02/09/2001 City CouncilEDMONDS CITY COUNCILAPPROVED
City Council Retreat
February 9 & 10, 2001
Third Floor Great Room — Edmonds City Hall
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT STAFF PRESENT
Friday; February 9, 2001
Gary Haakenson, Mayor
Dave Earling, Council President
Chris Davis, Councilmember
Tom Miller, Councilmember
Lora Petso, Councilmember
Richard L. Marin, Councilmember
Michael Plunkett, Councilmember
David J. Orvis, Councilmember
Peggy Hetzler, Adm. Serv. Director
Brent Hunter, Human Resources Director
Stephen Clifton, Community Serv. Director
Duane Bowman, Development Serv. Director
Police Chief Robin Hickok
Fire Chief Tom Tomberg
Arvilla Ohlde, Parks & Recreation Director
Noel Miller, Public Works Director
Scott Snyder, City Attorney
Linda Carl, Executive Assistant to Mayor
Jana Spellman, Executive Assistant to Council
CALL TO ORDER
Council President Earling called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. He thanked the Councilmembers for
coming up with suggestions for agenda items and thanked the staff for all their hard work.
Mr. Earling then called on Mayor Haakenson who presented the first agenda item.
HOW TO BUILD & FUND A CITY
Presenter: Mayor Haakenson.
Mayor Haakenson asked each of the Councilmembers to build a city from the ground up.
Each Councilmember completed this task and then followed up explaining how it was set up and funded.
Mayor Haakenson mentioned bringing more online services on board for the convenience of the citizens.
Mr. Earling stated that although he thought that was a good idea, the City still needed to maintain human
interaction with its citizenry.
Council President Earling then called on the next presenter Fire Chief Tomberg
STATUS REPORT OF MEDIC 7 DISSOLUTION.,
Presenters: Mayor Haakenson & Chief Tom Tomberg
Mayor Haakenson asked the Council if they had any questions after reading his and Chief Tomberg's
reports indicating that nothing further had taken place since the reports were prepared.
A question, answer and discussion period followed clarifying issues for Councilmembers.
Council President Earling then called on Administrative Services Director Peggy Hetzler.
FINANCING OPTIONS FOR CITY'S.INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS
Presenters: Mayor Haakenson & Peggy Hetzler
Ms. Hetzler gave an overview of infrastructure needs stating that the Council directed staff to explore
various funding options for debt service including the State Public Works Trust Fund Loan Program.
Ms. Hetzler pointed out that the only infrastructure project that was addressed during the 2001 budget
process was the wiring project for the Frances Anderson Center.
She stated that during the last few months a number of new funding strategies have arisen and that the
City now has the opportunity to issue debt to address the longstanding backlog of infrastructure needs.
She felt that one of the most important new opportunities was the increase in the electrical utility tax due to
the increase in the cost of electricity.
Ms. Hetzler followed by identifying infrastructure needs and costs. She then identified revenue sources.
A discussion ensued with Councilmembers' questions being answered by the staff and Mayor.
Next Ms. Hetzler discussed the major building capital project funding needs for 2001-2004 pointing out
that the greatest need was for projects related to the Frances Anderson Center. The total cost of these
projects was projected to be $1,425,000.
A discussion took place among the Councilmembers regarding the feasibility of spending this much
money or replacing the facility. It was pointed out that the Frances Anderson Center was revered in the
City.
Other projects included a fire sprinkler system for the City Hall building, Fire Department Signal
Improvements, flow meter station replacement, downtown sidewalks, street trees, and roof of Edmonds
Ms. Hetzler explained that Councilmember Petso had a number of questions regarding approval of budget
adjustments.
She itemized each of Ms. Petso questions and followed with answers.
A short discussion period followed with Ms. Petso asking that .the Council be apprised of large dollar
expenditures.
Mr. Earling then called on Mr. Snyder to present his agenda item.
A general question, answer, and discussion period followed.
The Council Committee agenda item was forwarded to Saturday morning.
The meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
.J.J.J
Edmonds City Council Retreat Approved Minutes
February 9 and 10, 2001
Edmonds City Hall
Page 2
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT STAFF PRESENT
Saturday, February 10, 2001
Gary Haakenson, Mayor
Peggy Hetzler, Adm. Serv. Director
Dave Earling, Council President
Brent Hunter, Human Resources Director
Chris Davis, Councilmember
Stephen Clifton, Community Serv. Director
Tom Miller, Councilmember
Duane Bowman, Development Serv. Director
Lora Petso, Councilmember
Police Chief Robin Hickok
Richard L. Marin, Councilmember
Fire Chief Tom Tomberg
Michael Plunkett, Councilmember
Arvilla Ohlde, Parks & Recreation Director
David J. Orvis, Councilmember
Noel Miller, Public Works Director
Linda Carl, Executive Assistant to Mayor
Jana Spellman, Executive Assistant to Council
Scott Snyder, City Attorney
CALL TO ORDER
Council President Earling called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
Mr. Earling then called on Mayor Haakenson who started with Council Committees.
COUNCIL COMMITTEES
Presenter: ;Mayor Haakenson
Mayor Haakenson discussed his concern regarding the effectiveness of the Council Committees -
Finance, Community/Development Services and Public Safety Committee. After airing his concerns there
was a general consensus to keep these committees and use them as they were intended.
The Mayor requested the Council form a Long -Range Task Force Committee to look at all of the
infrastructure needs and funding mechanisms.
There was a general consensus that this Committee needed to be formed and Council President Earling
will appoint two Councilmembers to this Committee.
Mr. Earling called on Ms. Hetzler to present the next agenda item.
ISSUES REGARDING SNO-ISLE VOTE & LONG-TERM FUNDING IMPLICATIONS
Presenter: Peggy Hetzler, Adm. Services Director
Ms. Hetzler started by giving an overview and continued with the financial impact to the City.
She gave an explanation of the attachments she included.
After her presentation, she answered questions from the Council.
Mr. Orvis handed out a document entitled What's the Problem with the Funding Annexation and How do
We Fix It.
Edmonds City Council Retreat Approved Minutes
February 9 and 10, 2001
Edmonds City Hall
Page 3
A broad discussion took place with respect to the library annexation issue and Mr. Orvis' document and it
was generally agreed that any financial issues concerning the library would probably best be discussed
after the library annexation vote.
Council President Earling asked Peggy to continue with the next agenda item.
FINANCIAL POLICIES/PRACTICES REGARDING RESERVE LEVELS & DEPT SERVICE FUNDS
Presented by: Peggy Hetzler, Adm. Services Director
This agenda item was requested by Councilmember Petso.
Ms. Hetzler spoke to this agenda packet which listed the reserve accounts and gave a history of each and
included ordinances regarding these funds. She also had a copy of the City of Edmonds Reserve Policies
in this packet.
A general question, answer and discussion period followed.
Mr. Earling called on Parks and Recreation Director, Arvilla Ohlde for the next agenda item.
HISTORY OF TREE CUTTING FOR VIEW IMPROVEMENT
Presenters: Arvilla Ohlde, Parks and Recreation Director & Duane Bowman, Dev. Serv. Director
Ms. Ohlde presented the Council with a 206 page agenda packet that outlined the history of tree cutting
for views in the City of Edmonds.
She reiterated that Resolution No. 418 which established and formalized a policy for tree trimming or
removal on public property was an excellent resolution and the policies set forth in that resolution were still
true today.
Topping of trees for views was discussed and it was pointed out that this was the worst possible way to
cut a tree as it allowed for rot and disease.
There was a question, answer and discussion period and it was agreed that the best time to approach this
subject was during the next 5 year master plan park update which would be happening in June 2001.
Council President Earling continued the agenda with a presentation from Arvilla Ohlde with the next
agenda item.
UPDATE.ON BULKHEAD AND WALKWAY PROJECT
Presenter: Arvilla Ohlde, Parks and Recreation Director
Arvilla gave a history and update of the project.
Ms. Ohlde answered one question from Council.
Mr. Earling proceeded with the next agenda item.
REVIEW OF INVESTMENT REPORT
Presenter: Peggy Hetzler
This agenda item was requested by Ms. Petso. Peggy presented an overview, reporting policy, and
interpretation of the report.
Edmonds City Council Retreat Approved Minutes
February 9 and 10, 2001
Edmonds City Hall
Page 4
A discussion took place regarding a more comprehensive investment policy. Ms. Hetzler indicated that
former employee Doug Farmen had been working on this. The Council asked Ms. Hetzler to bring this
policy forward during the March Finance Committee Meeting.
It was suggested that this report should come at quarterly intervals instead of monthly. There was general
agreement by the Council that this was a good idea.
The Council adjourned for lunch until 1:15 p.m.
Council President Earling called the meeting to order at 1:15 p.m. with the next agenda item.
REVIEW OF PROCESS & POLICY FOR ASSEMBLING COUNCIL PACKETS AND POTENTIAL FOR
PAPERLESS PACKETS
Presenters: Councilmember Chris Davis & Sandy Chase, City Clerk
Mr. Earling called on Ms. Chase who presented information on the current process for assembling
packets and current costs.
Mr. Davis followed with information on a paperless packet, things to consider and provided the Council
with an exhibit which featured the City of Lenexa, Kansas and their Paperless Packet Project.
It was the recommendation that a committee be formed consisting of the City Clerk, Information Services
Coordinator, a Councilmember, and a Department Head. This committee would then provide a report
back to the Council on the costs along with an implementation schedule.
Next, Councilmember Davis presented the Council with a handout outlining his research regarding moving
to a paperless packet.
There was a short question and answer period with the Council agreeing that a committee should be
formed. Mr. Davis was appointed to the committee as the Council's representative.
Council President Earling then asked Mr. Hunter to address the next agenda item.
DISCUSSION OF 2001 LABOR CONTRACTS
Presenters: Brent Hunter, Human Res. Director, Mayor Haakenson, Peggy Hetzler
Mr. Hunter began with an explanation of 2001 Labor Contracts beginning with the collective bargaining
process. He clarified the legal basis, City history, process of bargaining, collaboration verses
confrontation, future Union issues, and gave the Council a list of discussion points.
He gave an overview of various salaries and gave a future view using current trends. A question, answer,
and discussion period followed.
Council President Earling adjourned the meeting at 2:00 p.m.
Abbreviated minutes were taken. Tapes are available in the City Clerk's Office. Cost of tapes: $2.00 per tape plus
a $10 r ording fee.
",/
ARY H V
KENSON, MAYOR SANDRA S. CHASE, CITY CLERK
Edmonds City Council Retreat Approved Minutes
February 9 and 10, 2001
Edmonds City Hall
Page 5
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL
RETREAT AGENDA
February 9 and 10, 2001
City Hall, Great Room
121.5th Avenue North
TIME
FRIDAY, FEB. 9, 2001, AGENDA
PRESENTER
1 — 2 p.m.
How to Build and Fund a City (exercise to set priorities) (Req. by Mayor
Haakenson and Council President Earlin .
Mayor Haakenson
2 — 3 p.m.
Status Report of Medic 7 Dissolution (Req. by Councilmember Davis
and Mayor Haakenson.)
Mayor Haakenson
Chief Tom Tomber
3 — 3:15 p.m.
Break
3:15 - 4:30 p.m.
Financing Options for City's Infrastructure Needs (Req. by Council
President Earlin
Mayor Haakenson
Peggy Hetzler
4:30 — 5:00 p.m.
Procedure for Approval of Budget Adjustments (Req. by
Councilmember Petso.
Peggy Hetzler
5:00 — 5:30 p.m.
Councilmembers' Role and Duties Re . by Councilmember Miller.
Scott Snyder
6:00 p.m.
Dinner at Brusseau's
TIME
SATURDAY, FEB. 10, 2001, AGENDA
PRESENTER
8:30 — 9:30 a.m.
Issues Regarding Sno-Isle Vote and Long -Term Funding Implications
(Reg. by Councilmember Davis and Mayor Haakenson.
Mayor Haakenson
Hetzler
9:30 —10:00 a.m.
Financial Policies/Practices Regarding Reserve Levels and Debt
Service Funds (Reg. by Councilmember Petso.
-Peggy
Peggy Hetzler
10:00 —10:45 a.m.
Presentation on History of Tree Cutting for View Improvement (Req.
by Council President Earling and Mayor Haakenson.)
Arvilla Ohlde
Duane Bowman
10:45 - 11:00 a.m.
Break
11:00 —11:45 a.m.
Update on Bulkhead and Walkway Project (Req. by Mayor
Haakenson.
Arvilla Ohlde
11:45 a.m. —12:15 p.m.
Review of Investment Activity Report Councilmember Petso.
Peggy Hetzler
12:15 — 1:15 p.m.
LUNCH Boxed Lunches
1:15 — 2:00 p.m.
Review of Process and Policy for Assembling Council Packets and
Potential for Pa erless Packets (Reg. by Councilmember Davis.
Councilmember Davis
Sandy Chase
2:00 — 2:45 p.m.
Discussion of 2001 Labor Contracts (Req. by Mayor Haakenson.)
Mayor Haakenson
Peggy Hetzler
Brent Hunter
2:45 — 3:30 p.m.
General Questions and Wrap-up
dnydocuments/wordata/council retreat/agenda items 2-2001.doc