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02/06/2009 City CouncilEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES February 6 -7, 2009 The Edmonds City Council retreat was called to order at 9:02 a.m. on Friday, February 6, 2009 in the Brackett Room, Edmonds City Hall, 121 5th Avenue North, Edmonds, Washington. ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT Friday, February Gary Haakenson, Mayor D. J. Wilson, Council President Peggy Pritchard Olson, Councilmember Steve Bernheim, Councilmember Michael Plunkett, Councilmember Dave Orvis, Councilmember Ron Wambolt, Councilmember Strom Peterson, Councilmember Saturday February Gary Haakenson, Mayor D. J. Wilson, Council President Peggy Pritchard Olson, Councilmember Steve Bernheim, Councilmember Michael Plunkett, Councilmember Dave Orvis, Councilmember Ron Wambolt, Councilmember Strom Peterson, Councilmember PUBLIC PRESENT Friday, February Roger Hertrich, Citizen Bob Rinehart, Citizen & PFD Boardmember Chris Fyall, Enterprise Editor Saturday, Februar7 Chris Fyall, Enterprise Editor 111 1 7 1 UP "I W 010 141-14 fill 11KID111 THE VIEW FROM HERE Welcome & Council President's Comments STAFF PRESENT Friday February Tom Tomberg, Fire Chief Al Compaan, Police Chief Don Anderson, Police Sergeant Duane Bowman, Development Services Director Stephen Clifton, Community Services /Economic Development Director Brian McIntosh, Parks & Recreation Director Noel Miller, Public Works Director Kathleen Junglov, Finance Director Frances Chapin, Cultural Services Manager Sandy Chase, City Clerk Mark Correira, Assistant Fire Chief Debi Humann, Human Resources Director Cindi Cruz, Executive Assistant Mary Ann Hardie, Human Resources Assistant Scott Snyder, City Attorney Linda Carl, Senior Executive Assistant Jana Spellman, Senior Executive Council Asst. Jeannie Dines, Recorder Saturday February 7 Duane Bowman, Development Services Director Stephen Clifton, Community Services /Economic Development Director Brian McIntosh, Parks & Recreation Director Noel Miller, Public Works Director Debi Humann, Human Resources Director Rob Chave, Planning Manager Sandy Chase, City Clerk Jana Spellman, Senior Executive Council Asst. Jeannie Dines, Recorder Council President Wilson thanked the Council for their input on the agenda. He explained the year ahead offered a great deal of opportunity and a number of challenges. His hope for the retreat was to develop a specific list of deliverables that could be accomplished this year and to that end, the retreat will focus on Edmonds City Council Retreat Approved Minutes February 6 -7, 2009 Page 1 three areas: revenue, expenses and environmental policy. The overarching question for 2009 was what kind of city Councilmembers wanted Edmonds to be. The Council must either develop a plan for new tax dollars in coordination with a review of spending priorities and strategies or eliminate City services. He emphasized the need in this retreat to reach consensus on a levy package of a size, shape and scope upon which all Councilmembers and Mayor Haakenson could agree and publicly promote. Council President Wilson distributed the following questions to Council: 1. If there is one thing you think is absolutely critical to address in 2009, what would that be? 2. What gets you out of bed in the morning to do this job? This is hard work. Why are you here? 3. If we could accomplish anything this year without regard to resources, what are the 1 -2 things that would be on your list? Mayor's Comments Mayor Haakenson responded from staff's perspective the critical need in 2009 is passage of a levy. He thanked the Council for the deliverables provided at last year's retreat: the EMS levy and the Transportation Benefit District (TBD). He explained the original 2009 -2010 budget included creation of a Regional Fire Authority (RFA) as a solution to the immediate budget problems and no budget cuts were presented at that time. The Council asked for and received budget cuts rather than creating a RFA; over $1 million in budget cuts were identified and proposed. The adopted budget included a ballot measure in November 2009 as a solution to the City's budget problems, some vacant staff positions remain unfilled and minor budget cuts were made. The task for the Council at this retreat is to move ahead with a plan . for the November ballot measure which will solve the City's immediate problems. During last fall's budget process, he proposed $1.2 million in cuts to keep the ending cash balance at an acceptable level and he requested staff reduce 2009 -2010 revenues due to declining economy. He recently asked staff to cut sales tax projections by an additional 10 %, which will worsen the City's budget situation. If the Council were to decide not to go to the voters or if the levy failed, he planned to propose nearly $2 million in budget cuts effective immediately. These would include cuts discussed during the budget process plus more and he acknowledged they would be painful cuts. He explained he had continued the non - represented employees' wage freeze through 2009, asked staff to limit spending, and scheduled meetings with unions to update them on the City's financial situation, ask for their support of the levy and discuss current contracts. The Council has agreed to create a levy and take it to the voters this year. He acknowledged it would not be an easy process and the time to prepare is short. It will require all Councilmembers to convince their constituencies of the need for the levy; the success of the levy and the future of the City government depends on the Council's commitment. He assured staff was committed to assisting the Council. Policy Priorities and Discussion: Response to Questionnaire Councilmembers responses to the first question included: levy passage, strengthening the City's financial position, implementing a sustainability action plan, awareness of budget realities, developing an alternate plan should the levy fail, increasing revenue, preservation of historic structures which has a connection with economic development, and sustainable long term budget. Responses to the second question included good government is transparent, honest, and makes its case to citizens; keep brain active; opportunities; prove Council can get things done; opportunity to raise environmental consciousness; chance to make a difference in city she loves; importance of serving; serving the public by making sure citizens are properly represented on Council; land use issues; family history of public service; opportunity to participate and be involved in public service; enjoy job and staff, and responsibility to citizens. Edmonds City Council Draft Minutes February 6 -7, 2009 Page 2 Responses to the third question included sidewalks on every street, design fiber optic cable so future development has an opportunity to connect, create center for green jobs particularly at Antique Mall area, consider zoning to encourage the development community to look more favorably at developing areas of the city that are long overdue for development and make those areas more conducive to development, more police officers to slow traffic in City, sustainability, make Edmonds a walkable city with sidewalks, increase staff such as a fulltime Economic Development Director, ensure all departments continue to be led by best and brightest, recognize quality of life opportunity in the City apart from economic growth or development, increase quality of life by expanding what we have, develop Antique Mall area as an environmental showcase of community activity, complete the fiber optic project to attract new business to Edmonds, preserve historic structures, implement Historic Preservation Commission's ideas, implement TBD, solve Health Board issues, sustainable long term budget, preserve and protect the charm and character of downtown which equals good economic development, and provide levels of service citizens expect which is to be fully staffed. Staffs responses to the questions included stabilizing the City's finances not necessarily via a RFA or levy, adequately fund City government operations, City not keeping up with peers, difficult to sustain operations with shoestring staff, improve staff morale, develop long term strategic plan to address issues and implement Comprehensive Plan to avoid being reactionary, financial stability, give employees strokes when you see them on the street, financial stability because without that we cannot provide services citizens want /need, prevent decline in existing amenities, financial stability and adequate staff levels, ensure staff feels valued and appreciated, service levels need to continue to increase to avoid falling behind, support infrastructure financially, provide staff the tools to do the job, and educate the public about the City's dire financial situation. Council President Wilson summarized the dominant theme was financial stability which will be the theme for the work ahead. State of City Operations City Clerk's Office City Clerk Sandy Chase explained the City Clerk's office currently has four staff members (Deputy City Clerk, Senior Office Assistant, Accounting Assistant, and City Clerk), 8 years ago the office had 6 staff members but when the Records Coordinator retired in 2001 and the Administrative Assistant/Business License Clerk retired in 2008, the budget did not allow the positions to be filled. She reviewed the City Clerk's office extensive job responsibilities. She explained records management was an extremely important part of the City Clerk's Office responsibilities. She commented on the City's two record archive centers and described tracking, researching and annual destruction of records in accordance with retention schedules; and use of Agenda Quick software which has facilitated searches. She described the City's current records management software program, acquired in 1993, that has worked well but is limited and the current available technology far exceeds the capabilities of the program the City is using today. To better serve public and staff, the City needs an electronic document management system. She described the electronic document management system instituted by the City of Burien. She explained the City also needs a way to manage electronic records such as email. Information Services began capturing emails in 2005 and retains them electronically; they have a method of searching but it is very time consuming and there is a great deal of potential liability with regard to electronic records. She explained responding to public records is a priority and the City needs a way to track and access records in a timely manner via a document management system. A brief discussion followed regarding staff time saved with Agenda Quick, time that would be saved by all departments via a document management system by allowing research online, ability for the public to Edmonds City Council Draft Minutes February 6 -7, 2009 Page 3 conduct their own searches, the decision package request for a document management system, and the interdepartmental nature of this request. Finance Department Finance Director Kathleen Junglov reviewed the Finance Department's responsibilities, 2008 special. projects, 2009 special projects, their technology needs utilizing current systems with assistance of IT staff, staffing last year compared to this year, and how staff reductions have impacted workload. She concluded the Finance Department currently has a very competent staff but transition takes time and they are working through the process. Discussion followed regarding the possibility of a third -party payroll system, restructuring positions in Finance, and the difficulty finding applicants with municipal finance experience. Human Resources Human Resources Director Debi Humann provided a history of Human Resources staffing; in 1999 there were 2 full time employees and I employee split 80/20 between Human Resources and Mayor, that was reduced to 2.5 FTE and then to 2 FTE in 2004. She reviewed programs Human Resources oversees including the Disability Board, family medical leave and L & I claims. She reviewed a recruitment analysis and a staffing survey of comparable cites that found Edmonds' ratio was 1:130 compared to an average for other cities of 1:53. Ms. Humann reviewed the job responsibilities of the Human Resources Director, Human Resources Analyst and part -time clerical positions and described functions they are not able to do with the current staffing. Discussion followed regarding how the percentage of Edmonds staff utilizing family medical leave compared with other cities /businesses, impact the City's aging workforce has on L &I claims, a suggestion to make the job description for the part -time Human Resources clerical position more compelling, functions Human Resources staff could accomplish with the addition of a part -time clerical position, technology that could reduce paperwork, enhancing the City's website to assist with recruitment, individual training conducted on issues as they arise versus all -city training, and Human Resources' responsibility for risk management. Councilmember Wilson summarized the intent of these reports was to ease into the retreat, to illustrate how staff does more with less and to let staff know that the Council was aware they were working hard. He suggested when considering the levy, Councilmembers do so through the prism of staff doing more with less and that the liabilities /pitfalls of that condition are increasing. 2009 -2010 Budget Review Ms. Junglov distributed an executive summary of the 2009 -2010 adopted budget. She recalled at the August 2008 retreat, the Council looked at the forecast and between August and December, the preliminary budget included $400,000 in cuts by eliminating positions, negotiating more cuts and also new revenues from increased stormwater utility tax, cable utility tax, business license fees, Development Services fees, EMS Transport Fees and the TBD. The forecast was a $1.3 million surplus at the end of 2010. 17D►ih1►11 041: I_\Nw010"11 Economic Development History of Economic Development in Edmonds Community Services /Economic Development Director Stephen. Clifton reviewed milestones in economic development and studies conducted since 1998, summarizing it was not that the City lacked interest in Edmonds City Council Draft Minutes February 6 -7, 2009 Page 4 economic development but there had not been a focused effort on economic development matters or agreement regarding what economic development meant to the community as a whole. In his view, economic development was not just recruiting new businesses, but good public safety, diversified housing stock, the recreation system, a healthy business climate, etc. The Council and staff discussed items in past studies that have been implemented, vision for economic development provided via adoption of the Economic Development Comprehensive Plan element, using the goals in Economic Development element as a guide for implementation, points of conflict in past studies /efforts, progress that has been made on economic development and anticipation that more progress could be made. Discussion on Strategies for Economic Growth Mr. Clifton referenced the handout he provided regarding current economic development activities. He reviewed strategies, programs, projects and opportunities with regard to economic development. He requested an opportunity to discuss Edmonds Crossing and the Edmonds Station with the Council later in the retreat. Discussion on Highway 99 Development Development Services Director Duane Bowman explained there are numerous small, irregular parcels on Highway 99 that would need to be assembled to accommodate large scale development. He described the efforts of the Highway 99 Taskforce, the plan they developed and items from the plan that have been implemented. Other efforts with regard to Highway 99 include amendments to design review regulations, design guidelines and design review process; Community Transit's implementation of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in the corridor with stations at 216`h and 238th and plans for a green mixed use development on the southeast corner of 220th/Highway 99 that would contain commercial and office space as well as 240 units of residential. He relayed a property owner off 236th has expressed interest in creating a CG3 zone as a transition between Highway 99 zoning and residential area with live /work, mixed use, etc. He emphasized the need to change development regulations regarding parking for parcels on Highway 99 such as establishing flat rates for parking due to BRT in the corridor. Discussion followed regarding reasons there has not been development proposed in the highrise nodes on Highway 99, development that could occur on parcels in the highrise node, limited scope of development on Highway 99 until people see it as a good place to live, importance of the development at 2201h to the future of Highway 99, issues associated with that development, importance of developers on Highway 99 viewing Edmonds as easy to work with, heights allowed in the CG zone, modifying parking requirements for development on Highway 99, and past unsuccessful efforts to annex unincorporated Snohomish County in the Highway 99 area. Suggestions included establishing a team with representatives from the Planning Board, Building and Public Works Departments to work on the project at 220"/Highway 99; developing strategies for encouraging green development on parcels on Highway 99; and raising the Fire Department's ladder truck to 75 -feet in the CG zone to determine whether there are any views. 2009 Levy: Part 1 2009 -2010 Budget Review / Current Forecast Ms. Junglov distributed an executive summary of the current budget forecast updated with year -end results. She advised there was an additional $365,000 carried over into 2009 from additional revenues and under - expenditures. Total revenues exceeded expectations by $110,000 from all revenue sources except sales tax. The total under - expenditure is $1 million or 3 %, primarily from labor savings. She cautioned there may be a request to re- appropriate the under - expenditure in the fiber optics project. Edmonds City Council Draft Minutes February 6 -7, 2009 Page 5 She highlighted the reduced sales tax forecast for 2009 and 2010. In the 2009 -2010 budget it was believed recovery would occur in late 2009, recovery is now not expected until 2010. Further reductions in sales tax forecasts resulted in an ending cash balance in 2010 of $51,000. 2009 Levy - Part 1 Report from the Revenue Work Group Context: Levies on the 2008 Ballot Funding Needs: Optimal vs. "Hold the Line" Council President Wilson explained the Revenue Work Group has met 4 -5 times to talk through issues. He commented the passage of most levies in November 2008 illustrates the willingness of people to invest in their community. He referred to the set of decision packages in the Council retreat package that were used to determine the amount of a levy. Ms. Junglov distributed an executive summary that was the result of conversations with the Revenue Work Group that contain the 2009 budget and outlook, 2010 budget and outlook and 2011 -2020 outlook with a levy of $4.5 million to fund essential service levels. Departments' operating requests totaling $2 million are included in the forecast, capital requests are not. He explained a $4.5 million levy beginning in 2010 would fund what the City is doing now as well as maintain the recommended ending fund balance through 2016. Each Department Director reviewed their decision packages and discussion followed regarding the proposed decision packages, efficiencies that can be realized with technology, mandatory $100,000 expenditure for hydrant upgrade that must be paid from the General Fund, levy amount of $2.5 million without decision packages and $4.5 million with operating decision packages, immediate cuts that would be necessary if the levy failed, departments' prioritization of their decision packages, and revenue generated from the EMS levy, EMS transport fees, and Fire Department contracts. Council President Wilson reviewed the capital requests — purchase of the Van Meter property adjacent to the fire station, construction of a new fire administration /training building and construction of a new parks maintenance facility for a total of $7.5 million. He explained the capital and operations must be two separate levies. A brief discussion followed regarding lower voter approval rate required for a 6 -year bond versus a 20 -year bond for the capital projects. Mayor Haakenson anticipated the City's revenue situation would be worse by November. He reviewed cuts that were proposed but not implemented in the 2009 -2010 budget process that totaled $1 million. Due to the additional $600,000- $700,000 reduction in sales tax revenue projections, he anticipated $2 million in immediate cuts would be necessary if the levy failed. He emphasized the only place to make cut was staff which would require cutting programs. Council President Wilson anticipated having draft budget ordinances prepared in September that would identify cuts that would be made if the levy failed. Recommended Scope, Size and Shape of 2009 Levy Council President Wilson reviewed the estimated annual impact on an average resident: $269 /year or $22.40 /month for a $4.5 million operations levy. Discussion and Initial Affirmation of 2009 Levy Discussion followed regarding determining an acceptable amount to ask voters to support; the need to educate voters that the funds are necessary for the City's long term financial stability; convincing voters the need is real and necessary; the City's tax rate; concern the levy would have a substantial impact on lower income residents; belief Edmonds residents would support $20 to sustain the basic elements of the City; this same situation reoccurring in a few years if a levy of less than $4.5 million was passed; the need Edmonds City Council Draft Minutes February 6 -7, 2009 Page 6 to gather public input regarding the levy; decline in the City's bond rating with an ending cash balance of less than 10 %; the need to increase the ending fund balance to ensure a stable financial position in the future; and importance of reaching Council consensus on the levy amount. Council President Wilson distributed and reviewed a 2009 levy timeline. Discussion continued regarding reasons for an August or November ballot. It was the consensus of the Council to place the levy on the November ballot. Council President Wilson described the Citizen Advisory Committee that would be comprised of anyone who wanted to participate. He planned to announce formation of the Committee next week and hold 3 -4 meetings. Mayor Haakenson reminded that six Councilmembers chose to put a levy on the ballot in 2009 and it was important that all Councilmembers advocate for the levy in order for it to be successful. Council President Wilson summarized the Council would involve the public in four ways, a stakeholder committee, public hearings, open houses, and a PAC committee to organize a campaign. 2009 Levy: Part 2 Discussion and Initial Affirmation of 2009 Levy (continued) The Council agreed to present options of a $4.5 million operations levy and $4.5 million operations levy plus a capital levy to the citizen group. The Council agreed they would select a preferred option by June. Timeline for Action - Council Approval Needed The Council agreed with the proposed timeline for a November ballot. EXPENSE CHALLENGES "Smarter, better, faster ?" Council President Wilson referred to 2007 revenue options distributed last year. Review Possible Expense Cuts Councilmembers discussed the need to be sensitive to public opinions that government needed to reduce expenses to keep track with the economy; reality of the City's financial difficulties; concern the City was not considering mandatory time off without pay or pay cuts; current low staff ratios; and the difficulty comparing government to private businesses. Possible Efficiencies Gained Through Technology Mayor Haakenson commented he had addressed this earlier. Ending Fund Balance Policy Discussion Council President Wilson referred to information from the Government Finance Officers Association regarding general accounting practices and an email from the City's bond consultant regarding impact on bond rating if the ending fund balance falls below 10 %. Discussion followed regarding the use of the ending fund balance to fund expenditures in the budget and the need to increase the ending fund balance to build up the City's reserves. Edmonds City Council Draft Minutes February 6 -7, 2009 Page 7 In order to respond to citizen questions regarding the ending fund balance, Ms. Junglov suggested the City establish a policy regarding a one month reserve or 10% ending fund balance through a certain year. She offered to provide Everett's official fund balance policy, recalling they made a commitment to a certain level and described what they would do if the ending fund balance were over and under the policy amount. It was agreed to move forward with the 2009 -2020 forecast that includes the levy of $4.5 million funding essential service levels as a policy. Employees: Future Labor Negotiations Legal Considerations - Public Bargaining City Attorney Scott Snyder explained he represents a number of cities and conducts several labor negotiations each year. He recognized the difficulty of Councilmembers coming into the labor negotiations mid - stream. He further explained it was an unfair labor practice to go backward. He described public employer obligations, explaining the Council had limited ability to make political /legislative decisions regarding police and fire personnel's wages as State statute required they be paid a salary comparable to west coast departments. He commented on impacts to the City's revenue situation due to reductions in federal funds, recent initiatives and political choices. He commented on the City's expenses related to employees, most of who are unionized. He commented on the arbitration process and costs, the City's minimal staffing, difficulty laying off staff unless the Council was willing to eliminate programs, and unfair labor practices to reassign union work to outside the bargaining unit, to a supervisor or to volunteers. Discussion followed regarding the decision to use Mr. Snyder in union negotiations this year, whether to hire an outside negotiator to assist the City in labor negotiations; Council direction when entering negotiations last year to follow the L5 or 50% salary range; cost of an outside negotiator; a suggestion to base wages on available resources; hiring a labor consultant if the Council wanted to change the way it negotiates; the need to pay employees at the 50% level to retain staff and to attract qualified applicants; obligation to negotiate in good faith; expense of turnovers; the importance of educating new Councilmembers regarding collective bargaining; employee morale issues due to the City's financial situation; wage compression issues and difficulty filling upper level positions from within; and the amount of work Edmonds employees are expected to perform. Mayor Haakenson urged the Council to develop a non - represented employee pay policy this year. Reflections on the Recent Contract Round Benefit Considerations Ms. Humann explained Mayor Haakenson, Council President Wilson, Councilmember Wambolt and she met recently to discuss the City's approach to health insurance. She explained in 2011/2012 AWC plans to pull both health insurance plans; the City must identify realistic replacements prior to the next round of negotiations that expire in 2010. She recommended forming a committee of union representatives and citizens with a background in health insurance in order to develop viable options to present in negotiations. Concluding Remarks The first day of the retreat concluded at 4:45 p.m. Edmonds City Council Draft Minutes February 6 -7, 2009 Page 8 SATURDAY FEBRUARY 7, 2009 The second day of the retreat was called to order at 9:00 a.m. POLICY GOALS FOR 2009 Determination and Term of Council President Councilmember Bernheim suggested it may be more efficient and collegial to rotate the role of Council President to the senior member who had not been Council. President previously rather than behind -the scenes politicking to be Council President. Rotating the Council Presidency would allow everyone to participate in the administration of the Council, is predictable, shares the burden, avoids coalition building for that position, depoliticizes the position, is cohesive, institutionalizes practices, spreads the opportunity, creates experience, and eliminates backroom politicking. Discussion followed regarding some Councilmembers not having the time to be Council President; an honor to serve as Council President rather than a burden; the role of the Council President to mold the Council into a cohesive group; electing a Council President who can be a leader rather than because they are the senior member of the Council; importance of the Council President putting the necessary effort into that role; a suggestion to select the Council President in December to facilitate the transition; concern the method utilized this year was corrosive and creates minorities /majorities; the practice of rotating to the senior Councilmember has worked well in the past; the process that occurred this year; establishing a line of succession where a tie is broken by Council position number; Councilmembers in the past lobbying to be Council President by offering committee assignments; a suggestion to consider after elections this fall whether the Council President should be a 2 -year term; ability for all Councilmembers to serve as Council President; duties of the Council President; pros and cons of rotating the Council Presidency; Council Presidency is a responsibility that should be shared among all members; and the importance of the Council President serving as Mayor Pro Tem in the Mayor's absence. COUNCIL PRESIDENT WILSON MOVED THAT THE POLICY OF ELECTING THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT CONTINUE TO BE THAT FOUR VOTES DETERMINES THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT AND NO ROTATION POLICY. COUNCILMEMBER WAMBOLT SECONDED THE MOTION. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION CARRIED (4 -3); COUNCIL PRESIDENT WILSON, AND COUNCILMEMBERS OLSON, PETERSON, WAMBOLT IN FAVOR; COUNCILMEMBERS PLUNKETT, ORVIS AND BERNHEIM OPPOSED. COUNCIL PRESIDENT WILSON MOVED THAT THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT BE DETERMINED AT THE FIRST MEETING UPON THE NEWLY SEATED FULL COUNCIL IN JANUARY AND FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS. COUNCILMEMBER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. Discussion followed regarding pros and cons of a 2 -year term and determining the Council President in January in order to include newly elected Councilmembers. MOTION FAILED, 1 -6, COUNCIL PRESIDENT WILSON VOTING YES. Framework for Saturday Conservation Agenda for 2009 Council President Wilson suggested the Council determine a list of 4 -6 action items that could be accomplished with little fiscal impact and present them to the public. He suggested Councilmembers then identify any other policy priorities. Edmonds City Council Draft Minutes February 6 -7, 2009 Page 9 Review of Previous Action Mayor's Agreement on Climate Change Council Resolution on Policy and Principles Planning Manager Rob Chave reviewed the five resolutions the Council passed regarding this subject: #1129 supporting the Kyoto Protocol, #1130 joining ICLEI, #1168 establishing the City of Edmonds Sustainable Building Policy, #1169 joining Cascade Agenda as a member city, and #1170 committing the City to a set of principles, policies and goals for future action. He noted the State was also doing a great deal of work planning, setting standards and goals and more mandates could be expected from the State regarding climate change. He noted the draft Sustainability element of the Comprehensive Plan has been forwarded to the Planning Board. Discussion of Possible Initiatives Councilmember Peterson explained sustainability was more than just environment, it is the entire community. He introduced the concept of "Sustainability Star," an opportunity to brand the concept of sustainability for citizens, businesses and the region. He commented on the need to show progress in government; and when asking the voters for money demonstrate the City will do something worthwhile with those funds. Sustainability is economics as well as environmental issues, public health, etc. To be economically sustainable is to be environmentally sustainable. He reviewed Sustainability in broad terms and a list of short term action items (within 1 year), laying the groundwork for future actions /opportunities, mid -term goals (1 -5 years out), and long term goals (5 year and on). Councilmembers discussed the proposed short term action items and suggested the following additional actions: setting thermostats at 68 degrees; posting anti - idling signs; identifying creative ways to reward owners of certain types of cars; recognizing businesses as "Sustainability Allstars;" encouraging the use of 2x6s in construction to facilitate additional insulation; considering a TDR unrelated to density; considering revisions to parking standards on Highway 99; branding /marketing the City as an eco- municipality /greenest town on Puget Sound; staff providing a report on the City's annual utility use in an effort to reduce energy use; the City purchasing some green energy; and requiring additional indoor utility meters as part of building code to make it easier for consumers to see /control utility use. Mr. Miller pointed out the City achieved a 15% energy reduction last year via programmable thermostats, retrofitting all traffic signals to LED, etc. C. Prioritization Councilmembers identified the following priorities: • Pass the Sustainability Element of the Comprehensive Plan • Become an "Agenda City" with Cascade Land Conservancy • Develop a comprehensive recycling plan for the City of Edmonds • Market the City as a green City as a form of business recruitment • Eliminate bottled water in City buildings and consider a ban on plastic bags • Consider building codes as they pertain to heat, insulation and energy efficiency Policy Priorities and Discussion Questionnaire Responses "Parking Lot" Issues from Friday Councilmember Bernheim offered to provide data to the Council showing that 10 -15% of police work was spent on enforcing small time marijuana and pipe paraphernalia. Edmonds City Council Draft Minutes February 6 -7, 2009 Page 10 Discussion on Campaign Finance Reform Councilmember Bernheim distributed a comparison of amounts spent on Council campaigns in the past three elections, concluding the average total campaign expenditure had increased markedly. He cited campaign contributions that candidates received from individual contributions and organizations within and outside Edmonds. He proposed the Council adopt a resolution or individual candidates voluntarily agree to abide by cost controls in an effort to return the influence in elections to the voters. Discussion followed regarding doubt that candidates were negatively influenced by contributions at the Council election level; improving opportunities for communication/forums such as Channel 21; importance of doorbelling in a Council election; availability of campaign contribution information on the PDC website; a suggestion that candidates voluntarily reject contributions from large organizations; difficulty enforcing voluntary restrictions on campaign amounts; and the need for politicians to be honest and to be perceived as honest. It was agreed to add a discussion regarding a televised voter's guide to a future agenda. Councilmember Bernheim announced his wife was hosting a community meeting regarding the economic stimulus plan at his office tonight from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. He also planned to ask people how they felt about the levy. Edmonds Crossing Mr. Clifton described the 15 year effort to fund /construct Edmonds Crossing at Pt. Edwards and a recent letter written to Washington State Ferries (WSF) in response to their draft long range plan for 2008 -2030. The Plan includes two options; under Option A, WSF continues to operate as it does today with a $3.5 billion deficit through 2030; Plan B includes significant cuts in ferry operations and capital and a $1.5 billion deficit in 2030. Both options refer to allocating $26 million for Edmonds terminal improvements which clearly indicates the State has no plans to contribute any funds beyond that amount toward the Edmonds multimodal project, which impacts Sound Transit's proposed Edmonds Station. The Edmonds Station between Dayton and Main has been defined as an interim station until the Edmonds Crossing multimodal project at Pt. Edwards is constructed. He assured the Edmonds Crossing project was not being abandoned but due to WSF's long range plans and financial constraints, it seemed logical to request Sound Transit include criteria in the developer agreement to define the Sound Transit Edmonds Station between Dayton and Main as a permanent station. When Edmonds Crossing becomes a reality in the future, all the components of the Edmonds Station other than the platform could be relocated. He envisioned creating a new type of Edmonds Crossing multimodal area between Dayton and Main. He distributed a drawing of the permanent Sound Transit Edmonds Station approved by the City Council in 2002 which includes a Community Transit bus station located between the rail line and the Skippers site. If defined as a permanent station, Sound Transit has funds for construction. Sound Transit is close to issuing permits and is seeking confirmation regarding the design of the Edmonds Station. With Sound Transit funds and funds in the State budget, an improved multimodal area could be constructed that could serve as a catalyst for development. Mayor Haakenson pointed out a reservation system is key to removing ferry traffic from SR 104. WSF has expressed willingness to have Edmonds be the next reservation test case. Discussion followed regarding funds in the State budget; availability of grants in the future; the Council's policy regarding Edmonds Crossing and opposition to a second slip at the downtown terminal; importance of defining this Edmonds City Council Draft Minutes February 6 -7, 2009 Page 11 area geographically as Edmonds Crossing multimodal to enable the City to spend grant funds appropriated to date; development options with a multimodal transportation hub downtown; requesting Sound Transit to build what was proposed in Phase 1 long range plan without defining it as interim or permanent; the future of the lower Unocal yard; and interest in discussing this at a regular Council meeting. It was agreed to schedule this topic on a future Council agenda. 6. Summary and Concluding Remarks Council President Wilson summarized this had been a very successful retreat and thanked Councilmembers and staff for their participation. The retreat was adjourned at 12:55 p.m. Edmonds City Council Draft Minutes February 6 -7, 2009 Page 12