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19711019 City Council MinutesCLAIMS FOR DAMAGES • Claims for damages were acknowledged from Jack and Patricia Palo and from Ray and Delores Jenkins. These were referred to the City Clerk for processing. PROPOSED ORDINANCE TO ENFORCE DISCONTINUANCE OF ILLEGAL CONNECTION TO SEWERS Ron Whaley, Director of Maintenance and Operation, explained his request for a proposed ordinance to enforce :discontinuance of illegal connections to sanitary sewers. He stated that the pumping gauges show definite flow jumps on rainy days, proving that drainage water is in the sewerage system. A report from Reid, Middleton & Associates, Inc. also showed definite effects of rain on the flows entering the sewer system. Investigation has shown storm drainage is not only from city right-of-way, but at least 80 different sites connected to sewer with downspouts, drains, etc. Following some discussion, Councilman Kincaid made a motion, seconded by Councilman Gellert that the City Attorney be instructed to prepare an ordinance to prohibit connections of storm drainage water to the city sanitary sewer system by both the city and private properties. Motion carried. APPOINTMENT OF ABATEMENT COMMITTEE At the request of the Building Official, Mayor Harrison read a proposed list including the Fire Chief, Police Chief; City Attorney, Building Official and one member of the City Council as members of the Abatement Committee. It was moved by Councilman Slye, seconded by Councilman Nelson that the Abatement Committee include the Building Official, Fire Chief, Police Chief, City Attorney, and one City Councilman as an ex-officio member. Motion carried. SET DATE FOR INFORMAL PUBLIC HEARING ON SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENT It was moved by Councilman'Kincaid, seconded by Councilman Nelson that Nov. 16 be set as the date for an informal public hearing on sidewalk improvement. Motion carried. FIRST READING: PROPOSED ORDINANCE PROHIBITING UNAUTHORIZED MOORAGE First reading was held on a proposed ordinance prohibiting unauthorized moorage. There was no further business, and the meeting adjourned at 11:20 P.M. Irene Varney Mor , City Clerk October 19, 1971 ROLL CALL Harve H. liarrison, Mayor The regular meeting of the Edmonds City Council was called to order by Mayor Harve Harrison with all councilmen present except Nordquist, iiho arrived during the first hearing, on vacation of Andover Street. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes of the meeting of October 5 had been posted and mailed. Councilman Haines asked if all the comments made by Mrs. Norma Bruns under Audience Parti- cipation could be included in the minutes. Mrs. Bruns had further stated that she meant nothing personal against Councilman Gellert, but that she objected to the manner in which the council had appointed someone to fill the vacant seat; that more time should be taken on this matter; that it makes citizens feel that they have nothing to say about their government if they cannot par- ticipate. When a vacancy exists, it should be publicized so that groups or individuals can either submit applications for consideration or make suggestions for candidates for the offiteY Councilman Nelson noted that his total vote polled in the Primary election seemed to be incorrectly stated, and it was later found that there was a mis- take in addition on the official canvass received from the county, from which the totals were copied. Councilman Nelson's correct total was 2019 votes. There being no further additions nor omissions, the minutes stood approved as corrected. HEARING: ON PETITION FOR VACATION OF PORTIONS OF ANDOVER STREET Hearing was held on Resolution 245, petition for vacation of portions of Andover Street. City Engineer Leif Larson briefed council on the request for the easterly 10' and westerly 10' of the 80' R/W of Andover Street from Olympic View Drive southerly to a point 570 feet north of 184th SW. 1 �J I- 0 1 I- 41 • 2-07. 1 fl • 1 • 1 Hearing was opened. Mr. Coomer, who initiated the vacation request, said he hoped the existing easements would.=�be projected to the new R/W if this goes through. City Attorney Murphy answered that whatever was there before would remain in regard to easements, and the city would retain its utility ease- ments. Gabrielle Struck, 18000 Andover Road, asked a question.on the record- ing of this vacation, and the City Attorney assured her that the City Clerk would have the instrument duly recorded .at the Snohomish County Courthouse, as was the usual procedure in these matters. Mr. Coomer was concerned about his' right to get to the street via his easement after the vacation. There were no further comments from the audience, and the hearing was closed. A motion was made by Councilman Nelson, seconded:by Councilman Tuson that proposed Ordinance #1578 be passed, vacating portions of Andover Street, and the motion carried. HEARING: ON PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION 364 Hearing had been continued from October 5 on Planning Commission Resolution 364, recommending approval of a proposed amendment to the official zoning ordinance, revising section 12.13.160, permitted signs, under File ZO-8-71. City Planner Merlin Logan briefly discussed the Planning Commission recom- mendations and then with the suggestion that pole signs be allowed for a period of ten years from date of ordinance, he summarized for council: (1) that the size of ground signs not exceed 75 square feet; U) regulate window signs so as not to exceed-25% of the total window area on eachAfron- tage; (3) the height of pole signs not to exceed 25' from ground level or base of sign; and (4) distance in spacing between pole signs be a minimum of 100' with minimum setback 10' from the public R/W. Mayor Harrison noted that the council would probably postpone this matter for further study, but that the hearing would nevertheless be held. Hearing was therefore opened. Mrs. Cunningham, 1030 Grandview, gave each councilman a copy of an article from Puget Soundings regarding signs and sign pollution. She said she was thinking of neighborhood business zones and drive around looking at them; that there were signs all over Edmonds and she saw so many while consciously look- ing for them that she realized she had never really noticed some of them, even though they had been there right along. She supported Mr. Logan's suggestions for BN sign regulations. Mr. Peterson, representing Albertson's, said he would like pole signs to be included in Paragraph 3 "Projection and locations". The Mayor replied that this addition would probably be made by the council. Tom Berry, representing the sign business, asked if elimination of pole signs in Paragraph 3 had been intentional in the Planning Commission Resolution, and what plans were for existing pole signs. He was answered that pole signs were covered in the Resolution under Section 12.15.130 (C), calling for a 10 year period from date of ordinance for non -conforming pole signs, if properly re- paired and maintained. Mr. Berry admitted that there are so many signs that some are never read, but if a person is looking for a certain business, the sign becomes important. He added that all businesses, new or old, should be allowed to have a pole sign for as long as the 10 year period from the time of passage of the proposed ordinance, so that if erected two years after the ordinance, for example, it would be allowed for 8 more years. Councilman Gellert asked Mr. Berry how he would feel about the absence of pole signs after the 10 years? Mr. -..Berry answered that he agreed with this, but as long as signs were off the street and did not obstruct traffic, he thought they should be allowed. He said that pole signs either deteriorate or become ob- solete within 10 years. He added that prospective business people check into the sign ordinance before locating in Edmonds., Natalie Shippen, in reference to pole signs in BN zones, felt that they cater to the passing motorist rather than to the people in the areas who trade there. She named several types of signs and kinds of stores and businesses in the BN areas of the city and thought if they have to have signs, one pole sign with a listing of all the businesses located in that particular shopping center would be preferable to a large sign for each business. She said she couldn't be- lieve that every gas station needed as many signs as they have. Mrs. Shippen added that the Planning Commission resolution was designed to serve the resi- dential areas. A gentleman who has a service station stated he plans to put one sign on the corner to serve the two streets, feeling that this is an attempt to improve the image of gas stations on corners.. Mr. Cunningham said he felt good taste was reflected in signs. He cited the example of a student stamping his feet in school to get attention, whereas it's much better to merely raise his hand. Captain Shields said he thought the council wanted to encourage business in the city, and now they aredefi- nitely anti -business with the restrictions they place on these businesses. Pete Scobby asked if the proposed ordinance would effect the Edmonds High School sign. One gentleman noted that there were many campaign signs around town lately, and how effective did council feel they were? City Planner Logan said that in regard to building permits issued in Edmonds, the sign is usually the last thing the businessman thinks of, and the proposed ordinance does not penalize. He offered Aurora Village as an example of re- • 20S • strictive sign regulations, and felt that instead of competing with signs, businesses should compete with better merchandise. No one else wished to offer comment, and the hearing was closed. Councilman Nelson said he liked the idea that Mr. Berry suggested, to allow pole signs for 10 years from date of the ordinance, regardless when erected; that merchants need signs to seek business from people passing through, but they should be in good taste. In order to take all these suggestions under consideration, Councilman Nelson moved, seconded by Councilman Haines that the hearing be continued to the meeting of November 2, and the motion carried. Councilman Nordquist suggested that the local merchants be invited to come to the next council work meeting to discuss their ideas with the council. Capt. Shields mentioned that he felt some hedges and other obstructions of that type were more dangerous than some signs. SECOND READING: PROPOSED ORDINANCE PROHIBITING UNAUTHORIZED MOORAGE Second reading was held on a proposed ordinance to prohibit unauthorized moorage. Attorney Richard Cole spoke in reference to this proposal, feeling that in order to adequately deal with the problems of individuals on the docks without permission and who will not cooperate, it was necessary to obtain power to police the docks, and this proposed ordinance was the answer. It was moved by Councilman Nordquist, seconded by Councilman Kincaid that pro- posed Ordinance #1579 be pd9sed, dealing with unauthorized moorage, etc., and the motion carried. PROPOSED ORDINANCE PROHIBITING CONNECTIONS OF STORM DRAINAGE WATER TO CITY SEWER SYSTEM First reading was held on a proposed ordinance prohibiting connections of storm drainage water to the city of Edmonds sewer system. POSTPONEMENT OF RETIREMENT DATE OF CAO LAWSON A motion was made by Councilman Nordquist,seconded by Councilman Nelson that council approve postponement of the retirement date of CAO D. C. Lawson to January 31, 1972. Motion carried unanimously. REAPPOINTMENTS TO PARK BOARD Mayor Harrison made the reappointments of Keith LaBelle and Tony Koenig to the Park and Recreation Advisory Board, and it was moved by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Tuson that the Mayor's reappointments of Keith LaBelle and Tony Koenig to the Board be confirmed. Motion carried. PERMANENT APPOINTMENT OF FINANCE DIRECTOR In regard to appointment of a Finance Director, Councilman Kincaid felt that perhaps council should withhold any permanent appointment until after a new CAO is selected, since he may have different ideas on functions within the city framework, and he suggested referring this matter to the next council work meeting in order to consider these points. A motion was made by Council- man Haines, seconded by Councilman Gellert to table this item and discuss it at the next council work meeting. Motion carried. PERMISSION TO DISPOSE OF SURPLUS CITY VEHICLES Ron Whaley, Director of Maintenance and Operation, read a list of vehicles and equipment which he felt should be disposed of, and quoted the recommended value of each: 1957 Chev 1z Ton Cab & Chassis, Unit 12 - $150.00 21-2 Yd. dump box with hydraulic cylinders & pump - $50.00 1957 Chevy 1h Ton Pickup, shor box, Unit 7 - $250.00 1962 Chevy 2 Ton dumptruck, V-8, 4 speed transmission, Unit 27 - $900.00 2 Winch machines with cable - $250.00 each. It was moved by Councilman Haines, seconded by Councilman Nordquist to author- ize sale of the surplus vehicles as listed, using the minimum prices quoted by Mr. Whaley. Motion carried. PAYMENT OF POLICE SERVICES STUDY TO SNOHOMISH COUNTY TREASURER Authorization was requested for payment of $19910.00 to the Snohomish County Treasurer for Police Services -Study, and it was moved by Councilman Tuson, seconded by Councilman Nelson to authorize payment of the $1,910.00 to the Snohomish County Treasurer for the Police Services Study. Motion carried. A motion was made by Councilman Kincaid, seconded by Councilman Nordquist that vouchers 413663 through 413847 in the total amount of $381,252.14 be approved for payment of the regular monthly bills. Motion carried. 1 • • It was moved by Councilman Kincaid, seconded by Councilman Tuson that vouchers #38 through #53 for a total of $182,079.74 be approved for payment from the 1970 Water -Sewer Revenue Bond Issue. Referring to #479 Councilman Nelson • 209 • questioned City Engineer Leif Larson on the payment..to Reid, Middleton & Asso- ciates, Inc. for the outfall sewer extension. He stated he and the Mayor had gone skindiving and found seeping in spots, and wondered if retention should be made on -the payment. City Engineer Larson answered that he had arranged for a mini -sub, at no cost, to take him down to inspect' -:the facility, but he assured council that the work is guaranteed by'bond for one year. Councilman Nelson said he wondered about the design contract and was concerned about giving an O.K. to pay this bill if the city isn't really satisfied with its working at this point. Engineer Larson said he thought the seepage they saw was from the old line, and when asked by Councilman Tuson if he felt the bill to Reid, Middleton & Associates should be paid, he answered that yes, he re- commended payment.. Following this discussion, the motion carried. Councilman Kincaid made the motion, seconded by Councilman Slye that the' following LID bills be approved for payment: LID #164 - $68.21 to Petrolane Liquified Gas Corp; LID #172 - $19,929.38 to T. & E. Construction, Inc. for estimate #1 and $2,214.38 to T. & E. Construction, Inc. & National Bank of Commerce for.deposit of retainage in escrow account; LID #182 - $31.50 to Everett Daily Herald and $18.90 to Edmonds Tribune Review; LID #184 - $33,904.98 to UAB Fund, City of Edmonds Treasurer for participation by LID 184.46in 9th Avenue Street improvements through progress billing #17 Phase I, Casper Street to Edmonds Way; and the City Clerk be authorized to issue an interest bearing warrant in the same amount. to Grande & Co., Inc. to cover this bill. Motion carried. Councilman Gellert, regarding LID 164, stated that the tank at the pump station • on Talbot Road looks very old and rusty and is unsightly. The City Engineer answered that the tank will be painted. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Thomas Dinwiddie spoke to council about his feeling that there is a need for protection of the individual from bureaucracy in this day and age, and that there was a need for this in Edmonds. He was therefore requesting that the position of Ombudsman be created, such as that used by European countries, mainly Sweden. He added that lately some U.S. cities have adopted this. He had studied the problem and was now presenting it for acceptance in Edmonds. He suggested that Emergency Employment Act monies be used for funding this office in place of one extra fireman. He stressed the need for insurance of the public against arbitrary acts of the city departments, and feltthere was indication of need in this city. Mr. Dinwiddie specifically mentioned the horse and motorcycle problem in the park area behind his home. Council felt that each city employee, including the elected officials, acts as ombudsmen either individually or as a whol9,and hiring someone for $15,000 or $16,000.. per year for a 6 year period, plus an expense account, would not be wise nor proper use of public funds. It was also felt that if an individual does not receive satisfaction from any city department, he then has the right to come before council with his problem, and that is the American way, with town meeting privileges for every citizen. Mr. Dinwiddie said the Mayor was subject to pressures and so is the CAO, but an Ombudsman is in office for a period of 6 years and can act effectively. Council agreed that the Ombudsman has no particular power other than investigation and publicity, but still felt the cost would be excessive and the old town hall policy is still the best system. No action was taken on the matter. • COUNCIL PARICIPATION Councilman Nordquist said he had driven over 9th Avenue N. today and had a .._. question for City Engineer Larson regarding his concern over the grade, es- pecially in certain places where the slope is pronounced to the properties. Councilman Kincaid reported on a letter received on September 28 regarding city participation in the Snohomish County Comprehensive Health Planning Council. He stated he felt it was a duplication of effort with the Snohomish Health District, and based on the information he had at this time, he recom- mended that the City not participate. Councilman Kincaid then moved, seconded by Councilman Nordquist that the City of Edmonds not participate in the Sno- homish County Comprehensive Health Planning Council at this time, and the motion carried. Councilman Nelson mentioned that he liked the new replacement of the public address system in the council chambers. CAO REPORT In the absense of CAO Lawson, City Engineer Leif Larson reported that in the residential areas where properties are developed, but the alleys are not put through, some property owners are using part of the alley as a yard area. It was a general policy that where the property has developed and part of the alley maintained as a yard, this is allowed on a temporary basis. This matter was referred to a work meeting for discussion. is 2�1 U CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES • Claims for damages were acknowledged from G. John Doces & Doces Enterprises, Inc.; from Dennis & Sandra.Rothaus; and from Dr. & Mrs. Arthur F. Stamey. These were referred to the City Clerk for processing. REQUEST FOR STREET VACATION - 10th AVENUE, SOUTH OF.MAIN A request was received from Howard W. Hartness for vacation of the easterly ten feet of 10th Ave., title of which would revert to Lot 1, Block 39. He stated that this is necessary because of the.existinc house on Lots 3 and 4 encroaching on Lot 2 of the Lots 1 and 2 property, thus giving less than 60' frontage front and rear. City Planner Merlin Logan drew a diagram of the properties concerned on the blackboard for council clarification, and City Engineer Leif Larson recom- mended disapproval. Since Council had previously studied the request, it was moved by Councilman Kincaid,, -seconded by Councilman Gellert to uphold the recommendation of the City Engineer and disapprove the request for vacation. Motion carried. PRELIMINARY PLAT OF ELM VIEW ADDITION The preliminary plat of Elm View Addition, 7.5 acre tract between 7th Ave. and 8th Ave., south of Elm, was presented to council. City Planner Logan showed a drawing of the plat, which had been approved by the Planning Commis- sion. After study and discussion, it was moved by Councilman.Haines, seconded by Councilman Slye to approve the preliminary plat of Elm View Addition, subject to the City Engineer's recommendations. Motion carried. TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT 224th AND HIGHWAY 99 City Engineer Larson reported to council that he was concerned with the inter- section at 224th and Highway 99, recommended a temporary "fixed time" light for an expenditure of :$5000, and this could later be used at 212th after the approval is received for funding for a permanent installation at 224th. Following discussion, it was moved by Councilman Slye, seconded by Councilman Nordquist to authorize the purchase of a traffic signal for 224th and Highway 99 and enlist the financial aid of K-Mart on the project. Councilman Nelson expressed concern with the left turn pattern at 224th off the highway. Motion to purchase the signal carried. There was no further business, and the meeting adjourned at 10:30 P.M. Irene Varney Mo n, City Clerk November 2, 1971 12046I Harve H. Harrison, Mayor Regular meeting of the Edmonds City Council was called to order by'Mayor Harve Harrison with all councilmen present. Mayor Harrison mentioned that regardless of the outcome of today's election, he was sure friendships had been strengthened as a result of the competition. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes of the meeting of October 19 had been posted and mailed. It was noted that under the hearing on Planning Commission Resolution 364, when Pete Scobby asked if the proposed ordinance would effect the Edmonds High School sign, City Planner Logan had answered that it would not, since that was not in a BN zone. Councilman Nelson also stated that under the item on traffic signal at-224th and Highway 99, he had expressed concern not only with the left turn pattern at 224th off the highway, but the subsequent line-up of traffic between 76th and Highway 99. There were no further omissions, and the minutes were approved as corrected. HEARING: (CONTINUED) ON PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION 364 Hearing on Planning Commission Resolution 364 had been continued from October 19, recommending approval of a proposed amendment to the official zoning ordinance, revising Section 12.13.160, Permitted Signs, Planning Commission File ZO-8-71. City Planner Merlin Logan stated that it seemed to be the consensus of council that pole signs in BN zones be retained, and he summarized the council sugges- tions for revisions,based on discussions at the work meetings of October 12th and 26th. Mr. Logan also reported that Mr. Ward Phillips had phoned to express his opinion that services and products bring business, not signs. Councilman Nelson asked how many non -conforming signs there were at present, and Mr. 1 • 1 • 1 F L_ 0