07/07/1998 City Council1
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
JULY 79 1998
The Edmonds City Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Barbara Fahey in the
Library Plaza Room, 650 Main Street, followed by the flag salute.
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Barbara Fahey, Mayor
Gary Haakenson, Council President
Dave Earling, Councilmember
John Nordquist, Councilmember
Michael Plunkett, Councilmember
Jim White, Councilmember
Dick Van Hollebeke, Councilmember
Thomas A. Miller, Councilmember
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
STAFF PRESENT
Ron Haworth, Interim Fire Chief
Al Compaan, Assistant Police Chief
Paul Mar, Community Services Director
Art Housler, Administrative Services Director
Jeff Wilson, Planning Supervisor
Scott Snyder, City Attorney
Sandy Chase, City Clerk
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
COUNCILMEMBER VAN HOLLEBEKE MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
NORDQUIST, FOR APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED.
2. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
COUNCILMEMBER VAN HOLLEBEKE MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
MILLER, FOR APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED. The agenda
items approved are as follows:
(A) ROLL CALL
pprove (B) APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 30,1998
mutes
(C) APPROVAL OF CLAIM WARRANTS #21493 THRU #26056 FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE
pprove
laim 29, 1998, IN THE AMOUNT OF $161,800.14. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL WARRANTS
warrants #20955 THRU #21160 FOR THE PERIOD JUNE 16 THRU JUNE 30, 1998, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $378,841.71.
Highway
9 Project (D) UPDATE ON HIGHWAY 99 PROJECT
Petty Cash
Allocation (E) AUTHORIZATION TO INCREASE PETTY CASH DEPARTMENTAL ALLOCATIONS
L (F) AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
WITH LANDAU ASSOCIATES FOR GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING SERVICES
FOR THE NORTH MEADOWDALE STORM DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
July 7, 1998
Page t
3. AUDIENCE
Edmonds Edward J. McMorrow, 1024 4th Avenue S, Edmonds, expressed concern with the Edmonds Crossing
Tossing Project. He said he provided material to the Council earlier this year and was surprised he did not
Project receive a response. As many Councilmembers expressed their desire to retain Edmonds' small town
atmosphere while campaigning, he requested the Council place a resolution on the agenda no later than
September 8, 1998, which states (in part) because the Washington State Department of Transportation is
seeking to expand the auto - carrying capacity of the Edmonds - Kingston run by construction of a multiple
auto ferry slip dock, the City of Edmonds wishes to go on record as being unalterably opposed to the
construction of any multiple auto ferry slip dock. The resolution states this action is being taken because
construction of such a dock would lead to a significant increase in the number of autos crossing from
Kingston on the ferry through Edmonds due to the sprawling urbanization of the northern Kitsap
Peninsula and eastern Olympic Peninsula that a multiple auto ferry dock would make feasible.
For Mayor Fahey, Mr. McMorrow said the Council and Mayor were sent copies of his comments on the
draft EIS as well as a draft alternative proposal that should be considered along with a cover letter.
uality of I Ray Albano, 20916 76th Avenue W, #1, Edmonds, requested "quality of life" be defined as it is often
Life referred to. He questioned whether quality of life was desired for all citizens of Edmonds or only a few,
particularly for those who live in an area where they do not feel they have a good quality of life other
than fire and police service. He further made comments related to the Architectural Design Board.
School
Kurt Olden, 9117 238th Street SW, Edmonds, referred to comments made by the Edmonds School
District -
Wing
District (ESD) with regard to their desire for maximum usage of all school district property and Public
(P) zoning to best serve the students in the district, and that ESD urged citizens to trust them to make the
Issues
best decision regarding the usage of their buildings. He questioned whether the ESD should be trusted
when citizens were not informed a recent levy contained over $500,000 to demolish Scriber Lake. He
also questioned trusting the school board to make decisions regarding program locations when they did
not understand or appear to care about the secondary impacts of their moves. He said it was up to the
City to determine what is appropriate for neighborhoods and should not give zoning control to the school
district to allow maximum usage of their buildings. He recalled Dr. Torrens wanted to determine the
best usage of each program and building without restrictions on age or suitability of the students. He
questioned whether locating a high school in a residential neighborhood was the best use of that building
as proposed at the end of last year (placing Scriber Lake students in the Madrona School site). He said
the "P" zoning was not the only solution to the nonconforming schools in annexed areas. He
recommended the options outlined last week by Planning Supervisor Jeff Wilson be explored before any
decisions is made. He cautioned the Council against moving forward with a "P" zoning for all schools,
as there is no rush to find a solution.
Mitigation Al Rutledge, 7101 Lake Ballinger Way, Edmonds, referred to information he distributed regarding
Fees mitigation fees, noting the Council and Mayor do not appear to be interested in pursuing mitigation fees.
As a result of several meetings in other cities, he learned many are opposed to Ascent 21. He was
opposed to Ascent 21 as it did not include new ballfields or consider population increases.
monds Dave Page (and family), 1233 Olympic View Dr., Edmonds, displayed T -shirts that will be given away
hallenge to those who complete the Edmonds Challenge (a 4 mile or 2 mile run/walk event) within 40 minutes.
He encouraged the Council and the public to participate in the Edmonds Challenge on August 15 at 4:40
p.m. to benefit the Edmonds Police Youth Services Unit. He anticipated 600+ participants and said there
will also be a party in the park with free food, prizes, etc.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
July 7, 1998
Page 2
Mayor Fahey thanked Mr. Page for coordinating the Edmonds Challenge and urged the public to
participate.
School Gary McCaig, 9120 236th SW, Edmonds, commented that when the Council announced two weeks
District— ago that there would be a meeting on the fifth Tuesday, it would have been an opportune time to inform
Zoning the public the meeting was with the Edmonds School District (ESD). He stated his impressions from the
Issues
June 30 Council meeting with the ESD: (1) the ESD wants all school property zoned "P" so they can do
whatever they want at any school; (2) School District Superintendent Dr. Torrens did not care what it
took to get the "P" zoning; (3) Dr. Torrens did not care about the impact a program would have on a
neighborhood; and (4) the ESD may not cooperate regarding the pool unless the school properties are
rezoned "P." Mr. McCaig complimented Planning Supervisor Jeff Wilson for his description of the
process to rezone /designate school property.
School Jeff Lewis, 23621 92nd Avenue W, Edmonds, commented regarding the joint meeting with the School
District— Board. He expressed his appreciation for Planning Supervisor Jeff Wilson's explanations at the meeting
Issues and for School Boardmember Williams' attempt at the end of the meeting to "smooth things over." Mr.
Lewis felt Dr. Torrens, School Superintendent, did not care about churches or citizens but was only
interested in the school district taking control away from the City which he cautioned the Council
against. He pointed out the ESD's statements were misleading as he determined there were more school -
wide programs on the west side of Hwy. 99 than on the east side. He said many citizens are in favor of
the pool but do not want the City blackmailed into rezoning school property "P" in exchange for the pool.
To clarify comments regarding minutes of the joint meeting with the School District Board,
Councilmember Earling pointed out although the meeting was not video taped, minutes were prepared.
Mayor Fahey explained with the exception of Committee meetings (when the Council does not meet in a
group large enough to make a decision), all other Council meetings are audio recorded. She said the
videotape is a convenience for citizens but does not constitute the official record.
School Ellen Ernst, 702 7th Avenue S, Edmonds, said she was disheartened by last week's meeting and felt the
District
g
Zni ng City was being blackmailed by the ESD. Although she had questioned what voice one citizen might
Zoning
Issues have, she believed her voice could be the "grain of rice that tipped the scale." She urged the Council not
to feel pressured by the ESD and to do what was best for the City and citizens. She noted those citizens
who do speak often represent many others. She urged the Council to continue discussing the zoning and
the pool and to allow citizens to have a voice so that they can feel good about whatever decision is made.
Haley/Klein 4. MEETING WITH PROPONENTS OF THE HALEY /KLEIN ANNEXATION TO DISCUSS
nnexation ZONING ASSUMPTION OF BONDED INDEBTEDNESS BOUNDARIES AND OTHER ISSUES
[Area RELATED TO THE POTENTIAL ANNEXATION OF THE REQUESTED AREA
Q (file No. AX -92-
Planning Supervisor Jeff Wilson explained this item was a request by property owners for Council
approval to initiate an annexation process. He explained the petition method process is initiated by
property owners who sign a petition representing 10% of the assessed valuation of the proposed
annexation area. He displayed a vicinity map (Exhibit 2) and identified the proposed annexation area
located in the northwest corner of 224 and 76th Avenue West which abuts the City limits on the east
side. He explained a petition was submitted that was validated by the Snohomish County Assessor's
office, representing 42% of the assessed valuation of the proposed annexation area.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
July 7, 1998
Page 3
Mr. Wilson advised the Council that they must consider whether the boundaries of the proposed
annexation area are acceptable or should be enlarged, decreased, adjusted, etc. Mr. Wilson noted if the
boundaries were enlarged the assessed valuation would need to be considered to ensure a minimum of
10% have signed the petition. Second, the Council needs to consider whether the City should initiate and
adopt zoning for the proposed annexation area. He said the options are adopting a Comprehensive Plan
designation and zoning classification or adopt a comparable zoning classification, as has been done in the
past, and incorporate the area in a future Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code amendment. Third, the
Council needs to consider whether the area would be subject to the existing bonded indebtedness. He
explained the Council packet indicated the existing bonded indebtedness is $0.29 per $1,000 of assessed
valuation; however, recent factors have resulted in bonded indebtedness of $0.19 per $1,000 of assessed
valuation. If, following the public hearing, the Council reaches consensus on the first three issues, a
fourth question must be answered by the Council -- whether to approve the circulation of the final
annexation petition. This process requires the collection of signatures from 60% of the assessed
valuation to meet the minimum requirements established by State Statute.
Etta Haley, 7705 223rd Street SW, Edmonds, said they have lived in the Edmonds area since 1981 and
have been trying to be a part of Edmonds since that time. She said the main reason they wanted to be
annexed is the convenience of going to Edmonds for local government rather than to Snohomish County
in Everett. She said the most important issue was police protection, commenting there have been bad
experiences waiting for the Snohomish County Sheriff Department to arrive. She stressed the
importance of annexing to Edmonds, commenting they know many of the Councilmembers and belong
to the Chamber of Commerce.
Albert Haley, 7705 223rd Street SW, Edmonds, commented there are wonderful people on both sides
of this issue. He said when they purchased their home, they believed they were in Edmonds but later
learned they were not.
Councilmember Earling observed the packet indicated the petition submitted represented approximately
42% of the assessed valuation of the proposed annexation area and asked if the proponents felt signatures
of 60% of the assessed valuation could be gathered for the final annexation petition. Mrs. Haley
answered all the residents on their street signed the petition. Her discussions with many other residents
in the area indicated they are in favor of annexing to Edmonds.
Councilmember Earling asked if the residents would be willing to assume the existing bonded
indebtedness. Mrs. Haley answered that would not be a problem and believed her neighbors felt the
same.
Faiey/Kieini 5. HEARING ON PROPOSED HALEYIKLEIN ANNEXATION AND CONSIDERATION OF
lAnnexation PROPOSED RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE CIRCULATION OF FORMAL ANNEXATION
ei I PETITIONS (File No. AX-92-62
Planning Supervisor Jeff Wilson explained at the conclusion of the public hearing, the Council must
answer four questions, 1) whether to authorize circulation of a final petition, 2) whether the boundaries
would remain as proposed, 3) whether the area would be subject to the existing bonded indebtedness, and
4) whether the City should initiate and adopt zoning for the proposed annexation area or adopt
comparable zoning.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
July 7, 1998
Page 4
Councilmember White asked if the old Esperance Elementary School was located to the west of the
proposed annexation area. Mr. Wilson answered yes, and identified the school property on the map. He
advised the area to the north and further west serves as a county park but was originally part of the
school property.
Mayor Fahey opened the public participation portion of the hearing.
Peggi LaPlante, 7717 224th Street SW, Edmonds, said they are happy to be part of Snohomish County
and are satisfied with the current level of law enforcement. A resident of her home for 21 years, she
represented neighbors who oppose the proposed annexation for the following reasons: 1) approximately
one -third of the affected property owners, primarily on her street, did not receive a mailed notice. She
described the location of the three signs advertising the proposed annexation, stating they were placed in
areas where many residents did not see them, 2) longtime residents of the area would be included in the
annexation regardless of their desires, 3) a private homeowners association seeking benefits for their area
was asking residents who have lived in the area longer to participate in the annexation, 3) residents
oppose future proposed zoning of their area, which they anticipate due to the proximity to the
Neighborhood Business Zone, and 5) they oppose the assumption of any bonded indebtedness and will
fight annexation of their area.
Shirley Shultz- Homatic, 22322 76th W, Edmonds, explained Mr. Carr bought the 2+ acres and created
a mobile home park because the county would not allow him to build stationary homes. She said this
was a private street/park with a homeowner's organization. If the area was annexed to the City, she
asked whether it would be a public street and public park. She questioned what would be gained via
annexation - higher water, sewer, utility taxes? She suggested the residents of the street hire an off -duty
officer to patrol the street. She advised after Mr. Carr was killed, the estate never finished the tennis
courts and sidewalks that were intended for the area.
Al Rutledge, 7101 Lake Ballinger Way, Edmonds, expressed frustration with the City not providing
sufficient notification and said something must be done.
There were no other members of the public who wished to provide comment. Mayor Fahey closed the
audience portion of the hearing.
Councilmember Earling asked if the two individuals who spoke against annexation lived in the area
proposed to be annexed. Both answered yes.
City Clerk Sandy Chase advised a notice was mailed to 70 -80 property owners in the area and notices
were published for two consecutive weeks in the newspaper. Three signs were posted in the general
vicinity in locations that would be impacted by the proposed annexation. City Attorney Scott Snyder
said the notices were mailed to the address in the Assessor's records, the source the State Statute requires
for mailing notices.
Councilmember Nordquist observed only addresses on 223rd were on the petition yet the map indicates
224th would be included in the annexation area. Mr. Wilson explained the petition was initiated by the
proponents, Mr. and Mrs. Haley and Mr. and Mrs. Klein. When the proposed annexation was discussed
with staff, a reasonable, logical boundary was established. it was felt the most logical boundaries were
the corner of 224th and north to 223rd Place. When seeking signatures on the initial petition, the
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
July 7, 1998
Page 5
proponents are not required to seek signatures from all parcels in the area, only 10% of the assessed
valuation of the area. He said the City does not circulate petitions.
Responding to further questions of Councilmember Nordquist, Mr. Wilson said boundaries must be
identified prior to circulation of petitions as a map and boundaries must be included on the petition. He
reiterated one of the questions for the Council to address is whether the boundaries should be accepted as
proposed or changed to decrease the proposed annexation area.
Mayor Fahey responded to Councilmember Van Hollebeke's question regarding police call -outs,
explaining Edmonds Police Department responds to calls in this area that are life threatening or true
emergencies. However, the Snohomish County Sheriff answers routine calls. She said the only way the
Edmonds Police Department could provide services to this area would be an agreement between the City
and the Snohomish County Sheriff if both parities were willing to enter into such a contract.
Councilmember Van Hollebeke asked if the Edmonds Police Department could properly service the area
if it were annexed and whether additional expenses would be incurred. Mayor Fahey answered this area
is near Stevens Hospital and is readily accessible from 76th as it is adjacent to the area the Police
Department currently patrols.
Councilmember White inquired about the infrastructure of the proposed annexation area. Mr. Wilson
explained the homes are not "stick- built" homes but are modular homes, which must meet building code
requirements at the time they were constructed. Councilmember White asked if additional regulations
would be imposed if the property were annexed into the City. Mr. Wilson answered any future additions
to the home would be required to meet the existing building code requirements. He said it was likely
there were differences between the code requirements when the homes were constructed and current
regulations.
Mr. Snyder explained the federal government imposed standards for all modular homes; therefore,
Snohomish County had the same requirements as the City. Mr. Wilson said comparable zoning could be
adopted that may have some minor differences. He said the private street was approved in Snohomish
County as a PRD, which includes smaller lot sizes than, allowed in the RS8 zoning classification and the
property owners would have vested rights via the permits that were approved in Snohomish County.
Any additions would require consideration of setback and lot coverage, the same as would be considered
in Snohomish County. Upon annexation, he said the City would seek a copy of the approved PRD.
Councilmember White observed there was a park with a creek at the west end and asked if this would
have any impact on the City. Mr. Wilson said the street and park would remain under private ownership
unless residents requested the street be converted to a public street and/or deeded the park to the City.
Councilmember White asked if a financial analysis established the proposed annexation boundaries. Mr.
Wilson answered a financial analysis was not done and the boundaries were not based on financial
impacts. One of the criteria that must be addressed at the Boundary Review Board (BRB) if the 60%
petitions are completed, is defining why the boundaries make sense. He said it is easier to define the
boundaries from a street corner. The boundaries are not absolute; this is part of an unincorporated island
of unincorporated Snohomish County that is surrounded on all sides by the City limits; therefore, any
annexations in the area create more logical boundaries in the future. He said the BRB likely would not
require the boundaries to extend to the corner of 224th.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
July 7, 1998
Page 6
Councilmember Nordquist asked if consideration was given to including the old Esperance Elementary
School property in the proposed annexation. Mr. Wilson said this had been considered in the past; it was
not included at this time as the school district indicated they did not want their approval to be required to
achieve the 60% threshold.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT HAAKENSON MOVED TO EXTEND DISCUSSION OF THIS ITEM
FOR 15 MINUTES. COUNCILMEMBER VAN HOLLEBEKE SECONDED THE MOTION.
MOTION CARRIED.
Council President Haakenson observed the entire area voted not to annex last November. Mr. Wilson
said a majority voted not to annex, which included this area. Council President Haakenson observed Ms.
LaPlante was active in the opposition to that annexation. Mr. Wilson agreed. At the request of Council
President Haakenson, Ms. LaPlante identified her property on the map (in the extreme southwest corner).
Council President Haakenson asked if the area near Ms. LaPlante's residence was included when the
initial petition for annexation was submitted. Mr. Wilson said there often is no boundary when
proponents contact the City. He said the private street would have been sufficient for the initial
annexation request. Staff then defined logical boundaries for the area in anticipation of presentation to
the BRB. In working with the proponents, the boundaries were defined to include 224th Street.
Council President Haakenson inquired about the process if the Council approves the circulation of the
petition. Mr. Wilson explained if the Council approves circulation of a petition with the proposed
boundaries, staff would prepare the official 60% petition format incorporating a map identifying the
boundaries, and comparable_ zoning (if that is the Council's decision). It is then the proponents'
responsibility to circulate the petition within the boundaries and gather signatures of property owners
representing 60% of the assessed valuation. Once the 60% threshold is achieved, the petition is
submitted to the City, followed by validation by Snohomish County and, upon validation, an application
is prepared for submittal to the BRB who completes a 45 -day review process. He said a significant
question is whether signatures of property owners representing 60% of the assessed valuation can be
gathered.
Council President Haakenson asked if staff was required or intended to hold meetings with property
owners in this area. Mr. Wilson answered in the past, meetings have not been held for petition method
annexations. He said two public hearings are required; tonight's public hearing will be the first, the
second public hearing is typically held following successful completion of the 60% petition and after the
BRB's review. The Council will take final action regarding acceptance of the annexation following the
second public hearing. He said staff is open to meeting with property owners individually.
For Councilmember Miller, Mr. Wilson explained new service delivery in this area would include police
and inspections as the City already provides fire service to the area. Excluding the area adjacent to 224th
would not affect service delivery.
Mayor Fahey remanded the matter to Council for deliberation.
Councilmember Nordquist said he was not convinced the property owners on 224th should be included
in the annexation area, and that he would make a motion requesting that portion of the annexation area be
removed.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
July 7, 1998
Page 7
COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MILLER, TO
DIRECT STAFF TO PREPARE A RESOLUTION FOR THE NEXT COUNCIL CONSENT
AGENDA, AUTHORIZING THE CIRCULATION OF THE FORMAL 60% ANNEXATION
PETITION, WHICH INCORPORATES THE COUNCIL'S DECISION ON THE FOLLOWING
QUESTIONS, 1) THE PROPOSED ANNEXATION BOUNDARIES ARE TO BE ON THE LINE
WITH THE WORD ESPERANCE AND OMITS ALL PROPERTIES ON 224TH, 2) THE CITY
SHALL ADOPT COMPARABLE ZONING AS AN INTERIM MEASURE, AND 3) ACCEPTANCE
OF THE EXISTING BONDED INDEBTEDNESS IS PART OF THE RECOMMENDED ACTION.
MOTION CARRIED.
Mayor Fahey offered the proponents Mr. Wilson's assistance with any'questions during the circulation of
the petition.
Ord. #3216 6. ORDINANCE NO 3216 AMENDING THE 1998 BUDGET AS A RESULT OF UNANTICIPATED
Amending TRANSFERS AND EXPENDITURES OF VARIOUS FUNDS
1998
Budget Administrative Services Director Art Housler said in December 1998, the Council passed appropriations
totaling $48,299,620. Since then, the Council has taken action increasing appropriations by $959,880.
State law requires an ordinance be adopted to officially amend the 1998 budget. He explained the
additional expenditures included $800,000 for acquisition of property, $15,000 for street improvements,
$38,000 for circuit improvements at the Treatment Plant, $15,000 for improvements at the Senior Center,
and numerous smaller expenditures which are listed in the ordinance.
Councilmember Earling asked Mr. Housler to comment on the City's financial stability. Mr. Housler
stated that the Emergency Financial Reserve Fund 006 has a balance of $1,150,000 which exceeds the
normal 5% and the Council Contingency Fund has a balance of approximately $160,000.
City Attorney Scott Snyder advised State law requires the public be given an opportunity to comment on
an ordinance amending the budget. Mayor Fahey invited the public to comment.
Al Rutledge, 7101 Lake Ballinger Way, Edmonds, said the reserve fund had a $1 million balance
during previous administrations. He said although the economy is doing well now, the City needs to
look ahead and begin increasing its reserves.
Mayor Fahey closed the audience participation portion of this item.
Council President Haakenson asked Mr. Housler to comment on the City's financial situation in future
years. Mr. Housler said the City will be financially sound and in a very good position for the next five
years. He referred to the five -year financial forecast he provided at the Council Retreat which showed
extra balances each year and said there have been no changes since that report was made.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT HAAKENSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER VAN
HOLLEBEKE, TO ADOPT THE ORDINANCE NO. 3216. MOTION CARRIED. The ordinance
adopted is as follows:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS, WASHINGTON, AMENDING ORDINANCE
NO. 3180 AS A RESULT OF UNANTICIPATED TRANSFERS AND EXPENDITURES OF
VARIOUS FUNDS, AND FIXING A TIME WHEN THE SAME SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
July 7, 1998
Page 8
Mayor Fahey asked Mr. Housler to report on the completion of the recent audit. Mr. Housler explained
two auditors have been working in the City for the past two weeks. At the exit audit conference today,
they reported they had no findings and an unqualified (clean) opinion was issued for the City's financial
statements. He said the City's financial statements would be submitted again for the Certification for
Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting award.
Mayor Fahey thanked Mr. Housler and his staff for the great job they do. She said the auditors
commented on the good job the City consistently does budgeting and that the City is very well positioned
for today and for the future.
Chambers 7• UPDATE ON CHAMBERS CABLE REBUILD PROJECT
Cable
Rebuild Community Services Director Paul Mar reported the City Council approved the franchise agreement for
Project Chambers Cable 27 months ago in April 1996. They have been working with City staff for the past 20
months and began the rebuild last summer. He noted this was the fourth update on the Chambers Cable
rebuild, the last update was provided on March 24, 1997.
Jack Gradwohl, Area Manager, Chambers Cable, 523 Main Street, Edmonds, said on Friday, July
10, they will move their offices to Harbor Square, 190 West Dayton Building, Ste. 201. He explained
they have been in the construction process for a year. He displayed an overhead showing the
construction work that has been completed and what remains to be done. He explained the total 150
miles of coaxial was broken into five phases. Phases 1 -3 have been completed, Phase 4 has
approximately nine miles of aerial construction remaining, and Phase 5 has approximately 4.5 miles
remaining. He displayed an overhead illustrating the underground portion, and explained Phase 1 has
approximately 3 miles remaining, Phase 2 has approximately 5 miles remaining, Phase 3 has
approximately 6 miles remaining and Phases 4 and 5 have a total of approximately 11 miles remaining.
He noted within the approximately 120 miles of construction, approximately 22 miles of fiber cable
(which contain varying numbers of fiber counts) have been laid totaling nearly 1,000 miles of fiber
optics in the City. He displayed an overhead identifying the fiber optic runs that have been completed
and identified their new head end office at the 180 West Dayton Building. He commented they are
making good progress.
Mr. Gradwohl explained following the installation of fiber optics, the cable plant must be activated.
Tomorrow, a representative of Phillips Electronics will train staff and activate the first couple of nodes
into the neighborhoods which will be followed by signal testing. He noted there has been a slight delay
in the installation of power supply; approximately 49 standby power supplies have been installed, and 11
have been activated. They are awaiting State Lc4&I inspection or activation by Snohomish County PUD
for the remaining standby power supplies. He said the new head end office has been completed at 180
West Dayton and the existing cable service is being fed from that location. The next phases will be
transferring the drops - physically hooking the cable lines from homes into the new cable system. Once
the programming is finalized, entire nodes will be transferred to the new cable system.
Mr. Gradwohl said they have encountered some setbacks in the satellite channels. He explained AT &T's
recent purchase of TCI is a vote of confidence in the cable industry as the future provider of all
telecommunication services. He said TCI, who provides some satellite services (digital services), had
pods of services available that provide certain programming services and just as Chambers Cable was
about to commit to the pods, TCI changed them. He explained Chambers Cable is committed to digital;
the channel line up will double from 30 channels to 60+ channels. Analog premium service. will
continue to be available without a converter box on a whole -house basis. Additional services will require
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
July 7, 1998
Page 9
a digital converter box and provide additional 20 -25 basic channels. Approximately 150 channels of
video and audio services will be available to customers via digital compression with room left for adding
additional basic services, cable modems, etc. in the future.
Council President Haakenson asked when nodes would begin to be activated. Mr. Gradwohl answered
some nodes will be activated for initial testing tomorrow. Council President Haakenson recalled Mr.
Gradwohl previously said Node 104 in North Meadowdale would be activated in 90 - 120 days. Mr.
Gradwohl said they would be tested first and described the process for activating a node. He said they
are slightly behind schedule; however, the construction process is continuing so when activation does
occur, larger areas will be activated at one time rather than one node at a time.
Council President Haakenson asked if customers would see any change when a node was tested. Mr.
Gradwohl answered the customer would not see any change until the drop is transferred from the old
cable system to the new system. Council President Haakenson asked when citizens would begin
receiving new cable services. Mr. Gradwohl said they anticipate launching new services in August or
September. He said the channel line -up would be available within days.
Council President Haakenson asked how customers could find out the progress of the rebuild. Mr.
Gradwohl said citizens could call the local office at 774 -5146 or the hotline 778 -3906 for specific
construction questions. He said the hotline has direct contact with construction crews and can address
specific problems.
Councilmember Van Hollebeke recalled one of the first presentations indicated this system had the most
advanced high tech transmission lines available. He asked if any information was available for business
owners or prospective businesses in the community regarding capabilities and costs. Mr. Gradwohl said
the cable system Chambers is constructing is what AT &T wants to build with their purchase of TCI.
AT &T is betting their future on cable infrastructure and upgrading TCI's plant to what Chambers is
already doing. He said part of the economic development for Edmonds is the increase in advertisement
insertion capabilities (interruption of national programming for local advertisements) from seven
channels to sixteen channels at a very cost - effective rate.
Councilmember Van Hollebeke asked whether Chambers Cable could assist a business owner who
describes his communication needs and provide the cost. Mr. Gradwohl said a wide array of new
services and pricing schedules will be available.
Mayor Fahey asked in which areas construction has not yet been completed. Mr. Gradwohl answered
they started in the north and are working south toward the County line. Much of what remains to be
done is on private property and easements, within multiple dwelling units, etc. and less than 10 miles is
within the City's rights -of -way.
Mayor Fahey asked if the rebuild would also take place in Shoreline. Mr. Gradwohl said they received
their franchise renewal in Shoreline on June 6 and are awaiting finalization of that process. Mayor Fahey
asked if Edmonds would be on -line before Shoreline. Mr. Gradwohl answered yes; the rebuilds were
done independently, as Chambers was aware the construction schedule in Edmonds was ahead of
Shoreline.
Mayor Fahey observed new cabling was being installed and asked if the old cabling will be removed.
Mr. Gradwohl answered yes; the old cable system will be removed and recycled.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
July 7, 1998
Page 10
Council President Haakenson asked how the signal would be transmitted from outside a resident's home
to the inside, particularly in a house with an old cable line. Mr. Gradwohl said RG6 drop lines have been
installed for the past ten years. Testing will determine whether new wiring will be required. He agreed a
lot of work remained to be done.
Councilmember Nordquist asked when construction would occur east of Hwy. 99. Mr. Gradwohl said
within the next couple of days.
Mr. Gradwohl stressed the new cable system will be second to none in the country.
8. MAYOR'S REPORT
ourth of Mayor Fahey . extended her appreciation to the Chamber of Commerce, especially Fred Bell for
my Events organizing the parade, to the Ambassadors who coordinated activities and services and served as
marshals of the parade, to Doug Purcell who on behalf of the Chamber, arranged the fireworks display,
and to all the sponsors and donors to the fireworks fund, especially Stevens Hospital, the primary
sponsor. She stressed everyone working together allows the City to have an excellent 4th of July
celebration. Mayor Fahey also extended her thanks to City staff for erecting barriers, and to the Police
Department and Reserves for ensuring order is maintained.
np to Mayor Fahey announced she will be leaving on Friday for Hekinan, Japan (sister city to Edmonds) to
Hekinan celebrate their 50th anniversary. She said Councilmember Nordquist, Parks and Recreation Director
Arvilla Ohlde, and several members of the Sister Cities Commission are also going to Hekinan. She
advised Community Services Director Paul Mar would oversee the administration and Council President
Haakenson would be Mayor Pro Tem during her absence.
Mayor Fahey recognized upcoming birthdays, Councilmember White on July 10 and Council President
Haakenson on July 14.
Edmonds Mayor Fahey announced the Edmonds Braves baseball team, a non -profit baseball organization, won the
Braves championship for the Continental Amateur Baseball Association. As regional champions, they will
Baseball
Team represent this area and Washington in the national CABA tournament in Homestead, Florida on July 30 -
August 5. They are seeking businesses and service groups to assist with expenses. Mayor Fahey invited
anyone interested in proving support to contact her office.
9. COUNCIL REPORT
Council President Haakenson echoed Mayor Fahey's comments regarding those responsible for the great
parade.
Councilmember Plunkett said the parade, picnic, and fireworks made him proud to be a resident of
Edmonds.
Councilmember Miller wished Mayor Fahey and Councilmember Nordquist Bon Voyage.
hool
strict - Councilmember White responded to the comments made earlier that the Edmonds School District may
ning be bartering the pool for the "P" zone and assured that was not true and would not be considered by the
aes Council. He stressed the pool and the zoning were completely separate issues.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
July 7, 1998
Page 11
Edmonds Councilmember Nordquist responded to the comments made by Mr. McMorrow requesting the Council
rossi g consider a resolution regarding Washington State Department of Transportation's desire to increase the
ferry slips and said this was not a new issue, but has concerned the Council for many years. He recalled
the 4 No's document, Community Services Director Paul Mar's involvement in pursuing a multimodal
center as well as Councilmember Earling involvement with the RTA. He pointed out the very
compressed intersection in the City that handles buses, trains, ferries, cars, and trucks and increasing
pressure due to increasing transportation demands. He assured Mr. McMorrow that the Council would
not take action that would impose something that would not be acceptable to the residents. He
appreciated Mr. McMorrow's interest in continuing to project a small town atmosphere. Councilmember
Nordquist said although the overhead loading will help, the Olympic Peninsula is very large and their
major highways come through Edmonds.
Executive 10. EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING A REAL ESTATE MATTER
Session
Mayor Fahey recessed the Council to Executive Session at 9:00 p.m, for 15 minutes for discussion of a
real estate matter. She advised no action would be taken following the Executive Session and the
Council would adjourn immediately following its conclusion.
BARBARA S. FARE , P1AYOR SAi-MRA S. CHASE, CITY CLERK
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
July 7, 1998
Page 12
1
AGENDA
"r EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL
IMUERNMERM
Plaza Meeting Room - Library Building
650 Main Street
7:00 -10:00 p.m.
JULY 7, 1998
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 JUNE 30, 1998
(C) APPROVAL OF CLAIM WARRANTS #21493 THRU #26056 FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 29, 1998, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $161,800.14. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL WARRANTS #20955 THRU #21160 FOR THE
PERIOD JUNE 16 THRU JUNE 30, 1998, IN THE AMOUNT OF $378,841.71.
(D) UPDATE ON HIGHWAY 99 PROJECT
(E) AUTHORIZATION TO INCREASE PETTY CASH DEPARTMENTAL ALLOCATIONS
(F) AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH LANDAU
ASSOCIATES FOR GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE NORTH MEADOWDALE STORM
DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
3. AUDIENCE (3 minute limit per person)
4. (20 Min.) MEETING WITH PROPONENTS OF THE HALEY/KLEIN ANNEXATION TO DISCUSS ZONING,
ASSUMPTION OF BONDED INDEBTEDNESS, BOUNDARIES AND OTHER ISSUES RELATED TO THE
POTENTIAL ANNEXATION OF THE REQUESTED AREA (File No. AX- 92-62)
5. (20 Min.) HEARING ON PROPOSED HALEYIKLEIN ANNEXATION AND CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED
RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE CIRCULATION OF FORMAL ANNEXATION PETITIONS (File No. AX- 92-62)
6. (5 Min.) PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1998 BUDGET AS A RESULT OF UNANTICIPATED
TRANSFERS AND EXPENDITURES OF VARIOUS FUNDS
7. (10 Min.) UPDATE ON CHAMBERS CABLE REBUILD PROJECT
8. (5 Min.) MAYOR'S REPORT
9. (15 Min.) COUNCIL REPORT
10. (15 Min.) EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING A REAL ESTATE MATTER
Parking and meeting rooms are accessible for persons with disabilities. Contact the City Clerk at (425) 771 -0245 with 24 hours advance
notice for special accommodations. The Council Agenda appears on Chambers Cable, Channel 32. Delayed telecast of this meeting appears
the following Wednesday; Friday and Alonday at noon on Channel 32.