03/18/1994 City CouncilEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL RETREAT
MARCH 18, 19, 1994
THESE MINUTES WERE APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AT THE MAY 24, 1994
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
WELCOMING STATEMENT AND OPENING REMARKS BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT NORDQUIST
Council President Nordquist welcomed all retreat participants. The
meeting began with a review of the agenda and the meeting then preceded.
REVIEW OF THE DREAMS OF 1990 AS ESTABLISHED IN 1979
Art Housler, and John Nordquist presented this subject. The objective
of the presentation was to familiarize retreat participants of the
predetermined, preplanned changes to the landscape of the City of
Edmonds from the period between 1980 and 1990. The City Council of 1978
began to formulate goals and objectives for changes. These original
goals and objectives of 1978 were consolidated with others from 1979
and 1980 to form a visionary plan titled "Our Dream for.Edmonds 1990".
A secondary objective was to review the goals that were not completed
and have discussion take place regarding setting goals or visions for
"Edmonds 2010". Some of the goals and objectives from 1979 included:
Frances Anderson Center Development; Waterfront development; Main
Street undergrounding; Population Diversification; Development Guidance
Process; Parking plan, Control of Environmentally sensitive area; and
long range facilities plan. Mr. Housler and Council President
Nordquist went into each of these goals in detail, and discussions were
held on each subject.
Council President Nordquist reviewed excerpts from 1979 City Council
Minutes. It was noted that Fire Department Consolidation was talked
about with Mountlake Terrace in 1979 and is still being discussed in
1994. This was also the year when Resolution 428 was passed declaring
a moratorium on the issuance of all building permits and approvals of
PRD's subdivisions and short subdivisions in the Meadowdale area of
Edmonds.
Goals that are still in progress are as follows:
1. Construction of Public Safety Building
2. Covered Swimming Pool
3. Develop public use of Anderson property
4. Shoreline boardwalk from Brackett's Landing to Admiral Way Park
5. Annexation of Esperance
6. Parking solutions.
GENERAL DISCUSSION ON WHAT COUNCIL VIEWS EDMONDS WILL "LOOK LIKE" IN
20 YEARS". THE DISCUSSED INCLUDED THE FOLLOWING SUBJECTS: 1. How much
increase i.n
Economic De
development
population should Edmonds
velopment Council, and 3)
)ermit; 2) Develop
)ace needs for Cit
ent of an
Paul Mar, Community Services Director, introduced the subject and
referenced materials in Council packets. The City Council and staff
discussed what Edmonds may look like. The "vision" was discussed and
the following statements/objectives were set set forth by
Councilmembers:
1. Maintain small town atmosphere.
2. Diverse and vital neighborhoods
3. Space to breath
4. Resident enjoy mobility (implementation of a shuttle or other local
transportation so citizens may get around town easier).
5. Protect human resources (bowl area)
6. A prospering city (provide businesses with incentives so the
business community will thrive and new businesses will want to
locate in Edmonds).
7. Urban opportunities in a suburban setting (SR 99, Westgate)
8. Culturally diverse.
9. Arts - something for everyone (build a cultural arts center)
10. Well planned essential services
11. Quality education for all.
Councilmember Petruzzi believes the City should make a statement
supporting the works of the Edmonds Community College, specifically the
diverse population and offerings.
Council President Nordquist stressed the importance of the Westgate
area and making sure they have the feeling they are part of Edmonds.
With regards to the "vision" of the waterfront, the following
statements/objectives were set forth by the City Council:
1. Relocate ferry dock
2. Redevelop entire waterfront (including existing ferry dock)
3. Link the recreation amenities (parks) Examples: walking trails,
bicycle trails.
4. Resolve train related issues (tracks, grade crossings)
5. Provide temporary/overnight boat moorage besides Port (Mosquito
Fleet)
6. Appropriate balance of uses.
7. Preserve downtown economic vitality
8. Enhance ferry clientele "spending" (valet parking, shuttle, etc. -
ways of getting people to town to shop while they are waiting for
the ferry(.
9. RV Park.
Other vision comments
CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
City Council Retreat
March 18, 19. 1994
Councilmembers talked of enhancing the Westgate area, (complete
annexation). Councilmembers said they want to make sure that vision
statements instil "community" feelings, and that all government
services are "user friendly". Councilmembers discussed the ADB process
and it was noted that there have been comments that the process is not
user friendly. Councilmember Petruzzi said he hears many complaints
from people that our city is deemed "obstructive" when it comes to
trying to open a business.
Community Services Director Paul Mar reviewed an Edmonds Comprehensive
Plan Concept Map, which was included in Council packets and made
available via an overhead slide projector.
Councilmembers made the following comments regarding the map:
1. The boundaries area not clearly defined - watch out for boundaries
of shaded areas.
2. All of the city's parks are not included in the map (i.e. city park)
3. Stop at 8th Avenue for downtown portion.
4. Show Meadowdale as joint playfield.
5. More "green" area should show on map (i.e. all parks should be
included).
Councilmembers discussed the Cultural Arts and Convention Center. It
was the consensus of the Council that the Center should be located on
the campus of Edmonds Community College. Councilmembers felt this was a
centrally located area and bus service could be provided so that
attendees could be taken to the Edmonds area to visit shops and
restaurants.
Discussion on how much increase in population should Edmonds permit
Councilmember Kasper said the Council has to have some serious
discussions on how much population does the City of Edmonds want.
Councilmember Kasper said there has been no action by the Council to
take the increase of 61,000 as the County has set forth as a figure.
Councilmember Kasper said the Council has to decide whether to accept
the 6,000 or to reduce it. City Attorney Scott Snyder said the City
needs to use the planning figures set forth by the County for use in
the comprehensive plan, although the numbers are "soft". Councilmember
Kasper said Lynnwood has taken a position that they will only take so
much population, which is not the same as the County is saying they
will take.
Mr. Snyder said Lynnwood is basically taking a political position. Mr.
Mar reviewed with the Council the various increases in population in
Snohomish County (these are figures set forth by Snohomish County for
the various cities to use in their planning documents).
From 1990 -
2012,
Snohomish
County is planned to add 250,000 in
population,
which
is a 53%
increase.
CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
City Council Retreat
March 18. 19. 1994
From 1990 - 2012, City of Edmonds is planned to add 6,000 in
population, which is a 20% increase
From 1990 - 2012, Lynnwood is planned to add 9,000 in population, which
is 30% increase.
From 1990 - 2012, Mukilteo is planned to add 10,000 in population,
which is a 75% increase.
Visions of the bowl area were discussed:
1. The bowl should have unique design criteria.
2. Businesses that serve citizens (stores, pharmacies, etc.). It was
noted the majority of businesses are "service" such as attorneys,
accountants, etc.).
3. Mixed use buildings should be increased (multi -family over shop vs
Single Family.
4. Provide incentives for citizens to maintain their single family
residences (rather then tearing down and constructingmulti-family).
5. Provide incentives for small businesses. (the city has to make it
economically feasible for businesses to locate in Edmonds.
Council President Nordquist said he has watched the business community
in Edmonds over the last 30 years. In that time, he has seen the
decline of small businesses, and he envisions by 2010, that the bowl
area will have virtually no small businesses. Council President
Nordquist said this is due to larger businesses such as Costco and Drug
Emporium taking away business from local businesses. Council agreed
and said it is very difficult for the small business to compete with
the larger ones. City Council agreed that a solution is needed to stop
so much business from leaving town.
Discussion on an Economic Development Council
Councilmember Petruzzi introduced the subject and said this was
discussed with the Edmonds Visitors Bureau. Councilmember Petruzzi said
the City is doing a poor job in developing businesses in the City of
Edmonds and said it is very difficult to open a business. Councilmember
Petruzzi stressed the City has to provide "customer friendly
government". Councilmember Petruzzi said an Economic Development
Council has to include the city, chamber, EVB,and the Port. Council
President Nordquist said it should include non -chamber businesses*as
well.
Councilmember Earling said the City has to spend time on existing
businesses as well, as alot of them do not know how to perform business
basics such as bookkeeping, productive advertising, displays, etc.
Councilmember Petruzzi said an Ad -Hoc committee should be put together
regarding this.
Councilmember Earling said to please examine the Main Street Program,
such as how it was organized, citizen support, etc.
CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
City Council Retreat
March 18, 19, 1994
It was suggested and agreed that it should be called "Economic
ImprovementCouncil, and that National League of Cities should be used
as a resource. It was also the consensus to use the BIA (Business
Improvement Association) as a model.
Space needs for City Hall Development
Paul Mar, Community Services Director,began the discussion by asking
the following questions:
1. Given the vision of Edmonds in 20 years, is the current Civic Center
complex the appropriate location for City Hall? If so, why? If not, why
not and where should City Hall be.
2. What is the maximum the City should invest in a new City Hall? How
should this investment be financed.
Councilmember Kasper said the City should use the land it already owns
as it is too expensive to buy land. Various city hall locations were
discussed including: Current Civic Center site, Frances Anderson
Center, Wastewater Treatment Plant, Alaska Publishing property, Current
Public Works Site, UnoCal, and The Edmonds Financial Center.
Council President Nordquist said the Council has said repeatedly the
Fire Department shall move to the current public works site on an
interim basis. Acting Fire Chief Springer said if the City wants the
Fire Department downtown, it should be located at 9th and Main. If the
Fire Department.moves to the current public works site on an interim
basis, 9th and Main would still be the idealistic location.
Possible City Hall Scenarios that were discussed:
1. Move police to 2nd and Dayton,
- enlarge Fire Department at current site
- new building for administrative and civic center, etc.
Purchasing of a building was also discussed and Councilmembers
discussed the merits of purchasing a building for the administrative
component of City Hall.
Mr. Mar and the City Council discussed the space needs that was brought
foward by the Consultants and the space needs that Staff has brought
forward. The following is a recap of that discussion:
Space Needs as brought forth by Arai -Jackson (stated in square feet)
Police Department: 25,700
Fire Station: 14,700,
All other departments: 53,200
TOTAL 93,600
Space needs as brought forth by Staff (stated in square feet)
CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
City Council Retreat
March 18, 19. 1994
Police Department: 21,600
Fire Station: 13,400
All other departments: 36,200
TOTAL 70,800
Mr. Mar said Aria Jackson has stated the Fire Station would cost 2.2
million to build which includes no site work.
The Police Department, based on the cost of Lynnwood's current facility
which was built, was estimated at 4.6 million excluding site work and
6.8 million including site work. It was the consensus of the City
Council that an "edifice" is not needed and the price tag Arai -Jackson
placed for building a new Civic Center was way out of reach. Council
believes a $10 million price tag is more realistic than $18,000 as
Arai -Jackson estimated.
At 5:05 p.m, the Staff and City Council adjourned from the meeting.
SATURDAY, MARCH 19,1994.
Council President Nordquist called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.,
whereby continued discussion was held on the space needs.
(See attachement "A" for summary on this discussion.)
TV COVERAGE OF CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Councilmember Hall is requesting that City Council meetings be taped
for the benefit of citizens who cannot attend City Council Meetings.
The meetings would be televised in their entirety. Councilmember Hall
said Edmonds Community College would tape the meetings with their own
equipment and would not cost the City of Edmonds anything to air the
meetings. Councilmember Hall said the first taping would take place at
the April 26, 1994 City Council meeting. Councilmember Hall said he
would like to take approximately $5,000 from the monies budgeted for a
City-wide newsletter and use it for taping purposes.
Councilmember Earling opposed taking the monies from the City-wide
newsletter budget line item.
Councilmember Kasper suggested only specific portions of the meetings
be taped such as public hearings. Councilmember Hall said it would not
be cost effective as it would take a great deal of editing.
Councilmember Hall said Chambers Cable has agreed to air the public
hearings at no cost to the City.
Council President Nordquist asked Councilmember Hall if he had any
financial ties with Chambers Cable. Councilmember Hall said no.
CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
City Council Retreat
March 18, 19, 1994
Council President Nordquist said he has seen quite a few of taped
Council meetings, and can't imagine someone will want to sit down and
watch a four hour meeting.
Councilmember Earling said the RTA has discussed taping their meetings
and instead they have chosen to simply air a synopsis of actions that
took place.
The consensus was to have Edmonds Community College tape one meeting,
and then Chambers Cable would air it.
Jack Gradwohl of Chambers Cable was present and said it would be aired
on Channel 32, 12:00 p.m - 12:00 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and
Friday.
CITY-WIDE NEWSLETTER DISCUSSION
Councilmembers discussed this briefly, and requested more information
as to the actual cost of the newsletter. No action was taken on this
item.
CHAMBERS CABLE TELEVISION
The Council discussed the Chambers Cable Television Franchise.
Community Services Director Paul Mar said he would prepare an Executive
Summary Report and provide it to the City Council.
The Council met in an Executive Session to discuss this matter from
10:25 a.m., until 10:55 a.m.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE SYSTEM AND REALLY HOW EFFECTIVE IS IT
Councilmember Kasper believes the communication in the Committee System
has broken down. Councilmember Kasper said there are items of great
importance that are being discussed that are not being brought to the
Committees. Councilmember Kasper said he is uncomfortable with the
fact that the Administration and Staff are not bringing certain kinds
of issues to the Council. Councilmember Kasper said many of these
issues are very important and Council should be advised of them.
The Committee System was discussed. It was the consensus of the Council
to change the makeup of the Committee System. Instead of breaking into
individual committees, the Council Committees would meet together as a
whole Council so that all Councilmembers can hear what another
Committee is discussing. It was noted that Committee Night still would
have no action items on the agenda. The Council agreed the only items
that would appear on the agenda for Committee Night would be those
placed on the agenda by the Chair of the Public Safety, Community
Services or Finance Committee Chair. It is the intention to have the
Council President reside over Committee night meetings. The minutes
will be kept by the Council Resource person.
CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
City Council Retreat
March 18, 19. 1994
CITY COUNCIL RETREAT
MARCH 18, 19, 1994
CITY COUNCIL GOALS/TOPICS AND DISCUSSION
Councilmember Hall
1. Would like to pursue the idea of "low interest loans" for
businesses (to generate more business activity other than
"service" businesses.
2. Pursue an Economic Development Council.
3. Pursue the possibility of having a shuttle Bus or local
transportation for citizens to get around town.
4. Pursue possible tax on ferry.
5. Re: microwave towers in city; a lot of people are using the air
space for free.
6. "Edmonds.money" Barter system. Money would be used in Edmonds
only.
Councilmember Fahey
1. Re: Waterfront. Focus should be on mitigating the effects
of increased ridership at the present time.
2. Discussion of consolidation of fire services.
3. Wants information/background on tracking what our responses have
been in the Esperance area (fire and police responses)
4. Revisit the question of signage criteria (policies for signage
should be different for the bowl and non bowl areas).
5. Acquire property (i.e. Safeway property- doesn't want the City to
lose the opportunity to purchase this property if it becomes
available).
6. Become an active player with the County re: hotel/motel tax.
7. City Council become a more active participant in legislative
actions (more frequent trips to Olympia)
8. Pursue location for cultural arts center. (consensus of the
Council was the center should be at Edmonds Community College)
9. Pursue an enclosed swimming pool for Edmonds. (Council President
Nordquist suggested the city talk to the School District regarding
a joint venture):
10. Review of the ADB Process
11. Planning Department. She is constantly hearing that the Planning
Department is not customer service oriented. Would like to see
this change.
Councilmember Petruzzi
1. Go to citizens with a bond issue by end of year or have everything
in place by end of year. Explore all forms of financing by
September of 1994 (re: Space needs/new city hall).
2. Pursue creation of an Economic Development Council in conjunction
with Port of Edmonds and Chamber.
3. Comprehensive review of the ADB Process. Read from letter from
local businessman who states problems with the ADB Process such
CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
as: 1. The ADB meets only once a month and requires at least a
three week lead time for minor repairs; 2) all exterior changes to
commercial properties require ADB approval including signs,
painting, landscaping, decks and fences, even though many of these
changes do not require a permit; 3) the process can be further
delayed because a citizen can appeal a decision of the ADB even
though the project may not require a variance or a permit.
4. Make Edmonds more "user-friendly" re: opening up a business.
Very difficult to open a business in Edmonds, he has received
several complaints on the "hoops" they have to go through.Would
like to see the business licensing procedures thorughly examined.
Council President Nordquist
1. Signage. Concerned that Staff does not check for proper
signage/violations until there is a complaint called into city.
2. Planning Department. Citizens are concerned with some of the
answers they are receiving from the planning department. Would
like to make the Planning Department more customer friendly and
take the time to help citizens.
3. Planning Board Per Diem. Would like to pursue the possibility of
providing the Planning Board Members with a per -diem, as they
spend a lot of time and their own money on various duties they
must perform.
4. Fire Consolidation between the three cities. It was the consensus
to have Walter Feist come to an upcoming City Council Meeting.
5. Fax machine in office. Fax jack has been installed. Consensus of
the Council to have a fax machine installed.
Counciimember Kasper
1. Would like the Council to revisit and discuss the "four nos"
2. Pursue the possibility of a Council/Manager form of government
3. Enforce speed limits through the City.
4. Compensation for meetings. 'He is asked at various times to attend
meetings for Council President and Mayor. Would like Council
President to implement compensation in these cases.
5. Truck Signage. The truck route signage is incorrect and would
like to see it corrected. Engineering and Public Works are not
working together in this area.
Councilmember Earling
1. Economic Development Council. 'When this is formed, he would like
the EDC to acknowledge there are two different areas they are
dealing with in the city (bowl and non -bowl) and treat them
differently. Allow for individual differences. The EDC should
have a program to follow, such as the Main Street Project
followed, and training be provided for businesses so they know how
to better run a viable business.
2. Transportation. the Draft study is now done on North End commuter
rail. Regarding the cost analysis rail -vs- bus system. It has
CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
been documented that rail is dramatically cheaper to implement,
and the projected ride time from Edmonds to King Street Station is
27 minutes.
3. Traffic at proposed multi -modal. Wants City to spend time making
sure there is a smooth flow of traffic for getting into the
multi -modal site.
4. Increased HOV/Arterial lanes in Snohomish County. Councilmember
Earling believes this a good way to help move people around the
County.
5. Space Needs. Wants this Council to take a decisive step.
CITY COUNCIL APPROVED.MINUTES
H
Discussion on Space Needs at Retreat
(Saturday morning when Staff present)
Council discussed the merits of acquiring a building to be used for the
city's administrative purposes.
Discussion on Space Needs at Retreat
(Saturday session without Staff present)
Councilmember Petruzzi talked about "Design Build". Councilmember
Petruzzi said this is when the same firm designs it and builds it.
Councilmember Petruzzi said there is a number of controls the city has.
Councilmember Petruzzi said this can be less expensive. Councilmember
Petruzzi referenced material in the packet pertaining to "Design
Build". Councilmember Petruzzi said this, perhaps, is something the
Council may wish to talk about at another time as an added option..
Councilmember Earling said along the same lines, he was contacted by
Randall Dodd, formerly of the "Enterprise". Mr. Dodd is involved in a
national company who would come in to see what the city's space needs
are, builds it, and then lease -purchases it back to the City. At the
end of the contract, the City would arrange for the purchase of it.
Councilmember Earling said this is also another option the City may
want to take a look at.
Councilmember Kasper said one difficulty with this is the quality of
the building because of all the various subcontractors. Councilmember
Earling said he discussed this with Randall.
Various options were discussed, Councilmember Petruzzi said it would
behoove us to place the Space Needs as a number one priority and goal
to be completed (planning) for the year, so a bond could be brought the
people by the end of the year.
Councilmember Petruzzi said he favors purchasing a building for
possible use for the city's administrative purposes. Councilmember
Petruzzi referenced comments at a previous Council Meeting made by
Councilmember Dwyer where he stated the Council has had limited input
into the Space Needs Study up until the time the study was presented to
Council. Councilmember Dwyer had noted the Council was heavily involved
in the planning of the Wastewater Treatment Plant, and Councilmember
Petruzzi agrees that the Council should have been more involved in the
space needs study. Councilmember Petruzzi said he sees this as being
the next major policy decision.
Council President Nordquist said he hopes the Council will make a
positive statement that the Council is ready to start the construction
or acquisition of a new facility, and then move forward.
Councilmember Earling agreed and said unless he sees some very strong
arguments, he would like to see the City pursue purchasing of an
existing building Edmonds. Councilmember Kasper agreed
Council President Nordquist said he was looking more for a basic
statement indicating the mission of the Council now is to move forward
and take advantage of the information on the Space Needs Study and
potentially move towards the acquisitin of an existing building.
Council President Nordquist said he would like to portray the message
the Council wants to move forward with this issue.
Council agreed.
Councilmember Kasper said he feels the financing has to be completed
before next February. Councilmember Kasper said the reason for this is
when the new taxes hit under the School Levy, he believes the City
should go ahead and ask for $10 million. Councilmember Kasper said you
cannot go out for bond during an election year.
Statement drafted and ready by Council President Nordquist at the end
of the meeting on Saturday "It is the intention of the Edmonds City
Council, based on several space needs studies, to move forward in
resolving these inadequacies by exploring the acquisition of, or
implement construction of a facility that will meet not only the
current but also future space needs of the City. It is also the
intention of the City Council to explore the most cost effective way of
funding such a project".
Councilmember Kasper said the Council has spent four years making
definite decisions and the administration has refused to go ahead with
them. Councilmember Kasper said the Council made the decision to move
the Fire Station on an interim basis, and the Administration is
ignoring that decision. Councilmember Kasper said the Council agreed to
move Public Works to the site on 220th, so the site down below would
become open for the Fire Department to move on an interim basis until
the City of Edmonds worked out another site with the other agencies
next year.
Councilmember Petruzzi said if the City decides to buy an existing
building, it would make economic sense to keep the fire station where
it is now. Councilmember Kasper agreed.
URA l , MAYUR— RMONDA J. MARCH', CITY CLERK
CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL RETREAT, MARCH 18, 19, 1994