2020-11-12 City Council - Full S Agenda-27211
o Agenda
Edmonds City Council
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CALL TO ORDER
COMMITTEE BUSINESS
1. One -Month Extension of Housing Commission (10 min)
2. Code Updates to Allow Streateries and Other Outdoor Dining (25 min)
3. Proposal to approve the WWTP Chief Operator Job Description (10 min)
ADJOURN
Edmonds City Council Agenda
November 12, 2020
Page 1
2.1
City Council Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 11/12/2020
One -Month Extension of Housing Commission
Staff Lead: Shane Hope
Department: Development Services
Preparer: Scott Passey
Background/History
The Edmonds Citizens' Housing Commission was established by Resolution No. 1427 (attached) to
provide housing policy recommendations for the City Council's consideration by the end of 2021.
Staff Recommendation
N/A
Narrative
Issue: Whether to provide the Housing Commission with one more month (i.e., until the end of January
2021) to complete its work.
Process for consideration: The Housing Commission voted on October 29, 2020 to request a one -month
extension of its due date for policy recommendations. A resolution for this extension was placed on the
next available meeting agenda (November 10) of the City Council's Public Safety, Planning, and
Personnel Committee. From there, it would go to the full City Council for action, scheduled November
17.
Explanation: Resolution No. 1427 (attached) called for the establishment of a housing commission,
comprised of local residents from across the city and for the commission to recommend housing policy
options for the City Council's consideration. The Housing Commission held its first meeting in
September, 2019.
The Housing Commission's mission is to:
Develop diverse housing policy options for Council consideration designed to expand the range of
housing (including rental and owned) available in Edmonds; options that are irrespective of age,
gender, race, religious affiliation, physical disability or sexual orientation.
Policy recommendations from the Commission are currently due on December 31, 2020. One day later,
the Commission sunsets.
While the Housing Commission did not meet in March and April, 2020, due to coronavirus issues, it
added extra public meetings in May, June, September, and October. All meetings have been video -
recorded and made available both live and by video afterward. In addition, the Commission held one in -
Packet Pg. 2
2.1
person open house and two virtual open houses. Three community surveys were completed. Other
public engagement opportunities included: a special webpage devoted to Housing Commission
information; press releases and coverage in the local media; numerous housing news memos that went
out to a listsery of more than 600 people; announcements to various organizations in the local area;
flyers and postcards; presentation of quarterly reports to the Council; and a continuing invitation to
submit public comments.
Since late February, the Housing Commission has had five policy committees that have brought back
various ideas to the full Commission. The Commission now has about two dozen policy ideas that have
had public input and are being actively considered for shaping into draft policy recommendations. The
draft recommendations would be presented to the public for a new round of public input. Right after
that, the Commission would make any changes and finalize its policy recommendations for submittal to
the City Council.
To have more time for completion of the above steps, the Housing Commission voted on October 29 to
ask for a one -month timeline extension, making its recommendations due January 30, 2021, and the
Commission's sunset on Feb. 1, 2021. A resolution for this purpose has been drafted. (See attachment.)
Options
Option 1 (the current scenario) is for the Housing Commission to complete it work by December
31, 2020. This option assumes that the Council does not adopt a resolution on November 17 to
extend the Commission's due dates by one month.
Option 2 (the Housing Commission's proposal) is for the Commission to complete its work by
January 31, 2020, allowing two more meetings in the month of January. This option assumes
that the Council does adopt a resolution on November 17 to extend the Commission's due dates
by one month.
Impacts of Option 2
Option 2 provides the Commission more time to finalize its recommendations. City staff would also
need to dedicate additional time and ensure consultant assistance for the longer period.
Next Steps for PSPP Committee
The City Council's Public Safety, Planning, and Personnel Committee (PSPP) is asked to recommend
whether the One -Month Extension Resolution should be placed on the Council's Consent Agenda for
approval on November 17.
NOTE: City Council meetings are very full this time of year. If the PSPP Committee supports a one -
month extension for the Housing Commission, the Resolution should be placed on the Council's Consent
Agenda as speedily as possible.
What happens after the Commission's recommendations are submitted?
After the Housing Commission's policy recommendations are submitted, the City Council will review
them, consider public input and other information, and decide whether some or all of the
recommendations should be further explored or implemented. For example, if a policy
recommendation is to start or expand a city program, the Council would seek additional information,
such as specific costs and budget impacts, as well as public input and other factors, before making a
decision about the recommendation.
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2.1
Attachments:
Resolution 1427
2020-11-05 resolution to amend housing commission
Packet Pg. 4
2.1.a
RESOLUTION NO. 1427
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
EDMONDS, WASHINGTON, ESTABLISHING THE CITIZENS'
HOUSING COMMISSION
WHEREAS, in 2017 the City of Edmonds began the process of developing a Housing Strategy to
fulfill an objective of the Housing Element of the city's Comprehensive Plan at P. 96, which
states: "Implementation Action: Develop a strategy by 2019 for increasing the supply of
affordable housing and meeting diverse housing needs;" and
WHEREAS, the Council has heard numerous comments and concerns from our constituents that
the process for establishing policies around an expanded range of housing options should be
revised to include greater public input and balanced representation; and
WHEREAS, three primary themes have emerged from input the Council has received from its
constituents; and
WHEREAS, first, rather than an Administration -appointed task force working toward housing
policy recommendations, members of the public have expressed a strong preference for a process
which establishes a Housing Commission via applications from interested citizens; and
WHEREAS, second, a strong preference has been expressed for sufficient time to be provided
for all housing -related issues to be thoroughly vetted to enable policy recommendations to be
brought forward that are in Edmonds' long term best interests; and
WHEREAS, finally, the public has made clear it expects members of the Housing Commission
should represent all areas of Edmonds and the Edmonds Bowl should not be over- represented;
and
WHEREAS, on December 11, 2018, the Council passed Resolution 1420 to docket a
Comprehensive Plan amendment that is expected to result in the removal of the 2019 timeline for
establishment of an Edmonds Affordable Housing strategy as called for in the current
Comprehensive Plan and to provide additional time for development of an appropriate array of
diverse housing options for Edmonds; and
WHEREAS, the Council also agrees that the process for citizen involvement should be retooled
to encourage volunteer participation from across Edmonds; and
WHEREAS, the expanded timeline for development of diverse housing policy options provides
the opportunity to establish a Citizens' Housing Commission to enable direct citizen involvement
in this important process; and
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2.1.a
WHEREAS, on February 19, 2019, the Council discussed next steps toward achieving this
objective; and
WHEREAS, a significant initial step will be to establish a Citizens' Housing Commission to
assess all factors that must be considered in driving toward housing policies that expand the
supply of diverse housing options while maintaining Edmonds' character and quality of life; and
WHEREAS, on February 19, 2019, the Council also provided direction that such a Commission
should be formed; and
WHEREAS, on March 19, 2019, the Council provided more specific direction as to the contents
of a resolution that would create the Citizens' Housing Commission; now therefore,
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS, WASHINGTON, HEREBY
RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Citizens' Housing Commission Created. The Citizens' Housing Commission is
hereby created and shall be subject to the following provisions:
A. Mission. The mission of the new Citizens' Housing Commission shall be as follows:
Develop diverse housing policy options for Council consideration designed to expand the
range of housing (including rental and owned) available in Edmonds; options that are
irrespective of age, gender, race, religious affiliation, physical disability or sexual
orientation.
B. Appointment Process. The Commission shall consist of fifteen voting members: each
Councilmember will select two appointees and one alternate; and the mayor will select one
appointee and one alternate. The mayor's selection will be from the remaining pool of
applicants after Councilmembers have made their selections.
C. Appointment by Zone. Each of the seven Councilmembers shall be assigned a particular zone
at the Council President's direction and will be responsible for assessing applications from
that zone (see map attached as Exhibit A describing the seven geographic zones of Edmonds
which will be attached to the Commission application form). Each Councilmember will
select two appointees and one alternate from his/her assigned zone. In the event that there are
insufficient applicants to fill the positions for a particular zone, the Councilmember assigned
to that zone may select from the remaining applicants residing in any other zone, but only
after the other Councilmembers have made their selections.
D. Meetings. The Commission will meet at least once per month on a day and time to be
determined by the Commission, and may meet more frequently at the Commission's
discretion. The time and place of the first meeting of the Commission shall be established by
the Council President.
2
Packet Pg. 6
2.1.a
E. Voting. Alternates should attend meetings to remain current on the Commission's progress
but shall not be voting members unless they are participating in lieu of an absent
Commissioner from their assigned zone.
F. Liaisons. Two Councilmembers shall be assigned to the Commission as Council Liaisons in
an advisory (non -voting) role.
G. Public Outreach. The Commission shall host public outreach sessions (open houses, town
halls, etc.) once per quarter at varying public locations within Edmonds to provide updates on
its progress in developing housing option policy recommendations.
H. Website Updates. The status of the Commission's work on the development of expanded
housing options shall be updated regularly on the city's Housing website.
I. Reporting to the Council. The Commission shall report progress to the Council at least once
per quarter, beginning in the 3rd quarter of 2019.
J. Sunset Date. The Commission will complete its work by December 31, 2020 and have a
sunset date of January 1, 2021.
Section 2. Recruiting. A post card will be sent to each Edmonds household announcing the
application process and deadlines. This mailing will be in addition to the process normally used
to publicize Commission application availability (e.g., City website announcements, articles in
local media, etc.).
Section 3. Application Process. Applicants for appointment to the Commission shall be subject
to the following:
A. Qualifications. Commission applicants must be current residents of Edmonds.
B. Zones. Each applicant must identify which of the seven "zones" he/she lives within (see
map attached as Exhibit A describing the seven geographic zones of Edmonds which
will be attached to the Commission application form).
C. Application Contents. The following information will be requested on the application
form:
a. Occupational status and background.
b. Organizational affiliation.
c. Why are you seeking this appointment?
d. What skills and knowledge do you have to meet the selection criteria?
e. List any other Board, Commission, Committee or official position you currently
hold with the City of Edmonds.
f. How long have you lived in Edmonds?
g. Do you rent or own your home?
h. Are you currently a landlord of property located in Edmonds?
Note: items a-e above are standard questions of applicants for any Edmonds
Board or Commission. Items f-h above are specific to the Edmonds Citizens'
Housing Commission.
3
Packet Pg. 7
2.1.a
RESOLVED this 161h day of April, 2019.
CITY OF EDMONDS
M'AYOR,'DAVE EARLING
ATTEST:
CLERK, SC ASSEY
FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK:
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL:
RESOLUTION NO.
April 12, 2019
April 16, 2019
1427
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Packet Pg. 9
2.1.b
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS,
WASHINGTON, AMENDING RESOLUTION 1427, WHICH ESTABLISHED
THE CITIZENS' HOUSING COMMISSION, BY EXTENDING THE
DEADLINE FOR THE COMMISSION TO COMPLETE ITS WORK.
WHEREAS, on April 16, 2019, the Edmonds City Council adopted Resolution 1427, which
established the Citizens' Housing Commission; and
WHEREAS, Resolution 1427 has been amended once before with the adoption of Resolution 1428;
and
WHEREAS, the Council desires to ensure that the Citizens' Housing Commission has adequate
time to complete its work; and
WHEREAS, extending the deadline the Citizens' Housing Commission to complete its work is
especially appropriate in light of the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the
commission's ability to complete its work by the original deadline; now therefore,
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS, WASHINGTON, HEREBY
RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
Subsection 1 J of Resolution 1427, entitled "Sunset Date," is hereby amended to read as follows
(new text shown in double underline. deleted text shown in ):
J. Sunset Date. The Commission will complete its work by Deeember- 31,2020 e anuag 31. 2021
and have a sunset date of Jantiar- Februa 1, 2021.
RESOLVED this day of November, 2020.
CITY OF EDMONDS
MAYOR, MIKE NELSON
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK, SCOTT PASSEY
Packet Pg. 10
2.1.b
FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK:
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL:
RESOLUTION NO.
Packet Pg. 11
2.2
City Council Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 11/12/2020
Code Updates to Allow Streateries and Other Outdoor Dining
Staff Lead: Shane Hope
Department: Development Services
Preparer: Scott Passey
Background/History
Sidewalk cafes (aka "bistro dining") are allowed by the City Code under certain conditions and they have
been popular. When the coronavirus first struck, restaurants --for both inside and outside dining --were
generally shut down. Takeout service was the only option for most. Business viability and the feeling of
a lively pedestrian area were much reduced. When the Governor's orders allowed, Mayor Nelson
authorized a special event permit (expiring on November 8) so that commercial dining and beverage
services could occur in designated vehicle parking spaces. While some people objected to losing parking
spaces, many people seemed to like the new outdoor opportunity, which felt both safer and more
pedestrian -oriented. Recently, the Edmonds Downtown Association did a survey of its membership and
received 70 responses that showed 83.9% support for continuing curbside dining.
A slightly different variation of this situation has occurred for food and beverage businesses that have
on -site space for outdoor dining (outside of the right-of-way) but don't want to go through a conditional
use permit process to be approved for on -site outdoor dining. Again, outdoor dining is appealing to
many customers, in part to allow a fresh air experience that reduces COVID concerns.
Mayor Nelson has requested that staff prepare draft code updates to address the situation.
Staff Recommendation
Recommend that the full City Council consider ordinances to: (1) allow streateries, subject to certain
conditions; and (2) allow on -site outdoor dining without a conditional use permit.
Narrative
Two code updates are proposed for outdoor dining.
The first would allow "streateries" (the term for commerical dining spaces that are in the right-of-way,
typically using a vehicle parking space). The streateries would have to comply with safety regulations
and specific design standards to promote a coordinated, attractive look. They would also have to be
ADA-accessible, which generally means they would need to be located on platforms that are flush with
the sidewalk. A number of other cities are already providing for this option. (See the attached
"Summary of Streatery Concepts for Edmonds".)
The second code update would allow on -site outdoor dining spaces that do not require getting a
conditional use permit, so long as certain standards (such as fire safety for any canopies) are met. (See
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2.2
the attached "Concepts for On -Site Outdoor Dining Requirements".)
The first code update could be adopted this year as an amendment to Title 18, which does not require
Planning Board review. We envision this as a pilot program and subject to change later.
The second code update could be adopted right away as an interim ordinance to amend Title 17 without
Planning Board review. However, a more permanent version, with any revisions, could be adopted in
early 2021 after Planning Board review.
Adopting both code updates in an expedited manner this year is important because the public is looking
for more outdoor dining options (especially since the Special Event permit is ending) and local
businesses want to serve customers as soon as possible. We do not see this need lessening in the very
near future, in part because the pandemic threat is likely to lurk for quite awhile.
Staff will prepare draft code language for the full Council's consideration to implement the ideas
discussed in this memo. Draft code language could incorporate suggestions from the Public Safety,
Planning, and Personnel Committee, based on the November 10 discussion.
We anticipate having the draft code amendments ready for discussion at the City Council's November 24
meeting.
Attachments:
Streateries.Summary.Concepts
On-Site.Outdoor.Dining.Concepts
Packet Pg. 13
2.2.a
DRAFT
"Streateries" Key Concepts for City of Edmonds
"Streatery" definition: A parklet (an area in a street right of way, generally in the parking lane) that is used for
cafe dining or beverage service.
Proposal: Establish a pilot project (1-2 years) permitting streateries
Purpose: Especially during pandemic conditions, expand outdoor dining/beverage opportunities that
integrate vibrant street life and public safety, providing for a coordinated, attractive appearance while also
encouraging creativity and artistry
Location & size: Within parking lane of street; maximum length of 2 vehicle parking spaces (approximately 40
feet).
General requirements: Must meet city safety standards (including fire and electrical), along with state and
health district standards.
ADA access: ADA access to area must be provided and at least one seat in the area must be ADA-accessible
Design components:
• On a raised platform flush with sidewalk
• Any canopies or umbrellas in choice of 3 colors (such as red, white, yellow)
• Barriers at parking ends to be an approved type, such as a white jersey barrier or container plantings,
of appropriate height
• Screening at street side allowing at least partial views in and out
Permitting:
• Each streatery must obtain a permit from the City (good for one year, with 6-month extensions
possible)
• Applications that meet standards will be processed quickly.
• Fee will be low (maybe $100 annually).
• Streateries must have "hold harmless" agreement with the City and liability insurance covering use.
Questions still being considered:
• How can heaters be safely used?
• Should there be a limit on the number of streateries permitted (or total number of parking spaces
used)? If so, would it be on basis of "first come, first serve" or a lottery or something else?
Requirement for implementation: Code change approved by City Council —which could be considered in
November 2020.
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2.2.b
Proposed Concepts for On -Site Outdoor Dining Requirements
For a Limited Time Period
(Temporarily Amending Chapter 17.75 ECDC)
On -site outdoor dining would be allowed at eating and beverage establishments, for example, on a
restaurant's patio or part or its parking lot, under a fire operational permit or, if applicable, a building
permit, and would not require a conditional use permit, provided the following conditions are met:
• State requirements, including regulations of the Liquor Control Board, shall be met.
• The use cannot be located upon or obstruct a public sidewalk.
• ADA accessibility is required and clear access to the building's entry door must be maintained.
• ADA accessibility is required and clear access to the building's entry door must be maintained.
• Existing requirements of the Fire Code (Chapter 19.25 ECDC) apply to the use of canopies (aka
"tents").
• Canopies erected on or connected to a building or deck for any period of time require a building
permit and are subject to the City's building code.
• Umbrellas with less than a five-foot radius do not require a building permit.
• The canopy shall meet building setback and height standards that are applicable to the zoning
regulations of the district in which it is located.
• In the BD Zone, any canopy or umbrella permitted for outdoor use must be primarily comprised
of one or more of three specific colors (colors to be determined; might be red, white, yellow —
which appear to be commonly available).
• The use may be allowed outside of a building for a period of up to one year, except than the
time period may be extended by one year if the structure or use has not been cited for more
than one code violation during the course of the preceding year.
• No open flames are allowed under a canopy or within twelve lateral inches of it, unless
otherwise specifically allowed by the City's Fire Marshal.
• All canopies must be secured by weights or other means approved by the Building Official.
• If the dining location is in a parking area and would result in fewer parking spaces than the
minimum number otherwise required, the required minimum number of parking spaces may be
reduced by the number of spaces that the dining area occupies, but by no more than 50% of the
total required spaces and provided that at least one of the required spaces provides ADA-
accessible parking.
• The dining area may be screened on any side, provided that at least partial visibility remains to
and from the area, particularly for any screening that is between three feet and seven feet in
height from the floor of the dining area.
These concepts are proposed to be part of an interim ordinance that the City Council would consider
within a month. Preferably, it would be effective upon adoption for up to 6 months. Adoption would
also trigger the need for a public hearing to occur within 30 days. Subsequently, concepts for this topic
would go through the regular Planning Board process and the Board's recommendations to the Council
on any longer -term ordinance.
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2.3
City Council Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 11/12/2020
Proposal to approve the WWTP Chief Operator Job Description
Staff Lead: Phil Williams
Department: Public Works & Utilities
Preparer: Scott Passey
Background/History
On August 11, 2020 Council was presented with WWTP request for position reclassification's and
organizational restructure to better support current and future equipment changes, processes,
operational needs, and other necessary functions in support of the WWTP. The item was approved in
theory and approved to move to consent once the Chief Operator job description had formal HR review
and Labor input.
Staff Recommendation
Request that the Committee recommend that Human Resources move forward with notifying the Union
of the proposed position, and then forward the job description to the full Council for approval on
consent once that process is complete.
Narrative
Edmonds provides wastewater treatment not only to the City of Edmonds but also to the City of
Mountlake Terrace, Olympic View Water/Sewer District, Ronald Wastewater District (soon to be fully
assumed by the City of Shoreline), as well as other areas adjacent to the City of Edmonds. The needs of
the treatment plant are changing. These changes include changes in available treatment technologies,
changes in requirements for receiving water quality, changes in biosolids management regulations, and
changes in IT systems for control of treatment processes. To effectively adapt to these on -going changes
will require us to build a workforce with the correct size and skills to be successful and efficient in
delivering service. These human resource needs are the most critical. Well trained and experienced
personnel are crucial to the operation of the plant and the City's continued ability to provide excellent
treatment services to our citizens and partners. Although the WWTP is highly automated, and soon to
become even more sophisticated, competent operators and mechanics are essential to ensure the
continued day-to-day smooth functioning of the treatment processes and the equipment.
The Chief Operators' role is to create a coordinated approach between operations and maintenance
activities and will help to create a leadership team approach for the WWTP. At this time the Chief
Operator JD has had formal HR review and we are seeking approval to move forward to present the
proposed position to the Union.
In the past the City operated the treatment plant with a staffing structure that included two Lead
positions; and Operations Lead and a Maintenance Lead, both were Union positions. Both of these
positions are currently vacant. This proposal would combine these two functions into the recommended
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2.3
Chief Operator position.
Attachments:
DRAFT Chief Operator Nov 5 2020
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2.3.a
City of
EDMONDS
Washington
WWTP CHIEF OPERATOR
Department:
Public Works — Wastewater Treatment
Pay Grade:
N
Bargaining Unit:
Teamsters
FLSA Status:
Non -Exempt
Revised Date:
DRAFT Nov 2020
Reports To:
WWTP Manager
POSITION PURPOSE: Under general supervision, the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Chief Operator
assigns, coordinates and oversees the work of Operations and Maintenance team, works routinely as an
Operator, as needed with Maintenance and coordinates equipment outages and operational activities that effect
plant performance. The Chief Operator works closely with the leadership team to ensure compliance with all
Federal, State and Local laws; evaluates plant operations and performance; makes appropriate adjustments to
ensure the process is within established parameters and in compliance with all Federal and State effluent limits
and trains and provides work direction to assigned staff. Makes daily updates to the maintenance management
system and may be assigned to backfill for Plant Manager as needed.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all
employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities.
Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional,
position -specific duties.
Representative duties and responsibilities 20% of the time:
• Coordinates and assigns daily work activities and schedules based on established priorities and verifies
work is completed to standards with effective resource utilization. Keeps Management informed of
staffing needs, concerns and issues that affect personnel performance.
• Provides input to Management for the development of the Division Budget, CIP and long term staffing
and training plans.
• Ensures open lines of communication exist between staff on various shifts.
Representative duties and responsibilities 40% of the time:
• Trains Operators and Maintenance staff on responsibilities.
• Ensures all that all staff follows appropriate safety regulations; maintains SIDS system as assigned.
• Provide backup for Plant Manager.
• Monitors Laboratory results and operating parameters of the treatment system to identify trends or
variances. Prepares various other reports that summarize process and treatment performance.
Recommends strategies that achieve permit compliance and ensure economic performance. Areas of
focus include: electrical usage, chemical usage and treatment performance.
• Develop and write standard operating procedures for equipment process control and safety to ensure
optimum operations and safety at all times.
Responsible for effective communication to staff that provides appropriate information and
education in order to promote an environment which creates an engaged and motivated
workforce.
Representative duties and responsibilities 40% of the time:
Wastewater Treatment Plant Chief Operator Packet Pg. 18
2.3.a
JOB DESCRIPTION
WWTP Chief Operator
• Performs a variety of semi -skilled work in the maintenance and repair of the City's Wastewater
Treatment Plant facilities and equipment including: scrubbing, steam cleaning, painting, basic carpentry
and mechanical repair, changing oil and HVAC filters to ensure a safe working environment.
• Makes periodic rounds to monitor, adjust and maintain wastewater treatment plant equipment to
achieve desired process control objectives.
• Inspects and cleans equipment; removing obstructions and debris in traps, pumps and sewage wet
wells.
• Enters empty tanks and other confined spaces in order to perform inspections, cleaning and
maintenance.
• Assures proper equipment operations and conducts initial troubleshooting evaluation; monitors variable
drives, various pumps, motors and drive units for proper operation. May perform or assist with required
maintenance, repair or replacement as needed.
• Collects lab samples according to established operating procedures to ensure permit compliance and
process control; sets up, programs and maintains remote samplers.
• Performs laboratory sampling for permit compliance according to established procedures. Completes
related lab records and charts as required. Reports any abnormalities as they arise and takes
corrective action as indicated.
• Operates, monitors and adjusts Screw Presses and associated equipment according to established
procedures; adjusts belt speed and hydraulic pressure; controls and monitors sludge and polymer feed
rate(s).
• Monitors and controls disinfection and dechlorination systems; inspects, troubleshoots and operates
chemical feed pumps.
• Monitors SCADA system to ensure process is within established parameters; monitors flows, dissolved
oxygen levels, instrument calibrations and proper flows, temperatures and pressures.
• Operates, monitors and adjusts ash collection and disposal systems; ensures proper lubrication, verifies
proper seal water flows; inspects belts and sleeves of pumps.
• Conducts tours of plant for the general public as assigned,
• Performs a variety of custodial and grounds work; cleans and maintains work areas and restroom
facilities and performs related work as assigned.
• Works swing and graveyard shifts, weekends and holidays as scheduled and responds to emergency
24 hour calls as assigned.
• May be tasked with performing related duties. Related duties as required are duties that may not be
specifically listed in the position description, but are within the general occupational series and
responsibility level typically associated with the employee's classification of work.
Required Knowledge of:
• Basic mechanical equipment maintenance and repair.
• Operation and use of hand and power tools and equipment.
• Methods, equipment and materials used in grounds keeping, maintaining building and facilities in good
repair.
• Current practices in secondary wastewater treatment operations.
• Laboratory procedures and analysis.
• Screw press theory and operations.
• Solids handling and disposal regulations related to EPA 503 regulations.
• Hazardous chemicals handling and disposal requirements related to SDS.
• Various types of Wastewater Treatment Plant instrumentation and automated controls strategies.
• Chemistry and microbiology related to pumping and chemical tests.
• Health and safety regulations related to plant operation and maintenance.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Chief Operator
Packet Pg. 19
2.3.a
JOB DESCRIPTION
WWTP Chief Operator
• Requirements of maintaining a wastewater treatment plant and related facilities in a safe and proper
working condition.
• Principles and practices of training and providing work direction.
• Effective oral and written communication principles and practices.
• Technical record keeping and report preparation techniques and practices.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and computer applications
sufficient to perform work assignments.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Training principles, methods and techniques.
Required Skill in:
• Operating and maintaining the Wastewater Treatment Plant and ensuring plant processes are in
compliance with local, state and federal discharge limits.
• Protecting the health and safety of personnel, the public and the environment.
• Operating variety of hand tools, machinery, vehicles and equipment.
• Recognizing and responding quickly to operational emergencies.
• Performing plant maintenance and housekeeping work.
• Interpreting, analyzing and applying new technical information.
• Working independently with little direction and determine appropriate action within clearly defined
guidelines.
• Maintaining current knowledge of technological advances in the field.
• Observing health and safety regulations and procedures and wearing appropriate and required Personal
Protective Equipment.
• Planning and organizing work and meeting schedules and time lines.
• Utilizing personal computer software programs and other relevant software affecting assigned work.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Maintaining accurate log readings, operating information and a variety of records, logs, files and reports.
• Communicating technical information clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Leading, training, and providing work direction to others.
• Maintain regular, predictable and punctual attendance during regularly scheduled work hours at assigned
worksite.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:
Individual must have two (2) years of formal education at a college or technical school with major course
emphasis in water/wastewater, environmental science, engineering, or related field is required. A minimum of
six (6) years of experience, two (2) of which must be in a lead capacity required. Experience should include
being in responsible charge of maintaining and operating wastewater systems, and performing lead oversight of
projects, programs and/or staff. Equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be
considered.
Required Licenses or Certifications:
Valid State of Washington Driver's License.
WWTP Operator Group IV License is required within1 year. At time of hire WWTP Group III is required.
Valid CPR, First Aid, AED, and Bloodborne Pathogen Cards.
Forklift license with 6 months of date of hire.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Chief Operator
Packet Pg. 20
2.3.a
JOB DESCRIPTION
WWTP Chief Operator
Must be able to successfully complete and pass a background check.
Mandatory drug test subject to conditional job offer.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Environment:
• Exposure to extreme temperatures and adverse weather conditions.
• Driving a vehicle to conduct work.
• Working in a confined or classified space.
Physical Abilities:
• Hearing, speaking or otherwise communicating to exchange information in person or on the phone.
• Operating a variety of grounds equipment and power and hand tools.
• Operating a computer keyboard or other office equipment.
• Reading a variety of materials and instruments and possess close vision, far vision, side vision, depth
perception, night vision and color vision.
• Ascending/descending ladders
• Lifting/ carrying or otherwise moving or transporting heavy objects frequently up to 50lbs.
• Sitting/standing or otherwise remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time
• Walking or otherwise moving over rough or uneven surfaces while performing inspections and
investigations.
• Performing repetitive motions, including: balancing, stooping, kneeling, bending, crouching, crawling,
reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally, and standing, pushing, pulling and using stairs
• Working in tight spaces.
• Ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment based on required City Policy..
Hazards:
• Exposure to chemicals, used in Wastewater treatment such as: Sodium Hypochlorite, Caustic Soda,
Bisulfate, Polymers, Clay, Lime and Carbon.
• Exposure to raw and treated sewage, odors associated with sewage treatment, high heat and moving
equipment.
• Exposure to cleaning chemicals, herbicides and dust.
• Working at heights using ladders and structures
• Working around and with sometimes noisy machinery having moving parts.
• Exposure to slippery surfaces, damp spaces while cleaning in and around equipment.
• Exposure to electrical power supply.
Incumbent Signature:
Department Head:
Date:
Date:
Wastewater Treatment Plant Chief Operator
Packet Pg. 21