10/24/2000 City CouncilEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
October 24, 2000
The Edmonds City Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Gary Haakenson in the
Library Plaza Room, 650 Main Street, followed by the flag salute.
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Gary Haakenson, Mayor
Thomas A. Miller, Council President
Dave Earling, Councilmember .
Michael Plunkett, Councilmember
Jim White, Councilmember (arrived 7:04 p.m.)
Lora Petso, Councilmember
Dave Orvis, Councilmember
Christopher Davis, Councilmember
STAFF PRESENT
Tom Tomberg, Fire Chief
Robin Hickok, Police Chief
Duane Bowman, Development Serv. Director
Stephen Clifton, Community Services Director
Peggy Hetzler, Administrative Services Director
Brent Hunter, Human Resources Director
Sandy Chase, City Clerk
Jana Spellman, Senior Executive Council Asst.
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
ange to COUNCIL PRESIDENT MILLER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER DAVIS, TO
enda ADD "PROPOSED RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR FUNDING
ASSISTANCE TO THE SNOHOMISH COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT CONSORTIUM IN ORDER TO INSTALL IMPROVEMENTS TO ENHANCE ADA
ACCESSIBILITY ON CERTAIN CITY PLAYGROUNDS, PARKS AND PLAYFIELDS" AS
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM G. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. (Councilmember White
was not present for the vote.)
2. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
COUNCILMEMBER DAVIS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT MILLER, FOR
APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED.
(Councilmember White was not present for the vote.) The agenda items approved are as follows:
(A) ROLL CALL
oved r
10/1 pp7 (B) APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 17, 2000
Pinutes
Approved (C) APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS #44083 THROUGH #44278 FOR THE WEEK OF
Claim OCTOBER 16, 2000 IN THE AMOUNT OF $369,564.35. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
Checks CHECKS #31489 THROUGH #31705 FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 1 THROUGH
OCTOBER 15, 2000, IN THE AMOUNT OF $436,406.26
neral (D) REPORT ON THE GENERAL FUND AND OTHER SELECTED FUNDS FINANCIAL
nd POSITION FOR THE MONTH ENDED SEPTEMBER 2000
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 24, 2000
Page 1
ake a
Difference (E) PROCLAMATION IN HONOR OF "MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY," SATURDAY,
Day OCTOBER 26, 2000
Ord #3330 (F) ORDINANCE NO. 3330 AMENDING THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 3.24, TAXING
Prohibiting AND REGULATION OF GAMBLING, TO ENACT A NEW SECTION 3.24.015 —
Cardrooms PROHIBITING CARDROOMS AS COMMERCIAL STIMULANTS
Reso #987
(G) RESOLUTION NO. 987 AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR FUNDING ASSISTANCE
Application
TO THE SNOHOMISH COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
to Sno. Co.
CONSORTIUM IN ORDER TO INSTALL IMPROVEMENTS TO ENHANCE ADA
DBG
Consortium
ACCESSIBILITY ON CERTAIN CITY PLAYGROUNDS, PARKS AND PLAYFIELDS
3. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Food Bank Al Rutledge, 7101 Lake Ballinger Way, Edmonds, reported the Edmonds Kiwanis Club was collecting
donations at the Edmonds Top Foods for the Food Bank. Mr. Rutledge also announced the Friends of the
riends of Edmonds Library book sale on October 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Center.
the Library
Roger Hertrich,1020 Puget Drive, Edmonds, congratulated the Council on their decision last week not
to close Pine Street. He recommended studies be done to substantiate any street closures in the future.
Dedicated He recalled a representative with the Washington State Department of Transportation mentioned
Lanes for p g p p
Ferry Traffic Edmonds did not have dedicated lanes for ferry traffic. He asked whether the Council would be
interested in determining how much pavement from the overpass to Dayton that could be re- striped to
create dedicated lanes for ferry traffic storage. He said there was adequate space for three lanes
westbound, two for ferry traffic and one through lane.
Year 2001 4. PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING ESTABLISHING PROPERTY TAX LEVIES FOR THE YEAR
Property Tax 2001
Levies
Administrative Services Director Peggy Hetzler explained under State law, the City was required to
establish its 2001 property tax levy on or before November 30, 2000, and provide an ordinance to
Snohomish County Assessor no later than December 15. This year the Snohomish County Assessor has
requested the levy ordinance be submitted by November 15 due in part to the new property evaluation
system they are implementing and to be prepared in the event I -722 passed. The levies to be determined
by the ordinance include the regular property tax levy and the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) levy.
If the Council wished to consider a property tax increase in excess of the Implicit Price Deflator, the
Council would need to determine the existence of an emergent need and approve it by a super majority
vote.
Ms. Hetzler explained the preliminary budget did not propose a property tax increase for 2001 and the
ordinance established the 2001 regular property tax levy and EMS levy at the 2000 levy rate, adjusted for
the value of new construction. She said if I -722 passed in November, the ordinance may need to be
revised to reflect those changes. She estimated the value of new construction for the regular property tax
levy to be approximately $75,000 and approximately $20,000 for the EMS levy, explaining since these
estimates were created without the benefit of firin figures from the Assessor's office, the City was
advised to estimate the value of new construction on the high side. Historically, the value of new
construction for the regular property tax levy was approximately $65,000 and $15,000 for the EMS levy.
Mayor Haakenson opened the public participation portion of the public hearing.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 24, 2000
Page 2
Al Rutledge, 7101 Lake Ballinger Way, Edmonds, commented on the possibility of the City imposing
an emergency tax increase. He pointed out there were numerous homes for sale throughout the City, by
his estimate, 300 -400 homes. Before imposing an emergency tax increase, he recommended the Council
determine why those residents were selling their homes.
Mayor Haakenson explained no tax increase was proposed for 2001. Mr. Rutledge commented if I -722
passed, the City may need to increase taxes.
Hearing no further comment, Mayor Haakenson closed the public participation portion of the public
hearing.
COUNCILMEMBER PLUNKETT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER ORVIS, FOR
APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE NO. 3331. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The ordinance
approved is as follows:
Ord #3331 ORDINANCE NO. 3331 OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS, WASHINGTON, MAKING CERTAIN
Year 2001 LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS, ESTABLISHING THE REGULAR PROPERTY TAX LEVY FOR
Property Tax 2001 AT THE 2000 LEVY ADJUSTED FOR THE VALUE OF NEW CONSTRUCTION, LEVYING
Levies
AN EMS LEVY AT THE 2000 LEVY ADJUSTED FOR THE VALUE OF NEW CONSTRUCTION,
LEVYING CURRENT TAXES OF $733,880 FOR VOTED INDEBTEDNESS FOR THE PUBLIC
SAFETY COMPLEX, AND FIXING A TIME WHEN THE SAME SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE.
Public 5. PUBLIC HEARING ON THE 2001 BUDGET
Hearing on
2001 Budget
Administrative Services Director Peggy Hetzler explained on October 10, 2000, Mayor Haakenson
presented the preliminary 2001 budget to the Council. At that time, the preliminary budget outlined
revenues in the amount of $22.1 million plus the use of $755,000 in beginning cash to fund the requested
$22.9 million in expenditures. Since that meeting, the 2001 preliminary budget had been adjusted to
reflect $770,000 in one -time expenditures that were originally proposed to be purchased in 2000. She
referred to the General Fund Forecast, indicating the forecast had been revised to show the $300,000 in
additional requests for 2001 and the beginning cash balance was adjusted accordingly. The $450,000
emergency reserve discussed at the October 10 meeting was also added to 2001 expenditures shown on
the forecast in the event the Council chose to take that action before the end of the year.
Ms. Hetzler explained the forecast showed total estimated 2001 revenues to be $22.2 million and total
expenditures to be $23.2 million, which would require the use of slightly over $1 million in beginning
cash to balance the 2001 budget. She explained the preliminary 2001 budget did not include a property
tax increase, no new revenue sources, no requests for new positions and no service level enhancements.
In effect, the 2001 budget represented the status quo for all the City's current service levels and
programs.
Mayor Haakenson opened the public participation portion of the public hearing.
Katherine. Segura, Executive Director, South County Senior Center, 220 Railroad Avenue,
Edmonds, explained the City's support was becoming increasingly important as a great deal of other
public funding had decreased over the past several years. She said 23% of the Senior Center's 2000
budget was public funds; the remaining 77% represented funds the Senior Center raised themselves. She
explained the Senior Center provided a broad spectrum of services and programs, including the addition
of a number of social service and health - related programs for older seniors. At the same time, the Senior
Center was attempting to create programming to attract younger seniors to the Senior Center. She
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 24, 2000
Page 3
emphasized the ultimate goal of their programs was to maximize the independence of seniors and
enhance their lifestyle.
Al Rutledge, 7101 Lake Ballinger Way, Edmonds, commented after the November 7 election, the
Council would make a decision whether they needed to increase taxes. He questioned how the City's
budget could have been $10.2 million in 1989 and double that amount in recent years. He recommended
the Council positions be full -time and the Council and Mayor's salaries be increased.
Richard Marin, 18918 80`x' Avenue W, Edmonds, commented he was impressed by the Council's
attention to detail and their efforts to develop a good budget. He was supportive of pursuing grants and
other funding opportunities as well as the funds in the budget for items such as street repairs. He said the
process to establish a baseline and add decision packages was an excellent method.
Mayor Haakenson closed the public participation portion of the public hearing.
Diversion of 6. REPORT FROM WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES REGARDING DIVERSION OF MUKILTEO
Mukilteo FERRY TO EDMONDS
Ferry to
Edmonds Joel Colby, Project Engineer, Washington State Ferries , explained the proposed project would
replace the Mukilteo ferry terminal wing walls whose function was to absorb the energy of berthing
vessels as well as hold the vessel in alignment during loading and unloading. He explained the wing
walls would be replaced one at a time, requiring the ferry terminal to be closed six hours each weekday.
He explained the project would begin on November 27 and was scheduled to be completed by February
15, 2001.
Mr. Colby displayed the construction schedule that outlined the Mukilteo ferry terminal closure Sunday
through Friday, 9:00 a.m. — 3:00 p.m. He explained normal ferry service would be provided from
Mukilteo until 9:00 a.m. Sunday through Friday. Beginning at 9:00 a.m., ferries between Clinton and
Mukilteo would operate from Clinton to Edmonds. A passenger only ferry would begin service between
Mukilteo and Clinton during the closure. At 3:00 p.m., normal service at Mukilteo would resume.
Mr. Colby displayed a graphic illustrating the route of the passenger only ferry route between Clinton
and Mukilteo and the car ferry. route between Clinton and Edmonds. He reviewed the ferry arrival and
departure times for the Clinton/Ednionds ferry and the passenger only ferry. He explained the impact to
Edmonds would be five ferry arrivals and departures per day, occurring Sunday through Friday between
9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
He reported three Police Officers would be on duty during the initial weeks to assist with operation.
Other mitigation provided included implementation of passenger only service between Clinton and
Mukilteo on weekdays only, a 500 car Park and Ride lot at the Everett Boeing plant where a free shuttle
will operate between the Mukilteo ferry terminal and the Boeing Park and Ride. Because the passenger
only ferry would operate only on weekdays, a shuttle would also be provided on Sundays from the
Edmonds ferry terminal during the hours of the closure.
Mr. Colby explained when the passenger only .ferry was closed due to winter storms, passengers would
board a vehicle ferry to Edmonds and be shuttled from the Edmonds ferry terminal to the Mukilteo
terminal and to the Boeing Park and Ride lot. No ferry service to Edmonds would be provided
December 22 through 26, December 31, January 1 or February 10.
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October 24, 2000
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Responding to questions, Mr. Colby answered on a typical day, approximately 4,500 vehicles and
passengers used the Mukilteo /Clinton run. Between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., approximately 1,600 used
the run. He said an origin designation survey indicated if a line were drawn halfway between Edmonds
and Mukilteo, 60% of the travelers go south of the line (bound for Seattle and the eastside) and 40% go
toward the Everett area. If the ferries were filled to capacity (130 vehicles), approximately 650 vehicles
would use the Edmonds terminal during the off -peak hours.
Medic 7 7.
Program
Mayor Haakenson explained the Medic 7 Board voted 4 -1 at their regular meeting to study dissolution of
the Medic 7 program as it exists today and possibly split it between the Edmonds and Lynnwood Fire
Departments. A committee was formed to look at the assets and liabilities of the organization as well as
any other important factors involving the split. The committee had its first meeting on October 12 and
discussed unfunded liabilities and assets and determined that the assets were fairly cut - and -dried and that
unfunded liabilities would be the topic of the next meeting. A lengthy discussion was held relating to the
question of whether it was a waste of time to discuss the dissolution if one city in particular was going to
vote no regardless of the committee's recommendation and whether the City Councils should vote on the
issue first before more energy was consumed in meetings. The committee finally concluded that the
Board was the body that needed to make the recommendation to the Councils, not the other way around.
DISCUSSION ON THE MEDIC 7 PROGRAM
Mayor Haakenson explained the committee did decide they wanted to keep the Councils updated on their
progress and wanted input from the Councils about their concerns. The committee planned to meet again
on Thursday, October 26 and by that time, Edmonds, Brier and Mountlake Terrace would have met with
their Councils; Woodway already offered their support. Lynnwood, while not willing to commit to a
timeline to discuss the issue with their Council, discussed the issue at a recent meeting.
Councilmember Petso asked if the cost of placing the Medic 7 paramedics on Edmonds' staff had been
determined. Fire Chief Tom Tomberg advised a tentative budget had been developed. The low end was
approximately $933,000. He explained the City would pay $732,000 in 2001 for the existing Medic 7
service. The Council identified an additional $200,000 in the 2001 as a contingency fund, so the
amounts were fairly consistent. He cautioned the cost was still subject to negotiations and there may be
other costs.
Councilmember Petso asked if the paramedics would be housed in fire stations or at Stevens Hospital.
Chief Tomberg answered consideration was being given to making minor alterations to Station 17
(located in the Public Safety Complex) to accommodate the paramedics. However, part of the
negotiation process may require the paramedics to remain at Stevens Hospital for some time.
Councilmember Petso recalled during the budget meetings Chief Tomberg mentioned the City had a
firefighter contract that was relatively rich in sick leave to the extent it was causing scheduling
difficulties and extensive overtime. She asked if the paramedics would need to be added to the
firefighter's contract. Chief Tomberg answered if the paramedics came to Edmonds, it would be with
their leave balances intact. Councilmember Petso asked if they would also be receiving the 48 days new
firefighters received. Chief Tomberg said that was subject to negotiation. He said most of the
paramedics are veterans who have accumulated vacation, leave and illness balances; part of the City's
proposal would be for them to bring those balances with them. Chief Tomberg said he did not
contemplate negotiations that offered paramedics another 384 hours.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 24, 2000
Page 5
Councilmember Petso asked whether additional staff and/or overtime would be necessary or whether the
same service could be provided at the same staffing levels. Chief Tomberg responded the paramedics
would likely come into Edmonds under the current firefighter's contract. However, a positive aspect of
their integration into the Edmonds Fire Department was that many of them would become firefighter -
paramedics, resulting in reduced overtime.
Councilmember Petso asked if there would be sufficient paramedics. Chief Tomberg said the current
proposal was nine paramedics, which would ensure a minimum of two on duty every duty day. He said
half the Medic 7 organization would be 8 paramedics. He recalled the Council authorized Edmonds to
participate with Mountlake Terrace, Medic 7 and District 1 in a hiring process and the Fire Department
had, as a result, established a list of paramedic candidates.
Councilmember Petso observed one paramedic would be added. Chief Tomberg answered at least one
paramedic would need to be hired to reach nine and to ensure three per shift.
David Clark, Medic 7 Paramedic, referred to the question whether the paramedics would cause an
increase in overtime for the Fire Department, and explained the $930,000 cost Chief Tomberg cited was
approximately half of the $1.86 million 2001 Medic 7 budget. He said the Medic 7 budget included over
$100;000 for overtime, therefore, the overtime cost for bringing the paramedics into the Edmonds Fire
Department was already included in the cost estimate and would not add substantially to that amount.
He said one of the reasons there was so much overtime at Medic 7 was they were understaffed; adding a
ninth paramedic should reduce the overtime budget. He said there was also benefit in a ninth person as
that individual could be utilized as a firefighter and further reduce overtime costs.
Chief Tomberg said the Fire Department had a vacancy that had not been filled because they were
waiting to see what happened. If that vacancy was filled with another paramedic, that individual could
also backfill and keep staffing at minimum levels.
Councilmember Petso asked if one of the motivations for dissolution of Medic 7 was Mountlake
Terrace's continual threat to withdraw. Mr. Clark agreed that was a component of the issue. He
explained for 20 years Medic 7 was operated as a consortium for the five south county cities and the
unincorporated areas. Throughout that time, Mountlake Terrace had taken the position they were not
able to support the funding levels for Medic 7 that other cities wanted to provide. Mountlake Terrace
now says they cannot afford even the previous funding level and have indicated they can no longer stay
in Medic 7.
Mr. Clark pointed out Edmonds and Lynnwood did not pay an equal share of the cost of Medic 7. Due to
the formula for calculating the cost for each city, Edmonds paid a higher proportion than Lynnwood but
did not receive substantially more call responses. He said one paramedic unit could serve Edmonds as
well, with automatic aid from Lynnwood, as the two paramedic units currently do in the Medic 7
program. He said if Edmonds took over its share of the paramedic services and operated the service
independently, the City would no longer be "held hostage" to the financial needs of its neighboring cities
or other requests /concerns of other cities. Edmonds could determine what its own needs were and what
it was willing to pay to meet those needs.
Councilmember Petso said the cost estimate to split Medic 7 between Edmonds and Lynnwood was
similar to the cost of paying Mountlake Terrace's share, approximately $200,000 per year. Chief
Tomberg advised Mountlake Terrace and Brier together contributed approx. imately $413,000 per year to
the Medic 7 budget, half would be approximately $206,000.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 24, 2000
Page 6
Councilmember Petso asked if Medic 7 remained in place and Mountlake Terrace chose to withdraw and
then made a decision to return, could they be accepted on specific terms (i.e. as a customer and a non-
voting member). Mr. Clarke said that would be easier to do if the paramedics were operated as part of
the Edmonds Fire Department versus operated by Medic 7. Mayor Haakenson said if Medic 7 remained
and Edmonds paid Mountlake Terrace's share, which the City would have to do if Mountlake Terrace
withdrew, Mountlake Terrace would have equal voting rights if they chose to return.
Responding to further questions, Mr. Clarke answered Woodway and Brier had voting privileges equal to
Edmonds voting privileges; each participant received one vote regardless of how much they paid. He
said Fire District 1 currently contracted with Medic 7 for the county areas in Esperance by contracting
with the City of Edmonds who was the fire provider for that area and operates the fire station in that area.
Councilmember Petso commented the advantage of retaining Medic 7 if Mountlake Terrace withdrew
was being relieved of Mountlake Terrace's vote regarding level of service and their lack of a long term
commitment to the program, but still receiving the benefit of their funding if they chose to return to
Medic 7, and still providing high quality Medic 7 service to Edmonds citizens who may be visiting
Mountlake Terrace. Chief Tomberg said if Mountlake Terrace withdrew, there would be no reason to
continue the Medic 7 structure. He pointed out Medic 7 was formed to serve six entities and it was not
appropriate to maintain it to serve only two entities.
Councilmember Petso said her proposal was to ensure if Mountlake Terrace chose to withdraw, how to
address their potential return. She said numerous citizens had expressed concern with the provision of
ALS services if they happened to be in Mountlake Terrace. She said there have also been comments
expressed by citizens indicating they liked having the paramedics stationed at Stevens Hospital. She said
citizens liked the way the system operated now and she doubted it would be difficult to get a long term
commitment from Lynnwood or Edmonds for the Medic 7. She recalled a previous comment by Ms.
Hetzler regarding funding via a pennanent EMS levy. Councilmember Petso acknowledged that did not
address other concerns such as job security for the paramedics and a paramedic retirement program but
there were many who would be willing to address those issues versus destroying the Medic 7 program.
She said the concerns did not appear to be sufficient to sacrifice Medic 7.
Chief Tomberg said if Mountlake Terrace withdrew, the cost was the same. Regarding the paramedics
being based at Steven's Hospital, they would still do follow -ups regardless of where they were stationed.
He pointed out Stevens Hospital was. on the City's eastern border. A better location for the paramedics
would be an area where demographics indicate citizens were most likely to have a cardiac episode, in the
bowl and on 5"' Avenue. He said the same level of service provided today would continue to be
provided. By placing paramedics in the Fire Department, not only would there be a dedicated Medic
unit, there would be a paramedic on an engine which meant a paramedic arrived sooner. He said the
local control would be extremely important and paramedics would become dual role firefighter -
paramedics, providing the City a better return on its investment. Chief Tomberg said service would be
improved and value added for the same amount of money.
Mr. Clarke added that one of the other incentives for moving paramedics into the Fire Department was,
the medic program today was already basically a fire operation — paramedics have Fire Department
personnel with them on every incident they respond to. However, the paramedics are technically a
separate organization. Once the paramedics were fully incorporated into the Fire Department, the unified
command and control function would improve service. He said that was the biggest reason for
combining paramedic service with the Fire Department. He said he too had received inquires regarding
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 24, 2000
Page 7
how medic service would be impacted by this change. He responded to inquiries that the service would
be as good or better.
Councilmember Petso said citizens have inquired how ALS would be provided to them when visiting
Mountlake Terrace. Chief Tomberg responded Mountlake Terrace would still have paramedic service
but he could not control what occurred in another city. He said Medic 7 did not guarantee service, citing
the possibility of paramedics being diverted to another area, in route to a hospital, etc. He said there
would actually be more paramedics in Edmonds and Lynnwood, and automatic aid agreements ensured
the next due unit responded. He said the automatic aid agreement with Mountlake Terrace would
continue. Mr. Clark said regardless of what Edmonds did, it would not impact the service level in
Mountlake Terrace and citizens visiting Mountlake Terrace would be subject to the service levels in that
city.
Mayor Haakenson asked who responded to a medic call in Edmonds if Medic 7 was on a call in Brier and
Medic 15 from the Lynnwood Fire Station was also in the Brier area. Mr. Clark answered if both Medic
7 units are out of service on a call, the next unit was Shoreline Medic 63, stationed at 15"' Avenue NW;
their ETA into downtown Edmonds was approximately 14 minutes. Mayor Haakenson inquired about
Fire District 1's response to Edmonds. Mr. Clark said Fire District 1 would be the third respondent, from
Fire Station 21 located '/4 mile east of I -5 in the vicinity of 164"'. Mayor Haakenson pointed out if Medic
7 was busy, Edmonds still received paramedic response. Mr. Clark said no city /agency could provide
enough paramedics to provide an 8- minute response to every call in the event of simultaneous calls.
However, highly trained and skilled firefighter EMTs were on the City's aid cars and engines and would
be able to resuscitate and transport a cardiac arrest victim regardless of whether a paramedic was present.
Chief Tomberg explained the Medic 7 dispatch order was Medic 17 from Stevens Hospital, Medic 15
from Station .15 in Lynnwood at 188 "' and 44"`, Medic 63 from Shoreline at 175`h and I -5; Medic 21 from
District 1, Medic 11 from District 1 and Medic 76 from Bothell.
Councilmember Petso referred to Chief Tomberg's comment that Edmonds would be hiring an additional
paramedic and Lynnwood would be hiring additional paramedics. Chief Tomberg said an Edmonds'
vacancy, created when a senior firefighter retired, had not been filled. He said the position was not filled
due to the desire to wait and see what happened. He preferred to hire the tenth person to be a paramedic
because that would put more paramedics in the field.
Councilmember Petso questioned whether the paramedic would be the ninth person or the tenth. Chief
Tomberg said a factor of 9/16' was applied to the personnel side of the budget, allowing him to hire nine
with the funding he discussed earlier, however, he had a tenth vacancy. Mayor Haakenson clarified it
was as yet unknown whether Lynnwood wanted to do this.
Councilmember Petso observed with the emphasis on consolidation. over the past few years and the
benefits provided by consolidation, it appeared splitting the paramedics between two cities, each hiring
more paramedics and the third city hiring more paramedics, seemed to be the opposite of consolidation.
She asked how all the hiring could be achieved on the same budget.
For Councilmember Orvis, Chief Tomberg explained there was a minimum of three personnel in each
station; on certain days, one would be a paramedic. Councilmember Orvis inquired whether the tiered
level of service would remain. Chief Tomberg responded the tiered response would not change,
BLS /EMT responded to calls that were triaged to require that level of service; however, there may be a
paramedic on that call, just because that was where they were assigned on that day. If the call was ALS
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 24, 2000
Page 8
under the criteria -based dispatch, the paramedic unit with two paramedics would respond. Once cross -
training was accomplished, one of those paramedics, or both, would be firefighter- paramedics. He
explained two paramedics would respond to all ALS calls, exactly like the level of service adopted by the
Medic 7 Board on March 12, 1998 — two EMT /defibrillator in four minutes and two paramedics in eight
minutes. He pointed out that response time was often exceeded (improved).
Councilmember Orvis observed the cost of ALS would be the same for the Medic 7 organization if
Mountlake Terrace and Brier withdrew. Chief Tomberg explained Mountlake Terrace and Brier paid
$413,000; when they withdrew, a $413,000 deficiency in the budget would need to be addressed. Mr.
Clarke pointed out Edmonds received a payment for contract services provided to Fire District 1,
approximately $80,000, which was forwarded to Medic 7. If the City operated its own paramedic
program, those funds would be retained by the City.
Councilmember Davis expressed his appreciation for Chief Tomberg's planning for the dissolution of
Medic 7. He observed the planning appeared to be such that the Fire Department could assume the
paramedic function in the Fire Department if Medic 7 were dissolved in as little as six months. Chief
Tomberg answered if it was necessary, this could occur tomorrow. He explained what preparations had
been made including the support of IAFF Union Local 1828 and Paramedics IAFF Union Local 3524,
preparation of a tentative budget, the Council identified $200,000 in contingency, and a preliminary
process for bringing the paramedics into the City had been outlined (bringing vacation, sick leave,
seniority, etc.). He said Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Taylor was attending the National Fire Academy
from October 23 through November 3, enrolled in a class entitled Advanced Management of EMS
Systems. (Chief Tomberg clarified the City paid only for Assistant Chief Taylor's meals; his travel was
reimbursed and his accommodations were at no charge.)
Chief Tomberg also pointed out the job descriptions for firefighter- paramedics and paramedics had been
presented to the Civil Service Commission and approved by Union Local 1828. The Snohomish County
Medical Program Director was currently conducting a field count of intubations (inserting a breathing
tube into a victim's lungs) in the City of Edmonds to ensure there would be enough paramedic calls in
the City of Edmonds to allow paramedics to maintain their proficiency in intubations. The Medical
Service Administrator for Medic 7 indicated Edmonds' call volume would support up to 12 paramedics.
Chief Tomberg said minor modifications were being made at Station 17 to accommodate the assignment
of paramedics and a joint hiring list for paramedics had been established with Mountlake Terrace,
District 1 and Medic 7.
Councilmember Davis asked, if Mountlake Terrace withdrew, what were the benefits, risks and/or
problems of Edmonds withdrawing themselves. He commented the Council should discuss this option as
it may be the end result if one city's vote did not allow Medic 7 to be dissolved. .
Councilmember White recalled the Medic 7 Board voted 4 -1 to open a discussion of dissolving Medic 7
with the dissenting vote cast by Lynnwood. He questioned why Lynnwood was not willing to discuss the
issue. Mayor Haakenson answered Lynnwood's representative indicated in a committee meeting they
were willing to discuss unfunded liabilities but would not discuss any other issue because the direction
from their Council, set by resolution, dictated what type of medic services were provided to the
community. The Lynnwood City Council would need to make that decision. However, the Medic 7
Board had the responsibility to study dissolution. If the recommendation was to authorize dissolution
and a vote for dissolution failed, another alternative would be considered.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 24, 2000
Page 9
Councilmember White asked whether every entity involved in Medic 7 except Lynnwood agreed
dissolution was appropriate. Mayor Haakenson answered although Stevens Hospital did not provide any
service, they had a vote on any Medic 7 issue. However, Stevens Hospital was absent the day the vote
was taken. He clarified Mountlake Terrace, Brier, Woodway, the Edmonds firefighters and Medic 7
paramedics were in favor of dissolution. Edmonds Council has not yet taken a position and Lynnwood
appeared not to favor dissolution.
Councilmember White asked the position of Lynnwood's firefighters. Mr. Clark said that issue arose at
the meeting and Lynnwood Councilmember Gough and he disagreed on the position of the Lynnwood
firefighters. Mr. Clark said his understanding was they supported dissolution but Councilmember Gough
may be correct in that they may not have had a vote to verify that support.
Councilmember White said his understanding was a paramedic could be placed in Edmonds fire response
vehicles, whether aid cars or fire engines, downtown at the main station and that 'paramedics could reach
a senior in a condominium in downtown Edmonds faster than a paramedic from Stevens Hospital could
reach him/her. Chief Tomberg agreed, based on driving time. Councilmember White observed whether
or not Mountlake Terrace chose to employ paramedics was not within Edmonds' control. Chief
Tomberg agreed, but commented his understanding was Mountlake Terrace intended to employ
paramedics.
Councilmember White envisioned dissolution would improve the level of service at the same cost and
eliminate the Medic 7 entity.. Chief Tomberg said the Medic 7 consortium had served the community
admirably but it was time to move on.
Council President Miller commented this appeared to be the right solution at the right time. He agreed
with Chief Tomberg that at the time the Medic 7 program was established, it was appropriate based on
the need of the community at that time. He recalled 3 -4 years ago when Fire District 1 threatened to
withdraw from the Medic 7 program and the impacts to the City when that occurred and the increased
instability of Medic 7 each year. He said the instability of Medic 7 upset the lives of the paramedics and
impacted service., He emphasized it was time to take a positive step. He was pleased with the solution
proposed by Mayor Haakenson to the Medic 7 Board, a solution supported by the firefighter and
paramedic unions and four of the five cities. He was concerned that under the political makeup of Medic
7, although the Board could vote 4 -1 to study dissolution, one city had veto power over the ultimate
decision. He said this was an obstacle and problem with the current Medic 7 program. He agreed with
Councilmember Davis' comment, if Edmonds was subject to veto power by one city and this solution
was vetoed by one city, which it appeared would happen, the alternative would be to consider
contingencies such as Edmonds withdrawing and recruiting members of Medic 7 to create its own
paramedic system.
Mayor Haakenson reiterated withdrawing from Medic 7 would be the last resort for him. Although there
was nothing that kept Edmonds from withdrawing and hiring its own paramedics, he preferred to work
through the system and reach agreement with the other Boardmembers. Chief Tomberg agreed,
commenting his preference would be for the 16 Medic 7 paramedics to be divided amicably between
Lynnwood and Edmonds. He pointed out paramedics already operate out of Station 15. He hoped the
cities would be able to continue a dialogue and reach consensus. He agreed withdrawing remained a
contingency plan.
Council President Miller said he too was supportive of reaching a solution and hoped one could be
reached but said Edmonds needed to put Lynnwood on notice that at the same time, if they chose to
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 24, 2000
Page 10
exercise veto power, Edmonds may need to take positive action to resolve this issue and still provide
superior paramedic services to citizens.
Mayor Haakenson pointed out no other action of the Medic 7 Board required a unanimous vote other
than dissolution. If Edmonds withdrew from Medic 7, the City would have no claim on any Medic 7
assets such as vehicles, etc. but would be responsible for its share of the liabilities. He cautioned there
was a cost involved with withdrawing from Medic 7.
Councilmember Plunkett said the Council needed to know the dollar amount of what would be lost by
withdrawing from Medic 7. Mayor Haakenson said the October 26 committee meeting would include
discussion of the value of the assets as well as establishing the level of liabilities. He reiterated his
preference for the process to work in an orderly manner such as dividing assets and liabilities rather than
the last resort of Edmonds withdrawing from Medic 7 and creating its own program.
Councilmember Earling suggested staff develop a comparison /narrative /information sheet describing the
pros and cons of this issue that could be distributed to citizens interested in understanding this issue.
Chief Tomberg,offered to develop such a list.
Mr. Clark summarized the firefighters and paramedics unions would like to see Medic 7 paramedics in
fire stations as soon as possible. He said there were advantages to doing that by early next year due to
training necessary to become firefighter- paramedics. He hoped something could be done to make him an
employee of Edmonds by early next year. Regarding whether citizens would see, a difference in how
paramedic services would be delivered, Mr. Clark said Chief Tomberg and he disagreed on only one
issue, how to deploy paramedics. Chief Tomberg favored a system of deployment that resulted in two
paramedics arriving on two separate units (to spread them out somewhat), rather than having two
paramedics on one unit.
8. MAYOR'S REPORT
10/28 Town Mayor Haakenson advised the second Town Meeting would be held Saturday, October 28 from 9:00 a.m.
Meeting to 11:00 a.m. at the Edmonds Theater. Participants could discuss the budget, Medic 7 or any other issue.
o Council
Meeting on Mayor Haakenson said no Council meeting would be held on the fifth Tuesday, October 31.
10/31
11/4 Budget I Mayor Haakenson reminded the Council of the next Council budget work session on November 4 from
work 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the 3rd floor of City Hall. He said the public was invited and encouraged to
Session attend. The next regular City Council meeting was scheduled for Monday, November 6 at 7:00 p.m. in
the Library Plaza Room due to the election on Tuesday, November 7.
9. INDIVIDUAL COUNCIL REPORTS/UPDATES ON RESPECTIVE BOARD MEETINGS
There were no Council reports.
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
A--� -
RY H A.ENSON, MAYOR
aF/ mod. t -d.
SANDRA S. CHASE, CITY CLERK.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 24, 2000
Page I 1
AGENDA
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL
Plaza Meeting Room - Library Building
650 Main Street
7:00 -10:00 p.m.
OCTOBER 24, 2000
SPECIAL MEETING
7:00 P.M. - CALL TO ORDER
FLAG SALUTE
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
2. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
(A) ROLL CALL
(B) APPROVAL OF'CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 17, 2000
(C) APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS #44083 THROUGH #44278 FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 16, 2000, IN
THE AMOUNT OF $369,564.35. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL CHECKS #31489 THROUGH #31705, FOR THE
PERIOD OCTOBER 1 THROUGH OCTOBER 15, 2000, IN THE AMOUNT OF $436,406.26.
(D) REPORT ON THE .GENERAL FUND AND OTHER SELECTED FUNDS FINANCIAL POSITION FOR TH
MONTH ENDED SEPTEMBER 2000
(E) PROCLAMATION IN HONOR OF "MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY," SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2000
(F) PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 3.24, TAXING AND REGULATION
OF GAMBLING, TO ENACT A NEW SECTION 3.24.015 - PROHIBITING CARDROOMS AS COMMERCIAL
STIMULANTS
3. AUDIENCE COMMENTS (3 Minute Limit Per Person)
4. (30 Min.) PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING ESTABLISHING PROPERTY TAX LEVIES FOR THE YEAR 2001
5. (30 Min.) PUBLIC HEARING ON THE 2001 BUDGET
6. (15 Min.) REPORT FROM WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES REGARDING DIVERSION OF MUKILTEO FERRY TO
EDMONDS
7. (20 Min.) DISCUSSION ON THE MEDIC 7 PROGRAM
8. ( 5 Min.) MAYOR'S REPORT
9. (15 Min.) INDIVIDUAL COUNCIL REPORTS/UPDATES ON RESPECTIVE BOARD MEETINGS
Parking and meeting rooms are accessible for persons with disabilities. Contact the City Clerk at (425) 771 -0245 with 24 hours advance
notice for special accommodations. The Council Agenda appears on Chambers Cable, Channel 46. Delayed telecast of this meeting appears
the following Wednesday at noon and 7:00 p. m., as well as, Friday and Monday at noon on Channel 46.