10/24/2006 City CouncilOctober 24, 2006
Following a Special Meeting at 6:15 p.m. for an Executive Session regarding potential litigation and a
meeting with Planning Board candidates 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 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
Mauri Moore, Councilmember
Peggy Pritchard Olson, Councilmember
Dave Orvis, Councilmember
Ron Wambolt, Councilmember
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
STAFF PRESENT
Tom Tomberg, Fire Chief
Gerry Gannon, Assistant Police Chief
Duane Bowman, Development Services Director
Stephen Clifton, Community Services Director
Dan Clements, Administrative Services Director
Brian McIntosh, Parks & Recreation Director
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
Council President Dawson advised Agenda Item 6 would be pulled from the agenda. She explained that
due to issues that were raised during a quasi judicial matter that might impact the Downtown Business
zones and because the Council has not yet entered findings with regard to that quasi judicial matter, it was
advisable not to discuss Item 6 until the quasi judicial matter was concluded to avoid tainting the
proceedings.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT DAWSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MARIN, FOR
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ITEM NO. 6. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
2. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Plunkett requested Item F be removed from the Consent Agenda and Councilmember
Olson requested Item H be removed.
COUNCILMEMBER MARIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT DAWSON, FOR
APPROVAL OF THE REMAINDER OF THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY. The agenda items approved are as follows:
(A) ROLL CALL
(B) APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 17, 2006.
(C) APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS #91579 THROUGH #91748 FOR OCTOBER 19, 2006,
Checks IN THE AMOUNT OF $281,784.16. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL DIRECT DEPOSITS
AND CHECKS #43961 THROUGH #44006 IN THE AMOUNT OF $745,401.66 FOR THE
PERIOD OCTOBER 1 THROUGH OCTOBER 15, 2006.
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October 24, 2006
Page I
(D) ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FROM KERILEE BENNETT
($531.24), AND MARK VOTH ($145.94).
(E) COMMUNITY SERVICES QUARTERLY REPORT — OCTOBER 2006.
(G) CONFIRMATION OF PLANNING BOARD CANDIDATES JOHN REED AND
MICHAEL BOWMAN.
(I) RESOLUTION NO. 1132 IN SUPPORT OF A FOUR -YEAR UNIVERSITY IN THE
SNOHOMISH /ISLAND /SKAGIT COUNTY SERVICE AREA.
ITEM F: AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATION FROM
ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS FOR DESIGN OF THE PUGET DRIVE /9TH AVENUE
NORTH /CASPERS STREET WALKWAY PROJECT
Councilmember Plunkett commented it appeared the funds for this project were not from the REST funds
in excess of $750,000 that were available for sidewalk projects. City Engineer Dave Gebert answered this
project was budgeted as a $380,000 project in the proposed 2007 -2008 budget, $190,000 is anticipated to
be grant funds and $190,000 from Fund 125, the portion of REST taxes in excess of $750,000.
Councilmember Plunkett asked if the excess had been moved to the capital budget. Mr. Gebert answered
yes, explaining Fund 125 was a capital program budget; REST was only available for use on capital
projects. Councilmember Plunkett asked whether this project was on the TIP and where it ranked on the
TIP. Mr. Gebert advised it was on the TIP and was ranked fairly high although he was not certain of the
exact ranking. He explained the portion of the walkway near Edmonds Elementary School had been the
subject of considerable citizen concern.
Councilmember Plunkett asked if the excess funds were allocated based on TIP priorities. Mr. Gebert
answered yes, based on the Council's approval of the CIP and the TIP. Assuming this project was not the
highest priority on the TIP, Councilmember Plunkett asked why this project would be funded instead of
the highest priority. Mr. Gebert answered it was high enough that staff recommended it in their budget
submission to the Council for funding in 2007 -2008 which indicated it was higher than other projects. He
explained he would need to compare it to what projects have been accomplished to determine exactly
where it ranked on the TIP.
Councilmember Plunkett questioned why this project was being done when there were other TIP projects
that were ranked higher. Mr. Gebert answered he was uncertain whether there were other walkway
projects ranked higher than this project; he offered to research the priority of this project in relation to
other walkway projects. Councilmember Plunkett summarized "high enough" did not address the
question of what was the highest priority on the TIP.
Councilmember Wambolt voiced similar concerns, questioning why this item was on tonight's agenda
when the Council had not yet reviewed the 2007 CIP. He noted this project was in the 2007 CIP but was
not in the 2006 CIP. He urged caution with the use of REST funds for walkway projects, preferring those
projects occur late in the year or early the following year to ensure there were adequate excess REET
funds, unless the funds were left over from the previous year. Mr. Gebert answered staff had a high level
of confidence that the City would receive approximately $700,000 in 2006 that would be available for
project expenditures in 2007. He explained the reason this was presented to the Council tonight was so
that staff would be prepared to award a contract for design in January 2007; he did not anticipate any
expenditures on this project in 2006. He pointed out this was for design only, not construction. He
advised a grant application had been submitted for this project.
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Councilmember Wambolt commented it was possible when the Council reviewed the CIP this project
would not be ranked as a high priority. Mr. Gebert agreed it was possible the Council could remove a
project from the capital budget.
Councilmember Marin asked staff to comment on the grant application. Mr. Gebert advised a fairly
extensive scope of the project was included with the grant application; the $400,000 grant included not
only the walkway on the north and west side of the street but also ADA curb ramp improvements and
safety improvements at uncontrolled crosswalks. If the City did not receive the grant, he recommended
proceeding with only a small portion of the project — the walkway between. Olympic View Drive and
Olympic Avenue on which the City has received numerous complaints /concerns from parents that the
area was unsafe for students walking to Edmonds Elementary School. Councilmember Marin asked
about staff's level of confidence that the City would receive the grant. Mr. Gebert advised Traffic
Engineer Don Sims had been in contact with the granting agency for this project and the 164th walkway
and felt the City had a reasonable chance of obtaining the grant.
Councilmember Marin asked whether the Council's approval of this item and staff's subsequent
advertisement for Statements of Qualifications was a promise of work to the highest bidder. Mr. Gebert
answered the consultant should have a reasonable expectation that they would be awarded the design
contract. He recommended proceeding with design, explaining if the City did not receive this grant,
having the design complete would improve the City's chances for future grants. Councilmember Marin
asked the risk of proceeding tonight versus delaying a decision. Mr. Gebert answered if the Council did
not approve this project in the capital budget, staff would not award the consultant contract.
Councilmember Plunkett asked whether the City risked not receiving the grant if the Council did not
approve this. Mr. Gebert answered no, explaining his intent was to be proactive so that work could be
begin on the design in January and if the grant was received, begin construction next summer.
Councilmember Plunkett asked what compelling reason there was for the Council to approve this other
than his desire to be proactive on this project versus another priority on the TIP. Mr. Gebert answered no;
his goal was to be proactive on this high priority project on which a grant application had been submitted.
Councilmember Moore clarified staff's request did not entail an expenditure at this time. Mr. Gebert
agreed, although by advertising for Statements of Qualifications, the consultant community should have a
reasonable expectation that the City would award a contract. He reiterated if the City did not receive the
grant, his recommendation would be to construct a portion of the walkway which would be part of the
design. If staff learned early in the year the City did not receive the grant, the scope of the design could
be reduced.
Councilmember Moore suggested in the future items such as this not be on the Consent Agenda to ensure
the Council had adequate information.
COUNCILMEMBER MARIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT DAWSON, FOR
APPROVAL OF ITEM F.
Councilmember Plunkett advised he would vote against the motion, not because it was not a worthwhile
project but because he was not aware of what other projects may be higher priorities. He preferred to
consider the projects on the TIP in a holistic manner.
Councilmember Wambolt advised he would not support the motion, finding it premature until the Council
adopted the budget.
MOTION CARRIED (5 -2), COUNCILMEMBERS WAMBOLT AND PLUNKETT OPPOSED. The
item approved is as follows:
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(F) AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATION FROM
ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS FOR DESIGN OF THE PUGET DRIVENTH AVENUE
NORTH /CASPERS STREET WALKWAY PROJECT.
ITEM H: PROCLAMATION IN HONOR OF FRIENDS OF THE EDMONDS LIBRARY WEEK
OCTOBER 24 — 28 2006.
Councilmember Olson read a Proclamation declaring, October 24 — 28 as Friends of the Edmonds Library
Week. She presented the Proclamation to Laurie Dressler, President, Friends of the Edmonds Library,
and thanked the Friends for their efforts.
COUNCILMEMBER OLSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MARIN, FOR
APPROVAL OF ITEM H. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The item approved is as
follows:
(H) PROCLAMATION IN HONOR OF FRIENDS OF THE EDMONDS LIBRARY WEEK,
OCTOBER 22 - 24, 2006.
Ms. Dressler commented the Friends of the Edmonds Library were an asset to the library as well as the
community, having donated approximately $500,000 to the Edmonds Library. She was honored to have
served as President of the Friends over the last two years, commenting it was the hardest working, most
dedicated, most participatory group she had ever worked with. She commented on the Friends' recent
efforts including purchasing new signs for the Edmonds Library, working with the Garden Club to ensure
the inside plants were well cared for into the future, and plans to be involved in the outside landscaping
project. She noted three Councilmembers were members of the Friends and she encouraged the Council
and public to join the Friends.
Ms. Dressler advised of the Friends of the Edmonds Library book sale on Saturday, October 27. She
invited Councilmembers to identify a significant, well - loved, or important book they had read.
Mayor Haakenson — "It Was All Just Rock -n -Roll II," by Pat O'Day
Council President Dawson — "The World is Flat"
Councilmember Orvis — "Puppies for Dummies" and "1.776" by David McCullough
Councilmember Moore — poetry and non fiction regarding public policy
Councilmember Wambolt — "Only the Paranoid Survive" by Andy Grove
Councilmember Olson — "1776" by David McCullough and Maisie Dobbs mystery series by Jacqueline
Winspear
Councilmember Plunkett — Winston Churchill Volume 2 by William Manchester
Councilmember Marin — "1776;" a biography of John Paul Jones by Evan Thomas, "From Lucy to
Language" by Johanson and Edgar; and next book "Headstrong" by Linda Carl
3. PUBLIC DEFENDER ANNUAL REPORT
Public Defender Jim Feldman advised it had been another successful year; billings had increased because
of increased caseload and filings. He referred to his letter that provided further information. He advised
they had four attorneys in their office, two were in Edmonds every Wednesday.
Prosecutor
4. PROSECUTOR ANNUAL REPORT
Prosecutor Jim Zachor described the backgrounds of two attorneys they added to their firm, Alberto
Guadagno and Jomel McNair. He explained approximately 75% of the courts in the State of Washington
did away with the breathalyzer test in DUI cases last year which made it more difficult to prosecute DUI
cases. Two weeks ago the Supreme Court declared the statute constitutional, reinstating the use of the
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October 24, 2006
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breathalyzer test. He anticipated an increase in the number of DUI filings. He summarized overall the
number of filings had increased substantially over the past year.
Councilmember Orvis commented the City's nuisance dog barking code was currently a misdemeanor
and consideration was being given to ways to make it easier to enforce. He asked if they had any
experience with that law in other jurisdictions. Melanie Dane Thomas answered they did not see many
dog barking cases, the majority of animal control cases were dangerous dogs. Councilmember Orvis
asked if she could provide further information for the Public Safety Committee meeting.
5. PRESENTATION BY TRANSPORTATION CHOICES COALITION REGARDING THE
TRANSPORTATION 101 PROGRAM.
Rachel Smith, Field Director, Transportation Choices, explained Transportation Choices was a 501c3
non - profit organization based in Seattle that worked Statewide. Their mission was to bring
Washingtonians more and better transportation choices — opportunities to take a bus, train, walk, bike,
ferry, carpool, vanpool and drive alone. Their vision is dense urban centers connected by fast, frequent
and reliable transportation choices both regionally and locally.
Ms. Smith explained described the three program areas they focus on:
More Transit — buses, transit, trains, vanpools, etc. In working with Sound Transit in 2006 they were
instrumental in getting light rail as the preferred alternative across the I -90 bridge. During the 2006
legislative session, they won legislation that required the Regional Transportation Investment District
(RTID) to fund transit as mitigation during construction projects to maintain regional mobility while
corridors are under construction. They worked toward creating the office of Transit Mobility in the 2005
Transportation Partnership package and secured approximately $30 million in that package for more
transit.
Active Transportation — investments in bike lanes and sidewalks. They support Complete Streets
legislation that would allow everyone to use all streets. Seattle recently approved a resolution for
Complete Streets and Kirkland recently adopted an ordinance. One of their staff members chairs an
active Transportation Working Group that works on safe routes to school, school siting, etc.
Demand Management — moving the greatest number of people and goods through the existing
infrastructure. This includes managing highway lanes via tolling, managing parking via price, commute
trip reduction (CRT), etc.
Ms. Smith explained their strategies included advocacy, grass roots organizing and education. She
reviewed the three reasons transportation was so important — impact on public health, the environment
and on quality of life. She emphasized the importance of transportation on public health, pointing out
approximately 60% of air pollution comes from vehicle emissions. Over 46% of Washingtonians do not
get enough exercise versus residents of more walkable neighborhoods who were less likely to be
overweight, more likely to be physically active and more likely to use transit. Riding the bus was 170
times safer than driving.
With regard to the impact on the environment, Ms. Thomas said automobiles were the single largest cause
of global warming pollution and strides could not be made toward reducing global warming pollution
until changes were made in how transportation funds were invested. With regard to quality of life, she
pointed out the average American spent 55 work days behind the wheel of their car and the average
northwest resident spent approximately $10,000 per year on their vehicle, second only to housing costs.
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Ms. Smith highlighted changes that were occurring in Community Transit, Sound Transit, RTID, PSRC,
Regional Transportation Commission, WSDOT, and Washington State Legislature /Governor's office. At
the State level, the Sound Transit and RTID's regional ballot measures will be finalized, there is a new
House Transportation Committee Chair and the State Multimodal Concurrency Study and the Washington
Transportation Commission's tolling and rail studies will be issued.
She explained Transportation Choices' priorities were in flux until the outcome of the Sound Transit and
RTID elections. They plan to work on increasing the CTR budget requests and better funding reduction
grants focused on congested corridors and allocating more funds for CTR efficiencies to local .
governments and employers. She noted Community Transit was collecting all 9/101h of the one cent they
were allowed to collect from sales tax to fund transit. King County Metro will seek the use of their last
1 /10th. As the two largest transit agencies will be maxed out on their funding resources, Transportation
Choices plans to ask the legislature for more innovative ways to fund transit, reauthorization of the
Agency Council on Coordinated Transportation, statewide ID card for disabled riders and handicapped
parking enforcement.
Ms. Smith explained the Regional Transportation Commission was created during 2006 to consider
regional transportation issues including funding and governance and make recommendations during the
2007 legislative session. PSCR was also in the process of updating Destination 2030 and Vision 2020.
Ms. Smith explained that due to changes in taxing authority, increased funding for transit and in an effort
to provide what the voters want, RTID will likely change their project list; Sound Transit has not yet
completed their project list. Transportation Choices asked RTID and Sound Transit to consider five
principles when they select projects — 1) fully fund Sound Transit, 2) fix it first, 3) transit to compliment
construction, 4) significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions via carbon assessments, and 5)
congestion pricing. She summarized transportation continued to be one of the most challenging subjects.
There had been progress in the last few years and they want to continue that momentum. She encouraged
the City to use Transportation Choices as a resource.
Councilmember Moore inquired about the relationship between transportation and economic
development. Ms. Thomas agreed transportation, economic development and land use were linked.
However, as a focused organization, economic development was not a subject they did a lot of research or
policy work on.
Councilmember Moore asked what Transportation Choices envisioned as innovative ways to fund transit.
Ms. Thomas answered they were working with Community Transit and King County Metro but did not
yet know what innovative ways to fund transit would be suggested. An example would be congestive
pricing hot lanes or high occupancy toll lanes. She noted tolling could be collected to fund a particular
project or reinvested in transportation solutions such as transit.
As a member of the Community Transit and Sound Transit Boards, a frequent transit user, a member of
the Health District and a person concerned with the environment, Councilmember Marin thanked Ms.
Thomas for the support offered by Transportation Choices and for illuminating these important subjects.
Councilmember Plunkett asked about the membership of Transportation Choices. Ms. Thomas answered
they were a coalition of whoever wanted to join. Members included Seattle, Bellevue, Fred Hutchinson
Cancer Care Research, Starbucks, Whatcom Transit, Skagit Transit, environmental groups and advocacy
groups such as Cascade Bike Club, Bike Alliance of Washington, etc. Funding was from grants as well
as individual donations and organizational members.
Council President Dawson asked for contact information for groups who wanted to have the
Transportation 101 presentation. Ms. Smith explained the Transportation 101 was usually a one hour
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presentation where they provided materials followed by open discussion. She provided their website,
www.transportationchoices.org and her email Rachel@transportationchoices.org.
Council President Dawson identified former State Representative Mike Cooper in the audience who had
been very active in Transportation Choices. Ms. Smith advised he was their Board President.
6. CONTINUED COUNCIL DELIBERATION AND ACTION ON THE PUBLIC HEARING HELD
ON SEPTEMBER 18, 2006 ON THE DRAFT "BD - DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ZONES"
INTENDED TO BE APPLIED TO THE DOWNTOWN AREA TO IMPLEMENT THE
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
This item was pulled from the agenda via action taken under Agenda Item 1.
7. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Natalie Shippen, Edmonds, explained to date she had described the series of problems with Edmonds
Crossing including a floating breakwater and a third slip with overhead loading as a fix for exposure. In
this chapter, entitled `Eenie, Minnie Minie Moe," she recalled at one time an oversight committee
mandated the Edmonds Crossing project be designed to encourage walk -on passengers by reducing the
walking distance. This proved an impossible task as the walking distance was determined by two
unchangeable factors — an access road that cleared the railroad tracks by 23'/2 feet and a WSF directive
that the grade not exceed 3%. Because no practical option could be found to reduce the walking distance,
several options were considered and abandoned including moving walkways, monorail technology, transit
buses, trams and an unmanned people mover. The current solution was a double ended shuttle bus in
Phase 1 with airport-like carts as an ultimate solution. She noted the number of vehicles that would be
required was unknown and the high cost of labor had not been considered. Her next chapter, " An
Edmonds Kind of Idea, Just Blast It Away," would address the landslide hazard on the Unocal hillside.
Don Kreiman, Edmonds, expressed his appreciation for the transportation presentation, commenting
Housing transportation affected everything including land use decisions. He referred to Norma Bruns' comments a
few weeks ago regarding condominium conversions, noting the Council was considering ways to require
property owners to provide compensation to tenants. He noted what happened to Ms. Bruns was a
symptom of what was happening in the City — there was not enough affordable housing for families or
seniors. He recalled some Councilmembers voted against allowing higher building heights in Firdale
Village and Five Corners, pointing out those were areas that could be developed with more affordable
housing via residential over retail. He urged the City to change its transportation and land use polices so
that more affordable housing could be built for seniors and families. He commented on the dwindling
student population in Edmonds as people moved north to find more affordable housing that was
fundamentally changing the character of the City.
Mike Cooper, Edmonds, explained Transportation Choices Coalition was more than just a corporate group, they had several hundred citizen members as well as a growing list of cities who were choosing to
Coalition they had several hundred citizen members as well as a growing list of cities who were choosing to become members. He urged the City to consider a membership during their budget process. He
explained Transportation Choices was a statewide organization that provided resources to assist
communities in working together to resolve transportation issues on a regional level. He referred to the
group Alt Trans that was formed by a former Snohomish County Councilmember who later founded
Transportation Choices Coalition and was their former Executive Director. He congratulated the City on
its proclamation regarding global warming, explaining reducing the number of cars and concentrating on
moving people would have a significant effect on global warming.
Don Heighway, Edmonds, recalled last year's budget included a number of road projects. He suggested
Process for i Road Projects a master tan process to provide an overall vision for road projects rather than a patchwork a pp roach.
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Roger Hertrich, Edmonds, referred to Consent Agenda Item F discussed earlier, explaining sidewalks
were installed on one side of the road in that area and center turn lanes constructed when Hwy. 524 was
widened. A sidewalk was later constructed along Olympic Avenue and a walkway on Olympic View
Drive. He concluded Edmonds Elementary has had a safe walkway for a long time. He recalled
following the Council's approval to use REET funds in excess of $750,000 for road and walkway
projects, staff presented a proposal for an intersection improvement on SR104 that the Council rejected.
He suggested Item F was a similar project and was not a priority. He recommended staff research arterial
and collector streets that did not have sidewalks on either side, particularly near schools. He objected to
scheduling design of the Puget Drive /9th Avenue North /Caspers Street Walkway Project on the Consent
Agenda, viewing that as an attempt to slip it through. He recommended the Council delay any decision
until the priority list was examined and the budget was adopted.
8. 2007-2008 BUDGET DELIBERATIONS
Council President Dawson explained this item was intended as an opportunity for Council to raise
questions; not all staff members were present as it had been anticipated this item would be at the end of a
lengthy meeting. She intended to schedule a follow -up meeting to conduct a thorough budget workshop
and described challenges with selecting a date. She suggested Tuesday, November 1.4 following
committee meetings or Saturday, November 18. Either date would provide an opportunity for a budget
workshop and discussion prior to the public hearing on November 21. The Council agreed to hold a
budget workshop on Tuesday, November 14 following committee meetings.
Administrative Services Director Dan Clements referred to two issues that were raised earlier and
addressed in the packet — ending fund balances and the impact of fee increases on a sample of residences
in the City. He advised information would be provided with regard to an inquiry about the EMS levy.
Councilmember Wambolt inquired about funding for a compensation consultant.
Councilmember Orvis asked for additional information regarding the large format copier, questioning
why it was an ongoing expense. He asked if it would be possible to use a software solution, explaining he
dealt with large, very detailed plans at work and they were provided in PDF.
Council President Dawson noted the biennial budget appeared to be very status quo over the next two
years and asked whether there were expenditures that were being delayed. She requested information .
from each department regarding their future needs and how emergent /urgent those needs were. She asked
how the EMS levy affected other departments' budgets, recalling Mayor Haakenson's comment during
his budget presentation that the EMS levy was an important piece of the City's future.
Councilmember Plunkett pointed out the per $1,000 assessment that citizens paid was decreasing; in 2003
and 2004 it was over $2.50 per $1,000, in 2005 it decreased to $2.32, in 2006 it was down to $2.13, and
projected in 2007 to be $1.82. He asked why the assessment was decreasing. Mr. Clements answered
although assessed valuations increased, the City had a 1% cap on property tax increases. As property
valuations increased, the assessment per $1,000 would continue to decrease.
Councilmember Plunkett asked whether the funding for removing and replacing trees on Main Street
between 5th and 6th was in the budget. Public Works Director Noel Miller advised funding was included
in the maintenance budget for the Parks and Street maintenance crews to remove the trees on the south
side of Main next year, replant the trees and install grates and sidewalks. The same would be done on the
north side of Main in 2008.
Council President Dawson requested any additional questions be provided in writing and staff's answers
be provided in the November 6 packet so that Council could review staff's response and indicate at the
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November 6 meeting what departments needed to make a presentation or be available for questions on
November 14.
Council President Dawson pointed out the first meeting in November would be on Monday, November 6
due to the election on Tuesday, November 7. She advised the budget workshop on November 14 would
begin at 7:00 p.m. following Council committee meetings at 6:00 p.m.
9. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Haakenson advised of the columbarium dedication at the Edmonds Cemetery on Saturday,
October 27 at 11:00 a.m. He reported on the soft opening of the Edmonds Center for the Arts on October
23 with a performance by the Cascade Symphony, an awesome performance in an incredible building.
He commended the Public Facilities District or what they were able to deliver. He also recognized
Stephen Clifton and Cindi Cruz who assisted with bringing the project in on time and under budget. He
encouraged everyone to stop by and see the facility.
9A. REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS.
Community Services/Development Services Committee
Councilmember Moore reported the Committee discussed conversion of rental apartments to
Committee condominiums. A number of Esperance residents who were present to discuss the conversion of an
apartment building were referred to Snohomish County Councilmember Gary Nelson as Esperance is not
in Edmonds. The Committee considered State law governing condominium conversions and although
there is not a great deal the City can do, the Committee recommended Council discuss requiring tenants
be provided a small compensation for moving expenses.
10. INDIVIDUAL COUNCIL REPORTS ON OUTSIDE COMMITTEE /BOARD MEETINGS.
Council President Dawson reported on SnoCom, explaining one of the issues with having two
communications centers, SnoCom and SnoPak, particularly for border agencies such as Fire District 1 and
Mill Creek, was transferring calls between the two communication centers. Fire District 1 was dispatched
by SnoCom; however, the Sheriff's office that serves as the police agency in that area is dispatched by
SnoPak. She explained there had been discussions in the past regarding the best way to approach that
issue until technology upgrades in 2010 that would address connectivity. She explained SnoCom had
been promoting interconnectivity between the systems and although there was thought to have been
agreement between the two agencies, whenever funding for interconnectivity arose, something prevented
it from occurring. A recent meeting with the representatives from the agencies revealed that although the
Chair and Vice Chair of SnoPak believed there was support for interconnectivity, the members of the
SnoPak Board did not support that concept. It was agreed to form a group with members of SnoCom and
SnoPak to develop a solution. She relayed SnoCom had to withdraw a grant application due to this
indecision.
Councilmember Moore reported the Snohomish County Economic Development Council discussed the 4-
year university for Snohomish, Island and Skagit Counties. She noted the City Council passed a
Council resolution tonight in support of a 4 -year university which she would present to the Higher Education
Higher Coordination (HEC) Board later this week. The HEC Board will develop a recommendation to the
Education legislature during the 2007 legislative session. She reported she was asked by Snohomish County Cities
Coordination and Towns to work on an Economic Development Committee. The Snohomish Count Economic
Development Council also discussed Paine Field. There was interest expressed regarding a more
aggressive study of Paine Field expansion but there was no consensus reached with regard to that item.
She noted Edmonds was not a member of the Snohomish County Economic Development Council, she
had attended the meeting at Council President Dawson's request.
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Councilmember Moore recalled on the Consent Agenda the Council confirmed the Mayor's appointment
of two members to the Planning Board. She noted both were active in the community, had strong
professional backgrounds, were gentlemanly, deliberative, and eager to learn and were willing to serve in
this voluntary capacity. She noted all cities' boards and commissions were volunteers but made it
possible for government to work effectively. As a member of the Board of Trustees at Edmonds
Community College, she and other appointees receive a great deal of training regarding how to be an
effective boardmember, their responsibilities, etc. She commented although the Council appointed very
well meaning and qualified boardmembers, they did not receive any training. She relayed that Mayor
Haakenson planned to provide training to the City's boards and commissions.
Mayor Haakenson introduced the two new Planning Board Members, John Reed and Michael Bowman.
Councilmember Wambolt reported on the October 9 Port meeting where the Commission evicted another
boat owner for late payment and non -use of his boat. He pointed out the Port wanted boat owners to use
their boats and not use the Port only for storage. The Commission also discussed the public plaza and
park on the west side of Anthony's and are close to making a decision. The Commission meeting also
included a workshop on their draft budget.
Councilmember Wambolt reported on the AWC Conference where the speaker was the AWC Executive
Director Stan Finkelstein. Mr. Finkelstein mentioned that many former city officials were running for
positions in the legislature this year and many were favored to be elected. He saw that as a good thing for
cities because they would be aware of the problems facing cities. Councilmember Wambolt explained the
State conducted a financial audit of the City annually; Mr. Finkelstein advised the State auditor would
begin to conduct performance audits on the City's overtime policies, open public records, use of City
automobiles by employees, etc. He commented Seattle had 18 full -time employees to provide public
records to citizens.
Councilmember Wambolt commented for many Brightwater was a nasty word and the reason many got
involved in holding public office. He advised Brightwater was providing for 15% of the project hours to
construct that facility in the Woodinville area, a $1.6 billion project, to be performed by workers at
various apprenticeship levels. One of the goals of Brightwater's apprenticeship program was to help
veterans find construction career opportunities through the Helmets and Hardhats Program. These
opportunities would provide veterans a career path as well as a support network through local union
memberships.
Councilmember Olson reported on the PFD meeting where they discussed the grand opening on January
6. She envisioned it would be a great event and hoped a lot of people would attend. Next, she
commented on the Halloween event in downtown where the streets were closed off and merchants
distributed candy. She thanked the merchants for this event, noting they purchased the candy themselves.
Councilmember Plunkett advised in January the Historic Preservation Commission planned to present six properties to the Council for consideration for including them on the Edmonds Historic Registry.
Councilmember Marin reported there was a sold out crowd at the Cascade Symphony's performance in
its the new Edmonds Center for the Arts auditorium. As a former president of the Cascade Youth
Symphony, he was very familiar with the auditorium but emphasized the renovated auditorium was
nothing like the old one. He urged the public to experience a performance at the new Center.
Councilmember Marin reported the area's first light rail car would come through Everett and on to Seattle
in about two weeks. He announced that two weeks ago Sound Transit authorized the purchase of property
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October 24, 2006
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in Mukilteo. This purchase would allow the tracks in Mukilteo to be installed which would facilitate the
double tracking and interim station in Edmonds.
Councilmember Marin reported Community Transit's Planning, Marketing and Operations Committee
would be considering proposed service changes effective in February 2007. He noted these changes
would restore service cuts made as a result of I -695. He advised Community Transit was taking over the
Commute Trip Reduction Program from Snohomish County next year and hoped to make it an even more
effective option for employers.
Councilmember Marin reported the Snohomish County Health District's Central Planning Committee has
been working with executive leadership to develop a strategic plan for the Health District. They approved
the strategic plan a few weeks ago that will help the Health District to, 1) fulfill their public health role
during disasters and emergencies, 2) become more effective and efficient in service delivery of health
services in the District and County, and 3) act as agents of social and behavior changes that improve
public health.
Mayor Haakenson wished City Clerk Sandy Chase a Happy Birthday yesterday.
11. ADJOURN
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 8:51 p.m.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 24, 2006
Page 11