19730918 City Council Minutes•
this proposal was distributed by the Engineering Department.
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CAO Whaley stated that the city has no policy on sidewalks, and it needs one
so as to determine responsibility.for repairs and construction. He brought to
council attention two cases of past claims for damages from injuries received
from tripping and falling on downtown sidewalks.
Engineer Dick Allen stated that the present sidewalk ordinance is not compre-
hensive enough and not equally applied. He_felt there was a definite need for
a program that would define responsibilities. Ward Phillips proposed that
curbs be omitted from any sidewalk responsibility of the abutting owner unless
a cut is needed. He asked for separation of curbs from sidewalks; that the
repair costs be shared by city and owner on a 50-50 basis; recommended holding
until further review by the Amenities Board, if created; and that all financing
be explored (federal help, if available) before any action is taken.
The Engineering Department -will try to refine the proposed ordinance for the
September 25th council meeting and consider both inclusion and exclusion of
curbs. Dave Larson suggested.allowing,.besides.the regular portland cement
as stated, a cut-out block sidewalk,.for example, to lend interest and flexi-
bility. Mayor Harrison suggested that.Ward Phillips present a plan on his
ideas of sidewalks.
DISCUSSION OF YOST PARK ALLOCATION
Director of M & 0 Herb Gilbo, presented figures of Yost Park landscaping, and
the differences in cost from the original submitted by Talley & Associates
• was discussed. There.had been an oversight on the estimate by Talley, and -the
matter was taken under advisement.
UNDERGROUNDING POLICY - DOWNTOWN AND ARTERIAL AREAS
A short report was presented to council, suggesting creation of a 50% city and
50% utility participation in the downtown area and arterials. All other
undergrounding was suggested to remain the originally proposed 1/3, 1/39 1/3
participation.
MOTEL STUDY
Mayor Harrison stated that he feels the need for transient accomodations in
Edmonds, and he had asked Joe Wallis to look into this for him. Two proposals
had been received for a market analysis for proper location and proper size of
units. A comprehensive study by Harris, Kerr, Forster & Company would be
$5,000, and Lowenthal & Horowitz quoted a market analysis for $4,000.
The Mayor noted that it was a public obligation to do .this, since -industry will
not do the study. Councilman Gellert suggested waiting until an Amenities ..
Board is created to determine what would be best for the city, and he felt at
this time the study would be premature. Mayor Harrison said the firm would
only determine what kind of demand there might be and the economic feasibility
of such a project. He added, however, that $2,000 would seem to be a better
figure for this service.
There was no further business, and the meeting adjourned at 12:05 P.M.
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Irene Varney Moran City Clerk Harve�H.Harrison, Mayor
September 18, 1973
ROLL CALL
The regular meeting of the Edmonds City Council was called to order at 7:30
P.M. by Mayor Harve Harrison with all council members present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes of the work meeting on September 11 had been posted, mailed and dis-
tributed, and with no omissions nor corrections, they were approved as written.
COUNCIL PARTICIPATION
Councilman Gellert stated that he would be absent from the next three council
meetings, and wished this to be on record. He also mentioned an item in the
warrant register that showed Mayor's.expense listed under equipment rental,
and had a question on the street'improvement program that showed 7th completed
from Bell to Casper. Councilman Gellert also noted that he had not received
a copy of the Board of Adjutment minutes since -about last June. The Planning
Department will take care of this item;
Councilwoman Shippen inquired as to how much money from the UAB funds would be
available for beautification. City Engineer Larson will obtain this informa-
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tion for her. Councilwoman Shippen also asked who would be doing the planning
for this beautification, and was told Reid, Middleton & Associates would be
planning the work on 220th, which will include bicycle paths, etc. and this
will be in the specifications, with someone being hired for the actual work.
Councilwoman Shippen also said that she would hope to see the Community Devel-
opment Council review this. She noted that she hoped to see the resolution on
Yost Park monies on the agenda two weeks from tonight.
Councilman Tuson stated that he.noticed a bill against the swimming pool in the
amount of $40.75 for a new starter. Director Garretson will report on this
item at the next council meeting.
Mayor Harrison reported that for many years the city has been criticized for
the appearance of the Edmonds cemetery, which is privately owned and not city
property. The Mayor had asked the City Attorney for an opinion on the city's
power of condemnation, and the answer had been that the City has great powers
with respect to the operation of a cemetery and this includes power of con-
demnation of cemetery property. With respect to ascertaining the extent of
the land owned by Mr. Baker, a limited liability title report could be obtained
from any title company, delineating the various ownership interest in the
entire cemetery parcel. Mayor Harrison stated that the unused property in the
northwest corner could be used for a ball park; a water system could be in-
stalled; and flat tombstones could replace any standing ones to facilitate
upkeep. He said it was his opinion that the city should take over the cemetery
and he asked that council authorize him to seek a limited liability title re-
port and hire one appraisal to be made of the cemetery property. Councilman
Tuson said he felt the city could put that kind of money to use elsewhere.
Councilman Gellert noted that the Park Bo d\,,,� gwed a unanimous vote against
acquisition of the cemetery as related to arTc He added that he saw no benefit
to the city in acquiring this property except that it is not at present attractively
kept up, but he nevertheless felt that this could be accomplished by other means
than purchasing it. He also mentioned the high annual cost of upkeep. Councilman
Anderson was interested in what it would cost for an appraisal. Councilman
Nelson said he recalled the Park Board did not lend much support to this
proposal. He added that he would prefer to see a solid use for it before going
ahead and purchasing the property. Councilman Anderson said he was interested in
seeing the cemetery improved. Mayor Harrison stated that he would go ahead and
seek a limited liability title report from a title company to determine owner-
ships. Directbr Rod Garretson commented that the Park Board was concerned about
long time maintenance costs.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Mrs. Dean, 128 Sunset, told council about use of the narrow alley near her
home by trucks, and that the traffic should be using Main Street instead of
this alley. She also mentioned that the fountain planned for Fifth and Main
could be placed in the triangle at Fifth and Bell, where a mini -park already
exists.
James Martin had presented a petition to the City Clerk!.s office, with ap-
proximately.195 signatures against placing the proposed fountain at Fifth
and Main. There followed a great deal- of discussion on the subject, including
comments on council members views. Councilwoman Shippen restated her opinion
that she was not interested in facilitating traffic through any part of Edmonds.
Councilman Gellert told Mr. Martin that he misinterpreted his remark that the
petition presented by the President of the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce had
represented all the businessmen. Councilman Gellert said that he meant that
the Chamber was made up of businessmen, but that he did not mean all businessmen
were in favor of the fountain. At this point, Marvin Smith presented a package
to the City Clerk for distribution to Mayor and council members. The package
contained a parking study report. Mrs. Skonnard spoke on downtown traffic affecting
business, and she was opposed to the fountain. Dewey Leyda inquired if the cost
of the mockup and workman hours at that intersection was being kept track of.
CAO Whaley answered that the number of man hours as well as the cost of the
plywood and 2 x 4's were in the records. Following a long discussion, Council-
woman Shippen suggested to Mr. Martin that this fountain discussion property
deserved to become an agenda item, instead of being brought up under audience
participation, and she felt a hearing date should be set. Mayor Harrison noted
that perhaps other locations deserved consideration, such as near the ferry
dock and the triangle suggested by Mrs. Dean. He thought at a scheduled hearing
the three locations could be analyzed. Councilman Nordquist questioned Mr. Martin
about his not having been present when the council first was presented with the
fountain suggestion and the following meetings when the drawings were shown
and council discussed the matter. It had been much publicized. Councilman
Nordquist added that this was taking a great deal of time from the council agenda
tonight and there were many property owners present from the Chase Lake area
waiting for their properly scheduled agenda item, and it was unfair to take so
much time under the audience participation item for the fountain. Therefore, he
made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Shippen that a hearing on the fountain be
set for September 25. Mr. Martin, however, wanted council to take some definite
action tonight, not next week. At this point, Attorney'Chet Bennett spoke to
counci1nre9ard to_the fountain. He made the request that council not place this
item on the September 25 agenda. He noted that this issue had been heard many
times and council had taken action on it; a great deal of work had followed,
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with designs being made and $1200 raised by contribution based on the study
and council action.. Attorney Bennett added that if council were to constantly
review its former actions and keep.changing its mind, it would never -get any-
thing accomplished. He felt this item had been gone over and over and they
needed forward moving projects. It was. inconsistent with good planning to
have a thoroughfare running through the intersection of Fifth and.Main, and
the rapid traffic flow showed on the CBD as stopping at Sixth, so this pro-
posed fountain was consistent with what is on the comprehensive plan for the
CBD. Mr. Bennett noted that the City Engineer had stated that the fountain
would not inhibit traffic flow; Fire Chief Cooper had advised that the
snorkel could pass the intersection with the fountain there; and he now felt
the issue was closed and should not be reopened via an agenda item because
of some opposition and again become a future hassle. Council had made its
decision, reaffirmed it, and should now stick to its decision. Ward
Phillips stated that thene had been ample consideration on the fountain,.and
since it would not adversely affect traffic; the item had involved professional
planning; the council had voted.upon it; and he could see no further need to
reanalyze. If this were to take place, then anyone could come in and under
audience participation, rehear council decisions. Councilwoman Shippen said
she was persuaded by the foregoing remarks that council should not rehear the
issue at this time,'and she would therefore withdraw her second to the motion.
Councilman Nordquist then withdrew his motion. Mrs. Skonnard then stated that
she had not been aware of the fountain in the beginning, but she did feel the
need for traffic more than anything else in Edmonds. There was no further
action taken by council.
CONTINUED HEARING.: CHASE LAKE - PROPOSED SEWER LID
• Hearing on the proposed sewer LID for the Chase Lake area had been continued
to this evening. City Engineer Leif Larson reported that his department had
sent a letter to each property owner last week, explaining.LID versus ULID
financing. Dr. Hyatt, Snohomish Health District, spoke on the various
reasons.why the sewers should go in, and immediately. She cited the failing
septic tank drainfields, and noted.that these systems were for rural; not
urban areas. With increased building, the soil cannot absorb enough, and the
drainfields fail to function, causing the problem found in.the Chase Lake area.
She stressed sewering would be the only way to permanently alleviate the bad
situation which could cause health hazards to exist. She noted that the Health.
District had helped with the annexation petition, and added that, they had been
surprised at the cost when the preliminary estimates were mailed. However,
she stated that if sewers were not installed, steps would be taken to close
the Chase Lake School, and the Health District would place restrictions on
sale of properties, rentals, etc. She felt the only argument against the
sewering was the cost, but stated that the area would eventually have to sewer
and probably at a higher cost in the future. Dr. Hyatt stated that appropriate.
action has been taken -thus far, and.she urged a unanimous vote by council in .
favor of the ordinance to sewer the area under the health clause, with the hope
that the city would offer as fair'a financing as possible to the property
owners.
CAO Ron Whaley reporte(d-. to council that the city had contacted both HUD.and
the Environmental Protection Agency; that the Pure Water Act provided some funds,
but for qualified use. The City had been advised that in this instance, there
probably would be no help available for this project. City Engineer Larson
reminded council of the unsuccessful pursuing of financial assistance for the
Meadowdale area. He also told the Chase Lake property owners of the prelim-
inary estimate being two or three dollars higher a z.f.f, than the.final on.
that particular project. Engineer Wayne Jones from'Reid,.Middleton & Associ-
ates, Inc., explained the method:of estimating by the engineering firm, with
economic conditions, competition, and a maximum range of 20% in either direc.L--
tion being taken into consideration. Hearing was then reopened.
Hal Robbins, 8024 - 213th S.W., stated that there was no debate on the need for
the sewers. He read the quoted estimate of $10.00'per z.f.f. in the letter
from the Health District that had been sent to property owners before the
annexation. He then.filed three letters of protest against the cost being
increased from this quote by 150%. A woman asked about the project she ex-
plained as being at 44th, 200th and 99, where a homeowner had.told her -the
government would be paying for 90% of the sewering. It was later decided that
this was a paving project done under.the UAB funding.
Don Brown stated that he had been one of the people who had started the whole
annexation -sewer process for.Chase Lake. He wanted to verify City Engineer
Leif Larson's statement that he had been reluctant to quote a figure for the .
sewering of that area; that he had said he would rather not quote a figure;
that the proponents of the annexation had insisted; and that the City Engineer
then stated that the last figure the city had received was in the $10 to $13
range; that this was prior to the Meadowdale sewering, and the Chase Lake
petition had then failed for lack of signatures; that in the meantime, costs
had risen on sewering; that when the petitions again were circulated for the
annexation, the same figures had been given out, and this had been the problem.
The City Attorney explained the protest procedure on LID's and advised that
if the council voted unanimously on an ordinance for the sewering, incorporating
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the health issue, there would then be no protest allowed. However,. the hearing
tonight was primarily to decide how to finance it, as the audience was in favor
of installation of sewers in the area and realized the need.
Mike Goldberg, 21704 - 82nd W., agreed that this meeting was for financing of
the project. He questioned if it was standard procedure to quote the pre-
liminary estimate publicly. He was assured that this was standard procedure.
Mr. Goldberg went on to say that he supported the sewering, and hoped they
would be installed as soonas possible. He also hoped that the city would be
able to help in some way financially. Mrs. Mickelwaite, 220th and 80th, noted
that the streets were being surveyed for widening, and wondered how much that
was going to cost. The City Engineer explained that this was UAB widening of
220th, and there would be 90% funding, with a $4.00 per zone front foot cost
when the UAB project is done.
City Engineer Larson presented an analysis of the costs on the LID, and the
same for ULID assessments. There were several questions and answers on this.
One man living on 218th asked why the city couldn't put a sewer around Chase
Lake and let those who need it hook on, and leave the septic tanks along that.
are working properly. Neil Spencer stated that he had lived for 27 years in
the Chase Lake area and had been in construction for 40 years, and could not
figure how the estimates between two or three people could get so fantastically
far apart. Dina Holland asked if she sold a house, who would pay the sewer
charge under the ULID. She was told that the assessment would be involved in
the closing costs, but the new owner would then pay the monthly sewer charge.
One woman was interested in payment of the LID costs without interest charges,
and also questioned the Engineer on construction time, etc. A man in the
audience stated he hoped the council would vote unanimously to install the
sewers - that he had a spptic tank for 22 years and it had never needed pump-
ing, but that the area did need sewers, and he.was in favor of them.
No one else in the audience wished to comment, and the hearing was closed.
Councilman Nordquist stated that he would like to at this time make a public
apology to City Engineer Larson. He noted that two weeks ago at the council
meeting he had candidly taken the city and Mr. Larson to task in regard to the
quoted costs for sewering the area. In the meantime; Councilman Nordquist
had done some research and investigation that proved costs had gone up con-
siderably during the time the original figure had been quoted and when the
same figure was used for the petitioning at a much later date. He hoped for
a guaranteed figure and from that point the city could pick up the rest.
Councilwoman Shippen questioned Attorney Wallace on the LID and ULID methods
and the involvement with a new resolution and an entire new hearing if the
ULID method is used, since the resolution was passed With the LID method in
mind. Attorney Wallace advised, however, that the council could pass the
ordinance for the LID and before the project is -completed, convert to the
ULID method. Following some further discussion, a motion was made by Council-
man Gellert, seconded by Councilman Tuson that Edmonds assume the $20,000
connection charges from the people already on sewer line and apply this to
the LID, and Edmonds assume up to $50,000 of that remaining above the $20.00
per zone front foot maximum charge. Councilman Nelson asked if the question
could be divided and have council vote on establishment of the LID with the
emergency health clause, with length of time for the bonds as one motion.
There followed discussion on this, and the motion and second were then with-
drawn.
Councilman Gellert then moved, seconded by Councilman Anderson to pass pro-
posed Ordinance #1679 with the health and welfare clause. A roll call vote
showed all council members in favor, and the motion passed unanimously.
Councilman Gellert made a motion, seconded by Councilman Anderson that in
addition to the connection charges being applied to the LID, Edmonds assume
an additional amount up to $50,000 of the cost above $20.00 per z.f.f., and
the bonds be on a 22 year basis. Cpuncilman Nelson noted that federal revenue
sharing can take care of just such emergencies as this. Councilman Nelson
made a motion, seconded by Councilman Tuson to amend the motion and state that
the city participate to $90,000, including the $20,000 connection charges.
Mayor Harrison cautioned that this might set a precedent.. Councilwoman
Shippen asked if council really wanted to commit itself to $90,000 of Revenue
Sharing funds. She said she would rather wait until after budget discussions
before committing these funds in any one place. Both Councilmen Nelson and
Gellert felt there would be adequate funds available in the city for the
participation. Councilman Anderson noted that council must take each problem
individually and financial aid in this instance would not have to set a
precedent. There was an emergency here and council must act and not deny
its responsibilities. CAO Whaley adtsed council that regardless of what
amount they decide upon, it would be best not to specify the fund at this
time. Call for the question resulted in the amendment carrying and the
motion as amended also carrying, both unanimously.
Capt. Shields remarked that the�rest of the Edmonds residents would not be as
happy as the newly annexed ones, since it would amount to two to three dollars
each from city funds being paid to finance this sewer project for' -.them.
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SHORELINE MANAGEMENT APPLICATION - CITY OF EDMONDS
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Assistant City Planner Kay Shoudy presented the application for shoreline
management substantial development permit from the City of Edmonds for re-
building of the bulkhead at 220 Railroad Avenue, at'the South County Senior
Center, Inc. She showed slides of the beach area, zoned commercial waterfront,
and stated that the primary purpose of the bulkhead was to protect the Senior
Center building. There would be negligible effect to the environment, and
the Planning Department recommended acceptance of the application. '
There was some discussion on wooden, as opposed to concrete bulkheads, and
Engineer Larson stated that wooden was preferable because drainage was needed
between the pilings. Councilman Gellert suggested a future boardwalk would
be nice from the city beach to the ferry dock.
A motion was.made by Councilman Nordquist, seconded by Councilman Tuson that
the application from the City of Edmonds for rebuilding the bulkhead at the
South County Senior Center be approved, File SM-4-73. Motion carried.
FINAL PLAT - WOODLAKE
Engineer Leif Larson reported that he would recommend continuation of this
agenda item to the next council meeting on September 25, and it was moved,
seconded and carried that this be done.
CALL FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor Harrison asked council members to please attend a'shortexecutive
session in the Mayor's office.immediately following the'council meeting.
SET DATE FOR OPENING OF BIDS - LID 192
Following request made by City Engineer Leif Larson, it was moved by Council-
man Nordquist, seconded by Councilman Tuson to set October 18 as the date for
opening of bids on LID 192, Chase Lake sewers. Motion carried.
There was no further business, and the meeting adjourned at 10:42 P.M.
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Irene Varney Mor , City Clerk
September 25, 1973
ROLL CALL
z
Harve.H. Harrison, 2&7�.Aq
Regular meeting of the Edmonds City Council was called to order at 7:30 P.M.
by Mayor Harve.Harrison with all council members present except Gellert.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes of the meeting of September 18 had been posted, mailed and distributed,
and with no omissions nor corrections, they were approved as written.
COUNCIL PARTICIPATION
• Councilman Anderson brought to council and Staff attention the quality of the
shoulder on 76th W.,* where he had personally helped people a couple of times
by having to pull them from the bicycle path, and he stated that he felt either
the area should be compacted or posted with 11s6ft shoulder".signs. Director
Herb Gilbo explained that this had been discussed at a CDC meeting and it had
been the consensus ofopinion to continue widening and live with the present
situation until the city comes up with bicycle trail standards. CAO Whaley
reported that the bicycle standards had not been completed as yet, but that
this problem had been discussed at the CDC meeting and the Staff was aware
of. the fact that something must be done. The present surface there was not
meant to be acceptable for bikes. Councilman Anderson requested that the
worst areas be posted with "soft shoulder" signs until standards can be made
for the trails. Mayor Harrison noted that the overlay for Olympic View Drive
was scheduled for early Spring 1974. There was discussion on a possible binder
or emulsion for a temporary measure, suggested by Councilman Tuson, but Director
•Gilbo answered that perhaps the Public Works Department could use some sort of
mixture to stabilize the shoulder area until the standards are adopted.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Dewey Leyda brought up the question of what he felt would be a problem at the
corner of Fifth and Main near the Tot & Teen shop in regard to the fire hydrant,
if the proposed landscaping is done in connection with the fountain. City
Planner Joe Wallis answered that the crosswalk at the corner would be in
accordance with state standards and the fire hydrant access would not be obscured,
as Mr. Leyda feared. Mr. Leyda'said he was concerned with the crosswalk area
and the drainage there. Mrs. Skonnard again spoke about the fountain proposed
for the intersection, and she also agreed with Mr. Leyda that they both had
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