20170905 City CouncilEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
September 5, 2017
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Thomas Mesaros, Mayor Pro Tem
Kristiana Johnson, Councilmember
Adrienne Fraley-Monillas, Councilmember
Diane Buckshnis, Councilmember
Dave Teitzel, Councilmember
Neil Tibbott, Councilmember
ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT
Dave Earling, Mayor
Michael Nelson, Councilmember
1. CALL TO ORDERIFLAG SALUTE
STAFF PRESENT
Phil Williams, Public Works Director
Carrie Hite, Parks, Rec. & Cult. Serv. Dir.
Shane Hope, Development Services Director
Scott James, Finance Director
Jeff Taraday, City Attorney
Linda Hynd, Deputy City Clerk
Jerrie Bevington, Camera Operator
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
The Edmonds City Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Pro Tem Mesaros in the
Council Chambers, 250 5th Avenue North, Edmonds. The meeting was opened with the flag salute.
2. ROLL CALL
Deputy City Clerk Linda called the roll. All elected officials were present with the exception of Mayor
Earling and Councilmember Nelson.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
COUNCILMEMBER TEITZEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-
MONILLAS, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA IN CONTENT AND ORDER. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
4. PRESENTATIONS
PRESENTATION BY VERDANT HEALTH COMMISSION
Dr. Robin Fenn, Superintendent, and Lisa King, Director of Finance, Verdant Health Commission,
introduced themselves. Dr. Fenn reviewed:
Mission: To improve the health and well-being of our community.
Elected Board of Commissioners:
o Fred Langer, RN, Esp
o Deana Knutsen, Chair
o Bob Knowles
o J. Bruce Williams, MD, FACP, Vice Chair
o Karianna Wilson
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 5, 2017
Page 1
History
0 1964: Stevens Hospital built
0 2010: Stevens Hospital became Swedish Edmonds
0 2010: Created the South Snohomish County Commission for Health (SSCCFH)
0 2011: SSCCFH became Verdant Health Commission
• Verdant owns the hospital but has nothing to do with operations
o District map
• Bordered by 148" St SW to the north and King/Snohomish County on the south
• Serving approximately 200,000 residents
How Does Verdant Work?
o Program Grants
o Building Healthy Communities
o Verdant Initiatives
o Verdant Spaces
o Community Hospital
Verdant Initiatives
o Access to Care (Dental and Physical)
o Behavioral Health
o Childhood Obesity
Verdant Community Wellness Center
o Classes/Workshops
o Partner Programming
o Trainings/Meetings/
o Community Use
o Demonstration Teaching Kitchen
o 2-1-1 Community Resource Advocate
Expenditures: How is our funding used?
o More than half of the funding is reinvested in community health and wellness programs.
o Programs & Grants: $6,424,300 or 58.8%
o Professional Services: $383,943 or 3.5%
o Salaries & Benefits: $858,535 or 7.9%
o Purchased Services, Supplies, Maintenance, Insurance, Utilities, Taxes, Other Expenses:
$849,169 or 7.8%
o Depreciation: $2,404,616 or 22.0%
Revenue: Where does our funding come from?
o More than 75% of the funding comes from ground and facility leases
o Ground and Facility Leases: $11,819,559 or 82.3%
o Maintenance and Operations Tax Levy: $2,221,262 or 15.7%
o Investment Income: $260,542 or 1.8%
o Program and Sponsorship Revenue: $31,559 or 0.2%
o Other Revenues: $18,285 or 0.1 %
Maintenance and Operations Tax bevy: Recent Rates
PHD
2014 Rate
2015 Rate
2016 Rate
Evergreen Health Monroe PHD#1
0.3700
0.3410
0.3194
Verdant Health Commission (PHD#2)
0.1059
0.0974
0.0912
Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics (PHD#3)
0.3976
0.3721
0.3549
• Maintenance and Operations Tax Levy Per Resident
PHD
2014 Rate
2015 Rate
2016 Rate
Evergreen Health Monroe (PHD#1)
$38.85
$38.99
$39.07
Verdant Health Commission (PHD#2)
$12.20
$12.22
$12.25
Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics PHD#3
$38.98
$39.13
$39.40
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■ Examples of How Verdant Partners with Edmonds
o Move 60! with ESD
o SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral, Treatment) with Edmonds Family Medicine
o Student Support Advocates at ESD
o FD#1/OMF Veterans Project
o Edmonds Senior Center Enhanced Wellness
o Edmonds Community College Veterans Support
0 2-1-1 Community Resource Advocate
o Fire District #1 Community Resource Paramedic Program
o Bike -2 -Health Bike Trail
• Collaborative Funding Opportunities (United Way, Hazel Miller, Premera, Community Foundation
and Tulalip Cares)
o What are the pressing needs of our community?
o Where can we have the biggest impact.....together?
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas said as Chair of the Snohomish Health District, she was interested in
coordination on opioid issues and homelessness and asked if Verdant was coordinating with the Health
District. Dr. Fenn answered not as a funder; she is meeting with the Health District next week to determine
how Verdant's activities can support the Health District. Councilmember Fraley-Monillas commented the
new physician hired by Health District has a history with these types of community issues. South
Snohomish County has serious issues that fall within Verdant's priorities such as opioids and homelessness.
Councilmember Buckshnis asked Verdant's total assets, relaying her understanding the surplus is
approximately $5 million/year. Ms. King answered surpluses vary each year; their current investment
portfolio balance is approximately $40 million and Verdant's overall assets include the hospital.
Councilmember Buckshnis commented Verdant has a great deal of cash. She was aware Verdant has to
comply with specific RCWs, but felt there were a lot of programs Verdant could fund. She was glad Verdant
was moving slowly but hoped they would speed up in some areas such as homelessness and opioid abuse.
Councilmember Teitzel observed the maintenance and operation tax levy rate for Verdant declined from
0.1059 in 2014 to 0.0974 in 2015 and 0.0912 in 2016 and the same trend occurred for Evergreen and
Cascade. He asked the reason for the decline. Ms. King explained as assessed values increase, unless there
is a levy lid lift, there is a cap of a 1 %/year rate increase. As Verdant has excess cash, there has not been a
levy lid lift since Verdant Health Commission was formed. Inflation increases faster than 1% in a good
economy and as that happens, the rate actually decreases.
Councilmember Johnson recalled reading in the newspaper that during the last audit, a question was raised
whether the Bike to Health program was part of Verdant's objectives. She asked for an update on the status
of that project. Ms. King answered that project is fully funded; the State auditor did not necessarily agree
the project was within Verdant's statutory authority as physical exercise cannot be measured in a person in
an infrastructure -related project. Verdant has completed its funding obligation related to the project and the
State auditor has chosen not to pursue the issue further.
Councilmember Johnson asked if that could impact future projects of that type. Dr. Fenn answered her
background is in community health; after the most recent audit, Verdant is working with the State Public
Hospital Association and legal counsel regarding potential changes to the RCW language. Verdant is a very
unique entity and there is a great deal of room for interpretation in the RCW. Councilmember Johnson
commented that project is very important to the City and suggested changing the enabling legislation be
included in the City's legislative agenda. Dr. Fenn was glad to have the City's support on that issue.
5. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
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Mike Shaw, Edmonds, asked the Council to make the selection of a firm for the marsh site study as
unbiased and intelligent as possible. Whoever is chosen will perform a study that will have ramifications
for many years. As times goes on, more of Edmonds will be consumed by residential and commercial
buildings. The 20+ remaining acres of the marsh represent an opportunity to preserve something for the
future beyond those pertinent to development. If the Council holds values similar to the voting public, he
recommended the evaluation of the candidate site study firms be as transparent as possible and a Council -
wide decision. Not only should the full Council make the decision on the site study firm, but the evaluation
hearings should be open to the public and conveniently timed for the general public to attend. If the Council
chose not to follow his suggestions, he questioned what it was trying to hide.
Marjie Fields, Edmonds, referred to the Edmonds Marsh Request for Proposal, relaying she shared Mr.
Shaw's concerns. A major concern is transparently in the selection process. She questioned whether citizens
would be allowed to see the proposals and sit in on the reviews, whether meetings would be scheduled at a
time that allowed public access, and whether citizen scientists will be involved in analyzing and/or
implementing the proposals She relayed a concern with possible bias, commenting the review group appears
to limit diverse input. She agreed with Mr. Shaw's suggestion to involve the entire Council in the selection
process. As some proposals are from groups with staff or consultants who have worked for the City or Port
in the past, there is some concern with possible conflict of interest or the appearance of conflict. The
baseline study of the marsh is important and must be an impartial, unbiased and independent study.
Susie Schaefer, Edmonds, commented she has not had time to review the marsh site study proposals. She
invited the Council to the Puget Sound Bird Fest September 15-17. Friday, September 15 will include a
speaker on woodpeckers, there are programs all day on Saturday including how to attract birds and wildlife
to your yard and photographs of marsh wildlife by David Richman and a tour of the demo garden on Sunday.
She concluded if the proposals for the marsh study are not good, new proposals should be sought.
Marty Jones, Edmonds, was excited to see a new "Edmonds Marsh and Boardwalk" directional sign on
Dayton as anything that gets people to visit the marsh and learn to appreciate is good for the marsh and
what is good for the marsh is good for Edmonds. She thanked whoever was involved in getting the sign
installed, commenting many people have been wanting it for a long time. The timing of the sign installation
right before Bird Fest is especially appreciated. Mayor Pro Tem Mesaros remarked there is another
Edmonds Marsh directional sign northbound on SR -104. He said City staff installed the signs.
Alvin Rutledge, Edmonds, reported the Carol Rowe -Food Bank participated in -the -grand opening of the
ACE Hardware August 25-27 along with Mayor Earling, Councilmember Teitzel and the Chamber of
Commerce. He relayed the food bank's appreciation for the grocery store at ACE and the food bank's plans
for a food drive in November and December. The food bank is seeking a director.
Joe Scordino, Edmonds, retired fisheries biologist, referred to the Edmonds Marsh baseline study and
explained the public is very interested in the marsh ensuring the study provides best available science on
current and potential future conditions. The public is hopeful the study will provide information that has
been needed for a long time, a good, solid study based specifically on the marsh so everyone is on same
page with regard to how conditions affect the marsh, how to make marsh better for wildlife, and preserving
wildlife into the future. He recommended the study provide tangible, site specific, scientific information
that can be used directly in future considerations. A lot of studies have the right words but are not usable in
application. He asked when, how and if the public will be able to directly participate and contribute to the
review process. He thanked Ms. Hope for promptly providing copies of the proposals upon his request. He
asked what happened if any one of the proposal did not address all aspects of the desired study and whether
the City could put out an RFQ combining different aspects into one and rebid it.
6. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 5, 2017
Page 4
COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
TIBBOTT, TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The
agenda items approved are as follows:
1. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 22, 2017
2. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 22, 2017
3. APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS, REPLACEMENT PAYROLL CHECK AND WIRE
PAYMENTS
4. CARNEGIE LIBRARY BUILDING LEASE ADDENDUM
5. ACCEPTANCE OF THE220TH STREET SW OVERLAY PROJECT FROM 84TH TO
76TH AVENUES W
7. ACTION ITEM
1. AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN LOCAL AGENCY PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES CONSULTANT AGREEMENT WITH SCJ ALLIANCE FOR THE HIGHWAY
99 REVITALIZATION / GATEWAY PROJECT
Public Works Director Phil Williams relayed the Parks, Planning & Public Works Committee reviewed the
professional services consultant agreement with SCJ Alliance for the Highway 99 Corridor Plan from 212'
Street to 244th Street. In 2015 the City secured $10 million from Connecting Washington for the Highway
99 Gateway/Revitalization project. During the recent session, the State Legislature approved $1 million for
the 2018-2019 biennium. In addition, the City's 2017 budget includes $300,000 to address safety issues
between 224th and 216`h due conflicts between operation of BAT lanes and left turns. The City recently
completed the Highway 99 Subarea Plan; this project will include design of a transportation plan to
implement that vision.
Mr. Williams explained a portion of the available funding will be used to create a corridor plan and
determine projects the City wants to pursue to address goals such as safety, capacity, size and location of
sidewalks and crosswalks, streetlighting, softscaping, access management, etc. The remainder of the funds
will be used to pursue the first capital project the City Council selects. The City received two proposals;
the interview committee interviewed both and recommended SCJ Alliance whose project manager, Lisa
Reed, has done similar work elsewhere on the Highway 99 corridor.
Councilmember Tibbott asked whether Ms. Reed was a consultant or on staff at SCJ Alliance. Mr. Williams
said she is on staff with SCJ Alliance; she previously worked with CH2M Hill on Highway 99 in Federal
Way. Councilmember Tibbott commented this is an opportunity to work with someone who knows
Highway 99 very well and has worked locally on Highway 99 in Shoreline.
Councilmember Tibbott commented this is an extensive project, both in cost and time, seven months. He
asked how complete the planning portion of the project will be and what the final plan will entail. Mr.
Williams answered the City already has a relatively clear idea of the transportation in the Highway 99
Subarea Plan with regard to goals, specific treatments, and locations of certain projects. SCJ Alliance will
do detailed analyses of those issues, survey work, and a prioritized list of projects with cost estimates.
Project designs will be preliminary, approximately 15-30%.
COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
TIBBOTT, TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE LOCAL AGENCY PROFESSIONAL
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SERVICES CONSULTANT AGREEMENT WITH SCJ ALLIANCE FOR THE HIGHWAY 99
REVITALIZATION / GATEWAY PROJECT.
Councilmember Teitzel referred to Task 2 in the agreement, and reference to SYNCHRO. He asked about
synchronizing traffic signals on Highway 99 to reduce starts and stops and reduce carbon emissions. Mr.
Williams answered Lynnwood does a fair amount of synchronizing along Highway 99 and he assumed that
would continue. With regard to SYNCHRO, Mr. Williams explained that is software used to analyze
turning movements.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. STUDY ITEMS
1. CLIMATE CHANGE/SUSTAINABILITY PRESENTATION
Development Services Director Shane Hope explained the intent of tonight's presentation is to provide
public information on what the City has been doing to encourage sustainability and climate protection.
Parks & Recreation Director Hite explained Parks and Recreation has a culture and philosophy to be
environmentally conscious in its activities, from Park crews, education programs, arts, etc. She highlighted:
• 2014 PROS Plan Update
o New Natural Resources and Habitat Conservation Chapter
■ Goal 4: Preserve and provide access to natural resource lands for habitat conservation,
recreation and environmental education
- In recent years have purchased or accepted donated parcels along Shell Creek Corridor
• Community Solar Cooperative hosted at the Frances Anderson Center
• Sustainable Cities Partnership
0 4" Ave Cultural Corridor
o Edmonds Marsh Restoration
o Stella's Landing
o Cemetery Mapping
o Recreation Programming
• Greening Parks
o Implemented integrated Pest Management Plan
o Reduced pesticide use by 60% since 2008
• Drip Irrigation Systems
o Downtown flower beds and baskets
o Reduced water costs by 70%
• Sustainable Landscapes
o Mulch made from fallen trees
o Perennials and native plants
o Wildlife Habitat Project
• Habitat restoration
o Earth corps, USA
o Puget Sound Stewards
o Student Conservation Association
o Adopt a Park
o Adopt a Plot Programs
Public Works Director Phil Williams highlighted:
• Complete Streets Ordinance
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o Plan, design and construct streets with appropriate accommodation for pedestrians of all ages
and abilities, bicycles and transit
o Some projects that overall consumption of energy
■ Five Corners Roundabout
- Funded via Congestion and Mitigation Air Quality grant due to positive impacts on air
quality and reduction in energy consumption by reducing wait times
■ 761h & 212th
- Partially funded with CMAQ funds due to reduced congestion, making flow more
efficient, reduces energy consumption air quality impacts
City Facility Improvements
o City Hall awarded ENERGY STAR labels for years 2010-2016
o Energy use in the Public Safety Complex has been significantly reduced, saving a total of
90,350
o Facilities staff utilizes "Portfolio Manager" to track energy consumption of 16 city -owned
building. Improvements led to total cost savings of $221,000
o LED soffit lights with motion sensors were installed in Public Works yard, saving 16,700 kWh
per year
Wastewater Treatment Plant Energy Challenge
o Of 6 million kWh/year the City consumes, 4 million are used at WWTP
• Reduced by 22% in last 5 years
Electric vehicle and fuel efficiency program
Stormwater Management
o Participating in rain garden program
Ms. Hope highlighted:
• Comprehensive Plan: Sustainability Element added in 2009 and subsequently updated
• Critical Area Ordinance and Shoreline Master Program Plan
o Provides overall guidance and regulatory requirements to promote a more environmentally
sustainable and healthy community
• Sustainable Cities Partnership
o Sea Level Rise
o Green Business Program
o Walkability Assessment
o Zero Waste Food Waste
• Green Resource Center
• Re -visioning Westgate
• Highway 99 Subarea Plan
o Includes requirement for electric vehicle infrastructure for multi -family development and
streetscape improvements
• Encouraging community -wide solar
o Solarization campaign
o Easy permitting
Ms. Hope announced Edmonds was awarded a SolSmart Bronze designation by the U.S. Energy
Department, making the City the first in Washington to attain recognition. The bronze designation qualifies
the City for further designations. She highlighted other sustainable and climate protection activities:
• Paper reduction
o Online permitting
o Electronic meeting packets
o Digital records
• Energy meter program
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• Bring Your Own bag campaign
o First city in state to ban single use plastic bags for retail
• Trees
o Arbor Day
o Tree Board
o Street Tree Plan
• Mayor's Climate Protection Committee
o Solarization
o Sustainability Heroes
o "Taming Big Foot"
• Education and Outreach
o Community events
o Green business program
o Sustainability website
o EnviroStars
Ms. Hope summarized while there is always more to do, Edmonds has made significant progress in reducing
its carbon footprint and promoting sustainability.
Councilmember Buckshnis recognized Sandra Distelhorst in the audience, a member of the Mayor's
Climate Protection Committee who is involved with Taming Bigfoot, a friendly competition related to
reducing carbon footprint. A meeting regarding that program is scheduled on October 3. She advised the
Mayor's Climate Protection Committee meets every other month; their next meeting is September 14 at
8:45 a.m. and is open to the public.
Councilmember Johnson commented the City has been working on these individual issues for a long time;
seeing them all together is impressive and illustrates that small steps add up. She asked about challenges in
the coming years such as the Urban Forestry Management Plan and continued acquisition of open space.
Ms. Hope answered there are more things related to energy conservation and stormwater management. Mr.
Williams commented stormwater management has been a big topic legislatively in the past few years; the
Stormwater Code has changed and things will need to be done both in development and in City operations
to comply.
Mr. Williams commented there are many opportunities for the WWTP to for reduce kWh. The WWTP
currently has an incinerator that burns biosolids and emits CO2; while environmentally acceptable, it is not
the preferred technology. The existing WWTP site is too small to accommodate digesters, etc. but a
gasification or hydrolysis process would fit and could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the
facility. Another opportunity is the pump station on Sunset Avenue; current thinking is a gravity system
from Sunset Avenue to the WWTP. None of the projects are inexpensive; cost estimates for gasification
are $11 million and $15 million for a gravity system. He commented 75% of the wastewater in Edmonds
comes through the pump station on Sunset; eliminating the pump accomplishes energy savings as well as
the environmental benefit of eliminating spills into Puget Sound. Another opportunity is the continued
greening of the City's fleet over time; the conversion to propane has been very effective and he anticipated
small electric work trucks would be offered by the major manufactures in the next few years.
Mayor Pro Tem Mesaros commented there are opportunities related to the sustainability of the marsh, the
marsh study and walkability of the City.
Ms. Hite said future plans for parks included the continued reduction of pesticides and herbicides and
decreased use of water. Upcoming projects include daylighting of Willow Creek and restoration of the
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September 5, 2017
Page 8
marsh as well as removing the creosote pier from Puget Sound, reintroducing beach habitat, and introducing
a bioswale rain garden for treatment of the runoff from the senior center parking lot.
Ms. Hope added upcoming challenges include walkability which includes a range of transportation
alternatives such as transit, walking, bicycling, light rail, etc. Staff will also be working on climate
resolution goals adopted by Council. Ms. Hite referred to a project next year, establishing a community
garden to provide residents a place to garden and grow their own food.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas asked if other buildings did not have an ENERGY STAR label due to
their condition, observing City Hall was one of the City's newest building. Mr. Williams agreed City Hall
was one of the City's newer buildings. The difficulty with other buildings is the benchmarking process;
most cities have a city hall, making it easier to compare the kWh/1,000 sq. ft. to similar structures in other
cities. That not be as easy to do for other buildings due to differences in Public Works facilities, community
centers, etc. The ENERGY STAR is a gross comparison of buildings in the United States; City Hall is the
easiest to benchmark.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas asked if other City buildings have features similar to City Hall related to
energy conservation. Mr. Williams answered the two newest buildings are Public Safety and Public Works
Operations Center; they have a better envelope, better insulation and windows, newer HVAC technology,
etc. Even those buildings are getting old; Public Works is the newest, built in 1992 and is 25 years old.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas suggested with some funding the Public Safety building could have the
ENERGY STAR label. Mr. Williams replied that may be possible although it would need to be compared
to other facilities with a court. The former Facilities Director Jim Stevens did his best to identify
representative buildings for that program and selected City Hall.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas said she was a Councilmember when solar panels were approved for
Frances Anderson Center and recalled that was to be the first step in solarizing other City buildings. It was
her understanding the City sold back electricity generated by the solar panels on Frances Anderson Center
and asked if there were plans to add solar to other buildings. Mr. Williams said it is possible; in the past,
federal and state programs provided tax advantages/grants to governments. Those programs, which helped
cover a significant amount of the capital costs, are no longer available.
Mr. Williams explained if the primary goal is to save money, solar would not be a priority project as there
are other ways to save more energy more efficiently at a lower cost. Consistent government support of solar
programs will be necessary before more projects are installed. He pointed out it depends on power costs;
there are places in the U.S. where electric costs are so high that those projects make sense but it is difficult
to do in this area. Councilmember Fraley-Monillas summarized identifying funding is the issue, noting the
Public Safety building would be a good location. Mr. Williams said technology is also improving;
incorporating solar into the roof membrane of a new building could eventually be cost effective.
2. REPORT ON RESPONSE TO EDMONDS MARSH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
Mayor Pro Tem Mesaros reported there were five responses to the Request for Proposal (RFP) which the
Task Force (Councilmember Buckshnis, Nelson, and Mesaros, Shane Hope and Kernen Lien) are
reviewing. The proposals are available for review in the Council office. The Task Force met on August 24
and developed a process for recommending finalists. Six criteria will be used to score the proposals. On
September 12, the Task Force will meet to discuss its ranking of the five proposals and which potential
vendors will be invited to participate in a public interview.
To the question of whether the Council has the right to reject all proposals, Council President Mesaros said
yes, if none of the proposals meet the criteria, the proposals will be rejected and the process will begin
again. On September 26, the Task Force will meet in a public forum to interview selected vendors. If more
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Page 9
than three vendors are selected for interviews, additional time will be allocated on September 25t''. Those
meetings are open to the public. The Task Force will then deliberate; the final decision will be made by the
full Council.
Councilmember Buckshnis advised Mr. Scordino shared the electronic version of the proposals he received
from Ms. Hope with her. Rather than a series of public records requests, she suggested the public contact
her or Mr. Scordino to request the electronic versions of the proposals.
Councilmember Johnson did not recall the Council ever discussing the process, she did not know how the
Task Force was formed or how the criteria were established and felt the Council needed to have that
discussion. She referred to the public's concern that the decision should be made by the full Council, noting
the steps toward making a decision are also important not just the final decision. Mayor Pro Tem Mesaros
responded the criteria are in the RFP which was approved by Council. With regard to the Task Force, he
announced at a Council meeting that as Council President he would appoint a Task Force and at a
subsequent meeting announced the Task Force members. He did not receive any feedback at that time.
Councilmembers are welcome to observe the September 12 Task Force meeting. If the Council wants to
participate and vote, it would be up to the Council to make that decision. Councilmember Johnson observed
some of the decisions have made by the Task Force. Mayor Pro Tem Mesaros answered the Task Force
would make a recommendation.
Councilmember Buckshnis said the scoring sheet was created using the criteria in the RFP. She commented
some of the costs were shocking, the highest was $348,000 which included a monitoring program. If the
Task Force likes portions of several proposals but not one in total, she asked if an RFQ could be done based
on a combination of the proposals. For example, after reading the proposals, she felt some of the optional
components should be primary components. Ms. Hope explained what distinguishes an RFP from an RFQ
is an RFP is it is more explicit and includes cost estimates. The Council has the right to throw out all the
RFPs and start over or establish a different process. Once the Council selects its top candidate, refinements
can be made to the final scope. Councilmember Buckshnis asked if the Council could take something from
one proposal and put it in a contract with another firm. Ms. Hope answered possibly, for example the
Council could identify components that would be done soon and others that would be revisited in the future.
Councilmember Teitzel asked who the five respondents were. Ms. Hope answered Watershed Group, Cook
Scientific, Windward, GeoEngineers and Shannon & Wilson
Councilmember Buckshnis commented some of proposals combine staff from different -companies which
may be why some of the proposals are so expensive. Ms. Hope agreed the proposals partnered several firms
in one response which was not unusual for a major project that cover a number of different expertise.
Councilmember Buckshnis said the proposals disclose whether they have worked for the City before and
on what projects.
Councilmember Johnson commented it appeared the proposals were relatively short. She requested each
Councilmember receive set of the proposals, the scoring, etc. so that Councilmember can provide input to
the Task Force. Councilmember Fraley-Monillas relayed she asked Ms. Hope to provide each
Councilmember a copy of the applicants' proposals. She requested an electronic copy; Councilmember
Johnson requested a hard copy. Ms. Hope offered to send the proposal to all Councilmembers. Mayor Pro
9. REPORTS ON OUTSIDE COMMITTEES
Mayor Pro Tem Mesaros reported on a presentation at the SeaShore Transportation Forum regarding gas
taxes and the steady decline in the collection of gas taxes across the State which reduces funds available
for roads. Electric vehicles are now being charged $100/year to defray the cost of gas taxes. The State
Transportation Department formed a task force to consider alternatives to the gas tax. Washington is not
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the only state with this issue. He suggested the Council may want to invite the Executive Director of the
State Transportation Commission to make that presentation to the Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Mesaros reported SNOCOM/SNOPAC discussions continue. On September 7, Edmonds
is hosting the joint SNOCOM/SNOPAC Board meeting. Draft bylaws and an Interlocal Agreement were
provided today and have been forwarded to City Attorney Jeff Taraday for preliminary review. He
anticipated the Council's first review of the bylaws and ILA will be in late October/early November.
Council President Mesaros reported the legislature approved an extension of the authorization for Public
Facilities District (PFD) to collect sales tax. This is good for the City and for the Edmonds PFD, providing
them another revenue stream and ability to address their debt to the City. The Western Arts Alliance is
meeting in Seattle this week; the Edmonds Center for the Arts Executive Director Joe McIalwain is an
officer with that organization.
Mayor Pro Tem Mesaros reported he has been participating in an RFP Task Force for Snohomish
Emergency Radio System (SERS). The existing system which supports law enforcement, fire and other
public safety entities in Snohomish County is obsolete and needs to be replaced. The 14 members of the
task force are reviewing and approving the RFP, not the vendors. The task force includes two elected
officials, himself representing SNOCOM and the mayor of Lake Stevens representing SNOPAC. The cost
of replacing the radio system is upwards of $20 million; the issue is how to fund it.
Councilmember Buckshnis reported brochures regarding Taming Bigfoot Edmonds are available and
Bigfoot will soon be walking around Edmonds. She reported the Tree Board plans to host a cleanup in
Hickman Park in October for Arbor Day. WRIA 8 is working on their 10 -year plan; it will be presented to
Council via approval of a resolution in November/December as was done in 2005.
Councilmember Buckshnis reported on the Puget Sound Partnership Salmon Recovery Council which has
been working with the Tribal Management Conference on a Chinook Implementation Strategy related to
chinook recovery. The Recovery Council is interested in legislation related to critical areas, buffers, etc.
Councilmember Teitzel reported the Port of Edmonds continues to perform well financially; their revenues
are up and expenses are relatively flat. Revenue from the dry launch is up this year after decreasing last
year due to salmon closures. The Port continues to work on pre -permitting the gravel lot south of the work
yard to make it easier for a tenant to construct a building, potentially a yacht brokerage. He reported on tall
ships Lady Washington and the Hawaiian Chieftain's visit to the Port, commenting the ships appeal to the
kid in him. He encouraged the public to tour the ships next time they visit the Port.
Councilmember Teitzel reported the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is meeting on September 14
to vote on a recommendation to Council for historic designation of the Campbell home, a cape cod at 3' &
Caspers. The HPC is also considering another home for historic designation. He, Councilmember Johnson
and Council President Mesaros continue their work on the Long Range Financial Planning Committee,
drafting policies for review by the Finance Committee and approval by Council.
10. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
11. COUNCIL COMMENTS
1. INTRODUCTION OF STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE NOAL LEONETTI
Mayor Pro Tem Mesaros reported Noal Leonetti, a senior at Edmonds-Woodway High School, will join
Council next week as the Student Representative and will be a great addition to the Council. He thanked
Councilmember Johnson for identifying him.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 5, 2017
Page 11
Councilmember Tibbott reported on a neighborhood barbeque at his home attended by 50 neighbors; the
impetus was his wife's involvement in a Fire District 1 program related to emergency preparedness.
Neighbors were invited to identify the skills/abilities they could offer during an emergency and 20
neighbors signed up for a follow-up event. His neighbors are very interested in emergency preparedness; it
is a great way to get residents prepared as well as to connect neighbors. Recent events in Houston have
amplified his interest and sense of priority.
Councilmember Tibbott reported on a ridealong with personnel from a Fire District 1 station, commenting
on the number and scope of calls during the three-hour period. Calls included fire alarms, false alarms, and
a medical emergency. He assured FD 1's paramedics/firefighter are gracious and confident in their work; it
was a remarkable opportunity to see them in action. He encouraged Councilmembers to go on a ridealong
with FD 1.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas said she is considering a resolution for Council consideration regarding
prohibiting fish farming of non-native fish in Puget Sound. She reported on the International Overdose
Awareness Candlelight Vigil on August 31 in Thornton A. Sullivan Park at Silver Lake in Everett that was
attended by a few hundred people where she was approached by Edmonds residents who have lost family
members to the opioid epidemic. That issue is in everyone's backyard; people may not be aware until they
are approached by those who have lost family members. She found it very emotional to hear what these
families have experienced.
Councilmember Teitzel encouraged the public to attend the ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial Park on 6'
Avenue north of the fire station at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, September 11. He found past ceremonies very
moving and powerful.
12. CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING PENDING OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION
PER RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)
This item was not needed.
13. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION. POTENTIAL ACTION AS A RESULT OF MEETING IN
EXECUTIVE SESSION
This item was not needed.
14. ADJOURN
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 8:54 p.m.
6ZID 0. EARLiNG, MAYOR "PASSEY,
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
September 5, 2017
Page 12