06/17/2008 City CouncilJune 17, 2008
Following a Special Meeting at 6:45 p.m. for an Executive Session regarding labor negotiations, the
Edmonds City Council meeting was called to order at 7:02 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
Deanna Dawson, Council President Pro Tern
D. J. Wilson, Councilmember
Dave Orvis, Councilmember
Ron Wambolt, Councilmember
ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT
Michael Plunkett, Council President
Peggy Pritchard Olson, Councilmember
Steve Bernheim, Councilmember
STAFF PRESENT
Tom Tomberg, Fire Chief
James Lawless, Assistant Police Chief
Dan Clements, Administrative Services Director
Brian McIntosh, Parks & Recreation Director
Noel Miller, Public Works Director
Kathleen Junglov, Asst. Admin. Services Dir.
Scott Snyder, City Attorney
Sandy Chase, City Clerk
Jana Spellman, Senior Executive Council Asst.
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Approve the
Agenda
COUNCILMEMBER WAMBOLT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER WILSON, TO
APPROVE THE AGENDA IN CONTENT AND ORDER. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
COUNCILMEMBER WAMBOLT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM
DAWSON, TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 17, 2008
Page 1
The agenda items approved are as follows:
Roll Call.
A.
ROLL CALL
Approved
06/03/08
B.
APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 3, 2008.
Minutes
IApprove
C.
APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS #104678 THROUGH #104821 FOR JUNE 5, 2008 IN
C ]aim Checks
THE AMOUNT OF $706,197.67, AND #104822 THROUGH #104977 FOR JUNE 12, 2008
IN THE AMOUNT OF $505,803.47. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL DIRECT DEPOSITS
AND CHECKS #46593 THROUGH #46668 FOR THE PERIOD MAY 16 THROUGH MAY
31, 2008 IN THE AMOUNT OF $833,041.53.
Claims for
D.
ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES FROM HAINES POINT
Damages
HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION ($141.57), PATRICIA GILMARTIN ($475,607.95), AND
LEE DOUGHTY ($56.31).
Interpreter
E.
AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN CONTRACT WITH ADMINISTRATIVE
Fees
OFFICE OF THE COURTS FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT OF INTERPRETER FEES.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 17, 2008
Page 1
Liquor
F.
LIST OF EDMONDS BUSINESSES APPLYING FOR RENEWAL OF THEIR
Licenses
WASHINGTON STATE LIQUOR LICENSES, JANUARY - MARCH 2008.
Fiber Optic
Service
G.
FIBER OPTIC SERVICE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH EDMONDS
COMMUNITY COLLEGE.
Pate
Attachment
H.
PUD BOILERPLATE "POLE ATTACHMENT LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR
License
MUNICIPAL ENTITIES."
lord# 3688
Cable
I.
ORDINANCE NO. 3688 - CABLE FRANCHISE FEE ORDINANCE.
Franchise Fee
J.
REPORT ON FINAL CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR THE DECEMBER 2007
Emergency
EMERGENCY STORM REPAIR PROJECT AND COUNCIL ACCEPTANCE OF
Storm Repair
PROJECT.
Northstream
K.
REPORT ON FINAL CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR THE NORTHSTREAM CULVERT
Culvert
Repair
EMERGENCY REPAIR PROJECT AND COUNCIL ACCEPTANCE OF PROJECT.
BNSF Second
L.
AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Main Track
AGREEMENT WITH KPFF CONSULTING ENGINEERS, INC. FOR DESIGN
Project
SERVICES FOR REPLACEMENT AND /OR ENCASEMENT OF EXISTING
UNDERGROUND UTILITIES THAT WILL BE AFFECTED BY CONSTRUCTION OF
THE BNSF SECOND MAIN TRACK PROJECT.
Stevens 13. UPDATE ON STEVENS HOSPITAL
Hospital
Fred Langer, Commissioner, Stevens Hospital, described his background working for Stevens Hospital
for six years as a RN before finishing his education and becoming an attorney. He was elected as a
Commissioner in 1997 and served as the President of the Board of Commissioners from 2002 -2007. He
displayed a photograph of Stevens Hospital, explaining when the hospital was opened in 1963, the
planned capacity was 15,000 emergency room visits per year; the hospital currently serves approximately
44,000 emergency room visits per year. He identified the four other Hospital Commissioners, Deana
Knutsen, Kimberly Cole, Charles Day and Bob Meador.
He explained the Hospital District serves Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Brier, a portion of Bothell,
Edmonds and Woodway. He noted if the hospital were sited today to service this area, it likely would not
be in this location because access is primarily via Hwy. 99 rather than I -5 or 1 -405. He displayed a map
identifying their service area, explaining over half of their patients are from outside the District's taxing
area. He recalled in 1994 when the voters of Mukilteo were invited to join the District, they declined. He
displayed a chart illustrating growth by zip code, identifying areas of significant growth to the east
outside the taxing District where many of their admissions are from.
Commissioner Langer explained in their primary service area, the amount spent on healthcare admission
is approximately $850 million. Like most hospitals, Stevens Hospital provides a significant amount of
charity care. He noted the economic impact of healthcare in the area was over $1 billion. He
acknowledged Stevens Hospital did not compete with Children's Hospital for acute pediatric care nor did
Stevens Hospital have trauma facilities like Harborview. He displayed a chart illustrating the amount
collected from taxpayers in the Hospital District, $0.19 per $1,000 of assessed value, pointing out this
was dramatically lower compared to other hospital districts. He referred to their "turnaround" where with
the assistance of consultants, the hospital was now operating with a positive profit, 24% with an annual
budget of $160 million. He commented on deferred capital spending totaling $70 million that was needed
to modernize the facility and make it a facility the region was proud of He compared the amount
collected by the Evergreen Hospital District, noting it was approximately $65 million more over the past
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 17, 2008
Page 2
ten years. He emphasized for every tax dollar Stevens Hospital collects, they give back $3 in charity care
and write off another $5 in non - collectable accounts.
The current issue is the need for an influx of capital to modernize the facility and they are seeking a
partner; his first choice as a partner was the Public Hospital District but was concerned that would not be
possible in the current economic climate. Therefore, they must consider alternative partners. He
explained for every five emergency room visits, there was one admission. Stevens Hospital was in a very
competitive environment due to their divert status (emergency personnel instructed to take patients
elsewhere because of Stevens Hospital's limited capacity) and the volume of admissions. He summarized
something would change with regard to the delivery of healthcare in south Snohomish County, the
question was only whether Stevens Hospital would be at the forefront which he was confident they would
be and whether the District would be their partner or there would be another partner.
Michael Carter, Chief Executive Officer, Stevens Hospital, displayed Stevens Hospital's mission,
vision and value statements, commenting the mission to improve the health and well being of the
community meant more than treating episodic, acute care emergencies, they want to intervene early and
be part of a healthy community. He referred to their vision which includes trusted and financially strong,
commenting being financially strong and trusted has been and continues to be a problem for the hospital
but were both worthy goals. He assured the quality was there at Stevens Hospital.
He commented on their competition and what made Stevens Hospital's position in the market very
vulnerable. He displayed a map of the region and identified hospitals in the area that draw from Stevens
Hospital's market and described their recent capital improvements:
• Providence Everett — recently completed a new parking structure and will break ground next
month on a $600 million tower soon. Providence hanged their name effective September 1, 2008
to Providence Regional Medical Center Everett due to their plans to expand and capture patients
who currently use downtown Seattle hospitals.
• Evergreen Hospital — $24 million collected in taxes per year. Intend to offer 80 new beds soon,
recently filed a Certificate of Need to allow expansion. Their area of interest includes growth in
Mill Creek.
• Swedish Hospital — new leadership in 2007, opening a new $150 million orthopedic unit.
Acquired Ballard Hospital, are building a hospital in Issaquah and would like to establish a larger
presence in the north.
• Northwest Hospital — although smaller, are reasonably well capitalized with several niche
relationships including a recently announced affiliation with the University of Washington for a
proton -beam accelerator, at a cost of $250 million, one of six in the country.
Mr. Carter concluded there were well capitalized, aggressive competitors in the area who were interested
in expanding to the north, thus it was necessary to have the capital and strategies to survive in this area•,
Stevens Hospital could not continue to "live on a shoestring." A levy that produced a great deal of money
would assist, but Stevens also needed an effective physician strategy. He explained doctors are changing
the way they practice; many doctors over 50 years of age, disillusioned by difficulties encountered in their
private practices, are receptive to becoming employees. For example, Providence recently hired a group
of general surgeons - surgicalists - who perform all surgeries that comes in through the emergency room.
For Stevens Hospital to do this would require a $5 million investment. He noted Edmonds Family
Medicine comprised of 27 physicians, although not for sale, have received offers from the Everett Clinic
and Providence Physician services. If that clinic were sold, a huge base of Stevens Hospital would
disappear. The cardiologists at Stevens Hospital work for Swedish, they are at Stevens Hospital due to a
cardiovascular services affiliation that will end. He noted these were simply examples of the vulnerability
of Stevens Hospital's physician base. Stevens needs not only a capital strategy to build new facilities but
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 17, 2008
Page 3
also a physician strategy to ensure a strong, growing physician base to support the facility should there be
a decision and money available to build it.
Mr. Carter concluded Stevens Hospital had improving income statements, quality, and their service,
although not what it should be, it was close to some breakthroughs; their average inpatient satisfaction
score was 80.3% and 83% was the median. He summarized Stevens Hospital's day -to -day operations
were comparable but their balance sheet was fatally flawed. He asked for the Council's understanding
and support in this process.
Rick Canning, Chief Financial Officer, Stevens Hospital, displayed and reviewed Stevens Hospital's
financials including revenue increases over the past six years generated on inpatient census, outpatient
activity and emergency room activity and operating income which increased from 5.8% negative to 3 /10th
of 1% negative. He advised net income had improved from a negative 1.9% to 3.2% which represents in
2008 approximately $4 million; $2 million of that are tax revenues generated to pay debt service on a
major bond issue. He described their cash flow, noting they were currently at 8% but need to be at 11%
in order to have an investment grade rating with the rating agencies.
Mr. Canning reviewed their cash reserves, identifying the number of days of cash available, advising they
were currently at 34.5 days. In order to have an investment rating, they needed 120 days of cash on hand;
the hospitals mentioned previously have cash reserves in excess of 100 days and some nearly 200 days.
He advised their cash balance decreased last year due to investments in facilities and equipment; in an
effort to rebuild the reserve, capital expenditures have been significantly curtailed this year. He displayed
and reviewed a chart of investments in the facilities and equipment. He referred to the average age of
plant (accumulated depreciation divided by annual depreciation charge), explaining for a benchmark
organization, that number should be no more than ten years. Stevens Hospital's age of plant is increasing
significantly up to 15.2 years which represents an under - investment in facilities and equipment.
Mr. Canning explained Stevens Hospital was also a significant provider of charity care to the community,
$5.4 million in 2007 and $6.9 million projected for 2008. In addition they have uncollectible accounts,
approximately three times the amount spent on charity care. He summarized there have been significant
operational losses over the years and in 2008 Stevens Hospital continues with a negative operating
forecast of $250,000 for 2008. Liquidity levels remain low with days of cash on hand averaging 33.8
days since 2002 and projected to be 36 days for 2008. As a result of insufficient cash flow and high debt
to equity ratio of 65% (should be below 50 %), and because they are not an investment -grade rated
organization by Moodys or Standard & Poor's, Stevens Hospital is unable to borrow money on their own.
To regain the investment -grade rating, they must demonstrate consistently for at least 3 -4 years an
operating margin in excess of 2% and over 100 days of cash on hand for a minimum of three years.
Charles Day, Commissioner, Stevens Hospital, described the importance of first seeking the input of
the constituents of the District as the hospital is a public facility, one of the largest employers in south
Snohomish County (1300 employees), and a $170 million asset. He reiterated Stevens Hospital either
needed to partner with the constituents of the district or find another partner because the hospital needs to
be saved. He commented on Stevens Hospital's bad reputation, assuring Stevens was changing - there
were excellent doctors in the area although it was difficult to attract physicians without the latest facilities
and equipment. In order to upgrade, Stevens Hospital needed an infusion of nearly $400 million. He
reviewed options:
• Option 1: Additional capital investment to maintain medical technology, technology
improvements and new program development and enhancement with no major update to the
physical plant at a cost of $35 million over the next six years which would require a $0.37/$1,000
levy enacted no later than 2010.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 17, 2008
Page 4
Option 2: Expansion and rebuilding the emergency department with 40 beds as well as a critical
care tower with 40 beds. The estimated cost for this option is $120 million.
Option 3: Replace the existing tower with 170 beds. He anticipated the 1963 building would be
demolished and a new emergency department constructed, the existing tower could be used for
another purpose.
He described the impact this would have on citizen's property taxes: using $480,000 as an average
assessed value for Edmonds, and $322,000 for Lynnwood, the Edmonds taxpayer currently pays $75 per
year; under option 1, this increases to $255 per year; option 2 increases the assessment to $394 and option
3 increases it to $630. He acknowledged there was a cost to citizens of upgrading Stevens, pointing out
the importance of an up -to -date community hospital as it was the first line of care for citizens in acute
distress.
Councilmember Wambolt asked whether Stevens Hospital had asked the voters to increase the levy. Mr.
Carter explained when the M &O levy was first passed, there was an escalator clause; however, I -695
limited their ability to increase the levy to 1% per year. Stevens Hospital had not asked the voters for an
increase in the levy.
Councilmember Wambolt commented the amount expended for compassion and healthcare service
seemed high and asked how the percentage compared with other hospitals. Mr. Carter answered they
were over 2% for charity and approximately 4 -4.5% for bad debt which was close to the State average.
Mr. Canning pointed out Stevens was not necessarily unique with regard to the pressure it was feeling;
there was financial duress throughout all public hospital districts in the state. Mr. Day pointed out
Stevens was the only hospital from the Canadian border to Stevens that accepted psychiatric patients, a
majority of which are involuntary commitments and charity. The only other facilities are at Harborview
and Steilacoom.
Councilmember Wambolt commented he was trying to determine why Stevens Hospital's profitability
was below the mean. He asked how the amount of levy per employee compared to other hospitals. Mr.
Langer advised the hospitals industry was typically measured by employee per adjusted occupied bed.
Stevens was approximately 5.6 which compared favorably to larger facilities. Steven's average daily
census is 93 -94; the census in larger facilities ranges from 150 -200 which allows the larger facilities to
spread fixed overhead costs over a larger number of patients. Mr. Carter agreed Stevens may be slightly
overstaffed; however, sending staff home due to low census often leads to turnover.
Councilmember Wilson thanked the Stevens Hospital representatives for their presentation, thanked Mr.
Carter for his time in February, the respect shown him when he spoke at the April Commission and Mr.
Langer for meeting him after the Commission meeting. He noted his questions were questions from the
community, recognizing this was the most important public policy the community faced due to its direct,
tangible impact on the community's quality of life.
Councilmember Wilson referred to Mr. Day's comments to the Port Commission about misconceptions in
the press and by some individuals and Vice President /Chief Development Officer Jack Kirkman's
comments in the Edmonds Beacon that highlighted misrepresentations in the media and offered them an
opportunity to clear up any misconceptions. Mr. Day explained the Commission operates under the same
Public Meetings Act the Council must follow. Their meetings are advertised in approved locations and
their meetings are open to the public. He invited the Council to attend the Stevens Hospital Commission
meeting next Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. in the fourth floor conference room. Mr. Day commented they had
been accused of not being transparent; he advised their website now contained their audited financial
statement; they are audited annually by the Joint Commission, the State, a performance audit by the State,
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 17, 2008
Page 5
Medicare and KPMG as well as individual department audits. He assured they were not paying off the
auditors to tweak an opinion.
In response to the comment that the Hospital Commission operates under the same rules as the Council,
Councilmember Wilson pointed out City staff publishes the Council agenda as well as supplement
information for each item on the City's website and asked if this was done on the Stevens Hospital
District website. Mr. Carter answered only meeting dates and minutes of the prior meeting are published.
Councilmember Wilson pointed out this was substantially different than the Council. He asked how
special meetings were published. Mr. Langer answered they welcomed the Council's questions and
recognized Councilmember Wilson did not want to see the hospital fail. He advised there were statutory
requirements with regard to where special meeting notices were published, noting there were 4 -5
locations where they were published including the Edmonds Beacon and the Herald.
Councilmember Wilson agreed he did not want the hospital to fail; he wanted to be Stevens' biggest ally
due to its importance to the community. His primary concern was the hospital was making decisions
about its future that citizens would not be able to participate in because the process was not public enough
or transparent enough and by the time citizens heard about those decisions, it would be too late. He
recalled Mr. Carter's response to his concern was that assumption was correct. Mr. Carter clarified his
remark was taken out of context. His response was that would be true if they continued to have as little
participation from the public as they currently do. Councilmember Wilson restated Mr. Carter's
clarification that the deficiency was in the public engagement, not in the behavior, actions, or engagement
of the hospital.
Mr. Langer expressed concern with the tenor of the questions, noting the standards they abide by are
published by the legislature, and they are not subject to the opinions of any member of the public. He
noted there were no credible instances where meetings were held that did not meet these standards.
Councilmember Wilson clarified that was not his question, the bylaws state the Hospital District was only
required to provide 24 hours notice to the public of a meeting. He asked whether that was adequate to get
the public engagement /response. He recalled in Mr. Carter's 2006 presentation to the Council, he stated
there was a major problem with the public's perception of the hospital's care, a comment often repeated,
that the problem is not the quality of care but the public's perception of the quality of care. Recognizing
that had been identified as a problem, Councilmember Wilson asked what was being done to address it.
Mr. Carter commented information about Stevens' care was available on their website via core measures
as well as the Washington State Hospital Association link. Councilmember Wilson reiterated the quality
was not his concern; his concern was the public perception of Stevens Hospital which has been identified
as a problem and what was being done about it. Mr. Carter agreed this needs to be a public process and
largely why it had not been was there had not been any interest. They plan to do their part to ensure the
public was interested, engaged and participates in the process in the future.
With regard to Steven's financial situation and the audit, Councilmember Wilson relayed he had
questions about the audit and some post -close items. He previously raised these questions with the
hospital in varying capacities. He noted that the full audit and the letters were not posted on the hospital's
website. He pointed out Stevens may have had an unqualified audit but there were significant problems
in the audit that someone viewing from the public was not able to see unless they did a public records
request. He asked whether that was an adequate way to engage the public. Mr. Day responded the items
that were found were not significant enough to qualify the opinion; they had an unqualified opinion.
Councilmember Wilson asked whether posting the letters that highlight significant issues in the 2007
audit would better engage the public and build public support. Mr. Day assured there were no significant
errors and there were no material internal control problems noted. There was a significant internal control .
which was less than material, and that simply reflected that there were more than a normal amount of
audit adjustments during the year.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 17, 2008
Page 6
Councilmember Wilson referred to the April 22, 2008 letter from KPMG that he obtained via a public
records request, which states on page 4, we consider the following deficiency to be a significant
deficiency in internal control. Several post -close adjustments were recorded to properly reflect financial
information as of and for the year ending December 31, 2007 and the changes recorded after the end of
the year are listed in the letter. He noted the changes recorded after the end of the year resulted in a
$163,000 incentive to Mr. Carter and/or his executive team and that compensation was more than half of
the total post close statements. He expressed concern that that information was available only via a public
records request rather than available on the website.
Mr. Canning explained the $163,000 was the total incentive compensation for the entire senior
management staff. It had been the practice to record those in the year they were paid which was done the
prior year. Following a discussion with the auditors, they explained a better practice would be to record
that amount in the year the measurement was done, 2007, so they approved posting it back to 2007 and in
order to ensure there was not a similar adjustment this year, incentive compensation was estimated and
they are recording that each month. He noted there were eight items in the letter that totaled $291,000,
acknowledging 2 -3 should have been corrected during that year and may have been overlooked in the
change in financial management. These have been reviewed and steps taken to ensure adjustments are
recorded appropriately during the course of the year to reduce the number of adjustments. He noted the
comment from the auditor was the number of the adjustments, not the magnitude but they felt for internal
financial reporting purposes, reporting each month should be more accurate.
Councilmember Wilson reiterated he wanted Stevens Hospital to succeed in Edmonds, finding the
location ideal as it was the closest point where I -5 and Hwy. 99 meet and at the corner of three cities. He
reiterated his primary concern was public support via an M &O levy and/or new bond levy and public
perception. His questions were not whether Stevens was following generally accepted accounting
procedures or statutes but why public perception appeared to be the lowest priority when it was cited as
one of the biggest problems.
Councilmember Wilson inquired about plans to move the hospital, recalling Mr. Kirkman's comments in
the press that there were never any plans to move, Vice President/Chief Planning Officer Sarah Zabel's
statement to the Planning Commission that moving eastward would be an appropriate consideration, and
Mayor Haakenson's comments that Stevens Hospital was not moving. He asked if they could say
categorically that Stevens Hospital was not moving. Mr. Langer answered moving the hospital due to the
amount of capital investment in that 8 acres was not sensible. He anticipated there would always be a
strong healthcare delivery presence in Edmonds but it was prudent to conduct further investigation when
clearly the service area growth was in areas other than Edmonds. The facts do not currently support that
the present location as the optimal place for further investment. He visualized a free- standing emergency
room closer to where growth was occurring near I -405 to free up the existing facility. He reserved
judgment regarding adding congestion to the existing location until further data was available.
Councilmember Wilson summarized relocation was on the table. Mr. Langer clarified it was not
relocation but rather redeployment; he did not find moving the entire hospital to another location practical
but he agreed relocation was on the table when discussing a $450 million investment but did not feel it
was likely under the current scenario.
Councilmember Wilson referred to the challenge of recruiting physicians, a challenge faced by most
hospitals. He recalled Mr. Carter's predecessor Dr. Todd felt his top competition for Stevens Hospital
was local physicians and asked if that continued. Mr. Langer pointed out 20 years ago there were no free
standing ambulatory care centers, there are now 13 -14 competitors who have admissions to hospitals as
well as self -admit to their own facilities. He noted Evergreen faced the same circumstances.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 17, 2008
Page 7
Councilmember Wilson recalled a statement that Stevens Hospital would be retiring their bond debt in a
few years. Mr. Carter advised they were currently receiving $0.19/$1000 assessed valuation, $0.10 for a
bond. Mr. Canning advised that levy would be retired in 2011, leaving only the $0.09 operations levy.
Councilmember Wilson asked why Stevens Hospital has not asked voters for increased funding in the
past. Mr. Langer reiterated when they invited Mukilteo to join the District; the no vote was 4:1 which
illustrated the public's lack of interest in additional taxes. Councilmember Wilson asked whether
increasing the public's perception of Stevens Hospital and engaging the public would build support for a
levy. Mr. Langer commented much of the perception of Stevens Hospital was from those who have never
been to the hospital. Asking the audience who had had care at Stevens Hospital and who had a bad
experience, he noted out of 30 who had received care, 3 had a poor experience which was illustrative of
the statistic that people were 11 times more likely to complain than compliment. Public perception was
changed one patient at a time; the fact was the quality of care was good and perception would follow the
truth. He agreed improved public perception would improve support for a bond measure. He
summarized the cornerstone of the turnaround procedure has been transparency and honesty.
Councilmember Wilson recognized Stevens Hospital was getting better but was not well and they had a
long way to go before the public supported the hospital to the degree they needed and they had the power
to change the public perception.
Councilmember Wambolt suggested if the goal was to have more citizens at Commission meetings, the
meeting time be changed from 8:00 a.m. as most people could not attend at that time. He commented the
timing of the meetings send the message that they did not want the public there; most other organizations
held their meetings at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Langer agreed to take this suggestion under advisement.
Councilmember Orvis expressed appreciation for the services provided by Stevens Hospital, noting both
his wife and he had surgery at the hospital. As a member of the Hospital District, he expressed interest in
partnering with Stevens Hospital and urged them not to discount the public's interest in partnering with
them. Mr. Langer announced their next Commission retreat where this issue and the impact the levy
would have on the public would be discussed was scheduled for July 21 at Stevens Hospital.
Councilmember Wilson agreed with Councilmember Orvis' comment about the public's interest in
partnering with Stevens Hospital. He described his recent experience at Stevens Hospital emergency
room with his son, assuring there was room for improvement in their care.
Mayor Haakenson advised his wife, his mother -in -law, both his sons and he have received great care at
Stevens Hospital.
Bettz 4. DISCUSSION REGARDING MOVING THE HOUSE AT 555 MAIN STREET TO CIVIC FIELD
Kretzler ler
Historic AND A PROPOSED RESOLUTION OF THE EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL EXPRESSING
Home INTENT TO PRESERVE THE BETTINGER/KRETZLER HISTORIC HOME.
Councilmember Orvis explained this resolution would declare the Council's intent with regard to the
Bettinger /Kretzler historic home.
Council President Pro Tern Dawson clarified when Councilmember Orvis asked to schedule this item on
the agenda, he asked for two items, first a discussion of this matter and information gathering on tonight's
agenda, and a second item on the June 24 agenda for public comment and action. Therefore, it was not
her intent to take action tonight, particularly since only four Councilmembers were present.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 17, 2008
Page 8
Councilmember Orvis explained the intent was to use private funds to move the house from its current
location to the Civic Center playfield. Council President Pro Tern Dawson explained the property at 555
Main Street, the current location of the Bettinger /Kretzler historic home, has been purchased and the new
owner plans to develop the site. One of the potential new sites for the house is the Civic Center playfield
which would require acquiescence by the Edmonds School District as they own the property. Prior to
seeking the District's approval, the City must also consider the needs of the Parks Department, use of the
property for other purposes, etc.
Fred Bell, Edmonds, Historical Society President, explained when they discovered the house would be
available, the Historical Society expressed interest in saving the house due to its historical significance.
Through his investigation of properties along 4th Avenue, he discovered none are available at this time.
Following his suggestion to move the house to the Civic Center property, the Edmonds Historic Museum
held an Executive Council meeting and a resolution was passed to obtain a line of credit which has been
accomplished. He was confident the museum could operate a successful capital campaign to fund moving
the house to the Civic Center playfield.
With regard to the lease the City has with the Edmonds School District for the playfield, Councilmember
Orvis explained the City could make a proposal to the School District which would require approval by
the Board. At a recent meeting with museum members and representatives of the School District, their
primary question was what would happen when the lease expired as the City was obligated to return the
land back to its original state. Although the School District was very positive about the idea, they did not
want to be encumbered by removing the house after the lease expired. He noted the property owner
wanted assurance the City was negotiating in good faith and committed to the concept, not that all
details /negotiations were complete.
Council President Pro Tern Dawson commented before the Council committed to the concept, they
needed information regarding whether the house would have an adverse impact on the Civic Center
playfield use and operations. Parks & Recreation Director Brian McIntosh thanked Mr. Bell for his
efforts, particularly canvassing 4th Avenue for available property. Recognizing the Civic Center playfield
as an extremely active park, he had concerns with moving the house onto the site. He was sympathetic to
preserving the house preferably in the bowl area but did not find relocating the house to the Civic Center
playfield a good fit and was unsure how it would impact the track, open space or other uses. His goal for
the Civic Center playfield was uses that promote an active lifestyle; the skate park is an example. He was
uncertain what the intended use of the building would be and had heard suggestions that included
relocating the Parks Department, a wedding venue, etc., noting there were parking and M &O issues
associated with the use of the house.
Mr. McIntosh observed the proposed resolution referred to the Civic Center playfield as a suitable
location and he acknowledged it was likely the only location at this time. Another consideration if the
Council decided to move the house to the Civic Center playfield was whether it would be a temporary
location until a more suitable location became available. He noted the 4th Avenue Arts Corridor was
envisioned as developing in 6 -10 years and would be a more appropriate location. If the Council passed
the resolution, he wanted assurance that those involved would continue to search for a better, more
appropriate location; he viewed the Civic Center playfield as a temporary location and suggested adding
that language to the resolution.
Mayor Haakenson assured the Parks Department staff was not being moved.
Council President Pro Tem Dawson requested staff determine the setbacks, etc. to identify potential
locations on the site which would allow Mr. McIntosh to consider impacts on the site. She asked Mr. Bell
if the Civic Center playfield was viewed as a temporary move and if the condition of the house would
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 17, 2008
Page 9
allow it to be moved again in the future. She also asked what uses were envisioned for the house and
under whose auspices that use would occur. Councilmember Orvis advised several uses were being
considered; the museum was interested in it for events such as wedding receptions. It would be the
museum's responsibility to rent the facility to pay the maintenance costs. Mr. Bell advised the Museum
Board and the community members he has spoken with have great faith in a capital campaign as well as
future donations to maintain the property in perpetuity. He was confident the house could be moved in
the future if necessary and he was certain he could find someone who wanted it. He envisioned there
would be enough money generated by the capital campaign to return the playfields to their original
condition if the house were moved again. With regard to uses of the building, he envisioned the Museum
Director's office would be relocated to the house and the house rented for weddings and receptions, social
functions, and other public uses.
Council President Pro Tern Dawson asked if the house has been examined structurally to determine if it
could be moved a second time. Mr. Bell did not envision there would be significant damage to the house
from moving it once or twice. He advised two people looked at the building to bid on moving it. Council
President Pro Tem Dawson asked for confirmation by next week that the house could be moved more
than once.
Council President Pro Tern Dawson wanted assurance if the Council agreed the Civic Center playfield
location was short term solution until a more suitable location could be found, that it could be done
temporarily and what would be required such as a foundation to allow it to be moved again. Mr. Bell
questioned the reference to a temporary location, advising the funds to move the house came from
volunteers, dues and a capital campaign and he questioned who would fund the next move. Council
President Pro Tern Dawson commented on the need for clarity whether the Civic Center playfield is
viewed as a permanent location or a temporary location; it appeared the Historical Society envisioned
Civic Center playfield as a permanent location. Mr. Bell responded his intent was to move the house onto
the Civic Center playfield until the end of the lease, 2021, which made it a permanent location.
Mayor Haakenson advised the Council would discuss the resolution again at next week's Council
meeting.
Arts 5. EDMONDS ARTS COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2007.
Commission
Re ortl Todd Timmcke, Chair, Arts Commission, stated the mission of the Edmonds Arts Commission (EAC)
P
is to ensure the arts are integral to the community's quality of life, economic vitality, and central identity.
He explained the work of the EAC could be divided into five categories: planning, arts assistance,
community involvement, public art and programs. Under planning, the Community Cultural Plan public
process and initial draft were completed in last year. In addition, a Preserve America Grant was secured
for the development of the 4t'' Avenue Cultural Corridor. In the area of arts assistance, $9,000 was
awarded for tourism promotion. Funds were awarded to the Cascade Symphony Orchestra, Choir of the
Sound, Driftwood Players, Jazz Connection, Rotary Foundation, KSER Foundation, Third Thursday
Artwalk, EAFF /Art Studio tour and Olympic Ballet Theater. The EAC also published the quarterly EAC
Arts newsletter, hosted an arts advocacy workshop and awarded an arts education scholarship to Sarah
Humphrey.
Mr. Timmcke commented on the importance of partnerships to the EAC; the EAC partnered to support
and promote the arts, arts education and cultural tourism with the Edmonds Arts Festival, Chamber of
Commerce, Edmonds Community College, Edmonds Historical Museum, Edmonds Center for the Arts,
Edmonds School District, Friends of the Library, pARTners (dance workshops for students and teachers
at Edmonds Elementary) as well as local businesses and arts organizations. He noted the importance of
public art to the visual identity of Edmonds. The EAC acquires and maintains a renowned public art
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 17, 2008
Page 10
collection and acquired two artworks last year including Unstable Perch by Joey Katzer and a permanent
exhibit case was constructed for the Sister City friendship quilt from Hekinan, Japan. The Commission
also co- hosted a reception and preview showing of a film about Everett DuPen whose sculpture Vision is
in the public art collection.
He highlighted programs sponsored by EAC, commenting programs were the heart of the Commission's
work. In visual arts, the Commission maintained four exhibit spaces and coordinated with the arts
festival space to feature the work of 30 regional artists, selections from the Hekinan Collection and other
collections. Works by Max Grover and Georgia Gerber were among the highlights. A workshop by
Georgia Gerber was also presented in conjunction with her show and the third Thursday Artwalk. The
Commission also sponsored the Best Book I Ever Read Contest, presented eight summer concerts in the
park and the new Rotary Pavilion in City Park was dedicated at the start of the season. He commented
one of the gems of the EAC's programs was the Write on the Sound Writer's Conference and thanked
Cultural Services Assistant Kris Gillespie for her work on the conference.
Mr. Timmcke summarized all these efforts were made possible by the tireless work and dedication of the
members of the Arts Commission, City Staff and countless volunteers. He referred to Commission
members Rick Bader, Greg Banasek, Joyeanna Chaudiere, Pam Harold, Mary Monfort, and Joanne
Otness and thanked retiring Commissioner Julie Long for her work in 2007. He expressed the
Commission's appreciation to Cultural Services Manager Frances Chapin and Cultural Services Assistant
Kris Gillespie. He also thanked the City for their support of the arts.
Mayor Haakenson expressed the City's appreciation to the EAC for their work.
Contracting 6. CONTRACTING WITH FORMER EMPLOYEES.
with Former
Employees
Administrative Services Director Dan Clements explained due to potential conflicts of interest involved
with awarding contracts to firms who employ former City employees, staff was asked to prepare an
ordinance establishing guidelines for this type of activity. The Finance Committee reviewed this issue
including ordinances from several other jurisdictions. The proposed ordinance is similar to Snohomish
County and includes an exception clause contained in Spokane's ordinance.
Council President Pro Tem Dawson recognized staff for their quick response to the Council's request,
commenting the ordinance would serve the City well and provide guidelines if such a situation arose in
the future.
Councilmember Wambolt advised the Finance Committee reviewed several examples from different
jurisdictions and found Snohomish County's ordinance most closely matched the City's goals with the
addition of the exception clause that would allow an employee to be hired back as a consultant within one
year with the approval of the City Council. He recalled the Council's objection in the past was an
employee who left the City and was then hired back as a consultant at a substantially higher rate. The
proposed ordinance would not allow an employee to work for a company where there would be a conflict
of interest.
Councilmember Wilson asked whether the proposed ordinance applied to the City Council or if it only
applied to City employees who may contract with the City in the future. City Attorney Scott Snyder
advised the definition was taken from the State Statute which included public elected officials, therefore,
it would include Councilmembers. He noted the exemption also included Councilmembers with Council
approval.
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Page 11
Council President Pro Tern Dawson commented the ordinance contained a provision common to most
jurisdictions, once a Councilmember left that jurisdiction as an elected official, they could not lobby that
organization for profit for one year. She explained the reason most jurisdictions adopted that provision
was to prevent the perception that Councilmembers were inappropriately profiting from serving in that
capacity. There was no exception for that provision. Mr. Snyder clarified if a Councilmember were
elected to another public office, they were exempt. The Council could also exempt former officials
returning in an unpaid capacity.
Councilmember Wilson asked whether the City could hire a person from another jurisdiction /agency. Mr.
Snyder advised that situation was not addressed by the ordinance.
Councilmember Orvis clarified a former Councilmember could lobby the Council without compensation.
Mr. Clements agreed that would be allowed. Mr. Snyder assured the goal was not to restrict anyone's
First Amendment Rights.
COUNCILMEMBER WAMBOLT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM
Contraacts cts with
Ord DAWSON TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 3689. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The
Former ordinance reads as follows:
Employees
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS, WASHINGTON, AMENDING THE
PROVISIONS OF TITLE 3 ECC, REVENUE AND FINANCE, TO ADD A NEW CHAPTER 3.70
ECC, CONFLICT OF INTEREST, REGARDING CONTRACTS WITH FORMER EMPLOYEES.
Concession 7. PUBLIC HEARING ON THE APPLICATION FOR A CONCESSION AGREEMENT. THE
Agreement AGREEMENT IS FOR THE USE OF THE PUBLIC RIGHT- OF-WAY IN ORDER TO PLACE A
with snorts `N
Slippas TRAILER ON THE RIGHT -OF -WAY TO VEND FOOD AND BEVERAGES. THE SITE IS
LOCATED AT JAMES STREET IMMEDIATELY EAST OF THE FERRY HOLDING LANES
AND IS ADJACENT TO THE SR104 PARK. (APPLICANT: ANGELO NARCISO /SHORTS 'N
SLIPPAS)
Mayor Haakenson recalled the Council had a great deal of discussion before approving a Concession
Agreement for a business at this location a few years ago; therefore, the City Clerk and he felt it
appropriate to present it to the Council for consideration of the new ownership.
City Clerk Sandy Chase explained in late 2006 the Council adopted Edmonds City Code Chapter 4.04
regarding the lease of public property or City right -of -way; decisions to lease City property or public
right -of -way are legislative decisions to be granted at the sole discretion of the City Council. The
applicant proposes to locate a trailer on the right -of -way on James Street to sell authentic Hawaiian
shaved ice, drinks (bottled water, sodas) and prepackaged ice cream. She explained the Council has
entered into only one other Concession Agreement with Milltown Pizza and that agreement expired
December 31, 2007. The Council approved the Concession Agreement for an additional year but
Milltown Pizza made the decision to close. The new applicant plans to purchase the Milltown Pizza
trailer previously sited in this location. If the Council determines the Concession Agreement should be
approved, a monthly fee would need to be established. The monthly lease amount for the Concession
Agreement with Milltown Pizza was $100 per month.
Councilmember Wambolt asked if there had been any complaints about the operation of Milltown Pizza.
Ms. Chase recalled receiving one email from the President of the condominium association at 100 James
Street expressing concern with the appearance of the trailer. Mayor Haakenson advised since Milltown
Pizza was no longer operating at that location, there have been complaints about the trailer remaining
there.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 17, 2008
Page 12
Mayor Haakenson opened the public participation portion of the public hearing.
Karen Wiggins, Edmonds, a resident of the building directly east of the trailer, stated although she did
not object to a concession, the Council approved a different, nicer trailer for the pizza vendor. The
vendor then sold that trailer and placed a lesser quality trailer on the site. She concluded the appearance
of the trailer and poor maintenance was their objection. She recommended the Council require the trailer
or its equivalent that was approved in the Milltown Pizza Concession Agreement.
Roger Hertrich, Edmonds, inquired about the criteria for someone to apply for a Concession
Agreement, whether there were any restrictions, how a person qualified for a Concession Agreement, and
whether a Concession Agreement could be requested for any public right -of -way.
Angelo Narciso, Seattle, applicant, advised his partners and he were seeking approval of the Concession
Agreement on James Street east of the ferry lanes and their goal was to save the world from bad shaved
ice. He advised Shorts `n Slippas was their LLC but they would be doing business as the Hula Hut.
Council President Pro Tem Dawson asked for photographs or a description of the trailer. Mr. Narciso
explained the goal was to make the trailer look nice and were open to suggestions. He advised the cracked
windows on the trailer were being repaired.
Hearing no further comments, Mayor Haakenson closed the public participation portion of the public
hearing. He advised the answers to Mr. Hertrich's questions were contained in the ECC.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM DAWSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
ORVIS, TO APPROVE THE CONCESSION AGREEMENT. THE MONTHLY LEASE AMOUNT
WILL BE $100.00 AND THE TERM WILL BE ONE YEAR.
Council President Pro Tem. Dawson commented this was in line with the previous Concession Agreement
granted by the Council and it was beneficial to the public to have concessions in that area. She noted
there were provisions in the agreement for termination if obligations are not met and the Agreement
would ensure the concession was well run.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Concerns with Tony Shapiro, Edmonds, commented on the reputation of the planning/building /engineering department,
Development particularly the Engineering Department and its impact on the economic vitality of the City. He
Services
Department expressed an attitude of humility and respect, explaining it was not his intent to browbeat or degrade the
department but he had concerns with the financial drain the department imposed on applicants and the
vitality of the City. He urged the Council to consider hiring a consultant to assist the Department in
restructuring and addressing its shortfalls and suggested hiring DeMarche Consulting who has assisted
Snohomish County, Lynnwood, Shoreline, Seattle and other municipalities. He summarized this
department was dysfunctional and was not functioning in a professional or adequate manner to address
the needs of applicants or citizens. He cited two examples, the Building Official's insistence that
applicants wet stamp drawings and the refusal to provide an answer why this is required other than the
State requires it. However, in talking with the State Board of Licensing for Architects and Engineers, he
was told wet stamping was not required. He noted this was indicative of the prevalent mentality in the
department; wet stamping did not add value to the product and consumed the applicant's time, energy and
effort. He also cited discourteous staff, recalling one of their clients asked to see the file for their
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 17, 2008
Page 13
application and was told by the Permit Coordinator that the client could not observe the file. This client
has subsequently refused to do work in Edmonds.
Opportunities Linda Paralez, Demarche Consulting, commented with regard to opportunities for building and land
for Improving use improvements, she observed all cities had opportunities for improvement. She pointed out the
Development statistics on the City's website for the planning organization ended at 2004. Her work with Snohomish
Services
County, Mill Creek, Woodinville, Lynnwood, and Shoreline, included comparison studies but she was
unable to obtain up -to -date data from Edmonds. That produced challenges for those cities in determining
whether they were competitive with Edmonds as well as challenges for developers building in Edmonds.
She commented some of the items that could be easily implemented would be to involve the City in eGov
Alliance, standardized the City's practices and provide online permitting and online permit status.
Concerns With Brian Goodnight, Edmonds, explained as a builder in Edmonds for the past 20 years, he observed a big
Development
services change between the old Building Department where builders could ask simple questions and receive an
Department answer. During design of his last building, he talked with the Planning Department and Engineering
Department numerous times, had approximately $30,000 invested in architecture fees and later found that
one of his setbacks was incorrect. He referred to Lynnwood's free pre- design meeting that eliminates a
great deal of frustration and problems. He learned recently Edmonds had a similar process that cost $250
with $125 refunded at the permit process; however, no staff member had ever informed him of the
availability of that meeting. He expressed frustration that simple questions could not be answered by
staff. He summarized the department has slowed to the point it operated inefficiently and suggested the
currently slow economy would be a good time to reorganize.
Concerns With Bill Wilson, Edmonds, described their experience when they had a vacancy in one of their buildings in
Development 2005 and signed a lease with Community Solutions. When Community Solutions sought a business
Services license from the City, the Building Department and Fire Department required inspections and created a
Department
list of necessary improvements to obtain a business license in the space the Community Solutions took
over from another company with the same use, warehouse and office. It took over a year and over
$20,000 to achieve permit status so that Community Solutions could obtain a business license.
Concerns With Donna Breske, Snohomish, licensed professional engineer, echoed Mr. Shapiro's recommendation to
Development hire an outside consulting firm. As Ms. Breske had an appeal before the Hearing Examiner, Council
Services President Pro Tem Dawson cautioned her not to use that matter as an example. Ms. Breske referred to
Department
times when the engineer /applicant/ architect disagreed with staff's recommendation, noting there was no
forum for discussion other than the Hearing Examiner. She relayed her and other architects' willingness
to pay an outside engineer to provide a third party, non - biased point of view when disagreements occur.
She questioned whether there was anyone on staff familiar with the 1992 Department of Ecology manual,
commenting in her experience staff overlooked Chapter 1 which established thresholds that trigger
Chapter 3 and staff was not familiar with the different requirements for development versus
redevelopment. She cited a specific example on 76th Avenue where the client increased a previously
established impervious area slightly which should be considered redevelopment and would not trigger the
requirement for any detention, yet staff wanted the cumulative impervious surface considered.
Concerns With Mark Lowen, Edmonds, advised he picked up a permit on June 16, 2008 that he had applied for it,
Development beginning with the critical areas, on June 4, 2007. He cited miscommunication and misinformation,
Services remarking he was forced to hire Ms. Breske to write a letter to inform the City he did not need her
Department g y
engineering. Due to the lengthy process to obtain a permit to remodel his home, he was now unable to
obtain a loan due to the shortage of construction funds. He expressed frustration that a person could go
into the building department on five occasions, ask the same question and receive completely different
answers each time. He summarized the "sins of the second floor" affected the citizens of Edmonds and
agreed with the suggestion to have a consultant assist the City with restructuring.
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June 17, 2008
Page 14
Concerns With Roger Hertrich, Edmonds, commented architects and builders were afraid to complain because they
Development feared retaliation during their next project. He pointed out the cost of continually extending projects due
Services
Deprt ment to inexperienced and ineffective staff and urged Mayor Haakenson to take appropriate action. He noted
there were architects and builders who would not do business in Edmonds. He commended Mr. Shapiro
for speaking out, noting although only a few spoke to the Council, all builders and architects were having
the same experience.
Endangered Dave Page, Edmonds, recalled in 1991 a Federal. District Judge affirmed Congress' decision to place the
species act Great Northern Spotted Owl on the Federal Endangered Species Act. During their research, his staff
found very little information about the owl. He described how humans were affected by the protection of
the Great Northern Spotted Owl; the logging industry in National Forests was eliminated and restricted to
within 2000 feet of a nest on private lands. He concluded the consequence of that action was 155 saw
mills closed between Port Angeles and Eureka, California; 55 schools closed; 900 businesses closed;
188,000 people were displaced from their jobs, and divorces and alcoholism were rampant. He expressed
concern that the protection of some species was to the deficit of humans.
Betty Larman, Edmonds, recalled when they remodeled their house, increasing it from 1,800 square feet
to 4,000 square feet, they experienced no problems. She was distressed that little value was given to old
homes, pointed out historic homes were what made Edmonds. She felt the architecture of many of the
Bettinger/ condominiums that replaced the old homes destroyed the flavor of Edmonds and urged preservation of
Metzler
Historic old homes because history was precious. She encouraged the Council to assist Mr. Bell in his efforts to
Home preserve the Bettinger /Kretzler historic home.
Karen Wiggins, Edmonds, suggested condemning the former Skipper's property and locating the
Bettinger/ Bettinger /Kretzler historic home on that site. She envisioned that location would provide a wonderful
Kretzler
Historic welcome to Edmonds and anticipated there were grants available to assist with that effort. She suggested
Home parking the house on skids until the old Skipper's property could be condemned.
Steve Shelton, Edmonds, described his experience with the property at 204 4th North when they decided
Concerns With in 2006 to replace the chain link fence with a white picket fence. Halfway through demolition the project
Development
Services was red - tagged, they were fined and required to obtain a critical area analysis to replace the existing
Department perimeter fence. Last year when they wanted to replace the garage doors, the contractor contacted the
second floor who advised a permit was not required to replace the garage doors. When the contractor
replaced 2x4s due to dry rot, the project was red - tagged and they were fined for not obtaining a permit.
9. REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS OF JUNE 10, 2008.
Finance Finance Committee
committee Councilmember Wambolt reported the Committee discussed the Edmonds Community College fiber
agreement which was approved on the Consent Agenda as Item G. Next the Committee discussed a PUD
Pole Attachment Agreement which was approved on the Consent Agenda as Item H. The next item
considered by the Committee was contracting with former employees which the Council approved during
Agenda Item 6. The Committee discussed the Edmonds fiber optic program and determined it was not
financially feasible to provide fiber optics to residential consumers and recommended proceeding with
fiber optic agreements with governmental organizations. This item will be presented to the full Council
on a future agenda. The final item considered was the cable franchise fee ordinance which was approved
as Consent Agenda Item I.
Councilmember Wilson inquired about providing fiber optics to consumer /residential users.
Councilmember Wambolt explained since this project began, Verizon has made a massive investment in
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 17, 2008
Page 15
fiber optic installations throughout the City which diminishes the opportunity to obtain that business from
citizens. He noted to make it financially feasible, 42% of the homes must connect. Mayor Haakenson
explained the focus was other governmental agencies and streamlining the City's operations such as
electronic meter reading, etc.
Public Services Committee
Public satiety Council President Pro Tem Dawson reported the Committee had a brief discussion regarding a request to
Conunittce
change to the City's current handicapped parking laws to limit the amount of time. State law allows
establishing a limit but also allows drivers with a handicapped placard to park in non - restricted parking
spaces indefinitely. Due to the enforcement issue this would create, possibly encouraging drivers to park
in non - restricted parking spaces which creates safety issues and because it did not appear this was an
ongoing problem, the Committee agreed to take no action at this time other than highlighting the need for
drivers with a handicapped placard not to utilize the spaces as permanent parking places
Community Services /Development Services Committee
Community/ Councilmember Wilson reported the Committee discussed a concern that the gates on underground
Development
Services parking garages in mixed use buildings downtown were closed during the day restricting access to
Committee parking established for the commercial use. The question was whether the current code was clear enough
to require the buildings to open their gates during business hours and it was the consensus of the
Committee that the code was strong enough and the building owners were required to keep the gates open
to allow parking in marked commercial stalls during daytime hours.
10. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Development Mayor Haakenson advised he would ask Mr. Bowman to watch the video of tonight's meeting and report
services on the issues that were raised under audience comments. He advised efforts were underway to reorganize
Department
building, planning and engineering and he had met with a consultant to discuss the matter.
11. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Stevens I Councilmember Wilson expressed his appreciation to the Stevens Hospital representatives for their
Hospital p resentation , commenting they did a great service to the community by engaging them in this process,
reiterating they had done a poor job of engaging the public in the past. He stated the public gets the
government they deserve; if the public asset of the hospital did not function well or was not governed
well, it was inherently the fault of the community for not paying attention. It was incumbent on the
public to visit the hospital's website and email the Board of Commissioners.
Health I Councilmember Orvis relayed information from the Health Board encouraging anyone injured by a bat in
District their home to retain /capture the bat so that it could be tested for disease.
12. ADJOURN
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 10:10 p.m.
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