09/04/2001 City CouncilEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
September 4, 2001
The Edmonds City Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Gary Haakenson in the
Council Chambers, 250 50i Avenue North, Edmonds, followed by the flag salute.
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Gary Haakenson, Mayor
Dave Earling, Council President
Michael Plunkett, Councilmember
Lora Petso, Councilmember
Dave Orvis, Councilmember
Richard Marin, Councilmember
ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT
Thomas A. Miller, Councilmember
STAFF PRESENT
Tom Tomberg, Fire Chief
Kevin Taylor, Assistant Fire Chief
Greg Wean, Acting Police Chief
Duane Bowman, Development Serv. Director
Stephen Clifton, Community Services Director
Peggy Hetzler, Administrative Services Director
Brent Hunter, Human Resources Director
Jim Larson, Assistant Admin. Serv. Director
Stephen Koho, Treatment Plant Manager
Dave Gebert, City Engineer
Scott Snyder, City Attorney
Sandy Chase, City Clerk
Jana Spellman, Senior Executive Council Asst.
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
hange to
Agenda COUNCIL PRESIDENT EARLING MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MARIN, TO
ADD A 10 MINUTE EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING A LEGAL MATTER AS AGENDA
ITEM 3A AND TO ADD A LEGAL MATTER TO THE EXECUTIVE SESSION SCHEDULED AS
AGENDA ITEM 7. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT EARLING MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MARIN,
FOR APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
COUNCILMEMBER MARIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER PLUNKETT, FOR
APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The agenda
items approved are as follows:
(A) ROLL CALL
Approve
8/28/01 (B) APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 28, 2001
Minutes
pprove (C) APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS #50304 THROUGH #50428 FOR THE WEEK OF
laim AUGUST 27, 2001, IN THE AMOUNT OF $167,069.19
Checks
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 4, 2001
Page 1
IJ'
Claim for
V
(D) ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FROM LORI CRESS
($136.00)
(E) AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN CONTRACT WITH BRAUN NORTHWEST,
INC. TO RECHASSIS AND REFURBISH ONE AID UNIT
Executive 3A. EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING A LEGAL MATTER
Session
At 7:02 p.m., Mayor Haakenson recessed the Council to Executive Session for approximately 10 minutes
for discussion regarding a legal matter. The meeting was reconvened at 7:12 p.m.
Edmonds3B. INFORMATIONAL UPDATE ON EDMONDS CROSSING/BRIGHTWATER TREATMENT
Crossing
ing /
BrightWater PLANT — FOLLOW UP TO DULY 31, 2001 MEETING
Treatment
Plant Community Services Director Stephen Clifton explained at the July 31 Council meeting, City staff and
King County representatives presented information regarding the Edmonds Crossing project and the
BrightWater treatment facility. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Council requested staff and King
County prepare responses to numerous questions that the Council and citizens had raised during the
meeting.
Mr. Clifton introduced King County staff members Christie True and Michael Popiwny who would
present responses with regard to compatibility, mitigation, odor control, and next steps. Following King
County's presentation, City staff will present responses to questions raised regarding financial impacts to
the City budget as well as the local economy and zoning and land use issues. He introduced consultants
who had been assisting the City with the Edmonds Crossing project for the past 6-9 years, Doug Plater,
Engineer, CH2M Hill, and Jerry Weed, CH2M Hill, Project Manager for the Edmonds Crossing project.
Mr. Clifton noted Stephen Koho, Edmonds Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager was also present to
answer questions following the presentations.
King; County's Response to Issues Raised at the July 31 Council Meeting
Christie True, King County Department of Natural Resources, explained key points for addressing
the issues raised at the July 31 Council meeting included that the Edmonds Crossing project and
BrightWater were compatible projects, that the mitigation "package" for the selected site would be
substantial, that the facility would be viewed by the community as an amenity, and that BrightWater odor
control would be as good or better than any treatment plant in the nation.
Regarding compatibility, Ms. True advised all elements of the Edmonds Crossing project and
BrightWater could be accommodated on the Unocal site. She reviewed a preliminary site layout of the
upper level of the Edmonds Crossing and BrightWater at the Unocal site, identifying SR 104, entry to the
multimodal station, drop-off point, bus drop-off, trains, and parking. She advised the preliminary layout
accommodated all the parking stalls for the Edmonds Crossing project as well as an additional 40 parking
stalls.
Ms. True continued her review of the preliminary site layout, identifying ferry holding lanes, people
mover, dock, and ferry terminal, commenting the layout was very similar to the City's plans for Edmonds
Crossing. She explained the parkland along the waterfront was not altered in this rendering. She
identified bridges and a park located atop the treatment facility, pointing out the view from the park at
this height. The preliminary layout also included a water resources education center and a BrightWater
administration building. She identified areas that would be park or roofs covered with sod material so
that green space would be visible in this area. She identified the solids handling facility including
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 4, 2001
Page 2
digesters. She explained Pine Street would be moved so that it was at grade. She noted there was
potential for day lighting the creek although it would require moving into the wetlands setback slightly. I
She noted the hatchery remained unchanged.
Ms. True reviewed a preliminary site layout of lower level facilities, explaining the secondary clarifiers
and filtration were located on this level and noting disinfection was below the parking on this level. She
identified parking and a bus turnaround on this level. She reviewed a cross-section of the facility on the
site, identifying elements on different levels.
Ms. True displayed a preliminary site layout of BrightWater at the Edmonds Unocal site, noting this
layout accommodated the ultimate capacity anticipated for the facility. The expansion areas were
proposed to be located under the ferry terminal and did not need to be constructed by 2010. However,
the next design phase would consider whether future expansion could occur under the ferry terminal. It may be easier to construct some of the expansion facilities in the initial phase.
Ms. True explained if there was interest in adding Edmonds treatment plant flows to the BrightWater
facility, it could likely be accommodated on the site although different layouts/configurations/technology
may be considered. She summarized the Edmonds Crossing and BrightWater facilities could be well
designed public amenities and good neighbors. This proposal also represented a practical and
economical method of providing two regional facilities at the Unocal site.
Regarding mitigation, Ms. True acknowledged this was a complex issue due to legal requirements
regarding mitigation. She explained the legal definition of mitigation required avoiding impacts,
minimizing impacts, rectifying impacts, reducing or eliminating impacts and compensating for impacts.
She said King County was bound to abide by the limitations on mitigation due to the way sewer revenues
could be expended. She referred to the King County Regional Wastewater Services Plan Environmental
Mitigation Policies, highlighting a key policy, "King County shall mitigate the long -tern and short-term
impacts for wastewater facilities in communities in which they are located. The county's goal will be to
construct regional wastewater facilities that enhance the quality of life in the region and in the local
community, and are not detrimental to the quality of life in their vicinity."
Ms. True explained King County would address all possible construction and operational impacts of a
wastewater facility and mitigation was an integral part of all projects. There has been a
misunderstanding that mitigation was in addition to the project when, in fact, it was an integral part of the
project. She explained mitigation could be odor control systems, traffic improvements, design of
buildings, compensation, public parkland, trails and wetland boardwalks, sports fields, stream and
wetland enhancements, etc. She emphasized mitigation would be developed to address all potential
impacts and fulfill King County's mitigation policies.
In response to the question regarding who determines the mitigation required for BrightWater facilities,
she answered the process would include affected jurisdictions, permitting agencies, and local
communities. The goals of mitigation were to make BrightWater a good neighbor to the community, to
eliminate all possible odors, to blend BrightWater into the surrounding landscape and community, and to
make BrightWater an asset to the community. She commented the lid of the BrightWater facility could
include the design and construction of a major portion of the Edmonds Crossing project.
In response to the question regarding odor complaints at other facilities, Ms. True displayed an aerial
photograph of the Vancouver, Washington treatment plant that illustrated the surrounding density,
advising the Vancouver facility had no odor complaints since 1996. She advised the San Francisco
facility has had four odor complaints in 2000 and the San Diego treatment plant has not had any odor
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 4, 2001
Page 3
complaints since 1997. She emphasized King County would use the best technology available such as
enclosing facilities, using chemicals to minimize odor generation,°and capturing odors and cleaning the
air with both single stage and multiple stage scrubbers. Odor controls would be designed and covered as
required to ensure the correct design for the Edmonds site and King County would bring in outside
experts to advise the host community. King County could guarantee the odor control at BrightWater
would be as good as the City currently experiences or even better.
Ms. True reviewed next steps including the announcement of a narrowed list of sites by Executives Sims
and Drewel during the week of September 10, community meetings during the first and second weeks of
October, confirmation by the end of December by the King County Council of the sites to be included in
the EIS, Scoping Hearings for the EIS in early 2002, a series of community design workshops in early
2002, coordination with local, state, tribal and federal agencies throughout 2002 to develop a project that
will need their approval, and selection of the final site, conveyance to and from the facility and marine
outfall by early 2003.
Ms. True concluded the Edmonds Crossing project and BrightWater were compatible projects, that the
mitigation package for the selected site would be substantial and the facility would be viewed by the
community as an amenity, and that BrightWater odor control would be as good or better than any
treatment plant in the nation. She assured King County's Department of Natural Resources was
experienced and could deliver on large capital projects. She noted their annual capital project budget
ranged from $150 - 250 million per year and had a high accomplishment rate. She urged the Council to
consider the information presented and to continue working with King County.
Councilmember Petso recalled from the tours of the other treatment plants that the primary clarifier,
digester and solids handling were some of the more odorous processes. Ms. True agreed processes that
included handling of solids were the most odorous.
Councilmember Petso pointed out the two most odorous processes, solids handling and primary clarifier,
were located at the extreme edge of the property, adjacent to Woodway. She inquired about the size of
the buffer between those processes and the Woodway boundary. Ms. True pointed out there was a
substantial wall in that location; further, the facilities were below the grade and largely enclosed in a
building that would have odor control equipment.
Jim Goetz, Vice President, Senior Project Manager, CH2M Hill, advised the buffer between the
processes and the Woodway boundary was approximately 50-75 feet.
Councilmember Petso questioned how the water reuse function would be accommodated on the Unocal
site. Ms. True identified the water reuse area. Councilmember Petso inquired about the capacity of the
facility. Ms. True answered the filtration area had the capacity to treat 54 million gallons per day.
Councilmember Petso inquired about the location of the pumps and storage facilities for water use. Ms.
True answered any pumping equipment could be accommodated on the site; storage was not located on
the site but would likely be pumped closer to the users.
Councilmember Petso referred to the wall between the plant and Woodway and asked whether regrading
or terracing of the site would be required. Ms. True identified the area where soil removal would occur
to accommodate the facilities. She noted the park would be constructed on top of the primary clarifiers.
Councilmember Petso pointed out there would be regrading, retaining walls, and a park elevated above.
She asked if there had been any soil analysis regarding whether the property could withstand this amount
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 4, 2001
Page 4
of grading. She recalled a map that indicated this area was an earthquake hazardous zone. Ms. True
answered detailed borings would occur in the next phase; based on existing information, it appeared to be
feasible. Mr. Goetz agreed the next phase would include soil borings. He explained geotechnical
engineers who have walked the site and developed preliminary concepts for retaining walls believe it is
feasible.
Councilmember Petso referred to the siting criteria, recalling one of the sites had essentially been
eliminated due to a criteria that addressed the existing law enforcement facilities on the site. She noted at
least three of the criteria might, apply to the Unocal site including "seek sites that do not require extensive
alteration due to steep slopes, adequate buffers", and "providing water reuse and storage facilities on the
site." She inquired whether the Unocal site could be eliminated due to the conflicts between the
drawings and the selection criteria. Ms. True referred to the criteria to provide adequate buffer, noting
there were a number of ways to provide buffer including distance, wall, trees, etc. She summarized the
criteria provided flexibility for providing an adequate buffer. Regarding the water reuse storage
facilities, she said the potential opportunity for markets around all sites would need to be considered.
The water reclamation and storage facilities did not have to be located on the site. Regarding altering
steep slopes, she said the sites with steep slopes that could not be addressed structurally had been
removed from consideration.
Councilmember Petso asked the distance between the existing treatment plant and the nearest residential
dwelling at other treatment plants. Ms. True answered the distance at the WestPoint treatment plant was
'/z mile. Some residential multifamily construction has occurred near the Renton treatment plant that may
be closer than %2 mile.
Council President Earling noted the issues of concern to him were co -locating the multimodal facility and
BrightWater. He was not convinced that co -location issues had been adequately addressed and was
anxious to have the City's consultants review the preliminary drawings and offer their opinion. Another
issue of concern to Council President Earling was mitigation, particularly that mitigation funds would be
used to address odor control. He inquired about the level of odor control that could be expected as part
of construction costs and how that would be increased. He expressed concern that the mitigation funds
would be diluted if a substantial amount had to be spent on odor control.
Ms. True assured odor control and many other features were considered part of the construction cost of
the facility and the overall cost of the project. She explained the baseline for the BrightWater facility on
all sites was some covering and first stage odor control scrubbers with the recognition that the next phase
would include more detailed analysis of which sites would require multi -stage scrubbers to increase odor
control. Although most sites would have extensive odor control, the way it was accomplished may differ
depending on the site. The Edmonds site would differ substantially from other sites as another use would
be placed on top. She assured additional mitigation funds would be available for what was needed; the
mitigation amount for this site would be whatever was necessary and would be resolved via negotiations
with the host community.
Council President Earling explained the City had been working diligently to assemble the Edmonds
Crossing project since 1993 and had been successful in garnering approximately $3.5 million in state and
federal funds. He expressed concern with the possibility of not being able to co -locate the Edmonds
Crossing if the Unocal site was selected for the BrightWater treatment plant. He noted this would result
in no resolution to the existing issues with ferry traffic as well as possibly jeopardize the federal funds.
He asked how mitigation funds would be used to address that issue. Ms. True answered the potential
development that would be part of this project would contribute substantially to the Edmonds Crossing
project and would substantially offset the resources necessary for the Edmonds Crossing project. She
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 4, 2001
Page 5
commented even if the remainder of the Edmonds Crossing project was constructed at a future date, it
could be designed so that that could occur. - She said the potential for combining the projects may
engender motivation at the state and federal level to provide financing for the project.
Councilmember Marin said his concern with odor control remained. He referred to King County's
response, "during the design of the treatment plant, they would look at the various processes to see if it
was necessary to eliminate all the possible odor." He said this sentence contained "weasel words" that
would not be acceptable to him if this plant were located in Edmonds. If this treatment plant were
located in Edmonds, a guarantee would need to be provided that odor control would be the best in the
nation to the point there would not be any odor.
Councilmember Marin noted that while walking near the City's treatment plant today, he could detect
some chlorine odor. Although this was the same odor that occurred at a public swimming pool, the
perception was different. He said to satisfy him, the BrightWater facility would have to be close to 100%
odor free and without "weasel words" such as were contained in the response, "since the Unocal site will
be so close to people, it may require that more of the processes, perhaps all of them, will have to be
covered." Councilmember Marin preferred the entire facility to be enclosed, noting the preliminary plan
included structures where the best views were located. Although the proposed park was similar to the
park at WestPoint, Councilmember Marin's vision was for a much more substantial park. He preferred
filling in around the structures and building more parkland on top of it.
Ms. True answered the tallest structures were placed toward the back so that they blended with the
facility with regard to how it would be viewed from different angles. She said moving facilities on the
site may not create the desired type of view from different angles but she assured that could be
considered.
Councilmember Marin asked whether the structures on top could be undergrounded with parkland and
ballfields on top. Mr. Goetz referred to the round tanks (digesters) which generate methane gas,
explaining these were typically located in the open although they could be totally enclosed and access
provided around them. Other facilities located on the higher portions of the site were located there to
allow for gravity flow through the treatment plant. Those facilities were totally enclosed and access
could be provided on top of the facilities. He was unsure if a ballfield could be accommodated on the top
of the primary clarifiers.
Ms. True apologized for any impression that the proposal included any "weasel words" and offered their
guarantee and commitment that this facility would be odor free.
BrightWater Financing Impact Comparison
Assistant Administrative Services Director Jim Larson recalled when BrightWater was discussed at the
July 31 meeting, the Council expressed interest in considering the broader impact on the City and the
community. He indicated there would be three types of impact, the impact on the City's budget, impact
on the local economy, and impact on ratepayers.
Regarding the impact to the City's budget, Mr. Larson explained the most significant was providing City
services. BrightWater would provide additional revenues from sales taxes related to treatment of water
and utility taxes (approximately $190,000 annually) that could be used to enhance services, etc.
Regarding the impact to the local economy, Mr. Larson explained a great deal would be spent on the
construction of BrightWater as well as ongoing monitoring, however, it was uncertain how much would
be expended in the local area. Further, BrightWater would create a limited number of jobs.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 4, 2001
Page 6
Regarding the impact on ratepayers, Mr. Larson explained Edmonds sewer rates were substantially lower
than charged by King County. If Edmonds continued to operate its own treatment plant, there would be
no impact on ratepayers. If the Edmonds treatment plant was discontinued and the flow treated by King
County, there would be a substantial increase in residents' sewer rates, an approximately 66% increase
through 2010.
Mr. Larson said another issue to consider is how the development of BrightWater on the Unocal site
compared with other uses of the site. He explained residential development on the Unocal site would
generate less money to the City for additional services. Commercial development, however, would have
the largest impact on the City's budget, approximately $450,000 per year. He noted although
BrightWater was proposing a treatment plant and there had been interest expressed in residential
development, there had not been a proposal for a commercial use.
Regarding the impact on the local economy, residential development would result in approximately $1
million in additional spending with local businesses and create 33-48 more jobs than BrightWater.
Commercial development could result in $8.5 million in additional spending with local businesses and
creating 1,000 more jobs than BrightWater.
Mayor Haakenson asked who currently owned the property. Mr. Larson answered Unocal owned the
property. Mayor Haakenson noted Unocal, as the property owner, could develop the property as they
chose as long as it was within the City's zoning code.
Development Services Director Duane Bowman reviewed responses to Question #13 regarding
Comprehensive Plan designation update/zoning/future uses of the Unocal site. In response to the
question, "will there be a hearing on the future use of the Unocal site, or a comprehensive plan update",
Mr. Bowman explained the property was currently designated in the City's Comprehensive Plan as a
"master plan development" that must be consistent with the City's Downtown/Waterfront Plan. Because
the City's current Comprehensive Plan does not include the BrightWater project in either its land use or
capital facilities elements, a Comprehensive Plan amendment would be required if the site were to be
used for a regional sewer treatment facility. That process includes a number of public hearings before
both the Planning Board and City Council. In addition, a specific development proposal for BrightWater
would be required to undergo a rezone and Architectural Design Board (ADB) review. Both these
processes require one or more public hearings.
In response to the question "can the property be developed into a convention/hotel and performing arts
center, hotel, or other retail and residential development," Mr. Bowman, explained these uses were
identified as options for development in the current Downtown/Waterfront Plan, specifically land uses of
a hotel or residential mixed use and commuter services in the upper yard. The lower yard is designated
in the Downtown Plan for multimodal transportation center. However, a rezone of the property would be
required in order for most of these uses to actually be permitted to be developed on the site.
In response to the question "what is the Unocal site zoned and is it private property," Mr. Bowman
explained the property was currently zoned "CW — Commercial Waterfront" which had very limited uses
and a regional wastewater facility was not a permitted use or Conditional Use. He said the property was
currently privately owned by Unocal.
In response to "does King County need a Conditional Use Permit to locate the BrightWater Treatment
Plant on the Unocal site," Mr. Bowman explained the Edmonds Community Development Code defined
a sewer treatment plant, such as the BrightWater project, as a "regional public facility." Regional public
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 4, 2001
Page 7
facilities are neither a permitted use nor a conditional use under the site's current CW zoning. Therefore,
the zoning would need to be changed before the use could be permitted, either outright or through a
conditional use process. For example; the City's "P — Public Use" zones does permit "regional public
facilities" and would therefore permit the BrightWater project.
Mayor Haakenson expressed his appreciation to King County staff and City staff for the information they
provided.
Council President Earling commented the Council had spent the last several weeks educating themselves
regarding wastewater treatment facilities including touring existing facilities. He noted there were still
issues that were unresolved, both to him and to the community. He indicated a resolution had been
prepared by staff over the past several days and completed late this afternoon.
Res# 1009 COUNCIL PRESIDENT EARLING MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MILLER,
Opposing FOR APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 1009, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
Locating THE CITY OF EDMONDS, WASHINGTON, OPPOSING THE CONTINUED INVESTIGATION
Brightwater OF THE EDMONDS UNOCAL PROPERTY BY KING COUNTY AS A CANDIDATE SITE FOR
Treatment Facility at THE BRIGHTWATER TREATMENT FACILITY
Unocal
Property Council President Earling reiterated his concerns regarding co -location, noting it was still unclear
whether both the treatment facility and the multimodal facility could be co -located on the Unocal site.
Further, the City had already dedicated an enormous amount of time and money to the Edmonds Crossing
since 1993. He explained his second concern was the use of mitigation funds, how the funds would be
spent, how much would be needed for technical improvements such as odor control, etc. He summarized
he was not comfortable there would be sufficient mitigation funds to address all issues.
Council President Earling read the proposed resolution:
WHEREAS King County intends to develop a new wastewater treatment plant to be known as
the `Brightwater Wastewater Treatment Plant" and has designated said plant as an Essential Public
Facility; and,
WHEREAS, King County has identified the Edmonds Unocal property, located within the
municipal boundaries of the City of Edmonds, as one of the six candidate sites for the BrightWater
facility; and
WHEREAS, King County is currently conducting a feasibility analysis of the six candidate sites
to determine which, if any, should proceed through the Environmental Impact Statement process in
preparation for development of the BrightWater facility; and
WHEREAS, the King County Executive is scheduled to recommend designation of two to five
"final candidate" sites to the King County Council during the week of September 10, 2001; and
WHEREAS, the Edmonds City Council has received testimony from residents, neighbors, City
staff, and other groups and individuals regarding the potential siting of the BrightWater facility on the
Edmonds Unocal property; and
WHEREAS, multiple large scale Essential Public Facilities already exist within or immediately
adjacent to the City of Edmonds, including two wastewater facilities, high volume ferry terminal
facilities and an adjacent railroad depot; and
WHEREAS, the Edmonds Wastewater Treatment Plant located at 200 2nd Ave. S. within the City
of Edmonds is a regional secondary wastewater treatment facility currently treating approximately 11.8
million gallons of wastewater per day, including wastewater flows from Edmonds, King County,
Mountlake Terrace, Woodway, Lynnwood, and Olympic View Water & Sewer District; and
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 4, 2001
Page 8
WHEREAS, the City of Lynnwood Wastewater Treatment Plant located immediately adjacent to
the Meadowdale neighborhood within the City of Edmonds is a regional secondary wastewater treatment
facility currently treating approximately 7.4 million gallons of wastewater per day, including wastewater
flows from Lynnwood and Edmonds; and
WHEREAS, the City of Edmonds has since 1993 worked with the Washington State Department
of Transportation to plan for the eventual relocation of the Edmonds Ferry Terminal to the Unocal
property site, and has planned for the relocated ferry terminal to be developed as part of a new regional,
multimodal transportation facility designed as "Edmonds Crossing;" and
WHEREAS, siting the BrightWater facility on the Edmonds Unocal property could severely
jeopardize the successful development of the Edmonds Crossing project; and
WHEREAS, due to the location, size and topography of the Edmonds Unocal property,
development of the proposed BrightWater treatment facility thereon could leave an insufficient buffer
area between the treatment plant and neighboring residential areas and impair the ability to mitigate
environmental impacts from the Edmonds Crossing Project; and
WHEREAS, the City of Edmonds has very limited developable land within its City limits; and
WHEREAS, the addition of the BrightWater sewer facility could impact existing public
development of the site for the Edmonds Crossing Multimodal Facility as well as impair the long term,
ongoing efforts of the City to correct an existing transportation snarl of bus, train, car and ferry traffic
that limits public access to the natural features and public facilities previously described; and
WHEREAS, the Unocal site is unique to its beautiful setting, its proximity to commercial areas
and to a range of recreational facilities and natural habitat areas, including but not limited to Deer Creek
Hatchery, Union Oil Marsh, the Port of Edmonds, numerous public beaches, tidelands and an underwater
dive park; and
WHEREAS, King County has been unable to demonstrate that the Edmonds Crossing Project
and the BrightWater Treatment Facility could effectively co -exist on the Unocal property; and
WHEREAS, the City of Edmonds routinely receives complaints from citizens residing near the
Lynnwood Treatment Plant regarding odors emanating therefrom; and
WHEREAS, while the language contained in King County Resolution 13680 regarding potential
mitigation measures to the City Council proposes to mitigate environmental impacts to a limit of ten
percent (10%) of plant costs or Ten Million Dollars, whichever is greater; and
WHEREAS, the City has expended approximately $3.5 million in federal and state grant monies
planning for the Multimodal Facility; and
WHEREAS, if the City prematurely terminates the Multimodal Project, the City could be
obligated to repay said grants, creating a severe economic impact on the City; and
WHEREAS, repayment of such grant monies is a socio-economic impact that King County does
not appear willing to assume due to the limited scope of its mitigation resolution; NOW THEREFORE,
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS, WASHINGTON, HEREBY
RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The Edmonds City Council finds that the Edmonds Unocal property is an
inappropriate site for King County's proposed BrightWater treatment facility because:
A. It would impair the City's ability to maximize the potential of the site for the benefit of
the citizens of Edmonds;
B. Would impose upon the City an unfair share of the region's sewage treatment facilities;
and
C. Would impair the City's ongoing efforts to coordinate a variety of public transportation
and recreational uses as well as a preservation of natural features, open space and service views, on or
near the Unocal site.
Section 2. The Edmonds City Council finds that the continued investigation of the Edmonds
Unocal property as a candidate site for the potential location of the proposed BrightWater treatment
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 4, 2001
Page 9
facility would represent a waste of public resources and would create a costly and unnecessary
intergovernmental conflict.
Section 3. The Edmonds City Council urges the King County Executive to exclude the Edmonds
Unocal property from the list of Final Candidates that will be submitted to the King County Council in
September 2001
Section 4. It shall be the policy of the City of Edmonds to oppose the continued investigation
and potential selection of the Edmonds Unocal property as a candidate site for the King County
BrightWater treatment facility.
Section 5. The Mayor is requested to convey this resolution to the King County Executive.
Mr. Snyder explained this was a difficult situation as the Council was being asked to respond as a
legislative body when the Council was also potentially the permitting agency. The Appearance of
Fairness Doctrine allows that when the Council acts legislative, if the action would destroy the Council's
quorum, the Doctrine of Necessity would allow the Council to remain in place. Therefore, the
Resolution tends to stress policies, which the Council has adopted in the past, such as the 8-year history
of Council support of the Edmonds Crossing Project. He cautioned Councilmembers in their discussion
not to prejudge an application that the Council has neither seen nor heard but rather to respond in a
broad, general legislative format.
Mayor Haakenson read a memo submitted by Councilmember Miller, "Following the July 31, 2001
presentation to the City Council on BrightWater, I have publicly expressed my own reservations and
opposition to this project being sited in Edmonds. There are a number of concerns that I have with
BrightWater, most of which have been mentioned by many people. The greatest concern, however, is the
location and compatibility of this being sited on a premier piece of view property that I have always felt
would be ideal for residential and/or commercial development. Although I am unable to attend this
evening's presentation on BrightWater to answer the many questions that were raised by the community
at our July 31" meeting, after reading the material provided by BrightWater in this evening's packet, my
mind remains unchanged and I am still opposed to the proposal which would place this wastewater
treatment plant at the Unocal site. I believe, therefore, it is appropriate for our Council to formally
declare a collective position on BrightWater and communicate that to King County Executive Ron Sims
and the King County Council. I have read the resolution being presented this evening and would
encourage my fellow Councilmembers to vote for its approval."
Councilmember Orvis commented Edmonds treats its own sewage as well as the sewage from other
communities. The Unocal site is a very beautiful and unique site and there clearly were better uses for
the site. Based on the information provided in the Resolution, he expressed his support for the
Resolution.
Councilmember Plunkett noted the Council had conducted due diligence with regard to considering King
County's proposal to site BrightWater at the Unocal site. He explained the ultimate decision for siting
regional facilities was the responsibility of the King County Executive and King County Council.
Councilmember Plunkett expressed his support of the Resolution and urged citizens to express
themselves to the King County Council and King County Executive.
Councilmember Petso recalled she expressed concern at the July 31 meeting regarding the proximity of
the BrightWater treatment facility to the residential area and the ability to fit both projects on the same
property. She said the engineer shared her concern, paraphrasing the engineer's comments, "he didn't
want to put the two smelliest parts of the plant adjacent to the residential area but the site constraints
pretty much required that that be done or it may not look good from other angles." Councilmember Petso
summarized under the circumstances the site was too small to accommodate a treatment plant with the
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 4, 2001
Page 10
necessary buffer. She referred to criteria used to evaluate sites such as including an appropriate buffer,
selecting sites that do not require extensive alteration, water reuse storage facilities on site, selecting sites
that minimize exposure to geographic hazards, and selecting sites that could be appropriately and
effectively mitigated. She encouraged citizens to contact King County Council and any other agencies
with decision -making authority. She invited citizens to contact her to obtain the siting criteria. She
expressed her thanks to Ms. True and Mr. Popiwny for their efforts to educate the Council.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mayor Haakenson declared a brief recess.
4. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Proposed Gary Gales, 9622 2391h Street SW, Edmonds, explained the purpose of his petition was to transmit his
Sidewalks & Parking Lot concerns and objections to the elected officials the City Edmondse way Y of over the the City has and is
Improve- proceeding with plans to install sidewalks in his neighborhood and construct a parking lot on Woodway
ments near Elementary School property. He described their contact with City staff on June 19 and 21 to express
Woodway
Elementary their concerns, orally and in writing, noting they had not yet received a response from staff. His first
school concern was the City, Edmonds School District, and a special interest group have been working on a
design for over 3'/2 years to construct a parking lot on Woodway Elementary School property and install
sidewalks on 238`h, 2391h, 240`h Streets SW, 240t1i Place SW, and 96`h and 97th Place West. He noted the
City solicited bids in June 2001 without consulting property owners and property owners have yet to be
informed. He said staff indicated it was not necessary to inform abutting property owners as an
assessment was not sought against their properties.
Mr. Gales second concern was that a major component of the project was construction of a parking lot
and questioned why the City was contracting for capital improvement projects on property that was not
owned by the City. He commented the City's only involvement in this project should be to ensure the
project meets current zoning requirements and issues the appropriate building permit. He requested the
Council, 1) hold a public hearing to collect input and to address the concerns of abutting property
owners, and 2) veto any measure that contains a component to establish capital improvement projects on
non -City property.
Mayor Haakenson indicated he had e-mailed Mr. Gales today and offered to have Mr. Bowman address
Mr. Gales' concerns at the conclusion of public comments.
Proposed
Sidewalks & Patricia Gales, 9622 2391h Street SW, Edmonds, said staff acknowledged they had "messed up" on the
Parking Lot
Improve- sidewalk project by not notifying abutting property owners and urged the Gales to trust him, indicating
ments near the City would do the right thing for the neighbors. When she requested a traffic survey be conducted on
Woodway 239th to get a true representation of local neighborhood traffic, she was told the equipment was broken
Elementary
school and would not be repaired until September. She was also told the traffic survey conducted during the
planning stage had been lost or destroyed. Ms. Gales cited the limited amount of vehicular and
pedestrian traffic she observed while conducted her own traffic survey today between 8:00 — 9:00 a.m.,
2:30 — 3:30 p.m., and 5:00 — 6:00 p.m. She concluded there was little reason for a sidewalk on 2361h SW
or 96th Place W.
BrightWater Michael Lowell 316 7th Avenue N Edmonds expressed his appreciation for the Council passing the
Treatment > > > p Pp p g
Plant resolution regarding BrightWater.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 4, 2001
Page I
htwater Joe Camden, 1021 A Avenue S, Edmonds, thanked the Council for passing the resolution regarding
t-
ent BrightWater. He noted image was very important and questioned what image a sewage treatment plant
t provided. He questioned the comments by King County that a treatment plant could be viewed as an
amenity and could improve the quality of life in Edmonds. He commented regarding odor he
encountered near the Edmonds Treatment Plant, noting he had never complained to the City.
Alvin Rutledge, 7101 Lake Ballinger Way, Edmonds, expressed concern that the Council had "cut a
BrightWater
Treatment deal„ and agreed they were opposed to the BrightWater treatment facility prior to tonight's meeting. He
Plant suggested the Council apologize to King County for allowing them to make a presentation when the
Council had already taken a position.
Council President Earling responded the Council had not "cut a deal;" staff had been asked to begin
drafting a resolution for presentation this evening. The resolution was provided to Councilmembers prior
to the meeting tonight and they were asked to review it prior to voting. He objected to Mr. Rutledge's
implication that a deal had been cut.
BrightWater Susie Schaefer, 1055 Edmonds Street, Edmonds, explained she was interested in determining whether
reatment the BrightWater facility could benefit Edmonds, particularly by providing an environmental education
rant center for the Parks and Recreation Department via mitigation for the treatment facility. She questioned
whether the Union Oil Marsh disappeared if the projects were constructed. Mayor Haakenson provided a
map of the proposal to Ms. Schaefer, identifying the Union Oil Marsh and indicating it would be
retained.
ned Terry Hanna, 6920 172"d Street SW, Edmonds, suggested when the draft Planned Residential
idential Development (PRD) ordinance was ready for final approval, it be presented to the public in referendum
elop- form. He commented that although the PRD ordinance had been reviewed at 22 meetings over three
is
years, he was not aware it was being discussed. He observed several Councilmembers were also
surprised it would allow duplexes, reduced setbacks, accessory dwelling units, etc. He recalled
discussing a PRD with staff who assured him two public hearing would be held but was not told there
was an effort underway to revise that process. He supported eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy, but
pointed out the need to balance the financial investment of the developer with the financial investment of
existing property owners. If the Council was not willing to place the proposed amendment on the ballot
in referendum form, he suggested the Council hold a public hearing regarding the proposed changes. Mr.
Hanna also suggested a clause be included that indicated the regulations would be adopted on a trial, one-
year basis and allowing the flexibility to override the guidelines. He invited other concerned residents to
contact him at (425) 741-3050.
BrightWater Roger Hertrich, 1020 Puget Drive, Edmonds, agreed with the Council's action regarding BrightWater.
Treatment He noted residents did not want to be included in BrightWater because it was too expensive for
Plant
ratepayers. The proposal did not include access to the waterfront or Port or any method of reaching the
train depot. He referred to an article in the August 30 Edmonds Beacon regarding an individual who
otem Pole acquired a piece of a totem pole and was now being sued by the City. He suggested this was being done
Piece for political purposes as the individual was running for City Council. He questioned whether City
employees who acquired pieces of the totem pole were also being sued or only the individual running for
City Council.
htWater Syd Locke, 110 Pine Street, Edmonds, expressed his appreciation to the Council for their vote against
tment the BrightWater facility. He commented he intended to vote against BrightWater, rezoning, height
t g h' g g g� g
increases, etc. that would be required to build the treatment facility in Edmonds.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 4, 2001
. Page 12
rightWater Rich Demeroutis, 921 Pine Street, Edmonds, commented the BrightWater siting process was flawed as
reatment the Woodinville site had been disqualified due to permits for subsidized housing, the gun range had been
last
eliminated as the site was used by governmental public safety agencies, there were concerns being raised
regarding the gravel pit due to a possible lack of soil, the Thrasher's Corner site would require the
removal of 64 homes, and the Edmonds site had very little buffer. He requested the King County
Council reopen the siting process and reconsider the original seven sites.
otem Pole City Attorney Scott Snyder explained when the City brought action to obtain the return a piece of the
Piece former City art (totem pole), the action was brought against Mr. Locke, because the City knew he had the
pole in his yard, as well as John and Jane Doe, individuals who might have sections of the pole that were
missing. By working with Parks and Recreation Director Arvilla Ohlde, several pieces of the pole that
had been removed from the dumpster by City employees had been recovered. The City has currently
accounted for all pieces of the pole except those in Mr. Locke's possession.
Councilmember Petso apologized to the Gales that she had not had an opportunity to address their
concerns with staff. She assured they would receive a reply from staff or her in the next few days. She
requested staff copy her on any response to the Gales. Councilmember Petso also apologized to Terry
Hanna for not responding to his email and telephone call requesting she speak to him prior to the Council
meeting, and offered to call him tomorrow.
Proposed At Mayor Haakenson's request, Development Services Director Duane Bowman responded to the Gales
Sidewalks & concerns. He concurred there was an issue with regard to the sidewalk project in this area. The normal
Parking Lot process would be to have a community meeting; as this did not occur, a decision was made to pull this
Improve- project and begin the public process again. A community meeting has been scheduled in the Woodway
ents near
Woodway Elementary School Gym at 7:00 p.m. on September 19.
Elementary
School City Engineer Dave Gebert explained he was one of the staff members who met with and spoke with the
Gales. He said the Community Services/Development Services Committee was briefed regarding the
intent to cancel that walkway project this year due to the inadequate public involvement process. He
explained general neighborhood concerns as well as individual property owner's concerns would be
addressed and the results presented to the Council for a decision regarding whether sidewalks should be
installed in this area.
Mayor Haakenson asked why this was a joint project with the school district. Mr. Gebert explained the
project eliminated some on -street parking in the areas where the walkway was located, on -street parking
that historically was used by visitors to the school. Additional parking would be installed as mitigation
for the loss of parking. As the City would be doing construction in the area, the school district requested
the City serve as the school district's contract administrator to make repairs to their parking lot (funded
by the School District via an Interlocal Agreement).
5. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Haakenson had no report.
6. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Marin explained several months ago when staff presented the street overlay program to
the Community Services/Development Services Committee, committee members expressed interest in
taking advantage of opportunities for economy of scale. He reported staff was supportive of seeking
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 4, 2001
Page 13
opportunities to "get as much bang for the buck as was`"available" and have been able to identify
opportunities for economy of scale as well as overlaying more streets.
7. EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING LABOR NEGOTIATIONS
At 9:24 p.m., Mayor Haakenson recessed the Council to an Executive Session regarding labor
negotiations and a legal matter. He did not anticipate any action would be taken and indicated the
Council would adjourn immediately following the conclusion of the Executive Session.
G RY FVkENSON, MAYOR
1
SANDRA S. CHASE, CITY CLERK
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 4, 2001
Page 14
AGENDA
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL
Council Chambers, Public Safety Complex
250 5t' Avenue North
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
SEPTEMBER 4, 2001
7:00 P.M. - Call to Order
Flan Salute
1. Approval of Agenda
2. Consent Agenda Items
(A) Roll Call
(B) Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes of August 28, 2001
(C) Approval of claim checks #50304 through #50428 for the week of August 27,
2001, in the amount of $167,069.19.
(D) Acknowledge receipt of Claim for Damages from Lori Cress ($136.00)
(E) Authorization for Mayor to sign contract with Braun Northwest, Inc. to
rechassis and refurbish one aid unit
3 (60 Min.) Informational update on Edmonds Crossing/BrightWater Treatment Plant -
Follow up to July 31, 2001 meeting
4. Audience Comments (3 Minute Limit Per Person)
5. ( 5 Min.) Mayor's Comments
6. (15 Min.) Council Comments
7. (30 Min.) Executive Session regarding labor negotiations
Parking and meeting rooms are accessible for persons with disabilities.
Contact the City Clerk at (425) 771-0245 with 24 hours advance notice for special accommodations.
The Council Agenda as well as a delayed telecast of the meeting appears on AT&T Cable, Channel 21.