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2025-04-01 Council Minutes Edmonds City Council Minutes April 1, 2025 Page 1 EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MEETING ACTION MINUTES April 1, 2025 ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT Mike Rosen, Mayor Will Chen, Councilmember Neil Tibbotttt, Council President Michelle Dotsch, Councilmember Vivian Olson, Councilmember Susan Paine, Councilmember Chris Eck, Councilmember Jenna Nand, Councilmember STAFF PRESENT Jeff Taraday, City Attorney (remote) Shane Hope, Interim PDS Director Nicholas Falk, Deputy City Clerk 1. CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE The Edmonds City Council meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm by Mayor Rosen in the Council Chambers, 250 5th Avenue North, Edmonds, and virtually. The meeting was opened with the flag salute. 2. LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Councilmember Dotsch read the City Council Land Acknowledgement Statement. 3. ROLL CALL Deputy City Clerk Falk called the roll. All elected officials were present. 4. PRESENTATIONS 1. ANNUAL PRESENTATION FROM THE EDMONDS CENTER FOR THE ARTS The Edmonds Public Facilities District / Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA), as a component unit of the City of Edmonds, shared an annual presentation with City Council. Ray Liaw, President began by speaking about who they are and their relationship to the city. Kathy Liu, Executive Director, spoke on their mission, and the three core activities; curating a dynamic performance season, to engage and educate the community, and support and host events. She spoke on their 2024/2025 season, giving examples of their diverse programming. Kathy touched on examples from their education and community engagement. She provided Edmonds City Council Minutes April 1, 2025 Page 2 examples of the 2024/2025 rentals they secured, the expanding interest, statistics showing the increase in business, and a high-level breakdown of their audience demographics. Their financial update was presented showing their projected outlook to remain much the same as the previous year. She went over some of the one-time costs and capital improvements/investments they have put forward to keep the facility safe, modern and accessible. Kathy closed with presenting their 2023 Audit, which came back with no findings, and what ECA has ahead: their 2025/2026 season, strategic planning, and celebrating their 20th anniversary. 2. MAYOR’S FINANCIAL REPORT With council being up to date, Mayor Rosen opted to give precedence to other council business. 5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA COUNCILMEMBER ECK MOVED APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 6. RECEIVED FOR FILING 1. CLAIM FOR DAMAGES 2. WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS 3. PLANNING BOARD UPDATE 7. AUDIENCE COMMENTS 1. Tim Greiner, Edmonds, objected to the sale of Hummingbird Park and questioned the surplus of four parks. 2. Donald Wayne, Edmonds, objected to the council comment that Hummingbird Park is not utilized, the drainage issue/flooding of the park, proposed a B&O Tax. 3. Jordan Rudd, Edmonds, commented in opposition of considering the sale of Hummingbird Park. 4. Chelsea Rudd, Edmonds, commented in opposition of selling any city park. She mentioned her interaction with the council on the redevelopment of the park. 5. Jack Shull, Edmonds, commented in opposition to the parks being considered for sale as an asset. He touched on litigation if the council chose to move it forward for consideration. 6. Gordon Black, Edmonds, commented on the success of a park and how it is not a commercial space, but how it is used by the community as he has seen it. He opposed the park being considered selling it. He quotes several sections of the comprehensive plan and how it applies to preserving the parks. 7. Bob Ledford, Edmonds, commented on how if you sell a park, you can’t get it back. He mentioned the positives from the council walkabouts; urged the council to utilize the community experts to help solve the problem. 8. Phillip & Hanna Witte commented in opposition to Frances Anderson Center and Hummingbird Park being considered to sell. Proposed paid parking, increasing corporate development tax, opening a hotel, increased ordinance enforcement, and property tax increases to offset deficit. Edmonds City Council Minutes April 1, 2025 Page 3 9. Eric Bidstrop, Edmonds, commented in opposition to sell Hummingbird Park. He stated the sale goes in direct opposition to the comprehensive plan. He encouraged the council to consider ongoing revenue streams instead of one-time funds. He also encouraged the public to vote for the RFA in the upcoming election. 10. Kathy Stahl, Edmonds, commented in opposition to the sale of Hummingbird Park. She has witnessed activities constantly occurring and mentioned the wildlife impacts. 11. Greg Goodman, Edmonds, commented in support of keeping the park. He also spoke on the north bowl hub, reading a portion of the traffic safety, and how the last traffic study designated it as a hazardous and dangerous place. He would like the council to reconsider that area. 12. Kim Siegrist, Edmonds, spoke for the North Bowl Coalition (Marty Renish, Linda Hoad) thanking them for the walk and talk. They asked the North Bowl Hub to be removed or limited to Alternative A. 13. Adam Sindelar, Edmonds, commented in support of keeping Hummingbird Park mentioning how selling this, or any park, is a permanent loss for the community. 14. Georgina Armstrong, Edmonds, commented on what being a ‘tree city USA’ means. She feels the city fails in meeting the ‘tree city’ standards. She commented on the loss of the mature tree, “big red”. 15. Robin Wright, Edmonds, commented in opposition of the council considering the sale of community centers and parks. She would rather scale back on replaceable city staff or programs than sacrifice community centers and parks. She wanted them to reconsider the Growth Management Plan:5-Corners proposal and the flooding/gully issues in Yost Park. 16. Glen McPherson, Edmonds, commented in support of saving Hummingbird Park. 17. Jack Faris, Edmonds, commented in support of saving Hummingbird Park. 18. Lindsay Mead, Edmonds, commented on the history of Hummingbird Park and community usage over the decades. He mentions that green space cannot be replaced, all the parks. Parks are not a solution to the budget crisis. 19. Chris Ziobru, Edmonds, commented in support of saving the parks. He feels parks are the public’s asset, should not be considered for sale, and improved communication back to the public would be appreciated. 20. Nicki & Juno Barr, Edmonds, commented with her daughter on how they do not want to lose Hummingbird Park. They love the park and spend a lot of time there together. 21. Oona & Kennedy Hall, Edmonds, commented in support of keeping Hummingbird Park. He spoke on hitting rock bottom and how he moved to Edmonds for that park. The value of parks binds us intergenerationally. 22. Dylan Borowski, Edmonds, commented in support of saving Hummingbird Park. He spoke on a one-time cash for a permanent loss is not okay, if the city doesn’t consider sustainable revenues, it will find itself in another budget deficit. 23. Kathleen Sears, Edmonds, commented on the tree, “big red” and its destruction. She commented on the benefits of heritage trees. 24. Kimberly Wayne, Edmonds, commented in opposition of selling Hummingbird Park. She expressed concern for the environmental impact in developing the park, urging the council to remove it from consideration. 25. Lora Hein, Edmonds, commented on the loss of the tree, “big red”. She feels that we do not meet the criteria to be a green city any longer and we preserve our parks and trees. 26. Brian Webster, Edmonds, commented on saving our parks and in opposition to the sale of Frances Anderson Center. Edmonds City Council Minutes April 1, 2025 Page 4 27. Cristina Teidoro, Edmonds, commented in support of how vital parks are and her concern of the council considering other parks in her neighborhood to sell too. 28. Jamie Gouge, Edmonds, commented on the thriving city and in opposition to the sale of parks. She also spoke on the sale of FAC and the tremendous loss to the community programs if that were sold. 29. Angie Balm, Edmonds, commented on her involvement with the community through the Frances Anderson Center and her childcare business there. 30. Gwen Winterspa, Edmonds, commented on her concern about the state of the city. She felt the city failed to protect the tree, “big red”, feels we need to protect heritage trees and their benefits. She also spoke in opposition to selling parks or the Frances Anderson Center. 31. Lee Ledford, Edmonds, commented in support of saving Hummingbird Park. They felt that being semi-disabled, the park provides them an accessible space to enjoy. 32. Mia Vanderveer, Edmonds, commented on the loss of the tree, “big red” and the loss of environmental benefits it provided. She also spoke on the loss of FAC and how it would ruin the years of shared history by the community. 33. Petula, Edmonds, commented on the loss of the tree, “big red” and the sadness and disappointment of the community in its loss. 34. Macy Lawrence, Edmonds, commented on the positive development of the city, but also the disappointment of the loss of the tree, “big red” and in favor or saving Hummingbird Park. She felt there was a lack of transparency with the tree removal. 35. Peggy Man, Edmonds, commented on developing a hub on Puget Drive and Olympic View Drive and how it would negatively affect that community. She doesn’t feel there is a capacity to develop density in that hub and opposes the initiative. 36. Kylie Wright, unknown, commented in support of keeping the Frances Anderson Center bringing personal experiences forward to share. She supports the all-ages community activities in that space and would like the council to keep it for future generations. 37. Lee Agle, Edmonds, commented on the Frances Anderson Center and how it is a hub of the community and providing examples of the many different activities there. She is shocked that the sale of the property is even on the table to deal with the city’s shortfall. 38. Sarah Davis, Edmonds, commented on the use of the FAC and how she feels she became part of the community by using those facilities. 39. Kim Butler, unknown, commented on the community’s support of the environment. She feels the loss of the tree, “big red” is a tremendous loss. She does not feel there is a strong tree protection policy in the city. 40. Lindsay, Edmonds, commented in support of keeping all our parks. 41. Simone Bower, Edmonds, commented on the loss of the tree, “big red”. She is angry about the loss of the tree and concerned about the lack of communication. She also feels disappointed in the mayor and council. 42. Mirian Topaz-King, unknown, commented on how we can’t save the tree now, but we can save the parks and the Frances Anderson Center. 43. Craig Brewer, Edmonds, commented on the loss of the tree, “big red”, feels we need to cut staff deeper, raise taxes, and reconsider the development of the hubs and centers. He urged them to not consider the north hub as the community does not have the ability to handle the capacity of increased development. 44. Bonnie Rogan, Edmonds, commented in opposition of the sale of Frances Anderson Center. She has benefited from the services and community events there, strongly urges the city to keep the community space. Edmonds City Council Minutes April 1, 2025 Page 5 45. Joe Scordino, Edmonds, commented on the lack of appropriate polices to protect and preserve our open green spaces. He feels the city has done a terrible job in preserving our spaces. 46. Jim Oganowski, Edmonds, commented on the financial difficulties and wants to see a recovery plan. He feels that there are many community experts that are willing to participate and help to create an informed decision. 47. Kat, Edmonds, commented on how lucky Edmonds is to be a small town in a big city. She is advocating for her children by asking the council to not sell the Frances Anderson Center or parks because that is where generations make memories. 48. Kevin Fagerstrom, Edmonds, commented on the shared responsibility of the community. He commented on the relationship between the RFA vote and the parks; how they are separate items on the ballot. 49. Isabell, Edmonds, commented on the Frances Anderson Center and feels it is the heart of Edmonds. She does not feel it should be considered for sale and should be kept. 50. Nora Carlson, Edmonds, commented on the loss of the tree, “big red” and feels the city should keep their hands off our city parks. The city needs to think creatively about finances rather than sacrifice our community spaces. 51. Grant Hazard, Edmonds, commented on Frances Anderson Center and Hummingbird Park. He feels there is so much good that comes from these community spaces and would not like to lose them. He proposed a short-term rental tax, increased property taxes, and a hotel on the waterfront as a better long-term revenue source. 52. Marietta, Lynnwood, commented on opposing selling the Frances Anderson Center. She does not feel that selling the Frances Anderson Center or parks is an appropriate long- term solution to the budget. She urges the council to reconsider. 53. Taylor Geiger, Edmonds, commented in opposition of selling the Frances Anderson Center or parks. 54. Laura Harper, Edmonds, commented in opposition of selling the Frances Anderson Center or parks. It should not be considered. 55. Finis Tupper, Edmonds, commented on the loss of “big red”. He also commented on the hearing examiner meetings regarding Perrinville Creek. He feels we are selling our parks and giving away our fire stations. 56. Kaitlin Gates, Edmonds, commented on the city taking away the parks and community spaces and how that impacts children. Please be proactive, be creative, and find another solution. 57. Britni Kipp, Edmonds, commented on the idea of selling parks off. She feels getting outside facilitates personal healing and bonding. She urges the council to not take those spaces away. 58. Marie Svendson, Edmonds, commented in support of saving Frances Anderson Center and Edmonds parks. 59. Nicole Ryder, unknown, commented in support of saving Hummingbird Park. She proposed long-term revenue options such as increasing tourism and parking fees. 60. Elizabeth Peck, unknown, commented in support of keeping the Frances Anderson Center and parks. 61. Nate Schmidt, Edmonds, commented in support of keeping the Frances Anderson Center, emphasizing the point from a prior speaker of community daycare needs. 62. LK Sheridan Herber, unknown, 63. Garrett Johnson, Edmonds, commented in support of keeping the Frances Anderson Center and the city parks. Edmonds City Council Minutes April 1, 2025 Page 6 MEETING EXTENSION COUNCILMEMBER PAINE MOVED TO EXTEND THE MEETING UNTIL 9:45. MOTION TO EXTEND AGENDA CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. RECESS AT 8:56 PM, MAYOR ROSEN RECESSED THE MEETING UNTIL 9:03 PM. THE MEETING RECONVENED AT 9:03 PM. 8. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS COUNCILMEMBER CHEN MOVED APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The agenda items approved are as follows: 1. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MARCH 25, 2025 2. APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS AND WIRE PAYMENTS. 9. COUNCIL BUSINESS COUNCILMEMBER NAND MOVED TO TABLE ITEM 9.1. MOTION FAILED 1-5-0 WITH COUNCILMEMER NAND VOTING IN FAVOR, COUNCILMEMBERS CHEN, DOTSCH, OLSON, ECK, AND COUNCIL PRESIDENT TIBBOTTTT VOTING AGAINST, AND COUNCILMEMBER PAINE ABSTAINING. 1. PRIORITIES FOR 2025 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT IDEAS Shane Hope, Interim PDS Director, presented on the approach to address the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Ideas provided by Council. Consistent with the approved 2025 amendment process, Council members submitted to the Council's legislative executive assistant their ideas for Comprehensive Plan amendment ideas to study. Those 28 ideas were consolidated into a table and shared as part of the Council's March 25th meeting. The 28 ideas --in abbreviated form--were divided into five categories. It was discussed that Items from Category 5 ("Code Updates/Other") should not be considered as Comprehensive Plan amendment ideas. Also, some items could be combined (such as four different ideas about the same neighborhood hub). COUNCILMEMBER DOTSCH MOVED TO UTILIZE THE SHORT LIST OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT IDEAS BY CATEGORY IN OUR PACKET FOR THE ORDER OF PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF ALL THE COUNCILMEMBERS' PROPOSED COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT IDEAS. A POTENTIAL FINAL VOTE OR PROPOSED HIERARCHY OR RANKING OF AMENDMENTS TO BE CONSIDERED, WILL NOT TAKE PLACE UNTIL AFTER ALL AMENDMENTS ARE PRESENTED AND DISCUSSED." MOTION FAILED 2-5 WITH COUNCILMEMBERS Edmonds City Council Minutes April 1, 2025 Page 7 DOTSCH AND OLSON VOTING IN FAVOR, COUNCILMEMBERS PAINE, NAND, CHEN, TIBBOTTT, AND ECK VOTING AGAINST. COUNCIL PRESIDENT TIBBOTTT MOVED TO: 1. START OUR DELIBERATION WITH THE 6 AMENDMENT TOPICS THAT HAVE BEEN PRIORITIZED ON THE COUNCIL AMENDMENT CHECKLIST PROVIDED BY EMAIL AND COLLATED BY OUR EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR. 2. THAT EACH OF THE SIX BE DESCRIBED BY THE COUNCIL MEMBER OR MEMBERS WHO ADVANCED THAT AMENDMENT SUGGESTION. 3. THAT WE RECEIVE CLARIFICATION AS COUNCIL DESIRES FROM THE STAFF 4. AND FINALLY, VOTE ON THESE FIRST SIX AMENDMENTS IN RANDOMIZED ORDER. THE FIRST FOUR THAT GET FOUR AFFIRMATIVE VOTES WILL BE FORWARDED TO THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT. 5. IF FOUR ARE NOT IDENTIFIED FROM THE FIRST SIX, THEN WE WILL MOVE TO THE NEXT THREE THAT WERE PRIORITIZED BY THE COUNCIL. AND DESCRIBED AND VOTED ON IN THE SAME MANNER AS BEFORE WITH ALL PREVIOUSLY CONSIDERED AMENDMENTS AGAIN CONSIDERED IN RANDOMIZED ORDER. 6. IF FOUR ARE NOT IDENTIFIED BY COUNCIL ACTION OF THE FIRST 9, THEN WE WILL MOVE TO INDIVIDUAL AMENDMENTS BROUGHT FORWARD BY INDIVIDUAL MOTIONS TO CONSIDER, THEN VOTED UPON UNTIL WE HAVE FOUR. COUNCILMEMBER OLSON MOVED TO EXTEND THE MEETING UNTIL 10:15. MOTION TO EXTEND AGENDA CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. MAIN MOTION REGARDING PROCESS FAILS AS A TIE 3-3-0 WITH COUNCILMEMBERS PAINE, TIBBOTTT, AND ECK VOTING IN FAVOR, COUNCILMEMBERS CHEN, DOTSCH, AND OLSON VOTING AGAINST AND COUNCILMEMBER NAND ABSTAINING. COUNCIL PRESIDENT TIBBOTTT MOVED TO DELIBERATE ON TOP 2 AND HANDLE THE REMAINING AT A DIFFERENT MEETING. MOTION PASSES 5-1-0 WITH COUCNILMEMBERS PAINE, CHEN, TIBBOTTT, OLSON, AND ECK VOTING IN FAVOR, COUNCILMEMBER DOTSCH VOTING AGAINST AND COUNCILMEMBER NAND ABSTAINING. The council deliberated on the top 2 amendment ideas; North Bowl Hub change and Establish Critical Areas Program, to put on the list for further consideration and study. COUNCIL PRESIDENT TIBBOTTT MOVED TO ADVANCE NORTH BOWL HUB FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION AND STUDY. MOTION PASSES 6-0-0 WITH COUCNILMEMBERS PAINE, CHEN, TIBBOTTT, OLSON, ECK, AND DOTSCH VOTING IN FAVOR AND COUNCILMEMBER NAND ABSTAINING. Edmonds City Council Minutes April 1, 2025 Page 8 COUNCILMEMBER CHEN MOVED TO ADVANCE ESTABLISHING CRITICAL AREAS PROGRAM FOR FURTHER CONSDIERATION AND STUDY. MOTION PASSES 6-0-0 WITH COUCNILMEMBERS PAINE, CHEN, TIBBOTTT, OLSON, ECK, AND DOTSCH VOTING IN FAVOR AND COUNCILMEMBER NAND ABSTAINING. The remaining topics will be brought back at a later date. 10. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmembers commented on various issues. COUNCILMEMBER OLSON MOVED TO EXTEND THE MEETING UNTIL 10:20. MOTION TO EXTEND AGENDA CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. COUNCILMEMBER OLSON MOVED TO EXTEND THE MEETING UNTIL 10:30. MOTION TO EXTEND AGENDA CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 11. MAYOR’S COMMENTS Mayor Rosen provided comments. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 10:26 pm.