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04/01/1997 City CouncilEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES APRIL 1, 1997 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, followed by the flag salute. ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT Barbara Fahey, Mayor Dave Earling, Council President (arrived 7:03 p.m.) John Nordquist, Councilmember Roger L. Myers, Councilmember Jim White, Councilmember Dick Van Hollebeke, Councilmember Gary Haakenson, Councilmember Thomas A. Miller, Councilmember 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA STAFF PRESENT Michael Springer, Fire Chief Al Compaan, Assistant Police Chief Paul Mar; Community Services Director Jeff Wilson, Current Planning Supervisor Noel Miller, Public Works Superintendent Brent Hunter, Personnel Manager Scott Snyder, City Attorney Sandy Chase, City Clerk Jeannie Dines, Recorder Mayor Fahey informed the Council that Personnel Manager Brent Hunter requested a 15 minute Executive Session be added to the agenda for discussion of labor negotiation issues. COUNCILMEMBER HAAKENSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MYERS, TO ADD A 15 MINUTE EXECUTIVE SESSION TO THE END OF THE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION OF LABOR NEGOTIATION ISSUES. MOTION CARRIED. (Council President Earling was not present for the vote.) COUNCILMEMBER MILLER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER VAN HOLLEBEKE, FOR APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED. 2. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS COUNCILMEMBER VAN HOLLEBEKE MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MYERS, FOR APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED. The agenda items approved are as follows: (A) ROLL CALL (B) APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 25, 1997 (C) APPROVAL OF CLAIM WARRANTS #15171 THRU #16535 FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 24, 1997, IN THE AMOUNT OF $252,754.72 (D) ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES FROM HARBOR SQUARE ASSOCIATES (in excess of $3,000,000), AND JOLENE QUARANTA ($922.70) Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes April 1, 1997 Page 1 1 (E) APPROVAL OF FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW REGARDING A HEARING HELD ON MARCH 18, 1997, ON THE INTERIM ZONING MORATORIUM ON CURB CUTS IN THE DOWNTOWN BUSINESS AREA (File No. CDC -97-17) (F) APPROVAL OF FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW REGARDING A HEARING HELD ON MARCH 18,1997, ON THE ADOPTION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN MANUAL AND THE CRITERIA FORMERLY SET FORTH IN REPEALED CHAPTER 15.15 ECDC AS PART OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AS AN INTERIM ZONING ORDINANCE (G) REPORT ON BIDS OPENED MARCH 25, 1997, FOR INTERIOR DOORS FOR THE NEW CITY HALL AND AWARD OF CONTRACT TO BEST FIT DOOR & WINDOW ($15,797.20, including sales tax) (I) RESOLUTION NO. 868 AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 866 IN ORDER TO CHANGE Set Hearing THE PUBLIC HEARING DATE FOR THE VACATION OF THE TRIANGULAR Dace PORTION OF THE FIRDALE AVENUE RIGHT-OF-WAY FROM APRIL 15, 1997 TO MAY 6,1997 3. AUDIENCE Ray Albano, 20916 76th Ave W, Edmonds, expressed concern with the City's Executive Branch. He indicated he and other citizens would like a complete reorganization of Council procedure to allow the Council to conduct its own meetings as the citizens' legislative branch and for Department Heads to Manager/ represent the Executive Branch. For this reason, many citizens are writing to newspapers in support of a council f il f Manager -Council ogovernment. He suggested Council work meetings include form of g g gg ildublic comment. g p He expressed concern with the Mayor's statement that speakers would be removed if their comments were presented in an inappropriate manner, stressing politicians were open to comments and criticism. . Al Rutledge, 7101 Lake Ballinger Way, Edmonds, (submitted written materials to the Council) Atheletic described a call to action letter sent out by Friends of Athletic Fields urging the public to contact their Fields Legislator to request they vote against the stadium proposal unless funding for athletic fields for use by the public is included. He pointed out his request for a sportsfield could be funded by this proposal. He recalled a previous Council workshop meeting that included a presentation from the City of Bellevue regarding a City Manager position. Train Mel Critchley, 705 Driftwood Place, Edmonds, referred to a letter sent to the Council to point out that Speed the VWUTC had ignored most of the safety implications which were to be used as a guide when evaluating Concerns the Burlington Northern (BN) right-of-way in the City. The speed increase to 55 mph was granted if BN built a fence on Sunset and Ocean Avenue (which has not yet been done). The Mayor's response to the letter indicated that lowering speeds would result in the loss of the Amtrak service for citizens of Edmonds. Further, for the commuter rail to meet the projected service schedule,. current speeds must be maintained. Her letter observed that Mr. Critchley's views regarding commuter rail were well known but did not appear to be reflected by the majority of voters in Edmonds. She indicated she and the Council did not feel revisiting the issue of train speeds with the WUTC would be productive at this time.. Mr. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes April 1, 1997 Page 2 (E) APPROVAL OF FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW REGARDING A HEARING HELD ON MARCH 18, 1997, ON THE INTERIM ZONING MORATORIUM ON CURB CUTS IN THE DOWNTOWN BUSINESS AREA (File No. CDC -97-17) Findings of (F) APPROVAL OF FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW REGARDING A Fact/Design HEARING HELD ON MARCH 18,1997, ON THE ADOPTION OF THE PROVISIONS OF Manual THE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN MANUAL AND THE CRITERIA FORMERLY SET FORTH IN REPEALED CHAPTER 15.15 ECDC AS PART OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AS AN INTERIM ZONING ORDINANCE Interior (G) REPORT ON BIDS OPENED MARCH 25, 1997, FOR INTERIOR DOORS FOR THE Doors for NewCiry NEW CITY HALL AND AWARD OF CONTRACT TO BEST FIT DOOR & WINDOW xau ($15,797.20, including sales tax) Door Hard- (II) REPORT ON BIDS OPENED MARCH 25, 1997, FOR DOOR HARDWARE FOR THE ware for NEW 'CITY HALL AND AWARD OF CONTRACT TO CASCADE STEEL DOOR New City Hall ($14,426.52, including sales tax) Reso 868 - (I) RESOLUTION NO. 868 AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 866 IN ORDER TO CHANGE Set Hearing THE PUBLIC HEARING DATE FOR THE VACATION OF THE TRIANGULAR Dace PORTION OF THE FIRDALE AVENUE RIGHT-OF-WAY FROM APRIL 15, 1997 TO MAY 6,1997 3. AUDIENCE Ray Albano, 20916 76th Ave W, Edmonds, expressed concern with the City's Executive Branch. He indicated he and other citizens would like a complete reorganization of Council procedure to allow the Council to conduct its own meetings as the citizens' legislative branch and for Department Heads to Manager/ represent the Executive Branch. For this reason, many citizens are writing to newspapers in support of a council f il f Manager -Council ogovernment. He suggested Council work meetings include form of g g gg ildublic comment. g p He expressed concern with the Mayor's statement that speakers would be removed if their comments were presented in an inappropriate manner, stressing politicians were open to comments and criticism. . Al Rutledge, 7101 Lake Ballinger Way, Edmonds, (submitted written materials to the Council) Atheletic described a call to action letter sent out by Friends of Athletic Fields urging the public to contact their Fields Legislator to request they vote against the stadium proposal unless funding for athletic fields for use by the public is included. He pointed out his request for a sportsfield could be funded by this proposal. He recalled a previous Council workshop meeting that included a presentation from the City of Bellevue regarding a City Manager position. Train Mel Critchley, 705 Driftwood Place, Edmonds, referred to a letter sent to the Council to point out that Speed the VWUTC had ignored most of the safety implications which were to be used as a guide when evaluating Concerns the Burlington Northern (BN) right-of-way in the City. The speed increase to 55 mph was granted if BN built a fence on Sunset and Ocean Avenue (which has not yet been done). The Mayor's response to the letter indicated that lowering speeds would result in the loss of the Amtrak service for citizens of Edmonds. Further, for the commuter rail to meet the projected service schedule,. current speeds must be maintained. Her letter observed that Mr. Critchley's views regarding commuter rail were well known but did not appear to be reflected by the majority of voters in Edmonds. She indicated she and the Council did not feel revisiting the issue of train speeds with the WUTC would be productive at this time.. Mr. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes April 1, 1997 Page 2 Critchley read a newspaper article from White Rock, BC, where maximum train speeds were reduced from 30 mph to 21 mph in a beachfront area due to a fatal accident involving a 12 year old boy. Rich Demeroutis, 921 Pine Street, Edmonds, indicated he sent a letter regarding the Edmonds Financial Center Building to Councilmembers Myers, Nordquist and Earling on December 2 as well as subsequent letters on December 22 and January 20 and had not yet received a response. Council President Earling said it was hoped the presentation made to the Council several weeks ago regarding the purchase and renovation of the Financial Center would provide adequate information. He offered to provide the same information in writing. Mr. Demeroutis requested the questions raised in his letter be answered. He commented on the $3 million claim for damages the City recently received from Harbor Square Associates from the sewage treatment plant overflow and recalled the City had an opportunity to purchase a generator following the Inaugural Day storm in 1993. He pointed out a citizen, using dive gear, was involved in recovering a drowning victim in Lake Ballinger. Bruce Andahl, 20026 12th Drive SE, Bothell, on behalf of his mother who resides at 15605 75th Place W, Edmonds, explained the City's property slid into his mother's garage following the December storm. A red ribbon was placed on the house and Ms. Andahl has not yet been allowed to return to her home. His mother has not received a letter from the City and calls to the City indicate staff is working on it. He noted the hill was covered following his request in March. They were told the hill must settle first; he pointed out the hill is now dry. He asked when the City planned to remove the debris so they could reach the garage and whether the City was working on storm sewers above the house. He indicated his mother has not had a response to a damage claim submitted to the City on February 5, 1997. He explained his mother is very active in the Edmonds community and would like to return to her home, where she has lived for the past 57 years. Mayor Fahey explained staff would look into this matter tomorrow horning and inform him of the current status. She explained slides continue to occur in the Meadowdale area due to subterranean waters that cause the ground to be very unstable; geotechs are evaluating the situation. Mayor Fahey stressed the City did not want to jeopardize Ms. Andahl's safety. 4. PROCLAMATION IN RECOGNITION OF PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK APRIL 7 -13. 1997 Mayor Fahey read a Proclamation in recognition of Public Health Week, April 7 - 13, 1997, which she presented to Councilmember Nordquist who is currently serving as the Chairman of the Snohomish County Health Board. Councilmember Nordquist said it was a pleasure to accept the Proclamation on behalf of the Snohomish County Health Board and Dr. Ward Hinds, Health Officer for Snohomish Health District. He explained the Board has 15 Boardmembers, a $12 million budget, 175 employees, and 30 Health District vehicles. Their main focus is community and environmental health with increasing emphasis on education regarding tobacco use and on cancer. On behalf of the Council, Mayor Fahey thanked Councilmembers Nordquist and Myers for their work on the Health Board and expressed appreciation for their efforts to help the community. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes April 1, 1997 Page 3 5. HEARING READING PROPOSAL 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) Current Planning Supervisor Jeff Wilson explained the Council approved a rezone to Planned Business (BP) for . properties in this vicinity following a public hearing held on January 21, 1997. The Comprehensive Plan identified the land use designation for this corridor but creation of a corresponding zoning classification was necessary. The three parcels were included in the commercial corridor designation in the Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Board reviewed staffs rezone recommendation for these three parcels and recommended they not be rezoned to BP at this time and reconfirmed its decision following the Council's remand. The Planning Board indicated they would consider the parcels, in addition to others, during the next Comprehensive Plan update. Councilmember Haakenson indicated after reviewing the information provided in the Council packet, he did not fully understand why the Planning Board did not want to include these -parcels in the rezone. Mr. Wilson explained the testimony at the Planning Board public hearing indicated concern with encroachment of the commercial area into the residential area if the rezone included the two parcels on 15th Street SW, as well as additional traffic generated on 15th Street SW. Both parcels have frontage on Edmonds Way as well as 15th Street SW. The Planning Board was concerned with the long term effects of including these two parcels and the resulting changes in traffic patterns; therefore recommended the parcels not be included in the rezone. The property owner of the parcel at the west end (Paradise Lane) indicated they did not wish to be included in the rezone as it bisected the property ownership and they were satisfied with the single family designation. Other property owners expressed concern with the commercial designation and its effect on traffic on Paradise Lane. Further, the State's response to access from Edmonds Way is unclear at this time. For Councilmember Myers, Mr. Wilson advised each parcel could be considered for rezone individually. Councilmember White asked whether the concern was that access to the properties on 15th Street SW would be provided on 15th and not Edmonds Way. Mr. Wilson answered the parcels had the ability to provide access from Edmonds Way, particularly if the existing buildings were demolished and rebuilt. He pointed out the ADB can consider access during the site design review process. Due to the shallow nature of the parcels, some consolidation may be required to ensure adequate property to site a building and to provide parking and access. Councilmember Van Hollebeke asked if the Planning Board discussed buffering the parcels on 15th Street SW from the adjacent. residential properties. Mr. Wilson replied the present code has requirements for landscaping, particularly between dissimilar uses. A higher degree of buffering would be required between commercial and residential properties; this would be considered by the ADB during its review. Councilmember Haakenson asked whether access could be prohibited from 15th Street SW to the two parcels. Mr. Wilson explained this was discussed during the rezoning process as well as whether access orientation should be included in the Comprehensive Plan to ensure commercial traffic is oriented to Edmonds Way. However, this was not included in the adoption of the BP zoning designation text. The ADB's site review would consider the compatibility of uses and the City's Engineering Division would also consider the safest visual access point. City Attorney Scott Snyder clarified the City had the ability to limit access but not as part of this process. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes April 1, 1997 Page 4 Councilmember Miller recalled the Council packet included correspondence regarding property values. He asked if the Planning Board considered property values. Mr. Wilson explained the Comprehensive Plan set forth the land use designation; the Planning Board must now implement the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Snyder pointed out the review criteria for rezones, Section 20.40.10 (D) and (E), includes changes (whether there has been sufficient change in the character of the immediate or surrounding area or City policy justifies the rezone) and suitability (whether the property is economically and physically suitable for the uses allowed under the existing zoning). Therefore, the issue of evaluation and highest and best use are referenced in these criteria. Mr. Wilson said the Westgate Corridor has a long history of considering the highest and best use in this area. Testimony from residents in the area who supported the rezone described difficulties in maintaining or selling a single family home due to the location along this heavy transit corridor. Mayor Fahey opened the public participation portion of the hearing. Sally Hyde, 152 Third Avenue S, on behalf of Debra and Gary Johnson, 720 15th Street SW, identified the Johnson's property and said their house would have commercial zoning on two sides if this rezone is approved. She expressed concern that either the area already rezoned behind the Johnson's house was not originally part of the Comprehensive Plan and that the zoning line was moved to include the property, or the notice, which included the Comprehensive Plan boundaries, was incorrect. If the Council was considering approving the rezone in this area, she requested consideration of the Johnson parcel be continued to allow her to further review the information. She also expressed concern with additional traffic generated by the rezone of these parcels. Joel Patience, 600 Edmonds Way (opposite side of Edmonds.Way), indicated he also represented the extended Webee family who have owned the property for the last three years and currently reside in North Dakota.. Mr. Patience identified his property and noted residents of the area have seen extensive impacts on the neighborhood in past years. He commended the efforts of the Police and Planning Departments to deal with these issues. He was opposed to the rezone of these three parcels due to the tremendous impacts on their neighborhood as well as their residential property. Craig Roloff, 7010 226th Place SW, Edmonds, on behalf of his mother who resides at 720 14th Way SW, identified her property and said one of her concerns was that a rezone to commercial would increase traffic on 15th Street SW. He pointed out 15th Street SW lacks sidewalks and vehicles often park on the street causing pedestrians to walk in the street. COUNCILMEMBER MYERS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER VAN HOLLEBEKE, TO EXTEND THE HEARING FOR 15 MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED. Brian Johnstone, 710 15th Street SW, Edmonds, (northeast corner of 15th St. SW & Edmonds Way), explained if his property was excluded from the rezone, it will be excluded from compliance with the Comprehensive Plan as developed by the City. He pointed out that Edmonds Way is a major thoroughfare into the Edmonds bowl and 15th Street SW is the Police and Fire Department's "favorite shortcut" into the south portion of the Edmonds bowl and is already a major traffic area. He pointed out the Planning Board failed to take public testimony on the possibility of excluding these parcels from the BP rezone as the decision was made subsequent to the closure of the public meeting. He pointed out the property has been included in the commercial zone in the Comprehensive Plan for the past eight years. Excluding his parcel (and the property across the street) would result in a greater impact on their properties than any other property in the BP zone. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes April 1, 1997 Page 5 Councilmember White asked Mr. Johnstone if he purchased his property in anticipation of a rezone based on the Comprehensive. Plan. Mr. Johnstone explained he purchased the property prior to the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan. When he purchased the property, it was rumored the corridor would be rezoned to commercial. Ken Kaiser, 711 15th Street SW, Edmonds, (northwest corner of 15th St. SW & Edmonds Way) said he also assumed this area would eventually be commercial and was surprised their parcel was not included in the rezone. He expressed concern with the property's value as zoned (residential) and abutting a commercial zone on two sides and fronting on a major thoroughfare. He pointed out traffic already exists on 15th Street SW as it is a school bus route in addition to a shortcut for the Fire and Police Departments. He requested the two parcels on 15th Street SW be included in the BP zone. Gary Johnson, 720 15th Street SW. Edmonds, identified his property and explained there are numerous trees on his and surrounding properties that would be removed if properties on Edmonds Way are developed commercially. He pointed out his property would be the only property in the area with commercial zoning on two sides and frontage on a busy street, . He requested his property be included if the two properties on 15th Street SW were rezoned to BP. Shaun Richards, 740 15th Way SW, Edmonds, advised the Council his property was included in the previous BP rezone in this area. They were able to sell their house recently to a couple who plan to use it for a home business. He supported the rezone of the two properties on 15th Street SW due to the stoplight and the convenience store and veterinarian clinic across the street. He said no family would purchase property on Edmonds Way as the houses are noisy, uncomfortable, and have access difficulties. Al Rutledge, 7101 Lake Ballinger Way, Edmonds, pointed out this commercial rezone may result in increased revenues but will also increase traffic. He supported the rezone if a large business could provide parking. Warren LaFon, 546 Paradise Lane, Edmonds, identified his property and said he felt the rezone of these three parcels was appropriate due to changes in the neighborhood. COUNCILMEMBER MYERS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST, TO EXTEND THE HEARING. MOTION CARRIED. Mayor Fahey closed the audience portion of the hearing. Mr. Snyder reported the Council had received correspondence from Diane and Takashi Nasa, dated March 31, 1997; and a letter dated March 27, 1997 from Evelyn Wibe. Mr. Wilson explained the boundary on the Comprehensive Plan map bisected several properties. When the original Comprehensive Plan was adopted, it was agreed the lines were not necessarily exact but would be adjusted to accommodate actual property lines. The Planning Board also considered testimony of Mr. Johnstone who expressed concern with the affect on his parcel. The Planning Board agreed Mr. Johnstone's property, as well as four parcels in the cul-de-sac on 15th Way SW, would be considered during the annual Comprehensive Plan update. Councilmember Van Hollebeke recommended the two parcels on 15th Street SW be included in the rezone to BP. He was glad the adjacent property owners were interested in, and consideration was being given ' to, expanding the zone to a more logical boundary in the near future. Due to uncertainties Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes April 1, 1997 Page 6 regarding access to SR 104 from the parcel in the Paradise Lane area, he recommended it not be included in the rezone. Council President Earling agreed that 15th Street SW was a neighborhood connector (rather than a thoroughfare) which had the advantage of a stop light. He was aware of the results of "zoning creep" into neighborhoods which can destroy a single family neighborhood over time. Not including the two properties on 15th Street SW and Edmonds Way in the BP zone would halt the "zoning creep" in this area. Although he agreed the corner properties may have some disadvantages, he felt those disadvantages were present when the properties were purchased. Although he was concerned with transition in the Paradise Lane neighborhood as transportation improvements take place, as well as ingress and egress issues for the property, he supported including it in the BP rezone. Councilmember Miller shared Council President Earling's view regarding the properties on 15th Street SW as this is a gateway to a residential neighborhood. He supported including the property near Paradise Lane in the BP zone. COUNCILMEMBER MILLER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT EARLING, TO INCLUDE THE PROPERTY ADJACENT TO PARADISE LANE INTO THE BP ZONE AND EXCLUDE THE TWO PROPERTIES ON 15TH STREET SOUTHWEST FROM THE BP ZONE. Councilmember Myers spoke in opposition to the motion as he supported the inclusion of the properties on 15th Street SW in the BP zone. Councilmember Haakenson agreed the properties on 15th Street SW should be included in the BP zone as they were included in the original Comprehensive Plan. As he was concerned with ingress/egress from the property on Paradise Lane, he did not support its inclusion in the BP zone. MOTION FAILED (2-5), COUNCILMEMBERS MILLER AND EARLING IN FAVOR; COUNCILMEMBERS MYERS, WHITE, VAN HOLLEBEKE, HAAKENSON, AND NORDQUIST OPPOSED. COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MYERS, TO INCLUDE THE TWO PROPERTIES ON 15TH STREET SOUTHWEST IN THE BP ZONE. MOTION CARRIED (5-2), COUNCILMEMBERS MYERS, WHITE, VAN HOLLEBEKE, HAAKENSON, AND NORDQUIST IN FAVOR; COUNCILMEMBERS MILLER AND EARLING OPPOSED. COUNCILMEMBER MYERS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEM 3ER MILLER, TO INCLUDE THE PARCEL ON PARADISE LANE IN THE BP ZONE. MOTION FAILED (3-4), COUNCILMEMBERS MILLER, MYERS, AND EARLING IN FAVOR; COUNCILMEMBERS WHITE, VAN HOLLEBEKE, HAAKENSON, AND NORDQUIST OPPOSED. Mr. Snyder advised an ordinance to rezone the two properties would be placed on the next Council Consent Agenda. 6. UPDATE BY COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR PAUL MAR REGARDING RANSPORTATION ISSUES AND FUNDING FOR THE MULTIMODAL PROJECT Community Services Director Paul Mar reported a number of events have occurred, on both State and Federal levels, in the six weeks subsequent to the project update presented at the 1997 Council retreat that may influence the Edmonds Crossing project. He explained at the outset of the EIS process in 1995, it was decided to follow the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process rather than the State Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes April 1, 1997 Page 7 Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) due to the possibility of federal funds. This process requires concurrence at four levels before the document is available for public comment. It is hoped the final EIS will be available next year. Implementation of the project is highly dependent on funding and when the Pt. Edwards site can be acquired. It is estimated design will begin in 1999 and be operational in 2005. Mr. Mar explained the City submitted an application for a demonstration project on February 11, 1997 at the urging of US Representative Rick White to WSDOT. The requested funding amount was $40 million. The City was recently advised there were 48 projects submitted by the State of Washington with a total requested project value of $1.2 billion. Representative White's office reports deliberations are ongoing and the goal is to include all demonstration projects in the House Bill "off budget" (in addition to the ISTEA budget). It is expected the bill will come out of the House in April or May; the Senate will then consider the Bill. Council President Earling pointed out that $500 million of the $1.2 billion were RTA funds. Mr. Mar advised the Senate Transportation Committee recently held a press conference and announced a proposed $0.07 gas tax increase at the State level with an additional $0.01 local option. The City has received a list of projects that would be funded by the gas tax; Mr. Mar urged Councilmembers to contact local Legislators to ensure the region receives its fair share of projects. The City is working cooperatively with the Snohomish County portion of the RTA; a question has been raised regarding sequencing of expenditures due to the number of years before the multimodal project is completed and the desire to begin commuter rail service within the next 2-3 years. The City also submitted an application to Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) for grant funds of $1 million to assist funding of the multimodal center design. A total of 61 other projects were submitted in the four county area, totaling $138 million. The project passed the preliminary screening at the technical level of the regional project evaluation committee; the committee will make a recommendation to the PSRC Transportation Policy Board on April 10. If the Policy Board approves the list including this project, the next stage is a proposal which is due April 25. Councilmember Nordquist asked what planning was being done to address impending parking challenges, particularly -in view of the third ferry operating from the Edmonds terminal. Mr. Mar advised next week's Council Community Services Committee meeting would include discussion of long term parking solutions in the downtown waterfront area. He has also discussed parking with Washington State Ferries due to increasing ferry traffic and commuter parking on City streets. Discussions with Unocal regarding the use of their site for parking are ongoing. . Councilmember Nordquist asked if the satellite parking lots in area churches was under way. Mr. Mar answered that program is in effect. Councilmember Myers complimented Mr. Mar, Mayor Fahey and Councilmembers Earling and Haakenson for their work on this issue. 7. MAYOR Mayor Fahey advised the sign in the Five Corners area this morning was an April Fool's joke. 8. COUNCIL In response to letters to the Editor regarding Medic 7 charges, Councilmember Miller explained, as Edmonds Police Chief, he was on the Snohomish County Medic 7 and SnoCom Boards last year when Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes April 1, 1997 Page 8 this decision was made as a result of Fire District 1's withdrawal from the Medic 7 program. He assured citizens that members of the Medic 7 Board and the Council acted prudently to maintain the current service level. Individuals would not be charged for service; a bill would be sent to the insurance carriers if covered by insurance. Citizens should, therefore, not be concerned when calling for medic service. Councilmember Miller recalled staff worked on a 5 -year strategic plan last year and requested this be strategic reviewed by the Council so action could be taken to incorporate this into the 1998 budget. Council President Earling agreed to have a Council discussion of the plan. Councilmember Miller explained approximately 50% of the funding for the Karen Iris Thermal Imaging System has been raised and asked if the City could consider matching those funds to ensure the equipment can be purchased at the reduced price. It was agreed to place this matter on the Finance Committee agenda. Acknowledging the hardworking Council, staff, and administration, Councilmember Nordquist expressed concern with the constant attacks at the beginning of each Council meeting by certain members of the audience. He pointed out the audience may not be aware of the Council rules, study habits, numerous meetings they are required. to attend, etc. He pointed out the "accusers" left the meeting by 7:35 p.m. He noted he usually responds to all correspondence. Councilmember Nordquist directed the Council's attention to the disturbing Block Watch report that indicated crime is increasing in some areas and hoped the Police Department would be responding. Mayor Fahey thanked Councilmember Nordquist for his comments. She explained correspondence addressed to the Mayor and Councilmembers is usually answered by the Mayor's office and copied to the Council. It is, therefore, unnecessary for each Councilmember to respond individually. A response was sent to one of Mr. Demeroutis' letters stating complete information would be provided at the Council meeting. Councilmember Myers was pleased Councilmember Nordquist was able to receive the Public Health Week Proclamation and expressed his appreciation for his leadership on the Board. He complimented Councilmember White on his recent television appearance. 9. EXECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Fahey advised the Council would recess to Executive Session at 9:00 p.m. for approximately 15 minutes for discussion of labor negotiations. The Council meeting was adjourned immediately following the Executive Session. BARBARA S. FAHEY, MAYOR SANDRA S. CHASE, CITY CLERK Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes April 1, 1997 Page 9 1 AGENDA EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL Plaza Meeting Room - Library Building 650 Main Street 7:00 -10:00 p.m. APRIL 1, 1997 CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M. FLAG SALUTE APPROVAL OF AGENDA 2. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS (A) ROLL CALL (B) APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 25, 1997 (C) APPROVAL OF CLAIM WARRANTS #15171 THRU #16535 FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 24, 1997, IN THE AMOUNT OF $252,754.72 (D) ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES FROM HARBOR SQUARE ASSOCIATES (in excess of $3,000,000), AND JOLENE QUARANTA ($922.70) (E) APPROVAL OF FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW REGARDING A HEARING HELD ON MARCH 18, 1997, ON THE INTERIM ZONING• MORATORIUM ON CURB CUTS IN THE DOWNTOWN BUSINESS AREA (File No. CDC -97-17) (F) APPROVAL OF FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW REGARDING A HEARING HELD ON MARCH 18, 1997, ON THE ADOPTION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN MANUAL AND THE CRITERIA FORMERLY SET FORTH IN REPEALED CHAPTER 15.15 ECDC AS PART OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AS AN INTERIM ZONING ORDINANCE (G) REPORT ON BIDS OPENED MARCH 25, 1997, FOR INTERIOR DOORS FOR THE NEW CITY HALL AND AWARD OF CONTRACT TO BEST FIT DOOR & WINDOW ($15,797.20, including sales tax) (H) REPORT ON BIDS OPENED MARCH 25, 1997, FOR DOOR HARDWARE FOR THE NEW CITY HALL AND AWARD OF CONTRACT TO CASCADE STEEL DOOR ($14,426.52, including sales tax) (1) PROPOSED RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 866 IN ORDER TO CHANGE THE PUBLIC HEARING DATE FOR THE VACATION OF THE TRIANGULAR PORTION OF THE FIRDALE AVENUE RIGHT-OF-WAY FROM APRIL 15, 1997 TO MAY 6, 1997 3. AUDIENCE (3 minute limit per person) 4. (101141n.) PROCLAMATION IN RECOGNITION OF PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK, APRIL 7 -13,1997 5. (30 Min.) HEARING REGARDING PROPOSAL 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) 6. (10 Min.) UPDATE BY COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR PAUL MAR REGARDING TRANSPORTATION ISSUES AND FUNDING FOR THE MULTIMODAL PROJECT 7. (5 Min.) MAYOR 8. (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.