20190805 City Council Special MeetingSPECIAL EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL
APPROVED MINUTES
August 5, 2019
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Dave Earling, Mayor
Adrienne Fraley-Monillas, Council President
Michael Nelson, Councilmember
Kristiana Johnson, Councilmember
Thomas Mesaros, Councilmember
Dave Teitzel, Councilmember
Neil Tibbott, Councilmember
ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT
Diane Buckshnis, Councilmember
CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE
STAFF PRESENT
Phil Williams, Public Works Director
Shane Hope, Development Services Director
Scott James, Finance Director
Shannon Burley, Deputy Parks & Recreation Dir.
Kernen Lien, Environmental Program Mgr.
Emily Wagener, HR Analyst
Steve Fisher, Recycling Coordinator
Tom Brubaker, City Attorney's Office
Scott Passey, City Clerk
Jerrie Bevington, Camera Operator
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.
Mayor Earling asked for a moment of silence to honor the victims of the tragic shootings that took place
over the weekend.
2. ROLL CALL
City Clerk Scott Passey called the roll. All elected officials were present with the exception of
Councilmember Buckshnis.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
JOHNSON, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA, MOVING STUDY ITEM 8.1, CLIMATE GOALS
PROJECT UPDATE, TO ITEM 7.1 AND RENUMBERING THE REMAINDER OF THE AGENDA.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Stan Gent, Edmonds' Interfaith Climate Action (ICA), explained ICA is an interfaith organization that
brings together people from diverse faith traditions to speak for the moral imperative of protecting the earth.
Advocating for prompt action to address the impact of climate change is their primary purpose at the present
time. The City of Edmonds recently completed its carbon emission inventory for 2017, the last year for
which data was available. The certified company the City hired completed the study in accordance with
industry standard methodology. ICA commends the City for taking this step and offers the following
friendly observations as the City makes decisions about what actions to take next: ICA believes that the
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inventory, the first the City has taken using current industry standard methodology, recognize prior studies
conducted in 2000 and 2005. With the addition of a per -capita goal, this inventory would make a good
baseline to allow accurate measurement of progress toward carbon emission reduction goal set by the City.
The City should track carbon emissions on a regular basis and report on the success of meeting those targets,
establish an ongoing budget item to maintain accurate carbon emission data each year, set emission
reduction consistent with the accepted world target of limiting an average temperature rise to 1.5°C,
establish adequate annual budget amounts to meet the targeted emission reduction plan, establish permanent
taxpayer incentive programs to encourage citizens to take steps to reduce their carbon emissions similar to
the type of tax incentives provided by the federal government for home energy efficiency improvements
for example, create a typical design for existing and new Edmonds' homes that would meet the carbon
emission and clean energy standards so homeowners can see what carbon free, clean energy home might
look like in the future. He referred to the cost of buying offsets and suggested the Council include it in the
budget, funded via taxes and distribute it to citizens to encourage the actions he described.
David Preston, Port of Edmonds, invited Councilmembers to the Port to see Sea Jazz, high school students
from the Edmonds School District, who perform on the waterside of Anthony's Sunday afternoons 1-3 p.m.
and Wednesdays 5 — 7 pm.
Roger Hertrich, Edmonds, recommended the Waterfront Connector be moved south to the Unocal
property, combined with a future ferry terminal. He anticipated the Save the Beach group would support
that plan due to Washington State Ferry's future expansion plans which will impact other Edmonds beaches.
He recommended the Council discuss the issue of moving the ferry terminal south combined with the
Waterfront Connector and saving the beaches.
5. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
COUNCILMEMBER TEITZEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-
MONILLAS, TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The agenda items approved are as follows:
1. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 12, 2019
2. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 23, 2019
3. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF CLAIM FOR DAMAGES
4. APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS AND WIRE PAYMENTS
5. APPROVE UPDATED CONTRACT FOR JERRIE BEVINGTON
6. REPORTS ON OUTSIDE 110AEiD AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Councilmember Teitzel reported the Lake Ballinger Work Group meeting included a report about water
quality monitoring this summer; low oxygen levels in the lower portion do not support fish and efforts are
underway to improve oxygen turnover. Summer water temperatures are also quite high which are harmful
to fish and it is hoped that can be mitigated by additional churn in the lake. As milfoiI in the lake is removed,
monitoring will be done to determine if that improves water conditions. A chemical treatment,
ProcellaCOR, approved by the Department of Ecology that is safe for fish and humans will be applied to
half the lake (west and north sides) this summer and the other half of the lake next year. Three treatments
will be applied in July, August and September; no restrictions on swimming or fishing will be in place
during applications. They are also focusing on restoration of Hall Creek which flows into the lake from the
east; Mountlake Terrace is taking the lead. The Corps of Engineers is working on a project to change the
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course of the creek to meander in a more natural manner, adding boulders and logs to improve fish habitat.
Construction will begin in 2021.
Councilmember Teitzel reported the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) Transit Oriented Development
(TOD) is working on draft Vision 2050. The main goals are for 75% of new jobs created by 2050 and 65%
population growth to be absorbed in urban centers and near high capacity transit terminals. The forecast
calls for 1.5M new population in the Puget Sound region by 2050, an amount larger than the City of Seattle.
The meeting included discussion regarding bus rapid transit (BRT) in the Vision 2050 plan; there are
currently 8 BRT routes in the area which will increase to 42 by 2040.
Councilmember Teitzel reported on the Port of Edmonds, the marina and Harbor Square is near capacity in
and the Port is doing well financially. The Port is working on repairs to a wooden portion of the mid -marina
breakwater that is rotting. The Port is also working on repairs to the south public boat launcher which has
experienced a lot of issues recently. The Port is doing a grind and repaving of the southern portion of the
Harbor square parking lot this summer. The first annual Family Day at the Marina in June which included
classic yacht displays, jazz bands, food trucks, kid activities, and marine biology displays was very
successful and will be done again in 2020.
Councilmember Nelson reported the Youth Commission has taken a keen interest in the City Council,
watching and studying the topics the Council has been discussing and they are interested in developing a
platform to provide youth -centric feedback on topics including quarterly youth forums as well as releasing
statements on current events in the City from their perspective. The Youth Commission participated in the
annual Edmonds sand sculpture competition at Marina Beach and won in the organization category with
their sculpture, Spirt of Edmonds. The Youth Commission is very interested in the Climate Goals Project
and he anticipated the Council would hear the Commission's opinion on that subject.
Council President Fraley-Monillas reported the Diversity Commission participated in 4' of July parade and
will be meeting tomorrow. The Health District is considering acquiring land off 128' in conjunction with
other public agencies such as the library and the Boys & Girls Club in a development called the Mariner
Campus. The Health District is hiring a permanent health officer and an administer.
Councilmember Mesaros reported the SeaShore Transportation Forum meeting included discussion
regarding impending changes to Metro Transit routes in the north end of King County in light of the opening
of the light rail station at Northgate as early as March 2020. A number of bus routes will no longer go into
downtown Seattle and instead will drop riders at rail stations which will relieves some transit congestion
on I-5. The meeting also included discussion regarding deterioration of the 60 year old pavement on I-5
from JBLM to Mt. Vernon which will cost billions to address.
Councilmember Mesaros reported the SN0911 Board meeting is considering aspects of the news SERS
network; taxpayers in Snohomish County approved a bond issue to fund. A contract has been awarded to
Motorola but has not yet been signed. The Board also resolved some personnel issues related to the
SN0911/SERS merger.
Councilmember Mesaros reported the Edmonds Public Facilities District was founded in 2008 with much
of their funding from sales tax revenue. He recalled sales tax projections were not realized due to the
recession and the City has assisted the PFD through that transition. At the end of 2019, the EPFD began
paying those funds back to the City. At their recent meeting, the EPFD received a clean audit; their financial
gain from 2017 to 2018 was $711,000, a big turnaround which benefits the City and its citizens.
Councilmember Tibbott reported the Economic Development Commission (EDC) discussed the new
shuttle operating during August between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. The EDC heard a preview of the audio
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announcement informing drivers in the ferry lane of things they can experience in Edmonds. He reported
on the Alliance for Housing Affordability meeting which included discussion regarding HB 1460, a state
program that impowers cities to fund affordable housing options.
7. STUDY ITEMS
1. CLIMATE GOALS PROJECT UPDATE
Development Services Director Shane Hope introduced Mark Johnson, ESA; Kernen Lien, Environmental
Program Manager; Steve Fisher, Recycling Coordinator; and Cynthia Pruitt, Climate Protection Committee
Co -Chair. She also recognized several members of the Climate Protection Committee in the audience. Ms.
Hope acknowledged that climate change is real, it is a climate crisis and goes beyond the terribly sad photos
of starving polar bears while the ice melts and is present in our region, likely to get worse unless something
dramatic happens and will have more effect on future generations than anything else. Examples include
wildfires, smoke, and the damage caused to buildings and communities; increased flooding; ocean
acidification and harm to aquatic wildlife and plants including orcas, salmon, etc.
Ms. Hope said the Mayor recognized this important connection by joining the Mayor's Climate Action
Group and the City Council recognized it with Resolution 1389: which states climate changes poses a grave
threat to the health and wellbeing of this and future generations in Edmonds and beyond, according to the
World Health Organization, human -caused climate change is already killing some 150,000 people every
year around the world, people of color, immigrants, refugees, economically disadvantaged residents, older
people and children, people who are homeless and people with existing mental or health conditions will
experience climate change disproportionately. The 2015 EPA report on climate change in the U.S. states
that global action on climate change would prevent nearly 70,000 premature American deaths annually by
the end of the century while sparing the country hundreds of billions of dollars in economic losses.
Washington State has already experienced long term warming, more frequent nighttime heat waves, sea
level rise along most of Washington's coast, increased coastal ocean acidity, decline in glacial area and
spring snowpack. The State Department of Ecology reported that human -cause climate change poses an
immediate and urgent threat. Economists have concluded that Washington families and businesses are
likely to incur billions of dollars of annual economic costs if Washington state and other states in the nation
fail to drive reductions in climate change and greenhouse gas pollution. These economic impacts include
increased energy costs, coastal and storm damage, reduced food production, increased wildland fire costs
and increased public health costs.
Ms. Hope said the underlying question and direction sought from the Council is what else has been learned
about climate change and what is the City willing to do about it. Following on prior Council direction, the
team has been doing it's homework. She recalled at a January 2019 meeting, a presentation was made about
the greenhouse gas inventory; that inventory pointed out the biggest source of local emission of greenhouse
gases is from transportation, meaning vehicles powered by fossil fuels. The next biggest source was
residential buildings followed by commercial buildings. These findings are similar to findings in other areas
of Washington. Clearly if Edmonds is going to be part of the solution, it needs to deal with transportation
and building efficiency as well as many lesser, though still important, sources of greenhouse gases.
Mr. Johnson reviewed:
GHG Inventory
o Fossil fuel inventory (local)
■ Local fuel combustion
o "Local" inventory
■ Fossil fuel emissions
■ Imported electricity
■ Waste emissions
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■ Fugitive emissions (refrigerant gases, local natural gas loss)
o Local + Household Consumption (local + imported)
■ Local emissions
■ Emissions from imported food, goods and use of services (fertilizers, production,
transportation)—Upstream fuel production
Local emissions
0 305,962 MT CO2e
0 7.2 MT CO2e per capita
o Buildings (residential) 35%
o Buildings (commercial) 15%
o Transportation 40%
o Waste 2%
o Refrigerant Loss 6%
o Buildings (industrial) 2%
Comparison of local emissions + household consumption -related emissions (imported)
o Emissions from the production of imported food, goods, and energy consumed by the Edmonds
community are larger than sources of local emissions
Setting a Science -Based Target
Science -based Targets
Target
Celsius
10 1.50
2°
Fahrenheit
1 1.80 12.70
13.60
o A science -based climate target sets a rate of climate action that is aligned with keeping average
global temperature increases below a specified level of increase compared to pre -industrial
temperatures.
o Keeping global temperature increases below 2°C will allow the majority, but not all, of the
global population to avoid the worst social and economic effects of climate change (Paris
Agreement)
o The average temperature of the earth is approximately 1.2°C higher today than at the beginning
of the industrial revolution.
• What are the options? What rates of GHG reduction are required:
o Climate Protection Committee (CPC) preliminary consensus is 1.5°C target
■ Net zero carbon footprint by 2050
Strategies and Policy Gaps
o Reviewed City planning and policy documents
o Found over 300 measures that pertain to climate action
o Recommended 6 new measures under existing categories (Transportation, Land Use, and
Buildings)
o Added a new category —Wastewater with 4 measures recommended
Strategies for
o Selected 10 strategies to focus on and track
o Built a tool for estimating results
o With staff and CPC, developed preliminary goals for each strategy
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Target
+1.0°C
350 ppm
+1.5°C
400 ppm
+2.0°C
450 ppm
Average Annual Rate of Reduction to Meet Tar et (rounded)
8%
5%
2%
Annual Reduction com
ared to 2010 (values are rounded for simplicity)
By 2020: 15%
13%
10%
By 2030: 70%
50%
35%
By 2050: 100%
100%
80%
o Climate Protection Committee (CPC) preliminary consensus is 1.5°C target
■ Net zero carbon footprint by 2050
Strategies and Policy Gaps
o Reviewed City planning and policy documents
o Found over 300 measures that pertain to climate action
o Recommended 6 new measures under existing categories (Transportation, Land Use, and
Buildings)
o Added a new category —Wastewater with 4 measures recommended
Strategies for
o Selected 10 strategies to focus on and track
o Built a tool for estimating results
o With staff and CPC, developed preliminary goals for each strategy
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• 10 Stratev,ies to Track
CAP
Metric
Strategy
TR -1
Additional Units in Commercial and Multi -Family Centers by 2035 and 2050
Number of housing units builtin activi centers
TR -2
Percent of Commuters Using Transit by 2035 and 2050
Percenta e of commuters using public transportation (avoided VMT)
TR -3
Percent of Commuters Walking or Biking to Work by 2035 and 2050
Percentage of commuters using an active mode of transportation (avoided VMT).
TR -4
Percent of Commuters Carpooling and/or Utilizing an Alternate Work Week by 2035 and
2050Percentage of commuters carpooling, telecommuting, and/or working shorter weeks
and longer hours avoided VMT).
TR -5
Percent of Electric Vehicles by 2035 and 2050Percentage of Citywide fleet that is BEV
and PHEV avoided VMT).
W-1
Reduction in Solid Waste Generation by 2035 and 2050Change in amount of solid waste
generated per capita as compared to 2017 levels
EY -1
Number of New Residential and Commercial Solar PV Systems Installed by 2035 and
2050
Number of homes and businesses that installed solar PV since 2017
EY -2
Percent of Residential and Commercial Area Retrofitted by 2035 and 2050The total
residential and commercial area (in square feet) that is upgraded with energy efficiency
programs/ opportunities.
Savings from 2017 Improvements to Wastewater Treatment Plant
Amount of electricity and fuel oil saved from 2017 efficiency improvements to
wastewater treatment plant
EY -3
Percent of New, LEED-Certified Residential and Commercial Development by 2035 and
2050
Percentage of new development since 2017 that is built LEED-certified
EY -4
Number of Trees Planted by 2035 and 2050Number of trees planted citywide since 2017
• Identifying "business as usual" (BAU), GHG reduction goals and the gap
o Graph of emissions comparison: BAU forecast, target emissions and planned reductions 2015-
2050
• Reductions by Sector
o GHG Reductions by Inventory Sector— Progress Toward 2035 Target
■ Graph comparing 2017 emissions and reductions by sector: energy, transportation, waste,
target gap and remaining footprint in 2035
• Visualizing progress
o Pie graphs to visualize progress in transportation and energy MTCO2e reductions
• Addressing the gap
o The 10 strategies are not the only actions the City plans to take
o Largest gaps projected for Transportation and Residential Energy
o Market forces, and federal and state regulations will help
■ All auto manufacturers are expanding electric vehicle production, driven by European and
Asian markets
■ Federal auto efficiency standards will reduce GHG emission per vehicle mile traveled
■ State Clean Energy bills will decarbonize the state electric grid by 2050, and continue
incentives
■ Solar power costs are expected to continue to fall
■ Heat pumps already cost less than gas furnaces to operate
■ Sequestration technology is being developed
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Ms. Hope reviewed:
■ Anticipated Next Steps
o August
■ Review of Target and Strategies form Climate Protection Committee
■ Discussion of public outreach
o Fall
■ Conduct outreach
■ Draft CAP
■ Finalize GHG tracking tool
■ Public open house and other outreach on draft CAP recommendation
o Winter
■ Draft work plan for implementation of CAP
■ Additional public outreach
■ Council hearing and adoption of updated CAP
o 2020 -ongoing
■ Implementation of workplan
Ms. Hope asked for the Council's input/direction on the CPC's recommended target of 1.5°C by 2050 and
engaging the public on strategies and action measures.
Councilmember Mesaros commented this was not good news and asked what surrounding communities
were doing to address this, commenting on the importance of the City being part of a collective to
accomplish this. Ms. Hope answered Everett and Shoreline are working on this and several other cities are
working on climate action and sustainability including Mountlake Terrace. Edmonds is a leader in this as
well as other environmental issues. She agreed Edmonds alone could not make the difference but could do
its part and influence others. Councilmember Mesaros agreed Edmonds doing its part and being a leader
was a key factor.
Councilmember Mesaros referred to the BAU slide and asked what goals would be necessary to
exponentially move the planned reduction line to a greater significance and whether the CPC had thought
about that and whether Mr. Johnson was aware of what those goals would need to be. Mr. Johnson replied
in the transportation realm, the lion's share of things that this community can affect are getting land uses
aligned so that people can live in places they are not so dependent on combustion based transportation;
whether that's living in a place where they can walk instead of drive or live near transit. The other thing is
electric vehicle adoption. There is a lot of pessimism in the United States around an aggressive adoption of
electric vehicles, yet there are also people who think it will happen and that people will love electric cars.
Many people who have electric vehicles say they cannot believe they once drove a combustion based
vehicle. The expected penetration of electric vehicles is fairly low and there would need to be a more
aggressive adoption to influence the planned reduction.
Councilmember Mesaros said the City has a Transportation Benefit District that institutes a fee on vehicle
licensing. It would be interesting to see if a significant reduction in those fees for electric vehicles would
encourage/incentivize electric vehicles. Ms. Pruitt commented community members can make lifestyle
changes such as reducing consumption because consumption creates greenhouse gases in other nations and
areas where products are produced. Another way is to not eat meat. Ms. Hope said the CPC has discussed
the importance of not only what the City does but also providing information to get citizens
excited/interested. Councilmember Mesaros said becoming a more walkable city is key; for example,
instead of taking five vehicular trips, reducing it to two and walking on the other trips.
Councilmember Mesaros referred to the market forces and federal and state regulations slide, recalling he
read that the federal government planned to lower restrictions adopted by the previous administration which
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moves this effort in the wrong direction. Mr. Johnson said even those lowered restriction will help move in
the right direction; the auto industry also supports continuing to tighten efficiency standards.
Councilmember Mesaros said the article he read indicated there may be two standards developed with some
states having a higher standard; the auto makers may self -regulate at a higher level. Councilmember
Mesaros concluded the information is sobering; the City doing its part and being a leader is crucial.
Councilmember Nelson agreed with the CPC's recommended target of 1.5°C. Last year's report from the
International Panel on Climate Change was specific regarding what happens when there is a target of 1.5°C
versus 2°C, and what that 0.5°C would do: 1.7 billion more people would experience severe heatwaves
once every five years, up to 700 million more people would be exposed to climate related risks and poverty,
the coral reefs through the world would decline by as much as 99%, and global fishery catches would
decline by 1.5 million tons. With regard to the gap (50,000 metric tons in 2035), Councilmember Nelson
highlighted what the City can do such as 600 solar residential houses, 9,000 electric vehicles in 16 years.
He expressed interest in a path/mechanism to make those a reality and asked what help would be necessary
to make those goals a reality instead of an aspiration. For example, King County has a climate group; he
did not believe Snohomish County had a similar group.
Councilmember Teitzel echoed Councilmember Nelson's desire to have goals that were aggressive in
moving toward the 1.5°C target, but also achievable. He recalled two key elements in Resolution 1389,
passed in 2017, one of which was 100% renewable energy from municipal facilities in Edmonds by 2019.
Ms. Hope advised that had been achieved by purchasing energy credits. Councilmember Teitzel said energy
credits concern him because they are an esoteric, nebulous concept that may be an investment in future
energy installations like wind farms, solar arrays, etc. When goals like that were set, he asked should the
public be involved in determining whether to invest money in things like that or potentially creating local
incentives for additional solar installations, a way to directly impact the target as a City versus investing in
a regional solution. Resolution 1389 also includes a target of 100% renewable energy for the entire City's
community electric supply by 2025, a very aggressive goal. He was not certain that could be achieved
without buying energy credits and questioned whether citizens supported that or another path that may be
more direct and measurable.
Ms. Hope said that is still being worked on; it is important to reduce the City's carbon footprint both in
reality and on paper. The City cannot accomplish the 100% renewable energy for municipal facilities by
itself and plans to continue partnering with energy providers and new legislation. The City is also open to
ideas from the public and the Council.
Councilmember Teitzel recalled during a recent report, Ms. Hope reported solar permits issued in 2018 had
declined fairly dramatically from previous years. He asked if that trend continued and how that trend could
be changed. Ms. Hope answered solar permits have declined because the easy ones were accomplished.
There was also a campaign in the past that provided incentives. She said the implementation strategy
includes making choices about steps and investments and identifying partners.
Councilmember Tibbott referred to the BAU, GHG reduction goals and the gap slide, recalling the City's
streetlights were recently converted to LED and asked if that was a BAU function or a planned reduction
and how that helped the City meet its goals. Mr. Johnson said he was unaware of when that occurred; if
that occurred since the end of 2017, the forecast would not have taken that into account. If it occurred in
2017 or before, it would be reflected in the forecast. Mr. Williams advised it was implemented in 2018. Mr.
Johnson said there are things the City is doing, but there is not a good way to measure the benefit so it was
not reflected in this report. If those numbers are available, they could be added to the chart and adjust the
BAU emissions line down. For example, the GHG savings for a planned change at the WWTP is not yet
known.
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Councilmember Tibbott said the technology that will be implemented at the WWTP should significantly
reduce the amount of energy use. He asked which line that would impact on the BAU, GHG reduction goals
graph. Mr. Johnson answered it would affect the planned reduction line downward. Councilmember Tibbott
commented that was good news for the City, infrastructure improvements that also improve greenhouse gas
emissions.
Councilmember Tibbott referred to deferred maintenance, noting one of the needed improvements is
changing HVAC units on most buildings. He asked if that was a significant source of improvement. Mr.
Johnson answered in the long run, that type of efficiency is a big thing and every building needs that kind
of improvement. The City itself doesn't represented a very large piece of the total picture; the amount of
energy City buildings consume is dwarfed by other residential and commercial buildings. Councilmember
Tibbott said his family realized significant savings from replacing aluminum windows with vinyl double
pane. He commented deferred maintenance in City buildings is an investment that will make a difference.
Mr. Johnson said providing incentives and information to citizens, such as the value of replacing windows,
is important. It is important for citizens to include energy efficiency when maintaining their homes.
Council President Fraley-Monillas agreed with the CPC's recommended 1.5°C target. She recalled a former
citizen who promoted solar panels and solar arrays on municipal buildings. The City has solar panels on
Frances Anderson Center and there were plans for panels on other buildings. That citizen passed away and
his work should be continued. She supported forming a regional group to avoid reinventing the wheel,
partnering on projects, etc. She asked if PSRC had a regional group. Ms. Hope said PSRC has talked about
the issue but she was uncertain if a group had been formed although she anticipated there would be
discussions associated with Vision 2050. She was also interested in partnering with Shoreline who has done
work in this area.
Ms. Hope said she assumed the Council's direction was to move forward at least tentatively on the 1.5°C
target, get more public input, and work on next steps.
Mayor Earling thanked the five members of the CPC in the audience, recognizing their work in bringing
this project forward.
8. ACTION ITEMS
1. REPORT ON BIDS FOR THE DAYTON STREET STORMWATER PUMP STATION
PROJECT AND CONTRACT AWARD
Public Works Director Phil Williams reviewed:
• Photographs of flooding on Dayton Street
o This project will resolve nearly all that flooding
• Project Scope
o Install 9.4 cfs (4,233 gallons per minute) pump station
0 200 feet of force main to connect the pump to existing outfall
o New baffle manholes to divert stormwater from Dayton Street and Salish Crossing into the
Dayton pump station
o New generator
• Aerial of the pump station location
o New control panel and generator (above ground)
o New pump (underground)
o New power conduits (underground)
o New force main (underground)
• Bid Results
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Contractor Bid Results
Amount
BOSS Construction
$1,529,420
Shoreline Construction
$1,849,440
Engineer's Estimate
$1,324,532
• Construction Budget
Item
Utility Project
Contract Award
$1,529,420
Construction M mt, Inspection & Testing
$310,676
Historic Preservation & Archeological Observation
$24,565
PUD Permittin
$25,000
Management Reserve (15%)
$229,413
Total
$2,119,074
■ Construction Funding
Item
Utility Project
State Appropriation
$515,000
Snohomish County PW Loan
$545,000
Stormwater Utility 422
$920,20
Stormwater Utility (422)
Transfer from Dayton 3rd -9'1'
$200,000
Total
$2,180,205
Staff Recommendation
o Award a contract to BOSS Construction for $1,529,420.20
o Authorize a 15% Management Reserve of $229,413
Council President Fraley-Monillas asked what a force main is. Mr. Williams answered there are two types
of mains, a gravity main where water flows downhill; a force main is a pump that pushes water. In this
project, there will be a force main to a certain point until it enters the system near Olympic Beach Park and
goes through the concentrator and out to Puget Sound.
Council President Fraley-Monillas asked if the City is experiencing more and more bids that are over the
engineer's estimate. Mr. Williams answered that was true lately. Council President Fraley-Monillas said it
seemed like it was a new thing in government where projects were underbid and then cost overruns, noting
the 15% reserve on this project. Mr. Williams explained the hope is the 15% reserve won't be needed but
experience shows some of it will be necessary due to unknowns and associated costs when the contract is
awarded.
Council President Fraley-Monillas commented it seemed no matter where projects were located, the cost
exceeded the estimate. Mr. Williams said the construction market has gotten very frenzied; the City does
not receive as many bids, bidders do not spend as much time preparing the bids, they include extra risk
money and have multiple projects occurring at the same time. That will correct itself over time when the
economy turns.
Councilmember Teitzel observed it appeared the location of the pump station was on the edge of the parking
lot and asked if any parking stalls would be lost, noting parking is at a premium in that area. Mr. Williams
answered probably two parking spaces would be lost.
Councilmember Teitzel referred to the statement in the agenda memo, "Without the pump station, the
Willow Creek Daylight project could not proceed without either assuming additional liability and costs for
impacts of increased tidal inflows (such as increased flooding of private property), install a tide gate, or
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wall in all sides of the marsh with levees," noting there has been discussion about whether the installation
of the pump station will be part of the Willow Creek daylighting project in terms of allowing tidal inflow
to occur and without the pump station, there will be problems with the Willow Creek Daylighting project.
Mr. Williams answered that is correct. Flooding occurs during very intense rain storms or snowfall melt
and it is unknown whether that water comes from Shellabarger Creek and was unable to enter the marsh at
a high tide and bubbles up in the street at Dayton or whether it is runoff from Salish Crossing or Harbor
Square. It simply flows together in a large pool of impounded water. The pump station will put most of the
water out through a force main to Puget Sound, keep a fair amount from going into the marsh which then
allows Shellabarger Creek to flow into the marsh and still end up with saltwater exchange in the marsh
during those times with the tidegate removed. There would not be as much saltwater exchange during
storms.
Councilmember Teitzel asked for confirmation that without installing the pump station, the Willow Creek
Daylighting project would not function as anticipated or as it should. Mr. Williams agreed. Councilmember
Teitzel concluded the pump station installation directly contributes to the Willow Creek Daylighting
Project. Mr. Williams said it is a necessary antecedent project, something that should be done before the
tidegate is removed.
Councilmember Teitzel asked if there were two tidegates, recalling discussion about the 180 tidegate in the
PPW Committee that is located on Unocal property that the City cannot access. He asked if there was
another tidegate on Port property that the City can access. Mr. Williams said there are two rusty culverts,
one of which has a gate on it, the other is an open culvert and both are open. They are both in an embankment
with dirt over them which is an impediment to the saltwater/freshwater exchange during the tidal cycle.
The tidegate at Admiral that is about 15 feet down can be opened and closed and the desire is to leave it
open. Once the daylighting occurs, the channel will be open to Puget Sound and nothing would impede the
exchange. The extensive funding for that project has not yet been identified. In the meantime, better
saltwater exchange could be accomplished by leaving the tidegate open and the Dayton Street Pump Station
project is necessary to stop flooding which will give the confidence to leave the tidegate open under almost
any condition.
Councilmember Teitzel clarified the 180 gate on Unocal property could not be removed until that property
transfers to WSDOT. Mr. Williams answered not necessarily, staff is in contact with the State who does
have access; WSDOT has a purchase and sale agreement with Unocal that states the State retains the right
to access the property for almost any purpose and allows the State to authorize others to do so. Staff is
working with WSDOT on obtaining access.
COUNCILMEMBER MESAROS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER TIBBOTT, TO
AWARD THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO BOSS CONSTRUCTION, INC. IN THE
AMOUNT OF $1,529,420.20 AND AUTHORIZE A MANAGEMENT RESERVE OF $229,413 (15%)
FOR UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. WATERFRONT REDEVELOPMENT CONTRACTS -AUTHORIZATION
Deputy Parks & Recreation Director Shannon Burley distributed W.G. Clark's proposal. Public Works
Director Phil Williams summarized the request is the approval of three contracts that will facilitate the start
of construction on the Edmonds Waterfront Redevelopment project. He reviewed:
• Project Scope
o Demolition of existing parking lot bulkhead
o Realigned concrete walkway and seawall
o Two concrete staircases and ADA ramp to beach
o Restoration of shoreline habitat
o Bioretention planters for treating stormwater
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
August 5, 2019
Page 11
o Asphalt parking lot with 71 parking stalls (77 existing)
o Frontage improvements along Railroad Avenue
o Benches, bike racks and drinking fountain
o Landscaping with irrigation system
Project Schedule
o Construction Schedule
■ Phase 1 (2019 summer to 2020 spring)
- Begin in -water work during 7/16/19 to 10/145/19 fish window
- Walkway, seawall, ramp, bioretention planters, parking lot and frontage improvements
■ Phase 2 (2020 summer to 2020 fall)
- Finish in -water work during 7/16/20 to 10/15/20 fish window
- Bulkhead demolition, staircases, shoreline restoration and landscape plantings
Project History
o City Council voted to fund the Senior Center's 50% share of the parking lot and the entire
frontage (additional $933,000) in November 2018
o On 5/9/19, the City received two contractors bids for $3,647,550 and $4,181,306
■ C.A. Carey's low bid was determined to be nonresponsive due to the omission of their ESD
number
■ A-1 Landscaping's bid was determined to be nonresponsive due to the omission of the
Contractor Site Sharing Information Form
o Since both bids were nonresponsive, City Purchasing Policies allow for a negotiated bid with
any contractor of the City's choosing. The City approached W.G. Clark since they were already
selected for the Waterfront Center building
■ W.G. Clark's negotiated bid proposal is $30,412 less than the previous low bid
2019 Design Budget
Item
Expenses
Environmental Works (Eworks) Design Contract
$239,262
City Staff Time - Design & Bidding
$30,50
Buildin Permits
$16,000
Advertising
$1,741
Total
$287,563
• 2019-2020 Construction Budget
Item
Expenses
Contract Award
$3,617,087
Management Reserve Q5%)
$542,560
Eworks - Construction Support
$178,465
KBA - Construction Mana ement
$189,500
Ci Staff Time - Construction
$135,000
Landau - Geotech Special Inspection
$16,900
Ma es - Steel Special Inspection
$9,800
Herrera - Technical Assistant
$4,000
Artwork Contract
$24,400
1 % for Art
$24,921
Total
$4,742,633
• 2019-2020 Project Fundis
Item Fundis
REET (Fund 125)
$1,219,800
REET (Fund 126)
$853,466
Park Impact Fees
$1,100,000
WWRP
$500,000
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
August 5, 2019
Page 12
ALEA $500,000
Snohomish County $125,000
Total $4,298,266
• Bridging the Cap - Expenses
Item Expenses
2019 Design n $287,563
2019-2020 Construction $4,472,633
Total $5;030;196
• Bridging the Gap — Funding Sources
Item
Fundin
Existin Project Funding
$4,298,266
Additional Funding
— General Fund
$200,000
Additional Funding
— Fund 125 — Ending Fund Balance
$100,000
Additional Funding
— Fund 125 — Land Acquisition
$100,000
Additional Funding
— Fund 126 — Land Acquisition
$100,000
Additional Funding
— REET 125/126 2020
$231,930
Total
$5,030,196
Staff Recommendation
o Award a contract to W.G. Clark for $3,617,087.65
o Authorize a 15% Management Reserve of $542,560
o Authorize Mayor to sign a PSA for construction inspection services with KBA for $189,500
o Authorize a change of scope for Ework's existing contract to cover pre-bid and negotiated bid
support
o Authorize Mayor to sign a contract supplement for construction support with Eworks for
$178,465
Councilmember Nelson observed the engineer's estimate was originally $2.4M and now the project is
$3.6M, a difference of $1.2M. Mr. Williams agreed the difference was 48%. Councilmember Nelson asked
how the difference could be that much, whether it was construction costs alone, noting he felt like the City
was being taken to the cleaners. Mr. Williams said nothing he could say would offer any comfort. The true
costs were not identified in the engineer's estimate. The true cost is unknown until bids are provided and
in the case of this project, bid were rejected and a contract was negotiated in an amount for which the
contractor was willing to build the project. It would have been nice to know that when the project started
as it would have avoided this discussion about additional funds. City staff is also disappointed.
Councilmember Nelson asked if there was anything that could be done on future projects to ensure the
estimates were more accurate. Mr. Williams commented there will be a similar conversation in the future
about Civic Park. He said this was not an inhouse cost estimate, it was prepared by Environmental Works
(Eworks). Councilmember Nelson asked who hired Eworks. Mr. Williams said the contract was presented
to the Council; Eworks competed for the contract and were selected as the most qualified and a contract
was negotiated. One of their outputs was a cost estimate which has been updated a few times. When the
project went to bid, the cost estimate was $2.4M and the bids were approximately $1.2M higher, 48% above
the engineer's estimate. Councilmember Nelson asked if Eworks had been off by that amount in the past.
Mr. Williams said he did not know; this was the first time they have done work for Edmonds.
Council President Fraley-Monillas said this nearly clears out the REET 125 and 126 Funds and Park Impact
Fees. She asked what balance would be left in those funds at the end of the project. Mr. Williams said REET
125 and 126 fund a number of projects; this will make a dent in those funds. The additional funding of
$231,930 identified as coming from Fund 125/126 in 2020 has not yet been identified and may result in
delaying other projects.
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August 5, 2019
Page 13
Council President Fraley-Monillas asked what other projects would be impacted or delayed due to funding
the Waterfront Redevelopment Project. Mr. Williams answered the intent is to get this project started in
order to fit it into the 2019 fish window; with more time, that question could be answered in more detail.
The REET funds receive approximately $3.5M in revenue annually; some years the balance increases and
some years it decreases due to expenditures. This will be a significant hit to the funds and will require
revising funding of CIP projects that use REET funds.
Council President Fraley-Monillas found it difficult to make an educated decision without knowing what
other projects would be impacted. What was originally envisioned as a $500,000 project plus the beachfront
has gotten bigger and bigger and is now a $4M project for the parking lot, removing the creosote pier, etc.
Council President Fraley-Monillas asked whether consideration had been given to project reductions. Mr.
Williams answered some low hanging fruit had been removed. He recalled during the July 9"' presentation
to Council by former Parks & Recreation Director Hite identified a $500,000-$800,000 shortfall which is
now $730,000. Council President Fraley-Monillas expressed concern with not knowing the effect on other
projects. Mr. Williams anticipated less REET funds would be allocated to paving, a reduction in
improvements to City buildings, Parks CIP projects may get postponed a year or the scope changed. A great
deal has been invested to get this project to this point.
Council President Fraley-Monillas asked what happened if the work was not done this year within the fish
window and whether it could be done next year. Mr. Williams answered portions of the Waterfront
Redevelopment project needed to be done before the building is completed. Council President Fraley-
Monillas asked what park projects would be delayed. Ms. Burley anticipated park projects would be delayed
rather than deleted such as improvements at Hickman Park scheduled in 2020 in the CIP are pushed out a
couple years, Other $50,000 Park CIP projects would be pushed out a few years. One of the obvious impacts
is the land acquisition funds. The City is looking at a property to purchase but it is not forecast to happen
in 2019 and could be funded from a future year's budget. She concluded it is a delay of parks projects rather
than a deletion. Construction funding of Civic Park crosses two fiscal years which relieves some stress on
the 125 and 126 Funds. Staff is also working with W.G. Clark on potential value engineering options.
Mr. Williams said the law requires the City negotiate and sign a contract with the selected contractor after
the bidding process resulted in no responsive bids. That contract has to be written using the same
specifications, plans and expectations that were used in the bidding process. There have been preliminary
discussion with W.G. Clark about additional construction savings, but those cannot be included in the
contract without putting the City in conflict with the required process. He anticipated those discussions
would commence after the contract is signed; staff has identified several changes to the existing scope to
save money.
Council President Fraley-Monillas referred to the $25,000 for art, plus the 1% for Art. Mr. Williams said
$24,400 in art was designed into the project. The project will generate approximately $25,000 that will be
placed into the I% for Art for future art projects in the City as required by code. Ms. Burley said the art is
the swoops and medallions in the concrete to match the existing pathway on the waterfront.
Councilmember Mesaros asked about the balance in REET 125 and 126 Funds. Finance Director Scott
James said staff is in the process of developing the 2020 budget. He estimated the REET 125 would have
an ending fund balance of $1,476,000 and REET 126 would have an ending fund balance of $2,236,000.
He was unable to provide an estimate for 2020 as staff has not yet finalized priorities and projects.
Councilmember Mesaros referred to the Bridging the Gap slide in the presentation that identified $200,000
from REET Fund 125 and $100,000 from REET 126 and potentially an additional $231,930 from REET
Fund 125/126. He observed the additional funding from REET 125 and 126 did not deplete those funds.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
August 5, 2019
Page 14
Councilmember Mesaros commented it was never good news to share the need for additional funds. This
is a signature project for Edmonds and it is difficult to stop the tide at this point. He anticipated opportunities
for value engineering and savings and looked forward to better news about cost savings as this project
proceeds.
Councilmember Tibbott observed a fair amount was being spent on outsourcing engineering. He asked if
there was any benefit to having an in-house engineer manage the project. Mr. Williams answered this
project will consume one FTE, Henry Schroder, who will be the City's contact on the project. Assigning
another in-house engineer at this stage would not be possible due to other projects they are involved in. He
acknowledged the costs for consultants is high but the percentages are in line with the expected costs for
full-time inspection, project engineer, etc. The original costs for both companies were higher and have been
pared down over the last month.
Councilmember Tibbott asked whether at some point it was better for the City to hire another engineer to
avoid outsourcing so much work, observing there was $350,000 in this project which was more than one
FTE. Mr. Williams answered it would require hiring someone for 18-19 months. Civic Park is another large
project that will occur at about the same time and will also include consultants. It would be difficult to hire
and train staff and then lay them off at the end of those projects. He concluded it would be difficult to
provide those services in-house.
Observing that this project would extend over two years, Councilmember Tibbott asked if there were
opportunities for additional grant funds. Mr. Williams said he was not familiar with grants for this type of
project; Ms. Burley has some experience with park grants and Ms. Hite has a great deal of experience and
is only a phone call away if staff has question about funding opportunities. There may be opportunities for
grants for Civic Park to address stormwater management issues.
Councilmember Tibbott found it more acceptable to fund this project by delaying other projects rather than
deleting projects; prioritizing this project and keeping other projects in sequence. Mr. Williams agreed
worthwhile projects would remain on the CIP and be moved into later years where funding would be
available.
Councilmember Johnson said she did not have the full impact of the funding gap policy. Although there
has been discussion about deleting funds, no one has talked about eliminating land acquisition funds from
Fund 125 and 126. Mr. Williams said the general idea was to prioritize $200,000 each year; there may not
be any land acquisition this year, next year or the following year but the funds would accumulate in those
years. Councilmember Johnson said that has not been done in prior years, those funds have been robbed
every year.
Councilmember Johnson did not find the gap policy acceptable. She recalled the addition of $900,000 for
the parking lot and sidewalk; now there is an increase of $500,000-$800,000 more. Before she could
approve that, she wanted to see the real numbers, the real projects that will be delayed or postponed. She
was not confident that everything was known about Civic Park. She was unwilling to extend this credit over
the life of the project and wanted to see the real numbers to make an informed decision. Mr. Williams said
he believed these were the hard numbers for this project. He asked if Councilmember Johnson wanted to
know what projects would be moved, changed or otherwise reshaped before providing authorization.
Councilmember Johnson answered of course. Bridging the gap was now was $500,000-$800,000; a year
ago it was $900,000. She wanted to know the consequences of bridging this gap on future public works and
parks projects. Without that information she could not make a decision and she found depleting the land
acquisition fund to bridge this gap unacceptable.
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August 5, 2019
Page 15
Council President Fraley-Monillas agreed not knowing the long term impacts was concerning to her.
Although other Councilmembers have said it would delay other projects, it could also delay paving which
was concerning to her and to Edmonds citizens. It would also delay maintenance on City buildings,
improvements to Hickman Park, land acquisition, and Civic Park; major projects will be delayed for one
parking lot, pier removal, beach renovation project. She agreed there was not enough information for her
to make a good decision for Edmonds citizens. She was concerned about delaying multiple other projects
for this one project and was uncertain it was a fair tradeoff for citizens. She questioned how much of a delay
there would be on those other projects.
Councilmember Teitzel commented this was difficult to swallow because the numbers have grown so much.
This is a large, signature project for the City and because the project is this far along, there needs to be
efforts to make it happen. It is at a point where there is not much detail on future parks and public works
capital projects but he personally trusted staffs professionalism to make the right decisions and said the
Council should also. He looked forward to updates as more information becomes available.
Acknowledging his disappointment with making choices and the unknowns in those choices,
Councilmember Mesaros said delaying this project will add costs which will also need to be funded and
may impact other project even more. He agreed with Councilmember Johnson that it was difficult to make
decisions when there are unknowns, but the unknown in this project is approximately $232,000. If the
Council votes to move forward, that includes a choice about the land acquisition funds, that this project is
a higher priority.
COUNCILMEMBER MESAROS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER TEITZEL, TO
APPROVE THE FIVE RECOMMENDATIONS AS PRESENTED BY MR. WILLIAMS:
1. AWARD A CONTRACT TO W.G. CLARK FOR $3,617,087.65
2. AUTHORIZE A 15% MANAGEMENT RESERVE OF $542,560
3. AUTHORIZE MAYOR TO SIGN A PSA FOR CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION SERVICES
WITH KBA FOR $189,500
4. AUTHORIZE A CHANGE OF SCOPE FOR EWORK'S EXISTING CONTRACT TO COVER
PRE-BID AND NEGOTIATED BID SUPPORT
5. AUTHORIZE MAYOR TO SIGN A CONTRACT SUPPLEMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION
SUPPORT WITH EWORKS FOR $178,465
Council President Fraley-Monillas said she will vote no on the motion because she needs more information
to make a good decision for the City. She reminded Council, noting it irritated her to hear Councilmembers
say it, this was not a signature project for Edmonds. The City of Edmonds' signature project is Civic Field.
This is a project created by a non-profit that the City has partnered with but is not the City's signature
project.
Councilmember Nelson said none of the Council was happy with where the project was but he will continue
to support moving it forward. However, he wanted to avoid this happening again and whatever could be
done to ensure estimates were more accurate. Moving forward he will be very skeptical when he sees these
kind of numbers and it will dictate how he votes in the future. Because of the point this project is at and
how it predicates other projects moving forward with the new Waterfront Community Center, he will
support the motion.
Mayor Earling commented virtually every Sound Transit Board meeting includes discussion about cost
escalation. Competition for projects can lower costs; when there is little competition, costs increase. He
was sympathetic and empathetic about the concerns voiced, but there are timing issues with moving two
projects along at the same time that depend on each other. He was hopeful the Council would support
moving the project forward, recognizing it was hard to do. Sound Transit is facing similar challenges with
their projects, many in much larger amounts.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
August 5, 2019
Page 16
UPON ROLL CALL, MOTION CARRIED (4-2), COUNCILMEMBERS NELSON, MESAROS,
TEITZEL AND TIBBOTT VOTING YES; AND COUNCILMEMBER JOHNSON AND COUNCIL
PRESIDENT FRALEY-MONILLAS VOTING NO.
Mayor Earling declared a brief recess.
3. CRUMB RUBBER MORATORIUM EXTENSION
Acting City Attorney Tom Brubaker explained this moratorium was originally imposed on December 8,
2015. The reason for the moratorium was concern about the impacts of crumb rubber used on playfields.
The Council's intent was to extend the moratorium until reports from the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) were issued; part one of the report has been issued
but they plan to issue a second part. The City is also awaiting a study from the California EPA which is not
yet complete but scheduled to be released in 2019. The proposed ordinance extends the moratorium for six
months; Council can reduce that time if information is received sooner. The ordinance is drafted as an
emergency ordinance to ensure a seamless continuation of the moratorium. Passage of the emergency
ordinance requires a vote of the majority of the full Council plus one (five votes).
Councilmember Teitzel asked why part one of the CDC's report was not included in the Council packet.
Deputy Parks & Recreation Director Shannon Burley advised a summary of the report is available and is
included verbatim in the ordinance: According to the EPA, in general, the findings from the report support
the premise that while chemicals are present as expected in the tire crumb rubber, human exposure appears
to be limited based on what is released into air or simulated biological fluids (gastric fluid, saliva and sweat).
Part 2 will include data to characterize potential human exposures to the chemicals found in the tire crumb
rubber while using synthetic turf fields. Ms. Burley said it appears that while the EPA determined that very
limited chemicals do transfer, the study of the impact of those chemical that transfer has yet to been released.
Mr. Brubaker said the EPA/CDC is offering a webinar tomorrow on Part 1.
Councilmember Teitzel recalled the UW women's soccer coach had concerns about crumb rubber and felt
there was a high rate of cancer cases in goalies in particular who played on crumb rubber. However, all the
UW soccer, football and soccer fields are crumb rubber. He asked if the UW had done any study regarding
this issue to ensure their athletes are safe. Ms. Burley said she was unable to cite specific studies done by
the UW to address that. Because it is being addressed on a national level as well as by the California EPA,
cities in Washington are relying heavily on these findings.
Councilmember Teitzel observed the moratorium has been extended a number of time awaiting the
completion of the studies. He asked if there was any legal limit on the number of times the moratorium
could be extended. Mr. Brubaker said there is a theoretical limit if it appears the extensions are arbitrary
and capricious; however, in this case, the studies are being tracked and it has taken a long time for them to
be released and there is a legitimate concern about children who are the primarily users of the fields. He
concluded there were no real concerns with the length of time the moratorium has been in place.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
JOHNSON, TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 4157, PROHIBITING THE INSTALLATION OF
STYRENE -BUTADIENE RUBBER (ALSO KNOWN AS SBR OR "CRUMB RUBBER") ON
PUBLICLY -OWNED ATHLETIC FIELDS WITHIN THE CITY OF EDMONDS FOR AN
ADDITIONAL SIX MONTHS AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY NECESSITATING
IMMEDIATE ADOPTION AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THIS ORDINANCE. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
4. CONFIRM APPOINTMENT OF CANDIDATE FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
August 5, 2019
Page 17
Mayor Earling explained the City had gone through an extensive process to identify a new Human
Resources Director. Approximately 44 candidates applied, interviews were conducted by three different
interview committees and by the City Council and reference were provided to Council as requested. With
Council confirmation, Mayor Earling was pleased to appoint Jessica Hoyson as the City's HR Director.
COUNCILMEMBER MESAROS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER TEITZEL, TO
CONFIRM THE MAYOR'S APPOINTMENT OF JESSICA NEILL HOYSON TO BE THE
DIRECTOR OF HR FOR THE CITY OF EDMONDS.
Council President Fraley-Monillas inquired about the severance agreement. Mayor Earling explained when
the Finance Director accepted a position with the City, a severance agreement was included. Due to director
instability, the request was a 3 -month severance package should the candidate be dismissed. That seemed
agreeable and has been included in the past. Council President Fraley-Monillas said she has met Ms.
Hoyson and she seems like a nice person and it definitely seemed like she could do the job. When this
process started, she expressed her desire to Ms. Hite for mayoral candidates to have an opportunity to meet
independently with Ms. Hoyson. The new mayor will have the ability to hire their own employees/directors
or maintain existing directors and she was concerned this perhaps set Ms. Hoyson up for a situation that
might not be the best.
Council President Fraley-Monillas said she was disappointed Mayor Earling chose not to have the mayoral
candidates interview Ms. Hoyson independently. She spoke with three of the four mayoral candidates and
they all wished they'd had an opportunity to interview Ms. Hoyson independently and discuss their
expectations. Mayor Earling responded that through a variety of conversations with Ms. Hoyson, she was
comfortable with not pursuing her original request to be interviewed by the mayoral candidates. Council
President Fraley-Monillas said she was glad Ms. Hoyson was comfortable but it was not solely her decision,
it was an opportunity for the mayoral candidates to interview her.
MOTION CARRIED (5-0-1), COUNCILMEMBER JOHNSON ABSTAINING.
9. STUDY ITEMS
1. STATE AUDITOR'S OFFICE FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE TOOL PRESENTATION
Finance Director Scott James introduced Duane Walz, Data and Systems Specialist for the Center for
Government Innovation, Washington State Auditor's Office. Mr. Walz said he has been invited to several
other Council meetings, evidence that there is a market for products the Auditor's Office is developing. He
explained State law requires all local governments in the State to file a financial report to the Auditor's
Office using a uniform chart of accounts. The law also states the Auditor's Office is required to publish the
information in a statistical comparative manner. That law is the envy of a lot of states in the nation. When
he started at the Auditor's Office in 1995, this was a big volume of tables and graphs. In 2005 the legislature
provided funding which was used to create a Local Government Financial Reporting System. The State's
PR and communication people hated that title so another product, the Financial Intelligence Tool (FIT),
was created that melded everything into a single system.
Mr. Walz explained once it was discovered what Washington had and what other states envied, it formed
the basis for the system and lined up with Auditor McCarthy's vision about connecting with your
community and building trust through financial transparency. There has been a significant effort by the
Auditor's Office to reframe and reeducate people on what local governments do. Although the FIT is a data
rich system, other goals and visions for the project included making Washingtonians the most civically
educated and engaged population in the nation. The Center for Government Innovation (CGI), formerly the
Local Government Performance Center, felt not only is information good for decision -makers, it will
elevate people's understanding about local government. It also lines up with Auditor McCarthy's vision,
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
August 5, 2019
Page 18
increased trust in government. The CGI lines up those ideas and considered how to reframe what people
thought of local government. They envisioned asking a group of people on Main Street terms that came to
mind when talking about local government, and hearing people say things like high performing, efficient,
good decision -makers, transparent, lean and fast. The Auditor's office has a role in communicating to the
public when governments are doing an outstanding job.
Mr. Walz demonstrated FIT, explaining his intent was to whet the public's appetite to try the system
themselves. He highlighted information and functionality on the FIT website:
• Government types and how they are funded
■ Government profiles
o City of Edmonds' profile
■ Badges for noteworthy achievements
■ About this government
• Annual filing data
— Revenues, expenses and total financial summary 2014-2017
■ Financial health indicators
• Finances at a glance
■ This government's rankings
• Governmental revenues and expenditures and compared to statewide
Mr. Walz encouraged Councilmembers to interact with the site and to provide feedback.
Councilmember Teitzel asked if there would be an incremental charge to cities or was this a service the
Auditor's Office was providing at no additional charge. Mr. Walz advised the funding stream was I-900,
the majority of which is used for performance audits. Since there is no feasible way to do performance
audits on all 2,000 local governments, a slice of that funding comes to their team to identify issues that
performance audits discover and they create resources and tools that are provided to local government at a
fraction of the cost. Unless that money is no longer available, FIT will continue. Councilmember Teitzel
commented it was a very nice tool.
As a former State employee, Council President Fraley-Monillas asked whether information was available
on State agencies in this format. Mr. Walz responded OFM had most of that information but it was not
available in this format. The data for school districts is owned by OSPI; people are interested in having
state agency and school district information within the FIT system. Those conversations are ongoing and
they will be ready to add financial information when it is available. Professors at UW have asked to use
FIT as part of their course work and Standard & Poors also uses the system. CGI tracks the number of
people engaging on the site and have found that the numbers are up. Council President Fraley-Monillas
commented this information is fabulous and transparent.
REVIEW EVALUATION DOCUMENTS FOR THE CITY ATTORNEY AS PART ONE OF
CITY ATTORNEY EVALUATION PROCESS
Councilmember Mesaros said the proposed documents would be used in Part One of the evaluation process
of the City Attorney services. Part Two of the evaluation will compare the cost of an external firm providing
City Attorney services compared to the potential cost of an in-house City Attorney. He anticipated Part
Two would commence in the next two weeks. The goal is to have the evaluation forms returned by August
31 sr
Councilmember Teitzel explained the evaluation forms ask for detailed and, in some cases, sensitive input.
He assured the information would be treated confidentially; the names of the respondents will be masked
and the data aggregated. It is intended to be a constructive evaluation tool to show the City Attorney where
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they are doing well and areas where improvements is needed. He encouraged respondents to be candid and
frank in their responses.
Councilmember Nelson thanked Councilmembers Mesaros and Teitzel for their work on this process.
Councilmember Tibbott said the questions on the evaluation form are excellent; there is a lot of detail that
will be useful for the City Attorney and in the Council's decision-making.
Councilmember Mesaros advised he will distribute evaluation forms to the Mayor, Councilmembers and
Directors tomorrow.
10. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Earling announced the passing of former City Councilmember Ray Gould; services will be held
Saturday, August 10 at United Methodist Church.
Mayor Earling reported on the spectacular Olympic Ballet performance Saturday night, attended by
approximately 300-400 people. He encouraged the public to attend a future performance. Mayor Earling
reported he introduced Sunday's Concert in the Park, "Ballard Sedentary Sousa Band."
11. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council President Fraley-Monillas reminded of the Hekinan Student Delegation dinner 6-8 p.m. on Friday
in the Brackett Room and requested Councilmembers interested in attending contact Carolyn LaFave.
Councilmember Teitzel invited the public to a preliminary public scoping meeting regarding parking,
primarily downtown parking, on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the Brackett Room. The meeting will provide an
early opportunity for citizens to provide input regarding the range of problems. The public can also provide
input via the online survey available on the City's website.
Councilmember Teitzel commented the events of the last week have left him sickened, angry, frustrated,
sad and a range of emotions. He read a statement: "Newtown, Connecticut; Aurora, Colorado; Clackamas,
Oregon; Orlando, Florida; San Bruno, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; Parkland, Florida; Sutherland
Springs, Texas; Seattle, Washington; Thousand Oaks, California; Virginia Beach, Virginia; Mukilteo,
Washington; Gilroy, California; El Paso, Texas; Dayton, Ohio; these are just a few of the communities that
in the very recent past, and three within the past week, have suffered incidents of multiple deaths and
injuries at the hands of a gunman using a semi-automatic firearm. This simply needs to stop and it's going
to take political courage to stop it. Citizen have the constitutional right to bear arms for self-protection and
sport, but federal legislation was passed over 50 years ago to make automatic machine guns such as tommy
guns which have the capacity to kill many, many people in a very short period of time illegal for private
citizens to possess. This legislation was designed specifically to keep the public safer. It's time we pass
similar legislation about semi-automatic firearms.
I fully support the second amendment to our constitution. Citizens should have the right to lawfully carry
handguns to protect themselves. Hunters should have the right to own hunting rifles to hunt big game.
Sportsman should have the right to own shotguns to hunt game bird. However, semi-automatic firearms
have one main purpose, to kill and maim as many people as fast as the shooter can pull the trigger. As
elected officials, one of our primary duties is to keep our constituents safe and secure. We need to take
action to reduce the potential for mass killings we continue to witness.
I urge my fellow Councilmembers to join me in contacting our state and federal representatives to demand
legislative action to ban the ownership of semi-automatic firearms by private citizens and would encourage
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our Edmonds constituents to do the same. And please support our State Attorney General Bob Ferguson's
efforts to introduce legislation to ban semi-automatic assault rifles in Washington. Will these measures
prevent gun violence? No, but if they result in a reduction of the number of fellow citizens killed or
permanent injured in shootings in which semi-automatic firearms are used, they are well worth pursuing.
Thoughts and prayers aren't enough; let's do something."
12. CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING PENDING OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION
PER RCW 42.30.114 1 i
This item was not needed.
13. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION. POTENTIAL ACTION AS A RESULT OF MEETING IN
EXECUTIVE SESSION
This item was not needed.
14. ADJOURN
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 10:02 p.m.
DA04, MAYOR SSCTT PASSEY,4CITYCK
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