2017-06-14 Planning Board MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
June 14, 2017
Vice Chair Monroe called the meeting of the Edmonds Planning Board to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Public
Safety Complex, 250 — 5 h Avenue North.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Nathan Monroe, Vice Chair
Matthew Cheung
Todd Cloutier
Phil Lovell
Daniel Robles
Mike Rosen
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
Alicia Crank (excused)
Carreen Rubenkonig (excused)
STAFF PRESENT
Rob Chave, Planning Division Manager
Carrie Hite, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director
Jerrie Bevington, Video Recorder
Karin Noyes, Recorder
Newly appointed Board Member, Mike Rosen, was welcomed to the Board.
READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES
BOARD MEMBER LOVELL MOVED THAT THE MINUTES OF MAY 24, 2017 BE APPROVED AS
CORRECTED. BOARD MEMBER ROBLES SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF AGENDA
The agenda was accepted as presented.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS
No one in the audience indicated a desire to comment during this portion of the meeting.
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DIRECTOR REPORT TO PLANNING BOARD
Vice Chair Monroe referred the Board to the written report that was provided by the Development Services Director. Board
Member Lovell observed that the June 2nd Affordable Housing Conference attracted a large number of participants, including
some Planning Board Members.
PUBLIC HEARING ON REZONE OF PROPERTY WITHIN THE HIGHWAY 99 PLANNED ACTION AREA TO
GENERAL COMMERCIAL (CG)
Mr. Chave provided two maps, one illustrating the existing zoning along the Highway 99 Corridor, and the other illustrating
the proposed zoning. He noted that the Board is generally familiar with the proposal, which is a legislative rather than a
quasi-judicial action because it would apply area wide. He reviewed that the Planning Board previously considered the
Highway 99 Subarea Plan and forwarded a recommendation of approval to the City Council. In addition, the Board
conducted a public hearing on May loth on amendments to the development regulations to establish new standards for a
consolidated CG zone in the Highway 99 area. The proposed zoning changes were shown as part of the Board's May loth
hearing presentation. Following the public hearing relative to the rezone proposal, the Board will be asked to forward a
recommendation of approval to the City Council. The City Council is scheduled to conduct a public hearing next week on
both the zoning code and the map.
Mr. Chave reviewed that, through the Planned Action process, the City is working to consolidate the zoning throughout the
Highway 99 area. Historically, the properties have been zoned both CG and CG2, but there is very little difference between
the two zones except for the height limit. Currently, the CG zone allows a maximum height of 60 feet, and the CG2 zone
allows a maximum height of 75 feet. The proposed rezone would make the overall zoning along the corridor consistent with
the Comprehensive Plan Map, which designates the entire corridor for a consistent development pattern. Through the
Planned Action process, the properties that are currently zoned CG and CG2 would be consolidated into a single CG zone,
and new standards and design parameters would apply. The proposed action would bring all zoning into consistency with the
Comprehensive Plan and the Highway 99 Subarea Plan.
In addition to consolidating the CG and CG2 zoning, the proposal would also rezone some properties that are currently zoned
Multi -Family Residential (RM) to CG. He explained that, in some cases, commercial property owners also own the adjacent
RM-zoned property, which means that the zoning is split in some cases. The intent is to consolidate these RM-zoned
properties into the CG zone. In addition to providing greater consistency, the new CG zone has built-in transition standards.
For example, combined stepbacks and setbacks are not required in the current CG zone, but would be added as part of the
new standards and design parameters. The thought is that some of the transition issues could be handled via the zoning
standards rather than through transitional zoning areas.
Mr. Chave recalled that when the Board previously conducted a public hearing on development code amendments to
implement the Highway 99 Subarea Plan, some of the comments were related to the anticipated CG zoning changes.
Tonight's hearing offers a formal opportunity for the public to comment specifically on the rezone proposal. Following the
public hearing and Planning Board deliberation, the Board will be asked to forward a recommendation to the City Council.
Board Member Lovell pointed out that each of the maps identify the properties located within the City of Edmonds, as well
as those located within unincorporated Snohomish County (Esperance). Mr. Chave emphasized that the proposal would not
change the zoning in the properties located in unincorporated Snohomish County. Board Member Lovell said it is important
to make sure the Board Members understand that the current CG zoning allows a maximum height of 60 feet and the current
CG2 zoning allows a maximum height of 75 feet. As proposed, the CG and CG2 zones would be consolidated and the
maximum height would be 75 feet along the entire corridor. Mr. Chave pointed out that the only reason for the two zones
(CG and CG2) was to follow through on the distinctions made by Snohomish County prior to when the properties were
annexed into the City.
Vice Chair Monroe pointed out that there are slivers of white area on the two zoning maps. Mr. Chave responded that these
identify City rights -of -way, which are considered un-zoned properties.
Stanley Piha, Edmonds, said he participated on the original Highway 99 Task Force and he also owns property within the
Highway 99 Subarea. He commented that the evolution of the proposed Highway 99 Subarea Plan meets many of the goals
and objectives brought forward by the original task force a number of years ago. He said he supports the good work done by
the consultant and City staff and felt the plan would offer an opportunity for a wonderful transformation to occur along the
Edmonds portion of Highway 99. He encouraged the Board to recommend approval of the proposed rezone as presented by
staff.
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No one else in the audience indicated a desire to comment and the public portion of the hearing was closed.
BOARD MEMBER LOVELL MOVED THAT THE BOARD ACCEPT THE FINDINGS OF FACT, ANALYSIS
AND ATTACHMENTS IN THE STAFF REPORT AND FORWARD A RECOMMENDATION OF APPROVAL TO
THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE PROPOSED REZONE OF PROPERTIES WITHIN THE HIGHWAY 99
PLANNED ACTION AREA. BOARD MEMBER CHEUNG SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
UPDATE FROM THE PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES DIRECTOR
Ms. Hite provided an overview of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services projects that have been done or are in progress.
Civic Field Acquisition and Master Plan. The City purchased the Civic Field from the Edmonds School District in
February of 2016, and this was followed by a robust community process, working with consultant Walker Macy, to
create a master plan for the site. An advisory committee was formed to provide guidance to the consultant and staff, and
the Planning Board played an integral part in the process, as well. The final Civic Field Master Plan is a culmination of a
very robust public conversation, with a lot of give and take and compromise. The goal moving forward is to complete
the survey and geotechnical work this year. Staff recently sent out a notice to tenants of the stadium advising that they
must vacate their space by October 31st. The plan is to take down the facility in November. Monies will be built into the
2018 Capital Improvement Plan for design development work, and staff will also prepare a financial package for the
park's redevelopment, including grant applications. Implementation of the plan is anticipated to cost about $10 million,
and it is hoped that construction work can start in 2020 or before.
City Park. The spray pad at City Park opened on May 26th. The weather was awesome, and the facility was packed. It
continues to be very popular. To mitigate noise for the neighbors, the City planted a number of trees and additional
foliage. Staff has received a lot of favorable comments about the new facility. Board Member Lovell asked if the water
retention/recirculation system is working as planned, and Ms. Hite answered affirmatively. Rather than the direct -to -
drain approach, the new spray pad uses a water recycling system. The system is backwashed once each week to clean it
out and start with fresh water, and the Public Health Department has given it a clean bill of health.
• Dayton Street Plaza. A ribbon -cutting ceremony for the Dayton Street Plaza was held in March. This gathering area in
the downtown allows people to have a resting/stopping spot when walking from downtown to the waterfront. There
have been a number of performances in the plaza area, as well.
• 4`h Avenue Cultural Corridor Interim Projects. The artwork, Luminous Forest, was dedicated in conjunction with the
Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA)'s IOth Anniversary celebration in July of 2016. The artwork leads walkers from
Main Street to the ECA.
• Wayfinding Signage/Park Signage. The existing wayfinding sign at 5th and Main Street is scheduled for replacement
in 2017, and the new sign will be consistent with the current sign program standards. New signs were installed at Yost
Park and Maplewood Park, and the City has received a number of favorable comments from the public. The Parks
Department will continue to update wayfinding and park signage as time allows. She noted that the old sign at Yost Park
was donated to the Edmonds Museum.
• Marina Beach. The Marina Beach Master Plan was adopted in February of 2016 following a robust public process.
The purpose of the plan was to find a route for Willow Creek to come across the parkland. Parallel to the Master Plan
work, the City is working on a proposal to daylight Willow Creek. However, there is no funding set aside for the Master
Plan implementation, which will not likely occur for at least five years. Board Member Lovell asked about the City's
plans for sequencing major projects. Ms. Hite answered that Civic Field will likely remain the first priority if the City is
successful in reaching its financial goals. The project to daylight Willow Creek will not likely be ready to submit for
grant funding until the 2018 cycle, and construction will not likely occur until at least 2020. The daylighting project will
be done in conjunction with implementation of the Marina Beach Master Plan, and the total cost of the two projects is
estimated to be between $6 and $10 million. There have been extensive discussions about looking for federal grant
funding, which depends on the environment at the federal level for parks grants and salmon rehabilitation. Board
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Member Lovell pointed out that the City is in the process of doing drainage work in the area. Ms. Hite explained that
there are several solutions associated improving drainage in the area, and daylighting Willow Creek is just one. Other
projects include cleaning out the culverts and adding another pump station to the treatment plant.
• Fishing Pier. The fishing pier was opened again to the public last September, but there are some issues that need to be
addressed. The contractor will be back on site starting June 15"' to repair some of the center joints. It will not be
necessary to close the entire pier during the approximately 5-week construction period, but some areas will likely be
closed as work is done under specific sections of the pier. The work will be done at no cost to the City since the project
is still under warranty.
• Public Restroom. A new downtown public restroom was opened in 2016, and informational panels were recently
installed on the east wall of the new facility. The Economic Development Department and Cultural Services Division
worked with the Edmonds Museum to create the historical panels, which were funded by the Hubbard Family
Foundation.
• Edmonds Marsh. The City will continue to work on daylighting Willow Creek, and the City will continue to contract
with Keeley O'Connell to project manage the phases of the marsh rehabilitation efforts.
• Critical Areas Report for Edmonds Parks. Recent changes in the Critical Areas Ordinance required the Parks
Department to hire a consultant to prepare critical areas reports for all parks where maintenance and restoration activities
are expected to be conducted within critical areas during the next five years. The reports will enable park maintenance
staff and volunteer stewardship groups to lawfully continue removing invasive vegetation and restoring native vegetation
within critical areas following approval by the Planning Division.
• Parklet Development. The City has received requests from a number of private business owners in the downtown about
the idea of constructing parklets. The City's plan is to construct a parklet on 4`' Avenue between Main Street and the
ECA as a pilot project to gauge interest. Vice Chair Monroe noted that creating parklets could result in a loss of parking.
He asked if there is a process whereby the City will solicit feedback from the community about whether or not this
would be desirable. Ms. Hite said the first parklet would be constructed closer to the ECA where there is not as much
demand for parking space. The goal is to see how much it is utilized before considering opportunities to expand to other
locations.
• Outdoor Fitness Zones. Money has been set aside in the Capital Improvement Program for the past two years to
provide leverage or matching funds for grants to complete this project. The City's grant application has been put on hold
based on a recent decision by Verdant Health to place a hold on all grants pending discussions with their auditors. The
project is still in Verdant's queue, but it will not be done until grant funding has been received.
• Meadowdale Playfields. The City is partnering with the City of Lynnwood and the Edmonds School District to
renovate the Meadowdale Playfields in 2017. The intent is to replace the natural dirt and grass fields with synthetic
fields so they can be played on year-round. The City Council approved an interlocal agreement with the school district
and the City of Lynnwood, and the City of Lynnwood recently awarded the contract. The project should be on line by
the end of the year.
• City Storage Building. The previous building was destroyed by an arson fire, and the City is in the process of replacing
it with a larger facility that will serve the needs of both the Parks Department and the Public Works Department.
Progress towards completion of the new building should be made before the end of the year.
• Community Garden. This project has been identified in the City's Capital Improvement Program for quite some time,
but it has been difficult to find land. City staff is in discussions with Snohomish County about entering into an interlocal
agreement to use a portion of Esperance Park for a Community Garden. Snohomish County recently completed a master
plan for the park, which includes space for a community garden. Working together, they should be able to get the garden
area ready for the 2018 growing season. Board Member Lovell asked how large the garden would be, and Ms. Hite
answered that it would be about'/2 acre, divided into about 50 raised beds.
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• Veteran's Plaza. There was a very successful ribbon -cutting event on Memorial Day, but there is a final punch list of
items that still need to be completed.
Waterfront Redevelopment and Walkway Completion. The City has been working parallel to the Senior Center's
efforts to rebuild. The City's interest is to pull back the creosote pier from the Sound and introduce a filtration system
from the parking lot to the Sound. In addition, the City is interested in completing the walkway south of the Senior
Center. The City owns an easement in front of the Ebbtide Condominiums, and it is working with a designer to figure
out the possibilities of connecting the walkway. The City has applied for grant funding, and there will also be some
funding available from the Real Estate Excise Tax and Park Impact Fees. They are currently in the design phase, and
also have a contractor working on the environmental permits that will be needed for the project. The goal is to break
ground in 2018 and complete the overwater construction work during the fish window (mid -July through mid -
September).
• Frances Anderson Center Bandshell. The City received occupancy papers for the new facility today, and it will be
used by the Arts Festival this weekend. They have received a number of positive comments about the bandshell, which
fits Edmonds nicely.
Informational Panels. A committee with representatives from the Arts Commission, Historic Preservation
Commission, Development Services, and Parks Department have met to develop draft guidelines for informational
panels located in City parks and rights -of -way to ensure a stylistic consistency and sensitivity to number and locations.
The informational panels are intended to provide environmental, historical and cultural information associated with
specific sites. Two informational panels are currently in development, one for Yost Park to identify an old -growth cedar
stump showing notches from logging at the turn of the 20'h century and another for Sunset Avenue showing the
waterfront sawmills in 1910. The Historic Preservation Commission developed the concept for the two panels and the
design was reviewed by the Arts Commission. The City Council approved allocation of funds to create the two panels in
December of 2016, but they required that the Planning Board review the design before final fabrication.
Board Member Lovell noted that the proposal is to place an informational sign at the end of Bell Street on Sunset
Avenue. He noted that, as currently proposed, a new crossing over the tracks is proposed at Edmonds Street. There have
been suggestions that a minipark could be established in this location, as well. He said the Historic Preservation
Commission should be made aware of this proposal so they can consider the option of moving the informational sign
further north to a higher location at some point in the future. Ms. Hite said it was difficult to find an ideal location on
City property that did not have trees that blocked the view. She agreed to invite the group to consider this alternative
location, as well.
Board Member Lovell inquired about the exact location of the informational sign at Yost Park. Ms. Hite answered that it
would be located about 200 feet down a trail off of Main Street that starts near 2nd Avenue where an old -growth cedar
stump is located. She noted that a lot of walkers use the trail, and the sign would be highly visible. The intent is to
locate it right next to the stump. Board Member Lovell asked if any thought has been given to creating a map to
illustrate the location of each of the informational signs, and Ms. Hite answered affirmatively.
Board Member Robles said that these signs have been used in other cities, and they tend to fade and become weathered
over time. He asked if there is sufficient funding to ensure that the signs are high quality. Ms. Hite answered that the
signs would be constructed of a high -quality laminate material that is weather resistant. The same material has been used
on other signs in the City over the past five years, and they are very happy with the durability of the product.
Board Member Robles said he likes the concept of historical panels. However, he asked if the City has considered
opportunities for historical panels that celebrate the indigenous community that used to live in Edmonds. Ms. Hite
answered that the informational signs that were installed on the new restroom in the downtown tell the story of the
indigenous people.
Vice Chair Monroe asked if the City is planning to install more informational signs over time. Ms. Hite answered hat is
possible as they work with the Historic Preservation Commission to identify stories and places. However, there is
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nothing planned right now. She cautioned that it is important to balance the number of signs in places where people
want to enjoy the natural beauty. Vice Chair Monroe asked about the average cost of the signs, and Ms. Hite answered
that they cost about $5,000.
Board Member Cheung noted that the history contained on the two new signs is tied together. He suggested that
references should be added to somehow tie the two signs together. Ms. Hite agreed that would be appropriate.
BOARD MEMBER LOVELL MOVED THAT THE BOARD FORWARD A RECOMMENDATION TO THE
CITY COUNCIL THAT THEY ACCEPT AND APPROVE THE HISTORIC MARKER SIGNS AS
PRESENTED BY STAFF WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THEY BE AWARE THAT THE BELL
STREET SIGN MAY NEED TO BE RELOCATED IF AND WHEN THE EDMONDS RAILRAOD CROSSING
SOLUTION COMES TO FRUITION. VICE CHAIR MONROE SECONDED THE MOTION.
BOARD MEMBER CHEUNG MOVED THAT THE MOTION BE AMENDED TO ADD THAT A
REFERENCE BE PROVIDED ON EACH SIGN TO CONNECT THE TWO TOGETHER. BOARD MEMBER
CLOUTIER SECONDED THE MOTION TO AMEND, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
THE MAIN MOTION WAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED AS AMENDED.
Economic Impact of Arts and Cultural/Community Cultural Plan. The Arts Commission and staff are currently
working to implement the strategy identified in the Community Cultural Plan involving a study of the economic impact
of arts and culture in Edmonds. The study is funded through the Parks Department, Arts Commission and Economic
Development Commission, and BERK was selected as the project consultant. The first meeting with the advisory group
was held, and stakeholder interviews have been conducted. A survey of the attendees has been tested for use over the
summer and early fall, and additional data will be collected from arts and culture nonprofits and businesses. Board
Member Rosen asked about the Board's role in the economic impact study. Ms. Hite said the draft will likely come
before the Board as the Parks Board before moving on to the City Council. If the Board is interested, they could also be
involved in the process via the on-line and in -person surveys that will be conducted over the next several months. Board
Member Rosen said it would be helpful to see the methodology the consultant used to prepare the survey, and Ms. Hite
agreed to send it to the Board Members.
• Willow Creek Fish Hatchery. After nearly 30 years operating the hatchery, Trout Unlimited announced it would be
retiring from operations within the next two years. Sound Salmon Solutions, a non-profit organization and regional
leader in salmon conservation, has agreed to take over management of the hatchery operations and expand the
educational programming and outreach activities at the site. A Professional Services Agreement was signed in February
to cover staff time for training and grant writing, and Sound Salmon Solutions staff has been working closely with Trout
Unlimited with the goal of fully taking over operations at the facility in 2018.
Western Washington University Initiatives. This year the City has had the benefit of several projects from Western
Washington University (WWU) students as part of the Sustainable Cities Partnership. Students from the parks and
recreation program provided creative and innovate ideas for recreation programming in Edmonds, a marketing class
provided proposals for the 4"h Avenue Cultural Corridor, an environmental class provided a Phase 1 environmental
assessment of Stella's Landing, and a GIS and marketing class worked on mapping the cemetery. Once the cemetery
project is completed, people will be able to find information about where loved ones are buried on line and even view a
photo of the actual gravesite. There will also be a map available at the cemetery for those who are not comfortable
searching on line.
• Urban Forest Management Plan. The Parks Department is working with the Development Services Department to
complete an Urban Forest Management Plan in 2017, and they have retained the services of Davey Resources Group to
engage with the community to draft the plan. The first public open house is scheduled for June 22nd in the Brackett
Room of City Hall from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. The intent is to create some goals, going forward, for management of the
public forests. Board Member Lovell urged Board Members to attend the open house. He recalled that, two years ago,
the Tree Board presented a plan to the Planning Board that nearly caused a riot at the public hearing. He expects there
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June 14, 2017 Page 6
will be a lot of public participation as the plan moves forward, and it would behoove the Planning Board Members to
follow the process closely.
• Staffing Changes. After 30 years of service, Renee McRae has retired, and Dave Johnston has been hired as the new
Deputy Director. He comes from the City of Tukwila where he serves as the Parks and Recreation Supervisor.
Board Member Lovell reminded the Board that one of its members typically participates as a judge in the Sand Sculpture
Contest that is held in July. He said he has fulfilled this assignment in past years and it has been a lot of fun. Board Member
Robles said he was a judge in 2016, and he found it to be fascinating.
Board Member Rosen commented that the presentation provided by Ms. Hite, as well as the written report that was included
in the Staff Report, makes him even more proud to be a member of the Edmonds community. Parks not only enhance the
quality of life for Edmonds citizens, they also provide an economic value to the City. Ms. Hite said she has an incredible
staff team, which means that she does not have to be the lead on all projects. She said she loves her job, and feels that
Edmonds is an amazing town that supports parks.
Board Member Lovell commented that, looking to the future, the City may be reaching the point where it may need to
consider opportunities for obtaining additional funding for parks, and the concept of creating a Metropolitan Park District
may come up again. Ms. Hite reviewed that Board Member Lovell participated on the committee that researched the concept
a few years ago, and there was a lot of support for the approach. However, at the time, the financial forecast improved and
the City Council made the decision not to float it as an initiative. As the City looks forward, the financial picture is tight and
it may be appropriate to consider the option once again if there is community support for projects such as daylighting Willow
Creek and implementing the Marina Beach and Civic Field Master Plans. She said she has discussed the concept with
Mayor Earling and also submitted an article in THE EDMONDS BEACON regarding options for financing projects. Forming
a Metropolitan Park District is one option the legislature has given to cities in the state, and quite a few have taken advantage
of the opportunity. Board Member Lovell asked if the impetus to reconsider the option would come from the Mayor or the
City Council. Ms. Hite advised that if the City Council is interested in pursuing the option again, Mayor Earling could direct
her work to do that. It would likely be part of the financial discussion that takes place during the budget process.
REVIEW OF EXTENDED AGENDA
The Board reviewed that the agenda for the June 28th meeting includes a review of the proposed Planned Action Ordinance
for the Highway 99 Subarea Plan, as well as a presentation on the 2017 Water Comprehensive Plan update. The July 12th
agenda includes a public hearing on the Proposed Planned Action Ordinance for the Highway 99 Subarea Plan, and a public
hearing on the 2017 Update to the Water Comprehensive Plan.
Vice Chair Monroe asked that the extended agenda be updated to include an update on the Economic Impacts of Arts and
Culture Study, as well as an update on the Urban Forest Management Plan.
PLANNING BOARD CHAIR COMMENTS
Vice Chair Monroe reported on his attendance at the May 17th Economic Development Commission Meeting where they
came up with a number of topics to focus on over the next six to eight months. He also reported that he met with Mayor
Earling to discuss the Board's report to the City Council on June 20th. He advised that he and Chair Rubenkonig would work
together to prepare the report.
PLANNING BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
Board Member Rosen said he was happy to be a member of the Board and will work hard to learn so that he can add value to
the Board as quickly as possible. Board Member Lovell welcomed him on the Board and said he looks forward to his
participation and valuable input.
ADJOURNMENT
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The Board meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
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