19841127 City Council MinutesNovember 27, 1984 - Work Meeting
The regular meeting of the Edmonds City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Larry
rdaughten.in the Plaza Meeting Room of the Edmonds Library. All present joined in the flag salute.
PRESENT STAFF PRESENT
Larry Naughten, Mayor Art Housler, Administrative Services Director
Jo -Anne Jaech Bobby Mills, Acting Public Works Superintendent •
Steve Dwyer Ron Schirman, Acting Fire Chief
Laura Hall Jim Adams, City Engineer
Bill Kasper Pat LeMay, Personnel Director
John Nordquist Mary Lou Block, Planning Director
Lloyd Ostrom Peter Hahn, Community.Services Director
Jack Wilson Jackie Parrett, City Clerk
Suzanne Adams, Student Rep. Scott Snyder, City Attorney
Shirlie Witzel, Recorder
CONSENT AGENDA
Item (E) was removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion. COUNCILMEMBER HALL MOVED, SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER JAECH, TO APPROVE THE BALANCE OF THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED. The approved
items on the Consent Agenda included the following:
(A) Roll call.
(B) Approval of minutes of November 20, 1984.
(C) Acknowledgment of receipt of claim for damages from Leonard H. Peoples (unspecified amount)
(D) Authorization for Mayor to execute labor agreement with SEIU Local 6.
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November 27, 1984 - continued
PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 8.64.080 OF EDMONDS CITY CODE TO ALLOW BUSES ON 76TH AVE. W.
Item. E on Consent Agenda
Councilmember Kasper believes the exception from the 10,000 lb. load limit for municipal buses
should be approved for all gross limit streets except.Pine St. from Third to Fifth St. COUNCIL -
MEMBER KASPER MOVED, SECONDED FOR DISCUSSION BY COUNCILMEMBER HALL, TO ADOPT THE EXCEPTION TO THE
10,000 LB. LOAD LIMIT FOR MUNICIPAL AND SCHOOL BUSES FOR ALL -STREETS EXCEPT PINE ST. BETWEEN THIRD
ST. AND FIFTH ST. Councilmember Kasper explained that Pine St. is too narrow to accommodate large
buses or vehicles. He said the proposed modification would eliminate the need.to amend the ordi-
nance at another time, since allowing the exception.on 76th Ave. W. leaves no justification for not
making the change on all other arterials. MOTION CARRIED.. Later it was noted by the City Attorney
that the motion to amend the ordinance did not include a motion to approve the ordinance as amended.
He suggested the subject be scheduled for the Consent Agenda on December 4, 1984, because the change
was a major one. COUNCILMEMBER KASPER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST., TO INSTRUCT THE
CITY ATTORNEY TO DRAFT THE ORDINANCE AS AMENDED AND PLACE THE ORDINANCE ON THE DECEMBER 4, 1984
CONSENT AGENDA.. MOTION CARRIED.
PUBLIC.HEARING ON 1985 BUDGET
Mayor Naughten opened the public hearing. Since there was no one wishing to speak, the hearing was
closed.
CONTINUED..DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION ON HIGHWAY 99 CONCEPTS AS SET FORTH IN.PLANNING BOARD
POSITION PAPER (FROM NOVEMBER 5)
Councilmember Jaech questioned the City's ability to handle sewer and storm drainage requirements
for the Highway 99 area. Community Services Director Peter Hahn replied that contracts had been let
for a number of sewer system.improvements in that area; in addition a pre -annexation issue next to
Highway 99.had raised the same question of sewer.capacity. He had requested an assessment from the
City._Engineer of the sewer system elements in the.area and the treatment plant capacity; a draft
report is expected within the week. He said the study was undertaken because of questions relating
to the amount of flow that could be accepted from the area. Councilmember Jaech.asked.how develop-
ment.outside the City, served by Edmonds sewer and storm drainage systems, is controlled to afford
equal treatment for those people who have plans for development of property within Edmonds. Mr.
Hahn.noted that the larger developments, which present problems for the sewage capacity of the sys-
tem, are.brought to the.City's attention; it is the single family residences that go un-noticed. He
said capacity should not be used up outside the City limits precluding any ability to provide
service within the City.. City Attorney Scott Snyder.will be presenting a report dealing with the
valid legal bases for making adjustments or discriminating validly amongst development proposals.
Reid Shockey, of Shockey and Associates, asked the Council for their comments on the remainder of
the report from the Planning Board..on Highway 99, emphasizing that the position paper represents
suggestions from the Planning Board. The aim of.the. paper is to generate discussion to determine
the regulations and policy the Council expects from.the Planning Board. The Planning Board will be
presenting proposals for Code changes within the next month for Council consideration.
On page 10 of the report, Councilmember Wilson questioned why the concept of "boulevar.d".was abandoned
except as .part of voluntary,improvement efforts. Mr.,Shockey said Highway 99 was recognized as a
traffic carrying arterial and.the."boulevard" concept is not practical; however, should property
owners band together to request this concept, the City would.consider and accommodate that request.
Councilmember Jaech suggested any dividers should be required to have a more visually attractive
finish than blacktop.
Councilmember Dwyer expressed concern regarding the Code amendments mentioned in footnote 25 on page
.11. Mr. Shockey replied that.a new zone might be presented or a conditional use..permit for the
general commercial zone, in line with the "node" concept. Councilmember Dwyer.asked that the "node"
• concept be defined to eliminate need for a conditional use permit to implement,the statement. Mr.
Shockey said the Planning Board is just in the first stages of.determining how that will work. He
said a bell curve would be used to determine the heights, focussing on the important factors to be
considered in determining these heights, such as view obstruction, casting shadows on residential
properties or overwhelming those properties. He said anyone wishing to develop a property should be
able to look at the code and compute these factors against the formulas in the code obtaining a good
.idea of what will be allowed. However, he suggested the code contain enough latitude to allow
creativity in design.
Councilmember Kasper said the Planning Board is attempting.to hand the study back to the Council to
do their job. He said it would be logical to draw up.regulations that allow these developments in
areas that do not cause these situations. He described development in BelleVue.which does not
concentrate higher development on cross streets. Mr. Shockey said Bellevue is.a central business
district while Highway 99 is a strip commercial zone with residential properties located closely to
the commercial property. The Planning,Board is willing to.entertain unlimited heights but does not
want high-rise buildings next to residential properties.
In regard to the incentive program, Councilmember Dwyer asked how and when these incentives are
awarded or earned. Mr. Shockey said the incentives are earned through development of the building
in respect to the above mentioned factors and through good design of the building. The proposal
would be presented when the developer applied for a conditional use permit with.an automatic review
before the Architectural Design Board and the Planning Board prior to appearing before the Hearing
Examiner for decision under a specific set of criteria.
Councilmember Kasper noted that, if a variance or conditional use permit is required, it will not be
applied for in this town because people do not expect to receive them; if a height requirement is
November 27, 1984 - continued •
set at 35', there will be no applications to exceed that height. Mr. Shockey said the problem would
be avoided by defining the criteria in the Code and saying to developers that, if they meet the
criteria in developing their property, they will be granted the permit. Mayor Naughten asked what
was meant by numerous streets being closed to prevent customer traffic invasion of residential
areas. Mr. Shockey replied that nonarterial streets intersecting with Highway 99 should be re-
stricted to.the point of closure to protect the adjacent neighborhoods, resulting in development of
other arterials to a full right-of-way. In response to.a question from.Councilmember Kasper, Mr.
Shockey noted that the customer from outside the immediate.area will use the arterials; however, he
said there would still be an impact on the neighborhoods if they are not protected. In regard to
view loss, Mr. Shockey said there would be some loss, if there are to be any large buildings,
however the Board would like to insure no.total view loss. The view may vary from territorial to
mountain, he said, and noted that he.wi.11 be travelling the strip with Mr. Hahn and Ms. Block to
determine the views which will then be marked on.the Highway 99.aerial photo.
Councilmember Ostrom disagreed with the statement that the City would trade-off view -for high land
utilization. Mr. Shockey used an example of 40% loss of.view as being an acceptable loss and used a
visual aid to illustrate how that would work for various.pro.perties at differing distances. Council -
member Jaech asked the City Attorney to insure that this.concept can be legally drafted so the City
is not being discriminatory.
Councilmember Kasper objected to adopting a view corridor concept on Highway 99 and not doing the
same in the bowl area. Mr. Snyder said the Council is empowered to address different vicinities
within the City.
The last sentence on page 12. did not appear to be.correct to Councilmember Kasper; by the time
Edmonds has completed this process, he said, the others will have all their building written off.
He objected to a binding boundary for the area, since it may be that one house may have to be done.
Mr. Shockey said boundaries.could not be binding on future.decision makers, but the study sends a •
message of intention to developers of the strip and protection of residential areas.
During a discussion of the impact Highway 99 development will have on the sewer system, the
possibility of imposing a build.ing.moratorium was discussed. Mr. Snyder noted that the report
expected from the City Engineer will address not only specific areas but the City as a whole and
cautioned that a moratorium should be examined very carefully.
At the conclusion of reviewing the report, Mr. Shockey said the Planning Board is preparing their
next report, addressing specific items, policy changes, etc., and will begin work on.a third docu-
ment containing proposals for amendments to the Community Development Code. Hearings will be held
on the proposed changes. He said the Board will have sufficient information before the Council on
January 8 to give the Council an opportunity to study the proposals before the Town Meeting at
Ballinger later that month.
Councilmember Kasper said he would support changes that will set forth what the Council will or will
not do in order that any applicant will know what to expect when applying for any permits.
DISCUSSION OF OLYMPIC VIEW WATER DISTRICT'S INTENT TO TERMINATE AGREEMENT FOR FURNISHING WATER
City Attorney Scott Snyder reviewed the actions leading up to the current intent on Olympic View
Water District's part. He agreed this might be an.attempt to attain a negotiating position. The
options before the Council, he said,.include: 1. Taking over. the lines of the water district, or
2. Negotiate with the District on billing. Mr. Hahn interjected that there appears to be a problem
in the response time when there are complaints since the complaint must be routed through the City
and then to Olympic View. Mayor Naughten said if the City takes over the lines and purchases water
from Seattle, it will be at the new water rate which is twice as much as the old water rate.
Councilmember Kasper suggested the Council look at the sewer contract, also, in considering any
renegotiation of the water contract. Mr. Snyder suggested that the matter be scheduled for an
executive session if the Council decides to postpone decision. COUNCILMEMBER JAECH MOVED, SECONDED •
BY COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST, TO SCHEDULE DISCUSSION OF THE CONTRACT DURING EXECUTIVE SESSION ON
DECEMBER 11 AT 6:00 P.M. 140TION CARRIED. Later, after checking the RCW, Mr. Snyder found there was
no provision for discussing the matter in executive session. COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST THEN MOVED,
SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER HALL, TO SCHEDULE THIS MATTER ON THE REGULAR AGENDA ON DECEMBER 11.
MOTION CARRIED.
Mayor Naughten recessed the meeting for 15 minutes, reconvening at 8:40 p.m.
DISCUSSION OF COMMUNITY SERVICES. DEPARTMENT BUDGETS (STREET, WATER, SEWER, EQUIPMENT RENTAL,
ENGINEERING)
Acting Public Works Superintendent Bobby Mills reviewed the Street, Water, Sewer, and Equipment
Rental budgets and answered specific questions for the Council. Councilmember Nordquist asked that
a list of all new equipment that is being purchased, what is being salvaged, and how the van for
Parks and. Recreation is going to be funded other than the B Fund, be prepared for the Saturday,
December 1, budget meeting.
City Engineer Jim Adams reviewed the Engineering budget for the Council.
MAYOR
Mayor Naughten asked the Council's wishes on the proposed resolution supporting SB 4872 relating to
control of pornography and other moral nuisances. Councilmember Ostrom said this is not like en-
dorsing a subject that is a worldwide issue, it is a matter affecting the City; however, the infor-
mation before him is not explicit enough.. Councilmember Jaech asked that a copy of the bill be
obtained and the Council review the current ordinance dealing with this matter before making a
decision.
November 27, 1984 - continued
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The Mayor asked for comments on the Emergency Service Coordinating Agency.. Councilmember Kasper
understood there was to be no coordinator for the agency. Councilmember Dwyer said that was the
original intention but the agency had determined a coordinator was needed; the City will still
realize a net gain over the former agency. Mr. Snyder suggested the Council reserve decision on
funding until they have seen the new plan.
Mayor Naughten reported that the Ballinger area residents had requested the Town Hall meeting be
held on January 28, 1985 rather than January 29.. COUNCILMEMBER DWYER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
.MEMBER OSTROM., TO HOLD THE TOWN HALL MEETING ON JANUARY 28, 1985 AT A SITE TO BE DETERMINED IN THE
BALLINGER AREA. MOTION CARRIED.
Mayor Naughten noted that Parks and Recreation Director Steve Simpson and he had attended a Town
Hall meeting at Edmonds High School on Monday, November 26, held by the Interschool Council. He
said it was a lively meeting at which the topics of abortion, prayer, competition in schools and
children: pro or con, were discussed.
The Mayor asked the Council's wishes in regard to a request from the Chamber of Commerce for $800
for Christmas decorations. COUNCILMEMBER NORDQUIST.MOVED,. SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER HALL, TO
INSTRUCT THE CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE THE NECESSARY. DOCUMENTS TO SUPPORT THE.CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
WITH $800 TO BE TAKEN FROM THE COUNCIL CONTINGENCY FUND. MOTION CARRIED WITH COUNCILMEMBER KASPER
VOTING NO.
.Mayor: Naughten suggested the Council might want to cancel the Council meeting..scheduled for January
1., 1985 as the December 25 meeting had been cancelled. COUNCILMEMBER HALL MOVED, SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER WILSON, TO CANCEL THE JANUARY 1, 1985.000NCIL MEETING. MOTION CARRIED.
Mayor Naughten pointed out the meeting would have.to be adjourned because of the hour if there were
no motion.to continue. COUNCILMEMBER HALL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER JAECH, TO EXTEND THE
MEETING UNTIL THE AGENDA WAS COMPLETED. MOTION CARRIED.
COUNCIL
Councilmember Hall asked how Council members are to.advise they will not be present, in order to
comply with the Attorney's request for excused absences from Council meetings, when they do not wish
to advertise their absences. Mr. Snyder suggested that notice to the Council President or Council
Resource Person and a notation during the meeting that a person would not be present would be suffi-
cient. His concern related -to the provision under State law that three consecutive unexcused
absences would constitute forfeiture of office. He suggested that each Council member be advised
that this provision exists and insure any extended absence be acted upon by the Council by the third
meeting.
Councilmember Hall expressed appreciation for the letter from Burlington Northern and will be
waiting to see what actions are taken.
Councilmember Nordquist noted that the Edmonds Cable Company is acquiring franchise rights from GTE.
He asked if the City franchise also included a three percent of gross receipts payment. Mr. Snyder
said the provision is included in the City's franchise to the Cable Co. Councilmember Jaech asked
the City Attorney to look at the contract and report if anything needs to be done.
Councilmember Kasper commented on the water problems in the area. He does not see how the City can
continue -to operate with.outside agencies; the City is building systems that are owned by others and
should rather be built for the City. Mayor Naughten said.the consultant selection for study of
water systems in the City will take place on Friday, November 30; information from the study will be
used for a five-year plan. Councilmember Kasper reiterated his concern regarding areas on Highway
99 and in the City that cannot be supplied adequately with water and must be solved as soon as
possible.
Councilmember Kasper asked about the status of the Union Oil Waterloop project. Mayor Naughten said
Union Oil Company has agreed to a.contribution but is awaiting official confirmation from Los
Angeles. After negotiations are completed with Union Oil, negotiations with the Port will follow.
He noted that the L.I.D. would not be started until Spring.
Councilmember Jaech requested that a letter be sent to the Washington Department of Transportation
asking that the extra holding lane on Highway 104 be opened on heavy traffic days. Councilmember
Kasper said they are also holding the loading traffic signal too long.
Councilmember Jaech asked for the status of the reports requested on the Wade James Theatre. Mr.
Hahn said a status report as well as an update of the meeting with the Block Grant Coordinator will
be ready'by next week.
Councilmember Jaech reminded the Council of the budget meeting on Saturday, December 1, 1984 at 8:00
a.m.
Councilmember Jaech asked for feedback from Community Services on the situation at Willow Creek on
the additional digging and water problems; she would also like to know if there is a conditional use
permit for the project.
Councilmember Jaech asked that the proliferation of readerboard signs with flashing lights on
Highway 99 be investigated.
Since there was no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 10:15
p.m.
•JACQUELINE G. PA RETT, City Clerk
LARRY S. NAUGHTEN, Mayor