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01/30/2001 City CouncilEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES JANUARY 30, 2001 The Edmonds City Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Gary Haakenson in the Council Chambers, 250 5th Avenue North, Edmonds, followed by the flag salute. ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT Gary Haakenson, Mayor Dave Earling, Council President Thomas A. Miller, Councilmember Michael Plunkett, Councilmember Lora Petso, Councilmember Dave Orvis, Councilmember Christopher Davis, Councilmember Richard Marin, Councilmember (seated 8:50 p.m.) 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA STAFF PRESENT Tom Tomberg, Fire Chief Duane Bowman, Development Serv. Director Stephen Clifton, Community Services Director Rob Chave, Planning Manager Dave Gebert, City Engineer Scott Snyder, City Attorney Sandy Chase, City Clerk Jana Spellman, Senior Executive Council Asst. Jeannie Dines, Recorder COUNCILMEMBER MILLER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER DAVIS, FOR APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 2. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS Councilmember Miller requested Item C be removed from the Consent Agenda.. COUNCILMEMBER PLUNKETT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT EARLING, FOR APPROVAL OF THE REMAINDER OF THE .CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The agenda items approved are as follows: (A) ROLL CALL pprove 1/20/01 (B) APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 20, 2001 inutes [Approve (D) APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS #46052 THROUGH #46226 FOR THE WEEK OF laim JANUARY 22, 2001, IN THE AMOUNT OF $647,256.77 hecks laims for I (E) ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES FROM JANET ELENE amages (AMOUNT UNDETERMINED), AND LINDA JOHNS ($551.10). 10rd #3343 (F) ORDINANCE NO. 3343 ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO EDMONDS COMMUNITY [Regulation DEVELOPMENT CODE CHAPTER 17.35, REGULATION OF ANIMALS IN THE f Animals ZONING CODE Item C: Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes of January 23, 2001 Councilmember Miller advised he was absent from the January 23, 2001 Council meeting and would abstain from the vote. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 30, 2001 Page 1 I� COUNCILMEMBER ORVIS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER PLUNKETT, FOR APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEM C. MOTION CARRIED, COUNCILMEMBER rove MILLER ABSTAINED. The item approved is as follows: 3/01 tnutes (C) APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 23, 2001 3. PUBLIC HEARING ON RESOLUTION NO. 993 AUTHORIZING THE SNOHOMISH COUNTY Housing HOUSING AUTHORITY TO OPERATE A MIXED INCOME HOUSING PROJECT IN THE Authority CITY OF EDMONDS. THE PROPOSED PROJECT IS THE EDMONDS HIGHLANDS project - APARTMENT COMPLEX LOCATED AT 23326 EDMONDS WAY 3326 Edmonds Way Development Services Director Duane Bowman explained this public hearing had been requested by the City Council following a proposal made by the Snohomish County Housing Authority (SCHA) for a resolution authorizing them to purchase and operate a SCHA project within the city limits of Edmonds. The multifamily project is located at 23326 Edmonds Way and is zoned RM 1.5, high density residential. He explained SC14A cannot operate within the city limits without approval by the City Council and the Council had sole discretion regarding this decision. Mr. Bowman said the packet included responses to 29 questions that had been posed regarding the project. This item was briefly delayed due to technical difficulties. 4. APPOINTMENT TO FILL COUNCIL VACANCY pplicants council Council President Earling explained the Council had an opportunity to interview 14 candidates on ancy Saturday, January 20 to fill the vacancy on the Council. He introduced the candidates: Lester Blume, Deanna Dawson, David Freese, Lance Fryrear, Stephanie Hall, Michael Lowell, Richard Marin, Stanton Monlux, Seaun Richards, Ted Smits, William Wallace, Jeffrey Wilson, James Young and Alvin Rutledge. Housing 3. PUBLIC HEARING — Continued Authority Project - Bob Davis, Executive Director, Snohomish County Housing Authority, displayed photographs of 3326 Edmonds several of the 28 developments owned by SCHA throughout Snohomish County which contain 1,500 Way units.. He explained SCHA also administers a housing voucher program which provides nearly 3,000 families assistance with rents in private sector housing. SCHA has worked with nearly 800 private landlords who provide housing to these families. SCHA also administers Snohomish County's single family rehabilitation program which provides loans to low income seniors and disabled individuals to assist them in remaining in their homes. Over 30 loans have been provided to residents in Edmonds, totaling approximately $500,000. He explained most assisted or affordable housing development is carried out in an anonymous manner by private for - profit and private non - profit housing sponsors who are able to use available resources anywhere they wish without the approval of local government. If Edmonds created its own housing authority under State law, it could execute developments in the City without further action. Mr. Davis explained a successful affordable housing portfolio was created using resources and opportunities that presented themselves to the housing sponsor. Every new development done by SCHA built on experience with previous developments. He said SCHA was one of the best owners, not just the best owner of assisted housing, but one of the best owners, period. Unlike many housing sponsors, SCHA is committed to providing safe and sanitary housing for mixed income populations and SCHA Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 30, 2001 Page 2 was committed to doing this in a cost effective manner. He explained if you cared who your neighbor was because you want the neighbor not to adversely impact the quality of life, you would like SCHA as an owner because they are rigorous in their screening and implementation of rules and regulations. If you cared who your neighbor was because of who they were, the amount of money they earned, the color of their skin, or where they came from, you would not be happy with SCHA as an owner because they work to create affordable housing opportunities for all people. Mr. Davis explained cities granted SCHA permission to operate within their city limits for two major reasons. First, they are concerned with housing affordability in their community and know there is little the city can do and understand they must look to public, non -profit or for - profit housing developers to assist them. Second, cities know there are Growth Management goals that must be met and a SCHA housing development would assist the city toward meeting those goals. He referred to a request by a Councilmember last week to explain how the City's affordable housing figures would be impacted by approval of this development and distributed an updated chart regarding affordable housing provided in Edmonds. Mr. Davis explained this proposal was SCHA's most recent approach to balancing the need for low income and mixed income housing. The proposal provides a long term affordable housing solution for working families. In a development such as this, half of the families must be low income and approximately 12 will be extremely low income and in the second stage of getting their lives and families back together. He assured the development would not change at all, the management would not change and the composition of the income of the households would change little. If anything, the physical condition of the development would improve. He said a majority of the households in the development today (58 %) currently meet the definition of low income by Snohomish County standards (an income of less than $45,200 for a family of three). As units turnover due to normal vacancies, 12 families working with Pathways for Women YWCA will be housed in those units. Mr. Davis stated this development could work because it will be a mixed income development with substantial income from tenant rents. It will also work because of tax exempt financing backed by the Snohomish County government, making financing more affordable. The financing will need to be approved by Snohomish County and he was confident that approval would be given. He said the development would also work because of SCHA's non - profit management and the property tax exemption, and he was optimistic Gates' Foundation grant could be secured- to assist the Pathway for Women families. SCHA will also provide project -based assistance for the 12 units housing those families. Most importantly, this development would work because it was being done via acquisition rather than construction, saving thousands in development costs. He referred to SCHA's response to 20+ questions raised by the Council. He explained there was a need for affordable housing in every community. SCHA was good at addressing affordable housing needs and their developments were an asset to whatever community they were located in. He emphasized property values around their developments have never gone down and crime in and around their developments has never gone up. He said the cities of Lynnwood and Marysville would also indicate that in a couple cases, crime decreased considerably after SC14A took over management of the development. He said SCHA was a good neighbor and they were asking.to create what they felt was an asset to Edmonds that would become more valuable over time. With regard to affordable housing in Edmonds, Council President Earling noted that 54 of the 120 units would be devoted to low and moderate income families and asked whether only the 54 units could be counted or if all 120 units could be counted. Mr. Davis answered the City would be allowed to count all Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 30, 2001 Page 3 120 units because it was a mixed income development. He "said the survey indicated 58% of the residents currently met the definition of low income; if that had not been the case, SCHA would not have purchased the building. Council President Earling referred to Question 24 which states the Comprehensive Plan projects a need for Edmonds to provide 4,367 affordable housing dwelling units by 2012, and as of last week, the current estimated need is 2,694 and 193 units are currently available in this category. Mr. Davis agreed with these statistics. Responding to questions, Mr. Bowman explained the City hired a consultant in 1995/1996 to develop strategies for affordable housing and address other issues. The numbers cited in the report were taken from that information and had been included in the Comprehensive Plan. One of the strategies was to consider accessory dwelling units. Mr. Bowman said his research indicated an additional 56 accessory dwelling units could be added to the lumber of affordable units currently available. Council President Earling referred to goals in the Housing Element of the Comprehensive Plan, F.I. "The City should aggressively pursue funds to construct housing for elderly, disabled and low income..." and questioned the use of the word aggressively. He referred to Goal G.2.b. — "provide for accessory housing in single family neighborhoods that addresses the needs of extended families... ". Mr. Bowman said the Planning Board was considering other amendments to encourage accessory housing. Council President Earling referred to a Comprehensive Plan goal that sought to provide for a variety of housing for all segments of the city that is consistent with the established charge of the community and plan for housing that is located with easy access to transit and economic activities that provide jobs and shopping opportunities. Mr. Bowman pointed out this development was located on SR104/Edmonds Way and had transit service available. Council President Earling noted Community Transit served the area and asked if King County Metro operated on Edmonds Way. Audience members indicated King County Metro operated in the area. Councilmember Plunkett asked Mr. Bowman to describe the Growth Management Act (GMA) for the audience. Mr. Bowman explained one of the high priorities of GMA was to provide affordable housing to all income levels in the community. He said this was addressed in the Comprehensive Plan in the policy statements cited by Council President Earling. Councilmember Plunkett pointed out the City was required by State law to adhere to GMA. Mr. Bowman agreed. Councilmember Plunkett observed to date, the City had 193 units. Mr. Bowman said the City had slightly over 200 affordable housing units, counting the accessory dwelling units, which was well below the level of affordable housing the City should provide. Councilmember Plunkett asked how many units, based on the State's requirements, the City needed to provide by 2012. Mr. Bowman answered 4,367 was identified as Edmonds' allocation of affordable dwelling units. Councilmember Plunkett asked what the consequences were for not complying with the State law. Mr. Bowman said the Central Puget Sound Growth Management Hearings Board could become involved in how the City was pursuing housing. City Attorney Scott Snyder referred to page 16 of the Council packet (page 75 of the Comprehensive Plan), explaining the City's shortfall was approximately 570 housing units. While there were 4,000 households that needed to be provided for, the City could count households within the City that fell within the income parameters. The City did not have to provide all the low income housing, they could also count residents that fell within those parameters. Mr. Snyder Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 30, 2001 Page 4 said the- City's planning documents, specifically concurrency requirements, could be reviewed by the Hearings Board to ensure the City had adequate housing strategies. He pointed out the Growth Management Hearings Board reviewed policies; typically a decision such as tonight's would not be reviewed by the Hearings Board as it was a legislative decision. Councilmember Plunkett asked whether the State could withhold funds if the Hearings Board determined the City did not have effective strategies. Mr. Snyder answered yes, commenting an essentially built -out community such as Edmonds had few opportunities to increase density and provide new low income housing, therefore, one of the few strategies available to the City was conversions such as this. Councilmember Plunkett asked whether the State could withhold funds and /or sue the City if the Growth Management Hearings Board determined the City was not fulfilling its obligations. Mr. Snyder answered it could result in state and federal funds being withheld. Rather than suing the City, various planning policies could be invalidated and revisions required. Mayor Haakenson opened the public participation portion of the hearing. He summarized a letter received from Debbie Lundin, 23408 Edmonds Way Apt C102 (Edmonds Highlands), Edmonds, who was opposed to the Council approving the housing project tonight. Logan Nelson, 23510 Edmonds Way #A204 Edmonds, asked who made the decision regarding which residents would move and which would stay to vacate the 54 units to be used for low income families. Paul Brown, 23510 Edmonds Way #A208 (Edmonds Highlands), Edmonds, spoke in opposition to the proposal. He said the quality of the area would deteriorate and questioned what measures would be taken to protect residents. He said they recently experienced a rent increase and asked if there was a possibility of providing protection against rent increases for residents that did not meet the income requirements. Ann Bradvik, Woodhaven Veterinary Clinic, 23204 Edmonds Way, Edmonds, referred to the lost property tax revenue to the City and the response that this would be made up by grants from the Gates foundation. She asked if these funds would accrue to the City or SCHA. She pointed out the importance of considering the lost revenue in light of recent uncertainty over library funding. Ms. Bradvik noted her veterinary clinic as well as other medical facilities in the area were targets for increased criminal activity. She questioned whether the City would incur additional expenses to assist with problems SCHA may not be able to address. Ron Lee, 18719 Olympic View Drive, Edmonds, pointed out there were 7 -8 medical, dental and veterinary facilities within 5 -6 blocks of this development, each with controlled substances on the premises and were vulnerable to break -ins. He referred to the Comprehensive Plan goal H.l.b. that states, "Plan for housing that is located within easy access to transit and economic activities that provide jobs and shopping opportunities" and said Edmonds was not known as a resource for entry -level jobs. His research of transit indicated Route 460 ran only twice per day in the morning and afternoon. To take local transit, a resident would be required to walk to the intersection of 100th & Edmonds Way, approximately one mile from the development. He noted the development was in proximity to the Westgate Shopping Center, an area that did not have low cost food facilities. He referred to Comprehensive Plan Goal G "Provide a variety of housing for all segments of the city that is consistent and compatible with the established character of the community," and questioned whether the development was in character with Edmonds. He referred to Goal G.2 which sites "...consistent with the surrounding neighborhood... ", pointing out the neighborhood surrounding this development was Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 30, 2001 Page 5 commercial, single family and multifamily Housing and the 'individuals that would live in that area were not the type that would be helped by low income housing. Candice Turlocky, 23510 Edmonds Way #A304 (Edmonds Highlands), Edmonds, commented they previously lived in a lower rent building where the environment was somewhat stereotypical; their car was stolen twice, there were loud parties, drugs, etc. She said they assumed by moving into Edmonds Highlands and paying a higher rent, they would leave that type of environment and so far it has been wonderful. She suggested residents receive a discount on their rent or be allowed to break their lease so that they could move to an environment where they felt safer. Al Rutledge, 7101 Lake Ballinger Way, Edmonds, suggested neighborhood meetings be held followed by another public hearing. Richard Marin, 18918 80th Avenue W, Edmonds, spoke in favor of the project. The presentation and materials indicated SCHA would address security and ensure the property was managed properly. He questioned why residents would think the Edmonds community was better than others and why people should be relegated to a community that may be of a less stature than Edmonds. He said people trying to get their lives back together ought to live in a community like Edmonds, the friendliest city in the State. Don Martin, 23423 92nd Avenue W, Edmonds, whose residence adjoined the property line of the development, said they have had problems with vandalism to the fence and the apartment management does not maintain the fence. He expressed concern with safety. Nora Lander, 23415 92nd Avenue W, Edmonds, commented they were considering selling their home and noted two neighbors were also considering listing their homes for sale. She said their fence was along the property line between the apartments and their yard has been vandalized. She also expressed concern with the value of their property decreasing as a result of this project. Annette Kirber, 23405 92nd Avenue W, Edmonds, whose property borders the Edmonds Highland's development, said in 26 years she has had five robberies and one arson fire. She has constructed a 6 -foot chain link fence, padlocked gates and a security system. She was concerned with the type of people who would live in the development. All of the escape routes for the robberies to her house had been through the Edmonds Highlands property. Joyce Brown, 23510 Edmonds Way #A208 (Edmonds Highlands), Edmonds, asked why it required notice from the City for residents to learn of SCHA's proposal and why there were no tenant meetings. Bruce Martin, 23411 92nd Avenue W, Edmonds, said when he first moved to Edmonds six years ago, he worked nights and on several occasions caught young people running through his yard during the day after climbing the fence. He now has a security system, but he should be able to feel safe in his home. Hearing no further audience comments, Mayor Haakenson closed the public participation portion of the hearing. Mr. Davis responded to questions raised by the audience. Regarding who stays and who goes, he said no one would have to leave; a mixed income development was a mix of income levels and the development was currently 58% low income. The 12 transitional housing units would be filled as they were voluntarily vacated through the normal vacancy process of a rental property. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 30, 2001 Page 6 Regarding rent adjustments in a mixed income development, Mr. Davis stated over time, everyone in a mixed income development would benefit because the _rent structure was based on their non - profit status /operation. Although rents were at market now, in five years rents would likely be 85 -95% of market .rents. Although rents were not cut, increases were less, 1 -2% based on operating costs rather than market costs, dramatically reducing rent escalation. Regarding property taxes, he explained Edmonds would lose $17,000 in property taxes and that would not be replaced. There would be values and investments related to Snohomish County's contingent loan agreements, bringing resources to Edmonds via Gates' Foundation grant and the fact that a non - profit entity would be operating the housing. Regarding tenants' concerns about who their neighbors would be, he reiterated their screening, criminal background checks and process for housing did not discriminate based on who someone was but ensured the person had a record of being a good tenant and a good neighbor before being housed in a SCHA development, regardless of income. Regarding property values, Mr. Davis noted in SCHA's experience with the projects they have purchased or built in the past 30 years, there has been no loss of ,property value in surrounding properties. He was sympathetic to the current problems caused by the development; SCHA would make it a high priority to ensure their tenants were not causing problems to the neighborhood. Unlike a private owner, SCHA was a governmental entity with a board of commissioners; if anyone had a problem with one of their developments, the SCHA would become aware of it. He emphasized this almost never happened, when it did, the situation was corrected. Regarding notice, SCHA was a purchaser /developer like any other; private owners put their property on the market and SCHA responds like any other purchaser. He did not view their ownership as negative or something anyone should fear. He said SCHA abides by cities' requirements that they seek approval to operate within the city-but SCHA viewed themselves as a purchaser like any .other. Councilmember Davis asked Mr. Davis to respond to the tenant's question regarding whether their lease could be broken. Mr. Davis said if SCHA was given permission to purchase the property and SCHA did purchase the property, any tenant who did not want to live in the development would be free to break their lease and it would be done by mutual consent. He encouraged tenants to give SCHA a chance because they would find they really liked SCHA as. a landlord regardless of their income. Councilmember Plunkett inquired how SCHA would address any increased criminal activity once they purchased the property. Mr. Davis answered they would work with the Edmonds Police Department and if warranted, establish an arrangement with the Police Department, paid for by SCHA to address the situation. The Police Department would be utilized if an onsite presence was necessary to determine who was causing vandalism and /or stop trespass. If necessary, physical improvements such as fencing or lighting would be made to ensure trespass on adjoining property was discontinued. Councilmember Plunkett observed the development was currently 58% low income. He asked how this percentage would change with SCHA ownership. Mr. Davis did not expect the percentage to change dramatically unless a large number of people over 80% of median choose to move out. He encouraged current tenants to remain in the development. Councilmember Plunkett asked if there had been a dramatic change in the percentage in other SCHA owned developments. Mr. Davis answered no, the most recent development SCHA did, Mill Wood - a Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 30, 2001 Page 7 mixed income development, began with 30% of the residents over 80% of median and it is still at approximately that percentage. Councilmember Orvis asked Mr. Davis to describe the SCHA development "Whispering Pines." Mr. Davis said prior to SCHA ownership, Whispering Pines, a privately owned development in Lynnwood, was 30% vacant, had the highest crime rate and the most number of police visits. He commented Edmonds Highlands had approximately five police visits in the past five years; by comparison' Whispering Pines had 176 police visits in six months. He said the Assistant Manager of the Whispering Pines was shot and everyone was afraid to go to the development. He said SCHA prevented housing voucher recipients from moving into Whispering Pines because the conditions were so bad. Shortly after he became Executive Director in 1994, SCHA purchased the property as a tax credit development (using private investors to provide funds who become partners and units are rented to individuals who earn 60% of median). He said the circa 1968 development was renovated, the management replaced, a police presence introduced, and drug activity eliminated, making the community safe enough that Headstart chose to locate a program there and a childcare center was located there. He emphasized there was a complete turnaround in Whispering Pines. He said although new residents must be under 60% of median, at least 10% of the population is over 60% of median (residents who moved in as low income have stayed once their incomes increased). COUNCILMEMBER MILLER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER PLUNKETT, TO EXTEND DISCUSSION OF THIS ITEM FOR TEN MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Councilmember Petso asked if adjacent residents could approach SCHA with requests to increase the height of the fence so it was not as easy to enter their yards from the apartment complex. Mr. Davis said yes, but it would have to be done according to the City Code. Councilmember Petso cited the potential advantages indicated by SCHA's presentation such as not making residents move out, screening applicants, slowing the rate of rent increases, offering improved maintenance, addressing any crime problems, and every citizen now had recourse to public officials. She questioned why SCHA did not inform residents and instead the Council had to request a public hearing. She said it was unclear now whether audience members were convinced the project would be an improvement for tenants and neighbors due to the approach SCHA took. Mr. Davis reiterated they handled this acquisition like all other acquisitions, the same way anyone who thinks they are a good landlord would. He said it was an unusual practice when acquiring a multifamily complex to notify the tenants. Councilmember Miller shared Councilmember Petso's concerns, noting although Mr. Davis described a number of advantages from SCHA taking over this property, he was surprised SCHA had not held a meeting to mitigate the anxiety expressed by existing residents and surrounding neighbors. Due to the level of anxiety, he suggested an action plan be developed, similar to Whispering Pines. Although he acknowledged the Edmonds Highland project was different than Whispering Pines, he suggested SCHA incorporate the comments provided tonight into an action plan for the neighbors, businesses, and tenants. Responding to further questions of Councilmember Miller, Mr. Davis said if the Council approved the resolution, SCHA would begin a complete physical analysis to determine the capital needs of the site. He said via interviews with management, they would identify any other security issues that need to be addressed. Prior to closing on the property, a capital plan would be developed to address whatever Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 30, 2001 Page 8 security concerns existed in the development. Councilmember Miller hoped in six months the people who spoke tonight would write the City to say that SCHA was a great landlord and property manager and went out of their way to work with us. Councilmember Miller said the Council also needed to consider its policy regarding low income housing. He observed there were a number of apartment buildings on SR104 and he did not want numerous affordable housing developments lined up along SR104. He wanted assurance that projects would be dispersed throughout the City. Mr. Davis advised SCHA viewed themselves as an asset to communities and they were happy to work with communities on housing strategies. Councilmember Miller asked if SCHA had the authority to mitigate the lost property taxes by writing a check to the City. Mr. Davis said in the case of low rent public housing projects when resources were provided from the federal government, they provided additional funds for payment in lieu of taxes. He said that was not available for a mixed income project. He agreed SCHA could write a check to the City. Councilmember Petso said the Council was told tonight that 58% of the units were already low income and one of the advantages cited regarding this project was that it would add low income housing to the City's inventory. If the development was already low income, why couldn't the City already count it. Mr. Bowman said by putting the development into SCHA ownership, it would clearly be designated low income housing. He clarified the development could be counted as low income; he had not been aware of the current make -up of the development. COUNCILMEMBER PLUNKETT MOVED, SECONDED BY DAVIS, TO EXTEND DISCUSSION OF THIS ITEM FOR FIVE MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. eso #993 COUNCIL PRESIDENT EARLING MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER DAVIS, TO Authorize Housing APPROVE THE RESOLUTION NO. 993 AUTHORIZING THE SNOHOMISH COUNTY Authority to HOUSING AUTHORITY TO OPERATE WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF EDMONDS FOR THE Aerate in ACQUISITION OF THE EDMONDS HIGHLANDS PROJECT. Edmonds Council President Earling commented that when a project like this is first introduced to the community, there is natural resistance. He learned from the meeting held a few weeks ago and tonight's presentation that Edmonds, while well intended to increase low and moderate income housing, had not been successful in doing that over time. He pointed out a very effective HUD project on 3rd Avenue that most would not be aware was that type of housing. He was convinced after touring two of the SCHA projects Mr. Davis had displayed, that the properties were well maintained. He said Mr. Davis indicated property values in the area of these developments had not decreased historically. He was respectful of the neighbors concerns with safety issues, observing there were already safety issues with the existing development and there would be a better opportunity for improvements of any criminal issues under SCHA ownership. One of his long term concerns was ensuring adequate transitional housing was provided for seniors. This development was an opportunity to assist in meeting that need. Regarding access, Council President Earling said people in the development could walk to Westgate or Hwy. 99 to access transit. He pointed out the need for people with low and moderate incomes to have transit service available as well as access to the jobs they wanted, whether in Seattle or Everett, and this development improves that opportunity. He said a dispersed approach to low income housing (this project and the project on 3rd) was a method that should continue. He encouraged the Planning Board to undertake this as a policy issue. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 30, 2001 Page 9 Councilmember Petso commented the purpose of holding `a public hearing was for the Council to hear the views of interested neighbors and residents. She noted a couple people felt the development could be a good idea but most thought it wasn't. She observed she did not now have the opportunity to determine whether their opinions had changed. Therefore, she was inclined not to support the motion. She recalled one applicant for the Council vacancy reminded them during the interview process that while it is the Council's responsibility to exercise their judgment, it was also their job to represent the citizens. Despite her own personal belief that this project could potentially be an improvement to the neighborhood, she would vote against the motion due to the opinion voiced by a majority of the citizens at tonight's public hearing. Councilmember Davis said he would support the motion, commenting he understood the concerns of the adjacent property owners, although many of the grievances were occurring under the current landlord /ownership. He said the evidence provided indicated SCHA's ownership of the property would improve the situation. He said SCHA ownership of the property met many of the GMA goals and policies and affordable housing needs in Edmonds. He pointed out SCHA assured that crime would not increase as evidenced by many other properties they own and in many cases, crime goes down. SCHA has something a privately owned property did not have, a grievance process. If a neighboring property owner had a problem, there was a method of assuring those concerns were addressed, a process that did not currently exist. He said as the friendliest city in Washington, all people, all income levels, were welcome in Edmonds and they should have an opportunity to live in Edmonds. Councilmember Miller commented he was pleased with the comments he heard and pleased with the response provided. He was satisfied SCHA would be a good landlord and cooperative with the surrounding neighbors as well as tenants. Councilmember Miller observed SCHA provided low income housing via a tax subsidy. He had no objection to this but did not feel the citizens of Edmonds should bear an additional burden by subsidizing the project twice by losing $17,000 in property taxes. He suggested amending the motion by requiring SCHA provide annual mitigation to the City in the amount of the property taxes. Council President Earling said over time, giving people the opportunity to live in a mixed housing would increase their income and their opportunity to spend in the community, and would result in the City recovering those lost property tax dollars. He said he would vote against the amendment suggested by Councilmember Miller. UPON ROLL CALL, THE MOTION CARRIED (4 -2), COUNCIL PRESIDENT EARLING AND COUNCILMEMBERS ORVIS, DAVIS, AND PLUNKETT IN FAVOR, AND COUNCILMEMBERS MILLER AND PETSO OPPOSED. Mayor Haakenson declared a brief recess. Appoint- 4. APPOINTMENT TO FILL COUNCIL VACANCY ent to Fill Council Mayor Haakenson read the rules for nomination and election to fill the Council vacancy. Vacancy 3' COUNCIL PRESIDENT EARLING MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MILLER, TO APPROVE THE RULES FOR THE NOMINATION/ELECTION PROCESS. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 30, 2001 Page 10 Councilmember Petso reiterated the view she voiced when a previous appointment was made, explaining one of the options available to the Council was an Executive Session on a personnel matter to discuss the qualifications of the candidates. She said some viewed this as a closed door meeting, therefore, the Council has not done this. MOTION CARRIED, COUNCILMEMBER PETSO OPPOSED. City Clerk Sandy Chase distributed the first nomination ballot to Councilmembers. Those nominated were: Deanna Dawson (Councilmember Petso), Lester Blume (Councilmember Orvis), Jeffrey Wilson (Council President Earling and Councilmember Miller), Ted Smits (Councilmember Plunkett), and Richard Marin (Councilmember Davis). Vote No. 1 was taken. The results were: one vote for Lester Blume (Councilmember Orvis), one vote for Deanna Dawson (Councilmember Petso), two votes for Jeffrey Wilson (Council President Earling and Councilmember Miller), one vote for Ted Smits (Councilmember Plunkett), and one vote for Richard Marin (Councilmember Davis). Vote No. 2 was taken. The results were: one vote for Richard Marin (Councilmember Davis), one vote for Ted Smits (Councilmember Plunkett), two votes for Jeffrey Wilson (Council President Earling and Councilmember Miller), one vote for Deanna Dawson (Councilmember Petso), and one vote for Lester Blume (Councilmember Orvis). Vote No. 3 was taken. The results were: one vote for Richard Marin (Councilmember Davis), one vote for Ted Smits (Councilmember Plunkett), two votes for Jeffrey Wilson (Council President Earling and Councilmember Miller), one vote for Deanna Dawson (Councilmember Petso), and one vote for Lester Blume (Councilmember Orvis). Vote No. 4 was taken. The results were: one vote for Ted Smits (Councilmember Plunkett), one vote for Deanna Dawson (Councilmember Petso), one vote for Lester Blume (Councilmember Orvis), two votes for Jeffrey Wilson (Council President Earling and Councilmember Miller), and one vote for Richard Marin (Councilmember Davis). Vote No. 5 was taken. The results were: two votes for Richard Marin (Councilmembers Davis and Petso), two votes for Jeffrey Wilson (Councilmember Miller and Council President Earling), one vote for Ted Smits (Councilmember Plunkett), one vote for Lester Blume (Councilmember Orvis), Vote No. 6 was taken. The results were: three votes for Richard Marin (Councilmembers Plunkett, Davis, and Petso), two votes for Jeffrey Wilson (Councilmember Miller and Council President Earling), and one vote for Lester Blume (Councilmember Orvis). Vote No. 7 was taken. The results were: four votes for Richard Marin (Council President Earling and Councilmembers Davis, Plunkett, and Petso), one vote for Jeffrey Wilson (Councilmember Miller), and Richard one vote for Lester Blume (Councilmember Orvis). Marin Appointed COUNCILMEMBER MILLER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER PLUNKETT, FOR to Fill APPROVAL OF RICHARD MARIN AS THE NEW COUNCILMEMBER. MOTION CARRIED Council UNANIMOUSLY. [Vacancy Mayor Haakenson swore in Mr. Marin and Councilmember Marin took his seat on the dais. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 30, 2001 Page 11 o #994 5. RESOLUTION NO. 994 APPOINTING A COUNCILMEMBER TO SERVE ON THE nit R. SNOHOMISH COUNTY HEALTH DISTRICT BOARD in to eon lth COUNCIL PRESIDENT EARLING MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MILLER, TO istrict Bd. APPOINT COUNCILMEMBER MARIN TO THE SNOHOMISH COUNTY HEALTH DISTRICT BOARD. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 6. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Haakenson welcomed Councilmember Marin to the Council and said he looked forward to working with him. He recognized Councilmember Marin had been very active in the City. suues es Mayor Haakenson reported Governor Locke asked cities to cut their energy use by 10 %. Mayor n Haakenson asked City employees to cut their energy use at work and at home. He invited citizens to call City Hall with any suggestions for saving on energy costs. Mayor Haakenson reported he and several mayors met with Congressman Jay Inslee to discuss issues facing cities in Congressman Inslee's district. Mayor Haakenson asked Congressman Inslee to find a way to solve this energy crisis due to the affect it was having on rates, particularly those on fixed incomes. 7. COUNCIL REPORTS ncil Council President Earling reminded Councilmembers of the retreat in the City Hall "Great Room" on eat Friday, February 9 beginning at 1:00 p.m., and all day Saturday, February 10. Councilmember Orvis provided an update on the Community Services Committee's review of what to do able I with new cable providers who want to use poles in the City. City Attorney Scott Snyder advised the FCC roviders is currently considering regulations that may require the City to allow new cable providers to use the poles in the City. Mr. Snyder also raised the issue of competition and how that could benefit consumers. For example, allowing new cable providers in the City could give consumers the hammer they needed over AT &T for better service. At the same time, many people do not want more cable on poles in the City. He said this was a controversial issue that the FCC may ultimately decide for the City. Councilmember Petso congratulated Councilmember Marin on his appointment to the Council. She also thanked the applicants who applied for the vacancy. She noted although only one person could be selected, each applicant had something unique to contribute to the Council. She urged the applicants to stay involved in the City. Mayor Haakenson commented a year ago when the Council went through this same process and appointed Councilmember Davis, Mr. Marin was not selected. Mr. Marin then asked how he could become involved in the City and proceeded to do so over the past year. Mayor Haakenson encouraged applicants to contact him to determine how they could become involved in the City. istorical Councilmember Plunkett congratulated Councilmember Marin. Councilmember Plunkett advised that F the new Downtown Edmonds Historical Preservation Advisory Committee would meet the fourth Thursday of each month. Their next meeting will be February 22 in the Third Floor of City Hall. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 30, 2001 Page 12 Councilmember Miller thanked those who applied for the Council vacancy, commenting all expressed good ideas during the interview process. He congratulated Councilmember Marin on his appointment to the Council, recognizing his involvement in the City. port of I Councilmember Davis reported the Port of Edmonds monthly meeting was held January 29. The Port is dmonds continuing work on their Master Plan including where to place buildings, the look of the Port in the future, and public amenities. He encouraged the public to participate in this process. He congratulated Councilmember Marin and looked forward to working with him. With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. rf ,i QA' RY NSON, MAYOR SANDRA S. CHASE, CITY CLERK Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 30, 2001 Page 13 [1 AGENDA EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL Council Chambers, Public,Safety Complex 2505 th Avenue North s 7:00 -10:00 p.m. JANUARY 30, 2001 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 JANUARY 20, 2001 (C) APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 23, 2001 (D) APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS #46052 THROUGH #46226 FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 22, 2001, IN THE AMOUNT OF $647,256.77. (E) ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FROM JANET ELENE (AMOUNT UNDETERMINED), AND LINDA JOHNS ($551.10) (F) PROPOSED ORDINANCE ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO EDMONDS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CODE CHAPTER 17.35, REGULATION OF ANIMALS IN THE ZONING CODE 3. (60 Min.) PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SNOHOMISH COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY TO OPERATE A MIXED INCOME HOUSING PROJECT IN THE CITY OF EDMONDS. THE PROPOSED PROJECT IS THE EDMONDS HIGHLANDS APARTMENT COMPLEX LOCATED AT 23326 EDMONDS WAY. 4. (30 Min.) APPOINTMENT TO FILL COUNCIL VACANCY 5. ( 5 Min.) PROPOSED RESOLUTION APPOINTING A COUNCILMEMBER TO SERVE ON THE SNOHOMISH COUNTY HEALTH DISTRICT BOARD 6. ( 5 Min.) MAYOR'S REPORT 7. (15 Min.) COUNCIL REPORTS 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 as well as a delayed telecast of the meeting appears on AT &T Cable, Channel 21.