02/26/1985 City CouncilTHESE MINUTES SUBJECT
TO March 5 APPROVAL
1
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
February 26, 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
Larry Naughten, Mayor
Jo -Anne Jaech
Steve Dwyer
Laura Hall
Bill Kasper
John Nordquist
Lloyd Ostrom
Jack Wilson
Doug Reuble, Student Rep.
CONSENT AGENDA
STAFF PRESENT
Bobby Mills, Actg. Public Works Superintendent
Peter Hahn, Community Services Director
Art Housler, Administrative Services Director
Dan Prinz, Police Chief
Pat LeMay, Personnel Director
Steve Simpson, Parks & Rec. Director
Mary Lou Block, Planning Director
Jack Weinz, Fire Chief
Jim Adams, City Engineer
Jackie Parrett, City Clerk
Scott Snyder, City Attorney
Shirlie Witzel, Recorder
COUNCILMEMBER HALL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER DWYER, TO ADD ITEM (G), CONTRACT FOR
CONSULTANT ON WOODWAY HIGH SCHOOL TRAFFIC DEVICE, TO THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED.
Items (D) and (G) were removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion. COUNCILMEMBER
JAECH MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER DWYER, 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 19, 1985.
(C) Adoption of Ordinance 2482 regarding compensatory time.
(E) Authorization to purchase two vehicles from State contract ($21,000).
(F) Acknowledge receipt of claim for damages from Terri L. Schluetz ($109.15).
PROPOSED ORDINANCE 2483 ESTABLISHING. NEW GRADES FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION MANAGERS
Item D on Consent Agenda
This item was removed from the Consent Agenda by Councilmember Nordquist because he does
not concur with the ordinance, had not voted for the proposal last week and would not vote
for it this evening. Councilmember Hall asked a member of the prevailing side to bring
this up and reconsider the question. City Attorney Scott Snyder explained a motion was
necessary to adopt the ordinance, votes could be changed at that time and a motion for
reconsideration was not necessary. COUNCILMEMBER KASPER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
OSTROM, TO ADOPT THE ORDINANCE. A ROLL CALL VOTE WAS TAKEN WITH COUNCILMEMBERS JAECH,
KASPER, OSTROM AND WILSON VOTING YES; COUNCILMEMBERS NORD.QUIST, DWYER AND HALL VOTING NO.
MOTION CARRIED.
Councilmember Hall questioned the lack of acceptance of the report from.the Community
Services Director on these positions. Councilmember Wilson reiterated his position that
the Public Works Superintendent position should have parity with the other positions and
this ordinance does establish that parity. Councilmember Kasper recalled the discussions
at the last Council retreat to the effect that a full-time Mayor and addition of a
Community Services Director position would result in a reduction of management in those
departments. He noted there have been no down grades in pay. He does not accept the
figure of $562 as an increase and believes the overall increase would be very heavy in
future years. He stated that the reorganization should progress through the lower
echelons. Councilmember Ostrom seconded Councilmember Kasper's comments. He reiterated
his remarks of last week, his initial acceptance of Mr. Hahn's report and then his
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 1 February 26, 1985
reconsideration, based on the Council retreat discussion of lowering the other levels of
managers under the Community Services Director.
In response to a question from Councilmember Hall, Mr. Snyder said the Mayor has ten days
to sign or veto the ordinance, at the end of the ten days, should no action be taken by
the Mayor, the ordinance would be enacted. Mayor Naughten indicated that he would veto
the ordinance because changes have taken place since the Council retreat that are not
being considered; he will present that case when the matter comes up again. Mr. Snyder
explained that either a veto message or letter form is used for veto; the vote of a super
majority of the Council is required to override a veto. Councilmember Dwyer encouraged
the Mayor to veto the ordinance as quickly as possible, bringing the matter before the
Council to determine if there are five votes and, if not, the matter can be pursued. He
indicated his past and future support of the Community Services Director's proposal.
CONTRACT FOR CONSULTANT ON WOODWAY HIGH SCHOOL TRAFFIC DEVICE [Item (G) on Consent Agenda]
Councilmember Hall asked Community Services Director Peter Hahn to explain this item. Mr.
Hahn said the consultant would study the problems at the entrance to the Woodway High
School at Firdale Ave. The consultant would use data collected by the City, enabling him
to submit findings and recommendations for designs and alternatives for Council
consideration in April. Mayor Naughten added that costs would be divided between the City
and the School District. COUNCILMEMBER HALL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER WILSON, TO
APPROVE THE CONSULTANT CONTRACT FOR WOODWAY HIGH SCHOOL TRAFFIC DEVICE. In response to a
question from Councilmember Jaech, Mr. Snyder said this is a standard consultant
agreement for under $2,000 and conforms to State law. MOTION CARRIED.
The Council recessed to Executive Session to discuss legal and personnel matters at 7:10
p.m., reconvening at 8:00 p.m. Councilmembers Jaech and Dwyer were not present
immediately upon reconvening.
CONTINUED DISCUSSION ON PROPOSED SALE OF CITY PROPERTY LOCATED ON 200TH S. W.
BEHIND 8421 AND 8427 200TH ST. S.W.
Community Services Director Peter Hahn summarized prior discussions of this subject.
Because of the short time frame, Staff was unable to provide the appraisal on the property
requested by Council motion for this evening. He recommended that the Council set a
minimum bid price and advertise the property for sale in "as is" condition to determine
the market value of the property. Because of the problems in regard to boundaries and
access, an appraisal would not reflect the true value of the property. Advertising the
property may produce letters of interest, he noted, and referred to the offers from
abutting .owners and their indication that the $10,000 could be negotiated upward. If the
City were to consider those offers, restrictions could be placed on the property in regard
to future development.
Councilmember Dwyer returned to the dais at this point.
Councilmember Kasper observed that there are builders who make their living from solving
this type of problem and believes the City could find some that would accept the risk.
He said raw land tends to be under -appraised by one third the value and would recommend
placing the property on the market at 150% of the assessed value. In using the current
appraisal, he would ask 125% from the adjacent property owners, because of the problems
that are involved; they would not know what they are getting into. He noted that a
commercial developer would know that the "buyer" should "beware.
Councilmember JaeCh returned to the dais at this point.
* Councilmember Kasper suggested a price of $14,150 as a minimum bid. Mr. Snyder cautioned
that a higher minimum bid might not elicit many offers, while a lower minimum would
encourage more offers. He said the Council is not obligated to accept any of the bids.
Councilmember Dwyer asked what difference exists now from the last time the property was
offered for sale and no bids were received. Councilmember Kasper explained that the
market is better now. Councilmember Dwyer objected to setting a minimum price in an open
meeting. Mr. Hahn said a minimum price means the Council will not accept offers below
that figure; he feels $14,000 is a good figure because it is based on the assessed
valuation. Councilmember Kasper suggested that the terms of the sale could make a
difference in the price. Mr. Snyder indicated that there could be a problem, that the
City would in essence be lending credit by accepting terms. COUNCILMEMBER KASPER MOVED,
SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER OSTROM, TO INSTRUCT THE STAFF TO ADVERTISE THAT THE CITY WILL
ACCEPT CASH OFFERS ON THE TWO LOTS. MOTION CARRIED.
PROPOSED AGREEMENT WITH EDMONDS ARTS FESTIVAL
* See March 5, 1985 Minutes EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 2 February 26, 1985
Parks & Recreation Director Steve Simpson had met with the Edmonds Arts Festival
Association at the direction of the Council to discuss their annual space needs in the
Anderson Center. He described the contents of the contract, which resulted from
discussions with the Association and the City Attorney. Mr. Simpson recommended that the
Council direct the City Attorney to draft a contract with the Association and that the
Council declare the third week in June as Edmonds Arts Festival Week, recognizing the'
Festival's continuing contribution to the City. Mr. Snyder explained that the contract
would be for three one-year periods, allowing renegotiation of price and space each year.
In addition, a $1,000 performance bond/damage deposit would be required. COUNCILMEMBER
OSTROM MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER HALL, TO INSTRUCT THE CITY ATTORNEY TO DRAFT A
CONTRACT PUTTING INTO EFFECT THE RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN THE STAFF REPORT FOR
ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE EDMONDS ARTS FESTIVAL ASSOCIATION. Councilmember Kasper suggested
that the value of the City's contribution to the Festival be determined and be considered
when discussing how much the City contributes to the arts. Mr. Simpson said that could
be done. Councilmember Hall asked if City contribution to other community projects should
also be considered. Councilmember Jaech reviewed the concern expressed by the Association
in being assured that space will be available so they may make long-range plans. She
asked if they will not be paying for that space. Mr. Simpson replied in the affirmative
and described the guidelines used in determining the amount. Councilmember Kasper had not
realized they would be renegotiating costs and space on an annual basis. MOTION CARRIED.
UPDATE ON CHASE LAKE PROPERTY PROPOSAL AND REVIEW OF ESPERANCE SCHOOL SITE PROPOSAL
Mr. Hahn reported that, at Council direction, the staff had begun preparation of
application for a Conditional Use Permit at Chase Lake to provide storage for the Public
Works Dept. In the process, it has been determined that acquisition and development would
cost approximately $200-250,000 because of the drainage problems at the site. He said the
option on the property expires in mid -May. Recently, Mr. Hahn reported, the School
District had advised that six acres next to Esperance School would be surplused. He said
an estimate of $200,000 for acquisition of the property may be very conservative and
development costs would be approximately $50,000. tie asked for Council direction as to
whether to pursue the option at Chase Lake. He suggested that a storage facility at
either location would be expensive and recommended that further studies and permit
applications for Chase Lake and Esperance School locations be abandoned. In addition, he
recommended that a storage site be developed south of the Treatment Plant and the storage
facilities be moved there for two -three years. Acting Public Works Superintendent Bobby
Mills has received statements from residents supporting storage in that area. Mr. Hahn
said County Councilmember Bruce Agnew had expressed interest in a joint venture to develop
a neighborhood park in addition to a storage facility, and had received a petition from
over 300 people who favor a neighborhood park. Mayor Naughten expressed concern, given
the uncertainty of federal revenues, that the City should be considering projects of this
type, since there is a storage facility available on City property.
Councilmember Wilson asked why the drainage was not perceived as a problem when Chase Lake
was originally considered. Mr. Hahn said there were three elements: 1. the drainage
associated with the natural features of the land; 2. drainage of what would be built and
its conveyance off the site and, 3. the issue of where the drainage would .be conveyed,
since the sewerage system that would receive this drainage had problems of its own. He
explained that building on the property creates an impervious, paved surface, causing the
water to run off. Councilmember Kasper said the original consideration was for a storage
yard, with the possibility of further City development or a park. He said the funds would
come from water -sewer maintenance and a determination would be made later what would be
done with the .property; he said there was a method of retaining the property in public
ownership. The drainage was considered and there was no discussion in the staff
recommendation that there were any hidden problems, he said and indicated that he would go
over the figures to determine if they were correct. He said any drainage problems
off -site are County problems: He also indicated that he would like to look into the site
at Esperance School. Another point, he said, is the need for the materials to be stored
on top of the hill. He suggested the figures presented be verified and the Council look
at Esperance.
Councilmember Jaech reminded the Council that a public hearing indicated there were
definite drainage problems, with files, records, and a court case presented. She said,
due to the different financial situation that is now developing for all cities, funds may
not be available to do some of the things the Council had hoped to do. Since there are
sites within the City that will accommodate Public Works storage, she said it is not
necessary to spend money to find a site, suggesting the property at Perrinville might be
used, if the horse corrals could be moved to another location such as the Meadowdale
development. She said the problem could be assessed, while using the Treatment Plant land
as a temporary solution for storage. Councilmember Kasper does not object to storage at
the Treatment Plant on a temporary basis. He said the land at Chase Lake and Esperance is
public land that may not be available again and should be considered on a long-term basis
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 3 February 26, 1985
for park needs in the area as well as a storage facility. Councilmember Jaech suggested
that it would be best to hear from the people in the affected area before the staff spends
much time or money in studies or planning for Esperance. She agreed that Esperance is an
Brea that the City would like to have annex, but she said that is not accomplished by
hitting people over the head with something they do not want. Councilmember Kasper said
the public hearing should come after all the facts are available. Councilmember Hall said
this was premature and she would not favor moving storage behind the treatment plant. She
said the School District is not ready and there is not any hurry. If the people do wish
to annex, a park will be needed in that area and the storage space could be utilized in
the meantime. She suggested the Council look at the Esperance property as she has and
this subject be referred to the committee. County Councilmember Bruce Agnew was invited
to speak.
County Councilmember Bruce Agnew had been approached by citizens in the Esperance
community who wish to keep that property as an open space or park. He said the County
does not have the money to purchase the property but would be willing to work with the
City in developing the site as a recreational facility. The area is in desperate need of
some type of park, he added, asking that the City consider working with the County and a
citizens group in that development. Councilmember Ostrom asked if the people would accept
a storage facility in addition to a park. Mr. Agnew said he could not speak for them,
but he had indicated that the County did not have the funds to purchase the property and
the idea was presented that the City might acquire the property for storage and
development of a park. He had received indication they would be willing to discuss the
issue.
Referring to the report from Mr. Hahn, Councilmember Ostrom said it was the most sensible
approach to the subject. Disagreeing with Councilmember Kasper, he said the Council knew
of the drainage problems at the Chase Lake site. He said the site is not worth the money
to develop; furthermore, the people in the area are opposed to a storage facility.
COUNCILMEMBER KASPER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER HALL, TO REFER THIS SUBJECT TO THE
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE TO CHECK OUT THE DRAINAGE AND WHAT NEW BUILDINGS ARE NEEDED;
TO LOOK AT ESPERANCE SCHOOL PROPERTY AS A POTENTIAL PARK SITE AS A JOINT EFFORT WITH THE
COUNTY. Councilmember Jaech asked if he were talking about Chase Lake with a secondary
consideration being the Esperance property. Councilmember Kasper replied in the
affirmative, he said he is not willing to walk away from these two sites as possible parks
and feels they may be inter -tied. Councilmember Dwyer indicated he had favored proceeding
on Chase Lake in the past, but, assuming the report from Mr. Hahn is correct, his vote
would change in committee; however, he would not oppose a motion to sent the matter to
committee. Mayor Naughten suggested the Community Services Committee meeting be changed
to March 12. Councilmember Kasper said the committee would have to look at the property
and they could meet on a date other than a Council meeting night. Councilmember Jaech
objected to a March 12 date since it is not known if the committee members will be
available then. MOTION CARRIED WITH COUNCILMEMB£R OSTROM VOTING NO.
REVIEW OF 5-YEAR ESTIMATE ON PROGRAM FOR DEFERRED MAINTENANCE
Mr. Hahn reported that the document before the Council is an attempt to quantify and set
a schedule for various items for deferred and unscheduled building maintenance as well as
major deferred maintenance. Councilmember Kasper said it has been 13 months since the
last retreat, when it was decided to pursue the maintenance program of the City. He said
it would take more than a sideline position to keep on top of this project; someone must
take over property management. Councilmember Hall said that is interesting after voting
to do away with the property manager position. Councilmember Ostrom asked if the $98,900
would be in addition to the amount budgeted. Mayor Naughten replied in the affirmative.
Councilmember Kasper questioned a figure of $17.00 a square yard for carpeting for the
Finance Center. Mr. Hahn asserted that $17.00 is a low figure. Councilmember Jaech
thanked Mr. Hahn for the report, which is a good start and asked what he projects from
this point. Mr. Hahn said the major items have been identified and the staff will
continue improving and refining the numbers. The deferred maintenance items should cease
to exist as operations and maintenance becomes a part of the budget, he said. In
addition, he said, the inventory and systems for tracking maintenance are improving. He
said if he finds that he needs another person to accomplish this, he will advise the
Council. Councilmember Jaech asked if everything, including the heating facilities, will
be tracked and scheduled for repair or replacement. Mr. Hahn said this is a significant
item, one that Administrative Services Director Art Housler and Mr. Hahn will have to
discuss and present a financing plan to the Council for these projects. He said the
Council could then make a decision on whether a reserve policy for buildings and major
items should be budgeted for cost recovery over time. Councilmember Kasper said the
secret is to allocate some money every year. Councilmember Ostrom said the money budgeted
for this year was meant to encourage this type of report and plan. Mayor Naughten
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 4 February 26, 1985
J
commented that the buildings and their square footage have been identified and the Council
will know exactly what must be done and will be able to budget for the expenditures.
In response to a question from Councilmember Hall regarding the boilers at Anderson
Center, Mr. Simpson said the boilers were beyond the five-year plan, projected for six or
seven years; he said there are no serious problems with the boilers, just minor items that
are being handled.
MAYOR
Mayor Naughten referred to a letter from Mr. Hahn and Planning Director Mary Lou Block
answering Councilmember Kasper's question about appeals.
The Mayor announced that the Sub -Regional Puget Sound Council of Governments elected new
officers; Lois Anderson was re-elected Chairperson and Bob Lunn, of Stanwood, was elected
Co -Chairperson.
Mayor Naughten reported that his 8-hour tour with a police patrol last week was very
educational. tie recommends a similar tour to any Councilmember, who would like to take
advantage of the invitation.
COUNCIL
The Economic Development Council was attended by Councilmember Hall along with
Councilmember Kasper. She said the main message was the fact that Snohomish County is
inviting to high tech, ranking 75% overall.
Councilmember Hall referred to a memo from Administrative Services Director Art Housler
regarding th length of the minutes because of some requests for verbatim entries, and said
she feels accurate minute -taking is needed and whatever is needed to get the job done
should be pursued. She said there has been a problem in the past where shorthand was the
only record available due to loss of portions of the tape. She feels more comfortable
with a shorthand record of the minutes. She said she left it to the judgement of the
minute -taker along with clues from the Council regarding which portions should be
verbatim. If necessary, more funds can be budgeted for longer transcription time. She
suggested this might be a good retreat discussion item. Mayor Naughten said the minutes
can be summarized and the tapes used for a verbatim record, suggesting that he could
obtain sample minutes from other cities for the Council's information. The Council did
not wish to see minutes from other cities:
Councilmember Hall noted a reminder in Community Research from AWC concerning record
keeping. She asked if the City is complying. Mayor Naughten replied in the affirmative.
Councilmember Wilson said the Arts Festival Committee had approached him regarding
installation of two more poles for banners on 9th Ave. as close to Westgate as possible.
Mayor Naughten said he would get back to him.
Councilmember Wilson said the Association also has a problem every year during the Arts
Festival when the photography work is displayed in the Plaza Meeting Room. The display
must be taken down during the Council meeting and then rearranged. They asked if the
Council could hold the Council meeting somewhere else. Mayor Naughten said a solution
would be worked out to meet elsewhere at that time.
Councilmember Kasper questioned the comp time ordinance approved earlier in the evening.
Mr. Snyder said non-exempt, non -represented employees are required to be paid overtime
and the first section of the ordinance addresses that. The second section gives comp time
to everyone else. Section three or four indicated that the supervisors approve comp time
of people they supervise and the Mayor approves Department Head comp time. He suggested
Chapter 2 of the City Code should be re -done to include the new language of Director and
Manager, rather than Department Heads and Superintendents. Councilmember Kasper said he
would be researching comp time use in the City over past year,as a personal interest, and
will bring the results to the Council.
Councilmember Kasper asked if the Council Committee appointments would be finalized this
evening.
Council President Nordquist asked for a motion regarding the date, place and expenses for
the retreat. Councilmember Jaech said the funds for the retreat are budgeted.
Councilmember Kasper asked who would be included. Councilmember Jaech listed those that
would participate. COUNCILMEMBER JAECH MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER WILSON, TO
APPROVE THE DATES OF APRIL 12-13 FOR 14 PEOPLE TO BE AT SUDDEN VALLEY AND TO EXPEND $640
AS A DEPOSIT FOR THE RETREAT. MOTION CARRIED.
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 5 February 26, 1985
Council President Nordquist said the Mayor has offered to have his secretary, Dia Bock,
handle the scheduling, departure, return and other details of the retreat, as well as
acting as recording secretary.
Council President Nordquist said the Council had asked Councilmember Jaech and him to
serve on the review committee for banking services. Because Councilmember Jaech is
working for a bank at this time, Councilmember Ostrom will take her place. The review
will be done Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m.
Council President Nordquist thanked Ms. Bock for preparing the Council Committee
directory. The Mayor had pointed out to him that Councilmember Hall was serving on both
the Community Services Committee and the Public Safety Committee, which meet at the same
time and there was a suggestion that Councilmember Dwyer move to the Public Safety
Committee. Councilmember Dwyer said he would prefer not to move, but since he ranked
lowest in seniority he would not protest. Councilmember Jaech said she had asked to be on
the Community Services Committee and suggested that this might be made a committee of the
whole as are Finance and Personnel. Councilmember Hall disagreed, saying only those who
had publicly expressed the desire to be on the committee and those who already were on it
should be on the Committee. Mayor Naughten explained that the same people cannot be on
the two committees that are scheduled for the same night unless one of the committees
meets in the afternoon. Council President Nordquist said he had placed himself on the
Public Safety Committee because he enjoys working with Councilmember Wilson.
Councilmember Jaech suggested that the Public Safety Committee might meet in the
afternoon, which would allow everyone to be on the Community Services Committee.
Councilmember Kasper said this is something that may have to be done. He said a starting
time of 9:00 p.m. is not reasonable when staff must be at these meetings; he said they
should not be on Council time. There is only one meeting a month and if the committee met
at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, there would be an advantage in that more time could be spent.
Council President Nordquist said he would place Councilmember Jaech on the Public Safety
Committee.
Council President Nordquist suggested that a policy be approved that an alternate to any
committee would become the main representative in the event that person stepped down for
any reason. Councilmember Kasper said he would not dispute that policy, but that there
never have been alternates. An alternate was named when Councilmember Nordquist was on
contract with Community Transit, he said, and that alternate position will cease to exist
when he is no longer on contract. Council President Nordquist said this would apply to
any alternate position on any committee giving that person a chance to move up to the main
position. Councilmember Hall disagreed because often the Mayor or a staff member serve as
alternates; she did not want.to have a set policy. Councilmember Wilson asked if the
alternate does not now receive the main position or must the position be reevaluated each
time there is a vacancy; he asked if someone might stay indefinitely in a position.
Councilmember Nordquist said it had been that way; however, if an election should replace
some members of the Council, the balance of the vote could change and the alternate might
not move into the main position. If a resolution is passed stating the alternate moves
into the main position, he said, there would be no problem. Councilmember Kasper said his
comment regarding the alternate position applies to the Community Transit Committee.
Since there was no motion to change the present practice, Council President Nordquist said
it would remain the same.
According to memoranda from the City Attorney dated November 1, 1984 and February 21,
1985, Council President Nordquist said there must be a resolution sending two board
members to the Health District and a representative and alternate to the Community Transit
Board. At this point Council President Nordquist resigned from the Health District and
Community Transit Boards. COUNCILMEMBER DWYER MOVED TO NOMINATE, SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER JAECH, COUNCILMEMBERS NOROQUIST AND KASPER FOR THE POSITIONS ON THE HEALTH
DISTRICT BOARD. Councilmember Kasper stated he would not serve on the Health Board. if
selected for the Community Transit Board. MOTION CARRIED
COUNCILMEMBER HALL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER WILSON, TO.NOMINATE COUNCILMEMBER
KASPER TO THE POSITION OF TRANSIT BOARD MEMBER. COUNCILMEMBER OSTROM NOMINATED, SECONDED
BY COUNCILMEMBER DWYER, COUNCILMEMBER JAECH TO THE POSITION OF TRANSIT BOARD MEMBER.
Councilmember Ostrom pointed out that Councilmember Jaech was just elected as Chairperson
of that Board. Mayor Naughten declared the second motion out of order since there is a
motion before the Council. A ROLL CALL VOTE WAS TAKEN WITH COUNCILMEMBERS HALL, KASPER
AND WILSON VOTING YES; COUNCILMEMBERS NORDQUIST, DWYER, JAECH, AND OSTROM VOTING NO.
MOTION FAILED.
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 6 February 26, 1985
COUNCILMEMBER OSTROM MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER DWYER, TO NOMINATE COUNCILMEMBER
JAECH AS COMMUNITY TRANSIT BOARD MEMBER. MOTION CARRIED.
COUNCILMEMBER DWYER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER JAECH, TO NOMINATE COUNCILMEMBER
KASPER AS ALTERNATE TO THE COMMUNITY TRANSIT BOARD. MOTION CARRIED.
COUNCILMEMBER HALL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER JAECH, TO APPROVE THE LISTED COUNCIL
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS. MOTION CARRIED.
Since it was 10:00 p.m., COUNCILMEMBER DWYER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER JAECH, TO
CONTINUE THE MEETING PAST 10:00 P.M. TO COMPLETE THE AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED.
COUNCILMEMBER DWYER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER HALL, TO: ( A) CANCEL THE HEARING ON
LID 213 SET FOR MARCH 5; (B) INSTRUCT THE CITY STAFF TO NOTIFY THE AFFECTED PROPERTY
OWNERS; AND (C) INSTRUCT THE CITY ATTORNEY TO DRAFT A NEW RESOLUTION OF INTENT TO
REESTABLISH THE PROPOSED LID. MOTION CARRIED.
Councilmember Jaech commented on the rising costs of insurance coverage faced by all
cities and private companies. In discussions with representatives from other cities, she
has found they are demanding that their insurance carriers contest claims. She said it is
her understanding that the Edmonds insurance carrier is following that practice. Mr.
Housler replied that claims are reviewed by him and by the City's broke r when they are
submitted; decisions on claims are made by a committee consisting of representatives from
the City, the broker and the insurance adjuster.
Councilmember Jaech read a statement regarding her recent unemployment status and funds
received. She said the confusion arose from her misunderstanding of what is and what is
not employment; the law states specifically that the position of an elected official is
not considered as employment. However, the remuneration for the position is considered in
determining benefits that are to be paid to an individual. She was entitled to claim
benefits. When she learned there was something incorrect in the payment of benefits, she
immediately paid back everything she had received, including the amount she may have been
entitled to keep, had she gone through the hearing process with the Employment Security
Department. She gave up her rights in order to present and discuss what had happened, so
the situation could be rectified immediately and the City could be reimbursed for the
funds paid out. She said she found the entire incident upsetting because she has always
attempted to do all things in accordance with the law. She had been told to wait until
the Employment Security Department sent a report; however, she repaid the entire amount of
$5,550 received during the entire time she collected unemployment. By surrendering her
rights and not going through the hearing process, she said there was no alternative but
for the report to state that she did not report funds from the City (since the State law
said it was not employment she did not consider it as such). She said she was legally
entitled to file for and receive unemployment benefits; had she understood the law, she
would have .been entitled to receive some monetary benefit; she voluntarily repaid the
entire amount received on January 25, 1985 prior to involvement of any other people; the
City had paid $532 toward benefits; and the City account was credited when the money was
repaid. She said it was an honest mistake and confusion resulted from a misinterpretation
of the law.
Councilmember Hall set a date for the Community Services Committee for Thursday at 4:00
p.m.
Councilmember Ostrom read a letter from Betty Bell regarding the improvements to the old
Union Oil Beach and commending the City for their efforts.
Mayor Naughten reminded the Public Safety Committee their meeting will be held immediately
following adjournment of the Council meeting.
Since there was no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Naughten adjourned
the meeting at 10:10 p.m.
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EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 7 February 26, 1985