19721107 City Council Minutes•.• n
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CAO Ron Whaley introduced Bruce Brown, who was in'the audience, to the council.
Mr. Brown is the Chief Accountant with the Finance Department.
Mr. Whaley reminded the council that there will be a presentation by the Finance
Department and the City Clerk's Office on Thursday, November 2nd. The Public
Works Department presentation will be on Saturday, November 4th.
There being no further business to come before council, the meeting was adjourned
at 10'! 20.
Irene Varney Mor , City Clerk Harve H". Harrison, Mayor
November 2, 1972
A special meeting had been called by the Mayor for presentation of his Budget
Message along with the Preliminary Budget for 1973.
Meeting was called to order by Mayor Harrison, with Council members Gellert,
Shipppn, Nordquist and Haines in attendance. Councilman Tuson arrived later.
Mayor Harrison stated that the purpose of this meeting was for a public hearing
on the preliminary budget for 1973. He then read his budget message and copies of
the 1973 Preliminary Budget were distributed to council. Comments were then invited.
No one in the audience wished to comment. The Mayor noted that he had spent the
past week giving this proposed preliminary budget careful analysis. One of the
proposals in the budget message was a total tax cut amounting to approximately
$174,600 or $28.00 per family for 1973. This would be accomplished by elimination
of the water utility tax, and a 3% reduction in the electric, telephone and gas
utility taxes. He stated that the budget can be balanced with these reductions
being offset by the revenues expected from the federal revenue sharing before the
end of 1973.
Councilman Gellert remarked that he was in favor of tax cuts. Councilman Nordquist
inquired if council would have an interview with each Department Head as in past
years, in order to discuss with -them their individual budgets. He suggested
setting this up on a one half hour basis per Department Head. Councilman Haines
agreed that if this was not scheduled, council would not have opportunity for this
particular input. A motion was then made by Councilman Nordquist, seconded by
Councilman Gellert that two special meetings be scheduled between council members
and department heads; November 9 and 16 at 7:30.; and council meet with half the
department heads on the first date, and the remaining ones on.the second. This
motion carried.
Councilman Gellert mentioned the bus services cost to the City of Edmonds, and
it was noted that the public transportation item would be on the November 7 regular
city council meeting.
Councilman Nordquist moved :that this special meeting be adjourned, and this was
seconded by Councilman Haines, and carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:10 P.M.
Irene Varney Mora City Clerk
November 7, 1972
ROLL CALL
.Harve H. Harrison, Mayor
Regular meeting of the Edmonds City Council was called to order by Mayor Harve
Harrison with all council members present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes of the meeting of October 31 had been posted. - mailed and distributed.
Mayor Harrison noted that under "Council'Participation", in paragraph 3, he
would prefer that the phrase "and bring it up to surface" be omitted from his
sentence. The minutes were then approved as corrected.
COUNCIL PARTICIPATION
Councilman Tuson asked the City Engineer how soon the contractor, or whoever is
responsible, would be installing lights to illuminate the stretch of.state highway
where the ferry access turns on Fifth. Engineer Larson answered that although
the contract would allow installation within the year, the State has contacted
the PUD to install lights there in the near future, and therefore it was probable
that this would be taken care of soon. Councilman Tuson was concerned with the
poor visibility and cautioned that with icy conditions, this
would be an extremely dangerous section without sufficient lighting.
Councilman Nordquist stated that he understood that since the budget hearing last
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Tuesday evening, a letter was being sent to all Edmonds citizens along with
a questionnaire. He commended the Mayor for this action and asked if there
was any chance for the council to submit some questions. Mayor Harrison
answered that the questionnaire was already made up, and the mailing was
being done at the direction of the council. Councilman Nordquist requested
that the council be given the results of the questionnaire.
Councilman Gellert noted that he would be out of town and unable to attend a
scheduled budget meeting between Council and Staff on Thursday the 16th. .
Councilwoman Shippen stated that council would have to decide whether to adopt
the Mayor's suggestions or maintain our present tax effort, and it would be
helpful in making that choice if they could have a supplement to the budget
which would be based on our maintaining the present tax effort and considering
the revenue sharing separately. She felt it would facilitate their study to
have that information at hand. CAO Ron Whaley advised Councilwoman Shippen
that this data had already been prepared for the council, and would be ready
for their use on Thursday evening.
Councilman Gellert commented on the possible change in the E.E.A. funding, and
the CAO answered that the budget shows both the August and November 1973 cutoff.
There was some discussion on funds and comparisons.
Councilman Haines felt that it should be resolved prior to Thursday evening
what would be the disposition of the revenue sharing funds, since he understood
that certain of these funds were earmarked for categories of city operation, and
he would therefore like it to be documented as to whether they can be used for
the General Fund expenditures, or must be placed into a trust fund. He asked
that a night letter or telegram be sent to the proper officials so that a reply
might be received by Thursday regarding these funds. CAO Whaley said he would
contact Mr. Young on Wednesday and make the effort to obtain this requested
documentation.
Councilman Haines stated that he had heard from Mr. Frede, who -still had received
no action regarding the excavation in the road in front of his home in the north
end of Talbot Park. Councilman Haines felt something should be done to alleviate
this situation, and asked CAO Whaley to follow up with appropriate action so that
correction can be made.
Councilman Nelson asked for clarification on the subject that someone would be
available from the City to attend the seminar on federal revenue sharing next
week. CAO Whaley answered that he had another governmental meeting which would
conflict, but that the Finance Director would attend.
Mayor Harrison announced that Max Gellert would be replacing Councilman Nelson
on the SNOCOM Board, and it was moved by Councilman Tuson, seconded by Council-
man Nelson that the Mayor's appointment of Councilman Gellert to the SNOCOM
Board be confirmed. Motion carried.
Mayor Harrison announced that the Association of Washington Cities annual re-
gional meeting would be held on Wednesday, November 15 at the Dutch Cup Restaurant
in Sultan. He said that he had made reservations for eight people, and asked
that those wanting to attend let him know.
The Mayor reported that in regard to the Nelson property on the waterfront for
the Senior Citizen Center site, two appraisals had been received: on from
Mr. Stay, and one from Mr. Meyer. The appraisal from Meyer, according to
Attorney John Wallace, was deficient since the amount was not supported by
sufficient data:' He added that the City had three alternatives: (1) accept
the appraisals of $333,000 from Earl Stay and $365yt000 from Mr. Meyer and then
accept the $360,000 selling price from the Nelsons; (2) make a firm counter
offer; (3) authorize the Mayor to hire another appraiser and not pay for the
second appraisal (Meyer's), which was asked for by the Nelson's. It was noted
that the grant had been set up on the $360,000 figure and was apparently accept-
able to HUD, since the grant was based upon this. It was thought, therefore,
that it might be best to go ahead on this basis, since negotiations would not
make any difference to the City; HUD is happy with the $360,000. Councilman
Haines said that since the Attorney stated that the Meyer appraisal of $365,000
is not an acceptable appraisal, he didn't feel the City could in good conscience
go above the valid appraisal of $333,000. Councilman Nelson suggested the City
go back to Mr. Meyer for substantiating material and data to back up his appraisal.
Mr. Kaspers, in the audience, said it was common to go back to an appraiser for
this information, especially in a complicated situation.. Following some dis-
cussion, a motion was made by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Haines
to instruct the City Attorney to prepare correspondence over the Mayor's sign-
ature to ask the appraiser (Mr. Meyer) to provide substantiating evidence to
back up his appraisal, and furnish the City with this data no later than November
30. It was also stated that a courtesy copy of this letter be sent to Mrs. Sally
Wren. The motion carried. Councilman Haines then moved, seconded by Councilman
Gellert that in case the appraiser does not want to submit data #o substantiate
his appraisal, the Mayor be authorized to initiate a new appraisal for the City
on the subject property. This motion also carried.
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CORRESPONDENCE
A letter had been received from Apex Garbage'Company, stating that due to in-
creased wages and other expenses, they proposed asking for an increase in rates
equal to 20T per household per month, effective December 1, 1972, subject to the
approval'of the Utilities and Transportation Commission. Councilman Gellert
asked if this present rate increase involving wages would be approved within
the guidelines of the Price & Wage Commission. Gordon Maxwell, in the audience,
stated that the increase is requested, then the Utilities and Transportation
Commission audits the books of the company to determine if this is warranted.
If it is, the increase would normally be granted unless a protest is received
by the Commission, resulting in a hearing being held. It is reallya matter
of bookkeeping. 'The Utilities and Transportation Commission'has authorization
to make determinations in these wage -price cases. Following discussion, it was
moved by Councilman Gellert, seconded by Councilman Nelson to instruct the City
Staff to investigate the reasonableness of the Apex proposal for a'rate increase
and give a'factual report to the City Council on November 21. Motion carried.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION CONTRACT
Councilman Nelson reported that Seattle -King County Metro has not been able to
obtain facts and figures as to the amount of monies needed from the city for
the transportation system, and he therefore moved, seconded by Councilman
Gellert to place the Public Transportation Contract on the November 14 agenda.
Motion carried.
HEARING: FINAL ASSESSMENT ROLL =- LID #184
• Hearing was held on the final assessment roll for LID 4184, the 9th Avenue UAB
project.
City Engineer Leif Larson reported on the preliminary and final costs, and
gave an explanation of the zone and termini method of assessment. He then noted
receipt of several letters from property owners, dealing with restoration; also
fences, rockeries, property stakes, driveway approaches, and slope easements;
as well as complaints on'the'hazards dealing with speeding, noise and fumes
from traffic. Engineer Larson noted that he'had investigated all complaints
except one from Moss,'which he had just received this evening. He also added
that he would investigate problems shown in photos submitted by Mr. Johnson,
The City Engineer then stated that he recommended approval of the final
assessment roll, subject to his investigation of the correspondence. Hearing
was then opened.
Mrs. Stockman, 9924 - 225th Place, complained about the fumes from the traffic,
and said the fumes.seemed to hang in her yard; She also complained about the
traffic, noise, and dirt and dust from'the cars travelling•on 9th. She stated
that it was also too much money to have to pay this assessment as well as her
regular taxes. She added that her privacy was gone and the value of her pro-
perty decreased. She added she had been given $100 from the contractor to re-
place her fence, but the boards had been on the ground for so long now that
they were rotting, so,she planned to submit a claim for replacement of the
boards, and was very unhappy with the project and with Bay Construction.
Gerald Johnson, 1013 - 9th South, submitted a claim for improper workman ship,
substantiated by photographs. Earth and stones wash continually onto his side-
walk, and the City Engineer stated that he would take his photos and investigate
• this problem.
Mr. John Galbreath, 1439 - 8th Place East, said he felt his property had de
creased in value with this "improvement", and he must now pay the assessment,
althodgh all people travelling the street are receiving the benefits. Attorney.
Wallace explained that a UAB is funded money, so essentially it is being paid
by all taxpayers, with the abutting property owners and those within the assess-
ment boundaries .paying the remaining 10% for the sidewalks. Mr. Galbreath
suggested looking into the possibility of including two full blocks on each side
of the improvement for assessment boundaries.
There was much council discussion on reducing and/or modifying assessments; on
individual cases versus the entire project, especially in regard to benefits
from the sidewalks,, where properties were below and fronted on another street.
Councilman Nelson noted that with the improvement of 9th there was now good
drainage in areas where there was runoff water previous to the project.
Councilman Haines felt there was less benefit from the sidewalks in this area
north of the cemetery on the west side, where Mr. Galbreath lived.
Mr. Johnson said he objected to the speedway, hot the cost of the assessment,
which he felt was fair. He did say he thought the street posed a dangerous
situation without proper illumination, and added that the project was, how-
ever, a sloppy one, and should be completed entirely before bills are pre-
sented. He brought to council, attention the patched sidewalk at the Murphy
residence.
Gordon Maxwell stated that he was happy with both the street improvement and
the assessment cost.
There was a great deal of discussion between council and property owners, and
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Roy Williams asked council to please read his letter at their leisure. There
was some discussion on the,title companies not giving the correct information
on assessments against properties which had been sold to new owners. The
hearing was then closed.
It was moved by Councilman Haines, seconded by Councilman Nelson to continue
this hearing to November 14 and a list be furnished with all objections re-
ceived on the project so that council could inspect each one individually on
Saturday morning at 9:00 A.M. Motion carried.
It was then moved by Councilman Gellert, seconded by Councilman Nordquist
that the hearing on LID's be held no earlier than 30 days after mailing of
the assessment roll to all property owners of record. There followed some
further discussion, and a motion was made by Councilman Nelson, seconded by
Councilman Gellert to amend the motion to state that duplicate copies of the
assessment notice be sent to both the owner of record as shown in the Snoho-
mish County Treasurer's office, and also to the address of the owner, if .
available. The amendment carried, and the motion as amended also carried.
At this point, there was a 15 minute recess.
HEARING:- FINAL ASSESSMENT ROLL - LID #187
Hearing was held on the final assessment roll for LID #187, underground wiring
on 9th Avenue, from Carol Way to north of Daley Street.
City Engineer Leif Larson reported on the project cost and the breakdowns for
City, Utility Companies, and property owners. He noted that the property owners' •
participation had been.reduced to $4.22, assessed on a lineal footage basis.
Letters of protest were received, and Mr. Wolgamott stated in his letter that
there was now a pole within 20 ft.'of his property, and he requested a reduction
on his assessment. Mrs. Merrill protested, but gave no reason. Mr. Adams also
sent a written protest. Hearing was opened.
Mr. Kaspers suggested the City formulate a policy with the experience gained
from this project on underground wiring. There was some discussion on the
project as originally planned, and the final boundaries decided upon. With no
one else in the audience wishing to comment on the project, the hearing was
closed.
Because of the location of the poles decreasing the value of the undergrounding
to Adams and Wolgamott, it was moved by Councilman Gellert, seconded by Coun-
cilman Haines to reduce the assessments of Adams and Wolgamott by 1/3 because
of the decreased benefits, and the City pick up the difference, with proposed
Ordinance 41623.passed, approving and confirming the assessment roll with.the
modifications as noted. Motion carried.
HEARING: ANNEXATION OF ANCHOR BOAT SALES
Hearing was held on the proposed annexation of Anchor Boat Sales. It was re-
ported that waiver had been received from the Boundary Review Board, and the
hearing was opened and closed with no audience comment.
A motion was made by Councilman Tuson, seconded by Councilman Nordquist that
proposed Ordinance #1624 be passed, annexing the property known as Anchor Boat
Sales and legally described therein, to the City of Edmonds. Motion carried. •
CONSIDERATION OF STREET LIGHTING STANDARDS FOR STATE HIGHWAY AREAS
A motion was made by Councilman Nordquist, seconded by Councilwoman Shippen to
continue this agenda item to November 21, and the motion carried.
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APPROVAL OF FINAL PLAT OF DENNY PARK
City Engineer Leif Larson explained that it was his recommendation, and that of
the City Planner that council approve the final plat, consisting of 5 lots on
the north side of 184th S.W.
There was some discussion, wherein Councilman Tuson asked about the possibility
of fire equipment being able to use the turn -around, and Engineer Larson stated
that the Fire Chief had approved the plat.
Councilman Nordquist moved, seconded by Councilwoman Shippen that council approve
the final plat of Denny Park, subject to engineering requirements. Motion carried
with.Councilman Tuson voting against..
QUIT CLAIM DEED FOR PORTION OF R/W ON ALOHA.
City Engineer Larson reported that a letter dated October 23 had been received
from the Holy Rosary Church, requesting that the City return to them a portion
of right-of-way on Aloha previously dedicated by them to the City. They also
indicated that they would quit claim a portion of right-of-way needed for 8th
Avenue. The Engineer stated that since this proposal is in conformance with
street planning, he was requesting that the Mayor be authorized to sign a quit
claim deed for the portion of right-of-way as shown on a sketch which he pro-
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vided each council member. Therefore, a motion was made by Councilman Tuson,
seconded by Councilman Nordquist to authorize the Mayor to sign the quit claim
deed as recommended by the City Engineer. Motion carried.
AUTHORIZATION TO CALL FOR BIDS ON GASOLINE AND FUEL OIL FOR 1973
There was some discussion on calling for bids on gasoline and fuel oil for city
requirements for 1973. Edmonds has participated with the County in past years
on the gasoline and diesel needs, since a better price can be obtained in this
manner. The City Clerk noted that she had contacted the County Commissioners'
office and had been advised that the County would be calling for bids sometine
in November. A motion was made by Councilman Tuson, seconded by Councilman
Nordquist that the city of Edmonds participate with the -County again this year
for our gasoline requirements. Motion carried.
The City Clerk also reported that the City had called for its own bids on fuel
oil requirements last year. Following some discussion, it was moved by Council
man Nordquist, seconded by Councilman Tuson that the City of Edmonds call for
bids on fuel oil simultaneously with the county call. Motion carried.
COUNCIL ACCEPTANCE OF STREET IMPROVEMENTS - LID #172
City Engineer Leif Larson stated to council that he recommended acceptance of
the street improvements under LID #172, Alder from 7th to 9th, and on 8th from
Alder to Maple. He noted that this was advised so that the period for liens
could be established at this time.
Councilman Gellert commented on the fact that the property owners on these im-
proved streets call to council attention the substandard work at the assessment
roll hearing after the project has been accepted. He wondered if this was a
wise procedure. The City Engineer answered that he had personally inspected
this project and was recommending acceptance. He did explain, however, that
he had noticed some fine cracking of the pavement, but that this had happened
before on other projects, and in.time this problem could seal itself. The
contractor is bonded, and for purposes of possible liens, he preferred to have
acceptance now.
A motion was made by Councilman Tuson, seconded by Councilman Nordquist to
accept the street improvements under LID #172 on the Engineer's recommendation
for the reasons mentioned. Motion carried.
SECOND READING PROPOSED ORDINANCES
Second reading was heard on a proposed ordinance amending the comprehensive
land use plan for the City of Edmonds,' by re -designating certain properties'
pursuant to Planning Commission Resolution 383. A motion was made by Coun-
cilman Gellert, seconded by Councilman Nordquist that proposed Ordinance #1625
be passed, and the motion carried.
Second reading was heard on a proposed ordinance to establish the procedure for
filling vacancies of the office of councilmember and adding a new section
1.12.050 to the Edmonds City Code. It was moved by Councilman Nordquist,
seconded by Councilwoman Shippen that proposed Ordinance #1626 be passed, and
the motion carried.
CAO REPORT
• CAO Ron Whaley distributed to each council member a schedule setting the times
on November 9 and 16 for Council meeting with the Department Heads for budget
purposes.
There was no further business, and the meeting adjourned at 10:30 P.M.
Irene Varney Moran City Clerk
November 14, 1972,
ROLL CALL
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Harve H. Harrison, Mayor
Regular meeting of the Edmonds City Council was called to order by Mayor Harve
Harrison with all council members present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes of the meeting of November 7 had been posted, mailed and distributed.
Councilman Gellert noted that on Page Two under "Correspondence", 5th line, it
should read "increase involving-,prices"-instead'of "wages".' The -minutes were
then approved as corrected.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Gordon Maxwell stated that he would be speaking in behalf of the Senior Citizen's
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