2016-09-28 Planning Board MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
September 28, 2016
Chair Lovell called the meeting of the Edmonds Planning Board to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Public Safety
Complex, 250 — 5`' Avenue North.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Philip Lovell, Chair
Carreen Rubenkonig, Vice Chair
Matthew Cheung
Alicia Crank
Nathan Monroe
Valerie Stewart
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
Todd Cloutier (excused)
Daniel Robles (excused)
READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES
STAFF PRESENT
Rob Chave, Planning Division Manager
Rob English, City Engineer
Carrie Hite, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director
Jerry Bevington, Video Recorder
Karin Noyes, Recorder
BOARD MEMBER STEWART MOVED THAT THE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 14, 2016 BE APPROVED AS
CORRECTED. BOARD MEMBER MONROE SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF AGENDA
The agenda was accepted as presented.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS
There was no one in the audience.
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DIRECTOR REPORT TO PLANNING BOARD
Chair Lovell referred to Page 3, which contains a brief update on the Waterfront Access Study. He clarified that a second
public meeting was recently held, and his understanding is that the Task Force will be making a recommendation to the City
Council via Mayor Earling sometime in October.
PRESENTATION OF THE PROPOSED 2017-2022 CAPITAL FACILITIES PLAN (CFP) AND CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP)
Mr. English started his presentation by providing a diagram to illustrate the components of the CIP and CFP, particularly
noting differences between the two documents and where they overlap. He explained that both plans identify the six -year
capital projects with funding sources, but the CIP also identifies six -year maintenance projects with funding sources and the
CFP identifies long-range (20 year) capital project needs. The CFP is divided into three project sections: General (parks,
buildings and regional projects), Transportation (safety/capacity and pedestrian bicycle projects), and Utilities. The CIP is
organized based on the City's financial funds and provides a description of each of the capital projects identified for the six -
year period. He summarized that the CIP is a budgeting tool that includes capital and maintenance projects, linking those
projects to the various City funds and revenues, and the CFP is intended to identify longer -term capital needs (not
maintenance) and be tied to City level -of -service standards. The CFP is also required to be consistent with other elements of
the Comprehensive Plan, (i.e. transportation, parks, etc.), and there are restrictions on how often a CFP can be amended.
There are no such restrictions tied to the CIP. He reviewed each of the funds as follows:
• Fund 112 — Transportation. This fund is managed by the Public Works Department.
• Fund 116 — Building Maintenance. This fund is also managed by the Public Works Department.
• Fund 125 — Capital Projects. This fund is managed by the Parks and Recreation and Public Works Departments.
Money for this fund comes from the Real Estate Excise Tax (REET), and the dollars are split between the two
departments.
• Fund 126 — Special Capital/Park Acquisition. This fund is supported by REET funds and is managed by the Parks and
Recreation Department.
• Fund 129 — Special Projects. This fund is currently idle and was last used for the Highway 99 International District
Lighting Project that was completed a few years ago. Any new capital project would program into this fund.
• Fund 132 — Parks Construction (Grant Funding). This fund is managed by the Parks and Recreation Department.
• Fund 421— Water Projects. This fund is managed by the Public Works Department.
• Fund 422 — Storm Projects. This fund is also managed by the Public Works Department.
• Fund 423 — Waste Water Treatment Plant. This fund is managed by the Public Works Department.
Next, Mr. English recapped some of the larger projects that have been completed or the City is working towards completion
of in 2016:
• The 228`h Street Corridor Improvement Project started in May of 2015 and reached substantial completion in March of
2016. The project included a new signalized intersection that connects 2281h Street east to west across Highway 99 and
into Mountlake Terrace, providing a new east/west connection to Interstate 5.
• Safety improvements were completed with a median down Highway 99 to eliminate the left turns from south bound
Highway 99 to 76`h Avenue West. This should help reduce accidents and provide safety turning movements.
• A sidewalk improvement project on 238th Street between 100th and 104`h Streets was completed via a Safe Routes to
Schools Grant. Stormwater funds were used to improve drainage, including bio-retention rain gardens in key locations.
The street was also overlaid using funds from the Pavement Restoration Program.
• Sewer mains were replaced on Walnut Street, and the project also included new pavement via the Pavement Restoration
Program.
• On September 271h, the City Council approved a contract for a project on the south side of 2361h Street between SR-104
and Madrona School. The project will include a new sidewalk, with a five-foot path to cross over to school, and curbs
and gutters will also be installed. The pavement is in poor condition, so the roadway will be rebuilt. The project will
include stormwater and water main work, as well. The City is coordinating with the School District's plan to rebuild the
school starting in 2017 to provide a sidewalk leading into the school property.
• As part of the Pavement Preservation Program, 9.6 lane miles of roadway were repaved, and pedestrian curb ramp
upgrades were completed.
• REET dollars (125 and 126 Funds) were used to fund the 2016 Pavement Preservation Program, single cabinet upgrades,
traffic calming program, curb ramp upgrades, and an ADA transition plan update.
Mr. English reviewed the projects that will be funded in 2017 via the 112 Fund as follows:
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September 28, 2016 Page 2
The 76th Avenue West and 212th Street Intersection Improvement Project was bid out in May. However, given the
bidding climate, the bids came in much higher than the engineer's estimate. Only two bids were received and both were
high. The City elected to reject both bids and rebid the project during the winter months. That means the project would
likely start in the spring of 2017. In the meantime, the City has applied for additional grant funding from the
Transportation Improvement Board, but won't know the outcome of the application until November. This large project
will add capacity to the intersection and underground utilities.
Chair Lovell pointed out that the project is identified in the CIP as being unfunded at this time. Mr. English said the City
has secured federal funding for the project, and has applied for additional grant funding, as well. Chair Lovell referred to
the spreadsheet on Page 9 and said it is unclear how much grant funding has been secured in 2016 and how much needs
to be secured in 2017. Mr. English agreed to revisit the numbers and update them accordingly. He suggested that
perhaps the labels needed to be corrected to more clearly reflect the intent. He said that in addition to grant funding for
the project, additional funding will come from the water and storm utility funds, since infrastructure needs to be replaced
in the intersection prior to pavement work being done.
• Citywide bicycle improvements will continue in 2017. For example, a striping project will occur on 76th Avenue West to
add bicycle lanes and change a four -lane facility into a 3-lane facility. This project will likely be bid in conjunction with
the intersection improvements to get some economy.
• The 238th Street Walkway Project from SR-104 to SR-99 will also be completed in 2017. The City received a grant from
the State Transportation Improvement Board and design work has been started.
• The City received federal funding to move forward with an overlay of 84th Avenue from 200th Street to 212th Street
during the summer of 2017.
• REET dollars will be used to install Trackside Warning Systems at Main and Dayton Streets to reduce the sound
footprint that the current train horns have. The warning systems will be permanently installed at the intersections, and
the horns will blow whenever a train is passing through Edmonds in either direction. The noise from the horns will be
more focused at the intersections so there will be less impact to surrounding properties.
Mr. English summarized that the Water Utility Fund (421) supported the replacement of 4,850 feet of water main in 2016,
and 3,400 feet of street affected by waterline replacements was overlaid. In 2017 it is anticipated that 7,300 feet of water
main will be replaced and 8,200 feet of street affected by waterline replacement will be overlaid.
Mr. English also reviewed that the Stormwater Utility Fund (422) supported the 238th Street drainage improvements that were
completed in 2016, as well as the new pipe and infiltration gallery in southwest Edmonds between 106th and 105th Street.
The 2017 projects include the Seaview infiltration project, further design of the Willow Creek/Edmonds Marsh project, an
update of the Stormwater Comprehensive Plan, and installation of the Dayton Street Pump Station. He explained that the
Seaview project is funded via a grant and will help reduce the number of surges from stormwater flowing into Perrinville
Creek. The Willow Creek/Edmonds Marsh project is ongoing, and it is anticipated that final design work and permitting can
move forward in 2017. He explained that during heavy rain events and high tide, the intersection at Dayton Street and SR-
104 floods. Given its proximity to the marsh, Willow Creek, the outfall, and the tide, the solution is complicated. As
proposed, a lift station will be installed off of Dayton Street in the fishing pier parking lot as a first step to solve the flooding
problems at the intersection.
Lastly, Mr. English reviewed that in 2016 the Sewer Utility Fund (423) supported the replacement of 2,000 feet of sewer
main and the rehabilitation of 6,400 feet of sewer main using the cured -in -place process (CIPP). In addition, it funded 1,075
of pavement overlay on streets affected by the sewer main replacement projects. It is anticipated that 2,900 feet of sewer
main will be replaced in 2017, with 3,000 feet of CIPP rehabilitation and pavement overlay on 8,600 feet of street affected by
sewer main replacement. A large wastewater treatment project is in process near the ferry holding lanes where the secondary
clarifier is being replaced. The project should be completed in October.
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September 28, 2016 Page 3
Chair Lovell asked if the Edmonds Waterfront Analysis relates to the work being done by the Railroad Crossing Task Force.
Ms. Hite answered affirmatively. Chair Lovell asked why no funding has been set aside for this project in the next four
years. Mr. English said there is still momentum to move a crossing project forward, and the task force will continue its work.
The Mayor is currently working on the 2017 budget, which will be presented to the City Council in October. They will know
more about funding after the draft budget has been released. In addition, the City has applied for some transportation grants
to continue the work. At this point, it is too early to know if there will be funding for the project, and it was included in the
CFP as a placeholder.
Mr. English summarized that staff begins working on the CIP and CFP updates in July, and a preliminary draft is typically
presented to the Planning Board in September. A public hearing on the CIP and CFP is scheduled for October 12' , after
which the Board will forward a recommendation to the City Council. Updated documents will be provided at the hearing,
including more detailed information to outline the differences between 2016 and 2017. Staff is scheduled to make an initial
presentation to the City Council on October 18th, with a public hearing on November I". Using the Board's input and public
comments, the City Council will discuss the draft documents and make revisions. It is anticipated that final adoption will
occur in November or December. Once adopted, the CFP will be included as part of the next batch of Comprehensive Plan
Amendments.
Board Member Monroe requested more information about the Citywide Capital Renewal Program, which is listed on Page 11
of the CIP. Ms. Hite said this program is managed by the Facilities Division. She explained that, in years past, the program
has had minimal funding, and many infrastructure renewal projects have been deferred. This year, Mayor Earling is
proposing that a lump sum be set aside for doing renewal of the City's capital assets. The Capital Facilities Manager has
prepared a list of needs, and the projects will be funded by the $1.5 million set aside for the Capital Renewal Program. The
intent is to chip away at the projects each year. For example, there are numerous needs at the Frances Anderson Center that
have been deferred from previous years.
Board Member Stewart said she is excited to see the projects that have been accomplished during the year, as well as projects
that will happen going forward. She asked if staff could provide the Board and City Council with a copy of the list of
projects associated with the Capital Renewal Project. Ms. Hite agreed to provide the list as an attachment for the public
hearing.
Board Member Stewart asked if City staff works to coordinate infrastructure projects so they can be done simultaneously.
For example, are sewer and water main replacements coordinated so they are completed before a street is overlaid. Mr.
English answered affirmatively. Once a significant project has been identified, City staff inspects the condition of other
elements, such as water and sewer mains. If needed, the pro�ects can be done simultaneously. For example, he referred to
the Dayton Street Project that took place between P and 9 Avenues, which was initiated as a stormwater improvement.
After doing a comprehensive review of the other utilities, the project was expanded to include water and sewer main
improvements, as well. The project at the 212th Street intersection is another example of a combined project. It initially
started as a transportation capacity project, but after evaluating the condition of the utilities, replacement of the sewer and
stormwater mains were incorporated into the project.
Board Member Stewart reviewed that frontage improvements, including sidewalks, are required for any new development in
the City. She voiced concern that, sometimes the improvements that are made are torn up just a few years later to
accommodate a City improvement project. She asked if it is possible for City staff to help developers anticipate the future
improvements and perhaps postpone or defer the frontage improvements until the City's larger project moves forward. Mr.
English said City staff has more control when it comes to coordinating City projects, but it is more difficult for private
development. A good example is the 200th Street Overlay Project. A developer found out about the project via the
notification process and the City worked with the developer to get the connections made to the City's systems before the
overlay project moved forward. He said staff tries to coordinate city projects and development proposals through the
building permit application. Ideally, the City can hold off on a project to allow a developer to get his/her work done, but he
acknowledged that is not always the case. Board Member Stewart summarized that the City should do its part to help
property owners by allowing them to postpone the improvements until they can be coordinated with larger, planned City
projects.
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September 28, 2016 Page 4
Board Member Stewart asked if Planning Board Members would have an opportunity to provide feedback relative to the
fitness stations that are proposed for City parks. Ms. Hite answered that she would love to have feedback from the Board as
the project moves forward.
Board Member Stewart asked if funding for open space acquisition is included in the CIP. Ms. Hite answered that she
programs $200,000 into each year's budget for open space acquisition. She agreed it is important to include this in the yearly
discussions, and she will add it to her presentation for the public hearing. She said it would be helpful to have feedback from
the Board as to whether they support rolling this funding over from year-to-year until an opportunity comes up. Board
Member Stewart observed that, as land continues to be developed, the City should remain open to opportunities to acquire
open space. Once land is developed, the opportunity will be lost.
Board Member Cheung asked how the City prioritizes the capital improvement projects. Mr. English explained that, from a
pavement preservation standpoint, staff evaluates the condition of the pavement each year and places a rating on the streets.
They also try to coordinate the work with needed utility replacement projects. For example, a street overlay may be
postponed if the City knows that a water or sewer main project will be needed in the near future so that the two projects can
be coordinated and completed at the same time. As far as capital project prioritization, there is very limited funding, and the
City typically uses grant opportunities as a way to prioritize these projects. First, they look at the prioritized list of projects in
the 2015 Transportation Improvement Plan. As grant opportunities come up, staff selects the most competitive projects that
fit the particular grant requirements. Typically, the transportation capital infrastructure budget is very small (between
$140,000 and $150,000). Additional funding for capital projects comes from grants and from traffic impact fees. On the
other hand, Mayor Earling has made pavement preservation a priority for the past few years.
Board Member Cheung asked how citizens can recommend transportation improvement projects for inclusion in the
Transportation Improvement Plan. Mr. English explained that, from a planning standpoint, staff uses the list that is included
in the Transportation Improvement Plan, which an adopted element of the Comprehensive Plan. Adoption of the
Transportation Improvement Plan included an extensive public process that allowed the public to identify projects they felt
were most important. During the most recent update, a sidewalk committee was formed to evaluate each street and identify
where sidewalks are needed. Citizens can contact the Public Works or Engineering Department to provide feedback on
potential projects, and staff will evaluate the situation to determine what the appropriate solution might be. Vice Chair
Rubenkonig added that the Police Department also takes note of situations were a high number of accidents are occurring.
Board Member Crank said she appreciates the work that was done at the intersection of 228th Street and Highway 99.
However, some people are questioning the design of the median, which appears to have benches where people can sit. Mr.
English advised that the design was intended to provide relief to the median's appearance. There are a lot of design options
to choose from, but it was felt that the concrete or grass median was not very aesthetically pleasing for this location. Given
the speed of traffic along the corridor, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) also felt that the taller
median was needed for safety reasons. The center section of the median has a colored concrete stamp that was intended to
provide an aesthetic element to the median as opposed to a concrete covered center.
Board Member Crank referred to the new flashing traffic signal that was installed at Edmonds Way and 232nd Street. She
asked if the area is currently being monitored and if there has been an uptick in traffic volumes as a result of the new
marijuana business and proposed new residential development. Mr. English agreed to looking into the issue and provide a
better answer about traffic volumes at the public hearing. He recalled that the SR-104 Corridor Analysis that was recently
completed looked at the entire corridor through Edmonds. It identified several recommendations for capital improvement
projects to make the corridor more pedestrian friendly and safe.
Board Member Crank asked if there have been any reports of traffic accidents associated with the newly installed Luminous
Forest. Ms. Hite advised that the Police Department had some concerns when the it was first installed, and the artist advised
that after the installation has been on for one month, the surface will become scratched and dim. She hasn't heard of any
accidents on 4tb Avenue to date.
Board Member Crank said she would love to see the community garden concept come to fruition. It would be a very
attractive amenity for apartment dwellers. Ms. Hite agreed, but explained that the City has had a difficult time finding an
appropriate location. It was originally planned for the south side of the Old Woodway High School site, but because of
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September 28, 2016 Page 5
controversy surrounding the athletic fields, staff decided against pursuing that location. She expressed her belief that the park
in Esperance would be good location for a community garden, and she will continue to work with Snohomish County to
make that happen.
Vice Chair Rubenkonig said she has had a long-standing concern about the intersection at 76th Avenue and 212th Street for a
number of years. The last time the CIP was before the Board, she requested that the City consider placing an "all walk"
crossing at this intersection. She lives in the area and is at the intersection often. It seems like an all walk would make it
faster for the students to get across the road. She asked if this could be included in the 2016 CIP. Mr. English said the
concept has been discussed by staff and it comes down to finding a balance between pedestrian safety and getting vehicles
through the intersection. He agreed to talk to the Transportation Engineer to get more information about the concept and then
report back to the Board at their next meeting.
Chair Lovell observed that this is the first time that neither the CIP nor CFP identifies funding for the Edmonds Crossing
Project. He assumes that staff will provide an explanation for this change and indicate whether the funds that were
previously allocated would be used elsewhere. Mr. English said there have been no changes associated with the Edmonds
Crossing Project. The project is currently identified as unknown based on WSDOT's current planning horizon for the multi -
modal terminal, which is beyond 2035 or even 2040. Although the project is still included on WSDOT's list of future
improvements, it remains unfunded, and the City does not know when funding will be allocated for it to move forward.
When the capital plan for the ferry is updated in the future, the City may have more information about the project's timing.
Chair Lovell commented that it is good to see that there are a lot of projects taking shape to meet the needs and cravings of
the citizens. Things are moving towards the betterment of the City's infrastructure overall. He asked if there has been any
interface between various City departments and the Tree Board, particularly in regard to street trees. The impact that some
species of street trees can have on sidewalk infrastructure is becoming a big concern, as repair and/or replacement is often
required. He noted that concern has also been raised about the types of trees that are planted at the Civic Center Field, which
could end up blocking views. Ms. Hite said managing trees requires a joint effort, and the Parks, Planning and Public Works
staff all work with the Tree Board, depending on the topic. Chair Lovell said he has heard that effort is being made to ensure
that new trees are selected to be the right species, size and growth pattern to protect the City's infrastructure.
Chair Lovell announced that a public hearing on the draft CIP and CFP is scheduled for October 12th. He encouraged Board
Members to forward any outstanding questions directly to staff so they can be answered at the public hearing.
REVIEW OF EXTENDED AGENDA
Chair Lovell reviewed the updated Extended Agenda, noting that a public hearing on the CIP and CFP is scheduled for
October 12th. Staff will also present an update on the Comprehensive Plan Amendments pertaining to parks, Highway 99,
street trees and water. On October 26th, the agenda will include a presentation on the University of Washington/Forterra Plan
that was prepared for Five Corners, a discussion on the land use procedures code update, and an update on the Highway 99
Subarea Plan.
PLANNING BOARD CHAIR COMMENTS
Chair Lovell did not provide any additional comments.
PLANNING BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
Board Member Crank reported that she and Vice Chair Rubenkonig attended the City's Volunteer Dinner.
Board Member Monroe reported on his attendance at the September 21st meeting of the Edmonds Citizens Economic
Development Commission where they put together a list of recommendations related to the Civic Field Master Plan. Most of
the recommendations were driven by economic development. For example, they want to see a playfield that can attract users
who will presumably shop in downtown Edmonds. The list was presented to the City Council on September 27th.
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September 28, 2016 Page 6
Vice Chair Rubenkonig recalled that the Board received an update and provided input on the Civic Field Master Plan at their
last meeting. At that time, she asked if there is a City standard to guide how many trees are planted as part of the project.
She noted that the park does not have a lot of trees now, and she felt there should be some criteria for how many trees would
be considered adequate cover for this size of lot. She asked if trees would be considered as part of design review or as part of
a future clearing and grading permit. Mr. Chave answered that tree placement and species should be addressed as part of the
overall master plan. Ultimately, the Board makes a recommendation to the City Council, and the City Council finalizes the
plan. The Board could address trees in its recommendation to the City Council, but they should be careful how the
recommendation is phrased. Even if design review were required, the Architectural Design Board would be bound by the
master plan that is approved by the City Council. He further explained that projects of this type do not require a tree cutting
permit, since trees are addressed as part of the overall development permit associated with the master plan.
Vice Chair Rubenkonig questioned how the City can identify how many trees are a good amount for the park. Mr. Chave
said this issue should be addressed as part of the master plan concept. Any concerns the Board Members have should be
addressed as part of their review of the master plan proposal. Vice Chair Rubenkonig asked if the landscape architect would
use some type of standard to make the determination of how many trees are appropriate for the park. Mr. Chave said the
standard would vary depending on the type of park. For example, an urban park would be very different from an open,
natural park. During the master plan discussion, the Board will have an opportunity to discuss the number and species of
trees that are planted on the site, but the conceptual drawings that were presented at their last meeting did not get into that
amount of detail.
Vice Chair Rubenkonig said she would prefer to have a set figure to work with to determine if the proposed plan falls short or
meets the standard. This is a great opportunity to improve the tree canopy of the City, and she does not want to miss the
mark by not addressing what is considered to be a proper number of trees.
Board Member Stewart said that, as a participant of the Civic Field Master Plan Advisory Group, she can raise this concern
and seek input. Chair Lovell said his understanding is that the consultant is relying upon public input to create the master
plan. If a citizen or Board Member believes that more trees are needed, he/she should make this desire known now so it can
be addressed as part of the plan. Mr. Chave summarized that, at this time, there is no definition for what is considered to be
an adequate number of trees. Board Member Rubenkonig said that is what she is asking for. She would hope that whatever
trees are provided at Civic Field is consistent with what the Board envisions for the City's future Urban Forest Master Plan.
Board Member Stewart advised that she received one application for the student representative position. If approved by the
Board, the Edmonds/Woodway High School student is available to begin on October 12th. At Board Member Stewart's
request, Vice Chair Rubenkonig agreed to interview the student. Board Member Stewart agreed to forward the application to
staff and to Mayor Earling.
Board Member Stewart announced that students from the group, Students Saving Salmon, will be conducting Stream Team
Water Quality Monitoring Sessions this coming weekend, and Board Members are invited to attend. The events will take
place on Saturday (10:00 a.m. at Shell Creek and 3:00 p.m. at Shellebarger Creek) and Sunday (9:00 a.m. at Willow Creek,
and 11:30 at the Edmonds Marsh). Interested Board Members should contact her for more information.
ADJOURNMENT
The Board meeting was adjourned at 8:52 p.m.
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