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11/20/2007 City CouncilNovember 20, 2007 Following a Special Meeting at 6:00 p.m. for an Executive Session regarding real estate matters and labor negotiations and to interview candidates for the Historic Preservation Commission at 6:45 p.m., the Edmonds City Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Haakenson in the Council Chambers, 250 51h Avenue North, Edmonds. The meeting was opened with the flag salute. ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT Gary Haakenson, Mayor Peggy Pritchard Olson, Council. President Michael Plunkett, Councilmember Richard Marin, Councilmember Mauri Moore, Councilmember Dave Orvis, Councilmember Ron Wambolt, Councilmember ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT Deanna Dawson, Councilmember ALSO PRESENT Hilary Scheibert, Student Representative STAFF PRESENT Al Compaan, Police Chief Dan Clements, Administrative Services Director Brian McIntosh, Parks & Recreation Director Noel Miller, Public Works Director Kathleen Junglov, Asst. Admin. Services Dir. Dave Gebert, City Engineer Debi Humann, Human Resources Manager Scott Snyder, City Attorney Sandy Chase, City Clerk Jana Spellman, Senior Executive Council Asst. Jeannie Dines, Recorder 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Approve A renda COUNCILMEMBER MARIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER WAMBOLT, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA IN CONTENT AND ORDER. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 2. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS COUNCILMEMBER WAMBOLT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MARIN, TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The agenda items approved are as follows: Roll Call A. ROLL CALL Approve B. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 5, 2007. 11/5/07 Minutes C. APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS #100182 THROUGH #100347 FOR NOVEMBER 8, Approve Claim 2007 IN THE AMOUNT OF $571,310.88, AND #100348 THROUGH #100404 FOR Checks NOVEMBER 15, 2007 IN THE AMOUNT OF $544,662.58. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL DIRECT DEPOSITS AND CHECKS #45741 THROUGH #45787 FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 16 THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2007 IN THE AMOUNT OF $793,863.35. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes November 20, 2007 Page 1 Claims for Damages Domestic Violence Coordinator 220th St. SW Improvements Project 95th Pl. W Drainage Improvements Treatment Plant Electrical Improvements Ord# 3670 Donations of Property Ord# 3671 Mid -biennial Review Ord# 3672 Amend 2007 Budget Provide Police Services (Woodway) Animal Control Services (Mountlake Terr) Kroesen's Police Uniforms Blumenthal Uniforms D. ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FROM LANDSVERK QUALITY HOMES ($1,095.53), MICHELE JOUBERT ($200.00), AND EDMONDS HIGHLANDS APARTMENTS ($350.00). E. FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY OF EDMONDS AND CITY OF MILL CREEK FOR PART TIME DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COORDINATOR POSITION. F. REPORT ON FINAL CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR THE 220TH STREET SW IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT AND COUNCIL ACCEPTANCE OF THE PROJECT. G. REPORT ON FINAL CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR THE 95TH PLACE WEST DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT AND COUNCIL ACCEPTANCE OF PROJECT. H. AUTHORIZATION TO CALL FOR BIDS FOR THE ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT AT THE TREATMENT PLANT. I. ORDINANCE NO.3670 - DONATIONS OF PROPERTY TO THE CITY. J. ORDINANCE NO.3671 - MID -BIENNIAL REVIEW AND MODIFICATION. K. ORDINANCE NO.3672 - 2007 FINAL BUDGET AMENDMENT. L. INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH THE TOWN OF WOODWAY TO PROVIDE FIRST RESPONSE POLICE SERVICES. M. ANIMAL CONTROL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF MOUNTLAKE TERRACE. N. POLICE UNIFORM CONTRACT WITH KROESEN'S UNIFORMS. O. POLICE UNIFORM CONTRACT WITH BLUMENTHAL UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT. 3. CONFIRMATION OF NEW MEMBERS APPOINTED TO THE EDMONDS HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION. Confirm Historic Preservation Councilmember Plunkett advised one Commissioner was resigning at the end of the year and the Council Commission Members had added two new citizen positions. He introduced Andy Eccleshall and Dan Keree, commenting both Me had a great deal of experience and interest in historic preservation. COUNCILMEMBER PLUNKETT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MARIN, TO CONFIRM THE MAYOR'S APPOINTMENT OF ANDY ECCLESHALL AND DAN KEREE TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Prosecutor 14. PROSECUTOR ANNUAL REPORT Annual Report Prosecutor Jim Zachor advised their contract was up for renewal in April 2008. He recalled reporting last year with regard to issues associated with DUI and suppression of the breath test, advising the issue of the suppression of breath test continued due to misconduct in the toxicology lab. He reported the number of Assault 4 domestic violence cases had increased, advising the new domestic violence coordinator was very knowledgeable and provided a great deal of assistance in prosecuting those cases. He introduced attorneys Melanie Thomas Dane and Joseph Everett. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes November 20, 2007 Page 2 Mr. Zachor advised the revenue from prosecutions had increased substantially due to their efforts to obtain reimbursement of the City's costs. He noted there were approximately 20 fewer cases this year than last year; however, the cases were more complex particularly with regard to domestic violence and DUI. He referred to the memo he provided that contained additional information. He encouraged the Council and the public to attend court which is held every Wednesday in Council Chambers. Mr. Zachor expressed their pleasure with the Police Department's training and reaction to DUI and domestic violence laws, including their handling of victims and defendants. Ms. Thomas Dane agreed with Mr. Zaehor's comments regarding the Police Department, noting approximately 1.2-18 months ago the Police Department assigned 2-3 officers to DUI stops. Their reports are excellent which makes her job easier as well as assists the judge reviewing cases. She commented on new issues surfacing with regard to the toxicology lab. Councilmember Orvis asked whether the issues with the toxicology lab had resulted in any false positive breath tests. Ms. Thomas Dane answered no, advising there were issues with the software not being updated to take the breath test to a fourth decimal. As a result the data from all analyses was not used; the software was only able to use data from 12 rather than 16 analyses. City Attorney 5. CITY ATTORNEY ANNUAL REPORT Annual Report City Attorney Scott Snyder advised he represented the City in its corporate capacity including risk management, defense of decisions and policies, occasional offensive action and support of the City staff and their function. As corporate counsel, he assisted the Council in making their decisions and policies and assisted staff in carrying out the Council's direction. Mr. Snyder commented that although some attorneys enjoyed the adversarial side of the law, he was attracted to municipal law due to his preference to accomplish what the Council and citizens wanted done. For that reason, the past year had been somewhat frustrating. The biggest issue at the start of 2007 was the code rewrite; for a variety of reasons including staff illnesses and his sabbatical, little progress was made on the code rewrite. His and staff s efforts were also diverted by a number of land use appeals with regard to one property. He hoped in 2008 the Mayor, staff and the Council could bring citizens into discussions and that the Council could find ways to build consensus so that the Council's decisions had broad -based community support. He noted citizens' acceptance of the Council's decisions rather than having issues worked out in court was in everyone's best interest. He summarized he enjoyed his work with the City. Councilmember Wambolt inquired about progress on the code rewrite. Mr. Snyder answered the intent was to begin the rewrite last year and finish this year. He had completed review of two chapters which. would now be reviewed by the Planning Board and forwarded to the Council hopefully by year end. He summarized the code rewrite was approximately a year behind schedule. Councilmember Wambolt asked whether the delay was due to the lawsuits that had been filed. Mr. Snyder answered it had been a difficult year to make progress on a very time-consuming effort such as the code rewrite. For example, the non- conforming use section which has had the most changes and policy implications has been under review by the Planning Board for six months. The next portion of the project was a complete rewrite of the procedures chapter. Councilmember Moore recalled Development Services Director Duane Bowman agreed to consider a citizen volunteer committee to assist with portions of the code rewrite. She asked about the progress on identifying volunteers to serve on that committee. Mr. Snyder responded because many code Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes November 20, 2007 Page 3 enforcement issues were between neighbors, citizen input would be important for that portion of the code. Councilmember Moore recalled citizen involvement was intended to be in regard to the building code. She recalled at the Community Services/Development Services Committee's public meeting developers using the code expressed interest being involved in the rewrite. Mr. Snyder reiterated public input was primarily intended for the code enforcement process. The goal with the procedures section was not to change it but rather make it more concise, clear, and user friendly and to use charts wherever possible. He noted it did not lend itself to public input as staff did not intend to change the policy. Councilmember Moore disagreed, recalling citizen input was intended in regard to other areas of the rewrite. Councilmember Plunkett commented unless staff and the Planning Board created more flexibility for nonconforming buildings, he intended to do so at the Council level. He commented on the desire to allow older, nonconforming structures to be improved/enlarged to allow them to remain economically viable. Mr. Snyder replied Edmonds had the most strict nonconforming use provisions possible. In the draft that would be presented to the Planning Board, the recommendation is for one of three options that considerably streamlines and opens reuse of residential property in the downtown area and existing houses throughout the City. If the Council did not like the option the Planning Board chose, there were two other options that could be considered. Councilmember Plunkett commented he was also interested in flexibility for nonconforming commercial buildings to allow them to remain economically viable. Mr. Snyder responded the draft was not as open with regard to commercial structures. He noted there were specific sections that encouraged historic reuse of properties that were eligible for the historic register and were on the city's inventory of historic structures. He acknowledged it was a difficult policy decision because the purpose of the nonconforming use provisions was to eventually bring properties into compliance when code changes occurred. Councilmember Plunkett responded he did not believe the community wanted all nonconforming structures to be replaced with homogeneous structures. Revenue 6. PUBLIC HEARING ON REVENUE SOURCES INCLUDING PROPERTY TAX INCREASES Sources Including Property Tax Administrative Services Director Dan Clements advised the City was midway through its biennial budget and two housekeeping items were required: 1) 2008 property tax levy and 2) a 2008 budget amendment. He explained the City receives approximately 14.7% of each property tax dollar and EMS receives 3.6% or a total of 18% of each property tax dollar. He noted the largest percentage was collected by schools, approximately 65%. In response to an inquiry by Councilmember Wambolt at a recent Finance Committee meeting regarding property tax increases since 2005, Mr. Clements explained since 2005 property taxes increased approximately 7.39% and assessed valuations increased approximately 60%. He referred to recent discussions in the news about I-747 and what property tax rates cities might now adopt. He advised the biennial budget included a 1% increase consistent with 1-747. Mayor Haakenson asked Mr. Clements to comment on the result of the court striking down I-747 and the ability for cities to seek a larger increase in property taxes and options being considered by the Legislature to replace the cap instituted by I-747. Mr. Clement answered I-747 instituted a 1% property tax limit; prior to the passage of I-747, there was a 6% limit on annual property tax increases. The Legislature planned to meet in special session next week to discuss options for a property tax cap such as a cap based on the Implicit Price Deflator which was typically lower than the Consumer Price Index. He commented most cities felt 1% was the spirit of the law and intended to comply with that amount. The latest information from the Association of Washington Cities was the Legislature would reinstate the I% limit. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes November 20, 2007 Page 4 Mayor Haakenson opened the public participation portion of the public hearing. There were no members of the public present who wished to provide testimony and Mayor Haakenson closed the public participation portion of the public hearing. COUNCILMEMBER MARIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER WAMBOLT, FOR APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE NO. 3673. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The ordinance approved reads as follows: Prop3673 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS, WASHINGTON, PROVIDING FOR THE 2008 Ord# Property ANNUAL TAX LEVY BY INCREASING THE REGULAR PROPERTY TAX LEVY BY THE Taxes CURRENT 101% LEVY LIMIT, THEREBY LEVYING AN ESTIMATED REGULAR PROPERTY TAX LEVY OF $9,075,000, BY INCREASING THE EMS PROPERTY TAX LEVY BY THE CURRENT 101.% LEVY LIMIT, THEREBY LEVYING AN EMS LEVY OF $2,452,000, AND LEVYING $817,373 FOR VOTED INDEBTEDNESS FOR THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMPLEX, AND FIXING A TIME WHEN THE SAME SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE. 2oo7-zoos Mid -biennial 7 PUBLIC HEARING ON THE 2007-2008 MID -BIENNIAL BUDGET. Budget Administrative Services Director Dan Clements commented the biennial budget set the budget for 2008. There were no plans to add programs, new staff or any major additions. The one change was the 2008 included an EMS levy. The amendment eliminates that funding source and the $1.2 million is made up by the use of $700,000 in ending cash and a $500,000 reduction in ending cash balances. Mayor Haakenson opened the public participation portion of the public hearing. Karen Wiggins, Edmonds, inquired about the collection of sales tax by the city where items were delivered. Roger Hertrieh, Edmonds, pointed out the budget reflected $1.470 million in park revenue and expenditures of $869,550. He asked how funds were being spent from the parks acquisition fund. He pointed out $2 million in the multimodal project budget had been eliminated, noting the staff member who managed that project had been reassigned as the Economic Development Director. He suggested the City determine how much was spent to manage the multimodal project. Hearing no further public comment, Mayor Haakenson closed the public participation portion of the public hearing. Mr. Clements advised the sales tax sourcing bill passed by the Legislature allowed the city where an item ordered off the internet was delivered to collect the sales tax rather than the city from which the item was shipped. When sales tax sourcing was fully implemented, the City could expect to collect an additional $300,000 annually. With regard to Mr. Hertrich's questions regarding parks expenditures and the multimodal project, Mr. Clements advised that information was not available at the meeting and he offered to contact Mr. Hertrieh with a response. COUNCILMEMBER PLUNKETT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOORE, FOR Ord# 3674 APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE NO. 3674. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The ordinance Amend the approved reads as follows: 2008 Budget AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS, WASHINGTON, MODIFYING THE 2008 BUDGET AS ADOPTED BY REFERENCE IN ORDINANCE NO. 3613, AND FIXING A TIME WHEN THE SAME SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes November 20, 2007 Page 5 Domestic 8. DOMESTIC PARTNER ORDINANCE. Partner Human Resources Manager Debi Humann explained on July 22, 2007 Washington States new Domestic Partner Registration Law became effective. Although the Domestic Partnership Law did not require employers to adopt domestic partner benefits, it allowed cities to choose to provide benefits. She noted various organizations were willing to litigate the issue. The Association of Washington Cities (AWC) added domestic partner coverage to their benefit offerings in November 2002. Other cities that offer domestic partner coverage include Shoreline, Redmond, Kirkland, Sammamish, Bothell, Burien and Des Moines. Cities that plan to adopt domestic partner coverage for 2008 include Everett, Federal Way, Renton and Puyallup. The proposed ordinance would allow members in a registered same -sex domestic partnership and those over the age of 62 access to health benefits. In addition the ordinance would allow employees who have registered with the State the ability to use sick leave, bereavement leave, and shared leave benefits for their registered domestic partner as allowed under Washington State's new Domestic Partner Registration Law. If the Council approves the ordinance, staff will update City policy to reflect the changes, file with the State of Washington, file with AWC and hold an open enrollment period for registered domestic partners. She recommended the Council approve the ordinance amending the Edmonds City Code allowing a change in the definition of spouse that includes individuals who are legally married to a City employee and also individuals registered with the State of Washington as a domestic partnership. Mr. Snyder commented this was passed at the same time the State added sexual orientation as a protected category under Washington law for discrimination and the basis for lawsuits that have been threatened is a violation of that statute. If the Council had further questions regarding a defense, he offered to respond in Executive Session. He commented the ordinance was intended to be narrow and thoughtful and utilized the tools the State Legislature made available such as the registration process. Councilmember Moore inquired about the provision for couples over the age of 62 without regard to sex. Mr. Snyder answered this allowed seniors to have relationships without endangering Social Security or other benefits. COUNCILMEMBER MOORE MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT OLSON, FOR APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE NO.3675. Councilmember Marin commented the ordinance was very focused and well defined and did not ask the Council to vote on moral issues. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The ordinance approved reads as follows: Ord# 3675 Amend the AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS, WASHINGTON, AMENDING THE Code; Define "Spouse" PROVISIONS OF THE EDMONDS CITY CODE, SECTION 12.35.010 DEFINITIONS TO ADD A DEFINITION FOR THE TERM "SPOUSE", AND FIXING A TIME WHEN THE SAME SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE. Futurewise 9. REPORT FROM FUTUREWISE Report Kristin Kelly, Snohomish County Program Director, Futurewise, explained as a small business owner, she began working for Futurewise (originally 1000 Friends of Washington) and as the Smartgrowth Director for Pilchuck Audubon Society (PAS). Futurewise's mission was to promote healthy communities and cities while protecting farmland, forests and shorelines today and for future generations. The mission of PAS was to conserve and restore natural ecosystems focusing on birds and other wildlife for the benefit of the earth's biological diversity. She explained PAS established the Smartgrowth program in early 1990. Together the supporters of PAS and Futurewise, over 1000 people, Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes November 20, 2007 Page 6 work in collaboration to support smart growth principles for the community. Her presentation would address global warming and how it related to land use planning and the State legislation for 2008. Ms. Kelly explained the federal government under the current administration refused to sign the Kyoto Protocol and has not taken aggressive action to combat or reduce the effects of global warming. In light of this, there was a charge led by Seattle Mayor Nickels for all mayors to sign the Kyoto pledge; in Washington 29 mayors including the City of Edmonds signed the pledge. She thanked the City for signing the pledge and for their efforts to reduce global warming. Last year Washington's Governor created goals for emission reduction and codified the goals via S136001. This set into motion the Governor's Climate Advisory Team who considers options for the State to achieve the Governor's goals. Poorly planned development increases global warming in three ways: I. Creates auto -oriented neighborhoods far from jobs, schools, healthcare and other needs. The resulting traffic is Washington's largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions. Individuals living in more compact neighborhoods that include pedestrian and bicycle friendly features and convenient access to transit significantly reduce their driving. 2. Is the leading cause for farm and forest conversion, another contributor to global warming. 3. 25-35% of energy consumption is used for building operation such as heating and cooling. Smartgrowth communities concentrate residents in more efficient housing Ms. Kelly summarized the choices cities made today with regard to managing growth locked them into patterns for decades. In order to achieve the goal of significantly reducing climate emissions, responsible decisions must be made now to promote efficient, livable communities. She commented on the importance of changing growth patterns to be successful in meeting the Governor's goals. She noted The Growth Management Act was an excellent framework for addressing growth by providing cities and counties the tools for developing long range comprehensive planning and the legislation they proposed in. 2008 would build on current efforts. Local solutions to global warming would include the addition of a Climate Element to the Comprehensive Plan. Counties with more than 50,000 people and cities with more than 30,000 people would be required to participate by, 1) evaluating current emissions and impacts of potential future decisions, 2) evaluating decisions that could potentially increase global warming emission and determine how to best minimize those impacts, and 3) developing plans to meet the Governor's Climate Reduction Goals via the Comprehensive Planning process. The goals and objectives would be phased in via the next major Comprehensive Plan update cycle, in 2011 for Snohomish County. With this proposed legislation, each local government would have the flexibility to determine how to reach the goal of reduced climate impact using approaches that best worked for them. Options could include encouraging more compact transit -oriented development in Urban Growth Areas (UGA), establishing Transfer Development Rights programs in UGA to protect forests and farmlands, encouraging use of new technology that reduces global warming pollution and increases efficiency and increasing urban forest investment. With regard to funding, she assured Futurewise was committed to sufficient funding for additional planning. The bill would be funded via two phases, the first phase would provide funding for CTED to develop tools and guidelines and a limited number of grants for early adoption. The second phase would be funded in Washington State's 2009 budget and provide grants for all cities to do additional planning. She encouraged the City to support the bill in the 2008 legislative session. Strategic 10. PRESENTATION ON STRATEGIC POSITIONING FOR CITY COUNCILS Positioning Council President Olson advised the Council would continue to discuss this issue in January. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes November 20, 2007 Page 7 Couneilmember Moore recalled she had been urging the Council to continue the work begun at previous Council retreats with regard to strategic planning. She supported the Council undertaking a long term view of the moving parts facing the City. She noted for example, the Kyoto Protocol should be part of the City's strategic positioning. De Hicks, SCGI, Performance Management for Leaders and Leading Organizations, commented he had worked with various organizations for several years to assist in answering the question how a complex organization could plan for a complex future, particularly due to the number of unknown and changing variables. In recent years they found traditional strategic planning was less effective for complex and rapidly changing organizations. They also found traditional strategic planning had become increasingly expensive and resulted in a product that once created was shelved. Traditional strategic planning had underlying assumptions including that tomorrow would be very similar to today and that once a picture of the future was developed, the organization could march toward and accomplish that picture. In the last 20-25 years, it was discovered that approach did not work. Therefore strategic planners sought a way to look into the future and position the organization to react to several eventualities in a manner that was accurate, engaged stakeholders, looked outside the organization's boundaries, considered scenarios in a flexible environment and spent resources wisely. Thus strategic planning had evolved into strategic positioning. Mr. Hicks explained the steps in strategic positioning include: 1. Trends analysis - a group of people is formed who understand trends affecting the city. Trends include economic, political, demographic, and technological trends, trends that affect the workforce, that impact how governance takes places, building trends, etc. Trend analysis is typically a one day event. 2. Scenario building/selection — a different group of people then consider the impact to the City when trends intersect and would develop potential scenarios. At the conclusion of the scenario based planning, consideration is given to which of the scenarios was most likely to occur in the foreseeable future and which would have the greatest impact on the organization. That exercise reduces the scenarios to approximately 7-8. 3. Initiatives — consideration is given to what needs to be done to prepare for those scenarios and a group of initiatives are formulated for the organization to prepare for that future. The initiatives are then brought to the Council. If the Council accepts the initiatives, the next step is the Action Plan. 4. Action Plan — detennining how the initiatives would be put into action, the implications of that action and the steps that need to be carried out. 5. Implementation The process could be a very condensed process or a lengthy process involving various key stakeholders. The process yields a very detailed, focused plan with steps to address the future, allows varying levels of public input, and stakeholder involvement at various places. Mr. Hicks commented there were different groups involved in the process; however, creating a core group that was involved in each step was essential. The core group could consist of 2-3 members of the governing body, key staff members, and 1-2 key stakeholders with an area of expertise. Each of the above steps would have a separate group of people involved in only that step. Mr. Hicks summarized strategic positioning was a compressed, efficient way of planning for the future that involved a variety of perspectives and enabled an organization to develop a very effective way of planning for a variety of futures. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes November 20, 2007 Page 8 Councilmember Moore asked how the initiative group was selected. Mr. Hicks answered at the beginning of the process the governing body approved the overall plan of strategic positioning and the governing body may select 1-2 people to establish the core group. The core group then selects the members of each of the other groups. Councilmember Moore asked whether the people involved in trend analysis must be from outside the area. Mr. Hicks answered no, noting there were many experts throughout the region. Councilmember Moore asked how long the process took. Mr. Hicks answered it could be compressed into as little as four weeks with most of the work done within three days - trend analysis on day 1, scenario development and prioritization on day 2, and initiative development on day 3. He summarized this was a phenomenally efficient and effective method. Councilmember Moore pointed out the importance of public input, asking whether the meetings were open to the public. Mr. Hicks answered yes, noting the core group would determine when public input would be most valuable. He commented on various places during the process where the public could be involved depending on the organization. Councilmember Moore commented public involvement increased public buy -in. She referred to City Attorney Scott Snyder's comment regarding the importance of building Council consensus and asked whether strategic positioning assisted with building Council consensus for action items. Mr. Hicks answered yes, noting the consensus would be built around the scenarios which assisted with building consensus for the initiatives. Councilmember Moore was impressed with the concentrated amount of time. She asked whether it assisted the Council in focusing on action items. Mr. Hicks answered yes, noting because the strategic positioning process was short and focused, it was usually revisited in eighteen months to two years. Councilmember Moore commented that timeline fit well into the political cycle. Mr. Hicks agreed, noting many trends had political implications. Mr. Hicks contrasted strategic planning to strategic positioning: strategic planning forces an organization to select one scenario; strategic positioning allowed an organization to plan for a variety of scenarios that had a high likelihood of occurring and would have a high impact on the organization. Councilmember Moore summarized this was the type of high level thinking the Council needed to do. 11. AUDIENCE COMMENTS Alternatives for'! John dmonds commented that not all viable alternatives for the waterfront development had Waterfront Davis,> p Development been explored and presented; the primary concept presented on October 25 was a 7-story mega -project that included 700 condominium units and was out of compliance with current building code height limits. He recalled the reaction of the public at the October 25 presentation was not in favor of the current plan and he requested the public be provided a plan that was compliant with the existing code. He preferred a more open site plan with basic structures in combination with more flexible areas that could be reconfigured to adapt to the needs of year round public assembly, festivals, events, etc. He summarized this was a unique opportunity for Edmonds to consider how best to consider the needs of residents in combination with promoting tourism and economic development via a plan that connects downtown with the waterfront and maintains view corridors. He requested the Council create a taskforce to explore and develop a code -compliant alternative to what has been presented, alternatives that put emphasis on meeting the needs of citizens rather than the owners/developers. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes November 20, 2007 Page 9 Jack Bevan, Edmonds, invited the Council to attend the Port of Edmonds Commission meetings. He Port of Edmonds relayed that at the November 12 budget meeting, he requested the Commission reduce the Port tax by Commission $50,000. In their discussion regarding the budget, a majority of the Commissioners agreed if this year's Meetings net income was satisfactory, they would consider reducing taxes next year. Joan Bloom, Edmonds, a member of the Waterfront Citizens' Group (CG33) expressed disappointment waterfront in the results of CG33 as the final version resented on October 25 was an urban village with 5-6 story Development p g buildings and not the destination that she and others envisioned. She referred to reports in the Edmonds Enterprise that a majority of the community members who spoke at the October 25 meeting were unhappy with the vision for the waterfront. She cited language in the Edmonds Comprehensive Plan under Vision for the Downtown Waterfront area. She expressed dismay that the property owners did not consider citizens' input and that the City and Port had allocated funds to develop the plan. She requested funds be allocated to develop an alternative plan that was consistent with the goals of the Edmonds Comprehensive Plan and within current height limits and that created a destination. She advised further commentary was available at Edmondsforum_com. waterfront John Reed, Edmonds, commented the results of the CG33 did not represent the consensus of the group; Development there were many ideas that did not make the final version. He pointed out the proposed alternative was inconsistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan and the 1994 Downtown Waterfront Plan. He urged the Council to familiarize themselves with the Downtown Waterfront Plan, noting many of the concepts in that Plan were ignored in the proposed alternative. He referred to an article in the Post Intelligences regarding development of a Lake Union Park and grant funds and private funding for that project. He urged the Mayor, Council and Port Commissioners to be visionaries and consider exploring other alternatives. With regard to sales tax, he recalled there was an effort to allocate sales tax to the city where the buyer lived. He expressed his appreciation to the Council for their efforts. waterfront Roger Hertrieh, Edmonds, reported on meetings he attended where the waterfront development Development alternatives were presented, noting the consensus he gathered from the public's comments was they were opposed to 700 condominiums and the associated traffic. In discussions with several people at the meetings, many were intrigued by his suggestion that other alternatives had not been explored and that this would be a wonderful place for festivals. He suggested the Council obtain a copy of the written comments provided at the meetings and a list of those in attendance to learn citizens' desires for development of the waterfront. He suggested forming a taskforce of Council and citizens to develop an alternate plan. Next he hoped the City did not plan to have a staff person involved in promoting the private development of the waterfront. waterfront Councilmember Plunkett commented he was somewhat disappointed with the initial presentation of the Development waterfront plan and did not feel enough consideration was given to a code -compliant plan. He acknowledged some members of the CG33 had differing opinions with regard to whether the code - compliant plan was adequately considered. He noted Port Executive Director Chris Keuss has displayed the code -compliant plan at the presentations at the Edmonds Methodist Church and at the Chamber of Commerce. Councilmember Plunkett suggested the Council allocate funds from the Council contingency fund to create a task force to demonstrate an attractive, code -compliant alternative to the community. He emphasized the property owners would make the ultimate decision. He noted there was also some interest by citizens in the City purchasing some property for a park via a bond issue. He noted further information regarding a park on the site would be forthcoming. With regard to recent sales tax, Councilmember Wambolt advised with the passage of the sales tax Sales Tax sourcing sourcing bill by the legislature which becomes effective July 1, sales tax on delivered items would be collected by the city where the item was delivered. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes November 20, 2007 Page 10 waterfront ICouncilmember Moore expressed her support for allocating public funds to create an alternative in the Development same amount that was allocated to the plan created by CG33. She questioned whether the goal was a new skyline that detracted from the downtown or a destination for citizens and visitors. She noted the favored plan for the waterfront development did not provide a destination place. She commented when doorbelling during the recent mayoral campaign, citizens did not support developing the waterfront with multi -story buildings and condominiums. She commented public space would be a better legacy for the Council to strive for. waterfront Councilmember Orvis echoed Councilmember Plunkett's comments, remarking he felt the current codes Development were sufficient for redevelopment of the waterfront. He preferred development occur consistent with the existing code particularly with regard to height, possibly with some flexibility. 12. REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS Community/ Community Services/Development Services Committee Development Councilmember Marin reported the Committee was provided a report on a study of the intersection of 88th Services Committee Avenue West & 196`h Street Southwest. Staff provided a number of alternatives including one that would limit right turns from the southbound approach and could be accomplished for approximately $15,000. The Committee recommended staff present that alternative to the full Council and explore funding alternatives. The second item the Committee discussed was a memorial bench near the Edmonds Museum. The Committee requested staff clarify the location and return to the Committee. The final item the Committee considered was a report on a water use efficient rule implementation program. Staff will provide a presentation to the full Council on December 4. Public safety Public Safety Committee committee Councilmember Plunkett reported the Committee considered Interlocal Agreements with the Town of Woodway for police response and with Mountlake Terrace for animal control as well as two uniform contracts; all the items were approved on the Consent Agenda. Finance Finance Committee committee Councilmember Orvis reported the Committee discussed domestic partner benefits which the Council approved on tonight's agenda. The Committee was also provided an update on the broadband issue; a presentation will be made to the Council on December 4. The Committee was then provided a brief summary regarding staff s recommendation to convert the Edmonds Center for the Arts' interim construction bridge loan into permanent financing via a bond backed by the City. The Committee also discussed a donated property ordinance which was approved on the Consent Agenda. The Committee also discussed several budget items which were approved on tonight's agenda. 13. MAYOR'S COMMENTS 88th Ave. w Mayor Haakenson advised of a public hearing on December 4 regarding the 88th Avenue West & 196th 1ntersection 96rs St. sw IStreet Southwest intersection. He noted there had been some confusion regarding the recommended change. In the study the Community Services/Development Services Committee received, there was a recommendation for a right turn only in both directions when actually the proposed right -turn only was northbound on 88th Avenue West. 14. COUNCIL COMMENTS Council President Olson and Councilmembers Orvis and Moore wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes November 20, 2007 Page II Councilmember Plunkett wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. He provided a reminder of the earn Ave. w i December 4 public hearing regarding 196th Street Southwest & 88`h Avenue West, noting seven 196th st. sw alternatives were developed. Although he welcomed staff s recommendation, he encouraged the public to lnterseetion comment on all the alternatives. Councilmember Wambolt wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. 88th Ave. w i Councilmember Marin clarified staff s recommendation and the Community Services/Development 196th St. sW th 196th St*. s Services Committees recommendation regarding the 196 Street Southwest & 88th Avenue West intersection was limited access — right turn only from the south leg of 88th Avenue West. Student Representative Scheibert wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. 15. ADJOURN With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 8:49 p.m. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes November 20, 2007 Page 12