04/30/2002 City CouncilEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
April 30, 2002
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
Jeff Wilson, Councilmember
Michael Plunkett, Councilmember
Lora Petso, Councilmember
Dave Orvis, Councilmember
ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT
Richard Marin, Councilmember
Deanna Dawson, Councilmember
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
STAFF PRESENT
David Stern, Chief of Police
Robert Schmitt, Fire Dept. Battalion Chief
Duane Bowman, Development Serv. Director
Arvilla Ohlde, Parks and Recreation Director
Dave Gebert, City Engineer
Sandy Chase, City Clerk
Jana Spellman, Senior Executive Council Asst.
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
COUNCILMEMBER PLUNKETT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER WILSON,
FOR APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Petso requested Item H be removed from the Consent Agenda.
COUNCILMEMBER PLUNKETT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT EARLING,
FOR APPROVAL OF THE REMAINDER OF THE CONSENT AGENDA. The agenda items
approved are as follows:
(A) ROLL CALL
Approve
/inure inutes (B) APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 23, 2002
Approve (C) APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS #55046 THROUGH #55223 FOR THE WEEK OF
Claim APRIL 22; 2002, IN THE AMOUNT OF $222,123.20
Checks
Iaim for (D) ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FROM JERROLD N.
Damages SPROAT ($638.07)
Library Roo (E) AUTHORIZATION FOR THE MAYOR TO SIGN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH S.M. STEMPTER ARCHITECTS FOR THE EDMONDS LIBRARY
ROOF REHABILITATION DESIGN
low
-k (F) AUTHORIZATION FOR THE MAYOR TO SIGN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
mwater AGREEMENT WITH MOFFATT & NICHOL ENGINEERS FOR DESIGN OF WILLOW
fall CREEK STORMWATER OUTFALL EXTENSION
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 30, 2002
Page I
National
Day of
Prayer (G) PROCLAMATION IN HONOR OF NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER, MAY 2,20 )2
Item H: Appropriating Funds for Joint Appraisal with the City of Edmonds and Edmonds Public Facilities
District and Authorizing Selection and Negotiation of Appraiser
Councilmember Petso explained she could not support this item unless a funding source was identified
for the City's portion of the cost of the appraisal. She noted the agenda memo indicated the expenditure
required, amount budgeted, and appropriation required were zero; however, it appeared the cost would be
$12,000 - $15,000.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT EARLING MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER ORVIS, TO
City of APPROPRIATE THE CITY'S PORTION FROM THE COUNCIL CONTINGENCY FUND IN AN
Edmonds AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $15,000 FOR THE JOINT APPRAISAL. MOTION (CARRIED
and PFD UNANIMOUSLY.
Joint
Appraisal
COUNCILMEMBER PETSO MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT EARLyING, FOR
APPROVAL OF ITEM H. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The item approved is as
follows:
(H) APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR JOINT APPRAISAL WITH THE CITY OF EDMONDS
AND EDMONDS PUBLIC FACILITIES DISTRICT AND AUTHORIZING SELECTION
AND NEGOTIATION OF APPRAISER
3. JOINT MEETING WITH THE PORT DISTRICT
Joint
Meeting
with the Port of Edmonds Commissioners present were Mary Lou Block, Bruce Faires, Dean Nichols, Fred
Port District Gouge, and Ken Reid. Port of Edmonds Executive Director Bill Toskey and Deputy Director Chris
Keuss were also present.
Sound Transit
sound Mauri Moore, Local Government Liaison, Sound Transit, explained Sound Transit began 2002 with a
ransit number of successes as well as facing a number of challenges. The Sound Transit Board has given staff
milestones to meet in 2002 including the train north to Everett, a third train south to Tacoma, and two
light rail milestones — breaking ground for the central link light rail system and continued cons ction on
the Tacoma link light rail which should begin service in approximately 1'/2 years (mid -2003). She
encouraged Councilmembers to ride Sounder to the south.
Ms. Moore explained while waiting for Sounder to the north, Sound Transit provides fabulous bus
service to Snohomish County, serving approximately 22,000 riders. Sound Transit has also built HOV
lanes, Park and Rides, transit centers, and the Pacific Avenue overpass in Everett.
Val Batey, Project Manager for Sound Transit Sounder Commuter Rail Station at Edmonds,
explained the Edmonds commuter rail station was one of 12 Sound Transit funded stations alo g the 82 -
mile Sounder commuter rail line that connects 10 cities in 3 counties from Everett to Lakewood.
Sounder currently operates weekdays during peak commuter hours. At full build out, Sounder will run
12 trains each weekday between Everett and Seattle with intermediate stops at Edmonds and Mukilteo.
At full service, 18 trains will operate between Seattle and Tacoma each weekday and four gains that
operate from Everett to Tacoma.
Ms. Batey explained Sound Transit was in the process of negotiating an agreement with Burlington
Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) for the tracks between Everett and Seattle to accommodate Sounder
commuter rail service along with the freight service. The Sound Transit Board Chair has committed to
signing an agreement with BNSF by yearend 2002. That agreement will include negotiation of a
Edmonds City Council App�pvn
ed Minutes
130, 2002
Page 2
construction schedule to begin construction as soon as possible. She was hopeful that construction of the
improvements can begin early 2003. She explained the current schedule indicates service would begin
on the Seattle to Everett line in late 2003 with limited service (1-2 trains per day).
Ms. Batey explained Sound Transit requested the City's cooperation in establishing a Citizens Advisory
Committee (CAC) to assist in the station design process. The Edmonds CAC, a 20 -member committee
comprised of elected officials, Port Commissioners, residents, business owners, neighbors of the station,
and riders, worked to develop a station design the community could be proud of. Representatives from
Washington State Ferries (WSF) and Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) also
attended CAC meetings. She explained the CAC participated in all areas of the design process from
selecting the design team to seeking solutions to parking and access issues, to the details of selecting the
design to light poles. A subcommittee of the CAC was formed to select an artist to produce art funded by
Sound Transit's art program. Following the selection a bronze sculpture entitled, "Standing Wave," a
private fundraising effort was established to match the funds provided by Sound Transit to allow the
sculpture to be commissioned in a larger size.
Ms. Batey explained the design criteria for the Edmonds station included providing safe access for
pedestrians and other non -motorized customers, bus and cars to the station; providing enough parking
onsite for the commuter rail and Amtrak uses; providing two 600 -foot platforms for Sounder trains and
maintaining the platforms for the existing Amtrak service and ensuring both were compatible at this
location; providing adequate weather protection for transit riders; providing the shortest and safest transit
transfer distance for bus to train transfers; and maintaining the Amtrak station building after the addition
of a second mainline track that exists to the east of the existing track.
Ms. Batey explained the design team, lead by Streeter and Associates, worked with the CAC and Sound
Transit to complete the preliminary design in late 2001. Highlights of the design include a pedestrian
oriented station that matches the existing street grid of the City, improved pedestrian crossings including
pedestrian gates at the railroad crossings at Main Street and Dayton, redesigned parking lot to the south
of the Amtrak building that met the City's landscaping and stormwater requirements (a total of 156
spaces will be provided with the new site design), station structures, canopy shelters, light poles and sign
poles that reflect Edmonds' marine oriented character and connections and are compatible with the
surroundings including Brackett's Landing, off-street bus area to allow transfers to occur closer to the
train platforms, and modifications to the Amtrak building that allows existing Amtrak ticketing and
baggage services as well as model railroad club activities to continue.
Ms. Batey explained in December, approximately 100 people attended an open house sponsored by
Sound Transit and the CAC to display the design to the Edmonds community. The Architectural Design
Board also reviewed the station design on April 17, 2001, and approved the preliminary design.
Ms. Batey explained because federal funds are used for the station, federal guidelines must be followed.
One of these steps has been completed — value engineering was performed on the station in an effort to
identify cost cutting and safety issues that could improve the station and bring the cost within budget.
Once final design authority is issued by the federal government, likely summer 2002, final design of the
station will begin. She anticipated the final design process would be completed by yearend 2002. Sound
Transit would like to begin construction in early 2003 but must wait for BNSF to develop their
construction schedule for the second mainline through Edmonds. Sound Transit will also consider
phasing work in this area or possibly identifying an interim platform location so that service can begin as
soon as trains are operating on the Everett to Seattle line. Ms. Batey distributed a site plan and a
prospective of the station from the north.
Commissioner Faires asked what compatibility and flexibility was built into the design to allow it to be
moved should the multimodal facility become a reality. Ms. Batey answered one of the design criteria
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 30, 2002
Page 3
was to design as many elements of the station at this location that could be used at a new platform at the
multimodal station, and keep the budget for construction of the station as low as possible so that any cost
savings could be applied to a new multimodal station.
Commissioner Nichols asked whether service would begin prior to installation of the second track. Ms.
Batey responded that was subject to negotiation; Sound Transit has asked to be allowed to start initial
service without all the improvements in place, including the second track segments. Sound Transit was
successful in negotiating this in the Seattle to Tacoma line; service began approximately one year before
construction of the improvements began.
Commissioner Reid asked whether the train would stop in Edmonds if service began prior to construction
of the improvements. Ms. Batey stated Sound Transit was asking BNSF to assist in determining how to
serve Edmonds as soon as the trains were operating on the line, either at an interim platform location or a
phased construction of the Edmonds station.
Councilmember Petso asked whether the project increased or decreased parking. Ms. Batey replied
parking would be decreased in the north lot although that was not necessarily a result of thisrcject; the
addition of a second mainline track through the station would eliminate all parking spaces in the BNSF
right-of-way along the north side of the Amtrak station, approximately 80 spaces. The station's
preliminary plans have an off-street bus transfer area that will eliminate the remaining spaces in the
City's right-of-way on Railroad Street on the east side of the tracks. With the redesign required to meet
the City's storm drainage and landscaping requirements, the south parking lot will be reduced from 159
parking spaces to 156. She noted consideration is being given to using the WSDOT lot immediately
south of Skippers to address parking issues in the area.
Councilmember Petso asked how many parking spots would be lost. Ms. Batey responded approximately
100 parking spaces would be eliminated on the north side of the Amtrak station. Councilmember Petso
asked whether the remaining parking spaces would be available to the general public during non -
commuter times. Ms. Batey stated the spaces were first for commuter rail riders; depending on what the
City wants to do in this location, Sound Transit is open to negotiating parking use agreements which has
been done in other cities.
Councilmember Petso inquired at what point in the process would the City request the public be allowed
access to the parking at non -commuter times. Ms. Batey assumed that would be discussed 'during the
permit process.
Commissioner Faires explained the Port was in the process of preliminary design of a parking lot at the
northeast corner of the Port property most adjacent to the station and would be very interested in
integrating any information Sound Transit has developed regarding parking demand. He encouraged
Sound Transit, the Port, and the City to work together to incorporate Sound Transit's needs into the
parking lot design. Ms. Batey offered to share parking demand information as well as a study ',on current
parking usage.
Council President Earling commented that although the project was behind schedule, one of the main
reasons was funding shortfalls as a result of the passage of I-695. Ms. Batey explained Soud Transit
had been in a partnership with WSDOT to pay for the improvements required on the tracks to
accommodate passenger rail and freight rail. When I-695 passed and the MVET was repealed, WSDOT
was left with a deficit in their budget and they could no longer partner with Sound Transit for the
improvements which caused considerable delays in negotiations with BNSF. She was hopeful the
transportation packet on the fall ballot would be successful as it contained funding for these partnerships.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 30, 2002
Page 4
She noted the listing of salmon as endangered species also affected the timeline, adding approximately
one year to the environmental review process for the Everett to Seattle corridor.
Commissioner Reid asked what parking demand Sound Transit expected after one year and whether
Sound Transit had plans for patrolling and enforcing the use of the parking lot to avoid its use by ferry
commuters. Ms. Batey answered Sound Transit was very protective of parking for commuter rail
customers and wanted to ensure parking was available in a convenient location for commuter rail users.
Therefore, Sound Transit will be diligent about posting the parking regulations and will patrol the lots to
ensure parking is not abused. Ridership projections, based on 12 trips per day, estimate 350 boardings at
the Edmonds station; approximately 150 of those will arrive by car and 130 of those will need to park
their vehicles (the remainder will be drop-offs).
Councilmember Wilson inquired about the impact on the schedule if the transportation package did not
pass this fall. Ms. Batey answered they were pursuing other funding avenues as well as discussing
phased improvements during negotiations with BNSF. She acknowledged it could result in another
delay. Council President Earling explained there were a number of potential funding sources and Sound
Transit was working on several at once. He noted a regional transportation package being developed by
the Snohomish County Executive included $15 million for commuter rail.
Orth North Seawall and Outfall
Seawall and Executive Director Bill Toskey reported the Port operates and owns the north seawall, the vertical
utfall structure that separates Puget Sound from the north portion of the marina. The seawall has reached the
end of its life and requires replacement. In discussing various alternatives with the City, it was
determined the City had a stormwater line to the north that also needed replacement. As one project
could not be done without significant impact to the other, consideration was given to doing the projects
together. He noted there were no policy differences but there were technical/legal issues to be resolved
such as the land ownership issue because the boundary between the Port and the City's properties did not
exactly coincide with the structure. This has since been resolved by agreeing once the project is
constructed, the area will be surveyed and the Port and City provide each other the appropriate
easements. The Port and City's attorneys are in the process of drafting the appropriate legal language.
Once this is completed, design of the project will begin. One firm will do the design of the entire project,
the Port will manage the design, and the City will reimburse the Port for the City's portion of the project.
Mr. Toskey summarized at the conclusion of the project, there would be a new seawall that protected the
Port property and inside the seawall would be a new stormwater line that would be a better location
environmentally (out of the eelgrass beds) and would be easier for the City to maintain.
Mr. Toskey explained it was currently taking 2'/2 years for projects with positive environmental impacts
to receive a permit for construction. Once the project was designed, he anticipated a 2-3 year delay to
obtain the permit for construction.
Observing that the project had a positive environmental impact, Councilmember Petso asked whether it
was possible to obtain any grant funding for the project. Mr. Toskey answered grant funding would be
sought but most of the project would not be eligible as it was a replacement of an existing structure and
the benefits were minimal compared to the total cost.
Council President Earling inquired about the estimated construction time for the project. Mr. Toskey
estimated once the permit was obtained, construction would take approximately one month.
Commissioner Faires suggested Mr. Toskey describe the possible impact on the fishing pier and walkway
and temporary interruption. Mr. Toskey explained regardless of whether the project was done jointly or
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 30, 2002
Page 5
individually, the fishing pier would be interrupted for a short period of time. At the conclusion of the
project, walkway users could look at the natural shoreline area on one side and the marina on the other.
For Councilmember Wilson, Mr. Toskey explained the Seattle Office of the Corp. of Engineers did not
prioritize projects; projects were reviewed as they are received. Therefore, a simple project could be
delayed by a more complex project that was received earlier.
Unocal Unocal Property Development — Edmonds Crossing Prot
Property— On behalf of Community Services Director Stephen Clifton, Development Services Dire for Duane
Edmonds
Tossing Bowman reported Mr. Clifton has been working on the Edmonds Crossing project, a major planning
Project effort to relocate the Edmonds ferry terminal to Pt. Edwards property. He described Mr. Clifton's efforts
with signatory agencies to resolve several issues in order to move forward and issue a Final
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Mr. Clifton has met with WSDOT staff on the oveiall process
and timeline associated with the preliminary and final EIS and negotiations with the tribal representatives
have been opened. In late March, Mr. Clifton met with the new WSF Director and with WSDOT
Northwest Regional Director to discuss the Edmonds Crossing project. Mr. Bowman explained there
was $2.2 million in the Statewide transportation package for the Edmonds Crossing project.
Mr. Bowman displayed Alternative 2, the preferred alternative for design of the Edmonds Crossing
project. He explained the City has applications pending for development on the Unocal property. He
noted the Council was in a quasi-judicial role with regard to one of the applications. Unocal has applied
for a code amendment to establish zones for the property that would be consistent with' the City's
Downtown Waterfront Plan and would establish uses for the upper yard and lower yard. Thi is a quasi-
judicial matter that will be presented at a public hearing before the Planning Board on May 8. The code
amendment would address establishing the zone and types of uses that were allowed in the zone. The
proposal was MP -1 for the upper yard and MP -2 for the lower yard, which would include the multimodal
project. The site specific rezone Master Plan for the site would require future uses be consistent with the
adopted Master Plan and the Master Plan must be consistent with the adopted Downtown Waterfront
Master Plan.
Commissioner Block asked whether the first step was modification of the Comprehensive; Plan. Mr.
Bowman explained the current Comprehensive Plan designates the property as a Master Plan
development; therefore, no Comprehensive Plan amendment is required. What must be accoinplished is,
1) establish zones that implement the Comprehensive Plan and 2) establish a Master Plan for the
property.
Commissioner Reid inquired about the status of the EIS for the Edmonds Crossing project. Mr. Bowman
answered the signatory agencies continue to debate some issues and, until all agree, the Final, EIS cannot
be issued.
Commissioner Gouge asked the timeline for the Edmonds Crossing project. Mr. Bowmah stated the
project was several years away due to the Final EIS and funding to construct the project. Council
President Earling described efforts to identify funding including an effort by Congressman Jay Inslee, as
well as funds in the regional transportation project for the Edmonds Crossing project. He clarified the
proposed Snohomish County transportation package included $50 million for Edmonds Crossing and $70
million for commuter rail. i
Commissioner Reid commented the projects in the transportation package were only advisory; once the
public voted, the legislature/DOT would have the authority to develop/approve a list of projects. Council
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 30, 2002
Page 6
President Earling agreed, noting the WSF Director and WSDOT Director supported the Edmonds
Crossing project.
Councilmember Orvis referred to the spirit of cooperation regarding the seawall and asked why the Port
ghtwater had not passed a resolution opposing Brightwater. Commissioner Reid answered the Port Commission
atment
lant has discussed that issue. He clarified that because they have not adopted a resolution opposing
Brightwater did not mean they were in favor of Brightwater, it meant they had adopted a different
strategy than the Council.
Councilmember Orvis asked whether the Port was cooperating with Metro. Commissioner Reid
answered that if allowing the placement of a meteorological station on their property was cooperating,
then yes. He assured the Port has dealt with Metro the same as any other governmental agency that
requests such rights.
Councilmember Orvis asked Commissioner Reid to describe the difference between the Port strategy and
City's strategy. Commissioner Reid answered he could not. Councilmember Orvis commented the issue
was not strategy but whether the Port was for or against Brightwater. Commissioner Reid disagreed,
explaining the Port was an independent unit of government and it was within their authority to adopt a
resolution and to this point they have chosen not to.
Council President Earling pointed out the Port has taken a separate position based on whatever
information they feel they should consider. He summarized the Council had taken a decisive position
and the Port's position was different.
Commissioner Block asked whether there was a current estimate for the design and construction of the
Edmonds Crossing project. Council President Earling answered current estimates were $145 million to
$160 million in today's dollars and that amount would continue to increase the longer the project was
delayed.
Commissioner Nichols inquired about the height of the ramp onto the ferry. Mr. Bowman answered it
would be elevated to maintain a consistent elevation from Pine Street to the ferry dock. He noted the
elevation would be a minimum of 32 -feet to clear the railroad tracks. Commissioner Nichols inquired
whether the bus terminal would be multi -storied. Mr. Bowman answered structures on the site could be
multi -storied.
Mayor Haakenson offered to have Community Services Director Stephen Clifton make a presentation
regarding Edmonds Crossing to the Port Commission.
Commissioner Gouge asked whether there would be an emergency exit at the south end of the marina.
Mr. Bowman answered there has been a great deal of discussion regarding that issue. He noted the
elevation required to make that transition would be significant.
]d Safeway Old Safeway Property Develo ment
Property Mr. Toskey displayed an aerial photograph of the area, explaining this was not a project but a conceptual
Develop-
mentmultiple idea. He noted there were roPertYowners in the area, including private property Yowners,
WSDOT, the City, BNSF, and the Port. He explained the Port was open to working with the City and/or
others to assist in any way possible to develop the entire property or portions of the property due to their
belief it is one of the most critical pieces of property in Edmonds. He explained there were three
potential private investors willing to partner with the Port and there could be as many as five. Mr.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 30, 2002
Page 7
Toskey noted this site was no longer being considered by the Public Facilities District (PFD) which had
been an issue for some of the potential partners.
Responding to Councilmember Plunkett's question, Mr. Toskey identified the property the Port owned
south of Dayton, which was leased to Harbor Square and the athletic club. He acknowledged the Port did
not own any land north of Dayton. Councilmember Plunkett asked how the Port would assist with
development of the area. Mr. Toskey answered the Port could take the lead or a supporting role, noting
the Port had project development experience and funding capabilities that may be easier to access and
that were more flexible than the City. Funding capabilities include industrial development bonds,
revenue -bonding capacity, and voted G.O. Bond capability as well as the ability to makle business
arrangements with private parties. He clarified the Port was not proposing anything other than a
cooperative arrangement to improve this area.
Councilmember Plunkett asked what the Port proposed as the next step. Mr. Toskey suggested the City,
the Port and other parties discuss issues. He noted some of the issues were private business matters and
would not be open to the public until they progressed further. Councilmember Plunkett asked whether
the Port had had discussions with private property owners. Mr. Toskey answered they have had some
discussions with private property owners but were open to suggestions and proposals.
Council President Earling commented another of the benefits of the Edmonds Crossing project was
potential redevelopment of this private property as well as the ferry holding lanes, extra parking,
commuter rail station, etc. He summarized there were opportunities for positive redevelopment in that
area that would generate tax dollars for the community.
Commissioner Faires recalled the 3CHPAC committee (which evolved into the PFD) recognized if the
area developed on its own, it may not be optimally developed and that an opportunity existed for
stakeholders to determine the highest and best use for the property and develop plans to achieve that.
Councilmember Wilson observed it appeared investors were not interested in the project if the PFD
project were to locate there and asked if investors had the same reaction if the ferry terminal �emained in
its current location. Mr. Toskey answered the investors were very interested in the Sound Transit project
and were less concerned about the timing of the Edmonds Crossing project. He clarified Sound Transit
was the key to investors' interest in development of this area.
Deputy Director Chris Keuss commented there were few times in the history of a City when a project
such as this came up that could make such a difference for the future. He noted the property owner of the
Safeway property was interested in redevelopment, the Port was interested in assisting, Sound Transit
would soon come on line in this area, and there was the possibility of the property manager at Harbor
Square being interested in the process.
Fire Access/ Fire Access/Emergency Response
Emergency Fire Department Battalion Chief Robert Schmitt recalled over 20 years ago he made a presentation to the
Response Council as well as to the Port Commission regarding a fireboat. The Council agreed the fireboat was a
good idea, as did the Port who provided moorage for the boat. He noted what has stayed the same over
that time was the Fire Department's concern over access issues and emergency response issues.
Battalion Chief Schmitt referred to Fire Chief Tomberg's notes, asking that both agencies understand the
Fire Department cannot be effective or timely if they could not reach the emergency scene or cannot
observe and attack problems from a 360 degree perspective. He noted at the Port, the Fire Department
had a 180 degree offense as the Fire Department did not have access from the water side via a,'fireboat. If
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 30, 2002
Page 8
the Fire Department was not able to cross the tracks due to a derailment, the same problem would exist.
He explained their standard operating procedures outlined ways to get the equipment across the tracks in
the event of a derailment but it resulted in a time delay. The Fire Department requested all future
development plans be viewed from the perspective of the impact on the Fire Department's ability to
respond west of the tracks and address emergencies from a 360 degree perspective. He summarized the
Fire Department must get their concerns on the record so when the inevitable change by disaster
overtakes that confined geographic area, regardless of the mechanism, the Fire Department will have
advised the leadership of the community of their concerns and recommendations before the fact.
Commissioner Faires agreed it was worthwhile to look at what type of emergency access possibilities
existed to move from ground level at the Port over the tracks should the multimodal become a reality.
Mayor Haakenson commented this issue needed to be addressed long before planning for Edmonds
Crossing occurred; something needed to be done now. He said the answer was to have apparatus
stationed on the other side of the tracks as the Fire Department could get firefighters across the tracks if
they were blocked but may not be able to get equipment across.
Councilmember Petso shared discussion the Public Safety Committee had regarding the presence or
absence of water rescue capabilities. She noted as the Port increased services such as kayak rentals, etc.,
water usage also increased and there may appear to be a burden on the Fire Department to be able to do
deep water rescue. She promised Fire Chief Tomberg at the Public Safety Committee meeting that she
would raise the issue with the Port and would expect to work with the Port on a solution. She noted,
according to Chief Tomberg, should a kayak get into trouble off the Edmonds waterfront, there would not
always be anything that could be done by the Fire Department in a timely manner to achieve a good
outcome. She said that was not satisfactory to the Fire Department or to the Council as community
leaders. She pointed out the need for the City and Port to work together to identify opportunities to
provide these services to the Port area.
Commissioner Faires explained the work boat was currently available to the Fire Department. He
acknowledged this was not a specific solution to the problem but the Port had done its best to cooperate
to make equipment available for emergency services as well as allow it to be stored on the west side of
the tracks. He noted the real issue was specific equipment that may be necessary to increase those
capabilities such as a fireboat and associated logistics. He commented that would be an appropriate topic
for an in-depth discussion.
Commissioner Gouge advised the Commission was not adverse to providing a slip for a fireboat, noting
they currently provide an area for equipment, etc. Mayor Haakenson asked if this were true for a fire
engine. Commissioner Gouge answered the Port would provide the space if the City built the building.
Councilmember Plunkett commented if the Port encouraged more people to be on the water, they needed
to consider safety for those people, beyond encouraging the City to get a fireboat or build a building. He
anticipated some funding from the Port and cooperation would be necessary to provide adequate
emergency services. Commissioner Gouge commented the City also encouraged people to use the
waterfront, pointing out the Underwater Dive Park, Brackett's Landing, etc. He agreed the Port and City
needed to work together to address this issue.
Battalion Chief Schmitt noted this was the same conversation that occurred 20 years ago, the Port would
like the City to pay and the City would like the Port to pay; the Fire Department only wanted a boat and
access.
Mayor Haakenson thanked the Port Commissioners for participating in the first joint Port Commission
and Council meeting.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 30, 2002
Page 9
4. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Town Mayor Haakenson reported the Washington Tea Party's Town Meeting was attended by over
Meeting re: including four state Representatives, one State Senator, a County Councilmember, and a KIRC
rightwater news crew. He noted the meeting was filmed and would be shown on Channel 21 at 9:00 a.rr
Treatment m. for the next few weeks. He encouraged anyone who had not et jointed the Washington
Plant p• g Y Y J g
in their quest to keep the Brightwater treatment plant out of Edmonds to visit thei
beautif iledmonds.org or call his office for contact information. Mayor Haakenson extended
and appreciation to the Washington Tea Party for their efforts.
5. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council President Earling announced Councilmember Dawson was absent due to illness.
rightwater Councilmember Orvis expressed his appreciation for the good thins the Port does but felt
reatment P pP g g
rant undermined the desires of the Council as well as the public not to have the Brightwater trt
sited in Edmonds.
Port Councilmember Wilson commented the Port was in the process of selecting a new Executive
Executive replace Mr. Toskey who will retire in June. The Port will be interviewing candidates over the
Director
days and a decision will be made mid-May.
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 8:31 p.m.
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GARY ENSON, MAYOR "SANDRA S. CHASE, C
Edmonds City Council
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CLERK
Minutes
30, 2002
Page 10
AGENDA
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL
Council Chambers, Public Safety Complex
250 51" Avenue North
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
APRIL 30, 2002
6:45 p.m. - Executive Session Regarding Labor Negotiations (Jury Meeting Room)
7:00 p.m. - Call to Order
Flag Salute
1. Approval of Agenda
2. Consent Agenda Items
(A) Roll Call
(13) Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes of April 23, 2002
(C) Approval of Claim Checks #55046 Through #55223 for the Week of April 22,
2002, in the Amount of $222,123.20
(D) Acknowledge Receipt of Claim for Damages from Jerrold N. Sproat ($638.07)
(E) Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Professional Services Agreement with S.M.
Stemper Architects for the Edmonds Library Roof Rehabilitation Design
(F) Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Professional Services Agreement with
Moffatt & Nichol Engineers for Design of Willow Creek Stormwater Outfall
Extension
(G) Proclamation in Honor of National Day of Prayer, May 2, 2002
(H) Appropriating Funds for Joint Appraisal with the City of Edmonds and Edmonds
Public Facilities District and Authorizing Selection and Negotiation of
Appraiser
3. (90 Min.) Joint Meeting with the Port District
4. ( 5 Min.) Mayor's Comments
5. (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.