2024-05-21 Council MinutesEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APPROVED MINUTES
May 21, 2024
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Mike Rosen, Mayor
Will Chen, Council President Pro Tern
Chris Eck, Councilmember
Neil Tibbott, Councilmember
Michelle Dotsch, Councilmember
Susan Paine, Councilmember
Jenna Nand, Councilmember
ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT
Vivian Olson, Council President
1. CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE
STAFF PRESENT
Kim Dunscombe, Deputy Admin. Serv. Dir.
Susan McLaughlin, Planning & Dev. Dir.
Rob English, City Engineer
Jeanie McConnell, Engineering Program Mgr.
Rose Haas, Planner
Royce Napolitino, PW Executive Assistant
Jeff Taraday, City Attorney
Scott Passey, City Clerk
Jerrie Bevington, Camera Operator
The Edmonds City Council meeting was called to order at 7 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
Councilmember Tibbott 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 with the exception of Council
President Olson.
4. PRESENTATIONS
PUBLIC WORKS WEEK PROCLAMATION
Mayor Rosen read a proclamation proclaiming the week of May 19-25, 2024 as Public Works Week in
Edmonds. He presented the proclamation to Public Works Executive Assistant Royce Napolitino and City
Engineer Rob English. Mr. Napolitino thanked the mayor and council for the opportunity to serve the
community, relaying Public Works takes its work very seriously and aims to serve the public to the highest
level.
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
May 21, 2024
Page 1
COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM CHEN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER PAINE,
TO APPROVE THE AGENDA IN CONTENT AND ORDER. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
6. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Richard Marin, Edmonds, accompanied by Joan Longstaff, Edmonds, members of the Edmonds
Cemetery Board, invited the council, mayor and public to join them on Monday, May 27 at 11 am for the
City's Memorial Day program at the cemetery. He was wearing his uniform, not to show off, but to make
a point that Memorial Day was not instituted as a holiday in the United States so that people could get a
discount on a refrigerator or have fun, but to take time to think about the sacrifices of those who made it
possible to enjoy freedoms in the United States. The event will include context provided by Mayor Rosen
followed by this year's principal speaker, Greg Copeland, a KING 5 news anchor who will describe an epic
battle that took place off the Philippines in 1944 that ultimately led to the liberation of the Philippines. Mr.
Copeland's grandfather, Bob Copeland, was a commanding officer of a destroyer escort, who took his crew
and ship into this battle against cruisers and a battleship that was ultimately sunk. He will share what formed
his thinking as young boy to get him to the point where he could take his crew and ship into battle, a David
and Goliath situation, and the person he was afterward. He assured this would be a program where
participants will come away with good in their heart about those who served and their place in the
community. Ms. Longstaff said she was born October 4, 1941, and it was a privilege to serve on the
cemetery board. She thanked the council and mayor for their service.
Gordon Black, Edmonds, board member of the North Sound Bicycle Advocates (previously Edmonds
Bicycle Advocacy Group/EBAG), commended Edmonds Public Works for their great work completing the
bicycle lanes on 100t' Avenue. As a cyclist who often rides on 100"/9t1i, the bike lanes make a difference to
his safety. He hoped the safer conditions provided by the bike lanes will encourage more people to bike on
daily errands. He recognized it will take time for some drivers to get used to the new road layout, but if it
reduces the volume of cars using 100t1i, it will be worth the effort for the health of the planet and individuals
choosing to bike rather than drive. He commended the City for their efforts to create a true network of
connected bike routes to make it easier for more people to consider cycling for transportation. A key
component of that future network is joining the two ends of the Interurban Trail. North Sound Bicycle
Advocates is advocating for a safer, more inviting crossing. He expressed the group's appreciation for
individual councilmember's support for the bridge concept; a majority of councilmembers have seen the
trail up close on one of the group's site visits. Last night members of the Shoreline City Council agreed to
contribute funds to a study to examine how a bridge might become a reality. He invited Edmonds City
Council to match Shoreline's contribution. King County has also indicated their willingness to make a
contribution to a study. This collaboration recognizes the trail is truly a regional asset that deserves a joint
effort from the communities it serves. As the City prepares the Transportation Improvement Plan for 2025
and begins budgeting, he hoped Edmonds would be a good neighbor and help fund this route study on how
best to connect the Interurban Trail.
Richard , referred to the council's comments about revenue and suggested a study on a
public -private funded parking garage to include revenue generation, a joint program with City businesses
and City government, a combined effort of the chamber and downtown merchants using public -private
funds. The Public Works building is very ecological, friendly and visually attractive; a garage could be also
be visually attractive.
Jim Ogonowski, Edmonds, referred to the agenda item related to issuing bonds, commenting it seemed
premature, particularly since the Blue Ribbon Panel has not released a strategic plan regarding how the
City's finances will be managed in the future which he assumed would include bonding. Recognizing the
bonds are related to the utility funds, he questioned the proposal for approximately $11.5 million for utilities
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
May 21, 2024
Page 2
when the City already has $35 million in utility spendable reserves. In addition, last year the council
approved utility rate increases for at least the next three years which is an accumulated $4 million for the
utility funds. He summarized utility fund revenue is growing at the end of the year versus using it for
constructive purposes. He asked whether the administration intended to borrow money from the utility
funds to support other City services or needs. He suggested pausing issuance of bonds until a holistic plan
is in place as it is not time sensitive. He also recommended waiting until the Blue Ribbon Panel has issued
their report which will allow the council to make a cohesive assessment of the need.
Joan Longstaff, Edmonds, commended the council and mayor on the fantastic job they are doing. She
hears from the business community and the private sector who want to be heard that the council and mayor
are listening.
Bill Krepick, Woodway, referred to his previous comments to council regarding the fire service
alternatives, noting a few things have come up since then. One of the council committees announced their
selection of annexation as a preferred alternative and he wondered why when it seemed the City had let the
RFA off the hook justifying their $18 million costs for 2026. Edmonds needs to gain leverage, not capitulate
to what he believed was biased and very conflicted input from the consultants as it seemed to him Fitch
always defaults to annexation as the best solution. The council needs to put taxpayers first, get true costs
and financial details and a commitment from the RFA to manage future costs. Second, The RFA's 2024
budget shows fire and EMS revenues increased from $52.8 million to $55.5 million between 2019 and
2022, a 5.3% increase over 3 years which seemed reasonable considering the small population growth and
small cost of living during that time. Between 2022 and 2023, the RFA's costs increased by 19.1% and
increased another 14.4% between 2023 and 2024, a 33.4% increase in a few years. The RFA's response
was it was due to annexation of Brier and Mountlake Terrace. The writing is on the wall; the same will
happen to Edmonds taxpayers after annexation and he did not understand how the council could say
annexation was the preferred alternative with that type of outcome.
Mr. Krepick relayed his third point, regional scaling is a total myth as illustrated by the RFA's recent cost
increases. He opined the RFA was absolutely mismanaged and their practices are unsustainable. The
council should demand the RFA provide a five year history of cost per capita and cost per service call and
explain their broken business model. Fourth, it was his understanding a clause in the current RFA contract
states if service is terminated, the City has the right to buy back fire trucks at blue book value, an important
part of the equation in determining whether an Edmonds Fire Department might be a preferred solution
rather than annexation.
7. RECEIVED FOR FILING
1. WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS
2. MARCH 2O24 QUARTERLY FINANCIAL REPORT
3. APRIL 2024 MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
4. 2023 TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT DISTRICT REPORT
8. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
COUNCILMEMBER PAINE MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER TIBBOTT, TO
APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The agenda items
approved are as follows:
1. APPROVAL OF SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES MAY 7, 2024
2. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MINUTES MAY 7, 2024
3. APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS AND WIRE PAYMENTS
4. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL AND BENEFIT CHECKS, DIRECT DEPOSIT AND WIRE
PAYMENTS
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
May 21, 2024
Page 3
5. AMENDING ECC 5.24.010 -FIREARMS AND DANGEROUS WEAPONS
6. AMENDMENT TO THE FIBER CONSORTIUM INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT
7. JOB ORDER CONTRACTING - PROPOSAL AND AGREEMENT EXTENSION
8. FLEET MECHANIC JOB DESCRIPTION REVISION
9. PRESENTATION OF AMENDMENT TO PSA WITH HERRERA FOR THE STORM AND
SURFACE WATER COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
10. APPROVAL OF PSA WITH CONSULTANT, ROCK PROJECT MANAGEMENT
SERVICES LLC (ROCK), FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS CONSTRUCTION
MANAGEMENT, ENGINEERING & INSPECTION SERVICES
11. AWARD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE 2024 UTILITY REPLACEMENT
PROJECT
12. AWARD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO GRANITE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
FOR 2024 OVERLAY PROGRAM
9. PUBLIC HEARING
1. ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT CODE AMENDMENT TO ALLOW FOR DETACHED
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS — "EXPANDING HOUSING OPTIONS BY EASING
BARRIERS TO THE CONSTRUCTION AND USE OF ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
IN ACCORDANCE WITH HB 1337."
Planning & Development Director Susan McLaughlin introduced Planner Rose Haas, Planning Board Chair
Jeremy Mitchell, and Planning Board Member Nick Maxwell.
Ms. Haas reviewed:
Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Update Timeline
o Council Introduction — November 14, 2023
o Planning Board Introduction — December 13, 2023
o Planning Board Discussion 1 — January 10, 2024
o Planning Board Discussion 2 — January 24, 2024
o Council Discussion 1 — February 27, 2024
o Planning Board Public Hearing — February 28, 2024
o Council Study Session — March 5, 2024
o Planning Board Discussion 3 — April 10, 2024
o Council Public Hearing — May 21, 2024
o Anticipated Council Adoption — June 5, 2024
What are ADUs?
o An accessory dwelling unit is a small
residence that shares a single-family lot
with a primary dwelling.
o An ADU is self-contained, with its own
kitchen or kitchenette, bathroom and
living/sleeping area.
o An attached ADU is a dwelling unit
located within or
housing unit.
o A detached ADU
and unconnected
attached to another
(DADU) is separate
to the other housing
unit.
• What are the benefits of ADUs?
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Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
May 21, 2024
Page 4
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o Support aging in place.
o Provide additional financial support for
homeowners.
o Add value: Properties with an ADU are
priced 35% higher.
o Offer an efficient, low-cost way to build
housing.
o Meet diverse needs - suited well for young
couples, small families, friends, young
people, and seniors.
o Allow multi -generational living.
The ABCs of ADUs
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THE EDMONDS
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HB 1337 MRSC and Department of HARP Best Practices
Commerce Guide Citizens Housing Commission Survey
Why DADUs in Edmonds today?
o In 2021, the Citizens' Housing Commission stated the following policy recommendation for
updating the ADU code to include DADUs:
■ "Allow either one attached or detached accessory unit on a property in the SFR area, with
clear and definitive development requirements such as size, ownership, and parking, under
the standard permitting process and not require a conditional use permit."
o According to the 2021 American Community Survey, 21.5% of Edmonds' residents are over
65 years of age.
o The most frequent over the counter ADU question: "Are DADUs allowed for `aging in place'?"
What will HB 1337 require?
o State legislation mandates that HB 1337 must be implemented no later than six months after
the next Comprehensive Plan due date. Commerce language will supersede, preempt, and
invalidate any conflicting local development regulations if Edmonds does not adopt policy by
June 30, 2025.
o The requirements for the City of Edmonds will be as follows:
■ Allow two ADUs per lot (any configuration of ADU and DADU).
■ No owner -occupancy requirements.
■ Allow separate sale of ADUs.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
May 21, 2024
Page 5
■ No parking required within a half -mile of a major transit stop, as defined in RCW
36.70A.696(8).
■ Maximum size limitation no less than 1,000 sf of gross floor area.
— Gross Floor Area is defined as the "interior habitable area of an accessory dwelling
unit, including basements and attics but not including unconditioned space, such as a
garage or non -habitable accessory structures."
■ Allow DADUs to be sited at a rear lot line when the lot line abuts a public alley.
■ No setback requirements, yard coverage limits, tree retention mandates, restrictions on
entry door locations, or aesthetic requirements that are more restrictive than for the
principal unit.
■ Allow ADUs of at least 24-feet in height.
■ Impact fees cannot be more than 50% of fees charged for the principal unit.
• What does ECDC currently allow?
Permit needed YES - Conditional Use Permit -Type II decision.
Type of Unit Attached ADU only.
Number of Units May have accessory dwelling unit per lot
Size
✓ Must not exceed 40%of the livable floor area of the principal dwelling, up to a maximum of 800 square feet.
✓ No more than two bedrooms.
✓ An exception allows increased size up to 505/6 of the floor area of the principal dwelling if the ADU is all on a single floor.
Design
Architecturally match with the primary residence.
Entrance
Side entrance that should be unobtrusive when viewed from the street.
Parking
One off-street parking space in addition to the parking spaces normally required for the principal dwelling, but no less than three
spaces per lot.
Occupancy
Either the primary dwelling or the accessory dwelling unit must be owner -occupied.
• Planning board and staff recommendations include the following policies:
o ADU size restrictions
o ADU setback reductions
o Parking restrictions
o Impact fees
• Staff and planning board recommendations
Permit needed
Permitted secondary use; Can be
permitted in PRDs.
Type of Unit
DADUs and AADUs
Number of Units:
Allow two ADUs on all lots in any
configuration.
Size
Max height 24'.
No less than 1,000 square feet gross floor
area.
Setbacks If rear lot line abuts a public alley, no rear
setbacks are required for DADUs,
Design
No design restrictions.
Parking
No additional parking required for ADUs
within Y mile of a major transit stop.
Occupancy
Owner not required to reside in one of
the units. Allow sale as condominium.
Provide incentives for reduced DADU
heights in the
In RS-10, RS-12, and RS-20 zones no
more than 1,200 square feet gross floor
area.
Rear setbacks may be reduced to a
(5-feet for DADUs
that are 15' in height or less) in the RS-6
and RS-8 zones.
Provide incentives for reduced DADU heights in
In RS-10, 115-12, and RS-20 zones no more than
1,200 square feet gross floor area.
Rear setbacks may be reduced to a minimum of
5-feet for DADUs that are 15' in height or less
in the RS-6 and RS-8 zones
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
May 21, 2024
Page 6
(Yellow highlights identify differences between staff and planning board recommendations)
Development Standards
o AADUs and DADUs are subject to the same permitting requirements as any other dwelling
unit and must meet all health and safety standards, including:
■ Building Codes, Energy Codes
■ Public Works requirements
■ Utility requirements
■ Environmental Codes (Critical Area regulations)
Recommendations: Size
o Staff and planning board shared recommendations
■ Limiting ADUs to 1,000 sf of gross floor area on small lots (RS-6 and RS-8)
■ Allowing ADUs to have up to 1,200 sf of gross floor area on one or two floors on large
lots (RS-10, RS-12, RS-20)
■ Remember:
- Gross floor area is defined as the "interior habitable area of an accessory dwelling unit,
not including unconditioned space."
- Habitable space can be divided by two floors limited at 24-feet in height.
Recommendations: Height and Setbacks
o Staff and planning board differing recommendations
■ Planning Staff-
- Decreasing rear setback requirements to allow for more flexibility on smaller lots (RS-
6 and RS-8)
• Allowing a minimum of 10-foot rear setback for DADUs on small lots
• Allowing a minimum of 5-foot rear setback for ADUs on small lots that limit ADU
height to 15-feet
■ Planning board:
- Setback reduction incentives on small parcels only if property owners limit height of
ADU to 15' to preserve privacy and views of existing neighborhoods in all zones
• Allowing a minimum 5-foot rear setback for ADUs on RS-6 and RS-8 lots
• Allowing a minimum 15-foot rear setback for ADUs on RS-10, RS-12 and RS-20
zones
o Illustration of planning staff and planning board recommendations
Planning Staff
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Rear setbacks may be reduced Planning Board Rear setbacks may be reduced to a
to a minimum of 10.feet (5-feet minimum of 5-feet for DADUs that
for DADUs that are 15' in height are 15' in height or less in the RS-6
or less) in the RS-6 and R5-8 and RS-8 zones and to 15-feet in
zones. all other zones.
ADUS and DADUs subject to 35% lot coverage for all zones RS-6 through RS-20
Recommendations: Parking
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
May 21, 2024
Page 7
o Staff and planning board differing recommendations
■ Planning staff-
- No additional parking required for
ADUs
- 2 parking spaces are currently required
for all single family homes.
- Current regulations allow ADU parking
to be tandem or within the existing
driveway
- High cost of providing additional
parking may limit some homeowners'
ability to create additional housing.
- Many lots do not have the capacity for a
third parking space.
■ Planning board:
- No additional parking required for first
ADU
- One additional parking space required
for second ADU
Distance to Transit
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Recommendations: Impact Fees
o Staff and planning board shared recommendations:
■ Count ADUs toward density requirements, consistent with 2024 comprehensive plan
update and GMA requirements
- HB 1337 requires that assessment of impact fees cannot be more than 50% of what
would be imposed on the principal unit
- Will result in required impact fees for ADUs
Next Steps: What about Pre -Approved Designs?
o After ADU code adoption, providing pre -approved design options or prefabricated units can
lower costs for homeowners and align designs with community vision
■ Development staff pre -approves architectural plans for compliance with building and
development codes
■ Typically approved in shorter timeframe with reduced permit fees
Planning Board Chair Jeremy Mitchell commented the ADU/DADU code amendment is a popular topic
among citizens although as expected, the planning board received mixed input from the community. Some
people wanted nothing to do with HB 1337 and others viewed it as an opportunity for investment, provide
multigenerational housing, or provide a variety of housing types. Most citizen input outside those high level
concerns were related to massing and height of ADUs/DADUs. With regard to the overall massing, HB
1337 requires no less than 1,000 square feet gross floor area. Many citizens were opposed to anything over
1,000 square feet; the planning board agreed to allow up to 1,200 square feet in zones where the lot sizes
could accommodate that size. The planning board was interested in regulations that allowed for some
flexibility, incentivizing "Edmonds -friendly" type massing such as using setbacks to result in a one-story
ADU/DADU.
Planning Board Chair Mitchell continued, with regard to parking which was also a controversial topic, the
board met the community halfway; some did not want parking to be a barrier and others wanted to require
an abundance of parking to accommodate these structures. The planning board agreed with staff s
recommendation that no additional parking was required for the first ADU as the principal structure already
requires two parking spaces, but recommended requiring one additional off-street parking space for a
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
May 21, 2024
Page 8
second ADU. The planning board agreed with staff s recommendation regarding impact fees due to the
need for that revenue to make infrastructure improvements to accommodate growth.
Councilmember Nand thanked the planning department, specifically Ms. Haas, and the planning board for
their hard work, recognizing there has been a very robust public process related to this new housing model.
She was personally excited to see how it will shape up, especially with the strong concern about
displacement. This gives property owners the opportunity to leverage their space to either age in place,
accommodate family members, or afford to continue living in Edmonds versus being forced to sell and
having a developer subdivide their lot and build luxury houses. She relayed her understanding in California,
where there has been a similar affordable housing crisis, ADUs have exploded in popularity. She has read
if an alleyway is a principal manner of access/egress for a zero lot line development, it can cause difficulty
with vehicular access. She asked if there were any alleyways in Edmonds where a zero lot line could
potentially affect the ability to access the property. Ms. Haas answered ADUs/DADUs will go through
engineering review; therefore, if a property owner applied for an ADU on the rear lot line, it would be
subject to utilities and public works review. Typically public works would address any right-of-way issues.
Councilmember Nand recognized HB 1337 establishes a basic floor for state requirements; and suggested
a cascading table related to impact fees to incentivize behaviors when property owners build an ADU. For
example, could the City offer a percentage reduction if the architecture of the DADU and the principal
residence was similar or if the unit would be used for a family member and not for commercial purposes.
If a DADU was constructed for commercial purposes, she felt the property owner should pay the full impact
fee because it was part of a business model, but if the DADU was constructed to house family members,
particularly multigenerational housing, she would support reducing the impact fee. She asked if that was a
possibility. Ms. McLaughlin answered legally, impact fees must be linked to the impacts of growth which
typically relate to infrastructure needs. She would be concerned about linking the impact fee amount to
something other than infrastructure or growth.
At City Attorney Jeff Taraday's request, Councilmember Nand repeated her question; if someone were
building a DADU for commercial purposes like an Airbnb, she would be in favor of requiring payment of
the full impact fee. If the property owner was building a DADU as a residence for a family member, she
would support reducing it to 25% to incentivize construction of a more affordable housing option. She
asked if that would be legally allowed. Mr. Taraday answered if it was something the council wanted to
pursue, he would need to research it. The state has provided clear areas where the City can exempt impact
fees, but he was unsure those were the only exemptions.
Councilmember Eck expressed appreciation for the planning department and planning board's work as well
as the public input. She relayed a concern she has heard regarding requirements related to permeable
surfaces. It was her understanding the requirements would be same as for single family homes. Ms. Haas
answered ADUs/DADUs will go through the permit process which includes evaluation of impervious
surfaces which relate to public works requirements as well as critical area requirements. There is no change
based on whether it is an ADU; in terms of impervious surfaces and critical areas, it will be same as any
other development such as a new driveway, an accessory structure such as an art studio, etc. Ms.
McLaughlin asked if Councilmember Eck was referring to the 35% lot coverage regulation. Ms. Haas
advised structural lot coverage is different than impervious surfaces. The development code requires any
structure over 3 feet can only utilize only 35% of the lot; the public works code related to stormwater
management and impervious surfaces such as paving, structures, gravel, etc. That will not change with an
ADU; it will be treated like any other structure.
Councilmember Eck commented she liked the idea of recommended designs, finding merits such as ease
for the builder and property owner, providing the City an element of control with design, etc. She asked if
it would be possible to provide an incentive for a property owner selecting a recommended design. Ms.
Haas answered the incentive would be the shortened permit time and lower cost. She was unsure if there
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
May 21, 2024
Page 9
could be another incentive such as reduction in setbacks. Councilmember Eck said that may be something
to look into, anticipating a recommended design would make an ADU/DADU more attractive. Ms.
McLaughlin explained by their nature, incentives reduce barriers to development which would not conflict
with the state mandate as it would provide a more expeditious process along with more design controls.
She offered to respond to that question when this comes back to council on June 5.
Councilmember Paine expressed appreciation for everyone's hard work on this issue, recognizing there
were a lot of state requirements to deal with. She asked if there was a way to financially incentivize
conversions of existing principal residences rather than increasing impervious surface which would reduce
tree removal, construction of driveways, etc. Ms. Haas answered the state requires that existing structures
be allowed to be converted into ADUs which may be a nonconforming garage or studio. Councilmember
Paine repeated her question, whether that can be incentivized to reduce environmental impact and
recognizing a remodel is easier than new construction, Ms. Haas referred to the development standard that
allows 35% lot coverage; often single family homes max out to that 35%. The 35% is in place to protect
impervious surfaces; the public works code also protects impervious surfaces. She was uncertain about
incentivizing that.
Councilmember Paine said she was referring to the conversion of a daylight basement or adding a second
story above a garage. Ms. McLaughlin answered that tool currently exists in the code. She offered to speak
to that at the next meeting, but the easy answer is there can be incentives, the question is the tradeoff of an
incentive such as reduced setbacks, reduced fees, etc.
Councilmember Paine asked whether staff was expecting that a developer would buy a parcel and put in a
principal house and an ADU and a DADU, whether staff had gotten any idea from the development
community about what to expect. Ms. Haas answered that is a possibility similar to what happens with older
housing stock. Typically when older housing stock is sold nowadays, it is razed to the ground and built to
the 35% maximum which could happen with ADUs as well. She pointed out the massing will not be that
much different than what is being built now.
Councilmember Paine asked if there were plans to adopt the state code related to condominiumization and
have that internal review in the City such as looking at the CC&Rs versus the way it is handled now via the
county. She suggested adding that to the list of considerations, whether the City wants to do that and whether
there could be a consumer protection focus to ensure it looks good for all participants in the creation of the
condominiumization. Ms. Haas relayed the state requires the City allow condominiumization.
Councilmember Paine said she was interested in a local review versus at the county. Mr. Taraday answered
the City does not typically look at CC&Rs and condominium declarations; that is a private matter between
the declarant of condo and the future owners of the condominium units. It is up to the due diligence of the
buyer to ensure they are getting the rights they need in the condominium declaration. Cities don't typically
do that and it would add cost to the review if the City wanted to undertake that.
Councilmember Paine said the City of Seattle does it because she did it for years for Seattle and it offers a
lot of consumer protection. It may be an interesting topic to consider and decide whether the City wants to
do that. Ms. McLaughlin pointed out it would definitely require resource allocation that staff currently is
unable to meet.
Councilmember Dotsch said she preferred to think more holistically, commenting this is the first step with
the housing bills and the cumulative effects of the housing bills and the proposed incentive programs need
to be looked at as a package due to how they impact each other. For example, HB 1110, the two units per
lot required bill, two ADUs are allowed on each lot. The SEPA analysis said everything in Edmonds is the
same, which is not true and she preferred to dive into all the pieces that will impact each individual lot in
single family neighborhoods. One of the other requirements with HB 1110 is no more than one parking
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
May 21, 2024
Page 10
space per unit can be required for 6,000 square foot or smaller lots and no parking is required for housing
within'/4 mile of a major transit stop.
Councilmember Dotsch referred to the green incentive program, which appears to allow an extra 5 feet,
increasing from 35% to 40% lot coverage, reduced parking, and minimizing setbacks on larger lots to match
smaller lot setbacks. She feared those would have big impacts on neighbors, pointing out 5 feet from a fence
line is very close and with 1,000 square feet, it can be nearly the size of a regular house. In reading posts
on Nextdoor, a lot of these type of projects are built in Maple Leaf which has resulted in a loss of light,
privacy, trees, green space, etc. In Maple Leaf, developers are purchasing smaller houses, demolishing them
and constructing multiple dwelling units. In looking at these piecemeal, it doesn't seems too bad, but in
looking at the regulations together, there will be a lot of impacts on lots in single family zones. When most
people think about living in a single family house in Edmonds, this type of development isn't what they
think about happening next door. She assumed most people were unaware this was being contemplated and
feared a lot of people would be surprised as this moves ahead. She urged caution in how much the City
allowed upfront, how much was allowed beyond what was required as what was required would already be
quite impactful.
Councilmember Dotsch asked how heights are measured on sloped lots. Ms. Haas reminded staff must
follow the critical area code as well as the tree regulations and cannot treat ADUs differently than a single
family home. She hears people say developers will come in and build ADUs, but many lots are already
maxed out the lot coverage; whether it is an ADU or a single family home, that is already happening. With
regard to 5 feet from the property line, staff and the planning board's recommendation is to allow that only
in the RS-6 and RS-8 for DADUs 15 feet or less, one story DADUs. The current code allows accessory
buildings such as a garage, playhouses, etc. to be 5 feet from the rear lot line. She recognized those
structures were a little smaller but that has already been happening. With regard to how height is reviewed
on building permits is the average original grade which is based on the smallest rectangle that can be drawn
around the development; an elevation is taken from each corner and averaged. Councilmember Dotsch
observed the side of a structure could be taller than 25 feet depending on the slope. Ms. Haas agreed.
Councilmember Dotsch asked if a property owner of a single family house on a sloped lot wanted to build
a DADU whether it could be higher than the primary unit. Ms. Haas answered yes, for example if the
primary was a single story ranch style house, a 2-story DADU up to 24 feet could be constructed under the
state requirements. Councilmember Dotsch observed the placement on the sloped lot could also impact the
height. Ms. Haas answered that would apply to any single family home or accessory structure.
Councilmember Dotsch commented an ADU is attached to a house and it is often used by a family member
and is not supposed to be an Airbnb. DADUs will be quite different than existing ADUs because it can be
a short term rental. She expressed interest in seeing a bigger picture of the impacts to single family lots
rather than looking at it in a vacuum. She inquired about short term rentals. Ms. Haas answered short term
rentals are currently an allowed use; a homeowner can currently have a short-term rental in their ADU
although the owner needs to live on the site where the ADU located.
Councilmember Dotsch asked if owner occupancy would still be required under the new regulations. Mr.
Taraday responded the City cannot require owner occupancy anymore, that is the main change.
Councilmember Dotsch asked if the City could require rentals of 30 days or more. Mr. Taraday answered
the general rule is they have to be treated the same way single family homes are treated. Ms. Haas clarified
unless the City changed the requirements for short term rentals throughout the City, that could not be
required specifically for DADUs. There cannot be separate rules for ADUs or DADUs.
Council President Pro Tern Chen expressed appreciation for the planning board and planning department
for bringing this topic to the council for multiple touches. He also thanked the public for voicing their
opinions and concerns. He relayed his understanding that ADUs and DADUs would be attached to the
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
May 21, 2024
Page 11
original single family land deed and not subdivided. Ms. Haas answered it cannot be subdivided but it can
be condominiumized. Council President Pro Tem Chen referred to the state requirement that allows separate
sale of ADUs and asked how that would happen; if the units are on the same deed, how was the ADU sold
separately. Ms. Haas answered hopefully the property owner would develop a homeowners association
(HOA) and there potentially could be two separately owned structures and the land would be a shared area.
For things to go smoothly, it would be beneficial for the homeowners to develop a private agreement,
typically an HOA. Council President Pro Tem Chen observed that would result in a different sale
arrangement.
Council President Pro Tem Chen said he liked the idea of a pre -approved design so the City has some
control over what appeared in neighborhoods as well as reduce costs and speed up the permitting process.
He assumed the City would come up with preapproved designs. Ms. McLaughlin answered that was
definitely an interest and would be beneficial to the program on both sides; however, it will require funding.
There are grants available, but that will be a 2025 pursuit. Council President Pro Tem Chen commended
the planning board and the planning department for coming up with different recommendations.
Ms. Haas advised the only policies the City has control over are related to size, setbacks, parking, and
impact fee; incentives will typically have to be related to one of those topics. She suggested thinking about
what the City can incentivize before thinking about how to do it would be a good exercise.
Councilmember Tibbott asked for clarification, 35% is the lot coverage of the dwelling units so 65% has to
remain open. He commented that is an important percentage; in his neighborhood smaller houses have been
taken down and larger houses constructed that maximize the full 35%. He asked if 600 square feet of that
35% coverage remained, whether someone could theoretically construct a 600 square foot DADU with 2-
stories for a total of 1,200 square feet. Ms. Haas answered yes, reminding it would be subject to the building
code.
Councilmember Tibbott observed 1,200 square feet on larger lots was the total DADU size, not the
footprint. Ms. Haas answered it was the total gross floor area, not the footprint, the livable area, which
could be divided between two floors. Garages and unheated, unconditioned spaces are not included in total
gross floor area. There could potentially be a DADU with 1,200 gross floor area and additional parking.
Although theoretically it could happen, there will be development constraints that limit it. Most people who
want an ADU on their property do not want to use up their structural lot coverage on a garage or deck.
Councilmember Tibbott asked if a 1,200 footprint DADU and a second story above for a total of 2,400
square feet would be allowed. Ms. Haas answered it would not be allowed. Mr. Taraday clarified it would
be allowed because the state law specifically states two ADUs have to be allowed in any configuration.
Someone could have a 2-story DADU with a 1,200 square feet on each floor and that would comply with
state law. Councilmember Tibbott clarified there could be a 1,200 square foot unit on the first floor and
another 1,200 square foot unit on the second floor. Ms. Haas answered yes.
Councilmember Tibbott asked about disadvantages of having an ADU or DADU on a property. One that
came to his mind was adding a DADU would increase the property taxes which could be disadvantage for
some people. Ms. Haas answered it is very subjective; for someone who wants to protect their view, a tall
ADU is a disadvantage versus someone who wants to use their structural lot coverage to provide
multigenerational housing, it can be an advantage. Councilmember Tibbott said in the enthusiasm of
considering allowing ADUs and DADUs, there may disadvantages that have not been discussed. For
example, it was his understanding the cost per square foot is significant higher for a small units compared
to a larger unit.
Councilmember Eck pointed out not everybody wants zoning changes to occur and not everybody will want
to build an ADU or DADU. That has been the experience in other cities across country, whether due to
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
May 21, 2024
Page 12
cost, the homeowner doesn't have a need or a myriad other reasons. She asked the percentage of property
owners who end up building at least one ADU after this type of zoning change is made. Ms. McLaughlin
answered for the assumption in comprehensive plan, the Department of Commerce guidance was used.
Because it was felt this housing typology was advantageous to meet affordability levels allowed per the
GMA growth targets, the threshold allowed by the Department of Commerce to be used for the City's
growth targets was maxed out, 10% which equates to 2,000 ADUs by 2044. She was unable to say she
believed the City would reach that number, but that was what was allowed per the Department of Commerce
guidance and that housing typology meets the City's needs. Unless ADUs were incentivized and a lot of
barriers were removed, she did not realistically think the City would see that many units. Ms. Haas pointed
out that assumption is based on 10% of the eligible lots building two ADUs. ADUs are a form of middle
housing, not a low cost form of housing. Building an ADU or DADU is very expensive, typically $150,000-
$300,000 for even prefabricated ones. An ADU/DADU is a big investment for a homeowner and a choice
whether they want to be a landlord, etc. There are a lot of factors and she did not expect ADUs would be
built everywhere.
Councilmember Eck commented it is a choice that property owners can make. For example, she and her
husband are members of the sandwich generation and have been actively talking to her mother-in-law about
an ADU in their backyard where she could have privacy and downsize and they could be nearby for her
safety. An ADU could be an option and beneficial for vulnerable family members. She also has a daughter
in her late 20s who may not be able to afford a single family home in Edmonds so an ADU could be a short
term opportunity to provide her housing while she finds a job, etc. Councilmember Eck said she has had
conversations with others who are in similar situations. Not one size fits all; the City is considering an array
of housing choices as mandated by the state and how to shape that for Edmonds. She summarized this is a
very important conversation to have, but not everyone will choose to build an ADU.
Councilmember Nand assumed part of the cost associated with DADUs or ADUs is utility hookup. She
asked if the building code allows a compost toilet and/or a water tank to be off the grid which would lower
the cost of building these structures. Ms. McLaughlin answered the recent building code update does not
lend itself to cost efficiencies, but it does allow green building techniques. Being off grid creates problems
related to wastewater, etc. as the City would not allow onsite wastewater treatment.
Councilmember Nand relayed, as a member of the millennial generation, she knows people who are
building off -grid structures with solar, compost toilets, water tanks, etc. and it's much more affordable. Ms.
McLaughlin answered water tanks and solar are allowed per the building code.
Mayor Rosen opened the public hearing
Joseph Herr, Edmonds, recently retired after building 2,500 houses during his career, said he has
developed short and long plats and neighborhoods and anything developed in the last 50 years has been
built to capacity. Edmonds does not have a lot of new plats, but nothing new in Edmonds would ever allow
an ADU because there is no lot coverage remaining. He also served two terms on the Edmonds Architectural
Design Board. The state took a heavy hand saying cities have to do this. The City can say they are unable
to meet the requirements due to the unique situation in Edmonds. He questioned the thinking that 2,000
ADUs would be built in Edmonds in the next 20 years. He suggested looking at every lot that could possibly
support an ADU, anticipating there were not many. Older houses are set back from the street and have small
backyards with no room for an ADU. When someone works inside their house and the work exceeds a
certain amount, the entire house has to be brought up to current codes including energy codes, fire codes,
etc. Fire sprinklers are required in new construction in Edmonds and units 10 feet from a primary unit will
require fire sprinklers in the existing structure. The idea of turning split level homes into duplexes; currently
the building code does not allow two kitchens in a single house; the only way to do it is to separate the two
units which changes the zoning from single family to duplex. The cost to bring the entire structure up to
code would likely exceed most of the benefits the homeowner thought they would realize. There is only
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
May 21, 2024
Page 13
one plat ever built successfully, Issaquah Highlands, where they incentivized building ADUs over the
garage; out of 40 houses, 2 opted to build an ADU.
Victor Martinez, Edmonds, relayed when his mom turned 78 two years ago, she was diagnosed with
Alzheimer's and moved into his rec room. They went through the permitting process for an ADU which is
under construction now. There are homeowners constructing ADUs; it's work, but it can be done. He hoped
the council would not add barriers because there are citizens building ADUS now for their parents. He
wasn't willing to wait for the proposed changes because he didn't want to miss the summer building season
awaiting a political process. He suggested engineering address the cost of a 1-inch water meter and the
general facilities charges; the addition of a kitchen requires a 1-inch water meter which is expensive. They
had to drive 26 piles on their property for their ADU due to poor soil which was still 20% cheaper than a
1-inch water meter. It is very expensive to build an ADU and any cost savings help.
Janelle Cass, Edmonds, explained she has done environmental assessments for the past two decades. Her
comment is related to the SEPA analysis or lack thereof on this policy. She felt for staff because on the
outset this doesn't look like a project, but rather a policy change, but she suggested imagining if when Paine
Field decided to allow commercial aircraft, they said that's not a project, it's just a policy change. When
the City writes code, they will come; in this case this policy has a downstream effect on the number of
dwelling units in the City. The simple SEPA Checklist wasn't the appropriate analysis to give decision
makers the right information. It was segregated from the comprehensive plan process and should be folded
into the EIS process. For example, the section on public services, the SEPA Checklist said ADUs may not
increase the overall density of single family neighborhoods and would not significantly increase the need
for public services which is contrary to what was discussed tonight. She suggested the council rethink that
and if it is included in the EIS, she encouraged the council to delay a decision and make it part of the
comprehensive plan process since this doesn't need to be enacted until 2025 when the City could just accept
the state's regulations instead of Edmonds ordinances which are above and beyond the state's requirements.
She suggested the DEIS or a revised SEPA analysis include a table that compares the no -action alternative,
the state alternative and the City alternative so the council can see the true environmental impacts of a
decision like this. She has yet to see any analysis of this kind of densification, either from the state or the
City. She encouraged the council to do really good data analysis.
Jon Milkey, Edmonds, thanked Councilmember Dotsch for identifying the accumulation of the potential
impacts. Green build incentives, potential 5-foot height changes, 40% lot coverage and reduced setbacks
result in a lot of accumulated impacts between all the housing bills. He thanked Councilmembers Paine and
Nand for identifying the possibility of incentives for existing housing stock to provide both more affordable
type housing and minimize the impact to neighborhoods by utilizing existing housing stock. He found
Planning Board Chair Mitchell's comment, good neighborhood type philosophy while implementing code
updates, refreshing. The public doesn't get to see the interaction, just proposed code updates that are a huge
change to existing conditions. He supported requiring an additional off-street parking space for ADUs.
ADUs are a more affordable type of housing used to age in place or by younger families, both of whom
need off-street parking. He referred to the recommended 1,200 square foot gross floor area, pointing out a
garage is not counted in gross floor area so someone could easily have a 1,600 square foot building. The
costs to build ADUs is high; he is working on a DADU in Seattle that costs $1000/square foot. Expanding
the size of a DADU to 1,200 misses the goal of providing an affordable type housing; the bigger it is the
more expensive it is and the less affordable it is. Per the Department of Commerce guidance, the City can
enact occupancy requirements for short term rentals, RCW 36.70A.680.
Chase Kepler, Edmonds, owner of a 12,000 square foot lot, voiced his support and requested this be
passed as soon as possible.
Joan Longstaff, Edmonds, a real estate broker since 1971 and owner of her own company in Edmonds
since 1980, commented on the importance of multigenerational housing. She has worked with a lot of
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
May 21, 2024
Page 14
families trying to meet those needs to care for their loved ones. She is familiar with this issue in Seattle
including a 3,000 square foot lot on Queen Anne where a prefab unit was being hand -carried in because of
the lack of off-street parking.
Greg Brewer, Edmonds, commented the code changes the City is about to adopt are sweeping and all-
inclusive. The City has found its way to recommending changes above and beyond the state mandate, an
approach he disagreed with. He believed the City should implement the minimum state mandate, learn more
about the opportunities and impacts and then revisit expanding the mandates in the future. He expressed
concern with the lack of parking requirements and recommended Section 16.20.050.0 include some parking
for additional units, ideally one space per unit. Even the state mandate and the planning board recommends
including some parking. Once the door is open to development with no parking required, it will be
impossible to shut it. The notion that newcomers will not have/want/need a car for transportation will be
the exception not the rule. Planning for the exception is dangerous and a dereliction of sound urban
planning. This is a citywide code change; not all City streets can accommodate additional street parking.
Some streets are full, some lack curbs and sidewalks, forcing people to walk in the streets, other areas have
open ditches leaving no place to park or walk safely. Parking will be an issue in the future development of
the City.
Mr. Brewer relayed another concern is Section 16.20.050.17.2 which states only one domestic water service
and meter is allowed per parcel. He disagreed with this restriction as new property owners should have the
option to have their own meter if desired especially when ADUs and DADUs will be allowed to be sold
separately. Not everyone will want to spend the extra money for separate metering, but they should not be
denied the opportunity to do so. The council packet included a SEPA Checklist prepared by staff, an
alarming number of questions were answered with the statement, the proposal is a non -project, non -site
specific action. While this may be technically true, consultants have told the City to expect 100 new
units/year. The SEPA checklist does not seem to take pending development into consideration; it feels like
the impacts are being severely downplayed by staff and he wondered how this lack of information will
impact the council's decision. He urged the council to take time to fully understand the impacts of the code
changes and make the appropriate adjustments to include parking and access to individual unit water meters.
Mackey Guenther, Edmonds, thanked planning division staff for their stewardship of the code update and
council for their stewardship of its implementation. This is an exciting point in the history of Edmonds, re -
legalizing something that has been part of the City's history for at least 100 years. ADUs were originally
called carriage houses in the early days of Edmonds; often converted from garages and there are still some
downtown. ADUs are the best of Edmonds, a living demonstration that we take what we have and we make
it work for us; if you don't need a garage, turn it into a house. The region is dealing with a housing shortage
because the 35 cities in the Seattle area have underbuilt homes relative to job growth. Legalizing backyard
cottages and in -home apartments is great for Edmonds residents as they make decisions for their unique
housing needs. Overall ADUs are flexible, affordable homes that unlock opportunities for many people.
With regard to parking minimums for ADUs, one of the main points of contention, every home in Edmonds
already has two off-street parking spaces. This is America; if people want more parking spaces, they should
have the freedom to build them and if they don't want parking spaces, they shouldn't be arbitrarily required
to have them. He understood the regulation of parking spaces was intended to protect public right-of-way
from a tragedy of the commons, parked cars filling every street, but in reality people should be able to make
choices that make the most sense for them.
Mr. Guenther continued, if there is a concern there won't be enough ADUs with parking, the City should
just allow more housing overall. Attached family sized homes are illegal in 88% of Edmonds residential
land. If there is concern about limitation for new housing options, the envelope needs to be increased. A
2020 Seattle -specific study of parking minimums found 70% of developments in Seattle with no parking
requirements did include some parking, quantitative local evidence that the lack of a parking requirement
does not lead to the neglect of parking for those who want or need it. He concluded ADUs are great; parking
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
May 21, 2024
Page 15
minimums are an overreach for a country so proud of giving people the autonomy to make the choices that
work best for them. If the City requires parking spaces, it should also require chocolate fondue fountains
and maybe a statue of Rick Steves.
Ken Reidy, Edmonds, said the City's ADU code amendment refers to a public alley, but fails to define a
public alley. On September 25, 1990, City Engineering Coordinator Gordy Hyde issued a memorandum
that mentions 7.5 feet of City alley. Mr. Reidy wondered if something 7.5 feet wide was ever a public alley.
Ordinance 3729 deals with what the City called an unopened alley right-of-way between 8t' Avenue North
and 9' Avenue North; this so-called alley right-of-way was only 7.5 feet wide. Contrary to the above and
related to a 7.5 foot wide easement, City employee JoAnne Zulauf stated the following in a letter dated
December 5, 2014, the width of the right-of-way is only 7.5 feet wide and therefore not an alley, but only
a strip of unimproved City property right-of-way. These inconsistencies point out how important it is to use
clear and accurate definitions in the code. The proposed code amendment also fails to address whether the
easement area must be improved and opened for public ingress/egress before it can be considered to be a
public alley. He believed the code should differentiate between open and unopened rights -of -way.
Mt. Reidy continued, the code says an alley is a publicly dedicated right-of-way which provides a secondary
means of access. The definition of street shall include an alley provided however that an alley shall not be
considered a street for the purposes of calculating the setback and front yard requirements. No lot fronting
on a street and an alley shall be considered either a corner lot or a lot having two street frontages. He
questioned if that definition in the code was true and had it been considered in this effort to amend the ADU
code. The definition of easement in the City code is as follows: land which has specific air surface or
subsurface rights conveyed for use by an entity other than the owner of the subject property or to benefit
some property other than the subject property. Ordinance 2924 January 1993, an easement is not land. He
requested this error in the code be corrected, the code has contained this error since 1993. He requested all
these issues be addressed as part of the ADU code amendment, an opportunity to make needed
improvements to the code, a code with so many needs. He requested the council not allow new code to be
adopted that is not clear and accurate.
Mayor Rosen closed the public hearing and declared a brief recess.
10. COUNCIL BUSINESS
UTILITY BOND ISSUE
Deputy Administrative Services Director Kim Dunscombe introduced Scott Bauer, Northwest Municipal
Advisors. Mr. Bauer reviewed:
Water and Sewer Improvement and Refunding Revenue Bonds, 2024
o Refunding 2013 Water and Sewer Bonds for savings
o Funding for water and stormwater projects
Background
March 2023 Reviewed Refunding with City
April 2023 Presented refunding to Finance Committee
June 2023 Council adopted refunding bond ordinance (Ordinance No. 4309)
Had received indicative rates indicating a refunding through a bank could be close
to the public markets
Informed the council that we would proceed with an RFP for bank financing, then
make decision based on results.
July 2023 Issued RFP to banks for refunding the 2013 bonds
Best bid showed NPV savings <$500K, less than half the estimated savings from
the public market
August 2023 City decided to proceed with refunding via public issuance
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
May 21, 2024
Page 16
Financing process was to restart toward the end of 2023
January 2024 Restarted the financing; new money for water and stormwater projects included
May 2024 Finance committee and city council to consider new money Bond Ordinance
Current bond market
o Long-term interest rates increased for much of 2022 and peaked in October 2023
o Rates are below the 2022 and 2023 peaks
Bond Buyer 20sond General obligation Index
January ZOZO to May 2024
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2012 Bonds
Currently Callable
No savings due to rates on
outstanding debt versus
current bond market rates
Bonds remain callable and
outstanding
2016 Bond
Placed with JP Morgan
Callable 12/1/2023
No savings expected due to
rates on outstanding debt
versus current bond market
rates
Continue to monitor
2013 Bonds
Callable starting on and after
June 1, 2023
Avg. Coupon = 4.57%
2021A LTGO Bonds
Portion of the 2011 Water and
Sewer Revenue Bonds
refunded by the 2021A LTGO
Bonds
Payable from utility revenues
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
May 21, 2024
Page 17
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Refund $13,045,000 Water and Sewer
Revenue Bonds, 2013
— Estimated NPV Savings of $1,015,000 or
7.8% of refunded bonds
— Release $2,129,031from Reserve Account
and contribute to refunding
• Total casliflow savings of $4,073,000,
inclusive of Reserve Account contribution
New Capital Project Proceeds for
Water and Stormwater
— $9.5 million for Water
— $2.5 million for Stormwater
— Level debt service
— Final maturity 12/1/2044
Schedule and Next Steps
Tues, May 14
Finance Committee (ordinance introduced)
Tues, May 21
Council meeting to consider bond ordinance
Thurs, May 23
Rating call
Mon, June 3
Receive rating
Wed, June 5
Post Preliminary Official Statement
Thurs, June 13
Competitive Bond Sale
Tues, June 25
Closing
COUNCILMEMBER NAND MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER PAINE, TO
APPROVE THE DELEGATION BOND ORDINANCE AND FORWARD TO THE NEXT
AVAILABLE COUNCIL MEETING FOR FULL COUNCIL DISCUSSION.
Councilmember Nand complimented Ms. Dunscombe and Mr. Bauer for laying out the process, savings,
and financial modeling and answered questions at the finance committee meeting. She was comfortable
proceeding as recommended by staff tonight.
Councilmember Paine asked which projects were not pursued last year and whether they were the water
reservoir replacements. City Engineer Rob English answered no projects were deferred; the $9.5M in water
projects is primarily related to the Seaview and Yost reservoir projects that are in design now and
construction is planned in 2025 and 2026. Councilmember Paine commented there are transportation
elements attached to those projects. Mr. English said he was not aware of any transportation element to
those projects. Councilmember Paine referred to attachment C, Description of Plan Additions, that states
the Water Fund contribution to the Transportation Projects that include water infrastructure for replacement
and rehabilitation. Mr. English answered that could be related to projects such as 76t' & 220t1i which is an
intersection improvement project that includes water main replacement. Councilmember Paine concluded
this looks like a good deal.
Council President Pro Tem Chen thanked Mr. English, Ms. Dunscombe and Mr. Bauer. He relayed his
understanding that the purpose of issuing the 2024 bond was to refinance the 2013 bond and provide funding
for water and sewer projects. He asked what kind of projects would be funded. Mr. English answered the
$9.5M for water is primarily the two reservoir projects, Yost and Seaview. The $2.5M is related to
stormwater projects including the lower Perrinville project. He recalled during the rate study it was pointed
out the $2.5M will serve as a cash match for grants received for that project.
Council President Pro Tem Chen asked if the $35M cash in the water utility account was not available for
funding the water reservoir projects and the Perrinville project which total $12M. Mr. English recalled
during last year's modeling effort it was pointed out the watermain and sewer replacement programs as
well as operation costs are funded with the rate structure. The rate increases approved by council covered
those costs and those significantly bigger capital projects, the two reservoirs and lower Perrinville, were to
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May 21, 2024
Page 18
be funded by the bond. Ms. Dunscombe commented of the $35M that Council President Pro Tem Chen
referenced, a significant portion, $16M, is sewer. The smaller cash balances in water and storm are where
these projects are funded from, so it is imperative to pass the bond so those CIP projects are funded.
Council President Pro Tem Chen asked if staff had been looking for federal or state grants to help fund
those projects and not just borrow money. Mr. English answered yes, there are 1-2 grants for lower
Perrinville that fit that type of project scope of work. BNSF has worked with the Tribes to apply for funding
to pay for construction along the railroad. He assured staff was always looking for opportunities to fund
projects with grants.
Council President Pro Tem Chen referred to net present value savings by retiring the 2013 bond totals
$1,015,000 which represents the savings by retiring the bond. He referred to the bond issuance cost and the
interest incurred over the lifetime of the new 2024 bonds, commenting those costs need to be evaluated
compared to the net present value savings. He asked for an estimate of those costs. Mr. Bauer answered
looking specifically at the refunding/refinancing portion, the cost is estimated at about $139,000. When net
present value is reported, that incorporates issuance costs associated with the bonds. With regard to savings,
the net present value savings is comparing existing principal and interest payments versus new principal
and interest payments and does take into account interest on the new bonds and the differential between the
two is how the net present value savings are calculated.
Council President Pro Tem Chen observed with the issuance of new bonds for 2024, the proceeds are used
to pay off the 2013 bonds. Mr. Bauer agreed, explaining bond proceeds will be used to pay off the 2013
plus about $2.1M of restricted reserves will be released that the City will contribute to the financing; those
two together will be sufficient to pay off the 2013 bonds.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. ORDINANCE CHANGING THE DATE OF MONTHLY COUNCIL COMMITTEE
MEETINGS
COUNCILMEMBER ECK MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER TIBBOTT, TO ADOPT
THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE CHANGING COMMITTEE MEETINGS FROM THE SECOND
TO THE THIRD TUESDAY ON THE NEXT AVAILABLE CONSENT AGENDA.
Council President Pro Tem Chen explained this change will allow time for Finance to develop the monthly
financial report and have it available for review by the finance committee. Historically the committee has
waited an additional month to review the prior month's financial report.
Councilmember Nand clarified while this change was originated by Finance staff, the reason she and
Council President Pro Tem Chen discussed changing all committee meetings to the third Tuesday and not
just the finance committee was to avoid a perception of hiding the ball by holding finance committee
meetings on a separate date. She apologized for changing the date for all the committee, but it will be better
for the public if all the committee meetings are cohesive and sequential on a single day.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS PENDING OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION,
RCW 42.30.110(1)(I)
At 9:20 pm, the Council convened in executive session to discuss pending or potential litigation per RCW
42.30.110(1)(i) for a period of 20 minutes.
12. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
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May 21, 2024
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The meeting reconvened at 9:40 p.m.
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Nand commented since it is Asian American/Pacific Islander Month, she wanted to share
a story about one of her heroes, her grandmother, Kamalpatti Shandil, who was 95 years old. She moved to
Edmonds almost 30 years ago in 1995 and passed away last Wednesday. She remembered her coming to a
council meeting, and Chief Hovis helping to escort her. Even in her 90s, she was very active and engaged
in the community. She was born in the Fiji Islands in the South Pacific in 1928. She excelled in school and
was a great athlete, and then WWII happened. An unintentional effect of the war was that allied soldiers
moving across the Pacific Theater to attack Japan accidentally brought tuberculosis to the Fiji Islands and
killed over half her family because people on small islands have no immunity when a disease like that is
introduced. Her grandmother was forced to quit school and never went beyond the sixth grade. She read
books like Lady Chatterley's Lover and other Victorian novels by the cooking fire in her house in Fiji where
she raised her eight children which included Councilmember Nand's mother.
Councilmember Nand continued, her grandmother ensured her children had access to books and could go
to school and made sure her mom graduated from high school and was the first persons in her family to go
to college at the University of the South Pacific. Her family immigrated to the United States in 1979 where
her dad worked in a factory. On their first day, he and his brother were walking around Seattle and being
from a tropical island, had never seen snow and didn't have coats. Newly immigrated, they didn't know
anyone; usually when people immigrate, they look for people who speak their language and understand
their culture. They were able to provide that for other people who immigrated here.
Councilmember Nand relayed comments people made to her, thanking her for sharing her grandmother
with them. She did not realize until her grandmother passed away how many people she touched in the
community. She was astonished by the kindness of the Edmonds community to her family in this time of
grief; her colleagues have been so kind and supportive and Council President Pro Tern Chen and
Councilmember Eck attended her grandmother's funeral. She wrote her grandmother's obituary very
quickly and sent it to Teresa Whipple, asking to have it published before her funeral on Sunday and Ms.
Whipple offered to post it immediately. She wanted to wear a bracelet her grandmother gave her to her
funeral but it was broken; a jewelry designer in Edmonds, Sabrina Shultz, repaired it for her and refused
payment. On Saturday, Lily at the Branding Iron kept her store open past closing to print her grandmother's
funeral program.
Councilmember Nand continued, her community, the Fiji Indian community, felt so loved and embraced
and that is a great example of what Asian American and American Pacific Islander month is supposed to
be about, celebrating stories and sharing loved ones and heroes who have an impact on the community. Her
grandmother became a U.S. citizen in 1995 and did not miss voting in a single mid-term or presidential
year election. The last time she voted was for her. She loved sharing her grandmother with everyone and
she thanked everyone for their kindness to her, her family and her community in their time of grief.
Councilmember Paine thanked Councilmember Nand for sharing her family with everyone; they are all
such lovely people and she was sorry for her entire family's loss, noting her grandmother clearly knew what
she was doing.
Councilmember Paine referred to the discussion earlier on the agenda regarding ADUs, recalling when she
ran for office four years ago, having a discussion with an Edmonds family who had a detached ADU that
was approved via a conditional use, allowed only with permission from the City. Both parents had cancer
and needed to stay near family. The process they described was the mayor at the time said no and the
resident explained their parents were in the last days of their life and need care. She was glad the council
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May 21, 2024
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was discussing ADUs, commenting most would be used for family members, to keep taxes at bay, provide
economic opportunity for family members, ensure a family focused environment at the household level,
and make sure nice things happen for the rest of the family. The last several months were good for that
family because they were able to be together. It is time to legalize ADUs/DADUs so families can put
together systems that work well for them.
Councilmember Dotsch thanked Councilmember Nand for sharing the story about her grandmother. She
assured the public that she read every comment beginning with the planning board process. It is important
to hear from the community and that the council listen and take the time to review their input as well as
input from planning board and staff. She appreciated the variety of information and opinions from the
community that help make this process better for Edmonds.
Council President Pro Tem Chen encouraged the public to spend time on Memorial Day to pay their respects
to those who sacrificed their lives so we can enjoy freedoms. He looked forward to the Memorial Day
program at the cemetery, noting this year Mayor Rosen and Greg Copeland will relay stories.
Councilmember Eck relayed she has been thinking about the increasing division across the country and
locally and is often asked how it is going on council. She tells people she feels the council is trying hard to
work together and show a level of respect and professionalism, walk the talk, and be good role models,
something the community is also seeing. She was optimistic if that can happen in Edmonds, it can be done
in other places. She appreciated her fellow councilmembers and the mayor.
14. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Rosen had no comments.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, the council meeting was adjourned at 9:50 pm.
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SCOTT PASSEY; CLERK
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May 21, 2024
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