20181204 City CouncilEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
December 4, 2018
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Dave Earling, Mayor
Michael Nelson, Council President
Kristiana Johnson, Councilmember
Thomas Mesaros, Councilmember
Adrienne Fraley-Monillas, Councilmember
Diane Buckshnis, Councilmember (by phone)
Dave Teitzel, Councilmember
Neil Tibbott, Councilmember
CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE
STAFF PRESENT
Al Compaan, Police Chief
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
Dave Turley, Assistant Finance Director
Rob English, City Engineer
Jeff Taraday, City Attorney
Scott Passey, City Clerk
Jerrie Bevington, Camera Operator
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
The Edmonds City Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Earling in the Council
Chambers, 250 5t}' 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. Councilmember Buckshnis
participated by phone.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Councilmember Teitzel requested Item 4.4 be removed from the Consent Agenda.
COUNCILMEMBER MESAROS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT NELSON, TO
APPROVE THE AGENDA IN CONTENT AND ORDER AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
4. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
COUNCILMEMBER MESAROS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT NELSON, TO
APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The
agenda items approved are as follows:
1. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 20, 2018
2. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 27, 2018
3. APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS AND WIRE PAYMENT
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
December 4, 2018
Page 1
5. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT
1. CONFIRM APPOINTMENT OF CANDIDATES FOR THE YOUTH COMMISSION
(previously Consent Agenda Item 4.
Councilmember Teitzel explained prior to the meeting, the Council interviewed several applicants for the
Youth Commission and each Councilmember and the Mayor made their selection.
Council President Nelson announced the Council and Mayor's appointments to the Youth Commission:
• Mayor Earling: Owen Lee — term 12/18 — 6/20 and Kaleb Nichols — term 12/18 — 6/20
• Councilmember Johnson: Sydney Pearson — term 12/18 — 6/19
• Council President Nelson: Stephany Janssen — term 12/18 — 6/20
• Councilmember Fraley-Monillas: Noah Erickson — term 12/18 — 6/19
• Councilmember Teitzel: Nathanael Perdomo — term 12/18 — 6/19
• Councilmember Mesaros: Caitlin Chung — term 12/18 — 6/20
■ Councilmember Tibbott: Caroline Willis — term 12/18 — 6/19
Council President Nelson invited the appointees in the audience to stand.
Parks & Recreation Director Carrie Hite announced there is one more position available that will be
appointed by Councilmember Buckshnis. There are also two alternate positions open. The application
process will remain open and she invited youth to apply and make a difference in their community.
5. PRESENTATIONS
1. 2019 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
Economic Development/Community Services Director Doherty explained the process of developing the
legislative agenda is very inclusive; the Directors and the Mayor review last year's agenda and things that
have come up since to identify remaining issues as well as identify new ideas. Staff then meets with
Councilmembers who provide their priorities via email.
Lobbyist/Strategist Jennifer Ziegler recalled last spring her associate, Lyset Cadena who works on housing
and GMA issues in particularly, presented to the Council. All the House members were in Olympia
yesterday and today so Ms. Cadena remained in Olympia.
Ms. Ziegler reviewed:
• General Election Background
o All of the House and half of the Senate had elections this year
o Democrats currently hold a one -seat majority in the Senate (25-24) and a two -seat majority in
the House (50-48)
o Based on current election results, it appears in 2109 the Democrats will have a 28-21 majority
in the Senate and a majority of 57-41 in the House
0 16 legislators announced they will not run for reelection at the end of the 2018 legislative
session
o Individual caucuses have made leadership decisions and full committee assignments are
anticipated shortly
o House Speaker Frank Chopp has decided not continue as Speaker after this legislative session
o Governor's proposed budget will be released next week
• Anticipated 2019 Legislative Issues
o First year of a new biennium and 105 -day regular legislative session
o Discussions regarding Washington's tax structure and tax exemptions
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o Continued K-12 conversations regarding special education funding
o Legislative interest in early learning and higher education investments
o Mental health, affordable housing and homelessness issue
o Addressing the United States Supreme Court decisions regarding culverts
o Application of the Public Records Act to the Legislature
o Minimum density requirements
With regard to culverts, Councilmember Johnson said Edmonds has a blocked fish passage on SR 104
which she understood was a low priority. She asked whether the Supreme Court had identified a list of
barriers. Ms. Ziegler offered to forward a map provided by WSDOT in a presentation to House
Transportation yesterday that identifies over 400 high priority barriers and others that are outside of that
$3.713 level.
Councilmember Johnson advised Edmonds was designated the State's first Creative District and asked if
the legislature will include funding for that. Ms. Ziegler did not know, recalling it was an item of priority
so they will pursue it. Mr. Doherty said ArtsWA submitted a proposal for funding; whether that funding is
included will be known once the governor's budget is released. If it is included, it is on the list of support
items.
Councilmember Teitzel observed mental health, affordable housing and homelessness was on the list of
2019 anticipated legislative issues and asked if there was anything about addressing the problem of opioid
abuse. Ms. Ziegler said the list is a selection of the highest -level issues; she anticipated there will continue
to be an opioid conversation. At the end the session last year, the governor had a wide-ranging proposal
that the legislature did not passed but they funded portions of it for a two-year period. She expected the
legislature to revisit those proposals and consider a period longer than a two-year budget cycle.
Mr. Doherty reviewed:
■ Edmonds Legislative Priorities
o Highway 99 Corridor Improvements
o Edmonds Marsh and Willow Creek daylighting
o Dayton Street Pump Station
o Edmonds Street Waterfront Connector
o Funding for Civic Park Development
o Parks, Recreation and Conservation -Related Projects
o Fire Alarm Testing
o Homelessness and Affordable Housing
o Several "Support" Items
■ Senior/Waterfront Center
■ Bolster infrastructure
■ Criminal justice training
■ Public Health District funding
■ EMS levy
■ Creative district funding
■ Public defense costs
■ Gun violence reduction
■ Fiscal impacts of legislation and rulemaking
Property tax growth
■ Land Use/GMA/SEPA reform
■ Economic development tools
■ Fiscal sustainability for local governments
■ Environmental and climate -related issues
■ Puget Sound health and salmon/orca recovery
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December 4, 2018
Page 3
■ Expand access to opiate overdose prevention/medication-assisted treatment
■ Follow/support other cities, agencies, partners
Ms. Ziegler said they will work with transportation legislators to include the Waterfront Connector funding
and Highway 99 in the transportation budget. The Parks, Recreation and Conservation related projects are
requests staff has submitted via grant processes; the legislature will determine the level of funding in the
capital budget which determines which requests are funded. Civic Park funding will be direct capital budget
ask in local and communities projects. Regarding the GMA, the Ruckelshaus Center's work is underway
but that has not stopped legislators from continuing to working on GMA-related issues. In particular, Ms.
Ziegler did not anticipate the minimum density issue will not wait for the Ruckelshaus' analysis. She
reviewed next steps:
• Continued outreach to legislators
• Governor's budget released mid-December
• 2019 legislative session starts January 14
Council President Nelson asked when she anticipated the legislative session would end. Ms. Ziegler was
hopeful with the House and Senate controlled by same party, the session would not take as long.
Councilmember Buckshnis asked if there would be a direct capital budget ask for marsh restoration if the
Council decides to prioritize it now that Unocal will relinquish the property to WSDOT. Ms. Ziegler said
if the Council gives her direction regarding that priority, they will work with legislators to determine the
best path for funding.
COUNCILMEMBER TEITZEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER TIBBOTT, TO
APPROVE THE 2019 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Kimberly Koenig, Edmonds, business owner and member of the Economic Development Commission
(EDC), read a memo from EDC Chair Mary Monroe to the City Council. At their most recent meeting, the
EDC discussed two -parking related items in the proposed 2019 budget that the EDC was informed the
Council may remove, 1) software and apparatus for electronic parking enforcement and 2) funding for a
downtown parking study. The availability of parking for shoppers, visitors and diners, etc. is of paramount
importance to the economic vitality of downtown Edmonds. Every year at the Edmonds Downtown
Alliance's annual membership meeting, the number one issue prioritized for continued enhancement by
downtown merchants and business owners is parking. The EDC has considered downtown parking among
their top priorities since 2016. In November 2016, the EDC sent a memo to City Council with a
recommendation for more consistent enforcement of existing parking regulations and taking steps to
improve parking access and availability in downtown Edmonds. The EDC applauds the efforts that have
been made and while parking enforcement and availability has improved, they believe more should be done.
For these reasons the EDC recommends the City Council prioritize any and all parking related enhancement
for downtown Edmonds. The EDC supports any measures and their associated budget items that will
enhance and make more efficient and effective downtown parking enforcement and similarly support
continued study of downtown parking conditions that could identify issues and potential improvements and
enhancements.
David Richman, Edmond, spoke in support setting aside $1 million in the current budget for the
daylighting of Willow Creek and improvement of the Edmonds Marsh. A retired field biologist and former
resident of New Mexico, he has been involved with environmental issues in New Mexico and Washington.
The daylighting project will allow restoration of the creek as salmon habitat and thus help the rehabilitation
of Puget Sound. The funds would allow the City to apply for grants that often require local matching funds.
The biodiversity of the planet is in serious trouble. Although Willow Creek and the associated Edmonds
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December 4, 2018
Page 4
Marsh are one of the few remaining estuaries in Puget Sound, the only way to improve the situation is via
small and large projects to stop the degradation and foster renewal of the environment at a local level. If
we want a better world, we have to be willing to expend a significant amount of resources. Edmonds can
be a local leader in this effort for the benefit all.
Laurie Sorensen, Edmonds, was pleased with the Council and staff's enthusiasm, particularly Mr.
Williams and Ms. Hite, regarding daylighting of Willow Creek and the Edmonds Marsh. She relayed a
communication in which Mr. Williams noted the toxic cleanup standards for WSDOT are less rigorous than
what is needed for daylighting Willow Creek and creating habitat and she agreed that was one of the most
serious issues in the transfer of property from Unocal to WSDOT and possibly the City. She advised a blue
rig could be seen on the Unocal property this week, and according to the toxic cleanup project manager for
Washington State Department of Ecology, this may be the final testing for the Unocal property. Ecology is
drafting a consent decree and report which will be available for public review in early 2019. Her
understanding was a decent decree meant Unocal would be absolved of all responsibility for future
discovery of toxins. She was unaware of the details of the property transfer agreement between Unocal and
WSDOT with regard to the cleanup and responsibility and did not know who would be responsible if heavy
toxins from the site are found elsewhere in the Marsh but did not want the City to have to pay for later
cleanup. If toxicology standards for aquatic life are more stringent than what Unocal is required to do, it
may be prudent for the City to do independent sampling of the Marsh to determine whether it is safe for
salmon and perhaps funds for that study should be included in the budget. She recommended the Council
approve $1 million to start funding marsh restoration. She was excited federal funds may be available to
assist with removing fish barriers, all the more reason to set aside funds to show the City's commitment to
the marsh. She and her husband are making a donation to the Edmonds Marsh preservation and restoration
fund as a symbol that they would like to pay it forward and they are asking City and other residents to do
the same.
Alan Mearns, Edmonds, an ecologist, said after retiring from NOAA, he has been attending meetings held
about an Puget Sound estuary monitoring program and has seen data on the decline of resources in Puget
Sound over the past decade including the decline of Chinook and Coho salmon which affects the health of
orcas. He looked forward to his grandchildren and future generations coming to the Edmonds Marsh in the
fall to see Coho salmon coming up the creek. He expressed support for setting aside matching funds in the
budget to daylight Willow Creek. He relayed the federal government's concern about culverts, noting one
of the longest culverts in Snohomish County is the outlet from Willow Creek.
Kathleen Sears, Edmonds, recognized budgets are a complex and difficult decision and she applauded the
Council for seeking citizen input. She encouraged the Council to set aside $1 million, the proposed budget
amendment, for matching funds for daylighting Willow Creek. She recalled the heartbreaking, vivid
reminder this summer of what happens when the natural environment is not cared for, particularly Puget
Sound; images of J-35 pushing and carrying her dead baby for 17 days over 1,000 miles. Those images,
broadcast locally and around the world, moved people and are largely responsible for the governor's
initiatives. She stood the Edmonds waterfront on Sunday and watching through binoculars the K -pod
moving from the south sound to the north, wondering what their future held and whether there would be
more sad news as a result of human -allowed degradation. Salmon habitat needs to be restored and now is
the best possible time given the political will at the state and federal level. The only way Edmonds can draw
in that support is to bank matching funds to illustrate to funding agencies that the City is serious. It is also
a signal to the region that Edmonds is taking its responsibility as the gem of Puget Sound seriously and
rather than continue to allow degradation to continue, be part of the solution.
Susie Schaefer, Edmonds, expressed support for including $1 million in the budget, commenting that
because it has been discussed for so long, people are skeptical that the project will happen. The Edmonds
Marsh fund was established to allow people and businesses to contribute, but she did not anticipate much
would be donated until the City demonstrates it is serious. Once the City provides funds, citizens and
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
December 4, 2018
Page 5
businesses can be asked to contribute because everyone has a stake in Edmonds Marsh. She urged the
Council to approve the funding and she and others will do their part to get citizens' support.
Susan Paine, Edmonds, explained during last two weeks she and her daughters visited Carkeek Park in
Seattle to watch the salmon come upstream, something they do every year around Thanksgiving. This was
a great experience for her daughters, getting outside and learning about the importance of salmon to the
natural environment. She suggested the Council visit Carkeek Park to watch the salmon come upstream.
She wanted future generations to have that same experience in Edmonds. There are not a lot of opportunities
to increase salmon in Puget Sound and local orcas only eat local salmon. She expressed support for funding
in the budget to support Willow Creek daylighting and the Edmonds Marsh including expansion of the
marsh.
Marjie Fields, Edmonds, said she was speaking on behalf of the local orcas, the salmon they need to live
and the Edmonds Marsh which can help both orca and salmon. The recent orcas task force report lists
protecting and opening historic salmon habitat in rivers and streams as an essential action for orca survival.
The marsh and its salmon steams have been mostly cut off from Puget Sound since the 1960s when the
marina was built. The long -discussed Willow Creek daylighting project is aimed at remedying the damage
done by development. However, discussing the project is not helping the orca or salmon; action is needed
now. There is general recognition that orca survival is an emergency situation. Restoring historic salmon
habitat related to the Edmonds Marsh fits state and federal priorities, making the project an excellent
candidate for grant funds; matching funds are a critical part of grant applications. Though many citizens
have contributed to the Edmonds Marsh fund, the City needs to step up to the challenge via the Council
approving the $1 million for marsh restoration in the 2019 budget. This is essential for proceeding with
grant applications to fund this urgently needed project. She recognized there were other important items to
be funded, but this is urgent and she urged the Council to act today.
Joe Scordino, Edmonds, echoed the previous speaker's comments about the Edmonds Marsh funding. He
works with high school students and was saddened by the recent tragedy of a high school student killed by
a gunshot. He was hopefully society could do more to guns out of kids' hands. He was pleased with what
the Council did previously and to see it on the legislative agenda and urged the Council to do more to
protect our kids.
7. ACTION ITEMS
1. APPROVAL OF CHANGE ORDER FOR THE FIVE CORNERS RESERVOIR
RECOATING PROJECT
City Engineer Rob English advised this item is approval of a change order for the Five Corners Reservoir
as well as a request for additional management reserve. He displayed an aerial view of the parcel containing
the 3MG tank (built in 1979) and 1.5MG tank (built in 1960). This project began earlier this year with an
award of a $2.82M construction contract to Redside Construction. Site improvements were done first and
work on the 1.5MG tank began mid -summer. He described unforeseen conditions that were encountered
on the 1.5MG tank related to the exterior steel delamination, interior corrosion pit repairs and structural
roof repairs:
• Exterior steel delamination
o Photograph of delaminations (exposed after sand blasting of exterior walls)
0 490 delaminations were repaired
o Likely a latent defect when the steel was rolled in 1960
• Interior Corrosion Pit Repairs
o Photographs of repaired corrosion pits corrosion on seam
o Budget included 50 pit repairs, 1,450 corrosion pits were repaired
■ Roof structural issues
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December 4, 2018
Page 6
o Photograph of rafter with steel plates
o Rafter to roof -plate gap due to plate unevenness and plate lapping
o Prevented seal weld which was part of seismic upgrades and required a different seismic
modification
Mr. English summarized
• Extra work on the 1.5MG tank
o Modify overflow line ($12,078)
o Repaired 490 steel delaminations on exterior walls ($37,833)
o Structural roof modifications ($43,173)
o Overhead and Delay costs ($30,869)
o Repaired 1,470 corrosion pits and repainting of tank interior and exterior ($197,000)
o Roof fall prevention system ($31,752)
o Interior ladder fall prevention system ($11,410)
• Estimated Construction budget
Item
Construction Bud et
Revised Budget
Construction Contract
$2,822,374
$2,822,374
Est Extra Work (through 11/2018
$152,302
Change Order #5 — corrosion repair
and repainting of 1.5M tank
$197,000
Est 3.OMG tank preventative maintenance
$265,000
Est Contract Reductions
($96,578
Management Reserve
$282,200
Construction Management
$372,400
$515,1000
Additional Mana ement Reserve
$120,000
Revised Total
$3,476,974
$3,975,198
Issues
o Extended roof life of 1.5MG reservoir
o Condition of the 3MG reservoir?
0 Corrosion, preventive maintenance for seal welds or other?
o Schedule to complete 3MG reservoir
o Budget
Mr. English relayed staff's request for approval of the change order #5 ($197,000) and to authorize
additional management reserve ($120,000).
To the question of why these issues were unknown ahead of time, Mr. Williams said the corrosion was not
visible until the tank was drained and sandblasted. The schedule for the repairs was very tight as both tanks
are needed for the summer.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas asked who provides construction management. Mr. English answered City
staff does on-site inspection and project management as well as a consultant team that includes a structural
engineer, corrosion engineer and civil engineering. Councilmember Fraley-Monillas inquired about the
$150,000 increase in construction management and asked if that increase was due to the corrosion. Mr.
English answered it was due to increased work that includes extending the contract to address the additional
repairs and evaluation by the consultant team. Mr. Williams commented serious discussion occurred about
whether it was worth completing project or was the damage so severe that a new tank was needed and when
would be the right time to do that. That is the reason for some of the deducts because the roof corrosion is
extensive enough that arresting it completely is not possible. Efforts will be made to make the roof last as
long as possible, but at a minimum, a roof replacement project will probably be necessary in 10-15 years.
Staff will monitor that and advise when it need to be replaced.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
December 4, 2018
Page 7
For Councilmember Fraley-Monillas, Mr. Williams explained the original management reserve has been
expended and the funds included for the preventative maintenance on the 3MG tank are only an estimate.
He assured if the $120,000 management reserve is not needed, it will not be spent but it is prudent to adjust
the budget to include some flexibility as other issues arise.
Councilmember Mesaros referred to the photograph of the 1.5MG tank roof and asked if the water reaches
the roof. Mr. English said it does not, there is a gap. Councilmember Mesaros asked if the tank is drained
to do an internal inspection or the water level lowered. Mr. Williams said the interior of the tank can be
inspected with divers, but that provides limited detailed information. In order to use the ladder, the tank
needs to be dewatered.
Councilmember Mesaros observed although inspections have been done over the years, it was not until the
paint was removed that the corrosion was discovered. Mr. Williams said the corrosion and structural experts
believe when this tank was last repainted 24 years ago, these corrosion pits were already there and rather
than fixed, they were painted over, but it does not appear they got worse in the intervening time. That was
one of the key elements in deciding to keep working on the tank walls, recognizing the roof may need to
be replaced in the future.
Councilmember Mesaros commented the 3MG tank was built 19 years later than the 1.5MG tank and may
not have the same corrosion issues. He asked when the 3MG tank interior was last painted. Mr. English
said the same time the 1.5MG tank was repainted. Mr. Williams said although the 3MG tank is 19 years
newer, the techniques for building tanks has changed and seal welding is done as part of the original
construction. The roof plates have an arc and the rafters are straight which creates a gap where the rafters
and roof touch, a place where moisture gets in and there is no way to abrade it or get rid of the corrosion.
Tanks are no longer built that way.
Councilmember Tibbott asked if the work could be completed during winter regardless of weather
conditions. Mr. English said the interior work is not a problem during poor weather and there is an outside
barrier in place for the work on the 3MG tank. The paint they want to use can be applied during the winter
months, but there will be efforts for economy of scale to do the interior at same time. He summarized work
can continue in the winter. Councilmember Tibbott commented cold weather is usually not the best time to
apply those materials. Mr. Williams recalled when tanks have been recoated in the past, the paint had a
narrow acceptable temperature range. The contractor is using a Sherwin Williams product and there is not
a concern with the temperature.
Councilmember Tibbott asked for a ballpark figure regarding the replacement cost. Mr. Williams answered
typically $2/gallon so $6M for the 3MG tank, maybe more. Councilmember Tibbott observed maintenance
is approaching $4M. Mr. Williams referred to the aerial photograph, pointing out the size of the tanks and
the size of the parcel which leaves very little room to work. Building a new tank on that site would be a
very difficult decision and not something that could be done in the middle of this project as it could not be
accomplished by June and both tanks need to be in service for the summer.
COUNCILMEMBER MESAROS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER JOHNSON, TO
APPROVE CHANGE ORDER #5 AND APPROVE THE INCREASED MANAGEMENT RESERVE.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. 2019 PROPOSED BUDGET DELIBERATIONS
Finance Director Scott James reviewed:
• There are five new amendments
• Applying the same process as last week:
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December 4, 2018
Page 8
o Each Councilmember explains the reasoning for their amendment, and then
o Staff offers their reasoning for keeping the item in the budget
o Council votes on the amendments
• Council may adopt the 2019 budget as amended
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas asked why staff needed to discuss the Council amendments when staffs
response had already been provided in writing, noting it seemed to take a lot of time. Mr. James said the
audience may not have heard staffs reasoning. Councilmember Fraley-Monillas pointed out it was in the
packet and on the website. Mayor Earling said the amendments are serious and it was important that
Councilmember are clear what staff s reaction is and staff deserves an opportunity to express their concerns
or rationale. Councilmember Fraley-Monillas said the Council has heard it not just in writing but also from
the directors directly and she found it redundant to have staff comment on each amendment. It takes a lot
of time and the Council would be better served moving through the budget process with the information
that has been provided. Mayor Earling acknowledged it takes a lot of time, but it also takes a lot of money
and it was important that financial issues have a full vetting.
Councilmember Mesaros disagreed with Councilmember Fraley-Monillas, primarily due to the opportunity
to have the discussion in public. As Councilmembers ponder budget items, he would like to hear from staff
and he assumed the public wanted to hear from staff as well. He was aware a number of Councilmembers
were interested in as open a process as possible.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas said there have been numerous opportunities for staff to explain their
interest in budget items and to respond to Council amendments, but few opportunities for Councilmembers
to describe the reason for their amendments. Her goal was to streamline the process, assuring it was an open
process when Councilmembers had an opportunity to explain their amendments.
Mr. James reviewed the five new amendments (italicized and shaded in following table):
• Council's Requested Budget Changes:
o Item 18: Remove Safety and Risk Coordinator — Councilmember Johnson removed her request
(Council President Nelson's request remains)
o Item 26. Councilmember Buckshnis withdrew her request and replaced it with Item 32.
o Item 32: Provide $1M for Edmonds Marsh Restoration
o Item 37: Councilmember Johnson withdrew the request to remove funding for the Council
Video Recording Device.
• Staffs Recommended Proposed Budget Book Changes
o Add budget to DP#126 for Waterfront Center Project - $683,868 (REET 1 and 2)
COUNCIL'S BUDGET CHANGES
Budget
Cash
Submitter &
Yes
Item
Book
Description
Increase
Request #
No
#
Page #
Decrease
GENERAL FUND 001
1
57
Reduce City's SnoCo Health Dist Contribution to
$20,815
Fraley-
Yes
$0.50/ppMonillas
#1
2
57
Carryforward Unallocated 2018 Council
($93,740)
Buckshnis #1
Yes
Contingency
3
DP#60
Remove Tree Board Minute Taker
$1,500
Buckshnis #2
Yes
4
101
New DP — Add Tree Board Supplies for brochures
$1,000)
Buckshnis #3
Yes
5
DP#96
Remove ECA "Enhance our Arts & Culture"
$75,000
Buckshnis #4
No
contribution
6
DP#47
Remove federal lobbyist
$72,000
Buckshnis #5
Yes
& Nelson #5
7
101
New DP — Add new position "City Arborist"
$20,000
Buckshnis #6
Yes
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
December 4, 2018
Page 9
8
51
New DP - Add increase for Court Security
$33,000
Buckshnis #7 Yes
9
DP#58
Remove Five Corners Consultant
$30,000
Buckshnis #8 Yes
& Nelson #3
10
DP#65
Remove Youth Services Coordinator
$53,717 - $23,717 = $30,000
$23,717
Buckshnis #9 Yes
& Nelson #8
11
DP#77
Remove Car for SRO - negotiate
$65,000
Buckshnis #10 No
12
DP#49
Remove Increase for PIO/Communications
Specialist
$18,000
Buckshnis #11 Yes
Nelson #6
13
33
New DP - Add Carryforward for Professional
Services
($132,000)
Buckshnis #12 Yes
14
DP#3
Remove Contract Project Management Support
$45,000
Teitzel #1 & Yes
Nelson #1
15
DP#53
Remove National Citizen Survey
$ 22,000
Teitzel #2
16
DP#48
Remove Creative District Support
$ 10,000
Nelson #2
17
DP#50
Remove Diversity Commission Support Staff
$ 20,000
Nelson #7
18
DP#9
Remove Safety & Risk Disaster Coordinator
$ 85,567
Nelson #9 &
19
DP#10
Remove Professional Services Consultant
$ 10,000
Nelson #10
20
DP#
Remove Electronic Parking Software
$ 49,900
Nelson #13
21
DP#
Reduce Downtown Parking Stud
$ 35,000
Nelson #14
22
DP#
Reduce Capital Renewal Projects
$170,000
Nelson #17
23
DP#84
Remove State of the City Scribe
$ 800
Johnson #7
24
DP#84
Remove Pedestrian Task Force Education Program
$ 20,000
Tibbott #1
Im acts to General Fund Ending Cash
$494,559
STREET FUND 111
25
DP #12
Remove Sidewalk Crew
1123 294
Nelson #4
Impacts to Fund 112 Ending Cash
$323,294
STREET CONSTRUCTION FUND 112
-.26 11D� $0
See Item #32 Below or replacement request Y
27 DP #97 Reduce Pavement Preservation Fund $500.000 Nelson #16
Impacts to Fund 112 Ending Cash $500,000
REET 2 FUND 125
28
DP#119
Reduce Gateway Sign Re lacement
$25,000
Nelson #15
Impacts to Fund 125 Ending Cash
$25,000
REET 1 FUND 126
29
DP 9104
Relocate staff proposed location of Admiral Way
crosswalk
$70,000
Teitzel #4
Impacts to Fund 126 Ending Cash
$70,000
Unidentified Sources of Funds for New Pro'ects
30
New DP
Assessible Playground Updates
($200,000)
Nelson #18
31
New DP
Edmonds Dru Task Force (2) Police Officers
($300,000)
Nelson #19
32
Replace
Item 26
Edmonds Marsh Restoration Fundin g
($1,000,000)
Buckshnis #12
Impacts to Fund XXX Endin Cash
($1,500,000)
WATER FUND 421
33
DP#18
Remove Vacuum Machine $70,000
Johnson #2
Im acts to Fund 421 Endin Cash $70,000
STORM FUND 422
34 DP#23 Remove one-time ex enses from Decision Package $ 21,000 Johnson #3
35 DP#28 Remove Da ton Street Pump Station $907,000 Johnson #4
Impacts to Fund 422 Ending Cash $928,000
TECHNOLOGY RENTAL FUND 512
36
DP #88
Remove Tableau Software $ 28,250
1 Nelson #11
3-7
LAQC�
I Jehme*-Os
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
December 4, 2018
Page 10
Impacts to Fund 512 Ending Cash 1 $ 58,250
Total Councilmember Requested Changes 1 S23-9"
Council began consideration of Council requested budget changes:
15. Remove National Citizen Survey - $22.000
Councilmember Teitzel said the National Citizens Survey (NSC) was last updated in 2016 and at that time,
Council agreed it should be updated every 3-4 years or 2019 or 2020. Completing the survey in 2020 would
satisfy Council's desire to update the survey within 4 years. He was concerned the 2019 budget was stressed
in a variety of directions, and this was opportunity to move an expenditure from 2019 to 2020.
COUNCILMEMBER TEITZEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-
MONILLAS, TO REMOVE THE NATIONAL CITIZENS SURVEY FROM THE 2019 BUDGET.
Economic Development/Community Services Director Patrick Dougherty said funds are left this year to
fund the survey next year. There are a number of issues facing the community and it may be timely to do
the survey, possibly early next year.
Councilmember Mesaros said accomplishing the survey is important and it reinforces the decision to
conduct the initial survey as it provides trends between the first and second survey and to expand those
trends with a third survey four years later. He supported the amendment, knowing the survey would be done
in 2020, noting the value of the NCS was its repetitiveness.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
December 4, 2018
Page 11
STAFF'S RECOMMENDED PROPOSED BUDGET BOOK CHANGES
Item #
Budget
Book
Page #
Description
Cash
Increase
(Decrease)
GENERAL FUND
1
43 City Clerk Benefits Understated
(15,125
2
20 Culture & Recreation — Program Revenue
($45,000
3
57 SnoCo DEM (Former ESCA)/SERS
($5,245
4
57 SnoCo 911 former SNOCOM Merger Savings
$169,180
5
DP 95 Reduce Contribution to Sno Health District to $1/capita
$42,000
Impacts to General Fund Ending Cash
145,810
Fund 017 Marsh Restoration and Preservation
6
124
Add Donation Revenues
$6,800
Impacts to Fund 017 Ending Cash
$6,800
Fund 112 Street Construction
7
DP 97
Correct pavement preservation expense for General Fund
Transfer by increasing Fund 112 expense
$500,000
Impacts to Fund 112 Endin Cash
$500,000
EDMONDS HOMELESSNESS RESPONSE FUND 018
8
61
Move $250,000 Transitional Housing budget to REET Fund
125
$250,000
Impacts to Fund 018 Ending Cash
$250,000
REET 2 FUND 125
18
167 Move $250,000 Transitional Housing budget from Fund 018
$250,000
9
DP#126 Add budget to DP#126 or Water ont Center Project
($200,000)
Impacts to Fund 125 Ending Cash
($450,000
REET 1 FUND 126
9
DP#126 Add budget to DP#126 or Waterfront Center Project
($483,868)
Impacts to Fund 126 Ending Cash
$483,868
Total Staff Recommended Changes
$1,031,258
Council began consideration of Council requested budget changes:
15. Remove National Citizen Survey - $22.000
Councilmember Teitzel said the National Citizens Survey (NSC) was last updated in 2016 and at that time,
Council agreed it should be updated every 3-4 years or 2019 or 2020. Completing the survey in 2020 would
satisfy Council's desire to update the survey within 4 years. He was concerned the 2019 budget was stressed
in a variety of directions, and this was opportunity to move an expenditure from 2019 to 2020.
COUNCILMEMBER TEITZEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-
MONILLAS, TO REMOVE THE NATIONAL CITIZENS SURVEY FROM THE 2019 BUDGET.
Economic Development/Community Services Director Patrick Dougherty said funds are left this year to
fund the survey next year. There are a number of issues facing the community and it may be timely to do
the survey, possibly early next year.
Councilmember Mesaros said accomplishing the survey is important and it reinforces the decision to
conduct the initial survey as it provides trends between the first and second survey and to expand those
trends with a third survey four years later. He supported the amendment, knowing the survey would be done
in 2020, noting the value of the NCS was its repetitiveness.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
December 4, 2018
Page 11
Council President Nelson expressed concern with the cost as well as the fact that this is a national survey.
Although a national survey reduces the cost, there are only five Edmonds specific questions. He preferred
to do a local -specific survey that has more depth and substance. He did not support doing the NCS in 2019.
Councilmember Buckshnis expressed support for removing the NCS because the Council will be
establishing a Housing Commission next year. The NCS would be a good vehicle to gather input but she
agreed with Council President Nelson that a local survey would be a good idea as well.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
16. Remove Creative District Support - $10,000
Council President Nelson said he proposed removing this due to his concern with either hiring a consultant
or adding staff instead of reprioritizing what staff should be working on. The City applied to be a Creative
District with the assumption that some funding would be provided, yet this is a request for more staff. In-
house staff has already done a great deal of work on the Creative District and he did not see a need to hire
additional staff. Mr. Doherty said Edmonds was selected as a Creative District; when the designation was
approved, ArtsWA indicated there is a $5,000 grant available that requires matching funds. The $10,000
request recognizes the need for additional assistance in the first year of the Creative District.
Councilmember Tibbott expressed -support for this request, commenting on the importance of advertising,
promoting and gaining visibility for Edmonds' Creative District.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT NELSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-
MONILLAS, TO REMOVE CREATIVE DISTRICT SUPPORT. UPON ROLL CALL, MOTION
FAILED (2-5), COUNCIL PRESIDENT NELSON AND COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-
MONILLAS VOTING YES; AND COUNCILMEMBERS JOHNSON, MESAROS, TEITZEL
TIBBOTT AND BUCKSHNIS VOTING NO.
17. Remove Diversity Commission Support Staff - $20,000
Council President Nelson said the Diversity Commission is currently one of most well -staffed of the City's
commissions with both City and contract staff. He recognized they have an ambitious agenda but felt they
could accomplish it with existing staff.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT NELSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER JOHNSON, TO
REMOVE DIVERSITY COMMISSION ADDITIONAL SUPPORT STAFF.
Councilmember Tibbott asked staff to address the adequacy of the current consultant, the uniqueness of
this commission and the programming it provides for the City. Mr. Doherty answered the current staff
support for the Diversity Commission is a portion of his and Cindi Cruz's time plus 10 hours/month of
contracted support. He would like to ease the amount of time he personally provides to the Diversity
Commission, but the current 10 hours of contracted support is not enough for her to take on projects. The
proposal is a total of 40 hours/month which would allow him to offload projects he undertakes for the
Diversity Commission such as the World Cafe event, film series, 4' of July parade, etc.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas, Council liaison to the Diversity Commission, said Mr. Doherty and Ms.
Cruz told the Diversity Commission they spent 25% of their time doing Diversity Commission work in
addition to the current 10 hours/month consultant. She agreed 10 hours/month was probably not sufficient
as Diversity Commission has a number of goals and do not have the time themselves to bring them to
fruition as a number of the commissioners work full-time. She noted 25% of Mr. Doherty and Ms. Cruz's
time is a .5 FTE paid at a fairly high rate, plus a consultant. She suggested increasing the consultant's hours
to 30 hours/month, commenting 40 hours/month may be excessive. That would relieve Mr. Doherty and
Ms. Cruz's workload and still move the Diversity Commission forward in a positive manner. Hiring staff
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
December 4, 2018
Page 12
in addition to Mr. Doherty and Ms. Cruz's time was a lot of time and energy to put into one commission
considering the City has 10-12 boards commissions that would like to have that much support. She
expressed appreciation for the amount of time Mr. Doherty and Ms. Cruz put forth championing issues for
the Diversity Commission. If motion fails, she will make a motion to increase the consultant's hours.
Councilmember Johnson asked how much the Diversity Commission consultant was paid. Mr. Doherty
answered $50/hour for 10 hours/month or a total of $6000/year. There is also $5500 in the budget for
program support such as the grant program, film series, donation of books to schools, etc. Councilmember
Johnson observed the request was to increase the consultant from $6,000 to $20,000 and the Council
proposed change was to eliminate all Diversity Commission support. Mr. Doherty observed that appeared
to be true. Councilmember Johnson asked if the Diversity Commission had a minute taker. Mr. Doherty
said Ms. Cruz does the minutes.
Councilmember Teitzel recalled when the Council formed the Diversity Commission, they realized there
was a gap in community with regard to inclusiveness and diversity. The Diversity Commission has done
good work and is moving in a positive direction to close that gap, but a lot more needs to be done. While
the Diversity Commission is important, he recognized the need to free up Mr. Doherty for other
responsibilities that are important to the City such as economic development. For that reason, he will not
support the proposed change, commenting it was important to provide enough funding for the Diversity
Commission to do their work and to close the gap.
Council President Nelson said his intent was to retain the current 10 hour/month funding for the consultant
and remove the additional funds.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas asked if Mr. Doherty would staff the Diversity Commission meetings if
the $20,000 is provided. Mr. Doherty said he has an oversight role and will probably still attend meetings.
He physically does a lot of things in support of their programs and activities that he would like to offload
to a consultant, particularly in anticipation of the workload related to the Creative District. He anticipated
the additional funds would provide him a noticeable increase in available hours.
Councilmember Buckshnis suggested lowering the amount from $20,000 to $10,000. Councilmember
Fraley-Monillas said Mr. Doherty's decision package is a staff person, her suggestion is to increase the
consultant's hours.
UPON ROLL CALL, MOTION CARRIED (4-3), COUNCIL PRESIDENT NELSON AND
COUNCILMEMBERS JOHNSON, FRALEY-MONILLAS AND BUCKSHNIS VOTING YES; AND
COUNCILMEMBERS MESAROS, TEITZEL AND TIBBOTT VOTING NO.
COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
BUCKSHNIS, TO ADD 20 HOURS PER MONTH TO THE CURRENT CONSULTANT'S HOURS
FOR A TOTAL OF 30 HOUR PER MONTH FOR THE DIVERSITY COMMISSION. UPON ROLL
CALL, MOTION CARRIED (5-2), COUNCILMEMBERS FRALEY-MONILLAS, BUCKSHNIS,
MESAROS, TEITZEL AND TIBBOTT VOTING YES; AND COUNCIL PRESIDENT NELSON
AND COUNCILMEMBER JOHNSON VOTING NO.
Councilmember Mesaros summarized the motion increased the consultant's hours from 10 to 30/month;
the City paid $16,000/month and 30 hours would be $18,000, an increase of $12,000. Mr. Doherty said if
the Council had approved 40 hours/month, he had hoped to negotiate a lower hourly rate. Councilmember
Fraley-Monillas commented Mr. Doherty's proposal was to hire staff, this is consultant hours. Mr. Doherty
clarified his proposal was to increase the hours of contracted staff.
Councilmember Johnson said she would be more comfortable if the amount in the budget were reduced
staff informed of the amount available. At $50/hour and two dedicated staff, that was still almost a full -
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
December 4, 2018
Page 13
time FTE which seems out of proportion to the support other boards and commissions receive. She voted
to eliminate the change in an effort to have equity between the boards and commissions. She preferred to
reduce the amount to $10,000.
COUNCILMEMBER JOHNSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER BUCKSHNIS,
TO REDUCE THE FUNDING TO $10,000 TOTAL. UPON ROLL CALL, MOTION FAILED (3-4),
COUNCILMEMBERS JOHNSON, FRALEY-MONILLAS AND BUCKSHNIS VOTING YES; AND
COUNCIL PRESIDENT NELSON AND COUNCILMEMBERS MESAROS, TEITZEL AND
TIBBOTT VOTING NO.
18. Remove Safety & Risk Disaster Coordinator - $85.567
Council President Nelson recalled because the City was unable to fill the part-time position, additional
duties were added and it was increased to full-time. He disagreed with the additional duties. The proposed
change is to remove the full-time position although he supported a part-time position.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT NELSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER JOHNSON, TO
REMOVE THE SAFETY & RISK DISASTER COORDINATOR.
HR Director Mary Ann Hardie agreed the Safety and Risk Disaster Coordinator position was originally a
part-time position. That position could not be filled as it was not competitive to market. In the interim,
consultant services have been used to bridge some of the gap such as training and resources. The intent of
a safety program is to reduce risk and costs to the City and worker compensation premium costs. The goal
is for this position to eventually pay for itself via savings once the plan implemented. To address risks needs
in the City, disaster coordinator duties in the Police Department were added to this position
Police Chief Al Compaan explained he worked with HR on the position, noting the importance of
demonstrating excellent disaster preparedness. The Edmonds Fire Department previously provided that
function; when the City's Fire Department was eliminated, that responsibility fell to the Police Department.
The Police Department does the best they can and have been active participants with Snohomish County
Department of Emergency Management (DEM) but lack the horsepower to provide exercises for City staff,
operate the EOC during exercises, etc. A number of cities including Marysville, Everett, Shoreline,
Kirkland, Redmond, and Bothell have dedicated disaster coordinator positions which Edmonds does not
have. The Police Department can continue to provide disaster coordination at the existing level; the City is
prepared and partners with DEM, but more horsepower is needed to take that to the next level, hence this
proposal.
Recognizing that contracting for this service is not ideal, Councilmember Teitzel asked the annual cost to
contracting for -this service. Ms. Hardie answered it would be close to $100,000 for someone with the
necessary safety certifications, etc. to do training and compliance.
Councilmember Mesaros commented the news bulletins regarding the earthquake last week in Alaska
indicated the Puget Sound area is not as prepared as Alaska due to earthquakes that occurred in the 60's
and 70's. Funding a Safety & Risk Disaster Coordinator is a long-term investment that helps the City and
its citizens prepare for the unknowns in the future.
Councilmember Tibbott asked whether risk management training also include diversity training for staff.
Ms. Hardie said the safety training does not include a diversity element, it is related to compliance with
OSHA, WISHA, and WAC regulations to ensure workplace practices are safe for employees and to reduce
risk of serious injuries and related costs.
Councilmember Tibbott said he learned while participating in CERT training with Fire District 1 last year
that they are stretched very thin in providing emergency management. They do a great job with training but
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
December 4, 2018
Page 14
there is little follow-up with citizens who have taken the training or want to participate in emergency
management. He said adding an employee to harness those who are equipped and actively involved is a
good way to prepare for a disaster. He saw this as a strategic hire and did not support removing it.
Observing that the Fire Department has historically been the disaster coordinator and the City no longer
has a Fire Department and that South County Fire provides CERT training for citizens throughout the
district, Council President Nelson asked about efforts to partner with South County Fire's Disaster
Coordinator. Chief Compaan said he did not have a good answer; that was not part of the City's current
contract with South County Fire and he did not know if they would be interested in partnering with
Edmonds. Based on personal experience, he agreed South County Fire staff was stretched. Council
President Nelson recognized citizen training takes a lot of commitment and time, but he was interested was
not interested in hiring additional City staff.
MOTION FAILED (1-6), COUNCIL PRESIDENT NELSON VOTING YES.
Mayor Earling declared a brief recess.
19. Remove Professional Services Consultant - $10,000
Council President Nelson said the Building Division professional services currently has $20,000 for this
consultant, the budget includes a decision package for a $10,000 increase and his proposal is to remove the
$10,000 increase.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT NELSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-
MONILLAS TO REMOVE $10,000 INCREASE FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
CONSULTANT.
Development Services Director Shane Hope said every year staff seeks additional funds for professional
services for more complex projects in the building division. The intent this year was to be proactive and
request an additional $10,000 in the budget instead of via quarterly budget amendments.
Councilmember Tibbott recognized there had been larger projects in recent years that required review and
asked if that same level of review was anticipated in 2019. Ms. Hope referred to large projects in the pipeline
such as the Waterfront Center, the graphite buildings, a large apartment building on Highway 99 and others.
Those projects pay for this cost. Councilmember Tibbott asked how those projects provide funding to cover
the cost. Ms. Hope said due to the amount the projects pay for permit review, 2-3 of the projects cover the
cost of the $10,000 professional services consultant.
UPON ROLL CALL, MOTION FAILED (2-5), COUNCIL PRESIDENT NELSON AND
COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-MONILLAS VOTING YES; AND COUNCILMEMBERS
JOHNSON, BUCKSHNIS, MESAROS, TEITZEL AND TIBBOTT VOTING NO.
20. Remove EIectronic Parking Software - $49,900
Council President Nelson recalled when an additional parking enforcement officer was added, the number
of parking tickets doubled. This equipment is intended to provide increased efficiencies, but he felt the City
was pretty efficient at giving out parking tickets. He preferred to delay the item, particularly when there are
plans to do a downtown parking study.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT NELSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-
MONILLAS, TO REMOVE ELECTRONIC PARKING SOFTWARE.
Chief Compaan said it was the Police Department's understanding the Council was interested in this.
Mukilteo has been the City's beta site and have had good success with this equipment. This equipment will
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
December 4, 2018
Page 15
provide more efficient use of the officer's time and tracking of parking violations as well as encouraging
turnover of parking downtown. He recommended moving forward with this equipment.
Councilmember Johnson said she has supported this software for the past seven years, recalling the parking
committee was interested in using the most up-to-date equipment. When she talked to Chief Compaan about
this equipment last year, he wanted to wait and see if Mukilteo's experience was positive. This would be
more efficient than chalking tires which some people remove and would address employees moving their
cars. The software will provide data for the parking study; for example, if parking is enforced better,
whether a garage is needed.
Councilmember Tibbott asked about the efficiencies that could be expected from the software in terms of
the employee's time and improved enforcement. Chief Compaan estimated it will increase the efficiency
such that the number of parking citations could be doubled. It would be substantially more efficient than
chalking tires which requires the officer return three hours later to issue a citation. Councilmember Tibbott
relayed Assistant Chief Lawless said the software also completes the paperwork that otherwise has to be
done at the station. To him, that was an incredible time saving and allowed the officer to be on job more
instead of at the station doing paperwork. Chief Compaan said it will issue the parking citation on a printer.
At the conclusion of shift, the violation data is uploaded into the court system, requiring much less manual
work than the present system. Councilmember Tibbott supported acquiring the software.
Councilmember Teitzel relayed the current manual system allows drivers to game the system by removing
the chalk and slightly moving a vehicle. Chief Compaan agreed some of that occurs. Councilmember Teitzel
said the electronic system would prevent that and if a vehicle parks in the same block for more than three
hours, they could receive a ticket. He observed the $49,900 is not the actual cost of the software but net of
the additional parking citations. Chief Compaan agreed.
MOTION FAILED (1-6), COUNCIL PRESIDENT NELSON VOTING YES.
21. Reduce Downtown. Parking Stud - $35 000
Councilmember Johnson commented parking is very important, but timing is also important. Since the
Police Department's new software will help manage downtown parking, it is incumbent to wait possibly a
year to see the results of the application of the software. As a member of the Civic Field Project Advisory
Committee, she recalled there were a lot of questions about parking. The consultant said that was beyond
the scope of his project, however, if the City wanted to analyze the parking needs for Civic, it would
probably cost another $20,000. She estimated $35,000 to study the parking for Civic as well as the
Waterfront Center where the room capacity exceeds the parking capacity. She offered to reduce the
amendment to $20,000 for Civic Field or she could support eliminating it and waiting a year for the results
of the new parking enforcement software. She noted some efforts have helped such as painting lines for
individual stalls, opening the new parking lot and increased enforcement.
Council President Nelson supported a parking study but had an issue with the amount; he was interested in
reducing the parking study by $35,000.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT NELSON MOVED, SECONDED BY JOHNSON TO REDUCE THE
DOWNTOWN PARKING STUDY FROM $75,000 TO $40,000.
Mr. Williams said it has been 17 years since there has been an overall look at parking in downtown Edmonds
with regard to spaces, usage, etc. Parking demand seems to be increasing, particularly in neighborhoods
immediately adjacent to downtown. Other issues include ferry and train parking, the Waterfront Center,
Civic Field, the Waterfront Connector project, etc. Concerns have been raised but the work has not been
done to look at downtown as a parking system including assets such as parking lots and potential ways to
expand parking such as a partnership with entities that have large parking lots. He agreed marking on -street
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
December 4, 2018
Page 16
parking spaces downtown has been helpful. The first step is to determine whether there is a problem from
beginning to end; it would be difficult to determine the impact of 1-2 project on the downtown parking
system without knowing what's available to absorb those impacts. He was uncertain whether the cost was
$75,000 but staff's research found other committees paid approximately that amount.
Councilmember Johnson said she was 100% in favor of a parking study; the question for her was timing. If
it has been 17 years since the last parking study, she said 18 years would be just as good a timeframe. There
are still things that can be done to increase downtown parking related to employees parking and condo
parking. The City also needs to engage with the BID because parking is one of their issues.
Councilmember Mesaros said he will vote against this amendment to reduce the parking study as it is
paramount the City invest in this. The EDC, downtown businesses and visitors are looking for the City to
develop positive solutions. Approving the electronic software was a good step forward but it is important
to gather facts via a parking study and relate those to other cities' experiences to develop solutions during
2019.
Councilmember Teitzel agreed with Councilmember Mesaros, commenting a lot of dynamism is being
created in Edmonds, things like the Waterfront Connector, the Edmonds Marsh, daylighting of Willow
Creek, Civic Field, and Edmonds' designation as a Creative District etc. that attract more people but he was
unsure where they will all park. He supported proceeding with a parking study sooner than later in a robust
way in order to plan for the future.
Councilmember Buckshnis agreed with Councilmember Johnson about doing the parking study next year.
She anticipated the electronic software will provide a great deal of information that will help understand
who parks where, etc. She said downtown permit parking also needs to be addressed.
Councilmember Tibbott asked how quickly the software would be operational and when would data be
available, whether it would be purchased in January and six months of data available by June to allow the
parking study to proceed. He noted the Port was also doing a parking study this year and it could be
beneficial for the City to study the issue at approximately the same time. Mr. Williams agreed the City
should coordinate with the Port, BID, the Chamber, etc. A parking study could address all the issues that
have been mentioned in a comprehensive manner. The new parking software is a tool, but it is will not
resolve what is becoming an acute parking problem downtown. With regard to the timeframe, Chief
Compaan said barring any delays from the vendor, it could be online fairly quickly, hopefully within the
first 90 days.
UPON ROLL CALL, MOTION CARRIED (4-3), COUNCIL PRESIDENT NELSON AND
COUNCILMEMBERS JOHNSON, FRALEY-MONILLAS AND BUCKSHNIS VOTING YES; AND
COUNCILMEMBERS MESAROS, TEITZEL AND TIBBOTT VOTING NO.
22. Reduce Capital Renewal Projects - $170,000.
Council President Nelson said historically capital projects were budgeted at $135,000. This year the budget
increased to $700,000. He recommended reducing the budget from $700,000 to the historic amount of
$530,000 by reducing the Capital Renewal Projects by $170,000.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT NELSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-
MONILLAS, TO REDUCE CAPITAL RENEWAL PROJECTS BY $170,000.
Mr. Williams said that was historically accurate for only one year. The budget was $56,000/year for 20
years with the condition of buildings declining as the purchasing value of that small amount decreased. The
budget was increased to $100,000, then $300,000, then $530,000 last year which was reduced by $490,000
via a Council decision later in the year. This year's budget is $700,000. The City hired McKinistry to do a
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
December 4, 2018
Page 17
building assessment which determined there was $5M in deferred maintenance in the City's 18 building.
McKinistry projected if the City could address the $5M in deferred maintenance in 2-3 years, the City
should be spending $800,000 in today's dollars to keep the building in a sustainable condition. The City is
already facing a large deficit in building condition and the budget request is the amount that should be spent
after the deferred maintenance is addressed. He relayed it may seem like a big number based on what has
been spent historically, but not enough has been spent in the past to maintain the City's buildings.
Councilmember Mesaros said the Council needs to be good stewards of the taxpayers' dollars. Taxpayers
have invested in the City's building in the past and it behooves the City Council to maintain that investment
to ensure those building last. Considering the study that was done, it appears the Council has not done a job
of that. Even considering the amount requested, $700,000, does not accomplish what is needed. He did not
support the motion.
Councilmember Teitzel agreed with Councilmember Mesaros' comment about being good stewards of
taxpayers' money. Similar to one's personal vehicle or home, if maintenance is deferred to long, the cost
ends up being more to replace components. The City needs to invest in the infrastructure to keep it in good
order. He did not support the motion.
UPON ROLL CALL, MOTION FAILED (3-4), COUNCIL PRESIDENT NELSON AND
COUNCILMEMBERS FRALEY-MONILLAS AND BUCKSHNIS VOTING YES; AND
COUNCILMEMBERS JOHNSON, MESAROS, TEITZEL AND TIBBOTT VOTING NO.
23. Remove State of the City Scribe - $800
Councilmember Johnson commented the Mayor's Annual State of City address is very dynamic and well
prepared. It was her understanding there was a prepared speech that matches the slides. She questioned the
need for a scribe of $800 to record what is already printed. Mayor Earling said the State of the City is
televised and generally includes guest speakers for 5-7 minutes followed by his address. They try to do
things that interest the audience, noting the Health District had a similar scribe. It is very well received by
the audience in the room and during the year staff and he use the display to track progress. He thought it
was a good thing, there was nothing wrong with people having fun and the audience enjoys the exercise.
COUNCILMEMBER JOHNSON MOVED TO REDUCE THE STATE OF THE CITY SCRIBE BY
$800. MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND.
24. Remove Pedestrian Task Force Education Progmm - $204000
Councilmember Tibbott said 2019 would be the third year the Pedestrian Task Force has been in place and
he has not heard what they are working on or what they have accomplished. He was concerned about
continuing to fund the task force, anticipating their work may have been completed in the first two years.
Second, this request includes funding a bike program; he recalled the Parks & Public Works Committee
considering funding for bicycles in conjunction with a school district program and wondered if there was
an overlap.
Mr. Williams explained the Pedestrian Safety Task Force started two years ago and have been meeting
regularly this year. Due to limited funding, the focus has been on education; the first 18 months was
speaking with mature citizens about pedestrian safety. The focus next year is working with the schools; a
pilot school and classrooms of 2nd and 3' graders have been selected. The plan is a classroom presentation
followed by outdoor practice. The intent is not to purchase any bicycles, that is done via grant funds and a
contract with Cascade Bicycles to offer a bicycle safety program in the schools.
Councilmember Tibbott commented there is a nice fit between grant funding for bikes and the education
program at the schools so he will not make a motion to remove the Pedestrian Task Force Education
Program. He requested a report during the next year regarding the task forces' education programs.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
December 4, 2018
Page 18
Council President Nelson said when the task force was created, consideration was given to who was the
most vulnerable, the oldest and youngest citizens. A PowerPoint can be presented in meetings targeting
older individuals but educating children requires a regular curriculum and practice in the field.
25. Remove Sidewalk Crew- $323,294
Council President Nelson recognized pedestrian safety was a Council priority, however, when the priorities
were submitted, neither a dollar amount nor a sidewalk crew was identified although some Councilmembers
felt a sidewalk crew should be funded. If the Council's priority was pedestrian safety, several items in the
budget address that and he did not think a sidewalk crew was an appropriate way to accomplish it.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT NELSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-
MONILLAS, TO REMOVE THE SIDEWALK CREW.
Councilmember Teitzel observed the City has a federal mandate to bring curb ramps into ADA compliance
within a certain period of time at a cost of $150M. Mr. Williams said a study of all the City's curb ramps
and sidewalks estimated $156M to bring them into compliance. The City needs to show in its plans a way
of accomplishing it in 15 years which is $ l0M/year. He did not anticipate any jurisdiction would be able to
accomplish that. Seattle went through a major lawsuit on ADA compliance recently and signed a consent
decree dramatically increasing their investments. That same group contacted Edmonds; the City responded
to their public records request and there has been no further contact. Having a program that expands the
ability to provide accessible sidewalks and curb ramps makes Edmonds not the worst. This is a realistic
approach that saves money. The City needs to replace ramps and cannot simply wait for a capital project
that includes replacing ramps.
Mr. Williams explained a sidewalk crew of two people could save half the cost of new ramps and sidewalks.
The first year's cost is higher because it includes purchasing a truck; subsequent years would be
approximately $250,000 for two staff and supplies. A lot of things could be accomplished that can't be done
now, much cheaper than hiring a contractor. Councilmember Teitzel summarized it cost approximately
twice as much if the work is contracted out compared to an inhouse concrete crew. Mr. Williams agreed.
Councilmember Johnson thanked Mr. Williams pursuing this idea. She envisioned this could be a solution
to a problem that has been discussed for years, the lack of ability to build new sidewalks, especially short
sidewalks because the construction and design costs are prohibitive. She recalled a suggestion last year and
it took six months for discussion, evaluation and an estimate. The Parks & Public Works Committee has
discussed this over the past year. Having been involved in transportation in the City for past 10-15 years,
she was delighted with the idea for a concrete crew and was hopeful the crew could build more sidewalks
and curb ramps.
Councilmember Tibbott concurred with Councilmember Johnson's comments. He noted many of sidewalk
replacement/improvements also improve ADA access and provide people with disabilities improved
accessibility on the City's pedestrian walkways. He recalled two citizens asked him to look at their
locations, one was near a bus stop near the hospital but walking from the bus stop to the hospital was very
difficult. This is not just strategic or money saving opportunity, it is a public safety issue that the Council
needs to take seriously. He did not support the amendment.
MOTION FAILED (1-6), COUNCIL PRESIDENT NELSON VOTING YES.
27. Reduce Pavement Preservation Fund - $500,000
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December 4, 2018
Page 19
Council President Nelson observed $1.5M is budgeted for pavement preservation; his amendment is to
remove the $500,000 allocation from the General Fund for this project, reducing the pavement preservation
project to $1M.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT NELSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-
MONILLAS, TO REDUCE THE PAVEMENT PRESERVATION FUND BY $500,000 FROM THE
GENERAL FUND. UPON ROLL CALL, MOTION FAILED (3-4), COUNCIL PRESIDENT
NELSON AND COUNCILMEMBERS FRALEY-MONILLAS AND BUCKSHNIS VOTING YES;
AND COUNCILMEMBERS JOHNSON, MESAROS, TEITZEL AND TIBBOTT VOTING NO.
28. Reduce Gatewa Sign Replacement - $25,000
Council President Nelson said the sign was originally projected to cost $40,000; now the budget includes
$35,000 which he felt was too much for a gateway sign.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT NELSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-
MONILLAS, TO REDUCE THE COST OF THE GATEWAY SIGN REPLACEMENT BY $25,000.
Parks & Recreation Director Carrie Hite said $10,000 would be sufficient if the intent was to replace the
exact same sign and in the same location. Following public comment at a Council meeting, a robust public
process is underway that included an open house last Thursday, another in January and another in February.
If the community does not want the same sign, $10,000 does not provide the tools to develop another sign.
There is $35,000 in the 2018 budget and the proposal is to carry that over into the 2019 budget. If at the
end of the process the community wants the same sign, the entire $35,000 will not be spent. If the
community wants a different sign, the $35,000 covers design, fabrication, permitting, installation and
adjustments to the landscaping which adds up. She recommended keeping the $35,000 in the budget to
ensure tools were available to complete the gateway sign.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas expressed support for the motion to reduce the cost of the sign. A number
of citizens are upset with the cost, including one who said you could buy a car for that amount. If the City
cannot have a sign built for $10,000, she said something was wrong with government.
Councilmember Johnson recalled the Council was interested in a comprehensive look at all gateway signs.
She asked if the $35,000 was for multiple signs or only one sign. Ms. Hite answered it was for the main
gateway sign on SR 104.
Councilmember Teitzel commented a public process to identify what the public wants for the Welcome to
Edmonds sign will take time, easily a year. With that in mind, he asked whether the existing gateway sign
on SR 104/5th Avenue would last a year. Ms. Hite anticipated it would last a year. This process began with
the project advisory committee looking at all the gateway signs; they helped shape a public process and
recommended focusing on the SR 104 gateway sign. Once that process is complete, consideration will be
given to establishing some consistency for all gateway signs so people know they are in Edmonds.
Councilmember Teitzel agreed signs should have a look and feel that says Edmonds. Because that process
will take time, he was not averse to reducing funding in 2019.
MOTION CARRIED, COUNCILMEMBERS MESAROS AND TIBBOTT VOTING NO.
29. Relocate staff proposed location of Admiral Way Crosswalk - $70,000
Councilmember Teitzel recalled the Port had been asking for a crosswalk on the north end of Admiral Way
for some time because it is heavily used to reach the fishing pier, boardwalk, and restaurants and soon will
be more heavily used to reach the Waterfront Center. There are currently no crosswalks on Admiral Way.
The Council approved a sideway on Admiral Way in last year's CIP; further study determined moving the
sidewalk 100 yards south would require a less costly installation and reduce the cost by $70,000.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
December 4, 2018
Page 20
COUNCILMEMBER TEITZEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-
MONILLAS TO APPROVE DECISION PACKAGE#104, TO RELOCATE STAFF PROPOSED
LOCATION OF ADMIRAL WAY CROSSWALK.
Councilmember Tibbott said he has had extensive conversation with the Port regarding this project. The
City received a grant last year for crosswalks using the Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB). It
seemed to make sense to include this crosswalk while other crosswalks are equipped with that new
technology. The Port liked that idea and the City is using grant funds for a similar crosswalk on Dayton
which provides some consistency.
Councilmember Johnson recalled there was a rigorous process to prioritize non -motorized projects in the
Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan and asked if this project was put through that process.
Mr. Williams answered no, staff has been trying to get the Port to see the merits of this location; the Port
was interested in a crosswalk at the corner which would require a great deal of extra work and cost.
Councilmember Johnson expressed support for this project and asked staff to run it through the
prioritization process to satisfy her curiosity about the importance of doing this project in the proposed
timeline.
COUNCILMEMBER MESAROS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER TEITZEL, TO
EXTEND THE MEETING UNTIL 10:30 P.M. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Councilmember Mesaros asked whether the Port was supportive of the project. Mr. Williams said they are.
Councilmembers Tibbott and Teitzel had had several conversations with the Port over the last 18 months
and they agree with this location.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
30. Accessible Playground Updates - ($200,000)
Council President Nelson referred to the father who spoke to the Council last week to describe the
difficulties his 3 -year old son Jacob has accessing the City's playgrounds, In 2019, the Department of
Justice revised the Americans with Disabilities Act, changing accessibility standards for playgrounds,
mandating that compliant playgrounds need to be accessible via ramps and barrier free travel routes
including a range of accessible play options and provide appropriate surface beneath all accessible
equipment. He had the pleasure of talking with Bill Batton, an accessibility specialist at the U.S. Access
Board, a federal agency that promotes equity for people with disabilities through development of
accessibility guidelines and standards. Mr. Batton was part of the team that did the update to the ADA
specific to recreation and outdoor equipment. Most of the City's playgrounds utilize engineered wood fiber;
there are very strict standards for compatibility, it can easily fall out of compliance and children with
disabilities are not able to access the City's playground equipment. As the City's playground upgrades
occur, typically one each year, for example Seaview in 2019, his amendment would provide funding for a
path for children with disabilities to reach the accessible equipment.
Councilmember Johnson asked the additional cost to make the Seaview playground accessible according
to Council President Nelson's description. Ms. Hite answered the additional cost for Seaview would be
$150,000-170,000. What Council President Nelson described are playground standards that include fall
protection. The City currently uses wood chip fiber throughout its parks system, a material the Washington
Administrative Code (WAC) considers accessible although she did not believe it was. The funding proposed
by Council President Nelson for accessible playground updates would be very valuable for community.
The Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan supports it. The three playground that have been installed over
the past three years were inspected differently than previous playgrounds and were considered accessible,
but in practicality, it is difficult to get a wheelchair over wood chips. Ramps are provided into the
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December 4, 2018
Page 21
playgrounds and there is play equipment that supports people's bodies, swings with straps, etc. The surface
that is most accessible and the best standard in practice is poured-in-place rubber, a soft rubberized surface
that .is used around the nation. Edmonds does not have any in its system yet.
Councilmember Johnson asked the cost of the Seaview playground replacement. Ms. Hite answered there
is $120,000 in the capital budget; the poured-in-place rubber fall material is about $150,000.
Councilmember Johnson commented that would double the cost of the playground. Ms. Hite agreed it
would, noting it would not be just the fall material, there are other components to the play toy such as ramps
and lifts to provide a complete ADA playground. Councilmember Johnson supported making playgrounds
more accessible and said the most cost-effective way was as playground equipment is upgraded. She
suggested reducing the added cost to $150,000 to meet the needs of the Seaview playground.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas commented that having had a child with a disability from birth, she has
been through multiple similar situations. She cautioned the Council about proceeding with just one park,
expressing concern that it creates separation of people with disabilities from people without disabilities.
Making only one park such as Seaview accessible means the only place a child with disabilities can go to
play in the Edmonds area is that playground, separating and making them not as equal as other children.
She preferred to have a process for replacing the fall protection on all the City's playgrounds which may
take a few years. She said this is a serious issue because it said the Council did not believe in the integration
of people with disabilities. Other cities as well as schools have appropriate, ADA accessible playgrounds.
She will support Council President Nelson's amendment for $200,000 but encouraged the Parks
Department to think about what she said moving forward so that people with disabilities are not separated
from people who do not have disabilities which will make the City and the world a better place for kids
growing up.
Council President Nelson said his proposal was an initially $200,000 and he would support it being a regular
budget item. He agreed with Councilmember Fraley-Monillas that all the City's playgrounds should have
these features. He suggested each year's playground upgrade meet these newer standards.
Councilmember Mesaros agreed it made sense to upgrade playgrounds annually. He asked the source of
funding. Ms. Hite answered it is eligible to be funded from BEET. Councilmember Mesaros asked how
long the poured-in-place rubber lasts. Ms. Hite estimated 12-14 years. Councilmember Mesaros asked how
many parks in the City have playground equipment. Ms. Hite answered there are 16 playground areas.
Councilmember Mesaros summarized the fall protection would need to be replace more often than once a
year. Ms. Hite said playground equipment can last 18-20 years; the wood fiber chips are refilled every
couple of years.
Councilmember Tibbott said he passed a park in Seattle over weekend park with this surface and noticed
portions of the playground equipment had rubberized padding and others did not have which seemed like a
cost-effective way to upgrade all the playgrounds with some features having the rubberized padding. He
recalled Ms. Hite mentioned the possibility of the entire Civic playground being ADA accessible and having
the rubberized surface. He noted that park will draw people from a wider area where they can take advantage
of the walkways in the park and other downtown amenities. He was supportive of the amendment and
considering it in the design of Civic. Ms. Hite commented there are some alternatives to a complete poured-
in-place rubber surface; there can be pathways and access to every feature, but wood chips in the outer fall
areas which would be more cost effective.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas commented this is a serious situation; the City is spending millions to
upgrade curb cuts while separating people with disabilities.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
December 4, 2018
Page 22
COUNCIL PRESIDENT NELSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-
MONILLAS, TO ADD $200,000 FOR ACCESSIBLE PLAYGROUND UPDATES. MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
31. Edmonds Drug Task Force (2) Police Officers - ($300,000)
Council President Nelson explained this grew out of what he is seeing and hearing about increasing crime
related to drugs and drug activities such as needles found in parks, schools and streets, and his belief that
the Police Department need more resources to address the issue. The City has a Street Crimes Unit as well
as officers assigned to a countywide drug task force; following a conversation with Chief Compaan, he was
open to having the new officers assigned to the Street Crimes Unit as one of their tasks if to address drug
crimes.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT NELSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-
MONILLAS, TO HIRE TWO POLICE OFFICERS FOR $300,000.
Chief Compaan said he was thrilled at the prospect of additional staffing although he realizes the City's
resources have limitations. If he were to get additional 1-2 FTEs with Council President Nelson's proposal,
the Street Crimes Unit would be an appropriate place for the additional staffing. He recalled two years ago
the Council authorized additional staffing to establish the Street Crimes Unit and he was confident there
had been tremendous value for that expenditure. They work very hard and have numerous arrests due to
their ability to concentrate their efforts on drug-related activity as well as the associated crime.
Councilmember Mesaros asked how many officers were currently assigned to the Street Crimes Unit. Chief
Compaan said there is a sergeant and two officers. Councilmember Mesaros asked the source of funding if
the Council approved one or two new officers. Mr. James answered the General Fund. Councilmember
Mesaros inquired about the number of open positions in the Police Department. Chief Compaan answered
there are a handful of positions open that are in the process of being filled. If the School Resource Officer
for Scriber High School is approved in the budget, that is an additional FTE and Council President Nelson's
proposal is an additional 1-2 FTEs. He has discussed the additional officers with his staff and they
concluded if one FTE is approved, it would be placed in the Street Crimes Unit. If the Council approves
Council President Nelson's amendment, he would not be able to immediately assign the officer to Street
Crimes because new hires will be used to backfill open positions. It will take time to assign an additional
office to Street Crimes, but he would begin that process as quickly as possible.
Councilmember Mesaros relayed his understanding once the four officers are deployed, the Police
Department will be at full strength, not counting the Scriber High School SRO. Chief Compaan answered
one candidate is in background to fill an open position and an academy -trained officer has accepted an offer
and will start in mid-December. With the existing 58 positions, he considered them filled but not all have
been deployed.
Councilmember Teitzel asked Chief Compaan if he had identified a need for a drug task force and
approached the City to add two officers. Chief Compaan answered he did not, this was initiated by Council
President Nelson. Councilmember Teitzel asked whether the existing Street Crimes Unit was successfully
investigating and following up on drug-related crimes in Edmonds. Chief Compaan answered absolutely.
Councilmember Teitzel said this was an issue of priorities and there are a lot of priorities including
environmental, pedestrian safety, etc. Since the City has a Street Crimes Unit in place that is working well,
he supported deprioritizing this and will vote against the motion.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas asked how many drug related cases the City has in a year. Chief Compaan
said he did not have that exact figure. In the last full calendar year, the Street Crimes Unit was responsible
for 52 felony arrests and 81 warrant arrests. Of the arrests they made, about 25% were strictly drug related;
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
December 4, 2018
Page 23
the majority of the remaining criminal activity they investigated were burglaries, auto thefts, fraud,
organized retail theft, etc., generally crimes that have a nexus to drugs.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas commented a lot of crime is related to drug use. The Council's priority is
to protect citizens, acknowledging it was impossible to be a perfect city without existing in a bubble. A
majority of the burglaries and other drug-related crimes occur on the Highway 99 corridor. A citizen took
her into an area of Highway 99 that looks totally innocent, but there was an encampment behind with a lot
of needles. She donned gloves and begin picking up needles and putting them into a Sharps box so kids
would not find them. She went into 7 -Eleven recently and saw two needles on the sidewalk next to the door.
She stressed these were common occurrences on Highway 99. Citizens tell her they won't take their children
to parks in the bowl due to their fear of finding needles and needles are commonly found at Mathay
Ballinger Park.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas agreed additional police resources were needed until the City can get a
handle on crime and drugs in neighborhoods, noting there are only three officers assigned to the Street
Crimes Unit. Chief Compaan said each department is requires to have goals; the goals for the Street Crimes
Unit are, 1) proactive enforcement for street level narcotics and prostitution, 2) work collaboratively to
support our detectives and assist them in investigations, 3) involve patrol officers in the investigations and
arrests, 4) aggressively target problem locations, and 5) incorporate the social workers into investigations.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas expressed appreciation for the Edmonds Police Department, noting she
has gotten to know several officers on Highway 99. They do their job well but there are not enough officers
to keep the people living on/near the Highway 99 corridor safe.
COUNCILMEMBER TEITZEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER TIBBOTT, TO
EXTEND THE MEETING FOR 15 MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Councilmember Tibbott said he was puzzled by this request, recalling the Council had a half-day budget
retreat this summer where a significant amount of time was spent discussing budget priorities. There was
ample time to bring issues forward, and now at the last hour there is a request for two police officers. He
found it very puzzling that this was showing up as a decision package at the last hour and would have
preferred to look at it this during summer, get feedback from the Police Department and identify funding
sources. He did not think this was the appropriate way to handle a rather large decision. He was hopeful the
new SRO will be helpful with drug enforcement on the campus and elsewhere during other times of the
year. He appreciated that the Street Crimes Unit was fully staffed. He did not support the motion but was
open to entertaining it in the next budget cycle.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT NELSON RESTATED HIS MOTION AS FOLLOWS:
TO FUND TWO ADDITIONAL OFFICERS FOR A STREET CRIMES UNIT FOR DRUG
ENFORCEMENT.
Council President Nelson agreed it would have been preferable to bring this up in the summer, but he was
unaware of what would be included in the Mayor proposed budget until October. When one assumes that
things like public safety will be fully supported in the budget and they are not, amendments have to be
made.
Councilmember Buckshnis said she would like more information about the need. The Council put aside
$250,000 last year for opioid response but there has been no report. Although everyone would like to have
additional police officers, she preferred to have a more pragmatic approach so Councilmembers can see
what is needed. She preferred to consider it during 2019 via the normal Council process.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
December 4, 2018
Page 24
Councilmember Johnson, a member of the Council's opioid task force, said enforcement is one of tools for
dealing with the opioid crisis. She suggested the task force provide the Council a report on their efforts in
2019. Following a lengthy conversation with Chief Compaan, it was her understanding one officer could
be integrated into the Street Crimes Unit, possibly funded from the $250,000 set aside for the opioid crisis.
She did not support funding two officers as it would be difficult to incorporate both in the Street Crimes
Unit. Chief Compaan said operationally it would be easiest to integrate one additional officer in Street
Crimes. If Council authorized two FTEs, one would go to Street Crimes and he would consider
organizationally where to assign the other officer such as assigning another detective to the Regional
Narcotics Task Force.
For Councilmember Buckshnis, Councilmember Fraley-Monillas said none of the $250,000 for the opioid
response has been spent; the task force has met 8-9 times and are awaiting more information before moving
forward. One of the things the task force has discussed is better enforcement. It could start with one officer
and adding another next year. It appears Highway 99 will not receive any funding other than for planning
so if there are no plans to move forward with development of Highway 99, more police officers are needed.
She was told today that someone went through her yard at 3:00 a.m. checking out her house and someone
else asked her why she doesn't move. The Lake Ballinger area is part of Edmonds and the answer is not for
everybody to move. If Councilmembers were not interested in hiring two officers, she suggested hiring one
for the sake of the 20% of Edmonds residents who live along the Highway 99 corridor.
Councilmember Buckshnis reiterated some Councilmembers have not seen what the opioid task force is
doing. She preferred to wait until 2019 to make a more pragmatic decision when data is available to support
it.
COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
JOHNSON, TO AMEND THE MOTION TO ADD ONE POLICE OFFICER FOR $150,000. UPON
ROLL CALL, AMENDMENT FAILED (3-4), COUNCIL PRESIDENT NELSON AND
COUNCILMEMBERS JOHNSON AND FRALEY-MONILLAS VOTING YES; AND
COUNCILMEMBERS BUCKSHNIS, MESAROS, TEITZEL AND TIBBOTT VOTING NO.
UPON ROLL CALL, MAIN MOTION FAILED (2-5), COUNCIL PRESIDENT NELSON AND
COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-MONILLAS VOTING YES; AND COUNCILMEMBERS
JOHNSON, BUCKSHNIS, MESAROS, TEITZEL AND TIBBOTT VOTING NO.
COUNCILMEMBER MESAROS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER TEITZEL, TO
EXTEND THE MEETING UNTIL 11:15 P.M. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
32. Edmonds Marsh_ Restoration Funding, - $1 M
Councilmember Buckshnis requested the Council's support to set aside $1M for Edmonds Marsh
restoration. She knows of several sources of funding, but it is about timing, environmental exposure and
being proactive. She acknowledged some Councilmembers will have to take a leap of faith on this request,
but she assured the iron is hot for salmon recovery and nearshore estuary restoration. This project will put
Edmonds on the map as an environmental visionary and show Edmonds can collaborate with federal, state,
local and transportation stakeholders to provide a sanctuary for salmon and wildlife. There is no time to
drag our feet as the environment is deteriorating daily. The $1M set aside will show that Edmonds is serious
about marsh restoration and by extension, the Marina Beach master planning process.
COUNCILMEMBER BUCKSHNIS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER JOHNSON,
TO SET ASIDE $1 MILLION FOR EDMONDS MARSH RESTORATION.
Councilmember Teitzel commented there were a lot of good reasons to do this; it was imperative to protect
the environment, preserve salmon habitat to improve their life and address the orca food supply issue while
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December 4, 2018
Page 25
the iron is hot. Having said that, he was concerned about the numbers and asked if the source was the
General Fund, how that impacted the General Fund.
Mr. James said the Council has mentioned six priorities tonight: maintaining buildings, ADA ramps,
sidewalks, accessible playgrounds, public safety and the Edmonds Marsh, all big ticket items, and funding
for the marsh restoration has not yet been identified.
Mayor Earling declared a brief recess to discuss funding with finance staff.
Councilmember Teitzel said it was critical to demonstrate to potential grantors that the City has skin in the
game and are ready to pursue grants. Ms. Hite agreed. Observing the amendment was $1 M, he asked the
minimum necessary to pursue grant funds. Ms. Hite said that was a difficult question to answer, some
money in the bank was nice to have because it makes the City more competitive. The grants the City has
applied for from the Salmon Recovery Board ask for 15% match. For a $10-12 million project, the match
will be substantial. Construction is anticipated in 2022 so there is time to put the funds together. The
property needs to be secured first and then grants secured. Councilmember Teitzel observed there was
currently $300,000 in the marsh fund, adding $500,000 would bring it to $800,000. He asked if $800,000
would be sufficient to begin pursuing grants. Ms. Hite agreed it would help to be competitive.
Councilmember Mesaros asked how confident Ms. Hite was that $12M was the cost to daylight Willow
Creek. Ms. Hite answered her confidence level was not high, cost estimates have not been prepared, design
is only at 30% and the channel through the WSDOT property has not been designed. The schematic design
cost estimate for Marina Beach is $3M. Mr. Williams said the last cost estimate via Shannon & Wilson for
the daylighting project was $9.566M but that did not include improvements other than the channel in Marina
Beach. He agreed with Ms. Hite's estimate of $10-12M.
Councilmember Mesaros asked the costs associated with mitigation issues that may arise when WSDOT
takes control of the property because their standards are lower than will be required for a salmon stream
through the property. Mr. Williams said the estimate includes funds in the event that areas are encountered
that are higher in analytes. Channels will need to be excavated through sediment in the marsh and the intent
is to isolate them with a liner. Not all the soil will need to be removed but any contaminated soil will need
to be disposed of. Only the locations that will be disturbed would be cleaned up and lined.
Councilmember Mesaros commenting on timing and making the right investment at the right time. If $1M
is set aside, what is the right thing to do with those funds until they are used to leverage grants. The City
still benefits from having those funds in its balance sheet even though they are committed. Ms. Hite
anticipated construction beginning in 2022. Councilmember Mesaros pointed out that allowed three years
to collect the funds and do planning. Mr. Williams said if things fell together in early 2019, the property
transfers, WSDOT executes an agreement with the City and funding is available from with state and federal
sources and private foundations, construction could begin sooner than 2022.
Councilmember Mesaros supported a pragmatic, expedited approach. Mr. Williams said the next big piece
is design and construction; the feasibility study will be complete next month. Having the funds, the
feasibility study, the property transfer and the agreement with WSDOT could set the stage for rapid
movement in funding.
Council President Nelson said he was beginning to believe that the daylighting Willow Creek was an urban
legend because it has been talked about forever and nothing has happened. The 1988 Edmonds Crossing
project references daylighting Willow Creek. There has been a lot of talk, not a lot of action and a lack of
leadership. This is an opportunity for the Council to show leadership by funding it to demonstrate the City
is serious and the important role the Edmonds Marsh plays in the dwindling salmon population as well as
how the marsh filters polluted stormwater before it enters Puget Sound, alleviates flooding in the waterfront,
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
December 4, 2018
Page 26
and absorbs sea level rise. The marsh has multiple roles and it is a valuable asset in the community. He was
excited Councilmember Buckshnis introduced this amendment and fully supported it.
Mayor Earling said this is a project everyone wants to pursue, factually it bubbled up during the last week.
In conversation with Mr. James, they identified several pots of money. Using the $300,000 already in the
marsh fund, staff can piece together the balance by next week. He requested the Council consider waiting
a week for this amendment and staff will present a funding package he believed the Council would find
satisfactory.
Councilmember Buckshnis suggested several potential fund sources such grant money, REET funds,
parking impact fees, stormwater and under -used budget. She was hopeful the funding will fall into place,
recalling at WRIA 8 very complex projects have come to fruition. Mayor Earling agreed, reiterating his
request to wait a week and return with a funding package next week.
COUNCILMEMBER BUCKSHNIS WITHDREW HER MOTION.
Councilmember Johnson commented this is a very important issue and she was encouraged by the
administration's willingness to look at funding sources. It is one of the Council's highest priorities and
recourses will be available at the federal, state and local level. She has discussed with Mr. Doherty and
Mayor Earling how the federal lobbyist could assist with achieving these goals and as a result the contract
with the federal lobbyist was modified to include marsh restoration, the Waterfront Connector and Highway
99.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas asked if the federal lobbyist worked for WSDOT, Community Transit
and/or Sound Transit. Mayor Earling agreed WSDOT was one of his clients, Community Transit and Sound
Transit were not. Councilmember Fraley-Monillas asked if the federal lobbyist had any environmental
expertise. Mr. Doherty said the lobbyist is part of a larger firm than when the City first hired him. The larger
firm has several divisions with a great deal of expertise including environmental. The federal lobbyist is a
Councilmember in the City of Alexandra who is considering a similar project, improving their estuary and
joining an effort to save Chesapeake Bay and are lobbying in Washington DC for funds for estuary
restoration. It is fortuitous to have a lobbyist with that direct expertise.
Councilmember Johnson said one of the reasons she voted against the federal lobbyist was he had not
provided reports. He may have come to Council once a year, but he did not provide any results. The federal
government may release funds and she has been assured the City Council will be included in future briefings
from the lobbyist every 60 days.
COUNCILMEMBER JOHNSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MESAROS, TO
RENEW DECISION PACKAGE #47.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas raised a point of order regarding the procedure since the Council already
voted and defeated this item. City Attorney Jeff Taraday said each meeting is separate session. The process
for bringing back an issue at a subsequent meeting is open and any Councilmember can do it at any time.
It is only when an item is reconsidered at the same meeting that the reconsideration process applies, where
it can only be initiated by a Councilmember who voted in the majority.
Councilmember Buckshnis suggested acting on this next week.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas asked how long the City has paid the lobbyist $72,000/year. Mr. Doherty
answered three years. Councilmember Fraley-Monillas asked what money he has secured. Mr. Doherty
answered none. Councilmember Fraley-Monillas summarized he had not secured any funds for Highway
99, the Waterfront Connector or any other project. Mr. Doherty agreed he had not secured any funds but he
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
December 4, 2018
Page 27
has done a lot of work positioning Edmonds projects for funding. Councilmember Fraley-Monillas did not
support the motion because he has not provided anything yet.
Council President Nelson said the lobbyist is an expert in transportation and does not have expertise in the
marsh or environmental issues and it was his understanding he was not seeking reelection so whatever work
he is doing with Chesapeake Bay will soon end. He did not support funding for the federal lobbyist.
UPON ROLL CALL, MOTION CARRIED (5-2), COUNCILMEMBERS JOHNSON, BUCKSHNIS,
MESAROS, TEITZEL AND TIBBOTT VOTING YES; AND COUNCIL PRESIDENT NELSON
AND COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-MONILLAS VOTING NO.
The remaining Council Requested Budget Changes will be considered at the December 11 Council meeting.
8. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Earling said there was a good gathering at the staff holiday brunch today including three
Councilmembers. The City's designation as a Creative District will be a wonderful thing for the community
and he was glad the Council approved funding for related activities.
9. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Teitzel reported he attended the Christmas in Edmonds Concert presented by the Mosaic
Choir He encouraged the public to attend their remaining performance on Sunday, December 9 at 6 p.m. at
Calvary Christian Assembly at 6801 Roosevelt Way NE.
10. CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING PENDING OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION
PER RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)
This item was not needed.
11. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION. POTENTIAL ACTION AS A RESULT OF MEETING IN
EXECUTIVE SESSION
This item was not needed.
12. ADJOURN
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 11:15 p.m.
Q VIDO. EAR ING, MAY i3* PA5 Y, CI CL
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
December 4, 2018
Page 28