10/07/2008 City CouncilOctober 7, 2008
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 Bernheim, Councilmember
D. J. Wilson, Councilmember (arrived 7:02 p.m.)
Deanna Dawson, Councilmember
Dave Orvis, Councilmember
Ron Wambolt, Councilmember
ALSO PRESENT
Leif Warren, Student Representative
Approval of
Agenda 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
STAFF PRESENT
Tom Tomberg, Fire Chief
Mark Correira, Assistant Fire Chief
Al Compaan, Police Chief
Gerry Gannon, Assistant Police Chief
Duane Bowman, Development Services Director
Stephen Clifton, Community Services Director
Brian McIntosh, Parks & Recreation Director
Noel Miller, Public Works Director
Kathleen Junglov, Finance Director
Debi Humann, Human Resources Director
Douglas Fair, Municipal Court Judge
Joan Ferebee, Court Administrator
Rob Chave, Planning Manager
Carl Nelson, Chief Information Officer
Ann Bullis, Building Official
Mike Thies, Code Enforcement Officer
Rob English, City Engineer
Debra Sharp, Accountant
Scott Snyder, City Attorney
Sandy Chase, City Clerk
Megan Cruz, Video Recorder
Jana Spellman, Senior Executive Council Asst.
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
COUNCILMEMBER WAMBOLT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER OLSON, TO
APPROVE THE AGENDA IN CONTENT AND ORDER. MOTION CARRIED. (The vote was 6 -0;
Councilmember Wilson was not present for the vote.)
2. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
COUNCILMEMBER WAMBOLT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER OLSON, TO
APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED. (The vote was 6 -0; Councilmember
Wilson was not present for the vote.) The agenda items approved are as follows:
Roll Call
A. ROLL CALL
Approve B. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2008.
09 -30 -08
Minutes
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 7, 2008
Page 1
Approve
C.
APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS #107059, 107060 AND 107172 THROUGH #107346
Claim
FOR OCTOBER 2, 2008 IN THE AMOUNT OF $727,950.88. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
Checks
DIRECT DEPOSIT AND CHECKS #47312 THROUGH #47359 FOR THE PERIOD OF
SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 IN THE AMOUNT OF
Claim for 1
$863,442.69.
Damages
D.
ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FROM SYDNEY ALLRUD
($750,000.00).
Liquor
Control
E.
APPROVAL OF LIST OF BUSINESSES APPLYING FOR RENEWAL OF THEIR
Board
LIQUOR LICENSES WITH THE WASHINGTON STATE LIQUOR CONTROL BOARD,
SEPTEMBER 2008.
Building
Use
F.
AUTHORIZATION FOR THE MAYOR TO SIGN SUPPLEMENT NO. 1 TO THE
Agreement
BUILDING USE AGREEMENT WITH THE GREATER EDMONDS CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE.
Water
Comprehen-
G.
AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE A REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) TO
sive Plan
UPDATE THE WATER COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
Infiltration
H.
AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE A REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS TO
and Inflow
Sewer Study
PREPARE AN INFILTRATION AND INFLOW STUDY ON THE SEWER SYSTEM.
Old L APPROVAL OF PAYMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $11,923.03 TO LANDAU
Milltown ASSOCIATES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF THE OLD MILLTOWN
Courtyard COURTYARD SITE FROM THE COUNCIL CONTINGENCY FUND.
Comcast
Cable J. PROPOSED INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT - CONSORTIUM FOR NEGOTIATION OF
Franchise COMCAST CABLE TELEVISION FRANCHISING, AND AGREEMENT WITH RIVER
OAKS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION.
Domestic
Violence 3. PROCLAMATION IN HONOR OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH OCTOBER
Awareness 2008.
Councilmember Dawson read a proclamation declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness month
and encouraging all residents to take a stand against domestic violence in their personal relationships and
in the community. The proclamation urged all residents to work toward eliminating domestic violence in
the community. She recognized the City's Domestic Violence Advocate Kari Hvorka, Police Chief Al
Compaan, and Mountlake Terrace's Domestic Violence Advocate Danielle Simpson. She also recognized
Assistant Chief Gerry Gannon for his advocacy on issues of domestic violence in the community.
Ms. Hvorka expressed her appreciation for the City's efforts to ensure domestic violence victims and their
children were safe and recognized the excellent job done by the Police Department to keep victims safe
and to ensure children were raised in homes free of violence. Mayor Haakenson expressed his
appreciation for the work done by Ms. Hvorka.
Nuisance
Regulations 4. PUBLIC HEARING ON EDMONDS CITY CODE CHAPTER 6 NUISANCE REGULATIONS
Amend- AMENDMENTS.
ments
Development Services Director Duane Bowman explained this matter was originally discussed by the
Council at a work session in February and two public hearings were held on June 3 and July 15. The
Council then referred the matter to the Community Services /Development Services (CS /DS) Committee
who considered it at their August 12 and September 9 meetings.
He reviewed the rationale for the proposed revisions:
• Consolidate nuisance regulations into one location, the Edmonds Municipal Code (EMC).
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 7, 2008
Page 2
• Clean up antiquated code language in the EMC.
• Nuisance regulations are part of the City's broad police powers and should be in the EMC and not
within the Edmonds Community Development Code (ECDC).
• The proposed regulations cover the types of complaints frequently received by the City's Code
Enforcement Officer.
He clarified the proposed amendments did not regulate RVs, boats, cars or trailers except if they were
junk. The CS /DS Committee's recommendation was to concur with the City Attorney revisions in the
memo dated August 1, 2008 with the following exceptions:
• Retain the three year old vehicle criteria for junk cars - this has not been an issue for staff and an
amendment could be proposed to Council if it became a problem in the future.
• Eliminate the addition of mediation - the CS /DS Committee recognized the value of mediation
but did not want to include it as a requirement in the nuisance regulations.
• Add a requirement to send notice before fines are issued for frivolous complaints.
• Add a reference to side yards in Chapter 6.20.41.G.2.
Staff recommends the Council direct the City Attorney to prepare the necessary ordinance for adoption on
the City Council consent agenda.
Council President Plunkett relayed a resident's question whether or not the proposed amendment would
impact a property owner storing a boat next to their house. Mr. Bowman responded this ordinance did
not regulate boats or RVs. Council President Plunkett asked if the ordinance addressed awnings over
boats or RVs. Mr. Bowman answered it did not; the Planning Board will be discussing that topic at their
October 8 meeting.
Council President Plunkett observed the ordinance eliminated a property owner's ability to cover junk in
their backyard. Mr. Bowman agreed the ordinance did address covered junk or debris in a person's
backyard. Council President Plunkett noted the ordinance did not allow a property owner to cover a
nuisance because a nuisance may be more than sight. City Attorney Scott Snyder advised the ordinance
distinguishes between two categories of nuisance: if a visual/aesthetic nuisance was in the backyard and
screened by a fence, it did not need to be covered. However, chemical nuisances, rodent harbors, an
attractive nuisance for children, etc. were not eliminated by covering it.
Council President Plunkett asked if a motorcycle stored in a side yard was addressed by the ordinance.
Mr. Bowman answered it was not.
Council President Plunkett observed the decision regarding a nuisance was made by the Hearing
Examiner and asked if that decision was appealable to the City Council. Mr. Bowman answered it was
not; the Hearing Examiner would make a factual finding whether the property owner was in compliance
or not. In an enforcement action, the burden of proof was on the City to prove the violation exists.
Council President Plunkett asked whether the Hearing Examiner's decision was appealable to court. Mr.
Snyder answered it was.
Mayor Haakenson opened the public participation portion of the public hearing.
Roger Hertrich, Edmonds, referred to the definition of vehicle on page 3 of the ordinance: recreational
vehicle, truck, trailers, van, motorcycle, watercraft, farm equipment, construction equipment and antique
vehicles (i.e., cars, trucks, vans, motorcycles, carriages, or motorized buggies), noting there is also
reference to "vehicle" in the definition of junk vehicle. He disagreed with Mr. Bowman that recreational
vehicles, boats, etc. were not regulated by this ordinance. He recommended the definition of vehicle be
moved to the beginning of the definitions so that persons reading the ordinance knew what items were
regulated. Next, he referred to Section 6.20.040, aesthetic nuisances, noting A, B, C and D were in one
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 7, 2008
Page 3
category and E was in a separate category because the exceptions in paragraph G omitted E which
prohibited screening of the items listed in E. He suggested items used for painting such as ladders,
wheelbarrows, etc. could be easily screened in a backyard. He referred to page 4, attractive nuisances,
noting the proposed ordinance expanded the State law regarding refrigerators and freezers. He asserted
Section 6.20.045, protective covers, was a new section and intended to eliminate the use of blue tarps. He
summarized his concerns were the inability to appeal the Hearing Examiner's decision and the protection
of property rights.
Hearing no further public comment, Mayor Haakenson closed the public hearing.
Mr. Snyder assured the section regarding protective coverings had been in every draft of the ordinance.
With regard to paragraph E in Section 6.20.040, he noted those items could be stored as long as the
property owner had a building permit plus 10 days before the permit. That provision was only applicable
if a property owner was storing building and/or landscaping materials that were not being used. It was up
to the Council if they wanted to move the definition of junk vehicle to the beginning of the definitions
rather than having them in alphabetical order.
Councilmember Bernheim asked whether the finding regarding a nuisance was subject to appeal to the
City Council. Mr. Snyder advised it was subject to appeal to Superior Court; the City's final decision was
made at the Hearing Examiner. He noted this was the civil equivalent of a traffic ticket.
Council President Plunkett pointed out motorcycles were in the definition of vehicle. Mr. Snyder advised
the only time the vehicle provision was applicable was in the junk vehicle section and the definition was
as used in the State statute that established junk vehicle provisions.
Councilmember Wambolt disagreed with retaining the three year age as a criteria for determining a
vehicle was junk, commenting the other four criteria, extensively damaged, inoperable, without valid
registration plates and market value equal only to the approximate value of the scrap were sufficient to
determine whether a vehicle was junk. He feared citizens would use the age of a vehicle to declare a
neighbor's vehicle junk.
COUNCILMEMBER WILSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER OLSON, TO
DIRECT THE CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE THE NECESSARY ORDINANCE FOR
ADOPTION ON THE CITY COUNCIL CONSENT AGENDA.
COUNCILMEMBER WAMBOLT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT
PLUNKETT, TO AMEND THE MOTION TO REMOVE THE 3 YEAR AGE CRITERIA FOR
DECLARING A VEHICLE JUNK.
Councilmember Dawson agreed with Councilmember Wambolt's motion to remove the age criteria,
finding it irrelevant.
Councilmember Wilson stated at the CS/DS Committee meeting, staff explained the current criteria
worked and there had not been any problems with the language.
UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE AMENDMENT CARRIED (4 -3); COUNCIL PRESIDENT
PLUNKETT AND COUNCILMEMBERS DAWSON, ORVIS, AND WAMBOLT IN FAVOR; AND
COUNCILMEMBERS OLSON, WILSON AND BERNHEIM OPPOSED.
Mayor Haakenson commented if there were issues with declaring a vehicle junk without that criteria, staff
could make a request to Council to reinstate it. Mr. Snyder explained declaring a vehicle junk required
that the vehicle meet any two of the criteria. He asked whether the Council wanted to require that a
vehicle meet only one of the remaining criteria. He noted without the criteria regarding three years of age
or older, declaring a vehicle junk may be difficult to prove.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 7, 2008
Page 4
Councilmember Dawson preferred the vehicle meet two of the criteria in order to be declared a junk
vehicle. She noted the fact that a vehicle met two of the other criteria was significant enough without the
criteria regarding the vehicle's age. If staff could not prove any two of the remaining criteria, the vehicle
was likely not a junk vehicle. Code Enforcement Officer Mike Thies explained criteria 3 (Is apparently
inoperable) and 4 (Is without valid current registration plates) were the criteria most often used to declare
a vehicle junk. Without the criteria regarding the age of the vehicle, a property owner could keep a junk
vehicle in their yard for the cost of registration plates.
With regard to mediation, Councilmember Dawson pointed out staff could still encourage mediation but it
was not necessary to include that in the code. She found mediation an appropriate solution to many
neighborhood disputes.
Councilmember Bernheim expressed his general opposition to the extension of government regulation to
what people were doing on their private property, commenting as belt- tightening was required, what
people did on their property may need to be expanded rather than further restricted. He commented
property owners were entitled to the benefit of the doubt with regard to what they were doing on their
property versus a neighbor being offended by the view of their property. To the extent a use caused a
diminution of property values, a neighbor would have a private right of action in court. He commented
on the neighborhood blight occurring in Atlanta due to the high foreclosure rate. Unless the problem
reached the point of impacting public safety, he was opposed to regulations related to aesthetics. He
expressed concern with the effort that had been expended on this issue including a great deal of staff time.
He preferred consolidating the existing nuisance regulations in the code and eliminating antiquated
language rather than rewriting the code to expand the restrictions. He summarized he would oppose the
motion, finding it unnecessary and that Section 20.110.030 adequately defined nuisances.
THE VOTE ON THE MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED CARRIED (6 -1); COUNCILMEMBER
BERNHEIM OPPOSED.
5. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
2009 -2010 Don Hail, Edmonds, recalled last week Mayor Haakenson outlined the budget dilemma. With regard to
Budget raising the business license fee, he relayed that his wife, the owner of a small retail store, did not object to
the increase as it had been at least 13 years since the business license fee had been increased. He relayed
his wife's request that all people doing business in Edmonds be required to obtain a business license
including those participating in fairs and markets as well as ensure they were paying sales tax to the City.
With regard to raising cable TV taxes, he noted increasing taxes on cable TV, water, sewer, etc.
disproportionately affected lower and medium income residents. He agreed with the proposal to institute
EMS transport fees, questioning why that had not been done previously particularly since insurance pays
for this service. He agreed with the concept of a Fire Authority as long as all citizens were aware it would
increases taxes. He wanted to ensure a Fire Authority saved money and provided better service and the
same response times. For the Councilmembers opposed to gambling, he urged them to identify a creative
way to raise $500,000 without raising his taxes.
Senior 16. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING THE SOUTH COUNTY SENIOR
Center Lease CENTER LEASE AND RECREATION SERVICES AGREEMENT.
Council President Plunkett referred to Exhibits 3 (South County Senior Center Activity Report
Overview), 4 (2009 Lease) and 5 (2009 Recreational Services Agreement). He reported he invited Ms.
Cantwell to tonight's meeting to respond to Council questions, noting the Senior Center Board plans to
discuss this at their October 15 meeting. He suggested the Council take action tonight to allow the Senior
Center Board to review the lease and for the lease to be renewed by November 1.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 7, 2008
Page 5
City Attorney Scott Snyder referred to Council President Plunkett's reference to November 1 to provide
notice to the Senior Center, explaining the date by which the lease needed to be renewed was January 1,
2009. A key issue for the Council to resolve was whether to describe the service provided by the Senior
Center in a general way or a specific way. The report provided as Exhibit 3 did not contain a list of
specific activities although it referenced United Way documents that likely provided further detail. The
existing lease and the draft have a generalized list modeled after the City's grant obligations. He recalled
that during past discussions Councilmember Dawson suggested identifying specific programs to ensure
the City was getting its money's worth under the funding agreement and that those services were being
provided via the lease agreement.
Councilmember Dawson explained a question arose during the past year regarding how to ensure the
Senior Center was providing high quality services. She was confident assurance could be provided but
did not want it to be an onerous process for the Senior Center. She preferred reporting that would assure
the Council that the Senior Center organization was providing the services expected in exchange for the
funding the City provided and if they were not, to have a method whereby the lease could be terminated.
Councilmember Wilson recognized the political reality that a Councilmember could not impact the Senior
Center and be reelected in this City as well as the reality that the City was in significant financial straits.
He recalled in a previous Council meeting he estimated the City lost approximately $100,000 in rent on
this facility; the materials provided by the Senior Center valued the free rent at $250,000. He noted the
City provided $60,000 for programs at the Senior Center, an amount well spent. He acknowledged there
was not a political will on the Council to change the amount charged the Senior Center for rent but
$250,000 plus the $60,000 was a large subsidy that required the new leadership at the Senior Center to
continue and broaden programs at the Senior Center. He supported broadening programs to the point it
was not just a Senior Center but also a community center where families felt welcome.
Councilmember Bernheim expressed support for attaching a list of senior center projects and programs to
the Recreational Services Agreement as referenced in the lease. He envisioned a list could be created that
was general enough to accomplish the desired outcome. He noted in all the criticism of the Senior Center
the problem was not that the lease and/or Recreational Service Agreement did not contain sufficient
controls; the problem was the controls were not enforced. He inquired with the State Auditor why the
City's audit did not reveal that the rent had not been paid or reports provided and was assured it would be
reviewed during the next audit.
Council President Plunkett expressed support for Exhibits 3, 4 and 5 as presented.
COUNCILMEMBER OLSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER BERNHEIM, TO
MOVE FORWARD WITH EXHIBITS 3, 4 AND 5, SOUTH COUNTY SENIOR CENTER
ACTIVITY REPORT OVERVIEW, 2009 LEASE AGREEMENT AND 2009 RECREATIONAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT.
Councilmember Bernheim recognized the Senior Center may have some revisions and suggested
revisions be returned to the Council for review.
Mr. Snyder referred to the reference in the second paragraph in Exhibit 3 to the Logic Model for the
South County Senior Center attachment, assuming that contained more detail than was contained in
Exhibit 3. He suggested that be included in Exhibit 3. Senior Center Executive Director Hallie Olson
agreed to provide the Council a copy of the Logic Model.
Councilmember Dawson commented she had seen that document and felt it provided the appropriate level
of detail and required the same reporting. She agreed the Senior Center should be allowed to suggest
revisions before final adoption by the Council at a later date.
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Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 7, 2008
Page 6
2009 -2010 7, WORKSHOP ON THE 2009 -201.0 PRELIMINARY BUDGET
Budget
Council President Plunkett referred to page 195 of the budget as an example of a comparison of revenues
and expenditures and questioned why on page 33 only expenditures were identified for that cost center.
Finance Director Kathleen Junglov commented the bulk of the budget was General Fund and was
presented by cost center in order to provide that level of detail by department. Council President Plunkett
asked why each cost center did not have revenue and expenditures on the same page. Ms. Junglov
explained General Fund revenues were not dedicated to a specific cost center.
Council President Plunkett recalled Mayor Haakenson stated in his budget message that retirements in
2009 would present additional opportunities for not filling positions. He asked Ms. Junglov what
positions may not be filled. Mayor Haakenson offered to provide a list of employees who were retiring in
2009.
Council President Plunkett recalled Mayor Haakenson's budget message indicated the Regional Fire
Authority (RFA) would free up several million dollars. Since the Fire Department costs $8 million, he
asked whether establishing an RFA would free up $8 million. Ms. Junglov explained the formation of a
RFA would preclude the City from assessing the EMS levy and collection of funds for contracts with
Woodway and Esperance, therefore, the net savings would be approximately $4 million.
Council President Plunkett referred to page 8, noting the ending cash balance fluctuated from $1 million
in 2009, down to $637,000 in 2010 and increased again in 2011 and 2012. He asked if staff was
comfortable with this much flexibility in the ending cash balance. Ms. Junglov answered she was not; the
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) recommends one month ending cash which was
approximately 8 -10% of General Fund expenditures. She found $637,000 very low but that was the
amount of the ending cash balance with the available revenue sources. Council President Plunkett
commented it could be inferred there was a fair amount of flexibility if the ending cash balance could get
that low.
Council President Plunkett referred to page 17, recalling the Council reduced Council benefits, yet the
reduction was not reflected in 2009. Ms. Junglov answered the reduction in benefits applied to
Councilmembers taking office after 2010.
Council President Plunkett expressed his thanks for staff establishing a separate cost center in the budget
for fiber optics. He noted fiber optics was a mixture of government use, expansion to business and
possibly expansion to residents in the future. He noted through 2008 a fair amount ($242,000) had been
expended and asked whether the projected expenditure of $200,000 in 2009 was for government entities
or expansion to the business community. He also asked whether that expenditure implemented the recent
proposal the CTAC made to the Council. Rick Jenness, Community Technology Advisory Committee
(CTAC), answered the major expenditures were one time equipment purchases for routing and switching.
The communications cost was the gross cost of purchasing internet bandwidth out of the Westin Hotel
and that amount will decrease over time.
Council President Plunkett asked whether these expenditures covered the most basic work, outreach to
government entities or did they cover outreach to businesses and the more expansive program the CTAC
presented to the Council. Mr. Jenness answered the expenditures were the continuation of outreach to
government. Council President Plunkett asked if any of the proposed expenditures were for the expansion
to businesses. Mr. Jenness answered the only expenditures in this budget related to that proposal were
anticipated legal fees.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 7, 2008
Page 7
Council President Plunkett asked when revenue would be generated. Chief Information Officer Carl
Nelson advised the revenues were shown in miscellaneous revenues. Council President Plunkett
requested staff provide details regarding the revenue stream.
Council President Plunkett commented it was his understanding records management was becoming an
increasing expense in the Police Department, yet page 78 indicates there were no significant budget
changes. Police Chief Al Compaan responded the 2008 year end estimate for salaries versus 2009
includes one position that was unfilled for the majority of 2008 that has been filled recently. The 2008
salary under run is due to a vacant Police Services Assistant position. He noted the Public Records Act
requests have significantly impacted their budget.
For Councilmember Orvis, Ms. Junglov identified revenue from increases in Cable TV taxes,
Development Services fees and Business License fees in 2009 and 2010. Mayor Haakenson pointed out
the increase in Development Services fees which are included with building permits reflected the
downturn in the housing industry. Ms. Junglov identified EMS transport fees and the Transportation
Benefit District in the Charges for Services line. She noted most new revenue would begin January l;
revenue from the TBD would begin July 1.
Council President Plunkett referred to page 101, Police Reserves, pointing out the amount budgeted and
the year end estimate varied widely. Assistant Police Chief Gerry Gannon answered the difference was
due to one vacant Reserve Officer position.
Council President Plunkett referred to page 104 and the transfer of charges from Southwest Snohomish
County Communications Agency and Snohomish Emergency Radio to the non - departmental budget. Ms.
Junglov explained the non - departmental budget was in Finance and included expenditures that could not
be allocated to just one cost center. These were detailed on page 59 and included election costs, voter
registration, insurance, SnoCom, audit fees, etc. Fire Chief Tom Tomberg advised the Emergency
Services Coordinating Agency (ESCA) that coordinates before /during /after disaster response serves all
City departments and because it was difficult to break that out by department, it was included in non -
departmental. SnoCom, the 911 dispatch agency, serves a similar role; Police, Fire and Public Works are
the primary consumers of that service and it seemed appropriate to include it in non - departmental.
Council President Plunkett referred to page 188, Public Works, that indicated there were no budget
changes and page 190 that indicated there were no significant budget changes, yet those costs centers had
the largest change of any cost center, 6% and 6.1 %. Public Works Director Noel Miller answered there
were no changes, he would need to discuss the reason for the increase with Ms. Junglov. Ms. Junglov
advised the largest contributing factor was there were only 2.5 -3 FTE in this cost center and the
employees were now eligible for step increases and the benefit costs depend on whether the person was
single or married with children.
Council President Plunkett referred to page 195, pointing out the ending cash varied dramatically, from
$178,000 to $5,000 and asked what amount would be normal. Mr. Miller answered the Street Fund
varied from year to year based on the weather, the amount of good weather to do road projects and the
amount of snow removal.
Council President Plunkett pointed out the 148% difference in interfund transfer on page 203. Ms.
Junglov answered she would need to verify this but believed it was a transfer to Fund 412.
Council President Plunkett referred to the 119% increase in the travel budget on page 205. Mr. Miller
stated this represented a national conference that Treatment Plant Manager Steve Koho was interested in
attending. He noted there were no General Funds associated with the Wastewater Treatment Plant fund.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 7, 2008
Page 8
Council President Plunkett noted the capital budget did not include the street lights on 5t' and Main east
of Main up to the library. Mr. Miller stated the capital budget was only for two years and several projects
were extended out due to the lack of transportation funds. Council. President Plunkett asked whether
funds from the TBD could be used for those street lights. Mr. Miller answered the decline in REET has
significantly reduced the amount available to be transferred to Fund 112 Transportation. Council
President Plunkett asked whether REST was used to fund infrastructure such as street lights. Mr. Miller
answered these were an extension of the decorative lights in the downtown area that were funded in the
late 198Os and early 199Os. Mayor Haakenson recalled they were funded via a Downtown Business
Improvement District. Council President Plunkett asked whether the funding source when the lights were
discussed two years ago was BEET. Mr. Miller answered yes.
Councilmember Wambolt commented he had asked staff a number of questions via email over the past
several weeks.
Councilmember Wilson expressed his thanks to staff for their thorough responses to his emails regarding
the budget. He anticipated funding for the downtown streetlights could be provided if the license fee in
the TBD was more than $20. He inquired about funding for a joint City /Chamber of Commerce
marketing effort. Community Services Director /Economic Development Director Stephen Clifton
answered the City had been working with the Chamber and has purchased joint advertisements in the
Puget Sound Business Journal and Alaska Airlines magazine recruiting specialty businesses and related to
tourism. He explained the intent was to leverage the City's funds against other entities such as the
Chamber. He requested an additional $7,300 in the budget to do more joint advertising and to leverage
funds provided by the Chamber.
Councilmember Wilson commented he was typically an advocate of advertising the City, noting it was
easy to spend money without a plan for measuring success. He relayed his discussion with Chamber
members regarding establishing a Business Development District in the downtown core that would force
anyone who benefited from advertising dollars to support the expenditure on advertising. He asked
whether there had been any discussion by staff regarding a local improvement district or economic
development zone downtown, suggesting advertising funds may be better spent developing that. Mr.
Clifton answered he has met with Chamber representatives and attends the Downtown Edmonds
Merchants Association (DEMA) meetings; their primary focus has been marketing the downtown from a
retail aspect and have not pursued the formation of a local improvement district. Executive Director Jan
Vance and he have discussed a variety of ways of improving the business climate downtown including
providing educational opportunities for businesses.
Councilmember Dawson requested staff forward their responses to any Council questions to all
Councilmembers.
Councilmember Wambolt referred to Mr. Hall's observation that there may be businesses that were not
paying sales tax and asked how the City knew everyone with a business license was paying the
appropriate sales taxes. Ms. Junglov answered the City contracts with Microflex who conduct business
license /sales tax checks to ensure businesses were paying sales tax. Mayor Haakenson commented Mr.
Hall's question was related to vendors at the Summer Market and requested staff also address the summer
arts festival, etc. With regard to a business license, City Clerk Sandy Chase explained the vendors were
under the umbrella of the Summer Market who pays the City a set amount each week for each vendor.
She advised vendors at the arts festival were not required to obtain a business license; they were under the
umbrella of that event. She advised Microflex also sends business applications to businesses collecting
sales tax in Edmonds but do not have a business license. Councilmember Wambolt asked whether a
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October 7, 2008
Page 9
business could be established without obtaining a business license and not pay sales tax. Ms. Chase
advised it is possible the City may only be aware if someone complained.
Councilmember Bernheim commented a recent newspaper headline in Chicago stated they may force
non -union workers making $75,000 or more to take up to three unpaid days per year due to budget
shortfalls as a result of lower real estate values, decreased construction permit activity, and lower REET
collections. Non -union workers making less than $75,000 would take two unpaid days per year. He
noted this was an example of the range of options available.
In response to Mr. Hertrich's comment that increases in utility taxes impacted low income families,
Councilmember Wambolt explained he analyzed how best to generate increased revenue, via increased
utility and cable TV tax or property taxes. The proposed budget indicated the average person would pay
an additional $60 per year on their cable. He clarified this was for residents with a cable packet costing
$100 /month; for the average person whose bill was $56 /month, the additional cost was $33.70 per year.
The increase in utility and cable TV tax was $26.40 /year or approximately $60 more per year to generate
$865,000. To generate that amount in property tax would require a $0.115 increase in the property tax.
When applied to the price of an average home in Edmonds, $461,500, the cost would be $52.60. He
concluded there was little difference in the cost to residents of increasing utility and cable TV tax or
property taxes.
Mayor Haakenson advised staff would email a response to the questions raised tonight to all
Councilmembers. He encouraged Councilmembers to email staff with any additional questions prior to
the October 21 meeting and asked whether the Council wanted any other information provided at the
October 21 meeting.
Councilmember Dawson stated one of the unknowns was the Regional Fire Authority concept. Given
that it was not a certainty that the Council would approve forming such an agency and if they did, that the
citizens would approve it, the Council needed more detail on the impacts on departments of not forming a
RFA. She questioned whether the Council should proceed as if formation of the RFA would not occur
and take early steps so that deeper cuts were not required in the future if a RFA were not formed. She
suggested staff relay recommendations for the 2009 budget were the Council not to pursue the formation
of a RFA. Mayor Haakenson answered if the RFA is not approved by either the Council or the voters, a
$4 million cut would be required. Staff did not know where to make that cut and were looking to the
Council for direction regarding their priorities and where $4 million could be cut from the budget.
Councilmember Dawson pointed out the difficulty for the Council was they did not have staff to do the
analysis or identify the impact of a $4 million cut and needed the assistance of the directors to identify the
impacts on departments and services and where General Fund cuts could be made. She appreciated that it
would result in reductions in service levels but needed input from staff to make that analysis.
Councilmember Wambolt pointed out formation of a RFA would not take effect until 2011. Mayor
Haakenson agreed, noting Councilmember Dawson's point was if the RFA was not approved, cuts needed
to be made in the 2009 budget. He emphasized $4 million in budget cuts would not be just an employee
here or an employee there; it would be an entire department such as the Parks Department. He stressed
staff had no idea what the Council valued most beyond police and fire services. Councilmember Dawson
commented it would be helpful for each department to identify what would be cut and the impacts on
service delivery of a 10% across- the -board reduction. She noted it was necessary for staff to identify
possible General Fund cuts because in some departments eliminating the entire department would not
save any General Fund dollars because they were funded via other sources. She summarized the Council .
needed to hear from the directors regarding the impacts that cuts would have on their departments.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 7, 2008
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Councilmember Wilson agreed with Councilmember Dawson's suggestion. He pointed out the
importance of highlighting for the public the impact of $4 million in cuts. He also supported
consideration of other revenue options including a significant levy or property tax increase. He did not
feel comfortable urging citizens to raise their taxes, to allow gambling or to continue the $250,000
subsidy to the Senior Center without that additional information. He agreed with Councilmember
Dawson's suggestion that cuts be considered in 2009 rather than waiting until 2010.
Councilmember Orvis commented on the City's day -to -day liquidity and ability to do an interfund loan.
Councilmember Wilson inquired about the City's $1.7 - $1.9 million emergency fund. He asked about
the appropriate amount for an emergency fund and why those funds were not used to cover revenue
shortfalls. Mayor Haakenson answered the purpose of the Rainy Day Fund was to ensure funds were
available in the event of a catastrophic event such as an earthquake, terrorist attack, etc., and he did not
see this budget crisis as a use for this fund. He would only support using the funds in a manner whereby
it could be paid back immediately.
Councilmember Wilson asked whether the City could do an interfund loan in the event of a cataclysmic
event. Mayor Haakenson agreed that would be possible but the question then was how to pay it back. He
summarized this was a policy decision; the Council was charged with spending the taxpayers money as
they best saw fit. If the Council wanted to spend money in the Rainy Day Fund on a budget crisis, the
Council was free to do so.
8. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Senior
Center Mayor Haakenson announced a presentation would be made at the October 21 meeting regarding the
possibility of a new senior center.
9. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Budget
Public Council President Plunkett advised the October 21 meeting would also include a public hearing on the
Hearing budget.
Councilmember Orvis reported as a result of attrition, belt tightening and increased fees, the Snohomish
oesmct Health District's deficit had been reduced to $2.3 million. He noted cities have the ability to do interfund
loans while awaiting the receipt of revenue; the Health District did not have that ability. Therefore, they
are seeking an agency to be their "bank" and in that way could maintain services for a year and minimize
cuts.
10. ADJOURN
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 7, 2008
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