20180828 City CouncilEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
August 28, 2018
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Dave Earling, Mayor
Michael Nelson, Council President
Kristiana Johnson, Councilmember
Thomas Mesaros, Councilmember
Adrienne Fraley-Monillas, Councilmember
Diane Buckshnis, Councilmember
Dave Teitzel, Councilmember
Neil Tibbott, Councilmember
1. CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE
STAFF PRESENT
Phil Williams, Public Works Director
Patrick Doherty, Econ. Dev & Comm. Serv. Dir.
Shane Hope, Development Services Director
Scott James, Finance Director
Mary Ann Hardie, HR Director
Dave Turley, Assistant Finance Director
Kernen Lien, Environmental Program Mgr.
Rob English, City Engineer
Tom Brubaker, City Attorney's Office
Scott Passey, 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 Earling in the Council
Chambers, 250 51' 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.
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 FRALEY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
BUCKSHNIS, TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The agenda items approved are as follows:
APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 21, 2018
2. APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS
5. PRESENTATIONS/REPORTS
1. JUNE QUARTERLY FINANCIAL REPORT
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Assistant Finance Director Dave Turley invited Councilmembers to call or email with any questions about
financial reports. He presented the Financial Management Summary Report January — June 2018,
highlighting the following:
• Total General Fund and Subfunds Revenue YTD 2017 $1,396,915 or 6.7% higher than YTD 2017
• Through June, actual General Fund expenses are $1.5 million or 6.9% under budget
• Graphs of General Fund Revenue and Expenses
o Tracking close to budget
• Sales Tax by Category January — June 2018
o Retail Automotive $793,853
o Construction Trade $788,170
Bar Graph of Increase in Sales Tax Revenue since 2013
2013
$5,325,287
2014
$5,840,754
2015
$6,741,838
2016
$6,905,122
2017
$7,395,114
YTD 2018
$3,866,411
Growth in Interest Income for the City, a result of actively investing available funds
2013
$74,830
2014
$163,214
2015
$335,926
2016
$423,816
2017
$653,690
YTD 2018
$426,395
Forecast 2019
Over $1 million
• Summary
o After years of low inflation and continued growth in the economy, Edmonds remains in
relatively good shape financially.
o We have reserves sufficient to weather a moderate to severe downturn in the economy, should
one occur.
o On June 29 we concluded our annual Financial Audit with the State Auditor's Office. We are
pleased to report that for the fourth year in a row we received no Audit Findings, meaning that
the auditors identified no deficiencies in our financial statements that they consider to be
material weaknesses
• 2017 Citizen's Report
o Second year this has been created, last year it was called Popular Annual Financial Report
(PAFR)
o Brief introduction to the City and overview of the City's finances
o Copies will be available within a week
Councilmember Johnson observed Mr. Turley was primarily responsible for the City's investment portfolio
and complimented him on his fine work, noting it was an important task that takes time. She inquired about
outstanding bonds and suggest staff consider whether they needed to be refinanced or with the additional
revenue, possibly paid off.
Councilmember Teitzel thanked Mr. Turley for the good work he does on behalf of the City. He was pleased
with new Citizens Report, find it a great, easy to understand Readers Digest look at financials. He has heard
the real estate market is softening, home sales are slowing slightly and inventory is increasing and asked if
that was the trend, temporary or a precursor to a downturn in the future. Mr. Turley agreed the real estate
market was slowing slightly, instead of a red-hot sales market it is a very warm, almost hot market that still
leads the nation in most categories. He recalled seeing a sign in Shoreline that the average days on the
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August 28, 2018
Page 2
market was 19 days; when he bought his house two years ago it was about five days. He anticipated the real
estate market will continue to slow a little but did not see any signs it was heading into disaster.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas recalled seeing on the news tonight that the market is slowing and prices
have started to drop ever so slightly in Seattle, noting Seattle is the driver for other areas.
Councilmember Mesaros commented every organization and city has bumps in the road and asked if there
were any bumps in the road anticipated for Edmonds. Mr. Turley answered he did not see anything
significant coming on revenue, noting cooling down was different than falling off a cliff. When he looks at
the City's finances he looks at expenditures as there are some large projects coming up that will commit a
lot of funds such as Civic Field. If the City watches its spending, it will be okay on the revenue side; the
danger is spending all the money and not saving for the future. Councilmember Mesaros summarized the
City needs to continue to pace itself. Mr. Turley agreed.
2. UPDATE ON EDMONDS STREET WATERFRONT CONNECTOR PROJECT
Public Works Director Phil Williams introduced Rick Schaefer, Tetra Tech; Sandy Glover, Project
Manager, Parametrix; Ed Sibrel, City's Project Manager; Rob English, City Engineer; and Patrick Doherty,
Economic Development/Community Services Director.
Mr. Williams provided an introduction, recalling the initial advisory committee co-chaired by Council
President Nelson and Port Commissioner Jim Orvis that began with not knowing what the solution was,
reviewing available alternatives, and selecting a preferred alternative, now called the Waterfront Connector.
Another advisory group with similar stakeholder representation, co-chaired by Councilmember Mesaros
and Port Commissioner Orvis, is reviewing versions of the Waterfront Connector and narrowing it to two
very plausible alternatives. Although there are two alternatives, the ultimate project could be a hybrid of
features from of both. The intent of tonight's presentation is to inform the Council in preparation for a
public hearing on September 18.
Mr. Schaefer reviewed:
• Purpose and Need
o Safe, efficient, and reliable access to the waterfront for police, fire and EMS responders
o Strategic Acton Plan calls for establishing a connection to the waterfront
o Create a continuous pedestrian walkway along the waterfront
o Help pedestrians, bicyclists and emergency responders avoid level conflicts with BNSF rail
lines
o Emergency ferry off-loading during extended track shutdowns
o Growing rail traffic, plus 2nd track construction
■ Anticipated to increase by 50-100% by 2030
■ Second track anticipated within the next 2-3 years
o Increased frequency of emergency response delays
o Greater crossing conflicts and risks for pedestrians, bicyclists
o Extended closure risks
■ 50 emergency calls/year to the Waterfront
■ 50 emergency calls/year to Marine Rescue
■ 5 extended shutdowns of crossings over the past 34 months (3 in a 7 month period)
R How Does Rail Traffic Affect Waterfront Access?
o Gate Closures at Main Street and Dayton Street crossings:
■ 37.5 closures average per day
80 minutes average per day (5.5% of the day)
■ 2:12 average closure duration (3:54 for unit trains)
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Eel
At Main Street crossing (daily avm e :
Vehicles Delayed 84% ferry traffic Pedestrians Delayed
709 delayed by closures 115 delayed by closures
28.7 vehicle -hours 4.7person-hours
o Over 10 ferry loadings/off-loadings affected daily*
*Based on traffic recorded, June 16 through July 3, 2012
■ Location for Waterfront Connector selected after a deliberative process, the At -Grade Crossings
Alternatives Study with input from a stakeholder group via the Mayor's Advisory Committee for
the study phase and reconstituted for the preliminary design phase currently underway
o First phase of process identified and evaluated a variety of solution concepts
■ Graphic of Initial Concepts (5 1)
- Overpasses and underpasses
- Stationing emergency resources on the waterside of the tracks
- Operational solutions to reduce potential for conflicts with trains
- Lowering, raising or relocating the railroad tracks
- Modification and relocation of the ferry terminal
■ Alternatives benefited from the public strong engagement
o Edmonds Waterfront At -Grade Crossings Analysis
• Held 4 public meetings (in person and on line) attended by over 750 community members
■ Held 21 Advisory Task Force meetings
Gave 4 City Council briefings
■ Received 124 written comment cards, emails or surveys with over 450 specific points of
feedback
■ Featured in 42 local media articles
■ Through stakeholder consultation and extensive community outreach, solutions were narrowed to
11, grouped into 3 types of grade separation projects, all options provide pedestrian and bicycle
access
o Emergency access by foot
• Midblock overpass
■ Main Street underpass
• Main Street overpass
o Emergency vehicle access
• Admiral Way overpass
■ Dayton Street overpass
■ Edmonds Street overpass
o Emergency vehicle access and ferry load/offload
■ Edmonds Crossing (minimum build)
■ Dayton Street new ferry terminal
■ Main Street ferry overpass (full build)
• Main Street ferry overpass (minimum build)
■ Main Street ferry underpass
Final stage of evaluation reviewed with community at 4th open house and 2 City Council meetings
in November 2016
o Table of findings of Level 2 evaluation
Waterfront Connector Advanced to Preliminary Design
o Council Meetings November 7, and November 15, 2016:
■ Summarized the Alternatives Analysis, public engagement process and public comments
■ Described finalist alternatives, their evaluation, with recommendation of Edmonds Street
Overpass (now Waterfront Connector)
■ Council unanimously voted to accept the Mayor's recommendation to pursue the Edmonds
Street Waterfront Connector AND placed on the CIP
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Waterfront Connector Preliminary Design Outreach
0 2 in-person public meetings attended by over 140 community members
0 4 neighborhood drop-in sessions (mailings to residents on Sunset and Edmonds Streets)
0 2 online open houses visited by over 700 community members
0 3 Mayor's Advisory Committee meetings
0 2 Design Committee meetings
0 2 City Council briefings
o Received over 260 comments
o Featured in 11 local media articles
Waterfront Connector Uses
o Emergency access not interruptible by rail traffic
o Single lane structure, 16 feet wide, designed with geometry and strength to accommodate Fire
District emergency vehicles
o Pedestrian and bicycle pathway to waterfront
■ Width provides space for emergency vehicles to pass pedestrians
■ Will include warning signals to warn of vehicle's approach
■ ADA compliant handrails and slopes
o Controlled emergency ferry offloading when stranded for extended period due to blockage of
tracks
o NOT open to general traffic
Evolution of the design
o Six initial concepts
o Received feedback from community
■ Strong preference for more subdued designs and avoiding iconic and higher profile
concepts
■ Interface with the park, Sunset and Edmonds, beach impacts, cost and viewsheds
With input from community and working with design committee, narrowed to two alternatives
(both constructed from digital models, representative of dimension of design, terrain based on
survey and the City's GIS and shadows representative of maximum shadow at 3:10 p.m.)
o Land Bridge
■ Broader overpass allows room for plantings
■ Creates an adjunct to park
■ Based on driftwood log
• YouTube tour of design https://www.youtube.com/watch?v--hniEKLaaBbM (also on
City's website)
o Promenade
Narrower
■ Two ramps, one for vehicles, the other for pedestrians at ADA grades
IN YouTube tour of design htips://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2spAF[tAp (also on City's
website)
Criteria used to Evaluate Alternatives
o Landing Experience
o Environment
o Visual
o Reliable emergency access
o Pedestrian user experience
o Bicycle user experience
o Cost
o Neighborhood compatibility
Project Schedule
o Dec 2017 — March 2018: Develop early design concepts
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o April — August 2018: Develop design alternatives
o Sept — Dec 2018: Select preferred alternative
0 2019 — 2020: Finalize design and secure funding
0 2021 — 2023: Construction planned
Where we are now
o Open House and Online Open House
o Neighborhood meetings
o Permitting agency consultations
o Review by Advisory Panel
o City Council Review / Public Hearing
o Mayor's recommendation on design concept to advance
o Presentation to Council for approval and additional direction
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas commented 140-160 rail cars frequently pass through town which can
take over 10 minutes. She asked if the Waterfront Connector would be used to offload ferries for trains with
140-160 railcars. Mr. Schaefer said no. Councilmember Fraley-Monillas referred to the Waterfront
Connector Preliminary Design Outreach slide, noting the packet states the on-line open house was visited
by 300 community members but that was changed to 700 in the presentation and 6 local media articles was
changed to 11 in the presentation. Mr. Schaefer answered those changes were made by the consultant this
morning and were not reflected in the packet materials.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas asked whether the information regarding the number of annual emergency
calls to the waterfront and marine rescue came from the fire department. Mr. Schaefer answered yes, it was
compiled from over 5'/z years of data.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas referred to the 5 extended shutdowns in 34 months and asked for the dates,
times and length of hold on the waterfront for those shutdowns. She recognized at least two were for
suicides, but said the Council was not aware of the other three. She asked the source of the information that
double tracking will start in three years. Mr. Schaefer answered it was from discussions with BNSF but was
not official and there was nothing in writing. He acknowledged BNSF has been saying double tracking will
happen in 3 years for the past 10-12 years. Councilmember Fraley-Monillas recalled BNSF has been talking
about double tracking ever since she has been on Council and even before she was on Council but it has yet
to happen.
Councilmember Tibbott relayed a WSDOT report regarding ferry traffic for the Edmonds terminal that
anticipated a 47% increase. He asked how that increase would impact congestion on the waterfront or a
need for better access points, particularly for pedestrians. Mr. Schaefer answered Ferry's issue is that with
more vehicles, there will be more sailings and less turnaround time at the dock which results in a greater
frequency of delayed sailings. Edmonds' issue is more turning movements from the holding lanes onto
Main which interrupts local traffic. The Connector provides an opportunity to avoid a piece of that
congestion on Main. Emergency vehicles utilizing the Connector will still encounter traffic but not the
hazard at Sunset & Main and the railroad.
Councilmember Tibbott inquired about delays that train crossings or backups in traffic at Main may create.
Mr. Schaefer answered modeling would be required to develop a confident estimate regarding the degree
of vehicle delays. The forecasted 47% increase in ferry traffic by 2040 and 50-100% increase in train traffic
is definitely a collision of interests. Councilmember Tibbott asked if the cost projections for the two
concepts were similar. Mr. Schaefer answered preliminary estimate are with 5% of each other.
Councilmember Tibbott commented the single-track option appears to empty onto the pedestrian walkway
versus the parking lot. Ms. Glover answered one of reasons was the majority of the use would be for
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pedestrians and bicyclist so it provides a natural feel coming onto a pedestrian path. However, the Parks
Department would like to see that end of the bridge moved toward the railroad tracks. The consultant team
is looking at that; it would necessitate moving the cul-de-sac, configuring the parking and possibly losing
some parking. Councilmember Tibbott asked how much parking would be lost. Ms. Glover answered it
depends; during this process, the direction has been not to impact parking and they are trying to find a
solution that does that. She remarked it would be interesting to know how important it was to move the
bridge toward the railroad tracks versus losing 1-2 parking spaces.
Councilmember Mesaros commented as he was on the committee, he had no immediate questions, but
reserved the right to respond to Councilmember comments. Council President Nelson echoed
Councilmember Mesaros' comments.
Councilmember Buckshnis said this was the first time she had heard there was a study on the cost of
stationing emergency services on the west side; she asked what the annual cost was. Mr. Schaefer answered
that was one of the 51 alternatives considered and did not have the details readily available. Councilmember
Buckshnis suggested he email her the information, noting it was likely not $1 million/year. Mr. Schaefer
answered the cost was related to a facility that would suitable per the Fire District's requirements; operating
costs were not calculated.
Councilmember Buckshnis said she did not support this project due to the cost and disruption to the area.
She questioned whether the $30 million estimate was realistic in this construction climate, budget creep,
recent increases in project budgets, etc. and whether the cost would be more like $50 million. Ms. Glover
answered detailed estimates were done based on bids that were received up until the recent craze and prior
to tariffs. For example, the Mukilteo ferry terminal came in 10% over the engineers estimate and the 2nd
and 3rd bidders were 10%+ higher than the lowest bid. She recognized there were impacts from the active
construction market and steel tariffs; the $30 million cost estimate did not include that. Councilmember
Buckshnis suggested softening the language to state the project is estimated to cost $30 million which does
not include steel tariffs or future construction cost increases.
Councilmember Buckshnis asked where she could find comments that had been submitted. Mr. Schaefer
answered summaries of the open houses and comments have been compiled as well as the raw comments.
He was unsure if that information had been posted.
With regard to cost estimates, Mr. Williams said there are a lot of unknowns at the 10-20% design level,
having just passed from the concept phase to preliminary design. Those unknowns may not be factored into
the cost, but the cost estimate includes a 40% contingency. As more of the unknowns are identified and can
be priced correctly, the contingency is reduced. He summarized the cost estimate remains the same, but the
contingency becomes smaller and smaller as more is known. Councilmember Buckshnis asked for
clarification, the $30 million includes a 40% contingency so the bridge could be built for $15-20 million.
Mr. Williams answered yes, based on what is known at this point.
Councilmember Teitzel recalled when the project was discussed early on, the default access for emergency
vehicles to the waterfront would continue to be Main & Dayton but it now sounds like the default access
would be the Waterfront Connector. He asked whether all emergency access would be via the Waterfront
Connector. Mr. Schaefer answered the dispatcher makes the decision regarding the selected route. From
the downtown station, the default would be the Waterfront Connector because it is shorter, uninterruptable,
requires going through four intersections rather than eight, some of which are signalized. Emergency
responses to the waterfront and marine calls average a total of 100/year or 2/week.
Councilmember Johnson commented the three-minute 3D visual was fabulous and worth every second. She
asked if it was online as it was not included in the Council packet. Mr. Schaefer answered an earlier version
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was shown at the open houses and neighborhood drop-in sessions; those were refined, and the YouTube
link provided on the website. Ms. Glover said the credit for the YouTube visual was VIA Architecture, a
subconsultant on the team.
Councilmember Johnson believed the City, not the Fire District should make the policy regarding the route.
Early on this was to be an emergency access, so it should not be the standard 24/7 route simply because it
is four blocks and only four lights. She reiterated in the past, this was primarily for pedestrian access and
secondarily an emergency access which seems to have flipped so that the primary motivation for the
Connector is public safety. She disagreed with that and planned to continue to make that point.
Councilmember Johnson said both options were beautiful, fabulous, and elegant and both had features she
liked. She did not feel the 6 -inch lip at the intersection was necessary for the land bridge option, anticipating
that would create confusion on Sunset. The promenade option does not have that lip. She liked the restrooms
in both scenarios, tucked into the earth, making them almost invisible. She suggested snubbing the
extension on the land bridge option, finding that extra concrete unneeded, it did not create an obvious
turning movement and she did not want anyone to drive off onto Sunset.
Councilmember Johnson expressed concern with the southern landing. The initial intent was not to remove
any parking, but it obliterates an excellent natural pedestrian movement from the seashore to the riprap. She
supported moving it toward the center of the driveway, even if it removed 1-2 parking spaces.
Councilmember Johnson said she did not understand or like the promenade option's forked access, one for
emergency vehicles and the other for pedestrian. She assumed the pedestrian access was ADA compliant
and asked the grade for the emergency vehicle access. Ms. Glover answered 12%. The promenade is 1 foot
higher than the land bridge due to the skew and delta. Councilmember Johnson commented it would be
more cost effective to have one southern approach.
Councilmember Johnson commented in the land bridge option, the throw barrier as well as the visual barrier
is reduced, a good solution to the problem. She suggested the overlook project along Sunset that includes
historic markers could be located on the land bridge. She also wanted to consider the cost of a fire truck on
the beach side, not a fire station with full personnel, just a satellite where equipment could be rotated in and
out periodically and fire personnel could drive over and man the truck. She was interested in scaling back
the Connector so it only accommodates an aid vehicle. She asked for a cost comparison for a Connector
that would accommodate an aid vehicle and a satellite fire truck the versus a Connector that could
accommodate a fire truck. She anticipated that would reduce the design and the cost.
Councilmember Johnson questioned the projected increase in rail cars considering that Cherry Point was
not being built. She recalled Mayor Earling holding a "Don't Block the Beach" rally when he was first
elected, noting it had taken a long time to reach this phase. She urged the team to keep working and someday
the Council will approve it. She remarked there were a lot of doubters on the Council so costs needed to be
reduced; $30 million was about $15 million too much.
Councilmember Mesaros referred to the November 15, 2016 minutes where the Council reviewed a report
from Tetra Tech that stated, "This Edmond Street overpass provides continuous access for pedestrians,
bicycles, ADA, police, aid cars, fire trucks," evidence that continuous access was intended and had been
discussed on November 15, 2016. With regard to BNSF saying double tracking will occur in 3 years, he
recalled at the last advisory group meeting BNSF was asked about encroaching onto their right-of-way and
the representative remarked on the importance of a third track in the future.
With regard to the comment about which way aid units will approach the waterfront, Councilmember
Mesaros suggested asking South Snohomish County Fire & Rescue what station responded to the 100
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emergency calls/year. Mr. Schaefer agreed that information may be available. Councilmember Mesaros
anticipated that data would indicate whether the aid vehicle came from Station 17, 20 or 16.
Councilmember Mesaros said one question is what constitutes an emergency on the west side of the tracks.
At the last advisory group meeting, representatives were discussing individual emergencies that aid cars
respond to, but the real catastrophe would be fire. One of the biggest concerns at the marina is fire. If the
tracks were blocked for a period of time and fire trucks needed to be dispatched to the marina, minutes
matter when there is a fire. Restricting the ability of an overpass to accommodate only aid cars and not fire
trucks would be a waste of money.
Council President Nelson thanked Mr. Schaefer and Mr. Williams for their work and the 3D birds -eye view
of the two options. He quoted former Senator Fred Thompson, sometimes you have to build bridges where
you can, but draw lines where you must. This was a time where he chose to draw a line. He believed this
was a bridge too far, too far for children who cannot bike on roads without a parent being afraid they will
be hit and too far for the thousands of kids who live within a mile of schools where school buses do not
stop and soon will be walking to school in the dark on roads without sidewalks. It is a bridge too far for
seniors who will be the first to say that many City sidewalks are in dangerous disrepair or there are no
sidewalks. He questioned how residents could be asked to enjoy a $30 million promenade view when so
many not safely walk out their front door. He questioned what else $30 million could buy; the CIP contains
15 priority pedestrian sidewalk projects throughout the City that are unfunded. He summarized he could
not in good conscience support this project when there are more pressing needs in the City.
Mayor Earling referred to Councilmember Johnson's suggestion of a $15 million option, cautioning that
would require starting the entire process over, new design, new bids, etc. Councilmember Johnson said she
had not served on either of the advisory committees, but she recalled at one time the cost was $20 million
for full access. From the very beginning, she has supported it being primarily pedestrian with some
emergency access. She acknowledged costs increase but she was hoping at the preliminary stage, the
Council would know the differential, such as 30% could be save it was only for first aid. The Port may have
a grave concern about fire although they have a fire boat and suggested possibly the Port has space for a
fire truck if that is their primary concern. She supported being creative, not stopping the project but
envisioned there was a very narrow margin of support from the Council; to get 100% support, the project
will need to be flexible.
Mr. Williams said there have been a lot of good comments; the team will review the recording, record the
comments and respond in writing to some comments. He clarified the cost estimate had never been $20
million; at one point it was $25-29 million. The two options presented are $29-30 million which indicates
the numbers have not changed much considering the process of going from not knowing what to build to
these two possible projects. He explained all projects start with addressing the purpose and need, possible
alternatives and the impacts. From the beginning, the intent was continuous access for emergency response.
There is little difference in the robustness and cost of a structure to carry a fully outfitted aid car versus a
ladder truck over the tracks to the waterfront. If the desire was a structure that personnel could run across
to a response vehicle, it would certainly be less expensive, but it was not adequate. Getting firefighters to
the other side is the current problem; consideration was even given to helicopters and other heroic options
to reach the west side, but the time involved is considerable and time is the enemy in an emergency. That
was never identified as the purpose and need; the purpose and need was to get aid cars, fire response and
personnel to the other side of the tracks as quickly as possible. He summarized that was his recollection and
he had been involved since the rally on the beach.
Councilmember Johnson said she did not want any misinterpretation about having firefighters running
across the bridge; it was always the intent to have an aid car go over the bridge, but an aid car is significantly
smaller than a fire truck. She needed to be convinced that the option was the smallest structure necessary.
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The intent, before Mr. Williams came to the City and before the rally on the beach was clear, the Council
said their #1 priority was to provide pedestrian and bicycle/non-motorized access over the tracks with a
secondary intent for aid. That has now changed and in her mind, it was never primarily a public safety
project.
Councilmember Buckshnis said she has been opposed to this project since start. She asked the cost to outfit
a satellite emergency area to assist with emergencies. In the 17 years she has been in Edmonds, 2 fires have
occurred in Edmonds, one at the Gregory Building and one at the marina. She commented a perfect storm
would be required to create an event where a train was stuck and a fire occurred. She anticipated this $30
million project would be more like $40-50 million and that amount of money could be used elsewhere.
With regard to loading and the robustness of the structure, Mr. Williams said if there were an event where
the connector was full of people, that would create more load than vehicles. The live load and vehicle loads
as well as seismic issues need to be taken into account. Building a 7 -foot wide structure only for pedestrians
would not help with emergency response. The intent from the beginning has been to design a structure that
could carry the most common emergency response vehicles and that has been communicated to the City
Council and to the public. He pointed out the fire department does not always respond to an to an aid call
with an aid car; the aid car may be on another call and personnel may respond with a pumper truck.
With regard to funding, Mr. Williams said this project requires funding partners; if the structure is only a
pedestrian bridge, all the funding sources that are typically accessed disappear. To the extent that Ferries
can benefit from the ability to unload a boat when an extended emergency exists, that encourages them to
contribute to the project. The federal government's viewpoint is similar. Going from a $30 million project
where the City contributes $2 million to a $15 million project where the City contributes all the funding,
that is a much different circumstance.
6. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Lynne Chelius, Edmonds, expressed concern with last night's Edmonds Housing Commission meeting.
She did not intend her comment to be a critique of the strategy, although there is much to criticize, but a
critique of the meeting process. A public meeting, particularly one that was expected to be well attended
and where a lot of feedback would be provided, must have a working microphone. She was told by Ms.
Hope that it was unfortunate that there was no microphone, but Ms. Chelius found it inexcusable. Second,
in her opinion, every process, chart and narrative were carefully crafted to suggest anyone opposing the
housing strategy as proposed was a bigot and morally bankrupt. She anticipated most audience members
expressing concern over the process and possible outcomes were middle class Edmonds residents worried
about property and other taxes and being forced out of their own homes. Third, the presentation prejudged
the audience in a negative way. After presenting the strategies, it presumptuously judged objections, such
as an increase in crime from an influx of low income residents and that unwanted homeless people would
be attracted to Edmonds. Fourth, Ms. Hope purportedly wanted to collect ideas, but the process could not
have been further from that as no questions or expression of ideas were allowed. Attendees broke into
smaller groups where they were presented with artificially constructed scenarios and then into smaller
groups where any ideas they might have had were supplanted by questions written by a consultant. An
informed and thoughtful Edmonds resident in her small group tried early in the meeting to bring up the fact
that the graphics differed from what was on the website for people to review and fact -check. The consultant
dismissed the concerns, stating only the heading had been changed, but in fact much had been changed
including numbers and factual statements. The gentleman expressing these concerns was summarily
dismissed as were other others with legitimate questions and concerns. She found this indicative of a shoddy
work product from the consultants. She attended the meeting with an open mind, hoping to be heard and to
learn; neither was possible with the way the meeting was run.
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Dennis Michelson, Edmonds, brought up an issue that he felt needed to be addressed by the Finance
Committee. He represented Beatrice Wilson, the wife of a deceased veteran entitled to military benefits.
Following an illness, she appealed to a veterans' group in Snohomish County for assistance in paying her
Edmonds utility bill. When she presented the voucher to the City, it was rejected with the statement the city
does not accept vouchers. He spoke with Finance Director Scott James who made a unilateral decision not
to accept vouchers. He found this decision arbitrary and capricious and lacking in any basis or merit because
Snohomish County PUD and PSE readily accept vouchers. If those agencies accept vouchers, he questioned
why Edmonds did not. He asked Mr. James for a written policy or the basis for not accepting the voucher
and was told the City doesn't accept them and that's that. He questioned the customer service the City was
providing to its residents. He submitted written materials with further details. They have spent three weeks
working with the City and he requested immediately attention to this matter before the voucher expires in
one week.
7. PUBLIC HEARING
1. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION'S
RECOMMENDATION REGARDING THE ELIGIBILITY OF THE SCALF HOUSE
LOCATED AT 645 FIR STREET FOR LISTING ON THE EDMONDS' REGISTER OF
HISTORIC PLACES.
Environmental Program Manager Kernen Lien reviewed:
• Scalf House — 645 Fir Street
o Nominated for consideration for placement on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places
o Property owners signed authorization form
• Effects of listing property on register
o Honorary designation denoting significant association with the history of Edmonds
o Prior to commencing any work on a register property (excluding repair and maintenance),
owner must request and receive a certificate of appropriateness from the Historic Preservation
Commission
o May be eligible for special tax valuation on their rehabilitation
• Aerial of neighborhood, south Bowl area
o Significantly associated with the history, architecture, archaeology, engineering or cultural
heritage of Edmonds
• House is associated with early pioneer history and general development of the City of
-Edmonds
o Has integrity
■ House is well preserved, simple Victorian 2 -story residence
o At least 50 years old, or has exceptional importance if less the 50 years old
■ Constructed in 1910, 108 years old
o Falls into at least one of designation categories, ECDC 20.45.010.A -K
is Embodies the distinctive architectural characteristic of a type, period, style or method of
design or construction, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose
components may lack individual distinction
• Photographs of John Scalf and Etta Scalf
• A number of records were found in the attic including receipts for lumber for the house from Yost
& Sons dated Feb 4, 1910
• Significant features
o Exterior contains historic features
0 2 -story simple Victorian residence that has changed very little since 1910
• Recommendation
o Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) held a public hearing on July 12, 2018
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o HPC found the nomination meets the criteria and eligible for designation on the Edmonds
Register of Historic Places
o HPC recommends the property be listed on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places
o Ordinance provided in packet
Councilmember Teitzel asked if this was a kit house by Montgomery Ward or Sears. Mr. Lien recalled
seeing that in an early email but did not find any other related records. Given the receipt for lumber from
Yost & Sons, he doubted it was a kit house.
Mayor Earling opened the public hearing.
Josh Johnson, Edmonds, a neighbor, said he looks at this house every day; it is now a beautiful
butterscotch color with red trim windows. Over the past six year, he has watched their neighbors lovingly
restore the house, structure and the surrounding property. The house has a stream in front; the owners have
taken care of the natural vegetation and native plants around the stream and buffer. Recently a Public Works
employee checked on the stream and said the natural care of this stream was how they wished all residents
would care for streams. The owners of 645 Fir Street have added to the character of neighborhood through
careful preservation of this historic home and their conscientious care of critical areas.
Hearing no further public comment, Mayor Earling closed the public hearing.
COUNCILMEMBER JOHNSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER BUCKSHNIS,
TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 4126, AN ORDINANCE DESIGNATING THE EXTERIOR OF
THE SCALF HOUSE LOCATED AT 645 FIR STREET, EDMONDS, WASHINGTON FOR
INCLUSION ON THE EDMONDS REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES, AND DIRECTING THE
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DIRECTOR OR DESIGNEE TO DESIGNATE THE SITE ON THE
OFFICIAL ZONING MAP WITH AN "HR" DESIGNATION, AND FIXING A TIME WHEN THE
SAME SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE.
Councilmember Buckshnis expressed appreciation for Mr. Johnson's comments.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mayor Earling declared a brief recess.
8. ACTION ITEMS
1. PROSECUTOR'S CONTRACT RENEWAL
HR Director Mary Ann Hardie explained this is a one-year extension of the current contract. Zachor &
Thomas has providing prosecutor services to the City for a number of years. The last contract was for two
years; there have been a lot of changes over the past year including during the last week, one of the
managing partners left the firm. Jim Zachor, Sr. and Jim Zachor, Jr. remain with the firm. One of the
prosecuting attorneys, Elizabeth Gribble, who was assigned to Edmonds is also no longer with Zachor &
Thomas. Additional costs are due to changes in the court related to drug and mental health and convening
of stakeholder meetings that take more time, the Police Department's transition to SharePoint and the
transition of the court to an electronic court record system. As this is a shorter contract, staff will consider
possible areas of efficiencies and continue to evaluate whether an RFQ would be appropriate. The
recommendation is a one-year extension of the contract at $23,873.10/month. Along with the voluminous
amendments to the 2013 contract, the City Attorney pointed out the scope of work will be the same as noted
in the amendment to the prosecution services agreement dated February 8, 2017. The contract for the one-
year extension includes that change.
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Councilmember Buckshnis asked if the intent was to do an RFQ this year. Ms. Hardie said consideration
would be given to doing that next year as there is a timing issue.
COUNCILMEMBER BUCKSHNIS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER TEITZEL, TO
APPROVE THE ONE-YEAR CONTRACT FOR PROSECUTION SERVICES WITH ZACHOR &
THOMAS, INC., P.S. FOR 2019. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. PUBLIC DEFENSE CONTRACT RENEWAL
HR Director Mary Ann Hardie said the City's 2 -year contract for public defense services with the
Snohomish County Public Defender Association (SCPDA) expires at the end of 2018. SCPDA has worked
diligently to comply with the standards for indigent defense that took effect in the past several years as well
as adding an investigator and two social workers which resulted in increased expenses. Staff will evaluate
their services as well as the option of doing an RFQ. If a decision is made to do an RFQ, it would be done
next year due to the timing issue. The recommendation is a one-year extension of the contract for a monthly
retainer of $23,441.93.
COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
BUCKSHNIS, TO APPROVE THE ONE-YEAR CONTACT FOR PUBLIC DEFENSE SERVICES
WITH SCPDA FOR 2019. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. COUNCIL 2019 BUDGET PRIORITIES - DRAFT RESOLUTION
Council President Nelson emphasized the resolution is a draft; the Council can make edits as desired and
no action is required tonight.
Councilmember Johnson said this document is about communication between the Council and the
administration. She recalled when a concern was raised at the retreat that the directors were not invited to
attend, there was assurance that there would be a second retreat with the mayor and directors. That second
retreat never happened and now this resolution is proposed. She wondered whether the resolution was the
best way to communicate or whether the previously proposed retreat with the mayor and directors should
be held. Council President Nelson commented it is a matter of running out of time. The mayor and directors
have met to discuss ideas and they need to have a recommendation from the Council sooner rather than
later.
Councilmember Mesaros liked the resolution and felt it was a good communication document. He
recognized the timing issue, commenting because the Council held its retreat in June, there wasn't time to
do a second session. As the Council adopts this process for this year, he encouraged next year's Council
President to hold a similar retreat with Councilmembers, followed by a second meeting with the mayor and
directors and beginning that process earlier in the year. He summarized the resolution is a good document
and he could support it tonight.
Councilmember Buckshnis enjoyed the retreat and the facilitator Mike Bailey who has now retired to
education. She and Mr. Bailey have a long history; Edmonds' financials are based on Redmond's. Although
Mr. Bailey suggested at the retreat that the Council adopt a resolution, she felt the proposed resolution was
too much. She disagreed with Councilmember Mesaros and felt the Council had already communicated its
wishes to the administration. Redmond's has Budgeting by Priorities which requires a resolution, they have
a larger tax base, larger capital projects, etc. The budget process is so dynamic that the Council may decide
to add something but the resolution has already been passed. She. summarized the resolution was an
unnecessary document, Council President Nelson has done a great job leading the Council and letting the
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administration know what the Council wants. The resolution puts the process into a bureaucratic stage; she
preferred not to adopt a resolution, noting the mayor did not have to follow the resolution anyway.
Councilmember Teitzel appreciated the budget retreat and supported doing it again next year, but suggested
holding the retreat earlier in the year. The Council identified and communicated its priorities and they are
being considered in 2019 budget process. He recalled Mr. Bailey saying at the retreat that budgeting was a
team sport. Reducing the Council's priorities to a resolution is an autocratic rather than team sport approach
and is unnecessary. The Council already set its priority prior to the retreat in Resolution 1389 which was
passed in June 2017. He pointed out Section 6 of that resolution states municipal facilities in Edmonds by
2019 will achieve 100% renewable energy and suggested either revising that goal in Resolution 1389 or
including funds in the 2019 budget to achieve that goal.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas Bailey recalled Mr. Bailey told the Council at the retreat to adopt a
resolution so she concluded a resolution was appropriate. To Councilmember Teitzel's point, she said the
purpose of presenting the draft resolution to Council was an opportunity to add or revise Council priorities.
She inquired about the order of the Council priorities in the resolution. Council President Nelson answered
they are not in order of priority; the resolution reflects the order that motions were introduced and voted
on. Councilmember Fraley-Monillas expressed support for the resolution because Mr. Bailey said the
Council should adopt a resolution. She supported the addition of the priority cited by Councilmember
Teitzel. She was prepared to vote on additions as well as on the resolution tonight.
Councilmember Buckshnis did not support the resolution regardless of what Mr. Bailey said. She expressed
concern with language such as "we direct the administration," recalling in the past a consultant was hired
to help the Council and administration get along. She concluded the resolution was over the top and
unnecessary.
Councilmember Johnson did not support the resolution as drafted, finding it was unneeded. She referred to
the priority in the resolution that the Council continue supporting the Snohomish Health District $2/capita;
she voted no on that item because she wanted to see what other jurisdictions contribute. That level of
specificity in the resolution made it difficult for her to support. She recalled the vote on "Enhance Our Arts
and Culture" was a very close vote and did not consider it a priority due to the thin majority. Rather than
Improve Community Safety, she preferred that priority read, Build More Sidewalks. She viewed the
resolution as a mixed bag that could be ftnetuned to be more accurate, but she did not feel it was necessary
and would not support it.
Council President Nelson pointed out when the Council votes and passes something with a majority vote,
it becomes the decision of the Council. The resolution reflects what the Council passed as its priorities.
With regard to the $2/capita funding, that is what the Council voted on.
COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
MESAROS, TO PASS RESOLUTION NO. 1418, A RESOLUTION OF THE EDMONDS CITY
COUNCIL ESTABLISHING THE CITY COUNCIL'S FISCAL YEAR 2019 BUDGET PRIORITIES
AND DIRECTING CITY ADMINISTRATION TO PREPARE THE 2019 BUDGET TO ADVANCE
THESE COUNCIL POLICIES USING ESTABLISHED SUSTAINED BUDGETING PRINCIPLES.
Council President Nelson asked Councilmember Teitzel if he was willing to have the renewal energy goal
under the Protect Our Environment category or did he want it as a separate priority. Councilmember Teitzel
said he did not support the resolution so the question was moot.
Mayor Earling commented this was potentially a very good process; the weakness was not having the
interim step of a discussion between the Council and staff. He suggested the cost of the priorities was
approximately $2.5 million.
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Councilmember Buckshnis raised a point of order, stating she did not understand the points Mayor Earling
was making as the cost was part of the budgetary process. Mayor Earling offered to send Council a memo.
UPON ROLL CALL, MOTION FAILED (3-4), COUNCIL PRESIDENT NELSON AND
COUNCILMEMBERS FRALEY-MONILLAS AND MESAROS VOTING YES; AND
COUNCILMEMBERS JOHNSON, BUCKSHNIS, TEITZEL, AND TIBBOTT VOTING NO.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas asked where this left the Council and if not supporting the resolution
meant the retreat was for naught. She asked Mayor Earling his interpretation of the Council's goals. Mayor
Earling said the motion was defeated; staff is working on a budget that will be presented to the Council the
second Tuesday of October. Councilmember Fraley-Monillas asked whether the budget would contain the
items in the resolution. Mayor Earling said he is aware of them and all will receive consideration.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas said as long as the priorities are being considered, the Council will go
back to the drawing board during budget process.
9. REPORTS ON OUTSIDE BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Councilmember Mesaros reported:
• SeaShore Transportation Forum did not meet in August
• Correction to his previous report regarding the PFD refinancing their bonds.
o PFD was unable to agree on terms with the entity doing the refinancing and the refinance was
not accomplished.
o PFD continues to consider alternatives which will be presented to the Finance Committee
Sno911 and SERS in merger discussions.
o At a joint board meeting on August 16, both boards approved the merger in concept
o Each board will review the documents during September
o Board decisions will likely occur in September/October, a supermajority is required
o If approved, the merger would be effective January 1, 2019
o Announcement regarding approval of the merger by both boards will hopefully occur prior to
the Snohomish County bond measure to fund replacement of the 20 -year old emergency radio
system that is in dire need of replacement.
Councilmember Tibbott reported:
• Economic Development Commission did not meet in August
Port Commission meeting included a quarterly financial report
o Most facilities have been successfully rented
o Asphalt project at Harbor Square upcoming
o Awaiting approval from WSDOT to improve landscaping along on SRI 04
o Continued work on environmental goals
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas reported:
• Diversity Commission will forward a recommendation to City Council soon
• Opioid Task Force looking at issues related to hotels on Hwy 99.
• Spoke at a vigil last week on behalf of the Health District regarding opioids and what the Health
District can do to assist in the opioid crisis
• Edmonds Homeless Work Group met by phone
o Will have a document to Council regarding the issues behind homelessness in the next 5-6
weeks
Council President Nelson reported:
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Unable to attend today's Lake Ballinger Task Force meeting, Mr. Williams attended
o Grant funding obtained to address milfoil issue in Lake Ballinger
Councilmember Buckshnis Mayors reported:
• Mayor's Climate Protection Committee met twice
o Met with The Good Company and ESA, consultants working on Resolution 1389
• WRIA 8 meeting included 2019 state and federal priorities, budget and ILAs
o Hoping to receive funds to save chinook salmon
o Funds are needed to review and potentially repair the Ballard Locks
Councilmember Teitzel reported:
• Affordable Housing Alliance and Snohomish County Tomorrow did not meet in August
• Long Range Financial Planning Committee working on updated draft of the fund balance policy
o Policy will be presented to the Finance Committee in September/October for review and then
to City Council for approval
■ Consultant hired by the Homelessness Work Group is finalizing interviews with agencies involved
with the homeless population, individuals and best practices in other cities
o Report will be available in mid-October
Councilmember Johnson reported:
• Joe Coburn's Opioid Stakeholders meeting and Council's Opioid Task Force meeting
o Considering ways to ways more efficiently police, adjudicate and house repeat opioid offenders
and better serve that population.
o Future agendas will consider repeat offenders on Hwy 99 and cleaning up motels in that area
• Council's Marsh Study meeting
• Long Range Financial Planning Meeting
• Historic Preservation Commission added another house to the register
10. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Earling reported he attended a fundraising event for the Cascadia Art Museum last Saturday. The
event was attended by 340-350 people and raised $450,000-$500,000.
Mayor Earling commented on the passing of a friend of South Snohomish County, Dean Echelbarger. Mr.
Echelbarger was a visionary giant in the development and potential of South Snohomish County and one
of the nicest men he ever met.
11. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Johnson thanked everyone who attended the meeting on the draft Edmonds Housing
Strategy. She was unable to attend but read a great report about the meeting by Larry Vogel on My Edmonds
News. She expressed interest in a follow-up regarding the roundtable discussions that the 200 people had
on topics. She wished everyone a safe and happy Labor Day.
Councilmember Teitzel said he greatly admired Senator John McCain; he was a true patriot, an excellent
senator, a free thinker and embodied a lot of what people want to see in senators in Washington DC. He
will be missed.
Councilmember Buckshnis echoed Councilmember Teitzel's comments about Senator McCain. She
announced two Save the Dates on October 6: The Tree Board's annual Arbor Day celebration at
Meadowdale Beach shelter from 9 to 12 and the 15th annual Halloween Howl at the dog park from 11 to 2.
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Councilmember Tibbott reminded public schools are starting soon, teachers are preparing their classrooms,
and there will be increased pedestrian traffic around elementary schools. He was very disappointed there
was not an adequate sound system at the Housing Strategy meeting because it added to the frustration of
the meeting. Breaking into groups where ideas could be heard and solutions brainstormed was a valuable
exercise. He encouraged the Housing Strategy Task Force to continue public outreach and involve more
citizens in offering their opinions and to include those concepts in the final strategy. At the meeting, he
emphasized this is a strategy, not a plan. Many of the recommendations would take years to implement if
at all and there would be a public process along the way. The strategy helps to determine the base, collecting
data to work with and provides valuable input for the City and for Council in establishing policy. He valued
the development of the Housing Strategy and encouraged the public to think of it as a strategy and not begin
to extrapolate ideas such as injection sites in downtown Edmonds as that is not part of the strategy or
remotely related. He encouraged the City and citizens to get involved in real dialogue on the decisions that
need to be made.
Councilmember Mesaros referred to the audience comment regarding using a voucher to pay for utilities,
advising he would leave it to Mayor Earling to provide appropriate administrative direction. He saw Mr.
Williams talking to the individuals and was hopeful he was talking to them about solutions. He
recommended developing a solution to that issue.
Councilmember Mesaros reported the Cascadia Museum fundraiser was a fun event. The amount of money
bid and the donations during raise the paddle were significant. On Monday, he participated in the Edmonds
Police Foundation golf tournament at the Harbour Pointe Golf Course and saw a number of the people that
attended the Cascadia Museum fundraiser.
Mayor Earling assured the issue with the voucher will be solved tomorrow.
12. CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING PENDING OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION
PER RCW 42.30.11 q(t)(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 9:23 p.m.
DAVIbLO. EARLING, MAYOR
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