PPW120820PARKS & PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING
December 8, 2020
Elected Officials Participating Virtually Staff Participating Virtually
Councilmember Diane Buckshnis Phil Williams, Public Works Director
Councilmember Susan Paine Angie Feser, Parks, Rec. & Cultural Serv. Dir.
Scott Passey, City Clerk
Jeff Taraday, City Attorney
Rob English, City Engineer
1. CALL TO ORDER
The Edmonds City Council virtual online PPW Committee meeting was called to order at 4:01 p.m. by
Councilmember Paine.
2. COMMITTEE BUSINESS
1. Verdant Grant Interlocal Agreement Amendment
Ms. Feser explained in 2018 the City received a two-part grant for $170,000 from Verdant for fitness
zones in 2 locations, Mathay Ballinger Park and Civic Park. Due to COVID, Verdant reached out to
grant recipients to inquire whether any changes were needed. The project at Mathay Ballinger was
delayed due to the departure of the previous director, work still needed be done, and the deadline for
completion was November. There is also a stormwater facility proposed for Mathay Ballinger Park, and
she was hesitant about installing fitness zone equipment that would not be used due to construction.
Staff proposed to Verdant shifting the $70,000 for a fitness zone in Mathay Ballinger to Civic Park as
another source of funding; Verdant was receptive and approved that request. She recognized Mathay
Ballinger could use more resources and attention; she is working on a DNR grant for a tree project in
Mathay Ballinger to include community involvement, tree planting and education. She summarized the
amendment would shift $70,000 to Civic Park for a total $170,000 as well as extend the deadline.
Discussion followed regarding the February 2022 due date for a progress report (date established by
Verdant), the likelihood of Verdant approving a future grant for a fitness zone at Mathay Ballinger, and
qualifiers in the census tract data related to the Mathay Ballinger area.
Action: Schedule on Consent Agenda
Councilmember Paine relayed she received a text from Councilmember K. Johnson about adding a tree
resolution to the PPW Committee agenda. Mr. Taraday said according to state statue, final action may
not be taken on any item not on the special meeting notice. To be completely safe, he recommended
adhering to the agenda. Hopefully, committee meetings will be held at regularly established times next
year which will provide more flexibility to add items to the agenda. Councilmember Buckshnis said a
resolution from a Councilmember does not need to go through the committee process and, in this case,
it has already been reviewed by the Tree Board.
2. WWTP Staffing Update Discussion Regarding Current Status and Recommended
Changes to the WWTP Reorganization Proposal Reviewed by City Council on
August 11, 2020
Mr. Williams recalled in August he proposed a minor reorganization at the WWTP. The lead operator
and lead mechanic positions have been vacant a long time and there is a contract plant supervisor. At
that time he proposed combining the two lead positions into a chief operator position. That has been
presented to the union who requested the impacts be negotiated; approval of the job description is on
the consent agenda tonight. He would like to begin the process of filling that position now due to the
storage of staff. Also in August, he asked to fill an operator in training (OIT) position in preparation for
two upcoming operators retirements in 2021. He also recommended converting the vacant senior
12/08/20 PPW Committee Minutes, Page 2
maintenance mechanic position to an instrument control technician and plant electrician position (INC.
Last week another operator left to take a job elsewhere. The City has experienced a great deal of
difficulty retaining operators. He proposed at this time postponing filling the instrument/electrical position
and hiring another operator.
Questions and discussion regarding the change to gasification, operator skills, the existing INC
employee, the source of candidates, level of licensure required to function independently, state
requirements related to operators in charge, and the need for a pay study.
Action: Schedule this update on the Consent Agenda.
3. Report on Bids for Citywide Pedestrian Crossing Enhancements Project
Mr. English reported the project went out to bid in November; 8 bids were received. The low bid of
$1,249,393 was submitted by Kings Construction; the engineer's estimate was $1,220,200. He referred
the project map shows the scope of the project; the two biggest improvements are a new HAWK signal
on 196th & 84th and upgrading the emergency signal at SR 104 & 234th to a full signal with pedestrian
crossing. Improvements at the remaining intersections include rectangular rapid flashing beacons
(RRFB), upgrading pedestrian ramps, and constructing bulb outs for ramps to provide better visibility.
He reviewed the proposed construction budaet and fundina sources:
Description
Amount
Contract Award
$1,249,393
Construction M mt Inspection &Testing
$265,000
City furnished/Installed RRFBs
$104,000
Education Outreach
$20,000
WSDOT
$5,000
1 % for Arts on local funding
$4,020
Mg mt Reserve 10%
$124,500
Total
$1,771,913
Funding source
Amount
Federal Grant
$1,023,000
126 REET Fund
$475,535
422 Storm Fund
$51,000
TIB Complete Street Funds Fund 112
$86,000
2021 Ped Safety/Traffic Signal Programs
DP 75/76 Fund 12_
$50,190
Additional Funding (REET 125)
$125,000
Total
$1,810,725
Note - $39,000 is additional staff time during PE phase
Mr. English relayed staff recommends forwarding award of the to the project to the City Council on
December 15th. Questions and discussion followed regarding the use of Fund 125, elements of the
project funded by Storm, funds allocated for design in the past, benefits of the project, history of citizen
input about intersections where improvements will occur, and other potential locations for RRFB.
Action: Schedule on Consent Agenda
3. ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 4:45 p.m.