19820608 City Council Minutes452
June 1, 1982 - continued •
Councilmember Naughten s.uggested that the Council have a field trip to examine the area covered in
the Highway 99 Study, perhaps accompanied by John LaTourelle. Planning Director Mary Lou Block said
she would arrange something for a Saturday morning. The date of June 12, 1982 was selected.
Councilmember Naughten had witnessed the Edmonds emergency medical personnel in action when a lady
had a cardiac arrest. He said it was amazing to see them, and he commended the Edmonds Fire Depart-
ment and the Medic 7 team.
Councilmember Naughten acknowledged a letter from Allen and Dorothy Day which expressed gratitude to
the Edmonds Water and Sewer Department for their assistance in solving a difficult plumbing problem.
Councilmember Allen had talked to Ruth Meyers, Co -President of the Edmonds Arts Festival, who
suggested that the Council viewing for the purchase award could be from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m., Sunday,
June 13, or all day on Monday, June 14. COUNCILMEMBER ALLEN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER GOULD,
TO PLACE ON THE JUNE 14, 1982 AGENDA A DISCUSSION OF THE PURCHASE AWARD. MOTION CARRIED.
Council President Kasper announced a Personnel Committee meeting on June 29, 1982, at 6:30 p.m.
The Council recessed to Executive Session at 8:55 p.m, reconvening at 9:15 p.m. Mayor Harrison
again offered for appointment to the M.A.A. position the name of Barry Bjork at a recommended salary
of $37,000 per year. COUNCILMEMBER NAUGHTEN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER HALL, TO CONFIRM THE
MAYOR'S APPOINTMENT OF BARRY BJORK TO THE POSITION OF MAYOR'S ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, AT AN ANNUAL
SALARY OF $37,000. COUNCILMEMBER GOULD MOVED TO AMEND THE MOTION, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER HALL,
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL DIRECT THE CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE WHICH WILL REPEAL THE M.A.A.
POSITION IN THE CITY OF EDMONDS, EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 31, 1983. It was felt this should be a separate
motion, rather than an amendment, AND MAYOR HARRISON SO RULED. THE SECOND TO THE AMENDMENT WAS
WITHDRAWN, AND THE MOTION TO AMEND FAILED. Councilmember Gould felt the repeal should come first,
saying the point is to put the information out so the City can see it is the Council's intent to
•
have the full. -time Mayor question on an advisory ballot and if that receives an affirmative vote of
the people it is the intent of the Council not to have an M.A.A. THE MAIN MOTION THEN CARRIED.
COUNCILMEMBER GOULD THEN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER HALL, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL DIRECT THE
CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE WHICH WILL REPEAL THE M.A.A. POSITION IN THE CITY OF EDMONDS,
EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 31, 1983. Councilmember Nordquist asked what would happen if the advisory ballot
vote goes against having a full-time Mayor. Councilmember Gould said it was previously arranged
that should the advisory ballot be favorable the Council's intent would include the four points (the
repeal of the M.A.A. position, the full-time/full-pay issue with no other job in conflict, the
length of term, the salary), and if the vote is not favorable it will be status quo. Councilmember
Kasper said they will want to take a good look at the job description even if it is decided not to
have a full-time Mayor, and they will want to re -analyze the whole thing with a new job description.
THE MOTION CARRIED.
There was no other business to come before the Council, and the meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
r
IRENE VARNEY MORAN, Cyty Clerk HARVE H. HARRISON, Mayor
June 8, 1982 -.Work Meeting
The regular meeting of the.Edmonds City Council was called to order at 7:35 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 Bill Kasper Jim Adams, City Engineer
John Nordquist Irene Varney Moran, City Clerk
Laura Hall Mary Lou Block, Planning Director
Ray Gould Art Housler, Finance Director
Larry Naughten Marlo Foster, Police Chief
Jo -Anne Jaech Jack Weinz, Fire Chief
Katherine Allen Steve Simpson, Parks & Recreation Dir.
Steve Engle, Student Rep. Jim Jessel, Project Manager
Mark Eames, City Attorney
Jackie Parrett, Deputy City Clerk
CONSENT AGENDA
Item (B) was removed from the Consent Agenda. COUNCILMEMBER GOULD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
ALLEN, TO APPROVE THE BALANCE OF THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED. The approved items on the
Consent Agenda included the following:
(A) Roll call.
(C) Final approval of 17-Lot Plat of Cherry Hill Lane (P-2-79 and P-5-79).
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JUNE 1, 1982 [Item (B) on Consent Agenda]
Councilmember Jaech removed this item from the Consent Agenda because she was not present at the
June 1 meeting so did not want to vote to approve the Minutes, and also because the Clerk had
E
45.3
• June 8, 1982 - continued
I ubmitted a request -from a.citizen for a change to. the Minutes. That citizen, Mary Ann Anderson,
requested that her comments in the second paragraph of the.hearing on the proposed change of name
for Railroad Ave., on page.2 of the Minutes, be changed to state that she wanted to know if the City
would bear the costs of changing the street signs, maps, and transit schedules, and not the costs of
advertising, stationery, etc., as stated in the Minutes. COUNCILMEMBER NAUGHTEN MOVED, SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER GOULD, TO INCORPORATE THAT CHANGE IN THE.MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED WITH COUNCILMEMBER
JAECH ABSTAINING. COUNCILMEMBER GOULD THEN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER NAUGHTEN, TO APPROVE
THE MINUTES OF JUNE 1, 1982, AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED, WITH COUNCILMEMBER JAECH ABSTAINING.
REPORT.FROM FINANCE.DIRECTOR REGARDING EXPECTED REVENUES.FROM SALES TAX AND REDUCTION
OF UTILITY TAX
Finance Director Art Housler stated that only 33 cities in Washington, out of 265, levied the 1/2�
additional sales tax, resulting in net additional revenues to Edmonds of only $238,000 instead of
the anticipated $582,000. Accordingly, he said Edmonds will not be able to reduce the utility tax
to 41 as planned. Further, he said that since the City will receive $344,000 less than estimated,
it will be necessary to reconsider and reprioritize the uses of the add itional-,-revenue'-that=wi11,be
received. He noted that the balance owing on the fire truck could be paid by using excess library
funds; borrowing from another fund, or borrowing from a.bank. This was discussed and the least
expensive would be the use of the excess library funds. Mr. Housler indicated that the revenue
shortfall could for the most part be offset by reduction in expenditures, and if all of the property
tax delinquencies are collected it would not be too much of a strain on services. He said the
reserve.is needed or two reasons= -because a zero cash balance in the General Fund is expected at
year-end, and because there was only $19,000 left in the Council Contingency Fund as of May 31,
1982. Councilmember Jaech stated that the Finance Committee had discussed all of this just prior to
this meeting and it was the consensus that the utility tax could be reduced to 6%. This was discussed,
and'some thought the reduction to 4% may be possible in January 1983. Another suggestion was to
• plan to go to 5% next year and 4% the following year: Mayor Harrison agreed that 6% would be
appropriate now, and that it should be reevaluated in the fall. COUNCILMEMBER NAUGHTEN MOVED,
SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER ALLEN, TO INSTRUCT THE CITY ATTORNEY TO DRAFT AN ORDINANCE REDUCING THE
UTILITY TAX FROM 8 1/4% TO 6%, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 1982. It was clarified that this would apply to
electricity, gas, telephone, and water. THE MOTION CARRIED. It was agreed that the Council would
meet June 14, 1982 to pass the ordinance. There had been some question as to whether a meeting
would-be held that evening. Mr. Housler stated that the urgency to pass it was to provide lead-in
time to the utility companies to get the change into their computers. COUNCILMEMBER NAUGHTEN THEN
MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER ALLEN, TO REVIEW THE UTILITY TAX AGAIN IN OCTOBER 1982. MOTION
CARRIED.
REPORT FROM PLANNING AND ENGINEERING STAFF REGARDING SALE.OF LOTS 16-20 ON MAPLE ST.
Planning Director Mary Lou Block stated that in April of this year Richard Sprague, 1040 Maple St.,
submitted a request to purchase.a City -owned lot adjacent to his property because his property is
sloughing down into the lower ground of the City lot, resulting in his concrete patio and front
driveway developing cracks and tilting toward the low ground, and he wished to fill and plant the
property to stabilize it. Upon presentation to the City Council, they had asked the Planning staff
to report back with a recommendation as to how an appraisal for this property should be ordered.
The lot in question is one of five 30' wide lots which the City owns on the southwest corner of
Maple St. and llth Ave. S. These lots were purchased in 1952 for $1,000. The current assessed
valuation is $40,000 for all five lots. Ms. Block explained how the lots could be aggregated and
said the City Attorneys had assured her that if the Council sets a minimum price for the lots they
could then negotiate openly with Mr. Sprague. Ms. Block recommended that should the City Council
decide to sell any or all of the subject property, (1) The City should aggregate the lots into three
parcels, with Lot 16 being combined with the Sprague property as set forth in Chapter 17.40.030 of
the Community Development Code, and (2) An appraisal, if desired, should take into consideration the
potential creation of two new building lots and the fact that Lot 16 would be combined with the
•. Sprague property. Councilmember Kasper, who was absent this evening, had provided a written comment
that he did not think anymore of the Maple St. lots 16-20 should be sold than necessary to solve
Mr. Sprague's problem, and in no case should it be reduced to below an adequate square footage
building site than could be sold. COUNCILMEMBER NAUGHTEN MOVED TO OBTAIN AN APPRAISAL ON LOT 16 FOR
THE POSSIBLE SALE TO MR. SPRAGUE AND TO DO NOTHING WITH THE REMAINING LOTS BUT PUT THEM ON THE
CITY'S INVENTORY. MOTION FAILED FOR LACK OF A SECOND. Mayor Harrison said the other possibility.
would be to use the Assessor's value of $40,000 divided by five and offer the lot for $8,000.
Councilmember Jaech noted that an appraisal would.be onJ ust the one lot but she asked what value
it would have if it were part of the other four as a whole parcel. There was a general feeling that
$750 should not be spent for an appraisal. COUNCILMEMBER NAUGHTEN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
NORDQUIST, TO OFFER TO SELL THE WHOLE PARCEL TO MR. SPRAGUE FOR $40,000 OR LOT 16 FOR $8,000.
Councilmember Allen suggested setting a minimum bid of $40,000 for all five lots or $8,000 for one,
as there may be other bids and the bids may go higher if there are several people interested.
Councilmember Gould noted that Councilmember Kasper had indicated he did not want anymore sold than
necessary. He asked whether the City wants or needs the property or if there was any benefit to
holding it. Ms. Block said the deed is not clear as to why it was purchased, and if it had been for
park purposes it would have made a difference. Mayor Harrison suggested that it might be better to
limit the amount of land sold to Mr. Sprague to the amount needed to solve the problem, possibily
10', because if he is sold the full 30' he might try.to use the entire 30' and build it up with a
retaining wall to the point of,damaging the other two lots. He offered to talk to Mr. Sprague
further on this and report to the Council next week.. THE MOTION AND THE SECOND WERE WITHDRAWN.
COUNCILMEMBER HALL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER NAUGHTEN, TO CONTINUE THIS.MATTER TO JUNE 14,
1982. MOTION CARRIED.
:REPORT FROM PARKS AND RECREATION ON UNION OIL BEACH IMPROVEMENT
Project Manager.Jim Jessel reviewed the history of development of the waterfront and this beach.
The large mounds at Union Oil Beach were added i-n 1980 using .soil from the new Albertson's,site and
also from the new library site. The idea of the grassy slopes was to provide a place which families
could utilize. The parking was reduced to discourage vehicle traffic. Mr. Jessel recently reviewed
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June 8, 1982 - continued •
the plan for the PAB, and they made three recommendations for future development: (1) That the
Staff look at the southern area of almost five acres including tidelands for acquisition. Currently
people just go over and use that area and it probably is at as high a use as it ever will be.
Developed access would be too expensive for what would be obtained. (2) Consider working with the
Port to develop some buffer areas along Railroad Ave. and near the gates to soften the edges with
landscaping. Mr. Jessel said he had written to the Port and asked for a meeting to discuss this but
had not yet received a response. (3) Double the parking as shown on -the plan. This would require
more asphalting over to the berm. Mr. Jessel said they would like to talk to the Port and then to
the PAB to discuss the landscaping and then go back to the Council regarding parking. He said
approximately $6,000 has been spent for materials and $2,000 for labor. None of the trees shown on
the plan have been planted as yet. Mr. Jessel was thanked for his report.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE ABOLISHING OFFICE OF MAYOR'S ADMINISTRATIVE.ASSISTANT.=ON,AND.'AFTER
JANUARY 1, 1984
COUNCILMEMBER NAUGHTEN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER ALLEN, TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 2303, ABOLISHING
THE OFFICE OF MAYOR'S ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ON AND AFTER JANUARY 1, 1984. Councilmember Hall
asked what the rationale was of this ordinance, and Councilmember Gould responded that it was to let
the people of the City know that it is the intent of the Council that if the vote is affirmative for
a full-time Mayor then there will not be a full-time MAA, and the question of whether there should
be that office would have to be sold to the new Council and new Mayor. Councilmember.Hall said she
understood that the candidate had been interviewed on the radio and had said he had not been given
any details of the job so had not yet made up his mind, and she wondered if this ordinance was a
factor. Councilmember Allen responded that the Council made it quite clear at the time of the
interview that they were planning to abolish this position, and Councilmember Gould added that this
person was stymied for promotion in his current position and he thought that having such a position
for a short time would help him to advance in similar positions at another city --he considered it a •
stepping stone --and he understood.perfectly that the position would be abolished. THE MOTION CARRIED.
UESTIONS REGARDING JUNE 14 AGENDA ITEMS
The item "Discussion on Arts Festival Purchase Award" was discussed, reviewing the times when the
Council could examine the entries.- They will make a decision at the June 14 Council meeting.
COUNCIL
Councilmember Nordquist felt the trip to the DOE in Olympia had been successful, and he said a
commitment was received from Mr. Moos to look at the Meadowdale area. Since that time Mr. Adams had
received a call to say that a contingent would like to inspect the area on Thursday, June 10,
although Mr. Moos himself would not be.able to come. Dr. Hyatt would not be available but would
send a representative. The Council asked that the Mayor have the visit delayed until the week of
June 21 in order to have better City representation.
Councilmember Nordquist requested that the City Attorney provide an explanation of SHB 1006 and he
called attention to several other bills on which he thought the City Attorney might comment. The
legal staff at the County Health District had provided the listing of bills affecting public health.
COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER GOULD, TO DISCUSS SHB 1006 AND ANY OF THE
OTHER BILLS ON WHICH THE.CITY ATTORNEY PROVIDES INFORMATION ON JULY 6, 1982. MOTION CARRIED.
Councilmember.Hall had attended the Firefighters Annual Banquet on June 5, and she thanked Chief
Weinz for the invitation.
Councilmember Hall reported regarding the Performing Arts District, the board having met with the
County Council regarding the drawing of boundaries for the taxing district. She noted that Everett
may have a performing arts center of its own. Pat McMahan had requested a letter indicating Edmonds
would join Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace supporting the boundaries as proposed, and she read a •
draft which stated that the postal Zip Code area is a basis for the boundaries. Councilmember Allen
was opposed, saying the 116th St: boundary is too far north. She said Lynnwood did not like it when
the County Council talked about coming down to 164th with a court district, and she thought Everett
had a real point that 116th is moving into their area. She was willing to participate in establishing
a district but she thought the proposed district area was not proper. COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST
MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER NAUGHTEN, TO SUPPORT THE ISSUE OF DEVELOPING THE PERFORMING ARTS
DISTRICT IN ITS FORMULATION, APPROVING THE BOUNDARIES ON THE EAST, SOUTH, AND WEST, BUT THE BOUNDARY
BETWEEN EDMONDS AND EVERETT SHOULD BE DETERMINED BETWEEN THOSE TWO CITIES. MOTION CARRIED.
Councilmember Hall asked whether the width of Main St. .is.being changed with the construction of the
new library. She had been asked this by Capt. Floyd Smith. City Engineer Jim Adams said the
curbing would be started the following day and he would check it. Jim Jessel said there will be a
turnout bus stop on Main St. which will use the parking lane and there is an entrance to the library
parking area on Dayton St. Mr. Adams said there is a 9' parking lane and a driving lane and the
curb does go into the parking lane but not into the travel lane, but the bus turnout will provide
more safety.
Councilmember Gould had received a call from a resident who asked if the Council would resolve an
issue regarding the property lines on some of her property. He said it is in the hands of the City
Attorney and it possibly could be resolved by the City Council so he asked for a short Executive
Session following this evening's meeting to discuss it with the City Attorney. It involved litigation
so an Executive Session was necessary.
Councilmember Gould referred to.a memo from Mayor Harrison regarding the sale of excess City property
at 76th Ave. and 242nd. The Mayor suggested that the Council reconsider its request for a new
appraisal because of the $750 cost and because the assessed value of the property is $18,000, the
same figure as the previous appraisal, and that the property be advertised for sale by sealed bid
0
June 8, 1982 - continued
15
1
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1
with a minimum bid of $20;000. COUNCILMEMBER NAUGHTEN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER GOULD, TO
ACCEPT THE MAYOR'S RECOMMENDATION. MOTION CARRIED.
Councilmember Gould noted that a request had been received for another extension of the building
permit for Parkside West. He suggested a hearing date of June,22, 1982. He was told that the Code
does not provide for a second extension, so in order to extend the date the Code would have to be
amended. Mayor Harrison asked if it was not incumbent on the.City to give another extension because
of the construction that already has taken place in the amount of $165,000 for underground.services.
Planning Director Mary Lou:Block responded that the Code says if any work is suspended or abandoned
for a period of 180 days the building permit expires. Councilmember Allen asked why they waited so
long to make their request for.an extension as they have known for a long time they would not be
able to start, and Mayor Harrison said they thought their extension was for one year instead of six
months. Ms. Block said her department notified them May 8 that if nothing happened by June 16.there
would be this problem. City Attorney Mark Eames said the general consensus of his office is that
the options are to start construction or amend the ordinance and it would take a substantial effort
towards construction to qualify. Mayor Harrison said the company does not have money to start.
construction now, although they might spend $100 to get a bulldozer to start clearing the site. It
was the consensus that they would have to start the construction.
Councilmember Gould noted that Mountlake Terrace Mayor Lois Anderson had sent a letter soliciting
'votes for the District 8.position on the AWC Board of Directors. Councilmember Naughten added that
Ray Corwin, the incumbent, also was asking for support.
Councilmember Allen noted that Everett Mayor Bill Moore is requesting a donation from Edmonds for
the construction of the new County jail. COUNCILMEMBER ALLEN MOVED, SECONDED FOR DISCUSSION BY
COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST, TO DISCUSS THIS ON JULY 20, 1982. Councilmember Nordquist noted that
Edmonds had helped him with his water problems and contributed largely. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Councilmember Allen referred to a memo from the City Attorney, subject "Gift of Public Funds,"
regarding the Boys' Club. COUNCILMEMBER ALLEN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER GOULD, TO PLACE THIS
ON THE JULY 6, 1982 AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED.
Councilmember Allen reminded the`: St6ff-,that.th6�.>C6unci:lihad taken action to provide one-way streets
around.the Anderson Center for the next Arts Festival. There was a question as to whether this can
be done in light of the current construction there and the change in bus routes.
Student Representative Steve Engle announced that he would be graduating on June 10 so this would be
his last meeting. He expressed appreciation for having been given the opportunity to serve and
encouraged maintaining the program. He also noted that there is an inter -high council that possibly
could be involved. .
Councilmember Jaech inquired about an item on the next PAB agenda having to do with a Code amendment
changing the building heights in the BC and RM zones. She asked why this was.on the agenda and who
gave them this charge. Planning Director Mary Lou Block.responded that the discussion is basically
about the fact that height presently is 25' for a flat roof and 50' for a pitched roof and they have
had a lot of buildings come in such as with a mansard roof and the arrangement is contrived to meet
the Code and does nothing for the building. She said the purpose of the hearing isto look at that
and see if it is preferable to have the 4/12 pitch for 30' or have flexibility of design. The PAB
and ADB had brought it up on various occasions, as well as architects. Ms. Block said the proposal.
is not to change the height but to make the 30' more workable. Mayor Harrison added that establishing
a definite 4/12 pitch is something the Council should not be doing because that is design. Council -
member Gould said he would object to changing the height but he had no problem in discussing the
pitch.
Councilmember Naughten noted that there will be some costs involved in his suggestion to tour the
• Highway 99 Study area. John LaTourelle's fee would be $100, and Ms. Block will obtain a van from
-the Senior Center. It was.decided to have the Staff conduct the tour instead of Mr. LaTourelle.
COUNCILMEMBEP, NAUGHTEN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER"GOULD, TO HAVE THE HIGHWAY 99 STUDY AREA
TOUR, USING STAFF PEOPLE, ON JUNE 12, 1982, MEETING AT 9:00 A.M. AT THE CIVIC CENTER LIBRARY PARKING
LOT. MOTION CARRIED.
Councilmember Naughten stated that Mr. Jessel is concerned that delays are causing the enthusiasm of
the proposed Cemetery Committee.to.wane. Councilmember Jaech said this was discussed at the Finance
Committee meeting but they did not get through everything they wanted to cover so they will meet
again next Monday evening at 6:30 p.m.
There was no further business to come before the Council, and the meeting adjourned to Executive
Session...at 9:40 p.m.
IRENE VARNEY MORAN, City Verk
v
HARVE H. HARRISON, Mayor