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2024-01-16 Council MinutesEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MEETING APPROVED MINUTES January 16, 2024 ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT Mike Rosen, Mayor Vivian Olson, Council President Chris Eck, Councilmember Will Chen, Councilmember Neil Tibbott, Council President Michelle Dotsch, Councilmember Susan Paine, Councilmember Jenna Nand, Councilmember 1. CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE STAFF PRESENT Michelle Bennett, Police Chief Oscar Antillon, Public Works Director Susan McLaughlin, Planning & Dev. Dir. Todd Tatum, Comm., Culture & Econ. Dev. Dir. Rob English, City Engineer Jerry Shuster, Stormwater Engineer Jeff Taraday, City Attorney Nicholas Falk, Deputy Clerk Jerrie Bevington, Camera Operator The Edmonds City Council meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by Mayor Rosen in the Council Chambers, 250 5t' Avenue North, Edmonds, and virtually. The meeting was opened with the flag salute. 2. LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Councilmember Chen read the City Council Land Acknowledge Statement: "We acknowledge the original inhabitants of this place, the Sdohobsh (Snohomish) people and their successors the Tulalip Tribes, who since time immemorial have hunted, fished, gathered, and taken care of these lands. We respect their sovereignty, their right to self-determination, and we honor their sacred spiritual connection with the land and water." 3. ROLL CALL Deputy Clerk Nicholas Falk called the roll. All elected officials were present. 4. PRESENTATIONS RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO NEIL TIBBOTT FOR SERVICE AS COUNCIL PRESIDENT On behalf of the city council, Council President Olson read a resolution commending and thanking Councilmember Tibbott for his service as council president from January to December 2023. Councilmember Tibbott thanked the council for their support during new experiences and job responsibilities. He recalled a couple times when leading meetings that the council saved him and thanked the council for their support. He looked forward to this year under Council President Olson's leadership and the opportunity to work together. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 16, 2024 Page 1 2. KOREAN AMERICAN DAY PROCLAMATION Mayor Rosen read a proclamation proclaiming January 13, 2024 as Korean American Day in Edmonds. He thanked Councilmember Chen for reading Edmonds' proclamation as part of the Koren Day celebration and officially presenting it to them. 3. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY Mayor Rosen asked Donnie Griffin, the organizer of Life Every Voice Legacy, to join him at the podium. Mayor Rosen read a proclamation acknowledging Martin Luther King Jr. Day and calling upon the people of Edmonds to reflect upon their individual attitudes and prejudices and to establish or renew their commitments to equal justice under the law and respect for their fellow human beings. He presented the proclamation to Mr. Griffin. Mr. Griffin thanked Mayor Rosen and the council for the this very special proclamation. Over the six years he has been involved in the celebration, he and the community were thankful for having seen most councilmembers, either involved with him personally or with Lift Every Voice. Dr. King left the recipe for love and for a Beloved Community. The council and mayor are the representatives of that Beloved Community in all they do publicly. When they agree or disagree respectfully, the public will follow them, more than they will follow him. He embraced the notion of a Beloved Community as a way of life and asked the council to embrace it as leaders of the City. Others will see that, seeing it even more when the council disagrees with each other. The legacy of Dr. King rests on the council. 4. POLICE PRESENTATION ON 2024-183 INVESTIGATION Police Chief Michelle Bennett provided an update regarding the recent homicide investigation and some much needed thank your related to the investigation. She provided a brief synopsis of the crime, Abdikadir Shariif was killed just after 10:15 pm on January 3, 2024. He was working as rideshare driver and had just dropped off a couple returning from vacation. He drove westbound on 236' and with a green signal, began making a left turn. The suspect was crossing Edmonds Way west to east. Mr. Shariif entered the crosswalk during his turn. There was a near miss with the vehicle, the victim began to roll down his window to say he was sorry, and without warning, the suspect fired multiple times at Mr. Shariif, mortally wounding him and he later died at Harborview Hospital. During the investigation, detectives received multiple tips from various sources including online, anonymously, phone calls, etc. The community was asked for information and responded in mass providing information. She thanked the community members who responded. Detectives followed up on numerous tips, often working 15 hour days, wrote numerous search warrants and were able to recover physical, digital and other types of evidence. On January 10, 2024, a suspect was arrested, an unusually short amount of time, 6 days, to make an arrest in a stranger, no information, no suspect crime. She offered a big thank you to the police department and their investigation. The suspect was arrested without incident by members of the Snohomish County Violent Offenders Task as he walked away from his residence. At the time of his arrest, the suspect was armed with two handguns and was wearing body armor. There were no injuries in that arrest and the suspect was booked for second degree murder. The family of the victim attended the court arraignment. Chief Bennett continued, this investigation was an example of community involvement, investigative work, and collaboration among law enforcement agencies and will continue. She offered a thank you to council for their willingness to assist the police department with improvements over the past three years. She described the resources utilized during this investigation which helped bring a prompt closure and arrest of the suspect. The department utilized two K-9 units in tracking the suspect initially back to the apartments, a big piece of the initial investigation. Due to medical kits provided in all patrol vehicles, officers were able Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 16, 2024 Page 2 to provide advanced lifesaving efforts to the victim and allowed fire and EMS to transport the victim within four minutes when the goal is ten. The medical kits have been used multiple times to save lives in the City. The drone unit was deployed to assist with mapping of the crime scene with photogrammetry Pix4D, crime mapping software attached to the drone. The police department also has a FARO scanner which was used to capture crime scene data from the ground level in a fraction of the time of previous technology. Chief Bennett continued, the crime analyst put in many long hours to provide critical investigative support, taking workload off the detectives so they could focus on the main investigation including tracking down tips and video evidence. The body worn cameras, which were mandated by the legislature, allowed the department to review body worn camera footage of previous contacts with the suspect to obtain a description. The Axon interview room technology, part of last year's remodel, was utilized to capture the audio and video interrogation in compliance with state law. The Fleet system allowed constant surveillance and recording of the suspect during all transports In Edmonds Police Department vehicles. Without some of that equipment, she was unsure the arrest would have occurred as quickly. She wanted the council to know what their investments in the police department have done to assist with solving this crime. Councilmember Paine thanked Chief Bennett for the update and expressed appreciation for the description of how the new resources installed under her leadership assisted with this investigation. She asked if there would be a point when the City should consider installing gunfire receptors on poles to track when gunfire occurs in the community. Chief Bennett answered that technology is available and comes with a price tag. If that is a direction council wants the department to pursue, it can be researched. Councilmember Paine acknowledged there would need to be further discussion. She asked if there would be any value in that technology and whether Edmonds need it now. Chief Bennett answered it is hard to quantify at what point that would be important to have. Statistically the City has higher crime rates along Highway 99, but she was uncertain that technology would add value because many calls are received from neighbors and anonymous reporting of gunshots which can be a muffler or an M-80. The department responds to those calls; the gunfire receptors are an additional tool. Councilmember Paine thanked everyone involved in investigating this crime, noting it was a difficult thing to go through. Councilmember Tibbott added his thanks to the police department and for the report. The report highlights the fact that the department works together at all levels. He asked Chief Bennett to extend the council's appreciation to the entire department for the work they did. When she described the six days, he had not realized it had been that short of a period of time, truly unprecedented and remarkable. The residents of Edmonds appreciate that a dangerous person had been taken off the streets. He added his admiration for the police department, facing danger the way they have, the fact that the suspect was armed with two guns and wearing body armor illustrates extreme danger exist in the community that law enforcement is ready to face. Chief Bennett assured she will pass on the council's appreciation. Councilmember Nand pointed out council also approved the creation of a commander class. She complimented the Edmonds Police Department, particularly Commander McClure, on its culturally appropriate community outreach during the course of the investigation into this terrible tragedy. She is from an immigrant community and understands when something like this happens, special cultural sensitivities have to be adhered to which Commander McClure and Chief Bennett did, due in part to the extra training and resources provided by the commander position. Chief Bennett agreed the commanders have been an invaluable resource and she thanked Councilmember Nand for highlighting that. Chief Bennett thanked Councilmember Nand for helping set up last night's meeting with the family and the rideshare community lead. Councilmember Eck also thanked the police department, noting there had been great concern in the Westgate and Madrona communities and throughout the City. She relayed the community's gratitude for the police department's fast action. Moving forward, she was curious if there were other things that would have been helpful in the investigation. Chief Bennett commented the things she enumerated were very Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 16, 2024 Page 3 valuable in reaching a quick solution and arrest. She thanked the council for providing the police department the equipment needed to solve this case. Councilmember Chen added his appreciation for the outstanding work the police department did that led to the arrest of a suspect and bring the case to closure under Chief Benett's leadership. Although unfortunate and a tragedy, this crime sends a message to those with an evil mind and intention that the Edmonds Police Department is capable and illustrates to the Highway 99 high crime area that the police are here to protect residents and visitors. 5. BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT ANNUAL REPORT Community, Culture & Economic Development Director Todd Tatum explained the BID usually provides their annual report during the budget timeframe, however, due to scheduling conflicts and budget deliberations, it was delayed to January this year. The BID's budget has already been approved; this is an opportunity to talk about the work the BID has done during the past year and the work to be done in the future. Jen Lawson, BID President, reviewed the history of Ed!: • Why Ed!? o A stable and predictable self -funding mechanism to support downtown -only marketing and programs o To create something bigger and better than any one of our businesses could accomplish on our own o Bring a new level of professionalism in our look and feel for promoting downtown • Focus on our downtown core Approved categories in BID ordinance o Marketing & Hospitality o Safety & Cleanliness o Appearance & Environment o Transportation o Business Recruitment & Retention o Organization Ed!'s Mission Statement o Ed! is a focused, funded organization that supports and improves business conditions in Edmonds. Our goal is to ensure our downtown stays lively, attractive, prosperous and welcoming to everyone. 2023-2024 Member Advisory Board o Jen Lawson, President (Crow) o Olivia Brown -Latham, Secretary (Sugarology Edmonds) o Jason Arnhill, Treasurer (Peoples Bank) o Ricky Bobadilla (Santa Fe Mexican Grill & Cantina) o Robert Boehlke (House Wares) o Cheryl Farrish (Certa Farrish Law Group) o Lisa Epstein (Salish Insurance Group) o Venus Forteza (Maize & Barley) o Kimberly Koenig (Rogue) o Beth Sanger (Ombu Salon + Spa) o Carrie Hulbert (Program Manager) Professional expertise o Volunteer advisory board of member business representatives have a wide range of expertise, offering their fresh ideas for free o Paid experts with extensive professional experience are utilized strategically Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 16, 2024 Page 4 o This combination of skills results in highly professional, targeted and nimble executions with a small budget Downtown organizations work together o Ed! Edmonds Downtown Alliance ■ A Business Improvement District; fees are used to market, create environmental graphics, promote and improve downtown Edmonds o Downtown Edmonds Merchants MeetUp ■ (formerly DEMA) has become a sub -committee of Ed! and will continue to serve as an information -sharing group for members o City of Edmonds - Explore Edmonds ■ City government, supports greater Edmonds. ■ Promotes Edmonds as a premier destination at their Explore Edmonds website and @exploreedmondswa o Edmonds Chamber of Commerce ■ Provides networking and educational opportunities to members, puts on city events. Carrie Hulbert, BID Program Manager, reviewed • Appearance and environment programs o Courtesy Umbrellas o After Hours Parking Signs ■ 3locations: - Sound Credit Union - WA Federal - US Bank ■ Adds 50 spots downtown ■ Working on adding additional lots o "Discover Downtown" Directional Flags o Temporary Lovin' Summer Mural Communication and outreach programs o Member outreach ■ Keep members up to date via Annual Meeting, Year in Review brochure, email newsletter, web page and new member information & visits o My Edmonds News Sponsored Content ■ Articles run as sponsored content six times per year for additional reach Marketing programs o Marketing Strategy ■ Promote Edmonds as a local and day trip destination ■ Hyper -local focus (Edmonds +10 miles) ■ Design & manage campaigns promoting Edmonds, utilizing digital content, ads, and social to drive visits and keep Edmonds top of mind ■ A local writer and photographer work with the Program Manager to produce high -quality content o EdmondsDowntown.org ■ Member business directory ■ Feature articles ■ Business spotlights ■ Parking map ■ Edmonds info o Site directory ■ Provide an additional digital presence for businesses ■ Category & business pages viewed over 70,000 times o Web Feature Articles Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 16, 2024 Page 5 ■ Since 2018 Ed! has used compelling stories to promote downtown ■ Highlight Edmonds businesses, campaigns, events and the unique qualities of downtown ■ Viewed 23,000 times in last year o Business Spotlights o Digital Advertising ■ Promote Spotlights, Features, campaigns and services ■ Ads were seen 1.6M times in 2023 ■ Strong average link clickthrough rate of 1.3% o Social media ■ Instagram: 7,578 followers - 25% follower growth ■ Facebook: 3,351 followers - 11 % follower growth o Edmonds Holidays Campaign ■ Holiday Trolley + Emily the Elf ■ Festive Drink Bingo ■ First Dibs ■ Window Clings ■ Edmonds Holidays website ■ Posters & table tents ■ Social Media ads & features o Lovin' Summer Edmonds Campaign ■ Window clings ■ "Discover Downtown" flags ■ Posters & table tents ■ Family Scavenger Hunt ■ Ads and website features o Love Lists Campaign ■ Videos on social media ■ Ads and website feature ■ Window clings ■ Water bottle stickers o Green Edmonds Campaign ■ Highlight businesses limiting their environmental impact ■ Posted pledge videos ■ Gave out packets with stickers and wildflower seeds on Earth Day ■ Green Edmonds clings Ms. Lawson reviewed the work plan and budget: • 2024 Approved Budget Administration $22,200 Marketing $47,145 Communication and Outreach $5,400 Appearance & Environment (includes Budget Supplement from Fund Balance for Directional Si na e/Ma $28,800 TOTAL BUDGETED EXPENDITURES $103,545 TOTAL BUDGETED REVENUES incl $32,886 fund balance $112,095 • 2013-2023 budget summary Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 16, 2024 Page 6 P13 P11 LUCYtM Muei s�Ole9M MW 0 Y'IN NOMN PIS YID Lnuel 9\rye3N Pl6 P19.we� P1) es9LeiN Pl)isnW OWpiM RaOwa! vID L,dfi P19 trW R9paN &tl9h PP.tsW loll RaomcY PlltlW RO9ose0 }O}3 P}31n..y s'ID� RapmeO Y]0 56,IN f491> Y.II) 65.P1 W)1l b6.N3 50,13) f4506 91.H5 n,fM }4096 9,H6 IL9K IO,N) 19.15} II.IS] A.131 }I.slt A,AI �M�smenl fee 9feaeWevs 64® s).119 BAm R'30t 0 9I10 rsJN 9IlP n[m rs.� n1N Ysct 91A11 90M n9A A3a ]4Y0 RP9 Asr A]W ID,]Y A.P9 Al]6 LD Dv.auu 0 LA 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Ls} 0 Id 0 4tD0 0 4]0 0 4Y0 0 0 0 ).OY 0 0 I}9 I.1H 0 61 0 0 0 0 LIA 0 LOm T4Y1 Lesvee [Ymse �� 5).NI 1K.133 1Y.lrs IAPr 11},P1 N]Atr 19L9Y tY.9A 1N.9h 133AH 131.Ou 1145]I 110.1N Wry LLA3 N.5% ri.co 101.3Y 1}1AY lO1.Rr r,110 11 .50)naVlMi9n ls.rav Llcawr^ YwseOrr lOk9se see mle lebrl 5.900 0 ]OAm s'� 0 0 3.Om � n.WO 0 i9.950 11.Om 0 ]O.Kl 11.Om 0 1)AY 1L.sm If.rsl 0 0 0 n..lA np0 0 lS.ML 341u 0 0 ll9A 0 Aed 0 14905 nPl 0 0 11916 2-7 11950 LLSY 0 �� 11,000 11,1]l0 340m 31A 36.Od 37,1101 50�9 3]JA0 H,fK 11: 31} lLSY 3},SK N.W 9),1K0 ll,Y1 f1.Y5 31A5 Yers4er[�errin lOwein 5,p90 I.O sAm l.Yl 5,000 ]H Is,Om 1431r 1r.O9D 15,A1 141A 13,IY 41A 3,- LNO I,01 LAO 1AH L.A l,fd 9,9p },Ns Ralesvm/Yvras Nswcfs 4000 D u� D 140W 1.01) S.OW U00 6.000 5.)96 IA00 Sn 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 SmYW9r9f h9p3m 0 0 0 D 14090 4000 14000 I.900 l0.11m l..l> SA00 31}] SAOG 3.SOD 1.500 1.5m 0 0 0 0 0 0 lfpe�aael[rw.vnx+f Istle NPrmn(Ornmen�in 0 0 sAm l0,91) 0 0 0 0 P.Om 0 1].>) POm 1f.1N )S.Om 16.OV 1Lr0E 15.!)l 14.E 15.)Y 1},L50 10.4A S.IID 1.03 14NA 11.M ls.>m 1},fA iq/l�eA n® l.o rsnm 91.lu sl.® ss.Ye 140m u4® NSY tlssm ms:l .1. 114.]A 1m9Y lazrn 9Lm nsla 0 0 0 0 Y.w n.lw li.icf 9){Y n)Y Y.1n 34109 We A000 Y.IN fA.3N Y.317 u,P) 94)13 340rs H.Y) 35- e1,055 22- 14099 11- 1LSY Ltrs 19.151 -19 A, 13} 11- A.>Y 13.951 50.90] • Advisory Board Meetings 0 2nd Thursday each month at 8 am o Zoom and in person at City Hall Council President Olson thanked the presenters for the work they put into the BID year round, it is definitely an ongoing endeavor and she has seen them in action at their meetings. For the public, she clarified the BID structure is something that any business district can create with the help of the City. The businesses within the BID contribute and the money is spent where it impacts those businesses the most. When people say more money is spent in downtown Edmonds, that is true, but it is money BID members contribute and decide how to spend, not tax dollars. There are BIDS in other cities that focus on security, graffiti removal, or whatever needs or issues are most vital to that business district. She wanted to ensure people understand what a BID is, it is a tool available to any business district. For anyone interested in forming a BID, she suggested contacting Mr. Tatum for further information or a councilmember who could put them in contact with Mr. Tatum. Ms. Lawson commented the items funded by the BID are fluid, for example, a new need is identified that is important to board members and the BID at large. The BID does not necessarily have the same program every year, it can be changed as needed. Councilmember Nand commented she always enjoys the BID's presentation, especially as a downtown business owner who was once a member of the BID who is now outside the BID, she found it a magical experience. She relayed her support for everything the BID does to support brick and mortar businesses at a time when they are under incredible pressure from globalization, major competition from multinational corporations and online spending as well as inflation. She thanked the BID and Mr. Tatum and his staff for everything they do. She asked whether within the structure of Green Edmonds there was potential for synergy with the Mayor's Climate Protection committee or the tree board who are doing things like tree give aways or Taming Bigfoot to help businesses reduce their carbon footprint. Ms. Lawson answered she would love to work further with the City; last year's Green Edmonds pledge came from the City. Ms. Hulbert recalled the BID worked with Kelsey Foster to coordinate and amplify each other's efforts, and agreed more could be done. Councilmember Nand offered to help make that connections with staff liaisons. Councilmember Chen referred to the BID's very limited budget and the amount of work they do, finding the amount of effort and energy amazing, recognizing there were also a lot of volunteer efforts. He noted the budget primarily shows expenditures and inquired about revenues and whether there were members whose dues were in arrears. Ms. Lawson explained each business is assessed based on whether they are an open door or closed door (appointment) business. As a retail business, she is open door, so she pays more for her square footage than a business like a law firm because she may benefit more from the marketing programs, ability to promote a sale, etc. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 16, 2024 Page 7 Councilmember Chen asked if all the businesses within the BID are happy to be members and pay their membership dues. Ms. Lawson answered there is delinquency list, people who do not find value in the BID and haven't paid their dues. The best way to handle that has been an ongoing issue with the City and she was unsure an agreement had been reached regarding how to handle it, acknowledging it was a tricky issue. There are businesses that do not find benefit in the BID, but the majority do. Ms. Hulbert said the delinquency list increased during Covid, but has decreased a lot in past year. She offered to provide the latest delinquency report. Councilmember Chen expressed amazement with the amount of work being done to keep downtown alive. Mr. Tatum explained following last year's discussion about delinquency, it was agreed to expand communication with members. That has been a focus of the BID over the last year and has had a direct reflection in the lower number of delinquencies. The administration's policy has been to send delinquent members to collections and that remains the most appropriate action. Ms. Lawson commented people want to have a business in downtown Edmonds because it is lively, vibrant, energetic and full of people every day of the week. The assessment is a small amount, a few hundred dollars a year, not a lot compared to what businesses get back. People can choose to locate their business in a strip mall where they are an island and do their own thing, but in the BID, businesses are part of something special and in her opinion the benefits outweigh the assessment. Councilmember Dotsch said she always likes seeing the umbrellas. As QR codes are becoming more popular than URL, she asked if the BID had considered putting QR codes on the umbrellas versus the long URL. With regard to parking, she asked if the parking lot below US Bank to the west behind Beresford Booth was part of the afterhours parking program, noting there was a sign for afterhours parking. Ms. Lawson advised that is part of the afterhours parking. Councilmember Dotsch commented people often drive around looking for parking and suggested since there is no signage directing people to the parking lots that businesses promote the parking via a handout or map identifying the afterhours lots. Ms. Lawson agreed that would be great for restaurants and bars; retail is usually closed by the time the afterhours parking is available. She was interested in encouraging employees not to park in front of businesses. The City offers a $50/year parking permit that allows parking just blocks from stores/businesses. She was interesting in finding ways to promote that so employees don't utilize the spaces in front of businesses. Councilmember Dotsch commented the parking study she did a few years ago found 50% of vehicles within a 3 block radius of the core had employee parking permits. She wondered how employee parking worked and whether they played the game of moving their cars around. She recognized it was difficult for downtown businesses to find employees. Ms. Lawson suggested increased messaging to inform business owners of the permit. For example, Pam buys each of her employees a permit, a huge expense that she carries to make sure spaces are available for her customers. There has been more parking enforcement lately which prevents people from parking all day in the core. Councilmember Dotsch commented there were areas where all -day parking was allowed with a permit but she was unsure if vehicles without a permit would be ticketed for parking all day. In her experience, enforcement has been loose for quite some time. Mr. Tatum commented there was a lack of enforcement personnel for a couple years. As enforcement personnel were added, there was a period of issuing warnings and now enforcement was getting more strict. Councilmember Dotsch wondered if there was enough signage and whether there were enough spaces in relation to the number of permits. Mr. Tatum offered to touch bases with the police chief on parking enforcement. Ms. Lawson said when a permit is issued, it includes a map of where you can park with a permit. 6. PLANNING BOARD UPDATE Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 16, 2024 Page 8 Planning & Development Director Susan McLaughlin thanked the planning board for their volunteer contribution. They meet every other Wednesday which is no small feat, especially in 2024 when there will be lot of larger initiatives including the comprehensive plan on work plan. Planning Board Chair Jeremy Mitchell welcomed Councilmembers Eck and Dotsch and said he looked forward to working with council. He reviewed: • Planning Board Powers and Duties o As outlined and codified in Title 10, ECC Chapter 10.40 and consistent with RCW Chapter 35.63, the Planning Board shall serve in an advisory capacity to the mayor and the city council in the following matters ■ All amendments and elements of the comprehensive plan ■ All amendments or modifications to parking ■ Acquisition and development of all City parks and recreation facilities ■ Subcommittee work on special projects • 2023 Highlights o Staff / Admin Reports: ■ Election of Officers ■ Quarterly Parks Reports ■ Annual Summary Update to Council o Joint Meetings: ■ (June 14th) Planning Board / City Council: Review of Recent Housing Legislation ■ (June 28th) Planning Board / Tree Board: Working Session on Tree Code (Development & Private Property) ■ (November 8th) Planning Board / Economic Development Commission (EDC) / Comp Plan Consultant VIA: Comp Plan Existing Conditions, Growth Targets, Zoning Capacity o Code / Land Use / Policy Updates & Development: ■ Planning Board Handbook Update (3 meetings) - Recommendation to Council ■ Step -back Standards in CG Zones Adjacent to Single -Family (RS) Zones (3 meetings) - Recommendation to Council ■ Tree Code Updates: Private Property (8 meetings) - In Development ■ Parks Athletic Field Use & Reservation Policy (1 meeting) - Recommendation to Council ■ Critical Aquifer Recharge Area (CARA) Code Amendment (7 meetings) - Recommendation to Council ■ HWY 99 Community Renewal Plan (1 meeting) - In Development ■ Draft CIP/CFP - Recommendation to Council ■ Site -specific Rezone (Edmonds Way) - Recommendation to Council ■ Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADU) - In Development o Public Hearings: ■ Minor Code Amendments ■ Architectural Design Board (ADB) Review & Step Back Requirements in CG-Zones ■ Primary Use Code Amendment, Daycares in Neighborhood Business (BN) Zones ■ (2, spanning 4 PB Meetings) Critical Aquifer Recharge Area (CARA) Code Amendment ■ Draft Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) & Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) o Subcommittee Work: ■ Step -back Standards in CG Zones Adjacent to Single -Family (RS) Zones Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 16, 2024 Page 9 ■ Draft CIP/CFP Plan ■ Draft Comprehensive Plan Vision Statement Modifications ■ Tree Code for Private Property (currently being vetted) o Parkland Acquisitions: ■ Hurst Property Potential Acquisition Overview ■ Landmark 99 (Burlington Coat Factory) Overview / Masterplan Options ■ Mee Property Park Acquisition Purchase Agreement o Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update: ■ GMA / Comp Plan Basics Overview (1 meeting) ■ Draft Vision Statement (4 meetings) - Optional ■ Climate Action Plan (1 meeting) - Mandatory Element as of 2023 ■ Comp Plan Outline of Consultant Work / Public Engagement Overview (1 meeting) ■ Comp Plan Update Briefings, Consultant Scoping, Subarea Plans Overview (2 meetings) 2024 Projected Workload We have a busy workload this year which will include but not limited to the following: 1. Comprehensive Plan Development and Finalization Mandatory Elements Optional Elements F 1. Land Use 1. Subarea Plans O2. Housing 2. Economic Development or 3. Transportation d 4. Capital Facilities 3. Parks, Recreation & Open Space = 5. Utilities l7 = 6. Shoreline Policies 7. Climate Change & Resiliency 2. Development Code 1. Multifamily Design Standards 2. ADU / DADUs 3. General Code Modernization p� 3. Tree Code Development and Finalization (TBD) d 1. Private Property Z 2. Development } 4. 2024 Capital Improvement Plan / Capital Facilities Plan (CIP/CFP) Q S. HWY 99 Community Renewal Plan 2 6. Landmark 99 W7. Critical Aquifer Recharge Area (CARA) Finalization N 8. Climate Action Plan (CAP) Implementation Policies (Green Incentives, etc) 9. Waterfront? 10. Others? • 2024 Comp Plan Status Update The Comprehensive Plan is moving into high gear in these beginning months of 2024. Staff has provided the following update to the Planning Board: Staff and consultants are working on several components in parallel: 1. VIA (City's consultant) is working on: ✓ Developing Existing Conditions Memo a) Summarize findings from background documents, relevant data, and feedback from community meetings held over the past several months. ✓ Working Through Growth Scenario Methodologies a) They are complex given the limited variables at the City's disposal for housing bills 1337 and 1110. b) From the results, the city will have options on how to distribute the growth targets allocated by the State. c) Once growth distribution targets are established (come March they will serve as the foundation for key changes in the Comp Plan. 2. Next Phase of Community Engagement: ✓ Working with the Consultant to Setup Stakeholder Interviews ✓ Developing the First Online Open House a) Expected to go online in early February ✓ Community Champions Outreach Has Begun a) Will begin the selection process and first meetings in the next month Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 16, 2024 Page 10 • 2024 Goals & Expectations Goals and expectations for the Planning Board to effectively do our job are as follows: 1. Deliver Sound Recommendations to the Mayor and Council v7 Q 2. Effective Prioritization of Workload Items 0 3. Cohesive Collaboration with Council, Mayor, Staff, Boards & Commissions, and the Community on the Comprehensive Plan and other City Planning Elements or Issues f1. Adequate & Complete Information 92. Adequate Time for Community Participation & Input Z3. Adequate Time to Vet and Deliberate the Information (Ideally More Than One Touch) t=d 4. Regular Status Updates on Key Planning Components Q O LL N Z O Q W d K W • 2024 Council Feedback o Given our projected workload and the expectations the planning board needs to make sound recommendations to the mayor and council, what would council like the planning board to prioritize? Council President Olson thanked Chair Mitchell for the presentation, the clarity and what the planning board needs from staff and council. She looked forward to working collaboratively as a City to get everything done this year. She agreed it was a daunting list and appreciated his acknowledgement that not everything can be done and done well. She thanked the planning board for asking council and the administration for their priorities. She reminded council direction to the planning board has to be as a body and encouraged councilmembers to affirm or agree with things stated by another councilmember. She will try to synthesize the council's comments and have the council's administrative assistant send a list to councilmembers for confirmation. Council's inputs today will ultimately be reflected in resolution, on a future agenda for council approval, to ensure the panning board gets clear input from the council. Councilmember Nand thanked Chair Mitchell for his excellent presentation. She refreshed the suggestion she made last year that the tree board undertake some of the responsibilities for parks, recreation and open space, to reduce the planning board's very heavy workload and especially since the tree board's staff liaison is now Parks, Recreation and Human Services Director Angie Feser. Chair Mitchell expressed interest in that suggestion. Councilmember Nand suggested similarly, subarea plans and economic development could be the responsibility of the economic development commission. With those suggestions, the planning board can focus on the mandatory elements. She thanked the planning board for their hard work and volunteerism. Councilmember Paine observed the PROS Plan was recently developed and would not need to be redone. She recalled funding was added for the economic development optional element due to its importance. She asked if the economic development element would be reviewed by the planning board. Ms. McLaughlin answered the comprehensive plan has mandatory and optional elements. Some elements have recently been updated and do not need additional work such as the PROS Plan. The transportation, economic development, capital facilities, and utilities elements as well as the land use and housing elements will be Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 16, 2024 Page 11 significantly revised in this update. That being said, she emphasized the City has a comprehensive plan and is not starting from scratch. The bulk of the work is looking at anticipated growth and meeting growth targets. A lot of the policies are still relevant and will be carried forward into the 2024 update. She did not want to over or underestimate the work that will be necessary; the City has a firm foundation with a lot of great policies that can be carried over. Councilmember Paine said her two main requests are related to the transportation element and the climate change & resiliency elements. With regard to the transportation element, she wanted to add multimodality throughout all aspects and connect it with housing and access to the subareas and commercial districts and creating communities that welcome walking and biking. That will also encompass a lot of the climate action plan goals and ensure there is climate resilience within the community through the goals in the climate action plan and multimodality which will help with clean air, multi -modalities and incorporating that into housing where appropriate such as Five Corners, Firdale, Perrinville, etc. The comprehensive plan update is a chance to put that all together. She expressed appreciation for all the volunteer hours the planning board puts toward their twice a month meetings, an intense four hours/month. She has watched the planning board's meetings; they have an extensive extended agenda and devote a great deal of time. Councilmember Eck commented having had some exposure to planning commissions, she agreed this was a lot. She was used to the county meeting once a month. She gave kudos to the planning board members for the significant time and expertise they invest. She asked if the planning board was looking at efficiencies so the same topics do not continually come back. Chair Mitchell answered yes, the planning board wants to ensure in addition to other planning activities that happen in unison with the comprehensive plan that they can still get to the comprehensive plan, hold public hearings, provide vetted input on the elements in timely manner and provide the city council a good recommendation at the conclusion of the process. The efficiency of meetings and workload priorities are key. Some meetings may have three topics, another may only have 1-2; there also needs to be flex room for one-off land use changes that come up 1-2 times/year. Councilmember Eck said her comments were not intended to be a criticism; she admired the work that has been done and wanted it to be more satisfying for the planning board. Councilmember Eck asked if there were things the planning board did not think they should be involved with reviewing. Chair Mitchell answered the planning board would love to look at all the planning elements because that is their role, but a lot of the legal aspects are not within the planning board's purview so things that require attorney input or review could be eliminated. The planning board has done a good job requesting input from the city attorney. Some of the code amendments on minor things such as conditional uses require multiple touches and public hearings. He suggested giving consideration to eliminating the requirement for a public hearing for uses that aren't significant, and only require staff review. Councilmember Eck thanked him for those ideas. She offered her priorities: land use, housing development codes, climate and the shoreline. Council President Olson echoed the priorities of land use and housing and suggested also emphasizing parking especially when amenities are not distributed perfectly, parking is a bigger issue to allow people to use amenities where they exist. She was also interested in areas having knowledgeable citizen groups such as economic development and transportation work with staff on that element so the element would come to the planning board pretty well vetted. That would allow the planning board to deemphasize review of an element even though it is important. Her other priorities include subarea plans, finalizing the CARA code due to its environmental impact, and multifamily design standards, and implementation of the climate action plan green incentives. Councilmember Dotsch said she has watched and attended a lot of planning board meetings; they do great work and are a very diverse group. She referred to the GMA and comprehensive plan that require continuous public participation. She was concerned this late in the process people have no idea what is going on. With minimal people attending meetings, she doubted many knew about the DADU code update. One of the Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 16, 2024 Page 12 priorities she did not see listed was public engagement and she wanted to ensure the planning board considering public input in their recommendation to council. She emphasized the need to ensure public hearings are well advertised so the public knows what's happening and that they have an opportunity to provide input. Decisions regarding land use are some of the most impactful decisions the City makes and she wants the comprehensive plan to be Edmonds -specific. Edmonds has many diverse areas so land use will be a big topic because different areas necessitate different discussions. The development code and land use impact the stormwater code update. She recognized the challenge of a silo effect, considering one thing at a time and wanted to ensure things are woven together due to the impacts they have on each other. Councilmember Dotsch continued, referring to the planning board's extended agenda which does not have much on it even though it is halfway through January. She recognized it is a big lift for the planning board with two meetings per month. With regard to not touching things twice, she questioned how the DADU code update jumped the line. More information is coming from the state and the Department of Commerce website includes Q&A regarding units per lot, how HB 1337 melds with HB 1110, and two units per lot versus four. It seems a lot of work is being done on the DADU code when more guidance will be provided by the state and the City has until mid-2025 to comply with HB 1337. There is a lot of information in the DADU code including heights, views, slopes, setbacks, etc., and the more global comprehensive plan update should be more of a priority. Councilmember Dotsch asked about the unified development code, whether that was coming forward as well. Ms. McLauglin commented some of Councilmember Dotsch's questions about the planning board are related to the planning & development department's workplan which she can schedule on a future agenda. With regard to the unified development code, there is no budget for that in 2024 which is serendipitous given the amount of work on the planning board's plate. The code modernization work, proposed in 2023, continues as described last year; minor code amendments are presented quarterly and major code amendments continue as mandated by regulatory agencies or as they arise via plans such as the climate action plan. That is not to say code work is not being done, that is still part of the code modernization work. The unified development code is a wholesale content evaluation of the code which would make much more sense to do in 2025 after the comprehensive plan policies are adopted at the end of 2024 and follow that with codification of the policies. Councilmember Dotsch agreed multifamily design standards should be a priority. She reiterated updating the code related to DADUs can wait. Councilmember Nand referred to shoreline policies in the list of mandatory elements of the comprehensive plan, and asked if that included Lake Ballinger or only the waterfront. Ms. McLaughlin answered portions of Lake Ballinger are within the City's jurisdiction so she would assume they are considered shoreline, but she offered to follow up with Councilmember Nand on that. Councilmember Nand referred to mandatory comprehensive plan element 7, climate change and resiliency, and asked if that would consider shade equity and public safety related to heat domes and exposed concrete. Ms. McLaughlin answered that was part of the climate action plan and gaps in the tree canopy. Equity is also part of the gap analysis as part of broader comprehensive plan. Councilmember Nand recommended, if the planning board were to engage in a public process related to the City's response to extreme weather events under the climate change & resiliency mandatory element, that would be helpful for the council. Councilmember Chen advised his priorities for this year are land use, housing, multifamily design standards and the DADU code, especially housing. Given HB 1337 and HB I I10, the City has to make plans for housing options. With regard to housing, he recalled a lot of work was done by the housing commission in 2021 that supports HB 1110 and 1337. He suggested referencing that work instead of reinventing the wheel. Ms. McLaughlin agreed, relaying that was part of the existing conditions memo; taking all the work that has been done and ensuring it informs the comprehensive plan and does not duplicate work or analysis done previously. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 16, 2024 Page 13 Councilmember Chen commented on the increased need for ADUs and DADUs in the community due to the aging population and increased costs including property taxes. The Edmonds School District is also looking at big levies and property tax increases so DADUs and ADUs will be more and more important and need to be a priority. 5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA COUNCIL PRESIDENT OLSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER PAINE, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA IN CONTENT AND ORDER. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 6. AUDIENCE COMMENTS Matt Richardson read the first whereas clause in Ordinance 3909 that created the BID, "Whereas the owners and operators of a business located in the area representing approximately 60% or more of businesses levied by the ordinance signed a petition in support of establishing an Edmonds Downtown Business Improvement District." He said it was not true that 60% of the businesses signed a petition. The video of that 2013 council meeting is available on the City's website. He has a business in Edmonds and has had businesses and corporations in other states and has never been on a delinquency list, but is one of the businesses who hasn't paid their BID membership dues of approximately $300 for almost a year. He did not believe the ordinance was created legally; the RCW requires a petition but in the case of the Edmonds' BID, it failed to pass. A hearing was held straddling the holidays and 10 days' mailed notice per the RCW was not provided. During the hearing, business owners testified regarding their belief the petition failed and the BID was no longer under consideration. Two motions were made to table and hold another public hearing which were denied. He referred to businesses in the BID who are not paying their dues, including lawyers. Unlike other BIDS in the state, the Edmonds BID has never gaveled a meeting. The Pioneer Square BID meets twice a year, gavels their meetings, adopts bylaws and operates democratically. If the Edmonds BID wants participation and wants businesses to pay their dues, it should be operated democratically. Things the BID does like parking cost money. He knew of a kid in Edmonds who was paying for his college tuition by money put into a box for parking. He distributed a white paper to council. He recommended watching the council meeting, asserting it was not ratified. Mayor Rosen declared a brief recess. 7. RECEIVED FOR FILING 1. OCTOBER 2023 MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT 2. NOVEMBER 2023 MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT 3. APPOINTMENT OF COUNCILMEMBERS TO COMMITTEES, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS FOR 2024 4. CITY OF EDMONDS FACILITY CONDITION ASSESSMENT UPDATE BY MCKINSTRY 5. CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FOR FILING 6. WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS 8. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS COUNCIL PRESIDENT OLSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER TIBBOTT, TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The agenda items approved are as follows: 1. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 2, 2024 2. APPROVAL OF COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 9, 2024 3. APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS AND WIRE PAYMENTS Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 16, 2024 Page 14 4. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL AND BENEFIT CHECKS, DIRECT DEPOSIT AND WIRE PAYMENTS 5. RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO NEIL TIBBOTT FOR SERVICE AS COUNCIL PRESIDENT 6. NALOXONE AGREEMENT 7. PROPOSED LISTING OF 820 MAIN STREET ON THE EDMONDS' REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES 8. PROPOSED LISTING OF 820 MAPLE STREET ON THE EDMONDS' REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES 9. PROPOSED LISTING OF 116 - 4TH AVE N ON THE EDMONDS' REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES 10. PROPOSED LISTING OF 100 - 5TH AVE N ON THE EDMONDS' REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES 11. FRANCES ANDERSON CENTER BUILDING USE AGREEMENTS 12. EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO CITY COUNCIL 13. APPROVAL OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR DESIGN SERVICES FOR PHASE 15 WATERLINE REPLACEMENT PROJECT 14. PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING SOLAR PROJECT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT AND POWER OF ATTORNEY 15. APPROVAL OF SUPPLEMENTAL LAG AGREEMENT WITH KPG PSOMAS, INC. FOR THE MAIN ST OVERLAY PROJECT 16. FIRE STATION 16 FIRE ALARM PANEL AND SYSTEM REPLACEMENT 9. COUNCIL BUSINESS 1. UPDATE ON THE INITIAL PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT PROCESS AND GOALS FOR THE STORM AND SURFACE WATER COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Stormwater Engineer Jerry Shuster advised this is an update on progress on the storm and surface water comprehensive plan. He introduced Rebecca Dugopolski, Herrera Environmental Consultants. Ms. Dugopolski reviewed: • What is the SCP? city Comprehensive Plan I and Use Economic Community LAW- Capital F.i hies Community H—iny Transportation Flement Uevep—t Suam-biity CWtlre h Urbsn Des9^ Solid Wave Other Utilities o Sets direction for managing storm & surface waters in the City o Operations & Maintenance plan o Asset Management plan o Regulatory compliance o Capital improvements o Financial plan o Equity plan Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 16, 2024 Page 15 • What projects and programs will the SCP include? Flood Mitigation Keep streets and private property dry to the maximum extent possible (Public health and safety & economic vitality). L— Operate, maintain, and upgrade stormwater infrastructure in a cost-efficient manner. • SCP timeline Comply with Ecology's Municipal Stormwater Permit and all other applicable environmental regulations. Improve existing infrastructure to reduce the impact of City stormwater flows on aquatic environments (On the Land). Reconnect floodplains, re -plant riparian (streamside) corridor, remove barrier culverts, and improve in -stream :onditions. (In and adjacen to the stream; City -owned property only). Stormwater Utility and Other_Eundl Presentation �.: to Council Project IA A Kick-off �* • Prepare updated Storm and Surface I®I Water Comprehensive Plan �J • Continue opportunities for public input Public Workshop • Public Survey Implementation Public Workshop Public Survey Community Event Presentation to Council Summary of Phase 1 Public Engagement o October 4 — Project web page and public survey live on City website. o October 6 — Promote project and ways to get involved (online workshop, public survey, and in -person event): ■ City Press release ■ Notice provided in local Korean and Spanish -language publications. ■ Facebook post o October 16 — Email to parties who have shown past interest in storm and surface water issues including external stakeholders (Tribes, state- regulatory agencies, and adjacent jurisdictions). o October 17 & 26, November 1 & 14 - Additional Facebook posts regarding project. o October 18 — Two online workshops — 12-1 pm and 6-7 pm. o November 4 — City staff at Edmonds Market to promote project, answer questions, and remind residents to take public survey; Project Flyer distributed (English & Spanish). o November 17 — Public survey closed. o November 28 — Public survey results reviewed by Staff. Project Web Page o Project background o Relevant documents Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 16, 2024 Page 16 o Workshop slides and recording o Link to public survey (now closed) Workshop Summary - October 18, 2023 0 11 participants in 2 workshops o SCP building blocks were the main topic of the presentation 0 10+ questions from participants on the topics that included ■ Stormwater management complexity with nearby municipalities ■ Climate change considerations ■ Impact of the railroad right-of-way on the shoreline ■ Upcoming changes to State Stormwater permit ■ Damage to stream & salmon habitat needs to be addressed ■ Fish passage barriers, roadway contaminants & flooding around Harbor Square ■ Restoration of Edmonds Marsh and connection to Puget Sound o Stormwater Education Preference Poll ■ Rolled into responses from survey In -Person Booth at Edmonds Market - Nov. 4, 2023 o Encouraged multiple participants to take public survey. o Topics of concern/discussion ■ Shell Creek waterfall on private property prohibiting salmon migration upstream ■ Daylighting Willow Creek between Edmonds Marsh and Puget Sound Public Survey Summary o Provided an opportunity to: ■ Provide input on proposed SCP actions ■ Add areas for consideration for potential stormwater projects 0 37 Participants - 31 residents, 3 business owners (also residents), and 3 non-residents (shoppers/visitors) ■ Issues reported: - 8 flooding issues - 2 water quality issues - 1 fish passage barrier - 1 other (localized flooding) o What are some topics that you would like to learn more about? ■ How climate change is being incorporated into the SCP. ■ Technical assistance for constructing rain gardens on private property. ■ Natural yard care to reduce harmful chemicals entering our streams. ■ Stewardship opportunities to improve stream health. ■ Removing hard surfaces (driveways/patios) and replacing them with native vegetation. ■ Technical assistance for streamside landowners regarding improving streams and/or runoff from their property. ■ Assisting with stormwater facility maintenance. Council President Olson referred to the map of stormwater issues identified by respondents (yellow circles for flooding) and asked if that include the Lake Ballinger waterfront where residents have experienced flooding. Mr. Shuster answered that issue was not identified by the 37 participants in the public survey, but staff is aware of flooding at Lake Ballinger. Council President Olson referred to flooding at Mathay Ballinger and flooding experienced by residents adjacent to the Landmark property. She offered contact information for a resident involved with flooding issues in that area. Mr. Shuster said he has not heard of that issue and asked Council President Olson to forward him the information. Councilmember Paine referred to a question she submitted earlier today, asking if the stormwater comprehensive plan and development of associated infrastructure looked at 50 or 100 year major event Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 16, 2024 Page 17 horizons and how were climate change impacts accommodated in the stormwater comprehensive plan. Mr. Shuster advised he will address that when he addresses goals later in the presentation. Councilmember Dotsch referred to the public participation, noting she participated in one of the Zoom meetings, and asked if staff visited the areas where flooding was reported and actively sought out those stakeholders. Mr. Shuster said everyone who submitted information via the survey has been contacted about the flooding or water quality issue they identified and staff is working to resolve those issues. Councilmember Dotsch referred to the limited number of people who responded to the survey, relaying unless residents were aware of the survey, they would not respond. Mr. Shuster said people are always welcome to call the City if they have an issue. Councilmember Dotsch asked whether episodes of flooding were tracked, noting it would be great to hear from people who are experiencing stormwater issues. Ms. Dugopolski answered in addition to the survey, they looked at areas of the City that have known flooding issues as identified by field crews, past reports, etc. to identify where a capital project could make an improvement. There is a longer list of projects than just those identified by the survey. Councilmember Nand asked once the comprehensive plan and storm and surface water work is completed, how will it impact permitting and how the plan will interact with policies related to construction. Mr. Shuster answered the City's Phase 2 stormwater permit with the Department of Ecology covers five years and during that term, the City has to update its stormwater code which affects construction, what people can/cannot do on their property, and how they manage stormwater. The code was updated in 2022 in response to the current permit. The current permit expires this year and there will be new requirements in the new permit. The City will have until 2027 to update the code again to include stricter stormwater rules. That update can be done earlier if the City chooses. Councilmember Nand said she is originally from Louisiana where people raise their houses on stilts due to flooding. She asked if Mr. Shuster foresaw any drastic measures in the future related to construction. Mr. Shuster commented it was hard to predict the future. Climate change is supposed to produce more intense, more frequent storms. In terms of flooding, he said Edmonds is in pretty good shape compared to other cities. There are some problem areas, areas that should not have been built on in the first place such as located at the bottom of a hill or in a wetland when that was allowed. There will always be problem areas, but he did not anticipate anything major. Of course, everyone is looking at climate change and sea level rise which may impact the City. Mr. Shuster explained these goals are the result of staff and consultant ideas and input from the public engagement process. Goals 4-7 were most influenced by the public engagement. These draft goals will be in the utility element of the upcoming comprehensive plan. The first three goals are must -have goals, the backbone of the storm and surface water comprehensive plan. He reviewed: • Draft SCP Project Goals 1. Reduce recurring flooding for a safe and healthy community. 2. Replace, protect, and maintain stormwater infrastructure. 3. Comply with all applicable regulatory requirements. o Several environmental regulations associated with operating a stormwater utility, the primary is the Department of Ecology's Municipal Stormwater Program ■ City of Edmonds and over 80 other jurisdictions are under Phase 2 permit ■ In exchange for the City performing activities related to development, public education and outreach, responding to illicit discharges, performing maintenance and planning for future growth, the State permits the City to discharge stormwater into the waters of the state which in Edmonds are creeks, wetlands, Lake Ballinger and Puget Sound. ■ A new version of the 5-year permit is scheduled to come out this year and new regulations are generally more protective of the environment. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 16, 2024 Page 18 ■ This storm and surface water plan will include a roadmap for the City to comply with all new Ecology requirements. 4. Reduce the impact of stormwater runoff on aquatic habitat through retrofit projects, prioritized by watershed, that address flow control and water quality improvement. o This overlaps somewhat with Goal 3 as Ecology is moving to require the City to address legacy stormwater systems and retrofit them to provide flow control and water quality treatment. Stormwater systems built before 2010 were not required to control flows into creeks or treat the runoff. Consequently, about 95% of the stormwater systems in Edmonds, as in other jurisdictions, do not have flow control or treatment. o Retrofitting, including the use of Green Streets, is a way to begin to fix this issue. o High flows, streams scouring and poor water quality affect aquatic organisms. The current Ecology permit required the City to start planning for retrofits which has been done in parts of the Perrinville Creek Basin. The next permit will likely require implementing that project and others. 5. Engage and educate our community on stormwater and surface water issues to promote environmental stewardship opportunities on public and private properties. o Required by the permit on several topics. The survey asked the public about topics they were interested in. Streamside property owners want information on how to do the right thing for streams and the public is interested in learning more about stewardship opportunities 6. Devote resources to resolve local storm and surface water issues that require cooperation from and coordination with other stakeholders. o A number of storm and surface water issues in the City were identified in the public engagement process that involve multiple owners, stakeholders, City department, funding sources and permits. ■ These are very difficult projects that include daylighting Willow Creek to connect the Marsh with an open channel to Puget Sound, improving the health of the Marsh and its tributary streams and a number of Perrinville Creek projects. ■ These projects involve WSDOT, Port of Edmonds, BNSF, City of Lynnwood, Tribes, private property owners and myriad state and federal agencies. ■ Resources need to be allocated to make headway on these important projects and high priority given to the projects. ■ Projects are extremely complex and have very long timelines 7. Partner with external stakeholders on important regional issues such as salmon recovery, climate change impacts, barrier culvert removal, and emerging contaminants. o Several stormwater issues that affect Edmonds will not be solved on our own. These include climate change impacts, sea level rise, salmon recovery, barrier culvert removal and emerging contaminates in stormwater. o City needs to work regionally with partners on these issues to move ahead on topics important to residents. 8. Train and empower stormwater staff members to thrive in their positions and likely add staff and additional expertise. 9. Adequately fund the Stormwater Utility to meet all other goals in an equitable and cost-efficient manner from both stormwater ratepayers and outside sources such as grants and loans. Develop an equitable financial package to meet these goals. Councilmember Tibbott said he was intrigued by the list of goals, and agreed the first three were absolutely essential to the process. Regarding Goal 6, he asked if there was a state or federal authority that could bring all the pieces together to streamline the work that needs to be done as it seems like a gordian knot. Mr. Shuster said there is not one agency; there are numerous agencies involved with stormwater and streams including Fish & Wildlife, Ecology and federal agencies. Councilmember Tibbott asked if there was a state agency that could cut through the red tape; he did not see how the City could work through all that in a Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 16, 2024 Page 19 reasonable way. Mr. Shuster answered the City needs a strong, experienced program manager who has worked on these complex projects as well as a good consultant team. Public Works Director Oscar Antillon agreed it is very challenging and essential to have staff to perform the review. Many other jurisdictions are doing the same thing so the City also needs to review their plans and provide input. It requires someone who understands the environment and can coordinate everything that is happening. Often the City does not receive input from the agencies who are supposed to provide input or neighboring jurisdictions who are supposed to participate in the process. Mr. Shuster noted it is difficult because sometimes the City's priorities are not necessarily the agencies' or other jurisdictions' priorities. Councilmember Tibbott commented the City's funding challenges in 2024 will not allow hiring more people. Councilmember Eck was intrigued by the tie in with green streets and she looked forward to hearing more soon. With regard to empowering staff, she asked about things that could be done, that are not happening now, to make staff feel empowered. Mr. Shuster answered training is key; the stormwater world is changing very fast and sending people to the right training so they understand their job and what needs to be done is important. City Engineer Rob English advised Mr. Shuster will be retiring February 2 so the City will be losing qualified and experienced staff. Mr. Shuster is a professional who does great work and the City has been lucky to have him over the years. He started in 2008, left to work at another agency, and came back to the City 1'/2 years ago to stabilize the City's situation after losing Zach Richardson to the City of Shoreline. That is one of the challenges, recruiting engineers and it will be a difficult to fill Mr. Shuster's position. Finding qualified staff is a difficult challenge so training and experience is very important. Councilmember Eck congratulated Mr. Shuster on his retirement. She commented stormwater is very meaningful work for the City as well as for the climate and security and safety. Councilmember Paine asked what event catastrophe the plan was planning for. She asked about being in compliance with Ecology. Mr. Shuster answered the City is currently complying with Ecology and is actually doing more retrofitting than Ecology requires. The City will have to see what the new permit looks like. There is some talk that that permit may be appealed, delayed and changed, but that is unknown. Councilmember Paine observed the City can still set targets that are known to be good and stable because the science is still solid and lawsuits don't change science. She congratulated Mr. Shuster on his retirement, commenting she was not happy about it. Ms. Dugopolski advised in the draft manual that Ecology recently published there is mention of climate change but it hasn't impacted design yet. Some jurisdictions are proactively looking at upsizing facilities and studying it regionally, but few have taken the jump to actually upsize facilities. She acknowledged the impact on design is looming and she anticipated it would be in the plan in the next 5-10 years. Councilmember Chen congratulated Mr. Shuster on his upcoming retirement. He observed the nine goals are very ambitious and it will be great if the City can get there. He wondered if there was an annual evaluation process to determine which goals have been met during the past year. Mr. Shuster answered not that he knew of, but the next step in the new plan is to write policies related to the goals to ensure progress is being made. Goals are aspirational at the 20,000 foot level; policies are where the rubber hits the road and the budget and it remains to be seen whether they can be accomplished. Councilmember Chen thanked Council President Olson for pointing out Lake Ballinger flooding issues. He referred to Goal 1, reduce flooding, which is a continuous issue. He referred to the Lake Ballinger Forum which has been meeting for many years and has similar goals including working with multiple agencies to resolve issues. He suggested Mr. Shuster's successor work with the Forum. Mr. Shuster said he worked for the City of Shoreline 20 years ago and was on that group so he is familiar with it. Edmonds' Stormwater Technician Pat Johnson attends those meetings. Councilmember Dotsch congratulated Mr. Shuster on his retirement, noting it will be the City's loss. With regard to Lake Ballinger, she recalled the City planned to purchase property to help with flooding. Mr. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 16, 2024 Page 20 English answered staff is working on a property acquisition, a house within the flood zone that is currently vacant where water has entered structure. The City received a grant and is in the process of acquiring that property; he anticipated learning more about that in the next month. Councilmember Dotsch asked if grant funding was available for that type of project. Mr. English answered yes, for removing the structure from the floodplain. In this instance, the property acquisition will allow the City to remove the structure, but it does not solve the flooding issue. Mr. Shuster advised there are also environmental benefits to restoring the property and the shoreline. There is a stormwater pipe from SR 104 that discharges into the lake; there is talk about installing a treatment system on that property to help with water quality entering the lake. Councilmember Dotsch referred to Mr. Shuster's comment that stormwater systems built before 2010 were not required to control flows into creeks or treat the runoff, relaying her assumption that many of the City's stormwater system were older than that. With the challenges of land use, development, the comprehensive plan, stormwater, capacity issues and events, adding more buildings and roofs, downtown Edmonds is a bowl, and stormwater is being discharged into waterways and at the same time trying to preserve waterways from destruction, she was curious how that stormwater reality is addressed in terms of informing land use. Mr. Shuster responded unlike a sewer system, stormwater regulations are site specific. When someone builds on a site, they are encouraged to keep the water on their site as long as possible, to infiltrate it into ground if possible and store the water on site until the rain ends and then release it. Stormwater regulations are getting more restrictive related to holding water on a building site. Holding water on site impacts the design of the site and the size of building, kind of a push-pull that is frankly pretty challenging. The state has some pretty good stormwater rules. Councilmember Dotsch commented with the volume and runoff of stormwater and silt into creeks, was there a way to inform council of areas that are challenges to growth. She understood some of those issues were built into some of the housing legislation. She asked if there were ways to be informed as those issues are progressing. Mr. English responded the stormwater comprehensive plan has five building blocks, one of which is identifying capital projects which will include identifying problems within the system and potential fixes to solve those issues. As Mr. Shuster mentioned, the next version of the permit will eventually require code amendments to accommodate more conservative stormwater requirements related to development. The big thing this plan will do is identify capital needs and problem areas and the code will address development issues. Mr. Shuster advised the capital part of plan includes developing basin plans that look at what is happening in Shell Creek, Willow Creek, and Shellabarger Creek which will inform whether a higher flow control standard is required, That takes a lot of work, but staff is heading in that direction. Council President Olson observed the goals include addressing pollutants before they enter Puget Sound and asked whether the plan will include having stormwater treatment channels to Puget Sound and the creeks to eliminate erosion problems. Mr. Shuster said the basin plans will identify and prioritize areas that need it the most. Capital projects will then need to be designed to reduce flows to prevent scouring and sediment or water quality treatment. Most of the City's stormwater system was built when engineers designed storm systems to get water off roads as quickly as possible and dump it into the streams; retrofits will be necessary to reverse that. Ms. Dugopolski reviewed: • Next Steps o Develop polices and identify stormwater program needs to meet the goals; o Finalize needed capital project list for the next 7 years; o Develop the draft SCP including a financial plan to pay for the identified needs; o Second round of public engagement to get feedback on the draft SCP; o Finalize the SCP. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 16, 2024 Page 21 Councilmember Nand referred to Goal 5 related to education in the community, and asked if it would be helpful if the council addressed things like manure runoff, the use of pesticides that impact wildlife, etc. via ordinances. Mr. Shuster answered the City's code related to illicit discharge prohibits direct discharge and if someone dumps it in the street, that is considered dumping in the storm system. The City does not have an employee driving around looking for those, but people call all the time to report illicit discharges. Councilmember Nand said she was referring to lawn care and accidental runoff and asked if that was something the council could address. Mr. Shuster said the City has had natural yard care seminars in the past; that could be done again. Ms. Dugopolski said natural yard care was one of topics survey respondents wanted to hear more about so sharing those materials could be helpful. Councilmember Nand commented that would be voluntary, but the council could make things mandatory via ordinances. 2. DISCUSSION REGARDING POTENTIAL AMENDMENTS TO ECC 1.04 COUNCIL MEETINGS Council President Olson relayed in government, decisions cannot be made simply by administration; code based changes have to go through the public process. The council has been meeting at 7 pm for many years and there have been some changes to the reality in life that may support a change. Although the staff recommendation in the packet is to have discussion and direct the city attorney to prepare an ordinance, the intent of this item is discussion only via a round robin to gather the council's input which may include input they received from the public. She learned after writing the agenda memo that the City of Lynnwood has been meeting at 6 pm for a couple years and they found it to be an improvement. She did not propose this based on any other city making that change and was not aware Lynnwood had changed their meeting time. She has gotten feedback over the past year, usually after a long council meeting when things went off the rails toward the end and council made bad decisions or used bad process, that making decisions that late at night may not be prudent. Councilmember Eck commented it was definitely worth discussing the pros and cons. She agreed the culture and lifestyle changes over the past few years may make it easier to make this change. She looked forward to a longer, more robust conversation. She supported revisiting things the council does and not just continuing to do them just because. Councilmember Chen said he was personally open to the idea. He has the luxury of being flexible with his own time, but wanted to take into consideration other councilmembers who are working or potentially future councilmembers who hold 9-5 jobs as well as the public when deciding whether to begin meetings an hour earlier. Personally, he welcomed the idea. Councilmember Tibbott said he also personally welcomed the idea. He reached out to some of the active participants in council meetings who said moving the time to 6 pm would encourage them to stay through the end of the meeting which seemed like a positive tradeoff. He ran into Lynnwood's Mayor last night and asked how the earlier start time worked for them. She said the council is making better decisions at the end of meetings and she viewed it as a positive change. He summarized it was definitely worth looking into and agreed public input would be an important part of the decision. Council President Olson said one of things she ruminated on when proposed this was the council often convenes prior to meetings such as today's closed session at 6 pm for collective bargaining. If the council changed the start time of meetings to 6 pm, it would require holding executive sessions at entirely different times or at the end of meeting which is what the Port of Edmonds does. That would also impact the schedule as council currently holds executive session before regular meetings. She was also concerned about excluding the public's participation at meetings, noting even if someone is still at work, they may be able to provide audience comments via Zoom. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 16, 2024 Page 22 Council President Olson continued, she did not want to change the meeting time if it impacted working people with families. The feedback she has received indicated it would be more challenging for people with young families if meetings started an hour earlier. She reached out a few people who have young families and work full-time who are interested in civic matters who indicated weeknights are so busy for young families that the start time didn't matter, they wouldn't participate. Another person agreed it would be harder, but they would appreciate the council making better decisions, recalling times when the council had not made good decisions at a late meeting. On balance, most people were more in favor than not. She appreciated the council thinking about this issue and gathering input about the community's preferences. For anyone wanting to provide input, the council's email is council@Edmondswa.gov. Councilmember Dotsch was glad this was open for discussion as it was good to look at things with fresh eyes. She was in favor of making a change. She recalled being an audience member waiting until 10 pm to make comments at a public hearing or during audience comments. An earlier meeting start time might shift the time of the public hearing to earlier in the meeting and encourage more public participation. There are many ways to engage including via Zoom or email. She pointed out another city has a second opportunity for public comment later in meeting which would be an option. Another issue related to council meetings lasting late into the evening is staff having to be at work early the next day. She summarized good decision making is best done at more normal hours. Councilmember Paine did not support making any change to regular meetings. She agreed the council asks better questions earlier in meeting which is why it is important to hold closed meetings or executive sessions prior to regular meeting as that is where the council is considering information dense topics. She also supported the council meeting at a time when it is the most convenient for the public to provide input. Most people transition from work life to home life at 6 pm which allows them to participate in council meetings starting at 7 pm. She appreciated looking at this, but felt it would be a tough transition when it involves a lot of people. She acknowledged the council does not always finish their meetings on time, but that can be self -regulated by submitting questions to staff early, staying on topic and moving things along. There is always room for improvement and councilmembers need to do everything they can before making a change like this. Councilmember Paine continued, she was not in favor of changing the meeting start time. With regard to executive sessions, she agreed short updates could happen at the end of the meeting, but for new topic that requires discussion between council, staff and the city attorney, in her opinion those need to occur in advance of the regular meeting. She did not want to make it difficult for councilmembers and community members to come to meetings. There have been occasions when the council chambers are full of people who want to speak to the council; it is the council's obligation to ensure people have an opportunity to speak to council. With regard to the second issue, a recess from council meeting, she supported that idea. Councilmember Nand thanked Councilmembers Chen and Paine for expressing concerns about equity and potentially shutting the door on participation from various segments of the community. She attempted to discreetly share her personal concerns about changing the start time and how it would impact her via email. To illustrate her point, she shared a story, her high school tennis team did a secret Santa and one girl could not afford to participate. The coach handled it well, saying not everyone can afford to spend money so please don't pressure people who leave a nice note instead of buying a snack. Councilmember Nand said felt the response of this council to her request to handle this in a more discreet fashion instead of having to lay out how it would personally impact her in a very negative way was as if the coach said to that girl that she had to stand up in front of all her classmate and publicly expose herself by telling everyone she's poorer than all the other kids on the team. Council President Olson commented this was on the agenda before that email came through. With regard to the second topic, changing the code to provide a recess from council meetings, potentially the last meeting in August and first meeting in September, that is something done in other cities. This would not Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 16, 2024 Page 23 mean that the City or all councilmembers would be on vacation that week, just that meetings wouldn't be held. The administration was asked whether they could support this. Mayor Rosen said the staff members who had an opportunity to respond were in favor, advising there would need to be some accommodation for approval processes, but it was not a fatal flaw. Councilmember Eck understood the council was not making a decision tonight, only providing their initial thoughts in preparation for further conversation at another time. Her initial thought about the recess was a break would be incredibly beneficial as everyone needs self -care and it would give staff time to plan around it. Councilmember Chen expressed support for a break in August and the last two weeks of December. Councilmember Tibbott recalled last year when he, Council President Olson and the council's executive assistant worked on the council's schedule, that timeframe was optimal because there is also a holiday the first week of September and would give people an opportunity for a 3-day weekend and still be engaged. That time period is optimal for break and he supports it. Council President Olson commented it could also be important from a morale standpoint. She noted if this were changed in the code, it could be changed back. As a parent, that back -to -school week is very intense, a lot of information coming home and a lot of to-do's. Having a recess the last week of August and the first week of September would have an extra advantage for councilmembers and staff who are also parents and would also include the holiday when many have the day off. Councilmember Dotsch expressed support for a break. She saw it as an opportunity for a mental break and it was good timing in anticipation of things that ramp up after that. It may give staff extra time to things prepared. She agreed it was a good idea on multiple fronts. Councilmember Paine expressed support for the proposed recess. She hoped when the council discussed it again, it would be discussed on the dais and not at the retreat where the council doesn't make decisions. Councilmember Nand abstained from providing input. 10. MAYOR'S COMMENTS Mayor Rosen relayed since the last regular meeting, there was celebration, aspiration and inspiration related to the diversity of the community through Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Korean American Day. There was also valuable partnerships with other organizations when the disaster at the library turned into an opportunity that hundreds came to celebrate. There was value in partnering with the people of Edmonds; the youth commission, planning board, art commission, tree board, climate protection committee and the diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility commission all met since the last meeting. He summarized the people of Edmonds come together to make this great place even greater and he loves this place. 11. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Eck said she was reminded of the silent heroes on City staff who prepared the roads for the artic weather the area has experienced. She appreciated the use of more environmentally friendly products on the roads. This is an example of staff taking care of the community, silently making sure the community is provided for. She shared her gratitude for staff. Councilmember Chen commented on how lucky we are to live in this City and community where diversity is celebrated and every voice is lifted. He participated in the uplifting Korean American Day celebration that included good food and good programs. He commented on last night's inspirational Martin Luther Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 16, 2024 Page 24 King Jr. Day celebration. He encourage everyone to look out for one another and help each other at times. It is very tempting to escalate conflicts and he encouraged people to step back and treat each other like brothers and sisters to make the planet a better place. Councilmember Tibbott echoed Councilmember Chen's comments about last night's inspiring celebration. He was particularly touched by the family of the slain rideshare driver and thanked Councilmember Nand for orchestrating that moment. It was an opportunity for Edmonds to express their grief and sadness with that tragedy. It was very meaningful for the City and hopeful for the victim's family and friends as well. Council President Olson highlighted Received for Filing Item 4, City of Edmonds Facility Condition Assessment Update by McKinstry, explaining items on the agenda under Received for Filing may communicate that something is not important which is not the case for this item. It has gone through committee and will come back to full council. Having it on the agenda under Received for Filing was an opportunity to provide it in advance as it will be fundamental in the City's long range financial planning. Council President Olson said she has attended the BID's annual meeting and was unsure if they used a gavel, but there was definitely business conducted and information shared. The monthly board meetings are open to all members as well as the public. If there is some way the BID can improve their process, she was sure they would be open to change. With regard to the library reopening, Council President Olson said she was unaware how many staff members were involved with the library project as well as with the library opening. She expressed her appreciation to them, commenting it was a happy, celebratory occasion that everyone can feel great about. Councilmember Dotsch echoed other councilmembers' comments, noting she was not able to attend all the event but attended the library reopening and was excited to see a packed house. The work that went into the library rehab was phenomenal; it is very open, exciting and the kids seem to love the kids area. She thanked staff who are out at crazy hours ensuring the roads are safe and was glad to hear the City was using environmental friendly products. Councilmember Dotsch reported she attended the historic preservation commission and the youth commission meetings as the council liaison. Community volunteers help inform the council and it is very exciting to hear from them and the work they do. She thanked all the volunteers who give their time to the City. COUNCIL PRESIDENT OLSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER CHEN, TO EXTEND TO 10:10. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Councilmember Paine echoed the council's comments. She reported last night's program presented by Donnie Griffin and Lift Every Voice Legacy was about reclaiming the dream. She thanked Councilmember Nand for organizing to have the murder victim's family and the rideshare president there. Reclaiming the dream means exactly what Mr. Griffin said, it is the council's responsibility to eliminate hate and mistrust and to have good dialogue and be part of the Beloved Community. That is a priority for her and she hoped it was for others. The Lift Every Voice is a marvelous, uplifting program that make you feel good about the people who live here, joining together with a bigger goal in mind. She was dismayed and disheartened by gun violence and taking of the life of a young man the same age as her children. Gun violence does not belong in Edmonds. Education, being meaningful about showing love, and protecting the community is important. Councilmember Nand thanked Chami Joe Ro and Carolyn LaFave in the mayor's office for their hard work on the Korean American Day proclamation and inviting a contingent from Edmonds to Burien to read the proclamation. She also thanked Imraan Siddiqi and Katie Walker, Council on American Islamic Relations, Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 16, 2024 Page 25 Washington State Chapter; Chief Michelle Bennett and Commander Josh McClure, Edmonds Police Department; Ahmed Mumin, Seattle Rideshare Driver's Association; and Donnie Griffin, Lift Every Voice Legacy; for facilitating Abdirahman Shariif and Uma Shariff's attendance at last night's Reclaim the Dream Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration and giving them a safe and respectful place in which to address the community. There was a very beautiful moment in which Mr. Mumin thanked and shook hands with Police Chief Bennett on behalf of the Edmonds Police Department. At the end of the presentation, the Board of Lift Every Voice Legacy presented Abdirahman, Abdikadir's little brother, and Uma, Abdikadir's little sister, with a bouquet of flowers. That was a real testament to the spirit of Edmonds and how we react to tragedy; we try to find a way to heal and grow together. 12. ADJOURNMENT With no further business, the council meeting was adjourned at 10:03 p.m. CS: SCOTT PASSEY, CLERK Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 16, 2024 Page 26