05/27/2014 City CouncilEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
May 27, 2014
The Edmonds City Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Earling in the Council
Chambers, 250 5th Avenue North, Edmonds. The meeting was opened with the flag salute.
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT STAFF PRESENT
Dave Earling, Mayor Al Compaan, Police Chief
Diane Buckshnis, Council President Carrie Hite, Parks & Recreation Director
Scott James, Finance Director
Kristiana Johnson, Councilmember Steve Fisher, Recycling Coordinator
Lora Petso, Councilmember
Strom Peterson, Councilmember (arrived 7:14 p.m.) Jeff Taraday, City Attorney
Joan Bloom, Councilmember Scott Passey, City Clerk
Adrienne Fraley-Monillas, Councilmember Sandy Chase, Senior Executive Council Asst.
Thomas Mesaros, Councilmember (arrived 7:26 p.m.) Jeannie Dines, Recorder
1. ROLL CALL
City Clerk Scott Passey called the roll. All elected officials were present with the exception of
Councilmembers Peterson and Mesaros.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT
BUCKSHNIS, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA IN CONTENT AND ORDER. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY. (Councilmembers Peterson and Mesaros were not present for the vote.).
3. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Bloom requested Item A be removed from the Consent Agenda.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT BUCKSHNIS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER PETSO,
TO APPROVE THE REMAINDER OF THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY. (Councilmembers Peterson and Mesaros were not present for the vote.).The
agenda items approved are as follows:
B. APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS #208715 THROUGH #208808 DATED MAY 22, 2014
FOR $384,039.08 AND REISSUED CHECK #208757 FOR $139.63. APPROVAL OF
PAYROLL DIRECT DEPOSIT AND CHECKS #60958 THROUGH #60969 FOR
$463,094.12, BENEFIT CHECKS #60970 THROUGH #60975 AND WIRE PAYMENTS OF
$207,324.89 FOR THE PERIOD MAY 1, 2014 THROUGH MAY 15, 2014
C. ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF A CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FROM KIM PIERCE
($4,994.56)
D. INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH YAKIMA COUNTY FOR JAIL SERVICES
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E. AMENDING ORDINANCE - AVOIDING COMPLIANCE WITH TRAFFIC DEVICES -
PENALTY
Item A: APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 20, 2014
Councilmember Bloom requested the following corrections:
• Page 13, second paragraph, change "incorporated" to "unincorporated"
• Page 16, second full paragraph, last sentence, change "Economic Development Department" to
"Economic Development Commission"
• Page 16, second full paragraph, first sentence, change "messing" to "messaging"
COUNCILMEMBER BLOOM MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT BUCKSHNIS,
TO APPROVE ITEM A AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. (Councilmembers
Peterson and Mesaros were not present for the vote.).
4. SWEARING IN CEREMONY FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT PROMOTION
Police Chief Al Compaan commented an oath is an important public recognition of personal achievement
and a personal pledge to the highest legal, ethical and professional standards critical to the law
enforcement mission. He described Corporal Kenneth Crystal's background; he was hired July 6, 1998 as
a lateral entry police officer. He came to Edmonds with several years of police experience in New Castle
County, Delaware Police Department and Delaware State Police. He has a Bachelor's degree in biology
from Western Maryland College.
While employed by the City, Corporal Crystal has been a property crimes detective, narcotics detective,
motor officer, and patrol officer. After serving as a narcotics detective, he served six months as the law
enforcement liaison to the Snohomish County Adult Drug Treatment Court, a therapeutic court that works
with adult offenders whose charges stem from drug addiction or abuse. He was recognized by the
presiding judge of the drug treatment court for his work as part of the treatment team and with the
offenders.
Off duty Corporal Crystal has coordinated the Edmonds Police Officers Association sponsorship of
Thanksgiving dinner for senior citizens as well as the Association's Christmas gift -giving program in
Edmonds area schools. Corporal Crystal has received two letters of commendation and was the David
Stern Officer of the Year for 2013. At this year's award ceremony, he was awarded a Medal of Valor
along with Officer Earl Yamane for rescuing a man suffering from smoke inhalation. His two children
Maddie Stark and Jake Crystal are here with him tonight.
Chief Compaan administered the Oath of Office to Corporal Kenneth Crystal. His son Jake pinned his
badge and his daughter Maddie presented him with his uniform hat. Chief Compaan presented Corporal
Crystal a framed Certificate of Promotion.
Corporal Crystal thanked the Council for acknowledging his promotion. He thanked Chief Compaan and
Assistant Chiefs Lawless and Anderson for the opportunity, commenting he was excited and honored by
the challenge. To his fellow officers and the citizens of Edmonds, he considered himself blessed and
humbled to be a member of the Edmonds Police Department. Having grown up in a law enforcement
family, and having known officers his entire life, the officers that protect this community go above and
beyond.
6. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
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Randy Hayden, Edmonds, referred to building heights, acknowledging this was a touchy subject during
Council campaigns. He requested the Council reconsider their April 23 vote. Although some
Councilmembers claim they did not vote to raise building heights, the language states the basic height
limit is 25 feet; within the B1, 2, 3 and 4 zones an additional 5 feet of building height increasing overall
height to a maximum of 30 feet. The issue is not only height; increasing building heights also changes the
building structure to 30 foot boxes. As a general contractor working on Queen Anne, he has seen
problems with 30 foot box buildings.
Alvin Rutledge, Edmonds, reported the Washington State Department of Transportation project at SR -
104 and Pine Street will include 20 days of 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. construction.
Dave Page, Edmonds, commented he thought building heights were always 25 + 5 feet. When the City
first hired the communications consultant, he heard a lot of grumbling about hiring someone to help the
Council get along. He reported watching the video of the May 21 Council's meeting with the
communication consultant and was reminded of Tip O'Neill and Ronald Regan's efforts to get along. He
provided another example, when he owned Page Company and Mayor Earling owned Edmonds Realty
the brokers meet for lunch once a month to get to know each other; when that stopped, infighting began.
He applauded the Council's efforts and encouraged them to talk to each other.
Roger Hertrich, Edmonds, commented the Citizens Levy Group was comprised of 60 well intentioned
citizens concerned about the budget who held meetings and worked on creating a levy. With the improved
economy and improvement in the City's financial condition, that effort morphed into the Economic
Development Commission (EDC). He questioned the EDC's work products, suggesting they may need
the imagination and business sense from business owners. He urged the Council to discuss the talents they
are missing out on by restricting membership on the EDC to Edmonds residents.
5. PRESENTATION OF AWARD BY THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIREFIGHTERS
(IAFF) LOCAL 1828
Doug Dahl, on behalf of IAFF Local 1828, Snohomish County Professional Firefighters, recognized
Councilmember Peterson for accepting IAFF Local 1828's offer to attend the Fire Ops 101 class. A
national program put on the International Local, held this year on May 2 in Hanford, allows elected
officials and the media to spend a day in the life of firefighter. It is labor intensive, hands-on class
intended to help elected officials and the media understand the needs of the fire department. Senator
Marko Liias also attended the class.
Mr. Dahl displayed several photographs and described seven scenarios the attendees participate in that
illustrate what firefighters do on a daily basis:
1. Ongoing CPR, package the patient out of the second story and continue CPR in a medic unit to
the hospital
2. Live fire scenario in full gear, put out fires on first and second floors, search the second floor and
retreat
3. Aerial operation climbing a 100 -foot ladder
4. Simulated roof venting, cutting a hole in a pitched roof with a chain saw in full gear
5. Motor vehicle accident, cut apart a car and extricate patients
6. Search and rescue in a two-story smoke maze, rescue person from second floor
7. Simulated propane fire with ruptured valve
On behalf of Local 1828, Mr. Dahl presented Councilmember Peterson with his own fire helmet as thanks
for completing the Fire Ops 101 class.
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Councilmember Peterson commented it was incredible experience; elected officials from across the state
and throughout the region attended the class. It was an eye-opening experience and helped him
understand the need for personnel and equipment and the physical demands of the job and increased his
tremendous respect for the men and women of the fire service. He encouraged others to participate.
7. PRESENTATION ON THE CITY'S RECYCLING PROGRAM
Recycling Coordinator Steve Fisher provided an update on the City's Waste Prevention and Recycling
Program, highlighting the three Rs, reduce, reuse, recycle. While efforts to increase recycling continue to
be the main focus of the program, waste reduction is emphasized wherever possible. Recycling can be
measured; prevention and reduction is more difficult to measure.
To visualize the amount of garbage created, he explained a garbage train travels through Edmonds every
day from North Everett to the landfill in Klickitat County. The garbage train is loaded with special 48 -
foot long containers that contain nearly 30 tons of garbage. Each train car has two containers one on top
of the other. On average approximately 1,500 tons of garbage leaves on a train daily to go to the landfill
or about 25 rail cars. To illustrate the length of the train, he explained 25 rail cars would stretch from the
Sunset overlook past the dog park. To illustrate the amount of garbage, he invited the Council to visualize
a trunk to tail parade of 250 elephants weighing 6 tons each.
He relayed 2013 statistics reported by the waste hauling companies that operate in Edmonds:
• Number of single family residences in Edmonds: 10,435
• Single family and multi -family residents and commercial businesses produced 15,300 tons of
garbage
• Produced 5,473 tons of recycling
• Produced 5,933 tons of yard and food waste collection
Mr. Fisher summarized 15,300 tons of garbage equates to 255 elephants or 10 trains of garbage/year. He
noted this does not include customers who haul their own waste, construction site debris, etc.
Mr. Fisher explained convenient curbside service has been available for 24 years; there is a high
participation in Edmonds. He reviewed a handout of acceptable recyclables in Edmonds, noting easily
50% of what is generated in an average household can be recycled. Garbage service subscribers
automatically have recycling included. The list of acceptable recyclables evolves; conflicting messages
and confusion about items has led to an increase in contamination. He displayed one of the haulers'
information pieces regarding recycling, garbage and pickup schedule, commenting most of the
information regarding curbside recycling is the same throughout western Washington but there are a few
differences. A regional work group was formed to look at the information provided to customers, how
items are collected at the curb, the efficiency of trucks, separating at processing facilities, and involving
mills and factories in product selection.
He referred to a handout with information regarding yard waste and food waste collection, a service
available to single family subscribers for an additional fee. He referred to a handout with examples of
drop off events for items not accepted in curbside garbage:
• E -Cycle Washington for electronics
• County operated Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Facility
• Expired/unwanted prescriptions can be turned in at Bartell, Group Health and Edmonds Police
Department
Mr. Fisher advised the City recently began offering Recycling on the Go, convenient recycling in City
parks and downtown streets. He recently obtained a grant for 25 new recycling containers to expand
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recycling containers in parks and to replace aging containers. In 2012 he received a grant from the Hazel
Miller Foundation for a dozen recycling containers on downtown streets to make recycling available for
shoppers and visitors; these are located next to existing street -side garbage receptacles. He is also
partnering with haulers on outreach and education. Snohomish County has a developed a revenue sharing
agreement with the two largest haulers in Snohomish County, Republic Services and Waste Management,
whereby a percentage of the fund from recyclables collected from customers is used to fund waste
prevention, recycling and outreach programs. Waste Management has also provided school assemblies
and classroom workshops. This summer he is partnering with Republic Services on outreach strategies to
multi -family properties that do not have onsite recycling or have poor recycling performance.
Recycling has available to patrons at the City's largest festivals for several years. Last year's food waste
collection pilot program at the Rotary Waterfront Festival was very successful and will occur at this
year's festival. He recognized the WSU Extension Sustainability Stewards Program who provides
volunteers for the Waste Warrior Outreach Program. Efforts are underway to offer diversion of food
waste at the Taste of Edmonds and Edmonds Arts Festival. He described the City's recent effort to have
Edmonds businesses complete the online Green Business Pledge. Any business that pledges is issued an
emblem showing their pledge.
Councilmember Bloom thanked Mr. Fisher for his interesting presentation, relaying Councilmember
Johnson and she asked for this presentation. She inquired whether the intent of education in schools was
to reach parents. Mr. Fisher answered the intent is to form habits as well as remind parents. Education is
important due to conflicting information.
Councilmember Bloom asked where the recycling handout could be obtained, noting she was previously
unaware that clean plant pots and scrap metal could be recycled. Mr. Fisher answered the form regarding
recycling and yard/food waste is available on the City's website.
Councilmember Mesaros echoed the appreciation for Mr. Fisher's presentation and efforts to educate
school children. He asked how the Green Business Pledge is marketed. Mr. Fisher answered the pledge is
a very simple program that was created to test the business community's interest. It was advertised in the
local media and the City newsletter as well as letters to the Chamber, Rotary and other business groups. If
there is enough interest, time and resources, a Green Business Recognition Program could be developed.
Councilmember Mesaros encouraged Mr. Fisher to continue marketing the program.
Councilmember Johnson thanked Mr. Fisher for his presentation, commenting this subject is dear to many
Councilmembers. At Councilmember Bloom's request, they met with Mr. Fisher to discuss recycling and
this presentation is one of the results. Councilmember Bloom is interested in the educational aspect and
she is interested in any legislative efforts to enhance the work Mr. Fisher is doing. They have met twice
and plan to continue discussions. This topic is also being discussed by the Mayors Climate Protection
Committee.
8. CONTRACT RENEWAL WITH LIGHTHOUSE LAW GROUP PLLC (LIGHTHOUSE)
Council President Buckshnis thanked Finance Director Scott James and City Attorney Jeff Taraday for
their assistance with reviewing the numbers. This item is information only; it will be on next week's
agenda for action.
Council President Buckshnis reported a great deal of data was reviewed including costs for in-house
attorney as well as information from WCIA. She referred to the agenda memo, essentially a white paper
she prepared with the assistance of Mr. Taraday and Mr. James. She commented it was important to
understand the difference between a flat fee, hourly rate and in-house. She summarized the data indicates
the City has received a tremendous amount of work from Lighthouse over the past three years.
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Councilmember Peterson recalled when the City previously considered changing city attorneys, one of the
issues identified by citizens was the City had not gone through that process for several years. He
appreciated this coming back to Council, and suggested even if the Council is satisfied with Lighthouse's
service, it is a good exercise to go out into the market.
Councilmember Bloom thanked Council President Buckshnis and Mr. James for gathering the
information, commented it helped her to see the history of legal expenses, what the flat fee has offered,
how much work Lighthouse has been doing and the hourly rate. She appreciated being able to call and ask
Mr. Taraday a legal question and said she never felt rushed. She asked if the proposed increase was for
the fourth year of the current contract. Council President Buckshnis answered Lighthouse's contract
expires at the end of the year. When this process was done four years ago, it took approximately five
months to select a new legal firm. She wanted to discuss it early to ensure if a majority of the Council
wanted to do RFQ that there would be enough time. The proposed contract renewal is 2015-2018.
Councilmember Mesaros echoed Councilmember Peterson's comments. Regardless of the Council's
satisfaction with Lighthouse, it is a good practice to seek information. That bodes well for Lighthouse and
for the citizens.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas expressed interest in the estimated cost of an in-house attorney, not just
the cost of the three FTE but also the cost of attorneys for special litigation as well as other costs. She
recalled an in-house attorney was deemed to be too costly when the City hired Lighthouse. Council
President Buckshnis answered Shoreline, Bothell, Bremerton, Olympia and Puyallup have in-house
attorneys. Councilmember Fraley-Monillas expressed interest in an estimate of costs in addition to the in-
house attorney such as for special counsel. Council President Buckshnis relayed WCIA's indication that
the City would spend a great deal on set-up, supplies, benefits, determining areas of expertise etc. for an
in-house attorney. Her primary concern with an in-house attorney was he/she would be an employee of
the City and could be fired at will.
Councilmember Bloom relayed she was also concerned that an in-house attorney could be fired by the
Mayor unilaterally. If the Council wanted to explore that, she suggested consideration be given to not
only the cost but what forms of government use in-house attorneys. For example Shoreline is a City
Manager form of government; in Edmonds' Council -Mayor form of government, the City Attorney is the
only position the Council has the authority to hire and she did not want the Council to give that authority
to the Mayor. She appreciated the idea of an RFQ but preferred not to go through that exercise as she was
uncertain what the purpose of that expensive, lengthy process would be.
Councilmember Petso echoed the point made by Councilmember Bloom, explaining she was part of the
process four years ago. Prior to that time, she did not believe the City had considered hiring a different
City Attorney for over 20 years. The process four years ago took several months and consumed a great
deal of Council time. Unless there was some suspicion that something had changed in the marketplace,
she suggested not looking just for the sake of looking. She anticipated an attorney interview process and
the budget would be the only two things that would be accomplished for the rest of year.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas asked whether the City had considered other law firms in the past when
Ogden Murphy Wallace's contract expired. Former City Clerk Sandy Chase recalled an RFQ was done a
couple times but most frequently Ogden Murphy Wallace's contract was renewed. Councilmember
Fraley-Monillas asked how long Ogden Murphy Wallace had been the City Attorney. Ms. Chase
answered over 20 years, likely closer to 30 years.
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Council President Buckshnis encouraged Councilmembers to sleep on this; talk to Mayor Earling, Mr.
Taraday, Mr. James and herself, and to continue the discussion next week. She recognized this was an
important decision and that there has been some criticism of Lighthouse.
9. CITY INFORMATION SUPPORT/COMMUNICATIONS
Parks & Recreation/Human Resources Reporting Director Carrie Hite recalled this was former
Community Services/Economic Development Director Mr. Clifton's project and a new Economic
Development Director has not been hired. During the budget process there were two decision packages
related to communications/information support:
1. A contracted position to help with the City's economic initiatives and arts and funds for
communication and advertising costs and to work with the Economic Development Office and
work across the City in sharing information.
2. Providing enhanced information to, and communication with, the public by contracting for
ongoing social media and content management to include but not limited to Facebook, Google,
YouTube.
With regard to the second package, Ms. Hite explained a very small amount of money was allocated to
hire a consultant to help with developing a Facebook page and access to social media for the public. The
results of that person's work will be available soon. The first package was an initiative Mayor Earling
brought to the Council with the idea of creating stimulus to define Edmonds as an arts community. Mr.
Clifton worked with Mayor Earling to issue the first RFQ that addressed the description in the decision
package, to hire a person to look at the City's entire communication system, help create a marketing
strategy, and enhance communication with the public around Edmonds as an arts destination and
economic initiatives.
The interview committee that interviewed the firms who responded to the first RFQ included
Councilmember Bloom and Council President Buckshnis. After the committee gave their feedback to
Mayor Earling, he met with the preferred candidate to discuss the scope of work. The preferred candidate
did not have any local knowledge of Edmonds. During this time, Mr. Clifton resigned. Mayor Earling
decided that firm was not the best match and issued a second RFQ. Ms. Hite referred to a table
(attachment 6 in the Council packet) comparing the original decision package and the first and second
RFQ.
Mayor Earling explained this position was included in the budget and the ability to move forward falls
within his contracting authority. He wanted to involve community members, Councilmembers and staff in
the process on the first RFQ, similar to the process used to hire the Strategic Plan consultant. In his
discussions with the preferred candidate, he did not think that firm would work for a variety of reasons.
He decided to issue a second RFQ, hoping to attract other applicants. His intent was to have the same
description but by rearranging the items in the scope, attract different firms. The budget was reduced from
$40,000 to $30,000 because it is already May; he retained the $15,000 in the budget for ancillary services.
He summarized his intent was to move forward; both scopes of work were intended to provide the same
information but had been formatted differently.
Councilmember Bloom explained she was part of the interview committee and acknowledged she was not
thrilled with how any of the candidates fit the criteria. The interview committee was notified on May 9
that a new RFQ would be issued; the new RFQ was very different than the original RFQ. For example,
Item B in the original RFQ, communication with public in general, was completely eliminated. The new
RFQ focuses on marketing and informing the public. The interview committee discussed open
government and engaging the public. She feels very strongly that the City needs to move toward open
government. Her idea of open government is completely different than what is stated in the new RFQ.
Communication is a two-way street; eliminating Item B has the potential to turn the consultant's work
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into a one-way street, just informing the public. She was interested in other ways to engage the public, not
just the three minutes during audience comment at Council meetings.
Councilmember Bloom relayed the original RFQ indicated the consultant would work with Council to set
up ways to engage with the public and others; the new RFQ eliminates that interaction with the Council.
Her third concern was the Council frequently hears that City government is bowl centric. The old RFQ
stated Work with the Economic Development Department, Mayor, City Council, Department Directors,
Cultural Services Manager, Economic Development Commission (EDC), Chamber of Commerce help
identify ways that departments can more effectively communicate on a consistent basis with the City
Council, general public and interdepartmental. The new RFQ states in carrying out these tasks the
contractor will work directly with the Economic Development Director, Economic Development Program
Coordinator, and the Arts & Culture Manager. In addition the contractor will be expected to work with
representatives of other organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, Business Improvement
District, Downtown Edmonds Merchants Association (DEMA), Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA), and
the Port of Edmonds in order to understand other marketing strategies in the community.
Councilmember Bloom pointed out all the organizations mentioned are bowl -centric; although the
Chamber has expanded its membership, most members are located in the downtown area. She was also
concerned with including the ECA because they receive $25,000/year from the Lodging Tax Advisory
Committee (LTAC) for advertising and the City funds the ECA between $170,000 and $250,000/year.
She summarized the new RFQ eliminated Council involvement and become very bowl -centric. She
understood Mayor Earling had the authority to proceed without Council authority. She encouraged the
Council to discuss the matter and to bring it back for a vote next week.
With regard to bowl centricity, Councilmember Peterson pointed out the new RFQ lists the Chamber and
DEMA as separate entities; DEMA is actually a committee of the Chamber and could be deleted if
desired. The Chamber has 500 members throughout Edmonds as well as outside Edmonds. The Chamber
is considered bowl -centric because so many events take place in the bowl but it is actually not a bowl
centric organization. Although the ECA is located in the bowl, they do an incredible amount of outreach
to promote arts and music in the schools and throughout the region. Not including the ECA in the RFQ
would be short-sighted and would exclude much of the work they do in Edmonds and throughout the
region. Councilmember Bloom commented her concern with the ECA was not their location in the bowl,
it was that funds are already allocated to the ECA in the budget and provided to the ECA by the LTAC.
Councilmember Peterson disagreed the RFQ was bowl -centric. He acknowledged the BID is bowl -centric
but the Chamber and other groups are not. He was hopeful other areas in the City would consider forming
BID. The Port is also not bowl -centric as their boundaries and mission extend beyond the physical
location of the marina. He summarized it is important get as many groups engaged as possible.
Councilmember Petso asked whether administration is receptive to a request that the consultant if hired
would also work with the Council. Mayor Earling answered the intent was on a regular basis, as was done
with the Strategic Plan consultant, to report to the Council and he welcomed ideas. He assured there was
no attempt to eliminate the Council.
Councilmember Petso relayed her understanding that staffing changes made in the Parks Department over
2-3 years impacted the ability to promote arts and cultural events. Ms. Hite agreed cuts were made in
2013 including a full-time arts assistant. The Council included $20,000 in the budget this year and she
plans to hire a part-time person for the remainder of the year. Councilmember Petso asked whether the net
effect of hiring a consultant would be rather than doing new things, they would be replacing the services
that were previously provided. Ms. Hite answered this position came from the Economic Development
Department and focused on cultural tourism and creating a destination Edmonds. That is currently not
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done by the Parks Department; Parks oversees public art, supports larger events, put on the Writer's
Conference. This position would not help with those efforts.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas referred to Jim Reid's memo regarding conversations with each other.
She expressed interest in reaching a happy medium and compromise.
Council President Buckshnis commented she also participated on the interview committee. There were a
number of issues with the RFQ, the questions and preferred applicant. When reading the second RFQ, she
felt it addressed the items differently in an effort to achieve the scope in the first RFQ. She referred to
Item 2 in the second RFQ, the importance of finding ways to improve and enhance access to current
information and communication among various agencies, organizations and the City including City
Council, Mayor, Boards and Commissions. She questioned what the Council would vote on next week.
Councilmember Bloom relayed her concern that the Council allocated funds for this position and in her
view, it has changed quite significantly with no advance notice to the interview committee members. The
RFQ was sent out the same day the committee was notified the Mayor was not hiring the recommended
firm. Recognizing the Mayor has the authority to hire a consultant, she would like the Council to consider
not funding this position to make a statement that this is not the original position the Council approved.
She wanted to acknowledge that a big piece of the scope was eliminated, engaging the public, and
changed it to promoting the arts which was only half of the original scope.
Councilmember Bloom relayed she asked Mayor Earling if he was willing to consider including Council
in the interviews. Mayor Earling advised he is still considering that. Councilmember Bloom said she
would be more comfortable if Mayor Earling included 2 Councilmembers and 1-2 citizens in the
interviews. She asked Mayor Earling if he would be willing to change the scope of work back to what it
was. Mayor Earling answered no, as he firmly believed the intent of the second RFQ was parallel to the
intent of first RFQ. After going through the process, he did not find the finalist qualified. His intent in
changing the verbiage was to attract other potential consultants. The intent of the second RFQ is exactly
the same as the first RFQ although it may not have the words in the way Councilmember Bloom would
like to see. His intent was the same impact, influence and outcome from both RFQs.
Council President Buckshnis pointed out the first purpose in the second was in regard to the marketing
strategy and the second referred to the City Council. She supported moving forward.
Councilmember Peterson pointed out Mayor Earling is now on record saying the consultant will engage
and communicate with the Council. Although the second RFQ may not be as explicit about
communication with the Council, Mayor Earling has expressed his willingness and indicated it was
always his plan to have the consultant communicate with the Council. He cautioned against changing the
language in the RFQ now.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas suggested in the spirit of working together, the Council work through
this. She recognized Mayor Earling has the ability to hire a consultant. She was interested in consensus
building and putting it in writing.
Mayor Earling asked what action the Council wanted to consider next week other than not funding the
position which did not seem conciliatory or an effort to work together. Councilmember Fraley-Monillas
suggested a third RFQ. Mayor Earling responded he was not willing to do that.
Councilmember Petso recalled Councilmember Bloom asked to have the Council's votes on this issue on
record. She recognized the Council cannot require Mayor Earling to redraft an RFQ and he has indicated
he is not willing to do that. The only action the Council could vote on would be a request that staff
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prepare a budget amendment withdrawing funding for this position. She was happy to vote on that next
week. She preferred not to vote tonight as this was listed on the agenda as a discussion item and she was
hopefully the status quo may change during the next seven days.
Councilmember Johnson recalled this proposal followed on the heels of the Arts Summit. The question
for the Council is not RFQ 1 or 2 but the original budget decision package. The decision package funds a
half time contract person to provide information on the City's economic initiatives and the arts and funds
for communication and advertising cost. The justification for the decision package describes how this
would benefit the artists and the community. She suggested the decision package be the basis of the
Council's discussion. Based on the decision to fund that decision package, she was comfortable with
proceeding and did not support removing budget authority.
Council President Buckshnis advised she will schedule this as an action item on next week's agenda.
Mayor Earling advised he will not be at next week's meeting as he will be on vacation.
Mayor Earling declared a brief recess.
Mayor Earling commented the exercise regarding hiring this consultant highlights the importance of the
discussion with the consultant regarding the difference between the legislative body and the
administrative body. There is a clear difference and, in his personal opinion, this was a classic case of
crossing that line.
10. OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT TRAINING
City Attorney Jeff Taraday provided training on the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA). In preparing for
this item, in addition to reading statutes and cases, he has maintained a list of all the OPMA questions he
has been asked over the past few years. This training is in part based on those questions and the answers
he provided.
Mr. Taraday provided the legislative declaration in RCW2.30.010: "The legislature... declares that all
public commissions, boards, councils, committees, subcommittees, departments, divisions, offices and all
other public agencies of this state and subdivisions thereof exist to aid in the conduct of the people's
business. It is the intent of this chapter that their actions be taken openly and that their deliberations be
conducted openly."
He explained this legislative declaration is important because of the public policy behind it but also
because the OPMA has gray areas. When he is trying to understand how a court may act within a gray
area or when he is advising the Council within one of the gray areas, he returns to this statement in
determining the purpose of the law. He suggested elected officials return to this statute whenever they
were unsure.
Mr. Taraday provided information from RCW 42.30.020 with regard to meeting that are declared open
and public: "All meetings of the governing body of a public agency shall be open and public... except as
otherwise provided in this chapter.
He provided the following definitions in RCW 42.30.020:
(4) "Meeting" means meetings at which action is taken
(3) "Action" means the transaction of the official business of a public agency by a governing body
including but not limited to receipt of public testimony, deliberations, discussions, considerations,
reviews, evaluations, and final actions." Mr. Taraday commented Councilmember may think if they do
not vote, they are not taking action; however, under the OPMA, discussions are actions if the body is
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discussing the City's official business. He summarized any discussion of the official business of the City
is action.
Mr. Taraday commented on the transitive property (A = B, B = C and A = C) and the transitive property
of the OPMA:
Meeting = Action
Action = Discussion of official business
Meeting = Discussion of official business
Councilmember Johnson asked how videotaping of Council discussion and OPMA fit together. For
example, last Wednesday's Council discussion was videotaped. She asked whether the First Amendment
gave special access or rights to the press. Mr. Taraday responded that question would not be answered by
the OPMA. The OPMA allow citizens to be present at Council meetings. At Wednesday's meeting, a
citizen attended and videotaped the meeting; he concluded that would be permissible conduct at any open
public meeting. What the citizen does with the video tape may be a different story, but that is not the
subject of this presentation.
Mr. Taraday provided information from RCW 42.30.020 regarding meetings of whom: "All meetings of
the governing body of a public agency shall be open and public... except as otherwise provided in this
chapter."
He noted here are several definitions in the statute of public agency in RCW 42.30.020:
(1) "Public agency" means:
(a) Not applicable to the council
(b) Any county agency, city, school district, special purpose district, or other municipal corporation or
political subdivision of the State of Washington.
(c) Any subagency of a public agency which is created by or pursuant to statute, ordinance, or other
legislative act, including but to limited to planning commissions, library or park boards, commissions and
agencies.
(d) Not applicable to the council
Mr. Taraday relayed the definition of governing body in RCW 42.30.020:
(2) "Governing body" means the multimember board, commission, committee, council, or other policy or
rule-making body of a public agency, or any committee thereof when the committee acts on behalf of the
governing body, conducts hearings, or takes testimony or public comment.
He relayed a question, when does a committee act on behalf of the governing body, for example a task
force of the Planning Board. He described a case, Clark v. City of Lakewood, where the Planning Board
formed a subcommittee, the Lakewood Adult Entertainment Task Force, to analyze all aspects of adult
entertainment in the city and they conducted a detailed investigation. The Task Force drafted a report on
the regulation of adult businesses. The report stated it constitutes the background, findings and
conclusions of the Task Force. It represents the basis for which the City may, if it deems appropriate,
amend adult entertainment regulations pertaining to both business and land use operations now or in the
future. The court determined the Task Force was a governing body of a public agency. He summarized
this was a very fact specific scenario. Not all the subcommittees of the various entities in Title 10 would
be doing the kind of work the Task Force in the example did. It would be an overstatement to say that
every subcommittee of the Planning Board or Economic Development Commission (EDC) is subject to
the OPMA. The above case gives some good indicators about determining whether a subcommittee is
acting on behalf of the governing body.
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Councilmember Petso asked whether a subcommittee's preparation of a white paper would be considered
acting on behalf of the governing body. Mr. Taraday answered that was difficult answer hypothetically
because it depends on what would be done with white paper. At the very least it would raise a caution
regarding whether the group should be noticing their meetings.
Councilmember Petso asked whether a caution would be raised if the governing body discusses and
adopts the white paper as part of their action. Mr. Taraday answered it depends on how the white paper
came to be. In the Lakewood case, the Task Force did a lot of leg work in preparation for drafting their
report. He was not certain exactly what a white paper means, but at the very least it would be a caution
and whoever is preparing the white paper should check with the City Attorney regarding whether they
should notice their meetings.
Council President Buckshnis commented there are 2-3 person committees on the EDC that meet,
brainstorm and present their ideas to the EDC at noticed meetings. On occasion, one of the members will
be asked to write a white paper. She asked whether the writing of the white paper would need to be
noticed. Mr. Taraday made a distinction between this training and legal advice. In providing legal advice,
he can talk in a privileged manner and ask germane question which cannot be done in this setting. In
response to Council President Buckshnis' question, Mr. Taraday said there is a significant distinction
between a subcommittee of the EDC sitting in a coffee shop and brainstorming and drafting an agenda
memo for consideration by the full EDC and the Task Force in the Lakewood case and a significant gray
area in the middle where it is difficult to make a call. The more difficult the call, the more he urged
caution. Noticing of subcommittee meetings is difficult, costly, and time consuming so legally he would
not advise that every subcommittee meeting needs to be noticed without knowing what takes place.
To the question of what if it is not feasible to notice every subcommittee of every board, Mr. Taraday
suggested reducing risk by:
• Eliminating public comment from subcommittee agenda
• Not prepare findings
• Reduce main body's reliance upon subcommittee
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas provided an example of a subcommittee meeting in a coffee shop, a
citizen joins them and offers input. She asked whether that constituted public comment. Mr. Taraday said
he did not know the answer; guidance is only provided by the courts as a result of a lawsuit. When in
doubt he refers to RCW 42.30.010 and asks himself whether it rises to that level. He viewed public
comment as an agenda item where the chair invited comment from the public. It was likely casual
comment at a coffee shop did not rise to the level of public comment.
To the question of preparatory meetings of committee members, Mr. Taraday explained it is not clear
exactly when a committee "acts on behalf of the governing body." If pre -committee meeting do not
involve the three examples expressly mentioned in the statue (conducting hearings, taking testimony or
receiving public comment), they probably are not subject to the OPMA.
To the question of a quorum present at a noticed committee meeting, Mr. Taraday suggested:
• Still should not act on behalf of the Council unless:
o Occurs during the council's regular meeting time and place
o Council could prohibit by ordinance
For example, Mr. Taraday explained if a committee meeting was underway with two Councilmembers
and two more Councilmembers joined the meeting, those present could not take action even though a
quorum was present because the noticed meeting was a committee meeting and committees do not adopt
ordinances. However, Edmonds' code states a regular Council meeting is held every Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.
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If it was after 7:00 p.m. it was theoretically possible according to the code that it could also be a Council
meeting. That creates some confusion and he suggested the Council may want him to revise that
language. The Council could also adopt a policy prohibiting more than three Councilmembers from
attending a committee meeting if they wished.
Councilmember Johnson provided an example: a committee meeting that is held to discuss Sunset
Avenue, 30 citizens provide testimony and the committee reports to the Council. She asked whether the
act of taking public testimony at a committee meeting warrants any special consideration. Mr. Taraday
answered if a committee takes testimony it is required to be noticed as an open public meeting.
Councilmember Johnson provided another example: three Councilmembers holding a community
meeting that was not noticed to discuss an issue with the public. Mr. Taraday answered this would be a
cautionary area, it is not formal Council committee and it is not a quorum. If the City wanted to notice
that meeting he was unsure what it would be called. He pointed out there is a subtle difference between a
roundtable format and sitting at the dais taking public testimony.
Council President Buckshnis commented she is often invited to tea or coffee or approached in the
community; she views it as informal public input.
Councilmember Bloom asked about 2-3 Councilmembers holding a Town Hall meeting. Mr. Taraday
asked what a Town Hall meeting was. Councilmember Bloom answered a noticed meeting held at a
specific location that the public is invited to attend. Mr. Taraday questioned how that meeting would be
described; it is not a recognized subset of Council, it is just a non -quorum group of Councilmembers
interacting with the public. He suggested if there is a need to create task forces or ad hoc groups in the
future, they be created formally with an identified duration so that they can be described in a notice.
To the question of drafting of agenda memo by a quorum of the Council, Mr. Taraday advised it depends
on the facts but it is probably a violation.
Councilmember Peterson asked about a scenario where three Councilmembers write an agenda memo and
send it to the Council President. Mr. Taraday answered that would not be a problem.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas provided an example: The Public Safety & Personnel (PSP) committee
members (she and Councilmember Peterson) meet with the Police Chief the day before the committee
meeting to review the agenda. She asked whether that meeting needs to be noticed. Mr. Taraday answered
that is a preparatory meeting and probably not subject to the OPMA because the members probably do
not act on behalf of the governing body at a preparatory meeting.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas asked why the PSP meeting needed to be noticed. Mr. Taraday answered
because the committee meeting has a public comment agenda item. Public comment is one of the bright
line tests for an open public meeting. Anytime an official committee of the Council takes public
comment, those meetings should be noticed. The same two Councilmembers discussing the agenda with a
staff member and not taking public comment probably does not need to be noticed. Councilmember
Fraley-Monillas asked whether committee meetings needed to be noticed if they did not include public
comment. Mr. Taraday answered if the Council stopped taking public comment at committee meetings it
was more likely the meeting did not need to be noticed but he could not say categorically that simply
eliminating public comment would mean the committee was not acting on behalf of the governing body in
some other way. The test is whether the committee is acting on behalf of the governing body. Another
question is whether a recommendation from a committee to the Council constitutes action on behalf of the
governing body.
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Mr. Taraday cited Wood v. Battle Ground Sch. Dist., the case that first decided that an email involving a
quorum of the Council can constitute a meeting: "...In light of the OPMA's broad definition of meeting
and its broad purpose, and considering the mandate to liberally construe this statute in favor of coverage,
we conclude that the exchange of e-mails can constitute a meeting," "...we emphasize that the mere use
or passive receipt of e-mail does not automatically constitute a meeting," and "these [e-mail] discussions
related to Board business ... And the active exchange of information and opinions in these e-mails, as
opposed to the mere passive receipt of information, suggests a collective intent to deliberate and/or
discuss Board business."
To the question of only three Councilmembers actively exchanging, Mr. Taraday cited an unpublished
opinion Citizens Alliance for Prop. Rights Legal Fund v. San Juan Cnty: "the record shows that at most
three councilmembers (Richard Fralick, Lovel Pratt, and Rich Peterson) participated in the active
discussion by phone or email. The fourth councilmember (Patty Miller) received a copy of the email but
there is no evidence that she responded or actively participated in the discussion." Mr. Taraday advised
this is an unpublished opinion and cannot be cited in a defense. He summarized it may not be worth the
risk to copy the fourth Councilmember because it was unknown whether the fourth would reply.
With regard to forwarding email, Mr. Taraday said passive receipt and forwarding without comment may
be okay but he cautioned about a rolling quorum.
With regard to the use of BCC, Mr. Taraday explained he has advised Councilmembers to use BCC
because the BCC email addresses will not receive a Reply All response. He provided the following
scenario and asked whether it was a violation of the OPMA:
1. CMI BCCs full Council regarding proposed action
2. CM2 replies to CMI and BCCs full Council
3. CM3 replies to CM2 and BCCs full Council
4. CM4 replies to CMI and BCCs full Council
Mr. Taraday explained the above was a violation due to the active exchange of ideas. He recommended
Councilmembers use BCC when sending email but not make the mistake that BCC was always safe. If
the exchange had stopped after Councilmember 3, it likely would be an example of three actively
exchanging ideas.
To the question of what happens if a quorum attends an event sponsored by a local non-profit, Mr.
Taraday cited Wood v. Battle Ground Sch. Dist., "the OPMA is not implicated when members
communicate amongst themselves about matters unrelated to the governing body's business... See, e.g.,
RCW 42.30.070 ("It shall not be a violation for a majority of the members of a governing body to travel
together or gather for purposes other than a regular meeting or a special meeting.")"
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas referred to an incident that occurred approximately four years ago where
five Councilmembers attended a function after a Council meeting. No Council business was discussed but
the five were chastised by many. She relayed her understanding of Mr. Taraday's explanation that it was
permissible for five Councilmember to be together as long as they did not discuss Council business. Mr.
Taraday agreed, there is nothing that says Councilmembers cannot socialize together. However, because
Councilmembers know each other primarily from the Council, it will require discipline to socialize and
not talk shop. The issue is if the public sees this but does not hear what the Councilmembers are saying, it
could create a perception issue. He summarized strictly speaking if Councilmembers were not talking
about City business, it was okay to socialize.
COUNCILMEMBER PETSO MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-
MONILLAS, TO EXTEND THE MEETING FOR 15 MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
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Mr. Taraday offered to continue the training at a future meeting.
Councilmember Petso asked about four or more Councilmembers at a Snohomish County Cities and
Towns meeting which is partially a social event but there are also discussions about City business. Mr.
Taraday asked whether City business or regional business was discussed. Councilmember Petso answered
both. Mr. Taraday said it would be okay if the discussion was about regional business. He suggested
when in doubt, a Councilmember consider whether he/she is communicating about issues that may come
before the body for a vote.
Council President Buckshnis advised this training would continue at the next work session on July 24.
11. REPORT ON OUTSIDE BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Due to the late hour, this item was postponed to next week's Council meeting.
12. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Earling reported on the success of the two Memorial Day services, the annual Memorial Day
service at the Edmonds Cemetery that was attended by 400-500 people including 5 Councilmembers and
the dedication of plaque in new Veterans Plaza outside Council Chambers that was attended by many
including 4 Councilmembers.
Mayor Earling reminded of the Waterfront Festival Friday, May 30 through Sunday, June 1.
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Peterson echoed Mayor Earling's comments regarding the Memorial Day ceremonies. He
thanked Mayor Earling for his speech and gave special thanks to the Parks Department, the committee,
and VFW Post 8870 for their work on the memorial plaque. Over 70 people attended the dedication of the
memorial plaque, including Senator Liias, Snohomish County Member Wright, Senator Chase, four 4
Councilmembers and a Gold Star Mother.
Councilmember Johnson announced the Edmonds Rotary Waterfront Festival on Friday, May 30 from 3
to 10 p.m., Saturday, June 31 from 11 a.m.to 10 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. It will feature
recycling by Boy Scouts and food recycling by the Waste Warriors.
Councilmember Johnson announced the Planning Board's public hearing on the Westgate Plan tomorrow
night.
Councilmember Bloom reported SeaJazz will perform at the Waterfront Festival on May 31 and June 1
from 12 to 4 p.m. and will be performing throughout the spring and summer. Shuttle buses are available
at 5d' & Bell, 3rd & Dayton, and the Willow Creek Fish Hatchery to provide transportation to the
Waterfront Festival. Further information is available at www.edtnondswaterfrontfestival.com.
Councilmember Mesaros reported as a veteran, he was pleased to attend the Memorial Day ceremony at
the cemetery and the dedication of the plaque at the Veterans Plaza. He knew the Gold Star Mother as
their sons had grown up together.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas reported she had a great time at the Memorial Day ceremony. Both her
mother and father were both WWII veterans and it means a lot to hear the stories of those who have
served and protected. She commended Mayor Earling on his speech.
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Council President Buckshnis reported she will be working at the beer garden at Waterfront Festival. She
requested Councilmember Peterson and the committee make a presentation to the Council regarding their
plans for the Veterans Plaza.
Mayor Earling encouraged the public to view the plaque in the Veterans Plaza.
14. CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING PENDING OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION
PER RC W 42.30.110(1)(1]
This item was not needed.
15. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION. POTENTIAL ACTION AS A RESULT OF MEETING IN
EXECUTIVE SESSION
This item was not needed.
16. ADJOURN
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 10:11 p.m.
S-7;
DAV D O. EARL! G, MAYOR ` SCOTT PASSEY, CITYEF--RK
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