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2017-10-11 Planning Board MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS PLANNING BOARD MINUTES October 11, 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 — 5th Avenue North. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT Carreen Rubenkonig, Chair Nathan Monroe, Vice Chair Matthew Cheung Todd Cloutier Alicia Crank Phil Lovell Daniel Robles Mike Rosen READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES STAFF PRESENT Rob Chave, Planning Division Manager Rob English, City Engineer Jeanie McConnell, Engineering Project Manager Carrie Hite, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director Jerrie Bevington, Video Recorder Karin Noyes, Recorder BOARD MEMBER CRANK MOVED THAT THE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 27, 2017 BE APPROVED AS CORRECTED. BOARD MEMBER CLOUTIER SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. ANNOUNCEMENT OF AGENDA The agenda was accepted as presented. AUDIENCE COMMENTS Nancy Sewell, Edmonds, submitted a petition from residents who would like a sidewalk on Maplewood Street. She said she has been trying to get the City to construct a sidewalk in this location for 24 years. It is even more important now that traffic is diverted from 196th Street and Main Street whenever there is an accident or snow situation. The sidewalk is blocked in two different places so people have to walkout into the street. She noted that the petition is signed by 165 people, and about 100 live in in Edmonds. Quite a few are from the neighboring communities of Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace, as well. DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DIRECTOR REPORT TO PLANNING BOARD There was no Director's Report. PUBLIC HEARING ON LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT CODE UPDATE Ms. McConnell advised that the City of Edmonds is one of 94 cities that has been issued a Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit by the Department of Ecology (DOE). In order to comply with the Permit, the City is required to review and revise codes, policies and standard details to eliminate barriers that would prevent the incorporation of Low Impact Development principles and Best Management Practices (BMPs). She explained that LID is a stormwater management and land development strategy that emphasizes conservation and the use of on -site natural features. It is commonly thought of as a way to manage stormwater, but also has a broader definition when looking at overall site design to include preserving natural resources and arranging development in a way that minimizes grading and impervious surfaces and opens up solar opportunities. Ms. McConnell reviewed that in an effort to comply with the Department of Ecology's Permit Requirements, the City's stormwater code went through a major overhaul starting in 2015. The updated code was approved by City Council in October 2016, and became effective January 1, 2017. The new code requires stormwater runoff to be managed on site where feasible. In addition, staff has been working with a consultant to identify potential amendments to the Edmonds Community Development Code (ECDC) to encourage LID and eliminate any potential barriers. Although the City's code is not seen to present any barriers to the inclusion of LID in a site design, the language needs to be tweaked to update terminology, better present opportunities for LID and get applicants thinking about LID on the front end of their project design. She highlighted the proposed changes as follows: • ECDC 9.20.010(A) — Definitions. The definition for "concrete curbs and gutters" was updated to read, "that portion of the roadway edge constructed to city standards. " The City has a separate manual that deals with specific design standards, which includes a variety of curb types. Therefore, referencing a specific standard is not appropriate. Staff is proposing that the reference be removed to eliminate a potential barrier when considering LID options. • ECDC 18.00.010(B)(4) — Application. A site plan is required as part of a development permit application, and the language in this section was changed to include vegetation and LID elements as part of the site plan requirement. This amendment is intended to bring to light there are other features that need to be considered with development. If possible, it is desirable for development to work around these features in order to protect and preserve them. • ECDC 20.11.030(B)(1) — Criteria. This section deals specifically with site treatment and takes into consideration the character of the site and the nearby area. The current language is vague, and staff is proposing it be amended to read, "Grading, vegetation removal and other changes to the site shall be minimized to protect natural resources, limit disturbance of native soils, and encourage low impact development. " The proposed language is more specific and encourages the use of LID to protect natural resources and limit the disturbance of soils. • ECDC 20.13.020(P) — General Design Standards. This is a new section that recognizes LID is something that should be considered throughout the entire design process where feasible. As proposed, the section would read, "Stormwater LID Best Management Practice integration into overall landscape design is strongly encouraged, where feasible. " • ECDC 20.75.020(B), (C), and (F) — Purposes. These are new sections that provide additional language in the subdivision code to promote the preservation of critical areas and encourage LID, encourage site design that can make the best use of renewable energy resources, and encourage LID practices when providing for streets and sidewalks. • ECDC 20.55(L) — Terms. This amendment would add a definition for Low Impact Development. As proposed, the definition would read, `A stormwater management and land development strategy applied at the parcel and subdivision scale that emphasizes conservation and the use of on -site natural features. " The language also provides a reference to Title 18.30 (Stormwater Management) for more information about LID -related terms. Board Member Lovell asked if the proposed amendments include technology to utilize solar energy as one LID option. Ms. McConnell said the proposed amendments are intended to encourage developers to situate houses in areas on the site than can allow for solar capabilities. Board Member Lovell pointed out that solar energy is specifically referenced in the proposed amendment to ECDC 20.75.020. He suggested it should also be referenced in the proposed definition for "Low Impact Development" (ECDC 21.55). Ms. McConnell responded that the intent was that the term "land development strategy" would capture a variety of options, including solar energy. She explained that LID is not just specific to solar energy, but includes minimizing grading, working with the topography of the site, and situating homes in areas that open them to solar possibilities. These land use strategies are intended to get developers thinking about LID opportunities during the site design stage. Board Member Lovell referred to the proposed amendments to ECDC 9.20.060 and suggested that a picture would be helpful to illustrate what a planting strip is. Ms. McConnell noted that this term is defined elsewhere in the code. Next, Board Planning Board Minutes October 11, 2017 Page 2 Member Lovell referred to ECDC 20.13.020(P) and recalled that Chair Rubenkonig had requested that the acronym "BMP" should be spelled out as "Best Management Practices." Ms. McConnell advised that this change has already been made. Lastly, Board Member Lovell reminded the Board that the Firdale Village Master Plan was adopted into the City's Comprehensive Plan. He asked how the proposed amendment to ECDC 22.100, which requires that trees to be planted in parking areas, would apply to the structured parking that is identified as part of that plan. Mr. Chave clarified that the requirement would apply to open parking areas and not structured parking. Vice Chair Monroe pointed out that the language in ECDC 9.20.070 is prescriptive rather than performance based. He suggested that it could be altered to simply state that "Vegetation placed in the transition strip shall be maintained." Ms. McConnell agreed that there are a few places in the code that give examples of how maintenance could be performed. She agreed to review the language and consider opportunities to condense it. Vice Chair Monroe referred to ECDC 18.80.020(B)(8), which requires existing and proposed drainage structures to provide rim and invert elevations. He asked if this requires developers to have a survey done. Ms. McConnell said it would depend on the size of the development. It is important for the City to know that the stormwater system will be designed to flow right, but a full survey may not be necessary to provide that information. The information could be collected from measurements and/or data that already exists. For large projects, a survey would be required anyway. Vice Chair Monroe asked what is meant by the term "feasible" and who would be responsible for determining whether or not LID is feasible for a given project. Ms. McConnell explained that the DOE has been getting stricter in its requirements as time moves along. For example, the last stormwater code iteration used the term "feasible." While it encouraged developers to implement LID on the site where possible, it was not mandatory. The new stormwater code requires developers to go through a process to determine if LID is possible. They are required to consider LID techniques on the site. The term "feasible" is used to address situations where LID may not be possible because of soil conditions, etc. When considering opportunities to address LID in the rest of the development code, they are still in the phase of encouraging and trying to educate people to get them to rethink how they design a project. The term "feasible" is from an encouragement standpoint and there will be times when it is not possible based on site conditions. Vice Chair Monroe asked if cost would be one factor in the decision as to whether LID is feasible. Ms. McConnell said cost is not part of the equation when it comes to stormwater and other DOE permit requirements. While a developer could consider cost when looking at the overall site design, it is not specifically stated that cost is a consideration. Vice Chair Monroe referred to ECDC 20.13.020(P), which strongly encourages stormwater LID BMP integration into the overall landscape design where feasible. Ms. McConnell said this is a general statement that was added to encourage LID. At this time, staff is not proposing to put anything in the code that mandates that LID be applied in landscaping requirements. Vice Chair Monroe referred to ECDC 9.20.070 and asked if the word "living" needs to be included. Ms. McConnell said this is pre-existing code language. When the staff and consultant reviewed the code, they were looking for barriers that prevent LID techniques from being applied. She agreed there are areas where the code language could be cleaned up, and this might be one. However, it was not something that the consultant and staff looked at as part of the review. Board Member Crank referred to ECDC 9.20.070 and asked why staff is proposing to eliminate the word "spraying." Is the intent to encourage more natural types of maintenance that do not include spraying chemicals. Ms. McConnell said that, as proposed, the provision would not prohibit spraying, but it was taken out to avoid encouraging people to choose that option. Chair Rubenkonig opened the public hearing, but there was no one in the audience to participate. BOARD MEMBER LOVELL MOVED THAT THE BOARD FORWARD THE PROPOSED LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT (LID) CODE AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY COUNCIL WITH A RECOMMENDATION OF APPROVAL AS PRESENTED IN THE STAFF REPORT. BOARD MEMBER CRANK SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chair Rubenkonig closed the public hearing. Planning Board Minutes October 11, 2017 Page 3 PRESENTATION OF THE PROPOSED 2018-2023 CAPITAL FACILITIES/CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT (CIP/CFP) PLANS Mr. English explained that the Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) is required by the Growth Management Act and covers a planning horizon of 6 to 20 years. It is intended to identify longer term capital needs (not maintenance) and be tied to the City's Level of Service (LOS) Standards. The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is a budgeting tool that includes capital and maintenance projects, and it ties the projects to the various City funds and revenues. The CFP is required to be consistent with the other elements of the Comprehensive Plan, and there are restrictions on how often it can be amended. There are no restrictions tied to the CIP. The two plans intersect when identifying 6-year capital projects with funding sources. 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. Mr. English provided a handout for Fund 016 — Building Maintenance, noting that some changes were made to this fund after the Staff Report was sent out. The intent was to provide more realistic information by identifying the projects that have secured funding versus those that do not, thus showing a positive ending balance in the fund going forward. Staff felt it was appropriate to list all projects, including those that do not have secured funding, to provide a clear understanding of the projected needs over the next six years. He advised that the City's Finance Department has indicated that Fund 016 will be rolled into the general fund next year, but all of the projects will still be accounted for in the Project Renewal Section of the fund. Mr. English referred to the 112 Fund and reviewed the projects that have taken place in 2017 as follows: 76`h Avenue and 212`h Street Intersection. This is a capacity enhancement project to improve LOS at the intersection by adding dedicated left -turn lanes at the intersection to improve the through capacity. In addition, the sidewalks are being widened and the utilities are being placed underground to provide safety and aesthetic improvement. The project is anticipated for completion in November or December, but the final layer of pavement might have to wait until spring, depending on the weather. A huge stormwater detention vault was installed to help improve the discharge of stormwater that eventually ends up in Lake Ballinger. Bike-2-Health Improvements. This project is being done in conjunction with the 76`h Avenue/212`h Street Intersection Improvements. It is funded by the Verdant Health Commission and includes restriping several roads in Edmonds, primarily 76th Avenue and 212`' Street to add bike lanes. Some of the work has already been done, but they are waiting to complete the intersection improvements before completing the project. In addition, a number of signs have been added throughout the City to identify the designated bike routes, as well as the mileage associated with getting to a certain point within the City. • 236`h Street Walkway. This project provides a walkway to connect SR-104 to the Madrona Elementary School, which is currently being constructed. Funding was provided via a Federal Safe Routes to School Grant. • 2017 Overlay Program. In 2017 the City was able to do approximately $1.3 million worth of overlay improvements, or about 3.9 lane miles of work. The program will continue in 2018. This is an important program for maintaining the street infrastructure within the City. Next, Mr. English reviewed the projects that are anticipated in 2018 as follows: • 238`h Street Walkway (SR-104 to SR-99). The City has secured a State Transportation Grant to build a walkway between the two state routes, and the project was bid earlier in 2017. However, due to the large amount of construction taking place in the region, the bids came in very high. The City decided to withdraw the project and rebid it in the winter hoping to receive a more competitive price. • Highway 99 Gateway Revitalization Project. The City was able to secure $1 million of the $10 million needed for the project from the State Legislature. The money will be combined with $300,000 in Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) funding to move forward with design work in 2018. This will be a costly project to improve safety via access management improvements. They will also look at underground utilities and wider sidewalks. The project Planning Board Minutes October 11, 2017 Page 4 will tie into the recently adopted Highway 99 Master Plan, and it is hoped the City can secure grant funding to make the project move forward within a 10-year timeframe. Edmonds Street Waterfront Connector. The City secured $700,000 from the State Legislature to move to the next phase of the project. Following an alternative analysis, which was completed in 2016, the recommended alternative is to build a waterfront connector off Edmonds Street down to Main Street. The additional funding from the State will be combined with $140,000 from an outside agency, and $150,000 from the City and used for pre - design and environmental documentation. It is anticipated the project will cost about $18 million to complete, and the City intends to continue to apply for grant funding to keep the project moving forward. • Citywide Pedestrian Crossing Enhancements. The City secured $1.4 million from the Federal Safe Routes to School Program. The money will be used for design work in 2018, with the goal of starting construction in 2019. The project will include a large number of safety improvements, including pedestrian curb ramps, flashing beacons, and a hawk signal on SR-104 near 80'h Street. • 84`h Avenue Overlay (220`h to 212`h). The City secured grant funding for the state to move this project forward, but it was delayed as a result of an over -commitment of funds. The City is anticipating the funding will be available in 2018. • 220`h Street/76`h Avenue Intersection. This project builds on the improvements that are currently taking place at the 76`' Avenue/212th Street Intersection. A pre -design study will position the City for critical grant funding in the spring. The initial study will be funded by traffic impact fees. • Sunset Walkway. This project has been on the books for several years, and it has garnered significant public interest. They are looking at pursuing the final design in 2018, but the construction schedule is still to be determined. There are a lot of moving parts. For example, the waterfront connector and changes to the lift station facility will have a significant impact on the project. • Dayton Street Walkway. The City received a grant from the State to add a missing piece of sidewalk west of 80"' Avenue. The project will be designed in 2018, but construction is not anticipated to start until 2019. Mr. English reviewed the proposed 2018 projects that will be funded by Funds 125 and 126 as follows: • Pavement Preservation Program. $1.2 million has been proposed for this program in 2018. This will allow the City to continue to make key infrastructure improvements. • Pedestrian Curb Ramp Program. This is an ongoing program, but the intent is to increase funding to $50,000 in 2018. The City is working to implement an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan, which is required when the City receives federal funding. It is estimated that approximately $11 million will be needed to bring all of the curb ramps into ADA compliance. Completing the needed ADA improvements on all infrastructure in the public right-of-way will cost about $151 million. The City's intent is to continue to invest in this program. • Minor Sidewalk Replacement. This program will include a variety of projects, including a section of sidewalk west of 100th Street along the north side of the cemetery. • Protective/Permissive Traffic Signal Conversion. As currently proposed, three protective/permissive traffic signals will be added at three intersections in 2018. • Sunset Parking and Safety Improvements. This project will improve access to driveways along Sunset Avenue, as well as some signage improvements. There is also some concern about drivers going opposite of the one-way direction, and there will be efforts to correct this problem. • 89`h Place Retaining Wall. This project will replace the existing wall that is failing. Planning Board Minutes October 11, 2017 Page 5 • Traffic Calming Program. This program has been funded for several years. The City does an annual outreach to the community, asking for streets that people feel would benefit from some traffic calming improvements. The Traffic Engineer evaluates the requests based on certain criteria and priorities, and improvements are made based on available funding. Mr. English reviewed the proposed 2018 utility projects (Funds 421, 422 and 423) as follows: • 4,000 square feet of watermain replacement, as well as 1.1 lane miles of overlay on streets affected by waterline replacement. • Five Corners reservoir recoating and tank improvements to help with operation, safety and venting. • Seaview infiltration project to allow water to go back into the ground to reduce the peak flows onto Dayton Street. • New Dayton Street Pump Station to address flooding that occurs during heavy rain. This project is for a grant to complete the funding package. • Willow Creek/Edmonds Marsh pre -design work that will look at different options to improve the restoration footprint after daylighting Willow Creek. • 1,800 feet of sewer main replacement and pavement overlay on .7 lane miles affected by sewer main replacement. • 3,400 feet of cured -in -place pipe (CIPP) sewer main rehabilitation. Board Member Lovell highly recommended that the City work to incorporate art into the Edmonds Street Waterfront Connector Project as soon as possible. He commented that there are methods to utilize design to make the crossing a piece of art. Mr. English advised that the consultant is already preparing a scope of work that includes some consideration for art. Board Member Lovell asked if the pavement and sidewalk and curb work that is anticipated on Railroad Avenue from Dayton Street to SR-104 in 2021 and 2022 would require that the frontage improvements done as part of the Waterfront Center be torn up. Mr. English said the two projects would be coordinated. The City is looking at applying for a grant to improve the sidewalk, which has been impacted by trees. Board Member Lovell noted that the traffic area along Railroad Avenue was recently paved. He heard that Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) has indicated they will not need to impinge on Railroad Avenue to accommodate the second track. Mr. English said that is not his understanding of the situation. Preliminary design indicates that the station platform will be located west of the existing track, which means it will impact Railroad Avenue. All plans for Railroad Avenue will have to be coordinated, included BNSF's proposal for a second track and station platform. Board Member Lovell noted that the right-of-way phase will be funded by the City. Perhaps the City should look at these improvements in conjunction with the Edmonds Senior Center negotiations that are currently underway. Vice Chair Monroe requested additional information about the estimated $151 million needed to complete ADA improvements. Mr. English clarified that this amount would only fund improvements within the rights -of -way and does not include City facilities and parks. Vice Chair Monroe asked if the improvements would require full replacement or can repairs be done in some locations to meet ADA requirements. Mr. English said that full replacement would be required in most situations in order to meet ADA standards. Vice Chair Monroe asked how the City would be graded in terms of ADA compliance. Mr. English said that funding has been available the past few years to do curb and ramp replacement. In addition, curbs and ramps have been replaced as part of overlay projects. There is investment going into the program now, which was not the case four years ago. Vice Chair Monroe asked if the City is required to do ramp and curb replacement as part of all overlay projects, or if they can assess the situation and use the money elsewhere. Mr. English answered that ADA improvements must be done with all overlay projects. Vice Chair Monroe asked if the City is also required to bring all of its sidewalks up to ADA standards. Mr. English answered affirmatively and said the estimated $151 million would include improvements to all rights -of -way, including sidewalks. He recognized that it will be a challenge to find the needed funding for this work to go forward. Board Member Robles asked how the projects in the CIP were prioritized. He recalled that there was recently a fairly severe accident on Olympic View Drive, and some signage was put up to slow traffic down. He asked if these situations would be considered adequate to warrant guard rails or some other safety improvement. Mr. English said the Traffic Engineer Planning Board Minutes October 11, 2017 Page 6 evaluated Olympic View Drive in 2017 from the standpoint of both speed and accidents based on requests from citizens to reduce the speed. The study found that the roadway does not have a particularly high volume of accidents when compared to other locations in the City, but they tried to address speed by adding signage, rumble strips, etc. The City will continue to monitor the road and take speed surveys, and the Police Department has also done some additional enforcement to help maintain speeds to the posted limits. Board Member Robles agreed that accidents on Olympic View Drive are rare, but the consequences are high. People tend to cross the line and evasive action is common given that there are bike lanes, cross walks, etc. He asked if the City is comfortable with the current condition or if more citizen input would be required to advance a potential solution. Mr. English said it is a matter of balancing priorities with available funding. The CIP takes guidance from the Transportation Master Plan, which was developed through significant community outreach. The plan includes projects for safety improvements, and the projects are prioritized based on public input. That is not to say that the priority list cannot be adjusted and/or new projects included. He noted that improvements on Olympic View Drive would require a significant investment given the topography and geography. Board Member Robles pointed out that traffic in the area around Olympic View Drive is increasing and spilling into neighborhood streets such as Talbot, and people are putting up unsanctioned signs on their own requesting drivers to slow down. These are citizen reactions to inadequate support from the City. He asked if this is the type of activity that would push the City to consider solutions or does the community need to take a more formal approach. Mr. English responded that the Traffic Engineer has had public meetings with the residents in this area, and a number of smaller improvements have been made. Again, he said the City would continue to monitor the situation, but at this point, there is no significant Capital Improvement Project earmarked for Olympic View Drive. Board Member Cheung asked about the anticipated completion date for the 76th Avenue/2121h Street Intersection Project. Mr. English answered that the project will be primarily completed by November or December. However, it may be necessary to postpone the final overlay, depending on weather conditions. Chair Rubenkonig said she appreciates that a description of each individual project was included in the CIP. However, some of the diagrams do not provide specific information about exactly where the work will be done. For example, the map provided with the description for the 220th Street/Highway 99 Intersection Improvement Project does not identify exactly where the work will occur. She felt this specific information on the maps would help her understand exactly where each project will be. Board Member Crank said she loves the flashing yellow light that was recently installed at the intersection of SR-104 and 1001h Avenue. It makes the intersection much more bearable, given the amount of traffic. Ms. Hite advised that the Parks CIP and CFP are funded by the Real Estate Excise Tax (REET), park impact fees and grants. She briefly reviewed the projects that have been accomplished in 2017 as follows: • Civic Park Master Plan. Following a robust public process, the City Council adopted the Civic Park Master plan in 2017. The master plan will be formally adopted into the Comprehensive Plan later in 2017. To prepare the site for design and development, geotech work has been done, and test pits were dug in mid to late August. The goal was to get a sense of what is underground before starting the design work. A land survey was also completed to identify utilities and grades. The City is in the process of putting together bid documents to demolish the stadium, and tenants were given notice to vacate by December 1st. They are currently doing some preliminary rodent control before taking the stadium down to mitigate future impacts to the neighborhoods. It is anticipated the stadium will be demolished in late 2017 or early 2018. • Frances Anderson Center Bandshell. This project was completed in 2017 and was dedicated in June. It fits well artistically in the community. • Meadowdale Playfields. This project is currently underway and is a joint effort with the City of Lynnwood and the Edmonds School District. The City uses the playfield mainly for adult softball and contributed $500,000 to a $5 million project budget to develop two multi -use soccer and lacrosse fields and do some turf on the infields of the Planning Board Minutes October 11, 2017 Page 7 softball fields to create opportunities for year-round play. They are hoping to complete the project by the end of 2017. • Fishing Pier Rehabilitation. This project is currently underway and will probably continue into 2018. There were some issues with the center joint repair and the contractor is working to finish the work. The pier is structurally safe and sound and opened to the public before the end of August for fishing and crabbing seasons. They anticipate having 500 people on the dock at night in December for squid jugging. Waterfront Development/Walkway Design and Permitting. This project is being done in coordination with the Waterfront Center, which will replace the Edmonds Senior Center. Most of the environmental permitting has been done, and applications for state permits were turned in last month. The design process has started, and the goal is to construct the two projects at the same time, hopefully breaking ground in May of next year. Because the State Legislature did not pass the Capital Budget in 2017, the grant funding earmarked for the project will not be available until 2018 when the Legislature is back in session. The City will also prepare grant applications for park funding in 2018. • Veteran's Plaza. The City worked with a strong community group to open the Veteran's Plaza. The project turned out great and it is a busy site. Funding was put together by a community group. Next, Ms. Hite reviewed the proposed projects for 2018 as follows: Waterfront Development/Walkway Completion. The City is hoping to start construction of this project in 2018. In addition to the walkway in front of the Waterfront Center, the project will extend in front of the Ebb Tide Condominiums to complete the walkway connection. City staff is in conversations with the Ebb Tide and they are not very happy with the City's intent to develop the easement in front of their building. To be proactive, the City Council unanimously approved a lawsuit, asking the court to declare a ruling on the legal means for the City to build the walkway within the easement it owns. The intent is to do due diligence prior to design to avoid having the process stalled waiting for a court ruling. • Civic Park Design Development. The design process for Civic Park is underway, and geotech work has been done. The stadium will be demolished soon. The City will be entering into a contract with Walker Macy, the consultant who did the Master Plan for the park, to start the design/development process. Mayor Earling has set $2 million aside in his proposed 2018 budget to show the City making an investment towards development of the park. They will also apply for various state grants to obtain the $10 to $12 million needed for the project. • Edmonds Marsh/Daylighting Willow Creek. The Parks Department is working jointly with the Stormwater Utility Division to daylight Willow Creek and improve stormwater runoff. The Parks Department's interest is to rehabilitate and create more of a salmon habitat in the marsh, and the stormwater benefit is to remedy the flooding issues. They will continue to work on the design of this project. • Parklet Development. This project was moved from 2017 to 2018. • Outdoor Fitness Zones. The City is looking to put in small outdoor fitness zones, and some money has been set aside in the CIP. However, they are waiting to hear on a grant from the Verdant Health Commission. • City Storage Building. This project is in the design phase and will likely be located within the same footprint. They are hoping to complete the project in 2018. • Community Garden. Funding has been set aside for this project, which is in the design phase. The City is working to plot the garden out and come up with policies and procedures for a pea patch garden. They are currently in discussions with Snohomish County to create an interlocal agreement that would allow the garden to be located in a portion of Esperance Park. Planning Board Minutes October 11, 2017 Page 8 • Frances Anderson Center Playground. They will follow the same process that was used when other playgrounds were placed, the City will open a public process for the selection of the equipment. • Fishing Pier Restrooms. • Matthay Ballinger Trail. This project will connect the play area to the Interurban Trail. • Seaview Park Improvements. • Yost Park Locker Room Updates • Hickman Park Hill Erosion Board Member Lovell asked if a new retaining wall is being added as part of the Meadowdale Playfield Project. Ms. Hite clarified that the wall structure shown in the picture provided in her presentation is a backstop for the softball field. Board Member Lovell noted that the fields are located in the City of Lynnwood, and they recently approved a crumb rubber surface material. He asked for an update regarding crumb rubber fields in Edmonds. Ms. Hite reported that the City Council appointed a committee to study the issue, and the committee has met twice over the past year. The City Council recently extended the moratorium that was set to expire in July. It now expires in February of 2018. The intent is to wait for the Federal Government study on crumb rubber before taking final action. These results are anticipated by the end of the year. At that time, the City Council will make a decision about whether to lift the moratorium or make it permanent. Chair Rubenkonig asked if the walking route around the Meadowdale Playfields would remain intact. Ms. Hite answered that it would be changed slightly, but there will be a walking route. Board Member Rubenkonig asked if any thought has been given to making the storage building at City Park taller and more useful or perhaps moving its function to the Public Works site off of 212`h Street. Ms. Hite answered that the building is addressed in the Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan, as it is the oldest building in the City's infrastructure and needs to be replaced. However, no money has been set aside for the project, and it will be difficult to obtain grant funding for a storage building. The current location at City Park works well, and there is not sufficient space to relocate the function to the Public Works site. Co -locating the equipment for both Parks and Public Works could also significantly impact the residential neighborhoods nearby. When the structure is replaced, the anticipation is that it will be larger and the entrance and exit points will be reconfigured. She noted that the park is busier during the summer months since the spray pad opened, and having diesel trucks coming and going throughout the day can be dangerous. Chair Rubenkonig asked if there is sufficient space at the Frances Anderson Center for the Parks Department to expand when needed. Ms. Hite answered that if more office space is needed for the Parks Department, they could reprioritize the use of the existing space that is currently being leased out for a variety of community uses. Just recently, two classrooms were taken off line and converted to office space. The intent is to configure the area so there is sufficient space for staff, but also provide for the needs of the community. Chair Rubenkonig pointed out that additional community space will come on line with the new Waterfront Center. Board Member Robles recalled that a year ago there was a heavy rain event that caused stormwater systems in the City to overflow. He asked if mapping was done to identify where flooding occurred and is there a plan to fix the problems. Mr. English responded that, with climate change, there have been several significant storms in the last three to four years that have caused flooding problems. One area is in the downtown near 5th Avenue and Dayton Street. The City has done survey and modeling work to identify improvements to solve the issues. They are currently working to design a project on Dayton Street between 3rd and 9th Avenues that will include stormwater infrastructure to help solve some of the constrictions in the existing system. There are many areas in the City that can use stormwater improvements, and the City has to balance funds based on the severity of the problems. In addition to infrastructure improvements to address flooding problems, it is also important to maintain the existing stormwater pipes, which is something that was recently folded into the capital program. The rates were increased to bring in more capital to address maintenance of the existing pipes in conjunction with flood improvements. Planning Board Minutes October 11, 2017 Page 9 Board Member Robles commented that most insurance will not cover situations where a house is flooded because a storm drain overflows. A lot of citizens get stuck paying a fairly large cost to repair the damages. He asked if these situations add priority to the work. Mr. English said there are a number of situations that can result in flooding, such as blocked catch basins and properties that are lower in elevation. The problem may not be a capacity issue, but the fact that the catch basin wasn't open at the time of the event. The City tries to prioritize based on structure flooding first. Board Member Robles asked if citizens have the ability to request a claim if their property floods. Mr. English answered that citizens can make a claim against the City, but a lot of factors go into whether or not the claim is valid, such as the City's maintenance program, condition of the street, etc. Board Member Robles noted that the Esperance area is on a different stormwater system, yet the City is responsible for managing the stormwater that flows into Edmonds from properties in Esperance. He asked if there is coordination between the two systems. Mr. English said he is not aware of any improvements being made within the Esperance boundary, but he also is not aware of any situations where water coming into Edmonds from Esperance has caused a flooding problem. There are connections between the two systems. Board Member Robles asked what the City does to educate citizens and make them aware of the need for maintenance to ensure that the catch basins remain open. Mr. English said the City has a staff person assigned to work on public outreach, emphasizing the need to keep catch basins free of debris, especially in the fall when the leaves fall from the trees. There are things that homeowners can do to keep the street front clear. Mr. English concluded his presentation by reviewing the CFP/CIP schedule, noting that the Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the draft CFP and CIP on October 251h, and then forward a recommendation to the City Council. The plans will be presented to the City Council in November, with final adoption anticipated in November or December. He thanked the Board for their questions and feedback. REVIEW OF EXTENDED AGENDA Chair Rubenkonig reviewed that the agenda for the October 25th meeting will include a public hearing on the 2018-2023 CIP/CFP, a status report on the Five Corners Development Feasibility Study, and an update on the Housing Strategy. The November 8tb agenda will include a presentation on the draft Urban Forest Management Plan. Mr. Chave noted that the City has hired consultants to assist with the Five Corners Feasibility Study and the Urban Forest Management Plan. PLANNING BOARD CHAIR COMMENTS Chair Rubenkonig did not provide any additional comments. PLANNING BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS There were no Planning Board Member comments. ADJOURNMENT The Board meeting was adjourned at 8:51 p.m. Planning Board Minutes October l 1, 2017 Page 10