11/07/1994 City CouncilApproved City Council mutes
Approved November 22, 1994
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
November 7,1994
The special meeting of the Edmonds City Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor
Laura Hall in the Library Plaza Room, 650 Main Street, pursuant to notice. The meeting was preceded
by the flag salute.
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Laura Hall, Mayor
John Nordquist, Council President
Steve Dwyer, Councilmember
Dave Earling, Councilmember
Barbara Fahey, Councilmember
Michael Hall, Councilmember
William J. Kasper, Councilmember
Tom Petruzzi, Councilmember
EllenAnn Chiddix, Student Representative
STAFF PRESENT
Tom Miller, Police Chief
Mike Springer, Fire Chief
Art Housler, Administrative Services Director
Paul Mar, Community Services Director
Chuck Day, Accounting Manager
Brent Hunter, Personnel Manager
Wally Tribuzio, Asst. Police Chief
Robin Hickok, Asst. Police Chief
Steve Perry, Police Administrative Supervisor
Greg Wean, Police Training Sergeant
Doug Farmen, Accountant
Minh Truong, Accountant
Dee McGrath, Mayor's Executive Secretary
Rhonda March, City Clerk
Christine Laws, Recorder
Council President John Nordquist called an executive session following this meeting on real estate and
/personnel matters. He then introduced student representative EllenAnn Chiddix who is a senior at
Edmonds Woodway High School.
PRESENTATION BY SISTER CITY COMMISSION OF MAYOR KOBAYASHI AND
DELEGATION FROM SISTER CITY OF HEKINAN
Mayor Laura Hall acknowledged the presence of the Sister City Delegation from Edmonds' Sister City
of Hekinan, headed by Mayor Kobayashi. She then introduced Don Carr, Chairman of the Sister City
Commission.
Mr. Carr welcomed the delegation. He then introduced commission members present: Lynn Moore,
Michelle Carr, Jan O'Malley, Hellon Wilkerson, Ken Harano, Evelyn Laurine, and Chris Guitton. He
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thanked the host families who provided housing for a number of the delegation, including Mr. and Mrs.
David Stiers, Mr. and Mrs. Ron Moore, Mr. and Mrs. Warren Schweppe, Mr. and Mrs. Kenjie Onishi,
Mr. and Mrs. Ken Trask, Mr. and Ms. William Beers, and Mr. and Mrs. Tom Miller.
He announced that the delegation had had a busy schedule since their arrival. Through discussions
with Mayor Kobayashi he has learned that Hekinan has 28 council members who meet four times a
year, for approximately three weeks each.
Mr. Carr then introduced Mayor Kobayashi. Through interpreter Keiko Sakakibara, the Mayor
thanked the Council for the invitation to attend their meeting. He went on to state that their delegation
consists of 17 members. The delegation has enjoyed its visit. He reiterated the fact that Hekinan's City
Council consists of 28 members. He also expressed the desire that the relationship between Edmonds
and Hekinan lasts.
Keiko Sakakibara, Vice President of the Hekinan Sister City Commission, introduced the other
members of the delegation, expressed the feeling they were enjoying their visit, and thanked everyone
for their hospitality.
Don Carr then thanked Keiko for her help at the various places visited, including Mayor Hall's office,
Police Department, Fire Department, and Stevens Hospital. He thanked the members of the
Commission for their efforts. He then introduced staff who helped organize this event: Arvilla Ohlde,
Dee McGrath, Georgia LaBelle, and Renee Lorkowski. Mr. Carr then introduced Mayor Hall for
purposes of a presentation.
Mayor Hall greeted the delegation in Japanese. She said what a nice visit she had been having with the
delegation. At dinner on Saturday, she had learned that Mayor Kobayashi had been Mayor for 11
years. She also learned that the biggest problem upcoming for the Hekinan Council was demolishing
an old city hall and building a new one. Ken Harano interpreted for Mayor Hall as she read a
proclamation declaring November 5-12, 1994, Hekinan-Edmonds Sister City Week in honor of our
guests.
Mayor Kobayashi presented gifts to Council President John Nordquist and the Council. Through Ken
Harano, Council President Nordquist conveyed thanks to the delegation for the gifts to himself the
Mayor and the Council, expressed his desire that our Council could visit Hekinan and his hope that
their trip had been beneficial, and wished the delegation a safe journey home.
The meeting was then recessed for pictures and reception at 7:35 p.m.
REVIEW COMMUNITY REQUESTS
i The meeting was reconvened at 8:05 p.m.
Josephine Fye, 520 Hemlock Way, Edmonds, and Terry Vehrs, 11023 Totem Pole Lane, Woodway,
n ' addressed the Council as representatives of the Vision and Planning Committee. They gave a
I
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preliminary report on the various task forces that have been formed by residents, business owners and
community leaders working on the Cultural Arts Plan. One of the forefront issues of all the task forces
is the need for a full time professional arts coordinator. This person would act as the clearinghouse to
all of the arts organizations and create an intrastructural arts organization in Edmonds to create a viable
and economically growing 'community.
Councilmember Dave Earling indicated this project has sparked tremendous interest in the arts. He
expressed his hope that in Council deliberations they will be able to consider the proposal.
Mr. Vehrs said they have found many of the arts organizations are going in different directions. The
person they are requesting can coordinate for the community.
Mayor Hall asked about the costs involved. Ms. Fye indicated the numbers have not been totally
compiled but should be available by the end of the year. Mr. Vehrs estimated the cost at $20,000 for
one-half person.
Ms. Fye advised the Council of a public meeting to be held Thursday. They hope to gain valuable
community input.
Fred Bell, 21106 - 80th Place West, addressed Council in his capacity as President of Edmonds -South
Snohomish County Historical Society. He called the CounciPs attention to his letter of November 4
pertaining to the budget line items felt necessary to continue to operate the museum in a professional
fashion and maintain the respect and the storage of the artifacts given to them for safekeeping. Mr.
Bell introduced new director Joanie Reiser. Ms. Reiser thanked the Council for its consideration of the
proposal.
Councilmember Michael Hall interjected a side note about the Historical Society doing things both on
and off museum site. He specifically cited the plaques around town on historical monuments as being
compliments of the Historical Society.
Don Carr, 9832 - 235th Place S.W., was present before the Council on two matters. The first was his
representation of the Sister City Commission. He requested that the City include in its 1995 budget a
request for $2,000 from public funds to fund the public activities of the Sister City Commission. Past
funding has resulted in great success and recognition of our commission throughout the state and
throughout the nation. The Commission was formed by the City to provide citizens with opportunities
of an international scope. They encourage cultural, sports and governmental exchanges, friendships,
tourism and trade. They are required to promote the City of Edmonds and surrounding region. This
year has been a big year. There was a student exchange from Hekinan in August which involved 10
students and 2 teachers. There was a delegation of students and 2 teachers sent to Hekinan in July.
This was the first year that the Commission was able to provide financial assistance to students who
were unable to pay their own way. There were two criteria: 1) match funds raised toward cost of trip,
2) if hardship case, which this year there was when a single mother lost her job after having made the
commitment, finance students to travel to Japan and share information from Hekinan and the host
families. These funds came from fund-raisers conducted throughout the year and from dues collected.
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Mr. Carr also cited, as an example of the Sister City Commission's success, that Edmonds will this year
be hosting the Washington Chapter of the International Sister City Commission annual meeting.
The Commission intends to continue fund-raisers. One of the items in their charge is to look at
economic development opportunities. Therefore, one of the requests for the budget is to put together
a program for economic opportunities in terms of our city and Hekinan, Japan. Another request for
budget consideration is the public events and visitations we host. The last request is with regard to
various Commission members about ready to retire. New pamphlets and informational materials will
have to be prepared relative to the new Commission members.
Mr. Carr reiterated his budget request of $2,000 for 1995.
y� In his capacity as Chairman of the Edmonds Bike Advocacy Group (EBAG), Mr. Carr explained the
group is composed of citizens from the community interested in making Edmonds a bicycle friendly
town and promoting safe family biking. The group meets once each month and has met with
representatives of Washington State Department of Transportation, Snohomish County Public Works
and Planning, King County Public Works and Planning, transit agencies, and Edmonds Police
Department to determine what kinds of things can be done. EBAG's intent is to work side -by -side
with the City Public Works and with Parks in terms of seeing that they accomplish goals. Mr. Carr
indicated his understanding that there is $20,000 in the Parks budget which could be available for
improvements. He has managed programs with the City of Seattle that first look at providing safety
improvements which he thinks should be first priority, including such items as ramps, signing, bicycle
parking. The group intends to provide input to the work being done on the Comprehensive Plan. It is
hoped that with the $20,000 over the next year the city can see some improvements in terms of safe
drain grates, better ways of bicycle riding through congested intersections, and basically make
Edmonds a community that is a friendly neighborhood and community safe for everybody, no matter
how they travel.
Mr. Carr expressed EBAG's total endorsement of the Parks budget and his hope that the Council will
allow it to go through.
Councilmember Hall acknowledged Mr. Carr as a great member of the parking committee. He also
expressed his agreement that one of the aspects of the community is how to get people in and out of
town without cars and that bicycle parking is needed. Councilmember Hall also thinks that adding
striping and bicycle lanes will slow traffic which he views as an added benefit.
Rich Demeroutis, 921 Pine Street, spoke regarding the hotel/motel tax money usage. He suggested
uses other than tourism, such as putting a top on the swimming pool or plan and build a new facility, or
building a community center for the youth of the community. Faced with gang problems and
delinquency, something must be done for the kids. He also stated that a new pool, or a cover added to
the existing one, will provide children, seniors, and anyone else who desires with a good place to swim
and exercise.
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Mayor Hall advised Mr. Demeroutis that some of these items were being considered. The Council has
received letters requesting either covering the pool or building a new facility. She advised of the
executive session on Saturday where discussed was the need of staying ahead of the gang problem.
There was also talk of at least upgrading the Boys' and Girls' Club.
Mr. Demeroutis brought up the fact that the Taste of Edmonds generated $100,000. He would like to
see if they can fund their own tourism program. Economic development is free enterprise. He thinks
we should put the money back into the community, build a facility for the kids, put a top on the pool so
it doesn't deteriorate. He thinks the financial benefit should be put back into the community and not
only into tourism:
Mayor Hall suggested Mr. Demeroutis also speak to the Chamber of Commerce board.
Mr. Demeroutis requested the $30,000 the City put in last year, that he anticipates they will put in this
year, go into a fund either towards a swimming pool or a community center for the use of the
community.
Al Rutledge, United States Amateur Baseball, has been trying to establish an under-12 World Series in
Edmonds. He discussed the previous comment about doing something for the kids. He further
suggested if a plan is developed to build a new facility, consideration should also be given to revising
the Recreational Department for funding it. He is looking to put on a 12-and-under tournament in
Edmonds in 1996. All of the cities that host tournaments make money. The problem he sees with
Edmonds is that the fields would all have to be upgraded. He has found little interest in doing so.
Mr. Rutledge's recommendation was to put reserve money back into the reserve fund which has been
taken out in the last few years and build on a reserve fund.
Councilmember Dave Earling asked Mayor Hall and Council President Nordquist whether they had
heard from the Boys' and Girls' Club or Alderwood Rotary for requests. Mayor Hall indicated they had
not per se. We do have about $17,500 in the budget; they are coming up with $28,000.
BUDGET WORK SESSION
Al. REVIEW POLICE DEPARTMENT BUDGET
\� Police Chief Tom Miller introduced the key people on his management team: Administrative
Supervisor Steve Perry, Training Sergeant Greg Wean, Assistant Chief Robin Hickok and Assistant
Chief Wally Tribuzio.
Chief Miller began his budget report by indicating that the overall increase in 1995 is 7.6% over 1994.
This includes a shift of approximately $160,000 in property tax money from the 007 criminal justice
account and a transfer of three officers as well as the proposed restoration of one police officer the
department lost through attrition in the 1992 budget cuts. The interfunding accounts for each division
will be formulated for an even distribution based on personnel throughout the budget. He noted
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increases in some divisions and decreases in others. The total decrease in 1995 is $14,210. This results
from the lease vehicle return, and the purchase of two used cars for the assistant chiefs, and a revision
by the finance department to lower actual M&O cost experienced by the department for the total
savings.
The Animal Control and Parking Control sections have been zeroed out and combined into one new
section called Ordinance Enforcement. This section is $5,510 less in 1995 than the two sections
combined in 1994.
The training section has gone up substantially. This is a result of moving one officer from detective and
reclassified to the training job as sergeant and moving our DARE office from the 007 account into this
particular section under the training sergeant. The additional two salaries plus benefits contribute to a
majority of the increase. The budget does include a request for one patrol officer. This is to restore a
position lost to budget cuts in 1992.
The Police Department strongly urged Council to approve the additional 3% property tax assessment
to fund the requested sergeant to supervise traffic and canine units, an additional traffic officer, and a
cadet which was also lost in 1992 budget cuts. He compared the officer ratio in Edmonds to those of
neighboring communities. The primary goal is to reach 1.5 officers per 1,000 which would require
seven additional officers. The state average is 2.1 per 1,000, and the national average is 2.4 per 1,000.
The jail budget for 1995 was cut by $37,000 as it is intended greater use will be made of bracelets for
home detention and implement a screening program to evaluate candidates that have been sentenced in
,\ court.
X
The budget reflects first fiscal accountability by reducing jail costs, interfund costs and personnel costs
through alternative programs. Second, it provides for improved risk management through
enhancement and coordination of training. Third, it provides for restoration of cut personnel. Finally,
should Council approve the additional 3% property taxes, they propose to make a small gain in police
officers.
Chief Miller called Council's attention to page 40 of the preliminary budget book. He showed and
reviewed the Expenditure Summary. He discussed the items contained on pages 52-53 of the
preliminary budget book. Equipment went up 437%. The equipment budget of $37,600 for 1995
includes new equipment listed on page 53.
Councilmember Bill Kasper asked Chief Miller about printing volume. Mr. Perry advised that since
there is not a copy machine at present, all copies are made in another building. He stated the training
sergeant would be using the copy machine extensively for accreditation as well as training.
Councilmember Kasper questioned the number of anticipated copies as it relates to a new machine or a
transfer machine. Mr. Wean has only been in the training position for a week but sees a need for
hundreds of copies a day. They presently share machine usage with the Edmonds Municipal Court and
Fire Department.
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Councilmember Tom Petruzzi asked if the semi -automatic guns was a change in policy on firearms.
Chief Miller indicated it doesn't indicate a change in policy. Presently the officers have the option of
being issued a department handgun which is a 6-shot revolver or can purchase at their own expense an
automatic. Robin Hickok advised the Council that more than half of the department have purchased
their own 9mm automatics. They are looking at upgrading to a 40 caliber. The present weapons are
about 25 years old and are outdated. The new weapons would be double -action, state-of-the-art in
terms of metallurgy, and they have been on the market a number of years. There will be some training
time involved.
Councilmember Steve Dwyer asked to be advised of the methodology used to allow a 15% saving on
the jail budget. Chief Miller turned the question over to Steve Perry for response. Mr. Perry agreed
that longer sentences are being levied. Some of the longer sentences are because the person is making
a second or third time appearance before the court. Mr. Perry does not feel these long sentences need
to be in jail, but can be accommodated through use of the ESB bracelet program. The program looks
like it will fit the need for a number of these people with 30 day or longer sentences. They do not
anticipate sacrificing safety in the interest of putting someone on the bracelet program. In all Municipal
Court cases where sentences are in excess of a certain number of days, the individual would be
screened for eligibility. Councilmember Dwyer asked if that would be before or after sentencing.
Upon sentencing they are ordered to appear at the Edmonds Police Department for screening.
Councilmember Dwyer asked if the police would be making that decision rather than Judge Conroy.
Judge Conroy has agreed that, with certain exceptions, the Police Department can screen individuals to
see if they are appropriate candidates for the program. Councilmember Dwyer asked if there would be
set criteria. If Judge Conroy feels someone should not be on the bracelet, they will not be. They have
set criteria for what the Police Department considers eligible --look at past criminal record, current
charge, and other factors in determining eligibility. Councilmember Dwyer asked who in the
department makes that decision. Shawn Burns is responsible for the program right now, but
candidates are all screened through the Asst. Chief as well. Councilmember Dwyer expressed concern
over the potential optimism expressed in setting too large a figure for reduction. Mr. Perry spoke to
the formula for the Island County jail, Snohomish County jail, and Edmonds jail based on their booking
fees and daily fees as the most cost-effective way of holding prisoners. It is realized that the figure is
based on the number of people being sentenced. Asst. Chief Wally Tribuzio commented that in many
instances the city ends up paying twice: 1) fines not being paid, 2) pay $40-50 a day to house those in
jail while they are not paying fines. We presently pay Snohomish County $8 a day to monitor a
bracelet and collect $10 a day.
The best projections they can make is to try and foresee in the coming year what is going to happen to
crime and sentencing. Councilmember Dwyer expressed his concern that this is a big cut in an area
where there are a lot of contingencies.
A2. REVIEW OF PROPOSED GRANT FOR CRIME BILL FEDERAL FUNDING
C' -A/ FOR POLICE OFFICERS
Police Chief Tom Miller called the attention of Council to the copy of the fact sheet he received when
v, of ' he attended the YCP Conference in Albuquerque. Congress has appropriated $1.3 million in fiscal year
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November 7, 1994
Page 7
�1995 for the crime bill and $7.5 million authorized for 1996-2000 to fund this. The process for
distribution is two tiered: 1) those cities of 150,000 and above will be put on a program called COPS
Ahead, and they encourage those cities to hire officers and then get the money after the fact; 2) those
cities under 50,000 are on a COPS Fast program where the money is up to 75% match in salary and
benefits for a limited duration of three years, for a total of $75,000 over that period. It would mean
only about a 50% match to Edmonds. This would mean if the department is authorized to get two
more officers, they can match for two more with the grant.
Speaking of the criminal justice sales tax, Councilmember Kasper stated we went through this before
and it didn't happen. Chief Miller answered that through growth they can absorb these additional
people. If we get one at the current rate of 8% as the Mayor has proposed, plus two with 106%, that
is a total of three or four short of proposed staffing. They will be asking for two more in 1996 and
another two in 1997, exclusive of annexations. The concern is what happens after the three years.
Councilmember Hall would like to try to figure out how to absorb these officers. He thinks we should
try to take advantage of whatever matching dollars we can, especially in light of potential annexations.
Councilmember Dwyer suggested to Chief Miller that he put together a plan for submission to Council
on the four districts. If they agree that the plan makes sense and indicates a particular staffing level,
then the necessary steps to get there can be discussed. In response to Councilmember Dwyer's
question about how many additional patrolmen were needed for the four districts, Chief Miller
responded an additional six FTEs were needed.
Councilmember Petruzzi asked for clarification on the numbers. He then suggested that Chief Miller
put into a one page memo, in addition to what's in the budget, a list of prioritized desires.
Council President Nordquist stated he still didn't hear a specific plan. He further said the Council can't
budget without knowing what the plan encompasses and what direction it will take.
Council consensus was that there was a need for more information on where the department is headed
and how to get there, including use of external funds, and a 3-year plan. If the Council agrees with a
staffing level, then the federal money is excellent. If they don't agree with the staffing level, then a
liability will have been incurred.
Councilmember Barbara Fahey asked for clarification on the 3% tax increase and the positions
requested. She asked if the three positions were included in the grant or if it would be possible for at
least a couple of those positions to be funded out of grant monies. Chief Miller stated he doesn't want
the positions to be contingent upon the federal grant and again discussed the absorption aspect.
Councilmember Earling suggested Chief Miller come back in a couple of weeks to advise the Council
of the "big picture" of where decisions will take us, so a decision could then be made.
Asst. Chief Tribuzio clarified that there were no staffing increases in the 1995 budget. Councilmember
Petruzzi indicated that he had requested clarification because he thought there were an additional two
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November 7, 1994
Page 8
people being added. Asst. Chief Tribuzio stated there is one person lost in 1994 and another lost from
the 1992 budget cut. They are talking about reinstating those people.
B. REVIEW FIRE DEPARTMENT BUDGET
Fire Chief Mike Springer indicated he had discussed this matter with the former Fire Chiei and the
decision was made to go with a maintenance/restoration proposal. There were increases and
modifications made. The first increase was to the CPR program of $3,000. Another area of increase is
the volunteer program. He feels with a nominal amount of money coming back into the program, it
can be increased by 5-10 volunteers. There have not been new volunteer fire fighters brought in for
four years.
Councilmember Petruzzi expressed his pleasure at hearing of the increase in volunteer fire fighters as he
is a strong proponent of the program.
Chief Springer commented that they are trying to bring the equipment up to a good, adequate status of
improvement. We have good equipment, so are looking at minor equipment for reserve rigs and
replacement of other older equipment.
Councilmember Kasper asked about the ladders. Chief Springer indicated the ladders had not failed.
New regulations require annual stress testing of ladders, and we did not have a large number of
failures. Accordingly, he does not anticipate a large cost for ladder failure in the future.
Another area increased was in the training and conference areas for the Fire Chief, EMS personnel and
fire personnel.
Another area looked at concerned the Tyee fire and the fact that we sent both equipment and
manpower to assist with that fire. We attempted to recapture some of the costs by submitting over
$60,000 for reimbursement. They found approximately $15,000 could go back in to the labor
overtime category. The rest of the money can be used as desired. Utilizing that money and the
proposed money for all of the line items for fire and aid equipment and maintenance that was originally
proposed for 1995, there will be sufficient funds to fund a fire mechanic. This is a new position. We
have been paying for service and maintenance from outside firms; now looking at doing the same in-
house. The employee would work out of the equipment rental division, would be earmarked to work
on fire engines and aid cars and do maintenance work and minor repairs. Major repairs would still
have to go to specialty shops. The employee would work out of the new Public Works site, and the
department would come up with the funding for that employee. The position would be revisited mid-
year to determine how much time was being spent on fire and how much on equipment rental and
readjust as needed. He brought to Council's attention that on page 72, Section 522.20.95 equipment
rental is 75% of the mechanic for the fire engines. On page 76, the remaining 25% is shown under
EMS for work on the aid cars.
EMS replacement and fire engine replacement shows several times. The EMS levy is up every six
years. During that period you would raise the rate to cover a new EMS unit. In looking at the future, if
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we put away $30,000 and worked it into a flow chart, we can replace the vehicles every seven years,
and the fund would remain solvent with a 5% interest generation on the money in the account. This is
shown on page 80 of the preliminary budget book. In talking replacement of the fire engines, it works
fine. In terms of replacing a ladder truck, the cost would be approximately $500,000 to $1,000,000
depending on type and design. Chief Springer feels that because of various conditions present,
Edmonds is looking at closer to the $1,000,000 range.
Councilmember Petruzzi asked for clarification of his understanding that after putting the $50,000 in at
the end of 1995 we will have $190,000 and only four more years use after that before we sink or swim
with a bond issue at $1,000,000 or whatever the cost. Are there better plans than a bond? Chief
Springer spoke briefly on the possibility of sharing _a vehicle with another jurisdiction. South
Snohomish County has 10 fire stations and 4 major fire departments. You really only need one or two
vehicles -- one for first out which is staffed all the time and then you can go with a reserve, or you can
have two non -staffed which could hopefully be staffed quickly enough to be able to assist on the scene.
Lynnwood has and will continue to maintain a 100' aerial truck. Edmonds has a 65' snorkel which is
presently insufficient to reach the top of a four story building because of its design. If Edmonds wants
to keep it in house and in the control of Edmonds, we need to take a good hard look at some of the
creative measures on how this could be funded in the future. If we look at shared services, this is an
opportune time to look for a ladder company and share the cost with someone else.
Councilmember Petruzzi asked if this was one of the benefits to be brought about by consolidation as
discussed earlier this summer. Chief Springer said it is.
Councilmember Dwyer pointed out that as long as there is a fire station that's about 45 seconds away
from a multi -story hospital, we will probably never be in a position to plan to have the only apparatus
that could do rescue at Station 4 in Lynnwood. Chief Miller stated that the fire rating takes into
account reaching all of your buildings one way or another. He said the hospital is nine stories, three
for the fire department. If the hospital expands to another nine -story tower, we will need to look at
accessing the top stories of that tower.
Mayor Hall mentioned the expansion of the school district.
Chief Miller said the rescue boat and dive team is a hold -the -line operation which he wants to revisit
immediately after the first of the year and make a determination of the direction to go with it. We are
utilizing all facets almost monthly in the waterfront area in different forms. They are now getting
documentation and history for limitations on both of them from other jurisdictions.
Councilmember Hall plugged waterfront safety and indicated we should expand this type of program
for the future.
All figures used to base the EMS levy is 41¢ per $1,000. These include Medic 7, operating costs on
the EMS portion of the budget, aid car fund, EMS equipment, and EMS dispatching. Seventy percent
of their business is EMS, so he looks at EMS levy to support that. Communication with doctors and
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November 7, 1994
Page 10
hospitals is now being handled over cellular phones as opposed to radio. These costs should be paid
from the EMS levy.
Chief Springer further stated that while 70% of calls are EMS, 70% of work performed is in the form
of training.
Council President Nordquist asked about the cost of transporting people to hospitals. Discussion was
had on the various situations in which transport was handled. They will transport to the hospital, to an
in -town doctor or to Group Health in Lynnwood, but do not go out of the area unless there is an
immediate life threat. Chief Springer indicated that some of the surrounding areas are looking at calling
ambulances in when there is not a fife -threatening problem.
Council President Nordquist remarked that ambulance companies can't make it in Edmonds because
the Fire Department transports the majority of patients.
Discussion ensued on the option of charging for transport, insurance coverage for same, and the
unavailability of emergency personnel while transporting. Councilmember Kasper noted that California
has a billing procedure that goes from the hospital back, and insurance picks up the expense. Chief
Springer is of the opinion the EMS levy generates enough money to fund the continued transportation
of patients, but he agrees that the subject needs to be looked at in the future. Councilmember Hall
commented on Edmonds' citizens' strong support of the fire and aid programs and would probably be
willing to support some of the discussed changes. Councilmember Dwyer is not in favor of charging
for transport. He believes it is covered by the EMS levy.
Chief Springer noted there was no subsection contained in the budget for hazardous materials. The
direction of this administration after the first of the year is to go to shared services. At the present time
they are looking at providing manpower to the hazardous materials team in Lynnwood. He feels that
in the proposed budget there is sufficient money that we can send people to school, get them trained
and certified and qualified to be active participants of the hazardous materials team. Confined space
high angle rescue is not a major subsection in the proposed budget either as it is in its infancy at the
present time. The Fire Department, in conjunction with the Treatment Plant, is looking at what is
needed before making any major changes. Exact needs of training certification will be looked at after
the first of the year.
C. REVIEW ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DEPARTMENT BUDGET
Art Housler, Administrative Services Director, reported on his department's budget. He indicated the
budget went up 11% at $4.2 million. His Administration Division budget only increased 2% which is
less than the CPI.
Accounting Division increased by 11% essentially due to the restoration of an accounts payable
position. The remainder of the increases are in the state audit and things of that nature. These are
general across the board increases at about the same rate as the CPI. Data processing increased 17%.
Two major items account for the increase: 1) in the maintenance/service contract area many additional
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November 7, 1994
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devices have been hooked to the system of which the maintenance costs are set out on page 22-23 of
the preliminary budget book; 2) miscellaneous includes software updates for word processing,
spreadsheets, graphics and electronic mail.
Council President Nordquist asked if they had ever practiced an "on call" basis service as opposed to
buying an annual contract. Mr. Housler indicated they had not. When they go to a new system, they
will look at an hourly rate on call service. Presently we are dealing with an 8-hour service throughout
the city.
l The City Clerk's Division went up 20%. He called Council's attention to page 24 of the preliminary
budget book. The professional services line item is the main part of the increase. The codification of
the City Code was in the City Attorneys budget. It has been moved to the City Clerk's budget. The
Council minute taker that was under the Council budget is now under the Clerk's budget. Another
item is reformatting and reprinting of the entire City Code and Community Development Code which
has not been done in 14 years.
Under Communication Services on Page 26, salary increases are included for the union employees.
Increases in postage costs, Scan telephone line costs, and the new Public Works facility
communications costs were noted.
Mr. Housler described the equipment covered by the $7,000 increase.
Regarding the City Attorney budget, Mr. Housler reported the retainer has gone up $3,600, and labor
f negotiations are up $10,000 because of the number of contracts up in 1995.
Mr. Housler reviewed the non -departmental increase of $296,000. This is a salary pool for all money
for salary increases.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHN NORDQUIST MOVED, SECONDED BY
BARBARA FAHEY, TO EXTEND THE MEETING. MOTION CARRIED.
OA Council President Nordquist questioned the City Attorney position and when RFPs were due. City
Clerk Rhonda March indicated they are due on November 23, and Brent Hunter, Personnel Manager,
v (� indicated a decision should be made by the end of the year. The matter will be put on the December 13
agenda.
Councilmember Fahey asked for clarification on the library fund and whether it is for the library or an
,1 internal library system. It was explained it was for the library and that money approved by the Council
for capital improvements to the library are placed into this fund under one category. There is a
J separate fund for private donations segregated by a different fund number. Councihnember Fahey
asked if the rug for the library was part of this fund. Mr. Housler indicated it was considered a
maintenance project -- 116 Building Maintenance Fund -- under Tom King. Tom Petruzzi called her
attention to page 153 of the budget book for Tom King's budget.
Approved City Council Minutes
November 7, 1994
Page 12
Councilmember Kasper noted that the $100,000 for brickwork doesn't show. Paul Mar, Community
Services Director, will address this issue next week.
Councilmember Fahey indicated she had reviewed both the 1994 and 1995 budgets. She asked why
some of the numbers changed and others did not. Mr. Housler confirmed them as updated numbers.
The numbers presented will be updated in approximately July.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHN NORDQUIST MOVED, SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER MICHAEL HALL, TO ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE
SESSION. MOTION WITHDRAWN, SECOND CONCURRED.
i MAYOR'S BUDGET
The Mayor's Executive Secretary, Dee McGrath, brought the Council's attention to a couple of
dramatic increases. First, under Professional Services, a consultation service was added of $21,800.
Mayor Hall will be bringing recommendations before Council. The reasons for this item include
increases in the Mayor's time, activities, RTA, and airport studies, along with a number of other regular
meetings and activities. They are looking at workload level increases in 1995 on the multimodal
project. The hope for including this is for help throughout the year on special projects.
Councilmember Petruzzi asked what the consultant would do and when. He was advised that they
were unsure, but Mayor Hall would be presenting her plan for the use of these funds and would try to
pin this down for next week. The second item is the interfund rental equipment line. This is there to
provide the Mayor with a car for use at all the meetings she has to attend as well as being available
during the day for use by staff. They are also asking for membership in the U.S. Council of Mayors
which provides a mayor -to -mayor linkage and provides frequent updates on issues of concern to cities.
Councilmember Dwyer commented on the fact this had been discussed briefly on Saturday when it was
agreed the Mayor's salary is out of whack downward and should be brought to a more appropriate
equilibrium. It was his impression the salary was currently about one-third too low. Mayor Hall
explained she has not charged the city for any intercity travel and described some of the car problems
she has encountered. Councilmember Kasper felt this could be precedent setting. Mayor Hall thought
that the split between buildings would legitimatize the proposal. Ms. McGrath stated her belief a new
car would be a benefit to other employees as well. Councilmember Petruzzi favored a car allowance
but doesn't want to buy a new car. He suggested a car allowance and higher salary.
PERSONNEL BUDGET
QBrent Hunter, Personnel Manager, called Council's attention to page 11 of the budget book. The
Professional Services line item is up $4,000. This is an increase from the Public Works budget to his
budget. The Mayor's direction a couple of years ago was to move the medical exam costs from the
other department into his budget.
This year he didn't spend money on civil service. The direction of the Mayor encouraged trying to do
some of the testing in house and avoiding outside expense. He recommends the money be left in the
Approved City Council Minutes
November 7, 1994
Page 13
budget so he has an opportunity to work with the firefighters. Firefighters prefer use of outside
expertise in the testing procedure.
Regarding labor negotiations fisted on page 13, this money is set aside for an outside attorney in the
event of going into labor negotiations.
MUNICIPAL COURT BUDGET
In the area of court, forms have gone up considerably, accounting for the overspending this year. At
the bottom of page 48, repair and maintenance, the major expense there was a copy machine. Page 15,
line 64, equipment -- the court would like to have a computer for this room to be permanently stored in
this room. It is thought it will streamline the system.
Under miscellaneous witness fees, the superior court is no longer providing the city with jury lists, so
there is increase in this cost in creating our own jury list.
On page 60, criminal justice, the court is trying to save money. At this time, travel for in -custody
hearings is not adequately budgeted. The figure should be raised.
At 11:00 p.m. the Council adjourned to executive session on real estate and personnel matters and
adjourned from there.
THE ORIGINAL SIGNED COPY OF THESE MINUTES, AS WELL AS A TAPED RECORDING OF ALL
COUNCIL MEETINGS CAN BE LOCATED IN THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE.
4iN�DAO. �MA�HCI�TYCLE�RK�
Approved City Council Minutes
November 7, 1994
Page 14
AGENDA
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL
PLAZA MEETING ROOM - LIBRARY BUILDING
7:00 -10:00 a.m.
NOVEMBER 7, 1994
SPECIAL MEETING
COUNCIL COMMITTEES CANCELLED DUE TO BUDGET WORK SESSION
CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M.
FLAG SALUTE
1. PRESENTATION BY SISTER CITY COMMISSION OF MAYOR KOBAYASHI AND DELEGATION
FROM SISTER CITY OF HEKINAN
Recess for approximately 15 minutes for Dessert Reception
2. REVIEW COMMUNITY REQUESTS (15 Min.)
3. BUDGET WORK SESSION
(A) (1) REVIEW POLICE DEPARTMENT BUDGET (30Min.)
(2) REVIEW OF PROPOSED GRANT FOR CRIME BILL
FEDERAL FUNDING FOR POLICE OFFICERS
(B) REVIEW FIRE DEPARTMENT BUDGET (30min.)
(C) REVIEW ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DEPARTMENT BUDGET (30Min.)
The public is invited to attend.
Parking and meeting rooms are accessible for persons with disabilities.
Contact the City Clerk at 771-0245 with 24 hours advance notice for special accommodations.
The Council Agenda appears on Chambers Cable, Channel 32. This Council Meeting Is not televised.