20190604 City CouncilEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APPROVED MINUTES
June 4, 2019
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Dave Earling, Mayor
Adrienne Fraley-Monillas, Council President
Michael Nelson, Councilmember
Kristiana Johnson, Councilmember
Thomas Mesaros, Councilmember (by phone)
Diane Buckshnis, Councilmember
Dave Teitzel, Councilmember
Neil Tibbott, Councilmember
1. CALL TO ORDERIFLAG SALUTE
STAFF PRESENT
Phil Williams, Public Works Director
Shane Hope, Development Services Director
Kernen Lien, Environmental Program Mgr.
Tom Brubaker, City Attorney
Scott Passey, City Clerk
Jerrie Bevington, Camera Operator
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
The Edmonds City Council meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. by Mayor Earling in the Council
Chambers, 250 51" Avenue North, Edmonds. The meeting was opened with the flag salute.
2. ROLL CALL
City Clerk Scott Passey called the roll. All elected officials were present. Councilmember Mesaros
participated by phone.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
COUNCILMEMBER TEITZEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER TIBBOTT, TO
APPROVE THE AGENDA IN CONTENT AND ORDER. MOTION CARRIED (6-0-1),
COUNCILMEMBER BUCKSHNIS ABSTAINING.
4. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
TEITZEL, TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED (6-0-1),
COUNCILMEMBER BUCKSHNIS ABSTAINING. The agenda items approved are as follows:
APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 28, 2019
2. APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS AND WIRE PAYMENT
5. PRESENTATIONS
PROCLAMATION "ORCA ACTION MONTH"
Mayor Earling read a proclamation proclaiming June as Orca Action Month in Edmonds and encouraging
all people in the community to focus attention on the plight of the fragile Southern Resident community of
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 4, 2019
Page 1
orcas, honor their presence in our waters, and speed up efforts to recover the population. He presented the
proclamation to Janine Harles, whose photographs are often featured on My Edmonds News. Ms. Harles
said she takes a lot of photos of the Southern Resident and transient orca populations. Anything that can be
done to make people aware of what needs to be done to save them is a wonderful thing.
6. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
There were no audience comments.
PUBLIC HEARING
1. PUBLIC HEARING AND ACTION REGARDING NONCONFORMING BUILDING CODE
AMENDMENTS
Environmental Program Manager Kernen Lien reviewed:
• Nonconforming Building
o ECDC 17.40.020.A
A nonconforming building is one which once met bulk zoning standards and the site
development standards applicable to its construction, but which no longer conforms to such
standards due to the enactment or amendment of the zoning ordinance of the city of Edmonds
or the application of such ordinance in the case of a structure annexed to the city.
• Restoration
o ECDC 17.40.020.17
If a nonconforming building or structure is destroyed or is damaged in an amount equal to 75
percent or more of its replacement cost at the time of destruction, said building shall not be
reconstructed except in full conformance with the provisions of the Edmonds Community
Development Code.
• Issue
o Banks are refusing to finance the purchase of condominiums in buildings that exceed the
density of the current zone given the language in ECDC 17.40.020.17
o Twenty-four sites have been identified thus far
■ 633 units that may be impacted due to financing issues
is Not an exhaustive list
• Comprehensive Plan
o Housing Goal D:
Maintain a valuable housing resource by encouraging preservation and rehabilitation of the
older housing stock in the community.
o Housing Policy D:
Evaluate City ordinances and programs to determine if they prevent rehabilitation of older
buildings.
Interim Ordinance
• Interim Ordinance
F. Restoration. If a nonconforming building or structure is destroyed or is damaged in an amount
equal to 75 percent or more of its replacement cost at the time of destruction, said building shall
not be reconstructed except in full conformance with the provisions of the Edmonds Community
Development Code, PROVIDED THAT a multifamily_ residential building may be restored in
the same location. and to the same densitv. height, setbacks and coverage as existed before
the destruction or damage occurred if an aDDlication fora building permit is submitted within
one ,year of the date the damage occurred. Determination of replacement costs and the level of
destruction shall be made by the building official an shall be appealable as a Type II staff decision
under the provisions of Chapter 20.06 ECDC. Damage of less than 75 percent of replacement costs
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 4, 2019
Page 2
n
may be repaired, and the building returned to its former size, shape and lot location as existed before
the damage occurred, if, but only if, such repair is initiated by the filing of an application for a
building permit which vests as provided in ECDC 19.00.015 et seq. within one year of the date
such damage occurred. This right of restoration shall not apply if:
ECDC 17.40.010 Nonconforming Uses
o Corrected reference to build code
2. If a nonconforming residential use ceases because its building is damaged in excess of 75
percent of its replacement cost, the use may be reestablished if, but only if, an application for
a building permit which vests as proved in ECDC ' 9.0� 0 01 5 19.00.025(G), et seq., is filed
within 18 months of the date such damage occurred. After the application has been filed, only
one 180 -day extension may be granted.
ECDC 17.40.020 nonconforming bldgs.
o Restoration section 17.40.020.F combined with G and broken into three subsections
o F.1 applies to all nonresidential nonconforming buildings
F. Restoration.
1. If a nonconforming building or structure is destroyed or is damaged in an amount equal
to 75 percent or more of its replacement cost at the time of destruction, said building
shall not be reconstructed except in full conformance with the provisions of the Edmonds
Community Development Code. Determination of replacement costs and the level of
destruction shall be made by the building official and shall be appealable as a Type II
staff decision under the provisions of Chapter 20.06 ECDC. Damage of less than 75
percent of replacement costs may be repaired, and the building returned to its former
size, shape and lot location as existed before the damage occurred, if, but only if, such
repair is initiated by the filing of an application for a building permit which vests as
provided in ECDC ' 9.0�5 19.00.02,5(G) et seq. within one yeas 18 months of the
date such damage occurred. The director may grant a one-time extension of up to 180
days if a written extension request has been received from the applicant prior to the
expiration of the initial 18 months. Th is right of rvster-ati an shall iiet app 1), ifi
owner or the owners agent; a
of the owner- or- the ewnefls agenis.
ECDC 17.40.020 Nonconforming Building
o F.2 applies to residential nonconforming buildings
2. G. Residential Buildings :... ''^•--memi^' '^• 'es. Existing nonconforming buildings in
commercial zones in use solely for residential purposes, or structures attendant to such
residential use, may be :Femodeled reconstructed without regard to the limitations of
subsections (B), (E) and (F) of this section, if, but only if, the following conditions are met:
a. -6If a nonconforming muldfamil-v residential building or a mixed use buildin
containing multiple residential units is damaged in excess of 75 percent of its
replacement cost, the building may he restored to the same density, height,
setbacks or coverage as existing before the destruction or damage occurred it but
only if, an application for a building permit which vests as provided in ECDC
19.00.025(6) et seg. is filed within 180 days of a written extension request has been
received from the anglicant prior to the expiration of the initial 18 months. The
"
Feetpr-int2' shall imean an ai-ea equal W the smallest reetangttlar area in
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June 4, 2019
Page 3
and is found by the ek�, staff to be sabstantially similar- to flie ariginal style and
b. 2-. All provisions of the State Building and Electrical Codes can be complied with
entirely on the site. No nonconforming residential building may be remodeled or
reconstructed if, by so doing, the full use under state law or city ordinance of a
conforming neighboring lot or building would be limited by such remodel or
reconstruction.
c. 3.r. These provisions shall apply only to the primary residential use on site and shall not
apply to nonconforming accessory buildings or structures.
d. 4: A nonconforming residential single -family building may be rebuilt within the
defined building envelope if it is rebuilt with materials and design which are
substantially similar to the original style and structure after complying with current
codes. Substantial compliance shall be determined by the city as a Type II staff
decision, except that any appeal of the staff decision shall be to the Architectural
Design Board JADBI rather than to the hearing examiner. The decision of the ADB
shall be final and appealable only as provided in ECDC 20.07.006
ECDC 17.40.020 Nonconforming Buildings
o F.3 applies to the right of restoration
3. The right of restoration shall not aggly if:
a. The buildine or structure was damn ed or destroved due to the unlawful act of
the owner or the owner's agent;
b. The building is damaged or destroyed due to the ongoing neglect or gross
negligence of the owner or owner's agents; or
c. The building was demolished for the purpose of redevelo ment
New Section ECDC 19.00.045
19.40.045 Reconstruction of dame ed buildin s. For any structure that is destroyed,
damned or demolished in an amount equal to 75 percent or more of its replacement cost of
the time of destruction, the reconstruction shall be considered to be under the category of
"New" construction. Determination of replacement costs and the level of destruction shall be
made by the building official and shall be appealable as a Tyl2e I1 staff decision under the
provisions of Chapter 20.06 ECDC. The "New" construction will he sub'ect to all applicable
requirements of the Edmonds Community Development Code for a new building, includin
but not limited to zoning, utilities and site-related features; provided that Chanter 17.40
ECDC also applies to certain requirements for nonconforming buildings and uses.
Mr. Lien advised the packet contains a draft ordinance for Council consideration.
With regard to multiple uses in a non -conforming building, Councilmember Tibbott asked what other uses
there could be besides commercial. Mr. Lien answered it would need to be a mixed use building with a
residential component. Mixed use does not always mean commercial and residential, but this amendment
only applies to mixed use buildings with a residential component; otherwise the building would be subject
to 17.40.020.F.1. Councilmember Tibbott summarized with a mixed use building there would be the
possibility of replacing the commercial spaces to their original size and bulk. Mr. Lien answered it could
be rebuilt to the same density, height, setbacks and coverage; density covers the residential. As far as what
uses return to the commercial space, it would be whatever the property wanted and was consistent with the
zone.
Councilmember Teitzel agreed with the proposed changes but was concerned with potential unintended
consequences. For example, if a single family home did not conform to the height or footprint relative to
the setbacks, and if the building were destroyed up to 75% of its replacement cost, could a potential buyer
have difficulty obtaining financing. He asked if there was potential that the proposed amendments would
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 4, 2019
Page 4
need to be extended to single family homes as well. Mr. Lien answered there is one section that applies to
nonconforming single family residences. The code was drafted with the intent to address the arts corridor,
a commercial zone with single family homes, and there are restrictions in 2.b that apply to that. Generally
speaking, there is more flexibility for building a single family homes on single family zoned property. For
example, on a single family zoned property, there can be only one house so rebuilding would not exceed
the density. Single family properties are typically larger and have more flexibility to construct a new house
on the site.
Councilmember Johnson said the original language stated a building lot with size, shape and lot location;
the new language refers to building setbacks, density, height or coverage, which she felt were two different
things and one of the key component was setbacks. Mr. Lien referred to language in ECDC 17.40.020.F.2,
"...may be reconstructed without regard to the limitations of subsections (E) and (F), of this section..."
Subsection F is related to 75% and subsection E is related to relocation, "Should a nonconforming building
structure be moved horizontally for any reason for any distance, it shall thereafter come into conformance
with the setback..." Subsection E also states, "Movement alone of a nonconforming building or structure to
lessen an aspect of its nonconformity shall not require the owner thereof to bring the building or structure
into compliance with other bulk or site development standards of the city applicable to the building or
structure."
Councilmember Johnson said she had no problem with density, height or coverage but setbacks was not
included in the old language but has been added to the amended language. Mr. Lien agreed setbacks was
not in the original language but was included in the interim ordinance. Councilmember Johnson observed
that was a significant change. Mr. Lien agreed it was a change in the nonconforming code.
Mayor Earling opened the public participation portion of the public hearing.
Cami Morrill, Snohomish County-Camano Association of Realtors, which represents nearly 2,000
realtors in Snohomish County, expressed the association's support for the draft code language which will
allow nonconforming buildings to be restored to the same density, height, setbacks and coverage as existed
before the structure destruction or damage occurred.
Hearing no further comment, Mayor Earling closed the public participation portion of the public hearing.
City Attorney Tom Brubaker identified a typo in 19.00.045, "replacement costs of the time of destruction"
should be "at the time of destruction." Mr. Lien agreed.
COUNCILMEMBER NELSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-
MONILLAS, TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 4151, AMENDING THE EDMONDS COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT CODE RELATING TO THE ABILITY TO REBUILD CERTAIN
NONCONFORMING STRUCTURES AS AMENDED BY THE CITY ATTORNEY.
Councilmember Johnson said she supported about 95% of the amendments. However, setbacks are
important and exist for many reasons such as promoting harmony in the streetscape and providing buffers
between different uses such as single family and multifamily. She said include setbacks was overreaching
what the City wanted to accomplish. She recalled when Hwy 99 was studied, the effect of setbacks on the
neighborhoods was considered.
COUNCILMEMBER JOHNSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-
MONILLAS, TO AMEND THE MOTION TO REMOVE "SETBACKS" FROM THE
AMENDMENT.
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June 4, 2019
Page 5
Council President Fraley-Monillas asked the effect of removing "setbacks." Mr. Lien said if there have
been changes to the setbacks over the years like there were to heights, there may not be room on the property
to move the building to obtain the same type of building. Multifamily buildings may not have the same
flexibility as a single family residence because the sites are typically tighter due to parking, etc. Council
President Fraley-Monillas summarized under the proposed amendment, if the building were rebuilt, it
would be rebuilt in compliance with setbacks in place at the time it was originally constructed. Mr. Lien
answered yes under the draft language. Removing "setbacks" would have a similar impact as removing
"heights" which could result in eliminating a building story.
Council President Fraley-Monillas observed there could be a financial burden. Mr. Lien agreed there could
be. Development Services Director Shane Hope agreed setbacks were important which is the reason they
exist, but there are likely not very many multifamily buildings where setbacks are currently a problem; she
was not aware of any. There are few existing multifamily buildings on Hwy 99 that would conflict so there
is still the ability on Hwy 99 to enforce the new regulations.
Councilmember Johnson said if it is a non -issue and there are not a lot of areas where setbacks are a
problem, it is not necessary to include it in this amendment. Conversely if more uniformity was desired, it
should be included. Ms. Hope said the challenge is staff is not aware of any concerns about the existing
setbacks but there no study has been conducted regarding setback violations. Her comment was staff has
not heard any concerns about existing buildings and their location within the setbacks. Councilmember
Johnson commented perhaps she was looking at this too theoretically.
COUNCILMEMBER JOHNSON WITHDREW THE AMENDMENT WITH THE AGREEMENT
OF SECOND.
MAIN MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. ACTION ITEMS
1. AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE -2019 CUES SEWER VIDEO INSPECTION TRUCK
Public Works Director Phil Williams said this has been discussed several times and he was available to
answer any additional questions. This item is the replacement of a 10 -year old video inspection truck owned
and operated by the Sewer Division with a new version of the same truck purchased from Cues in Portland,
Oregon. The price is $412,999.59 after a $50,000 trade-in. One of the cameras will be retained. The 2019
budget included $425,000 for this purchase. Approval was delayed to tonight's meeting when the full
Council would be present to vote.
COUNCILMEMBER TEITZEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER TIBBOTT, TO
APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF THE 2019 CUES SEWER VIDEO INSPECTION TRUCK.
MOTION CARRIED (5-2), COUNCILMEMBERS JOHNSON AND BUCKSHNIS VOTING NO.
APPROVAL OF RESOURCES FOR RECORDING HOUSING COMMISSION EVENTS
Development Services Director Shane Hope relayed this is a follow-up to a previous Council discussion.
She reviewed:
• Background
o On May 21St, City Council approved certain resources from Council continency to support
Citizens Housing Commission, including:
■ Meeting facilitator
■ Community engagement
• Tonight's focus is recording for:
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 4, 2019
Page 6
o Monthly meetings in City Council
o Monthly meetings and special events elsewhere
• Note: assumption of 19 standard meetings, 3 open house type and 3 other events
(minimum)
• Options for types of recording
1. Written (minutes, notes)
2. Audio
3. Video
o Written notes or minutes
1. Informal notes by staff or community engagement consultant
■ With or without audio tapes
■ Cost: marginal
2. Detailed minutes by professional minute -taker (contract)
■ With audio tapes
■ Cost: $300 per session (estimate)
o Videotaping
1. City equipment and resources in Council Chambers only
■ With video indexing and posting on web (1 day later)
■ Existing portable mikes (3)
■ About $200 per session
2. Basic Level (contracted) in any location
* One camera, one microphone
■ One week—Delivery of videotape (with indexing) for City posting
■ $300-350 per session
3. Mid-level (contract) in any location
■ 2 cameras
■ 2 – 4 microphones for table + 1 mike for public comments
■ 1-3 days to deliver videotape, indexed, for City posting
■ Possible live -streaming
■ $600 – 1,000 per session
4. High level (contract) in any location
■ 2 to 3 cameras
■ 1 mike per person + 1 mike for public comments
■ 2-5 days for delivery of videotape, indexed, to City for posting
• Live -streaming possible?
■ $1800 – 1900 per session
• Recording Options summary
A-1. Use audio -taping & posted minutes or notes for standard meetings + 3 events
Est total cost: $6600 (or $5700 if only standard meetings, no special events)
A-2. City videotaping at Council Chambers (only) for all standard meetings
Est. total cost: $3800
B. Video - "All In at Low End": Use private services for standard meetings + 3 events
Est. total cost: $6600 - $7700
C. Video - "All In at Mid to Higher End": Use private services for all standard meetings + 3
events
Est. total cost: $13,200 - $41,800
D-1. Mixed Basic: Use Option A.1 + Use Option B approach (basic contracted video services)
for 12 meetings/events outside of City Hall
Est. total cost: $10,200
D-2. Mixed & Enhanced: Use Option A.1 + Use combo of A.2 approach for 10 standard
meetings & Option C approach (mid-level private video services) for 12 other events
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 4, 2019
Page 7
Est. total cost: $19,700 - $32,300
■ Cost Range for Recording
o Professional minutes & audio (per session)
■ $300 per session for formal minute -taking & audio tapes
o Videotaping
■ $200 per session at City Hall with City equipment & video -taper
■ $350 — 1900 per session at any location with contracted services
NOTE: Difference in videotaping costs is primarily based on number of cameras,
microphones, and editing quality
Recommendation:
1. Approve resources from Council contingency budget for audiotaping & professional written
minutes for all standard meetings (not open houses) — up to $6,600
Total Est. $6,600
2. Optional: Approve resources from Council contingency budget to include videotaping - up to
$6,000, allowing:
a. City videotaping for City Hall meetings and
b. Basic video services for events in other locations
Total Est. $12,600 (w/ audio + written minutes)
Reminder: Videotaping services may be included in responses to community engagement RFQ
Councilmember Johnson commented there are a lot of variables. She suggest an Option 3, a standard
meeting time and in Council Chambers where all the existing resources could be used for the 19 standard
meetings and 6 meetings could be held elsewhere. That would control costs and have the advantage of a
regular location for the meetings. The proposal includes 10 standards meetings in Council Chambers; her
proposal was to have 19 meetings in Council Chambers. Ms. Hope said that is another option; the resolution
the Council adopted referred to holding meetings around the City but did not state the number of meetings.
Councilmember Johnson commented there could even be more than six. The advantage of holding meetings
in Council Chambers is the City has the room, the cameras and an operator. If it does not work out, it could
be changed.
Councilmember Buckshnis pointed out Planning Board meetings were only available live -streamed but not
on the website or on TV. She questioned why the Housing Commission would be videotaped when other
equally important groups like the Tree Board and Diversity Commission were not videotaped. The Housing
Commission is important but the information they gather will go to the Planning Board. She preferred to
treat the Housing Commission like any other commission. She was uncertain why citizens had a lack of
trust when the commission hasn't even started yet. The resolution forming the commission states the
meetings will be held in multiple locations which was not addressed by Councilmember Johnson's proposal.
Ms. Hope recalled a couple years ago the Council determined which boards and commission would have
minutes and which would have notes and only the Planning Board and Council would be videotaped. The
original Planning Board videos were posted on the website; that was lost when the City changed its service
but it is believed that can be restored with some additional work. Currently the Planning Board is only
video -streamed and other boards and commission are only audio recorded and have minutes.
Councilmember Tibbott clarified other boards and commission have summary notes. Ms. Hope said the
Planning Board and the Architectural Design Board have minutes, the rest have summary, informal
minutes/notes. Councilmember Tibbott agreed Council Chambers are available and it is a great place for
public meetings, people can be heard and illustrative materials displayed. He liked the idea of holding
regular commission meetings in Council Chambers where they could be easily video recorded. If those
meetings were video recorded, summary notes would be adequate. He recalled at a recent housing meeting
in the Library Plaza Room, there were two cameras, one for recording and one for streaming. He was
uncertain what was captured, but even with one camera and one mike, it appeared it was capturing the
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 4, 2019
Page 8
essence of what happened during the meeting. He summarized a basic one-camera approach at alternate
locations would be adequate.
Councilmember Teitzel asked what problem staff was trying to solve. If it was transparency, if the meetings
were noticed and the public invited to intend and they were digitally audio-recorded and full minutes taken,
that was a great deal of transparency, as much or more than other boards or commissions. The City has 14
boards/commissions; the Housing Commission will be the 15"'. He argued that each one was doing
important work for the City and if the intent to videotape their meetings, consideration should be broader
than just the Housing Commission which would be a significant investment for taxpayers. He summarized
the prudent approach was to proceed with Option 1 which includes digital audio recording and full meeting
minutes. If that is not sufficient and did not meet the transparency goal, it could be changed. He was uneasy
acknowledging the importance of this commission over the others as they are all important.
Councilmember Nelson said he had no problem acknowledging the importance of this commission over
other commissions and could not think of any other commission that would profoundly shape the future of
the City, how it's housed and how and where people live. With regard to videotaping, he supported basic
video services Option 2. He acknowledged there is a great technological setup in Council Chambers but
public involvement is inconsistent at best. He pointed out the issue was not just transparency, it was
engagement. There are benefits to having meetings rotate around the City so that the public not only sees
what is happening but has an opportunity to be involved and include. He did not support having all meetings
in Council Chambers and preferred to have some in the community.
Council President Fraley-Monillas pointed out there had never been a commission with over 100
applications. Ms. Hope said as of last Friday, 123 applications have been submitted by citizens to fill 14
seats and 7 alternate positions. Council President Fraley-Monillas read a statement regarding videotaping
from a citizen who has submitted an application: "One point with videotaping, it could save staff time and
also give the appointed commissioners a great tool to review visuals that will be included and considerable
audio information to educate them on all things housing and government. It is so much easier to review a
video to see who is speaking as well as fast-forward until you see who is speaking or what is being displayed
to save the person's time to get to what they want to see and review. An audio has no way to know what
happening unless there is a transcript at the same time. Even then, unless the transcript has the time included,
you have no idea where to find it and some folks could be so frustrated they lose interest and you lose that
engagement with the public. In my experience, a video is more accessible to all and definitely easier to
review as far as time and effort as most residents are busy which leads them to not get involved. We all
want many Edmonds residents to be engaged in this process. It will also be much easier for a commissioner
who misses a meeting to get updated including visuals and not tap the staff s time as much to do so."
Council President Fraley-Monillas said a hybrid option was reasonable. She agreed with Councilmember
Johnson's suggestion to have standard meetings in Council Chambers, but also supported holding meetings
in other areas/zones to gather input. She was uncertain what equipment those meetings would require or
whether minutes or notes would be sufficient. She summarized there were over 120 people who wanted to
be on the commission and she was hopeful the rest of the City would have an opportunity to view the
commission's meetings.
Ms. Hope suggested staff develop a hybrid and determine a budget. Staff has obtained informal quotes and
the RFQ may provide an opportunity to combine resources. Council does not have to determine a budget
tonight but she was seeking direction.
Councilmember Mesaros asked if the 120+ applications had been sorted by zone to determine how many
had been submitted from each. Ms. Hope offered to provide that information during the next agenda item.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 4, 2019
Page 9
Councilmember Buckshnis urged caution, noting two Councilmembers have said this commission will
shape the City's future. She emphasized the City Council will shape the City's future. She recalled the
pushback the Tree Board got about the tree ordinance, pointing out the Housing Commission is intended to
assist the Planning Board and the City Council. The buck stops with the City Council. She recalled the
lengthy processes for Hwy 99, Five Corners, Harbor Square, Westgate, etc. She supported having minutes
and audio, but was open to videotaping because everyone thinks this commission is so important. She
anticipated there would be a long process following the Housing Commission's work.
Councilmember Johnson summarized the Council had provided guidance on videotaping and on minutes
versus summary notes; 2-3 Councilmembers have expressed interest in summary notes and she added her
support. If the meetings are videotaped, the time and expense of minutes was unnecessary.
Ms. Hope said she will return with a budget amendment in July.
3. APPROVAL OF TIMEFRAME TARGET FOR HOUSING COMMISSION START-UP
Development Services Director Shane Hope
• Tonight's objective
o Decide on timeframe to start review of Housing Commission applications
o Optional: Decide on any other selected timeframe items
Background
o Resolution # 1427 guides establishment of the citizens' housing commission
a Does not have specific deadline for applications or meetings to begin
o Postcard mailing & other outreach has sparked great interest
o So far, about 125 applications received
= Representing all 7 districts
■ 10 – 32 applications per district
Timeline for selecting commissioners
o Postcards announced "first consideration" of applications as May 15; also referenced Housing
Commission website
o Commission website revised soon after to have May 31 for "first consideration" (with caveat
noting no absolute deadline)
o Website revised last week to say May 31 date was delayed and new date for "first
consideration" would be announced soon
Steps before City Council begin reviewing applications
o Assignment of each city council member to district from which council member may select 2
commissioners & 1 alternate
o Optional: Confirmation of whether candidate applications match district for which they applied
■ Not required but could avoid mistaken locations
■ Could also be done later—after number of candidates are narrowed down by council
members
o Hard copy made of all submitted applications & handed off by district to each council member
Steps after applications go to each assigned Councilmember
o Each Councilmember to review all applications from assigned district
o Councilmembers may choose to interview applicants from their assigned district
o Optional: verification that top candidates' addresses match district
o Councilmembers to contact final selected candidates & indicate intent to appoint (2
commissioners + 1 alt.)
o Staff to be notified of who is being selected so they can have record & send out meeting
materials, etc.
o Mayor may review remaining applications & (if desired) interview any remaining candidates
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 4, 2019
Page 10
o Mayor to select his appointee & alternate & notify them
o Mayor to notify staff of who is selected
o Councilmembers & Mayor to announce appointments, pref. at public meeting
o Council President to assign up to 2 Councilmembers as non-voting liaisons to commission
■ Could be permanent assignments or rotating assignments
o Staff to notify each applicant of status (selected or not) & next steps
o Optional: poll of selected candidates could be taken to get preferred dates for first meeting
o First commission meeting date would be chosen by Council President
o Ideally, meeting facilitator & any minute -taker (+ video -taper?) would be under contract &
available for first meeting
o Announcements (press release, etc.) would go out about appointments & first meeting
o Housing commissioners would each be assigned city email address & staff would prepare to
begin sending them materials
o If possible, additional housing commission support for community engagement would be in
place — either before first meeting or soon after
Council President Fraley-Monillas referred to the selection of the first meeting date by the Council President
and suggested that be done in consolidation with Ms. Hope. Ms. Hope agreed. She continued her
presentation:
■ Options for Timeframe to start review of applications
A. Circa June 7
o Allows only very short time for council president to assign council members their district
for housing commission process
o May not allow each applicant to have address matched with district
■ Though this step is not required; also could be done after field of candidates is
narrowed
B. Circa June 14
o Allows time for one more press release to be issued about application opportunity
o Allows council president a few days to assign council members their districts
o Provides time for confirming that application addresses match intended district
■ Though this step is not required; also could be done after field of candidates is
narrowed
C. Another Date
o Council could select entirely different date
o Would be helpful to identify new date & rationale so information can be communicated to
public
D. No date
o Possible to not decide on specific date to begin considering applications:
■ Gives less certainty to public about commissioner selection period
■ Gives more flexibility in timing for residents to apply
Council President Fraley-Monillas said she intends to assign zones at the retreat on Friday.
Councilmember Teitzel suggested June 21" as a target date. Some citizens have indicated they did not
receive the postcard mailer and that date would allow time for citizens to complete applications, for
Councilmembers to think about their assignments, etc.
Council President Fraley-Monillas agreed with June 21St, assuming that would include one more press
release. Ms. Hope said it would. It was the consensus of the Council to start review of applications June
21 St.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 4, 2019
Page 11
9. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Earling congratulated Councilmember Johnson for completing the AWC's Certificate of Municipal
Leadership. As long as he has been Mayor, Councilmember Johnson was the first Councilmember to receive
that certificate.
Mayor Earling reported Snohomish County Executive Somers held a workshop last Friday in Everett, a
countywide effort to bring together a regional taskforce to agree on basic principles and provide guidance
to Snohomish County. Every city in the county was represented at the meeting except Brier and Woodway.
He is the voting member and Ms. Hope is the alternate.
10. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Buckshnis said the proclamation regarding "Orca Action Month" was wonderful. She
invited the public to Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Council's event, Splish Splash on June 13 from 11
a.m.. to 1 p.m. at the Golden Garden bathhouse, a celebration of laws related to orcas, live music, and
refreshments. She plans to send the City's proclamation to PSSRC so it can be added to the website.
Council President Fraley-Monillas thanked Councilmembers for their quick response regarding attendance
and lunch choices for Friday's retreat. Last Thursday Mayor Earling, Councilmember Tibbott and she
attended the PSRC annual general meeting where they voted on new officers and reviewed the 2020 budget.
Councilmember Teitzel relayed reading this weekend that two babies have been born to the Southern
Resident orca group and they appear to be doing well. He hoped they both continued to do well, eat heartily
and have a have a long, healthy life.
Councilmember Nelson said this morning he drove his sons by the convenience store on 100th that
experienced an alleged hate crime. He explained to his sons that that was what hate speech looked like and
talked them how the new business owner had originally come from the country of Fiji and sadly, because
this incident, he no longer felt welcome in the community. He explained to his sons that whenever they
hear or see hate, they must stand up against it and speak out, whether it was against their friend or a complete
stranger. Hate has never been defeated by silence. Edmonds is a loving community but must be ever vigilant
against those that seek to divide us.
Councilmember Johnson commented when the Council begin its meeting at 6:00 p.m., the meeting ended
at 8:20 p.m., when it was still light out. It is a beautiful evening and she hoped everyone enjoyed it.
Councilmember Mesaros said he had had a long day; he left Dublin this morning at approximately 11 p.m.
yesterday Edmonds time. He spent time in Norway and other seashore cities on this trip, some of them
much further north where sunset was about 11:30 p.m. He summarized it was always good to go away but
always good to come home to beautiful Edmonds.
11. CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING PENDING OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION
PER RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)
This item was not needed.
12. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION. POTENTIAL ACTION AS A RESULT OF MEETING IN
EXECUTIVE SESSION
This item was not needed.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 4, 2019
Page 12
13. ADJOURN
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 8:21 p.m.
O. EA LING, MA
C TT PASSEY, CITY CL K
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
June 4, 2019
Page 13
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