19720926 City Council Minutes330
EERKES CONTRACTING, INC $189155.00
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SHAFFER ENGR. & CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. 23,500.00
BEN HOLT CONST. INC. AND TAYLOR UTILITIES 23,711.50
SEA -PORT BULLDOZING 279037.00
WICO, INC. 29,360.00
Engineer Larson stated that the low bidder had done work for the City before and
he recommended award to Eerkes Contracting, Inc. A motion was then made by
Councilman Nordquist and seconded by Councilwoman Shippen to accept the low
bid of Eerkes Contracting, Inc. in the amount of $18,155. Motion carried.
PRESENTATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTIONS:
#388 - APPEAL FROM RECOMMENDATION TO DENY A PROPOSED AMENDMENT
TO OFFICIAL ZONING MAP DESCRIBED IN FILE R-6-72.
#389 - HEARING ON AMENDMENT TO OFFICIAL ZONING ORDINANCE, IN
ACCORDANCE WITH PLANNING COMMISSION FILE ZO-4-72.
A motion was made by Councilman Nordquist and seconded by Councilman Nelson to
set October 10th for hearing on Planning Commission Resolution 388 and 389.
Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF PRELIMINARY PLAT OF BALLINGER SHORES, A 6 LOT PLAT ON EAST SIDE OF
76th AT 242nd SW. (APPROVED BY PLANNING COMMISSION ON SEPTEMBER 13. 1972)
City Planner, Merlin Logan stated that this item got on the agenda quite early and
he did not have time to send out drawings, however there have been no problems
and no citizen objection to it. Following a brief discussion a motion was made
by Councilman Nordquist and seconded by Councilman Nelson recommending approval
of Preliminary Plat of Ballinger Shores, subject to engineering requirements and
subject to erection, -.of a barricade across Bradley Road. Motion carried.
COUNCIL COMMENTS ON MAYOR'S LIST OF POSITIONS AFFECTED BY SALARY STUDY
The Mayor reported that he had information from the City Attorney indicating the
Salary and Wage Board has authorized a 51,-2 increase in salaries from November 1971
to November 1972. As of last January a 2% City raise given to all City personnel
across the board, thus leaving 312-. The figures submitted to the Council would
consume about 1.6% bringing all salaries up to the minimum., This would leave
1.9% or approximately $2,000 per month for merit increases to be determined
sometime during the month of October. The Mayor said that he and the CAO feel
they would like to promise sometime during the month of October that these increases
would be retroactive to October .1st. At this point CAO Ron Whaley said that
he had called a Staff Meeting following the September 5th Council Meeting and
asked the staff to evaluate the people in their departments and come up with
some recommendations following guidelines as recommended by the Council. There
will be a meeting next Monday with the Wage and Price Board which Mr. Whaley
and Mr. Wallace will attend to discuss this in further detail. Mr. Whaley stated
that he personally would rather make one wage adjustment, that adjustment to
become effective October 1st. Allen Tuttle, Finance Director, has contacted the
EEA to see about additional funding to take care to the raises for the five'
EEA people. Councilman Nelson stated that he had reservations, but is now
completely satisfied with the proposal as set forth by Mr. Whaley. Councilwoman
Shippen stated that she did not approve of four department heads being ranked
under the Assistant Fire Chief. She thought a situation such as this lowers
the morale and that these rankinisshould be looked into. Councilwoman Shippen
stated that she did not think the department heads should noEt have to appeal
their own rankings. Councilman Gellert stated that he thought the department
heads should be looked after by the Mayor and CAO. Councilman Haines stated
that the Council should not take away from administration the running of the
internal affairs of the city. In discussing the Review Board, Councilman Nordquist
stated that he thinks someone from the Council should sit on this Board. It
was mentioned that members of the original evaluation committee would sit on the
review board.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:50 P.M.
Irehe Varney Moral City Clerk
September 26, 1972
RnT.T. rAT.T.
Harve H. Harrison, Mayor
Regular meeting of the Edmonds City Council was called to order by Mayor Harve
Harrison. All council members were present.
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes of the meeting of September 19 had been posted, mailed and distributed,
and with no corrections nor omissions, they were approved as written. -
COUNCIL PARTICIPATION
Councilwoman Shippen commented on her letter sent to each council member, suggest-
ing that the City request the State Highway Department to bear the cost of retain-
ing a landscape architect by the City of Edmonds in order to beautify areas along
the highway in a manner decided by the City. She stated that she felt the City
should be the one to direct the landscaping, not the Highway Department; that these
areas were of importance to the City; and that it was not at all inappropriate to
ask the State Highway Department to do this.
Mayor Harrison then read a letter from the Beautification Committee, urging that
funds be provided in next year's budget for four.items: (1) The establishment of
a fountain at 5th and Main, which would add character and distinction to our town;
(2) A street tree planting program; (3) The employment of a consulting landscape
architect for landscaping the swimming pool area with indigenous plant material
and advise on how to plant areas with low maintenance costs. The entrances to the
city, especially on the new freeway need special designing, and the Committee is
of the opinion that a reduction in maintenance costs would largely pay for his
services;.and (4) Toward improving the appearance of the city parking lot at 6th
and Edmonds. The Mayor said this would enter into the capital improvements dis-
cussion, and Councilman Gellert stated that he agreed that an architectural con-
sultant as well as landscape consultant was needed. CAO Ron Whaley mentioned
the advance funding of the Washington Futures Program, and told council that on
Thursday of this week Mr. Russell will be here in connection with researching any
available grants for the City of Edmonds.
In regard to her stated suggestion, a motion was made by Councilwoman Shippen,
seconded by Councilman Nelson to direct the Mayor to reguest the State Highway
Department to underwrite the cost of a landscape architect for Edmonds. The
motion carried.
Councilman Tuson asked that the Mayor appoint someone else to the County Health
Board, since Councilman Tuson will be unable to attend the meetings. Mayor
Harrison said he would appoint someone at a future date.
Councilman Nordquist said he would like to petition the Mayor's office to'see that
some direct action be taken to slow down violations of cars passing school buses
when they stop to let off passengers. He noted that this has become a problem in
other areas, and he would like something done. Police Chief Foster said he would
put emphasis on this in his department.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Mrs. Carroll, in the audience, inquired if and when 182nd Street was vacated. She
h-as property for three homes, but cannot build. The Code requires a 20 foot access
easement in order to build, and she said she had discussed this problem with the
city and county, and could not'seem to find an answer. The.City Engineer said he
would check the R/W and records, but we would not have information on file that_
took place before the area was annexed to the city. Mayor Harrison advised Mrs.'
• Carroll to get in touch with both the City Planner and City Engineer to see if her
problem can be solved.
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Bill Nims, Director of Public Works for the City of Lynnwood, spoke to council on
Lynnwood's reguest for a franchise to allow them to construct sanitary sewers in
68th Avenue West, within the city limits of Edmonds, between 164th and Meadowdale
Road. Mr. Nims stated that Lynnwood was trying to complete the project before the
rainy weather and would appreciate Edmonds' taking up the subject as soon as pos-
sible. Mayor..Harrison reported to council that Mayor Hrdlicka had said he would
find no objection to Edmonds' sewering those people south of the Meadowdale Junior
High School. Councilman -Gellert expressed concern over the possi ble overloading
of the treatment plant discharging into Brown's Bay and mentioned that he had noticed
in recent months a collection of seagulls at the outflow and odors from the Lynnwood
treatment plant. Mr. Nims explained that Lynnwood has installed a "water scrubber"
in accordance with the Health Dept. suggestion, and every effort has been made to
contact agencies for a solution to their problem. He added that this has assisted
in reducing the odor. Also, the Department of.Ecblogy has inspected the outfall and
the degree of treatment meets both that department's and the Health Department's re-
quirements. There followed discussion on capacities of the treatment plant and what
effect future annexations might have on this. Councilman Tuson said he would like
to have a rough idea of the percentage of the 25% Edmonds ownership of the Lynnwood
plant that is now being used. Councilman Gellert said he.would.like to see a five
or ten year plan reviewed by the agencies before action is taken. It was mentioned
that Lynnwood is probably using Edmonds' 25% of the capacity and has not made over-
tures to Edmonds to purchase this percentage as is stated in the agreement. Mayor
Harrison asked what plans Lynnwood has made for increasing the treatment plant,, Mr.
Nims answered that the city is investigating grants for this purpose at present.
He said when rainfall is heavy, the plant does not handle the flow. He also answered
when asked, that the 68th line would serve an additional 13 homes out of 290. Mayor
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Harrison stated that he was concerned and would like to know if Lynnwood intended to
sewer future annexed areas without plans for expansion of the plant. Mr. Nims said
they have the plans, but no definite drawings at this time. Councilman Gellert felt
Edmonds should get together with Mr. Nims and some knowledgeable person from the
Department of Ecology to discuss this matter. It was then moved by Councilman
Gellert, seconded by Councilman Tuson to set up at the earliest possible date a
meeting with the Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection Agency, to more
intelligently plan the future of the whole Lynnwood -Edmonds sewer treatment problem.
This motion carried. Mayor Harrison then said that discussion of this franchise
would be placed first on the October 3 council meeting agenda.
Councilman Tuson inquired about the City of Edmonds treatment plant, and CAO Ron
Whaley stated -that a nationwide survey had been made of all sludge incineration
plants by officials from EPA a while ago; that they had spend some time. -going
through plants, making tests, etc., and after returning to their headquarters in
North Carolina, they phoned to say they would like to tell us that of all the plants
using sludge incineration, ours was in their judgement perhaps the most efficient
plant that they had come across, and for our stack gases they were going to use our
standards as the design criteria to be met by other plants using the sludge incinera-
tion process. CAO Whaley added that he had hoped that something in writing would be
sent to follow up that phone call so that the city would have something official to
look at, but the results of what they found here urged them to go to the point of
calling to tell us this, and it certainly is a flower in Edmonds' cap and is a credit
to Reid, Middleton & Associages work and the work of our own City Engineer.
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Mayor Harrison announced that Edmonds has won a special citation from the American
Automobile Association for having a good record in pedestrian safety in cities be-
tween 25,000 and 50,000 population. Chief Foster commented that this is about the •
eighth year in a row that Edmonds has been awarded this citation for no pedestrian
fatalities.
CORRESPONDENCE
A letter was read from Howard Glazer, President of the Meadowdale Community Club,
stating that the members would like the council to alert itself to the deplorable
condition of 76th Avenue West, especially that portion immediately south of North
Meadowdale Road. They noted that some areas of 76th, north of Perrinville, have
been resurfaced, but asked what remedial steps they might expect in the immediate
future to improve the condition of this road. The Chief Administrative Officer had
advised the Mayor that a study is being made at this time to determine what has to
be done to hold the road and an estimate of the cost. The City Engineer noted that
approval had been received on a prospectus for use of the gas tax monies, but he -
stated that he would prefer installation of a water line first. The Director of
Maintenance and Operation - Public Works reported that he felt it was basically a
question of depending on whether the city wished to proceed with a costly road im-
provement on substandard water line. The CAO mentioned that figuring on the exist-
ing road or the correct right-of-way was something else to worry about in connection
with this area.
SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER M. & 0.
CAO Ron Whaley advised council that study is still underway.on M.&.0. for the .
Senior Citizen Center, and would probably take about six weeks to complete. It was
therefore moved by Councilman Nordquist, seconded by Councilman Gellert to postpone
this agenda item to November 14, and the motion carried.
FIRST READING PROPOSED ORDINANCE ADOPTING UNIFORM FIRE CODE •
First reading was heard on the proposed ordinance adopting the 1971 edition of the
Uniform Fire Code.
REVIEW OF CONCESSION POLICY
Mayor'Harrison reported that he had been advised that no pattern exists in other
cities in regard to licensing or allowing concessions, and Edmonds should devise
its own regulations. He stated that it was his own feeling that concessions on
wheels should not be allowed to park on city property, and if they locate at the
beaches, a charge of $50 should be made for license with 10°/ of the gross receipts.
Some discussion followed, and Councilman Nordquist made a motion, seconded by
Councilman Gellert to instruct the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance dealing
with concession licensing. Councilman Haines stated that he would like a policy
decision on whether or not we would like to commercialize our parks. Councilwoman
Shippen suggested that this question be referred to the Park Board to advise the
council on ftiather there should be sales in parks, and the council could then make
a decision. Following further discussion, Councilmen Nordquist and Gellert with-
drew the motion and second. It was then moved by Councilman Haines, seconded by
Councilman Gellert that this matter be referred to the Park Board for a recommenda-
tion to council on commercial sales within park boundaries, and also a recommenda-
tion on allowing street concession sales within the neighborhood of parks. This
motion carried.
Councilman Nordquist asked for Councilman Haines' definition of commercial sales.
The answer was that commercial sales would be sales made essentially for profit, and
not by non-profit organizations such as the Boy Scouts, the Junior Chamber of Com-
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merce, and numerous other groups that hold fund raising events within the park; with
Little League being in this category, also.
REPORT ON SEXTON MATTER
Mayor Harrison asked the City Attorney to make a summary report on this matter.
Attorney John Wallace stated that in response to the direction of Mayor and council,
and in response to Mrs. Sexton's allegations, he had checked the records at the Sno-
homish County Courthouse and ascertained that under Cause No. 113183 entitled Re-
tirement Income Corporation, versus James L. and Cloe L. Sexton, a forfeiture action
of a real estate contract had in fact been instituted pursuant to a,notice of intent
to forfeit and a notice of forfeiture which had been previously sent to the resident's
address at 18218 80th W. Mr. Wallace further searched the public record and.ob-
tained a copy of in'a.ffidavit of personal service whereby a Summons and Complaint to
acquire title with respect to the forfeiture action were in fact served on Mrs.
Sexton on June 17,'1972 at 11:35 A.M. Attorney Wallace said that he was advised by
the attorney for Retirement Income Corporation, who are the assignees and have had
the contract purchase assigned to them by Sparkman & McLean, who are in receivorship
at the present time, that Mrs. Sexton had obtained an attorney; that an answer had
been filed with the court but not served on the attorney for the mortgage company;
that they had noted a motion for some rejudgement which will be heard tomorrow
(September 27) in the Snohomish County Superior Court whereby they are seeking an
order in fact terminating and quieting title to the property. With respect to Mrs.
Sexton's allegations that her son was accused of larceny and that she had advised
the Police Dept. of another boy that had the bike in question and the Police would
not investigate this, it was in fact investigated, the bike was looked at and it
was determined that the serial number on that particular bike was not the same one
• as the one that was reported stolen. This investigation was accomplished on August
189 1972, With respect to the burglary complaint which Mrs. Sexton alleged the
Edmonds Police would not accept the complaint from her, this again involved a rep-
resentative of the particular mortgage company. The contract under which the
Sexton's have had real estate ownership in this particular property does specifi-
cally provide for a right.of re-entry upon a default in any of the payments or any
of the other provisions in the contract. This alleged burglary occured long after
the notices of intent to forfeit and the notice of forfeiture, and the lawsuit had
been started. As such, it is almost entirely a civil matter which can readily be
resolved in the forfeiture action which -is presently pending in the Superior Court.
The Police would not accept the burglary charge and in Attorney Wallace's opinion,
properly so. It is really a civil matter and not a criminal matter as to whether
or not there was a right of entry involved. With respect to the allegations con-
cerning illegal searches by Mrs. Sexton, these matters were also reported by her
to the Snohomish County Prosecutor's office and were personally investigated by
Mr. Robert Schillberg, the Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney. Attorney Wallace
stated he had conferred with Mr. Schillberg today and been advised by him that after
the investigation conducted by him and a member of his staff, they found that there
was no basis for the particular allegations. Attorney Wallace did not -pursue an
investigation of this any further, since he felt the Snohomish County Prosecutor is
much more ably staffed to conduct that type of an investigation than Mr. Wallace's
own particular office. In conclusion, it would be Attorney Wallace's recommendation
that under the particular circumstances, if Mrs. Sexton feels she has been wronged
by the actions that she.has made allegations about before the city council, that she
does have an adequate civil remedy available to her and it would be Mr. Wallace's
advice to her that if she feels that she has been wronged, that she proceed to file
a claim as anyone else would have to against the city or the Police Dept.
Mrs. Sexton, present in the audience, also made comments; She stated that Retirement
• Income Corporation was sponsored by Sparkman & McLean, who is now in receivership.
They 4ave out the paying part of their business to Capital West just prior to going
into receivorship, and she is trying to determine if they are the same people who
are involved in Sparkman & McLean and one and the same. This particular company or
corporation has as of.the latter part of June fifteen volumes of complaints and
court actions against them in the King County courthouse. In 1971 she was forced to
go to the state receivor to even get her taxes paid. She had a reserve account for
taxes and insurance that was mishandled and she had paid on her property for over
seven years, but she'owes more than what she paid for the property to begin with.
Mrs. Sexton said she was going to court because she feels this is not right. She
stated she had personally been in the real estate business for over five years,
and salespeople licensed in the state of Washington dealing in real estate are not
allowed to do this'sort of -thing. She does not feel a corporation should be allowed
to do this either. And as far as she has been able to determine, there are no stan-
dards for these mortgage companies in the state of Washington unless they are re-
gistered with the banking division. Sparkman & McLean and Retirement Income Corpor-
ation is not registered with the banking division or the savings and loan division
of the state of Washington. She has also appealed to the FHA regarding this matter.
She does intend to pursue it tomorrow, in court. However, if the Police Dept. does
not enter into civil matters, why did they get involved in this 'to begin with? Also,
she asked, since when does burglary and larceny become 'a civil matter? Her lawnmower
and various other items were,,,,stolen from her property, windows broken, and extensive
damage done to her house. But the Police refused her complaint. To her, this was
not a civil matter. All the other allegations she has made, she is willing to sub-
mit documents and signed, notarized statements with witnesses to back her claims.
She would be happy to submit these at the next council meeting.
Attorney Wallace remarked that Mrs. Sexton, he believed, requested that she be ad-
vised of any pending forfeiture or foreclosure action that was in existence. He
stated that we do not pass on the validity of her claim nor theirs, but she did
state at the council meeting last week that she was not aware of any such action,
nor had -she been served with Summons and Complaint. He therefore stated that he
was advising her today of the action.
REQUEST BY.WASHINGTON HOUSING SERVICES FOR RESOLUTION - 60 UNIT TURNKEY PROJECT
A request had been received from Washington Housing Services for a resolution in
connection with the proposed 60 unit Turnkey project. Mr. John Barbour, with the
Operations Division, Seattle area Department of HUD, explained the process and then
asked for questions from council.
Councilman Tuson asked who was responsible for repayment of the loan. He was con-
cerned that the City of Edmonds might find itself liable. However, Mr. Barbour
stated that the Snohomish County Housing Authority would be liable for the loan,
as the responsible party for repayment. City Attorney John Wallace remarked that
he would prefer to see this particular statement in writing from HUD before he
would be convinced.
Councilman Gellert said he had read in the papers that the King County Housing'
Authority was out of funds, and if a preliminary obligation is approved, what
would happen if they ran out of funds here? The answer was that a contract can-
not be made with the builder until authority is received from HUD. Council in-
quired as to the status of money available, and was told that authorization to
enter into a contract was given.for a specified number of units (for example,
to June 30, 1973, the end of the fiscal year) and there were left 150 available
for non -Indian housing in the area. He said local recommendations are given on •
the applications, but he did not anticipate approval unless funds are available,
then consideration can be given to these applications. He also noted that under
the Turnkey method, the Washington Housing Authority reviews the submitted plans
and the builders proceed at their own risk..
There was some further discussion on procedures and availability of funds for
council clarification.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Shippen, seconded by Councilman Nordquist that'
proposed Resolution #268 be passed, for Edmonds to approve the application for a'
preliminary loan to HUD by hSnohomish County Housing Authority with the Wash-
ington Housing Services. A roll call vote showed Councilmen Gellert, Shippen,
Nordquist, Winters and Haines voting in favor; Tuson against; Nelson had stepped,
out of the council chambers and was not available fora vote on this roll call.
Motion carried.
Councilman Nordquist then stated that thanks should be given to the gentleman for
coming to explain Turnkey. Mayor Harrison thanked Mr. Barbour in behalf of the
council for attending the meeting tonight and answering council questions.
CAO REPORT
CAO Ron Whaley presented a request from the City Engineer, with the recommended
dates, for hearings on the final assessment rolls for LID's 4184 and #187. It
was moved by Councilwoman Shippen,-seconded by Councilman Nordquist that Novem-
ber 7, as recommended by the City Fngineer, be set as the date for hearings on ;
the final assessment rolls for LID's #184 and #187, and the motion carried.
The CAO then reported that in regard to proposed raises in accordance with •
council instructions and in connection with the Prior Report, there were problems
with the IRS, and he briefly explained these. He stated that Mr. Murphy, Mr.
Tuttle and he had met with Mr. Cochran of the IRS and were told the maximum wage
increases on an across the board basis shall not exceed 5%°A. That 51-2% includes
the cost of the employer on all benefits, excluding Social Security. This takes
in health plans, dental plans, retirement plans, holidays, sick leave pay and
vacation pay, etc. That portion of the dollar value placed on these benefits
becomes a portion of the base pay. You divide that portion into a percentage
you can increase benefits, and the balance of this can be applied towards the
wages. The increase is based upon the wage paid as of December 31 of the pre-
ceding year of the year in which you are now trying to adjust wages. There can
be no consideration of coming in during July or August, and taking the wages now;
you have to go back .to last year, what the wage was at that date. In reviewing
what has happened in the City of Edmonds in 1972: When the Salary Ordinance was
passed the council granted a 2% increase for all the employees across the board.
Keeping these figures in mind, if a person was being paid $500 a month, this
would be a $10 increase (2%). In addition the council allowed a dental plan for
all the employees throughout the organization. This amounted to 1.4% of our
total payroll cost. Converting it back to dollars, it is somewhere around $14
per month per employee. That, added to the $10 per employee making $500, makes
$24, and at 51�% of the $500 this does not leave very much. Another factor, you .
cannot take the entire employee list. You have to consider those groups which
are recognized as bargaining groups; union contracts or non -union contracts. In
the City -of Edmonds we have the Firefighters group, the Teamsters representing
the Policemen and the Teamsters representing the Public Works Dept; then the
non -union office staff and Staff members. We have four units to look at. You
have to confine your entire computations within these units. If one unit was
not given a pay raise, you do not take the dollars you are not giving that group
and apply it to another group.
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As the Prior Report indicates,, most of the problem with people -at minimum and
below is with office forces and Staff; very little in the union areas. What.
money we have available is based upon what was done at the first of the year with
some adjustments. in some salaries, the 2% that was applied over all, the fringe
benefit with the dental plan and the conforming with IRS rules as we now see
them, in lieu of some 36 to 39 people being raised to just minimum. This would
amount to $1569 per month increase in payroll. Reverting back `to what we did.do
and what we have left to do with, it appears we have $390 to spread out. This
was discussed at the Staff meeting. We have some people who are_,way down belowr'
minimum and some who are right near minimum. They wondered at Staff meeting,
how do we go about this fairly and equitably? Those who are way down should get
the best consideration. It is one consideration, and it would appear that 11
of the people might get a raise that would bring them up 70A below the minimum
that was recommended (the grade range recommended).
There is a course of appeal - you can make an appeal to the Wage Board. We have
the basis for a reasonable application for an appeal to the Board for consider-.
ing the effect of this. wage study and what we are tied with now by their present
rules. I would recommend an appeal be made to IRS for the individuals we are
talking about. Councilman Gellert then stated that there is one avenue that he
thought we have not yet.explored - add to the pool of available raises, those
raises or increases that were made to people for bonafide promotions, such as
Mr. Whaley, who was promoted from head of the. Public Works Department to Chief
Administrative Officer. Those particular increases do not count. CAO Whaley
answered that that was true, but this was discussed, and if a person is promoted,
naturally they get whatever the wage .is for that position, but the position it-
self has not been promoted, and in that position, the wage that is there, .is
there. Mr. Whaley said he thought the basis of an appeal is that the council
• has determined that there are inequities in our paying system when you compare
this job with that job up and down the line and that you desire to make adjust-
ments so that it is satisfactory across the board. He said he certainly thought
they should consider this.
Councilman Haines then moved that this is a discretionary action of the adminis-
tration and this should be the action of the council. Councilman Gellert noted
that certain organizations are structured so that they can make their increases
without the approval of the Wage Board, subject, of course, to the Wage Board
coming in and challenging them at a later time, so it may be alright.for the
City of Edmonds to make these increases without having to go to the appeal board.
He.continued on to say that it's definitely a part.of the Wage and Price Act that
only certain large organizations are subject to having to request,. and do we know
which category we are in? CAO.Whaley answered that we are in excess of the mini-
mum number of employees. However, that might bring up an interesting point.When
you talk about having to look at union groups individually. All these groups --are
less than 60 employees. Anyway, he said he just wanted to advise the council
that we will not have the Prior figures.by October 1. On call for the question,
Councilman Haines' motion carried.
CAO Whaley then stated to council that $700 had been spent on the sound system
for the council chambers, and it just was not doing the job. The system had been
checked several times, and seemed to work well, but on meeting nights it gave
problems with feed -back noise and seemed not to work as well as it should.
Therefore, he wondered just what steps to take to improve the situation. Several
suggestions were offered, including wearing neck microphones. Councilman Gellert
again suggested having the Phase Linear, Inc. company, located on Howell Way in
Edmonds, look into the system for investigation purposes. CAO Whaley said he
• would contact them.
CAO Whaley then told council that the Staff had been working on their individual
presentations to council at meetings, and there were often questions from council
members on -the various departments. He therefore asked for council consideration
and opinion on an invitation extended by the Staff to meet either on Saturday
mornings or some evenings with each member of the Staff, who would then present to
them the operation, procedures, people involved, and problems connected with their
particular office -and work. The tours of inspection, so to speak, would be adver-
'tised, but it was determined that if no public business is deliberated or trans-
acted, it would meet'. -the requirements of public meeting regulations. Mrs. Jane
Cunningham, in the audience, stated that she, as a citizen.of Edmonds, would be
interested in taking advantage of these tours to be informed by viewing the de-
partments and facilities. Councilman Gellert then suggested an Open House,- that
could be kept separate from the council information tours. Saturday mornings at
9:00 o'clock and perhaps a Thursday evening were the times suggested by the-CAO,
and he said he would discuss this with the Staff and perhaps set the first tour
in two to three weeks.
FIRST READING ORDINANCE ON MOTORCYCLE OPERATORS' SAFETY EQUIPMENT
First reading was heard on a proposed ordinance requiring the operator of.a motor-
cycle to wear certain safety equipment.
TRANSFER OF CLASS H LIQUOR LICENSE
Mayor Harrison reported on a notice received from the Washington State Liquor
Control Board for a transfer of a Class H license from Bill Shield's Fine Food to
Aust Oyster and Steak House, by Donald Dean Aust and Clara B. Aust. The Mayor
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stated that he would usually act upon a transfer after recommendation from the
Police Department regarding the new proprietors, but in this case, he had a
financial interest in the property. It was therefore moved by Councilman Haines,
seconded by Councilman Tuson that upon recommendation of the Police Dept., appro-
val be given for the transfer from Bill Shield's to Aust Oyster and Steak House.
Motion carried.
OUTLINE OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PRIORITIES
Councilman Nelson stated that he was open to suggestions from the Mayor and council
members, but that he would suggest his list on priorities for Capital Improvements.
(1) A Space Consultant to provide the city departments with additional working
space requirements. Councilman Haines thought that one of the primary decisions
here should be whether the city wanted to move emergency vehicles of Police and
Fire to a more contralized location. This would have a bearing on everything else.
Councilwoman Shippen said that she had read an article in one of the city maga-
zines that distance or location was not of prime importance with modern vehicles,
and she would be more interested to see other factors considered, such as the cost
of a centralized location as compared with an area adjacent to the present Civic
Center. Mayor Harrison said he would contact the Association of Washington Cities
for suggestions on consultant help, and he also thought it would be wise in a con-
sultant case to ask architects to submit proposals on tackling the problem and how
much they would charge. In connection with the discussion on possible relocation
of the.departments to a possible Public Safety Building, suggested by Councilman
Haines as being perhaps in the vicinity of 9th and Main, and so that a consultant
would be aware of the feelings of the council and thus be directed to make his
determination either way, a motion was made by Councilman Haines that the city
council would not be opposed to relocation of certain primary functions of the •
city to another site. Councilman Tuson seconded this motion. A roll call vote
was taken, with Councilmen Nelson, Tuson, and Haines in favor; Gellert, Shippen,
and Winters against, resulting in a tie. Councilman Nordquist had left at 10 P.M.
to accept a long distance call at home. However, Mayor Harrison wished to abstain
from breaking the tie, and therefore no action was completed on this motion.
Councilman Gellert then moved, seconded by Councilman Nelson that the city, after
proper screening, select an -'architectural consultant to determine the most appro-
priate solution for our additional space needs for the next 15 or 20 years, sub-
ject to final approval by the city council. This motion carried.
Councilman Nelson continued, with (2) Water tank storage. It was noted by City
Engineer Leif Larson that the tank at Yost Park was being designed now and would
be put out for bids under the million dollar bond issue, so it was beyond the
planning stages and work could be finished on this project by next year.
The Five Corners storm sewer project was mentioned, and that too was reported as
being under construction at the present time.
Next was (3) Street improvements in total; an asphalt overlay on'residential access
streets, with suggestion that perhaps if the work is done during other larger pro-
jects, a small fee might be charged with the balance of the. cost picked up by the
city. It was hoped by the Staff that adequate waterlines could be installed -where
necessary before overlay work.
Councilman Nelson then said he had given thought to both Public Transportation and
Park Design Study for number 4, and had decided upon (4) Public Transportation.
Councilwoman Shippen said she felt the city should -provide at least $15,000 for
public transportation from monies being used to spread asphalt. Councilman Nelson
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answered that perhaps spreading asphalt was providing the people with the kind of
service they wanted, by providing good streets in all areas. Councilwoman
Shippen said she felt we have to have public transportation, but monies should be
allocated for parks, and she again noted that the yearly budgets seem to have
fantastic amounts provided for asphalt. She added that we would have to make a
choice and perhaps sacrifice some asphalt, because. is it all that.important?
Councilman Nelson said that good streets go hand in hand with safe transportation;
that we need safe streets for vehicles. Councilwoman Shippen asked how long these
large amounts of money would go on in the budgets for paving. The City Engineer
answered for five or so years, unless other monies become available for this pur-
pose. Councilwoman Shippen remarked that functional services are:sserved, and other
services suffer. She stated that she would like to see $6,000 allocated for
beautification purposes in the 1.973 budget. Councilman Gellert stated that we are
not creating new streets, but fixing up the old ones, and the success of public
transportation depends upon good streets. He then said he would like to strive
for at least one major undergrounding project on this Capital Improvement list,
and he suggested Main Street from the ferry dock to 7th. The City Engineer advised
that an estimate was being obtained on this from the PUD.
Councilman -Gellert then noted that under Item C on the original Capital Improve-
ments list submitted from the Staff, a purchase of partial"or full development
rights to the property west of the Civic Center to preserve the Sound view for a
total cost of $7200 was listed. He asked that this be explained, and it then was
felt by some council members that preservation of the view was not too important
since the public came to the Civic Center primarily to transact business.
Councilman Nelson mentioned an analysis of the level of street lighting, and the
CAO said we are now establishing standards.
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It was noted that under Item IE, microfilming equipment, it would be well to
look into participation with other cities such as is done with equipment sharing.
Under engineering, underground wiring for the Burlington Northern Railroad from
Main to Wharf Street at an estimate of $145,000 total cost was discussed. Council-
woman Shippen felt that these were the railroad's overhead wires and they should
stand the cost for undergrounding them, and she said she would not support spend-
ing public funds for a private utility.
Under the Parks & Recreation, the bicycle trail system was brought up and council
was favorable to this project.
Councilwoman Shippen said she preferred the format of working for future planning
rather than yearly planning, and Councilman Gellert asked how we can segregate an
annual Capital Improvement budget.so that we would know how to plan by budget.
CAO Whaley stated that a plan should be forecast for five years with a certain
number of dollars and what we have to look forward to do with those dollars.
Councilman Gellert asked if the city could operate with an allocation of $400,000
earmarked for Capital Improvements? The CAO then asked with what level of services
would we maintain? Services, if monies are deducted from them, would naturally be
reduced accordingly. Following along this.line of thinking, Councilman Gellert
then moved, seconded by Councilwoman Shippen that the city try to find, for the
fiscal year 1973, the sum of $400,000 from current revenues for the Capital Im-
provements program, exclusive of federal and state matching funds. .Councilman
Gellert stated that he had made this motion because if we don't make an effort,
all our revenues will be used for current services, with nothing put aside for
Capital Improvements.
• CAO Whaley explained that revenue sharing, Washington Futures Program, Legislative
Initiatives such as 4216 on the November ballot, and other items have an effect
upon monies to be available to cities. Councilwoman Shippen said she had investi-
gated and determined that cities can tranfer Water -Sewer Department funds to
Current Expense under certain circumstances if all services are taken care of,
and the surplus funds are then available after overhead expenses and all other
obligations of the department have been met. The attorney had investigated this
and learned from the Attorney General's office that this was possible. Call for
the question on the sum of $400,000 from current revenues to Capital Improvements
was heard, and the motion fai7adto carry.
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City Planner Merlin Logan suggested that the Capital Improvements discussion be
continued, and this will be on the October 17 council agenda.
There was no further business, and the meeting adjourned at 11:25 P.M.
Irene Varney Mora City Clerk
October 3, 1972
POTS. rAT.T.
Harve H. Harrison, Mayor
Regular meeting of the Edmonds City Council was called to order by Mayor Harve
Harrison. All council members were present..
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
• Mayor Harrison noted a correction in the minutes of September 26th. On the 4th
line under the heading REVIEW OF CONCESSION POLICY it should read city streets
rather than city property. On the next line down it should read license plus 10%
instead of license with 10%. The minutes were then approved as corrected.
POSTPONEMENT OF AGENDA ITEM
Councilman Nordquist requested a postponement for one month on Item #14, Sign-
alization on 76th. West. He stated that the Extended Agenda for last week did
not indicate that this item would be taken up tonight. Also, at the last
meeting of the Ballinger P.T.A. this matter was brought up by Councilman Nordquist.
He said that the citizens in the area are vitally concerned with this issue and
would like to have the opportunity to respond. They are particularly concerned
because of increased traffic flow which would be hazardous to the children in the
area. A motion was then made by Councilman Nordquist and seconded by Councilman
Tuson to postpone Item 414 until November 14th. Motion carried.
COUNCIL PARTICIPATION
Councilman Tuson brought up the matter of the red light at the ferry loading
area on Sunset and Main. He said recently he had stopped on Sunset and the red
light was operating for such a long time he talked to the ticket taker about it.
He was informed that the light is manually operated and stays on for 10 minutes.
Councilman Tuson thinks this should be looked into since we have a City Ordinance
which sets a limit of 5 minutes for stopping traffic. Engineer Larson said he
would look into it..:
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