20190716 City CouncilEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
July 16, 2019
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Dave Earling, Mayor
Adrienne Fraley-Monillas, Council President
Michael Nelson, Councilmember
Kristiana Johnson, Councilmember
Thomas Mesaros, Councilmember
Diane Buckshnis, Councilmember
Dave Teitzel, Councilmember
Neil Tibbott, Councilmember
1. CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE
STAFF PRESENT
Phil Williams, Public Works Director
Shane Hope, Development Services Director
Scott James, Finance Director
Kernen Lien, Environmental Program Mgr.
Thom Sullivan, Facilities Maintenance Mgr.
Jeff Taraday, City Attorney
Scott Passey, City Clerk
Jerrie Bevington, Camera Operator
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
The Edmonds City Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Earling in the Council
Chambers, 250 5"' Avenue North, Edmonds. The meeting was opened with the flag salute.
2. ROLL CALL
City Clerk Scott Passey called the roll. All elected officials were present.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
COUNCILMEMBER MESAROS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER BUCKSHNIS,
TO MOVE ITEMS 8.3 AND 8.4 TO 8.1 AND 8.2 AND RENUMBER THE REMAINING ACTION
ITEMS. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
MESAROS, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA IN CONTENT AND ORDER AS AMENDED. MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
MESAROS, TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The agenda items approved are as follows:
1. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 2, 2019
2. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 2, 2019
3. APPROVAL OF CLAIM, PAYROLL AND BENEFIT CHECKS, DIRECT DEPOSIT AND
WIRE PAYMENTS
4. CONFIRM APPOINTMENT OF BOARD AND COMMISSION CANDIDATE
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Page 1
5. WDFW CONTRACT FOR FISHING PIER
6. INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH EDMONDS SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR
MEADOWDALE PRESCHOOL
7. PROPOSAL FOR PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACT FOR PROGRAM
ADMINISTRATOR AT THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
8. PROBATION OFFICER COURT POSITION
9. APPROVE CONTRACT FOR JERRIE BEVINGTON
5. PRESENTATION
1. STUDENTS SAVING SALMON YEARLY COUNCIL REPORT 2019
Members of Student Saving Salmon (SSS) making the presentation introduced themselves:
• Mariam Gold, a graduate of Edmonds-Woodway High School, two years in SSS and will be
attending Denison University in Ohio
• Emma Gibson, a junior this fall in full IB program at Edmonds-Woodway High School
• Mackey Guenther, a graduate of Edmonds-Woodway High School and will be attending USC in
fall 2020
• Erin Francisco, in SSS for three years and will be attending Cal Poly
Ms. Gold explained SSS is a club at Edmonds-Woodway High School whose focus is to protect and restore
salmon habitat and track salmon populations in Edmonds. The club is a citizens science project which
means the data collected is at a State standard and can be used to enact legislative change in the City of
Edmonds or Washington State. Students join SSS for many different reasons including interest in a future
career in conservation biology, hands-on experience with scientific procedures and equipment, a desire to
help the environment, to meet others who are passionate about environmental action, or to engage in the
Edmonds community more deeply. SSS does monthly water quality measurements in Shell, Willow and
Shellabarger Creeks and the Edmonds Marsh. Students from Meadowdale High School monitor Perrinville
and Lunds Gulch Creeks.
Ms. Gold explained the measurements provide information regarding future salmon runs, the conditions in
the stream and whether they are conducive to a healthy salmon population. SSS takes part in many salmon
stewardship projects such as habitat restorations along Shell Creek to make it more habitable for a wider
variety of aquatic life and salmon, conducting salmon surveys every fall to count the number of salmon in
the steams, working with the Willow Creek Hatchery to raise and release coho fry into Shell Creek, using
hatchboxes to place eggs in Shell Creek, and community outreach such as door-to-door outreach to homes
on Shell Creek about how be more engaged with the salmon population and presentations to various
community groups, and having a booth at many community events.
Ms. Gibson explained monthly monitoring of local creeks and the Edmonds Marsh has been done for the
past four years. The monitoring done by the citizens' science project, the Edmonds Stream Team, is
designed to be similar to scientific monitoring conducted by the State in larger streams and rivers. The data
can be used to determine water quality in Edmonds streams that meet requirements in the Washington
Administrative Code (WAC). She displayed photographs of professional monitoring devices that provide
scientific measurements on different water variables including dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, salinity,
conductivity, turbidity and nitrates. They also document physical conditions each month such as water
depth, flow, channel width, vegetation and bottom substrate.
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Ms. Gibson reviewed monitoring results that apply to the principal parameters that affect aquatic life
especially those that can hinder or impact salmon population — pH, water temperature and dissolved oxygen.
Water temperature is a crucial factor for salmon and aquatic life. High water temperatures can kill cold
water species such as salmon. She displayed a graph of water temperature in lower creeks and marsh August
2015 -July 2019, that illustrates all the creeks have been below the maximum temperature (63.5° F);
however, the Edmonds Marsh has exceeded this maximum water temperature every summer, with the
highest water temperature of 73.3° F.
Ms. Gibson explained dissolved oxygen in creeks and the marsh is critical for spawning and survival of
salmon. She displayed a graph regarding dissolved oxygen in creeks that illustrated the lower portions of
creeks where salmon spawn had dissolved oxygen levels at or above the minimum requirement (8.0 mg/L)
and most were above 11.0 mg/L each winter which is optimum for salmon eggs in gravel. She displayed a
graph of dissolved oxygen at Edmonds Marsh outlet and edges of Marsh, explaining the water exiting the
Marsh is indicative of the main body of water and are that students are unable to access. The graph illustrates
the northern and eastern edges of the marsh were below the monthly standards; the northern edge was
typically 2.5 mg/L and often below 2 mg/L which is lethal to most aquatic organism.
Ms. Gibson displayed a graph of pH in lower creeks and Edmonds Marsh that illustrates the pH in lower
creeks is within the State standards (6.5 to 8.5). The water exiting the marsh has also been within the State
standard except for one sample. This is good news because water that is too acidic is also lethal to aquatic
organism. Although the general water quality parameters are good for salmon, there are some concerns with
pollutants that enter creeks through stormwater drains. Using the $15,000 that the Council provided in 2018
and 2019, SSS has collected quarterly water samples during rain events which were sent to an accredited
lab in Everett where the samples are analyzed for petroleum compounds and heavy metals. SSS will
continue collecting samples through the end of 2019 and provide the Council a complete report. One of the
greatest concerns to date is the detection of seven carcinogenic hydrocarbons that exceed the Washington
State human health criteria for consumption of water and organisms, especially on the east edge near SRI 04
where runoff drains directly into the marsh.
Mr. Guenther explained salmon stewardship includes monitoring and improving conditions for salmon in
Edmonds. SSS is involved in stewardship through an array of efforts. To ensure maximum impact and
return, SSS is focused on Shell Creek as it is currently the only stream in Edmonds with salmon runs but
the goal is to see salmon return to all Edmonds creeks. Stewardship became a club focus through
identification of areas for improvement in stream conditions during monthly water quality monitorings, a
great opportunity to periodically evaluate conditions in streams. One of the primary focuses of the
stewardship activities is streamside habitat restoration. Streamside vegetation affects salmon in a number
of ways. In particularly, increased shade from vegetation keeps streams cool and native plants attract insects
that are food for juvenile salmon. Reduction of sediment into creeks is also aided by streamside habitat
restoration.
After determining the need for improved streamside habitat along Shell Creek, SSS began restoration
projects in 2017. Since then 600 native plants of more than 20 different species have been planted across 6
different private properties, some of which had to first be cleared of invasive species such as blackberry
and ivy. In March 2019, 40 students and community volunteers planted 160 native plants at a site on Shell
Creek next to Holy Rosary Church. Because previous plantings failed due to foraging by mountain beavers,
wire cages were used to protect the new plants. Olympic Fly Fishers of Edmonds donated the funding used
to purchase the plants and wire for the planting event. Other plantings have taken place on private property
where SSS have educated streamside homeowners on ways to maintain their portion of the steam.
Mr. Guenther explained salmon migrate back from the ocean into streams during the fall; during October
and November, SSS survey streamside homeowners on lower Shell Creek to determine the presence or
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July 16, 2019
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absence of salmon and assess habitat conditions that might impact salmon return and spawning. The surveys
have allowed SSS to identify several fish passage barriers, improved stream conditions and to begin
discussions with important stakeholders. Unfortunately, very few salmon or evidence of spawning were
seen this year. Some residents who were surveyed said this was the first time they had seen no salmon at
all.
SSS has assisted the Willow Creek Salmon Hatchery with the incubation and release of coho salmon since
2017. Students contribute to nearly every function of the hatchery including preparing the hatchery pond,
feeding juvenile salmon and many other responsibilities. The water quality data collected during monthly
monitorings was used to successfully petition the State to allow the placement of over 1,000 juvenile coho
salmon from the hatchery measuring 3-4 inches in length into upper Shell Creek. Placing salmon in upper
Shell Creek is important as that spawning habitat has been inaccessible to adult salmon due to manmade
obstacles. Meadowdale High School students also assisted at a chum hatchery located in upper Lunds Gulch
Creek which raised 10,000 chum salmon for release into lower Lunds Gulch.
Mr. Guenther explained one of the most recent stewardship efforts was installation of instream egg
incubators, known as hatchboxes which are designed to hold fertilized salmon eggs in a stream until the
eggs hatch and fry emerge, allowing for eggs to be hatched under more natural conditions than a hatchery.
Each egg is placed in an individual chamber that has holes large enough to allow water passage but too
small for the egg to pass through. Once the egg is hatched and the newborn salmon consumes its yolk sac,
the salmon fry is slim enough to pass through the hole and into the stream. The first attempt at hatchbox
incubation last year using a similar hatchbox failed due to sediment buildup within the hatchbox chambers.
This year, thanks to another donation from the Olympic Fly Fishers, both Edmonds-Woodway and
Meadowdale High School students were able to install multiple hatchboxes on sites on Shell and Lunds
Gulch Creeks with an overall egg hatching release rate of 89%. SSS hopes to continue the success with
hatchboxes in these creeks next year with expanded installation and plan to place 3,000 coho eggs in
hatchboxes in Shell, Willow and Lunds Gulch Creeks as well as 2,000 chum eggs in lower Shell and lower
Lunds Gulch.
SSS is involved in a variety of steward efforts that take a great deal of planning and preparation but are also
involved in shorter term projects to improve salmon habitat whenever the opportunity presents itself. For
example, last Saturday a culvert on Shell Creek near 7" Ave N that was severely obstructed for salmon
passage by tree roots and sediment accumulation was cleared.
Ms. Francisco relayed recommendations based on SSS's observations over the past year.
• Passage barriers
o Removal of manmade waterfall on private property in Shell Creek
■ Totally blocks adult salmon passage above 7th Ave
■ SSS has offered assistance with applying for funding to remove the obstacle, the owner has
been unwilling to discuss
o Remove impassable culvert under Talbot Road and in Shell Creek near Yost Park
o Eliminate passage blocking debris/logs at Brackett's Landing
• Sediment
o Address sediment build-up in Shell Creek downstream of Yost Park
■ Hinders spawning of chum and coho salmon
■ Erosion on the bluffs in Yost Park likely contribute to the problem
o Develop watershed development plan in Perrinville Creek basin
* Marsh
o Restore saltwater estuary
o Remove Hwy 104 fences
o Keep tide gate open year-round
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o Remove invasive vegetation and plant native vegetation
• Stream Monitoring and Surveys
o Continued Council support including the annual funding
Councilmember Mesaros asked who maintains the monitoring data to ensure it is available into the future.
Joe Scordino explained when the program first started, the intent was to have the data accessible through
the City. However, due to the volume of data, it was determined that it would be best to have it managed
by the students and him. Eventually it will be available on the City's website. Councilmember Mesaros said
he was less concerned about making the data available on the website and more concerned with preserving
the data and making it easily accessible. It is important scientific data and becomes even more important
the longer monitoring is done. He recommend SSS think about that issue and develop a solution over the
next year to ensure the data is institutionally housed somewhere. He also suggested evaluating progress on
the SSS 2015-2018 recommendations in order to have a broader plan of solution as well as identifying
problems.
Councilmember Nelson complimented the students on their report, finding it very concise, user friendly,
professional and readable. He commented an easy statistic to track is when people start seeing salmon,
something everyone wants to see happen. He appreciated the recommendations and was eager for the
Council to begin implementing some of them and to give SSS give more tools and assist them in working
with private property owners.
Council President Fraley-Monillas thanked Mr. Sordino and the students for the amount of time they spend
collecting data. She noted there are also a number of adult volunteers. Mr. Sordino said the number of
volunteers varies; when efforts are publicized such as the planting, more people volunteer.
Council President Fraley-Monillas asked if there has been pushback from private property owners about
entering their property. Mr. Scordino there are 40 residences along the edge of lower Shell Creek, only 4
residences refused access, the rest have been very cooperative. Council President Fraley-Monillas asked if
those property owners' refusal to provide access impedes the students' work. Mr. Scordino said students
make observations from the other side of the creek. For example, with the culvert that was cleared, one
property owner did not provide access so efforts were conducted from one side. He concluded they are able
to work around properties where owners do not allow access.
Councilmember Teitzel applauded and thanked the students for their work to restore salmon habitat and
thanked Mr. Sordino for spending time with him at the site of the waterfall on Carol Way. He has sent the
homeowner two letters asking them to meet with him to discuss the issue and has received no response. He
referred to the Elwha River restoration where two large dams were removed and king salmon began
returning upriver almost immediately. If dams can be removed to restore habitat, it should be possible to
remove a 5 -foot waterfall that blocks over a mile of good salmon habitat. He suggested the Council join
him in identifying that issue as a priority in the next several months.
Councilmember Johnson asked if hatchboxes were released westward of 7"' Ave. Mr. Scordino said the
focus is upstream; since adult salmon cannot get above the waterfall, the hatchboxes are placed in the areas
where they would have been if the adults could have reached those upstream areas. When the salmon return,
it will be to the area below the waterfall, a population that needs to be boosted due to declines.
Councilmember Johnson said she has seen pictures of enormous acrobatic feats by wild salmon doing to
overcome barriers. She asked if it would be possible to install a fish ladder next to the waterfall so the
residents could retain the waterfall but salmon could reach spawning areas. Ms. Gold answered the
homeowner does not want the waterfall removed as they anticipate it will decrease their property value. A
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number of solutions have been proposed such as a step system, but it has been difficult to get the property
owner to listen to suggestions.
Councilmember Johnson inquired about Hindley Creek. Mr. Scordino said it enters Shell Creek at
Brookmere Street near Caspers Street. Councilmember Johnson observed 33 students at Edmonds-
Woodway High School participate in SSS;. she thanked the students and adult volunteers for their efforts.
She recalled SSS was started by Mr. Scordino and Val Stewart in 2015 and expressed her admiration for
their tenacity, noting that restoring fish habitat is the future of Edmonds.
Councilmember Buckshnis said she would like to have SSS make a presentation to WRIA 8 or Puget Sound
Partnership Salmon Recovery Council. She recalled the Tree Board and Youth Council members
participated in the Holy Rosary planting. She suggested compiling the SSS information on the City's sever.
She asked if SSS had received grant funding for next year. Mr. Scordino answered no, the second year of
funding from the Council ($15,000) will provide enough information to see trends over the two years and
profile the problems. Exhaust fumes from the ferry holding lanes on SRI 04 that wash into the Marsh is the
primary problem.
Councilmember Buckshnis said Councilmember Teitzel and she plan to research how to remove the fences
once they determine whose property they are on. She agreed the Council should consider mitigations for
the waterfall.
Councilmember Tibbott thanked SSS for their report, noting the photograph of the fence covered with
vegetation graphically illustrated the blockage.
6. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Jenny Antilla, Edmonds, recalled in 2015 she put information on My Edmonds News about seeing a fish
in the stream on 7"' Ave S; Mr. Scordino then contacted her and requested permission to access her property.
She did not think he needed permission as the stream is free flowing, but she gave permission and the
students have been coming ever since. She recommend continuing to allocate funds and to establish a
timeframe for removing the blockage. With regard to Civic Park, she observed the cost of the park was
$9M -$12M, but could be more due to drainage issues. She suggested addressing the water issues first and
creating parking on the north end which would allow more use of the park. She referred to cost overruns
on the Five Corners roundabout and the wayside train horn project. With regard to the Urban Forest
Management Plan, she said the City needs to focus on vegetation overgrowing the sidewalks and send
letters to the homeowners. She recalled a meeting several years ago regarding trees where people expressed
their opposition to being told what to do with their trees.
Matt McCulloch, President, Edmonds Downtown Alliance Advisory Board (Ed!) described their four main
projects, 1) afterhours parking — includes a total of 100 spaces after the recent addition of parking at Bank
of America, 2) new umbrella design, 3) digital marketing; last year over 1M views and 700,000 by the end
of June this year, and 4) small grants program which partially funded the Where's Waldo program
downtown. Ed! will present their work plan and budget to the Council in the fall.
7. REPORTS ON COUNCIL COMMITTEES
MONTHLY COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS AND MINUTES
Parks & Public Works Committee
Councilmember Johnson highlighted items the committee reviewed:
• WDFW Contract for the Fishing Pier — Consent Agenda
• Interlocal Agreement with Edmonds School District for Meadowdale Preschool — Consent Agenda
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
July 16, 2019
Page 6
• Rejected bids for Frances Anderson Center roofing — Consent Agenda
• Waterfront Redevelopment contracts — future presentation to Council
• Report on Bids for Dayton Street Stormwater project — future presentation to Council
s Professional services agreement with Framework for the Downtown Parking Study — committee
requested more public engagement before consultant data gathering and a future presentation to
Council
• McKinstry Facility Condition Assessment — on tonight's agenda
• Willow Creek Daylighting and Marsh Restoration Design - future presentation to Council
• 180 Gate - future presentation to Council
Finance Committee
Councilmember Mesaros highlighted items the committee reviewed:
• Proposal for Personal Services Contract for Program Administrator at the Wastewater Treatment
Plant — Consent Agenda
• New Probation Officer in Municipal Court —Consent Agenda
• Approved new contract for Jerrie Bevington — Consent Agenda
• May 2019 Monthly financial report — Consent Agenda
• 2°a Quarter budget amendments — on tonight's agenda
• McKinstry Report regarding deferred maintenance on City buildings — on tonight's agenda
Public Safety. Planning & Personnel Committee
Councilmember Nelson highlighted items the committee reviewed:
• Amend Edmonds Community Development Code Chapter 20.70 Street -Vacations — Planning
Board provide recommendation to Council
• Probation Officer for Municipal Court — Consent Agenda
• Update on Climate Protection Goals — presentation to Council on August 6
8. ACTION ITEMS
CIVIC PARK FINANCING ORDINANCE
Finance Director Scott James explained this agenda item will ask Council to approve an ordinance
authorizing the issuance of bonds to finance the Civic Park construction gap. Two weeks ago on July 2,
Council voted to issue $3.7M in bonds to fund the Civic Park construction gap. Also, during that meeting,
Council authorized Mayor to sign letters of engagement with Foster Pepper to serve as bond counsel and
with Northwest Municipal Advisors to serve as financial advisor on this bond issuance. Mr. James
introduced Bond Counsel Nancy Neraas and Financial Advisor Scott Bauer.
Mr. Scott reviewed some key City and Council accomplishments related to Civic Park. Developing Civic
Field into a signature park for the City has been a dream the City has had for decades. This dream of
constructing Civic Park started to become a reality in 2016 when the City negotiated the purchased of Civic
Field from the Edmonds School District. Soon thereafter, the City formed the Civic Park advisory
committee and hired the Landscape Architecture firm of Walker Macy. Walker Macy, the advisory
committee and staff worked together to seek input from stakeholders which lead to the development of the
Civic Park Master Plan. With the Council approved master plan, Parks Director Carrie Hite was able to
approach agencies to ask for grants and to was able to secure just over $8.8M in grants and city funding,
including a $1.5M grant from the Hazel Miller Foundation. Tonight with Council approval of the $3.7M
bond ordinance, the City will have funds to pay the estimated construction costs of Civic Park.
Mr. Bauer reviewed:
• Bond market
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Page 7
o Interest rates have been falling since the beginning of 2019 and have approached historical
lows seen in 2016 (immediately after Brexit)
o Graph of Bonds Buyer 20 -Bond GO Index 1990 to present
3 Shows long-term interest rates for an index of well rated (AA) general obligation bonds
• The City's Outstanding General Obligation Bonds
LTGO Bonds (Moody's:
Aa3
Par Callable Par
Outstandin
Final Mat.
Coupon Call Date
Range
LTGO Ref 2012
$5,210,000 $2,635 000
12/1/2031
1.75%-2.25% 12/1/2022
LTGO Ref 2016
$2,579,489 $1,008,918
12/1/2026
1.67% 12/1/2023
Total LTGO Bonds Debt
$7,789,489 $3,643,918
• Financing Plan
o Provide approximately $3.7 million of bond proceeds for Civic Park project
o Financing Structure: Level debt service, amortized over 20 years
o Estimated average annual debt service: $244,000
Ms. Neraas reviewed:
• Delegation Authority
o Under Washington State law, the City Council can delegate final approval of bond sale to
designated individuals
■ This has been utilized on the City's prior transactions
o This delegated authority allows the bond sale to occur on days other than a City Council date
o Certain parameters are set in advance in the Ordinance
• Maximum issue size
■ Maximum interest rate
■ Final maturity
o Provides more flexibility in timing bond issue
Mr. Bauer reviewed the schedule of events:
• July 16 Adoption of Bond Ordinance
• August — Early Sept. Drafting of Preliminary Official Statement (POS)
• Mid — Late Sept. Rating Agency Call
• Early October Receive Bond Rating
Release POS to Potential Investors
• Mid October Competitive Bond Sale
• Late October Bond Closing
Councilmember Johnson asked about the annual debt service. Mr. Bauer said it would be $244,000.
Councilmember Johnson relayed her calculation that that totaled $4.88M over 20 years, actually paying
more in debt service than the bond. Mr. Bauer explained the City pays interest on the funds borrowed.
Councilmember Johnson recalled Mr. James stated Ms. Hite obtained $8.8M in grants. Mr. James clarified
he said Ms. Hite was able to secure $8.8M in funding, $3.3M of that is grants including $1.5M from the
Hazel Miller Foundation as well as funds from Snohomish County and the State. The request for bonds is
$3.7M and there is a $2M allocation from the General Fund which is included in the $8.8M. Councilmember
Johnson summarized that is a total of $14.5M for Civic Park. Mr. James clarified the amount is $8.8M +
$3.7M (bond) _ $12.5M. The $2M allocation from the General Fund is included in the $8.8M.
Councilmember Johnson said she was on Civic Park advisory committee. At that time there was not a real
understanding of the total cost but it was estimated to be $8M -$12M. She was concerned about adding
$4.5M in debt service to the $12.5M for a total of $17M for the park.
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Page 8
Mr. James displayed the Civic Park Budget (as of July 2019):
REVENUE
2019
2020
Total
A&E
$750,000
$205,000
$955,000
Fund 125
$70,000
$500,000
$570,000
Fund 126
$750,000
$500,000
$1,250,000
City GF
$2,000,000
$500,000
$2,500,000
Park Impact Fees
$500,000
$500,000
$1,000,000
RCO/Local Parks/YAF
$850,000
$850,000
LWCF/State
$500,000
$500,000
Snohomish County
1 $780,0001
$450,000
$450,000
Hazel Miller Foundation
$1,500,000
$1,500,000
ADA Playground Upgrades
$110,000
$110,000
Verdant/Fitness Zone
TOTAL
$3,430,000
$100,000
$5,400,000
$100,000
$8,830,000
EXPENSES
2019
2020
Total
A&E
$750,000
$205,000
$955,000
Other
0
$144,600
$144,600
Construction
$6,800,000
$6,800,000
GC's, escalation, contingency
$2,380,000
$2,380,000
Const.
su ort/testin misc/En ineerin
$30,000
$1,020,000
$1,050,000
WSST
$700,400
$700,400
Stormwater Mitigation Estimate
$500,000
$500,000
TOTAL
1 $780,0001
$11,750,000
$12,530,000
Gap in FundhIg I 1 1 $3,700,000
*July 2, 2019 Council authorize issuance of $3.7M to fund construction gap
Councilmember Johnson commented the $3.7M bond will cost $4.88M in 20 years. She asked if the cost
of servicing the bond was added to the amount of the bond for the true cost of Civic Field. Mr. James said
the question was whether to have today's citizens pay the entire park cost or does the City ask citizens who
will be enjoying the park for the next 20 years to help fund it? The Council's direction on July 2,d was not
to have citizens pay the entire cost today and to fund some of the cost via bonds to allocate costs over 20
years. Councilmember Johnson said she is a dissenting viewpoint. If the City was able get $6.8M through
grants and funding, it could be funded via pay-as-you-go, possibly doing half the park now and the complete
park later. Her intent was to point out the true costs associated with this project. She was not in favor of
bond funding for Civic Park.
Councilmember Buckshnis suggested doing a present value of the payment stream to illustrate $244,000
today is not the same as $244,000 in 20 years. She asked if the City would maintain its current rating. Mr.
Bauer expected the City would maintain its Aa2 rating. She opined $244,000/year was well worth
completing Civic Park. She acknowledged there may be water issues but was hopeful they would not be
significant.
Councilmember Mesaros recalled the Finance Committee discussed other opportunities for financing in the
City such as deferred building maintenance. He asked if the City could bond for an additional $2M to
address deferred maintenance and whether purposes could be mixed within a bond issue. He was not
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July 16, 2019
Page 9
advocating for that but wanted to ask the question. Mr. James answered $2M or more could be added to the
bond issue but he was uncertain the Council had enough information or enough time to add $2M to this
bond issue for deferred maintenance. He suggested developing a long term plan for funding deferred
building maintenance.
Councilmember Mesaros inquired about rumors of a federal funds rate cut at the end of month and if that
occurred, how that would impact savings to the City. Mr. Bauer said that rate cut is already reflected in
interest rates. The shortest term rates have already been adjusted downward.
Mayor Earling said staff has been discussing a strategy for addressing the $6.5M in deferred maintenance.
He was hopeful the Council would allow staff time for further analysis before making a decision regarding
how to address that expense.
Council President Fraley-Monillas said she was thinking along the lines of Councilmember Johnson with
regard to the cost of this park. She agreed with Councilmember Johnson's calculation that the cost of Civic
Park would be $17,410,000 including debt service. She loves parks and Edmonds parks are some of the
best, recalling she used to visit Edmonds parks when living in Richmond Beach. However, she was
struggling with borrowing $3.7M for a park and paying back $4.8M. She was not one to buy things above
her means and it bothered her to pay so much in debt service. She would rather see the park development
paid for upfront and if the City was going to bond, bond for the facility issues. The buildings are the City's
assets and they are in disrepair. A park is not a priority compared to a fire station or other problems the City
is facing. She did not support bonding for the gap in funding for Civic Park.
Mr. Bauer said when the cost of a project is discussed, it is typically the principal and the borrowing amount
and generally interest is not included, but he understood Council President Fraley-Monillas' point.
Councilmember Teitzel expressed support for bonding for Civic Park. He pointed out in 20 years a dollar
will be worth a fraction of what it is worth today so you cannot simply add numbers together to reach a
total in today's dollars. Civic Park will be an asset for the City, future generation will enjoy it and future
generations should pay a portion of the cost. If the City funded the park entirely from the General Fund, it
would take funds away from other projects such as facility maintenance. He concluded this is a tool
available to the City now and interest rates are at near historic low levels.
COUNCILMEMBER TEITZEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER BUCKSHNIS, TO
APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 4155, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS,
WASHINGTON, RELATING TO CONTRACTING INDEBTEDNESS; PROVIDING FOR THE
ISSUANCE, SALE AND DELIVERY OF NOT TO EXCEED $4,000,000 AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT OF LIMITED TAX GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS TO PROVIDE FUNDS TO
FINANCE IMPROVEMENTS TO CIVIC PARK AND TO PAY THE COSTS OF ISSUANCE AND
SALE OF THE BONDS; FIXING OR SETTING PARAMETERS WITH RESPECT TO CERTAIN
TERMS AND COVENANTS OF THE BONDS; APPOINTING THE CITY'S DESIGNATED
REPRESENTATIVE TO APPROVE THE FINAL TERMS OF THE SALE OF THE BONDS; AND
PROVIDING FOR OTHER RELATED MATTERS. UPON ROLL CALL, MOTION CARRIED (5-
2), COUNCILMEMBERS NELSON, BUCKSHNIS, MESAROS, TEITZEL AND TIBBOTT
VOTING YES; AND COUNCILMEMBER JOHNSON AND COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-
MONILLAS VOTING NO.
2. CITY OF EDMONDS FACILITY CONDITION ASSESSMENT STUDY BY MCKINSTRY
Mr. Williams introduced Thom Sullivan, Facilities Manager, and Grant Haig, McKinstry. Mr. Williams
reviewed:
s Overview and history
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
July 16, 2019
Page 10
o In 2018, the City of Edmonds commissioned a Facility Condition Assessment (FCA) with
McKinstry. This effort supplemented research conducted in 2015 by Cardno, Inc.
o Cardno Study was a high-level review of the existing conditions of facilities owned by the City
of Edmonds.
o In addition to the basic building analysis Cardno produced McKinstry added all the other assets
in our buildings including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and envelope issues like exterior
finishes, windows, fire suppression, fences and parking lots.
o In addition to assessing condition, remaining life and replacement costs and periodic
maintenance costs were also estimated
Facility Condition index (FCI) scores
o The Facility Condition Index (FCI) is a management benchmark used to objectively assess
current and projected condition of a building asset. This is often the output from a
Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). FCI is defined as the ratio of
current year required renewal cost to current building replacement value:
Excellent 0-5%
Good
5-10%
Fair
10-15%
Poor
15-25%
Critical
25+%
• 5 -year capital expenditures
Buildine
FCI Score
5 -year FCI Score
Bo s & Girls Club
6.8%
14.4%
Cemetery Building
3.5%
14.4%
City Hall
13.8%
19.0%
Fishing Pier
11.7%
241%
Frances Anderson Center
13.6%
18.0%
FS 16
3.6%
11.7%
FS 17
10.1%
25.9%
FS 20
3.4%
17.5%
Historic Log Cabin
10.8%
24.1%
Historic Museum
3.6%
14.3%
Library and Plaza Room
13.3%
30.0%
Meadowdale Club House
5.4%
9.0%
Old Public Works
6.0%
9.6%
Parks Maint. Building
14.5%
22.6%
Public Safety Building
5.5%
16.1%
Public Works O&M Center
20%
26.3%
Wade James Theater
7.2%
16.9%
Yost Pool House
8.7%
19.1%
Deferred maintenance needs
o $6.5M current deferred maintenance
Category
Amount
HVAC & Plumbing
$3,315,000*
Electrical
$1,200,000*
Interiors (e.g. floorin , ceiling tiles or furniture)
$750,000
Roofing
$500,000**
Exteriors (e.g. parkinglots, fencin or exterior finishes
$330,000
Fire, life safety & security
$315,000
Other e.g. specialty equipment or solar inverters)
$165,000
Total
1 $6,575,000
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
July 16, 2019
Page 11
*Not in Cardno Report
** includes Frances Anderson Center roof which largely funded by State grant
o $800,000 annual baseline budget needed to maintain facilities independent of deferred
maintenance on existing facilities
o Current funding level at $400,000-700,000 per year is not sufficient for sustainable facilities
management
o $9.6M of cumulative 5 -year deferred maintenance ($6.5M + —$800,000/year for 4 years)
Top Projects
1. HVAC upgrades at Frances Anderson, City Hall, FS 16, Public Works O&M and the Public
Safety Building.
2. Electrical investigation and upgrades at any buildings built around or before 1980 (e.g. City
Hall, Old Public Works and the Library)
3. Fire alarm system replacements at City Hall, Public Safety, Public Works O&M and the
Wade James Theater.
4. Aesthetic upgrades such as flooring, ceiling tiles, exterior finishes, and parking lot repairs
across nearly all facilities.
Mr. Williams provided a screenshot of the Tableau software into which all the building data has been
entered and allows the data to be sorted in a variety of ways. Mr. Haig described how information can be
sorted, using the components of a car as an example, explaining the data could be sort by building, by
component, by system, etc. for use as a planning tool. The database includes all the assets with condition,
replacement timing, replacement cost, asset class, etc. based on industry data that has been compiled since
1960. Mr. Williams said the data can also be weighted based on several factors such as replacement cost,
amount of remaining life in asset, life expectancy, condition, and criteria such as occupant impact. He
continued his presentation:
• Cost of delay
o At current funding levels, the cumulative cost of delay on deferred maintenance over the next
five years will be: >$2,000,000 plus annual inflation costs on current deferred maintenance
backlog: $260,000 @ 4% annually
Key findings
o Deferred maintenance backlog is $6.5M
o $800,000 annual investment is needed independent of deferred maintenance backlog.
o Assuming $100-$200k in additional grants, the City of Edmonds should plan to allocate $650k -
$700k to address planned capital renewal.
o Backlog caused by historical underfunding, understaffing and gaps in the capital planning
process. (i.e. $56,600/yr. for 20 straight years)
Councilmember Buckshnis referred to the data modeling and Mr. Haig's use of a car as an example. She
asked about a 40 year old car that was still in prime condition, asking if variables could be added. Mr. Haig
said for example a boiler would have a life of 30 years if maintained by the original equipment
manufacturer. To the degree the maintenance was not done, would be a percentage of the decrease in the
life. Councilmember Buckshnis asked if McKinstry looked at every piece of equipment in the City. Mr.
Haig said yes and Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Williams were an integral part of that effort. Councilmember
Buckshnis concluded this is great information as long as the human aspect is added.
Mr. Williams commented because deferred maintenance exists, facilities maintenance staff have had to do
a lot of work recently. Mr. Sullivan commented on the heroic work the 3 maintenance technicians, 1 city
electrician and 7 custodians do every day to maintain the City's buildings in operational condition 7
days/week 365 days/year. The average age of the City's buildings is 49 years. In the 3 years he has been
with the City, there have not been any significant building system outages that have prevented continuity
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
July 16, 2019
Page 12
of business other than a PUD electrical failure last winter. The polishing of the City's old assets that staff
does is commendable.
Councilmember Tibbott found the report very detailed. He asked how increasing the annual amount
contributed to deferred maintenance from $800,000 to $1.2M or $1.5M would help over 20 years to make
up the $6M deficit as well as an additional $2M. Mr. Williams said anything above the $700,000-
800,000/year would go toward the backlog although the cost of the backlog grows each year. If the $6.4M
were divided over multiple years in addition to the underlying maintenance cost, that would address the
backlog. .
Councilmember Tibbott asked if there were any imminent system failures that could not be handled on an
incremental maintenance basis or could be addressed via an annual increase. Mr. Williams said there is a
not a panic about a specific building or system, but the cost of maintenance is increasing for a lot of systems.
Mr. Sullivan said the Tableau allows you to look at each deficiency, but it is a tool and does not always tell
the whole story. For example, replacing the steam boiler at the Frances Anderson Center may be a $200,000
project but to replace the entire steam system might be a $2M project because there are 1920s steam lines
and radiators in the building that are not included in the boiler replacement. Councilmember Tibbott
summarized perhaps in some earlier years more than $1.2M would be required to address a whole system
replacement. Mr. Sullivan agreed, pointing out for example a car may look amazing but the engine could
blow at any time. Losing the steam boiler system at FAC could be catastrophic for usage during the winter.
Councilmember Tibbott relayed his understanding that one of the fire stations is in fair condition now but
will be in near critical condition in five years. He noted the downtown fire station may need a total
replacement to bring it up to current standards. He asked whether some buildings needed to be completely
replaced in which case bonding would make sense. Mr. Sullivan said a master planning effort with key
stakeholders for the building inventory with the projected usage over 20 years would be important to
determine whether to run a building to failure and replace it or to reinvest in the building. Mr. Williams
said borrowing could be part of the strategy, but the City has a lot of priorities. The difficulty is facilities
have not been maintained for a long time and it may be time to dedicate funding whether out of current
revenues or borrowing if necessary. He summarized more and more deferred maintenance is being added
as years progress so it needs to be addressed.
Councilmember Teitzel commented it is not fun to talk about deferred maintenance; it's more fun to talk
about something new. He compared deferred maintenance to a homeowner who delays repairing their roof
and ends up paying more to address the subsequent damage the deferred maintenance caused. Citizens own
the City's buildings and it will cost them more unless the City starts investing in maintenance which he
supports. He was concerned about approving the Facility Condition Assessment before he has seen the
study. Mr. Williams said McKinstry's report will be provided to Councilmembers tomorrow.
Councilmember Teitzel recommended Council approve the study after having an opportunity to review the
it, such as on the Consent Agenda.
Council President Fraley-Monillas asked the age of City Hall. Mr. Sullivan said it was built in 1976. Council
President Fraley-Monillas commented City Hall was built when there were dial phones and before
computers and electronics. It is surprising the City is able to function with that building's archaic electrical
systems. The plumbing in some building is over 40 years old. Although she believed buildings were built
better back then, technology has changed since they were built. She referred to wooden WWII barracks she
worked in that were great in an earthquake but the State had to replace all the interiors.. She agreed it was
time to look at the City's buildings and systems.
Mayor Earling commented staff is very creative, recalling when a part was needed for the elevator, staff
located it on the used market in Argentina.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
July 16, 2019
Page 13
Mayor Earling declared a brief recess.
3. DRAFT URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
Development Services Director Shane Hope said the presentation was basically the same as June 25"' with
a few additions. She highlighted
• History
• Public process
• Comments on prior drafts
• Work done between November 2018 Draft and May 2018 Draft
o Informal committee formed in early 2019 to work on improvements
• Changes that were made
• Recent consideration
o Introduction of revised UFMP to Tree Board (June 6)
o Discussion of revised UFMP by Tree Board (June 27
o City Council meetings
■ June 25
■ July 16
• Contents of Current Draft Plan
• Overarching goals
1. Maintain or enhance citywide canopy coverage
A. Update tree regulations to reduce clearcutting or other development impacts on urban forest
& to consider changes to tree replacement requirements & penalties for code violations
(ongoing)
B. Adopt policy of no net loss to overall (1 year)
C. Ensure protection of tree resources in environmentally critical areas (1 year)
D. Develop voluntary heritage tree program (3-5 years)
E. Enforce City regulations on tree -cutting (ongoing)
F. Establish tree bank or fund to which donations can be made (1 year)
G. Support sustainable ways to combat pests & diseases (3-5 years)
H. Consider need for dedicated City arborist (ongoing)
I. Report every 10 years on canopy coverage (10 years, ongoing)
J. Periodically update UFMP (generally, every 5-10 years)
2. Manage public trees proactively
A. Use best available science in caring urban forest on City properties & ROW (ongoing)
B. Have adequate resources (staff, contractual help, training, etc.) to monitor health of public trees
& make decisions on their care (ongoing)
C. Develop & maintain inventory of trees in key public places to document tree condition & risks
(ongoing)
D. Update Street Tree Plan periodically (ongoing)
E. Support removal of invasive plants that threaten trees (ongoing)
F. Coordinate among departments on tree issues & identify lead City staff person (ongoing)
G. Develop & implement tree planting plan on City property & ROW to ensure diversity &
suitability (ongoing)
H. Implement program of regular maintenance for City trees (ongoing)
1. Lead or facilitate volunteer activities for tree planting/care on City property & ROW (1 year,
ongoing)
J. As part of City -sponsored capital projects, provide funding for appropriate trees in ROW & on
City properties (ongoing)
K. Provide annual report City Council on tree management for City properties & ROW (ongoing)
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
July 16, 2019
Page 14
3. Incentivize protecting and planting trees on private property
A. Have program of giving away trees &/or tree vouchers for use in Edmonds (3-5 years, ongoing)
B. For properties that retain certain amount of tree canopy cover, explore establishment of
incentives (3-5 years, ongoing)
C. Develop certification/awards program to public recognize property owners that maintain
certain amount or type of healthy trees (1 year, ongoing)
4. Provide resources to community to educate/inform on tree planting and care
A. Provide signage or other information about significant public trees (1 year)
B. Provide for Tree Board, esp. to: develop community education materials; participate in or
initiate tree planting & tree care activities; report annually on Tree Board activities (1 year,
ongoing)
C. Develop & disseminate info for public on value of trees & to provide guidance on tree selection
& management (1 year, ongoing)
5. Promote "right tree, right place"
A. Make readily available list of compatible trees in various kinds of settings (1 year)
B. Identify key areas to increase canopy (1-3 years)
i. For private properties, encourage appropriate tree planting or other technique
ii. For public property, act appropriately plant trees or otherwise increase canopy
C. Identify & plan for care of unsuitable trees &, as necessary, for pruning or removal when they
are potential damaging to people, buildings, or infrastructure (ongoing)
D. Ensure that development regulations require native trees & vegetation to be planted in critical
areas, esp. near streams & other wildlife habitat areas (ongoing)
E. In updating Street Tree Plan, identify specific species of trees that should be planted to be
compatible with street environment 1-2 years)
• What will happen when UFMP is adopted?
o Implementation can get underway, including actions identified for each goal, starting with most
critical activities
o Monitoring of UFMP goals & actions can begin
o UFMP can be re-evaluated in 5-10 years & adjusted as needed
• Additional Questions & Info
o Tree Coverage
IN What are tree coverages in other cities?
— Graph of tree canopies in nearby communities from early 2017 assessment— Edmonds
is in the middle
■ Is there one "right" coverage amount? No, varies
■ What would it mean to increase tree canopy in Edmonds by 1%? 64 more acres of tree
cover
o Actions to implement UFMP
■ Can timeline of proposed actions be revised? Yes, consistent with resources and priorities
■ What are priority actions after UFMP adoption?
— Street tree plan
— Tree regulations update
— Awards program
■ Will some actions need change to staff workload or funding? Probably, over time
Thanks to many people
o City Council
o Planning Board
o City Staff
o Planning Board
o Tree Board
• Recommendation
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
July 16, 2019
Page 15
o Adopt a final UFMP, either tonight or on Consent Agenda
Councilmember Buckshnis referred to her memo in the packet following her meeting with Mr. Lien, the
Tree Board and scientist Ross Dimmick and their nine recommendations:
• Hire a full-time Arborist. The $20,000 in the current budget is not sufficient if the City is serious
about managing the tree canopy.
• Obtain a current GIS and have a GIS done every five years. The last GIS was performed in 2015
and tree canopy was about 30%
• Consider districting or quadrants for tree canopy as incentives and codes should address the issue
of views and non -view properties. Tree Board has offered to help with this strategy.
• Start immediately on code crafting especially for developments as well as private homes.
■ Start working on a "voucher program" for developers so that they will have to help pay for all the
trees removed and establish a ratio plan.
• Immediately begin working on incentives for people to retain trees that follow the "Right Tree
Right Place" motto
► Create a local tree bank location
• Be proactive and start planting Street Trees
■ Tree Board is committed to community education
Councilmember Johnson said she is very concerned about clearcutting of development sites where native
trees and the understory is removed. Other cities require trees above a certain caliber to be located and
identified by species on the property survey prior to development. She asked how that could be incorporated
into the UFMP or if should it be a separate ordinance. Ms. Hope answered that would be a code change.
The UFMP includes a goal to update the development regulations to deal with the tree ratio on private
property as development occurs.
Councilmember Johnson asked the timeline for the code update. Ms. Hope said it was intended to be this
year; the challenge has been to complete the UFMP before beginning the code update. Councilmember
Johnson commented there are so few developable sites left that the ones being developed are the ones on
the margins where there are tall trees and people are alarmed when a grove of mature trees is bulldozed.
Environmental Program Manager Kernen Lien said the subdivision code requires trees over 8" in diameter
be identified on survey. With regard to properties being clear-cut during development, it is more than the
tree code that results in tree removal; there are regulations related to roadway width, utilities, setbacks, etc.
and all those impact the retention of trees to the maximum extent practicable.
Councilmember Johnson commented buildable lots are getting smaller and smaller and the unintended
consequence is the loss of vegetation. Ms. Hope agreed it was balancing act, providing opportunity for
property owners to use their property and still retaining trees or requiring replanting or a contribution to a
tree bank.
Council President Fraley-Monillas was pleased that issue could be addressed via a code change. She
expressed her appreciation for staff's work on the UFMP.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
BUCKSHNIS, TO ADOPT THE URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN.
Councilmember Nelson commended Ms. Hope and Mr. Lien and their staff for their work. He recognized
the UFMP is a compromise document. Although he would like to see more done, he understood it was a
reflection of the entire City. He looked forward to using the UFMP as a starting point.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
July 16, 2019
Page 16
Councilmember Tibbott commended staff for the compromises reflected in the document and including
elements that were not in the original document. He asked whether this plan addressed low impact
development. Ms. Hope said that is viewed as part of the UFMP.
Councilmember Teitzel thanked staff for the additions to the UFMP, commenting it was much improved.
He recalled attended a Planning Board meeting before he took office in 2015 were the Tree Code was
discussed; the mood in the room that evening made the Waterfront Connector meeting look like a Sunday
afternoon picnic, there were some very high emotions. Based on the feedback received that night, in early
2016 the Council directed staff to develop the UFMP as a first step. Although there are concerns about trees
on private property, the UFMP is a first step toward protecting trees.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. SECOND QUARTER 2019 BUDGET AMENDMENT
Finance Director Scott James
• 16 Decision Packages totaling $4,936,173 in new expenditures
o Of these 16 Decision Packages, 2 account for $4,767,350
• $4,782,321 in new revenues
• Overall Fund Balance reduced by $153,852
• Proposed amendments
o Records Storage/Transfer Project
o Public Records Request Software enhancement
o Citizens' Housing Commission expenses
o Ebb Tide expert witnesses
o Transfer money out of Risk Fund to General Fund (per the newly adopted Fund Balance Policy)
o Transfer money out of Contingency Fund to General Fund (per newly adopted Fund Balance
Policy)
o Historic calendar printing (2018 invoice paid in 2019)
o Final research to complete Kone Consulting Homeless Report (2018 invoice paid in 2019)
o Joint tourism promotion ad purchased in the WA State Visitor's Guide
o Paine Field Terminal advertisement
o Yost Pool shower boiler
■ To offset expense, remove Mathay Ballinger Trail Improvement Project this year
o Yost Pool clock (funded via community initiative)
o Seaview Park benches and picnic table
0 I% for Art (174th & 71 st Storm Improvement project)
o Additional budget for new Gateway sign at 5th Ave S & SR -104
o LEOFF 1 Fire Fund reimbursement
• Summary of the 2nd Quarter Budget Amendment
o Revenues increased by $4,782,321
o Expenditures increased by $4,936,173
o Ending Fund Balance decreased by $153,852
Council President Fraley-Monillas pointed out the replacement of the Yost Pool boiler was funded by
removing Mathay Ballinger Trail Improvement Project this year. She pointed out Mathay Ballinger is the
only park on the east side of Edmonds. With regard to the amendment to fund Citizens' Housing
Commission expenses, she pointed out this is a citywide commission and questioned why it was being paid
from the Council Contingency Fund and not at least partially funded from another citywide fund. Mr. James
recalled when the Council first discussed the Housing Commission, there was a suggestion to use the
$93,000 in Council Contingency to pay for it. Bottom line, the General Fund will pay for this expense; if it
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
July 16, 2019
Page 17
is preferable to have it paid from non -departmental and the Council Contingency reserved for another
expense, that could be done.
Council President Fraley-Monillas expressed concern that a citywide project would be paid from Council
Contingency. Mr. James explained the expense for the Housing Commission is not coming from the Council
budget, the decision package is in the Development Services budget and funds are moved from the Council
Contingency to help fund it. Council President Fraley-Monillas suggested in the future there be consensus
before the Council Contingency is used to fund an expense.
Councilmember Buckshnis explained the $93,000 was surplus in the 2018 budget and carried forward to
the Council Contingency in 2019. She recalled the Council agreed to use the $93,000 to fund the Housing
Commission. Mr. James explained this request would move $7600 to the Development Services
communications budget and $87,000 to Development Services professional services budget. During the
2019 budget development, there was a request by Councilmember Buckshnis to save the remaining $93,000
in the 2018 budget for future allocation by Council; this amendment is that allocation. The Council still has
$25,000 in the Council Contingency.
Councilmember Buckshnis expressed support for eliminating the Risk Management fund and for
transferring funds from the Contingency Reserve Fund to the General Fund to be in compliance with the
RCW.
Councilmember Mesaros said the Finance Committee discussed funding the Housing Commission
expenses from ending fund balance instead of a transfer from Council Contingency. The explanation for
the amendment states is it is 100% from ending fund balance. Mr. James said that should be corrected to
self-funded. Councilmember Mesaros suggested funding the expenditure from ending fund balance.
Council President Fraley-Monillas said her concern is with communication; one Councilmember making a
suggestion and it becomes an action. Mr. James said because the Council did not object to the suggestion,
staff assumed that was Council direction. He said in the past the Council President approved Council
Contingency expenditures.
Councilmember Tibbott recalled this conversation; there was $93,000 in Council Contingency at the end
of 2018 and because the cost of the Housing Commission was unknown, the Council asked to retain that
amount in the Council Contingency in 2019. He found it reasonable to make that transfer to Development
Services for that project. If any funds remain in the Council Contingency at the end of the year, the Council
may want to retain them for expenses in 2020.
COUNCILMEMBER MESAROS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-
MONILLAS, TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 4156, THE SECOND QUARTER BUDGET
AMENDMENT. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Earling reported on last Tuesday's groundbreaking of the new community center. He also reported
on the ribbon cutting at the Village at Westgate on Friday. He encouraged Councilmembers to visit and see
the quality building and the great addition it is to community.
Mayor Earling announced a ceremony between the police station and fire station on Saturday at 9 a.m.
commemorating the 50" anniversary of the landing on the moon.
10. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
July 16, 2019
Page 18
Councilmember Johnson reported Councilmember Tibbott and she also attended the Village at Westgate
ribbon cutting. This is the City's first MFTE building and she was surprised to learn that although there are
discounts for people who qualify, the apartments themselves are exactly the same and all are $50/square
foot.
Councilmember Johnson offered a correction after talking with Mr. James during the break. She recalled
the financial adviser Scott Bauer said there was $244,000/year in debt service for Civic Park; Mr. James
clarified that the principal was included in the debt service. Therefore the total $4.88M was to repay the
$3.7M bond, bringing the total cost of Civic Park to $13.68M.
Councilmember Buckshnis said she will be absent from next week's meeting as friends from Lithuania and
her family are in town and it is her birthday.
Council President Fraley-Monillas provided an update regarding the South Snohomish County task force
on homelessness being organized by County Councilmember Wright. The task force will include south
Snohomish County electeds and agencies such as Verdant and others to start talking about what to do about
homelessness and how to interface with each other. The first meeting will be held in September; she will
inform Council when a date is determined.
Council President Fraley-Monillas reported next week's Council meeting will include a mini -budget retreat.
The retreat facilitator Mike Bailey recommended the Council meet with the Mayor to talk about the
Council's overarching budget issues. For example, the Council will identify a priority, the Mayor will
request staff research the cost and return to Council. That process is intended to keep the Council out of the
minutia of budgeting and at a higher level which may be a better way of budgeting.
Councilmember Mesaros reported he will be doing his second sprint triathlon next Sunday in Lake Chelan.
Councilmember Teitzel reported he announced the season's first Concert in the Park, Rangers and the "Re -
Arrangers" Gypsy Jazz Band. The concert was well attended and everyone had a great time.
11. CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING PENDING OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION
PER RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)
This item was not needed.
12. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION. POTENTIAL ACTION AS A RESULT OF MEETING IN
EXECUTIVE SESSION
This item was not needed.
13. ADJOURN
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 9:53 p.m.
r
r
r
DAVID 0. DARLING, MAYOR
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
July 16, 2019
Page 19