20181023 City CouncilEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
October 23, 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 (by phone)
1. CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE
STAFF PRESENT
Linda Coburn, Municipal Court Judge
Sharon Whittaker, Court Administrator
Phil Williams, Public Works Director
Carrie Hite, Parks, Rec. & Cult. Serv. Dir.
Patrick Doherty, Econ. Dev & Comm. Serv. Dir.
Shane Hope, Development Services Director
Scott James, Finance Director
Mary Ann Hardie, HR Director
Rob Chave, Planning Manager
Rob English, City Engineer
Jeff Taraday, City Attorney
Scott Passey, City Clerk
Nicholas Falk, Deputy City Clerk
Jerrie Bevington, Camera Operator
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
The Edmonds City Council meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Mayor Earling in the Council
Chambers, 250 5' 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.
Recognition of Sarah Brinkle
Mayor Earling explained there was a fire a couple weeks ago at the Carmel Condominiums. In addition to
South Snohomish County Fire, three City employees assisted residents, Officers Sutton and Machado and
Sarah Brinkley, a custodian at the Frances Anderson Center. When the fire alarm went off, after checking
that it was not the alarm at the Frances Anderson Center and upon seeing smoke coming from the Carmel
Ms. Brinkley helped residents evacuate from the building. After confirming all the units had been vacated,
a decision was made to unlock the upper floor of the library and move the people stranded outside into that
space as well as open the restrooms. Mayor Earling acknowledged Ms. Brinkley for her initiative and her
great work.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
COUNCILMEMBER TEITZEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MESAROS, TO
APPROVE THE AGENDA IN CONTENT AND ORDER. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 23, 2018
Page 1
COUNCILMEMBER MESAROS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER BUCKSHNIS,
TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The agenda
items approved are as follows:
1. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 16, 2018
2. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 16, 2018
3. APPROVAL OF CLAIM, PAYROLL AND BENEFIT CHECKS, DIRECT DEPOSIT AND
WIRE PAYMENTS.
5. PRESENTATIONS
1. YOUTH COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS
Parks & Recreation Director Carrie Hite recalled in June 2018, the City Council passed an ordinance to
form a youth commission. This summer, when she and Council President Nelson met with the youth who
spearheaded this effort, it became apparent it would be almost impossible to have work groups over the
summer and the work groups were delayed to late September to accommodate the youths' school schedules.
She met with several youth in the community to review the ordinance and discuss the formation of the
youth commission and they developed several recommendations. The ordinance in the packet is based on
their recommendations. Once the ordinance is adopted, she and staff will begin a recruitment/application
process in November and have the commission seated in December so members have the opportunity to
participate before school ends in 2019.
Stephany Janssen highlighted the recommendations:
• Age Limits
o Incoming high school freshman to senior year students who reside in Edmonds, will be able to
participate in the youth commission
o At the end of the year the current students seated on the youth commission will reach out to
middle schools to encourage rising 9" graders to participate
• Diversity
o Include language to encourage geographic and diversity representation
8. Recruitment of new Commissioners. New commissioners shall be recruited in May of
each year for positions whose terms will be ending that year. Recruiting efforts should be
structured to encourage candidates to apply from a wide range of backgrounds,
perspectives, schools and neighborhoods. In June of each year, appointments shall be made
from the body of applicants to positions whose terms are expiring. There shall be no term
limits. So, existing commissioners may apply for reappointments.
Kaleb Nichols reviewed:
• Terms
o Staggered beginning appointment
• Four new members will be appointed from December 2018 — June 2019
• Five new members will be appointed from December 2018 — June 2020
it All members will be reappointed in 2020
o After 2020 all terms will be extended one year until possible reappointment in June
All applications will be submitted in May, and appointments in June with the exception of
the first commission
o There will be no term limits
Meetings
0 1St and 3`d Wed of the month from 6-7:30
o Location: Frances Anderson Center
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 23, 2018
Page 2
With regard to making appointments in June, Ms. Hite explained the youth she met with discussed the best
time to appoint commissioners. It was thought if appointments were sought in September, it was unlikely a
great deal of recruitment could be done because students are committing to other things. The youth thought
it would be better to recruit before school is out, try to identify a day in the summer for a work group/retreat,
and begin the work plan in September.
Councilmember Buckshnis referred to the statement that there would be no term limits, pointing out
students' participation would be limited by their years in high school. Ms. Janssen answered a student can
serve for more than one term, e.g. if someone was appointed their freshman year, they could serve all four
years of high school if they were reappointed. Ms. Hite summarized the maximum would be four terms.
Councilmember Johnson asked if the youth had considered having alternate members. In her experience,
people leave and it would nice to have alternate commissioners ready to serve. Ms. Hite advised the
ordinance describes two alternates. The commission has nine members plus two alternates. Councilmember
Johnson expressed appreciation for Ms. Janssen and Mr. Nichols' continued interest in a youth commission.
Councilmember Teitzel thanked Ms. Janssen and Mr. Nichols for their continued interest and passion. He
asked if the youth commission planned to meet during summer months. Ms. Janssen said reappointments
would occur in June, a work group held in the summer to lay the groundwork for the coming year, and
monthly meetings would begin in September.
Observing the Council and Mayor make initial appointments, Councilmember Fraley-Monillas, asked if
reappointments were also made by the Council and Mayor. Ms. Hite answered yes, reappointments would
be made every June; the first June, half the commission would reappointed and in June 2020, all the seats
would be up for reappointment.
Council President Nelson asked when amendments to the ordinance needed to be approved. Ms. Hite
answered tonight if the Council is amenable to not having a public hearing, but a public hearing could be
scheduled. She would like to begin recruitment and schedule interviews with Council so commissioners
could be seated by December. Council President Nelson asked if a public hearing and vote could occur at
the same meeting, possibly November 5 and if that would provide enough time. Ms. Hite said that would
work.
Councilmember Buckshnis asked if a public hearing was necessary. City Attorney Jeff Taraday said a
public hearing was not required to amend this ordinance. Councilmember Buckshnis said she was prepared
to approve the ordinance tonight.
Councilmember Mesaros was also amenable to approving the ordinance tonight. If the Council wanted to
hold a public hearing, he suggested could occur recruitment before the public hearing is held.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT NELSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER TEITZEL, TO
APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 4130, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS,
WASHINGTON, AMENDING EDMONDS CITY CODE, CHAPTER 10.55 ENTITLED,
"EDMONDS YOUTH COMMISSION." MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Robert Eastman, Deputy Chief, South Snohomish County Fire, reaffirmed SSCF's support for the
Waterfront Connector project as proposed with bridge access for all emergency vehicles to use in the case
of a complete blockage to the west side of the railroad tracks. South County Fire, previous Fire District 1,
has been involved with this study since its inception and have looked at many alternatives including placing
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 23, 2018
Page 3
an unstaffed fire engine or staffed fire station on the west side. Those alternatives do not solve the problem
and only provide a very minimal solution and are not supported by SSCF. SSCF understands there are many
factors involved in the Council's decision-making, their position is based on emergency response needs
only. SSCF will adjust its response based on whatever solution the Council finalizes, but feel it is important
to reaffirm their position that the only realistic emergency response solution to the west side is to allow
access for all emergency vehicles.
Jim Distelhorst, Edmonds, a recently retired family physician, spoke in support of the Waterfront
Connector project. A Waterfront Connector will help prevent unnecessary disability and death, not only by
allowing quicker emergent care not delayed by trains, but also allowing quicker transport to a hospital.
Many emergency conditions like fractures can be stabilized temporary by first aid measures without
affecting the prognosis. A delay in hospital treatment of a few minutes can make a heart attack or a stroke
worse. Most heart attacks are myocardial infarctions in which a blood clot blocks the blood flow and artery
in the heart. The lack of blood flow causes a lack of oxygen to the heart muscle; changes in the heart muscle
cells from lack of oxygen start within about 10 seconds. If the lack of oxygen lasts long enough, a matter
of minutes, heart muscle cells die from lack of oxygen. Time is heart muscle. Similarly, most strokes are
ischemic, also caused by a blood clot but in the artery supplying blood to the brain. If the lack of oxygen
lasts long enough, a matter of minutes, brain tissue will die from lack of oxygen. Time is brain tissue. Any
delay in definitive hospital treatment of these conditions including a train delay of only several minutes
increases the risk of more dead heart muscle cells, heart failure and death in heart attack patients and
increases the risk of more dead brain tissue, severe disability and death in stroke patients. A Waterfront
Connector, by taking train delay out of the emergency, will decrease the risk of major disability and death
in heart attack and stroke patients and will promote rapid and necessary hospital care. Time is of the essence
of these patients; time is tissue which is one reason he supported the Waterfront Connector project.
Bob Rinehart, Edmonds, member of the Senior Center Board, voiced his support for the Waterfront
Connector. He commented a person's position is derived from what and how they measure. One can get
mired in facts, zero in on different problems and solutions, consider whether the right things are being
measured. For him, the compelling argument was the need to develop a desired outcome. Emergency
vehicles are either going to an incident or transporting a patient to a hospital. He recalled being on Admiral
Way, four cars from Dayton when the 4 -hour train blockage occurred. He watched first responders move a
very pregnant woman across the tracks. He was not sure that could be accomplished in one of the situations
described by Dr. Distelhorst. In future train blockages, there may not be the open car that allowed first
responders to cross the tracks. The desired outcome is transporting a patient to the hospital. A person can
be cared for on the west side of a train blockage, but the real care may need to occur east of the tracks. He
strongly supported the Waterfront Connector as it will provide an open roadway for emergency vehicles.
Jim Orvis, Edmonds, Port of Edmonds Commissioner, co-chair of the original Waterfront Task Force with
Council President Nelson and co-chair of the Mayor's Advisory Committee with Councilmember Mesaros
since January, assured there are no surprises in the proposal for the Waterfront Connector before the
Council. It was presented to the Council at the public hearing, was developed at Council direction by a
knowledgeable group of stakeholders with input from hundreds of citizens, and was what the Council
approved in 2016 with the modifications Council directed. The Waterfront Connector is an excellent
product, providing rapid 24-hour waterfront access by emergency equipment with consideration for costs,
aesthetics and environmental impacts and has the added benefit of permitting pedestrian, bicycle and ADA
access. The raised patio landing with easy access to public restrooms adds value to the experience at
Brackett's Landing. Perhaps most important, by starting at the top of the Sunset Street bluff, height is
minimized and the structure rapidly drops below the sight line. This project is a win/win. Public safety is a
paramount duty of municipal government. Hundreds of thousands of people use the waterfront.
Mr. Orvis recalled one of the problems encountered during the evaluation was the west side of the tracks is
so crowded, there are few places for a ramp to land. The marina, businesses, residences, parks, restaurants,
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 23, 2018
Page 4
the fishing pier, the community center and the yacht club are all located on the waterfront. The City has an
obligation to ensure public safety. He has heard some say that emergency personnel should be asked to risk
their lives crossing stalled trains, that the City should construct a small building so personnel could access
stored equipment or use carts to move resources to the scene of an emergency. Those and over 50 other
ideas were evaluated and discarded. They are inadequate and do not provide the necessary level of service
needed for the environment that has been created. The Seattle metro area is among the fastest growing
places in the nation and that includes Edmonds. The future will bring more people, trains, ferries, medical
emergencies, fires and police calls. The ability to respond to an emergency is inadequate now; if nothing is
done, the problem will only get worse and the solution more expensive. Although he wished that was not
true, but wishful thinking was irresponsible in determining public policy. The Waterfront Connector is
preparing for the future.
Suzy Schaefer, Edmonds, said she was initially overjoyed when she heard WSDOT's long term plans did
not include moving ferry but was soon panicked over what would happen to that property. She was aware
the decision was not up to City Council, that there will need to be a process with WSDOT, the City and
citizens. This is an opportunity to create a wildlife sanctuary which will help save the Salish Sea, the most
important thing that can be done in a person's lifetime. She summarized there was a unique opportunity to
save salmon and orcas.
Susan Paine, Edmonds, commented the youth commission was a great idea. With regard to WSDOT's
long range plan, she pointed out the opportunity it presents to the community to expand the Edmonds Marsh
and do something great for the environment on the Unocal property. The marsh is a jewel and this is a once
in a lifetime in opportunity to preserve salmon, save orcas and provide opportunities for wildlife, fishing,
etc. The Edmonds Marsh was listed as one of the Audubon Society's great Washington State birding trails,
one of the best birding sites, there are numerous bird lists and over 200 species birds land in the marsh. This
was a salmon stream in the past and it could be again with the daylighting of Willow Creek. Proper
daylighting of Willow Creek includes more than just expanding the ditch but also opportunities for salmon
to use the stream. Purchasing the Unocal property from WSDOT would be a terrific opportunity for the
community and the entire region. Edmonds Marsh is the last saltwater marsh between Everett and Tacoma
on the west side of Puget Sound. The opportunities are beyond what most people can image; the City needs
to think big, partnering and doing preservation activities including possibly a wildlife refuge in that space.
She encouraged the public to comment on WSDOT's long range plan online, only two days remain to
provide input to ensure the community's desires are included in their planning documents.
7. BUDGET PRESENTATIONS
1. 2019 BUDGET PRESENTATIONS
Economic Development/Community Services
Economic Development/Community Services Director Patrick Doherty reviewed:
+ 2018 Accomplishments
o Community Services
■ Worked with Diversity Commission on ambitious Work Plan including Youth Forum,
World Cafe, Fourth of July parade, Film Series, grants program, incident responses,
development of policy recommendations, etc.
■ Together with services of Carolyn Douglas as part-time public information officer/press
relations coordinator, we have created a substantial, continuous public/media presence
leading to increased regional media coverage, as well as increased and regular social media
activity, etc.
• Managed lobbying efforts in Olympia and Washington, DC on behalf of Edmonds interests
— both legislative and financial
■ Led efforts to develop Edmonds' official Legislative Agenda
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 23, 2018
Page 5
■ Collaborated with Public Works and our Olympia lobbyist in successfully securing
commitment of $6MM for the Edmonds Street Waterfront Connector project
■ Represent Edmonds in regional forums, organizations, events
o Economic Development
■ Related to Tourism:
- Enhanced and promoted new tourism website and promoted greater use and visibility
of the arts/culture/events calendar
- Enhanced tourism -promotional ad presence in the region - radio, print, digital -
including more robust campaign for upcoming 2018 holiday season, together with Ed!
- Initiated Edmonds Tourism Partners - top 7 advertising entities to collaborate for
greater impact & efficiency
- Introduced Edmonds tourism videos to media campaign
- Collaborated with Port of Edmonds on digital ad and video campaign targeted for
Denver metro in the Spring, using whale -watching as the "hook" to drive visitors to
Seattle/Edmonds (Port of Seattle grant + local monies)
■ Related to general economic development:
- Currently initiating fourth season of Holiday Market
- Together with Ed! have created substantially enhanced Holiday offerings/activities
including holiday market, trolley, caroling contest, jazz/brass ensemble performances,
dedicated holiday website, etc.
- Provided more enhanced business -attraction advertising throughout region (Seattle
Business magazine, Daily Journal of Commerce, 425 Business magazine, and KUOW
radio)
- Provided support to property owners and/or architects & developers on potential
redevelopment projects
- Co -led with Parks & Rec Dept effort to seek State Creative District designation,
including public process, 5 -year program development, etc.
• Application submitted
Decision anticipated early December
- Reconvened ad hoc Downtown parking committee late 2017, leading to parking
enhancements in early 2018 (4th Ave S. parking lot, expanded "tick marks" for on -
street parking)
- Provided support to Economic Development Commission, including assistance with
research, consideration and memos on such issues as:
• Affordable housing, BD1 first floor height, Potential for city facilities, Dayton
Street utilities/street project mitigation, etc., arts/culture/tourism initiatives,
business attraction/recruitment, development feasibility, etc.
- Collaborated with EASC and other SnoCo cities on Snohomish County WeChat site -
to attract Chinese investment to the County
- Collaborate with Small Business Development Center, offering Edmonds office hours
in City Hall 1-2/month
• 2019 Challenges/Initiatives
o Community Services
■ Pursue Legislative agenda items, including future funding commitment for major projects
in Edmonds: Highway 99, Edmonds Street Waterfront Connector, Waterfront Center,
Edmonds Marsh, Civic Park, etc., especially to help leverage federal grant funding where
available
■ Support the Diversity Commission and its 2019 Work Plan
■ Expand and enhance public outreach, communications and engagement efforts
is Conduct second National Citizen Survey in Edmonds
o Economic Development
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 23, 2018
Page 6
■ Support property owners in Downtown, Westgate, Hwy 99, and other business districts to
assist with appropriate redevelopment
■ Continue to seek hotel for Downtown
■ Enhanced and expanded business -attraction advertising, especially using "hook" of
Creative District designation, if we are successful
■ Recruitment of new business/investment and retention/expansion of existing business
■ Pursue greater tourism -promotion opportunities
Expenditures
Expenditures
2018
Approved
2018 YE
2019 Reemd
%age
Budget
Estimate
Budget
$557,482
Change
Community
$490,751
$487,723
Services
14%
Economic
$99,710
$99,750
$108,750
Development
9%
Total
$590,461
$587,473
$666,232
13%
• Decision packages
o Community Services
■ DP47 - $72,000 for federal lobbyist/strategist
■ DP49 - $18,000 to increase cope of service for PIO/Communications Specialist
■ DP50 - $20,000 for Diversity Commission contracted staff services (increase of $14,000)
■ DP51 - $1,000 for Diversity Commission Film Series expenditures (supported by revenues)
■ DP53 - $22,000 for 2019 Citizen Survey
o Economic Development
■ DP48 - $10,000 for Creative District contracted staff support
■ DP52 - $6,00 for holiday market expenses (covered by revenue)
■ LTAC Tourism Promotion Program
o Lodging tax revenues are used to fund the City's Tourism Promotion Program
o Only permissible use of these funds per RCW
o Revenues projected for 2019 are $118,000 (even with total revenue projected for 2018)
o City's Tourism Promotion Program consists of:
■ Support and promotion of arts, culture and other events that attract visitors (25%)
■ General Marketing and promotion (ads, website, rack cards, etc.) (75%)
o Proposed 2019 Tourism Promotion Program - Use of Funds
■ DP67 - Arts/Culture-related (25% of revenue):
- $22,100 Arts Commission grants for tourism promotion:
- $11,000 in Arts Commission pro,,rani expenditures:
$2,000 - Cascade Symphony $2,700 - Olympic Ballet Theater
DP54 - General tourism promotion (75%):
- On-going Expenditures:
• Professional Services
$8,500 - Printing/distribution of rack card
$1,500 - Promotion/support of Bird Fest
$4,500 - Support of Snohomish Co. Tourism Bureau
$2,500 - Edmonds Visitors Center
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 23, 2018
Page 7
$2,000 - Cascade Symphony $2,700 - Olympic Ballet Theater
$1,400 - Art Studio Tour $2,600 - Driftwood Players
$1,500 - SnoKing Chorale $2,500 - Art Walk
$2,600 - DeMiero Jazz Fest $2,600 - Jazz Connection
$500 - Edmonds Arts Festival 1 $2,600 - Cascadia Art Museum
- $11,000 in Arts Commission pro,,rani expenditures:
$2,000 - Cascade Symphony $2,700 - Olympic Ballet Theater
DP54 - General tourism promotion (75%):
- On-going Expenditures:
• Professional Services
$8,500 - Printing/distribution of rack card
$1,500 - Promotion/support of Bird Fest
$4,500 - Support of Snohomish Co. Tourism Bureau
$2,500 - Edmonds Visitors Center
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 23, 2018
Page 7
$20,000 — Contracted staff support for tourism promotion/website/arts-events
calendar
$2,400 — Website hosting, technical support
• Advertising
$30,000 — General advertising
$13,000 — Advertising in ECA Season Brochure
• Miscellaneous
$1,000 — Incl ad design work, photos, emerging opportunity
• Interfund Transfer
$4,000 — Promotion of Edmonds arts/culture events in Snohomish County Visitors
Guide, CRAZE recreation guide and "Arts Access" (Snohomish Countywide)
• TOTAL ON-GOING EXPENDITURES - $87,400
— One-time expenditures from fund balance:
$1,000 — Grant for enhanced advertising for 2019 Waterfront Festival (if it
happens)
$500 — Grant for enhanced advertising for 2019 Chamber Chowder Cook -Off
$1,000 — Grant for 2019 Taste Edmonds advertising
$6,000 — Grant for Cascadia Art Museum advertising
• DP #55: Log Cabin Maintenance: $4,500
TOTAL ONE-TIME EXPENDITURES - $13,000
Projected 120 Fund Balance: $74,762
Councilmember Johnson relayed the Rotary Club has decided not to pursue the Waterfront Festival next
year. Mr. Doherty explained at the last Economic Development Commission meeting, Port Commissioner
Bruce Faires reported the Port is looking for new sponsor for that event.
Councilmember Johnson asked how the $10,000 for a Creative District would be used. Mr. Doherty
explained when the ordinance was presented to Council, the application process required formulation of a
five-year plan of activities to implement the Creative District. Many of those come from existing plans such
Cultural Plan, 4" Avenue Corridor Plan, etc. and many of those initiatives would be kickstarted with the
Creative District designation, including the 4" Avenue Cultural Corridor, engaging youth, attracting
business, creating a brand/identity, etc. Starting those initiatives would be the most time consuming. The
funds may not be necessary and existing staff will do a great deal but there may be a need for some support.
Councilmember Johnson asked when the State will announce whether Edmonds will be designated as a
Creative District and whether any funding is anticipated by the legislature. Mr. Doherty said a decision will
be made in early December; Edmonds is the only city in the State that has applied. The State has 60 days
to review applications and at this point there is not enough time for another city to be designated this year.
The State Arts Commission submitted a budget request to the governor, including grant funds to assist
communities. Councilmember Johnson recommended including that on the City's legislative agenda.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas referred to the decision package for $18,000 to increase the scope of
service for the PIO/Communications Specialist and asked about current funding. Mr. Doherty said the scope
of service is currently 5-8 hours/week; he offered to confirm the funding amount. The exact number of
hours per week differs depending on what arises during the week. The decision package would increase
that to 12/14 hours/week.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas inquired about the decision package for contracted staff for the Diversity
Commission, noting it is currently 5 hours a month and asked how many additional hours would be funded
by the $20,000. Mr. Doherty answered depending on whether it is an employee or contracted service, the
position would be 1/4 (10 hours/month) to 1/3 FTE (12-14 hours/month).
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 23, 2018
Page 8
Councilmember Buckshnis expressed interest in the number of hours and the cost of the current PIO. Mr.
Doherty said he would email that information tomorrow. Councilmember Buckshnis recalled when the
Diversity Commission was developed, it was her understanding a consultant was preferable to a City
employee because a consultant was more specialized. She asked whether that has changed to potentially
using a part-time City employee. Mr. Doherty answered when the Diversity Commission started, a
specialized consultant was hired to kick off the process of creating the commission, the work plan, the
vision, assisting commissioners, etc. which included more hours and cost. That was reduced to five
hours/month in subsequent years but that is not enough time for the consultant to provide meaningful
support. For example, it is difficult for him to give assignments to the consultant because the assignment
will consume so much time. The five hours/month covers only very small administrative projects. As a
result, he and Cindi Cruz as well as commissioners have been providing support. He recognized a
sustainable program required a 1/4 to 1/3 FTE. Councilmember Buckshnis suggested researching the hours
provided by the Tree Board consultant.
Councilmember Buckshnis asked why the National Citizens Survey (NCS)was conducted and why he was
proposing it be done again. Mr. Doherty said the NCS was done in Edmonds two years ago. The NCS is a
unique opportunity to engage the community in a statistically significant survey that has about 60
standardized questions and 5-6 questions specific to Edmonds that the City Council vetted, e.g. expenditures
for parks, expenditures for transportation, discrimination, etc. The consultant who prepares the results said
Edmonds had the highest level of confidence of any community they ever surveyed. There was almost no
difference between the responses to the random surveys and the public survey (self-selected respondents)
which validated the community was very consistent in its opinions. The results provided responses to the
Edmonds specific responses as well as other communities in the nation and select communities that are
Edmonds' size and on the west coast. When the NCS was presented, it was suggested the survey be done
again in 3-4 years which would allow benchmarking responses against the previous survey to show progress
that has been made. The NCS is an opportunity to engage the public on the standard questions and specific
questions. Councilmember Buckshnis requested he resend the survey results to Council.
Councilmember Buckshnis asked if the survey results could be used to update the Strategic Plan. Mr.
Doherty said it is great tool to help craft action plans or determine if existing plans such as the
Comprehensive Plan, CIP, etc. are being informed by the most recent information.
Councilmember Teitzel commented there is a lot of pressure in the 2019 budget with one-time expenses
including the NCS for $22,000. The NCS decision package is a priority 7 so it is not a high priority in 2019
and could be done in 2020. In view of the pressures in the 2019 budget, he suggested shifting it back to
2020. Mr. Doherty said when the survey results were presented, it was suggested it be done in 3-4 years
and 2019 is 3 years. If the Council is interested in benchmarking against ourselves, it should not be delayed
6-7 years. Councilmember Teitzel said 2020 would be 4 years.
Development Services
Development Services Director Shane Hope
• 2018 Progress
o Handling high levels of permit and inspection activity, such as for:
■ Madrona Elementary School
• Building 10 at Pt Edwards
■ Numerous other small and large projects
o Development Code updates, including:
■ Critical area regulations — technical updates
■ Critical area regulations — wetlands update
■ Quasi-judicial land use decision process
o Long-range planning activity
a Draft Urban Forest Management Plan
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 23, 2018
Page 9
■ Draft Housing Strategy
■ Climate Goals Project
■ Comprehensive Plan Update
o Administrative
• New electronic permit tracking system
• Digitization of many records
■ EviroStars
■ Support to several City Boards and commission
• Participation in regional organizations
Challenges
o Given continued high levels of permit activity and complexity for projects, difficult to:
■ Provide timely plan reviews
■ Have time to complete work on longer -range projects
■ Maintain staffing levels/expertise
Graph: Building Permits and Revenue for January — September period 2001-2018
Exnenditures
2018
Budget
2018 YE
Estimate
2019
Recomm.
Discussion
Total Det $3,318,150
$3,181,368
$3,228,150
3% decrease
Salaries $1,623,298
$1,574,166
$1,665,849
Maintains staffing levels
Prof. Services $789,960
$736,410
$709,8880
10% decrease
Decision Packages/Changes
o DP56 —
Electronic Plan Review $32,00
o DP57 —
Digitization and archiving $48,000
o DP58 —
5 Corners Consultant $30,000
o DP59 —
Building plan review- professional services $10,000
o DP60 —
Tree Board minute taking $1,500
Councilmember Buckshnis recalled the Tree Board had a minute taker when there was a consultant or an
ordinance was being reviewed. She takes minutes when a consultant or other presenter is at the meeting.
She feared if the Tree Board was provided funds for minute taking, other boards/commissions will want
the same.
With regard to the code update, Councilmember Buckshnis recognized code update have been done for
items related to changes in law, the Critical Area Ordinance, SMP, etc. and asked when the code update
will be finished. Ms. Hope commented the quasi-judicial issue is part of the code update as it sets the
framework for how decisions will be made. Staff plans to begin working on elements in the code such as
subdivisions and trees in 2019.
Councilmember Buckshnis was disappointed not to see a city arborist in the budget, recalling last year staff
preferred to wait until the Urban Forest Management Program (UFMP) was adopted. She supported having
a city arborist on staff to create and manage the UFMP. Ms. Hope anticipated bringing the UFMP back to
Council in November and that may be a good time to discuss the city arborist position. Councilmember
Buckshnis requested Ms. Hope create a decision package with the cost of a city arborist to manage the
UFMP as well as other tree issues that the City currently relies on a consultant for. Ms. Hope said she could
work with other departments to develop options such as full-time or half-time position, sharing with another
city, etc. Councilmember Buckshnis relayed the Tree Board's support for a full-time city arborist.
Councilmember Johnson recalled from Ms. Hope's presentation that Development Services is fully staffed.
A few years ago when the department was not fully staffed, the 2nd floor was closed on Wednesdays and
now are open half day Wednesday. She anticipated when the department was fully staffed, it would be open
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 23, 2018
Page 10
five days a week and asked if that expectation could now be met. Ms. Hope answered the department is
fully staffed as of Monday so there is still some learning curve. During an average day, there is no time for
staff meetings, team meetings or to work on plans. Having four hours on Wednesday afternoon when the
counter is open for miscellaneous small things, providing handouts, etc. and phone calls are directed to
appropriate staff, seems to be working well for customers. She hoped to continue having time during the
week for staff meetings, team meetings and to work on plans.
Councilmember Johnson inquired about the existing counter hours. Ms. Hope answered 8 a.m. to 4:30 a.m.,
the counter is staffed during lunch and closed for most business on Wednesday afternoons. People can still
come to the counter to pay a bill and urgent mattes can be addressed. Planning Manager Rob Chave said
customers are encouraged to make appointments on Wednesdays. Councilmember Johnson said the goal is
to provide customer service and she encouraged staff to reach out to customers to learn what their needs
are and to meet those needs.
Councilmember Teitzel relayed his understanding there is an employee in the Parks Department who is a
certified arborist. Ms. Hope answered there are 1-2 certified arborist on staff. Councilmember Teitzel
suggested rather than hiring a full-time city arborist in 2019, would it be possible to allocate some of those
employees' time to tree issues. Ms. Hope offered to include that in the options she provides as well as the
impacts of shifting staff duties.
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department
Parks & Recreation Director Carrie Hite
2018 Accomplishments
o Stadium removal and Design Development of Civic Field
o Waterfront Development/Walkway Design and Permitting
o Meadowdale Playfields
o Veterans Plaza
■ Installing new educational kiosk in 2019
o Pickleball at Yost
o Frances Anderson Center Playground
o YMCA Yost Partnership
o Health & Fitness Expo
o Puget Sound Bird Fest
o Beach Ranger Program
o Student Conservation Program
o City Park storage shed
o Yost Park locker room updates
o Softball leagues increased teams to 115
o Pickleball leagues increasing, 60-65 every Tuesday night
o Fitness class participation increased by 700 so far this year
o Continued forest restoration at Hutt Park
o New partnership with Sound Salmon Solutions (fish hatchery)
o More than 7300 visitors to Visitor Station
o WOTS conference sold out
0 275 registered, 30 presenters, 14 states represented
o Volunteer hours
■ 400 volunteers performed
■ 4200 volunteer hours or 2 FTEs
• Challenges
o Hot summer, constant maintenance of pool and spray park
o Finding contracted instructors for the demand of classes
o Facility challenge: roof leaks at Frances Anderson Center
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 23, 2018
Page 11
o Increased outdoor pickleball at Yost, noise
o Funding for public art
o Many projects do not contribute to 1% for Art
2019 projects
o Preschool expansion at Meadowdale
o Adult softball expansion
o Bench program and gift catalog
o City Park Walkway
o Waterfront redevelopment, walkway connection
o Outdoor Fitness Zones
o Community Garden
o Civic Park Design
o Seaview Play Equipment
Expenditures
Expenditures
2018
2018 YE
2019
Discussion
Budget
Estimate
Recomm.
Administration
$386,582
$381,476
$392,345
Budget shows $955,740 but already had
Recreation
$1,511,978
$1,365,824
$1,587,183
Recreation programming, decreased
Rentals
$147,000
$152,850
$153,000
professional services, Youth
Leases
$185,000
$185,000
$185,000
Commission Coord..5 FTE
Programs
$450,229
$433,363
$474,104
Athletics and preschool, increased
Park
$4,350
$4,350
$4,350
programming
Park Main.
$2,015,230
$1,927,317
$1,773,133
Picnic tables and chairs
Flower
$47,953
$47,953
$48,861
Program
Total Budget
$4,411,972
$4,155,993
$4,276,226
• Revenue
Decision Packages
o Picnic Tables: $5000
o Athletics increased programming: $6450, increased revenue= $33,000
o Preschool increased programming: $20,458, increased revenue = $41,840
o Youth Commission: $53,717
o PR General Fund changes = ($27,590)
■ Mainly professional services for recreation programs
o Fund 122, Youth Scholarships: $1000
o Fund 123, Arts Tourism Promotion: $32,000
o Fund 127, Purchase of table/chairs Frances Anderson Center: $15,325
o Fund 127, Powder Coat benches: $11,250
o Fund 136, Graphic panel for beach ranger visitor station: $5,000
Photo of annual scarecrow entry
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 23, 2018
Page 12
2018
2018 YE
2019
Discussion
Budget
Estimate
Recomm.
Program
$910,100
$820,154
$910,000
Budget shows $955,740 but already had
Fees
programmed in revenue for softball
Rentals
$147,000
$152,850
$153,000
Leases
$185,000
$185,000
$185,000
Will be adjusting rates so this will go up
by 2.9%
Park
$4,350
$4,350
$4,350
Donations
Total
$1,246,450
1 $1,162,354
$1,252,350
Decision Packages
o Picnic Tables: $5000
o Athletics increased programming: $6450, increased revenue= $33,000
o Preschool increased programming: $20,458, increased revenue = $41,840
o Youth Commission: $53,717
o PR General Fund changes = ($27,590)
■ Mainly professional services for recreation programs
o Fund 122, Youth Scholarships: $1000
o Fund 123, Arts Tourism Promotion: $32,000
o Fund 127, Purchase of table/chairs Frances Anderson Center: $15,325
o Fund 127, Powder Coat benches: $11,250
o Fund 136, Graphic panel for beach ranger visitor station: $5,000
Photo of annual scarecrow entry
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 23, 2018
Page 12
Councilmember Mesaros said he often walks by the spray park in the summer and usually waits for big
bucket to fill and spill. In talking with people while waiting for the bucket to fill, he realized it is a regional
park with people coming from surrounding communities. Ms. Hite relayed a contact from Port Townsend
citizens who visited City Park, had lunch downtown, shopped and who were interested in building in a
similar spray park Port Townsend. She commented that illustrates the impact the spray park has on the
City's economy.
Councilmember Buckshnis pointed out an anomaly, park donations of $4,350 yet the Edmonds Marsh fund
has received $6,850. Ms. Hite advised park donations are in the general fund. Councilmember Buckshnis
inquired about the proposal for a youth services coordinator at a cost of over $100,000 and asked if the
intent was a consultant. Ms. Hite advised that is a half time employee which is less expensive than contract
staff. Councilmember Buckshnis asked why that position is a priority 5. Ms. Hite said the priorities above
it are recreational programming which are positive to the bottom line. Councilmember Buckshnis expressed
concern that the annualization of the salary, $107,000, was high for a part time position. Ms. Hite answered
most of the youth commissions are supported by a coordinator. There are coordinators in the Parks
Department and this is a comparable market rate salary for a coordinator position.
Councilmember Teitzel commented both his daughters were Yost penguins back in the day, and his family
spent many happy hours at Yost Pool. The pool is a treasure and he hoped it can be retained forever, but
recognized it is an aging facility that will require continued investment over time. He asked how long Yost
Pool could be kept going without a major reconstruction. Ms. Hite answered the City has invested in capital
infrastructure at Yost over the past 6-7 years. The pool is in good shape; it has new floor tile shell, boiler,
hot water heater, and locker rooms. She did not anticipate any huge investments for the next 5-6 years, but
systems would need to be replaced again in 8-10 years. If the facility is maintained, it will not need a huge
rebuild.
Councilmember Johnson relayed her understanding the benches at Brackett Landing North will be replaced
and that they will be painted black like the benches in the downtown area. She liked the weathered look of
the aqua colored benches that blend with the driftwood. She understood the existing benches need to be
replaced but she preferred they not all be black as she did not find that as aesthetically pleasing. Ms. Hite
responded the benches have already been ordered and they are standard black park benches. Black was
selected because it's easier to maintain and it does not fade as much as the green benches. She
acknowledged it was a matter of personal preference; park maintenance staff take pride in their work and
they like the shiny black benches. She will add that to the list of things to consider in the future.
Councilmember Johnson said she has made that comment in the past and was disappointed in the black
benches.
Mayor Earling declared a brief recess.
Human Resources
HR Director Mary Ann Hardie reviewed:
• 2018 Accomplishments
o Successful WCIA Personnel audit and MEBT audit.
o Provided Active Preparedness training city-wide.
o Posted 52 recruitments (to date- not including commissioned police officer positions) working
through the selection process for filling these positions.
o Completed Teamsters negotiations.
o Continued EEA/WSCCCE negotiations.
o Completed the Non -Represented Salary survey (to be presented 11/18).
o Extension of Prosecutor & Public Defender contracts (through 2019).
o Offered a City Health & Wellness Fair & Health Screening and flu shots with over 15 vendors
and benefit providers.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 23, 2018
Page 13
o Offered a City Health & Wellness Fair & Health Screening and flu shots with over 15 vendors
and benefit providers.
o Worked on updates to the City Personnel Policies.
0 Challenges
o Legislation/regulation considerations — changing work environment, legal mandates, state paid
sick leave law, etc.
o Labor relations issues
o Recruitments- finding different ways to attract the best pool of candidates with retirements and
a continued low unemployment rate
o Continuing to launch the APP -many moving parts and safety program costs, needing a safety
specialist.
o Managing increasing workers' compensation claims costs
o Achieving the AWC Well -City Award (continuing challenge)
• 2019 Projects
o Filling recruitments and launching the NEOGOV onboarding program (if decision package is
approved)
o Continued negotiations (if not completed) for EEA/WSCCCE (AFSCME) union
o Starting EPOA (commissioned police) and EPOA Representing Law Support Enforcement
Services (non-commissioned police) union negotiations
o Salary Commission process
o Safety Training — continued implementation of the Accident Prevention Program (APP)
0 2019 City Personnel Policies update
o Continuing to work toward achievement of the AWC Well -City Award (coordinating through
the Wellness Committee)
o Public Defense & Prosecutor contracts up for renewal
o Supervisor training (performance management)
o City-wide anti -harassment, anti -retaliation and cultural diversity training
Expenditures
Expenditures 2018 Budget 2018 YE Estimate 2019 Recomm. Discussion
Human Services $467,314 $467 134 $590,331 Decision packages
Civil Service $13,180 $13,180 $13,180
Decision Packages
1. Safety/Risk & Disaster Coordinator
o Upgrade of the part-time Safety/Risk Coordinator position that currently has $20,000 wage
funding budgeted. This position also has a potential of $10415,000 funding (from the LNI
Stay -At -Work program- depending on early return to work opportunities). Additional
$85,567 (ongoing wages and benefits) needed to increase hours of work and add disaster
coordinator duties.
0 30 hours per week as a Safety professional and 10 hours per week as a Disaster/Emergency
Management Coordinator.
o Identified as an important position that will serve as a the subject matter expert (SME) to
liaise with the community, perform maintenance of disaster and comprehensive emergency
management plans, emergency operations center (EOC) exercises, serve as volunteer
opportunity coordinator, work on emergency preparedness and manage the EOC in an
actual disaster.
o Will serve as the SME to continue the implementation of the city-wide safety plan/accident
prevention program, providing expertise to analyze workplace accidents to reduce and
prevent injuries and performing in house safety training, consulting and monitoring.
2. Onboarding module through NEOGOV
o $5,886 for annual, ongoing cost ($3000 program and training cost in the budget).
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 23, 2018
Page 14
o Module offered through our applicant tracking system that integrates with the applicant
tracking system.
o Fully automates the hiring paperwork process.
o Helps to streamline recruiting and payroll paperwork process, making the hiring paperwork
process less cumbersome for employees and internal users.
o Reduces time spent and document management in having all documents completed and
located in one location that new employees can access in one place.
o Has the capability to also provide ongoing onboarding (training videos, workplace culture
and communications portal), not just orientation for new employees which has been shown
to engage and help retain employees.
o Includes "off boarding" for benefit exit interview paperwork and exit interview information
(tracking reasons for separation of employment, etc.).
Additional funds to professional services BARS (background check costs)
o $5,000 (ongoing) is estimated to pay for the additional annual costs of these checks.
o The HR department runs background checks for volunteers and seasonal/temporary/part-
time and full time positions. The background check service provider the City has used for
several years changed ownership and the services and rates changed significantly.
o The City has been using DataQuest for background check services, credit check services
and education verification (for example) for management and director level employees
with a high quality of service.
o DataQuest was the determined provider of choice due to thoroughness of their service
provided.
o We receive a custom "specially priced" package price of $50 (per check) for social security
traces, county, state (through all district courts), and federal criminal background checks,
no additional charges for AKA names, national sex offender registry checks, national
criminal database search, and FCRA training and education and compliance notices. This
also includes court fees, which were not included with the previous background check
provider or with other providers.
Councilmember Buckshnis asked if the $85,567 for the Safety/Risk & Disaster Coordinator position was
the proposed salary or half the salary. Ms. Hardie answered there is currently $20,000 in the budget, the
proposal is an additional $85,567 or approximately $105,500 including benefits which is slightly below
market comps.
Councilmember Johnson recalled staff was unable to fill a half-time position and asked about the length of
time recruiting for the position. Ms. Hardie answered approximately six months. She acknowledged the
position was underpriced for the duties/level of experience and she was hopeful someone who was retired
from the field would be interested. A consultant was hired who did a lot of work at a low rate this year but
that is not feasible in the long term. The challenge is finding someone with public sector experience.
Councilmember Johnson asked if the consultant was available in 2019. Ms. Hardie answered he has own
business and is unable to continue. Councilmember Johnson observed to get the work done, it is necessary
to have a full-time person. Ms. Hardie answered yes, explaining when the Fire Department left, the disaster
coordinator duties shifted to the Police Department. Unlike the Fire Department who have varied schedules
and were able to dedicate more time, there is no longer the capacity to address this issue.
Councilmember Buckshnis recalled last week the Diversity Commission reported hearing about
implicit/explicit bias issues when they interviewed department heads. She observed HR conducts diversity
anti -harassment training very three years and asked why it was not provided every year. Ms. Hardie
answered the City goes by best practice recommendations in working with WCIA and researching other
cities' practices. When new employees are hired, they view a training module that is focused on harassment
but has also has a diversity component. That is supplemented by diversity training every three years.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 23, 2018
Page 15
City Attorney
Finance Director Scott James advised the City Attorney's budget is on pages 44-45 in the budget book. He
reviewed:
• Expenditures
Ex enditures
2018 Budget
2018 YE Estimate
2019 Recomm.
Discussion
Total
$847,480
$842,480
$889,560
Increased for City Attorney & Prosecutor
Includes both the City Attorney's budget of $574,500 and the Prosecutor's budget for $310,060
Decision Packages
o City Attorney: $22,100 (4% increase)
o Prosecutor's Contract: $19,980 (7.5% increase)
Councilmember Buckshnis commented the 7% increase for the prosecuting attorney seems high. She
acknowledged their contract was extended for a year and asked if there was any ability to negotiate the
increase. Mr. James answered 7% is the prosecuting attorney's request and there is no opportunity to bargain
it. The reason for the increase is they are working more hours.
Municipal Court
Judge Linda Coburn said her state of the court address in March addresses accomplishments, challenges,
etc. The paperless project has been started; staffing changes have delayed that project. She reviewed:
• Courts are an Important service to our Community because
o They help protect our Constitutional rights to equal protection and due process under the law
o They provide access to justice
o Laws are meaningless without a way to enforce them
o What happens in court helps maintain civility and safety for every individual in Edmonds
regardless of whether they ever step foot in a courtroom
• Courts are Reactive to Filings & Responsive to Statutory Restrictions
o Bar graph of filings and intake 2012-2018
■ Filings are up, primarily due to parking infractions
■ Intake is up, 2018 surpasses 2017
■ Courts are not a revenue center
o By statute, '[t]he court shall not order a defendant to pay costs unless the defendant is or will
be able to pay them.' RCW 10.0 1. 160(3). To determine the amount and method for paying the
costs, 'the court shall take account of the financial resources of the defendant and the nature of
the burden that payment of costs will impose.'
-- State v. Blazina, 182 Wn..2d 827, 838, 344 P.3d 680, 685 (2015)
• Intake
*Includes $45,292 dedicated to Paperless Court project per previous decision packages
Decision Packages
o Operating Cost (230-19002)
Decision Package 230-19002
2018 Actuals
2019 Projections
Current Balance
Court Improvement
Fund
$16,531
$16,531
$79,560*
*Includes $45,292 dedicated to Paperless Court project per previous decision packages
Decision Packages
o Operating Cost (230-19002)
Decision Package 230-19002
Amount
Requested Increase Total
$18,080
Anticipated Offset (Increased Credit
Card Transaction Fee
-$6,000
Net Budget Increase
$12,080
o Court Security (230-19001)
■ Supreme Court General Rule (GR) 36 (effective Sept. 1, 2017):
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 23, 2018
Page 16
"[a] safe courthouse environment is fundamental to the administration of justice.
Employees, case participants, and members of the public should expect safe and secure
courthouses."
Minimum standard not met per GR 36:
"Weapons screening by uniformed security personnel at all public entrances. Uniformed
security personnel shall perform weapons screening at all public entrances, using as a
minimum metal -detector wand screening and physical examination of bags, briefcases,
packages, etc."
Estimated
Annual Cost for
Increase from Current
Hourly Wage
Full Time Security
Court Security Costs
$61,425
$31 per hour
$64,480
$3,055
$45 per hour
$93,600
$32,175
*Court currently pays either $55 hours for minimum of four hours or $45 for a minimum
of one hour
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas asked how much the court currently paid annually for security. Judge
Coburn answered approximately $61,000. Councilmember Fraley-Monillas asked if the increased hours for
that individual at $31/hour equated to the increase of $3,055. Judge Coburn answered yes, if they can get
someone at that rate. Councilmember Fraley-Monillas said she did not see that in the court's preliminary
budget. Judge Coburn answered it was not part of the preliminary budget and when she realized it was not
included, she distributed the information to the Council. Councilmember Fraley-Monillas commented court
security was important to ensure safety in the court and she recalled a friend who was killed in a Seattle
court by her ex-husband many years ago.
Council President Nelson asked if court staff have had to deal with individuals where a security officer was
not available when she felt there should have been security. Judge Coburn answered yes, the court currently
contracts with Puget Sound Security and the regular security officer they provide is a police officer in
Mukilteo. When Mukilteo had a homicide recently, Mukilteo needed him and he left, leaving the court
without security. That day there was a hearing involving someone known to have a volatile reputation. The
court was left without security, requiring untrained staff to operate the security equipment.
Council President Nelson asked if the people who come to the municipal court only have misdemeanor
criminal histories or are there people with histories of misdemeanors, felonies, violent/non-violent crimes,
etc. Judge Coburn answered the people who come to the court have a history of all those things. Although
it is a court of limited jurisdiction that handles non -felony cases, some of the people who come to the court
have violent histories. People who commit crimes in Edmonds have committed crimes elsewhere including
violent criminal histories.
Council President Nelson asked why the security decision package was not in the budget. Judge Coburn
responded the system indicated "rejected" which she interpreted to mean it was not approved. Council
President Nelson asked who rejected it. Judge Coburn said she was not sure. Council President Nelson
commented the safety and security of the court was something that should obviously be addressed, and he
appreciated her bringing it forward in her report.
Councilmember Teitzel relayed his understanding there was a Supreme Court ruling regarding full-time
security and asked if the Edmonds court was in violation of that rule. Judge Coburn answered it is
mandatory without sanctions. In other words, the Supreme Court states this is the minimum and if a court
does not, a report is required regarding why it is not being done. The reason for the rule is to urge
jurisdictions to security and to collect data regarding who is not doing it and at what level so they can take
the next step, whatever they choose that to be. Councilmember Teitzel observed the court budget included
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 23, 2018
Page 17
no funds for equipment, but $71,000 was budgeted in 2018. Court Admin Sharon Whittaker answered the
$71,000 was for the paperless project including the Laserfiche electronic file cabinet, scanners and the first
year of maintenance fees.
Councilmember Mesaros said the few times he has visited the municipal court, he noticed the security
officer tends to be an off-duty police officer from another jurisdiction. He recognized there would be times
when the security officer was not available such as illness or an emergency in another jurisdiction. He asked
whether security could be provided by the Edmonds Police Department so that any absenteeism could be
coordinated with the Police Department. Judge Coburn relayed in past conversations regarding that topic,
police officers are trained for law enforcement, not providing security. Law enforcement that provides
security is the result of an officer choosing to do that as a second job. Making that part of the duties of
someone in the Police Department is a decision the Police Chief would have to make but she highly doubted
there would be a desire to do that because literally that is not what they are trained to do. At one time, the
union expressed interest in providing security for the court, but issues included overtime pay and requiring
officers to volunteer to provide the service which results in the possibility of no security if no one
volunteers.
Councilmember Mesaros anticipated even with full-time security, there would be issues as a result of
absenteeism, vacation, etc. He asked whether the request is for a full-time staff person or a contract service.
Judge Coburn said when a court contracts for full time service, dedicated persons are assigned to the court
and the contractor is responsible for backfilling, versus Edmonds Municipal Court who calls when they
need security. Councilmember Mesaros said the few times he has visited the court, the security officer is
outside the door so although him is readily available, there is no security inside the courtroom. Judge
Coburn said they have a procedure for alerting him and there is a crisis button. The security person can hear
her voice in the hallway and if they hear something intense, they will step inside the courtroom.
Councilmember Buckshnis expressed support for court security and the increase of $33,000. She did not
support using the Police Department for security, preferring they be boots on the ground, and felt a security
firm would be best. With regard to the paperless project she asked about the unexpended funds for
equipment. Judge Coburn said those funds would be carried forward into 2019.
Councilmember Johnson commented on the number of weapons King County confiscates via their metal
detector. She remembered a time when there was no metal detector and now they have a large display of
the various weapons they have encountered. She asked the experience in the Edmonds court with regard to
weapons found via the metal detector. Judge Coburn said weapons have been discovered, but some are
legal to possess but are not appropriate to bring into to the court. Those are confiscated and placed in a
locker and the person retrieves it after court. The police can be called for an illegal weapon. The court needs
to maintain better statistics which is one of the issues with the existing inconsistent security. The court is
required to report statistics of any incidents, weapons that are found, etc. to the Supreme Court to show
what is occurring and what is being done to ensure safety.
Councilmember Johnson agreed security was important, noting the court was not in session full-time. She
asked what a full-time security officer would do when the court was not in session. Judge Coburn advised
even though court hearings are not full-time, the court is open at the clerk window. For example, the Tacoma
Municipal Court, similar to Edmonds is located in the same building as the Police Department, requires
visitors to go through security before going to the clerk window. Usually people that come to the Police
Department are asking for help, victims of a crime, reporting crimes, etc.; the people who come to the court
are alleged to have committed a crime, have committed a crime, are on probation, need to pay fines or
submit documents, etc. The court is requiring a demographic that is of greater concern to interact with their
staff on a regular basis. Councilmember Johnson summarized the court has a need for full-time security.
Judge Coburn answered yes.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 23, 2018
Page 18
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas asked why Judge Coburn's request was rejected. Finance Director Scott
James answered all the decision packages were considered. Early in the budget process, it was thought the
General Fund balance was being spent down more what was comfortable, and a process was undertaken to
cut some decision packages. Court security was one of the decision packages that was cut.
Councilmember Teitzel questioned the $45/hour wage when the average is $31/hour. The decision package
states the desire to budget for the possibility of choosing a contract with an hourly cost of up to $45/hour.
Although $45/hour would be the maximum, he assumed she would seek something more cost effective.
Judge Coburn answered that was a range, it could be less than $45/hour. Councilmember Teitzel observed
the $33,000 increase was based on the $45/hour rate but it could be less. Judge Coburn agreed.
Continued_ Public Works Questions
Councilmembers discussed whether to delay agenda items to a future meeting or ask questions regarding
the Public Works budget. Public Works Director Phil Williams suggested Councilmembers submit
questions in writing to staff. It was agreed to proceed with the agenda items.
8. ACTION ITEMS
1. CONTRACT RENEWAL WITH LIGHTHOUSE LAW GROUP PLLC (LIGHTHOUSE)
Councilmember Teitzel recalled the last 4 -year contract was signed in late 2014 and it expires at the end of
2018. The Council needs to consider whether to continue with current contract terms or change them. The
first issue to consider is whether there is any problem with cost or quality of the current representation. In
his opinion, there was no problem with either the cost or quality of the current representation. Increasingly
complex legal issues have occurred in the City and Mr. Taraday and his team provide representation on a
wide variety of issues, very detailed nuanced legal representation. In his opinion, the City was getting good
value, product and value from Lighthouse.
Councilmember Teitzel explained the Lighthouse contract that began in 2015 had a flat monthly fee that
increased 4%/year and is currently 42,500/month. He referred to the CPI for the greater Seattle area which
indicates the CPI for mid -2018 was 3.4% and trending upward which justifies the 4% increase. He referred
to the City Attorney's annual report which was presented in March 2018 which indicates Lighthouse
worked 2800 hours for the City in 2017 and billed $532,000 in legal fees which averaged $188/hour.
Councilmember Teitzel concluded that was a fairly competitive price.
Councilmember Teitzel referred to the current Lighthouse contract and attorney labor rates which range
from $260/hour for Mr. Taraday to $175/hour for junior attorneys with hourly rates of $230, $225, $245
for other attorneys. The average weighted rate for attorneys would be higher than $188/hour if the City
were paying based on an hourly basis. This issue was discussed by the Finance Committee who concluded
the value, performance and legal representation was very good and the committee supported renewing the
contract under the current terms of a flat monthly fee with a 4% annual increase over the term of the contract.
The contract is reasonable, competitive and a good value.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas said her concern is due diligence. Prior to this Council, there have been
discussions about seeking bids from other law firms and hiring in-house city attorney staff which about half
the cities do. She was not criticizing the current law firm but felt the decision should be made by the entire
Council and not by two Councilmembers on the Finance Committee. A decision this important on a four-
year contract should not be made without discussion or due diligence.
Councilmember Mesaros recalled in 2014 when the Council was considering the current contract,
Councilmembers Johnson and Fraley-Monillas and he created an evaluation form of the services provided
by the Lighthouse Group. The evaluation created an opportunity for feedback to Mr. Taraday and his staff
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 23, 2018
Page 19
about how their services were perceived by the Directors and City Councilmembers and that dialogue
strengthened the relationship. He has been pleased with services Lighthouse provides but agreed it was
important to have that dialogue when renewing a contract, similar to an employee review. He agreed with
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas' concern that the agenda allocated five minutes to make such an important
decision. His concern was not judgment of the services provided by the Lighthouse Group but of the time
allocated to consider the renewal of a four-year contract.
Council President Nelson said he was not expressing an opinion regarding the job Lighthouse is doing but
was concerned with the process. The Council is having this discussion tonight because he asked to have it
on the agenda; the Finance Committee reviewed the contract renewal although it was not scheduled on their
agenda. It was not on the agenda because the City Attorney advised them it was not necessary to put it on
an agenda. The City Attorney was invited to attend the meeting when the contract was discussed by the
Finance Committee meeting, but the public was not informed prior to the meeting. A decision was made to
put the contract renewal on the Consent Agenda and there was no interaction with the public whatsoever
unless they happened to be at the Finance Committee meeting. The 4 -year cost of the contract is $1.8M,
something that important should be before the full Council where a full discussion of the merits can be
debated. He was very concerned with the process that had taken place and agreed the Council needed more
time to discuss this contract renewal.
Councilmember Buckshnis pointed out tonight's packet was not complete. The agenda memo from four
years ago was very detailed with regard to in-house versus contract City Attorney. The minutes from four
years ago do not indicate a plan to seeks bids for City Attorney services as was implied by Councilmember
Fraley-Monillas. She offered to assist Councilmember Teitzel in preparing a more complete packet. Four
years ago, when evaluations were done, they started in June and only 3-4 Councilmembers completed
evaluations. She did not support having an in-house City Attorney because the Mayor could fire at will.
Councilmember Teitzel took exception to Council President Nelson's comments that this was somehow an
underhanded move by the Finance Committee as the contract is before the full Council tonight for
discussion. He referred to page 22 of the 2019 City budget, total compensation for City employees including
sales and benefits, the increase in 2017 was 7.0%, 2018 was 5.3% and 2019 was 6.8%, all substantially
greater than the 4% annual increase requested by Lighthouse. He reiterated the question whether there is a
problem with the current contract terms of a flat monthly rate and 4% annual increase. He personally did
not believe there was a problem, but he was willing to go through an evaluation process and have more
process. As Councilmember Buckshnis stated, the evaluation process started much earlier four years ago;
there is now only two months before the end of the year when the contract expires. He was concerned about
the timing if the Council wanted to have more process.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas was appalled the Finance Committee would take this on without the
Council President knowing it was coming to the committee. This is an important issue for the Council to
debate. She was not concerned about the timing, recognizing the contract can be extended for a year while
the Council does its due diligence. Due diligence is more than evaluations although that is part of the
process, the other part is looking at other ways. This is the citizens' money and a Council decision. With
regard to the concern with the ability for the Mayor to fire at will, other cities have in-house City Attorneys
and the Mayor is not allowed to fire and the decision is made by the Council.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas echoed Council President Nelson's concern that this was added to the
Finance Committee agenda and was not published as part of the agenda and was then was recommended to
be scheduled on the Consent Agenda. She acknowledged the Finance Committee works hard but she felt
they had overstepped their bounds this time. She found it unbelievable that the contract renewal would be
forwarded to the Consent Agenda when neither the public nor the Council knew anything it. This was all
the more reason to have committee meetings recorded so everyone knows what is occurring at the meetings.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 23, 2018
Page 20
Councilmember Mesaros suggested developing a process for, 1) evaluating how to have City Attorney
services provided, and 2) evaluating the work performed by Lighthouse. He was confident the evaluation
of Lighthouse's services would be positive as he highly respected the services they provide. That process
may take six months so there will need to be a short-term renewal of Lighthouse's contract.
Councilmember Buckshnis said that process was developed four years ago. She pointed out the audio of
the Finance Committee meeting is available. She expressed concern that some Councilmembers were acting
like the Finance Committee was hiding something when in fact they were not hiding anything, it just
happened. She was uncertain why it was not on the Finance Committee's agenda but recalled both Mayor
Earling and Mr. Taraday were present at the meeting.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT NELSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER TEITZEL, TO
EXTEND THE MEETING UNTIL 10:30 P.M. MOTION CARRIED (6-1), COUNCILMEMBER
JOHNSON VOTING NO.
Council President Nelson thanked Councilmember Mesaros for his suggestion. He agreed an evaluation
process needed to be developed and accomplished in a timely manner. There also needed to be a discussion
of what to do in the interim; he was open considering a one-year contract extension to accomplish that. He
will provide further information regarding a process at a future meeting.
2. ORDINANCE RELATED TO SAFE STORAGE OF FIREARMS AND THE DEFINITION
OF LOCKING DEVICE
City Attorney Jeff Taraday explained this ordinance amends the two ordinances the Council adopted this
summer related to safe gun storage. This ordinance does two things, first, it fills in the definition of locking
device. In the initial ordinance, locking device was defined as any device, cable lock, barrel lock, storage
container or other device approved of or meeting specifications established by the chief of police by rule
promulgated in accordance with Chapter 5.26. The Police Chief and he recommend the Council adopt the
list of devices attached to the ordinance which is a comprehensive, detailed list compiled by the State of
California that lists over 1,000 permissible locking devices. Second, because the definition is being adopted
in October (originally adopted in July), in order to provide additional time for compliance, it is appropriate
to extend the 180 -day period of nonenforcement to 240 days; Section 3 of the ordinance states the ordinance
would not be enforced until March 21, 2019.
Council President Nelson thanked Chief Compaan and Mr. Taraday for their research, information and
recommendation.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT NELSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MESAROS, TO
APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 4131, AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO THE SAFE STORAGE OF
AND ACCESS TO FIREARMS, RELATING TO THE REPORTING OF LOST OR STOLEN
FIREARMS, AMENDING ORDINANCES 4120 AND 4121, AND DEFINING "LOCKING DEVICE"
BY INCORPORATING A LIST OF APPROVED DEVICES.
Councilmember Buckshnis asked if the list of locking devices was part of the ordinance. Mr. Taraday
answered yes.
Councilmember Teitzel recalled when the ordinance was brought forward, there was a notion that I-1639
might be on the ballot; I-639 is on the ballot and polls suggest it has a good chance of passing. If I-1639
passes, he asked if there would be list of locking devices that conflicted with this list. Mr. Taraday answered
no, I-1639 provides an affirmative defense if one safely stores a firearm, but it does not require safe storage
of firearms. Councilmember Teitzel concluded the list of storage devices will not create issue of conflict
with I-1639. Mr. Taraday answered it should not.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 23, 2018
Page 21
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. EDMONDS STREET WATERFRONT CONNECTOR PROJECT
Public Works Director Phil Williams advised Sandy Glover, Parametrix, City Engineer Rob English, and
he were present to answer questions about last week's presentation.
Councilmember Teitzel commented he was pleased with what he saw last week with carving out
approximately $2M from the cost of the project, finding that a good value engineering effort. He still has
some concern about the total cost of the project and hoped more value engineering would be done in the
design phase. He asked when the project would go out to bid if it is approved by Council tonight. Mr.
Williams answered there is a lot of design to do. The $6M from the State is not available until mid -2019
although staff will ask for early access to avoid hiccups between the currently planning phase going into
design. Ms. Glover answered once design starts, it would take couple years; permitting is one of the longest
lead efforts.
Councilmember Teitzel recalled the overpass includes planter boxes on the upper portion of the bridge and
asked if the cost estimate included irrigation and installation of the planter boxes. Mr. Williams answered
yes.
Councilmember Mesaros commented this is a monumental moment for the City, looking ahead to solving
a problem that he recalled was a hot topic the first weeks he was on the Council in 2014. Now the Council
is at the gate of saying yes to taking the next step. Taking the next step does not guarantee when the
Waterfront Connector will be built because the funding still needs to be identified. The next step, the design
phase, is a crucial step in determining actual costs and provides an opportunity for value engineering.
COUNCILMEMBER MESAROS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER TEITZEL, TO
APPROVE THE HYBRID DESIGN AS PRESENTED AND MOVE FORWARD IN TAKING THE
NEXT STEP.
Councilmember Johnson clarified the recommendation had two steps, 1) approve the preferred alternative,
and 2) begin the 30% design phase. She asked the funding source for the 30% design phase, whether it was
the $6M from the State, and what the cost of the 100% design phase would be. Mr. Williams said there was
$2.5M in design costs to reach the point of a package to go out to bid. There is some money left from the
current funding which can be programmed into moving forward to mid -year if necessary until the funds are
available from the State so the process is seamless. Councilmember Johnson asked if the $6M from the
State will cover design costs. Mr. Williams answered yes.
Councilmember Teitzel commented there has been discussion since last week about what the City is
committing to; this is a $25-27M project in total, but the vast majority of the money is state and federal
dollars and very little local money. If the City does not proceed with the project, those funds will go to
another city or state. Mr. Williams agreed, staff is applying for funds that are available throughout the nation
on a competitive basis; projects are ranked and funds awarded until the money runs out. Funding for projects
that are not on the list or are withdrawn will go elsewhere. Councilmember Teitzel clarified the funds are
not available locally for streets or sidewalks. Mr. Williams answered no.
Council President Nelson provided the following comment:
To me this is about priorities. Of course we should have reliable emergency access to the other side of
the tracks, but the question is should this be our City's number one safety priority, a bridge. To answer
that question, I've looked at what has changed since the Council voted to start this project. Changes
have been made to public safety, for starters this administration and Council made cuts to public safety,
we've lost firefighters and a battalion chief stationed in Edmonds from these cuts. It is hard to respond
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 23, 2018
Page 22
to emergencies quickly when your first responders have been cut 25%. A year after these cuts, it's
taking our firefighters and ambulances longer and longer to reach emergencies citywide when we have
heard that time is of the essence. I've heard repeatedly that safety is a paramount duty, yet we have a
fire contract that recommends removing the downtown fire station. I have to wonder what is going to
happen next. Are we going to have private ambulance services proposed?
Changes since this project was proposed have also happened to our traffic safety. Traffic safety in our
entire city is getting worse. In 2017 there were 815 vehicle crashes in our city, that's over two collisions
a day, the most in the last five years. We're having a drunk driver arrested every three days and that's
the people that are getting arrested. We have 65 miles of roadways without sidewalks. We exceed the
statewide average for collisions resulting in serious and fatal injuries to pedestrians. We exceed the
statewide average for crashes on major arterials by four times. The number of fatal and severe injuries
from crashes has doubled in the last five years from traffic data studied in our city. It is no surprise to
me why only 2% of our children bike to school.
I keep on hearing that the funds are only for this bridge, if we don't use them they're gone. I'm looking
at pedestrianibicycle funding opportunities, U.S. Department of Transportation, Transit Safety
Highway funds revised August 9, 2018, lists 16 different federal grants and all kinds of criteria. We
could just as easily have staff running around looking for traffic safety grants. We're choosing not to,
we're choosing to look for bridge grants and multimodal grants and not these types of grants. We will
have more people killed and hurt in traffic -related collisions in our city. I believe this project should be
put on hold because we have more urgent safety needs. I believe we should prioritize traffic safety in
our city. Imagine a future when our children and our seniors can walk to the park, school, grocery store,
to a friend's house and home safely. That is the future we should all be working toward.
Councilmember Buckshnis provided the following comment, noting she had also written a letter to the
editor:
To date the administration has provided glowing remarks as to how well this hybrid connector will
assist in transportation issues and 24/7 access. But why don't we look at the more dark side; the massive
out -of -scale connector project has created turmoil for the waterfront of Edmonds, the dive park is closed
because the waters are so polluted from debris in, on, from and around the connector, the concrete
monstrosity and free bathrooms have invited wild parties both on and under the connector. The police
force has doubled in size to handle the homeless, transient, increased tourists, increased pedestrian
conflicts via dogs, baby strollers, bikes or just mayhem created by skateboarders, hoverboarders or
other forms of motorized pedestrian transportation who enjoy the rush of moving down the hill at all
hours of the day and night. The connector is now being used by the third ferry as a daily loading and
offloading, creating more traffic congestion, more pedestrian accidents, panhandling and of course
noise and air pollution. The ambiance of the once quaint Sunset neighborhood and bluff has been
destroyed by too many people and too much traffic, pollution, garbage, noise, and concrete and not
enough parking. It's an Edmonds kind of day is a cherished slogan of the past.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas provided the following statement:
I have spent the last six weeks or so contemplating the bridge over the railroad tracks and the meaning
of it to our citizens. To understand, you must be able to go back to the beginning of our current
administration's term. The first thing we heard regarding the waterfront was that concerns were being
expressed from the State of Washington regarding needing an at -grade separation for ferry loading and
unloading. The increase in rail traffic was increasingly causing late ferries and traffic was backing up
on Edmonds Way, effecting businesses. The current administration started having meetings about the
at -grade separation and the Mayor's beach rally was formed. I attended the beach rally and we looked
at a couple of designs that were posted; one came out over the current ferry loading lanes and curved
onto Main Street loading the ferry. This was a huge monster that was blocking the view of the waterfront
throughout downtown, you could see nothing but concrete.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 23, 2018
Page 23
Next the Mayor had a briefing with many citizens, the press, Senator Cantwell and a number of
legislators. At this meeting I was asked by two legislators why I was opposed to this at -grade crossing,
it would solve the ferry issue. My simple response was we have a lack of citizen input into the biggest
and costliest project that would change the look and feel of Edmonds forever. They agreed citizens
should have input. From that came the cry from citizens who refused this overpass because of
destroying our waterfront, but indeed citizens started talking about an emergency tunnel to get medical
emergencies out in case of a blockage. This was latched onto by this current administration which leads
us to the bridge today which will allow for fire trucks, EMTs, foot traffic and boats to unload and load.
I ask you all why DOT, State of Washington and the railroad have all contributed funds to the success
of this project. I believe this to be another shell game being played, only a matter of time before this
emergency access will be used routinely for ferry loading and unloading to benefit DOT, State of
Washington and the railroad. All it takes is a change in Council and hundreds of cars running through
downtown neighborhoods destroying our way of life, every boat.
Then there is the destruction of our beach north of the ferry dock. Imagine looking at Edmonds from
the water and seeing this monster of a cement block ruining our beach with water runoff from the road.
Environmental groups have all spoken against this bridge. All in the name of emergency. Where is the
public comment on this project? We have had no public comment since the final design has been
suggested. Two public hearings in total. A number of open houses and when I asked when the roadshow
was going into the neighborhoods, I was told they did on 4t' Ave for the neighborhood affected. So
again, nothing out of the bowl. I would think for the biggest, costliest and beach altering project that
Edmonds has ever taken on, the citizens have a right to speak and that includes areas outside the bowl.
Speaking of emergency, let me talk about the promised work on Highway 99. As most of you know, I
have been banging the drum and keeping the highway at the forefront of people's minds since I came
on Council in January 2010. Out of close to a $100M project, we have raised $10M to start the work
over 5-10 years in our future. Where is all the concern with this area? Need I remind you that we are
prioritizing a $25M bridge to nowhere because of potential emergencies and we have in our midst a
2.5 -mile 7 lane (in some parts) highway that has actually killed citizens trying to get across it. Every
year people are hit by cars and injured trying to get across the under -developed highway. We have
prostitution drug dealers, homeless encampments and needles; stealing from businesses; and the highest
crime in Edmonds to include burglary, property theft, problematic hotels and drunk driving. We have
lack of sidewalks, lighting, and generally we have police officers stationed along the corridor.
This administration did make a road cut through on 228' and Highway 99 that will lead directly to the
new Sound Transit 3 station; the mayor serves on the board of Sound Transit. This cut -through has
caused our neighborhoods to turn into drag racing cutting through the area in local neighborhoods
without sidewalks or adequate lighting. We are the working-class neighborhoods in Edmonds and we
are the neighborhoods of diversity. Perhaps this is why we are not a priority for this administration.
The bridge to nowhere has taken thousands of hours of staff time to develop. That costs taxpayers
money because they are unable to work on other important projects so there has been an extreme cost
to our citizens. If this administration cared enough about the citizen neighborhoods along the corridor
as much as they care about assisting the ferry loading and unloading, we would be well on our way to
a better Edmonds for everyone. I am unable to support this project as a priority.
Councilmember Tibbott said he has made a number of comments in support of the bridge project. He was
shocked at the comparison of this bridge with Highway 99. The City is in the study phase of Highway 99
and recently approved a plan and is making good progress which he expected would continue as
development occurs and the study of projects to promote for Highway 99 was completed. He did not see a
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 23, 2018
Page 24
comparison between the two projects and supported moving forward with the approving the design phase
for the Waterfront Connector.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas said the Highway 99 project has been worked on since 2010 and the City
is only to the design process. She has heard people saying the Waterfront Connector design should be done
lickety-split with the $6M in available funding, all while people are injured and killed on the Highway 99
corridor.
UPON ROLL CALL, MOTION CARRIED (4-3), COUNCILMEMBERS JOHNSON, MESAROS,
TEITZEL AND TIBBOTT VOTING YES; AND COUNCIL PRESIDENT NELSON AND
COUNCILMEMBERS FRALEY-MONILLAS AND BUCKSHNIS VOTING NO.
COUNCILMEMBER MESAROS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER TEITZEL, TO
EXTEND THE MEETING FOR FIVE MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED (5-2),
COUNCILMEMBERS BUCKSHNIS AND JOHNSON VOTING NO.
9. REPORTS ON OUTSIDE BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEE
Due to the late hour, this item was omitted from the agenda.
10. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Earling reminded the Hekinan delegation will be in the City here next Monday. He displayed a list
of public events occurring during their visit:
• Monday October 29 — Arrival Day
o Mayor's Reception 2 pm @ hotel
• Wednesday, October 31
o Keiko Sakakibara Memorial Dedication — 11:45 am @ Centennial Plaza
o Chamber Trick -or -Treating 5-7 pm
o Halloween Party
Thursday, November 1 — 30th anniversary reception
Saturday, November 3 — departure day
Mayor Earling reported the Edmonds Center for the Arts auction last weekend was a great success, raising
$450,000.
11. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Buckshnis wished Peggy Peterson, who passed away Sunday morning, rest in peace. Her
last event was at the ECA.
Councilmember Teitzel reported he was in Pullman this weekend; it was a great day to be Cougar.
Councilmember Mesaros said the ECA auction on Saturday night was a wonderful event for the City. The
City benefits from the opportunity to enhance arts in Edmonds.
Councilmember Johnson thanked Mayor Earling for inviting the Council and the public to the Hekinan
delegation events. She wished everyone a Happy Halloween.
12. CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING PENDING OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION
PER RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)
This item was not needed.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 23, 2018
Page 25
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 10:33 p.m.
L� J F S . -A
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DAVID 0. EARLING, MAYOR PASSEY, CITY L
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October 23, 2018
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