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19840731 City Council Minutes436,: July 31, 1984 • The quarterly Town Hall meeting of the Edmonds City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by .Mayor Larry. Naughte.n in the Plaza Meeting Room of the Edmonds Library. All present joined in the flag salute. PRESENT ABSENT STAFF PRESENT Larry Naughten, Mayor Lloyd Ostrom Jim Adams, City Engineer Jo -Anne Jaech Mary Lou Block, Planning Director Steve Dwyer Jim Jessel, Property Manager Laura Hall Pat LeMay, Personnel Director Bill Kasper Bobby Mills, Actg. Pub. Wks. Supt. John Nordquist Jackie Parrett, City Clerk Jack Wilson Dan Prinz, Police Chief Steve Dahl, Student Rep. Jeff Ristau, Actg. Finance Director Steve Simpson, Parks & Rec. Director Jack Weinz, Fire Chief Scott Snyder, City Attorney Shirlie Witzel, Recorder Councilmember Lloyd Ostrom had..informed.the Council President that he would not be present for this meeting since he was out of town on business. Mayor Naughten welcomed everyone and explained the format:of the meeting. He invited anyone wishing to speak to do so as they were recognized by the chair. Those wishing to submit questions could do so through moderator Dave Earling, President of the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce - co-sponsors of the Town Hall meeting. Erling Helde, 210 3rd Ave. S., asked.if the buildings at Harbor Square pay a tax to the City or to • the Port. Acting Finance Director Jeff Ristau replied that the buildings are subject to the same property tax roll as other properties in.Edmonds. A portion of the property tax goes to the City, and portions also go to the school district and the.state. Mr. Helde asked if property owners are required to trim trees and shrubs in sidewalk areas in the same manner they are required to repair sidewalks. Acting Public Works Superintendent Bobby Mills asked that Mr. Helde give him the address of any problem areas and he would see'that the problem was corrected. Don Ginsberg, 19248 93rd Ave..W., described Edmonds as a deteriorating rather than progressive City. He said the City is overlooking the youth and family base and is not fighting for them. He sees no programs being planned, but does see the schools, as well as other youth and recreational areas, leaving the City. He said he would like to see better direction from elected leaders in these areas. He also mentioned the need for height restrictions on trees. Building height restrictions have been enforced, but there.is.just as much problem with trees obstructing views, he noted. Councilmember Wilson described the proposals before the Council relating to proposals for Civic Center Playfield, Woodway High school fields, the Meadowdale Park area, and recently Olympic Elemen- tary School. He agreed that the.City has.not adequately addressed the problems of youth activities, loss of schools, and needs of families moving into the area. He indicated that he would continue to work for solutions to the problems mentioned. In addition, Councilmember Wilson also felt trees were the biggest view obstructions. Mayor Naughten said prior attempts.to restrict tree heights were not pursued because legal opinions indicated it was not possible. Planning Director Mary Lou Block explained that two meetings had been held by the Planning Board on the.subject of tree height restrictions and there were strong. feelings expressed on both sides of the issue. She noted the difficulty in administering and implementing such a policy. The City does require that commercial and multi -family construction consider the height of any plantings in a view sensitive area. Councilmember Hall suggested that formation of a citizen's committee may be a first step to research what is being done in other • cities concerning this subject. City Attorney Scott Snyder said another aspect to consider is that of nonconforming use. Any tree that might be over the height restriction imposed would become a nonconforming use and the trees that were the tallest and presented the greatest problem could not be touched. In addition, he said,,a question exists about trees that are now growing. They may be considered nonconforming uses and the only trees affected would be those planted after the.date of any ordinance. Consequently, it might be 50 to 100 years before a law to this effect would show any results. Ms. Block said the City had -looked at the Codes of other cities that have water views and had not found.an,y that deal with the subject of trees. Councilmember Wilson suggested formation of a citizen's group, which could contact property owners' with trees that impinge on other's views. If the problem were explained in a friendly way, it is possible that solutions could be found. As to the problem -of youth activities, he offered to lend assistance in whatever area he could and urged citizens to consider the Olympic Elementary property since it is the last major school property available to the City. Irene Nagy, 271 4th Ave. S., discussed the issue of the.planning and zoning code for downtown Edmonds. She emphasized that the people do not want high rises or buildings over 25' in height, nor high commercial signs. She said. people were tired of fighting the issue every summer but indicated that they would continue to do so if necessary. Richard Hill, 1242 Coronado P1., agreed with the previous comments. He said developers want to turn Edmonds into a combination of all the worst features.of a Northgate shopping mall, Disneyland, and a freeway interchange. He said the best way to confront this threat is when voting, making sure which elected officials agree with that type of development and ensure they are not re-elected. r 4 3 ') • July 31, 1984 - continued Karl Niggol, 809 Walnut St., said the question of tree height may depend on who pays the bill for cutting the trees. If the cost question could be solved, the tree height problem might be solved, also. He said a recent article in the Seattle Times stated that putting power lines underground would be very expensive. In addition, he noted that an engineer from PUD.had said the factory was closed and the cable was no longer available for putting high voltage power underground. He sug- gested the PUD should be looking at Europe, where there are no wires and high voltage power lines are placed underground. Mr. Niggol said the PUD now wants even higher poles with a threat that the cost will be enormous unless they can do it the cheaper way. Even when they do something cheaply, the rates charged are always higher.' He suggested the lines be left as they are. He then asked what the PUD had done for the City of Edmonds and described the underground installation on their street. Dave Earling, moderator, read a question from a member of the audience "Would City employees cut and remove trees if the homeowner agreed?" Mayor Naughten replied that the City.cannot remove a tree unless it is damaged, is a health hazard, or is in the right-of-way and is causing an obstruc- tion. Tree removal on private property would be the responsibility of the owner. Peggy.Harris, 721 Sprague St., asked for an explanation of any plans to raise height restrictions. After being in business for 24 years, she said no one wants the area to prosper more than she does. However, she is opposed to high rise buildings and described her past opposition to high rises on the waterfront. Mayor Naughton asked Dave Earling to review the history of the D-DAT task force for the information of those present. Mr. Earling described the origin and evolution of the D-DAT task force, which was also outlined in a publication available for distribution at the meeting. He said the task force was looking at over • 100 recommendations that resulted from the study.conducted in March of this year. He commented on the recent resignation of Councilmember Lloyd Ostrom from the task force. Mr. Earling listed the three areas now being considered by the task force: 1. Renegotiation with the Ferry system of the dock and holding lanes. 2. Recommendation to down zone the business zone to emphasize a triangle of Main St., Dayton St., and the waterfront. 3. Discussion of marketing recommendations. He said .the task force is not making any decisions concerning zoning or height restrictions. Mr. Earling read a letter he had written in response to Councilmember Ostrom's resignation. Mr. Earling listed the goals set by the task force: 1. Maintain the small town atmosphere, 2. Focus on what the D- DAT Team was asked to do, .3. Interconnect the downtown triangle mentioned and revitalize the old downtown area. He.said the task force had spoken of zoning, building heights, parking, store hours, retail corridors, holding lanes, the ferry pier, highway signing and marketing. The task force will eventually make recommendations to the Port, the City of Edmonds, the Chamber and the community, he said; then will be the time for discussion, debate, and decisions. Councilmember Jaech read a copy of Councilmember Ostrom's letter of resignation into the record. Mayor Naughten explained that any suggestions or recommendations received from the task force requiring code changes would have to go to the Planning Board and subsequent public hearings. The Planning Board recommendations would then be forwarded to the Council and more hearings would be held. He said the system is designed to avoid rash or quick changes to the Code and the Council members are aware of public views on and sensitivity to building heights. Councimember Jaech read a letter from Lois and Tim Lucum, 702'Alder St. Since they were unable to attend this evening, they wished to express their opinion that there should be controlled growth in Edmonds along with a healthy business climate. They indicated their desire to retain the unique character of Edmonds and felt that accomplishing the previous goals was compatible with maintaining the density, height, and zoning codes now in'effect. A mixture of all ages is necessary to keep the City vital, they indicated, and asked that children not be zoned out. • Mr. Ginsberg, previously identified, asked if there were a representative from the Council that fights Edmonds' battle with the school board? Mayor Naughten said Councilmember Hall acted as the Council's liaison with the school board. Councilmember Hall emphasized the need for citizen parti- cipation in school issues such as closures. She had indicated to the School Board the unique character of Edmonds and the need for a high school as well as the need for a neighborhood school. She said the enrollment figures are being updated and may be more reliable than the ones that have been in use for the past -three years. She said the amount of land occupied by each school could certainly be utilized to a greater extent. Councilmember Hall said the bond issue for $37.6 million will be on the ballot for "modernization". She indicated doubt as to the exact meaning of the term and urged each citizen to look into the bond issue and determine how the $37.6 million will be spent. Dorothy Williamson, 793.Main St.., said Olympic School, a brick building, had been closed and this evening a gentleman had stated that it was a good building for the youth of the community. Edmonds Elementary school was closed and is now being used by approximately 300 people daily and is in good condition. Madrona Middle school is being closed and has been rented by a Lutheran school. She said she had worked in two elementary schools that were poorly constructed. She questioned the $37 million. bond issue, since there are many school buildings that are not worth that amount. The public needs to tell the school board that better buildings are needed for the money being spent. She said the California type school with large acreage is not needed in this area and asked Council - member Hall to.let the School Board know how the citizens of Edmonds feel on this issue. She asked why Olympic School could not be -reopened and close the schools that are falling apart. Councilmember Hall said she was not the representative to the School Board, the Mayor of Edmonds is the representative. Those meetings he cannot attend are attended by Councilmember Hall. She seconded Ms. Williamson's opinion.concerning construction of the buildings that were designed for warmer climates.. She said Olympic Elementary was going to be condemned when it was closed. Ms. Williamson noted that Edmonds Elementary was also scheduled to be condemned, but was still in use. She said the citizens of the community must take a close look at School Board plans. 440. July 31, 1984 - continued , Mayor.-.Naughten-iecessed'the .meeting` for:15 minutes at:8:00 p.m:. Roger Hertrich, 1020 Puget Dr., spoke concerning the $37 million bond issue. He referred to three $1 million projects listed in the bond issue: A marine salt water center - what beach does the City plan to use for this, and two swimming pools for $l million apiece - is the City prepared to share 50% of the cost?. Mayor Naughten responded that the City had not been approached on these items and suggested the question would be better placed before the School Board. Mr. Hertrich continued that $2 million was allocated for the High School stadium but nothing for Edmonds High School itself. He said there were only $163,000 of deficiencies listed for Olympic Elementary school. However, Mountlake Terrace is shown having $1:5 million deficiencies and a $6 million modernization is planned. He urged voters in Edmonds to ask questions about the bond issue. Bill Mathias, 540 Holly Dr., said it may be preliminary to worry about proposals from the D-DAT task force at this time. However, when conclusions are reached and presented for citizen input, it is too late. He said the citizens were trying to introduce the idea that there are a substantial number of people in the community.that want the Community.Development Code to stay as it is. I. F.. Richardson, 533 Alder St., said he feels one of the main objectives of the D-DAT task force study is to change the building code and increase building heights. He said this may be only one item out of 100 but, evidenced.by.the evening's turnout, that item -may be one of the most crucial. There would be better citizen support if assurances were given at this time that the task force would concentrate on the 99 other items. Mr. Earling, as moderator, read "Why do we hear so much conjecture about Yost pool and why haven't repairs been made?" Parks and Recreation Director Steve Simpson explained that the pool is in.good condition for being 10 years old. Most of the needed repairs are of a cosmetic nature. In looking • at needed repairs, the idea of covering the pool was researched. Both a permanent and temporary cover were examined. The City Council decided not to cover the pool at their last meeting, he said, and the process has been started to repair the pool this fall. Councilmember Jaech said the Council had decided not to pay $150,000 for a temporary cover which would last approximately five years. In discussing devel.opment of the parks, a citizen committee proposal included a covered pool at the Civic Center Playfield. This was thought to be a good location since it would be near the youth activities now located.there. She noted that it would cost almost the same to build..a new pool at the Civic Center as it would be to construct a permanent cover over the complex at the Yost pool area. She said there will be a public.hearing on the subject on September 18 and asked for citizen input. Councilmember Kasper indicated that he had supported a temporary cover for Yost pool and questioned whether the figures provided at the last Council meeting were accurate. He said a cover would pro- vide an opportunity to see if the citizens would support a year-round pool before a much larger amount is spent in constructing a new pool. Other cities have experienced problems in being able to support a year-round pool after a pool was constructed. In addition, a cover would allow the remaining life of Yost pool to be.realized to the fullest. He added that a new pool could be funded through donations, a.trust fund., or a recreation district. Mr. Earling, moderator, asked for one of the audience, "What the City's long range goals are with reference to roads, sewers, and sidewalks?" Ms. Block said a comprehensive sidewalk plan will go before the Planning Board for final review on August 22. It is intended to provide a mechanism to accomplish sidewalks on roads serving as primary routes for pedestrian activities. She said side- walks are very important and should be encouraged on residential streets of any length to provide a place for children to play and adults to walk. She invited interested citizens to contact the Planning Department for the date of the Council hearing on the sidewalk plan. City Engineer Jim Adams said all areas within the City limits will be on sewers within the next • month. As areas are annexed, the requirement for sewers is a condition of annexation. Some areas are now at capacity and are in the planning stage to be upgraded. He said the City is reaching the stage where they may have to have secondary treatment. Mr. Earling, with another question from the audience, asked, "Why do .citizens find it necessary to fight the high rise question each year? This seems to be an annual question and the developers should quit raising it." Mayor Naughten replied that this will probably continue to be an issue because there will always be someone that wishes to raise the building heights. He said it is a free country, and they have the right to do that. He said the Council represents the wishes of the majority of the people and would not be changing those codes. Milton Tootle, 539 Hemlock Way, complimented the Council. He and his wife have lived in Edmonds for five years and.find it the most charming community they have ever seen. He said everyone in Edmonds should be sure to enjoy the view from.9th St. at least once a month, as well as enjoying the flowers planted in the downtown area and the development of the waterfront. He asked the Council to maintain Edmonds as it is now. Natalie Shippen, 1022 Euclid, spoke concerning the D-DAT.recommendation for emphasizing Main St., Dayton St., and the waterfront as the core of Edmonds. Suggestions regarding lighting, benches, extension of flowering areas, landscaping and undergrounding utilities were included in the recom- mendation, she said. Ms. Shippen suggested that the undergrounding program be reactivated. She asked the Council to request three undergrounding estimates from the PUD: 1. Dayton St. from 6th Ave. to Admiral�Way, 2. Along Main St. from 6th to the ferry dock, and 3. Along the waterfront from the north end of Brackettt's Landing to the south end of Union Oil dock. She also suggested July 31, 1984 - continued that the staff prepare landscaping plans for each of the -three legs of the triangle. In regard to financing, Ms. Shippen said, in prior years the utilities had paid half of the cost in the right- of-way and the City earmarked $501000 per year of'"the utility tax with a maximum of $150,000. The PUD agreed to set aside 2% of the Edmonds revenues, up to three years, and allowed the City to draw on that fund in advance. She said the City could also ask for G.O. bonds or the quarter cent real estate tax could be earmarked. She said other priorities are being considered but asked that any tax revenues be spent within the boundaries of Edmonds in areas frequented by residents of all ages. Councilmember Jaech pointed out that the comment concerning spending money within the city limits referred to the Meadowdale property which lies within the city limits of Lynnwood. Maureen Pierre, 21423 92nd Ave W., said it was apparent that every person present shared a common love for Edmonds and its unique and beautiful qualities as well as a common goal to preserve the essence of the City while enhancing its economic base. She said the goal will be met because of the strong feeling evidenced. Ms. Pierre suggested the Council set up a series of meetings paralleling the D-DAT meetings providing an opportunity for interested citizens to brainstorm the issues as they are raised. Ray Martin, 18704 94th Ave. W., in reference to the building heights, asked the newer members of the Council to express their opinion in regard to a hypothetical situation in which a 40' building height were proposed. Councilmember Wilson said he would be opposed to that situation. Council - member Hall said she was opposed to a 40' height. She pointed out that there are some roofs in the downtown area that are 29' high and are acceptable, so these facts must be carefully examined. She also stated that she is opposed to condominiums in the downtown area. Councilmember Dwyer said he would oppose a 40' building height. In addition, he said he would oppose any effort to change or alter the building heights downtown. He said it would be an inequity to raise the heights, since it would penalize those people who are complying with the code and would reward those people coming later who might build higher. Mr. Martin thanked the Council for their responses. • Councilmember Dwyer read a note from Jean Yost, 536 Walnut St., which also included pictures of the building project at 555 Walnut St. depicting the problem .of a,halt in construction and the resultant impact on a neighborhood. She asked why higher buildings are being constructed since they obstruct views and impact the neighborhood visually. Councilmember Jaech said her views on building heights had not changed since her election five years ago and adamantly opposes any change in building heights. She believes there is.one change that should be made, to add language concerning a two story limitation. She explained that a development on sloping land may take the height average of the four corners of the building envelope. This allows a taller building since land may be excavated and a four story building could be built. The very thing, she said, the City has tried to avoid. Mayor Naughten acknowledged the presence of State Representative Katie Allen in the audience and introduced Student Representative Steve Dahl of Meadowdale High School. The Mayor then thanked the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce for co -hosting the Town Hall meeting and furnishing the cookies. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. ty Clerk CT LARRY . NAUGRTEN, Mayor