19830426 City Council Minutesf.40.
April 12, 1983 - continued •
There was no further business to come before the Council, and the meeting adjourned to Executive
Session at 101:10, p..m.
IRENE VARNEY MORAN, Uty Clerk HARVE H. HARRISON, Mayor
No Council meeting was held on April 19, 1983.
April 26, 1983
The regular meeting of the Edmonds City Council was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Harve
Harrison in the Plaza Meeting Room of the Edmonds Library. All present joined in the flag
salute.
PRESENT STAFF PRESENT
Harve Harrison, Mayor
Jim Adams, City Engineer
Jo -Anne Jaech
Irene Varney Moran, City Clerk
Laura Hall
Bobby Mills, Acting Public Works Supt.
Bill Kasper
Art Housler, Finance Director
Ray Gould
Marlo Foster, Police Chief
Larry Naughten
Jack Weinz, Fire Chief
John Nordquist
Mary Lou Block, Planning Director
Katherine Allen
Steve Simpson, Parks & Recreation Director
Tony Foss, Student Representat.ive
Pat LeMay, Personnel Director
Jim Jessel, Property Manager
Felix deMello, Building & Grounds Supvr.
Wayne Tanaka, City Attorney
Jackie Parrett, Deputy City Clerk
AUDIENCE
Mayor Harrison recognized Buildings and Grounds Supervisor Felix deMello who announced that on
Sunday, May 1, 1983, from 10:00 to 12:00 a.m. there will be a planting project downtown of the
flowering annuals and he is looking for volunteers to participate for that short period. He is
hoping to involve the community in this project.
Dave Ehrling, President of the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce, announced that there will be a
presentation at the next Chamber meeting on "Main Street, USA," and he invited the Council to
attend. He noted that the Chamber is a revitalized, energized group, and said they would
welcome participation by the Council.
Roger Hertrich, 1020 Puget Dr., said there is a problem on SR 524 at 196th and Olympic in that
there was an accident at that intersection a month ago and another one this evening. He said
there is a sight distance problem there and that together with the speed of westbound traffic
is causing this situation. He noted that the road curves toward the north because of the left •
turn lane at that intersection and at the north side of 196th there was supposed to be a flatter .
area where a.car could pause to survey the highway before crossing it, and he did not think
that was done correctly. Mayor Harrison asked the City Engineer to investigate this, and Mr.
Adams said he had already studied it and one of his recommendations will be to put a cul-de-sac
on that short street to stop the traffic. His written recommendations will be forthcoming.
MAYOR
Mayor Harrison advised that the City's bond rating has been upgraded to A which will save
approximately $75,000 over the 15-year period of the upcoming bond issue.
Mayor Harrison stated, in regard to the Nonrepresented Wage and Salary Program, that he is
required to inform the Council of merit adjustments for department heads and obtain approval of
the Council, but he has decided to inform the Council of all the merit adjustments given. He
had provided them a written summary to show the merit adjustments given, effective April 1,
1983, together with the April 1, 1983 across-the-board increase and the alignment increase to
get the employees into the pay progression plan. There were 12 nonrepresented employees affected
whose dates of evaluation were prior to April 1. Councilmember Naughten recalled the criteria
for merit and noted that everyone was getting approximately 1% so that seemed to indicate that
either there was not enough money in the program or else everyone was rated average. Mayor
Harrison had indicated in his memorandum that it appeared the merit increases cannot go much
beyond 1% this year because of the impact that the total base increases (across-the-board,
alignment, and merit) will have on next year's budget, but that it also appeared that the
average monthly increase.of 7.8% for 1983 is generous. Councilmember Nordquist stated that he
did not think the incentive is in the merit program and that he hoped something could be done
to improve it next year. COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER ALLEN, TO
ACCEPT THE MERIT ADJUSTMENTS. Councilmember.Allen said they need to go to the next to the last
paragraph of the Mayor's memo which said merit increases could not be higher because of the
budget impact this time, and at least they have moved ahead with some people. Mayor Harrison
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April 26, 1983 - continued
said that with the other increases he thought this was parallel with all of the union negotiations
going on. Councilmember Kasper said he would vote against the motion again and as long as the
comparisons are made betty.-een cities without bringing in the private sector he will vote against
it. Councilmember Nall art -lied that the City's negotiators are using comparisons with other
cities. Counci'lniccrtbe�-"Naughten said he would vote for it but he did not think they have a
merit prcgrar. because the do not have the money for it --there was not enough money this year
to have an across-the-board increase and a merit program. Councilmember Kasper added that
other governmental agencies than cities should, be compared and he did not think that was done.
Councilmember Gould asked how much it would cost they City to make a merit program the way the
Council want-ed. it. Finance Director Art Iousler said to raise it. tc the frill program would
require approximately $9,200 for this year. Persennal Ci rector Pat LeMa;y said the Mayor's
major concern was the level of monthly increase as reflected by L,—. data he provided, and Mr.
Housler was talking acout the annualized cost, and there is a difference in the two and -the
Mayor was lcoki ng at the 1934, budget impact. A ROLL CALL VOTE. ►;;A:S TAKEN ON THE MOTION, (WITH
COUNCILP1L1'lI;ER NOaDQUISI, ALLEN, [[ILL, J,",ECH, AND PA'UG1'TF,'N 'vOTI.N YES, AND WITH COUNCILMEMBERS
KASPER AitiD GOULD VOTING i,10... MTl ION CARRIED. Ccunci lmemi:er !bul,a. said he. had voted no because
he thought it deserved further work to get it better, and his vote v,!as not; because he did not
believe the employees deserve a merit increase. Mayor Harrison added that for these 12 individuals
the monthly increase ranged from 6.2% to 12.1i; with the across-the-board increase, the. alignment,
and the merit. COUNCILMEMBER KASPER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER NAUGHTEN, THAT IN THE
FUTURE ANY DOCUMIEINTS RIEGARDING S QL;''IRY GI.'EI1 TO "! HE CCU 1 ,;L INCOR°OR1',TE 7,E A' INUAL. SAL."RY.
MOTION CARIRILD.
With regard to the field lights, ;Mayor Harrison stated that Linda Sullivan had discussed them
with Del Armstrong, a .lighting consultant with experience in sports field lighting, and had
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asked him for a cost estivate for a study that would investigate the adequacy of the existing
lights for recreation activities, study the glare and suggest mitigation of it, end present a
written and oral report to the City. 'Mr. Armstrong vindicated he could cumple-e this work
within two weeks at $50 per hour, for no more than $1,O00. The Parks and Recreation Director
recommended that Mr. Armstrong be hired to study the playfield lighting problem and advise the
City of an appropriate course of action, and "Mayor Harrison concurred. Councilriember Hall said
she would like the information she had asked for ;previously before spending anymore money. Side
asked Property Manager Jim Jessel what had gone wrong with the lights since he originally had
been involved in the project. He could not give an answer except that they had followed the
recommendations of the other 1 i ghti ng engineer. Cuunci lmember Gould noted that Counci In -.ember
Nordquist recently asked for an opinion from an expert, and he askad if this Del Armstrong -Is
an expert and what his experience has been as a lighting consultant in spurts field lighting.
Parks & Recreation Director Steve Simpson responded that Mr. Armstrong vdas recommended by
General Electric and General Electric was the supplier of -the lights. Mr. Simpson said Mr.
Armstrong has done the engineering on most of the playfields in this part of tie world. Councilmember
Kasper suggested that a rheostat should also be included, but Mr. Simpson said lighting is not
reduced by a rheostat on this type of lights and the only way to reduce the light level is to
turn off some of the lights. Councilmember Naughten thought they should look at this when they
are ready to use the lights again, but Councilmember Kasper said if they are going to do it
they should do it, or try to do it in-house, but some things may have to to ordered as a result
of the study and that takes time. Councilmember Gould said the problem is still there and the
problem must be solved, and if they have to spend $1,000 -o get somebody they trust to give the
City a good answer then they should do it now. COUNCILMEMBER GOULD I,;OVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL -
MEMBER KASPER, TO APPROVE THE EXPENDITURE OF UP TO $1,000 TO HIRE DEL ; R-ISTRONG OF JD-21 1.0
STUDY THE PLAYFIELD LIGHTING PKOBLEM, FUiVDS TO COME FROM THE ENGINEERING FUND. Councila,.enib,er
Nordquist said he would vote for the study but that does not mean he is for the lights. Councilmember
Gould stated that the following also should be asked of the consultant: What should the lighting
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level be on the field for various activities, in foot candles, and what is there now? Mayor
he to know if there is a system that can be used t`rhat will net damage the
Harrison said wants
neighbors and what that system is. Mr. Simpson noted that a judgment would have to be made as
to.what degree of lighting is damaging to the neighbors. 'rhE MOTION CARRIED, WITH COUNCILMEMBER
NAUGHTEN VOTING NO.
CONSENT AGENDA
COUNCILMEIv'!BER NORDGUIST MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMIEMBER GOULD, 1-0 APPROVE THE COidSENT AGENDA.
MOTION CARRIED. The approved -items on the Consent Agenda included the following:
(A) Roll cal i .
(B) Approval of Minutes of April 12, 1983.
(C) Adoption of Ordinance 2362, increasing wages for temporary public service project
workers to $4.00 per hour.
(D) Final acceptance of work by L. D. Benson construction. for the Civic Center remodel
project, and setting a 30-day retainage period.
(E) Passage or Resolution 554, commending Bill Nims.
Mayor Harrison read aloud tiie resolution commending B111 Nims and then presented it to him.
Several of the Council remarked on some of her. Nims' accomplishments and he was wished well in
his new employment.
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April 26, 1983 - continued •
PRESENTATION'FkuM SEATTLE WATEk DEPART14ENT REGARDING CONSERVATION
Councilmember Naughten explained that he had arranged for this presentation'at the suggestion
of Jeanie Johnson who urged that the City encourage water conservation. Rosemary Menard,
Supervisor of the Seattle Water Conservation Department, made the presentation and provided
packets of conservation materials. She explained that they have a program they take -to schools,
they have a speakers' bureau, they have bill inserts than can be included with billings, and
they have packets of items to be furnished to water customers to help them conserve. She said
it is a volunteer program and they are not asking people to do without, only to be aware. She
said they can work with the City for distribution of the kits and bill inserts and some of them
can be made available at no cost or at cost. After hearing the program described, Councilmember
Naughten said it certainly has value. He said Edmonds has approximately 3,000 customers on
Seattle water. He suggested that this be referred to the Community Services Committee to
determine the best way to distribute the kits and materials to.the public. COUNCILMEMBER
NAUGHTEN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER JAECH, TO REFER THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A WATER CON-
SERVATION PROGRAM TO THE COMMUNITY. SERVICES COMMITTEE FOR STUDY AND RECOMMENDATION TO THE
C)UNCIL. MOTION CARRIED. Councilmember Nordqui.st asked the Mayor to send a letter to Mayor
Royer thanking him for sharing this program with Edmonds. Councilmember Nordquist will prepare
the letter for the Mayor's signature.
OFFER BY FOSTER & MARSHALL TO PURCHASE THE 1983 WATER/SEWER BOND ISSUE
Finance Director Art Housler reviewed the reasons for the bond issue and indicated which projects
will be funded with this issue ($320,000 to Meadowdale, $120,000 to Fremont, and the balance to
various listed projects). The reasons he gave to support the bond issue at this time were:
(1) Interest rates are lower; (2) The bond registration law has been postponed to July 1, 1983;
(3) There is a lull in the supply of issues coming to market; (4) Debt service ratio is good
and the City's bond rating has gone up to A, reducing the interest rate by 1/2%; and (5) Construc- •
tion costs are lower. He then introduced Mary Hughes, Vice President of Foster and Marshall.
Ms. Hughes commented that it is particularly difficult in Washington State for a city to get a.
bond rating upgraded so this is a rare occasion. She felt the reasons for the upgrade were the
financial position of the utility as reflected in the water ratios, good management is reflected,
the moderate rate increases at this point reflect good management, and the obvious efforts by
the City to retain a good financial basis. She said the net rate Foster &. Marshall is offering
is 9.06%, and a copy of their purchase contract was provided. At this point Mayor Harrison
interjected that Ms. Hughes and Mr. Housler deserve a lot of credit for writing the proposal to
get the bond rating changed. Councilmember Kasper said he felt that under the circumstances
they should go with this proposal, and he said even if rates drop off some they have -the hazard
of the postponement penalty. He thought a lot of money could be saved by doing the projects
now. COUNCILMEMBER GOULD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER KASPER, TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO
SIGN THE OFFER BY FOSTER & MARSHALL AND TO APPROVE ORDINANCE 23.63. MOTION CARRIED. The average
coupon rate in the proposal was 8.8603%, the net interest cost was $899,385, and the net
effective interest rate was 9.061814%. A short recess followed.
RECLASSIFICATION STUDY
Council President Jaech stated that the Personnel Director would present the Mayor's recommendation
this evening and then at the retreat the Council will discuss each department with the department
head. After the retreat all of the information will then be discussed in Personnel Committee.
Personnel Director Pat LeMay then reviewed the report which had been provided to the Council.
His study involved an internal comparison of classifications City-wide and an external review
of all salary data to insure classifications have been properly graded in comparison with
comparable cities in terms of size and population. He was striving for internal equity and for
some indication of external competitiveness. City priorities were also considered in determining
whether the reclassifications were in order. The study resulted in recommendations for 13
reclassifications, all but one being upgrades. There had been 18.requests for reclassification •
and all were reviewed. Councilmember Nordquist said he would like to see all that were considered,
including.who recommended them for reclassification, the justification for reclassification,
and the reasons they were not recommended for reclassification, along with all the judgment
factors. Councilmember Gould said the department heads and staff should be ready to answer the
questions as to why they were approved or rejected. He also asked how they arrived at the
priority and the importance of City people in different departments. Mayor Harrison responded
that it was his priority as he judges the City services., and if the Council disagrees with
those priorities they can reach a consensus of what they feel are the priorities. 'Co.uncilmember
Gould said this is a very sensitive issue to the people and the Council should take time to do
their job excellently, and it is important not to rush and to hear all the viewpoints, and it
is important to be open in their decision -making on this and people should be free to express
their opinions. He thought they would probably be able to identify areas.of agreement and then
focus on areas of disagreement.
PRESENTATION OF QUARTERLY FINANCIAL REPORT
Finance Director Art Housler presented visual aids on the financial position of the City as of
March 31, 1983. Also included were trending visual aids to reflect whether the City is on
track with the past four years, and with a few exceptions in both revenues and expenditures
which are down, the City is tracking as it has in prior years. He was unable to zero in on the
sales tax equalization for the reason that the Department of Revenue, Department of the Treasury,
and the Attorney General's office are in discussion on how to distribute monies from the pool
of those cities which had levied less than the additional 1/2%. There are five cities, with
Seattle being the most significant in that it contributes approximately $2,000,000 to the pool.
Mr. Housler said this should be resolved by the end of this month and will be presented at the
mid -year presentation. He concluded the presentation by providing the Council with a projected
estimate of the amount that would be remaining after the library and renovation projects have
been completed, that amount being $51,C00. He noted that requests have been submitted to
Property Manager Jim Jessel totaling $35,000 for use of this money. Mr. Jessel had provided a
• Apri 1 26, 1983 - continued
43-
list of projects suggested for the unallocated funds. One of these was -exercise room improvement
at the Anderson Center, and Parks and Recreation Director Steve Simpson said they need to get
the weight room finished in order to get the anticipated revenue. $1,800 was needed for that.
COUNCILMEMBER NAUGHTEN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER GOULD, TO AUTHORIZE THE $1,800 FOR THE
WEIGHT ROOM. MO T Ihfd CAR, I Eli.
COUNCIL
Councilmember Hall commented on the great day the City had last Sunday for Rosalynn Sumners,
and Student Representative Tony Foss added that his school band participated and around school
everyone was talking on Friday about who was going to the parade. He said having heros at
their age is important and they generally look up to people who are adults and seldom get an
opportunity to look up to someone near their own age. Councilmember Hall expressed thanks to
the Mayor's secretary for copying newspaper articles and photographs about the event to provide
to the Council.
Councilmember Hall had received a complaint on the form of the water bills because they are
difficult to open properly. Finance Director Art Housler said there will be a change in the
design the next time they are reordered, probably in.January 1984.
Councilmember Hall said the committee had voted on an amendment to allow Lynnwood to withdraw
from the Hotel/Motel.Tax. She said Lynnwood is the only one of thecities with a hotel and
would be locked in for five years. She asked that the Council approve that amendment. COUNCIL -
MEMBER ALLEN.MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER KASPER, TO APPROVE THE LYNNWOOD AMENDMENT.
MOTION CARRIED.
• Councilmember Kasper recalled that the Council had voted to send a condolence letter to the
Beck family, and Mayor Harrison said it was sent.
Council President Jaech noted that there was a request to name the alley next to Beck's Funeral
Home between Alder and Walnut in memory of Steve Beck. The alley is used by Beck's and the
people who border it and was paved a few years ago by them. The Street Department had no
objection to the name change and just needed direction from the Council. Council President
Jaech thought there should be a public hearing to get,citizen input. Parks and Recreation
Director Steve Simpson commented that he had asked the Planning Board to recommend a -policy for
names in the City, mainly for parks but it could include alleys, but it may take six months
before they have a recommendation. COUNCILMEMBER NAUGHTEN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
GOULD, TO HAVE A HEARING ON MAY 17, 1983 REGARDING THE NAMING OF THE ALLEY AS "BECK LANE."
MOTION CARR1 ED.
Councilmember Kasper noted that he wants to refer a downtownparking problem to the Community
Services Committee for consideration of an ordinance amendment.
Council President Jaech discussed the agenda for the retreat and she asked that the overhead
projector and screen be available for use at the retreat. She also discussed Council Committee
procedures.
Council President Jaech noted that in the Plaza Room kitchen the blinds above the stove are
melting. Mr. Jessel said the supplier has been contacted about them.
Council President Jaech referred to a memorandum from the Personnel Director regarding an
increase in City -paid weekly indemnity benefits.and asked if the action taken was appropriate
without Council approval.` Mr. LeMay responded that he had contacted the City Attorney in that
regard and since there were no increases in money already budgeted and no transfer from.one
• fund to another it did not require Council review or approval. Council President Jaech said
she would like to know about this.type of thing before it is done in case there may be something
else the Council would like to do with it.
Student Representative Tony Foss noted that there was a letter from Dr. Reasby in the packets
regarding a School District policy seminar for the high schools as to attendance, discipline,
smoking on campus, and administration of the athletic code. The Council was invited by Dr.
Reasby to participate and Mr. Foss said they would like to see as much participation as possible.
He again commented on the parade for Rosalynn Sumners and said the City of Edmonds did a great
job on it.
Councilmember Naughten said something should be done about the noisy door at the back of the
meeting room:
Councilmember Gould inquired about the next actions on the two annexations recently approved by
the Boundary Review Board. The Greenery annexation has been placed on a Council agenda and the
Woodway annexation cannot be acted upon until the official.noti.ce is.received from the Boundary
Review Board.
Councilmember Gould reported that the Community Services Committee is ready to make its presentation
at the retreat.
COUNCILMEMBER GOULD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER ALLEN, TO SCHEDULE A REPORT FROM THE STAFF
ON MAY 17, 1983 REGARDING THE USE OF MORE SEATTLE WATER AND LESS ALDERWOOD WATER IN ORDER TO
SAVE MONEY. MOTION CARRIED.
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April 26, 1983 - continued •
There was no further business to come before the Council, and the meeting adjourned at 11:00 p.m.
V ��(l . � v w ✓
C' y Clerk HARVE H. HARRISON, Mayor
May 3, 1983
The regular meeting of the Edmonds City Council was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by Mayor Harve Harrison
in=;the Plaza Meeting Room of the Edmonds Library. All present joined in the flag salute.
PRESENT ABSENT STAFF PRESENT
Harve Harrison, Mayor Katherine Allen
Jo -Anne Jaech
Laura Hall
Bill Kasper
Ray Gould
Larry Naughten
John Nordquist
Tony Foss, Student Representative
Jim Adams, City Engineer
Irene Varney Moran, City Clerk
Bobby Mills, Acting Public Works Supt.
Art Housler, Finance Director
Marlo Foster, Police"Chief
Duane Bowman, Asst. City Planner
Jack Weinz, Fire Chief
Pat LeMay, Personnel Director
Jim Jessel, Porperty Manager
Mark .Eames, City Attorney
Loretta.Lundberg, Secretary
Councilmember Allen had called to say.she would be absent because she was in Olympia.
AUDIENCE
Mayor Harve.Harrison recognized Detective Al Compaan, of the Edmonds Police Department, who expressed
concern regarding the procedure being used to award personnel who have reached the.top of their pay -
grade. Secondly, the unit is very concerned in how the step-down reduction will be implemented, reali-
zing there are several ways.i.n which this can be done. Concern was also -expressed over the City's
apparent lack of concern for the Officers' morale and feelings. He went on to state that the City,
by its actions, continues to prepetuate poor employer -employee relations. He further reiterated that
there is no incentive for the older Officers to remain in the employ of the City. The general feeling
is the City feels it is a plus when an experienced officer leaves, as it is less costly to replace
such an individual, drawing less salary and starting at a lower wage. It has recently become more
difficult to hire good recruits and to keep the good Officers they have been fortunate enough to re-
cruit thus far. In Detective Compaan's summation, he stated that the Officers had arbitrated to gain at
least some parity with Officers of other cities comparable to Edmonds. `The arbitrators agreed with the
Officers' positions for the most part. In order to enjoy the type of law enforcement the City has
maintained over the past few years, they must be willing to more seriously consider the concerns of its
Police Officers. The Officers are requesting an immediate implementation of the award.
Sgt. Tribuzio, also of the Edmonds Police Department, expressed a desire to address some additional
issues. He stated that approximately 1/3, or 11-12, of the Officers are not involved in the changes
being made in the step -pay plan.. They have been awarded by the Arbitrators, in addition to the refund
of medical premiums, a flat 6% wage.increase. The Arbitrator's decision, by law, is both final and
binding, eliminating the need for duscussion, debate or review. Sgt. Tribuzio posed the question,
on the Officers' behalves, of why pay has been withheld from.those employees?'
Councilmember Naughten stated that an Executive Session had been scheduled for this evening to discuss
the implementation of the step -plan program.
Councilmember Hall asked Sgt. Tribuzio if the Officers had documented their grievances, enabling the
City Council to review them. Sgt. Tribuzio offered his reference notes.
Councilmember Kasper stated that it is the City Council's intention to act upon this issue by May 10,
1983, in that arbitration has not been dealt with recently and there is a question of what can and
cannot be done which must be reviewed. He stated the Council will consider the various aspects of
this program as one package.
Councilmember Hall interjected that there could be no immediate decision made; that the City Council
had been given the date of May 10, 1983 as the time frame in which to make their decision.
Councilmember Kasper mentioned that the City Council had received its documentation on the program
on April 26 and that it would be impossible to take action on such a sizeable project on such short
notice.
Mike Meglemere., Union Representative, asked the City Council the reason for the delay .in implementing
the 6% increase. Jo -Anne Jaech, Council President, stated the Award had been given to the Council
at the regular meeting Tuesday,.April 26, and that she, and perhaps some of the other Councilmembers,
were under the impression this issue required handling as one package, separately reviewing the various
pay plans; thus the reason for scheduling an Executive Session on May 3.
Detective Compaan concluded by stating that it was the general concensus of the Officers, and their
representatives, that arbitration had been awarded and that it was non-negotiable by the City Council.
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