01/25/2000 City CouncilEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
JANUARY 25, 2000
Following a Special Meeting at 6:00 p.m. for an Executive Session regarding legal matters and an
interview with a candidate for the Arts Commission at 6:45 p.m., the Edmonds City' Council meeting was
called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Haakenson in the Library Plaza Room, 650 Main Street. The
meeting was opened with the flag salute.
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Gary Haakenson, Mayor
Thomas A. Miller, Council President
Dave Earling, Councilmember
Michael Plunkett, Councilmember
Jim White, Councilmember
Lora Petso, Councilmember
Dave Orvis, Councilmember
Christopher Davis, Councilmember
ALSO PRESENT
Maia Krause, Student Representative
STAFF PRESENT
Robin Hickok, Police Chief
Ray Miller, Development Services Director
Peggy Hetzler, Administrative Services Director
Rob Chave, Planning Manager
Jeff Wilson, Planning Supervisor
Noel Miller, Public Works Director
James Walker, City Engineer
Don Fiene, Assistant City Engineer
Arvilla Ohlde, Parks and Recreation Director
Brent Hunter, Human Resources Director
Jana Spellman, Senior Executive Council Asst.
Sandy Chase, City Clerk
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
FChange to COUNCIL PRESIDENT MILLER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER PLUNKETT
he Agenda
TO AMEND THE AGENDA TO ADD A 15- MINUTE PRESENTATION FROM SENATOR PAUL
SHIN AS ITEM 3A. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILMEMBER WHITE MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT MILLER, FOR
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
COUNCIL PRESIDENT MILLER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER WHITE, FOR
APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PROPOSED. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY. The agenda items approved are as follows:
.(A) ROLL CALL
pprove
Minutes (B) APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 18, 2000
(C) APPROVAL OF CLAIM WARRANTS #35919 THROUGH #38737 FOR THE WEEK OF
Approve JANUARY 17, 2000, IN THE AMOUNT OF $861,129.66. APPROVAL OF CLAIM
Clain! WARRANTS #35912 THROUGH #38576 FOR FINAL 1999 BUDGET PAYABLES IN THE
Warrants AMOUNT OF $387,763.77. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL WARRANTS #27275 THROUGH
#27234 FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1 THROUGH JANUARY 15, 2000, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $443,763.90.'
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
January 25, 2000
Page 1
1
noCom AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT
terlocaI (D)
greement BETWEEN THE CITY OF EDMONDS AND SNOCOM FOR AN INTERIM DIRECTOR
noCom
(E) AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN AN INDIVIDUAL CONTRACT OF
nterim
Director EMPLOYMENT WITH STEVEN PERRY TO SERVE AS INTERIM DIRECTOR OF
SNOCOM
3. CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENT OF NANCIE WOOD TO ARTS COMMISSION:
CONFIRMATION OF REAPPOINTMENT OF STAN MONLUX AND JOANNE
LANGENDORFER TO THE PLANNING BOARD: AND REAPPOINTMENT OF LINDA
GOODRICK TO THE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN BOARD
Mayor Haakenson advised the Council interviewed the candidate for the Arts Commission prior to
tonight's meeting.
ppoint- COUNCILMEMBER EARLING MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT MILLER, TO
ent to Arts CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENT OF NANCIE WOOD TO THE ARTS COMMISSION.
Commission MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mayor Haakenson recognized Nancie Wood in the audience and thanked her for her willingness to serve
on the Arts Commission.
eappoint- COUNCILMEMBER PLUNKETT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER ORVIS, TO
ent to CONFIRM THE REAPPOINTMENT OF STAN MONLUX AND JOANNE LANGENDORFER TO
t�r.anm Bd. THE PLANNING BOARD. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
tD ap point- COUNCILMEMBER WHITE MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT MILLER, TO
B to CONFIRM THE REAPPOINTMENT OF LINDA GOODRICK TO THE ARCHITECTURAL
B.
DESIGN BOARD. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3A. REPORT FROM SENATOR PAUL SHIN
Report from
Senator Paul Councilmember White explained he learned this afternoon (from Parks and Recreation Director Arvilla
Shin Ohlde) of the following proposed Senate Bill, sponsored by Senator Paul Shin:
A new section is added to chapter 47.60 RCW to read as follows:
(1) To prevent potential injury, a safety zone is established around each state ferry dock. No
unauthorized swimmer or diver may enter the area within one hundred fifty feet of a state
ferry dock. The department may increase the size of this safety zone by rule if required by
federal regulation. A person who violates this section is quilty of a misdemeanor.
(2) This section does not apply to swimmers or divers within the boundaries of underwater
parks.
(3) The department of transportation shall establish and maintain boundary markers
designating the boundary of department property containing ferry docking facilities that
abuts an underwater park.
Councilmember White explained paragraph 2 was added as a result of a concern'Ms. Ohlde and he
expressed to Senator Shin that 150 feet would encroach on the City's underwater park. However, that
only addressed the north side of the ferry dock and not Brackett's Landing South, which is located on the
south side of the ferry dock. Based on this legislation, swimmers would be prohibited from entering the
water within 150 feet of the ferry dock, including a substantial portion of Brackett's Landing South.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
January 25, 2000
Page 2
Councilmember White advised the proposed bill will go to committee Thursday afternoon and Ms. Ohlde
and he plan to attend.
Councilmember White said he spoke with each jurisdiction in the State that includes a ferry dock. Three"
jurisdictions would be impacted but Edmonds was the only one with a public beach adjacent to the ferry
dock. Councilmember White expressed concern that the proposed bill would prohibit activity commonly
seen at Bracketts Landing South during summer months, people entering the water to "frolic or swim.
He planned to attend the committee meeting on Thursday as a citizen to object to the proposed
legislation and asked the Council to consider whether the City should take a position regarding the
statute.
Councilmember White pointed out ECDC Section 5.32.070 states "it is unlawful for persons to scuba
dive or free dive within 300 feet of any public boat launch ormooring facility, exempting the underwater
park. He expressed concern that the State statute had added "swimming."
Mayor Haakenson advised he also spoke to Senator Shin regarding this issue. Mayor Haakenson pointed
out the City's beaches are very important to the Council and the citizens. The Council was concerned
enough about this proposed legislation to invite Senator Shinto attend tonight's meeting.
Senator Paul Shin advised the proposed bill was Substitute Senate Bill 6244.. He said this was
considered an innocent, simple and safe bill for the State of Washington. He explained the concept for
this legislation did not arise from the State Transportation Committee or any State lobbyists but from the
Edmonds community. Following a drowning incident this past summer, this issue was discussed at a
meeting with Mayor Fahey and other members`of the community. The proposed bill was a result of that
group's request that he do something about swimming that occurred too close to the ferry dock.
Senator Shin pointed out this bill applies not only to Edmonds but all ferry docks throughout the State.
He said the State was concerned with the safety of swimmers near the ferry dock as well as potential
liability to the . State. He said if there was sufficient concern over this proposed legislation, he could
cancel it. If the Council agreed the bill was important to address safety and possible liability against the
State, it would be moved forward.
Councilmember Orvis asked how 150 feet was selected. Senator Shin advised both 100 feet and 200 feet
had been discussed and 150 feet was selected as a compromise. It was felt 150 feet was an adequate
distance that swimmers would not be in danger of the ferry system.
Councilmember White pointed out that under the Washington State Recreational Land Use Act, the City
was immune from any lawsuit stemming from the use of undesignated recreational land, which would
include Brackett's Landing South. He said since the park encompassed the ferry dock, it could be argued
the ferry dock is also immune. He said this statute would create a transportation corridor that would be
taken out of the Recreational Land Use Act immunity parameters because it would no longer be
recreational land use, thus creating liability. He asked if that issue had been explored.
Senator Shin answered yes, although they were not aware the City had an ordinance that addressed this
issue. The proposed bill was intended to protect both the City and the State from possible liability. He
said the City's ordinance provides protection for the City and the proposed bill would protect the State at
this ferry dock as well as other docks throughout the State.
Mayor. Haakenson observed a person violating: this .section was guilty of a misdemeanor and inquired
who would provide enforcement. Senator Shin answered State DOT and the State Patrol.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
January 25, 2000
Page 3
Councilmember White pointed out unless the City adopted the State statute, it could not enforce it and
generally would not because it was not a City ordinance. He expressed concern with the language "no
unauthorized swimmer or diver may enter the area within one hundred fifty feet of a state ferry dock" as
the ferry dock begins at the railroad track and extends to the dock's end. It could perhaps be said that a
swimmer was walking within 150 feet of the dock, he /she would be committing a crime for which he /she
could be jailed for 90 days and fined $1,000. He stressed there were numerous points in the statute he
found fault with. Councilmember White recommended the bill be withdrawn and reworked. He
commented there was also an issue of principle regarding whether the adopted legislation would be
enforced.
Senator Shin said the bill referred to swimmers and scuba divers, therefore a person on the ground would
not be violating the law. Councilmember White pointed out the legislation referred to "swimmer or
diver" and not persons in the process of swimming or. diving. Councilmember White said he agreed with
the intent but not with the present wording of the statute. He recommended it be withdrawn and
reworded with the assistance of the Community Services Committee or other entity.
Council President Miller asked if.the existing ordinance was posted at the beach. Ms. Ohlde answered
the ordinance is posted in three places on the ferry dock and states you cannot go within 300 feet of the
ferry except diving in the underwater park. Councilmember White clarified by "you cannot go within"
meant you could not scuba dive or free dive within that area but' the public could go within that zone and
play in the water. Ms. Ohlde agreed. Councilmember White stressed that was the difference between
the City's regulations and the proposed legislation.
Council President Miller said Senator Shin offered to postpone the committee hearing on Thursday.
Senator Shin said if it was. the desire of the Council, the bill could be delayed until, the next Legislative
session. He commented it was not an emergency and could be negotiated with the Council and staff. He
advised this issue would also be discussed with the Port due to their, interest in protecting the Port area
against liability.
Councilmember Plunkett thanked Senator Shin for attending the Council meeting to address this issue,
commenting Senator Shin was a friend of his as well as a friend to the community. He recalled Senator
Shin provided valuable input on issues the Downtown Parking Committee was addressing.
Councilmember Plunkett said the Council understood and appreciated Senator Shin's effort and intent.
It was the consensus of the Council to request that proposed Senate Bill 6244 be withdrawn to allow
further discussion with staff during the next Legislative session regarding the concern with wording
expressed by Councilmember White and existing municipal legislation. Senator Shin indicated he would
comply with the Council request and would contact the City following the Legislative session to resolve
concerns regarding this issue.
Regarding another bill that will be coming up for a vote, Councilmember Orvis explained HB 2462
would require water samples from any testing done by the City on any untreated water be compared with
Department of Ecology (DOE) standards which may be higher than what would normally be considered
healthy. If a bacterial level higher than the, DOE standards was found, the sample would be forwarded to
the Snohomish County Health District. Councilmember Orvis explained the Health District was
concerned they would be inundated with samples and the associated costs. He pointed out Snohomish
County Health District recently laid off 13 employees and is not in a position to undertake this matter. If
Snohomish County Health District determines there was a health risk, the City would be required to
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
January 25, 2000
Page 4
notify everyone within 500 feet by mail within 48 hours (an emergency response notice). He pointed out
the enormous cost associated with this action, a cost the City would likely be forced to endure.
Councilmember Orvis pointed out bacterial levels fluctuate in untreated water and stressed untreated ■
water sources are not drinkable water. As an alternative, he suggested public education informing that
creeks are not intended as drinking water sources. He said this bill would result in jurisdictions losing
the discretion to test water sources and many likely would be hesitant to test water.
Senator Shin advised HB 2462 was a House bill not a Senate bill and he would not have an opportunity
to vote on it until it came to the Senate. However, he offered to determine the primary sponsor of the bill
and express the City's concerns. He said he did not believe in mandates to local governments without
funding. He said that if he agreed with the City's position after reviewing the information regarding this
legislation, he would vote against it. He invited Councilmembers to call him with additional
thoughts /concerns.
Mayor Haakenson thanked Senator Shin for attending the Council meeting. He expressed frustration that
as the City is dealing with the affects of I -695, the House and Senate are creating more bills with more
regulations and enforcement issues for cities. As he urged State Representative Cooper several weeks
ago, he urged Senator Shin to assist the City in identifying solutions to lost funding and not creating
more regulations and enforcement issues for the City. He expressed his appreciation for Senator Shin's
efforts in Olympia, for withdrawing the bill regarding safety zones around ferry docks, and for driving
from Olympia to attend tonight's meeting to address an issue of concern to the City.
Senator Shin said he would like the line of communication between his office and Mayor Haakenson's
office to be open and offered to discuss any issues with the Council in an effort to respond to the needs of
the district more efficiently.
Mayor Haakenson advised he also spoke with State Representative Mike Cooper regarding the Senate
Bill to establish safety zones around ferry docks.
Councilmember Earling thanked Senator Shin for his efforts regarding transportation over the past two
years. He mentioned two bills, an Owner Controlled Insurance Program, that would generate
approximately $10 -$15 million for Sound Transit, and a tax credit package that would generate
additional funds for Sound Transit. Councilmember Earling said any consideration Senator Shin could
give regarding this legislation would be appreciated. Senator Shin advised he was co- sponsor of one of
the bills. He said it was a tragedy that Community Transit was forced to cut so much, noting the victims
were seniors, handicapped citizens, and community college students. He advised they are trying to save
as much as possible from the welfare, attrition via retirement (employees retiring this year will not be
replaced), from tobacco moneys and extra revenue the State receives. He said if the tax credit bill
passed, sufficient funds would be available to maintain CT service levels."
Councilmember Earling commented that the public may perceive funding cuts made following the
passage of I -695 as a punishment, however, in the case of Community Transit, they were required to cut
their budget by 30 %. " '
Joint 4. JOINT MEETING WITH THE PLANNING BOARD
Meeting /I
with the Planning Board members present were Steven Cobb, Virginia Cassutt, Stan Monlux, Joanne
Planning Langendorfer, Beverly Lindh, John Dewhirst (Vice Chair), Bruce Witenberg (Chair), and Jim Crim
Board
(alternate).
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
January 25, 2000
Page 5
Council President Miller explained the intent of the joint meeting with the Planning Board was to discuss
issues, the role and function of the Planning Board, and their interaction with the City Council.
Planning Board Chair Bruce Witenberg thanked the Council for the opportunity to meet with the
Council, noting this was the earliest time. of the year a joint meeting had been held. He said Mayor
Haakenson, Council President Miller and he have met on a couple of occasions to discuss ways to
enhance. communication between the Planning Board, the Council, Mayor and staff. He said that
information has been passed on the Planning Board members and they are encouraged about the
philosophy everyone seems to be proceeding with.
Mr. Witenberg explained the Planning Board is an advisory board to the Council. The Planning Board's
seven members and one alternate are appointed for four -year terms. He explained the Planning Board
makes recommendations to the Council regarding amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and the text
of the zoning ordinance, acts as a quasi-judicial body in rezones, and serves as an ongoing parking
committee and parks board. Issues the Planning Board will be acting upon and making
recommendations on during the'first quarter include amendments to the temporary sign code regulations,
Planned Residential Development regulations, community facilities and the bike and walkway plan. He
said the Planning Board recently completed public hearings on the mid - waterfront walkway plan that
will be presented to the Council in the near future.
Mr. Witenberg said one of the things that would assist the Planning Board would be to understand where
issues .that are presented to them originate (from the Council as a whole, from Council committee, from
the Mayor, or from staff). Councilmember. Earling pointed out staff could, provide that information. Mr.
Witenberg suggested a format be developed for each item presented to the Planning Board and the cover
memo for each item identify the referring source. He explained one of the problems they encounter is
they are not informed how revisions to one regulation may . impact other regulations, therefore, an
overview of the impacts an issue might have would be helpful. Councilmember Earling agreed, pointing
out the purpose of the Planning Board was a place for staff to seek input on issues; 'therefore, staff should
provide the context of the issue if that would assist the Planning Board in making a better decision. He
encouraged the Planning Board to pursue this issue. Further, if any Planning Boardmember wanted an
issue, brought forward, they should request it be 'included on the Planning Board agenda.
Council President Miller observed one of the problems during the past year was an issue that came to
Council committee, was returned to the Planning Board, and resulted in frustration for both. He asked
how this situation could be avoided in the future.
Planning Boardmember John Dewhirst commented that the Council should be receiving the Planning
Board minutes and their extended agenda. The minutes would assist the Council in understanding the
debate and issues that arise in the community over some of those issues and assist the Council in framing
their discussion and approach to these issues. He said the extended agenda would help keep the Council
informed of upcoming issues.
Council President Miller asked who controlled the Planning Board's agenda. Boardmembers indicated
staff did. Council President Miller asked if Boardmembers could tell staff about items they wanted to
review. Boardmembers said no:
Mr. Dewhirst said the Planning Board would also be interested in'knowing the City's, the Council's and
the Mayor's priorities on some issues, commenting there are some major issues facing the community
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
January 25, 2000
Page 6
that have not been included on the Planning Board agenda. Mayor Haakenson agreed, commenting that
was the reason he, Mr. Witenberg, and Council President Miller will be meeting monthly.
Councilmember Petso observed a concern was expressed over staff setting the'Planning Board's agenda
and a comment, was made that Boardmembers should push staff for information. She inquired what
ammunition Boardmembers had other than their own resources to get an answer from staff or have an
item placed on the agenda. She asked if the Boardmember would come to the Council or if a mechanism
could be provided.
Mr. Witenberg commented the monthly meeting with Mayor Haakenson and Council President Miller
would be of great assistance as it would ensure the Council and Planning Board are proceeding on the
same path and could address problems as they arise. He was encouraged by Mayor Haakenson's and
Council President Miller's willingness to work cooperatively with the Planning Board.
In response to Councilmember Petso's comment, Council President Miller explained Council
Committee's meet separately and he and /or Mayor Haakenson may not know what direction a committee
has directed staff to give to the Planning Board. He said this may create some confusion and frustration
and asked if there was a way to avoid this. Councilmember Earling suggested the staff cover sheet
indicate who referred the issue to the Planning Board and include the minutes from the Council
Committee providing the direction.
Mayor Haakenson directed staff to provide the Planning Board copies of the Community
Services/Development Services Committee meeting minutes. Mr. Witenberg suggested they also be
provided the minutes from the Downtown Parking Committee. He said; sharing minutes would facilitate
communication between groups who are interested in similar issues.
Councilmember Petso asked if the Planning Board would prefer more or less public involvement at their
meetings or public awareness of the Planning Board's actions. She pointed out may citizens may not be
aware of an issue until it reaches the Council level. She favored increasing the public's awareness of
Planning Board issues. Mr. Witenberg said as an advisory board, it was the Planning Board's
responsibility to take public input rather than having that input provided to the Council directly. He said
the more information that is disseminated to the public about issues, the better the Planning Board can
act as a sounding board regarding that issue and the more information they can gather to forward to the
Council. He said it was imperative to get as ' much information as possible before the public but was
uncertain what else could be done. He. said often the discussion on issues is somewhat one -sided
although the Planning Board is aware there are other sides to the issue.
Councilmember Petso asked if the Planning Board's agendas were posted on the City's web page. Mr.
Chave said they were.
For Councilmember Plunkett, Mr. Witenberg said it was his understanding the Council was provided a
copy of their draft minutes as well as their extended agenda. He said their draft minutes accurately
reflect the business discussed and only require minor corrections. Council President Miller supported the
Council receiving a draft copy of the Planning Board minutes, commenting the draft minutes are a more
current reflection of Planning Board actions.
Mr. Witenberg asked if the Council wished to indicate items they would like the Planning Board to
address in the coming year. He recalled the Planning Board forwarded a Shoreline Master Plan to the
Council two years ago that was never acted upon. That is now a high priority for the Mayor and Council
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
January 25, 2000
Page 7
and the Planning Board will be asked to review it again this year. He pointed out the need for a Master
Plan for the Unocal site.
Mayor Haakenson responded the multimodal site and the Edmonds Crossing project are being addressed
on a daily basis due to Sound Transit's plans for commuter rail, and the correlation between the
Edmonds Crossing project and the Unocal property. He agreed it was important to complete a Master
Plan for the Unocal site this year to enable the City to take public comment on what they envision for the
site in view of the intent to move the ferry dock to that location and house commuter rail and bus traffic
as part of the multimodal project. He advised an update regarding the Edmonds Crossing project would
be provided to the Council within the next month. He commented the Shoreline Master Plan is a part of
that project. The Port was also revising their Waterfront Plan, which has an impact on the City's
Shoreline Plan.
Councilmember Plunkett requested an update on the siting of community facilities. Mr. Witenberg
advised the January 26 Planning Board meeting will include a report from the City Attorney regarding
resolution of issues he and the School District's attorney disagreed on. The Planning Board then intends
to hold a public hearing as soon as possible. The public hearing was scheduled for February 23 but he
was unsure that date could be maintained as a result of the report from the City Attorney. He assured it
was the Planning Board's intent to hold the public hearing within the first quarter of 2000 and forward it
to the Council. Councilmember Plunkett remarked it was a complex and fascinating issue.
Councilmember Plunkett inquired about the Planning Board's involvement in the emergency access for
the development being constructed in Woodway, recalling 'a final designation, on that property was
needed. Planning Boardmember Virginia Cassutt said the Planning Board had not been informed of this.
Councilmember Plunkett said it was his understanding a temporary decision was made on that issue and
permanent action would be necessary.
Planning Boardmember Beverly Lindh commented one of the problems is the Planning Board reviews an
issue, holds a public hearing, reaches consensus and forwards it to the Council and then no further action
is taken or the issue is presented to the Council several months later. She expressed frustration that the
Planning Board often only sees "bit and pieces" of an issue and not the entire picture. She recalled the
Council's discussion regarding the emergency access to the development in Woodway and her belief it
was an issue that would be forwarded to the Planning Board.
Councilmember Plunkett asked, where that issue went and why no further action had been taken. Mr.
Chave advised that issue would be presented to the Planning Board in March. He explained it must be
included with the annual Comprehensive Plan amendments, which are presented to the Planning Board
together. He explained December 31 is the deadline for Comprehensive Plan amendments for the
coming year. The amendments are then assembled and forwarded to the Planning Board as soon as.
adequate background information is gathered, usually in March.
Mayor Haakenson suggested a column be added to the Planning Board's extended agenda to list items
they have been addressed and the disposition of the item. He recommended that information be included
on both the Planning Board and Council's extended agenda.
Council President Miller thanked the Planning Board for meeting with the Council. He commented the
Planning Board was one of the most visible boards and deals with some of the same controversial issues
as the Council. He said although the Planning Board was an advisory board, their review of the issues
may be more difficult than for the Council because the Council has the advantage of putting the issues to
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
January 25, 2000
Page 8
rest. He said his objective as Council President this year and working with the Council and Planning
Board Chair Witenberg was to facilitate communication between the Planning Board and Council and
streamlining some processes, hopefully making the Board's job easier and less frustrating.
Mayor - Haakenson expressed his appreciation for the Planning Board's efforts.
Mayor Haakenson declared a brief recess.
olume 5. REPORT ON VOLUME RATE SEWER STUDY RECOMA ENDATIONS BY FINANCIAL
to Sewer CONSULTING SOLUTIONS GROUP, INC
Study
Public Works Director Noel Miller explained this report would describe the effect a volume rate (rate
based on indoor water consumption) would have on residential rates. He advised the sewer utility rate
consultant would provide a presentation on the findings of the Volume Rate Sewer Study. He advised
that City Engineer Jim Walker and Assistant City Engineer Don Fiene would give a presentation
regarding the need for an overall sewer rate increase to generate revenue to fund capital projects
recommended in the Comprehensive Sanitary Sewer Plan that was developed last year. Mr. Chave
explained the Sewer. Rate Study was authorized by the previous Council as a result of testimony provided
at the rate hearings last year regarding the amount sewer rates were increasing, particularly for lower
water users.
Project Manager Tracey Dunlap, Financial Solutions Consulting Group, explained their analysis
considered the overall revenue needs for the utility as well as the volume based sewer rate structure for
residential customers. She displayed and described a summary of the projected revenue requirements
(the amount the overall rate revenue needs to increase to support the needs of the utility) for 1999 - 2004.
She explained the cumulative increase represented by the percentages per year was approximately 39 %.
She identified the annual increase if the City used existing cash to minimize or delay the increases as
long as possible, which indicates an increase would not be necessary in 2000 and 2001 but a substantial
increase, approximately 24 %, would be required in 2002 when reserves would be depleted. She
commented this was a subject of much discussion in the original rate study in 1997 because the reason a
significant rate increase was necessary at that time was due to the numerous years that costs had been
absorbed. To stay with the policy discussed at that time, smaller incremental rate increases, the
recommendation was to achieve the 39% accumulative increase by a series of 6.5% increases each year.
Ms. Dunlap explained the increases proposed are larger than those projected for these years in the 1997
study because the comprehensive planning for the sewer system was completed in the interim and a large
number of capital projects were identified (versus the projects shown in the original rate study). She
advised the cost of capital projects increased significantly. She said to take the peak out of that cost, the
study shows the City issuing approximately $1.85 million in revenue bonds to fund these capital
improvements.
In response to a question posed by Councilmember Petso regarding Public Works trust fund loads, Ms.
Dunlap agreed these were a very good alternative, although a fairly competitive program, for funding
these types of projects, particularly projects that serve existing customers or are in the Comprehensive
Plan. She explained the trust fund loans provide a more favorable interest rate and reduce the cumulative
increase in this timeframe to approximately 32% or 5.8% per year. She said the savings were recognized
over the 20 -year period of those bonds resulting in lower overall increases in that 20 -year period. She
said the caveat for the trust fund loans is that there are qualifications and it was a quite competitive
program. For planning purposes; she recommended the trust fund loans not be relied upon in the adopted
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
January 25, 2000
Page 9
rate increases until they have been secured. If the trust fund loans were secured, adjustments could be
made in future years. She strongly encouraged the City to pursue the Public Works trust fund loans.
Ms. Dunlap explained the current rate structure was a flat rate for single- family residential customers, a
slightly lower flat rate for multifamily units and a billing charge and a volume rate applied to all
commercial water usage. She recalled at the public hearings for the 1997 rate study, there was a question
raised regarding the equity of a flat rate structure. She said although a flat rate structure was commonly
used, a customer who uses very little water (possibly a 1 -2 person household) pays the same rate as a
larger household (possibly a 5 person household) although there was a differential in the demand these
households place on the system.
Ms. Dunlap said one of the purposes of the study was to consider the impact of introducing a volume
component into residential rates. She said the billing approach discussed previously was to establish a
base rate once per year based on the average winter water consumption (November — April) and bill -a
flat rate each month based on the consumption of each customer. She explained the winter average was
used to determine the flat rate because much of the peak summer water usage did not enter the sewer
system due to irrigation uses. She described proposed alternatives that vary the amount of base charge
versus volume charge. Options included A) the current flat rate structure based on the rate increase, B) a
base charge that is primarily a billing charge (a low dollar amount similar to the commercial structure)
with a larger portion of the bill based on usage, and C) approximately 50% of the costs collected in the
fixed rate and the remainder collected based on volume. Ms. Dunlap said the Council needed to consider
how low they wanted the low -end bills to go, and how correspondingly high they wanted the bills for the
high -end users to go.
Ms. Dunlap illustrated the resulting rates for each option for each user type (low [600 cf], average [1400
cf] and high [2500 cffl), for single - family bimonthly bills. She pointed out the increase from 1999 to
2000 was not 6.5% but rather an 8% increase for .single - family residential customers due.to the cost of
service shifts between multifamily and single - family. She reviewed the rate for a lower user (an increase
from the current bimonthly rate of $43.94 to $47.58 under Option A, a decrease to $24.28 under Option
B, and a decrease to $31.58 for Option Q. She explained under Option B where the lower user's bill was
reduced by approximately half, the high user's bill nearly doubled (from $43.94 to $93.94). . Under
Option C where the low user's rate is approximately two- thirds of the flat rate, the high user pays
approximately 50% more than they would under the flat rate.
�- Ms. Dunlap referred to the graph of Comparison of Options for Single Family Residential 2000 rates
assuming a 6.5% increase, advising this could be used to determine how high the Council wanted the
high bills to go and how low they wanted the low bills to go.
Regarding implementation of volume based sewer rates, she recommended customers be notified in
advance of the new structure, preferably prior to the winter period that would be used as the basis. She
said this would allow customers to consider their indoor water usage and also prepares high users for the
larger bills they could anticipate in the future as a result of the revised rate structure. Further, she
recommended the billing system be modified soon to ensure the system could accommodate the rate
structure and to allow the system to be tested in advance via running sample bills. She summarized
allowing sufficient time. to implement the rate structure in the billing system would be a prudent
measure. She recommended an appeal process be established for individual customers whose winter
average may overstate their sewer usage. She recommended a threshold be established such as requiring
a customer to prove that more than 20 -25% of their winter water did not enter the sewer before the
appeal process would be available to them.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
January 25, 2000
Page 10
City .Engineer Jim Walker pointed out the change between the capital program proposed in the original
rate study and the current rate study occurred because at the time of the original rate study, they were
only in the early stages of the capital program as well as because the new Water /Sewer Superintendent
wanted to do more aggressive replacement. He explained since that time there has been one emergency
main replacement at 106' and Alder. The system on average is approximately 40 years old with a number
of pipes older than that. He explained the cost of replacing sewers was quite significant and represents a
large liability for the City in its utility fund.
Mr. Walker said funds have been allotted for addressing anticipated projects and a more aggressive
program has been established for correcting problems at the lift stations. He said some of the projects
could be extended over a longer period of time but some of the projects, such as the Admiral Way sewer,
the Public Works Department feels is too critical to be delayed much longer. He explained this main was
damaged by gas formed in the sewer system to a point it no longer had a significant life expectancy. He
explained the Capital Improvement Plan was reviewed with the Community Services Committee last
summer and was being forwarded via the Planning Board through the standard process for adoption of
capital plans.
Assistant City Engineer Don Fiene explained the City presently has a reactive program; when a pipe was
nearly ready to collapse, a decision was made to do a capital project. There was no budget for this
expenditure and funds must be moved to finance it. He said the Seven Year Capital Improvement
Program was more proactive. Feedback regarding the condition of the sewers was provided via a
hydraulic analysis of major sewer lines throughout the City and feedback provided by the Sewer Division
on existing problems via the maintenance crews and video taping all the lines in the City. Utilizing this
feedback, problems were prioritized, based on opinions of the Sewer and Water lead person, Public
Works Director Noel Miller, City Engineer Jim Walker and himself based on how urgent they felt the
problems were. He summarized although there was a regular capital improvement plan for the
Treatment Plant, none existed for the sewer conveyance system.
Mr. Fiene said due to the lift stations being undersized, there were lift station overflows which could
result in potential problems as a result of dumping raw sewage into Puget Sound, particularly in view of
the recent ESA listing.
Councilmember Plunkett asked the original amount requested in the original Capital Improvement Plan.
Mayor Haakenson answered the original amount was $340,000. Councilmember Plunkett recalled there
was a substantial rate increase in spring 1998 and asked how much of that increase was for capital
improvement projects. Ms. Dunlap answered there were $340,000 in capital projects funded in the
original capital improvement plan versus the $2.3 million in projects that are now funded in the capital
improvement plan, an increase of approximately $1.9 million. Mr. Miller said in addition to the City's
capital projects, Edmonds owed Lynnwood nearly $1 million (which has now been paid) for -their
previous capital project for their Treatment Plant plus a back payment of O &M costs Lynnwood had not
been billing the City.
Councilmember Plunkett observed the spring 1998 increase was an appreciable rate increase and only a
small amount was for capital improvement projects. Ms. Dunlap agreed. She explained one of the
reasons the rate increase was so substantial was because for a number of years the utility had been
building cash balances (reserves). Then for a number of years those reserve balances were consumed
and a determination was made that the balances would- become negative without an increase. As
operating costs of the utility increased, the cost increases had been met by cash that was already in the
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
January 25, 2000
Page l l
utility's reserves. The increase in 1998 closed the gap between the rates and costs and provided a small
amount of capacity for capital. She explained the increases now represent the additional capacity to do
capital projects defined in the interim.
Councilmember Plunkett asked if it would be possible to safely amortize the projects further. He
recalled the plan was referred to as aggressive and asked what a less aggressive but safe plan would be.
Mr. Fiene said their judgment resulted in the proposed Capital Improvement Plan, which reduces the risk
of collapsing sewers and lift station overflows. He said the plan could be more aggressive or less
aggressive but the proposed Capital Improvement Plan represented, in their judgment, the longest period
of time they were comfortable with doing these projects.
Councilmember Plunkett observed the plan was referred to as aggressive and asked if "prudent" better
described the plan. Mr. Fiene agreed prudent or proactive. Councilmember Plunkett asked Mr. Fiene if
the proposed plan was aggressive in his opinion. Mr. Fiene answered he would not call it aggressive.
Mayor Haakenson inquired about the risk if a sewer line or•lift station failed. Mr. Fiene explained a lift
station failure results in raw sewage overflow wbich has environmental impacts, the possibility of third
party lawsuits if the City is aware of the problem and does not address it, and ESA implications. He said
a collapsed sewer could result in the collapse of the road and back -ups of raw sewage from the sewer
mains. Mr. Miller said his biggest concern was risk management from sewage backing up into
residences. He said it was a judgment call by the engineer regarding when a pipeline had exceeded its
life. He said a better maintenance program has been developed over the past 15 years to reduce the
affects ,of corrosiveness of the sewage on the concrete pipes by cleaning the pipes yearly. However, this
program has been in place for only the past 15 years, but more damage occurred in the earlier years as
evidenced by the condition of some older pipes. He said in the case of Admiral Way, the wall of the pipe
has been eaten away and little is left.
Mayor Haakenson asked how old the sewer lines were that needed replacement. Mr. Fiene answered
some are as old as 80 years. The average age of the pipes the Sewer Department analyzed and indicated
had problems was 40 years. In the future, perhaps 30 years, he said the City may need to consider
establishing a regular pipe replacement program because the pipes will reach an age past their life
expectancy. In the short term, the capital improvement plan would address problematic pipes.
Mayor Haakenson asked the life expectancy of a pipe installed today. Mr. Fiene estimated the life
expectancy of a concrete pipe was approximately 75 years. Mr. Miller said the industry standard is now
plastic pipe; which theoretically should last well over 100 years.
Councilmember Davis asked if the projected increases were subject to I -695 voter approval. Ms. Dunlap
said the Attorney General's informal, non - binding opinion was that for I -695 to be found constitutional,
proprietary funds (which this is) would not be subject to voter approval because they were not tax
supported. However, the first agency to act under that assumption was likely to be subject to litigation.
She said the attitude many utilities have taken is wait to see who acts first and wait to see the result of the
litigation. She said one of the lawsuits already filed was filed by utilities to say they are not subject to it.
A decision on this lawsuit was expected in March/April. She recommended in the short term, the City
act'under the assumption that a vote would be required and hopefully that issue would be settled before
the general'election.
Councilmember Davis said the 6.5% increase appeared higher than the consumer price index and general
inflation and asked if the 6.5% increase included capital improvements. Ms. Dunlap answered yes. .
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
January 25, 2000
Page 12
For Councilmember Plunkett, Mr. Walker clarified he stated the Capital Improvement Plan was more
aggressive than was done previously. Councilmember Plunkett asked the impact of amortizing the plan
for ten years. Mr. Walker answered there were two projects, a lift station and the Admiral Way sewer,
which needed to be completed in a fast timeframe. Some of the other lift station repairs could be spread
over a period of time. He pointed out that as the projects were delayed, maintenance costs would
increase.
Mr. Walker said an unanticipated capital fund had been established to address sewer lines that have
deteriorated to the point they must be fixed. _He said a decision could be made not to do this but staff did
not feel that was a good long -term philosophy. He commented the unanticipated capital fund was a
significant part of the program, nearly $750,000 over the 2000 -2005 time period. He summarized there
was approximately $1 million in projects that needed to be addressed, $750,000 that was fairly optional,
and the remaining portion ($1.7 million) could possibly be extended fora couple more years. He
reiterated extending improvements pushed the City closer to the time when rates must be increased again
to address capital projects. As Mr. Fiene mentioned, the City may need to face a $2 -3 million per year
expenditure for sewer replacement in the future unless there are improvement in lining technology. He
said sewer lines can currently be lined rather than replaced; however, there is not a significant difference
in the cost.
Councilmember Plunkett said from an engineering standpoint, the plan could be extended "a little
further." Mr. Walker answered it could be extended a little further but he would not be comfortable
eliminating the first couple projects as they are needed immediately.
Councilmember Petso asked what drove the rate increases if the financing switched from bond financing
to the Public Works trust fund, whether it was coverage or cash flow. Ms. Dunlap answered it was cash
flow. She explained cash flow drove the majority of the increases under the other scenario as well.
Councilmember Petso asked if a volume rate surcharge would apply to only single family residential or
all residential. Ms. Dunlap answered the rates were calculated for all residential. Councilmember Petso
observed a multifamily user with high volume usage could experience an increase in their bill. Ms.
Dunlap agreed.
Councilmember Petso asked if a conservation effect was built in on the assumption that some high users
may use less water. Ms. Dunlap answered 5 %. Councilmember Petso said if a conservation effect
would result in a 5% decrease in water revenues. Ms. Dunlap answered it would not translate directly to
56/o because indoor usage did not represent the entire bill but would result in a 1 -2% decrease. .
Observing half the utility bills were distributed one month and the other half the next month,
Councilmember Petso asked how the November — April period would be isolated. Ms. Dunlap answered
the meter reads that included the November — April period would be used. The intent was to use the
usage for that period, therefore, the months that encompassed the November — April period would be
used to determine the average. She said an alternative would be utilizing four months and the average
determined by the lowest two billing cycles in the winter period.
Councilmember Petso asked if there was an industry standard for addressing "oddball' situations such as
estimated reads, a customer on half sewer/half septic, or on a master meter. Ms. Dunlap answered the
standard was to default to the winter average. She said this would also address snowbirds.
Councilmember Petso said most ratemaking seminars she has attended caution against this method for
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
January 25, 2000
Page 13
utilities in snowbird communities. Ms. Dunlap said when the data was reviewed, there were not an
enormous number of zero reads in that period. She said this was more often found when residents were
allowed to shut off their meters, which was not permitted in Edmonds. She said that the effect that these
individuals would pay substantially less on average cannot be eliminated but could be addressed by an
adjustment in the calculation of the winter average or the use of the four smallest non -zero readings as
the basis of a winter average. She explained this could be tested once the billing system was operational.
Councilmember Petso asked if the rate structure could be designed to include a minimum. Ms. Dunlap
answered option C does that as 50% of the costs are fixed. She said other alternatives are possible such
as a building in a minimum use although this was a more complex procedure.
Councilmember Petso asked Ms. Dunlap's opinion of the division between fixed costs and viable costs.
Councilmember Petso observed few of the costs were related to chemicals and power to operate the
Treatment Plant and most of the costs were fixed via salaries, overhead, infrastructure. She observed
those fixed costs remained the same if a 5- person family moved out of a residence and replaced by a
single person. Ms. Dunlap said she was not a significant advocate of option B in recognition that a lot of
the costs are fixed. She preferred option C as it recognized the capital portion and includes the debt
service in the fixed charge. She said there were two ways of considering fixed and variable components,
whether costs vary with usage, and the relative demand on the system by a user. She summarized 50%
was reasonable as it included clearly fixed capital- related components.
Councilmember Plunkett said he did not disagree with the need to do the improvements but wanted to
increase the rates as softly as possible within the bounds of good engineering. He said he was not
convinced the planned improvements could not be accomplished over an 8 —10 year period and requested
an analysis of an 8 -10 year period be provided. He did not support moving the issue forward to a public
hearing. Mayor Haakenson advised if the plan was extended to an 8 -10 year period, in years 2005 -2007,
more lift stations and sewer line replacements would be necessary, thus the costs would not be
eliminated but would increase.
Councilmember Orvis preferred any further action be delayed until a decision was made regarding the
need for a public vote. If an election was required, he was concerned with placing a'number of increases
on the ballot and voters responding negatively due to the number of increase requests.
Councilmember White said after reviewing the consultant's study and answers provided to the questions
he had, he was satisfied staff had done good and prudent work on this issue. He supported advancing
this matter to the public hearing process to allow the public to provide input. He said the sooner public
input was sought, the more time the Council would have to deliberate on the input. He preferred option
C as the most equitable and rationale proposal.
Councilmember Petso said there was, some advantage to the capital improvement plan; if the City failed
to obtain the Public Works trust funds one year, the project(s) could be deferred for another year and
financed at '' /2% versus 6% or more the. following year. If all improvements were done on an emergency
basis, that option was not available, and if the Public Works trust fund moneys were not available, the
funds would still be necessary. Regarding equity, she observed staff's memo indicated option C more
equitably reflected the fixed costs in the sewer utility. She disagreed and said option A was likely the
most equitable as it most accurately reflected the fact that sewer system costs are extremely fixed and
vary little with usage. She compared it to billing cable television service by how often the television was
used. She cited an additional advantage of option A was that a conservation effect was not created. She
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
January 25, 2000
Page 14
pointed out the creation of a conservation effect would produce a revenue shortfall in the water utility
and make further increases necessary.
Councilmember Davis agreed with the need to seek public input. He said if citizens could be shown the
increase would be used for capital improvements, the increases may be more acceptable to residents.
Councilmember Orvis agreed with the need for a public hearing but preferred to know whether an
election would be necessary to increase the rates. Councilmember White agreed determining whether a
public vote would be needed was a necessary component but if the City had already gathered public
input and it was determined I -695 did not apply, the rates could be implemented without further delay.
COUNCILMEMBER WHITE MOVED; SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER DAVIS, TO
SCHEDULE A PUBLIC HEARING TO GATHER PUBLIC INPUT TO CHANGE THE
RESIDENTIAL SANITARY SEWER RATES TO A VOLUME BASED CHARGE (OPTION C)
AND TO INCREASE OVERALL SEWER REVENUES FROM 2001 TO 2005 AT A MINIMUM
AVERAGE RATE OF 5.8 %.
Councilmember Petso asked if the public hearing could be on all options. Councilmember Earling said a
public hearing on one option would provide more specific information to the public. If the public
hearing included all options, the public likely would just state they did not want the rates increased. He
said if the benefits of option C were clearly identified, public input could be gathered on that proposal.
MOTION CARRIED, COUNCILMEMBERS PLUNKETT AND PETSO OPPOSED.
Council President Miller advised the public hearing was scheduled for March 21.
6. MAYOR'S REPORT
Library Regarding the library contract, Mayor Haakenson recalled the Council directed him to send a letter to the
ontract SnoIsle Regional Library System requesting they cancel the letter of cancellation submitted two weeks
prior. The letter was submitted, also requesting if there was any reason they wished to have him attend
their Board meeting. The SnoIsle Library Board indicated they did not need Mayor Haakenson at their
meeting. A call from the Library Board following their meeting indicated their attorney would review
the matter to determine if the SnoIsle Board is legally bound by either letter; they do not anticipate any
problem but do not wish to set a precedent for other jurisdictions they contract with. He anticipated an
answer would be provided late this week or early next week.
Long Range Mayor Haakenson said the Council also directed the Long Range Taskforce to meet regarding funding
Financial options of the library. Council President Miller advised that,meeting was scheduled for February 2 with
askforce
Councilmembers White, Earling and Orv1s.
Mayor Haakenson reported the Medic 7 Board meeting was very brief and included very little business.
7. INDIVIDUAL COUNCIL REPORTS/UPDATES ON RESPECTIVE BOARD MEETINGS
Community Councilmember Earling reported Community Transit had to make significant cuts in its budget. He said
Transit the loss of MVET resulted in a 30% reduction in cash flow. The Board considered a series of options to
address adjustments in service as a result of the loss of revenue. On February 6, a service adjustment
will be made that will include some fairly severe measures including no service on weekends either on
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
January 25, 2000
Page 15
neighborhood or commuter routes, no DART service. for the disabled community on the weekends,
elimination of many first runs in the morning and last runs in the evening on commuter routes, and
reduction of the headway on many neighborhood routes from '/z hour to 1 hour.
Advertising Councilmember Earling also asked Council President Miller. to schedule a discussion of whether the
Benda in Council wished to continue the policy of not advertising City ouncil or Planning Board meetings in Ile
e Herald e a d. He said citizens have raised this issue with him as well as with the City Clerk's Office. He
acknowledged the reason meetings were no longer advertised in The Herald was that it was identified as
a cut in the budget in light of lost revenue from I -695.
� nohomish Councilmember White advised he would be attending the Snohomish County Tomorrow meeting on
ounty January 26. He explained Snohomish County Tomorrow was a GMA advisory council that operated as a
omorrow sub -entity of the Puget Sound Regional Council. The meeting would include a discussion of the ESA
and a presentation/discussion of the framework for negotiations with National Marine Fisheries Service.
He pointed out this would significantly impact Edmonds as well as any residents with water running
through their property. He said. the presentation would address the listing of the Chinook salmon, how
runoff would affect what the City was required to implement as laws and ordinances governing private
property 'rights in order to comply with the listing of the Chinook as well as federal regulations. He
encouraged the public to attend the meeting.
nocom Councilmember Plunkett reported SnoCom discussed their rebuild and voted to contract with
Merritt+Pardini for architectural services and utilize a project manager from the City of Lynnwood. He
reported Mayor Haakenson was elected Chair of the SnoCom Board.
liance for Councilmember Plunkett next reported that Edmonds Alliance for Economic Development (EAED)
on, Dev. wants to implement some of the items from the visioning process and will be proposing legislative action
to the Planning Board and ADB to help implement that vision. The EAED will also hire an Executive
Assistant to assist with implanting the goals and objectives. He reported EAED will provide funds to the
Chamber of Commerce for marketing the City.
Fire • Councilmember Plunkett stated that the first meeting was held of the Intercity Fire Consolidation
Consolida-
tion oCommittee comprised .of the south county cities and the bargaining units. He said consolidation must
Comm. p �' g g
take place, as mutual ' aid is currently provided on a handshake. He. pointed out Lynnwood provided
assistance to Edmonds 185 times last year, Mountlake Terrace 80 times, Fire District 111 twelve times, a
total of 227 times services was provided by other cities.. Further, Edmonds provided service to those
cities 268 times last year. He pointed out that the emergency medical services contract can be broken
with six months notice. He said fire consolidation was being considered now as a result of I -695 as well
as because Mountlake -Terrace's Mayor invited south county cities to participate in consolidation
planning. He explained Mountlake Terrace feels forced to make a decision with regard to their fire and
emergency medical services by .June and plan to either contract with Fire District 111 or Lynwood or
consolidate with south county cities.
Councilmember Plunkett said the following items were agreed to at the meeting of the consolidation
committee: (1) this was an issue that needed to be discussed further and another meeting would be held,
(2) all cities would be represented including the bargaining units, (3) a facilitator would be hired funded.
by each city, (4) each Council would provide their concerns to the consolidation committee. He
indicated he e- mailed Councilmembers requesting they e-mail their concerns /comments regarding
consolidation to Senior Executive Council Assistant Jana Spellman. Issues to be considered are level of
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
January 25, 2000
Page 16
service, stability, cost, the governing mechanism, employee integration, etc. The next meeting is
scheduled for February 8 in the 3' floor conference room in City Hall at 4:30 p.m.
Mayor Haakenson noted that the Council packet included a copy of the Phase I consolidation study
completed last year.
Downtown Councilmember Orvis reported the Downtown Parking Committee forwarded recommendations to the
on Parking
Committee Community Services Committee. He said some concern was also expressed regarding parking
enforcement in the downtown area.
Health Councilmember Orvis referred to the explanation he provided regarding HB 2462 regarding water testing
District and said the Health Board was also considering signage for beaches. Parks and Recreation Director
Board Arvilla Ohlde will attend a meeting with the Health Board and other Parks and Recreation Directors to
discuss signage on beaches. He read the draft signage, "The waters of this swimming beach are not
regularly tested for infectious agents (contamination) and are not treated to control such contamination.
These swimming waters could contain disease causing bacteria, viruses and other organisms. Anyone
swimming or wading should be aware of this potential risk. Swallowing of water or any exposure of the
mouth, nose or eyes to the water could increase this disease risk." He reiterated any untreated water
source had risks, including the ocean and what appeared to, be a clean creek and that it was never a good
idea to'drink from those water sources. Asa result of 1 -695, the Health District laid off over 13 people
including environmental health specialists who inspect private water supplies and septic tanks and
members of 1' Step Program (nurses who provide home visits). There was also a minor cut to the
communicable disease investigator position. He said there was some discussion of restoring these cuts
from the tobacco settlement.
Councilmember Orvis reported the Health District imposed regulations on the content of signs
advertising tobacco in an attempt to promote health by discouraging smoking by youth. The Federal
Court of Appeals is anticipated to strike this down on First Amendment grounds. The Health District
will determine whether to appeal this to the Supreme Court.
Student Representative Maia Krause reported the semester ends Friday, January 28. The new schedule
will then be implemented and students will go to school earlier and go home later.
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
GARY HkAKENSON, MAYOR
SANDRA S. CHASE, CITY CLERK.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
January 25, 2000
Page 17
1
L
AGENDA
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL .
Plaza Meeting Room - Library Building
650 Main Street
7:00 -10:00 p.m.
JANUARY 25, 2000
SPECIAL MEETING
6:00 P.M. - EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING LEGAL MATTERS
6:45 P.M. - INTERVIEW CANDIDATE FOR THE ARTS COMMISSION
7:00 P.M. - CALL TO ORDER
FLAG SALUTE
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
2. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
(A) ROLL CALL
(B) APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 18, 2000
(C) APPROVAL OF CLAIM WARRANTS #35919 THROUGH #38737 FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 17, 2000, IN
THE AMOUNT OF $861,129.66. APPROVAL OF CLAIM WARRANTS #35912 THROUGH #38576 FOR
FINAL 1999 BUDGET PAYABLES IN THE AMOUNT OF $387,763.77. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
WARRANTS #27275 THROUGH #27234 FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1 THROUGH JANUARY 15, 2000, IN
THE AMOUNT OF $443,763.90.
(D) AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF
EDMONDS AND SNOCOM FOR AN INTERIM DIRECTOR
(E) AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN AN INDIVIDUAL CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT WITH STEVEN
PERRY TO SERVE AS INTERIM DIRECTOR OF SNOCOM
3. (10 Min.) CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENT OF NANCIE WOODS TO ARTS COMMISSION; CONFIRMATION OF
REAPPOINTMENT OF STAN MONLUX AND JOANNE LANGENDORFER TO THE PLANNING BOARD, AND
REAPPOINTMENT OF LINDA GOODRICK TO THE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN BOARD.
4. (60 Min.) JOINT MEETING WITH THE PLANNING BOARD
5. (30 Min.) REPORT ON VOLUME RATE SEWER STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS BY FINANCIAL CONSULTING
SOLUTIONS GROUP, INC.
6. (5 Min.) MAYOR'S REPORT
7. (15 Min.) INDIVIDUAL COUNCIL REPORTS /UPDATES ON RESPECTIVE BOARD MEETINGS
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 appears on Chambers Cable, Channel 46 Delayed telecast of this meeting appears
the following Wednesday at noon and 7:00 p.m., as well as Friday and Monday at noon on Channel 46