04/29/1986 City CouncilTHESE MINUTES SUBJECT TO
MAY 6, 1986 APPROVAL
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
APRIL 29, 1.086
The regular Town Nall meeting of the Edmonds City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by
Mayor Larry Naughten in the Woodway High School Auditorium. All present joined in the flag sa-
lute.
PRESENT
Larry Naughten, Mayor
John Nordquist
Steve Dwyer
Laura Hall
Jo -Anne Jaech
Bill Kasper
Lloyd Ostrom
Jack Wilson
Cindy Browne, Student Rep.
INTRODUCTION AND EXPLANATION OF MEETING FORMAT
STAFF PRFSFNT
Art Housler, Admin. Svcs..Director
Steve Simpson, Parks & Rec. Mgr.
Bobby Mills, Public Wks. Supt.
Jack Weinz, Fire Chief
Mary Lou Block, Planning Div. Mgr.
Pat LeMay, Personnel Manager
Peter Hahn, Community Services Dir.
Chris Beckman, Engineering Coordinator
Dan Prinz, Police Chief
Jackie Parrett, City Clerk
Margaret Richards, Recorder
Mayor Naughten welcomed everyone to the first Westgate Town Hall meeting. He explained that this
meeting is the eighth Town Nall meeting held over the last two years. The purpose of the meet-
ing, Mayor Naughten said, was two -fold: 1) to conduct meetings outside of the downtown area in
various districts and communicate with the citizens, and 2) to inform residents of current events
and listen to their concerns.
Mayor Naughten informed residents that they could address the Council or Staff on any subject
they desired either verbally at the podium, giving their name and address, or in written form.
He said cookies and coffee will be served at 8 p.m. during a recess. The cookies were furnished
by the Chamber of Commerce, who co -sponsored the meeting, and the coffee furnished by the City.
Mayor Naughten introduced Ginny Hildreth, Director of the Main Street Program.
Ms. Hildreth said the program coordinates advertising in downtown Edmonds. She said it was impor-
tant to create a theme or "jingle" that represents Edmonds and its meaning to people. Over three
hundred entries were received for the Jingle Contest, which were narrowed down to four winners.
She announced the winners as follows: Fourth prize winner, Delores Curry, won a trip for two to
Port Ludlow from KOMO Radio. A representative of KOMO Radio expressed appreciation for being
allowed to participate in the contest. She presented Ms. Curry with a gift certificate for a
weekend in Port Ludlow; Third prize winner, Mike and Colleen Lynch, won prizes from merchants in
downtown Edmonds; Second prize winner, Marlene Girvan, won a dinner for two at Arnie's Restau-
rant every month for a year. A representative of Arnie's presented Ms. Girvan with the dinner
certificate; First prize winner, Jim Bock, won a trip for two to the Caribbean from McKinstry
Cruise & Travel. A representative of McKinstry presented Mr. Bock with passage for two on the
Jubilee.
Ms. Hildreth announced that the trolley will begin service in Edmonds on May 8. It will circu-
late every twenty minutes from the waterfront to 8th Avenue. She said Community Transit will
begin service to the business communities of Westgate and Five Corners, and ticket holders of Bus
130 can ride into the downtown area free of charge. Ms. Hildreth expressed her appreciation to
County Councilman Bruce Agnew for his support.
WESTGATE SURVEY RESULTS
Planning Division Manager Mary Lou Block reported that the City received a 43% response rate from
the 68 business surveys to commercial enterprises mailed in the. Westgate area.
Approximately one-half of those responding (45%) own their business property. The remainder
lease or rent space.
The floor area occupied by the businesses responding averages approximately 1700 square feet.
This figure excludes Albert.son's or Olson's, both of which occupy 25,000 square feet.
A large majority of those responding to the commercial survey indicated that they are very satis-
fied with the way in which the Westgate area has developed. An even greater level of satisfac-
tion was indicated by the respondents to the question of whether they like their current loca-
tion. The average response was 4.03 out of a possible 5.
The sentiment was less favorable in regard• to the question, "Are you satisfied with the current
BN.zoning classification in this area?". The average response to this.question was 3.07 out of 5.
Overwhelmingly, the response was negative to the City's existing sign regulations for Westgate.
Many expressed the opinion that there should be greater flexibility for increased sign area.
In response to the question of ways in which the City could improve the Westgate area, businesses
almost unanimously indicated their support for more flexible sign control. Next, among favored
City improvements, are increased street landscaping and better pedestrian access. Improved traf-
fic control and changes to zoning regulations were next on the list of desired City actions.
In summary, Ms. Block said it appears that most commercial owners or tenants in the Westgate area
are pleased with their location and with the area's development, in general. However, these same
people are less satisfied with the zoning regulations of the BN zone and are extremely unhappy
with the current sign code regulations.
Of the 257 residential surveys mailed out, ninety completed questionaires were returned for a
response rate of 38%. Some of the questionaires were not delivered for various reasons.
Of the residents responding, 45% indicated that they shop daily in the Westgate commercial area.
Another 35% shop there at least twice a week. Shoppers in this area are primarily in the market
for groceries. Their secondary destinations are gas stations and drug stores.
In order of preference, respondents want the following uses in this area: grocery stores, gas
stations, a theater, a bakery, a bookstore, a drug store, and a plant nursery.
In response to the question of which uses people would not like to see in the area, the least
favored use was a tavern. Other less desired uses included a hotel/motel, automotive sales, a
theater, department store, and health club. A theater was indicated as both a most favored and
least favored use.
Among potential improvements, the residents almost equally favored increased landscaping and
better traffic circulation. Better sidewalks and crosswalks were the next priority.
Seventy-three respondents, or 81%, indicated that they think the Westgate commercial area is
compatible with the surrounding single family development.
In summary, Ms. Block said from a review of the responses, it appears t.hat most residents are
satisfied with the Westgate area and the commercial development within it. They are customers of
the local. businesses and share many of the concerns of the merchants for increased landscaping,
better pedestrian.access, and improved traffi.c.control.
Barney Arsted, 10519 - 226th S.W., noted his neighbors did not receive the questionnaire. Ms.
Block said she was unsure without looking at a vicinity map whether his neighbor was within the
perimeters of the.mailing list. She said some .of the .questionnaires were returned undeliverable,
andshe.would be happy to sort through those to see if his neighbor's was sent.
Mayor Naughten noted that Councilmember_Nordquist was the impetus for the Westgate survey. Be-
cause the area is rapidly growing, the Mayor said the City wanted to hear residential and. busi-
ness concerns in order to develop a more comprehensive plan. Mayor Naughten suggested that an ad
hoc committee be formed comprised of businesses and residents to address the sign codes, landscap-
ing and traffic issues and make recommendations.
Mayor Naughten introduced Student Representative Cindy Browne, who is a student at Woodway High
School. Cindy is the seventeenth student representative to serve on th.e Council.
Hank Landau said he owned an engineering firm in Westgate. Ile expressed his appreciation to the
Council and Staff for conducting the survey and showing an interest in both connnercial and resi-
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 2 APRIL 29, 1986
dential concerns. He said he was interested to know what action is taken as a result of the
survey. Mayor Naughten inquired if he was interested in serving on the committee. Mr. Landau
replied affirmatively.
Grant Woodfield, 13729 - 67th W., said he has resided in the Westgate area for twenty-five
years. Mr. Woodfield lives adjacent to Albertson's. He said homes were built long before the
businesses were. He felt Albertson's and Olson's should adhere to the ordinances of the City and
treat their residential neighbors as neighbors would.
Bill Wellington said he owns the veterinary hospital on Edmonds Way. He inquired if the zoning
would be reclassified in the vicinity on the south side of Edmonds Way and east of his clinic
because that area is predominantly commercial with the exception of the 3.5 acre tract to the
south. He also mentioned that a left-hand turn into his clinic is not possible because of the
island in the road. Mayor Naughten asked how the area is currently zoned. Planning Division
Manager Mary Lou Block replied single family. Mayor Naughten said residential zoning would seem
appropriate given the traffic and development patterns. Councilmember Hall said she felt the
zoning may be changed in the near future. She said she has received numerous complaints about
the island from businesses. She noted that more landscaping, as indicated in the survey, is
desirable but perhaps not in islands. Ms. Block noted that a number of people did request land-
scaping_ in the islands. Councilmember Hall inquired if a suggestion was made to shorten the
island to facilitate left-hand turns. Ms. Block said comments were made regarding modifications
to the islands.
Dr. Wellington commented that his clinic parking lot is like a highway because people use it for
reasons other than visiting his clinic. He suggested that the island be shortened to facilitate
a left-hand turn: Mayor Naughten said Staff would contact him to discuss this issue.
Dorothy Gasprich, 9926 - 227th P1. S.W., said the traffic pattern is hazardous in front of her
home because the street narrows from a two-lane road to a single lane. She inquired if the road
was proposed to be widened. Mayor Naughten noted that the City has received complaints regarding
this issue in the past, but Staff does not feel that the growth pattern is as accelerated in that
vicinity as it is on Edmonds Way.
Councilmember Nordquist said he has received inquiries from residents of .the Westgate area and
Firdale Village regarding the zoning and traffic situation.
Councilmember Nordquist congratulated Johnny Gunther for his introduction into the Bowling Hall
of Fame.
Councilmember Nordquist noted that many changes have occurred 'to the Westgate area over the
years, and the meeting tonight is an opportune moment to discuss them. He expressed his apprecia-
tion to the residents for attending.
Evelyn Laurine, 12332 - 7th Ave. S., said the apartment complex proposed to the east of Firdale
Village will create a significant impact to the traffic. She inquired if the County will contrib-
ute to the expense of conducting a traffic study. County Councilman -Bruce Agnew noted that the
County has a very strict road ordinance that requires developers to pay a substantial share of
needed improvements, both in terms of traffic control, sidewalks, and widening the road.
Councilman Agnew noted that the comprehensive plan for the Westgate area is very old. He said
plans are updated by small area amendments in which public hearings are held. He said the
Countywould be happy to engage in a joint County/City update to address the impact of the new
ramp off of 1-5 to the 220th corridor.
Barney Arstad, previously identified, inquired if a traffic light would be installed at 220th and
9th. Community Services Director Peter Hahn said the interchange completion may be delayed three
to four months in order to complete the widening of 220th. Design for a traffic light or other
traffic control at the intersection will commence in the Fall. Mr. Arstad asked why 220th had to
be widened before the existing traffic problems could be addressed. Mr.. Hahn said the design
phase will not commence until Fall because there are other projects on the books.
Ted Laurine, 12332 - 7th Ave. S., said the pole on 100th and 9th obstructs traffic. He said the
pole would have to be removed sooner or later and inquired why it could not be removed now. Mr.
Hahn said the City is very aware of the situation and plans to meet with the PUD in the near
future to discuss this issue. Councilman Agnew noted that the street intersects Mountlake Ter-
race, Edmonds, and the County. He suggested the formation of a steering committee comprised of
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 3 APRIL 29, 1986
City Councilnmembers, or citizens, and County representatives to study the traffic controls, inter-
im measures, and long-range plans.
The meeting recessed at 7:50 p.m. and reconvened at 8:15 p.m.
Mayor Naughten welcomed State Representative Katie Allan.
City Engineer Chris Beckman reported that traffic counts were taken in January of 1980 and com-
pared to traffic counts taken in April 1-986. He said traffic has increased along the SR 104
corridor by approximately 10-15%. However, traffic has decreased southbound into the intersec-
tion.
Mayor Naughten inquired if the study was a daily count. Mr. Beckman replied affirmatively, not-
ingthat the study excludes weekends.
Mr. Beckman said approximately 8500 cars traveled on the left leg of SR 104 in each direction
last week in a twenty -four-hour period compared to a similar split in 1980 of 6400 per day. The
east side of the intersection increased in 1980 from approximately 7500 cars per day in each
direction to approximately 9900 in 1986. The traffic volume in Firdale Village and Woodway has
increased from approximately 5500 cars to approximately 6900 cars per day in 1986. Mr. Beckman
felt the installation of the traffic signal controller last year has provided flexibility to
allow good progression through the intersection.
Ted Laurine, previously identified, inquired if the 1980 survey and 1986 survey were conducted on
the same day of each year. He noted that traffic counts vary during different times of the
year. Mr. Beckman said the 1980 survey was conducted at the end of January, and the 1986 survey
in April. He said Staff believes the survey is representative of local and year-round volumes.
Councilmember Jaech said high school students cut across Iver's parking lot to circumvent the
light and almost hit people waiting for the bus. Mr. Beckman said Iver's will be making some
revisions to the island as part of their development plan. Councilmember Jaech expressed concern
because she said the island is proposed to be shortened, which will only increase the problem.
Mr. Beckman said this issue will be addressed..
Harold Anderson, 23233 - 100th Ave. W.., said he was not notified when Woodway High School was
barricaded with a gate. He inquired if removal of the barricade may facilitate traffic as stu-
dents leave school grounds. Mayor Naughten noted that this issue is a controversial one and has
been discussed at length in the past. Mayor Naughten said the City must honor its commitment to
the residents of 102nd that the gate will remain closed. The Mayor said, however, Dr. Reesby
mentioned to him that monies may be available for redesign of the entrance since the bond issue
passed.
Ms. Hildreth said the trolley will circulate in downtown Edmonds. Community Transit will issue
bus tickets for ten cents, which will provide passage to the downtown area. The trolley will run
between 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The bus is also available for charters.
Joe Edmonds, 22504 - 196th Ave. W., said the his baseball organization raised funds from the
following organizations: Andy's Little Italy Restaurant, Best Video, Bradbu.ry's T.V., J.P.'s
Restaurant, Mama's Mexican Kitchen, Robin Hood Lanes, Saucy's Pizza, and Westgate Chevron.
Mayor Naughten introduced Woodway Councilmember Jo Ann Brown.
Lionel Taylor, 9925 - 221th P1. S.W., expressed concern that the banners on 100th may pose a
hazard during the windy season.
Barbara Kindness announced that the new directory of Edmonds will be available at the Chamber of
Commerce on Friday. She urged.citizens to utilize the directory.
Mayor Naughten expressed his appreciation to Ms. Kindness for co -sponsoring the meeting and to
Woodway High School for allowing the meeting to be held in the auditorium. The Mayor congratulat-
ed the winners of the Jingle Contest.
Don Sandell, 651 Edmonds Way, inquired how soon the area Dr.. Wellington referred to will be re-
classified, as alluded by Councilmember Hall. Councilmember Hall said she served on a committee
several years ago which projected that that area would be zoned BN at approximately this time of
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 4 APRIL 29, 1986
year. However, she said she was unsure if this would take place and will be decided by the.Plan-
ning Department.
Mayor Naughten adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m. -
Mayor Naughten reconvened the meeting with the Council. to discuss asbestos removal in the Communi-
ty Services building.
DISCUSSION OF ASBESTOS REMOVAL IN THE COMMUNITY SERVICES BUILDING
Community Services Director Peter Hahn reported that two out of three tests revealed the presence
of asbestos in the Community Services building. One test reported a 20% asbestos reading. Coun-
cilmember Wilson inquired what the other tests showed. Mr. Hahn said one test did not give a
percentage, and the other test did not reveal the presence of asbestos. Mr. Hahn said water
saturated the ceiling layers and separated the layers and exposed the asbestos. Plastic sheet-
ing, which was hung from the ceiling, encapsulated the falling particles. Mr. Hahn said at no
point were the readings dangerous.
CounciTmember Jaech inquired if insulation would be installed. Mr. Hahn said insulation would
only -be installed through a hung -ceiling process, which the building was not designed for. Coun-
cilmember Jaech inquired about the cost of asbestos removal. Mr. Hahn said a bid was received in
the amount of $25,000. He noted that other bids were being sought.
Mr. Hahn said the Building Maintenance. Fund currently has a 1986 Budget of $160,400, of which
$48,300 is uncommitted. Councilmember Ostrom said this fund was a logical place to derive the
money.
COUNCILMEMBER OSTROM MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST, TO AUTHORIZE REPAIRS AND DERIVE
THE MONEY FROM THE BUILDING MAINTENANCE FUND. Councilmember Jaech requested information for
insulation. COUNCILMEMBER KASPER MOVED TO AMEND THE MOTION TO DERIVE THE MONEY FROM UNANTICIPAT-
ED SURPLUS FOR 1986. THE MOTION TO AMEND FAILED FOR LACK OF A SECOND. MOTION CARRIED, WITH
COUNCILMEMBER HALL AND COUNCILMEMBER KASPER OPPOSED.
COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER JAECH, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. MOTION
CARRIED.
The meeting adjourned at 8:52 p.m.
'JACQYELINE G. PARRETT, City Clerk LAM S.LIGHTEN, M yor
EDMONDS.CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 5 APRIL 29, 1986