11/30/2010 City CouncilEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
November 30, 2010
At 6:00 p.m., the City Council met with candidates for appointment to the position of Parks, Recreation
and Cultural Services Director. The meeting took place in the Council Chambers, located in the Public
Safety Complex. Council President Bernheim and Councilmembers Plunkett, Buckshnis, Peterson, Petso
and Fraley- Monillas were present. The candidates interviewed were Brad Case and Carrie Hite.
At 6:30 p.m., Mayor Cooper announced that the City Council would meet in executive session regarding
labor negotiation strategy and potential litigation. He stated that the executive session was scheduled to
last approximately 30 minutes and would be held in the Jury Meeting Room, located in the Public Safety
Complex. No action was anticipated to occur as a result of meeting in executive session. Elected officials
present at the executive session were: Mayor Cooper, Council President Bernheim, Councilmembers
Plunkett, Fraley- Monillas, Buckshnis, Peterson, and Petso. Others present were City Attorney Scott
Snyder, Human Resources Director Debi Humann and City Clerk Sandy Chase. The executive session
concluded at 6:58 p.m.
The regular City Council meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. by Mayor Cooper in the Council
Chambers, 250 5`h Avenue North, Edmonds. The meeting was opened with the flag salute.
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Mike Cooper, Mayor
Steve Bernheim, Council President
Michael Plunkett, Councilmember
Lora Petso, Councilmember
Adrienne Fraley- Monillas, Councilmember
Strom Peterson, Councilmember
Diane Buckshnis, Councilmember
ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT
D. J. Wilson, Councilmember
ALSO PRESENT
Peter Gibson, Student Representative
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
I 11OF-1101 10 HI 10
2. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
STAFF PRESENT
Al Compaan, Police Chief
Gerry Gannon, Assistant Police Chief
Stephen Clifton, Community Services /Economic
Development Director
Phil Williams, Public Works Director
Lorenzo Hines, Finance Director
Rob Chave, Planning Manager
Carl Nelson, CIO
Leonard Yarberry, Building Official
Debi Humann, Human Resources Director
Rich Lindsay, Parks Maintenance Manager
Frances Chapin, Cultural Services Manager
Rob English, City Engineer
Renee McRae, Recreation Manager
Sandy Chase, City Clerk
Jana Spellman, Senior Executive Council Asst.
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
Councilmember Plunkett requested Item E be removed from the Consent Agenda.
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November 30, 2010
Page I
COUNCILMEMBER PETERSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-
MONILLAS, TO APPROVE THE REMAINDER OF THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The agenda items approved are as follows:
A. ROLL CALL
B. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 16, 2010.
C. APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS #122358 THROUGH #122513 DATED NOVEMBER
18, 2010 FOR $415,757.40. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL DIRECT DEPOSIT AND
CHECKS #49951 THROUGH #49980 FOR THE PERIOD NOVEMBER 1, 2010
THROUGH NOVEMBER 15, 2010 FOR $635,158.60.
D. CONFIRM APPOINTMENT OF TOM WALKER TO THE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
BOARD.
ITEM E: ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 3822 — AMENDING THE EDMONDS COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT CODE REQUIRING THAT INTERIOR LOT LINES NOT OVERLAP
PRD PERIMETER BUFFERS.
Councilmember Plunkett referred to the statement in the first full paragraph on page 2 of the ordinance,
"An applicant who intends to subdivide the land for sale as part of the project shall obtain subdivision
approval..." and asked whether "final" should be added to "subdivision approval." Planning Manager
Rob Chave answered that statement is in the existing language and it is understood to be final subdivision
approval. He was hesitant to insert a word without reviewing the context. It has not been a problem in the
past and is not the subject of the ordinance.
Councilmember Petso advised she posed a similar question to City Attorney Scott Snyder earlier today.
His email reply indicated State law requires final to mean final whether the word was included or not. In
Mr. Snyder's opinion, the language meant final. She offered to forward Councilmember Plunkett Mr.
Snyder's email. Councilmember Plunkett found Mr. Chave's and Mr. Snyder's explanation satisfactory.
COUNCILMEMBER PLUNKETT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER PETSO, TO
APPROVE ITEM E. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. COMMUNITY SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: RESIDENTIAL ENERGY CONSERVATION
MEASURES.
Kelly Stickney, Outreach and Marketing Manager, Sustainable Works, explained Sustainable Works
was two months into the stimulus funded project, providing the public with reduced cost or free energy
home audits and helping with the cost of home energy efficiency improvements. They have signed up 189
people for home energy audits, halfway to their goal of 500 people by the end of January. Edmonds is
leading the way with 104 of the 189 sign -ups coming from Edmonds residents; the others are from
Lynnwood.
They began their first audits last week and 15 have been completed. Retrofits will begin soon. They
bundle audits and work to reduce costs as well as allow the payment of prevailing wages and benefits to
workers. They are waiting for enough projects to bundle before beginning retrofits.
Sustainable Works' project is only in Edmonds until January 31, 2011. She urged residents to sign up for
home energy audits and retrofits. She invited the public to an open house on December 15 at their
Lynnwood office located at 19410 36`" Avenue, behind the Lynnwood Convention Center. Residents
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November 30, 2010
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interested in further information can sign up on their website, www,sustainableworks.com or call their
office, 206 - 575 -2252.
Councilmember Buckshnis relayed the Senior Center's appreciation for Sustainable Works' efforts. She
inquired about eligibility criteria. Ms. Stickney explained anyone is eligible to participate in their
program. Very low income individuals are referred to the Snohomish County program which is free.
Moderate income individuals (approximately $50,000 annual income for a family of 4) qualify for a free
audit. Households earning over $50,000 qualify for the $95 audit, greatly subsidized as audits typically
cost $400 -$600. Regardless of income, everyone qualifies for the additional incentives to assist with
paying for retrofits.
Councilmember Peterson expressed his thanks to Sustainable Edmonds, a crucial partner of Sustainable
Works. The Council approved a $5,000 grant to Sustainable Edmonds; this is the type of work that is
being done — real work that improves people's lives and benefits the environment.
4. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Frank Yamamoto, Chair, Citizens Economic Development Commission, Edmonds business owner
and resident, requested the Council support funding in the budget for a Strategic Plan, noting the Council
approved the Strategic Plan via adoption of Resolution 1224 in March 2010. He explained a Strategic
Plan is a public driven plan that allows citizens to tell the governing body what they want in priority
order. A Strategic Plan saves time by reducing time spent on items that are not pertinent, eliminates
discord on issues outside the plan, allows the City to stay focused and provides a roadmap. Funding the
Strategic Plan will allow continued review of issues and ideas related to economic development and
support the work done by the EDC. The Strategic Plan is an opportunity to gather citizen support and to
make Edmonds a wonderful, economically sustainable place to live.
Marianne Zagorski, Citizens Economic Development Commissioner, urged the Council to support
funding for development of a Strategic Plan next year. She pointed out Council meetings are not a good
forum for determining what citizens want/need. A Strategic Plan uses scientific methods to determine
citizens' priorities. In the current economic climate, municipalities are receiving great prices on Requests
for Proposals. Now is a great time to do a Strategic Plan, ensuring that a plan is in place once the
economy improves.
Ron Clyborne, Greater Edmonds Chamber of Commerce, expressed the Chamber's full endorsement
of a Strategic Plan. The Chamber was pleased when the Council passed Resolution 1224 stating their
commitment to the development of a Strategic Plan. The Chamber supports prudent and fiscally
responsible funding for a Strategic Plan. While numerous Comprehensive Plans have been produced,
there has been frustration with the inability to move forward on specific projects. One factor causing this
inertia is the absence of a foundation built on trust that could come from independently produced and
objective data, opportunity for input by the community, a common vocabulary and a workable and
community -wide agreement on priorities. The Chamber welcomes a Strategic Plan that is conducted in a
transparent manner and is responsive to the needs of the community. He relayed the Chamber's concern
that the cost of a consultant could negatively impact on other priorities and urged the Council, Mayor and
Staff to identify cost savings in the 2011 budget so that funding of a Strategic Plan was as close to
revenue neutral as possible. The Chamber commends the City Council, the Edmonds EDC, and the
Mayor and staff for their attention to the development of a Strategic Plan and look forward to
participating in its development.
Ron Wamboit, Edmonds, expressed concern the Council had not discussed the issues he raised on
October 19 regarding the proposed 2011 budget. His first issue is that comparisons throughout the 2011 .
budget compared 2011 budget to 2010 budget rather than to 2010 estimates. Comparing the budget to
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most recent estimates was the practice utilized in the 2007 -2008 and 2009 -2010 budgets. This comparison
provides the ability to determine trends; comparing budget to budget defeats that effort and results in
conclusions that are usually false. The intent of the methodology in the 2011 budget is to make the trends
look better than they are in reality. He provided the following example: total expenditures on page 3 of
the budget are indicated to be down for 2011 by 4.9% when compared to the 2010 budget. In reality, they
are up 3.1% when compared to the 2010 . estimate. He asserted the columns labeled 2011 and 2010
estimate were incorrectly labeled; the figures are comparisons to the 2010 budget. He urged the Council
to correct this issue. His second issue was related to compensation; adjustments to the Non - Represented
Compensation (NRC) Policy result from benchmarking Edmonds to several other cities. In the current
economic climate, he recommended considering Edmonds' employees concessions compared to those
negotiated by other governments. He also recommended including Snohomish and King Counties and
State workers in the benchmarking as those employees have made considerable concessions.
Dave Page, Edmonds, commended Mayor Cooper on the article he wrote regarding how a budget is put
together, finding it very interesting information. In his opinion, the City had been operated on a very
fiscally conservative basis since he participated on former Mayor Hall's think tank. The article indicates
the City is doing well and its budget is balanced. He recalled it was estimated the passage of the initiative
that lowered vehicle license fees to $30 eliminated $200,000 in revenue annually. The subsequent passage
of the initiative that capped property tax increases at 1% per year further reduced revenue collected by the
City by approximately $1.5 million/year. Prior to the 1% cap, Edmonds had raised property taxes the
amount of inflation to keep up with increases in salaries and other costs. Since these initiatives passed, the
City has been shuffling money to keep up. He expressed his support for a levy.
Al Rutledge, Edmonds, reported on the Carol Rowe Memorial Food Bank's (United Methodist Church)
successful November food and toy drive. Their next food and toy drive is December 8, 10, 11, 12 and 15
at Top Foods. He encouraged the public to donate to the food and toy drive, noting requests for toys are
higher this year than previous years. He thanked Top Foods for their large food donation.
Roger Hertrich, Edmonds, expressed concern with the $100,000 request for a Strategic Plan. He
reiterated the request he made last week for Mr. Hines to apologize to Councilmember Buckshnis. Next,
he relayed an incident where he was approached by a police officer while walking on 5 "' Avenue assisting
another person. After assuring the officer that everything was fine, a second officer arrived and requested
his and the other person's identification and proceeded to run their identification. Asserting that the
officer did not have probable cause, Mr. Hertrich found the officers' actions representative of a police
state. He relayed another example when three officers visited a local establishment, two stood in the
center of the room for several minutes blocking the aisle and the other stood by the door with arms folded.
He relayed another example when the police entered his backyard at midnight without his permission
when his dog was barking. He expressed concern with Police Department harassment and suggested their
tactics be reduced to avoid driving patrons away.
Bruce Witenberg, Citizens Economic Development Commissioner, asked the Council to support
funding for the strategic planning initiative, noting the Council took the initial step when they adopted
Resolution 1224 in support of the EDC's recommendations. One of the commitments in that resolution
was to act on the work of the EDC and its recommendations which included developing a Strategic Plan,
reviewing and updating the plan each year including setting goals and continually assessing progress
metrics. Although the EDC, comprised of a diverse group of citizens, may not agree on priorities, they
unanimously agree that a Strategic Plan is the best process by which to make effective use of limited
resources to determine who Edmonds is as a city, where the City should go, how to get there and how to
measure success. Input on priorities must be solicited by a broad - based, transparent process with a variety
of opportunities for community input. The EDC's November 11, 2010 letter to the Council, Mayor and
community addresses many of the questions about a strategic planning process. A Strategic Plan allows
city leadership to make decisions with confidence they are responding to the community's needs and
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November 30, 2010
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desires. He anticipated purchase of the Skipper's property and Prop 1 may have had a different outcome if
City leadership knew citizens' priorities via a strategic planning process.
5. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ON A PROPOSED DRAFT CITY OF EDMONDS 2011
STATE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA.
Community Services /Economic Development Director Stephen Clifton advised the Council packet
contained the draft 2011 State Legislative Agenda that had been updated to reflect direction provided by
the November 9 Finance, Community Services /Development Services and Public Safety Committee
meetings. Department Directors and Government Relations Contractor Mike Doubleday are present to
answer questions.
Councilmember Fraley - Monillas referred to the question mark under Item #13, Lake Ballinger Funding
Request. Mr. Clifton responded Councilmember Wilson requested a legislative agenda item for Lake
Ballinger but to date had not provided a dollar amount.
Council President Bernheim commented the legislative agenda contained a number of vague items. He
recalled an AWC publication that suggested cities' legislative agenda be one page. He suggested Mr.
Doubleday's services could be better utilized by eliminating more than half of the items that are vague or
self- evident. For example, #4, support legislation to provide some relief for cities and other governmental
agencies from overly burdensome public records requests. He suggested eliminating #4 because it is a
very broad statement and focus instead on #1, Washington State Ferries and #7, funding for Edmonds
Main Street Rebuilding Project. Mr. Clifton responded there are tangible and non - tangible benefits
associated with a government relations contractor. He assured Mr. Doubleday concentrated his efforts on
items related to funding capital expenditures. Mr. Doubleday monitors the non - capital related requests
and alerts staff as necessary. For example, Mr. Doubleday alerted the City to HB 1490 that would have
required a density of 50 units /acre within a t/4 mile of any transit center. The City was able to participate
in a conference call with other cities who collectively agreed they could not support that legislation. He
acknowledged the legislative agenda was long but many of the items are simply monitoring and sharing
information.
Councilmember Plunkett asked if eliminating an item from the legislative agenda would prevent the
Council for adding it in the future and communicating that to Mr. Doubleday. Mr. Clifton agreed that
could be done.
Councilmember Buckshnis found the legislative agenda very comprehensive and she was very satisfied
with the list. She suggested that including all the items on the list was more informative.
COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY- MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
BUCKSHNIS, TO APPROVE THE CITY OF EDMONDS 2011 STATE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA.
Councilmember Plunkett referred to #13 on the secondary priority list, Lake Ballinger Capital Funding
Request, and asked whether the funding request would be added without Council's approval.
Councilmember Fraley - Monillas assumed the language would be presented to the Council.
Councilmember Wilson intended to draft an amount but apparently had not had an opportunity to do so.
COUNCILMEMBER PLUNKETT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER BUCKSHNIS,
TO AMEND THAT ITEM 13 READ, "LAKE BALLINGER CAPITAL FUNDING REQUEST
SUBJECT TO FUTURE COUNCIL APPROVAL." AMENDMENT CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mayor Cooper explained the Lake Ballinger Forum has not yet developed their funding request, therefore,
Councilmember Wilson was not able to determine Edmonds' share.
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November 30, 2010
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Councilmember Peterson referred to the deletion of #6, Red Light Cameras — to preserve the authority for
cities to implement red light camera technology, stating although Edmonds voted not to install red light
cameras, he did not want to eliminate that option for other cities. He was satisfied with deleting the item
but did not want to lobby against it. Councilmember Fraley- Monillas advised the Public Safety
Committee recommended its deletion because it was not one of Edmonds' priorities.
Council President Bernheim referred to #8 in secondary priorities, support additional penalties for vehicle
prowling, commenting he did not recall the Council advocating for additional penalties and he did not
support jailing more people than the City could afford. Police Chief Al Compaan advised this was a
legislative item proposed by Everett's City Attorney's office to provide for enhanced penalties for repeat
offenders. One of the issues impacting effective prosecution and deterrence of vehicle prowling is the
crime is typically a gross misdemeanor and several offenses must occur before any significant jail time
can be imposed.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT BERNHEIM MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER PETSO,
TO AMEND BY ADDING "FOR REPEAT OFFENDERS" AT THE END OF THE DESCRIPTION
OF ITEM #8.
Councilmember Peterson preferred the broad language as proposed.
Councilmember Plunkett expressed his support for increasing the penalties for all vehicle prowls
including first time offenders. He relayed that at a recent Thanksgiving dinner with 8 parties, 7 had had
their cars broken into.
UPON ROLL CALL, MOTION FAILED (2 -4), COUNCIL PRESIDENT BERNHEIM AND
COUNCILMEMBER PETSO VOTING YES; AND COUNCILMEMBERS FRALEY- MONILLAS,
BUCKSHNIS, PETERSON, AND PLUNKETT VOTING NO.
THE VOTE ON THE MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ON THE FINAL ORDINANCE AMENDING THE
2009 -2010 BUDGET.
Councilmember Buckshnis advised the questions she raised at the Finance Committee meeting had not
been answered. She asked whether Finance Director Lorenzo Hines had a copy of the questions. Mr.
Hines answered according to his staff, all the questions raised regarding the amendment were answered at
the Finance Committee meeting. He requested Councilmember Buckshnis forward him any additional
questions she felt had not been answered. Councilmember Buckshnis offered to provide a CD of the
meeting. Mr. Hines requested she forward him specific questions.
Mr. Hines relayed the following comments /questions from the Finance Committee meeting:
• Additional detail provided with the budget amendment was appreciated.
• A comment was made about restructuring bonds — this will be addressed during a later agenda
item.
• Why were unbudgeted attorney costs not included in the previous amendment? Mr. Hines
answered he prefers to do the attorney fee amendments once.
• A question regarding the Yost Pool transfer was answered at the meeting by Parks staff.
• Questions regarding the change in allocation for bank fees to investment income rather than
miscellaneous. This was answered by Finance staff, it is the result of the City not earning as much
interest to offset bank charges and the amount will be spread among departments.
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November 30, 2010
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• Is the City charging too much for utility taxes that it is able to transfer so much to capital? Staff
responded via email and this question was addressed in the budget FAQ. He recommended the
person asking the question review the capital and operations budget.
• A comment regarding Fund 125 was answered by Parks staff.
Councilmember Buckshnis reiterated her question concerning the September Quarterly and Fund 511
transfer into the General Fund. Mr. Hines answered he was not aware the September Quarterly and this
budget amendment were attached, typically quarterly reports and budget amendments are standalone
documents. He acknowledged Councilmember Buckshnis' concern with the transfers in the September
Quarterly related to the Fire Department transaction. He explained when those transactions were made,
the Council had not provided direction to move the funds into the Public Safety Reserve and the funds
were placed in the General Fund which is the default fund for revenues. When the Council approved the
amendment in early October, the funds were moved to the Public Safety Reserve. He advised that would
be reflected in the Fourth Quarter report.
Mayor Cooper encouraged Councilmembers to confine their questions to the specifics of the budget
amendment. If a Councilmember had a question regarding the quarterly report, he suggested the
Councilmember request the Council President schedule it for discussion on a future Council agenda.
Councilmember Buckshnis pointed out Fund 511 had a significant impact on the budget amendment.
Mayor Cooper reiterated if she had a specific question about how Fund 511 is related to the budget
amendment, it was an appropriate question to ask.
With regard to the Fund 511 transfer in the budget amendment, Councilmember Petso recalled earlier this
year the Council voted to make the B Fund contributions for 2010. She asked whether that was reflected
in the budget amendment. Mr. Hines answered whatever the Council has voted on and passed will be in
this budget amendment or the prior amendment. Mayor Cooper explained the B Fund contributions were
in the 2009 -2010 budget. The previous Mayor made an administrative decision not to make the payment
and the Council directed Mr. Hines to make the payment. Because the contribution was already in the
2009 -2010 budget, a budget amendment was not required.
Council President Bernheim explained when the Council reviewed the mid -year budget amendment on
September 21, the Council voted unanimously to reinstate the Fund 511 contributions. Mr. Hines recalled
the amendment was not passed until the October 5 meeting. He explained that amendment was not
reflected in the Third Quarter report because the amendment was passed in October; the Third Quarter
report reflects activity through September 30. Council President Bernheim recalled the mid -year budget
amendment included the Fund 511 contribution and did not reflect the suspension of the contribution. He
summarized the draft budget amendment the Council received in the September 21 packet contains the
identical numbers for Fund 511 as proposed in this budget amendment.
Mayor Cooper explained when the Council approved the 2009 -2010 budget, the contribution from the
Fund 511/B Fund was included in the budget. The initial mid -year budget amendment presented to the
Council in August contained a provision to suspend the payment because the former Mayor had
administratively not made the payment; the budget amendment was necessary to suspend the payment. A
motion was passed by the Council to make the payment. Because the contribution was already in the
2009 -2010 budget, a budget amendment was not required.
Council President Bernheim referred to a motion made at the September 21, 2010 meeting requesting that
the mid -year budget amendment return to the Council with the funds set aside in the 511 Fund for fire
equipment transferred to the Public Safety Reserve Fund rather than the General Fund. Mayor Cooper
clarified that was a different issue. Mr. Hines explained that was the profit from the sale of fire
equipment.
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COUNCIL PRESIDENT BERNHEIM MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER PETSO,
TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 3823, AMENDING THE 2009 -2010 BUDGET.
Councilmember Plunkett referred to Exhibit C, page 6, and the $1 million transfer from water /sewer to
capital. He asked whether the funds were for the water /sewer projects. Public Works Director Phil
Williams answered yes, projects the Council has already approved.
For Councilmember Buckshnis, Mayor Cooper explained the transfer from the General Fund to the 511 -13
Fund was already in the 2009 -2010 budget; an amendment was not required because the transfer was
already included in the 2009 -2010 budget. Councilmember Buckshnis asked whether the $752,000 in the
June Quarterly was a transfer from the 511 Fund to the General Fund. Mr. Hines explained the City
received a profit of over $700,000 from the sale of the assets and there was over $500,000 in set aside in
Fund 511 for fire equipment. Since the assets were paid for using General Fund money, the profits were
placed into the General Fund. The Second Quarterly report noted this would be the subject of a budget
amendment because the Council needed to approve that transfer. In late August, staff proposed continuing
the suspension of the B Fund transfer; the Council chose to make the transfer and the budget was not
required to be adjusted because the transfer was already in the 2009 -2010 budget.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. DISCUSSION REGARDING PAY OFF OF CITY HALL BONDS.
Councilmember Petso explained she tried to have staff write the agenda memo as she found it very
difficult to prepare a comprehensive agenda memo without all the information. She recommended the
City pay off, if possible, the City Hall bonds using the Fire District 1 proceeds. This will ensure the
proceeds, one time revenues, are used for a one time expenditure as well as relieve stress on Fund 126
which currently has expenditures that exceed revenues. There are a variety of accounting methods
connected with paying off the bonds including calling the bonds, refunding the bonds, etc., each with
different costs and savings to the City. She sought direction from the Council to proceed with paying off
the City Hall bonds and allowing staff to work out the details.
Councilmember Plunkett asked whether one of Mayor Cooper's forecasts included paying off City Hall
bonds. Mayor Cooper answered the City Hall bonds are REST bonds; the forecasts are all with regard to
the General Fund. Finance Director Lorenzo Hines agreed, noting the Executive Summary addresses only
the General Fund and does not address REST funds.
Mr. Hines explained the November 8 FAQ included Councilmember Petso's question regarding the
amount owing on City Hall bonds and whether the bond detail was available. His response was the bonds
used to fund City Hall were issued in 1995, refunded/refinanced in 1998 and he attached the bond
payment schedule. The interest rate is 4.2 -4.4 %; the payoff amount as of November 2010 was
approximately $1.7 million and 100% of the funds are paid from the Special Capital Parks Acquisition
Fund 126. Documents from the City's bond advisors were also forwarded to the Council.
Council President Bernheim remarked intuitively it made sense to proceed with paying off City Hall
bonds because the City has capital funds available from the sale of equipment. The City could retire
bonds that are draining the City's annual ability to acquire parks. It is a great climate in which to
refinance bonds, and Mayor Cooper suggested in his budget message that this may be a source of budget
savings. Mr. Hines explained Councilmember Petso's proposal was to pay off the City Hall bonds rather
than refund/refinance the bonds. The savings referred to by Mayor Cooper was the result of refinancing
bonds, an annual savings of approximately $62,000 /year in interest and principle. Councilmember Petso's
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proposal is to pay off $1.7 -1.3 million. He explained the bond balance is $1.7 million now and will be
$1.3 million in January after the bond payments are made at the end of this week.
Mr. Hines explained the City Hall bond issue is combined with the bond issue for the Public Works
building; the total issue was $4.408 million which complicates paying off only the City Hall bonds.
Mayor Cooper referred to Councilmember Petso's comment in the agenda memo that he did not oppose
this proposal, clarifying that he supports a comprehensive look at all the City's bonds and making a
comprehensive decision as policy makers which bonds could /should be refinanced and whether any
should be paid off. He summarized the City Hall bonds may /may not be the best option. He recommended
the Council have a work session with Mr. Hines and bond counsel where they could systematically
review the potential to refund /refinance and/or pay off bonds. He had some concerns with using the City's
$1.4 reserve to pay off bonds but recognized the Council set policy. Because refinance /restructure and/or
payoff of bonds does not impact the General Fund but rather affects available BEET funds, he noted that
decision does not necessarily have to occur as part of the budget process.
Councilmember Peterson commented intuitively he did not think this a good idea. Using the City's cash
to pay off a bond in this economy was not the wisest course of action. He cited an analogy of a person
having enough money to pay off their car but then not having enough money to pay the rent. He agreed
with the suggestion to review all the City's bonds and suggested that occur in January when bond counsel
could be present. To single out one bond was irresponsible; there may be better opportunities than paying
off the City Hall bond. He did not support directing staff to pay off a bond with cash reserves, finding it
absolutely fiscally irresponsible in this economy to give up cash. He suggested the City hold on to its cash
and seek guidance from bond counsel regarding restructuring bonds. Until the bond counsel
recommended paying off bonds, he did not support staff spending time on research.
Councilmember Petso hoped the Council would not leave an important policy decision of this magnitude
up to bond counsel. It is the Council's decision to make the policy determination and have staff confer
with bond counsel and return to the Council with any issues. She was also not interested in the City
hoarding cash to falsely support ongoing operating expenditures. Under the Mayor's proposed budget, a
portion of the Fire District 1 money is to be used for fire hydrant maintenance unless the Council takes
action to change that direction. Under that scenario, the City would be using one time revenues to pay an
ongoing operating expense. To Councilmember Peterson's example of paying off your car and not having
enough to pay the rent, she preferred not to pay rent/mortgage using one time revenues because it was not
sustainable.
Councilmember Petso explained the ending fund balance plus the $1.9 million in the Emergency Fund is
a standard and appropriate level of reserve for the City. There may be an additional $1.2 million that
appears to show on the balance statement that is in addition to the funds in the Public Safety Reserve. She
agreed it was scary to spend a large amount of money but it was not like the money was disappearing or
being used irresponsibly; the money would be used to retire a debt that would allow more flexibility in
capital expenditures. She supported researching restructuring /refinancing the bonds, noting that may not
provide the same flexibility that paying off the bond does. She suggested the Council authorize the Mayor
and staff to begin pursuing payoff and return to the Council should a significant issue arise.
Councilmember Buckshnis expressed support for Councilmember Petso's suggestion to free up the REST
revenue. She also did not support relying on bond counsel to tell the Council what to do. Mayor Cooper
clarified his intent was for the Council to have bond counsel educate them and assist with making a better
policy decision.
Councilmember Fraley- Monillas expressed interest in a comprehensive review of all the City's bonds.
Her instinct is that it is better not to have debt. The Council is charged with considering the best interest
of the citizens with regard to its debts. She was concerned with maintaining operations if all the City's
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cash were spent. She did not support dipping into savings for ongoing expenditures such as a mortgage.
She was also interested in hearing from bond counsel.
In response to Councilmember Fraley - Monillas' comment about not dipping into savings to pay the
mortgage, Councilmember Peterson commented that is exactly what Councilmember Petso proposes;
dipping into savings to payoff the mortgage. He agreed with researching all refinancing options. With
regard to the comment that the bond counsel would make the policy decision, he explained the City hires
bond counsel because they are experts in their field and can provide information. He was astounded at the
suggestion to move forward without all the information and to have staff confer with bond counsel. He
agreed with the suggestion for the Council to meet with bond counsel in January to review all the City's
bonds and make an educated decision. If bond counsel recommended paying off a bond, he could support
it. He referred to Councilmembers who question the validity of the City's budget, but conversely are
willing to spend this much money.
Councilmember Fraley- Monillas commented paying ongoing expenses such as fire hydrant maintenance
from cash reserves was equally irresponsible. She asked whether the Council could confer with bond
counsel prior to January. Mayor Cooper pointed out there is a Council meeting scheduled December 7
and committee meetings on December 14; the Council typically does not meet the week of Christmas or
New Years. He suggested the Council could have a work session with bond counsel to do a
comprehensive review of bonds and educate the Council on December 14 if bond counsel is available.
Councilmember Petso asked if staff and bond counsel could make a presentation to the Council by
December 14. Mayor Cooper answered it would depend on the availability of bond counsel. Council
President Bernheim advised the Council could also schedule a special daytime meeting with bond counsel
regarding this issue. Mr. Hines explained the City's bond counsel is the law firm that handles the bond
issuance process; the bond advisors assist the City with forecasting. He suggested Council meet with the
bond advisors. Mayor Cooper summarized staff would determine the availability of the bond advisors.
Councilmember Plunkett expressed concern that the Council packet did not contain any information from
the Finance Department on an item of this importance. He assumed the Finance Department would
provide suggestions /recommendations, pros /cons, etc. Mr. Hines responded the Finance Department was
not asked to prepare the agenda memo. Mayor Cooper assured there would be a comprehensive agenda
memo for the December 14 discussion.
8. DISCUSSION REGARDING PAYING ANDERSON CENTER BOND FROM FUND 125 (REET).
Councilmember Petso apologized for the lack of information in the agenda memo, noting she was unable
to get staff to write the agenda memo for this item as well as the previous item. She was unable to proceed
on this item without the involvement of staff or a report from City Attorney Scott Snyder. She submitted a
question to Mr. Snyder but has not received a response. As this was related to the previous agenda item,
Mayor Cooper suggested the Council also consider it at a special December 14 meeting.
Finance Director Lorenzo Hines explained he inquired with bond counsel regarding moving the Anderson
Center debt service from REST 2 (Fund 125) to REET 1 (Fund 126). The City issued the bonds for
various water and sewer improvements and various improvements to public and administrative buildings.
This item is related to seismic retrofit of the Frances Anderson Center. Bond counsel submitted a memo
today that stated improvements to public and administrative buildings are not eligible for expenditures
using REET 2 under RCW 82.46.035. He summarized bond counsel said it was appropriate for the
expenditures to be paid from Fund 126 but not from Fund 125. He offered to forward bond counsel's
memo to the Council.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
November 30, 2010
Page 10
Councilmember Petso explained that was the nature of her inquiry to Mr. Snyder; although a standalone
public facility such as the Edmonds Center for the Arts would not be a permitted expenditure, the City has
treated other public facilities such as Yost Pool differently. For example when a window breaks at Yost
Pool, park funds are used to replace the window. She summarized there was potentially a different use of
funds for a recreational facility located in a park.
9. DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO FUND EDMONDS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
FOUNDATION REQUEST FOR FUNDING FOR 2010 4TH OF JULY FESTIVITIES.
Councilmember Buckshnis advised the Chamber made a presentation at the Finance Committee's
September meeting indicating they were approximately $20,000 short of funding for the 2010 4`" of July.
In her opinion the 4`t' of July festivities are very important to the City and she supported honoring the
Chamber's request for $5,000. The balance in the Council Contingency Fund is $73,778.
COUNCILMEMBER BUCKSHNIS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-
MONILLAS, TO FUND THE CHAMBER'S $5,000 REQUEST FOR 2010 4 T1 OF JULY
FESTIVITIES FROM THE COUNCIL CONTINGENCY FUND.
Councilmember Peterson expressed his support for the funding request. However, since he is a Chamber
Board Member, he would abstain from the vote.
MOTION CARRIED (5 -0 -1), COUNCILMEMBER PETERSON ABSTAINED.
10. PRESENTATION OF WRITTEN PROPOSED BUDGET AMENDMENTS.
Council President Bernheim explained tonight is the deadline for Councilmembers to introduce budget
amendments. He suggested each Councilmember provide a summary of their amendments. The
amendments will then be evaluated and debated at next week's Council meeting. He advised there would
be an opportunity for public comment on next week's agenda prior to the Council's vote on the budget.
Councilmember Petso introduced the following amendments:
1. Pay hydrant maintenance from utility tax revenue and not from Fire District I proceeds in the
Public Safety Reserve Fund.
2. Add $12,000 for Prosecutor expense. The Council approved a $12,000 increase for the
Prosecutor. She suggested this expenditure be offset by reducing the repair and maintenance
in the Information Services budget of $69,600 by $12,000.
3. Adjust Fund 125/126 and Public Safety Reserve Fund should the Council take action on the
City Hall bonds.
With regard to paying hydrant maintenance from utility tax revenue, Councilmember Peterson asked
whether that was allowed under the Lane v. Seattle court case that required hydrant maintenance be paid
via General Fund revenue. Mr. Hines answered an amount is typically transferred from the General Fund
into the Utility Fund to pay that liability. Under the proposed amendment the Utility Fund would pay
itself which he did not believe could be done. He offered to provide a more detailed response by next
week's Council meeting. Mayor Cooper observed if hydrant maintenance is paid directly from the utility,
it is in conflict with Lane v. Seattle. It can be paid from the General Fund because the City taxes its utility
and places the funds in the General Fund which is historically what the City has done to comply with
Lane v. Seattle. Public Works Director Phil Williams agreed either of the sources was appropriate and
satisfy the requirements of Lane v. Seattle. Mayor Cooper urged Councilmember Petso to work with Mr.
Williams and Mr. Hines to utilize the appropriate fund numbers in her amendment to ensure it was clear
the expenditure would not be from the Utility Fund.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
November 30, 2010
Page 11
Council President Bernheim requested staff or the Mayor notify Councilmembers of any substantive
objections or concerns regarding any of the amendments.
Mayor Cooper presented the following amendments:
1. City Energy Plan — add $25,000 to the Facilities Maintenance cost center in the 2011 General
Fund to complete a City Energy Plan.
2. Road Condition Survey — Add $25,000 to the Street Fund to complete a Road Condition
Survey.
3. Stormwater Maintenance Worker 1 — add a Stormwater Maintenance worker 1 to the 2011
budget and add $62,000 to the Combined Utility Fund to support the position.
4. Stormwater Engineering Technician — add a Stormwater Engineering Technician to the 2011
budget and add $92,080 to the Combined Utility Fund to support the position.
5. Capital Facilities Charge for Utilities — add $25,000 to the Combined Utility Construction
Fund to complete a capital facilities charge study.
6. Traffic Calming Projects — Add $50,000 to the Street Construction Fund from the General
Fund Ending Balance to pay for traffic calming projects.
7. $1,200 for a 21" Honda self- propelled lawn mower.
8. $5,000 for additional Sani -cans.
9. Replacement of 27 Police Department bulletproof vests at a cost of $25,130 (with a grant to
pay up to $4,400 of the cost).
Mayor Cooper explained the first 5 items and items 7 -9 were decision packages in the 2011 budget and
were described by staff at the August 31 budget workshop. He advised the Parks Department had
removed their request for a leaf blower. Item 6 was added by the Council during their review of the CIP.
For Councilmember Peterson, Mayor Cooper explained the Stormwater Maintenance Worker 1. and
Stormwater Engineering Technician positions were funded via the stormwater fee increase approved by
the Council. Councilmember Peterson asked how the remaining items would be funded. Public Works
Director Phil Williams explained the City Energy Plan was the only amendment with a General Fund
impact. He proposed splitting the cost equally between the 411 Utility Fund and the General Fund as both
general government and utility assets would be reviewed. Funding for the Road Condition Survey would
be from the available balance in the Street Fund. The Capital Facilities Charge for Utilities would come
from the 411 Fund; the study would review current connection charges to determine whether the charge is
sufficient. The expenditure for traffic calming projects was approved by the Council for unidentified
traffic calming projects.
Councilmember Buckshnis introduced the following amendments:
1. Strategic Plan — add $100,000 to Economic Development to fund a Strategic Plan. Offsetting
funds can either be a like reduction in Professional Services 411 account from each
department or from prisoner care.
2. Park Trust Fund — add $36,500 to the Park Trust Fund for the Flower Program. Offsetting
funds can be an increase in discretionary revenue areas such as banners displayed on Casper's
Street and/or a slight increase in classes as professional services.
3. Target Ending Cash Balance — change the Target Ending Cash in Exhibit 4A to 1 month
rather than 2 months in accordance with the GFOA standard of 1 -2 months.
4. Compensation Consultant — include $50,000 for a compensation consultant to review the
Non - Represented Compensation Policy. Funding from professional services or reductions in
supplies.
5. Fire Hydrants — do not transfer $256,650 from Department 310, Public Safety and pay for fire
hydrants out of utility tax.
6. ECA — fund from lodging taxes
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
November 30, 2010
Page 12
7. Stormwater Maintenance Worker 1 (described under amendments presented by Mayor
Cooper).
8. Stormwater Engineering Technician (described under amendments presented by Mayor
Cooper).
9. Traffic Calming Projects (described under amendments presented by Mayor Cooper).
10. Street Fund 111. funded from General Fund — add $200,000 to Fund 111 to help fund the
TBD shortfall in relation to street maintenance and preservation. Summary information of
each cost center would assist in determining how this could be offset.
11. Exhibit 1, page 3 — add an actual 2009 column and footnote General Fund to state which
amended budget is used.
12. Exhibit 2, page 4 — add an actual 2009 column and footnote significant changes such as the
decreased revenue from the sale of fire equipment.
1.3. Exhibit 4, page 6 — change 2 months to Target Ending Cash to 1 month and provide some
current actual numbers including the General Fund beginning balance.
14. Exhibit 5, page 7 — footnote the breakout of the Administrative Services to verify Finance
FTE and IT FTE.
15. Add Exhibit 2 as identified in the 2009/2010 Budget Book — add total budget revenue,
expenditures and fund balances using actual 2009 numbers, 2010 budget and 2010 yearend
estimates.
16. Add Exhibit 3 as identified in 2009/2010 Budget Book — add General Fund revenues,
expenditures and fund balance using actual 2009 numbers, 2010 budget and 2010 yearend
estimates.
17. Add Exhibit 10 as identified in 2009/2010 Budget Book — add this statistical but very
important macro item to the budget book.
18. Summarize Total Department Cost Centers as identified in 2009/2010 Budget Book.
Councilmember Plunkett observed Councilmember Buckshnis was suggesting $100,000 or a portion
thereof could be taken from prisoner care to fund a Strategic Plan. Police Chief Al Compaan advised there
may be some cost savings in prisoner care. He noted that Judge Fair has a great deal of discretion in his
sentencing practices and there have also been savings realized as a result of the video arraignment.
Councilmember Plunkett asked whether $50,000 was sufficient to fund a compensation consultant.
Human Resources Director Debi Humann answered she was unable to confirm whether $50,000 was an
appropriate amount as she had never done an RFP /RFQ for a compensation consultant. The last time such
a study was conducted was in 1997 which was prior to her employment with the City. She will attempt to
research the cost by next week's Council meeting. Mayor Cooper commented the cost likely would
depend on the scope of work. Councilmember Buckshnis recalled Ms. Humann had suggested to the
Finance Committee that the cost would be around $50,000.
Councilmember Peterson asked if revenue from increased class fees could be used for the Parks Trust
Fund. He recalled the Council previously discussed revenue from banners and concluded the revenue
generated would be minimal. He summarized it was unlikely either source would generate $36,500. Mr.
Hines offered to work with the Parks Department to address Councilmember Peterson's question
regarding increased class fees. With regard to increasing class fees, he pointed out there is a supply and
demand issue as well as elasticity that must be factored into determining class fees. Councilmember
Buckshnis agreed the funds for the Parks Trust Fund likely would need to come from general operating.
Council President Bernheim proposed the following amendments:
Reduce the City Attorney budget from $597,000 to $497,000 exclusive of Prosecutor and
Public Defender — pay more attention to legal expenses as they are incurred.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
November 30, 2010
Page 13
2. Reduce Prisoner Care budget from $664,000 to $614,000 by reducing discretionary booking
— savings to be achieved by the Council and Mayor working with the Police Department to
reduce the number of police officer discretionary bookings for non - violent, low key crimes.
3. Appropriate $5,000 to Fourth of July /Chamber of Commerce. Could be reduced to $3,000
which was the amount of the Council's 2008 appropriation.
4. Designate $35,000 to complete Old Mill Town Park.
5. Charge Woodway more for police services. Contract expires at the end of 2011 so does not
impact the 2011 budget year.
6. Reduce City Council budget by $500 by eliminating Community Outreach, Citywide Parking,
Economic Development, Long Range Task Force and Municipal Court Review committees
and not paying Councilmembers to attend those meetings.
7. Update City Council 2010 . budget estimate figures to show lower figures. Mr. Hines advised
the estimates were as of July 31, 2010 and would be updated.
8. Move fiber and the IT department and expenses out of Administrative Services to
Community Services in an effort to reduce workloads.
Councilmember Fraley- Monillas agreed with the proposal to eliminate the Municipal Court Review
Committee as the committee has not met. She pointed out although it may not seem that the Citywide
Parking Committee was important, it considers a lot of very important issues. She anticipated it was
valuable to have a Council representative on the Economic Development Committee. Councilmember
Buckshnis responded she participates on the Economic Development Commission and does not take the
$50 payment that Councilmembers receive for attending meetings. Councilmember Plunkett clarified this
was an Economic Development Committee of the City Council that was established prior to the Mayor's
Committee on Economic Development and the Economic Development Commission. That committee has
subsequently been superseded by other committees.
Councilmember Peterson inquired about the proposed 20% reduction in the City Attorney budget. He
anticipated there would be a similar reduction in services and that a budget amendment would then be
required to increase the City Attorney budget.
With regard to the proposed reduction in the prisoner care budget, Councilmember Peterson agreed in
theory with reducing the prisoner care budget but did not want the budget to lead the discussion. If the
Council wanted to make that policy change, it should be based on the desire to change the policy, not
reduce the budget.
Councilmember Plunkett asked if the Police Department had discretion with regard to whether a person
was booked. Chief Compaan responded the two factors weighed in an officer's decision to book a person
are, 1) whether it is a mandated booking by law such as domestic violence, and 2) the public safety
threat/issue of booking versus citing and releasing. Police Officers employ careful discretion with the
latter and err on the side of booking versus not booking if there is any question with regard to the public's
safety. He assured the Police Department was not routinely booking people for driving while license
suspended or possession of marijuana. A person committing a vehicle prowl was likely to be booked; a
person committing a shoplift was unlikely to be booked. Extenuating circumstances such as prior arrests
for the same offense may result in a person being booked. The term discretionary booking tends to imply
the Police Department has not been employing discretion; he assured a great deal of discretion was
employed.
Chief Compaan explained most of the jail days were the result of Municipal Court actions rather than the
Police Department. He acknowledged the Police Department or Prosecutor initiated the criminal
complaint but most of the jail days result from sentences imposed by the court. For example if a person
fails to appear, a bench warrant is issued and the person is picked up and booked. The jail has been in the
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
November 30, 2010
Page 14
Police Department budget for many years; in his opinion it more appropriately belongs in Non -
Departmental because the majority of the jail budget is not a result of Police Department bookings.
Councilmember Plunkett observed if $50,000 less was budgeted for prisoner care and the Police
Department is already using discretion, it would not necessarily impact bookings. Chief Compaan
explained Judge Fair has also taken steps to reduce jail time. Savings are realized via the video
arraignment which reduces the number of days that a prisoner is in jail before he sees the Judge. The
Judge utilizes the maximum amount of discretion while not compromising public safety. Since the Police
Department budget was submitted to the Mayor, there has been evidence of reductions in prisoner care.
He offered to refine the prisoner care budget.
Student Representative Gibson asked to whom the funds for prisoner care are paid since Edmonds does
not have a jail. Chief Compaan answered the City is charged by the Snohomish County Jail every time a
prisoner is booked or sentenced and spends time in the jail.
Councilmember Fraley- Monillas asked if people who are incarcerated reimburse the municipality for their
care. She noted the City also paid for medical costs /care, food, etc. Chief Compaan answered the majority
of people who are booked or sentenced by the Judge do not have the ability to reimburse the City. The
Work Release Program allows a person to go to their job and return to jail at night and some of the costs
can be recouped.
Councilmember Peterson asked if Snohomish County Jail planned to raise rates to cover their costs. Chief
Compaan answered the contract is CPI based and there will be no increase in the daily fee or booking fee
for 2011. There has been some increase due to prescription costs which Snohomish County has been
referring to the user agency. The video arraignment process utilizes jail staff to parade prisoners in front
of the camera and maintain prisoners in a secure area while video arraignment occurs. Snohomish County
has indicated they will bill the City for that service if it requires hiring further correction officers on an
overtime basis. To date that has not occurred. The City is prepared to pay up to $1500 -$1600 /month. He
commented video arraignment also assists the jail personnel as prisoners do not need to be checked in and
out when visiting the Edmonds court.
Council President Bernheim commented even with the reduction he proposed, the prisoner care budget
exceeds the estimated 2010 expense. His suggestion was to at least hold jail costs and not budget an
additional 10 %.
Councilmember Plunkett pointed out the Community Outreach Committee was started by a former
Councilmember and he was uncertain how effective it has been. With regard to the Citywide Parking
Committee, Councilmember Plunkett explained 80% of the work is handled at the committee meetings.
Without that committee, the Council would be inundated with requests related to parking.
With regard to the proposal to move fiber and the IT department and expenses out of Administrative
Services, Councilmember Plunkett commented even if the Council made this amendment, the Mayor
could do whatever he wanted. Mayor Cooper agreed.
Councilmember Peterson presented the following amendments:
1. Fully fund the $100,000 request from the Citizens Economic Development Advisory
Commission for a Citywide Strategic Plan. The cost would be offset by the following
savings:
• Economic Development Department - $20,000
• Development Services - Planning - $7,500 from professional services line item
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
November 30, 2010
Page 15
Development Services - Administration - $60,000 from salariesibenefits line items (vacant
director position for first quarter)
City Council - $2500 from Professional Services and/or Council Contingency
Other - $10,000
Councilmember Plunkett introduced the following amendments:
1. Apply $36,500 ending cash to the Parks Trust Fund for flowers.
2. Fund $7,500 from ending cash to continue efforts of the Edmonds Historic Preservation
Commission to promote the small town character and charm of Edmonds via printing 4 -5
issues of the Commission newsletter and updating and printing walking tour brochures.
Council President Bernheim presented the following amendments proposed by Councilmember Wilson:
1. Reinstate the Crime Prevention Unit at a cost of $130,000.
2. Fund the 2011 Edmonds Center for the Arts in the amount of $250,000.
3. Continue funding for public education, outreach and programming at Sustainable Edmonds in
the amount of $5,000.
4. Add a uniformed police officer at a cost of $110,000.
5. Upgrade the intersection at 196`h &88 Ih to increase safety at a cost of $95,000.
Councilmember Peterson suggested the proposed budget amendments be posted on the City's website,
particularly the narrative that Councilmember Wilson provided that was not read.
Council President Bernheim summarized the purpose of introducing amendments tonight was to empower
public discussion.
Councilmember Buckshnis commented although she supported Sustainable Edmonds, she needed
financial information related to how the $5,000 the City granted them last year was used before she could
allocate another $5,000. Council President Bernheim assumed that information would be provided during
Sustainable Edmonds' annual update.
Councilmember Fraley- Monillas questioned the source of the approximately $500,000 in new
expenditures proposed by Councilmember Wilson. She suggested Councilmember Wilson be provided an
opportunity at the Council's next meeting to describe how the amendments he proposed would be funded.
Councilmember Fraley- Monillas explained she did not submit any proposed amendments as the
amendments she was interested in had been proposed by other Councilmembers. She would describe her
support/opposition to amendments during the Council's deliberation at the next Council meeting.
Council President Bernheim commented support for ECA would require a budget amendment this year
and had not been included in the 2011 budget.
Councilmember Petso reported at today's Edmonds Public Facilities District there was discussion
regarding legislation proposed to extend PFD legislation which may allow the bonds to be refinanced.
Councilmember Buckshnis suggested the Council focus on assisting the ECA this year and then consider
it on a year -by -year basis, anticipating their financial situation will improve.
Mayor Cooper explained staff will provide an interactive spreadsheet next week that will illustrate
changes in the ending cash and projections as the Council adopts amendments. He planned to provide a
response from the Mayor's office that reflects staff input on all the amendments.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
November 30, 2010
Page 16
IL COUNCIL REPORTS ON OUTSIDE COMMITTEEBOARD MEETINGS
Councilmember Plunkett reported the Parking Committee was presented a proposal by JS &H
Management who manage Old Mill Town to change the 3 -hour parking between Maple and Dayton to 30
minutes. They were informed of the parking limits in the code. There was also a request for an ADA stall
on Dayton between 5"' and 6`". Transportation Engineer Bertrand Hauss explained the site would not meet
the standards. Judge Fair has suggested changes in the Parking Code that will be presented to the Council
in the near future.
Councilmember Buckshnis reported the Economic Development Commission (EDC) discussed the
Strategic Plan and had a presentation regarding green initiatives. The Citizens Levy Committee (CLC)
had a presentation from Debbie Tarry, Shoreline's Finance Director, regarding the work their committee
did to assist the passage of a levy. They used polling as well as a facilitator and staff was very involved.
At a previous CLC meeting, Sarah Phillips, Lake Forest Park, described their unsuccessful levy. Dick
Brossoit, Edmonds School District Superintendent, will make a presentation to the CLC at the December
meeting regarding the District's levies. The CLC is preparing a summary, working on how to proceed and
obtaining financial clarity.
Councilmember Fraley- Monillas reported the Snohomish County Health District has proposed cutting the
Nurse Family Partnership, a program that serves mothers and children age 0 -2. The program includes
visits to the home to provide assistance. The program reduces child abuse, drug and alcohol abuse,
homelessness, etc. Snohomish County proposed eliminating funding for the program due to the
$670,000 /year expense or $4,700 per family. Because it saves money in the long term, Snohomish County
Councilmembers Stephanie Wright and Brian Sullivan proposed including $510,000 in the budget for that
program. The program will continue but to a lesser degree. The Health Board also discussed the increase
in tuberculosis that began in California and has spread to Eastern Washington. The Health District is
researching the cause and preventative measures.
Councilmember Peterson reported the EDC had a presentation from three people working on business -
friendly green initiatives. The City of Bellingham is doing remarkable things and was featured on a PBS
special about green initiatives and businesses working together. Many of the programs are incentive
based; for example in Bellingham, LEED certified buildings are guaranteed a one week turnaround on
their building permit application. He recognized Sustainable Edmonds for coordinating that presentation.
At the Edmonds Public Facilities District it was reported their fundraising event, Arts Crush, raised
$170,000 compared to $130,000 last year. Councilmember Peterson thanked the community for donating
items and for participating in the event. Arts Crush was an opportunity for the community to support the
ECA as well as a community - building opportunity. The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) is
considering a $100,000 professional services agreement with the ECA to fund their marketing campaign.
He encouraged the public to attend ECA shows, noting their operations are in the black this year.
Conversely, the Kirkland Performing Arts Center is requesting operating funds from the City of Kirkland.
Councilmember Petso commented if the LTAC approves providing funds to the ECA for advertising and
promotion, it will free up funds to meet their bond obligation. She also reported on the Port Commission
meeting, relaying the Port's interest in preventing flooding at Harbor Square. The Port plans to ask City
staff what is being done to fix the drainage at SR104 and Dayton.
12. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Cooper reported the New Energy Cities Program is underway. A meeting is scheduled tomorrow
with Climate Solutions to review data that has been gathered and to prepare for the January workshop. He
advised the Council will receive an email invitation to the workshop.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
November 30, 2010
Page 17
Mayor Cooper reported the tree lighting was a huge success, attended by over 2,000 people. He expressed
his appreciation to the Chamber of Commerce for organizing and carrying out the event with the
assistance of City Public Works and Parks Maintenance staff.
Mayor Cooper reported the Council met with two finalists for the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Director position tonight prior to the Council meeting. He may meet with his selection as early as
tomorrow in preparation for presenting his recommendation to Council for confirmation. He was hopeful
the new Director would begin work in early January.
Mayor Cooper reported Ms. Humann, Mr. Chave, Councilmember Peterson and he interviewed two of the
four respondents to the Hearing Examiner RFP; two respondents were not qualified. He hoped to present
his recommendation to the Council for confirmation in the near future.
The City Attorney RFP closed today; a handful of proposals were submitted. He will work with the
Council President and City Clerk regarding that process.
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Fraley - Monillas commented it will be difficult to select a Parks, Recreation and Cultural
Arts Director as both finalists were well qualified.
Councilmember Fraley - Monillas thanked the Chamber of Commerce for organizing the tree lighting
ceremony, treats, Santa, music, etc. She found it a very fun time and a good way to kick off the holidays.
Councilmember Peterson also recognized the Chamber for another great tree lighting ceremony. He
thanked MyEdmondsNews and others for promoting the Shop Local Campaign. He explained 70 cents of
every dollar spent in a local store stays in the community, compared with half that amount spent in a big
box stores. He urged citizens interested in keeping their property taxes down and supporting local
businesses to spend their money in Edmonds. He expressed his appreciation to the Chamber and Mayor
Cooper for mentioning downtown businesses at the tree lighting.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT BERNHEIM MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
PETERSON, TO EXTEND THE MEETING 5 MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Observing that the Council retreat would be held in February, Councilmember Plunkett requested a
discussion regarding how agenda items are prepared be added to the retreat agenda.
Councilmember Buckshnis requested the September Quarterly report be scheduled on an upcoming
agenda, pointing out her questions have not been answered. There are significant issues related to
transfers from the 511 Fund to the General Fund, negative interest as well as other issues. She also
requested the Council discuss financial clarity and adherence to financial policies.
Council President Bernheim thanked Councilmembers for their cooperation with the budget process.
14. ADJOURN
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 10:03 p.m.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
November 30, 2010
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