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2018-10-24 Planning Board MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS PLANNING BOARD MINUTES October 24, 2018 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' Avenue North. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT Nathan Monroe, Chair Matthew Cheung, Vice Chair Todd Cloutier Alicia Crank Phil Lovell Daniel Robles Mike Rosen BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT Carreen Nordling Rubenkonig (excused) READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES STAFF PRESENT Rob Chave, Planning Division Manager Carrie Hite, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director Rob English, City Engineer Jerrie Bevington, Video Recorder Karin Noyes, Recorder BOARD MEMBER LOVELL MOVED THAT THE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 12, 2018 BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED. BOARD MEMBER ROBLES SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. BOARD MEMBER LOVELL MOVED THAT THE MINUTES OF OCTOBER 10, 2018 BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED. VICE CHAIR CHEUNG 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 Board Member Lovell urged Board Members to review the Washington State Ferries Long -Range Plan and comment during the public comment period. He observed that there appears to be some misconceptions amongst the public that the ferry system is planning to construct a new terminal south of the existing one. In fact, building a new terminal is not included in the long-range plan. Chair Monroe noted that the public comment period closes on October 25'. Chair Monroe pointed out that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking public comments on an environmental assessment of new commercial airline service at Paine Field. It was noted that a public workshop and hearing is scheduled for October 29 at the Lynnwood Convention Center from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., and the public comment period will remain open until that time. Board Member Crank announced that the Airport Commission will meet on October 251' at the Future of Flight. At that meeting the Commission will receive a general update on the airport, as well as an update on actions taken relative to a presentation they heard about sex trafficking that can happen through airports. The intent is to combat the issue ahead of time before Paine Fields opens for commercial flights in February. She said she would chair the meeting and would report back to the Board. PRESENTATION OF THE PROPOSED 2019-2024 CAPITAL FACILITIES/CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT 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 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 explained that projects are added to the CFP and CIP based on adopted elements of the City's Comprehensive Plan. The Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan, the Transportation Plan and Utilities Plans all go through extensive public processes of updating and establishing policies and goals. The PROS Plan was last updated in 2016. The Transportation Plan was updated in 2015 and includes the Walkway Plan, Bicycle Plan, Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Plan, Pavement Preservation Rating Study, List of Priority Projects, and Financial Plan. The Comprehensive Water Plan was updated in 2017 and the Comprehensive Sewer Plan in 2013. The Storm and Surface Water Management Plan is an older version adopted in 2010, and funding is identified in the 2019 budget to start a major update. Mr. English advised that, in addition to the priorities identified in the various plans contained in the Comprehensive Plan, a number of other factors are considered when selecting projects for the CIP and CFP. These include input from the City Council, available funding, concurrency, safety, project delivery capacity, grant sources and competitiveness, and maintenance issues. The CIP is tied to the City's budget and several funds make up the overall document: • Fund 112 is a Transportation Fund that is managed by the Public Works Department. It is funded via grants and the gas tax. • Fund 125 is a Capital Projects Fund that is managed by both the Public Works and Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Departments. It is funded by the Real Estate Excise Tax (REET). • Fund 126 is a Special Capital Project and Parks Acquisition Fund that is managed by both the Public Works and Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Departments. It is also funded by REET. • Fund 332 is a Parks Construction Fund that is managed by the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department. It is funded by grants. • Fund 421 is the Water Utility Fund that is managed by the Public Works Department. • Fund 422 is the Stormwater Utility Fund that is managed by the Public Works Department. • Fund 423 is the Sewer and Wastewater Treatment Fund that is managed by the Public Works Department. Mr. English shared highlights of 2018 Projects: The Pavement Preservation Program is a key part of the program for maintaining City streets. In 2018, the City overlaid almost 9 lane miles using funding from both the Street Overlay and Utility Programs. The last paving project on 2441 Street was just finished this week. They are currently testing a new application called slurry seal, which is supposed to provide a tougher surface that can withstand heavier traffic. Pavement preservation projects are funded by both REET revenue and the General Fund. The 238t1i Street Walkway Project was completed in June and provides a continuous sidewalk on the north side of 238' Street between SR-104 and Highway 99. It also provides a mid -block crossing near the bus stop on the east side of the street. Planning Board Minutes October 24, 2018 Page 2 • The Highway 99 Revitalization/Corridor Study is in the final stages and staff will present a report to the City Council in December. It provides a footprint and plan for the City's improvements on Highway 99, using a concept similar to the City of Shoreline to the south. The City received $10 million from the State as a starter package and the overall project costs, including underground utilities, are estimated at about $200 million. • The sewer replacement project on Edmonds Street was finished on October 22nd, and the roadway will be repaved next week. Mr. English also shared highlights of 2019 Projects: • The Highway 99 Revitalization effort will continue with design work in 2019 for the first phase of the project, which will focus on the segment between 2201 and 2241 Streets. • The City Council approved a preferred alternative for the Waterfront Connector Project, and final design and permitting are expected to move forward in 2019. • The Dayton Street Walkway Project between 3rd and 9r' Avenues will be done as part of the much larger Dayton Street Utility Project. This project was identified in the Walkway Plan as a top priority. • The Citywide Pedestrian Crosswalk Project will continue using REET contributions. The intent is to improve nine intersection crossings to make them safer by installing rapid flashing beacons or High -intensity Activated crossWalK (Hawk) Signals. • REET funds will also be used for the 84t1i Street Overlay Project between 220' and 212' Streets. The City received a Federal grant for the project, which will also include some stormwater improvements to correct deficiencies. • The 2381 Street Island and ADA Ramp Upgrades on the south side of SR-104 will also use REET funding, as well as funding from a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The City was able to remove the paved area on the north side and provide an ADA walkway through the island and landscaping to improve its appearance. The intent is to do the same on the south side. • The Pavement Preservation Program will continue in 2019 with a budget of $1.5 million. • The annual Pedestrian Safety Program will continue in 2019 with $50,000 to help solve traffic calming concerns, provide crosswalks, etc. • Traffic signal upgrades will be done at several intersections. • Audible pedestrian signals will be installed at some intersections to help people with vision impairments. • Guardrails will be installed in some locations to address geographic situations and existing guardrails that are at the end of their useful life will be upgraded. • A crosswalk will be installed on Admiral Way, and the Public Works Department is currently working with the Port of Edmonds to identify the exact location. • The Citywide Pedestrian Crossing Project will continue in 2019, and the intent is to upgrade nine pedestrian crossings. • Construction of the 84t1i Avenue Overlay Project will move forward in 2019. • The Five Corners Reservoir Project is well underway. Work is wrapping up on the smaller reservoir, and the intent is to start work on the larger reservoir in 2019. • The Water Utility will replace 2,400 feet of watermain, recoat the larger Five Corners Reservoir and overlay 1.6 lane miles of street affected by waterline replacement. • The Stormwater Utility will replace 3,200 feet of pipe, complete the Dayton Street Pump Project, overlay 0.3 lane miles of street affected by stormwater replacement, update the Storm and Surface Water Management Plan, and do pre -design work for the Ballinger Regional Facility that would help with Lake Ballinger Flooding and provide stormwater infiltration options for the Highway 99 project. The Dayton Street Pump Station Project was delayed waiting for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds. However, the City Council decide not to wait for FEMA funding and use money from the Stormwater Utility Fund to go forward with the project, instead. • The Sewer Utility will replace 1,260 feet of sewer main and rehabilitate 6,500 feet of sewer pipe using the cured -in - place method, overlay 0.5 lane miles of street affected by sewer main replacement, and complete the Lake Ballinger Sewer Trunk Study. Board Member Crank asked if the preferred alternative for the Waterfront Connector, which was recently approved by the City Council, will be available on the City's website. Mr. English answered that the website will be updated soon to include the approved alternative. Planning Board Minutes October 24, 2018 Page 3 Ms. Hite advised that, in addition to the project selection criteria described earlier by Mr. English, the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department uses additional criteria when selecting parks projects for the CIP and CFP. These include an assessment of resources and acknowledging opportunities to connect and expand the current system, enhancing identity, advancing big ideas and leveraging funding to maximize grants. Ms. Hite shared highlights of 2018 projects: • Civic Park is in the design development stage. A master plan was adopted in 2017 and a consultant has been doing design development and working with stakeholder groups in the community to review the schematic designs. • The City partnered with the City of Lynnwood on the Meadowdale Playfeld Project. The fields are owned by the Edmonds School District and operated and maintained by the City of Lynnwood. The City of Edmonds pays half the maintenance costs and put capital dollars into the project, as well. There are now three softball fields and two multi -use fields, all with synthetic turf. The fields have been used heavily. • The City is still working with the contractor to address needed repairs at the fishing pier, and staff is hoping to wrap the project up soon. In meantime, the facility remains safe for people to use. • The City's Waterfront Redevelopment and Walkway Project has been moving forward parallel with the Senior Center's effort to rebuild the center. The City's intent is to redevelop the beachfront and connect the walkway. • The City continues to work with the Engineering and Public Works Departments on a project to daylight Willow Creek. The goal is to rehabilitate the marsh and reintroduce salmon habitat and to improve stormwater retention and reduce flooding on Dayton Street. Grant funding was used to complete the required feasibility studies and early design work. • The City Park Storage Building will arrive soon. • City staff is currently working with a citizen who is interested in donating a plot of land that could be used to host a community garden. The hope is to have an agreement in place by the end of the year so that the community garden can be started in 2019. • The playfield at the Frances Anderson Center was replaced and is well loved by the community. • Other projects funded by the 2018 CIP include the fishing pier restrooms, Mathay Ballinger Trail, Seaview Park improvements, Yost Pool locker room updates, Hickman Park hill erosion, and rehabilitation of the Marsh Walkway. Board Member Lovell said he recently read comments from the public that the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has taken over the Unocal property. It has been suggested that part of the property could be utilized to expand the marsh and facilitate the daylighting of Willow Creek. Ms. Hite responded that WSDOT is expected to take over the property next year, but she does not know the exact timeline. City staff continues to have discussions with WSDOT regarding opportunities to daylight Willow Creek as they explore opportunities to develop the property to address ferry issues. The intent is to continue this collaboration and eventually reach an agreement. Next, Ms. Hite shared highlights of the proposed 2019 projects: • Design of Civic Park will continue to move forward, with the goal of construction starting in 2020. Staff is working to put together a $12 million funding package. They have $6 to $7 million secured or pending so far, and the plan is to start construction in 2020. • Design and permitting for the Waterfront Development and Walkway Project will continue to move forward. The intent is to have the project ready to start in April so that the in -water work can be done during the fish window (July and August). • Design work for the Edmonds Marsh/Willow Creek Project will continue on to reach 60% design. Keely O'Connell is the project manager, and she has been very aggressive in going after grant funding to support the project. • Consistent with the City's goal of replacing at least one play area per year, a new play area will be installed at Seaview Park in 2019. • Again, the City's hope is to acquire land to establish a community garden in 2019. • Money has been set aside in the 2019 budget to take the Fourth Avenue Cultural Corridor Plan off the shelf and start mapping out its implementation. Planning Board Minutes October 24, 2018 Page 4 • The City recently received a grant from Verdant Health Care to install two outdoor fitness zones. The first will be installed at Mathay Ballinger Park in 2019 and the second at Civic Park in 2020. The CIP identifies $75,000 in 2019 as matching funds for the Verdant Health Care Grant. In addition, the City has secured a tentative $30,000 grant from the National Fitness Campaign. Mr. English explained that in 2017, Fund 16 (Building Maintenance) was closed by the Finance Department. The initial plan did not include a list of building maintenance projects, but the list has since been added (Pages 7 and 8). All of the projects on the list will now be funded via the General Fund. Mr. English summarized that staff started development of the capital budgets in July and proposals were submitted to the Finance Department in August and September so that the draft CIP and CFP could be prepared. The draft plans were presented to the Board on October loth. Following the hearing, the Board will be asked to forward a recommendation to the City Council. The plans will be presented to the City Council on November 51, and the Council will hold a public hearing on November 201. It is anticipated the City Council will adopt the plans in late November or early December. Chair Monroe complimented staff on their presentations and said he enjoyed hearing about the process for selecting projects and funding. He said he has been particularly impressed with the City's method of addressing American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps and experimenting with the slurry seal alternative to cut costs. Chair Monroe referred to the Ballinger Townhouse Project and noted that it does not appear that traffic mitigation will be required. He asked how that intersection would be addressed in the future if level of service is significantly impacted by the new development. Mr. English responded that the project is actually located in the City of Lynnwood, so it is difficult for the City to address impacts the development might have on Edmonds streets. However, the City tries to coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions on projects that intersect jurisdictional boundaries. For example, the City is working with Mountlake Terrace and Snohomish County on the Highway 99 Corridor Study, and they anticipate that both jurisdictions will be funding partners as the project moves forward. Chair Monroe commented that the intersection is already difficult and no mitigation funds are being used to address the problem. Mr. English agreed to contact the City of Lynnwood regarding the concern and report back. Chair Monroe noted that $39,000 was allocated in 2018 for trackside warnings at the Main Street and Dayton Street crossings, yet the project has not yet been completed. He asked if the money would be rolled over to 2019. Mr. English explained that the City has been waiting for Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) to complete its project to fix the crossing arms at Main Street. This work needs to be finished before the City can move forward with the trackside warning project. The goal is to have the work completed in 2018, and staff will have discussions with the City Council about the need for additional funding to complete the work. Board Member Cloutier asked how the annual replacement of sewer, water and stormwater facilities compares to the overall scope of the existing problems and the City's ability to maintain the facilities to the standard level. Mr. English responded that the City currently has a 100-year replacement program for its watermains, which equates to about 7,500 feet of watermain replaced each year. Right now, the City has enough revenue to fund the projects without bonding, but there are large projects forecast for the future that will require additional funding. For example, the watermain replacement program may be reduced in 2019 so that funds can be used for the reservoir project. However, he concluded that the overall outlook for maintaining the 1% per year replacement program is healthy. The issue is more difficult for the sewer utility. Although the City has been able to maintain more sewer mains using the cured -in -place process, there are a number of large projects coming down the pike, including the Sunset Avenue Lift Station, the Lake Ballinger Sewer/Stormwater Study where improvements will require trenching and excavation between the homes and the lake, and a big project at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The rate revenue will be sufficient to continue the replacement program, but it will not be enough to fund these three additional projects. The 2018 budget included funded to purchase a storm video inspection truck that will allow City staff to video the insides of the pipes to evaluate their condition. Until the truck comes on line in early 2019, it is difficult for staff to identify the replacement program that is needed to maintain the system. Board Member Crank asked if there are any projects in the plan that staff is particularly concerned about as far as funding. Mr. English noted the three large sewer projects he described earlier. These projects need to go forward in the coming years, yet the City does not have funding for them yet. It is likely that some type of bonding will have be approved to fund the Planning Board Minutes October 24, 2018 Page 5 projects, and staff is currently working to develop a scope of work and identify the costs. Ms. Hite said the City really wants to start developing Civic Park in 2020 and she is concerned that the longer the plan sits on the shelf, the less interest there will be and people will start wanting to redesign the project. It is likely that bond funding will be needed for the project. Another project of concern is the Willow Creek/Edmonds Marsh/Marina Beach Park Project, which is currently a three to five-year plan. The estimated cost of the project is between $8 and $10 million, and staff continues to work on funding opportunities. While there aren't a lot of local grant opportunities, there may be some Federal grants the City could tap into. She noted that it is easier for the City to obtain grants for smaller projects, but the phased projects are more difficult. Board Member Robles asked if the proposed new fields at the former Woodway High School site would be crumb rubber. Ms. Hite said no decision has been made regarding the second set of fields. If the project moves forward while the City's moratorium is in place, then crumb rubber would not be an option. The City is expecting a Federal report out any day. At this time, there has been no effort on the part of the City or the school district to move the second phase of the project forward. Board Member Robles questioned the statement in the plan that there are 150,000 residents within five miles of the park. Ms. Hite agreed to review the statement and revise it as appropriate. Board Member Robles recalled that, at the last meeting, he raised the concern that there are no sidewalks on Meadowdale Park Way and the roadway is wet and slippery. Since the last meeting, a stop sign was added at the intersection. He commented that there are a large number of signs along the roadway. Mr. English pointed out that the roadway is actually located in Lynnwood. He said the City has received similar complaints from other citizens about the large number of signs, and staff intends to have a discussion with Lynnwood about the number of signs, as well as their close proximity to the pavement. Board Member Robles referred to the project description for the Parks and Facilities Maintenance and Operations Building, which anticipates a 6,600 square foot building. He asked if the estimated cost of between $3 and $4 million is accurate for a building of that size. Ms. Hite responded that the estimated cost might actually be low for a building that would house both the parks maintenance and facility staff. As proposed, the building would include a number of technical areas such as a sign - making shop and a nursery. Vice Chair Cheung asked staff to describe the City's current process for finding grants. In particular, he asked if it would behoove the City to hire a grant writer. Ms. Hite commented that the City is fortunate to have two private grant sources that honor and support civic projects in Edmonds: the Hazel Miller Foundation and the Verdant Health Commission. In addition, the State has about 20 different grant types, mostly through the Recreation and Conservation Office. The City submitted four applications in 2018 for a total request of $2.2 million. She said she writes the grant applications for parks with the help of staff. She briefly described the process of writing and presenting grant applications, as well as how the grant committees review and score applications. She reported that the City's application for funding for the youth athletic fields at Civic Park scored #1, and their local parks project grant application scored #5. The land conservation grant application for Civic Park scored #5, as well, but this grant is a federal fund that is in jeopardy right now. The City's application for a waterfront project did not score well. She concluded that she keeps her eyes open for other grant opportunities, as well. Mr. English commented that the applications for grant funding are always significantly more than the funding available, and transportation is where the Public Works Department has the most opportunity. The City's Traffic Engineer typically tracks these opportunities and prepares the applications. While the City has never considered having a dedicated grant writer, they have hired consultants to help write grants. For example, the application for the grant the City recently received for the Waterfront Connector Project had a lot of parts to it, and a consultant was hired to assist staff. Vice Chair Cheung noted that the City is still looking for $6 million to fund construction of Civic Park, and there is only so much City staff can do. He suggested that hiring a consultant would be helpful in this situation. Ms. Hite said this option is being considered. There are also other sources of funding to look at. For example, Snohomish County has a parks fund that is funded via Conservation Futures Park Impact Fees or REET dollars, and the City received a $500,000 grant to help purchase Civic Field. In addition, City staff and Mayor Earling work strategically with local representatives in Olympia during the budget season to bring State money home to the Edmonds area. The City received $6 million from the State for the Waterfront Connector Project and over $1.3 million in Federal grants for the intersection improvements at 220t' and 76t,, and the preservation project on 76t1i Avenue north of SR-524. They also have an additional 6 applications that are currently being reviewed and secured. Planning Board Minutes October 24, 2018 Page 6 Board Member Lovell said he finds the information relative to grant funding very important and suggested the City find a way to publish the information and inform the local citizens of the City's aggressive efforts to pursue and secure grant funding. Grant opportunities are very competitive, and the City of Edmonds consistently rates very high. This reflects staff s attentiveness in seeking out and applying for grants, meeting with legislators, etc. Their efforts are clearly making a difference and the public would appreciate knowing more about it. Ms. Hite agreed that is a great idea. She noted that Mayor Earling recently submitted an article to THE EDMONDS BEACON relative to all the grants the City has received. He is preparing another submission to talk about 2019 grant opportunities, as well. Board Member Lovell observed that, over the last several months, there has been a lot of citizen conversation about the City spending too much money, taxes going up, the need to be more selective about what is funded, and cutting back on wishes and demands. At some point, the City will need to pass some type of levy lid in order to allocate sufficient funding for infrastructure improvements and parks. At this time, the City is lucky to have accomplished so much. Amber Groll, Edmonds, introduced herself as the City's newest planner. She noted that the presentation did not include any bicycle improvements. While the City encourages and incentivizes bicycling, employees are less likely to use this mode of transportation if they do not feel safe. Mr. English advised that the Transportation Plan, which is part of the City's Comprehensive Plan, includes a bicycle plan that identifies designated bike lanes and routes throughout the City. Over the past few years, the City has installed a number of bike lanes including 212' Street and 76t1i Avenue and 220t' Street to State Route 524. In addition, sharrows were added where they cannot quite get the lane configuration to work. Also, the City has added right-of-way and lane width and signage to make vehicular and bike traffic aware of the system. The effort is ongoing and the City's Traffic Engineer has done a good job of finding money for the improvements over the last five years. Ms. Hite added that the Verdant Health Commission also funded a huge bike project last year that the City of Edmonds did in conjunction with the cities of Mountlake Terrace and Lynnwood to provide connections between the cities. She noted that most of the bicycle improvements, such as sharrows and signage, are identified in the operational budget rather than the capital budget. Board Member Robles referred to the map that is included in the Bicycle Plan, noting that a lot of the bike activity was moved from the main roads to the smaller side streets for safety reasons. Ms. Hite added that maps and signage have been funded by a grant from the Verdant Health Commission. There is also a website called "Bike to Health," that was launched by the City of Lynnwood and the Verdant Health Commission as part of the project that was mentioned above. The public portion of the hearing was closed. BOARD MEMBER LOVELL MOVED THAT THEH BOARD FORWARD THE DRAFT CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) AND DRAFT CAPITAL FACILITIES PLAN (CFP) TO THE CITY COUNCIL WITH A RECOMMENDATION OF APPROVAL. BOARD MEMBER CRANK SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. REVIEW OF EXTENDED AGENDA Chair Monroe reviewed that the November 141 meeting agenda will include a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Downtown Business (BD) parking requirements and a public hearing on the Shoreline Master Program (SMP) update. The December 121 meeting agenda is set aside for the Board to finalize its recommendation on the SMP, if needed. The second meetings in November and December were cancelled. They agreed to elect officers for 2019 at their November 141 meeting. PLANNING BOARD CHAIR COMMENTS Chair Monroe did not provide any additional comments. PLANNING BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS Board Member Crank welcomed the City's newest planner, Amber Groll. She also announced that she would attend an Airport Commission meeting on October 25t1i. In addition, she said she received an email from Director Hope inviting her Planning Board Minutes October 24, 2018 Page 7 participate on a community task force to redo the draft Housing Strategy. No date has been set for the meetings to start, but the intent is to assemble a group of community members. She agreed to share information as it becomes available. Board Member Lovell reported on his attendance at the October 17' Economic Development Commission (EDC) meeting where Mark Craig, the developer of the Westgate Project (Bartells) provided an update on the process they went through with the City to get the project approved. While he did not put it in negative terms, he summarized that the process was quite challenging. Overall, the fees and expenses to execute the project were the highest he had ever encountered. He further reported that the EDC has forwarded a memorandum to the City recommending that the Public Works Department undertake a public relations and information process in conjunction with the Dayton Street Utility Project. The memorandum recommends there be a central information gathering and distribution point for businesses and residents along the route that might be impacted by construction. Lastly, he reported that the EDC appointed a subcommittee (himself, Patrick Doherty and Darrel Haug) to review the entire Strategic Action Plan that was adopted in 2016 and identify the status of each action item. A memorandum with the subcommittee's findings will available on the EDC's website. Board Member Rosen said he continues to attend most of the meetings related to the draft Housing Strategy, and he has monitored and tracked all of the public comments. He gave a shout out to Mayor Earling and Director Hope because they have heard a lot of comments from a lot of different sources and it became very obvious that a lot of work still needs to be done. The City has hit pause and the process will be revised to include significantly more community involvement. This action is a testimony to the system working: create a draft, present it for public comment, and then course correct as a result of the public comment. Currently, Director Hope is working on a very detailed process and schedule for how the strategy will move forward, and it will be released very soon. Board Member Rosen said he is encouraged by the number of things that everyone agrees on, which reflects the values of the community: safety, seniors, kids, and preserving those things that are special about the community. He is seeing a chain of public discourse and public process and things get done when that happens and better decisions are made. It is important to recognize that there are things they all want and they will not get all of them, but the plan will be better if they all participate. He asked that the City staff and City Council use one coordinated process moving forward. It is very confusing to residents and participants and you create significant potential to compromise the process when that is not the case and the two groups create their own processes in parallel. He also asked that everyone collectively come together because they want to make the plan better. He urged those who not like the process or what is in the strategy to come together to make it better. That is what will be in the best interest of the City. Board Member Robles advised that the committee that was formed to review designs for the SR-104 entry sign will begin meeting again in the near future. He reminded the Board that he participates as a member of this group. ADJOURNMENT The Board meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Planning Board Minutes October 24, 2018 Page 8