2020-02-26 Planning Board PacketAgenda
Edmonds Planning Board
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
250 5TH AVE NORTH, EDMONDS, WA 98020
FEBRUARY 26, 2020, 7:00 PM
Edmonds Planning Board Agenda
February 26, 2020
Page 1
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
We acknowledge the original inhabitants of this place, the Sdohobsh (Snohomish) people and
their successors the Tulalip Tribes, who since time immemorial have hunted, fished, gathered, and
taken care of these lands. We respect their sovereignty, their right to self-determination, and we
honor their sacred spiritual connection with the land and water.
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Approval of draft minutes
3. ANNOUNCEMENT OF AGENDA
4. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
5. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
A. Director Report
6. PRESENTATIONS
A. Update on Climate Goals Project
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Planning Board Work Program for 2020
8. NEW BUSINESS
9. PLANNING BOARD EXTENDED AGENDA
A. Review Extended Agenda
10. PLANNING BOARD CHAIR COMMENTS
11. PLANNING BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
12. ADJOURNMENT
13. GENERIC AGENDA ITEMS
Planning Board Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 02/26/2020
Approval of draft minutes
Staff Lead: N/A
Department: Development Services
Prepared By: Michelle Martin
Background/History
N/A
Staff Recommendation
Approval of February 12th, 2020 draft minutes.
Narrative
Minutes attached.
Attachments:
PB200212d
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Packet Pg. 2
SUBJECT TO FEBRUARY 26TH APPROVAL
CITY OF EDMONDS PLANNING BOARD Minutes of Retreat
February 12, 2020
Chair Robles called the meeting of the Edmonds Planning Board to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Brackett Room, City Hall, 121 – 5th Avenue North.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES We acknowledge the original inhabitants of this place, the Sdohobsh (Snohomish) people and their successors the Tulalip
Tribes, who since time immemorial have hunted, fished, gathered, and taken care of these lands. We respect their sovereignty, their right to self-determination, and we honor their sacred spiritual connection with the land and water. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Daniel Robles, Chair Mike Rosen, Vice Chair
Matthew Cheung Alicia Crank
Nathan Monroe Carreen Nordling Rubenkonig
Roger Pence Conner Bryan, Student Representative
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
Todd Cloutier (excused)
STAFF PRESENT
Rob Chave, Planning Division Manager Jeff Taraday, City Attorney
READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES BOARD MEMBER CRANK MOVED THAT THE MINUTES OF JANUARY 22, 2020 BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED. BOARD MEMBER MONROE SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. ANNOUNCEMENT OF AGENDA The agenda was accepted as presented. AUDIENCE COMMENTS There were no audience comments. DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DIRECTOR REPORT TO PLANNING BOARD Chair Robles referred the Board to the Development Services Director’s Report that was provided in the packet. There were no comments or questions from the Board.
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Packet Pg. 3 Attachment: PB200212d (Approval of draft minutes)
DRAFT Planning Retreat Board Minutes February 12, 2020 Page 2
CITY ATTORNEY TRAINING AND DISCUSSION City Attorney Taraday provided training regarding the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA). He advised that each of the Board Members should have already taken the on-line training offered by the Attorney General’s Office. He explained that the intent of the act is to ensure that actions of government bodies are taken openly and that deliberations are conducted openly. “Action” means the transaction of the official business of a public agency by a governing body, including but not
limited to receipt of public testimony, deliberations, discussions, considerations, reviews, evaluations and final actions. “Final Action” means a collective position or negative decision or an actual vote by a majority of the members of a governing body when sitting as a body or entity on a motion, proposal, resolution, order or ordinance. Any kind of discussion of the official business of the Planning Board is an “action.” Chair Robles asked if the OPMA would apply when two members of the Board meet outside of a meeting? City Attorney
Taraday responded that to have action, you need to have a quorum present. If less than four Board Members are present, by definition, there would be no meeting. The safest way to avoid an OPMA problem is to make sure you are always discussing in groups of three or less. The OPMA is the single easiest law for Planning Board Members to violate, particularly if you are used to doing business and discussions via email.
Board Member Monroe asked how OPMA violations are typically identified. City Attorney Taraday said the main
motivation for an OPMA lawsuits is to invalidate an action. He explained that the OPMA does not extended to advisory committees and other entities that do nothing more than conduct internal discussions and provide advice or information to the governing body. However, he shared a court case involving a planning board task force that was conducting public meetings and independent investigations that were not properly noticed. Because decision-making bodies relied on this work to make
a final decision, the court found that the task force was subject to the OPMA. He summarized that the Board can assign subcommittees to work on particular issues. The subcommittee can meet regularly to exchange ideas and draft proposals for
the entire Board to discuss. Board Member Rubenkonig asked if the subcommittee members could email each other as part of their work together, and City Attorney Taraday answered affirmatively.
Board Member Rubenkonig said her understanding is that she can email information to individual board members, but can’t
encourage interaction between all of them. City Attorney Taraday responded that the exchange of emails can constitute a meeting, but passive receipt of email and other one-way forms of communication do not, by themselves, amount to
participation in a meeting because such passive receipt of information does not demonstrate the necessary intent to meet. When an OPMA case comes before the Supreme Court, the rule that will apply is, “did the members of the body collectively
intend to meet.” He shared real-life examples from case law to clarify the rules regarding email.
Board Member Cheung asked if more than three Board Members could meet together without violating the OPMA, as long as they do not discuss issues related to the Planning Board. City Attorney Taraday responded that, technically, Board
Members can socialize in groups greater than three without violating the OPMA, but the Board Members should be mindful of how their interactions might be perceived by members of the public.
City Attorney Taraday explained that, in addition to potential invalidation of whatever action was taken, there is also a civil
(monetary) penalty associated with OPMA violations. Worse than the penalties, is the possibility that a Board Member might have to defend himself/herself. Whether or not a board member is covered by the City depends on the circumstances and
whether or not the board member intentionally violated the law.
City Attorney Taraday summarized that Board Members can forward information, such as policies from other cities or articles, to the other Board Members. However, he advised that Board Member email addresses should be in the “bcc” field
to eliminate the potential for an accidental “reply all.” He cautioned that reacting to information that someone else sends out is best done either one-on-one or at the Board meeting. Chair Robles said the Board is interested in getting the public more involved in their meetings, and one idea is for Board
Member to post information relative to Planning Board topics in open public online forums. He asked if this would be a violation of the OPMA. City Attorney Taraday recalled that several years ago, the City Council adopted a social media
policy when a City Council Member expressed interest in establishing a blog. The issue was complicated from both a public records and/or records retention standpoint.
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Packet Pg. 4 Attachment: PB200212d (Approval of draft minutes)
DRAFT Planning Retreat Board Minutes February 12, 2020 Page 3
Board Member Crank said that, as an Airport Commissioner, she has shared information about upcoming public hearings on her neighborhood social media site. While other members of the group might discuss the issue of the public hearing further, she has not engaged in these discussions beyond announcing the public hearings and providing links to pertinent information. City Attorney Taraday summarized that, as long as the Board Members do not respond and comment on posts that are shared
via social media that pertain to Planning Board business, he does not foresee a violation of the OPMA. The only two types of legal meetings are those that happen at the regular time and place or special meetings that are properly noticed. He cautioned that there are some real complications involving records retention and public records compliance. If a Planning Board post turns into a vibrant discussion on social media and someone makes a public records request, it would be up to the Board Member who posted the comment to produce the public record. The City would have no control over the records and could not easily retain them for the purposes of the State Archives records schedule.
Board Member Pence said he looks at information sharing and agenda setting as administerial actions, since the discussions do not include negotiating, deliberating, receiving public testimony, evaluating or making final decisions. It is simply information gathering and sharing. City Attorney Taraday said he cannot tell the Board exactly when the discussions would
cross the line into transacting the official business of an agency, but he considers agenda setting to be the official business of a public agency. In his work at the City, there has been a lot of controversy at times over what is and is not on an agenda.
Board Member Pence observed that the Planning Board Chair and staff can do this work in the dark, but as soon as four Board Member become involved, the work can only occur in an announced public meeting. City Attorney Taraday suggested the Board could have an agenda setting discussion at the end of each meeting. This would give the Board an opportunity to talk about the next agenda while they are all together.
Board Member Rubenkonig commented that, currently, an individual is doing fundraising on social media to get money to
address how Edmonds handles ADUs. She wanted to comment that this topic would fall under the realm of what the Housing Commission is deliberating on, but she felt it would go beyond what she is allowed to do as a Board Member. She
questioned where the line is for when Board Members are commenting as representatives of the Planning Board and when they are commenting as private citizens. City Attorney Taraday said he doesn’t know exactly where the line is that separates
transactions of official business from administerial stuff. He is not saying they cannot comment on social media in their capacity as Board Members, but they need to be careful to make sure there is not a quorum of Board Members commenting.
Providing information is safe, but if someone is trying to cultivate an extremely active social presence in their capacity as a Planning Board Member, it would become more complicated. Chair Robles said the intent is to let people know about
upcoming meeting topics and encourage participation.
Chair Robles asked if he is allowed to contact the Architectural Design Board Chair to find out how the Planning Board can assist them in their efforts. City Attorney Taraday replied that the two chairs can communicate with each other, and the
Planning Board can also meet jointly with the Architectural Design Board. Chair Robles asked if he is allowed to communicate and coordinate with other City boards and commissions without receiving permission from the Planning Board.
City Attorney Taraday said the Board Chair doesn’t have a lot authority unless the Board delegates a specific task.
Board Member Cheung suggested that perhaps a disclaimer could be put on emails. City Attorney Taraday said they could add a tag to City emails saying “please don’t forward,” but he hasn’t created a standard tag for email that would cover the
various scenarios. Board Member Pence said a tag of “do not forward” would at least establish the email sender’s intent. The Board agreed that would be appropriate.
2020 PLANNING BOARD CALENDAR Chair Robles referred to the Board’s extended agenda, which is full through April. The intent of this discussion is to prioritize the list of remaining topics so they can be scheduled on the Board’s agenda accordingly and presented to the City Council for feedback at the joint meeting. He said he and Vice Chair Rosen will meet quarterly with Mayor Nelson to discuss the Planning Board’s agenda. The Board agreed they would like each of their meetings to last approximately 90 minutes. They would like to discuss two topics at each meeting, with at least one of the items coming from the prioritized list.
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Packet Pg. 5 Attachment: PB200212d (Approval of draft minutes)
DRAFT Planning Retreat Board Minutes February 12, 2020 Page 4
Rather than scheduling each of the items on the extended agenda now, Mr. Chave said it would be most useful for the Board to present the City Council with a prioritized list. Once the Board has communicated their highest priorities to the City Council, they can begin to schedule them on the extended agenda. Vice Chair Rosen said he would agree to this approach, as long as the Board populates its calendar at the very next meeting following the joint meeting. Otherwise, the pending items never seem to get scheduled. Chair Robles said he will be meeting with Mayor Nelson in the next few weeks and the joint meeting with the City Council will occur sometime this quarter.
Mr. Chave said Development Code updates are a priority for both staff and the City Council and have been tentatively scheduled on the Board’s extended agenda starting in March and April. The City will be hiring a half-time person to help with this task. In addition to the major update, he expects that a variety of Development Code amendments will come before the Board throughout the year. Chair Robles suggested that half of each meeting agenda could be dedicated to the Development Code updates, and the other half could be for other topics. Mr. Chave agreed that is a good goal, but in some
cases, the Development Code update could involve an elaborate discussion that takes an entire meeting. He said he expects the Development Code update to continue throughout the entire year. The Climate Goals Project may result in some necessary Development Code and/or Comprehensive Plan amendments, as well.
Board Member Pence observed that much of the Development Code work could involve a lot of heavy lifting on the Board’s part. He suggested that perhaps the Board could form subcommittees to work with the new staff person to shape the code
amendments. Chair Robles suggested they start by using the usual approach, and make this decision at a later time as needed. Mr. Chave added that code work has typically been done by the full Board, as there are multiple opinions and Board Members have an opportunity to bounce ideas off of each other. Using small committees would be challenging for that reason.
Board Member Rubenkonig suggested they give specific attention to what they want the Parks, Recreation and Cultural
Services Report to cover. While the past reports have been delightful, she suggested they should be more succinct. She suggested that the Board Members are responsible for lengthening the reports by responding with multiple questions and
comments. Both the staff and the Board can play a role in making the reports more succinct.
Board Member Monroe asked what role the Board would play in the Buildable Lands Report. Mr. Chave answered that the Buildable Lands Report is preliminary to the next Comprehensive Plan update and also relates to the Puget Sound Regional
Council’s (PSRC) Vision 2050 process. The report happens periodically at the County level where they set the distribution of population and housing in the County, including Edmonds. The information provided in the report feeds into the
Comprehensive Plan for specific goals to achieve for having enough capacity for housing and population within the City.
The Board agreed they would like to meet jointly with the City Council, Architectural Design Board and Economic Development Commission in 2020. It might also be necessary to meet jointly with the Tree Board as directed by the City
Council. Board Member Monroe suggested that opportunities to meet jointly with the Architectural Design Board should be scheduled to coincide with the Board’s work on Development Code amendments that relate to design. Mr. Chave said it
would be appropriate to involve the Architectural Design Board when creating the multi-family design standards, which will occur in either 2020 or 2021.
Board Member Pence observed that Mayor Nelson seems to be making a priority out of the Highway 99 Corridor with the
median project he is promoting. This might be the right time for the Board to receive information on the Highway 99 Corridor. For an example, he would like a status report on the project at the northwest corner of 234th Street and Highway 99. Board Member Monroe pointed out that Board has completed its work on the Highway 99 Subarea Plan, which was adopted by the City Council. Mr. Chave advised that there are two privately-initiated amendments for changes in the Comprehensive Plan Map, which will need to be considered and acted upon before the end of 2020. There may be some city-initiated amendments, as well. The Comprehensive Plan amendments will come before the Planning Board for a public hearing and a recommendation to the City Council.
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Packet Pg. 6 Attachment: PB200212d (Approval of draft minutes)
DRAFT Planning Retreat Board Minutes February 12, 2020 Page 5
REFLECTION Chair Robles reviewed the Planning Board Purpose and Duties found in Edmonds City Code (ECC) 10.40. One of the Board’s duties is to do research and investigation on specific projects assigned to it by the Mayor and City Council. The Board is in the process of obtaining direction from the Mayor and City Council on projects to accomplish in 2020. How the Board accomplishes the tasks is their prerogative, and public outreach is a significant component. He recalled the Board’s
previous discussion with City Attorney Taraday about the rules and guidelines for soliciting public input via social media. He invited the Board Members to share their thoughts on how to increase public awareness and participation in the Planning Board process. Board Member Crank noted that the City is in the process of hiring a Public Information Officer/Communications Strategist. Hopefully, this person will be able to institute some options for the Board to utilize. Mr. Chave announced that the City’s
website would be completely overhauled in 2020, too. Board Member Crank suggested the Board find a temporary work around until the new staff person has laid out a public outreach program. Chair Robles said he really likes the way that Board Member Crank has used social media to communicate important
information to the public. Board Member Crank summarized that the first step is letting the public know that something is happening. It is also important to consider the target audience and make sure they solicit diverse opinions. She referred to a
link in the American Planning Association email called, “Planning for Future Leaders,” which talks about how to engage youth in planning. While the Planning Board and other City boards and commissions have youth representatives, they need to do more to engage them in the process and solicit their input.
Student Representative Bryan commented that his purpose is to represent the high school students of the City, but being just one person doesn’t really cover that. In addition, most of the items that come before the Board are not directly related to
youth opinions. Board Member Cheung suggested that perhaps teachers could be encouraged to provide extra credit to students who attend Planning Board meetings and comment on subjects that might impact them. The Board Members
discussed that students might be more interested in subjects related to housing, climate change and Five Corners. Student Representative Bryan agreed to speak to the Service Hours Coordinator about the idea of students receiving service hours for
attending and providing comments at Planning Board Meetings.
Vice Chair Rosen suggested that when the Board discusses the next agenda at the conclusion of each meeting, perhaps they should also have a discussion about who would benefit from being in the audience and how they can best encourage their
participation.
Board Member Pence asked about the timeline for updating the City’s website. Mr. Chave answered that it supposed to happen in 2020, but he doesn’t know the exact schedule. Board Member Pence commented that the website is the front door
to City Government, and it is not inviting in its current format. Board Member Crank announced that the City just posted the Human Services Program Manager and Public Information Officer/Communications Strategist positions. Mr. Chave said the
IT department is currently working on the design and content of the new website.
The Board discussed the 2020 liaison assignments. Chair Robles agreed to serve as the Board’s liaison to the Architectural Design Board and Board Member Pence agreed to serve as the liaison for the Economic Development Commission and
Housing Commission. Mr. Chave pointed out that the Board Members can attend meetings of any of the City’s boards and commissions and report back to the Board.
REVIEW OF EXTENDED AGENDA There was no further discussion about the extended agenda. PLANNING BOARD CHAIR COMMENTS Chair Robles did not provide any additional comments. PLANNING BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
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Packet Pg. 7 Attachment: PB200212d (Approval of draft minutes)
DRAFT Planning Retreat Board Minutes February 12, 2020 Page 6
There were no Board Member comments. ADJOURNMENT The retreat was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
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Packet Pg. 8 Attachment: PB200212d (Approval of draft minutes)
Planning Board Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 02/26/2020
Director Report
Staff Lead: Shane Hope
Department: Development Services
Prepared By: Michelle Martin
Background/History
N/A
Staff Recommendation
N/A
Narrative
Director Report attached.
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Packet Pg. 9
Planning Board Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 02/26/2020
Update on Climate Goals Project
Staff Lead: Kernen Lien
Department: Planning Division
Prepared By: Kernen Lien
Background/History
Edmonds has supported specific climate protection activities for at least a decade, as well as related
"sustainability" activities for even longer. In 2017, the Mayor signed the Mayors National Climate Action
Agenda and the City Council adopted Resolution No. 1389 (attached) to achieve or exceed at the local
level the goals established in the Paris Climate Accord. The resolution contains seven sections related to
climate issues, particularly for reducing greenhouse gases.
Staff Recommendation
N/A
Narrative
City staff will provide an update of the City's Climate Goals project at the February 26 Planning Board
meeting.
The City of Edmonds hired consultant Environmental Science Associates (ESA) to help implement
Resolution No. 1389 (Attachment 1). As part of the project over the last couple of years, milestones
have included: a green house gas inventory; a policy gap analysis regarding existing City policies related
to climate change; general agreement on science-based targets for climate change planning; a tracking
tool for the City to use in meeting its climate goals; and a public information open house.
Two of the next steps related to the Climate Goals project are to: (1) identify actions the City can take to
implement goals and (2) update the 2010 Climate Action Plan (Attachment 2).
ESA has completed a review of other jurisdictions' Climate Action Plans (see Attachment 3) and begun
considering the format for an updated Climate Action Plan. Development of the Climate Action Plan will
include a robust public engagement process. The Mayor's Climate Protection Committee, comprised of
local citizens, will continue providing input along the way.
While the Climate Action Plan planning process is beginning, Mayor Mike Nelson has formed an
Interdepartmental "Climate Action Team" of City employees to explore actions the City of Edmonds can
take now to help mitigate climate change.
NEXT STEPS
The March 17 City Council meeting is planned to have a presentation on the Climate Goals Project.
Additional information will be discussed at the Council meeting.
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Attachments:
Attachment 1: Resolution No 1389
Attachment 2: 2010 Climate Action Plan
Attachment 3: Review of Other Jurisdictions' Climate Action Plans
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RESOLTJTION NO. 1389
A RESOLUTTON OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF TI"TE CITY OF EDMONDS
COMMITTING TO ACTIIEVE OR N]XCEED AT THE LOCAL LEVEL
THE COÄLS ASTATLISHED IN THE PÀRIS CLIMATE ÂCCORD
WHEREAS, climate change poses a grave threat to the health and well-being of this and
future generations in Edmonds iurd beyond; and
V/HtrI{liAS, according to the Woricl l{ealth Organization, human-caused climate change
is already killing some 150,00û people every year around the world; and
V/HEREAS, people of color, immigrants, refugees, economically disaiivantaged
residents, older people and children, people who are homeless, and people with existing mental
or health conditions will experience climate change disproportionately; and
WHEREAS, the 2015 EPA report, Climate Change in the United States: Benefits of
Global Action, states that global action on climate change would prevent nearly 70,000
premature American cleaths annually by the end of the oentury while spaling the country
hundrecls of billions of dollars in economic losses;and
WHEREAS, .Washington State has already experienced long- term watming, more
fi'equent nighttirne heat waves, sea level rising along most of Washington's coast, increased
coastal ocean acidity, decline in glacial area and spring snowpack and the State Department of
Ecology has reported that, "humaï caused climate change poses an immediate and urgent
threat"; and
WHEREAS, econornists have concluded that'V/ashington's families and businesses are
likely to incur billions of dollars of annual economic costs if Washington state and other states
and nations fail to clrive reductions in climate-changing greenhouse gas poliution, These
economios impacts include increased energy costs, coastal and stotm damage, reduced food
production, increased wildland fire costs, and increased public health costs; ancl
V/HEREAS, in recognition of the immediate need to take strong and proactive action to
protect our environment, the City of Edmonds in 2006 established the Climate Protection
Committee witir a core mission to:
1. Encourage Edmonds citizens to be a pårt of the solution
2. Encourage Cíty staff and citizens to conservs cuffent resourccs
3. Work with the City Council to irnplement ideas to preserve and enhance our
environment
1
4. Effectively address the fi.rture impacts of climate change
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Packet Pg. 12 Attachment: Attachment 1: Resolution No 1389 (Update on Climate Goals Project)
WI{ERËÂS, the Climate Protection Committee has established key environmental
strategies to: 1) Reduce fossil fuels with renewable energy resources for energy supplied to
buildings,2) Improve energy efficiency of and within buildings and 3) Require the design and
construction of new anrl rernodeled commetcial builclings to meet green building standards; and
WHERËAS, on June 6,2017, Mayor Dave Earling signed the Mayors National Climate
Action Agenda and stated "In light of the [President's] decision to withdraw from the Paris
Accord, I feel it impclrtant tbr our city to emphasize our local commitment to, and continued
efI'ort to improve our environment"; and
WIIEREAS, as a signatory of the Satb Energy Leadership Alliance ("SELA"), Edmonds
has committed itself to being a regional and national leader in addressing the adverse impacts of
climate change driven by the burning of fossil fuels; and enacted bold policies and programs to
rcduce emissions from its transportation, building energy, and waste settors ancl reduced
emissions while its population has grown; and
WHERpAS, the Paris Agreement resulted in a commitment from almost every nation to
take action and enact programs to limit global temperature increase to less than 2 degrees
Celsius, with an expectatiotr that this goal would be recluced to 1.5 degrees in the tuture; and
WHERSAS, the State of Washington has mandated statewide reduction of GHG
emissions to 50% below 1990 levels by 2050; and
WHttItHAS, rhe City Council aclopted Resolution No. I 129 on September 18, 2006
a<iopting the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement as amended by thtl 73rd Annual U.S'
Conference of Mayors meeting; and
WHpREAS, Resolution No. 1129 also requestcd semi-annual updates to City Council
regar.cling the progress of the City in implementing the following program milest<lnes: 1)
Conduct a greenhouse gas cmissions inventory and florecast fbr the Llity, 2) b,stablish a
greenhouse gas emission target (CiHG), 3) Develop an action plan to meet the local greenhouse
emissions target, 4) Impiement the action plan and 5) periodically review progress and update
the plan; and
WHEREAS, on February 4,2Aß the City of Edmonds cornpleted a Climate Change
Action plan and within the plan it reportecl Edmonds buildings account for approximately one-
third of Eùnond's GHG emissions ftrr lighting, heating, cooling, and cooking; and
WI-{ERËAS, the Climate Change Action plan states replacing fossil fuel-derived energy
with renewable energy sources for both city owned buildings and throughout our community is
critical to achieving ihe greenhouse gäs emission reduction goals set forth in the City's Climate
Action Plan and the Compact of Mayors, to which the City is a signatory; and
WI"IEREAS, it is imperative that energy consumers and the utilities serving them take
early action to reduce carbon emissions given the accelerating rate climate change the planet is
2
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Packet Pg. 13 Attachment: Attachment 1: Resolution No 1389 (Update on Climate Goals Project)
experiencing! and shifting to 100% of electricity from renewable sources by 2025 is within
reach; and
WHH,REAS, "renewable energy" includes energy derived from hydrogen, wind power
sited in ecologically responsible ways, solar, existing and low-impact hydroeleotric, geothermal,
biogas (including biogas produced from biomass), and ocear:./wave technology sources'
"Renewable energy" specif-rcally excludes energy derived from fossil fuels, nuclear, biomass
feedstocks sourcecl from state and federal lâncls, hydrogen produced from fossil fuels, and
incineration of municipal and rnedical waste; and
V/HEREAS, the Edmonds City C<luncil has dcmonstrated its commitment to
environmental stewardship and the health and safety of Edmonds residents by numerous other
actions, including passing Resolution 1362 on June 28, 2016 stating its opposition to the
transport of crude oil by rail;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COT]NCIL OF'THE CITY OF
EDMONDS, THAT:
S.W¡¡g¡¡J: City Council lìrlly supports Mayor Dave Earling's June {),2Q17 endorsement
of the Mayors National Climate Action Agenda.
Seetion 2: City Councit rededicates itself to partnering with the City adrninistration and
Ed¡ronds citizens to identify the benefits and costs of adopting policies and programs that
promote the long-term goal of greenhouse gas emissions reduction while maximizing economic
and social benefits ofsuch action'
Section 3:.The Planning Department and the Climate Protection Committee will report
annually to the City Corrncil our cur:rent municipal and community-wide GHG inventory starting
in 2018,
Section *; T'he Planning Department and the Climate Protectiou Committee wiil establish
and recommencl to City Council a GHC emissions reduction target goal fbr both the near term
and long tenn by July 1,2018.
Sestion 5: The Planning Department ancl the Climate Protection Committee will update
our City,s Climate Change Aotion Plan and review the specifîc strategies for meeting the
emissions reduction target as well as tying mitigation with adaptation meastres where possible.
Sec_tìpn 6: The City establishes the following renewable energy goals for both rnunicipal
facilities and for the City at large:
i. 1000á renewable energy for municipal facilities by 2019; and,
ii. 111%renewable energy for the City's community electricity supply by 2025.
Secrklr 7j By November 1, 2018, the Planning Department and the Climate Protection
Committee will develop a work plan, including options, methods ancl financial rssources needed
and an associated timeline and milestones to achieve these renewable energy goals'
3
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Packet Pg. 14 Attachment: Attachment 1: Resolution No 1389 (Update on Climate Goals Project)
RESOLVED this 27th day of June,2017
CLERK,SSEY
APPRopÐ:
TOM
A
FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK:
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL:
RESOLUTION NO.
June28,2A17
June27,2017
1389
4
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Packet Pg. 15 Attachment: Attachment 1: Resolution No 1389 (Update on Climate Goals Project)
City of EdmondsClimate Change Action PlanFebruary 4, 2010B U IL D IN G S
ECONOMYE N V IR O N M E N TLIFESTYLETRANSPORTATION& LAND USE6.A.bPacket Pg. 16Attachment: Attachment 2: 2010 Climate Action Plan (Update on Climate Goals Project)
Table of ContentsOur Vision3Process4Summary5Action PlansTransportation and Land Use (TR)6 – 7Lifestyles (LF)8 – 9Buildings (BU)10 – 11Environment (EN)12 – 13Economy (EC)14Community Outreach and Empowerment (CO)15Implementation (IM)16What more can be done?17Participants18AppendicesA. Data References19B. Background InformationAttachedC. Implementation MatrixAttachedD. Greenhouse Gas Reduction CalculationsAttachedCity of Edmonds Climate Change Action Plan 2/4/201026.A.bPacket Pg. 17Attachment: Attachment 2: 2010 Climate Action Plan (Update on Climate Goals Project)
City of Edmonds Climate Change Action Plan3Our Vision for Edmonds: 2050In the year 2050 we see…Edmonds is one of many flourishing communities in the Puget Sound region of Western Washington with our energy coming from nearly 100% renewable sources, our waste streams approaching zero, and nearly all our products and services obtained from sustainable sources. Our community continues to serve as our foundation; we are engaged citizens with strong neighborhood connections.We value our natural setting along the shores of Puget Sound and among wooded hills and ravines that are protected open spaces with shoreline vistas and wetlands rich with wildlife and vegetation.Our neighborhoods are diverse, complete with mixed-use development and neighborhood markets and gardens. We have walkable neighborhoods and are invigorated by our renewed contact with our neighbors. Many of us work close to home, in jobs that are good for us and good for the environment. We have created and encouraged local services, technologies, and solutions that support and enhance our thriving neighborhoods. We continue to consume more local products and use our purchasing power more consciously. We have promoted the creation of a transportation network that offers efficient, clean, and affordable mobility for all residents and workers in Edmonds. We are healthy and so is our environment—our children play outside and our creeks and waterways are very clean. We have continued to support our spectacular open space and derive great joy from its presence.We have learned how to create a green and healthy future but are prepared for any potential negative climate changes.How was this plan created?A subcommittee of the City of Edmonds’ Citizens Committee on U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement met during the summer of 2009 to draft a comprehensive action plan. The plan is based on input from the larger community as gathered on Earth Day, April 21, 2009, and from best practices in other cities around the country. Additional resources include the City of Edmonds’draft Comprehensive Plan - Community Sustainability Element and the Governor's Climate Action Plan drafted in November 2008. Volunteers provided technical input on the various components and leveraged work by the Climate Protection Committee over the last several years. The subcommittee reviewed scores of ideas and potential programs culminating into this action plan. 2/4/20106.A.bPacket Pg. 18Attachment: Attachment 2: 2010 Climate Action Plan (Update on Climate Goals Project)
Our ProcessCity of Edmonds Climate Change Action Plan4You are here…“If there’s no action before 2012, that’s too late. What we do in the next two to three years will determine our future. This is the defining moment.”-U.N.’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, renowned engineer and economist Rajendra Pachauri 2/4/2010City of EdmondsPoliciesWA State Climate Action Team Ideas6.A.bPacket Pg. 19Attachment: Attachment 2: 2010 Climate Action Plan (Update on Climate Goals Project)
City of Edmonds Climate Change Action Plan5SummaryOur goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissionsThe Mayor of Edmonds’ adoption of the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement requires the City to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 7% below 1990 levels by 2012 per the Kyoto Agreement.(1) Washington State has mandated that State GHG emissions be reduced to 1990 levels by 2020; 25% below 1990 levels by 2035; and 50% below 1990 levels by 2050.(2)The United Nations’ International Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) has determined that GHG emissions must be reduced to 80% below 1990 levels to arrest the effects of climate change.(3)The reduction targets are obviously inconsistent.Our action planThis action plan seeks to reduce GHG emissions within the largerframework of achieving a more sustainable community with respect to environmental, social, and economic issues. The required reductions can only be achieved through major programs supported at all levels of government and businesses, significant technological improvements, and massive local educational efforts to spur residents and businesses to significantly reduce their carbon footprints. This plan will periodically be updated to reflect progress and any changes in priorities or goals.Edmonds GHG Emissions in Tons of CO2eEdmonds’ communitywide GHG emissions in 1990 were calculated to have been 179,557 tons of CO2e (equivalent carbon dioxide units).(4)The estimated 2009 GHG emissions are 282,000 tons(5); therefore, by 2012, Edmonds’ GHG emissions must be reduced by at least 41% to meet Kyoto Protocol. To meet the State-mandated reductions, GHG emissions must be reduced 36% by 2020, 52% by 2035, and 68% by 2050. (Note: These goals may need to be adjusted to account for City annexations.)The big pictureThe average United States citizen has an annual carbon footprint of 24.5 tons of GHG emissions, while in the Pacific Northwest, we average only 19 tons per capita mainly due to our large percentage of hydroelectric power. The GHG emissions inventory calculated for the Edmonds community is only 6.8 tons per capita(4). This corresponds only to the direct activities within our community. Similarly, this action plan only addresses the activities specific to Edmonds and not those associated with the total per capita carbon footprint for which we are all responsible.2/4/20106.A.bPacket Pg. 20Attachment: Attachment 2: 2010 Climate Action Plan (Update on Climate Goals Project)
Transportation and Land UseCity of Edmonds Climate Change Action Plan62/4/2010The problem, strategy, benefits:Transportation accounts for 53% of GHG emissions in Edmonds—our largest source of emissions(1). This is a very difficult area to address because in Edmonds we have little control over traffic on our highways, fuel-efficiency standards, fuel taxes, or technological breakthroughs. Among thecommunities in Puget Sound, Edmonds rates high in traffic starting and ending within city limits but low in total traffic within the city, which means most residents travel outside the city. This indicates that most jobs and services for our residents are outside the city. The miles we travel are directly related to how we use our land; that is, how convenient are the services and goods that we need every day?Strategy 1: Reduce miles traveled for goods, services, and employmentThe best way for the City of Edmonds to address emissions from transportation is to regulate how our city is developed, including the promotion of creating many small businesses. Business hubs provide readily available and nearby goods, services, and employment for surrounding neighborhoods. This makes walking, biking, and, maybe someday, golf-cart-like vehicles more attractive.For services and goods outside the neighborhood, studies have shown that people who live near transit centers or mobility hubs drive between 20 and 40% less. (Other studies have found that low-density suburban development generates over twice as much GHG emissions per capita than a more urban development.) Consequently, business and mobility hubs should coincide as much as possible.As urban centers such as downtown Edmonds, Westgate, Five Corners, etc. expand in the amount of goods and services they provide, less travel will occur in obtaining our daily needs. A corollary to reducing miles traveled for goods and services is in reducing consumption.Strategy 2: Reduce gallons of fuel consumed when we travelThe greenest way of traveling is, of course, walking and biking, followed by all-electric vehicles, public transportation, hybrid vehicles, shared vehicles, and finally, gasoline-powered vehicles. Once our electricity comes from 100% renewable sources, electric vehicles will be almost as green as walking. The City must provide better infrastructure to make alternate (non-single-rider, gasoline-powered vehicles) and mass-transit modes of mobility more convenient, such as additional bike lanes, more bicycle parking, and better sidewalks, bus services, and commuter rail. Every 1% shift of mileage from gasoline-powered automobiles to non-motorized modes reduces energy consumptions and GHG emissions by 2 to 4% due in part to less congestion and vehicle idling. The mere idling of today’s gasoline-powered vehicles accounts for nearly 1% of transportation’s portion of GHG emissions.Of note, Edmonds’ traffic emissions take into account vehicle travel to and from the ferries, but not emissions of the ferries themselves due to unavailability of complete data. Nor is there data available for the trains traveling through Edmonds. Fuel sales for boaters at the marina were included in the transportation emissions.Lastly, combine errands as much as possible. When going shopping, go to the grocery store, the drug store, the bookstore, etc. in one trip and not separate trips. Combine or share trips with friends to lessen fuel use.Strategy 3: Encourage a mix of land uses designed to increase accessibility to services, recreation, jobs, and housingPlanning and zoning rules can largely drive and support communities that promote walkability and sustainable population growth and enable public transportation.6.A.bPacket Pg. 21Attachment: Attachment 2: 2010 Climate Action Plan (Update on Climate Goals Project)
Transportation and Land Use(Continued)City of Edmonds Climate Change Action Plan72/4/2010What the City has already done:Adopted a transportation plan that will add new sidewalks and bicycle routes.Purchased one hybrid vehicle, with the intent to purchase a second.Converted all diesel trucks to biodiesel fuel.Provided transit and carpool incentives to City employees, including alternate work schedules and telecommuting opportunities.Supported the Swift Bus Rapid Transit plan.Reduced minimum parking standards in many commercial and residential zones.Created more flexible zoning standards encouraging mixed-use development.Action programs:Reduce miles traveled for goods, services, and employmentTR 1: Promote the continued improvement of local commercial and transportation hubs.TR 2: Continue to encourage businesses to locate in Edmonds.TR 3: Encourage local purchasing of goods and services.Reduce gallons of fuel consumed when we travelTR 4: Increase bicycle parking and lanes/trails that connect commercial and mobility hubs in concert with the City’s transportation plan.TR 5: Continue to implement sidewalk and street improvements throughout the City and especially for the Safe Routes to Schoolprogram. Encourage schools to increase funding for busing programs and to support bicycle-safety training for children.TR 6: Promote the addition of a shuttle service connecting commercial and mobility hubs.TR 7: Coordinate with Community Transit, Sound Transit, and WSDOT to pursue funding opportunities to increase transit service and improve convenience to encourage greater ridership.TR 8: Work with local vehicle dealers to further promote hybrid/electric vehicles within the community.TR 9: Promote and facilitate, where necessary, shared vehicles used, such as school carpooling and vehicle-on-demand parking spaces.TR 10: Adopt a policy to limit vehicle idling, including the posting of appropriate signs at businesses and holding areas, such as school and ferry areas. This action would include evaluating how to equip City trucks with auxiliary electrical systems for illumination and warning signs.Encourage a mix of land uses designed to increase accessibility to services, recreation, jobs, and housingTR 11: Support mixed-use development in neighborhood commercial centers to encourage close-to-home local shopping and employment opportunities.TR 12: Encourage transit-oriented development standards and projects in the City’s activity centers (Highway 99 and downtown).TR 13: Review and update City land-use rules to encourage home-based business opportunities.TR 14: Encourage integration of sustainable techniques (such as low-impact development (LID) or complete-streets standards) into land-use and development codes.6.A.bPacket Pg. 22Attachment: Attachment 2: 2010 Climate Action Plan (Update on Climate Goals Project)
LifestylesCity of Edmonds Climate Change Action Plan82/4/2010The problem, strategy, benefits:Energy production for the Pacific Northwest comes from mostly renewable sources, thus providing a relatively low per capita carbon footprint. However, despite our environmental consciousness, we own more vehicles, live in larger homes, and purchase more products than previous generations, which drives up our carbon footprint. For electrical energy generation, the national average GHG emissions coefficient is 1.32 lbs per kwh(1), for the PNW it is 0.67 lbs per kwh, and for Edmonds it is even lower(2).We want to redefine the acceptable view of our neighborhoods, encouraging one another to hang their laundry out to dry and to develop gardens and lawns that don’t require watering.Strategy 1: Reduce material consumption, waste generation, and resource depletionMunicipal solid waste within Edmonds has its final disposal occur at Roosevelt Regional Landfill in south-central Washington. Since 2000, methane generated from the landfill has been captured and used for energy production. Since this method recovers methane at a high level, it leads to negative GHG emissions. Of course, this does not mean that adding more garbage is a strategy that helps reduce GHG emissions. When upstream impacts are included, every ton of waste prevented directly avoids approximately one ton of GHG emissions.Solid-waste management uses a hierarchy of approaches:Reducethe amount of waste created through efficient use of resources, more durable products, less packaging, and less overall purchasing.Reuseproducts and packaging as much as possible.Recyclediscarded products and packaging, and turn organic materials into compost or feedstock for energy production.Instituterestrictions on types of materials used (plastic bags, Styrofoam, etc.). Waste disposal determinations for the commercial waste firms serving the city of Edmonds were difficult to establish, with three firms providing the service. However, it was possible to establish an approximate waste disposal rate of 1.54 tons per customer in 2000, and 2.0 tons in 2005(3). This suggests that more and more garbage per person is being created; additionally, the percentage of the total waste recycled is declining.Strategy 2: Increase local food productionThe Post Carbon Institute, an environmental organization established to focus on peak oil and climate-change-related issues, has said that one of the most important things we as individuals can do to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and thus to save energy, is to grow our own food. Vegetables and fruit trees need about eight hours of sunshine. We are all stewards of the land, and in digging in the dirt, we come to appreciate that oneness with nature and the interdependence on the many elements that we must protect to ensure a stable food supply.An additional positive impact of supporting local food producers in an improved local economy.6.A.bPacket Pg. 23Attachment: Attachment 2: 2010 Climate Action Plan (Update on Climate Goals Project)
Lifestyles (Continued)City of Edmonds Climate Change Action Plan92/4/2010What the City has already done:Created an ordinance to reduce plastic bags while promoting use of recyclable paper and/or reusable checkout bags by retail stores.Followed Snohomish County’s lead in encouraging solid-waste collectors to enhance their organic collection programs from residences and businesses.Created a recycling ordinance establishing a base-level recycling service for commercial and residential customers.Action programs:Reduce material consumption, waste generation, and resource depletionLF 1: Create a campaign to offer more publicly available recycling facilities in partnership with local businesses and inform customers about using them, thus increasing the percentage of recycled goods at the community level.LF 2: Research a zero-waste goal and develop a zero-waste strategic plan for Edmonds.LF 3: Encourage and expand use of recycled products for City-produced printed materials.LF 4: Encourage programs to educate and assist homeowners in composting.LF 5: Research the creation of facilities to convert organic waste to energy.Increase local food productionLF 6: Encourage home and community gardens.LF 7: Involve community in identifying City parks and other property, both City-owned and private, as potential sites for neighborhood public “P-Patches.”LF 8: Encourage gardens on the verges of public spaces and streetswhere gardens will not impinge on pedestrian or cyclist safety and right-of-way.LF 9: Continue to promote local farmers’ markets and co-ops.LF 10: Support legislation to promote solar access to home and community food gardens.LF 11: Consider establishing a local carbon-offset program to purchase land for public community gardens and to defray the cost of development and administering them.LF 12: Encourage harvesting of fruits and vegetables from private fruit trees and gardens for distribution to local food banks.6.A.bPacket Pg. 24Attachment: Attachment 2: 2010 Climate Action Plan (Update on Climate Goals Project)
BuildingsCity of Edmonds Climate Change Action Plan102/4/2010The problem, strategy, benefits:The construction and occupancy of buildings consume much of our natural resources and are a major source of GHG emissions. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, construction and occupancy of buildings account for 39% of total annual energy use, 68% of total electricity consumption, and 12% of total water consumption.(1)In Edmonds, buildings account for about one-third of our GHG emissions for lighting, heating, cooling, and cooking, split almost evenly between our residential and commercial sectors. Significant reductions in our building GHG emissions can be obtained by pursuing a number of practical strategies that fall into three basic areas:Strategy 1: Reduce fossil fuels with renewable energy resources for energy supplied to buildingsWhile largely out of the City of Edmonds’ control, efforts can be made to promote buying green power, changing zoning laws, supporting state legislation, and partnering with utilities.Strategy 2: Improve energy efficiency of and within buildingsA report on energy efficiency published in 2009 concluded that the nation’s consumption of energy in 2020 could be cut by about 23% through investment in energy efficiency.(2)Homes account for 35% of the possible gains and the commercial sector for 25%. These figures do not include the possible savings expected when carbon emissions pricing takes effect. The City will also promote all energy-efficient programs sponsored by the utilities and energy companies, including water conservation.Strategy 3: Require the design and construction of new and remodeled commercial buildings to meet green building standardsSome new commercial, mixed-use, and residential buildings can be expected to be built as redevelopment takes place within the mostlybuilt-out community of Edmonds. Utilizing new construction designs andtechniques, plus new building materials, can, according to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, significantly reduce resource consumption and the creation of waste in our dwellings and commercial buildings.What the City has already done:In 2007, the City became an ENERGY STAR partner with the EPA, employing the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager to track monthly consumption of energy use in 16 City-owned buildings.In April 2008, by Council Resolution 1168, the City of Edmonds’Sustainable Building Policy was adopted. It established the LEED Silver standard, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, for new commercial or civic buildings of greater than 5,000 square feet and for renovation of existing structures when the increase in valueamounts to more than 50% of assessed value. It also emphasized Life Cycle Cost Analysis.In 2009, the City Council adopted a “Sustainability Element” in the City’s Comprehensive Plan that included a commitment to review building codes as they pertain to heat, insulation, and energy efficiency.Joined the Cascade Agenda as a member city and endorsed the Cascade Agenda principles of making the city “complete, compact, and connected.”(3)Completed an energy audit of major City buildings and facilities to identify opportunities for improved efficiency.Reduced electrical usage at the library by approximately 45% after completing a capital improvement project. Additional Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant funds will be used to determine feasibility of additional projects.6.A.bPacket Pg. 25Attachment: Attachment 2: 2010 Climate Action Plan (Update on Climate Goals Project)
City of Edmonds Climate Change Action Plan11Buildings(Continued)City of Edmonds Climate Change Action Plan112/4/2010Action programs:Replace fossil fuels with renewable energy resources for energy that is supplied to buildingsBU 1: Support efforts of Snohomish County PUD to increase the proportion of renewable power in the energy mix by promoting buying green power.BU 2: Promote the installation of renewable energy projects with the City via a) adopting appropriate zoning allowances; b) encouraging and supporting state legislators to sponsor appropriate bills; and c) creating financial assistance programs.Improve energy efficiency of and within buildingsBU 3: For the short term, the City will promote efficiency by a)managing the Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant; b) encouraging residents and businesses to take advantage of the federal tax credit program for 2009 and 2010; c) promoting the PUD’s 10% Energy Challenge through 2011; and d) promoting other programs that address energy efficiency for buildings.BU 4: Promote a building retrofit program for improving energy efficiency to reach a long-term goal of 55% per capita reduction in energy consumption by a) creating a financial-assistance program operated by the City alone or jointly with utilities and energy companies to provide the incentive for overcoming upfront installation costs; b) developing a program for contractor certification; and c) updating the permitting procedures and methodology to streamline the process.BU 5: Develop a program to achieve water conservation in existing buildings and landscaping, with a goal of reducing per capita water use by 30% by the year 2020.BU 6: Encourage meeting Silver-level LEED standards or higher for all new residential and commercial buildings, including landscaping, as well as any major commercial remodeling projects. Increase the LEED-level requirement as technology and economy dictates.BU 7: Support energy audits at the time of commercial and residential sales.6.A.bPacket Pg. 26Attachment: Attachment 2: 2010 Climate Action Plan (Update on Climate Goals Project)
EnvironmentCity of Edmonds Climate Change Action Plan122/4/2010Downtown Edmonds (2) The problem, strategy, benefits:Our natural systems, as well as the built environment, are being affected by climate change in ways we are only beginning to understand. The University of Washington Climate Impacts Group’s report of February 2009(1)predicts that the impacts of climate change will be primarily:1) Medium sea level rise for 2100 of two to 13 inches (depending onlocation), or the small possibility of up to 35 to 50 inches from the melting of the Greenland ice cap (depending on location).2) Increasing intensity of winter storms, bringing storm surges over Puget Sound.3) More rainfall instead of snow in winter, causing winter flooding and less snowpack, leading to decreasing summer water supplies.Concerns about rising sea levels are well founded. A three-foot rise would inundate much of Edmonds’ Puget Sound coastline. More frequent winter storm surges, bluff erosion, and landslides can be expected. Decreasing and unreliable water supply in the Cascade catchment area owing to less mountain snowpack will force water conservation upon us.Strategy 1: Enhance our urban forests and landscapesForests, plants, and garden landscapes have the capacity to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it as carbon in wood, leaves, and roots. Plants also reduce runoff and erosion and help to remove toxic substances from water.Strategy 2: Adopt solar access and tree policiesAttempting to develop a code to govern site and height of trees would be highly controversial and unduly time-consuming. Edmonds should not attempt to do this; however, adopting and encouraging the principle of “the right tree in the right place” would go a long way to finding the balance between tree planting and solar use for gardening and direct power generation.Strategy 3: Mitigate the impacts of climate changeLower the risks of damage and devastation by rezoning land use in susceptible areas, by strengthening sea walls and armoring embankments, and by designing our buildings to allow storm-surge waves to pass through the lower levels of the structures.Effective planning for the droughts can have a multifaceted benefit of reducing water pump energy, while ensuring that there is sufficient water available for local food production and basic services.Capturing water from our roofs during the rainy season (such as in rain barrels) can be released slowly as needed to our thirsty plants.6.A.bPacket Pg. 27Attachment: Attachment 2: 2010 Climate Action Plan (Update on Climate Goals Project)
Environment (Continued)City of Edmonds Climate Change Action Plan132/4/2010What the City has already done:Adopted stringent policies to preserve our wetlands in the late 1980s and to limit the impacts of hillside development in the 1990s.Committed to a set of environmental principles, policies, and goals for future action with Resolution 1700 (April 2008).Recognized the interrelated nature of environmental, economic, and social sustainability through the Sustainability Element of the City’s Comprehensive Plan.Action programs:Increase carbon sequestrationEN 1: Maintain and, whenever possible, expand our urban forests.EN 2: Identify pockets of woodlands and marsh land that the City could purchase to add to our parks system.EN 3: Require shade trees, drought-resistant plants, and rain gardens in public and private commercial parking lots.EN 4: Encourage low-impact landscaping and gardening practices in multi-family and single-family residences.EN 5: Identify City parks where carbon sequestration could be increased.EN 6: Consider establishing a local carbon offset program to purchase woodlands and maintain our urban forests, wetlands, and City parks.Adopt solar access and tree policiesEN 7: Press state legislators to enact solar-access legislation, ultimately increasing the percentage of households with solar and/or ability to harvest their own gardens.EN 8: Adopt the educational principle of “the right tree in the right place.”Adopt solar access and tree policiesEN 9: Consult with experts, such as the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group and the Puget Sound Regional Council, to keep current on climate-change trends and recommended practices to prepare for them.EN 10: Educate the public in the need for water conservation.EN 11: Provide emergency planning and the need for community preparedness to ensure food security and energy availability in the event of power outages or disruption of transportation.6.A.bPacket Pg. 28Attachment: Attachment 2: 2010 Climate Action Plan (Update on Climate Goals Project)
EconomyCity of Edmonds Climate Change Action Plan142/4/2010Action programs:Support environmentally beneficial businesses and job creationEC 1: Continue to promote new green business development opportunities through support of green building certification and tax incentives for businesses that show green leadership, proven effectiveness in reduction of GHG, creative environmentally friendly product packaging, etc.EC 2: Support and encourage a local green business recognition program.EC 3: Encourage local purchasing of goods and services.EC 4: Encourage recycling programs in the workplace.EC 5: Encourage businesses of all sizes to promote sustainable operational practices.The problem, strategy, benefits:Addressing climate change will not be successful unless proposedsolutions are economically viable and the business community is engaged.Strategy 1: Support environmentally beneficial businesses and job creationNew environmentally friendly businesses, retrofitted-green businesses, and job creation to support green products and services provide long-term economic prosperity. At the same time, these businesses offer savings from reduced energy expenses and avoidance of climate-change mitigation costs.What the City has already done:Edmonds has created an economic development commission that is able to support local business-related initiatives.6.A.bPacket Pg. 29Attachment: Attachment 2: 2010 Climate Action Plan (Update on Climate Goals Project)
Community Outreach and EmpowermentCity of Edmonds Climate Change Action Plan152/4/2010The problem, strategy, benefits:Addressing climate change will require innovation, commitment, and collaboration among all members of the community. It will necessitate, in many ways, learning new ways of conducting our daily lives. We will need to investigate best practices, share information, monitor our progress, and celebrate successes.What the City has already done:The City maintains close relationships with community organizations, including homeowners’ groups, businesses, and nonprofit organizations.The City partners with other agencies and organizations to hold an annual “Green Festival” to promote sustainability efforts.Action programs:Increase community education and commitment toward sustainability effortsCO 1: Increase City employees’ awareness of climate-protection issues and develop internal committees, such as green purchasinginitiative or energy efficiency, to implement plans.CO 2: Use the City’s website and City publications and work with community organizations to promote sustainability efforts to both residents and businesses.CO 3: Continually and visually educate the residential and business community on the progress the City is making in order to set a positive example for their efforts.CO 4: Encourage community educational campaigns to turn off computers at night, turn off lights, and promote programmable thermostats.Encourage other levels of government to work toward sustainabilityCO 5: Advocate for state and federal legislation that advances GHGreductions and other sustainability efforts.CO 6: Continue to provide a leadership role with other local governmental agencies to share best practices and successes.6.A.bPacket Pg. 30Attachment: Attachment 2: 2010 Climate Action Plan (Update on Climate Goals Project)
ImplementationCity of Edmonds Climate Change Action Plan162/4/2010The true test of our commitment and success toward addressing climate change will be in implementing this plan. While great community effort went into preparation of the plan, implementing it will require a significantly greater level of involvement. Given the number of new programs proposed, City funding will be difficult in a down economy and given other demands for City services.To evaluate the success of our efforts over time, an Implementation Matrix has been developed to clarify which City departments and community organizations will be responsible for implementing each of the proposed programs listed in this document, the anticipated timeframe and priority for implementation, the GHG emission reductions anticipated, and indicators that will allow us to monitor progress in achieving our objectives.Action programs:Monitor success in achieving plan objectives and update periodicallyIM 1: Evaluate and align future development applications and theCity’s Capital Improvement Program with the Climate Change Action Plan.IM 2: Prepare an annual report to the Planning Board and City Council assessing the implementation of this plan.IM 3: Hire an action plan coordinator to advance efforts and to provide accountability and coordination between community and City efforts.IM 4: Appoint an action plan commission to continue to advance efforts to be responsible for prioritizing efforts that impact the Climate Change Action Plan.IM 5: Review and revise this plan as appropriate on an annual basis.6.A.bPacket Pg. 31Attachment: Attachment 2: 2010 Climate Action Plan (Update on Climate Goals Project)
What more can be done?City of Edmonds Climate Change Action Plan172/4/2010The scale of global climate change requires integrated action at all levels of government and society. Systematic changes can greatly expand the range of choices available to people as they seek to act responsibly. Local government and individual residents and businesses need to demand such changes, both to enable and empower their own actions and to see those actions replicated at larger scales.Green the grid.Freeing the electrical grid of fossil fuels and integrating power delivery with “smart” technologies provides the core infrastructure for climate-responsible clean energy.Invest in transit and alternative transportation.Traditional transit, safe routes for bicycles, and walkable communities all need sustained funding to underwrite a sustainable future.Renovate communities with energy efficiency and renewables.Continue incentives for basic building improvements that reduce demand and increase the proportion of supply from renewable sources.Revitalize the countryside with sun-based agriculture and sequestration forestry.Adjust subsidies to wean farming from oil dependency and to manage forests and other lands for long-term carbon content.Stimulate green ingenuity and manufacturing.Develop incentives to tap the entrepreneurial spirit.Educate and train a green workforce.Empower people to move into the green-collar jobs of the future.Regulate carbon emissions and markets.Establish a fair and coordinated framework for carbon trading, sparking market-driven efficiency and innovation.Support science and act on it.Fund basic research; monitor environmental change; base policies on science.Launch a ten-year “Mission for Planet Earth.”Set a clear vision of global climate and energy responsibility at the scale needed to both address the problem and inspire solutions. Provide national and global leadership based on that vision.Re-tool and plug in the automotive industry.As plug-in electric vehicles become available, their inherent energy efficiency is amplified by a greening grid. Alternative fuels and greater fuel efficiency, coupled with simply driving less, can help.Promote statewide legislation.Many of the tactics listed throughout this document can be supported by statewide legislation, such as:BU 2 – Renewable energy projectsEN 7 – Solar legislationCO 3 – Statewide education programs6.A.bPacket Pg. 32Attachment: Attachment 2: 2010 Climate Action Plan (Update on Climate Goals Project)
Climate Change Action Plan ParticipantsCity of Edmonds Climate Change Action Plan182/4/2010Citizens Committee on U.S. Mayors Climate Protection AgreementCitizensCarolyn ChapelTodd CloutierBob FreemanWes GallaugherJeremy GrishamHank Landau, P.E., PhDBrian PotterCynthia PruittLaura SpeharRebecca WolfeStaffMayor Gary HaakensonLinda Carl, Executive AssistantRob Chave, Planning ManagerSally Lider, Env. Education CoordinatorSteve Fisher, Recycling CoordinatorJen Machuga, PlannerNoel Miller, P.E., Public Works DirectorJim Stevens, Facilitates Maintenance ManagerCAP SubcommitteeRichard Bisbee Wes Gallaugher Jeanne Blair Strom PetersonCarolyn Chapel Rich SenderoffTodd Cloutier Bob StevensonSteve Fisher Rebecca WolfeBob Freeman Steve WorthingtonJanice FreemanClimate Change Action Plan subcommittee and contributorsTransportation and land useWes GallaugherBob StevensonRob ChaveLifestylesSteve FisherBuildingBob FreemanWes GallaugherJim StevensEnvironmentJanice FreemanEconomyJeanne Blair, LEED APRebecca WolfeCommunity outreachCarolyn ChapelCommunity partnersEdmonds Chamber of CommerceSnohomish County PUDPuget Sound EnergyAllied WasteSound DisposalEdmonds Water DepartmentOlympic View Water DistrictCommunity TransitEdmonds School DistrictStevens HospitalEdmonds Community CollegePartner AgenciesICLEIEditorLinda CarlDetailed calculation analysis and editorWes GallaugherVolunteer project coordinatorJeanne Blair, LEED APThis plan was approved by the Climate Protection Committee on February 2, 2010.6.A.bPacket Pg. 33Attachment: Attachment 2: 2010 Climate Action Plan (Update on Climate Goals Project)
Appendix A: ReferencesCity of Edmonds Climate Change Action Plan192/4/20106.A.bPacket Pg. 34Attachment: Attachment 2: 2010 Climate Action Plan (Update on Climate Goals Project)
5309 Shilshole Avenue NW
Suite 200
Seattle, WA 98107
206.789.9658 phone
206.789.9684 fax
esassoc.com
1 13-Dec-19
memorandum
date December 13, 2019
to Shane Hope and Kernen Lien, City of Edmonds
cc Jeff Caton
from Mark Johnson and Breanna Sewell, Environmental Science Associates
subject Review of Other Jurisdictions’ Climate Action Plans
Introduction
As a part of the City of Edmonds Climate Action Plan (CAP) Update, ESA was asked to research and report to
the City what other jurisdictions are doing to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on a community scale.
Selected jurisdictions are either in the Northwest region, similar to the Edmonds community, or both. This memo
summarizes a range of possible actions beyond those Edmonds has already undertaken. It is intended for City
staff, policymakers, and the general public. It is not an exhaustive analysis, as hundreds of jurisdictions are doing
this type of planning; instead, it identifies practical and applicable examples for the City to consider now or in the
future.
This summary targets CAP strategies with the greatest reduction potential for the sectors in which Edmonds has
the greatest percentage of overall emissions (i.e., buildings and transportation). The 2017 GHG inventory showed
that buildings and transportation make up 52% and 40% of community-wide emissions, respectively. Within the
buildings sector, residential buildings contribute 67% of emissions. By 2035, with the City’s planned reductions
realized and the State’s Clean Energy Bill implemented, buildings and transportation are anticipated to make up
approximately 45% and 41% of total emissions (162,815 MTCO2e), respectively. This insight allows the City to
target policy toward the sectors and activities that contribute the most to Edmond’s emissions profile.
Each of the following six pages presents a snapshot of another jurisdiction’s CAP. There are links in each section
to the respective CAP so that a curious reader may investigate further.
6.A.c
Packet Pg. 35 Attachment: Attachment 3: Review of Other Jurisdictions' Climate Action Plans (Update on Climate Goals Project)
Review of Other Jurisdictions’ Climate Action Plans
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Seattle, Washington
The City of Seattle has been a frontrunner in
climate action since 2011, when it adopted the
goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. Along with
their 2013 CAP, which received an ‘A’ grade
from the Carbon Disclosure Project, the City
published a CAP Implementation Strategy. A
succinct, updated Climate Strategy was
published in 2018; it includes an overview of
the City’s GHG emissions over time, recent climate action taken, and near-term priorities. Although Seattle is
over 15 times the size of Edmonds in terms of population, its proximity, climate leadership, and successful
transportation initiatives make it a useful and relevant city to model. Notably, among its near term goals, Seattle
has a goal of having 30% of light duty vehicles being electric or plug-in hybrid citywide by 2030; by comparison
to date we have been using about 19% by 2035 for Edmonds.
City of Seattle Actions & Strategies
Transportation
• A pilot program that permits the installation of publicly available electric vehicle (EV) charging stations
on non-residential streets in urban centers and commercial streets.
• Amendment of the City Electrical Code to ensure that new parking is built to facilitate future EV
charging infrastructure. The code requires adequate electrical capacity to serve one EV charging station
per parking space in new commercial and residential buildings.
• Incorporation of EVs and clean fuels into the municipal fleet. Seattle’s Green Fleet Action Plan sets a
goal of reducing municipal fleet emissions by 50% by 2025.
• Development and distribution of a map of optimal distribution of charging infrastructure.
Buildings
• Creation of the Oil Heated Home Conversion Program. This program provides incentives for
homeowners to replace oil heating systems with clean, efficient, electric heat pumps by partnering with a
heat pump distributor who provides matching incentives. Conversion from oil heaters to electrical heat
pumps is estimated to save 5 MTCO2e per home.
• Implementation of an advanced commercial energy code, which requires either non-fossil fuel-based
heating or more efficient windows.
• Expedited permitting by the Department of Construction & Inspections for projects that meet certain
energy efficiency (15% better than code), water conservation, and indoor air quality criteria.
• Pilot program that will offer significant additional height and floor space incentives for up to 20 major
building renovations in urban villages, to encourage retention and energy efficiency improvements for
existing buildings.
Population 725,000
CAP Last Updated 2013
Targets & Commitments Carbon Neutral by 2050 – Goal
of Paris Agreement
Notable Features Implementation Strategy;
Regular Performance Monitoring
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Packet Pg. 36 Attachment: Attachment 3: Review of Other Jurisdictions' Climate Action Plans (Update on Climate Goals Project)
Review of Other Jurisdictions’ Climate Action Plans
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Portland, Oregon
In 1993, the City of Portland was the first
U.S. city to develop a CAP, and they have
made significant headway in citywide
GHG reduction since then. In 2014, the
City was on track to meet their interim
goal of 40% reduction by 2030, reporting
emissions 21% below 1990 levels.
Portland reports that since 1990, their
population has grown 33%, they have
24% more jobs, and their per capita emissions have fallen 41%. Additionally, their 2017 Progress Report states
that 83% of the 171 actions from the 2015 CAP are on track to be completed by 2020. Portland’s dedication to
climate action for over two decades, annual inventories of their carbon footprint, and diverse set of strategies
made them successful in their efforts thus far, even while experiencing significant growth.
City of Portland Actions & Strategies
Transportation
• Implementation of a bike share system. Portland’s BIKETOWN program resulted in a 26% auto trip
replacement rate.
• Introduction of a 10-cent-per-gallon tax on vehicle fuel to fund traffic safety projects; improvements to
sidewalks, street crossings, and bike routes; and street repairs.
Buildings
• Adoption of a policy that requires the disclosure of home energy information on single-family homes
when a home is listed for sale. Energy disclosure allows homebuyers to factor a home’s energy use into
their purchasing decision.
• Implementation of a policy that requires owners of commercial buildings of a certain size to track and
report their energy performance, which enables benchmarking against buildings nationally.
Other
• Adoption of a requirement that projects seeking a demolition permit for a house or duplex must fully
deconstruct the structure if it was built during or prior to 1916 or if it is a historic resource. This ensures
that materials are salvaged and reused instead of demolished and landfilled. Portland is working with
community partners to offer training and certification on deconstruction.
Population 648,000
CAP Last Updated 2015
Targets & Commitments 40% Reduction by 2030;
80% Reduction by 2050 (From 1990)
Notable Features
2017 Progress Report; Annual GHG
Inventories; First U.S. City to Develop
a CAP
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Packet Pg. 37 Attachment: Attachment 3: Review of Other Jurisdictions' Climate Action Plans (Update on Climate Goals Project)
Review of Other Jurisdictions’ Climate Action Plans
4 13-Dec-19
Bellingham, Washington
The City of Bellingham adopted their
first CAP in 2007, establishing targets
for 2012 and 2020. The 2018 update
established targets for 2030 and 2050.
Bellingham has identified separate
targets and measures for municipal
and community emissions. Their
2050 target is to reduce municipal
emissions by 100% and community
emissions by 85%. The adoption of Bellingham’s 2018 CAP update included the creation of a Climate Action
Plan Task Force. The task force is comprised of community members, utility and public transportation
representatives, and City staff members and is dedicated to the community and municipal 100% renewable
energy goals. It has contributed greatly to the City’s emission reduction thus far, as accountability is a key
component of successful CAP implementation. Bellingham, like other Cities, has developed summary
information of progress to date that can be viewed online, as a means of keeping the public engaged.
City of Bellingham Actions & Strategies
Transportation
• Addition of a municipal bike fleet. Eight fully accessorized bikes are available to staff for official
business and personal errands.
• Collaboration with regional partners to limit vehicle idling. With funding from the Northwest Clean Air
Agency, RE Sources worked with 22 schools in the area to limit idling and reported preventing 1,380
tons of CO2 emissions. A toolkit was also created for municipalities.
Buildings
• Creation of the Community Energy Challenge, a program that provides whole-building energy
assessments for homes and businesses, resulting in a list of prioritized upgrades from no- to low-cost
actions, as well as financing options for larger retrofits. Program participants can access utility rebate
programs for lighting and insulation improvements, sealing, and more efficient appliances.
Other
• Retrofit of all public lighting with LED bulbs.
Population 89,000
CAP Last Updated 2018
Targets & Commitments
Municipal – 100% Reduction by 2050;
Community – 85% Reduction by 2050
(From 2000)
Notable Features Dedicated CAP Task Force; Online
Summary of Reduction Measure Progress
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Packet Pg. 38 Attachment: Attachment 3: Review of Other Jurisdictions' Climate Action Plans (Update on Climate Goals Project)
Review of Other Jurisdictions’ Climate Action Plans
5
Ashland, Oregon
Although their climate action
started years before, the City of
Ashland did not create a CAP
until 2017. Despite this, the City
is in a good position to meet their
targets of 8% annual reductions in
community emissions and a
carbon neutral municipality by
2050, according to their 2018 and
2019 Progress Reports. As of 2017, Ashland households were producing approximately 25% fewer GHG
emissions than the typical Oregon household. Like Edmonds, the transportation and buildings sectors together
contribute the vast majority of emissions to Ashland’s total.
City of Ashland Actions & Strategies
Transportation
• Providing incentives for employer-sponsored bicycle programs, including for City employees.
Buildings
• Implementation of a program that offers incentives to building owners and occupants to upgrade or
replace building systems – including lighting, HVAC, heating – with newer and more efficient
equipment.
• Creation of a City-sponsored community solar project that gives citizens the opportunity to “adopt” a
City solar panel as a way to purchase local renewable energy.
Other
• Custom City of Ashland Carbon Offsets program, through funding of carbon offset projects, which is
available to residents and businesses.
Population 21,000
CAP Last Updated 2017
Targets & Commitments
Municipal – Carbon Neutral by 2030 & Zero
Fossil Fuel Consumption by 2050;
Community – 8% Annual Emissions Reduction
Notable Features 2018 & 2019 Progress Reports; Informative
ArcGIS StoryMap; Online Emissions Dashboard
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Packet Pg. 39 Attachment: Attachment 3: Review of Other Jurisdictions' Climate Action Plans (Update on Climate Goals Project)
Review of Other Jurisdictions’ Climate Action Plans
6 13-Dec-19
Palo Alto, California
The affluent City of Palo Alto was
one of the first cities to adopt a
municipal CAP back in 2007. They
adopted their current Sustainability
and Climate Action Plan in 2016,
setting a single goal of 80% reduction
of GHG emissions by 2030 (using a
baseline of 1990 levels), with no
mention of 2050 targets. Shortly after, they developed a 2017–2020 implementation plan and then a more concise
2018–2020 implementation plan. By 2016, Palo Alto had already achieved a 36% emission reduction from 1990
levels. To achieve the remaining 44% reduction, the City is focusing on transforming transportation and phasing
out natural gas use, as most of their reductions thus far have come from the introduction of carbon neutral
electricity.
City of Palo Alto Actions & Strategies
Transportation
• Exploration of parking management strategies, including dynamic pricing, to support transportation and
sustainability goals and better align the cost of commuting by car with the cost of commuting by transit.
• Evaluation of programs to expand EV charger deployment on private property, including rebates and
financing options.
Buildings
• Encouragement of voluntary electrification (and mandates as appropriate) of natural gas appliances
through actions such as pilot programs, process streamlining, evaluation barriers (rates/fees, financing),
and contractor/supplier engagement.
• Continue to purchase carbon offsets to match natural gas emissions as a transitional measure.
Population 67,000
CAP Last Updated 2016
Targets & Commitments 80% Reduction by 2030 (From 1990)
Notable Features Implementation Plan; Online
Performance Dashboard
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Packet Pg. 40 Attachment: Attachment 3: Review of Other Jurisdictions' Climate Action Plans (Update on Climate Goals Project)
Review of Other Jurisdictions’ Climate Action Plans
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Shoreline, Washington
The City of Shoreline, Edmonds’
neighbor, adopted their CAP in
2013, committing to the targets of
25% reduction by 2020, 50%
reduction by 2030, and 80%
reduction by 2050 (using a
baseline of 2007 levels). In 2017,
the Shoreline City Council
released a staff report summarizing progress and recommending future actions. The report included the
implementation status of each of the 45 CAP recommendations, 78% percent of which were either complete, in
process, or on-going. Shoreline’s website features sector-specific progress graphics that are engaging and
accessible to the layperson. The proximity and size of the City of Shoreline make it a valuable asset in Edmonds’
review of potential CAP actions and strategies.
City of Shoreline Actions & Strategies
Transportation
• Creation of “No Idle Zones.”
• Installation of “smart” water meters, which transmit water usage data electronically. This eliminates the
need for utility staff to drive house-to-house to read meters.
• Establishment of a car-sharing program, such as Zipcar or Gig.
• Creation of the Shoreline Walks Program, which organizes and leads free walks to encourage adults to
switch to non-vehicular transportation.
Buildings
• Promotion of residential energy efficiency by a City partnership with SustainableWorks, a non-profit
energy-efficiency general contractor. SustainableWorks provides homeowners with low-cost home and
energy audits and financing assistance for upgrades in exchange for meeting space and advertisement
from the City.
• Investigation of the feasibility for developing a district energy system within the city, which eliminates
the need for individual boiler systems.
Other
• Investigation of opportunities for rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse at existing and new City
facilities and open spaces.
• Promotion of water conservation through outreach and communications to residents and businesses.
• Consideration of a shift to every-other-week garbage collection and weekly organic collection.
• Collaboration and outreach with second-hand stores and King County to promote textile collection and
recycling.
Population 56,000
CAP Last Updated 2013
Targets & Commitments 25% Reduction by 2020; 50% Reduction by
2030; 80% Reduction by 2050 (From 2007)
Notable Features Simple, Accessible Online Performance
Graphics
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Packet Pg. 41 Attachment: Attachment 3: Review of Other Jurisdictions' Climate Action Plans (Update on Climate Goals Project)
Planning Board Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 02/26/2020
Planning Board Work Program for 2020
Staff Lead: Rob Chave
Department: Planning Division
Prepared By: Rob Chave
Background/History
The Board discussed this subject on January 8, 2020, as well as during its retreat on February 12th.
Staff Recommendation
Review and discuss.
Narrative
This is a continued discussion on potential work items and priorities for 2020. Once the Planning Board
develops its draft work program, this can form the basis of a joint work session with the City Council to
enable the Council to give specific feedback on its priorities to guide the Board’s work during the year.
A number of items have been discussed previously, and are listed here:
· Plan for Meeting with City Council re: PB Work Program
· Reorganization of code
· Code Updates:
ü Electric vehicle charging infrastructure and bicycle storage requirements
ü Land division (subdivision), including low impact development provisions
ü Tree regulations
ü Design review process (with ADB preferred role)
ü Multifamily design standards
· Climate Goals project
ü Periodic progress updates
ü Comp Plan amendments as needed
ü Code amendments as needed
· 2020 Comp Plan amendments (two individual requests)
· Five Corners planning
· Parks, Rec & Cultural Services Report (each quarter)
· Buildable Lands process
· Update on PSRC Vision 2050 Process
· Update on Housing Commission’s work
Work on the development code is a high Council and staff priority for 2020.
The Extended Agenda also contains a number of items that are either scheduled for review and
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discussion (e.g. are already shown with dates attached) or are yet to be scheduled (Pending items for
2020-21).
As always, the Council will add items for the Planning Board to review or make recommendations on
during the year.
Attachments:
Attachment 1: PB Minutes 2020 work program
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DRAFT Planning Retreat Board Minutes February 12, 2020 Page 3
Board Member Crank said that, as an Airport Commissioner, she has shared information about upcoming public hearings on her neighborhood social media site. While other members of the group might discuss the issue of the public hearing further, she has not engaged in these discussions beyond announcing the public hearings and providing links to pertinent information. City Attorney Taraday summarized that, as long as the Board Members do not respond and comment on posts that are shared
via social media that pertain to Planning Board business, he does not foresee a violation of the OPMA. The only two types of legal meetings are those that happen at the regular time and place or special meetings that are properly noticed. He cautioned that there are some real complications involving records retention and public records compliance. If a Planning Board post turns into a vibrant discussion on social media and someone makes a public records request, it would be up to the Board Member who posted the comment to produce the public record. The City would have no control over the records and could not easily retain them for the purposes of the State Archives records schedule.
Board Member Pence said he looks at information sharing and agenda setting as administerial actions, since the discussions do not include negotiating, deliberating, receiving public testimony, evaluating or making final decisions. It is simply information gathering and sharing. City Attorney Taraday said he cannot tell the Board exactly when the discussions would
cross the line into transacting the official business of an agency, but he considers agenda setting to be the official business of a public agency. In his work at the City, there has been a lot of controversy at times over what is and is not on an agenda.
Board Member Pence observed that the Planning Board Chair and staff can do this work in the dark, but as soon as four Board Member become involved, the work can only occur in an announced public meeting. City Attorney Taraday suggested the Board could have an agenda setting discussion at the end of each meeting. This would give the Board an opportunity to talk about the next agenda while they are all together.
Board Member Rubenkonig commented that, currently, an individual is doing fundraising on social media to get money to
address how Edmonds handles ADUs. She wanted to comment that this topic would fall under the realm of what the Housing Commission is deliberating on, but she felt it would go beyond what she is allowed to do as a Board Member. She
questioned where the line is for when Board Members are commenting as representatives of the Planning Board and when they are commenting as private citizens. City Attorney Taraday said he doesn’t know exactly where the line is that separates
transactions of official business from administerial stuff. He is not saying they cannot comment on social media in their capacity as Board Members, but they need to be careful to make sure there is not a quorum of Board Members commenting.
Providing information is safe, but if someone is trying to cultivate an extremely active social presence in their capacity as a Planning Board Member, it would become more complicated. Chair Robles said the intent is to let people know about
upcoming meeting topics and encourage participation.
Chair Robles asked if he is allowed to contact the Architectural Design Board Chair to find out how the Planning Board can assist them in their efforts. City Attorney Taraday replied that the two chairs can communicate with each other, and the
Planning Board can also meet jointly with the Architectural Design Board. Chair Robles asked if he is allowed to communicate and coordinate with other City boards and commissions without receiving permission from the Planning Board.
City Attorney Taraday said the Board Chair doesn’t have a lot authority unless the Board delegates a specific task.
Board Member Cheung suggested that perhaps a disclaimer could be put on emails. City Attorney Taraday said they could add a tag to City emails saying “please don’t forward,” but he hasn’t created a standard tag for email that would cover the
various scenarios. Board Member Pence said a tag of “do not forward” would at least establish the email sender’s intent. The Board agreed that would be appropriate.
2020 PLANNING BOARD CALENDAR Chair Robles referred to the Board’s extended agenda, which is full through April. The intent of this discussion is to prioritize the list of remaining topics so they can be scheduled on the Board’s agenda accordingly and presented to the City Council for feedback at the joint meeting. He said he and Vice Chair Rosen will meet quarterly with Mayor Nelson to discuss the Planning Board’s agenda. The Board agreed they would like each of their meetings to last approximately 90 minutes. They would like to discuss two topics at each meeting, with at least one of the items coming from the prioritized list.
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Packet Pg. 44 Attachment: Attachment 1: PB Minutes 2020 work program (Planning Board Work Program for 2020)
DRAFT Planning Retreat Board Minutes February 12, 2020 Page 4
Rather than scheduling each of the items on the extended agenda now, Mr. Chave said it would be most useful for the Board to present the City Council with a prioritized list. Once the Board has communicated their highest priorities to the City Council, they can begin to schedule them on the extended agenda. Vice Chair Rosen said he would agree to this approach, as long as the Board populates its calendar at the very next meeting following the joint meeting. Otherwise, the pending items never seem to get scheduled. Chair Robles said he will be meeting with Mayor Nelson in the next few weeks and the joint meeting with the City Council will occur sometime this quarter.
Mr. Chave said Development Code updates are a priority for both staff and the City Council and have been tentatively scheduled on the Board’s extended agenda starting in March and April. The City will be hiring a half-time person to help with this task. In addition to the major update, he expects that a variety of Development Code amendments will come before the Board throughout the year. Chair Robles suggested that half of each meeting agenda could be dedicated to the Development Code updates, and the other half could be for other topics. Mr. Chave agreed that is a good goal, but in some
cases, the Development Code update could involve an elaborate discussion that takes an entire meeting. He said he expects the Development Code update to continue throughout the entire year. The Climate Goals Project may result in some necessary Development Code and/or Comprehensive Plan amendments, as well.
Board Member Pence observed that much of the Development Code work could involve a lot of heavy lifting on the Board’s part. He suggested that perhaps the Board could form subcommittees to work with the new staff person to shape the code
amendments. Chair Robles suggested they start by using the usual approach, and make this decision at a later time as needed. Mr. Chave added that code work has typically been done by the full Board, as there are multiple opinions and Board Members have an opportunity to bounce ideas off of each other. Using small committees would be challenging for that reason.
Board Member Rubenkonig suggested they give specific attention to what they want the Parks, Recreation and Cultural
Services Report to cover. While the past reports have been delightful, she suggested they should be more succinct. She suggested that the Board Members are responsible for lengthening the reports by responding with multiple questions and
comments. Both the staff and the Board can play a role in making the reports more succinct.
Board Member Monroe asked what role the Board would play in the Buildable Lands Report. Mr. Chave answered that the Buildable Lands Report is preliminary to the next Comprehensive Plan update and also relates to the Puget Sound Regional
Council’s (PSRC) Vision 2050 process. The report happens periodically at the County level where they set the distribution of population and housing in the County, including Edmonds. The information provided in the report feeds into the
Comprehensive Plan for specific goals to achieve for having enough capacity for housing and population within the City.
The Board agreed they would like to meet jointly with the City Council, Architectural Design Board and Economic Development Commission in 2020. It might also be necessary to meet jointly with the Tree Board as directed by the City
Council. Board Member Monroe suggested that opportunities to meet jointly with the Architectural Design Board should be scheduled to coincide with the Board’s work on Development Code amendments that relate to design. Mr. Chave said it
would be appropriate to involve the Architectural Design Board when creating the multi-family design standards, which will occur in either 2020 or 2021.
Board Member Pence observed that Mayor Nelson seems to be making a priority out of the Highway 99 Corridor with the
median project he is promoting. This might be the right time for the Board to receive information on the Highway 99 Corridor. For an example, he would like a status report on the project at the northwest corner of 234th Street and Highway 99. Board Member Monroe pointed out that Board has completed its work on the Highway 99 Subarea Plan, which was adopted by the City Council. Mr. Chave advised that there are two privately-initiated amendments for changes in the Comprehensive Plan Map, which will need to be considered and acted upon before the end of 2020. There may be some city-initiated amendments, as well. The Comprehensive Plan amendments will come before the Planning Board for a public hearing and a recommendation to the City Council.
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Packet Pg. 45 Attachment: Attachment 1: PB Minutes 2020 work program (Planning Board Work Program for 2020)
APPROVED
Planning Board Minutes
January 8, 2020 Page 2
PLANNING BOARD WORK PROGRAM FOR 2020
Chair Robles explained that this agenda item is to provide the Planning Board an opportunity to review and discuss potential
work items and priorities for 2020. Once the Board develops its draft work program, it can form the basis of a joint work
session with the City Council. At the joint meeting, the City Council will provide feedback on its priorities to guide the
Board’s work during the year. The joint meeting is anticipated to take place during the 1st quarter.
Chair Robles referred to the list of priorities and issues the Planning Division would like the Board to work on. The Board
should also refer to the Extended Agenda, which contains a list of items the Board may want to add to the 2020 Work
Program.
Mr. Chave referred to the list of priorities and issues that staff identified in the Staff Report, pointing out that a number of the
items were discussed at the Board’s last joint meeting with the City Council. He reviewed the items as follows, noting that
the items in bold are high priorities:
The Board will receive a Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Report each quarter, and the next one is scheduled
for January 22nd.
The Board will continue the discussion concerning the 2020 Work Program in preparation for a joint meeting with
the City Council.
The Buildable Lands Process is ongoing and being led by Snohomish County. A Buildable Lands Analysis and
planning is required by State law. The intent is to assess the capacity that exists in various jurisdictions for different
types of uses. It sets the table for discussions of how much capacity there is relative to projected growth and
whether adjustments need to be made. It is a technical exercise that relates to Growth Management Act Planning at
both the County and local levels.
The Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) is in the process of updating the regional vision (Vision 2050), and the
Board will receive periodic updates on this effort.
Reorganization of the code hasn’t occurred for nearly 40 years. A number of provisions have been updated
over the years but others have not. This makes it hard to figure out what code requirements will apply to a
project. It often requires a person to hunt through the entire code, and there are conflicts within the code.
The intent of this project is to review the entire code, attempting to clarify the provisions and organize them
better so they are easier to find and understand. This will be a significant task, and the idea is to work
through the code piece by piece.
Adding requirements for electrical vehicle infrastructure and bicycle storage for new development should not
be difficult because multi-family housing and electric vehicles are already being promoted in the region.
Because retrofitting an existing development with charging stations is costly, the key will be to require a
developer to at least rough in the infrastructure when a project is built. It will be less costly to provide the
infrastructure at a later point in time when the demand changes.
The Subdivision Code is in need of an update. A good agenda for this work has been drafted, but it needs to
be revisited and finalized.
With adoption of the Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP), tree regulations are a priority in the City.
The current regulations need to be updated to align with the UFMP recommendations.
The Housing Commission will continue its work throughout 2020, and periodic updates will be provided to the
Board. At some point, the Commission’s recommendations will filter to the Planning Board in the form of code
work.
The Climate Goals Project is nearing completion. It is assumed that some of the work suggested by the project will
fall under the purview of the Planning Board. Periodic updates on the project will be provided to the Board.
The City Council has expressed some interest in moving forward with planning for the Five Corners Neighborhood.
Some Comprehensive Plan Amendments will come forward in 2020, including a few privately-initiated
amendments.
The Board also has a list of pending items for 2020-2021 (See Extended Agenda).
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Packet Pg. 46 Attachment: Attachment 1: PB Minutes 2020 work program (Planning Board Work Program for 2020)
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January 8, 2020 Page 3
Board Member Rubenkonig said she supports the list of items presented in the Staff Report, particularly those identified as
high priority (bold). She observed that the Board’s Extended Agenda is full through the end of April, after which the agenda
can be adjusted based on feedback from the City Council at the joint meeting.
Mr. Chave commented that rather than attaching specific dates to each of the items, the Board can identify the priorities and
provide feedback as to where the majority of the work should be focused. It is important for the Board to identify its
priorities prior to meeting with the City Council. This will allow the City Council to react and indicate whether or not they
agree with the Board’s priorities. He reminded them that their role is to advise the City Council.
Board Member Monroe asked if the City has hired someone to assist with the code update process. Mr. Chave answered that
a half-time person has been approved, but it will take a few months to fill the position. Board Member Monroe observed that
it would make sense for the Board to work in unison with the new staff member. Mr. Chave said that the initial schedule
identifies updates starting in March since it will take some time for the project to get rolling. He explained that staff will
present ideas and potential code language to the Board for feedback, and the Board will hold public hearings and make
recommendations to the City Council. He said he anticipates that, as the year progresses, the Board will spend at least one
meeting a month on this project. Staff would like to focus on the highlighted items on the list in 2020, most of which will be
complicated and time consuming. Board Member Monroe suggested it would be helpful for staff to review the Board’s role
in these processes early in the year.
Board Member Monroe said he supports the workplan outlined by staff. He said he would really like the Board to focus on
the Five Corners Plan in early 2020 before they get busy with the code updates.
Board Member Crank agreed with staff’s recommendation for high-priority tasks. In particular, she would like the Board to
focus on the Subdivision Code update, which was called out as a priority at the Board’s 2019 joint meeting with the City
Council. She observed that this discussion is intended for the Board to identify the items that should be included on the 2020
Work Program. Scheduling the items throughout the year will be a separate process based on staff timing.
Board Member Cheung inquired about a date for the Planning Board Retreat, which he felt should be held in early 2020.
Chair Robles indicated that this topic would be addressed as part of the Board’s discussion on the Extended Agenda later in
the meeting.
Vice Chair Rosen voiced support for the list presented in the Staff Report. He also agreed that the Board should hold its
retreat as soon as possible and prior to the joint meeting with the City Council. This would give the Board time to organize
and prepare a recommendation for the City Council to respond to. He said he supports the idea of an extended agenda.
While he understands that the timing will need to be adjusted at times, he would like to identify target dates for each of the
items as placeholders. He recalled that the Board previously expressed interest in discussing 5g technology and hearing an
update on what is going on with the legislature related to planning.
Board Member Pence agreed that it is important to schedule the retreat and joint meeting with the City Council during the 1st
quarter of 2020. He said he was peripherally involved in the City of Seattle’s Buildable Lands Process and found the work
very helpful in the discussion of housing. He suggested the Citizens Housing Commission would be interested in the product
of the Buildable Lands Process. As reorganization of the code is a priority, he recommended it may be helpful to form a
committee of Board Members to work with staff on this effort.
Board Member Crank clarified that the Board’s work in 2020 would not be restricted to the work program. The Board could
decide to take on other topics throughout the course of the year. Mr. Chave agreed and added that the City Council is liable
to assign additional tasks to the Board. Chair Robles suggested that the Board also reserve 5% to 10% of its schedule for
topics the members feel are important.
Board Member Rubenkonig agreed with Vice Chair Rosen that the items should be at least tentatively scheduled on the
Extended Agenda, recognizing that the schedule could change and other items might come up as directed by the City
Council. The Board has typically been very responsive to changes and providing feedback to the City Council. She said her
ideas were less issue-based and more administrative in nature. For example, it is important to get the formal Planning Board
reports scheduled on the City Council’s agenda as soon as possible. Once the update is scheduled on the agenda, the
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Packet Pg. 47 Attachment: Attachment 1: PB Minutes 2020 work program (Planning Board Work Program for 2020)
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January 8, 2020 Page 4
Planning Board Members have a better opportunity to contribute to items that should be included in the update. In the past,
she has found the Board is more accountable during meetings than when responding via email. She recalled that the Board
Members have requested short training modules on issues such as protocol for responding to the public. She also recalled
that the Board previously discussed changing the meeting location to make the Board more approachable. She summarized
that the Board has often discussed the need to be open towards the community. Any training and ideas that staff can provide
in that regard would be a good use of meeting time.
Board Member Rubenkonig said it would be helpful to have some training on conducting public hearings – how to respond to
public comments, how to encourage public comments, etc. In the past, the Board Members have responded to public
comments even when they are not presented from the podium. Perhaps that is inappropriate in some situations. She
commented that, particularly for quasi-judicial public hearings, it is imperative to understand the legal procedures and the
importance of building the public record.
Board Member Rubenkonig said she would like the Board to have a discussion about the concept of “podments,” which was
brought up by former Board Member Lovell. The concept has been utilized in other cities to increase the number of families
that can live in a single-family neighborhood. Another idea brought forward by former Board Member Lovell involves
subdividing or retrofitting existing single-family homes to create multi-family configurations. She would like the Board to
discuss how both of these concepts might be applied in Edmonds. It is important for the Board to be apprised of the different
planning approaches that exist.
Board Member Rubenkonig recalled that the Board spent a lot of time updating the sign code, and she would like to hear how
the updated code is being administered. She likes to see how the Board’s recommendations and what is eventually approved
by the City Council plays out.
Board Member Rubenkonig said she would also like to discuss the “innocent lot purchaser” concept. She explained that
when a person purchases a piece of property that hasn’t benefited from the legal subdivision process, rather than precluding
them from developing their property, the City has allowed them to petition to have their lot be considered a legal lot.
Chair Robles acknowledged that some code updates have been identified as priorities, but other items, such as those raised by
Board Member Rubenkonig, could be included on this as part of the code update work. For example, he would like to add
accessory dwelling units to the list. He asked staff to prepare a code update plan that includes as many issues as possible
from the staff’s list, as well as the pending items on the Extended Agenda, but starting with the priority items first. Mr.
Chave cautioned that there are too many items to accomplish in a year, and they should focus on the highest priorities first.
However, the Board could work with the City Council to prioritize the other items on the two lists to accomplish as time
allows.
Board Member Rubenkonig said she would also like to schedule, when possible, discussion time on topics raised by Board
Members. For example, in the past, they discussed Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), housing diversity and the “missing
middle.” These discussions helped the City start to craft an approach for addressing housing issues. She would also like to
schedule an update on development applications when possible.
Mr. Chave said he would add an update on development permit applications to the list of pending items, as it is something
that staff prepares every year. He would also add an update on what is going on at the State level (legislature) and an update
on the sign code. Some of the other items (ADUs, missing middle, etc.) will be part of the Housing Commission’s work. It
won’t be productive for the Board to talk about these issues until the Housing Commission has completed its work.
Chair Robles asked staff to finalize the work plan based on the comments provided by the Board and present it for final
review at the next meeting. Mr. Chave suggested the Board could review the final work plan at their retreat in preparation for
the joint meeting with the City Council. He further suggested the Board hold a retreat at one of its February meetings, and
the joint meeting with the City Council could be scheduled for March. He suggested that the City Attorney could also be
invited to the retreat to provide a small training session. The Board agreed that would be helpful; however, they agreed that
the training should be limited to a single topic since time would be limited. They also voiced support for Mr. Chave’s
proposed timeline for the retreat and joint City Council meeting.
7.A.a
Packet Pg. 48 Attachment: Attachment 1: PB Minutes 2020 work program (Planning Board Work Program for 2020)
Planning Board Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 02/26/2020
Review Extended Agenda
Staff Lead: Rob Chave
Department: Planning Division
Prepared By: Rob Chave
Background/History
N/A
Staff Recommendation
N/A
Narrative
The current extended agenda is attached.
Attachments:
Attachment 1: Extended Agenda
9.A
Packet Pg. 49
Items and Dates are subject to change
Extended Agenda
February 26, 2020
Meeting Item
FEBRUARY, 2020
February
12
PLANNING BOARD RETREAT – Brackett Room (City Hall)
1. Training with City Attorney (quasi-judicial procedures)
2. Work Program Discussion &
Plan for joint meeting with City Council
February
26
1. Continued Discussion of 2020 Work Program
2. Update on Climate Goals project
MARCH, 2020
March
11
1. Update on Housing Commission work
2. Buildable Lands Process
3. Update on PSRC Vision 2050 process
March
25
1. Issues / discussion on development code work, including EV
charging infrastructure and land division codes
APRIL, 2020
April
8
1. Issues / discussion on development code work, including EV
charging infrastructure and land division codes
April
22
1. Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Quarterly Report
May, 2020
May
13
1. Issues / discussion on development code work…
May
27
1. Issues / discussion on development code work…
9.A.a
Packet Pg. 50 Attachment: Attachment 1: Extended Agenda (Review Extended Agenda)
Items and Dates are subject to change
Pending
2020-21
1. Implementation / code updates implementing the UFMP
2. Implementation / code updates implementing climate goals
3. Implementation / code updates addressing WA state roadmap
4. Neighborhood Center Plans & implementation (esp. 5 Corners)
5. Low impact / stormwater code review and updates
6. Sustainable development code(s) review and updates
7. Housing policies and implementation (incl ADU regs)
8. Nonconforming buildings and redevelopment issues
9. Subdivision code updates
10. Community Development Code Amendments / Re-Organization
11. Further Highway 99 Implementation, including:
Potential for “urban center” or transit-oriented
design/development strategies
Parking standards
Recurring
Topics
1. Election of Officers (1st meeting in December)
2. Parks & Recreation Department Quarterly Report (January, April, July,
October)
3. Joint meeting with City Council – March?
4. Development Activity Update
5. Joint meeting with EDC?
9.A.a
Packet Pg. 51 Attachment: Attachment 1: Extended Agenda (Review Extended Agenda)