out of such termination of orders and
subgrants/subcontracts, with the approval or ratification of the Authorized Representative to the
extent the Authorized Representative may require, which approval or ratification shall be final for
all the purposes of this clause;
5) Transfer title to COMMERCE and deliver in the manner, at the times, and to the extent directed
by the Authorized Representative any property which, if the Grant Agreement had been
completed, would have been required to be furnished to COMMERCE;
6) Complete performance of such part of the work associated with the Project as shall not have
been terminated by the Authorized Representative; and
7) Take such action as may be necessary, or as the Authorized Representative may direct, for the
protection and preservation of the property related to this Grant Agreement, which is in the
possession of the GRANTEE and in which COMMERCE has or may acquire an interest.
48. TREATMENT OF ASSETS
Title to all property furnished by COMMERCE shall remain in COMMERCE. Title to all property
furnished by the GRANTEE, for the cost of which the GRANTEE is entitled to be reimbursed as a
direct item of cost under this Grant Agreement, shall pass to and vest in COMMERCE upon delivery
of such property by the GRANTEE. Title to other property, the cost of which is reimbursable to the
GRANTEE under this Grant Agreement, shall pass to and vest in COMMERCE upon (i) issuance for
use of such property in the performance of this Grant Agreement, or (ii) commencement of use of
such property in the performance of this Grant Agreement, or (iii) reimbursement of the cost thereof
by COMMERCE in whole or in part, whichever first occurs.
A. Any property of COMMERCE furnished to the GRANTEE shall, unless otherwise provided herein
or approved by COMMERCE, be used only for the performance of this Grant Agreement.
B. The GRANTEE shall be responsible for any loss or damage to property of COMMERCE that
results from the negligence of the GRANTEE or which results from the failure on the part of the
GRANTEE to maintain and administer that property in accordance with sound management
practices.
C. If any COMMERCE property is lost, destroyed or damaged, the GRANTEE shall immediately
notify COMMERCE and shall take all reasonable steps to protect the property from further
damage.
D. The GRANTEE shall surrender to COMMERCE all property of COMMERCE prior to settlement
upon completion, termination or cancellation of this Grant Agreement
29
All reference to the GRANTEE under this clause shall also include GRANTEE'S employees, agents
or subgrantees/subcontractors.
49. WAIVER
Waiver of any default or breach shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any subsequent default or
breach. Any waiver shall not be construed to be a modification of the terms of this Grant Agreement
unless stated to be such in writing and signed by Authorized Representative of COMMERCE.
30
ATTACHMENT A - SCOPE OF WORK
Funds awarded under this grant shall be used by City of Bremerton for architecture, engineering, and
construction for the Jarstad Aquatic Center Building Assessment & Roof Repair (Bremerton) located at
2270 Schley Boulevard, Bremerton, WA 98310 (Project).
This Project will include, but not be limited to, Phase I building assessment to determine the condition of
the main roof and masonry, a seismic survey of the structure and evaluation of the mecanical, electrical,
and HVAC systems, and repair of the roof and masonry.
This Project will serve as a benefit to the public by identifying building deficiencies and allowing for critical
repairs to the structure and roof system allowing the facility to continue to operate safely and be available
for use by the community.
This Project is anticipated to be completed by June 2027.
This Project is part of a larger project that is to be completed under separate funding. If the full project is
not completed and put into service for the duration of the intended use period, COMMERCE reserves the
right to recapture the funds or seek other remedies as allowed under this contract.
Costs related to the work associated with the Project will only be reimbursed to the extent the work is
determined by COMMERCE to be within the scope of the legislative appropriation.
CERTIFICATION PERFORMANCE MEASURE
The GRANTEE, by its signature, certifies that the declaration set forth above has been reviewed and
approved by the GRANTEE’s governing body as of the date and year written below.
______________________________________
GRANTEE
______________________________________
TITLE
_____________________________________
DATE
31
ATTACHMENT B - PROJECT BUDGET
Line Item Funding Amount
Architecture & Engineering $100,000.00
Construction $199,730.00
Total Project Budget $299,730.00
CERTIFICATION PERFORMANCE MEASURE
The GRANTEE, by its signature, certifies that the Project Budget set forth above has been reviewed and
approved by the GRANTEE’s governing body or board of directors, as applicable, as of the date and year
written below.
______________________________________
GRANTEE
______________________________________
TITLE
______________________________________
DATE
32
ATTACHMENT C - CERTIFICATION OF THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS TO COMPLETE THE
PROJECT
Non-State Funds Amount
Total Non-State Funds $0.00
State Funds Amount
State Capital Budget $299,730.00
Total Non-State and State Funds $299,730.00
Holdback: 5% $14,986.50
CERTIFICATION PERFORMANCE MEASURE
The GRANTEE, by its signature, certifies that Project funding from sources other than those provided by
this Grant Agreement and identified above has been reviewed and approved by the GRANTEE’s
governing body or board of directors, as applicable, and has either been expended for eligible Project
expenses, or is committed in writing and available and will remain committed and available solely and
specifically for carrying out the purposes of this Project as described in elsewhere in this Grant
Agreement, as of the date and year written below. The GRANTEE shall maintain records sufficient to
evidence that it has expended or has access to the funds needed to complete the Project and shall make
such records available for COMMERCE’s review upon reasonable request.
______________________________________
GRANTEE
______________________________________
TITLE
______________________________________
DATE
33
ATTACHMENT D - CERTIFICATION OF THE PAYMENT AND REPORTING OF PREVAILING WAGES
CERTIFICATION PERFORMANCE MEASURE
The GRANTEE, by its signature, certifies that all contractors and subgrantees/subcontractors performing
work on the Project shall comply with prevailing wage laws set forth in RCW 39.12, as applicable on the
date the Project appropriation becomes effective, including but not limited to the filing of the “Statement of
Intent to Pay Prevailing Wages” and “Affidavit of Wages Paid” as required by RCW 39.12.040. The
GRANTEE shall maintain records sufficient to evidence compliance with RCW 39.12 and shall make such
records available for COMMERCE’s review upon request.
If any state funds are used by the GRANTEE for the purpose of construction, applicable State Prevailing
Wages must be paid.
The GRANTEE, by its signature, certifies that the declaration set forth above has been reviewed and
approved by the GRANTEE’s governing body as of the date and year written below.
______________________________________
GRANTEE
______________________________________
TITLE
______________________________________
DATE
34
ATTACHMENT E - CERTIFICATION OF LEADERSHIP IN ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN
(LEED)
CERTIFICATION PERFORMANCE MEASURE
The GRANTEE, by its signature, certifies that it will enter into the Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design certification process, as stipulated in RCW 39.35D, as applicable to the Project
funded by this Grant Agreement. The GRANTEE shall, upon receipt of LEED certification by the United
States Green Building Council, provide documentation of such certification to COMMERCE.
The GRANTEE, by its signature, certifies that the declaration set forth above has been reviewed and
approved by the GRANTEE’s governing body or board of directors, as applicable, as of the date and year
written below.
______________________________________
GRANTEE
______________________________________
TITLE
______________________________________
DATE
AGENDA BILL
CITY OF BREMERTON
CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT: Study Session Date: August 12, 2026
Resolution No. 3416 to change the name of
8th Street from Warren Ave to Pacific Ave to
Bishop Roberston Way
COUNCIL MEETING Date: August 19, 2026
Department: PW & Utilities
Presenter: K. Ketterer
Phone: (360) 473-5334
SUMMARY:
The Marvin William’s Center (MWC) has requested that 8th Street between Warren Avenue and
Pacific Avenue be renamed to Bishop Robertson Way in honor of Bishop Lawrence Ray Robertson.
The MWC has had two public meetings, sent letters, and knocked on doors to inform affected
property owners and residents of the proposed change. Formal letters were sent from the City on
July 17th to all property owners and residents.
ATTACHMENTS: 1) Resolution No. 3416 2) MWC materials 3) Outreach Notice 4) Public Comments
FISCAL IMPACTS (Include Budgeted Amount): Sign replacement is approximately $1,500 and
would be a streets expenditure.
STUDY SESSION ACTION: ☐ Consent Agenda ☒ General Business ☐ Public Hearing
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Move to adopt Resolution No. 3416 approving the renaming of 8th Street from Warren Avenue to
Pacific Avenue to Bishop Robertson Way.
COUNCIL ACTION: Approve Deny Table Continue No Action
Form Updated 04/19/2024
4A
Page 1 of 1
Resolution Document Reference
Rev. 03/2024
RESOLUTION NO. 3416
A RESOLUTION of the City Council of the City of Bremerton,
Washington, changing the name of 8th Street between Warren Avenue and Pacific
Avenue to Bishop Robertson Way.
WHEREAS, a Citizens group has requested that 8th Street between Warren Avenue and Pacific Avenue
be renamed to honor Bishop Lawrence Ray Robertson; and
WHEREAS, staff coordinated with CENCOM on the street naming and concluded that Bishop Robertson
Way was an approved name, formal letters were sent out to all owners and residents on 8th Street between Warren
Avenue and Pacific Avenue, and neighborhood outreach was conducted by the citizen’s group; and
WHEREAS, for nearly five decades, Bishop Lawrence Ray Robertson faithfully served as Senior Pastor
of Emmanuel Apostolic Church in Bremerton. Guided by faith and an unwavering commitment to public service,
he devoted his life to strengthening individuals, families, and neighborhoods while advancing education, youth
development, community health, economic opportunity, and civic engagement throughout Bremerton and Kitsap
County; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Robertson founded the New Life Community Development Agency to expand
educational opportunities, workforce development, economic growth, youth programming, and family support
services; founded the Bremerton Jaguars Track Club to mentor generations of young people through athletics,
leadership, and academic achievement; and established the Marvin Williams Recreation Center and C. Keith
Birkenfeld Empowerment Center, as an enduring center for education, recreation, health promotion, mentorship,
and community services for residents of all ages; and
WHEREAS, through visionary and collaborative leadership, Bishop Robertson united government,
education, business, healthcare, philanthropy, nonprofit organizations, and the faith community to secure
resources, build strategic partnerships, and improve the quality of life throughout Bremerton, Kitsap County, and
the Pacific Northwest; and
WHEREAS, his distinguished record of public service included leadership as Chairman of the Olympic
College Board of Trustees, Commissioner of the Bremerton Housing Authority, Chairman of the Pacific
Northwest District Council, and numerous other civic, educational, and nonprofit organizations, leaving a lasting
legacy of leadership, unity, and community transformation; and
WHEREAS, renaming 8th Street as Bishop Robertson Way permanently recognizes a lifetime devotion to
strengthening the Bremerton community, of distinguished leadership, public service, youth development,
community partnership, and civic achievement that continues to benefit the residents of Bremerton and greater
Kitsap County; NOW THEREFORE,
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BREMERTON, WASHINGTON, DOES HEREBY
RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Name Change. The name of the city street 8th Street from Warren Avenue to
Pacific Avenue will be changed to Bishop Robertson Way effective January 1, 2027.
SECTION 2. Severability. If any one or more sections, subsections, or sentences of this
Resolution are held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining
portion of this Resolution and the same shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 3. Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect and be in force on January 1,
2027.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Bremerton, Washington this _____ day of
__________________, 20____.
Jane Rebelowski,
Council President
APPROVED AS TO FORM: ATTEST:
KYLIE J. FINNELL, City Attorney ANGELA HOOVER, City Clerk
R:\Legal\Legal\Forms\FORMS ON COBWEB\Resolution Rev. 03 2024.doc
July 13, 2026
Mayor Greg Wheeler
Members of the Bremerton City Council
345 6th Street, Suite 603
Bremerton, WA. 98337
Dear Mayor Wheeler and Members of the Bremerton City Council,
On behalf of the neighbors, families, community partners and thousands of lives who have been touched by
Bishop Lawrence Robertson's legacy, we respectfully request your support for the permanent renaming of
8th Street as Bishop Lawrence Robertson Way in recognition of Bishop Robertson’s more than forty years of
faithful service to Bremerton and Kitsap County.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we have remained committed to listening first. Our engagement has included
meetings with Mayor Greg Wheeler, Thomas Knuckey, the Bremerton Police Chief, the Bremerton Fire Chief,
Tribal leaders, neighborhood residents, and comm unity stakeholders, along with neighborhood listening
sessions, community conversations, door-to-door canvassing, informational door hangers, City Council
meetings and ongoing dialogue with those who call 8th Street home and the thousands who utilize the Marvin
Williams Recreation Center each year. Through every conversation, one message has remained
remarkably consistent: the place Bishop Robertson helped transform should forever bear the name of
the man who helped transform it.
This request is about preserving Bremerton’s history by permanently recognizing a leader whose service
transformed this neighborhood. For nearly fifty years, Bishop Robertson faithfully served as Senior Pastor of
Emmanuel Apostolic Church, founded the Bremerton Jaguars Track Club, became the first African American
Chair of the Olympic College Board of Trustees, and partnered with the Bremerton Housing Authority, Kitsap
Strong, the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance, schools, law enforcement, and countless community
organizations to expand opportunity for children and families throughout Kitsap County.
His most enduring legacy stands on 8th Street, where his vision helped bring the Marvin Williams Recreation
Center to life. Today, the Center continues to serve thousands of children, families, and seniors each year as
a place of learning, wellness, hope, and belonging.
We recognize the Council’s concern regarding the impact of a permanent street name change on residents
and businesses. For most residential households, however, the transition consists primarily of routine
address updates, many of which can be completed online at no cost or during normal renewal cycles. The
City updates street signage and public records, while emergency services, the U.S. Postal Service, and digital
mapping providers routinely update official street names. We respectfully ask that any proje cted financial
burden be supported by documented evidence thoughtfully weighed against the lasting civic value of
permanent recognition.
To further support residents, the Marvin Williams Recreation Center has explored partnerships with local
community organizations to provide free assistance with online address updates and other administrative
changes, helping make the transition as simple and convenient as possible.
A permanent street name accomplishes what an honorary designation cannot. It becomes part of
Bremerton’s history, appears on maps and public records, and permanently connects the Marvin Williams
Recreation Center with the leader whose vision made it possib le.
Quincy Square honors a man whose talent brought distinction to Bremerton. Bishop Robertson devoted
his life to serving Bremerton itself. While their contributions were different, each left an enduring
legacy that helped shape the identity and pride of this community. We respectfully believe both
deserve permanent places in Bremerton’s history.
As you consider this request, we respectfully ask that Bishop Robertson’s lifetime of service be measured
not by the modest administrative transition of today, but by the l egacy it will preserve for generations to
come.
Street names are more than addresses. They are enduring expressions of a community’s values, its
history, and the people whose lives continue to inspire future generations. Future generations will
remember not only the people who faithfully served their communities, but also the communities that
chose to remember them. We respectfully ask the City of Bremerton to permanently remember Bishop
Lawrence Robertson through the naming of 8th Street to Bishop Robertson Way.
Please find attached supporting documents summarizing the previously submitted Official Letters of
Support, the Community Engagement Summary, and the Community Transition & Resident Support Plan.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration, your leadership, and your continued service to the residents of
Bremerton.
With appreciation and respect,
Dr. Lillian Robertson
Executive Director
Marvin Williams Recreation Center
(979) 292- 5012 (direct)
Phone: 360-377-6000 I Email: info@mwcenter.org I 725 Park Ave. Bremerton, WA. 98337
July 13, 2026
Community & Institutional Support for Proposed Renaming of 8th Street to Bishop
Robertson Way
The proposed renaming of 8th Street to Bishop Robertson Way reflects broad support
from organizations that worked alongside Bishop Lawrence Robertson throughout his
lifetime of service to Bremerton and Kitsap County.
These organizations represent education, housing, economic development, civic leadership,
faith, and community collaboration; recognizing the lasting impact of his leadership on children,
families, and neighborhoods.
Official Letters of Support:
Olympic College — Recognizing Bishop Robertson’s leadership as the first African American
Chair of the Board of Trustees and his commitment to expanding educational opportunity.
Bremerton Housing Authority — Honoring his partnership in strengthening families,
neighborhoods, and housing stability.
Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) — Recognizing his regional leadership and
commitment to economic opportunity and community collaboration.
Kitsap Strong — Acknowledging his founding membership and partnership in advancing
coordinated services that improve outcomes for children and families.
NAACP — Recognizing his lifelong commitment to equity, opportunity, and community
leadership.
Additional Community Partners - Support has also been expressed by:
* Emmanuel Apostolic Church
* Marvin Williams Recreation Center
* Bremerton African American Ministers Alliance
* Faith leaders
* Neighborhood residents
* Community organizations and civic partners
Letters of support and endorsements from community organizations and leaders have been
submitted to the Bremerton City Council, voiced during public meetings, and remain part of the
official public record. Additional letters received since that time are being forwarded to City
Council for your kind consideration.
Phone: 360-377-6000 I Email: info@mwcenter.org I 725 Park Ave. Bremerton, WA. 98337
July 13, 2026
Community Transitions and Resident Support Plan
Proposed Renaming of 8th Street to Bishop Lawrence Robertson Way
We recognize that residents have thoughtful questions about the practical impact of a permanent
street name change. For most households, however, the transition involves routine administrative updates
rather than significant mandatory out-of-pocket expenses. Many address updates can be completed online,
by phone, or during normal renewal cycles at little or no cost. This summary outlines the typical transition
process and the community resources available to help make the change as smooth and convenient as
possible.
For homeowners, an official street name change generally does not require obtaining a new deed .
Property ownership continues to be established by the property’s legal description and parcel number.
Typical Address Updates
Common Address Update Typical Process
Driver's license or state ID Address update is free. A replacement drivers
license or ID card is optional; typical cost $20
Vehicle registration Update online through the Department of
Licensing.
Voter registration Update online or during routine voter
registration.
Banks, credit cards & insurance Update online, by phone, or with your provider;
typically at no cost.
Utilities Update through your customer account or by
phone.
USPS Mail forwarding is available during the
transition.
Retail accounts (Macy's, Nordstrom, JCPenney,
Amazon, Costco, etc.)
Update mailing and billing addresses online at
no cost.
Medical providers & subscriptions Update through patient portals or online
customer accounts.
Note: This document provides general information intended to assist residents during the transition process. Individual circumstances
may vary.
Free Resident Assistance
• Address Update Assistance Days at the Marvin Williams Recreation Center
• One-on-one assistance with online address updates
• Easy-to-follow resource guides and checklists
• Support for seniors and residents with limited computer access
• Translation assistance, as needed
Our Commitment
Our goal is to make the transition as simple, convenient, and seamless as possible through free assistance,
trusted community resources, and personalized guidance. No resident should have to navigate this process
alone. The Marvin Williams Recreation Center and its local community partners are committed to walking
alongside our neighbors every step of the way.
Phone: 360-377-6000 I Email: info@mwcenter.org I 725 Park Ave. Bremerton, WA. 98337mm
July 13, 2026
Community Engagement Summary and Neighborhood Outreach
Proposed Renaming of 8th Street to Bishop Robertson Way
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Marvin Williams Recreation Center (MWRC) has remained committed to
an open, transparent, and community-centered engagement process, ensuring residents and stakeholders
have meaningful opportunities to learn about the proposal, ask questions, and share their perspectives.
Government & Community Leadership
* Meetings with City Leadership — Mayor Greg Wheeler, Thomas Knuckey, Police and Fire Dept.
Leadership
* City Council Meetings — Ongoing participation throughout the City’s review process
* Tribal Engagement — Conversations recognizing the importance of preserving local history and
community legacy
* Coffee, Cookies & Conversation community meetings – Initial meeting held at MWRC with all 8th Street
residents invited to participate; follow up meeting scheduled for July 27, 2026
Neighborhood Outreach
* Resident Letters – Two letters mailed to all 8th Street residents introducing Bishop Robertson’s
legacy explaining proposed street renaming, inviting participation in community conversations
* Door-to-Door Canvassing — Personal outreach to homes along the 8th Street corridor to engage residents,
answer questions, provide information, and encourage participation
* Informational Door Hangers — Distribution of proposal information and contact information to
neighborhood residents
* Community Conversations — Ongoing dialogue with neighbors, residents, and community
stakeholders inviting residents to answer questions and receive feedback
* Resident Follow Up — Individual follow up conversations with residents requesting additional information
or discussion
Ongoing Community Engagement
* Marvin Williams Recreation Center — Continued outreach through the MWRC informing and engaging the
thousands of children, families, seniors, volunteers, and community members who utilize the Center
* Website Updates – Information regarding the proposed street renaming posted on the MWRC website to
help keep the community informed and serve as a resource for updates
* Neighborhood Re-engagement - additional canvassing and updated information door hangers to ensure
residents continued to have opportunities to ask questions and share their perspective.
*Ongoing Resident Support - Residents were provided contact information and encouraged to contact or
drop in to the MWRC with questions or for additional information throughout the City’s review process.
This engagement process reflects our continuing commitment to listening, transparency, and providing
residents and stakeholders with meaningful opportunities to ask questions, receive information, and
share feedback through the consideration of the proposal.
Phone: 360-377-6000 I Email: info@mwcenter.org I 725 Park Ave. Bremerton, WA. 98337
________________________________________________________________________________
Public Works & Utilities │ 100 Oyster Bay Ave. N., Bremerton, WA 98312 * Phone (360) 473-5920 * Fax (360) 473-5360
Working for and with our residents to establish Bremerton as Puget Sound’s most beautiful and livable waterfront city!
Dear 8th Street Neighbor,
The Marvin Williams Recreation Center (MWRC) has formally requested that the City of
Bremerton change the name of a segment of 8th Street to Bishop Robertson Way. The requested segment is from
Warren Avenue to Pacific Avenue. You are being contacted because you may own and/or live at a property on 8th Street
that would be impacted by the potential name change.
The City Council will consider the name change request at a Council Meeting on August 19th. All community input will
be considered as Council deliberates this action. There are several ways that you can provide input to City Council.
•AƩend the Council MeeƟng in the Council Chambers at Norm Dicks Government Center (345 6th St) at 5:30pm on
August 19th and provide verbal comment
•Call and leave a brief voice message to 360-473-5280
•Write a leƩer and deliver by hand or via US Mail to:
City of Bremerton
Attn: City Council
345 6th Street STE 100
Bremerton, WA 98337
•Send an email to City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us
For more information on public participation please visit the Council webpage at bremertonwa.gov/155/City-Council
If you would like to learn more about Bishop Robertson and the MWRC’s efforts to rename 8th Street please visit
mwcenter.org.
See enclosed flyer for more information on how a street name change will impact your property. If you have questions
about the name change please contact Katie Ketterer at katie.ketterer@ci.bremerton.wa.us or 360-473-5334.
Thank you,
Katie Ketterer, PMP
Project Manager
City of Bremerton
Street Name Change Process
Write to : Attn: City Council
345 6 Street STE 100th
Bremerton, WA 98337
Call : 360.473.5280
Email : City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us
Council will consider a resolution to
change the street name at a Council
Meeting (August 19, 2026)
If name change is approved by vote of
the Council the City will proceed with the
change through an addressing system
that will notify USPS, 911, and some
utilities
The City will send letters to notify
residents and property owners of the
change
The City will change the street signs
The full process will take a few weeks
and USPS provides a grace period
before the changes are finalized
City & USPS Actions
Residents and property owners may send
comments on the proposed change to City
Council
If the change is approved and after
receiving offical notice of the change
residents and property owners should make
address updates
Examples of places that need notification of
your address change are: DMV for car
registrations and driver’s license, employers,
insurance, mortgage lenders, financial
accounts, utility companies, friends and
family, doctor’s offices, and subscriptions
Resident Actions
How to comment:Questions?
Katie Ketterer
Phone : 360.473.5334
Email : Katie.Ketterer@ci.bremerton.wa.us
Published for
August 19
Council Meeting
Item 4A
Public Comment
From:JASON ROUSE
To:Info@mwcenter.org; City Council; Greg Wheeler
Subject:Renaming of 8th Street
Date:Monday, March 30, 2026 1:54:34 PM
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.
To Whom it May Concern:
I believe the commitment of the late Bishop Lawrence Robertson to our community can be
recognized through alternative means that do not involve renaming 8th Street. Renaming a
street incurs financial costs for the community, and impacts residents, including myself. We
would need to update all our correspondence with all of the organizations that we interact
with. Considering the potential impact on hundreds of homes, I believe this is not worthwhile.
I support naming a building after the Bishop, fundraising to commission a statue, or naming
park to commemorate his significance to the community. However, I am not in favor of
renaming the street. The impact would be too great, in my opinion.
Jason Rouse
501 8th st
Bremerton WA 98312
From:Casey Reed
To:City Council
Subject:Support for Renaming 8th ST to Lawrence Robertson Way
Date:Wednesday, April 22, 2026 10:52:49 AM
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.
Dear Bremerton City Council,
I am writing as a parent of two children who participate in the Love Me for Me program and
are involved in activities at the Marvin Williams Center (MWC).
I want to express my strong support for the proposed renaming of 8th St. to Lawrence
Robertson Way.
Through Love Me for Me and the other community activities they participate in at MWC, my
children have experienced far more than after school care or a summer program. They have
been a part of a community that emphasises respect, accountability, teamwork, and personal
growth. The mentorship and structure provided has had a meaningful impact on their
confidence, character and sense of belonging.
As a military family who has chosen to remain Bremerton residents post my spouses military
career, the MWC has been a critical part of our family finding a sense of community and
belonging when we were new to the area and working to put down roots for our children. They
not only attend the LMFM childcare program, but have now been involved in Kitsap
Basketball for 3 years at the MWC and attended various community events.
Renaming 8th Street to Lawrence Robertson Way would be a fitting recognition of that
impact. It would honor the legacy of someone whose vision helped create opportunities and
positive pathways for so many young people in Bremerton.
Thank you for your time and for considering the voices of families like ours who have directly
benefited from this work.
Sincerely,
Casey Reed
Bremerton Resident
From:Amy Cox
To:City Council
Subject:Fwd: 8th street name change.
Date:Sunday, July 19, 2026 4:31:04 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless
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Good afternoon. I am forwarding an email I have sent to the Marvin Williams recreation
center. Within the email you will please note my concerns over the proposed name change for
8th street.
Thank you.
Amy Cox
601 8th street
---------- Original Message ----------
From: Amy Cox <yoyopharm@comcast.net>
To: "info@mwcenter.org" <info@mwcenter.org>
Date: 07/19/2026 4:26 PM PDT
Subject: 8th street name change.
Good afternoon. This email pertains to the feelers being put out on renaming
the street I currently reside. I've lived on this street for 24 years.
I believe renaming an address where I've lived for so long will have political
and socioeconomic repercussions for us. 24 years as a home owner, employee and
voter in kitsap county and city of bremerton leaves a very large footprint. One that
would be very onerous to change now. Especially with certain voting/elections
coming up.
Just the staggering amount of time and follow up that will be needed to change
my address with every...single.. entity I do business with, the cost of new
identifications including driving liscence, passport and voter registration is
prohibitive to making sure I cover every entity.
My support cannot be given to the proposed name change of 8th street. While
honoring a local community member is admirable, changing the addresses of
many residents puts an unnecessary strain on time and resources on this
community who are already struggling day to day.
Thank you for taking the time to read this email. I truly hope a compromise or
different idea can be found to appropriately convey what Bishop Lawrence
Robertson meant to this community. Something that would relay his scope of
community activism beyond just having a street named after him.
We believe an art installation at the Marvin Williams Center would be the
perfect back drop to honor this individual.
Amy Cox
8th street
From:D G
To:Greg Wheeler; City Council; DCDPermits; Christy Cammarata; Chance.Berthaume@ci.bremerton.wa.us
Subject:Request to Reconsider Proposed Renaming of 8th Street to Bishop Robertson Way
Date:Tuesday, July 21, 2026 4:40:02 PM
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Dear Mayor Wheeler, City Councilmembers, and City Staff,
I am writing to respectfully request that the City of Bremerton decline the proposed renaming
of 8th Street to "Bishop Robertson Way."
I want to begin by acknowledging and honoring Bishop Robertson's contributions to our
community. His work and leadership deserve recognition, and I fully support efforts to
preserve and celebrate his legacy. However, I do not believe that changing the official name of
an established residential street is the best way to accomplish that goal.
Renaming 8th Street would place a substantial burden on residents, property owners, and any
businesses or organizations located along the street. An address change affects far more than
simply updating a mailing address. Residents would be responsible for updating:
U.S. Postal Service records and change-of-address notifications as well as any other delivery
services (USPS, FedEx, Instacart, Grubhub, etc.)
Employer and payroll records
Banking and financial accounts
Mortgage documents and lenders
Homeowners, renters, automobile, life, and other insurance policies
Driver's licenses and vehicle registrations
Voter registration records
Medical providers and health insurance records
Prescription delivery services
Utility accounts, including water, sewer, electric, natural gas, garbage, internet, cable, security,
and telephone services
Credit cards and online payment accounts
Online shopping services and accounts
Subscription services, magazines, newspapers, and memberships
School and educational records
Business licenses and professional certifications
This is a non-exhaustive list. In addition, residents may incur costs related to updating legal
and estate-planning documents, such as:
Wills
Trusts
Powers of Attorney
Advance Directives
Property records and deeds
Business formation documents
Many of these changes require attorney review, notary services, document recording fees, and
other associated expenses.
I am also concerned about the loss of a numbered street designation within Bremerton's street
grid. Numbered streets provide consistency and predictability for residents, visitors, delivery
services, utility providers, and, most importantly, emergency responders. Maintaining a logical
numerical street system helps support navigation and wayfinding throughout the city.
I encourage the City to consider alternative ways of honoring Bishop Robertson that
would provide meaningful recognition without creating significant burdens for residents.
Possible alternatives include:
Honorary street signage while retaining the official name of 8th Street
Interpretive panels in a nearby park or public space
Historical markers highlighting Bishop Robertson's contributions
Public art installations or commemorative displays
Naming a community facility, garden, plaza, or gathering space in his honor
Educational interpretive panels or exhibits celebrating the history and contributions of
Bremerton's Black community along Park Ave.
Such efforts would create a lasting tribute while also recognizing the important role that Black
residents, leaders, workers, families, and faith communities have played in building Bremerton
into the city it is today.
I respectfully ask the City Council to preserve the official name of 8th Street and pursue
alternative commemorative options that honor Bishop Robertson's legacy without imposing
significant costs, inconvenience, and administrative burdens on current residents.
Thank you for your consideration and for your service to our community.
Sincerely,
Danessa Gray
Bremerton Resident (living on 8th Street)
From:Faye Flemister
To:City Council
Subject:Letter of Support/Naming of 8th Street
Date:Wednesday, July 29, 2026 10:47:51 AM
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Dear Mayor Wheeler and Honorable Members of the Bremerton City Council, I am writing
to offer my wholehearted support for the proposal to rename 8th Street in Bremerton,
Washington, to Bishop Robertson Way, in honor of the late Bishop Lawrence R. Robertson.
This renaming is not merely a change of address — it is a long-overdue recognition of a man
whose life was defined by selfless service, visionary leadership, and an unwavering
commitment to the people of Bremerton. As the Marvin Williams Recreation Center has stated
so fittingly: “The renaming of 8th Street to Bishop Robertson Way stands as a heartfelt tribute
to Bishop Larry Robertson — a visionary leader whose dedication has uplifted families,
inspired youth, and strengthened neighborhoods across our city. This new name is more than a
sign; it’s a symbol of unity and gratitude, reminding us that one person’s commitment to love
and service can shape generations.” Bishop Robertson arrived in Bremerton in 1978, initially
as a manufacturing representative. It was here that he felt called to serve, and in a modest
house in Navy Yard City — with an ottoman as his pulpit — he founded Emmanuel Apostolic
Church. Over the following four decades, that small gathering grew into a congregation of
more than 400 members and became a cornerstone of spiritual and civic life in West
Bremerton. Bishop Robertson’s legacy, however, extended far beyond the church. He served
as a commissioner of the Bremerton Housing Authority, chairman of the Bremerton African
American Ministerial Alliance, and as a member of the Board of Trustees at Olympic College.
He was a vocal and principled advocate for affordable housing, equal rights, and the
empowerment of young people. Those who knew him often compared his dedication and
moral courage to that of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — a man who did not simply preach
justice, but lived it every day. His most enduring and visible contribution to Bremerton is the
Marvin Williams Recreation Center, which stands at the corner of 8th Street and Park Avenue.
Bishop Robertson was the driving force behind this $7.2 million, 20,000-square-foot, state-of-
the-art facility. For over a decade, he pursued this vision with relentless faith and
determination, personally leading the fundraising effort. He envisioned a place where families
could gather, where youth could find positive direction, and where the community could come
together. The center opened in 2018 — a fulfillment of a promise he made to himself and to
the people of Bremerton. It is profoundly fitting that the street on which this center stands
should bear his name. To rename 8th Street as Bishop Robertson Way is to permanently
inscribe his legacy into the geography of our city — a daily reminder to every resident, visitor,
and future generation of what one person, guided by faith and love for community, can
accomplish. Mayor Wheeler, you yourself have called Bishop Robertson’s passing “a
devastating loss to our community” and acknowledged him as a mentor and inspiration. The
renaming of this street is an opportunity for the City of Bremerton to formally and
permanently honor that legacy in a manner commensurate with his extraordinary
contributions. I respectfully and enthusiastically urge the City Council and Mayor Wheeler to
approve the renaming of 8th Street to Bishop Robertson Way. In doing so, Bremerton will not
only honor a great man — it will affirm the values of service, unity, and community that he
embodied throughout his life. Thank you sincerely for your time, your service to our city, and
your consideration of this important tribute. Respectfully submitted,
Faye Flemister
Owner Unique Experience
Former City Council Member
From:Robert Harris
To:City Council; Greg Wheeler
Cc:Lillian Lockett; Shannon Turner; Chas Malatesta
Subject:Letter Of Support Street Renaming _ Bishop Lawrence Roberson Way.
Date:Wednesday, August 5, 2026 9:53:16 PM
Attachments:MWC Letter of Support NAACP Bremerton - Street name change.pdf
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Greetings,
Please see the attached signed letter from the NAACP Bremerton in support of
changing 8th Street to Bishop Lawrence Roberson Way.
If we need to discuss this matter further, feel free to contact me via email or
phone.
Respectfully,
-- Robert Harris
NAACP President
Bremerton Branch - Unit 1134
C: 360-286-1788
P.O. Box 1204 - Bremerton, WA - 98337
245 4th Street - Suite 201- Bremerton, WA 98337
August 2026
Mayor Greg Wheeler
Members of the Bremerton City Council
City of Bremerton, Washington
Re: Support for the Permanent Renaming of 8th Street to Bishop Robertson
Way
Dear Mayor Wheeler and Members of the City Council,
I respectfully urge you to approve the permanent renaming of 8th Street between
Warren Avenue and Pacific Avenue to Bishop Robertson Way in honor of the late
Bishop Lawrence Ray Robertson.
For nearly five decades, Bishop Robertson faithfully served the Bremerton
community through visionary leadership, unwavering compassion, and a lifelong
commitment to serving others. His leadership advanced youth development,
education, community partnerships, affordable housing, mentorship, and public
service. His vision also helped establish the Marvin Williams Recreation Center,
which continues to provide educational, recreational, health, mentoring, and family-
centered programs that strengthen the lives of children, youth, families, seniors,
veterans, and the broader Bremerton community.
His lasting legacy continues through the lives he touched, the institutions he helped
build, and the countless partnerships he forged to improve the quality of life
throughout Bremerton and Kitsap County. Renaming this street is a fitting and
permanent tribute to a man whose life was devoted to serving others.
I respectfully ask you to vote in favor of this proposal.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration and for your service to the citizens of
Bremerton.
This letter reflects my personal support for permanently honoring Bishop Lawrence
Ray Robertson through the designation of Bishop Robertson Way.
Printed Name: _________________________________________________________________________
Signature: ______________________________________________________________________________
Email or Phone (Optional): ___________________________________________________________
From:claude jones
To:City Council
Cc:deaconcjjones@gmail.com
Subject:Signed letter for support of the permanent renaming of 8th street.
Date:Thursday, August 6, 2026 3:39:32 PM
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Support for the Permanent Renaming of 8th Street to Bishop Robertson
Way.
August 3, 2026
Bremerton City Council
345 6th Street
Bremerton, WA 98337
RE: Support for the Renaming of 8th Street to Bishop Robertson Way
Dear Members of the Bremerton City Council,
I write in strong and heartfelt support of the proposal to rename 8th Street, between Warren
Avenue and Pacific Avenue, as Bishop Robertson Way in honor of the late Bishop Lawrence Ray
Robertson.
I had the privilege of knowing Bishop Robertson for the better part of my twenty years in public
service, first as a state legislator and later as our region’s U.S. Representative. Over those years, I
came to know him not only as a man of extraordinary faith, but as one of the truest builders of
community I have ever met. I joined him for worship at Emmanuel Apostolic Church on many
Sundays over the years, sometimes bringing my own daughters, and he never once let us leave
without one of his warm hugs and an even warmer welcome.
Bishop Robertson understood that faith was not meant to stay inside the walls of a church. He lived
that conviction every day of his ministry – organizing Bremerton's first community conversations on
affordable housing, calling our community together for unity and reconciliation in moments of
division, and founding the Bremerton Jaguars Track Club and the New Life Community
Development Agency to give young people something to say “yes” to. His service on the Olympic
College Board of Trustees, the Bremerton Housing Authority, and the Pacific Northwest District
Council reflected a conviction that the work of faith and the work of community-building were one
and the same.
Nowhere is that conviction more visible than in the Marvin Williams Recreation Center, which
Bishop Robertson had the vision – and the faith – to break ground on in 2014, before all the
funding had even been secured. That building now stands as a lasting investment in Bremerton's
entrepreneurs, families, and young people, and it will carry his legacy forward for generations.
I can think of few leaders more deserving of a permanent, visible tribute in the heart of the city he
loved and served. Renaming this stretch of 8th Street, so close to the Center he built, would be a
fitting and enduring way to ensure that his legacy continues to guide and inspire those who walk it.
I hope the Council will approve this request. Few people have done more to build up this city.
Fewer still have done it with such warmth and kindness. A street bearing his name would be a
lasting way of saying thank you to a man who gave so much to this community.
Thank you for your consideration.
With respect and gratitude,
Derek Kilmer
Former Member of Congress, WA-06
July 29, 2026
Dear Mayor Wheeler and Honorable Members of the Bremerton City Council,
I am writing to offer my wholehearted support for the proposal to rename 8th Street in Bremerton,
Washington, to Bishop Robertson Way, in honor of the late Bishop Lawrence R. Robertson.
This renaming is not merely a change of address — it is a long-overdue recognition of a man whose life
was defined by selfless service, visionary leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the people of
Bremerton. As the Marvin Williams Recreation Center has stated so fittingly:
“The renaming of 8th Street to Bishop Robertson Way stands as a heartfelt tribute to Bishop Larry
Robertson — a visionary leader whose dedication has uplifted families, inspired youth, and strengthened
neighborhoods across our city. This new name is more than a sign; it’s a symbol of unity and gratitude,
reminding us that one person’s commitment to love and service can shape generations.”
Bishop Robertson arrived in Bremerton in 1978, initially as a manufacturing representative. It was here that
he felt called to serve, and in a modest house in Navy Yard City — with an ottoman as his pulpit — he
founded Emmanuel Apostolic Church. Over the following four decades, that small gathering grew into a
congregation of more than 400 members and became a cornerstone of spiritual and civic life in West
Bremerton.
Bishop Robertson’s legacy, however, extended far beyond the church. He served as a commissioner of the
Bremerton Housing Authority, chairman of the Bremerton African American Ministerial Alliance, and as a
member of the Board of Trustees at Olympic College. He was a vocal and principled advocate for
affordable housing, equal rights, and the empowerment of young people. Those who knew him often
compared his dedication and moral courage to that of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — a man who did not
simply preach justice, but lived it every day.
His most enduring and visible contribution to Bremerton is the Marvin Williams Recreation Center, which
stands at the corner of 8th Street and Park Avenue. Bishop Robertson was the driving force behind this
$7.2 million, 20,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility. For over a decade, he pursued this vision with
relentless faith and determination, personally leading the fundraising effort. He envisioned a place where
families could gather, where youth could find positive direction, and where the community could come
together.
The center opened in 2018, a fulfillment of a promise he made to himself and to the people of Bremerton.
It is profoundly fitting that the street on which this center stands should bear his name. To rename 8th
Street as Bishop Robertson Way is to permanently inscribe his legacy into the geography of our city — a
daily reminder to every resident, visitor, and future generation of what one person, guided by faith and
love for community, can accomplish.
Mayor Wheeler, you yourself have called Bishop Robertson’s passing “a devastating loss to our
community” and acknowledged him as a mentor and inspiration. The renaming of this street is an
opportunity for the City of Bremerton to formally and permanently honor that legacy in a manner
commensurate with his extraordinary contributions.
I respectfully and enthusiastically urge the City Council and Mayor Wheeler to approve the renaming of
8th Street to Bishop Robertson Way. In doing so, Bremerton will not only honor a great man — it will
affirm the values of service, unity, and community t hat he embodied throughout his life.
Thank you sincerely for your time, your service to our city, and your consideration of this important
tribute.
Respectfully submitted,
Faye Flemister
Owner, Unique Experience
Former Bremerton City Council Member
August 5, 2026
Mayor Greg Wheeler
Council President Jane Rebelowski
Council Vice President Denise Frey
Councilmembers Jennifer Chamberlin, Christy Cammarata, Michael Goodnow, Anna Mockler, and Rick Tift
Bremerton City Council
345 6th Street, Suite 100
Bremerton, WA 98337
Dear Mayor Wheeler and Honorable Members of the Bremerton City Council,
On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and the families we serve through the Marvin Williams
Recreation Center, I respectfully ask for your support in approving the proposed renaming of 8th Street to
Bishop Lawrence Robertson Way.
As Executive Director, I have the privilege of witnessing every day the impact this organization has on children,
youth, families, seniors, and our surrounding neighborhoods. That impact began with Bishop Lawrence
Robertson’s vision that our community deserved a place where people could gather, grow, and thrive.
Every day, the Marvin Williams Recreation Center carries forward Bishop Robertson’s vision by providing
programs that strengthen children, youth, families, seniors, and our surrounding communities. Renaming the
street adjacent to the Center would permanently recognize the individual whose leadership, compassion,
and unwavering commitment helped make this lasting community asset possible.
This request has earned the support of residents, businesses, community organizations, faith leaders, and
partners throughout Bremerton. It refiects a shared desire to honor a legacy of service that continues to
enrich our city every day.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration and your continued service to the citizens of Bremerton. I
respectfully ask for your favorable vote in support of this meaningful and lasting tribute.
Approving this ordinance would permanently recognize a legacy that continues to beneflt the City of
Bremerton through the lives touched at the Marvin Williams Recreation Center and throughout our
community.
With sincere appreciation,
Dr. Lillian Robertson
Executive Director
Marvin Williams Recreation Center
(979) 292 – 5012 (direct)
Phone: 360-377-6000 I Email: info@mwcenter.org I 725 Park Ave. Bremerton, WA. 98337
From:claude jones
To:City Council
Subject:Letter in support of the Permanent Renaming of 8th Street to Bishop Robertson Way.
Date:Thursday, August 13, 2026 6:30:28 PM
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From:LILLIAN LOCKETT
To:City Council; Katie Ketterer
Cc:Greg Wheeler; Jane Rebelowski; Jennifer Chamberlin; Denise Frey; Christy Cammarata; Michael Goodnow; Anna
Mockler; Rick Tift
Subject:Joint Agreement - Marvin Williams Recreation Center & Kitsap Community Resources
Date:Friday, August 14, 2026 7:05:43 PM
Attachments:image.png
image.png
MWC KCR Joint Agreement-=
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August 14, 2026
Mayor Greg Wheeler and Members of the Bremerton City Council
City of Bremerton
Bremerton, Washington
RE: Joint Agreement – Proposed Bishop Lawrence Robertson Way
Dear Mayor Wheeler and Members of the City Council:
Enclosed for your review is the mutual agreement between Kitsap Community Resources
(KCR) and the Marvin Williams Recreation Center (MWRC) Board and leadership regarding
a practical transition plan should the City Council approve the proposed renaming of 8th
Street to Bishop Lawrence Robertson Way.
We are sharing this agreement to demonstrate that, through respectful dialogue and
collaboration, our two organizations have developed a mutually acceptable approach that
addresses KCR’s operational and financial concerns while supporting the proposed street
renaming.
As neighboring organizations with a longstanding commitment to serving Bremerton and
the greater Kitsap community, we share a responsibility to work together toward solutions
that strengthen our community while respecting the needs of those affected by change.
Our joint request reflects that shared commitment. We believe naming Bishop Lawrence
Robertson Way is a meaningful and lasting recognition of Bishop Robertson’s decades of
service, leadership, and investment in the people of Bremerton, while the agreed-upon
transition plan provides a reasonable and fiscally responsible path forward for
implementation.
We respectfully submit this agreement for your consideration as you prepare for the August
19 City Council meeting and appreciate your thoughtful consideration of our joint request.
Respectfully,
Dr. Lillian Lockett Robertson
Executive Director
Marvin Williams Recreation Center
Anthony Ives
Executive Director
Kitsap Community Resources
August 14, 2026
Mayor Greg Wheeler
Bremerton City Council
City of Bremerton
345 6th Street
Bremerton, WA 98337
RE: Joint Request for Phased Implementation of Bishop Lawrence Robertson Way
Dear Mayor Wheeler and Members of the Bremerton City Council:
We are writing jointly on behalf of Kitsap Community Resources (KCR) and the Marvin Williams Recreation
Center (MWRC) to acknowledge and address the concerns raised by KCR Executive Director Anthony Ives
regarding potential costs and administrative impacts associated with the proposed renaming of 8th Street to
Bishop Lawrence Robertson Way.
In particular, concerns were expressed regarding the potential expense of replacing existing business checks,
stationery, printed materials, informational and promotional brochures, and other supplies, as well as the
staff time required to update KCR’s address with federal, state, flnancial, grantmaking, and affiliated
agencies.
Following constructive discussions between our organizations, we believe we have reached a practical
and mutually agreeable solution that significantly reduces these concerns while allowing the proposed
street renaming to move forward.
Our Joint Recommendation:
Should the Bremerton City Council approve the ordinance on August 19, 2026, we respectfully request that
the implementation be structured as follows:
* The administrative transition process would begin January 1, 2027.
* The official use of Bishop Lawrence Robertson Way would take effect April 1, 2027, providing a 90-day
transition period.
* During this period, KCR would be able to use its existing inventory of checks, stationery, brochures, forms,
and other printed materials rather than prematurely discarding and replacing usable supplies.
* Replacement materials could then be ordered through KCR’s normal purchasing and reordering cycles,
substantially reducing unnecessary or duplicative expenses.
* Address updates with federal, state, flnancial, grantmaking, and affiliated agencies could be completed
electronically and in-house over the coming months as part of KCR’s normal administrative workfiow,
minimizing additional staff burden and expense.
We believe this phased approach represents a responsible balance between honoring an important and
lasting community legacy and addressing the practical operational concerns of an important neighboring
organization.
Most importantly, this solution was developed collaboratively and is mutually supported by the executive
leadership, staff, and representatives of Kitsap Community Resources and the board, leadership, and staff of
the Marvin Williams Recreation Center.
Our organizations value our longstanding relationship as neighbors and community partners. Through
respectful conversation and a willingness to listen to one another’s concerns, we believe we have identifled a
path forward that is reasonable, flscally responsible, and beneflcial to all parties.
We therefore submit this joint request to the Bremerton City Council and all appropriate City departments for
consideration as part of the proposed ordinance and implementation process.
We appreciate the Council’s thoughtful consideration of both the signiflcance of this historic recognition and
the practical needs of those affected by the transition.
Respectfully submitted,
Dr. Lillian Lockett Robertson
Executive Director
Marvin Williams Recreation Center
Anthony Ives
Executive Director
Kitsap Community Resources
Phone: 360-377-6000 I Email: info@mwcenter.org I 725 Park Ave. Bremerton, WA. 98337
From:Caelum Roberts
To:Christy Cammarata; City Council
Subject:8th street
Date:Monday, August 17, 2026 9:15:02 PM
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Dear Council Member Cammarata,
I am writing to ask you to please vote NO to the proposed name change of 8th street. I don't
think people realize the costs associated with this. Personally, my two person household will
pay about $956.25 and I estimate 34 hours to make this change. I don't understand why we are
arbitrarily being put under this burden. I have neighbors on fixed incomes. Please vote no.
Thank you,
Caelum Roberts
609 8th Street
From:D G
To:Christy Cammarata; City Council
Subject:Renaming 8th Street
Date:Monday, August 17, 2026 9:17:48 AM
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Hi Christy,
I have sent an email before about the renaming of 8th street, but this weekend I read the article
in the Kitsap Sun and wanted to reach out again directly.
While I think that recognizing the Bishop's work is a lovely gesture, I am begging you and the
city council not to inflict this administrative labor and cost on the residence and businesses on
this stretch of 8th street.
While it may be a quick thought and kind gesture for the city, the residents on this street will
have to deal with the repercussions of the name change for months if not longer as mapping
systems update (outside of the cities control) and the loss of the grid system impact deliveries
and directions. There is SO much administrative work tied to changing our addresses. Many of
those updates cost the residence money. I have purchased personalized stationery and address
stamps, while these things may sound trivial, they were chosen with care and purchased when
I thought my address was permanent. The cost of which was spread over time, rather than all
at once. Who will pay to replace these items? Who will pay to update my legal documents and
have them refiled?
There are other options to celebrate a life and legacy, please consider an honorary sign rather
than legally changing the name of our street. Rename a park or install panels in Evergreen
park about Bishop Robertson, perhaps historical signage/markers that share his contributions?
I understand in the past these smaller sections of street have been chosen to 'minimize impact'
such as renaming MLK, however that feels rather dismissive of how it impacts those of us
who actually live here. Please do not change the name of our street.
Thank you for your time,
Dani Gray
From:Lynn Forster
To:City Council
Subject:8th street name change
Date:Monday, August 17, 2026 12:34:32 PM
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Good afternoon,
I’m writing today to oppose the renaming of the downtown portion of 8th Street.
While I appreciate the effort to honor a local community leader, I fear that doing so in this
manner will not have the desired impact. In fact, I think it will have the opposite of the desired
effect.
The administrative costs alone should be enough to give someone pause. Could those funds
not be better spent fixing the cracks and potholes on that road instead? Or perhaps enforcing
the speed limit in residential areas or along Burwell? Why not pay our city employees enough
of a salary so they can respond to the backlog of permitting requests of small businesses and
entrepreneurs?
This city spent millions on Q Square, and Quincy Jones lived here for only a short time when
he was a child. If we must insist on renaming places, why not rename that area instead. Surely
the late Rev Robertson did more for the community than Quincy Jones did. Bremerton also
paid $250K to the billion-dollar organization of FIFA to be a World Cup fan zone with little
to no ROI. Have not the citizens of Bremerton spent enough time, energy, and tax dollars on
these projects to deserve to have some of that money reinvested for the benefit of the entire
community.
None of this comes close to considering the additional personal burden that the residents of
that street will have to carry. The personal time, effort, and stress that it takes to change an
address is exhausting and frustrating. This doesn’t even go into any legal or administrative
fees that each person might have to pay for changes in any legal documents they might have.
Are these citizens supposed to shoulder this burden alone? What about those who might be on
a fixed income?
Surely there are other areas that be renamed to honor a former community leader without
putting a burden on the community that he worked so hard to build.
Thank you for your time.
Lynn Forster
From:Ashley Martinez
To:City Council
Subject:Bishop Robertson Way
Date:Tuesday, August 18, 2026 10:15:20 AM
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Hello,
I just wanted to send a quick email discouraging the change of 8th Street to Bishop Robertson
Way. Perhaps there is a park or a building that can be renamed without financially
inconveniencing the people of a whole block who may not have the time and money to change
their addresses in all of the places that would require an address change.
Thanks for your time,
Ashley Martinez
Downtown Bremerton Resident
From:k_garinger@icloud.com
To:City Council
Subject:Proposed 8th Street name change
Date:Tuesday, August 18, 2026 6:55:25 AM
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.
To the City Council: please consider the impact on 8th Street residents and on delivery services and vote no on the
8th Street name change. Thank you.
Karen Garinger
1111 Sidney Avenue
Bremerton
From:Katie Pratt
To:City Council
Subject:Public Comment: 8th Street Renaming
Date:Tuesday, August 18, 2026 8:43:13 AM
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.
Dear City Council,
I’m writing regarding the proposed street name change of 8th Street to Bishop
Robertson Way.
I am a Bremerton resident and live in District 6. While I do not live on the affected
street, I do know folks who live there and who are frustrated by the time and expense
associated with changing their address when they have not actually moved.
Aside from this inconvenience, I think this request also raises the question of how our
city acknowledges and commemorates our history. While a street name change is a
lovely nod to someone’s connection to our city’s history, it lacks the context to truly
convey their significance to the community. A historic and community landmark
program and consistent interpretative planning would be a better avenue for
showcasing important individuals, events, or patterns of history—while establishing a
clear process for acknowledging their significance and celebrating and protecting
places associated with them for future generations. Interpretive panels or public art
along Park Avenue, a high traffic street near the Marvin Williams Center he helped
establish, would clearly outline the life and service of Bishop Robertson in an
engaging and meaningful way for the entire community. I would like to see City
Council embrace the establishment of a historic landmark program, through the
Certified Local Government (CLG) program managed by the Department of
Archaeology and Historic Preservation.
Sincerely,
Katie Pratt
From:Sami Waygood
To:City Council
Subject:NO to the name change on 8th st.
Date:Tuesday, August 18, 2026 8:58:53 AM
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Hello Council-
I am writing in opposition to the street name change for 8th St. it is going to cost so much
time, money, and confusion for our town and residents.
The confusion comes from renaming a numbered St. all East/West St are currently numbered
and it allows for easy navigation through the town. If we rename one street, I will make this
harder.
Next, the time it will take for residents of 8th St to change all of their legal documents could
be upwards of 40 hours, or more. In a time that many people have to work multiple jobs to
make ends meet, this time is valuable to so many.
And then the money on top of them time. This could cost people hundreds of dollars. Again, in
a time where money is tight, this is going to cause hardships on the residents.
Please vote no on this name change. Let’s find other ways to honor leaders that don’t impact
so many people in a negative way.
Thank you,
Sami Waygood
Resident of the City of Bremerton
From:Jewel Shepherd
To:City Council
Subject:Re-naming of stretch of 8th Street
Date:Tuesday, August 18, 2026 9:46:54 AM
Attachments:Document_2026-08-06_BishopRobertson.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless
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Hello Bremerton City Council,
I am sending a letter in support of re-naming a stretch of 8th Street in honor of Bishop
Robertson. PASTOR ( as he is more affectionately known) is a pillar of Bremerton and so
many have benefited from his love and guidance for this area, including myself.
He was able to bring community together and serve beyond the walls of any of the
churches he helped develop over 40 years. The Marvin Williams Center was a vision that
took many years, more than half of my life. I was there when it was just an idea. To see it
come to fruition is something that inspires and motivates me to keep pushing for diverse
community experiences.
This was the primary reason why Kitsap Black Student Union- who's serves youth from
all backgrounds, had to be in the city of Bremerton.
The letter is attached.
Thank you for your consideration and the time you pour into making Bremerton a great
place.
Regards,
Jewel Shepherd-Sampson, Executive Director
Kitsap Black Student Union
(360) 990-3372
AGENDA BILL
CITY OF BREMERTON
CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT: Study Session Date: N/A
Authorization for the Council President to
negotiate compensation and extend a
conditional offer of employment for the
position of Legislative Office Manager
COUNCIL MEETING Date: August 19, 2026
Department: City Council
Presenter: Jane Rebelowski
Phone: (360) 473-5280
SUMMARY:
The job bulletin related to the Legislative Office Manager position was posted for internal candidates
on July 22, 2026.
Interviews were conducted on August 17, 2026.
Qualifications of an applicant for public employment may be discussed in executive session under
RCW 42.30.110(1)(g) so the Council will be meeting for a brief executive session for this purpose
and then taking action in an open meeting.
ATTACHMENTS: Job Bulletin – Legislative Office Manager
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Move to authorize the Council President to negotiate compensation and extend a conditional offer of
employment for the position of Legislative Office Manager to Lindsey Victor.
COUNCIL ACTION: Approve Deny Table Continue No Action
Form Updated 04/19/2024
4B
City of Bremerton
Legislative Office Manager - (INTERNAL OPPORTUNITY
ONLY )
SALARY $3,931.84 - $4,646.31 Semi-Monthly
$7,863.68 - $9,292.62 Monthly
$94,364.16 - $111,511.44 Annually
LOCATION 345 6th Street, Bremerton, WA
JOB TY PE REGULAR FULL-TIME JOB NUMBER 2026-00028
DEPARTMENT City Council OPENING DATE 07/22/2026
CLOSING DATE 7/29/2026 5:00 PM Pacific FLSA Exempt
BARGAINING UNIT 1001 - Management & Professional
About the City of Bremerton
Nestled along the shores of the Puget Sound and just a scenic ferry ride from Seattle, the City of Bremer ton offers an
exceptional blend of career opportunity and quality of life. From the vibrant Harborside district—featuring the Kitsap
Conference Center, waterfront hotels, dining, and the Port of Bremerton Marina—to the creative energy of the
Bremerton Creative District and Quincy Square, there’s something here for ever yone. Enjoy local attractions like the
Puget Sound Navy Museum, stroll the waterfront Bremerton Boardwalk, or relax at Harborside Fountain Park. Cross the
iconic Manette Bridge to explore charming shops and cafés, or unwind at Evergreen Rotar y Park. Outdoor enthusiasts
and golfers alike will appreciate the city-owned Gold Mountain Golf Course, while arts and culture thrive at venues like
the Admiral Theatre and events such as the Bremerton Blackberry Festival. With its strong sense of community, natural
beauty, and growing opportunities, Bremerton is an ideal place to build your career and make a lasting impact—explore
our openings and discover your future here.
General Function
THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO CURRENT CITY OF BREMERTON EMPLOYEES ONLY
Reporting to the City Council President, the Legislative Office Manager provides executive-level administrative and
operational support to the City Council and oversees the daily operations of the City Council Office. The position
facilitates communication among Council Members, City administration, employees, the media, and the public;
coordinates Council meetings and schedules; manages legislative records, communications, and departmental finances;
and conducts research on Council-related matters. The position supervises the Legislative Assistant and performs work
in accordance with applicable City policies, ordinances, directives, and legal requirements.
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Representative Essential Duties and Responsibilities
(Note – this list is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of
specific statements does not exclude them from the position.)
Manage the daily operations of the Legislative Department and City Council Office, including current projects,
administrative priorities, office procedures, and routine operational decisions. Work independently to identify
issues, recommend solutions, and ensure timely completion of Council business.
Respond to inquiries, concerns, and complaints from residents, City employees, outside agencies, and individuals
conducting business with the City. Screen and route calls and correspondence; explain applicable City or
depar tmental policies and practices; research issues; and coordinate appropriate follow-up.
Serve as a liaison among the City Council, Mayor’s Office, City departments, employees, the media, outside
agencies, and the public to support effective communication and resolution of Council-related matters.
Develop and maintain the Council meeting and study session schedule in coordination with Department Directors,
managers, and Council leadership. Organize logistics for Council meetings, study sessions, workshops, budget
sessions, district meetings, committee meetings, events, and appointments.
Oversee preparation of Council meeting agendas, notices, agenda bills, supporting attachments, and Council
packets. Review materials for completeness and compliance with the Agenda Bill Policy and ensure Council
Members receive the information needed for deliberation.
Ensure timely distribution of meeting notices, agendas, packets, and related communications to Council Members,
City staff, the media, and other interested or affected parties.
Compose, review, and edit correspondence, reports, briefing materials, and other documents, including confidential
materials. Identify and reference appropriate policies, rules, regulations, and staff resources in responding to
Council requests and legislative matters.
Ensure timely distribution of meeting notices, agendas, packets, and related communications to Council Members,
City staff, the media, and other interested or affected parties.
Prepare public notices and press releases and arrange legal publication in accordance with the Open Public
Meetings Act and other applicable requirements. Establish and maintain professional working relationships with
members of the media.
Establish and maintain public and confidential records in accordance with the Public Records Act, State records-
retention requirements, and City policies. Research, collect, compile, analyze, and organize information for Council
use
Supervise the Legislative Assistant, including assigning and reviewing work, monitoring deadlines and workload,
providing guidance and feedback, supporting professional development, and adjusting assignments to meet
changing priorities and operational needs.
Responds to communications with discretion, using judgment and experience to disseminate information to
respond to residents’ inquiries, complaints, and concerns. Explains policies and procedures to the public, City
employees, and various outside agencies; and initiates follow-up actions.
Ensure City Council Office representation at regular Council meetings, committee meetings, and special meetings
as required. Coordinate recording and documentation of proceedings and oversee the editing, publication, and
distribution of approved official minutes.
Analyze, organize, and follow office procedures. Establish and maintain a variety of public and confidential
information in compliance with the State Records Act. Research, collect, compile, and analyze data as required.
Compose correspondence and reports, including material of a confidential nature; reference appropriate staff,
policies, rules, and regulations, independently and at the request of Council on a variety of matters; review and edit
material as needed.
Prepare the Legislative Department budget for Council consideration; monitor budget accounts and expenditures;
verify account codes and approvals; process requisitions, purchase orders, reimbursements, and related
transactions; and maintain accurate financial records.
Maintain Council calendars and coordinate travel arrangements, appointments, and other scheduling needs as
assigned.
Prepare and submit departmental payroll records and personnel-related forms and documents.
Coordinate with Legislative Assistant to ensure timely screening of email directed to city council address;
redistribute to Council, staff, others per Council guidance.
Other Duties
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Regular in-person attendance is required; telework may be authorized on a situational basis.
Perform related duties and special assignments as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
Supervisory practices, performance management, team leadership, and organizational oversight.
Principles and practices of public administration, legislative operations, and modern office management.
City government operations, functions, policies, procedures, codes, and the roles and priorities of the City Council.
Open Public Meetings Act, Public Records Act, State records retention requirements, and records-management
practices for paper and electronic documents.
Budget preparation, expenditure control, basic accounting, payroll, purchasing, and recordkeeping practices.
Business English, including grammar, spelling, punctuation, document preparation, and professional
correspondence.
Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, Zoom, SharePoint, Constant Contact, and similar office, communication,
and collaboration systems.
Skill in:
Executive-level administrative support, office coordination, scheduling, and management of multiple priorities.
Researching, analyzing, summarizing, and presenting information; taking accurate notes; and preparing meeting
minutes, reports, and correspondence.
Communicating clearly, professionally, and diplomatically with elected officials, employees, residents, media
representatives, and other stakeholders.
Using office technology and learning website-management and communication tools, including CivicPlus or similar
platforms.
Ability to:
Provide complex and confidential administrative support to multiple elected officials while exercising sound
independent judgment.
Plan, organize, prioritize, and revise office activities and assignments to meet schedules, deadlines, and changing
operational needs.
Analyze situations accurately, identify practical solutions, and take appropriate action within established authority.
Maintain strict confidentiality and use discretion when handling sensitive information and communications.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected and appointed officials, residents, City
employees, public agencies, private-sector representatives, members of academia, the media, and the general
public.
Work effectively under pressure and manage frequent interruptions, competing priorities, and evening meeting
requirements.
Qualifying Education and Experience (Minimum Requirements)
Any combination of education, training, and experience equivalent to four (4) years of progressively responsible
administrative office experience, including at least two (2) years of specialized experience in government, public
administration, legislative support, or a closely related environment.
College-level education in public administration, business administration, political science, communications, or a
related field may substitute for specialized experience on a year-for-year basis, subject to approval by the City
Council.
Equivalent combinations that demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential
functions of the position will be considered.
Required License:
A valid Washington State driver’s license is required and must be maintained throughout employment.
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Equal Employment Oppor tunity Statement
Examination Process and Required Documents
Applicants must apply on-line athttps://www.BremertonWA.gov/169/Current-Jobs.
Required Application Materials:
A completed City application and personal résumé are required. Incomplete applications packets will not be considered.
Required application materials must be submitted online by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. It is the responsibility of the
applicant to ensure their application materials reflect the minimum qualifying experience, knowledge, skills and abilities
as listed on the job posting.
Application process after submittal - What to expect:
Initial screening– Once the position closes, the HR Depar tment will review and evaluate your application materials to
determine whether your materials reflect and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience required to
meet the minimum qualifications.
Invitation to Interview– After initial screening and additional review by the hiring department, if it is determined that
you exceed the minimum qualifications, you may be contacted and invited to inter view with a hiring panel.
References– After the interview, if it is determined that you are the most qualified candidate for the position, references
will be sent electronically to the individuals listed on your application.
Pre-employment Requirements – If/when applying for safety-sensitive positions, pre-employment physicals and/or
drug testing may be required prior to any final offer of employment.
NOTE TO APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES: If you require an accommodation at any point during the application
process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 473-5348 orhumanresources@ci.bremerton.wa.us
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Thank you for your interest in joining the City of Bremerton.
The City of Bremerton is committed to integrating diverse perspectives into our workplace culture and encourages our
employees to bring their whole, authentic selves to work. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds
and experiences and do not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under applicable law. We strive to create a
diverse team that allows us to effectively connect to the community we serve.
If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a
variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.
The City of Bremer ton is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse
workforce.
ADA Statement
The City of Bremerton does not discriminate on the basis of disability in programs and activities, which it operates
pursuant to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and ADA Amendments Act. This policy
extends to both employment and admission to participation in the programs, ser vices and activities of the City of
Bremerton. Reasonable accommodation for employees or applicants for employment will be provided.
7/22/26, 3:03 PM Job Bulletin
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Thank you for your interest in joining the City of Bremer ton.
The City of Bremerton is committed to integrating diverse perspectives into our workplace culture and encourages our
employees to bring their whole, authentic selves to work. We encourage applications from candidates of all
backgrounds and experiences and do not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under applicable law. We
strive to create a diverse team that allows us to effectively connect to the community we serve.
If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a
variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.
ADA Statement
The City of Bremerton does not discriminate on the basis of disability in programs and activities, which it operates
pursuant to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and ADA Amendments Act. This policy
extends to both employment and admission to participation in the programs, services and activities of the City of
Bremerton. Reasonable accommodation for employees or applicants for employment will be provided.
The City of Bremerton is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse
workforce.
Employer
City of Bremerton
Address
345 6th Street, Suite 100
Bremerton, Washington, 98337
Phone
360-473-5846
Website
http://www.ci.bremerton.wa.us
Legislative Office Manager - (INTERNAL OPPORTUNITY ONLY ) Supplemental Questionnaire
*Q U E S T I O N 1
Do you have at least four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative experience?
Yes
No
*Q U E S T I O N 2
Do you posses a college-level education in public administration, business administration, political science,
communications, or closely related field?
Yes
No
*Q U E S T I O N 3
If you have at least four (4) years of progressively responsible experience, does that experience include at least two
(2) years of specialized experience in government, public administration, legislative suppor t?
Yes
No
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*Q U E S T I O N 4
Please describe your education, training, and professional experience that best prepares you to manage the
administrative and operational functions of a legislative or executive office.
*Q U E S T I O N 5
Please provide an example of your experience managing complex administrative functions, such as public meetings,
agendas, records, budgets, communications, or staff super vision. What was your specific role and level of
responsibility?
*Q U E S T I O N 6
Please describe your experience suppor ting elected officials, senior leaders, boards, commissions, or other high-level
decision-makers. What responsibilities did you manage, and how independently did you perform them?
* Required Question
7/22/26, 3:03 PM Job Bulletin
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AGENDA BILL
CITY OF BREMERTON
CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT: Study Session Date: July 8, 2026
Ordinance No. 5540 to increase Vehicle
License Fees
COUNCIL MEETING Date: August 19, 2026
Department: City Council
Presenter: Jane Rebelowski
Phone: (360) 473-5280
SUMMARY: Ordinance No. 5076 established the Bremerton Benefit Transportation District (TBD) on
February 4, 2009. On December 7, 2011, the Bremerton TBD established a $20 vehicle license fee
to support local transportation projects. State Bill 5987, passed in 2015, allowed cities and counties
to absorb the rights, powers, functions, and obligations of their TBDs. The City Council passed
Ordinance No. 5297 assuming the rights, powers, functions, and obligations of the Bremerton TBD
effective April 4, 2016.
RCW 36.73.065 authorizes the TBD to impose, by majority vote of the district’s governing board, up
to forty dollars ($40.00) of the vehicle license fee authorized in RCW 82.80.140, provided an annual
vehicle license fee of twenty ($20.00) has been imposed for at least twenty-four months.
Discussion on increasing the vehicle license fee to $40.00 was first brought to City Council at the
September 10, 2025 Study Session. Discussion on the increase was continued for a future meeting
for Finance staff to gather data on how vehicle license fee funds have been spent since their
introduction in 2015.
At the February 24, 2026 Finance, Investment, and Parking Committee meeting, Public Works
Operations Manager Ron Moore and Finance Director Mike Riley made a presentation detailing
options for TBD funding, funding mechanisms, and estimated revenue potential associated with each
option. The Committee approved the presentation being brought to the next Study Session meeting.
The presentation was brought to Study Session on February 25, 2026. Council requested that
additional information regarding the projects that could be funded be brought to a future Study
Session.
Discussion on the increase returned again to Study Session on July 8, 2026. Public Works Director
Chance Berthiaume, Finance Director Riley, and Public Works Operations Manager Moore
presented further information on the fee increase and potential revenue impacts.
This proposed Ordinance would, upon majority vote by the City Council acting as the district’s
governing board, increase the annual vehicle license fee from twenty dollars ($20.00) to forty dollars
($40.00).
4C
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Ordinance No. 5540 Increasing Vehicle License Fee.
2) 9/10/25 Study Session Minutes re: Vehicle License Fee Increase.
3) 2/25/26 Study Session Presentation from Finance Director Mike Riley: TBD – City of
Bremerton Impacts and 2/25/26 Study Session Minutes.
4) 7/8/26 Study Session Presentation for TBD increase for the benefit of Public Works
Operations and 7/8/26 Study Session Minutes.
FISCAL IMPACTS (Include Budgeted Amount): Estimated revenue increase of $600,000.00 to be
credited to Public Works / Streets Operations.
STUDY SESSION ACTION: ☐ Consent Agenda ☒ General Business ☐ Public Hearing
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Move to pass Ordinance No. 5540 to increase the Bremerton Transportation Benefit District vehicle
license fee from twenty dollars ($20.00) to forty dollars ($40.00) for the purpose of funding
transportation improvements.
COUNCIL ACTION: Approve Deny Table Continue No Action
Form Updated 04/19/2024
Annual Vehicle License
Fee Increase
ORDINANCE NO. 5540
AN ORDINANCE of the City Council of the City of
Bremerton, Washington, increasing by twenty dollars the vehicle
license fee established in City of Bremerton Transportation Benefit
District Resolution No. 005, for a total annual vehicle license fee of
forty dollars.
WHEREAS, RCW Chapter 36.73 and RCW 35.21.225 authorize the City Council
of the City of Bremerton to establish a Transportation Benefit District within the City’s
jurisdiction for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, improving, providing, and funding
transportation improvements within the district that are consistent with any existing state,
regional, and local transportation plans and necessitated by existing or reasonably foreseeable
congestion levels; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Bremerton found it to be in the best
interests of the City to establish a citywide Transportation Benefit District consistent with RCW
36.73, to protect the City’s long term investments in infrastructure, to reduce the risk of
transportation facility failures and improve safety, to continue optimal performance of the
infrastructure over time, and to avoid more expensive infrastructure replacements in the future;
and
WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 5076 established a Transportation Benefit District as
authorized by RCW 35.21.225 and subject to the provisions of Chapter 36.73 RCW; and
WHEREAS, the Transportation Benefit District included the entire City of
Bremerton as the boundaries existed when established or as expanded upon annexation; and
WHEREAS, on December 7, 2011, the City of Bremerton Transportation Benefit
District passed Resolution No. 005 to establish an annual vehicle tab fee in the amount of twenty
dollars ($20.00); and
WHEREAS, in Ordinance 5297 the City Council assumed the rights, powers,
functions, and obligations of the City of Bremerton Transportation Benefit District as authorized
by RCW 35.21.225; and
WHEREAS, RCW 36.73.065 authorizes a Transportation Benefit District to
impose, by majority vote of the district’s governing board, up to forty dollars ($40.00) of the
vehicle license fee authorized in RCW 82.80.140, provided an annual vehicle license fee of
twenty ($20.00) has been imposed for at least twenty-four months; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds it in the best interest of the City to increase
the annual vehicle fee from twenty dollars ($20.00) to forty dollars ($40.00) for the purpose of
making transportation improvements, consistent with Chapter 36.73 RCW and BMC 11.25.040,
and; THEREFORE,
Annual Vehicle License
Fee Increase
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BREMERTON, WASHINGTON,
DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Increase the annual vehicle fee. The annual vehicle license fee of
$20.00 shall be increased to an annual fee of $40.00, consistent with RCW 36.73.065, to be
collected by the Washington Department of Licensing on qualifying vehicles, as set forth in
RCW 82.80.140, RCW 36.73, and RCW 46.16. The increased vehicle license fees will not be
collected sooner than six months after the effective date of this Ordinance as provided in RCW
82.80.140. The existing annual vehicle licensing fee of $20.00 established in 2011 shall remain
in effect and be collected by the Washington State Department of Licensing until the effective
date of the increased vehicle license fee established by this Ordinance.
SECTION 2. Revenues. The revenues received by the $20.00 increase shall be
used for transportation improvements as allowed by RCW 36.73 and BMC 11.25.040, and as
designated by the City Council annually.
SECTION 3. Corrections. The City Clerk and codifiers of this ordinance are
authorized to make necessary corrections to this ordinance including, but not limited to, the
correction of scrivener, clerical, typographical, and spelling errors, references, ordinance
numbering, section/subsection numbers and any references thereto.
SECTION 4. Severability. If any one or more sections, subsections, or
sentences of this Ordinance are held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not
affect the validity of the remaining portion of this Ordinance and the same shall remain in full
force and effect.
SECTION 5. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force ten
(10) days from and after its passage, approval and publication as provided by law.
PASSED by the City Council the___________ day of ____________________, 20___.
_________________________________
JANE REBELOWSKI, Council President
Approved this _______ day of ________________________, 20___.
_________________________________
GREG WHEELER, Mayor
Annual Vehicle License
Fee Increase
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
__________________________________ _________________________________
ANGELA HOOVER, City Clerk KYLIE J. FINNELL, City Attorney
PUBLISHED the ________ day of ______________________, 20__.
EFFECTIVE the ________ day of ______________________, 20__.
ORDINANCE NO. ________.
A.AGENDA BILL BRIEFINGS
1.Purchase of Ford F-750 truck with Hook-lift System and Snowplow – Internal Services
Manager Matt Donleycott. To be placed on September 17 Council Meeting Consent
Agenda.
2.Renewal of Professional Services Agreement with Imperial Parking, Inc. for Parking
Enforcement and Management Services – Contracts Administrator Melinda Monroe. To be
placed on September 17 Council Meeting General Business.
3.Conservation Grant Agreement with Puget Sound Energy for LED Retrofit Phase 6 – Public
Works Operations Manager Ron Moore. To be placed on September 17 Council Meeting
Consent Agenda.
4.Contract Modification Agreement No. 7 with Parametrix, Inc. for Engineering Services
for the Kitsap Lake Park Renovation Project – Parks and Recreation Director Tim Barker. To
be placed on September 17 Council Meeting Consent Agenda.
5.Resolution to Modify Parking on a portion of Almira Avenue from head-in to back-in angle
parking – Engineering Project Manager Nick Ataie. To be placed on September 17 Council
Meeting Consent Agenda.
6.Local Programs State Funding Agreement with WSDOT for the 6th Street Active
Transportation Project – Engineering Project Manager Nick Ataie. To be placed on
September 17 Council Meeting Consent Agenda.
7.Ordinance to increase the Vehicle License Fee for funding Transportation Improvements –
Council Vice President Jane Rebelowski. Finance to come back with data on how funds
have been spent since 2015, in a format similar to how the TBD work plans were prepared,
as well as what Public Works staff feel they can accomplish with new funding. Continued
discussion to be scheduled for a future Study Session.
President Eric Younger called a break from 6:35 to 6:45 PM.
Attachment 2 - 09/10/25 Study Session Minutes re: Vehicle License Fee Increase
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MINUTES
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
A Study Session of the City Council of the City of Bremerton was called to order on
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 5:00 PM in Council Conference Room 603 located in
the Norm Dicks Government Center at 345 6th Street, with Council President Eric Younger
presiding. Other Council Members present were Jennifer Chamberlin (remotely), Denise
Frey, Jeff Coughlin, Jane Rebelowski, Michael Goodnow. Council Member Anna Mockler
was absent. Legislative Office Manager Anne Williams provided staff support.
President Younger announced that Study Sessions are always open for the public to attend
in-person or view remotely; that tonight’s agenda was amended to add an Executive Session
under Item C1, with action anticipated; and that any of the items approved for action by the Council
tonight will be placed on the September 17, 2025 Council Meeting Agenda or as otherwise
determined.
It was further established that questions or comments by the public may be submitted on any item
at any time by email to City.Council@bremertonwa.gov. And reminded everyone that audio
recordings will be available online within a few days following the meeting.
AGENDA BILL
CITY OF BREMERTON
CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT: Study Session Date: July 8, 2026
Discussion on the Transportation Benefit
District
COUNCIL MEETING Date: July 15, 2026
Department: PW&U
Presenter: Ron Moore
Phone: (360) 473-5333
SUMMARY: Information and presentation for TBD increase for the benefit of Public Works
Operations division.
ATTACHMENTS:
TBD Plan/Power Point Presentation Added 7/8/26 11:00 AM
FISCAL IMPACTS (Include Budgeted Amount): Estimated revenue increase of $600K to be
credited to Public Works / Streets Operations.
STUDY SESSION ACTION: ☐ Consent Agenda ☐General Business ☐Public Hearing
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Discussion item only
COUNCIL ACTION: Approve Deny Table Continue No Action
Form Updated 04/19/2024
A2
Attachment 4 -
7/8/26 Study Session Presentation
7/8/26 Study Session Minutes
Transportation Benefit
Discussion
Study Session
July 8th, 2026
Ron Moore
Public Works & Utilities
Operations Manager
Street Division Work Activities
Labor Allocation by Activity
Budget Allocation by Activity
Production by City Staff
В
CITY OFBREMERTON CITY COUNCILAccountability for TBD Dollars
Visible project signage + internal tracking through Cartegraph
The community should be able to see where TBD dollars are invested
and understand how they are tracked over time.
SEE IT
PROJECT SIGNAGE
TRACK IT
CARTEGRAPH
REPORT IT
PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY
FUTURE TBD PROJECT Cartegraph
ProjectIMPROVING OUR STREETS
Map
THANK YOU!Work Status
Work Status
Complete
in Progress
TBD PROJECT REPORT
Projects funded by TBD will be signed
so community members can recognize
improvements as they drive around
the city.
Costs
Funding
Reports
Costs
$2,450,000$2,450,0
Funding
$1,850,000
TBD Funding
Cartegraph will support internal tracking
of project locations, work status, costs,
and TBD funding information.
$2.450,000
Total Costs
32
Projects
18
Completed
Ongoing tracking will make it easier to
report progress and demonstrate how
tab fee dollars are being spent.
Why this matters: Visible project signage and tracking in Cartegraph demonstrate
accountability and help build community confidence as the City discusses a potential tab fee increase.
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MINUTES
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
A Study Session of the City Council of the City of Bremerton was called to order on Wednesday, July 8,
2026, at 5:00 PM in Council Conference Room 603 located in the Norm Dicks Government Center at
345 6th Street, with Council President Jane Rebelowski presiding. Other Council Members present were
Jennifer Chamberlin, Denise Frey, Christy Cammarata, Michael Goodnow, Anna Mockler, and Rick Tift.
Legislative Office Manager Anne Williams provided staff support.
A.AGENDA BILL BRIEFINGS
1.Confirm Appointment of Shannon Turner to the Bremerton Housing Authority
Commission was presented by Mayor Greg Wheeler. Council consensus for the item to be
placed on the July 15 Council Meeting Consent Agenda.
2.Discussion on the Transportation Benefit District was presented by Public Works Operations
Manager Ron Moore, Public Works & Utilities Director Chance Berthiuame, and Finance Director
Mike Riley. Council consensus for the item to be brought back for further discussion on an
updated Ordinance at the August 12 Study Session. Presentation should include more details
on other municipalities who have a TBD, as well as the administrative process to initiate the
change. President Rebelowski was asked to talk with Kitsap County to learn more about their
plans for implementing a TBD and what the impact could be on the City’s ability to increase the
registration fee.
President Rebelowski called a break from 6:06 to 6:20 PM.
3.Ordinance amending Bremerton Municipal Code Chapter 10.42 entitled “Automated
Traffic Safety Cameras” was presented by Contracts Administrator Melinda Monroe. Council
consensus for the item to be placed on the July 15 Council Meeting Consent Agenda.
4.Discussion on FY 2027 Lodging Tax Priorities was presented by Council President Jane
Rebelowski. Information only, with Council consensus for discussion on the Lodging Tax grant
process to return to the July 22 Study Session. Staff will provide an update on whether the City
can move to a funding allocation model where specific funding amounts are preset. Council
would like to leave the Resolution in place. Staff will also determine the process should the City
wish to be reimbursed for administrative fees associated overseeing the LTAC program. Finally,
the application will be saved as Draft and revisited, along with directions to be given to LTAC
applicants. In the future, the Council will consider adding additional members to the Committee.
5.Discussion on Approach to future of City’s Opioid Settlement Funds was presented by City
Attorney Kylie Finnell. Council consensus to create an Agenda Bill to authorize the City Attorney
to terminate the ILA with Salish BH ASO for administration of the City’s opioid settlement dollars
and allow the City to determine how funds will be used. The City will retain a relationship with
Salish BH ASO for regional reporting. The item is to be placed on the July 15 Council Meeting
Consent Agenda.
B.GENERAL COUNCIL BUSINESS
1.Finance, Investment, & Parking Committee Briefing (Last Meeting 6/30/26) – Chair Michael
Goodnow reported an update was provided on financials through May 2026 and on the
Community Budget Priorities Survey, along with discussion on the Ordinance (Automated Traffic
Safety Cameras) presented tonight.
AGENDA BILL
CITY OF BREMERTON
CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT: Study Session Date: February 25, 2026
Discussion on additional Transportation
Benefit District funding opportunity and
impact
COUNCIL MEETING Date: March 4, 2026
Department: Finance
Presenter: Mike Riley
Phone: (360) 473-5303
SUMMARY: Following the initial TBD discussion in 2025, Finance has returned with the requested
information regarding the history of the Transportation Benefit District (TBD), including projects and
purchases funded with TBD revenues. Expenditure information is provided for the most recent five-
year period.
Discussion will include current and anticipated transportation project and staffing needs,
Councilmanic options to increase TBD funding, other available funding mechanisms, and estimated
revenue potential associated with each option.
ATTACHMENTS: Power Point Presentation
FISCAL IMPACTS (Include Budgeted Amount):
STUDY SESSION ACTION: ☐ Consent Agenda ☐ General Business ☐ Public Hearing
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
COUNCIL ACTION: Approve Deny Table Continue No Action
Form Updated 04/19/2024
A8
Attachment 3 -
2/25/26 Study Session Presentation: TBD – City of Bremerton Impacts
2/25/26 Study Session Minutes
Transportation Benefit District –
City of Bremerton Impacts
City of Bremerton February 25, 2026
Agenda
1.Background
2.Streets Staffing
3.5 year Trend History
4.What's next
5.Closing
City of Bremerton February 25, 2026
Background
The City of Bremerton established the Transportation Benefit District (TBD) on February 4 ,
2009 which established a $20 vehicle license fee to support local transportation
improvement projects.
In 2015 the Legislature under (2ESSB 5987) created provisions that allow a city or county
to absorb the TBD’s “rights, powers, functions and obligations”. On March 16, 2016, the
Bremerton City Council held a public hearing and passed Ordinance No. 5297 assuming
the rights, powers, functions and obligations of the Transportation Benefit District
Effective April 4, 2016, the City of Bremerton assumed the duties of the TBD
City of Bremerton February 25, 2026
Transportation Benefit District 5 year look back
The City has consistently collected approximately $600,000 per year through the TBD.
City of Bremerton February 25, 2026
Transportation Benefit District
Chip/Slurry Seal
$2,024,885
Sidewalk/Trip
Hazard Repair
$508,452
Crack and Chip
Seal/Potholes
$154,407
Equipment Purchases
Council Approved Staffing from
TBD Fee
2 Staff additions in 2016
2 Staff additions in 2018
* 4 Staff annual cost $553,000
10
12
14 14
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Prior 2016 2016 2018 2026
Street Operations Staffing Levels
Series 1
Next Steps
RCW 82.80.140 Vehicle fee – Transportation benefit district (TBD)
Vehicle Licensing Fee: Potential estimated revenue – ($600k
currently collected $1.5 mil) councilmanic; Additional up-to, $1.5
voter approved.
Any TDB may impose vehicle licensing fees up to $100 with simple
majority voter approval. (only Seattle has been successful in this
measure levying a $60 fee increase in 2014). Bremerton, Burien and
Edmonds attempted voted initiatives in 2009 and King County in
2014 but failed.
The TBD alternatively an impose a councilmanic vehicle license fee
up to $50 in a series of progression.
Bremerton currently has a $20 vehicle licensing fee. The city has
ability to increase to $40 since it the $20 fee has been established
for at least 24 months. I could increase to $50 after the $40 fee has
been in effect for an additional 24 months.
Other TBD funding sources:
Sales and Use Taxes - Potential estimated revenue ($1.8 million)
councilmanic; Additional $3.6 million voter approved
RCW 82.14.0455 allows for up-to .3% sales tax increase. This is the
most common TBD funding source. Effective July 1, 2022, up to
0.1% of this sales tax may be imposed by a majority vote of the
governing body of the council. Otherwise, it must be approved by a
simple majority of the voters. Vast majority of all proposed TBD
sales tax initiatives have been approved.
Jurisdiction Vehicle
Licensing Fee
Sales & Use Tax
Bremerton $20 N/A
Covington $20 NA
Des Moines $40 N/A
Grandview $20 N/A
Jefferson County $20 0.1% Councilmanic
Lynwood $40 N/A
Maple Valley $20 N/A
Battle Ground $0 0.1% Councilmanic
Poulsbo $0 0.1% Councilmanic
Vancouver $0 0.1% Councilmanic
Airway Heights $0 0.3% Voted
Clarkston $0*0.2% Voted
Moses Lake $0*0.2% Voted
Sequim $0 0.2% Voted
Shoreline $0 0.2% Voted
*Previously had $20 car tab but rescinded after voted sales tax initiative
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MINUTES
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
A Study Session of the City Council of the City of Bremerton was called to order on Wednesday,
February 25, 2026 at 5:00 PM in Council Conference Room 603 located in the Norm Dicks
Government Center at 345 6th Street, with Council President Jane Rebelowski presiding. Other
Council Members present were Jennifer Chamberlin, Denise Frey (remote), Christy Cammarta,
Michael Goodnow, Anna Mockler, and Rick Tift. Legislative Office Manager Anne Williams provided
staff support.
A. AGENDA BILL BRIEFINGS
1. Confirm Reappointment of Jay Montgomery to the BKAT Community Advisory
Committee – Public Access Manager Colleen Miko, to be placed on the March 4 Council
Meeting Consent Agenda.
2. Confirm Reappointment of Charles Bates to the Civil Service Commission – Mayor
Wheeler, to be placed on the March 4 Council Meeting Consent Agenda.
3. Confirm Appointment of Chance Berthiaume as Public Works & Utilities Director at Pay
Band 22, Rate 2 of the 2026 Management, Professional, Confidential, & Fiduciary Salary
Plan – Hurman Resources Director Tameka Stewart, to be placed on the March 4 Council
Meeting Consent Agenda.
4. Purchase and Upfit of International 12yd Dump Truck – Internal Services Manager Matt
Donleycott, to placed on the March 4 Council Meeting Consent Agenda.
5. Purchase of Vactor 2115i Pump Truck – Internal Services Manager Matt Donleycott, to be
placed on the March 4 Council Meeting Consent Agenda.
6. 2025 – 2027 Local & Community Projects Program Grant Agreement with the WA State
Department of Commerce for the Kitsap Lake Park Accessibility Improvements Project
– Parks & Recreation Director Tim Barker, to be placed on the March 4 Council Meeting
Consent Agenda.
7. Contract Modification No. 5 with HDR Engineering, Inc. for the 6th Street Active
Transportation Project; and related Budget Adjustment – Engineering Project Manager
Nick Ataie, to be placed on the March 4 Council Meeting Consent Agenda.
8. Discussion on additional Transportation Benefit District funding opportunity and
impact – Financial & Administrative Services Director Mike Riley and Public Works
Operations Manager, Ron Moore. Information on the history of the TBD and what the
additional funds generated from a $20 increase in car tab fees could be used for. Council is
not ready to bring this item to a Regular Meeting and asked that information on the projects
that could be funded be presented at the March 25 Study Session for further discussion.
At 7:14 PM, Councilmember Goodnow recused himself from discussion and action on Item A9.
9. 2026 Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Funding Recommendations – Chair Jane
Rebelowski, City Attorney Kylie Finnell, and Financial & Administrative Services Director Mike
Riley. Written comments were accepted until Noon on Tuesday, February 24 and action was
anticipated on this item only due to the need to distribute 2026 funds in a timely manner.
The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) received 20 eligible requests for funding totaling
$1,363,885. Direction provided by City Council when considering these requests included
support of long-time community events, kick-starting new events, tourism-based organizations
and venues, and municipal projects. Also, criteria provided by the City Council when evaluating
the requests included consideration of economic impact, events or activities that draw tourists
from 50 miles or more away, events or activities that focused on Bremerton’s community, and
requests that demonstrated collaboration with other community organizations. Following the
application process, interviews with the applicants were held on November 12, November 18,
Published for
August 19
Council Meeting
Item 4C
Public Comment
From:DIANE MANNING
To:City Council
Subject:Raising License Plate Fee to $40
Date:Sunday, August 16, 2026 11:06:34 AM
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.
City Councilmembers,
I was sad, yes sad, when I saw on the agenda that you've already decided to raise the license
plate fee from $20 to $40 for roads. Just like Bainbridge Island, but their average income is
quite a bit higher than Bremerton's.
I understand the budget is in crisis and you're looking for ways to fix what you can. A tough
job for sure.
But if you are struggling to put food on the table, pay rent, purchase medicine, buy clothes for
kids, etc., every $20 means a lot. It means that you will be giving up something. Sacrificing a
need for an additional tax on something you rely on heavily perhaps to get you to that
minimum wage job, or jobs!!
Many, many years ago as a struggling single parent myself, every dollar mattered to me. The
choices I made were critical and the anxiety caused by just one more added expense were
beyond what I could possibly convey in words. The rent's going up? Food prices are going
up? Gas is going up? Guess what's not going up? Wages!!
An extra 20 bucks? Doesn't seem like much does it? Maybe not from where you are, but I
can guarantee it will feel like a lot from another person's perspective.
I am disappointed in this decision to be sure. We are working hard to keep people from
transitioning into homelessness. But we are obviously giving with one hand and taking with
the other.
I really implore you to rethink this decision.
Sincerely,
Diane Manning
AGENDA BILL
CITY OF BREMERTON
CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT: Review of Complaint against
Councilmember Jennifer Chamberlin
Study Session Date: N/A
COUNCIL MEETING Date: August 19, 2026
Department: City Council
Presenter: Council President
Phone: (360) 473-5280
SUMMARY: A Complaint was received against Councilmember Jennifer Chamberlin from Janice
Allison on July 22, 2026.
Councilmember Jennifer Chamberlin formally requested that a discussion of the complaint be held in
open session.
Councilmembers will now be discussing this matter as this specifically relates to their Code of
Conduct. Following their discussion, the City Council will determine its next steps to address these
concerns.
Public comment will be accepted prior to any final action taken by the Councilmembers.
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Complaint from Janice Allison
2-3) Responses from Council President
4) Follow-up Response from Janice Allison
5) Council Rules & Procedures and Code of Conduct
FISCAL IMPACTS (Include Budgeted Amount): None
STUDY SESSION ACTION: ☐ Consent Agenda ☒ General Business ☐ Public Hearing
RECOMMENDED MOTION: To Be Determined (if needed)
COUNCIL ACTION: Approve Deny Table Continue No Action
Form Updated 04/19/2024
4D
From: Janice Teodoro Forbes <jfsk8r@msn.com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 8:45 PM
To: Jane Rebelowski <Jane.rebelowski@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Kylie Finnell
<kylie.finnell@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; City Clerk <city.clerk@ci.bremerton.wa.us>
Cc: Anne Williams <anne.williams@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Greg Wheeler
<greg.wheeler@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Denise Frey <denise.frey@ci.bremerton.wa.us>
Subject: Incident at the July 22, 2026 City Council Study Session
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.
Dear Council President Rebelowski and City Attorney Ms. Finnell,
CC: Anne Williams, Legislative Office Manager, Mayor Greg Wheeler, Council Vice President
Denise Frey
I am writing to formally document an incident that occurred during the City Council Study
Session on July 22, 2026.
During the meeting break, at approximately 6:06 p.m., I was in Anne Williams' office having a
conversation with Ms. Williams about my upcoming trip to Chicago. When I was approaching
the door, Council Member Jennifer Chamberlin interrupted our conversation and asked me,
"Who is responsible for the signs posted around the community?"
I responded, "The Sheridan Community Alliance."
At that point, Council Member Chamberlin stepped toward me, pointed her finger directly at
me, and, in an angry and confrontational manner, said, "They are blatant lies, and you should
be fucking ashamed of yourself." She then turned and walked back into the Council meeting.
Ms. Williams was present throughout the exchange and witnessed the interaction.
I was taken aback by the confrontation. I recognize that elected officials and members of the
public will often disagree on matters of public policy. However, I do not believe it is appropriate
for a Council Member to confront a citizen in this manner, particularly by using profanity while
expressing disagreement over a matter of public concern that was not being discussed at this
meeting.
This was not the first time I have observed what I believe to be unprofessional conduct by
Council Member Chamberlin during City meetings. However, this was the first time her conduct
was directed personally at me. As a result of this encounter, I no longer feel safe attending City
meetings where I may be subjected to this type of confrontation by an elected official.
As a resident who regularly attends City meetings and participates in the public process, I
expect to be treated with professionalism and respect, even when there are strong differences
of opinion. Encounters such as this can have a chilling effect on public participation and
undermine citizens' confidence that they can engage in local government without fear of
personal confrontation.
I respectfully request that this incident be formally documented and reviewed. I also request
that I be advised of the City's process for addressing complaints regarding the conduct of
elected officials.
Because this confrontation arose directly from my advocacy regarding the proposed Sheridan
Road project, I also ask that the City review whether Council Member Chamberlin's conduct
warrants recusal from future discussions or votes concerning that proposal under any
applicable ethics rules, Council policies, or other governing standards.
In addition, because this incident occurred in the hallway of Council office that is monitored by
security cameras, I respectfully request that the City preserve any available video recordings
from the hallway outside the Legislative Office Managers office, as well as any other relevant
security footage, for approximately 6:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. on July 22, 2026, pending review of
this matter.
Thank you for your attention to this serious matter. I look forward to your response regarding
the City's review of this incident and the appropriate next steps.
Sincerely,
Janice Allison
jfsk8r@msn.com
From: Jane Rebelowski <Jane.Rebelowski@ci.bremerton.wa.us>
Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 9:32 PM
To: Janice Teodoro Forbes <jfsk8r@msn.com>; Kylie Finnell <kylie.finnell@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; City
Clerk <city.clerk@ci.bremerton.wa.us>
Cc: Anne Williams <anne.williams@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Greg Wheeler
<greg.wheeler@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Denise Frey <denise.frey@ci.bremerton.wa.us>
Subject: Re: Incident at the July 22, 2026 City Council Study Session
Hello Janice,
I am extremely concerned to hear about this incident. I am very sorry this occurred and
will work with our attorney to find what the proper procedure is to find the correct
resolution. I will be leaving on vacation tomorrow but will be in touch with our City Attorney
tomorrow to discuss this matter.
I hope you have a wonderful trip, I will see you when I return.
Jane Rebelowski
Get Outlook for iOS
From: Anne Williams <anne.williams@ci.bremerton.wa.us>
Sent: Thursday, July 23, 2026 4:08 PM
To: Janice Teodoro Forbes <jfsk8r@msn.com>
Cc: Greg Wheeler <Greg.Wheeler@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Denise Frey
<Denise.Frey@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Jane Rebelowski <Jane.Rebelowski@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Kylie
Finnell <Kylie.Finnell@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; City Clerk <City.Clerk@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; City Council
<City.Council@ci.bremerton.wa.us>
Subject: RE: Incident at the July 22, 2026 City Council Study Session
Importance: High
Hello Ms. Allison –
As Council President Rebelowski is traveling today, I am forwarding the
attached letter on her behalf.
Warmest regards,
Anne
NOTE: Please be advised the City of Bremerton is required to comply with the Public Records
Act Chapter 42.56 RCW. This act establishes a strong state mandate in favor of disclosure of
public records. As such, the information you submit to the City, including personal information,
may ultimately be subject to disclosure as a public record.
345 6th Street, Suite 100
Bremerton, WA 98337-1891
(360) 473-5280
July 23, 2026
Via email
Ms. Janice Allison
Sheridan Community Alliance
Bremerton, WA
Re: Response to Conduct Compliant
Dear Ms. Allison,
Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns regarding Councilmember Jennifer
Chamberlin’s conduct while you attended the July 22, 2026, City Council Study Session. I
appreciate you bringing this matter to the Council’s attention.
Your complaint will be reviewed in accordance with the recently updated Bremerton City Council
Rules and Procedures and Code of Conduct. As part of that process, it will be shared with the full
Council, including Councilmember Chamberlin.
Should you have additional information, context, or supporting materials, you may provide them to
Legislative Office staff at city.council@ci.bremerton.wa.us. Please be aware that your complaint
and related materials may be subject to disclosure under the Washington Public Records Act.
The Council’s adopted commitments emphasize professionalism and appropriate decorum, as well
as compliance with applicable conflict-of-interest and appearance-of-fairness requirements. To the
extent permitted by law, aspects of this matter may be discussed in executive session. Any final
action, decision, or vote, however, must occur during an open public meeting in accordance with
the Open Public Meetings Act.
Any potential Council action will occur only if a Councilmember brings forward a motion or other
action item for consideration at an open meeting. It is not possible at this time to determine
whether such an item will be presented.
Your request to preserve any available security footage from approximately 6:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
on July 22, 2026, outside the Legislative Office Manager’s office was forwarded to the appropriate
department and public records custodian. Unfortunately, the one camera located in the Council
office only captures video of the door to the outside lobby. There is no visual record of the area
outside of the Legislative Office Manager’s office, and the system does not record sound.
Your request that the City consider whether Councilmember Chamberlin should be recused from
future discussions or votes concerning the Sheridan Road project has been referred to the City
Attorney. The City Attorney will advise the Council regarding any potential conflict or recusal issue
when the matter is before the Council.
Ms. Janice Allison
Response to Conduct Complaint
July 23, 2026
Thank you again for bringing your concerns to our attention. The Council is committed to
maintaining a meeting environment in which residents can feel safe participating in the public
process, and I hope you will continue to remain engaged.
Sincerely,
Jane Rebelowski, President
Bremerton City Council
Cc Denise Frey, Council Vice President
Mayor Greg Wheeler, City of Bremerton
Kylie Finnell, City Attorney, City of Bremerton
From: Janice Teodoro Forbes <jfsk8r@msn.com>
Sent: Sunday, July 26, 2026 3:23 PM
To: Jane Rebelowski <Jane.Rebelowski@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Anne Williams
<anne.williams@ci.bremerton.wa.us>
Cc: Greg Wheeler <Greg.Wheeler@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Denise Frey
<Denise.Frey@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; Kylie Finnell <Kylie.Finnell@ci.bremerton.wa.us>; City Clerk
<City.Clerk@ci.bremerton.wa.us>
Subject: Re: Incident at the July 22, 2026 City Council Study Session
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.
Dear Council President Rebelowski,
Thank you for your July 23, 2026, response regarding my complaint concerning Council Member
Jennifer Chamberlin's conduct during the July 22 City Council Study Session. I appreciate your
prompt reply and the information you provided regarding the Council's review process.
After reviewing your response, I respectfully request that this matter be evaluated not only
under the Council's Rules and Procedures and Code of Conduct, but also under the City of
Bremerton's Code of Ethics.
The stated purpose of the Bremerton Code of Ethics is that "the proper operation of democratic
government requires public confidence in the integrity of its officials" and that the Code
establishes standards of conduct intended to preserve the public trust. I believe the conduct I
reported should be evaluated in light of those principles.
My concern extends beyond a single incident. I have observed what I believe to be a pattern of
unprofessional conduct by Council Member Chamberlin during public meetings. The July 22
confrontation was the first time that conduct was directed personally at me.
My expectation is not simply that my complaint be received, but that it be meaningfully
evaluated against the ethical standards expected of elected officials. Public confidence depends
upon elected officials treating residents with professionalism, respect, and impartiality—even
when they strongly disagree with those residents' viewpoints.
I appreciate that my request regarding Council Member Chamberlin's participation in future
discussions concerning the Sheridan Road proposal has been referred to the City Attorney for
review. I respectfully request that this review include consideration of whether her conduct
toward me has compromised her ability to fairly and impartially participate in future
discussions or votes on matters involving the Sheridan Road proposal.
Accordingly, I respectfully request:
1. That my complaint be reviewed under both the Bremerton Code of Ethics and the
Council's Code of Conduct.
2. That I be informed of the findings and any action taken, to the extent permitted by law.
3. That the City Attorney provide guidance regarding whether Council Member
Chamberlin's conduct warrants recusal from future discussions or votes concerning the
Sheridan Road proposal.
4. That the Council take whatever action it determines is appropriate to uphold the ethical
standards expected of elected officials and to ensure that members of the public can
participate in City government without fear of intimidation or personal confrontation.
I appreciate your attention to this matter and your commitment to maintaining public
confidence in the integrity of the Bremerton City Council. I look forward to your response.
Respectfully,
Janice Allison
jfsk8r@msn.com
Rules & Procedures
Pagel
Resolution No. 3414
11 11
Bremerton City Council
Rules & Procedures
4 RULE 1 -
MEETINGS.........................................................................................................................................3 RULE2-PRESIDINGOFFICER-
DUTIES................................................................................................4 RULE 3-
COUNCILMEMBERS.......................................................................................................................5 RULE4-AGENDACONTROL........................................................................................................................
6 RULE5-REGULARCOUNCILMEETINGS-
ITEMSOFBUSINESS................................................7 RULE6-DEBATES..........................................................................................................................................
8 RULE7-PARLIAMENTARYPROCEDURE.............................................................................................
8 RULE8-ORDINANCES-
RESOLUTIONS.................................................................................................8 RULE9-MISCELLANEOUS...........................................................................................................................
9 RULE11-QUASI-
JUDICIALHEARINGS................................................................................................12 RULE12-CLOSEDRECORDHEARINGS..............................................................................................
13 RULE 13 –
STANDING COMMITTEES....................................................................................................13 ADDENDUM A:
COUNCILMEMBER ROLE..............................................................................................14 ADDENDUM B:
BREMERTON CITY COUNCIL CODE OF CONDUCT...............................................16 2
RULE 1 -MEETINGS
1.RegularMeetings: The CityCouncil shallmeetinaccordance withRCW 42.30.077
and Rule 5,except as follows:
a)ThereshallbenoregularmeetingoftheCityCouncilduringtheweekof
Thanksgiving.
b)IfatanytimeanyregularmeetingoftheCityCouncilfallsonalegalholiday,then
pursuant to RCW 42.30.070 such regular meeting shall be held on the next business
day.
i.Uponamotion,andmajority vote,theCouncil mayrecessfroma meeting to a
certain time and place set forth in the motion.
ii.Meetingsmayberelocatedtoaccommodatespecialneedsorcircumstances.
2.Special Meetings: Special Meetings orany change in the time or location of a regular
meeting shallbecalledbytheCouncil President, oramajority ofthemembers oftheCityCouncil,
bydeliveringpersonally orbymailore-mail, writtennoticetoeachmemberoftheCouncil; andto
eachlocalnewspaper ofgeneral circulation, and toeach local radioortelevision station which has
on file with the City a written request to benotified of such Special Meeting or ofall Special
Meetings. The notice must bedelivered personally or bymail, ore-mail at least twenty-four hours
before the time of the meeting asspecified inthe notice. The call and notice shall specify the time
and place of the Special Meeting and the business to betransacted. Final disposition shall not be
taken on any other matter atsuch meetings. Written notice may be dispensed with:
a)Ifamember, priortotheconvening ofthemeeting,fileswaiverofnotice with the City
Clerk, either written or by e-mail; or
b)Ifamemberisactuallypresentatthetimethemeetingconvenes;or
c)IftheSpecial Meeting iscalledtodealwithanemergencyinvolving injuryor damage to
persons or property, or the likelihood ofsuch, where these requirements would increase the
likelihood of such injury or damage. (RCW 42.30.080).
3.Quorum:FourCouncilmembers shallconstitute aquorum forthetransaction ofbusiness
and in the absence of a quorum the members present may adjourn themeeting to a later date.
4.OpenPublicMeetingsAct:AllCouncilmeetingsshallbeconductedinconformitywith
the Open Public Meetings Act (RCW 42.30).
5.AppearanceofFairness/Conflictof interest: Inall itsdealings,the Counciland its
individualmembersshallbegoverned byRCW42.36(AppearanceofFairnessDoctrine); RCW
42.20(MisconductofPublicOfficers)andRCW42.52(EthicsinPublicService)andChapter
2.96BMC(CodeofEthics).
6.ExecutiveSessions:TheCouncilmayholdExecutiveSessionsduringaregularorSpecial
Meeting to consider matters allowed under RCW 42.30.110 asit now exists or is hereafter
amended.
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SeeRCW42.30.110forcompleteitemizationofExecutiveSessiontopics.
Before convening in Executive Session, the presiding officer shall announce thepurpose of the
sessionandtheanticipated lengthofsuchsession, andwhetherfurtheractionisanticipated. Should
thesession require more time, apublic announcementshall be made that the session will be
extended.The Council will return to the open meeting, asapplicable, for Adjournment of the
meeting.Confidential discussions duringExecutiveSessions shallnotbedisclosed byany
Councilmember orCity official in attendance toany person unless confidentialityiswaived bya
majority oftheCouncil. Violation ofconfidentialitymay resultin acensure motion bytheCouncil
duringa regular meeting.
7.Remote Attendance: Councilmembers may participate remotely in Study Session meetings in accordance
with state law and these Rules and Procedures. Remote participation should support effective Council
operations, public accessibility, and full participation in Council business.
Because Regular Council Meetings involve formal legislative action, public hearings, ceremonial functions,
and official voting of the Council, remote participation will generally not be permitted for Regular Council
Meetings except as approved by Council President or otherwise required by RCW 42.30.070..
If participating in a Study Session remotely, Councilmembers shall adhere to the following:
a)Notice of remote attendance should be provided to the City Council Office not less than twenty-four hours
before the scheduled start time for the meeting. The Legislative Office Manager shall immediately advise
the presiding officer of the remote participation.
b)Councilmembers participating remotely shall be considered present for quorum and voting purposes to the
extent permitted by law.
c)Remote participation may occur through telephone, video conference, or other technology that allows
Councilmembers, staff, and the public to hear one another in real time. Councilmembers participating
remotely are expected to participate to the same extent as if physically present.
d)The Council President may establish reasonable expectations and procedures related to remote
participation, including technology standards, decorum, camera usage, voting procedures, and executive
session participation.
e)If technical difficulties prevent effective remote participation, the meeting may continue so long as a
quorum remains present and the meeting otherwise complies with applicable law.
RULE 2 - PRESIDINGOFFICER - DUTIES
1.Conduct ofMeeting: The presiding officer at all meetings of the Council will be the President
of the Council, or in the absence of the President, the Vice President of the Council, who shall conduct
the business and deliberations of the Council under these rules. Reference herein to Council President
shallalso apply to the Councilmember acting inthe Council President's place as presiding officer. The
President/mayorpro tempore and Vice Presidentshall be electedby amajority of the Councilmembers
at the start of the first meeting of each year, or at the next Council Meeting following a vacancy. If both
the President and Vice President are absent and a quorum is present, the Chair of the Parks, Finance,
Investment,& Parking Committee shall act as Presiding Officer. If the Chair of that Committee is
unavailable, the Chair of the Public Works Committee shall act as presiding officer.
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The Council President shall:
a)Preserve order and decorum during meetings; and
b)Observe and enforce allrules adopted by the Council for its government; and
c)Decide all questions on order,inaccordance with these rules, subject toa challenge as
provided in Rule 6 Subsection 4, below; and
d)Recognize members of theCouncil in the order inwhich they request the floor except priority may
be given to Committee Chairs towhich the item under discussion originated. No member shall be
recognized and given the floor to speak on the same matter more than once until all other
members of the Council have had an opportunity to be recognized and be heard; and
e)The presiding officer,as amember of theCouncil, shallhaveonly those rights, and shall be
governed inallmattersand issues by thesame rulesand restrictions asother Councilmembers.
2.Check Register: The Council President shall be assigned the responsibility for signing off on
the Check Register, following Council approval.
3.Council Committees: The Council President shall make allcommittee assignments, aswell
as Intergovernmental Representative assignments. To the degree possible, assignments will be
consistent with special skills, interests, and time constraints. Assignments will be made to the
following:
a)Standing Committees:
I.Parks,Finance, Investment & ParkingCommittee(FIP)toserve as directed by
the Council President; and
II.PublicWorksCommitteetoserveasdirectedbytheCouncilPresident; and
III.PublicSafety& ParksCommitteetoserveasdirectedbytheCouncilPresident; and
IV.Audit Committeeper the City Charter and Chapter 2.18BMC; and
V.Lodging Tax Advisory Committee(LTAC)per Chapter 67.28 RCW and Chapter 3.64 BMC
Theabovelistedstandingcommitteesmayberestructuredorreorganized asauthorizedand
approved by the City Council without formal amendment ofthese rules and procedures. More
about Standing Committee function, purpose, and operation can be found in Rule13
b)Special and Ad Hoc Committees - Maybeestablished for a specific purpose or a specific time
frame to serve as authorized by the Council President.
c)Intergovernmental Committees. Commissions. and Boards - Established committees,
boards and councils (e.g., Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council).
RULE 3- COUNCILMEMBERS
1.Comments:CouncilmembersshalladdressallcommentstotheCouncilPresident,except
when a member moves to adopt aresolution, or when amember seconds a motion.
2.LeavingPlace:Nomember shallleavehisorherplacewhile aquestion isbeing putora
count is being taken.
3.Voting:A voteonanymattershall betaken byrollcall,andanymember mayabstainfrom
voting.
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4.Questioning: Any member oftheCouncil, including theCouncil President, shall havethe
right to question any individual, or staff member, on matters germane tothe issue before the
Council.Suchquestioning shallnotbeconductedsoastoridicule ordenigrate theindividual being
questioned.
5.InformationRequests: ACouncilmembermayseekclarification oradditional information
before voting on an issue. If such request delays consideration to another date, approval of a
majority of the Council is required.
RULE4-AGENDACONTROL
1.AdministrationInitiated Legislation:Considerationofanysubject,matter,orcommunicationby
theCouncil may beinitiated by the Mayor inaccordance with the Agenda Bill Policy.TheCouncil
Presidentmayrejectanyagenda itemnotcomplyingwiththepolicy orallowitems tobeadded with
exceptionsgrantedonacase-by-case basis.Uponpresentation ataStudySession, theCouncilasawhole
may(a)decline furtherconsideration,(b)request information orchanges before furtherconsideration,or
c)placetheitemonaRegularBusinessmeetingagendawithorwithoutrequestedchanges.
2. Council Initiated Legislation:Topromotetheorderlydevelopmentandconsiderationofproposed
legislation and the efficient use of staff and Council time, Council will initiate legislation asfollows: at the joint
request of twoormore Councilmembers, theymayseek legaladvice from theCity Attorney for them to draft an
outline oftheirproposed legislation forconsideration ataCouncil Study Session. Uponsubmissionto the
Legislative Office Manager, theCouncil President shall place theitem onthe next feasible Study Session
agenda. Following Council discussion at Study Session, the City Attorney will prepare adraft ordinance or
resolutionifarequest is made by three or more Councilmembers, and the item does notviolate State law or the
City Charter. Once the legislation has been prepared, the Council President shall place it on the next feasible
StudySession.UponpresentationataStudySession,the Councilasawholemay(a) decline further
consideration,(b)requestinformationorchangesbeforefurtherconsideration,or(c)placethe itemona
RegularBusinessmeetingagendawithorwithoutrequestedchanges.
3.Removing Items: At the Briefing, orat any time prior to the start of a meeting, any item may be
removed from the Agenda for any reason upon the request ofanyCouncilmember. However, two
Councilmembers maydemandtheitembereinstatedtotheAgenda.Theitemshall bebrought beforethe
Council as regular business on the Agenda and only tabled, continued, or rejected by majority vote.
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RULE5-REGULARCOUNCILMEETINGS-ITEMSOFBUSINESS
1.Regular Business Meeting:A Council Briefing to discuss the Agenda and/or General
Council Business may be held at 5:00 PM inthe Council Conference Room unless adifferent
location isdesignated.The Council Meeting shallmeet inthedesignated First Floor Meeting
strdChambers,unlessadifferent location issodesignated,on the1and3Wednesdayofeachmonth
at 5:30 PMor at such other day and time asdesignated by ordinance. The Council Meeting may
consist of thefollowing items with the sequence and any other items added or removed as
determined by the Council President:
a)CalltoOrder
PledgeofAllegiance(forspecialoccasions)
b)ConsentAgenda
c)PublicHearings
d)GeneralBusiness
e)Mayor'sReport
f)CouncilmemberReports(3minutesperCouncilmember)
g)CommunityComments
h)Adjournment
2.Study Session:TheStudy Session shallmeet inthedesignated Council Conference Room,
ndthand4Wednesday ofeachmonth at5:00PMunlessadifferentlocationissodesignated, onthe2
or at such other day and time as designatedby ordinance. The Study Session shall consist of the
following items with thesequence and any other added items asdetermined by the Council
President:
a)BriefingsonAgendaItems
b)Committee Updates
c)OtherGeneralCouncilBusinessasauthorizedbytheCouncilPresident
d)Adjournrnent
3.Executive Session/Recess:Theagenda may be interrupted for astated time toadjourn to
ExecutiveSessionorrecessattheprerogativeoftheCouncil President, unlessoverruledbyCouncil
majority.
4.ConsentAgendaItems:AnyCouncilmembermayrequestaConsent AgendaItembe
moved to the regular agenda, for which no second is required.
5.AgendaRearrangement:TheCouncilPresident mayrearrange, change thesequence,or
add to orremove items from the Agendas outlined in Rule 5,Subsections (1) and (2) above.
6.RegularCouncilMeetingsTelevised:TheRegularCouncil meetingsshallbetelevised
unless otherwise directed by Council.
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RULE6-DEBATES
1.Interruption:Nomember,includingtheCouncil President, shallinterruptorarguewith
any other member while such member has the floor.
2.Courtesy: All speakers, including Councilmembers, during comments, discussion, or
debateofanyissue,shalladdresstheircomments totheCouncil President withcourtesy andproper
deportment. Comments shall notcontain personalities,derogatory remarks, orinsinuations toward
any member ofthe Council, Staff, or Public, but shall beconfined to factsthat aregermane and
relevant to the issue.
3.Transgression:Upon transgression of these rules, the Council President shall call such
persontoorder,inwhichcasethatpersonshall besilent except tocontinue inorder.IftheCouncil
President transgresses these rules, orfailstocall a transgressor toorder, anyother member ofthe
Council may, under a point of order, call the transgressor to order.
4.Challenge toRuling: Any member ofthe Council shall have the right to challenge any
actionorrulingoftheCouncil President, ormember,asthecasemay be,inwhich casethedecision
of themajority ofthe members of the Council present, including the Council President, shall
govern.
RULE7-PARLIAMENTARYPROCEDURE
1.Procedure Guide: Robert's Rules of Order shall be used asa guide to govern theconduct of
business of the City Council while in Legislative session. However, the Council President shall
have the authority to make a final ruling on all issues of procedure, subject to Rule 6,
Subsection 4 of these Rules.
2.Parliamentarian. The CityClerkshall act as the City’s parliamentarian and shall advise the
Presiding Officer on all questions of interpretations of these rules which may arise.
RULE8-ORDINANCES-RESOLUTIONS
1.Actions:AnyactionoftheCouncil shallbebyordinance,resolution ormotionandshallbe
conducted only inopen public meetings unless otherwise providedby law. Such action shall be
deemed approved byan affirmative vote of amajority of those Councilmembers present, unless
otherwise providedbylaw.Anysuchactionshallcontainonlyasinglesubject matterandmay not
be amended to include a different subject.
2.Submittal:NoordinanceshallbesubmittedtotheCouncilforconsiderationuntilapproved
astoform and legality by theCity Attorney and copieshave beenfurnished toCouncilmembers
and the City Clerk. No such ordinance shall contain any interlineationsor marginal notes.
3.Presentations:Reading ofordinances and resolutions atall Council meetings shall be
deemed sufficientby the reading of a brief synopsis ofthe titleof theordinanceor the purpose of
theresolution. Thefulltextofanordinance orresolution underconsiderationbytheCouncil willbe
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provided to any member of the public upon request.
4.ReadingofOrdinances: Everyordinance shall haveone reading except that,upona
request ofaCouncilmember, anordinance shallhavetwoormorereadingsunlessotherwise
directed by the Council.
RULE9-MISCELLANEOUS
1.Agenda:BydirectionoftheCouncilPresident,theLegislativeOfficeManagershallprepare
the Agenda for each session of theCouncil inregular order in accordance with these rules, which
order shall not bedeparted from, except asprovided inthese rules. Such Agenda shall include all
resolutions, ordinances andmattersrequestedbyanyCouncilmember, ortheMayor,withnoitems
deleted from the Agenda except as provided in Rule 4 of these rules.
2.Limited Oral Public Forum: TheCouncilwelcomesoral feedback in a variety of
accessible and culturally responsive formats
A. There are two categories of feedbackavailable to the community at a Regular City Council
meeting.
i.Public CommentonAgendaItems:Anypersonisprovided anopportunity to
comment on the Consent Agenda or any Agenda item at the time the item isdiscussed
and prior toavote by the Council. Public Comment may also beaccepted when an
amending motion ismade by amember of Council and seconded, at the discretionof
the Council President. Such remarks must be confined tothose that are germane and
relevant to the item being discussed and shall be subject toa time limit. If numerous
speakers areaddressing theissue,theCouncil President mayfurther restrictspeaker
time. Written comments shall,to all intents and purposes, beconsidered the same as
oral comments.
ii.Community Comment:Any person is provided withan opportunity to address the City
Council during the Community Comment portion of the meeting. This opportunity is
intended for remarks related to matters within the jurisdiction and work of the City
Council that are not otherwise included on the meetingagenda. Comments must be
relevant to City business and shall be subject to a time limit. If numerous speakers wish to
address the Council, the Council President may further limit individual speaking time to
ensure all have an opportunity to be heard. Written comments shall, to all intents and
purposes, be considered the same as oral comments.
B. Oral Comment Process:Thefollowing applieswhether inperson orremote:
1.Time limit-90 seconds per speaker.
2.In Person–in the Chambers there is a sign-in sheet indicating name and specific agenda item.
3.Remote Participation-advance registration required via online form submitted by Tuesday at
noon.
iii.C. Oral Comment Rules:When addressing theCityCouncil, speakers must adhere tothe following
guidelines:
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I.When the Council President opens Public Comment and Community Comment, speakers
in the room will be recognized in order of who signed up.
II.Only those on Zoom who completed the online registration process by noon on Tuesday
prior to the regular meeting will be called upon to speak.
III.When recognized to speak, state your name clearly for the record.
IV.Atimer system will be usedto time set by the Council President.
V.Please address all comments to the Council President.
VI.Speakers may not cede their time to another speaker.
VII.Speakers shall refrain from comment or behavior that involves:
advertising or promoting the sale of products, services, or for-profit enterprise; promoting
candidates for public office or upcoming ballot measures; or disrupting the meeting.
These guidelines are applied in a viewpoint-neutral manner and are intended to ensure this part of the
business meeting remains focused on City Council business.
D. Remote Oral Comments:If attending the meeting in person is difficult due to disability, limited mobility, or
other barriers, participants may request to provide their comments remotely. Advance registration is required to
arrange this accommodation, which requires completion of anonline request form by the Tuesday before the Regular
Business meeting. The form and instructions can be found on the City Council webpage.
E Written comments: Any person is welcome to provide written comment at any time
atCity.Council@bremertonwa.gov. To be distributed to Councilmembers in advance of the Business
meeting, written comments must be received by noon on the day before the Council meeting.
3.Ballot Issues:During the election period, beginning on the deadline for elective office or
ballot issues, orfrom the time anindividual announces candidacy, whichever comesfirst, through
the November General Election, all announcements or advertising concerning candidates are
prohibited. Discussion of ballot issues is prohibited after the issue has qualified for the ballot.
Meetings for political parties may be announced, with the exception of fundraising events (e.g.,
dinners, drawings, etc.) ormeetings where thetitleofthefunction expresses support oropposition
for any candidate, political party, or issue.
4.PublicHearings:TheCouncilPresidentmayallocatethetimeallottedtoPublicHearing
equally among the members of the public who wish to speak.
5.Complaints: Personal complaints, especially those ofa derogatory nature against any
official or employee ofthe City,shouldnot be discussed at aCouncil meeting. A councilmember
wishing to make such complaints shall first address the complaintthrough the Mayor's office.
Then, ifthecouncilmemberfeelsappropriateaction hasnot been taken,itshall beproper for the
complaint to be communicated in writing to the members of the Council. Complaintsagainsta
Councilmembershallbesubmitted totheCouncilPresident.Ifthecomplaint is against the Council
President, the complaint shall besubmittedto the Vice-President. AcceptancebytheCouncil ofa
writtencomplaint shallnot,however, giverise topublic discussion thereon.The City Attorney
should be consulted regarding confidentiality,rights to privacy and other legal concerns.
6.AmendmentstoRules&Procedures:Amendmentstotheserulesshallbemadeby
resolution of the Council.
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7.TheCityClerk: The City Clerk, orduly authorized representative,shall attend all business
meetingsoftheCityCouncil and maintainapermanentjournal ofitsproceedings.Allvotesshall be
recorded bycallingthenamesofeachmemberonapositional rotationbasiswithCouncilPresident's
vote called last.
8.Maintain Record: Alloftheregular andspecial meetings oftheCity Council andeach and
everypartthereof shall berecorded electronically.Theserecords shall bemaintained foraperiod in
conformance with Chapter 40.14 RCW.
9.Prepare Minutes: Subsequent to eachmeeting, theLegislative Office Manager shall
preparebriefandconcise actionminutesofallCouncil meetings andsubmitthesametotheCouncil
for approval. Such minutes shall contain anaccurate resume ofofficial Council actions, with
reference to all matters before it.
10.Verbatim Transcript: No member ofthe Council, nor any member of the administrative
staff of the City,shall be empowered or authorized to require the Legislative Office Manager to
insertinsaidofficial minutesanyverbatim transcript ofalloranypartoftheproceedings.Verbatim
transcriptsshall bemadeapartoftheminutes onlywhenauthorizedbyamajority voteoftheentire
Council, made at the meeting wherein such verbatim request is made.
11. Non-CompliancewithrulesandWaiver: Failure ofa Councilmember to challenge the
non-complianceofCouncil proceedingswithany rule orprocedureherein, prior tothe vote or
other action taken on the item under consideration,shall constitute a waiver and such non-
complianceshallnotaffecttheoutcomeofanyactiontakenbytheCouncil unlesssuchcompliance
is requiredby law.
12.CouncilComments:NoCouncilmember mayadvertiseorpromoteaprivatebusinessor
enterprise during Council meetings except that Councilmembers may make announcements to
welcome a new business or announce special events regarding a private business or enterprise.
RULE 10 -COUNCIL EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT
Members of the City Council shall observe the Expense Reimbursement Claim Policies that have been
established by ordinance or resolution. Reimbursement for travel by any member of the Council outside the
State of Washington shall be made only with the prior approval of the majority of the Council. All
Councilmember expenses shall be subject to approval by the Council President.
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RULE11-QUASI-JUDICIALHEARINGS
1.Quasi-Judicial Body: Inhearing matters requiring application oflaw and determination of
facts which predominantly affect particular parties rather than the public generally or a class or
group,theCouncilsitsasaQuasi-Judicialbody.Itwillconduct thehearing inaccordance withRule
11 and 12.
a)CouncilPresidentconveneshearing.
b)ItemisintroducedbyCityClerk.
c)CouncilPresidentinquires:
i."All Councilmembers should now give considerationasto whether
they have: 1)a demonstratedbiasor prejudice for or against any party tothe proceedings;2)a
directorindirect monetaryinterest intheoutcome oftheproceedings;3)aprejudgmentoftheissue
prior to hearing the facts on the record; or 4)exparte contact with anyindividual, excluding
administrativestaff, with regard to an issue prior to the hearing.If any Council member should
answer inthe affirmative, then the Councilmember should state the reason fortheir answer at this
timesothattheChairmayinquire oftheCityAttorney asto whetheraviolation oftheAppearance
of Fairness Doctrine or a Conflict of Interest exists."
ii."Ifanymemberofthepublic believesanyCouncilmembershould
excuse themselves dueto aconflict with the Appearanceof Fairness doctrine, orfor another
concern, please state the reasons now."
d)Council President calls upon Administrative Staff to present the
recommendationordecisionoftheAdministrativeHearing Examiner,orotherapplicable
commission orboard, toprovide ageneral background andtoanswer Council questions.
e*)CouncilPresident designatesthelengthofargument toaffordafairhearing
of the issues. Correspondenceis read and testimony taken from proponents, then opponents and
those neutral. Council may ask questions of those testifying.
Limitedquestioning ofopposing witnessesontechnicalmattersbyeithersidef')
may be allowed in thediscretion of the Council President.The City Attorneywill advise the
Council President when such questioning may be a lawful requirement ofthe hearing.
g*)Presidentclosesthepublictestimonyportionofthehearing. Council deliberates
and may ask questions of the presenters.
h)Adecision bymotion ismade. TheCouncil mayaccept, reject, ormodify a
recommendationor decision based upon itsapplication of code criteria and appropriatefindings.
i)Nomotiontorescind orreconsider theinitial quasi-judicialdecision may be
brought by any Council member following close of the meeting.
Notapplicabletoclosedrecordhearing.
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RULE 12 - CLOSED RECORD HEARINGS
1. Hearing Procedure:
a) Closed record hearings on land use applications shall be conducted in
accordance with this rule. The provisions of Rule 11 are applicable to closed
record hearings except as otherwise noted therein. After the appearance of
fairness inquiry, the President or staff will announce that the decision will be
based on materials received in evidence at the previous open record hearing of
the Administrative Hearing Examiner or other applicable commission or board;
minutes of the prior hearing; and the recommendation or decision from the
open record hearing.
b) The Council may consider the following limited evidence not set forth inthe
record:
I. The Council may take official notice of information such as any law, ordinance,
resolution, ruleorotherfactgenerally known andverifiable fromreliablesources.
II. Councilmembers may view the area in dispute, but shall note the
time, manner and circumstances of such view on the record.
III. Council deliberates and may ask questions of thestaff.
IV. A motion incorporating the decision is made. The Council may
accept, reject, or modify the Administrative Hearing Examiner's
recommendation based upon its application of code criteria and
appropriate findings.
RULE 13 – STANDING COMMITTEES
1. Standing Committees. The standing committees of the Council shall consist of
three voting Councilmembers each for Public Safety & Parks, Public Works, and
Parks Finance Investment, and Parking. The Audit Committee shall consist of two
voting Councilmembers, and LTAC shall consist of one voting Councilmember. As
referenced in Rule 2 (3), the Council President shall annually appoint the
membership of each committee.
2. Function and Purpose. The primary role of council committees is to take up
matters where City Directors and staff need input from Councilmembers before
bringing forward to the full Council; however, Committee review is not required for
an item to be taken to the full Council. At times, the Council may refer an item to
the Committee for research and consideration. The standing committees are
advisory in nature and shall have no power or authority to commit the City or to
take any binding action on behalf of the City Council except as established in
ordinance or city policy.
Staff shall include materials related to items scheduled for Committee discussion
with the agenda packet to allow Councilmembers adequate time to review
information in advance of the Committee meeting.
3. Quorum. Two voting members shall constitute aquorum in the case of those with
three voting Councilmembers. Upon agreement of a majority of the Committee, a
meeting can be rescheduled or cancelled if there are no items to discuss or for the
lack of a quorum.
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4. Reports. Standing committees shall report to the Council through the Committee
Chair or Vice-Chair, either orally or in writing. Committee reports should
summarize key discussions, stakeholder input, and any direction or feedback
provided during the committee meeting to inform Councilmembers and support
efficient consideration at the Study Sessions following.
5. Duties of the Committee Chair. Each standing committee shall elect a Chair and
Vice Chair at its first meeting of the year. Councilmembers accepting aChair
assignment acknowledge the additional leadership responsibilities and time
commitment associated with preparing for and facilitating Committee meetings. In
addition, the level of responsibility and workload may vary by Committee. To
support continuity, meeting management, and consistency in Committee operations,
a Committee Chair should not have more than two (2) excused absences during the
calendar year.
i. The chair of the respective Council Committees shall have the
following responsibilities:
1. Schedule and attend meetings of the committee, which shall
be open to members of the public.
2. Determine the need to cancel a scheduled committee
meeting.
3. Work with other committee members and the Legislative
Office Manager to develop the agenda for each meeting so
that it can be shared at least 24 hours in advance of the
meeting.
4. Ensure that the committee adheres to the defined scope of
business for that committee.
6. Staff Support to Committees. The Committee Chair, in coordination with the
Legislative Office Manager and assigned department staff, where appropriate, shall
help ensure that agendas and supporting meeting materials are prepared and
distributed to the Committee by the Friday preceding scheduled Committee
meetings.
The Legislative Office Manager, shall also be responsible for ensuring the following for all Council
Committees:
a. Timely preparation of meeting minutes; and
b. Posting Committee materials to the City’s website.
ADDENDUM A: COUNCILMEMBER ROLE
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Role Summary
City Councilmembers serve as part-time elected officials responsible for setting policy,
providing legislative oversight, and representing the interests of Bremerton residents.
Working collaboratively with fellow Councilmembers, the Mayor, and City staff,
Councilmembers help shape long-term priorities, ensure transparent governance, and
support the overall health and vitality of the community.
Core Responsibilities (As a Legislative Body)
Policy & Governance
Establish, review, and adopt City policies, ordinances, and resolutions.
Align legislative priorities with the City’s strategic goals, financial capacity, and
community needs.
Ensure compliance with the City Charter, Bremerton Municipal Code (BMC), and
applicable Washington State and federal legal authority.
Budget & Fiscal Oversight
Approve the budget and amendments.
Review and authorize contract expenditures.
Monitor financial performance and long-term fiscal health.
Meetings & Decision-Making
Actively engage in discussion in a manner that is informed, constructive, and
respectful.
Support efficient and focused meetings by adhering to agendas and established
procedures.
Focus on policy direction rather than operational management.
Once the Council has taken action, support and uphold the decision of the body, even
if your individual position differed during deliberation.
Avoid raising new, substantive issues during meetings that have not been previously
reviewed.
Engage in collaborative, respectful deliberation in accordance with public meeting
laws.
District-Specific & Individual Responsibilities
Constituent Engagement
Check City email and City-issued phone on a regular (generally daily) basis and
respond to constituent inquiries in a timely manner.
Coordinate with Council staff to ensure consistent and accurate responses.
Ensure out-of-office messages are set on Outlook and voicemail when traveling or
away for an extended period, including expected return and alternate contact
information if applicable.
Boards, Commissions & Committees
Serve on boards or committees as assigned by the Council President.
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Represent the Council on intergovernmental bodies, advisory groups, and regional
partnerships.
Report back to the full Council on relevant developments and decisions.
Community Representation
Attend public events, neighborhood meetings, and community functions, as
appropriate, and report back to the Council with relevant updates.
Represent the City in a professional, ethical, and non-partisan manner.
Strengthen relationships with community organizations, partner agencies, and civic
groups.
Expectations for Success
Skills & Competencies
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in both written and verbal formats.
Comfort reviewing complex information, including legal documents, financial reports,
and policy proposals.
Willingness to collaborate, problem-solve, and engage in constructive dialogue.
Ability to maintain confidentiality where required and adhere to ethical and legal
standards.
Develop and maintain proficiency in using Outlook for email and calendar
management, with a willingness to learn and utilize available tools and support.
Participation and Preparation
Maintain an up-to-date Outlook calendar to support scheduling, quorum tracking, and
awareness of planned absences.
Attend Council meetings, committee meetings, and assigned intergovernmental
meetings.
Review meeting materials in advance and arrive prepared to actively participate in
discussion and decision-making.
Although the Councilmember role is part-time, those serving as Officers or Committee
Chairs are expected to commit additional time to agenda preparation and
coordination with staff to ensure readiness for discussion and decision-making.
Maintain availability for constituent communication and City-related responsibilities.
Professional Conduct
Councilmembers are expected to adhere to certain standards, as detailed in the Code of
Conduct. In summary, general expectations revolve around the following tenants:
Avoid conflicts of interest and disclose potential conflicts in accordance with
applicable laws.
Do not use position for personal or political gain.
Respect confidentiality of executive session and sensitive information.
Model transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making.
Uphold public trust and prioritize the well-being of Bremerton residents.
ADDENDUM B: BREMERTON CITY COUNCIL CODE OF CONDUCT
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Purpose and Guiding Principles
The Bremerton City Council is committed to conducting the public’s business with
professionalism, respect, transparency, and integrity. This Code of Conduct (CoC) establishes
expectations regarding how Councilmembers interact with one another, with City staff, and with
the public. It should be read alongside the most recently adopted Council Rules and Procedures.
Where procedural questions arise, the Rules and Procedures shall govern.
1. Conduct Among Councilmembers
Our shared responsibility is to uphold public trust and ensure that decision-making reflects the
best interests of the entire community.
1.1 Commitment to Respectful Deliberation
Each Councilmember brings unique experiences, perspectives, and priorities. Healthy
disagreement is part of democratic governance, but it must occur in a manner that
maintains civility, avoids personal attacks, and supports productive dialogue.
Councilmembers will:
Focus critiques on ideas, not individuals.
Avoid hostile, disparaging, or inflammatory comments.
Speak to one another with professionalism, even in moments of strong
disagreement.
Demonstrate patience and active listening.
Uphold decorum, including refraining from interruptions or side conversations.
1.2 Decorum in Public Meetings
Councilmembers shall preserve order during meetings and follow the direction of the
Chair. Members must confine their remarks to the agenda item under discussion and help
maintain a constructive environment for deliberation.
Councilmembers will always maintain professional language, including avoiding profanity
or language that could reasonably be considered offensive, intimidating, or disrespectful.
1.3 Role of the Chair
The Chair is responsible for keeping debate focused and ensuring adherence to
parliamentary procedure. Disagreements with the Chair’s handling of an item may be
raised respectfully through the appropriate procedural motion.
1.4 Addressing Personal Concerns
If a Councilmember believes their integrity or motives have been questioned, they may
request a “point of personal privilege.” Such matters should be handled briefly,
respectfully, and under the Chair’s direction.
1.5 Ethical Expectations
17
Councilmembers must act in a manner that upholds the dignity of the office, protects the
public trust, and reflects fairness, equity, and impartiality.
2. Conduct With City Staff and City Attorney
The governance of the City of Bremerton requires the coordinated efforts of both the City Council,
in its role as policymaker, and City staff, who administer and implement those policies.
Accordingly, all parties are expected to work cooperatively and demonstrate mutual respect for
each other’s roles, responsibilities, and contributions to the community.
2.1 Professionalism and Mutual Respect
Councilmembers shall treat the Mayor and all City employees with courtesy and
professionalism. Staff must have a safe and respectful work environment free from
intimidation or undue pressure.
2.2 Clear Communication Channels
To ensure consistent information sharing and avoid duplicative work:
Questions or requests for information should be brought to Study Session for
discussion with all Councilmembers. If the matter is time-sensitive, the request
should be routed through the Council President with a copy to the Legislative Office
Manager (or Legislative Assistant). This process is especially important when a
request may require staff time, involve input from a consultant or contractor, or be
relevant to all Councilmembers.
Department Directors should be copied on inquiries relevant to their operations.
Responses provided to one Councilmember will be made accessible to all
Councilmembers.
2.3 Appropriate Role and Boundaries
Councilmembers shall not direct staff work, become involved in personnel matters, or
attempt to influence operational or administrative decisions.
Concerns about staff performance must be directed privately to the HR Director and not
raised publicly or directly with the employee.
2.4 City Attorney
General legal questions should be routed through the Council President, with a copy to the
Legislative Office Manager, to ensure work can be coordinated and documented.
Individual Councilmembers may contact the City Attorney directly only for confidential,
city-business matters that require legal confidentiality. The City Attorney’s duty is to the
municipal corporation, not any individual.
3. Conduct With the Public
Welcoming the public and ensuring they feel heard is central to meaningful democratic
engagement. Councilmembers should conduct themselves without any sign of bias or disrespect
toward those who come forward to speak, and should make every effort to listen with fairness,
openness, and impartiality.
3.1 Creating a Welcoming Environment
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Community members who participate in meetings, whether to provide testimony, ask
questions, or observe, should feel respected and heard.
Councilmembers will:
Greet speakers courteously.
Demonstrate attentive listening.
Avoid debating or belittling community members who participate in meetings.
3.2 No Promises or Commitments
Councilmembers must not make assurances of specific outcomes (e.g., solving a
constituent issue) or commitments on behalf of the Council, Mayor, or City staff.
Constituents should be referred to Bremerton1 for service requests.
3.3 Speaking With One Voice
When discussing Council actions in the community or with media, Councilmembers shall
present the collective decision of the Council accurately and respectfully, even when they
personally disagree with the outcome.
Personal opinions should be clearly identified as such.
4. Digital Communication and Social Media
Digital communication offers valuable opportunities to engage with the public, but it also carries
risk when not approached thoughtfully. Online interactions should reflect the same
professionalism and standards of conduct expected during in-person dialogue. Councilmembers
must exercise care, knowing that emails, texts, and social media content are public-facing and
often considered public records.
4.1 Navigating Digital Platforms
Digital platforms extend the public’s access to elected officials but also increase the risk of
misinterpretation, misinformation, and public record violations. Councilmembers will:
Conduct themselves online with the same professionalism expected in person.
Avoid posting defamatory, disrespectful, or misleading commentary.
Not disparage the Mayor, City staff, colleagues, City projects, or the public.
Treat emails, texts, and social media messages as potential public records.
Clearly distinguish personal opinions from official City positions.
5. Harassment, Discrimination, and Retaliation
A safe, respectful environment is essential for effective governance. The Council has zero
tolerance for conduct that creates fear, exclusion, or hostility. All Councilmembers, Mayor, City
staff, and the public are entitled to be treated with dignity.
5.1 Social Interaction
Councilmembers shall not engage in or tolerate behaviors that constitute harassment,
discrimination, or retaliation based on any protected class. Allegations shall be handled in
accordance with City policies and referred to the Director of Human Resources.
19
6. Conflicts of Interest
Councilmembers are entrusted with public authority and must act exclusively in the interest of the
community they serve. To maintain public trust, Councilmembers must avoid decisions or actions
that could create, or appear to create, personal benefit or preferential advantage. Transparent
disclosure and recusal, when appropriate, reinforce fairness and accountability.
6.1 Identifying Conflict of Interest
Councilmembers must comply with RCW 42.23, Code of Ethics, and avoid real or
perceived conflicts of interest. Councilmembers must:
Disclose any potential conflict on the record.
Recuse themselves when required.
Seek legal advice when uncertain.
7. Violations and Consequences
Adherence to this CoC reflects a commitment to Bremerton’s values and to the integrity of its
governing body. When conduct falls short of expectations, the Council must have a clear,
consistent structure for response.
7.1 Ethical Conduct
Alleged violations of this CoC will be reviewed in accordance with the Council’s published
Rules and Procedures. Potential corrective actions when violations occur include:
Verbal admonition
Written reprimand
Censure
Required training
Removal from officer or chair role, and/or committee assignments
8. Media Communications
Public communication helps shape community understanding of government actions.
Councilmembers should ensure that their engagement with media is accurate, respectful, and
clear in distinguishing personal views from official positions. Consistency in messaging protects
the credibility of the Council and supports public trust.
8.1 Communication Standards
When speaking to the media, Councilmembers must clarify whether they are sharing
personal views or Council-approved positions. Official City statements are issued by the
Mayor or a designee, unless otherwise directed.
9. Generally Agreed to Principles of Conduct
These principles represent the shared behavioral standards the Council strives to demonstrate in
all interactions. This extends to interactions with each other, with staff, and with the community.
They reflect core values that guide daily conduct and long-term service, contributing to a culture
of respect, responsibility, and ethical decision-making.
Keep promises. Demonstrate patience.
Be dependable. Show empathy.
Participate and be available. Hold onto ethical principles under stress.
20
Listen attentively. Respect the democratic process.
Be Prepared. Respect the community we serve.
Keepintegrityintact.Respect diversity, equity, and inclusion in
Overcome discouragement. public service and policymaking.
Commit to ongoing professionalModelaprofessionalmanner.
development, ethics training, andRespectoneanotherasindividuals.
accountability to the publicRespectvalidityofdifferentopinions.
21
Published for
August 19
Council Meeting
Item 4D
Public Comment
From:kim siebens
To:City Council; Greg Wheeler; Jeneise Briggs; City Clerk; jfsk8r@msn.com
Subject:Complaint Regarding Councilmember Chamberlain & Unhoused Advocacy
Date:Monday, August 17, 2026 2:31:21 PM
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.
please add this to the record .
Members of the City Council and City Legal Staff,
I am writing regarding the recent formal complaint submitted to the City Attorney and City
Council by a representative of the Sheridan Community Alliance, alleging misconduct by
Councilmember Jennifer Chamberlain. I have obtained this letter through a recent PRA.
As someone with over a decade of professional, boots-on-the-ground experience addressing
the housing and homelessness crisis in Bremerton, I find this complaint both asinine and
deeply hypocritical. The same goes for the city's framing and non prioritized handling of our
housing and homelessness crisis.
The Sheridan Community Alliance appeared out of nowhere with apparently funded branding
and billboards aimed specifically at blocking critical support services for our unhoused
neighbors. Despite having advanced degrees and ten years of direct service in this city, neither
I nor my colleagues have ever been contacted by this group for input, data, or collaborative
solutions. Yet, when an elected official holds them accountable during a break for spreading
misleading narratives, this representative weaponizes corporate language surrounding
"civility" and "safety" to claim she no longer feels safe attending public meetings.
Discomfort and public accountability are not safety violations. What is an actual safety
violation is the ongoing policy direction of this council.
The hypocrisy here is glaring when contrasted with how complaints from marginalized
community members and advocates are routinely handled:
No Disciplinary Action for Cruelty: When a council member publicly advocated turning on
park sprinklers at night to deter unhoused people (including mothers and children hiding in the
dark), zero disciplinary action was taken. Spraying cold water, or any kind of water, on
homeless people is an assault !! A physical assault!! Zero action was ever taken !
Disregard for Community Harm: When a council member labeled local advocates
"terrorists" or council members pushed through an unconstitutional anti-camping ordinance
that directly displaced poor and marginalized residents—pushing them into dangerous
conditions and, in my opinion, contributing to preventable deaths—the city took no corrective
measures!!!
Influence of Wealthy Interests: Public records indicate active coordination between council
leadership and high-profile regional developers seeking to eliminate the visibility of poverty to
protect commercial interests, while ignoring the root causes of systemic inequity.
It is profoundly telling which community members this council jumps through hoops to
protect. When a privileged individual in the right political circle has her feelings hurt over her
own divisive actions, the city schedules executive discussions and places the matter on the
formal agenda!! When poor, unhoused, and marginalized residents face systemic displacement
and physical harm due to council decisions, there is silence!!
I urge the council to recognize this complaint for what it is: a tactical attempt to silence
accountability and divert attention away from the real harm being inflicted on our community.
I expect the council to apply the same standards of scrutiny to those using public platforms to
demonize vulnerable residents as it does to those calling out that harm.
Sincerely,
Kimmy Siebens RN
Economic Inequity and Health Task Force Member, Washington Physicians for
Social Responsibility
http://www.wpsr.org
President, Their Voice
http://www.their-voice.org
Founder, Bremerton Homeless Community Coalition
https://www.facebook.com/groups/bremertonhomeless
Founding Member, Rock the Block
http://www.facebook.com/groups/rocktheblockkitsap/
2018 Kitsap County Housing and Homelessness Coalition Volunteer of the Year
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BDbAVzCNx/?mibextid=wwXIfr
2022 Citizen of The Year - Kitsap County Association of Realtors
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=914581119903692&set=pcb.
2023 USA TODAY Woman of the Year Honoree
https://www.kitsapsun.com/in-depth/news/2023/03/19/kimmy-siebens-washington-usa-today-
women-year/69925589007/
2026 University of Washington Harborview Medical Center Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute
Awardee
https://equity.uwmedicine.org/martin-luther-king-jr-tribute/