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04/25/2006 City CouncilApril 25, 2006 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 Deanna Dawson, Council President Michael Plunkett, Councilmember Richard Marin, Councilmember Mauni Moore, Councilmember Peggy Pritchard Olson, Councilmember Dave Orvis, Councilmember Ron Wambolt, Councilmember ALSO PRESENT Franciesca Bulaclac, Student Representative STAFF PRESENT Tom Tomberg, Fire Chief David Stern, Chief of Police Duane Bowman, Development Services Director Stephen Clifton, Community Services Director Jennifer Gerend, Economic Development Dir. Noel Miller, Public Works Director Rob Chave, Planning Manager Dave Gebert, City Engineer Sandy Chase, City Clerk Jana Spellman, Senior Executive Council Asst. Jeannie Dines, Recorder Mayor Haakenson announced that the Executive Session that had been scheduled at 6:00 p.m. this evening was cancelled. 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Change to genda Mayor Haakenson relayed Councilmember Wambolt's request that Consent Agenda Item I be presented by staff, moving that item to Agenda Item 3A and Item 3 to Item 3B. COUNCILMEMBER MARIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER WAMBOLT, FOR APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chuck Cain chuck Cain Mayor Haakenson advised of the loss of a dear friend to the City of Edmonds, Chuck Cain, who passed away on April 22, 2006 at the age of 82 after a brief illness. Mr. Cain was a 58 -year resident of Edmonds and a longtime owner of Edmonds Lumber. He served as a volunteer firefighter for over 20 years, was selected the 1997 Edmonds Citizen of the year, was a charter member of the Edmonds Fire Safety Foundation and was an inspiration to the many firefighters he came into contact with. He regularly shot his age or less on the golf course and was extremely proud of that accomplishment. Mayor Haakenson expressed the city's heartfelt sorrow to his wife, Joy, and their family. He concluded Mr. Cain was one of the good guys and he would be missed. A memorial service is planned for Saturday April 29 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lynnwood at 1:00 p.m. 2. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS COUNCILMEMBER MOORE MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MARIN, FOR APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The agenda items approved are as follows: Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes April 25, 2006 Page 1 Approve (A) ROLL CALL 4/18/06 Minutes (B) APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 18, 2006. Approve Claim (C) APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS #87325 THROUGH #87507 FOR APRIL 20, 2006, IN Checks THE AMOUNT OF $1,313,963.97. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL DIRECT DEPOSITS AND CHECKS #42856 THROUGH #42913 FOR THE PERIOD APRIL 1 THROUGH APRIL 15, Community 2006, IN THE AMOUNT OF $790,404.40. Services Department (D) COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT QUARTERLY REPORT - APRIL, 2006. Economic Development (E) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT QUARTERLY REPORT. Department Snohomish (F) INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING SNOHOMISH REGIONAL DRUG Regional Drug TASK FORCE, FISCAL YEAR 2006 -2007. Task Force Fire - Rescue (G) AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN FIRE - RESCUE BOAT MOORAGE Boat Moorage AGREEMENT WITH PORT OF EDMONDS. greement Res# 1123 (H) RESOLUTION NO. 1123 COMMENDING FRANCIESCA BULACLAC AS STUDENT Student COUNCIL, REPRESENTATIVE. Representative Lift Station 2 (J) AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN ADDENDUM NO. 2 TO THE and 3 Project PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BERRYMAN & HENIGAR, INC. FOR LIFT STATION 2 REHABILITATIONILIFT STATION 13 ELIMINATION PROJECT. Meadowdale Beach Road (K) AUTHORIZATION TO CALL FOR BIDS FOR THE MEADOWDALE BEACH ROAD Drainage DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT. 242° St. SW Stonn (L) AUTHORIZATION TO CALL FOR BIDS FOR THE 242ND STREET SW STORM Improvements IMPROVEMENTS (PHASE H) PROJECT. Engineering 3A. ENGINEERING DIVISION GRANT INFORMATION Division Urant Information City Engineer Dave Gebert recalled discussion during the CIP presentation regarding grants the City has obtained for sidewalks. He provided a summary of grants and low interest loans managed by the Engineering Division during the past four years for sidewalks: • $150,000 grant for the Woodway Elementary walkway • $167,500 grant for the 96f' Avenue walkway leading to Westgate Elementary • $4,000 grant for Seaview Elementary walkway improvements • $3.2 million in state and federal grants and $740,000 in low interest Public Works Trust Fund loans for the 220th Street project that includes sidewalks on both sides of the street which lead to Westgate Elementary • $250,000 grant for the design and right -of -way acquisition phase of a project to complete Edmonds' link of the Interurban Trail Mr. Gebert advised last year staff applied for a grant for the 164t" Street walkway in the area of Meadowdale Elementary, Meadowdale Middle School and Meadowdale High School which the city did not receive. Staff intended to submit for the grant again next year. He displayed a list of grants and low interest loans that the Engineering Division had secured and managed since January 2001, a total of $9.8 million of which $5.8 million were transportation, walkways and street projects and $3.6 million were utility projects. He noted these were only the grants/low interest loans managed by Engineering; other departments also obtained and managed grants. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes April 25, 2006 Page 2 Student 3B. PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTION TO STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE FRANCIESCA Representative BULACLAC. F. Bulaclac Council President Dawson read and presented Resolution No. 1123 to Student Representative Franciesca Bulaclac for her service as Student Representative on the Edmonds City Council for the period March I — April 25, 2006. Student Representative Bulaclac thanked the Council and the Mayor for their support and hospitality during her term as student representative. She cited many things she learned from her experience including all the hard work that went into maintaining the beauty of the city and the work that went into every action to ensure citizens were safe and content. Most importantly she learned about all the hard work the Council and Mayor put into making Edmonds such an amazing place. Mayor Haakenson thanked Ms. Bulaclac for her service. Governmental 4. UPDATE BY MIKE DOUBLEDAY CITY OF EDMONDS GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS Affairs CONTRACTOR. Contractor Mike Doubleday, Government Affairs Contractor, referred to the weekly update he distributes during the legislative session. He highlighted top priority issues including Edmonds Crossing; the supplemental transportation budget accelerated $6 million in Edmonds Crossing funding, $3 million each to the 2007- 09 biennium and the 2009 -11 biennium. The State has indicated they will commit $58 million in transportation dollars to Edmonds Crossing construction through 2017 . and there was $110 million in the Regional Transportation Investment District (RTID) package for Edmonds Crossing. He commented on the State ferry system's plans to conduct a financial study of the shortfall in their capital construction budget over the next ten years. Mr. Doubleday advised RTID and Sound Transit cannot go to the ballot in 2006; they must go to the ballot in 2007 together and both measures must pass in order for either to be approved. RTID may establish new boundaries and the County Executives must approve RTID plans by county. If there is no RTID by December 1, 2007, Transportation Benefit Districts (TBD) can be established. The legislature allowed for single county RTID if no RTID exists by December 2007 and requires a Seattle advisory ballot vote in November 2006 on the Alaskan Way Viaduct tunnel or rebuild or the City Council selecting an alternative. Councilmember Moore asked whether there were any vacancies on the RTID Board in Snohomish County. Mr. Doubleday was not certain. Councilmember Moore inquired about representation on the RTID Board. Mr. Doubleday answered RTID consists of a Planning Board and an Executive Board; the Executive Board was comprised of two representatives from each county. He advised there would be a governance commission this summer to discuss RTID governance. Mr. Doubleday reported Streamlined Sales Tax (SST) did not pass this year. Although it passed the Senate 48 -0 and there were sufficient votes in the House, the Speaker did not want SST this year. He anticipated it would pass in 2007. Mr. Doubleday stated there was no bill regarding the additional 0.4 Real Estate Excise Tax (REST) in exchange for cities no longer charging impact fees. This issue may return in 2007. With regard to funding for the Old Woodway High School playfields, he advised the supplemental capital budget was very small and primarily for emergencies. Mr. Doubleday described action on support issues including pension legislation. Due to a large unfunded liability in the PERS system, there will be a gradual phase in of the new rates, from 2.25% currently to 7.5% by 2008. With regard to tax increment financing, this was passed as a Local Infrastructure Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes April 25, 2006 Page 3 Financing (LIF) tool to assist local governments with economic development. These were State funds that would fund projects up to $1 million per year for up to 25 years, one project per county. In response to a question from Councilmember Wambolt, he acknowledged it was not truly tax increment financing. Mr. Doubleday advised a number of bills with regard to GMA were introduced but none passed. Further, a number of sex offender bills passed this year including SB 6325 which preempts cities from enacting local ordinances dictating where sex offenders can live in their communities and directs AWC to convene a working group to identify statewide standards cities must use if the preemption is to be lifted. Mr. Doubleday highlighted other bills of interest including SB 6411 regarding collective bargaining and SB 6241 regarding the use of federal transportation funds. He advised of interim task forces including the ferry study, government liability task force, sex offender task force, and Regional Transportation. Governance Task Force (report due November 15, 2006), an effort to combine PSRC, Sound Transit, and King County Metro. He referred to the airport study passed during the 2005 session, advising a facilities study is due September 2006, a needs analysis is due by July 2007 and by July 2009 the planning council . must report to the Governor on what the State should do over the next 25 years to satisfy aviation needs. Upcoming initiatives that affect local government include I -917 which caps motor vehicle fees at $30 and repeals the vehicle weight fees in the 2005 Transportation Partnership Act, and I -933 which requires compensation when government regulation damages the use or value of private property. Councilmember Plunkett thanked Mr. Doubleday for his report and for his weekly updates during the legislative session. Edmonds Port 15. JOINT MEETING WITH THE EDMONDS PORT COMMISSION Commission Councilmember Wambolt, Council liaison to the Port, described how this joint meeting arose, recalling in February Commissioner Faires and he discussed the Port's acquisition of the buildings at Harbor Square (with the exception of the hotel) and the opportunity this posed for development in that area. This issue was discussed at the Council retreat as part of the economic development discussion and the Council expressed interest in further discussion. Following the retreat, Community Services Director Stephen Clifton, Commissioner Faires, Commissioner Orvis, Port Executive Director Chris Keuss and he met for further discussion. They concluded development would likely involve the old Safeway site and it would be important to have the property owner, Al Dykes, involved. Commissioner Faires agreed to speak with Mr. Dykes regarding his interest. It was then agreed to hold a joint meeting to discuss the City and Port's interest in development in that area. He clarified the Port owned all the buildings with the exception of the hotel and had recently signed a 25 -year lease with the health club. Public /Private D. PUBLIC /PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES - MARITIME TRUST Development Councilmember Wambolt advised Maritime Trust was the company developing the Everett waterfront. Ken Olsen, Maritime Trust Company, provided a history of the Everett waterfront project that began six years ago when the Port of Everett was faced with under - utilized waterfront property and posed similar questions — how to create a benefit for the community out of the valuable waterfront property, how to bring the stakeholders together for discussion, bring team members together, and what to develop. Mr. Olsen displayed an aerial of the 65 acre Port Gardner Wharf site in Everett, north of the existing marina basin that contains existing waterfront uses including a marina, boatyard and industrial activities. The Everett Port began a process of putting out to the public a variety of alternative development scenarios with different ratios of land uses. Each contained a mix of uses that included marine trades and Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes April 25, 2006 Page 4 maritime uses that related to the surrounding existing condition of one of the largest marinas on the west coast (over 2,000 slips) with residential use being the economic engine /driver for the project. He noted along with the residential units were retail, small floor plate office, large floor plate office, a hospitality (hotels, theaters, restaurants) components and a new marina. The goal was to determine the correct mix of uses as the craftsman district (boatyard and related retail and light industrial uses) would likely be revenue negative for the Port and the project, and rents for retailers may need to be subsidized during the first few years of the project. This reinforced that residential was the main economic driver of the project. Mr. Olsen advised four alternatives were created over a series of two years of public hearings and meetings; over 200 public meetings were held with community groups, Planning Commission, City Council, individuals, and interest groups to reach the conclusion approximately 1% years ago when the Port Commission selected Alternative 1 as their preferred development scenario. He noted their selection was based on the economic bottom line of the performance of the project and the benefits to the Port and the private developer as well as the City. Alternative 1 created approximately 1,800 additional jobs — office, hospitality, construction — whose payroll amounted to approximately $81 million annually. The annual taxes to Everett were approximately $2 million with another $500,000 to Snohomish County. In their selection process, the Port also considered their guiding principles — an economically viable Master Plan, a Plan based on sound economics, realize potential as a year -round community asset, support and compliment overall vision for Everett, enhance maritime functions, and extensive community and stakeholder involvement. He described benefits to the public from the project including approximately 7 acres of public access and parks on the waterfront, 11/2 miles of public walkway on the water's edge, amphitheater /plaza for public use and performances, and a pedestrian connection from the existing marina to the new marina, boatyard and existing marina parks. Mr. Olsen commented on press the project received during the six -year process, highlighting the comment regarding the scarcity of waterfront property and the importance of using the waterfront property wisely. He displayed the site plan, identifying the open space network around the entire site, mixed use waterfront community, high quality pedestrian neighborhood, maximizing the use of high value waterfront, and creation of a new marina, visitor floats, craftsman district with haul -out and boatyard. Mr. Olsen described their consideration of how to properly form urban spaces on the waterfront for the benefit of the community including the creation of open space, installation of art, systems of demarcation, connections to other open spaces, and how spaces were formed as outdoor rooms. They also considered how to activate pedestrian and urban spaces which included the proportion of the space, features of the space, how the space was used, and ensuring spaces were adequately scaled for activities such as farmers markets and other community events. Another consideration was how individual residences expressed themselves on the street; they created townhouse units whose front doors opened onto the street via a courtyard or stoop to provide a presence /personality on the street. He described their efforts to also provide a link to the maritime heritage of the area. Mr. Olsen described the system of open spaces that lead to the waterfront trail and throughout the project. They were working with the Snohomish County Artist Community to create art for public spaces. He noted public gathering places such as the plaza and displayed examples of streetscapes they considered. The residential district will have up to 660 units, approximately 726,000 square feet, about half of the overall site program of 1.5 million square feet. He referred to flexibility in the plan that would allow some of the large -plate office to be converted into residential if the market did not develop. He described materials for the residential units and courtyards planned for larger buildings. He noted the craftsman district was a substantial piece of the project, a 7 -acre new boatyard and associated marine and retail uses. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes April 25, 2006 Page 5 Mr. Olsen explained phase 1 included creation of the new marina, 3/4 of the new boatyard, approximately 200 condominium units, approximately 60,000 square feet of retail and a new bulkhead and parking resource for the existing marina on the south. Commissioner Faires noted the scale available in Everett was not the same as Edmonds but the long range planning for the Harbor Square site, the old Safeway property, and the vacated ferry holding lanes would approach nearly the scale available in Everett. Commissioner Block inquired about progress on condominium sales. Mr. Olsen answered they planned to open the sale center and begin taking reservations in August. Without doing any marketing, they have a list of approximately 1800 people who have expressed interest; using the rule of thumb that 10% would be converted into sales, approximately 180 or nearly the entire first phase would be sold. Councilmember Moore asked how a public private partnership worked. Mr. Olsen stated their partnership was between the Port and Maritime Trust. The rationale was the Port had bonding capacity and certain relationships with regard to waterfront development that the private sector did not have. The private sector brings capital resources and community design talent. The partnership was formed wherein the Port used its capacities to develop the infrastructure (roads, utilities, marinas, walkways, etc.) and Maritime Trust used their talents to develop the retail, condominium and overall project management. Both provided funds and would share in the profits in proportions similar to what were provided. Councilmember Moore asked about the City of Everett's involvement. Mr. Olsen answered Everett was their neighbor and the land use jurisdiction. Maritime Trust approached Everett with a request for a Planned Development Overlay Zone that described the project from a land use perspective. Everett is the final authority and permitting entity. The Port has a development agreement with Everett to perform in a certain way and Maritime Trust has an agreement with the Port to create the project. For Commissioner Burkhart, Mr. Olsen explained the Port of Everett owned the land; Maritime Trust will purchase the portion of the property under the residential uses as an outright fee - simple purchase from the Port at the time construction begins. He noted the value to the private sector of the Port carrying the property during the permitting process. The Port will retain ownership of all the property except the residential land. Maritime will execute long term leases on all non - residential uses that are not part of the Port- specific mission such as the craftsman district. Commissioner Faires explained under State law it was believed Ports were prohibited from owning land under residential zoning. Councilmember Wambolt asked how Maritime Trust got involved in the development. Mr. Olsen . advised the Port put out an RFP to which five firms responded. Maritime Trust was selected as the developer via a rigorous evaluation process. History of I B. HISTORY OF HARBOR SQUARE SITE Harbor Sqq uare Development Services Director Duane Bowman displayed an aerial photograph of the downtown area, identifying Harbor Square and the Edmonds Marsh. Historical aerial photographs indicated this site had always been underutilized. He described former uses on the property including a railroad switch used to repair railroad cars and Union Oil company uses. Mr. Bowman explained the site was zoned Industrial Park in the early 1960s and remained in that state until 1975 when the City considered and approved an industrial park plan for that area that was never implemented. In 1979 the Port submitted a Comprehensive Plan amendment and contract rezone to General Commercial and open space (walkway on the backside). The contract rezone allowed General Commercial uses such as retail, office, service with limited light industrial and maritime uses, a building Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes April 25, 2006 Page 6 height of 35 feet and two stories. In late 1999, the contract rezone was amended to 35 feet which allowed three story buildings. Construction on the first building began in 1982; today there are nine major buildings on the site. Mr. Bowman commented on the potential for redevelopment of Harbor Square, identifying the area to the north, the Antique Mall /old Safeway /Mr. Dykes' property, Skippers, James Street right -of -way, and the Port property. Downtown I Waterfront PI C. REVIEW CURRENT DOWNTOWN WATERFRONT PLAN an Planning Manager Rob Chave explained the Downtown Waterfront Plan began in 1975 and was adopted as a separate specific plan governing the waterfront area. Last year the city integrated the Downtown - Waterfront Plan in the Comprehensive Plan. This was done in an effort to integrate development into the surrounding downtown and the shift from traditional, planned zoning toward Master Plan development. The current plan has three Master Plans governing that area — the Port, Pt. Edwards and a reservation for the Edmonds Crossing project. A new concept in the 2005 Comprehensive Plan update was to highlight this area as another Master Plan area. The Comprehensive Plan contains general language regarding mixed use, orientation to the street, pedestrian access and public open space as well as a design - driven Master Plan that governs the development. It was anticipated the City and Port would work together to expand on that definition and incorporate additional detail into the Comprehensive Plan. Historically Harbor Square, the old Safeway site, Skippers and the parking area were viewed as separate sites. With the advent of the multi -modal project, the potential of abandoning some right -of -way, and Sound Transit projects, there is an opportunity for a larger synergistic development. Council President Dawson commented this was only the beginning; there would be many more discussions over the coming months. Harbor Square I Status A. REVIEW STATUS OF HARBOR SQUARE Commissioner Orvis stated on March 31, 2006 the Port took ownership of all the Harbor Square buildings with the exception of the hotel and health club. The health club and the hotel have long term land leases with the Port. The hotel is in negotiations for sale with a third party; one who is interested in upgrading the hotel to a boutique hotel. The Port's initial plans for Harbor Square are to upgrade it to attract tenants to make it more financially viable. The Port needs to decide what to do with the property as well as determine the City's plans for the site. The goal is to have development fit with what currently exists as well as be open to opportunity to developing the site in conjunction with the property across the street. Council President Dawson recalled this topic was discussed at the retreat, and the Council was committed to making redevelopment of Harbor Square and the old Safeway property happen. She relayed the Council's openness to different options and interest in attracting a boutique hotel to that area either via redevelopment of the Harbor Inn or a new hotel on the old Safeway property. She referred to the prohibition on residential development if the Port owned the property, noting mixed use would be critical to making development financially viable. Therefore a public- private partnership may be necessary to achieve redevelopment. Councilmember Moore congratulated the Port on their remarkable foresight in acquiring the Harbor Square buildings. She commented there were many moving parts to development of the waterfront due to Edmonds Crossing and the need to work with the State with regard to roads, the ferry holding lanes, etc. Commissioner Faires agreed, pointing out development of the Edmonds waterfront was more complex than in Everett because there were more players. Conversely, if the sites were not developed together, the result was likely to be piecemeal redevelopment that was not homogenous and would not optimize the Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes April 25, 2006 Page 7 aesthetic or economic potential of the property. He emphasized the importance of determining the highest and best use, developing a process and proceeding. Council President Dawson commented adding detail to the Comprehensive Plan regarding what should occur in this area may drive redevelopment. She agreed it was important to determine what the City and the Port wanted and to amend the Comprehensive Plan. Councilmember Marin recalled when he was the liaison to the Port, designers produced graphics of what might be developed on the property. What was missing at the time was taking it to the next step, exploring what would be economically feasible, identifying partners, etc. He was thrilled the Port was discussing this with the City. He noted development of the Everett waterfront is an amenity to the region. Commissioner Orvis commented what the Port of Everett did was less important than how they reached that point, the six year process that included a great deal of public involvement so that the necessary support was in place once a plan was developed. Commissioner Faires observed there was consensus between the Port and the Council that it was important to talk about development. The next step was determining the process to begin the initial phases of development such as developing a vision. Council President Dawson proposed staff suggest methods for public outreach, agreeing public involvement was key. Councilmember Wambolt suggested learning from Everett's process. He noted another issue may be building heights and inquired about the building heights in the Everett waterfront development. Mr. Olsen answered the maximum height was 65 feet although heights varied throughout the development from 65 to 35 feet. Commissioner Faires commented on the geography of Everett where there was nothing below the bluff, therefore, buildings with a height of 65 feet would not block any views which was not the case in Edmonds. However, he envisioned some opportunity for increased height in Edmonds without significant view blockage particularly along the waterfront if the buildings were modulated. Councilmember Moore suggested charettes as a method of providing the public an opportunity to visualize different alternatives. Mr. Olsen explained to illustrate the heights in Everett, they hired a company who used balloons and a surveyor to create the shape of the tallest buildings to allow the public to visualize the view that would be impacted by the structures. Commissioner Block commented this was a very sensitive area of Everett as there were many established, stately homes on the bluff and it had the potential to be a controversial project. Councilmember Plunkett suggested the public process associated with adding details to the Comprehensive Plan was a good place to start. Councilmember Orvis stated the downtown mixed use regulations need not necessarily apply to this area; flexibility could enhance development opportunities. He encouraged the City and Port to be creative. Commissioner Faires asked what the next steps would be, observing the City needed to be involved as well as other private property owners. Commissioner Orvis suggested Councilmember Wambolt, Commissioner Faires, Mr. Clifton and Mr. Keuss meet to propose next steps. Al Dykes, owner of the Edmonds Shopping Center property, thanked Councilmembers Moore and Wambolt for their invitation to tonight's meeting. He asked to be included in future discussions, Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes April 25, 2006 Page 8 commenting he did not want to wait another six years for development to occur. Over the years he has engaged various consultants to evaluate the property and to date he had not received sufficient return on his capital investment to maintain the present course of action and was being advised to make decisions. Those decisions were likely to be made in the next year unless he saw real action taking place. Mr. Dykes explained he had owned the property for 22 years and had numerous opportunities to develop it in the past but believed the property presented an extremely unique opportunity to the community. He commented it would be a tragedy if the City did not make decisions soon and this opportunity was lost. He was willing to actively participate in maintaining that vision but not if it was an endless process. Councilmember Marin commented one of the key things in Everett was involving the appropriate people in development including reviewing the current zoning and developing a range of options including benefits and challenges. Councilmember Olson expressed support for developing a timeline, noting frustration arose when the process drug on. Council President Dawson agreed, suggesting an update be provided at the Council's next work meeting and another joint meeting with the Port be scheduled when appropriate. Councilmember Moore inquired about the schedule for amending the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Bowman advised the Comprehensive Plan could be amended once a year; he envisioned a 2007 Comprehensive Plan amendment unless the Council declared an emergency. Railroad Quiet Zone E. RAILROAD - QUIET ZONE DISCUSSION Community Services Director Stephen Clifton explained that under nationwide Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) rules, trains are required to sound their horn at a certain decibel any time they approach an intersection. At staff's request in 2004, BNSF staff prepared drawings illustrating what would be required to establish a quiet zone at Dayton and Main Streets. The cost to install the necessary elements at Dayton was approximately $200,000 for gates, circuitry and lighting which did not include associated costs such as C- curbs, barriers, etc. The cost for Main Street was at least $225,000 which did not include the associated costs. At the time the cost for both intersections exceeded $500,000. BNSF pays none of the costs when a community establishes a quiet zone, the jurisdiction pays 100% of the cost. Mr. Clifton referred to the installation of the second track associated with the Sound Transit project and staff's inquiry to Sound Transit whether they could install equipment necessary to establish a quiet zone as part of their intersection improvements. Sound Transit advised this was not part of their scope or budget and they were unwilling to contribute. Sound Transit applied for a grant for the intersection of Dayton Street but it was for non -quiet zone elements. Mr. Bowman explained an alternative to establishing a quiet zone was an automated horn at each intersection that simulated the locomotive horn but was very localized. This would require installation of a directional horn at Dayton and Main. Streets to direct the sound to the streets where the drivers were located. When he attended a demonstration of the automated horn system, he found that although the sound was intense at that intersection, the decibel level dropped dramatically away from the intersection. He noted the gates and signal arms were still required, the train tripped a circuit that activated the horn. The jurisdiction was responsible for all costs; two years ago the cost was estimated at $50,000- $60,000 per street for just the horn and did not include the circuitry which also must be re- certified every 2t /z -3 years. He noted this would not eliminate the sound; the difference was it would not be a community -wide event, it would be localized to that intersection. He recalled the estimated cost of the circuitry was $7500- 8500 but it would depend on the intersection. He reiterated it would not be a true quiet zone as the horn Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes April 25, 2006 Page 9 would sound at the intersection. He planned to obtain a more definitive estimate from a private firm that installs the automated horn systems. Commissioner Faires explained this topic was included on the agenda because the trains were a feature of Edmonds that Everett did not have and mitigation of train noise would have great value to redevelopment in this area. Commissioner Block suggested obtaining information from Mukilteo who was in the process of establishing a railroad quiet zone. Councilmember Moore asked whether Sound Transit would pay for the directional horns. Mr. Clifton answered the directional horns were not part of Sound Transit's intersection improvements. The directional horns would have a significant impact on residences parallel to Main and Dayton such as Harbor Square or the old Safeway property. A more desirable alternative would be the railroad quiet zone which allowed the trains to pass through without any horn. Mr. Bowman stated one of the difficulties was that Railroad Avenue did not create true T- intersections. Another issue was Bracketts Landing due to the need to stop all pedestrian and vehicle traffic. The demonstration of the automated horn simulated a street similar to the Main Street configuration. There was a hotel approximately 1/4 mile south of the intersection where the demonstration was conducted; the decibel level dropped considerably in that distance. The automated horn would be audible from any hotel at Harbor Square or the old Safeway site. Commissioner Orvis recalled original estimates were $500,000 and asked if additional barriers would be necessary due to Sound Transit's double tracking. Mr. Clifton commented the barriers associated with the railroad quiet zone would have a significant visual impact as two arms would be required on each side of the railroad tracks for a total of four each at Dayton and Main Streets as well as additional lights, and a gate at Bracketts Landing North. Commissioner Block asked how the railroad quiet zone would affect non - intersection areas. Mr. Clifton advised there were currently three identified areas in the city where the train must sound its horn. In addition, the engineer was authorized to sound the horn anytime they believed there was an unsafe condition or there were railroad workers on the tracks. Council President Dawson asked if there was liability for the City with the automated horn system, particularly if the City were responsible for maintenance. Mr. Bowman stated the local jurisdiction bore the total responsibility for maintenance and operation. Mr. Clifton noted the City would be the agency that would declare the area as a quiet zone once the elements were installed, BNSF would only agree. Commissioner Faires asked whether there was any history of grant funds for this type of project. Mr. Clifton answered none that staff could identify. Commissioner Block inquired about the grant that Sound Transit applied for. Mr. Clifton answered it was for intersection and at -grade improvements, lighting and striping to make the intersection safer for automobiles and pedestrians but was not associated with a quiet zone. Councilmember Marin acknowledged Sound Transit tried to avoid scope creep but was willing to partner with local jurisdictions. He noted a partnership may be possible if staff were able to make a proposal at the time Sound Transit was executing the work with BNSF on the interim station. 6. AUDIENCE COMMENTS Old Wodway Al Rutledge, Edmonds, referenced petitions he submitted in support of a park at the old Woodway Elementary Elementary School site noting he also submitted the petitions to the Edmonds School District Board. His School Property � � g p understanding was that the City had 45 days to identify the remaining funds to purchase the property. In Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes April 25, 2006 Page 10 response to comments at the School Board meeting that the City was contemplating a park levy, he pointed out it would take longer than 45 days to take the steps necessary to ensure a successful levy. 7. MAYOR'S COMMENTS Mayor Haakenson had no report. 8. INDIVIDUAL COUNCIL REPORTS ON OUTSIDE COMMITTEE /BOARD MEETINGS Pon Councilmember Wambolt reported the April 10 Port meeting included a presentation from Bob Drewell commission regarding PSRC. Mr. Drewell offered to assist with identifying candidates to assist with the Meeting redevelopment of Harbor Square. Councilmember Wambolt suggested Mr. Drewell be invited to make a presentation regarding PSRC to the Council. Also at that meeting, the Edmonds Yacht Club discussed more extensive holiday decorations. The Port agreed and plans are underway for more decorations on the docks during the holidays. In addition, the Port approved an expenditure to upgrade the landscaping at Harbor Square. Team Edmonds provided an update at the April 26 Port meeting. The Port receives a quarterly report from Team Edmonds due to their $20,000 contribution. He asked whether the city also contributed to Team Edmonds. Councilmember Moore advised the City provided $15,000 and $5,000 for camera equipment; the Economic Development Director administers those funds. She noted the expenditure of those funds was addressed in the Economic Development Director's quarterly report. Councilmember Wambolt advised the Deputy Port Director reported activities at the Port were down due to high fuel prices. He concluded his report advising the Port was receiving a large number of moorage applications. cTAC I Councilmember Olson encouraged the public to attend the April 26 Edmonds Community Technology Committee Advisory Committee (CTAC) meeting. CTAC was considering partnering with Edmonds Community College, Stevens Hospital, Lynnwood, University of Washington, etc. She also reported the South S. Snohomish Snohomish Cities was meeting on April 27. The cities were in the process of identifying three issues the cities nine entities (Woodway, Brier, Bothell, Mukilteo, Mill Creek, Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood, Edmonds and the Port) could agree on and take to the Legislature. wx1A s Councilmember Orvis reported he would be trading Council President Dawson the Long Range Finance committee Committee for the WRIA 8 Committee. seashore Councilmember Moore reported the SeaShore Transportation Forum was discussing RTID and Sound Transportation Transit ballot measures. The controversy in Snohomish County was over the RTID and Sound Transit Forum. boundary because it would determine whether Hwy. 9 received any funding from RTID. She also community reported the Community Outreach Committee had a presentation from Edmonds Community College Outreach staff regarding a proposal for television production on Channel 21. The Committee also discussed the policies regarding the newsletter which will be forwarded to the Council. She invited the community to Building Community Day at the College on Friday, May 5 and to pick up a calendar of events. Councilmember Plunkett requested the Economic Development Committee report to the Council what Economic prevented businesses from coming to Edmonds. He recalled one of the earl goals for the Economic Development 1� g y g committee Development Department was user - friendly permitting and asked the Committee to investigate progress on that issue. Council President Dawson advised the Committee posed those questions to Economic Development Director Jennifer Gerend who was developing a list that could be presented to the Council for potential action. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes April 25, 2006 Page 11 ri° Next Councilmember Plunkett reported the Historic Preservation Commission planned to fast-track rviation fission placing on the Edmonds Register the 6 to 7 structures already on a National Register. He advised the ordinance to facilitate that action would be presented to the Council in the near future. Adaptive reuse provisions written by the Commission to assist residences in the 4h Avenue corridor retain the integrity of buildings when they were converted to commercial uses have been forwarded to the Planning Board for recommendation to the Council. Expedited permits and reduced fees for structures on the Historic Register will also be presented to the Council soon. Parking With regard to the Parking Committee, Councilmember Plunkett advised he planned to forward the email Committee from Mr. Phillips to the parking committee. He pointed out when the parking enforcement officer was hired in September 2005, approximately 300 tickets per months were written in the first few months. The number of tickets has decreased to 150, commenting on the effectiveness of parking enforcement. He relayed a number of merchants have noticed a difference in the amount of available parking. Issues the Committee was considering and would soon forward to the Council included prohibiting RV parking downtown, a proposal to change a few of the ADA parking spaces, and requiring downtown residents to park further away so that the 3-hour parking zone was available for visitors. Sound Transit Councilmember Marin reported he recently had the privilege of making the motion at the Sound Transit Finance Committee to move ahead with the north link, the extension of light rail from Pine Street to Northgate, which the Committee passed unanimously. The Sound Transit Board will vote on the north link on April 27. When he spoke to the motion, he emphasized the importance of that link to north King County/south Snohomish County residents to facilitate the next section. Student Rep Bulaclac reported three weeks ago she volunteered to raise funds for the Holy Rosary Youth Band; the funds raised were used to purchase instruments for students who could not afford them. Mayor Haakenson remarked it had been a pleasure to have Ms. Bulaclac serve as the Council's Student Representative. 9. ADJOURN With no further business,the Council meeting was adjourned at 9:23 p.m. GARY HAAKENSON, MAYOR SANDRA S. CHASE, CITY CLERK Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes April 25,2006 Page 12 ink AGENDA EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL Council Chambers, Public Safety Complex 250 5th Avenue North 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. APRIL 25, 2006 6:30 p.m. - Executive Session Regarding a Real Estate Matter 7:00 p.m. - Call to Order and Flag Salute 1. Approval of Agenda 2. Consent Agenda Items A. Roll Call B. Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes of April 18, 2006. C. Approval of claim checks #87325 through #87507 for April 20, 2006, in the amount of $1,313,963.97. Approval of payroll direct deposits and checks #42856 through #42913_ for the period April 1 through April 15, 2006, in the amount of$790,404.40. D. Community Services Department Quarterly Report. E. Economic Development Department Quarterly Report. F. Interlocal Agreement Establishing Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force, Fiscal Year 2006-2007. G. Authorization for Mayor to sign Fire-Rescue Boat Moorage Agreement with Port of Edmonds. H. Proposed Resolution commending Franciesca Bulaclac as Student Council Representative. 1. Engineering Division grant information. J. Authorization for Mayor to Sign Addendum No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with Berryman & Henigar, Inc. for Lift Station 2 Rehabilitation / Lift Station 13 Elimination Project. Page 1 of 2 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA APRIL 25, 2006 K. Authorization'to call for bids for the Meadowdale Beach Road Drainage Improvements Project. L. Authorization to call for bids for the 242"d Street SW Storm Improvements (Phase II) Project. 3. ( 5 Min.) Presentation of Resolution to Student Representative Franciesca Bulaclac. 4. (15 Min.) Update by Mike Doubleday, City of Edmonds Governmental Affairs Contractor. 5. (90 Mina Joint meeting with the Edmonds Port Commission. A. Review status of Harbor Square. B. History of Harbor Square site. C. Review current Downtown Waterfront Plan. D. Public/private development opportunities - Maritime Trust. E. Railroad - quiet zone discussion. 6. Audience Comments (3 Minute Limit Per Person)* "Regarding matters not listed on the Agenda as Closed Record Review or as Public Hearings. 7. ( 5 Min.) Mayor's Comments 8. (15 Min.) Individual Council reports on outside committee/board meetings. ADJOURN Parking and meeting rooms are accessible for persons with disabilities. • Please contact the City Clerk at(425) 771-0245 with 24 hours advance notice for special accommodations. • A delayed telecast of the meeting appears on cable television-Government Access Channel 21. • Visit the city's website at www.ci.edmonds.wa.us to view copies of all documents for this agenda. Page 2 of 2