07/20/2010 - Work Study - MinutesCity of Port Orchard
Council Meeting Minutes
Work Study Session of July 20, 2010
1. 7:00p.m. Call to Order
Mayor Coppola called the meeting to ordef at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Pro-Tern Rob Putaansuu and
Councilmembers Fred Chang, Carolyn Powers, Jerry Childs, John Clauson, Jim Colebank, and
Fred Olin was present. City Treasurer Allan Martin, Public Works Director Mark Dorsey, City
Clerk Patti Kirkpatrick, Deputy Clerk Brandy Rinearson, and City Attorney Greg Jacoby were
also present.
2. Discussion: City Detour Routes
Councilmember Olin addressed the issue of the recent detour routes for the Bay Street Seawall,
noting the large amount of traffic routed onto Tracy Avenue was very disturbing to the residents
living along this road. He was concerned that future road closures and detour routes have
similar standards such as a special use permit, with City and Fire departmental review and final
approval by Council.
Public Works Director Dorsey explained that during the preconstruction meeting the Fire and
Police Departments agreed this was the best route, which they took into consideration
commercial business owners and Kitsap Transit concerns; and noted it was unfortunate that
people ignored the detour signs. Further, because so many streets within the City are
substandard, and they are considered public right-of-way, the determined detour routes were
the best alternative to move traffic through smoothly and provide for public safety.
Council directed that future detour routes include lowering the speed limit and add more
signage to identify the detour route.
3· Discussion: Parking on Dwight/ Austin and County Parking Request
Public Works Dorsey stated the Dwight Street Road End is the unopened/unimproved right-of-
way located east of and adjacent to the Dwight Street/Austin Avenue intersection. There had
been a single family residence with front lawn and swimming pool encroachment into the
unopened right-of-way. Kitsap County subsequently purchased the residence in association with
the construction of the new public works building and both the Department of Public Works
and the Department of Community Development have been using this area (which
accommodates approximately 14 vehicles) without the City's consent for "County Use Only"
parking since 1990. Option No. 1 for this area is for the City to enter into an exclusive use
agreement and/or license with Kitsap County for parking. The County is willing to invest
$30,000 for improvements to surface drainage and paving in exchange for exclusive use of the
area. Since the City does not own the underlying property, but does have an easement right, this
option would require either consent from the adjacent propetty owner to the north or a hold
harmless from Kitsap County. Option No. 2 would be for the City to make improvements to this
parking area; however, this would reduce the number of vehicles allowed to park in there to half
the number utilizing the space currently.
July 20, 2010, Work Study Session Minutes
Page 2 of3
The Austin Avenue/Dwight Street Parking Meter has two options. The first option proposes to
install electronic parking meters that are open for general use and are not time limited. The
amount charged per hour would be determined on the costs to purchase and install the parking
meter. The second option is to issue parking passes similar to the Merchant Parking Pass system
monitored by the Treasurer's office in the marina parking lot.
The Council directed staff to bring back projected revenue for metered parking as well as the
costs associated with issue monthly parking passes; and directed that this matter be provided at
the September Work Study Session.
4· Discussion: Utility Late Fee
Councilmember Putaansuu explained that the utility late fee charge for a commercial account
was much higher than that of a residential customer; and there was a request by a commercial
account to either reduce or waive that fee.
After a brief discussion, Council agreed to leave the commercial account late fee at the current
rate of 10% and not allow for any waivers.
5· Discussion: Letter to State Legislators Making September 11th a State Holiday
Councilmember Olin suggested that a letter be written to the State asking that September nth
be recognized as a State and/ or National holiday to honor all first responders, noting this would
not be a paid holiday, rather to show support of the job first responders do.
After a brief discussion, Council directed the Mayor to write to the State asking for their support
to declare September nth a State holiday for First Responders and each Councilmember would
sign the letter.
6. Discussion: Reconsider Olympic Bird Fancier's Request to Use Active Club
Building
Councilmember Childs explained that he was willing to allow animals back into the Active Club
Building, under a probationary period to ensure the facility was cleaned and the other users
were not complaining; and if the animal users were not taking care of the facility, they would be
asked to leave.
After a brief discussion, the Council directed the Bird Fancier's to provide the Council with a
petition signed by all of the Active Club users stating they were comfortable with allowing
animals into the building and that there would be internal controls in place to mediate any
disputes. Further, Council directed staff to bring forth a change to Port Orchard Municipal Code
2.75.010 to allow animals into the building with the condition of "one strike-you're out" and
that would be based on a complaint by an organization who uses the facility. Public Works
depattment will investigate all animal use complaints for validity.
July 20, 2010, Work Study Session Minutes
Page 3 of3
7· Discussion: Notice of Sewer Rate Change
Councilmember Chang requested that additional noticing of the proposed rate increase be sent
out in the utility bills as he did not feel that all citizens were aware of the proposed rate increase.
After a brief discussion, Council directed staff to place notices in the Port Orchard Independent
and the Kitsap Sun, both in print and online notifying City residents of the proposed sewer rate
increase and that a public hearing would be held at the August 10, 2010 regular Council
meeting.
8. Review of 2010 Goals and Objectives
This item was moved to the August 17, 2010, Council meeting .
9· Next Work Study Session-Tuesday, August 17, 2010
eeting was adjourned.