07/28/2009 City CouncilJuly 28, 2009
The Edmonds City Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Haakenson in the Council
Chambers, 250 5th Avenue North, Edmonds. The meeting was opened with the flag salute.
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Gary Haakenson, Mayor
Ron Wambolt, Council President Pro Tern
Michael Plunkett, Councilmember
Peggy Pritchard Olson, Councilmember
Steve Bernheim, Councilmember
Dave Orvis, Councilmember
Stroh Peterson, Councilmember
ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT
D. J. Wilson, Council President
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
STAFF PRESENT
Tom Tomberg, Fire Chief
Mark Correira, Assistant Fire Chief
Gerry Gannon, Assistant Police Chief
Stephen Clifton, Community Services /Economic
Development Director
Brian McIntosh, Parks & Recreation Director
Rob Chave, Planning Manager
Rob English, City Engineer
Sandy Chase, City Clerk
Jana Spellman, Senior Executive Council Asst.
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
Mayor Haakenson requested the addition of the following item as Agenda Item 313: "Ordinance Providing
for the Submission to the Qualified Voters of the City at the November 3, 2009 Election of a Proposition
Authorizing a Levy Lid Lift to Increase the Regular Property Tax by up to an Additional $0.4864, Not to
Exceed $2.2923 per $1,000 of True Assessed Valuation, Supplying a Ballot Title, Stating the Council's
Intent to Utilize such Funding for Public Safety, Parks and Recreation, including Senior Center and Yost
Pool, Maintenance, Technology, and Operation Purposes."
COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM WAMBOLT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
BERNHEIM, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA IN CONTENT AND ORDER AS AMENDED.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
COUNCILMEMBER WAMBOLT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER BERNHEIM,
TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The agenda
items approved are as follows:
A. ROLL CALL
B. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 21, 2009.
C. APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS #113066 THROUGH #113198 DATED JULY 23, 2009
FOR $1,038,508.14.
D. ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF A CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FROM GARY
TOLLEFSEN ($1,700.71).
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E. APPROVAL OF LIST OF BUSINESSES APPLYING FOR RENEWAL OF THEIR
LIQUOR LICENSES WITH THE WASHINGTON STATE LIQUOR CONTROL
BOARD, JULY 2009.
F. COMMUNITY SERVICES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT QUARTERLY REPORT
—JULY, 2009.
G. AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENTS 2 AND 3
WITH KPFF CONSULTING ENGINEERS, INC. FOR UNDERGROUND UTILITIES
UPGRADES WITH RESPECT TO THE BNSF DOUBLE TRACK PROJECT.
3A. EDMONDS BUSINESS STORY: CAROL SCHILLIOS, FABRIC OF LIFE FOUNDATION STORE
Carol Shillios, Founder, Fabric of Life Foundation, explained the store, a social entrepreneur business,
opened in November and is operated by approximately 50 volunteers. A foundation has been established
to assist social causes. Since November they have donated over $18,000 to projects in developing
countries as well as in this community. Because Edmonds was a great place to have their store, she
wanted to draw attention to Edmonds and the importance of one small act. She planned to live in a tent
atop their building at 523 Main until one million people send her one dollar each and described the good
they are doing in the world.
Several community members have agreed to provide her a developing country meal including classrooms
who will research a developing country and prepare a meal. The Rose House in Edmonds has offered its
kitchen for groups to prepare meals. She identified other Edmonds businesses such as Rakin Jewelry who
provided jewelry for a window display and Cole Gallery who displayed a picture in their window,
pointing out collaboration between businesses could bring visibility to businesses. She envisioned a
downtown community with a park -like setting where people could gather.
The Edmonds Fire Department will lift her to the roof of the building on Friday, July 31 and KING 5 TV
will film her assent. Music and dancing will follow from 4:00 — 6:00 p.m. in the street in front of the
store. An Edmonds angel has offered to match every dollar contributed by Edmonds residents. She urged
other cities to challenge their residents to provide matching donations.
3B. ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS. WASHINGTON. PROVIDING FOR THE
SUBMISSION TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF THE CITY AT THE NOVEMBER 3, 2009
ELECTION OF A PROPOSITION AUTHORIZING A LEVY LID LIFT TO INCREASE THE
REGULAR PROPERTY TAX BY UP TO AN ADDITIONAL $0.4864, NOT TO EXCEED $2.2923
PER $1,000 OF TRUE ASSESSED VALUATION, SUPPLYING A BALLOT TITLE, STATING
THE COUNCIL'S INTENT TO UTILIZE SUCH FUNDING FOR PUBLIC SAFETY, PARKS AND
RECREATION, INCLUDING SENIOR CENTER AND YOST POOL, MAINTENANCE,
TECHNOLOGY. AND OPERATION PURPOSES.
Mayor Haakenson explained Council President Wilson originally moved the vote on the levy ordinance
from tonight's meeting to next week. City Attorney Scott Snyder informed Council President Wilson that
with the vote on this agenda item scheduled for August 4, it would be noticed in the newspaper on August
9 and become effective five days later, August 14. The ordinance must be provided to the Snohomish
County Auditor by August 11. As a result, Council President Wilson worked with Mr. Snyder to draft
this ordinance for tonight's agenda.
Council President Pro Tem Wambolt recalled when the Council discussed the levy at last week's meeting,
a few Councilmembers did not agree with the items to be funded, items the Administration did not ask
for, as well as providing for more expenditures than the Citizen Levy Review Committee endorsed. He
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reported hearing from several unhappy Levy Committee members who questioned the Council's
endorsement of such a levy. He concluded the prudent thing to do was postpone the levy until 2010.
There is also the potential that the initiative proposed by Tim Eyman, Initiative 1033, that limits all tax
increases to the rate of inflation plus population growth, could negate the City's levy. Further, there have
been concerns expressed that this is not the right time to place a levy on the ballot. For those reasons, he
felt it best to postpone the levy until 2010.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM WAMBOLT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
PLUNKETT, TO POSTPONE THE PROPERTY TAX LEVY UNTIL 2010.
Councilmember Plunkett commented there were many reasons for delaying the levy. He determined 30
days ago and again last week that November was not the time for a levy and that the best opportunity for
success would be next year. He preferred to fund and even increase funding to the Senior Center in the
budget, rather than on the ballot, and preferred to fund Yost Pool in the budget rather than on the ballot.
Councilmember Peterson acknowledged a levy was needed to fully fund essential services and to build
the City's reserves to improve the City's financial position in the future. However, timing is everything
and Initiative 1033 raises a question about the City's levy if both are approved on the same ballot. In
addition, negotiations are underway regarding the Fire District 1 proposal which could affect the City's
finances. And while the economy shows signs of improvement, it will take some time for the economy to
recover, making this a difficult time to ask taxpayers for a property tax increase. He expressed support
for the motion to delay the levy until 2010.
Councilmember Bernheim explained the reason this vote was scheduled for tonight instead of next week
when Council President Wilson would be present was to account for the possibility of the Mayor's veto.
If the Council voted next week to place the levy on the November ballot, the timing was sufficient except
in the event of the Mayor's veto. Thus the reason for voting tonight was in the event a motion passed to
place the levy on the ballot and the Mayor vetoed, there would not be time for the Council to override the
veto.
Councilmember Bernheim questioned how the levy could be delayed when it was his understanding the
City had such a serious economic problem that there were plans to cut funding to the Senior Center and
close Yost Pool. Because the City's financial situation was unchanged, the responsible action was for
government to ask the taxpayers for a property tax increase to provide additional funds. He recalled
nearly all members of the Citizen Levy Review Committee (CLRC) recommended a property tax increase
of varying amounts.
Councilmember Bernheim said he had not received any communications from the public expressing
concern with the proposed levy. With regard to Initiative 1033, he did not view that as a reason not to
place the City's levy on the ballot. He advised the levy proposed last week and approved by the Council .
would result in an $18.50 /month increase for a home valued at $456,000; more or less for homes with
higher or lower assessed values.
Councilmember Bemheim preferred to place the levy on the November 2009 ballot even if it did not pass,
pointing out it would provide an indication of the public's feeling toward the levy. He questioned the
basis of the comment that the levy had a better chance of success next year. He concluded it was always
better to do something twice; the first time could be a practice. He also disagreed with the comment that
it was better to fund the Senior Center and Yost Pool in the budget rather than via a levy, pointing out
funding in the budget for both was in jeopardy. He was opposed to the motion to postpone the levy until
2010 and preferred to schedule the levy ordinance on next week's Council agenda.
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Council President Pro Tern Wambolt stated the citizen concerns he received were expressed via private
conversations. He agreed all the CLRC teams supported a levy in 2009; however, their support was for a
levy that maintained services, not the extra items that were added last week. He recalled some
Councilmembers preferred Prop 3 last week rather than Prop 2 which added expenditures the
Administration had not requested. He found it unusual in a time of budget shortfalls, the Council wanted
to provide more funding than the Administration asked for. With regard to Councilmember Bernheim's
suggestion to do a practice levy, he pointed out that practice would cost the City $80,000.
Councilmember Plunkett reiterated the risk of losing $80,000 if the levy did not pass as well as Initiative
1033 as the reason he supported postponing the levy vote until next year. Next, he pointed out although
Mayor Haakenson had proposed funding cuts for the Senior Center and Yost Pool, he was certain the
Council would not have approved reducing the funding for Yost Pool or the Senior Center. He disagreed
with providing funding for the Senior Center and Yost Pool via the proceeds of a levy. He concluded the
Senior Center and Yost Pool were funded in next year's budget and anticipated additional funding may be
provided to the Senior Center.
UPON ROLL CALL, MOTION CARRIED (4 -2), COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM WAMBOLT
AND COUNCILMEMBERS OLSON, PLUNKETT, AND PETERSON IN FAVOR; AND
COUNCILMEMBER ORVIS AND BERNHEIM OPPOSED.
4. REPORT ON SUSTAINABILITY AGENDA.
Planning Manager Rob Chave explained the problem of carbon emissions was widespread and occurred
where people lived. He displayed a graph of carbon emissions, explaining emissions varied by month,
day of the week and time of day. To address sustainability and climate change, the City has undertaken a
number of actions including adoption by the City Council of resolutions and commitments, formation of
the Mayor's Climate Protection Committee and a commitment to a new Sustainability Element for the
Comprehensive Plan. He identified the following resolutions passed by the Council:
• Resolution 1129 (September 2006) — supported Kyoto Protocol, endorsed US Mayors' Climate
Protection Agreement and made a series of commitments
• Resolution 1130 (September 2006) — joined ICLEI and committed to participating in the Cities
for Climate Protection Campaign, pledged to take a "leadership role and address the same five
milestones in the Cities Climate Protection Campaign
• Resolution 1168 (April 2008) — established the City of Edmonds Sustainable Building Policy,
established a LEER Silver standard for certain remodels and new City buildings and facilities,
emphasized life cycle cost analyst
• Resolution 1169 (April 2008) —joined the Cascade Agenda as a Member City, endorsed Cascade
Agenda principles of making the City complete, compact and connected
• Resolution 1170 (April 2008) — committed to a set of environmental principles, policies and goals
for future action; emphasis on City taking a leadership role in addressing climate issues; and
recognizing key role of education, transit and TOD in a complete and coordinated policy
framework
Mr. Chave explained the Mayor's Climate Protection Committee has completed a greenhouse gas
inventory for city operations as well as a community -wide greenhouse gas inventory and have begun the
next step of developing priorities and an action plan. The Committee also serves as a clearing house for
exploring, compiling and reporting city efforts and initiatives. He commented on the Sustainability
Element of the Comprehensive Plan, explaining the definition of sustainability that has been used is
development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to
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meet their needs. Sustainability is not solely focused on environmental Sustainability; it also emphasizes
the inter - related nature of environmental, economic and social factors in sustainability.
Mr. Chave explained the State is moving forward with climate plans and emission reduction targets which
will influence operations and funding priorities. The City's Sustainability Element is intended to be the
local vehicle to coordinate and relate long range planning and activities to shorter -term strategic and
budgeting decisions. The Climate Protection. Committee completed their initial inventories; next steps
will identify and target program initiatives. The "big picture" requires a commitment to integrating and
focusing city policies and initiatives toward a fundamental shift in how the City does business. Examples
of this include the commitment to the Sustainability Element and the City's recent application under the
Federal Energy Efficiency Block Grant Program to initiate outreach with other community partners to
broaden and deepen the commitment to addressing energy efficiency and climate change.
He recalled the Council identified six Sustainability Actions at their 2009 retreat.
1. Pass the Sustainability Element of the Comprehensive Plan
2. Develop a comprehensive recycling plan for the City of Edmonds
3. Development of a green "branded" identity of Edmonds
4. Look at building codes as pertains to heat, insulation and energy efficiency
5. Consider the banning of the use of plastic bags in Edmonds
6. Become a "Leadership City" with Cascade Land Conservancy
With regard to the Sustainability Element, Mr. Chave stated the Planning Board is working on the
Element and expected to present it to the Council this fall as well as an Action Plan by year -end.
With regard to developing a comprehensive recycling plan, Councilmember Peterson explained when he
first joined the Council in January, he had a number of ideas for recycling. He soon learned the City's
Recycling Coordinator Steve Fisher was already doing them including a computer recycling program. He
commended Mr. Fisher for his efforts. He relayed Councilmember Bernheim planned to expand
recycling to the business community and will provide a report in the near future.
With regard to developing a green branded identity for Edmonds, Councilmember Peterson thanked staff,
particularly Mr. Chave and Mr. Clifton, for taking the lead on a number of issues. The first step has been
to integrate efficiencies, recycling and green practices into day -to -day activities and visioning. The City
submitted an application for approximately $162,000 in federal grant funds that will be used for projects
that reduce the consumption of energy and reduce production of greenhouse gas emissions. Staff also
feels it is important to reach out to residential and business communities as well as other partners such as
Stevens Hospital, the Port, and Edmonds School District. Beyond those initial steps, next steps will be to
highlight Edmonds successes. The Mayors Climate Protection Committee is discussing green branding
and will discuss specific actions at their September meeting. The end goal for green branding goes
beyond environmental protection and awareness, recognizing there can be positive economic impacts via
marketing Edmonds as a green community. Studies have shown communities with an active
environmental awareness have better businesses and are happier.
With regard to building codes, Councilmember Orvis reported he is in the process of educating himself
with the help of Building Official Ann Bullis. The State has done a great deal to improve thermal
efficiencies of homes; in 2002 the State adopted an R21 standard which requires improved thermal
insulation. In 2007 the State required that new windows reduce thermal transmittance by over 10 %. In
2009 -2010, the State is updating their building codes; one of their goals is to reduce the energy needs of
new homes by 30 %.
With regard to the Council Sustainability Actions 5 and 6, Mayor Haakenson noted they would be
addressed by upcoming agenda items.
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5. FINAL ACTION: PROPOSED ORDINANCE ADOPTING CHAPTER 6.80 PLASTIC BAG
REDUCTION IN THE EDMONDS CITY CODE TO PROMOTE THE USE OF RECYCLABLE
PAPER AND /OR REUSABLE CHECKOUT BAGS BY RETAIL STORES LOCATED IN THE
CITY PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS AND FIXING A TIME WHEN THE SAME
SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE
Councilmember Peterson commented it had been a great experience working with Councilmembers, staff,
environmental groups, citizens and the business community to develop very important and well written
legislation. Although there was some controversy regarding the ordinance, he pointed out the benefits of
reducing the use of disposable bags to the environment, water quality, and greenhouse gas emissions. It
was also beneficial economically, such as green branding the City, as well as reducing costs for
businesses because they do not need to buy as many bags. This legislation will also put Edmonds on the
forefront of protecting the environment and being good stewards of the natural beauty and was a small
step toward getting Puget Sound clean. He acknowledged it would not solve the world's problems but it
was important that everyone do their part.
Council President Pro Tem Wambolt referred to Section 6.80.020(c) on page 4 of the ordinance that states
"the City shall work with retailers, retail associations, unions and other organizations to create educational
elements about benefits of reusable bags. This may include signage at store locations, informational
literature and employee training will take place before and after the operative date." He questioned who
would take these actions. Councilmember Peterson offered to take the lead, anticipating there would be
opportunities with staff as well as with retailers and volunteer organizations.
COUNCILMEMBER PETERSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER BERNHEIM,
TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 3749 AS WRITTEN.
COUNCILMEMBER PETERSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM
WAMBOLT, TO ADD TO THE END OF PARAGRAPH A IN SECTION 6.80.010, "OR BAGS
PROVIDED TO CARRY OUT FOOD, COOKED OR PREPARED AT A RESTAURANT OR
OTHER SIMILAR FOOD AND BEVERAGE ESTABLISHMENTS."
Councilmember Orvis observed this would amend what was not considered "checkout bags."
Councilmember Peterson agreed and explained the primary goal of government was health, safety and
welfare of its citizens. In working with the Washington Restaurant Association as well as local
restaurants, there were concerns about food safety and he preferred to err on the side of food safety and
include this language.
THE VOTE ON THE AMENDMENT CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Council President Pro Tem Wambolt remarked he had not changed his mind about a ban on plastic bags.
He thanked Councilmember Peterson for his effort championing this important issue, noting the focus he
brought to the issue caused citizens to be more prudent in their use of bags. However, he did not support
involving government in this matter; citizens were doing a great job of recycling and using reusable bags
with no government involvement. There were also voluntary plastic bag recycling containers in many
grocery stores. He disagreed with the term "single use bags," pointing out bags were used for a variety of
purposes. He referred to KOMO's Ken Schramm who originally supported Seattle's bag tax (charging
consumers 20 cents for plastic or paper bags they get from a supermarket or convenience store) because
he was swayed by the idea the best way to reduce waste was not to create it. He soon realized disposable
bags were reused for a variety of purposes. Council President Pro Tem Wambolt summarized he did not
feel this was appropriate legislation for a city to introduce.
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UPON ROLL CALL, MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED CARRIED (5 -1), COUNCILMEMBERS
ORVIS, BERNHEIM, OLSON, PLUNKETT, AND PETERSON IN FAVOR, AND COUNCIL
PRESIDENT PRO TEM WAMBOLT OPPOSED.
7. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
John Helgren, Edmonds, appointed himself ombudsman to inform the community of the true cost of the
plastic bag ban, anticipating the total cost to be $100,000 - $500,000. He questioned the advisability of
spending that much when the City would be faced with cutting the Police and Fire Department's budgets.
He asked whether the Council had an estimate of the legal fees, cost of enforcement, the departments
involved, and the cost of the educational program. He asked who he could contact to obtain these figures.
Mayor Haakenson suggested he work with Councilmember Peterson. Mr. Helgren advised he planned to
publicize the cost in the newspaper to ensure the public was informed.
Heather Trim, Seattle, People for Puget Sound, thanked the Council for passing the plastic bag
reduction ordinance. She referred to the past presentation from Algalita Marine Research Foundation and
samples of ocean water they provided showing microscopic plastics that enter the North Pacific Gyre that
are toxic to wildlife including fish that humans eat. She commended the Council for standing up to the
American Chemistry Council, an organization that is spending $1.4 million in Seattle to defeat the bag
fee. With regard to costs, she suggested balancing the cost of the program with the cost to the
environment and cost of health problems from ingesting toxins. With regard to enforcement, she
explained Seattle passed a ban on Styrofoam takeout containers effective January 2009 and has spent
virtually nothing on enforcement as most restaurants comply voluntarily.
Joan Duce, Edmonds, spoke in favor of naming the new South Edmonds Park Hickman Park after Dr.
Hickman, a community resident and the inventor of the Hickman Catheter. Her family as well as many
others have experienced the benefits of the Hickman Catheter. She preferred to honor Dr. Hickman and
his contributions to the medical field by naming the park after him rather than naming the park Cherry
Blossom or Southwest Edmonds Park. She also supported naming the playground after J.P. Patches.
Claudia Bailey, Edmonds, agreed with the recommendation to name the children's playground after J.P.
Patches. She attended the Planning Board meeting and read the list of 88 suggested names including
Hickman Park. She and many others had never heard of Dr. Hickman. She recognized his contributions
to the medical field, that he lived in the surrounding neighborhood and at one time was active at the old
Woodway Elementary School but now has no connection to the community in which the park was
located. She referred to three emails attached to the list of suggested names, noting they were submitted
after the May 29 deadline. She preferred the name selected for the park be specific, easily identified and
fit the park, recognizing the grassroots effort that resulted in this park. She urged the Council to select a
more descriptive name for the park.
Dave Page, Edmonds, agreed with the Council's action to postpone the levy until 2010 but suggested
placing it on the ballot as early as possible in 2010 to take advantage of the energy generated for the levy.
He commented on the Council candidates' and others' willing to canvas the City to generate support for
the levy. Next, he commended Fire Chief Tomberg and his staff for agreeing to consolidate the City's
Fire Department with Fire District L He concluded consolidating the City's Fire Department with Fire
District 1 would be tremendously beneficial to the City.
Rebecca Wolfe, Edmonds, congratulated the Council for having the vision to support a ban on plastic
bags, expressing her hope the City would adopt a ban on paper bags in the future. She noted several
members of the Mayor's Climate Protection Committee were moving forward on ways to meet
greenhouse gas emission standards. One of the ways is a City of Edmonds Green Partners Program, a
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scorecard for businesses to promote green activities. They hoped to incorporate schools and faith
communities in the future. They are working with Sustainable Edmonds on this effort.
Nancy Morris, Shoreline, thanked the Council for approving a ban on plastic bags and urged them to
consider banning paper bags in the future. With regard to Seattle's 20 cent fee on plastic and paper bags,
she clarified it was not a tax; it was a fee to try to change behavior in a positive direction. She anticipated
a per bag fee would help the public change their habits. She hoped Shoreline would adopt a similar ban
or fee in the future.
Priya Cloutier, Edmonds, a member of the CLRC, recalled 60+ citizens told the Council a levy was
needed this year and questioned why the Council had now voted to postpone the levy until next year. She
recalled earlier this year there were discussions of dipping into the City's $1.9 million emergency fund to
keep Yost Pool open, but now the emergency seemed to have disappeared and there was enough money to
fund Yost Pool. She questioned if the extra money was from staff taking furlough days and whether staff
would be asked to take furlough days again next year. Although she was not happy with the levy as
planned, the CLRC urged the Council to work together to develop a workable levy. She was disappointed
the Council's actions today reflected the same behavior that brought the City to this point. She urged the
Council to reconsider their vote to postpone the levy and to propose a workable levy. After doorbelling
4,000 houses in Edmonds, she knew people were aware of the levy and supported it.
Don Hall, Edmonds, thanked the Council for passing the ordinance banning plastic bags. He noted not
just cities were banning plastic bags; the United Nations is seeking a worldwide ban or effort to phase out
plastic bags due to their negative impacts on marine life. He anticipated the cost of the ban would be
minimal; the attorney fees to date were approximately $4,000.
Rob Trahms, Edmonds, congratulated the City on purchasing and developing a new park and he was
looking forward to the August 8 opening. He attended the Planning Board meeting when the park naming
was discussed and was surprised they selected Hickman as the name of the park. He recognized
Hickman's contributions but said he and many others did not know who he was. He preferred the park
name be something people understood, resonated with and brought the community together. The
Southwest Edmonds Neighborhood Association reviewed the names in a more scientific manner, and
selected five candidate names that better represented the neighborhood: Nottingham Park, Citizens Park,
Forest Meadows Park, Big Rock Park and Firdale Park. He urged the Council to reconsider Hickman as
the name for the park and suggested asking the Planning Board to take a more scientific approach to
naming the park in a manner that was representative of the community.
Cheryl Clarke, Edmonds, urged the City to approve the Planning Board's recommendation to name the
new park in southwest Edmonds Hickman Park after a man who dedicated his life to improving the
quality of life for others and served the community for over 45 years. She expressed dismay that on July
15, following the Planning Board's July 8 meeting when the recommendation regarding the park name
was made, Cliff Sanderlin, a local resident and member of the Southwest Edmonds Neighborhood
Association, contacted Dr. Hickman and offered to name the property Hickman Field if he and his
neighbors would assist with purchasing the remainder of the Burnstead property. Dr. Hickman declined
his offer. She urged the Council to consider the public comments they and the Planning Board received
in support of the name Hickman Park. Dr. Hickman was surprised and humbled by the recommendation
to name the park after him; he and his family have lived in the same home since 1964. She concluded it
would be unfortunate if the City missed this opportunity to honor Dr. Hickman.
George Murray, Edmonds, expressed support for a human's name for the park because it stimulated
questions and answers about the person. With regard to the levy, he recalled the Council felt it was
necessary as did the 60 member CLRC. Cuts to Senior Center funds were proposed and the threatened
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closure of Yost Pool also emphasized the need for the levy. He was surprised now the Council had voted
to postpone the levy to next year, fearing the public would begin to doubt whether a levy was necessary.
With regard to the report made to the Planning Board by the Highway 99 Taskforce, he noted only 4% of
the Chamber of Commerce members were outside downtown Edmonds.
Colin Southcote -Want, Edmonds, stated the southwest Edmonds neighborhoods were looking forward
to the park opening but were concerned with the name. He was opposed to naming the park Hickman
Park, not because of any ill will toward Dr. Hickman but because the gentleman lived in Woodway and
because the name Hickman did not resonate with the neighbors. He noted few in the neighborhood were
familiar with the name Hickman. He asked the Park Director who submitted the name Hickman Park and
was told he would need to submit a public records request. He suggested a Councilmember inquire of
staff who submitted the name Hickman Park. He anticipated the name was proposed by Cheryl Clarke, a
serious conflict of interest between her proposal and Kevin Clarke's involvement on the Planning Board
subcommittee and Planning Board. He suggested the Council refer the naming back to the Planning
Board for three names that reflected the will of the people, noting 68% of the responses favored a
neighborhood theme or features of the park. None of the 15 letters in support of the name Hickman Park
came from the Southwest Edmonds neighborhood and most were from outside Edmonds.
Roger Hertrich, Edmonds, agreed a City park should be named after someone living in the City. He
referred to the Cascade Land Conservancy presentation, noting their focus was compact urban
development. With regard to the levy, the Council, Mayor and CLRC all said the levy was necessary.
The Council got sidetracked by the plastic bag ban and when they returned to the levy issue, determined it
was not necessary. He agreed with Council President Pro Tem Wambolt that the plastic bag ban was
unnecessary, pointing out the way to improve the environment was to ban Styrofoam takeout containers.
The plastic bag ban may be nice in an election year to show that a Councilmember was green. He
questioned what Councilmember Peterson had done for economic development in Edmonds.
Councilmember Plunkett reminded speakers the podium was for public policy discussion and candidate
discussions were not appropriate. He urged candidates and speakers to keep their comments to the issues.
Sarah Duce, Edmonds, expressed her support for the name Hickman Park, explaining Dr. Hickman had
helped her family a great deal during her father's illness and with the grieving process after his death.
Mayor Haakenson applauded the Council's decision to postpone the levy until 2010, finding it prudent
and the right thing to do. The condition of the economy, the Eyman initiative, and the levy content
included at last week's Council meeting spelled defeat at the polls in his opinion. In addition, a contract
for fire service with Fire District I will be presented to the Council in a few weeks. He acknowledged
there was a need for more money and that the City's financial problems had not yet been resolved. The
levy would bring those funds from the taxpayers; the Fire District 1 proposal would provide those funds
in a different manner. If the Council approved the Fire District I contract and had already placed a ballot
measure on the levy, the Council likely would have told voters the levy was unnecessary and the $80,000
cost of the election would have been wasted. The prudent thing for the Council to do was to look at the
Fire District I contract and if it was not acceptable, pursue a levy in 2010.
Mayor Haakenson pointed out when the Council began considering a levy in November 2008, no one
knew a Fire District I proposal was coming, that the economy would continue to slide or that the budget
cuts made early in 2009 would reduce 2009 expenses as well as 2010 expenses. The budget cuts were
prudent, allowing the City to get through two years. With regard to Yost Pool and the Senior Center, he
assured both were fully funded in the 2010 budget. He assured the City's labor force would not be asked
to take the salary cuts they did this year; budget cuts would be made instead. The labor groups agreed to
those cuts to save jobs; that would not be an option next year, jobs would be lost without the Fire District
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July 28, 2009
Page 9
I contract or the levy. He concluded alternate funding sources have arisen since November 2008 when
the Council began this process.
6. PRESENTATION BY THE CASCADE LAND CONSERVANCY
Nick Harper, Snohomish County Conservation Director, Cascade Land Conservancy, explained
they were formerly the Snohomish County Land Trust and operates throughout the Puget Sound Region
in Snohomish, King, Pierce and Kittitas Counties and is beginning work in Mason County. In the spring
they helped close on 480 acres of properties added to the Wild Sky Wildness Area, helped Darrington
acquire a 9 -acre park on the Sauk River that provides recreation and preserves critical salmon habitat,
worked with Snohomish County to amend its Transfer Development Rights ordinance and closed on the
purchase of development rights of 780 acres from small forest land owners in Snohomish County. Last
spring Edmonds became the first Member City in the Cascade Agenda City's Program, followed by
Snohomish, Lynnwood, Mill Creek and Mountlake Terrace.
Jeff Aken, Cities Program Manager, Cascade Land Conservancy, explained they have protected
approximately 155,000 acres of forest and farm lands and shorelines over the past 20 years. Over the past
five years they realized a large scale conservation effort required working with cities to accommodate
future population growth in a way that protected and enhanced the current quality of life as new residents
moving to the region are accommodated.
He displayed aerial maps illustrating the urban growth boundaries and natural characteristics with current
land uses. He displayed a 2100 alternative future land uses map that envisioned lost natural
characteristics with relaxed growth boundaries and a continued sprawling growth pattern and a map of a
2100 Planning future that Cascade Land Conservancy envisioned by focusing growth in cities.
He identified the Cascade Agenda's Goals:
1. Save our Landscape — protect 1.3 million acres of forests and farms and shorelines
2. Enhance our communities — Smart community planning and spectacular parks and public places.
The Cascade Agenda Cities Program Mission is to "enlist the region's cities to improve the livability of
neighborhoods — making them compete, compact and connected — spectacular enough for people to
choose to live there, saving the region's natural and working lands from poorly planned development. He
described attributes that were envisioned for complete, compact and connected cities. The four elements
of complete, compact connect cities are compact centers, innovative housing, streets for people and
natural spaces.
The Cascade Agenda Cities Program educates partner cities about what it takes to become a truly livable
city, helps cities and their citizens understand their options and make smart choices for future growth, and
provide a framework for continuous improvement and sharing best practices that enables cities to make
their communities better.
Mr. Aken invited Edmonds to become a Leadership City, a $5,000 annual fee. Benefits of being a
Leadership City include the following:
• 25 hours of staff time
• A Community Stewards program
• Livability Assessment
• Learning Network
• Design for Livability Symposium
• Outreach and support of quality of life
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• Work with staff and Council on issues as they arise
The 25 hours of staff time for Edmonds could include examining potential transit oriented development
opportunities, complete streets policy development, and raise long term visibility around the
comprehensive planning process. Future opportunities could include Transfer of Development Rights,
Green City Partnership and Civic Engagement.
The four other Leadership Cities are Kirkland, Issaquah, Tukwila and Tacoma. Member Cities include
Buckley, Burien, Edmonds, Ellensburg, Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Mountlake Terrace, Shoreline,
Snohomish and Sammamish. Next steps are a partnership agreement between the City and Cascade Land
Conservancy, the $5,000 annual membership fee, and participation in the learning network.
Mayor Haakenson recalled during the last legislative session, Cascade Land Conservancy and Futurewise
sponsored HB 1490, yet there was no request for input from Edmonds regarding that bill. He recalled
most cities actually opposed HB 1490. Mr. Aken clarified Cascade Land Conservancy did not sponsor
HB 1490, it was sponsored by Futurewise and Cascade Land Conservancy did not take a position on the
bill. Although many cities supported the overall goals of HB 1490, they did not support the mandated
one - size - fits -all density. He recalled last October when Cascade Land Conservancy's legislative agenda
was presented that included a bill regarding regional transfer of development rights program and a rural
study bill, Mr. Chave and representatives of other cities provided their 2009 legislative agenda.
Council President Pro Tern Wambolt recalled HB 1490 would have resulted in 5 story buildings through
the entire Edmonds bowl which he noted may save forests but would destroy cities. Mr. Harper
commented although he respected Futurewise's intentions, Cascade Land Conservancy's goal and
mission has been working with cities on an individual basis to understand their issues.
Council President Pro Tern Wambolt asked whether Cascade Land Conservancy anticipated Futurewise
would sponsor a similar bill in 2010. Mr. Aken expected it would be dramatically different if they did.
Councilmember Plunkett asked whether Cascade Land Conservancy would oppose HB 1490 if brought
back in its present form. Mr. Aken answered Cascade Land Conservancy did not take a position in 2009
but did not support the bill primarily because of the 50 dwelling units per acre. Mr. Harper answered
Cascade Land Conservancy would not actively support the bill. He welcomed any inquiries from cities.
Mayor Haakenson advised the Council would consider becoming a Leadership City and schedule it on a
future agenda.
8. REPORT ON EDMONDS PLANNING BOARD'S NAMING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE
NEW PARK IN SOUTH EDMONDS.
Parks & Recreation Director Brian McIntosh announced the park at 23700 104'x' SW will be dedicated on
August 8 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a community party hosted by the Southwest Edmonds Neighborhood
Association. He referred to the seven attachments to the Council agenda packet: Park Naming Form,
Park Naming Entries, Planning Board July 8, 2009 Draft minutes, Park Naming Letters, Naming
Subcommittee email dated June 24, 2009, Park Name entries by Category, and Park Naming Policy.
Council President Pro Tern Wambolt asked who submitted the name Hickman Park. Mr. McIntosh
answered Mrs. Clarke.
With the adoption of the Park Naming Policy by City Council on March 24 of this year the Planning
Board was charged with recommending park names for new parks developed in Edmonds. The first park
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July 28, 2009
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to be named under this policy will be the new park in south Edmonds at the former Woodway Elementary
School site.
Parks & Recreation staff assisted the Planning Board by advertising and gathering proposals for park
names through placing the entry forms in City buildings and on the City website, Channel 21, public
service announcements to local newspapers, and large signs and boxes with entry forms at the new park
site. This opportunity was available for five weeks with a closing date of May 29. A total of 88 names
by 50 individuals were submitted by the deadline and forwarded to the Planning Board for their
consideration. A three person Planning Board subcommittee comprised of John Reed, Valerie Stewart
and Kevin Clarke was established to review all of the proposed names and bring recommendations to the
full Planning Board public hearing on July 8, 2009.
During the public portion of the hearing seven citizens spoke. In addition, 16 letters were received and
included in the Planning Board packets in advance of the hearing.
Following Board discussion, a motion was made that the Planning Board recommend to the City Council
for final adoption the permanent name of Hickman Park for the new park located at the site of the old
Woodway Elementary School and the play area located at the northeast portion of the park be named J.P.
Patches Play Area. An amendment was made and approved (with one abstention) to also forward the
entire list of nominations and the email memorandum from the Subcommittee dated June 24, 2009, to the
City Council. The motion as amended was approved with one abstention.
Planning Board and Park Naming Subcommittee member Kevin Clarke pointed out
Councilmembers were elected to represent the entire city and the Park Naming Policy did not require they
disqualify themselves because they did not live near the park. On June 10, the Planning Board discussed
the short amount of time available to complete the park naming process prior to the grand opening,
emphasizing the desire to have the park name selected prior to the park opening. The Board selected a
subcommittee comprised of Board Members Reed, Stewart and Clark to identify the top ten names. The
subcommittee agreed to conduct a public hearing and the Planning Board agreed to conduct a public
hearing as part of the Park Naming Process. Board members were invited to email ideas and thoughts to
subcommittee members.
The Planning Board was presented with 88 names in the same tabular form provided to the Council that
does not identify who submitted the names. The order of the names reflects the order they were received.
The Park Naming Process was developed by staff, presented to the Planning Board for recommendation
and forwarded to the City Council for approval. The Council approved the policy on March 24, 2009. He
referred to March 24, 2009 minutes that reflect an amendment requesting the right to have Sherwood Park
considered in the process because the policy specifically prohibits giving the same name to a park as an
existing school site or public facility unless the sites abut one another. A concern was raised with
amending the policy for this park when it was a citywide park naming policy. The motion to amend the
policy failed and the motion to adopt the park naming policy was approved. He recalled a
Councilmember then stated the Council could approve whatever name they wanted.
Mr. Clarke advised the naming policy states the naming of park facilities shall be the function of the City
Council with assistance of the Planning Board and the Parks /Cultural Services Department. Diversity,
balance and creativity will be sought during the adoption of names. The name selected for a site will be
recommended to the Council for approval or amendment. City Council has final authority to approve or
remand any recommendation. He assured the Planning Board had no desire to submit a name that the
Council would overturn.
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July 28, 2009
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Mr. Clarke referred to the Park Naming Contest form which includes the criteria for naming parks and
requesting participants submit one name per entry with space to describe why the name should be chosen.
He described the subcommittee's process for selecting the top ten names. First they utilized a map with
the location and characteristics of all the City's parks. Some parks are named after historical pioneers
such as Brackett, Yost or Frances Anderson. Other parks are associated with specific geographic areas
such as Marina Beach Park, Olympic Beach Park, Underwater Park, Pine Street Playfield, and Pine Ridge
Park. There are also the Civic Center Playfields, City Park, and Hummingbird Hill Park. Two parks are
named after individuals who gave the park land to the City, Hutt Park and Mathay Ballinger Park.
The subcommittee divided the 88 names submitted into categories, Robin Hood theme names, other local
theme park names, park feature names, individual names, humorous and political names, and others.
The public hearing notice was sent to the 50 individuals who submitted a name to the park naming
contest. The most names submitted by one individual was 11; one individual submitted 8 names and
many submitted 2 -4 names. The subcommittee concluded individuals were attempting to influence the
process by submitting multiple names as evidenced by the reasons for choosing the name such as
"keeping to the Robin Hood theme" or "consistent with the theme of the neighborhood."
Mr. Clarke pointed out the name of Sherwood School was not related to Robin Hood. Only one
subdivision in the neighborhood, Sherwood Village which consists of 73 lots and 3 square blocks, has
Robin Hood related names. This area, from Woodway to Highway 99 and south of Edmonds Way was in
unincorporated Snohomish County until 1995 when the area was annexed. He emphasized a
neighborhood consists of multiple subdivisions and none of the subdivisions in the neighborhood have
their own park. Many of the subdivisions in the neighborhood have monument signs identifying the
neighborhood, Sherwood Village does not. He commented on the difficulty of choosing between the
Robin Hood related names and ignoring the other subdivisions in the area. The legal description of this
park references Woodway Meadows.
He explained Board Members Phil Lovell, Valerie Stewart and John Reed submitted emails to the
subcommittee containing 5 -6 names and from those the list of 10 names was created. The three emails
had only one name in common, Hickman Park although none of them knew Dr. Hickman. Mr. Clarke
assured he did not try to influence the subcommittee or the Planning Board's vote.
He relayed the following subcommittee recommendations:
• Honor former Police Chief Stern at either this facility or another facility in the City
• Install a permanent plaque at the park that recognizes the community effort in acquiring and
designing the park
• Permanently name the children's play area J.P. Patches Play Area
• Names: South Edmonds Community Park, in recognition of the location; Cherry Blossom. Park
in recognition of a significant feature; and Hickman Park recognizing a prominent individual.
Mr. Clarke summarized only Hickman Park was mentioned by those who testified at the public hearing;
Roger Hertrich submitted a name after the deadline; Rob Trahms did not recommend a name but
recognized the high number of names associated with Robin Hood, Colin Southcote -Want did not submit
a name but favored a Robin Hook theme, Jan Robertson did not mention a name. The written record
included 16 letters in favor of Hickman Park and a letter from Lora Petso recommending Nottingham
Park.
Mr. Clarke pointed out although Dr. Hickman lives in Woodway; he uses Edmonds, Washington 98020
as his address. Mr. Clarke explained in 1984 when his youngest son had kidney disease, Dr. Hickman
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July 28, 2009
Page 13
was the head of Nephrology. Although he attended school with Dr. Hickman's children, he was not
aware he was a nephrologist. His son had a Hickman catheter as did his mother when she had breast
cancer. Although he knew Dr. Hickman and his family, he did not attempt to influence the vote.
Councilmember Plunkett clarified Dr. Hickman lived in Woodway but used Edmonds as his address. Mr.
Clarke agreed Dr. Hickman lived on Kulshan Road in Woodway but used Edmonds as his address.
Council President Pro Tem Wambolt commented he lived in Woodway for 22 years and usually used
Edmonds for his address because the cities have the same zip code.
Councilmember Plunkett commented he did not care who made the nomination and did not believe Mr.
Clarke had a conflict of interest. The Planning Board made the decision on the recommended name, not
Mr. Clarke. He has learned a lot of Dr. Hickman and his mother had a similar experience with a Hickman
catheter while battling cancer. Although the Council established a policy for park naming, the Council
reserved the right to make the ultimate decision. The Planning Board made a very sincere and exacting
effort to recommend a name in as objectively a manner as possible. He could support about 75 names on
the list including Nottingham, Forest Meadows, Woodway Meadows, and Chief Stern Park.
Councilmember Bernheim commented it did not matter to him who made the nomination or that people
submitted multiple nominations. The intent was to identify names for consideration in the process. He
did not find a conflict of interest in a spouse participating in the naming contest. He observed Dr.
Hickman was widely loved in the community although he was not familiar with who he was before this
process began. His preferred names included Forest Meadows, Big Rock, Cherry Blossom, and Cherry
Tree Park. He noted the remaining cherry tree was the most prominent feature in the park and was an
inspiring symbol. He opposed naming any permanent public facility or a park after a living person.
Council President Pro Tem Wambolt commented the Planning Board did a great deal of work selecting
the name and he was not concerned about any conflict of interest as the recommendation for Hickman
Park was made via a 5 -0 -1 vote.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM WAMBOLT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
PETERSON, TO ACCEPT THE PLANNING BOARD'S RECOMMENDATION TO NAME THE
PARK HICKMAN PARK.
Councilmember Orvis commented a majority of the households around the park generated theme -based
names. He preferred to name the park Cherry Blossom, Nottingham, or Woodway Meadows Park.
Councilmember Peterson referred to Mr. Southcote Want's comment that the letters in support of the
name Hickman Park came from throughout Edmonds but also from the region. This is a city park;
everyone in the city pays for the park and will enjoy this park. He viewed the diverse geography of
support as well as discovering that this individual lived in the community as positive. He concluded
naming the park after Dr. Hickman created an opportunity to learn more about a person who has saved
countless lives.
UPON ROLL CALL, MOTION TIED (3 -3), COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM WAMBOLT AND
COUNCILMEMBERS OLSON AND PETERSON IN FAVOR; AND COUNCILMEMBERS
ORVIS, PLUNKETT AND BERNHEIM OPPOSED.
Mayor Haakenson offered the Council two choices: he could cast the deciding vote or the Council could
vote again at their next meeting when Council. President Wilson would be present. It was the consensus
of the Council to vote again at the August 4 meeting.
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July 28, 2009
Page 14
9. COUNCIL REPORTS ON OUTSIDE COMMITTEE /BOARD MEETINGS
Council President Pro Tern Wambolt reported at the July 13 Port Commission meeting there was a
presentation by Seattle NW Securities regarding their analysis of the Port bonds and concluding they did
not need to refinance their bonds at this time. The Port Commissioners also reviewed staff's response to
PSRC's Transportation 2040 DEIS. The Commissioners approved a $50,000 renovation of their marina
operation restrooms.
Council President Pro Tern Wambolt reported the Highway 99 Taskforce met with the Planning Board
last week. The meeting included discussion regarding the $1.60 million project at 220th & Highway 99
which has been delayed due to the economy. A development is planned for the property behind Safeway
when the economy improves. The Taskforce is discussing with Hagens, the owner of Top Foods,
development of vacant space on their property at the corner of Highway 99 & 220th. The Taskforce is
also considering talking with the Highway 99 property owners in Esperance north of Safeway about
annexing into Edmonds.
Councilmember Peterson reported the SeaShore Transportation Committee is attempting to bring Seattle
back to the organization.
Councilmember Orvis reported the Health Board is struggling with where to make additional cuts.
Because the Health Board's budget is already bare bones, the choice is to cut programs that affect low
income children or cut programs that affect their ability to control disease. A suggestion was made to
merge the Health Board with Snohomish County to realize economies of scale. The next step is for the
Health Officer to propose possible cuts for the Health Board's consideration.
Councilmember Plunkett reported the City has $400,000 in grants for Highway 99 and plan to go out to
bid this fall for Highway 99 enhancements including lighting, artistic elements and sidewalks. The City
has 30% funded design for the intersection of 2881h & Highway 99 and are applying for a grant for the
remaining 70 %.
10. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Haakenson had no report.
IL COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmembers had no additional comments.
12. ADJOURN
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 9:57 p.m.
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July 28, 2009
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