02/05/2002 City CouncilEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
February 5, 2002
Executive Following a Special Meeting at 6:30 p.m. for an Executive Session regarding labor negotiations, and to
session interview candidates for the Architectural Design Board at 6:45 p.m., the Edmonds City Council meeting
DB was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Pro Tem Earling in the Council Chambers, 250 5th Avenue
Interviews I North, Edmonds. The meeting was opened with the flag salute.
I
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Dave Earling, Mayor Pro Tem
Dave Orvis, Council President Pro Tem
Jeff Wilson, Councilmember
Michael Plunkett, Councilmember
Lora Petso, Councilmember
Richard Marin, Councilmember
Deanna Dawson, Councilmember
ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT
Gary Haakenson, Mayor
ALSO PRESENT
Jared Carl, Student Representative
STAFF PRESENT
Tom Tomberg, Fire Chief
David Stern, Chief of Police
Kevin Taylor, Assistant Fire Chief
Peggy Hetzler, Administrative Services Director
Noel Miller, Public Works Director
Jim Larson, Assistant Admin. Serv. Director
Stephen Koho, Treatment Plant Manager
Dave Gebert, City Engineer
Darrell Smith, Traffic Engineer
Don Fiene, Assistant City Engineer
Steve Bullock, Senior Planner
Scott Snyder, City Attorney
Sandy Chase, City Clerk
Jana Spellman, Senior Executive Council Asst.
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
Mayor Pro Tem Earling advised Mayor Haakenson was out of town at a hearing before a House
Committee in Olympia regarding Brightwater legislation.
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
COUNCILMEMBER PLUNKETT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER! WILSON,
FOR APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Petso requested Item M be removed from the Consent Agenda, Councilmember Marin
requested Item J be removed, and Mayor Pro Tem Earling requested Item N be removed.
I
COUNCILMEMBER PLUNKETT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM
ORVIS, FOR APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY. The agenda items approved are as follows:
(A) ROLL CALL
Approve
1/22/02 (B) APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 22, 2002
Minutes
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 5, 2002
Page 1
nprove
)/02 (C) APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 29, 2002
Butes
rove (D) APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS #53169 THROUGH #53351 FOR THE WEEK OF
im JANUARY 21, 2002 IN THE AMOUNT OF $710,575.14. APPROVAL OF CLAIM
becks CHECKS #53352 THROUGH #53480 FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 28, 2002, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $270,350.81.
]aims for (E) ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES FROM ANDY SPEIER
Damages (AMOUNT UNDETERMINED) AND PHYLLIS CARLTON ($201.47)
[Admiral Wy
Sewer Rehab (F) REPORT ON FINAL CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR THE ADMIRAL WAY SANITARY
SEWER REHABILITATION PROJECT AND COUNCIL ACCEPTANCE OF PROJECT
orth End
axi License (G) APPROVAL OF 2002 TAXI LICENSE FOR NORTH END TAXI
ellow Cab
axi License (H) APPROVAL OF 2002 TAXI LICENSE FOR YELLOW CAB
Replace (I) AUTHORIZATION TO CALL FOR BIDS FOR THE ANDERSON CENTER WINDOW
Anderson REPLACEMENT PROJECT
Center
Windows (K) AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH
Commute SNOHOMISH COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS FOR COMMUTE TRIP REDUCTION (CTR)
rip 2001-2003
Reduction
surplus City (L) AUTHORIZATION TO CONTRACT WITH JAMES MURPHY AUCTIONEERS TO
chicles and SELL SURPLUS CITY VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT
� ment
Item J: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Interlocal Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with Island County
Public Works Director Noel Miller explained staff requested this item be removed from the Consent
Agenda due to minor changes the Island County Prosecutor requested be made to the agreement.
City Attorney Scott Snyder explained Island County requested "Party" be used in the agreement rather
than "Entity." He advised this did not affect the meaning of the agreement.
COUNCILMEMBER MARIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER WILSON, FOR
APPROVAL OF ITEM J. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The agenda item approved is as
Island Co. I follows:
urchasmg
cement (J) AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN INTERLOCAL COOPERATIVE
PURCHASING AGREEMENT WITH ISLAND COUNTY
Item M: Approval of Labor Agreement with Edmonds Police Officers Association
Councilmember Petso advised she would be voting against this item due to reasons discussed previously.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM ORVIS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
PLUNKETT, FOR APPROVAL OF ITEM M. MOTION CARRIED (6-1), COUNCILMEMBER
Police PETSO OPPOSED. The agenda item approved is as follows:
Officers
Labor
Agreement (M) APPROVAL OF LABOR AGREEMENT WITH EDMONDS POLICE OFFICERS
ASSOCIATION
Item N: Proclamation in Honor of Arts Day, February 12, 2002
Day
clama- Mayor Pro Tem Earling advised he pulled this item due to the community's rich cultural interest and to
call attention to the Governor's designation of February 12 as Arts Day in Washington.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 5, 2002
Page 2
MAYOR PRO TEM EARLING MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MARIN, FOR
APPROVAL OF ITEM N. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The agenda item approved is as
follows:
(N) PROCLAMATION IN HONOR OF ARTS DAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2002
Confirm 3. CONFIRMATION OF MAYOR'S APPOINTMENT TO THE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
DB BOARD OF MICKEY NIELSON AND MICHAEL LOWELL
Appoint-
ments Mayor Pro Tem Earling explained the Council had an opportunity to interview both candidates prior to
the meeting and both were very fine candidates.
COUNCILMEMBER DAWSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER WILSON, TO
CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENTS OF MICHAEL LOWELL AND MICKEY NIELSON TO THE
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN BOARD. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Ordinance Dr. Susan Connor, 2191164 1h W, Mountlake Terrace, owner of a veterinary hospital and President of
Regarding the Snohomish County Veterinary Medical Association, spoke in support of the proposed ordinance to
]tering of require altering of animals prior to their adoption. She explained the veterinary community supports
Animals spaying and neutering of shelter animals prior to being adopted into the community as the best method of
reducing the total number of animals placed into shelters either as strays or as owner surrenders. She
quoted from an article in the Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association regarding the role of
veterinary practitioners in counseling clients about pet behavior and continuing the emphasis on
neutering as the most effective means for veterinarians to influence the number of dogs and cats
surrendered to shelters. The article indicated that although puppies and kittens are no longer the primary
age group euthanized in shelters, neutering must continue to be a priority to reduce the number of young
animals surrendered and euthanized. The article indicated an increasing number of shelters are neutering
all dogs and cats prior to adoption because traditional neutering contracts at adoption have low
compliance. She verified this with her personal experience with shelter -adopted animals, who frequently
reproduce prior to being neutered, thus adding to the animal over -population. She stated Snohomish
County veterinarians would be willing to help the City of Edmonds decrease the long term number of
shelter animals by spaying and neutering of all cats and dogs prior to these animals being adopted. This
would provide 100% compliance and in the long run decrease the cost of animal control for the City.
Ordinance Kay Joubert, PAWS Program Manager, PO Box 1037, Lynnwood, explained Councilmember
Regarding Plunkett contacted PAWS a year ago to explore ways to have animals adopted from Adix altered prior to
Altering of adoption. Statistics show a need for a proactive, community approach to preventing homeless animals.
She explained their mutual goal was to develop a reasonable plan to have animals altered without any
expense to Adix and to minimize the cost to the City. Over the past year, via discussions with citizens,
Council and Adix, several options have been discussed, but a mutually agreed upon solution has not been
reached. She noted many citizens who have written and telephoned the City, believe adoptable animals
should not be euthanized, however, this practice will continue if the Council allows its shelter provider to
dictate public policy and adopt out pregnant and unaltered animals. The request made to Adix via
adoption of this ordinance would be to abide by the ordinance, noting as a contractor with the City, Adix
already complied with numerous animal -related ordinances that they did not participate in developing. If
Adix was concerned that potential adopters would question the need to alter animals, Adix could refer to
the City's ordinance. She summarized the information and statistics that she provided over the last year
regarding overpopulation and cost associated with homeless animals were facts and not opinions. She
urged the Council to make a decision based on these facts.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 5, 2002
Page 3
District Fred Gouge, 9220 192"d Place SW, Edmonds, Port of Edmonds Commissioner, advised he and
Commissioner Bruce Faires had been appointed as liaison representatives to the City of Edmonds. He
looked forward to that relationship, commenting the Port wanted to work with the City Council and staff
with regard to the waterfront.
ode of Alvin Rutledge, 7101 Lake Ballinger Way, Edmonds, referred to his previous requests that the City
onduct adopt a Code of Conduct for Council, Boards and Commissions. He explained different appointment
procedures were followed when he applied for a Council vacancy and when he applied for a vacancy on
the Salary Commission.
Ordinance Richard Huffman, PAWS Director of Advocacy and Outreach, 19206 32"d Ave NE, Lake Forest
Regarding Park, pointed out the proposal to alter animals prior to adoption was not a new idea; PAWS has required
Altering of animals be altered since 1967 and every municipal shelter from Lynnwood to Olympia requires animals
Animals be altered prior to adoption except for Edmonds and Mountlake Terrace. He referred to a survey PAWS
conducted last summer that indicated 88% of the 600 Snohomish County residents surveyed supported
the concept of animals in municipal shelters being altered prior to adoption. He referred to an article in
the Seattle Times regarding an individual who adopted a dog from Adix that soon delivered seven
puppies. He cited the stress this placed on the individual who adopted the dog as well on other families
who are helping care for the puppies. He encouraged the City Council to pass the ordinance and to work
with Adix to develop a pro -active solution to implement the ordinance.
rdinance Roger Hertrich, 1020 Puget Drive, Edmonds, stated he has attended several meetings where this issue
Regarding has been discussed, noting the information presented at those meetings indicated there were only 7-8
"
'-ring of
nals unaltered animals in the system over the past year, not hundreds. He said a big case was being made out
of a small problem. He explained the majority of the 7-8 animals were likely hunting dogs that got loose
unintentionally. He pointed out the possibility of a dog being altered against the owners' wishes. He
said the City was risking, for those 7-8 unaltered animals, $20,000 in extra costs if Adix discontinued
providing the City's kennel services. He believed this was an effort to get Adix to discontinue providing
the City's kennel provider so Councilmember Plunkett and PAWS could "have their animal trade back
again." He was offended by groups outside the city stating the city had a problem when there really
wasn't a problem.
Ordinance Tamara Puckett, PAWS, PO Box 1037, Lynnwood, commented that PAWS was contacted by
Regarding Councilmember Plunkett to assist with exploring this issue. She emphasized PAWS was not interested in
Altering of
Animals assuming the City's shelter contract, their interest was because this was the right thing to do. She
reminded that the cost for spay and neuter surgeries would be supported entirely by public donations and
a $1,000 donation from PAWS to the Animal Benefit Fund. She pointed out animals with owners would
not be altered; permission would be required for spay/neuter services for such animals.
5. PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 5.05 OF THE EDMONDS CITY CODE,
Ordinance PROVIDING THAT ALL OWNER -SURRENDERED OR STRAY DOMESTIC ANIMALS
Regarding SHOULD BE ALTERED PRIOR TO BEING ADOPTED BACK INTO THE COMMUNITY,
Altering of DESIGNATING VETERINARIANS) TO PROVIDE ALTERATION SERVICES, ESTABLISHING
Animals AN ANIMAL BENEFIT FUND TO PAY FOR SAID ALTERATION AND TO PROVIDE
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO DOMESTIC ANIMAL OWNERS IN PAYING FOR
ALTERATION SERVICES
COUNCILMEMBER PLUNKETT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM
ORVIS, FOR ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 3392.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 5, 2002
Page 4
Councilmember Plunkett explained the ordinance stated owner -surrendered and stray animals should be
altered; there was no requirement that Adix alter these animals. He emphasized this applied to only
owner -surrendered and stray animals and not a valued pet. Councilmember Plunkett referred to the
concept that because Adix was a private business, the City could not encourage good public policy,
explaining that although Adix was a private business, they had a public contract with the City. He said
the Council had a responsibility, obligation and duty to discuss and/or encourage good public policy with
regard to public contracts.
Councilmember Plunkett emphasized adoption of the ordinance would do nothing to the City's kennel
provider; they would continue providing the same service. The ordinance only encouraged Adix to work
with the City to reduce the number of unaltered animals that are adopted into the community. The
Council has included funds in the budget for the Animal Budget Fund, PAWS has offered a donation,
and the City has received and returned checks to citizens who have made donations. Councilmember
Plunkett noted transportation from Adix to a veterinarian has been discussed. Mountlake Terrace has
indicated they may adopt a similar policy if Edmonds adopts this ordinance. The Edmonds Police
Department has stated they support an altering policy.
Councilmember Plunkett indicated the public has supported this policy over the past year and the Council
supported it by including it in the budget. He noted Jim and Lynn Adix in public testimony indicated
they would support such a policy if cost, transportation and veterinarians could be found.
Councilmember Plunkett pointed out all Adix's concerns have been addressed.
Councilmember Plunkett explained the fundamental principle of altering dogs and cats for public safety
was, in his opinion, not debatable as it was for the public benefit of the community as well as for the
animals. He pointed out 75% of all dog bites and cat fights were due to unaltered animals and 100% of
additional unwanted animals were the result of unaltered animals. He noted the proposed ordinance
would create an opportunity/possibility to reduce the number of unaltered animals in Edmonds.
Councilmember Plunkett referred to the public hearing regarding this issue held on September 17, 2001,
where Mr. Adix indicated they adopted out approximately 150 animals each year, 65 of whom were
unaltered. Councilmember Plunkett pointed out the possibility of those 65 animals having litters with the
net result of hundreds of unaltered animals in the community. Councilmember Plunkett referred to the
Assistant Police Chief's comments on September 17 regarding wild cats in north Edmonds, so many that
there was nothing Animal Control could do. He summarized the Council was responsible for these
hundreds of unaltered animals.
Councilmember Plunkett stated public testimony at the public hearing indicated the majority of the
public favored an altering policy. He cited numerous shelters in surrounding communities where animals
could not be adopted unless they were altered. King County, who has an altering policy, used to
euthanize 10,000 animals; last year they euthanized less than 10.
Councilmember Plunkett suggested if the Council denied this simple program, they would be saying no
to the last, best hope for a positive, cooperative approach. He explained all other solutions required more
regulation, were more intrusive and more expensive. This proposal would give the community an
opportunity to find a solution with the kennel provider to reduce the number of unaltered animals.
Councilmember Plunkett referred to Mr. Adix's comment on September 17 that he believed in spaying
and neutering but was concerned about the cost. Mr. Adix also indicated he did not have a problem with
the program if the City paid for it. Councilmember Plunkett referred to an article in the Enterprise where
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 5, 2002
Page 5
Ms. Adix said if the City passed an ordinance and transported animals to and from the veterinarian, Adix
would carry out the policy. Councilmember Plunkett suggested an alternate solution for transportation be
identified as Adix apparently did not agree with the solution developed for transportation.
Councilmember Plunkett concluded the Council only needed to adopt the ordinance and allow time, trust
and confidence to build between the kennel provider and the City with regard to transporting animals.
By doing so, the number of unaltered animals in Edmonds could be reduced.
Council President Pro Tem Orvis indicated he would support the motion as it was good policy to
encourage the alteration of stray animals before they are adopted into the community. He explained it
was good for the animals because fewer would be euthanized and it was better for the health of the
community as well as the environment. He did not see any problem with asking the kennel service
provider to cooperate with volunteers to promote a good policy.
Councilmember Petso explained the issue for her was not what constituted responsible pet ownership or
whether people should be encouraged to alter animals, but rather whether the City could afford to
jeopardize its contract with its shelter provider. She concluded the City could not afford to jeopardize its
contract as the benefits of contract with the shelter provider were well documented and of considerable
value to the citizens of Edmonds. Until an agreement could be reached with the provider, she was unable
to support the ordinance.
Councilmember Wilson indicated he was unable to support the ordinance in its present form because
although it had a strong policy basis, the inclusion of "should" made it a voluntary ordinance that was
unenforceable. He pointed out the ordinance could be adopted and the Animal Benefit Fund
implemented, but there was no mechanism to transport the animals, or ensure it was done properly and
safely. He stated that until the parties were willing to participate in the program, the ordinance would not
be effective. He preferred to delay until an agreement could be reached that all parties agreed to.
Councilmember Plunkett referred to Councilmember Wilson's comments regarding the voluntary nature
of the ordinance, indicating the reason the language was changed from "required" to "should" was at the
demand of Mr. Adix who indicated they would not participate in altering. The proposed ordinance was
an attempt to develop an opportunity that would result in some success. He emphasized the intent was
not to make it more difficult for the kennel provider or the City. Councilmember Plunkett said if the
Council did not want to proceed in a cooperative manner, and preferred enforcement, perhaps an
enforceable ordinance would be preferable.
MOTION FAILED (3-4), MAYOR PRO TEM EARLING, COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM
ORVIS AND COUNCILMEMBER PLUNKETT IN FAVOR, AND COUNCILMEMBERS MARIN,
DAWSON, WILSON AND PETSO OPPOSED.
ombined 6. CITY OF EDMONDS COMBINED UTILITY FUND STATUS REPORT
Utility Fund
Status Public Works Director Noel Miller explained the Combined Utility Fund was comprised of water, sewer,
Report
and storm drainage services provided by the City. The costs for the services were required to be covered
by utility rates set by the City Council. Mr. Miller indicated he would address the financial status of the
fund, explain demands drawing down the fund balances, and provide staff's thoughts on strategies to
keep the Utility Fund financially healthy.
Mr. Miller explained as part of the annual budgeting process, the Administrative Services Department
provides a 5 -year projection of the Utility Fund. He displayed a graph illustrating the decreasing ending
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 5, 2002
Page 6
cash balance of the Utility Fund. The graph reflected the City's current "pay as you go" practice of
funding capital projects. Mr. Miller displayed a bar graph illustrating the ending cash balance for each
utility component, indicating there was a positive cash balance in the water and sewer funds in 2002 but a
negative cash balance in the storm drainage fund. The graph illustrated the ending cash balance for the
water fund was depleted in 2004 and there was no ending cash balance for water, sewer or storm
drainage by 2005.
Mr. Miller reviewed expenditure pressures on the Utility Fund in recent years including the wholesale
cost of water to the City. Edmonds has two sources of water, the Alderwood Water District who
purchases water from the Everett Water Utility, and the Seattle Public Utility. He noted the last time
City water rates were increased was 1994. He displayed a graph illustrating significant increases in
wholesale water rates; noting the increase in Seattle's summer as well as winter rates have exceeded the
cost of water purchased from the Alderwood Water District. This was not factored into the 1994 water
rate increase. He explained since 2000, the City has purchased nearly all its water from Alderwood in an
effort to reduce costs to customers.
Mr. Miller displayed a chart illustrating 2002 cost components of the water fund, noting approximately
1/3 is expended on wholesale water purchases. He noted the significant increase in wholesale water rates
in the 1990's was much of the reason for the decreasing ending cash balance.
Mr. Miller displayed a chart illustrating the 2002 cost components for the sewer/treatment fund, noting
approximately 33% was expended for capital expenditures, 13% on debt service for the treatment plant
bonds, and 53% for sewer and treatment plant operations and maintenance. He displayed a chart
illustrating the storm drainage cost component, pointing out approximately 30% was used for capital
projects and 70% for operations and maintenance. He highlighted that the storm drainage fund was the
most seriously under -funded and urgently needed to be addressed.
Mr. Miller reviewed other expenditure increases including inflation and unanticipated capital projects
that were not factored into the current rates. These projects included improvements required in the
Meadowdale area following the significant snowfall/rain event in winter 1996/1997 that created
landslides in the Meadowdale area. Inadequacies in the drainage systems were identified at that time that
required installation of additional pipelines and catch basins. He pointed out replacement of aging
infrastructure was another unanticipated capital projects. Further reasons for expenditure increases are
Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Clean Water Act compliance, Safe Drinking Water Act compliance;
Advances in Technology such as upgrading computerized information/controls, GIS and Maintenance
Management System; General Accounting Standards Board (GASB) 34, (a requirement by the State
Auditor for all municipalities in Washington) and associated costs for conducting a complete inventory
of capital assets and doing condition assessments on those assets.
Mr. Miller displayed a comparison of Edmonds' utility rates compared to a State average, indicating
Edmonds utility rates are significantly below the statewide averages. He pointed out that based on the
expenditure factors previously addressed, the City will need to increase all utility rates in 2002 to cover
projected costs.
Mr. Miller explained staff's recommendation was to immediately develop a 5 -year financial plan to
address the expenditure needs for each component of the utility. This plan would evaluate operations
and maintenance costs, future capital costs, options for project financing, and bond covenant
requirements. Staff is seeking Council input regarding this approach to developing a 5 -year financial
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 5, 2002
Page 7
plan and direction for staff to begin working with the Council Finance Committee at their next scheduled
meeting.
Council President Pro Tem Orvis requested staff develop a comparison of how rates have changed in
recent years. Mr. Miller indicated this information could be prepared for the February 12 Finance
Committee meeting.
Council President Pro Tem Orvis asked how a rate increase would impact citizens' bills. Mr. Miller
advised a financial analysis would be required to develop rate increase scenarios.
Councilmember Plunkett recalled storm water utility rates were increased substantially a few years ago.
He asked why rates were increased at that time but needed to be raised again. Mr. Miller explained when
the stormwater rate was developed in 1997, the costs for ESA were not factored into the rates. He
explained as a result of ESA, there has been a dramatic increase in operations and maintenance costs.
Further, a number of unanticipated capital projects have drawn down the cash balance of the storm
component of the Utility Fund. Regarding sewer rates, Mr. Miller explained the rate analysis indicated
sewer rates needed to be increased over a five-year period (2001-2005); Council chose to increase rates
for 2001 and 2002 and re-evaluate whether further increases were justified. He explained the sewer rate
increase recommended by the rate analysis for 2003 — 2005 were not reflected in the ending cash balance
projection. He reiterated water rates had not been increased since 1994. Councilmember Plunkett
recommended future presentations include a description of that history.
Council President Pro Tem Orvis clarified water rates had not been increased since 1994 and the rate
increases in recent years were for sewer and storm. Mr. Miller explained the rate increase two years ago
was sewer and four years ago was sewer and storm.
Councilmember Wilson asked whether the City was currently out of compliance with ESA and the Clean
Water Act. Mr. Miller answered a consultant has been assessing the City's exposure with regard to its
programs. Currently, the City is in fairly good compliance, however, the ESA regulations are still being
refined. He explained Tri -County applied for a 4(d) exemption for roadway maintenance management
practices. The consultant reviewed the City's practices and found they were fairly good but in order to
comply with the 4(d) ruling, more may be necessary. Mr. Miller noted it would likely be another year
before the result of Tri -County's 4(d) exemption was determined. Regarding the Clean Water Act,
Engineering plans to hire a consultant to review the City's stormwater program to ensure it complies with
the Clean Water Act.
Councilmember Wilson suggested explaining to the public what changes were anticipated. Regarding
unanticipated capital projects, he asked if any were the result of infrastructure acquired as a result of
annexation that the City did not have a history on or were they already in the City's inventory and
monitoring for necessary infrastructure improvements could have kept costs down. Mr. Miller answered
Engineering was in the process of preparing a Water Comprehensive Plan update to address those
concerns. He said one of the proposals was to increase capital spending to keep the condition of the
system at a better level than it is currently. He noted when the City annexed Perrinville, the area needed
sewers which were financed via an Local Improvement District (LID) and did not impact the Utility
Fund. However, the water pipes were in poor condition and a decision was made to replace them before
the roadway was resurfaced.
Councilmember Wilson hoped advances in technology did not cost more than doing it the old fashioned
way. He suggested consideration be given to how that was stated as a reason for expenditure increases.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 5, 2002
Page 8
Councilmember Petso requested staff indicate what portion of the rate increase was driven by policy
changes (i.e. maintain the system at a higher level or change the City's capital commitment) and what
portion was driven by other cost factors such as inflation, increase in wholesale water rates, etc.
7. EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING LABOR NEGOTIATIONS
xecutive
Session Mayor Pro Tem Earling recessed the Council to Executive Session at 8:17 p.m. regarding labor
negotiations. The meeting was reconvened at 8:26 p.m.
Letters of COUNCILMEMBER MARIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER DAWSON, TO
Agreement - DIRECT THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE LETTERS OF AGREEMENTS WITH UNION LOCAL
Firefighter 1828, FOR FIREFIGHTER PARAMEDIC AND MEDIC 7 PARAMEDIC AND BATTALION
Paramedic,
Medic 7 CHIEF POSITIONS.
Paramedic,
Battalion Councilmember Petso indicated she would abstain from the vote due to concerns she wanted addressed
hiefs by the City Attorney regarding whether it was appropriate for the Council to act on this at this time.
MOTION CARRIED (6-0-1), COUNCILMEMBER PETSO ABSTAINED.
8. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Pro Tem Earling had no report.
9. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Marin advised Fire Marshall John Westfall, a reservist called to active duty, who was
serving as an underwater diver stationed in Oak Harbor, would be speaking on homeland defense at the
American Legion Hall at 7:45 p.m. on February 18.
Councilmember Plunkett thanked the Council for their consideration of the animal ordinance. He
referenced comments made during Audience Comments, expressing concern with remarks that presumed
to know a Councilmember's intent and motive. He appreciated the Council's effort to address this issue
in a professional and forthright manner and to address information on the record rather than presume
motives.
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 5, 2002
Page 9
AGENDA
- EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL
Council Chambers, Public Safety Complex
2505 th Avenue North
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
FEBRUARY 5, 2002
6:30 p.m. - Executive Session Regarding Labor Negotiations
6:45 p.m. - Interview Candidates for the Architectural Design Board
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 22, 2002
(C) Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes of January 29, 2002
(D) Approval of claim checks #53169 through #53351 for the week of January 21,
2002, in the amount of $710,575.14. Approval of claim checks #53352 through
#53480 for the week of January 28, 2002, in the amount of $270,350.81.
(E) Acknowledge Receipt of Claim for Damages from Andy Speier (Amount
Undetermined), and Phyllis Carlton ($201.47)
(F) Report on Final Construction Costs for the Admiral Way Sanitary Sewer
Rehabilitation Project and Council Acceptance of Project
(G) Approval of 2002 Taxi License for North End Taxi
(H) Approval of 2002 Taxi License for Yellow Cab
(1) Authorization to Call for Bids for the Anderson Center Window Replacement
Project
(J) Authorization for Mayor to Sign Interlocal Cooperative Purchasing Agreement
with Island County
Page 1 of 2
CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
February 5, 2002
Page 2 of 2
(K) Authorization for Mayor to Sign Interlocal Agreement with Snohomish County
Public Works for Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) 2001-2003
(L) Authorization to Contract with James Murphy Auctioneers to Sell Surplus City
Vehicles and Equipment
(M) Approval of Labor Agreement with Edmonds Police Officers Associ tion
(N) Proclamation in Honor of Arts Day, February 12, 2002 I
3. ( 5 Min.) Confirmation of Mayor's Appointments to the Architectural Design Board of
Mickey Nielson and Michael Lowell
4. Audience Comments (3 Minute Limit Per Person)
5. (15 Min.)
Proposed Ordinance amending Chapter 5.05 of the Edmonds City Code,
providing that all owner -surrendered or stray domestic animals should be
altered prior to being adopted back into the community, designating
veterinarian(s) to provide alteration services, establishing an Animal Benefit
Fund to pay for said alteration and to provide financial assistance :to domestic
animal owners in paying for alteration services
6. (15 Min.) City of Edmonds Combined Utility Fund Status Report
7. (30 Min.) Executive Session Regarding Labor Negotiations
8. ( 5 Min.) Mayor's Comments
9. (15 Min.) Council Comments
ADJOURN
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.