Loading...
10/23/2007 City CouncilOctober 23, 2007 The Edmonds City Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Haakenson in the Council Chambers, 250 5th Avenue North, Edmonds. The meeting was opened with the flag salute. ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT Gary Haakenson, Mayor Peggy Pritchard Olson, Council President Michael Plunkett, Councilmember Richard Marin, Councilmember Mauni Moore, Councilmember Deanna Dawson, Councilmember Dave Orvis, Councilmember Ron Wambolt, Councilmember ALSO PRESENT Hilary Scheibert, Student Representative STAFF PRESENT Al Compaan, Police Chief Stephen Clifton, Community Services Director Noel Miller, Public Works Director Dave Gebert, City Engineer Bertrand Hauss, Transportation Engineer Frances Chapin, Cultural Services Manager Linda Hynd, Deputy City Clerk Jana Spellman, Senior Executive Council Asst. Jeannie Dines, Recorder 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Approve Agenda COUNCILMEMBER MARIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOORE, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA IN CONTENT AND ORDER. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 2. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS Councilmember Moore requested Items D and J be removed from the Consent Agenda. COUNCILMEMBER MARIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER PLUNKETT, TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The agenda items approved are as follows: Roll Call A. ROLL CALL Approve 10/16/07 B. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 16, 2007. Minutes Approve Claim C. APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS #99719 THROUGH #99888 FOR OCTOBER 18, 2007 Checks IN THE AMOUNT OF $202,655.12. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL DIRECT DEPOSITS AND CHECKS #45695 THROUGH #45740 FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 1 THROUGH OCTOBER 15, 2007 IN THE AMOUNT OF $766,123.97. Commute Trip Reduction E. AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH Agreement COMMUNITY TRANSIT FOR COMMUTE TRIP REDUCTION (CTR) 2007-2011. Lift Station 2 and Lift Station F. AUTHORIZATION TO CALL FOR BIDS FOR THE LIFT STATION 2 13 Projects REHABILITATION AND LIFT STATION 13 ELIMINATION PROJECTS. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes October 23, 2007 Page 1 Stonowater Program Grant G. AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN LOCAL GOVERNMENT STORMWATER Agreement PROGRAM GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE STATE OF WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY (DOE) AND THE CITY OF EDMONDS. Tourism H. AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN EDMONDS ARTS COMMISSION Promotion Contract (Dass) TOURISM PROMOTION CONTRACT WITH LOCAL ARTS ORGANIZATION DASS TO PROMOTE EVENT TO BRING VISITORS TO EDMONDS. Trade-in Brush I. AUTHORIZATION TO TRADE IN UNIT #32, A 2006 BRUSH BANDIT WOOD Bandit Wood Chipper CHIPPER, TO WESSPUR MACHINE SALES. Community ITEM D. COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT QUARTERLY REPORT — OCTOBER 2007. Services Dept. Report Councilmember Moore commended Community Services Director Stephen Clifton for his work on the train signal horns as well as his appointment to the Local Agency Review Team regarding ferries financing legislation. She asked Mr. Clifton to review the two phases of Edmonds Crossing if Prop 1 did not pass. Mr. Clifton explained the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) Record of Decision divided the Edmonds Crossing project into two phases. Phase 1 would provide a fully -operational relocated ferry at Pt. Edwards but would not include all multimodal components. Federal funds in the amount of $12.3 million have been secured and the State has budgeted $58 million through 2017; if voters approve the $167 million in the RTID/ST2 ballot measure (Prop 1), the project will be fully funded, allowing construction of both phases through 2017. Councilmember Moore inquired about the projected increase in traffic. Mr. Clifton answered there were projected to be 70 trains within the next 1.0-15 years; 40 currently operated on a daily basis. He noted between the decades of 1980, 1990 and 2000, pedestrian and vehicular ferry traffic on the Edmonds route increased up to 40% each decade and that trend was projected to continue through 2030. For 2006 there was an increase of 50,000 ferry riders on the Edmonds -Kingston run, the first increase in a number of years. Councilmember Moore asked whether Sound Transit would construct the Sounder station in Phase 1. Mr. Clifton answered Phase 1 included some platform components but not to the extent that would be constructed in both phases; for example, the parking structure would not be constructed in Phase 1 but the over -crossing between platforms would be constructed. COUNCILMEMBER MOORE MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MARIN, FOR APPROVAL OF ITEM D. Councilmember Plunkett complimented Mr. Clifton on his report, commenting his reports allowed the Council to maintain a rolling dialogue of information regarding projects. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Make a Difference Day ITEM J. PROCLAMATION IN HONOR OF MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY, SATURDAY, Proclamation OCTOBER 27, 2007. COUNCILMEMBER MOORE MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT OLSON, FOR APPROVAL OF ITEM J. Councilmember Moore explained she pulled this proclamation as there were two other proclamations on the agenda and she wanted to highlight this one as well. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes October 23, 2007 Page 2 Councilmember Moore read the Proclamation declaring Saturday, October 27, 2007 as Make a Difference Day in Edmonds. Domestic 3. PROCLAMATION IN HONOR OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH, OCTOBER Violence Awareness 2007• Proclamation COUNCILMEMBER DAWSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER WAMBOLT, FOR APPROVAL OF THE PROCLAMATION IN HONOR OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH, OCTOBER 2007. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Councilmember Dawson commented Washington State had made excellent progress with regard to domestic violence in the past year including the Legislature's passage of two significant bills during the last session, one that tightened the laws regarding protection orders, and a second that made strangulation cases a felony. She thanked an Edmonds resident, Prosecutor Paul Stern, for his assistance with passing those laws. Councilmember Dawson read the Proclamation declaring October 2007 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Friends of the 4. PROCLAMATION IN HONOR OF FRIENDS OF THE EDMONDS LIBRARY WEEK OCTOBER Edmonds Week Library 21 TO 27, 2007. Proclamation Council President Olson explained the Friends of the Edmonds Library, founded in 1979 by 15 members and now has a membership of over 180 members, raises funds to enhance the services of the Edmonds Library. Council President Olson read the Proclamation declaring October 21-27 as Friends of the Edmonds Library Week. She advised of the Friends of the Edmonds Library book sale on Saturday, October 27 in the Frances Anderson Center gym from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Stephanie Priest, Vice President, Friends of the Edmonds Library, thanked the City for the Proclamation, advising in addition to books, the book sale included audio books, CDs and videos and the last hour of the sale, items were $1 per bag. She invited the public to join the Friends of the Edmonds Library, advising they met the fourth Thursday of each month in the Plaza Room of the library at 1:00 p.m.; membership applications are available in the library. Leslie Caplan, Head Librarian, described upcoming programs at the Edmonds Library including Tames Alan's presentation of "From the Streets of Shakespeare to the Court of Elizabeth" on November 7 at 7:00 p.m., (co -sponsored by the Friends of the Edmonds Library and Sno-Isle Library Foundation); early literacy programs such as baby, toddler and preschool storytimes, and monthly elementary age programs often with presenters paid by the Friends. She thanked the Friends for their assistance. At Ms. Priest's invitation, Councilmembers shared books they had read recently: Council President Olson - "The Worst Hard Times" by Timothy Egan Councilmember Plunkett - "The Best and the Brightest" by David Halberstam Councilmember Moore - A humor book by Steven Colbert Councilmember Marin - "Ike: An American Hero" by Michael Korda Councilmember Orvis - Louis L'Amour short stories Councilmember Dawson - "Honor in the House: Speaker Tom Foley" Councilmember Wambolt - "Give Me a Break: How I Exposed Hucksters, Cheats, and Scam Artists and Became the Scourge of the Liberal Media..." by John Stossel Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes October 23, 2007 Page 3 Student Representative Seheibert - "Uganda Since Independence: A Story of Unfulfilled Hopes" by Phares Mutibwa Mayor Haakenson - "Bad Moon Rising", the unauthorized biography of Credence Clearwater Revival. 5. AUDIENCE COMMENTS Lake Ballinger AI Rutledge, Edmonds, displayed a drawing of Lake Ballinger and the houses surrounding the lake, identifying five structures that flooded during a 1996/1997 storm event. He pointed out additional houses that have been constructed on land that was vacant at the time of the 1996/1997 storm. He anticipated another storm event that would cause damage to the homes on the lake. Next, he advised of a Snohomish UdWoodwayj County District Court case scheduled on November 16 at 9:00 a.m. with regard to the old Woodway Elementary site Elementary School drainage issue. He questioned how the Council could approve a design for the park Kiwanis Food when the drainage plan had not been completed. He also announced the Senior Kiwanis Food Drive at Drive Top Foods on November 9-11. Steve Bernheim, Edmonds, displayed photographs of trees at 5th & Walnut scheduled to be removed and Walnut sm and replaced, advising a sign on the trees stated the removal was to enhance the intersection and that the replacement was identified in the Street Tree Plan. He also provided photographs of trees to be removed at the Senior Center. His understanding was that damage to the sidewalk was the reason the trees were being removed, however, he did not see any damage to the sidewalk. He had also been told by a Councilmember that the trees were being removed because they were diseased but had not been told that by a Parks & Recreation employee. He displayed a photograph of the replacement trees and the existing view of Main Street, noting the large, shady trees were more attractive for City events and visitors. He did not recall that the Council's review of the Street Tree Plan included discussion of these trees. He suggested the Council reconsider the removal of the trees. Trees at sth and Mike Mestres, Edmonds, advised it was his understanding the trees were being replaced with a species Walnut of Maple noted for their colorful fall leaves. He recommended reading "The Reckoning" by David Halberstam. Buncil e ber Ray Martin, Edmonds, reported on a book he was reading, "Dead by Sunset." Next he asserted that a ldimit Issue Councilmember had built without the required building permit, the fine for which was $5,000 or one year in jail. He explained the day after he requested the public records, a building permit was issued to the councilmember for work done 2-3 years prior. He noted the Councilmember had obtained 15 other permits for a house he constructed in 1977 which he pointed out indicated the Councilmember knew building permits were necessary. Mr. Martin also asserted that a 2000 audit found two elected officials were issued building permits without payment. Mayor Haakenson acknowledged in 2000 the building department failed to charge him a $5.00 fee which he gladly paid when it was identified. Port District_ Roger Hertrich, Edmonds, referred to the concerns he shared last week with regard to the City and the Public Funds Edmonds Port Director Chris Keuss spending public funds to support private development. He DeDevelopment Private recommended Mr. Keuss focus on development at Harbor Square, allow private developers to promote Development p q � p p their own development and that the City not be involved at all. He referred to the Port's proposal to increase taxes in 2008, voicing his objection to his taxes being used to study development on private property. He reiterated his previous comment that Mr. Keuss told him that the City recommended they not propose an alternative with the present zoning. He recommended the City not be involved with development on private property, pointing out citizens concerned with increased heights downtown were also concerned with increased heights on the waterfront. He suggested citizens attend the Port meetings. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes October 23, 2007 Page 4 Next, Mr. Hertrich confirmed that a building permit had been issued to Councilmember Marin for a cistern the same day he applied, questioning how that had occurred without inspections, etc. 6. COUNCIL REPORTS ON COMMITTEE/BOARD MEETINGS seashore Council President Olson reported Councilmember Marin and she attended the SeaShore Forum where the Forum Parking Councilmember Plunkett reported in response to Transportation Engineer Bertrand Hauss' study of street committee I crossings, the Parking Committee recommended painting additional yellow stripes and removing parking spaces at 5th & Maple to improve visibility at the intersection. The Committee also discussed the 5th & Main intersection which is designed to be pedestrian friendly and assist pedestrian flow; however, vehicles from the four intersecting streets create safety issues. The Committee suggested the stop stripes be repainted and that Mr. Hauss continue to consider ways to improve the safety of that intersection. Health District Councilmember Marin advised at the Health District Program and Policy Committee the Health Officer presented his plan to elevate the subject of healthy eating as a priority for the Health District. Following the lead of King and other counties, this would require restaurant chains with ten or more stores to list the calories, fat and salt for their menu items. The Health Officer explained the primary cause of obesity was too many calories and not enough exercise as well as portion sizes. The Committee members were supportive of moving forward with that issue. Disability Councilmember Dawson reported Councilmember Orvis and she attended a Disability Board meeting last Board week. She explained the Disability Board considers payment of medical expenses for retired LEOFFI Firefighters and Police Officers. Although it was difficult to relay the Board's discussions due to HIPPA regulations, she reported the Board did a good job weighing the fiscal interest of the City with the medical needs of those retired Firefighters and Police Officers. Port District Councilmember Wambolt reported he missed the last Port meeting to attend the candidate forum. At the previous meeting, the Port discussed their 2008 budget, including a proposed tax increase. He suggested the public attend the next Port meeting Monday night and he looked forward to Mr. Hertrich's comments at the Port meeting. He reported on the Waterfront Redevelopment Committee meetings, advising the City would not be contributing any further funding to that effort. He encouraged anyone interested in the waterfront redevelopment to attend the architect's presentation of the latest tentative plan on Thursday, October 25, in the Brackett Room at City Hall. 7. MAYOR'S COMMENTS Mayor Haakenson advised the City's thoughts were with the family and friends of foriner Lynnwood Councilmember Marty Nelson who passed away last week. 8. COUNCIL COMMENTS Library Book I Council President Olson advised the landscaping outside the library was being redone which allowed Sale views into the library from Main Street. She advised the Friends of the Library Edmonds Library book sale included many children's books, $ 1.00 for hardbacks and $0.50 for paperbacks. Domestic Councilmember Moore referred to a purple lights campaign started by a woman in Washington. State violence where porchlights were changed to purple bulbs during Domestic Violence month to increase awareness Month of the issue. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes October 23, 2007 Page 5 Permits for In response to citizen comment, Councilmember Marin explained approximately four years ago he began System Isolating studying rainwater harvesting, including a visit to the Everett Water Treatment Facility. After learning Rainwater from the Department of Ecology allowed small residential systems, he built a system that isolates rainwater Drinking water from his drinking water, patterned after the system that supplies water to the City. He obtained a permit from the City of Edmonds Water Department, had his system inspected, has had two of the required annual inspections of the pressure zone assembly, and frequent water testing indicates the water is potable. The source of his water is the same source used for Edmonds' drinking water; the only difference is he does not use the chemical blocking agents and colanders that large systems use. He recently learned that in addition to the Water Department Permit, he needed a minor plumbing permit that also required an inspection. When he went to obtain the permit, he was informed of the fee and told there was no penalty for not obtaining the fee. Upon further inquiry he was told other fee penalties doubled the cost of the penalty, therefore, he voluntarily paid the double fee. He agreed an elected official was no different than any other citizen and the inspection was scheduled later this week. He offered to show his system to nearly any citizen who was interested. As there was no Council meeting scheduled for next Tuesday and tonight's meeting would be the last meeting televised before the general election, Councilmember Dawson encouraged citizens to vote regardless of which candidate they chose or the position they took on issues. Wilcox Councilmember Wambolt recognized Wilcox Construction for the efficient job they were doing building Construction i the bank at 5th & Dayton. For example, the sidewalk that was poured yesterday will be open tomorrow. Bank at 5th and Dayton He recognized Wilcox Construction for setting a standard of excellence in the community, noting their practice of having multiple trades on site simultaneously allowed the building to proceed rapidly. Domestic I Student Representative Scheibert reported she met with the Lithuanian People's Parliament today and was Violence inspired that they had never heard of domestic violence and found it preposterous that such an issue existed. Trees at 5th and Mayor Haakenson referred to the tree removal/replacement at 5th & Walnut, advising the trees were Walnut addressed in the Street Tree Plan approved by the Council following a public hearing. He explained the trees were being removed and replaced because of damage the roots did to the sidewalks and subsequent claims for damage. Mayor Haakenson wished everyone a Happy Halloween. L'�\ IaZ�11I7►1 With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes October 23, 2007 Page 6