Cmd101320EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL
VIRTUAL ONLINE MEETING
APPROVED MINUTES
October 13, 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
Shane Hope, Development Services Director
Kernen Lien, Environmental Programs Mgr.
Pamela Randolph, Treatment Plant Manager
Brad Shipley, Associate Planner
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 Olson 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.
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
COUNCILMEMBER PAINE MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER BUCKSHNIS, TO
APPROVE THE AGENDA IN CONTENT AND ORDER.
Councilmember Distelhorst referred to a motion passed last week, to table indefinitely the public hearing
on the Planning Board's recommendation to approve a Comprehensive Plan Map designation change in
the Perrinville area, and asked, 1) how that comes off the table, and 2) if there is any legal requirement for
either a yes or no vote on that versus tabling it indefinitely past any sort of expiration time or required
response time. City Attorney Jeff said he would let City Clerk Scot Passey address the Roberts Rules
question. With regard to the Comprehensive Plan amendment, there is City code that suggests that the
Council should take action. He did not recall exactly what he had said to the Council previously, but in
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 13, 2020
Page l
reviewing that code section again today, he believed it provided more flexibility with regard to the timing
of the Council's action than he had initially thought. The 60-day limit in the code addresses the Council's
consideration of the Comprehensive Plan amendment but not the timing of the Council's action. After
mentioning 60 days, the code uses the word "subsequently" to describe when the Council's action occur.
He still recommends that action occur this year; it is docketed as a 2020 Comprehensive Plan amendment,
so it seems inappropriate not to take action on it sometime this year. However, with regard to the exact
timing, the Council has some flexibility.
With regard to the Roberts Rules question, Mr. Taraday said even if a matter has been tabled
theoretically, it can always be put on the agenda by the Council President and if the Council still is not
ready to take it from the table or consider it, then the majority will vote to not consider it. With procedural
type questions, there is almost always a way for the majority to accomplish what wants to accomplish it.
Mr. Passey said a motion to table can be made by any member. It is a temporary thing; if there is an item
the Council wants to put off to later in the meeting or to a future meeting, a motion to table is appropriate.
If the Council wants to kill an item and not consider it, the motion would be to postpone indefinitely,
which is debatable. A motion to table is temporary and is not debatable. A motion to postpone is a motion
to basically get rid of an item.
Councilmember Distelhorst observed last Friday's extended agenda lists Comprehensive Plan
Amendment Adoption on December 17"'. He hoped this item could be scheduled before then.
COUNCILMEMBER DISTELHORST MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT
FRALEY-MONILLAS, TO ADD A NEW AGENDA ITEM 8.4 TO UNFINISHED BUSINESS, SET
CONTINUATION OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PLANNING BOARD'S RECOMMENDATION TO
APPROVE A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN MAP DESIGNATION CHANGE FOR TWO
UNDEVELOPED PARCELS IN THE PERRINVILLE AREA FROM "NEIGHBORHOOD
COMMERCIAL" TO "MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL -MEDIUM DENSITY."
Mr. Taraday explained that cannot be done at this meeting because it is a special Council meeting and
Council action is limited at special meetings to items already on the agenda. The motion would be
perfectly appropriate at a regular meeting, but this is special meeting.
COUNCILMEMBER DISTELHORST WITHDREW THE AMENDMENT WITH THE
AGREEMENT OF THE SECOND.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
COUNCILMEMBER BUCKSHNIS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-
MONILLAS, TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The agenda items approved are as follows:
1. APPROVAL OF SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 6, 2020
APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 6, 2020
CANDIDATE INTERVIEWS
COUNCIL STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENT
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Page 2
Council President Fraley-Monillas explained the City advertised for student representatives and three
students applied. Last year, Zach Bauder was the only student to apply and be interviewed. Council
President Fraley-Monillas introduced Councilmembers. Candidates will have 10 minutes for an opening
statement, answer questions and a closing statement.
Councilmember L. Johnson raised a point of order, the other candidates were to be moved to a Zoom
waiting room while interviews were conducted. The other two candidates were moved to a Zoom waiting
room.
The Council interviewed the following applicants (applicant responses in italics):
Brook Roberts
Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the Edmonds City Council student representative position. I'm
extremely excited to see what I can do for the youth in addition to my role on the Youth Commission,
especially advocating for mental health resources, and increasing homeless resources for students who
are facing homelessness in Edmonds. If I was chosen as a student representative, I would make myself
available for contact for all youth in Edmonds and actively seek opportunity to have difficult
conversations especially related to race and diversity with other youth. Youth ideas and opinion would be
expressed in conversations I have with City Councilmembers and part of the youth voice I would bring to
City Council meetings. I also bring many different ideas to the table. As someone who attends school
outside of the Edmonds School District, specifically in the Shoreline area, I've seen the successful
services that the City of Shoreline has provided for their youth and would be able to provide firsthand
accounts on how useful they are and how we could possibly implement them into Edmonds. I'm a very
responsible student, I ask questions with a desire to understand and comprehend what is happening
within our community and our world. I'm also a doer, I don 't just say things. I follow up with actions and
inquiries and I'm very consistent with what I say. I'm prepared and I live with the goal of putting my
service above myself. I live with a vision of a world where everyone has equal opportunity and the
resources they need to succeed.
Councilmember Distelhorst: In a few sentences, what is your vision for the City of Edmonds, not only
from a youth perspective but as a city that includes people of all ages. My vision for the City and
everybody frankly is for everyone to have equity, the resources they need to succeed and for us to be able
to preserve the world we live in. As we've seen from recent events, our Edmonds environment is being
deteriorated and destroyed; we need to continue to preserve that as well as prioritizing the need of
humans and providing resources to those who need it the most. I envision a world where everyone is
treated fairly and has equity and everything they need to succeed. As a Council student representative, I
would advocate for everything I believe will support these visions.
Councilmember Paine: If selected, what would you like to see done next year during your time as the
student representative? If I were chosen, I would want to see the health and human services budget used
in an effective manner. This means stretching every dollar to its fullest extent to support everyone in the
community, the creation of programs, specifically as they relate to youth mental health support. There are
social workers that can help support the youth in the City of Edmonds.
Councilmember Buckshnis: Thank for your very thoughtful application, President of Neuroscience, and
Future Rotarian, Rotarians are service above self. It was nice to read about your wonderful qualities and
opinions. This is a really anxious time; a lot of people are having problems, there is a lot of depression,
social unrest, and a pandemic coupled with a recession. Things are not happy like they were in the old
days. How would you handle those anxious behaviors when people call you to complain. I would look at
each concern and address it individually and see the common trends and issues. Being a Youth
Commissioner gives me an advantage of taking issues to the Youth Commission and working
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collaboratively to develop solutions. Having known a few Councilmembers, I would definitely come to
those Councilmembers with proposals and see what we can do. I saw the very ignorant and privileged
comments from the last student representative; I can assure you if I am chosen, none of that would
happen. I would be aware and sensitive to everybody's needs and advocate passionately for people who
have constantly been underserved by our system and would do everything in my power to advocate for
policies that could lift these people up and bring equity to them.
Councilmember L. Johnson: I appreciated on your application the part about the Neuroscience Club and
working toward recognizing neurodiversity goes a long way toward increasing inclusivity. How do you
view the student representative position as a conduit to youth within the community? I view the position
as an amplifier of student voices within our community. Taking all the voices and amplifying them into
the message I bring to the Council every week, particularly during Council comments, to ensure all views
are represented. I will work with the Youth Commission to create and propose policy to the Council that
reinforces the views and needs of youth.
Councilmember Olson: I love that you have had experience and exposure in the Shoreline area and have
ideas to propose. I want to ensure you got the heads up on how long our meetings are. Absolutely. I
watched the last meeting until 11: 30.
Councilmember K. Johnson: What year are you in school? I am a junior at Shorewood in Shoreline. Past
student representatives have served from 2 months to 1'/2 years. When would you like to start and when
would you like to complete your term? I would like to start as soon as possible. If I'm confirmed, I would
definitely be at the next meeting and serve the full term until September 1, 2021.
Council President Fraley-Monillas: Do you have time to serve as student representative? It requires
probably about 20 hours a week. I absolutely do have time. This year, especially since everything is
online, my school workload has dropped. I only take two classes during the semester. The extracurricular
activity that took up most of my time last year, orchestra, has been suspended. I foresee myself having
plenty of time to complete the duties associated with the position. Council President Fraley-Monillas
advised Brook was her appointment to the Youth Commission.
Closing Statement: I'd like to reiterate my gratitude toward the City Council for interviewing me. I hope
to work with all Councilmembers even if not selected as the student representative. The Youth
Commission is picking up, we have a lot of things going on and I'm overall excited.for what's to come
this year even if not selected as the student representative.
Council President Fraley-Monillas introduced Councilmembers.
Kate Taylor
Councilmember Distelhorst: I noticed in your application that you focused on two areas in our
community, seniors and sustainability. Pick one and talk more about some of your ideas or passions for
that area. Regarding promoting services for seniors, I feel seniors make up such a big part of the
population of Edmonds. When I think of Edmonds, I think of seniors and families and they are an
important part of Edmonds. For example, the Edmonds Rec Center or making the City more accessible
for seniors whether that is parking or for disabled elders who may be in a wheelchair or cannot walk long
distances, making Edmonds more accessible for seniors and making more programs for them to
communicate and join together as a community. Because they are such a big part of Edmonds, it is really
important to include them in everything.
Councilmember Paine: If you were chosen to be the student representative, what would you like to see
done during that year? One of the most important issues in Edmonds right now is Highway 99. There
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hasn't been as much attention given to Highway 99 as the Edmonds bowl. It has a higher crime rate and
people assume Edmonds is the Edmonds bowl and does not include Highway 99. It feels like a different
town than the Edmonds bowl, but should feel the same. Housing and crime are problems on Highway 99
so I would like to see an effort or action taken to help Highway 99 feel more like Edmonds.
Councilmember Buckshms: I enjoyed your thoughtful application. It's called the Knowledge Bowl Team
now, where there is a knowledge competition similar to Jeopardy. The community is in a unique situation
with the pandemic, recession, social unrest, political unrest, a very different environment. How do you
perceive things happening in the next year with COVID and doing Zoom meetings, etc.? It's very difficult
now because obviously there is so much social unrest with the election, COVID-19, the recession and
online school. It is important for the community to stick together, for example, Walkable Edmonds,
making things more accessible. Those things are very important because everyone is so far apart, it is
difficult to communicate and have in person relationships. Focusing on mental health, for example last
month was Mental Health Awareness Month. Walkable Edmonds, the parks, and open grass areas are
important because of the effects of COVID. With regard to social unrest, the Black Lives Matter march in
Edmonds was important because it shows the City cares about Black lives, the issue of police brutality
and systematic racism. When the Black Lives Matter artwork outside Civic Field shows was defaced and
the community came together and fixed it, that showed how Edmonds can come together as a community
when times are tough.
Councilmember L. Johnson: I enjoyed reading your application, I'm jealous you got to live in Ireland,
that must have been quite an experience. How do you see yourself using this position to represent the
voice of a broad range of Edmonds youth? Students can provide a very unique perspective on the Council
because they are affected by issues such as climate change. Students are very aware of what is going on
in the world and in Edmonds and can provide good insight into those issues. I will use my position to
make sure that students are more involved in seeing, learning and participating in local government. For
example, I didn't know about this position until saw it on My Edmonds News. Positions like this are
important because about 33% offamilies in Edmonds have children under 18 which means there are a lot
of students in Edmonds. If students make up such as big percentage, they should be part of how Edmonds
is centered. Young people are such an important part of the community, and I want to see more young
people involved in local government.
Councilmember Olson: I know your family. How many times have you participated in the Polar Bear
Plunge. Eight or nine times, I started in the third grade and have done it every year whether in New York
in Coney Island or on Edmonds beach. Is there anything from your experience in Ireland such as in their
government or community that you would like to see happen in the States and specifically in Edmonds?
In Ireland almost all the public schools are Catholic. Even though there is separation of church and state,
it often doesn't feel like that because everything is so religious. The secondary school I attended was new
and was secular; the focus was on being more of a democracy and having the students involved which I
really liked and would be a great idea here. For example, I facilitated and ran all the student assemblies
which were meetings with the whole school that were organized by students. I think that was a really
great part of my school in general because I liked how I could be part of the decisions the school made.
This position is really great because it gives young people an insight and ability to partake in decisions
that affect the whole community. I also liked Ireland's voting system, ranked voting, which obviously
couldn't be applied here, but I liked that everyone was able to participate and have their voice and their
vote count which I think is really important in government because it affects everyone.
Councilmember K. Johnson: It sounds like you have an interesting background. What year are you in
school and what school do you attend? I attend Edmonds-Woodway High School and I am a junior. When
would you like to start your student representative term? The term extends through September but there is
a great deal of latitude; sometimes student representatives serve through the school year or only a few
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months. I would be very happy to serve an entire school year. Especially with online school which makes
everything different and I could offer a unique perspective because school is so different now. I'm very
interested in local government and politics and the change that local government can effect. I would like
to start as soon as possible.
Council President Fraley-Monillas: Do you have the tirne for this job? It can be an intensive job at times.
Yes, I definitely have the time to do this job and I will happily make time because I'm very interested in
this position. I'm very interested in politics and how local governments work and am considering
pursuing a degree in law and politics. I would like to dedicate us much time as I can to this position. I
know that meetings are around three hours on Tuesdays and! would be happy to dedicate that time.
Closing Statement: Thank you for the opportunity to interview for this position. I look forward to hearing
from you.
Councilinenil er K. Johnson pointed out Ms. Taylor did not have an opportunity to provide an opening
statement Council President Fraley-Monillas said time ran out because COuncilmembers were asking
multiple questions. Councilmember K. Johnson reiterated Ms. Taylor had not had an opportunity for an
opening statement at the beginning. Council President Fraley-Monillas said there was not enough time.
Evan Sittauer
Councilmember Distelhorst asked about an opening statement. Council President Fraley-Monillas
suggested due to limited time, the Council proceed with questions.
Councilmember Distelhorst: On your application, you listed sidewalks as one of your main passions.
Mayor Nelson has proposed $1.6 million for pedestrian safety and sidewalk enhancement projects for
2021. If you had a say over that money, how would you prioritize where to spend it in Edmonds? That's
amazing, sidewalks are a huge passion of mine. I would prioritize spending the money by schools first
and public parks because those are high pedestrian areas and sidewalks help keep children safe. When I
was on the safety patrol in elementary school, I had close calls with speeding cars where there are no
sidewalks and there were other close calls where kids were almost hit.
Councilmember Paine: if you are chosen for the position, what is one thing you like to see get done
besides sidewalks? The pay for parking in downtown Edmonds was just passed. I would like reverse that.
Downtown Edmonds is known -for going there, parking and then shopping. The pay_ for parking that has
been introduced will result in less traffic in the shopping area of downtown Edmonds. I would help try
and change that back to free parking because that's what people like.
Councilmember Buckshms: I was impressed that you're the treasurer of Future Business Leaders of
America. Tell me about your roles and responsibilities in that job and are you seeing issues with COVID,
the recession, people's anxiousness, etc. and how would you address that in this role? My position as
treasurer with the FBLA entailed handling the money, securing funds and making sure there is enough to
do everything we wanted to do so I had a lot of responsibility, and I would have to say I did it pretty well.
With COVID, the recession, etc. money is a high priority because people are out of work.
Councilmember L. Johnson: If a fellow student mentioned they wanted to become more civically
engaged, what would you recommend? I would say try to look into different groups that prioritize their
interests on social media apps and try to connect with others that share their same ideas.
Councilmember Olson: We talked about sidewalks which is a big deal and I loved your answer about
prioritizing projects near schools. When I was doorbelling in Seaview, I was surprised to hear that some
citizens actually did not want sidewalks and they were not located near a school. In areas of Seaview that
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are not near schools, how would you make the decision about where to construct sidewalks? I would take
a week to survey and collect information about the most populated areas around Seaview that do not have
sidewalks but are used frequently. It's very surprising that people do not want sidewalks. There are signs
in Seaview that say "drive like your children live here" so I would think they would be very excited to
have new sidewalks considering there is a lack of sidewalks in that area. I would survey the most popular
routes that do not have sidewalks and see if there were any close calls.
Councilmember K. Johnson: The Council has a long tradition of having a student representative on the
City Council. A few years ago the Council passed an ordinance to allow student representatives on all
boards and commissions of which there are about 10. Tell me a little about yourself, what year are you in
school and what school do you attend? I'm 16 years old and a full IB junior at Edmonds-Woodway High
School. I'm the third generation of Sittauer in Edmonds. My grandfather was an upholsterer and my
grandma, all of her children have lived here all their lives. One of uncles worked for the City. I'm a pretty
chill guy, like to keep it real. I like to do anything I can to better Edmonds and see it succeed. I'm very
passionate in my ideals. I like cooking and computers. What are your long term goals; if you are in the IB
program, you must be very college oriented. I want my profession to be plastic surgery, so I am hoping
once I get my full IB diploma, I want to go to Sanford for med.
Council President Fraley-Monillas advised her son is best friends with Evan's uncle, Brian so she is well
aware of the family over many years. Do you have time to do this job? You sound like you're very busy. I
could definitely manage my time and put 100% into this position.
Closing statement: It was nice to meet you all, thank you for giving me this opportunity to interview to
become the City Council student representative. If I'm chosen, I will put 100% into the position and help
better Edmonds and see it succeed. What days does the Council meet? Council President Fraley-Monillas:
Every Tuesday. How is the City Council managing during COVID? Council President Fraley-Monillas:
It's kind of a challenge. We do everything by Zoom and Zoom is not necessary the best thing, but it is the
only thing right now.
Councilmember K. Johnson asked if the selection would be made in executive session or during the
Council meeting. Council President Fraley-Monillas answered at the Council meeting as is usually done.
Councilmember Olson commented this will be a difficult decision because there were such great
candidates. She commended Edmonds families for bring up such great youth.
Council President Fraley-Monillas commented Brook is well aware of what the City Council does and
how it is moving forward. She recommend Brook as student representative.
Councilmember Paine said she was impressed with all the students; each would bring very different but
valuable content for Council meetings. She was particularly interested in Brook due to the information he
could relay regarding Shoreline and because he was already an active volunteer for the City. Both the
other candidates are strong contenders as well.
Councilmember Buckshnis said all the candidates were very good. She liked Brook, but thought maybe
the Council should try someone that was not on the Youth Commission so she suggested Kate Taylor. All
the applicants are great; it was unusual to have so many applicants for the position and she couldn't
remember interviewing applicants for the student representative position since she has been on Council.
She liked Brook, but said Kate and Evan were also good.
Councilmember Distelhorst echoed that this will be a very difficult decision. He thanked all three for
applying.
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Page 7
Councilmember K. Johnson said she was most impressed with Kate. She is clearly someone interested in
politics and government. Although she was soft spoken, she was very well spoken. She was impressed
with the fact that Kate had multi -national experience. During the past eight years that there has been a
student representative, all the student representative have been male with the exception of one female who
served for two weeks. Since this is a unique Council with six women, it would be very interesting for
Kate to serve as the student representative.
Councilmember L. Johnson said it was fabulous to have three great candidates; it says a lot for the youth
and iir the City and how seriously it takes the youth voice and recognizes its importance. The Council
has seen Brook in action and what he is capable of. Especially considering some of what the Council went
through previously, it bodes well to have a clear idea of what a candidate brings to the Council.
Council President Fraley-Monillas said in last year and perhaps the prior two years, there was only one
candidate for student representative. The Council is fortunate to have multiple candidates this year. Brook
has shown that he is involved, is willing to be involved, has been on the Youth Commission for two
years, and is willing to step up and take a chance. Although Evan and Kate are great and the type of
people the City wants involved in politics, perhaps there are opportunities for them on a board or
commission. Brook has been involved in City related issues and she encouraged the Council to support
Brook for the position.
Councilmember Paine asked if there was anything preventing the Council from having two student
representatives. Council President Fraley-Monillas suggested there wasn't room on the dais.
Councilmember Paine commented there is plenty of room on Zoom. There are great candidates and she
would like to discuss the possibility of having two student representatives. Council President Fraley-
Monillas said the code states appoint a person, not multiple people.
Councilmember K. Johnson recalled she brought this up before, the terms do not have to be 12 months,
they could be 4 or 6 months each. There is a plaque in the Council office with the names of all the student
representative, some only served a couple months and some seemed to be on forever. This is an
opportunity to extend it to more than one person but not more than one at a time. To the question of
whether the Council could have two student representative, City Attorney Jeff Taraday said the City code
that addresses student representative only speaks to boards and commission and not the Council. He was
uncertain there was a code that addressed the Council student representative, it has been done by custom.
Council President Fraley-Monillas pointed out the plaque has each student representative serving one year
each. The plaque shows two years, but that is because the school year extends over two years. She was
not aware of any student representative splitting the term or anything other than appointing one. Because
of the number of issues that arise, it is good to have some appointed that understands what has occurred
from the beginning of the year to the end of the year. She encouraged the Council to appoint one student
representative and not make it more confusing by appointing multiple representatives.
Mayor Nelson called for a motion to nominate a candidate. Mr. Taraday described the nominating and
voting process: nominations are called for, nominations do not need to be seconded. Once all the
nominations are made, the Council votes on the candidates in the order they were nominated. The first
candidate to get four votes is the appointed student representative. If the Council wants to consider having
a second representative, a vote could be taken on the second or third nominee. The Council does not vote
against nominees, only for nominees.
Mayor Nelson opened nominations for the position of student representative:
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Page 8
Candidate
Councilmember
Brook Roberts
Frale -Monillas
Kate Taylor
K. Johnson
Evan Sittauer
Olson
Mayor Nelson closed nominations and Councilmembers voted on the nominees.
Candidate
Votes
Councilmember
Brook Roberts
4
Distelhorst, Paine, L. Johnson, and Fraley-
Monil las
Kate Taylor
3
K. Johnson, Buckshnis and Olson
Mayor Nelson announced Brook Roberts was selected as student representative.
Council President Fraley-Monillas advised it will be necessary to appoint a new member of the Youth
Commission.
Councilmember L. Johnson suggested if Brook was still present, he be invited to continue in the Council
meeting. Council President Fraley-Monillas advised he was no longer present. Mayor Nelson said if he
returned, he could participate.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS htt s:llzoom.usls14257752525
Mayor Nelson announced since the last Council meeting, there was an effort to streamline the process.
Anyone wishing to provide audience comments can find the link on the City Council webpage. He invited
participants and described the procedures for audience comments.
Laurena LaPorte, Edmonds, read a letter from her neighbors: We are adamantly proposed to both
proposals in AMD2019-0007, changing 21 parcels and changing 522 and 530 9"' Avenue North from
Single Family — Resource to Single Family — Urban 1. Changing 530 9"' Avenue North to Single Family —
Urban 1 will ultimately add more traffic to Glen Street, a very narrow street that cannot be widened.
Ingress and egress for the proposed flag lot at 530 will end up being off Glen Street as egress on 9"'
Avenue North would be too dangerous given you cannot see cars traveling northbound down the hill,
often over the speed limit. We are also extremely concerned about how this issue has been presented by
the City. Why did City staff propose changing 21 parcels from Single Family — Resource to Single
Family — Urban 1 when it was clear to them that was never a viable option given the conditions on Glen
Street? We were led to believe that the issue up for discussion was changing the designation for 21
parcels when the issue was changing the Comprehensive Plan designation for just 2 parcels. We do not
understand why the notice from the City did not make it make clear that two options were up for a vote
and that City staff recommended denying the first and approving the second. Even one Planning Board
member pointed out during the 8-26-2020 meeting that the public was not clear about the proposals on
which the Planning Board was voting. We do not believe that full and clear public disclosure is an
unreasonable request. The Planning Board voted to deny both proposals. We ask that you review and
consider their recommendations regarding this issue. Changing the designation for the two parcels sets a
precedent for Comprehensive Plan and zone changes based on individual exception rather than changes
based on established criteria in the best interest of the City. The letter was sent on October 511' to Brad
Shipley and to Councilmember Olson who emailed back that she had recused herself.
Bob Scheid, Edmonds, said lie attended the August meeting and his understanding was that both
proposals were voted down at that time. He asked if there was an alternate proposal for the two lots.
Mayor Nelson advised this is an opportunity for public comment and not question and answer. He
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October 13, 2020
Page 9
encouraged Mr. Scheid to watch the rest of the meeting related to that issue. Mr. Scheid said a number of
concerns were expressed during that original meeting and that was the sentiment of many of his neighbors
which should be considered.
Carolyn Mangelsdorf, Edmonds, petitioner for the change to 530 9"' Ave N, assured the flag lot would
not use Glen Street for ingress/egress. She was aware a number of people had concerns but a number of
people do not; generally the Council hears from the people that have concerns. She concluded they have
presented as much of the case as they can and she thanked the Council for their consideration.
(Written comments submitted to PubiicComment@Edmondswa.gov are attached.)
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
SET PUBLIC HEARING FOR 184TH STREET SW STREET VACATION
Environmental Program Manager Kernen Lien advised this is to set a public hearing for a street vacation
on 184"'; there is also a Street Map amendment associated with it. A public hearing was previously set for
October 6"', but the notice requirements were missed so the hearing had to be rescheduled. Street vacation
public hearings need to be set via resolution. The packet contains a resolution setting the public hearing
for the street vacation and the Official Street Map amendment for November 17, 2020.
COUNCILMEMBER L. JOHNSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER OLSON, TO
SET THE HEARING AS STATED FOR NOVEMBER 17, 2020 FOR BOTH THE VACATION
FOR 184T" STREET SOUTHWEST AS WELL AS THE STREET MAP AMENDMENT.
Councilmember Buckshnis said she will not go into the details to avoid repeating herself. She will abstain
from the vote because she feels the City needs to look at this from a different perspective rather than
vacating a street when it is unknown whether it qualifies for a subdivision. Her reasoning is in the minutes
of the meeting where the prior public hearing was set.
Councilmember L. Johnson asked what the options were. It was her understanding that a public hearing
needed to be set to follow the process. City Attorney Jeff Taraday agreed, explaining setting a hearing
date is not discretionary as the code seems to require it. This action is only setting a hearing date,
Councilmembers were not indicating their support for the proposal by setting a hearing date.
MOTION CARRIED (6-0-1), COUNCILMEMBER BUCKSHNIS ABSTAINING.
CARBON RECOVERY PROJECT BOND AUTHORIZATION
Public Works Director Phil Williams explained the Council has agreed to how the proceeds of the
financing will be used, this action is to finalize the details regarding borrowing the money. Most of the
discussion at the last meeting was regarding the structure of the financing. He reviewed:
• Water and Sewer Revenue Bonds, 2020
o Staff recommended structure
■ 2020 Bonds: 25 year, wrap debt service
- Total debt service: $21,860,814
- All -in interest cost: 2.64%
- Debt service first 18 years: $375,432/year
- Debt service last 5 years: $2,552,250/year
• Bond proceeds and uses for the recommended structure:
Sources
Par Amount $14,005,000
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 13, 2020
Page 10
Original Issue Discount
135,609
Total Sources
$13,869,392
Uses
Project Fund
$13,266,000
Reserve Account
368,589
Issuance Cost
234,803
Total Uses
$13,869,392
Other Structuring Options
0 25 year amortization
+ 2020 Bonds: 25 year, level debt service
- Total debt service: $18,566,12
- All -in interest cost: 2.28%
- Debt service first 15 years: $741,936/year
- Debt service last 5 years: $743,125
0 20 year amortization
■ 2020 Bonds: 20 year, level debt service
- Total debt service: $17,412,610
- All -in interest cost: 2.05%
- Debt service first 18 years: $871,123/year
- Debt service last 2 years: $870,188/year
0 20 year amortization
• 2020 bonds, 20 year, wrap debt service
- Total debt service: $18,179,777
- All -in interest cost: 2.22%
- Debt service first 19 years: $729,264/year
- Debt service final year: $2,549,138
Comparison of Debt Options between July and October 2020
20-Yr Levelized
20-Yr Wrap
25-Yr Levelized
20-Yr Wra
JU!Y Oct
July_Oct
JUI.Y Oct
July Oct
Interest Rate
2.39% 42.05%
2.62% -) 2.22%
2.75%4 2.28%
3,24% 42.64%
0.34%
0.40%
0.47%
0.60%
Initial Avg. Annual Debt Service
$898,203--)$871,123
$766,9174$729,364
$784,500--) $741,936
$509,150 4 $375,432
$27 080
$37,553
$42 564
$133 718
Total Debt Service
$17,964,050.
$18,984,500,�
$19,612,350,1,
$23,255,500,L
Payments
$17,412,610
$18,179,777
$18,566,142
$21,860,814
$551 040
$804,723)
$1.046.208
$1,394 686
NPV of Total Debt
$14,231,417
$14,357,231
$14,498,281
$15,254,110
Services 2.0%
($125,814)
($266,864)
$1,022 693
*Discount Rate could be higher - 2.0% is very conservative
• Approximate Rate Impacts
0 20-year Levelized
• The project team estimates savings of $341,247/yr. in O&M
• Edmonds share of that varies but averages approx. 47% or $160,3 86
• Net Edmonds cost increase - $871,123 + UT@ 10% = $958,235 - $160,386 = $797,849
or 6.07%
■ Singe Family Residential would increase from $45.84/mo. to $48.62/mo. or $2.78/mo.
0 25-year Wrap
■ Net Edmonds cost increase (first 18 years) = $375,432 + UT @ 10% = $412,975 -
$160,386 = $252,589 or 1.92%
�+ Single Family Residential would increase from $45.84/mo. to $46.72/mo. or $0.88/mo.
0 20-year Wrap = 4.88%
0 25-year Levelized = 4.99%
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 13, 2020
Page 11
Mr. Williams introduced Scott Bauer, NW Municipal Advisors, the City's bond advisor, and Marc
Greenough, the City's bond counsel, who were present to answer questions.
Mayor Nelson advised Council questions would be taken in a round robin format, with each
Councilmember asking one question during their turn.
Councilmember Buckshnis said the federal reserve has done inflation averaging at 2%, but a 2% inflation
rate is very conservative. She referred to page 222, commenting the net present value are different than on
the screen; the 20 year levelized is $6M, the 20-year wrap is $7.1M, the 25-year levelized is $7.8M and
the 25-year wrap is $11.6M. She asked if there was a miscalculation. Mr. Williams answered that was
only interest.
Councilmember L. Johnson referred to the bond structure slide and asked what the green, blue and red
bars were for. Mr. Williams answered the red bars represent the remaining payments, the amount and the
year they would occur (10 years remaining) for the 2011 bonds, a levelized debt service. The blue bars
represent the 2013 utility debt which was wrapped around the payments for the 2011 bond sale. The green
bars represent the 2015 bonds which were levelized debt service. Those bonds are paid off in the years
shown on the chart. This proposal is to wrap this debt service around all that other debt.
Councilmember K. Johnson said she was also confused because the packet includes a table titled
Comparison of Debt Options July to October 2020 and the last column is net present value of total debt
services and states 20-year levelized at $6+M, 20-year wrap $7+M, 25-year levelized $8M and 25-year
wrap $12M. The net present value in the presentation is totally different. Mr. Williams said he took an
earlier slide that was shown a couple months ago and changed everything but the last line. That line is
actually showing interest paid. The principal is the same regardless of the option, only the interest paid
changes between options. He recalled Councilmember K. Johnson asking why the City would want to pay
more interest by selecting that last option.
Councilmember K. Johnson said that same comparison of debt options includes a line titled total debt
service and there were summaries of the amount paid in total. She was confused by the differences
between this week's information and last week's information. Mr. Williams said he showed total debt
service, the total amount of payments and the source of that difference which is interest paid. Mr. Bauer
suggested the last line in the packet is mislabeled, it should say total interest payments for each scenario.
The line above is the total debt service payments which includes both principal and interest. There are
differences between the scenarios in principal as well. He tends to look at the difference between
scenarios of the total debt service payment.
Councilmember K. Johnson asked to see the net present value in this week's slide again. Mr. Williams
displayed the Comparison of Debt Options, highlighting the total debt service and the value of the
payment when discounted at 2%, for example for the 20-year levelized, the total debt service is
$17.412M; but the value of those payments when discounted at 2% over the 20 years is $14.231M. For
the 20-year wrap, total debt service of $18.179M would be equivalent to $14,357M when discounted and
so on for the 25-year levelized and the 25-year wrap.
Councilmember Olson this is one of those times when she is just going to have to feel good about the fact
that the City has great professionals involved with this and who have consulted on this. It meant
something to her that Councilmember Buckshnis supports the 25-year wrap and that the experts chose
that option. For herself, the 20-year wrap and the 25-year levelized seemed to be a good offset of a doable
impact to utility rates and significantly less interest, but with the time value of money and interest rates
being so artificially low and for so long that inflationary pressures will make that time value of money
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 13, 2020
Page 12
impact very significant in the 25-year wrap. She will support the staff recommendation because she
understands what she doesn't understand.
Councilmember Paine expressed support for the recommendation.
Councilmember Buckshnis thanked Councilmember Olson for talking with her today. Councilmember
Buckshnis said she was not really happy with the 25-year wrap either due to the spread and the amount,
but when you get past 20 years, 25 years gets into a nebulous "pull a number out." She asked Mr. Bauer
to explain the difference between what investors use for 20 years and why they were recommending 25
years. Mr. Bauer acknowledged the struggle in looking at the options, they are all good, legitimate options
for the City to consider. When he looks at the 25-year wrap, he considers that interest rates are historically
low so the ability to lock those interest rates in now, knowing the City is likely in the next 5-10 years to
come back with additional borrowing. When considering the options, he looked at the extraordinary low
interest rates, the ability to lock those in and the ability to come back in the future and take something
shorter on the yield curve.
Mr. Greenough provided the analogy when interest rates are low, you may want to refinance your
mortgage and you may choose to do it with a 15 year or a 30 year mortgage. The 15 year mortgage almost
always has lower rates but has higher payments. That is essentially the decision before the Council today;
unlike a mortgage, the City cannot prepay this debt right away if a decision were made to raise rates and
pay it off, but that can be done after 10 years. So if after 10 years the City believes this debt is expensive
and unwieldy and would rather raise rates to pay it off, it can be paid off in whole or part starting 10 years
after issue. Mr. Williams said this option provides more financial flexibility for the next 15-20 years to
absorb any additional new regulations that may change the way wastewater is treated that may be very
expensive. Nitrogen is one of those now, but is not the only potential contaminant that regulatory agencies
are considering.
Mr. Bauer advised the City received an AA bond rating from Standard and Poors, an exceptionally good
rating.
Councilmember K. Johnson said she appreciated the expert advice, but was concerned with the 25-year
wrap and the extreme payments in the last five years of $2,552,250/year. That seems be burdening the
future of Edmonds by requiring those very high payments, especially when there may be some future
expenses that the City may want to bond for. She was very uncomfortable with the 25-year wrap,
commenting even though it may be discounted, it seems like a very high burden on future residents. Mr.
Bauer agreed those payments do increase, but he looks at the payments in aggregate. If the City did
nothing else, the debt service begins to trail off as debt is paid off in about the 2039 timeframe. As
additional bond issuance occur, consideration would be given to shorter or longer depending on what is
happening with City, where rates are at, etc.
Mr. Greenough agreed, noting for the first 10 years the City does not have the ability to prepay that debt,
but starting in 10 years, if the Council choose to increase rates to pay off later years, the Council can
choose which maturities to pay off and buy them down similar to prepaying a mortgage. The City is not
locked into carrying this debt for 25 years or 20 years once the City incurs it. After 10 years, if the
Council wanted to raise rates to pay off the debt, the Council could call in as much or as little as it
wanted.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
BUCKSHNIS, TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 4197, ADOPTING THE FINANCING
STRATEGY USING A 25-YEAR WRAP.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 13, 2020
Page 13
Councilmember Buckshnis said she would make an amendment if the intent was to use special green
bonds that cost $21,000 to certify. She did not think that was necessary in this bond market with the
City's AA rating.
COUNCILMEMBER BUCKSHNIS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER OLSON, TO
AMEND TO NOT TO USE GREEN BONDS.
Mr. Williams said it is not being done to gain leverage in the marketplace, it does not save the City any
money and in fact does cost money. Being able to inarket these bonds as climate bonds is a good thing
"gild "would show soiree leadership having the City's project designated as climate bonds by an outside
agency.
Council President Fraley-Monillas clarified her motion did include using climate bonds.
Councilmember Buckshnis said paying $21,000 to have the bonds certified as green is unnecessary. This
is already a gasification project which is very climate sensitive and the City did not need to spend an
additional $21,000. When people buy bonds, they look at the coupon rate, the year and the rating of
company. It would be great to have that as an additional bell and whistle, but in today's environment, it is
more conservative not to and the project speaks for itself as a climate enhancement.
Council President Fraley-Monillas said she was willing to spend $21,000 for climate bonds. The is one of
the costliest projects the City has done and she was fine with spending $21,000 to certify the green bonds.
She encouraged the Council to support Mr. Williams' proposal for green bonds.
Councilmember Olson said members of her household have discussed investing in green things; it is a
good thing to do and some people are looking for it. To Councilmember Buckshnis' point, there will be
an easy market for these bonds due to the City's rating. She preferred not to spend $21,000 of taxpayers'
money on something that was unnecessary and there are a lot of other things in the budget that she would
rather spend it on. She supported the amendment.
Council President Fraley-Momllas pointed out the City is spending $40 million, not $1 million or
$100,000 of taxpayers' money. She encouraged Councilmember to support Mr. Williams' proposal for
climate bonds.
Councilmember Buckshnis explained the City is doing a bond offering for about $14 million; the projects
is worth about $40 million, a project that will speak for itself. In her research there is not really a market
for climate bonds yet. The project will speak for itself and generate accolades for the City. Bonding is
much different than accolades for the project.
Councilmember Olson commented the issue is money well spent for a good cause versus money that can
be saved. This is a good opportunity to save $21,000,
Councilmember L. Johnson said she was inclined to agree that this fabulous project speaks for itself,
especially in today's market, she was inclined to save the $21,000. She offered Mr. Williams an
opportunity to add to the discussion before the Council votes. Mr. Williams said this dovetails with a lot
of actions the Council has taken over the last few years such as Resolution 1389 regarding renewable
energy. This project will get the same kind of recognition he will describe in the next agenda item in a
future application for biosolid management. He believed there were investors who want to buy green
bonds. There are not a lot of climate bonds; Edmonds may be first local agency considering issuing
climate bonds in the State of Washington. It does not make the City any money but he felt it was a good
step to take and was likely a coming trend. The Council is in the know and understands what a major step
forward this project is for the treatment facility with regard to environmental protection, but not everyone
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 13, 2020
Page 14
knows that. All they see is construction of something big at the treatment plan. It may be a good thing to
designate the bonds as climate bonds.
Mr. Greenough said he did not want Mr. Williams to take hit for this; it was his suggestion that City staff
review whether it would be appropriate to designate these bonds as green bonds. He has served as counsel
to Sound Transit and King County and other agencies who have designated bonds as green bonds; not for
savings but for publicity purposes. He would not normally have brought this to anyone's attention until he
was drafting the offering document and read about the City Council's resolution committing itself to these
particular objectives. That was when he suggested considering whether to designate as green bonds for
the purpose of the City gaining third party verification of the excellence the City is pursuing in this
project. When he spoke with verifying agencies interested in working on this project, one in particular, a
woman business enterprise based in Oregon, said the City of Edmonds would be the first issue in the State
of Washington to achieve a what they call a certified climate bond, the highest standard. They would trace
the City's water back to the Everett source to determine the efficacy of the City's procedures.
Mr. Bauer said these are being sold as competitive bonds and in the end, it will be unknow whether the
green bond label tipped the balance to the winning bidder or not. The cost of one basis point, a .01%
change in interest rates, is about $25,000 so if there happened to be even a small change, it could pay for
itself.
Councilmember K. Johnson asked if he thought it would help a competitive sale and get a higher
purchase. Mr. Bauer said it can't hurt, but at this point there is not a giant market for green bonds. These
bonds will be traded in the secondary market to individual holders, and that green label would continue
for the life of the bonds. Councilmember K. Johnson said it sounded like good idea but perhaps was not
prudent at this time.
Councilmember Distelhorst expressed support for having the bonds be green bonds. When he made the
motion and City Council approved the up to 1.5° C climate target, that makes the Council think about
these decisions and not just whether it is the right or wrong thing to do. The City has committed to a
target and needs to make strides in that direction. Marketing ourselves and putting $21,000 toward that
end is a real step and shows the direction that the City's leadership is taking.
Councilmember Paine supported Councilmember Distelhorst's comments. The City has a strong bond
rating and a strong green ethic. Another agenda item seeks approval for a flag regarding an award the City
received; this is one of the flags in the financial work. Like Mr. Bauer said, a .01% difference in the basis
point would cover the cost. This honors the Council's values and it is de minimis.
Councilmember Olson said she understood and respected this differing opinion and in the end it would
not crush her if the decision did not go her way. But for that $21,000 you can "put a flag" and get some
pride points — or you can save that $21,000 and spend it in the Perrinville Watershed or buy 21 solar
panels on the roof of the Senior Center... more green investment. She encouraged the Council to think
about that before they vote.
Council President Fraley-Monillas encouraged the Council to continue to support the green bonds as they
are an important piece of this project. The City already spent a great deal of money looking at a new
process.
Councilmember Buckshnis restated the motion:
REMOVE THE GREEN BOND ASPECT OF BONDING. THE BONDS WILL JUST BE CITY OF
EDMONDS AA BONDS.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 13, 2020
Page 15
Councilmember L. Johnson thanked the presenters for the information they provided that helped persuade
her.
UPON ROLL CALL, AMENDMENT FAILED (3-4), COUNCILMEMBERS BUCKSHNIS, OLSON
AND K. JOHNSON VOTING YES; AND COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-MONILLAS AND
COUNCILMEMBERS DISTELHORST, PAINE AND L. JOHNSON VOTING NO.
UPON ROLL CALL, MAIN MOTION CARRIED (6-1), COUNCILMEMBERS DISTELHORST,
BUCKSHNIS, OLSON, PAINE, AND L. JOHNSON AND COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-
MONILLAS VOTING YES; AND COUNCILMEMBER K. JOHNSON VOTING NO.
3. CONSIDERATION OF THE PLANNING BOARD RECOMMENDATION TO DENY A
PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN MAP DESIGNATION FROM
"SINGLE FAMILY -RESOURCE" TO "SINGLE FAMILY -URBAN 1" FOR TWO
PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 530 AND 522-9TI' AVE. N.
Associate Planner Brad Shipley reviewed:
• Initial Proposal: Change Comprehensive Plan map designation from "Single Family —Resource"
to "Single Family —Urban 1"
0 21 properties between 9"', Carol Way, 10"' Avenue and just north of Daley Street
o When applicant originally inquired about subdividing their property, staff discovered a
change in the Comprehensive Plan designation would be required and requested the
entire block, 21 properties, be considered for the change.
• Staff Recommendation
A. Staff recommends City Council to DENY a change in designation from "Single Family -
Resource" to "Single Family -Urban 1" for 21 parcels included in this proposal.
B. Staff recommends City Council to APPROVE a change in designation from "Single
Family -Resource" to "Single Family -Urban 1" for the two parcels, 522 and 530-9th
Ave. N., that can provide access via 9th Ave. N.
o Met the criteria for evaluating Comprehensive Plan Map amendments.
• Planning Board Recommendation
A. Planning Board recommended City Council DENY a change in designation from "Single
Family -Resource" to "Single Family -Urban 1" for 21 parcels included in this proposal.
o Glen street is not able to handle additional capacity
B. Planning Board recommended City Council DENY a change in designation from "Single
Family -Resource" to "Single Family -Urban 1" for the two parcels, 522 and 530-9th
Ave. N., that can provide access via 9th Ave. N.
o Not in public interest
o Proposal was similar to spot zoning
o Set precedent in future in how zoning changes are handled
o One Planning Board member mentioned the Housing Commission may recommend
allowing detached ADUs which could be an option for this applicant in the future.
• City Council Action
A. City Council DENIED a change in designation from "Single Family -Resource" to
"Single Family -Urban 1" for 21 parcels included in this proposal.
B. City Council is still considering a change in designation from "Single Family -Resource"
to "Single Family -Urban 1" for the two parcels, 522 and 530-9th Ave. N., that can
provide access via 9th Ave. N.
• Map of proposal under consideration (522 and 530 9' Avenue North)
■ Review Criteria
1. Is the proposal consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and in the public interest?
2. Is the proposal detrimental to the public interest, health, safety or welfare of the City?
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 13, 2020
Page 16
3. Does the proposed amendment maintain the appropriate balance of land uses within the city?
4. Is the subject parcel physically suitable for the requested land use designation and the
anticipated land use development?
Mayor Nelson advised Council questions would be taken in a round robin format, with each
Councilmember asking one question during their turn.
Councilmember Olson, not speaking to the issue per se, wanted to address the issue of good versus bad
government that has come up in the context of this item. Everyone cares about having good governance
and she assured the citizens everyone was sorry if there was an appearance of bad governance. There is
no reason to believe that when the Planning Department looked at the map that they were aware that Glen
Street was narrow and therefore a map change for a wider area wasn't worth pursuing. The Planning
Board minutes were not buried; the minutes were included in their entirety in the Council packet and she
read them and paid close attention even though she is not voting on this. However, appearances are reality
and the City Council really does care and likely learned something about what could be done or said on
the front end to make sure it looks better to the citizens. She assured the citizens the Council was well
aware of the Planning Board's recommendation and paid close attention to it.
Councilmember Buckshnis echoed Councilmember Olson's comments. The Planning Board followed
criteria in their reasons for denial. She asked how the criteria had been met, especially criteria #1
regarding public safety. Mr. Shipley commented it depends on how one views public interest. Public
interest could be that the applicant is making this proposal themselves, the City is not imposing it on
them. He was sure there was some case law but was not familiar with all of it. All the other criteria were
met; that criteria is left to interpretation.
Councilmember Paine asked how would fire safety be addressed if the subject parcel were changed and a
flag lot allowed. Mr. Shipley said that would be reviewed with the rezone and a potential subdivision
which could include conditions. Generally there would be a hammerhead or a hydrant within a certain
distance.
Councilmember Distelliorst thanked Mr. Shipley and Development Services Director Hope for answering
his questions via email. His primary question was that the lot at 530 9"' Avenue North was .45 acres and
the 2 properties directly to the north, 604 9"' and 923 Glen are equivalent but in two separate lots. He
asked if dividing 530 would keep it consistent with neighboring properties. Mr. Shipley answered all the
properties along Daley are zoned RS-6 so they are smaller lots that were part of the original City of
Edmonds plat. In the area to the north, a few of the properties were developed prior to the zoning
ordinance that required minimum lot sizes so they are legal but non -conforming under today's standards.
Council President Fraley-Monillas asked Councilmember Olson if this was the area in her neighborhood
that she recused herself from previously. Councilmember Olson answered it was.
Councilmember L. Johnson said in theory she supports what the applicants are seeking. A large portion of
the older demographic is residing in homes built for more than one or two occupants. For some that is a
good choice, but for others the opportunity to downsize is a better choice. Infill like this as well as
detached ADUs expand opportunities for residents and increase the availability of homes to accommodate
larger families, and is a type of dense mixed use development that is supported by the Sierra Club. Her
concern was with the implications of this individual approach. She preferred a more holistic approach to
ensure the changes are most representative of public interest versus individual interest. While she
supported it in theory, she wanted to have a plan in place to avoid piecemealing it.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 13, 2020
Page 17
Councilmember Buckshnis echoed Councilmember L. Johnson's comments about a more holistic
approach, and said the City needs to look at all those areas above 9"' Avenue. There is some interesting
zoning in the City and some go way back. She did want to set a precedent as she was waiting for
information from the Housing Commission and future codes which may address this. She did not support
the proposed Comprehensive Plan map designation change.
Councilmember Distelhorst asked if all cities with Comprehensive Plans take applications for
amendments like this. Ms. Hope said yes, this was a common practice. Councilmember Distelhorst
observed it was not something specific to Edmonds. Ms. Hope said having individuals apply for
Comprehensive Plan amendments is common practice.
Council President Fraley-Monillas clarified the Planning Board's recommendation is to not approve. Ms.
Hope agreed.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
BUCKSHNIS, TO FOLLOW THE PLANNING BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS TO NOT
APPROVE THIS. UPON ROLL CALL, MOTION CARRIED (5-1-1), COUNCIL PRESIDENT
FRALEY-MONILLAS AND COUNCILMEMBERS K. JOHNSON, BUCKSHNIS, PAINE, AND L.
JOHNSON VOTING YES; COUNCILMEMBER DISTELHORST VOTING NO; AND
COUNCILMEMBER OLSON ABSTAINING.
Mayor Nelson declared a brief recess.
9. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
1. UTILITY OF THE FUTURE TODAY RECOGNITION
Public Works Director Williams recognized Treatment Plant Manager Pamela Randolph who was also
present. This item is continued recognition of the work plan, primarily for energy efficiency. The "Utility
of the Future Today" recognition program was launched in 2016 by the National Association of Clean
Water Agencies (NACWA), the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the Water Research Foundation
(WRF), and the Water Reuse Association with input from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA).
Mr. Williams displayed a video of the Waste Res^�� — TT+;1;+-, r+1— �„+,, o rr a y A., a
y y.... vwvw vuuLy of uw i ULUt� ivuay swards cereiiiony'.
The 65 recipients of the 2020 program are being honored for developing an organizational culture for
innovation excellence plus excellence in one or more of several areas (beneficial biosolids reuse,
community partnership & engagement, emergency efficiency, energy generation & recovery, nutrient &
materials recovery, water reuse, and watershed stewardship). This recognition program is growing in
stature and numbers. This year, despite all the disruptions caused by COVID-19, the program received the
most applications and had the highest number of recognized utilities in the history of the program. The
183 utilities honored over 5 years are located across the U.S. and Canada, plus a few utilities outside
North America. The 65 honorees honored in 2020 include 35 first time applicants to the program and 30
utilities recognized for excellence in new activity areas.
The award presenter recognized the panel of judges for the UotFT 2020. The City of Edmonds received
an award under the category of energy efficiency. Several years ago the City embarked on a partnership
with the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services, Ameresco and BHC Consultants. As a
result of that partnership, a pathway to sustainability was detailed, a sequential approach to reduce energy
and lower the City's carbon footprint. The City Council has been supportive of the pathway to
sustainability by approving projects that established goals and adoption of Resolution 1389, a
commitment to achieve at the local level all the goals established in the Paris Climate Accord further
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 13, 2020
Page 18
demonstrated the City Council's commitment to continuous improvement. Most major components have
been or will be improved by the end of 2021.
Each phase of work reduced energy or carbon footprint, reduced consumption and improved process
control. The City's energy team established a mission statement in which continuous improvement is key
and have stayed focused on the objectives and goals the team developed. This has truly been a team effort
to include the support the WWTP receives from its partners, the City of Mountlake Terrace, Olympic
View Water & Sewer and Ronald Wastewater District. Tools were developed to track progress on a
monthly basis. With the help of staff, new projects and ways to improve continue to be developed. The
next challenge is delivering a carbon recovery project, moving away from a sanitary sewage sludge
incinerator to Ecoremedy's gasification process and the beginning of production of enriched carbon
biochar.
Mr. Williams said no action was required; this was an opportunity to inform the Council about this award.
The UotFT provided the City a flag and if necessary, he sought permission to display it at the WWTP.
There were 3 UotFT awards in the State of Washington and 65 nationwide this year. The other two
awards in Washington were given to the two biggest utilities in the State, King County Wastewater and
City of Tacoma. Compared to Edmonds, those utilities have much more staff and resources to develop
applications. He was very proud of Edmonds staff for the work they did applying for and receiving
recognition as well as all the hard work they have done over the past eight years. He thanked the City
Council for their support of ESCO projects to improve energy performance. Staff will likely submit an
application for another one of the categories in 2022, biosolids reuse.
Councilmember Distelhorst congratulated the WWTP team for their work.
COUNCILMEMBER DISTELHORST MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
BUCKSHNIS, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZE THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT
PLANT TO FLY THE UTILITY OF THE FUTURE TODAY FLAG UNDER THE FLAG OF THE
STATE OF WASHINGTON.
Councilmember Buckshnis commended Ms. Randolph, commenting she is a star and her work is very
much appreciated.
Councilmember L. Johnson echoed Councilmembers' congratulations and thanks to the energy team at
the WWTP for their work and the recognition of energy efficiency. She encouraged Councilmembers to
tour the WWTP, commenting she learned a lot and found the tour fascinating.
Councilmember Paine congratulated the entire team.
Mr. Williams commented this is not just environmental; had the City not entered into this program and
done all these projects, the cost of electricity would be 47% higher than it was in 2012. These projects
have huge benefits for the utility and its customers.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. PRESENTATION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH
LAKE BALLINGER/MCALEER CREEK WATERSHED FORUM
Public Works Director Phil Williams explained the City has had an interlocal agreement primarily with
Mountlake Terrace and Lake Forest Park since 2008, although Lynnwood, Shoreline and Snohomish
County have been members in some years. The agreement expires December 31, 2020. This item is an
amendment to that Interlocal Agreement to extend the term for three years to the end of 2023 as well as
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 13, 2020
Page 19
makes a few small modifications. The $4800 to operate the Forum is split between the three primary
partners, Edmonds' share is approximately $1600, less in years when there are additional partners.
Councilmember Buckshnis is the City's representative on the Forum this year; other Councilmembers
including Mayor Nelson have represented the City on the Forum. The Forum meets approximately
quarterly to consider what is occurring in Lake Ballinger. A lot of progress has been made in the past few
years on aquatic weed control with the partners contributing to weed control projects. The Forum is
developing a capital plan; a draft is included in the packet that shows what has been completed and the
things that are yet to be done. The Forum is a good example of local agencies working together to solve
problems.
Council President Fraley-Monillas said living in the Lake Ballinger area for the last 35 years, it has been
good for the people in that area to have Mountlake Terrace, Edmonds, and Lake Forest Park working on
projects to project the environment. She spent two years on the Lake Ballinger Forum and was very
supportive. She expressed appreciation for everything they do for Lake Ballinger.
COUNCILMEMBER PAINE MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER BUCKSHNIS, TO
MOVE THIS TO THE CONSENT AGENDA NEXT WEEK.
Councilmember Buckshnis agreed this is a very good Forum; they do a lot of good work and there is a lot
of citizen involvement. Stormwater Engineer Zach Richardson gave a presentation to the Forum recently
about the project proposed for Mathay Ballinger Park.
Council President Fraley-Monillas said she did not see the purpose of waiting until next week to approve
the Interlocal Agreement. This group has been meeting for the last 15 years and she suggested approving
the Interlocal Agreement tonight. City Attorney Jeff Taraday reminded the Council is meeting in
committee meeting now. Council President Fraley-Monillas said in his interpretation that meant the
Council cannot approve anything tonight and needs to forward it to a future meeting. Mr. Taraday said the
Council is in a committee meeting which started after the break and committees cannot take final actions.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. PRESENTATION OF A PUD EASEMENT FOR THE DAYTON STREET
STORMWATER PUMP STATION PROJECT
Public Works Director Phil Williams explained the PUD provides power for the new pump station
installed on Beach Place that will soon be activated. PUD needs an easement to place a transformer on the
parking lot property jointly owned by the City and the Port. He displayed a photograph of the location of
the transformer and a photograph of the transformer.
COUNCILMEMBER DISTELHORST MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER L.
JOHNSON, TO FORWARD THIS TO THE CONSENT AGENDA AT THE OCTOBER 20TH CITY
COUNCIL MEETING. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. PRESENTATION OF THE TRAFFIC IMPACT FEE ANNUAL REPORT
Mr. Williams explained the City uses the ITE manual to determine the amount of traffic impact fees for
proposed development to offset their impacts to the transportation system for growth related impacts. For
example, the impact fee for a new single family home is $6,249. The fees vary for other types of
development. He reviewed:
■ 2019 Traffic Impact Fee Re ort
Be innin balance $613,718
Impact Fees $442,245
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 13, 2020
Page 20
Expenditures
2020 St. Loan Payment
$40,318
76"'/212Intersection
68,590
Ending Balance
$947,055
Comparison of Fees Collected
Year
Impact Fees
2004-2009
$554,772
2010
$34,873
2011
$307,678
2012
$29,966
2013
$156.652
2014
$202,295
2015
$66,334
2016
$139,031
2017
$372,481
2018
$201,348
2019
$442,245
Total
$2,507,675
Councilmember Buckshnis suggested the next report summarize how large impact fees have been used
over years. Mr. Williams explained impact fees were used on the 228"' project and at Five Corners.
Projects must have a growth nexus; it cannot just be used for any transportation purpose. Councilmember
Buckshnis recalled a citizen asked her about using impact fees for a boutique hotel; that is not one of the
uses for traffic impact fees. Mr. Williams agreed it was not.
Councilmember K. Johnson relayed her understanding that if funds were not used within a specified
number of years, they had to be returned. She wanted to ensure the City was using all the money that was
allocated for growth. Mr. Williams answered staff does the best they can. There was one time when a
developer contributed traffic impact fees and made the case that they had not been spent within six years
as required and the City had to provide a small refund. That has not happened again.
Councilmember Paine commented it seemed like there was a lot in the end balance and she questioned
why that money was being held when it should be spent. She asked where the next growth opportunity
was and would it be constructed in the next year. Mr. Williams answered it could be related to Highway
99 and/or the intersection at 76"' & 220"', both of those projects would qualify.
5. PRESENTATION OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BLUELINE
FOR THE CITYWIDE BICYCLE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
Mr. Williams explained Blueline was selected as the most qualified via a selection process. Blueline was
asked to provide a scope of services for the design of the Citywide Bicycle Improvement project. That
project, located on the alignment of 9"' Avenue & SR-104 south and Bowdoin, was discussed with
Council previously. Blueline's original submittal exceeded the budget so staff has been working with
them to develop a scope of services and budget and have negotiated a contract for approximately
$309,000. The packet contains the entire scope. Most of the Council's previous discussion was related to
public outreach and input for the project; task five includes approximately $35,000 to conduct a robust
outreach program during the project. The scope includes 12 other tasks, each of which has a cost for a
total of $309,521. He recommended placing the agreement on the Consent Agenda for approval next
week.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 13, 2020
Page 21
COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
DISTELHORST, TO PLACE THIS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA NEXT WEEK.
Councilmember Buckshnis thanked Mr. Williams for the detailed packet that includes the hours. She
observed Blueline first submitted a higher bid and staff negotiated it down. She asked if the Council had
seen the previous proposal, commenting Blueline sounded familiar. Mr. Williams said Blueline has done
quite a bit of other work for the City; they are a great company and staff has enjoyed working with them
although that was not why they were selected. The scope of work was negotiated down to $309,000.
C.omic.ilmemher F6wL-ghna asked if that was 6 h` urs t, 1 t Et r W it
Hoag.. .,vu�� w ioiiipi�L L design. Mr. v'6I ldlil5
answered there is a small management reserve, 5%. This is mainly a striping project with a small amount
of physical construction at intersections, and likely a lot of conversation about parking. If a right-of-way
phase was required, the timeline could be extended. He was hopeful the design, public outreach and
public process could be completed in 2021 and construction in 2022. Councilmember Buckshnis
complimented Blueline on the very readable, understandable agreement. She agreed two open houses
were necessary.
Councilmember Olson clarified the $309,000 cost would be funded by the grant. Mr. Williams agreed it
would be.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Nelson corrected one of the appointments he made last week:
Economic Development Commission
o Carrie Hulbert, Position 9 (not Position 2)
Mayor Nelson relayed the Snohomish Health District has released the latest COVID rate per 100,000
population; the rate is now 71.8. He displayed a graph of where Snohomish County was originally and
where it is now, a W, instead of an L; and L would mean the rate is decreasing and staying flat. He urged
the public to wear masks and practice social distancing, not one or the other but both, and to be cognizant
of group settings particularly as the weather gets colder, people are more likely to be indoors with longer
exposure to each other in close proximity.
11. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Paine said this is Domestic Violence awareness month. Over the past year, there have
been three murders in Edmonds, two of which were related to domestic violence. She urged anyone who
needed to make themselves safe or to ensure their friends were safe to do so. The City does not need any
more major crimes like that and the loss is terrible.
Councilmember Paine said she was proposing this tonight and hoped to have an agenda item next week to
considerchanging the day and time for committee meetings. She proposed holding them in a Zoom
format at a time and day other than the second Tuesday to free up a Tuesday night to accomplish other
things. She has talked to all Councilmembers and was hopeful the Council would discuss this and reach a
decision before the November committee meeting.
Councilmember Olson shared business news, welcoming longtime Edmonds resident Jenna Nand to the
Edmonds business community; she had a ribbon cutting for her new law office today. More brave
entrepreneurs are opening Crafty Bees on October 17 in Firdale Village. They will offer swag bags for the
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 13, 2020
Page 22
first 10 customers at 10:00, 12:00, 2:00 and 4:00 so shoppers can remain socially distanced. Her favorite
restaurant, Caravan Kabob, is in the same area so shoppers could enjoy a meal there,
Council President Fraley-Monillas repotted the Snohomish Health District islet today and agreed not to
increase costs for restaurants in Snohomish County until the end of the pandeinfe. She agreed with Mayor
Nelson that the numbers of people who have been hospitalized and died as a result of COVID-19 have
increased. She hoped that Could be reduced by wearing masks and maintaining a G foot distance.
C:ouncilmeinber K. Johnson thanked Mayor Nelson for having a reasonable length meeting tonight. She
encouraged all citizens to be well.
Councilmember BUcksbniS congratulated Mayor Nelson and Mr. Williams on the City's first AA bond
rating. She relayed Mr. Williams saying it would have been AA-+ except for COVID. She thanked the
citizens who continue to be involved in the City and react) out These are troubling times and people are
still dying. She suggested a kind word, taking someone to lunch, giving them a ride, or even :smiling
helps; kindness goes a long way. She encouraged people to understand that depression and bad feelings
are temporary; we're all in this together, better days are ahead and please wear a mask.
Councilmember .Distelhorst thanked COunCiltnernber Paine for her advocacy of domestic violence
awareness. He urged the public to wear masks, stay socially distanced and to get flu shot. Snohomish
County ballots will be mailed on Thursday. There is a drop box at the Edmonds library for returning
ballots early.
Councihneinber L. Johnson echoed Mayor Nelson, be safe, socially distance, and wear a mask. Just like a
bike hefinct, if it's too loose, it is not efficient, Masks need to be worn over your nose and to fit well so
you do not need to adjust it.
12. ADJOURN
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.rn.
MI AEL NELSON, MAYOR
CD PASSEY, CI CL
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 13, 2020
Page 23
Y,•
Public Comment for 10/13/20 Council Meeting:
From: Ken Reidy
Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2020 7:04 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>; Taraday, Jeff <jeff@lighthouselawgroup.com>; Hope, Shane
<Shane.Hope@edmondswa.gov>; Williams, Phil <Phil.Wllliams@edmondswa.gov>
Subject: Public Comments for October 13, 2020 City Council meeting
On September 22, 2020, 1 made Public Comments that concluded as follows:
I am happy to meet with any or all of you and show you all the documentation I have that
supports the above. I think City Councilmembers should be highly alarmed at the State's
conduct in this area. I think City Councilmembers need to appreciate how regulation of
surveyors really works at the State licensing and regulation level. Perhaps strongly consider the
need to conduct a public education campaign.
Between September 22, 2020 and October 3, 2020, 1 emailed all eight elected officials ten
emails titled: Re: Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
Investigation. My ten emails represented eighty opportunities for elected officials to respond
to a citizen. I did not receive one response from an elected official. City elected officials went
zero for eighty.
The City has adopted the following in its Code of Ethics:
Keep the community informed on municipal affairs and encourage communications between
the citizens and all municipal officers. Emphasize friendly and courteous service to the public
and each other; seek to improve the quality of public service, and confidence of citizens.
Are those words just fluff on paper?
Several of my emails said: I encourage all of you to reach out to me and engage.
Several of my emails said: I am still waiting for each and every single one of you to respond to
my emails on this topic. This is a great topic to engage on.
No matter how I communicated or what I requested — I was not responded to.
All eight elected officials now know that the State Board of Registration for Professional
Engineers and Land Surveyors will not take any action when they determine that City Standards
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 13, 2020
Page 24
have been violated. As such, what does the City need to do to better enforce its City surveying
laws and ordinances?
So, once again, I encourage all of you to reach out to me and engage. I am more than happy to
discuss these issues with each and every one of my eight elected officials. Much good can
come from the horrible experience I had with City of Edmonds government. We can work
together to do everything possible to prevent other Edmonds families from this type of thing
ever happening again in Edmonds. We can figure out what to do when our Mayors refuse to do
their DUTY. We can figure out how to enforce our surveying laws and whether the City needs
to license surveyors who work in Edmonds. We can cement the importance of the required
signature on development applications and clarify how that signature interacts with the State's
LUPA laws. We can finally correct the error in ECDC 2O.75.O4O.C. These are all very reasonable
items, items that can benefit all citizens of Edmonds.
Thank you.
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October 13, 2020
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