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