03/19/1985 City CouncilTHESE MINUTES SUBJECT
TO MARCH 26 APPROVAL
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
March 19, 1985
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.
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STAFF PRESENT
Bobby Mills, Acting Public Works Superintendent
Art Housler, Administrative Services Director
Steve Simpson, Parks & Recreation Director
Dan Prinz, Police Chief
Jack Weinz, Fire Chief
Jim Adams, City Engineer
Jackie Parrett, City Clerk
Scott Snyder, City Attorney
Shirlie Witzel, Recorder
Items (B) and (D) were removed from the Consent.Agenda for discussion. COUNCILMEMBER
NOROQUIST MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER KASPER, THAT THE BALANCE OF THE CONSENT AGENDA BE
APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. The .approved items on the Consent Agenda included the following:
(A) Roll call.
(C) Authorization for Mayor to sign 1985 contract for Snohomish. County Jail Services.
(E) Authorization for Mayor to sign contract with Blazier Engineers to do an opera-
tional evaluation of the sewage treatment plant ($5,000).
(F) Acknowledgment of receipt of claims for damages from Amy Lucille MacPherson
($833.40) and from Western National Insurance .Company ($16,300).
(G) Authorization to accept $2,563.75 from Homeland Homes, Inc:, in lieu of relocating
storm sewer, and to quitclaim existing easement to Homeland Homes., Inc.
(H) Authorization for Mayor to sign Burlington Northern Railroad Company water line
permit, and approval of $300 expense from project account (Fund 412).
(I) Authorization for Mayor to sign contract with Reid, Middleton.& Associates for the
vertical and horizontal monitoring in the Meadowdale area ($3,900 in 1985 and
$2,450 in 1986).
(J) Authorization for Mayor to execute agreement with Erich 0. Tietze & Associates,
Inc., for services and plans for improvements to pump station 5 and sewer mains
($7,230).
(K) Report on bids opened March 12, 1985 for reel mower and award of contract to
Turfgo Northwest ($10,916.64).
(L) Report on bids opened March 12, 1985 for Ford tractor and award of contract to
Ballinger Ford Co. ($11,585.65).
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MARCH 12, 1985 [Item (B) on Consent Agenda
Councilmember Hall asked that page 2, paragraph 10, be corrected to read "pool cover used at
Lynnwood Pool." COUNCILMEMBER HALL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER NOROQUIST, TO APPROVE
THE MINUTES AS CORRECTED. MOTION CARRIED.
APPROVAL OF "AGREEMENT FOR FURNISHING WATER" WITH OLYMPIC VIEW WATER DISTRICT FOR
FURNISHING WATER TO EDMONDS RESIDENTS WITHIN THE OLYMPIC VIEW WATER DISTRICT
Item D on Consent Agenda.
Councilmember Kasper inquired about supporting documents from the Citv Attorney and was
advised that the revised agreement had been included in the packet after preparation of the
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 1 March 19, 1985
cover memo; there was no other agreement to be considered. COUNCILMEMBER KASPER MOVED,
SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER JAECH, TO APPROVE THE AGREEMENT FOR FURNISHING WATER. MOTION
CARRIED.
AUDIENCE
Sherry Wetmore, 21919 98th Ave. W., attempted to clarify the request being made by parents
and students of Woodway High School. She said they wished to have the gate open for one hour
before and after school to alleviate the congestion now occurring at the entrance to the
school on 100th Ave. W. In regard to comments about reduction of property values on the
street, she said there should be more concern for the safety of the drivers and pedestrians
using the ingress and egress from Woodway. She appreciated the fact that the Council had
promised the residents of that street, in good faith, that the gate would be closed, but she
believes it has been proven that a safety hazard exists and would be alleviated if the gate
were opened for the short time periods requested. She asked that consideration of the safety
ofthe students be placed above consideration of property values.
In response to a question from Mayor Naughten, City Engineer Jim Adams said the engineering
study of the Woodway entrance would be presented to the Council on April 9, 1985.
Will Smith, 732 Bell St., asked what can be done about dumping being done on the vacant lot
adjacent to his property. He said not only the neighbors, who are dumping grass and yard
debris, but 1/2 ton trucks are also unloading trees and rubbish. He has discussed the
problem with the owner, who is unwilling to post any signs. He asked if there were a city
ordinance prohibiting this type of dumping and if the City could do anything to stop it.
Mayor Naughten said the matter would be checked and Mr. Smith would be advised of the
results.
Margaret Brown, 22208 66th Ave. W., Mountlake Terrace, read a letter to the Council
requesting opening of the gate on the northwest corner of the Woodway High School property
for two one-half hour.periods five days a week to relieve congestion now present before and
after school. She recounted an accident, a direct result of the congestion, in which she was
involved on 100th Ave W. that could have been avoided if there had been an alternate route -
into the school. She asked the Council to give serious consideration to opening the gate for
two one-half hour periods before and after school, five days a week.
Jean Scarr, 22609 90th Ave. W., said she knows the women who live on the street that would
be affected by opening the gate at the High School. She believes they have good reason for
closing the gate at all other times, but feels opening the gates for 1/2 to 1 hour before and
after school would not create the problems that were experienced in the past. She said the
elementary school children are not on their way to or from school at those times and that
would not be a factor. She said they are not trying to take anything away from the residents
on the street, they just wish to alleviate the congestion and reduce the hazards. Ms. Scarr
described her frustration when forced to wait as long as 30 minutes to get out of the parking
lot at the high school. In conclusion, she said the students would act as adults if the gate
were opened.
REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CEMETERY OPERATION
In response to the Council's request for a review of cemetery operations and recommendations,
Parks and Recreation Director Steve Simpson said the report before the Council was prepared
by the staff and reviewed by the Cemetery Board. Because the City is charged with
responsibility for management and care of the cemetery under Title 68 of RCW, Mr. Simpson
discussed funding for maintenance through an endowment fund. Currently, maintenance is
performed by Marla DePew and city crews; he estimated that 100 hours of labor is required
each month to maintain the cemetery in its present condition. He said Ms. DePew and her
husband handle all lot sales and burials and spend another three to four hours on record
keeping. In addition, he said the Board plans to work on promotion and marketing in 1985.
Mr. Simpson reported that the cemetery gate was installed March 18, phone and electrical
service was installed in February and the Board is working with Kirby White on the Veteran's
Memorial. He said quiet title action is proceeding and will take a few years to complete.
At this time, he noted there are 2,000 lots available for sale in addition to some smaller
lots and urn sites, providing an excellent source of income for starting an endowment fund;
however, such use of those funds would necessitate city funding of future capital
improvements.
Councilmember Wilson asked the cost of maintenance for the cemetery and the value of the
2,000 lots. Mr. Simpson replied that maintenance costs are estimated at $11,000 annually
and lots are priced at $300. He suggested that a minimum of 10% from lot sales should go
into an endowment fund. To establish such a fund, he said it would be necessary to instruct
the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance. Councilmember Dwyer asked if the interest from
the money in an endowment fund would be used for maintenance and operation and the minimum
funding level needed. Mr. Simpson indicated that the interest income is used and estimated
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 2 March 19, 1985
a minimum of $150.- 200,000 would be needed. Asked, by Councilmember Dwyer, if funds from
the general fund would be used to build an endowment fund, Mr. Simpson said capital
improvements would have to be funded from the general fund until lot sales had generated
enough capital to start an endowment fund. Mayor Naughten observed that there is no reason
why 100 lots a year cannot be sold.
Councilmember Jaech had looked through past Council minutes to find discussion on the
acquisition of the cemetery. In those discussions, she found reference to endowment funds
and the restrictions placed upon them; she feels it is not as simple as the present
discussion would suggest. City Attorney Scott Snyder agreed that there are a number of
issues to be considered in reference to an endowment fund, enumerating several of them. Mr.
Snyder suggested that the City could contact the Chairman of the State Cemetery Board for
assistance in this area.
Councilmember Nordquist asked if any long range planning had been done for things such as
columbaria, noting the possibility of increased revenue which could be used for endowment
funding. Mr. Snyder agreed that cremation requests are increasing but he has not had
.opportunity to explore long range planning to date. Councilmember Ostrom observed that it is;
difficult to look at an endowment when money is still being used for capital improvements.
Mr. Snyder replied that the capital improvements make the cemetery more attractive,
resulting in more sales. Councilmember Ostrom suggested that capital improvements,
maintenance, and endowment funding be considered together with long-range plans to enable the
Council to consider: the entire picture.
Councilmember Kasper noted that the decision to acquire the cemetery was the result of a
close vote of the Council and the reason for acquiring the cemetery was to solve the problems
that existed. He said it is not necessary to retain the cemetery in City control and this
should be examined. He suggested that there should be a detailed examination of ways in
which an endowment fund could be established and noted that the Council's original intent was
not to spend money on the cemetery.
Councilmember Wilson liked the endowment idea and would like to have Mr. Simpson set goals
for the facility, incorporating all of the points discussed this evening, for Council
consideration.- Mr. Simpson said it would not be difficult to set the necessary goals but it
would be necessary to have someone that can carry them out, commenting that he is able to
spend only a half hour a day on the cemetery. Councilmember Hall said management of the
cemetery was given to Mr. Simpson when the position of Property Manager was deleted. She
suggested it may be necessary to look at that decision. Mr. Simpson replied that it is
logical for this responsibility to be placed in the Parks & Recreation Department since they
are used to selling services. Councilmember Hall said if another person is needed the City
must be willing to fund that..
Dorothy Williamson, Cemetery Board member, described the differences between the present
cemetery and the way it looked prior to City involvement. She said she had learned a lot
during the past two months and is very proud of what has been accomplished at the cemetery.
She said the Board does have goals for improvement and one that concerns her is the sanitary
facilities for the caretaker. She invited everyone to attend the Memorial Day services this
year on May 30. Ms. Williamson noted that the Board is attempting to determine the extent
of the Hubbard Foundation's interest. She commended the work done by Ms. DePew and said she
is worth a great deal to the cemetery.
In regard to record keeping for the cemetery, Mr. Simpson said the computer should be used
but the Office Coordinator in the Parks and Recreation Department has not had the time to
enter all of the necessary data and set up the files. If the City is•not going to continue
to operate the cemetery, he said, perhaps no additional time should be spent on setting up
the necessary systems. Councilmember Jaech said the Council was told the Hubbard Trust would
help care for, pay for and support the cemetery when it was originally acquired. She said
there is not enough concrete information before the Council to make any decision on the
endowment fund or any of the other points raised this evening. Councilmember Ostrom
suggested there should be a shift in focus from capital improvements to an endowment fund,
since future improvements may not be very substantial and they could be handled as they come
around.
POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT
Police Chief Dan Prinz used transparencies to illustrate the organizational lines and
activity of the Department. He commented on the many personnel changes that have occurred in
the Department during the past year, including the retirement of the former Chief, Marlo
Foster, after 21 years of service, 13 of which were served as Chief. The Department has 50
employees and 34 volunteers and a budget of $2,171,148, or 26% of the entire City budget.
Chief Prinz introduced the K-9 unit, comprised of Officer Jim Miller and Ninja and Officer
Tim Dreyer and Ranger, describing the origin of the program, the training involved and the
time spent to develop each unit. A Pro -Active unit was started in April of 1984 utilizing
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EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 3 March 19, 1985
off -duty officers and reserves; they worked a total of 561 hours in 1984. These officer work
in plain clothes and unmarked cars and are assigned to work in areas identified as having
specific problems. He said .a Crime Prevention Officer was hired full-time in 1984 and has
been involved in crime prevention meetings, children's fingerprint program, bike safety
talks, etc., and supervises 19 senior citizen volunteers in the Crime Watch Program. A
Narcotics Officer was added in 1983 and worked with Everett and Snohomish County until
January of 1984 when an officer was added to the program by Lynnwood. Chief Prinz reported
that Edmonds, Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace are discussing mutual involvement in training,
tactical teams, major case squad, etc. He said they are continuing to enhance communications
among police departments, City Attorneys and the South District Court. In conclusion he said
the Edmonds Police Officers Association was involved in the Senior Citizen Thanksgiving
Program and the Needy Family Christmas Program. Chief Prinz read the Department Mission
statement.
Senior Staff Assistant Steve Perry demonstrated the fingerprinting capability within the
Department and discussed the methods used and advances made within the last years.
DISCUSSION OF ELM ST. SIDEWALK.
City Engineer Jim Adams reviewed the history of this item and the recommendations before the
Council from Community Services Director Peter Hahn. Councilmember Hall said the sidewalk
should be finished for the least possible cost. Asked about the third alternative in Mr.
Hahn's letter, Mr. Adams said tiie minimum street widths in the Code are 22' without curbs
and gutters and 24' with curbs and gutters, with provision for a 28' width that allows one
parking lane. Councilmember Jaech said the meandering sidewalk and narrower street width
were attempts to preserve two trees.
Councilmember Kasper had asked to discuss this item tonight in hope that representatives of
the Planning Department would be present. lie had stepped down when this proposal was first
discussed because of the possibility of a conflict of interest; therefore, he was not able to
participate in the discussions. fie said this is an example of poor planning in that
improvements to an inadequate street were not included in planning for two developments that
would add 86 residential units to the impact on the street. He said the old code had
specifically prescribed the use of concrete when joining two concrete sidewalks, not asphalt,
but he was not sure what the new code required. He suggested the street be included on the
six -year street plan.
Councilmember Jaech preferred to widen the street at this point, asking the developers to
contribute their portion of the cost. Councilmember Kasper said the developer is not
responsible, the road was not correctly built, and should be corrected. Councilmlember Jaech
reiterated that something should be done now to protect residents in the area. COUNCILMEMBER
JAECH MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER OSTROM, TO WIDEN THE ROADWAY TO 28 FEET AND INSTALL
CURBS AND PROVIDE A CONCRETE WALKWAY. Asked about the total cost for such a project, Mr.
Adams said it would be $15,600 and 19 man -days. lie added that the money cannot come from the
street fund and must be taken from the maintenance or general funds. Asked what project
would be deferred if the Council approves the motion, Mr. Adams said no current project
would be deferred, since the projects on the six -year program are funded with federal funds
or the half -cent gas tax. He said the project could be included on next year's six -year
program. Acting Public Works Superintendent Bobby Mills interjected that there are other
aspects of this street that should be considered prior to making a decision on widening the
street, such as water lines and drainage. He asked the Council to look at the entire street
needs. COUNCILMEMBER JAECH WITHDREW HER MOTION, AGREEABLE TO SECOND. Asked how long it
would take to advise the Council what needs to be done on the street, Mr. Mills replied that
the information would be available upon completion of the plan by Reid; Middleton &
Associates in five months.
Councilmember Kasper said the work should be included on the six -year plan and would refer
this to the staff for analysis. COUNCILMEMBER JAECH MOVED TO SCHEDULE DISCUSSION OF THIS
SUBJECT FOR NOVEMBER 12 WITH A COMPLETE REPORT FROM THE STAFF. MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A
SECOND.
COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER WILSON, TO FINISH THE UNCOMPLETED
ASPHALT WALKWAY AS RECOMMENDED BY MR. HAHN IN HIS MEMORANDUM OF FEBRUARY 26, 1985.
Councilmember Dwyer asked if the project would first be referred to the staff. Councilmember
Nordquist said the temporary repair would be done and then the project would be sent to the
staff for corrective action. Councilmember Dwyer asked what effect completing the sidewalk
would have on what is done with the street. Advised there would be no effect, he commented
that the City would be paying $200 a month for a temporary sidewalk. Mr. Adams explained
that the project could be placed on the six -year transportation plan which would be presented
to the Council for approval prior to July submission of that plan to the State.
Councilmember Kasper announced he had abstained during original consideration of the project
and would do so now. A ROLL CALL VOTE WAS TAKEN WITH COUNCILMEMBERS NORDQUIST, HALL, AND
WILSON VOTING YES; COUNCILMEMBERS DWYER, JAECH, AND OSTROM VOTING NO; COUNCILMEMBER KASPER
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 4 March 19, 1985
ABSTAINING. THE MAYOR ANNOUNCED HE COULD NOT VOTE SINCE THIS IS AN APPROPRIATIONS MEASURE,
AND THE MOTION FAILED FOR LACK OF A MAJORITY VOTE. Councilmember Jaech asked that the
transportation plan and other information regarding this street be ready for the Council in
July. Councilmember Hall said there is a safety factor involved and the sidewalk should be
done now; one accident could result in a far greater cost to the City. She added that the
issue of the street could be considered by the Council at a later date.
MAYOR
Mayor Naughten reminded the Council of the Association of Snohomish County Cities and Towns
meeting on Thursday, March 28, 1985, in Mill Creek at 6:30. Reservations should be made by
March 26 by calling his secretary.
The Mayor said he had an opportunity to speak with 20 people from travel agencies, who were
here recently to look at Edmonds as a tourist attraction.
Mayor Naughten thanked the Lynnwood Elm Club for their $200 donation to the Edmonds Fire
Department Aid Car.
The Mayor announced that the Volunteer Firemen, over a four year period of donations of
aluminum cans and newspapers, have raised $11,000 which has been spent on equipment.
Mayor Naughten said the Puget Sound Council of Governments will have their annual meeting in
Seattle on March 28th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m: at the 'Red Lion Inn. Anyone interested
may contact his secretary for reservations.
COUNCIL
Councilmember Ostrom asked about the memorandum concerning the Council Retreat. Council
President Nordquist explained that the subjects suggested by the Council last week were
listed and space provided for any other subject that might have come to mind since then. He
asked if the Council will want a facilitator; Council indicated that the Council President
should act as such.
Councilmember Ostrom said the holding lane for left turns at the intersection of Olympic View
Drive and Puget Drive was exteaided this week and he has already had calls from people
commenting on the improvement.
Councilmember Dwyer reported on the meeting of Concerned Citizens Against Pornography last
Wednesday in Bothell. fie had purchased some materials that are available for anyone who
would like to read them. He concluded that the City has the necessary ordinances in place to
zone such activities and sees no need for any further action at this time.
Councilmember Dwyer suggested that some type of control may be necessary for audience
participation. At this time, he said, people are limited in that they may not speak about
subjects on the agenda that evening. He said people are speaking about subjects on the
extended agenda and he feels those items may also need to be included in the limitation.
Council President Nordquist called the Council's attention to the item regarding the DDAT.
He also discussed Administrative Services Director Art Housler's request for a liaison
representative on the Council, which will be considered at another meeting.
Councilmember Jaech asked for a report on the Seattle ordinance concerning control of animal
wastes. There is a problem in the City along Sunset Avenue and in the parks and she thinks
the City may need to consider a similar ordinance.
Since there was no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Naughten adjourned the
meeting at 9:25 p.m.
JACQUMNE G. PARRETT, City Clerk Lk5RY S. UG N, -Mapor4v
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 5 March 19, 1985