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2024-01-23 Council MinutesEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MEETING APPROVED MINUTES January 23, 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 Susan McLaughlin, Planning & Dev. Dir. Todd Tatum, Comm., Culture & Econ. Dev. Dir. Frances Chapin, Arts & Culture Mgr. Mike De Lilla, Senior Utilities Engineer Mike Clugston, Senior Planner Jeff Taraday, City Attorney Scott Passey, City 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 Dotsch 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 City Clerk Scott Passey called the roll. All elected officials were present. 4. PRESENTATIONS 1. EDMONDS ARTS COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT Arts & Culture Manager Frances Chapin provided an introduction, advising it has been over a year since the Arts Commission's last annual report. The Edmonds Arts Commission was founded in 1975 by the city council; there are seven members, four are required to have a professional background in performing, literary or visual arts. She recognized Vice Chair Richard Chung and Commissioner Harry Kirchner in the audience. The arts commission's mission is to ensure the arts are integral to our central identity, our quality of life and the economic vitality of the community. To achieve this mission, the arts commission works at different levels including engaging with the community in cultural planning; the community cultural plan is updated periodically and adopted as a component of the comprehensive plan. Much of what the arts Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 23, 2024 Page 1 commission does is programming in literary, performing, and visual arts. The arts commission does its own programs as well as partners with the many very creative nonprofits in the Edmonds community. Arts Commission Chair Tanya Sharp provided a year-end review of the last two years including the many programs the arts commission provides. Literary Arts • Write on the Sound (WOTS) writers conference o Nationally known event that contributes to Edmonds' reputation as an arts destination o Returned to a full in -person conference in 2023 for its 38t' year 0 33 sessions o Attended by 200 people from 11 states and presenters from 13 states o Online element retained with virtual preconference attended by 50 people o Revenues from WOTS were down during the pandemic, but EAC successfully navigated changes while prioritizing fundamental goals to provide affordable and accessible literary arts programming o Revenue levels increased with in -person conference. • Best of Book Poster Contest o After 20 years, final season in 2022 with online exhibit and artwork was showcased on the Frances Anderson Center fence. • Poet's Perspective o Introduced in 2022 with goal of highlighting local literary talents for adults and youth o Six poems selected through competitive process exhibited outside library, neighborhood city hall, and other locations o Program continues with a call for poetry and is currently open for 2024 selections Performing Arts • Summer concerts o One of EAC's most popular programs o Free concerts City Park, Hickman Park and Hazel Miller Plaza o Goal of events to provide free opportunities to experience diverse range of musical talents and genres while also providing performance opportunities for established and emerging artists o First commissioned summer concerts held in 1983 o The concert series held in City Park began in 1990 with performances by 8 concert bands celebrating the City Centennial. ■ So successful that city council decided to dedicate annual fund for the program o Attendance at summer concerts averages 5,000-6,000 annually o After presenting primarily online performances at the height of the pandemic, live concerts returned in full in 2022 and 2023 with a diverse array of music and performers presented at 22 concerns including jazz, folk, middle eastern dance, chamber music, Celtic, Latin and many others 0 14 free concerns performed on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Hazel Miller Plaza sponsored by the Hazel Miller Foundation o Sunday concerts expanded to 8 with one added at Hickman Park in 2022 o EAC fortunate to have sponsorships from Lynnwood Honda, Carter Motors, Lynnwood Acura and the Hazel Miller Foundation ■ EAC realizes it cannot rely on sponsorships alone for funding which may impact future programming. ■ Concerts have historically been supported by city council allocation of General Fund monies, approximately $15,000/year, which is not in the 2024 budget Visual Arts • Exhibits o Presented rotating visual arts exhibits at Edmonds Library, Frances Anderson Center and on the Frances Anderson Center fence Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 23, 2024 Page 2 o Goal to provide opportunities for local and regional artists, established and emerging, and provide visual art experiences in places that capture the attention of people coming to facilities for other reasons o Display case in Frances Anderson Center highlights work by local high school students o After 2-year hiatus, scheduling display spaces in Frances Anderson Center resumed in 2022 and Library exhibits resumed in January with display of artwork from City's collection Public Art in the Public Realm. o EAC oversees acquisition and maintenance of City's art collection and provides recommendations about other elements in the public realm o EAC also serves on committees to advise on other aesthetic elements such as recently installed gateway signage and median art elements on Highway 99 o City's public arts collection includes over 150 original pieces, portable works exhibited in City buildings, over 35 permanently sited outdoor installations, 29 smaller sculptures on the art - enhanced flower basket poles. o In 2022-2023, the EAC received 14 donations of portable works, 2 gifts from prominent local artists, a collection of 12 artworks from the Edmonds Arts Festival, and a significant exterior installation, Fleuresscence by Jennifer Kuhns, donated by the Floretum Garden Club o Newest art installation, Cascadia by Clark Weigman, installed in Civic Park in May 2023 after an extensive public process. Total cost $92,000; $62,000 from the % for arts and the remaining 30% from unrestricted art fund o Public art pieces require maintenance. ■ Maintenance and art acquisition are allowable expenses from the 117-200 fund for arts restricted funds, ■ % for art revenues are generally minimal, $13,000 in 2023 and half that in 2022, many of the expenses come from the unrestricted portion of the 117 municipal arts fund. ■ Recognizing limited revenues from % for art, AEC has prioritized use of ending cash in 117-100 for both new public art and maintenance in order to have a sustainable public art program. A strong public art program reinforces visually the creative nature of Edmonds ■ One of the EAC's next projects will be funded by a grant to the Creative District via public - private partnership with Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation Cultural Tourism • EAC encourages and supports cultural tourism through the cultural tourism awards program funded by lodging tax funds. o EAC recommends allocations to community arts and cultural organizations and for advertising events as part of the City's lodging tax annual expenditures o Amount allocated for arts and cultural organizations was $19,700 in 2022, $20,000 in 2023 o Although small, awards are effective in expanding the reach of advertising to attract visitors from outside Edmonds for the rich arts programming provided by local arts nonprofits supporting Edmonds' year-round brand as a destination for cultural activities Economic Vitality & Cultural Planning • Programs contribute to the identify, quality of life and economic vitality of Edmonds as well as cultural planning and implementation o Recognizing that arts are a major contributor to the local economic vitality, the EAC spearheaded certification of downtown Edmonds as a Creative District in 2018 and Edmonds was the first Creative District in Washington o Creative District momentum built steadily with branding, signage and marketing and further development of the 4' Avenue Corridor concept highlighting the community's economic vitality o Creative District was recertified by the State for another five years Chair Sharp recognized the volunteers and staff of the cultural and economic development department on specific programs and implementation of the vision for arts in the greater community. The EAC looks Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 23, 2024 Page 3 forward to continuing their work in 2024 to support the Creative District, expand public art on Highway 99, foster accessibility and increase access for literary and performing arts, and help lead the community in planning for the future of arts and culture in Edmonds. She recognized the incredible support of their partner organizations, sponsors, and talented volunteers. She thanked the council for their support of the EAC. Councilmember Chen expressed his appreciation to the EAC and volunteers for their outstanding work to bring art to enrich the lives of Edmonds residents and the region. He was excited to hear the International District will be incorporated in future endeavors. The International District and Highway 99 offer tremendous opportunity to recognize multicultural backgrounds and explore and develop attractions as an economic driver in addition to the Creative District and the downtown core which are known for art. Councilmember Paine expressed appreciation for all the work the EAC has done, commented this was likely a light summary of what the EAC has done over the past two years. The cultural gateway the EAC provides to Edmonds is national and international when including Bird Fest and invites people into the community. A lot of the art is downtown, but the EAC is doing more throughout the City. She applauded the ECA for everything they do to ensure Edmonds stands out as an art community. Councilmember Nand read email she send to members of City staff with a suggestion related to expanding art options on Highway 99. "As we contemplate community revitalization planning along the Highway 99 corridor in 2024 and beyond, I would like us to collaborate with local community groups and civil rights organizations to find the funding and appropriate messaging to potentially place commemorative plaques and other public art in the rights -of -way near the old 7-Eleven, the Boo Han Market, and the former Plum Tree Plaza in honor of the victims of violent crimes that occurred at these sites during the pandemic. As a resident of this part of town, I can tell you the local community has experienced immense suffering and fear due to the apparently random and extremely brutal attacks on BIPOC individuals and BIPOC owned businesses in recent years. The old 7-Eleven and the 14 businesses at the Plum Tree Plaza were and still are for the surviving businesses beloved in this part of town and the ones that are gone are greatly missed. I think that they, especially the individuals who lost their lives there, deserve to be honored by the City in a way that promotes community recognition and healing. If there is any interest by any of the art commissioners to undertake this project, I'm happy to collaborate with you off the dais." Councilmember Tibbott said he will be liaison with the EAC this year and looked forward to getting to know commissioners in the coming year. He referred to the City's art collection, advising some of it is displayed in the council office. He asked where else the City's art collection is displayed. Ms. Chapin pointed out the sconces behind the dais in council chambers as examples of permanent artwork. Portable works are displayed in public areas of public buildings including the council office, the mayor's conference room, the city hall conference, the Bracket Room, hallways, and the stairwell in city hall. Councilmember Tibbott asked if there were any hidden in the basement of buildings. Ms. Chapin answered there are a few art pieces in the downstairs of the Frances Anderson Center by the elevator, a dreary spot that was dressed up a little with art work for people using the elevator. Art is displayed in all City's public buildings including the treatment plant and public works, including a large exterior entryway at public works. Councilmember Eck congratulated the City and the EAC on the recertification of the Creative District. She expressed appreciation for the multi -generational focus on all different types of art which is important with regard to communication and expression. She was thrilled with the idea of including Highway 99 due to the cultural richness of that area. 5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA COUNCIL PRESIDENT OLSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER PAINE, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA IN CONTENT AND ORDER. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 23, 2024 Page 4 6. AUDIENCE COMMENTS Bob Danson, General Manager, Olympic View Water and Sewer District, thanked the City for working with the District on protecting the community's drinking water resources by updating the City's Critical Aquifer Recharge Area (CARA) code. This is has been a positive, collaborative effort with City staff and the planning board and he thanked them for their efforts. Olympic View has two shallow watershed or wellhead protection areas that supply drinking water to the community, two of the few drinking water sources in the area that do not come from Everett or Seattle and could be a lifeline for the entire area if/when a catastrophic event should occur. These are high quality, pristine sources that require minimal treatment before distribution, but must be protected to stay that way. Across the state, several water sources have been contaminated by land use which at a minimum require costly additional treatment or abandoning the source. One emerging contaminant for water purveyors is PFAS or forever chemicals. These chemicals are found in household products and are known to cause numerous health issues and travel unimpeded through soil columns. This synthetic contaminant is extremely costly to remove with current options. These contaminants are also in stormwater. Land uses that will send these or other pollutants to the aquifer will contaminate a once pristine water source forever. Mr. Danson continued, that is why Olympic View reached out to Edmonds to help protect these pristine drinking water sources by recognizing CARAs in Edmonds and protecting them from threatening practices by updating the CARA code. Stormwater is a threat due to pollutants; using infiltration of any kind for stormwater mitigation in the capture zones risks these pollutants entering these shallow drinking water aquifers and should not be allowed. The EPA Safe Drinking Water Act states no owner shall conduct any injection activity that allows the movement of fluid containing any contaminant into underground sources of drinking water. The capture zones in Edmonds also have exposed QVA layers where the water bearing layers are right at the surface so any leaching enters the soil. Stormwater infiltration in those areas offers a direct route for stormwater pollutants to enter these water bearing layers with little to no treatment. With this in mind, the Edmonds planning board recommended prohibiting UIC wells in these highly vulnerable QVA layers which Olympic View supports as a minimal and critical measure to protect drinking water aquifers. He requested the city expedite the recommendation because development and other land uses pose risk to the aquifer. William Lider, resident of unincorporated Snohomish County, professional civil engineer specializing in stormwater and underground utilities, said he has been involved in lower Perrinville Creek issues for about 15 years. In 2012 he wrote a report that he provided to the city recommending the ductal iron high flow bypass pipe be replaced due to corrosion. The city ignored his report and then diverted even more stormwater flow into that system via a 30-inch pipe from Talbot Road tying the city's two fish -killing flow splitters that discharge near the BNSF tracks via the city owned/maintained 42-inch ductal iron pipe. On February 15, 2022, he again visited the outfall and noted holes and cracks in the pipe in the 10 years since his last visit. After much urging and cajoling, public works did a video inspection of the pipe last July; however, the city was negligent in its review of the video inspection. After much difficulty, he obtained a copy of the video showing the railroad's ballast rock infiltrating into the city -owned pipe in the annotated clip. He compared it to the game Jenga where blocks can be removed for a while, however, if enough blocks are removed, the tower collapses. The video clip photo shows the rock dropping into the pipe which cannot be detected from the surface. Loss of railroad ballast rock will create an undetected void in the railroad tracks that will eventually collapse and cause a major accident that will unequivocally be due to the city's negligence. He imagined the weight and vibration of a train carrying explosives, hazardous materials or even an Amtrack train loaded with passengers crashing into Puget Sound. Mr. Lider continued, the city's outfall pipe from its fish -killing flow splitter is undersized by a factor of 10. He provided documentation and engineering calculations to Public Works Director Antillon but he has ignored the calculations and other warnings. Not only does the city outfall not meet the city's own design criteria, it also is in violation of federal law 49CFR section 213.33. In about four weeks the city's HPA Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 23, 2024 Page 5 permit to remove sediment from the fish -killing flow splitter expires. WDFW will not renew or extend the City's HPA permit and it will be illegal for the city to do any water work in Perrinville Creek. He was not aware of any city plans to prevent flooding and potential washout of the BNSF tracks when the fish -killing flow splitter becomes blocked with sediment. He has an hour-long PowerPoint presentation on the subject that goes much deeper into the history and documentation and he will provide a copy of his written comments to council. He referenced willful and wanton, which is what will happen if there is an accident because the city failed to act. Diane Buckshnis, Edmonds, congratulated Mayor Rosen and Council President Olson and assured Councilmember Chen she had his back. She commended Mayor Rosen on the creation of the taskforce which includes experts to look at the City's finances. With the taskforce taking that task off the council, she suggested they focus on policy. She provided a copy of Ordinance 3789, written by former city attorney Scott Snyder and her in 2010, with three minor changes including changing the name of the comprehensive annual financial report to the annual report, and to allow for a biennium budget. She recommended the council implement the revisions to the ordinance because since December 2022, the council has not received quarterly reports even though several councilmembers have asked for them. The quarterly reports were the result of a pragmatic process that included Mike Bailey 13 years ago. She pointed out the importance of adopting the ordinance rather than a resolution; there are ramifications for violating an ordinance which is not the case with a resolution or policy. She anticipated the council would adopt some good policies this year and the ordinance would be a good start. With regard to updating the CARA code, she hoped it would be approved because she has been trying to get it passed for a couple years. She wished the council good luck and happy new year. 7. RECEIVED FOR FILING 1. WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS 2. OUTSIDE BOARDS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS 3. SEPTEMBER P&L REPORT 8. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS COUNCILMEMBER PAINE MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER DOTSCH, TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The agenda items approved are as follows: 1. APPROVAL OF SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 16, 2024 2. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 16, 2024 3. APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS AND WIRE PAYMENTS 4. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL AND BENEFIT CHECKS, DIRECT DEPOSIT AND WIRE PAYMENTS. 9. COUNCIL BUSINESS 4TH AVENUE CULTURAL CORRIDOR UPDATE Community, Culture & Economic Development Director Todd Tatum advised the 4t1' Avenue Cultural Corridor was part of Creative District certification and a long standing idea. This phase of the project was funded 50150 by an Arts Washington grant and City funds. He was not asking for more funding now or in the near future. Staff is asking council for their thoughts on components of the project and level of intensity of the redevelopment as they prepare eventually for the next step, 30% design. Arts & Culture Manager Frances Chapin provided background on the 4' Avenue Cultural Corridor: Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 23, 2024 Page 6 rxx rExM,xu-►'�� ♦ 7 Poxr or EDMONDS� 4�t e_ j�a,,M,xr ncxrwave ourxx:r eouxoun rim errsuwmxs Max srxEa orr raEr Mrs —Pm assc Pam hMUSEUM vrwxlN NIU SOUTH Fir _ 1 • Why the focus on this corridor? o Began with discussions about establishing the ECA o Originally designated as an arts corridor by planning board o Unique zoning — BD5 o One of the older streets in downtown with a lot of character o Number of historic buildings on the street o Alignment doesn't conform to more modern grid o Uninterrupted views from ECA and downtown o A block from City Hall, the Public Safety Complex and Civic Park o A lot of pedestrians on this corridor o Intersects with major walking routes between the waterfront and civic facilities • Concept Timeline 2007-09 Parks, Recreation and Cultural Service Department gets 2016 2018 2020 50,000 from the National Interim Public Art Project Community identifies A tentative conceptual 2004-05 Park Service's Preserve funded by EAC and completion of 4- Avenue design Is developed and Planning Board - Identifies America Ealmonds Arts Festival Cultural Corridor as goal tied to cost estimates. Arts Corridor on 41 `which for 4th Avenue Cultural Foundation in 5 year work plan as a Through public Input leads to a creation of BD5 Corridor Impfomentation 'tumfnous Forest' by artist part of Its Creative 0ahkt schematic design zoning. d Fun IF Plan. Ide Alessandtlnl. designation. direction was Identified. 1 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 • Y006 2014 2016 2019 2023 Parks, Recreation and Parks, Recreation and Western Washington Parks. Recreation & Finish schematic design. Cultural Service Cultural Services updates University and Association Cultural Services Conceptual design work Department Community Cultural Pion of WA Cities on contracts for a stie survey begins based off of a updates the Streetscape that prioritizes interim Sustainable Cities and a consultant to concept approved by Plan, adding the 4th steps to Implement the Partnership develop four facilitate development of Council in 2021. The City Avenue Ads Corridor 41h Ave Cultural Corridor potential public relations a feasible project will partner with ECA to Concept Man Plan. campaigns. concept. Meetings held complete vision for the Luminous Forest Installed. with ECDAC and the entire corridor and - public. provide more detailed design. schematic Mr. Tatum and Ms. Chapin reviewed: • 10% design project components 1. Connect existing concept to ECA 2. Address the appropriate sizing of sidewalks 3. Address and identify our approach to "activation space" 4. Account for existing infrastructure needs — i.e. resurfacing, stormwater, utilities • Project Team Project leads Todd Tatum, Frances Chapin Engineering team members Mike De Lilla, Bertrand Hauss ECA project managers Lori Meagher, Nicole Giordano, Suzy Maloney, Corbitt Loch, Jeanne Thorsen Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 23, 2024 Page 7 Consulting Team KPG Psomas; Paul Fuesel, Phuong Nguyen, Kelsey Anderson, Holly Williams, Michael Lapham Starting point, where left off in 2020 0 10% concept plan from Edmonds Street south o Developing preferences about street design • Issues o High crown underlaid with historic infrastructure which makes regrading challenging and potentially expensive o Sidewalks north of Bell are narrow with signs, utilities, trees, and cracking which further narrow the path and results in a challenging pedestrian experience especially at night o Property improvements abut sidewalks which complicate widening the sidewalks Outreach o The project team conducted several public outreach events including a booth at the Summer Market and two open houses at ECA. o Visited each resident to ensure they had information for outreach events and left door hangers o Walked the corridor with residents of 4t1' Avenue and others to discuss and see impacts of widening the sidewalks (Cookies on the Corridor) o Approximately 40 people attended two main outreach events. What we heard o Residents of 4t1i Ave expressed concern about enlarging the sidewalk footprint significantly into the ROW o Residents of 4t1' Ave questioned bold design elements and their costs o Residents of 4t1' Ave expressed interest in project and pedestrian and aesthetic improvements o Preservation of the character of the neighborhood is very important to community members o Locals and visitors at the Summer Market expressed interest in the concept and excitement with improving the pedestrian experience and connection between ECA and downtown, while also expressing concern with the cost of bold improvements Challenges/Issues o The roadway cannot be reduced in width due to fire lane requirements o The roadway has a severe crown, and would require a significant effort to regrade o The underlayment of the road is old, and subject to unforeseen, costly issues if a regrade is undertaken o The ROW extends well into property owners' yards, almost up to the porch in places o The pedestrian experience is not currently ADA accessible, and presents safety challenges to any pedestrian Concepts o As the project neared completion, two concepts emerged regarding level of improvements: 1. A significant level of improvement to the roadway/streetscape, which would include things like raised intersections Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 23, 2024 Page 8 2. A more moderate level of improvement, which would focus on the pedestrian experience, while providing a "lift" to the corridor o ECA Future Frontage Ideas \✓ X � A \� o Items mutual to both concepts 1. Street width remains the same 2. Parking is retained on both sides of the street 3. Preference for one-way traffic northbound 4. Wider sidewalks 5. Utilities and resurfacing work done in conjunction with other improvements Concept 1 — significant changes on the whole corridor o Includes 4 raised intersections and associated drainage, significant regrading, mid -block bulb outs o Concept 1 — north end Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 23, 2024 Page 9 \'` ;1 �CZ_ o If built today total cost 8.8 million ■ Construction cost $5.8 million including a 20% contingency, does not include $2.9 million in design construction management and a 10% management reserve ■ $2 million in existing water main replacement work would need to be incorporated into the project Concept 2 — moderate, pedestrian -focused improvements o As the project matured, the project team began to consider a more moderate approach to development ■ Widening the sidewalk by approximately 1.5 feet to make walkway ADA accessible ■ Pedestrian lighting improvements along the sidewalks ■ Including curb bulb -outs and ADA improvements at the intersections along the corridor ■ Including water main replacement and road resurfacing in this project ■ Replacement of "Luminous Forest" roadway art installation during resurfacing work ■ Continuing to develop the traffic revision and public space reclamation at Sprague and Edmonds Streets Staff Recommendation o Depart from the full complement of construction outlined in the attachment due to cost, cost/benefit, the character of the existing neighborhood, and the need to lock in core components of this project. o Move the following components to 30% design ■ Widening the sidewalks by approximately 1.5 feet to make walkway ADA accessible ■ Pedestrian lighting improvements along the sidewalks ■ Including curb bulb -outs along with ADA improvements at the intersections ■ Replacement of "Luminous Forest" roadway art installation during resurfacing work Councilmember Nand asked if the City chooses to enforce its right-of-way to expand sidewalks, will the City potentially face diminution of value, adverse possession or other litigation. City Attorney Jeff Taraday answered the City could face claims, but he did not think they would be successful claims. Right-of-way retains its status as right-of-way regardless of how long it is used for something else, even if has been used as someone's front yard for 50 or 100 years, it is still right-of-way. At the time the City decides it wants to improve that right-of-way, it has the right to do so. Councilmember Nand asked if the right-of-way was properly recorded on deeds. Mr. Taraday assumed this would have been platted right-of-way and not deeded. He had no reason to believe it wasn't a valid dedication. Councilmember Nand said it seemed like the City had done significant outreach to the property owners so hopefully the City would not encounter a litigious situation. Councilmember Nand recalled mention of disruption to sidewalks and ADA impacts around streets trees. She recalled in Seattle and Shoreline any mention of removing street trees causes public outcry. She asked Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 23, 2024 Page 10 if the street trees will need to be removed or could they be preserved. Mr. Tatum answered there are not a lot of street trees. In general this offers an opportunity to provide a lift of trees on the corridor. The project is at 10% and there is a lot of work to be done to determine the future of the trees. Ms. Chapin advised the consultants were very interested in improving the presence of street trees on the corridor because many residents mentioned they would like more trees. Mr. Tatum commented given the challenges and curiosities related to spaces along the sidewalks, he envisioned a more meandering sidewalk rather than a straight sidewalk. Councilmember Nand asked if staff was seeking council approval of the five suggestions and what was the next step where there would be a budget impact at 30% design. Mr. Tatum answered he was not sure approval was required; he was hoping to get a better understanding of whether council agreed with the concept. With regard to asking for budget, he recognized a fair amount of work was needed on the City's budget. Funding for 30% design will likely depend on the City's budget and other funding opportunities such as grants. Council President Olson thanked staff for their work on this and for listening to the community engagement and to what the council has been saying during the last 1-2 years. It is great to talk about nice to haves, but when the City can afford nice to haves again, this isn't the area that should be targeted for new nice to haves because there are already a lot in downtown and there are other areas of town where those nice to haves should be added. Concept 2 is very much in line with what she hopes will happen the City is ready to move forward. She suggested scaling back in the reclamation of public space, commenting if the space can't be used for parking, consideration be given to deeding it back to the property owner so it would be added back to the tax rolls and possibly be the right square footage for a DADU. She summarized if more open space isn't needed for the community in that area, deeding it to the property owner would eliminate the cost to develop and maintain the space. Councilmember Paine thanked staff for all the work put into engagement. Getting feedback from the frontage owners was one of her concerns as most people do not know where the right-of-way ends; in her experience it is where the water connection is. She liked the work done with the consultants; every neighborhood commercial area would like to have raised intersections and bulb -outs because that slows traffic and creates a gathering space with amenities. She wished something like this could be done in all neighborhoods; but she recognized the City does not have the money for that now. If and when the City develops a citywide transitional ADA plan, the City will be eligible for ADA funds to improve sidewalks. There are a lot of neighborhoods that do not have sidewalks where there are residents with mobility challenges and/or use wheelchairs. Councilmember Dotsch said she attended the online meeting during Covid and the walking tour and found they were not well attended by the people who lived there. She was interested in getting feedback from the people who live on the corridor. She recalled in the original concept, use of the right-of-way eliminated a significant portion of some front yards, but it appears that has been scaled back. She wondered if the property owners knew about that change from the original plan and what their feedback would be. Ms. Chapin responded during initial planning, there was a fair amount of one-on-one interaction with property owners. She referred to Mr. Tatum's comment about meandering sidewalks, noting part of the reason for that was some property owners realized a significant amount of their front yard was right-of-way. A cookie cutter approach may not be appropriate for this project with regard to the right-of-way. Interaction with individual property owners will be essential in future design. Councilmember Dotsch recalled during the walking tour, one of the things came up was the focus toward the ECA. The ECA needs to be updated and if that doesn't happen, the 4' Avenue Cultural Corridor is a promenade toward something that may not be there in the future. She wanted to retain the ECA, but questioned putting a lot of money into a project where the focal point is the ECA. Moving this project out to the future to await the ECA's plans will be helpful. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 23, 2024 Page 11 Councilmember Dotsch pointed out the raised intersections would be unique to Edmonds and asked how that affects emergency vehicles. Mr. Tatum answered they exist in other cities and he anticipated now that councilmembers had seen them in the presentation, they would begin to notice them in other areas. The raised intersection is a very gradual ramp that causes cars to slow but not bottom out. Councilmember Dotsch observed the intent is aesthetics and to slow vehicles, noting there was a significant cost associated with that intersection design. Mr. Tatum answered that is why staff is not recommending them. The raised intersection allows for universal ADA access in all directions; in this context, it would provide space for music and events to occur on a closed street. Councilmember Chen said for him personally, given the City's financial situation, this is not his priority. In addition, it would be wise to work with the ECA to coordinate development. He asked if there was a time urgency related to this project. Mr. Tatum answered no, there are no grants, etc. Councilmember Chen pointed out there are also greater needs in other parts of the City. The 4t1' Ave Corridor is a great opportunity for improvements, but there are other parts of City that do not have any sidewalks or amenities and public safety is his personal priority for the City's limited financial resources. 2. CRITICAL AQUIFER RECHARGE AREA CODE AMENDMENT Senior Planner Mike Clugston introduced Senior Utilities Engineer Mike De Lilla, Planning & Development Director Susan McLaughlin, and Planning Board Chair Jeremy Mitchell. Mr. Clugston reviewed: • What is a CARA? o CARAs are areas with a critical recharging effect on aquifers used for potable water, including areas where an aquifer that is a source of drinking water is vulnerable to contamination that would affect the potability of the water, or is susceptible to reduced recharge. o CARAs are required by and treated as critical areas under the Growth Management Act (GMA). • Why update? o Current Edmonds code (from 2016) states there are no CARAs in the city (Chapter 23.60 ECDC) o In 2022, City learned there were two CARAs in Edmonds (Olympic View Water & Sewer District wellhead protection areas) ■ Collaboration with OV yielded BAS, mapping, and extensive code analysis • Map of Deer Creek Springs (located in Woodway) & 228' Street Wellfield (located in Esperance) o Some areas to be regulated are located in Edmonds r o ,c . r L 25 ltr N s 228th Street Wellfieldl A• t WHPA Influenced by [JAW) �\ Springs.. _. iVslh • Hydrologic cycle Hall Creek Leiend A LAB.. -navel Tme Inns ne 111 v«rrravd Time zwlel ` «zrr«za,l.l �- L�Lore 3(10—Tavel Tms Zan.) �— `1BUXer Zo« ,ti Q—ftnd1 1—Ar—lar 1--Cive A.i. . 0 o�nror �. W warar a�n Ba,.ar o eekr Bery �Ar« Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 23, 2024 Page 12 W W� Precipitation Model Boundary �� Precipitation W Mod. Boundary Well Discharge Runoff l'RunoH ✓' t Infiltration Runoff f Qvt Stream 16 Qw< InNbafion - r Water Table Qva Fbw Direction"'" Leakage Qtb Literature Review o Best Available Science groundwater modeling provided by Olympic View (2018) o Olympic View Watershed Protection Plan (2018 & 2023) o Ecology CARA guidance (2021) o Commerce Critical Area Handbook (2023) o DOH Wellhead Protection Program Guidance (2017) o Codes from Issaquah, Shoreline, MLT, Town of Woodway, Snohomish County Planning board process o May 24, 2023 (Introduction) o July 12, 2023 (Work Session) o July 24, 2023 (Public Hearing #1, continued twice, ultimately closed to allow time for additional work) o October 25, 2023 (Work Session -stormwater) o November 9, 2023 (SEPA DNS issued, no comments & not appealed) o November 29, 2023 (Hearing #2, redline draft approved) o January 24, 2024 (Recommendation memo) Code Overview o Definitions (ECDC 23.40) o Scope (ECDC 23.60.010) o Administration (ECDC 23.60.020) o Regulated Activities (ECDC 23.60.030) ■ Land uses, stormwater o Stormwater Addendum (to ECDC 18.30) CARA-related Definitions o New definitions IN Aquifer, critical aquifer recharge area, deleterious substances, hazardous materials, hazardous materials inventory, hazardous materials management plan, recharge, underground injection control well, wellhead protection area o Revised definitions ■ Buffer, mitigation, qualified critical area consultant • CARA Administration o Designation —Deer Creek Springs & 228thStreet o Classification (using DOH travel times) IN Class 1 —6 mo, 1 yr, and 5 year IN Class 2 —10 year IN Class 3 -Buffer o Local consultation — Olympic View review of certain City projects in CARAs (new SFR/MF/commercial building permits, subdivisions) o Hydrogeologic report required Regulated Activities o Land Use Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 23, 2024 Page 13 9 ■ Restrict or prohibit more intense land uses listed in Table 23.60.030.A ■ Mineral resource uses, cemeteries, hazardous liquid pipelines, hazardous/radioactive waste storage or processing, automotive uses, dry cleaning, solid waste landfills and transfer stations, petroleum refining or storage, chemical/metal/wood manufacturing, hydrocarbon extraction, etc. ■ Program for management of facilities handling or storing hazardous materials Stormwater ■ Numbered areas (red diamonds) on map are areas of potential contamination Senior Utilities Engineer Mike De Lilla reviewed: • Stormwater o Proposed stormwater management language developed to: ■ Meet the intent of the CARA... minimize loss of recharge quantity, maintain the protection of supply wells for public drinking water, and prevent contamination of groundwater ■ Provide flood protection for Edmonds residents and businesses ■ Meet all Department of Ecology stormwater permit requirements • Managing stormwater in most of Edmonds • Managing Stormwater in CARAs Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 23, 2024 Page 14 22V St Wellfield ft _ ° f Il R�nonos w.r snc�KrLrvc e'uH,, •NG cauNry ucuuwree we. - SMORELNf _ o Image from City's GIS o In addition to CARAs, illustrates soil conditions that are more conducive to infiltration and may have reduced water quality treatment capabilities for runoff in that area • Risk Factors for Stormwater Management in CARAs o Land Use ■ Deer Creek Springs is primarily residential so risk of pollutants entering the soil from SFR is fairly low ■ 228t1i CARA is mostly Highway 99, more risk from chemicals, businesses - Code modified to factor in pollution risks. 0 o Vadose Zone Treatment capacity Ground Suffacc ... i feeti . . . . N, s: deep . AM Treatment Capao-,y ----------------- fer Risk -based approach Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 23, 2024 Page 15 o High risk due to land use o All underground injection control (UIC) prohibited o All other infiltration BMPs prohibited o Other feasible means of managing stormwater Risk -based approach for Deer Creek Springs o Low risk due to land use o Bored, drilled or driven UICs prohibited — high risk o Allowed (low risk stormwater controls/low risk land use) ■ Infiltration trenches w/pipes (UICs) ■ Must treat stormwater before infiltrating (more strictly than Ecology manual) o No other feasible means of managing stormwater Managing Stormwater in Southwest Edmonds I � — M 40 fLa a< ,• 8 T — � q8a o Basins exist that do not discharge anywhere, large depressions that already infiltrate Southwest Edmonds and Deer Creek Sorinas CARA • Proposed treatment more protective than Ecology Manual Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 23, 2024 Page 16 Stormwater Addendum o Provides direction for implementing the Stormwater management code in Chapter 18.30 o Proposed tables for inclusion in Addendum o More protective of aquifers than 2019 Ecology Stormwater Manual Stormwater Summary o All bored, drilled, or driven shaft UICs prohibited in wellhead protection area (WHPA) (including "holes" and "sinkholes"). o Infiltration only means of managing stormwater in SW Edmonds basins A & B. o Proposed requirements for stormwater infiltration are more protective of aquifers than current Ecology requirements. o Should Ecology update the requirements in the next SWMMWW, they will be adopted automatically, if more protective than the proposed requirements Mr. Clugston reviewed: • Next Steps o February 6 — City Council work session, review PB recommendation memo and draft code for stormwater, pollution liability insurance o February 27 — public hearing o March 19 — potential action w/ordinance o Going forward — update ECDC 23.60 in the future as new information becomes available Councilmember Nand thanked the subject matter experts who shared their perspective during Audience Comments. She asked about the natural material of the substrate and how effective it was at removing pollutants such as PFAS. Mr. De Lilla answered no one knows how to treat PFAS right now. Even the best technologies available cannot remove 100% of PFAS due to the nature of the material, it is a forever chemical. Regarding a homeowner's ability to remove PFAS he was uncertain anything will ever be created; in the near term no one has modeled it. It depends on the pollutant one is trying to remove; Ecology has a database of technologies that identifies how to remove certain pollutants. There is no one size fits all. With regard to how long certain chemicals last, it depends. The logic is for residential areas, pollutants will be low. In the end, the question is not how to remove chemicals, but a more targeted approach such a citywide ban of a chemical. Mr. De Lilla pointed out the CARA regulations is not retroactive; all the basins are mostly developed so the amount of development and the standard that will be applied will be fairly small. Pandoras box has been Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 23, 2024 Page 17 opened, the CARA regulations will fix little things here and there. Councilmember Nand agreed, recalling she raised the possibility of banning glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup. Mr. De Lilla said another thing that could be done would be to prohibit 6PPD in tires. Councilmember Nand asked if there was concern about material leaching into the aquifer from the equipment used for infiltration such as plastic pipe. Mr. De Lilla said unfortunately that is not measured or monitored. For example, in old days steel pipes were used in the ground, but steel corrodes, rusts out and eventually implodes. Everyone talks about PFAS, but not knew until a few years ago what that was and there is real way to measure it. Some consultants, specifically Herrera who does modeling of pollutants for Ecology, is having issues with equipment where the pollutants attach to the recording instruments and provide false readings. That illustrates how new it is; finding ways to physically and accurately measure it. Unfortunately, the science is early, and something needs to be done. Councilmember Nand said she wanted to ensure addressing today's problem did not create the next generation's headache. Councilmember Paine offered to email her detailed questions, recognizing this has a lot of implications. She referred to the map with the flow to the wellheads and asked what can be done to protect those areas. She asked if something could be included on the plat or the title report that the areas are part of a CARA protection area and that there are restrictions related to stormwater. Mr. Clugston answered any new development permit is screened for the presence of critical areas. He referred to Olympic View's map identifying the Deer Creek Springs and the 228t' St Wellhead with time travel zones. Councilmember Paine asked if protection would be based on the travel zone. Mr. De Lilla answered the zones will be the same, treated as if they are within one zone. Ecology only requires 10-year travel time zone, Edmonds is including the buffer zone. Councilmember Paine asked about protections outside the travel time zones, whether green streets, swales, and other natural drainage systems would be helpful. Mr. De Lilla answered any areas outside the travel time do not contribute to the CARA's health. For example, a drop of water that falls in the 10 year zone, it will take 10 years to reach the wellhead. Water in the buffer area will take more than 10 years, etc. The map does not factor in storm drainage pipes. Ms. McLaughlin added it is looked at as a system; mitigating the volume that goes to the basins due to minimization of infiltration by green streets and looking at it as an overall system may be helpful to look at in the comprehensive plan. Councilmember Paine asked if this will impact new developments proposed in the identified travel time zones. Mr. Clugston asked once CARA regulations are adopted, they will apply to any development permits in the area along Highway 99 or in the Deer Creek area. Councilmember Paine inquired about the GIS layer. Mr. Clugston answered there is already a GIS layer with this information. Councilmember Eck said she found this fascinating and expected to learn a lot during every presentation. She thanked staff for their work. She asked about collaboration with Snohomish County's role since Esperance is within the 228t' St wellhead. Mr. De Lilla answered there could be; Olympic View would need to coordinate with Snohomish County. Mr. Clugston pointed out a portion of the Deer Creek CARA is in Shoreline and the 228' St Wellhead is in Esperance and Mountlake Terrace; Olympic View will talk with those jurisdictions. Councilmember Chen said he was relieved to hear the City's protection level was higher what Ecology requires. He referred to the indication that the 228t}' St Wellhead was a higher risk area than Deer Creek Springs and asked how risk was measured. Mr. De Lilla answered Ecology has tables within their drainage manual. He referred to the table of Pollutant Loading Classification (Land Use), explaining there are thresholds for the amount of pollutants and treatment (milligrams per liter). Ecology has modeled that, the City is treating everything as high risk. Councilmember Chen pointed out if Ecology changes their standard, the City may no longer meet the standard. Mr. De Lilla responded if Ecology raises their standards, the City will automatically adopt Ecology's standards; the City's standards will never be lower than Ecology's. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 23, 2024 Page 18 Councilmember Chen referred to the map of Deer Creek Springs and 228th St. Wellhead, and the red diamonds identifying potential contamination sources which appeared to be concentrated on Highway 99. He asked how those contaminated sources were handled, whether they were individual businesses or state property. Mr. De Lilla answered they were more than likely individual businesses such as gas stations, dry cleaners, etc. The City will be contacting them. Mr. Clugston said the red diamonds came from Olympic View's watershed protection plan prepared in 2018. Once regulations are adopted, the next step will be for the City to reach out to those businesses. Councilmember Chen asked who will bear the cost of mitigating the risks once CARA regulations are adopted. Mr. Clugston answered the cost of compliance will be on the business owner; they cannot spill things into the ground. The City will identify the location of these intensive land uses and monitor them. He assumed the businesses also have no interest in polluting. The City will research whether pollution liability insurance could be required for existing higher intensity land uses. Councilmember Chen agreed having insurance would be great, but the key would be to prevent a spill. 3. COUNCIL AFFIRMATION OF CODE OF CONDUCT AND CODE OF ETHICS Council President Olson said the code of conduct and code of ethics are basically an acknowledgement of the responsibility of being in the public eye and representing the City's residents. For members of the public who may not have read the documents, it could be distilled down to the golden rule, do unto others as you would have them do unto you. The council is asked to reaffirm this annually to show their desire to uphold the codes. City Clerk Scott Passey advised the affirmation will be done together as a group. He asked councilmembers to raise their right hands and repeat, "I [state your name] do solemnly affirm that I will uphold the council code of conduct and the code of ethics as previously approved by the Edmonds City Council." All councilmembers participated in the affirmation. Mr. Passey requested councilmembers return the signed affirmation to him. 4. ORDINANCE TO CONFORM CODE TO SALARY COMMISSION City Attorney Jeff Taraday relayed the City has a salary commission which exists to set the compensation of elected officials. The commission has come and gone many times over the years as can be seen from the whereas clauses in the ordinance in the packet and was most recently readopted in 2022. There is some legacy code language in other chapters of the city code related to compensation of certain positions, specifically the council president and the mayor. The legacy code language creates a conflict in the code. Even though the salary commission sets the compensation and has done so by specifically addressing compensation for the council president and mayor, these legacy code sections also proport to do the same thing which creates a conflict. Mr. Taraday continued, the proposed ordinance would eliminate that conflict. The ordinance amends two sections of the city code, in the section related to the council president, the amendment would strike language regarding $200/month language and add the phrase, "as established by the salary commission." Similarly, in the section related to the mayor's compensation, the phrase "city council may from time to time establish by ordinance" is replaced with "as established by the salary commission." Mr. Taraday summarized the amendments acknowledge the facts on the ground that the salary commission establishes compensation of elected officials and the code language is no longer needed. He also drafted language for both sections to address the possibility of the salary commission going away in the future that reads, "if no salary commission has established the additional compensation to be paid to the council president, then the council president shall be paid in accordance with the salary commission determination Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 23, 2024 Page 19 that was most recently in effect." Similarly for the mayor, the new language states the mayor shall be paid in accordance with the salary commission determination that was most recently in effect. Although it would have been preferable to take this to council committee and then approved on the consent agenda, staff wanted this addressed prior to the upcoming pay period. COUNCILMEMBER TIBBOTT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER CHEN, TO APPROVE THE ORDINANCE. Councilmember Tibbott said he was happy to see this language cleared up and establishing process in the event the salary commission is no longer in place in the future. The ordinance is very straightforward and useful for the City. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 5. RESOLUTION PROVIDING 2024 WORKPLAN PRIORITIZATION TO PLANNING BOARD Council President Olson recalled the work related to creating the workplan happened at last week's council meeting; the resolution is a representation of council's input and will serve as official communication to the planning board from council. COUNCIL PRESIDENT OLSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER NAND, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION IN THE PACKET. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Mayor Rosen provided an update on meetings he attended. He met with the Edmonds Food Bank who is interested in building a new facility. There are many potential opportunities for partnership with regard to the type of facility they are looking for that could provide more service to community including meeting spaces. It will be very exciting as they develop their vision and he hoped some of the City's vision can align with theirs. He met with Puget Sound Energy (PSE) about their view of the future. PSE provides natural gas to approximately 70% of the homes in Edmonds. The council has discussed potential changes related to natural gas in the future so it is important to establish a relationship with PSE. A meeting with ten Snohomish County mayors included discussion of regional issues including drug addiction services, changes in Olympia related to codes and zones, and concerns related to updating the comprehensive plan. Mayor Rosen referred to his announcement of the formation of a blue ribbon panel to find a path to financial resilience. There will be a presentation to council at the next regular meeting with an opportunity to engage. He hoped to add a couple positions; one was added earlier today. He concluded he felt good about the team. He announced there is no council meeting next week. 11. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Eck commented she has been thinking about what creates a healthy, vibrant community where everyone feels included and valued. She found a University of Washington website regarding Urban Forestry/Urban Greening Research related to green streets and good health. She relayed information from the website, benefits to green cities all through the city are potentially having wide ranging benefits to social, physical and mental health, the local economy increasing safety, reducing crime and wonderful impacts to cultural and equity. She will keep that in mind and add it to her lens when doing the council's work. She found the information very intriguing. Councilmember Chen relayed he has been thinking about the City's financial policies. He announced he has invited some citizen advisors to be on a finance policy work group. He thanked former Councilmembers Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 23, 2024 Page 20 Dave Teitzel and Diane Buckshnis and community Member Darrol Haug for accepting the invitation to help him and Councilmember Nand work on some of the financial policies including strengthening the existing balance reserve policy and potentially working with public works to develop utility reserve policies. The group is open to discussions and input from councilmembers and the community about other policies potentially coming from the blue ribbon panel. The work group plans to meet in the council office the first Wednesday from 6 to 7 pm. Councilmember Tibbott reported since there is no council meeting next week, he thought it would be helpful to assign homework to councilmembers. The council packet contains a brainstorming exercise which he asked councilmembers to complete in preparation for the retreat on February 2. Council President Olson recalled Councilmember Tibbott did an extraordinary job leading the council through the planning and prioritization exercise last year and thanked him for accepting her request to lead that effort again. The council, mayor and director's retreat is Friday, February 2. She requested the homework in preparation for the brainstorming exercise be turned in at the retreat on February 2 or in advance to Councilmember Tibbott's inbox in the council office. The Saturday afternoon portion of the retreat will be council only to digest the day before and do planning for the year. Councilmember Dotsch said she was excited about the blue ribbon panel and Councilmember Chen's work group. She looked forward to the retreat and digging into what the council needs to do. She was pleased the council was moving forward early in the year and pledged to do her homework. Councilmember Paine commented tonight was a nice meeting and she loved the transparency. She participated in the transportation community planning committee last week; one of the topics of discussion by the consultant and staff was the GMA and comprehensive plan requirement for a citywide ADA transition plan. If there are any funds available before the end of the year she would love to see the unfunded proposal in the original budget be brought forward. Although costly, having a valid ADA transition plan will allow the City to apply for grants. It will not be a magic wand for money, but will offer more access opportunities for the most vulnerable. Councilmember Paine relayed Community Transit reconfigured their board. She was the alternate and will continue to be the alternate for the next two years.. If she continues as the City's representative, she will be on the Community Transit board in two years. She was interested to see what the blue ribbon panel comes up with and was hopeful their meetings would be available to the public via Zoom or other methods. Councilmember Nand advised community member Emily Kennedy reached out to her on behalf of Face the World who is seeking volunteer host families for the 2024-2025 school year for teenage foreign exchange students. Anyone interested in being a host family can reach Emily at 360-914-0265 or ekennedy@Facetheworld.org. Councilmember Nand relayed constituents in Edmonds and elsewhere in the Edmonds School District will soon receive ballots containing two propositions, Prop 1, School Construction Bond, and Prop 2, Replacement Technology and Capital Levy. A parent and teacher led community organization solicited public comment from elected officials in the ESD in support of the propositions. She read her public comment, "As the daughter of two public high school teachers, I was lucky enough to grow up in a household where education was prized and my sister and I were always taught to break through barriers to reach our full potential. Every child deserves that sort of support. I know for a fact that the Edmond School District is doing vital work to enhance the lives of children in our community every day. Our public education system does more to improve the lives of vulnerable children and their families than any other government entity in our society. I trust the school district to use taxpayer funds wisely. If our district leaders say that we need to pass a construction bond and a technology replacement/capital levy so that all of our children can learn in a dignified environment that prepares them to compete in tomorrow's global Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 23, 2024 Page 21 economy, I believe them. Let's dig deep and invest in our kids' futures." Councilmember Nand hoped everyone listening votes yes on the construction bond and technology replacement levy, reminds their neighbors to vote yes, and to turn in their ballots by February 13. ADJOURNMENT With no further business, the council meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m. CS: - SCOTT PASSEY, C' CLERK Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes January 23, 2024 Page 22