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2017-09-13 Planning Board MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS PLANNING BOARD MINUTES September 13, 2017 Chair Rubenkonig 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 Carreen Rubenkonig, Chair Nathan Monroe, Vice Chair Matthew Cheung Todd Cloutier Phil Lovell Daniel Robles Mike Rosen BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT Alicia Crank (excused) READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES STAFF PRESENT Rob Chave, Planning Division Manager Carrie Hite, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director Jerrie Bevington, Video Recorder Karin Noyes, Recorder BOARD MEMBER LOVELL MOVED THAT THE MINUTES OF AUGUST 9, 2017 BE APPROVED AS SUBMITTED. VICE CHAIR MONROE 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 Chair Rubenkonig referred the Board to the written report that was provided by the Development Services Director. Board Member Lovell urged Board Members to participate in the virtual open house and survey for the Urban Forest Management Plan and Tree Plan(http://www.edmondswa.gov/2011-07-27-22-31-43/urban-forest-mgmt-plan.html). He also asked if the consultant would present the draft plan to the Board sometime this fall, and Mr. Chave answered affirmatively. Board Member Lovell also asked if the City has been contacted by the new owner of property at the corner of 6`" Avenue and Main Street to discuss the potential of developing a hotel, and Mr. Chave answered no. PRESENTATION ON CLIMATE REALITY PROJECT Sandra Ripley Distlehorst, Edmonds, advised that she is a member of the Mayor's Climate Protection Committee, as well as part of the steering committee for the community -based education project called "Taming Bigfoot." She reported that in June she joined with about 800 other people from around the world to participate in the Climate Reality Project Training. Her interest in attending the training was to provide the Edmonds community the resources available through the project. She emphasized that she is before the Commission as a private citizen, and not as a representative of the Mayor's Climate Protection Committee. Ms. Distlehorst advised that the Climate Reality Project was started in 2011 by Al Gore, and was a merger of two groups that started in 2006. To date, over 7,600 Climate Reality Leaders have been trained from around the world, including scientists, policymakers, educators and advocates from 130 countries. The intent of the project is to review where we are now in our understanding of climate change, where we need to be, and how we can get there. She provided a photograph of the earth taken on December 7, 1972 from the NASA Apollo 13 Mission, as it was heading to the moon. It is the first photograph ever taking of the fully illuminated earth. She also provided a photograph from the International Space Station, illustrating the sun shining over the earth's horizon and through the lower -most layers of the earth's atmosphere, which is very thin. Ms. Distlehorst reported that, currently, we are dumping 110 million tons of manmade global warming pollution into the atmosphere every 24 hours. This pollution comes from many difference sources, including thawing permafrost, coal mining, industrial processes, coal plants, fertilization, land transport, landfills, oil production and air transport. The biggest source of pollution is burning of fossil fuels. Fossil fuel provide 80% of the world's energy. If we could magically stop now, it would take 20 years to reduce the impact by 50%. Ms. Distlehorst explained that, while some pollutants dissipate or breakdown, others remain for 100 or even 1,000 years. All of these gases remain long enough to become well mixed, which means that the amount is roughly the same over all the world, regardless of the source of emissions. This is a global problem that needs a global solution. Global surface temperatures are rising, and 2016 was the hottest year on record. It beat out the previous hottest year (2015), which beat out the previous hottest year (2014). Average temperatures in the Seattle/Tacoma area increased 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit between 1980 and 2015, and it is predicted that temperatures will rise 5.8 degrees higher by the 2050s. As global temperature rises, so does the number and intensity of fires. Since the 1970s, the Western United States has had longer seasons (105 days), six times the burn area and three times larger wildfires. She noted that Amy Snover, PhD, Director of the Climate Impacts Group at the University of Washington and a Climate Reality Project Leader, has said, "We expect to see more fires and bigger firs. People are just beginning to wake up to this. " In addition to increased and more intense wildfires, Ms. Distlehorst said global warming also causes droughts. She recalled that in August of 2015, Washington State experienced its worst drought ever. It resulted in agricultural losses of between $633 and $733 million, and 1.5 million juvenile fish died. It is anticipated that by the 2050s, summer precipitation will decline by 22%. In addition, the number of Washington State glaciers has declined by 3 1 % since 1980. Snow is melting 30 days earlier than in the mid-20t' century in Washington State; and by the end of the century, the average April 15t snowpack is projected to decline by 70%. The loss of snowpack and warmer air temperatures are projected to contribute to increased wildfires and drought severity, jeopardize summer water supplies through reduced natural water storage, and reduce water available for generation of hydroelectricity. Ms. Distlehorst cautioned that extreme heat events cause more deaths annually in the United States than all other extreme weather events combined. There were record high temperatures in a number of locations throughout the world, Including 120 degrees in Arizona (112 deaths), 122 degrees in India (2,300 deaths) and 129 degrees in Pakistan (1,200 deaths). As heat rises, so does the number of hospital admissions and the mortality rate. Ms. Distlehorst advised that global ocean temperatures are also rising. Warmer oceans impact sea level rise, create super storms, and damage marine ecosystems. There are currently 3,000 drone buoys measuring the ocean temperature changes. Worldwide, extreme weather catastrophes are increasing. In 2016 there were three Category 4 hurricanes at one time. Already in 2017 there have been four. There is 4% more water vapor over the oceans than 30 years ago. When ocean based storms cross over warmer waters, they get stronger and more destructive. Planning Board Minutes September 13, 2017 Page 2 Ms. Distlehorst pointed out that 2017 was the wettest October to April period on record, with 44.7 inches of rain. The previous record was set in 2016 with 44.5 inches of rain. The normal amount of rainfall is usually 30.9 inches. Heavy rainfall, paired with melting snow, have led to landslides across Washington State. A February 91h landslide in Mason County blocked transit between Seattle and Everett, and heavy rains and flooding in Ferry County caused a road washout on April 14th. A recent Western Washington University Study of sea level rise in Edmonds shows a direct link between climate -linked sea level rise and coastal flooding. Currently, El Nino sea level rise is 12 inches, but winter sea level rise at the Washington Coast and estuaries is 20 inches. It is predicted that floods up to 4 feet will occur by 2050 and 5 feet by 2070. To illustrate the concern, she provided photographs of flooding on Manzanita Road SW on Vashon Island, which has a 13-foot seawall protecting the road from Quartermaster Harbor Tides that are usually 11 feet. Ms. Distlehorst said the questions that need to be considered are: Should we do something? and Can we do something? Currently, enough solar energy is produced every day to supply the world's energy needs for a year. Globally, 9.8 million people are employed by renewable energy industries. In the United States, there are two times as many jobs in solar as in coal. Globally, wind would supply worldwide electricity 40 times over. Solar capacity is increasing in the United States, and its cost continues to fall. Many developing countries are leap -frogging to solar energy. Washington State has continued to increase its capacity, as well, but more can be done. Currently, Washington State has 161 solar employers, providing 3,681 solar jobs and $370 million in solar investments. Also, in 2016, wind energy provided 7.13% of the state's electricity generation and supported 1,001 to 2,000 jobs. Ms. Distlehorst said energy storage is also increasing, with new technologies and incentives. For example, lithium -ion battery prices dropped by half since 2014, and this has become a game -changer for electric vehicles and grids. In addition, LED prices have dropped by 90% since 1980, which saved $20 billion and 100 million tons of COZ in 2015, alone. Electric vehicle use is increasing, with more than 2 million electric vehicles on the road worldwide. Washington State ranks 3Cd in electric vehicle sales, with 23,243, close behind California (#1) with 28,353 and Georgia (#2) with 26,018. Ms. Distlehorst advised that several states have established energy mandates or grid modernization programs, and Washington State continues to be a leader in that regard. Washington is a founding member of the United States Climate Alliance, and Seattle has enacted a number of climate policies, including the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. Bellevue also has a goal of producing 50% of municipal energy from renewables by 2019. Edmonds is a leader, passing Resolution 1389, which calls for 100% renewable energy by 2019, as well as updates to the Climate Action Plan, which will involve the Mayors Climate Protection Committee and the community. Ms. Distlehorst announced the "Taming Bigfoot — Edmonds" Project, which is a fun, community -focused competition to lower the collective footprint. The project is modeled after the Jefferson County Project, and Dr. Bob Bindschadler, a retired NASA climate scientist, has been hired as the consultant to oversee it. She advised that Dr. Bindschadler, along with his team from Port Townsend, developed the contest model and are graciously allowing the program to be adapted to the Edmonds community. The program will include tally sheets, behind the screen calculator, question and answer sheets, and a log that is credited to the Jefferson County group. Shen noted that Dr. Bindschadler will attend the October 3rd City Council meeting to talk more about the project. She reviewed the project's schedule as follows: • October through December — pre -events and team signups • January — baseline data collection • February — 1st month of competition • March — 2nd month of competition • April — competition ends and awards are presented. Ms. Distlehorst advised that there will be "bigfoot sightings" at major City events throughout the contest. She provided an illustration of the Carbon Tally Sheet that would be used for the contest for the Board's information, noting that the categories will include: home energy, water, private and public transportation, non -recycled garbage, food and shopping. The teams will be made up of members with a mix of energy profiles. The intent is for the teams to be evenly challenged and members can learn from each other about different barriers and motivators for lifestyle changes. Ms. Distlehorst reviewed that the "Taming Bigfoot" Project is endorsed by Mayor Dave Earling, State Representative Strom Peterson, Senator Marilyn Chase, State Representative Cindy Ryu, the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce, the United Planning Board Minutes September 13, 2017 Page 3 Methodist Church, Edmonds Climate Connection and more. Sponsors include the Edmonds Tree board, Walnut Street Cafe, Campbell Auto Group, Harbor Square Athletic Club, The Branding Iron, Council Member Buckshnis, Council Member Teitzel, Cheesemonger's Table, Caf6 Louvre, Dewar, Meeks & Ekrem, PC Koenig Financial Group, Lynwood Honda, Edmonds Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Windermere Real Estate -Edmonds and more. Ms. Distlehorst concluded her presentation by thanking the Board for the opportunity to share the information she learned as part of her training. She commented that the Board plays an important role in making sure that climate change is addressed in all planning decisions in the City. She encouraged them to utilize a climate checklist when reviewing projects. Board Member Lovell asked about the criteria for becoming a sponsor of the "Taming Bigfoot" Project. Ms. Distlehorst answered that it requires a donation of $100, which will be used for operational costs and for prizes. Board Member Lovell asked if the website would be updated throughout the program to provide updates on how the teams are doing, as well as education materials. Ms. Distlehorst answered affirmatively. She noted that the website is just now being set up, but numerous people have already expressed a desire to participate in the program. Once the program gets started, team leaders will be able to input data onto the website. In addition to the information provided on the website, the project will also include two meetings for the teams to share information and learn from each other. Board Member Lovell asked if there is any indication about how well the program will be received in the Edmonds community. Ms. Distlehorst said they anticipate there will be between 20 and 100 teams. She noted that the City of Seattle is doing a similar program, and there seems to be a lot of interest in the concept. Board Member Robles said he understands the importance of changing people's thinking before they can change their behavior. Public opinion is very powerful in this regard. He noted that there are numerous ideas floating around, such as sequestering carbon and using polypropylene instead of copper piping for buildings. He inquired if there is a place at the local level to increase citizen awareness of what they can demand from their community and their government in regard to implementing these new concepts and technology. Ms. Distlehorst agreed that is a good question, and she welcomed ideas from the planning group as her group promotes the "Taming Bigfoot" project with public events. The ideas could be incorporated into the meetings so they are not only talking about lifestyle changes, but encouraging people to be advocates for other climate change opportunities. Board Member Robles said he has a wealth of information and ideas to share. Board Member Cloutier asked if Ms. Distlehorst has had an opportunity to review previous studies that have been done for Edmonds. He noted that a study was done in 2011 by Climate Solutions to study the carbon footprint of the City and lay out an action plan. The study identified the primary sources of carbon in Edmonds as home heating, water treatment plant, and grocery stores, and the City's Climate Action Plan was written to specifically address issues in Edmonds. Some of the action items were implemented, such as the solar array on the Frances Anderson Center and retrofits at other city buildings. He commented that while solar and wind energy are good, they will not have a significant impact on the City's carbon footprint because the City gets most of its electricity from hydro. When seeking to reduce the carbon footprint of homes, the focus should be on lowering thermostats and providing better insulation. Lowering the thermostat by a few degrees can result in a 30% reduction in energy use. Board Member Cloutier noted that the 2011 study is available on the City's website, and he particularly referred to the graphic on the front page that illustrates carbon usage in the City. Again, he said that while Resolution 1369 is good, it does not really solve the City's problems that are primarily associated with natural gas and petroleum. He suggested that the primary focus for the City should be eating less meat, using vehicle miles and reducing heat consumption. Edmonds is a driving community, and most people work outside of the City. Chair Rubenkonig recalled that the main part of the presentation had to do with what would take place locally (Taming Bigfoot Project) and assembling teams that can support each other in coming up with solution for reducing the carbon footprint. She suggested that the term "carbon footprint" should be replaced with something that sounds better. The intent is for the team members to encourage each other and come up with ideas, and the teams will compete against each other. She voiced concern that, beyond the Climate Reality Project, the presentation contained very little information about the data that would be used to prepare the teams and embolden them to be concerned with the environment. She suggested that the project should be more concerned about providing facts and useful information. It should also be pointed out that the information provided as part of the project could be used by team members, as well as other citizens, to become advocates for climate control. She stressed the importance of presenting the information to the public in a way that is easy to understand, and the Planning Board Minutes September 13, 2017 Page 4 goals should be clearly identified. Changing behavior is difficult. She noted that the first seatbelt campaign started in 1965. While there has been significant improvement since that time, the original goal has not yet been met. She summarized that it takes a lot of time to change behaviors. The "Taming Bigfoot" Program is a great motivation for people who are already inclined to be concerned, and it is important to equip them with information that can be shared elsewhere. Via the program, the City will gain a local group of frontline responders to the issue. Ms. Distlehorst said the Edmonds project is modeled after a project in Jefferson County and focuses on climate change and the urgency for change. In addition to stressing urgency, the intent is to provide information about what can be done. She noted that the program will be presented on October 24th by Davey Montgomery, a geologist at the University of Washington, along with a representative from Port Townsend, to answer questions about how the project works. The intent is to provide information to the public, and she anticipates that many people will attend. Although not everyone will want to join a team, they will move one step closer in their desire to make changes. The Mayors Climate Protection Committee and the Interfaith Climate Action Committee are joining together to present the program. They already have a wide audience and will be able to get the word out. Chair Rubenkonig suggested that in addition to materials from the Climate Reality Project, other information should be provided to the teams. Ms. Distlehorst explained that she thought her presentation was supposed to focus on the Climate Reality Project training, which is separate from the "Taming Bigfoot" Project. She would have made a different presentation for the "Taming Bigfoot" Project. Board Member Cloutier recalled the Save Energy Program that was sponsored by Sustainable Edmonds in 2009. Ten households and 10 businesses participated in the program, and the intent was to show how much energy could be saved by changing lifestyles. Although the goal was to reduce energy consumption by 10%, the average savings was actually 30%. Most of the savings was related to behavioral changes, and the major motivation was cost savings over actually reducing the carbon footprint. Edmonds residents spend $40 million a year on electricity and natural gas. If this amount were reduced by 4% across the board, it would result in a $3 to $4 million stimulus. This can be done by reducing thermostats by just a few degrees. He suggested that this long-term monetary impact who agree that human behavior is causing the impacts. If you can get more people on board, the results will be better. Ms. Distlehorst said she worked with the University of Washington Sustainable Steward Program's Tire Gauge Project, which emphasized both the ecological and monetary benefits. She said she understands the value of making sure the message reaches a wider audience than just those who are interested in reducing the carbon footprint. Again, Ms. Distlehorst invited Board Members to share their ideas and comments as the program is being created. The intent is to come up with a program that works for Edmonds and has as many participants as possible to make the greatest impact possible. REVIEW OF 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS Mr. Chave reminded the Board that they already reviewed the updated Water Comprehensive Plan and a private application for a plan designation change for a specific property, and both items were forwarded to the City Council for action. In addition, there are several minor amendments that are summarized in Attachments 1, 2 and 3 of the Staff Report. The most substantial amendments involve the Parks Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan and the Highway 99 Subarea Plan. Mr. Chave advised that Attachment 2 outlines proposed amendments to acknowledge and reference the approved Highway 99 Subarea Plan. The amendment would adopt the Highway 99 Subarea Plan by reference (Page 19) as an element of the Comprehensive Plan. The changes on Pages 21 and 22 acknowledge that the CG2 zone no longer exists, as per the Highway 99 Subarea Plan. The change on Page 22 acknowledges that the subarea plan identifies three nodes: Health District, International District and Gateway District. The changes on Pages 23 through 25 come verbatim from the Highway 99 Subarea Plan and describe the three districts. Mr. Chave said amendments related to the Street Tree Plan and Urban Forest Management Plan are also proposed (Attachment 3). Although both of the plans are in various stages of development, the update process will not be completed until 2018. The proposed amendment would change the reference dates to 2018, reflecting the final completion dates for both plans. Planning Board Minutes September 13, 2017 Page 5 Ms. Hite referred to Attachment 1, which outlines the proposed changes related to the PROS Plan. She reviewed the changes as follows: • The Veteran's Plaza was recently completed, and an amendment has been proposed to introduce it into the PROS Plan as a new Special Use Park. There are three locations where references to the park was added into the PROS Plan. • Earlier this year, the Board forwarded a recommendation to the City Council regarding the Civic Center Master Plan, and the plan was subsequently approved by the City Council. However, the plan still needs to be formally adopted into the Comprehensive Plan. A proposed amendment will add the plan as an appendix to the PROS Plan. Board Member Lovell pointed out that Table 2-5 lists the Dayton Street Plaza as a Special Use Park that is undeveloped. He pointed out that this project was recently completed, and the table should be updated accordingly. Ms. Hite agreed to make that change. Board Member Lovell referred to the Pie Chart on Page 21, which is based on the Buildable Lands Report. He recalled that the consultant doing the Highway 99 Subarea Plan projected the potential maximum development build out in square footage and housing units. He asked if these numbers would be incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan, and Mr. Chave answered no. Board Member Lovell said there have been reports that the banners on the light poles in the International District have had problems. He has also heard that another level of lighting was added to the poles, but he has not seen it. Ms. Hite said that pedestrian -level lighting was added, and she will check on its current status. She reported that the City is working with a contractor to fabricate metal banners that are colorful yet sturdy. The fabric banners have been replaced once, but they are not durable given the amount of traffic and the number of large trucks on Highway 99. The metal banners will be a more permanent solution. Vice Chair Monroe asked about the content of the gateway sign that will be located in the International District. Ms. Hite said the sign is still being designed. She agreed to check on its progress and report back to the Board. Chair Rubenkonig noted that there are no public restrooms available at the current Senior Center facility. She asked if the new Community Center would provide public facilities, and Ms. Hite answered affirmatively. Mr. Chave advised that a public hearing on the proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments is scheduled for October 1 lth. He encouraged Board Members to forward additional questions and comments to staff. REVIEW OF EXTENDED AGENDA Board Member Lovell asked if the consultant would be present at the October 25th meeting to provide the final report on the Five Corners Development Feasibility Analysis, and Mr. Chave answered affirmatively. Chair Rubenkonig noted that the Capital Improvement Plan and Capital Facilities Plan will come before the Board as a study item on October 1 Ith. Chair Rubenkonig asked staff to provide an update on the traffic improvements that are being done at the intersection of 2121h Street and 76th Avenue. Mr. Chave encouraged her to contact Ms. Cunningham to find the appropriate person to provide that information. Board Member Cloutier observed that a Parks & Recreation Quarterly Report is due in October. Mr. Chave agreed to contact Ms. Hite to find out when the report will be scheduled on the Board's agenda. Board Member Lovell pointed out that the Board is scheduled to present an update to the City Council, as well. Mr. Chave noted that the update is scheduled on the City Council's December 5t" agenda. Planning Board Minutes September 13, 2017 Page 6 PLANNING BOARD CHAIR COMMENTS Chair Rubenkonig reported on the status of the Planning Board's Youth Representative, which can be anyone between the age of 16 and 25. She advised that she sent a recruitment article to the Community Services Director, and she will edit it before it is published. PLANNING BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS There were no Planning Board comments. ADJOURNMENT The Board meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p.m. Planning Board Minutes September 13, 2017 Page 7