19770405 City Council Minutes6o
MOTION: A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN GELLERT,.SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN CARNS, THAT IT BE RECOMMENDED TO THE •
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, FOR THE PURPOSE OF HELPING TO DRAFT THE SIGN ORDINANCE, THAT IT
IS THE CONSENSUS OF THE CITY COUNCIL THAT THE AMENITIES DESIGN BOARD SHOULD CONTINUE TO REVIEW ALL
COMMERCIAL SIGNS IN THE CITY OF EDMONDS AS PREVIOUSLY, ALBEIT WITH BETTER ORDINANCE GUIDELINES AS TO
MOTION: THE DETAILS. MOTION CARRIED, WITH COUNCILMAN HERB VOTING NO. A MOTION WAS THEN MADE BY COUNCILMAN
CARNS,'SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN GELLERT, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECONFIRM ITS SUPPORT OF THE AMENITIES
DESIGN BOARD AND THAT THE BOARD BE ENCOURAGED TO BRING TO THE COUNCIL THEIR AREAS OF CONCERN TO BE
INCORPORATED INTO ORDINANCES. Councilman Gould commented that it is clear from the discussion this
evening that -the Council's actions in the future'should be aimed at providing the Amenities Design
Board with time in their meetings to work towards the end of proposin,g legislation to the Council
and that the Council intends to do that by simplifying the sign ordinance in some basic areas that
will provide them a faster sequence in their meetings. THE MOTION THEN CARRIED, UNANIMOUSLY.
There was no further business to come before the.•council, and the meeting was adjourned at 10:25 p.m.
Ire e Varney Moran, f7ity Clerk Phil Clement, Mayor Pro tem
April 5, 1977 •
The regular meeting of the Edmonds City Council was called to order at 7.:35 p.m. by Mayor
Harve Harrison in the Council Chambers of the Edmonds Civic Center. Al] present joined in the
flag salute.
PRESENT ABSENT STAFF PRESENT
Harve Harrison, Mayor Tom Carns J. Herb Gilbo, M.A.A.
Ray Gould Leif Larson, Public Works Director
Phil Clement Joe Wallis, Community Development Dir.
Max Gellert Irene Varney Moran, City Clerk
John Nordquist Lila Crosby, Finance Director
Robert Anderson John Wallace, City Attorney
Mike Herb Wayne Tanaka, City Attorney
Jackie Parrett, Deputy City Clerk
CONSENT AGENDA (7:36 p.m.)
Councilman Gellert asked that Item (F), Receipt of Claim for Damages from Kim G. McShane, be removed
MOTION: from the Consent Agenda for clarification. A MOTION WAS THEN MADE BY COUNCILMAN GELLERT, SECONDED
BY COUNCILMAN NORDQUIST, THAT THE BALANCE OF THE CONSENT AGENDA BE APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED.
The balance of the Consent Agenda contained the following:
(A) Roll call.
(B) Approval of Minutes of March 29, 1977.
(C) Authorization to call for bids on purchase of water meters for 1977. •
(D) Authorization for Mayor to execute Amendment to Interlocal Agreement for
Lake Ballinger Study.
(E) Authorization to institute suit regarding Durfee/City/Alia claims.
(G) Acknowledgment of receipt of Petition for Annexation, vicinity of 180th S.W.
between 72nd and 76th.
(H) Set May 3, 1977 for hearing of Preliminary Plat of "Brockman Park."
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT OF CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FROM KIM G. McSHANE [Item (F)) on Consent Agenda]
Councilman Gellert indicated the claim was not clear as to property not returned to the claimant.
The Police Chief was not present and Community Development Director Joe Wallis had some knowledge
of the situation and indicated the claimant's automobile -had been impounded by the Police Department
and had contained some goods. When he recovered the automobile the goods were not in it and that
MOTION: was the basis of his claim. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN GELLERT, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN
CLEMENT THAT ITEM (F) ON THE CONSENT AGENDA BE APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED.
COUNCIL (7:37 p.m.) -
Councilman Gellert noted that the POD had installed a rather unsightly utility pole and transformer
at the Steinman property and that property to the left of him when looking up the hill. Councilman
Gellert inquired as to whether that was covered by the undergrounding policy on new developments.
He said the pole is in the City right-of-way. Public Works. Director Leif Larson responded that
when a plat or subdivision is involved it is required that they go underground, but when it is a
single property and the surrounding area has not undergrounded they are allowed to go overhead.
Mr. Larson said he.would investigate this and report on his findings.
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Councilman Clement indicated he was concerned about the water rates in the event the City should go
to water rationing, in that the calculated revenues would not be forthcoming. He suggested that if
.there are going to be'.great changes required, possibly the basic minimums and the rates for the
basic minimums should be reduced and the rates increased for consumption above the minimums. He
noted a letter had been received suggesting special rates for senior citizens. He asked Mr. Larson
.to indicate in his report next week what he considers will be happening in regard to the water rates.
HEARING ON P.C. RESOLUTION 549, RECOMMENDING DENIAL OF PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO OFFICIAL STREET MAP
TO ADD 6TH AVE. S., BETWEEN THE EXISTING CUL-DE-SAC AND THE NORTHERLY DEADEND OF 6TH AVE. S.,
SERVING PARADISE LAND (FILE ST-3-77) (7:42 p.m.)
Mr. Wallis reviewed the previous action on this item. The original proposal was to remove the
indicated portion of 6th Avenue So. from the Official Street Map. The Planning Commission had
denied the proposal but its decision was reversed by the Council, voting to remove that portion of
6th Avenue S. from the Official Street Map. In reviewing a proposed PRO for this area the Planning
Commission voted to rehear the issue of 6th Avenue S., but it denied the proposal to return 6th Avenue
S. to the Official Street Map. Mr. Wallis reviewed the zoning of the area and noted that 7th Avenue
had been extended and will be opened in'the future to Birch St. He noted that the -.proposed right-of-way
would open a lane between Elm St. and Edmonds Way to an established single-family neighborhood,
disrupting the single-family nature of the neighborhood. Also noted was the topography which is severe
and would make it difficult to connect the two sections of 6th Avenue without gradings and rockeries.
He said there is a memorandum from the Engineering Department which indicates some sort of right-of-way
should be retained through the area for utilities and possibly a walkway. At the Planning Commission
hearing the neighbors predominantly to the south had been opposed to the extension of 6th Ave. or
having it re-established on the Official Street Map but one of the members of the Planning Commission
had thought it should be reviewed again in view of the emergency vehicle access to the PRO. The
public portion of the hearing was opened.
Ray Sittauer of 561 Pine St., a member of the Planning Commission, said that when this had been before
• the Planning Commission the first time it was voted to keep the street on the Official Street Map,
and the last time the people from the south end had really done their homework and turned out in
force to oppose it. Mr. Sittauer said he felt the people.that live on the north end will have just
as much hardship with.this particular development as those on the south end as the grade on the
north end is at least a 14% grade, which is just as steep as that on the south end. He said he felt
getting in and out would be very difficult for emergency vehicles without the connection, and he
felt that portion of the street should stay on the Official Street Map. The public portion of the
MOTION: hearing was then closed. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN GELLERT, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN GOULD,
TO UPHOLD P.C. RESOLUTION 549, RECOMMENDING DENIAL OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE OFFICIAL STREET
MAP TO ADD 6TH AVENUE SOUTH, BETWEEN THE EXISTING CUL-DE-SAC AND THE NORTHERLY DEADEND OF 6TH AVENUE
SOUTH, SERVING PARADISE LAND. MOTION CARRIED.
PRESENTATIONS BY AD HOC COMMITTEE AND CITIZENS' GROUP (CCC) REGARDING JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL (7:54 p.m.)
Mayor Harrison reviewed the previous events leading up to this discussion and introduced M.A.A.
Herb Gilbo who is Chairman of the Capital Improvements Committee. Mr. Gilbo said the Space Needs Study
Report had been heard by the Capital Improvements Committee on March 31. He asked Kathy Turner,
Chairman of the Ad Hoc Space Needs Study Committee, to give the recommendations of that Committee.
Mrs. Turner reviewed the findings of the Committee and concluded that to provide space for the existing
and projected needs would require acquisition of both the Edmonds Elementary and Edmonds Junior High
School sites, and that neither site alone would provide enough space. The Committee had also
recommended a professional feasibility study. Jim Shields of 709 6th Avenue North, President of the
Citizens Concerned for Thej.r Community Committee, introduced Al Hendricks who presented a financial
alternatives study with suggestions for means of purchasing the Junior High School site. He reviewed
four alternative methods of purchase, recommending that the City purchase the Junior High School site,
acquire some kind of lease arrangement on the Elementary School site, and attempt to get grant fundings
for the playfield sites. Mr. Hendricks' opinion was that, in looking at space needs of the City and
future construction costs, and also the various cultural concerns that were expressed in the Policy
• Plan, the City would be well advised to acquire the two sites. He felt there were ample funds available
and -ample financial methods of acquiring the properties. Gordon Maxwell of 907 Alder said he thought
both the Junior High School and the Elementary School had been donated by citizens of Edmonds and
belonged to the citizens of Edmonds, that the City would soon be a mass urban area. He did not believe
it was in the best interests of the present or future residents to allow these sites to pass into .
private hands. He said the Elementary School and its playfields offered the last opportunity for the
City to maintain some open space in the downtown area. He felt the only way to maintain the open
space was to maintain the property in public ownership. He said the City should be prepared to acquire
the playfield site as well as the Elementary and Junior High School sites, and he asked the Council
to acquire both school sites. Councilman Gould pointed out that the City does have a ten-year lease
on the playfield, and the Mayor added that the lease is being processed but is not yet fully executed.
Dr. James Maddux, Academic Dean of the Puget Sound College of the Bible, said their school is a small,
private, Christian college of about 140 students and is currently located in a residential area of
Seattle. He said they had understood the citizens had indicated by vote their desire for the Junior
High School to be sold. He said i't was their intention to begin renovation immediately upon consummation
of the sale and that the renovation would take at least until July, at which time they planned to move
to Edmonds. He said the Board of Trustees had passed a resolution authorizing the administration, at
their discretion, to give full use of the facilities to civic and citizens' groups engaging in
enterprises consistent with the purposes of their institution. He said they would welcome recreational
groups, drama groups, musical groups, and other groups with whom they could negotiate scheduling. He
said perhaps that would give -.an idea of the attitude of the officials of their school toward a
relationship with the community. Mayor Harrison then invited others in the audience to speak.
Mike Jordon of the Betty Spooner Creative Arts Foundation of Everett, and more recently of Edmonds,
said his group was concerned in seeing the Junior High School made available for civic groups. His is
a dance group which wants to have a small regional ballet group in Edmonds. He said they have had a
lot of difficulty finding places to practice and they were hopeful of having the Junior High School.
Mr. Robert Anderson, Chairman of the Edmonds Arts Commission and Musical Director of the Cascade
Symphony, said he was not using the Junior High School because the auditorium was unsuitable for
symphony concerts. He said if the auditorium were acoustically correct there would be people standing
• in line for the performances. He felt the Junior High School was public property and should remain such,
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MOTION:
MOTION:
at whatever means necessary. However, he felt that if it were to be purchased the City should go
after grant money or bond money in order to make it a real auditorium that will be used.
Dorothy Grass of Sound Expression Theater said they needed the Junior High School and they felt
Sound Expression Theater belonged to the community. Owen Stanley of 233 N. 3rd, said he had helped
develop -the Comprehensive Plan and was proud of it. 'He said there was nothing in it that included
a $500,000. indebtedness for the City of Edmonds to acquire the Junior High School. He said they had
been given a special award for that plan, but would not have if such an indebtedness had been included.
W. J. Ashley-Col''e of 419 3rd N., said he represented a number of Christian groups in the area and they
were looking forward to the Christian college coming into the community. Orland Christensen of
701 12th Ave. N., said he was in favor of keeping the property in public hands --that the college
could change its policy or could sell the property to others. He said this is unique property
and should be looked upon as an investment. A question was asked of Dr. Maddux as to whether
the College had any intention of submitting a bid for the Elementary School, and he responded
that they did not. Captain Floyd Smith of 814 Dayton St., said he felt it would be a crime to the
people of the -City if the Elementary School land were sold for any kind of dwellings to be constructed
on it. He said there is very little open space in the bowl of Edmonds and this would be land that
could never be gotten back. He said if young people are wanted in this area there must be places
like playgrounds, that otherwise it would be an indication that only senior citizens were wanted here.
He said the senior citizens also need open space in which to walk around. He said he thought both
schools should be kept. Ray Sittauer.of 561 Pine St., said he thought the people of Edmonds were
paying enough taxes today to be able to support these facilities. He said he'did not necessarily
think the Junior High School was the best investment the City could make, but if there is a priority
it should be for the Elementary School and the playground because it is open space, and once it is
sold it will not be open space again. He thought the City could come up with a financial plan to
take care of at least one of the facilities and he felt it would have to go to a vote of the people
for an increase in taxes. Paul Fischel who said he lives near the Elementary School suggested that
since it was said there was not money to buy these properties that the City come up with an alternative
for additional recreation and future money for it. Don Schroeder of 528 8th Ave. North, President of
the Edmonds Arts Festival, felt that most of the Edmonds citizens would be willing to pay the taxes
for the Junior High School. He said the Arts Festival Board was in favor of retaining it, that they
are running out of places to hold the festival. He said they do not want to leave the downtown
•
area but they are running out of places to hold the festival. He noted that the plans which were
drawn up by Larry Bailey for the Junior High School would offer them enough room to continue having
the Festival there. Jim Borden of 757 Main St., commented that future expanded City facilities
required having one of these facilities. Jack Vandeman of 616 Sater Lane, felt the City should
acquire the Elementary School, but felt acquisition of the Junior High was questionable because of
the large financial costs in renovating it to create a first-class musical auditorium. Ted Truax
commented that a great number of senior citizens in Edmonds are on fixed incomes and would not
appreciate additions to their taxes. In answer to a question, Park Planning & Recreation Director
Rod Garretson indicated that the space needs envisioned by 1985 would not be available at either
of the two present facilities. He noted that a number of nighttime programs would fit into local
schools, and there would be some classroom space in the Senior Center, but that some of the
recreational activities would have to be dropped. Councilman Gellert related the proposed
renovation of the Junior High School to the Senior Center renovation. He commented that it had
taken time to get the Senior Center to its present status. He felt the renovation money for
the Junior High School may come slowly, but that it would not come at all if the property was gone.
A lady in the audience asked where the cultural programs would be held in the City if it takes
10-15 years to renovate the Junior High School. Norma Bruns commented that in the recreation area
it is tended to be considered a loss if money isn't made, and that she had never heard this in
regard to other services.
Councilman Gellert said that with councilmanic bonds there would have to be a revenue source
found and he felt the only one would be an increase in the utility tax. He said it would be
about $6 per household per year. He felt that'the Junior High School was the one that should be
addressed at this time and he felt the down payment could be funded from existing funds if the
utility tax were raised by 1% immediately. He added that a more permanent way of financing may
have to be found. A MOTION WAS THEN MADE BY COUNCILMAN GELLERT, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN ANDERSON,
THAT, FOR T.HE'PURPOSE OF ACQUIRING THE EDMONDS JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL, THE CITY ATTORNEY BE INSTRUCTED •
TO DRAFT AN ORDINANCE TO INCREASE THE UTILITY TAXES ON WATER, ELECTRICITY, TELEPHONE, AND GAS
FROM 6% TO 7% EFFECTIVE AS SOON AS LEGALLY POSSIBLE AFTER PASSAGE OF THE ORDINANCE. A ROLL CALL
VOTE WAS TAKEN AND THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A MOTION WAS THEN MADE BY COUNCILMAN GELLERT,
SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN CLEMENT, THAT, BECAUSE OF THE ADDITIONAL REVENUE, THE MAYOR BE INSTRUCTED,
BASED ON THE AGREEMENT WITH THE SCHOOL DISTRICT TO GIVE THE CITY THE RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL, TO
MATCH THE OFFER MADE BY THE PUGET SOUND COLLEGE OF THE BIBLE FOR THE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL PROPERTY.
A MOTION TO AMEND THE MAIN MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN CLEMENT THAT THE OFFER TO THE SCHOOL
DISTRICT BE TO MATCH IN PURCHASE PRICE THE OFFER OF THE'PUGET SOUND COLLEGE OF THE BIBLE WITHOUT
REGARD TO FINANCING. COUNCILMAN GELLERT SECONDED THE MOTION TO AMEND. Councilman Gould said he
still felt the focal point for the City should be the Elementary School over the Junior High School,
but he would be willing to support the funding. Councilman Nordquist commented that for 18 months
there had been an effort to make the Junior High School facility operable. Councilman Gellert
felt the auditorium was something that draws the community together and for that reason he gave
the Junior High School a higher priority. THE MOTION TO AMEND CARRIED, WITH COUNCILMAN GOULD
VOTING NO. A ROLL CALL VOTE 14AS TAKEN ON THE MAIN MOTION, WITH COUNCILMEN GELLERT, CLEMENT,
ANDERSON, AND HERB VOTING YES, AND COUNCILMEN GOULD AND NORDQUIST VOTING NO. THE MAIN MOTION CARRIED.
A short recess was announced.
REPORT FROM DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS ON CONDITION SURVEY OF ALL STREETS IN EDMONDS (10:08 p.m.)
Public Works Director Leif Larson had prepared and distributed a written report. He introduced ■
Street Superintendent Abe Blandin and reviewed his report. He indicated recommendation of two
restoration methods. The second method, a semi -permanent base layer of M.C. 800 asphalt with a
chip -seal surface was indicated to be the more economical. Mr. Larson displayed a map of the
City with the streets anticipated to be improved indicated by color code as to method and program.
He said the total program would be over $1,000,000 of which there would be $525,700 for the first
method in the first five years and $180,000 for the second method in the first five years, and
$500,000 for the first -method in the following five to ten years. Mr. Larson then displayed slides
of various streets in the City in need of repair and of various sample streets in Seattle which
had used the chip -seal overlay. Mr. Larson's recommendation was that, in view of the extent of •
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the program, that it be incorporated into the Capital Improvement Program for 1978 - 1983 and that
MOTION: funding :for the program be developed. A MOTION -WAS MADE,BY COUNCILMAN GOULD, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN
NORDQUIST, THAT -THE COUNCIL REFER THIS STREET -IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL TO THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
COMMITTEE AND HAVE THEM EVALUATE IT ALONG WITH OTHER CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS AND BRING IT BACK TO THE
COUNCIL FOR.THE 1978 BUDGET. Councilman Gellert commented that he did not believe overlays were
really capital improvements, but rather they were restoration of something to a previous condition.
THE MOTION CARRIED. Mayor Harrison commented that street ma,i,ntenance should get more emphasis
in the next year's budget.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE REDUCING SPEED LIMIT TO 30 MPH, 212TH FROM HIGHWAY 99 TO FIVE CORNERS (10:36 p.m.)
The City Attorney had been instructed at the March 15 meeting to draft an ordinance reducing the
speed limit from 35 mph to 30 mph on 212th St. S.W. from Five Corners to Highway 99. A MOTION WAS
MOTION: MADE BY COUNCILMAN GELLERT, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN ANDERSON, TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 1913, ESTABLISHING
A 30 MPH SPEED LIMIT ON 212TH ST. S.W. FROM FIVE CORNERS TO U.S. HIGHWAY 99. MOTION CARRIED.
FURTHER REPORT FROM ATTORNEY RE UNDERGROUNDING AND IMPLICATIONS OF EFFECT ON ALL FINAL STREET
IMPROVEMENTS (10:37 p.m.)
City Attorney John Wallace reported that, as pointed out by.the PUD attorney,there was no case in
point in the State of Washington as to public -utility districts and, accordi.ngly, they had to
interpolate from other cases relating to operational water and sewer works where the same type of
legislative grant of authorization existed as far as rate -making.. Mr. Wallace said his office did
agree with th6i!r position as far as their having broad rate -making authority and that it would only
be if they,made a mistake in the way they arrived at levying their rate distinctions that they may
be subject to attack, and they would probably be subject to attack only on the basis of arbitrary
and capricious action. He said the City should operate on the basis of agreement that they can
surcharge back, and they may do it in only a one -block area or they could try to do it city-wide
for a particular one -block area. He said they had indicated they would like to negotiate with
the City in each instance.
There was no further business to come before the Council, and the meeting was adjourned at 10:40 p.m.
IRENE VARNEY MORAN, Ci 0 Clerk
April 12, 1977 (Work Meeting)
H. H. HARRISON, Mayor
The regular meeting of the Edmonds City Council was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by Mayor Harve
Harrison in the Council Chambers of the Edmonds Civic Center. All present joined in the flag salute.
PRESENT STAFF PRESENT
Harve Harrison, Mayor J. Herb Gilbo, M.A.A.
Ray Gould Leif Larson, Public Works Director
Phil Clement Joe Wallis, Community Development Director
Max Gellert Lila Crosby, Finance Director
John Nordquist Jack Cooper, Fire Chief
Robert Anderson Harry Whitcutt, Building Official
Tom Carns John Wallace, City Attorney
Mike Herb Wayne Tanaka, City Attorney
Jackie Parrett, Deputy City Clerk
CONSENT.°AGENDA (7:36 p.m.)
Councilman Carns asked that Item (F),'setting date for hearing on preliminary approval of "Brookacres"
MOTION: PRO, be -removed from the Consent Agenda. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN GOULD, SECONDED BY
COUNCILMAN NORDQUIST, TO APPROVE THE BALANCE OF THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED. The balance of
the Consent Agenda contained the following:
(A) Roll call.
(B) Approval of Minutes of April 5, 1977.
(C) Set April 26 for hearing of P.C. Resolution 550, recommending approval of proposed
Drainage Ordinance (File ZO-22-76).
(D) Set May 17 for hearing of P.C. Resolution 552, recommending approval of proposed
amendment to Zoning Code to allow a temporary security building or vehicle on
building sites with a Conditonal Use Permit (File ZO-2-77).
(E) Authorization to call for bids on May 3, 1977, for sale of construction equipment.
SET DATE FOR HEARING ON PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF "BROOKACRES" PRD.[I:tem (F) on Consent Agenda]
Community Development Director Joe Wallis had reported by.memorandum_that Dean Echelbarger was the
new applicant on this PRO. D. H. Eggiman had been the previous applicant but had never completed
the requirements for final approval, so",thet`PRD had not been brought,back to the City Council. Mr.
Echelbarger proposed to continue where Mr..Eggiman had stopped, in getting final approval. Councilman