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02/19/2008 City CouncilFebruary 19, 2008 Following a Special Meeting at 6:45 p.m. to interview two candidates for the Historic Preservation Commission, 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 Michael Plunkett, Council President Peggy Pritchard Olson, Councilmember Steve Bemheim, Councilmember Deanna Dawson, Councilmember Dave Orvis, Councilmember Ron Wambolt, Councilmember ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT D. J. Wilson, Councilmember ALSO PRESENT Hilary Scheibert, Student Representative STAFF PRESENT Tom Tomberg, Fire Chief Al Compaan, Police Chief Mark Correira, Assistant Fire Chief Duane Bowman, Development Services Director Kathleen Junglov, Asst. Admin. Services Dir. Rob Chave, Planning Manager Dave Gebert, City Engineer Scott Snyder, City Attorney Sandy Chase, City Clerk Jana Spellman, Senior Executive Council Asst. Jeannie Dines, Recorder 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA. Approval of genda COUNCILMEMBER WAMBOLT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER OLSON, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA IN CONTENT AND ORDER. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 2. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS Councilmember Dawson requested Item F be removed from the Consent Agenda. COUNCIL PRESIDENT PLUNKETT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER WAMBOLT, TO APPROVE THE REMAINDER OF THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION Roll Call CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The agenda items approved are as follows: A. ROLL CALL Approve 02 -01 -08 B. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 1 AND 2, 2008. Minutes Approve C. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 5, 2008. 02 -05 -08 Minutes D. APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS #1.02062 THROUGH #102237 IN THE AMOUNT OF Approve $840,129.02 ISSUED FEBRUARY 7, 2008, AND #102238 THROUGH #102395 IN THE Claire Checks AMOUNT OF $639,815.79 ISSUED FEBRUARY 14, 2008. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL DIRECT DEPOSITS AND CHECKS #46179 THROUGH #46230 FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY 16 THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2008 IN THE AMOUNT OF $772,538.76. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes February 19, 2008 Page 1 Claims for E. ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES FROM MAUREEN OTTO Damages (AMOUNT UNDETERMINED), ISAAC A. SEIDMAN ($7,000.00), AND HUDA OLSEN (AMOUNT UNDETERMINED). G. APPROVAL OF FINDINGS OF FACT REGARDING THE CLOSED RECORD APPEAL Findings of Fact /Closed HELD ON FEBRUARY 5, 2008 OF THE HEARING EXAMINER'S DENIAL OF TWO Record Appeal STREET SETBACK VARIANCES AT 24110 84TH AVE. W. APPELLANT AND APPLICANT: SHAUN LEISER (FILES V- 2007 -81 AND AP- 2008 -1) Shell valley H. AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN ADDENDUM NO. I TO THE Emergency PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH PERTEET, INC. FOR THE SHELL Access VALLEY EMERGENCY ACCESS AND PRELIMINARY SHORT SUBDIVISION PROJECT. Comprehensive L AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Transportation AGREEMENT WITH JONES & STOKES FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE Plan Update TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE. Olympic View J. AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN ADDENDUM NO. 2 TO THE Dr. & 76th PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH HWA GEOSCIENCES, INC. FOR Ave. W Repair EMERGENCY ROADWAY REPAIR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION SUPPORT SERVICES AT OLYMPIC VIEW DRIVE AND 76TH AVENUE WEST AS A RESULT OF THE DECEMBER 2 AND 3, 2007 RAINSTORM. orth Sound 2 -1 -1 Call ITEM F: NORTH SOUND 2 -1 -1 CALL CENTER FUNDING REOUEST Center Councilmember Dawson recalled the Council had a presentation regarding 2 -1 -1 at a previous meeting. She explained the public could call 2 -1 -1 to get a referral for social services. She emphasized 2 -1 -1 was not for public safety emergencies, the public should continue to call 9 -1 -1 for public safety emergencies. She explained all the cities in Snohomish County were considering funding of 2 -1 -1. The goal was to avoid providing numerous social service brochures and to encourage the public to call 2 -1 -1 for a referral. She noted the 2 -1 -1 call center also provided opportunities to collect data regarding social services needs in a community. She noted the cost to Edmonds was approximately $6,000 or $0.15 per capita. COUNCILMEMBER DAWSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER WAMBOLT, FOR APPROVAL OF ITEM F. Councilmember Bernheim spoke against the motion, commenting although it was a limited appropriation, he did not find that the current social services were not providing adequate interface to the community. He viewed 2 -1 -1 as adding a layer to the process rather than allowing a person to call directly to the service they needed. He did not see a need for a telephone number for people to ask for a referral. He was also concerned there was no long term funding plan, recalling when the presentation was made to the Council, it was noted the service was not being advertised because they did not have funds to support an increased call volume. He anticipated the cost of the service would increase and the City's current financial condition did not allow for additional expenditures such as 2 -1 -1. Councilmember Dawson responded often people did not know who to contact when they were in crisis and it was vitally important to have one place for people to call. She pointed out the services people were referred to were not just governmental services, they were largely non -profit agencies within the community. The North Sound 2 -1 -1 call center was largely funded by United Way and operated by Volunteers of America. She pointed out people who found help early in their crisis were less likely to need additional help in the future; for example providing someone with assistance with their electric bill . may prevent them from becoming homeless. She summarized 2 -1 -1 was a mechanism to connect people to the services they needed as well as a way to gather data. She offered to provide Councilmember Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes February 19, 2008 Page 2 Bernheim further information and urged the Council to support the North Sound 2 -1 -1 Call Center funding request. Councilmember Wambolt commented according to the data provided, there had been 1,332 calls from the Edmonds area during the past year. He pointed out 2 -1 -1 was not a mandated additional layer, it was service that was available to those who needed assistance with a referral. Councilmember Olson recalled when 9/11 happened, Connecticut had 2 -1 -1 available; New York had 400 different 800 numbers people called to find information. She pointed out 2 -1 -1 would be invaluable in the event of a large scale emergency. MOTION CARRIED (5 -1), COUNCILMEMBER BERNHEIM OPPOSED. Emergency 3. PUBLIC HEARING: DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ON CONSIDERATION OF AN Medical EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS) LEVY LID LIFT. Services Levy Lid Lift Fire Chief Tom Tomberg provided a history of past EMS levies in 1986, 1991, 1992, 1997, 2002, and 2008, pointing out the 1991 levy failed and was re -run and passed in 1992. . He provided a history regarding City revenues: • In 2000 the passage of I -695 resulted in a revenue reduction of $1 million in MVET. Although subsequently declared unconstitutional, it was implemented by the Legislature. • An EMS levy in 2002 restored the rate to $.50 per $1,000 of assessed value via a vote of the people. • In 2002, I -747 passed which established a 1% limit on property tax increases. Although . subsequently declared unconstitutional, the 1% limit was implemented by the legislature. • The 2008 EMS levy rate has eroded to $0.32162534. He reviewed the need for the levy lid lift, explaining the total Fire Department budget was up 29% over the past five years, and 2008 labor costs represent 87% of the Fire Department budget. He described EMS operations and apparatus and equipment costs including $30,800 for stretcher and stair chair replacement in 2008, general increase in cost of doing business, replacement of two aid units, on in 2009, and another in 2010 and re- chassis of one aid unit in 2009. He pointed out the replacements /re- chassis were both delayed one year. Other reasons for the levy lid lift include aid unit peak -hour staffing (addition of a transport unit during peak hours) due to extended out -of- service times, staffing levels and training, new records management system, and new Computer -Aided Dispatch (CAD). Chief Tomberg reviewed how each 2008 tax dollar was used: • $0.037 EMS • $0.149 City • $0.092 Snohomish County • $0.072 Port, Sno -Isle and Stevens Hospital • $0.65 Edmonds School District Chief Tomberg explained the 2008 fire program budget is $7,256,018; however, the actual 2008 Fire overall budget is $8,030,156 due to items that are not included in the program budget such as Fire Station 20, ESCA, vehicle replacement, the Fire Department's portion of the public safety bonds, 800 MHz system, LEOFF 1 fire pensions, etc. In 2007 EMS responses represented 71% of all 2007 Fire Department responses. He provided the following breakdown of 2008 Fire Department EMS Costs: Total Fire budget: $8,030,156 Fire Prevention costs: (257,619) Total: $7,772,537 Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes February 19, 2008 Page 3 EMS costs (71% of $7,772,537) $5,518,501 He provided the following facts: • The 2008 EMS levy at .3216 cents generates $2.452 million • The required 2008 General Fund subsidy is $3.066 million • The 2009 EMS levy lid lift (increasing the levy by approximately $0.18 back to $0.50) generates $1.5 million more to $3.952 million • The 2009 General. Fund subsidy is reduced to $1.569 million (estimate) to cover EMS costs Chief Tomberg reviewed the benefits of the EMS levy lid lift: • Restores the EMS levy rate to original approved $0.50 (+ approximately $0.18) • Provides more coverage of EMS costs • Frees up General Fund monies to sustain full - service City programs and maintain current service levels • Helps cover future costs of new and replacement apparatus and equipment He reviewed the impact on a $500,000 home (average 2008 Edmonds home value $461,500): Currently: $160 a year With lid lift (+ $0.18): $250 a year $ 90 increase or $7.50 per month He relayed staff's recommendation to allow the voters to decide. Action for the Council tonight includes holding a public hearing to hear supporting and opposing testimony, considering a resolution to place an EMS levy lid lift election on a ballot, establishing a ballot title that increases the levy rate by approximately $0.18 per $1,000 AV and restores the levy rate to the originally authorized $0.50 per $1,000 AV, choosing an election date, and considering a back -up filing date. Chief Tomberg reviewed options for an election date: Election Date File Date Ballot Mail Date Other Measures April 22 Feb 29 Aril 2 May 20 March 28 April 30 Edmonds School District August 19 May 27 July 30 November 4 August 12 October 15 He advised City employees were not allowed to take an advocacy position but it was important to ensure the voters were adequately informed. He commented on sources of public information including Council resolution, informational mailings, and information posted on City and Fire Department websites. Council President Plunkett asked Chief Tomberg to comment on the percentage of the Fire Department's work that was EMS. Chief Tomberg answered EMS represented the majority of their calls; 71% of the calls in 2007 were associated with EMS. Councilmember Orvis inquired about the current levy rate. Assistant Administrative Services Director Kathleen Junglov explained the regular levy was $1.19 per $1,000 AV, the EMS levy was $0.32, voted debt for the Public Safety bonds was $0.11 for a total of approximately $1.65 per $1000 AV. Councilmember Wambolt asked how the EMS levy decreased from $0.50 to $0.32. Ms. Junglov explained when the rate was initially voted in at $0.50 per $1000 AV, it was based on a certain assessed valuation. Because of the 101% limitation, as the assessed value increased, the levy rate decreased. Councilmember Wambolt pointed out the Edmonds School District levy includes a fixed dollar amount Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes February 19, 2008 Page 4 and the rate only changed to maintain that amount. He asked whether the City could do the same with the EMS levy, noting the levy rate would go down again in the future. Ms. Junglov acknowledged the rate would decrease as assessed valuation increased. City Attorney Scott Snyder noted the goal of the ballot title was to provide voters as much information within the limited number of words allowed for the title. He noted Lynnwood's EMS levy lid lift last year used language regarding restoring the rate. He noted the amount of dollars to be levied could be included in the ballot title but questioned whether that informed voters that the rate was being restored to the level they originally approved ($0.50). Councilmember Wambolt reiterated the Edmonds School District included the dollar amount and the projected rate in their ballot title. Mr. Snyder answered there were approximately 15 optional words in the ballot title; the estimated levy dollar amount could be included. He noted the language that the levy was being restored to $0.50 made for a more concise ballot title. Councilmember Dawson noted $0.50 was the maximum EMS levy; whatever that rate equated to during the preparation of the budget was the amount that would be collected. Mr. Snyder noted if the amount was included in the ballot title, it would be an estimate based on the current assessed valuation and the amount could increase /decrease depending on assessed valuations. He noted Edmonds voters approved a permanent EMS levy of $0.50; if the voters approved the levy lid lift, the Council could levy up to $0.50 during the budget process. He clarified this was not an excess levy; the voters were not being asked to approve an additional levy but restore what had eroded. Councilmember Wambolt commented an EMS levy lid lift may need to be run again in the future when the rate eroded. Councilmember Dawson agreed, noting that would always occur as property values increased. Mr. Snyder noted the Council could provide in an election for the establishment of a levy for each of the next six years; however, it made for an exceedingly complicated ballot title. Councilmember Dawson noted most jurisdictions had periodic EMS levy lid lifts asking the voters to reaffirm the level. Mr. Snyder noted since Edmonds voters approved a permanent levy, there was no risk of the EMS levy, if not approved, reverting to zero. For Councilmember Wambolt, Mr. Snyder explained $0.50 was the maximum authorized by State statute; to exceed that would require the voters to approve an excess levy. Councilmember Bernheim asked whether the Council could increase the levy rate without a vote of the people. Mr. Snyder answered this was a function of I -747; voter approval was required to exceed the 101% cap. He noted the proposed EMS levy lid lift required only a majority vote versus a super majority that a new levy would require. Mayor Haakenson opened the public participation portion of the public hearing. Dave Page, Edmonds, commented on the excellent response time of EMS personnel when he has had to call for emergency service in the past. He summarized the immediate response of EMS and the terrific service they provided to an aging population was priceless. Roger Hertrich, Edmonds, concurred with Mr. Page that the fire and aid personnel were excellent and expressed his support for the proposed EMS levy lid lift. He referred to the transport fee that was discussed at the retreat, noting he would only support a transport fee for transportation to a hospital other than the closest hospital. He expressed concern with the number of aid vehicles that respond to some aid calls, noting many could be handled by one vehicle or additional personnel requested if necessary. He was uncertain whether fire and EMS should be funded entirely by the EMS levy without a General Fund subsidy. He commented on the difficulty separating the cost of fire and EMS. Mayor Haakenson closed the public participation portion of the public hearing. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes February 19, 2008 Page 5 Chief Tomberg explained the Fire Department cross - staffed all units and took whatever vehicle was necessary to get the job done. He noted each station had an engine and aid unit assigned to it and minimum staffing was three people, thus both units responded and were ready to respond to other calls from the scene. He noted the engines, ladder trucks, aid units, and paramedic units were large traveling toolboxes; there is little time for a vehicle on scene to call for additional help. He noted the value system of the Edmonds Fire Department as captured in their standard operating procedures was to err on the side of caution, send too much, not too little, and always give the victim /patient the benefit of the doubt. He noted that was best accomplished via cross - staffing and bringing the necessary tools to the scene. He disagreed with the suggestion to reach a scene and then determine what was needed, explaining SnoCom asked a series of questions of callers and their responses determined what vehicles were dispatched. Tf it was determined a vehicle was not needed when it reached the scene, it was placed back in service. He noted the tiered response system was used nationwide. Mayor Haakenson relayed the staff's and his recommendation was to place before the voters a ballot proposition lifting the EMS levy lid approximately $0.18 per $1000 of assessed valuation on a date the Council selected. Councilmember Dawson asked whether staff recommended an election date. Chief Tomberg advised April 22 and May 20 were special elections, August 19 was the primary election and November 4 was the general election. There was no voter pamphlet prepared for the special elections; there was a voters pamphlet for the primary and general election that would include an explanatory statement, local focus statement and pro and con statements prepared by pro and con committees. Due to the importance of an informed electorate, Fire Department administration recommended the May 20 election. The Edmonds School District planned to have a technology and maintenance levy on that ballot. There were no other ballot measures for that election or the other election dates as of today. Councilmember Dawson recalled a question at the Public Safety Committee meeting whether there was a required voter turnout to pass the levy lid lift. Mr. Snyder answered because this was a levy lid lift, there was no minimum number of voters, only a simple majority was required. Councilmember Dawson inquired about Mayor Haakenson's recommended election date. Mayor Haakenson expressed his support for the May 20 election date, noting that although he did not want the EMS levy competing with the Edmonds School District levy, the April 22 election date was too soon to allow for adequate public education. Council President Plunkett commented if the options were April 22 which seemed too soon or May 20 which required sharing the ballot with Edmonds School District, why not schedule the EMS levy on the August 19 ballot. Chief Tomberg answered it was desirable to get the EMS levy lid lift passed and move on to other issues. He did not view the Edmonds School District levy necessarily as competition as both were worthy causes and he anticipated the primary election would be a full ballot. He was also concerned with the all -mail ballot including recent indications that ballots declared invalid because voters did not declare a party. He summarized the May 20 ballot was the cleanest and many school district supporters would be voting in that election. He wanted a huge turnout for the EMS levy lid lift, recalling there was a huge turnout in 2002, over 9,700 votes and the EMS levy passed with 84% of the vote. Mayor Haakenson inquired whether there was a cost benefit to the EMS levy lid lift sharing the ballot with the Edmonds School District levy. City Clerk Sandy Chase answered the City and the School District would share the cost. She noted for a special election, the cost was $3 -5 per voter depending on what other issues were on the ballot and how the costs were shared. Costs are less for the primary or general election. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes February 19, 2008 Page 6 Councilmember Dawson asked whether there was any further information available about a Stevens Hospital measure possibly on the August 19 ballot. Mayor Haakenson advised he had not heard anything regarding a Stevens Hospital bond measure. He agreed it was likely the primary and general elections would include other ballot items. Councilmember Wambolt recalled the Council selected the April 22 election date at the retreat. Councilmember Dawson agreed the Council discussed the election date at the retreat, recalling the Council requested the Public Safety Committee discuss the matter further at their next meeting. She did not recall whether the Council agreed on the April 22 date or simply to proceed quickly as though that were the date selected. She acknowledged there was no right answer with regard to the election date other than an election date prior to the budget process. Mayor Haakenson recalled the Council discussed the date and referred it to the Public Safety Committee for further discussion. He noted more time to educate the public would be advantageous. Council President Plunkett referred to Councilmember Wambolt's suggestion to include a dollar amount in the ballot title, noting the dollar amount was simply a figure that provided no frame of reference whereas the language that the rate would be restored to $0.50 provided more infonnation. Councilmember Dawson agreed, noting when voters saw a huge number on the ballot, it resulted in sticker -shock and was not necessarily informative as they were already paying a portion of that amount and they had already approved a permanent EMS levy lid lift of $0.50. She concluded that including a dollar amount resulted in a more complicated ballot title that simply stating the levy lid lift would restore the $0.50 rate. She noted the education process would describe the amounts and how they would be used. Councilmember Wambolt reiterated the Edmonds School District used both a dollar amount and a levy rate. COUNCILMEMBER BERNHEIM MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER WAMBOLT, TO PLACE BEFORE THE VOTERS A BALLOT PROPOSITION LIFTING THE EMS LEVY LID BY APPROXIMATELY $0.18 TO RESTORE THE LEVY TO $0.50 PER 1,000 OF ASSESSED VALUE ON THE MAY 20, 2008 BALLOT. Councilmember Orvis commented $0.18 represented approximately 4 -5 years of inflation. With the 1% statutory limit, the City could no longer capture inflationary increases to maintain City services. Thus the City was required to ask the voters every 4 -5 years to increase the EMS levy lid. He noted the EMS levy was appropriate as it earmarked property tax dollars for public safety. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Mr. Snyder offered to provide ballot language for Council consideration at their next meeting that included a dollar amount. Stormwatcr 4. PUBLIC HEARING ON THE CITY OF EDMONDS STORMWATER MANAGEMENT Management PROGRAM. Program. *THIS PUBLIC HEARING HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED AND WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 412008 5. AUDIENCE COMMENTS xarbor sgoarei Dave Page, Edmonds, referred to Mayor Haakenson's recent article regarding redevelopment of the Ant aue Man Harbor Square /Antique Mall site. He commented on the work of WG -33, noting the concept of urban Redevelopment living was becoming more popular. He suggested a compromise of 3 -4 stories. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes February 19, 2008 Page 7 2-1-1 can Carl Zapora, President and CEO, United Way of Snohomish County, thanked the Council for their Center support of 2 -1 -1. He explained 2 -1 -1 was operated by Volunteers of America (VOA) in partnership with United Way of Snohomish County. the support Edmonds provided represented $0.15 per citizen, the same level of support United Way provided in Snohomish County, donating $100,000 to VOA to operate the North Sound Call Center. He explained statistics reveal that someone looking for help made 12 calls before reaching the right solution; 2 -1 -1 was helpful for the person seeking assistance as well as the non- profit organizations who did not answer the misdirected calls. Recent disasters have shown 2 -1 -1 assists with making connections so that calls to 911 do not skyrocket. He explained 2 -1 -1 also provides a resource for people interested in volunteering. He encouraged the City and the public to ensure their workplace switchboard recognized 2 -1 -1. senior center Roger Hertrich, Edmonds, advised a general. Senior Center membership meeting was scheduled on Meet ngs February 20, and a meet - the - candidates meeting on March 5 at 1:00 p.m. Senior Center members would have an opportunity to vote on boardmembers on March 15. He advised the public had until February 22 to join the Center in order to participate in the election; anyone could belong to the Senior Center and there was no age limit. Next, with regard to 2 -1 -1, he recalled an instance where he observed something suspicious on the water and was unable to determine the appropriate agency to call. (It was clarified later in the meeting that the public should call 911 for any public safety or homeland security emergency.) 6. REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS OF FEBRUARY 1.2, 2008. Community/ Community Services /Development Services Committee Development Councilmember Olson reported the Committee reviewed the City's Street Tree Plan. They discussed the Services Committee policy for removing trees on public property, landmark tree designations and concern with removing the trees at 5th & Main. Staff was asked to develop a plan that could include trees beyond the 5th & Main intersection that also addressed steps needed to preserve the trees at 5th & Main. Next, staff presented the 2008 -2014 Capital Improvement Program which the Committee supported forwarding to the Planning Board and City Council. The final item was an update on the code rewrite; staff advised they plan to select a consultant to help with the remainder of the code rewrite due to the time constraints on staff and the City Attorney. Code sections that will be presented to the Council in the near future include nuisance regulations, nonconforming regulations and permit process and procedural amendments. She noted one potential change was possibly having the City Council no longer hear quasi-judicial appeals or require all argument be in writing with no oral presentations. Staff plans to hold a work session with the City Council on February 26 and the Planning Board will conduct a public hearing on February 27. Finance Committee Finance committee Councilmember Wambolt reported the Committee was provided a presentation on the North Sound 2 -1 -1 Call Center funding request in the amount of $6,084 which was approved this evening. Next the Committee was provided an overview of the 2008 hourly wage schedule. It was agreed to forward the schedule to the full Council as a consent item. The Committee also discussed the 2008 Non - Represented Employee Pay Schedule and COLA which the Committee agreed to forward to the full Council as an action item. Public safety Public Safety Committee Comnuttee Councilmember Dawson reported Fire staff reviewed the 2007 -2008 Fire Department Work Plan update #2 which will be scheduled on a future Council Consent Agenda. Next, Assistant Chief Correira reviewed the Stay -In Step, Guide to Maintaining Your Quality of Life, a grant that will be used to develop a falls prevention program for the elderly. The Committee then discussed fire apparatus covenants for air condo subdivisions, developments with small, private streets that encounter difficulties with emergency vehicle access due to vehicles parking in fire lanes. The Committee recommended further work on the Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes February 19, 2008 Page 8 solution to ensure fire lanes remained clear. The final item was a discussion on the EMS levy lid lift that the Council approved earlier on tonight's agenda. 7. MAYOR'S COMMENTS Planning Board Mayor Haakenson advised the deadline for applying for the Planning Board vacancy was February 15; the Vacancy nine applications that were received have been emailed to Councilmembers. He advised Councilmembers would be notified when the interviews were scheduled. 8. COUNCIL COMMENTS Public safety Councilmember Dawson clarified 2 -1 -1 was not a number for the public to call for a public safety Bmergancy— emergency; anyone having a public safety emergency should call 9 -1 -1. She explained 2 -1 -1 was a call 9 -1 -1 referral service and was not a number to be called in an emergency. Mayor Haakenson clarified anyone with a homeland security issue should also call 9 -1 -1. Comm tee I Councilmember Bemheim reminded the Mayor's Climate meeting would be held at 9:00 a.m. on February 21 and an organizational meeting for Sustainable Edmonds was scheduled for February 21 at Sustainable 8:00 a.m. at his office at 512 Bell Street. He invited the public to learn more about Sustainable Edmonds Edmonds at SustainableEdmonds.org. 9. ADJOURN With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes February 19, 2008 Page 9