PSPP041321PUBLIC SAFETY, PERSONNEL & PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
April 13, 2021
Elected Officials Participating Virtually
Councilmember Kristiana Johnson (Chair)
Councilmember Adrienne Fraley-Monillas
1. CALL TO ORDER
Staff Participating Virtually
Phil Williams, Public Works Director
Jessica Neill Hoyson, HR Director
Shane Hope, Development Services Director
Angie Feser, Parks, Recreation & Cult. Serv. Dir.
Michelle Bennett, Police Chief
Shannon Burley, Dep. Parks, Rec. & Cultural Serv. Dir.
Jeff Taraday, City Attorney
Leif Bjorback, Building Inspector
Emily Wagener, Human Resources Analyst
Scott Passey, City Clerk
The Edmonds City Council virtual online PSPP Committee meeting was called to order at 5:05 p.m.
by Councilmember Fraley-Monillas.
2. COMMITTEE BUSINESS
1. Interlocal Agreement with the Housing Authority of Snohomish County (HASCO)
Ms. Hope explained HASCO currently owns and operates three properties in Edmonds. The Interlocal
Agreement would allow HASCO the ability to provide additional housing in Edmonds should the
opportunity arise and having an ILA in place would allow them to move forward more quickly with any
such opportunity. The Edmonds Citizens Housing Commission recommended the City enter into an ILA
with HASCO. Councilmembers Distelhorst and Councilmember Olson, who served as liaisons on the
Housing Commission, assembled information for this agenda item.
Ms. Hope reviewed:
• 3 HASCO sites in Edmonds
What the draft ILA does not do
o There are no preferences, incentives, or concessions
o No code, zoning or density changes
o Does not guarantee more HASCO properties
o No City financing for possible properties as part of this ILA
What is included in the draft ILA
o Establishes HASCO as the City's official housing authority
o Allows HASCO to operate within geographic limits of the City, like any other property owner
o Creates partnerships for
■ Research on housing statistics relevant to the City and Snohomish County, as well as
information on best practices in affordable housing
■ Coordination on possible regional partnerships with neighboring jurisdictions, non-profit
organizations, or other groups as the parties deem appropriate
■ Regular communications between appropriate HASCO and City staff to provide
information on existing housing programs available to City residents
Recommendations from recent studies focused on housing development
o Edmonds Citizens Housing Commission — January 2021
o Snohomish County Housing Affordability Regional Task Force (HART) — January 2020
04/13/21 PSPP Committee Minutes, Page 2
o Edmonds Housing Needs Study — December 2018
Conclusions
o Edmonds remains a highly challenging jurisdiction as real estate prices are extremely high
o Edmonds-HASCO partnership could focus on collaboration with existing resources and
regional partnerships with other organizations or neighboring cities
o Creates opportunity to explore long-term solutions
Action: Presentation to Council on April 271" with action
2. Code Amendment to Restore Planning Board Appointment Schedule
Ms. Hope explained over the years some Planning Board appointments have gotten out of synch with
the original schedule established in the code in the 1980s. Mr. Taraday explained the packet contains
an ordinance with redlined changes. Since the packet was prepared, significant information was brought
to his attention that changed his interpretation of the ordinance. The scenario originally created in the
code contemplated two positions would rotate off the board every year. Over the years, terms have
gotten off that schedule and the proposal is to return to that schedule. His approach was not to have
term exceed four years. In addition to term length, other minor revisions were made to replace outdated
language.
Questions and discussion followed regarding the original intent to have two positions rotate off per year
versus this proposal which has four terms ending in 2022, how the terms got off track, changing the
roster and not the ordinance and allowing positions to self -correct, scenario where positions would have
5-year terms, intent of the ordinance to return to 4-year terms with 2 positions rotating off every year,
past practice of having the alternate fill the vacant position for the remainder of the unexpired term,
concern no changes to the ordinance were necessary, and the date that terms expire.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas suggested Councilmember K. Johnson confer with Mr. Taraday.
Discussion regarding this agenda item continued following the conclusion of Agenda Item 6.
Action: Presentation to full Council on April 20tn
3. New Building Division Job Description
Mr. Bjorback explained this is a request to approve the creation of a new job description for a non -
represented Permitting Supervisor. A supervisory position is needed due to increased procedural and
technological demands on permit staffing. Staff worked with Ms. Neill-Hoyson on the new job
description. Any increase in salary will be offset by continued high levels of revenue from building
permits. He responded to questions regarding this being as an internal promotional opportunity, and
staff that the position will supervise. Councilmember K. Johnson requested a copy of the department
organizational chart.
Action: Consent Agenda with organizational chart
4. Renewal of Interlocal Agreement with Edmonds School District for Issuance of
Keys to Access School Buildings in Emergencies
Chief Bennett relayed this is the renewal of an ILA for issuance of keys to officers for Edmonds School
District buildings in case of an emergency and outlines how officers can use the keys. She responded
to a question regarding the policy defining when officers can enter school district buildings.
Action: Consent Agenda
04/13/21 PSPP Committee Minutes, Page 3
5. Human Services Program Manager Job Description Revision
Ms. Feser relayed effective April 1, 2021 the Human Services Division was relocated to the Parks,
Recreation & Cultural Services Department and the Human Services Program Manager now reports to
the Director of that department. The proposed revision to the job description reflects the change in staff
reporting.
Questions and discussion followed regarding the Mayor's decision to relocate the Human Services
Division, employees who will be relocated to the Frances Anderson Center, potential facility
improvements to accommodate staff at the Frances Anderson Center, and advice from legal counsel to
have any changes to job descriptions approved by Council
Action: Consent Agenda
6. PFML Policy Changes
Ms. Wagener explained the City developed a Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML) policy in response
to the State's voter approved PFML Program. The City's policy allows employees to supplement their
PFML payments with their available paid leave as long as the combined total of payments does not to
exceed 100% of the employee's gross wages. After one year of administering this program, it was
discovered this 100% maximum negatively impacts part time and lower wage employees due to how
PFML calculates leave payments. The effect is that part time and lower wage employees subject to the
100% maximum do not receive enough in supplemental payments to continue to pay their benefit
premiums while on leave. Staff requests revising the current PFML policy to allow supplementation for
a combined payment maximum of 150% for those who are not able to cover their benefit payments
while on leave at the 100% maximum.
Action: Presentation to full Council.
Discussion continued regarding the Code Amendment to Restore Planning Board Appointment
Schedule (Agenda Item 2.2) related to allowing five year terms, allowing terms to self -correct by doing
nothing, language in the code that terms are limited to 4 years, concern doing nothing ignores the 4-
year term limit in the code, requirement for some type of legislative action to address the issue, ability
for Planning Board members to serve more than one term following reappointment, and how
appointments are made.
3. ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 5:52 p.m