12/01/1992 City CouncilEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
December 1, 1992
THESE MINUTES WERE APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON DECEMBER 8, 1992
The regular meeting of the Edmonds City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Laura
Hall at the Library Plaza Room, 650 Main St., Edmonds. The Council meeting was preceded by a
flag salute.
PRESENT
Laura Hall, Mayor
Jeff Palmer, Council President
Steve Dwyer, Councilmember
Dave Earling, Councilmember
Dir.W. Hall, Councilmember
William Kasper, Councilmember
John Nordquist, Councilmember
Tom Petruzzi, Councilmember
Rachelle Eshleman, Student Rep.
STAFF
Art Housler, Admin. Serv. Director
Chuck Day, Accounting Manager
Dan Prinz, Police Chief
Paul Mar, Community Services Dir.
Noel Miller, P.W. Superintendent
Arvilla Ohlde, Parks & Rec. Mgr.
Rob Chave, Planning Manager
Bob Alberts, City Engineer
Tom King, Facilities Supervisor
Scott Snyder, City Attorney
Rhonda March, City Clerk
Barb Mehlert, Recorder
Mayor Hall introduced and welcomed Mr. Paul Mar, newly appointed Community Services Director for
the City of Edmonds.
rnNCFNT ArrNnA
Council President Palmer removed item (B). COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEM-
BER KASPER, TO APPROVE THE BALANCE OF THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED. THE APPROVED ITEMS ARE
AS FOLLOWS:
(A) ROLL CALL
}c �Lj)tit .� (C) APPROVAL OF CLAIMS WARRANTS FOR WEEK OF NOVEMBER 23, 1992
l ' !`
�06LV �� (D) APPROVAL OF 1993 EQUIPMENT RENTAL RATES
(E) REPORT ON BIDS OPENED NOV
F)
e
(0 (G)
23 TO PURCHASE SEWER TV VAN AND AWARD OF CONTRACT TO CUES, INC.
APPROVAL OF PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACT FOR INSTRUMENTATION SERVICES AT WASTEWATER TREATMENT
PLANT
ACCEPTANCE OF EASEMENTS FROM TOP FOODS
(H) AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO EXECUTE CITY/COUNTY AGREEMENT WITH WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION FOR MAIN ST. OVERLAY
(I) ACCEPTANCE OF QUIT CLAIM DEED FOR ADDITIONAL RIGHT-OF-WAY FROM WILLIAM K. LINDGREN AND CATHY
`TT �C���Gt, L. HENDERSON AT 17218 76TH AVE. W.
(J) ACCEPTANCE OF UTILITY EASEMENTS FROM KENDALL AND LUCILLE LOVING, 7808 206TH PL. SW; HOWARD
AND NANCY ENBODY, 7806 206TH PL. SW; AND ROY AND SYLVIA ROBINSON, 7804 AND 7802 206TH PL. SW
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 24, 1992 (Item (B) on the Consent Agenda
COUNCIL PRESIDENT PALMER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER PETRUZZI, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF
NOVEMBER 24, 1992 WITH THE CORRECTIONS NOTED IN A MEMORANDUM FROM THE COUNCIL ASSISTANT. MOTION
CARRIED.
Mayor Hall announced that Item 4 which is a 20 Minute Executive Session on Cable TV Franchise
Negotiations will be extended for a 20 minute time period in order to discuss a personnel matter.
Councilmember Dwyer arrived at 7:03 p.m.
AUDIENCE
7r� Phyllis Becker, 524 Magnolia Lane, expressed her concern that many of the City's sidewalks are
�� (1� littered with overhanging vegetation, making it impossible for walkers to use the sidewalks. Ms.
Becker said that many of the problems result from private citizens, and not the City. Ms. Becker
said she would be willing to serve on a committee to improve the sidewalk problems. Mayor Hall
asked Ms. Becker to contact her office with specific locations so her concern could be looked
into.
Pirie Hart, 17503 72nd Ave. W., Volunteer Firefighter, and President of the Edmonds Volunteer
Firefighter Assocation, asked the Mayor and Council to consider restoring the volunteer
fighfighter positions in the 1993 Budget. Mr. West said the Volunteer Firefighters are willing to
work without renumeration with the exception of benefits, until the City's financial condition
improves. Mr. West stressed the importance of the volunteer program, and referenced a memorandum
he sent to the Mayor and Council outlining all of the duties the volunteer firefighters are re-
sponsible for. The Mayor and Council thanked Mr. West and all of the volunteer fire fighters in
the audience.
RECOMMENDATION TO PROCEED WITH ISSUING PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY BONDS AND TO REFUND EXISTING REVENUE
BOND
•�� Mr. Housler, Administrative Services Director, said the Council Finance Committee met with Dick
Ehlers on November 30 to review and discuss market conditions, as well as to consider refunding
the existing revenue bonds. Mr. Housler said it is his recommendation, as well as the Council
Finance Committee's, to place on the December 8 Agenda, the following items: (1) Proposed Ordi-
nance issuing water and sewer revenue bonds for upgrading/expanding the system, and cost of the
Public Works Maintenance Facility; (2) Proposed Ordinance issuing General Obligation Bonds for a
share of the cost of the Public Works Maintenance Facility, and (3) Proposed Ordinance refunding
existing water and sewer revenue bonds.
Mr. Housler said now is an excellent time to go ahead with this issue because of the favorable
rates. Council President Palmer asked the Finance Committee for their thoughts on the issue.
Finance Committee member Councilmember Kasper said the Finance Committee recommends proceeding
with the issue as Mr. Housler outlined, as the Committee feels the interest rates are excellent
at the time being, and Councilmember Kasper feels the interest rates might change unfavorably in
1994.
COUNCILMEMBER KASPER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER PETRUZZI, FOR AUTHORIZATION TO PROCEED AS
MR. HOUSLER AND THE FINANCE COMMITTEE SUGGESTS. MOTION CARRIED.
EXECUTIVE SESSION ON CABLE TV FRANCHISE NEGOTIATIONS AND A PERSONNEL MATTER
(j ��1) Mayor Hall and Councilmembers recessed to an Executive Session to discuss the above noted items
at 7:27 p.m., and reconvened in Council chambers at 8:18 p.m.
WORK SESSION ON 1993 BUDGET: REVIEW CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM PROJECT FUNDS AND OTHER NON -GEN-
ERAL FUNDS
{Cjq 7 ) (A) Street Operating Fund
}'�t[��` Noel Miller, Public Works Superintendent, reviewed the Street Operating Fund with the Mayor and
PCity Council.
Councilmember Dwyer referenced the memorandum from Scott Snyder which addressed the use of excess
local option transportation revenue. City Attorney Scott Snyder addressed the memorandum in which
Judith Cox of MRSC advised him that the AWC has not, and likely will not, promulgate rules regard-
ing nondiversion of local option transportation revenues. Ms. Cox states that she has been advis-
ing city officials that no rules are in effect and therefore cities are not restricted as to how
to spend the money. However, Ms. Cox indicates that she would not provide a written opinion to
that effect. Mr. Snyder said Karen Stromme of the Cities Division of the State Auditor's Office
indicates that she was aware that no rules were in effect, and said it would be appropriate for a
city to use excess transportation revenue to balance the general fund budget, under the following
circumstances: (1) The city enacts an ordinance reappropriating monies originally designed for
transportation use; (2) The money does not have any "prior strings attached" i.e. some limitation
restricting use of the money for non -transportation purposes; and (3) the City can "reasonably
identify" what general fund transportation money is left over (as distinguished from excess local
option transportation revenue).
Councilmember Dwyer said several weeks prior, he asked Mr. Housler how much money the City had in
the 111 Fund which was neither restricted by source nor designated to a plan development, and Mr.
Housler replied $326,000. Councilmember Dwyer asked if the City has the ability, if they choose,
to transfer out of the 111 Fund up to $326,000 to go back into the General Fund. Public Works
Superintendent Noel Miller said because of the interest earned on the ending cash balance, the
figure to be used should be $319,600 instead of $326,000. Councilmember Dwyer then asked Mr.
Housler the same question using the $319,600 figure, and Mr. Housler replied affirmatively, the
City does have the ability to transfer out of the 111 Fund, up to $319,600 for General Fund use.
CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
Page 2 December 1, 1992
Councilmember Petruzzi said as a result of earlier budget conversations, $140,000 was utilized
from the 111 Fund. Councilmember Petruzzi said it is recollection that Mr. Miller previously
stated that if necessary, an additional $50,000 could be taken from the 111 Fund without a nega-
tive effect on the Fund and asked Mr. Miller if that still holds true and Mr. Miller replied
affirmatively for 1993. Councilmember Petruzzi asked Mr. Miller at what point, would it hurt the
111 Fund, and Mr. Miller said history of the 111 Fund balance shows the City having a low balance
of approximately $178,000 in the early eighties and has been slowly growing. Mr. Miller said
$100,000 in the 111 Fund should take care of unanticipated items such as if there was overtime
due to severe winter storms, etc.
Councilmember Dwyer said the City may want to consolidate the monies that are in reserve, and if
the City has a need for the 111 Fund as the year goes on, there isn't anything that precludes the
City from transferring the money over to address that need, Councilmember Dwyer said another
Option is to cancel fund transfers that may not be necessary, thus freeing up money to be expend-
ed on other things within the $12.7 million limitation in which the City is trying to achieve.
Councilmember Kasper said he is concerned that the 1992 budget contained a request for an addi-
tional person into the Public Works Department which was not authorized, therefore, the work must
be there, however, there is no one to do it.
It was noted that this issue would be revisited by the Council in the future.
(B) Combined UtilijZ Operating Fund
Noel Miller, Public Works Superintedant, reviewed with the Mayor and Council, the Combined Utili-
ty Operating Fund.
John Poppe, Supervisor, Treatment Plant, discussed with the Council, the budgetary operation of
the Treatment Plant. Mr. Poppe utilized view foils during his presentation. Mr. Poppe said the
three items of greatest importance of the Treatment Plant is (1) Safety; (2) Effluent Quality,
and; (3) Aesthetics. Mr. Poppe reported the Treatment Plant is now in the one year stress test
certification process.
t,1 Council President Palmer inquired on the amount budgeted for grounds maintenance of the Treatment
Plant, as the amount budgeted seemd high t❑ him. Council President Palmer requested a breakdown
Cyl of the amount budgeted as it pertains to the actual work and the extent of work performed at the
Treatment Plant. Arvilla Ohlde, Parks and Recreation Manager, said she would provide this to
L Council President Palmer.
(C) Equipment Rental Operating Fund
Noel Miller, Public Works Superintendent, introduced Greg Ramsland, Equipment Rental Supervisor.
Mr. Ramsland discussed the Equipment Rental Operating Fund with the Mayor and City Council .
Councilmember Dwyer asked Mr. Ramsland to provide the Council with a memorandum better explaining
a the planned expenditures of the B Fund. Mr. Ramsland concurred.
(D) CIP Project Funds
Bob Alberts, City Engineer, distributed information to the City Council pertaining to the utility
and street funds.
Mr. Alberts discussed the various city projects that are scheduled. Mr. Alberts said the City of
Edmonds will be in competition with other cities for funding of several major projects.
Councilmember Petruzzi inquired on the cost estimate for the SR 99 Project. Mr. Alberts said the
cost estimate for Edmonds' share has increased to approximately $900,000. It was noted the origi-
nal cost estimate called for Edmonds' share to be $300,000. Councilmember Petruzzi asked where
the funds would come from, and Mr. Alberts said the City has not yet identified a funding source.
Mr. Alberts said one option is to compete for ISTEA monies.
Councilmember Earling said he feels the City needs to be more involved in the process which would
enable the City to competitively compete for Federal funding for the various projects that the
City will be faced with.
Mayor Hall said everything is up in the air now, and nobody is receiving Federal funding.
Councilmember Earling reiterated that the City needs to become more involved in the process.
Council President Palmer said what Councilmember Earling is saying, and he agrees, is that the
City needs to have representation on the boards that sees and knows Edmonds' projects. Councilmem-
ber Kasper concurred.
CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
Page 3 December 1, 1992
n
Due to the lateness of the hour, Council President Palmer suggested eliminating the Mayor portion
of the Agenda, and reducing the Council portion of the agenda to two minutes, so the Student
Representative may address the Council. Councilmembers concurred.
As a procedural matter, COUNCIL PRESIDENT PALMER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER PETRUZZI TO
EXTEND THE MEETING FOR A MAXIMUM OF 30 MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT PALMER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER KASPER, TO ELIMINATE ITEM 6 "MAYOR",
AND REDUCE ITEM 7 "COUNCIL" TO TWO MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER DWYER, TO MOVE ITEM 7 TO THE PRESENT TIME, SO
THE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE MAY ADDRESS THE COUNCIL. MOTION CARRIED.
Rachelle Eshleman, Student Representative, addressed the Mayor and Council on the recent problems
at Meadowdale Highschool associated with alleged racism. Ms. Eshleman feels the press incorrectly
reported and exaggerated the incident, and feels it was blown out of proportion. Ms. Eshelman
said the students have met numerous times to discuss the incident, and said it is under control.
Councilmember Dwyer said he heard the students will be presenting a resolution to the School
Board and heard that possibly, the City of Edmonds would also be presented with it. Councilmember
Dwyer asked Ms. Eshleman to look into the matter and report back to the Council. Ms. Eshleman
agreed.
The Mayor and Council thanked Ms. Eshleman for her comments.
At 10:05 p.m., Ms. Eshleman left the City Council Meeting.
Continued discussion on CIP Funds
Arvilla Ohlde, Parks and Recreation Manager, addressed the Mayor and Council.
Council President Palmer inquired on the delay of the Perrinville Street beautification program
into 1994. Ms. Ohlde said the Post Office infrastructure has not yet been completed, however,
noted that it could be moved back into 1993 if everything is completed.
Councilmember Earling addressed the In Lieu of Parking Fund, and expressed concern that ever
since he has been involved in the Chamber of Commerce, property has never been bought. Council -
member Earling said he would like to figure out how'money in that fund could be utilized for a
down payment on property for parking purposes.
(E) Any or all other Funds
Councilmember Earling inquired on the ability of the Edmonds Arts Commission to expand their
program as they see fit, and Arvilla Ohlde, Parks and Recreation said the funds, said they have
the ability to expand as they, and the City, sees fit.
(F) Community Funding Request
COUNCILMEMBER KASPER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER PETRUZZI, TO MOVE THIS DISCUSSION TO THE
DECEMBER 8 AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED.
(G) Presentation by General Fund Departments
Municipal Court
Sherrie Gursley, Court Administrator, reviewed her department's budget with the Mayor and Council.
Councilmember Earling asked if employees in this department agree to utilizing their vehicle for
City purposes without milage reimbursement. Ms. Gursley said she hasn't discussed it with them,
however said if there is a problem, she would do most of the court -related travel. Councilmember
Earling asked Ms. Gursley if she could run her department through 1993 utilizing her proposed
budget, and Ms. Gursley replied affirmatively.
Personnel
Brent Hunter, Personnel Manager, reviewed with the Mayor and Council, his department's budget
which includes Civil Service budgeting.
CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
Page 4 December 1, 1992
City Attorney
Scott Snyder, City Attorney, discussed his budget with the Mayor and Council.
As a procedural matter, COUNCILMEMBER DWYER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER PETRUZZI, TO EXTEND
THE MEETING FOR 12 MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED.
i �c,yy Councilmember Petruzzi asked Mr. Housler to provide the Council with revenue collections as soon
as possible, and Mr. Housler concurred.
�yZ4� Planning
4 Rob Chave, Planning Manager, reviewed his departmental budget. Mr. Chave said there is $50,000 in
the Professional Services line item to cover GMA expenses, and noted this is bare minimal. Mr.
Chave said he may have to come back to the Council at a later date if more funds are needed.
Fire
Buzz Buzalsky, Fire Chief, addressed the Mayor and Council on his budget. Chief Buzalsky reviewed
overhead transparencies which illustrated what it takes to run a Fire Department. Mr. Buzalsky
noted the lack of proper equipment, and expressed concern that the City's fire rating may be
affected in the future due to lack of proper equipment and properly working equipment.
Chief Buzalsky said the Fire Department has been underfunded for some time, and noted this year
alone, the department is down $35,000. Chief Buzalsky said he is not comfortable with the pro-
posed budget for his department, however, noted the Department will still provide the level of
service the citizens expect. Chief Buzalsky said recent stress testing of fire department ladders
resulted in four failures, as they are older ladders, and do not meet the current regulations.
POLICE
Dan Prinz, Police Chief, discussed the budget cuts in his department. Chief Prinz expressed con-
cern that manpower had to be cut, and said the Police Department is not going to able to maintain
the same level of service currently in force during the evening and weekend hours. Chief Prinz
said when manpower is reduced, so is the ability to be proactive in the community.
Chief Prinz said it is interesting and disturbing to note that the City is willing to spend two
times the amount in training of employees in the sewer plant than they are in the Police Offi-
cers. Chief Prinz expressed concern with discussing these major issues at.such a late hour of
the night.
Council President Palmer said even though it seems the departments seem to have had only a few
minutes to discuss their issues, through the entire budgetary process they had quite a bit of
time working through the Administration process to make their cases known to the Mayor. Council
President Palmer said as a result of these meetings with the Administration, the Mayor presented
her priorities to the Council.
Councilmember Dwyer asked if it is envisioned the Council will be able to discuss amongst them-
selves, the budget priorities at the December S Council. Meeting. Councilmember Dwyer said in
September, he discussed his fear that the Council would find themselves discussing possible reduc-
tion of manpower in December. Councilmember Dwyer said his fear has proved to correct. Council -
member Dwyer said discussion was never held regarding the City's organization as he suggested
Councilmember Dwyer said he was criticized at that time for being a pessimist, none the less the
City Council is being presented with potential employee termination in December, without ever
discussing the City's organization.
Councilmember Dwyer said the Administration has decided the most fair way to deal with the
shortfall is place an across the board reduction, and the City Council should have the chance to
discuss the priorities within the budget and build a consensus amongst Councilmembers. Councilmem-
ber Dwyer said it is interesting that the two directors of the Public Safety Department were able
to come forward with recommendations for reduced manpower but no similar reductions were made by
the Community Services Department, which is the largest department in the city.
With no further business before the Mayor and Council, Mayor Hall adjourned the meeting at 10:49
p.m.
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CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
Page 5 December 1, 1992
AGENDA
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL
PLAZA MEETING ROOM - LIBRARY BUILDING
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
DECEMBER 1, 1992
CALL TO ORDER
FLAG SALUTE
1. (15 Min.) CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
(A)
ROLL CALL
(B)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 24, 1992
(C)
APPROVAL OF CLAIMS WARRANTS FOR WEEK OF NOVEMBER 23, 1992
(D)
APPROVAL OF 1993 EQUIPMENT RENTAL RATES
(E)
REPORT ON BIDS OPENED NOV. 23 TO PURCHASE SEWER TV VAN AND AWARD OF
CONTRACT TO CUES, INC. ($115,882.20)
(F)
APPROVAL OF PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACT FOR INSTRUMENTATION SERVICES AT
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
(G)
ACCEPTANCE OF EASEMENTS FROM TOP FOODS
(H)
AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO EXECUTE CITY/COUNTY AGREEMENT WITH WASHINGTON
STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR MAIN ST. OVERLAY
(1)
ACCEPTANCE OF QUIT CLAIM DEED FOR ADDITIONAL RIGHT-OF-WAY FROM WILLIAM K.
LINDGREN AND CATHY L. HENDERSON AT 17218 76TH AVE. W.
(J)
ACCEPTANCE OF UTILITY EASEMENTS FROM KENDALL AND LUCILLE LOVING, 7808 206TH
PL. SW; HOWARD AND NANCY ENBODY, 7806 206TH PL. SW; AND ROY AND SYLVIA
ROBINSON, 7804 AND 7802 206TH PL. SW
2. AUDIENCE
3. (5 Min.)
RECOMMENDATION TO PROCEED WITH ISSUING PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY BONDS AND TO
REFUND EXISTING REVENUE BONDS
4. (20 Min.)
EXECUTIVE SESSION ON CABLE TV FRANCHISE NEGOTIATIONS
5. (120 Min.) WORK SESSION ON 1993 BUDGET: REVIEW CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM PROJECT
FUNDS AND OTHER NON -GENERAL FUNDS
(A) STREET OPERATING FUND
(B) COMBINED UTILITY OPERATING FUND
(C) EQUIPMENT RENTAL OPERATING FUND
(D) CIP PROJECT FUNDS
(E) ANY OR ALL OTHER FUNDS
(F) COMMUNITY FUNDING REQUESTS
(G) PRESENTATION BY GENERAL FUND DEPARTMENTS
6. (5 Min.) MAYOR
7. (15 Min.) COUNCIL
THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO ATTEND --- PARKING AND MEETING ROOMS ARE ACCESSIBLE FOR THE DISABLED
(An Interpreter for the hearing Impaired Is available with 24 hours advance notice to the City Clerk at 771-0245)