11/29/2005 City CouncilNovember 29, 2005
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
Richard Marin, Council President
Michael Plunkett, Councilmember
Jeff Wilson, Councilmember
Mauni Moore, Councilmember
Peggy Pritchard Olson, Councilmember
Dave Orvis, Councilmember
Deanna Dawson, Councilmember
ALSO PRESENT
Steven Landry, Student Representative
STAFF PRESENT
David Stern, Chief of Police
Brian McIntosh, Parks & Recreation Director
Jennifer Gerend, Economic Development Dir.
Dave Gebert, City Engineer
Robin Heslop, Crime Prevention Officer
Sandy Chase, City Clerk
Jana Spellman, Senior Executive Council Asst.
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
COUNCIL PRESIDENT MARIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOORE, TO
APPROVE THE AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
Council President Marin requested Item E be removed from the Consent Agenda.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT MARIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOORE, FOR
APPROVAL OF THE REMAINDER OF THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY. The agenda items approved are as follows:
(A) ROLL CALL
Approve
11/15/05 (B) APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 15, 2005.
Minutes
Approve I (C) APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS #83831 THROUGH #83939 FOR THE WEEK OF
Claim Checks NOVEMBER 14, 2005, IN THE AMOUNT OF $358,138.20, AND CHECKS #83940
THROUGH #84038 FOR THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 21, 2005, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$430,791.03. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL DIRECT DEPOSITS AND CHECKS #42123
THROUGH #42282 FOR THE PERIOD NOVEMBER 1 THROUGH NOVEMBER 15,
2005, IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,082,278.14.
Claim for
Damages (D) ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FROM BRAD MAHAFFEY
($241.09).
Meter C
Rehabilitation (F) REPORT ON FINAL CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR THE METER C
project REHABILITATION PROJECT AND COUNCIL ACCEPTANCE OF PROJECT.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
November 29, 2005
Page 1
Daley Street
Sewer Line (G) REPORT ON FINAL CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR THE DALEY STREET SEWER
Replacement LINE REPLACEMENT PROJECT AND COUNCIL ACCEPTANCE OF PROJECT.
Library Plaza
Roof (H) REPORT ON FINAL CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR THE LIBRARY PLAZA ROOF
Rehabilitation REHABILITATION PROJECT AND COUNCIL ACCEPTANCE OF PROJECT.
SR104 Sewer
Main (I) REPORT ON FINAL CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR THE SR104 SEWER MAIN
Rehabilitation REHABILITATION PROJECT AND COUNCIL ACCEPTANCE OF PROJECT.
Wat
Waterline (J) REPORT ON FINAL CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR THE 2004 WATERLINE
Replacement REPLACEMENT PROJECT /PHASE I AND COUNCIL ACCEPTANCE OF PROJECT.
Glen-Daley Alley (K) AUTHORIZATION TO CALL FOR BIDS FOR THE GLEN -DALEY ALLEY
Improvements I IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT.
Liquor Item E: Approval of List of Edmonds Businesses Applying for Renewal of their Liquor Licenses with the
control Board Washington State Liquor Control Board
Council President Marin advised he would abstain from the vote.
COUNCILMEMBER ORVIS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOORE, FOR
APPROVAL OF ITEM E. MOTION CARRIED (6 -1 -0), COUNCIL PRESIDENT MARIN
ABSTAINED. The item approved is as follows:
(E) APPROVAL OF LIST OF EDMONDS BUSINESSES APPLYING FOR RENEWAL OF
THEIR LIQUOR LICENSES WITH THE WASHINGTON STATE LIQUOR CONTROL
BOARD
Former 3. PRESENTATION ON RENOVATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF FORMER WOODWAY HIGH
woodway SCHOOL PLAY FIELDS.
High School
Play Fields Parks & Recreation Director Brian McIntosh displayed a photograph of the former Woodway High
School playfields. He explained since the new Edmonds - Woodway High School opened eight years ago,
the old high school has served as an active interim school for other District schools in transition, special
uses, and currently as the Edmonds Homeschool Resource Center serving nearly 600 children. All school
buildings will continue to serve educational needs of the District.
Mr. McIntosh explained often, and particularly since the new high school was completed, the Edmonds
School District has been approached by soccer, baseball /fastball, rugby, lacrosse and other groups
interested in the playfield property but discouraged by its lack of usability. The District and these groups
all recognize the site as an underutilized and under- maintained property with great potential to be a
wonderful community asset as a multi- purpose active park. He commented another impetus for
improving the fields was the legislature's interest in quality playfields.
Mr. McIntosh explained although the active areas would be used minimally for Edmonds School District
purposes, the District has taken the lead in bringing together interested parties to look at the feasibility of
developing the property for the benefit of the greater community. Groups involved in these early
discussions have included King's High School, Sno -King Youth Club, Pacific Little League, and
Northwest Nationals Soccer. He advised noise consultant Julie Weibusch was available to answer
questions.
Marla Miller, Executive Director of Business & Operations, Edmonds School District, assured
nothing was being asked of the Council, this was only an update. She explained discussions began
approximately a year ago with the District to determine interest in having the fields upgraded into a more
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
November 29, 2005
Page 2
usable community recreation facility as well as creating a public - private partnership for the fields. She
displayed an aerial photograph of the fields and surrounding buildings and an architectural rendering of a
potential field concept, noting the current layout was Concept H which had evolved via conversations
with the different groups.
Ms. Miller explained the 40 acre site, owned by the Edmonds School District, was used regularly. She
assured there was no proposal to change the ownership of the entire site and it would continue to be an
active educational facility. The field development would resurface and level the current fields to increase
their usability. The upgrade of the fields would use the existing infrastructure — parking, lighting and site
access from 100th Avenue — and the roadway into the neighborhood would remain closed. She referred to
the rending of the field, explaining the upgrade would include grading the fields, adding fields, and
converting the grass fields to synthetic turf to make them playable year- round. She pointed out this site's
reputation for difficult drainage and inability to use the site during the winter months due to damage to the
natural turf.
Edward Peters, Capital Projects Director, Edmonds School District, described the field configuration,
explaining the intent to add synthetic turf as well as take advantage of the existing terrain to get the
greatest number of playing fields without expensive retaining walls or other construction. He identified
the entrance at I00th, the existing parking lots, buildings, track and baseball fields. He explained their
analysis revealed the least expensive solution would be to move the baseball field which left a large flat
area on which synthetic turf could be applied that could be striped for a variety of uses including soccer
and softball /fastpitch. A natural turf baseball field would be created to replace the existing baseball field.
The field in the center would remain natural turf and serve as a practice field with the ultimate goal of
applying synthetic turf to that surface as well. Other amenities would include a jogging track, concession
building with restroom, play structure, and improving the existing tennis courts.
Ms. Miller identified representatives in the audience from groups involved in discussions including
King's High School, Sno -King Youth Club, Pacific Little League, and Northwest Nationals Soccer,
Edmonds Boys & Girls Club, Select Baseball, City of Edmonds, and Snohomish County.
Ms. Miller commented the features of this site that made it so attractive were not only that it had the
infrastructure of a high school but was not currently being used as a high school, it also had a great
perimeter of trees and foliage, making lighting a minimal impact on the neighbors. She noted
representatives from the neighborhood have been involved in discussions and agreed the impact would be
minimal.
With regard to funding, Ms. Miller explained the Edmonds School District would provide the property
with the remaining funds from the State and Snohomish County as well as contributions from private
partners who would use the field. She anticipated the City would oversee scheduling, with the City
having rights to the fields on evenings and weekends. She cautioned the project was in its preliminary
stages. Presentations have been made to several legislators who were interested in supporting the
concept. She noted the 2006 legislative session was the second year of the biennium budget where few
large projects would be supported; however, funding may be possible in the 2007 budget.
Councilmember Plunkett asked whether the City would be asked to provide maintenance. Mr. McIntosh
explained the next step will be to form a capital campaign committee; he anticipated that committee
would ask the City for a contribution toward the project. He noted the District had a similar agreement
with Lynnwood for scheduling and maintenance for the Lynnwood playfields
Councilmember Plunkett inquired about the cost of maintenance. Mr. McIntosh answered it was hoped
the user fees generated by the groups using the fields would cover maintenance costs as well as a set -aside
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
November 29, 2005
Page 3
for capital replacement. Ms. Miller commented their experience with synthetic turf has been there was
very minimal maintenance compared to natural turf fields. The synthetic turf fields require annual
maintenance but little else as they do not require mowing, stripping, irrigation, etc.
Councilmember Plunkett inquired about the replacement cost of the synthetic fields. Ms. Miller answered
the District anticipated an 8 -10 year replacement timeline for the turf. She commented the type of
synthetic turf proposed for these fields was installed in 2000/2001 and at the stadium in summer 2005.
Councilmember Wilson asked the District to comment on the history of the site and what the District
could use the site for. Ms. Miller answered the entire site was under a deed restriction that required it to
be used for educational purposes. As long as the property remained a District facility and was used for
educational programs purposes, it remained District property. Councilmember Wilson inquired whether
the use of the property for sports fields allowed the District to retain the use of the property. Ms. Miller
answered yes.
Councilmember Wilson asked about the estimated annual maintenance cost for the synthetic fields. Ms.
Miller answered that information would be available during the next stage. Councilmember Wilson
suggested contacting the Seattle School District regarding their experience with the fields at Ingram High
School that have a similar concept.
Student Representative Landry asked whether upgrade of the tennis courts would be included in this
project. Ms. Miller answered the tennis courts would remain in their existing location and be resurfaced
and lit.
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Edmonds
Skate Ur up Parks & Recreation Director Brian McIntosh explained in 1999 the Edmonds Police Foundation
recognized the health and social benefits of skateboarding and the success of the new Lynndale Skate
Park that was jointly funded by the cities of Edmonds and Lynnwood. The Foundation made a financial
donation of $4,500 as "seed money" toward the construction of a park in downtown Edmonds. In March
2004 staff met with the Foundation to update them on this possibility. The need was identified in the
2001 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan and has been included in the Capital Improvement Plan
since that time.
Following discussions and encouragement from the Foundation a decision was made to form a Skate Park
Work Group. The Work Group, comprised of Edmonds skaters, parents, Foundation and Police
Department members, Parks & Recreation Department staff and members of the community held its first
meeting in May 2004. At the Council's Community Services /Development Services July 2004 meeting,
the group was encouraged to move ahead with planning.
The Skate Park Work Group researched skate related issues over the next several months and have since
presented their proposal, with requested ambient noise information, improvements in production
selection, and site location revisions at two regular Planning Board meetings (January 26 and October 26,
2005) and two Planning Board public hearings (March 9 and November 16, 2005). At the conclusion of
the November 16 public hearing, the Planning Board unanimously approved the proposal for a skate park
at Civic Field and forwarded it to the City Council for consideration.
Mr. McIntosh advised tonight several members of the Work Group planned to make a 15 minute
presentation of their updated proposal.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
November 29, 2005
Page 4
Kal Taylor, whose two sons were enrolled in the Edmonds Homesehool Resource Center, advised
several members of the Edmonds Skate Park Work Group would describe why a skate park in the
downtown area would be a benefit to Edmonds for the following reasons.
Ben Pruitt, skateboarder and 8th grader at Meadowdale Middle School, described the increasing
popularity of skateboarding. Approximately 11.6 million people between the ages of 6 and 18 were
skateboarding in the year 2000; by 2003 that number grew to 13 million and researchers expect 15 million
skateboarders by 2005. As the number of skateboarders increases, the need for facilities to accommodate
the sport also increases. The Skate Park Association of the USA has stated that skateboarding is the third
most popular sport in the nation for 6 to 18 year olds, exceeded only by basketball and soccer. He
summarized the sport of skateboarding was growing and at the core of this sport were energetic youth
who now surpass the number of little league baseball players.
Aaron Taylor, skateboarder and 7th grader at Edmonds Homeschool Resource Center, explained aspiring
young skateboarders were usually drawn to the excitement rather than the fitness benefits, but experts say
skateboarding provides a great workout. He cited the benefits of skateboarding which include
cardiovascular as well as balance, timing, sense of direction and agility. He recalled learning to
skateboard required patience and perserveranee but with great rewards. He explained skateboarders were
always seeking to enhance and perfect their skills as well as learn something new. The sport is goal
oriented, is a no -cut sport and kids see tricks and want to replicate them. He recalled a skater, Tony
Hawk, who in 1994 at age 16 was the world's best skateboarder and later created several pro - skater video
games. He summarized skateboarding meant kids spent less time watching TV or playing video games
and more time being active outdoors.
Ms. Taylor pointed out the vision from the Community Youth Report of July 2001 stated Edmonds was
committed to the positive involvement, safety and growth of the community's youth. The City adopted in
its Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan the 40 Developmental Assets Model as a goal for youth. She
noted these assets were building blocks that helped young people grow to be healthy, caring and
responsible individuals. She cited several assets that would be addressed via the development of the
proposed skate park including a caring neighborhood, community values youth, safety, neighborhood
boundaries, adult role models, youth programs, interpersonal competence, self - esteem, sense of purpose
and positive view of personal future.
John Bourne, skateboarder and 7th grader at Meadowdale Middle School, explained according to the U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were fewer skateboarding injuries per capita than other
popular sports such as baseball, soccer and snowboarding. In comparison, kids under the age of 15 were
three times as likely to suffer a bicycle injury and twice as likely to be injured on a playground. He
pointed out the active use of a skate park yielded more positive activities in parks. With such a young
population utilizing skate facilities, it made sense to provide additional facilities where kids could safely
take part in constructive activities. He noted by encouraging the use of helmets and other safety
equipment, the City sent a message that they cared and wanted kids to be safe. He cited programs in other
communities where police officers reward skaters wearing helmets with coupons from local businesses.
He noted this not only encouraged the use of helmets but created a bond between skateboarders and
police officers, a foundation that could assist kids in making positive choices in life. He pointed out the
Recreation Immunity Act protected cities from liability for skateboarding accidents.
Will, a skateboarder and sophomore at Edmonds - Woodway High School, advised in 2002, according to
skate park industry statistics, there were approximately 1,000 skate parks in the United States with
thousands more predicted to be built over the next several years. As the popularity of skateboarding
increases, the need for skate parks also increases. At this time, kids living in the downtown Edmonds
area must be driven or take a bus or ferry to reach a skate park which increases the likelihood of kids
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
November 29, 2005
Page 5
skateboarding on the streets of Edmonds. He cited skateboarding as a way for kids to express their
creativity and abilities. He summarized Edmonds could best support its youth and families by providing a
skate park in the community. He provided photographs of skate parks in other communities such as
Lynnwood, Kenmore, Marysville, Mill Creek, Shoreline and Woodinville.
Alex Witenberg, a skateboarder and sophomore at Edmonds - Woodway High School, recalled when this
group first began meeting, they reviewed information provided by Crime Prevention Officer Robin
Heslop about skate parks in other cities to learn the positive and negative affects of parks' locations. The
information was used to develop criteria that considered natural visibility, accessibility, neighborhood
response, parking or drop off area, existing active use areas, natural buffers for noise, nearby services,
access to a restroom and telephone, easy park layout, and easy access for Police and Fire Departments.
He explained nine potential sites in or near downtown were identified using these criteria. Committee
members visited the sites and at the next meeting rated the sites for compliance with the criteria. He
referred to exhibit 2 in the Council packet, a graph of the pros and cons of each site. The Committee
selected the Civic Center Playfield as the site with the highest ratio of pros to cons. He described
visibility of the site, accessibility, availability of parking, current active use of the park, proximity to food
establishments, restrooms in the park and a telephone at the Boys & Girls club, and excellent park, layout.
He pointed out the Civic Field's proximity to the Fire Department would allow nearly instantaneous
response in the event of an accident and the proximity to the Police Department would encourage youth to
act responsibly and appropriately. He noted none of the criteria were weighted, thus proximity to the
Police and Fire Department scored the same as access to restrooms and a telephone.
Mr. Witenberg explained at the Planning Board's March 9 public hearing, neighbors voiced their
concerns regarding the proximity of the proposed skate park to their residences and noise the park would
create. The Work Group listened to their concerns and determined placing the skate park behind the Boys
& Girls Club would increase the distance from the nearest condominium to 240 feet, nearly the length of
a football field. He pointed out in coordination with the development of the skate park, a separate project
would be undertaken to rectify existing drainage problems in the park. Also in response to neighbors'
concerns with noise, a consultant, the Greenbush Group, performed a noise study (exhibit 4 in the Council
packet) that determined there would be minimal noise impact on neighbors with the proposed new
location. As an additional way of addressing noise concerns, the Work Group investigated products that
could minimize noise and found a company that created formed concrete streetscape elements. He noted
the streetscape design was increasingly popular among skaters as they replicate the city -like elements that
skateboarders prefer. The elements would be placed on a 5,400 square foot smooth concrete pad. He
cited the Kenmore skate park as an example of a park that used these elements.
Ms. Taylor concluded the presentation by pointing out the Civic Center location would encourage further
development of this popular and healthy sport, provide a safe place for kids to skate, and address the lack
of skateboarding facilities in the area. She referred to the Community Youth Report which identified the
need to engage youth in decision - making processes. She pointed out over the past 18 months, the youth
on the Skate Park Work Group had addressed the concerns of the Planning Board and the neighbors of the
proposed site by attending product demonstrations and touring various skate parks to provide valuable
input to the Work Group. Members of the Work Group have demonstrated patience, watching city
government and process in action, instilling a commitment to see this project through. She pointed out
these youth were the city's future and this project had given them a voice.
Mr. McIntosh advised a public hearing on the proposal was scheduled for the December 6 Council
meeting.
Councilmember Moore commended the young people who worked on this project for their factual
research, commenting this was one of the best presentations she had heard made to the Council.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
November 29, 2005
Page 6
Council President Marin commented Mike McGavick, Safeco CEO, who planned to run for the Senate,
was a skater.
Councilmember Plunkett requested financial information such as the cost of similar facilities be provided
for the public hearing. He referred to an email the Council received asserting that a $50,000 drainage
project would be necessary for the selected location due to underground water. Mr. McIntosh answered
drainage had been an issue on the Civic Playfields for years. He estimated the cost of the drainage project
to address the problem at $20,000, noting that was a separate project identified in the CIP.
Councilmember Plunkett referred to another email that inquired about the cost of replacing the elements.
He asked staff to provide information regarding maintenance of the proposed concrete elements. Mr.
McIntosh advised the pieces had an unlimited 5 -year warranty, repair or replacement at no cost, and a
limited 10 -year warranty where there would be some cost for repair /replacement. He acknowledged these
elements were a new product and their lifespan was unknown.
Councilmember Plunkett observed the public's concern was whether $200,000 for a skate park was a fair
cost. Mr. McIntosh explained one of the cost factors associated with the proposed site was the bog under
the field. Approximately half the cost of the skate park was the concrete pad and removal of 3 -feet of bog
material; the cost of the concrete pieces was estimated at $80,000 — $90,000. Councilmember Plunkett
suggested staff provide for the public hearing a list of other facilities and their cost.
Councilmember Wilson thanked Mr. McIntosh and the Work Group for their efforts, agreeing their
presentation was excellent. He requested staff also provide for the public hearing examples of other
capital facilities in parks such as playgroup equipment and the annual maintenance costs. He also
suggested staff provide history regarding the debate that occurred over the siting of the playground
equipment in City Park.
5. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Emily Ehrlich, Edmonds, provided signatures of 85 of her neighbors requesting the Council redirect the
skate Park at Parks & Recreation's application to site a skate ark facility on the Civic Pla field. She commented that
Civic Center pp p y }'
PlaySela according to the Parks & Recreation Department public records there were possibly five Boys & Girls
Club members who skateboard. Assuming there were an additional five downtown neighborhood youth
who skateboard, she asserted the proposed plan would tear up the Civic Fields, pour over 5,000 square
feet of concrete onto a bog and crane drop five ton skate park modules onto the park for only ten youth at
a cost of over $250,000. She asserted this was only the beginning costs and did not include ongoing
costs. She limited the use of the park to only ten kids due to Mr. McIntosh's comment to the Planning
Board that the skate park was a "walk -to" park for kids who did not drive.
Ms. Ehrlich questioned why the former Woodway High School site was not considered by the Work
Group. She expressed concern with the $250,000 cost for a skate park to serve ten kids. She relayed her
neighborhood's concern with the way sound resonates on the bowl shaped Civic Fields. She described
their measurement of the sound emitted at other skate parks that found the wheels of a skateboard on
concrete could reach at least 55 decibels and a skateboard could slam/crash /slide across a metal rail of a
ramp at up to 75 decibels. She noted the $5,500 noise study generated by the consultant collaborated the
neighborhood's $85 worth of research.
Ms. Ehrlich described her efforts this evening to simulate the sound created by a skate park which
resulted in dogs barking and drew the attention of several neighbors. She concluded the Civic Fields were
as noisy as could be comfortably tolerated by the neighboring residents. She recalled it was suggested at
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
November 29, 2005
Page 7
the Planning Board meeting that residents could sell and move away from the neighborhood. If
increasing noise levels were not of City concern, she asserted there would not be an effort to abate train
whistles, Paine Field flyovers, or motorized foot scooters. She requested the Council protect their
neighborhood, get creative and think outside the playfields.
Roger Hertrich, Edmonds, referred to comments by Bruce Nicholson recorded in the November 1
Council minutes regarding civility, first amendment rights, promoting peaceability, professional conduct
and supporting a resolution that would penalize speakers who did not adhere to certain rules of conduct.
He compared this to his comments recorded in the minutes when he tried to put Mr. Nicholson's
comments into perspective, noting that approximately 50 seconds of his comments were omitted from the
minutes. Mr. Hertrich then requested Mayor Haakenson retract the comment he made at the November
15 Council meeting that Mr. Hertrich had been involved in a fist fight.
Mayor Haakenson apologized, acknowledging there had not been a fist fight but rather a confrontation
between Mr. Nicholson and Mr. Hertrich. He reiterated the other comment he made on November 15 that
no one cared.
Don Kreiman, Edmonds, questioned whether there was a financial crisis ahead for the City, noting this
Budget Issues year's budget was 4.5% less than last year and there was Little money for sidewalks, crosswalks, disabled
access, road safety or building maintenance. He pointed out the number of firefighters, police officers
and emergency medical personnel was stagnant although call volumes were increasing. He commented I-
695 and I -776 eliminated funds for transportation, I -747 restricted property tax increases to 1% per year
and two years ago the voters rejected a public safety levy. He summarized this was not the time to push a
homegrown, national company such as The Hotel Group out of Edmonds. Mayor Haakenson interrupted
Hotel GroupJ Mr. Kreiman, explaining the Council would again consider the closed record review regarding The Hotel
Proposal Group's proposal on December 5 and the Council was not permitted to take additional comments outside
the record. Mr. Kreiman urged the Council to listen to City Attorney Scott Snyder's advice to avoid the
City's involvement in a lawsuit or losing a valuable business.
Robert Rhein, Edmonds, presented a book written by a local attorney to the Student Representative,
"Death of Common Sense, How Law is Suffocating America." He urged residents to discontinue their
anti -youth attitude, noting adults should provide guidance to youth, not suffocate them.
Robin Heslop, Edmonds Crime Prevention Officer, explained when asked to do a security survey of a
property, buildings or residence, her analysis was based on the science of Crime Prevention Through
Environmental Design (CPTED), which uses the built and actual and natural environment to prevent
crime. In regard to the Civic Playfield, she assessed the before, during and after construction condition of
all the sites proposed for the skate park as well as considering current and future users. The two main
principles of CPTED are 1) natural surveillance — whether people can see onto the site, how isolated or
Skate Park visible the site is, and 2) the current users — attracting positive users to increase safety. She identified the
Proposal at Civic Playfield site as her number one choice due to the natural open surveillance the ark area offered
Civic Center y p p
Playfield from park users as well as police. Other reasons she supported the Civic Playfield site were its proximity
to emergency services, emergency use phone and restrooms in the public safety building lobby as well as
at the Boys & Girls Club, and high usage area with many positive users. She noted the high use of the
existing park would provide self - management of the facility.
Officer Heslop pointed out a skate park in the community would also provide a safe, designated area for
police to refer skateboarders to when they were skateboarding in public areas. She noted if there were not
soccer and football fields and baseball diamonds, kids would be doing those activities in the streets as
well. She concluded skateboarders were not juvenile delinquents but were good kids. Mayor Haakenson
asked Officer Heslop to include her report in the materials provided at the December 6 public hearing.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
November 29, 2005
Page 8
Economic 6. WORK SESSION ON THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT OF THE
Development COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Element of the
Comprehensive
Plan Economic Development Director Jennifer Gerend explained the goals of an Economic Development
Element of the Comprehensive Plan would be to state the City's economic development policies in one
place and to provide the Council, staff and public guidance on related matters such as future land use
decisions or budgetary matters. She noted the economic development element provided an opportunity to
understand local trends and positioned Edmonds to proactively pursue community revitalization and
sustainable quality of life.
Ms. Gerend referred to the outline of the Economic Development element that the Council approved
earlier this year. She described current national thinking with regard to economic development including
a book written by Michael Schuman, "Going Local" regarding support for local businesses and "The Rise
of the Creative Class" by Richard Florida regarding the creation of vibrant places to attract businesses and
people.
Ms. Gerend commented on economic development in Washington State, pointing out economic
development was a GMA planning goal. She noted community economic development policies varied
widely but may include creating affordable housing, adding employment, downtown or commercial
revitalization, small business assistance, business recruitment and site selection assistance, community
marking, historic preservation, tourism generation, public relations, streamlining permit processes and
special development or streetscape projects.
Ms. Gerend advised sources of data used in her analysis included previous studies such as Berk &
Associates, Makers, Heartland; Claritas consumer research data, as well as data from the U.S. Census,
Department of Revenue, Puget Sound Regional Council and the City's records.
She described the local Edmonds business economy median of three employees, 1 2,693 total employees,
and 1,526 total businesses located in the City. She provided U.S. Census data comparing the City's total
resident population (39,515), workers working in Edmonds (11,651) workers living in Edmonds (19,793)
and estimated daytime population (31,373). She pointed out the trend in self- employment was rising
nationally; the number of businesses with no paid employees grew from 17.6 million in 2002 to 18.6
million in 2003, a growth rate of 6 %. She identified the four economic sectors that accounted for almost
60% of the non - employer receipts — real estate, rental and leasing; construction; professional, scientific
and technical services and retail trade — nationwide as well as locally. Ms. Gerend displayed mapping of
the business data that illustrated sales volumes geographically and major employment centers.
Ms. Gerend described the key findings of her analysis. With regard to business /employment, she
explained employment was distributed around downtown and Hwy. 99 and Neighborhood Business
districts, most businesses were small, and there were over 100 businesses in retail, services, healthcare,
food /accommodations, construction, and finance /insurance. Edmonds' daytime population is
approximately 8,000 less than the nighttime population but there are a high percentage of residents who
work and live in Edmonds. She summarized the trends indicate the City's future is primarily in small
businesses and there is demand for situations where people can live and work in the City.
Key findings with regard to land use indicate that while the market for development is robust regionally,
land use regulations and design review processes in most of Edmonds' business districts currently make
redevelopment challenging or highly unlikely. While focusing on downtown and Hwy. 99, Edmonds'
planning efforts have neglected the neighborhood business districts in recent years. The existing
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
November 29, 2005
Page 9
development code is confusing for applicants and difficult to administer, resulting in numerous
miscommunications and complaints that require significant staff time to resolve.
She described key findings with regard to revenues reveal there is substantial leakage in consumer
spending outside the City; revenues are distributed around Hwy. 99, downtown and the neighborhood
business district. Edmonds could benefit greatly from diversifying its tax base in order to protect
residents' cost of living. Economic development in business districts provides revenues for the city and
local schools. Edmonds has historically lost out on many revenue opportunities such as annexing Aurora
Village and the James Center.
With regard to tourism, according to the State's tourism office, Washington's target audience is the urban
naturalist who is active, young- minded, sophisticated and seeks a variety of authentic experiences. A
greater variety of lodging opportunities, especially near the waterfront, would help maximize the tourism
potential of Edmonds and special events focusing on the arts, food, and environment will likely continue
to popular draws.
Ms. Gerend cited recent economic development in other areas including the Kent station, Lynnwood's
Town Center, Mill Creek Towne Center, downtown Mercer Island, Renton, Everett waterfront and
riverfront, Marysville, Northgate, Sammamish Town Center, and Redmond Town Center, noting these
cities were proactively determining their future, quality of life and revenues.
Ms. Gerend described her analysis of Edmonds' strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats
(SWOT). Edmonds' strengths include picturesque waterfront community, real neighborhoods and
business centers, access to mass transit, downtown specialty retailers and food establishments, events and
festivals, historic buildings, Stevens Hospital and international business district. She reviewed sample
policies regarding these strengths such as utilize incentives and the historic preservation building code to
encourage property owners to register eligible historic buildings; promote the visitor /tourism sector,
sustain and develop facilities that attract tourists, conferences, professional training sporting events and
other recreational opportunities; and explore options such as business improvement districts /areas as a
way to help shopping areas fund marking and beautification in a sustainable fashion.
Ms. Gerend described Edmonds' weaknesses as limited trade area, state B &O tax structure implications
on small business communities, land use regulations in the business districts, and multiple property
owners in commercial areas. She reviewed sample policies regarding weaknesses such as adopt land use
and zoning that is supportive of responsible economic development, develop or maintain business
recruitment programs and create a tool box of incentives to encourage retail and other commercial
development, and promote a results- oriented permit process which consolidates review timelines,
eliminates unnecessary steps, and maintains a strong customer service approach.
She described opportunities in Edmonds that include using location and character to leverage additional
economic development, nurturing and recruiting locally -owned unique businesses, existing and future
transit hub at Harbor Square, Edmonds Center for the Arts and opportunity it provides for the 4 t Avenue
Arts Corridor, fiber and Wi -Fi technology, and neighborhood business centers. Sample policies with
regard to these opportunities include developing land use regulations that will encourage Transit Oriented
Development in the Harbor Square and old Safeway area, strengthening neighborhood business centers
through community planning and commercial revitalization, and taking advantage of technology
opportunities that could result in new revenue streams or amenities.
Ms. Gerend described threats that include lifestyle villages and new town centers, wider variety of
housing options and more commercial space elsewhere, the downtown first floor storefront dilemma,
business recruiters from other cities targeting Edmonds businesses, and lack of a long -term vision for
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
November 29, 2005
Page 10
sustaining or improving the Edmonds quality of life with projected revenues. Sample policies with regard
to these threats include developing a housing strategy that plans for variety of housing options,
encouraging and expanding business expansion and retention programs, implementing regulations that
will ensure the development of quality retail and commercial space that can accommodate a variety of
future users, and utilizing parking requirements, especially downtown, as an incentive to encourage
business development.
Ms. Gerend invited the Council to provide comments and questions on her analysis to guide the
development of the Economic Development element of the Comprehensive Plan.
For Councilmember Moore, Ms. Gerend explained the largest sales volume areas in the City were car
dealerships on Hwy. 99, waterfront restaurants, and grocery and drug stores in neighborhood business
districts.
Councilmember Moore referred to key Endings with regard to land use and asked whether Ms. Gerend
planned to make suggestions /recommendations about how to address these issues. Ms. Gerend described
her plans to conduct neighborhood meetings in January /February with businesses and residents to discuss
redevelopment, what residents wanted, how to make the businesses more pedestrian friendly, etc.
Councilmember Moore pointed out the Council had addressed the issue of problems with the
development code via funding a code rewrite in the 2006 budget. Councilmember Moore then referred to
the finding regarding diversifying the tax base and encouraged Ms. Gerend to provide guidance on how to
accomplish this.
Councilmember Moore pointed out the key findings with regard to tourism were similar to those she
addressed in a memo to the Council earlier this year. She asked whether Ms. Gerend had any
recommendations with regard to lodging. Ms. Gerend answered she met recently with the Port regarding
their plans for the Harbor Square area. She suggested the Council may also want to consider the City's
policies with regard to Bed & Breakfasts.
Councilmember Moore agreed with Ms. Gerend's SWOT survey, noting another of Edmonds' strengths
was the strong sense of community. She requested further information regarding the City's business
recruitment program. She referred to the results- oriented permitting process, noting that did not appear to
be a policy issue but rather an administrative issue and something that could be undertaken immediately.
Ms. Gerend agreed, noting most cities with an economic development element in their Comprehensive
Plan included that as a policy propriety.
Councilmember Moore applauded the inclusion of the lack of a long -term vision for sustaining and
improving or sustaining the Edmonds quality of life with projected revenues as a threat. She questioned
the inclusion of parking requirements as a sample policy regarding threats. Ms. Gerend pointed out the
importance of considering parking policies as a tool for encouraging the feasibility of business
development. She cited other cities such as Seattle and Fairhaven whose creative parking policies have
assisted with business development.
Council President Marin expressed support for the proposed Economic Development element. He
observed the H. yett Palma study was not included in the list of major sources of information and
suggested Ms. Gerend review that study to determine whether there was any information of value that
could be included. With regard to sample opportunity policies, he requested adding Hwy. 99 as an
opportunity for Transit Oriented Housing.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
November 29, 2005
Page I I
Councilmember Plunkett recalled a new merchant mentioned he was in town specifically as a result of
Ms. Gerend, a business that represented approximately $30,000 - $40,000 in tax revenue to the City.
Councilmember Plunkett noted the information provided was nothing new and had been generated by
numerous committees in recent years. He recognized Ms. Gerend was very process oriented, and
although it was important to include this information in the Economic Development element, ultimately
the Council needed assistance in how to address the issues raised. Ms. Gerend agreed different versions
of this information had been generated over time but it had never been included in an Economic
development element of the Comprehensive Plan. With regard to specific recommendations, she advised
some of those would be brought forward to the Planning Board and she encouraged the Council to
support them when they reached the Council level. Mayor Haakenson pointed out the development of an
Economic Development element was the result of a Council's request at the retreat.
Councilmember Wilson suggested the Snohomish County Tomorrow Growth Monitoring Report as
another major source of information due to its population and employment forecasts and targets that could
be used as a tool for determining progress. With regard to business recruitment, he pointed out the
importance of not just creating jobs but creating living wage jobs. He recommended including a policy
regarding attracting businesses that provide living wage jobs. He referred to a recent Seattle Times
opinion article regarding the difference between employment created by Wal -Mart and Costco, noting the
creation of low paying jobs was not necessary best for the local economy. He suggested that be reflected
in the types of businesses the City chose to recruit. He suggested creating goals /targets for per capita
revenue. With regard to leakage, he suggested tracking leakage on an annual basis.
Councilmember Wilson pointed out the City was in competition with other cities throughout the region
and the State and the City needed to adopt a competitive attitude toward business recruitment and
retention. He agreed the City had lost opportunities based on shortsighted decisions. He commented the
market was currently in a growth cycle and the City needed to act while opportunities existed; the sooner
the Council adopted economic development policies, the sooner they could be implemented.
Councilmember Wilson expressed support for creating a tool box for business recruitment, pointing out
economic development was more than recruiting businesses, it was positioning the City in a manner that
businesses wanted to locate here and identifying shortcomings and bringing recommendations to the
Council. He urged the Council to consider staff's suggestions to implement the economic development
policies if economic development were to succeed. He pointed out other important factors in business
recruitment were identifying what residents wanted in the community and analyzing the cost/benefit
analysis of various business types. He suggested a policy that emphasized recruitment of businesses that
provided the most revenue and the least impact on services.
Councilmember Wilson agreed with Ms. Gerend's analysis regarding neighborhood business centers. He
pointed out the success of lifestyle centers in other communities, and recommended the City consider
ways to create opportunities for similar centers. He recommended including measurable goals in the
Comprehensive Plan so that progress toward meeting those goals could be analyzed.
Councilmember Olson asked Ms. Gerend what further information she needed from the Council. Ms.
Gerend requested the Council identify information they did not want included in the economic
development element and invited Councilmembers to contact her with any additional comments with
regard to information they wanted included. Councilmember Olson expressed her support for the
information in the element regarding neighborhood business district redevelopment.
7. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Haakenson had no report.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
November 29, 2005
Page 12
8. INDIVIDUAL COUNCIL REPORTS ON OUTSIDE COMMITTEEBOARD MEETINGS
Community Council President Marin referred to a common complaint about empty Community Transit buses on
Transit routes in the City. He explained Edmonds, the second largest city in Snohomish County, had more routes
than most other cities. As a result, most of the routes began or ended in Edmonds and there may be few
riders at the beginning or end of a route. A frequent bus rider, he explained there were often only 1-2
riders at the beginning of the route but the bus was full by the time it reached its destination. He recalled
being one of 11 people standing on a recent trip when the bus arrived at Edmonds Community College.
He referred to another common misconception that Community Transit could utilize smaller buses during
times when there were fewer riders. He described the difficulty with drivers changing buses throughout
the day, recognizing in order to provide a viable service there would be times when the buses would not
be full. He summarized overall Community Transit, Sound Transit Metro, and Sounder provided fairly
good service to the City.
Council President Marin advised the Community Transit Board would soon be considering a resolution
regarding proceeding with Bus Rapid Transit on Hwy. 99. He explained this would provide more
frequent headways and faster and more interesting service.
Snohomish Councilmember Wilson advised the November Snohomish County Tomorrow meeting was cancelled;
County
Tomorrow their next meeting was scheduled for December 14.
South Councilmember Olson reported on the South Snohomish Cities meeting, advising Bothell was
Snohomish considering joining. She urged Community Transit to extend the Bus Rapid Transit lanes to Seattle rather
Cities than having them end at Aurora Village.
Tree Lighting Councilmember Moore commended the Chamber of Commerce on the hugely successful tree lighting
ceremony.
Councilmember Moore recalled Ms. Gerend cited Stevens Hospital as one of Edmonds' strengths,
Steven's commenting after two opportunities to utilize the services at Stevens Hospital, she agreed the hospital was
Hospital a big advantage for Edmonds and South Snohomish County. She commented on the excellent staff and
facility at Stevens Hospital, noting the incredible longevity of some employees, many of whom also live
in Edmonds.
EWHS Student Representative Landry announced Edmonds-Woodway High School's upcoming annual food and
Annual Food toy drive with the food being donated to the Edmonds Food Bank and toys to the Ryther Child Center.
and Toy Drive
He encouraged the public to donate when students were collecting at local grocery stores.
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 9:02 p.m.
eARY • ENSON, MAYOR A"Rie6e:t CHASE, CITY CLERK
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
November 29,2005
Page 13
MkAGENDA
-� EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL
Council Chambers, Public Safety Complex
250 5th Avenue North
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
NOVEMBER 29, 2005
7:00 p.m. - Call to Order and Flag Salute
1. Approval of Agenda
2. Consent Agenda Items
(A) Roll Call
(B) Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes of November 15, 2005.
(C) Approval of claim checks #83831 through #83939 for the week of November
14, 2005, in the amount of $358,138.20, and checks #83940 through #84038 for
the week of November 21, 2005, in the amount of $430,791.03. Approval of
payroll direct deposits and checks #42123 through #42282 for the period
November 1 through November 15, 2005, in the amount of$1,082,278.14.*
*Information regarding claim checks may be viewed electronically at www.ci.edmonds.wa.us
(D) Acknowledge receipt of Claim for Damages from Brad Mahaffey ($241.09).
(E) Approval of list of Edmonds businesses applying for renewal of their Liquor
Licenses with the Washington State Liquor Control Board.
(F) Report on final construction costs for the Meter C Rehabilitation Project and
Council acceptance of project.
(G) Report on final construction costs for the Daley Street Sewer Line
Replacement Project and Council acceptance of project.
(H) Report on final construction costs for the Library Plaza Roof Rehabilitation
Project and Council acceptance of project.
(I) Report on final construction costs for the SR104 Sewer Main Rehabilitation
Project and Council acceptance of project.
(J) Report on final construction costs for the 2004 Waterline Replacement
Project/Phase I and Council acceptance of project.
(K) Authorization to call for bids for the Glen-Daley Alley Improvements Project.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
NOVEMBER 29, 2005
3. (30 Min.) Presentation on renovation and development of former Woodway High School
Play Fields.
4. (30 Min.) Presentation and proposal by the Edmonds Skate Park Work Group.*
*A public hearing on this matter is scheduled on December 6, 2005.
5. Audience Comments (3 Minute Limit Per Person)*
*Regarding matters not listed on the Agenda as Closed Record Review or as Public Hearings.
6. (30 Min.) Work Session on the Economic Development Element of the Comprehensive
Plan.
7. ( 5 Min.) Mayor's Comments
8. (15 Min.) Individual Council reports on outside committee/board meetings.
ADJOURN
I
I
Parking and meeting rooms are accessible for persons with disabilities.
Please contact the City Clerk at(425) 771-0245 with 24 hours advance notice for special accommodations.
A delayed telecast of the meeting appears on cable television- Government Access Channel 21.
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