2016-10-12 Planning Board MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
October 12, 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
Daniel Robles
Valerie Stewart
Malia Clark, Student Representative
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
Nathan Monroe (excused)
Todd Cloutier (excused)
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
Chair Lovell introduced Malia Clark, the Board's new Student Representative, who is a senior at Edmonds Woodway High
School and also participates in the group, Students Saving Salmon.
READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Vice Chair Rubenkonig commented that the presentation and dialogue provided at the Board's last meeting by the City
Engineer, Rob English, and the Parks, Recreational and Cultural Services Director, Carrie Hite, was well document in the
minutes. They provided an excellent orientation to the Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) and Capital Improvement Program
(CIP).
BOARD MEMBER CRANK MOVED THAT THE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 28, 2016 BE APPROVED AS
PRESENTED. BOARD MEMBER STEWART SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF AGENDA
The agenda was accepted as presented.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS
There was no one in the audience.
Ms. Hite invited the Board Members to attend an open house on October 19"" from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the Library Plaza
Room, where the hybrid plan for Civic Park Master Plan will be unveiled. After the plan has been presented, the public will
be invited to provide feedback. An on-line open house will follow for two weeks to solicit additional public feedback. At
the close of the on-line open house, the hybrid design will be presented to the Planning Board for a public hearing and
recommendation to the City Council. The City Council will also conduct a public hearing before making a final decision on
the master plan design.
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DIRECTOR REPORT TO PLANNING BOARD
Chair Lovell referred the Board to the written report that was provided by the Development Services Director. He reported
that he and Vice Chair Rubenkonig met recently with Mayor Earling and received an update on the Sustainable Cities
Partnership, a collaboration between Western Washington University and the City of Edmonds. Mayor Earling advised that
there is currently a lot of activity and the students are moving forward with the projects identified as part of the program. He
spoke very positively about the experience thus far.
PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED 2017-2022 CAPITAL FACILITIES PLAN (CFP) AND CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP)
Chair Lovell reviewed the rules and procedures for the public hearing, which would start with a staff report by Mr. English
and Ms. Hite.
Mr. English started his presentation by providing a diagram to illustrate the components of the CIP and CFP, particularly
noting the differences between the two documents and where they overlap. The CFP is a planning document that includes
the 20-year projects and 6-year projects to address roads. The CIP identifies the short-term horizon projects that include both
capital and maintenance projects over the next six years. The overlap is where the six -year capital projects relate to growth;
these projects will be in both plans. 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
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 (BEET), 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 228th Street east to west across Highway 99 and
into Mountlake Terrace, providing a new east/west connection to Interstate 5.
• The 228`h Street Sidewalk Improvement Project connects 1001h Street to 104`h Street with sidewalks on the north side.
This project was funded by a Safe Routes to Schools Grant.
• The Pavement Restoration Program is a program that Mayor Earling has prioritized and funded for the fourth year in a
row using Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) revenue from the 126 Fund.
Planning Board Minutes
October 12, 2016 Page 2
• A walkway project will start soon on 236 h Street, from SR-104 to Madrona School. This project will also be funded by
a Safe Routes to Schools Grant.
Mr. English reviewed some of the projects that will be funded in 2017:
• 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. The City elected to reject the 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.
• Citywide bicycle improvements will continue in 2017. For example, a striping project will occur on 76t' Avenue West in
conjunction with the intersection improvements described above. As proposed, the roadway would change from four to
three lanes, and a bicycle lane would be added.
• 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 on Railroad Avenue at the Main and Dayton Street
intersections 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 advised that, since the Board's last meeting, the Mayor approved his "decision package, which identifies projects
that staff identified for 2017. The package includes:
• Funding of $1.1 million for the Pavement Preservation Program, which is a critical piece of the City's ability to maintain
infrastructure.
• Funding for pre -design work for the access management on SR-99 between 2161h and 2241h Streets. The City has
observed a higher accident problem along this stretch of roadway related to the two-way left turn lane on SR-99. The
intent is to go forward with pre -design of the improvements in 2017.
• In coordination with Mountlake Terrace, the City has applied for a grant to coordinate the signals on 2201h Street, which
is badly needed. If the grant application is successful, the 2017 budget includes the matching funds to move the project
forward.
• $150,000 has been set aside to match grant dollars to continue to pursue alternatives for a waterfront at -grade crossing.
The committee will present the results of their study to the Mayor soon, and a presentation will be made to the City
Council in late October or early November.
• The proposed 2017 budget includes funding to replace 7,300 feet of water main and 2,900 feet of sewer main. It also
includes funding to rehabilitate 3,000 feet of sewer main.
Ms. Hite reviewed the 2016 projects that were completed by the Parks and Recreation Department in 2016 as follows:
• The City acquired the Civic Field property and is currently in the process of completing a master plan for its
redevelopment. The consultant is working on a hybrid plan that will be unveiled at a public open house on October 19th
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October 12, 2016 Page 3
• The spray park at City Park was opened in the spring and had a very successful summer.
• The Dayton Street Plaza is nearly completed and it is already heavily used. They are currently in the last stages of
landscaping.
• The temporary art installation (Luminous Forest) on 4th Avenue was completed, and wayfinding signs were installed
throughout the City.
• The Marina Beach Park Master Plan was completed in early 2016, and the intent is to formally adopted the plan into the
City's Comprehensive Plan before the end of the year.
• The Fishing Pier Rehabilitation Project is nearing completion, and it expected to open with a ribbon -cutting ceremony on
November 15''.
• The Downtown Public Restroom Project is currently under construction near City Hall.
• The Yost Spa Project is currently in progress. However, the project had to be redesigned in order to meet current code
requirements.
• The Frances Anderson Center Stage Replacement Project is currently in progress.
• The design work for the Veteran's Project was completed. The City received two bids that were higher than the
engineer's estimate, and the project is being rebid.
• The playground equipment at Marina Beach Park has been replaced, and they are currently working to replace the
equipment at the Meadowdale Preschool playground.
Next, Ms. Hite reviewed the proposed 2017 projects as follows:
• The Edmonds Marsh and Daylighting of Willow Creek Project is ongoing. The City has obtained grant funding to
continue the feasibility study, and they have applied for other competitive grants, as well.
• Parklet Projects will move forward in 2017, as will the Outdoor Fitness Zone Project
• Gateway replacement is ongoing and in process.
• The City is partnering with the City of Lynnwood to rehabilitate the Meadowdale Playfields.
• The City's storage building burned down earlier in the year, and the City has received reimbursement from its insurance
company. Considering the storage needs of both the Facilities and Parks and Recreation Departments, staff is proposing
that the building be rebuilt to a size that is nearly 2.5 times larger but in the same location.
• There is funding left from the state grant that was used to acquire Civic Field, and the City has received permission from
the State to use the funds to demolish the grandstands.
• Funding was set aside in the 2016 CIP for a community garden, and staff is working with Snohomish County regarding
the possibility of partnering to create a community garden as Esperance Park.
• The bids received for the Veteran's Plaza were rejected, and the City will go out to bid again soon. They expect to break
ground in early 2017 and open the plaza in May of 2017.
• The Senior Center is undertaking a capital program to redevelop the site into a Waterfront Center, and the City has
discussed the opportunity to redevelop the waterfront at the same time. This will involve removing the existing creosote
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October 12, 2016 Page 4
pilings, reconfiguring the park, adding a bioswale and raingardens to filter runoff from the parking lot before it goes into
the Sound, adding a hand boat launch, providing more access to the beach, and adding a picnic area with a natural access
to the senior center. In addition, the City is currently in discussions with the owners of the Ebb Tide Condominiums to
complete the waterfront walkway in front of their building within the City's 10-foot easement. The City has applied for
two $50,000 grants, and the project has scored high on both. The City has also set aside park impact fee dollars for the
proj ect.
• Land acquisition is a high priority in the Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan, and the proposed budget sets
aside an additional $200,000 for this purpose. The intent is to having matching funds for grants available when
opportunities to acquire land come about.
Ms. Hite said staff is recommending that the Cultural Arts Facilities Needs Study be deleted from the CFP. While the study
could still be done, it would be more of an operational project than a capital project. If a study determines that the City needs
a facility at some point in the future, it can be added to the CFP. Also, the Downtown Restroom Project should be completed
by the end of the year and can be removed from the 2017 CFP.
Ms. Hite advised that, since the last meeting, the CIP was updated to highlight "land acquisition" as a goal.
As requested by the Board at their last meeting, Mr. English provided a handout that lists the needs that were identified by the
Capital Facilities Manager for the 2017 Citywide Capital Renewal Program. He explained that, in past years, the budget for
capital facilities maintenance has been about $55,000. The Capital Facilities Manager requested that this amount be
increased up to $400,000 to quick start the program of investing in and maintaining the City's existing facilities. The projects
include roof repairs, painting, carpeting, seal coating, etc.
Mr. English recalled that the Board also asked him to provide more information about traffic volumes on SR-104. He
advised that the State does a number of traffic counts along the highway starting from the Ferry Terminal all the way to
Interstate 5. While the 2016 counts are not available, the 2015 counts can be compared to previous years. The counts
conclude that there was no increase in traffic volume from the ferry to 238th Street, but there was a small increase of 2% from
240th Street to Interstate 5. At their last meeting, Board Member Crank asked how new development along SR-104 might
impact traffic volumes. He learned that the new development she referred to was actually permitted by Snohomish County so
the City does not have any transportation data. However, it is likely that the development had very little impact to the overall
traffic volumes on the highway.
Mr. English recalled that, at their last meeting, Vice Chair Rubenkonig asked about the possibility of adding an "all -walk"
phase at the intersection of 212th Street and 76th Avenue to provide a safer pedestrian access for high school students. He
acknowledged that the concept has been used in select locations across the country, and it amounts to adding another phase to
the signal timing that closes the movement of traffic on all four lanes of the intersection to allow pedestrians to cross. He
explained that the City's current Level of Service (LOS) Standard for arterials is LOS D or better, and the proposed project
would improve the intersection to LOS D. If an all -walk phase were added, the standard at the intersection would change to
LOS E. He reminded the Board that the City secured a $3.96 million grant from the Congestion, Mitigation and Air Quality
(CMAQ) Fund, and the purpose of the grant was to improve air quality by reducing emissions and congestion. As currently
proposed, the intersection project would reduce emissions for carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon and oxides of
nitrogen. The benefit of the project is that reducing congestion will bring down emissions and that is why the City received
the funding. It would be difficult to change the project to add an all -walk phase because it would reduce the LOS standard
and increase emissions. Staff is proposing that the project be constructed as currently designed.
Mr. English summarized his presentation by reviewing that after the public hearing the Board will be asked to forward a
recommendation to the City Council. The CIP and CFP, along with the Board's recommendation, will be presented to the
City Council for a study session, followed by a public hearing on November 1st
Chair Lovell opened the public portion of the hearing. However, there was no one in the audience, and the public portion of
the hearing was subsequently closed.
Planning Board Minutes
October 12, 2016 Page 5
Board Member Crank asked if the overlay project on 84th Avenue between 220th Street and 2121h Street would take place
while school is in session. Mr. English said that, if all goes well, the intent is to do the work during the summer when school
is on break.
Board Member Crank said she is glad to hear that the City's goal is to do the Waterfront Redevelopment Project in tandem
with the Senior Center's Waterfront Center Project. She said she serves on the Senior Center Board, and the plan to talk
about fundraising and strategies at their upcoming retreat.
Board Member Crank referred to the funding set aside for land acquisition and asked if there are targeted properties the City
is looking to acquire. Ms. Hite answered that the PROS Plan identifies areas of the City that are not as well served by parks
and open space, and the City will look for opportunities to acquire additional land to serve these neighborhoods. In addition,
the City is always looking for opportunities to acquire properties along Shell Creek and other properties that run parallel to
the watersheds. However, the City must also consider the need to maintain the park space it already has. It requires a
balancing act.
Board Member Crank thanked Mr. English for providing data about traffic volumes on SR-104. She appreciates that data is
needed to make a case for improvements, and she looks forward to comparing 2016 data to previous years to determine the
impact of new development. She noted that, just tonight, the light stopped blinking because there was an emergency vehicle
coming through the intersection. People are accustomed to the light blinking, and a car was almost hit when it did not stop at
the light. She said she hopes new data will support the need for a study to see if mitigation is needed.
Board Member Cheung asked if the Traffic Engineer's analysis of an all -walk phase at the intersection of 212`h Street and
76`h Avenue considered that the phase would only need to be activated during certain times of the day (when students arrive,
when students leave, and when students go to lunch). Mr. English acknowledged that the phase could be timed to only
activate during certain times of the day, but the morning period when students are arriving at school is also during the peak
commute period. Board Member Cheung asked if LOS D could be maintained with an all -walk phase that only operate
during certain times of the day as described above. Mr. English said more traffic modeling would be needed to answer that
question.
Vice Chair Rubenkonig commented that adding an all -walk phase at the intersection of 76th Avenue and 212`h Street would
minimize the pedestrians' exposure to pollution. Mr. English agreed that is possible, but it would depend on when the
pedestrian reaches the intersection. Depending on the phase of the light, a pedestrian may have to wait longer if an all -walk
phase were added. He also voiced concern that students may get impatient waiting for the signal and cross against traffic.
Chair Lovell asked if the Traffic Engineer has solicited feedback from the Edmonds School District relative to the proposed
changes at the intersection of 76th Avenue and 212th Street. Mr. English answered that the City has worked closely with the
school district to coordinate the phasing of the intersection improvements, and the school district has voiced support for the
proposed changes. The district has not requested an all -walk phase.
Ms. Clark said she uses the intersection at 76th Avenue and 212'h Street often, and it could use some work. She often has to
wait about five minutes to cross the street, and she knows that some students become impatient and jay walk. Mr. English
explained that, currently, the intersection lacks turning movement, which means it takes longer for cars and pedestrians to get
through the sequence. With the proposed changes, the left turn lanes going north/south will go at the same time, which
allows the light to cycle faster. The same would be done for the east/west lanes.
Board Member Cheung asked if the intersection improvements would include left turns on a blinking light. Mr. English said
they have not made a firm decision on this option because it could lead to conflicts with the high school. A left -turn arrow
would hold up pedestrians. With a flashing yellow light for left turns, there is a potential that a student could be hit while
using a crosswalk if a driver sees a break in traffic and initiates the turn. Staff will continue to evaluate the option, but his
first thought is that it would not be appropriate in this location. Board Member Cheung asked if it would be possible to time
the lights so that the flashing turn is available only when school is not in session. Mr. English agreed that is a possibility.
Planning Board Minutes
October 12, 2016 Page 6
Chair Lovell thanked Ms. Hite and Mr. English for providing responses to the issues and concerns raised by the Board at
their last meeting. He asked that these responses also be conveyed to the City Council for consideration in their review of the
CIP and CFP.
Chair Lovell requested clarification on the funding that is currently available for the Veteran's Plaza. Ms. Hite answered that
the City will contribute $30,000 to the project, and the remaining portion of the $550,000 cost will come from fundraising.
Chair Lovell asked if the City is contemplating that work will start on the Waterfront Center and Waterfront Redevelopment
Projects in 2017. Ms. Hite said the goal is to do the projects in tandem. However, it is possible that the Senior Center will
not reach its funding goal in time to complete the project during the fish window, and the Waterfront Center Project will have
to be postponed until 2018. Based on grant funding, it may be necessary for the City to move forward with the Waterfront
Redevelopment Project in 2017. Again, she said the City's goal is to move the two projects forward in 2017, hoping that the
Senior Center will be ready, as well. Board Member Crank advised that the Senior Center's target is to break ground on the
project in September of 2017. Ms. Hite emphasized that there is a fish window that limits when waterfront development can
occur, and it happens to be during the summer months. Ms. Crank said the Senior Center Board's goal is to meet that
window.
Board Member Robles asked for clarification of the small boat launch that is proposed as part of the waterfront
redevelopment project. Ms. Hite said this would be a hand launch facility that is not meant for large boats. She referred to
the proposed design of the project and noted the location of the boat launch. She explained that the ramp would serve a dual
purpose for launching small watercraft (kayaks, paddleboards, etc.) and providing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
access.
Board Member Stewart referred to Page 150 of the Staff Report that describes the Edmonds Marsh Feasibility and
Restoration/Walkway Project, which is estimated to cost $155,000. She asked if the project would include a new walkway
around the marsh. Ms. Hite said the project includes restoration of the current walkway, which is queued up for 2017.
However, the work done by the Western Washington University Students as part of the Sustainable Cities Project will
include consideration of a boardwalk all the way around the marsh. Several community citizens have volunteered to
participate on a focus group to discuss the concept further.
Board Member Stewart asked if the walkway that is proposed in front of the Ebb Tide Condominiums would be ADA
accessible. Ms. Hite answered that there would be two sections of stairs to provide broader accessibility, but the boardwalk
would all be accessible. The boardwalk proposed in front of the Ebb Tide Condominiums would connect the north and south
portions of the existing boardwalk together.
Board Member Stewart noted that there are redundancies in the CIP, as some projects appear to be listed twice, and the dollar
amounts do not match up. Ms. Hite said the redundancy has to do with the different funds that are used for the projects. In
many cases, funding will come from a variety of sources and/or funds.
Board Member Stewart said she is glad that the documents identify certain properties the City is keeping an eye on for park
acquisition. There is forest land in the northern portion of the City that has been on and off the market for quite some time
and is part of the Perrinville Creek Drainage Basin. There is a real desire in the neighborhood for the City to acquire this
property, and it can only happen if funding is available. She suggested that the City allocate a significantly larger amount in
2017 to allow the City to competitively bid for the property. Ms. Hite commented that this would be difficult. She explained
that Mayor Earling weighs out all of the priorities for the City and attempts to balance all needs when allocating the REET
dollars in the 126 Fund. For example, the 126 Fund is also used to support the Street Preservation and Facilities Restoration
Programs, which both have a backlog of projects. In addition to acquiring more park and open space, it is also important for
the City to adequately maintain their existing properties. However, she agreed to make note of Board Member Stewart's
request when presenting the CIP and CFP to the City Council. Board Member Stewart commented that the City could
establish a donor program to provide funding support for future park and open space acquisition. Ms. Hite agreed and said
that she has been working with Council Member Mesaros to pursue this option further. Board Member Stewart agreed to
assist in the effort.
Planning Board Minutes
October 12, 2016 Page 7
Vice Chair Rubenkonig requested clarification relative to the schedule for the Sunset Avenue Walkway Project, which is
described on Page 58 of the Staff Report. Mr. English reviewed that staff provided a report to the City Council in August
relative to the concept of building a walkway on the west side of Sunset Avenue. Currently, there is temporary striping that
designates a walkway area, but there has been quite a lot of discussion about where the parking should be located, what kind
of parking should be provided, etc. Parallel with the Sunset Avenue Walkway Project is a utility improvement project. The
City is considering options for improving the lift station on Sunset Avenue south of Caspers Street to install a new gravity
line to take sewage to the treatment plant rather than having to pump it. A waterline also needs to be replaced. No
permanent walkway or designated parking would be constructed until after the utility work has been completed in 2017. He
agreed to clarify the schedule in the project description.
Vice Chair Rubenkonig observed that the proposed sidewalk project on 232nd Street SW from 100th Avenue W to SR-104
(Page 60 of the Staff Report) would provide the fastest walking route to Westgate from the intersection with SR-104, and the
City should encourage people to use it as such. She also suggested that the CIP and CFP should include a listing of the
sources recommending action to help citizens know how long a project has been in the making, and the embedded vicinity
maps may be easier to navigate if compass points were included. While providing footage of the sidewalk projects has
begun, it could be completed, and highlighting project areas could assist the reader in identifying the size and location of the
proposed work.
Vice Chair Rubenkonig asked for clarification about the Pine Ridge Forest Management Study, which is described on
Page 105 of the Staff Report. In particular, she asked if the City has done similar studies for other parks in the past. Ms. Hite
explained that the Public Works, Planning and Parks Departments are coordinating an effort to complete an Urban Forestry
Management Plan for the entire City in 2016 and 2017, but there are a lot of older trees in Pine Ridge Park that warrant an
evaluation to assess the City's liability, etc.
Chair Rubenkonig pointed out that the acronym WWTP (Page 117 of the Staff Report) should be spelled out as the Waste
Water Treatment Plant. She also referred to the Table that lists the publicly -owned facilities in Edmonds and other nearby
areas and suggested that the Civic Center Playfield should be removed from the list of school district properties and added to
the list of City -owned properties.
VICE CHAIR RUBENKONIG MOVED THAT THE BOARD FORWARD THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM (CIP) AND CAPITAL FACILITIES PLAN (CFP) FOR 2016 THROUGH 2O22 TO THE CITY
COUNCIL WITH A RECOMMENDATION OF APPROVAL BASED ON THE COMMENTS PROVIDED BY THE
BOARD. BOARD MEMBER STEWART SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
THE BOARD RECESSED THE MEETING FOR A FIVE-MINUTE BREAK AT 8:20 P.M. THE MEETING
RECONVENED AT 8:27 P.M.
2016 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS
Mr. Chave reviewed that the most recent Comprehensive Plan update was completed in 2015, and included a major review as
required by the Growth Management Act. Typically, the City undertakes relatively minor amendments in intervening years.
This year's amendments will include the following:
Amending the Comprehensive Plan to incorporate the updated CFP.
Amending the Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan to include the adopted Marina Beach Master Plan as
a new "Appendix D." Appendix A would also be amended to acknowledge and reflect the Marina Beach Master
Plan.
Amending the Capital Facilities Element to add an implementation action that would read, "Develop level of service
standards for key public facilities by the end of 2017 and consider including the standards in the Comprehensive
Plan."
In addition to the amendments listed above, Mr. Chave advised that two more substantial amendments are currently being
developed: The Water Comprehensive Plan and the Street Tree Plan. Drafts of each of the plans are due before the end of
Planning Board Minutes
October 12, 2016 Page 8
2016, and approval is scheduled for the first quarter of 2017. Any specific references to the current plans will need to be
updated, as well. The two plans will be ready for the Planning Board's consideration after the first of the year.
Mr. Chave summarized that the Board has completed its public hearing and recommendation to the City Council relative to
Amendment 1, and the public hearings for Amendments 2 and 3 are scheduled for November 9"h.
Chair Lovell asked if the City plans to hire a consultant to assist staff in preparing an Urban Forestry Management Plan. Mr.
Chave answered affirmatively and noted that funding has been allocated for the project, and staff is working on a Request for
Proposals. However, the Street Tree Plan is separate and will precede the Urban Forestry Management Plan.
Chair Lovell said his understanding is that the Marina Beach and Civic Field Master Plans, once adopted into the
Comprehensive Plan, will represent what the community wants programmatically for the two sites, but they should not be
considered final designs. Ms. Hite agreed that the master plans should not be considered design or construction documents.
Instead, they are schematic designs that represent the community's thoughts and desires. It is always good practice to
officially adopt the master plans into the Comprehensive Plan so there are no questions about the process. Once adopted into
the Comprehensive Plan, Parks staff will have a green light to put together a financial package for future implementation.
Chair Lovell asked if the consultant who creates the final park designs would be obligated to prepare design documents that
are consistent with the Master Plans. Ms. Hite answered yes, but commented that the master plans are quite broad and
design decisions will need to be made throughout the process. The City will go through a competitive bidding process for
design consultants, and it is likely this effort will involve a citizen's committee, as well. Sometimes, the entity that created
the schematic design is the one most qualified to do the final design work. For example, the current contract with Walker
Massey for the Civic Field Master Plan also includes language for them to amend the contract to go into design development
if the City so chooses. That was not the case with the Marina Beach Master Plan contract, since development of the park is
three to five years out.
Board Member Stewart requested clarification of the proposed amendment to Goal 4, Policy 4.H of the PROS Plan. Ms. Hite
reviewed that when the Marina Beach Master Plan was created, numerous people voiced support for the dog park to remain
as an element of the park. Goal 4 was added to the PROS Plan to address the concern about potential impacts to sensitive
areas. Staff is suggesting the language be amended to make it more powerful and applicable to all parks in the City. The
new language would read, "Ensure uses in environmentally sensitive areas are consistent with critical area regulations and the
Shoreline Master Program." She summarized that the proposed language is intended to make the City pay attention to
potential impacts in all design and develop a balance.
Board Member Stewart asked for specific language in the Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) and Shoreline Master Program
(SMP). Although she acknowledged that the dog park is well -loved by the community, the community must also be made
aware of what is happening to the land as a result of the non -conforming use (dog park). Although dog owners do a good job
of cleaning up their pets' feces, Keeley O'Connell, restoration biologist on contract with the City, previously pointed out to
the Board that the urine is what completely decimates the marine flora on the shoreline. She said she has been a naturalist for
years at Discovery Park where there is a diverse display of habitat, but less so on the Edmonds beaches. If you walk through
Marina Beach Park, there is a noticeable wasteland effect as you walk through the dog park and habitat returns as you walk
further south along the beach. As habitat improvements occur down the road and conversations and public education
continues to evolve, people will become aware that there could be better alternatives. She said she hopes that this will be part
of the conservation going forward, and she questioned if the proposed amendment to Goal 4 would provide adequate
protection for the area.
Vice Chair Rubenkonig asked if developing LOS standards for key public facilities would be a Planning Board responsibility.
Mr. Chave answered yes, but only to the extent that they are included in the planning documents. Many of the standards are
already in place, such as transportation.
Mr. Chave advised that the draft amendments are scheduled for a public hearing before the Board on November 9t'.
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REVIEW OF EXTENDED AGENDA
Chair Lovell reviewed that the Board's October 26th agenda includes an update by the consultant on the Highway 99 Subarea
Plan and a presentation by representatives from Sound Transit relative to the Sound Transit 3 initiative that will be on the
November ballot. The November 9"b agenda will include a public hearing on the Civic Center Master Plan and a Public
Hearing on the 2016 Comprehensive Plan amendments. The November 23`d meeting has been cancelled. The December 14th
meeting tentatively includes a public hearing on the Highway 99 Subarea Plan, as well as election of officers and a
presentation of the Five Corners Plan that was prepared by students from the University of Washington and Forterra. The
December 28th meeting has been cancelled.
Chair Lovell reported that he and Vice Chair Rubenkonig met with Mayor Earling recently and learned that the terms of four
Board Members will expire at the end of 2016. Board Members who want to be reappointed for another term should notify
the Mayor as soon as possible. After further discussion, Chair Lovell indicated he would notify the Mayor that he and Board
Members Crank and Rubenkonig want to be reappointed for another term, but Board Member Stewart does not.
PLANNING BOARD CHAIR COMMENTS
Chair Lovell did not provide any additional comments.
PLANNING BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
Board Member Stewart announced that Students Saving Salmon will be meeting with stream -side property owners and
residents on Saturday, October 15th, to discuss how they can improve conditions along the waterways for salmon habitat.
They will be asking if salmon has been spotted and help them understand how to identify them and become more vigilant.
The students will report their findings to the press and City Council in a timely manner.
Board Member Robles gave a shout out to Perrinville, which now has an anchor restaurant and no franchise businesses. All
of the businesses are community based, and the area is very well done.
Vice Chair Rubenkonig asked if the fitness station that is located in the plaza/garden of the Waste Water Treatment Center is
an example of the proposed new fitness zones. Ms. Hite said the fitness station at the plaza/garden only has three elements,
and the proposed new fitness zones will have eight to ten components that will be more dynamic and have various functions.
She recalled that Board Members Monroe and Stewart agreed to work with staff to select the fitness zone components.
Vice Chair Rubenkonig announced that there will be an open house regarding the Highway 99 Subarea Plan on November
10`h from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on the 4`' Floor at Swedish Hospital, and Chair Lovell indicated his plan to attend. She also
reminded the Board of the public open house relative to the Civic Center Master Plan that is scheduled for October 19th from
6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the Library Plaza Room. Board Member Crank indicated her plan to attend that event. Lastly, she
advised that on November 2"d, the City Attorney will provide training to the Architectural Design Board regarding quasi-
judicial meetings, etc. She suggested that those who missed the training that was provided previously to the Board should
consider attending the November 2nd meeting.
Vice Chair Rubenkonig asked Mr. Chave to explain the impact of the City Council's recent decision to establish a larger
buffer for the Edmonds Marsh than what was recommended by the Department of Ecology (DOE). Mr. Chave explained
that, in general, the Planning Board's recommendation relative to the Shoreline Master Program (SMP) was passed on to the
DOE for review. However, the Council approved greater buffers for critical areas. The DOE notified the City that they did
not like a few things in the Council approved SMP, including the increased buffer requirement, and they provided a list of
mandatory and recommended changes. Most recently, the City Council walked through the DOE's recommendations and
requirements and suggested some alternative versions. The alternatives will be presented back to the DOE, and the City will
await a response that identifies where the discrepancies lie. Vice Chair Rubenkonig asked if the higher buffer requirement is
unusual compared to other jurisdictions. Mr. Chave answered that the buffer requirement is not necessarily unusual, but the
length of time the City has spent going back and forth with the DOE is a big unusual. He said he suspects the issue will
eventually end up before the Growth Hearings Board.
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October 12, 2016 Page 10
Board Member Crank reported on her attendance at the recent Candidates Forum that was sponsored by the Chamber. One
of the questions given to the state candidates was about ST3, and their response helped feed her a perspective for the next
round of discussions.
Board Member Crank said she listened to the October l lth City Council meeting where there was significant input from
downtown business owners about the recent sign code amendments. She voiced concern that the issue seems to be focused
on a -frame signs, and the Board's recommendation that the City consider a directional sign program has gotten lost in the
translation. This has created a lot of discord from downtown business owners. She asked what the Board could do to clarify
the amendments. Mr. Chave answered that the City Council will do something to address the concern, and there is nothing
the Board can do at this time. However, they will likely become involved at some point in the future. He encouraged Board
Members to take every opportunity to talk to the downtown business owners and provide more information about the Board's
recommendation.
ADJOURNMENT
The Board meeting was adjourned at 8:58 p.m.
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