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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.