06/24/1997 City CouncilEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
JUNE 249 1997
The Edmonds City Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Pro Tem Earling in the
Library Plaza Room, 650 Main Street, followed by the flag salute.
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Dave Earling, Mayor Pro Tem
Roger L. Myers, Council President Pro Tem
John Nordquist, Councilmember
Jim White, Councilmember
Thomas A. Miller, Councilmember
ABSENT
Barbara Fahey, Mayor
Dick Van Hollebeke, Councilmember
Gary Haakenson, Councilmember
ALSO PRESENT
Andy Streit, Student Representative
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
STAFF PRESENT
Gary McComas, Fire Marshal
Paul Mar, Community Services Director
Art Housler, Administrative Services Director
Rob Chave, Planning Manager
Joan Ferebee, Court Administrator
Sandy Chase, City Clerk
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM
MYERS, FOR APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED.
2. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM MYERS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
MILLER, FOR ADOPTION OF THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION
CARRIED. The agenda items approved are as follows:
(A) ROLL CALL
Approve (B) APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 17, 1997
Minutes
(C) APPROVAL OF CLAIM WARRANTS #15202 THRU #18280 FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE
ApproClaim 16, 1997, IN THE AMOUNT OF $304,959.52; AND APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
Warrants WARRANTS #16510 THRU #16712 FOR THE PERIOD JUNE 1 THRU JUNE 15, 1997, IN
THE AMOUNT OF $444,160.74
Claims for (D) ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES FROM MICHELLE,
Damages ARDELL, AND CONNIE MOE (Amount to be Determined), AND STEVE KELLOGG
($165.00)
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 24, 1997
Page 1
General (E) REPORT ON THE GENERAL FUND FINANCIAL POSITION FOR THE PERIOD
Fund ENDED MAY 31,1997
ndings of (F) APPROVAL OF FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW REGARDING A
I,z..
ct- HEARING HELD ON JUNE 3, 1997, ON THE MORATORIUM AND INTERIM ZONING
Ora
torium
d Interim ORDINANCE REGARDING SUSPENSION OF ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES
ning Ord. WHICH WOULD PROHIBIT OR LIMIT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF GROUP LIVING
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE DISABLED OR YOUTH OR THE ELDERLY OF SIX OR
FEWER SEEKING TO SITE IN RESIDENTIAL OR NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS
ZONES
Collection (G) REPORT ON REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS RECEIVED JUNE 9, 1997, FOR
Agency COLLECTION AGENCY SERVICES AND AWARD OF CONTRACT TO ALLIED
Services
CREDIT COMPANIES
Moving I (H) REPORT ON QUOTES OPENED JUNE 18, 1997, FOR MOVING SERVICES FOR NEW
Services CITY HALL AND AWARD OF CONTRACT TO MITCHELL MOVING & STORAGE
($8,360.40)
wwTP (I) AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT_
SCADA WITH TECHNICAL SYSTEMS, INC. FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TREATMENT
Upgrade
PLANT SCADA UPGRADE
Ord. #3148 (J) ORDINANCE NO. 3148 AMENDING THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 20.105.010
Amend APPEALABLE DECISIONS, A. STAFF DECISIONS, 3. INTERPRETATIONS OF THE
ECDC
20.105.010 TEXT OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CODE, IN ORDER TO CLARIFY
THAT THE APPEAL PROCEDURES ESTABLISHED BY THE STATE BUILDING
CODE ARE EXCLUSIVE
'monds (K) AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH
waterfront SNOHOMISH COUNTY CONSERVATION FUTURES FOR EDMONDS WATERFRONT
ACQUISITION
4th of July
Fireworks (L) FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS DISPLAY APPLICATION
3. INTRODUCTION OF NEW STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE ANDY STREIT
New
Student Mayor Pro Tem Earling explained there had been a Student Representative on the Council for a number
Represent-
ative
of ears. Over the past 5-6 ears there have been several highly qualified students who have
alive Andy y P years, , g Y q
Streit participated from Meadowdale and Edmonds-Woodway High Schools. He introduced the newest
Student Representative, Andy Streit, who will be a senior this year at Meadowdale High School. Mayor
Pro Tem Earling said he looked forward to Mr. Streit's participation.
Student Representative Andy Streit advised he is the ASB Activity Coordinator at Meadowdale High
School, plays Varsity Basketball, and will co -captain the team next year. He explained one of the main
reasons he wanted to participate on the Council was his aspiration to attend law school.
Community Services Director Paul Mar welcomed Mr. Streit on behalf of staff.
Cable Tv 4. PROGRESS REPORT ON CABLE TV SYSTEM REBUILD
tenr
uild Community Services Director Paul Mar explained approximately a year ago the Council approved the
franchise renewal contract with Edmonds Cable Company which required them to rebuild the cable
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 24, 1997
Page 2
television system no later than 36 months from the effective date of the franchise. He introduced Jack
Gradwohl, Area Manager for Edmonds Cable Company.
Jack Gradwohl, Area Manager, Edmonds Cable Company, 533 Main Street, Edmonds, introduced
Bruce Catter, Vice President of Engineering; Bob Towe, Vice President of Operations; Ed Boeck, Project
Manager; and Skyler Smick, contractor.
Mr. Gradwohl explained the first step in the process was to walk out every section of cable in the plan to
determine whether it was reusable in the new design. He explained the design would include 150 miles
of new cable. The new network includes 78 channels of video services as they are known today—
approximately 60-65 channels of basic service and 13 premium channels. The network would also
include the ability for digital services in the future. He stated the FCC recently mandated that local
broadcast stations transfer to digital technology; this mandate requires cable providers make provisions
for technology in the future.
Mr. Gradwohl displayed a map of the Edmonds area which identified all the nodes (geographic areas of
the system) which are segmented into areas with 500-1,000 homes. He explained each node would have
a dedicated run of fiber optics from the Cable Office on Main Street. The purpose of segmentation was
to reduce the chance of the entire system going down in the event of a major catastrophe. Mr. Gradwohl
also displayed a map identifying the location of the fiber routes for each node and described how the
signals would be distributed to customers' homes. He explained each node had standby power supplies
with back-up batteries which could provide service for 3 hours in the event of a power outage.
Mr. Gradwohl stated the contractor for the project would be North Sky Communications, formed in 1990
by the merger of two established telecommunications construction companies, Sky Antenna and North
Pacific Utility Construction. North Sky Communications performs construction services in Washington,
Oregon, Idaho, and California for cable television and telephone companies. He explained each home
would receive a "door hanger" ten days before construction began in their area. He described the process
to transfer the existing service to new service, noting new services would be available to those customers
as the cable is put into place in each node. The first step in the underground areas was to request utility
locates from various utility companies. He assured residents the paint the utilities use was not permanent
and the paint marks will be where existing utilities are located, not necessarily where excavation would
take place. He expected distribution of door hangers to begin within approximately five days and
construction to begin ten days following distribution.
Mr. Gradwohl stressed upon completion, the cable system would be a full service, state-of-the-art
telecommunications network capable of providing not only 78 channels of analog service but also
positioned to deliver the digital signals the FCC has mandated be delivered within the next 10-15 years.
He pointed out due to the technology, digital services will require some type of converter box. Future
services, in addition to digital video, would include high speed Internet service.
Mr. Gradwohl added that since 1992 their basic programming costs have increased 64% while basic
cable rates have increased 3% annually. Programming costs currently represent the largest expense of
their operation and their rate of growth was expected to continue. He stressed Edmonds Cable Company
strives to operate efficiently and will continue their efforts to minimize impacts on customers. He noted
their last rate increase was October 1996 which was guaranteed for one year. In light of significant
programming increases, a rate was anticipated in October 1997.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 24, 1997
Page 3
Skyler Smick, President of North Sky Communications, advised they were selected as the contractor
for the Edmonds system. He explained North Sky Communications is a very safety conscious company,
a drug free company that does pre-employment testing as well as random testing. He advised some of
their major clients are US West, TCI -Viacom, MCI, TCG, and Electric Light Waves. He displayed the
North Sky Communications vehicle identification sign and explained all employees; installers, and
construction individuals will have picture identification badges. He displayed safety vests and orange
North Sky T-shirts worn by employees. He explained the telephone number (778-3906) list in the logo
was a 24 --hour hotline. He assured any disruption of soil or landscaping would be completely restored
Mr. Smick stated North Sky Communication does a great deal of directional boring (trenchless
technology). He noted Edmonds Cable was exceeding much of the criteria other cable companies were
currently implementing.
Mayor Pro Tem Earling asked if any other advance notification would be provided to residents. Mr.
Gradwohl advised a commercial was being produced and newspaper ads and newsletters would be used.
Further, the rebuild hotline would be constantly updated with specific locations where work was taking
place.
Councilmember Nordquist expressed appreciation for Chamber Cable's efforts to notify citizens. He
asked where the eastern border of the project would be. Mr. Gradwohl advised the eastern border of the
franchise was Meridian and 76th up to Perrinville. On the east side of 76th, there were dual attachments,
TCI and Edmonds Cable.
Council President Pro Tem Myers asked if residents would have increased channel capabilities as
sections come on line. Mr. Gradwohl answered as each node is completed, the new 78 channel capacity
would be available in that area.
Councilmember White asked what the total time line was for the project. Mr. Gradwohl answered the
entire project, which includes Shoreline, was anticipated to take 18 months.
Councilmember White asked if the price increase would affect all customers at the same time. Mr.
Gradwohl advised a rate increase was anticipated in October. Residents with the old line-up would see
an increase; those with the new channel capacity would also see an increase but would also have
additional channels available.
Councilmember White asked what citizens could expect to see on streets or in homes that was different
from today. Mr. Gradwohl answered if all goes well, very little. During transition, there would be two
cable plants. Once the new service is operational, the old plant would be removed.
In response to Councilmember White, Mr. Gradwohl explained services are currently "whole house"—
service is available to multiple outlets in the home for one rate. Premium services would also be
available "whole house".
Councilmember White asked if a converter box would be required for each television. Mr. Gradwohl
answered no. Further, the converter box would not be required for basic service when used with a cable -
ready television set, only for enhanced services.
Councilmember Miller asked if a digital television would require a converter box. Bruce Catter, Vice
President of Engineering, Edmonds Cable Company, explained the FCC mandated that broadcasters
migrate to a digital signal which requires either a digital television or a converter box. He noted new
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 24, 1997
Page 4
digital televisions would initially cost $2,000 - $5,000. If an individual purchased a decoding device
from a retail outlet to decode the broadcast signal, a Chamber Cable box would also be required for
enhanced services. He expected their vendor could provide a converter box that would decode both the
broadcast signal and for enhanced services.
Councilmember Miller asked if a customer would need a converter box for basic service on his existing
television. Mr. Catter answered no, not at this point in time.
Council President Pro Tem Myers questioned Mr. Catter's answer of "not at this point in time." Mr.
Catter explained much regarding digital service is uncertain at this time. He briefly described the history
of digital service, noting a standard digital scheme had not yet been adopted. He offered to communicate
more information as it becomes available.
Mayor Pro Tem Earling asked how the Council would receive updates during the rebuild process. Mr.
Mar advised quarterly updates could be provided by a Chamber Cable presentation, a periodic memo
could be included in the Council packet, and/or a map of areas under construction could be provided.
Mayor Pro Tem Earling requested the Council be updated on a 90 -day basis at least in the beginning.
Mayor Pro Tem Earling pointed out that, regardless of how Edmonds Cable views the need for a rate
increase, customers likely would perceive the rate increase was for enhanced service. There likely would
be concern expressed by customers who receive the rate increase but do not initially receive the
enhanced service. He suggested the rate increase be implemented as each area receives enhanced
services to avoid customers paying the same rate for different channel capacity until the rebuild is
complete.
Mayor Pro Tem Earling thanked Edmonds Cable Company for their presentation, noting this was a big
step forward in the capacity available for citizens.
5. MAYOR
Brackett°s Mayor Pro Tem Earling announced the Brackett's Landing Park opening would be Friday, July 11 at
Landing 10:00 a.m. and urged the public to attend.
Park So.
Community Mayor Pro Tem Earling also announced the new Community Transit base opening on July 1 at 10:00
Transit a.m. at the site, 700 Hardison Road, and urged the public to attend.
6. INDIVIDUAL COUNCIL REPORTS/UPDATES ON RESPECTIVE BOARD MEETINGS
Council President Pro Tem Myers said he was impressed with Student Representative Andy Streit's
participation in the selection of the new Basketball Coach at Meadowdale High School.
AWC Council President Pro Tem Myers commented that Councilmember Nordquist, City Clerk Sandy Chase,
Conference Administrative Services Director Art Housler, and he attended the AWC Conference in Spokane. He
planned to distribute information to Councilmembers regarding a number of subjects discussed at the
conference. He encouraged Councilmembers to attend future AWC Conferences.
AWC Councilmember Nordquist noted the AWC Conference was a wonderful opportunity to mix with
Conference representatives of other cities. He encouraged Councilmembers to review the Statement of Policy and
the Resolution packet from AWC included in the Council packet this evening.
Fdmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 24, 1997
Page 5
realtl, Councilmember Nordquist also reported the Snohomish Health District was evaluating which programs
istriet may have their funding discontinued, priorities reassigned, and consideration of personnel changes due
to changes in financing. He noted it is uncertain whether these changes would be necessary but the
information would be available if it were needed.
Cultural Councilmember White reported the Cultural Arts Stadium and Convention District is continuing its
Arts
staaian,& efforts to locate a convention and cultural arts performance center in the South County area; several sites
Convention are under consideration. At the last meeting, consideration was given to adding an aquatic facility. This
District
was not approved by the board; therefore, an aquatic facility will not be included.
4th of July Councilmember Miller thanked Stevens Health Care for sponsoring the Edmonds Fourth of July
Fireworks fireworks display. He then welcomed Student Representative Andy Streit, noting he would be a great
addition to the Council.
Meadowdale Student Representative Andy Streit reported Meadowdale High School Student Council would be
High school selecting a new mascot this year to replace the Chief mascot. This process would include educating
Mascot
students why selection of a new mascot is necessary.
Cities & Mayor Pro Tem Earling requested anyone interested in attending the July Snohomish County Cities and
Towns
Meeting Towns meeting contact the Council Resource Person.
1
Mayor Pro Tem Earling wished Community Services Director Paul Mar a Happy Birthday.
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 7:58 p.m.
BARBARA S. FAHEY, MAYOR
SAfIDRA S. CHASE, CITY CLERK
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 24, 1997
Page 6
AGENDA
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL
Plaza Meeting Room - Library Building
650 Main Street
7:00 -10:00 p.m.
JUNE 24, 1997
WORK MEETING
7:00 P.M. - CALL TO ORDER
FLAG SALUTE
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
(A) ROLL CALL
(B) APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 17, 1997
(C) APPROVAL OF CLAIM WARRANTS #15202 THRU #18280 FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 16, 1997, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $304,959.52; AND APPROVAL OF PAYROLL WARRANTS #16510 THRU #16712 FOR
THE PERIOD JUNE 1 THRU JUNE 15, 1997, IN THE AMOUNT OF $444,160.74
(D) ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES FROM MICHELLE, ARDELL, AND CONNIE
MOE (Amount to be Determined), AND STEVE KELLOGG ($16.5.00)
(E) REPORT ON THE GENERAL FUND FINANCIAL POSITION FOR THE PERIOD ENDED MAY 31, 1997
(F) APPROVAL OF FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW REGARDING A HEARING HELD
ON JUNE 3, 1997, ON THE MORATORIUM AND INTERIM ZONING ORDINANCE REGARDING
SUSPENSION OF ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES WHICH WOULD PROHIBIT OR LIMIT THE
ESTABLISHMENT OF GROUP LIVING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE DISABLED FOR YOUTH OR THE
ELDERLY OF SIX OR FEWER SEEKING TO SITE IN RESIDENTIAL OR NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS
ZONES
(G) REPORT ON REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS RECEIVED JUNE 9, 1997, FOR COLLECTION AGENCY
SERVICES AND AWARD OF CONTRACT TO ALLIED CREDIT COMPANIES
(H) REPORT ON QUOTES OPENED JUNE 18, 1997, FOR MOVING SERVICES FOR NEW CITY HALL AND
AWARD OF CONTRACT TO MITCHELL MOVING & STORAGE ($8,360.40)
(1) AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
TECHNICAL SYSTEMS, INC. FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TREATMENT PLANT SCADA
UPGRADE
(J) PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 20.105.010 APPEALABLE
DECISIONS, A. STAFF DECISIONS, 3. INTERPRETATIONS OF THE TEXT OF THE COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT CODE, IN ORDER TO CLARIFY THAT THE APPEAL PROCEDURES ESTABLISHED
BY THE STATE BUILDING CODE ARE EXCLUSIVE
(K) AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH SNOHOMISH COUNTY
CONSERVATION FUTURES INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR EDMONDS WATERFRONT
ACQUISITION.
(L) FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS DISPLAY APPLICATION
1
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
JUNE 24, 1997
PAGE TWO
3. (5 Min.) INTRODUCTION OF NEW STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE ANDY STREIT
4. (20 Min.) PROGRESS REPORT ON CABLE TV SYSTEM REBUILD
5. (5 Min.) MAYOR
6. (15 Min.) INDIVIDUAL COUNCIL REPORTS/UPDATES ON RESPECTIVE BOARD MEETINGS
'arking and meeting rooms are accessible for persons with disabilities. Contact the City Clerk at 771-0245 with 24 hours advance notice for specia
accommodations. The Council Agenda appears on Chambers Cable, Channel 32. Delayed telecast of this meeting appears the following Wednesday
'ridgy and Monday at noon on Channel 32.