19730306 City Council Minutes418
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BRIEF REPORT ON UNDERGROUND WIRING
City Engineer Larson reported that the PUD and Telephone Company indicated
having furnished the city with rather broad estimates, and in order to get
a more refined estimate and to present a realistic figure to the residents
he would need authority to have an estimate made for Edmonds Way from 98th
east of the bowling alley to Paradise Lane.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF LETTER REQUESTING VACATION OF R/W
Councilman Nordquist noted that a copy of a letter asking for vacation of
right-of-way had been sent to each council member. The request was from
Gerald M. Bosma,' and a copy had been directed to the City Engineer, who
reported that he had written a letter to Mr. Bosma and sent along a petition
form so that he might present the request to council in the proper manner.
There wa8-no further business, and the meeting adjourned at 9:05 P.M.
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Irene Varney Mo n, City Clerk Harve'H. Harrison, Mayor
March 6, 1973
ROLL CALL
Regular meeting of the Edmonds City Council was called to order at 7:30 P. M. •
by Mayor Harve Harrison, with all council members present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes of the council meeting of February 27, 1973 had been posted, mailed and
distributed, and with no corrections nor omissions, they were approved as written.
COUNCIL PARTICIPATION
Councilman Gellert said that with regard to the Federal Revenue Sharing Plan, it
seemed to him that we have to approve a specific program. CAO Ron Whaley explained
that for the calendar year 1973 we must report to the Secretary -Treasurer and
publish in the local newspaper at the end of the year what we did with the money.
Later on in the year we must report what we anticipate doing with funds in 1974
by the end of 1973, and then follow up with what was actually done. This is to
be done on forms supplied by the Secretary -Treasurer and these forms have not
been received as yet.
Councilman Gellert then asked how soon we would have an agenda item to discuss
the implementation of a new water system and plans for construction of adequate
water mains throughout the City of Edmonds. He said this had been brought to his
mind after reading about the recent fire that destroyed a home in the.Meadowdale
Area. Mr. Whaley informed the council that he and City Engineer, Leif Larson,
have a meeting scheduled with a financial consultant for tomorrow morning or
Friday. This meeting will be to determine the. feasibility of financing in accord-
ance with Ordinance #1617, passed last October. Assuming they have a meeting of
the minds they will anticipate bringing this matter to the council in two weeks.
Councilwoman Shippen remarked that she thought it would be a good idea to have
preliminary meetings with the people in the Meadowdale Area so that the technology
and"problems involved and also the financing can be discussed." -Mr. Crawford,
President of'the Meadowdale Community Club, commented that he would be very much
interested in knowing what the new policy is and would like to hear more about it.
Councilman Gellert agreed that preliminary meetings were advisable in order to
explain to the residents Ordinance #1617 whereby We agreed to finance new water
construction by the revenue bond method rather than by LID. City Engineer Larson
felt that the financial plans should be firmed up before going to the people.
He stated further that a report should be available from the financial consultant
within two weeks.'
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Mayor Harrison stated that many times a person is irrAtated when purchasing a
dog license when he learns he is late in doing so and therefore subject to an
additional charge for.being delinquent. At present this amounts to $3.00. He
said in the interest of good public relations he would like to see the council
consider eliminating this charge for delinquent payments.
Councilwoman Shippen stated that if a business wants to dispense food out on the
sidewalk she assumes this would require an Invasion of Right -of -Way Permit. She
did not know,if a policy had ever been established in this regard, but would like
the council to adopt a tentative policy to encourage this sort of -outdoor activity;
at least for this summer. She suggested that the Mayor write a letter to the
merchants to inform them that they can take advantage of this for at least one
season.
Mayor Harrison stated that he had received a letter from the Snohomish County
Commissioners asking for help in selecting candidates for appointment to the
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County Community Mental Health Program Administrative Board. They asked that
the names of two or three individuals within the community be submitted for
consideration and possible appointment.
CORRESPONDENCE
The Deputy City Clerk read a Petition
for Street Vacation covering
the south
90 feet of the east 30 feet of Lot 2,
Block 2, Fruitland Acres to Lake
Ballinger.
The petition was isgned by Ed Cornish,
Richard S. Hyman and Gerald
M. Bosman.
The signatures represented two-thirds
of the ownership of the real
property
abutting this public street. The Mayor referred this matter to the
Engineering
and. -'Planning Departments for action.
A letter protesting the building of a fountain at 5th and Main was also read.
The letter was signed by five families.
The Deputy City Clerk read two letters in favor of the fountain proposed at
the intersection of 5th and Main. One was from the Algoma Garden Club and the
other from the Edmonds Beautification Committee. Mr. Kincaid stated at this point
that the total cost of the fountain would not exceed $10,000.
PROPOSED CASH PREPAYMENT ORDINANCE FOR LID 185
This is an ordinance stating that the cash pre -payment period for LID no. 185
of the City of Edmonds has expired, giving the total of the assessment roll
thereon and the amount received as cash prepayment of assessments; and stating the
amount and number of bonds to be issued on connection therewith. The total cost
• of LID #185 as shown on the final assessment roll was $17,553.13, and the sum
of $3,487.92 was paid in cash during the pre -payment period for assessments.
The City -of Edmonds participated and paid the sume of $3;952.33, leaving a balance
Of $10,112.88. A motion was made by Councilman Nordquist and seconded by
Councilman Nelson to pass Ordinance #1645. Motion carried.
HEARING: ON PETITION FOR VACATION OF PORTION OF 88th PLACE WEST
Hearing was held on Petition for Vacation of Portion of 88th Place West. City
Engineer, Leif Larson stated that the petition had been received signed by 88.2%
of the owners of real property hbutting the public street. Or4ginally it was
planned to use this 25' strip in order to cut through from 88th Place West to
connect with Hillcrest. Since this is not now on the official street Map, the
present owners have requested that it be vacated.
Following some discussion, Mayor Harrison asked what will happen if this property
is vacated; does it go back to the original owners or'is it divided between the
present owners? City Attorney, John Wallace stated that the general rule of
law -is that -it goes back to the original dedicator unless there has been some
passage of title between those persons. He said basically a title insurance
company makes the determination of ownership, the only requirement being that they
file a certified copy of the vacation ordinance so that if becomes of record.
Hearing was then opened. Mr. Bennett Box commented that four years ago when
the subdivision was approved, it was decided to dedicate this 25 feet so that
88th Place West could eventually tie in with Hillcrest. He remarked that when
the Chapmans came in with their subdivision approximately six months ago, there
was no dedication required by the Chapmans. Since three homes have now been
built, there will not be any road to connect to Hillcrest and therefore, this
• dedication has been rendered superfluous. No one else wished to comment, and
the hearing was closed.
Councilwoman Shippen made a motion seconded by Councilman Winters that Ordinance
#1646 vacating a portion of 88th Place West be passed. Motion carried.
HEARING: ON APPEAL OF BOX & PARRETT FROM ENGINEERING REQUIREMENTS - 5-38-72
The Mayor asked the City Engineer if he would like to report, but Mr. Larson
said he would like to hear Mr. Box's-reasons for appealing. Since Mr.- Box
has two matters being considered, there was some confusion in his mind as to
which one was to be discussed this evening. For this reason he asked that
this item be held over until the meeting of March 13th. Councilman Nordquist
made a motion to this effect, which was seconded by Councilman Gellert and carried.
HEARING: LID FOR SEWERING AREA SOUTH OF MEADOWDALE (PETITION METHOD)
City Engineer, Leif.Larson stated that he had previously given a preliminary
cost estimate which indicated a figure of $23,00/zff. Subsequently, it was
decided to go into more detailed engineering to relocate the sewer line into
the back of the properties. The cost per zone front foot using this approach
is now $19.85, which he feels is still high. In doing this some of the property to
be serveddwas deleted. Mr. Larson placed a map on the butletin board and
then indicated the area which was deleted. It was noted that this is unimproved
property. Mr. Larson noted that the total project cost had been reduced from
$109,600 to $75,300.00. There was some discussion regarding how the vacant
portion of the area in question would be sewered later. Hearing was then opened.
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Dick Floyd, 17026 - 67th West stated that he was one of 49 families that petitioned
to get out of an LID over four years ago. The reason was that they are high and
Olympic View Drive is low and the area to be served at that time was quite large.
He said the assessment that came in for his property at that time was over $1,000,
but now it is almost twice that. They also did not feel it was.necessary for them
to bear the expense for pumping stations needed for the Talbot Park Area, etc.
He noted that at that time, the council agreed that they could withdraw and be
served separately. He felt their initial reason for withdrawing has beenlost
somewhere and he would like to know where. Mr. Larson answered that time and
increased construction and labor costs is the reason for the figure being higher.
Mr. Floyd said he could understand the costs going up, but why a four and one-half
year delay? Mr. Larson said there were factors outside the control of the City
-- of Edmonds, such as negotiations with the School District, Lynnwood, etc. A
brief discussion ensued regarding the salability of the property in this area.
Another gentleman expressed the same sentiments, but thought we should look into
-�� some way to help finance this project. No one else wished to comment, so the
hearing was declared closed.
Councilman Gellert suggested that perhaps the City could participate in the cost
to the extent of about 10% as compensation for the delays. He then made a motion,
seconded by Councilman Nordquist to pass Ordinance 41647 providing that the City
of Edmonds participate to the extent of 10°° of the total project cost. There
followed some discussion on whether the laterals should be included. Councilman
Nelson pointed out that the indirect costs would have remained the same whether
there had been a delay or not and therefore thought the motion should refer to
construction cost and not total project cost. Councilman Nelson made a motion to
amend that the City pay 10% of the total construction costs, which would be
$6,080. Councilman Tuson seconded. There was some discussion, followed by a
roll call vote. The amendment failed to carry.
Mr. Ackerman, 17005 - 67th W., asked what a lateral charge is. The City Engineer
informed him that this is the cost of running a six inch line from the main line
to his property line, and then the side sewer charge is running from the property
line to his house. There was further discussion regarding laterals and easements.
Councilman Nordquist said he believed he had seconded a motion that included the
laterals and everyone agreed that was the case. The motion was then voted upon
and passed.
DESIGN COMMISSION (CONTINUED FROM JANUARY 16)
Hearing was held on this matter on January 16, 1973 and at that time it was decided
that copies of the proposal be sent to builders, architects, Chamber of Commerce,
sign companies, etc. so that we could get their input on this proposed Design
Commission.
In making his opening statements, City Planner, E. Joseph Wallis, stated that
it was his opinion that structure should reflect the consensus of the community
as nearly as possible. Secondly, the Commission should recognize economic
implications of its requirements. They should reflect and conform to the long
range policies of the community and there should be an exercise of constraints
on private property owners only to the extent that public interest is involved.
Mb. Wallis recommended that this matter of a design agency for the City be studied
further and that those groups within the city that have expressed an interest,
as well as interested citizens at large, be invited to make recommendations for
the proposed design legislation.
Lee Barton, Chairman of a committee formed by the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce
to study the proposal to create a Design Commission, read a brief report on the
findings of said committee. He said that the downtown area has been working very
hard to adopt an image for the business district. A Design Commission that would
serve to enhance this effort and act as a channel of communication between the
business district, the Planning Commission-, and city government, would be welcome.
However, this committee is opposed to Planning -Commission Resolution #397 as they
feel it would adversely affect new business from locating in Edmonds and discourage
existing business from remodeling projects, due to the strict requirements set
forth in that proposal. They would favor the concept of a Design Commission as an
advisorcr- body to the Planning Commission and/or City Council with indirect authority
and influence. During some discussion between council and Mr. Barton, Councilwoman
Shippen asked him if he thought there should be a body in the City which may say
yes or no to whether or not you may put up a building. He replied that the
ultimate decision should be from the council with the help of the Planning Comm=
ission and Design Commission.
Considerable discussion followed with several people in the audience expressing
their opinions and suggestions. It was the consensus that the present proposal
for a Design Commission was too stringent. J. Ward Phillips suggested that a
committee be formed to look into the design concept more thoroughly, and that he
thought this committee should be composed of several developers as well as the
Planning and Building people, etc. Councilman Nelson made a motion seconded by
Councilman Gellert to have the Mayor designate an adhoc committee to investigate
the Design Commission and the adhoc committee to consist of a Chamber of Commerce
designee, Building Official, Planner, a person from the Board of Adjustment and
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five professional developers and/or architects. Interim report is to be submitted
July 10th and the concluding report on September 11th. Motion carried. Mayor
Harrison asked Ward Phillips if he would sit on this committee and Mr. Phillips
replied in the affirmative.
AUTHORIZATION FOR SHORELINE MANAGEMENT PERMIT - APPLICANT, PORT OF EDMONDS -
WASHINGTON TOLL FACILITES.
Assistant City Planner, Kay Shoudy, indicated that this is an application for
a floating dolphin at the existing ferry dock. She projected photographs and
diagrams on the screen showing how this structure would relate to the existing
dock. She noted that the area south is zoned commercial waterfront. Area to
the north is designated public use. She noted that the primary impact of the
structure would be visual, since it projects ten feet above the water. Its
function is to catch the ferry as it comes into the dock - it's merely a bumper.
The applicant is going to run larger ferries into Edmonds starting in the spring,
and that is why the dolphin is needed. There was some discussion on the matter,
and Councilman Gellert mentioned that he is still concerned about the railroad
crossing. He felt that with larger ferries there would, of course, be more cars
and some improved safety provisions should be made. Founcilman Tuson made a
motion seconded by Councilman Nelson to authorize the issuance of this permit.
Motion carried.
FINAL PLAT OF WESTMONT VIEW, DIVISION I
Leif Larson, the City Engineer, recommended continuation of this item because
of a problem with the utilities. A motion was made by Councilman Nordquist and
seconded by Councilwoman Shippen to postpone this item until March 20th. Carried.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE FOR ESTABLISHING TRAIN SPEED LIMIT IN EDMONDS
This is an ordinance of the City of Edmonds establishing a speed limit for the
operation of railroad trains, electric or traction trains or engines within the
city limits of the City of Edmonds, and prescribing penalties for violations
thereof. A motion was made by Counc-ilman Nordquist and seconded by Councilman
Winters that Ordinance 41648 be passed. Motion carried.
SECOND READING: PROPOSED ORDINANCE FOR FIRE ZONE CHANGE
The City Attorney stated that he wished to make a revision, and therefore asked
that this matter be heard next week. Councilman Nordquist made a motion seconded
by Councilman Winters to postpone until -March 13th. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION OF COMMENDATION FOR JIM HAINES
Mayor Harrison read a Resolution of the City of Edmonds commending Jim Haines for
his services to said city and the citizens thereof. A motion was then made by
Councilman Nordquist and seconded by Councilwoman Shippen that Resolution 4272
be passed. Motion carried. Councilman Nordquist then suggested that in the
future a plaque be presented to the person so commended and to start this as a
tradition. He then put this in the form of a motion, which was seconded by
Councilman Winters and carried.
APPOINTMENT TO DISABILITY BOARD
Mayor Harrison stated that Jim Haines had been a member of the Disability Board
and a replacement was needed. Councilman Nordquist was then appointed.
ENGINEER'S INTERIM REPORT ON UNDERGROUND WIRING
The City Engineer reported that they have talked to owners of 50% of the frontage
on Edmonds Way regarding undetground wiring. The summary is: 27% for, 68%
against and 5% neutral. Councilman Nelson informed the council that there is
a House Bill 1010 that is being considered right now that will allow the cities and
counties to use UAB money for undergrounding.
PRESENTATION BY WARD PHILLIPS
Mr. Allen Kincaid, President of the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce, asked that.the
council and others stay to see some photographs presented by J. Ward Phillips
depicting what can be done in Edmonds. Mr. Phillips projected slides on the
screen showing a development in Los Gatos, California and how it evolved from
an old school building into an unusual and attractive shopping complex. He
indicated that this can be done in Edmonds also, and he contemplates something
such as this for developing the old Yost property.
There being no further business
at 11:20 P.M.
Irene Varney Moran,, ity Clerk
to come before council, the meeting was adjourned
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Harve H. Harrison, Mayor
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