19640204 City Council Minutes167
• Attorney reported on easement proposed -by Great Northern Railway for sidewalk across the
tracks. G.N. will extend Easement to City at Dayton St. for .$35.00, this is a perpetual
easement. It was -moved -by Councilman Slys, and seconded by Councilman Smets to accept
this easement and send the Great Northern a check for $35.00. Motion carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS.
Street Committee. Councilman Sorensen reported Hearing next Tuesday night, January 281b
at 8:00 P.M. on arterial, 5tb S.E..from Five Corners to 76r.b.(H.S.), program - paving,
curbs and gutters.
Park Board. Councilman Christensen reported the Park Board recommended Council now take
definite action to implement the informal discussions held previously, and call for bond
issue next November at General Election.. Board felt it necessary to take this action now,
not wait longer, as we need 8 months to properly inform the people. Recommended an Ordi-
nance be passed calling for placing on ballot in November of a $400,.000.00 bond issue for
purpose of acquiring additional park sites. 6.0-. bond to be voted on by the people. Page
2 or Ordinance, recommend on basis of Don Lawson's-suggestion of 20 year life for the
bonds. Ron Taylor has talked to Community Clubs. Ballinger Park,is too small, and they '
hope to.get more property in that area, also other areas scattered throughout the city,
for parks and community playgrounds. As soon as we have this authorization to spend this
money to acquire sites distributed over the City, can apply to federal government for
30% matching funds:
Councilman Christensen then moved that Ordinance be passed as.drawn by City Attorney;
seconded by Councilman Slye. Discussion. Councilman Sorensen stated the ordinance
should be passed now to give -.Ron Taylor something to work with. Councilman Smets had dis-
senting opinion* believing we have parks now that should be developed before buying more;
he is against any more taxation; he felt there might be some land that would be given to
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the City for park purposes, if we looked in to it. Councilman Christensen stated he feels
if we do not act now, the property will not be available. Councilman Slye stated this
will give the people the opportunity to vote Yes or No. Some felt it would be burdening
the incoming Council with something they might not -have been in favor of. Attorney re-
plied incoming Council would have the rightto throw it out and repeal the ordinance.
Councilman Christensen stated part of this money would be used for development; matching
fund of $130,000.00 would be used to develop the,land. Roll call vote called for:
Harrison Yes Slye Yes
Smets No Sorensen Yes
Christensen Yes
Motion passed, one voting No.
Mayor Tuson asked if there was any more business from the audience.. Mrs: Harold Finney
spoke concerning the old Feed Store at 3rd and Edmonds, and the danger from fire, children
playing in, around and under it - danger of them being hurt. She understood at a previous
council meeting action was taken that the building was to be burned or torn down, and she
and other home owners in the area would like -to see it taken care of very soon.
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Mr. Lawson stated at that time the building was being used, and the first approach was to
have it vacated. He now understands a sale is being negotiated for the property. He rec-
ommended Police Dept. look into this and demand the building be closed. He reported the
Fire Dept. did not feel it safe to burn it and did not want to take the responsibility.
Mr. Lawson will find out from Mr. Slater, one of the owners, what can be done about it.
Police Chief Grimstad will demand it be closed up or declared a Nuisance.
Meeting adjourned.
City Clerk
February 4, 1964
111ral 1mbnam
S
Mayor
Regular meeting was called to order by Mayor Tuson with Councilmen Harrison, Smets,
Christensen, Slye and Sorensen present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Copies of the minutes of the council meeting of January 21 having been mailed to each
councilman, the Mayor asked if there were any corrections or ddditions. Councilman Slye
called attention to a correction in the paragraph•pertaining to the rezone for the Lake
Ballinger area, Resolution #95 of the Planning Commission, stating it should read "rezone
based on the comprehensive plan" instead of "assumption of getting R/W". Councilman
Christensen stated that under the City Attorney's report, where the minutes read ".Ehristensen
of the Park Board", it should be'changed to "Christensen and the Park Board". Also where
mention was made of the legal description not inserted in the Agreement (City Park con-
cession), instead of the legal description - which would be too difficult to determine -
a drawing of the building will be inserted on the map. It was then moved by Councilman
Slye that the minutes of the meeting of January 21 be approved as corrected. Seconded -by
Councilman Smets, and the motion carried.
AWARDING OF BID ON ACCOUNTING MACHINE
Mr. Lawson was asked to report on the bids for the Accounting Machine. He stated that both
Burroughs and National Cash Register companies had set up one of their machines at the '
Civic Center and that the offices of the City Clerk and Treasurer had had the opportunity
to try out both machines with the actual work they would be doing on them. He then stated
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that after examining and running them, and having salesmen describe the qualities of the
machines, various cities -wore contacted who were using either one of these at the present
times Mountlake Terrace; Bellevue, Lynnwood, Olympia, Mercer Island, Camas, Aberdeen, and
Everett. Mr. Lawson had a lonb talk with Mr. Lewis, City Clerk of Everett, who advised in
their experience they had first purchased a Burroughs (bid $1.,000 lower), but after five
a.
months' use it.was taken back by the company and they then purchased the N.C.R. at a highir
price, but it did the work for them that the Burroughs had failed to do. Based upon con-
sideration and the experience of our neighboring city, and based upon the recommendation of
the cities of Mountlake Terrace,. Lynnwood, and Bellevue, Mr..Lawson told the council that
the City Treasurer, City Clerk, and he feel it would be less expensive in the long run to
purchase the N.C.R., and there is more flexibility to the machine, as well as accomplishing
the work in somewhat less time. The bids had been:
Burroughs $69888.96
N.C.R. 79733.96
However, it would take -three more panels at $189.00 each for the Burroughs to do the work,
and $200.00 more to wire it for punch cards. This amounted to an extra $782.08, for the
Burroughs machine if it were to match the N.C.R., and brought the difference down to $62.92.
This difference also did not take into consideration the cost of adding dollar protection
($184.00) to the Burroughs if it were wanted. The N.C.R. machine has the dollar protection
feature. After this recommendation, it was moved by Councilman Christensen, seconded by
Councilman Slye to accept the bid of N.C.R. for $79733.96 including sales tax for the
purchase of their accounting machine. The motion carried. Mayor Tuson asked if the rep-
resentative of Burroughs was in the audience, and had anything to say. Mr. W§lter Lacher
replied that if this was the decision of the City, it was satisfactory with him and with
his company.
AUDITING OF BILLS
It was moved by Councilman Slye, seconded by Councilman Sorensen that the legular monthly
bills be paid, and the City Clerk be authorized to issue warrants against the proper funds. •
Motion carried.
A motion was made by Councilman Slye, seconded by Councilman Sorensen that the bill against
LID #114 in the amount of $105.28 be paid to the Edmonds Tribune Review. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Councilman Slye, seconded by Councilman Sorensen that the bill against
LID #117 in the amount of $103.51 be paid to Edmonds Tribune Review. Motion carried.
Councilman Slye made the motion, seconded by Councilman Sorensen that the bill in the amount
of $101.06 against LID #118 be paid to the Edmonds Tribune Review, and the motion carried. .
It was moved by Councilman Slye and seconded by Councilmah Sorensen that the bills against
LID #119 .be paid: $179149.66 to A. & M. Construction Co. for contractor's semi-final estimate,
and $156.00 to Alderwood Water District; and the City Clerk be authorized to issue interest
warrants'in the amount of $17,305.66 to Southwick, Campbell, Waterman Company*to cover these
bills. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Councilman Slye, seconded by Councilman Sorensen that the bill to,
Edmonds Tribune Review in the amount of $19.94 against LID #120 be paid. Moti on carried.
CORRESPONDENCE
A letter was received, signed by some fourteen people, concerning the need for walkways for
Westgate School students, leading away from the school, and outlining the particular areas
in mind. After reading of the letter it was called to the attention of - the council that
some of these areas were in the county. John Moran and D. C. Lawson were asked to report
back on this matter at the next meeting. Mr. Moran stated that Mr. Davenport of the School
had been in to see him, and they went over the schools; most of the problem is in the county - •
if i.n the city, he thinks we should see that walkways are provided where they do not now
exist. The Mayor asked Mr. Moran to answer the people who signed the petition, so they can
contact the county officials.
A letter was read from William Herbert, Retiring Buidling Inspector, thanking the council
and all branches of the city government for their friendly consideration and support. It
was moved by Councilman Christensen to send Mr. Herbert a letter of commendation and appre-
ciation on behalf of the council. This was seconded by Councilman Slye, and the,motion
carried.
A preliminary petition for annexation signed by 10% of owners in the vicinity of 84k W. and
216t S.W., described partially as Lot 40 Alderwood Manor #9 was received. Along with this
was also submitted a petition signed by 7 5% of owners for annexation, and also a petition
for sewers. City Attorney Murphy stated the second petition signed by 75% should be accom-
panied by a map of the area. He suggested the council set a date for hearing to determine
if the council will accept the petition, and with or without the assumption of indebtedness
of the city. It was moved by Councilman Slye, seconded by Councilman Sorensen to accept -the
preliminary letter of annexation of the area and set the hearing for February 18t' to deter-
mine whether or not they will assume the indebtedness of the city, and whether the council .
will accept,the petition for annexation. Motion carried.
SEWER RODDING EQUIPMENT AND 36 TON PICK-UP TRUCK
Mr. Lawson was asked to report on the proposed bid for sewer rodding equipment. He stated
the city's equipment is short of what we need, especially since the senior High School and
Lake Ballinger sewers have been put in. The cost would be from $4,000 to $59000; it would
rod a sewer up to 1000 ft. in length. It was the recommendation of Supt. of Public Works
Moran to hage bids opened for the equipment capable of rodding 1000 ft, with gas engine,
towed behind a pick-up truck; also to ask for bids on a pick-up truck to replace the one
in the water department purchased in 19509 which is not a, dependable piece of equipment •
• for pulling this around. He widhed the council would provide for bid openings March 3rd
for one pick-up h ton capacity, which should cost from $2,200 to $2,300. It was reported
the finances of the Water Department are such that this can be done without any strain
on the finances. It was also felt advisable to keep the 1950 pick-up as a standby truck,
rather than turn it in for around $90.00. Manpower has been already hired for sewer
work, and will operate the rodding equipment. It was moved by Cmunci&man Slye, seconded
by Councilman Harrison to set the date of March.3 for opening of bids for sewer rodding.
equipment and a Y/2 ton Pick-up Truck. Motion carried.
STREET LIGHTING IN DOWNTOWN AREA
Mayor Tuson asked Mr. Lawson to report on the meeting with the PUD officials regarding
the question of downtown street lighting. It was the understanding that the city might
want an outside engineer to analyze and find out if the rrogram as setforth by the PUD
represented a good program of street lighting. They had analyzed the cost of putting
some of the downtown lights on ornamental poles, and taking wires off two city blocks
and putting them in the alleys, etc. Mayor-Tuson eBked Mr. Lawson to set up a meeting
with these two gentlemen from the PUD, with the council, to takk about downtown street
lighting. Councilman Christensen stated he felt there should be a survey of lighting
all-over based on the comprehensive plan.for future streets. Councilman Smets expressed
the opinion that the City could spend this $13,000 or $14,000 budgeted for lights in the
downtown area, where there are already lights, to better advantage elsewhere, for more
needed things. Further discussion would be had following the meeting of council with the
engineers.
pp.pn BARN
In the absence of Police Chief Grimstad, Mr. Lawson reported on the Feed Barn. He stated
he Was informed a banker has in escrow a deal for the sale of this barn. If this goes
through, he is advisi6d by the real estate agent the new owner would have the barn torn
. down within thirty days. This should be considered.to be sufficient evidence that some-
thing will happen.
AUDIENCE
Mr.: Vernon Severance spoke from the audience concerning his water bill. He is in the
North area annexed recently to the city, and apparently the date of billing has been
changed, so that he was charged for a portion of a full period for water, but a full
period on the sewer service charge. He felt that this was not fair. He also complained
about the treatment received at the city offices when he questioned this. Mayor Tuson
apologized for the treatment Mr. Severance had received and -stated any people involved in
this area would receive a rebate if it is due them.
CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT
Attorney Murphy reported he had been given the Title Policy to the Thayer property, which
appeared to be all in order expept that he had not checked the legal description.
He reported Aurora Village had declined the offer that they participate in storm.water
runoff.
The Attorney had received a letter from Mrs. Warner concerning water flooding. There may
be some city involvement, but he d6ubted it.. He stated he would look into this.
Mayor Tuson stated in connection with the SouthAArea petition for annexation, for every
family the cost would be 2.87 mills, or less than $6.60 per year taxes, and he felt it
wise to give this information to Mr. Carley, heading the petition, so the people would
have no misunderstanding and will be given the facts.
• REPORTS OF COUNCI,, COMMITTEES
Councilman Sorensen reported that the Street Committee would make no recommendation on
the proposed project for street improvements on 5:21 S.E. from Five Corners to the High
School. The meeting held last Tuesday night showed too many people against it.
It was moved by Councilman Sorensen to call for bids on a Loader -Back Hoe combination for
heavy duty work, bids to be ppened on March 3, cost in the neighborhood of. $17000. Motion.
was seconded by Councilman Slye, and carried..,..
Councilman Christensen stated that someone from the Lions Club had approached him to ask
if the City would permit the Club to use for storage for a short time one of the buildings
on the Thayer property. Ron Taylor wants to use one building for.an archery range. City
Attorney stated this was at the discretion of the Mayor, and there would be only the
question of insurance and liability, to see that the City would be held harmless. All
Council members felt, in view of the Lions Club efforts toward helping the City, they
should be allowed the use of this building.
John Moran stated that since the contractors semi-final estimate was now being paid on
LID #1192 and the consulting engineers had accepted the job, with only retainage now being
held, residents will have 60 days from today in which to connect to the sewer. Cards will
be sent to property owners not hooked up.
Meeting was then adjourned.
City Clerk Mayor
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