2023-06-27 Regular MeetingEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APPROVED MINUTES
June 27, 2023
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Mike Nelson, Mayor
Neil Tibbott, Council President
Vivian Olson, Councilmember
Will Chen, Councilmember
Diane Buckshnis, Councilmember
Dave Teitzel, Councilmember
Jenna Nand, Councilmember
ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT
Susan Paine, Councilmember
1. CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE
STAFF PRESENT
Michelle Bennett, Police Chief
Oscar Antillon, Public Works Director
Dave Turley, Administrative Services Director
Angie Feser, Parks, Rec., & Human Serv. Dir.
Susan McLaughlin, Planning & Dev. Dir.
Todd Tatum, Comm./Culture/Econ. Dev. Dir.
Rob English, City Engineer
Thom Sullivan, Facilities Manager
Jeff Taraday, City Attorney
Scott Passey, City Clerk
Jerrie Bevington, Camera Operator
The Edmonds City Council meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by Mayor Nelson in the Council
Chambers, 250 5' Avenue North, Edmonds, and virtually. The meeting was opened with the flag salute.
2. LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Councilmember Nand read the City Council Land Acknowledge Statement: "We acknowledge the
original inhabitants of this place, the Sdohobsh (Snohomish) people and their successors the Tulalip
Tribes, who since time immemorial have hunted, fished, gathered, and taken care of these lands. We
respect their sovereignty, their right to self-determination, and we honor their sacred spiritual connection
with the land and water."
3. ROLL CALL
City Clerk Scott Passey called the roll. All elected officials were present with the exception of
Councilmember Paine.
PRESENTATIONS
2023 FIRST QUARTER FINANCIAL UPDATE
Administrative Services Director Dave Turley reviewed:
What to expect?
o Tonight — first quarter (March 31) financial update
o September — mid -year review, finances through June 30
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 27, 2023
Page 1
o October — required presentations reviewing, 1) city revenue sources in general, 2) property
taxes in particular
o Spring 2024 — recap of 2023 and updating final results for the year
• Some items to note this quarter are:
o Sales Tax is up $114,851 from this point last year
o Gas Utility Tax is up $47,783
o Building Plan Review and Inspection Fees are up $82,333 from this point last year, Building
Permits are down $(79,833), and Engineering Fees and Charges are down $(55,549).
Development Services revenues overall are down a total of $(65,121) from this point last year
o Parks & Recreation Program Fees are up $44,598 from this point last year
• Quarter -to -date Sales Tax Revenues for the 3 months ended March 31 $114,851 ahead of last
year, and $73,749 under budget
• Breakdown by business category of the change in Sales Tax revenue for first Quarter 2023
compared to first Ouarter 2022
• Quarter -to -date Real Estate Excise Tax Revenues for the 3 months ended March 31 is $272,197
behind last year, and $387,714 under budget
a.nnual Sales Tax Revenue Tor the tirst time passes Annual
5ales Tax Z= Property Tax -EMS Tax -Other Taxes
12,000,000
10,000,000 _
8,000,000 _ ------------------
6,000,000
4,000,000
2,000,000
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
ax Revenue
• How much have Edmonds Property Tax Revenues fallen behind inflation over the last 13 years?
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■ Property Tax (If Adjusted for Inflation since 2010)
■ Property Tax (Actual`
• How much have Edmonds Property Tax Revenues fallen behind inflation over the last 13 years?
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 27, 2023
Page 2
S3o,000 uoo
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Mr. Turley explained in 2001, the legislature passed I-747 which limited property tax growth to no more
than 1%/year. Property taxes actually increase 0% unless council takes action to request a 1% increase.
For 23 years, the growth in property has been very limited. Most counties and larger cities have been
affected by this more quickly than Edmonds has. Property taxes are one of the biggest revenues sources
for the General Fund. Things the General Fund pays for include police, fire, municipal court, salaries,
facilities repair and maintenance, parks, and street maintenance including adding new sidewalks. Larger
governments have had to consider what to fund via the General Fund; because things like police and fire
cannot be cut, so dedicated funding sources had to be found for services they want to provide like parks
and street maintenance. Those dedicated funding sources include park levies and for street maintenance,
gas taxes, impact fees, federal and state grants, and car tab fees.
Mr. Turley referred to the council's special budget meeting that preceded tonight's meeting, recalling the
council's interest in funding more sidewalks. The City is currently funding street maintenance, $425,000
in 2023, from the General Fund. If property tax revenues remain flat, the City will be unable to continue
that. Inflation has been 8-10% over the last two years which has driven costs up. When costs increase, the
City can either increase revenues or cut services. Later on tonight's agenda the council will be discussing
an increase in car tab fees. If the council chooses not to increase car tab fees, it will be necessary to take a
hard look at things like sidewalks, pot holes and ways to pay for street maintenance.
Mr. Turley referred to comments he has heard that now is not a good time to increase car tab fees due to
inflation. He commented if inflation was 0% and staff suggested increasing car tab fees, there would
likely be resistance because costs were not increasing. The reality is when costs go up, that is the time for
local government to increase revenues. There have also been comments that car tab fees are a regressive
tax; he agreed there were not progressive or regressive taxes but somewhere in between. The college
student taking public transit who likely has a lower income and doesn't have a car, won't be impacted by
the increase in car tab fees; the person with three cars and a boat likely has a higher household income
and can pay more for their car tab fees. Car tab fees are somewhat of a compromise, a compromise the
council has to look hard at accepting at this point.
Councilmember Nand relayed her understanding that I-747 limits the increase in property tax to 1%/year
and asked whether the actual amount property owners were charged was affected by the increase in land
value as assessed by the Snohomish County Auditor. Mr. Turley answered the amount collected does not
correlate to assessed value or market values. Over the last 10 years, property values in Edmonds have
approximately doubled, but in that time the property tax paid to the City has increased only approximately
7%. Councilmember Nand asked whether someone who lives in a townhouse whose value has doubled in
value was paying double in property taxes. Mr. Turley answered some states charge a rate that is a
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 27, 2023
Page 3
proportion of the property's value; in that method, if the property value increases, the amount the property
owner pays also goes up. In Washington, cities levy a specific amount. Property tax plus EMS tax is
approximately $14 million; when the City levies $14 million, that is what the City collects regardless of
residents' property values. Washington's levy system is the inverse of states that use a rate system; the
amount the City levies is the amount it collects.
Councilmember Buckshnis commented the information provided in the report is very dated and quarterly
reports have been provided to council throughout the last 13 years. She pointed out property taxes in
Edmonds increased a shocking amount this year; she knew it was proportional with regard to the amount
the City collects, but she expected to see a blip in property taxes in the June quarterly.
Councilmember Buckshnis referred to the investment portfolio, noting in December there was
$75,309,000 in the portfolio and $66,702,000 in March. She asked what caused that reduction, whether it
was ARPA, payment for goods and services or something else. Mr. Turley said he did not have the full
report in front of him, but the City pays a lot of annual expenses such as $1 million for WCIA in January.
The monthly report includes a cashflow report that illustrates big spikes when property taxes are paid in
the spring and fall. When property taxes comes in, the fund balance is high and it gradually decreases
until property taxes come in again which are then slowly spent down. December is high point and March
is a low point, especially the first part of the year when a lot of annual expenses are paid. Councilmember
Buckshnis recalled staff saying last year that ARPA funds were put into the investment portfolio. Mr.
Turley agreed. Councilmember Buckshnis observed the investment portfolio has been around $68 million
for a long time and now is down to $66 million. Mr. Turley advised approximately $4 million in ARPA
funds have been spent.
Councilmember Teitzel referred to retail automotive sales tax March 2023 compared to March 2022,
noting that revenue continues to be strong even with supply chain issues in that industry. He assumed the
revenue was driven by used car sales and if so, asked whether the revenue was sustainable. Mr. Turley
responded he closes his eyes and watches the retail automotive sales tax come in and has not done a deep
dive into it. Sales taxes are affected by inflation so when car prices go up due to supply chain issues, sales
tax revenue also increases.
Councilmember Chen expressed appreciation for the breakdown in sales tax, noting automotive retail
sales tax is the strongest. The Economic Development Commission (EDC) has been discussing how
changes in the industry such as car sales operating via an internet model instead of a warehouse would
change the City's revenue picture in the future.
Councilmember Chen commented the quarterly report focused on property tax and how it could have
been different if the council had approved an annual 1% increase. On the flipside, expenses such as wages
and benefits have increased over the last 13 years. He referred to the strategic outlook on page 22 of the
adopted 2023 budget book, in 2020 wages and benefits were $17,373,000 and are forecast to be $26
million in 2024, approximately a 54% increase. He concluded the rate of increase is outpacing revenue by
quite a bit. When thinking about increasing revenues, consideration also needs to be given to managing
expenses. Mr. Turley agreed.
Based on what's transpired between this report and now, Councilmember Olson asked if budgeted sales
tax revenue compared to actual was as expected. Mr. Turley said sales taxes are still doing well. A couple
months ago, there was one month when sales taxes were less than same month a year ago, the first time
that has occurred in four years. Through May, sales taxes are still doing fine. Councilmember Olson
observed there were a couple EDC members in the audience. She referred to the comparison of sales tax
sources, noting small retail is down compared to the previous year, not surprising due to the loss of a few
key retailers such as Sound Styles, Garden Gate, and C'est La Vie. Even if that is not impactful when
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 27, 2023
Page 4
looking at the big picture financially, she hoped the community was thinking about what that means for
the vibe and feel and ability to attract patrons downtown. She hoped if replacements had not already been
identified, they were actively being sought. Mr. Turley commented Director Tatum drives that ship, and
he gets to looks in the rearview mirror to tell the council whether the City has been.
Councilmember Buckshnis referred to the Enterprise Fund Overview, noting between 12/31/22 and
3/31/23, both the storm utility fund and the sewer utility fund increased approximately $4 million, and the
water fund only increased $1 million. She asked if that was due to rate increases or funding a project. Mr.
Turley answered it would not be the result of a rate increase; a rate increase would not have that much
impact that quickly. Without reports and time to research, he did not know the answer. Councilmember
Buckshnis offered to email her question to him.
2. HIGHWAY 99 COMMUNITY RENEWAL PLAN
Planning & Development Director Susan McLaughlin acknowledged all the previous planning documents
and recent conversations reveal the community, elected officials and staff have common goals and want
to see positive redevelopment occur on Highway 99 along with infrastructure and community facilities to
support a high quality of life for the adjacent neighborhoods. This common goal hasn't changed in two
decades in the planning work done by the City. With today's conversation regarding a community
renewal plan, she acknowledged and validated the negative connotation that urban renewal has had in the
country. The urban renewal of the 50s and 60s led to some of the interstate projects and state highways
that are experienced today, demolished housing, and tore through neighborhoods which led to
displacement of already vulnerable populations. The restructuring of the community renewal tool of today
is basically trying to right the wrongs of the past. The intent is to connect communities that were
separated; restructure streets to make more parks, livable spaces, and sidewalks; foster affordable
housing; address displacement; and provide housing for those who used to live or continue to live in areas
adjacent to Highway 99. The term community renewal can also build parks and community facilities.
Ms. McLaughlin reviewed:
• Previous Planning Efforts
0 2004 Highway 99 Enhancement Project
0 2004 Highway 99 Enhancement Project Market Assessment
0 2007 Highway 99 Traffic Safety and Circulation Study
0 2015 City of Edmonds Comprehensive plan
0 2014 City of Edmonds Comprehensive Transportation Plan
0 2017 Edmonds Highway 99 Subarea Plan
■ "the Edmonds community expressed a strong desire for a gateway ... a district transition
point in and out of Edmonds" - 2017 Highway 99 Subarea Plan
■ Subarea plan led to land use and zoning changes to foster positive redevelopment and
provided tools for developers to hopefully expedite and motivate developers to build
housing as well as non-residential development along the corridor in keeping with the
comprehensive plan as well as the subarea plan.
• Development Activity (2017-Present)
o Although there has been anecdotal information about how much development has occurred
on Highway 99 since the subarea plan was adopted, in fact very little development has
occurred.
o Subarea plan anticipated and mitigated for 3,325 units over an 18 year period, an average of
185 units/year
■ One development has been constructed in the subarea since 2017 with 192 units or 38
units/year
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 27, 2023
Page 5
■ Including projects under construction increases the number to 53 units/year or 28% of the
185/year that was anticipated
■ Since the 5-year planned action report and subsequent emergency ordinance, there has
not been a single development application, and the one there was, has expired
Project
Address
Built/Finaled
Issued(#units)
Ready to Issue
Applied/Design
Pre -Application
Expired/Withdrawn (#
(# units)
(# units)
Review
Stage (# Units)
Units)
Approved (#
units)
GRE
23326 Hwy 99
192
Apartments
Better
8029238 St
3
Bellevue
SW
Tuwnhomes
Apollo
23601 Hwy 99
255
Apartments
Anthology
2120072 Ave
127
Senior Living
W
Housing Hope
9215236 St
52
SW
Terrace Place
2362584 Ave
261
W
Behar(F. miry
72122 00 St
394
Fun Center)
SW
Total
192
130
307
394
X4
o Subarea plan also envisioned about 2.6 million square feet of new non-residential (uses to
support the adjacent neighborhood such as grocery stores, cafes, etc.)
■ To date only approximately 23,000 square feet has been built, 10% of the rate assumed in
the subarea plan/year.
o Decision package approved in the 2021 budget to prepare a community renewal plan.
Intended be a companion document to the subarea plan, recognizing land use and zoning
changes alone could not stimulate or catalyze the positive redevelopment that the community
was hoping to see and to subsequently fund the needed infrastructure
■ Pandemic and termination of initial consultant contract delayed preparation of plan.
Benefits of Community Renewal
o Determine if area is can meet CRP criteria as defined in RCW 35.81.015
o Unlocks tools for redevelopment to serve public needs
o Catalyze investment in CRP area
o Enable the city to take an active role in redevelopment and transformative infrastructure
Increased capabilities from community renewal
Buy, lease, or condemn properties Allowed Allowed
Hold, demolish, or improve properties
Sell property to a private entity
Rezone property
Master plan private property
Enter into a developer agreement
Select a buyer who agrees to further
CRA goals
Close, vacate, and rearrange streets
and sidewalks
Borrow money and accept grants to
carry out community renewal
Aid property owners or tenants
affected by the community renewal
process
Allowed only for public facilities
Competitive bidding process
Allowed as a Planned Area
Not allowed
Only though a competitive bidding
process
Not allowed
Allowed for city purposes
Not allowed
Allowed for those affected by
condemnation for public facilities
Allowed
City can identify preferred partners
Allowed as a spot zone regardless of
GMA/Comprehensive Plan cycle
Allowed
City can identify partners to develop all
or part of a property. City can specify
how the property is to be used.
Allowed, with restrictions
Allowed to promote economic
development
Allowed
Allowed
Analysis confirms that we are eligible to apply for a CRP (per RCW definition)
o Eligibility requirements relevant to Highway 99 context
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 27, 2023
Page 6
■ Physical dilapidation of buildings
■ Unsafe conditions
■ Insufficient access to parks/open space
■ Inadequate street layout
■ Inadequate lot layout
■ Excess surface parking coverage
• Interviews & Open Houses
o Open houses held on June 30, 2021 and October 20, 2022
o Stakeholder interviews held:
■ May 6 interview/site walk (law enforcement, human services and community leaders)
■ May 26 (Burlington site property owner)
■ June 13 (developer forum)
■ July 7 (community service providers)
• Study Area: Issues Summary
I Extensive nav!nR and lack of tree canonv
few safe pedestrian or vehiclecrossings
1-77-7 a
Lack of sidewalks on side streets makes
r'
it hard for on foot, hike, or wheels in
neighborhood to access Hwy 99 services
Shoplifting hot spot
" 1
Vacant building
�.
Motels -domestic violence hot spot'.
-.
_ ,-
Aging buildings in poor or
below average condition
Burned -out building
-
Large underutilized site
Vacant parcels
-
Oversi7ed WSIDOT-rivhN-of-wav inhihit I—
mobility and prevent development
• Area Study: Assets Summary
e Swift Blue Line station
Multi -family housing
� Businesses � �d
fs Service Providers /
Sound Transit Ilght rail service at Interurban trail-
MountlakeTerracefreewaystaticn I Parks - '-
BallingerPark (in Mountlake Terrace)
Culturally-relevantdnor-profit
ofitsesses r z and non-profit servire�-
providers throughout corridor
Community garden — -- -
� �I
City Hall Neigh horhood OHire - !
Full -service grocery &lively 1 -
Shopping plaz -
Swift BRT st
Mathay-Balli ger Pal k - _
Bustransit hub tAuro
Transit Centerin cretin
Businesses gene to tax \ -- --
revenue for publlc se 'ces
s ■
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 27, 2023
Page 7
Structural Issues
o Highway 99 cut through existing neighborhoods, creating a barrier
Ballinger neighborhood and the rest of Edmonds. Several irregularly
created. These lots have been difficult to develop due to their odd shape.
I
between the Lake
shaped lots were
o Construction of the Highway 99/SR-104 interchange makes access to Burlington Coat
Factory site difficult. Access remains an
. ._: Y4F
c. 1964 c. 1974 c.1978
Prior to the construction of Interchange under Interchange Complete
the interchange construction
• Access cutoff between 8411 Ave W and
Access to SR-104 direct from Highway Several businesses and residences 242"" St SW
99 displaced Interchange complicates access for
• 8411' Ave W connected to 242"" St SW Burlington site
Inadequate Street Layout
o Highway 99/SR-104 interchange
■ Oversized for existing traffic volumes
■ Occupies a large amount of land
■ Creates unusable dead zones
■ Impedes walkability
■ Complicates vehicle access to nearby parcels
■ Design encourages fast traffic and limits visibility where people cross
Site Design Safety Challenges
o Physical barriers and poor sight lines create "dead zones", especially between and behind
buildings.
o "Crime prevention through environmental design" (CPTED) is a program to reduce criminal
activity by designing buildings and areas around buildings in a way that deters crime.
o CPTED guidance says to avoid:
■ Poorly defined spaces
■ Places with poor sight lines,
■ Places with little or no walking traffic
Physical Dilapidation, Deterioration, or Obsolescence
o Many existing buildings are more than 50 years old
o Cluster of building in "below normal condition"
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 27, 2023
Page 8
• Pedestrian infrastructure needs
IIIIIIIIr �■�►�,�■ � � ��:
High speed aNerial
Enls1mg crosswalk
_ No crosswalk
Missmgsidewalk
.._._. Sidewalk wkh fequen[eurb Ms
• Implementation Strategies
o Adopt Community Renewal Area
o Explore Tax Increment Financing as an option to address infrastructure needs
o Foster public -private partnerships
o Pursue Reconnecting Communities Grant
o Continue to invest in parks and transportation per the PROS Plan and the Highway 99
Subarea Plan
• Basic TIF (Tax Increment Financing) Model
o Generally, TIF captures property taxes generated from the increased assessed valuation on the
site that results from private development following infrastructure investment
Basic TIF Model'
New
Tax
Incremental Taxes Base
m Revenues
H
x flow
Revenues from REGULAR property taxes assessed m Existing Tax Base to normal
against the Increment Value only, are captured:
Revenues continue to flow to taxing
✓To pay"public Improvement costs" C normal taxing bodies bodies
✓ To repay bonds issued for "public improvements"
Statutory life of TIF district
• Overview of Tax Increment Financing
o Eligible infrastructure improvements owned by a local government within or outside of and
serving the increment area that include:
o Street and road construction;
o Water and sewer system construction and improvements;
o Sidewalk and other non -motorized transportation improvement and streetlights;
o Parking, terminal and dock facilities;
o Park and ride facilities or other transit facilities;
o Park and community facilities and recreation areas;
o Stormwater and drainage management systems;
o Electric, broadband, or rail services;
o Mitigation of brownfields;
• Recommended CRP Projects
o Public -private redevelopment
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 27, 2023
Page 9
o Access improvements near interchange
o Through block connections
o Neighborhood park
o Complete Streets
o Business revitalization
o Interchange replacement
Next Steps to advance CRP
o Share case studies (Olympia, Tukwila)
o Planning board recommendation
o Pass a resolution to support the designation of Edmonds as a Community Renewal Agency
o Host a public hearing on proposed plan
o Adopt plan
Ms. McLaughlin summarized the CRP does not obligate the City to anything. It is a tool that fosters
public -private partnerships. The CRP does not have to be coupled with the property acquisition but it
would be advantageous especially with the TIF financing tool.
Councilmember Nand said she was unreservedly in favor of public -private partnerships, reconnecting the
community pilot plan and utilizing the Highway 99 subarea EIS. One of her reservations about
designating Highway 99 as a CRA is declaring the entire corridor blighted; that was shocking to her
considering that Highway 99 generates more sales tax revenue than any other business district in the City.
She cited Detroit as an example of blight where people do not have access to running water on their
property. She asked why it would be appropriate for the council to pass a resolution issuing findings of
blight for the entire corridor at a time when the City is conducting outreach to a community that has
traditionally felt underserved.
Ms. McLaughlin referred to the list of corridor assets, agreeing the corridor provides very positive tax
revenue for the City. The analysis conducted to determine if the City was eligible to apply for a CRP, it
did not qualify due to failing businesses. There are case studies that it met the findings due to the amount
of resourcing some areas took such as police and planning and it did not provide the revenue to sustain
ongoing efforts over decades. This is completely different; Highway 99 is the result of an infrastructure
project that occurred decades ago that amazingly businesses and residents have thrived in spite of. That is
the reason the City met the criteria, insufficient street layout, skewed parcels, terrible access, lack of
walkability, etc. It is not a reflection on the success of the businesses along Highway 99.
Councilmember Nand questioned what additional powers would be needed under the CRP that the City
would not already have available under the subarea EIS. She found some of the powers under the CRP
potentially alarming, such as the ability to condemn property for public use and exercise eminent domain.
If the City is trying to build bridges to this community that has traditionally felt underserved, why would
the City want to add tools that property owners could consider potentially threatening. Ms. McLaughlin
agreed the concept of condemning property was threating; the City's list of projects have nothing to do
with condemning properties. The City wants to engage in public -private partnerships and to engage with
specific developers to build needed community facilities. Under the City's normal powers, the most
competitive bidder must be selected to offer things the community wants such as a community center,
library, etc. It would also allow the City to master plan beyond the Burlington Coat Factory parcels,
critical when thinking about access, skewed parcels, etc. Just because the CRP provides tools does not
mean the City would have any interest in using them. The CRP does not reference condemning properties.
Councilmember Buckshnis commented she was unable to open the CRP provided by staff. She expressed
concern with how quickly this was coming forward. The presentation indicates stakeholder interviews
were completed in one month last year and asked if staff intended to update that outreach. Ms.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 27, 2023
Page 10
McLaughlin advised in reviewing the interview notes, they are all very relevant to today's conversation.
Councilmember Buckshnis did not believe 3 developers represented all of Highway 99 or that 3
community service providers represented all of Highway 99. She echoed Councilmember Nand's
concerns, this is a good start, but it should be vetted through the Economic Development Commission
(EDC), there should be updated open houses, etc., to ensure people understand what it means to say
Highway 99 is blighted. The intent is to reach out to people on Highway 99 and help them, not discourage
them by classifying their area as blighted. She recommended going through the plan very carefully as
there was not enough information from 2023 for her to understand what citizens want.
Councilmember Buckshnis said she could provide numerous examples where TIF has been disastrous
because it was not transparent and the City selected the developer. If this was done in 2022, she
questioned why the EDC and planning board were not involved before dropping this on council. Ms.
McLaughlin said she has been to the planning board three times, twice for an overview, and once to
review the draft plan. She has also been at council a few times as part of the development work plan,
noting this as a key project. With all the work that has been done related to Highway 99 such as the
emergency ordinance and speaking to developers, the relevant issues remain and the needs have been the
same for the past couple decades such as lack of parks, lack of street connections, etc.
Councilmember Buckshnis said she did not disagree and change takes time. She was still looking for the
SEIS that the council requested last year and there has been no comprehensive plan review regarding this
area. She did not recall Ms. McLaughlin talking to council about the CRP, recalling in last year's budget
there was reference to economic enhancement. She recommended sending this back to the EDC and the
planning board so they can vet it more closely to what's happening today.
Councilmember Olson commented she typically attends public meeting seeking input; she vaguely
remembered a public meeting about community renewal on Highway 99, but she did not know anything
about the CRP until a couple weeks ago. To the extent that was on her, she apologized. Although staff is
saying the CRP does not have to be approved with the parcel, they are being proposed to council together
and she wished they weren't. She preferred to deeply vet the CRP, possibly with the advice of the EDC
and planning board and input from citizens. She felt it was great the City was thinking big and she urged
the council and community not to get hung up on a word that has personal connotations and a history that
was upsetting and emotion and let that get in the way of using the legal or statutory definition to the
City's advantage and the advantage of that area. She preferred to evaluate the concept and determine if it
was a tool the City wanted to use. She referred to the CRP and a property acquisition that might fall under
that umbrella, and asked about pros and cons of approaching them together. If the council likes the idea of
CRP and likes part of the parcel, what are the options around those approaches.
Ms. McLaughlin explained when the decision package was adopted in 2021, it was only $60,000. The
CRP included a fair amount outreach and it lasted a long time and when that happens, consultant dollars
go quickly. The consultant contract has ended. There is no rush per se, this is a council decision. It is
advantageous to couple them because if council pursues an option to purchase, there will be six risk free
months to start engaging with the community about what they want on that site. Sometimes it's difficult
to do that without a broader view of the entire area. That is not even a driving reason; if in 18 months the
council acquires the property, it will be critical to have a CRP designation to drive what happens on the
site. The ability to master plan beyond the boundaries of the site and the ability to self-select a developer
for specific land uses are the most compelling reasons. The issue of displacement will be a focus of the
comprehensive plan and the SEIS that will be rolled into the comprehensive plan scope which will be
presented to council on July 5. Under community renewal, the City has additional powers to aid with
displacement.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 27, 2023
Page 11
Councilmember Olson referred to staff bandwidths, noting this is a huge projects, and there are other huge
projects the council has not seen the progress they were hoping to see such as the code rewrite for
example. She was concerned with taking on more than staff could handle. Ms. McLaughlin answered the
reason resource constraints worry her is because a great job has been done compiling the plan and she
wouldn't be worried about resourcing if a council decision could be made soon. If this drags on longer,
alongside all the other plans such as the comprehensive plan and the code modernization, that would
cause her concern. Staff will be presenting a code modernization work plan; staff is actively working on
minor and major code amendments and she anticipated the frill breadth of code modernization work
would not happen until the comprehensive plan policies were more clear in 2024 and then do a complete
overhaul once some of the major code work was completed.
Councilmember Olson commented this would be a huge, ongoing project. Ms. McLaughlin agreed, the
first decision is whether to pursue a community renewal area designation which would make the City a
community renewal agency which presents questions related to resourcing. Councilmember Olson asked
if those questions would be answered tonight or if the answers were not yet available. Ms. McLaughlin
responded the specific answers to those questions were not yet available. Even if the City is designated a
community renewal agency, the resource question will be related to staffing the projects under that
agency.
Councilmember Chen recalled in early 2022 he was invited to tour the Burlington Coat Factory and he
asked some follow up questions that staff was not ready to respond to at that time. In general, blight is a
sensitive term, he loves the people who work and do business in that area, they are just as great, smart and
hardworking as anyone else. The reality is that it is a high crime area, there are a lot of problems that
require attention including an unsolved 7-Eleven murder, and the Safeway store sometimes only has one
checkout lane because there is so much theft. He questioned why the City would not use these tools to
renew the area. He referred to TIF which basically is issuing bonds based on the projected assessed value
increase which is just an imagination. If the City issues bonds, it incurs interest costs and puts that
expense on the shoulders of future generations. When it comes to finances, he is very conservative and
did not want to spend money the City did not have. He wanted to understand how much would be issued,
the projected assessed value increase, and whether the increase was a reasonable prediction.
Councilmember Chen continued, he liked the concept in general, having another tool to help develop this
area. That area and going toward the Lake Ballinger area has been in decline for the last 15-16 years and
in the last couple years there have been a couple murders, car thefts, and other problems and
deteriorations. He welcomed having another tool to help enhance that area, but wanted to approach the
finances very cautiously. He spoke in favor of adopting the CRP, but separating it from the property
acquisition. The property acquisition needs to be based on the community's needs before spending $37
million to purchase it and let it sit.
Council President Tibbott commented the timing of when properties become available and ready for
redevelopment is usually not sequential. A good example is what is happening along the light trail in
Lynnwood. Things rarely happen linearly and calmly in community development. He participated in the
last Highway 99 study and has also consulted with people who worked on the previous Highway 99
study; the City has been considering this for decades. Council has had exposure to the TIP, multimodal
transportation ideas, etc. going back decades. Things are happening now and for whatever reason, they
are happening simultaneously. He has personally been waiting a long time to see progress in that area and
has wondered why things haven't happened. He appreciated staff s explanation regarding infrastructure
such as the cloverleaf, the highway, narrow sidewalks and poor lighting that gave preference to the
highway instead of the neighborhoods. This is the largest community redevelopment project in the history
of the City and it is time to roll up our sleeves and get busy utilizing these tools.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 27, 2023
Page 12
With regard to the CRP, Council President Tibbott asked what the rollout looked like for next 6-12
months, and the timing for the council and the community. Ms. McLaughlin agreed with Councilmember
Chen and others that coupling these together almost feels overwhelming, but it doesn't have to happen on
the same day. The most important thing is for council to focus on the option to purchase with clear sight
and judgment. If that happens, staff will lift a community design session/community conversation around
that site. Community renewal can occur as part of that six month conversation, it does not have to be done
right away. She did not feel urgency now, but if the six month mark passes without a decision, she would
start to get nervous. She was confident a CRP would provide access to the right tools coupled with TIF.
She recognized these are huge concepts, the largest redevelopment project the City has seen, and she
agreed with taking it one step at a time.
Council President Tibbott referred to the list of next steps to advance the CRP and asked if adopting a
plan could happen in 18 months. Ms. McLaughlin agreed there was no timeline. Council President
Tibbott commented the council had time to wrap their head around the renewal options, it did not need to
be condensed into the next 3-4 months. Ms. McLaughlin agreed.
Councilmember Teitzel referred to TIF, relaying his understanding it was a new concept in Washington,
but it has been used elsewhere in the country. It is a concept that bases bond funding on projections of
future revenue. Ms. McLaughlin agreed. Councilmember Teitzel pointed out if that projection of future
revenue did not happen, then the General Fund picked up the tab. Similar to Councilmember Chen, he
was risk adverse in that way. He asked where this had been used, where it hasn't turned out well, and
what the City could learn from that to not repeat the same mistakes. Ms. McLaughlin answered although
staff has been looking into TIF as it has become relevant to the conversation with the property acquisition,
she was unable to answer Councilmember Teitzel's question regarding a city that had lost money on the
projection. A two-phase analysis is required; the first phase identifies areas that may be eligible or
beneficial for TIF, it is important to get those boundaries right and have the level of confidence to manage
the risk. The second phase would be revenue projections, not a perfect science, but there is a high level of
confidence this property will redevelop whether it is by the City or another developer which makes the
risk fairly low. She recalled looking at a case study where there was no active development, they were
hoping to put in infrastructure to catalyze redevelopment, and it was necessary to wait it out. A city has
25 years to pay back the bond so there is time to wait for redevelopment to occur.
If the City pursued the TIF model specifically for redevelopment of the Burlington Coat Factory property,
Councilmember Nand asked whether the City be tied to public -private partnerships. She lives within
walking distance of the Burlington Coat Factory property, grew up going to Burlington Coat Factory, and
her neighbors have been incredibly excited since the City announced the potential acquisition and have
tons of ideas. Due to the dearth of public venue space on Highway 99, she is hearing about the need for a
child -friendly sculpture garden, a community resource center, a stage for public performances, etc. She
asked if the City would be penalized via TIF if this space never yielded a boost in sales tax for the City.
This is a great opportunity to serve a community that has not been served the way it should be,
particularly with the amount of tax revenue they contribute to the City. Ms. McLaughlin said the
development potential on that 10.5 acres is very significant. From a massing perspective, there could be
community facilities that do not yield tax revenue, but there could also be tax generating businesses and
land uses that would hopefully through the TIF analysis meet the revenue projections to build the
infrastructure.
Councilmember Nand complimented Parks, Planning & Development and Community/Culture/Economic
Development staff who have been working on this for years. She echoed other councilmembers'
comments that the property acquisition should be decoupled from consideration of more controversial
moves on the Highway 99 corridor, especially under the community renewal plan because the acquisition
is such an unmitigated positive for the community. She preferred to discuss the potential acquisition
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 27, 2023
Page 13
separately before making a determination regarding a finding of blight or saying 50-year old buildings
were dilapidated and potentially needed to be condemned. She pointed out the blight justification derives
from the idea that this was a net negative for the community in the 1950s and 1960s when highways were
built. However, from a civil rights perspective, they connected communities of color to urban centers with
high paying jobs which Highway 99, especially with transit, still does. It provides the opportunity for
economic growth to immigrant communities and entrepreneurship, something that needs to be highlighted
when discussing the effect that the highway had on that area.
Councilmember Buckshnis advised she sent a recent example from the Office of Treasury about the City
of Chelan's TIF. She recommended being extremely contentious about TIF especially if it is non -revenue.
She agreed private -public partnerships would be great but it was important to define the TIF area and the
financing. She agreed with keeping the two separated.
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
COUNCILMEMBER TEITZEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER CHEN, TO
APPROVE THE AGENDA IN CONTENT AND ORDER.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT TIBBOTT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER OLSON, TO
AMEND TO MOVE ITEM 9.5, ADOPTING LEGISLATIVE BLAKE FIX, TO 9.1 AND
RENUMBER THE REMAINDER. AMENDMENT CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Mayor Nelson described procedures for audience comments.
Joan Longstaff, Edmonds, commented on the privilege Edmonds residents have to work collaboratively
with the City. She almost opened an office in Magnolia in Seattle in 1980 and in meeting recently with
CEOs in the Downtown Business Association and top real estate agents in Seattle, they indicated they do
not have that same opportunity. She encouraged citizens to understand the privilege and responsibility
they have to speak to the council. She thanked the participants in the mayoral debate, commenting she
was very impressed with each of the candidates and how respectful they were of each other. She also
recognized Teresa Wippel, My Edmonds News, who moderated the event. She thanked the City for the
inclusive playground at Civic Park Playfields, advising her brother was in a wheelchair as a result of a
traumatic brain injury. She was interested in the Highway 99 corridor, recalling when she opened her real
estate brokerage and was a property owner, there were only a handful of downtown business property
owners. Edmonds is often thought of as only the downtown bowl; as Chamber president she tried to foster
the idea that Edmonds was composed of several areas.
7. RECEIVED FOR FILING
1. CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FOR FILING
2. WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS
3. OUTSIDE BOARDS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
8. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
COUNCIL PRESIDENT TIBBOTT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER CHEN, TO
APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The agenda items
approved are as follows:
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 27, 2023
Page 14
1. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL COMMITTEE MINUTES
2. APPROVAL OF SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 12, 2023
3. APPROVAL OF SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 14, 2023
4. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 20, 2023
5. APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS
6. SUPPLEMENTAL LOCAL AGENCY CONSULTANT AGREEMENT WITH WSP FOR
HIGHWAY 99 STAGE 2
7. SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH SCJ FOR HIGHWAY 99 STAGE 2
8. RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING EXPECTATIONS OF EXPENDITURES RELATED TO
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MOU
9. COUNCIL BUSINESS
1. ADOPTING LEGISLATIVE BLAKE FIX
Police Chief Michelle Bennett explained with the Blake bill, constitutionally it was not enough to just be
in possession of a narcotic material for someone to be charged with possession. The laws were changed to
require law enforcement give two warnings prior to making an arrest for drug possession. As a result, for
the last two years, it has been difficult for law enforcement to make drug arrests because there is no
database that records when someone has a drug arrest in another city. A person could easily have received
two warnings, but law enforcement would never know it was their third time and could make an arrest.
During the last legislative session, the correlation between drug use and retail thefts, increased crime
rates, increased fentanyl overdoses, etc. was clarified and the legislature addressed the issue via the Blake
fix.
Chief Bennett continued, the legislature held a special session in May to address issues with the Blake bill
and through a lot of work done by various entities including the Washington State Police Chiefs and
Sheriff's Coalition, community members, and government officials, a compromise was struck to
encourage people to seek treatment versus an arrestable offense, but also to again made possession of
drugs a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor. The proposed ordinance simply adopts the language in the
state law. The state law states July 1 as the effective date; however, the legislation in the RCW that
required two referrals prior to arrest has a 90 day clause which will not be repealed until August 14. For
all intents and purposes the police department is not able to bypass the requirement for two warnings until
the expiration, August 14.
Councilmember Nand asked Chief Bennett to clarify for the public's edification, whether once the Blake
fix was in place at the county, state and local level, would it lead to people detoxing in holding facilities
like jail or would there still be diversion and robust community court available in the City of Edmonds
and throughout Snohomish County. Chief Bennett answered it would not negate those options, in fact, the
legislation encourages those to continue. Each community/city has a variety of ways deal with such things
as community court, pretrial diversion, etc. This legislation encourages treatment and rehabilitation.
Councilmember Nand commented unfortunately with the way the system is set up, this is often the easiest
way to get someone into treatment versus a voluntary admit through a detox facility due to a lack of
available beds.
Councilmember Nand continued, expressing the hope that one day society will shift to see this as a health
problem versus criminal activity although she was aware there was associated criminal activity. Until
then, this is the best that can be done. Chief Bennett commented the best time to address someone's drug
use or to have a chance for someone to see the need to get better is the first time not the third time.
COUNCILMEMBER OLSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER BUCKSHNIS, TO
APPROVE ADOPTION OF THE ORDINANCE IN THE PACKET.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 27, 2023
Page 15
Councilmember Chen commented this ordinance is timely and fills the gap. When the issue arose with the
Blake decision, the legislature heard the concerns and came with this fix. Now, with the adoption of this
ordinance, the City can address the gap.
Council President Tibbott asked for confirmation that the city attorney reviewed the ordinance, that it met
the City's standards, and that the council should approve it. City Attorney Jeff Taraday advised his office
drafted the ordinance, he modified the effective date clause and he had no concerns with the ordinance.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mayor Nelson declared a brief recess.
2. HIGHWAY 99 LANDMARK SITE
Parks, Recreation & Human Services Director Angie Feser advised this item is council consideration of
the proposed option agreement for what is known as the Highway 99 Landmark property. The agreement
will enable the City to investigate the opportunity for development while the property is held off the
market. No purchase decision will be made until information is gathered and brought to council at a
much, much later date, as long as 18 months from now. She reviewed:
• Property information
o Address: 24111 Highway 99
o Size 10.06 acres
o Tax lots: 11
o Zoned: GC - General Commercial
o Purchase Price: $37 million (preliminarily agreed to by the land owner and City
representative as a starting point)
o Highlights
■ One owner, willing to sell, interest in property having some civic use
■ No significant critical areas
■ Utilities in streets north and south
■ Close proximity to public and non -motorized transportation including Bus Rapid Transit,
Interurban Trail Corridor, and light rail station in MLT
■ Burlington Coat Factory lease (January 2029)
■ Community driven development
o Due diligence
■ City has been in conversation with land owner for a couple years
■ Completed a zoning memo that identified the highest and best use yields of the property
and mixed use development that could be constructed on the site
■ Conducted an appraisal and appraisal review
■ Preliminary conversations with potential partners for development of the site
Property potential
o Massing study
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 27, 2023
Page 16
/a L
WKI
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o Community visioning process
■ Master planning the site and possibly surrounding area
o Council goals
o Planning documents
■ Subarea plan
■ Comprehensive plan
■ PROS Plan
o Opportunity for public -private partnerships
o Discussions occurring in the public regarding options for site
■ Community space
■ Public safety
■ Housing
■ Share Parks & Recreation facilities
■ Civic spaces
■ Community services
■ Commercial
■ Opportunity for reinvestment/revitalization and potential catalyst for Highway 99
development, creating a landmark and gateway into the community
Option Agreement
o Components
■ Agreement
■ Purchase Agreement — Material Terms (Exhibit B)
■ $100,000 Option Payment
Phase
Timeline
Action
Details
Activities
1
6 months
Exercise of
Council decision
Community visioning
Option
$100,000 refundable
Due diligence
• Purchase agreement
Funding options
finalized
partnerships
2
12 months
Agreement
Council decision
Master Planning/Community
Addendum
Enacts the Purchase
Engagement
Agreement (Exhibit B)
Due diligence
• Earnest Money Deposit
Funding options
$1 M
Partnerships
3
6 months
Closing
Council decision
Purchase executed
• Next Steps
1. Council consideration of option agreement
2. Project integration and implementation — how do we get all of the pieces done?
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 27, 2023
Page 17
Community/Culture/Economic Development Director Todd Tatum commented this option is an
incredible opportunity that provides the City six months of low risk time to coordinate, collaborate and
ensure everyone is moving in understanding together and he hoped the council would approve option. He
referred to the timeline in the packet that identifies five tasks:
• Project management
o Contracting plan
o Communications plan
o Team establishment
• Develop a purchase and sale agreement
o Negotiate PSA details
o Title report
o Geotech investigation
o Environmental review
• Master plan
o Contracting
o Establish program elements of the site
o Conceptual design
o Schematic design
• Developing financing options
o Prepare Tax Increment Finance (TIF) strategy
o Bonds
o Public/private options
• Implementation Planning (2024 and beyond
o Ongoing project management
o Public/private structure
o Team funding ad budget amendments
Mr. Tatum continued, there is a lot to examine, manage and integrate, particularly with regard to
financing. The function of project management is to plan, execute, monitor and control projects so they
meet objectives and effectively manage change. That is a big lift that will have a big impact on staff and
council. Making informed, timely and mutual decision is critical to the success of this effort as is clear,
thorough communication with residents. A project team and structure is being formed so staff and council
have clarity about how the elements of this effort will come together and how to reach timely and
informed decisions. One of the first steps is to create a steering committee which would include the
council president and another councilmember as plans for community outreach, stakeholder engagement,
budgeting and timeline are solidified. Staff is excited to continue the work that brought this opportunity to
council and look forward to working with the council and the community.
Councilmember Teitzel applauded staff for thinking big, noted this is an exciting prospect. Having said
that, he wanted to be clear-eyed, this is a big deal for the City and he wanted to ensure taxpayers would
not be overburdened. It appeared the way the option agreement was written, the City would be buying the
entire 10 acre parcel. He asked if the property owner would be willing to break up the parcels and the City
purchase only 1-2 parcels for park space, a community center, etc. Ms. Feser answered the project began
with the City approaching the landowner about the three acres on the eastern half of the property which
are undeveloped open space at this time. The City decided not to move forward on just that parcel and it
turned into a conversation about purchasing all the parcels. In her conversations with the property owner,
she believed he wanted to sell all of the parcels as a unit and has expressed a desire to sell the property by
late 2025/2026.
City Attorney Jeff Taraday said the core terms of the purchase and sale agreement attached to the option
agreement make it so the City can assign part or all of its interest in the purchase and sale agreement
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 27, 2023
Page 18
without prior written consent of seller. The only limitation is at least 75% of acreage has to be used for
public purposes. The City could assign any acreage of the site to other public entities who want to use the
site for public purchases and could also assign up to 25% of the property for for -profit development. He
summarized the City would not have to take on the entirety of the site.
Councilmember Teitzel relayed his understanding if the City purchased the property, 75% of the 10 acres
would need to be assigned to public purposes which would not be revenue generating for the City, only
25% would be revenue generating. Mr. Taraday answered it may be correct, but it may depend on
whether a public purpose could occur while the property was owned by a taxable entity; those two things
are not always hand -in -hand although they often are. He could conceive of a hypothetical where the
property remains in a taxable state and is still used for public purposes.
Councilmember Teitzel relayed his understanding the $37 million was a starting point for negotiations.
Ms. Feser answered that is the currently agreed upon purchase price. Councilmember Teitzel asked why
that number would change. Ms. Feser answered if something was discovered during due diligence that
drove down the purchase price, the City could approach the land owner to negotiate the price. At this
point in time, the purchase price is $37 million from now until the closing in two years. Mr. Taraday
clarified during the six months while the purchase and sale agreement is being formalizing, anything
could happen. Once the purchase and sale agreement is solidified, the property owner would not be able
to increase the price and would be locked in at $37 million. As Ms. Feser stated, if during the course of
the City's due diligence something was discovered that made the property not worth $37 million, the deal
would not have to close.
Councilmember Nand thanked staff who have involved in bringing this incredible opportunity to the
community. She asked if the land owner could get more than $37 million for the property if it were put on
the market. Ms. Feser answered that was speculating real estate and it would be difficult to say.
Councilmember Nand asked if the relationship with the land owner would be jeopardized if the council
did not approve the option agreement tonight. Ms. Feser answered it did not need to be approved tonight.
If the option to purchase was not executed with the land owner, it would eventually jeopardize
communication and negotiations with the property owner.
Councilmember Nand asked if 75% were designated toward public uses, did staff anticipate the City
would be able to easily find grant partners to finance the property purchase. Mr. Tatum answered there
are a number of grants available to help fund the purchase and development of this property. Public
purposes can vary so without a specific public purpose in mind, he could not identify a specific grant. The
goal/intent over the next several months is to explore those public purposes and levels of public/private
partnership to make this a make feasible project.
Councilmember Nand referenced discussions regarding the Unocal property and asked if staff anticipated
looping in the state and county legislative delegations. Mr. Tatum answered one of the first steps will be
contacting state and federal representatives; that conversation needs to start early and continue as there
are number of things on which their help and support will be needed. Councilmember Nand asked if staff
anticipated reaching out to neighboring cities about potential interlocal agreements. Mr. Tatum answered
staff has discussed that and there has been outreach to other municipalities, exploring uses and
programming on the site. Councilmember Nand asked if staff anticipated getting buy -in from the
Edmonds School District or Sno-Isle Libraries for usage of the property. Mr. Tatum said he could not
speak to that at this point.
Councilmember Buckshnis referred to the indication in the presentation that an appraisal was conducted
and asked why it was not included in the packet and what the appraised amount was. Ms. Feser said she
would be happy to share the appraisal and amounts in executive session. Councilmember Buckshnis
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 27, 2023
Page 19
asked about the estimated cash flow from the Burlington Coat Factory and other businesses, noting the
appraisal must have included cash flow. Ms. Feser suggested discussing details of the appraisal in
executive session. Councilmember Buckshnis hoped an executive session would be scheduled.
Councilmember Buckshnis asked how the 75/25 split was determined and why not a 50150 split. Mr.
Taraday answered he did not have a lot of detail on it except that it was his general understanding the
property owner would not have accepted a 50150 split. Councilmember Buckshnis asked if cottage
housing or affordable housing would be considered a public purpose. Mr. Taraday answered it is an
interesting question whether affordable housing would be considered a public purpose. That is a detail
that will be worked out when negotiating the purchase and sale agreement. Market rate housing would not
be a public purpose. To the extent that any portion of the site was used for market rate housing, it would
need to be limited to 25% of the acreage.
Councilmember Buckshnis observed only 25% or approximately 2.5 acres could be revenue generating
like a store. Mr. Taraday answered affordable housing is revenue generating. He suggested
Councilmember Buckshnis clarify what she mean by revenue generating. Councilmember Buckshnis
commented most of Highway 99 is revenue generating for the City such as car dealerships, restaurants,
stores, international district, hospital, etc. Mr. Taraday clarified she meant sales tax generating which
would need to be limited to 25%. Councilmember Buckshnis found this exciting, but wanted to drill down
on the numbers. The timeline in the packet does not have enough council touchpoints and is very
aggressive with regard to TIF. She hoped to have a clearer understanding as this moved through the
process.
Councilmember Olson relayed her understanding TIF could not be used for 75% of the purchase as TIF is
based on projected future revenue. Ms. McLaughlin answered property tax revenue primarily. Mr. Tatum
said it is based on the tax increment area. Ms. McLaughlin pointed out the City may purchase the property
but may not be the resultant land owner at the end of the process. If the City engages in a public -private
partnership, it may be more advantageous for the City not to own the land and negotiate via a
development agreement to have public facilities on the site. Mr. Taraday it has not been fully evaluated
whether a nonprofit that owned a portion of the site and operated affordable housing on the site would be
exempt or subject to property tax. If the nonprofit -owned portion was subject to property tax, then TIF
would still potentially apply to that acreage. That is still being evaluated and something the City will need
to be sure about before financing anything with TIF.
COUNCILMEMBER OLSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER BUCKSHNIS, TO
TALK ABOUT THE HIGHWAY 99 LANDMARK SITE AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO VET ITS
ACQUISITION VERSUS A PLAN TO ACQUIRE IT.
Councilmember Olson agreed the council needed to go through this public process and talk about all the
possible opportunities because there is risk involved in a huge capital investment and a huge investment
of time and staff effort. The City will need to figure out whether all the things being planned are worth all
the other things. She was concerned there was already discussion about the City planning to buy the
property. She agreed the six month window was pretty low risk, basically losing the interest opportunity
on the $100,000 for six months and staff and consultant time. Her biggest concern was just assuming the
council will make this happen because it may not be worth the capital investment, the risk and the time
when all is said and done and that will not be known until there is a plan for the site. Her pie in the sky
vision is to have arena sports and partner with the Boys & Girls Club and the City where there is
nighttime and weekend use by the community like at the Edmonds Waterfront Center. Arena sports is a
great revenue generator, there is a need for an indoor sports arena in south Snohomish County, and it is a
great location close to major arterials. There is great potential and she was excited about looking into it,
but the council needs to know about opportunities on the site before they know if it is worth pursuing. She
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 27, 2023
Page 20
was concerned with setting the community up for disappointment if after vetting, it is not the best use of
the City's time, money and effort.
Council President Tibbott asked if that language changed the option agreement, noting it seemed like
semantics. Ms. Feser asked if Councilmember Olson wanted to change components of the option to
purchase. Councilmember Olson said she did not see anything in the option agreement that said
otherwise, it is not binding, and either party can walk away after six months. Her concern was related to
what she heard at the media launch announcement as well as conversations in the media and comment
threads.
Councilmember Chen thanked the three directors for their efforts and the time they have devoted to this
project. He lives in that area and was very excited about the possibility, but wanted to emphasize City
government was not in the business of buying, selling, and flipping land.
Councilmember Olson raised a point of order, requesting councilmembers speak to the motion. Mayor
Nelson ruled point taken.
Councilmember Nand commented the motion was putting the cart in front of the horse and it seemed like
a more appropriate process to pursue through the steering committee that would be chaired by the council
president. At that point it would be appropriate if Councilmember Olson or other councilmember wanted
to go through a public process to determine whether to acquire the property or not. She preferred to
execute the option agreement tonight or as soon as possible to protect and preserve this incredible
opportunity for the community. She did not support the motion.
Councilmember Chen said he did not support the motion.
Councilmember Teitzel commented the motion was well intended, however, the option agreement as
written allows flexibility to vet the purchase without risk. The option agreement accomplishes what the
motion proposes so he will vote against the motion..
Councilmember Olson commented the motion may have been misunderstood; her thought was for the
council to have a meeting of the minds and agreement that the council should be careful about how they
speak about the purchase and be sensitive to the community's expectations if the purchase is discussed as
a plan versus a vetting process.
UPON ROLL CALL, MOTION FAILED (1-5), COUNCILMEMBER OLSON VOTING YES;
COUNCILMEMBERS TEITZEL, CHEN, BUCKSHNIS, OLSON AND NAND AND COUNCIL
PRESIDENT TIBBOTT VOTING NO.
Councilmember Chen commented the City is not in the real estate business. This area of the City needs a
lot of improvements, but the City needs to determine what the community needs before purchasing 10
acres of land. The area needs a police substation and community center. The City needs to do the
necessary outreach and buy land that fits the needs, not just buy 10 acres and try to flip the land.
COUNCILMEMBER CHEN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER BUCKSHNIS, TO
REJECT THE PURCHASE OPTION AGREEMENT WHILE WE DO FURTHER
EXPLORATION.
Councilmember Chen reiterated the City needs to understand the community's needs first and based on
those needs, determine how much land is needed. This is not the only property on Highway 99; there are
other properties for sale on Highway 99, in Five Corners, etc. He noted $37 million is significantly higher
than the assessed value and he agreed council needed to look at the appraisal. It will take the taxpayers a
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 27, 2023
Page 21
long time to pay off $37 million and based on the 75/25% assignment, he feared the City may end up in a
big hole.
Mayor Nelson commented there is a lot of rushing to judgment, noting it is an 18 month process.
Councilmember Nand spoke against the motion, stating it is putting the cart in front of the horse. She did
not support devoting any staff resources or engaging the community on potential uses for the property
without an option agreement to protect the City's right to purchase. It would be cruel and foolhardy to get
the Highway 99 community's hopes up that they could have a community center and other wonderful
uses without the protection of an option agreement and have a developer outbid the City. The
conversation has already started in the community and the public is excited. Their enthusiasm, ideas and
engagement needs to be respected by the City dotting it's I's and crossing it's T's via having an option
agreement in place before beginning to discuss potential uses of the property.
Councilmember Buckshnis expressed concern with how this was rolled out, noting it was an ethics issue
but the City does not have a good code of conduct. The council should have held an executive session to
talk about the appraisal and look at the numbers so everyone is informed instead of just running on blind
faith. A lot of people are excited, it is a great concept but it's like throwing 50 million snowballs at once.
This was not in the CIP/CFP, a huge consideration that was troublesome to her. At one point in time there
was discussion about 3 acres and now suddenly it was 10 acres and the cost was $37 million which was a
lot of money. She has seen TIFs fail terribly and developers make a lot of money because of insufficient
code. There is hope and she will support the option even though she did not like how it was rolled out.
She hoped to have an executive session to talk about this freely and not be blindsided regarding what's
going on. She did not support the motion.
Councilmember Olson said what got her attention tonight is the 75% for public use versus commercial;
she did not see how TIF would work in that scenario. Second, the property is right at the border of the
City and making a $37 million investment there means the City will not have money for other public uses.
She recalled comments from residents saying this site on the City's border is not the best place for a
police station or even a community center unless it is shared with Shoreline. She expressed a preference
to wait a week to make a decision. With the 75%/25% split, she did not see how the council could
ultimately move forward with the purchase. She did not want to damage the relationship with the
landowner, but that part of the deal makes it unlikely funds would be available to make investments near
220t' or 228' that would serve more of the Edmonds corridor.
Mr. Tatum said TIF is not the 100% solution for purchasing this property. The greatest thing about the
option is it provides 6 months of worry free/risk free time, followed by 12 months and during that time,
the opportunity to work on partnerships, work with legislators, explore grant funding, etc. He knew the
property would require a lot of funding sources; the 18-month timeframe allows exploration of a lot of
options. He agreed it was possible at the end it may be that none of the funding options will work or
maybe the public component is actually revenue generating depending on how it is structured. There is a
lot of study to be done to reach a workable project. There is a lot of uncertainty but the timeline provides
an opportunity for exploration.
Ms. McLaughlin said Councilmember Olson's point about the 75%/25% split in the revenue projection is
a valid factor that needs to be considered in the initial TIF analysis to determine if the TIF tool will work.
That analysis will be complete before the conclusion of the six month risk free period. The TIF tool
would be better used for infrastructure and not property acquisition. A multitude of finance options need
to be considered and the revenue projections need to be considered based on the 75%/25% split.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 27, 2023
Page 22
UPON ROLL CALL, MOTION FAILED (2-4), COUNCILMEMBERS CHEN AND OLSON
VOTING YES; COUNCIL PRESIDENT TIBBOTT AND COUNCILMEMBERS TEITZEL,
BUCKSHNIS, AND NAND VOTING NO.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCILMEMBER BUCKSHNIS AND SECONDED, TO TABLE
UNTIL THE COUNCIL HOLDS AN EXECUTIVE SESSION TO FINALLY VET THIS WHICH
SHOULD HAVE DONE AT VERY BEGINNING OF TIME.
UPON ROLL CALL, MOTION FAILED (3-3), COUNCILMEMBERS CHEN, BUCKSHNIS AND
OLSON VOTING YES; COUNCILMEMBERS TEITZEL AND NAND AND COUNCIL
PRESIDENT TIBBOTT VOTING NO.
Council President Tibbott advised an executive session would be held at the soonest possible date on this
topic so the council could be well informed. He asked the building height for the site. Ms. McLaughlin
answered it is the City's most generous building height, 75 feet. Council President Tibbott commented
that would allow commercial space with approximately 6 stories above and on 2.5 acres, that could be a
significant amount. Ms. McLaughlin agreed, especially if there was a publicly funded shared parking
facility.
Council President Tibbott commented housing on 25% of the site would be a fairly significant income
generator. He asked when the $1 million in earnest money was due. Ms. Feser answered it was when the
purchase and sale agreement was executed. Mr. Taraday answered it was due when the option was
exercised; there was an 18-month option period, the first 6 of which was the preview and at the end of 18
months at the end of 2024, the City would exercise the option or not. Exercising the option means the
City was in a binding purchase and sale agreement where the City puts down $1 million in earnest money
followed by six months to close. He clarified while theoretically there was no deadline by which the
council needed to act on the option agreement, the 18 months would not keep extending. The clock has
already started essentially; the council can act tonight or in two or four weeks in the future, but that
reduces the due diligence period, it does not get pushed out.
COUNCILMEMBER NAND MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT TIBBOTT, TO
AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE OPTION AGREEMENT BETWEEN EASTERN
INVESTMENT CORPORATION AND SOUTHEAST 888 INVESTMENT LLC WITH THE
ANTICIPATION THAT WE WILL GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AND THE COUNCIL
PRESIDENT WILL HEAD UP A STEERING COMMITTEE WITH A COUNCILMEMBER TO
BEGIN A ROBUST PUBLIC PROCESS.
Councilmember Olson asked if the reason to proceed before holding an executive would be because
waiting for the executive session would reduce the due diligence period. Mr. Taraday explained the
option agreement states the option needs to be exercised by December 31, 2024. That date is not likely to
change. Regardless of when the city council decides to act on the option agreement, the December 31,
2024 deadline will probably not change. Councilmember Olson asked if the start of the six month window
could change. Mr. Taraday answered it was his understanding that could change. To set expectations
regarding the executive session, he clarified the only topic that could be discussed in executive session
would be the relationship between the option price and the appraised value; everything else would need to
be discussed in public so it would be a very short executive session.
Councilmember Olson said she will vote no on the motion since it has already been agreed to hold an
executive session. Mr. Taraday pointed out since this is a regular meeting, an executive session could be
held tonight.
Councilmember Nand commented it is incredibly benevolent of the property owner to have such a strong
desire that the property be used for the good of the community. Now that everything is public, this is an
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 27, 2023
Page 23
incredible opportunity for the City and she wanted to ensure the City's bargaining position was protected
while what would occasionally be thorny public discussions occurred related to acquisition of the
property, how it would be financed, whether it was a good deal, etc. Under no circumstance did she want
the property owner to be spooked by discussions that occur at the dais or in executive session.
Transactionally the council needs to protect its bargaining position and options before processing
questions related to funding, whether to split up the property, etc. The process needs to come later and she
encouraged councilmembers not to put the cart in front of the horse. The council needs to guarantee this
opportunity will not go away based on the whim of the property owner by executing this option
agreement. She agreed with having an executive session to very narrowly discuss the difference between
the appraised value and the $37 million and having a robust public process. She looked forward to the
council president's plans for the steering committee.
Councilmember Chen was excited about the possibilities related to this potential acquisition, but he did
not want to make a mistake by committing the City to $37 million before having a full understanding. He
urged councilmembers not to put the cart in front of the horse, to hold the executive session first and then
make a decision.
Councilmember Teitzel asked if the council approves the option agreement tonight and then learns
something in the executive session that causes severe concern, can the council unwind the vote. Mr.
Taraday corrected his earlier statement; the effective date is a defined term in the agreement, July 1, 2023
so regardless of when the council acts, the six months start July 1, 2023. In response to Councilmember
Teitzel's question, he read key language from the option agreement, "If the parties have not executed such
an addendum, for any reason, within ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY (180) days of the Effective Date,
Optionor shall return the entire Option Payment to Optionee and this Agreement shall terminate."
Council President Tibbott called for a 10 minute executive session. Mr. Taraday advised the executive
session would be pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(b), To consider the selection of a site or the acquisition
of real estate by lease or purchase when public knowledge regarding such consideration would cause a
likelihood of increased price.
COUNCILMEMBER OLSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER NAND, TO
EXTEND TO 10:30. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Executive Session
At 9:51 p.m., the city council convened in executive session for approximately 10 minutes pursuant to
RCW 42.30.110(1)(b), to consider the selection of a site or the acquisition of real estate by lease or
purchase when public knowledge regarding such consideration would cause a likelihood of increased
price.
The executive session concluded at 10:00 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 10:01 p.m.
Councilmember Nand restated the motion:
THAT COUNCIL AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN
EASTERN INVESTMENT CORPORATION AND SOUTHEAST 888 INVESTMENT LLC AND
THE CITY OF EDMONDS PURSUANT TO US ENGAGING IN AN EXECUTIVE SESSION TO
DISCUSS THE NARROW TOPIC OF THE APPRAISED PRICE AND THEN ALSO ON THE
ASSUMPTION THAT THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT AND THE VARIOUS DIRECTORS WOULD
ENGAGE IN A ROBUST PUBLIC PROCESS OVER THE NEXT SIX MONTHS RELATED TO
USAGE OF THE PROPERTY.
UPON ROLL CALL, MOTION CARRIED (3-1-2), COUNCILMEMBERS TEITZEL AND NAND
AND COUNCIL PRESIDENT TIBBOTT VOTING YES; COUNCILMEMBER OLSON VOTING
NO; AND COUNCILMEMBERS CHEN AND BUCKSHNIS ABSTAINING.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 27, 2023
Page 24
3. CLEAN BUILDINGS ACT - FRANCES ANDERSON CENTER INVESTMENT GRADE
AUDIT
Facilities Manager Thom Sullivan advised the State of Washington enacted the Clean Buildings Act
(CBA) in 2019 which requires more energy efficient standards for aging buildings. The Frances Anderson
Center is 95 years old and the last major remodel was 72 years ago. Several infrastructure upgrades have
been done since the City has owned the property include new roofs, insulation, electrical, plumbing, etc.,
but the CBA will address the inefficient HVAC system, gas fired boilers. He reviewed:
• Project goals
o Aging infrastructure
■ Inefficient and inadequate HVAC serving building
■ Equipment failures and costly emergency repairs
o Climate Action Plan
■ City goal to be carbon neutral by 2050
■ Study is the first step in planning process
o Clean Building Compliance
■ Legislation requiring compliance by 6/l/2028
- Frances Anderson Center is 55,000 W
Study Scope
o Energy Audit
■ Evaluate existing building systems and operation
■ Propose initiatives addressing:
- Replacement & upgrades to aging systems
- Associated energy savings
- Guaranteed project cost and savings
- Support planning pathway to compliance
Department of Enterprise Services (DES)
o Partnering with DES to utilize state program
o Provide energy project management, support customers to reduce operational costs
What is the role of DES?
0 1986 RCW 39.35: Legislative Authority to DES
o Prequalified providers
o Project oversight
o Contractual framework & coordination
o Financial transparency
Project benefits
o Facility Updates
■ Address facility HVAC needs
■ Improved equipment efficiencies
■ Avoid costly emergency repairs
o Community Support
■ Added resiliency to HVAC system
■ Supports needs for cooling center
■ Improve shelter potential
o Funding resources
■ Align with grant and rebate opportunity
■ Avoid CBPS compliance issues and costs
■ IRA funding reimbursement
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 27, 2023
Page 25
Councilmember Olson commented it was exciting for the community to learn how the City was
upgrading its facilities.
COUNCILMEMBER OLSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER TEITZEL, TO
ACCEPT THE PROPOSAL FOR AN INVESTMENT GRADE AUDIT TO IDENTIFY AND
ANALYZE PERFORMANCE BASED CONTRACTING MEASURES AT FRANCES ANDERSON
CENTER. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. AWARD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR CITYWIDE BICYCLE
IMPROVEMENTS AND ELM WAY WALKWAY PROJECTS
City Engineer Rob English reviewed:
• Project Overview Map
o Alignment Al: 100t' Ave W from 244t' SW/205'h St SW to Walnut
o Alignment A2: Bowdoin Way from 9'h Ave to 84'h Ave W
o Alignment A3: 228'' St SW from 80'h Ave W to 78'' Ave W
o Alignment A4: Sharrows along 80'' Ave W from 228h St SW to 2201h St SW
• Citywide Bicycle Improvements
o Bicycle lanes and sharrow pavement markings (-7.5 lane miles)
0 15 new ADA compliant pedestrian raps
0 3 Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) systems
■ 9'h Ave/Pine St
■ 100'h Ave/224'h St
■ Bowdoin Way/Pioneer Way
o Pedestrian safety modifications at:
■ Yost Park entrance
■ Woodway campus entrance
o Traffic signal modifications a5 100'h Ave/220'h St and 100" Ave/SR104
o Pavement widening on 228'h St (80'h Ave to 78'h Ave)
• Elm Way Walkway — 8t1i Ave to 9'h Ave
0 700 feet of new curb, gutter and sidewalk (south side)
0 6 new ADA compliant pedestrian ramps
o Stormwater improvements (detention system, piping and catch basins)
o Pavement striping and signing
• Bid results
Contractor Bid Results
Amount
Laser Underground & Earthworks
$2,675,267
Kamins Construction
$2,682,121
Road Construction NW
2,767,012
A-1 Landscaping
$3,135,894
Colacurcio Brothers
$3,185,070
Engineer's Estimate
$1,997,231
• Construction budget
Item
Citywide
Bikelane
Elm Way
Walkway
Total
Contract Award
$1,925,350
$749,917
$2,675,267
Construction Mgmt, Inspection &
Testing (15%)
$288,803
$112,488
$401,291
M mt Reserve 10%
$192,535
$74,992
$267,527
1% for Arts local funds
$5,452
$7498
$12,862
Total
$2,412,140
$944,895
$3,357,035
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 27, 2023
Page 26
• Construction Funding
Funding Source
Citywide Bike Lane
Elm Way Walkway
Total
Sound Transit Grant
$1,365,000
$1,380,000
REET (125/126)
$496,655
$535,348
$1,074,394
Storm Utility 422
$338,384
$349,927
76' Overlay Savings 125/1260
$189,255
$189,254
2023 Overlay 125/1260
$62,000
$62,000
2023 Storm Projects 422
$43,522
$43,522
Added Funds 126 REET)
$299,230
$27,641
$326,871
Total
$2,412,140
$944,895
$3,357,035
*Green = in 2023 budget
*Red = additional funds are needed to fund construction
• Staff recommendation
o Award Construction Contract to Laser Underground & Earthworks, Inc. for $2,675,267.
o Authorize a 10% Management Reserve of $267,527.
COUNCILMEMBER OLSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER CHEN, TO
AWARD THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO LASER UNDERGROUND & EARTHWORKS,
INC. FOR $2,675,267 AND AUTHORIZE A MANAGEMENT RESERVE OF $267,527.
Councilmember Olson relayed her understanding the Elm Way Walkway project was quite expensive,
commenting it was great to do the projects together so there is less disruption in the neighborhood as well
as cost savings. Elm Way is an extremely dangerous situation for pedestrians and she was excited to have
the project moving forward.
Councilmember Chen thanked staff for moving this project forward. It will provide more connections
within the City and improved safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Councilmember Teitzel asked if the construction budget included the cost of signal changes at SR-104
and 100t' intersection and the pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements. Mr. English answered it
includes what was in the original bid package.
Councilmember Nand found it fascinating that it costs $3.3 million to pave and build out 700 feet of
sidewalk. During the council budget workshop in north Edmonds, there was concern expressed with the
perceived delay in street improvements. When one looks at the numbers and sees how time intensive and
incredibly expensive it is to build sidewalks, she hoped the community realized why projects take so long.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. RESOLUTION INCREASING VEHICLE LICENSE FEE - TRANSPORTATION
BENEFIT DISTRICT
COUNCIL PRESIDENT TIBBOTT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER CHEN, TO
POSTPONE ITEM 9.5, RESOLUTION INCREASING VEHICLE LICENSE FEES —
TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT DISTRICT, TO ANOTHER EVENING.
Councilmember Olson commented if people have the energy to stay, she would rather the council
consider this item.
Councilmember Nand commented the council has received public comment that call this a regressive tax
and it deserves a robust public discussion. She preferred to move this item to another meeting.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 27, 2023
Page 27
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Nelson thanked for community members and City staff for the wonderful park opening and
amazing turnout. With the 4' of July celebration coming up and the increased risk of fire and dangers of
fireworks, he reminded of the City's $500 fine for lighting off fireworks. He urged the community not to
light off fireworks.
11. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Olson expressed her commitment to addressing the lack of amenities and the
infrastructure needs of the south Edmonds area. Her vote tonight did not reflect a lack of commitment on
those items, but instead a concern that it would distract the council from the things they need to act on
most.
Councilmember Teitzel echoed Mayor Nelson's comment about the wonderful opening of Civic Park
Playfields. He expressed disappointment with graffiti tagging at several locations in the park last night
when the park has been open less than a week. He urged the public to keep their eyes open and to say
something if they saw anyone spray painting or defacing the area.
Councilmember Chen assured the public and his family that he cares about Highway 99 and the property
the council discussed tonight. His vote tonight was out of caution due to unanswered questions. Moving
forward the council will be working with staff and the public to see the project come to fruition with
caution. He advised of fireworks in Mountlake Terrace on Lake Ballinger on July 3. The Edmonds side of
the park is closed for construction; the best viewpoint is on the Mountlake Terrace side in the boat launch
area.
Council President Tibbott reported on the grand opening of the park; it was a beautiful day with many
activities and it was a lot of fun. He referred to a council special meeting prior to this meeting regarding
the 2024 budget where he may have observed just a little excitement about the budget season.
Councilmember Nand gave a shout out to the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce who are responsible for
the wonderful 4th of July celebrations. The Chamber has a very small staff on a shoestring budget that pull
off miracles every year. The new executive director, Ryan Crowther, and staff members Alicia, Erica and
Caitlin work extremely hard. She noted many think the City puts on the 4t' of July celebrations, but it is
really the Chamber of Commerce.
Councilmember Buckshnis said she read all about the opening of Civic Park; it looked like a great time.
She had a nice time in Happy Camp, Oregon. She reported she abstained from the vote tonight because
she is a numbers person and the council was not given sufficient information. That did not mean she did
not support the effort, she will wholeheartedly support it, but an executive session should have been held
first instead of throwing 500 snowballs at council. It will be interesting to see how the City proceeds;
there is still the comprehensive plan, Perrinville, Shell Creek, and the budget to do and she hoped the City
did not lose focus on other issues.
12. ADJOURN
With no further business, the council meeting was adjourned at 10:27 p.m.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 27, 2023
Page 28
Nicholas Falk, Deputy City Clerk for
SCOTT PASSEY, CITY CLERK
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 27, 2023
Page 29