2024-02-20 Council MinutesEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APPROVED MINUTES
February 20, 2024
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Mike Rosen, Mayor
Vivian Olson, Council President
Chris Eck, Councilmember
Will Chen, Councilmember
Neil Tibbott, Councilmember
Michelle Dotsch, Councilmember
Susan Paine, Councilmember
Jenna Nand, Councilmember
1. CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE
STAFF PRESENT
Michelle Bennett, Police Chief
Rod Sniffen, Assistant Police Chief
Angie Feser, Parks, Rec., & Human Serv. Dir.
Susan McLaughlin, Planning & Dev. Dir.
Jeff Taraday, City Attorney
Scott Passey, City Clerk
Jerrie Bevington, Camera Operator
The Edmonds City Council meeting was called to order at 6:59 pm 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
Council President Olson 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. 2023 PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE ANNUAL REPORT
Kathleen Kyle, Executive Director, Snohomish County Public Defender Association, reviewed:
"Of all the rights that an accused person has, the right to be represented by counsel is by far the
most pervasive for it affects his ability to assert any other rights he may have."
United States v. Cronic, 466 U.S. 648, 654 (1984)
2023 Defenders
o Blake Wessinger
o Katie Fraser
o Alexandra Burton
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 1
o Julie Tangatailoa-Havea
o Shawn Plascencia
• 2024 Defenders
o Julie Tangatailoa-Havea
o Colin McMahon
o Emily Stratmeyer
o Steven Aslin
• 2023 Core Skills Training Schedule
o List of 18 training sessions provided in September 2023 for defenders in SCPDA
o Recorded and available for defenders to watch as needed in the course of their representation
o Training included Larry Jefferson, Director of Washington State Office of Public Defense and
Brendan Woods, Director of Alameda County Public Defender talking about community
engagement
• On Call Team — 24/7 Attorney Consultations
o Lily Parker
o Christine Council President Olson
o Ali Burton
o Abby Aldridge
o Catherine Bentley
o Chelsa Perilla
o Melissa London
o Taylor Severns
o Dan Snyder
o Rachel Stone
o Colin McMahon
o Ana Faoro
• Youth Access to Counsel
o New program in 2021/2022 as a result of legislative reform
■ Opportunity for youth and parents to have rights explained to them
o Erika Bieyl
o Max Mesinger
o Rachel Ryon
o Elaine Whaley
o Gabriel Rothstein
o Emily Stratmeyer
• Data Review
o Cases Assigned by Year — Comparing 2021, 2022 & 2023
2021 2022 2023 2024
o Top Charges — Comparing 2021, 2022 & 2023
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 2
Theft
Criminal Trespass
DV
DUI
0 50 100 150 200
■ 2023 ■ 2022 ■ 2021
o Assignments by Quarter - Comparing 2021, 2022 & 2023
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
■ 2023 ■ 2022 ■ 2021
0 2023 Investigations and Social Worker Requests by Quarter
20
0 1_ 1_ 1. I_
■ Investigation Requests ■ Social Worker Requests
o In response to a question from Councilmember Chen last year regarding the number of
interpreters
■ List of 36 languages reported to AOC used in Snohomish County Courts of Limited
Jurisdiction 2017 to 2022
- AOC analysis found primary languages reported in Snohomish County Courts of
Limited Jurisdiction were Spanish, Mandarin, Marshallese, and Swahili
0 2024 February Point in Time - Attorney Workloads - Number of Cases Opened by Attorney
■ Attorney 1: 97
■ Attorney 2: 94
o Other Workload Measures
■ 76 Investigator Requests
■ 9 Immigration Consultations
■ 22 Social Worker Assignments
■ 37 Stipulated Orders of Continuances (SOC)
■ 1 Jury Trial
■ 271 Show Cause Hearings
■ 315 Dismissals
• 2023 SCPDA Programming
0 47 Continuing Legal Education Classes
0 20 SCPDA Coffee Breaks
0 31 Anti -racism Training Meetings
0 8 Trauma Processing Group Meetings
0 8 Spanish speaking employees using language skills on the job
0 5 Defenders attended the National Association Public Defense Racial Justice Conference.
Special thanks for the grant funding from Snohomish County Office of Social Justice.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 3
Photo of NAPD Racial Justice Conference 2023, Montgomery, Alabama
Black History Month SCPDA Events
o Thursday, February 1: Join us for a gam of "Oppressionopoloy"
o Friday, February 9 — Recognizing Implicit Bias CLE
o Monday, February 12 — Othering and Complicit Counsel CLE
o Friday, February 23 — Interrupting Implicit Bias CLE
o Thursday, February 29 — Hip Hop and the Racial Justice Movement CLE
Limited Civil Legal Aid — Office of Civil Legal Aid
o Grant from Washington State Office Civil Legal Aid
o SCPDA launched Civil Legal Aid Program in October 2023
o Main purpose is reducing the harmful impacts of the War on Drugs
o SCPDA is targeting people already in court -involved
o Other identified needs: driver's and professional relicensing, vacating old criminal convictions,
family law issues, housing, employment and education.
o SCPDA has expanded its initial focus in including people participating in Recovery Court,
people without driver's license, and people facing contempt proceedings for nonpayment of
child support
Community Involvement
o Edmonds Community Court
o Snohomish County Human Services — Trueblood Housing Vouchers
o Housing Consortium of Everett & Snohomish County
o Snohomish County Juvenile Court Cultural Advisory Committee
o Washington State Bar Association, Council on Public Defense
o Washington State Sex Offender Policy Board, subcommittee members
o Washington Defender Association
o Washington Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
o Washington State Bar Association Character and Fitness Board
o Teach in programs at UW School of Law and Edmonds College
o Cocoon House, board member
First public defender leader in Indiana — served from 1970 to 1981
o Harriet Bailey Conn
• Stay Connected
o kkylegsnocopda.org
o Website: Snohomish County Public Defender — Fighting the good fight (snocopda.org)
Councilmember Tibbott referred to the youth access to counsel, a statewide program, and asked whether
the state paid for that. Ms. Kyle answered yes. Councilmember Tibbott concluded if a youth in Edmonds
needed representation, they could access the statewide program. Ms. Kyle answered yes. Commenting that
is a great program, he asked how a youth and/or their parents would contact her or get access to that program
through the court system. Ms. Kyle advised there is a dedicated phone line to a network created by the state
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 4
office of public defense. She offered to email that information to council and encouraged them to share it
with their networks because she wants people to know it exists and that they have access to it.
Councilmember Tibbott referred to the limited civil legal aid and asked at what point does the City of
Edmonds pay for that. Ms. Kyle answered the City does not pay for it, it is all grant funded. The grant pays
for civil aid work, the City does not contribute to that. The civil legal aid gives the City exposure to that
program and because SCPDA are the providers of public defense, they already have a database and in
theory are screening people coming through Edmonds' court to determine who could benefit from the civil
aid program.
Council President Olson referred to youth access to counsel, commenting it has been in news recently with
regard to implementation and unintended consequences. Ms. Kyle explained there is disagreement about
whether it is a good program. It doesn't change the legal standards, it doesn't change what makes crime or
whether a youth can be investigated or prosecuted, all it does is provide youth access to an attorney to
explain their rights. She did not understand wanting to scale back access to an attorney or not having youth
understand their rights before exercising them, but she acknowledged that was through the lens of a public
defender.
Council President Olson said the comments she has heard were in regard to slowing the process and inability
to talk to someone who may have been a witness. Ms. Kyle answered that can occur, but first the youth
calls that number and they have a right to talk to counsel. She could see in an emergency experiencing some
variables, but has not been presented with those variables actually playing out. She has heard there have
been efforts in the legislature to scale it back or reduce when youth would have access to counsel, but that
has not been successful yet. She reiterated it does not change any of the legal standards, all it does is educate
youth about their rights.
Councilmember Nand thanked Ms. Kyle for her vital work in Snohomish County. With regard to youth
access to counsel, she commented it was a question of equity, because most wealthy families can afford
access to private counsel if their children have a legal issue and a lot of wealthy and savvy parents would
immediately tell their child not to say anything until they or their lawyer arrived. She did not understand
why anyone would object to all minors having that access and protection especially when interactions
between law enforcement officers and court officials with minors can be very fraught.
Councilmember Nand explained she happened to be in the Snohomish County courthouse today and saw
someone who was a pro se litigant in a civil matter make a derogatory comment about the self-help packet
he was trying to use. It is a such a vital service that the public defenders provide to parties who find
themselves in the criminal justice system. She asked if any of the forms in use in the Edmonds Municipal
Court raised accessibility concerns with regard to comprehension of the document, translation, etc. Ms.
Kyle said she would like to have an opportunity to look at those forms, advising she was unaware that any
comprehensive review had been done from that lens. That work has been done in the juvenile courts and
fundamentally changed the forms, even what is listed first. Often the forms are for the court and the next
court date is buried in the form and people miss the court date because it's not the first thing on the form.
She was unsure if any of the Edmonds Municipal Court forms were available in Spanish; if so, that would
be an excellent sign and if not, it would be an excellent next step. Councilmember Nand commented not
just for the defendant, but also for victims or injured parties who access the court system.
Councilmember Nand echoed Councilmember Tibbott's excitement about the limited civil legal aid. If
SCPDA needed a place to host anything, she volunteered the jurisdiction of Edmonds due to interest in
connecting as many community members as possible to legal services to the greatest extent possible,
especially vulnerable and exposed populations.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 5
Councilmember Chen thanked Ms. Kyle for mentioning the availability of interpreter services. He
applauded SCPDA's efforts related to community involvement. There are various groups in Edmonds with
language barriers who may not know public defender services are available. He asked if there would be an
opportunity for her team to come to the Asian Service Cener and/or Korean Service Center and make a
presentation for youth. Ms. Kyle answered yes, they would be happy to do that. With regard to youth access
youth access to counsel, Councilmember Chen pointed out especially after the pandemic, youth have gone
through separation, isolation and the level of crime behavior change have increased. He asked if there were
any statistics regarding the average age of youth using that service. Ms. Kyle offered to report back; the
state office of public defense keeps good data and could provide that information. Councilmember Chen
commented a friend and community leader in Lynnwood is starting another access program, a potential
opportunity to leverage resources.
Councilmember Paine commented it was always great to have Ms. Kyle connect the dots. Having worked
in courts for years, she knew when people under pressure have a chance talk to someone with a law degree
and is there to listen and to represent them, they have a long list of issues. Connecting the dots helps alleviate
and solve some of the problems the most vulnerable people who are in contact with police are experiencing.
She remarked she was probably the only parent in the room who sent her daughter to college with a phone
number for a public defender to call if they had any contact with the Bellingham police. Ms. Kyle suggested
encouraging youth to put the youth access to counsel number in their phone. She commented it was very
hard to be a parent and have your child connect with the court system. She coaches parents, saying I'm the
lawyer, you're the parent and we're each going to stay in our lanes. With the youth access to counsel, it's
also important to talk to parents about the consequences of taking their child into the police station and
saying accountability now or providing a different way to do that that protects youth over time but also
provides the accountability that parents are looking for.
With regard to Councilmember Nand's point regarding how easy the paperwork is to get through, Ms. Kyle
explained when people are stressed, life is incredible difficult. People living in poverty are always stressed,
always in survival brain when trying to figure out the next meal, how to pay rent, or where to sleep. She
used the example of the Snohomish County clerk's office that was still sending out garnishment letters to
people who only owed legal financial obligations that could be waived, but nowhere in the letter did it
suggest contacting the SCPDA or that the fines were subject to being waived. The clerk's office was
relieved when she suggested updating the letter to include the 2023 reform. They deal with those stressed
people at their counter and provide them a packet of information, but they are not able to digest it. The
clerk's office manager who runs the youth court talked about parents who appear for dependence
proceedings where the court has or is considering taking their child from the home. When those parents
appear at the Denney Youth Center, a branch of the Snohomish County Superior Court, they are on the
edge. If SCPDA could offer to clear up one thing such as their legal financial obligations, maybe they can
focus on keeping their family together.
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
COUNCIL PRESIDENT OLSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER PAINE, TO
APPROVE THE AGENDA IN CONTENT AND ORDER.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT OLSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER NAND, TO
AMEND THE AGENDA TO ADD A NEW AGENDA ITEM 10, PRESENTATION, AND MOVE
ITEM 9.3, RED LIGHT CAMERA PRESENTATION, TO ITEM 10.1.
Council President Olson commented there was a request for a presentation regarding the red light cameras,
but the item was scheduled where another item was removed at the last minute so it showed up under
Council Business. That, in conjunction with the staff recommendation suggesting action, gave a different
intent than was considered during agenda setting. This will clarify this is a presentation and no action will
be taken tonight.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 6
AMENDMENT CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Steven Keeler, Edmonds, said when he last spoke to council before Christmas, he presented numeric data
regarding the Edmonds School District and student assessment levels. As one aspect of the data came into
question, he wanted to clear up any possible objections. He referred to materials provided to council,
advising the top part of first page was data for the most current school year, 2022/2023, and the bottom
now shows data for the 2018/2019 school year rather than 2019/2020. The 2018/2019 year is the last school
year before any effects of the Covid debacle. He also provide council a page that extracts mathematical data
only for all years available on My Report Card website as gathered by the Office of the Superintendent of
Public Instruction for the State of Washington. He will update the council in September when data for the
current school year is available.
Tony Shapiro, Edmonds, questioned the City's and council's priorities and focus. A resident of the
Seaview area, he pointed out 88' Avenue West is a significant route to Talbot Road north from 196th. Two
to three years ago a storm line was installed on the road and residents were told it would be repaved the
next summer. The paving job was slipshod. City Engineer English recently told him the City will try to
fund engineering in the summer and repaving the next year. He alleged the City was not paying attention
to the nuts and bolts of managing the City. He compared it to the effort related to Landmark 99, commenting
it was laudable to think it could be a nice development, but objected to the City being so intimately involved
in the effort, spending $100,000-$200,000 on consultants plus staff time. He estimated the City has spent
$370,000 on Landmark 99 to date for a questionable purpose. He questioned whether the City was paying
attention to managing the City for the citizens or was it undertaking pie in the sky efforts to redevelop
property. A car dealer is interested in the property, but the City is preempting their purchase. He questioned
what was a better use, a car dealership that provides a revenue stream, or housing.
Sue Charles, Edmonds, applauded Mr. Shapiro's comments, agreeing the City has many more ways to
spend its money than on that property. With regard to the red light cameras, she has witnessed multiple
council elections over the past 20 years, and all have mentioned in their campaign speeches that they want
to keep Edmonds' small town feel. She referenced the intersection of SR 104 and 100t1i, a ferry route. She
lives on 5t' so is quite aware of the traffic volume from the ferry. She feared a red light camera at that
location was inviting trouble. She did not object to red light cameras on Highway 99 or in school zones and
understood the City needed to make money. She avoids Lynnwood for a reason and did not want people to
start avoid coming to Edmonds to spend money downtown. She feared red light cameras would invite Al
into the small town of Edmonds; eventually 1-2 will spread to having cameras everywhere. She feared
Edmonds was losing its small town feel and she did not support the proliferation of bike lanes. She
acknowledged young people are moving to Edmonds, but not into the bowl; she lives in a condo where she
hopes young people will purchase a unit but it never happens. People are retiring and moving to Edmonds
from Ballard and Seattle and she hoped the council realized that the Edmonds bowl was a retirement
community.
Dennis Weaver, Edmonds, Boardwalk Condominiums, read his letter to the editor published in My
Edmonds News, Let's Keep Big Red. "Big Red, a majestic coast redwood at the Boardwalk Condominium,
1024 5th Ave. S., is threatened for removal! Big Red, a tree of significance, stands tall welcoming visitors
and residents of Edmonds to Tree City USA. Big Red adds its natural beauty to our Edmonds green
esthetics, along with its many environmental benefits, and should be preserved for all to walk by, take in
its stature and admire. Walkers stop and stand in front of its enormous trunk for selfies and photos of their
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 7
children hugging Big Red. Big Red has been judged to be a healthy tree by several certified arborists,
members of the International Society of Arboriculture. Big Red is not a nuisance tree or a hazardous tree.
Its preservation should be a determining factor in consideration of climate change, which is top of mind,
for its carbon sequestration, environmental cooling, sound absorption, protection from the brake, tire and
road dust for the homes on the east end of Boardwalk B Building, its home to many birds and its sense of
serenity that is of unequalled value. However, a Boardwalk condominium board member has unilaterally
decided that Big Red should be cut down and will approach the City of Edmonds for permitting to remove.
I would hope that the City of Edmonds can protect Big Red so this wonderful tree can continue to stand tall
for passersby to enjoy for years to come." He referred to a comment on the MEN thread by William Wilson,
"Some history: the redwood grew from a burl purchased during a California road trip by my grandparents
about 100 years ago. It was topped by my father about 65 years ago. That is reason for the dual trunks. My
mother sold the house and property to the builders of the condos." The Boardwalk's arborist report indicates
Big Red is a healthy tree and poses no risk. He attended the February 1 tree board meeting; they are working
on a code update to protect trees of significance. He requested the council enact a moratorium to protect
trees of significance until there is an opportunity to review and consider the tree board's proposal. Big Red
is a living asset in Edmonds.
Janelle Cass, Edmonds, said she was glad the information on the red light cameras was moved to
information only. She suggested staff presentations clearly define the problem, followed by the goals of
their request. The accident rates relative to traffic rates for the three proposed red light camera, 212t' & 76'
is a 6.8 in a million chance of an accident, 220' & Highway 99 is 1.5 in a million, and SR 104 & 100t' is
1.2 in a million. The data was inconsistent from slide to slide whether it qualified the accidents, whether
they were minor or significant injuries, any injuries, etc. That qualifying data is important in determining
what the council is trying to achieve and at what cost and detriment to the City, whether the safety factor is
1 in a billion chance of a significant accident. Red light cameras can pose more dangers when people stop
short for fear of getting a ticket. She suggested the council request qualifying data for the accident type and
the conditions and whether the red light cameras would have prevented the accident. She also suggested
considering the alternatives such as engineering issues that are causing accidents. She questioned whether
accidents at 212' & 76t' are higher because there are teen drivers and whether that could be addressed by
education or having an officer on site for a time to monitor. She questioned whether alternatives would be
more effective and safer versus jumping to red light cameras. The presentation lacks any other alternatives
for council to consider.
7. RECEIVED FOR FILING
1. Written Public Comments
2. Council Appointment to a Board/Commission
3. Consideration of Change of Council Meeting Minutes Style
4. Preliminary 2023 December Monthly Financial Report
8. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
COUNCILMEMBER TIBBOTT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT OLSON, TO
APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The agenda items
approved are as follows:
1. APPROVAL OF SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 6, 2024
2. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 6, 2024
3. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL AND BENEFIT CHECKS, DIRECT DEPOSIT AND WIRE
PAYMENTS
4. APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS AND WIRE PAYMENTS
5. ILA - FIRST RESPONDERS FLEX FUND
6. CONFIRMATION OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION & ACCESSIBILITY (DEIA)
COMMISSION APPOINTEES ROWAN SOISET & PATTY NARVAEZ-WHEELER
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 8
7. CONFIRM APPOINTMENT OF BOARD/COMMISSION CANDIDATE - LTAC
8. RESOLUTION EXTENDING TEMPORARY EMERGENCY SICK LEAVE POLICY
9. WWTP JOB DESCRIPTIONS
10. ORDINANCE AMENDING ECC 1.03.020 POSTING OF NOTICES
11. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING AUTHORIZED EMPLOYEE POSITIONS AND PAY
RANGES
12. INTERFERING WITH HEALTH CARE
13. ABANDONMENT OF A DEPENDENT PERSON
14. POSSESSION OF ANOTHERS ID
15. APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS GRANTING TO NEW
CINGULAR WIRELESS PCS, LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY,
SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO AT&T WIRELESS SERVICES OF WASHINGTON, LLC,
AN OREGON LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, D/B/A AT&T WIRELESS, ITS
SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, AN EXTENSION OF THE FRANCHISE GRANTED
UNDER ORDINANCE 3441, ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
16. APPROVAL OF 10-FT DEDICATION FOR 75TH PL W RIGHT-OF-WAY ADJACENT TO
15604 75TH PL W
17. APPROVAL OF 5-FT PUBLIC SEWER EASEMENT ALONG WEST PROPERTY LINE
OF LOT 1 IN VEHRS SHORT PLAT
18. APPROVAL OF MOTION FOR THE CITY OF EDMONDS GRANTING TO AT&T
WIRELESS SERVICES OF WASHINGTON, LLC, AN OREGON LIMITED LIABILITY
COMPANY, D/B/A AT&T WIRELESS, BY AT&T WIRELESS SERVICES, INC., A
DELAWARE CORPORATION, ITS MEMBER (LESSEE), AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR
TO SIGN A CONSENT TO A HOLDOVER TENANCY OF THE FACILITIES LEASE AS
PROVIDED FOR IN SAID LEASE
19. APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY AGREEMENT - 2023-2025 BIENNIAL
STORMWATER CAPACITY GRANT
9. COUNCIL BUSINESS
1. PARKLAND AND WOODED AREA ACQUISITION PURCHASE - MEE PROPERTY
Parks, Recreation & Human Services Director Angie Feser explained this property has been before the
council and parks and planning board a handful of times. The last time it was before council was early
November when the council approved the purchase and sale agreement. Since then, due diligence has been
completed on the property, the title report, ESA phase 1 survey, site survey and other background
information. The goal of tonight's meeting is to complete the final step of the acquisition, both approving
the funding sources as well as authorizing the mayor to execute the agreement to complete the purchase of
this property. The resolution, the mechanism to complete the purchase, was not included in the packet and
was emailed by the city attorney to council late today and will be available on Zoom following her
presentation. She reviewed:
• Mee Property
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 9
o Adjacent to Mathay Ballinger Park
o Preserves open space
o Has a well -established tree canopy with interesting tree species. Tree list included in the packet
includes a Sequoia that is 6-feet across at the base.
o Expands the only City -owned park in SE Edmonds
o Will support a trailhead for Interurban Trail
o Driveway to 76t' can be used as part of Interurban Trail
Parcel Info
o Size:.99 Acres
o Utilities on site: water, power, sewer
o One house/two outbuildings — will be secured and eventually demolished
Funding
o Expenditures
Property Price $925,000
Related Costs* $212,500
$1,137,500
*Related costs include appraisal, due diligence, closing costs, demolition, securing site. Grant
covers 75% of related cost in addition to purchase
o Funding
Snohomish County CFP* $853,125
Tree Fund 143 (Fee -in -Lieu) $200,000
REET 126 $84,375
$1,137,500
*Approved by Snohomish County Council
Next Steps
o Council authorization
o Property Closing (30 days/mid-March)
o Possession of the property/site security
City Attorney Jeff Taraday advised he emailed the resolution to council, but assumed councilmembers had
not had time to read it. He displayed and read the resolution:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS, WASHINGTON,
APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF THE MEE PROPERTY.
WHEREAS, the City entered into a Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement with Gerald J. Mee and
Evelyn M. Mee on November 7, 2023 ("Agreement") to purchase certain real property located generally at
24024 76t' Avenue W, Edmonds, Washington ("Property") and more specifically described in the
Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Agreement contains a Council Approval Contingency in Section 3.7; and
WHEREAS, the Council Approval Contingency needs to be satisfied by adoption of a resolution; now
therefore,
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS, WASHINGTON, HEREBY RESOLVES
AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The Edmonds City Council hereby approves the purchase of the Property and the Council
Approval Contingency in Section 3.7 of the Agreement is hereby satisfied.
RESOLVED this 20' day of February, 2024.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT OLSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER NAND, TO
ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS STATED.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 10
Council President Olson commented this is a great opportunity for the City and the community. It has been
great to have everyone so excited about this purchase, basically a consensus of staff, council and the
community.
Councilmember Paine commented the tree list is really impressive; she was glad to have found way to use
the tree fund in the manner it was intended to be used. She thanked Ms. Feser for her diligence in finding
great properties to expand the City's parks.
Councilmember Chen thanked staff, Ms. Feser and her team for their excellent work and finding funding
for this property.
Councilmember Nand complimented Ms. Feser and the organization she worked with to find this property.
This is a park she started visiting when she was 12 years old when her parents moved to Edmonds from
Shoreline. She has seen it change over the years, but was happy it was still a place where people feel safe
letting their children play, like she did almost 30 years ago. She looked forward to future plans for the
property and to make it more of a central open space for the community as the City looks to add high density
housing that does not necessarily have yards or safe places for children to play. She Ms. Director Feser for
her efforts to increase park space in SE Edmonds.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT 2024 WORK PLAN
Planning & Development Director Susan Laughlin commented there has been a lot of interest in the
planning & development department's 2024 Work Plan because it is packed and full of both mandated
deadlines and house bill compliance as well as commitments in the climate action plan. She reviewed:
About Us
o The Planning & Development Department is responsible for:
■ Land use information and approvals
■ Building permit review and assistance
- 80% of staff are in permitting
■ Long-range City and Regional Planning
■ Building inspection
■ Coordination of development review processes, development standards
■ Enforcement of the Community Development Code
Organizational Chart
o 4 vacancies
Na... Planners Drb.n -t-Dealgn
Develggnent Se WPlanneP(Ll) Planner Planner
W�KK Pl�ner Ian `�' Pmmrardsmnire apse Maas Vacant Wvrvslu Penvx°ta
• Mission Statement
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 11
We foster a sustainable, safe, and vibrant community for the people of Edmonds today and for
generations to come.
We guide equitable growth in alignment with the vision outlined in the Comprehensive Plan.
Our work elevates quality of life and preserves our community's natural resources by prioritizing
the safety, quality, and affordability of the built environment.
We are committed to acting with integrity and honesty, serving all members of the community in
a responsive, consistent, and respectful manner.
2023 Accomplishments
o Major Planning Approvals
■ Housing Hope, Madrona Highlands
■ Main Street Commons, 550 Main Street
■ Oak Heights Elementary — Learning in a Park
■ Pine Park Townhouse/workspace development proposed — 614/514 5t' Ave
■ NOVA Daycare, 21010 76t' Ae W
o Green Building
■ Hosted Green Building Incentives Forum, August 31, 2023
o Climate Champions
■ Climate Action Plan 2023
■ Hosted Earth Fair at Frances Anderson Center
o Title 19 Updates
Reimaging Neighborhoods + Streets — Pilot Projects
o Reimaging in Progress — to be continued in 2024
Green Streets New Street Typologies
Comprehensive Plan Progress
o Outreach & Engagement
■ Gap Analysis
■ Scoping
■ Finalized Vision Statement
■ Summer Outreach (Popsicles in the Park)
■ Existing Conditions study
■ Neighborhood Meetings
■ 7 Planning Board Meetings
■ 4 Council Presentations
Landmark 99
o Outreach & Engagement
■ Option to purchase
■ Three Conceptual frameworks
■ Potential Master Planning
■ Two Community meetings
EDMONDS GREENWAY
Multi -Use Network
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 12
■ Explore future project's feasibility
■ 5 Council Presentations
■ Signed amendments to the June option agreement
• Housing Bills
HB 1337: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
• A4Ma twa ADp} x a � .n, comarrlon �. , +•
e anacneaaetl,crrd anln J
• Cape .npact fief M 50a or SIR
• RalxtMs awry mrupalh and rronll�e
�,:.
mpowmerM reWlnm.wl. ,
J
• ADua can a aolp a tplydo and
• Musraab at bail 1.000 of uMb up M is
rM n heraa
.
• No.Mlnl CommltaMr IlOepmnlaralallp[t
�" r
. r. w. nr.fr. n.r.wr.spl..a
�„�, O•M c.,earw ps.w
Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Update
Code Modernization
o Quarterly Update
o Significant formatting upgrade
o Rezones
o Preschool enabling code amendment
2024 Work Plan — Anticipated Completion
HB 1293: Design Review and Standards
• C.l, ma,-h ,n1- Clear and oDretth! a.•►e..... My.. ny-r
dealgn o.naards
• Design roves pracata mist a cond-W
co,ic-11V wan uthat perms rarwa Mw
a fowled to one puellc meeri. rg r
• Plamang Bard factored mn —it-,
recommendation on CG ora++Mrce ' -
• ,_(CblranaYdn R•mmmeMMlon
• Isre an MR Oau/n M.nMea•
•OuNIU RFbC Mrlr.rra ..alitar..w C.nwa(T.enaMa, d.4 �.'raM
Un/u./Mlua.eerrdbee.•rh.dee lrw� pyres..
HB 1110: Middle Housing
• rro 1 Ma RmiMr� b aAwMr�a�d yP
Idetapltva br cvdaal artw+
MptpaISraa a uau per w wrrr+l =. mne a •
• 8RT/Saralde• b M k+sY 1 afrordaek and
r
• wpm taaure aeal�+laadlgs and 4 y�`% 1 ..
proa•Y debnra lqm SrR .sl.��
• L.naa M a.10. Wklig regweere M
UrlaarMWttarr �
• PDA can [rtp meal dene4, re0u+emMU ••q ri.er oP.to n..P srr
•Nahaingc raM•nDaf4�r4WnnrMga_
ft
•Mr�aa�Crai�]Nn...•, M•d�aeE
• sYiaa,�I� �rctf I..�.-,.t ra
lM a•pt••aw raM
Project Name
Staff Lead
Project Name
Staff Lead
Project Name
Staff Lead
Project Name
Staff Lead
Title 19 Updates`
LBjorback
Reimagining Street
Tree Plan"
SMcLaughlin
Reimagining Street
Typologies`
NPentakota
Comprehensive
Plan"
$McLaughlin
Critical Aquifer
Recharge Area"
M Clugston
Green Building
Incentive Program"
L Bjorbaek
Reimagining
Activation Permit
Structure
N Pentakota
Landmark 99"
S McLaughlin
Permit review
process revisions
(per SB 5290)"
ABrokenshire
Tree Canopy Goal"
J Levy
Tree Canopy Goal"
J Levy
• Climate champion
series/public art
TSevrell
Ongoing
o.c Rxaas
Amendmenes-
ouarte<ly
Permit Review MGtps[m2
ejoMark
DADU code
amendments"
R Haas
Design Review
Modifications (per
HB 1293p•
JLevy
Climate -related code
mendmentz"
TSewell
• Tree Code
Updates"
MClugston
* Requires city council approval
** Requires both planning board and city council approval
Code Updates
o Project Name: DADU Code Amendment
■ Staff Lead: Rose Haas
■ Project Objective: Increase housing options in residential zones by allowing detached
accessory dwelling units in single-family zones and aligning current ADU regulations with
state requirements per House Bill 1337.
■ Anticipated Adoption: June 2024
■ Budget: Staff time
o Project Name: Minor Code updates
■ Staff Lead: Rose Haas
■ Project Objective: Increase the legibility of development code through ongoing non -
substantive maintenance to ensure language consistency and clarity.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 13
■ Anticipated Adoption: Ongoing
■ Budget: Staff time
o Project Name: Climate Code Amendments
■ Staff Lead: T Sewel
■ Project Objective: to legislate appropriate actions from the
■ 2023 Climate Action Plan
■ Anticipated Adoption: Tentative March 2024
■ Budget: $25,000
o Project Name: Tree code amendments
■ Staff Lead: M Clugston
■ Project Objective:
- Establish appropriate limitations to property owner tree removals
- Address issues and challenges that have arisen since the existing code was adopted in
2021 with minor code amendments.
- Simplify the existing code so that it is effective and practical to use.
■ Anticipated Adoption / Implementation: Q4
■ Budget: TBD
o Project Name: Tree Canopy Goal
■ Staff Lead: J Levy
■ Project Objective: Increase our tree canopy coverage and promote responsible
development, not hindering GMA goals with housing density increase.
■ Anticipated Adoption: May 2024
■ Budget: staff time
o Project Name: Critical Aquifer Recharge Area(CARA) code amendment
■ Staff Lead: M Clugston
■ Project Objective: Identify and regulate CARAs as critical areas consistent with the GMA
to protect public drinking water supplies from potential contamination and to ensure
adequate groundwater availability.
■ Anticipated Adoption: March 2024
■ Budget:15K
Reimaging Neighborhoods + Streets
o Project Name: Update to Official Street Map/ Street Typologies
■ Staff Lead: S McLaughlin/N Pentakota
■ Project Objective: Conceptualize the future of streets and develop a design that identifies
the right-of-way requirements for upcoming streets. This provides guidance for the
Complete Streets Ordinance, which will direct right-of-way projects, future city
investments, and inform Capital Project decisions.
■ Anticipated Adoption: July 2024
■ Budget: staff time
o Project Name: Street Tree Plan
■ Staff Lead: S McLaughlin
■ Project Objective:
- Defines the street tree and right-of-way tree management objectives of the City
- Guides contractors and community members about planting priorities, spacing and
placement criteria, species selection, and maintenance objectives
- Acts as the authority for managing and caring for street trees
■ Anticipated Adoption: June 2024
■ Budget: staff time
o Project Name: Activation Permit Structure
■ Staff Lead: N Pentakota
■ Project Objective: Introduce new permit structure to remove barriers to facilitate activation
of streets and public spaces citywide
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 14
■ Anticipated Adoption: September 2024
■ Budget: staff time
Design Review
o Project Name: Design Review Modifications (per HB 1293)
■ Staff Lead: J Levy
■ Project Objective: Design review with clear and objective regulations for the exterior
design except for designated landmarks or historic districts.
■ Anticipated Adoption: June 2025
■ Budget: staff time
Permit Review
o Project Name: Permit review process revisions (per SB 5290)**
■ Staff Lead: A Brokenshire
■ Project Objective: To Streamline permitting processes Anticipated Adoption: Nov 2024
■ Budget: Staff time
Climate Actions
o Project Name: Climate Pollution Reduction Grant
■ Staff Lead: T Sewell
■ Project Objective: Earn EPA funding for EV charging infrastructure in partnership with
other local governments. Phase II competitive implementation grants passed through via
Commerce.
■ Anticipated Implementation: Application due 4/l/24, to be submitted via PSCAA for
Seattle -Tacoma -Bellevue MSA
■ Budget: staff time
o Project Name: Green Building Incentives Program
■ Staff Lead: L Bjorback
■ Project Objective: To incentivize sustainable development
■ practices to reduce Edmonds' GHG emissions from buildings
■ Anticipated Adoption: May/June 2024
■ Budget: staff time
Landmark 99
o Staff Lead: S McLaughlin/T Tatum
o Project Objective: Strategic Development to provide civic amenities/ community
o facilities through the establishment of a public -private partnership
o Anticipated Adoption:
■ Assignment Agreement - December 31, 2024
■ Execute Option Agreement: March 31, 2025
o Budget: Approx. 290K (not General Fund)
Everyone's Edmonds
o Project Name: Comprehensive Plan Update
■ Staff Leads: S McLaughlin/J Levy/ N Pentakota
■ Project Objective: To set goals, policies and investment strategies that guide decision
making on a wide range of topics and services over a 20-year period
■ Anticipated Adoption: Dec 2024
■ Budget: Approx 400k
Councilmember Nand gave the administration, council and the public kudos for supporting the Housing
Hope Project. There have been comments from state leadership and bills targeting specific cities in which
cities are accused of trying to reject low income housing opportunities; Edmonds is not one of those cities.
Next, with regard to the reimaging activation permitting structure, she asked how that interacts with
established neighborhood associations that are beginning form. Ms. McLaughlin answered she was not
familiar with the neighborhood association work other than anecdotally. She acknowledged having
established neighborhood associations would be beneficial to a reimaging program.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 15
Councilmember Nand said she knew of two that were forming in the Highway 99 community and she has
been in contact with the organizers. She asked whether Ms. McLaughlin was the lead and should she have
the organizers contact her directly. Ms. McLaughlin answered she was not the lead on establishing
neighborhood association. As part of the comprehensive plan, better defining neighborhoods is
advantageous and staff is always looking for neighborhood stakeholders to build relationships with.
Councilmember Nand asked who the neighborhood association organizers should contact to access the
toolkit. Ms. McLaughlin suggested contacting her or staff member Navyusha Pentakota who has been
leading the reimaging program. Councilmember Nand commented developing partnerships would be a
great opportunity for synergy between community activists and the administration.
Councilmember Paine recalled last year's Reimaging Streets program was very successful. She attended
several events and everyone was smiling. Rolling out astroturf on Main Street was genius and was a great
way meet neighbors. She was pleased with plans to update to the Official Street Map/Street Typologies,
commented the Street Map had not been updated since the mid- 1970s. That will be helpful when discussing
rights -of -way, sidewalks, etc. She was also glad to see have the climate related code updates associated
with the climate action plan, noting there are 23 items due this year and 2 from last year as well as ongoing
work. This is mainly outward facing; the City has done all the work it needs to do, and outward facing
efforts to the community are needed including the building code.
Councilmember Paine referred to multifamily design standards and asked if that would be addressed in Q2
or closer to the end of the year. Ms. McLaughlin explained as part of developing clear and objective design
standards, staff will also look at the multifamily design standards. That work will carry into 2025, but will
be initiated in 2024. There are a lot of resources related to the middle housing legislation and HB 1110 that
the City can apply so the timing is good. The department has a term -limited position, Jeff Levy, a licensed
architect, who will be managing that work. Councilmember Paine recalled that was one of the housing
commission and council's priorities four years ago. She recalled according to the Architectural Design
Board's (ADB) charter, they are supposed to help with that review. Ms. McLaughlin advised Mr. Levy was
at last week's ADB meeting and will be their new staff liaison. He is also the deputy project manager for
the comprehensive plan so there is a lot of work to do but the department has the right resources.
Councilmember Paine concluded the planning & development department has an audacious work plan for
the team.
Councilmember Eck was very impressed and thankful for everything on the work plan and everything Ms.
McLaughlin and her team are doing. As a city that many people want to move to and have been doing so
for the last few years, residents expect a higher quality of life in striving to build a future for their children.
She has also heard longtime residents express interest in working on the climate and implementing the
CAP. She asked if the department were fully staffed, would that allow more work on the CAP. Ms.
McLaughlin answered absolutely. Currently Tristin Sewell, a planning level position, does a great job
making sure actions are being met, managing the consultant drafting climate -related legislation, liaising
with the climate protection committee, etc. What is lacking is someone with the capacity to look for and
administer bigger grants and do the required interdepartmental coordination such as parks and public works
actions to ensure the City is moving forward. Outward facing education which the community has expressed
interest in, also cannot be staffed with the current resources. Councilmember Eck said when she thinks
about the CAP, she thinks about the whole city and definitely appreciates many of the broad remarks made
including reimaging and bringing the community together. Post pandemic, people of all ages and
backgrounds are hungry for that interaction.
Council President Olson commented it was very illuminating to see everything in one place in the
presentation. She anticipated all councilmembers share the concern about how fast and furiously everything
will be coming to the council related to comprehensive plan approvals. Whenever things like the street
typology can be provided to council in advance such as under Received for Filing, that would be helpful.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 16
With regard to the greenway connections, she hoped there would be more explanation and insight into how
those connections were chosen over others. For example, there is no connection to the Interurban Trail
which seemed like an obvious miss and it doesn't seem like people travel from one part of the City to
another, it is from home to the park and back home, home to school and back home, home to work and back
home, etc. She wanted to ensure those connections were thoughtful and possibly have different proposals
and reasons for choosing one over another versus just presenting one thing to approve or not.
Ms. McLaughlin answered the images were just illustrative to represent the work. The greenway loop is
not part of tonight's discussion tonight, but the criteria for the loop does not represent the bike network. It
was intended to look at streets with a high enough traffic volume that cyclists of all ages/abilities would not
comfortable on the roadway and therefore requires a higher level investment for a bike facility. The PROS
Plan is related to connecting trail networks. This is meant to be an on -street trail network, a multiuse trail
network that is shared by pedestrian and bikes. She summarized criteria was used to define that network
and it is not intended to represent the City's entire bike network. The connection to the Interurban is made
on a low -volume vehicular street that does not require a high amount of bike infrastructure investment.
Council President Olson commented with the hyper focus on the budget and availability of only so many
grants, it would be interesting for council before they are adopting the plan to know how feasible it will be
to make headway on such an ambitious network. Even if it is a 50 year plan, how likely would it be that the
City would be able to find funding over a 50 year period.
Councilmember Tibbott said he was surprised to learn that 80% of staff are involved in permitting. He
asked how much of the work in Q14 is related to the comprehensive plan process. Ms. McLaughlin
answered there are relationships because the comprehensive plan covers so much, but there are no co -
dependencies. The work plan items will inform the comprehensive plan, but there is not necessarily a
regulatory requirement.
Councilmember Tibbott observed the comprehensive plan has 8 major elements, as much work as is on the
work plan and knowing the comprehensive plan has a state -mandated deadline at the end of Q4, he
wondered how work plan items were being prioritized and which could move into 2025, 2026 or beyond.
Ms. McLauglin answered each work item has been scrutinized through that lens. Some are on the list
because they are already in development and need to be finished such as the Title 9 updates, CARA,
Reimaging Neighborhoods + Streets, tree canopy goal, etc. She assured there are reasons for including all
the items on the work plan. In looking at the list, she was confident they can be done this year in partnership
with the comprehensive plan. The items where there may be some leeway on are in Q4, permit review
process revisions and design review modifications, as the actual deadlines are in 2025.
Councilmember Tibbott said he was not trying to micromanage staff s work, but was mindful of the state
mandates. With regard to the design review process, a Q4 work plan item, apparently the state wants
objective standards and asked if there was funding for cities to achieve those goals. Ms. McLaughlin
answered there is a deadline to update the comprehensive plan by the end 2024 which is different than clear
and objective design standards which are code modernization. There has been funding available for missing
middle housing; staff has taken advantage of some of that. With regard to clear and objective design
standards she was unsure if there was funding available. Councilmember Tibbott observed the state is
giving mandates without funding; the City is already stretched to fund current staff and are facing additional
requirements to meet these standards. That is frustrating for council, staff and the public as the City tries to
find revenues for these projects. He summarized this is an area where cities are stuck between a rock and a
hard place which is difficult to swallow sometimes.
Councilmember Dotsch asked about the community renewal plan. Ms. McLaughlin answered the
community renewal plan is done; it is not scheduled, but it could be. Staff is waiting to see the progression
of the Landmark 99 project to see if/where that goes. Councilmember Dotsch commented the community
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 17
renewal plan is required for the TIP. Ms. McLaughlin answered the TIP is independent of the community
renewal plan. Councilmember Dotsch commented that seems like something that would be done in concert
with Landmark 99; three consultants were used in 2023 to prepare that and it has since been shelved. Ms.
McLaughlin responded the community renewal plan is done and has been shared with the planning board
and the economic development commission and may have been presented to council at some point. It could
be on the work plan, but staff is waiting to see what happens with the Landmark 99 project. She assured it
was definitely not shelved and was an active part of the conversation. Councilmember Dotsch pointed out
it needs council approval. Ms. McLaughlin agreed.
Councilmember Dotsch observed there are 10 months left until the comprehensive plan deadline, a very
short timeframe, and there is less staff to do the work and there are some consultants assisting. She asked
about engagement with the public and getting that information to council so informed decisions can be
made. She was curious why the work plan did not lead with what is required in 2024, must -haves versus a
want -to -have. The work plan seems very ambitious to get everything done while having real dedication to
the comprehensive plan including the public process. Ms. McLaughlin said staff is looking for council input
regarding anything they want taken off the work plan. Staff is committed to the items on the work plan and
items are included for a reason, either a regulatory mandate such as CARA and Title 19 updates, and the
climate action plan and state mandates drive some of the other deliverables on the work plan so there is not
much room to give. Other deliverables have already been done such as Reimaging Streets. She was
confident the work plan can be delivered.
Councilmember Dotsch commented it would be helpful to have due dates for required items. Ms.
McLaughlin answered the administration is establishing a legislative agenda which may be what
Councilmember Dotsch is looking for. Councilmember Dotsch referred to the multi -use greenway, recalling
she attended the kickoff last year and no one else came. She asked if that has been shelved. Ms. McLauglin
answered that meeting was cancelled due to poor weather; notice was provided but there was not enough
time for a press release. The plan was to wait for spring, but given other factors, it hasn't been pursued.
Councilmember Dotsch asked if it has been shelved. Ms. McLaughlin advised there is a 10% design concept
and will be used to inform the comprehensive plan.
Councilmember Chen commented it looked like planning & development's year was very full. He was also
surprised to learn that 80% of staff works on permitting and 20% are doing the other work. He often hears
complaints from the development community about how long the City's permitting process takes. For
example, there was a building that had a fire in Firdale Village during the pandemic and business owners
were waiting for permits to rebuild. He asked if the City has a permitting backlog and if the 80% staff time
was enough to handle the workload. Ms. McLaughlin answered the department is understaffed at the
moment. She welcomed developers and residents to contact her if there were concerns with the permitting
timelines. If councilmembers hear complaints, she urged them to contact her. Often people complain about
the permitting process because there are issues on both sides; there are a lot of regulatory requirements, it's
frustrating, it's hard to get designers and contractors, etc. so it can be arduous process. She has heard people
say Edmonds is faster than some other jurisdictions.
Councilmember Paine commented she knew the Department of Commerce's $500,000 grant was too big
to manage, but encouraged staff to apply for smaller grants to assist with the climate action plan.
With regard to Reimaging Neighborhoods + Streets, Councilmember Dotsch asked about the budget for
events related to that project. Ms. McLaughlin answered there is no budget in 2024; Reimaging
Neighborhoods + Streets was a program funded by the previous administration. Those events were not
costly, as low as $6,000 which may not seem low but given the amount of staff time, resources, a year of
planning, etc. and given it served so many residents and generated a great deal of interest in the community,
the funding was well spent.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 18
Councilmember Dotsch commented she saw something recently about Porchfest and asked about the cost.
Ms. McLaughlin answered the intent was to empower residents to do things on their own; Porchfest is an
example of how that is working. Councilmember Dotsch asked about the budget for Porchfest. Ms.
McLauglin answered there is no funding in 2024 for Porchfest; she believed a nonprofit organization had
been formed and it was not City supported except get it to where they are which is very exciting.
Councilmember Eck commented whenever that many people come to the City core for 4t' of July, Porchfest,
etc., it increases revenue and results in repeat customers. She asked whether Ms. McLaughlin or Mr. Tatum
have considered what that looks like. Ms. McLaughlin answered they have had conversations with
downtown retailers relative to those events and the anecdotal answer is yes, it those events boost business.
One of the exciting things that came out of reimaging is leveraging those events to advertise other City
events. For example, bringing hundreds of people out for a comprehensive plan conversation typically does
not happen, but combining that with a music festival or an exciting public event leverages the money that
would have been spent on a basic public open house that a fraction of the people would have attended. It is
a great way to get money to go further. Councilmember Eck commented she knew of a number of people
who made a day of those events with brunch, dinner, shopping. She agreed those events inspire that type of
behavior.
Councilmember Nand commented as a former Edmonds Chamber of Commerce board member, the City is
not responsible for the 4t' of July, that is put on by the Chamber, although the City helps subsidize it by
providing security. There have been issues in the past where the Chamber feels the City takes credit for
their events, using their images without permission, etc. For the public's edification, she wanted to clarify
the 4t' of July is funded by the nonprofit Chamber and has no General Fund impact other than subsidizing
it via a police presence to manage crowds.
Mayor Rosen declared a brief recess.
10. PRESENTATION
1. RED LIGHT CAMERA PRESENTATION
Mayor Rosen reminded this is intended to be a presentation and discussion only, no action will be taken
tonight.
Police Chief Michelle Bennett explained they were asked to return with more data about red light cameras.
Data for 2023 was received two days ago which will be included in this presentation. She reviewed:
My Edmonds News
o From hiring challenges to Hwy 99 to homelessness, new police chief addresses community
questions
o Posted: November 22, 2021
o Chief Bennett made it clear that she would like to see traffic cameras at every school crossing;
in fact, "I would make all traffic infractions covered by cameras." Traffic issues, she added,
are the number -one complaint the city gets. Fair warning.
By Bob Throndsen
Using cameras for traffic -related citations tends to lead to less conflict between officers/police
department and drivers because a camera states evidence that is hard to argue with versus
discretionary decision making by officers which can often lead to anger, disruption and poor
relations with the police department
Comparable Data
o The intersections suggested are the highest volume intersection related accidents in the city.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 19
o Lynnwood, Kent, Lake Forest Park, Renton, Sea-Tac, Seattle have these, and many other
agencies (Everett, Bothell) are also looking at them.
o The City of Lynnwood is a relevant comparable city.
2022 Annual Automated Traffic Safety Camera Report
Lynnwood Police Department
Per RCW 46.63.170 cities using automated traffic safety cameras must post an
annual report of the number of traffic accidents that occurred at each location where
an automated traffic safety camera is located, as well as the number of notices of
infraction issued for each camera on the City's website. The below data comprises
the number of accidents and citations issued at each respective intersection and
school zone where traffic safety cameras are deployed.
Intersection
Number of Citations
'Numberof
Accidents
36a 1 196th St S.W.
6,070
3
44111 Aid. Mall Blvd,
3,514
8 "
441h 11960, St S.W.
0 - Under Construction.
6
184° / Ald. Mall Pkwy
4,728
6
196- / Aid. Mall Pkwy
14,163
2
Maple J Ald. Mall Pkwy
1,900
3
t;1h J Hwy 99
2,834
5
a4�/200^sts.w.
5,063
8 "
Hwy 99 / 200- St S.W.
1,164
3
Numberof Numberof
School Zone Citations Accidents
18200 -18800 BLK 44th Ave West 4,175 1
5500 - 6600 BLK 168th Sl S.W. 2,660 4
-Number of Ao dents reported reflex collisions —rn`within the int—anon,
Lynnwood Cameras: Red Light Camera Accident Reductions - Cameras went live in 2011
■ 2022 44 Lynnwood Red Light Camera Collisions
on
■ 2021 36
■ 2020 29
■ 2019 11 a
■ 2018 14 „a
■ 2017 20
■ 2016 80
■ 2015 92
■ 2014 83
■ 2013 ill
■ 2012 161 /
• Didn't some cities do away with red light cameras:
o Called Kent Police Chief Padilla, `Heck no, they are very effective for the city, we are actually
adding six more. Also funded our body worn camera program.' When asked if rear -end
collisions increased, he stated that they have actually gone down.
o Kenmore is adding two cameras this year.
o Auburn: Researching their website yesterday, led me to their links about photo enforcement...
Reinstating cameras: March 22nd , 2022, adding 6-12 cameras.
o Communicated with Redmond Police Lieutenant Julie Beard and Chief Darrell Lowe, ` We
had them in around 2012 for several months, Microsoft lobbied hard (with company attorneys
assisting) against them. We've been talking about putting them back.'
o Communication sent to Chief Ted Boe of Burien PD. Chief Boe said they have `not had them
in at least six years, speculated reason for removal was labor based, lowest staffed city and
most calls per service in King County; no new officers in 12 years. No traffic cars or motor
officers are assigned to the city. We have 26 cops to handle 21,000 calls per year.
• Accidents and Safety
o Edmonds Proposed Pilot Red -Light Camera Program: Collision Data
■ Data for accidents in Edmonds intersections was collected from 2020-2022.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 20
■ An analysis of collision data was conducted, in addition to gathering input from the officers
who investigate many of these collisions.
■ Also considered were officer's observations of high pedestrian areas as well as areas of
common citizen complaints.
o Accidents: Three Years of Data (2020-2022) Potential Red -Light Camera Intersections
(A formula was used to analyze potential intersections based on high traffic volumes and high
numbers of accidents.)
■ Highway 99
- Total: 39 accidents
- Highway 99, (11* intersection verified)
- Average Daily Traffic: 6,000-20,000 cars
*there is a percentage of intersection related accidents miscategorized, up to 75%
o Six Potential Highway 99 Red -Light Camera Intersections
■ 224th and Highway 99: 12 Accidents, 16,000 cars per day
■ 220th and Highway 99: 11 Accidents, 20,000 cars per day
■ 238th and Highway 99: Five Accidents, 20,000 cars per day
■ 216th and Highway 99: Five Accidents, 20,000 cars per day
■ 228th and Highway 99: Three Accidents, 16,000 cars per day
■ 212th and Highway 99: Two Accidents, 20,000 cars per day
o Additional High Accident and Car Volume Intersections (Non -Highway 99)
■ 220th and 76th: 13 Accidents, 12,000 cars per day
■ 212th and 76th: 15 Accidents, 6000 cars per day
■ Highway 104 and 100th: 6 Accidents, 13,000 cars per day
• Comparison of Daily Intersection Traffic Volumes (high to low)
o Verra Mobility Rating (high to low)
■ Column L on spreadsheet represents the number of daily projected violations for that
specific movement (based on the running of their algorithm).
■ If all 9 were installed, the total would be 50.4 total per day based on Verra Mobility's
algorithm. 50.4 x 30 = 1,512, x 31 = 1,562 violations per month
o Highest Rating per Verra Mobility (combined with accidents and Average Per Day Car
Volume)
■ 220th and Highway 99: Verra Rating- 5.3 (10 accidents) 20,000 cars per day
■ 238th and Highway 99, Southbound: Verra Rating- 4.72 (five accidents) 20,000 cars
■ 228th and Highway 99: Verra Rating- 4.05 (three accidents) 16,000 cars
■ 212th and 76th Northbound: Verra Rating- 4.08 (15 accidents) 6000 cars
■ 212th and 76th Westbound Verra Rating- 4.06 (15 accidents) 6000 cars
■ 212th and 76th Eastbound Verra Rating- 3.99 (15 accidents) 6000 cars
■ 238th and Highway 99 Northbound: Verra Rating- 3.91 (five accidents) 16,000 cars
■ SR 99 and 216th : Verra Rating- 3.68 (five accidents) 20,000 cars
■ Hwy 104 and 100th Southbound: Verra Rating- 3.5 (six accidents) 13,000 cars
■ Hwy 104 and 100th Northbound: Verra Rating- 3.42 (six accidents) 13,000 cars
■ SR 99 and 224th : Verra Rating- 3.41 (12 accidents) 16,000 cars
■ Hwy 104 and 100th Westbound: Verra Rating- 3.19 (six accidents) 13,000 cars
■ SR 99 and 212th Verra Rating- 3.1 (two accidents) 20,000 cars
• Pedestrian accidents are another potential danger of intersection related crashes
o Analysis from 2020-2022
■ 220th and HWY 99 = 1
■ 212th and 76th = 2
■ SR 104 and 100th = 0 (Recently a homicide at the light at Hwy 104 and the 8800 block,
(12 blocks away) Intersection related near pedestrian crash.
• Academic and Empirical Research
o Empirical Research Says:
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 21
9
9
■ Road crashes are a prime cause of death and disability, and red- light running is a common
cause of crashes at signalized intersections.
- Red-light cameras are increasingly used to promote compliance with traffic signals.
13 Manual enforcement methods are resource intensive and high risk, whereas red-
light cameras can operate 24 hours a day and do not involve high-speed pursuits.
■ More than one million crashes occur annually at traffic signals in the United States, and
red-light cameras increasingly are being used to supplement police -enforcement efforts by
automatically photographing vehicles whose drivers run red lights.
■ Red-light running at signalized intersections is a significant crashes and approximately
1,000 deaths per year.
- Red -light -camera systems aimed at reducing this problem have become a popular tool
in local jurisdictions.
Recent Article in My Edmonds News:
■ In Washington state, traffic fatalities were up 38% last year compared with 2019, reaching
a 30-year high. In response, the state is considering expanding its limited speed camera
use. State officials plan a visit to Finland next month to see how that country used
automated enforcement to reduce traffic deaths.
■ "Law enforcement has really stepped back from enforcing traffic laws," said Jonathan
Adkins, CEO of the Governors Highway Safety Association. "We have to get police back
out there and get support for police back. But this has to be done the right way, and it has
to be done fairly. And we do want to look at technology cameras don't see race, they
don't see gender."
■ Two Pedestrians Struck in Perrinville Neighborhood Sunday
Empirical Studies related to Red Light Cameras (Academically based)
■ National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, Medicine
■ Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
■ Safety Evaluation of Red -Light Cameras, Federal Highway Administration
■ National Library of Medicine
■ Journal of Safety Research
■ National Academies
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
- American scientific academy
- The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, also known as the
National Academies, is a congressionally chartered organization that serves as the
collective scientific national nationalacademies.org
- Founder Federal Government of the United States
- Headquarters Keck Center • 500 5th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
- Subsidiaries National Academy of Sciences (NAS) • National Academy of Engineering
(NAE) National Academy of Medicine (NAM)
- Legal status Congressionally Chartered Nonprofit Organization
- Purpose Provide independent, objective advice to inform policy with evidence, spark
progress and innovation, and confront challenging issues for the benefit of society.
- Location Executive Office National Academy of Sciences Building 2101 Constitution
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20418, United States
- Membership Scientists, engineers, and health professionals
- The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
- (NASEM), also known as the National Academies, is a congressionally chartered
organization that serves as the collective scientific national academy of the United
Statesl. These esteemed institutions provide independent, objective advice to inform
policy decisions, ignite progress and innovation, and address complex challenges for
the betterment of society2.
- National Academy of Sciences (NAS):
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 22
o Reference in presentation to numerous studies/research
o Governor's Highway Safety Association www.ghsa.org @GHSAHQ
■ Pedestrian 2021 PRELIMINARY DATA (January - December)
- Automated traffic enforcement (particularly speed enforcement), while controversial,
has irrefutably led to reductions in motorist speeds and crashes. A literature review of
studies evaluating speed cameras concluded that all studies measuring speed or
speeding saw reductions when the cameras were present.
31. Cecilia, W., Charlene, W., Joan, H. K., Le Brocque, R., & Bellamy, N.
(2010, November 10). Speed cameras for the prevention of road traffic injuries and
deaths.
https://doi.org/l0.1002/14651858.CDO04607.pub4 32
Sep 9, 2022 The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) just released the
numbers of pedestrian deaths of 2021, and it has hit a 20-year high.
o Pedestrian Fatalities on the Rise in Washington State
o Washington State sees a high number of pedestrian fatalities on its roads every year. Even
though lawmakers have enacted measures to reduce traffic- related deaths, our numbers have
continued to claim. Pedestrians continue to be vulnerable road users, with nothing to protect
them from the force of a colliding vehicle
How Many Pedestrian Fatalities are There in Washington?
o More than 100 pedestrians are killed by motorists every year in Washington State.
o However, that does not paint the full picture of the hundreds of additional pedestrians who are
struck and seriously injured on our roads. Not to mention, the lives of families and friends
impacted by each victim.
City researched red light cameras in 2008
o September 19 2008, Everett Herald reported Edmonds approved trial run of red light cameras
at Highway 99 & 200', Highway 99 & 238t1i St SW and Edmonds Way & 100'1i Ave W
2023 data
o 2023 Collision Results
Ee
Month of Year
Total
Collisions
Fatal
Collisions
Injury
Collisions
Number of
Fatalities
Number of
Injuries
January
48
0
6
0
6
February
45
0
12
0
14
March
43
0
6
0
6
April
43
0
8
0
8
May
49
0
7
0
10
June
52
0
16
0
18
July
41
0
10
0
14
August
51
0
13
0
18
September
55
0
12
0
15
October
49
0
13
0
15
November
41
0
12
0
13
December
44
0
5
0
5
Report Totals:
1 561
1 0
120
0
142
Heat
of accidents: 2023
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 23
o Total accidents by day of the week: 2023
Day of the Week
Total
Collisions
Fatal
Collisions
Injury
Collisions
Number of
Fatalities
Number of
Injuries
MONDAY
86
0
19
0
23
TUESDAY
79
0
18
0
22
WEDNESDAY
83
0
11
0
11
THURSDAY
74
0
16
0
20
FRIDAY
103
0
22
0
24
SATUMY
77
1 0
18
0
21
SUNDAY
S9
0
16
0
21
Report Totals:
S61
1 0
1 120
1 0
1 242
o 2023 Pedestrian Accidents
t
1
2
3
Total
Parking
Lots
3
1
4
8
HWY99
0
2
1
3
HWY 104
1
0
0
1
HWY 524
1 0
1 2
1 0
12
Downtown
1
0
4
S
Other
1
3
1
10
14
Total
6
S
1 19
o 2023 Vehicle vs. Pedestrian accidents
35
30
25
20
15
10
0
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
o Intersection related collisions total and location
■ Total of 204 collisions occurred in intersections in 2023. Many intersections that had
multiple collisions, but some of the more prevalent locations are as follows:
■ Locations highlighted in red are controlled by traffic signals; locations highlighted in gray
are controlled by stop signs (in at least one direction). Further discussion with the City's
traffic engineer will be needed to identify if there is an engineering adjustment that can be
made for these locations. However, one adjustment that can be made for these locations in
red is the implementation of red light cameras.
Traffic Sergeant Recommendation
o The implementation of red light cameras at specific locations would also help decrease the
number of collisions in Edmonds. In addition to decreasing collisions, the cameras would
decrease the risky behavior that results in collisions, even in locations where ethe number of
collisions is relatively low. The Edmonds PD Traffic Unit will continue working with other
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 24
members of the City as well as the Snohomish County Target Zero Task Force to promote
vehicle and pedestrian safety.
- Sergeant Kraig Strum #2833
Are the costs of the camera offset or will they cost the city additional money?
o Verra charges $5000 per camera per month
■ Seven cameras would be $35,000 total per month
o Court costs: Monthly 2475 tickets=$17,859 + $5000 (est. cost $24,900 per month) 2475 tickets
a month would be 82.5 a day= 11 per camera, per day.
o Court costs: Monthly 1680 tickets $16,722 + $5000 (est. cost $21,700 per month) 1680 tickets
per month would be 56 tickets a day-- 8 per camera, per day.
o Police costs are currently neutral
0 2,475 tickets per month x $130 average fine = $321,000
■ $24,900 costs
- $262,000 delta in the positive per month
- (A year: $3,144,000)
0 1680 tickets per month x $130 average fine=$262,000
■ $21,700 costs
- $229,300 delta in the positive
- (A year: $2,751,600)
What is the impact related to court costs?
o In Lynnwood Municipal Court, 18.5% of people who received parking citations in 2022
requested a hearing.
■ Individuals who request a hearing may choose whether to appear in -person or remotely.
■ IRLJ 2.6 requires that hearings be set within 120 days from the date of the notice of
infraction.
o Edmonds Municipal Court currently conducts pro se infractions hearings on the second and
fourth Fridays of the month.
■ These hearings take place from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
■ Current calendars allow for 80 pro se infraction hearings per month.
■ Typically, ten infraction hearings are scheduled per hour, which provides an average of six
minutes per hearing.
o Workload impact assuming (1) 2,475 red light citations per month; and (2) 1,680 red light
citations per month.
o Assuming 2,475 red light citations each month with 18.5% of individuals cited requesting a
hearing, this will result in an additional 458 infraction hearings per month.
■ This is a 572% increase in the number of infraction hearings that Edmonds Municipal Court
conducts each month.
o The increase in hearings would require Edmonds Municipal Court to move from infractions
being held on two days per month to 13.5 days per month.
o Assuming 2,475 citations per month, Edmonds Municipal Court estimates require an
additional two to three FTEs.
■ The annual salary of a Court Clerk at Step One is $65,184. Including benefits, the total
annual cost for one Court Clerk is $84,739.
- This would result in a monthly cost per Court Clerk of $7,061.
- If two additional Court Clerks were needed, the monthly cost would be $14,122.
- If three additional Court Clerks were needed, the monthly cost would be $21,183.
■ Additional capacity could be created by increasing the pro tempore judge additional
calendars.
- This would result in an estimated additional cost of $3,737 per month.
o Assuming 2,475 citations per month, Edmonds Municipal Court estimates that its increased
monthly costs would be between $17,859 and $24,920
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 25
o Assuming a total of 1,680 citations per month with 18.5% of individuals cited requesting
a hearing, this will result in an additional 311 infraction hearings per month.
■ This is a 389% increase in the number of infractions hearings that Edmonds Municipal
Court conducts each month.
o The increase in hearings would require Edmonds Municipal Court to move from infractions
hearings being held two days per month to 10 days per month.
o Additional capacity could be created by increasing the pro tempore judge budget and
bringing in an additional judicial officer to preside over additional calendars. This would
result in an estimated additional cost of $2,600 per month.
o Assuming 1,680 citations per month, Edmonds Municipal Court estimates that the
increased Court Clerk workload from red light cameras would require an additional 2
FTEs. Edmonds Municipal Court estimates that its increased monthly costs would be
$16,722.
What are the impact to Police?
o Conservatively, based on conversations with Lynnwood PD, it takes approximately one minute
to view three tickets.
o In speaking with the Edmonds traffic sergeant, this workload would be split up among multiple
officers, thereby minimizing the workload and staying current with the volume.
o The infraction that sent to the violator includes a picture of the violation, the steps on how to
respond to the infraction and hyperlink to view a video of the violation online.
■ The steps on how to respond to the infraction are decided upon by the court.
■ There is a boiler plate narrative from police on each ticket.
0 2,475 tickets per month, divided by 3 tickets a minute, is 825 minutes a month (or 13.75 hours
a month).
0 1680 tickets per month, divided by 3 tickets a minute, is 560 minutes a month (or 9.3 hours a
month)
■ Traffic Unit indicates 9.3 hours/month is doable within their current work shifts or by
offices on light duty
Options and Recommendations — Three Potential Recommendations
o Option 1
1. 220th and Highway 99: 5.3 (10 accidents) 20,000 cars per day
■ One approach
2. 212th and 76th: 4.08 (15 accidents) 6000 cars per day
■ Three approaches
3. Hwy 104 and 100th: 3.5 (six accidents) 13,000 cars per day
■ Three approaches, Three Intersections 1,680 potential citations
o Option 2
■ Install cameras at 6 Highway 99 intersections and 3 additional high accident intersections,
9 intersections total
1. 224th and Highway 99: 12 Accidents, 16,000 cars per day
2. 220th and Highway 99: 11 Accidents, 20,000 cars per day
3. 238th and Highway 99: Five Accidents, 20,000 cars per day
4. 216th and Highway 99: Five Accidents, 20,000 cars per day
5. 228th and Highway 99: Three Accidents, 16,000 cars per day
6. 212th and Highway 99: Two Accidents, 20,000 cars per day
7. 220th and 76th: 13 Accidents, 12,000 cars per day
8. 212th and 76th: 15 Accidents, 6000 cars per day
9. Highway 104 and 100th: Six Accidents, 13,000 cars per day
■ Nine Intersections 2,475 potential citations
o Option 3
■ Install red-light cameras at three Highway 99 intersections and three non -Highway 99
intersections.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 26
■ Six intersections: 2,077 potential citations
Red Light Cameras Proposal
o The proposed red-light camera enforcement systems (assuming approval and agreement
modification) will take several months into 2024 to engineer, install, and incorporate into the
eco-system we are currently designing for school zone cameras.
o For 2024, best case scenario is having cameras operational by July, so for the remaining six
months of the year they would be functional.
o For 2025 and beyond, they would be operational year-round. There is a 30-day warning period.
o The proposal is to install red light cameras at determined high accident risk intersections.
Assistant Chief Rod Sniffen addressed traffic engineering, explaining Verra Mobility did most the analysis
for the school zone cameras; they have many systems operating in Washington State and are very familiar
with the RCW and its requirements. They use algorithms and publicly available traffic data to predict what
will happen from their systems and make recommendations. That is what was used for installation of the
City's five school zone cameras. The algorithms they use are based on similar systems and traffic counts in
the area. When he and Traffic Engineer Bertrand Hauss looked at the data, they found Verra was using
outdated data that wasn't very accurate and they provided them better traffic counts for many of the
locations to assist Verra's analysis. That analysis satisfies the analysis required by state law before the
legislative body can enact these legislative programs.
Assistant Chief Sniffen continued, Verra takes publicly available data that is published either by the city,
state or DOT and their staff gather snapshot in time information using tube counters or sophisticated radar
equipment to count cars on the street. That information is used in calculations to predict the number of
violations, the flow of cars, etc. Using that data, Verra came up with a number that makes it cost neutral for
the jurisdiction to put in red light cameras. If the numbers as a result of their analysis find there is not
enough activity to warrant cameras, Verra will not recommend installation of cameras in that location
because it will not be cost neutral.
Chief Bennett advised Verra will not recommend installation of cameras at an intersection if it does not
meet the algorithm in Column L of their analysis which is typically 3 or above before they recommend
installation of a camera. The nine locations in Option 2 all have an algorithm above 3. Chief Bennett
continued her presentation:
• Economic and Geographic Diversity in Edmonds
o Economic and Geographic Differences in camera placement
■ Camera violations do not distinguish gender, economic status, race, etc.
■ Most Highway 99 traffic is through traffic travelling through the city to other destinations.
■ Highway 104 and 100th would potentially capture those heading to the ferry or living in
the Edmonds Bowl.
■ 212th/220th and 76th captures a more residential area of Edmonds and high school traffic.
o Economic Diversity in Edmonds
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 27
Income by Location
RACULTMNICITY
Total
HIGHEST MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME rTOTAU
1. Census Tract 506
2 Census Tract 503
3. Census Tract 502
In 2021, the place with the highest Median Household Income
(Total) in Edmonds, WA was Census Tract 506 with a value of
$191.250, followed by Census Tract 503 and Census Tract 502,
with respective values of $152,613 and $13036
The following map shows all of the places in Edmonds, WA
colored by their Median Household Income (Totall.
Dal. hom lnr C.n:R .AiiLy�
,10 Swe Im.gc Sh—/ Embed add D.t. 1. C.d
Z 0—st--P caMrLutora, C CARTO
Hem11 Hwsehold income
S409k S69.9k S699k S92.2k Q S922k S1241,3125k S1901kn S191k-
2013 2014 2015 2016 2037 (Ole 201% 2020 .C.1
Assistant Chief Sniffen added with the school zone speed camera enforcement, the court was adamant that
there be methodologies for people who have an inability to pay and those are listed on the citation. There
are several options on the citation for violators to petition the court, have hearings and mitigate the cost of
the violation.
• Citation Information
w nai does the oiiender aei to ine man r
LyllmyoDONIIw.ALca1wT _•
EN
o What the offender sees when they click on the hyperlink
Info .� ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
L'
LYNNWOOD
City of Lynnwood, WA
REVIEW EVIDENCE
MEMO
O�..r.-- -..•. r.w xi.m
Need to talk to mmeone7
GM help by Phone.
0 School Zones in the City
o The schools highlighted in green are the schools currently in the process of getting a camera.
o We would have to request the vendor to come out and do a speed study to determine whether
that specific school would qualify for a speed camera.
o Cameras went up in January
o There was 30-day warning period.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 28
■ Almost 900 warnings were given during that 30-day period
- 900 x $130 = $117,000. Five cameras at 5k each = $25,000, assuming highest in city
of 2475 citations a month, max cost $24,920 a month, $117,000-$49,920 = $67,080
o School Zone Cameras
2
3
a
5
6
7
8
9
30
11
12
13
14
16
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
B C D E F G H
School Zone Times
School
Add—,
Office Phone
Start Time
End Time
Early Release
Times
School Zone
Flashin l Lights
On
Off
8AO
15:10
11A0
8:10
15:00
8:50
15:30
Edmonds Elementary
1215 Olympic Ave
425431.7374
9W
14:30
11:00
7:40
8:10
14:20
14:50
Sea,Am Elementary
8426188th St. SW
425431-7383
Sd10
14:30
11:00
7:40
8:10
14:20
14:50
51henwood Element.
22901105th Ave W
425432-7460
9:20
15:50
11:00
9700
9:30
15A0
16:10
-011201111. SW
425-431-7470
8-40
Mad.. K-8
9300 236th St. SW
425431.7979
9:20
15:50
12:20
9dK1
9:30
15:25
16:10
Meplewood K-8
9500200M St. SW
425431.7515
9:20
15:50
12:20
9.00
9:30
15:40
16:10
Hod Row K-8
770 Aloha St.
425-778-3197
8:10
15:15
M
7:55
8:25
13:30
15:05
15:35
d25431-7900
7:20
13:50
1O.3O
7.00
13A0
7:30
14:10
HS 23200 100th Ave W
425-431-7270
9:35
14:38
IU32 8:15
14:28
8:45
14:58
Councilmember Nand recognized that the police department put a lot of work and effort into this
presentation and she appreciated how data driven it was. For the public, she explained this is one potential
tool the council is considering to deal with traffic safety issues at targeted busy intersections. During the
pandemic, a friend ended up in the hospital with a broken pelvis due to a pedestrian/vehicle conflict on
Highway 99. She was very annoyed when the engineering department put in the raised medians because
she was worried her car would get scraped, but she noticed people have stopped running across 7 lanes of
traffic going 45+ mph on Highway 99. This is very much a policy decision that will come from the
leadership of the administration which is the mayor, and the city council. She assured the police department
is very neutral in presenting this information.
Councilmember Tibbott said he has a lot of questions and will email some of them to staff. If the City were
to move forward with red light cameras, one of his desired outcomes would be that the number of citations
would decrease over time. He recalled Chief Bennett thought that could happen, but there was no data
provided relative to that. Chief Bennett displayed the graph of Lynnwood's red light cameras accident
reduction which is the closest comparable. Councilmember Tibbott pointed out that graph is accident
reduction; he was talking about a reduction in citations or in other words, more compliance with following
the law. Chief Bennett displayed Lynnwood Police Department's comparable data for 2022 that lists the
number of citations and offered to provide data for 2023 and previous years.
Councilmember Tibbott relayed an experience while driving in Lynnwood toward the mall when he stopped
at a red light and someone sped through the intersection, nearly hitting a pedestrian on the other side of the
street at a high rate of speed. He was concerned behavior wouldn't change and as the population increases
in the area and it takes longer to get around and people look for shortcuts, one of the ways is to run a red
light. The second desired outcome would be an increase in the number police officers in other parts of the
City versus parked by a red light writing citations.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 29
Chief Bennett assured officers do not spend their time parked at red lights, that is currently not part of their
duties. The police department is very busy and short staffed. There are currently ten vacancies and overtime
is mandated almost every day to keep up with minimum staffing. She would be surprised if there wasn't a
reduction in behavior just based on people knowing there is a red light cameras at an intersection and
anticipated the data would bear that out. As Councilmember Nand said, it is one of the tools to reduce red
light running. With a multitude of tools such as education, media, driving school presentations, automated
traffic enforcement, etc. will assist with that reduction. This is just one method.
Chief Bennett continued, having received a red light camera ticket herself, she guaranteed it changed her
behavior when approaching a red light. She assumed most reasonable people would be concerned about
running red lights or exceeding the speed limit in a school zone once they received a citation. She has not
received a school zone camera infraction; she has four children and is very careful in school zones. In her
experience, when drivers see the flashing light in school zones, they slow to 20 mph almost all the time.
That speed reduction is very important because studies show every mph more increases the likelihood of
serious injury or death to a child.
Councilmember Eck expressed appreciation for the analysis and statistics which help show a very logical
picture. She agreed no decision has not made; it is something for the council to consider. In her view, any
injury resulting from someone running a red light is one too many regardless of the seriousness of the injury.
Drivers are distracted by phones and there is no shortage of stress in people's lives. From the standpoint of
saving planet, people are encouraged to get out of the cars and walk and bike more often which increases
the danger. If a driver is following the law, there is nothing to worry about. When she hears the concern
that people will not drive through Edmonds due to red light cameras, she does not sense that Lynnwood's
red light cameras have been a problem or impacted their revenue. People from all over the region, not just
Edmonds residents or residents of specific areas, use the City's roads. Councilmembers are also community
members and are prepared to comply with the law related to red lights.
Councilmember Eck asked if a community member is driving and complying with all applicable laws, was
there any reason for worry if the City implemented red light cameras. Chief Bennett answered no. Every
single citation has to be reviewed to ensure the violation actually occurred. When the light turns red, the
car has to be all the way past the line in the intersection to be an infraction
Assistant Chief Sniffen said one of the criticism of red light cameras programs he hears a lot is the slow
roll right turns and when the violation actually occurs. The law states the vehicle has to enter the intersection
when the light turns red; if a driver enters the intersection when the light is yellow, it is not violation. That
is why there are white lines in all the intersections to show when the violation actually occurred. With
regard to not completely stopping before a right turn on red, in discussions with Lynnwood, that has been
the most controversial. Edmonds can set the BRQ rules so those violations aren't triggered or set rules for
the people doing the reviewing so it doesn't become a lightning rod for the program. The goal is not a
gotcha for people not coming to a complete stop before making a right turn; it is to look for egregious
violations that are accident causing behavior.
Chief Bennett explained the City would have the ability to determine whether a slow right turn roll through
a red light was egregious behavior and whether it was something for which a citation would be issued. It is
not intended to be a gotcha program, it is to cite people who are blowing red lights, something she has seen
happen with increasing regularity while in her personal car but couldn't do anything about it. That is the
behavior the red light cameras are trying to address to avoid death and injury.
Councilmember Paine asked Chief Bennett to send out the presentation as it contained more data than the
presentation in the packet. With regard to a comment from the public, there are engineering things that can
be done to help make things safter. One of those is to slow the walk cycle to give pedestrians more time to
cross with no cars in the intersection. She asked what the police department has heard from the 900 warnings
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 30
that were issued from the school zone cameras, noting that was a lot in one month especially considering
the amount of time the cameras are operational. Assistant Chief Sniffen answered the cameras are on for
30 minutes in the morning and afternoon in five school zones. The goal is to change driver behavior. There
have been 800 citations issued in the 2'/z weeks the school zone cameras have been live. The City began
issuing citations on February 5 so he was uncertain if any of them had reached the court yet. There was
very little feedback from the public from the warnings. An automated system sent out the warnings;
infractions have to be reviewed, warnings do not, although most of them were reviewed. Anecdotally he
heard some people who received a warning said Edmonds is getting serous. From watching the cameras,
he has noticed that traffic has slowed in school zones.
Councilmember Paine said the decision process in the presentation was very helpful such as cities who
couldn't install red light cameras do due to staffing. Other cities like Redmond didn't install red light
cameras due to Microsoft which is a political decision, not a public safety decision. She appreciated the
data driven proposal, commenting it is good for everyone to remember there are still a lot of decisions to
be made.
COUNCILMEMBER PAINE MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER ECK, THAT THIS
COME BACK TO CITY COUNCIL FOR A DECISION DURING APRIL WHETHER TO GO WITH
ANY OF THE OPTIONS OR GO WITH RED LIGHT CAMERAS AT ALL.
Councilmember Paine commented this is the third presentation; there was one in February when the
ordinance was prepared and in November where more information was provided and now the City has some
experience with the school zone cameras. For planning and workload purposes, a decision needs to be made
regarding whether to proceed with red light cameras and April would be a good timeline to do that.
Council President Olson commented this was intended to be a presentation today. Although she
acknowledged parliamentary procedures allow the council to take action at any time, she will vote no on
the motion in the spirit of this being a presentation. Council will have further discussions and at some point
will need to make a decision whether or not to move forward.
Councilmember Nand said Councilmember Paine's motion was premature. Red light cameras in Edmonds
would require an ordinance or an amendment to the school zone camera ordinance. There still needs to be
discussions about funding the studies and the General Fund impacts from the additional FTEs. She felt
attempting to rush this through when the school zones cameras were just installed and the community was
getting used to them would be unfortunate. As the council contemplates making this major change, there
needs to be 100% transparency with the public and appropriate outreach and community engagement which
is not the police department's job, it is the council's job because this is a political decision. She will also
vote against the motion.
Councilmember Paine commented there is an ordinance in place, the one she sent around earlier today also
allows for traffic enforcement via red light cameras and the studies are already authorized via that
ordinance.
Councilmember Dotsch said in reviewing the ordinance she did not believe it allowed for red light cameras
as that was a totally separate issue than school zone cameras. This is her first bite at the apple as a
councilmember regarding red light cameras and she has a lot of questions that have not yet been answered.
She will vote no on the motion as this was intended to be information only.
UPON ROLL CALL, MOTION FAILED (3-4), COUNCILMEMBERS ECK, CHEN AND PAINE
VOTING YES; COUNCILMEMBERS TIBBOTT, DOTSCH, AND NAND AND COUNCIL
PRESIDENT OLSON VOTING NO.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 31
Council President Olson explained this was brought back by council for discussion, not by the
administration or police department staff. She thanked the police department staff for being responsive to
her request for a presentation. For the public who may not have been following the issue in November, she
referred to the November 14, 2023 minutes that include a vote on red light cameras She quoted from the
minutes, "Councilmember Teitzel moved, seconded by Councilmember Buckshnis, to deny decision
package 7, red light cameras, at this time and reconsider in 2024." The minutes reflect that several
councilmembers explicitly stated they wanted to come back and study red light cameras outside the
construct of the budget. That is the reason for this presentation and she thanked police department staff for
the data they provided. is. For residents who said they have found information in the media saying red light
cameras don't help, she acknowledged support for any position on any subject can be found on the internet
and in the media. The sources provided by the police department were very carefully vetted and used source
data and peer reviewed articles that support the value of red light cameras.
Council President Olson continued, whether there are other ways to achieve the same values can be
discussed, but in full transparency, there are several realities, one of which is an increased in reckless driving
since the pandemic which she has noticed even on her street. There is also less police enforcement, whether
due to a decrease in staffing, increase in violent crimes that keeps officers otherwise occupied, changes in
philosophy about the police's engagement with the public, etc. Another reality is the City has some serious
financial woes and there is probably a net positive from implementing red light cameras. It is unlikely the
City can get out of its financial difficulties by just cutting expenses, there will need to be ways to generate
revenue. To the extent the council can deal with some of the problems, such as reckless driving, in a way
that helps with public safety as well as addresses the revenue situation in a net positive way is certainly
something the council needs to consider as an option. Some people have said red light cameras are not a
deterrent; however, she drives very differently than she did before she got pulled over for speeding and
received a red light cameras citation.
Council President Olson referred to Olympic View Drive, an area with reckless driving, recalling that was
not one of the options for a speed camera or red light cameras. Chief Bennett answered Edmonds
Elementary is near Olympic View Drive so a school zone camera was something the traffic sergeant
believed was implementable. An analysis would need to be done to determine if there are speeding issues.
Council President Olson commented that may not be the segment of Olympic View Drive where the fastest
speeds are occurring, but if a school zone camera would improve safety for the students, it may be of
interest. With higher density comes more pedestrians and near misses don't show up in the data. She
applauded the information provided and hoped residents who are so sure the cameras are not needed for a
public safety reason would take time to read the presentation which she found very helpful and enlightening.
Councilmember Chen expressed appreciation for the studies, data and evidence to support public safety.
He agreed his behavior also changed after getting a ticket in Lynnwood. The presentation mentioned red
light cameras were studied in 2008 and the same 3 intersections identified then were identified in 2023/2024
so this is nothing new. The council needs to make a decision that will save lives and reduce accidents. The
cameras can be studied for another 20-30 years, but lives are being lost and accidents are happening. The
council needs to make decision and not wait another 10 years. There is plenty of evidence that red light
cameras will improve public safety. He encouraged the council and the public to think about what if the
person hit in a red light accident was their family member.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT OLSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER PAINE, TO
EXTEND TO 10:15. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Councilmember Nand said she was glad Councilmembers Paine, Olson and Chen raised the policy part of
discussion. It is a happy accident that the presentation from Ms. Kyle regarding the Snohomish County
Public Defenders Association and the amount of privilege and barriers to access to justice for low income,
immigrant populations, and people with disabilities and vulnerabilities was also tonight. She cautioned the
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 32
council to think about the privilege it requires to be able to take off time in the middle of a work day to go
to court and face a judge and prosecutor to contest a ticket. She knew people whose income is over
$ 1 00,000/year with college educations who speak English as a first language who have done it; not a lot of
people who have to work 40+ hours/week who speak English as a second language or might have trauma
or issues of intimidation going to court will do it. This is a policy discussion that needs to occur between
politicians that should not involve the police department or courts. She encouraged the council when sharing
their personal stories about paying a ticket and it being what they spent on a dinner to consider that that is
not the reality for a lot of people who would be affected by this proposal.
Councilmember Dotsch relayed in researching 2008, she learned cameras were set up and it was determined
it would not have been worth the money to install them. To her, school zone cameras and red light cameras
are two totally different things; school zones cameras are universally accepted by the community as
necessary to keep kids safe. In looking at the numbers, there is no comparison of the accidents at red lights,
stop signs or no traffic control. The data needs to be objective; when driving around Edmonds, she routinely
sees drivers running stop signs including a van that ran the stop sign at Dayton & 5t' today. She travels
220t1i a lot; in the data provided regarding the number of vehicles and the number of accidents, it would be
1 accident for every 2.19 million car trips, and Hwy 104 & 100t1i would be 1 accident for every 2.37 million
car trips. She was trying to understand if the effort and time, especially the police's time when there is such
limited staffing, is best used to review red light cameras citations.
Councilmember Dotsch referred to the signal at 220t' & Highway 99 heading east, at 9:30 a.m. today, the
left turn to go north on Highway 99 let 3 cars through and the 4t' car ran the light. She referred to an
automated enforcement checklist she shared today that was produced by Advocates for Highway and Auto
Safety, the Governor's Highway Safety Association, National Safety Council, and AAA that states
successful programs are transparent and have a strong public information component. She advocated for
more engagement with the public regarding red light cameras and the location of cameras. She referred to
the intersection comparisons which do not reflect what is happening two blocks away where there isn't a
red light cameras. The safety groups caution against comparing the same intersections and data because it
does not indicate whether there is an overall reduction. With regard to speeding in school zones, she said it
would be interesting to know if speeds are decreasing there as well.
Councilmember Dotsch suggested considering how to engage with the public before making a decision on
red light cameras. It may be worthwhile to consider the timing of signals and whether it is appropriate for
the volume of traffic; signals that only let a limited number of cars through may motivate drivers to run the
red light. She asked if that was reviewed as part of this proposal, something that the safety group's checklist
recommended. Chief Bennett said most of the studies Councilmember Dotsch cited were the same ones she
cited in her presentation. The safety group's recommendation follows Verra's program including media
piece, identification, doing research, etc. Community engagement is important such as was done with the
school zone cameras. Traffic engineers can consider timing of signals; they utilize an algorithm and
methodology for signal timing as there are a lot of factors in determining signal timing. Even if someone
gets delayed at a signal, it does not give them the right to run the red light because the other direction then
has a green light and running the red light can result in a T-bone accident that often results in major injuries.
Assistant Chief Sniffen agreed the proposal went through a lot of the same steps cited by the safety group.
There was engagement done regarding the school zone cameras and agreed the engagement the safety
groups recommended such as stakeholder groups would be a good step. With regard to timing of the signals,
engineering would need to be involved due to the number of inputs that determine timing. Chief Bennett
commented on the importance of an advisory group having a diverse set of opinions including schools, law
enforcement, fire department, etc. She was not opposed to an advisory group as long as it was well balanced
with a variety of stakeholders including the court. The data she received for 2020-2022 did not have a lot
of depth and breadth to it. The 2023 data does identify actual intersection related collisions; at 220t1i &
Highway 99, there were 13 in 2023. She referred to the intersection related collisions total and location for
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 33
2023, indicating the ones in gray are stop sign controlled intersections, the intersections in red are signal
controlled intersections. Information will continue to be tracked through 2024; it is really important to be
transparent and communicate with the community about the numbers as it should not be a program that is
implemented without due process and transparency.
Councilmember Dotsch asked if those accidents were all the result of running the red light or just accidents
that happened at the intersection. Chief Bennett answered the accidents are intersection -related.
Councilmember Dotsch said she was surprised to see how many one car accidents there were. As there are
are now U turns on Highway 99; Councilmember Dotsch asked if the red light cameras would catch those.
Chief Bennett answered if the light is still green or yellow when the vehicle enters the intersection, it is not
a violation. Assistant Chief Sniffen said the camera takes a series of three photographs as the car moves
through the intersection.
Councilmember Eck commented as the council discusses this over the next few weeks or months, she
encouraged councilmembers to look at the logic and the statistics and keep in mind this is about empathy
and caring for our family members, neighbors, and community members and not having one person injured.
COUNCILMEMBER PAINE MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT OLSON, TO
EXTEND TO 10:23. UPON ROLL CALL, MOTION FAILED (4-3) FOR LACK OF A SUPER
MAJORITY, COUNCILMEMBERS ECK, PAINE, AND NAND AND COUNCIL PRESIDENT
OLSON VOTING YES; COUNCILMEMBERS CHEN, TIBBOTT AND DOTSCH VOTING NO.
11. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Rosen had no comments.
12. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Eck acknowledged February is Black History Month. It is a tradition that started in the Jim
Crow era and was officially recognized in 1976 as part of the national bicentennial celebration. It aims to
honor the contributions that African Americans have made and to recognize their sacrifices. It is an
important recognition to pause and take note of.
Councilmember Paine expressed appreciation for the conversation about red light cameras. She pointed out
driver's ed is no longer taught in schools so there are at least 20 years' worth of students who if they did
not receive driver training through a private vendor, no longer get it in school which is something to
consider in the driving mishaps that occur.
Council President Olson expressed her extreme appreciation to Snohomish County for the wonderful,
supportive grant they provided for parks and open space.
Councilmember Nand acknowledged the loss of Alexei Navalny on February 16, the leader of the
opposition to Vladimir Putin and his murderous regime. This is a great loss for the opportunity for peace,
democracy, and government accountability in Russia. She is making these comments due to disturbing pro-
Putin comments she has seen in local Facebook groups.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, the council meeting was adjourned at 10:14 pm.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 34
SCOTT PASS EY; CLERK
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
February 20, 2024
Page 35