19700623 City Council MinutesIt was moved by Councilman Tuson, seconded by Councilman Nelson that the proposed annexa-
tion be set for hearing July 7- Motion carried..
•
A motion was made by Councilman Tuson, seconded by Councilman Nelson that the meeting be
recessed to June 23 at 7:30 P.M. and that the parties interested ih the. Yost Valley area
lying between Yost Park Site and Pine Ridge Park Site be notified. Motion carried.
was r cessed at 11:55 P.M.
-Petie E. Hendrick, Deputy City,/Clerk H. Harrison, Mayor
RECESSED MEETING
June 23, 1970
ROLL CALL
Recessed council meeting to complete the unfinished agenda from June 16 was called
to order by Mayor Harve Harrison with Councilmen Nelson, Tuson, Slye and Haines
present.
CO2RESPONDENCE
A letter was read.from Jerry Russell, Sanitary Technician, Environmental health
Division of the Snohomish Health District, stating he had received complaints from
residents at 8128 - 200th S.W. as to probable diverted drainage easement flooding
their property. He mentioned that no health hazard was found, but wished to be in-
formed as to whether this is city property, and the findings. This was referred to
1
City Engineer Leif Larson to answer and inform the District of the city's drainage •
plans.
A letter was received from N. Richard Forsgren, Chairman of the Board of County
Commissioners, bringing up-to-date data on the status of Phase II of the area -wide
Snohomish County Sewer and Water Program (WASH-USE-1), to provide the county with
a long range development program to 1975 and 1990 for water, sewage, storm water
systems and solid waste disposal. This would involve a grant from HUD, and the
municipalities in the county had been asked to contribute financially to the study.
It stated that the municipalities' contribution is 14.4o per capita, which would
bring Edmonds' share to $3,510.00. Engineer Larson stated that since the City of
Edmonds was at the present time repaying borrowed money from HUD for plans that we
already had accomplished, he felt we should not be charged the same as other cities
with no plans, and although we have an interest in the study, Edmonds should be
given credit for any data which we have already paid for. This was therefore re-
ferred to a council work session for study and discussion.
Michael F. Moynihan, Attorney for Marvin E. Smith, wrote a letter to council com-
plaining about the off-street parking requirements for the building under construc-
tion on Main Sti.:eet just east of the old Safeway Store being met by subleasing of
space from present tennants to the east of them. As requested, the letter was read
and acknowledged for future reference.
A letter was read from Robert E. Leaver, Secretary of the Board of Certification for
the American Water Works Association, commending City of Edmonds employee George
Fisher for his interest in taking a water works course at Everett Junior College
and then passing the examination for Water Works Specialist III classification. Mr.
Fisher is employed by the sewage disposal plant and therefore cannot be officially
certified unless currently employed in the water works field. However, the Board
commended him and will issue an official certificate of competency when he meets the •
experience requirements.
RESIGNATION FROM CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
A letter of resignation from the Civil Service Commission was received from Meredith
Stokes, effective as of June 16, 1970- Mayor Harrison accepted with regret Mr.
Stokes' resignation, and a motion was made by Councilman Nelson, seconded by
Councilman Tuson that a Resolution of Commendation be written for Meredith Stokes.
Motion carried.
COUNCIL PARTICIPATION
Councilman Tuson brought to the attention of council and city staff the excessive
speed of the freight trains passing through Edmonds, and felt someone should register
a complaint from the City.
DISCUSSION OF YOST VALLEY AREA
City Planner Merlin Logan gave a short history regarding the Yost valley area lying
between the Yost park site and Pine Ridge park, including the discussions held in
the past and as to the implementation of the comprehensive plan. The Park Board
had asked for the acquisition of this valley for park purposes and the Planning
Commission recommended acquisition of a 33' strip for a trail through the area.
Stanley Riddle, attorney representing Wayne Smith, property owner in the area,
stated his client hoped to divide his property into five lots and would not be in
a position to dedicate property to the city. He also added that Mr. Smith, if
prevented from developing, could sue for damages and he had in fact an application
for subdivision before the Planning Commission at the present time. Mr. Bennett
Box, property owner in the valley, stated that he was aware of several bad exper- •
99
fences in the area since the sewer had been installed, and if the valley were
opened to the public, the people would not limit the use to a strip of land, so
cyclone fences would probably be necessary to protect the property owners from
trespassers.
Dave Larson, 86Lh Pl. W., presented a petition signed by 14 separate property owners
bordering the ravine, that stated "the undersigned petitioners, all of whom are
interested property owners, hereby request that the City of Edmonds take no action
to acquire a strip of land in the above described area (ravine between Yost and Pine
Ridge parks) for park or trail purposes. Our reasons include the following:
(1) Experience since the clearing of a swath through this area for the installation
of sewers has been that public trail access brings many illegal and/or objectionable
activities that cannot be properly policed. These include motorbike riding, dis-
charging firearms, starting fires, drinking parties, smoking parties, and other
rowdy and offensive acts. (2) The construction of sidewalks on Main Street and
Bowdoin Way has provided adequate pedestrian access between the park areas. Mr.
Larson introduced several of his neighbors who were in the audience, all owning
property bordering,on the ravine. Mr. Larson then thanked the council for passage
of Ordinance #1485 at the last meeting, prohibiting motorbikes, etc. from private
property, which he said was of great help. He added that ponding of water in the
ravine recently was encouraging mosquito breeding.
City Engineer Leif Larson suggested the property owners block off the access areas
for the present. Mr. Dave Larson stated that the storm sewer job was not completely
finished, since grading had still not been done. Councilman Nelson noted that in
essence, the city would be faced with an easement access. Mr. Larson protested the
33' wide trail system and asked why the 33 " The City Planner answered that it was
• to allow the public use of the ravine as a connection between the two parks without
destroying a green belt. Mr. Larson said he thought Main Street with its new side-
walks was perfect for walking from one park to the other; it is patrolled and
lighted; and the city does not need a public trail in residents' back yards. He
cited the problems in neighboring north Seattle areas and said the property owners
wished the ravine closed off and urged council not to adopt a policy to acquire this
land.
1
•
Mayor Harrison recommended to the council that nothing be done to acquire the land
in the ravine area. Councilman Haines felt that there was a policing problem in
all park areas; that it was the city policy to implement the comprehensive plan
and if steps are not to be taken to do so, this should be removed from the plan.
It was moved by Councilman Slye, seconded by Councilman Tuson that the city take no
action to acquire the property in this ravine area. Councilman Nelson noted that
he had assumed that tax benefits would occur if land were dedicated here, but he
had been told tonight that these benefits would be minimal. However, he felt there
was still room for consideration and he would be in no position to vote in favor of
the motion. Motion"was then voted upon, with Councilmen Slye and Tuson voting in
favor, Nelson and Haines against, and the motion failed to carry. Following more
discussion, it was moved by Councilman Haines, seconded by Councilman Tuson that
the Planning Commission be instructed to hold hearings on the possible removal of
this ravine area from the comprehensive plan. Motion carried.
There was no further business, and the meeting adjourned at 9:20 P.M.
Irene Varney Moran, City Clerk
July 7, 1970
ROLL CALL
2kz6t�_
H. Harrison, Mayor
Regular meeting was called to order by Mayor Harve Harrison with all councilmen
present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes of the regular meeting of June 16 and the recessed meeting of June 23 had
been posted and mailed, and with no omissions nor corrections, they were approved
as written.
LETTER OF COMMENDATION
Mayor Harrison read a letter from Robert E. Leaver, Secretary of the Board of Certi-
fication of the American Water Works Association, announcing that certificates of
competency are being issued to City of Edmonds employees Larry Billings and Kenneth
Kukuk as Water Works Specialists, after their having sucessfully passed the exam-
ination which, together with their experience and education, have qualified them for
this rating.
HEARING: ON PETITION FOR ANNEXATION o& 1ATHAY PROPERTY
Hearing was held on the petition for annexation of the Mathay property, north side
of 224th and east of Highway 99. Comment on the proposed annexation was given by
City Planner Merlin Logan. He recommended bringing in the remaining acres along
Highway 99 in that unincorporated area at the same time, as it involves a great deal
of work each time for zoning by the Planning Commission. City Engineer Leif Larson
• stated that although the city could serve the area utility -wise, this was in the
Mountlake Terrace drainage area and would involve payment to them by Edmonds under
W