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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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February 6 -7, 2009
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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.
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February 6 -7, 2009
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