01/13/1987 City CouncilTHESE MINUTES SUBJECT TO
JANUARY 20, 1987 APPROVAL
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
JANUARY 13, 1987
(Work meeting)
The regular meeting of the .Edmonds City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Larry
Naughten in the Plaza Meeting Room of the Edmonds Library. All present joined in the flag sa-
lute.
PRESENT ABSENT STAFF PRESENT
Larry Naughten, Mayor Jack Wilson Mary Lou Block, Planning Div. Mgr.
Laura Hall, Council Pres.. Bobby Mills, Public Works Supt.
Steve Dwyer Sharon Thatcher, Personnel Mgr.
John Nordquist Art Housler, Admin. Svc. Director
Jo -Anne Jaech Dan Prinz, Police Chief
Bill Kasper Bob Alberts, City Engineer
Lloyd Ostrom Peter Hahn, Comm. Svc. Director
Tony Russell, Student Rep. Jim Barnes, Parks & Rec. Div. Mgr:
Scott Snyder, City Attorney
Jackie Parrett, City Clerk
Margaret Richards, Recorder
Mayor Naughten introduced the new reporter from the Herald, Pam McGaffin. Ms. McGaffin
said she would be filling in for the other reporter until June.
Councilmember Dwyer entered the room at 7:04 p.m. and did not vote on the Consent Agenda.
CONSENT AGENDA
Items (B) and (C) were removed from the Consent Agenda. COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST MOVED, SECONDED
BY COUNCILMEMBER HALL, TO APPROVE THE BALANCE OF THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED. The ap-
proved items on .the Consent Agenda include the following:
(A) ROLL CALL
(0) SET FEBRUARY 3, 1987 FOR HEARING ON PLANNING BOARD RECOMMENDATION FOR PROPOSED
AMENDMENTS TO THE EDMONDS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CODE RELATING TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF
RESIDENTIAL DOCKS AND PIERS (CDC-3-86/CITY OF EDMONDS)
(E) AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN CONTRACT WITH ELIZABETH GREENLEAF FOR LANDSCAPE DESIGN
AND PARKS PLANNING SERVICES IN 1987 ($15,000)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JANUARY 6, 1987 [ITEM (B) ON THE CONSENT AGENDA
Councilmember Hall noted that she was referred to as Mayor Pro Tem Hall as well as Councilmember
Hall throughout the minutes. She suggested that she be referred to consistently.
COUNCILMEMBER HALL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER JAECH, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS AMENDED.
MOTION CARRIED.
ADOPTION OF FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW REGARDING HEARING EXAMINER RECOMMENDATION
Councilmember Ostrom said he pulled item (C) to enable the Council to vote on it separately from
the Consent Agenda.
COUNCILMEMBER KASPER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST, TO APPROVE ITEM (C). MOTION
CARRIED WITH COUNCILMEMBER OSTROM AND COUNCILMEMBER JAECH OPPOSED.
DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION REGARDIi4G LAKE BALLINGER MONITORING PROGRAM AND INTERLOCAL
AGREEMENT WITH MOUNTLAKE TERRACE 14,000
City Engineer Bob Alberts introduced Carl Rautenberg, Public Works Director for the City of
Mountlake Terrace, and Bob Aldridge, Water Quality Specialist.
Mr. Alberts noted that included in the Council packets was a summary of the final report complet-
ed by Kramer, Chin & Mayo, Inc. and a proposed interlocal agreement between the City of Edmonds
and City of Mountlake Terrace to monitor and rehabilitate Lake Ballinger. The monitoring and
installation of improvements originally began in 1977 as an EPA and DOE funded project. In
October 1984, the Council approved City funding of the monitoring project on a 46.2% share
basis. Funding was again approved using the same cost share formula in June 1985. Since 1984,
the City has approved $13,000 for this program. The proposed =nterlocal agreement reflects the
recommendations in the Lake Ballinger report for continued monitoring and watershed management
using a 50% cost sharing formula. The cost to the City in 1987 would be $14,000. That amount is
in the 1987 Fund 412 budget. The increase in cost sharing from 46.2% to 50% seems reasonable
since Mountlake Terrace is providing all the personnel and administration for the program. The
agreement also identifies treatment costs in which the City's share would be $15,000. The need
for treatment, however, has not been determined and in accordance with the agreement cannot be
implemented without prior approval of the City. Since special approval to perform treatment is
required, no monies were budgeted for this portion of the agreement.
Mr. Rautenberg reported that the monitoring program has been in existence since 1973. A report
by a consulting engineer firm was produced as a result of environmental concerns over the con-
struction of Lake View Drive in Mountlake Terrace. The report identified Lake Ballinger as the
most eutrophic lake in the Puget Sound region. if the problem was not solved, the lake would
be considered unfit as a human and natural resource. As a result, a document was produced enti-
tled "Water Quality Problems And Alternatives for The Restoration Of Lake Ballinger" in which ten
possible solutions were fornwlated to restore or improve the wa'.er quality. However, no correc-
tive actions were taken at that time.
Subsequently, the firm of Kramer, Chin & Mayo was hired as a joint effort by the cities of
Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood, Snohomish County, and the University of Washington to evalu-
ate the ten alternatives and select the one most appropriate for the lake. The Lake Ballinger
Rehabilitation Study was produced, which indicated the appropriate corrective action, it was
fundamentally determined that fish could not live at the bottom of the lake due to lack of oxy-
gen. In addition, the source of nutrients, nitrates, and phosphates was so great that when the
waters of nearby drainage basins intermixed, the nutrients, coupled with sunlight, produced al-
gae. An algae bloom of significance occurred every year in the Fall. Lake water quality experts
determined that either the nitrates or phosphates should be controlled to control the algae
growth. Mr. Rautenberg said the limiting factor in Lake Ballinger was determined to be phos-
phates. However, in the final year of the program, it was disc-rvered that less oxygen was found
at the bottom of the lake due to the external nutrient load emanating from external sources.
Water quality specialist Bob Aldridge was then hired by Mountlake Terrace. Mr. Aldridge and
his assistants identified point sources of pollution, the most significant source being the solid
waste transfer station which polluted Halls Creek.
A final restoration study which generally dealt with watershed management was produced. Mr.
Rautenberg said the sources of all the nutrients must be identified and action must be taken to
resolve the problems of the lake. He said Mountlake Terrace has embarked on a program which
addresses the problem. It involves the creation of a laboratory at City Hall to analyze water
samples, find the point sources of pollution that exist in the drainage basins, and continual
monitoring of the program as well as offering Edmonds use of those facilities.
Councilmember Nordquist inquired about involvement of Metro, king County, and Lynnwood in the
costs of the program, considering that they, also, contribute to the problem. Mr. Rautenberg
said it was initially determined that those jurisdictions should participate. However, attempts
to involve them were unsuccessful. He said costs to further pursue attempts would exceed the
actual monies which would be received.
Councilmember Nordquist noted that sources of pollution emanating from the feeder tubes from the
construction adjacent to the cemetery enter the lake. Mr. Rautenberg said the impact is a
positive one. He said he attended the public hearings in King County regarding that site and
convinced the hearing examiner to require the construction company to lodge a detention basin
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 2 JANUARY 13, 1987
large enough for Mountlake Terrace to .divert water from .other sources in King County into the
detention basin so that the net result would be a reduction in the nutrient load emanating from
the site into Lake Ballinger.
Councilmember Nordquist inquired about effects of the condominium construction at the Nile. Mr.
Rautenberg said that information has not been officially released yet.
Councilmember Ostrom inquired if businesses which may be creating pollutants that enter the lake
should also be taken into consideration. Mr. Rautenberg replied affirmatively. He said Mount-
lake Terrace is currently in the process of contacting every licensed business in the city to
determine what pollutants they are using, if any. tie said the issuance of a business license in
the future will be conditioned upon compliance of regulating those pollutants.
Councilmember Ostrom inquired about the percentage of pollutants which emanate from household
fertilizers. Mr. Aldridge said those pollutants would be classified as non -point sources and
the percentages would be difficult to quantify. tie said he could only estimate from data taken
from storm drainages that they produce 223 kilograms. Councilmember Ostrom inquired if that
finding was a substantial source of the nutrients. Mr. Aldridge said he believed so. He said
that source was greater than one-third of the external loading of non -point sources. Some of
the projects on Halls Creek, lie said, are designed to address those issues.
Councilmember Ostrom inquired: 1) if the alum application would be a one-year project, and
2) what accomplishment would emerse as a result of that application. Mr. Rautenberg said
because the lake changes approximately three times a year, the benefits of that application would
not outweigh the costs. Ile said alum treatment was considered when it was first discovered
that external nutrient sources were entering the lake. Statistical studies were conducted to
identify the nutrient sources. The waterfowl population, he said, was found to be a significant
contributor to the external pollutants of the lake. A recommendation was made to reduce the
waterfowl population to sixty. He noted that scientific studies revealed that migrating birds
cause a lake to turn eutrophic overnight. Mr. Rautenberg said for every ten birds on the
lake, the pollutant factor is equivalent to the dispensation of one home's sanitary disposal into
the lake with respect to phosphates and nitrates.
Councilmember Hall inquired about the sophistication of the lab facilities and if the cost shar-
ing formula of $14,000 for the City of Edmonds would include use of those facilities. Mr.
Rautenberg said the lab will include a spectophotometer. He said the findings resulting from
analyses by use of that equipment will probably not be admissible in Court but will produce evi-
dence sufficient for the study of the lake. lie said the City may avail itself of that equipment.
COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER KASPER, TO AUTHORIZE MAYOR NAUGHTEN TO
EXECUTE THE I14TERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF MOUNTLAKE TERRACE. MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Alberts noted that Mr. Aldridge has volunteered his time for the Advisory Committee for
Chase Lake and Shell Creek.
MEET WITH BALLINGER AREA RESIDENTS REGARDING LAKE BALLINGER WATERFOWL CONCERNS
Dennis Russell, 23705 - 74th Ave. W., President of the Lake Ballinger Community Club, submitted
letters to the City Clerk for distribution to the Council.
Mr. Russell noted that fifty-three of the fifty-six residents who reside on Lake Ballinger are
Edmonds residents. He expressed concern that those residents' concerns are not seriously taken
into consideration by the City of Mountlake Terrace.. He said the Lake Ballinger Issues Committee
was formulated during the summer, and its recommendations were discounted by the Mountlake Ter-
race City Council.
Mr. Russell referred to the letter of November 5, 1986 from Mayor Naughten to the City of Mount-
lake Terrace which requested that Mountlake Terrace place a temporary moratorium on the shooting
of waterfowl and join with the City in appointing a citizen committee to review the issue and
make recommendations. Mr. Russell said the letter was left unanswered.
Mr. .Russell then referred to the letter of March 26, 1966 from Joe Johnson. He said Mr. Johnson
discounted the Kramer, Chin & Mayo report due to the lack of sufficient data. Mr. Johnson
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 3 JANUARY 13, 1987
stated in his letter that "The input from waterfowl is probably an overestimate as precise water-
fowl inventories are sadly lacking, and it appears that the ca'culations were based on the prem-
ise that all waterfowl contributions are external in nature when, in reality, a portion is exter-
nal. Waterfowl that consume food within the lake basin should be calculated as part of the inter-
nal recycling of phosphorus unless they are artificially fed. If, as I suspect, the impact of
waterfowl has been overestimated and the other sources of phosphorus have been underestimated
because of a lack of data on inputs from storm sewers, lawn fertil.ization, atmospheric deposi-
tion, groundwater etc,. then it seems a bit premature to conclude that waterfowl are a primary
cause of water quality deterioration on Lake Ballinger".
Mayor Naughten inquired if tire concerns of the citizens through the committee have been disregard-
ed. Mr. Russell noted that the liaison for Mountlake lerrace informed the committee that it had
indefinitely been suspended. Mr. Russell said the City Council of Mountlake Terrace opted to use
measures other than what the committee recommended.
Councilmember Dwyer inquired about tire recommendations that Mountlake Terrace chose not to
adopt. Mr. Russell said the committee recommended the use of a trained herding dog to deter
waterfowl from the golf course in conjunction with a low-level fence. The City elected to
utilize a golf course employee to pose as a golfer and shoot ti-.e birds with a gun which was con-
cealed in a golf bag. Councilmember Dwyer asked Mr. Rusell what the rationale was for not
adhering to the committee's recommendation, in his.opinion. Mr. Russell said it was his opinion
that the city did not follow the recommendations because it.was "their idea". Councilmember
Dwyer inquired if a cost factor was involved. Mr. Russell said the city hired the Department of
Agriculture for three months at $4500 as opposed to the herding dog for $3000 for the same period
of time. Mr. Russell noted that the bird population has diminished and is being directed to the
other side of the lake at the present time. Councilmember Dwyer inquired if Mr. Russell's pre-
ferred solution was still the herding dog program. Mr. Russell replied affirmatively. He said
the problem is no longer the bird population but deterring the birds from tire golf course and
park, which the dog would accomplish.
Councilmember Hall inquired: 1) if the problem has lessened within the last three to four
months, and 2) if planting rushes adjacent to public accesses would be a successful deterrent to
the public to feed the ducks. Mr. Russell said the ordinance which was passed in May in Mount-
lake Terrace has deterred the feeding of ducks. Thus, tire duct: population that was attracted to
that food source no longer frequents the park. He said in his opinion, there is no longer a
waterfowl problem on the lake. Councilmember Hall inquired what action Mr. Russell would like
the Council to take. Mr. Russell said the lake residents of Edmonds would like their input to be
considered by the City of Mountlake Terrace with respect to the restoration program if it in-
volves the removal of waterfowl.
Councilmember Kasper inquired if Mr. Russell was suggesting that the City of Edmonds include a
stipulation to that effect to the agreement of the monitoring program. Mr. Russell replied affir-
matively.
Councilmember Ostrom inquired if Mountlake Terrace representatives had suggestions regarding how
the Edmonds City Council could involve itself on behalf of Edmonds citizens. Mr. Rautenberg
said the original concern to Mountlake Terrace regarding the waterfowl related to the detrimental
effect to the golf course and public grounds. He said the city was aware that the citizens
around the lake did not want them to be shot so it hired a person from the Department of Agricul-
ture, Animal Deprivation Unit, to help resolve the problem. Mr. Rautenberg noted that the
monies used to contract with that person are unrelated to the cost sharing with Edmonds. He said
Mountlake Terrace would certainly welcome input from Edmonds provided that it volunteers to par-
ticipate in the program to control waterfowl.
Councilmember Jaech said she understood that the original pririary concern of citizens was that
the shooting of waterfowl may inadvertently result in injury to a person as a result of a stray
bullet. Mr. Russell concurred. Councilmember Jaech inquirer) what concern currently existed,
taking into consideration that shooting had ceased and the bird population was diminished. Mr.
Russell said one concern was that the contract between DOE and Mountlake Terrace provides for the
shooting of waterfowl if the population exceeds two hundred and they are not controllable by
other methods. The other concern, he said, was that the citizens wanted Mountlake Terrace to
consider their input if it chose to use methods such as destroying nests, remote controlled vehi-
cles, etc., to control the population. Councilmember Jaech inquired if Mr. Russell objected to
the harassment of waterfowl. Mr. Russell replied affirmatively. lie said the citizens contend
that waterfowl are not a significant source of nutrient load '.o the lake as was indicated in a
report.
I:UMONUS CITY COUNCIL MI41UlES
Page 4 JANUARY 13, 1987
i, .
Councilmember Nordquist inquired if the letter to Mountlake= -Terrace regarding the internal combus-
tion engine that was utilized on the lake was responded to. Mayor Naughte.n replied affirmative-
ly. He said the city said they would cease the use of the internal combustion engine and harass-
ment activities on the Edmonds side of the lake.
Councilmember Nordquist inquired if Mayor Naughten received a response from Mountlake Terrace to
his letter of November 5, 1986. Mayor Naughten said he believed an attempt was made to meet in
response to that. letter. Councilmember Hall recalled that an invitation was extended to Edmonds
by Mountlake Terrace on several occasions but the meeting times were not workable. She suggested
that another effort be made by the City to meet with Mountlake Terrace. Mayor Naughten concurred.
Councilmember Dwyer said the City should determine whether it wants to expend monies to resolve
the waterfowl issue. He said he .did not wish to hold the monitoring program of the lake hostage
to that issue. Councilmember Nordquist said the City can control the issue by monies to some
extent, but he believed that part of the issue was philosophical.
Mr. Russell suggested that a committee be formulated similar to the Lake Ballinger Issues Commit-
tee but in an official capacity. Councilmember Hall said she would wholeheartedly endorse such a
committee.
Councilmember Nordquist said the nutrient overload has been in existence for many years. He
expressed concern that the other jurisdictions which affect the water quality were not involved
in the discussions.
Mr. Rautenberg suggested that only elected officials from both cities meet rather than with the
inclusion of residents. He said he perceived that the residents have a different objective for
the lake than does Mountlake Terrace and the two objectives would not be compatible.
Councilmember Jaech recommended that elected city officials meet to discuss a joint project with
respect to waterfowl and water cleanup. Mayor Naughten concurred.
INTERIM PROGRESS REPORT BY THE MEADOWDALE PERMIT PROCESS COMMITTEE
Community Services Director Peter Malin reported that in October of 1986 the Mayor appointed the
Meadowd,ale Permit Process Committee to resolve a number of issues that have been raised by resi-
dents of the Meadowdale area, by City Staff, and by the Washington Cities Insurance Authority.
It has been about 90 clays from the first meeting of the Committee in October 1986 a'nd significant
progress has been made.
Dr. Bob Anderson, 7370 North Meaduwdale Road, referred to the memorandum dated January 8, 1987.
He said the committee has met. a number of times and is in general agreement with the consensus
expressed in the interim report. Ile emphasized that the committee realizes that a potentially
large problem will result if the problem is not resolved satisfactorily.
Dr. Anderson said it was the sense of the committee that it is not totally clear what will be
required for the issuance of a building permit, i.e., what certification must be provided by a
consulting geotechnical engineer to satisfy the City. The cotnmita.ee, he said, is proposing
that a specific checklist be developed. Dr. Anderson requested the Council to authorize Mr. Hahn
and City Attorney Scott Snyder to proceed with obtaining expert counsel from external sources to
aid in the implementation of that checklist.
Dr. Anderson said the original City ordinance, based. on a Seatt:le model, required that the cove-
nant to notify future owners (as well: as the covenant .to indemnify or hold harmless the City) be
recorded with the deed. This requirement: was seen by many residents of the area as prejudicial
to them in that future mortgages would be "clouded". The requirement was subsequently deleted,
but City Staff and its insurance pool management continued to feel very strongly that some effort
be made to resolve the issue.
Dr. Anderson said that issue is highly complex and has been discussed at great length by the
committee. The committee is investigating an approach proposed by the City Attorney. Under this
alternative, the City would record with. every title in the City a general statement as to the
existence of regulated areas and hazardous conditions within the City of Edmonds. This approach
"IIMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 5 JANUARY 13, 1987
has received a general approval from the insurance pool but has yet to be reviewed by the Meadow -
dale community. This approach also has cost implications which need to be determined more pre-
cisely.
Dr. Anderson requested that a general Council endorsement of presenting the preliminary concepts
to the Meadowdale community be given.
Councilmember Jaech said she was under the impression that a member of the insurance pool would
serve on the committee. Dr. Anderson said an insurance representative did meet with the commit-
tee several times and provided his input, which was incorporated into the report. Mr. Hahn said
the insurance representative reviewed the specific proposals and covenants and responded in writ-
ing as to the adequacy of those proposals.
Councilmember Hall inquired if a scheduled meeting with the leadowdale community and Council
would take place following general Council endorsement of the concepts. Dr..Anderson replied
affirmatively. He suggested a tentative date of January 21, 1987.
Councilmember Hall inquired if Mr. Snyder has reviewed the progress report. Mr. Snyder replied
affirmatively.
Councilmember Ostrom inquired about the purpose of an outside consultant. Mr. Hahn said the
consultant would aid in the expansion of the present checklist and identify more precisely the
type of submittals that would be required of a geotechnical engineer. He noted that a Seattle
consultant who has appeared before the Council in the past, John Peterson, will be taken into
consideration. Mr. Hahn said he may provide services at a redur.ed fee. A second consultant who
would be considered would have expertise analogous to a structural engineer.
Mike Lantz, Lots 3. and 4, Block 28, Meadowdale Beach, said the complexity of the issue has been
discussed at great lengths. Ile said he believed the issue of Vie covenants has been resolved to
the satisfaction of everyone. Mr. Snyder, he said, has gone to great lengths regarding that
issue and is to be corrmiended .
Councilmember Hall inquired if Mr. Lantz concurred with having the January 21 meeting. Mr. Lantz
replied affirmatively. He said a meeting is scheduled on January 22 at Snohomish County Court-
house regarding the effect on a related topic of altered traffic patterns at Paine Field on
Edmonds. He said Meadowdale has been designated as a possibl,> traffic pattern. He suggested
that a City representative attend that meeting.
Councilmember Ostrom inquired if the City has investigated that issue. Mayor Naughten replied
affirmatively.
Mr. Hahn requested general authority to proceed in obtaining ccsts for the various elements for
the final report. lie noted that that authority would not represent a commitment to make those
expenditures. The Council concurred.
QUARTERLY RECLASSIFICATION PROPOSALS
Personnel Manager Sharon Thatcher reported that the Council provides for position reclassifica-
tion recommendations to be submitted quarterly. The recommendations for the office clerk, sewer
maintenance position, and administrative supervisor represent those which received administrative
approval in the fourth quarter of 1986. Ms. Thatcher said the total costs in 1987.resulting from
the recommended changes would be $1,803, which is contained in tl:.e Personnel budget.
Ms. Thatcher said the office clerk has been working half-time in the City Clerk's office and
half-time in the Personnel office. flue to a variety of plrnned organizational changes and
certain personnel changes,the position was not assigned the level of responsibility which it
should carry.
Since July 1986, it has been filled by a Manpower temporary employee pending the arrival of a
Personnel Manager and a decision on the current and intended USE of the position. An analysis of
the work and duties in the City Clerk and Personnel offices resulted in a restructuring of the
position at a higher work and responsibility level than previously. The position will be respon-
sible for more complex duties in the Clerk's division on a dail./ basis. The position is already
performing higher level secretarial tasks of a complex, often confidential nature in the Person-
nel office which is equivalent to Grade 5. As Personnel can reduce the number of hours required
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 6 JANUARY 13, 1987
from this position over the next few months, it will assume basic accounting functions in the
finance area performing Grade 5 work in a number of accounting functions.
Previous City occupants of the position have been paid at Grade 5 for the hours spent in the
Personnel office and at Grade 3 for the time in the City Clerk's office. With a change and up-
grading of duties in that area, the entire position becomes equivalent to Grade 5. This determi-
nation was made by applying the five job factors of knowledge, physical requirements, interperson-
al relations, environment, and responsibility to the restructure Id position.
The sewer division currently has four maintenance employees at Grades 9, 7, 6, 6. Due to the
nature of the work, two -person crews are dispatched 98% of the work time -- the work cannot be
accomplished by one person.
Because there is only one lead person for both Water and Sewer, it has been the practice to team
a lower grade employee with a Grade 9 who serves in a crew leader capacity. The Grade 9 makes
work site decisions with respect to procedures, equipment, etc., and the lower grade looks to
him/her for guidance.
The current division configuration results in a Grade 7 being used in a Grade 9 capacity in order
to meet operational requirements. The person occupying the Grade 7 position is capable of and
has been performing the responsibilities of a Grade 9. Because the need for the Grade 9 exists
and there is an employee who can and has performed those duties, a reclassification of the posi-
tion is recommended.
The Administrative Supervisor is located in the Police Department and has responsibility for the
support services activities. Over the last two years, approximately, the position has been re-
structured to assume more supervisory and administrative duties than previously. The position
has full supervisory responsibility for the employees of the division as well as for specific
technical and administrative programs.
Evaluation of the position against the job factor criteria and other positions in the City indi-
cates it should be an exempt position paid at the E-2 level.
The position is currently covered by the Law Support bargaining unit and, hence, not subject to
either reclassification or exemption without the union's concurrence. The union has agreed that
the supervisory nature of the position justifies its removal from the bargaining unit, and it has
agreed to its deletion from the group of positions which it represents.
Councilmember Kasper inquired if the half-time office clerk will be transferred to the Account-
ing Department. Administrative Services Director Art Housler said additional help is needed in
the Accounting Department. He said the office clerk would supplement Staff who are currently
working overtime.
Councilmember Hall expressed concern that the education and experience requirements for the of-
fice clerk, were insufficient for the position of Administrative Clerk. She said the position
should remain an entry level position, in her opinion. She inquired if the classification of
secretaries was NE-5. Ms. Thatcher said she did not consider the job as an entry level posi-
tion, and the new job description did not classify it as such. She said because job descriptions
are currently being reviewed and revised, she was unsure what designation secretaries will be
given.
Councilmember Jaech inquired if an employee has been working half-time in the accounting area
and if a full-time person was necessary. Mr. Housler replied negatively. lie said the accounting
clerks have been working overtime to maintain the workload. Ms. Thatcher said the half-time
employee is in Personnel. Councilmember Jaech expressed discomfort in hiring personnel without
an accounting background to perform duties in the Accounting Department which require accounting
expertise. She suggested that the need for assistance be considered as a separate entity. She
noted that the office clerk position in Personnel was to be for six months but has been extended
beyond one year. She questioned the rationale behind extending that position. Mr. Housler said
it was difficult to accomplish the six-month goal because former Personnel Manager Pat LeMay
resigned and the time lapse before Ms. Thatcher was hired was approximately four months. Fie said
Staff felt the level could be reduced to two in Personnel following the institution of the new
programs. tie said the job will be advertised at an NE-5 level, and a person possessing those
qualifications will be sought from both internal and external sources.
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 7 JANUARY 13, 1987
Councilmember Nordquist inquired if the position was. being reclassified or if the person was
being reclassified into the position. He said it appeared to him that the employee was being
reclassified. Ms. Thatcher said Staff intends to recruit widely for that position. Councilmem-
ber Nordquist.posed the same question with respect to the sewer maintenance and Administrative
Supervisor positions. Ms. Thatcher said the sewer maintenance person was being reclassified be-
cause he is qualified and has been.acting in an NE-9 capacity.
Councilmember Kasper inquired if a grade 8 level was presently employed in the Sewer Maintenance
Division. Mr. Hahn said there was no person classified as a grace 8 in that division.
COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUiST MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER HALL, TO REFER THE ADMINISTRATIVE CLERK
POSITION TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES COMMITTEE FOR CONSIDERATION, APPROVE THE SEWER MAINTE-
NANCE POSITION TO AN NE-9 LEVEL, AND REFER THE ADMINISTRATIVE SUPERVISOR POSITION TO THE PUBLIC
SAFETY COMMITTEE FOR CONSIDERATION.
Councilmember Hall inquired if the Administrative Services Committee would consider the reclassi-
fication of the office clerk with regard to accounting or in total as well as in relationship to
other NE-5 positions in Administrative Services.
Councilmember Jaech suggested that the total work flow for the office clerk position be reviewed,
.noting that alternate possibilities were discussed previously to provide assistance.
COUNCiLMEMBER KASPER MOVED, SECONDED i3Y COUNCiLMEMBER JAECH, TO AMEND THE MOTION TO INCLUDE THAT
THE SEWER MAINTENANCE POSITION BE REFERRED TO THE COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR CONSIDERATION.
Councilmember Dwyer noted that the Public Safety Committee had previously reviewed the Administra-
tive Supervisor position and was favorably disposed to its reclassification. He said it was
perceived a.s being advantageous to not include that position in the bargaining unit. He noted,
however, that the position would not be reclassified simply to remove it from the bargaining
unit. Councilmember Hall inquired if the impetus to reclassify that position was to remove it
from the bargaining unit. Councilmember Dwyer replied negatively. Ms. Thatcher noted that the
position is held by either a captain or lieutenant in the police service in most other jurisdic-
tions. She said the position is currently held by a civilian.
A ROLL CALL VOTE WAS TAKEN ON THE MOTION TO AMEND. MOTION CARRIED WITH COUNCILMEMBER DWYER OP-
POSED.
THE MAIN MOTION CARRIED WITH COUNCILI4EMBER DWYER OPPOSED.
Mr. Housler stated that it is easy for the Council to delay decisions. He said the needs of the
department must be taken into consideration. He said :such decisions discourage people from being
creative managers and that they tend to create bureaucrats discouraging reclassification of a
position but encouraging the addition of positions. Councilmember Kasper said the Council was
only attempting to provide Administration with a full-time .employee instead of a half-time
employee.
DISCUSSION ON PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO MEBT PLAN
Police Chief Dan Prinz' reported that this issue has been on the agenda several times but has not
been acted upon.
He reported that a five -person committee currently comprises the MEBT committee. Two members
are elected by the employees and three members are appointed by the Mayor. (One of the appointees
is the City Attorney). He said the Mayor recommended to the ME13T Committee that they consider a
committee made up of five elected and two appointed, with the City Attorney present as an advisor
but without a vote.
Chief Prinz said some of the Councilmembers had expressed concern regarding two elected members
from the Public Safety group and wanted to assure that all groups were represented.
Councilmember Kasper asked Chief Prinz his opinion with respect to a five -member committee
without the City Attorney voting. Chief Prinz said he had no opinion whether the City Attorney
held a voting position or not. He said he did think the City attorney should be in attendance,
however. Chief Prinz felt that a seven -person committee would be workable.
EDM=S CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 8 JANUARY 13, 1987
Councilmember Hall expressed concern that the City Attorney had abstained from voting in one
instance in the past because lie was too closely associated with the issue. She did feel that the
City Attorney should remain in attendance. Councilmember Hall said that broadening representa-
tion was the best avenue to pursue. She inquired what guarantees would be assured that the com-
mittee, as it presently exists, would "work forever" without specifying that certain departments
should be represented. Chief Prinz noted that the proposal provided for three appointed members
and four elected members and that the four elected would have more of a majority in .voting,
Chief Prinz said he felt politics would not enter into decisions that were made. Mr. Snyder said
he did not have any opinion regarding the number of members on the committee. He said he did not
wish to imply that there was mistrust for the employees or their goals. He reminded the Council
that the committee was established for the purpose of an alternative to Social Security with
tight fiscal parameters. Mr. Snyder said a committee controlled by employee representatives
would tend to respond to the needs of individuals and may not necessarily reflect the Council's
initial intent to provide a Social Security alternative.
Councilmember Kasper inquired if a membership has existed where a veto power by management was
existent. Mr. Snyder replied negatively. lie said the intent of the committee is to provide a
municipal employee benefit trust and should have rigid principles which control the disposition
of funds.
Councilmember Jaech inquired if the plan contained rigid principles which specified the condi-
tions under which withdrawals could be made. Mr. Snyder replied affirmatively. He noted that
hardship withdrawals become more subjective. Councilmember Jaech inquired if the language for
hardship withdrawals could be further clarified to reduce subjectivity. Mr. Snyder said it was
difficult to respond to that question without sounding negative. He said he served with the
board members for three years and had respect for their procedures. He said that a good percent-
age of the money in the actuarial pool is the City's. He said the charge by the Council was to
set up a board which had a charge in voting control between administratively appointed members
and elected members. Mr. Snyder noted that there is no appeal from those decisions which the
board renders.
Councilmember Nordquist inquired why only one member from Administrative Services held a member-
ship. Chief Prinz said because that department represents only a small group of City employees.
Councilmember Hall said the manager versus employee relationship did not apply to the issue. She
said if the constitution of the committee was not workable it could be amended. Mr. Snyder noted
that the issue was a policy question. He said he did not have an opinion regarding the issue.
COUNCILMEMBER KASPER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBE.R OSTROM, TO MAINTAIN THE COMMITTEE AS A
FIVE -PERSON MEMBERSHIP WITHOUT THE CITY ATTORNEY"S VOTING POWER AND WITH BROADER REPRESENTATION.
Mayor Naughten inquired about the constitution of the committee. Councilmember Kasper replied
two elected employees and three appointed by the Mayor.
MOTION CARRIED WITH COUNCILMEMBER DWYER OPPOSED.
Councilmember Jaech inquired when the MEBT Plan amendment was last executed. Mr. Snyder said he
did not know because the issue has not been addressed in the three years that he has contracted
with the City. Councilmember Jaech requested that that information be provided to the Administra-
tive Services Committee.
AUTHORIZATION TO APPLY FOR TEMPORARY HELP THROUGH WASHINGTON SERVICES CORPS IN ORDER TO BUILD
BRIDGES AND 1RAILS AT YOST PARK 4,500
The trails and bridges in Yost Park have washed out over the past year due to heavy rains. The
repairs will involve many manhours and monies which the City does not have. Sharon Thatcher,
Personnel Manger, provided information in which Staff could apply through the Washington Services
Corps for additional hell) at a very low cost. The City would he required to Pay $750 per person
for six months of work and the State would pay the rest. Staff is requesting permission to apply
for six employees through this program to work at Yost Park i:o rebuild the trails and bridges.
One Staff person would be used as a temporary lead person, which has previously been budgeted for.
Design work will be paid through the Coastal Zone Management Grant with Elizabeth Greenleaf,
Landscape Designer, for the design of the project.
EDMO140S CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 9 JANUARY 13, 1987
Monies for the project will be derived from the Grounds Maintenance budget from funds allocated
to summer employment. The programs will be completed in July 1987. so Staff will immediately need
to apply for the additional help upon approval of the request.
Councilmember Hall inquired who would recommend and screen the employees. Public Works Superin-
tendent Bobby Mills sai.d the Washington Services Corps will send the applicants, and Staff will
screen and supervise them. The applicants, he said, will be between eighteen and twenty-five
years of age and must have been unemployed for a specific time period.
COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER KASPER, TO AUTHORIZE THE REQUEST TO
APPLY FOR ADDITIONAL HELP THROUGH THE WASHINGTON SERVICES CORPS FOR THE PURPOSE OF REBUILDING
TRAILS AND BRIDGES IN YOST PARK. MOTION CARRIED.
MAYOR
Mayor Naughten congratulated Council President Hall for conducting an interesting and informative
consultant selection meeting for the secondary sewer treatment design architect review
committee. Mayor Naughten inquired if the Council desired to discuss that issue as an agenda
item. Council President Hall said she intended to raise that issue under the Council portion of
the meeting.
Mayor Naughten noted that he invited John Thoresen, President of the Economic Development Coun-
cil, to the City on January 14. Mr. Thoreson, he said, will discuss economic development on
Highway 99 with Staff. The Main Streets Committee has been invited.
Mayor Naughten said he had a meeting with the South Snohomish County mayors to meet with John
Beck and other. State legislators on January 5, 1987. The upco•ning legislative session was dis-
cussed.
Mayor Naughten noted that the Edmonds Police Officers' Association aided thirty -.six families
during the holidays. The Christmas Project Program provided those families with food, clothing,
and toys. Mayor Naughten congratulated the Association in their endeavors.
Mayor Naughten reported that he has unofficially been notified that the Port of Edmonds was un-
able to provide monies to help fund the fire boat.
COUNCIL
Council President Hall announced: 1) the AWC convention on February 25, and 26. She reminded
Councilmembers to make their reservations if they wished to at;;end; 2) the NLC meeting in Wash-
ington D.C. on February 28 and March 3.
Council President Hall said she received an inquiry from a citizen regarding Ordinance 2431. She
inquired if notices of ordinances are sent to the business.comm;mity and if the ordinance.was, in
fact, passed in 1984. City Attorney Scott Snyder said the pa'vn broker provision was passed in.
1984. He said ordinances are not sent out but public hearings are .announced. Mr. Snyder said
the ordinance requires anyone who sells used goods to be licens?d by the City in order to prevent
fencing of stolen property.
Council President Hall noted that the seat belt law is not enforceable within the City limits.
Mr. Snyder said that law is not enforceable through municipal :ourts. Model ordinances will be
sent out to the cities representef! by his firm. He recommended that the issue be referred to the
Public Safety Committee.
The Council discussed scheduling of a meeting to review finalists and make a selection of the
secondary sewer treatment design architect. COUNCiLMEMBER KASFER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCiLMEM-
BER DWYER, TO SELECT JAMES MONTGOMERY ENGiNEERS AND CWC/II)R, INC. AS THE TWO FINALISTS.
MOTION CARRIED WITH COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST OPPOSED. A special meeting was scheduled on January
22 at 7 p.m., meeting place to be designated, to further inte.view the finalists and select an
design architect.
Councilmember Jaech referred to a letter from Chambers Cable regarding the rate increase of $2.00
per month for the basic rate. She inquired what posture the Council should take. Mr. Snyder
said since deregulation, cable companies may raise their rates on a recurring basis as
EDMO'JDS CITY COUNCIL MiNUTES
Page 10 JANUARY 13, 1987
long as they meet certain percentage. -parameters. He,said.:the..City does have considerable authori-
ty in terms of who holds the franchise. 'Councilmember'Jaech requested that a general discussion
regarding the issue take place at a work meeting. Mr. Snyder suggested that the regulatory power
of the City and expiration of the current franchise be reviewed.
COUNCILMEMBER JAE.CH MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER OSTROM, TO REFER THE ISSUE TO THE COMMUNITY
SERVICES COMMITTEE ON FEBRUARY 24TH TO OBTAIN BACKGROUND INFORMATION. MOTION CARRIED.
Councilmember Dwyer requested that a presentation be made to the Council in the near future re-
garding the economic development of downtown Marysville.
Community Services Director Peter Hahn announced that the Surface Water Advisory Group will go on
a field trip to Boeing Creek to analyze storm water control facilities.. The group will meet at
Anderson Center at 9 a.m. on Saturday.
Councilmember Ostrom noted that cable t.v. services were disrupted on December 25, 1986. He
called a repairman, and the service was repaired on December 26 in time for tfie football game
kickoff.
The meeting recessed to an Executive Session at 9:32 p.m. tc discuss a legal issue following
which it adjourned.
These minutes are subject to January 20, 1987 approval.
61ACQUELINE G..PARRETT, City Clerk
e, V,,3 - , . Z
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LARRY S. NAUGHTEN, Mayor
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 11 JAN.UARY 13, 1987