02/11/1985 City CouncilTHESE MINUTES SUBJECT
TO FEBRUARY 19 APPROVAL
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
February 11, 1985
(Work Meeting)
The regular meeting of the Edmonds City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor
Larry Naughten in the Plaza Meeting Room of the Edmonds Library. All .present joined in
the flag salute.
PRESENT ABSENT
Larry Naughten, Mayor Jo -Ann Jaech
Steve Dwyer Lloyd Ostrom
Laura Hall Doug Reuble,
Bill Kasper Student Rep
John Nordquist
Jack Wilson
CTAPP PRFSFNT
Dan Prinz, Police Chief
Jim Adams, City Engineer
Jack Weinz, Fire Chief
Bobby Mills, Actg. Pub. Wks. Supt.
Mary Lou Block, Planning Director
Jackie Parrett, City Clerk
Scott Snyder, City Attorney
Shirlie Witzel, Recorder
Mayor Naughten announced that Student Representative Doug Reuble was not able to attend
this evening. Councilmember Kasper arrived at 8:00 p.m. during the Mayor's portion of
the Agenda.
CONSENT AGENDA
Councilmember Hall raised a point of order regarding the Council practice of recessing
to executive session and not reconvening to adjourn. She said people had waited for the
Council to reconvene following the last executive session. City Attorney Scott Snyder
said there is usually a lack of quorum following the executive session and the meeting
is automatically ended. He added that the Council cannot adjourn to executive session,
.since adjournment ends the meeting. One solution -would be for the Council to return and
formally adjourn, but he does not believe there is a procedural problem. Councilmember
Hall said the problem occurs when the public wait, expecting the Council to reconvene.
She asked that a solution be worked out.
Item (C) was removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion. COUNCILMEMBER HALL MOVED,
SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER WILSON, TO APPROVE THE BALANCE OF THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION
CARRIED. The approved items on the Consent Agenda included the following:
(A) Roll call.
(B) Approval of minutes of February 5, 1985.
(D) Authorize Mayor to accept hold harmless agreement for construction of
drainage facility.
ACCEPTANCE OF QUIT CLAIM DEED FROM MARGUERITE ELKINS FOR STREET RIGHT4f-WAY
Item C on Consent Agenda
Councilmember Nordquist asked if the ten foot right-of-way to the west had been obtained
from the PUD. Planning Director Mary Lou Block said the Official Street map shows that
the subject property is the only piece not owned by the City along that section of the
street. COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER WILSON, TO ACCEPT QUIT
CLAIM DEED FROM MARGUERITE ELKINS. MOTION CARRIED.
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 1 February 11, 1985
CONTINUED DISCUSSION ON PROPOSED SALE OF CITY PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 76TH AVE. W. AND
84TH (BEHIND 8421 AND 8427 200TH S.W.)
City Engineer Jim Adams presented further information as requested by the Council during
discussion of the subject at a prior meeting. Two of the properties in question are
located behind properties at 8421 and 8427 200th S.W. and were obtained in an L.I.D.
fore- closure. He described a survey conducted by Reid -Middleton which disclosed a
piece of property not acquired by the City in the foreclosure action and a piece of
property in the subdivision of 8421 and 8427 200th S.W. that was never transferred and
is still owned by Matson. He said a survey would be required to determine the corners
of the City property at a cost of $1500 and a quiet title action.would be required to
acquire title to the property not included in the foreclosure action. In addition, he
noted there would be staff and attorney time as well as title report costs. He said
there is an easement to the property; both existing houses violate that easement and
large trees are located in the easement. Mr. Adams said the City has received an offer
from the two property owners to purchase the property "as is" for $10,000. He said the
City Attorney had recommended that the City accept the offer or advertise the property
and sell it "as is", establishing the market value, and let the purchaser straighten out
the property lines.
Councilmember Wilson asked how the price of $25,000 had been determined originally. Mr.
Adams said the appraisal was done using comparisons to similar properties; the appraiser
had not seen the property. Mayor Naughten noted there are two legal lots which would
usually bring at least $25,000 each. Councilmember Hall asked if a road between the two
front properties would make them substandard in size. Mr. Adams said they would be
legal lots of approximately 8,000 square feet but the access would be very difficult.
Councilmember Wilson asked for an estimate of the cost to the City for necessary actions
to make the lots salable. Mr. Snyder said the quiet title action would cost $3,000 to
$4,000 with no assurance the gap of ownership would be solved. Mr. Adams noted that
the survey would cost $1,500 and staff time would be $2,000, for a total of $7,000 to
$8,000. Mr. Adams said one way to establish market value of the property is to adver-
tise the property and see what offers are received. In response to a question from
Councilmember Wilson, Mr. Adams said the sewer is on the street. In response to
questions from Councilmember Dwyer, Mr. Adams had no knowledge of other interest in the
property and he believed the property owners wished to add the subject property to the
back of their property. Councilmember Hall suggested this use would be an enhancement
of the neighborhood, since the trees would remain untouched. Mr. Adams agreed that
cutting the trees would be some detriment to the neighborhood. Councilmember Wilson
noted that accepting the $10,000 offer with a potential expense of $10,000 to resolve
the ownership problems, there would still be a potential $10,000 loss. Mayor Naughten
said there are two building lots that might be sold for a total of $40,000. Council -
member Dwyer asked if the gap in ownership might not be solved by the fact that the
property would belong to anyone who owns the adjoining property. Mr. Adams explained
that the legal description on the foreclosure documents did not include the strip of
land in question and he did not know to whom it belonged. Mr. Snyder suggested it
might be possible to settle the question with another foreclosure action, if there is
still an L.I.D. assessment.
In response to a question from Councilmember Dwyer regarding the City's obligation to
accept the highest bid, Mr. Snyder said a minimum price may be indicated. Council -
member Dwyer explained he would want to sell the property to the adjacent property
owners if any bid received were close to their bid. Councilmember Hall agreed that a
$15,000 bid would be a negotiable price. She said the offer of $10,000 does not seem
enough, she would like to set an amount based on staff advice, rather than advertise the
property. Councilmember Dwyer said the offer comes from people who are interested, have
an appropriate use for the property and there would be a problem free transfer; however,
he is bothered by the low price. Mr. Adams suggested that a covenant be placed on the
property prohibiting future subdivision, which would prevent them from making a profit
and ensuring there would be open space left. Mayor Naughten said the City has a respon-
sibility to the taxpayers to obtain the highest price possible for the property.
Councilmember Wilson agreed that the property should be advertised with a minimum bid.
Mayor Naughten asked one of the property owners to comment if she wished.
Margaret K. Ghrames, 8421 200th St. S.W., said they did now know how the process
worked, they believed the offer could be negotiated between them and the City. She said
they did not realize the City would be advertising the property. If the price is not
adequate, she said they are amenable to negotiating the price.
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 2 February 11, 1985
Mayor Naughten suggested the property be placed on the market without a price to see
what offers are made, with no obligation to accept any offers. Councilmember Hall
disagreed, she believes the property should go to the highest bidder. She said the
question should be remanded to the staff with negotiable powers for the parties that
have submitted an offer. Councilmember Dwyer said a minimum price should be set.
COUNCILMEMBER HALL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER DWYER, TO REMAND THIS MATTER TO THE.
STAFF, AND THAT A MARKETABLE PRICE ON THE PROPERTY AT 84TH AND 200TH BE PRESENTED TO THE
COUNCIL PRIOR TO AUTHORIZATION TO SELL. She said she wants to know what the staff
determines after comparison of surrounding properties, consideration of legalities, and
considera- tion of whether they would be substandard lots. She said there is a
difference of about $15,000 since discussion of this property on February 7 and she does
not believe the Council is prepared to make a determination. Councilmember Dwyer asked
if the Council would then be willing to negotiate with the adjacent property owners.
Council- member Hall said the next step would be for the staff to present their findings
at the next work meeting on February 26. MOTION CARRIED.
Councilmember Hall explained that the documents before the Council indicated that the
offer was 2 1/2 times less than the amount that might be realized from the property and
she was not ready to make that type of decision. Mr. Snyder suggested that the staff
report be confidential and the Council discuss the subject in executive session.
Mr. Adams said the other property that had been discussed by the Council, located on
76th Ave. W., was obtained through a purchase by the Urban Arterial Board. He has
contacted the Board and been advised that their past policy has been to take 90% of any
sales price. Since the property was acquired 10-15 years ago, there is a question
whether this would be done and an informal answer will be provided within two weeks. In
addi- tion, Mr. Snyder is looking at City documents to determine ownership. Mayor
Naughten set a date of March 12 for consideration of the question.
REPORT FROM STAFF RE SATELLITE RECEIVERS
Planning Director Mary Lou Block reviewed the history of this subject. She said these
antennas are treated as accessory structures at present and are required to meet the
height and setback requirements as specified in the Community Development Code. If they
are attached to the ground or another structure, a construction permit is required. She
said they found most communities have no zoning regulations written exclusively for
satellite earth stations or dish antennas. However, a few jurisdictions have estab-
lished special standards. She noted that Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace have no regula-
tions written for satellite receivers. Councilmember Hall said the mobile antennas are
the ones that present the most problem since there is no way to regulate them with the
Community Development Code. Ms. Block suggested that further discussion of regulations
might be referred to the Planning Board. Mayor Naughten said people are objecting to
the visual impact of the antennas. Ms. Block explained that people can place these
antennas in their yards between the setback requirements and the house. Mr. Snyder
raised a question concerning enforcement since many of these may be installed without a
building permit and the City will not know until a neighbor complains. He said a
shielded wire, free and unattached to the ground, attached to a satellite dish on a
dolly, would not be covered. COUNCILMEMBER DWYER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
WILSON, TO DIRECT THE QUESTION TO THE PLANNING BOARD AND REQUEST THEY HOLD A HEARING ON
THE MATTER, NOTIFYING THE PERSON WHO HAD RAISED THE QUESTION ORIGINALLY OF THE DATE OF
THE HEARING; THE PLANNING BOARD BE GIVEN THE LEEWAY TO RECOMMEND THAT NO ACTION BE TAKEN
IF THE HEARING INDICATES NONE IS REQUIRED; AND, IF ACTION SHOULD BE INDICATED, THE BOARD
MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE COUNCIL. Councilmember Nordquist recommended that the staff
contact the city of Evanston, Illinois, because they have regulations for these anten-
nas. Ms. Block interjected that Everett also prohibits these antennas from front
yards. MOTION CARRIED.
FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT
Fire Chief Jack Weinz reviewed the activities of the Edmonds Fire Department for 1984.
He said both fire stations are manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with a minimum
of two men because of the addition of one firefighter during 1984. He said 10 volun-
teer, recruit firefighters were also.added in 1984. These volunteers received 60 hours
of recruit training, as well as a 44 hour first -aid course through the State and are now
enrolled in a fire tactics course at Edmonds Community College. Chief Weinz also recap-
ped information on paramedic activities for the year and the fire loss record. He de-
scribed the value of the mutual aid agreements with adjacent fire departments. There
were 20 responses to Woodway, he said, of which 14 were aid calls. He discussed a
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 3 February 11, 1985
change in reporting that will show the number of chimney fires for 1985, since there has
been an increase during 1984. There were no lives lost in fires, three citizens
suffered fire related injuries and four firefighters were injured, he reported, adding
that all injuries sustained by firefighters were investigated by the Safety Committee.
Another valuable program was the company inspections begun last year. He reminded
everyone of the CPR classes that are offered and the free blood pressure checks that are
available. He suggested that everyone either have or update their CPR training. Chief
Weinz explained that this is the last year of a six -year tax levy for emergency medical
services. He said another six -year levy will have to be passed this year in order to
continue the services that have been offered during the past six -years. He thanked the
Mayor, City Council and City Staff for their cooperation and assistance during the year.
Councilmember Wilson asked if the fire controlled by sprinkler was a commercial fire.
Chief Weinz said it was but it was not the $120,000 loss in July; he said sprinklers
were not required in that building. Councilmember Hall asked if the City has a program
to provide smoke detectors to the elderly. Chief Weinz said the proposal has been
discussed but the decision was made not to enter into the sale of smoke detectors;
rather, the Department supports installation and will install them for the low income
elderly. Councilmember Hall asked that the City make the public aware of that service.
Mayor Naughten said that information could be included on the water bills. Council -
member Hall asked if the map which pinpoints the fire calls could be updated for Council
information. Councilmember Wilson asked if the Chief knew the reason for the increase
in illness.. Chief Weinz said he did not know why there was an increase; the injury
hours are reflected in another figure..
Councilmember Nordquist commented that the green address signs being installed at
cul-de-sacs are drawing the attention of the people. He had explained to some that they
are a means of locating addresses when numbers are not visible. Chief Weinz said the
signs were discussed at a Council staff retreat and most of the help in installation had
come from Acting Public Works.Superintendent Bobby Mills. Councilmember Nordquist said
the follow-up work on the fires, injuries and other responses is not reflected in the
report just given. He said that is a very strong arm of the Fire Department and he does
not know how it would be reported but feels it should be recognized. Chief Weinz said
that arm of the Department wishes no publicity. Councilmember Nordquist said the
Department is excellent and he hears compliments about them continually. Mayor Naughten
compli- mented Chief Weinz and the Department for providing fast, efficient, and
professional services to the citizens of. Edmonds. Chief Weinz asked the Council for
their assistance in passing the six -year levy on the November ballot this year; 3/5ths
of the vote is necessary for passage. He is .working with the other three chiefs to lay
the groundwork. Mr. Snyder said notice date for the November election is September 21.
COUNCILMEMBER HALL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST, TO DISCUSS THE SIX -YEAR
LEVY FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ON MAY 28. MOTION CARRIED.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
Council President Nordquist said he had received word from both Councilmember Jaech and
Councilmember Ostrom that they would not be able to attend this evening. In response to
the list of committee assignments he had sent to the Council Members last week, both
Councilmembers Ostrom and Kasper had indicated that they would prefer to remain on their
present committees. He asked if the Council wished to discuss the assignments this
evening or wait until the entire council is present. Councilmember Hall said she would
prefer to wait until next week and would let him know the assignments she would prefer.
Mayor Naughten asked when the Firemen's Pension Board meets. Chief Weinz said only when
there is a problem. The Mayor said he would stay on that one.
MAYOR
Mayor Naughten announced that Vern and Glen Gist, long-time Edmonds residents, will
celebrate their 73rd wedding anniversary on February 14.
The Mayor said the Woodway High School Associated Student Body (ASB) had requested a
waiver of the variance fee for their sign. Councilmember Dwyer asked what the Council's
policy has been in the past regarding the school district. Mayor Naughten said it has
been done for the high schools. Councilmember Wilson said the fee would have to come
from the student body funds. Mr. Snyder suggested the Council instruct him to prepare
an ordinance to bring back for Council action. MAYOR NAUGHTEN MOVED, SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER HALL, TO WAIVE THE VARIANCE FEE FOR THE ASSOCIATED STUDY BODY AT WOODWAY
HIGH SCHOOL. Mr. Snyder expressed concern that a fee, based upon the cost of process-
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 4 February 11, 1985
ing the application, should be waived for a public body. Councilmember Dwyer asked for
whom fees have been waived in the past. In response, Ms. Block said the Port has
requested waiver of fees but the Council has taken no action to waive a fee for the Port
or any other jurisdiction. Councilmember Wilson said there is a difference between the
Port and the ASB. He would favor waiving this fee.
Councilmember Kasper arrived at this point and took his place on the dais.
Councilmember Hall said she would be more comfortable with a one time situation, rather
than generating an ordinance. MOTION CARRIED WITH COUNCILMEMBER KASPER NOT VOTING.
Mayor Naughten advised that a telephone will be installed this Wednesday in the lobby of
the Plaza Meeting room for local calls only.
The Mayor reported that the City's total contribution to the United Way Campaign in 1985
was $3,692.40 an increase of $526.68 over 1984. A one-time contribution of $255 was
received from the breakfast. He said special thanks have been extended to all merchants
for their generosity. He added a special in-house thanks to the Building and Grounds
crew, who converted their wood shop into a boarding house style dining room for the
breakfast.
* Mayor Naughten read a letter from Councilmember Jaech addressed to the Mayor and Council
Members. She explained that she had applied for unemployment compensation following
loss of her position at a Seattle bank. She said claims were made through proper chan-
nels and noted on her 1983 Public Disclosure statement on file in Olympia. She noted
that the City of Edmonds had erroneously paid part of the unemployment claim. Upon
hearing about this, she had contacted the unemployment office and repaid the money.
Since she was unable to attend the meeting and has learned that an article will be
written upon this subject for publication in the Enterprise newspaper, she wished to
present these facts to the Council for their information prior to that publication.
COUNCIL
Councilmember Wilson asked what has been done about filling the Council Assistant
position. Councilmember Nordquist said the advertisement has been revised showing the
different hours and salary. He expects the ad will be published within the next week.
Councilmember Wilson said he is anxious to fill the position since he has come to rely
upon the services provided in the position. Mayor Naughten offered interim assistance
to the Council for typing or office assistance. Councilmember Nordquist said the posi-
tion will remain a contract position although Mayor Naughten had suggested the person
filling the position become a City employee with full benefits. Councilmember Wilson
suggested the hourly rate be set at $9.00 an hour since the raise had been given because
of performance. Councilmember Dwyer agreed. Rather than wait until next week for
approval of the ad by the Council, Councilmember Hall suggested that the advertisement
be run as it is. The rest of the Council agreed. Councilmember Nordquist asked for
assistance in screening the applications that are received. Councilmember Wilson and
Hall indicated they would be willing to help. Councilmember Hall said the position does
have to do independent work and has no trouble with $10.00 an hour. Councilmembers
Wilson and Dwyer would rather see the position start at $9.00. Councilmember Hall
agreed to that and Councilmember Kasper said he would agree up to $9.00.
Councilmember Dwyer read a summary of the SNOCOM Board activities for 1984. He
expressed his enthusiasm in working with this Board and for the spirit of cooperation
that is experienced. He called Council attention to the number of calls that come
through the agency in a given year. He said the percentage of calls from Edmonds
demonstrates the value of the agency to the community. Councilmember Hall said the 911
number had not been available at one time during December. Councilmember Dwyer said the
Board has brought these problems to GTE's attention during the last two months; on
December 17 there was a three hour period when the lines were down and radios were
rigged, but there was a considerable loss in response time during that period. He said
the new SNOCOM building should be ready by the end of April, having been delayed because
there have been some problems with frozen ground so late in the season.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT NORDQUIST MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER HALL, TO EXCUSE THE ABSENCE
OF COUNCILMEMBERS JAECH AND OSTROM THIS EVENING. MOTION CARRIED.
* See February 19, 1985 Minutes
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
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Council President Nordquist said State Representative Katie Allen had asked the Council
to remember them in Olympia. He said the activities listed in the AWC Legislative
Bulletin should be watched and legislators called. Councilmember Hall encouraged all
citizens to be aware of the issues affecting higher education and make their voices
heard.
Since there was no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Naughten adjourned
the meeting at 8:15 p.m
_
61JACQUELINE G. PARRETT, City Clerk
11
J! V VAN ., R" A M
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
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