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10/28/2008 City CouncilOctober 28, 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 Deanna Dawson, Councilmember (arrived 7:03 p.m.) Dave Orvis, Councilmember Ron Wambolt, Councilmember ALSO PRESENT Leif Warren, Student Representative STAFF PRESENT Tom Tomberg, Fire Chief Al. Compaan, Police Chief Gerry Gannon, Assistant Police Chief Jim Lawless, 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 Rob Chave, Planning Manager Debi Humann, Human Resources Director Frances Chapin, Cultural Services Manager Rob English, City Engineer Sandy Chase, City Clerk Jana Spellman, Senior Executive Council Asst. Jeannie Dines, Recorder Approval of 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA genda COUNCILMEMBER WAMBOLT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER OLSON, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA IN CONTENT AND ORDER. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. (Councilmember Dawson was not present for the vote.) 2. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS COUNCILMEMBER WAMBOLT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER OLSON, TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. (Councilmember Dawson was not present for the vote.) The agenda items approved are as follows: Roll Call A. ROLL CALL Approve 10 -21 -08 B. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 21, 2008. Minutes Approve C. APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS #107676 THROUGH #107803 FOR OCTOBER 23, Claim 2008 IN THE AMOUNT OF $679,188.90. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL DIRECT DEPOSIT Checks AND CHECKS #47360 THROUGH #47394 FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 1, 2008 THROUGH OCTOBER 15, 2008 IN THE AMOUNT OF $785,607.58. Claim for Damages D. ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FROM MIKE AND ANNE MEIERS (AMOUNT UNDETERMINED). Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes October 28, 2008 Page 1 Community E. COMMUNITY SERVICES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT QUARTERLY REPORT Services/ — Econ. Dev. OCTOBER, 2008 Liquor I F. LIST OF EDMONDS BUSINESSES APPLYING FOR THE RENEWAL OF THEIR Licenses WASHINGTON STATE LIQUOR LICENSES, OCTOBER 2008 Geotechnical G. AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT NO. 2 TO and Environ- THE ON -CALL AND EMERGENCY/DISASTER RESPONSE GEOTECHNICAL AND mental Services ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SERVICES CONTRACT WITH LANDAU ASSOCIATES, INC. Ord# 3699 Extend Life of Building H. ORDINANCE NO. 3699 — AMENDING THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 19.00.005 Permit Apps SECTION AMENDMENTS RELATING TO THE AMENDMENTS TO THE STATE BUILDING CODE TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATIONS FROM 180 DAYS TO 360 DAYS, AND EXTENSIONS FROM 180 DAYS TO 360 DAYS 0th nniversary 1 3. PROCLAMATION IN HONOR OF THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SISTER CITY of Sister RELATIONSHIP WITH HEKINAN, JAPAN. City Relationship with Mayor Haakenson recognized the 34- member delegation visiting from Hekinan, Japan, who arrived Hekinan yesterday and will be staying in Edmonds until next Sunday. He noted this was the largest delegation to visit Edinonds in the history of their 20 -year relationship as Sister Cities. He explained Mayor Negita was elected Mayor on May 1, 2008 and it was an honor for Edmonds that he chose to visit Edmonds during his first few months in office. Mayor Haakenson invited Mayor Masanobu Negita, Council Chairman Shoichi Hisada and Councilmembers Shigyuki Kuriachi, Akihisa Ikuta, and Minoro Suzuki to join him at the podium where he read a proclamation recognizing and honoring the 20th anniversary of the Sister City relationship between Edmonds and Hekinan on September 28, 2008. He presented framed proclamations in English and Japanese to Mayor Negita. Mayor Negita extended his greetings to Edmonds on behalf of the City of Hekinan. He explained he accepted an appointment as Mayor at the end of April 2008. It was his honor and great pleasure to meet the Mayor, Council and citizens and he thanked the City for the invitation. He commented on the exchange programs over the past 20 years and expressed his appreciation to the residents of Edmonds, Mayors, Councilmembers and the Sister City Commission for their efforts. This was his first visit to Edmonds and he hoped to get to know the society and climate of Edmonds. He hoped their visit would deepen the friendship between Edmonds and Hekinan and contribute to further progress and continuous exchange between the two cities. 4. AUDIENCE COMMENTS Questioning George Everett, Edmonds, explained several years ago he began attending meetings of a small group to he Events of discuss events occurring in the United States and around the world. About the same time he became 9 /11. interested in the events of 9/11. When he shared an article questioning the events 9/11 with the group, one member asked for proof and evidence. He recalled asking the member whether he had asked the government for proof and evidence. Mr. Everett emphasized there was no evidence to support the official story of 9/11; no proof that Osama Bin Laden and Al Qaeda was involved, that any of the 19 Arabs were on the airlines, that an airplane hit the Pentagon, that Flight 93 crashed in Pennsylvania, or that the buildings at the World Trade Center were brought down by fire. He pleaded with the American public including the City Council to ask the government for the evidence and the proof. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes October 28, 2008 Page 2 Library AI Rutledge, Edmonds, thanked the 78 volunteers who assisted with the Friends of the Edmonds Library Book sale Book Sale as well as everyone who attended the book sale. Next, recognizing that none of the Councilmembers ran for office for the money, he suggested they return their salary to the City. He also Budget i recommended the Council not raise taxes, that they eliminate one Council meeting per month and, rather Taxes than lay off employees one day a month, they encourage employees to spend money at businesses in the city which would increase revenues and support local businesses. snohomisb Dave Page, Edmonds, recognized times were tough and they would get tougher before they got better. county He felt let down by the country's leaders. He pointed out Snohomish County was in better shape than Economy many other counties; 10,000 people would be moving into Snohomish County this year, and according to the Snohomish County Business Journal, Snohomish County was creating approximately 800 jobs a month. He disagreed with an article in the Everett Herald that all the jobs were service jobs, relaying his research found there were 140 aerospace plants in Snohomish County that support Boeing whose starting salaries were over $20 /hour. He pointed out Boeing was the top exporter in the world, Microsoft was second, Weyerhaeuser was fifth and Starbucks was also a huge exporter. Even though Snohomish County was experiencing its highest foreclosure rates, it was only 0.5 %, compared to 4% in Reno, Nevada. He assured there was a good future ahead. Buaget Roger Hertrich, Edmonds, commended Councilmembers who expressed a desire for additional public hearings on the budget and expressed disappointment in Councilmember Wambolt's comment that his mind was made up and in Councilmember Wilson who wanted to approve all the proposed tax increases without additional public input. He recommended Council reduce the Mayor's salary and expressed Gregg concern with raising utility taxes from 6% to 10 %. With regard to Bob Gregg's proposal, he pointed out Proposal for most Councilmembers failed to recognize their role was to protect the existing zoning and Comprehensive Senior Plan which does not allow residential uses or expanded parking in the Commercial /Waterfront zone. He Center referred to a letter from Senior Center President Rose Cantwell to Mayor Haakenson and Councilmember Wambolt's remark that he (Mr. Hertrich) must have written the letter. Beacb Andrea Penske, Edmonds, a former Beach Ranger and now a Kindergarten teacher, pointed out how ranger important and meaningful the Beach Ranger program is, particularly the Rangers' interaction with people Pr °gran' to talk about the ecosystem. She explained their pre- Kindergarten and Kindergarten students visit the beach each spring and the Kindergarten recently visited Yost Park while studying trees because the program the Parks Department offers fits well with the school curriculum. Their fifth graders recently visited the beach to learn about the ecosystems and took that knowledge with them to Camp Seymour. She summarized approximately 100 classrooms visit the beach each year as part of the Beach Ranger Program in addition to many adults and tourists. Budget Rich Schaefer, Edmonds, commented the Council's budget discussions mirrored previous discussions, reducing expenses rather than considering additional revenues. He referred to reductions made in the street overlay program from 30 years to 70 years, deferred maintenance and improvements to parks as well as water and sewer systems, commenting if that same approach were taken to a home, the result would be a wreck. He pointed out deferred maintenance was a false economy and the end result was higher costs in the long term. He urged the Council to spend more time considering new sources of revenue and looking into the future by taking some things off budget such as forming a Fire District. He summarized rather than continuing to pick away at expenditures, the City needed to invest in its infrastructure and in its staff. He pointed out the City must compete for its staff with other cities and the private sector; the City's employees were doing the City a favor with regard to compensation. ibrary 5, Board ANNUAL REPORT FROM THE LIBRARY BOARD. Library Board President Wendy Kendall reported there had been many significant activities this year related to the use and care of facilities, reaching out to other boards in the Sno -Isle Library System and Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes October 28, 2008 Page 3 reaching out to the community. She thanked Mayor Haakenson and the Council, recalling the Board recommended lobby renovations and the City responded. She described improvements such as painting, the display window and the lobby bulletin boards. She extended her thanks to Jim Stevens and the Facilities staff for their efforts and thanked Parks & Recreation Director Brian McIntosh, an invaluable adviser to the Library Board. Library Board Member Mark Ayers reported the Library Board regularly has presentations from Sno - Isle representatives about the Sno -Isle Library system and its relationship to the Edmonds Library. Terry Beck, Adult Teen Services Manager, recently described a grant- funded teen pilot program in the Sno -Isle Library system that engages teens in the development and delivery of programs that serve teens, often using unconventional means. In Monroe a program organized and run by teens resulted in teens being engaged in the library system. The project uses focus groups to measure its progress at the beginning and end of the project. Depending on continued funding, this project may come to Edmonds. Library Board Member Joanne Peterson noted during difficult economic times, individuals and families were using the public library more frequently. She described activities at the recent open house including harp music, special presentations, readings and refreshments provided by the Friends of the Edmonds Library, book giveaways and visits with Sadie, a Golden Retriever in the Reading with Rover program. Library Board Member Linda Hughes, and member of Friends of the Edmonds Library, relayed that at the Library's booth at last summer's Edmonds Night Out, the Friends distributed free books. She viewed the Library Board as ambassadors for the library. Managing Librarian Lesly Caplan expressed her thanks to the Library Board who advocate for the library. She explained when the economy slowed people visited the library in increasing numbers. During 2007, 236,579 people visited the Edmonds Library, checking out 412,655 items. In Edmonds 39,160 people hold library cards. The Sno -Isle Library materials budget of $4,770,000 purchased many new books and other materials. As a member of the Sno -Isle Library, Edmonds residents can visit any of the 21 Sno -Isle libraries in the system and have access to the District's full collection. She described improvements made over the past year including decreasing the amount of time to fulfill customers' requests for materials. The library is available 24/7 at no cost to library card holders via their website, offering 101 databases as well as online electronic books and other downloadables, real -time online tutoring Brainfuse that offers homework help, access to worldwide newspapers, literature and consumer reports, medical information, and investment information. She described literacy programs at the library including storytimes for all ages, Reading with Rover, and teen programs. The Edmonds Library is an accessible election site. She thanked the City and the Library Board for their support of the library. Mayor Haakenson thanked the Library Board for everything they do. Councilmember Wambolt inquired about the residency of the 236,579 library visitors. Ms. Caplan responded they did not track the residency of visitors. Councilmember Wambolt asked how people without a library card could use the library. Ms. Caplan answered they were welcome to visit the library and use its resources but they could not check out materials and they could not access the databases from home. The library does issue a day pass to use the computers. Councilmember Wambolt remarked the Town of Woodway voted a few years ago not to participate in Sno -Isle. Ms. Caplan relayed Woodway residents are often dismayed to learn they are unable to obtain a library card. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes October 28, 2008 Page 4 Aquatic 6. DISCUSSION AND AUTHORIZATION OF THE AQUATIC CENTER FEASIBILITY STUDY Center CONTRACT. Feasibility Study Parks & Recreation Director Brian McIntosh recalled on August 5 the Council authorized staff to advertise for Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) from consulting firms to perform an Aquatics Center Feasibility Study. Through a comprehensive selection process a team of staff and citizens reviewed eight SOQs, interviewed four firms and their consultant teams, and selected one consultant and their team, NAC /Architecture, as the preferred firm. NAC and their team have extensive experience with feasibility studies throughout the country and the northwest, including Renton, Northshore, and Lynnwood. All references for this firm were positive and expressed satisfaction To help guide the decision making process for Edmonds' aquatic future, this study will provide: 1. Market analysis, economic impact, site analysis, conceptual ideas, preliminary construction costs, maintenance and operations costs and funding options. 2. Multiple opportunities for citizen involvement through public workshops. 3. An unbiased citizen survey. The fee for the study is $62,690, reimbursables (primarily travel and printing) of $10,800 for a total contract amount of $73,490. In addition, staff will secure a local independent survey firm to conduct a valid statistical survey to gauge the general support of Edmonds' citizens. The cost of the survey is estimated to be approximately $10,000. Total project cost will be $83,490 to be paid from planning funds in the Parks Improvement Fund 125. He pointed out Fund 125 was restricted to construction of parks projects including planning. This was the first step toward a solution to the aging Yost Pool and without facts it was difficult for the Council, staff and citizens to move forward with addressing this primary recreational amenity. Mr. McIntosh acknowledged the cost was considerably higher than the $60,000 that was budgeted. He explained that amount was budgeted to encourage firms responding to the SOQ to bid approximately that amount and the fee could then be negotiated. They had also hoped the consultant would be local to minimize travel expenses. The consultant team selected was one of the best in the country. He explained generally the teams were architectural firms that brought in firms of aquatic experts. Of the four firms interviewed, the top three had the same consultants. He noted other cities in the area have done feasibility studies, the most recent in this region was Issaquah whose study had a very similar scope and their fee was in excess of $80,000. Mayor Haakenson asked Mr. McIntosh to describe what the study was intended to accomplish. Mr. McIntosh explained the scope of work included a project overview and initiation meetings to establish a strategy for the study, review of existing facilities including what could be done with Yost Pool or at that location, evaluating site options including the waterfront and the old Woodway High School, market analysis including the new YMCA pool and Lynnwood's plans for a new pool, and public participation via open houses, public hearing and statistical survey. Councilmember Bernheim asked who participated on the selection committee. Mr. McIntosh responded Councilmember Wilson, Planning Board Member Phil Lowell, the Parks Maintenance Manager Rich. Lindsey, Dick Van Hollenbeke and himself. Councilmember Bemheim asked whether three sites, Yost Pool, waterfront and a private acquisition, would be evaluated in the study. Mr. McIntosh answered there was not a private acquisition other than the waterfront. Two sites on Hwy. 99 were considered previously but those have since been developed Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes October 28, 2008 Page 5 with medical facilities. The three sites were Yost, a waterfront location and the old Woodway High School. Councilmember Wambolt acknowledged the expenditure would not come from the General Fund but he questioned whether this was the right time to spend the money. He anticipated following the budget discussion, the Council was likely to conclude the City needed to remain status quo and not take on new projects. He asked how a new facility would be financed. Mr. McIntosh answered the consultant would identify a number of options from no pool to a palace and it would be up to Council and staff to refine the options. The consultant will also identify funding options, all of which would require a vote of the people for a bond issue. Recognizing three of the applicants had the same subcontractors, Councilmember Wilson asked whether there were no other highly qualified consultants. Mr. McIntosh answered there appeared to be a geographic division at approximately Colorado; all the applicants except one were from west of Colorado. Councilmember Wilson noted the scope of work referred to the direct financial impacts and asked whether the feasibility study would also consider the economic impact of an aquatics center. He expected the facility would require an operational subsidy but anticipated there would also be positive impacts to the community. He asked whether property values increased in a community with an aquatics facility and the multiplier of funds spent at the pool that were then spent in the community. Mr. McIntosh answered that question was specifically asked in the interview process; the consultant is aware the City expects to be provided that information. Council President Plunkett echoed Councilmember Wilson's request, recalling he was an early advocate of the Edmonds Center for the Arts because of the indirect economic impact of that facility that is now calculated at $2.4 million per year. His support of a pool would be based on the pool itself as an activity center and economic engine as well as the indirect impacts. Council President Plunkett asked whether the site to be considered was old Woodway or Edmonds Woodway High School, recalling both had been considered as potential sites in the past. Mr. McIntosh stated the study would consider the former Woodway High School site. Council President Plunkett observed there was no discussion about siting a pool at the Edmonds - Woodway High School site. Mr. McIntosh agreed a pool was in the early construction drawings for Edmonds - Woodway High School but that site was not a consideration in this study. COUNCILMEMBER WILSON, MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER BERNHEIM, TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH NAC /ARCHITECTURE TO CONDUCT AN AQUATIC CENTER FEASIBILITY STUDY. Councilmember Wambolt advised he would not support the study because the timing was not right. He questioned how a consultant would determine the impact of the new YMCA pool in the present economy. Councilmember Bernheim acknowledged there were a number of pools in the community but there were many in the community who used pools and having one in the neighborhood could be a valuable amenity particularly for the City's aging population. He expressed concern that the cost of the study was more than previously cited. He commented the views of the enthusiastic pool supporters deserved to be heard and studied and to allow the community to intelligently determine whether a pool was needed and whether it would be an asset to the community. Councilmember Wilson commented this was an issue of what kind of city Edmonds wanted to be. In the grand scheme, $80,000 would not break the bank and those funds were already in the budget from two Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes October 28, 2008 Page 6 years ago. He pointed out the Parks Comprehensive Plan identified an aquatics center as the top priority. Doing a study did not mean the City would proceed with an aquatics center; this was an incremental step that would provide more information and allow the possibility to be considered in a holistic manner. Councilmember Wambolt pointed out just because the money was already in the budget, it did not need to be spent. An aquatics center would likely require a bond and he was doubtful that the current economy was an environment in which to request more money from taxpayers. Councilmember Wilson clarified construction of an aquatic center would require a bond; the feasibility study did not. MOTION CARRIED (6 -1), COUNCILMEMBER WAMBOLT OPPOSED. IHwy 99 7. UPDATE ON THE HIGHWAY 99 TASK FORCE. Task Force Development Services Director Duane Bowman explained the Hwy. 99 Task Force was the result of a recommendation at the 2003 Council retreat and the first meeting was held in March 2003. The Task Force is comprised of residents, property owners, up to three Councilmembers, business owners and City staff. Initially the Task Force reviewed land use in the corridor, contracted with a consultant to conduct a market analysis regarding commercial uses, contracted with Makers Architects who conducted focus groups with residents, property owners and business owners in the area and developed the Hwy. 99 Enhancement Plan which led to amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code. The Task Force worked on the Hwy. 99 Traffic Signal Study to determine needed improvements in the corridor. The Task Force has also been very supportive of the introduction of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in the corridor. There are currently three projects planned in the corridor including the redevelopment of the southeast corner of Hwy. 99 and 220th by the Behar Company. Mr. Behar purchased the property and plans to redevelop it in a manner that has the potential to change the attitude of development along Hwy. 99. Mr. Bowman explained Mr. Behar originally planned to start construction as early as 2009 but recent events have delayed the project until 2010/2011. He reviewed conceptual drawings of the Behar development that would include a mixture of retail, office and commercial uses as well as residential. The goal was to design a development where people could live and work and take advantage of BRT in the corridor; the north BRT station at 216`h is a short walk from this corner. He identified the location of a plaza area with an amphitheater, underground parking, residential uses, office, and ground floor retail /commercial space. The current concept would have 137,000 square feet of retail, an anchor retail tenant of 60,000 square feet, 25,000 square feet of office space, 189,000 square feet of residential or 240 units, and 1,040 parking spaces. He noted the parking for residential was one space per dwelling unit due to access to BRT. Because of the current credit situation, Mr. Behar has not confirmed the anchor tenant and he could not begin the project until that occurred. Councilmember Dawson commented Mr. Behar had also considered a mix of market rate and affordable housing and potentially senior housing on the site. She has been coordinating with Mr. Behar and the affordable housing developers in the community; the Housing Consortium of Everett and Snohomish County was interested in partnering on the project. She noted there was potential for this to provide a benefit to the community via green development, retail space and affordable housing. Mr. Bowman advised the Task Force was reviewing an idea for transitional Transit Oriented developments along the corridor that would have frontage in the residential area. During the Code rewrite Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes October 28, 2008 Page 7 staff plans to examine parking standards along Hwy. 99 for potential code amendments in support of BRT. Budget g. WORKSHOP ON THE 2009 -2010 BUDGET. Council President Plunkett explained this was an opportunity for the Council to spend some time discussing and asking questions. There was no specific objective other than to explore, ask questions, and discuss the budget and issues such as whether to participate in studying a Regional Fire Authority (RFA), the three budget options, the possibility of a Transportation Benefit District (TBD) vote, a park levy vote, a more detailed discussion regarding expenditures, the cuts proposed by Mayor Haakenson if the Council chose not to pursue a RFA, development fees and information from Councilmember Orvis regarding the Health District. Councilmember Bernheim reviewed his budget suggestions: • The Council take a symbolic 10% cut in their salary in an effort to lead by example. • Agreed with Mayor Haakenson's proposal for the City Attorney to attend only two council meetings /month, noting the Council also needed to control their requests for legal advice • Rescind the Mayor's salary increase. • A 1% budget cut in the Police Department or $90,000 /year. Misdemeanor arrests and books are up 20 -40% from 3 -4 years ago without any explanation and this cut would tell the Police Department it was okay not to arrest so many people. He commented the number of arrests and bookings was not necessarily a reliable indicator of public safety. • Consider reducing court security. He noted there were several Superior Courts in the State that did not have security. He agreed security was necessary when incarcerated individuals were in court but not during the traffic infraction calendar. • Consider some cuts in Park programs during lean times, including even Yost Pool. • Agreed with Mayor Haakenson's proposal to delay computer upgrades and hiring of IT staff. • Discontinue the City newsletter and place the information on Channel 2L • Agreed with Mayor Haakenson's proposal to consider cutting the DARE program for $85,000 /year. • Agreed with Mayor Haakenson's proposal not to hire a Finance assistant and Clerk's assistant. • Consider freezing Planning staff in light of declining building activity. • Agreed with Mayor Haakenson's proposal to increase property tax 1% and with the increase in cable TV tax. • Adopt a $20 per vehicle TBD fee. • Consider keeping the fiber optic program alive due to past investments. • Hire a grant specialist and provide data regarding grants the City has received. • Agreed with cutting the Washington DC lobbyists and suggested also cutting the Olympia lobbyist. • Keep an open mind regarding formation of a RFA, pointing out it is not a savings for the taxpayer but an accounting mechanism for the City. If a RFA were formed, it would become another line item on residents' property tax statements similar to the Library District. Further, if a RFA were formed and the City was dissatisfied with response time, resolution would not be local. Councilmember Bernheim summarized his budget suggestions would result in more savings than tax increases, an approach he preferred the Council take. Councilmember Wambolt agreed the Council should take a 10% salary cut in 2009, noting the Council was paid $600 /month so a 10% cut provided only about a $5,000 savings. He did not support cutting the Mayor's salary, recalling letters in the Edmonds Beacon requesting the Mayor return the salary increase Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes October 28, 2008 Page 8 and suggesting the Mayor be paid $1 more than the highest paid City employee. Councilmember Wambolt pointed out if that suggestion were followed, the Mayor's salary would need to be raised by $20,000 because even after the Mayor received the second incremental increase in July 2009, he was the sixth highest paid employee in the City. With regard to the RFA, he agreed the RFA would be a new taxing authority and would be a double tax because there would not be any savings from the City. Councilmember Wambolt referred to letters the Council received from Magic Toyota, Lynnwood Honda, Campbell Nelson Volkswagen and Lynnwood Mazda in opposition to a B &O tax because they would not be competitive with auto dealers in Shoreline and Lynnwood. He recommended the Council pass a motion that they would not consider a B &O tax until at least 2010. He also recommended the Council resolve any reduction in staff tonight, recalling in Mayor Haakenson's proposal a reduction of three new positions, three vacant positions and 7'/z existing positions. Assuring he was not advocating any reduction in staff, he pointed out in order to realize the savings Mayor Haakenson described, the positions would need to be eliminated now due to the 60 day notice requirement. Council President Plunkett did not support reducing police costs by not making arrests. He favored arresting every bad person as soon as possible even if it cost more. He was uncertain how Councilmember Bernheim would determine who should be and who should not be arrested when much of it was determined by statute. He suggested Councilmembers describe cuts they were interested in pursuing, provide them in writing to Councilmembers and then on December 2, a Councilmember could move the budget and Councilmembers could propose amendments. Councilmember Orvis remarked although he was interested in considering cuts to the budget, it was unlikely he would support cuts in the Police Department. COUNCILMEMBER WAMBOLT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER WILSON, THAT THE COUNCIL CEASE ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION REGARDING THE POSSIBILITY OF A B &O TAX UNTIL 2010 AT THE EARLIEST. Council President Plunkett asked whether the motion was intended to prevent a Councilmember from discussing or asking questions about a B &O tax. Councilmember Wambolt clarified his intent was to assure the auto dealers that the possibility of a B &O would not be discussed until 2010 at the earliest. Councilmember Dawson commented a Councilmember could talk about anything; there clearly were not four Councilmembers who supported a B &O tax. She recalled a B &O tax has been identified as a potential revenue source every year and no Councilmember has ever said it was a good idea. She did not support a B &O tax, finding it a bad idea for Edmonds now and in the foreseeable fixture. She noted it may not even be lawful to pass a motion precluding the Council in the next year from discussing or voting on an issue; an ordinance would likely be required. Although it was a Councilmember's right to discuss anything he /she chose, she assured the auto dealers did not have anything to worry about because there were not four Councilmembers who supported a B &O tax. Councilmember Wilson acknowledged if the Council approved the motion they could always change their mind in the future. He supported the motion to make it clear the Council did not support a B &O tax. Otherwise staff may be asked to do research on an issue that a majority of the Council did not support. Council President Plunkett asked if the intent of the motion was that staff should not respond to a Councilmember's questions about a B &O tax. Councilmember Wilson responded any Councilmember could ask questions of staff and staff must prioritize those requests. If the Council expressed that there were not four votes in favor of a B &O tax, it would be appropriate for staff to respond that they would address the Council's priorities first. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes October 28, 2008 Page 9 Councilmember Dawson suggested rather than a motion that appeared to limit a Councilmember's ability to discuss a topic, the Council adopt a resolution at a future meeting expressing the Council's view that a B &O tax was not an appropriate revenue source for the City. A resolution would send a strong message to the community and require action by a future Council if they were to decide to enact a B &O tax. Council President Plunkett expressed support for a resolution affirming the Council's position regarding a B &O tax. COUNCILMEMBER WAMBOLT WITHDREW HIS MOTION WITH THE AGREEMENT OF THE SECOND. Councilmember Dawson offered to work with Community Services /Economic Development Director Stephen Clifton to develop a resolution for Council consideration. Councilmember Orvis commented although he did not support a B &O tax, he respected Councilmember Bemheim's right to try to convince him otherwise. Councilmember Wilson referred to the small Economic Development budget on page 27, explaining some downtown merchants had approached him regarding the formation of a Local Improvement District or Business Improvement District that would allow downtown businesses to tax themselves via property taxes to promote downtown commerce. The Chamber of Commerce plans to discuss this at their upcoming retreat. He relayed the problem was that some businesses get a free ride and do not contribute to marketing efforts. He acknowledged the creation of a Business Improvement District would require a vote. If the Chamber supports this idea, he may suggest including $40,000 - $50,000 in the budget for an election. He noted those funds would only be used for the cost of an election and not marketing. He also questioned whether the $7,300 in the budget to promote Edmonds was enough in light of the upcoming Winter Olympics and the down economy. Council President Plunkett asked for a white paper regarding what a Business Improvement District would do and where the $40,000 - $50,000 would come from. Councilmember Wilson responded the Business Improvement District could generate funds for marketing and /or for capital projects such as the decorative streetlights on Main between 5`h & 6 th Council President Plunkett clarified instead of a voluntary contribution businesses currently make toward advertising, if businesses voted to be part of the District, they would be assessed a tax. Councilmember Wilson responded the businesses could be assessed via their business license or property taxes which would be passed on in the form of increased rents. Council President Plunkett asked Mr. Clifton to provide his opinion regarding this suggestion. Council President Plunkett recalled in the past, Councilmembers forwarded proposed amendments to City Clerk Sandy Chase who compiled a list of amendments. Councilmembers with amendments would also provide all documentation to the Council and after a motion was made to approve the budget at the December 2 meeting, Councilmembers would then make motions to amend the budget. Councilmember Dawson recalled typically Councilmembers would be aware of potential amendments well in advance and there would be debate /discussion /workshop on the concepts in advance of approval of the budget so that amendments were simply voted up or down at the meeting when the budget was approved. In order for the preliminary budget proposed by the Mayor to become the Council's budget, the Council must make a motion to approve the budget followed by amendments made by Councilmembers. She suggested having a robust discussion on November 25, regarding potential Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes October 28, 2008 Page 10 amendments and then on December 2, a motion could be made to approve the budget and amendments made on both revenue and revenue ideas. She recommended Councilmembers distribute amendments in writing weeks in advance of the December 2 meeting. Mayor Haakenson pointed out the only discussion regarding the budget on the extended agenda was November 2 and the public hearing on November 18. Councilmember Dawson suggested scheduling time to discuss the budget and potential amendments on every meeting agenda between now and December 2. She also suggested scheduling another budget workshop where all ideas could be discussed. Council President Plunkett proposed scheduling a 1 hour workshop on November 3, a 30 minute workshop on November 18, a 2 hour workshop on the November 25 agenda, and adoption of the budget on December 2. Councilmember Wambolt suggested the Council also review the budget cuts proposed by Mayor Haakenson. Council President Plunkett commented the cuts identified by Mayor Haakenson were if the Council decided not to pursue an RFA which was Option 2. He suggested the Council discuss which option they wanted to pursue. Councilmember Wambolt commented these were options to build the ending cash balance and had nothing to do with the RFA. The purpose of the cuts Mayor Haakenson identified was to build the ending cash balance which was reduced by $2 million in 2007 and $3 million in 2008. Council President Plunkett pointed out in Option 3, the proposed cuts could be considered throughout next year based on whether the Council decided to pursue a RFA. Councilmember Wambolt responded Option 3 pushed out cuts from 2009 and 2010 but they were not related to the RFA. He suggested consideration be given to whether to hire new IT staff when they may need to be cut in 2010. Councilmember Wambolt expressed support for Option 2. For Councilmember Wilson, Finance Director Kathleen. Junglov advised the Council must submit the property tax ordinance to the Snohomish County Auditor by November 30. Council President Plunkett advised the property tax ordinance was scheduled for public hearing and action on November 18. Councilmember Wilson suggested moving the budget now, tabling it at the end of each meeting and taking it off the table at each meeting to allow Councilmembers to make amendments throughout the next six weeks. Council President Plunkett agreed that was an option. In his experience, the Council worked though the process, moved the budget and then made amendments. Councilmember Dawson pointed out the formation of an RFA or implementation of some other major revenue source or cut to the General Fund budget had everything to do with the ending cash balance. It would be irresponsible for the Council to pass a biennial budget that took the ending fund balance to the proposed level unless there was a plan to proceed with a major revenue source or major cut to the General Fund budget. Either the Council had to agree to make substantial cuts to the budget or commit to the idea of a levy or formation of a RFA. The Council did not need to commit to whether it would be a parks levy, general levy lid lift or RFA, but the Council must continue to consider the ending fund balance. The Council also needed to decide whether to pursue the cuts Mayor Haakenson proposed as well as consider whether there were other cuts or additions to the budget. She suggested any new programs suggested by a Councilmember be accompanied by a corresponding cut; similarly if Councilmembers were not comfortable with a revenue source included in the Mayor's budget, they identify an expenditure reduction. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes October 28, 2008 Page 11 With regard to the three budget options, Mayor Haakenson explained the preliminary budget included new revenues in 2009 and the specter of an RFA that would save budget cuts 2 -3 years in the future. The Council asked for an alternative, budget cuts in lieu of an RFA, which he presented in Option 2. He suggested the Council consider Option 3 which was approval of all the 2009 proposed revenue sources with budget cuts planned for 2010 . and 2011. He explained the new revenue sources and the budget cuts planned in 2010 and 2011 rather than 2009 and 2010 resulted in an ending cash balance in 2012 of over $2 million and $1.5 million in 2013. Option 3 also gave the Council the entire year of 2009 to study whether a RFA was something the Council was interested in pursuing, or whether a levy lid lift or park levy was an appropriate new revenue stream. He noted a new revenue stream was necessary or the budget cuts in 2010 and 2011 would be required. Councilmember Wilson explained Option 3 raised revenues in 2009 and put off the 2009 cuts proposed by Mayor Haakenson until 2010 and put off 2010 cuts until 2011. Via Option 3, the Council would be affirming they planned to cut all the economic development funds, Yost Pool, the Beach Ranger program, etc. in 2010 and that they expected to determine during 2009 how not to make those cuts. He acknowledged the Council did not have a great deal of time during the next six weeks to decide what to do but he was uncomfortable with putting off big decisions. To Mayor Haakenson's point that the ending cash balance was pretty good in 2012, . he emphasized that was only by adopting the proposed cuts which would essentially close 31 neighborhood parks, close Yost Pool, eliminate the Beach Ranger Program and cut economic development. He summarized a good ending cash balance in 2012 could only be achieved by raising taxes and making draconian cuts. The Council owed it to themselves and the citizens to do more than simply delay cuts. He commented the Council could approve a single year budget; however, if the Council wanted to adopt a 2 -year budget, they should have a plan. Although he did not attend the October 16 RFA meeting, Councilmember Wilson relayed that he has asked a number of questions and was uncertain a RFA would be approved by the public, particularly when it was doubtful the Council would campaign strongly for it. Because the Edmonds Fire Department provided such good service, had outside funding from contracts with Woodway and Esperance and were very efficient, Edmonds taxpayers paid less for fire services than any other jurisdiction, $1.20/$1000 AV. Shoreline pays $2.00/$1000 AV and Fire District 1 pays $1.50 /$1000 AV. If the City entered into a new RFA, the voters would be asked to support at least $1.20 but likely much more. Even if there was a commensurate decrease in the budget, the City would have to ask the voters to approve funding for an RFA of at least $1.20/$1000 AV. If the Council waited for an RFA to fail and cuts had not been made, the cuts proposed by Mayor Haakenson would be required unless another funding source was identified. Councilmember Wilson recommended the Council consider a parks levy or general levy lid lift that the Council would campaign for because they believed in the services the City provided. He summarized Option 3 only deferred decisions. Mayor Haakenson asked if a levy lid lift or parks levy could be accomplished by the time the budget needed to be approved. Councilmember Wilson agreed it could not but the Council could plan for that similar to the EMS levy. Mayor Haakenson commented it was doubtful a vote on a levy lid lift, parks levy or a RFA would happen in the next few months, pointing out no one had a good understanding of a RFA because it had not yet been studied. One of the tasks before the Council tonight was to decide whether they wanted to study a RFA. He was open to whatever budget the Council chose to approve but anticipated even with a levy lid lift or park levy, cuts would still be required. Councilmember Wilson acknowledged that not everyone knew all the details regarding an RFA but some Councilmembers knew some of the details about a RFA and a parks levy. He suggested if the Council did not make decisions now, it was at great risk and detriment to the City and its citizens. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes October 28, 2008 Page 12 Council President Plunkett asked Councilmembers to indicate whether they were interested in studying a RFA, noting committees were being formed and the City would need to assign participants, Councilmember Dawson expressed support for investigating further study of a RFA. She recommended the decision regarding whether to form a RFA not be financial but whether better fire and EMS service could be provided to the community via a RFA with cost a secondary consideration. She noted determining what other jurisdictions were interested in partnering on a RFA was an important component of the decision process. Fire Chief Tomberg commented he did not know whether he would vote for a RFA either, assuming it came to the ballot. He explained interested jurisdictions would form a Planning Committee; by statute, three elected officials from each interested jurisdiction must serve on the Planning Committee. If 5 -6 jurisdictions participate, the Committee would be 15 -18 members. He anticipated they would select an Executive Committee, hire a consultant and conduct a study which would take several months. At any time during the process, if a jurisdiction's three representatives chose to withdraw, they need only provide 30 days notice. He anticipated the Executive Committee would study the issue and when the study was completed, the Planning Committee would reconvene and decide whether to take it to their City Councils. The City Council would then decide whether to take it to the voters. In the meantime the study would be available to the public and a very transparent process. Chief Tomberg explained the RFA was passed in 2004 and outlined in RCW 52.26. The legislature established RFA to give communities like Edmonds and the surrounding area an opportunity to consider a different way of providing fire service in a consortium -type government with taxing authority. He summarized the City had nothing to lose by taking a look and encouraged the Council to appoint three members to serve on the Planning Committee. Councilmember Orvis agreed this was an idea that had some possibility and was worth considering but he was not ready to endorse it. COUNCIL PRESIDENT PLUNKETT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER ORVIS, THAT THE COUNCIL SEND THREE REPRESENTATIVES TO THE PLANNING COMMITTEE TO STUDY A RFA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. COUNCIL PRESIDENT PLUNKETT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER DAWSON, TO APPOINT MAYOR HAAKENSON AND COUNCILMEMBERS WAMBOLT AND WILSON TO THE COMMITTEE. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Council President Plunkett expressed support for Option 3, which would allow the Council to pass fiscally prudent, balanced budget and commit to making the necessary decisions over the coming year. Councilmember Wambolt read a description of Option 3 provided to Council President Plunkett by Ms. J'unglov: the options include all the new revenue sources and a phased approach to cuts. Cuts included in 2009 are the new FTEs proposed for Human Resources and IT will not be hired, vacant positions in the Finance Department and Clerk's office will not be filled, and the vacant Crime Prevention Officer position will be eliminated. Additional cuts in 2010 include the City Attorney attending only two Council meetings per month and eliminating economic development funding, the fiber optic project, the DARE program, a Planner position, an Engineering Tech position, and closing Yost Pool. The final cut would occur in 2011 with a reduction of $500,000 in the parks maintenance budget. Council President Plunkett reiterated Option 3 delayed the cuts for one year. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes October 28, 2008 Page 13 Councilmember Wilson advised he could not support Option 3. In his opinion, the problems with Option 3 were employees were likely to begin looking for other jobs and he disagreed with a adopting a budget with a plan to make cuts in the future unless new funding sources were be identified. He noted another option would be to adopt all the 2009 new revenues sources, make no cuts in 2009 or 2010 and, instead of enacting a RFA, approve a parks levy. Councilmember Dawson recalled the Council had agreed they would not vote on the revenue options until after the November 18 public hearing. All the options assume the proposed revenue options were adopted. If the Council did not adopt all the proposed revenue sources, there would need to be deeper cuts this year or in the future or a dangerously low fund balance. She was interested to learn where in the budget other cuts could be made, pointing out the Council needed to establish their own priorities with regard to what they wanted to fund, which new revenue sources they wanted to adopt, including other sources such as a parks levy, a levy lid lift, or a RFA. She noted the cuts Mayor Haakenson proposed in Option 2 and 3 were radical, basically shutting down the Parks Department unless another revenue stream was approved by the voters. She suggested Councilmembers identify additional revenue streams and additional cuts. Councilmember Wambolt agreed it was not a good idea to identify people the city planned to lay off in the future, such as was done in Option 3, because affected staff members were likely to leave the City. He supported Option 2, possibly with alternate expenditure cuts such as Councilmember Bernheim proposed. Councilmember Orvis commented the Council simply needed to decide on the baseline budget and make amendments. Councilmember Wilson suggested forming a work group to consider an alternate revenue option, such as a parks levy or general levy lid lift. He acknowledged he was uncertain whether enough could be raised by a parks levy when the parks budget is $1.2 million; a general levy lid lift may be necessary. He envisioned going to the voters with something that covered a significant portion of the parks maintenance budget and included funds for sidewalks and possibly began the process of rebuilding the senior center. Councilmember Dawson agreed with forming a committee to consider a full range of options and a plan . to place something on the ballot, whether it was a RFA, parks levy, a levy lid lift or a larger TBD. She suggested there be some overlap between this committee and the RFA committee. She noted an aquatics center should also be part of the discussion, envisioning the public may support funding for parks or transportation. She also suggested the revenue options be the primary topic for the next Council retreat, recognizing the Council would need to go to the voters for approval of some type of revenue option. Councilmember Bernheim agreed with Councilmember Dawson's suggestion and in general supported accelerating cuts that four or more Councilmembers agreed upon. He agreed with Councilmembers Dawson and Wilson that a parks, transportation or environmental savings levy would need to be taken to the voters. Councilmember Wilson reminded that the survey conducted as part of the Parks Comprehensive Plan indicated voters' willingness to pay $1.05 - $1.20/$1000 AV for parks related activities. COUNCILMEMBER WILSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER DAWSON, TO ESTABLISH A WORK GROUP COMPRISED OF 2 -3 COUNCILMEMBERS THAT IS TASKED WITH EXPLORING A PARKS LEVY AND /OR PROPERTY TAX LID LIFT THAT INCLUDES AT LEAST THE PARKS DIRECTOR AND FINANCE DIRECTOR. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes October 28, 2008 Page 14 Mayor Haakenson pointed out the RFA study would likely take the greater part of 2009 and asked the timeline for the parks levy discussion. Councilmember Wilson envisioned weekly or biweekly meetings to develop information that could be presented to the Council by December 2. Council President Plunkett suggested this work group consider all potential revenue sources including a voter - approved TBD. Councilmember Wilson envisioned the work group would discuss a parks or property tax levy lid lift and the TBD would be adopted at the $20 level via Council action. Councilmember Bernheim envisioned a vote would occur in two years. He recommended the work group also consider a larger voter - approved TBD, any progressive environmental conservation issue that might require the expenditure of City funds, as well as funding for sidewalks/bike paths. Councilmember Dawson agreed the work group should consider a broad range of options. She suggested the Council may be ready to put a measure on the November 2009 ballot. She was concerned with waiting for two years when the Council would be adopting another biennial budget. She suggested the Council include election costs in the biennial budget and asked Ms. Chase to identify election dates in 2009. Councilmember Wilson commented if the bond were on the November 2009 ballot and it failed, the Council would be tasked with making a significant number of cuts quickly. He suggested placing a bond on the August or earlier election. He urged the Council to be ambitious about developing a plan, promote it to the voters and get it passed as early as May. Ms. Chase advised for the May 19 election, the resolution calling for the election must be submitted by March 27. If the Council chose to go to the voters with a parks levy in May, Mayor Haakenson suggested the Council may as well not participate in discussions regarding the RFA because there would not be any answers by May 2009. Councilmember Wilson pointed out one of the challenges with a RFA was answering voters who would want the amount approved for an RFA return via City property taxes. He acknowledged it may be necessary to do both a parks levy /property tax levy lid lift and a RFA, but it was a much bigger risk to take all of 2009 to make that decision. Councilmember Wambolt commented it was doubtful citizens would pass a parks levy or property tax levy lid lift in May and it would be a waste of time and money to put it on the ballot. He recommended making some of the proposed cuts, considering the revenue sources and proceeding with the study of a RFA. COUNCILMEMBER WAMBOLT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER DAWSON, TO EXTEND THE MEETING UNTIL 10:30 P.M. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Councilmember Wilson restated his motion as follows: FORM A WORK GROUP TASKED WITH FINDING NEW REVENUE SOURCES, SUCH AS A PARKS LEVY, TBD, PROPERTY TAX LID LIFT, ETC., IN PLACE OF OR IN ADDITION TO A RFA. Councilmember Dawson clarified the motion did not obligate the Council to an election date, only to consider revenue sources and whether there would be public support. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes October 28, 2008 Page 15 COUNCILMEMBER WILSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER WAMBOLT, THAT COUNCILMEM,BERS DAWSON, BERNHEIM AND HE SERVE ON THE COMMITTEE. Councilmember Dawson commented she did not have time to meet twice a week between now and December 2 due to her involvement in Snohomish County's budget process. Councilmember Wilson suggested she could participate via identifying resources and not necessarily attend meetings. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Mayor Haakenson noted this motion should have been made at the Council retreat in February or this summer as all the revenue options were presented to the Council at those meetings. Councilmember Orvis explained he was participating on a task force at the Snohomish Health District that was tasked with identifying budget cuts. The task force set a goal of $1.7 million in cuts which relies on a loan from Snohomish County. He identified three cuts being considered; 1) Disease Investigator - $68,000 2) Child Care Health Program - $547,000 3) First Step Home Visits - $400,000 (matching grants) Councilmember Dawson thanked Councilmember Orvis for the work he was doing at the Snohomish Health District. Councilmember Orvis noted the above options would result in cutting disease control more than it should be cut or cutting programs that affect children's health. He proposed asking the Council to provide $80,000 to the Snohomish County Health District, explaining if all cities participated at $2 per capita, a total of $734,000 could be raised. Mayor Haakenson asked how many other cities had agreed to fund the Snohomish Health District at a level of $2 per capita. Councilmember Orvis agreed Edmonds would be the first. Councilmember Orvis described options for the $80,000 in the City's budget including the use of ending cash, delaying implementation of decision packages by one quarter, or implementing the cuts recommended if the RFA were not formed. Mayor Haakenson assured there were no decision packages in the 2009 -2010 budget. Councilmember Orvis offered to work on options for funding the $80,000. Councilmember Dawson asked whether other cities had expressed an opinion regarding whether they would support this and if there was discussion regarding an Interlocal Agreement between cities to provide this funding. Councilmember Orvis answered some members have expressed interest and others have said they were not interested. There was no way to force cities to participate at any certain level; they would need to voluntarily participate. Mayor Haakenson commented the Health District's financial issues have been discussed at several recent mayors' meetings and none of the mayors were supportive of this plan. Councilmember Dawson pointed out it was the legislative bodies of cities who determine what would be included in the budget. She asked Councilmember Orvis to report whether any other cities were willing to provide funds to the Health District. 9. COUNCIL REPORTS ON OUTSIDE COMMITTEEBOARD MEETINGS Port I Councilmember Wambolt reported the October 13 Port meeting included discussion regarding redesign of Commission the Port operations office to improve efficiency. The meeting also included a workshop on their 2009 Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes October 28, 2008 Page 16 budget and Commissioners requested the Port Director make further cuts. The Port plans to hold one more budget workshop. The Port signed a 14 -month contract beginning January 1, 2009 with Sound Transit to lease parking spaces during construction. The Skippers property is also being rented for parking. The Port made a decision not to raise their property tax levy which currently generates approximately $400,000. He noted the hotel at Harbor Square was now a Best Western. xealth Councilmember Orvis provided a list of cuts under consideration at the Health District; the goal was $1.7 District million in cuts and the proposed cuts total only $1.3 million. He reviewed proposed cuts in administration, communicable disease, vaccine preventable disease clinic, healthy communities, tobacco, environmental health small system water support, and mosquito monitor for West Nile Virus. His goal in 2009 was to ensure the next legislative session enabled Health Districts to ask the voters for funding. Councilmember Bernheim reported the Snohomish County Tomorrow meeting included a discussion of snohomisn the Cascadia Eastside Rail Project that would operate light- weight diesel powered trains on existing rail County Tomo = =oW lines between Snohomish, Bellevue and Renton with a walking path next to the tracks. It was also announced at the meeting that long -term growth projections for Snohomish County have been lowered by 30,000 for 2025 due to growth in King and Pierce Counties. 10. MAYOR'S COMMENTS Mayor Haakenson had no report. 11. COUNCIL COMMENTS Buaget Council President Plunkett commented the Council had gotten a good start on their budget discussions tonight. He encouraged Councilmembers to bring their amendments to Council meetings, cautioning that amendments posed to the Council without advance explanation were less likely to succeed. He also recommended the Council choose a baseline budget. Councilmember Wilson agreed tonight's discussion was very engaging, one of the best the Council had had. summary I Councilmember Wambolt commented in the last few days a significant amount of time was wasted by a Minutes citizen seeking a minor amendment to the minutes of the last Council meeting. The citizen first approached him and when he did not like his answer, he sought Councilmember Bernheim's assistance. Councilmember Wambolt reminded that the Council minutes were summary minutes and not verbatim. In the future he suggested citizens only propose amendments to the minutes that had some substance. In response to Mr. Hertrich's assertion that his mind was made up and he did not want any further public hearings, Councilmember Wambolt clarified he said that only about the 1% increase in the property tax levy. In response to Mr. Hertrich's statement that 3 -story buildings were his favorite thing in the BD zone, Councilmember Wambolt clarified he supported a 30 -foot height and had unsuccessfully introduced a motion that would have limited buildings to two stories. With regard to Mr. Hertrich's comment about Ms. Cantwell's letter, Councilmember Wambolt assured he did not say that Mr. Hertrich had written the letter. He encouraged Mr. Hertrich to present facts to the Council during public comment. Councilmember Bernheim expressed his support for funding the Health District. He displayed his utility eduction in bill, highlighting a 60% reduction in his family's natural gas consumption in October 2008 as compared Energy use to October 2007, cuts he believed everyone would need to make soon. He urged the Council to take a leadership role and to take pride in achieving reductions in energy use, driving less, etc., and urged the community to strive for real and substantial savings in energy. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes October 28, 2008 Page 17 Revenue With regard to the proposed increase in utility taxes, Student Representative Warren suggested identifying sources other sources of revenue. 12. ADJOURN With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 10:35 p.m. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes October 28, 2008 Page 18