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
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EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Pena F Anril 9 19Rr,