20191008 City CouncilEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
October 8, 2019
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Dave Earling, Mayor
Adrienne Fraley-Monillas, Council President
Michael Nelson, Councilmember
Kristiana Johnson, Councilmember
Thomas Mesaros, Councilmember
Diane Buckshnis, Councilmember
Dave Teitzel, Councilmember
Neil Tibbott, Councilmember
1. CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE
STAFF PRESENT
Al Compaan, Police Chief
Phil Williams, Public Works Director
Patrick Doherty, Econ. Dev & Comm. Serv. Dir.
Shane Hope, Development Services Director
Scott James, Finance Director
Dave Turley, Assistant Finance Director
Shannon Burley, Deputy Parks & Recreation Dir.
Scott Passey, City Clerk
Jerrie Bevington, Camera Operator
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
The Edmonds City Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Earling in the Council
Chambers, 250 5t' Avenue North, Edmonds. The meeting was opened with the flag salute.
2. LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Councilmember Mesaros read the City Council Land Acknowledge Statement: "We acknowledge the
original inhabitants of this place, the Sdohobsh (Snohomish) people and their successors the Tulalip Tribes,
who since time immemorial have hunted, fished, gathered, and taken care of these lands. We respect their
sovereignty, their right to self-determination, and we honor their sacred spiritual connection with the land
and water."
3. ROLL CALL
City Clerk Scott Passey called the roll. All elected officials were present.
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
COUNCILMEMBER TEITZEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER TIBBOTT, TO
APPROVE THE AGENDA IN CONTENT AND ORDER. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
TEITZEL, TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The
agenda items approved are as follows:
APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 1, 2019
2. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF CLAIM FOR DAMAGES
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 8, 2019
Page 1
6. PRESENTATION
1. SNOHOMISH COUNTY PUD ENERGY INCENTIVES AWARD
Public Works Director Phil Williams introduced Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager Pamela Randolph,
Electrical/Instrument Technician Dan Korstad and Snohomish County PUD Energy Specialists Allison
Grinsell and Jim Conman. He explained the City has had several ESCO projects at the WWTP to deliver
quality energy savings which is one of the ways to fund projects. Another way is to work with PUD to
receive energy saving payments; when the City does a project that saves a significant amount of energy,
some of the cost can be paid for by PUD.
Ms. Randolph reviewed
• In 2010 Plant staff began working with SnoPUD and entered into an Energy Challenge
* Continue to work with PUD -to fund replacement of equipment with more efficient options
• WWTP: 2012-2109 PUD Revenue and Det of Commerce Grant
Year
Intergovt Revenue -PUD Commerce Grant
2012
$73,725
2013
$51,338
2014
$1,792
2015
1 $5,027 $255,000
2016
2017
$11,265
2018
$43,880
2019
$62,542
Total
J $249,571 $255,000
GRAND
TOTAL $504,571
• Energy projects also saved the City over $200,000/year in energy savings
Mr. Williams pointed out the $200,000/year since approximately 2012 totals about $1.4M in energy
savings. That, plus other savings, is about a 30% reduction in the WWTP energy bill since 2012. The
WWTP is the City's single largest energy user.
Ms. Grinsell reviewed the screw press and blower project:
• 7% energy savings at the plant
• 250,170 total kWh savings (energy to power 22 standard homes in Snohomish County or the
Edmonds Library for a year)
• $62,542 total incentives
• $17,500 in avoided PUD changes
• $82,042 total project benefit
• Savings achieved through:
o Replacing belt presses w/screw presses
o Reducing and/or replacing unneeded miscellaneous equipment
o Optimizing blower usage based on air demand
Ms. Grinsell said the greatest thing about working with Edmonds WWTP is they come to SnoPUD to
inquire about partnering which makes it much easier for SnoPUD to provide incentives, etc.
Mr. Conman explained Wastewater Energy Coaching (WEC) is a strategic energy management program
offered by SnoPUD; six wastewater treatment facilities in Snohomish County participate in the program.
The program is now is year three but the following results are from performance year two. These are low/no
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October 8, 2019
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cost measures, a concerted effort by WWTP staff to find small items around the plant to save money. He
reviewed the results for performance year two:
0 8.9% energy savings
• 324,694 total kWh savings (energy to power 28 homes or City Hall and Yost Pool for a year)
• $27,04 total incentive received
• $53,145 in avoided PUD charges
• $81.059 total WEC benefit
• No cost/low cost measures
o Reducing spray water
o Optimization of motors
o Turning off: heat trace, lighting, etc. when not in use
Mr. Conman commented on the importance of executive leadership for the success of these programs as it
sets the example for WWTP staff.
Mr. Williams commented both with ESCO projects and working with partners like PUD, much of the
equipment had to be replaced anyway, but some of the expense can be paid for via these programs which
in addition to reducing energy costs, also dramatically reduces operations and maintenance costs at the
WWTP.
Councilmember Mesaros commented he had a friend who was board member for Puget Sound Energy, a
for-profit company as opposed to a public utility district like SnoPUD. He recalled his friend saying it was
interesting being a board member for a for-profit utility that gives incentives to their customers not to use
their product. He understood why a public utility district would do that, but it is an interesting industry that
creates incentives for customers not to use their product. He complimented the WWTP staff for the great
work they do and for saving the City and taxpayers money.
Council President Fraley-Monillas commented she has toured the WWTP and asked what a screw press
was. Ms. Randolph answered there are many different technologies for thickening solids. The screw press
takes a flow of waste -activated sludge and primary sludge, polymer is added to get it to flocculate, and
added to a screw inside a tube with holes and as the flow is pushed through, it creates pressure and water is
released and the screw pushes it through to compress it. The flow goes from about a 1% solid which
approximates dirty water to about the consistency of a moist brownie or cake. There is also a washing
mechanism to keep the screw clean. Council President Fraley-Monillas asked if that is then burned. Mr.
Williams agreed that was the next phase, running that cake through the pyrolysis. Council President Fraley-
Monillas thanked the WWTP for their work.
Councilmember Teitzel agreed the WWTP staff does a great job; he has also taken the tour and was very
impressed with the facility. He referred to the screw press and the blower process and asked if that will
make it make easier to convert to the pyrolysis method. Ms. Randolph answered absolutely. A few years
ago the WWTP put together a pathway to sustainability, things that need to be done in preparation for
replacement of the incinerator. The screw press provides the ability to get up to 31% solids versus a belt
press that cannot exceed 24%. The capability to get to 30% allows it to go into a dryer and prepare to go
into pyrolysis which will meet 70% solids.
Mayor Earling expressed his thanks, recalling he has signed several grants and he appreciated the success
each one brings to the City. He thanked the WWTP on behalf of the City and taxpayers for the good work
they do.
SnoPUD presented a check to Mayor Earling and the City Council for the WWTP Phase 5 Energy project
incentive.
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7. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
There were no audience comments.
8. PRESENTATION
1. PRESENTATION OF THE PROPOSED 2020 CITY BUDGET
Mayor Earling presented the proposed 2020 City budget:
"Members of the City Council, staff and Citizens of Edmonds: I am pleased to present to you the City of
Edmonds proposed 2020 Budget.
Ladies and Gentlemen, whether you have lived in Edmonds for a long time or a short time you have seen
Edmonds transform itself from a quiet Puget Sound suburb into a vibrant, dynamic and active Puget Sound
suburb. In fact, we have become a valuable contributing player in the region.
Part of that change certainly comes from the economic and population growth of our entire region as one
of the "hot spots" in the nation. Newer major businesses such as Microsoft, Amazon, Starbuck's and Costco,
as well as long time businesses such as Boeing, Nordstrom and Paccar, have broadened and increased
employment and population in the Puget Sound.
Within the region, counties and cities have had to plan and execute ways in which to accommodate the
changes. As we have come out of the deep recession of 2008 we in Edmonds, after taking significant action
to reduce spending and revamp our troubled finances of 2008-2011, have since made great progress
bringing our community to the strong financial position we are in today.
Our focus since 2011, besides dealing with our finances, has been several: rebuilding much of our
infrastructure including roads, water, sewer and storm water systems; enhancing our communication within
city government and with the public; improving our many parks; expanding our arts programs; improving
our business climate; rebuilding the staff cutbacks of 2011; and the undertaking of some large projects.
Remember, our City is 129 years old. We must continue work each year to update and modernize our
infrastructure as mentioned above. As an example, so far we have spent over $8M the past 7 years on street
resurfacing, with another $1.2M scheduled for next year.
Over the years we have taken on and completed many new large projects: changes at 228th and Highway
99; safety improvements at 76th and Highway 99; the Five Corners round -about; and the Dayton Street
project which is currently underway.
More recently: we purchased Civic Field and will begin construction next year on Civic Park; began
construction on the new Waterfront Redevelopment; and started the planning process for the long-term
Highway 99 improvements; and most recently, completed an extensive study which indicates many of our
city -owned facilities need work and we have assembled a list of priorities for maintenance of those
properties; in addition, daylighting of Willow Creek will help lead to the restoration of the Marsh and
salmon recovery. Large projects, all critical to Edmonds future.
To begin maintenance on the aforementioned city facilities, staff and I have assembled $1.5M in the 2020
budget for the first stage of the estimated $6.5M of facilities improvements needed. While we have
assembled funds for our portion of the Waterfront Redevelopment and Civic Field, constant vigilance will
be needed in meeting those budgets.
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Council recalls we had $1 OM assembled for major Highway 99 improvements. While we were successful
in drawing down $1M of that amount earlier, the remaining state -funded $9M becomes available in 2021.
The next administration will need to focus on the Legislature and Washington D.C. for long-term funding
for the $150-$175M project, as well as for the additional state and federal funding needed for the Marsh
and Willow Creek projects.
I asked staff in the spring to be cautious in hiring additional staff for next year. They have met that challenge.
Next year the budget includes only two new staff positions. In addition we have made a few shifts in job
responsibilities and added three new half-time positions.
On the revenue side, we are having another solid year as I mentioned earlier due to our regions very strong
economy, and through the efforts of the BID (Edmonds Downtown Alliance), Chamber of Commerce, the
Port, and city staff who have worked to increase our reputation as a Daytime Destination.
Our arts community adds to the revenue projections. With high-quality local performance groups, the
Center for the Arts, and now with the first designation in the state as a "Creative District" the arts in
Edmonds continue to flourish and add to the Daytime Destination.
Without shopping malls or big box stores, we have created an identity which generates the revenue needed
to sustain our community's expectations and quality of life. It is a reputation I hope the new Council and
Administration will continue to foster for our future financial wellbeing.
The staff and I found great value in the new process suggested by the Council in addressing the Council
priorities. Even though we received the Council priorities very late into the budget development process,
the staff and I have worked diligently to address the Council priorities. The exhibit on page 27 itemizes the
Council priorities and explains how the priorities are foot noted in my Proposed Budget Book.
In conclusion we offer you a budget which looks to the future and at the same time is focused on making
only good decisions for the long term good of our community. Unlike the financial challenges of 2011 we
leave you with a city which has a new sense of energy and vitality. We leave you with a very healthy
community and a strong Fund Balance. It has been my pleasure to serve the city."
9. STUDY ITEM
1. MARSH STUDY FINDINGS NEXT STEPS
Council President Fraley-Monillas commented there seemed to be some confusion after last week's
meeting. She thought she was asked at last week's meeting to develop a committee of Council and perhaps
staff to look at Windward's recommendations and to talk with staff about finances, funding sources,
whether it could be in-house or by a consultant, etc. The intent was after that committee looked at
Windward's recommendations, they would go out to the community to begin discussing the issues. Since
then, Councilmember Buckshnis tried to put together another subcommittee to work on this. Council
President Fraley-Monillas asked for clarification from the Council regarding what they wanted her to do as
there certainly could not be two committees doing the same thing. The volunteers for her committee were
Councilmembers Buckshnis, Nelson and Johnson and two staff.
Councilmember Buckshnis said the minutes of the last meeting state Councilmember Buckshnis
volunteered to head up a task force along with Mr. Lien and Zach and a couple citizens to consider the data
and develop some ideas. She envisioned the task force being similar to the Hwy 99 Task Force or the
Parking Committee or other task forces the City has had that would look through the material and map out
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October 8, 2019
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a course of action for the Council to consider. Council President Fraley-Monillas said her understanding
was the Council directed her to create a committee.
Councilmember Mesaros recalled he recommended Council President Fraley-Monillas form a committee.
As he understood the Council process, one of the Council President's roles is to appoint people to
committees. Although a Councilmember may volunteer to serve, that does not mean they can self -appoint.
He recommended the Council President develop a committee structure, bring that back to the Council,
discuss the appointments she recommends and proceed accordingly.
Council President Fraley-Monillas commented the committee members have already volunteered; the
remaining question was at what point should be committee involve the community.
Councilmember Teitzel echoed Councilmember Mesaros' recommendation. His understanding was that
Council President Fraley-Monillas would officially appoint the Councilmembers who volunteered to serve
on the committee and he viewed that and Councilmembers volunteering to serve on the committee as one
in the same.
Councilmember Mesaros recommended Council President Fraley-Monillas form the group and they take
the question about how to engage the public under advisement and present a process to the Council for
consideration. The Council has done a good job engaging the public to this point and he envisioned that
continuing.
Councilmember Johnson envisioned the group being the most effective if it was comprised of
Councilmembers and staff. That would allow them to move quickly through next steps and come up with a
recommendation before the end of the year. After that framework is developed, public input can be sought.
She said it would be inefficient and ineffective to start a whole new process.
Council President Fraley-Monillas said she had also initially determined this would not be a large term
committee and if the Council wanted to do something later that would be appropriate. Two staff and three
Councilmembers have volunteered to participate on the committee; the goal will be to first talk about
Windward's recommendations, if and how to implement those, and provide recommendations for engaging
the public in the future and moving forward. She had thought it would take two meetings but now realizes
it may require four meetings.
COUNCILMEMBER JOHNSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MESAROS, TO
AUTHORIZE THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT TO APPOINT A SHORT TERM TASK FORCE FOR
THE PURPOSE OF MOVING FORWARD WITH THE MARSH RECOMMENDATIONS.
Councilmember Buckshnis commented the material is massive. She asked for a definition of short term.
Councilmember Johnson said by the end of the year.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Earling reported Edmonds was awarded a $1.85M grant by Sound Transit for citywide bicycle
improvements due to the good work of the City's Transportation Engineer Bertrand Hauss. The grant will
improve bicycle and pedestrian access throughout the City, making it easier and safer to reach the Sounder
station and the Mountlake Terrace light rail station. It is a very exciting project; approximately 15-20 cities
throughout the region received grants to help the facilitate movement of people.
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Mayor Earling referred to a new magazine, WELCOME, that includes an article regarding the new CEO of
Paine Field and about half the magazine is a writeup about Edmonds. He recognized the work of two of the
City's contract employees, Ellen Hiatt and Carolyn Douglas, to promote Edmonds.
11. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Teitzel reported City staff, Councilmember Mesaros and he have been working on the
parking issue, engaging the community in late August/early September both via a survey and a meeting. A
lot of great input was received including over 700 responses to the survey with thousands of individual
comments. Staff is summarizing that data and determining next steps based on the input provided. The plan
is for staff to present that information to Council on October 22. The results of the study will be released to
the public shortly after.
Council President Fraley-Monillas advised she will provide a list of who will be on the task force tomorrow.
Councilmember Mesaros reported seeing an announcement on the television news of Edmonds receiving
the bicycle grant from Sound Transit. He looked forward to staff presenting a summary of the public input
regarding parking. He noted the article in WELCOME will bring more people to Edmonds, making the
parking study that much more important.
Councilmember Mesaros relayed Councilmembers as well as candidates for office were invited to a
reception at the Edmonds Center for the Arts on October 12 prior to the performance by violinist Kelly
Hall -Tompkins.
Councilmember Mesaros recognized Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, began tonight, when the Jewish
committee asks people to seek forgiveness and atonement for any wrongs that have happened over the past
year, a sacred holiday in the Jewish faith. He wished all Jewish citizens a good holiday.
Councilmember Buckshnis also recognized the start of Yom Kippur.
Councilmember Buckshnis thanked everyone who dressed up their dogs and attended Halloween How]
which raised over $1300 to assist Off Leash Area Edmonds (OLAE).
12. CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING PENDING OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION
PER RCW 42.30.110(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 7:45 p.m.
DAVID O. EA LING, MAYOR 5 ASSEY, CITY CLE
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October 8, 2019
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