20180605 City CouncilEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
June 5, 2018
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Dave Earling, Mayor
Michael Nelson, Council President
Kristiana Johnson, Councilmember
Thomas Mesaros, Councilmember
Adrienne Fraley-Monillas, Councilmember
Dave Teitzel, Councilmember
Neil Tibbott, Councilmember
ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT
Diane Buckshnis, Councilmember
1. CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE
STAFF PRESENT
Carrie Hite, Parks, Rec. & Cult. Serv. Dir.
Rob English, City Engineer
Jeff Taraday, City Attorney
Scott Passey, City Clerk
Jerrie Bevington, Camera Operator
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
The Edmonds City Council meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by Mayor Earling in the Council
Chambers, 250 5th Avenue North, Edmonds. The meeting was opened with the flag salute.
2. ROLL CALL
City Clerk Scott Passey called the roll. All elected officials were present with the exception of
Councilmember Buckshnis.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
COUNCILMEMBER TEITZEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-
MONILLAS, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA IN CONTENT AND ORDER. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
4. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
COUNCILMEMBER MESAROS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER TEITZEL, TO
APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The agenda items
approved are as follows:
1. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 22, 2018
2. APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS, WIRE PAYMENTS AND PAYROLL CHECK
3. APPROVAL OF THE 2019-2024 SIX -YEAR TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM
5. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
There were no audience comments.
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6. ACTION ITEMS
1. TCE FOR HICKMAN PARK
Parks & Recreation Director Carrie Hite relayed Council President Nelson approved this for action on
tonight's agenda instead of Council committee due to a timing issue.
Ms. Hite displayed an aerial view of Hickman Park, identifying the location of the destabilization on a slope
that abuts the Burton's property. She and Maintenance Supervisor Rich Lindsey have been on site several
times over the past year to study the slope and Earth Corp prepared a scope of work for stabilization of the
slope. The southern portion of the Burton's property, located at 10626 235" Place Southwest, abuts the
project area in Hickman park. She provided photographs of the fence that separates the City and the Burton
property and a tree on park property that is leaning onto the fence. The primary reason for the
deterioration/destabilization of the slope is kids sliding down the slope embankment.
Ms. Hite explained approximately six months a fence was installed at the bottom of the slope to prohibit
access and prevent kids using it for sliding. She provided another photograph of the fence footing above
ground level and exposed tree roots. The Burtons also plan to hire Earth Corp to stabilize their portion of
the slope. The goal is to access the slope through the Burton's property via a temporary construction
easement (TCE). The park fence has been removed and within the next 1-2 weeks the leaning tree will be
removed. In early July Earth Corp will install landscape fabric and logs to stabilize the slope up to the
Burton's property. The same will be done on the Burton's property via a contract between Earth Corp and
the Burton's. In the fall, Earth Corp will plant up to 1000 plants and trees so the roots will stabilize the
slope. She summarized this is the least invasive and the best environmental method to address slope
destabilization. Consideration was originally given to a retaining wall which is prohibitively expensive and
does not produce as good a result as planting and root stabilization. She requested Council authorize the
Mayor to sign the TCE which was drafted by City Attorney Sharon Cates.
Councilmember Teitzel commented he is familiar with the problem; it has been ongoing for some time with
kids sliding and degrading the slope. He referred to Ms. Hite's indication that a fence had been installed to
prohibit access but anticipated persistent kids would still access that area. Ms. Hite said no one has climbed
the fence although the Burton's have reported seeing a few whom they tell to leave. The Burton's have
been given a number to call if they see people in that area and staff will respond. The intent is to leave the
fence in place as this is not a usable part of the park. The slope is dangerous, there have been encampments
in that area as well as this slope destabilization. She recommended the fence remain in place; the area will
be open space but not usable.
COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
TIBBOTT, TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION
EASEMENT. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. STUDY ITEMS
1. EDMONDS YOUTH COMMISSION DRAFT ORDINANCE
Council President Nelson referred to the assassination of Robert Kennedy 50 years ago tomorrow. Mr.
Kennedy inspired him and others to make a difference in the world during challenging times. He read from
a speech Mr. Kennedy gave to youth in South African, known as the Ripple of Hope Speech, "As I talk to
young people around the world, I'm impressed by the closeness of their goals, their desires and their
concerns and their hope for the future. Our answer is the world's hope; it is to rely on youth. The cruelties
and obstacles of this swiftly changing planet will not yield to obsolete dogmas and outworn slogans. This
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world demands the qualities of youth; not a time of life but a state of mind, a temper of the will, a quality
of the imagination, a predominance of courage over timidity, of the appetite for adventure over the love of
ease. It is a revolutionary world we live in, and thus it is young people who must take the lead."
Council President Nelson explained he has been meeting with youth in the City who have chosen to take
the lead to make a difference in their community to discuss the challenging times facing Edmonds youth
and how to be more engaged in shaping their future. The answer is an Edmonds Youth Commission.
Stephany Janssen, a 10-grade student at Edmonds-Woodway High School, explained the intent was to have
a large group of teens present tonight to show their support for the Youth Commission but there was a band
and orchestra choir concert tonight and most students are either performing or are attending due to
leadership obligations. She referred to a list of 86 students who support the idea of starting a Youth
Commission and were interested in interviewing for positions.
Ms. Janssen explained she will be an IB candidate next year and her passions are activism and finding
things she is passionate about including Orcas whales when she was young. She began this via speech and
debate and went to State this year. She also went to Oxford and met many new people and issues including
people who are unable to advocate for themselves in their communities. She returned with a new passion
for making sure Edmonds teens could advocate for themselves and discuss issues that directly affect them.
She and Mr. Nichols decided this was something they wanted to do.
Kaleb Nichols, a 10-grade student at Edmonds-Woodway High School, explained he attended Brighton
where students had many opportunities to volunteer and he has tried to stay active in the community by
participating in Relay for Life, playing soccer including at a recent opportunity at Stanford University to
play with student athletes from other countries.
Ms. Janssen and Mr. Nichols presented:
• What is our goal and what is our motivation?
o We strongly believe in creating a more influential place for teenagers to advocate for
themselves
o Not only will creating a better platform for teenagers help them feel better in their community
but it also helps bring attention to issues that constantly affect us
o Creating a place where teenagers and adults work together will also help close the age gap in
Edmonds
• Why a youth commission for Edmonds
o A diverse group of students with diverse ideas can come together to create change that will
benefit the community as a whole
o We are best poised to advocate for our needs and we want to
o This will also install a plethora of admirable characteristic
o Gives students opportunity to gain political and governing skills; teaches accountability and
the structure of local government
• Other cities with Youth Corps/Commission
o Kirkland, Issaquah, Redmond, Seattle and the State of Washington
• Having a youth commission not only gives teenagers a voice but the service aspect often improves
our quality of life
o One study showed that youth who volunteered one hour or more a week are 50% less likely to
abuse alcohol, cigarettes, become pregnant or engage in other destructive behavior
o A study published in Journal of Adolescence showed volunteering may raise a teen's feeling
of self-worth and over a year, adolescences who assisted in the community reported higher
self-esteem.
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o Joseph E. Khane, a professor of education at Mills College, surveyed over 500 students from
19 different schools in California, following them 3 years after graduation and found those who
participated in civic engagement were more likely to participate in the future and were more
accustomed to creating their own thoughts and finding their own passions
■ Our perspectives and problems
o Sexual harassment
x Very prevalent at school and outside school
o Mental illness/teen depression and suicide
o Environment and being more ecofriendly
• One of biggest reasons for a youth commission is the lack of civic engagement.
o Most extracurricular activities take place at school
o Create a way for students to volunteer. Distributing volunteer hours benefits the community
• Structure
o 12 students
0 9 voting members
0 3 alternates
o Ms. Janssen and Mr. Nichols serve as co-chairs
Ms. Janssen summarized although she will not be able to vote for two years, it does not mean she doesn't
have the right to advocate for herself. Starting a youth commission will help teens advocate for themselves.
The interest and participation in civic engagement would come not only from the members of the
commission but from the opportunities created. Working with adults in the community will not only reduce
the generation gap but allow teens to learn skills that can only be acquired by participating and experience.
She relayed the youth commission is something the teenage community needs and something the
community will benefit from.
Councilmember Mesaros said he was a big fan of a youth commission and complimented Council President
Nelson for bringing it forward. With regard to how members will be appointed, he explained in other
commissions with nine members, typically each Councilmember appoints one commissioner and the Mayor
appoints two. He suggested the commission appoint the three alternates to allow for more diversity. He
explained commission openings are typically advertised via public notice and Councilmember make their
appointment from those applicants. Ms. Janssen agreed with his suggestion.
Councilmember Tibbott commented this is a great idea, noting he was involved in student government in
high school as well as a band officer. He agreed learning about governance would be a benefit of this
commission, something he did not adequately learn from high school experience. He inquired about how
to vet applicants' qualification, their diversity of experience and life experience. Ms. Janssen answered the
goal is to have a diverse commission with people with different experiences. She suggested the application
process include an essay question or questions about the person's experience. She recalled when applying
for activities in high school, students list their experience, qualifications, extracurricular activities, etc.
Depending on the number of applicants, she anticipated narrow them down and then doing one-on-one
interviews to get to know them before they were appointed.
Councilmember Tibbott asked what qualifications they would be looking for. Ms. Janssen answered
involvement in school, participation in ASB or BSU, participation in a service project or volunteering,
showing they have contributed to the school in a way that has benefited others. The commission's focus
will be on benefiting the teenage community and the entire community, so it would be important that the
commissioners have practice doing that. She summarized the ideal applicants would be those who are
making an active effort to contribute to the community and make a difference.
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Councilmember Teitzel thanked Ms. Janssen and Mr. Nichols for their passion and willingness to be
involved. He questioned the structure of the commission, pointing out the City has a Diversity Commission
that addresses issues such as sexual harassment. He asked if teens had considered taking that issue to that
commission rather than starting a new commission. Ms. Janssen explained a youth commission provides a
teen perspective; there are no teen girls on the Diversity Commission who can advocate from their own
experiences. She commented sexual harassment can be different depending on a person's age and location.
For example, she does not have a car and walks a lot; therefore, her experiences differ from people who
drive and are sexually harassed in different areas. A youth commission will bring a different perspective
and voice to issues. She was willing to work with the Diversity Commission but emphasized the importance
of their experience being heard.
Councilmember Teitzel asked if teens' concerns could be addressed by creating a subcommittee of the
Diversity Commission. Ms. Janssen said that was one possibility; the intent is to advocate not only for
things affecting teens but finding ways to help the community. The commission is not just about addressing
issues such as sexual harassment, it is also about identifying service projects for teens in the community. A
subcommittee of the Diversity Commission would not provide the civic engagement they are seeking.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas observed there have been discussions about forming a youth commission
for a long time and she appreciated the students' willingness to approach the Council. With regard to sexual
harassment, she asked if this also happens in school. Ms. Janssen answered yes, noting there are many times
she does not feel safe at school due to constant harassment. It is a bigger issue than people realize because
teen girls haven't spoke up because they haven't had a platform to do so. She recalled in middle school a
group of guys made a game out of grabbing her behind which made her afraid to go to school. That type of
thing happens every day at school and on the streets. Mr. Nichols said as a teenage guy, he doesn't
experience that but has observed it. It did not happen at the private school he attended but he sees it
happening at Edmonds-Woodway High School every day and he sees how uncomfortable it makes his close
friends. Councilmember Fraley-Monillas commented it was shocking to hear sexual harassment of teenage
girls was rampant on the streets and in schools.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas explained boards, and commissions currently meet, discuss issues and
determine their priorities and write a report/white paper that is presented to the Council. Ms. Janssen said
they have discussed the process with Council President Nelson and the effort the commission would need
to put into presenting a proposal and their ideas. Councilmember Fraley-Monillas thanked the students for
their willingness to pursue a youth commission, noting it has been a long-standing goal of the Council.
Councilmember Johnson commented the difference with this proposal was it was coming from the students.
The City encourages boards/commissions to have a youth representative; the City Council has a student
representative as do many other boards and commissions but it is difficult to get youth involved. If the teens
create the youth commission, it 1) gets their voice heard, and 2) helps the Council to understand issues they
need to pay attention to. With regard to issues such as sexual harassment and gun violence, the Council can
only guess what that must be like. This is an opportunity not only for Edmonds-Woodway High School
students but also Meadowdale High School, Kings High School and for other teens in Edmonds. Ms.
Janssen said the intent is to create a structure that is long standing, to create something that is a constant
way for teens to advocate for themselves. Teens want people to know what it's like to be sexually harassed,
have depression, to be afraid to go to school because of gun violence, etc.
Councilmember Johnson asked if this was something that the students could sustain themselves or would
they need help from the City. Ms. Janssen said the main area they will need help is making sure everyone
knows it's official and not just a bunch of teens messing around, that the youth commission is serious and
will take actual action. She did not anticipate a problem recruiting students, referring to the 86 signatures
she gathered from Edmonds-Woodway High School students who were interested. She anticipated the
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amount of participation would be immense. Councilmember Johnson recalled Bellevue formed a youth
commission 20 years ago and she suggested researching what they have accomplished.
Councilmember Tibbott inquired about training, how the commission would interact with the Council and
how they would bring forward recommendations. He suggested the scope of the commission include what
training would be available to commissioners. He recommended commissioners visit the City Council and
possibly assign commissioners to attend meetings to learn how the Council deliberates. He also suggested
a Councilmember be appointed as a liaison, perhaps six months at a time, to allow the Council to interact
with the Council and for the commission to get to know multiple Councilmembers. Ms. Janssen said one
of the goals is an understanding of how the City Council works, how proposals are created, getting a better
understanding of existing boards and commissions, etc. She agreed with determining a structure related to
learning more about governance.
Councilmember Mesaros asked the City Attorney about standard requirements for commission members,
age limits, whether they were required to be registered voters, etc. Mr. Taraday answered eligibility
requirements for the commission would be created via ordinance. He pointed out commission members
will be required to comply with Public Records Act which requires any records generated are public and
accessible upon request and the Open Public Meetings Act which requires meetings be open to the public.
Councilmember Mesaros commented when a commission is formed, it is a legal entity and it must abide
by state laws and requirements such as public notice of meetings, minutes, etc.
Councilmember Mesaros pointed out one of the rules is if the commission has 9 members, 5 or more cannot
meet together unless it is publicly noticed. He acknowledged it may seems impractical, but there is a
purpose for that rule. Ms. Janssen agreed the commission would need to be informed of those requirements.
Council President Nelson explained if the Council decides to create a youth commission, it would be an
official City commission which means it would receive the same support that other boards and commissions
receive to ensure its success.
Mayor Earling commented when this arose at a director's meeting this week, Ms. Hite pointed out her
former employer, the City of Kirkland, had a Youth Council and she offered to share their model, challenges
and successes.
Parks & Recreation Director Carrie Hite explained she worked with the Youth Council in Kirkland, a
fabulous model that brought a lot of value to the City and the youth. It started small with 9 members and
grew to 40 members because when ambitious kids get together who want to make change, they don't want
to sit around and talk, they want to do things, create projects and programs, etc. Otherwise kids will not be
interested in a commission. One of the Kirkland Youth Council's projects was creating the Kirkland Teen
Union Building; they worked with staff to identify capital funds, apply for grants, identify a space for a
building, etc. The second thing they did was to identify some of the issues in the teen community like teen
depression and suicide and they wrote scripts, acted and filmed a video program, We've Got Issues, that
plays on the Kirkland government channel and at the local schools.
Ms. Hite explained the Kirkland Youth Council also created a respect booklet about issues between teens
and police. They created a teen traffic court and working with the municipal court judge, traffic tickets can
be dismissed by a requirement for community service. The Youth Council created an Aware to Care Guide,
a list of places to volunteer in the community, and a mini grant program that anyone in the community
providing programming for kids could apply for funding. They also do an annual all -city youth summit
with kids from all the schools in Kirkland to talk about teen issues and how to impact the community. The
Kirkland Youth Council started with 0.5 FTE and now has 2 FTE that support it. She acknowledged it
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doesn't have to be that way, but when kids get together, they are ambitious, want to do things and will need
resources.
Ms. Hite said one of issues that was prevalent on the Kirkland Youth Council was it tended to be kids that
looked the same, were from the same school, not diverse; they did not originally reach out to homeschool
kids, kids doing Running Start or kids going to alternative schools. The members were primarily kids who
already had a lot of power and privilege in their lives and knew how to use it and put the Youth Council on
their college applications. Some of kids expressed interest in being more diverse, having members from
other schools and from alternative schools and Running Start. That was something the Youth Council has
struggled with because it's hard to get kids involved that are quieter and are not seeking experience but
could bring a good perspective to the table. The Kirkland Youth Council has worked hard to ensure there
is diversity and representation from all schools and educational environments etc. She summarized it was
a value add to have kids in government.
Mayor Earling commented he was excited about the proposal but was also aware as Ms. Hite just described
how things start small and get bigger and bigger and then require hiring staff to help facilitate it. His
dilemma and something he needs to better understand is how to utilize current staff whose workloads are
already pretty dramatic. He would appreciate being involved in the appointment process; in the current
draft, the Mayor is excluded. When the Council proposes boards and commissions, consideration needs to
be given to how to pay for it. In recent years, new boards/commissions have included the Diversity
Commission, the Economic Development Commission and the Tree Board, all who have a consultant as
well as an assigned staff member. He was supportive of a youth commission but wanted to know how to
pay for it. Ms. Janssen said they have discussed the logistics with Council. President Nelson. With regard
to staffing, she acknowledged they do not completely understand how the Council and City function. They
will also need to figure out what they are allowed to do as far as fundraising/support and what funding is
available to them. She recognized the need to ensure any funding that is provided is having an impact. She
anticipated talking to Councilmembers about how to use funds as efficiently as possible.
Mayor Earling suggested when a board/commission is started, there should be a fiscal note regarding the
projected cost and acknowledgement that money and staff will be required.
Council President Nelson said although he appreciated Mayor Earling's concerns, they should be addressed
to the Council, not the students. He did not recall any other perspective board members/commissioner being
asked how they would pay for themselves and felt it was unfair to put that on the youth. As Council
President, he was happy to support the youth commission until funding is identified in the budget. He did
not recall any other board/commission with a fiscal note assigned to their creation. He looked forward to
developing an ordinance and discussing the inclusion of the Mayor in the appointment process. Mayor
Earling said although he may have been looking at the students, he was certain Councilmembers were
listening and they knew they were the ones who need to work though the funding issues.
8. REPORTS ON OUTSIDE BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Councilmember Teitzel reported
■ Met twice with Climate Protection Commission to discuss a ban on single use plastic; the Council
approved the resolution of intent last week.
• Met with Affordable Housing Alliance
o Snohomish County Housing Fund has been established with $550,000, the majority from
Snohomish County
■ Funds will be administered by the Affordable Housing Alliance Board
■ He is participating on the policy subcommittee to define the draft policy for administering
funds.
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- Other members are Bill Anderson, Woodway Town Council; Scott Bader, Everett City
Council and Jennifer Gregerson, Mukilteo Mayor
- Policy presented and approved by Board on May 23
■ Attended Snohomish County Tomorrow
o Continuing to work on Vision 2050
■. Attended PSRC annual meeting
o Voted on 2019 budget
o Identify leadership for next year
Councilmember Mesaros reported:
• Attended six meeting associated with Sno911 including some related to the proposed merger of
SERS and Sno911.
o Serving as cochair of steering committee on merger.
■ Attended Seashore Transportation Forum
o Presentation from Port of Seattle on the impact the Port has on aviation and the growth they
foresee in the use of SeaTac airport.
• Port has been accused of causing the growth, but airport is actually far behind, being
utilized by more air passengers than there is space
■ Issues include logistics of replacing the luggage system
It Impacts of flights at Paine Field
• Attended special PFD meeting
o Working on refinancing bonds
o Attended PSRC annual meeting
• Twenty-one of the mayors in the cities in the four counties are female
■ Three largest cities have female mayors who are new to the job
Council President Nelson reported
• Council's Opioid Task Force met a couple times
o Police Chief Compaan provided law enforcement perspective and challenges his department
faces
o Judge Coburn presented judicial challenges
• Homelessness Task Force hired a consultant and had a kick-off call.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas reported:
• The Homelessness Task Force had a kick-off call with the consultant to discuss expectations
• Diversity Commission will be presenting a recommendation to Council soon
• Health District continues to have numerous challenges regarding the opioid crisis, primarily
different views regarding how to respond.
• The Housing Committee plans to make a report to the Planning Board this week and then back to
Council.
• Attend PSRC annual meeting
o The female mayors of Everett, Seattle and Tacoma are not new to politics
o Anticipate will see good things happen in the Puget Sound area thanks to these very sharp and
generally young women
• She thanked Council President Nelson for taking responsibility for the youth commission.
o She suggested the Council consider taking it on with the assistance of the Council Assistant
and a consultant due to the importance of this commission which addresses a population that
has not been addressed in the past
Councilmember Johnson reported:
■ Attended Historic Preservation Commission meeting
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• Attended Opioid Response Task Force meeting
• Attended Marsh Task Force meeting
o Windward will do evaluations every 3 months, setup wildlife cameras, and take measurements
in coordination with Save Our Marsh. When study is complete, instruments will be donated to
Save Our Marsh
• Attended two Save Our Marsh meetings
o Joint meeting with the Port of Edmonds to develop communication
o Citizen scientists described their areas of expertise and how they can coordinate with
Windward
• Attended presentation at Edmonds Lutheran Church regarding a 3-phase project they are planning
utilizing stackable housing units
o Partnership between Edmonds Lutheran Church (land), Lockable (makes the steel porcelain
covered units) and Compass (has been doing housing for 98 years)
o Goal is to provide permanent housing for families seniors, refugees, etc.
o Will allow people with addiction and alcohol abuse problems
o Will not allow anyone with criminal record or sexual predator backgrounds
o Services will be available onsite
o Demonstration unit will be available within a month
Councilmember Tibbott reported:
• Attended Port of Edmonds annual retreat
• Had an opportunity to go on the whale watching tour
o Very educational, recommend
• Attended Economic Development Commission
o Report from Snohomish County on economic activities
■ Between 2016 and 2017 population grew by 2%
- If same level of growth continues, will be over 800,000 in 2018
■ Unemployment is down, at 3.8% in March 2018
■ 3rd quarter 2017 total taxable retail sales in Edmonds - $230 million (City receives a
percentage)
■ During same period Lynnwood's total taxable retail sales - $666 million
■ Observation: Lynnwood is approximately same size as Edmonds, has three times the
taxable retail revenue. Lynnwood and Edmonds have similar as well as different challenges
• Attended Creative District community meeting
o City is pursuing a State designation as a Creative District
■ The intent is to enhance and expand the art community in Edmonds City
■ Art includes painting, food, hair design, drama and music, and other artistic expressions
■ Potentially a very important designation, has economic development potential to attract
arts and tourists
■ Public meeting on Thursday, June 7 at 6 p.m. in the Brackett Room.
9. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Earling thanked Councilmembers Teitzel, Mesaros and Fraley-Monillas who attended the PSRC
annual meeting. He also attended; it was Edmonds' strongest representation since he has been mayor. He
cut the ribbon on the new playground at the Frances Anderson Center today, a fabulous addition. He
reported on a Snohomish County -wide mayors meeting where the primary discussion was funding to
replace the emergency radio system and ensuring its connectivity with the Sno911dispatch. With the
equipment failing by 2020, the funding method being considered is sales tax. The Snohomish County
Council is scheduled to take action shortly on the funding method and it will then go to the ballot.
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10 COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Tibbott reported he attended the Snohomish County Tomorrow meeting which included a
fascinating presentation from the WSDOT director. He recognized his daughter who is graduating from
high school and is excited about summer and anxious about going to college in the fall.
Councilmember Johnson extended an invitation to a beach cleanup sponsored by the Rotary Club and the
City. Participants can meet at Marina Beach on June 30 at 9 a.m. She relayed an invitation from the City's
Recycling Coordinator Steve Fisher to a free Styrofoam recycling event at the Edmonds Public Works on
June 9 and July 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
With regard to Councilmember Tibbott's comments about Lynnwood's sales tax, Councilmember Fraley-
Monillas recalled the outcry from small business owners and restaurants in Edmonds when there was a
proposal for a big box store on Hwy 99. Alderwood Mall was built in 1980/1981; Lynnwood also has two
Costco stores, one Fred Meyer, and many chain restaurants. Edmonds is not interested in looking like
Lynnwood; big box stores and chain restaurants are not an Edmonds way of life.
Council President Nelson reported the word is out about the new Frances Anderson Center playground
equipment and he has played on it with his children. He looked forward to seeing Councilmembers at 9
a.m. on Saturday at the retreat at the Frances Anderson Center.
Councilmember Teitzel commented one of the things that makes Edmonds is great outdoor festivals
including the Waterfront Festival last weekend facilitated by the Daybreakers and the Noon Rotary Clubs.
He worked at the festival and saw people enjoying the event, food, beverages and music.
Councilmember Mesaros added to Mayor Earling's comments about the emergency radio replacement,
commenting there has been a great deal of discussion about the new radio system at the SERS/Sno911
merger meetings. Over the past month he attended two Snohomish County Council Law and Justice
Committee meetings where they have discussed an ordinance regarding funding. He agreed it was a crucial
element for public safety.
Councilmember Mesaros reported 5-6 days ago he attended a fundraising luncheon for the Evergreen
Treatment Service, the leading nonprofit in the State dealing with the opioid crisis. A friend made sure he
was seated next to Seattle Councilmember Sawant and they discussed the Edmonds Lutheran Church
housing program and how Seattle should do the same. He noted Edmonds was fortunate to have a faith -
based organization willing to take that on.
Councilmember Mesaros commented he was taken aback by the student's comments about sexual
harassment occurring in public schools. He planned to mention it to the Police Chief, the City now has a
school resource officer. He urged the students to relay their concerns to the administration at Edmonds-
Woodway High School. He was on the Principal Advisory Commission when his kids attended the high
school and he was confidence the principal would want to be aware and set up a program to respond to
ensure students feel safe.
Councilmember Mesaros was disturbed by the Supreme Court's decision regarding the LGBQ issue in
Colorado but was glad their decision was narrow and not on the bigger issue. One of the telling comments
that everyone can learn from was the lack of respect that the Colorado Diversity Commission had for the
individual in question and their religious beliefs. Although they may not have agreed with those religious
beliefs, it was important to be respectful of everyone's opinions and make decisions accordingly. He
summarized the lesson for those who were disturbed by the decision was to be respectful of those around
us and ensure they are heard.
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June 5, 2018
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Mayor Earling announced the opening of the new Mar-Ket fish market next to Starbucks, an exciting
venture in the City. In addition to fresh fish, they will also have a carryout menu.
11. CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING PENDING OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION
PER RCW 42.30.1100 )(i)
This item was not needed.
12. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION. POTENTIAL ACTION AS A RESULT OF MEETING IN
EXECUTIVE SESSION
This item was not needed.
13. ADJOURN
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
t
400.RL NG, MAYOR
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Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 5, 2018
Page 11