Cmd090820E1)MONDS CITY COUNCIL
VIRTUAL ONLINE MEETING
COUNCIL COMMITTEES — SPECIAL
APPROVED MINUTES
September 8, 2020
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Mike Nelson, Mayor
Adrienne Fraley-Monillas, Council President
Kristiana Johnson, Councilmember
Luke Distelhorst, Councilmember
Diane Buckshnis, Councilmember
Vivian Olson, Councilmember
Susan Paine, Councilmember
Laura Johnson, Councilmember
CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE
STAFF PRESENT
Phil Williams, Public Works Director
Patrick Doherty, Econ. Dev & Comm. Serv. Dir.
Shane Hope, Development Services Director
Dave Turley, Acting Finance Director
Rob English, City Engineer
Zach Richardson, Stormwater Engineer
Jeff Taraday, City Attorney
Scott Passey, City Clerk
The Edmonds City Council virtual online meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Nelson. The
meeting was opened with the flag salute.
2. LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Councilmember L. Johnson read the City Council Land Acknowledge Statement: "We acknowledge the
original inhabitants of this place, the Sdohobsh (Snohomish) people and their successors the Tulalip
Tribes, who since time immemorial have hunted, fished, gathered, and taken care of these lands. We
respect their sovereignty, their right to self-determination, and we honor their sacred spiritual connection
with the land and water."
3. ROLL CALL
City Clerk Scott Passey called the roll. All elected officials were present, participating remotely.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
BUCKSHNIS, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA IN CONTENT AND ORDER. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
5. AUDIENCE COMMENTS litt s:11zoommsls14257752525
Mayor Nelson invited participants and described the procedures for audience comments.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 8, 2020
Page 1
Pam Stullar, Edmonds, owner of Walnut Street Coffee and recently elected president of the Edmonds
Downtown Alliance (Ed!) said she wanted to introduce herself and thanked the City and the electeds for
their efforts to safely attract people with the Walkable Main Street and the parklet programs. She and the
Ed! Board looked forward to fostering communication and collaborating on new initiatives that will
benefit other sectors of the business community. She thanked the City for the $700,000 allocated to small
businesses through the CARES Act funding. Walnut Street Coffee received funds which were imperative
for her due to decreased revenues and the uncertain future. She was able to purchase a new grab and go
frig to utilize area previously used by customers and some new outdoor dining furniture, expenditures she
would not have been able to make without those funds. She thanked the Savvy Traveler for their over 20
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years orfbringing a rlauuious destination business to the corm-nuny and thanked Petra and Alexandra for
their volunteer time on behalf of the Downton Edmonds Merchants Association as well as Ed!, making
downtown a better and more vibrant place. She encouraged electeds and City staff to stop by the Savvy
Traveler and offer their thanks and congratulations.
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6. APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
OLSON, TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The
agenda items approved are as follows:
1. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
7. COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
1. COUNTYWIDE BUILDABLE LANDS PROGRAM
Stephen Toy, Principal Demographer, Snohomish County Planning and Development Services,
thanked the City for the invitation to speak regarding preparations for the Building Lands Report (BLR)
that is due next year, a collaborative effort between cities in Snohomish County as well as Snohomish
County. He reviewed:
What is BLR?
o GMA requirement for 7 counties and the cities in them (RCW 36.70A.215)
O Requires pert Gd evaluation G1.
■ Urban densities achieved
■ Adequacy of remaining urban capacity for accommodating growth (to 2035) based on
observed densities
■ If needed, reasonable measures, other than expanding UGAs, to remedy inconsistencies
o Countywide planning Policies address city/county coordination on BLR through Snohomish
County Tomorrow (SCT) process
■ SCT Procedures Report (2000,updated in 2020)
■ SCT Reasonable Measures Program (2003, updated 2020)
Snohomish County's BLR
O Snohomish County has completed 3 BLRs: 2002, 2007 and 2012
O 4"' BLR is due by June 30, 2021
O Involves centralized data collection and analysis approach, focused on use of County GIS
resources/staff
O Relies on extensive city -county staff meetings for map/data review and site visits
o Use of website for map and results posting over course of project for stakeholder and other
public input
o Jurisdictional recommendation at SCT (both city/county planners and elected officials)
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 8, 2020
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o County Council adoption of final report
o Cities/county will use the BLR information for:
• 2044 growth target development through SCT
■ Alternatives analysis for next GMA local plan updates due in 2024
• BLR — conceptual model
1. What land in the UGAs could be developed?
2. What density actually happens in each zone?
3. What is the land capacity?
4. How much is likely to be available by 2035?
5. What are the growth targets?
6. Is there enough land capacity?
• 2012 BLR Mapping for City of Edmonds and MUGA
1. Land Status Map (vacant parcels, partially used, redevelopable, constant/replacement)
2. Zone/Future Land Use Map
3. Critical Areas Buffers and Easements Map
4. Additional Housing Unit Capacity Map
5. Additional Employment Capacity Map
• Snohomish County 2012 BLR — Validation Study
o How accurate were past BLR predictions compared with actual developments?
■ Example: Property identified on 2012 BLR Map as redevelopable and predicted to
support 6 units was redeveloped as Echelbargers Shaw Lane (6 units)
o Actual compared with predicted in City of Edmonds
■ Actual number of housing units developed was higher (by 74%)
• Actual amount of unbuildable area was less (by 73%)
■ Actual overall buildable density achieved was higher (by 64%)
+ Reasonable Measures: What if there is not enough land capacity to accommodate growth?
o Reasonable measures evaluation required if BLR reveals an urban growth area capacity
shortfall
o "Identify reasonable measures, other than adjusting urban growth areas, that will be taken to
comply with the requirements of this chapter" (RCW 36.70A.215)
o Countywide Planning Policies, Appendix D provides local guidance
o Applies to cities and county
o Sampling of the numerous options to consider shown in Appendix D of the Countywide
Planning Policies
• Permit ACUs in single family zones
■ Provide multifamily Housing Tax Credits to Developers
• Transfer/Purchase of Development Rights
• Allow duplexes, townhomes and condominiums
■ Increase allowable residential densities
■ Mandate minimum residential densities
• Reduce street width standards
■ Encourage infill and redevelopment
■ Encourage the development or urban centers and urban villages
■ Encourage transit -oriented design
■ Create annexation plans
SCT 2012 Buildable Lands Report Schedule
o Development history (1" quarter 2019 — 2" d quarter 2020) - completed
o Parcel inventory (2°d quarter 2019 — 2» d quarter 2020) — completed
o Methodology Review/Update (3rd quarter 2019-2°d quarter 2020) — completed
o City Meetings (2"d quarter 2020 — 4` quarter 2020)
o Initial capacity estimates (3,d quarter 2020 — 15' quarter 2021)
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September 8, 2020
Page 3
o Report preparation (4"' quarter 2020 — I" quarter 2021)
o Formal review and adoption (1" quarter 2021-2°a quarter 2021)
Councilmember Buckshnis recalled when she was on SCT, one of issues with the BLR was MUGAs and
cities like Everett and Woodway; Woodway was to double their population and Everett had like a hockey
stick and they both complained that they could not achieve those goals. She asked if the review resulted in
different numbers for the cities. Mr. Toy said the validation study did not result in new numbers; it
evaluated whether the development capacity in the 2012 BLR for properties inside the UGA was
accurately predicted and compared locations where additional capacity was predicted with sites that
actually redeveloped between 2012 and 2010. Similar to Edinonds' results, the validation, study found
more units were built after the 2012 BLR than were predicted. That information will be used as input to
next year's BLR to determine the next growth targets.
Councilmember Buckshnis asked for confirmation that Edmonds has always met its growth targets.
Development Services Director Shane Hope answered yes, the City has always met its growth targets.
Councilmember Buckshnis commented issues in Edmonds include McMansions and not having enough
housing stock.
Councilmember Olson asked why the seven counties were chosen, at a glance it seemed like density, but
Spokane County and the Tri-Cities area were not included. Ms. Hope said she worked for the State when
that was being discussed. By general principles, Spokane County would have been included, but the
legislature chose to focus on the larger and faster growing counties in western Washington.
Councilmember Olson commented the Housing Commission is interested in having a variety of housing
stock that works for more people at more income levels. She asked if the GMA evaluates at what point
quality of life is diminished as a result of so much density and whether the GMA would be renegotiated
or was that change something that would need to be led by citizens. Ms. Hope explained the GMA does
not set any specific targets, instead it calls for the Office of Financial Management (OFM) to provide a
population forecast, ranging from low, medium and high, for the next 20 years and it is up to each county
to decide which range they want to pursue. Each county then makes a determination, which includes some
negotiation between the county and cities. King, Snohomish, Pierce and Kitsap Counties also have the
Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) process that set some criteria such as the largest cities that already
have the infrastructure and regional growth centers should take the most growth. In Snohomish County,
that is Lynnwood, Bothell and Everett. Edmonds and other smaller cities are not expected to take as much
growth. There is some flexibility in how that is determined; if population forecasts change, the numbers
will go down.
Councilmember K. Johnson said in Edmonds land is very valuable and some areas have been rezoned.
One of the trends is to tear down an older home and build a new, modern home or subdivide the property
and build 2-3 homes. She asked if that activity was accounted for in the model. Mr. Toy said they do
analyze additional density via formal plats, segregated lot condominium development or short plats and it
is factored into future density expectations. Redevelopment also occurs where there is a one -for -one swap
that does not result in an increase in units. Councilmember K. Johnson commented it is often smaller for
bigger. Mr. Toy referred to the Land Status Map that includes land labeled "constant/replacement,"
indicating the land use may not change but a unit is replaced with a new one with no increase in capacity.
Councilmember K. Johnson asked whether it looks like Edmonds will be on target for 2035. Mr. Toy said
based on early indicators and current densities, Edmonds is in a good position to accommodate its 2035
growth target. The next topic on the agenda is Vision 2050 which calls for more growth beyond 2035.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 8, 2020
Page 4
Councilmember Paine commented Edmonds has been very successful in adding new housing units and
asked if the City gets backward credit for meeting the goals in abundance over what the BLR predicted.
Ms. Hope answered it is a cumulative total so the City continues to get credit over years. Mr. Toy agreed
there are reserves for how the City is using its land more efficiently to accommodate growth, capturing
some higher density in areas where it make sense for growth beyond 2035.
Councilmember Paine asked if the Esperance area of Snohomish County were annexed into Edmonds,
how would that be addressed in the BLR. She asked if were there mid-term updates. Mr. Toy answered
mid-term updates have not been done; the BLR report is required every eight years. The capacity of the
Esperance area would be based on Snohomish County's zoning and the density expectations post -
annexation would be negotiated in an Interlocal Agreement with regard to the continued ability for the
annexed areas to accommodate the growth targets they were already assigned. If the zoning were
changed, that impact would be captured in the BLR.
Councilmember L. Johnson referred to the Reasonable Measures Options, commenting most are
regarding encouraging infill, redevelopment, increased density, and increasing transit oriented design.
However, one of the options is reduced street width standards which seem to be the opposite of the other
options. Mr. Toy answered some suburban locations that have excess right-of-way widths. One of a
jurisdiction's evaluations could be whether there are rights -of -way that are wider than required for
circulation in a suburban location. That is included as an option, but whether a jurisdiction has the ability
to lessen right-of-way requirements is the jurisdiction's call. Each jurisdiction would go through an
exercise to consider the options; if it was determined the standards were adequate for residential density,
that option would not be pursued.
2. VISION 2050 UPDATE
Development Services Director Shane Hope advised the packet contains an overview of Vision 2050, the
regional growth plan for livability, economic vitality, etc. It relates to the four county region but is also a
jumping off point for transportation planning, transportation funding, etc., a big picture document that
covers four counties and all the jurisdictions within them. It is a larger process that helps inform the
countywide policies and comprehensive plans. Vision 2040 is currently in effect, but the region is
required to prepare an updated vision. That process has been occurring over the past several years and is
nearing the end point. Vision 2050 builds off of Vision 2040 but ads some elements particularly more
focus on equity, climate change, and housing.
Paul Inghram, Director for Growth Management, PSRC, commented in the previous agenda item, the
Council was looking at details, targets and land usage under the Buildable Lands Report. Vision 2050 is a
big picture for the region looking out to 2050 and working cooperatively among cities and counties on the
future. He reviewed:
PSRC — Who are we?
o Metropolitan Planning Organization Regional Planning Organization for 4 counties and 82
cities
o Develop policies and coordinate decisions about regional growth, transportation and
economic development planning
o Distribute federal transportation funding
o Provide data and forecasting tools
o Includes a General Assembly Board, Growth Management Policy Board, Transportation
Policy Board and Economic Development District Board
• Central Puget Sound Region
0 4 million people
0 4 counties: King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap
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September 8, 2020
Page 5
0 82 cities and towns
o Urban and rural
0 6,300 square miles
0 1,000 Square miles in urban growth areas
Vision 2040 4Vision 2050
o A strong economic and healthy environment
o Preserve waters, farms, recreation and resource lands
o Urban Growth Area and Centers strategy
o Local actions to achieve regional VISION
Regional Policy Direction
o Vision 2050
Multicounty Planning policies
■ Regional growth strategy
o Detailed Functional Implementation Plans
■ Regional Transportation Plan
— Metropolitan Transportation Plan
■ Regional Economic Strategy
— Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
Planning in Washington State
o GMA
Adopted in 1990, requires fast-growing cities and counties to develop comprehensive
plans to manage their population growth.
o Vision 2050 & Multicounty planning policies
■ PSRC as the regional planning organization
o Countywide planning policies
* Counties and cities work together to set population and employment growth targets and
Policies to guide growth
o Local Comprehensive Plan
■ Local jurisdictions prepare plans that must be consistent with multicounty and
countywide plans
o PSRC certifies countywide planning policies and local plans.
• 2050 Forecast
o The long range forecast is for continued growth
■ The region is project to growth by 1.8 M people between 2017 and 2050
• The region is projected to add about 1.2 M jobs between 2017 and 2050
a Who will be living here
o In 2050 the region residents will be:
■ Older
— 18% of the region's pop will be over the age of 64 by 2050 up for 14% today
More diverse
— Between 2000 and 2016, 81 % of the region's population growth was people of color
In smaller households
Vision 2050 Work program
0 2017 — early work
0 2018 — scoping, research, planning
0 2019 — SEPA review, draft plan
0 2020 — Adoption (originally planned to be adopted in May, now expected late October)
What we heard
o Increasing housing choices and addressing affordability
o Preserving the natural environment
o Leading the way in reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 8, 2020
Page 6
• 2050 Document Guide
o Goals: Overarching pan objectives
o Policies: Multicounty principles for regional and local planning
o Actions: Steps to implement policies
o Regional Growth Strategy: Numeric strategy for new growth
o Policy Sections
= Regional Collaboration
■ Regional Growth Strategy
= Environment
■ Climate Change
■ Development Patterns
■ Housing
■ Economy
■ Transportation
■ Public Services
■ VISION 2050 works to:
o Increase housing choices and affordability
o Provide opportunities for all
o Sustain a strong economy
o Significant reduce greenhouse gas emissions
o Keep the region moving
o Restore the health of Puget Sound
o Protect a network of open space
o Growth in centers and near transit
o Act collaboratively and support local efforts
■ Regional Growth Strategy
o Most growth aimed at Metro, Core and High Capacity Transit Communities (HCT)
0 65% of region's population growth and 75% of employment growth in regional growth
centers and near HCT
o Less growth rural areas
o Better jobs -housing balance by shifting employment allocation from King County
• Increase housing choices
o Housing is a regional issue
o Promote more housing, especially near transit, jobs and services
o Create more affordable housing types and choices
• Provide opportunities for all
o Commit to equitable outcomes
o Create and retain living wage jobs throughout the region
o Address risk of displacement
• Growth in cities and centers
o Goal for 65% of region's population and 75% of job growth to occur in regional centers and
near planned high -capacity transit
■ Preserve open space and farms
o Continue to focus growth in cities and urban areas
o Support implementation of the Regional Open Space Conservation Plan
• Keep the region moving
o Comprehensive regional transportation system that supports all modes of travel
o Connect centers with high capacity transit network
o Explore new technology and plans for 2050
• Protect the environment
o Restore Puget Sound water quality
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September 8, 2020
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o Four-part Greenhouse Strategy to address climate change
■ Collaborate and support local actions
o Coordinate across jurisdictions, agencies, tribes, businesses and other stakeholders
o Support countywide and local planning work
• What's different from VISION 2040?
o Extends planning horizon to 2050
o Updated growth strategy and aims for more growth near transit
o Advocates for sustainable funding sources
o Increases recognition of Native Tribes and military installations
o New chapter on climate change
o Directs a regional housing strategy
o Directs a regional equity strategy and consideration of forming an equitable advisory group
■ Planning Cycle
o Fall 2020 — Executive board recommendation and General Assembly adoption
0 2020-2012 — update countrywide planning policies and growth targets
0 2022-2024 — update local Comprehensive Plans
Councilmember K. Johnson said one of the most interesting questions is what is the impact of COVID-
19? There may see a paradigm shift as jobs move away from urban cities as companies realize it is
possible to work from home. She anticipated this could have a significant impact on the office space
supply in Seattle as well as on the transportation system. She asked how that would be incorporated in
Vision 2050 or considered in the future. Mr. Inghram agreed that is a huge question; tracking that type of
data is what they do on a day-to-day basis. There is a lot of interest in the long term impacts and how this
is changing businesses, both big businesses whose employees can now work from home as well as
supportive businesses such as restaurants. It could have an impact on where jobs are located and how they
shift around the region or even around the world. For example, does Google need an office in Seattle if
everyone is working from home? At this point, actual transactions indicate large companies are
continuing to invest in office space; Google continues to expand in Kirkland, Amazon continues to
expand and purchase office space in Bellevue, and it appears Facebook is buying office space in Bellevue.
He agreed it would be something to keep track of in the next couple years.
Council President Fraley-Monillas said she serves on the PSRC executive committee as an alternate to
Arlington Mayor Tolbert. It was her understanding that the main hubs will be Arlington, Lynnwood and
Bothell. She agreed with taking time to make decisions in order to take a hard look at issues that arise.
Arlington is the biggest hub in Snohomish County and she asked him to comment on job development in
Arlington. Mr. Inghram said Arlington/Marysville was identified as a regional job center about I1/2 years
ago and that a key part of Vision 2050. Canyon Park in Bothell and Paine Field are the other
manufacturing job centers in Snohomish County. Lynnwood, Bothell and Everett are population centers
for Snohomish County. Arlington/Marysville, renamed Cascade Industrial Center because it overlaps the
two cities, has had very strong job growth. Council President Fraley-Monillas said Arlington provides
hope for moving jobs from Seattle, Bellevue and Everett. Arlington Mayor Tolbert has been very
supportive of ways to attract large businesses to that area.
Councilmember Buckshnis commented on the dichotomy of the different hubs and asked how the entire
region was considered. The region is fortunate to have Google, Facebook and other tech companies. She
asked about Kitsap County. Mr. Inghram said there are a variety of jobs in the region including a strong
military job presence in Kitsap, Snohomish and Pierce counties, aerospace in South King and Snohomish
counties and high tech jobs in Bellevue and South Lake Union. There is interest in keeping jobs
diversified in the region, recalling the impact of job losses in King County during the dot-com bust in
2001. Kitsap County has an industrial center in Bremerton but there may be opportunity for high tech jobs
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 8, 2020
Page 8
to locate in those outlying areas. For example, is there an opportunity for Seattle jobs where land prices
are high to locate in outlying locations?
With regard to directing regional housing, Councilmember Buckshnis said cities' zoning vary. She
supported the focus on social equity and improving the housing stock and a global opinion. She asked if
that would be addressed by a separate group or would it go through SCT or Alliance for Housing
Affordability (AHA). Mr. Inghram said it is a regional issue, what happens in one city has impacts on the
neighboring city, yet a lot of the decisions are local decisions. PSRC's intent is to help communities work
together so there is some level of cooperation versus total isolation and to provide tools, strategies and
data about what is working, not working and can be done. For example, if a community wants to address
missing middle, PSRC can assist by provide tools and data.
Councilmember Paine commented the recent health emergency has revealed a lack of hospital capacity.
She asked whether PSRC encourage cities and growth areas to ensure that some of that less obvious
infrastructure is in place. When she needed hospital services for her father, she discovered there are
definitely some shortages. With the expected increase in population, she asked if that was addressed by
PSRC or was it something that happened within the community. Mr. Inghram said there are regional
policies about public infrastructure such as water, sewer, utilities, transportation, and schools; hospitals
would fall within those policies but at very high level. The City may want to consider planning for
specific medical needs within the community during its comprehensive planning process which could
include local medical providers in that process to ensure they understand how much growth the
community is likely to have and ensure they are planning for it. PSRC tries to talk with utility districts
and school districts about the number of people that are expected to come to the region to help them plan
for that. PSRC does not do hospital planning and does not have very directive policy about medical or
hospital facilities but does try to share that information with infrastructure and utility providers so they
can plan. Ms. Hope said PSRC also has a great deal of data.
Councilmember Paine asked if there was a section in Comprehensive Plan that could address medical
services. Ms. Hope said it could easily fit into the public facilities chapter.
3. PRESENTATION OF PRELIMINARY FINDINGS FOR THE BALLINGER RE, GIONAL
FACILITY FEASIBILITY STUDY
Public Works Director Phil Williams explained there is a project in 2020 budget and the 2020 CIP to look
at the feasibility, efficacy and cost effectiveness of building a regional stormwater treatment facility near
Lake Ballinger at Mathay Ballinger Park. He introduced the people who have been involved in this
project, City Engineer Rob English, Stormwater Engineer Zach Richardson, Dan Gariepy, Tetra Tech,
Chris Jones, Groundswell (not present) and Josh Saitelbach, Groundswell.
Mr. Williams explained this project was conceived of by City staff looking for opportunities to handle
stormwater differently. Lake Ballinger is a regional water quality asset as well as a recreation opportunity,
but it has been challenged mightily over the last 50 years with growth in the basins that feed it and it is
plagued with a lot of water quality problems, hydrologic problems, flooding, excessive aquatic plant
growth which is caused by excessive nutrients entering the lake. Lynnwood and areas to the north
contribute most of flow into Lake Ballinger and Edmonds contributes a fair amount of stormwater. The
drainage basin, approximately 145-150 acres west of Lake Ballinger, includes all the hard surfaces from
the commercial areas on both sides of Highway 99 such as roofs, parking lots, a major state highway with
40,000 cars/day and cars themselves which are a major source of pollutants that enter Lake Ballinger.
Mr. Williams explained consideration has been given to ways to address this problem. He recalled an
infiltration system constructed in Seaview Park; phase 2 of that project will double the capacity. The
focus of those projects was to reduce the hydrologic impact of peak stormwater flows into Perrinville
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September 8, 2020
Page 9
Creek, its erosive impacts on the stream and habitat degradation. The primary goal for the Ballinger
Regional Facility is treatment to provide infiltration and prepared soils for the materials to go through to
provide maximum reduction in pollutants before it enters Lake Ballinger. The guesstimated cost of the
project is $3-$5 million; the goal will be to get most of it, up to 75%, funded via grants. Another
opportunity from installing a new regional stormwater facility to treat stormwater before it enters the lake
is any new development on Highway 99 would be a candidate for latecomer agreements where they
would be allowed to satisfy their treatment requirements by using this regional facility and repay a portion
of the cost. That possibility will be pursued and more details will follow.
Mr. Williams explained this project fits well with the Highway 99 goals. The City is in detailed design on
the first Highway 99 project, the center median project, which will be followed by a number projects to
improve safety and provide a better retail climate and opportunity for redevelopment. As those redevelop,
they must meet new regulations and can potentially assist with this project. Tonight's presentation is to
get feedback from the Council. The information that will be presented has been developed via the
$235,000 feasibility study in the 2020 budget and CIP. At some point the feasibility study will end and
hopefully Council will approve moving into detailed design of the project.
Council President Fraley-Monillas commented this is only City park on the east side of Highway 99. She
asked if the park could still be used at 100% capacity and could something be built on top of this. She
recalled discussions about a community center, noting there are only two parking spaces for the park.
Having the ability to build other things on top and create a community neighborhood draw would be a
great thing and after reviewing the packet, she did not see anything that indicated that could or could not
be done. Mr. Williams answered all the existing functionality and attractiveness of the park would be
preserved as well as adding to it to make the park an even stronger asset to the community. The details
will be described in the presentation.
In response to Council President Fraley-Monillas' question, Dan Gariepy, Tetra Tech, said Groundswell
is part of the feasibility study because of the park and the new parks director who identified the park as a
great asset. Mr. Gariepy described his background, he has been with Tetra Tech for approximately 1'/2
years. Prior to that he was with the Washington State Department of Ecology, one of lead engineers that
developed the stormwater permit and the primary reviewer of applications for the grant program
suggested for this project. He also assisted with developing stormwater credit requirements for Vision
2040, building cities in the rain, that considers how to have growth while protecting the environment.
Mr. Gariepy reviewed:
• Site Context
o Map of Lake Ballinger, Watershed 140 Acre basin, Mathay Ballinger Park.
■ What is storm water?
o Natural precipitation
IF Rain events
• Snow melt
R Other surface runoff and drainage
o Travels over land and discharges into surface water.
• Why is storm water a problem?
o Problem: Decrease in quality
o Problem: Increase in quantity
o Cause: Developed and disturbed land
o Pollutants in stormwater discharges
• Fertilizer/pesticides
■ Road runoff
in Excrement
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September 8, 2020
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• Typical pre -development conditions
o Precipitation
■ <1% surface runoff
■ 20-30% interflow
■ 10-40% groundwater
■ Evapo-transpiration 40-50%
• Typical developed conditions
o Precipitation
■ —30% surface runoff
■ 20-30% interflow
■ — 15 % groundwater
■ Evapo-transpiration —25%
• What stormwater control looks at:
o Runoff Treatment
o Flow Control
• What are the benefits of green stormwater infrastructure
o Improve aesthetics
o Protect riparian areas
o Increase property values
o Educate the community
o Reduce infrastructure and maintenance costs
■ Triple bottom line indicators
o Environmental
■ Reduced Flooding
■ Enhanced Water Quality
■ Enhanced Habitat
■ Enhanced Plant life
■ Enhanced Wildlife
■ Lower Temperatures
■ Enhance Air Quality
o Economic
■ Workforce Development
It Business Development
o Social
■ Social Cohesion
■ Public Safety
■ Reduced Crime
o Health
■ Increased in Exercise
■ Decreases in Heat -related Illness
■ Reduced Stress
+ Improved Quality of Life and Aesthetics
■ Benefits of parks and green stormwater
o Health and Wellness
■ Improved health and wellness through parks and recreation
o Conservation
■ Protecting open space, connecting children to nature, and engaging communities in
conservation practices
o Social Equity
■ Ensuring all people have access to the benefits of local parks and recreation
+ Parks, green stormwater infrastructure, and equity
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September 8, 2020
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o Beautify parks and neighborhoods
■ Increase amount and variety of vegetation
■ Introduce alternative materials and orientation for roads and sidewalks
• Improve pedestrian experience
■ Encourage exercise
• Enhance the character of the community
o Enhance park aesthetics
■ Opportunity to create a green stormwater infrastructure network that can serve as
enjoyable open space
• Provides community gathering places to build social cohesion
Being "green" can be a positive selling point
■ Reduces crime
■ Basin Diagram illustrating
0 4 basins
o New storm system
Josh Saitelbach, Landscape Architect and Urban Planner, Groundswell, commented this is an
exciting project, an example of how a neighborhood park can be leveraged to provide an amenity and a
resource that impacts the entire City. He reviewed:
■. Site Aerial
0 3.5 acres Mathay Ballinger Park
o Interurban Trail on the north
o Well -loved community space that provides active and passive recreational opportunities
Site Analysis
o (2) Sport courts
o Small parking lot
o Mature stands of evergreen and deciduous trees in center of park
Tree Protection Areas
o Tree protection zone
o Existing deciduous tree drip line
o Existing evergreen tree drip line
• Options to accommodate a stormwater facility
o Option A — 22,000 s.f. surface treatment facility
• Displaces passive open space
■ Removes (5) 12" trees
■ Removes (1) 14" tree
■ Removes (2) sports courts
o Option B — 9,500 s.f. surface treatment facility
■ Removes (2) 12" trees (in failing health)
• Removes a lot of passive open space lawn
• Removes (1) sports court
■ Site Visit with City Staff— January 2020
o Chris Jones, Groundswell, visited site with Parks & Recreation Director Angie Feser, Deputy
Parks & Recreation Shannon Burley and Stormwater Engineer Zach Richardson to better
understand how park is used and what the proposal means to park function.
■ Staff indicated this is a beloved, cherished park and should not be displaced with a
stormwater facility
• Arborist Walk — June 2020
o Tree Solutions provided a general assessment on the health of trees in park and advised on
strategies, focused on the central core tree grouping
• Arborist Memorandum — July 2020
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 8, 2020
Page 12
o Mature grove of trees very healthy, should absolutely be retained, many of trees literally and
figuratively support each other
o Some trees in center of site (close to basketball court) have health and structural issues and
could be removed
o Based on arborist feedback, concluded would be difficult to construct stormwater facility
shown in Options A and B given that mature trees are healthy and should be protected
• Park Use + Tree Diagram
o Healthy tree canopy
o Cherished passive and active open space
• Preferred stormwater facility location alternative
o On north end of play area
o Below the right-of-way of the Interurban Trail at the bottom of a critical slope
o Allows retention of all open space and protects and preserves all existing trees on site
o Facility intersects with tree protection zone of some larger trees which will need to assessed
in more detail but generally impacts to fir trees will be minimal
o Photographs of preferred alternative site illustrating:
■ Gently sloping lawn space north of playground
■ Location of tree drip lines
■ Existing tree roots
■ Existing catch basins that will be relocated
Mr. Gariepy displayed the preferred alternative and described how the stormwater facility will function
using CSD pre -filter, bioretention baseflow treatment, a proprietary media, Filterra Bioscape, and
rainwater harvesting.
Mr. Saitelbach displayed and reviewed photographs of:
• Preferred alternative — before
• Preferred alternative — after (not a final design solution)
• Stormwater Facility Design — Precedent Images
• Environmental Education — precedent images
• Historical Narratives — Design Inspiration
o Interurban Trail
o Great Western Lumber
o Shingle Mills
Mr. Gariepy reviewed:
• Rainwater harvesting
• Site Context
0 100% runoff treatment from 140 acre basin
o Flow control for the Highway 99 redevelopment corridor
■ Preliminary cost range and funding opportunities
o This is a Preliminary Cost Range based on current information.
o Complete Stormwater Facility (assuming Ecology grant)
■ Edmonds Portion: $750,000 — $1,250,000
■ Ecology Grant: $2,250,000 - $3,750,000
■ Total Cost: $3,000,000 to $5,000,000
• Savings, efficiencies and revenues
o Cost Savings
■ Highway 99 roadwork
■ Park irrigation
o Cost efficiencies
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 8, 2020
Page 13
Typical $300,000 - $800,000 acre
Project: $30,000 - $50,000/acre
o Potential sources of revenue include:
is Fee in Lieu Highway 99 redevelopment
• Next Steps
o Share the progress/design concept with local neighborhood
o Complete the analysis and preliminary optimization
o Apply for grant funding
Councilmember Paine asked if there would be confirmation testing of Lake Ballinger before and after to
ensure chemicals are being collected and cleaned out prior to entering Lake Ballinger. Mr. Gariepy
answered that is always an option. The facilities that have been designed use technology approved
protocol ecology (TAPE) devices that have been tested and verified to ensure their claims are accurate.
Ecology does not fund monitoring and most stormwater BMPs have done the testing upfront and are
presumptive treatment, presumed to be good. There is ongoing testing done through another Ecology
program, stormwater action monitoring, that tests the effectiveness of BMPs. He has seen so much of it
that he know it works in a lot of conditions. This technology has been in place for at least ten years and is
tried, true, and proven to be effective.
Councilmember Paine was certain the calculations were correct and that there was capacity for the 140
acres. She asked if it was an option to add capacity for rain gardens to manage sidewalk runoff and to
beautify the neighborhood similar to the SEA streets in north Seattle. She was excited about this project,
loved how it looked and said it was the right neighborhood for this type of project. Mr. Williams agreed
that was a great example of new way to develop; although the SEA streets were completed some time
ago, it was groundbreaking at the time. Those kinds of solutions are available, and the City can work with
developers when development or redevelopment is proposed. If a development triggers the requirement to
comply with new regulations, they have options for providing the most feasible method for the site and
project. All the redevelopment in this basin will need to comply with stormwater regulations. Over time,
the amount of stormwater flow and the quality of stormwater in the basin will slowly improve. It is rare to
have an opportunity for this large an area which is why grants are likely. The type of facilities
Councilmember Paine referred to take up space and may requiring narrowing streets and possibly
eliminating some parking.
Councilmember Buckshnis said she was excited about this project, saving trees, etc. She asked if there
was any way to get funding from the Lake Ballinger Forum. Stormwater Engineer Zach Richardson said
this project is listed on the Forum's CIP list and he plans to do a presentation about it at their next
meeting. The project will include public outreach to seek input from the neighborhood about the park. Mr.
Williams said it was doubtful any funding would be provided by the Forum; each member funds their
own projects. The members co -develop the CIP to understand projects each member is doing. The City
will certainly seek a letter of support from them for the grant application. Councilmember Buckshnis said
as a member of the WRIA 8 Salmon Recovery Council grant committee, they are now emphasizing social
justice and the education aspect, so she appreciates the focus on the public and community.
Councilmember K. Johnson thanked everyone for their hard work, commenting this will be a wonderful
project for this part of Edmonds. Compared to the Perrinville vault system, it is a bargain in terms of cost.
She looked forward the landscaped rain garden adjacent to the Interurban trail. She recently admired the
rain garden at Swedish Edmonds that incorporated pieces of wood, possibly cedar, that was reminiscent
of the Pacific NW and Edmonds' history. She looked forward to the project moving forward and to
applying for grants this year.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 8, 2020
Page 14
Council President Fraley-Monillas commented salmon recovery in Lake Ballinger would make a lot of
fishermen she knows happy. She asked for confirmation that the sports courts would not be removed. Mr.
Gariepy said none of the active play would be eliminated. It may be impacted during construction but will
be replaced.
Council President Fraley-Monillas said she has lived near this park for 35 years and will be interested in
discussing the pros and cons. This is primarily a passive park because users have to be within walking
distance, including the children from the daycare who have to walk in the street to reach the park. She did
not anticipate sidewalks being installed any time soon because most of the houses are about 40 years old
and are unlikely to be redeveloped. Mr. Gariepy said that was the type of input they would be looking for
in the outreach. He agreed the area was unlikely to redevelop but permeable pavement parking lots are a
possibility which is something Ecology will fund.
Council President Fraley-Monillas commented not only are there no sidewalks but there is no street
lighting either which discourages participation at the park. This park is also notorious for drug
paraphernalia and camping. She was hopeful this project would encourage more people to visit the park
and reduce the area used for drugs and urban camping. She and her neighbors are interested in improving
the park. She reminded this is the only City park in east Edmonds within 3-4 miles, it is a challenge to
reach the park, and there is no transit to reach the park. She looked forward to creating an environment at
Mathay Ballinger so more people were interested in visiting the park. She liked the rain garden idea and
the location along the trail which currently attracts a lot of problems.
Mr. Williams agreed it would be interesting to discuss the idea of lighting as part of the project with the
community, recalling lighting can be a touchy topic. Council President Fraley-Monillas said her interest
was lighting on the way to the park for safety. She recalled a property owner fought the City to remove a
light within park. Mr. Williams commented this is not a master plan for the park, but the neighborhood
could be asked about add -on projects even if this project wouldn't build them. Council President Fraley-
Monillas suggested also asking about sidewalks during the neighborhood outreach.
Councilmember Olson said she recognized one of photographs from Edmonds College, a beautiful site
that she enjoys whenever she goes by. She recalled when PCC first proposed that their rainwater retention
feature be visible, she and others preferred it be hidden. In the end, PCC was right in having it visible due
to its educational value. She appreciated that feature at PCC and anticipated she would appreciate it at
Mathay Ballinger as well. With regard to public outreach, she suggested using flyers about the proposal to
get citizen input sooner rather than later and before asking for grants. The City learned that applying for a
grant and return it is a blemish on the City and hurts its potential for future grants. With regard to lighting,
from talking to people in area it was her opinion that lighting was desirable and she suggested that topic
be included in a flyer. She suggested using the City's arborist when possible, recognizing the use of an
arborist during the feasibility study may have been before the City had a full-time arborist. She concluded
she loved everything about the project and hoped residents in the area would too.
Mayor Nelson declared a brief recess.
4. JULY 2020 MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
Acting Finance Director Dave Turley pointed out not much has changed in the last month other than
updating the forecast. He noted a lot of the things that look odd in the financial statements in July,
August, September end up being timing differences. He reviewed:
• Financial statement in packet are through July 31
• The revenue forecast is updated through August 31
2020 Sales Tax revenues
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 8, 2020
Page 15
Sales Tax:
For Sales
Budgeted
Actual or
(Over)
Actual or
receipted in:
made in:
Revenue
Estimated
Under
Estimate, as a
Receipts
Budget
% of Budget
Jan 2020
Nov 2019
$635,000
$692,248
$ 57,248)
109%
(Actual)
Feb 2020
Dec 2019
800,000
847,349
(47,349)
106%
(Actual)
March 2020
Jan 2020
595,000
648,279
(53,279)
109%
(Actual)
April 2020
Feb 2020
565,000
503,725
61,275
89%
(Actual)
May 2020
March 2020
730,000
500,196
229,804
69%
(Actual)
June 2020
April 2020
666,000
570,127
95,873
86%
(Actual)
July 2020
May 2020
707,000
688,334
18,666
97%
(Actual)
Aug 2020
June 2020
785,000
734,031
50,969
94%
(Actual)
YTD Actual Compared to Budget
$5,483,00
$5,184,289
$298,711
95%
Sept 2020
July 2020
730,000
620,500
109,500
85%
(Estimate)
Oct 2020
August 2020
748,000
635,800
112,200
85%
(Estimate)
Nov 2020
Sept 2020
789,000
670,650
118,350
85%
(Estimate)
Dec 2020
Oct 2020
700,000
595,000
105,000
85%
(Estimate)
$8,450,000
$7,706,239
$743,761
91%
• . Updated General Fund forecast for 2020
Amended Budget Current U dated Forecast
Revenue
PropertyPropegy Taxes
$14,850,148
$14,850,000
100%
Retail Sales Tax
8,450 000
7,700,000
91%
Other Sales Tax
760,500
720,000
95%
Utility Tax
62776,200
6,720,000
99%
Other Taxes
343,740
320,000
93%
License/Permits/Franchise
1,585,130
1,485,000
94%
Construction Permits
675,600
676,000
100%
Grants
36,650
36,650
100%
State Revenues
910,410
960,000
105%
Char es for Goods & Services
3,127,662
2,600,000
83%
Interfund Service Charges
3,290,838
3,040,000
92%
Fines & Forfeitures
542,940
320,000
59%
Miscellaneous Revenues
91.8,240
800,000
87%
Transfers
1,535,800
1,035,000
67%
Total Revenues
43,803,858
41,262 650
Chan e in Revenues
-5.8%
Expenditures
Labor
17,820,288
17,107,476
96%
Benefits
6,599,678
6,335,691
96%
Supplies
519,786
524,984
101%
Services
18,996,956
18,427 047
97%
Capital
1,048,120
298,120
28%
Debt Service
306,600
306,600
100%
Transfers
3,266,993
1 1,266,993
39%
Total Expenses
$48,58,421
$44,266,912
Chance in Expenses
-8.8%
Revenues minus Expenses
4,754,563
3,004,262
BeginningBeginni2g Fund Balance
19,050,690
19,050 690
Pro'ected Endin .Fund Balance
$14,296,127
$16,046,428
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 8, 2020
Page 16
o Expenditure cuts made will make up for revenue losses from COVID
Fund Balance in the General Fund — Reserved and Unreserved
o General Fund0p gratin Revenue = 16% of GF Operating Ado ted Ex enditure Budget
December 2019
June 2020
July 2020
General Fund & Subfunds
$9.3 M
$7.97 M
$7.47 M
General Fund Operating & Reserve
$7.72 M
$7.72 M
$7.72 M
Civic Field
$2 M
$2 M
$2 M
Councilmember Buckshnis referred to questions she sent to Mr. Turley and commended him on the
investment portfolio, noting it is lagging because some of the bonds were called. She observed interest
rates were unlikely to change and asked if he had any forecast. Mr. Turley said he had also heard interest
rates were not expected to go up for a long time. The way bonds are timed, interest revenues will go down
a lot more next year than this year.
Councilmember Buckshnis observed property taxes are tracking to budget. She asked if he had heard
anything from the county about residents unable to pay their taxes. Mr. Turley said property taxes are
about 20% of the General Fund; Snohomish County allowed property owners to pay late this year, but he
expected the City would collect 100% of property taxes. Most property taxes are paid via mortgage
payments and he did not expect any decrease.
Councilmember Buckshnis referred to the pie chart of revenues and asked if there had been any increase
due to Walkable Edmonds and parklets. Mr. Turley answered the City is approximately $300,000 behind
in sales tax revenue compared to last year; car sales construction and restaurants have declined compared
to last year. Miscellaneous retail, wholesale retail and business services have increased compared to last
year. The other 8-9 categories are either a little above or below last year. Eating and drinking is lower
than last year but not as low as it was a few months ago which may reflect the increased restaurant sales.
Councilmember Buckshnis said she would contact Mr. Turley tomorrow about her other questions. She
thanked Mr. Turley for his good work.
Council President Fraley-Monillas commended Mr. Turley for the fabulous performance on the
investment portfolio, noting it was reported in an easy to understand manner.
5. AMENDMENT OF EDMONDS CARES FUND ORDINANCE
Economic Development/Community Services Director Patrick Doherty said he was joined by Jon Grant,
Wellspring; Kim Gorney, Washington Kids in Transition; and Shelly Brown, Homage.
Mr. Doherty reported since implementation of the Community and Economic Relief Program by the
Administration which was subsequently approved by City Council as part of the Edmonds Cares Fund
(Ordinance 4189), three human -services agencies have been working on behalf of, and in collaboration
with, the City to disburse grants of up to $1,000 for 1- and 2-member households and $1,500 grants to
households of 3 or members who meet the eligibility criteria which is principally making under 60% of
area median income and pursuant to the total $450,000 in the Housing and Supplementary Relief program
($150,000 proposed by the Administration and $300,000 added by the Council from the City's CARES
Act allocation).
Mr. Doherty reported to date 143 households and/or individuals have been offered grants, totaling
$156,788. When approved by City Council, the Edmonds Cares Fund did not contemplate awarding more
than one grant per individual or household. Nevertheless, the need on the part of those Edmonds residents
in most cases has not abated. For example, a grant of $1,000 or $1,500 in July has not necessarily
provided enough stability that those individuals or households are without continuing need. Even with
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 8, 2020
Page 17
extensive public outreach to publicize the availability of these grants, the number of new applicants has
begun to decrease over previous months due to not being able to reapply.
Shelly Brown, Child and Family Advocate, Homage, said the majority of people Homage talks to are
seniors including households with single adults and families living together. A lot of the services that
Homage provides, in addition to assessing their financially needs, is connecting people to resources that
Homage offers such as referrals to minor home repair, mental health services, and volunteer
opportunities. In speaking with Homage's Social Services Manager Michelle Barnes, they agreed to put a
notice about the funding in Homage's September or October publication.
Mr. Doherty explained Wellspring serves as the online web portal for all applications for the grants and
sorts them by appropriate agency such as seniors which go to Homage and families with kids in the
Edmonds School District which go to Washington Kids in Transition.
John Grant, Director of Program Development, Wellspring Family Services, said Wellspring has
been coordinating the overall entry point for applications. They are seeing an expected trend, many
people are falling behind on their rent, have medical bills, are going hungry as a result of the pandemic,
etc. This program has been crucial as a safety net for families. Wellspring provides services for
emergency assistance related to COVID-19 in a three county region, Pierce, King and Snohomish
counties. They are seeing across the board a breadth of need as well as a depth of need. In their other
programs, they typically provide assistance for at least three months. There is a real depth of need; people
contact them because they have no other option for assistance. Wellspring is a big advocate for providing
financial assistance to families for multiple months, up to three months for rent in particular. Overall this
program has been a huge success and he appreciated the partnership with Edmonds.
Kim Gorney, Washington Kids in Transition, said they have been able to help 65 families in the
Edmonds School District; each and every one has been so thankful. The problem is it is just the tip of the
iceberg; every family who has lost a job is in the same position that they were in March/April. In talking
with the manager at Park 212, seven families have been unable to pay their rent since April and the only
relief they have had toward rent has been the Edmonds Cares Fund. They have marketed the program
through food bank, through apartment complexes, etc. to reach as many families as possible. She
anticipated now that school has started and social workers will be interacting more with families, the need
will explode. She expressed her appreciation and thanks for the program and hoped to see it continue to
help families even more.
Mr. Doherty summarized grants have been issued to help 143 households (including individuals), 61
households at Wellspring, 65 at Washington Kids in Transition, and 17 at Homage totaling $156,788.
Grants for housing totaled $112,086, $30,251 for gas and groceries, $1,437 for medical bills, $12,014 for
utility bills and $1,000 for other. He was hopeful there will be an increase in applications, especially with
increased interaction with schools; there has been a decrease in applications over the last month. Only
approximately $156,000 has been expended to date. With the recent addition and extension of the CARES
Act funding to cities, adding $600,032 to Edmonds' allocation and extending it through November, there
is only approximately 3 months to expend the remaining $300,000. He was hopeful most of the $300,000
would be expended with new applicants but that may not be possible. The need continues to exist; as Mr.
Grant indicated, other programs provide a 3-month commitment. Through reapplications and the ability to
offer grants to existing and new applicants, he was hopeful the remaining funds could be expended. In
each application cycle, new applicants will be given first priority and then funds provided to those most in
need who have already been served.
Mr. Doherty explained the Administration proposes amending the Edmonds Cares Fund Ordinance
(Ordinance 4189) to allow for disbursement of more than one grant per individual or household based on
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 8, 2020
Page 18
an analysis of continuing need and/or consideration of other, new applicants. The proposed new text
reads, "More than one grant per household over the program period may be authorized, based on an
analysis of on -going need and consideration of other new applications."
COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
DISTELHORST, TO EXTEND FOR 15 MINUTES TO INCLUDE COUNCIL AND MAYOR
COMMENTS. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Council President Fraley-Monillas observed Wellspring is doing the intake and 61 families have been
served through the Edmonds Cares funding. Mr. Grant answered about 60 each had been served by
Wellspring and Washington Kids in Transition and about 17 by Homage. Council President Fraley-
Monillas asked how many singles or families of 2 had been served. Mr. Grant answered about 45% of the
people who applied had kids in the household. Council President Fraley-Monillas observed 55% did not
have kids in the household. She asked how many were veterans, disabled and seniors. Mr. Grant said the
percentage he indicated was for the entire program, not just Wellspring.
Council President Fraley-Monillas asked how many veterans has been served. Mr. Grant answered one
household had identified as being a veteran. Council President Fraley-Monillas asked how many people
with disabilities had been served. Mr. Grant said he did not have that information but could provide it.
Council President Fraley-Monillas asked how many seniors had been served. Mr. Grant offered to submit
that information in a written report via email.
Council President Fraley-Monillas said she was interested in determining whether the program was
serving adults, families, seniors, veterans, disabled, anyone having a financial crisis. Mr. Grant said he
could provide that information in a report but he could say with a lot of confidence that almost half of the
people served have been families. There are also a lot of seniors with medical conditions, concerns and
vulnerabilities.
Council President Fraley-Monillas said she found it hard to believe there were not people in Edmonds
waiting to get free money, people who qualify for funding that weren't asking for it. She said one of Mr.
Doherty's staff commented there were numerous agencies that needed funding to serve people in need in
Edmonds. She was trying to rationalize giving funds to people who have already received money if there
were agencies and people that needed funding. Mr. Grant commented that was a great question, but it was
not an either-or question, but a both -and question. It is a matter of needing to increase outreach efforts to
ensure new families are aware of the service, but there is also a huge depth of need for those who have
already been served. Even through $1000 or $1500 payments have been made to families, their rent is still
due and after 3-4 months of the pandemic, there are not employment opportunities to stabilize their
income and backfill what they owe. These families are still at risk; it is a matter of increasing outreach to
families/individuals who are not aware of the service as well as expanding the scope of service for those
who are already enrolled in the program. There are no easy solutions; one idea is to ask the public housing
authority for Snohomish County to reach out to the landlords of their Section 8 program to spread the
word to their tenants.
Council President Fraley-Monillas expressed concern that only one veteran had been served and
suggested contacting the VFW in Edmonds. She also suggested ARC of Snohomish County would be a
good resource to reach people with disabilities in Edmonds who may need services. She was hopeful a
multitude of people that need support could be served and not just families. She understood families are at
the forefront but there are others who are suffering during this pandemic. Mr. Doherty said when
applicants are referred to the agencies, social workers analyze their needs and always look to other
established resources as the first line of response such as whether they have connected with 211, the food
bank, the senior center, etc. and do not just immediately give them $1000. Sometimes via the triage
process, some amount of the need is covered by an existing programs that the applicant did not know
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 8, 2020
Page 19
about. Council President Fraley-Monillas asked if there had been outreach to the VFW and associations
that serve people with disabilities. Mr. Doherty agreed outreach was important.
Councilmember Distelhorst thanked Mr. Doherty and the partners for presenting the information and for
the work they are doing. He asked if any more multilingual outreach had been done. Ms. Gorney
answered information has been distributed at the foodbank on seven occasions in Spanish, English and
Russian. The social workers at the schools have provided a link that allows the information to be
translated. Mr. Doherty said they plan to bolster, repeat, etc. what has been done to get the word out; quite
a bit has been done, but more needs to be done.
Councilmember L. Johnson thanked Mr. Doherty and the partners. She noted the packet stated 135 had
been served for a total of $156,000 which was updated to 143 for approximately the same amount. Mr.
Doherty described the effort to gather information from the partners. Councilmember L. Johnson
expressed support for the amendment, noting approximately l /3 of the funds have been distributed. With
less than three months remaining, she asked if there would be an opportunity to do a third round so that
money was not left on the table. Mr. Doherty said there was originally a monthly application round that
opened at the beginning of the month, ended on the 18", leaving the rest of the month to do analysis,
triage, and award the grants at the beginning of the month. It has been changed to a rolling grant period so
grants can be continually offered. He was hopeful there would be a substantial increase in applications
and distributions, but suggested analyzing next month whether the funds could be expended via this
program or whether another objective would be necessary to distribute the funds.
Councilmember Buckshnis feared money would be left on the table and agreed an analysis was needed.
She expressed support for the amendment. She requested Mr. Grant provide the report to all
Councilmembers. She was surprised that more money had not been spent as she wanted to help as many
people as possible and more than once if necessary.
With regard to offering a second round of funding, Councilmember Olson hoped there could be a focus
on essential workers who have daycare needs due to school not being in session. With regard to additional
CARES funding the City will receive, she requested Council be involved in how that will be used. For
citizens who hear Councilmembers talking about leaving money on table, she understood that may be
offensive to some. It is taxpayers' money being used in this way that would otherwise be available for
other things. She was sensitive to the extraordinary need in the community as well as to using taxpayers'
money in this way. She thanked Mr. Doherty and the partners for their work on the program and on the
grants.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
BUCKSHNIS, TO EXTEND TO 10:25 P.M. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Councilmember K. Johnson said she has a different point of view, the problem is not that enough hasn't
been distributed, the problem is not enough people know about the program. She recalled the City spent
$6,000 to send postcards to every household regarding the Waterfront Connector and when the Housing
Commission was being formed. Before deciding to give more to people who have already applied, a
postcard should be mailed with information on how to apply and providing contact information in several
languages. She was certain the need was greater than the City knows about, for example, not all seniors
live in apartments; many have been in their homes a long time and are suffering. Not everyone listens to
Council meetings or goes to the foodbank or has been contacted via the previous methods. She agreed
with Council President Fraley-Monillas about outreach and targeting individual groups and making it
available to the wider community rather than providing more money to a selected few. She was certain
that than more than 100 families were suffering.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 8, 2020
Page 20
Council President Fraley-Monillas agreed with Councilmember K. Johnson. If there is money on the
table, the City has not done its due diligence to ensure people know about the funds. She asked Ms.
Brown how many seniors and disabled have received funding. Ms. Brown answered 40-50 are in process,
17 have received funds. Distributions go through Homages fiscal process which takes time and she did
not want to mislead by including people they anticipated would be funded. The majority of applicants are
seniors, likely 70%. Council President Fraley-Monillas commented it was terrific that Homage had
approximately 33 more people in the process of receiving funds. She asked if there were any disabled
applicants. Ms. Brown said 3-4 have identified as disabled.
Council President Fraley-Monillas said she had some level of comfort moving ahead as long as steps
were taken to ensure there was notification about the availability of the funds. She appreciated families
but did not want 80% of the funds to go to families when there were people without families who were
suffering. Mr. Doherty said he will email the partners to discuss how to substantially bolster outreach.
New applicants will always have first priority before repeat applicants, but the Administration wanted to
have the ability to offer a second distribution to those with deep need. Council President Fraley-Monillas
agreed with Councilmember K. Johnson's suggestion about a postcard and assumed the CARES funds
could pay for that.
Councilmember K. Johnson recalled when the ordinance was approved, monthly reports were requested
from the selected agencies. She suggested having those reports before making a decision. Mr. Doherty
explained the first grants were distributed in July after June applications and a summary was provided in
late July/early August. He will do a more complete summary with the demographic information this week
regarding the August distributions.
COUNCILMEMBER DISTELHORST MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER L.
JOHNSON, AN ORDINANCE OF CITY OF EDMONDS DECLARING AN EMERGENCY AND
AMENDING ORDINANCE 4189, EDMONDS CARES FUND, TO NEXT WEEK'S COUNCIL
MEETING CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED (6-1) COUNCILMEMBER K. JOHNSON
VOTING NO.
8. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
In response to inquiries about the director positions, Mayor Nelson reported the Police Chief position was
posted on August 18"' and will be open for 30 days. The Finance Director position was posted on August
25"' and will be posted for 30 days. Review of candidates will begin on September 18t" for the Police
Chief and on September 25t' for the Finance Director.
9. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Paine urged the public wear masks and to stay safe.
Councilmember Olson gave a shout out to fans of the annual car show which would have been this
weekend and will be missed. She advised the US Open is without spectators and available on TV. It is a
COVID-friendly, healthy sports and Edmonds courts are open and available at Seaview Park, Edmonds-
Woodway High School, Civic Field and the old Edmonds Woodway High School homeschool campus.
Councilmember Distelhorst said tomorrow is the first day for many families and kids in the Edmonds
School District. He thanked teachers and school district employees for their work hard for students given
the circumstances. This is National Suicide Prevention Week in National Suicide Prevention Month. The
National Foundation of Suicide Prevention and the National Alliance on Mental Illness put out a lot of
good resources and information on their social media channels today.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 8, 2020
Page 21
COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
OLSON, TO EXTEND FOR TWO MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Councilmember Buckshnis urged the public to wear masks for smoke and to protect against COVID
Councilmember K. Johnson reminded citizens to take the online survey regarding the 4"' Avenue Cultural
Arts Corridor. The survey asks opinion about sidewalks, sidewalk widths, parking and whether the street
should be one-way. A preferred alternative will be presented in a couple weeks.
Councilmember L. Johnson urged the public to wear masks. She commented smoke from wildfires can
impact pets so she suggested keeping an eye on them and not let them run around too much outside.
10. ADJOURN
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 10:27 p.m
MICHAEL NELSON, MAYOR SCOTT PASSEY, CITY CLERK
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 8, 2020
Page 22
COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRAL.EY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY C.OUNCILMLMIIER
OLSON, TO EXTEND FOR TWO MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Councilmember Eiuckshnis urged cite public to wear masks for smoke and to protect against. COVID.
Councilmember K. Johnson rerninded citizens to take the online survey regarding the 4"' Avenue Cultural
Arts Corridor. "The survey asks opinion about sidewalks, sidewalk widths, parking and whether the street
should be one-way. A preferred alternative will be presented in a couple weeks.
Courtcilrntinber L. Johnson urged the public to wear masks. She commented smoke from wildfires can
impact pets so she suggested keeping an eye on there and not let them run around too much outside.
to. ADJOURN
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 10:27 p.m.
MOAEL NELSON, MAYOR
Etiinonds City Council .Approved Minutcs
September 8, 2020
Pave 22
Public Comment for 9/8/20 City Council Meeting:
From: Ken Reidy
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2020 6:39 AM
To: Public Comment (Council) <publiccomments@edmondswa.gov>; Public Comment (Council)
<publiccomments@edmondswa.gov>
Cc: Council <Council@edmondswa.gov>; Nelson, Michael <Michael.Nelson @edmondswa.gov>;
Judge, Maureen <Maureen.Judge@edmondswa.gov>; Passey, Scott
<Scott.Passey@edmondswa.gov>
Subject: Public Comments for September 8, 2020 City Council meeting
It has been six weeks since I made Public Comments for the July 28, 2020 City Council Meeting
that requested the following:
Please contact me immediately about initiating legislation that will place a duty on Mayors,
City Staff and City Attorneys to affirmatively disclose exculpatory evidence in their possession
when they are prosecuting Code Enforcement.
As nobody has contacted me about initiating this legislation, I repeat my request:
Please contact me immediately about initiating legislation that will place a duty on Mayors,
City Staff and City Attorneys to affirmatively disclose exculpatory evidence in their possession
when they are prosecuting Code Enforcement.
Thank you. Ken Reidy
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 8, 2020
Page 23