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03/31/1992 City CouncilTHESE MINUTES SUBJECT TO APRIL 7 APPROVAL EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 31,1992 The meeting of the Edmonds City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Laura M. Hall at the Library Plaza Room, 650 Main Street. All present joined in the flag salute. PRESENT Laura M. Hall, Mayor Jeff Palmer, Council President Steve Dwyer, Councilmember Dave Earling, Councilmember Michael W. Hall, Councilmember Bill Kasper, Councilmember Tom Petruzzi, Councilmember John Nordquist, Councilmember Dianna Phillips, Student Representative STAFF Art Housler, Admin. Services Director Peter Hahn, Community Services Director Brent Hunter, Personnel Manager Buzz Buzalsky, Fire Chief Tom King, Facilities Maint. Supervisor Bill Stroud, Street Supervisor Rhonda March, City Clerk John Wallace, City Attorney Barb Mehlert, Recorder Mayor Hall and the Council welcomed newly appointed Student Representative Dianna Phillips. Mayor Hall stated Dianna is a junior at Meadowdale High School. CONSENT AGENDA Items (G), (K) and (L) were removed from the Consent Agenda. COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST, MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER KASPER, TO APPROVE THE BALANCE OF THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED. The approved items are as follows: (A) ROLL CALL (B) APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MARCH 24,1992 r,(C) APPROVAL OF CLAIMS WARRANTS FROM #931043 TO #921580, FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH tt 23, 1992 ' (D) ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT OF CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FROM PAUL LEVER ($335.42) u (E) REPORT ON BIDS OPENED MARCH 16 FOR ONE 6'X10' STEEL TRENCH BOX AND TWO 4'X10' STEEL BOXES FOR SHORING AND AWARD TO SMITH TRACTOR & EQUIPMENT CO. ($9,137.50) (F) PASSAGE OF ORDINANCE 2876 ESTABLISHING SUNSET CLAUSE OF JULY 1, 1994 RELATING TO INTERIM CRITICAL AREAS ORDINANCE NO.2874 (H) APPROVAL OF COURT AWARDED COSTS AND FEES - MAUSER ($582.00) I) PASSAGE OF RESOLUTION OF INTENTION 269 REGARDING PERMIT FEE REVENUE ENDING BALANCES FOR ANNUAL BUDGETING (J) AUTHORIZATION TO CALL FOR BIDS FOR THE 1992 SLURRY SEAL PROGRAM �P' PROPOSED ORDINANCE 2877 AMENDING EDMONDS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CODE CHAPTERS 16.65 - OPEN SPACE, AND 16.80 - PUBLIC USE (APPLICANT• CITY OF EDMONDS/FILE NO CDC-3-91 V� (FROM HEARING OF MARCH 17, 1992) (Item (G) on the Consent Agenda) G • Councilmember Kasper's concerns included the "maximum lot coverage by buildings and other structures shall not Qexceed 35%" which is contained in the Ordinance. COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER HALL TO APPROVE ITEM (G) FOR PASSAGE OF ORDINANCE 2877. MOTION CARRIED with Councilmember Kasper voting no. q. AUTHORIZATION TO SELL 1984 SURPLUS AID CAR AND SET MINIMUM BID (Item (K) on the Consent ends Councilmember Petruzzi inquired on the methodology used in setting a minimum price of $5,000. Buzz Buzalsky, 11' Fire Chief, said the book value was utilized in part. Council President Palmer suggested the monies from the surplus aid car be placed in the Council Contingency Fund. Chief Buzalsky concurred. Councilmember Nordquist said the Council first needs to declare the vehicle "surplus" in order to officially take it off the city inventory. COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER PETRUZZI, TO DECLARE THE 1984 AID CAR AS SURPLUS, SET THE MINIMUM BID PRICE AT $5,000, AND PLACE THE MONEY FROM THE SALE INTO THE COUNCIL CONTINGENCY FUND. MOTION CARRIED. AUTHORIZATION FOR TEMPORARY HOUSING FOR SNOHOMISH COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT #1 AT FIVE CORNERS STATION #6. (Item (L) on the Consent Agenda) Councilmember Earling asked how many additional people would be on site. Chief Buzalsky replied three to five. Councilmember Earling asked how many calls per week does the fire station have, and Chief Buzalsky estimated between three to five per day. Council President Palmer said he strongly supports this temporary housing. Mayor Hall read a letter into the record from John Dolan of Fire District 1 requesting the City's assistance in this matter. COUNCILMEMBER EARLING MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT PALMER, TO APPROVE ITEM (L) ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED. PRESENTATION BY MARY HUGHES OF YEASTING & HUGHES AND SECOND PUBLIC HEARING ON ` RECOMMENDED WATER RATE INCREASE (CONTINUED FROM MARCH 17,1992) Consultant Presentation and Recommendation Mary Hughes, Water Rate Consultant, presented her water utility rate study and recommendation to the City Council. At the request of the Council, Ms. Hughes presented a formula for ramping up rates at 25%,15%, and 10% over a three year period, instead of her recommended increase. Ms. Hughes said there has not been a water rate increase in nine years; however, in the last seven years alone, the cost of water has risen 60%. Ms. Hughes said water rates need to pay for the operating costs of the system, debt service on bonds already outstanding, renewal and replacement costs, and minor capital costs of the system that come up from time to time. Ms. Hughes said if the Council does not implement the initial 35% increase and instead implements the 25% initial increase, there would be a $220,000 shortfall in the utility fund. Ms. Hughes said she recommends the fund balance remain at 15% to 20% of the City's annual operating expense. Ms. Hughes said at the present time, the City is at 22% which is a healthy fund balance. However, after reviewing staff projections, the fund balance is due to decrease to 12% by the end of 1992. Ms. Hughes recommends that the Public Works Department and Finance Department annually review the water rate issue. Ms. Hughes said the City's water rate structure consists of a base charge and a volume charge. Ms. Hughes said people who use a greater amount of water than others are charged accordingly for the extra water used. Ms. Hughes EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 2 March 31, 1992 said people might be confusing the sewer rates and adding it to their water rate. Ms. Hughes said the base rate for water for a single-family residence is $8.38 bi-monthly. Ms. Hughes said with the 35% increase, this would be $12.07 bi-monthly; or, if the City opted to use the 25% figure, $11.15 bi-monthly. Council President Palmer asked what capital project would be affected if the Council decided to go with the initial 25% increase versus the 35% increase recommended by Ms. Hughes. Peter Hahn, Community Services Director, said the Highway 99 Water line project would be affected; however, he sees no problem with that being delayed for a variety of reasons. Councilmember Petruzzi said he doesn't feel it would be too large an impact to the water fund balance if the Council adopted the 25% initial increase versus the 35% initial increase recommended by Ms. Hughes. Council President Palmer said Ardeth Deaver called the Council Office to voice her opposition over the proposed rate increase. Mayor Hall said letters were also received from Mae Kravik, William T. Moran, and Robert and Helen Olson opposing the proposed increase. Mayor Hall opened up the public portion of the hearing. Public Testimony Harold Brockman, 19900 89th Pl. W., expressed his opposition to the proposed rate increase as he is a senior citizen on a fixed income. Mr. Brockman said the City's Ordinance does not address water conservation nor does it provide for penalizing people who use water excessively. Ruth Law, 1127 2nd Ave. South, expressed her opposition over the proposed rate increase as she believes it is excessive. Bill Moran, 712 Elm Place Way, opposed the proposed water rate increase. Mr. Moran said a smaller increase should be utilized, and also stated conservation should be stressed. Dellazine Moran, 712 Elm Place Way, opposed the proposed water rate increase. Kathleen Morley, 18230 80th Ave. West, opposed the proposed water rate increase and said she is opposed to the City spending money on the construction of a new Public Works building. Betty Smith, 18208 80th Ave. West, opposed the proposed water rate increase. With no other member of the audience wishing to speak on this subject, Mayor Hall closed the audience portion of the hearing. Council Discussion Council President Palmer suggested the City look into a "volume" charge which would increase as more and more water is consumed. Ms. Hughes said the City already has a volume charge. Council President Palmer stated the volume charge could be restructured. The Council acknowledged that rates need to be increased in order to keep up with inflation, and also acknowledged the many citizens who live on a fixed income. The Council said they are trying to come up with the most equitable solution possible. The Council requested the Mayor and Staff to provide the Council with background information, specifically, the information from the water rate hearings from 1983. EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 3 March 31,1992 Councilmember Dwyer requested Staff to prepare a report on the City's program for people who cannot afford to pay the water utility bill. Councilmember Dwyer said he would like an estimate on how many more people might come into that program under the proposed increased rates. The Mayor and Council recessed for an Executive Session at 8:15 p.m. to discuss a legal matter and a personnel matter. The meeting reconvened at 9:10 p.m. 4 PRESENTATION AND COUNCIL DISCUSSION ON PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY �taff Report and Recommendation Peter Hahn introduced Lee Pardini, partner in Merritt and Pardini, the City's consultant for the pre -design work for the Public Works facility. Mr. Hahn said the next step would be for the Council to authorize Staff to begin negotiating the scope and cost of Phase II of the Merritt and Pardini contract. Mr. Hahn said this phase will be for the full design, guided by the approved concepts of Phase I. Mr. Hahn recommended the Council authorize Staff to prepare Phase II of the consulting contract and to negotiate a price. Mr. Pardini reviewed the Phase I Pre -Design with the Mayor and Council. Mr. Pardini said the total preliminary cost estimate for the project including site development costs, building costs and fees is approximately $4.5 million. Mr. Pardini reviewed actual building costs, site development costs, other project costs, such as architectural and engineering fees, city administrative costs, sales tax, and project contingency funds. Mr. Pardini said the total areas and project costs are based on the "preferred" site configuration scheme which was generated by staff and design team cooperation. Mr. Pardini reviewed the preliminary project schedule with the Mayor and Council, which identified Phase II tasks and a tentative construction schedule. Mr. Pardini recommended site work start during the dry summer months, as a peat bog area on the site will require special attention for fill and structure. Mr. Pardini said the site has no major flaws which would cause any problems in constructing the public works site. Council Discussion Council President Palmer inquired if the archive space on the Public Works Site would be strictly for Public Works, and Mr. Pardini said it would be utilized by all departments within the City. Council President Palmer noted the cost estimates show 1991 dollars and asked what the figure would be for 1992. Mr. Pardini said if the proposed schedule was adhered to, the cost would remain the same. However, if the project extends another year, the costs would be increased by approximately 4% or 5%. Council President Palmer complimented Mr. Pardini on the Phase I Pre -Design work. Councilmember Petruzzi inquired on the cost allocation for funding the project. Peter Hahn, Community Services Director, said funds that would participate are the Combined Utility Funds, Street Fund, and General Fund. Mr. Hahn said he and Art Housler will be working on the funding for presentation to the Council in the future. Councilmember Petruzzi said he would like to see some strong numbers to see how it is going to impact the various funds. Councilmember Petruzzi was concerned over the project due to the costs. Councilmember Petruzzi said he wasn't sure if now is the time to proceed with the project. Councilmember Kasper said he is concerned over the "fuel islands" as he feels they can create many problems. Councilmember Kasper said he is concerned with the siting of the public works facility and the amount of space allotted to employee parking. Councilmember Kasper feels car pooling should be addressed. As a procedural matter, COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER PETRUZZI, TO EXTEND THE MEETING UNTIL 10:15 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 4 March 31,1992 Councilmember Nordquist commended Mr. Pardini for their work thus far. Councilmember Nordquist noted the high level of staff participation in the pre -design work which he feels is important as Staff will be utilizing the space. Councilmember Nordquist said he would like the City to move forward with this project. Councilmember Nordquist also stated if Esperance becomes part of the City, the new Public Works site would be crucial. Councilmember Dwyer said the Council has not discussed "how much is too much" for the construction of this facility. Councilmember Dwyer said that needs to be addressed to come to a consensus of how much the City can realistically afford to spend on the facility. Councilmember Petruzzi agreed with Councilmember Dwyer. No action was taken on this subject, and Council President Palmer noted it would be placed on the extended agenda for further discussion. MAYOR Mayor Hall indicated the recent "Cities & Towns Dinner" in Edmonds was a success. Mayor Hall said she would like the Council to interview Planning Board Candidate Linda Foreman at 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7. The Council concurred. • /Mayor Hall referenced a letter to be sent to Snohomish County, signed by herself and Council President Palmer, addressing concerns over current uses at Paine Field. Mayor Hall distributed a memo to the Council from Peter Hahn regarding Staff travel procedures. Council q -1Council President Palmer said Brent Hunter requested clarification on the Deputy Clerk job description. Council President Palmer asked whether the Council wanted the taking of Council Minutes to be included with that 11 description or placed with the Council Assistant. Council President Palmer said Brent would also like to know if the Deputy would back up only the City Clerk's office or the entire Executive Office. As a procedural matter, COUNCIL PRESIDENT PALMER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER DWYER, TO EXTEND THE MEETING FIVE MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED. After discussing these issues, it was the consensus of the Council to place the duties of minute taking with the Council Assistant, and that the Deputy City Clerk should serve as back up for the entire Executive Office. Council President Palmer said the Council will await materials from the Mayor and Staff regarding the water rates history. Councilmember Nordquist said there is a business who was authorized by the Architectural Design Board to have two six-foot signs on their property; however, instead they put up two twelve -foot signs. Councilmember Nordquist said he was told that Staff has to wait for someone to write a letter of complaint in order for any action to be taken. It was noted that this is an administrative issue and the administration is obligated to enforce the Code, and Staff should not wait for a letter of complaint. With no further business, Mayor Hall adjourned the meeting at 10:20 p.m. THESE MINUTES ARE SUBJECT TO APRIL 7, 1992 APPROVAL THE OFFICIAL SIGNED COPY OF THESE MINUTES ARE IN THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE. A PERMANENT RECORDING OF ALL COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW IN THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE 4Rond�a"O. Marc , City Clerk Lau Hall, Ma or EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 5 March 31,1992 AGENDA EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL PLAZA MEETING ROOM - LIBRARY BUILDING 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. MARCH 31, 1992 CALL TO ORDER FLAG SALUTE 1. CONSENT AGENDA (A) ROLL CALL (B) APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MARCH 24, 1992 (C) APPROVE CLAIMS WARRANTS FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 23, 1992 (D) ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT OF CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FROM PAUL LEVER ($335.42) (E) REPORT ON BIDS OPENED MARCH 16 FOR ONE 6' X 10' STEEL TRENCH BOX AND TWO 4' X 10' STEEL BOXES FOR SHORING AND AWARD TO SMITH TRACTOR & EQUIPMENT CO. ($9,137.50) (F) PROPOSED ORDINANCE 2876 ESTABLISHING SUNSET CLAUSE OF JULY 1, 1994 RELATING TO INTERIM CRITICAL AREAS ORDINANCE NO. 2874 (G) PROPOSED ORDINANCE 2877 AMENDING EDMONDS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CODE CHAPTERS 16.65 - OPEN SPACE, AND 16.80 - PUBLIC USE (APPLICANT: CITY OF EDMONDS/FILE NO. CDC-3-91) (FROM HEARING OF MARCH 17, 1992) (H) APPROVAL OF COURT AWARDED COSTS AND FEES - MAUSER ($582.00) (1) PROPOSED RESOLUTION OF INTENTION 269 REGARDING PERMIT FEE REVENUE ENDING BALANCES FOR ANNUAL BUDGETING (J) AUTHORIZATION TO CALL FOR BIDS FOR THE 1992 SLURRY SEAL PROGRAM (K) AUTHORIZATION TO SELL 1984 SURPLUS AID CAR AND SET MINIMUM BID (L) AUTHORIZATION FOR TEMPORARY HOUSING FOR SNOHOMISH COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT #1 AT FIVE CORNERS STATION #6 . 2. PRESENTATION BY MARY HUGHES OF YEASTING & HUGHES, AND SECOND PUBLIC HEARING ON RECOMMENDED WATER RATE INCREASE (CONTINUED FROM MARCH 17, 1992) (20 MINUTES) 3. EXECUTIVE SESSION ON PROPERTY MATTERS (20 MINUTES) 4. PRESENTATION AND COUNCIL DISCUSSION ON PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY (75 MINUTES) 5. MAYOR 6. COUNCIL THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO ATTEND PARKING AND MEETING ROOMS ARE HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE