06/25/1991 City CouncilTHESE MINUTES SUBJECT TO
JULY 2, 1991 APPROVAL
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
JUNE 25, 1991
The regular meeting of the Edmonds City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Larry
Naughten at the Library Plaza Room, 650 Main St., Edmonds. All present joined in the flag salute.
PRESENT
Larry Naughten, Mayor
Jeff Palmer, Council President
Steve Dwyer, Councilmember
Roger Hertrich, Councilmember
Jo -Anne Jaech, Councilmember
William Kasper, Councilmember
John Nordquist, Councilmember
CONSENT AGENDA
ABSENT STAFF
Jack Wilson, Arvilla Ohlde, Parks & Rec. Mgr.
Councilmember Art Housler, Admin. Svc. Director
Peter Hahn, Comm. Svc. Director
Brent Hunter, Personnel Manager
Buzz Buzalsky, Fire Chief
Linda McCrystal, Arts Coordinator
Dan Prinz, Police Chief
Tom King, Facilities Spvr.
Jim Walker, Hydraulics Engineer
Scott Snyder, City Attorney
Jackie Parrett, City Clerk
Margaret Richards, Recorder
Georgia LaBelle,.Personnel Coord.
Lee Willeiksen, Water Maint.
Items (B), (C), and (F) were removed from the Consent Agenda. COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST MOVED,
SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER JAECH, TO APPROVE THE BALANCE OF THE CONSENT AGENDA. The approved
items on the Consent Agenda include the following:
(A) ROLL CALL
Ow (D) APPROVAL OF TEMPORARY CONCESSION AGREEMENT FOR BOY SCOUT CHICKEN-Q AT CITY PARK FOR
4TH OF JULY
(E) ADOPTEDLIST RDINANCEETE 2838INGAMENDING
SUBJECT O0 INANCET?749 RELATING TO PAY OF COUNCIL MEMBERS -TO
REVIS(G) ADOPTED ORDINANCE 2839 PROVIDING AN ALTERNATE MEMBER ON THE CEMETERY BOARD
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JUNE 18, 1991 [ITEM (B) ON THE CONSENT AGENDA]
Councilmember Palmer referred to the memorandum from the City Clerk noting the following correc-
tion: "Councilmember Kasper has pointed out to me, and he is correct, that the vote is incorrect-
ly recorded in the subject minutes on page 9, the 5th paragraph (regarding the Harbormaster ap-
peal). Councilmember Kasper voted "no" on the motion and he is recorded as voting "yes".
COUNCILMEMBER PALMER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER JAECH, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS CORRECT-
ED. MOTION CARRIED.
APPROVAL OF TASTE OF EDMONDS CONTRACT [ITEM (C) ON THE CONSENT AGENDA]
J�f Councilmember Kasper recommended that the Arts & Craft booths be no closer than 20 feet west of
0W� ,)-t the condominium so that residents of that building can easily access their homes. He also recom-
mended that booths #24 and #1 be spaced farther apart to avoid pedestrian congestion in that area.
COUNCILMEMBER KASPER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST, TO APPROVE ITEM (C) BUT CONSIDER
THE SUGGESTIONS TO RELOCATE BOOTHS #24 and #1 AND THE ARTS AND CRAFTS BOOTHS. MOTION CARRIED.
APPROVAL OF PAYMENT TO CITY OF MOUNTLAKE TERRACE FOR HANDICAPPED RECREATION PROGRAM $3,000
I EM F ON THE CONSENT AGENDA]
Councilmember Palmer noted that the sliding scale fee structure could also result in a reduction
of the City's contribution in years where fewer Edmonds residents participate in the program. He
T��-y(�'
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610 noted that this year's participation by City children justified the City's contribution of $3,000.
U COUNCILMEMBER PALMER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER DWYER, TO APPROVE ITEM (F). MOTION CARRIED.
PRESENTATION TO RUSS BERG OF PROCLAMATION NAMING JUNE 28, 1991 "RUSS BERG DAY" IN CITY OF EDMONDS
Mayor Naughten read the proclamation into the record naming June 28, 1991 as "Russ Berg Day in
Edmonds" in recognition of his outstanding service as the Director of the South County Senior
Center for the past 15 years.
Mayor Naughten presented the proclamation to Mr. Berg.
Mr. Berg introduced the new Director of the South County Senior Center, Connie Passie. He also
introduced his grandchildren, Danny and Bengie Simosso.
Councilmember Nordquist recalled that the Council was somewhat concerned about the role the Se-
nior Center would play in Edmonds when the City first purchased waterfront property, but he said
Jane Jones, Sally Wren, and Russ Berg have since proven that the Center is not only a credit to
the community but it has served as a role model for many agencies throughout the United States.
Councilmember Nordquist said it was a thrill to go to the Senior Center and observe that it is a
home -away -from home for many of its members.
Councilmember Nordquist thanked Mr. Berg for his contribution to the City and for his leadership
in the formation of other senior centers.
DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDED ADOPTION OF EDMONDS WAY, MEADOWDALE, AND PERRINVILLE DRAINAGE BASIN
TU
Hydraulics Engineer Jim Walker noted that the responsibility has been divided between Puget Sound
Water Quality Authority and the Department of Ecology (DOE) as to enforcement of the rules.
Mr. Walker reviewed the following additional nonstructural recommendations: 1) discourage timing
of land clearing activities during winter months and land clearing activities adjacent to fish
spawning areas and during spawning season; and 2) consider a predevelopment clause in the exist-
ing drainage ordinance so that predevelopment complies with the drainage ordinance on a case -by -
case basis.
Mr. Walker pointed out that: the drainage basin studies was a plan document and was presented to
the Council for their approval so that it can be, in turn, submitted to DOE for their approval,
at which point the City would adopt the document. He noted that the City would not be required
to fulfill any particular item within the document after submission to DOE because it served only
as a guidance document for Staff and the Council in developing drainage ordinances and policies.
Councilmember Dwyer inquired if the City's position would be strengthened or weakened with regard
to other issues that may arise in order to implement the plan if the Council approved the plan.
City Attorney Scott Snyder referred to a response to a letter written by the Planning Department
from the Postal Service in which they asserted exemption from their action because the size of
their parcel is under the 30,000 square foot NEPA requirement and, secondly, if it is not other-
wise exempted, it is not of environmental significance, and they cited the City's ordinance which
rezoned the property on July 21, 1987, finding that there was no significant environmental im-
pact. Mr. Snyder said if the City wishes to challenge their assertions, it must appeal the Post-
al Service's determination to federal court. Mr. Snyder noted that bonding requirements on the
City might be quite heavy because the Postal Service has already gone out to contract on the
building, and given the technical. nature of their defense, the City would be fighting an uphill
battle. He said the more appropriate alternative would be to recommend that the State look close-
ly at it and exercise its tools.
Councilmember Dwyer inquired why, if the State was not interested in pursuing a detention system
as outlined in the plan document, the City should approve a plan that appears would never be
implemented. Mr. Snyder stated that the preliminary document, if the City should engage in some
form of litigation, would be discoverable. In addition, the letter dated June 21 was originally
drafted in response to Community Services Director Peter Hahn's letter in February but was never
mailed. He said Staff was attempting to get some response from the Postal Service in the context
of the City's December and January meeting dates, but the Post Office failed to mail notice back
to the City. Given the fact that the plan contains proposed alternatives, Mr. Snyder said the
City has drafted its best engineering estimate of the most appropriate location for a detention
system. He notedthat studies take eighteen months to prepare, and during the course of the
studies, through the action of the Postal Service, that property became unavailable. Mr. Snyder
said adopting the plan at the present time might assist the Department of Wildlife in their nego-
tiations with the federal government (the Postal Service).
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 2 June 25, 1991
Councilmember Kasper. inquired if the City could require mitigation of costs to locate another
site. Mr. Snyder replied negatively. He said the City has no SEPA process to require mitigation
because the Postal Service does not require any City permits.
Mr. Snyder said it was important to remember that the drainage *basin studies constituted a plan
document and that at any given time, elements of the plan could be deleted or revised. Under the
Growth Management Act and. the Regional Transportation Act, he said the only aspect the City can
enforce, through SEPA policies, are official plan documents adopted by the City. He suggested
that the Council adopt the plan and review any questions later.
Councilmember Kasper inquired if the City would have the latitude to review any suggested amend-
ments by the State and approve the plan subject to Council review. Mr. Snyder replied affirma-
tively.
COUNCILMEMBER KASPER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER DWYER, TO APPROVE THE MAY 1991 CITY OF
EDMONDS DRAINAGE BASIN STUDIES FOR EDMONDS WAY, MEADOWDALE, AND PERRINVILLE BASINS FOR SUBMISSION
TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY AND SUBJECT TO ANY AMENDMENTS BY THE DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY, AND THEN
ADOPT THE PLAN. MOTION CARRIED.
Councilmember Kasper said it was vital that the City continue to look at ways to reduce
stormwater runoff into the Meadowdale area.
In response to a question by Councilmember Kasper, Mr. Hahn said when the City has worked with
other jurisdictions intergovernmentally in drainage studies and facilities, the contribution of
each jurisdiction was calculated on the basis of contribution in each area. He said the expecta-
tion is the model that was set up for the Chase Lake area will continue to be pursued.
REVIEW AND ADOPTION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING EDMONDS CITY CODE TO ADD CHAPTER ENTITLED
"HORSE TAXIS"
Police Chief Dan Prinz reported that an Edmonds resident, Terry Henderson, has requested permis-
sion to put a horse taxi in downtown Edmonds. He expects to operate a route from the Milltown
area to restaurants and the waterfront during summer months. Chief Prinz noted that the proposed
ordinance allows for licensing and regulation of horse taxis. He recommended approval of the
proposed ordinance and requested recommendations for fees under 4.85.125.
City Attorney Scott Snyder noted that Mr. Henderson has secured a place on private property in
Harbor Square to park his horse and carriage. With regard to the in -lieu -of parking fee, Mr.
Snyder suggested that the City approximate one=twelve per month of commercial fees.
With respect to 4.85.100(A)(6), Councilmember Dwyer inquired if the City would encounter problems
with the Americans With Disability Act. Mr. Snyder said that requirement stated that a person's
use of intoxicating liquor or drugs not be current, but the term "current" has not been defined.
He suggested that the City obtain an EEOC regulation to determine what "current" is. Councilmem-
ber Dwyer referred to 4.85.100(B)(4) and inquired if the language could be more definitive to
avoid the perception as interpreting a paraplegic from not being able to operate a horse taxi.
Mr. Snyder replied affirmatively.
Councilmember Dwyer inquired from where the requirement for fingerprinting [4.85.100(8)(3)] ema-
nated. Mr. Snyder said that language was derived from the Seattle and Gig Harbor regulations.
Councilmember Dwyer inquired if Police Chief or any member of the Council believed that require-
ment to be necessary. It was the consensus that it was not necessary. Councilmember Dwyer sug-
gested that it be deleted and that 4.85.100(B)(4) - Good Health - be more specific.
Councilmember Nordquist inquired about clean-up behind the horse. .Chief Prinz noted that
4.85.150(K) requires collection and disposal of manure or other debris. Terry Henderson, 215 -
9th Ave. S., said a bag will be placed behind the horse that will collect 99% of droppings. He
said he was willing to provide any other type of clean-up that may be required of him. He noted
that the hours of operation will be from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. so clean-up could take place in the
early hours of the morning.
Councilmember Hertrich inquired where the horse and carriage would be boarded during off hours.
Mr. Henderson said the horse is boarded in Bothell and will be transported by a trailer, and the
buggy will be stored in a residential garage in downtown Edmonds. ,
Councilmember Hertrich inquired if the City currently has an ordinance with respect to horses in
Edmonds. Chief Prinz said the ordinance simply states that horses cannot be ridden two abreast
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 3 June 25, 1991
on City streets. Councilmember Hertrich inquired about the right-of-way for horse-drawn vehi-
cles. Mr. Snyder said a horse-drawn vehicles operates the right-of-way subject to the same re-
quirements and protections as another vehicle.
Councilmember Palmer referred to 4.85.090(C) and recommended that that section be more definitive
to reflect that a designated area is subject to City approval so that City can ascertain whether
a site may conflict with another operator's area. Mr. Snyder said he would include a sentence at
the beginning of that section requiring each owner/operator to designate off-street areas for
standing, parking or discharge and load and require them to be reviewed and approved by the Traf-
fic Engineer.
COUNCILMEMBER JAECH MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST, TO ADOPT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE
AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FEES UNDER 4.85.125. Councilmember Dwyer inquired if the motion included .
the deletion of 4.85.100(B)(5); the incorporation of 4.85.100(B)(4) with regard to "Good Health";
refinement of the definition of 4.85.090(C); a recommendation for 4.85.125(C) as stated earlier
by the Council; and $50 for 4.85.125(A) and $25 for 4.85.125(B). Mr. Snyder recommended that the
space fee be one -twelfth of the in -lieu -of parking fee. COUNCILMEMBER JAECH CONCURRED. THE SEC-
ONDER AGREED. MOTION CARRIED.
CONTINUED REVIEW OF EMERGENCY SERVICES FUNDING, INCLUDING IMPACT OF 1991 PROPERTY REASSESSMENTS,
C AND ADOPT-10-N CF__ORDJNANCI 2840 PLACING PROPOSITION FOR SIX -YEAR LEVY ON NOVEMBER 5, 1991 BALLOT
J Administrative Service Director Art Housler reported that information was included in the Council
packets addressing the impact of the 1991 property reassessment, as well as a press release from
the Snohomish County Auditor stating that the average residential assessment increased by 90%
over 1991.
Mr. Housler reviewed attachment #1, which depicted the increase for all property in the City of
Edmonds at 58% and also indicated that the rate per $1,000 of assessed property value would de-
crease from $2.131 to $1.432 because of the 106% limitation. However, the rate does not include
the Emergency Medical Service levy of $.25 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Attachment #2
showed how the rate was calculated and illustrated the impact of the reassessment.
Fire Chief Buzz Buzalsky submitted a revised attachment #4 to the Council. He noted that attach-
ment #3 depicted that over the past six years (1986-1991), the actual cost of providing EMS to
the community has cost in excess of $650,000 above the $.25 per thousand levied and was subsi-
dized from the General Fund. He noted that the average cost for EMS has gone up 9% per year.
Projecting a 9% inflation factor over the next 6 years, he said it is anticipated that EMS will
be subsidized from the General Fund in an amount of $881,800. Chief Buzalsky said although it is
very difficult to make an accurate prediction of costs beyond a couple of years, attachment #4
attempted to show what the cost could be if an increase of 106% occurred every year. He noted
that history has shown an increase of 8% to 10% per year.
Councilmember Jaech inquired if the assessed levy of $.25 per thousand dollars was based on new
assessed values. Mr. Housler said it was based on values for the years 1992 through 1994, noting
that values will be reassessed in 1995.
In response to Councilmember Palmer, Chief Buzalsky estimated that the amount of the levy to fund
EMS would be $.29 in 1992, $.31 in 1993, and $.34 in 1994. He said based on an inflation factor
* of 9%, rough estimates indicate an increase of $.44 in 1997 to fund those services. Councilmem-
ber Palmer inquired what amount would be required if the levy did not vary each year. Chief
Buzalsky estimated a figure above $.35, but he recommended a flexible figure, as suggested in the
proposed ordinance, so that sufficient funds can be collected each year rather than experience a
shortfall.
Councilmember Dwyer noted that the same level of service for Medic 7 that was provided in 1991
could not be assumed for the years 1992-1997. He was fearful that the population is growing to
an extent that at some point Medic 7 will be unable to respond to simultaneous calls and some-
one's life will be at stake.
Councilmember Dwyer explained that a second medic unit would not necessarily double the budget.
He said either the Council or their successors are going to provide the service, and it will
either be provided with sufficient funding through the levy or it will be subsidized by the Gener-
al Fund. He noted that the wording "$.50 or less" would provide adequate funding in future
years, and if that full level of funding was not necessary, then only the level that was required
for a particular year would be collected.
Councilmember Nordquist inquired if the Hospital District contributed to the Medic 7 Program.
Councilmember Dwyer replied affirmatively. Councilmember Nordquist inquired if the Hospital
*See 7-2-91, P.1 EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 4 June 25, 1991
District would; at some point in time, fully fund the program. Councilmember Dwyer was doubt-
ful. He said the consensus was that that method would not work well in South County and that the
consortium was the most feasible means of operation.
Councilmember Hertrich said he would endorse any expenditure that was necessary to fund EMS. He
said the service could be likened to apple pie and Coca-Cola in that it was something that cities
must endorse.
Councilmember Palmer requested Staff to provide the Council with a single figure to recapture the
funds necessary for EMS from 1992-1997.
Councilmember Palmer noted that it was assumed that Medic 7, in the years 1994 through 1997, was
based on 1991 service levels, but a 9% inflation factor was included so that there was no project-
ed increase; 1995 assessments assume no increase in value in property assessments that would
change the figures. Councilmember Palmer said what he was seeing was a red herring being waved
indicating that the Council may not be willing to fully fund the service, but he heard nothing
from the Council indicating that service should not be fully funded. He said the only question
was how it should be fully funded.
Councilmember Dwyer noted that the ordinance would not allow cities to cavalierly collect $.50
but it would require the program to be in place in order to tax for it. He said his fear was not
that EMS would not be provided but, rather, that it would be provided disproportionately out of
the General Fund.
Councilmember Jaech inquired if Staff would automatically eliminate the subsidy from the General
Fund if the proposed ordinance was approved. Chief Buzalsky believed that the true cost of the
levy would be established. Councilmember Jaech wanted assurance that if additional monies were
collected from the levy they would not be expended simply because they were collected.
In response to Councilmember Nordquist regarding the amount of the levy on pages 2 and 3 of the
proposed ordinance, Councilmember Dwyer said the ordinance would simply allow the issue to be
placed on the ballot to be voted upon by the constituency, and the levy amount would then be
filled in from year to year, if approved.
Councilmember Jaech inquired if Edmonds could require a payback if the issue were placed on the
ballot and approved. • Councilmember Dwyer said he did not know. He said the question could be
posed to the Medic 7 Board to be voted upon.
COUNCILMEMBER NOROQUIST MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER KASPER, TO SUBMIT THE PROPOSITION ON THE
NOVEMBER 5, 1991 BALLOT FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES SIX -YEAR LEVY AND THAT THE CITY OF EDMONDS
BE AUTHORIZED TO IMPOSE THE REGULAR PROPERTY TAX LEVY OF $.50 OR LESS PER $1,000 OF ASSESSED
EVALUATION FOR EACH OF THE SIX CONSECUTIVE YEARS WITH A "YES" OR "NO" ANSWER.
Councilmember Palmer felt the motion was premature. He said he preferred that the Council make a
motion knowing what the average levy would be. He added that what the Council was being asked to
do was to "pick a credit card limit and your spending habits may or may not use up that limit".
COUNCILMEMBER PALMER MOVED TO AMEND THE MOTION TO STRIKE THE FIGURE $.50 OR LESS AND THAT A FIG-
URE BE DETERMINED AFTER A BREAKDOWN WAS PROVIDED TO THE COUNCIL BY THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
DIRECTOR. MOTION FAILED FOR LACK OF A SECOND.
Councilmember Hertrich said he would vote in favor of the main motion because he did not believe
the service should continue to be subsidized from the General Fund.
MOTION CARRIED WITH COUNCILMEMBER PALMER OPPOSED.
DISCUSSION ON AMENDMENTS TO MEBT PLAN (REGARDING TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES)
Personnel Manager Brent Hunter reported that a new federal law was passed in late 1990 requiring
any employee who is not covered under a qualified retirement plan to have Social Security cover-
age. The change, which becomes effective July 1, 1991, impacts all of the City's temporary em-
ployees who are not covered under PERS or LEOFF. Workers employed during emergencies, election
workers, and elected officials are the only exceptions from the new requirement.
Mr. Hunter said the City's MEBT consultant has advised that the City allow temporary employees to
-participate in the MEBT Plan in lieu of Social Security. He noted that the majority of the op-
tions use the MEBT Plan, but the Council should be aware that the temporary employees' MEBT par-
ticipation is different from regular employees' because with the regular MEBT Plan, the employees
and the City both contrib6te 7.65%, which is the current Social Security tax rate. That amount
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 5 June 25, 1991
includes 1.45% for Medicare and 6.2% for MEBT. The medicare cost applies only to employees hired
after 1986. The new coverage for temporary employees requires that a total of 7.5% be returned
to the employee upon termination of employment, excluding Medicare contributions. Mr. Hunter
said because the MEBT Plan was modeled after the Social Security benefits, it provides long-term
disability and survivor insurance benefits. In addition, the regular plan has a vesting sched-
ule, which provides the employee with the City's contributions after expenses are deducted. The
new coveragefortemporary employees does not require either long-term disability, survivor or a
vesting schedule.
Mr. Hunter noted that in 1990, the City employed 171 temporary employees who were not covered by
PERS/LEOFF or MEBT. All were covered by Medicare, excluding some Police Reserves and Fire Volun-
teers, which cost both the employees and the City 1.45% of their wages. The wages paid for those
employees amounted to $319,380.
Mr. Hunter said the MEBT Committee met with the MEBT consultant and legal counsel to discuss the
implementation of the new requirement and what options may be available. The options that were
identified were as follows:
1) Place the temporary employees in the federal Social Security Program (the least desirable
option). It would cost both the temporary employee and the City 6.2% in wages, and the contribu-
tions would not be returned upon termination of employment. This option may, because the City
would be providing both Social Security and MEBT, jeopardize the City's continuing ability to
keep MEBT for its regular employees. The cost to the City would be $19,800.
2) Place temporary employees in the MEBT Plan and require them to pay the entire 7.5% contribu-
tion. Coupled with the Medicare contribution, this would require a total of 8.95% deduction from
the employee's pay. The City would be required to pay the administrative costs and any legal
expenses resulting from contributions being paid back to the employee upon termination and period-
ic re -statements of the Plan with the IRS. The consultant advised against this option because
the employee's financial burden exceeds the amount (7.65%) that would be required under the So-
cial Security Program.
3) Place the temporary employees in the MEBT Plan at the same contribution rate which the regu-
lar employees pay and the City pays (6.2% each). The Plan would be amended to exclude the tempo-
rary employee from the long-term disability, survivor, and vesting benefits. The temporary em-
ployee would receive 7.5% back from the MEBT Plan when he or she terminates employment with the
City. The cost to the City would .be $19,800.
4) Place the temporary employees in the MEBT Plan, but deduct 6.2% from the temporary employee's
pay and supplement it with a 1.3% contribution from the City. In addition, pay the administra-
tive costs directly rather than through the City's MEBT contribution. This option removes the
possibility of funding the new temporary employee in excess of the actual requirement and forfeit-
ing the excess funds to the benefit of the City's regular employees. The cost to the City would
be $7,984.
Mr. Hunter said the MEBT Committee recommends option #3 because it is most similar to the Social
Security Program. In addition, the administrative costs of the MEBT program are becoming increas-
ingly larger, taking a larger share of the City's contribution. The Council expressed concerns
regarding disability benefits for the employees.
COUNCILMEMBER JAECH MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST, TO SELECT OPTION #2 FOR IMPLEMEN-
TATION OF THE TEMPORARY EMPLOYEE MEBT REQUIREMENT. MOTION CARRIED.
• REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF EDUCATION REIMBURSEMENT POLICY
- Personnel Manager Brent Hunter noted that a proposed revision of the City's Training and Educa-
tion Policy for City employees was included in the packet. It was reviewed by the Administrative
Services Committee and has met their approval. He said the major changes in the policy are as
follows:
1) The education reimbursement for college courses has been increased from $40 per quarter to
100% tuition reimbursement for courses leading up to an Associate's Degree and 50% tuition reim-
bursement for courses leading to a Bachelor's Degree;
2) All college courses and/or the related degree must be directly related to a promotion or
career opportunity with the City of Edmonds and be consistent with the future manpower needs of
the City. The college course work and/or degree must also be a requirement of the promotional
position, as stated in the job description;
3) Employees must attend college courses on their own time;
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 6 June 25, 1991
4) A written employment commitment is required anytime the cost of an educational or degree
program exceeds $500 requiring the employee to stay with the City for two years following comple-
tion of the program, or they will be required to repay the City the cost of the education;
5) The maximum amount of educational reimbursement per employee is set at $1,000 per year. In
the event that the demand for the educational reimbursement exceeds the amount budgeted by the
City for this program, those programs which provide the greatest benefit to the City will receive
higher funding priority.
Councilmember Nordquist said the program was an encouragement for employees to' improve them-
selves. He thanked Mr. Hunter for the efforts he put into the program, and he encouraged the
Council to support the training and education policy.
COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER KASPER, TO APPROVE THE EDUCATIONAL REIM-
BURSEMENT POLICY AS PRESENTED TO THE CITY COUNCIL. MOTION CARRIED.
' j REVIEW FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION FOR CITY COUNCIL EXPENSE ACCOUNT POLICY
Councilmember Dwyer reported that he and Councilmember Nordquist have discussed suggestions for a
City Council expense account policy in order to provide more certainty into the Council's budget
process and to ensure the public that things are done fairly. He noted that they were unable to
come up with a joint recommendation, partly because they were unsure how the Council wanted to
pursue such a policy. He suggested that the Council discuss the issue, and then he would go back
to the Committee in July and draft a recommended policy based on the Council's discussion and
return it to the Council at the July work meeting.
Councilmember Dwyer noted that a table indicating the policy of other local cities, a list of
questions to discuss, and a suggested policy authored by Councilmember Palmer were included in
the Council packets.
Councilmember Kasper believed a City-wide travel policy should be established that applies to
everyone in the City.
Councilmember Palmer said great difficultly is encountered in trying to budget for any year with
the Council because of factors of sporadic nature of some events, the need for some events to be
represented by Councilmembers and other not represented. He said the approach currently taken
with respect to Council expenditures was a shotgun approach'. He said a policy would help to
establish parameters and guidelines, but the power to revise those guidelines would remain with
the Council. Councilmember Palmer said it was difficult for Administrative Services Director Art
Housler to make a judgment whether a Council expenditure was reasonable or not when an expense
report was submitted to him.
MAYOR
Mayor Naughten said he received a letter from the Board of Directors of the Edmonds Chamber of
Commerce thanking the City for cooperating with them in the construction of downtown streets.
Mayor Naughten noted that Edmonds residents who live adjacent to .the Lynnwood treatment plant
were attending a meeting that evening and Treatment Plant Supervisor Bob Bower was representing
�ZI
the City. Mayor Naughten said he would ask Loren Sand to schedule future meetings on an evening
N5;�.t when the Council does not meet.
Mayor Naughten said he submitted a request from the State to the Council for a donation for the
Korean War Veterans Memorial. Because not everyone on the Council received a copy of the re-
quest, Council President Palmer said he would ask the Council Assistant to make additional copies
and distribute them to the Council for consideration.
Mayor Naughten noted that SnoCom has requested an additional $14,616 from the City because of an
employment settlement and a lawsuit. Administrative Services Director Art Housler suggested that
jyo&04 the funds be_ taken from' the Unanticipated Cash Carryover. Councilmember Dwyer explained that
congress exempted .Police and%Fire from the Fair Labor Standards Act in 1985. The City entered
into a labor contract with medics wherein they agreed to be treated in the same manner as Police
and Fire personnel, but congress did not specifically call out paramedics as being exempt, and a
federal District Court in Seattle held they could not waive their right. Councilmember Dwyer
said paramedics filed a federal lawsuit approximately eight months ago against the Medic 7 Pro-
gram. He said the $14,616 represents the City's increased share of the labor contract and over-
time which was settled because the City did not budget any increase.
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 7 June 25, 1991-
Mayor Naughten noted that the City of Lynnwood is considering annexation of Lake Serene and the
City of Mukilteo recently annexed Harbour Pointe. He said residents or Norma Beach were con-
cerned about the possibility of being annexed into Lynnwood and have requested the Council to
discuss next week the potential to annex into the City of Edmonds.
With respect to item #3 on the agenda (discussion and recommended adoption of Edmonds Way, Meadow-
P dale, and Perrinville drainage basin study), City Attorney Scott Snyder said he would, with Coun-
cil concurrence, refer the City's concerns to the State regarding NEPA determination by the Post-
al Service.
Mr. Snyder said he was in the process of preparing a report on the Supreme Court decision on
topless dancing because a Washington court held that under the Washington State constitution,
nude dancing to be a form of free expression so a question has arisen as to whether dancers have
broader rights under the Washington constitution than under the federal decision.
COUNCIL
Council President Palmer said he has received regular correspondence from the Neighbors Opposed
to Sewage Emissions, and they are prepared to file a lawsuit because they are being driven from
their homes from the odor emanating from the Lynnwood treatment plant. Council President Palmer
rAAfelt it was important that the City take every step possible to look out for those residents'
best interest and direct Staff and all other resources to see to it that all possible remedies
are considered on a timely basis. Community Services Director Peter Hahn recommended that a copy
of Brown & Caldwell's most recent report be submitted to CWC-HDR for review.
Council President Palmer noted that a City truck will be decorated and participate in the 4th of
July parade.
COUNCILMEMBER PALMER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER JAECH, TO EXCUSE COUNCILMEMBER WILSON'S
ABSENCE ON JUNE 11 AND JUNE 18, 1991. MOTION CARRIED.
Councilmember Dwyer requested Mayor Naughten to submit a memorandum to the Council regarding any
action that is being taken in response to a letter from Mr. Olson regarding dogs on the play
field.
Councilmember Nordquist requested a discussion to be scheduled on next week's Council agenda
regarding 236th, 238th and Highway 99. In addition, he said he would make a presentation next
week with respect to issues that were discussed at the AWC meeting.
As a procedural matter, Mayor Naughten adjourned the meeting at 10 p.m. COUNCILMEMBER PALMER
MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER DWYER, TO EXTEND THE MEETING. MOTION CARRIED.
Councilmember Hertrich noted that an article in the Enterprise accurately reflected that Council -
member Palmer was the only Councilmember who had use the he phrase "arrogance and greed".
Councilmember Jaech recommended that a firm be hired to conduct an assessment of expenses relat-
ing to the Safeway property. City Attorney Scott Snyder suggested that that assessment be con-
e ducted in conjunction with the City's bond counsel. Councilmember Jaech said she would prefer
j that someone with expertise in the field of rental property conduct the assessment. COUNCILMEM-
BER JAECH MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER PALMER, TO DIRECT STAFF TO HIRE SOMEONE TO LOOK AT THE
RENTAL ASPECT OF THE SAFEWAY PROPERTY AND LOOK AT EXPENSES. MOTION CARRIED.
The meeting adjourned at 10:08 p.m.
THESE MINUTES ARE SUBJECT TO JULY 2, 1991 APPROVAL.
THE OFFICIAL SIGNED COPY OF THESE MINUTES IS ON FILE IN THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE.
J CQUEL NE G. PARRE City Clerk
EDMONDS,CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 8 June 25, 1991
AGENDA
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL
PLAZA MEETING ROOM -LIBRARY BUILDING
7:00 - 10:00 P.M.
JUNE 25, 1991
WORK MEETING - NO AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
1. CONSENT AGENDA
(A) ROLL CALL
(B) APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JUNE 18, 1991
(C) APPROVAL OF TASTE OF EDMONDS CONTRACT
(0) APPROVAL OF TEMPORARY CONCESSION AGREEMENT FOR BOY SCOUT CHICKEN-Q
AT CITY PARK FOR 4TH OF JULY
(E) PROPOSED ORDINANCE 2838 AMENDING ORDINANCE 2749 RELATING TO PAY OF
COUNCIL MEMBERS TO REVISE LIST OF MEETINGS SUBJECT TO PAYMENT
(F) APPROVAL OF PAYMENT TO CITY OF MOUNTLAKE TERRACE FOR HANDICAPPED
RECREATION PROGRAM ($3,000)
(6) PROPOSED ORDINANCE 2839 PROVIDING AN ALTERNATE MEMBER ON THE CEMETERY
BOARD
2. PRESENTATION TO RUSS BERG OF PROCLAMATION NAMING JUNE 28, 1991 "RUSS
BERG DAY" IN CITY OF EDMONDS
3. DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDED ADOPTION OF EDMONDS WAY, MEADOWDALE, AND
PERRINVILLE DRAINAGE BASIN STUDY
4. REVIEW AND ADOPTION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING EDMONDS CITY CODE
TO ADD CHAPTER ENTITLED "HORSE TAXIS"
5. CONTINUED REVIEW OF EMERGENCY SERVICES FUNDING INCLUDING IMPACT OF
1991 PROPERTY REASSESSMENTS, AND ADOPTION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE 2840
PLACING PROPOSITION FOR SIX -YEAR LEVY ON NOVEMBER 5, 1991 BALLOT
6. DISCUSSION ON AMENDMENTS TO MEBT PLAN (RE TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES)
7. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF EDUCATION REIMBURSEMENT POLICY
8. REVIEW FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION FOR CITY COUNCIL EXPENSE
ACCOUNT POLICY
9. MAYOR
10. COUNCIL
( 5 MINUTES)
(30 MINUTES)
(10 MINUTES)
(40 MINUTES)
(30 MINUTES)
(10 MINUTES)
(20 MINUTES)
THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO ATTEND