03/04/1997 City CouncilEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
MARCH 4, 1997
Following a tour of the new Edmonds City Hall Administration Building at 6:00 p.m., the Edmonds City
Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Barbara Fahey in the Library Plaza Room,
650 Main Street. The meeting was opened with the flag salute.
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Barbara Fahey, Mayor
Dave Earling, Council President
John Nordquist, Councilmember
Roger L. Myers, Councilmember
Jim White, Councilmember
Dick Van Hollebeke, Councilmember
Gary Haakenson, Councilmember
Thomas A. Miller, Councilmember
ALSO PRESENT
Robbie Cuningham, Student Representative
STAFF PRESENT
Al Compaan, Assistant Police Chief
Paul Mar, Community Services Director
Art Housler, Administrative Services Director
Noel Miller, Public Works Superintendent
James Walker, City Engineer
Rob Chave, Planning Manager
Brent Hunter, Personnel Manager
Sandy Chase, City Clerk
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
COUNCIL PRESIDENT EARLING MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MYERS, TO
ADD AGENDA ITEM 5A, VARIOUS PARKING ORDINANCES WHICH HAVE BEEN UNDER
CONSIDERATION DURING THE LAST MONTH. MOTION CARRIED.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT EARLING MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
HAAKFESON, FOR APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED.
2. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Miller pulled Consent Agenda Item B.
COUNCILMEMBER VAN HOLLEBEKE MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT
EARLING, FOR APPROVAL OF THE REMAINDER OF THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS.
MOTION CARRIED. The agenda items passed are as follows:
(A) ROLL CALL
(C) APPROVAL OF CLAIM WARRANTS #15161 THRU #15968 FOR THE WEEK OF
FEBRUARY 24, 1997, IN THE AMOUNT OF $249,815.61
(D) ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES FROM CLARENCE CAPON
($634.39), RICHARD SLYE ($25,000), AND NANSI O. KARLSTEN ($6,113.71)
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 4, 1997
Page 1
(E) AUTHORIZATION TO CALL FOR BIDS FOR THE 1997 WATER MAIN
REPLACEMENT PROGRAM
(F) AUTHORIZATION TO CALL FOR BIDS FOR DOOR HARDWARE FOR Hard-
(G) AUTHORIZATION TO CALL FOR BIDS FOR INTERIOR DOORS FOR THE NEW
CITY HALL
(H) AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH THE
CITY OF LYNNWOOD FOR RECYCLING COORDINATOR SERVICES
(I) ORDINANCE NO. 3134 AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP TO CHANGE THE
ZONING DESIGNATION OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY LOCATED ADJACENT TO
STATE ROUTE 104 WITHIN AN AREA OF THE CITY KNOWN AS THE WESTGATE
CORRIDOR FROM SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (RS -6) AND MULTI -FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL (RM -2.4) TO PLANNED BUSINESS (BP)
(J) RESOLUTION NO. 864 DESIGNATING THE EDMONDS COMMUNITY SERVICES
DIRECTOR AS THE APPLICANT AGENT FOR OBTAINING FEDERAL EMERGENCY
AND/OR DISASTER ASSISTANCE FUNDS
Item B: Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes of February 25, 1997
Councilmember Miller made the following correction to the minutes: page 8, fourth paragraph, the
sentence should read, "Councilmember Miller pointed out the three year implementation appeared to be
less expensive than the five year implementation."
COUNCILMEMBER MILLER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MYERS, FOR
APPROVAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 25, 1997 AS
AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED, COUNCIL PRESIDENT EARLING ABSTAINED. The agenda
item passed is as follows:
(B) APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 25, 1997
3. AUDIENCE
Council Ray Albano, 20916 76th Avenue West, Apt. #1, Edmonds, advised he submitted a request for public
Retreat records regarding all expenses incurred at the Council retreat on February 21 - 22, 1997, which will be
used to inform the public during the next election. He recalled a letter in the Edmonds Paper which
requested complete funding of EMS, and commented if the Council had enough money to spend on an
out-of-town retreat and to send a Councilmember and Mayor to Washington DC, it should be able to
fulfill the promise to watch over the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens. He next referenced a letter
addressed to Mayor Fahey regarding the Edmonds Financial Center Building. He felt the purchase of the
building for $300,000 over the appraisal price, the roof and other defects not being deducted from the
purchase price, and the need for $119,000 in roof repairs, and over $500,000 in remodeling, showed a
total lack of fiscal responsibility by the Council. He felt there was a conflict of interest for the three
Councilmembers who took campaign funds from one of the owners of the building (which were
returned).
Syd Locke, 110 Pine Street, Edmonds, said the presentation to the Council regarding Edmonds City
Park on February 25, 1997 by City staff contained false information. The plan of the maintenance area
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March 4, 1997
Page 2
was an alternate that was not accepted by the City Council on May 18, 1992, when the Park Master Plan
was approved. He referenced the Council meeting minutes of May 18, 1992. Mr. Locke said the Parks
and Recreation Manager has refused to conform the plans and specifications to the Council decision. He
requested the Council reaffirm their priority to remove the maintenance facility. He asked that the lease
of the "old Public Works Facility" to Chambers Cable be canceled, and plans to move the maintenance
facility to this location be delayed no longer.
Mel Critchley, 705 Driftwood Place, Edmonds, addressed safety on the rails. He referred to articles in
the May 27, 1996 "US News and World Report" which he provided to the Council. He said the Council
was negligent for not standing up for the City in view of the fact that the Federal Railroad Administration
and other organizations are corrupt. He urged the Council to protect the community as criteria exists in
Edmonds for slower speeds and a safer railroad. He pointed out the frequently malfunctioning arms on
Dayton Street.
Betty Mueller, 209 Casper Street, Edmonds, circulated a brochure illustrating the Karen Iris Thermo
Imaging System. She announced a group of citizens formed the Edmonds Fire Safety Foundation
(EFSF) and will operate exclusively for charitable and educational projects through fund raising and
other appropriate actions as well as conduct any other authorized or lawful business. Funds from their
first fund raiser, "Save a Life" campaign will be used to purchase a Karen Iris Thermo Imaging System
which costs $25,000. This helmet -mounted camera allows fire fighters to see in total darkness and a
completely smoked -filled room, and instantly detects a body to allow fire fighters to remove the person
to safety. A private donor provided half of the funds and encouraged the EFSF to seek donations. The
EFSF requested a letter of endorsement from the Mayor and Council in behalf of this fire safety
campaign.
David Page, 1233 Olympic View Drive, Edmonds, said he too is involved in the fund raising effort for
the Karen Iris helmet and noted a letter of endorsement would be beneficial. He explained the "Edmonds
Challenge" (sponsored by the Harbor Square Athletic Club, Stevens Hospital, himself, and the Police
Safety Committee, and endorsed by the new Edmonds Fire Safety Foundation) which will be held on
June 18 to benefit youth services. He urged Councilmembers, the Mayor and all citizens to participate.
Al Rutledge, 7101 Lake Ballinger Way, Edmonds, first referenced an article in the Everett Herald
which indicated the Lynnwood's representative (for discussion of fire consolidation) would not be a
Councilmember or the Mayor. He pointed out the City's need to include funds in future budgets to
purchase police vehicles (versus renting cars) due to a new radar gun. He also addressed the sports
complex (baseball field), and the upcoming vote on the Snohomish County development center.
Concluding, he referenced a letter in the Herald concerning the RTA. The letter addressed bills before
the legislature that would undermine the financial stability of the plan.
4. AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN AGREEMENT' WITH EDMONDS CABLE
COMPANY TO LEASE A PORTION OF THE "OLD PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY"
Community Services Director Paul Mar explained the term of the lease was April 1, 1997 through June
30, 1999. The tenants would occupy the high bay area space "as is" (approximately 9,000 square feet) as
well as the yard behind the security fence. Both the City's legal counsel and Chamber Cable's legal
counsel have reviewed the agreement and have approved it to form.
Councilmember Haakenson asked the square footage of the entire building. Mr. Mar answered it is
approximately 12,000 square feet. Councilmember Haakenson asked if there were plans to utilize the
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 4, 1997
Page 3
remaining space. Mr. Mar answered there had been several inquiries regarding the space but no formal
proposals have been made.
Councilmember Miller asked if the lease at $0.44 per square foot was consistent with the market rate for
this type of facility. Mr. Mar answered there is not a great deal of this type of space in the downtown
area; similar space may be more costly in the Hwy. 99 area.
For Councilmember Myers, Mr. Mar said the proceeds from the lease would go into the Combined
Utility Fund as they are the "landlords" of the building. .
COUNCILMEMBER MILLER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MYERS, FOR
APPROVAL OF THE LEASE AGREEMENT AND AUTHORIZATION FOR THE MAYOR TO
SIGN THE LEASE AGREEMENT WITH EDMONDS CABLE COMPANY. MOTION CARRIED.
Mayor Fahey pointed out this is a short-term lease agreement (2.5 years). At the end of the lease, the
property can again be used by the City for other purposes. There also is additional space on the site for
other uses.
5. PROPOSED RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN INCREASE IN BUILDING PERMIT FEES TO
ESTABLISH NEW PERMIT TECHNICIAN POSITION WITHIN THE BUILDING DIVISION
Community Services Director Paul Mar advised a resolution prepared by the City Attorney was included
in the Council packet as well as a job description and minutes from discussions by the City Council and
Community Services Committee. He explained the cost of the position would be covered by increased
building fees.
Councilmember Nordquist expressed concern that the resolution designated the fees for the wages of the
permit technician. Mr. Mar replied this was a two step process; collection of revenue for building permit
fees and payment of wages for this position.
Mayor Fahey explained the increases in fees developed as a result of a clear message from individuals
with major development projects in the community who are slowed down because the City cannot
accomplish the permitting process in a timely manner. These individuals supported the addition of a
staff member and were receptive to enhanced fees to fund that position. Fees are currently established to
recoup the cost of doing business and the language in the resolution may have been drafted to indicate to
the community that fees were being increased to cover additional expenses as a result of this additional
staff member. She suggested the resolution state fees were being increased to cover the costs of the
operation of this department, without specific reference to this position.
Councilmember Myers acknowledged the need to increase fees as indicated by those utilizing the
department and the need to hire a permit technician but preferred the issues be separated. Mr. Mar
suggested the resolution be amended to read (second paragraph), "WHEREAS, the City Council finds
that the increased revenue shall be utilized to cover the added costs of processing permits to speed up the
permitting process".
COUNCILMEMBER MYERS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST, TO
ADOPT RESOLUTION #865 WITH THE WORDING AS INDICATED BY MR. MAR (WHEREAS
THE CITY COUNCIL FINDS THAT THE INCREASED REVENUE SHALL BE UTILIZED TO
COVER THE ADDED COSTS OF PROCESSING PERMITS TO SPEED UP THE PERMITTING
PROCESS.)
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 4, i 997
Page 4
Council President Earling appreciated Mr. Nordquist's comments but indicated he would vote against the
motion as he preferred this issue be moved to the March 18 agenda to allow the City Attorney to review
the resolution and incorporate Councilmembers' comments.
Councilmember Haakenson thanked staff for their patience in the creation of this position. He agreed
with Council President Earling's suggestion that the City Attorney review the resolution.
Councilmember Myers asked if this would significantly slow down the process. Mr. Mar answered it
would be a two week delay. Mayor Fahey recommended the Council authorize the establishment of the
position would allow the hiring process to continue. The resolution could be placed on the March 18
agenda as fees would not be implemented until the permit technician is hired.
COUNCILMEMBER MYERS WITHDREW THE MOTION, WITH THE AGREEMENT OF THE
SECOND.
COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
HAAKENSON, TO PROCEED WITH THE POSITION OF BUILDING PERMIT TECHNICIAN
AND ESTABLISH A NEW JOB DESCRIPTION. MOTION CARRIED.
Mayor Fahey asked if the authorization of the appropriate budget adjustment could be delayed until
passage of the resolution. Administrative Services Director Art Housler answered yes.
5A. PARKING ORDINANCES
Community Services Director Paul Mar advised the three ordinances were the result of the Council
hearings held in February.
COUNCILMEMBER MYERS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MILLER, FOR
ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE #3135, IMPLEMENTING EMPLOYEE PARKING PERMIT
ZONES ON SECOND AVENUE SOUTH OF DAYTON ST.; ALDER STREET BETWEEN 2ND
AVE. AND 3RD AVE.; 3RD AVE. N. NORTH OF EDMONDS ST., AND ADMIRAL WAY SOUTH
OF DAYTON ST. MOTION CARRIED.
COUNCILMEMBER MYERS MOVED, SECONDED BY' COUNCILMEMBER VAN
HOLLEBEKE, FOR ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE #3136, IMPLEMENTING 3 -HOUR LIMITED
PARKING ON SECOND AVE. SOUTH OF DAYTON ST.; ALDER STREET BETWEEN 2ND
AVE. AND 3RD AVE.; AND 3RD AVE. N. NORTH OF EDMONDS ST. MOTION CARRIED.
COUNCILMEMBER HAAKENSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
NORDQUIST, FOR ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE #3137, IMPLEMENTING 3 -HOUR LIMITED
PARKING ON ADMIRAL WAY SOUTH OF DAYTON ST. TO THE END OF THE PUBLIC
RIGHT-OF-WAY TWENTY-FOUR HOURS EACH DAY, SEVEN DAYS EACH WEEK.
MOTION CARRIED.
6. MAYOR
Mayor Fahey congratulated Parks and Recreation Director Arvilla Ohlde for bringing to fruition the
dedication and ground breaking of Brackett's Landing Park. She explained Ms. Ohlde located grant
funds for two-thirds of the purchase price (the City provided matching funds for the remaining one-
third). She also acquired additional grant funds, which the City matched, for development of this passive
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 4, 1997
Page 5
park. Mayor Fahey thanked Council President Earling and Councilmembers Myers, Miller, and Van
Hollebeke for attending the park's ground breaking ceremony.,
Mayor Fahey requested the Council review a bulletin included in the Council packet from the
Washington Cities Insurance Authority entitled, "Guidelines for Public Response to National Disasters".
Mayor Fahey directed the Council attention to a report from the Washington Cities Insurance Authority
on an audit of the City's losses and risks. The report indicated the City of Edmonds' losses, as compared
with members in the actuary group, were approximately one-half the average. She pointed out this
favorable report was a credit to the City's managers who work very hard to control losses and attend to
any potential risks as quickly as possible.
Mayor Fahey pointed out the packet also included information in response to concerns expressed by
Bruce Andahl regarding the Meadowdale area. The City did not require the placement of the visqueen
on the hillside; it was the recommendation of the geotech hired by the private property owners. The City
then also placed the same application on the right-of-way to prevent rainwater from impacting the right-
of-way. She assured the Council a letter containing this information was sent to Mr. Andahl.
Mayor Fahey pointed out information in the Council packet regarding the budgeting process and the
award received by Tumwater and other cities for the presentation of their budget. Edmonds is attempting
to convert its budget book into a format more usable by citizens and still maintaining a workbook
containing all the information staff needs. One component of the book would be citizen input prior to
the budget process and efforts to develop the budget based on the vision, mission, and goals of the city.
A draft vision, mission, and goals were prepared but bad not been formally approved by the Council.
She asked for the Council's input on ways to move forward with citizen input.
7. COUNCIL
Council President Earling thanked Mayor Fahey and Ms. Ohlde for organizing the Brackett's Landing
ground breaking. On another issue, while he was respectful of citizens' right to be critical of elected
officials, he expressed concern with the negative statements made during audience comments by one
citizen concerning staff members as such statements may hurt those individuals professionally. He
requested the City Attorney review the comments made and respond to the citizen making the comments.
He disagreed with the statements made as there were no grounds or basis for the comments.
Council President Earling requested the Finance Committee consider and make a recommendation to the
Council regarding the City's policy of classifying a business as a new business when it moved.
Councilmember Nordquist advised this item was placed on the Finance Committee's agenda. Mayor
Fahey said she discussed this issue with City Attorney Scott Snyder who will review the City's
ordinances to determine if an amendment would be required.
Council President Earling announced both he and Mayor Fahey would be out of town for several days
and Councilmember Myers would be in charge of the administration of the City.
Mayor Fahey advised she and Councilmember White would be attending the National League of Cities
meeting. Mayor Fahey pointed out the activities of the National League of Cities directly affect
legislation in Washington DC which directly affects the City through unfunded mandates, etc.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 4, 1997
Page 6
COUNCILMEMBER MYERS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MILLER, TO EXCUSE
COUNCIL PRESIDENT EARLING'S ABSENCE FROM THE COUNCIL MEETING OF
FEBRUARY 25, 1997. MOTION CARRIED.
Councilmember Myers reported he participated in the Muscular Dystrophy Association's fund raiser
which included being put in jail and raising "bail" to be released. Friends' ability to contribute money to
keep him in jail resulted in his 1% hour jail stay.
Councilmember Miller concurred with Council President Earling's comments regarding the negative
statements made concerning staff members by a member of the public. Having worked with these staff
members, he said their integrity was beyond reproach. Further, he challenged Councilmembers to join
him in the Edmonds Challenge to benefit youth services.
Councilmember Nordquist recognized a Scout in the audience. Daniel Wilkinson, Scout Troop 300,
introduced himself and said he was working on Citizenship in the Community.
Councilmember Van Hollebeke directed the Council's attention to the message in the Council's packet
complimenting Parks and Recreation Director Arvilla Ohlde and Parks and Recreation Maintenance
Supervisor Scott Rogers for their immediate response to Mr. Locke's (and Councilmember Van
Hollebeke's) request to clean up the maintenance area in City Park. The clean-up will be completed
March 7 and landscaping will be planted to provide better screening for the neighbors.
Councilmember Van Hollebeke reported Chuck Cain was recently recognized by the Chamber of
Commerce as Edmonds Citizen of the Year. The Council thanked Mr. Cain for his many years of
contribution to the City of Edmonds.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
BARBARA S. FAHEY, MAYOR
SANDRA S. CHASE, CITY CLERK
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 4, 1997
Page 7
AGENDA
LL EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL
Plaza Meeting Room - Library Building
.650 Main Street
7:00 -10:00 D.M.
MARCH 4, 1997
SPECIAL MEETING
6 00 M. - TOUR
OF THE EDMONDS CITYHALL ADMINISTRATION BUILDING :;121 FIIrTW i1/ENfJE NORTH
7:00 P.M. - CALL TO ORDER AT PLAZA MEETING ROOM
FLAG SALUTE
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
(A) ROLL CALL
(B) APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 25, 1997
(C) APPROVAL OF CLAIM WARRANTS #15161 THRU #15968 FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 24, 1997, IN
THE AMOUNT OF $249,815.61
(D) ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES FROM CLARENCE CAPON ($634.39), RICHARD
SLYE ($25,000), AND NANSI O. KARLSTEN ($6,113.71)
(E) AUTHORIZATION TO CALL FOR BIDS FOR THE 1997 WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROGRAM
(F) AUTHORIZATION TO CALL FOR BIDS FOR DOOR HARDWARE FOR THE NEW CITY HALL
(G) AUTHORIZATION TO CALL FOR BIDS FOR INTERIOR DOORS FOR THE NEW CITY HALL
(H) AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF LYNNWOOD
FOR RECYCLING COORDINATOR SERVICES
(1) PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP TO CHANGE THE ZONING
DESIGNATION OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY LOCATED ADJACENT TO STATE ROUTE 104 WITHIN AN
AREA OF THE CITY KNOWN AS THE WESTGATE CORRIDOR FROM SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (RS-
A) AND MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (RM -2.4) TO PLANNED BUSINESS (BP)
(J) PROPOSED RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE EDMONDS COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR AS THE
APPLICANT AGENT FOR OBTAINING FEDERAL EMERGENCY AND/OR DISASTER ASSISTANCE FUNDS
AUDIENCE (3 minute limit per person)
(10 Min.) AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN AGREEMENT WITH EDMONDS CABLE COMPANY TO LEASE A
PORTION OF THE "OLD PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY"
(15 Min) PROPOSED RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN INCREASE IN BUILDING PERMIT FEES TO ESTABLISH
NEW PERMIT TECHNICIAN POSITION WITHIN THE BUILDING DIVISION
(5 Min.) MAYOR
(15 Min.) COUNCIL
Parking and meeting rooms are accessible for persons with disabilities. Contact the City Clerk at 771-0245 with 24 hours advance notice for
special accommodations. The Council Agenda appears on Chambers Cable, Channel 32. Delayed telecast of this meeting appears the
following Wednesday, Friday and Monday at noon on Channel 32.