2023-09-05 Regular MeetingEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APPROVED MINUTES
September 5, 2023
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Mike Nelson, Mayor
Neil Tibbott, Council President
Vivian Olson, Councilmember
Will Chen, Councilmember
Diane Buckshnis, Councilmember
Susan Paine, Councilmember
Dave Teitzel, Councilmember
Jenna Nand, Councilmember
1. CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE
STAFF PRESENT
Susan McLaughlin, Planning & Dev. Dir.
Rob English, City Engineer
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 5t' Avenue North, Edmonds, and virtually. The meeting was opened with the flag salute.
2. LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Councilmember Teitzel 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.
4. PRESENTATIONS
PSSH PROCLAMATION
Mayor Nelson read a proclamation proclaiming the month of September 2023 as Puget Sound Starts Here
Month in the City of Edmonds and urging residents to support clean water and healthy habitat by joining
in this special observation and discovering how they can make a difference and be part of the solution.
2. RESOLUTION HONORING JIM TRANER
Councilmember Olson read a resolution of the City Council of the City of Edmonds, Washington,
honoring James Michael Traner and his many positive impacts and contributions. She thanked Council
President Tibbott for giving her the honor of presenting the resolution as he was a personal friend of hers
and a great man she was happy to know.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 5, 2023
Page 1
Councilmember Olson recognized friends and family present in the audience to honor Jim Traner. She
presented the proclamation to Terry Traner, Jim Traner's wife who commented Jim worked tireless for
the City of Edmonds and for veterans. They had many conversations about his dream for the Veteran's
Plaza. She appreciated the City's assistance with the Veteran's Plaza and the proclamation.
3. PRESENTATION OF FIXIT EDMONDS - PUBLIC REPORTING APPLICATION
This item was removed from the agenda via action taken following the executive session.
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
COUNCILMEMBER PAINE MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER TEITZEL, TO
APPROVE THE AGENDA IN CONTENT AND ORDER.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT TIBBOTT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER PAINE, TO
MOVE ITEM 12, EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS PENDING OR POTENTIAL
LITIGATION PER RCW 42.30.110(1)(I), TO FOLLOW AUDIENCE COMMENTS.
AMENDMENT CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Kevin Fagerstrom, Edmonds, spoke regarding the Landmark property purchase, commenting when City
staff made their presentation, they provided two examples of projects that utilized partnerships, one in
downtown Woodinville. He had prior knowledge of that project on the Molbak's site after seeing display
boards with site plans, renderings and descriptions of how the project originated and would be moving
forward. After the City's presentation, he returned to Woodinville and the display boards at Molbak's that
described what will be a super development in downtown Woodinville. He also visited the Woodinville
City Hall and spoke with planning department staff responsible for overseeing the project and they
provided him a description. He asked how much property Woodinville purchased and Woodinville staff s
response was none. He asked how much of the property Woodinville had from a prior project that would
be dedicated toward the project and the answer was none. The planning director asked him, 1) whether
Edmonds was contemplating purchasing property for a development project, 2) why the city would do
that, and 3) if the city did that, wasn't it a violation of the gift of provisions in the state constitution. He
visited the MSRC website which includes a section on the gift of public funds; Article 8 Section 7 of the
state constitution prohibits municipalities from purchasing property or gifting materials or funds toward a
private project. He was puzzled how the Landmark project got to this point without an examination of
whether it was legal for the City to make such a purchase. He recalled the mention of a 75/25 split and did
not know exact what that split entailed but if the City owned or purchased the land, it would be a violation
of the gift of public funds. Based on that, he recommended the project be shelved and the City do
something more practical with the $250,000.
Zach Bloomfield, Edmonds (unincorporated), recalled he spoke to the council on August 15 about the
City annexing the Meadowdale unincorporated area. He requested the council seriously consider the
resolution on tonight's agenda and if it is the council's will, vote in favor of it. The neighborhood is eager
to formally join the Edmonds community even though they feel they have been part of it for many years.
Susan Pullen, Edmonds (unincorporated), a resident of the unincorporated Meadowdale neighborhood,
expressed her support and encouraged the council to approve annexing their neighborhood. They would
love to officially be part of Edmonds, having enjoyed their Edmonds address for many years and do not
want that to change.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 5, 2023
Page 2
Ziggy Fraker, Edmonds, expressed support for continuing the investigation into whether the Landmark
99 opportunity is right for the economy, the people and the culture of Edmonds. They urged the council,
city planners and mayor to prioritize finding a compromise that allows the process to continue. Although
everyone may not agree, it is clear this critical asset may prove more expensive in the long run if not
acted on now. It is time for the City and its residents to take a hard look at the very real economic and
cultural divide in the City. It is time to reckon with the contrast in accumulation and distribution of
resources. Time is not on the City's side to keep kicking the opportunity down the road. They urged the
council to muster the political will necessary to find a compromise that allows the process to move
forward. The scope of the project is understandably daunting after the City heavily invested in the
Waterfront Center and Civic Park, both of which are within an easy 15 walk from council chambers. It is
time to entertain a bigger picture.
Xaviar Pekovich, Edmonds, said he has wanted to change the City flag for the past two years. A 7'
grader at St. Luke's School and resident of Forest Glen, he explained the existing flag is uninspired and
does not accurately represent the spirt of Edmonds. The proposed flag is much more creative. The City of
Bellingham recently changed their flag which has brought more city pride. He displayed and described his
flag design, the blue at the bottom represents the water in Edmonds, the green represents Edmonds itself
and nature, the white at the top represents the sky and the star in the top left represents the United States
of America.
Thatcher Boddendeitchel, Edmonds, a carpenter with Local 206, explained in early 2020 before the
pandemic, he worked for the largest shelter and supportive housing company in the area doing social
work and helping unhoused people transition to being housed again and becoming participating members
of society. He saw firsthand how housing can save lives. During the pandemic he got really burnout and
searched for other ways to help people and turned to the trades. The union grants a living wage and
excellent benefits and he was always a maker/builder of things so it was very fulfilling for him. This year
he worked on his first residential project in Des Moines and again saw firsthand how housing changes
lives. Recognizing there are a lot of projects on the table and a lot of questions; he urged the council when
making decisions and plans for the future of Edmonds and all its residents, to consider union labor for
those projects. There are union tradespeople in Edmonds who want to help the City, our Edmonds, thrive.
Kristin Schwartz, Edmonds (unincorporated), a resident of the unincorporated Meadowdale area of
Edmonds, requested the council strongly consider allowing the area to become an official part of
Edmonds. She has lived in her home for 11 years and has enjoyed Edmonds in many ways.
Lynn Treseler, Edmonds (unincorporated), a resident of the unincorporated Meadowdale area, explained
she and her husband moved into their house in 1977. In 2007 when Lynnwood wanted to annex the area,
she and her husband and another neighbor circulated at least two petitions and 90% wanted to be annexed
by Edmonds rather than Lynnwood. Their addresses are already Edmonds. She hoped the council would
consider the resolution requesting annexation into Edmonds rather than Lynnwood.
Roger Pence, Edmonds, spoke regarding the resolution about further development of the comprehensive
plan vision statement. His comments at the August 2 public hearing are included on council packet page
142. The resolution as drafted advances the cause of community engagement and allows substance to be
added to the vision statement to make it a more effective tool for directing development of the
comprehensive plan.
Nancy Johnson, Edmonds, said she moved to Edmonds about 10 years ago to enjoy outdoor activities,
the arts, and her very young children. She was excited Edmonds had adopted a climate action plan (CAP)
several years prior and she looked forward to the results. Fast forward to today, she is disappointed; the
CAP vision was great but there was no accountability or follow-through to make the plans successful.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 5, 2023
Page 3
Unfortunately the result is GHG emissions have actually increased which science says contributes to
increasing the intensity of the recent forest fires, hurricanes, floods and droughts all over the world. She
expressed interest in turning this around and successfully implementing the new, proposed CAP. A
number of nearby cities have dedicated sustainability or climate coordinators who are instrumental in
keeping their city's CAP on track. Since significant federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act is
becoming available for climate mitigation and adaptation, a sustainability coordinator would have a
valuable role in obtaining grants and ensuring equitable distribution. Another option would be offering
incentives and expertise to assist residents in, for example, electrifying their homes. There is money
available but it is very complicated to access. This would go a long way to reducing overall GHG
emissions. Another potential task would be performing risk assessments so the City could continuously
update planning for sea level rise and other vulnerabilities. She requested the council and mayor fund a
climate action plan leader and commit to making the City's CAP a reality.
Beth Waring, (unincorporated), a resident of the unincorporated Meadowdale Beach neighborhood,
echoed her neighbor's sentiments. She has been a police officer for 26 years, 16 of them at the Lynnwood
Police Department. Theirs is a beautiful, quiet neighborhood, but she is aware of the service level their
neighborhood receives from the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office (SCSO). Although she did not
believe SCSO willfully ignores the neighborhood, the reality is there are a very small number of houses
and they are far away from any SCSO substations. She is very familiar with Edmonds' excellent police
department, an agency she would gladly be protected by. She had nothing negative to say about the
Lynnwood Police Department, but echoed the sentiments of her neighbors when they say they identify as
Edmonds residents; Edmonds is a lovely place to grow up and to be from.
12. CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS PENDING OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION
PER RCW 42.30.110(1)(1)
At 7:28 p.m., the council convened in executive session to discuss pending or potential litigation per
RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) for approximately 20 minutes.
The executive session concluded at 7:48 p.m.
13. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
The meeting reconvened at 7:49 p.m.
Council President Tibbott raised a point of order, advising the agenda needed to be amended to reflect the
removal of the Fixit Edmonds presentation.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT TIBBOTT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
BUCKSHNIS, TO REMOVE AGENDA ITEM 4.3, PRESENTATION OF FIXIT EDMONDS -
PUBLIC REPORTING APPLICATION, FROM THE AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
7. RECEIVED FOR FILING
1. CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FOR FILING
8. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
COUNCILMEMBER TEITZEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER PAINE, TO
APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The agenda items
approved are as follows:
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 5, 2023
Page 4
1. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 22, 2023
2. APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS AND WIRE PAYMENTS
3. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL AND BENEFIT CHECKS, DIRECT DEPOSIT AND WIRE
PAYMENTS
4. TREE BOARD MEMBER APPOINTMENT APPROVAL
5. ORDINANCE EXEMPTING GENERATORS FROM LOCAL NOISE REGULATIONS
6. RESOLUTION HONORING JIM TRANER
9. COUNCIL BUSINESS
REIMAGINING NEIGHBORHOODS & STREETS PROGRAM OVERVIEW &
PRESENTATION OF EDMONDS GREEN STREETS MANUAL
Planning & Development Director Susan McLaughlin said this presentation is an informational briefing
that will include a description of the green streets manual. Most of the material will come back to council
in some form, either through legislation or policies in the comprehensive plan. In 2022 Mayor Nelson
announced the Reimaging Neighborhoods and Street Program initiative. It was intended to rethink how
streets and public spaces are designed to foster environmental, social and economic well-being across the
City, not just downtown, but thinking about public spaces as thriving areas throughout the City. This was
sparked by thinking about how people used streets and public spaces during the pandemic when people
were forced to take to the streets to socialize when the libraries, restaurants, bars, and other third places
were not available. People walked in their neighborhoods and talked to their neighbors and got to know
their neighborhood streets which was enlightening in some places, concerning in others. She reviewed:
Program Objectives
o Design streets that not only serve mobility needs but also foster social interaction and
community cohesion
o Promote sustainable transportation options like walking, biking, and public transit, thus
reducing car dependency and resulting environmental impacts
o Ensure landscape and street trees have adequate space to thrive and to serve environmental
benefits for carbon sequestration and green stormwater infrastructure
o In 2011, the City adopted a "Complete Streets" program that prioritizes accommodating the
needs of all users — including pedestrians bicyclists, transit and individual vehicles — in
transportation projects
Build the foundation
1. New street typologies
o Depicts how the transportation functions are accommodated in the right-of-way
2. A new public space typology
o Depicts how street space can be reallocated to linear public spaces by utilizing "the flex
zone"
3. A public space activation strategies toolkit
o Empowers communities to utilize streets for people needs beyond mobility
o Staff will create a permit structure to enable each strategy
4. An updated Street Tree Plan
5. Green Streets Manual
Functional Classification vs Street Types
o Existing street functional classification system is organized primarily around traffic volume
■ AASHTO regulates dimensional standards for vehicular travel but does not regulate multi
mobility and public space needs
■ Some roads should carry higher volumes of traffic at higher speeds, while others (the
majority) carry lower volumes at lower speeds. This allows neighborhoods to flourish
between main traffic corridors.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 5, 2023
Page 5
o Edmonds new street typologies will consider land use context and ensure that street design
serves social, environmental and economic purposes.
• Example Street Type and Map
c ".(
a. �. I _e■ Iri. � I _.
• s0.5' OSa�
Nam
11 .wM 4-41 Mne14.4w14mM1 Awn wr vwut rrI M IM Ywl e•I w.rl
• RwWwW rw4weeAwlM M•. •Weald ww.A •rrmlr MwlW
rrwrewwa.
• rrw.rrw�wee.ew4esrrraa4derl•w.rl.e.w
• e'.r•Iw W&weeb�egwM •wMrm�wewlwwewww.e l•.n•I.n
• r—r.W..
Neighborhood Corridor Street
.oaOrsY Rrghl.I WAY SP.e I-P1.
[I.•.n•��n.n I nr �.se Binn ♦v.n�. W.M
• Proposed new street types
CRY of tare.er.
—%gaw ca.--- SF oo J i
— 1.4.d UW NM~Md SUM L.
— connwwr P.apk S1.P.1
—t+w+W4.WC. oalmeet
Am" suM
Rmdw+d %-SU."
Deed elo U"
Q ca y 9—ow
N.q'b n e� Dmnc,. A.1
v
Ms. McLaughlin explained the City has a decades old, legislated street map that identifies how much
right-of-way is needed, but does not breakdown the allocation of the right-of-way to justify the amount of
right-of-way that is needed. The street type map identifies for each segment how much right-of-way is
needed to achieve goals, providing more substantial justification when requesting dedication of additional
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 5, 2023
Page 6
right-of-way or removing the requirement
continued her presentation:
• Public Space Activation Matrix
Aft- he.-/
weekends
OEMMENEW
NI dny
if everything can fit within the available right-of-way. She
• Reimaging Streets: Pilot Projects
o Held six summer neighborhood meetings last summer to discuss neighborhood streets and
identify activation opportunities in each area
o Top activation strategies were voted on by a sample of the neighborhood at the meeting
o Staff tallied the top activation idea in each neighborhood
o Postcards were mailed to broader neighborhood to confirm top activation idea
• Core Group Meetings
o In 2022, we engaged in a public space conversation about how our neighborhood streets and
public spaces serve us and what could change even temporarily
o Held over 30 core group meetings
• Pilot Projects 2022
o Five Corners: Corner-copia
o Downtown: Porchfest
o Firdale: Winterfest
• More to come in 2023
o Porchfest 2.0: Sept 9
o Perrinville-palooza: Sept 23
o Westgate decorative crosswalk: end of Oct/early Nov
o Highway 99: have been trying since 2022 to establish a core reimagining group, ideally
approximately 6 members
• Updated Street Tree Plan
o Purpose of the Plan
■ To proactively manage public trees to incorporate all trees adjacent to sidewalks, roads
and other rights -of -way throughout the City
■ To align more closely with the guidelines set in the Edmonds Urban Forest Management
Plan (2019)
■ To protect and enhance the health and diversity of street and right-of-way trees as an
essential social, environmental, economic, and community asset for future generations
while also enhancing the views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains through
emphasis on selecting the most appropriate species for the available space and proper
maintenance practices.
• Green Streets Manual
o Purpose of the manual:
■ To provide a set of tools to apply to streets and public spaces that prioritize sustainable
stormwater management while enhancing pedestrian safety and promoting walkable
neighborhoods
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 5, 2023
Page 7
■ To identity suitable streets for implementing GSI and to create a citywide prioritized
investment network to build out over time that results in a cohesive and functional green
stormwater system.
• Green Streets Network Map
�r•�r.•a'
���•w•YII•••p•f
r11
L
J fam4ew hma
•
_
1•
_ ura�yvoy
•.4
�i �.maelWaF
_
•
O mmwp.remp•t,
i!�
Overview
o Green Streets Kit of Parts
■ Permeable pavement
■ Vegetated bioretention facilities
■ Street trees
■ Modular soil cell systems
■ Pedestrian and bicycle amenities
Application in Downtown Mixed Residential Zoning (Example)
Tr
o
• Reimagining Next Steps
0 2023 Reimagining pilot projects
o Council review of new Street Map informed by Street Typologies
o Finalize the updated Street Tree Plan
o Amend sidewalk codes pursuant to new street types
o Finalize the green streets manual including an investment network (can be staff resource or
council -adopted document)
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 5, 2023
Page 8
Councilmember Chen commented the pictures look good. He imagined gathering in public spaces would
create flow and communication between people, pedestrian and neighbors. Although very attractive,
everything costs money; he asked the estimated cost per mile for greet streets and how many miles of
streets there are in Edmonds. Ms. McLaughlin responded the green streets manual is a kit of parts, not a
street proposal and not a design. The green streets manual offers choices and if the City abides by the
recommended investment network, for capital projects already on the list, consideration can be given to
whether they are suitable for green stormwater infrastructure for example or what green stormwater could
be incorporated into the project. It could be permeable pavement, 1-2 rows of street trees, vertical wall
green stormwater infrastructure, etc. This is not a design proposal, it is just plans, policies and guidelines
around green streets.
Councilmember Chen observed at this point it is just conceptual. Ms. McLaughlin explained it is a
recommended investment network. She agreed things are expensive so it is important to consistently put
the investment in the right place to build a cohesive network instead of disparate green street elements
peppered throughout the City, an intentional effort that creates green streets where they are most
conducive as well as great neighborhood amenities via walkable streets.
Councilmember Chen referred to pictures that depict a detention pond with trees that requires 8 feet of
space which in most cases would eliminate parking spaces in exchange for that benefit. Ms. McLauglin
answered it depends on the street. It may be surprising how much right-of-way within the City's street
network is not used; for example there may be 40 feet of paving and 80 feet of available right-of-way. It
would be determined on a case by case basis. In theory, if it is a completely built out right-of-way, use of
the flex lane (aka parking lane) would need to be considered. Many cities have policies stating the private
storage of vehicles is not the most prioritized use on some street segments, particularly in areas with off
street parking for residents. The flex lane can be adaptive and can be used for green stormwater
infrastructure to provide the 8-feet segment as needed. There are existing streets such as Dayton that do
not have parking where there may be excessive right-of-way.
Councilmember Chen commented one of benefits mentioned was to prevent flooding which would be
desirable, especially on Dayton Street where flooding occurs. According to information provided by staff
at a prior council meeting, the flooding was caused by natural events such as storms that cause the sea
level to be higher than the street. He asked whether a green street would do any good in that case. Ms.
McLaughlin answered green streets alone are not a stormwater system; they are a redundancy with the
stormwater system in anticipation of stronger storm surges. Less impervious surface minimizes the flow
from hardscape streets, sidewalks, etc., allowing more water to percolate into soil, minimizing the amount
of flooding or at least slowing it down so the existing pipes can better handle the surge. It reduces
instances of pipe breakage or damage caused by the system being overwhelmed. Dayton is just one
example; the City needs to be intentional about its investments. Dayton could be an important
demonstration project due to its proximity to Puget Sound and it is a popular, walkable neighborhood and
the street trees were recently removed. There are many reasons that block makes sense, but it will not
entirely relieve flooding in that area.
Councilmember Nand referred to the to the green street network map and streets identified as
"opportunity to enhance as a green street and evaluate for incorporation of GSI." She suggested
prioritizing areas in the network with the most disparity in shade equity, especially in relation to potential
deadly heat domes as more extreme weather events are experienced due to climate change. She suggested
prioritizing taxpayer dollars to literally save the lives of residents, wildlife and vegetation by planting
trees that can provide shade for the next generation.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 5, 2023
Page 9
Second, Councilmember Nand applauded staff and the consultants for mentioning environmental impacts
in street tree design. She suggested identifying the need for crosswalks to protect humans and areas where
wildlife corridors would make sense due to impacts of human development, greenbelts that are cut off due
to increased density, etc. She suggested more specificity regarding the habitat provided by trees,
especially for avian species and pollinators, would be helpful. She acknowledged no one was
contemplating funding this all within the next five years, but it would be nice to have a vision for the City
for future generations.
Third, Councilmember Nand said there needs to be a strong correlation of investment in street and
beautification in neighborhood business districts. The small businesses that survived the pandemic need a
lot of help and have been paying sales tax to fund the City's operations and deserve to have reinvestment
from the City. She suggested increasing the attractiveness of those areas for walkability to mimic things
seen in the Bowl due to previous generations preserving and investing in street trees, shade equity, and
creating a create pleasant and livable environment that is attractive to pedestrians and non -motorized
users.
Fourth, Councilmember Nand, council liaison to the tree board, said the tree board has had considerable
discussion about paring down the 200 species list trees. She requested some emphasis be placed on
utilizing native species, pollinators and forage opportunities. Some jurisdictions have begun to dedicate
park space to edible forests where people can pick fruit, a great mental health activity and socioeconomic
equity by increasing availability of fresh fruit and vegetation. For example, the public can cut rosemary in
a park in Bellevue due to someone planting rosemary bushes a generations ago. She was excited to see the
next iteration of this presentation. Ms. McLauglin responded, with regard to utilization of this document,
particularly the street typology work, she has did that in a previous City where new street typologies and
dimensional standards were established. While it may seem far-fetched, every capital project was
committed to following the standards and every project started to right size. If private development is
required to adhere to these new standards, incremental changes will begin happening faster than one
might anticipate.
Councilmember Buckshnis noted she has submitted questions to staff primary regarding costs. She asked
if the green streets initiative was continuing, recalling council requested code be created before
continuing with green streets and there was a budget amendment to move funds from planning &
development to stormwater, $72,000 for Dayton Street. Ms. McLauglin answered creating the green
streets manual was created using carryover funding from last year which was approved by council. The
purpose was to ensure a common vocabulary around green streets and have a manual that is right for
Edmonds that can be applied to the streets along with the investment network.
Ms. McLaughlin explained green streets are capital projects; street design is not legislated except for
private development. There can be internal policies around complete streets. Councilmember Buckshnis
assured there is a code related to streets. Ms. McLauglin agreed there is code for streets that private
development must abide by. Councilmember Buckshnis did not recall council approving the creation of a
green streets manual. She supported establishing green street code and offered to send Ms. McLaughlin
Seattle's code. She noted the projects on the CIP/CFP have underlying code. Ms. McLauglin said she
knows Seattle well as she used to manage the green streets program for SDOT. Green streets was a
codified program that allowed private development to get bonus density; it allowed complete
independence of a developer design to interpret what a green street was in partnership with staff. At the
capital level, green streets were developed through internal standards, adopted through director's rules,
they are not legislated. The directors of SDOT and public utilities would adopt a collaborative manual
that would be followed as standards. She was happy to walk through how Seattle's program works, they
have a lot of fantastic manuals, standards and codes.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 5, 2023
Page 10
Councilmember Buckshnis clarified the council legislates the budget. Dayton would be a great project,
but the cost is $4.26M for one block. She acknowledged ARPA funds would be used for some of, but the
City's portion was still $1.5M. Citizens are more interested in sidewalks than green streets. She wanted to
ensure staff was not continuing down the path of green streets without council's knowledge, commenting
none of this was on the CIP/CFP. Ms. McLauglin responded there were green streets in the CIP/CFP last
year. Councilmember Buckshnis said she did not see the Maynard Avenue or High Point examples in the
CIP/CFP. Ms. McLaughlin advised those are Seattle examples of case studies.
Councilmember Buckshnis said her concern continues to be the cost associated with this wonderful
program. She agreed with Councilmember Nand's recommendation to look at street trees. In 2020 when
Councilmember Olson was the liaison, the tree board had a great street tree list ready to go, but she was
unsure what happened to that list. She reiterated her concern with the cost associated with green streets
and citizens' preference for sidewalks and street trees rather than green streets which are more costly.
Councilmember Paine commented this was one of her favorite topics. She liked how staff begin the
presentation by framing a whole series of things that would be considered with street typologies. She was
eager to have more discussion about the public space activation toolkit which would be important for
neighborhood commercial districts. She was also interested in street activation which means more people
on the streets which is good for public safety and health and walkable streets are friendlier and facilitate
the creation of neighborhoods on busier corridors. There are three state routes in the City, SR-524, SR-
104 and Highway 99, and it may be necessary to negotiate with WSDOT to make them more pedestrian
and bicycle friendly and to bring back neighborhood commercial districts. Westgate is a neighborhood
business district; it is a little terrifying to walk there, but there are neighbors in the area and it is a
friendly, attractive place. She was interested in more discussion about how public space activation would
help neighborhood commercial areas which help neighborhoods thrive.
Councilmember Paine referred to the street tree plan, commenting she was surprised by some of the trees
on the list. She relayed a suggestion from Sky Nursery to look at trees that will naturally migrate north
because of tree die off due to the climate warming and things happening hydrologically. She was
fascinated to see the street map and streets that could be identified as corridors. She asked if staff had the
ability to go into each area to describe how it would look, suggesting that would be a great way to engage
neighborhoods from Firdale to Meadowdale. Green streets are doable and come with a lot of images. She
was familiar with director's rules, something that has not been adopted in Edmonds, but are very helpful
for public, developers, builders, and staff.
Councilmember Paine requested staff coordinate with PUD regarding utility synchronization so that wires
could be undergrounded. Undergrounding is protective of the entire grid. She found it frustrating to see
wires on both sides of 220'; they are ugly and prevent people from planting trees under the wires. Ms.
McLaughlin answered these are foundational policy documents and hopefully design standards can be
adopted. It gives the City a head start when engaging neighborhood districts in comprehensive plan
conversations, particular in areas where subarea planning can be done like the illustrations. She was
excited to see it come together at the subarea level. She agreed undergrounding was challenging. A lot of
cities legislate it and require it. It is a huge cost for the City to bear; for example, a huge part of the cost
estimate for 236'1i was undergrounding the existing utilities to allow for abundant landscaping and street
trees to fill in the vacancy in the tree canopy.
Councilmember Olson thanked the council for their interesting comments, good points and questions. She
asked the cost for Dayton and for 236t''. Ms. McLaughlin said she did not have exact figures; she
estimated Dayton at $1.7M and 236'1i at $4M due to significant undergrounding and storm drains. Cost
estimates are typically not done at the 10% design level so she was cautious about sharing those numbers.
She would be more comfortable advancing the design to 30% and getting an engineering cost estimate.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 5, 2023
Page 11
Councilmember Olson said she found the exercise of looking at those specific projects in last years'
budget very helpful to understand the investment and how much the City can afford to spend on each
capital improvement. Other councilmembers have made great points about prioritizing projects and
projects that may rise up during the budget process. Additionally, an investment may make sense when
there is a confluence of factors such as a flooding issue and no sidewalks.
With regard to the street tree list, Councilmember Olson agreed she was the liaison when it was worked
on in the past. She suggested comparing the previous list to the list that is currently being circulated to
ensure good ideas on both are considered. She recalled the tree board was working within the guideline of
their vision statement, right tree right place. Perhaps if staff was not using that same guiding principle, the
trees on the street tree list may block views in areas where that was not ideal.
Councilmember Olson said she was also passionate about undergrounding, recalling disappointment
when a lot of ugly cable lines were added by Frontier in the past. Utility improvement districts can be set
up in a neighborhood with agreement of 60% or more of the residents. The City cannot afford to
underground all the wires in City, but if a neighborhood is willing to pay for it themselves over 20 years,
that would be a smart thing do and the City should assist them with putting the instruments together.
Councilmember Olson relayed she went on the field trip to Seattle; they are beautiful, placemaking
projects as well as helpful for stormwater. She was glad street closures were being explored, recalling
many people loved aspects of the streateries. She suggested considering what was valuable about the
streateries and how to make that happen without all the negatives. She recalled there was a presentation at
a regional event regarding this topic. Some neighborhoods in Edmonds have a lot of public spaces, parks
and amenities; in those areas it does not make sense to close streets and making it harder for people to get
around. It may be worthwhile to consider in other places that are not blessed with public amenity space.
For example, she questioned closing the area by the fountain for Porchfest this Saturday when there is the
amphitheater at Frances Anderson Center just steps away. This creates inconvenience and blockage and
eliminates parking and easy transportation through the center of downtown. She questioned the need to
close a street when there are public gathering and amenity spaces so close by. Ms. McLaughlin answered
historically downtowns have been a central gathering space, where people come to greet, socialize and be
together. It is the core center of town and while Frances Anderson Center is great, it is not in the
downtown core where things happen organically. Mayor Nelson joked apparently only Halloween could
be held downtown.
Councilmember Teitzel commented the packet is very visionary, he liked looking through it and found it
very exciting. Having said that, he is a fiscal conservative, and was considering what the City was
grappling with including the Landmark property on Highway 99, potential purchase of the Unocal for
approximately $20M based on fair market value, and the greenway loop, 20 miles of physically separated
walking/jogging paths around the City, conservatively costing well over $100M. He was concerned about
bankrupting the City and urged the council to look very, very carefully at costs and have deep discussions
when proceeding. He recommended implementing green streets incrementally when possible within the
framework of the budget.
2. ANNEXATION OVERVIEW
City Attorney Jeff Taraday presented an high level overview of annexation, commenting it is not possible
to cover all the annexation material in detail during tonight's council meeting. To provide an idea of the
depth of the subject matter, MSRC's publication on annexation is 103 pages; tonight's presentation will
just scratch the surface. Many of the questions forwarded by councilmembers would be answered as part
of a particular annexation study which would be done as part of due diligence on a particular proposed
annexation. He reviewed:
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 5, 2023
Page 12
Annexation definition
o When the boundaries of a city are expanded to add new territory that was previously
incorporated.
History of annexations in Edmonds (available on city's website)
o 1948-1999
History of Annexations in Edmonds
What territory can be annexed into a City?
o Urban Growth Area (UGA)
■ Growth Management Act
- No code city located in a county in which urban growth areas have been designated
under RCW 36.70A.110 may annex territory beyond an urban growth area (RCW
35A.14.005)
o Metropolitan Urban Growth Area (MUGA)
■ Countywide Planning Policies (CPP)
Countywide Planning Policies
o Development Pattern (DP) 5
■ Each city shall adopt such plans and regulations for territory within its city limits.
Additionally, cities may adopt such plans and proposed development regulations for
adjacent unincorporated territory within its UGA or Municipal UGA (MUGA) to which
the city has determined it is capable of providing urban services at some point in the
future, via annexation.
o DP-21
■ Where the MUGA map in Appendix A portrays agreement - meaning in places that do
not include areas of gap, overlap, or other special notation - the MUGAs shall be used to
designate future annexation areas for each of the nine cities in the Southwest Urban
Growth Area. An interlocal agreement should be executed by the county and city
addressing transition of these services.
Map of large UGA that extends from Everett to King County -line (SW UGA) that contains the
nine cities referenced in DP-21 and small island UGAs surrounded by rural areas such as Monroe
and Snohomish
�41w '-N INT I d LAKE
J, STEVENS
Y
EVERETT
Lr
2 7 4 ..
KIL E �~ S�OHO�MISH
ale Y, Miks
{
(MILL
L4 1CREEM1C tax MONRO
ED ONDS
!LYNNWOO
� M UNTLN(E
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 5, 2023
Page 13
• Map of southern portion of SW UGA with each city's incorporated area and MUGA, areas
claimed by two cities, and areas not claimed by any city
J) i Will CrQelc_ rrf
M� p Arca / i , . . _
Lynnwood f .....r
N
—tdmonds
WoC 'a i + 4 1 M r•-
1"f-rrac' t i , Brier
i Bothell
R3E ROE —RtfE-
Iddp 3
Snohomish Count GMA Comprehensive Plan
MUNICIPAL URBAN GROWTH AREAS
EFFECTIVE DATE September 2, 2013
Pane Field Area City of Mill Creek R Bothell MUGA ^/ Southwest Urban Growth Area
0 City of Mukikeo Mill Creek MUGA City of Edmonds ISWUGAI Boundary
Mukilteo MUGA �� City of Mountlake Terrace Edmonds MUGA Other Urban Growth Area
CJ City of Everett Mountlake Terrace MUGA Coy of Woodway tUGAt Boundary
Everett MUGA City of Brier Woodway MUGA Arterial Roadway
City of Lynnwood Brier MUGA Gap Area Not Clamed by Any Coy Railway
Lynnwood MUGA City of Bothell Overlap Area Clamed by Two Cities Snohomish County Boundary '
• Map of Edmonds MUGA
o Other than Esperance, there is no MUGA associated with the City of Edmonds
o Area to the north is either unclaimed or part of Lynnwood's MUGA
o Rectangle outlined in ' orange is the subject of the next agenda item
r.Map /
'tTnnwe
a A
E a
Edmonds
r ountlt?;
Woo a
r Terrac�l
+ a i
---5
• Is the city required to annex new territory?
o No. The decision of the council whether to "accept" the proposed annexation is entirely
within the council's discretion.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 5, 2023
Page 14
If not required, why would the city annex?
o Annexation process usually starts with expression of interest from unincorporated territory
because it is difficult to annex territory that does not want to be annexed.
Why do annexations happen?
o Annexations are the result of mutual attraction between the city and the unincorporated
territory.
■ For example, a city interested in the tax base provided by a car dealership in an
incorporated area and the car dealership interested in the city's police department
protecting their property
o Analysis should be done regarding what each gets as a result of annexation.
What are you going to cost me?
o Does the territory have infrastructure deficiencies (e.g., sewer, sidewalks)?
■ A lot of sidewalks issues are because the City annexed territory that was deficient
■ Difficult to bring deficient area up to code, costs a lot
o Will the territory require additional services (e.g., police)?
Other considerations
o What is the zoning going to be?
■ Can adopt pre -annexation zoning
o Is there existing indebtedness that the city would need to assume?
o Annexation ILAs are very common. Snohomish County prefers to have transition
arrangements worked out through ILA
Annexation study
o Considerations of service costs should include:
■ Police protection (additional personnel equipment, police stations)
■ Fire protection (additional personnel, equipment, hydrants, fire stations)
■ Public Works (additional street lighting, maintenance, construction, storm drainage,
garbage collection)
■ Parks & Recreation (additional parks acreage recreational programs, new facilities(
■ Water (water main construction, maintenance replacement of old liens)
■ Sewer (new interceptor lines, additional treatment plant capacity, pump stations)
o The question that logically follows is whether or not the city has the physical and financial
capacity to provide the required services in area to be annexed
Annexation Incentives
o State Tax Incentive (HB 1425) Municipal annexations - sales and use tax - effective July
2023
■ Reauthorizes the municipal annexation sales tax credit - 10 years. Cities may impose a
sales and use tax in addition to other authorized taxes collected
■ The tax is a credit against the state sales and use tax. The Department of Revenue must
collect the taxes on behalf of the city at no cost to the city and must remit the tax to the
city
■ The maximum levy amount that may be imposed based on population is changed to:
- 0.1 percent for each annexed area in which the population is between 2,000 and
10,000; and
- 0.2 percent for each annexed area in which the population is above 10,000
■ Expands it to all cities and request that the city enter into an interlocal with the county to
qualify to use it. The interlocal must address balancing of annexation of commercial,
industrial, and residential properties; development, ownership, and maintenance of
infrastructure; and potential for revenue sharing.
■ Population thresholds have been lowered to take advantage of the tax incentive
■ A city may not begin to impose the authorized tax after July 1, 2028
How do annexations happen
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 5, 2023
Page 15
o Annexation methods identified by MRSC
■ Election Method, Initiative by 10% Petition
■ Election Method, Initiated by Resolution
■ 60% Petition Annexation Method
■ Alternative Petition Annexation Method
■ Annexation for Municipal Purposes
■ Annexation of Federally Owned Areas
■ Annexation of Unincorporated Islands
■ Alternative Unincorporated Island-Interlocal Method of Annexation
■ Interlocal Agreement Method
■ Interlocal Agreement Annexation of Area Served by Fire District(s)
■ City Boundary Line Adjustment
60% petition method — most frequently used
1. Owners of 10% need to initiate (percentage based on property valuation)
2. Council may accept, reject or modify boundaries
3. If boundaries are accepted, then petition circulated to owners of 60% of the property value
4. Filing of petition and determination of sufficiency
5. Hearing on petition before city council
6. Resolution of intent to annex
7. Snohomish County Boundary Review Board approval
8. Annexation ordinance
Early Coordination
with County
Identify any issues with
proposed annextion area
(informs legal
description)
Work with existing
MAILA / Draft ILA
Annexation Method
Cnnr. -h Anne.-., Meth,.i.
Elation, Petiton, ILA
Intention to BRB
OW
lomdation finA ..
Old.—.r to
C—N, OW, DOR
Implementation
Transfer of Assests
Permits
Elections [Taxing
Maintenance / service
Agreements
Mr. Taraday recognized Snohomish County planners who generously allowed him to use some of their
slides in this presentation.
Councilmember Nand asked about tax impacts to property owners in the Meadowdale neighborhood; for
example, if the City spent X dollars on an annexation study and wanted to pass that cost onto the property
owners in the form of a levy. As there are no businesses in that area, she asked how sales and use tax
would be assessed or collected. Mr. Taraday answered the cost of the annexation study is not typically
passed on to the annexing territory and is usually something the city absorbs. He was not aware of a
mechanism to pass the cost on. An annexation can be paired with a utility local improvement district to
fund new utilities in the annexing territory; there is specific statutory authority to do that. He wasn't
aware of a statute that would allow the city to pass on the cost of the study to the annexing territory.
Councilmember Nand wondered what the study would cost, commenting if it was in the range of $50,000,
cost recovery may not be worth pursuing. Mr. Taraday explained some topics are evaluated inhouse so
there is no money out of pocket other than staff time and taking staff off other tasks. For example the
finance director crunches the numbers, public works evaluates the utility situation, planning &
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 5, 2023
Page 16
development determines pre -annexation zoning, etc. To the audience members requesting annexation,
Councilmember Nand said it sounded like the 60% petition method would be very successful. She
thanked them for their activation and for bringing the issue to the council.
Councilmember Buckshnis recalled an Esperance annexation effort in 2018 where all the research was
done inhouse. Annexation did not proceed because it was determined to be cost prohibitive; the City
needed to get money from Snohomish County and they refused. The Meadowdale area is 47 homes; a
citizen prepared some estimated costs. There will need to be an evaluation related to fire, police, sewer,
etc. She supported the 60% petition method and moving forward as quickly as possible.
Mr. Taraday clarified the next agenda item will be an opportunity to discuss annexation of the
Meadowdale neighborhood. This agenda item was intended to be big picture annexation.
Councilmember Paine asked how the City's fire protection contract addresses annexation. Mr. Taraday
answered it does not address annexation other than Esperance because Edmonds has no MUGA other
than Esperance. The comprehensive plan also does not address any annexation other than Esperance. A
lot of changes would be required if the City added territory to its MUGA.
Councilmember Teitzel asked if an annexation proposal goes to the Boundary Review Board and they
change the annexation proposal, does the annexing city have the right to back out. Mr. Taraday answered
yes.
Councilmember Olson thanked Mr. Taraday for the presentation, commenting she has been through
several, but what he added was very valuable.
Mayor Nelson declared a brief recess.
3. RESOLUTION TO REQUEST CHANGE IN MEADOWDALE MUNICIPAL URBAN
GROWTH AREA
Councilmember Olson commented there are a few relevant points and a lot points the council does not
need to delve into in-depth at this point. The City does not always have option to change the MUGA; that
is related to the comprehensive plan. If the council wants to change the MUGA and have an opportunity
to annex this area at any point in the foreseeable future prior to the next comprehensive plan update, this
is the time to do it. This is really an administrative step asking Snohomish County and the City of
Lynnwood to approve this MUGA boundary change to put these 47 homes inside Edmonds' MUGA. She
thanked Zach Bloomfield who did a lot of the work on the resolution and Mr. Taraday who also worked
on it.
Councilmember Olson said Snohomish County has had 2-3 conversations with her about this and a few
with the residents. Snohomish County does not have an issue with it; it is just a matter of Lynnwood and
Edmonds saying yes. It could take up to six months for this administrative change to happen so it would
be better to move forward as soon as possible. This neighborhood is on septic which is super relevant; the
neighbors are aware that the cost would be borne by the neighborhood and not the City via a utility
improvement district. Those things are addressed in the next decision related to annexation. This is just a
decision whether to make a change in the boundary of the City's MUGA. She spent some time in the
neighborhood and it feels like any other neighborhood in Edmonds that she visited while doorbelling.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT TIBBOTT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER TEITZEL,
TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS, WASHINGTON, REQUESTING
THAT SNOHOMISH COUNTY AND THE CITY OF LYNNWOOD, RESPECTFULLY,
CONSULT WITH THE CITY OF EDMONDS CONCERNING THE CITY OF EDMONDS'
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 5, 2023
Page 17
REQUEST TO AMEND THE MUNICIPAL URBAN GROWTH AREA BOUNDARIES FOR
LYNNWOOD AND EDMONDS SUCH THAT THE SUBJECT PORTION OF
UNINCORPORATED MEADOWDALE IS INCLUDED IN THE EDMONDS MUGA.
Councilmember Paine asked where this action puts the City in the flowchart displayed in the presentation.
Mr. Taraday answered because this area is not currently in the City's MUGA, the City isn't supposed to
be planning for it. Changing the MUGA boundary just allows the City to start contemplating this territory
becoming part of the City. It does not bind the City to an annexation, but allows the City to begin
planning for a possible annexation which is something that technically should not be done in the absence
of a MUGA change. Councilmember Paine observed this is before step 1. Mr. Taraday agreed it was step
0.
Councilmember Chen observed including these 47 homes in the City's MUGA does not change any
administrative costs, revenue, services, etc. Mr. Taraday answered there would be no tax revenue changes
or service obligation changes. It just allows the City to start planning for a possible future annexation.
There may be inhouse costs associated with that planning exercise, but no revenues or expenses change as
result of this resolution. Councilmember Chen said he was supportive if this action will make 47
homeowners feel better.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VISION STATEMENT RESOLUTION
Councilmember Olson commented this item is pretty self-explanatory. The council has discussed the
vision statement process during previous meetings; City staff and a consultant conducted an extensive
process to create a vision statement for the comprehensive plan update process, an optional process, but
one she appreciated. Having a vision of where the City will end up means the plan will reflect what the
community wants which is the purpose of engaging in that type of exercise. A draft vision statement was
prepared as a result of the process but to date it has not been fully validated, amended and approved by
council. The intent of this resolution is to take that policy to final and establish a process for doing that.
She conferred with the planning board chair to ensure they could handle the associated workload
suggested in the resolution and they were on board with it.
COUNCILMEMBER OLSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER TEITZEL, TO
APPROVE A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS,
WASHINGTON FOR FINALIZING THE CITY OF EDMONDS 2024 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
VISION STATEMENT
COUNCILMEMBER BUCKSHNIS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER TEITZEL,
TO ADD A WHEREAS CLAUSE, "WHEREAS THE STATE REQUIREMENTS DOES NOT
REQUIRE A VISION STATEMENT TO BE PART OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN."
Councilmember Buckshnis explained this clarifies the vision statement is not a state requirement.
Councilmember Paine questioned the need to amend the vision statement again since it was already
amended once before. It is still a proposed draft and the final document is not due until the end of 2024.
She asked why this was being done now and requiring more work by the planning board with a very
specific deadline. Mayor Nelson requested councilmembers' comment relate to the amendment.
UPON ROLL CALL, MOTION CARRIED (5-2), COUNCILMEMBERS TEITZEL, CHEN,
BUCKSHNIS, AND OLSON AND COUNCIL PRESIDENT TIBBOTT VOTING YES;
COUNCILMEMBERS PAINE AND NAND VOTING NO.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 5, 2023
Page 18
In response to Councilmember Paine's question, Councilmember Olson explained the reason is so during
this process, even during the scoping exercise, when asking the public what to change in the
comprehensive plan sections, if they knew what was in the comprehensive plan section via a Cliff Note
summary and referring to the approved vision statement, they could make suggestions to be added to the
scope. The reason for spending time and money to develop a vision statement is so it can guide the
process. To honor the time and money that was spent on engagement obtaining great inputs, it should get
to final where the council feels good about using it and it actually guides the process. She recalled during
past process where a lot of repetition was required such as revisions to the PROS Plan. The value of doing
good engagement and developing a final vision statement is it guides the process all the way through and
possibly there won't be any revisions at the end if the vision statement is honored throughout.
Councilmember Paine did not support the motion for several reasons. It is an iterative process that is
already underway. At the end of the process, likely next fall, a lot of people will have looked at it and
council can consider it again with all the information. She feared if it kept going around and around, it
would never end. She found it funny that the PROS Plan process was brought up, pointing out that was a
statistically valid process, and at the end, there were interventions from councilmembers that went outside
the normal path and what had been seen as statistically valid that changed input into the PROS Plan
outside of public view which she found objectionable and not transparent. For those two reasons and the
length of time it will take to do this, she did not support it.
Councilmember Buckshnis commented the PROS Plan was to be an update and not rewritten which was
why council had to intervene.
COUNCILMEMBER BUCKSHNIS MOVED TO ADD A WHEREAS CLAUSE, "WHEREAS THE
CITY AS A METHOD OF OBTAINING COMMENTS LIMITED INDIVIDUALS TO ONLY 120
CHARACTERS WHICH WAS A NEW SURVEY TECHNIQUE." MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF
A SECOND.
Councilmember Nand spoke in favor of the resolution which underscores the importance of public
process and input. There has been a lot of criticism about the time, effort and money already invested in
the vision statement and the public hearing, but the amount of passion this topic generated is indicative of
how important it is for people who are passionate about the City. The steps outlined in the resolution
honor that passion and commitment toward creating a vision for the City's future. She respected some of
Councilmember Buckshnis' criticisms about the process, but did not think it belonged in the whereas
clauses of the resolution and can be discussed internally.
Councilmember Buckshnis spoke in support of the resolution and expressed her appreciation to
Councilmember Olson for preparing it. She referenced the approved climate action plan which is very
GHG centric. She wanted to ensure the planning board was part of this process; they only received a
presentation regarding the CAP.
Councilmember Chen said he could not support the resolution. The vision statement is the very beginning
of the comprehensive plan process and he did not want the council micromanaging the professions doing
this work. He understood there was some back and forth regarding the wording of the vision statement,
but there is still time to refine and reach a final statement. He acknowledged there was some
dissatisfaction/frustration regarding the process. He supported allowing time for staff to refine the vision
statement and bring a final version to council. He particularly objected to the revisions suggested by a
private citizen (referenced in the section 2 of the therefore section).
Councilmember Olson raised a point of clarification, advising there is no intent to bring the vision
statement back to council, only the comprehensive plan will come to council.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 5, 2023
Page 19
UPON ROLL CALL, MOTION CARRIED (5-2), COUNCILMEMBERS TEITZEL, BUCKSHNIS,
OLSON, AND NAND AND COUNCIL PRESIDENT TIBBOTT VOTING YES;
COUNCILMEMBERS CHEN AND PAINE VOTING NO.
i [I�►i /�'Z�Ta�YK� a]Ti i I �I`►Y K"
Mayor Nelson commented tomorrow is big day for students in the Edmonds School District and he
wished them all a wonderful first day of school as well the parents who are preparing their children for
their big day.
11. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Teitzel reported Councilmember Olson and he met with citizens on 76t' near
Meadowdale today to review a serious problem with safety on a stretch of 76t' where there have been
serious traffic accidents over the last 2-3 years. They are very anxious to work with the police and public
works departments to determine a way to calm that situation and keep people safe.
Council President Tibbott relayed prior to tonight council meeting, there was a volunteer appreciation
event at Civic Playfield for volunteers serving on boards and commission. It was a lot of fun and he
enjoyed spending time with them. The council is very appreciative of volunteers' involvement and their
time, expertise, experience, and exposure to the community that benefits the City.
With regard to the start of school, Council President Tibbott urged drivers to watch for students walking
to/from school and activities and for pedestrians to watch for vehicles.
Councilmember Nand highlighted a nonprofit organization where she serves on the board, Bonanza
Rabbit Rescue in Lyden, Washington. She hoped to propose legislation later this year to ban backyard
breeders. While camping with friends in unincorporated Skagit County, they found 33 rabbits kept in a
2x8 space, who were starving due to competition for food and water. She and her friends purchased the
rabbits for $223 and transported them to the rescue. Anyone interested in supporting their vet bills which
will include spay/neuter surgeries and vaccinations so they can be adopted can donate to Bonanza Rabbit
Rescue and Adoption Center. Everett recently passed legislation prohibiting the sale of animals. The
rabbits they purchased from the backyard breeder were all young so prior generations had already been
eaten. The backyard breeders were very nice people; the other animals on their property including goats,
geese, chickens, etc. appeared well cared for. What often happens is backyard breeders get in over their
heads very quickly; no one wakes up in the morning wanting to commit acts of animal cruelty and abuse.
These rabbits are marketed to people who begin as hobbyists and end up with more animals than they
know what to do with, creating a burden of thousands of dollars, incredible animal suffering, and trauma
to humans who witness it and try to rescue the animals. She assumed legislation banning the sale of
animals in Edmonds and backyard breeding would not have a lot of impact, but hopefully with enough
momentum it could be countywide and end incredible amounts of animal suffering.
Councilmember Paine announced her appointment of Ben Marx, a high qualified arborist with many
levels of arboriculture training and tree assessment, to the tree board. She thanked Council President
Tibbott and the Council's Legislative Assistant Peterson for organizing the volunteer appreciation event.
Councilmember Buckshnis concurred with the comments about the volunteer appreciation event,
commenting that was something near and dear to the late Councilmember K. Johnson. Volunteer
restoration of the Edmonds Marsh continues on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 — 11 a.m. and will
include spreading wood chips and working in the water. She, Councilmember Teitzel, Joe Scordino,
Bernie Sahala, Oscar Antillon, and Tanner, Bushnell, Department of Ecology, met with the EPA to
discuss what can be done. DOE will not have the science on the Edmonds Marsh ready this year and that
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 5, 2023
Page 20
will be delayed until 2024. It was a good meeting, there are interesting standards; it is tricky due to
cleanup issues and multiple lawsuits. She was pleased Mr. Antillon had been involved in cleanups like
this when he worked for the Navy.
14. ADJOURN
With no further business, the council meeting was adjourned at 9:57 p.m.
Nicholas Falk, Deputy City Clerk for
SCOTT PASSEY, CITY CLERK
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 5, 2023
Page 21