19800930 City Council Minutes125
September 23, 19.80- continued
Councilman Nordqui,st expressed recognition and appreciation to Teresa Quigley for standing in and
recording the minutes for this meeting.
There was no further business to come before the Council, and the meeting was adjourned at 10:12 p.m.
r
.IRENE VARNEY MORAN, Ci y Clerk HARVE H. HARRISON, Mayor
September 30, 1980-
,.The regular-meeting•of the Edmonds.City, Council was called to order'at 8:10 p.m. by Mayor Harve
Harrison in the Edmonds Senior High School Cafetorium. All present joined in the fl'ag salute.
PRESENT STAFF PRESENT
Harve Harrison, Mayor Charles Dibble, M.A.A.
Jo -Anne Jaech Fred Herzberg, Public Works Director
Bill Kasper Jim Adams, City Engineer
•
Katherine Allen Irene Varney Moran, City Clerk
John Nordquist Art Housler, Finance Director'
Ray'Gould Marlo Foster, Police Chief
Larry Naughten Jack Weinz, Fire Chief
Mary Goetz Jim Jessel, Parks & Recreation. Director
Mary Lou Block, Planning Division Manager
Jim Murphy, City Attorney
Jackie Parrett, Deputy City Clerk
CONSENT AGENDA
COUNCILMAN NAUGHTEN MOVED, SECONDED.BY COUNCILMAN NORDQUIST.,.TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION
CARRIED. The approved items on the Consent Agenda included the. following:
(A) Roll call.
(B) Approval of Minutes of September 23, 1980.
(C) Acknowledgment of receipt of. Claim for Damages from Fred L. Roys in the amount of $977.66.
(D) Setting date of October 2.1, 1980 for hearing on.formulation of Cyprus Pl. LID..
AUDIENCE
John Beck., 405.5th S., wanted -to discuss.the cost of changing the location of the library,, but he
was told this was not -the appropriate time. The meeting.had,..been.moved to this special location
this -evening --to accommodate a great number of citizens interested.in one major issue and the intent
was to provide as much time for that issue as was necessary.. Another gentleman.in the audience,
•,
wished to discuss Sunset Ave. which has been another major issue, and he also was told this was not
the proper time.
HEARING ON PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT...ROLL, PROPOSED STREET.LID.ON SPRAGUE ST. BETWEEN
7TH AND 8TH
City Engineer Jim Adams reviewed..the.specifics' of the LID, after which the hearing was.opened to the
.public.
Bill Whiteside, 747 Sprague, said he -was the spokesman for.the minority property owners involved,
and that the
promoters of the L:ID..do..not face Sprague St..but the other property owners do, so if
there was going to be a street they felt itshould be a.pleasure to live on and that it should
enhance the properties on that street. Therefore they had prepared..a list -of amendments to the LID
which they asked to be incorporated,.the
major changes.being.widening_of the street to 32' and
including some other properties:wh.ich would benefit. Mr. Adams said the requested changes would
increase the cost by 65%-70%. He said .the.24' width was..a.street standard.and in. addition by making
the street wider a number of`large trees have be
would to removed.: Widening.the.street would also
increase.:runoff. He added that the boundaries of the.LID.cannot.be increased without starting from
the beginning. City Attorney Jim Murphy affirmed that.to expand.,the LID would necessitate starting.
over, and he noted that there
are very strict notice procedures required'by..State law.s'o to start
from the beginning would take 6-8 weeks, resulting in letting of -the contract,in the middle of
winter, an inappropriate time to lay asphalt.
Sproule McGinnesss 222*Sunset Ave., sa.id:he was representing the Harrises and himself who would be
for
paying a7ll of the water system.and..70%.of the rest of the assessment, and that they had petitioned
for a 24' wide street after;consulting....wi.th..the City Engineer. He
said that width street would
allow .18' for parking on either s.ide, and.with more.than:70% participation they would like to keep
the costs down as much as possible. The public-porti.on.of the hearing was closed. COUNCILWOMAN
ALLEN MOVED,'SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN.GOETZ,.TO'CONTINUE...TH.IS.HEARING
FOR ONE WEEK IN ORDER TO GIVE
THE SITUATION FURTHER CONSIDERATION.. .Councilman Gould -,agreed -that it should be held over because it
r�
U
126
September 30, 1980 - continued •
was a rather unusual case. He noted that two people essentially controlled what was happening on
the LID, and he thought the Council should examine what the proposed.changes would do. The Council
had only received the requested changes this evening, and he felt they should have time to examine
them fully.
Peggy Harris, the other major petitioner, asked.to speak. She said this had gone on and on, with
one delay after another, and she thought it should be decided this evening. She called attention to
the many large evergreens which would be sacrificed if the street were widened, and she felt the
Council should accept.the Engineering Division's opinion in the matter. THE MOTION THEN CARRIED,
WITH COUNCILMAN KASPER VOTING NO.
HEARING TO REVIEW WATER/SEWER RATES AND.',COMPARISONS
Mayor Harrison reviewed the current water/sewer rate situation, after which Finance Director Art
Housler discussed the financial condition of the utility operation for the last eleven years. He
noted that for seven years there had been no net income for the utility, but there had been a net
loss. Three rate increases during those seven years were not high enough to create net income
because they were for new bond issues, the last two being refunding issues, or refinancing old debt.
He noted that in that case you do not have to.pay principal but you.have to give up all reserve
monies. He said that of the June 1, 1980 rate increases, 36.2% of the increases were for operations,
and with that it is projected that by the end of 1981 the utility will break even. He explained, in
answer to a question, that the utility is a separate entity and services for it are charged by other
departments of the City. He noted that the major part of the increases will be for capital improve-
ments or reserve money to do capital improvements in the next few.years.
Public Works Director Fred Herzberg displayed a drawing of the water lines in the City which need •
replacement, and he reviewed the list of capital improvements to be financed. Those include replace-
ment of water lines, treatment plant property acquisition, infiltration correction, and high priority
drainage improvements. Among future..capital'improvements not included at this time are new water
transmission mains, lift station improvements, and city-wide drainage. He then compared the water
and sewer rates with those of other nearby cities and with those.of other cities i Washin t using
the same system of charges based on water consumption. He proposed.some further changes t9 ?9e
current rates which included variable rates for summer and winter use, reduced rates for the elderly
on low incomes, and changes in rates for apartments and condominiums. After his presentation, the
hearing was opened to the public.
A number of citizens spoke, expressing frustration and indignation with the recent increases. Most
found the new sewer rates entirely unacceptable, with increases.of up.to 400%, and although they
were unhappy with the new water rates they found them more understandable because the increases were
not -so high. In general they did not believe that the sewer rates should be based on water con-
sumption, pointing out that during the summer period great amounts of water are used for lawns and
gardens. They were appalled that past poor accounting had gone undetected and that the results
could be of such impact, and they wanted assurance that such would not happen in the future; and
they felt the City was trying to remedy in too short a period errors which occurred over a long
period. Some felt apartment dwellers were not paying their fair share, and some felt the proposed
discounts for senior citizens were not adequate. Some felt the utility was subsidizing other
departments. There were suggestions that capital improvements be contracted out, rather than
spending money on expensive equipment; and some felt decisions to make large expenditures were
arbitrary, without allowing the people a voice, references being made to the Anderson Center rehabili-
tation by means of councilmanic bonds rather than a vote of the people. Those who spoke on this .
subject were: Chuck Cain, 1060 6th Ave..S.; Bill Beck, 21823 9th Ave..W.; Paul Roy, 840 Alder; Walt
Goryns, 7218 164th S:W.; Mary Pease, 21526 96th Ave. W.; John Kalstad,,21524 96th W.; Joseph Krisman,
8889 196th S.W.; E. R. Cardiff,.9005 Olympic View Dr.; John.Beck, 405,5th S.; Roberta Kasmar, 725
Driftwood Lane; Loretta Adair, 1226 8th Ave. S.; Denise Day, 18730 94th.W.; Richard Walker, 8000
Talbot Rd.; Stanley Schwartze,.831 Northstream Lane; Barbara Calomeni, 7527 172nd S.W-.;'Roger Hertrich,
•
1020 Puget Dr.; Ted Truax; 19202 76th W.;.Helen Allison, 635 Hemlock.Way;.Don Schroeder, 528 8th
Ave. N.; Mary Maddox, 610 Sater Lane;.Swan.Seaberg, 8006 206th S.W.; Richard Schaertl, 811 Somerset;
Ray Martin, 18704 94th Ave. W.; Harold Dudley, 706 Driftwood Lane; John Priest, 20018 Maplewood Dr.;
Bill Crow, 338 3rd Ave. S.; Bob Mitchell, 18811 92nd W.; Richard Causer, 19015 92nd W.; William
Tarbet, 22930 75th W.;. and Al Sweeney, 18492 91st P1. W. The public.hearing was then closed.
COUNCILMAN NAUGHTEN MOVED, SECONDED.BY COUNCILWOMAN ALLEN, TO CONTINUE THIS HEARING UNTIL OCTOBER
289 1980, WITH THE INTENT TO FINALIZE THE ACTION ON THAT DATE.. He explained that the Council would
consider the suggestions made this evening during the -interim.. Councilman Gould observed that the
main issue appeared to be that of the sewer rate and that a fl.at rate appeared to be what was most
wanted. Councilwoman Jaech felt none of.the Council had enough background indivudally to make'a
decision that would satisfy everyone and she felt a consultant.should.be hired to make recommenda-
tions to the Council. She had spoken to Mr.. Housler in this regard and had asked if he could obtain.
names of firms who could do such a study .and make a recommendation.. Mr..Housler responded that
Renton had considered four national CPA firms and two regional..engineering firms for a similar study
and the quotes received were $159000-$22,000. Councilwoman Jaech.asked if the City's financial
advisor, Seattle -Northwest Securities Corporation, could -do such a.study, and he.responded that they
are in the business of selling bonds so he felt they would be prejudiced along.those lines. Coun-
cilman Gould enumerated some issues to be addressed, and he.said..the..people should be advised of.any
proposals the week before the Council makes the final decision. The issues he felt should be
addressed were: (1). A senior citizen discount, and,how much it should be; (2) Whether some of the.
capital expenses can be either spread out over a period of time or delayed; (3) A check of the
maintenance and operation cost of the water/sewer utility; (4) A flat sewer rate separate from water
use; (5) Investigation of each bonding issue to be.sure it is covered; (6).Assurance that apartment
dwellers are carrying their fair share of the cost;:and.(7) Assurance that.outlying districts are
•
September 30, 1980 - continued
1
1
paying a share of the burden equal to what each resident pays. Councilwoman Goetz stated that she
felt a consultant really was needed and that money invested in.a private consultant would be money
well spent. THE MOTION TO CONTINUE THE HEARING CARRIED.
There was no further business to come before the Council, and the meeting adjourned at 11:40 p.m.
IRENE VARNEY MORAN, Crfy Clerk
October 7, 1980 - Work Meeting
HARVE H. HARRISON, Mayor
The regular meeting of the Edmonds City Council was called to'order at 8:05 p.m. by Mayor Harve Harrison
in the Council Chambers of the Edmonds Civic Center. All present joined in the flag salute.
PRESENT ABSENT STAFF -PRESENT
Harve Harrison; Mayor John Nordquist Fred Herzberg, Public Works Director
Jo -Anne Jaech Jim Adams, City Engineer
• Bill Kasper Irene Varney.Moran, City Clerk
Katherine Allen. John LaTourelle, Community Development Dir.
Larry Naughten Mary Lou Block, Planning Division Manager
Ray Gould Art Housler, Finance Director
Mary Goetz Marlo Foster,.Police Chief
Gary McComas,.Fire Marshal
Jim Jessel, Parks & Recreation Director
Wayne Tanaka, City Attorney
Jackie Parrett, Deputy City Clerk
CONSENT AGENDA
Items (D), (F), and (J) were removed from the Consent Agenda. COUNCILWOMAN ALLEN MOVED, SECONDED BY
COUNCILWOMAN JAECH, TO APPROVE THE BALANCE OF THE CONSENT. AGENDA.. MOTION CARRIED, WITH COUNCILMAN-KASPER
ABSTAINING BECAUSE HIS COMPANY IS THE SELLER OF THE PROPERTY INVOLVED IN ITEM (C). The approved items on
the Consent Agenda included the following:
(A) Roll call.
(B). Approval of Minutes of September 30, 1980.
(C) Setting date of October 28, 1980 for hearing on.design review for completion of Parkview
Firs PRO at 8406-19 Main St. (PRD-2-80)
(E) Adoption of Ordinance 2164, amending the Official Street Map to vacate a portion of 4th
Ave. S., north of SR 104. (ST-2-80)
(G) Passage of Resolution 477,.transferring funds f.rom.Council Contingency Fund to.General.
• Fund.
.(H) Approval of technical modifications from Fire Department and Engineering Division to
pending Community Development Code.
(I) Acceptance of report on downtown parking review.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE LEVYING PROPERTY..TAXES FOR 1981 [Item (D) on Consent Agenda]
Councilman Gould asked if the tax amount.stated was the..maximum.and if the property tax is fixed by
law. Finance Director Art Housler responded in the affirmative. -to both questions,.explaining how
the taxes are determined:_ COUNCILMAN GOULD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN ALLEN, TO APPROVE ITEM`
(D) ON -THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE -TRANSFERRING FUNDS FROM OFF-STREET PARKING, ANDERSON CENTER, AND CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENTS FUNDS [Item (P) on Consent Agenda] -
Councilwoman Allen inquired where the $30,391.to be transferred from the Anderson Cultural Center
Fund to the'General Fund would be used. Finance Director Art Housler responded that it will be for
the maintenance of that building and will pay for the two maintenance men. The question arose as to
whether the 1% for pub.lic.art was a requirement, and Ci:ty.,Attornev Wayne Tanaka stated that 1% of
the construction projects-will-be'used for public art unless the Council elects not:to do so, but in
.this case=the'Council did elect to do so. COUNCILWOMAN ALLEN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN-GOULD,
TO APPROVE ITEM (F) ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED.
-
AUTHORIZAT.ION TO PURCHASE PORT' SECURITY.:VEHICLE FROM NORMAN CHEVROLET [Item (J) on Consent Agenda]
Councilman Kasper said it had been -his understanding that.a vehicle was not to be provided for the
Port security. Police Chief Marlo Foster responded that a vehicle is not being provided at the