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04/02/1985 City CouncilTHESE MINUTES SUBJECT TO APRIL 9 APPROVAL EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES April 2, 1985 The regular meeting of the Edmonds City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Larry Naughton in the Plaza Meeting Room of the Edmonds Library. All present joined in the flag salute. .PRESENT ABSENT STAFF PRESENT Larry Naughton, Mayor Laura Hall Peter Hahn, Comm. Svcs. Director John Nordquist Steve Simpson, Parks & Rec. Director Steve Dwyer Art Housler, Admin. Svcs. Director Jo -Anne Jaech Mary Lou Block, Planning Director Bill Kasper Bobby Mills, Actg. Pub. Wks. Supt. Lloyd Ostrom Rhonda March, Comm. Svcs. Office Admin. Jack Wilson Ed Huntley, Bldg. & Grounds Maint. Supv. Doug Reuble, Student Rep. Bill Stroud, Street Supv. Greg Ramsland, Equipment Rental Supv. George Kopan, Treatment Plant Supv. Hal Reeves, Building Official Jim Adams, City Engineer Jackie Parrott, City Clerk Scott Snyder, City Attorney Shirlie Witzel, Recorder Councilmember Nordquist arrived at 7:15 p.m. during discussion of the report from the Utility Wiring Committee. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Naughton announced that Item (I), Final Approval of 6-Lot Subdivision at 606 and 612 9th Ave. S. (Cedar Ridge #3/P-5-84), had been removed from the Consent Agenda and would be rescheduled on the April 9 Consent Agenda. Councilmember.Kasper asked that Item (F) be removed from the Consent Agenda. 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 March 26, 1985. During the Mayor's portion of the Agenda later in the evening, COUNCILMEMBER JAECH MOVER, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST, TO CORRECT THE MARCH 26, 1985, COUNCIL MINUTES TO REFLECT THAT THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER BY MAYOR PRO TEM NORDQUIST. MOTION CARRIED.. (C) Acknowledgment of receipt of Claims For Damages from Phyllis Ripley ($173.40)., Charles and Nicola Blume ($147.14), and Patti A. Hoy ($2,048.80). (D) Passage of Resolution 616 initiating vacation of a portion of the unbuilt right-of- way of North M.eadowdale Rd. in the vicinity of 164th St. S.W. and referring to Hearing Examiner for review. (E) Adoption of Ordinance 2487 approving rezone -of property at 19006 80th Ave. W. from RS-12 to RS-8 (R-2-84). (G) Authorization for Mayor to accept easement, construction license, and hold harm- less from Brookacres Homeowners Association. (H) Authorization to purchase replacement vehicle for Water Division ($10,000). During the Mayor's portion of the Agenda, COUNCILMEMBER JAECH MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST, TO CORRECT THE MARCH 26, 1985 COUNCIL MINUTES TO REFLECT THAT THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER BY MAYOR PRO TEM JOHN NORDQUIST. MOTION CARRIED. EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 1 April 2, 1985 PROPOSED ORDINANCE 2488 AMENDING SIGN CODE RELATING TO FREESTANDING SIGNS, INCIDENTAL SIGNS, TEMPORARY SIGNS, AND CONFISCATION OF PROHIBITED SIGNS IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY Councilmember Kasper said he removed this item because he wished to vote against the proposed ordinance. COUNCILMEMBER DWYER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER JAECH, TO APPROVE ORDINANCE 2488 AMENDING THE SIGN CODE. MOTION CARRIED WITH COUNCILMEMBER KASPER VOTING NO. Councilmember Kasper explained that he voted against the measure because it is excessive in many portions and would be an harassment to the public. REPORT FROM UTILITY WIRING COMMITTEE Community Services Director Peter Hahn commended the Committee for an excellent job accomplished on a difficult issue and for their tenacity. He also commended Planning Director Mary Lou Block for her work as Chair for the Committee. Because she had stepped down during previous discussions of this issue, Councilmember Jaech asked for clarification of her position during this report. City Attorney Scott Snyder responded that the Council would not be considering any action on the report and said she might consider abstaining from voting on accepting the report but saw no reason for her to step down. Ms. Block introduced the members of the Committee present in the audience. She explained the process used by the Committee in arriving at the recommendations that support Alternative 4 and a two-phase implementation process. She noted that the anticipated total cost is $1,064,000, of which the PUD staff have indicated PUD may be willing to pay the original cost of $324,000; the cost indicated for General Telephone would be $469,000. She said no cost figures had been prepared for the cable television company and that the costs for both the telephone and cable companies may be handled through the franchise process. Ms. Block continued that the committee was unanimous in encouraging undergrounding throughout the city, listing the recommended areas; however, the committee did recognize the need for funding and recommends that the city and utilities explore funding possibilities. Brian White, Transmission Engineering Supervisor for the PUD, displayed photos depicting three versions of two different views on Walnut St. The first showed the location of existing wires and the impact on the views, the second picture depicted Phase 1 of Alternative 4, and the third picture was completion of Phase 2 of Alternative 4. Councilmember Jaech expressed concern that moving the poles behind the .sidewalk would place them at retaining walls on some properties and asked how high the wires must be. Mr. White explained that there would be accommodation for such areas and said the lowest wire must be 25' from the ground during 1200 weather. He then displayed pictures of the intersection of SR 104 and 100th Ave. W. that showed present wiring locations and the result of eliminating overhead wires. Councilmember Kasper inquired what reasons were used in the committee's recommendation to stop undergrounding on Dayton at 6th Ave., since there is more view involved between 6th and 9th Ave. Ms. Block said the recommendations for future.undergrounding were formulated in a very short time span and were not meant to be all-inclusive; however, one factor considered was the fact that the area east of 6th Ave. on Dayton is residential and there would be less opportunity for funding. Councilmember Wilson asked what would happen if Phase 1 of Alternative 4 were completed and funding for Phase 2 were not available: Ms. Block replied that Phase 1 would be a satisfactory arrangement for some time and suggested that the PUD might be asked the life expectancy of the poles. Ron Harper, Manager of the PUD in South County, said this report and the City Council's response would be presented to the PUD Commissioners on April 30. Mr. Harper said he believed, based on recent occurrences, that it would be appropriate to open a dialogue between the City and the PUD regarding funding of underground utilities. Councilmember Wilson asked about the difference in costs estimates because of the different wiring to be used. Mr. Harper said the original proposal would have cost 1311,'001 and the new wires and use of existing poles would cut that cost to $212,000. He intends to recommend that the original cost be the PUD contribution but the Commissioners will make the final decision. Councilmember Ostrom asked why concrete poles would not be used during Phase 1. Mr. White explained that use of new poles would entail moving the existing telephone, cable and service wires to the new poles, using the existing poles for the 115 kv wires and leaving the other service wires where they are now would reduce the cost for Phase 1. He added that within 5-10 years the old poles will have to be replaced and he will argue that point in EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Paqe 2 April 2, 1985 support of PUD's share of undergrounding costs. He added that the life expectancy of the concrete or metal poles may be somewhere around 100 years. Councilmember Kasper asked if Phase 1 could serve as a complete solution. Mr. White replied affirmatively; however, he added, the City Engineer has indicated that the poles must be moved back from the curb as they are replaced, resulting in a checkered effect for a few years. Asked how a dialogue might be started with the PUD, Mr. Harper suggested that technical issues might be addressed with the staff prior to getting to the political level. Councilmember Wilson asked if the letter received from General Telephone indicated they do not intend to participate in undergrounding. Ms. Block replied affirmatively, indicating that their financial responsibility would be a matter for legal determination. Councilmember Ostrom recalled a case in which it was held that a municipality has the authority to require a utility to perform work to their specifications. Mr. Snyder said that case is before the Supreme Court. He added that the franchise with the telephone company specifies how improvements are to be handled. Mayor Naughten reported that letters had been received from Chris McDevitt of the Chamber of Commerce and Dave Earling of the DDAT Committee opposing the SR 104 alternative. He said if the Council feels Alternative 4, Phase 1 is the best route, he will contact PUD and establish the appropriate meetings. Councilmember Kasper said he would like to go over the materials before voting on this. Mr. Hahn -observed that the process used by the Committee could be reviewed with a small.group in a couple of hours. Councilmember Kasper mentioned a letter from Natalie Shippen which contained several good points regarding the committee report. Mayor Naughten said her letter discussed the background of the 50/50 cost sharing between the City and PUD and suggested restoring that arrangement. Councilmember Ostrom mentioned another point in the letter relating to establishing criteria for an approach to undergrounding which could be extended to other areas, also. Councilmember Nordquist suggested that the present policy should be reactivated and be sent to the Community Services Committee. Ms. Block said the Utility Wiring Committee would support a group to consider other areas for undergrounding and would like to be involved in determining the criteria. Councilmember Kasper asked why people were not concerned about undergrounding when funds were available 10-15 years ago. Mr. Harper suggested that some people would not have realized a benefit and there may have been economic reasons, also. In response to a query regarding a time frame for action on this issue, Ms. Block said the PUD had granted one extension to March 31 and the report is now one week late. She urged that action be taken as quickly as possible. Mayor Naughten observed that the PUD Commissioners will review the report on April 30, allowing the .Community Services Committee to report back with recommendations to the Council on April 23. Mr. Snyder observed that the City is not required to approve the Utility Wiring Committee report for the PUD to proceed with Phase 1. If the proposed plan is acceptable to the PUD, it would be their option to implement the plan; the subject of undergrounding could be addressed at another time. The PUD may continue with their existing variance request and go back to the ADB for design approval, he added. Phase l would only require ADB approval of the design. Councilmember Kasper said the Community Services Committee report would provide input for the PUD staff. Councilmember Dwyer asked that the Committee present a motion for Council approval on April 23. Mayor Naughten thanked the members of the Utility Wiring Committee for their work and effort in finding an alternative solution. Councilmember Ostrom thanked the members of the PUD for their participation and efforts, also. REPORT ON BID OPENING FOR SALE OF EXCESSIVE CITY PROPERTY (200TH AVE.) Mayor Naughten recessed the meeting at 7:50 p.m. to Executive Session to discuss a price for city property; meeting reconvened at 8:05 p.m. COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER JAECH, TO REJECT ALL BIDS SUBMITTED AS REPORTED IN AGENDA MEMORANDUM FROM CITY ENGINEER AND INSTRUCT STAFF TO APPLY FOR A TITLE INSURANCE POLICY ON THE PROPERTY AND ASK FOR A SURVEY. MOTION CARRIED, WITH COUNCILMEMBERS * DWYER AND OSTROM VOTING NO. * See April 9, 1985 Minutes EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 3 April 2, 1985 RECONSIDERATION OF ELM ST. WALKWAY Councilmember Jaech commented that the portion of Elm St. affected by the new homes being built and the increased traffic would benefit by being widened and putting in a sidewalk. She did not see the need for a temporary solution at this time. Mr. Snyder explained that he had advised the Mayor incorrectly during a tie vote March 19 on a motion by Councilmember.Nordquist "to finish the uncompleted asphalt walkway as recommended by Mr. Hahn in his memorandum of February 6, 1985." and the -Mayor should have been given the opportunity to break the tie. Councilmember Kasperasked why the item had come to the Council in the first place. Mr. Hahn replied that it was included in the Council packets as an information item with no action required. Councilmember Dwyer asked the Mayor what his vote would have been, since he should have been able to vote; he added that the Council would.have been obligated to authorize what the Mayor would have done. Mayor Naughten.said he would have voted to complete the asphalt walkway. Based on the fact that the Mayor would have voted in favor of the motion if he had been allowed to break the tie, COUNCILMEMBER DWYER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER WILSON, TO AUTHORIZE THE WORK TO BE DONE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST TWO WEEKS AGO. MOTION CARRIED, WITH COUNCILMEMBER JAECH VOTING NO AND COUNCILMEMBER KASPER ABSTAINING -BECAUSE HE HAD ABSTAINED DURING ORIGINAL CONSIDERATION OF THE PROJECT AND THE VOTE ON MARCH 19. Mayor Naughten commented that information would be presented in July regarding the improvements and costs that will be needed for a permanent solution on this street. REPORT FROM COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT Community Services Director Peter Hahn called attention to the 1984 Community Services Department Annual Report before the Council. Mr. Hahn introduced the Department Managers present in the audience. He said Community Services is the largest department in the City with 80 full-time employees and approximately 100 part-time employees, most of the part-time employees working in Parks and. Recreation. The department utilizes approximately two/thirds of the City's annual .budget. The department provides direct services to the citizens of Edmonds. Mr. Hahn read the department mission statement and reviewed the highlights of 1984: Reorganization of the department by the Mayor and Council; Department Director joined the City in October; Director completed classification analysis of four Division Manager positions; decision made to commence planning for secondary sewage treatment; installation of IBM System 36 -- by year-end staff had completed training in word processing and in programming and use of IBM PC.; development of medium range goals; and formulation of a mission statement. Mr. Hahn described efforts made in ascertaining the quality of service being given to applicants for building permits. He also discussed a meeting held with developers in the area to determine areas needed improvements or streamlining. He noted that the Community Services staff was seen as courteous, thorough, and tough but fair. Mr. Hahn then narrated as sli,des..were shown of the department.and staff at work. He reminded everyone of the Spring Cleanup on April 15 this year. He ended by reporting that the Parks and Recreation Department has so many activities that a separate report will be provided next week. Mayor Naughten,thanked the staff for their attendance and their part in the report. MAYOR Mayor Naughten reported that a police department in Idaho wishes to purchase a surplus vehicle formerly used for Stevens Hospital security. .,Two bids were received locally but were lower than the $3,000 the police department is willing to spend; he said the money would go into the police car replacement fund. COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER OSTROM, TO ACCEPT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE POLICE CHIEF TO SELL THE CAR FOR $3,000.TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN IDAHO. MOTION CARRIED. The Mayor reported that Councilmembers Kasper and Hall and he had attended the 1985 National League of Cities Conference in Washington, D.C. to develop national urban policies. He said a report would .be submitted to the Council shortly. Mayor Naughten noted that the letter from Personnel Manager Pat LeMay is a review of the Garcia Decision which will be discussed at the Personnel Committee Meeting on April 9. EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Paae 4 Anri 1 2. lg85 COUNCIL Councilmember Kasper asked if there would be an agenda and information available prior to the retreat. Councilmember Nordquist replied that Executive Secretary Dia Bock will have the retreat packets ready by Friday afternoon, April 12; the information will be furnished by the staff. Councilmember Kasper asked that the information be ready and distributed by April 9. Councilmember Ostrom inquired about the selection of the Council Resource Person. Council President Nordquist advised that nine applications had been selected for further review following the Council meeting this evening. Council President Nordquist commented that Administrative Services Director Art Housler had requested a liaison with the Council as other Divisions have through the Community Services and Public Safety Committees. Mr. Housler said he felt that it would be advantageous to have such a committee to deal with operational problems, staffing, etc. He said the information presented by him is often very detailed and he could more effectively present it to two or three people. He cited the recent selection of bank services as an example of how two people from the Council were a part of the selection process, the details and choice were presented to the Council and a vote taken. He said he felt it would be a more effective use of time. Councilmember Ostrom agreed that Mr. Housler had made a good point. He suggested that, if the Council made use of this approach, more items would be moved through the Council meetings than there are now. He said the work meetings had been intended for that type of approach but had not worked out and suggested that this be discussed at the retreat. COUNCIL PRESIDENT NORDQUIST MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER OSTROM, TO EXCUSE THE ABSENCE OF COUNCILMEMBER HALL THIS EVENING. MOTION CARRIED. Since there was no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Naughten adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m. JAC UELINE G. PARRETT, City Clerk l� i�11rs s. A rr 6A 0 EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Pena F Anril 9 19Rr,