cmd081721 spec mtgEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
APPROVED MINUTES
August 17, 2021
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Mike Nelson, Mayor
Susan Paine, Council President
Adrienne Fraley-Monillas, Councilmember
Kristiana Johnson, Councilmember (via Zoom)
Luke Distelhorst, Councilmember
Diane Buckshnis, Councilmember
Vivian Olson, Councilmember
Laura Johnson, Councilmember (via Zoom)
ALSO PRESENT
Brook Roberts, Student Representative
1. CALL TO ORDER
STAFF PRESENT
Scott Passey, City Clerk
Dave Rohde, GIS Analyst
Jerrie Bevington, Camera Operator
The special Edmonds City Council meeting was called to order at 6:45 p.m. by Council President Paine in
the Council Chambers, 250 5t' Avenue North, Edmonds and virtually.
2. INTERVIEW FOR APPOINTMENT TO A CITY BOARD OR COMMISSION
1. BOARD/COMMISSION CANDIDATE INTERVIEW
Council President Paine explained this was an interview of an applicant for appointment Position 44,
Landscape Architect, on the Architectural Design Board. She introduced the applicant, Alex LeBouef
Brooks.
Ms. Brooks explained she is from the northwest but lived in the south for ten years. She and her husband
moved back in 2018. They moved to Edmonds to get away from the big city and they love the Edmonds
community. She works for the Artful Garden and has been on their design team for the last three years as
well as does some freelance work in the area. She would love to implement forward thinking, responsible
landscape design in the city she resides in. She was excited to see that the ADB recently approved a
project for a carbon filter for the municipal water facility by the ferry and she would like to be part of
projects like that in the future. Councilmembers interviewed Ms. Brooks (responses in italics):
Councilmember Buckshnis said a lot of issues can be handled with property planning. Tell me what you
think about small trees in view areas and design standards to help with the mitigation of stormwater. 1
specialize more in natives so would like to implement more natives. I like to stay away from small trees
that are more disease prone, choosing a more sustainable long term solution for small trees, desirably
natives in my opinion.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
August 17, 2021
Page 1
Councilmember Olson thanked Ms. Brooks for extending her professional expertise to the City of
Edmonds and thanked her for volunteering.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas said she did not have any questions as Ms. Brooks looked well qualified
to serve on the ADB and the work she has done and her education will be quite beneficial.
Councilmember L. Johnson remarked Ms. Brooks' application indicated she was a former event planner,
something she has done as well. What stood out were her reasons for seeking this appointment, cleaner,
safer more sustainable and restorative She asked Ms. Brooks if she had three top ideas that the city or
individuals could do toward achieving those goals. Being more aware of all the hardscaping and parking
spaces and how much heat radiates off buildings. I live in downtown Edmonds on ? Avenue and there is
a lot of heat that radiates. Plantings that absorb heat would be one idea. Also with the recent heat waves,
implementing more ideas to combat that in a positive way and making it safer for people to work outside.
I also have an art background so I'm all about aesthetics. Edmonds is such as darling, beautiful little
seaside town and I would love to enhance the aesthetic of what we already have.
Councilmember Distelhorst asked Ms. Brooks to provide examples of forward thinking landscape
techniques from her previous work. In Nashville I focused on organic agriculture. When I moved to back
to the Northwest, I took on the ornamental horticulture role. Techniques would include implementing
more natives and drought tolerant plants that can withstand the heat and do not require excessive
irrigation.
Councilmember K. Johnson said the City will benefit greatly from Ms. Brooks' participation on the ADB.
She asked if she was a landscape architect. No, I am not a landscape architect; I am a landscape
designer. Councilmember K. Johnson said the position requires either a landscaper or a landscape
architect so Ms. Brooks qualifies as a landscaper.
Student Rep Roberts thanked Ms. Brooks for applying and her willingness to serve on the ADB.
Council President Paine commented she had reviewed the materials and believed Ms. Brooks would be a
terrific fit. The ADB does a lot of work for the City and she was grateful to have such an active group of
volunteers.
Council President Paine advised that Ms. Brooks' application was on the Consent Agenda for approval.
3. ADJOURN
With no further business, the special Council meeting was adjourned at 6:54 p.m.
MICHAEL NELSON, MAYOR
SCOTT PASSEY, CITY CLERK
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
August 17, 2021
Page 2
Councilmember Olson thanked Ms. Brooks for extending her professional expertise to the City of
Edmonds and thanked her for volunteering.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas said she did not have any questions as Ms. Brooks looked well qualified
to serve on the ADB and the work she has done and her education will be quite beneficial.
Councilmember L. Johnson remarked Ms. Brooks' application indicated she was a former event planner,
something she has done as well. What stood out were her reasons for seeking this appointment, cleaner,
safer more sustainable and restorative She asked Ms. Brooks if she had three top ideas that the city or
individuals could do toward achieving those goals. Being more aware of all the hardscaping and parking
spaces and how much heat radiates off buildings. I live in downtown Edmonds on S`h Avenue and there is
a lot of heat that radiates. Plantings that absorb heat would be one idea. Also with the recent heat waves,
implementing more ideas to combat that in apositive way and making it safer for people to work outside.
I also have an art background so I'm all about aesthetics. Edmonds is such as darling, beautiful little
seaside town and I would love to enhance the aesthetic of what we already have.
Councilmember Distelhorst asked Ms. Brooks to provide examples of forward thinking landscape
techniques from her previous work. In Nashville I focused on organic agriculture. When I moved to back
to the Northwest, I took on the ornamental horticulture role. Techniques would include implementing
more natives and drought tolerant plants that can withstand the heat and do not require excessive
irrigation.
Councilmember K. Johnson said the City will benefit greatly from Ms. Brooks' participation on the ADB.
She asked if she was a landscape architect. No, I am not a landscape architect; I am a landscape
designer. Councilmember K. Johnson said the position requires either a landscaper or a landscape
architect so Ms. Brooks qualifies as a landscaper.
Student Rep Roberts thanked Ms. Brooks for applying and her willingness to serve on the ADS.
Council President Paine commented she had reviewed the materials and believed Ms. Brooks would be a
terrific fit. The ADB does a lot of work for the City and she was grateful to have such an active group of
volunteers.
Council President Paine advised that Ms. Brooks' application was on the Consent Agenda for approval.
3. ADJOURN
With no further business, the special Council meeting was adjourned at 6:54 p.m.
MICHAE ELSON, MAYOR
5C�PASSEY, CITY CLERK/
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
August 17, 202I
Page 2
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