03/27/2007 City CouncilMarch 27, 2007
The Edmonds City Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Pro Tem Olson in the
Council Chambers, 250 5th Avenue North, Edmonds. The meeting was opened with the flag salute.
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Peggy Pritchard Olson, Mayor Pro Tem
Ron Wambolt, Council President Pro Tem
Michael Plunkett, Councilmember
Richard Marin, Councilmember
Mauri Moore, Councilmember
Deanna Dawson, Councilmember
Dave Orvis, Councilmember
ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT
Gary Haakenson, Mayor
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
STAFF PRESENT
David Stern, Chief of Police
Dan Clements, Administrative Services Director
Brian McIntosh, Parks & Recreation Director
Noel Miller, Public Works Director
Dave Gebert, City Engineer
Debbie Dawson, Animal Control. Officer
Carl Nelson, Chief Information Officer
Scott Snyder, City Attorney
Sandy Chase, City Clerk
Jana Spellman, Senior Executive Council Asst.
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
COUNCILMEMBER MARIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOORE, TO
APPROVE THE AGENDA IN CONTENT AND ORDER. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
Council President Pro Tem Wambolt requested Item I be removed from the Consent Agenda and
Councilmember Plunkett requested Item G be removed.
COUNCILMEMBER MARIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOORE, FOR
APPROVAL OF THE REMAINDER OF THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY. The agenda items approved are as follows:
A. ROLL CALL
Approve
3i20i07 B. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 20, 2007.
Minutes
ApprovC. APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS #95004 THROUGH #95183 FOR MARCH 22, 2007 IN
Checks THE
Claim THE AMOUNT OF $833,409.80. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL DIRECT DEPOSITS AND
CHECKS #44617 THROUGH #44669 FOR THE PERIOD OF MARCH 1 THROUGH
MARCH 15, 2007 IN THE AMOUNT OF $909,024.34.
Claims for D. ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES FROM CAROL FRANKLIN
Damages
(AMOUNT UNDETERMINED) AND TIMOTHY CIPOLLA (AMOUNT
UNDETERMINED.
Edmonds E. REPORT ON FINAL CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR THE EDMONDS MEMORIAL
Memorial
Cemetery CEMETERY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT AND COUNCIL ACCEPTANCE OF
PROJECT.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 27, 2007
Page 1
2007 Street
Overlay F. AUTHORIZATION TO CALL FOR BIDS FOR THE 2007 STREET OVERLAY
Program PROGRAM.
Old Woodway H. AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Elementary AGREEMENT WITH MACLEOD RECKORD LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS FOR
Park Planning CONSULTING SERVICES FOR OLD WOODWAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PARK
MASTER PLANNING, DESIGN, AND CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION
SERVICES.
City Building Energy J. REPORT ON FINAL PROJECT AND CONSTRUCTION FOR THE CITY BUILDING
Improvements ENERGY IMPROVEMENTS - PHASE I AND COUNCIL ACCEPTANCE OF PROJECT.
Ord# 3633
K. ORDINANCE NO. 3633 - ADOPTING A NEW SUBSECTION D INTO EDMONDS CITY
Temporary
Employee CODE 8.51.020 DEFINING TEMPORARY EMPLOYEE PARKING PERMIT; ADDING A
Parking Permit NEW SECTION 8.51.042 TO CHAPTER 8.51 ECC ENTITLED TEMPORARY
EMPLOYEE PARKING PERMIT - VALIDATION REQUIRED.
Executive City Attorney Scott Snyder requested a brief Executive Session to discuss the items that were removed
Session re' Pending from the Consent Agenda. At 7:30 p.m., Mayor Pro Tem Olson recessed the Council to a 15 minute
Litigation Executive Session to discuss pending/threatened litigation. The meeting was reconvened at 7:19 p.m.
Demolition of ITEM G:
Old Woodway
Elementary
AUTHORIZATION TO CALL FOR BIDS FOR THE ABATEMENT AND DEMOLITION
OF THE OLD WOODWAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LOCATED AT 23700 104TH
AVENUE WEST
Councilmember Plunkett advised questions had arisen that City Attorney Scott Snyder needed additional
time to address.
COUNCILMEMBER PLUNKETT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOORE, TO
DEFER THIS ITEM UNTIL NEXT WEEK. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Parks, Recrea- ITEM I: AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
tion & Open AGREEMENT WITH HOUGH BECK & BAIRD INC. FOR CONSULTING SERVICES
Space Comp
Plan I TO UPDATE THE EDMONDS PARKS. RECREATION & OPEN SPACE
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
Council President Pro Tern Wambolt relayed that at a Port Commission meeting yesterday, citizens and
Commissioners expressed dissatisfaction with the restroom facilities along the waterfront. He asked if the
scope of this item could include an assessment of the restroom facilities on the waterfront and determine
whether additional restrooms were needed. He recalled the Port Commissioners expressed interest in
restrooms at the dog park and at Marina Beach. He noted there were also comments that the restroom
facilities at the underwater park were not maintained and were in a constant state of uncleanliness. Parks
& Recreation Director Brian McIntosh agreed it could include this assessment.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM WAMBOLT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
PLUNKETT, FOR APPROVAL OF ITEM I. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Boys & G�ris 3. PROCLAMATION IN HONOR OF BOYS & GIRLS CLUB WEEK MARCH 25 - 31 2007
Club Week
Mayor Pro Tern Olson read a Proclamation declaring March 25 — 31 as Boys & Girls Club week and
presented the Proclamation to Bill Dalziel, Boys & Girls Club Director.
Mr. Dalziel thanked the Council for their support of Edmonds youth, advising the Boys & Girls Club was
part of a larger operation with over 4,000 clubs in the United States. He explained the Boys & Girls Club
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 27, 2007
Page 2
had been a member of the Edmonds community since 1968 and currently had five sites — four elementary
schools and the Club — that serve approximately 1200 youth per year. The Boys & Girls Club planned to
continue to be a part of the community and maintain a positive place for kids. He emphasized adults were
role models for youth and the youth were the leaders of tomorrow, future employees, employers,
neighbors and families in the community.
Mayor Pro Tern Olson commented her nephew had benefited from attending the Boys & Girls Club
before and after school programs.
Snohomish Co. 4• ANNUAL REPORT FROM THE SNOHOMISH COUNTY TOURISM BUREAU
Tourism
Bureau Amy Spain, Snohomish County Tourism Bureau, provided statistics regarding tourism in Snohomish
County including a 10.6% growth in tourism in 2006 for a total economic impact of $746.7 million. She
described:
• 14,202 requests for information generated by advertisements,
• increase in web visitors to Snohomish.org, SnohomishCountyWedings.com and RoomsAtPar,
• decreased visits to Visitor Information Centers,
• relatively flat off-season program bookings compared to 2005,
• increased group and convention room nights,
• increased hotel occupancy levels,
• increased hotel/motel tax collections, and
• increased media coverage.
She commented on the impacts of tourism in Snohomish County on restaurants, transportation, fuel, retail
stores, recreation and entertainment as well as employment and local and state taxes.
Ms. Spain provided examples of advertisements the Bureau placed in meeting planners, reunion and
group tour -related publications and displayed the group tour guide and meeting & event guide. She
commented on familiarization tours and sales missions the Bureau provided. She described trade shows
Bureau staff attended that generated leads, assistance staff provided to groups with their conference
needs, and meeting planner bids the Bureau prepared for group businesses. She reported on lost
convention business in 2006 and displayed a chart illustrating the economic impact of hotel room nights.
She reported on Amtrak's in -kind donation of a companion fair coupon. She also reported on the
economic impact of sports related bookings in 2006.
Ms. Spain commented on distribution of official visitor guides, season calendars, Farm Trail Guides, and
Glimpse of Snohomish County promotional pieces. She described public relation and media efforts,
volunteer hours and services provided at Visitor Centers and donations from area businesses. She
described decreasing visits to Visitor Centers as the public increased their use of online websites and as
communities opened their own Visitor Information Centers. She also described the Bureau's community
relation efforts during 2006 that included sponsoring six countywide tourism -related programs as well as
participating as a donation site for Toys for Tots and food drives. She summarized tourism was a huge
economic driver in Snohomish County tourism and was improving every year.
Councilmember Moore inquired about the Bureau's efforts associated with the 2010 Olympics in
Vancouver and how Edmonds could participate. Ms. Spain described the SnoGold 2010 effort, a
grassroots organization which includes a Tourism Committee that she co-chairs as well as a
Communications Committee and a Business Development Committee. The Business Development
Committee is working on preparing businesses to accommodate the influx of visitors and how to become
suppliers to the needs of the Olympics. The Tourism Committee is preparing an inventory of attractions
and special events during the Olympics and Paralympics time period and discussing how to better market
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 27, 2007
Page 3
those events nationally. She relayed statistics that the majority of U.S. visitors to the Olympics would be
from the western states, many of whom would be driving. She commented on the need to manage
expectations, noting although there would be additional visitors, their focus will be reaching BC.
Councilmember Moore recalled Idaho benefited greatly from the Olympics in Salt Lake City including
hosting foreign teams. She referred to skating rinks in Snohomish County and asked how Edmonds could
pursue that effort. Ms. Spain advised of a Community Strategy for Team Hosting Workshop on April 11
at the Everett Event Center. She advised the Business Development Committee is working on hosting
teams as well as team demonstrations/exhibitions in Snohomish County. She encouraged anyone
interested in being more involved in the SnoGold 2010 to contact her.
Councilmember Marin found the presentation impressive, particularly the indication that it was not only
hotels that benefited but there was a trickle down effect on communities. Ms. Spain agreed, noting
shopping was the top tourist activity and Edmonds was a wonderful destination for shopping as well as
walking and art and culture. Councilmember Marin asked her to relay the Council's thanks to her staff
and volunteers.
Councilmember Dawson thanked Councilmember Moore for raising the issue of SnoGold, recalling the
Council discussed that effort at the retreat. She envisioned the City becoming more involved with the
Business Development Committee in the fall.
Community 5. REPORT FROM THE COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CTAC)
Technology
Comm� Advisory
Bart Preecs Chair of the CTAC, introduced John Hines and John Gates, members of the CTAC in the
Comm
audience. He explained there had been a significant citizen effort on the CTAC. He thanked Community
Services Director Stephen Clifton, Administrative Services Director Dan Clements, and Executive
Assistant Cindy Cruz for their assistance. He also thanked the Council, commenting this was uncharted
territory; there was no recipe for developing a broadband system and it took courage and vision for the
Council to take a leadership position in this effort.
Rick Jenness, CTAC member, presented the CTAC vision, `Build an ultra high speed interactive
broadband network, available to every home and business in the City, capable of delivering service from
multiple competing servicing providers." He reviewed the benefits of a broadband network that include
reduced costs to residents and businesses, providing enhanced public and commercial services along with
more service plan choices to citizens, providing increased competition among service providers, creating
an economic development magnet for high tech businesses to the City, and stabilizing and enhancing
current City revenues from service providers
He reviewed an historical timeline:
• 2002-2004 — vision evangelized to Mayor and Council
• November 2004 — Council creates CTAC
• June 2005 — WSDOT deeds 4-mile (from the ferry to Hwy. 99) fiber backbone to the City
• December 2005 — City acquires Westin fiber to Snohomish County line
• November 2006 — City completes WSDOT fiber to Westin fiber link, providing fiber from the
ferry terminal to the Westin
• December 2006 — City issues RFI to gather information from commercial entities (18 firms
express interest)
• January 2007 — 12 firms attend vendor pre -bid conference
• March 1, 2007 — City acquires first customer to utilize Westin link
• March 2, 2007 — City receives eight forinal responses to RFI
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 27, 2007
Page 4
• March 16, 2007 — City selects four firms for oral presentations (Bechtel/Motorola, DynamicCity,
NetRiver/PacketFront, and Nortel)
He reviewed a future timeline:
April 10 & 11, 2007 — oral presentations by Bechtel/Motorola, DynamicCity,
NetRiver/PacketFront, and Nortel
April 14, 2007 — Committee completes evaluation of responses
May 4, 2007 — Council, Mayor, staff and committee issues Statement of Direction with regard to
where the City wants to go next
Mr. Jenness explained possible next steps include 1) creating a public entity to begin planning activities
who would engage a partner firm, business case development, begin planning a pilot project and 2)
expanding the marketing activities of the existing infrastructure to generate additional revenue.
Councilmember Moore expressed her gratitude to the citizens serving as volunteers on the CTAC. She
found this to be the most important initiative the City has seen in a long time. With regard to what CTAC
wanted the Council to do next, she asked if they planned to bring it to the Community Outreach
Committee or to the full Council. He commented several Councilmembers attend CTAC meetings, thus
they have had good input from the Council. He suggested the process could possibly include discussion
by the Finance Committee prior to consideration by the full Council.
Mr. Preecs explained the goal had always been not just to establish the infrastructure but to identify how
to use that infrastructure to promote civic and cultural aspects of the community as well as the practice of
government.
Council President Pro Tern Wambolt, who serves on the CTAC along with Mayor Pro Tern Olson,
acknowledged when this effort first began he was skeptical until he discovered the members of the CTAC
knew what they were doing. He noted the members were very capable people with years of experience
who were spending a great deal of their own time on this effort. He expressed his thanks to the CTAC for
the time they were donating to the community.
Amcnd Code 6. PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 5.05 OF THE
Provisionsnt
Animal Control EDMONDS CITY CODE RELATING TO ANIMAL CONTROL
City Attorney Scott Snyder advised this matter was returned to the Council at their direction. He recalled
on February 20, the Council directed the preparation of an ordinance that specifically precluded the
trapping of pets and companion animals and provided protections with an amendment to provide for a
professional trapping option which he assumed from Council discussion would be via the City's Animal
Control process. He explained the Council's direction presented several drafting challenges:
1) The difficulty for the City's Prosecutor to prove a pet was intentionally trapped. To address this
in the ordinance, he provided a range of penalties. The intentional trapping of a pet by another
would be a gross misdemeanor with the penalty of a year in jail and $1000 fine. Negligent
confinement, leaving an animal in a trap, would also be a misdemeanor.
2) Imposing criminal penalties on activities that are clearly prohibited under civil laws of the State.
The City as a code city has the authority to impose those limitations, if a problem arises, the
courts defer to that judgment and findings are rarely overturned. He explained the ordinance
would remove the most effective tool that a real property owner had to protect his/her property
from trespass.
3) Although the City has 7-day per week animal control coverage, it was not 24-hour a day coverage
and the Animal Control Officers also provide services to another City by Interlocal Agreement as
well as serve as parking enforcement. He noted both the public and Council have expressed a
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 27, 2007
Page 5
concern with releasing an animal from the trap and the possibility of Animal Control Officers
leaving a trap unattended for 12-14 hours raised issues.
Mr. Snyder explained the ordinance he drafted allowed the City's Animal Control Officers to trap and
fulfill their duties with regard to feral cats and injured animals. The ordinance includes an extensive
section on the use of private contractors and provides a process for property owners that includes
notifying the neighbor if the ownership of the trespassing pet is known, sending a letter to the
neighborhood if ownership is unknown, and once that had been accomplished, authorizing property
owners to utilize a private contractor list to trap an animal. He noted the process for identifying
contractors would be similar to the City's process for identifying towing companies. He pointed out the
difficulty of providing trapping as a service under the City's existing levels; the intent of the draft
ordinance was to avoid a budgetary impact. He explained after a pet owner was notified their animal was
trespassing and did not take reasonable steps to keep the animal at home, the pet owner could be guilty of
a civil infraction. He noted although the property owner would have to pay the cost of trapping initially, a
judge would have the ability to assess the costs of trapping to the pet owner.
Mr. Snyder acknowledged this was much more than the Council asked for; however, the short approach
would do nothing more than provide an illusion of control. He advised a more limited version, Version
B, was also provided that had no pet owner responsibilities. With regard to a question regarding the
definition of pet, Mr. Snyder advised the definition was taken from the Webster's dictionary. He advised
that staff s recommendation remains the same, finding there was insufficient public issue to justify
regulation and view it as involving the City in essentially a neighbor dispute between a pet owner and a
real property owner. To provide a legislative history in the event of a challenge, he requested the Council
emphasize in their discussion the public benefit to be obtained and the problem to be solved.
Councilmember Dawson commented whether or not the City enacted an ordinance that established the
responsibilities of a pet owner, the law still applied and a real property owner could civilly sue a pet
owner. Mr. Snyder agreed. Councilmember Dawson noted if the Council did not adopt Version B, they
would not be abrogating common law that required people not allow their animals to trespass on another's
property. Mr. Snyder agreed. He explained another problem with drafting the ordinance was unless it
was a crime for a cat to roam at large, a cat was not doing anything illegal by roaming at large, thus there
were constitutional issues with authorizing the City's Animal Control Officer to trap to abate a civil.
nuisance. It would need to be a criminal or public nuisance to involve Animal Control personnel.
Councilmember Dawson recommended if the Council chose to adopt Version B, the portion of the title in
Section 5.05.110 "and the abatement of private nuisances" be deleted. Mr. Snyder agreed.
Councilmember Dawson commented although this was an issue that did not arise with any frequency,
now that it had arisen, she feared the public may believe it was acceptable to trap pets which she did not
want to allow. If the Council did not want to allow trapping, she asked whether staff recommended the
Council adopt Version A or B. She noted Version A was more detailed and may be overkill and may
require more staff time to do an RFQ, etc. Police Chief David Stern recommended the less cumbersome
option, Version B. He noted Version A created specific intent crimes that required a particular state of
mind at the time the crime was committed. In his experience few prosecutions would occur under that
statute. He noted there was no significant history of this type of action in the City, this was the first one
he was aware of and the only one the City's 20-year Animal Control. Officer was aware of.
For Councilmember Dawson, Chief Stern confirmed staff felt Version A which included the ability to
contract with a trapping service was unnecessary. In addition, he was only aware of one potential
contractor who would qualify to trap animals.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 27, 2007
Page 6
Councilmember Dawson asked if there had been instances where a person had intentionally trapped their
neighbor's pet for ill intent. She noted trapping and torture of animals was an indicator of more violent
behavior. Chief Stern acknowledged there were people without the values most of the community had
with regard to pets but that was an infrequent occurrence. Councilmember Dawson commented if
someone were intentionally trapping animals, it would be a public safety concern that could be addressed.
Chief Stern agreed.
Councilmember Marin questioned the merits of option A and B versus an Option D which would be to do
nothing and retain the existing provisions. Chief Stern answered due to the infrequent nature of this
incident, the existing provisions were adequate to address the situation. He assured staff would carry out
whatever direction the Council provided.
Animal Control Officer Debbie Dawson answered Animal Control handled a variety of animals including
dogs, cats, rabbits, goats, and chickens every day, and all were handled the same within the laws of the
City. Any animal running at large was subject to enforcement action. If a person has an animal on their
property, they often call Animal Control and they pick up the animal. She summarized their role was to
protect pets; if the regulations were not changed, they would continue to pick up all types of pets.
Mr. Snyder commented when. Mr. Martin first brought his complaints forward, Chapter 50.5 was being
amended. There had previously been authorization to provide traps. Staff determined that was no longer
in the ordinance and removed the statement from the City's website and stopped providing traps.
Councilmember Plunkett commented under Version B very little change would occur other than a person
could not trap animals and therefore a person would either call Animal Control or humanely shoo the cat
away. He asked whether staff had only been called out once in 20 years to deal with a cat. Chief Stern
clarified 40% of the Animal Control calls were in regard to cats, predominately stray cats; this was the
first case involving these specific issues. If trapping were prohibited, Councilmember Plunkett did not
envision an increase in Animal Control's workload. Chief Stern also did not anticipate any significant
increase.
Councilmember Plunkett commented in Version B it was still permissible for people to trap
stray/feral/wild cats for the purpose of caring for them. Mr. Snyder answered that was allowed in both
ordinances.
For Council President Pro Tem Wambolt, Chief Stern advised 40% of Animal Control's calls were
related to cats, 59% were related to dogs and 1 % to rabbits, goats, guinea pigs, etc. Council President Pro
Tern Wambolt assumed some of the calls regarding cats involved a resident complaining about a
neighbor's cat in their yard. Chief Stern agreed that did occur. Council President Pro Tern Wambolt
assumed staff was able to adequately satisfy the parties involved using the existing ordinance. Chief
Stern agreed they were.
Ord#3634- COUNCILMEMBER DAWSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER PLUNKETT,
Amend Code
Provisions re: FOR APPROVAL OF VERSION B VIA ORDINANCE NO. 3634 WITH THE EXCEPTION OF
Animal Control THE LANGUAGE MR. SNYDER AGREED SHOULD BE STRICKEN IN REGARD TO THE
ABATEMENT OF PRIVATE NUISANCES.
Councilmember Dawson urged the Council to support Version B, agreeing it would be extremely
difficulty to prove someone intentionally trapped a neighbors pet. Although it would be a rare
occurrence, this was an opportunity for the Council to send a message that trapping a neighbor's pet was
not appropriate and that there were other ways to address the issue. She noted a cat leash law was not the
issue. As a cat owner herself, she did not allow her cat outside and believed that was a pet owner's
responsibility to keep their cat confined due to the dangers to a pet from wild animals. She opined
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 27, 2007
Page 7
Version B allowed the Council to send the message that it was not appropriate to trap animals as a form of
abatement, whether as part of a neighborhood dispute or in circumstances where the intent was to
maliciously harm the pet. She appreciated Mr. Snyder's effort to draft Version A, however, staff did not
find that level of detail necessary.
Councilmember Marin spoke against the motion, recalling he was the Chair of the Public Safety
Committee when this issue arose. The Committee agreed with Chief Stern that it was a dispute between.
neighbors that did not require amendment of the ordinance and should be addressed on a neighbor -to -
neighbor level. He preferred to restore the language in the ordinance regarding property rights and
protection of the animal which could have been accomplished by Version C. If Version C could not be
adopted, he preferred Version D, do nothing and allow neighbors to settle disputes themselves.
Councilmember Plunkett commented although the issue arose via a dispute between neighbors, it did not
lessen the opportunity for a public policy to address the issue. He preferred it be addressed via ensuring
the humane treatment of pets as well as the rights of property owners and stating the obligations of the
Police Department. He summarized there was a public policy issue to be resolved, not a dispute between.
neighbors. He supported Version B due to the larger legislative and community issue.
Councilmember Orvis expressed his support for the motion. He advised trapping was legal now; the
Public Safety Committee wanted to regulate it and input from the community indicated a desire to ban
trapping. He noted the letters the City received were predominately opposed to trapping of cats including
one letter that referred to an incident 20 years ago that lead to community meetings, a situation he wanted
to avoid.
Council President Pro Tem Wambolt commented he had come full circle on this issue; when this was
discussed the last time, he supported staff developing further regulation. He now believed nothing needed
to be done.
Councilmember Moore spoke in favor of the motion for the reasons Councilmember Dawson stated. She
noted this began as a neighborhood dispute but had progressed beyond that and became a policy issue.
She regretted the relationship between neighbors had been banned by this issue.
Mayor Pro Tem Olson supported Version D, do nothing, pointing out this had not been a problem in the
past. She objected to creating more layers of government, more work for Animal Control and for the
Council to micromanage operations. If trapping of cats was rampant, she could support changing the
ordinance but noted that did not seem to be the case.
Councilmember Dawson commented it appeared the three Councilmembers who did not support the
motion were not supportive of trapping animals. Thus the City should prohibit trapping if it was not
acceptable to the Council. She reiterated the unlikelihood of prosecutions, but found it an appropriate
message to send. She suggested Council President Pro Tem Wambolt and Mayor Pro Tem Olson who did
not support trapping, consider supporting the motion to send a message that trapping was not appropriate.
Mayor Pro Tem Olson pointed out the property owner who had cats coming into their yard did not get
much help from the City to address the issue.
Councilmember Moore sympathized with people who had cats coming into their yard. She expressed her
dislike for cats, noting there had to be a better way to address that situation.
UPON ROLL CALL, MOTION CARRIED (4-3), COUNCILMEMBERS ORVIS, MOORE,
DAWSON AND PLUNKETT IN FAVOR AND MAYOR PRO TEM OLSON, COUNCIL
PRESIDENT PRO TEM WAMBOLT AND COUNCILMEMBER MARIN OPPOSED. The
ordinance approved is as follows:
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 27, 2007
Page 8
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS, WASHINGTON, AMENDING THE
PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 5.05 OF THE EDMONDS CITY CODE RELATING TO AN
ANIMAL CONTROL BY AMENDING SECTION 5.05.010 TO ADD A NEW DEFINITION FOR
"PET" AND ADDING A NEW SECTION 5.05.110 CRIMES RELATED TO THE CONFINEMENT
OF ANOTHER'S ANIMAL, AND FIXING A TIME WHEN THE SAME SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE.
7. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
confining Cats Mary Leake Schilder, PAWS, Lynnwood, commended the Council for making great strides in this
matter and encouraged them to include an educational component. She described PAWS efforts to
educate cat owners about the importance of keeping cats "safety confined" so they did not roam free. She
described dangers to free -roaming cats including wild predators, cars, parasites, disease, and cruel people.
She advised only 3% of cats turned into shelters as strays were returned to their owners. She noted cats
who avoided danger were a threat to birds and small wildlife. She described methods for safely confining
cats including an outdoor enclosure, install a special addition to a fence to keep the cat in the yard, walk
the cat on a leash, provide enrichment for indoor cats and only allow a cat outside when supervised by a
human family member. She advocated proper identification for cats including microchips. She noted as
more cat owners realized their responsibility to keep their pets confined, Edmonds would see a decline in
neighbor disputes, funds spent on animal control services and more families would enjoy the
companionship of their pets.
Alvin Rutledge, Edmonds, displayed the 1969 Comprehensive Plan. He advised the Hearing Examiner
Old Woodway
Elementa site made a decision against the resident group s appeal; the court case for appeal by the Association, Case
No. 07203221, would be heard in Snohomish County on May 1. He recommended the buildings on the
former Woodway Elementary School site not be demolished until the court case had been concluded. He
referred to a letter sent to Chief Stern regarding problems on the former Woodway Elementary School site
and Chief Stern's reply that the Police Department would do their best to patrol the area. He
Term Limits I recommended nothing be done with regard to the property until the issues were cleared up. Next he
recommended the Council schedule consideration of term limits on an upcoming agenda. He also
F°°d Driveexpressed appreciation to those who supported the Kiwanis Club's food drive last week at Top Foods.
Trapping of Robert Chaffee, MD, Edmonds, commented he was surprised and disappointed that the Council made a
Cats decision before discussion with the public. As the Council had eliminated trapping, he recommended
instituting a leash law for cats. He cited problems they encountered from cats digging in their garden,
leaving surprises, and killing birds. He noted the bigger problem was feral cats, and the Council had
eliminated trapping as a method of rehabilitating feral cats. He quoted a policy statement from the
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) that encouraged and supported actions to eliminate
free roaming, abandoned and feral cats due to the significant impact they had on the mortality of birds,
small animals, reptiles, amphibians and fish as well as the spread of disease. The AVMA supported the
reduction of the number of free roaming, abandoned and free -roaming cats via humane capture and
placement in homes, which he noted was eliminated by the ordinance the Council adopted. The AVMA
supports State and local agencies adopting and enforcing ordinances that encourage cats to be kept
indoors, in an outdoor enclosure or on a leash. He summarized his goal was not to keep all cats indoors
but to control problem cats and their owners and in the long term decrease the number of cats allowed
outdoors and help solve the feral cat problem.
changes to James Anable, Jr., Edmonds, an attorney practicing animal law in Seattle, spoke on behalf of Robert
code ra: McCallum. He explained the scope of his practice has included drafting and commenting and suggesting
nimal control changes to codes at the state and local level. He referred to the common law regarding trespass,
recommending the City strike the exclusion of cats from the at -large provision. He circulated several.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 27, 2007
Page 9
photographs of Mr. McCallum's experience with cats in his yard. He explained Mr. McCallum kept quail
as pets; after having 16 killed last year, he built a protective enclosure. On Saturday he awoke to find a
cat trapped inside the enclosure, raising the issue of whether with the adoption of this ordinance Mr.
McCallum would be guilty of the criminal offense of trapping a cat. He recommended placing the burden
on the pet owner rather than the property owners that experience trespass. He noted a survey of
Woodway, Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace indicated they included cats in the at -large provision. He
cited dangers to at -large cats, commenting if the City was concerned with cruelty and animal welfare
issues, they would regulate cats the same as other animals.
Changes to Debbie McCallum, Edmonds, expressed concern with granting cats complete freedom to trespass on
Code re: Cats neighboring property to engage in behavior that polluted parks and yards with animal waste and depleted
wildlife, to engage in the offensive behavior of spraying to mark territory, spreading diseases that can be
transmitted via soil, and not requiring licenses and tags. She pointed out citizens did not appreciate their
well -tended gardens being compromised by cats or discovering the remnants of a bird or small animal,
but most attempted to maintain a harmonious relationship with their neighbors. She explained they asked
the neighbor on several occasions to keep their cats from their property and were told to get rid of their
bird feeders, that the cats' free reign took precedence, that the quality of the cats lives superseded any
damage to their property and because there were no laws, they would have to put up with the cats. She
summarized it was appropriate for the City to establish at -large restrictions, fines and license fees to apply
to domestic cats. She expressed frustration the Council had taken away a property owner's ability to keep
a cat off their property.
Changes to Robert McCallum, Edmonds, echoed Debbie's comments, finding the public was treated unfairly
Code re: Cats tonight by not having an opportunity to speak to the Council before the Council made its decision. He
referred to the question posed to Animal Control Officer Debbie Dawson, noting when she responded to
cat nuisance problems, there was no satisfaction for the property owner because cats were excluded from
the at -large provisions. He cited an instance when cats slaughtered his birds in his front yard. He
circulated photographs of his yard where they encourage wildlife, birds, and Douglas Squirrels. He
questioned his right to request a neighboring property owner keep his cats off his property, explaining he
was unsuccessful because there was no law prohibiting them from roaming at -large. He did not advocate
trapping cats but questioned how property owners could obtain any satisfaction. He described his efforts
to keep the cats off his property, beginning with talking to the neighbor and when that was unsuccessful,
setting the trap in accordance with Animal Control's directions. He acknowledged the cat was injured but
it was now at home while his birds were dead. He suggested Mayor Haakenson veto the ordinance.
Changes to Elisabeth Larman, Edmonds, congratulated the Council on making a difficult decision, to prohibit
code re: cats trapping. She commented a property owner raising birds had a responsibility to build an enclosure to
protect the birds. She complimented Officer Debbie Dawson, describing her efforts to fine a dog owner
whose dog attacked her; the dog is now kept on a leash.
Changes to Roger Hertrich, Edmonds, pointed out the Council failed to enact a cat license and leash law. He
Code re: Cats i recommended equal treatment for dogs and cats. Next, he urged the Council to hold a public hearing with
regard to parks and specifically the former Woodway Elementary School site before any building
old Woodway Si demolition occurred. With regard to the Mayor vetoing the ordinance he noted Mayor Haakenson could
Elementary Site g }' g � y
not veto it because he was not present and seemed to be absent quite frequently. He recommended
Technology establishing a system for tracking comp time for department directors. With regard to establishing a
committee broadband system, he did not agree with pursuing such a system due to changes in programs/technology.
He questioned whether the CTAC had considered the technology used by Clearwire.
Trapping Feral Vickie Purretta, Feral Cats Project, commented there were many grassroots organizations involved in
Cats trapping feral cats who have spayed/neutered over 30,000 cats. She pointed out there were humane ways
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 27, 2007
Page 10
to trap cats, noting that covering the trap served to calm the animal. She was concerned they would be
unable to continue their efforts to spay/neuter the large feral cat population, advising there were 720,000
feral cats in the Puget Sound area. She advised she had assisted with trapping animals in Edmonds at no
cost to the City.
Councilmember Plunkett assured the ordinance the Council passed did not prohibit trapping of feral cats.
Mayor Pro Tem Olson advised Mayor Haakenson was absent because he had the flu.
8. INDIVIDUAL COUNCIL REPORTS ON OUTSIDE COMMITTEE/BOARD MEETINGS
WRIA si Councilmember Orvis reported the recent meeting of WRIA 8/Salmon Recovery Council included
Salmon election of officers and discussion regarding items that were funded in the past and issues to be resolved
Recovery g g
by the Legislature.
SnoComi Councilmember Dawson reported SnoCom, the 911 dispatch center for South Snohomish County, was
SnoPak continuing efforts regarding interconnectivity with SnoPak. They have applied for a grant to assist with
that effort which they learned recently was the granting agency's top priority. She advised a tentative
agreement had been reached in an ongoing lawsuit with past employees of the center regarding overtime.
Port Council President Pro Tem Wambolt reported on the March 12 and March 26 meetings of the Port
commission Commission where they approved a 3-year agreement with Northwest Country Management for
continued management of Harbor Square and reviewed their financial results for 2006 which indicated the
Port had approximately a $2 million profit last year. He advised Woodway honored the Port for receiving
the Marina of the Year award.
South Mayor Pro Tem Olson reported South Snohomish Cities is holding a dinner on April 26 with the
Snohomish
Cities Snohomish. County Councilmembers. She urged Edmonds Councilmembers to attend.
Sound Transit Councilmember Marin reported the Sound Transit Board was moving toward finalizing the second phase
of a ST2 and RTID package and revising their financial policies to allow build out over the next 30 years.
He advised Sound Transit was in a public comment period that would help finalize the elements of the
final package that will be presented to the voters in November; to date they have received 6,000
Snohomish Co. comments. He reported the Snohomish County Tomorrow Steering Committee was meeting tomorrow to
Tomorrow discuss annexation principles that were developed by a subcommittee. He advised the Hwy. 99 Taskforce
did not meet this month, awaiting information from Snohomish County regarding annexation.
Parking Councilmember Plunkett reported at the Parking Committee, Municipal Court Judge Doug Fair relayed
Committee J the difficulty jurors experience with parking downtown. The Council approved a temporary jury parking
permit on tonight's Consent Agenda.
9. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
CiCouncil Retreat Mayor Pro Tem Olson thanked staff for their assistance with the retreat, especially Senior Executive
Council Assistant Jana Spellman and City Attorney Scott Snyder.
10. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Technology Council President Pro Tem Wambolt advised CTAC has considered Clearwire as well as many other past,
Committee present and emerging technologies. He encouraged citizens commenting on this topic to obtain additional
information.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 27, 2007
Page I t
Councilmember Moore referred to the comments by Development Services Director Duane Bowman
zroe sneer regarding her remarks about overruns on the 220`h Street project. While it was acceptable for citizens to
Pro�ect g g P J p
take the Council to task, she found it inappropriate for staff as it was the Council's responsibility to
question without receiving an overly sensitive response from staff that questioned the motive or methods.
With regard to the 220`h Street project, she pointed out the first mistake was to omit the left turn lane, a
design fault that was passed by engineers and the contactor accepted responsibility, likely to avoid the
loss of future business from the City. The second mistake was using the City's former Traffic Engineer
who resigned to work for the contractor which cost the City an additional $140,000. The explanation was
he had so much expertise with the project that he was the only one and the best one to finish the project.
She questioned what would have happened if he had died, whether the City's engineer would not have
been able to step in and manage the construction project. If not, perhaps a change was necessary to
ensure every employee had someone who could fill in for them in the case of an emergency.
Councilmember Moore commented her questions regarding the 2201h Street project were legitimate; it ran
over time and over budget. She pointed out the Performing Arts Center cost three times as much and
finished on time and on budget, questioning why the City should not expect the same from this project.
She concluded the Council should not be disparaged by staff for stating their opinion and how things were
done in the City. She suggested the Mayor may want to provide some additional training for Directors.
She noted the vast majority of the City's staff were hardworking and loyal; she hoped their loyalty did not
drift into unbecoming public challenges of Councilmembers' opinions.
City's Financial Councilmember Moore referred to the Council retreat where the main topic was the City's financial
Future future. The Council was presented with the same projection that has been provided for the past two years,
with the same decreasing balance scenario. She explained although the City managed to piece the budget
together year after year, the City would soon begin consuming the $2 million reserve which she found
was critical to maintain to protect citizens in the case of an emergency. She asked the Council at the
Strategic Plan retreat to consider creating long term goals/strategic plan/vision. She recommended both the Mayor and
the Council have a plan and if their plans did not agree, the Mayor and Council should compromise and
reach a consensus on a strategic plan.
Councilmember Moore recalled at the retreat the Council was asked to indicate what taxes they wanted to
increase and what cuts in services they could accept. She preferred an alternate approach — creating a
strategic plan to grow the income of the City in ways that did not burden the taxpayers. She pointed out
this was being done throughout Washington; she provided a copy of the Snohomish County Business
Journal that recognized the Mayor of Marysville for his vision and strategic planning. She acknowledged
the City was in competition for sales tax dollars from surrounding cities.
Councilmember Moore concluded the citizens of Edmonds deserved to know the City's plan for the
Create 13-year future. She recommended establishing at least a 15-year plan with annual goals so that the Council could
Plan report annually on their accomplishments especially if there were cuts in services or increases in taxes.
She invited citizens to urge the Council to start working on a strategic plan. She acknowledged because
this was an election year it may not be appropriate to begin working on a strategic plan this year, but
recommended it begin next year.
11. ADJOURN
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 27, 2007
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