04/26/2005 City CouncilApril 26, 2005
The Edmonds City Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Haakenson in the Council
Chambers, 250 5`b Avenue North, Edmonds. The meeting was opened with the flag salute.
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Gary Haakenson, Mayor
Richard Marin, Council President
Michael Plunkett, Councilmember
Jeff Wilson, Councilmember
Mauri Moore, Councilmember
Peggy Pritchard Olson, Councilmember
Dave Orvis, Councilmember
Deanna Dawson, Councilmember
ALSO PRESENT
Bryan Huntzberger, Student Representative
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
STAFF PRESENT
David Stern, Chief of Police
Duane Bowman, Development Services Director
Stephen Clifton, Community Services Director
Jennifer Gerend, Economic Development Dir.
Noel Miller, Public Works Director
Rob Chave, Planning Manager
Dave Gebert, City Engineer
Steve Bullock, Senior Planner
Scott Snyder, City Attorney
Sandy Chase, City Clerk
Jana Spellman, Senior Executive Council Asst.
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
Council President Marin requested the addition of "Declaration of an Emergency and Ratifying a Contract
to be Entered into with Tri -State Construction, Inc. without the Benefit of Competitive Bidding for the
Lake Ballinger Sanitary Sewer Emergency Repair Project" as Consent Agenda Item O and deleting
Agenda Item No. 5.
COUNCILMEMBER ORVIS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOORE, FOR
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Orvis requested Item I be removed from the Consent Agenda.
COUNCILMEMBER PLUNKETT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOORE, FOR
APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ITEM I. MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The agenda items approved are as follows:
(A) ROLL CALL
Approve
4/19/05 (B) APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 19, 2005.
Minutes
(C) APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS #78935 THROUGH #79098 FOR THE WEEK OF
pprove APRIL 18, 2005, IN THE AMOUNT OF $450,945.80. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL DIRECT
Claim
Checks DEPOSITS AND CHECKS #40523 THROUGH #40439 FOR THE PERIOD APRIL 1
THROUGH APRIL 15, 2005, IN THE AMOUNT OF $738,828.36.
Claims for (D) ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES FROM PAUL STERN
Damages (AMOUNT UNDETERMINED) AND LUCY DESPENICH (AMOUNT
UNDETERMINED).
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 26, 2005
Page 1
C.S. Dept.
Quarterly
Report
(E)
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT QUARTERLY REPORT
Senior Center
Windows
(F)
REPORT ON FINAL CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR THE 2004 SENIOR CENTER
Project
WINDOWS IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AND COUNCIL ACCEPTANCE OF PROJECT.
Waterline
Easement with
( ) G
AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN WATERLINE EASEMENT WITH UNION
Unocal
OIL COMPANY OF CALIFORNIA (UNOCAL).
2004 Waterline
(H)
AUTHORIZATION TO CALL FOR BIDS FOR THE 2004 WATERLINE
Replacement eplacement
P
REPLACEMENT PROJECT.
Ordinance #3547
(J)
ORDINANCE NO. 3547 AMENDING THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 16.20
on RS zone
RELATING TO THE RS (SINGLE- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) ZONE
Ordinance #3548
(K)
ORDINANCE NO. 3548 REZONING CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY IN THREE AREAS
Rezone to RS -10
OF THE CITY, THE FIRST LYING GENERALLY SOUTH OF SOUTHWEST COUNTY
and RS -MP
PARK, EAST OF 94TH AVENUE W, WEST OF 80TH AVENUE W AND EXTENDING
SOUTH TO 196TH STREET SW FROM RS -12 TO RS -10; THE SECOND AREA LYING
BETWEEN 8TH AVENUE S AND 98TH AVENUE W FROM PINE STREET TO 220TH SW,
FROM RS -12 TO RS -10; A THIRD AREA LYING NORTHWEST OF SHERWOOD
ELEMENTARY ALONG SR 104 FROM RS -6 AND RS -12 TO RS -MP, SINGLE - FAMILY
MASTER PLAN, DESCRIBING SUCH AREAS IN GREATER DETAIL, AND
AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT OF THE CITY'S ZONING MAP TO REFLECT SUCH
Ordinance #3549
CHANGES.
Edmonds School
District CIP
(L)
ORDINANCE NO. 3549 AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO ADOPT AN
UPDATED ELEMENT ENTITLED EDMONDS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 15 CAPITAL
FACILITIES PLAN, AS A PART OF THE CAPITAL FACILITIES ELEMENT OF THE
EDMONDS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
Resolution #1090
Student Rep. (M) RESOLUTION NO. 1090 THANKING BRYAN HUNTZBERGER, STUDENT
REPRESENTATIVE.
Rosolution #1091 (N) RESOLUTION NO. 1091 FINDING CONSISTENCY BETWEEN THE CITY'S
Consistency COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND ITS DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS NOTING THE
between �
Comprehensive CITY COUNCIL'S CONCERN REGARDING THE IMPACT OF REDUCED
Plan and GOVERNMENTAL REVENUES ON ITS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM, AND
Development
Regulations CERTIFYING COMPLIANCE OF ITS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND
DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS WITH THE GROWTH MANAGEMENT ACT.
dings of Fact
1142 Sierra
peal of the Hearing Examiner decision to approve a Setback Variance to reduce a rear setback
from 25 feet to 10 feet for construction of a new sintle family residence (V- 2004 -8). The site is
located at 1142 Sierra Pi. and is zoned Single- Family Residential (RS -12). (Appellants: Mark
Dreyer and Shelley Dreyer Green /Applicants: Darryl and Shari Lewis / File No. AP- 05 -40)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT MARIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOORE, FOR
APPROVAL OF ITEM I.
Councilmember Dawson referred to a memorandum in the Council packet from City Attorney Scott
Snyder. She recalled during Council consideration of this matter, Mr. Snyder's response to her question
whether the Council could consider matters unrelated to the appeal was that the Council could not. The
subsequent Council discussion on the matter and the Council's decision was based on that decision. She
recalled several Councilmembers voiced concern with regard to several issues not addressed in the
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 26, 2005
Page 2
appeal. She concluded she would have analyzed the issue differently had she been aware the Council
could consider issues not related to the appeal.
COUNCILMEMBER DAWSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER ORVIS, FOR
RECONSIDERATION OF THIS MATTER BASED ON THE MEMORANDUM FROM THE CITY
ATTORNEY.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT MARIN WITHDREW THE MOTION FOR APPROVAL OF ITEM I
WITH THE AGREEMENT OF THE SECOND.
Mr. Snyder explained reconsideration was a two step process including discussion of the reasons for
reconsideration and if the motion for reconsideration was approved, scheduling it on a future agenda so
that the parties could be present for the deliberation.
Councilmember Wilson expressed his support for the motion for reconsideration, explaining additional
facts may not change the decision but the Council would have the opportunity to ask additional questions.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Snyder suggested the City Clerk work with the Council President to select a date for reconsideration.
3. PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTION TO BRYAN HUNTZBERGER STUDENT REPRESENT-
ATIVE.
Council President Marin read Resolution No. 1090 commending Brian Huntzberger for his service as
Student Representative on the Council from January through April, 2005.
Student Representative Huntzberger thanked the Council for the opportunity to see the Council in action,
commenting it had been interesting to see how City government works. He noted his future plans include
college.
Cascade
Symphony 4. PRESENTATION BY REPRESENTATIVES OF CASCADE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Orchestra REGARDING "IN CELEBRATION OF EDMONDS," MAY 23RD AT BENAROYA HALL.
Donald Gray, Cascade Symphony Board and Chair of the May 23 Concert, explained "In
Celebration of Edmonds" was the first time a community orchestra would play on the Benaroya Hall
stage. He advised Fire Chief Tomberg and Mayor Haakenson would be appearing at the concert to
present a proclamation to the orchestra and conductor. He encouraged Councilmembers to attend, noting
special seating has been designated for the Council. He provided VIP passes for the Council. He
explained the concert would include several surprises including a finale that had never been done before
on any concert stage.
Mr. Gray explained the Cascade Symphony is a 90- member volunteer orchestra that rehearses every
Monday night. He advised 25% of the ticket sales of the event would be donated to the Edmonds Center
for the Arts.
Councilmember Dawson inquired how the public could obtain tickets to the event. Mr. Grey advised
tickets were available at the Seattle Symphony box office, Ticketmaster, Chamber of Commerce, and
Cascade Symphony members. He advised RE /MAX was sponsoring the concert. Approximately 850
tickets had been sold; their goal was 1,500.
Washington St.
Ferries REPORT — MIKE ANDERSON DIRECTOR OF THE WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES
Presentation
This item was removed from the agenda.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 26, 2005
Page 3
Team 6. REPORT — TEAM EDMONDS
Edmonds
Brian Comstock, TEAM Edmonds Chair, 411 Main Street, Edmonds, provided a progress report on
TEAM Edmonds. He referred to information packets provided to the Council that include a financial
report illustrating expenses from funds provided by the three major sponsors, a TEAM Edmonds
membership list, and sample print media ads including a Downtown Edmonds Merchants Co -op ad, a
Sunset Magazine ad showing the "Find Yourself in Edmonds" signature band and various newspaper
clips showing the theme.
Mr. Comstock explained as TEAM Edmonds advertising efforts continued, media partners will be asked
to provide copies of ads to better assess the use of the "Find Yourself in Edmonds" signature bands and
associated tag lines. He noted this would provide a means of measurability showing increased levels of
advertising. He announced TEAM Edmonds' selection of Team Watkins, a local ad agency, to head their
2005 ad campaign. He introduced David Watkins, Team Watkins, and briefly described his
background.
Mr. Watkins retailed saying any ad campaign he would do for Edmonds would have to be fun, personable
and inviting because Edmonds was a wonderful community. The ad campaign will kick -off in
approximately 30 days and is built on radio as that was the best and most efficient way to reach the target
audience. A supporting newspaper campaign will appear in local papers as well as the Seattle Times and
Post Intelligencer. He concluded his personal goal was buy -in from merchants and people who live and
work in Edmonds.
Chris Guitton, Executive Director, Chamber of Commerce, 121 5`" Avenue, Edmonds, provided
samples of TEAM Watkins' materials and the "Find Yourself in Edmonds" logo. He explained TEAM
Edmonds' budget was $90,000; in addition the downtown merchants are funding an $8,000 radio
advertising program via the Chamber purchasing advertising in bulk and splitting and reselling it to
members and downtown merchants.
Mr. Guitton explained the stakeholders' funding of TEAM Edmonds includes the City, Port and a group
comprised of the Chamber and local businesses. The Port's contribution will match the amount raised
from the Chamber and local businesses; to -date only an additional $9,000 needed to be raised, a goal
TEAM Edmonds found achievable. Mr. Guitton explained TEAM Edmonds has only expended $4,000
to -date on creative work; more funds will be expended in the near future on radio and print media.
Mr. Guitton referred to materials provided to the Council that describes the stakeholders' buy -in to the
TEAM Edmonds program. TEAM Edmonds began several years ago with a handful of retailers who kept
the program alive for several years with their time and money. The TEAM Edmonds committee now has
approximately 20 members from a number of professions. He referred to their website,
FindYourselflnEdmonds.com where members can sign in to access marketing materials, graphics, media
contacts, etc. He referred to materials in the packet as evidence of the use of the "Find Yourself in
Edmonds" logo.
Mr. Guitton advised of a separate $20,000 advertising program by downtown Edmonds merchants using
the "Find Yourself in Edmonds" logo. In addition, TEAM Edmonds plans to report their efforts to the
Council quarterly.
Economic
Development 7• ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT QUARTERLY REPORT
Dept. Quarterly
Report Economic Development Director Jennifer Gerend described her efforts during the last quarter with regard
to business retention including navigating The Hotel Group through the Comprehensive Plan process.
She described new businesses opening in downtown including the Wishing Stone at 317 Main Street,
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 26, 2005
Page 4
Resident Cheese Monger at 405 Main Street, Glazed & Amazed at 514 Main Street, ZuKafe at 515 Main
Street, Tempa- Rory's at 518 Main Street, and Cynderellies Closet at 610 Main Street. She also assisted
with locating the law office of Lisa Atkins to first floor space on 5th Avenue. She advised negotiations
were underway for spaces at 502 Main Street, 105 5th Avenue South and one space in Old Milltown.
Ms. Gerend advised of her efforts with listing agents for Highway 99 properties to discuss possible uses,
assist with due diligence and connect potential buyers /users. She noted as some businesses she works
with move into various levels of permitting, she sits in on pre - application meetings with Development
Services whenever possible which assists her in seeing how business owners experience city services and
make suggestions on areas of possible improvement.
Ms. Gerend described her efforts with regard to the Puget Sound Bird Fest in Edmonds on May 1.4. She
advised a schedule of activities was available via the event page on the City's website. A radio spot could
be heard on KUOW during the first two weeks in May that would also include "Find Yourself in
Edmonds" and a press release was submitted to local and regional publications including the state's
Audubon chapter newsletter. Color posters were printed and promotional canvas bags will also be for
sale at the festival. She advised tags with the Bird Festival logo would be distributed to birders to assist
merchants in tracking how many birders also shop and dine downtown.
Ms. Gerend described her efforts to implement the recommendations of the Highway 99 Task Force such
as plans to strengthen districts like the Stevens Hospital Medical Corridor and the International District.
This has involved applying for a variety of funding sources, looking at possible land use changes to
encourage the desired redevelopment and working with individual property owners and real estate
professionals.
She described outreach and promotion including the creation of a monthly newsletter, "E.D. Update,"
which is also an insert in the Edmonds Chamber newsletter and it is posted on the economic development
page on the city website. Committees she is involved in include Hot Autumn Nites, TEAM Edmonds,
CTAC and the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee. She planned to
attend the Department of Community Trade and Economic Development's Downtown Revitalization
Institute on April 27 -29. She also highlighted ribbon cuttings and press releases about new businesses.
Councilmember Moore referred to Ms. Gerend's comment about possible improvement in city services,
suggesting Ms. Gerend report to the Council how businesses experience city services and improvements
that could be made. Ms. Gerend advised a meeting was held with staff today; specific recommendations
would follow.
Council President Marin commented on a ribbon - cutting he participated in recently, expressing his
appreciation to Ms. Gerend for her efforts.
Street
vacation 8. PUBLIC HEARING ON A REQUESTED STREET VACATION FOR THAT PORTION OF 219TH
of Street h STREET SW LYING EAST OF 76- AVENUE W AND WEST OF THE TOP FOODS PROPERTY.
(APPLICANT: MASTGECH, LLC / FILE NO. ST- 2004 -130)
Senior Planner Steve Bullock recalled the Council reviewed a contract rezone recently; this was the
follow -up street vacation request to that application. The applicant applied for a street vacation for the
entire portion of 219`h Street SW as it lies east of 76th Avenue W and west of Top Foods. He identified
the section of right -of.- -way proposed to be vacated on a vicinity map (Exhibit 1) and referred to the
proposed development plan for the site (Exhibit 2) which includes this portion of the right -of -way.
Mr. Bullock referred to the appraisal of the section of right -of.- -way proposed to be vacated (Exhibit 5).
He advised the Engineering Department reviewed the need for the right -of -way and determined they did
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 26, 2005
Page 5
not need the property for right -of -way but would need to retain easements for utilities and pedestrian
access. Therefore, the recommendation of the appraisal was if the property was unencumbered the value
would be $260,000; encumbered by easements reduced its values by 50% to approximately $135,000. In
accordance with ECDC 20.70.140, the City may not charge more than one -half the fair market value
which results in a potential sale price of approximately $67,000. The applicant has offered to pay
$67,000 consistent with the ordinance and appraisal.
Mayor Haakenson opened the public participation portion of the public hearing. There were no members
of the public who wished to provide testimony and Mayor Haakenson closed the public hearing and
remanded the matter to Council for action.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT MARIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER ORVIS, TO
DIRECT THE CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE A RESOLUTION OF "INTENT TO VACATE"
THE PORTION OF THE 219TH STREET LYING EAST OF 76TH AVENUE W AND WEST OF
THE TOP FOODS PROPERTY. PURSUANT TO ECDC SECTION 20.70.140 THE APPLICANT
MUST PROVIDE PAYMENT OF $67,731 (ONE HALF THE FAIR MARKET VALUE) WITHIN
90 DAYS OF THE ADOPTION OF SAID RESOLUTION, OTHERWISE THE VACATION
APPROVAL SHALL BECOME NULL AND VOID. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Ray Martin, 18704 — 94th Avenue W, Edmonds, inquired why the agenda was designed to avoid
audience comment on the issue of building heights as evidenced by audience comments appearing on the
agenda prior to the work session on code amendments to support the Comprehensive Plan. He questioned
the appropriateness of the City hiring Mark Hinshaw, LMN, from an "urban, big city firm" to tell them to
raise building heights at a cost of $7,000. He noted the $7,000 cost represented the property taxes
collected for one year from approximately 15 -20 homeowners. His research of LMN via their website
revealed they are a major, urban, big city architectural firm that promotes low rise and high rise buildings.
He noted their low rise buildings were 4 -6 stories and questioned whether this was appropriate for
Edmonds' 25 -foot building heights. He suggested the Council reconsider their 4 -3 decision.
Roger Hertrich, 1020 Puget Drive, Edmonds, reported on a discussion regarding building heights at a
recent meeting he attended of local citizens. He noted the group recognized Councilmember Orvis'
suggestion at the retreat that building heights be placed on the ballot to allow citizens to be properly
represented. He recalled Councilmember Plunkett agreed with Councilmember Orvis' suggestion at the
last Council meeting. He suggested the Council allow the citizenry to vote on the issues, finding that an
appropriate action due to the division in the City over the issue.
David Arista, 18431 High Street and business owner at 320 5t'' Avenue, Edmonds, commended
Economic Development Director Jennifer Gerend for the exceptional job she is doing supporting the local
business community and assisting the local economy. He noted Ms. Gerend was very helpful in
addressing challenges they encountered during their recent redevelopment of a small property and
relocation of their business. He also commended the Council for creating the Economic Development
Director position.
10. REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS OF APRIL 12 AND APRIL 19.2005
Public Safety Committee
Councilmember Orvis reported the Committee approved a request to surplus radar equipment; this item .
was approved on last week's Consent Agenda. The Committee also discussed draft parking code
amendments recommended by the Downtown Parking Committee and recommended they be forwarded
to the City Council for a public hearing. The Committee then discussed additional security staffing at the
Municipal Court; the Committee supported staff's recommendations and the matter will be placed on a
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 26, 2005
Page 6
future Consent Agenda. The final item the Committee reviewed was fire additions to the Strategic and
Comprehensive Plans; future discussion will occur at a Public Safety Committee meeting.
Finance Committee
Councilmember Plunkett reported the Committee discussed non - represented vacation leave and
recommended this item be forwarded to the Council and it was approved on last week's Consent Agenda.
The Committee then reviewed the results of the L -5 survey and the request to approve the revised Non -
Represented Employee Pay Schedule; the Committee recommended forwarding this item to the Council
for consideration as an agenda item. Next the Committee reviewed a request for a budget amendment to
fund the Downtown Paver Renovation Project. The Committee directed staff to consult with the business
community and bring the item to the Council as an action item. The final item was a rate study budget
amendment which the Committee forwarded to the full. Council for a public hearing with the exception of
the Downtown Paver Project.
Community Services /Development Services Committee
Councilmember Moore reported the Committee discussed the installation of fiber with street construction
projects and the potential for installing a conduit for fiber optic cable with the 220`" Street project. Staff
will investigate cost estimates and the topic was referred to the Community Technology Advisory
Committee (CTAC) for a recommendation to the Council with regard to the policy issues. The
Committee also discussed wireless facilities in response to a request from Cingular to allow wireless
antennas on existing poles to increase their coverage in residential areas. The Committee referred the
proposal to CTAC for review and recommendation and return to the CS/DS Committee for consideration.
Mayor's
Comments I 11. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Haakenson reported that he, Police Chief Stern, their wives, along with 13 other members of a
delegation recently returned from a trip to Japan to visit the City's Sister City, Hekinan. He commented
on the wonderful time that was had by all, the royal treatment they received that included tours of the
police and fire stations, climbing their 110 -foot tall ladder truck and touring their City Hall. He noted
Hekinan's population is 70,000 compared with Edmonds' population of 40,000. The purchase price for
the Edmonds City Hall was $4 million; the Hekinan City Hall cost $80 million to build. He stated it was
fascinating to be part of Hekinan's history and culture. Hekinan's Mayor and he planted a pink dogwood
tree in front of Hekinan City Hall as a gesture of friendship between. Edmonds and Hekinan.
Council
Reports 112. INDIVIDUAL COUNCIL REPORTS ON OUTSIDE COMMITTEE/BOARD MEETINGS
Council President Marin noted that the members of the Sister City delegation paid their own way to travel.
to Japan.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT MARIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER ORVIS, TO
EXCUSE COUNCILMEMBER WILSON FROM THE FEBRUARY t5,2005 MEETING DUE TO
A WORK CONFLICT AND FROM THE MARCH 29, 2005 MEETING DUE TO ILLNESS.
MOTION CARRIED (6 -0 -1) COUNCILMEMBER WILSON ABSTAINED.
Councilmember Olson reported the SeaShore Transportation Forum that Councilmember Moore and she
attended included a report on Highway 99 Bus Rapid Transit and Sound Transit's long range plan
including discussion with regard to the light rail route in Snohomish County. SeaShore also submitted a
letter in support of the House budget proposal for funding the UW Bothell/Cascadia Community College
south campus access project. An update on legislative issues was also provided to the group.
Councilmember Wilson reported the March 23 Snohomish County Tomorrow meeting included a
legislative update from the lobbyist representing Snohomish County and Snohomish County Tomorrow
who described issues being addressed by the State Legislature. At that time most of the issues facing
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 26, 2005
Page 7
cities were not proceeding in a positive manner including an effort to overturn the Central Puget Sound
Hearings Board's adoption of the minimum four dwelling units per acre as a standard rather than allowing
averaging throughout the city. This issue will be addressed again by the legislature during the next
session. He advised Snohomish County Tomorrow's next meeting will be held on April 27.
Councilmember Orvis reported one of the new programs the Port has been working on is Destination
Edmonds whereby the Port is marketed to boaters including articles about Edmonds in boating
magazines. He displayed a sample article in Sea magazine and their website GoBoatingAmerica.com.
He noted the article also sells downtown by addressing Edmonds' history, parks, public art, businesses
and restaurants downtown, and a map of the city. He concluded by stating the Port was close to
approving their final Strategic Plan which would soon be available on their website.
Student Representative Bryan. Huntzberger reiterated his thanks for the opportunity to participate on the
Council.
Work Mayor Haakenson declared a brief recess.
Session on
Code 13. WORK SESSION ON CODE REVISIONS TO SUPPORT THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
Revisions
Council President Marin recalled at their recent retreat, the Council recognized the value of a workshop
setting. The Council planned to meet in a workshop setting tonight and during the next three meetings as
well as hold a monthly workshop during the meeting on the fourth Tuesday of each month.
Council President Marin introduced Mark Hinshaw, LMN Architecture, who would be assisting the
Council with code revisions necessary to support the Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Hinshaw briefly described his background, noting half his career had been in the public sector
working for municipal government as a staff planner /urban designer and the other half in the private
sector working for both large and small firms and he has lived in the area for the past 25 years. Mr.
Hinshaw described his other career as a journalist, writing a real estate column for 12 years for the Seattle
Times as well as writing for professional journals and speaking at conferences. He indicated he had a
wide range of experience and interest and although he worked for one of the larger firms in the region that
has been involved in several large projects, they also do small projects and he heads a staff that works
with towns of all sizes including some very small towns such as Dupont, Washougal, Mercer Island,
Bainbridge Island, and Poulsbo. He noted each town was unique and had its own personality.
Mr. Hinshaw explained his goal was to help Edmonds envision its future — planning and developing a
legacy for future generations. All communities were dynamic and ever changing. He looked forward to
working with the Council, noting the issues were more complex than assigning numbers to building
heights. It was the future of Edmonds and how the City would evolve and ensure the City was a great
place for people who live here and want to stay, children who grow up here and newcomers. He noted
Edmonds had authenticity and a great deal has shaped Edmonds including individuals, groups,
organizations, private companies, families, state and local agencies, etc. He anticipated a series of
evolving conversations to provide the City a richer menu of tools to shape its future.
Mr. Hinshaw suggested the first workshop be confirmation of what he read in the City's policy and
regulatory documents. He explained when reviewing the City's regulations, there were a number of
sentences, phrases and clauses that were repeated often in the documents. He noted there were two broad
categories for the downtown, Uses /Activities and Design Elements. He identified the following common,
unprioritized statements under each of the two categories:
Uses /Activities
• Active and vital downtown — Mr. Hinshaw explained this meant a place with some degree of
business /intensity/ commerce /interaction /socialization, a place with lots of people doing things in
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 26, 2005
Page 8
a compressed /compact area. He assured Edmonds was an urban place, one of 3 -4 communities in
western Washington that was often used for comparison throughout the region.
• Mixture of uses — combining both commercial (retail/office) with residential. He noted
combining uses had land use and architectural implications.
• New development and redevelopment
• Ground floor retail — he noted there was only so much demand for retail and it was not realistic to
expect that all ground floor spaces would be retail. He noted it took a lot of people to support
retail and retail likes close company. In an effort to keep retail as compressed as possible, it may
be beneficial to identify streets where there would not be ground floor retail and instead
encourage ground related housing with interesting frontage such as a stoop, steps, courtyard that
adds to the community character but not traditional retail frontage.
• Strong retail core — he noted citizens benefited from a strong retail core due to the services /stores
available, providing a social environment, ability to nurture family- owned, unique businesses as
well as assisting the City's tax base. He explained in areas that were retail, it needed to be
compact to provide continuity of storefronts. He pointed out successful retail frontage was not
interrupted by more than 25 feet to avoid shoppers losing interest — continuity of retail with
minimal interruption was key. He recommended ensuring the uses in the retail core were truly
retail and contributed to the street life. He referred to mature towns such as Flagstaff, Arizona
had very narrow storefronts. He noted other uses that did not count on passer -by traffic could be
upstairs or around the corner.
Mr. Hinshaw noted he did not see the following in the City's regulations:
• Encourage /nurture a sidewalk environment as a shared public space such as for a sidewalk caf6,
vendors, displays, etc. He noted some management may be required to invite businesses to
extend onto the sidewalk. He suggested adding this to the City's regulations. He described this
space as the first horizontal and vertical 12 feet that became an outdoor room.
(Councilmember Dawson left the meeting at 8:30 p.m.)
Mr. Hinshaw invited the Council to add to the list under Uses /Activities. Council President Marin
commented on preserving design cues from the City's past. Mr. Hinshaw described Bozeman, Montana
that established conservation districts around their town center where infill/renovation is encouraged in a
manner that considers the qualities of the area. He commented the City was in partnership with the
private sector and the City needed to work with them in a way that worked for the private sector and was
respectful to the City. Mr. Hinshaw added "Continuity with the Past" to the list under Uses /Activities.
Councilmember Wilson inquired about what would encourage a sidewalk environment and whether trade-
offs with the private sector could assist with improving the sidewalk environment. Mr. Hinshaw noted
one concept that had been considered was if higher building heights were contemplated, a tradeoff could
be a sidewalk/courtyard area which would improve the sidewalk environment. He noted other tradeoffs
could include restaurant seating, artwork, plantings, tile work, etc. He referred to Flagstaff, Arizona
where signs include sculptural brackets.
Councilmember Wilson noted the Comprehensive Plan also addressed preserving older buildings
including retrofitting buildings by opening the inside space to the outdoors. Mr. Hinshaw noted some
people discourage opening buildings to the outdoors in this area because of the frequent rain; his opinion
was that due to the amount of rain, people valued the nice weather and outdoor spaces far more than
people who lived in areas where there was continually nice weather.
Design Elements
• Desire to nurture /respect small town setting, history and scale — he noted height was one element
of scale, but there were many other elements of scale.
• Pedestrian /human scale
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April 26, 2005
Page 9
Windows /weather protection
First floor differentiation — he pointed out traditionally there was more detail on the first floor
than upper floors such as more glass, more trim, lighting, small signs, wainscoting, etc. He
commented on examples in the City where the building treatment was the same on all floors,
creating a suburban feel rather than a small town feel. He noted this also related to locating retail
in appropriate space, usually with 12 -15 foot ceilings, commenting retail in less than 12 foot
spaces did not work.
Councilmember Plunkett asked for clarification regarding the comment that retail did not work in
spaces with less than 12 -foot ceiling heights. Mr. Hinshaw explained that retail spaces with less
than 12 -foot ceiling heights were not as marketable or desirable for merchants. Higher quality
retail did not want to be located in spaces with less than 12 -foot ceiling heights due to the
additional light the height provided, ability to hang displays /lighting fixtures, etc. He concluded
12 -foot was a classic time- tested dimension for retail. Councilmember Plunkett commented the
cost of the commercial space could be evidence that the space was workable. Mr. Hinshaw
answered sometimes retailers could make lower ceiling heights work in a retrofitted space,
however, it was rare to see new space less with less than 12 -foot ceiling that attracted good
quality retail.
Street walls /edges — Mr. Hinshaw pointed out the importance of having storefronts within a few
feet of the sidewalk, noting residential first floor spaces could be pushed back from the sidewalk.
Outdoor public spaces — he noted this was the closest thing he saw in the regulations to the
sidewalk environment. He viewed sidewalks as linear outdoor public spaces where people felt
free to stop and meet.
Modulation — Mr. Hinshaw objected to the word "modulation," noting historic buildings did not
have roof modulation, and other than the cornice line and parapet, they were straight across. He
suggested the issue of modulation could be better addressed via details at the pedestrian level that
embraced history and created human scale elements. He suggested this was an area the Council
needed to spend some time reviewing.
Mr. Hinshaw invited the Council to add to the list under Design Elements. There were no additions
mentioned.
Mr. Hinshaw displayed photographs of a mixed use urban center in Fairhaven, Washington (near
Bellingham) that had many similarities to Edmonds. Although the buildings look historic, approximately
half were new buildings, many that had been embellished to look old. He pointed out the attention to
detail on the lower levels of buildings. He suggested the Council tour Fairhaven and talk with city
officials and retailers.
For Councilmember Wilson, Mr. Hinshaw advised Fairhaven's sidewalks were 8 -10 feet wide and their
street widths were similar to Edmonds with parking on both sides. He noted there were some awnings
although it did not appear to be a consistent requirement pointing out awnings can create a dark zone that
casts a storefront into shadow.
Council President Marin explained modulation was in response to buildings with flat faces that were
constructed in the 1970s. He noted the photographs of buildings in Fairhaven illustrated there were more
subtle ways to create a vital building rather than arbitrary modulation standards.
Councilmember Plunkett inquired about the building heights in Fairhaven. Mr. Hinshaw answered there
was a mixture of 1 -4 story buildings, retrofitted two -story buildings and new three and four -story
buildings. He concluded this was a vital commercial area with a great deal of variety. He explained a
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 26, 2005
Page 10
city could have a town center where different things happened and it did not have to be "one size fits all."
He described their work with Coeur d'Alene to develop zoning where building heights stepped down
closer to lower height buildings downtown. He recommended the Council, when discussing height, also
discuss how height is measured. He commented the method the City currently uses that averages the four
corners was developed on an assumption that the terrain was flat, which was not the case in downtown
Edmonds. He suggested consideration be given to a method that respected the topography and allowed
buildings to be stair-stepped on a sloped site.
Mr. Hinshaw noted his goal was also to make codes simpler but more effective. He stated zoning was
first implemented to solve 19th century issues such as separation of uses. He offered to share his
observations of downtown development at the Council's next workshop. He suggested the next workshop
focus on design, scale,character and quality.
Councilmember Wilson agreed modulation was an outgrowth of the 1970s and may be the wrong way to
address design elements to ensure appropriate scale.
Councilmember Moore requested Mr. Hinshaw clarify at the next meeting the role of private investment
and the City's partnership with the private sector.
With no further business,the Council meeting was adjourned at 9:19 p.m.
tet„Wif A•vpico... C �
G' Y H• , ENSON,MAYOR SANDRA S. CHASE, CITY CLERK
111
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 26,2005
Page 11
AGENDA
0. = EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL
Council Chambers, Public Safety Complex
250 5t' Avenue North
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
APRIL 26, 2005
7:00 p.m. - Call to Order and Flag Salute •
1. Approval of Agenda
2. Consent Agenda Items
(A) Roll Call
(B) Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes of April 19, 2005.
(C) Approval of claim checks #78935 through #79098 for the week of April 18,
2005, in the amount of $450,945.80. Approval of payroll direct deposits and
checks #40523 through #40439 for the period April 1 through April 15, 2005, in
the amount of$738,828.36.*
*information regarding claim checks may be viewed electronically at www.ci.edmonds.wa.us
(D) Acknowledge receipt of Claims for Damages from Paul Stern (amount
undetermined) and Lucy Despenich (amount undetermined).
(E) Community Services Department Quarterly Report
(F) Report on final construction costs for the 2004 Senior Center Windows
Improvement Project and Council acceptance of project.
(G) Authorization for Mayor to sign Waterline Easement with Union Oil Company of
California (UNOCAL).
(H) Authorization to call for bids for the 2004 Waterline Replacement Project.
(I) Approval of Findings of Fact regarding the April 19, 2005 Closed Record
Review of an appeal of the Hearing Examiner decision to approve a setback
variance to reduce a rear setback from 25 feet to 10 feet for construction of a
new single family residence (V-2004-8). The site is located at 1142 Sierra PI.
and is zoned Single-Family Residential (RS-12). (Appellants: Mark Dreyer and
Shelley Dreyer Green/Applicants: Darryl and Shari Lewis / File No. AP-05-40)
(J) Proposed Ordinance amending the provisions of Chapter 16.20 relating to the
RS (Single-Family Residential) Zone.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
APRIL 26, 2005
(K) Proposed Ordinance rezoning certain real property in three areas of the City,
the first lying generally south of Southwest County Park, east of 94th Avenue
West, west of se Avenue West and extending south to 196th Street SW from
RS-12 to RS-10; the second area lying between 8th Avenue South and 98th
Avenue West from Pine Street to 22e SW, from RS-12 to RS-10; a third area
lying northwest of Sherwood Elementary along SR 104 from RS-6 and RS-12 to
RS-MP, Single-Family Master Plan, describing such areas in greater detail, and
authorizing amendment of the city's zoning map to reflect such changes.
(L) Proposed Ordinance amending the Comprehensive Plan to adopt an updated
element entitled Edmonds School District No. 15 Capital Facilities Plan, as a
part of the Capital Facilities Element of the Edmonds Comprehensive Plan.
(M) Proposed Resolution thanking Bryan Huntzberger, Student Representative.
(N) Proposed Resolution finding consistency between the City's Comprehensive
Plan and its development regulations, noting the City Council's concern
regarding the impact of reduced governmental revenues on its Capital
Improvement Program, and certifying compliance of its Comprehensive Plan
and development regulations with the Growth Management Act.
3. (5 Mina Presentation of Resolution to Bryan Huntzberger, Student Representative.
4. (5 Min.) Presentation by representatives of Cascade Symphony Orchestra regarding "In
Celebration of Edmonds," May 23rd at Benaroya Hall.
5. (30 Mina Report- Mike Anderson, Director of the Washington State Ferries
6. (10 Mina Report-Team Edmonds
7. (5 Min.) Economic Development Department Quarterly Report
8. (15 Min.) Public Hearing on a requested street vacation for that portion of 219th Street
SW lying east of 76th Avenue W and west of the Top Foods property.
(Applicant: Mastgech, LLC / File No. ST-2004-130)
9. Audience Comments (3 Minute Limit Per Person)*
*Regarding matters not listed on the Agenda as Closed Record Review or as Public Hearings.
10. (10 Mina Report on City Council Committee Meetings of April 12 and April 19, 2005.
11. ( 5 Min.) Mayor's Comments
12. (15 Min.) Individual Council Reports on Outside Committee/Board Meetings
13. (2 Hours) Work Session on Code revisions to support the Comprehensive Plan.
ADJOURN
Parking and meeting rooms are accessible for persons with disabilities.
Please contact the City Clerk at(425) 771-0245 with 24 hours advance notice for special accommodations.
A delayed telecast of the meeting appears on cable television-Government Access Channel 21.
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