10/21/2014 City CouncilEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
October 21, 2014
The Edmonds City Council meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Earling in the Council
Chambers, 250 5"' Avenue North, Edmonds.
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Dave Earling, Mayor
Diane Buckshnis, Council President
Kristiana Johnson, Councilmember
Lora Petso, Councilmember
Strom Peterson, Councilmember
Joan Bloom, Councilmember
Adrienne Fraley-Monillas, Councilmember
ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT
Thomas Mesaros, Councilmember
ALSO PRESENT
Noushyal Eslami, Student Representative
STAFF PRESENT
Al Compaan, Police Chief
Phil Williams, Public Works Director
Carrie Hite, Parks & Recreation Director
Scott James, Finance Director
Shane Hope, Development Services Director
Doug Fair, Municipal Court Judge
Patrick Doherty, Econ. Dev & Comm. Serv. Dir.
Frances Chapin, Arts & Culture Program Mgr.
Brian Tuley, IT Supervisor
Deb Sharp, Accountant
Rob English, City Engineer
Kernen Lien, Senior Planner
Carolyn LaFave, Executive Assistant
Jeff Taraday, City Attorney
Scott Passey, City Clerk
Gerrie Bevington, Camera Operator
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
1. CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING A REAL ESTATE MATTER PER RCW
42.30.110(1)(c)AND COLLECTIVE BARGAINING PER RCW 42.30.140(1)(a)...
At 6:00 p.m., Mayor Earling announced that the City Council would meet in executive session regarding
a real estate matter per RCW 42.30.110(1)(c) and collective bargaining per RCW 42.30.140(1)(a). He
stated that the executive session was scheduled to last approximately 30 minutes and would be held in the
Jury Meeting Room, located in the Public Safety Complex. No action was anticipated to occur as a result
of meeting in executive session. Elected officials present at the executive session were: Mayor Earling,
and Councilmembers Johnson, Fraley-Monillas, Buckshnis, Peterson, Petso and Bloom. Others present
were City Attorney Jeff Taraday, Finance Director Scott James, Parks & Recreation/Human Resources
Reporting Director Carrie Hite and City Clerk Scott Passey. The executive session concluded at 6:30 p.m.
2. MEET WITH PLANNING BOARD ALTERNATE CANDIDATE MICHAEL NELSON FOR
CONFIRMATION TO THE PLANNING BOARD
At 6:30 p.m., the City Council met with Planning Board Alternate candidate Michael Nelson. The
meeting took place in the Council Chambers, located in the Public Safety Complex. All City
Councilmembers were present for the meeting with Mr. Nelson and the meeting was open to the public.
Mayor Earling reconvened the regular City Council meeting at 7:00 p.m. and led the flag salute.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 21, 2014
Page 1
3. MEET WITH ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN BOARD CANDIDATE TOM WALKER FOR
CONFIRMATION TO POSITION #4 OF THE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN BOARD
Mr. Walker was unable to attend the meeting.
4. ROLL CALL
City Clerk Scott Passey called the roll. All elected officials were present with the exception of
Councilmember Mesaros.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT BUCKSHNIS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-
MONILLAS, TO EXCUSE COUNCILMEMBER MESAROS. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
COUNCIL PRESIDENT BUCKSHNIS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-
MONILLAS, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA IN CONTENT AND ORDER. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
4. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Petso requested Item I be removed from the Consent Agenda and Councilmember Bloom
requested Item A be removed so that she could abstain from the vote due to her absence from the October
14, 2014 Council meeting.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT BUCKSHNIS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
PETERSON, TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY. The agenda items approved are as follows:
B. APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS #211018 THROUGH #211133 DATED OCTOBER 16,
2014 FOR $645,141.91 (REISSUED CHECK #211078 $118.31)
C. ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF A CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FROM DYLIS G. WILEY-
CHASE (AMOUNT UNDETERMINED)
D. FISHING PIER REHABILITATION DESIGN
E. UNSCHEDULED IT EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT
F. CIGNA LIFE, LONG TERM DISABILITY (LTD) AND ACCIDENTAL DEATH &
DISMEMBERMENT (AD& D) INSURANCE PLAN(S)
G. APPROVAL OF THE MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE JOB DESCRIPTION &
CONFIRMATION OF POSITION SALARY AND BENEFITS INFORMATION
H. CONFIRMATION OF MICHAEL NELSON TO THE PLANNING BOARD ALTERNATE
POSITION
J. ACCEPTANCE OF STREET DEDICATION FOR SAFFOLD 3 -LOT SHORT PLAT
LOCATED AT 19327 88TH AVE W (FILE PLN20100018)
K. REPORT ON FINAL CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR THE 2013 WATERLINE
REPLACEMENT PROJECT AND ACCEPTANCE OF PROJECT
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 21, 2014
Page 2
L. REPORT ON FINAL CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR THE LIFT STATION
REHABILITATION PROJECT AND ACCEPTANCE OF PROJECT
ITEM A: APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 14, 2014
COUNCILMEMBER PETERSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT
BUCKSHNIS, TO APPROVE ITEM A. MOTION CARRIED (5-0-1),COUNCILMEMBER
BLOOM ABSTAINED.
ITEM I: MAYOR EARLING RECOMMENDS TOM WALKER'S CONFIRMATION TO
POSITION #4 OF THE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN BOARD
Mayor Earling advised that Mr. Walker was unable to attend tonight's meeting. The meeting with Council
and Council confirmation will be rescheduled.
7. NATIONAL ARTS & HUMANITIES MONTH PROCLAMATION
Mayor Earling read a proclamation declaring October as National Art & Humanities Month in Edmonds.
He presented the proclamation to Edmonds Arts Commission Chair Suzy Maloney. On behalf of the Arts
Commission, Ms. Maloney thanked the City Council and Mayor for their continued support and this
acknowledgement.
8. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Val Stewart, Edmonds, Planning Board Member speaking as a citizen, referred to Item 13, and
expressed her support for a 50 -foot vegetative buffer within a 100 -foot setback in the Urban Mixed Use
IV jurisdiction. A 150 foot setback is too much to impose on property owners and she has been unable to
find any documentation that confirms the need for a 150 -foot buffer setback for salmon recovery grant
funding. Ecology agreed in a recent communication that the new federal laws initiated by the Native
Americans require a minimum of 100 feet. With regard to nonconforming status of existing buildings, she
suggested Mt. Vernon's approach, retain the nonconforming status but allow a nonconforming building
damaged to 100% of replacement cost to be reconstructed in same footprint. This could alleviate
insurance and financing issues. She referred to information provided by a Tribal Biologist during the
October 4 marsh tour video available on My Edmonds News., that the City has an obligation to the Tribes
to honor the treaty of Pt. Elliott where Tulalip Tribes were granted rights to half the harvestable fish but
also to sustain the natives' way of life which includes providing environment and habitat to support fish.
Best Available Sciences continues to change•, the City's baseline for BAS is a 2007 document. Tulalip
Tribes are doing cutting edge research tracking juvenile salmon go before they go into Puget Sound.
Daylighting Willow Creek will get Coho spawning again. There are multiple resources to help restore the
marsh including sustainable redevelopment or remodeling, state, federal and Tribal funding, and private
dollars. She urged the Council to set an example for other municipalities and not just do the minimum to
meet no net loss of shoreline ecological functions.
Roger Hertrich, Edmonds, said after reviewing the Capital Facilities Plan he was confused with how
funds are being allocated. He recommended the Council review each item to determine whether they
agreed with the projects and how funds are allocated. For example, $2 million is proposed for Sunset
Avenue, but it is a walkway, not a recreational pathway. He suggested the project could be scaled down
once it was realized bicycles and pedestrians do not mix. He referred to the mini roundabout or restriping
for 9h Avenue. With regard to the Woodway High School Playfields, he expressed concern the Edmonds
School District (ESD) was contributing very little to that project yet they will likely want a great deal for
the Civic Center Playfields. He suggested negotiating with ESD to share costs more equally as well as
provide space for a pool on the Woodway Playfields site.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 21, 2014
Page 3
Rose Cantwell, Edmonds Senior Center (ESC) Board of Directors, a member of the ESC for 15 years,
explained the non-profit corporation that operates the Center has a tremendous volunteer workforce who
perform many necessary duties as a gift to the community. Volunteer service is an excellent way to hold
down property taxes. The ESC building is old and a new building is sorely needed. She is Co -Chair of the
newly formed Capital Campaign Committee formed to raise the funds needed for construction of a new
building at the current site which is owned by the City. The ESC's Executive Director Farrell Fleming
will make presentation regarding the land lease with the City. The Capital Campaign Committee is
working diligently and is very positive about raising sufficient funds for a new joint senior and
community center, another gift to the community.
9. PRESENTATION OF THE EDMONDS SISTER CITY COMMISSION 2014 STUDENT
EXCHANGE PROGRAM HEKINAN, JAPAN TRIP
Karyn Heinekin and Phil Onishi, chaperones on the Hekinan, Japan trip, introduced three of the ten
student delegates Jason, Dee and Patrick. Ms. Heinekin explained the trip was an amazing experience for
her and a wonderful opportunity for the students who built lasting relationships and bonds with the
Japanese community during the two weeks students were in the Hekinan and two weeks the Hekinan
students were in Edmonds. She commented on the culture they experienced, Hekinan's generosity and the
goodwill established between the two cities. They provided a slide show of their stay in Hekinan.
Mr. Onishi commented this was a fantastic opportunity to travel and see Hekinan and to enjoy their
hospitality and the opportunity to live in their culture. He appreciated the way the Edmonds Sister City
Commission (SCC) has embraced the opportunity to meet people from Hekinan. Hekinan has a great love
for Edmonds; he, Karyn and the ten students had a life -changing trip. He appreciated the support the City
has provided the SCC over the years and hoped it would continue.
Patrick said his favorite part of the trip was going to the city, visiting temples and exploring with his own
exchange student. Jason's best memory was making new friends; the people in Hekinan were very nice
and the food was good and interesting. Dee's favorite part was meeting all the people. She recalled
playing soccer at a BBQ and how easy it was to connect with the Japanese students even when they did
not speak the same language. Ms. Heinekin described a memorable trip they took to Kyoto, summarizing
the trip was an amazing experience for which she thanked the SCC and the City.
Mayor Earling recognized current and former members of the SCC in the audience and acknowledged the
efforts of Executive Assistant Carolyn LaFave.
10. EDMONDS SENIOR CENTER PRESENTATION ON AN "OPTION TO LEASE AND DRAFT
GROUND LEASE" REQUEST
Edmonds Senior Center Executive Director Farrell Fleming said the resolution the Council on March 18,
2014 established the foundation to proceed with the goal to build a new state of the art senior and
community center on the waterfront site. It will be a multigenerational activity center taking full
advantage of the magnificent views.
He described their model:
• Partnership between the City and the Nonprofit
• Senior Center, a 501(c)3 charitable organization, raises the money, builds, owns and maintains
the building
• City owns and maintains land ( regional park) and leases it to the senior center
• Monroe followed this model in 1994
He described progress since March 18, 2014:
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 21, 2014
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3/18/2014: City Council resolution unanimously supporting new senior/community center.
o First critical piece of our feasibility study
6/3/2014: Snohomish County Joint resolution unanimously supporting new senior/community
center.
o Will assist with state and foundation funding
Mr. Fleming and Phil Lovell reviewed results achieved:
• Senior Center Board decision to proceed (May 2014)
• Established Capital Campaign Committee with Co -Chairs Rose Cantwell and Diane Buckshnis
• Community College Reports
• Task Force Subcommittee undertook architect selection process
• Conceptual drawings completed by two architects (Zervas Group — Bellingham and
Environmental Works — Seattle)
• Each architect created a design for a conceptual building placed in a different location on the site
• Cost estimates based on the two conceptual designs
• Two independent third -part cost estimators reviewed the designs
• Timeline schedule refinement
o Complete, refine program
o Use materials from architects to create brochures/graphics to accompany fundraising
o Successful fundraising efforts likely in two phases
o Establish milestones for moving ahead with selecting a designer, executing lease with the
City and ultimately entering into a building program
Mr. Fleming explained the ESC needs documentation of sufficient site control to pursue State funds. He
reviewed the Option to Lease and Ground lease:
• Requesting tonight that the City and Senior Center enter into a process of negotiation to come to
agreement on the terms and conditions of the Ground Lease. Ground lease takes effect at time
reach significant milestone, such as raising a significant amount of needed funds.
• Once that agreement is reached, the City and Senior Center will enter into an Option to Lease
Agreement
• The lease option specifies at what time and under what conditions the Ground Lease becomes
active. The major condition is the Senior Center reaching a certain fundraising goal that will
enable it to begin construction. The terms of the option are also to be negotiated.
• The present lease will remain in effect until the Ground Lease becomes the governing document.
Mr. Fleming commented on the timeline:
• Hope to complete negotiation by the end of 2014 or early 2015
• Important this is finished by the time the legislature gets to the capital budget process
o Seeking promise from the State of $2 million based on the ESC raising the remainder
• Suggestion for negotiation teams: two from each entity plus legal assistance
• Look forward to working with the City to complete this phase of making the new Edmonds
Senior and Community Center a reality.
Councilmember Petso asked when the conceptual designs will be made available to the public for
comment/input. Mr. Lovell answered it will be early in the design process. The first priority is to ensure
the ESC and the City agree on a matrix of uses for the building, the size, adjacencies, space allocation,
etc. Once that is completed and a fundraising milestone is reached, a design firm can be hired to proceed
with a conventional design process which will include design development, schematic design, and
construction documents. He expected to bring drawings and information to the City at the schematic
design phase, optimistically sometime next year. There has been some interface with City Planning
related to code issues and the Shoreline Management Plan.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 21, 2014
Page 5
Councilmember Petso commented it would easier for the Council to engage in negotiating a lease if the
public was aware of the existing concepts and had had an opportunity to comment. Mr. Lovell relayed his
understanding of Councilmember Petso's comment that it would be best to have the public look at what
might become the permanent design before a lease is executed, relaying that could be done. Mr. Fleming
advised there could be a public process to look at the current conceptual design. Actual drawings are
prepared when sufficient funds have been raised to move the project forward. He anticipated this would
be an asset for the entire community and said "exciting" is the word often used to describe the project.
The ESC is tasked with turning that excitement into money; this is the first step.
Council President Buckshnis asked what direction was being sought from the Council. Parks &
Recreation Director Carrie Hite sought direction from Council whether they wanted staff including the
City Attorney to work with ESC on the request they made tonight. Council President Buckshnis asked
whether Ms. Hite had any objection to their suggestion of a team comprised of two members from each
entity and attorneys. Ms. Hite said she did not.
COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT
BUCKSHNIS, TO PROCEED WITH NEGOTIATIONS.
Councilmember Peterson asked who will be on the City's negotiating team. Ms. Hite recommended Parks
and Recreation take the lead with the City Attorney and the Mayor and possibly include Public Works at
some point because they maintain the current building. She suggested she be the City's representative that
meets with the ESC and staff vet the terms and conditions internally before presenting it to Council for
approval.
Councilmember Johnson requested options include the South County Senior Center Restoration proposal
in the Shoreline Management Plan with regard to the existing parking lot and restoration. She asked who
would pay for that portion of the proposal. Mr. Fleming answered the negotiation for the ground lease
will consider that. The ESC has said they will pay for the building; the parking lot and grounds have not
yet been discussed. He commented one of the great thing about the partnership is there are grant and
processes the non-profit can pursue that the City cannot such as a capital campaign and there are things
like the shoreline and extension of the walkway to the south for which the City is in a unique position to
apply for state and federal grants. The initial negotiations likely will address the parking lot and grounds;
it could be a joint responsibility between the City and Senior Center or entirely the City but likely not
entirely the ESC because the City owns the land.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF REGIONAL IMPACTS FOR THE PROPOSED GATEWAY
PACIFIC TERMINAL AT CHERRY POINT
Shawn Ardussi, Senior Planner, Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC), explained staff was asked by
the PSRC Executive Board in March 2014 to conduct an economic evaluation of the proposed Gateway
Pacific Terminal at Cherry Point. He displayed a map of the operational and proposed crude -by -rail
facilities and coal export facilities in Washington. He reviewed the project purpose and scope of the
study:
• Purpose: To provide an objective analysis of the economic effects of the Gateway Pacific
Terminal project proposal for the four -county region
• Scope of Study:
o Project background information and previous studies
o Regional rail profile
o Impacts of the Gateway Pacific Terminal proposal on the four -county region
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 21, 2014
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o Opportunities for mitigation
Topics outside scope of study
o Crude oil train safety
o Coal dust and public health
He provided an overview of the proposed Gateway Pacific Terminal:
• SSA Marine proposed the development of Gateway Pacific Terminal, a full-service dry bulk
commodity export-import facility at a naturally occurring deep -water location in Cherry, Point,
Washington, approximately 60 miles north of Snohomish County
• Current plans call for the project to be operational at full capacity by 2019
• Terminal's total export capacity would be approximately 54 million metric tons of dry bulk
commodities per year
Full Build -Out
Annual Tonnage 54 million metric tons
Additional trains from baseline 18 (9 to terminal, 9 from terminal)
Train Length 1.6 miles
He described the environmental process, advising the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and
State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) processes are being done concurrently with drafts anticipated to
be available sometime in 2015, a major opportunity for comment for PSRC membership. He provided an
overview of the major findings:
• Development and operation of the proposed Gateway Pacific Terminal would lead to new jobs,
mostly during the construction phase and mostly in Whatcom County
• The proposed Terminal may have an impact on rail capacity in the central Puget Sound region —
depending on whether BNSF responds to the increase in demand for service by increasing
capacity
• Rail freight traffic is already projected to grow in Washington State and in the central Puget
Sound region — even without the proposed Terminal
• The most direct economic impacts on the central Puget Sound region will be due to increased rail
traffic through cities and counties
• Economic impacts directly related to gate down - time vary greatly from location to location
within the region
• Mitigation is possible in most if not all cases, but may be costly
Mr. Ardussi commented on projected freight rail growth
• Annual tons of freight moved by rail in Washington State (does not include proposed new
terminals):
0 64 tons in 1991
0 116 tons in 2010
0 238 tons projected in 2035
• Statewide rail freight is forecast to grow anyway
• State projections for increased rail freight volume do not include service to a series of proposed
new or expanded terminals in the Pacific Northwest, nor export of Bakken oil
He commented on other proposed coal terminals and provided a map of the locations:
• Multiple coal export terminal expansion or new construction proposals
• Energy companies with ready supplies of Powder River Basin coal
• Two active proposals in WA/OR
• Four active proposals in British Columbia
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 21, 2014
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He provided a table of coal volume that could move through Central Puget Sound Region by rail if all
projects approved and operated at full capacity:
Terminal
Annual Million
Metric Tons
Gateway Pacific Terminal
54.0
Fraser Surrey Docks
8.0
Ridley Terminal (current contract volumepotential)
2.5
Westshore Terminal (current contract volume potential)*
0.75
Millennium Terminal (Longview)
0.0
Port of Morrow
0.0
Total
65.25
Without Gateway Pacific Terminal
11.25
*Assuming 25% of increased capacity
He reviewed regional impacts — domestic and international trade:
• Potential benefits:
o Rail capacity expansion could allow the region's ports to move more goods and increase the
region's economic activity.
o The region's ports may become more economically attractive to shippers.
Potential Risks
o Current rail traffic could be constrained, costs could increase, there could be delays in
shipments at the region's ports
o Passenger rail service could be disrupted, cost more, or both
o Current commodities and passenger rail services could get "priced out," "squeezed out,"
delayed, or face increased costs due to a lack of capacity.
He displayed a table of the the annual economic impact of increased gate downtown by community; the
following table illustrates the total impact on all communities and impact on only Edmonds, Marysville
and Stanwood:
Scenario 1
Scenario 2
Scenario 3
City BNSF Mainline
BNSF Mainline +
BNSF Mainline +
Travel Only
Stevens Pass for
Stampede Pass for
$30
Empty Trains
Empty Trains
Edmonds $138,000
$69,000
$138,000
Stanwood $45,000
$45,000
$45,000
Marysville $1,651,000
$1,651,000
$1,651,000
Total Impact $3,853,000
$3,260,500
$3,547,500
He described impacts on residential and commercial property values:
• Residential
• Commercial
City
Aggregate Property Value
Property Value Impacts
City
Cit
Aggregate Property Value
in Buffer ($ million)
5%
7%
Edmonds
$595
$30
$42
Stanwood
$47
$2
$3
Marysville
$433
$22
$30
• Commercial
City
Aggregate Property Value
Property Value Impacts (5%)
in Buffer ($ million)
($ millions)
Edmonds
$71
$4
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 21, 2014
Page 8
Stanwood
$15
$0.8
Marysville
$254
$13
He provided the methodology for calculating the impact of increased gate downtime. He provided a map
of regional impacts on transportation:
• Study Area: 101 Mainline BNSF at -grade crossings in Puget Sound Region, 77 crossings in cities
and towns.
• Regional gate -downtime: Gate downtime in 2013 with Gateway Pacific Terminal trains would
increase on average by 65% compared to 2035 without the terminal
The study took a community-based approach, examining most highly impacted crossings in detailed
profiles for each community.
• 15 communities identified on or near potential freight route based on criteria.
o Stanwood, Marysville, Edmonds, Seattle, Kent, Auburn, Sumner, Puyallup, Steilacoom,
Tacoma, Everett, Monroe, Snohomish, Covington, Maple Valley
Other regional impacts include:
• Environmental Justice
o Study found in some locations, low income and minority population in Kent and Seattle
would have impacts from train operations. In some locations, low income and minority
populations in Everett, Auburn, Algona, Pacific and Fife would also be impacted by the
additional trains travelling to and from the proposed terminal.
Emergency Response
o Study identified 21 crossings in the region where additional waits for trains could impact the
delivery of emergency response service due to close proximity to fire stations or emergency
medical facilities.
o There could be a 2 - 6 minute delay per crossing event for emergency response vehicles
Transportation Access
o Access to transportation facilities (bus stops, park and rides) could also be delayed by 2 - 6
minutes per crossing event.
Mitigation options include:
• Grade separation of highly impacted crossings ($50m - $200m)
• Other mitigation measures could include
o Crossing consolidation
o Signal timing
o Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)
o Crossing improvements
• Policy measures to assist in mitigation could include:
o Scheduling train traffic
o Use of different freight routing
o Work with state lawmakers and Congress to expand funding for grade crossing improvements
What PSRC has heard:
• Concerns about public safety
• Uncertainty about environmental effects
• Questions about who will pay if mitigation is necessary • Funding is needed for local mitigation
• Many potential impacts are local, but are driven by issues beyond local control
• Concern that rail service should continue to serve best economic interests of the state and region
• Tribal issues need to be considered
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October 21, 2014
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He reviewed next steps:
• Draft EIS is anticipated to be finished sometime in mid -2015
o Opportunity for public comment
• Continuously inform transportation planning (FAST, Regional Freight Mobility Roundtable,
Transportation 2040)
• Listening to feedback from PSRC boards and membership
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas commented there was nothing about the human health impacts or
environmental impacts in the study. Mr. Ardussi advised this was an economic study. The Executive
Board asked for an economic study because the EIS which will be released next year will consider health
and environmental impacts; economic impacts will not be addressed by the EIS. Councilmember Fraley-
Monillas commented the economic impact includes spills and/or health issues. Mr. Ardussi advised once
the EIS is available, the economic impacts of environmental impacts could be considered. There is no
way at this time to identify the environmental impacts.
Councilmember Petso observed unless the train trench idea is adopted, the solution to at -grade crossing
issues either places vehicles above the train or the train above vehicles. She asked whether the decrease in
property values from that view blockage had been considered in study. Mr. Ardussi advised this economic
study was related to new trains added by the Gateway Pacific Terminal and utilized research elsewhere in
the country on economic devaluation due to proximity to freight rail facilities. It did not consider the
incremental impact on views from properties in the proximity.
Councilmember Petso asked whether the at -grade crossing needed to be addressed and a grade separation
achieved as train traffic increased. Mr. Ardussi answered this information can help inform that discussion.
Councilmember Petso emphasized that unless the train trench idea is adopted, view blockage will be a
significant concern with regard to the two at -grade crossings in Edmonds. She inquired about PSRC's
familiarity with the train trench proposal. Mr. Ardussi answered he had heard it was being discussed but
had not seen a specific project proposal.
Councilmember Peterson asked if studies were being conducted regarding how many trains would carry
either coal or back -in -crude if a facility is built at Cherry Point. Mr. Ardussi answered this study did not
consider back -in -crude. This study began in March 2014; crude oil shipments were just beginning at that
time. There are currently three coal trains per day north to Canada; this proposal would add nine trains
traveling north and up to nine traveling south. The direction the trains take southbound depends on
whether they go over Stevens Pass through Seattle or over Stampede Pass.
Councilmember Peterson relayed growing concern that commodities from Eastern Washington are not
being transported. He asked if there was any coordinated effort between PSRC and similar organizations
to discuss how nine new coal trains would affect capacity for shipping commodities from Eastern
Washington. Mr. Ardussi advised there is a lot of concern about rail capacity even under current
conditions. The railroads will say they are working to increase capacity and that they have a track record
of finding capacity to meet projects like this. Shippers and businesses are uncertain because their
businesses depend on access to rail. There is a lot of discussion but not necessarily agreement on an
approach.
Councilmember Peterson asked if there were organizations similar to PSRC looking at this issue. Mr.
Ardussi agreed there are including Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board and other metropolitan
planning organizations in the State.
Councilmember Johnson asked the current thinking about mitigation. Mr. Ardussi answered some
projects in the long range plan are already in the works. A study like this can look at opportunities for
mitigation if there is increased freight rail traffic through the State regardless of whether the terminal
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 21, 2014
Page 10
built. He suggested City Councils begin to think about what they need in their community. PSRC is not
developing a project list but is beginning to have that conversation with communities.
Councilmember Johnson referred to his comment that rail is outside local control, noting cities have
control over land use. It would be in the Council's best interest to have a better understanding about
future traffic, delays, number of tracks and impacts on emergency response time. Mr. Ardussi advised
each of the community identified would do well to have a more in-depth examination of the impacts of
this type of increase in freight volume.
Councilmember Petso asked whether there were any projects currently in the works or in the
Transportation Improvement Plan or other plans for Edmonds. Mr. Ardussi noted the trench has been
mentioned but it is not fully developed as a project in PSRC's long range plan; at this time there is not a
mitigation project for the at -grade crossings in Edmonds. He distributed copies of the staff summary.
12. PUBLIC HEARING AND DISCUSSION REGARDING THE 2015 PROPOSED CITY BUDGET
Mayor Earling opened the public participation portion of the public hearing. There was no one present
who wished to provide comment and Mayor Earling closed public participation. He advised another
public hearing is scheduled in two weeks.
Finance Director Scott James identified where the budget can be found on the City's website (2015
Budgeting on the home page). He reviewed changes made to the budget since it was presented:
Budget
Book
Page #
Description
Cash Increase (Decrease)
General Fund
39
Executive Assistant Schedule Salary Step Increase
($4,314)
43
Advertising Expense
($4,200)
Impacts to General Fund
($8,514)
Fund 112 Street Construction
163
Construction (DP #36)
($100,000)
163
Interfund Services (DP #36)
($6,000)
Impacts to Fund 112 Ending Cash
($106,000)
Fund 126 REET 1
166
Construction
$200,000
166
Land
($200,000)
Impacts to Fund 126 Ending Cash
$0
Fund 132 Parks Construction
168
Land
$1,300,000
168
Construction
($1,300,000)
168
Construction
$200,000
Impacts to Fund 132 Ending Cash
($200,000)
City Clerk
City Clerk Scott Passey explained the City Clerk's Office is a small but effective division. The 4.5 FTE
(City Clerk, Deputy City Clerk, Business Licensing Clerk, Senior Office Specialist and part-time Public
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 21, 2014
Page 11
Disclosure and Records Management Specialist) make up the bulk of the Clerk's budget. He reviewed the
following:
• 2014 accomplishments
o New City Clerk transition
o New Senior Office Assistant recruited
o Public Record Requests
o New Liquor/Marijuana License Notice Review Process
o New incentive -based fee system to encourage timely business license renewal
o Other Efficiencies
• Challenges
o Staffing/leave issues
o Resources for Public Records Disclosure
o Email Management - Citywide
o Continued implementation of Laserfiche
o Management of Archive Centers
Decision Packages:
o DP #2: Adds $16,625 to 2015 costs by increasing public disclosure/records management
specialist from 0.5 FTE to 0.75 FTE
o DP #3: Adds $3,675 to 2015 costs for agenda management software
Councilmember Peterson referred to DP #2, commenting Edmonds has been fortunate in avoiding any
legal fines from delayed public record requests that some other cities have encountered but the City is still
vulnerable. He was leaning toward a full-time FTE for that function, envisioning the extra funds might
keep the City out of harm's way. Mr. Passey agreed a full-time FTE devoted to public disclosure and
records management was reasonable for most cities. Most cities have large archives and they continue to
build particularly with email. The current 0.5 FTE cannot handle all the requests so he and the deputy city
clerk assist with the various requests. It would be preferable to have that position handle more of the
workload and allow staff to focus on other priorities.
Council President Buckshnis observed there is an approximately $18,000 increase the salary budget. She
asked whether it reflected only the .25 increase in the public disclosure/records management specialist or
also step increases. Mr. Passey answered it includes step and COLA increases in addition to the .25
increase in FTE.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas observed there have been IT improvements in recent years to post more
information online. She asked whether that has helped reduce records requests. Mr. Passey answered
Laserfiche allows all permanent, essential documents such as ordinances, resolutions, minutes, etc. to be
scanned and posted online. Those are typically not the records that the public requests; they are asking for
the behinds the scenes work such as email, etc.
Councilmember Petso remarked she was not aware the City's website offered the capability to search
minutes. Mr. Passey agreed it did not. There was $40,000 in the 2013 budget to acquire the Laserfiche
software and train staff to scan records. Staff began scanning ordinances, resolutions and minutes which
are now in the archive and ready to be made public in a searchable format. As staff has time, they will
continue to scan ordinances to continue building the archive. Those documents are currently not
searchable on the website. Councilmember Petso commented that would really save time.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 21, 2014
Page 12
2013
2014
2015
Expenditures
Actual
Budget
Estimate
Discussion
Total
588,355
537,273
588,956
2015 Estimate includes Decision
Packages #2 and #3
Decision Packages:
o DP #2: Adds $16,625 to 2015 costs by increasing public disclosure/records management
specialist from 0.5 FTE to 0.75 FTE
o DP #3: Adds $3,675 to 2015 costs for agenda management software
Councilmember Peterson referred to DP #2, commenting Edmonds has been fortunate in avoiding any
legal fines from delayed public record requests that some other cities have encountered but the City is still
vulnerable. He was leaning toward a full-time FTE for that function, envisioning the extra funds might
keep the City out of harm's way. Mr. Passey agreed a full-time FTE devoted to public disclosure and
records management was reasonable for most cities. Most cities have large archives and they continue to
build particularly with email. The current 0.5 FTE cannot handle all the requests so he and the deputy city
clerk assist with the various requests. It would be preferable to have that position handle more of the
workload and allow staff to focus on other priorities.
Council President Buckshnis observed there is an approximately $18,000 increase the salary budget. She
asked whether it reflected only the .25 increase in the public disclosure/records management specialist or
also step increases. Mr. Passey answered it includes step and COLA increases in addition to the .25
increase in FTE.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas observed there have been IT improvements in recent years to post more
information online. She asked whether that has helped reduce records requests. Mr. Passey answered
Laserfiche allows all permanent, essential documents such as ordinances, resolutions, minutes, etc. to be
scanned and posted online. Those are typically not the records that the public requests; they are asking for
the behinds the scenes work such as email, etc.
Councilmember Petso remarked she was not aware the City's website offered the capability to search
minutes. Mr. Passey agreed it did not. There was $40,000 in the 2013 budget to acquire the Laserfiche
software and train staff to scan records. Staff began scanning ordinances, resolutions and minutes which
are now in the archive and ready to be made public in a searchable format. As staff has time, they will
continue to scan ordinances to continue building the archive. Those documents are currently not
searchable on the website. Councilmember Petso commented that would really save time.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 21, 2014
Page 12
Mayor's Office
Mr. James reviewed the following:
• 2014 accomplishments
o Reinstated street paving program
o Maintained strong financial program
o Continued success in achieving major grants in Parks, Engineering and Public Works
o Expanded public communication program with Town Halls and regular media columns
o Progress made in economic development
Challenges
o Continued vigilance of Edmonds long term financial health
o Access to and from waterfront
o Resolution of Fire District 1 contract
o Creating new revenue streams
o Strategy to maintain long term street repaving needs
Expenditures 2014 2014 YE 2015 Discussion
Budget Estimate Recomm.
Total 251,085 250,100 257,312
Council President Buckshnis commented all departments' benefits are up 15-17%. Mr. James advised all
departments' budgets include a 15% increase for medical. PERS also increased a couple percentage
points. A 2% COLA was included in the budget although contracts have not been settled. Some
departments' budgets also include step increases.
Human Resources
Human Resources Reporting Director Carrie Hite reviewed the following:
• 2104 accomplishment
o Settled two union contracts - EPOA (Commissioned Officers) and Law Support (non -
Commissioned).
o Started negotiations for SEIU & Teamsters unions for 2015.
o Hired a new medical insurance broker and re-formed a Health Benefits Committee to review
insurance plan options for 2015.
o Completed the City's Accident Prevention Program (APP) draft.
o Created and implemented the City-wide Wellness program.
o Completed City-wide Cultural Diversity training for all employees.
o Transitioned to a new L & I claims management process.
o Started ongoing internal HR audit process.
o Hired and trained the part-time HR Assistant
o Offered a City Health & Benefits Fair
o Had a successful MEBT audit
o Completed a recruitment and screening process for: Finance Director, Development Services
Director and Community Services/Economic Development Director.
o Started the recruitment process for RFQ/RFP for Public Defender and Municipal Court Judge
Challenges
o Legislation/regulation considerations — Legal mandates, the Affordable Care Act (ACA)
implications, Department of Labor (DOL) audits.
o Labor relations issues- grievances/arbitration
o Applications (loss of data and applicant tracking system configuration).
o Ongoing Training costs and needs
2015 projects
o Completing SEIU & Teamsters Negotiations
o Completing the 2015 Non -Represented Salary Survey
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 21, 2014
Page 13
o City-wide Anti -Harassment Training
o Working on training programs at the City
o Updating City Personnel Policies
o Implementing the Accident Prevention Program (APP)
o Working through ongoing internal HR Audit
Decision package
o DP #1: $3,000 for Wellness Program
Councilmember Petso observed there was an increase in professional services; she had hoped the need to
hire consultants/expert advice would be declining. Ms. Hite answered the $3,000 increase from $48,000
in 2014 to $51,000 in 2015 is for the Wellness Program.
Economic Development & Community Services
Economic Development & Community Services Director Patrick Doherty reviewed the following:
• 2014 Accomplishments
Community Services
o Employed services of Cynthia Berne (Long Bay Enterprises) and established SAP Working
Group. Together achieved substantial completion of implementation plan for Strategic Action
Plan. Final product to be presented to Council First Quarter 2015.
o Drafted and presented to Council social media usage policies. Facebook page created and
ready to launch post Council approval.
o Employed services of Carolyn Douglas to assist with press relations, community outreach,
communications, social media oversight, etc.
Economic Development
o Employed services of Ellen Hiatt for arts/culture/tourism marketing and communications.
Results:
■ New tourism website (launch by December)
■ New arts/culture/events calendar (launch by December)
■ Refined/updated ads; creation of tourism strategic marketing plan
■ Arts/culture/tourism social media presence
o Provided input in refinement of Westgate Plan.
o Worked with BID on new initiatives, especially small grants program, marketing/outreach,
finances.
o Worked with BID on increased Holiday 2014 offerings/activities
0 Challenges
Community Services
o Transition from planning to full-fledged implementation of Strategic Action Plan
o Substantially enhance/improve communication with public, stakeholders, press, et al
Economic Development
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 21, 2014
Page 14
2014
2014 YE
2015
Modified
Expenditures
Modified
Estimate
Recomm.
Discussion
150,000
Budget
LEOFF Benefits
106,189
137,345
Human Resources
326,758
323,528
326,958
DP#1 Wellness Program
Decision package
o DP #1: $3,000 for Wellness Program
Councilmember Petso observed there was an increase in professional services; she had hoped the need to
hire consultants/expert advice would be declining. Ms. Hite answered the $3,000 increase from $48,000
in 2014 to $51,000 in 2015 is for the Wellness Program.
Economic Development & Community Services
Economic Development & Community Services Director Patrick Doherty reviewed the following:
• 2014 Accomplishments
Community Services
o Employed services of Cynthia Berne (Long Bay Enterprises) and established SAP Working
Group. Together achieved substantial completion of implementation plan for Strategic Action
Plan. Final product to be presented to Council First Quarter 2015.
o Drafted and presented to Council social media usage policies. Facebook page created and
ready to launch post Council approval.
o Employed services of Carolyn Douglas to assist with press relations, community outreach,
communications, social media oversight, etc.
Economic Development
o Employed services of Ellen Hiatt for arts/culture/tourism marketing and communications.
Results:
■ New tourism website (launch by December)
■ New arts/culture/events calendar (launch by December)
■ Refined/updated ads; creation of tourism strategic marketing plan
■ Arts/culture/tourism social media presence
o Provided input in refinement of Westgate Plan.
o Worked with BID on new initiatives, especially small grants program, marketing/outreach,
finances.
o Worked with BID on increased Holiday 2014 offerings/activities
0 Challenges
Community Services
o Transition from planning to full-fledged implementation of Strategic Action Plan
o Substantially enhance/improve communication with public, stakeholders, press, et al
Economic Development
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 21, 2014
Page 14
2014
2014 YE 2015
Savings
Modified
Estimate Recomm. Discussion
Budget
Medical Benefits
150,000
150,000
LEOFF Benefits
106,189
137,345
L & I Claims
154,239
112,130 120,000
Decision package
o DP #1: $3,000 for Wellness Program
Councilmember Petso observed there was an increase in professional services; she had hoped the need to
hire consultants/expert advice would be declining. Ms. Hite answered the $3,000 increase from $48,000
in 2014 to $51,000 in 2015 is for the Wellness Program.
Economic Development & Community Services
Economic Development & Community Services Director Patrick Doherty reviewed the following:
• 2014 Accomplishments
Community Services
o Employed services of Cynthia Berne (Long Bay Enterprises) and established SAP Working
Group. Together achieved substantial completion of implementation plan for Strategic Action
Plan. Final product to be presented to Council First Quarter 2015.
o Drafted and presented to Council social media usage policies. Facebook page created and
ready to launch post Council approval.
o Employed services of Carolyn Douglas to assist with press relations, community outreach,
communications, social media oversight, etc.
Economic Development
o Employed services of Ellen Hiatt for arts/culture/tourism marketing and communications.
Results:
■ New tourism website (launch by December)
■ New arts/culture/events calendar (launch by December)
■ Refined/updated ads; creation of tourism strategic marketing plan
■ Arts/culture/tourism social media presence
o Provided input in refinement of Westgate Plan.
o Worked with BID on new initiatives, especially small grants program, marketing/outreach,
finances.
o Worked with BID on increased Holiday 2014 offerings/activities
0 Challenges
Community Services
o Transition from planning to full-fledged implementation of Strategic Action Plan
o Substantially enhance/improve communication with public, stakeholders, press, et al
Economic Development
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 21, 2014
Page 14
o Recruitment of new business/investment and retention/expansion of existing business
o Diversification of tax base
o Strengthening of Downtown and Waterfront
o Investment in Westgate, Highway 99 Corridor
• Decision Packages
o DP #14 - $30,000 for press relations/community relations/social media oversight professional
services
o DP #15 - $5,000 carry -forward for completion of SAP implementation plan
o DP #16 - $20,000 for Council -approved small matching grant program
o DP #48 - $2,500 for SAP project management software
Proposed 2015 Tourism Promotion Program
o Lodging tax revenues are used to fund the City's Tourism Promotion Program
o Only permissible use of these funds (RCW 67.28.1816)
o Revenues are up in 2014 (approximately $90,000) and 2015 is anticipated to yield the same
o City's Tourism Promotion Program consists of:
o Support of arts, culture and other events that attract visitors
o Marketing and promotion (ads, website, rack cards, etc.)
o Use of Funds - Arts/Culture-related (25% of revenue)
■ $12,000 to grants for ECA tourism -promotion awards
- 2,000 Cascade Symphony
- $1,000 - Art Studio Tour
- $1,500 - Sno-King Chorale
- $2,000 - Demiero Jazz Fest
- $2,000 - Olympic Ballet Theater
- $2,000 - Driftwood Players
- $1,500 - Phoenix Theater
■ $7,200 - Promotion of "Write on the Sound" Writers' Conference
■ $2,000 - Promotion of public art in Edmonds through printed brochure
o Use of Fund - General tourism promotion
■ $6,000 - Snohomish County Tourism Bureau's Visitor Information Center
■ $2,500 - Edmonds Chamber of Commerce for the Edmonds Visitors Center
■ $12,500 - Edmonds two-page tourism ad in Edmonds Center for the Arts Season
Brochure
■ $6,000 - Printing/distribution of rack card
■ $500 - Miscellaneous ad design work as needed
■ $2,500 - Promotion/support of Bird Fest
■ $4,000 - Promotion of Edmonds arts/culture events in Snohomish County Visitors Guide,
CRAZE recreation guide and "Arts Access" (Snohomish Countywide)
■ $21,000 - General advertising/promotion program for Edmonds tourism (ads,
professional services, website, etc.)
Council President Buckshnis referred to DP #15, observing the $5,000 was carryover from the $40,000
budgeted in 2014. Mr. Dougherty agreed. Council President Buckshnis asked whether DP #14 was in last
year's budget. Mr. Doherty explained the 2014 budget included an ambitious public outreach/social
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 21, 2014
Page 15
2014
2014 YE
2015
Expenditures
Modified
Estimate
Recomm.
Discussion
Budget
Comm. Services
397,654
362,090
391,785
Less professional services
Econ. Development
110,370
105,850
50,870
Less professional services
Total
508,024
467,940
442,655
• Decision Packages
o DP #14 - $30,000 for press relations/community relations/social media oversight professional
services
o DP #15 - $5,000 carry -forward for completion of SAP implementation plan
o DP #16 - $20,000 for Council -approved small matching grant program
o DP #48 - $2,500 for SAP project management software
Proposed 2015 Tourism Promotion Program
o Lodging tax revenues are used to fund the City's Tourism Promotion Program
o Only permissible use of these funds (RCW 67.28.1816)
o Revenues are up in 2014 (approximately $90,000) and 2015 is anticipated to yield the same
o City's Tourism Promotion Program consists of:
o Support of arts, culture and other events that attract visitors
o Marketing and promotion (ads, website, rack cards, etc.)
o Use of Funds - Arts/Culture-related (25% of revenue)
■ $12,000 to grants for ECA tourism -promotion awards
- 2,000 Cascade Symphony
- $1,000 - Art Studio Tour
- $1,500 - Sno-King Chorale
- $2,000 - Demiero Jazz Fest
- $2,000 - Olympic Ballet Theater
- $2,000 - Driftwood Players
- $1,500 - Phoenix Theater
■ $7,200 - Promotion of "Write on the Sound" Writers' Conference
■ $2,000 - Promotion of public art in Edmonds through printed brochure
o Use of Fund - General tourism promotion
■ $6,000 - Snohomish County Tourism Bureau's Visitor Information Center
■ $2,500 - Edmonds Chamber of Commerce for the Edmonds Visitors Center
■ $12,500 - Edmonds two-page tourism ad in Edmonds Center for the Arts Season
Brochure
■ $6,000 - Printing/distribution of rack card
■ $500 - Miscellaneous ad design work as needed
■ $2,500 - Promotion/support of Bird Fest
■ $4,000 - Promotion of Edmonds arts/culture events in Snohomish County Visitors Guide,
CRAZE recreation guide and "Arts Access" (Snohomish Countywide)
■ $21,000 - General advertising/promotion program for Edmonds tourism (ads,
professional services, website, etc.)
Council President Buckshnis referred to DP #15, observing the $5,000 was carryover from the $40,000
budgeted in 2014. Mr. Dougherty agreed. Council President Buckshnis asked whether DP #14 was in last
year's budget. Mr. Doherty explained the 2014 budget included an ambitious public outreach/social
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 21, 2014
Page 15
media/tourism/arts/culture person. Ms. Hiatt started at the end June; at that time it became obvious with
the focus on the arts/culture/events calendar, tourism, the strategic marking plan, refining/updating ads,
the tourism website and social media, there was not enough time left for general government press
relations and social media. Only $23,000 of the $40,000 allocated for Ms. Hiatt's work will be spent in
2014; some of the savings will be used in 2015 for a contract person who serves as a public information
officer to engage the community, provide press relations, oversee Facebook, etc.
Council President Buckshnis asked how the cost of $30,009 was determined. Mr. Doherty answered it is
$2500/month.
Finance and Information Services
Mr. James expressed his appreciation for staff's professionalism and superior work ethic. He reviewed the
following.
• Accomplishment
o Received a clean 2013 audit
o Quality of the work done during the year is a reflection of the professionalism of the staff
o We started 2014 with $3.5 million in investments outside the State Pool. Today we have just
over $23 million
Challenges
o A goal for 2015 will be to document operational procedures and guidelines within the
Finance Department and for our internal customers
o We will be upgrading our automated budgeting software to improve the efficiency of our
budget process
o We will also be working with upgraded financial statement generation software
Expenditures
Expenditures 2014 12014 YE 2015 Discussion
Budget I Estimate Recomm.
Total 808,429 1 766,566 853,049
• Decision packages
o DP #5: $12,000 for Finance Intern
o DP #6: $7,500 for Finance Department Remodel
Information Services
IT Supervisor Brian Tuley reviewed the following:
• Accomplishments
o Removed Windows XP from City (35% of workstations)
o Replaced core network switches and server
o Implemented backup procedures
■ Systems/off site
o Upgraded telephone system ad VM
o Improved security by building network zones
o Thank City Council for approving expenditure. Once implementing, other equipment failing.
Challenges
o Security and Compliance
o Physical security, training, awareness, policy & procedures
o Replacement policy
o Strategic Plan
o Disaster Recovery — Business Continuity
o Fiber Redundancy
o Fiber Review
o Continue to improve city communication with the public
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 21, 2014
Page 16
• Expenditures:
Expenditures
2014
Budget
2014 YE
Estimate
2015
Recomm.
Discussion
Fiber Budget
72,035
33,950
59,200
-18%
Information Services
893,756
923,988
765,513
-19%
Total
965,791
957,938
785,713
Booking and Housing
• Decision Packages
o DP #7: $14,020 for repairs & maintenance
o DP #8: $30,000 for afterhours support and IT supplement
Councilmember Johnson expressed her appreciation to Mr. Tuley for providing afterhours IT support this
year and the extra time and effort he provided to keep the system band aided through year.
For Council President Buckshnis, Mr. Tuley explained fiber and redundancy are two separate issues.
Redundancy is needed to ensure internet access is available for City business. During the decade
Edmonds has been discussing what to do with fiber, other technologies have emerged such as cable
modems and gigabit wireless. Consideration needs to be given to how much to invest in fiber when there
is new, emerging technology.
Non -Departmental
Mr. James reviewed the following
• Non -Departmental is used to segregate all costs not directly identifiable to departments and those
expenditures and services that are required by law or contract that are beneficial to all citizens.
• Finance Department provides oversight to the Non -Departmental budget. He:
Key Expenditures
2014
Budget
2014 YE
Estimate
2015
Recomm.
Discussion
Liability & Prop Ins
379,784
383,900
423,600
WCIA Rates
Fire District Contract
6,500,000
7,022,800
8,067,700
Reviewed later
Prisoner Care
486,050
480,000
650,000
Booking and Housing
Debt Service
3,024,120
3,024,120
280,387
2014 Refunding
Interfund Transfers
5,137,373
3,401,723
3,012,785
Reviewed later
Other ND Expenditures
2,289,231
2,237,426
2,455,210
Contact with any questions
Total Expenditures
17,816,558
16,549,969
14,889,682
• Fire District 2014 Contract
o When we built the 2015 Proposed Budget, we estimated that we would pay the district a total
$7,022,800 in 2014
o This includes the scheduled payment of $6,222,700
o We added $800,000 for the first portion of the $1,667,000 "Retro" payment
• Fire District 2015 Contract
o The 2015 Proposed Budget includes a base payment of $6,222,700
o Plus Mayor's "placeholder" of $978,000
o These two amounts bring our estimated new on-going FDI contract to $7,200,700
o Lastly, we added $867,000 for the remaining "Retro" payment
o To pay for the "Retro" payment we are recommending we transfer the funds from
Contingency Reserve Fund
• Transfers within General Fund
Expenditures
2014
2014 YE
2015
Discussion
Budget
Estimate
Recomm.
Low Enforcement
594,646
375,000
275,000
Target balance
Medical (009
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 21, 2014
Page 17
Risk Mgmt (011)
903,798
636,000
--
Target balance
Contingency Reserve
522,313
--
--
Target balance
(012)
214,163
214,272
169,875
Scheduled payment
Historic Preservation
7,000
7,000
--
Scheduled payment
(014)
40,186
40,186
40,000
Operating transfer
Building Maint (016)
589,800
379,800
266,600
$210,000 carryforward
Total
2,617,559
1,397,800
541,600
$550,000 Streets and
$156,000 carryforward
0 Transfer to other funds
Expenditures
2014
Budget
2014 YE
Estimate
2015
Recomm
Discussion
Firemen's Pension
(617)
179
179
15,000
Continue Funding
LTGO Debt Sery (231)
214,163
214,272
169,875
Scheduled payment
2014 Debt Sery (232)
966,286
966,286
925,310
Scheduled payment
Cemetery Fund (130)
40,186
40,186
40,000
Operating transfer
Street Fund (I 11)
400,000
400,000
400,000
Operating transfer
Street Construction
(112)
679,000
363,000
706,000
$550,000 Streets and
$156,000 carryforward
Municipal Arts (117)
20,000
20,000
15,000
Per City policy
Parks construction
200,000
--
1 200,000
Carryforward
Total
2,519,814
2,003,923
1 2,471,185
Decision Packages
o DP #9: $250,000 -
Reserves for Council Designated Projects
o DP #10: $2,500 - Economic Alliance of Snohomish County
o DP #11: $1,000 - Washington Aerospace Partnership
o DP #27: $200,000
- Carry Forward for Edmonds Marsh/Daylighting Willow Creek
o DP #33: $550,000
- Street Preservation Funding
o DP #34: $50,000 -
Trackside Warning System
o DP #35: $210,000
- ESCO IV Funding
o DP #36: $106,000
- SR 104 Transportation Corridor Study
Other Finance Managed
funds
o LEOFF Medical
o Risk Management
o Contingency Reserve
o Employee Parking
o LID and Debt Service Funds
o Fireman's Pension
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas referred to DP #10 and asked whether the City had paid that in the past.
Mr. James responded the City has paid $7,500/year in the past; the Economic Alliance is asking the City
to contribute up to $10,000. DP #10 is the $2,500 difference. The Alliance has ongoing costs they must
meet and have not requested an increase in recent years.
Council President Buckshnis referred to DP #27 and suggested setting up a fund similar to the Flower
Program to allow tax-deductible donations and to avoid carrying forward the funds.
Council President Buckshnis commented she was not in favor of a 16% increase for Fire District 1 and
found that amount extremely disturbing and atrocious. Mr. James advised the numbers are placeholders
acknowledging the City received the bill and that there will be increases in the future.
Development Services
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 21, 2014
Page 18
Development Services Director Shane Hope explained Development Services handles permitting,
provides information to the public about property, and does code enforcement and long range planning.
She reviewed the following:
• Accomplishments
o Permit & inspection activity continues to be at high level
o Positive feedback from most customers
o Permit valuation and revenue—significant increases in 2014
o GMA- Major Comp Plan Update—in progress (due mid -2015)
o Westgate Zoning proposal—prepared
o Development Code Update—products from legal consultant submitted; other work in
progress
o Tree Code Proposal –initial draft prepared (final by end of year)
o Critical Area Code—Consultant selected (project to be completed by mid -2015)
o Green Resource Center—design being finalized; major expenditures to be completed by end
of year
• Challenges
o Schedule for 2015 Comp Plan Update is tight
o Code Update project is proceeding
■ Legal consultant work completed
■ RFQ for remaining work issued
■ Approval of carryforward (DP # 17) will help reach project completion
o Permit activity per employee continuing at very high level
■ Limits ability to support longer range planning and code initiatives
o Department has huge inventory of paper files, maps, plans that need to be input into a well -
organized database
• Graph of building permits and revenue for January through September 2001 – 2014
• Graph of Building Permits per Development Services Employee
Expenditures
2014
Budget
2014 YE
Estimate
2015
m
Recom
Discussion
Salaries
1,273,306
1,143,200
1,312,415
No new FTEs
Benefits
465,402
416,300
459,602
No new FTEs
Total Department
2,219,366
1,958,802
2,261,629
Relates to DP #18
Revenue
2014
2014 YE
Discussion
Budget
Estimate
Building Permits
503,000
550,000
Healthy economy & interest in
Edmonds
Dev Services Surchg
38,500
38,500
Relates to DP #18
(Technology)
Other Permits/Approvals
439,790
494,200
Healthy economy & interest in
(excl. Engineering)
Edmonds
Decision packages
o DP #17: Development Code Update Carryforward
■ For professional services to complete project - $85,000
o DP #19 – GMA Temporary Extra Help - for 2015 Comp Plan Update to meet state deadline
■ One-time only- $25,728
o DP #18 – Digitization & Archiving of files, maps, plans
■ $57,000 in 2015; $32,100 in 2016; $5100 annually thereafter
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 21, 2014
Page 19
Councilmember Bloom asked whether $85,000 was sufficient to complete the development code rewrite.
Ms. Hope answered it would accomplish a significant amount of the rewrite but not the entire
development code. Councilmember Bloom asked how much would be needed to complete the entire
development code. Ms. Hope answered that would depend on which chapters are considered the entire
code. She estimated $300,000 in addition to the $85,000 to do the entire development code.
Councilmember Bloom asked for an update during the budget process of what has been done so far. She
felt it was time to deal with this and allocate additional funds to accomplish it. Council President
Buckshnis offered to schedule the update on progress to date at a study session.
Mayor Earling declared a 5 minute recess.
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Parks & Recreation Director Carrie Hite reviewed the following:
• Accomplishments
o Installation of new play area at Edmonds City Park with first community build
o Marsh Feasibility Study
o Fourth Avenue Cultural Corridor, Stages of History
o PROS plan completion
o Community Cultural Plan completion
o Yost boiler replacement
o Begin Marina Beach Master Plan
o Received Conservation Futures grant for waterfront acquisition
o Begin Dayton Street Plaza
o Replaced Fitness Room equipment
o Concessions Agreements in parks
o YMCA Yost Partnership
o Petanque courts
o Pickleball courts
o Outdoor fitness equipment
o Health & Fitness Expo
o Puget Sound Bird Fest
o WOTS Conference
o Street Scramble
o Park Impact Fees
o Public art project for 5 Corners Roundabout
o Student Conservation Association
0 5,349 volunteer hours, or 2.5 FTE's
Challenges
o Staffing capacity, seasonals
o Yost Pool: YMCA
o Park projects
o Director's time with HR
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 21, 2014
Page 20
2014
2014 YE
2015
Expenditures
Modified
Estimate
Recomm
Discussion
Budget
Administration
408,211
312,050
351,028
Decrease in professional services
Increase in professional services due to
Recreation
1,129,326
1,156,120
1,231,582
success of beach camp, has
corresponding revenue
Programs
591,832
511,836
540,907
2014: Aquatic savings w/ YMCA
partnership. Reorganized camp staffing.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 21, 2014
Page 20
Revenue
2014
2014 YE
2015
Late tennis start. 2015: school-age day
Modified
Estimate
Recomm
camp eliminated
Budget
2014: Delay in staff hiring. 2015: staff
Parks Maintenance
1,647,336
1,510,501
1,637,054
at full capacity. Increase in seasonal
Program Fees
877,000
878,750
935,000
staff benefits, utilities and interfund
rental.
Flower Program
50,211
39,306
66,135
Increase to seasonal staff benefits and
interfund rental
Total Budget
3,826,916
3,529,813
3,826,706
Revenue
2014
2014 YE
2015
Discussion
Modified
Estimate
Recomm
Budget
Aquatics
134,250
133,238
134,010
Program Fees
877,000
878,750
935,000
2015: Maximums increasing in summer
camps and added camps
Rentals
153,200
98,565
120,000
Fewer shelter rentals at City Park due
to closure of playground (April — July)
Leases
159,335
161,156
166,772
Park Donations
10,400
12,200
12,200
Total
1,334,185
1,283,909
1,367,982
Decision Packages/Changes
o Ballfield Groomer - $13,800
o Green House Seeding Machine - $4800
o Reorganization: Reclassification of Recreation Manager to Assistant Director, 5% increase
already in budget. No additional cost for this year.
Ms. Hite thanked the Parks & Recreation team and described the Day at the Beach scarecrows on display
in front of Frances Anderson Center.
Municipal Court
Municipal Court Judge Doug Fair reviewed:
• Accomplishments
o Restructured staff to add a lead clerk position.
0 2014 was a foundation year. We did not complete any new projects but built a base for the
following projects to occur in the next year or two
o Online payments slated to commence by late 2014 or early 2015 to coincide with the City's
updated website
o New audio/visual upgrade to the court/council chambers
o Electronic filing. Staff members will be attending a conference on successful implementation
of electronic filing
Challenges
o Caseload increase/decrease depending on police staffing and injuries.
o Can the court integrate with laserfiche software as the platform for an electronic file
management system?
o Integrating new public defender standards.
o New judge
Expenditures
2014
2014 YE
2015
Discussion
Modified
Estimate
Recomm
Budget
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 21, 2014
Page 21
Interpreter Expense
18,000
10,000
14,000
Caseloads down for 2014, probably rise
Modified
Estimate
Recomm
in 2015
Miscellaneous
36,000
10,000
11,000
Electronic File Management System
Public Defender
(DP) was not implemented
Revenue
2014
2014 YE
2015
Modified
Estimate
Recomm
Discussion
Budget
Public Defender
Public defender assessment went from
35,000
33,000
39,000
$130 to $200 during 2014 and will be
Recoupment
$200 during 2015
Traffic infraction filings were down
Infractions
310,000
273,000
293,000
significantly in 2014 and we anticipate
some increase in 2015
• Decision Package
o Electronic File Management System
■ City receives funds from "Washington State Court Improvements Account." Funds are
restricted and must to be used only for improving the court's efficiency. Balance in this
account as of today is $59,851
Mayor Earling advised Item 14 would be delayed to next week's study session. He announced the
Council would hold a 5 minute executive session at the end of the meeting regarding potential litigation
per RCW 42.30.110(1)(i).
COUNCIL PRESIDENT BUCKSHNIS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
PETERSON, TO EXTEND THE MEETING FOR 25 MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
13. INTENT TO APPROVE SHORELINE MASTER PROGRAM (SMP)
Senior Planner Kernen Lien reviewed the City approval process:
• Assemble complete draft SMP
• Complete SEPA review and documentation
• Provide Growth Management Act 60 -day notice of intent to adopt
• Hold public hearing
• Prepare a responsiveness summary
• Approve SMP and submit to Ecology
• Demonstrate compliance with Guidelines
He explained Ecology's approval process generally takes six months to complete. To prepare the final
SMP for submission to Ecology, Mr. Lien requested direction from the Council regarding:
• Urban Mixed Use IV setback
• Physically separated and functionally isolated provisions
The provisions for Urban Mixed Use IV in the current draft SMP are:
• No residential
• 150 -foot setback
50 -foot vegetative buffer
Interim designation (2 years)
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 21, 2014
Page 22
Mr. Lien explained both the buffer and setback are measured from the Ordinary High Water Mark
(OHWM) which basically is the edge of wetland around the Edmonds Marsh. The total setback is the
current draft SMP is 150 feet; within the 150 setback is a 50 -foot vegetative buffer requirement for a total
of 150 feet from the edge of the marsh.
He reviewed staff recommendation for the Urban Mixed Use IV:
• 50 -foot setback
o Consistent with BAS and no net loss requirement
o Department of Ecology supports
o Opportunity of enhancement
0 150 foot setback creates nonconforming situation
Interim designation
Council President Buckshnis apologized for all the work Mr. Lien has done and the discussions they have
had; her intent has always been to have a 100 foot setback which she noted is part of the NOAA
Appendix L requirements. Mr. Lien displayed images of the 100 -foot setback and the 150 -foot setback
the 50 -foot vegetative buffer within the setback.
Councilmember Petso asked about the Appendix L that Council President Buckshnis referred to. Mr. Lien
explained it is funding guidance for three water quality grant programs, Section 319 grants, Centennial
Clean Water Fund grants, and the Water Pollution Control State Revolving Fund loans. He read from
Appendix L, "In July 2011, Western Washington Treaty Tribes released the "Treaty Rights at Risk"
paper. The paper stated treaty -reserved rights to harvest salmon and steelhead are being impaired by
ongoing salmon habitat loss. To address concerns outlined in the paper, tribes approached federal
government agencies that fund environmental work to improve salmon habitat and restore sustainable
salmon fisheries to levels that meet treaty rights." As a result of the Tribes approaching the federal
government, minimum buffer widths were established to obtain funds from those three grant programs;
the minimum for Willow Creek and Shellabarger Creek is 100 feet.
Councilmember Petso commented the discussion was about the marsh as well as stream buffers; she
asked whether the setback for federal funding for the marsh was a 100 feet or 150 feet. Mr. Lien answered
he was unsure how it would apply in this situation. He identified the locations of Willow and Shellabarger
Creeks, noting they are intricately intertwined with the marsh. He assumed the federal funding would
consider whether a 100 -foot setback was provided. The minimum buffer width for intertidal and estuarine
streams and channels in Appendix L is 35-75 feet. A link in the appendix to specific stream buffers
identifies a 100 foot buffer for Shellabarger Creek channel outlet. He would need to conduct further
research to confirm the buffers.
Councilmember Petso asked how difficult it would be to correct the setback in the future if the Council
got it wrong tonight. Mr. Lien answered six months; Ecology's approval process for a minor amendment
is the same as a complete SMP update.
Councilmember Johnson asked when the two year interim period would start; the day the SMP is
submitted to Ecology of the date it is approved by Ecology. Mr. Lien advised the SMP becomes effective
14 days after Ecology grants approval; the 2 year period would start from then.
Council President Buckshnis expressed support for the interim designation, noting it would provide time
for the City to have discussions with the Port, WSDOT and Unocal.
Mr. Lien provided information regarding physically separated/functionally isolated provisions:
24.40.020.F.2.g — Physically Separated and Functionally Isolated Buffers
g. Physically Separated and Functionally Isolated Buffers.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 21, 2014
Page 23
i. Areas which are both physically separated and functionally isolated from a wetland and do
not protect the wetland from adverse impacts due to preexisting public roads, structures, or
similar circumstances, shall be excluded from the buffers otherwise required by this
subsection.
ii. A critical area report prepared by a qualified professional is required to determine whether
the buffer is functionally isolated.
He displayed a lidar map and identified areas east of the railroad tracks. The marsh becoming a shoreline
of the state expanded the shoreline jurisdiction into Harbor Square and Unocal properties on the north and
south sides of the marsh as well as made other areas with shoreline jurisdiction. A buffer provides
protection to a critical area; it does not provide that function when it is physically separated and
functionally isolated. In this case, the railroad separates a portion of the Port property from the marsh and
does not provide any protection or function to the marsh.
Councilmember Petso recalled previous discussion about the application of physically separated and
functionally isolated to situations through the City such as a road in City Park separating the spray park
from a wetland. She asked whether there was a way to limit the SMP to only this one example. Mr. Lien
answered the SMP impacts shoreline jurisdictions; City Park is not in shoreline jurisdiction and none of
the other streams in the City are within shoreline jurisdiction. Councilmember Petso asked whether it
would apply to the path or tennis courts between the north end of the marsh and some areas of Harbor
Square. Mr. Lien advised that determination is made by a qualified professional. He displayed the map,
identifying the 50 -foot vegetative buffer and the 100 -foot setback. The physically separated and
functionally isolated provision is in the critical areas section of the SMP and applies specifically to
wetland buffers.
Mr. Lien advised the resolution in the packet was a draft and would be returned to Council for approval
on the Consent Agenda at a subsequent meeting.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT BUCKSHNIS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-
MONILLAS, TO APPROVE A 100 FOOT SETBACK, NO RESIDENTIAL AND AN INTERIM
DESIGNATION.
Councilmember Petso asked for clarification whether the motion included a 50 -foot vegetative buffer. Mr.
Lien explained the draft SMP has a 150 -foot setback with a 50 foot vegetative buffer; the motion would
change that to a 100 -foot setback with a 50 -foot vegetative buffer. Council President Buckshnis agreed
that was the intent of her motion.
For Councilmember Peterson, Mr. Lien advised the current draft SMP did not allow residential
development in the Urban Mixed Use IV. Councilmember Peterson said he was not completely
comfortable with excluding residential but likely could move forward.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas asked Mr. Lien for his recommendation regarding physically separated
and functionally isolated. Mr. Lien recommended retaining it.
COUNCILMEMBER PETERSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT
BUCKSHNIS, TO RETAIN PHYSICALLY SEPARATED AND FUNCTIONALLY ISOLATED.
Councilmember Johnson asked how that would have been interpreted for the American Brewing
Company silo and the Jacobsen's Marine project. Mr. Lien displayed the image of a 100 -foot setback and
50 -foot buffer. He identified the location of silo, explaining under the SMP it would not have been
allowed because it added new structures within the setback area. The Jacobsen's Marine project is
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 21, 2014
Page 24
physically separated and functionally isolated from the marsh; that project was approved when the interim
CAO was in place and they were allowed to build under the physically separated and functionally isolated
provision.
Mr. Lien explained the interim CAO had a physically separated and functionally isolated provision and it
allowed development within the previously developed footprint. The American Brewery silo was
constructed within the impervious surface area defined as the previously developed footprint. Both the
American Brewery and Jacobsen's Marine project were required to provide enhancement and some buffer
enhancement in the marsh is occurring as a result of those two projects.
Councilmember Petso asked how many other projects came in during period the interim ordinance was in
effect. Mr. Lien answered those two and the City Park spray pad.
MOTION CARRIED (5-1), COUNCILMEMBER BLOOM VOTING NO.
14. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF THE PROPOSED 2015-2020 CAPITAL FACILITIES
PLAN/CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
This item was delayed to a future meeting via action take at the conclusion of Item 12.
15. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Earling thanked the Council for approving the judge's job description and confirming the
position's salary and benefits. The search will begin search tomorrow and he hoped to have a new judge
in place by mid-December.
Mayor Earling announced his reappointment of Darlene Stern and appointment of Jamie Reece to the
Economic Development Commission.
16. COUNCIL COMMENTS - None
17. CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING PENDING OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION
PER RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)
At 10:25 p.m., Mayor Earling announced that the City Council would meet in executive session regarding
potential litigation per RCW 42.30.140(1)(i). He stated that the executive session was scheduled to last
approximately 30 minutes and would be held in the Jury Meeting Room, located in the Public Safety
Complex. No action was anticipated to occur as a result of meeting in executive session. Elected officials
present at the executive session were: Mayor Earling, and Councilmembers Johnson, Fraley-Monillas,
Buckshnis, Peterson, Petso and Bloom. Others present were City Attorney Jeff Taraday, Finance Director
Scott James and City Clerk Scott Passey. The executive session concluded at 10:30 p.m.
18. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
Mayor Earling reconvened the regular City Council meeting at 10:30 p.m.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 21, 2014
Page 25
19. ADJOURN
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 10:31 p.m.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 21, 2014
Page 26