04/27/1999 City CouncilEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
APRIL 27, 1999
Following a Special Meeting at 5:45 p.m. to dedicate the auxiliary generator at the Wastewater
Treatment Plant, 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
Gary Haakenson, Council President
Dave Earling, Councilmember
John Nordquist, Councilmember
Michael Plunkett, Councilmember
Jim White, Councilmember
Dick Van Hollebeke, Councilmember
Thomas A. Miller, Councilmember
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
STAFF PRESENT
Robin Hickok, Police Chief
Paul Mar, Community Services Director
Ray Miller, Development Services Director
Peggy Hetzler, Administrative Services Director
Rob Chave, Planning Manager
Jeff Wilson, Planning Supervisor
James Walker, City Engineer
Stephen Koho, Wastewater Treatment Plant Mgr.
Brent Hunter, Human Resources Director
Sandy Chase, City Clerk
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
COUNCIL PRESIDENT HAAKENSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER VAN
HOLLEBEKE, TO ADD A PRESENTATION OF EMPLOYEE SUGGESTION AWARDS AS
ITEM 3B. MOTION CARRIED.
COUNCILMEMBER VAN HOLLEBEKE MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
PLUNKETT, FOR APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED.
2. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
Council President Haakenson requested Item B be removed from the Consent Agenda. Councilmember
Nordquist requested Item K be removed, and Councilmember Miller requested Item G be removed.
COUNCILMEM 3ER VAN HOLLEBEKE MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
NORDQUIST, FOR APPROVAL OF THE REMAINING CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS. MOTION
CARRIED. The agenda items approved are as follows:
(A) ROLL CALL
Claim (C) APPROVAL OF CLAIM WARRANTS #29376 THROUGH #32383 FOR THE WEEK OF
Warrants APRIL 19, 1999, IN THE AMOUNT OF $345,133.26. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
Approved WARRANTS #23989 THROUGH #24109 FOR THE PERIOD APRIL 1 THROUGH
APRIL 15, 1999, IN THE AMOUNT OF $446,703.34.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 27, 1999
Page 1
1
laim for
(D) ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FROM RAY F. JOHNSON
mages
($690.00)
port on
(E) REPORT ON GENERAL FUND FINANCIAL POSITION FOR THE PERIOD ENDED
neral Fund
MARCH 31, 1999
[der Street (F) REPORT ON FINAL CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR THE ALDER STREET SEWER
ewer lmprv. LINE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AND COUNCIL ACCEPTANCE OF PROJECT
EIU Labor (H) APPROVAL OF SEIU LABOR AGREEMENT AND AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR
greement TO SIGN
I o ddendum (1) AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN ADDENDUM TO STATE CONTRACT
State #04198 FOR SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED TO EDMONDS MUNICIPAL COURT
ontract
(J) AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO ACCEPT RIGHT -OF -WAY DEDICATION FOR
edicati on
crept o SHORT PLAT #S -98 -119 OFF 98TH AVENUE WEST NEAR 227TH PLACE SOUTHWEST
es (L) RESOLUTION NO. 950 INCREASING THE FEES FOR IN- LIEU -OF- PARKING SPACES
n Lieu ieu of f
[Parking
rd. 3249 (N) ORDINANCE NO. 3249 CHANGING THE EDMONDS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Ire: 19.00.110 CODE SECTION 19.00.110 TO ALLOW FOR CONCURRENT SUBMITTAL AND
REVIEW OF BUILDING PERMITS WITH DISCRETIONARY PERMITS
Item B: Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes of April 20,1999
20/99ed Council President Haakenson advised he was not present at the April 20, 1999 Council meeting and
inutes would abstain from approval of the minutes.
COUNCILMEMBER MILLER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER VAN
HOLLEBEKE, FOR APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEM_B. MOTION CARRIED. THE
VOTE WAS 6 VOTING IN FAVOR AND COUNCIL PRESIDENT HAAKENSON ABSTAINING.
The item approved is as follows:
(B) APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 20, 1999
1999 Water Item G: Report on Bids Opened March 2, 1999, for the 1999 Water Main Replacement Program -
ain Phase I and Award of Contract to Kar -Vel Construction Company for Schedules A & B
e lacemen ($167,304.18, Including Sales Tax)
Councilmember Miller observed there was some concern with regard to the low bidder based on work
they did for the City in 1990/1991. One of the attachments was a copy of the letter the City sent to the
contractor regarding the concerns with that work and their lack of response to telephone calls. Due to
their lack of response to warranty requests, City crews performed the work. Councilmember Miller
asked if the contractor reimbursed the City for the cost of making the repairs. Mr. Walker answered yes.
Councilmember Miller asked if the action plan submitted by the low bidder rectified any concerns the
City had. Mr. Walker said their references were checked thoroughly; some who had concerns with their
past work quality now state they are doing suitable work.
COUNCILMEMBER MILLER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER VAN
HOLLEBEKE, FOR APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEM G. MOTION CARRIED. The
item approved is as follows:
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 27, 1999
Page 2
(G) REPORT ON BIDS OPENED MARCH 2, 1999 FOR THE 1999 WATER MAIN
REPLACEMENT PROGRAM - PHASE I AND AWARD OF CONTRACT TO KAR -VEL
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY FOR SCHEDULES A & B ($167,304.18, INCLUDING
SALES TAX)
es 951 Item K• Resolution No. 951 Adding the ICMA Retirement Corporation to the Deferred
egarding Compensation Plan for the City of Edmonds Employees
CMA Councilmember Nordquist asked Human Resources Director Brent Hunter to provide a brief profile
regarding the ICMA Retirement Corporation. Mr. Hunter explained deferred compensation is a
voluntary employee benefit that has no cost to the City. It is a tax shelter equivalent to a 401k in the
private sector. He explained ICMA, International City Manager's Association, is a counterpart of the
U.S. Conference of Mayors, another widely known plan. He displayed an overview of the ICMA
Retirement Corporation illustrating the cities they represent and their assets. Mr. Hunter explained in
Washington State there are approximately 225 cities represented by a staff of nine. One of the reasons
the City is interested in ICMA is the service they provide. He said the City works with two other
vendors, U.S. Conference of Mayors and the State of Washington, who do not provide a great deal of
local service.
Mr. Hunter displayed a list of neighboring cities that participate in ICMA including Everett, Lynnwood,
Bothell, Lake Forest Park, Kirkland, Bellevue, King and Snohomish Counties. He said employees from
other cities who have recently been hired by Edmonds asked if the City utilized this vendor as they liked
the service they provided. He explained ICMA provides a range of investment options but the main
benefit provided by ICMA, which has not been provided by any other vendor, is the state of the art
record keeping system that allows the City to access its accounts on a 24 -hour basis by telephone or
Internet. They also provide the best retirement planning/education programs available. For those
reasons, staff recommends adding the ICMA Retirement Corporation to the Deferred Compensation Plan
for Edmonds employees.
COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER VAN .
HOLLEBEKE, FOR APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEM K MOTION CARRIED. The
item approved is as follows:
(K) RESOLUTION NO. 951 ADDING THE ICMA RETIREMENT CORPORATION TO THE
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN FOR THE CITY OF EDMONDS EMPLOYEES
clamation 3. PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING MAY 8 1999 AS "FOOD FOR THE HUNGRY DAY" (FOOD
Food for the DRIVE SPONSORED BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LETTER CARRIERS AND
un Da UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE)
Mayor Fahey read a proclamation declaring May 8, 1999 as "Food for the Hungry Day" and urged the
citizens of Edmonds to participate with their letter carrier on that day by placing non - perishable food by
their mailbox for collection by the carriers. Mayor Fahey presented the proclamation to Jim Reid, U.S.
Postal Service, Edmonds Branch.
Mr. Reid said last year the letter carriers picked up over 132,000 pounds of food for the hungry and they
would like to exceed that amount this year.
Employee 3B. PRESENTATION OF EMPLOYEE SUGGESTION AWARD
Suggestion
Award Mayor Fahey explained a number of years ago a new Treatment Plant was built in Edmonds due to the
necessity for secondary treatment. At that time, the plant was designed with two service units to provide
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 27, 1999
Page 3
electricity to the plant due to the belief that if the service from one direction was interrupted, the service
coming from the other direction would keep the plant operational. Unfortunately, experience showed
when electrical power goes down, it occurs throughout the City and often both PUD service points are
not functioning. The need for a backup generator at the Treatment Plant became apparent and ultimately
the Council approved and authorized the expenditure of funds for a generator for the Treatment Plant.
Mayor Fahey pointed out the Treatment Plant is a regional plant that provides service not only to
Edmonds but also Mountlake Terrace, part of the Ronald Sewer District, as well as a Metro swap. She
said the City is proud of the well -run treatment plant operated by Treatment Plant Manager Stephen
Koho. She commented the Treatment Plant is recognized nationally as one of the best facilities and has
received many awards. Further, under Mr. Koho's leadership, many things have been done to improve
the plant's function. She recognized Mr. Koho for his efforts to maintain the Treatment Plant and
congratulated him on the fine installation of the generator. She said prior to the Council meeting, the
Council, Treatment Plant staff and some members of the public dedicated the auxiliary generator at the
Treatment Plant, which included a manual start of the generator. She explained the generator had
already had a successful test when the power outage occurred on March 3, when both power sources
were interrupted. The system switched to the auxiliary generator and service was not interrupted.
Mr. Koho complimented the staff of the Treatment Plant for their efforts. He explained the generator
that was installed is 1500 kW, is. sized to handle 100% of the plant load, and is located in a single
location. He said at one time two different locations were considered for the generator but one piece of
equipment was deemed easier to install and maintain. He said as the area continues to develop and flows
increase, the generator will still have adequate capacity.
Mayor Fahey said the original estimate for installation of the generator indicated it could have been as
high as $750,000. Mayor Fahey explained the City has a Suggestion Award Program that monetarily
recognizes employees who develop innovative and creative solutions that save the City significant
amounts of money. Although the Treatment Plant staff does routine maintenance, installation of the
generator required a great deal of thinking "outside the box," even more so than the engineers hired to
assist with the process. The consulting engineer recommended two different installation sites for the new
generator and both were a considerable distance away from its connection to the plant distribution panel.
The Maintenance Department suggested the generator could fit in an existing building if a redundant
piece of equipment was removed. This was presented to the engineers for the design of the installation,
who felt it was the best option available. They said that savings of greater than $100,000 was realized by
not installing a separate building further from the connections and particularly by not installing long runs
of very large diameter cable (or solid copper bussing) to handle the large amount of electricity running
through it. After the new location was chosen, another problem regarding the location of a radiator
(approximately 8 feet high and 8 feet wide) and its supporting fan was encountered. The engineers
assumed this would be mounted on the roof with additional expense incurred to install coolant piping a
great distance. It was explained to the engineer that something that large and noisy . could not be
mounted on top of the building in a view corridor. Again it was the Maintenance Department who
suggested the radiator approach be scrapped in favor of a liquid heat exchanger. The heat exchanger idea
was accepted and installed just a few feet from the generator. This innovative approach saved money on
the purchase and installation of a radiator, as well as the possible ramifications in terms of view, noise,
ADB and height restrictions.. In addition, the maintenance staff underbid the cost of installing other
equipment and ultimately installed it using their own plan,.which eliminated the cost of developing a
plan for the installation.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 27, 1999
Page 4
Mayor Fahey summarized not only did the Treatment Plant staff save the City money, their innovative
and creative solutions resulted in a better product. She congratulated the employees for their efforts and
the pride they take in making the Treatment Plant an extraordinary facility. She said the total amount
awarded is $1,615; each employee will receive slightly over $300. She presented the suggestion awards
to Kirk Vick, Paul Radtke, Curt Zuvela, Jim Nordquist, and Al Thompson.
pdate on 4. UPDATE ON SELF - INSURANCE HEALTH BENEFIT FUND
Self-
Human Resources Director Brent Hunter explained this was the quarterly report 'on the City's medical
self - insurance program. The City has been in the program slightly over 18 months; this is the second
quarter of the second plan year because the plan year begins in October. He displayed a graph
illustrating the positive cash flow, premiums and claims. He pointed out the gap between claims and
cash flow shows a cash balance of $228,000 as of the end of March. After a rocky first year, the plan is
having a successful first half of its second year. He said last month the State Risk Manager audited the
plan as required with a self - insurance program. The draft audit report recommends the City establish a
claim reserve for Incurred But Not Reported (IBNR) claims and include it in the City's annual financial
statement. This has been done by calculating the claims incurred in 1998 and paid in 1999, which
resulted in an IBNR of $133,000. He explained reserve is necessary because if the City should ever stop
the self - insurance program, the City would be responsible for claims incurred before the insurance was
stopped. The audit report also recommends an additional contingency be established and staff is in the
process of making recommendations to the State Risk Manager. The City's consultant believes the
recommended 12 -14% contingency is high and a 6 -8% additional contingency will likely be established.
Mr. Hunter said the City continues to experience problems with claims administration. Although he
reported during the last update that this would be improving, it has continued due to the change from
AWC to the Regence plan in 1998. He said the City is beginning to see the deeper discounts anticipated
by changing to the Regence plan; further information will be available at the next update.
Council President Haakenson said the narrative indicated there were large claims in March but the graph
indicates higher claims in January, February and March and the cash flow appears to be trending
downward. He asked if any problems were anticipated in April such as the cash flow and claims
meeting. Mr. Hunter said he was aware of one more large claim in April. He said there have not been
any large, ongoing claims that will continue. He explained last year the City experienced at least three
claims in excess of $40,000. Although the City will continue to see claims in the $15,000 range, they are
not continuous claims.
Councilmember Van Hollebeke, a member of the self - insurance health plan committee, clarified
although employees' identification cards identified their health plan as Regence Blue Shield Preferred
Plan, the plan is administered by a third party administrator, Healthcare Management Administrators, not
by Regence. During a recent tour of the Healthcare Management Administrators' office, he was
impressed with the efficiency of their system that allows limited access to ensure privacy. He explained
the committee's monitoring of claims indicates large claims are one -time claims and not major
catastrophic illnesses.
pdate on 5. UPDATE ON CHAMBERS CABLE
hambers
able Community Services Director Paul Mar recalled at the time of Chambers Cable's last update, the Council
requested an update the day after the project was to be completed (April 26). He said the Council packet
includes relevant pages from the franchise agreement.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 27, 1999
Page 5
Jack Gradwohl Area Manager Chambers Cable, 190 W Dayton Street, Ste. 201, Edmonds, said
construction of the rebuild in the right -of -way is complete. They continue to work on the physical
transfer of the drops from the old cable system to the new cable system. This requires a visit to each
home, apartment, or condominium to physically transfer them from the old system to the new system.
Once that transfer is complete, each home is evaluated on an individual basis to determine if additional
work is necessary. There are approximately 13,000 active /inactive drops in the City; 7,000 have been
completed. Approximately 200 are done per day by 20 drop crews. They are attempting to increase the
number of drop crews to assist in the transfers. Overall, the new product has been well received.
Approximately 50 customers are using Video -On -Demand and testing was finalized on the digital tier
today and it will be offered to customers shortly. In approximately two months, they anticipate offering
the cable modem product.
Councilmember Van Hollebeke said although he has been informed he has the new service, he is unable
to access the additional channels on his television set. He recalled Chambers Cable offered instruction
services. He asked if a list of the new channels was available. Mr. Gradwohl said channel cards are
available that indicate which networks are on which channels. He explained once a transfer is complete,
a door hanger is provided informing the resident that their service has been transferred; the back of the
door hanger contains a channel list. Each customer also receives information by mail informing them of
the transfer and providing a channel listing. He explained Chambers Cable offers assistance with
reprogramming but a minimum charge is necessary.
Councilmember Earling said although Mr. Gradwohl indicated in his view the system is installed, 6,000
residents have not been hooked up to the new service. Councilmember Earling asked if the City
Attorney had determined whether the system is built out according to the franchise agreement. Mr. Mar
answered the City Attorney has requested specific technical information from Chambers Cable. One of
the City's rights within the franchise agreement is to notify Chambers Cable that the City wants to
evaluate how the rebuild has been completed. This requires providing Chambers Cable sufficient notice
as well as a qualified consultant to evaluate the system to determine if it complies with the terms of the
franchise agreement regarding rebuild. It also requires the City Attorney to present a resolution to the
City Council, which could be done next week if the Council wished.
Councilmember Earling recalled if the system is not complete, there are potential penalties of $500 per
day. He understood that penalty would not be effective until 30 days after the date the rebuild was to
have been completed. Mr. Mar said the penalty would be imposed only after due process, which
includes an investigation, and public hearing at which evidence would be presented.
Councilmember Earling said it was appropriate to have a report from .the City Attorney. Mr. Mar said
that would be placed on next week's agenda.
Council President Haakenson recalled Mr. Gradwohl referred to 13,000 drops in the City and asked if
there were 13,000 customers. Mr. Gradwohl answered no; there are 10,000 to 11,000 customers. He
explained if a customer disconnects, the drop between the utility pole and their home remains. In order
to complete the transfer to the new cable system, even disconnected drops must be transferred to the new
system to allow Chambers to wreck out the old system. Council President Haakenson asked how many
subscribers there are in the City. Mr. Gradwohl answered 11,000. Council President Haakenson asked
how many customers the 6,000 drops represented. Mr. Gradwohl answered approximately 5,000
customers.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 27, 1999
Page 6
Mayor Fahey asked Mr. Gradwohl to again explain (for new viewers) why residents have to pay for and
receive all 72 channels and why it is not possible for Chambers Cable to provide a smaller package of
channels. Mr. Gradwohl answered the results of several surveys of Chambers' customers indicated the
overwhelming desire for a large increase in the number of channels, maintaining a system that is as
simple as possible without the use of converter box technology and providing service in a whole -house
solution. The only way to do that is via the basic service that is being provided. A customer pays the
new rate of $31.95 and receives all 72 channels on all televisions in their home.
6. MAYOR'S REPORT
Mayor Fahey had the following reports:
dmonds in • Students from Madrona School joined with adult members of Edmonds in Bloom and the staff of the
loom Amtrak station to beautify the area around the Amtrak station. An extensive number of plantings
Amtrak Proj.
were installed and in a few days another group of students will join the Edmonds in Bloom
volunteers to add more plantings. The staff of the Amtrak station will maintain the plantings, which
will provide a beautiful entry to the City for Amtrak passengers. Mayor Fahey expressed the City's
appreciation to the students of Madrona School and the Edmonds in Bloom organization.
Garden Club • The Floretum Garden Club, founders of the hanging basket concept in the City, planted the hanging
Hanging baskets at City Park today. Mayor Fahey expressed her appreciation for the members of the Garden
Baskets Club for planting the hanging baskets as well as their upcoming plans to plant the City's corner
gardens.
candinavia • Saturday, May 1 is the first official Spring/Summer festival, the fourth annual Scandinavian Festival.
Festival The festival includes a Scandinavian breakfast at the Masonic Center, a troll stroll beginning at 1:00,
and crafts, dancing and other events throughout the day. Mayor Fahey said the City has issued a
proclamation declaring all visitors to Edmonds as honorary trolls for the day.
[Road . The official dedication of the interior main road on the Edmonds - Woodway High School campus as
edication Warrior Way will be held on Wednesday, May 5 at 8:00 a.m.
ep from ' A representative from Bonn, Germany, will be meeting with Mayor Fahey on May 5 (3:00 - 4:00
Germany p.m.) as part of an ongoing exchange program. The City frequently welcomes visitors to the United
States who .are exploring how city government works.
7. INDIVIDUAL COUNCIL REPORTS/UPDATES ON RESPECTIVE BOARD MEETINGS
COUNCILMEMBER VAN HOLLEBEKE MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
MILLER, TO EXCUSE COUNCIL PRESIDENT HAAKENSON FROM THE MEETINGS OF
APRIL 13 AND 20. MOTION CARRIED. THE VOTE WAS 6 VOTING IN FAVOR AND
COUNCIL PRESIDENT HAAKENSON ABSTAINING.
isioning Councilmember Van Hollebeke announced the follow -up report on the visioning process will be
rocess presented on Wednesday, May 19 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Edmonds Theater. He encouraged
citizens to attend to hear the report on the consultant's findings from the study. In addition,
Councilmember Van Hollebeke stated that he participated in a Multiple Sclerosis fund raising walk on
April 17. He reported the walk was a resounding success and raised the most money of any organization
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 27, 1999
Page 7
in the state of Washington (over 500 participants raised $60,000). Councilmember Van Hollebeke next
cade reported he attended the last Monday night Cascade Symphony performance. 'He explained next season
phony the Symphony will have their performances on Sunday afternoons and will encourage attendees to come
to Edmonds by providing discounts on food and shopping. He encouraged residents to get season tickets.
arking Councilmember Plunkett said he has had several telephone calls during the past week regarding the
Garage/3 Hr downtown parking garage, 3 -hour parking, and ferry commuter parking. Although he enjoyed talking
Parking with residents, he encouraged them to attend the Downtown Parking Committee's meetings to voice their
concerns. Their next meeting is May 5 at 3:30 p.m. at City Hall.
ealth Dist. Councilmember Nordquist, a member of the Snohomish Health District Board, reported the District is
oard becoming more of an educational organization and its present focus is cancer, particularly providing
information on colon and prostate cancer. He encouraged the public to have a cancer check -up.
Mayor Fahey encouraged residents to visit the City's website (www.ci.edmonds.wa.us) which has a great
deal of information regarding city events
Joint Mtg 8. JOINT MEETING WITH THE PLANNING BOARD
with Plan-
ing 13rd Planning Boardmembers present were Virginia Cassett, John Dewhirst, Joanne Langedorfer, Beverly
Lindh and Bruce Witenberg.
Council President Haakenson requested the Planning Board's extended agenda be provided to the
Council on a monthly basis. Following a brief discussion regarding the delay in providing the Planning
Board's minutes to the Council, it was agreed a draft copy of the minutes would be provided to the
Council.
Boardmember Dewhirst said it would be helpful for the Planning Board to know 1) the process by which
issues come to the Board and whether there are particular issues the Planning Board should consider, and
2) the different ways recommendations from the Planning Board can be reviewed (i.e. by Council
committee, by the full Council, etc.)
Council President Haakenson said advising who generates an issue could be provided in the Planning
Board packet. Boardmember Dewhirst agreed but said information regarding alternatives the Council
wants reviewed would be helpful so that nothing is overlooked. He stressed he was not suggesting the
Council tell the Planning Board how to decide an issue but seeking assistance so that the Planning Board
could be thorough when considering an issue.
Mr. Dewhirst said it would be helpful for the Planning Board to know the reason an item is being
presented to the Planning Board (i.e. due to complaints, the need to review an old ordinance that does not
reflect the current environment, etc.). Councilmember Van Hollebeke suggested the Planning Board's
packet include an agenda memo in a format similar to what is provided to the Council. Boardmember
Dewhirst agreed this would be helpful.
Councilmember White expressed concern with providing too much direction to the Planning Board to
avoid their making a decision based on the Council's direction. Boardmember Dewhirst pointed out the
diversity of backgrounds and opinions on the Planning Board would prevent that. He said the intent is to
ensure the Planning Board has not overlooked an issue /direction that the referring source wished to have
them consider. He said the Planning Board recognizes its function, independence, and the value it has to
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 27, 1999
Page 8
the Council by making recommendations but also wants to do their job thoroughly and not overlook
items the Council or staff want considered.
Councilmember Earling said if the Council provides too much direction, it may appear they are trying to
control the outcome. He preferred to maintain the Planning Board's independence and said when the
Council receives the Planning Board's recommendation, the Council still makes its own decision. He
pointed out the Planning Board should feel free to ask staff to provide additional information if they do
not feel all necessary information has been provided.
Responding to Councilmember Haakenson, Boardmember Lindh said the Planning Board spent an
enormous amount of time on the animal control ordinance and now it appears those efforts may have
been in vain.
Council President Haakenson explained the animal control ordinance was sent to the Community
Services Committee, who suggested changes be made to the ordinance. Planning Manager Rob Chave
said the animal control ordinance has not been returned to the Planning Board due to issues to be
considered by the Police Department and Public Safety Committee. Councilmember White pointed out
the animal control ordinance has not yet been reviewed by the full Council and the suggested changes
reflect the review of only the two Councilmembers on the Community Services Committee. Mr. Chave
commented the Planning Board recommended combining the land use issues in the ordinance with
enforcement.
Boardmember Dewhirst said the Planning Board needs to understand what happens to their
recommendations and how it is determined whether an issue is reviewed by a Council committee or the
full Council. Mr. Chave explained big issues are usually presented to the full Council during a work
session. The animal control ordinance was an unusual situation because the Planning Board felt the City
Code provisions regarding enforcement also needed to be reviewed. At that point, it was decided to
discuss the ordinance with the Community Services Committee to determine what process should be
used to present this item to the full Council.
Mayor Fahey said review of the animal control ordinance came about as a result of a citizen's request to
the Council. A discussion with residents raising issues with the ordinance occurred at a Community
Services Committee meeting prior to the decision to have the Planning Board consider the ordinance.
She said this is likely an isolated situation in which there was not adequate tracking of the issue and
represented a deviation from the normal process.
Councilmember Miller suggested a representative of the Planning Board attend Community Services
Committee meetings on behalf of the Planning Board as well as to provide. a broader perspective on
issues the Committee considers.
Councilmember Earling suggested the Planning Board's extended agenda include recent decisions in an
encapsulated format.
Boardmember Dewhirst said in the recent past, there have been at least two issues that the Planning
Board reviewed that resulted in frustration -- the animal control ordinance and the school district rezone.
In both instances, it appeared the Planning Board and the Council received different information or the
information was interpreted differently. Council President Haakenson said the Council shared the
Planning Board's frustration with the school district rezone and agreed the Council may have received
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 27, 1999
Page 9
different information. He said the Council's receipt of the Planning Board minutes in a timely manner
may help the Council understand the Planning Board perspective on an issue.
Councilmember White commented when the Planning Board considered the school district rezone, it had
a particular focus but when the issue came to the Council, it developed into a huge issue with many
different perspectives and different policy decisions.
Boardmember Dewhirst said the Planning Board has identified deficiencies in the ordinances but often
no attempt is made to address the problem until it arises again. He was frustrated with this and
questioned why those issues were not placed on the Planning Board's extended agenda. Councilmember
Earling said Planning Boardmembers should request issues be placed on their agenda.
Mayor Fahey said the Council shares some of the Planning Board's frustrations. She indicated she has
had several conversations, including with the City Attorney, about problems with the City Code that are
not addressed due to. other compelling issues that arise. She said Development Services Director Ray
Miller is attempting to identify a method of tracking things more efficiently and systematically.
Council President Haakenson asked why some issues on the Planning Board agenda were identified as
"tentative." Mr. Chave replied some were dependent on new information being available, on when an
application is deemed complete, timing with other items on the agenda, or simply to ensure an issue is
rescheduled if necessary.
Council President Haakenson asked whether items are rescheduled if there is not adequate time to
discuss all items scheduled for a particular meeting. Mr. Chave answered yes. Council President
Haakenson asked if items could be repeatedly rescheduled or would they at some point become a
priority. Mr. Chave answered some items are driven by other timelines such as Regulatory Reform, etc.
He said priorities might be determined by when an item will fit on the agenda or if it is an issue the
Planning Board wants pursued.
Boardmember Cassett asked where the animal control ordinance was in the review process and when/if it
would come back to the Planning Board. Mr. Chave answered Planning and Public Safety are working
on the ordinance in an attempt to combine land use with enforcement. It will be up to the Community
Services Committee to determine if it will be returned to the Planning Board or presented to the full
Council. He said the enforcement questions as well as additional public input are necessary before the
ordinance is presented to the full Council. Because of the Police Department's concerns regarding
enforcement, they felt it was important for the Public Safety Committee to review the ordinance.
Councilmember Van Hollebeke suggested the ordinance be presented to the full Council at a work
session. Councilmember White asked how the Police Department would provide input on enforcement
issues.
Boardmember Lindh said an animal control officer who attended a Planning Board meeting indicated
every animal needed a license. However, another member of the City's staff had different ideas.
Boardmember Lindh said it was difficult for the Planning Board to develop an ordinance that was
acceptable to both points of view.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 27, 1999
Page 10
Boardmember Witenberg pointed out the Planning Board does not have authority over the enforcement
portion of the ordinance. He questioned how returning the ordinance to the Planning Board.would be
helpful if the enforcement issue had not yet been addressed.
Council President Haakenson suggested a special work meeting be scheduled May 11 prior to committee
meetings where all information could be provided.
Councilmember White said there are currently three versions of the ordinance. Mr. Miller said his
meeting with the Police Department and the City Attorney would likely reduce the versions to two.
Councilmember White suggested only the Planning Board's recommendation and the suggested revisions
be presented to the Council. Following a brief discussion regarding how information would be gathered,
it was suggested the Planning Board, Planning staff, the Police Department and the Animal Control
Officer work together to discuss the Police Department's concerns.
Boardmember Witenberg pointed out the Planning Board does not have authority over enforcement
issues. Mayor Fahey said the intent was not to have the Planning Board consider enforcement issues.
The enforcement issue is to what degree the change in the animal control ordinance becomes criminal
enforcement rather than code enforcement. She said, based on citizens' comments, it was her perception
that the animal control ordinance should be tightened because the City is becoming more urbanized.
However, the revised ordinance appeared to liberalize the approach to animal control. As a result, the
ordinance provided less enforcement ability.
Council President Haakenson agreed to schedule a 60- minute discussion of the animal control ordinance
prior to committee meetings on May l l .including a decision regarding a public hearing. He requested
City Attorney Scott Snyder attend the May I l meeting. Planning Boardmembers indicated there was no
reason to return the ordinance to them for further review.
. . With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
BARBARA S. FAHEY, MAYOR SANDRA S. CHASE, CITY CLERK
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 27, 1999
Page 11
AGENDA
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL
Plaza Meeting Room - Library Building
650 Main Street
7:00 -10:00 p.m.
APRIL 27, 1999
SPECIAL MEETING
5:45 P.M. - DEDICATION OF THE AUXILIARY GENERATOR AT THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT - 200 2N° AVE.
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 APRIL 20, 1999
(C) APPROVAL OF CLAIM WARRANTS #29376 THROUGH #32383 FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 19, 1999, IN
THE AMOUNT OF $345,133.26. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL WARRANTS #23989 THROUGH #24109 FOR
THE PERIOD APRIL 1 THROUGH APRIL 15, 1999, IN THE AMOUNT OF $446,703.34.
(D) ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FROM RAY F. JOHNSON ($690.00)
(E) REPORT ON GENERAL FUND FINANCIAL POSITION FOR THE PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 1999
(F) REPORT ON FINAL CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR THE ALDER STREET SEWER LINE IMPROVEMENTS
PROJECT AND COUNCIL ACCEPTANCE OF PROJECT
(G) REPORT ON BIDS OPENED MARCH 2, 1999 FOR THE 1999 WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROGRAM -
PHASE I AND AWARD OF CONTRACT TO KAR -VEL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY FOR SCHEDULES A & B
($167,304.18, INCLUDING SALES TAX)
(H) APPROVAL OF SEIU LABOR AGREEMENT AND AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN
(1) AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN ADDENDUM TO STATE CONTRACT #04198 FOR SERVICES TO
BE PROVIDED TO EDMONDS MUNICIPAL COURT
(J) AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO ACCEPT RIGHT -OF -WAY DEDICATION FOR SHORT PLAT #S -98 -119
OFF OF 98TH AVENUE WEST NEAR 227T" PLACE SOUTHWEST
(K) PROPOSED RESOLUTION ADDING THE ICMA RETIREMENT CORPORATION TO THE DEFERRED
COMPENSATION PLAN FOR THE CITY OF EDMONDS EMPLOYEES
(L) PROPOSED RESOLUTION INCREASING THE FEES FOR IN- LIEU -OF- PARKING SPACES
(M) PROPOSED ORDINANCE CHANGE TO EDMONDS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CODE SECTION
19.00.110 TO ALLOW FOR CONCURRENT SUBMITTAL AND REVIEW OF BUILDING PERMITS WITH
DISCRETIONARY PERMITS
3. (10 Min.) PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING MAY 8, 1999 AS "FOOD FOR THE HUNGRY DAY" (FOOD DRIVE
SPONSORED BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LETTER CARRIERS AND UNITED STATES POSTAL
SERVICE)
CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
APRIL 27,1999
Page 2 of 2
4. ' (15 Min.) UPDATE ON SELF - INSURANCE HEALTH BENEFIT FUND
5. (15 Min.) UPDATE ON CHAMBERS CABLE
6. (10 Min.) MAYOR'S REPORT
7. (15 Min.) INDIVIDUAL COUNCIL REPORTS /UPDATES ON RESPECTIVE BOARD MEETINGS
8. .(60 Min.) JOINT MEETING WITH THE PLANNING BOARD
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.
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