03/24/1998 City CouncilEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
MARCH 24, 1998
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, Councilmember
John Nordquist, Councilmember
Michael Plunkett, Councilmember
Jim White, Councilmember
Thomas A. Miller, Councilmember
ABSENT
Gary Haakenson, Council President
Dick Van Hollebeke, Councilmember
ALSO PRESENT
Lisa Shin, Student Representative
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
STAFF PRESENT
Robin Hickok, Police Chief
Paul Mar, Community Services Director
Art Housler, Administrative Services Director
James Walker, City Engineer
-Brent Hunter, Human Resources Director
Sandy Chase, City Clerk
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
COUNCILMEMBER EARLING MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST,
FOR APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA, MOTION CARRIED.
2. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
COUNCILMEMBER EARLING MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST,
FOR APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED. The agenda items
approved are as follows:
(A) ROLL CALL
pprove I (B) APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 17,1998
Minutes
(C) APPROVAL OF CLAIM WARRANTS #21431 THRU #23907 FOR THE WEEK OF
[ApprApprove MARCH 16, 1998, IN THE AMOUNT OF $132,811.13. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
ove
WARRANTS #19851 THRU #19989 FOR THE PERIOD OF MARCH 1 THRU
.'rants
MARCH 15,1998, IN THE AMOUNT OF $342,039.54
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 24, 1998
Page 1
taims for (D) ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES FROM ALEXIS AND DAN
mages LANE ($1,194.97), AND ROBERTA M. MOSELEY (Amount Undetermined)
neral (E) REPORT ON THE GENERAL FUND FINANCIAL POSITION FOR THE PERIOD
nd ENDING FEBRUARY 28,1998
WWTP (F) COUNCIL APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS ($28,202.00) FOR THE UPGRADE OF THE
SCADA SCADA SYSTEM AT THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
System
Public (G) APPROVAL OF ADDENDUM TO CONTRACT FOR COMMISSIONING OF ARTWORK
Safety FOR PUBLIC SAFETY COMPLEX
Complex
Artwork
3. PROCLAMATION IN RECOGNITION OF PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK (APRIL 6 -12)
Public
Health Mayor Fahey read the Proclamation declaring April 6 - 12, 1998, as Public Health Week in Edmonds in
Week -
pril 6 -12 recognition of public health agency efforts to protect the well being of its citizens. Mayor Fahey
presented the Proclamation to Dave Peterson, Assistant Director of the Environmental Health Division of
the Health District.
Mr. Peterson thanked the Edmonds City Council and the Mayor, on behalf of the Snohomish County
Health District, for their support. He appreciated the City's support not only as an employee of the
Health District for 25 years but also as a resident of Edmonds.
hambers 4. UPDATE ON CHAMBERS CABLE
able
Community Services Director Paul Mar explained two years ago the City entered into a franchise
agreement with Chambers Cable, which included replacing the cable system. During the past 17 months,
the City has been working with Chambers Cable and their contractors on the rebuild.
Jack Gradwohl, Area Manager, Chambers Cable, explained the first part of the rebuild required replacing
all the aerial cables. He displayed a graph illustrating the total aerial rebuild miles (coaxial cable),
divided into five phases. He said aerial construction on phases 1 - 4 has been completed, only about 10
miles of aerial construction remains to be compjeted in Snohomish County. He displayed a graph of the
underground miles, noting there are a total of 50 miles of underground cables in Snohomish County, 20
of which are in Edmonds. Each of the 40 nodes in Edmonds has a small underground section;
approximately 13 miles of underground right -of -way work has been completed in Edmonds. He said
none of the nodes could be activated until the aerial and underground portions are complete.
Mr. Gradwohl explained the next portion of the project will be the fiber overlay, which they are working
on now. He displayed a map of Edmonds, identifying the fiber run from the new head office at Harbor
Square to the furthest point in North Meadowdale. There will also be a short fiber run to downtown
Edmonds that will be constructed first. He explained once the fiber rum is completed, they will begin to
activate individual nodes. He displayed a map illustrating the order in which nodes would be activated.
Activation will begin in the north to allow them to "wreck out" the old cable system as the new system is
activated. He noted installation of the fiber optics would begin Monday, March 30. Construction has
begun at the new head end office at Harbor Square including installation of nine satellite dishes in the old
marine engine supply yard as well as a 100 kw stand -by generator, which will provide power in the event
of a power outage in the Harbor Square area. This will prevent the head end from ever going out again.
In addition to the coaxial cable, 64 stand -by power supplies are being installed throughout Snohomish
County to power nodes for up to three hours in the event of a power outage.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 24, 1998
Page 2
Councilmember Earling observed the original time line was three years and said it appeared the rebuild
was on schedule or slightly ahead. He noted the most commonly asked question is when will service
begin and remarked this is the first indication that a certain area would be operational first. He asked
when this area was expected to be operational. Mr. Gradwohl answered they anticipate service will be
activated in that area (node 105 - North Meadowdale) within 90 -120 days.
Councilmember Earling noted service would then be activated moving toward the City Center, to the
south and toward the Shoreline area. Mr. Gradwohl stressed the most intensive portion of the project,
hanging the new coaxial cable on the utility poles, has been completed. Now only completion of the
fiber optics and the head end office remain. Once that is complete, the new signals will be activated and
both the old and new cable systems will be operational. The feed to each home will then be traded from
the old system to the new system and then the first node will be activated.
Councilmember Earling suggested Mr. Gradwohl provide another update once node 105 is activated. He
observed it appeared it would be a year until the rebuild was complete. Mr. Gradwohl said his personal
goal is 8 - 9 months maximum to have the new service completely operational.
Councilmember Earling observed Chambers Cable attempted to notify neighborhoods of the project as it
moved throughout their area. Although there were a few "bumpy moments," Councilmember Earling
said the project proceeded remarkably well and expressed his appreciation for Chambers Cable making
and keeping their commitment. Mr.. Gradwohl noted some personnel changes were made in the project
management supervision following the last meeting.
Mayor Fahey said a question arose recently regarding the aerial coaxial cable and the perception that the
entire system would be fiber optic. She asked how coaxial cable could be used and still provide all the
new channels. Mr. Gradwohl explained the RG6 coaxial cable, used for the "house drop" (service from
the curb to the side of the home) for the past ten years, can deliver all the services they ever hope to
provide on the cable system and do not need to be replaced. There are 40 nodes in Edmonds, each
serving approximately 500 homes; each node has a series of dedicated fiber optic lines. In the future, it
may be possible to reduce the number of homes the fiber will serve but they do not believe this will ever,
be necessary. He explained compression technology will allow eight digital channels in the future in the
space where one analog channel is provided today. This may increase to 12 - 24 digital channels in the
future.
Mayor Fahey asked whether additional channel capacity would be available as each area was activated or
if the additional channel capacity was available only after the entire system was activated. Mr. Gradwohl
said additional channel capacity would be available as each node is activated. He said there likely would
be a free preview of all services to allow residents an opportunity to make a decision regarding the
services they want.
Mayor Fahey recalled there was a potential for 72 channels and asked how many channels in addition to
the current 35 would be provided. Mr. Gradwohl said they are still fine - tuning the line -up. He said there
would likely be a 70 channel basic service plus premium and pay- per -view services.
Mr. Gradwohl noted staff has been great to work with and he was excited the project was this close to
completion.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 24, 1998
Page 3
Mayor Fahey observed the head end would be located in Harbor Square in the old marine engine yard.
She asked what residents could expect to see installed there. Mr. Gradwohl said nine 3.7 -meter satellite
dishes would be installed in the old marine yard. He said the old head end site would be maintained due
to the good reception of the broadcast channels (4, 5, 7, and 9) and those signals would be imported to
the new site via fiber optics.
Mayor Fahey thanked Mr. Gradwohl for providing an update, noting the residents are anxiously awaiting
the new service. She commented the project has gone quite well and appreciated Chambers Cable's
efforts regarding this project. Mr. Gradwohl said the next update would include more details regarding
channel line -ups, etc.
Traffic 5. APPROVAL OF TRAFFIC ENGINEER POSITION
Engineer
Position Human Resources Director Brent Hunter explained this request was reviewed by the Human Resources
Committee in December and in February who recommended it be brought to the full Council for review.
He noted the Council packet included the Traffic Engineer's job description as well as the draft minutes
from the Human Resources Committee. He explained the Traffic Engineer position was identified in the
Human Resources Plan that was adopted last year. The consultant, Phil Kushlan, recommended the City
have a dedicated professional Traffic Engineer due to traffic issues. Mr. Kushlan also stated there was
an individual on staff that met the credentials for the Traffic Engineer. This individual has an advanced
degree in Traffic Engineering and also has his Professional Engineering certificate. The Human
Resources Committee considered the position on a five -year basis; the packet includes a spreadsheet
identifying the cost over a five -year period. In the first year (1998), the position would be funded
utilizing an existing position in the Engineering Department as well as funds set aside for consultant fees.
This change would result in a net gain of approximately $8,000 in the first year. The 1998 budget
includes a new Engineer position in the Engineering Department, which will be filled by approximately
May 1. The Traffic Engineer position is a non - represented position at pay grade E15, the same pay level
as the other professional engineers in the Engineering Department. A revision to the job description of
the Engineering Coordinator position, who has done traffic engineering in the past, will be reviewed by
the Human Resources Committee. The Engineering Coordinator would be reassigned to review of
development proposals and capital improvement projects.
COUNCILMEMBER EARLING MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MILLER, FOR
APPROVAL OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEER POSITION. MOTION CARRIED.
6. MAYOR'S REPORT
National Mayor Fahey reported on the National League of Cities (NLC) meeting she attended a few weeks ago.
League of She now serves on the Community and Economic Development Committee; one of the primary reasons
Cities
Meeting she moved to this committee was their active pursuit of an amendment to the Fair Housing Act. She
explained, as a result of the Oxford House decision from the Supreme Court in 1995, the City did not
have the ability to regulate group homes locating in residential communities. She said the goal was not
Group to prevent group homes from locating in residential communities but to ensure the effects of their
Homes existence are mitigated and that they are reasonably spaced and reasonably supervised to prevent
negative impacts on the community. She said in 1996, a large number of citizens expressed concern
about the number of group homes being located in the Seaview area. Since that time, this has become a
problem throughout the entire state. She noted in one instance, one operator purchased all the homes in a
cul -de -sac and began operating a for - profit business in a residential community without any regulatory
supervision, which had detrimental effects on the community. She said the Supreme Court ruling stated
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 24, 1998
Page 4
any group of disabled people living in a common environment constituted a family and standards could
not be imposed on a group home that is not imposed on a family. The NLC Community and Economic
Development Committee is working on an amendment to the Fair Housing Act that defines what
constitutes a family and returns local zoning control to cities to allow some regulation on locating these
facilities. She said this effort is supported by cities throughout the United States. As a result of the
Committee's efforts, a bill is under consideration by the House Judiciary Committee and they expect will
ultimately go for a floor vote. Several Washington State Representatives are co- sponsoring the bill. The
bill will then need to be considered by the Senate as well.
sections
ertificates Ma y or Fahey said the NLC Community and Economic Development Committee is also addressing the
problem of Section 8 certificates that have traditionally been attached to structures. These have run their
20 -year course and there is a proposal to allocate Section 8 certificates to the individuals living in these
buildings. This will give owners the capability of turning their buildings into fair market housing, likely
resulting in the inability for these individuals to find housing in the community. The Committee is
bringing these concerns to HUD and requesting they provide more stability in Section 8 certificates,
particularly in the area of low income subsidized housing for seniors.
Sales Tax Mayor Fahey said the NLC meeting also included briefings on other issues taking place'in Congress,
n the some of which will negatively impact cities if their position is not known such as the possibility of a
Internet moratorium on sales tax on the Internet which would have a very negative impact on small community
'nking businesses. The EPA is considering new drinking water standards, which would impact cities and
Water concerns, must be expressed regarding the cost to implement the standards and notifications if the new
[Standards standards are implemented. Edmonds spoke in favor of ISTEA funding and networked with the
ISTEA Congressional delegation for ISTEA funding for the multimodal project. She noted it was a very intense,
Funding productive four days and said the meetings are worthwhile due to information that increases her ability to
consider issues as they will impact Edmonds, to be actively involved in the national effort of cities to
inform Congress how their decisions impact cities, and to provide input in the legislative process before
unfunded mandates are passed.
7. INDIVIDUAL COUNCIL REPORTS/UPDATES ON RESPECTIVE BOARD MEETINGS
National Councilmember White reported he serves on the NLC Public Safety Crime Prevention Committee. The
League of purpose of the recent meeting was to establish what policy would be analyzed over the next several
Cities - months refined and brought to Congress. He noted one of the rims interests of several delegates was
Public � g gr primary g
Safety domestic terrorism although several other issues were advanced including allocating and reserving
Committee spectrum bands for public safety. As a result of the committee's work, spectrum bands will be reserved
for public safety use only throughout the nation at no cost. He noted there were many other issues that
he would address in a memo to the Council.
Health Councilmember Nordquist, who serves on the Health District Board, thanked the City for the
District proclamation declaring April 9 -12 as Public Health Week. He praised Police Chief Robin Hickok and
oars Assistant Police Chief Al Compaan for their efforts on the ordinance prohibiting possession of cigarettes
by a minor. He noted Edmonds received a lot of recognition by the Health District for taking this action.
He reported the Health District is involved in many areas including Tuberculosis. He said the heavy
metal dumping site as well as others are being scrutinized by the Environmental Health Division of the
Health District as well as State staff. He noted the Health District is also becoming increasingly involved
in cancer awareness.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 24, 1998
Page 5
Councilmember Miller reported on the South Snohomish County Fire District Consolidation Committee.
Vho,i,h He said the Phase I report of the Consolidation Study was presented to the committee, which indicated
there are significant advantages and few disadvantages to consolidated fire service in South Snohomish
County. He explained the towns of Brier and Woodway and the cities of Mountlake Terrace and
Edmonds and Fire District 111 are participating in the study. He remained disappointed that the City of
°°
mmittee Lynnwood continued to decline the offer to participate in the study; however, even without Lynnwood,
Co
there are a number of advantages to consolidation. Issues still to be addressed are governance
mechanisms, how an operational entity would be created, how the existing collective bargaining units
would be merged, and how methods of firefighting would be standardized. He noted the study included
meeting with the collective bargaining units and determined they are in favor of continued consideration
of the consolidation study. He said the Committee's next meeting is April 18 and encouraged members
of the public and/or Councilmembers to contact him with concerns /questions.
ommunity Councilmember Earling announced Community Transit was given one of five 2020 Awards for the four
ransit county area by the Puget Sound Regional Council for the design and construction of the new base in
South Everett. He said two of the five projects that were acknowledged were in South Snohomish
County, the other project was the wetland bank program near Paine Field. He said Community Transit is
considering fare adjustments; these would be the first adjustments considered since 1991. He
encouraged citizens to provide input regarding the fares under consideration, noting the Board likely
would act on the fare adjustments at their April meeting.
IRTA Councilmember Earling reported he was in Washington DC a few weeks ago as the Senate was enacting
the new ISTEA entitlement program for the next six years that benefits highways and transit. Senators
Gorton and Murray have tried to change the philosophy of the ISTEA legislation and were successful,
along with other Senators, in adding $400 million to the New Starts Program which will benefit the RTA.
He noted Seattle and Orlando are being recognized as the next two cities to establish new systems. The
Senate action takes this legislation to the House who will try to act on it by the end of April with the
hope that the new authorization will be enacted by May (but could take until September).
Port of Councilmember Plunkett reported the Department of Ecology made a surprise inspection of the Port of
!Edmonds Edmonds which they passed. He reported all salvaging on the waterside of the Port has been completed
and the north marina has been completed with the exception of parking. Paving and striping of parking
areas will be delayed until after the summer boating season. A committee has been formed to hire a
financial consultant to assist in determining the economics of the dry stack storage. The Port would like
to have a representative from the City serve on the committee. He noted no construction on the dry stack
storage would be undertaken until an easement with Unocal is resolved. The Port is also interested in
encouraging more economic diversity and is reviewing new regulations that would encourage more
diverse charter boats such as pleasure cruises and sailing. In addition, the Port voted to remodel their
restrooms to meet ADA standards at a cost of $20,000.
Student Student Representative Lisa Shin reported the new high school will be completed at the end of April;
Rep.
moving will begin during spring break and students will move in next fall.
ities & Mayor Fahey encouraged Councilmembers to attend the Snohomish County Cities and Towns dinner in
owns Arlington on Thursday, March 26.
ner
Mayor Fahey pointed out there would be no Council meeting on Tuesday, March 31, as it is the fifth
Tuesday of the month. She announced there would be a gathering of all the governing structures in
South Snohomish County (the Hospital District, School District, Edmonds Community College, and all
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 24, 1998
Page 6
cities) on Tuesday, March 31 in Triton Hall at Edmonds Community College. She advised this group
meets every month to discuss ways to work together to benefit the community. She said this gathering
would include a description of what has taken place over the past few years and what is planned for the
near future. The featured speaker is Seattle City Councilmember Sue Donaldson who will share the
concept of America's Promise, the national effort to enhance the opportunities for youth to be successful
as they move into their adult lives.
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
BARBARA S. FAHEY, MAYO
SANDRA S. CHASE, CITY CLERK
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 24, 1998
Page 7
1
AGENDA
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL
Plaza Meeting Room - Library Building
650 Main Street
7:00 10:00 p.m.
MARCH 24, 1998
WORK MEETING
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 MARCH 17, 1998
(C) APPROVAL OF CLAIM WARRANTS #21431 THRU #23907 FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 16, 1998, IN
THE AMOUNT OF $132,811.13. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL WARRANTS #19851 THRU #19989 FOR
THE PERIOD OF MARCH 1 THRU MARCH 15, 1998, IN THE AMOUNT OF $342,039.54.
(D) ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES FROM ALEXIS AND DAN LANE ($1,194.97),
AND ROBERTA M. MOSELEY (Amount Undetermined)
(E) REPORT ON THE GENERAL FUND FINANCIAL POSITION FOR THE PERIOD ENDED FEBRUARY 28,
1998
(F) COUNCIL APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS ($28,202.00) FOR THE UPGRADE OF THE SCADA SYSTEM
AT THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
(G) APPROVAL OF ADDENDUM TO CONTRACT FOR COMMISSIONING OF ARTWORK FOR PUBLIC
SAFETY COMPLEX
3. (100n.) PROCLAMATION IN RECOGNITION OF PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK (APRIL 6 —12)
4. (10 Min.) UPDATE ON CHAMBERS CABLE
5. (10 Min.) APPROVAL OF TRAFFIC ENGINEER POSITION
6. (5 Min.) MAYOR'S REPORT
7. (15 Min.) INDIVIDUAL COUNCIL REPORTSIUPDATES 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 32. Delayed telecast of this meeting appears the following
Wednesday. Friday and Monday at noon on Channel 32.