11/01/2004 City CouncilNovember 1, 2004
The Edmonds City Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Haakenson in the Council.
Chambers, 250 5th Avenue North, Edmonds. The meeting was opened with the flag salute.
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Gary Haakenson, Mayor
Michael Plunkett, Council President
Jeff Wilson, Councilmember
Mauri Moore, Councilmember
Peggy Pritchard Olson, Councilmember
Dave Orvis, Councilmember
Richard Marin, Councilmember
Deanna Dawson, Councilmember
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
STAFF PRESENT
Tom Tomberg, Fire Chief
David Stern, Chief of Police
Duane Bowman, Development Services Director
Stephen Clifton, Community Services Director
Dan Clements, Administrative Services Director
Brian McIntosh, Parks & Recreation Director
Jennifer Gerend, Economic Development Dir.
Noel. Miller, Public Works Director
Kathleen Junglov, Asst. Admin. Services Dir.
Scott James, Accountant
Rob Chave, Planning Manager
Dave Gebert, City Engineer
Debi Humann, Human Resources Manager
Debra Sharp, Accounting Assistant
Sandy Chase, City Clerk
Jana Spellman, Senior Executive Council. Asst.
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
APPROVAL OF 1 1 ORDER. MOTION CARRIED
2. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
Council President Plunkett requested Item H be removed from the Consent Agenda and Councilmember
Marin requested Item G be removed.
COUNCILMEMBER MARIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT PLUNKETT,
FOR APPROVAL OF THE REMAINDER OF THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY. The agenda items approved are as follows:
Approve (A) ROLL CALL
10/25/04
Minutes (B) APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 25, 2004.
prove
10/226/04 (C) APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 26, 2004.
Minutes
(D) APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS #74921 THROUGH #75078 FOR THE WEEK OF
Approve OCTOBER 25, 2004, IN THE AMOUNT OF $127,800.49
Claim Checks
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
November 1, 2004
Page 1
Claim for (E) ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FROM JAYNE K. ROSS
Dania es I (AMOUNT UNDETERMINED).
Dissolution of
Edmonds (F) AUTHORIZATION FOR THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE EDMONDS ALLIANCE FOR
Alliance for ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISSOLUTION OF ENTITY CONTRACT.
Econ. Dev.
Item G: ADDroval of FindinLyS of Fact reLyardinL- a Closed Record Review held on October 19. 2004
— Appeal of the Hearing Examiner's decision to deny an appeal of a staff Code interpretation that a
6-foot by 6-foot tree house is a structure and therefore subject to the City zoning standards and
setback requirements. The tree house is located at 18312 — 81st Place Wand is zoned Single -Family
Residential (RS-12). (ADDellantS: Keith Kemper of Ellis. Li & McKinstrv. PLLC for Mark and
Jana Loewen/File Nos. AP-04-102 and AP-04-67
Councilmember Marin advised he voted against this matter when the Council originally considered it and
would oppose it again.
Councilmember Wilson advised he also voted against this item when it was originally considered. He
clarified it was not the substance of the issue but the broader issue created by the Council's action.
Findings of COUNCIL PRESIDENT PLUNKETT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER ORVIS,
Fact for FOR APPROVAL OF ITEM G. MOTION CARRIED (5-2), COUNCILMEMBERS MARIN AND
ppean
Al hh WILSON OPPOSED. The item approved is as follows:
Appea
File Nos.
AP-04-102; (G) APPROVAL OF FINDINGS OF FACT REGARDING A CLOSED RECORD REVIEW
IAP-04-67 HELD ON OCTOBER 19, 2004 — APPEAL OF THE HEARING EXAMINER'S DECISION
TO DENY AN APPEAL OF A STAFF CODE INTERPRETATION THAT A 6-FOOT BY
6-FOOT TREE HOUSE IS A STRUCTURE AND THEREFORE SUBJECT TO THE CITY
ZONING STANDARDS AND SETBACK REQUIREMENTS. THE TREE HOUSE IS
LOCATED AT 18312 — 81ST PLACE W AND IS ZONED SINGLE-FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL (RS-12). (APPELLANTS: KEITH KEMPER OF ELLIS, LI &
MCKINSTRY, PLLC FOR MARK AND JANA LOEWEN/FILE NOS. AP-04-102 AND AP-
04-67)
Interim Item H: Approval of Interim Zoning Ordinance amending the Edmonds Community Development
Zoning
Ordinance —
Code definitions of setbacks (setback, side setback, rear setback, street setback) and establishing a
Definitions of date for a Public Hearing.
Setbacks
Council President Plunkett explained he pulled this item to point out adoption of the interim ordinance
would be followed by a review by the Planning Board.
Councilmember Marin clarified although he voted against this item when it was originally considered by
the Council, he was in favor of allowing tree houses in Edmonds, pointing out that was part of what made
Edmonds a friendly place to live. He requested the comments he added in the minutes of October 19
regarding tree house permitting be provided to the Planning Board.
Councilmember Moore spoke in favor of allowing tree houses in the setback as that was where the trees
were usually located.
Councilmember Wilson clarified it was not the concept of tree houses in the setback that concerned him;
he wanted the Planning Board to consider the size, mass, height, etc. of structures in the setback. He
noted although the City wanted to be kid -friendly and allow for the enjoyment of backyards, they must be
respectful of the potential impacts to neighbors. He agreed with Councilmember Marin's concept of
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
November 1, 2004
Page 2
neighbors working together rather than the City taking regulatory action. He noted during a recent walk
through the neighborhood he observed at least 12 homes with structures in the setback such as sheds. He
suggested the Planning Board consider temporary structures that already exist in setbacks.
Councilmember Orvis favored residents not being required to obtain a permit to construct a play structure.
Councilmember Olson agreed with Councilmember Orvis, noting it seemed to be a waste of time to
require a permit for a tree house.
COUNCILMEMBER MARIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOORE, FOR
APPROVAL OF ITEM H. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The item approved is as
follows:
Ord# 3522
Interim (H) ORDINANCE NO. 3522 — ENACTING AN INTERIM ZONING ORDINANCE
Zoning AMENDING THE DEFINITIONS OF SIDE SETBACK ECDC 21.90.050, STREET
Ordinance
Definition of SETBACK ECDC 21.90.140, REAR SETBACK ECDC 21.85.020, AND PROVIDING FOR
o
Setbacks A PUBLIC HEARING.
Mountlake
Terrace's 50°' 3. PROCLAMATION IN HONOR OF MOUNTLAKE TERRACE'S 50TH BIRTHDAY SATURDAY
Birthday NOVEMBER 6 2004.
Mayor Haakenson read a proclamation in honor of Mountlake Terrace's 50rh birthday on Saturday,
November 6.
eterans' Day 4. PROCLAMATION IN HONOR OF VETERANS' DAY NOVEMBER 11 2004.
ovember 11
Councilmember Marin read a proclamation declaring November 11, 2004 as Veterans' Day, asking all
citizens to join in this special observance to recognize the hardships and sacrifices of our veterans and to
give them the special recognition they deserve. He presented the proclamation to VFW 8870 Commander
Duane Pounds and past -Commander Warren Schweppe.
Mr. Schweppe thanked Councilmember Marin, a member of VFW 8870, for the proclamation and
reminded the public they would be selling poppies November 11 — 13.
Public 5. PUBLIC HEARING ON THE 2005 BUDGET INCLUDING BUDGET OVERVIEW GENERAL
Hearngon REVENUES AND PROPERTY TAXES
2005 Budget
Council President Plunkett described the process for the public hearing, advising next week the Council
would consider the 1% property tax increase and any recapture.
Administrative Services Director Dan Clements recalled Mayor Haakenson presented the preliminary
2005 budget at the October 19 Council meeting, staff provided an overview of the budget at the October
25 Budget Workshop, and preliminary budget ordinances and resolutions were made available to the
public on October 26. He advised this public hearing was an opportunity for the public to provide
comment on budget proposals to date as well as review and comment on proposed Council amendments.
Mr. Clements stated last week at the Council Budget Workshop, staff was asked to follow-up on three
items, the LIDAR mapping and analysis, parking enforcement and Hwy. 99 traffic study. With regard to
the Hwy. 99 traffic study, he advised the total cost of the study was $50,000 rather than $37,500 but the
funding source did not change. Mr. Clements recommended the LIDAR mapping and analysis be funded
via Pt. Edwards settlement funds, the parking enforcement be funded from employee parking permits and
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
November 1, 2004
Page 3
parking infractions, and the Hwy. 99 traffic study be funded from the Development Services 2004 budget
and $12,500 from Community Transit.
Mr. Clements reviewed the remaining key 2005 budget adoption dates, advising there would be
opportunities for public input and discussion on November 9 when the Council discussed the 2005
property tax levy and again on November 16 when the Council was scheduled to adopt the budget.
Councilmember Dawson recalled the Council did not favor the funding for the parking enforcement
person being dependent on infractions. She asked whether there was another source of revenue if the
$30,000 projected for parking infractions was not realized. Mr. Clements answered it was anticipated
employee parking permits could fund the entire position. If shortfalls were identified, staff would present
an alternate funding source, likely General Funds. He anticipated that with parking enforcement, there
would be more funds realized from employee parking permits.
Mayor Haakenson opened the public bearing.
Don Kreiman, 24006 1951h Place W, Edmonds, thanked the Council for considering parking
enforcement and expressed his support for increased parking enforcement as well as his support for the
Council's adoption of the budget.
Rowena Miller, 8711 182"d Place SW, Edmonds, encouraged the Council when they were considering
the 1% increase in property tax to also consider the increase in utility taxes. She suggested the consultant
fees budgeted by each department be more clear, that the uses of the Council Contingency Fund be clearly
defined, and that the Council hold their retreat in Edmonds. She explained holding the retreat in
Edmonds would benefit businesses in the City and make the retreat more accessible to the public. With
regard to LIDAR, she relayed her understanding that it required continual professional consultants.
Ray Martin,18704 941h Avenue W, Edmonds, stated he had not received a response to an email he sent
to the City Council and the Mayor regarding the walkway on 75th Avenue West in Meadowdale. He
quoted from the August 25, 1998 Council minutes, "Mayor Pro Tern Haakenson observed the in -lieu -of
funds were held in the 112 Fund and asked how much was in the 1.12 Fund currently, how much had been
contributed and how much had been spent. Mr. Walker answered most of the funds were expended last
year on 75th in the Meadowdale area and a walkway near Shorewood Elementary." Mr. Martin pointed
out there was no walkway on 75th Avenue W and questioned what had happened to those funds, voicing
his suspicion that the funds had been diverted to another project. He encouraged the Council to include
funds in the budget for a safe walkway on 75th Avenue W.
Mayor Haakenson pointed out Mr. Martin had not addressed his email to him, only to the Council. In
response to Mr. Martin's inquiry, Mayor Haakenson pointed out there was a walkway on 75th from 16000
75th Place West to 16520 75th Place West that cost $39,000 and was funded in 1997 just as Mr. Walker
indicated in the minutes.
Roger Hertrich, 1020 Puget Drive, Edmonds, expressed concern with the manner in which the budget
was written, lump sums with no detail which he pointed out make it difficult to identify specific
expenditures. He pointed out the City Clerk budget narrative did identify costs for specific items, noting
other departments' narratives only contained generalizations. He questioned how the Council could make
a critical judgment based on lump sums and suggested the Council request breakdowns on salaries,
supplies, etc. With regard to LIDAR, his understanding was that LIDAR required constant updating and
did not provide specific information such as elevations. He suggested the Council determine whether
LIDAR was a one-time cost or would be an annual cost.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
November 1, 2004
Page 4
Hearing no further public comment, Mayor Haakenson closed the public hearing.
Development Services Director Duane Bowman answered LIDAR was a one time cost — the flights
provide digital information and City staff had the GIS capability to interpret the data. He acknowledged
the topographical information could be updated annually; however, the last time the City collected
topographical information was 1986. He noted the other portion of the LIDAR was a geotechnical
consultant to review the information that was generated specific to the Meadowdale area.
With regard to the format of to budget, Mr. Clements advised staff tried to include as much detail for
different users. He advised that anyone who wanted further detail could request if from staff. With
regard to salaries, he explained the City was currently in collective bargaining with all unions, therefore,
the estimated 2005 salaries schedules were not yet available.
With regard to utility rates, Mr. Clements advised the preference would have been to have the utility rates
available for the 2005 budget. The problem was the City of Everett, the City's wholesale water supplier,
was currently undergoing a substantial rate increase and had not provided the City with the new rates. He
noted staff needed the new rates prior to establishing 2005 water/sewer/storm rates. As soon as that
information was available, the rate study would be presented to the Council.
Council President Plunkett asked whether information regarding consultants could be made available.
Mr. Clements answered staff provided Ms. Miller a copy of the vendor master file of consultants used in
2004.
Council President Plunkett inquired about the statutory limitation on the use of the Council Contingency
Fund. Mr. Clements answered the Council Contingency was closed as a separate fund last year and
established as a reserve in the General Fund. He noted the restrictions were the same as expenditures
from the General Fund, any allowable municipal expenditure.
Council. President Plunkett recalled questions regarding the use of Council. Contingency funds has arisen.
previously; the last time the question was raised, when the public saw how the funds were expended, they
were satisfied that the Council expenditures were appropriate and reasonable. He suggested anyone with
questions regarding Council expenditures review how the funds were spent in the past.
Councilmember Marin expressed his pleasure with the budget overall and staff s funding
recommendations for the LIDAR, parking enforcement and Hwy. 99 traffic study. He noted the City had
been informed that Community Transit would provide $12,500 to participate in the Hwy. 99 traffic study.
Councilmember Dawson explained the Council's policy with regard to the Council Contingency was that
it be used to fund items that if the Council had known about the expenditure, it would have been included
in the budget. She encouraged the Council to continue its policy of using the Council Contingency Fund
sparingly throughout the year for expenditures that could not be postponed and for items that would have
been budgeted had the Council known about them.
Councilmember Moore reported she had been participating on a Chamber of Commerce Joint Marketing
Campaign Committee. They will be providing a presentation to the Port of Edmonds this week and were
planning to make a presentation to the Council to request a $30,000 contribution to their marketing
campaign.
Council President Plunkett asked what funding source Councilmember Moore proposed to use.
Councilmember Moore suggested recapture. Mr. Clements suggested staff return with 2 to 3 alternatives
for funding, recalling the Council's reluctance regarding the use of recapture.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
November 1, 2004
Page 5
Councilmember Dawson suggested the Chamber of Commerce's presentation be made to the Council
next week prior to the public hearing. She expressed her discomfort with using recapture and preferred
the City not exceed the statutory 1 % increase.
Council President Plunkett pointed out if the Council intended to pursue recapture, that decision must be
made by November 9 when the Council adopted the property tax levy. Mr. Clements advised the
Council's Friday packet would include a list of potential modifications and alternatives for funding.
COUNCILMEMBER MARIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT PLUNKETT,
TO ADD PARKING ENFORCEMENT AND HWY. 99 TRAFFIC STUDY AS PRESENTED TO
THE 2005 BUDGET.
Councilmember Dawson reiterated her desire for further information about the Hwy. 99 traffic study
before including it in the budget.
Councilmember Wilson recalled at the retreat, the Council discussed moving toward a paperless packet to
reduce the cost associated with producing weekly packets. He suggested the Council consider adding it to
the budget and that staff suggest a funding source. He acknowledged it would not generate new revenue
for the City but would potentially reduce expenses.
Councilmember Orvis expressed his support for including parking enforcement and the Hwy. 99 traffic
study in the budget.
ADD PARKING O'20051 '' 1
COUNCILMEMBER MARIN MOVED TO ADD THE HWY. 99 TRAFFIC STUDY TO THE 2005
BUDGET. MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND.
Council. President Plunkett summarized the Council added parking enforcement to the budget with the
proposed revenue sources. Next Tuesday, the Council would consider paperless packet, the Hwy. 99
traffic study and Team Edmonds' proposal.
Councilmember Dawson explained her concern with the Hwy. 99 traffic study was whether there would
be fiends available in the next few years to implement the study recommendations and if not, perhaps now
was not the time to conduct the study.
Council President Plunkett clarified the additional modifications to the budget did not need to be adopted
next week but if recapture was contemplated as a funding source, then the Council would need to make
that decision next week.
G��il 7 i 11►[�I D[K/lU 1►i 191►`(I IF.`I
g > Ron Wambolt 530 Dayton, Edmonds, recalled his comments in late August that higher building heights
Buildn
eights in downtown Edmonds would not be a financial panacea for the City. He noted his cursory analysis
concluded it would take full build -out of the BC zone with higher heights to achieve $300,000 in.
additional property taxes. He noted further analysis by Administrative Services Director Dan Clements
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
November 1, 2004
Page 6
determined that total build -out of the BC zone with 33-foot buildings would generate $197,800 in
additional property tax and $270,000 in sales tax generated by the new businesses. Mr. Wambolt
concluded only $468,100 or less than 1% would be added to the City's total revenues in exchange for a
"walled city." He questioned whether that amount of commercial space could be utilized. He referred to
the doom and gloom preached by some if higher heights were not approved, noting all the doomsayers
who spoke at the Planning Board would personally benefit from such a change. He recalled that
Heartland LLC who conducted the downtown plan assessment reported the economic viability of
Edmonds under the current building code was stronger than most places and that builders achieve an
acceptable rate of return on 30-foot buildings with 2-floors of condominiums above a first floor of
commercial. He concluded doom and gloom was being preached to achieve higher building heights.
Ray Martin, 18704 941h Avenue W, Edmonds, asked the appropriate email address for the Mayor and
75 h Pi_ w City Council. Mayor Haakenson advised the City Council was Spelll
na�&cinedrnonds.a.us w.us and his was
alkway Haakenson(&ci.edmonds.wa.us. Mayor Haakenson offered to provide Mr. Martin further information
regarding the 75th Place West walkway.
10/27 ng Don Kreiman, 24006 1951h Place W, Edmonds, reported last Wednesday's Planning Board meeting was
PlannBoard one of the best meetings he has attended; there was no 3-minute limit and everyone was allowed to talk as
Meeting long as they wanted. He pointed out the need for increased retail in the City.
Natalie Shippen, 1022 Euclid Avenue, Edmonds, stated the first scenario provided by Heartland LLC at
Building the last Council meeting reflected existing conditions, a 30-foot building with two floors of
eights
condominiums and one floor of retail with less than a 12-foot ceiling height, and provided a 38% rate of
return to the developer. She noted the scenario with 12-foot ceiling heights for the first floor and an
overall building height of 33-feet would provide a 41 % rate of return to the developer, the highest
possible in the downtown area. She recalled a Planning Board Member asked which scenario would
provide the greatest tax revenue to the City to which the consultant replied that was not part of their
analysis but suggested the City encourage non-residential uses on the upper floors for the greatest return
to the City. She recalled another Planning Board Member's inquiry regarding how a developer could
redevelop a one-story building to which the consultant replied the commercial units that could be
constructed on the upper levels would provide a rate of return that would allow construction costs to be
recovered. She noted the HyattPalma made the same recommendation — two stories of retail. She
concluded the City had had two consultants within five years provide the same advice — not increasing
heights but two floors of retail.
Norma Bruns, 960 5th Avenue S, Edmonds, agreed doom and gloom was expressed at the Planning
Board meeting and was delighted to see via the Mayor's proposed 2005 budget that the City was not in
rBuilding such bad shape. She recalled some of the comments at the Planning Board meeting indicated not
eights increasing downtown building heights would have significant impacts on the City's budget, requiring
reductions in police and fire and increases in taxes.
Roger Hertrich, 1020 Puget Drive, Edmonds, recalled belonging to PRIDE, a group interested in
Building retaining lower building heights. He referred to the 1,000 signatures that had been gathered and
Hei hts anticipated those numbers would increase. He recalled an initiative process was considered and rejected
in favor of citizens expressing their views. He noted the effort to promote Edmonds via the Economic
Development Director, Team Edmonds and the Chamber of Commerce was based on how the City looked
today — an historic, slowly remodeling Edmonds with different building types and a character that would
not be changed unless building heights were increased. He noted increasing building heights to 33-35
feet would result in it no longer being beneficial to remodeling buildings and making it more
economically viable to sell the property for redevelopment. He pointed out the importance of retaining
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
November 1, 2004
Page 7
the unique character of Edmonds that people come to Edmonds to see. He commented the consultant who
analyzed the downtown plan was great for the land owner but did not consider the character of Edmonds.
7. WORK SESSION ON THE PLANNING BOARD'S RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING THE
Critical Areas I DRAFT CRITICAL AREAS REGULATIONS
Regulations
Planning Manager Rob Chave advised this work session was an opportunity for the Council to ask
questions or highlight issues to be addressed at the public hearing scheduled for November 16. He
advised the Planning Board completed their public hearings; some changes were made since the Planning
Board's review in response to public comment but it was essentially the same as the Planning Board
recommended.
Council President Plunkett asked whether the Meadowdale Landslide Hazard Area regulations were part
of the Critical Area regulations. Mr. Chave answered the Critical Area Code refers to the Meadowdale
regulations in Title 19 and did not replace or change the Meadowdale regulations in any way. Council
President Plunkett clarified if one wanted to confront an aspect of the Meadowdale Landslide Hazard
Area, it would not be done in this process. Mr. Chave agreed, noting the Meadowdale Landslide Hazard
Area was on a separate track and would be revisited by the City Council after the first of the year once the
LIDAR information was available.
Council President Plunkett observed critical areas would be identified on titles and asked whether it
would be done when a property owner sought a permit. Mr. Chave advised critical areas would be
identified when a critical areas evaluation was done, typically during the permit process. Council.
President Plunkett noted that was the same policy that had been utilized in the Meadowdale Landslide
Hazard Area for the past 20 years. He noted property owners were concerned that a critical areas
designation would be placed on everyone's title. Mr. Chave answered there would be no recognition on a
title until a property owner applied for a permit. He clarified the critical areas recognition was intended
simply as notice to future property owners of any limitations on the property.
Council President Plunkett referred to the requirement in the proposed ordinance that 30% of the native
vegetation on RS-12 and RS-20 lots be retained and asked whether that could be landscaping. Mr. Chave
answered it could be landscaping but would have to be native vegetation, not grass or ornamental.
plantings.
Council President Plunkett asked whether the 30% retention was a result of the Pilchuck Audubon
Society's letter. Mr. Chave answered the 30% predated Philchuck's letter. He noted 30% was
approximately the difference in lot size between a RS-8 zoned lot and a RS-12 zoned lot.
Council President Plunkett asked whether native vegetation could be landscaped native vegetation or had
to be indigenous vegetation. Mr. Chave answered often indigenous vegetation was not native. There
would be plant lists available to address any questions regarding native plants.
Councilmember Wilson asked how adoption of the new Critical Areas Ordinance would change the
process of addressing critical area determinations. He asked when the determination would be made,
what the trigger mechanism would be and whether the new Critical Areas Ordinance would make it
simpler or not change the process. Mr. Chave answered all the instances in which the City currently
required critical areas review would still require a critical areas review. The biggest difference was
currently when a critical areas evaluation was completed, it was done and was not required to be revisited.
The new regulations do not allow a property owner to ever be done with a critical areas review because
the nature of critical areas was that they changed over time and there was no certainty that what was
evaluated today would remain the same in the fixture. He noted more properties would be required to do
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
November 1, 2004
Page 8
critical areas review than in the past due to larger buffers. The benefits will be more enhancements of
critical area buffers. He noted in the past the approach has been to keep people away and not allowing
any development or change in the critical area, but not allowing change also did not allow enhancement.
The new regulations have more flexibility with regard to buffers but would require more enhancements
over time to improve the critical area.
Councilmember Wilson recalled the current trigger mechanism was a permit and asked the fee for the
critical area process. Mr. Chave answered it was approximately $135. Councilmember Wilson relayed a
question why a resident who has never had a critical area detennination on their property would be
required to pay the $135 critical area review when the cost of the permit they were seeking, such as for a
fence, was less than that and the impact of digging holes for fence posts was no different than digging
holes for shrubs. Councilmember Wilson explained he was able to provide the technical answer
regarding the trigger mechanism but not a logical answer. Mr. Chave answered it provided certainty or
notice to a property owner of what critical areas may exist before they embarked on any larger projects.
He noted this had always been the logic behind having a critical area evaluation done at the earliest point
in time.
Councilmember Wilson noted that had been his answer as well but did not appear logical to the resident
because if the cost for the critical area evaluation exceeded the cost of the permit, it may dissuade people
from seeking a permit. Councilmember Wilson suggested consideration be given to simplifying the
process administratively. Mr. Chave noted staff could consider the fee schedule and possibly include the
critical area review in the permit fee rather than having a separate fee. In the instance Councilmember
Wilson cited, Mr. Chave suggested possibly the fee for a critical area evaluation could be less for a fence
permit. He noted the current one -size -fits -all critical area review fee was predicated in part on the fact
that critical area reviews were often conducted independent of a permit. It was anticipated with the new
Critical Areas Ordinance, the critical area review would be done at the time of a permit.
Councilmember Wilson noted in the past a property could count on a critical area determination but now
with Best Available Science (BAS) there was no certainty to that process. Jim Kenny, EDAW,
commented some of the techniques for implementation techniques may be progressing. He noted
techniques for stream restoration or wetland enhancement may change, buffer widths, buffer width
averaging, etc would pretty much stay the same.
Councilmember Wilson commented on the experience of one of his clients as a result of the listing of an
endangered species. He questioned whether certainty could be provided to property owners. Mr. Kenny
answered there was always potential for a species to be raised to the level of endangered or threatened
although he found that unlikely within Edmonds' relatively small jurisdiction. He noted it was more
likely that species would be delisted, for example the Bald Eagle which is currently protected by the
Endangered Species Act was being considered for delisting. He noted depending on the outcome of the
election, there may be changes in federal policy with regard to how endangered salmon are addressed.
Mr. Chave commented the critical area determination in the existing regulations could be considered
finished when it was completed because nothing was allowed to occur in the buffer. The new regulations
would establish the buffer and successive projects would require revisiting the buffer to do successive
enhancements. He clarified a property owner would not have to redo the entire critical area evaluation
but rather consider the buffer area and do a second phase of enhancements.
Councilmember Wilson asked whether a buffer could be required to be increased if at the time a second
phase was undertaken something had occurred within the critical area or a species or habitat that was not
previously listed was identified. Mr. Chave advised the definitions in the code were fairly firm and he did
not anticipate they would change. He noted the one thing that could change was the location of eagles'
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
November 1, 2004
Page 9
nest but that issue was also encountered today. Mr. Kenny noted another manmade action that could
impact buffer width was removal of a blockage on a stream that allowed salmon to travel further
upstream.
Councilmember Wilson referred to the Department of Ecology's four -tiered rating system for wetlands
and streams and the statement that the City's ordinance would divide Category F into two classifications.
Mr. Kenny answered the DOE stream rating system was felt to be too "cookie cutter" for Edmonds,
therefore, one of the stream categories was divided into streams that provide habitat for resident fish and
providing habitat for anadromous fish.
Councilmember Wilson asked whether the DOE's four -tier rating system for wetlands differentiated
between naturally occurring wetlands and manmade wetlands. Mr. Kenny answered there was a new
State manual for identifying and delineating wetland and in some instances it did differentiate between.
naturally occurring and manmade wetlands. Councilmember Wilson asked whether manmade wetland
would be regulated. Mr. Kenny answered it depended on a number of indicators.
Councilmember Wilson asked how the increased buffers affected the City's buildable lands inventory.
Mr. Chave answered the combination of flexible buffers in exchange for enhancement with the ability of
new development to cluster away from the buffers should assure there were adequate buildable lands in
the City. In the areas where critical area existed, it was recommended the large lot zoning remain intact,
therefore, it did not reduce capacity in the areas where critical areas exist. In areas where critical areas do
not exist, changes were being recommended to the zoning. He concluded there was no significant impact
on the capacity.
Councilmember Orvis asked how much of the shifting standards were due to regulations outside the
City's control. Mr. Chave answered it was primarily a result of regulations outside the City's control
such as definitions or listing of species that was not controlled locally.
Councilmember Orvis asked whether uses could become nonconforming if the standards shifted. Mr.
Chave answered the nonconforming rules provided protection. He noted the intent of the buffer
flexibility was that urban development may already exist in those areas and the enhancement would
improve the already disturbed buffers.
Councilmember Dawson referred to the exemption for Category 3 and 4 wetlands, noting the ordinance
appeared to provide an exemption for Category 3 and 4 wetlands under 1,000 square feet. Mr. Chave
answered the exemption was for wetlands under 500 feet.
Councilmember Dawson asked the rationale for exempting any size wetland. Mr. Kenny recalled there
were comments from Pilchuck Audubon. Society and Thousand Friends of Washington that BAS did not
support exemption of wetlands of any size. He noted the exemption established a threshold and if an area
that had the characteristics of a wetland was smaller than the specified size, the critical area regulations
did not apply. He agreed BAS did not support thresholds and small wetlands were valuable to some
species but jurisdictions must balance science and policy implementation. He noted staff considered what
thresholds cities of similar size were establishing, noting they ranged from 500 square feet to 3500 square
feet. He explained the current code established the minimum wetland threshold at 2500 square feet which
seemed too large. He noted the planning staff did not want to regulate very small wetland areas that were
anomalies in a low lying area of someone's back yard. He noted as a result of that discussion, 500 square
feet was determined to be a reasonable compromise. Mr. Chave pointed out the balance between BAS
and the GMA requirement for infill development as well as the practical issue of identifying a 10 square
foot wetland. He concluded 500 square feet appeared to be the low end of the range of thresholds
established by other cities and staff had not encountered wetland below that level.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
November 1, 2004
Page 10
Councilmember Dawson asked staff to provide a comparison of what other cities were doing such as
exempting smaller wetland or having minimal requirements. Mr. Chave pointed out the need to balance
practicality within an urban environment. He offered to provide examples at the public hearing of what
other jurisdictions were doing.
Councilmember Dawson asked why the restrictions on the use of pesticides were not included in the
Critical Areas Ordinance. Mr. Kenny recalled the Pilchuck Audubon. Society referred to Seattle's which
had a separate ordinance regarding the use of pesticides. He advised the City could incorporate that issue
in the Critical Areas Ordinance and some municipalities include their own practices. He noted there was
a trigger mechanism in the Critical Areas Ordinance regarding when someone was required to get a
permit, it was difficult to envision what the trigger mechanism would be for the use of pesticides or
fertilizers.
Councilmember Dawson inquired about plans for public education regarding the new ordinance and the
use of pesticides and fertilizers. Mr. Chave suggested that be addressed at the public hearing. He noted
methods may include information in utility billings and on the City's website. He commented there were
grant funds available for public information. Councilmember Dawson commented other cities were
including information on their public access channels.
Mr. Bowman noted that issue was also addressed in the Illicit Discharge Ordinance that was adopted
earlier this year.
Mr. Chave advised the November 1.6 public hearing would include a presentation by the consultant.
MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Haakenson had no report.
9. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council President Plunkett provided a reminder that the November 9 Council. Committee meetings would
meet prior to the City Council meeting. The Council will consider amendments to the budget and the
property tax levy. He wished Councilmember Dawson a Happy Birthday on November 5.
Councilmember Olson thanked the merchants, the Chamber of Commerce and City staff who assisted
with the Halloween event in downtown Edmonds.
Councilmember Dawson advised the Public Safety Committee would be meeting at 6:30 p.m. In
addition, she reported that she would be leaving her position as a staff attorney for the Division 1 Court of
Appeals as she had accepted a position effective in January with an organization, Team Child, doing
advocacy for at -risk youth.
Councilmember Moore wished Councilmember Dawson a Happy Birthday and congratulations on her
opportunity. Councilmember Moore also expressed her appreciation to Councilmember Dawson for her
work on domestic violence issues.
Snohomish Councilmember Wilson reported on the discussion regarding affordable housing allocation at the
County Snohomish County Tomorrow meeting and unanimity among jurisdictions that were present regarding the
`
Afffororddabble
wording of the resolution. He indicated his plans to work with Mr. Bowman and Mr. Chave on different
Housing
Allocation
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
November 1, 2004
Page I
language to offer to Snohomish County Tomorrow to indicate this was not a target to be met but only an
indicator until such time as the methodology could be analyzed.
Councilmember Wilson wished Councilmember Dawson a Happy Birthday and suggested the
Community Services/Development Services Committee also meet at 6:30 p.m. on November 9.
Port of Councilmember Orvis reported the Port of Edmonds approved their budget which does not include a
Edmonds property tax increase. He also wished Councilmember Dawson a Happy Birthday and congratulations.
Councilmember Marin referred to an Association of Washington Cities Benefit Trust newsletter that cited
ways to reduce stress and a suggestion that regularly sprinkling less than '/2 teaspoon of cinnamon on
applesauce, oatmeal or a baked apple could help prevent heart disease and diabetes. He noted the article
stressed the benefit was from cinnamon and not cinnamon rolls.
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 8:56 p.m.
SANDRA S. CHASE, CITY CLERK
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
November 1, 2004
Page 12
-� AGENDA
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL
Council Chambers, Public Safety Complex
250 5' Avenue North
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Special Monday Meeting
November 1, 2004
7:00 p.m. - Call to Order
Flag Salute
1. Approval of Agenda
2. Consent Agenda Items
(A) Roll Call
(B) Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes of October 25, 2004.
(C) Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes of October 26, 2004.
i
(D) Approval of claim checks #74921 through #75078 for the week of October 25,
2004, in the amount of $127,800.49.*
*Note: Information regarding claim checks may be viewed electronically at www.ci.edmonds:wa.us.
(E) Acknowledge receipt of Claim for Damages from Jayne K. Ross (amount
undetermined).
(F) Authorization for the Mayor to sign the Edmonds Alliance for Economic
Development Dissolution of Entity Contract.
(G) Approval of Findings of Fact regarding a Closed Record Review held on
October 19, 2004 - Appeal of the Hearing Examiner's decision to deny an
appeal of a staff Code interpretation that a 6-foot by 6-foot tree house is a
structure and therefore subject to the city zoning standards and setback
requirements. The tree house is located at 18312 - 818t Place W and is zoned
single-family residential (RS-12). (Appellants: Keith Kemper of Ellis, Li &
McKinstry, PLLC for Mark and Jana Loewen/File Nos. AP-04-102 and AP-04-67)
(H) Approval of Interim Zoning Ordinance amending the Edmonds Community
Development Code definitions of setbacks (setback, side setback, rear
setback, street setback) and establishing a date for a public hearing.
Page 1 of 2
CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
NOVEMBER 1, 2004
Paste 2 of 2
3. ( 5 Min.) Proclamation in honor of Mountlake Terrace's 50th Birthday, Saturday,
November 6, 2004.
4. ( 5 Min.) Proclamation in honor of Veterans' Day, November 11, 2004.
5. (30 Min.) Public Hearing on the 2005 Budget, including budget overview, general
revenues and property taxes.
6. Audience Comments (3 Minute Limit Per Person)*
*Regarding matters not listed as Closed Record Review or as Public Hearings.
7. (45 Min.) Work Session on the Planning Board's recommendations regarding the draft
Critical Areas Regulations.
8. ( 5 Min.) Mayor's Comments
9. (15 Min.) Council Comments
I I
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.