Cmd102720EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL
VIRTUAL ONLINE MEETING
APPROVED MINUTES
October 27, 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
ALSO PRESENT
Brook Roberts, Student Representative
1. CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE
STAFF PRESENT
Phil Williams, Public Works Director
Shane Hope, Development Services Director
Angie Feser, Parks, Rec. & Cultural Serv. Dir.
Jessica Neill Hoyson, HR Director
Kernen Lien, Environmental Programs Mgr.
Dave Turley, Interim Finance Director
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 K. Johnson read the City Council Land Acknowledgement 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
COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
DISTELHORST, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA IN CONTENT AND ORDER.
COUNCILMEMBER BUCKSHNIS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER OLSON, TO
AMEND THE AGENDA TO 1) ADD ACTION ITEM 9.2, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
EDMONDS, WASHINGTON, ESTABLISHING AN IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY
MORATORIUM ON THE ACCEPTANCE OF ANY SUBDIVISION APPLICATION FOR ANY
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October 27, 2020
Page 1
PROPERTY THAT CONTAINS MORE THAN 4 SIGNIFICANT TREES FOR 10,000 SQUARE
OF LOT AREA, TO BE IN EFFECT UNTIL THE CITY OF EDMONDS ADOPTS UPDATED
TREE REGULATIONS ADDRESSING THE CLEARING OF SUCH PROPERTIES FOR
DEVELOPMENT, SETTING SIX MONTHS AS EFFECTIVE PERIOD OF THE MORATORIUM
AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY, AND 2) TO ADD ACTION ITEM 9.3, AN ORDINANCE
OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS, WASHINGTON, ESTABLISHING INTERIM EMERGENCY
DEVELOPMENT REGULATION TO ACCOMPANY THE CITY'S MORATORIUM ON THE
ACCEPTANCE OF SUBDIVISION APPLICATIONS FOR ANY PROPERTY THAT CONTAINS
MORE THAN 4 SIGNIFICANT TREES FOR 10,000 SQUARE FEET OF LOT AREA TO BE IN
EFFECT UNTIL THE CITY OF EDMONDS ADOPTS UPDATED TREE REGULATIONS
ADDRESSING THE CLEARING OF SUCH PROPERTIES FOR DEVELOPMENT, SETTING SIX
MONTHS AS THE EFFECTIVE PERIOD OF THE MORATORIUM AND DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY.
Councilmember Buckshnis said a moratorium is a process the City has used in the past, it is very short
term, six months. It has been discussed with the Administration and will give the busy Administration
time to process the comprehensive tree code. A public hearing on December I" will allow Council to
address the ordinances and make changes such as changing six months to four months or something of
that nature. She hoped discussion on these items would not occur too late in tonight's meeting; she was
also willing to move them to next week if the Council did not have time to vet it sufficiently but felt it
was important to introduce it tonight.
Councilmember Distelhorst suggested moving the ordinances to next week, noting he still has a number
of outstanding questions; the more questions he asks, the more questions he has. He suggested it would be
beneficial to everyone to have additional time.
Councilmember Pame supported moving the proposed ordinances to next week. The Council just received
this information late yesterday and early today and there are a lot of questions.
COUNCILMEMBER PAINE MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER DISTELHORST,
TO MOVE THE PROPOSED EMERGENCY MORATORIUM AND THE SUBSEQUENT
ORDINANCE TO NEXT WEEK, NOVEMBER 2No
Councilmember Olson said she preferred to move this to next week as she was still in the process of
reviewing it.
Councilmember Buckshnis did not anticipated the Council would approve the ordinances tonight based
on the lengthy agenda. She wanted to get the information on the screen so citizens could see it and some
of the questions could be vetted. The Administration has worked with Mr. Taraday, Councilmember L.
Johnson and her. If there is enough time, she preferred to discuss the proposed ordinances tonight.
Councilmember Distelhorst suggested if the maker of the motion did not expect action, that they be
placed on the agenda as study items for an introduction rather than action items. City Attorney Jeff
Taraday explained from an agenda -management standpoint, since this is a regular meeting, the Council
can do whatever it wants with the agenda including adding study items or action items. Councilmember
Buckshnis said she wanted Council to discuss Item 9.1 first. Many Councilmembers were made aware of
this last week via phone. If the Council wanted to move the ordinances to study items, that could be done.
She felt it would be helpful to have the ordinances at the end of the agenda and if the Council had time,
discuss them and if there wasn't time, move them to the next week.
UPON ROLL CALL, AMENDMENT CARRIED (5-2), COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-
MONILLAS AND COUNCILMEMBERS DISTELHORST, OLSON, PAINE AND L. JOHNSON
VOTING YES; AND COUNCILMEMBERS K. JOHNSON AND BUCKSHNIS VOTING NO.
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During the above vote, Councilmember K. Johnson stated she preferred it be a study item and
Councilmember Buckshnis said it could be a study item. Mayor Nelson requested Councilmembers vote
yes, no, or abstain and refrain from making comments during the vote.
MAIN MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. JOINT MEETING
1. ANNUAL JOINT MEETING -SOUTH COUNTY FIRE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
South County Fire Chief Thad Hovis introduced Jason Isotalo, who was promoted to Assistant Chief of
Operations in September and is responsible for oversight of over 250 employees within the operations
division. He introduced Deputy Chief Bob Eastman and Assistant Fire Marshal Karl Fitterer who
oversees the City's fire prevention and investigation needs. He also introduced Fire Commission Board
Members Jim Kenney (Chair), Bob Meador (Vice Chair), David Chan, Drew Burnett, Mark Laurence,
Chris Teofilak, and Greg Urban.
Chief Hovis explained an earlier meeting was canceled due to the pandemic and he appreciated the
opportunity for the City and RFA to revisit the 2019 annual report to the City. Since eight months have
passed since the annual report was provided in February, he planned to take this opportunity to update the
Council on South County Fire's (SCF) work during the first three quarters of 2020 during the pandemic,
primarily focused on their work in Edmonds.
Chief Hovis reported there has been tremendous change in the world during 2020. COVID-19 and its
impacts on both organizations, local communities, county, state and nation have altered much of what was
previously considered normal and transformed current reality into a new normal. SCF transferred the first
known COVID-19 patient in the United Stated on January 21, 2020. Last week marked the ninth month of
their COVID-19 related response. As of yesterday, SCF has transported 264 confirmed COVID-19
positive individuals this year. SCF continues to minimize risk for employees and in turn, play a role in
keeping residents of the City of Edmonds and the RFA safer by providing effective fire and EMS
response. That's been a challenge, but a challenge they have risen to meet and will continue to do so.
Chief Hovis expressed gratitude to the City for taking an early lead in the county to recognize the threat
of COVID-19 as a significant public health impact to the local community and thanked the City for
expressing that via a State of Emergency Declaration. He also thanked Safety & Disaster Coordinator
Craig Cottrell and Acting Police Chief Jim Lawless for their partnership with the RFA and the City in
their combined COVID-19 response to keep employees of both organizations as safe as they can be and
minimize risk.
Change for SCF in 2020 has included not only COVID-19 and the promotion of Assistant Chief Isotalo,
but also a change in leadership since the SCF and the Council last met. Fire Chief Doug Dahl retired on
March 31" and Assistant Chief Kevin Zweber retired on August 3Is'. He was named Interim Fire Chief in
April and appointed Fire Chief in August. He was proud and honored to lead the men and women of SCF
and humbled by the commission's confidence in him and the leadership team to carry out the agency's
mission to protect life, property and the environment. He was proud to have grown up in Edmonds; he
started his career as a volunteer firefighter with the Edmonds Fire Department before being hired by the
City of Mountlake Terrace in 1996. He will always be grateful that the City of Edmonds granted him a
foot in the door to the fire service as well as the foundation it provided him to be SCF's fire chief.
Chief Hovis referred to a digital copy of SCF's 2019 annual report that was previously presented,
contained in the Council packet. He provided a refresh of presentation for quarters 1 through 3 of 2020,
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noting any of the photos in the presentation that showed people without masks and or social distancing
were taken prior to the pandemic:
• South County Fire Service Area
o Formerly covered by five separate agencies, two fire districts and three city departments, the
RFA now covers a total of 50 square miles, more than 250,000 residents and is protected by
14 fire stations
• Emergency Medical Services
o Our most requested service: 85% of incidents in Edmonds are dispatched as EMS incidents
o All firefighters are emergency medical technicians or paramedics
o Our cardiac arrest save rate across the RFA is over 50%, well above the state and national
average
o Video of High -Performance CPR: (video demonstration at www.soutlisiiofire.org/CPRTeani)
• Community Paramedics
o Non -emergency service to help reduce 911 calls and hospital use
o Primarily serves older adults, mental health patients, disabled people, homeless and veterans
o Breaks down barriers and create access to care
o By the numbers in Edmonds:
■ 119 enrollments
• 75 visits
* 510 phone call contacts
■ 113 emails, texts and fax contacts
• For Edmonds patients enrolled in the program:
— 49% reduction in 911 calls
— 51 % reduction in emergency department visits
Snohomish County Fire Training Academy
o Academy 2020-1
■ Graduated 10 South County Fire recruits
o Academy 2020-2
• 18 South County Fire recruits attending
o Academy hosted at SCF headquarters in partnership with Everett FD, Snohomish regional
Fire and Rescue, Marysville Fire Authority and four other departments. Working with other
county departments to regionalize training:
Fire Prevention
o Development Review & Construction Inspections (Updated through Quarter 3 of 2020)
■ 188 business license inspections
■ 800+ maintenance/follow up inspections.
56 construction inspections
■ 108 compliance inspections.
0 4 special event inspections
■ 753 plan review hours
85% of single-family homes constructed this year had sprinkler systems installed
o Major projects
* Edmonds Post Office Phase II (Finished in March 2020)
• Edmonds Senior Center
■ Main Street Commons
■ Anthology Senior Living
■ Graphite Arts Studio
* Graphite Apartments
■ Westgate Village (Finished in June 2020)
■ Westgate Apartments (Finished in June 2020)
■ Kisan Townhomes (18 Units on Edmonds Way)
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■ Magic Toyota (Finished in January 2020)
■ Doug's Mazda Service Center (Finished in September 2020)
■ Doug's Mazda (Finished in July 2020)
• GRE Apartments (192 units)
■ 234th Apartments (240 Units)
■ Community Health Expansion
Virtual Outreach and Education
o Community outreach and education continues during the pandemic with online and virtual
offerings.
o Over 100 residents of Edmonds have participated in online classes.
■ Classes
- ACT First Aid & CPR
- Disaster Preparedness
- Child Car Seat Safety
- Virtual Car Seat Checks
- Home Fire Safety
- Introduction to Zoom coming soon
- Child Safety & CPR coming soon
• For kids and families
- Online Kids Fire Camp
- Online Kids Fire Academy
- Virtual Classroom Visits
■ Videos
- EMS Open House
- Falls Prevention Education
- Fire Prevention Week: Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen
- Holiday Safety coming soon
Edmonds Virtual Events
o Edmonds Neighborhood Night Virtual Open House for Stations 16, 17 and 20
■ A video overview of South County Fire Services
0 9/11 Memorial Ceremony
■ Created in partnership with the City of Edmonds, Edmonds Police Department and IAFF
Local 1828
Pandemic Response
o Since our transport of the first known patient in the United States on January 21, 2020, we've
worked closely with county, state, and national public health officials and looked to the latest
science to guide our response to keep our community and responders safe.
o New precautions on 911 medical calls
■ South County Fire guidelines for PPE use and operations to protect firefighters and the
public serve are being used as a model internationally
o Coordinated regional response
■ Fire Operations Center: Established with other county fire agencies to provide unified
tracking, planning and response to the outbreak to better serve all our communities
■ Snohomish County Emergency Coordination Center: South County Fire has been
involved in the coordinating efforts countywide including securing PPE supplies for first
responders and other long-range planning
Pandemic Outreach
o Safely connecting:
■ Porch visits and telehealth allow us to safely connect with patients. We're partnering with
the Edmonds Senior Center to bring telehealth and Zoom visits to 100 vulnerable adults
in the next six months.
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o Community Paramedics and Community Outreach staff have been working closely with the
community partners to serve many of the city's most vulnerable residents during the
pandemic. Here's what we are seeing:
■ More patients with more complex needs: 50% more patients per month with more
complex service needs requiring more staff time
■ Increased isolation of older adults and others vulnerable residents staying home, not
seeing their doctors as needed or not receiving other services that have been scaled back
during the pandemic
o Senior Living Support
■ Our Community Paramedics and Community Outreach Team have been working closely
with senior living communities, including adult family homes, nursing homes, assisted
living and independent living facilities. This includes:
- Ongoing communication for EMS -related issues
- Access to PPE and the distribution of cloth masks
- Weekly calls to isolated older adults to check in on their well being
o Community Resource Guide
+ We created a South County Resource Guide to help families navigate community
resources such as access to food, medical care, prescriptions, free internet and mental
health assistance.
o More than 40,000 cloth face coverings provided by DEM have been distributed by our
Community Outreach staff to senior communities and others in need in our service area.
Graph of Snohomish County COVID-19 case rate per 100,000 (2-week rolling periods)
o Reminder: Keep social distancing, mask up and stay at home as much as possible
Emergency Responses - 2020 Quarter 1 - Quarter 3
o How many calls?
■ Total incidents in the City of Edmonds in 2020 Q1-Q3:
■ 2016: 3,954
■ 2017: 3,942
■ 2018: 4,167
■ 2019: 4,019
■ 2020: 3,770
- Decrease in fire and EMS calls in Edmonds and throughout RFA primarily due to the
Stay Home Stay Healthy orders and because people are moving about much less.
Numbers are beginning to climb spiking
o What type of calls? (2020 Q1-Q3)
■ 85% of calls are dispatched as emergency medical aid
- Basic Life Support - 39%
- Advanced Life Support - 46%
• 15% increase YTD in 2020 for ALS (paramedic) calls compared to 2019.
- Fire - 9%
- Other - 4%
Transports (Q1-Q3)
0 2018: 2,158
0 2019: 2,047
0 2020: 1,973
Significant incidents in Edmonds 2020
o Fire Commercial, 9627 Firdale Avenue, March 13, 2020
o Fire Residential, 22414 72 PI W, June 18, 2020
o Rescue/Recovery, Lake Ballinger (border of Edmonds), July 19, 2020
o Fire Residential, 9315 220 St SW, July 20, 2020
o Fire Residential, 8721 191 PI SW, August. 14, 2020
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o Water Rescue, 336 Admiral Way, September 7, 2020 (3 rescued)
o Water Rescue, 498 Admiral Way, September 23, 2020, (1 rescued)
o Med-X (Shooting), 22618 Hwy 99, September 29, 2020 (3 transported)
Councilmember Distelhorst thanked Chief Hovis for the presentation, everyone who was present and the
work they have done during the pandemic. Observing that Community Paramedics are not routed via 911,
he asked how initial contact with unsheltered individuals or people experiencing a mental health crisis in
the community is made. Chief Hovis explained the Community Resource Paramedic (CRP) program has
three CRP paramedics, one captain and two firefighters/paramedics as well as an admin assistant that
coordinates calls and follow-up. Intake of people in need happens in the field with crews trained to
identify things in the home such as rugs people may slip on, a diabetic that does not have food in the
refrigerator, no heat in a house, etc. SCF has an electronic form explaining the program that patients sign
and follow up occurs. There is also retrospective data analysis to identify names/birthdate of people who
have called 911 three or more times in a 30 day period. Members of the community including the crisis
line or other clinics also provide information on people they want CRP to reach out to. The CRP program
also has a partnership with the Verdant Health Commission that ensures residents with higher needs
within the RFA and Hospital District #2 get the help they need.
Councilmember Buckshnis relayed questions she has received about the fire contract including that
someone had heard two of the Edmonds stations should be replaced and made more physically attractive.
She asked if there has been any discussions about moving or replacing stations. Chief Hovis answered the
individual could be referring to the RFA's completion of a Comprehensive Capital Facilities Plan review.
The RFA is in phase 2 of 3 phases which includes review with TCA Architecture and other consultants.
That Plan looked at the 14 fire stations and the headquarters to consider current and future needs. The
cities of Brier, Edmonds and Mountlake Terrace were included in that plan; two of the three stations in
Edmonds have been identified as needing additional work in the future, seismic and refresh/remodel of
Station 17 and building a new Station 20 in Esperance. Councilmember Buckshnis asked if that station
would be in the same footprint. Chief Hovis answered yes.
Chief Hovis said that question could also be the result of his discussions with the commission about
branding the RFA. The RFA has fire stations under contract and some that are part of the RFA that were
Fire District 1, 11 or City of Lynnwood stations. The branding process to ensure there is signage showing
it is a SCF station is about halfway done; the unincorporated stations have been completed and City of
Lynnwood stations are next to be done and he recalled discussions with Phil Williams about signage for
Edmonds stations.
Councilmember Buckshnis recalled a few years ago expert consultants looked at the City's fire stations
and indicated they were not in the best physical locations. She asked if there were any plans to close,
relocate or consolidate fire stations. Chief Hovis recalled discussion in 2019 about the location of Station
17 downtown and its proximity to the waterfront. If a time machine could have predicted 40 years ago
that there would be one fire agency covering what were five different agencies, some of the station
locations might be different. SCF is doing its best with what it has right now. If an opportunity ever arises
to relocate a station so it is in the best place to respond to the needs of the public or an area being
developed, that opportunity should be captured if possible.
Councilmember Buckshnis thanked SCF for their service and the commissioners for attending tonight's
meeting.
Councilmember Paine expressed her appreciation for SCF's service and their commitment to excellence.
She asked why there were so many transports for other agencies/cities coming into Edmonds, whether it
was a function of where they start or because Edmonds is centrally located and has a hospital. Chief
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Hovis answered Swedish Edmonds is the main transport destination for the area that now comprises the
RFA. Other agencies occasionally transport to Swedish Edmonds such as Shoreline, Bothell, Nortlishore
and Mukilteo Fire Departments as well as the agency formally known as District 7 which is now called
Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue. The majority of SCF's transports go to Swedish Edmonds. The
other large receiving destination in the RTA is Providence in Everett.
Fire Commission Board Chair Jim Kenney explained the contract requires a once a year meeting. It is
usually earlier in the year, but was delayed and is being held on Zoom. He pointed out the Council may
see in the voter's pamphlet or hear people in the community taking about the benefit charge that the RFA
has before voters in the general election. It changes $0.50 of the fire levy from a property tax to a charge
based on a property's fire risk and use of fire flow based on square footage of the property instead of
valuation. A number of other communities in the state utilize that, including Shoreline. He encouraged
Edmonds to think about becoming part of the RFA versus a contracting member.
Councilmember Olson asked about the benefits of becoming part of RFA versus a contracted member.
Board Chair Kenney said being part of the RFA would allow Edmonds residents to vote for members of
the RFA Board. Under the current contract, the City has control via contractual language but no vote in
what the RFA does. Councilmember Olson asked the difference in cost. Board Chair Kenney said he did
not have that information in front of him.
Councilmember Buckshnis said in her opinion if the City wanted to consider that, it should go back to the
drawing board and look at the numbers. She asked about the change in the fire benefit charge. Board
Chair Kenney said it changes part of the taxation from a tax to a fee based on square footage.
Councilmember Buckshnis commented for Edmonds residents with McMansions this would be
beneficial. She offered to submit the questions she has received.
Councilmember L. Johnson thanked SCF for everything they do, especially during these times. It is
significant that SCF transported first patient back in January; not only is SCF on the frontline, but they
have also been dealing with it longer than most people who are staying safe at home.
Councilmember K. Johnson requested SCF address Section 4 of the Council -Adopted Standards Not Met
which states SHI3 1756 requires an explanation when Council -adopted standards are not met, the
predictable consequences of failing to meet the adopted standards, and the steps necessary to correct
deficiencies in order to achieve compliance. Six performance standards were not met and she asked that
each one be addressed separately.
Deputy Chief Bob Eastman answered the first was turnout time; the RFA's turnout time is 2:15; Edmonds
turnout time in the Standard of Cover is 2:45 which was met. The RFA has done considerable work in the
last couple years on improving turnout time and have continually reduced it.
Deputy Chief Eastman responded to the following Council -adopted standards not met:
2A. Response time of the first -arriving Engine Company to a fire suppression Incident:
Established: 6:30
Actual: 7:13
The actual time increased since 2018. Over the last couple years response times have been increasing in
general partially due to traffic and initially due to increased call demand within the City. Mid 2017,
Edmonds eliminated an additional 2-person medic unit that was staffed 24/7. That caused some of the
increased response time because cross -staffed engines, whether an EMS or fire call, transporting to the
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hospital leaves the area unserved first -due so second -due units come in more frequently than prior to the
deployment change.
2B. Response time for the deployment of full first -alarm assignment to a residential fire suppression
incident
Established: 7:45
Actual: 11:3 5
The time of 7:45 has not been met since the contract with Edmonds was established, primarily because
units outside the City must respond to reach 15 firefighters assembled on scene. He explained work
begins when the first unit arrives. The response time in 2019 was a few minutes lower than 2018.
2C. Response time for the deployment of full first -alarm assignment to a commercial fire suppression
incident:
Established: 9:00
Actual: 11:49
This requires 18 firefighters assembled on scene. A relatively small number of commercial and residential
fires meet this criteria. For example if one happen at the peak hour (4:00 p.m.), units from further away
would be required to meet the first -alarm assignment. Due to the 90% standard and the small number of
fires that meet the criteria, it would take only one incident to exceed the standard.
3.. Response time of the first -arriving unit with a first responder (BLS) or higher -level capability to
an emergency medical incident:
Established: 5:15
Actual: 6:17
This was partially related to having one fewer unit in Edmonds since 2017. Traffic congestion is also a
factor, not necessarily in Edmonds, but for outlying stations who serve as second -in or third -in.
5A 1. Response time of the first -arriving apparatus with appropriately trained and equipped Hazardous
Materials Operations level personnel onboard to a hazardous materials incident:
Established: 12:00
Actual: 15:04
This is a specialty response and there are not many in the RFA. Edmonds had two incidents in 2019; the
decon unit came from Station 12.
5B2. Response time of the first -arriving apparatus with appropriately trained and equipped Technical
Rescue Technician level personnel on board to a technical rescue incident
Established: 12:00
Actual: 15:04
Edmonds had 1-2 calls in 2019; regional team approach for technical rescue and hazmat; specialty
equipment comes from Station 21 (near 164" & 13"'), District 7, Everett Fire or Marysville Fire. Time is
measured by when equipment arrives, not personnel. If Rescue 21 was unavailable to respond, the next
closest unit was District 7 (Station 71) or Everett (Station 1) which is likely the reason for the increased
time.
Councilmember K. Johnson said Deputy Chief Eastman addressed the circumstances but did not describe
the steps necessary to correct the deficiencies in order to achieve compliance. Deputy Chief Eastman
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Page 9
answered it was a two -pronged approach. Some of the City's standards have been met occasionally and
some have not been met on a regular basis since the agreement was established. The standards were
originally established in 2006 and likely need to be evaluated and potentially updated, especially the ones
that have consistently not been met since they were established. Another challenge is call demand was
increasing and when combined with the reduction of one unit, more strain was added with one less
resource to respond. That was a dedicated transport unit that had the ability to respond throughout the
City. The impact of reducing the number of providers and responding units is a potential increase in
response times.
Deputy Chief Easton explained previously, Station 17 had two units staffed 24/7; there is now one so
when Station 17 is on a response and unable to respond, one of the outlying stations comes in to cover
(second -due coming into a first -due area). That causes a cascade effect; for example if Station 16 or 20 is
covering in Station 17's area and 16 gets a call, then Station 15, 10 or 14 covers for Station 16. That is
part of the reason for the increase in response times.
Councilmember K. Johnson said if the City considers an RFA or continues with the contract, it would be
helpful to see a comparison of 2006 expectations and current standards for the RFA to see where there are
discrepancies that need to be changed. Chief Hovis said the standards were created by the City Council in
2006 when Medic 7 out of Stevens Hospital was dissolved and Edmonds took one of the 2-person units.
Since that time, staffing has been reduced in the City of Edmonds. One of the benefits of joining the RFA
is it differs from a contract that specifies how many people are at each station, currently three at each
Edmonds Station. In 2018, 2019 and 2020, in the City of Lynnwood and in the incorporated areas, the
RFA was able to add staffing at Stations 14, 15, 21 10 and 11 to accommodate growth. Data reporting
really comes down to people able to respond to calls in apparatus when needed. When there is a
significant event within the City, there is a cascading effect. Geographically, due to Edmonds' location on
Puget Sound, there is no support from the west or from the south from Woodway.
Council President Fraley-Monillas thanked SCF staff and the commission for attending. She pointed out
the downtown unit in Edmonds actually had a paramedic unit. When staffing was decreased in the
downtown unit, the staffing was changed to be the same as all other fire stations across the county. She
asked if that was still accurate. Chief Hovis answered that was accurate, the RFA deploys the same way
the City does with a minimum of one paramedic at each fire station. As he stated earlier, additional
staffing has been added to some stations during the past three years. In those stations another unit has
been added so there is a paramedic on the paramedic unit and on the engine or ladder.
Council President Fraley-Monillas recalled the reason for the reduction was due to the station only
responding on three sides. The City chose to save money by making the fire stations equal throughout the
organization. She wanted to ensure citizens were aware staffing levels were reduced to match the pattern
of the other fire stations. She appreciated hearing that staffing has been increased in some stations but
wanted Edmonds citizens to be clear regarding why reductions were made at Station 17.
Councilmember K. Johnson referred to the graph of transport fees billed and collected in Edmonds. There
were over $2 million in transport fees in each of three years, but only about 40% are collected. She asked
how collection of transport fees could be improved. Deputy Chief Eastman explained collection of
transport fees is complex. One of the challenges with transport fees, is if a patient is transported and the
agency collects from Medicaid or Medicare, it is subject to whatever Medicaid or Medicare will pay for
the transports and there is no opportunity to balance bill so by default, SCF must write off the remainder.
For example, transport of a BLS call, Medicaid/Medicare pays $125 plus mileage on a $700 transport.
The RFA also has a policy to take insurance for payment in full for residents within the service area. The
graph looks like only 40% is collected and 60% left on the table when in reality due to contractual write-
offs with Medicare/Medicaid and due to the RFA policy, there is about a 98-98.5% collection and very
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October 27, 2020
Page 10
few are ultimately uncollectible. Councilmember K. Johnson thanked him for the explanation, noting at
least $1 million was being collected.
On behalf of the community and the City, Mayor Nelson thanked SCF and the commission for their
dedication and unwavering support.
6. AUDIENCE COMMENTS htt s:/Izoom.os/s/4257752525
Mayor Nelson invited participants and described the procedures for audience comments.
There were no members of the audience who wished to provide comment.
(Written comments submitted to PublicComment@Edmondswa.gov are attached.)
7. APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
BUCKSHNIS, TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA.
COUNCILMEMBER OLSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER BUCKSHNIS, TO
PULL ITEM 7.3, AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN AN AMENDMENT TO THE
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH LAKE BALLINGER/MCALEER CREEK WATERSHED
FORUM, FOR A QUICK DISCUSSION AND PUT IT ON NEXT WEEK'S AGENDA.
Councilmember Olson said she was still working on a couple of small edits and suggested either moving
it to next week's Consent Agenda or approve it in a substantially similar form to allow those edits to
happen offline.
Council President Fraley-Monillas said she had no problem with allowing the edits to occur offline and be
approved.
Councilmember Buckshnis said she had no problem as long as the Council was copied on the corrections
and it was on next week's Consent Agenda.
Councilmember Olson clarified those were two different proposals, 1) move the agreement to next week,
or 2) approve it tonight on the Consent Agenda knowing the scrivener's errors would be corrected and
provided to Council.
Councilmember Buckshnis said it depends on how scrivener's errors was defined. She had no problem
with errors in grammar, but if there were substantial errors, she would like to see them.
City Attorney Jeff Taraday said a motion is not necessary to pull something from the Consent Agenda. It
is removed upon a Councilmember's request and then a decision is made later about what to do with it.
With regard to this particular item, he was hesitant about the idea of approval happening outside of a
Council meeting even if it is correction of a scrivener's error because it could be an Open Public Meetings
Act issue. It was fine to pull it and have it on a subsequent agenda or the Council can agree on the
corrections tonight.
Public Works Director Phil Williams agreed they were scrivener's errors such as numbering issues. Staff
has been working with Councilmember Olson over the last 24+ hours to determine if a change needs to be
made and have not reached a conclusion. None of the changes are consequential or change the meaning or
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 27, 2020
Page 11
intent of the Interlocal Agreement. He referred to an email from Sharon Cates stating the way the
agreement was written was okay.
Council President Fraley-Monillas asked if there was a timeline that need to be met. Mr. Williams
answered there was not a critical timeline and it could be moved to next week. Staff was not yet
convinced that the changes needed to be made.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
OLSON, TO MOVE AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN AN AMENDMENT TO THE
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH LAKE BALLINGER/MCALEER CREEK WATERSHED
FORUM TO THE CONSENT AGENDA NEXT WEEK.
Council President Fraley-Monillas commented scrivener's errors have occurred for the past ten years and
unless it drastically changed the agreement, she was satisfied with moving it to next week's agenda. If
there was a difference of opinion between Councilmember Olson and the department, it may need to be a
business item. Councilmember Olson anticipated it could be resolved within the week.
AMENDMENT CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCILMEMBER BUCKSHNIS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-
MONILLAS, TO APPROVE THE REMAINDER OF THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The agenda items approved are as follows:
1. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 20, 2020
2. APPROVAL OF CLAIM, PAYROLL AND BENEFIT CHECKS, DIRECT DEPOSIT AND
WIRE PAYMENTS
4. FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION ORDINANCE
5. COUNCIL RESOLUTION TO NAME AUTHORIZED INDIVIDUAL TO MANAGE CITY
INVESTMENTS IN LGIP
6. WWTP SCADA INTEGRATION
8. STUDY ITEMS
1. NON -REPRESENTED EMPLOYEE COLA 2021
HR Director Jessica Neill Hoyson reviewed the proposed 2021 wage adjustment for Non -Represented
employees:
• Personnel Policies — Chapter 5 Compensation
o Annual Salary Adjustments
o The Mayor will recommend the adjustment of salary ranges for non -represented employees to
the City Council for approval as part of the budget process, effective January 1 of each year.
The Mayor's recommendation will take into consideration the average adjustment negotiated
and approved for represented employee groups.
• 2021 Wage Adjustments for Represented Groups
o Currently the AFSCME, Teamsters, and EPOA collective bargaining agreements are not
settled for 2021 and therefore cannot be taken into account for determining the non -
represented wage adjustment
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 27, 2020
Page 12
o The EPOA Commissioned contract is settled for 2021 but as this is a represented group that
has binding arbitration, taking this group's wage adjustments into consideration for the non -
represented employees would not be appropriate.
Other data points
o Using "comparator" organizations is often the standard in establishing compensation and has
been used by Edmonds for both represented and non -represented employees
o Using the Consumer Price Index for Urban wage earners in the Seattle/Tacoma/Bellevue area
is also used as data point to establish compensation levels.
Issues with "Comparator" organizations at this time
o The impact of CV 19 on the economies and revenues of cities within the Edmonds comparator
group has varied widely. While some cities have been significantly impacted and are
therefore considering minimal or no wage adjustment in 2021, others have seen minimal
impact to revenues and will be providing normal wage adjustments.
o Due to the disparities among this group, using comparators' wage adjustments as a basis for
the Edmond's wage adjustment would most likely not provide a reliable basis for the
recommendation.
• Using CPI-U (and not CPI-W)
o The CPI is calculated for two population groups: All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) and Urban
Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). The CPI-U represents about 93 percent of the
total U.S. population and is based on the expenditures of all families living in urban areas.
The CPI-W is a subset of the CPI-U and is based on the expenditures of families living in
urban areas who meet additional requirements related to employment: more than one-half of
the family's income is earned from clerical or hourly -wage occupations. The CPI-W
represents about 29 percent of the total U.S. population.
o Because the CPI-U population coverage is more comprehensive, it is used in most wage
adjustment calculations.
• How to use the CPI-U
o In order to determine the cost of inflation from one year to the next the year a period is
established be setting a base month between two years
Table A. Seattle -Tacoma -Bellevue, WA, CPI-U 2-month and 12-month percentage changes, all
items index, not seasonally adjusted.
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Month
2-mo
12-mo
2-mo
12-mo
2-mo
12-mo
2-mo
12-mo
2-mo
12-mo
Feb
0.2
.22
1.0
3.4
0.8
3.3
0.7
2.7
1.0
2.5
April
1.1
2.5
0.8
3.1
0.8
3.3
0.5
2.4
-0.
1.3
June
0.9
1.8
0.8
3.0
0.8
3.3
0.7
2.3
0.2
0.9
Auizust
0.3
2.1
-0.2
2.5
-0.3
3.1
0.6
3.2
1.4
1.6
Oct
1 0.0
1 2.4
0.5
1 3.0
0.4
3.1
-0.6
2.2
Dec
0.0
1 2.6
0.5
3.5
0.2
1 2.8
1 0.3
2.2
■ Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic Impact on August 2020 Computer Price Index Data
o Data collection by personal visit for the CPI program has been suspended since March 16,
2020. When possible, data normally collected by personal visit were collected either online or
by phone. Additionally, data collection in August was affected by the temporary closing or
limited operations of certain types of establishments. These factors resulted in an increase in
the number of prices considered temporarily unavailable and imputed.
o While the CPI program attempted to collect as much data as possible, many indexes are based
on smaller amounts of
• Recommendation
o Provide a wage adjustment to non -represented employees that keeps wages advanced at least
at the anticipated rate of inflation for 2021.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 27, 2020
Page 13
o As the CPI-U has also seen volatility in the individual months' data, it is recommended to use
the first half of 2020 inflation data as the basepoint for wage adjustments, rather than a year
to year comparison by month.
o CPI for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U)
■ 12-month percentage change
■ Series Title: All items in Seattle -Tacoma -Bellevue, WA, all urban consumers, not
seasonally adjusted
■ Area: Seattle -Tacoma -Bellevue WA
■ Item: All Items
■ Years 2010 to 2020
Year Feb
Apr
Jun
AugOct
Dec
Annual
HALF1
HALF2
2019 2.7
2.4
1
2.3
3.2
2.2
2.2
2.5
2.5
2.6
2020 2.5
1.3
0.9 1
1.6 1
1
1.8
o The CPI-U for the first half of 2020 is 1.8%.
o Based on the first half of 2020 CPI-U, and taking into account potential inflation fluctuations
through the end of the year, a wage adjustment of 2% has been entered as the
recommendation in the 2021 budget for non -represented employees.
o A 2% wage adjustment for non -represented employees will cost $126,660 in 2021 based on
current employee counts.
Councilmember Distelhorst assumed the $126,600 takes into account the 25 frozen positions as proposed
in DP #6. Ms. Neill-Hoyson answered the numbers were based on current staff, not current positions so if
they were vacant, that may not have been taken into account.
Council President Fraley-Monillas asked if these all non -represented employees. Ms. Neill-Hoyson
agreed, explaining all the represented employees' wages are governed by their collective bargaining
agreements. Council President Fraley-Monillas asked what the non -represented and represented
employees received last year. Ms. Neill-Hoyson advised non -represented employees received a 2.75%
wage adjustment and represented employees received a 3% wage adjustment.
Councilmember Buckshnis said even during COVID, this is a good recommendation. The Federal
Reserve is attempting to average inflation at a 2% rate. Times are tough and a COLA increase is
appropriate. She recalled the Council was interested in revising the non -represented employee policy, but
that had not been done due to COVID-19. Ms. Neill-Hoyson answered for the same reasons that pulling
comparator data is not a good idea, it was not a good idea to do a compensation study when data is
fluctuating. She was aware the Council wanted a full compensation study. Councilmember Buckshnis
anticipated it would take a couple years to get normalized. She was not interested in funding the frozen
positions other that on a case -by -case basis. Noting the City was doing well, she expressed supported for
the recommendation.
Councilmember Olson said she had been struggling with this a little, knowing that times were tough for
everyone. Those who are lucky enough to have jobs, still have to be careful about not overspending.
Although it can be said the City is doing well, there are many unfinanced priorities in the proposed budget
and she wanted to ensure citizens were aware that the Council had considered that in this agenda item.
This is a COLA for a category of employees who have worked hard and may be lagging behind where the
Council would want them to be in an ideal world, so the least the Council can do is a COLA.
Finance Director Dave Turley referred to an earlier question, and said the COLA computation does not
take into account vacancies or frozen positions.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 27, 2020
Page 14
COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
PAINE, TO MOVE A 1.8% COLA FOR NON -REPRESENTED EMPLOYEES TO CONSENT
AGENDA NEXT WEEK.
Councilmember K. Johnson raised a point of order, stating this was a decision package in the 2021
budget. Ms. Neill-Hoyson agreed it was part of 2021 budget and did not require action separate from
approving the budget. City Attorney Jeff Taraday agreed, explaining the significance of the motion would
be to let staff and the Mayor know the Council supports the non -represented employee compensation
included in the budget so there was no lingering question. If the numbers were already included in the
budget, approval on the Consent Agenda next week would not be binding on the ultimate budget
determination.
Mr. Turley clarified the COLA is included in the assumptions of salaries and benefits in the budget, not as
a separate decision package.
As this was already included in the preliminary 2021 budget, Council President Fraley-Monillas said the
Mayor has already considered this expenditure. She encouraged Councilmembers to support non -
represented staff by approving this 1.8% COLA.
Councilmember Buckshnis relayed her understanding that Mayor Nelson recommended a 2% COLA and
that was included in the budget. If the motion is a 1.8% COLA that is a differential of 0.2%. Mayor
Nelson agreed he recommended 2%. Ms. Neill-Hoyson explained 1.8% is the inflation level for the first
half of the year but 2% was recommended in the event of any fluctuations by year end.
COUNCILMEMBER BUCKSHNIS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
DISTELHORST, TO AMEND TO MOVE APPROVAL OF A 2% WAGE ADJUSTMENT FOR
NON -REPRESENTED EMPLOYEES IN 2021 TO NEXT WEEK'S CONSENT AGENDA. UPON
ROLL CALL, MOTION CARRIED (7-0), COUNCILMEMBERS K. JOHNSON, DISTELHORST,
BUCKSHNIS, OLSON, PAINE AND L. JOHNSON, AND COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-
MONILLAS VOTING YES.
MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. PRESENTATION OF CAPITAL DECISION PACKAGES FOR 2021 PROPOSED
BUDGET(
Acting Finance Director Dave Turley introduced this item.
Public Works Director Phil Williams reviewed Public Works & Utilities Department 2021 Capital
Decision Packages:
+ Phase 12 Water Line Replacement: Capital DP #47 (Water Fund — 421)
o $467,944 Design phase for 2022 water main replacements. Selection based on age, pipe type,
pipe size, pressure and/or flow issues. Total cost estimated at $3,100,000
Council President Fraley-Monillas raised a point of order about where this information was in packet.
Councilmember Buckshnis relayed Mr. Turley's response to her question that last week's presentation is
in the packet. This week's presentation is new information and is not included in the packet. Mr. Turley
agreed these slides will be in next week's packet.
Mr. Williams continued:
• 2021 Waterline Overlays: Capital DP #48 (Water Fund -421)
o $227,000 Cost to repair pavement damage caused by 2020 waterline replacements
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 27, 2020
Page 15
• Swedish and 76"' Ave Waterline Replacement: Capital DP #49 (Water Fund 421)
o $10,000 close-out costs for this project. Substantial completion in 2020
• Dayton 3 d to 91': Capital DP 950 (Water, Sewer, Storm 421, 423, 422)
o $9,000 close-out costs for this project. Substantial completion in 2020. Total cost approx.
$7.5M
• Phase 11 Waterline Replacements: Capital DP #51 (Water Fund 421)
o $2,074,050 for construction in 2021 of Phase 11 Waterline replacement package
0 6,200 feet of watermain replacement in 2021
• Phase 7 Sewer Replacement: Capital DP #52 (Sewer)
$11,000
Water $1,000
Sewer $10,000
o Close out of Phase 7 Sewer replacement project. Substantial Completion in 2020. Total Cost
approx. $2,400,000
■ Phase 2 Storm Replacements/Rehabs: Capital DP #53 (Storm Fund 422)
o $1,500,000 To construct Phase 2 Storm Pipe replacement and rehabilitation projects. Design
on -going in 2020. Total cost (design/construction) approx. $2,000,000 (est. pending)
■ Phase 3 Storm Replacements (design): Capital DP #54 (Storm Fund 422)
o $300,000 to design the phase 3 stormwater piping replacement and rehabilitation projects for
construction in 2022
• 175"' St. Slope Repair: Capital DP #55 (Storm Fund 422)
o $130,000 design of a permanent fix for a section of 175"' where road base is slowly failing.
Possible remedy is either a soldier pile or keyed -block retaining wall
• Willow Creek Daylighting Channel Alignment — new alternative: Capital DP #56 (Storm Fund
422)
o $80,000 develop an additional alignment for the daylighting of Willow and Shellabarger
Creeks and compare its impacts, benefits, and costs of other alternatives previously
developed. Goal — be immediately ready to enter detailed design as soon as a property
transfer is completed.
• Stormwater Pavement Overlays: Capital DP #57 (Storm Fund 422)
o $50,000 to repair damage done to streets from previous Stormwater piping projects
• Elm Way Walkway (design): Capital DP #58 (Storm Fund 422 and REET1)
o $150,800 design of new sidewalk section on Elm Way (between 8"' & 9"' Ave). High priority
on short walkway list (2015) $95k — REET1, $55.8 — Storm Fund 422
• Seaview Infiltration Facility — Phase 2: Capital DP #59 (Storm Fund 422)
o $116,100 ($17,925 after grant funds) Design only. The project will double the capacity of the
infiltration system at Seaview Park to reduce erosion in Perrinville Creek. 75% grant funded.
Total project cost estimated at $742,000
• Perrinville Creek Flow Management Projects: Capital DP #60 (Storm Fund 422)
o $50,000 Opportunity fund to pursue rain garden cluster projects and State grants in the
Perrinville Creek basin to reduce peak flows and enhance groundwater recharge.
• Edmonds Marsh Water Quality Project (Phase 1): Capital DP #61 (Storm Fund 422)
o $40,000 Design of Phase 1 Edmonds Marsh Water Quality Project. Grant support has been
requested at 75% grant and 25% match. Phase 1 to address treatment of storm runoff from
SR104 into the marsh.
• Willow Creek Daylighting/Edmonds Marsh: Capital DP #62 (Storm Fund 422)
o $450,000 Proposed carry -forward of 2020 funding as a set aside for design of the Edmonds
Marsh Estuary Restoration Project should property issues get resolved in 2021. Some of this
funding could also be used to prepare grant applications or for stakeholder outreach and
public information. None of the funding would be spent without additional Council approval
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 27, 2020
Page 16
• Phase 8 Sewer Replacement 2021: Capital DP #63 (Sewer Fund 423)
o $1,666,683 Design in progress 2020. Construction Phase beginning Spring 2021. Total
projected cost approx. $2,000,000
• Lake Ballinger Trunk Sewer Study: Capital DP #64 (Sewer Fund 423)
o $124,500 Study will review current sewer line condition for mains on the west and south
sides of the lake and looking at alternatives to increase capacity, reduce maintenance, and
improve reliability and accessibility. Total cost estimated at $300,000. To be completed in
2022.
• 2021 Sewer Overlays: Capital DP #65 (Sewer Fund 423)
o $30,000 Sewer Fund Pavement repairs in areas where Sewer lines have been replaced in
previous years.
• Citywide CIPP SS Phase 3: Capital DP #66 (Sewer Fund 423)
o $463,710 Cured -In -Place Pipe (CIPP) Phase 3 for sewer pipes that are subject to root
intrusion, I&I, and/or damage of certain types that can be repaired using this trenchless
technology
• Phase 9 Sewer Replacement (2022 construction): Capital DP 467 (Sewer Fund 423)
o $323,148 Design of Phase 9 (2022) Sewer replacements
• 2021 Pavement Overlay Program: Capital DP #68 (REET 1, REET 2, Street Fund 112)
o $800,000 2021 Street paving program. $300k REET 1, $400k REET 2, $100k Fund 112
■ 2020 - $1,200,000
2019 - $1,500,000
in 2018 - $1,500,000
• 76"'/220"' Intersection Improvements: Capital DP #69 (CMAQ Grant and TIF)
o $300,000 Design Phase. 75%/25% grant of $702,000.
o Left turn lanes, protective/permissive phasing, new sidewalks, ADA ramps, bike lanes,
streetlights, utility upgrades, undergrounding, total cost approx. $8.3 million
• 76" Ave. W Overlay: Capital DP #70 (Street Construction Fund 112 & REET 1)
o $360,000 design of pavement overlay on 76"' Ave W. from 196"' to OVD (Perrinville).
Federal grant $645,000 ($105k design, $545k construction). Partnered with Lynnwood
• Federal Overlay 84t" Ave SW: Capital DP #71 (Fund 112 & REET 1)
o $5,000 Closeout of 84th Ave. federal grant -funded overlay between Five Corners and 220th.
Total Project cost approx. $1,200,000. Contractor has defaulted. We will keep Council
apprised on further developments.
a Highway 99 Revitalization Phase 1: Capital DP #72 (Fund 112 & REET 1)
o $873,048 2021 Funding to complete on -going design of the HWY99 Median project to
improve safety and reduce high -angle accidents as the first step in the overall revitalization
project ($183M). Overall median project cost approx. $7,500,000
■ Citywide Bicycle Improvements: Capital DP #73 (Fund 112)
o $256,000 For continued design in 2021. Funding from a Sound Transit grant of $1.85 million.
Construction to occur in 2022.
+ Citywide Pedestrian Crossing Enhancements: Capital DP #74 (Federal grant, Street 112, REET 1,
Storm 422)
o $1,591,535 Design complete. Project will be advertised for construction bids this week.
Construction will begin in spring 2021. Includes 9 separate improvements. Combination of
RRFBs, HAWK signal, and a new traffic signal.
• 2021 Pedestrian Safety Program: Capital DP #75 (REET 2)
o $20,191 Installation of pedestrian safety improvements at key locations. Options include
RRFB's, adding missing sidewalk segments, curb bulb -outs at intersections, stop sign
flashers, and added signage and striping
o Pedestrian traffic fatality statistics
is 5,375 pedestrians were killed and 69,000 were injured in traffic crashes in 2015
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 27, 2020
Page 17
■ Over half of pedestrian fatalities occurred at night
■ 8 out of 10 pedestrian fatalities occurred outside of intersections
* 21% of children under age 14 who were killed in traffic crashes were on foot
• 2021 Traffic Signal Upgrades: Capital DP #76 (REET 2)
o $30,000 Vehicle detection upgrades at intersections, vehicle head/pedestrian head upgrades
and other signal -related upgrades. Improvements proposed at SR-524 @ Olympic View Dr.,
SR-524 @ 80th Ave. W, SR-104 @ 236th St. SW, and 100th Ave. W @ 220th St. SW
• Sidewalk Expansion & Maintenance Program: Capital DP #77 (REET 2)
o $100,000 One-time increase in supply budget for Street Fund 111, primarily for buying
ready -mix concrete at our nearest batch plat for use in our new concrete mixer. Will also
include some additional concrete finishing hand tools
■ 2021 Guardrail Program: Capital DP #78 (REET 1)
o $20,180 Replacement of old, structurally deficient guardrails and Installation of new
guardrails in locations where a significant grade change close to the travel lane exists.
+ 2021 Traffic Calming Program: Capital DP #79 (REET 1)
o $15,000 Placing radar feedback signs (permanent or mobile), curb bulb -outs, additional
striping, signage (plain or activated) or other techniques to slow vehicle traffic.
o If DP is approved, will increase traffic calming from $18k to $33k in 2021.
Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Director
Services 2021 Capital Budget Decision Packages:
■ Parks 2021-2026 CIP/CFP
o Methodology
■ Finish big projects
- Waterfront Redevelopment
- Civic Park
Maintain Current Assets
- Playgrounds
- Trails & Bridges
- Athletic Fields
- Greenhouse Replacement
Prepare for Future Large Projects
- Marsh Restoration
- Marina Beach Park
- 4"' Avenue Cultural Corridor
- Land Acquisition
Angie Feser reviewed Parks, Recreation and Cultural
Fund 125 & 126
o Greenhouse Replacement: $100,000 (DP #80)
■ One of three greenhouses required for the flower basket and corner park program
■ The only climate controlled greenhouse, its failure would result in loss of all plant
material for flower baskets and corner parks
■ Funding
- $50,000 - Fund 136 (Parks Trust)
- $50,000 - Fund 125 (REET 2)
Fund 125 - Ongoing (DP #18)
o Park Improvement & Capital Replacement Program: $55,000
■ In prior budgets, each project was identified by park site. Simplifying this year by
combining
■ Life -cycle major maintenance to prolong usage and/or increase capacity:
- Resurfacing
- Replacement
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 27, 2020
Page 18
- Upgrading
• Funds 125, 126, 332
o Civic Park Development $6,030,315 (DP #82)
o $6.03M in each 2021 & 2022
■ Design Complete
■ Permit Review Complete
■ Rebid in January 2021
■ Groundbreaking spring 2021
■ 16 Months to Complete16 months to complete
o Funding sources:
■ $3.47M in Grant Funding
■ $3.7M Bonds
■ $1.35M Park Impact Fee's
■ $1.38M REET Funding
■ $1.86 GF Carryforward
■ $400K Donations
• Fund 332 Fishing Pier Repair: $54,425 (DP #83)
o Carryforward of unused funds from WDFW
o Bid spring/summer 2020
Mayor Nelson declared a brief recess.
9. ACTION ITEM
1. MOVING COUNCIL FROM THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE TO INDIVIDUAL
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Councilmember Paine recalled Council discussed this last week. The agenda memo includes several
questions:
1. Do we do this?
If so, when does this change start and for how long?
And if so, when and what times do we want to have our committee meeting? At the 10/20
meeting, the majority of those who were supportive of a time shift preferred option A. Options for
individual Council Committee meetings include but are not limited to:
A. Stagger Committee meetings via Zoom so that the public may watch all three and that
Directors/staff can attend. For example, one committee meeting from 4-5pm, the next from 5-
6pm and the third from 6-7pm, followed by the regular Council meeting at 7pm.
B. Two committee meeting days --one from 5-6p and the other from 6-7pm--with the third
committee meeting held on the next Tuesday followed by the regular Council meeting at
7pm.
C. Three Tuesdays a month, Committee meetings would be held prior to the regular Council
meeting. (Con: Council would not be able to meet in executive session except for one
meeting per month.)
Councilmember Buckshnis said she received another complaint from a citizen about using Zoom. She
wanted to ensure the Council vetted the issue and had sufficient time to have all their questions answered.
Citizens are used to the current format and there are only two committee meeting nights left this year. The
extended agenda does not have that much on it. She summarized that was her opinion because she
continues to hear complaints from citizens about the Zoom process.
Council President Fraley-Monillas said people will have to learn to deal with the Zoom process because it
likely will continue for another year. Moving forward with a change to committees now is probably the
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 27, 2020
Page 19
best way to ensure citizens are hearing what is occurring in committees. She encouraged Councilmembers
to consider Option A, staggered committees so the public can watch the meetings.
Councilmember Olson said she was leaning toward this change and doing it for a longer period of time to
avoid another change. She recommended making a change now through December 2021. She agreed with
Council President Fraley-Monillas, finding staggered committees a better option. She found Option B to
be the worst option because Councilmembers have too many meeting conflicts and she wanted to be able
to attend committee meetings as a spectator.
Councilmember Distelhorst preferred Option A both for scheduling for residents who are used to Tuesday
nights and Councilmembers who have cleared their schedules on Tuesday nights.
Councilmember L. Johnson thanked Councilmember Paine for her work and added her support for the
change and her preference for Option A.
Councilmember K. Johnson suggested whatever the Council chose to do, it should only be for this year.
When 2021 starts, the Council will have a lighter schedule and the Council could maintain the third
Tuesday for committee meetings and hold them 7-8 p.m., 8-9 p.m, and 9-10 p.m. in a staggered format.
Mayor Nelson observed a majority of Councihnembers agreed with the change, which was the first
question Councilmember Paine posed. The next question is the format and for how long.
Council President Fraley-Monillas said she can set it up for the November and December meetings. It will
be up to the next Council President to determine Council committee assignments.
COUNCILMEMBER PAINE MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-
MONILLAS, TO ADOPT THIS METHODOLOGY TO ADD ONE MORE NIGHT OF REGULAR
MEETINGS ON THE SECOND TUESDAY AND MOVE TO A ZOOM FORMAT FOR THE REST
OF YEAR USING OPTION A.
Councilmember Olson asked for clarification whether through the end of the year was through 2020.
Councilmember Paine clarified her intent was through the end of 2021.
Councilmember Distelhorst recalled when the Council adopted the ordinance regarding the Zoom format,
it was not tied to a date but rather OPMA, the governor order or the ability ability to meet in person. He
asked it would make sense to sync this change to that instead of a calendar date. City Attorney Jeff
Taraday recalled when the Council began meeting on Zoom in March the motion did not establish an
ending date, just until further notice. He said that would be true with regard to the Zoom aspect. With
regard to the meeting times, he sought clarification whether committee times envisioned in Option A were
temporary for COVID purposes or whether the Council envisioned that as a long term change as it would
affect how the ordinance to amend the code was drafted.
Councilmember Paine asked if Mr. Taraday wanted to know which committee would meet at which time.
Mr. Taraday explained the current code states committees are held on the second Tuesday of the month at
7 p.m. Clearly that will change and Tuesday at 7 p.m. will be a regular Council meeting. He asked if the
Council was establishing a new regular meeting time for committees or would all the committee meetings
be special meetings without establishing a regular time. Councilmember Paine preferred to make a
permanent change and when the Council no longer met virtually via Zoom, the Council could evaluate
whether to continue committee meetings or not. She felt meetings were much faster when the Council met
in person and she agreed it was difficult for the public to provide audience comments via the Zoom
process. Adding an additional regular meeting will make things more efficient.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 27, 2020
Page 20
Council President Fraley-Monillas suggested the Council pursue Option A with meetings 4-5 p.m., 5-6
p.m. and 6-7 p.m., followed by the regular Council meeting at 7 p.m, until future notice as a long term
change would be the easiest for citizens. When the Council returns to meeting in person, it can be
reconsidered. If the committees meet at those times, the meetings can be taped and citizens can watch
them later. She acknowledged there would always be citizens who disliked the change, but it was
important for Council to be able to get their work done.
Councilmember Buckshnis said committees should not be special meetings because then the agenda
cannot be changed and the Finance Committee often adds items. She pointed out the Personnel
Committee does not meet often; it needs to be clear to citizens when no meetings are scheduled. She also
noted some committees such as the Parks and Public Works (PPW) Committee often last longer than an
hour
Council President Fraley-Monillas raised a point of order about the motion on the floor.
Councilmember Paine restated the motion:
DRAFT AN ORDINANCE THAT WOULD MAKE IT PERMANENT TO MOVE TO A
STAGGERED ZOOM MEETINGS TIME ON TUESDAYS AND START AT 4 AND CONTINUE
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE AND REEVALUATE WHEN THE COUNCIL RETURNS TO
COUNCIL CHAMBERS.
Council President Fraley-Monillas explained her point of order, Councilmembers should speak to the
motion, not "woulda shoulda coulda" and backstory stuff can be worked out as the Council moves
forward. Mayor Nelson ruled point not taken and Councilmember Buckshnis was allowed to continue.
Councilmember Buckshnis reiterated with staggered meetings, some committees last longer than one hour
and some committees rarely meet. She was unsure if a one hour limit could be set for each committee,
recalling the PPW Committee meetings often last longer than an hour. She questioned establishing a time
for each committee in an ordinance. Mr. Taraday said there are advantages to establishing regular meeting
times. It would be necessary to establish which committee meets at 4 p.m., at 5 p.m. and at 6 p.m. With
regard to a committee being unable to complete their business in the allotted hour, there would need to be
a provision for that. One possibility would be the committee continues to the same time the next day, but
that may not work for all Councilmembers. He sought Council direction on how to handle overflow time.
City Clerk Scott Passey said he can host Zoom meetings for the committees any time before 7 p.m., but
needs to be in Council Chamber at 7 p.m. to stream the regular meetings.
Council President Fraley-Monillas said what is done now will be relevant into the future. There are issues
now with committee meetings that run longer or shorter. She suggested for meetings that run longer than
an hour, there may be issues related to organizational skills. Continuing a meeting to the following
Tuesday may be a possibility. She suggested these issues could be worked out as the Council moved
forward versus trying to work them out at a Council meeting.
Councilmember Paine relayed her understanding that more than one meeting could be streamed at the
same time so there could be one Zoom channel for each committee meeting. Mr. Passey said it was his
understanding the City has one Zoom account that staff uses; he was unsure running multiple meetings at
the same time would be possible. There would need to be a separate post for each meeting, someone to
run each meeting, meetings would need to be recorded and the public would need to be able to attend.
The meetings would not be livestreamed from the Council Chambers on the City's website, they would be
attended via Zoom only.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 27, 2020
Page 21
Councilmember L. Johnson suggested 3:30-4:30 pm., 4:30-5:30 p.m., and 5:30-6:30 p.m. so the 5:30-6:30
p.m. committee meeting would have a break before the 7 p.m. meeting and to provide Mr. Passey time
before he needs to be in Council Chambers to host the Council meeting.
Councilmember Buckshnis said it has nothing to do with organizational skills, it is related to the items on
the agenda. There are often numerous items on the PPW Committee agenda. She suggested holding
committees on different nights although she acknowledged Councilmembers have other commitments.
She suggested having meeting concurrently and having the audio on the website as has been done in the
past. Mr. Passey said the assumption is if the Council can meet virtually, there is no reason the public
cannot attend virtually as well. Councilmember Buckshnis said Finance Committee meetings have also
exceeded one hour. Committee meetings are a time for council, staff and the administration to go through
things and they should not be rushed in order to meet a one hour deadline.
Councilmember K. Johnson did not support making this a permanent change and preferred to make a
change only for this year. She reiterated the Council's schedule will be lighter next year and the Council
would be moving from three regular meetings to four regular meetings plus committee meetings. She
preferred to solve the problem for this year and worry about next year later.
Council President Fraley-Monillas agreed with Councilmember Paine, anticipating any issues could be
worked out and if it didn't work, it could be changed. That was how the Council moved to committee of
the whole during the pandemic; it was just a motion and not a long process. She supported the motion,
preferring to change the process if it didn't work. The Council is wasting a lot of time discussing "shoulda
woulda coulda" when there are a lot of other things to discuss.
Councilmember Olson suggested considering a hybrid, having the PPW Committee during regular
meetings since that seems to last the longest and have the other committee meetings prior to a regular
Council meeting.
UPON ROLL CALL, MOTION CARRIED (4-3), COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-MONILLAS
AND COUNCILMEMBERS DISTELHORST, PAINE AND L. JOHNSON VOTING YES; AND
COUNCILMEMBERS K. JOHNSON, BUCKSHNIS AND OLSON VOTING NO.
10. REPORTS ON OUTSIDE BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mayor Nelson advised written reports are added to the Council meeting packets as reports become
available.
II. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Nelson reported the Council will meet on Monday, November 2 next week due to the election on
Tuesday, November 3.
As South County Fire Chief Hovis mentioned tonight and as Snohomish Health District Medical Director
has said, Mayor Nelson emphasized COVID-19 numbers are increasing. This is the third time the
numbers are going up and they are going up at as fast a rate as the first time. Considering that the first
time people weren't wearing masks or social distancing, the current rate of increase is exponentially
higher. There are not a lot of options for governments to take at this time; it is up to each person to
socially distance and wear a mask. No one wants to take additional measures and there are few options
besides shutting things down. If things continue to get worse, that is the only option that has effectively
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 27, 2020
Page 22
stop the spread of the virus. On behalf of the entire committee, he implored the public to wear masks,
socially distance, stay home when possible and limit social gatherings.
12. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Buckshnis agreed with Mayor Nelson. She was in Norfolk, Virginia, the largest naval
base in the world, and had not seen one person without a mask. They are in Phase 3 and their numbers are
going down. Snohomish County's numbers are increasing and flu season is coming. She agreed everyone
needed to wear a mask. She urged citizens to vote and to verify that their ballot had been counted.
Councilmember Paine expressed her appreciation to staff for their budget presentations. She liked the
approach and the detail and how smoothly and rapidly their presentations have been made. She
encouraged the public to enjoy Halloween in a very safe way. She wished everyone a good night and to
stay safe.
Councilmember Olson said she has enjoyed the "We Choose Kindness" sign campaign and it was a
delight to feel the goodwill in the community that emanated from the signs. She was surprised there was
some pushback and a counter campaign, "We Choose Change," like kindness wasn't something that
everyone could embrace in solidarity. It made her realize how multifaceted and difficult this year has
been for so many, the sadness, angst, stress, anger and pain. She assured she understood and was with
those people and the community. She hoped people saw the "We Choose Kindness" signs for the good
behind the message and felt the kindness they represent during this difficult time.
With regard to the Flood Management Ordinance, Councilmember K. Johnson said she voted to approve
it tonight because it is absolutely necessary for those who live in flood prone areas. However, she found it
very alarming that so much of the developed waterfront area was now in the flood zone. If the City does
not do a good job of comprehensive planning in that area, it will spend millions to safeguard the buildings
that have been built and to control flooding that will inevitably increase due to climate change and sea
level rise. A lot of construction occurred before the National Environmental Policy Act and before the
State Environmental Policy Act were adopted. Many of the incremental decisions are negatively affecting
the environment, specifically the Edmonds Marsh. The City needs to do a more comprehensive plan,
maybe not in 2021, and include it in the list of projects to study as well as work with the Port and all
property owners on the waterfront.
Council President Fraley-Monillas congratulated Cindi Cruz on her retirement. She encouraged citizens to
vote by Tuesday. She encouraged the public to stay home on Halloween, commenting the risk was too
high to have children out.
Council President Fraley-Monillas said she chooses change. Edmonds has had a lot of discrimination and
issues over the last 2-3 years. The change she chose was to take a good hard look at what we're dealing
with as privileged white people. She encouraged others to choose change in their lives and look at where
other people stand.
Councilmember Distelhorst encouraged the public to vote, wear a mask, vote, stay home and don't go out
on Halloween, instead watch Episode 1 of the Mandalorian, vote, and take care.
Councilmember L. Johnson reminded voters have one week to get their ballots in so please vote. She
encouraged the public to socially distance and wear a mask. Echoing what South County Fire Chief Hovis
said, she urged people to stay home as much as possible. First responders, frontline workers and
healthcare workers can't stay home, but for those who have the ability and privilege to stay home, it is
something they can do for the community and to make it easier for frontline workers, first responders and
healthcare workers. She cares about her community and although she and her kids are restless and it's not
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 27, 2020
Page 23
easy, staying home is something they can do for the community. She encouraged others to join her in
staying home.
Student Representative Roberts echoed previous sentiments, commenting now is a time to care and look
out for each other including wearing masks, socially distance, and stay home for Halloween. There are
plenty of Halloween activities such as virtual costume parties and celebrations. Over the past two weeks
there has been a dangerous increase in COVID cases in Snohomish County, 1,000 cases in a 2-week
period and as of a week ago, 80% of the Snohomish County ICU beds are full. We cannot do this to our
frontline workers, we have to consider their lives and stop putting pressure on them to continually put
their lives on the line taking care of these patients. He urged the public to take safety precautions
whenever possible; it is a community effort and we are all in this together.
Student Representative Roberts urged the public to vote; online and mail -in voter registration closed
yesterday, but in person registration is available at the Snohomish County Elections office in Everett. He
urged registered voters to make a plan to submit their ballot on or before November 3. He urged voters to
take into consideration youth and the future of the country and vote for what is best for all of us. With
everything that's happening, he urged people to take time for themselves. Two people he knows
personally have recently been diagnosed with major diseases which serves as a reminder to live every day
to its fullest and not take anything for granted. He urged the public to be kind to everybody.
13. ADJOURN
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 9:57 p.m.
MICHAEL NELSON, MAYOR SCOTT PASSEY, CITY CLERK
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 27, 2020
Page 24
easy, staying home is something they can do for the community. She encouraged others to join her in
staying home.
Student Representative Roberts echoed previous sentiments, commenting now is a time to care and look
out for each other including wearing rnasks, socially distance, and stay home for Halloween. There are
plenty of Halloween activities such as virtual costume parties and celebrations. Over the past two weeks
there has been a dangerous increase in COV1D cases in Snohomish County, 1,000 cases in a 2-week
period and as of a week ago, 80% of the Snohomish County ICU beds are full. We cannot do this to our
frontline workers, we have to consider their lives and stop putting pressure on them to continually put
their lives on the line taking care of these patients, He urged the public to take safety precautions
whenever possible; it is a community effort and we are all in this togellier,
Student Representative Roberts urged the public to vote; online and mail -in voter registration closed
yesterday, but in person registration is available at the Snohomish County Elections office in Everett. I-Ie
urged registered voters to make a plan to submit their ballot on or before November 3. He urged voters to
take into consideration youth and the future of the country and vote for what is best for all of us. With
everything that's happening, he urged people to take time for themselves. Two people lie knows
personally have recently been diagnosed with major diseases which serves as a reminder to live every day
to its fullest and not take anything for granted. He urged the public to be kind to everybody.
13. ADJOURN
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 9:57 p.m.
MI AEL NELSON, MAYOR
SPASSEY,C3ITYCK
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
Oclober 27, 2020
Page 24
Public Comment for 10/27/20 Council Meeting:
From: Ken Reidy
Sent: Monday, October 26, 2020 6:04 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.WIlliams@edmondswa.gov>
Subject: Public Comments for October 27, 2020 City Council
meeting - Landau/Task Order No, 09-13
The attached Technical Memorandum from Landau clearly states: "In order to construct the wall as
proposed, a temporary cut slope will be needed that would extend south beyond the property line
requiring permission from the adjacent property owner, Mr. Ken Reidy." Later in the Technical
Memorandum, Landau states: "In general, technical alternatives for wall construction include either
deviating the wall to avoid impacting the outbuilding structure or, as proposed, constructing a
temporary sloped excavation and restoring the impacted neighboring property after wall
completion to the satisfaction of both affected property owners." Permission required from
Reidy! Restoration after wall completion! As all know, I strongly opposed the TCE during the
September 16, 2008 Council Meeting, which is a little different that granting
permission. Restoration!?! - instead of restoration I now have a 12.5' setback where only a 5'
setback is required.
Following are my Public Comments for the October 27, 2020 City Council meeting:
Please appreciate, former City Attorney Scott Snyder told the 2009 City Council right before its VOTE on
3/17/09 that:
The City will be utilizing the right -of -way construction process to balance the property owners' interests
and review construction mechanisms, provide for bonding and insurance for constructing the wall as well
as consider whether there are any options to removing a portion of Mr. Reidy's shed.
Much of what Snyder represented involved something called "Peer Review
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 27, 2020
Page 25
The attached City Staff notes dated 3/17/09 clearly state:
"We will have Peer review"
What exactly is "Peer review"? I encourage all elected officials to research what it is, when it is supposed
to be done and who pays for it.
Laudau Associates performed the Peer review under an agreement with the City of Edmonds for On -Call
Geotechnical Engineering Services known as Task Order No, 09-13. Please see Landau's Technical
Memorandum attached and please note that it is dated October 1, 2009. The City's Engineering Division
stamped it RECEIVED on October 7, 2009.
By the time October 1, 2009 rolled around, the City had issued five (5) different Order to Correct
violations related to Mr. Reidy's shed. The City had also approved Thuesen's Civil Plans on August 13,
2009. Oh, and please don't forget, a telephone conference took place on July 31, 2009 involving Scott
Snyder and City Staff. Meeting notes contain the following:
"Non -conforming structures constructed prior to 1980 (new ordinance) are grandfathered."
So much for grandfathering, Peer review and balancing the property owners' interests!!I!
Please read Landau's Technical Memorandum attached. The Technical Memorandum verifies that
there were indeed options to removing a portion of Mr. Reidy's shed! There was even an option that
..will likely result in some damage to the lean-to structure and remaining slab, requirinq restoration to the
satisfaction of both property owners".
Does anybody ever wonder why the City didn't require restoration of Reidy's structure and concrete
slab???? Isn't that a basic requirement when the City obtains Temporary Construction Easements?
When a City government is so far gone that it is willing to issue multiple code enforcement orders
and approve Civil Plans long before the City receives a Peer review Technical Memorandum, what
is an Edmonds family supposed to do? Is the only option to go to court because nobody in
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 27, 2020
Page 26
Edmonds City government has the will to correct historical wrongs? Where is that willpower and
why is it absent?
Please review our Peer review policies promptly and update our laws if necessary. Should City
Staff he held accountable if they take action prior to receipt of Peer review Technical
Memorandums from entities the CitV has contracted with, such as Landau Associates? Thank
you.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 27, 2020
Page 27
1LAmmi
SCt
ACSOCIATES
TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM IMMNqv.A, QW00"M41 waN opaonn
TO: Jeanie McConnell, Engineering Program Manager
Cily of Edmrmds
St-2,
RECEIVED
FROM: Colin B Turnbull, L-E.G. and Dennis R. H.
OCT 7 ' W
DATE: October 1, 2009
ENGINEERING DIVISION
LiF: G:EOTF,CHN1CkLCONSULTA.TION
ENCINt�EIUNG SUBMITTAL P,4CKAGI,-FLN20050 009-10b28
'I'llUESEN CANTILEVERED RETAINING WALL -509 97F°
AVENUE Noimi
EDMONDS, WASIHNG ON
LNTRODUCTION
This technical memorandum provides our geotechnical review and recomrnendations for portions
of the permit package submitted to the City of Edmonds (City) for the proposed referenced development.
Specifically, the purpose of this geotechnical consultation was to review the proposed cantilevered
retaining wall portion of the submittal package and provide guidance on best engineering practices for its
construction. This geotechnical consultation was aect mplished in accordance wits Task Order No. 09-13
of Landau Associates' On -Call Geotechnical Engineering Services Agreement with the City.
We have received the following inFor,ration forwarded by the City for review:
Thuesen Rerainfng Wall Design, 509 0 Ave %1 Edmonds, YirashingtOR, (4 sheets including
site plans and retaining wall details) prepared for Thuesen Custom Homes by CG Engineering
dated June 4, 2009.
Sirucrural C'alculalions for Thuesen Remitting Wall Design, .509 9" Ave IN, Edrrrvnds,
Washbigrorr, prepared for Thuesen Custom Homes by CC) Engineering dated Scaly 17, 2007.
• Design Drawings (3 sheers,), prepared by Lovell-Sauerland & Associates, Inc. dated February
15, 2008. Fifth Revision dated July 21, 2009_
PROJECT rtlNDERSTANDING
We understand the proposed project consists of developing Lots 2 and 3 of a three lot short
subdivision located at 509 9'h Avenue North in Edmonds. Currently, an existing building occupies Lot I
With the remaining two lots left undeveloped. lots 3 and 2 are accessed off Sat' Avenue North, and Lot 1
is accessed off 9O Avenue North, One of the project elements includes a proposed cantilevered retaining
wall, up to about 5 ft high, to be built along the southern boundary of Lots 3 and 2 to establish grades !for
a proposed driveway. In order to construct the wail as proposed, a temporary cut slope will be needed
that would extend south beyond the propruty line requiring permission from the adjacent property owner,
Mr. Ken Reidy. We understand that the southern boundary of the project includes the vacation of a 7.541
130 2nd Avenue South . Edmonds, WA 90020 . (425) 770-oO07 • fax (425) 77"409 • wwm.lardsuinawm
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 27, 2020
Page 28
wide alley right-of-way by the City and as such involves legal property rights issues. 'lire intent of this
letter, however, is to address the geotechnical aspects of the project and provide guidance on best
engineering practices for wall construction. Mr. Reidy's property includes an outbuilding structure that
partially crosses over the property line.
SITE RECONNAISSANCE
Colin Tumbull of Landau Associates conducted a site visit ors July 28, 2009 at the
above -referenced address to meet with Jeanie McConnell (City Engineering Program Manager) and
observe existing site conditions. At the time of our site visit, the property line had been staked by the
project surveyor. Topographically, Lots 3 and 2 slope gently upslope and away from 8" Avenue North.
'[be southern boundary includes a short (about 5 it or less), 60-percent slope that rises to meet the
neighboring property. Based on visual observations, the property line, as staked, appears to cross a
portion of an existing concrete slab that is part of the neighbor's outbuilding structure. "f i-, outbuilding
structure appears to comprise a partially occupied building with an attached, open, lean-to type, structure
located on the north side (i.e., along the southern property line of the; project). The wooden lean-to
structure, used to store gar den tools, is setback approximately 3-4 fl froth the edge of the property line and
is built on a 6-inch thick, concrete slab that extends over the property line. It is unknown whether the slab
is reinforced or not. The partially occupied building, is set Back 10 ft or greater to the south of the
property line. As part of the concrete slab, a 2-3 •ft wide, 12-inch thick, stair landing also crosses the
property line.
The desi&m plans propose to construct a reinforced concrete, cantilevered retaining wall along the
southern boundary that would require temporary cuts up to 5 tt in height.
ASSESSMEmr AND RECo1i MENDATION5
We offer the following comments and assessment to address the City's question on whether the
proposal is based on sound geotechnical engineering and accepted standards- This assessment is based on
a document review, site reconnaissance of the site conditions, and our experience with similar
construction projects; it is not, however, based on a detailed evaluation of the site conditions. Our limited
assessment for the purpose of identifying wall construction issues should not be construed .as a
replacement for a detailed geotechnical evaluation and recommendations developed by a licensed
geoteclrnical consultant retained by the applicant. As -built andlor design drawings for the outbuilding
should be requester] from Wlr. Reidy to further evaluate its shallow foundation system. It is assumed for
the purposes of this report that the concrete slab is un -rein forced, no spread footings exist beneath the
slab, and that the lean-to roof is supported only on wooden posts founded on the concrete slab.
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2
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 27, 2020
Page 29
In general, technical alternatives for wall construction include either deviating the wall to avoid
impacting the outbuilding strocture or, as proposed, constructing a temporary sloped excavation and
restoring the impacted neighboring property after wall completion to the satisfaction of both affected
Property owners. It is our preliminary geotechnical opinion that Reidy's partially occupica portion of the
outbuilding, located furthest away from the property line, is outside the zone of construction influence
and that any construction for the proposed wall alignment is unlikely to adversely affect it, provided
industry standard construction measures are followed. Any temporary sloped excavation will, however,
encroach onto the concrete slab of the lean-to and could potentially impact the lean-to structure itself.
The following section details three construction options for the proposed wall alignment as shown
on the design drawings:
Option 1 — Remove the lean-to shed structure elenrurta and saw ct►t enough of the nnncrcte
slab in order to aeentunmdate a tentporilry sloped exeavation. Construct the wall. Back -fill
and compact behind the new wall to the satisfaction of both property owners.
Option 2 — Cut the concrete slab within 12 inches of the exterior wall of the lean-to structure
and construct a temporary sloped excavation (possibly requiring realigment of the wall.
Construe the wall. This option will likely result in some Qanttige to the ]earl -to structtre and
remaining Slab, mtluiring restoration t❑ the satisfaction of both property owners.
Option 3 — If temporary sloped excavation permission is not granted from the adjacent
property awmcr, or as an altana4liVe to temporary excavation, sharing could be installed. If
this option is sale Lod. it may be possible to eonstruet the wall by only removing a pwian of
the encroaching slab and not the lean-to structure itsei£
Temporary excavations in excess of 1 R should either be shored or sloped in accordance with
Safety Standards.for Construction Work Part N, Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 296-155-657.
Conservatively, in the absence of groundwater seepage the site soils would be classified as a Type C Soil
(which includes gravel, sand, loamy sand) per Safety Standare& for Constniction Work Part N and as such
the maximum allowed slope is E5 horizontal to 1 vertical (1.511: i V). In areas where groundwater
seepage is present, an unstable condition may develop and slopes flatter than the prescriptive maxiniunr
allowable slopes presented in the Safety Sfandards for Cnttstntction Work Part N may be needed.
Temporary shoring and/or dewatering may also be required in areas where groundwater seepage is
present.
Appropriate construction techniques should be incorporated during construction to mitigatd the
risks of damage to the adjacent structures, as well as maintain safe working conditions, such as, but not
limited to, appropriately sloping temporary excavations, restricting surcharges above the wall, scheduling
construction activities to limit the open excavation timing of cuts, limiting pedestrian traffic along the toe
of cuts, utilizing best management practices, and limiting occupancy of the outbuilding.
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Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 27, 2020
Page 30
We further retxim oend that with any selected option a pre -construction survey of the outbuilding
structure be conducted to establish a baseline from which to measure any potential settlements that may
occur during const ation.
This technical memorandum has been prepared for the exclusive use by the City of Hmonds.
The focus of this tewuhnical memorandums was the geotechnical aspects of constructing the cantilevered
retaining wall along the souther: boundary of the project.
We apprmiate this opportunity to be of service to the City. Please contact us if you have any
questions or if we may be of further service.
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Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 27, 2020
Page 31
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Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 27, 2020
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