Loading...
19731226 City Council MinutesT Mayor Harrison advised that John McGibbon's term on the Board of Adjustment would expire on -December 31, and that he would like to reappoint him for a 4 year term to position #4. It was moved -by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Welling to confirm the Mayor's reappointment of John McGibbon to the Board of Adjustment. Motion carried. Mayor Harrison then stated that there would be two -vacancies on the Library Board, due to the expiration of the term of Mrs. Wicklund, and to the resignation of Councilman Welling from the Board. He told council that he would welcome any suggestions from them on people to fill these vacancies. Councilman Anderson offered the names of Joan -Burton and Linda Goodrich. It was suggested that the appointments would be made at the December 26 meeting. Councilman Nordquist felt that when openings on boards and commissions occur, it would be well for council members to write their suggestions to the Mayor with supporting reasons. PRESENTATION ON "WORD PROCESSING CENTER" Chief Cooper reported on establishment of a "word processing center" for the city, using the IBM mag card system. He explained that use of a dictation type machine to record in the center would allow the operator to then type the document and send it back to the originator for proofreading. Any revisions would then be made on the mag card and the machine would retype the document with these corrections. Chief Cooper felt this would give more efficient use of employees' time. He stated that the system, in proper operation, could do the work with the present staff, and he recommended a 6 month trial rental basis at a cost of $630 per month with addition of-$139 for beginning equipment needed for the operation. This would amount to $4,114 for -the 6 month rental agreement. The mag cards used in this operation would cost 85(t per card. MAA Ron Whaley recommended a 6 month lease agreement for • a trial. There followed a great deal of discussion. There were questions regarding the personnel to be used; which departments would be willing to give up a secretary for operation of this mag card typewriter; the amount of money needed for lease, and how much it would cost to purchase the system rather than leasing it; etc. MAA Whaley stated that the city would use the -present personnel and not hire new people to run the center. When asked•if there was money budgeted for this, he answered that the money could be found, and some would come from the amount saved on typewriters that had been budgeted for and would not have to be purchased. MAA Whaley also noted that councilmembers could dictate over the phone and have their letters, etc. distributed to other council members via this system. Councilman Nordquist said he hoped this might then lead to re-evaluating of job descriptions, since it would mean some employees who did a great deal of typing would no longer have this work to perform, and the job description would therefore change. Councilman Welling felt council should evaluate the problem and then go ahead -and not waste time on a 6 months trial basis. Councilman Nordquist agreed with this. Councilwoman Shippen suggested -that Councilmen Welling and Nordquist should list the questions they wanted answered, so that these items could be taken up. There followed further discussion on where the cuts in secretarial duties would be made; the 6 months training IBM offered; and the pros and cons of justifying such a system in the city. Councilman Gellert stated that before he would vote on this, he felt council should have the exact figures for the operation of the system for a year and where the money was coming from in the 1974 budget. MAA Whaley answered that the money could come from office equipment funds and general services. Councilman Anderson inquired if the employees of the city were using dictation machines to their utmost caphbility? Following some further discussion, a motion was made by Councilman Gellert, is seconded by Councilman Nordquist to postpone to December 26 any decision on the word processing center; and that the staff provide council with a detailed pro- posal regarding staffing by present personnel.; the costs, both one time and re- curring; how this ties in with the 1974 budget; and a full budget review in re- gard to the system. The motion carried. There was no further business to come before council and the meeting was adjourned at 10:00 P.M. 1 Irene Varney Mora , City Clerk Harve H. Harrison, Mayor December 26, 1973 ROLL CALL Regular meeting of the Edmonds City Council was called to order by Mayor Harve Harrison at 7:30 P.M. All council members were present, except Winters. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes of the meeting of December 18 had.been posted, mailed and distributed, and with no omissions nor corrections, they were approved as written. 40 • COUNCIL PARTICIPATION 67 Councilman Anderson inquired about.the progress with the realignment of 174th SW with the re -survey. City Engineer, Leif Larson, said that they are sending letters -out to all the property owners on the eastern portion of 174th with an easement for their signature and asking three.questions; do they want to sign it; do they want to have another'meeting to go over it again; or if they do not want to sign it - do they want a monetary.reimbursement. There.was some discussion on the project. Councilman Nordquist'asked the Building Inspector, Harry Whitcutt, what the. policy is on the inclusion of sprinkler systems in new tire'stores that seem to be opening in the area. Mr. Whitcutt informed Councilman'Nordquist..that the Fire Department has required a sprinkler system for the new building on Lake Ballinger Way. Mr. Nordquist expressed concern about a tire outlet which is immediately adjacent to an apartment building, which has not.been sprinklered. Councilwoman Shippen asked what the requirements are for specifying sprinkler systems. Mr. Whitcutt said that it depends -on the area'of the building. If it is over two-thirds of the allowable area, then it has to be sprinklered for high pile combustible stock, and the Fire Code.determines this. Councilman Nordquist thought the council should instruct Mr. Whitcutt to meet with the Fire Department and perhaps draw up stricter guidelines for installation of sprinkler systems. During discussion, several stores were mentioned. Mr. Whitcutt said that it is the function of the Fire Department'to determine if'sprinklers are required in a structure. He said that'in his review of the Lake Ballinger Way operation, it was his opinion.that sprinklers were not required, but.that the Fire Department has required them. He said further that the Fire Department • is within their proper bounds to require sprinklers as they have jurisdiction. Councilman Nordquist said that this matter should be pursued, and the Mayor said it will be looked into further. • 1 Councilman Gellert pointed out that on November 13th further. consideration of a Sidewalk Ordinance was stricken from the extended agendas. Attorney Wallace said it will come up again in January. Councilman Gellert noted that Mr. Whaley had sent the council a portion of the audit report, dated November 2, 1973, from the State of Washington regarding claims by city council members and improper.bidding procedure. He asked that the council be supplied with the full report. Councilman Gellert mentioned that a written response had been requested from the staff regarding the legality of rooftop appurtenances on the building at 2nd and Main. Mr. Whaley said that following Mr. Gellert's request, he had asked Mr. Whitcutt, Mr. Wallis and John'Wallace to give an opinion on the situation. Mr. Whitcutt passed out a written report to -the.members of the,council. Mr. Whitcutt said that they have recognized the Zoning Code as the controlling code with respect to conflicts between the Building Code and Zoning Code. He said, however, that Attorney John Wa114Ge.> has indicated that the Building Code would take precedence. Mr. Whitcutt thought that if this is the case, we should take steps to amend the Building Code to allow the Zoning"; Code to take precedence. With respect to the building in question., Mr. Whitcutt said it is 3411 feet in height and that they have talked to the building owners and pointed out the appearance of the'rooftop'appurtenance. They have indicated that they will have proper screening. In reply to questions from council, Attorney Wallace said that this building does comply with what is permitted under the Building Code. Councilwoman Shippen asked what economic hardships would be -encountered if appurtenances were placed in another location. Ward Phillips, in the audience, thought that the economics would generate around the Building and Zoning Codes. He said you could say the height limitation should be 35 feet, including any and all apparatus, and this would mean that. developers would have to adhere`to that requirement and there would,be no hardship whatsoever. Mrs. Shippen thought this would be a clarification. Mr. Whitcutt said that this will be discussed with the Planning Commission and the staff intends to make recommendations to the Commission on further definitions to either restrict more than it is already by the Building Code, or to eliminate it or to further define the limits. Councilman Nordquist mentioned that Reverend Strand, the former Fire Department Chaplain, has left the area and is now residing in Denver. He said that he would like to extend some vehicle of appreciation to him for his devoted service to the city. Mayor"Harrison said that he has written him a letter of appreciation, but a resolution would be in order. Councilman Nordquist then made a motion, seconded by Councilman Anderson that the council instruct the City Attorney to prepare a resolution of appreciation to Rev. Strand for his service to the Fire Department as Chaplain. Motion carried. Councilwoman Shippen asked the City.Planner if the Parking Study has been -started through the Planning Commission yet. Mr. Wallis answered that it has not, but is scheduled to be heard in January. Mayor Harrison informed council that the microfilming equipment has gone out for bid and is being advertised this week and next. 0 The Mayor said that he has a letter from Harold Hatzenbuhler, Chairman of the Disability Board, stating that the two year term that Councilman Winters has served on the Board has now -expired. He has asked for a new appointment. He suggested someone with -a medical background would be helpful to the Board. The Mayor then asked Councilman Anderson if he would -serve on the Board and Dr. Anderson replied that he would be happy to do so. Mayor Harrison said that he had an application to the Liquor Control Board for a Class H License in lieu of an AC for Angie's Little Italy on Edmonds Way. This establishment is:now operating under the name Alfredo's. On recommendation from the Police -Chief, the Mayor asked for council approval. A motion to this effect was made by Councilman Nordquist and seconded by Councilman Anderson. Motion carried. Mayor Harrison said that he has had a number of applications from staff members for reclassifications of grades. The existing classification format was established two years ago, and he thought that it is now time for this to be re -studied. He said for the staff level, the classification board should be made up of the elected officials, ie., himself, Ron Whaley, -Harry Prior and three councilmen. For the review board for the non-exempt employees, he thought a group should be selected from the employees by the employees. Ron Whaley pointed out -that a committee was established several months ago consisting of council members, Nordquist, Gellert and Shippen. They met twice -and Harry Prior attended the second meeting. Mr. Prior wrote a letter back to the city following that meeting expressing the opinion that -either -the input was incorrect at the first report, or the jobs should be re-classified based upon the same date that they worked with previously. Mayor Harrison said that he will set up a meeting for the -first or second week in January and that he will join the committee. At this point Mayor Harrison stated that the City Attorney was not feeling well, so -he would like to change the order of the items on the agenda to take up Items 6, 13 and 15 next in that order. HEARING: PETITION FOR ANNEXATION - EVERETT TRUST & SAVINGS & VICINITY Mayor Harrison stated that the Boundary Review Board has not held its hearing on this item yet, and that he would like to ask the council to instruct the attorney to prepare an ordinance for passage in January following the action of the Review Board. The hearing was then -opened, however no one wished to speak, and -the hearing was declared closed. Councilman -Gellert then made a motion, seconded by Councilman Anderson to instruct the attorney to prepare an ordinance for the annexation,of the -above property to be presented at the January 15, 1974 council meeting, and following approval by the Boundary Review Board. The motion carried with all members voting affirmatively, except Councilman Nordquist who abstained since he, and the company by whom he is employed, do business with Everett Trust. PROPOSED RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPLICATION TO INTERAGENCY COMMITTEE FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION. Rod Garretson, Director of Parks and Recreation, presented'a concept of the development of two neighborhood parks - Sierra and Seaview.. He presented some background information to council for their perusal. Mr. Garretson said that he considered it more advantageous to consider these two parks as one entity when making application for funds to a state agency. In order for the parks to serve as one entity, they are designed to be connected by a trail system. Calvin Jordan, the architect employed by the city, was introduced by Mr. Garretson. Mr. Jordan displayed landscape design drawings of the two parks and explained the amenities to be contained in each and the connecting trail: He pointed out that this can in•time,be linked into the city trail system. Following Mr. Jordan's presentation, Mr. Garretson presented some preliminary cost figures using an outside contractor and figures based upon using an outside contractor in conjunction with city forces. Discussion followed regarding paving, financing and landscaping materials and labor. A motion was then -made by Councilwoman Shippen and seconded by Councilman Nordquist to pass Resolution #289 authorizing application by the -City of Edmonds for funding assistance from the I.A.C, for the development of Sierra and Seaview Parks with connecting trail. Motion carried. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF DECLARING DECEMBER 31 AS CITY EMPLOYEE HOLIDAY Mayor Harrison noted that according to state statute code cities shall be kept open except on holidays prescribed by the legislative body of the city.. A motion was made by Councilman Nordquist that in keeping -with the code city regulations that we maintain December 31 as a working day for the city employees. Some discussion followed, but no action was taken and the motion died for lack of a second. 1 • 1 • 1 0 REPORT ON BIDS OPENED DECEMBER 21 FOR MAYOR'S OFFICE FURNITURE Jack F. Cooper, purchasing Agent, reported that bids were opened by the City Clerk on the 21st of December. One bid was received from Bank and Office Interiors, Inc. along with letters from Doces and Magna Design. Mr. Cooper, had submitted material to the council members giving background information, bids received and recommendations. There was some discussion on furniture brands and design. Councilman Nordquist stated that he will abstain from voting on this agenda item as it might be construed as a conflict of interest. -In a letter directed to Mr. Cooper, Doces had requested an extension of time so that they might submit a bid. A motion was made by Councilman Gellert to delay this item until January 29th as requested by Mr. Cooper and to investigate alternates to exclusive types of furniture. J. Ward Phillips made several comments opposing purchase of office furniture at this time., Mayor.Harrison pointed out that the space will 'not be used exclusively as an executive office, but will be used by many committees and boards for meeting purposes. Mr. Cooper advised that the Invitation to Bid did allow bidders to offer alternates to the specifications. Councilman Nordquist stated that all bidders should be allowed the extension of time to re -bid if they wish to do so. Mr. Cooper said all companies would be contacted and given an opportunity to submit a price -quotation. The motion had been seconded by Councilman Anderson; it was voted upon and carried with Councilman Nordquist abstaining. PRELIMINARY PLAT - SEAVIEW PINES (6 lots at 194th. west of 88th - Bjorn Thuesen) City Planner, E. Joseph Wallis -reported on this matter. He projected slides • on a screen showing a plat map, the,Comprehensive Plan in that vicinity, the Zoning Map indicating that this is an RS-12.zone and several pictures of the area. He said the proposed -street will be 89th Place West which a 200' culdesac. Mr. Wallis noted that all the lots area minimum of 12,000 sq. ft.. and all the building envelopes are in excess of 4,200 sq. ft. He recommended approval on a preliminary basis. Following discussion,'a motion was made by Councilman Nordquist and seconded by Councilman Anderson to approve the preliminary plat of Seaview Pines subject to engineer's requirements and to waive the sidewalk requirement. There was some discussion regarding sidewalks. City Engineer, Leif Larson, stated that various standards have been presented to the council and incorporated in ordinances and he felt that if the city desires a change, then the ordinances and standards should be changed to reflect that. The motion was then voted upon and carried, with Councilwoman Shippen voting against. Mrs. Shippen then made a motion'seconded by Councilman Nordquist to have the Engineer or the Planner or both review the requirements in subdivisions regarding sidewalks and present council with some recommendations soon. During discussion, Mr. Wallis stated that this should be a part of the new Subdivision Ordinance and Fire Chief Cooper should be involved: Mr. Thuesen, who was present in the audience, expressed his opinions with regard to sidewalks. The motion was then voted upon and carried. DETAILED PROPOSAL FROM STAFF ON "WORD PROCESSING CENTER" PROPOSAL Mayor Harrison announced that he had to the January 2nd council meeting. this effect, seconded by Councilman been asked to postpone this agenda item Councilman Nordquist made a motion to Anderson. Motion carried. APPOINTMENTS TO AMENITIES DESIGN BOARD • Mayor Harrison stated that he was submitted the same names for this board•as he had presented last week. They were architect, Don Westlin; landscaper, Keith Goldsmith; developer, Pete Bilder; planner, John Latourell and Mrs. Margaret Bernhoft. He said that these people were selected because of their general qualifications and the work that they have done and.the fact that none of them own any commercial property in Edmonds. A motion was made by Councilman Nelson and seconded by Councilwoman Shippen to confirm the Mayor's appointments to the Amenities Design Board. Following some comments, Councilman Gellert amended the motion to say that all appointments be confirmed except.Mr. Bilder. This was seconded by Councilman Nordquist. During discussion, Councilman Nordquist mentioned Bjorn Thuesen and Warren Murphy of Olympic Properties as possible members of the Design Board. Councilman Gellert suggested Lloyd Black and Walt Paine. J. Ward Phillips commented that a member of the ad hoc design committee should be on the design board. He thought this would be a way of showing appreciation for the many hours of service given by the people on that committee. Councilwoman Shippen said that whenever your ideas are adopted as a city policy that in itself, is honor enough and acknowledgement for their service.' Following a roll call vote, the amendment carried with council members Nelson and Shippen voting against. The motion as amended.then carried unanimously. Mayor will suggest an additional name next week. APPOINTMENTS TO LIBRARY BOARD Mayor Harrison asked if there were any suggestions for appointment to the Library Board. There were none. Councilman Nordquist moved, seconded by Councilman Anderson, that the matter be postponed to the January 2 council meeting. Motion carried. 0 70 C AUDIENCE. PARTICIPATION Mr. Stanton McLaughlin, residing'at 1137 - 7th Avenue South:j said that he and his neighbors moved into their homes approximately two years ago and at -that time had'been given the -"impression that"the Old Yost Spring"Water Co property would be left in its natural state. This property is -"in -the Vicinity of these homes. They now find that this property is up for bid and they requested that nothing -be done with it.. The Mayor said that there are no'plans"for the property at this time. There being no further business to come before council, the -,meeting was adjourned at 10:25 P.M. Eleanor Queal:iAr, Deputy ity Clerk Harve H. Harrison;.Mayor January"2, 1974 ROLL CALL The regular meeting of the Edmonds City'Couhcil was called to order by Mayor Harve Harrison at 7:304P.M. All Council members were present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes of the'meeting'of'December"26-had been posted, mailed and distributed, and with no omissions"nor corrections, they were approved as written. COUNCIL PARTICIPATION Councilman Anderson"had three"items: (1) He would"not be able'to attend the January 15 council meeting, when the oath of office ceremony is'scheduled; (2) He noted the upcoming anniversary of 10 years of service to the community of.the Stevens Memorial Hospital, an institution that has'had"a great impact on the entire south county area, as well'as having one of.the largest payrolls in south county; and'he therefore made a.motion, seconded by Councilman Nordquist that the Mayor send a letter to the hospital in behalf of himself and the council, congratulating Stevens.Memorial Hospital on its 10 years of service to the community.' This motion carried unanimously. (3) Councilman Anderson noted that in the December 12 minutes of the Edmonds Planning Commission, two groups of apartments had more units -than the Code allowed, and one of these had taken steps to*add additional land, but did the second do anything to solve this problem? Building Official Whitcutt answered that the second owner would take steps to"either add additional land or vacate two of the units. Councilwoman Shippen said she understood there was discussion on horses in the parks; etc. to be on the council.agenda, with a policy statement from the Park Board, and she wondered if it had been omitted intentionally, or why wa.s it missing from the agenda and extended agenda. (The City Clerk"later learned that during her absence when the agenda was being revised, the Recreation Director had advised the M.A..A."that this presentation was riot ready and he'did not know when it could be brought to council.) Mayor Harrison presented a proposed resolution of commendation for Reverend David J. Strand 'for his services -to the,City of Edmonds and the citizens. A motion was made by Councilman Nordquist, seconded by Councilman Gellert that proposed Resolution #290-be-passed, and.the motion carried unanimously. Councilman Gellert noted for the record that he would_miss both•the-January 15 and January 29-council meetings; one because of a conflict and the other because of vacation. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION J. Ward Phillips asked for a clarification from council as to the procedure for the bids to supply the office furnishings. Mayor Harrison answered that this had been postponed to January 29th: Mr. Phillips then inquired if that would be the date -for again -opening bid, or what? He felt no clarification had been madse of the situation; and--he'.wondered-if there was a date, time*, or change from" the original specifications; and would future specs ask for furniture in the same, price range, etc.? There was "a great deal of discussion; and Councilman Gellert moved -that -council further delay the bid opening on the office furniture to February 18, with :it being an agenda'item'on"February 19; to'.allow companies to comply with alternate bids -and the alternate bids be of suffici,ent.description as to allow for council evaluation for selection. There was more discussion, and Mr. Phillips felt that the city was listing the most expensive line in the specifications, and it was suggested that perhaps the specs should list the basic types of,furniture"needed and'let the bidders list the"brands and styles. Following this, Councilman Gellert added to -his former motion that the city specify the various'articles of furniture to be provided or included by types and size, with the prices broken out on individual items and color, and set the bid opening date for February 18. The motion, however, died for lack of a' second. 1 • 1 • 1 1 0