04/08/2003 City CouncilEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
April 8, 2003
Following a Special Meeting at 6:50 p.m. to interview a candidate for the Planning Board, the Edmonds
City Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Haakenson in the Council Chambers,
250 5t" Avenue North, Edmonds. The meeting was opened with the flag salute.
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Gary Haakenson, Mayor
Dave Earling, Council President
Jeff Wilson, Councilmember
Michael Plunkett, Councilmember
Lora Petso, Councilmember
Dave Orvis, Councilmember
Richard Marin, Councilmember
Deanna Dawson, Councilmember
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
STAFF PRESENT
Tom Tomberg, Fire Chief
David Stern, Chief of Police
Al Compaan, Assistant Police Chief
Stephen Clifton, Community Services Director
Peggy Hetzler, Administrative Services Director
Brent Hunter, Human Resources Director
Noel Miller, Public Works Director
Jim Larson, Assistant Admin. Serv. Director
Rob Chave, Planning Manager
Dave Gebert, City Engineer
Sandy Chase, City Clerk
Jana Spellman, Senior Executive Council Asst.
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
COUNCILMEMBER MARIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER WILSON, FOR
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Marin requested Item E be removed from the Consent Agenda.
COUNCILMEMBER MARIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER ORVIS, FOR
APPROVAL OF THE REMAINDER OF THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED
Edmonds City Council. Approved Minutes
April 8, 2003
Page 1
UNANIMOUSLY. The agenda items approved are as follows:
(A)
ROLL CALL
Approve
/1/03
Minutes
(B)
APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 1, 2003.
pprove
(C)
APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS #61822 THROUGH #62004 FOR THE WEEK OF
laim
MARCH 31, 2003, IN THE AMOUNT OF $565,560.09. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
hecks
DIRECT DEPOSITS AND CHECKS #35355 THROUGH #35438 FOR THE PERIOD
MARCH 16 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2003, IN THE AMOUNT OF $773,651.88.
for
9
(D)
ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES FROM SANDRA RENICK
amag es
($248.88), AND PHILIP M. BISHOP (AMOUNT UNDETERMINED).
Edmonds City Council. Approved Minutes
April 8, 2003
Page 1
rd# 3449
eadowdale (F) ORDINANCE NO. 3449 GIVING PRELIMINARY PLANNED RESIDENTIAL
tes at DEVELOPMENT (PRD) AND PRELIMINARY PLAT APPROVAL FOR A PROJECT
nd
COMMONLY KNOWN AS MEADOWDALE ESTATES, AT 6880 —172ND
x,72 D STREET SW.
Item E: Confirmation of Mayor's Appointment of Judith Works to the Planning Board
Confirm Councilmember Marin explained the Council interviewed Ms. Works prior to the Council meeting. He
Tanning described her qualifications and background.
Board
Appointment COUNCILMEMBER MARIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT EARLING,
FOR APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEM E. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The item approved is as follows:
(E) CONFIRMATION OF MAYOR'S APPOINTMENT OF JUDITH WORKS TO THE
PLANNING BOARD.
ublic 13. PROCLAMATION IN HONOR OF NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK, APRIL 7 —13,2003
ealth Week
Councilmember Marin read the Proclamation declaring April 7 — 13 as National Public Health Week in
Edmonds. He presented the Proclamation to Nancy Furnace, Manager of Communicable Disease and
Bioterrorism Unit, Snohomish County Health District, who thanked the Council for the Proclamation that
celebrates the work the Health District does and the work they have ahead. She explained that in
addition to bioterrorism planning and preparedness, the Health Department was dealing with existing
diseases and investigation as well as emerging illnesses such as SARS. She invited the Council to visit
the Health District and the display illustrating the Health District's various programs and projects.
ublic Safety 4. PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING A POTENTIAL PUBLIC SAFETY PROPERTY TAX LEVY
roperty Tax LID LIFT, WHICH MEANS AN INCREASE IN PROPERTY TAXES COULD BE SENT TO THE
Lid Lift VOTERS TO REDUCE FURTHER BUDGET CUTS IN THE POLICE AND FIRE
DEPARTMENTS.
Administrative Services Director Peggy Hetzler provided an overview of the City's General Fund
financial condition. She explained since 1999, the City had lost over $1.4 million in annual revenues
from the former Motor Vehicle Excise Tax and sales tax equalization sources. She explained these
revenue sources were eliminated by the State Legislature in response to I -695. Since 2001, the City's
sales tax revenues have decreased by over $300,000 due to the slowdown in the local economy. Further,
gambling tax revenues have decreased by over $200,000 due in part to the closure of the Seattle Skate
Club and the opening of the new cardroom in Mountlake Terrace. In total the City's annual revenues
have declined in excess of $1.9 million over the past three years.
Due primarily to this revenue loss, during the 2003 budget process, the City faced the prospect of
reducing General Fund expenditures by over $2 million. Of this amount $950,000 was proposed to be
cut from police and fire services. During the budget public hearing, the Council heard repeatedly from
local residents that police and fire were the community's highest priorities. Many citizens spoke in favor
of a property tax levy lid lift that would be dedicated to protecting public safety service levels. At the
conclusion of the budget hearings, the Council added $430,000 in proposed reductions back into public
safety for a one year period with the expectation that new revenue sources would need to be identified to
ensure these programs would not again be in danger of elimination in the 2004 budget process. The final
2003 adopted budget included public safety reductions of $520,000 and reductions to other General Fund
departments of $880,000. These budget reductions resulted in the elimination of 25 employees.
In response to the public input regarding a property tax levy lid lift, the Council instructed staff to
develop a proposed lid lift amount that would be devoted to public safety. This process began by
establishing a baseline amount of a lid lift that would provide funding for identified public safety
programs and known future cost increases.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 8, 2003
Page 2
Ms. Hetzler explained that during the March 23 Council meeting, the amount of the lid lift was slightly
over $1.8 million. Since that time, the Fire Chief and Finance Staff had reevaluated the vehicle
replacement needs of the Fire Department and were able to reduce the amount of funding by $50,000,
reducing the amount of the levy lid lift by $50,000 or to $1,750,000.
Ms. Hetzler explained the goal was to establish a lid lift amount that would reasonably ensure current
public safety levels for at least a five -year period. The amount of the lid lift was based on 2003 costs of
programs identified for future budget reductions, estimates of known future cost increases primarily
retirement costs and SnoCom costs, the inclusion of certain costs currently paid from the Criminal Justice
Fund such as jail costs and the School Resource Officer (included as the Criminal Justice Fund could not
sustain that level of funding beyond 2004), and stabilization of funding for replacement of fire vehicles.
Ms. Hetzler explained some of the costs funded via the lid lift would be phased in over time such as
including jail costs of $283,000 which would be transferred to the new fund in 2005, "off- budget"
sergeant which would be transferred to new fund in 2007, and technology costs which were assumed to
occur uniformly over five years. She explained these costs were built into the lid lift total of $1.75
million that would not occur until later in the five year period, however, the deferral of those costs would
allow the lid lift to absorb inflationary increases of remaining costs. Annual inflationary increases
associated with these programs are estimated at $52,000.
Ms. Hetzler displayed a reconciliation of the programs included in the $1.75 million lid lift, recalling the
presentation in November 2002 established a lid lift of $1.4 million.
Original lid lift amount
$1,400,000
Additions:
225,000)
Jail costs
$280,000
"Off-budget" sergeant
$95,000
SnoCom costs
$60,000
Police evidence, training and accreditation costs
$60,000
Firefighter
$60,000
Increase administrative assistant to full -time
status
$22,000
Firefighter /EMT training and line item
adjustments
$50,000
Fire vehicle replacement
$100,000
Total new costs not addressed in original estimate
$727,000
Deletions from original estimate:
Reduction in technology and retirement costs
225,000)
Reduction in salary — Assistant Fire
Chief/Training Officer
(10,000)
Other adjustments (primarily Police Department
positions eliminated in the 2003 budget not being
reinstated)
(142,000)
Total deletions
377,000
New lid lift amount:
$1,750,000
Ms. Hetzler displayed the public safety programs for potential funding through the levy lid lift proceeds
for the Police Department (unchanged from the March 24 presentation):
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 8, 2003
Page 3
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Two police Officers /field services
$129,718
Crime Prevention Unit
89,608
Animal Control /Ordinance Officer
48,965
Administrative Support position
43,123
School Resource Officer
76,099
Off - budget Sergeant position
95,190
Prisoner care
283,404
Training
28,104
SNOCOM cost increase
128,342
Additional Retirement costs
54,000
800 MHz radio/technology costs
50,000
Specialized evidence /CALEA costs
32,500
Total Police Department potential funding
$1,059,053
Next, Ms. Hetzler summarized public safety programs for potential funding through levy lid lift proceeds
for the Fire Department, noting the list was unchanged from the March 24 presentation with the
exception of the vehicle replacement contribution which was reduced from $150,000 to $100,000:
FUZE DEPARTMENT
Training Officer
$112,125
Three Firefighter/EMT positions
184,425
Restore Fire Inspector
14,130
New Firefighter
61,465
Administrative Support Assistant
43,268
Firefighter/Paramedic training
20,000
Restore Reserves to paid status
25,000
Uniforms, p rofessional services, communications, etc.
29,800
SNOCOM Emergency Dispatch
32,086
Vehicle replacement contributions
100,000
Retirement cost increase
46,000
Technology
25,000
Total Fire Department potential funding
$693,299
In response to a question that arose last week, Ms. Hetzler explained a lid lift in the amount of $1.75
million did not mean an equal amount would be freed up in the General Fund for other costs as the bulk
of the costs included in the lid lift were not currently General Fund costs and a number were future cost
increases the City was not currently incurring. She displayed a list of the costs that would be transferred
from the General Fund if the lid lift were successful:
Description
Cost
Two police officers /field services
$129,718
Crime prevention unit
89,608
Three firefighter/EMT positions
184,425
Restore Fire Inspector
14,130
Vehicle replacement
100,000
Total
$517,881
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 8, 2003
Page 4
Also in response to a question raised previously regarding how the "freed up" capacity in the General
Fund would be used, Ms. Hetzler pointed out 87% of public safety costs remained in the General Fund.
The additional $500,000 could be used to absorb cost increases for remaining public safety program costs
and other non - public safety costs specifically retirement and medical insurance costs that typically
exceeded the rate of inflation. She pointed out none of the freed -up capacity would be used to restore the
$880,000 in reductions made in 2003 to non - public safety programs.
In response to discussion at the March 24 meeting regarding jail costs, Ms. Hetzler explained staff
anticipated a 20% increase in jail costs would be passed on from Snohomish County. If the Snohomish
County jail election were successful, those funds could offset this cost to the City and the amount of the
lid lift reduced by approximately $47,000. As an alternative, if that amount remained in the lid lift, it
could extend the life of the lid lift for an additional two years before a new vote would be required to
maintain public safety program service levels.
Ms. Hetzler displayed a history of Criminal Justice Fund revenues and cash balances, 1999 through 2002.
She explained the jail costs and School Resource Officer were currently funded from the Criminal Justice
Fund. She noted these expenditures had been paid for in the past by reducing the fund balance. She
highlighted the declining 1 /10'h sales tax, loss of State MVET funding, declining interest income
resulting in declining total revenues and declining ending cash balance. She summarized the Criminal
Justice Fund could only continue to pay jail costs for one more year before the fund would be depleted.
Ms. Hetzler recalled she was also asked to provide additional examples of the impact of the lid lift on
different assessed property values. She pointed out the average value per the Snohomish County
Assessor was $218,500.
Home value
$218,500
$250,000
$350,000
$450,000
Current annual tax
$511
$584
$818
$1,052
Estimated tax after lid lift
$628
$719
$1,006
$1,294
Annual difference
$117
$134
$188
$242
Ms. Hetzler described how the proceeds from a property tax lid lift would be structured into a dedicated
fund into which revenues would be receipted and the program expenditures paid from via this fund. She
displayed a table that illustrated revenue from the lid lift, 1% annual increase, total annual revenue,
initial expenditures, annual inflationary increase, phased -in expenditures, total expenditures, difference,
beginning fund balance, and ending fund balance from 2004 — 2010. She noted the table assumed the lid
lift would grow at 1% annually, the lid lift would be sufficient for a six -year period after which
expenditure growth would outpace revenue growth, and that public safety costs would be phased in as
follows: jail costs in 2005 and "off- budget" sergeant position in 2007. She explained the table
illustrated that the lid lift could fund the current programs at their current service levels through 2009.
Ms. Hetzler displayed an updated General Fund outlook for 2002 -2007 that reflected the transferring of .
$518,000 in public safety costs to the new public safety fund and an increase in other General Fund
revenues (or additional budget cuts) of $650,000 over a five year period to maintain General Fund ending
cash at or above the $1 million target.
To illustrate the impact of I -695 on an average Edmonds resident, Ms. Hetzler used herself as an
example. Prior to 1 -695 (1999), she paid a total of $1,200 per year to license her two vehicles. In 2002,
she paid $115 per year to license the two vehicles, an annual savings of $970 due to the elimination of
the MVET. She compared this to the taxes that had been enacted since I -695, the library annexation tax
($100), property tax increase in 2000 ($62), property tax increase in 2001 ($.00), property tax increase in
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 8, 2003
Page 5
1
2002 ($21), for a total new taxes post I -695 of $183. Continuing to use her household as an example, she
added the impact of a successful levy lid lift of $144, for a net savings of $693 per year to her household.
Council President Earling inquired whether there was a prioritization of the programs listed. Mayor
Haakenson answered the goal Council gave staff was to establish a lid lift amount that would reasonably
ensure current public safety levels for a 5 -year period. Staff believed the $1.75 million was necessary to
accomplish that goal. If the Council wished to reduce the $1.75 million, it would reduce the 5 -year
period.
Council President Earling clarified his question was whether the Fire or Police Chief had prioritized the
programs in the event the Council chose to approve a lesser levy lid lift amount. Police Chief David
Stern answered the issue would not be determining which services were most important but which
services would be cut. He noted services other than those listed for funding via the levy lid lift could
also be cut. For example, the City was operating without parking enforcement and could likely continue
to operate without parking enforcement.
Fire Chief Tom Tomberg concurred with Chief Stern, noting without a Training Officer, the Department
was slowly sinking. If the Council chose to pursue a lesser levy lid lift amount, he would confer with
staff to determine how to make reductions.
Councilmember Dawson commented the Chiefs appeared to be indicating all the items listed were
necessary to maintain public safety levels. If the public did not feel a service was necessary for the
community, they could advise the Council and those services could be cut next year. She favored hearing
from the public prior to staff identifying what items could be eliminated.
Councilmember Petso referred to the table Ms. Hetzler presented that showed a fifth year ending cash
balance of $260,000, pointing out the lid lift amount could be reduced slightly to bring the ending cash
balance at the end of the fifth year to zero. She noted the table presented by Ms. Hetzler indicated a lid
lift in the amount of $1.75 million would fund public safety programs for six years.
Council President Earling inquired about the 20% anticipated increase in jail costs. Chief Stern
responded the information regarding the 20% increase was provided by Snohomish County Executive
Bob Drewel in response to an inquiry regarding what the City could expect by way of increase if the
Snohomish County election to fund the jail personnel did not pass.
Council President Earling recalled periodically police positions have been funded via grants. He
inquired whether there were any grant funded positions about to expire. Chief Stern answered there were
currently no grant- funded positions other than the "off- budget" sergeant. He noted there was little money
available for grant- funded positions and those that are available require a significant cash match.
In response to Councilmember Petso's inquiry, Councilmember Marin preferred not to reach a cash
balance of zero in five years. He provided an example of the additional, unexpected workload the Health
District experienced due to the West Nile Virus, smallpox, and SARS.
Councilmember Dawson commented a lid lift established a maximum amount the levy lid could be lifted;
if future expenses did not materialize, the City did not have to collect the entire levy lid lift. Ms. Hetzler
answered the levy lid lift would be set in 2004 and the Council could choose to set the 2005 levy at a
lesser amount. She noted once the lid lift was lowered, it could not be increased more than 1% per year.
Councilmember Petso pointed out this levy lid lift had to pass or the City would lose important services
and personnel. Further, if the Council asked for more than it could demonstrate it needed to meet the
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 8, 2003
Page 6
goal of securing public safety funding for the next five years, it would :increase the chances the levy lid
lift would not pass.
Councilmember Orvis asked whether the Council could condition the levy lid lift such as taking public
safety off the "chopping block" for the next five years. Ms. Hetzler preferred this be confirmed with City
Attorney Scott Snyder.
Ron Wambolt, 530 Dayton Street, Edmonds, assumed the budget items that were included in the $1.75
million levy lid lift had been scrutinized and endorsed by the City Council. He noted there were signs of
economic improvement in 2004 and assumed the City's sales tax revenue would likewise increase. He
stated the only way to accurately determine the impact of the phased -in items was to prepare a monthly
budget. Although citizens wanted top notch public safety service, he found it unlikely they would
approve a 23% increase in the City's portion of the property tax. The property tax displayed was only
the city's portion and represented only 45% of the total property tax. Properties in Edmonds would be
reassessed next year, likely resulting in increases in state, county, and school taxes. Many citizens had
experienced reduced salaries or salary freezes, reduced pensions, etc. He recommended the Council do
the following, 1) freeze all salaries until the end of 2004 and renegotiate union contracts as required, 2)
reduce the salary of the Mayor, Council and Department Heads by 10% until the end of 2004, and 3) look
at the magnitude of the proposed incremental costs, 4) vigorously test the reasonableness of the proposed
budget items and ensure realistic revenue projections.
Al Rutledge, 7101 Lake Ballinger Way, Edmonds, representing the Senior Kiwanis Club, expressed
the Board of Director's support for the proposed levy lid lift.
Ray Martin, 18704 94th Avenue W, Edmonds, questioned the truthfulness of calling the proposed 23-
25% levy lid lift a Police and Fire levy. He recalled the Council approved 2003 budget items in
anticipation of a levy lid lift. He anticipated the proposed levy lid lift would fail. He cited examples of
overspending such as the Mayor and Department Heads' salaries, unusual and excessive library
expenses, funds paid to the Alliance, and funds expended on litigation. He concluded police and fire
services were a vital part of City government and should be given first priority.
Rich Demeroutis, 921 Pine Street, Edmonds, objected to the issue of I -695 being raised during budget
discussions. He noted the savings Ms. Hetzler described as a result of the passage of I -695 could be used
by citizens for other expenses, particularly those on a fixed income. He noted when it was first
discussed, next year's shortfall was $900,000, now consideration was being given to a $1.75 million levy
lid lift. He questioned the ambiguity regarding how the freed up $500,000 in the General Fund would be
spent. He recommended the funds be devoted to maintenance of the City's infrastructure. He suggested
Councilmembers conduct a random survey of citizens to determine their support for the levy, lid lift.
Roger Hertrich, 1020 Puget Drive, Edmonds, recalled he has previously expressed concern regarding
the City's economics. He suggested the answer to the City's financial problems was not a levy lid lift but
good economics in the City's spending. He recommended freezing staff's salaries and making promises
to citizens to be economic about future spending if they approved the levy lid lift.
Doug Dahl, President, Edmonds Professional Firefighters Local 1828, commented the Council and
Mayor have shown responsible support for public safety in the past but due to various state initiatives,
the funding necessary to maintain the existing level of service was no longer available. He noted
firefighter /paramedics were not used to asking for help from others but needed the citizens' help to
continue to provide the level of service they provide every day. He noted even if the levy lid lift passed,
the funds did not cover the cost of public safety. He assured the levy numbers were real and real layoffs
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 8, 2003
Page 7
of police, firefighter and paramedics would result with the failure of the levy lid lift. He noted this levy
provided citizens the opportunity to express their views regarding public safety, but he urged citizens not
to use the City's vital services as a platform for other political issues. He noted the levy lid lift was a
$0.32 -$0.66 per day increase in property taxes, a fair amount he felt to maintain quality life, safety and
services, and property protection in the community.
Mayor Haakenson closed the public participation portion of the public hearing. In response to the
comments regarding staff salaries, he advised his research indicated the average City salary was $58,886
which he did not feel was out of line. He referred to comments regarding step increases, merit increases,
cost of living increases, noting that if every employee in the City received the amount they were eligible
to receive via a step or merit increase, it would equate to $53,000 for next year, not enough to balance the
budget.
Mayor Haakenson advised he informed the directors in January they would not receive an increase this
year, saving the City a $6,500. He stressed salaries were not the problem and the City was in the current
financial situation due to voter approved initiatives. With regard to the Mayor's salary, Mayor
Haakenson advised he earned $97,000 per year, which he indicated wasn't worth it most of the time. He
clarified the Council approved a $13,000 pay increase last year. He added that he would not apologize
for this salary, because he worked hard for it.
Councilmember Petso asked whether the projections included a sales tax increase for the Criminal Justice
Fund from present levels as historically that fund has had substantially higher revenues. Ms. Hetzler
answered the projections was for that fund to get closer to the $500,000 it has historically received but
there has not been a growth in sales tax revenue in that fund or sales tax collected by the City in the
recent past. She did not anticipate the revenue would return to the $500,000 per year level in the next
two years.
Councilmember Petso asked whether some of the costs could be funded via the Criminal Justice Fund if
the revenues increased in future years. Ms. Hetzler agreed a small amount could be.
Councilmember Petso referred to the "off- budget" sergeant position that would not be funded until 2007
and why it was in the levy lid lift. She questioned whether she was jeopardizing the security of the
Crime Prevention Unit for example to have a higher lid lift so that in 2007 there would be funds available
for that position. Chief Stern answered that was not how the lid lift was structured. He assured the lid
lift was structured to provide a stable amount of revenue for public safety over the next five years and
considering individual items could make it appear skewed but the bottom line at the end of five years was
the goal. He assured the lid lift did not include any expenditures other than what was necessary to
stabilize public safety for five years.
Councilmember Petso referred to the funds for a new firefighter that would create a cost savings in
overtime. She inquired whether this position would pay for itself via the cost savings in overtime. Chief
Tomberg explained when the eight Medic 7 paramedics were integrated into the Fire Department, it
unbalanced the shifts, resulting in 16 people assigned to cover 12 positions on one shift and 15 people to
cover 12 positions on another shift resulting in vacancies for scheduled days off that were covered by
overtime. He noted any overtime savings would go toward cash carryover. He was unable to predict
what overtime costs would be each year, noting it varied due to illness, injury, etc.
Councilmember Orvis pointed out in addition to the levy lid lift, the 2002 -2007 projection illustrated the
need for additional revenue sources. Ms. Hetzler agreed. Councilmember Orvis pointed out the levy lid
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 8, 2003
Page 8
lift would be used to fund public safety and not building maintenance, park maintenance, etc. Ms.
Hetzler agreed.
Councilmember Dawson expressed frustration that citizens did not address the items included in the levy
lid lift and whether they felt they were justifiable. If citizens felt the lid lift was too high, they needed to
indicate what should not be funded. She urged citizens to call/email her to assist her in understanding
what it would take to pass a levy lid lift. She pointed out the City would be in a dire situation and lose
numerous police, firefighters and paramedics next year if the levy lid lift did not pass. She urged citizens
to get involved in the process rather than criticizing the levy lid lift when it reached the ballot.
Council President Earling concurred with Councilmember Dawson's frustration and encouraged citizens
to also contact him with their comments. He scheduled a 30 minute deliberation and action on the levy
lid lift on the Council's April 22 agenda.
5. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION REVIEW AND :DISCUSSION OF CERTIFIED
Historic LOCAL GOVERNMENT REIMBURSEMENT GRANT
Preservation
Commission
Darrell Marmion, Chair of the Historic Preservation Commission, introduced the members of the
Commission that were present, Barbara Kindness, Chuck LaWarne, Steve Waite and Councilmember
Plunkett. He explained subcommittees of the Commission had been working on individual issues,
administrative (ordinances, Certified Local Government, etc), communication, historic register/historic
inventory, and incentives.
Steve Waite, Incentive Subcommittee, explained the subcommittee had been reviewing the
nonconforming section of the code which appeared to encourage removal of nonconforming buildings.
He noted nonconforming buildings contributed to the unique character and identity of the City, but would
continue to be removed due to the nonconforming provisions in the code. He noted the risk was the loss
of historic buildings as well as existing housing stock and opportunities for affordable housing. The
subcommittee would be developing incentives for preserving historic buildings and they looked forward
to working with the Planning Board on that issue.
Barbara Kindness, Communication Subcommittee, advised that one of the most important aspects of
historic preservation was keeping the public informed of the Commission's activities and to get the
public involved. Their efforts to keep the public informed would include a public forum 3 -4 times per
year, a brochure, and commissioners would be offered as guest speakers to community organizations.
She advised the Commission's meetings are announced in the newspaper, recalling when the
Commission was awarded Certified Local Government (CLG) status recently, the three local papers
carried a large article. The Commission's press releases will also be provided to the League of
Snohomish County Heritage Association newsletter and the Commission will be using the resources of
the South Snohomish County Historical Society.
Mr. Marmion, Historic Registry Subcommittee, referred to a process chart for getting a property on
the historic registry. He advised in the next few months 1 -2 properties already on the State or National
Register would be used as test cases for application to the historic registry. He advised the Historic
Preservation Commission would make a recommendation to Council regarding placing a property on the
historic registry and the Council would make the final decision.
Chuck LaWarne, Administrative Subcommittee, described the process of applying for the status of
CLG which the Commission was awarded approximately six weeks ago. He explained the CLG status
was validation and legitimization to state and federal governments that the Commission had a workable,
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 8, 2003
Page 9
viable, ongoing historic preservation program. He explained that with CLG status, the Commission was
eligible for certain services and grants from the federal government via the state.
Mr. Marmion explained with the CLG status, the Commission could begin applying for pass - through
grants. The first grant would be to fund a historic survey at a cost of approximately $35,000. He
explained the State pass - through grant was a reimbursement grant, requiring the City provide the funds
and be reimbursed. He noted the grant provided a 60% match and the remaining 40% would be provided
via equivalent services including the time of the Commission. He summarized the grant would provide
$20,000 and the remainder could be offset via the Commission and staff's time, resulting in a zero net
expenditure for the City.
Council President Earling pointed out the City would only be responsible for front loading the grant and
would be reimbursed via federal funds through the state. He noted the Council did not need to make a
decision tonight; the Commission was advising the Council of its intent to apply for the grant. Mr.
Marmion agreed.
Councilmember Wilson inquired about the value of City staff time. Planning Manager Rob Chave
advised approximately two- thirds of the match would be via City staff time or approximately $9,000.
Councilmember Wilson asked whether this was a one -time grant. Mr. Marmion answered the purpose
was to generate a survey of potentially historic properties. He explained the typical baseline was
buildings 50 years or older and approximately 1200 -1300 properties met that threshold. He noted the
Commission may apply for other pass through grants in the future. Mr. Chave explained the CLG grant
program was an annual program and the available funding varied year to year although the required
match was typically the same.
Councilmember Marin expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Historic Preservation Commission
and his support for the Commission applying for the grant.
Councilmember Plunkett reported on savings property owners could realize via participating in this
program: In Spokane $27 million has been saved in tax breaks for property owners who preserve historic
buildings, $19 million in Seattle, and $8 million in Tacoma. He thanked the Commission for their efforts
and urged the Council to look favorably on this program during the next budget.
Council President Earling concluded the Council felt it worthwhile to proceed with the grant request.
With no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned to Council Committee meetings at
8:30 p.m.
GAY ENSON, MAYOR
SANDRA S. CHASE, CITY CLERK
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 8, 2003
Page 10
LL AGENDA
MWEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL
Council Chambers, Public Safety Complex
250 511 Avenue North
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
APRIL 8, 2003
6:50 p.m. - Interview with Planning Board Candidate
The interview will be held in the Jury Meeting Room.
7:00 p.m. - City Council Meeting Call to Order
Flag Salute
1. Approval of Agenda
2. Consent Agenda Items
(A) Roll Call
(B) Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes of April 11, 2003.
(C) Approval of claim checks #61822 through #62004 for the. week of March 31,
2003, in the amount of $565,560.09. Approval of payroll direct deposits and
checks #35355 through #35438 for the period March 16 through March 31,
2003, in the amount of $773,651.88.
(D) Acknowledge receipt of Claims for Damages from Sandra Renick ($248.88),
and Philip M. Bishop (amount undetermined).
(E) Confirmation of Mayor's appointment of Judith Works to the Planning Board.
(F) Proposed Ordinance giving preliminary Planned Residential Development (PRD)
and preliminary Plat approval for a project commonly known as Meadowdale
Estates, located at 6880 - 172"" Street SW.
3. ( 5 Min.) Proclamation in honor of National Public Health Week, April 7 - 13, 2003. .
4. (60 Min.) Public Hearing regarding a potential Public Safety Property Tax Levy Lid Lift,
which means an increase in property taxes could be sent to the voters to
reduce further budget cuts in the Police and Fire Departments.
Page 1 of 2
CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
April 8, 2003
Page 2 of 2
5. (15 Min.) Historic Preservation Commission review and discussion of Certified Local
Government Reimbursement Grant.
ADJOURN TO COMMITTEE MEETINGS
6. Community Services /Development Services Committee
(Meeting Location: Council Chambers)
(A) Six Year Capital Improvement Program.
(B) 2003 Community Services /Development Services Work Program.
7. Finance Committee
(Meeting Location: Jury Meeting Room)
(A) Continued discussion of the maintenance of the library.
Note: The Public Safety Committee will not meet this evening.
Parking and meeting rooms are accessible for persons with disabilities.
Contact the City Clerk at (425) 771 -0245 with 24 hours advance notice for special accommodations.
The Council Agenda as well as a delayed telecast of the meeting appears on AT &T Cable, Channel 21.