Cm130305EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
March 5, 2013
The Edmonds City Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Earling in the Council
Chambers, 250 5th Avenue North, Edmonds. The meeting was opened with the flag salute.
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Dave Earling, Mayor
Lora Petso, Council President
Frank Yamamoto, Councilmember
Joan Bloom, Councilmember
Kristiana Johnson, Councilmember
Adrienne Fraley-Monillas, Councilmember
Diane Buckshnis, Councilmember
ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT
Strom Peterson, Councilmember
1. ROLL CALL
STAFF PRESENT
Ronald Cone, Interim Finance Director
Carrie Hite, Parks & Recreation Director
Rob Chave, Acting Development Services Dir.
Doug Fair, Municipal Court Judge
Joan Ferebee, Court Administrator
Jeff Taraday, City Attorney
Sandy Chase, City Clerk
Jana Spellman, Senior Executive Council Asst.
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
City Clerk Sandy Chase called the roll. All elected officials were present with the exception of
Councilmember Peterson.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT PETSO MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-
MONILLAS, TO EXCUSE COUNCILMEMBER PETERSON. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
COUNCIL PRESIDENT PETSO MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-
MONILLAS, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA IN CONTENT AND ORDER. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
3. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
COUNCILMEMBER BUCKSHNIS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
YAMAMOTO, TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The agenda items approved are as follows:
A. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 26, 2013.
B. APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS #200747 THROUGH #200857 DATED FEBRUARY 28,
2013 FOR $473,785.35 (REISSUED CHECKS #200747 $334,100.00 AND #200806 $37.50).
C. APPROVAL OF LIST OF EDMONDS' BUSINESSES APPLYING FOR RENEWAL OF
THEIR LIQUOR LICENSE WITH THE WASHINGTON STATE LIQUOR CONTROL
BOARD, FEBRUARY 2013.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 5, 2013
Page 1
D. APPROVAL OF 2013 TAXICAB OPERATOR'S LICENSE FOR YELLOW CAB OF
WASHINGTON INC.
4. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
There were no members of the public present who wished to provide comment.
BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION
Mayor Earling read a proclamation declaring March 2013 as Brain Injury Awareness Month. He
explained when he taught at Shoreline Community College, he received a call that one of the drummers in
his jazz group, Keith Scruggs, had been in a horrific accident and suffered a brain injury that troubles him
to this day.
Mayor Earling presented the proclamation to Lou Nash. Mr. Nash, a brain injury survivor since 1993,
explained he facilitates a support group for caregivers and survivors. He expressed his appreciation for the
proclamation, advising the Governor also signed a proclamation.
Councilmember Johnson explained the proclamation is intended to raise awareness of brain injuries. The
community's brain support group meets the first Tuesday of every month at Swedish -Edmonds Hospital
from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the cafeteria and everyone is welcome to attend. The community also has
several local organizations that promote bicycle safety. She applauded the work of the Edmonds Kiwanis
who through their school bike helmet project provide helmets to young bike riders. She also applauded
the work of the Edmonds Bicycle Advisory Group who through their basics of bicycling program, teach
elementary school children how to ride safely as well as work with other partners including the Hazel
Miller Foundation.
Councilmember Johnson explained the prevention of head injuries is an important public safety issue. The
State does not require helmets for bicyclists or skateboarders. Over 30 jurisdictions in Washington have
helmet laws including Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Pierce and King Counties. She summarized this may be
the right time for Edmonds to discuss whether to continue voluntary programs or have a mandatory
bicycle helmet program to prevent brain injuries. She made the following motion in honor of brain injury
awareness month:
COUNCILMEMBER JOHNSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-
MONILLAS, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL REFER THIS TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY
COMMITTEE OF THE COUNCIL FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
6. ANNUAL REPORT - MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE
Municipal Court Judge Doug Fair thanked Court Administrator Joan Ferebee who compiled the numbers
and the presentation. He recognized Assistant Police Chief Jim Lawless for providing information
regarding jail costs and Probation Officer Sherry Conway who provided information regarding electronic
home monitoring, etc.
Judge Fair displayed a comparison of filings for 2005 to 2012, explaining filing decreased significantly in
2012 to 6,325, down from the average for the past 4-5 years of 7,700 to 7,900 or approximately 20% from
2011 to 2012. There was a 32% reduction in traffic infraction filings and a 15% reduction in criminal case
filings. Parking infractions increased approximately 37%. The decrease is primarily due to officer injuries
in the traffic division of the police; one officer was out almost the entire year, another was out five
months and a third was out for three months. He pointed out that Courts are reactive in nature; workloads
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 5, 2013
Page 2
are driven by forces outside their control: the Legislature, Council decisions and Police Department
staffing.
Judge Fair displayed a comparison of case filings by year 2007-2012, highlighting traffic infractions,
general infractions, parking tickets, DUI, criminal traffic and criminal non -traffic. He reiterated case
filings were down in 2012 due to staffing. Although parking tickets were up 37%, that equates to only
about one additional parking ticket a day throughout the year.
Judge Fair displayed a comparison of year-to-year revenues, explaining when filings are down, gross
revenues are also down significantly, approximately $212,000 in 2012 compared to 2011, or
approximately a 15% reduction. He displayed a comparison of net revenue, explaining the resulting net
revenue to the City, after reimbursements to the State, was $743,504. Net revenues were down
approximately 13% in 2012 compared to 2011 and about 4.5% short of revenue projections.
Judge Fair displayed an Expenditure Status Report, explaining net expenses were down by $55,000, or a
7% difference from estimated expenses and approximately 6% less than 2011. A portion of that was the
result of a half-time clerk eliminated in 2012. He explained courts are not generally an overall revenue
generator because public safety as a whole includes public defender, prosecutor, jail expenses, etc. which
are part of the executive function and not reflected in his budget. Regardless of whether the City has a
Municipal Court, the City still must pay jail, prosecutor and public defense expenses but without the
revenue generated by the court.
Judge Fair displayed a comparison of passport revenue from 2002 to 2012, explaining passport
applications and revenue decreased for the past 5 years but increased in 2012 by 28% or 112 applications.
Judge Fair explained the court continues to save the City a substantial amount by using alternatives to
confinement such as electronic home monitoring (EHM), community service and alcohol monitoring.
These alternatives saved the City approximately $217,000 in 2012.
Next, Judge Fair explained in the past defendants were brought to the court once a week which was a
safety risk as well as allowed a limited number of defendants to be seen. The court now utilizes an all
video in -custody calendar; defendants remain at the jail with their attorneys and he and the prosecutor are
in the court. This improves safety due to no longer moving inmates, allows more defendants to be seen
via two video in -custody calendars per week rather than one, and saves approximately $28,000/year in
Police Department overtime for transports. The equipment was purchased using Court Improvement
Funds.
Judge Fair reviewed changes to the court schedule, explaining the first was eliminating night court. There
has been little negative feedback from this change. He explained night court was eliminated as a cost
savings due to the cost of reinstating security after a courtroom assault in Grays Harbor. The daily
schedule for 2013 was changed in February; to economize on the use of court security, calendars were
consolidated, eliminating court on Tuesdays, a savings of approximately $200/week in court security.
Having no court on Tuesdays allows the sale of passports on Tuesdays.
Judge Fair summarized if filings increase as anticipated, he will request the half-time position lost in 2012
be reinstated. Staff continues to explore online payments. Recent changes in City personnel in Finance
and IT as well as changing banks have made that a difficult process.
In 2014 he hoped to implement an electronic filing system whereby cases would be scanned and the paper
file destroyed. Once a file is created, a file and any documents in it will only need to be handled once.
This will save time and make document reproduction easier and more efficient. The City budgeted funds
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 5, 2013
Page 3
for a document retention and retrieval system in the City Clerk's Office. IT staff suggested combining
those funds with funds from the Court Improvement Funds to purchase a document retention and retrieval
system that works for the City and the Court. He pointed out such a system could be utilized by all City
departments.
Judge Fair summarized it was a pleasure and privilege to serve as the City's Municipal Court Judge.
Edmonds is a great City and the court is a great facility.
Councilmember Buckshnis commended Judge Fair on his report. She pointed out costs for interpreters
were down considerably in 2012. Judge Fair answered it is primarily due to fewer filings but it could
increase next year as there are no trends related to the need for an interpreter
Councilmember Bloom asked Judge Fair to describe the community service option that allows a person to
perform eight hours of community services versus a jail night. She asked what non-profit organizations
were utilized. Judge Fair answered any 5016 is eligible to use community service. He noted the court is
careful of the ones they use as there are some online community service organizations that are scams. The
court tries to keep community service local; it is a good program that saves the City money. He noted
doing eight hours of community gives a person time to reflect and make better choices.
Councilmember Buckshnis commented the dog park had a person doing community service scooping dog
waste. Judge Fair commented an ancillary benefit is sometimes people doing community service see they
can do something or make a contact that may help them. He summarized the court's ultimate goal is to get
people out of the court.
Mayor Earling referred to Agenda Item 13, an executive session on a real estate matter and pending
litigation. He announced the Council would not be discussing the real estate matter in executive session
tonight and therefore would not make any decision in Agenda Item 14.
7. ANNUAL REPORT — EDMONDS CITIZENS' TREE BOARD AND ARBOR DAY
PROCLAMATION.
Tree Board President Anna Heckman explained the Tree Board has been in service for two years. She
reviewed the Tree Board's accomplishments:
• Outreach
o Edmonds Alive
o Watershed Fun Fair
o Farmers Market
• Education
o Linden Mead — WDNR Urban Forestry Program
o Lake Forest Park Urban forest volunteers
o Community Tree Management Institute
• Projects
o Edmonds Tree Canopy Cover
o Heritage Tree Program
o Design for Tree Code Update
o Tree City USA and Tree City Growth Award
Ms. Heckman described the Tree City USA program:
• $2 per capital requirement
• Work Plan
• Arbor Day
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 5, 2013
Page 4
• Tree City USA Growth Awards
Ms. Heckman provided further details regarding the Heritage Tree Program including the purpose:
• Increase public awareness of trees and the importance and value of Edmonds' urban forest
• Bring attention to and preserve unique and significant trees
• Highlight trees as important parts of Edmonds' character and history
• Encourage and engage citizens in their community
Ms. Heckman provided the definition of a Heritage Tree:
• A tree or collection of trees that is acknowledged and valued for the unique characteristics that set
it apart from other similar trees.
• Having historical significance to a person, place or event
• Having attained significant size in height, canopy spread, or caliper for its age and species
• Having special aesthetic qualities for its species
• Possessing rare horticulture value
• Prominently visible to the public
• Not a hazard or obstruction
• The owner of the tree agrees in writing to its being so designated
She described the implementation of a Heritage Tree Program:
• Program Set Up
o City Council and legal approval
o Municipal Ordinance or Code written and adopted per City requirements
o nomination form, owner permission form, arborist's tree evaluation form
• Publicity
o website page
o informational/promotional brochure
• Incentive
o award certificate (or signage) with Heritage designation
o tree care instructions (customized by species)
o list of supportive arborists or other tree maintenance sources
Ms. Heckman provided details regarding developing tree code:
• What do we have?
o Step A. Assess the tree resource
o Step B. Review tree management practices
• What do we want?
o Step C. Identify needs
o Step D. Establish goals
• How do we get what we want?
o Step E. Select tools and formulate the management strategy
o Step F. Implement the management strategy
• Are we getting what we want?
o Step G. Evaluate and revise
She described the tree canopy cover analysis (done via I Tree) and the 2012 canopy cover distribution:
• Non pervious — 15.1%
• Tree/canopy — 27.3
• Pavement — 22.1 %
• Other pervious — 35.6%
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 5, 2013
Page 5
She provided a comparison of canopy covers:
• Seattle — 23 %
• WA DC
— 35 %
• Bellevue
— 36 %
• Kirkland
— 40 %
• Renton
— 29 %
• Shoreline
— 31 %
• American Forest
Recommendation
40-42 %
• Edmonds
25-29 %
She described canopy cover project next steps:
• Complete Data Collection
o Fund complete canopy survey using LIDAR and NDVI GIS layers
0 1-2 days of City GIS Time
o Assess what development zones tree planting focus should occur
o Incorporate Critical Areas and Non City parks
• Make a Plan
o Set overall canopy cover goal
o Set Time Line for Goal
o Fund a street tree inventory and an ecosystem services study.
o Canopy Quantity vs Quality - What are the benefits of tree
Ms. Heckman described how trees pay back:
• A large tree in the Pacific Northwest will provide $2,820 in environmental and other benefits over
its lifetime. That's over a 300-percent return on investment!
Economic
o Business sales
o Property value
Environmental Benefits
o Storm water
o CO2
o Pollutants
o Health and wellness
She explained on Arbor Day, the Tree Board plans to put up signs on Main Street that identify the trees
and provide information regarding the environmental benefits. She read one of the signs, "this Tree is a
Pin Oak. In this intersection of Main Street and 5' Avenue there are 8 oak trees. Together these oaks
provide environmental benefits exceeding $2,086 per year. They intercept 28,462 gallons of stormwater
and remove 7,055 lbs. of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Brought to you by the City of Edmonds
Volunteer Tree Board. For Arbor Day, find the value of your trees using the National Tree Benefit
Calculator at http://treebenefits.com/calculator." She announced Arbor Day is April 27, 2013. As fall is
the appropriate time to plant trees in the Pacific Northwest, the focus of the spring Arbor Day will be
educating the public.
Ms. Heckman thanked Senior Planner Kemen Lien, Park Maintenance Manager Rich Lindsey, Parks
Lead Dave Timbrook and Senior Executive Council Assistant Jana Spellman for their assistance and a
pre-emptive thank you to Acting Development Services Director Rob Chave who will do their finances
next year.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 5, 2013
Page 6
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas asked the difference between a canopy and a forest. Ms. Heckman
answered a forest is a functioning system not just the trees but also the understory canopy, mid -layer
canopy, the fauna, etc. A canopy assessment is only the cover, not the functions the trees provide.
Councilmember Bloom explained the Tree Board was formed without staff support; there has been staff
support provided but it is not specific or regular. She asked what the Tree Board needs from the City to
continue their work. Tree Board Member Susan Paine answered the volunteer board needs assistance with
grant management, drafting code and legal analysis. Phase one of the Tree Code update will include, 1)
definitions, 2) enforcement, and 3) penalties.
Councilmember Bloom asked what would be needed for the Heritage Tree Program. Ms. Heckman
answered that project is in the grant writing phase; incentives are needed to implement the program
Councilmember Bloom asked what mechanism would be used to adopt a Heritage Tree Program. Ms.
Heckman answered a show of support from the Council such as a resolution. It was suggested a resolution
be reviewed by the Parks, Planning and Public Works Committee.
Councilmember Buckshnis was glad the Tree Board was updating the Tree Code, commenting good
policy and procedures and sensible fines are important. She suggested the Tree Board seek assistance
from Parks staff on grant writing.
Mayor Earling read the proclamation proclaiming April 27, 2013 as Arbor Day in Edmonds.
Ms. Paine commented the Tree Board is a collaborative team effort. She thanked the Council for the
proclamation and for establishing the Tree Board. She advised there was a vacancy on the Tree Board.
She also voiced her thanks to staff for their assistance.
PRESENTATION ON SUSTAINABLE DESIGN (VALERIE STEWART AND IAN
Planning Board Member Valerie Stewart described her background that includes a UW Certificate in
Environmental Law and Regulation, IslandWood Education, Environment, and Community and Certified
Sustainable Building Advisor. She provided a definition of sustainable design by Jason McLennan,
Cascadia Region Green Building Council, "a design philosophy that seeks to maximize the quality of the
built environment, while minimizing or eliminating negative impact to the natural environment."
Sustainable design honors the earth's carry capacity and unsustainable building and lifestyles create more
waste than can readily be assimilated and use resources more quickly than can be renewed. She displayed
a graph illustrating natural capital (timber, water, energy and raw materials) spent by conventional
buildings. She reviewed building's environmental impacts:
• Resource depletion
o Use of fossil fuels
o Use of virgin materials
• Environmental pollution
o Production of waste
o Unhealthy indoor air
She explained sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the needs of the future. Sustainable development is also called green building. She
encouraged the Council and the public to read, "Our Common Future." The primary goals of green
building or sustainable development are resource conservation (energy, water, materials), ecosystem
protection (air, water, soil) and indoor environmental quality. She reviewed what green building can do:
• Addresses Climate Change
o Upgraded envelope
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 5, 2013
Page 7
o Landfill waste reduction
o Tree preservation
o CFC and HCFC-free insulation
Restores Salmon Habitat
o Amend soil with compost
o Advanced framing techniques
o Pervious surfaces
o Green infrastructure
Reduces Asthma, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
o Access to public transportation
o Low emitting building materials
o Indoor pollution control
o Building ventilation
Address Social Equity, Access, Affordability
o Energy efficiency
o Improved air quality
o Street design
o Food production
o Affordable housing
She compared sustainable development to conventional development:
Sustainable Development
• Holistic; integrates site, systems,
building envelope for highest
performance
• Eco-charrette design workshops with
City green team; goals, benchmarks
• Life cycle cost; triple bottom line
accounting
• 3rd party verified certification
Conventional Development
• Piecemeal approach; disciplines,
stakeholders not together for planning
• Little or no trained staff in green
building
• Concerned with first cost and short term
payback; lacks long term view
• Not accountable to proven standards of
green building
Ms. Stewart identified Green Building Certification programs that are third parry verified via a checklist:
National
• National Association of Home Builders
Green Building Program
• USGBC LEED standards for New
Construction, Existing Buildings, Core
and Shell, Commercial Interiors,
Neighborhood Development
• Green Globes rates existing buildings
against best practices and standards
• Energy Star Northwest
Regional
• Master Builders Association; Built
Green
• Salmon safe
Ms. Stewart reviewed components in sustainable sites, explaining the checklist awards points for
components:
• Green parking lots
• Charging stations and Flex Car spaces
• Bicycle facilities
• Green roofs
• Stormwater reclamation
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 5, 2013
Page 8
• Water efficiency
o Drought tolerant native plants
o Rainwater harvesting
o Low water appliances and fixtures
o Rain gardens
• Energy and Atmosphere
o Climate responsive envelope
o Natural ventilation
o Daylighting
o Right sized systems
o Efficient equipment
o Sensors and controls
o Commissioning
• Materials and Resources
o Durability
o Building reuse
o CDL recycling
o Salvaged materials
o Recycled content
o Design for disassembly
• Indoor Environmental Quality
o Eliminate materials with VOC's and other toxins
o Good construction management
o Acoustical comfort
o Individual controls
o Daylighting
o Connection to nature
She referred to the City's receipt of the Municipal Excellent Award, Going Green. She identified city
pioneers in sustainable development policies:
• City of Seattle Sustainable Building Policy 2000, energy disclosure requirement 2011
• City of Portland Creates High Performance Office Spaces 2004
• Issaquah, Kirkland, Bellingham, Seattle expedited permitting
• Shoreline Sustainability Strategy 2006
• Lynnwood Energy Element 2007
• Bainbridge Island Green Building Ordinance 2009
• Seattle and Kirkland Green codes; 9 other local cities in the works
Ms. Stewart displayed a diagram regarding building codes and assumptions. She commented on market
drivers:
• Green Financing based on energy efficiency and location
• Green ratings and features to Multiple Listing forms; green buildings sell at a premium
• Green leases- reduced energy costs, optimal indoor environmental quality (IEQ), incentives for
owners
• Passive solar, rain gardens, locally sourced materials, early systems design saves money
She displayed a diagram on code building resources. She highlighted features of Edmonds PCC LEED
Platinum Salmon Safe certified 2010/2011:
• Rainwater harvesting; 4500 gal tank diverts 160,000 gal; irrigation, flush toilets
• Rain gardens redirect 1 million gal from parking lot, filters runoff
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 5, 2013
Page 9
Annual energy savings 50% better than industry standards
Electric charging station
No pesticide use
She also displayed and reviewed case studies for a 5-Star Built Green historic home remodel, Lastingnest
Woodland Project in Seattle, and a 5-Star Built Green development in Redmond, the Cottage Company.
Ms. Stewart summarized sustainable design benefits the environment, it is smart for the economy and
provides social equity. Steps to a sustainable future include:
• Plan! Foster connections, activity, clean environment
• Education for staff, officials, developers, citizens
• Clarify code; enable green building, green team
• Regular meetings with Builders' Council, WRIA8
Planning Board Member and LEED architect Ian Duncan identified the primary principles of green
building:
• Energy efficiency
• Water efficiency
• Resource conservation
• Indoor environmental quality
• Positive community impact
He displayed a chart illustrating LEED point distribution, explaining the majority of points are from
energy efficiency, much of which can be gained by simply caulking and flashing. A total of 110 points
can be awarded to new construction; 35 are related to energy.
Mr. Duncan referred to the perception that green building costs more than standard development,
providing as an example Norman Foster's Hearst Tower in New York City that used 30% less steel than a
conventional structure by changing the building's geometry. He cited benefits of green building such as:
reduced capital costs, lower operating expenses, less impact on natural environment, healthy
environments and improved productivity, stronger social networks and increased environmental
awareness.
He pointed out much of the information regarding green buildings refers to new buildings; Edmonds is
approximately 90% built out. The code does not appear to have a clear definition of renovation versus
demolition. He cited Austin, Texas as a case study; as an alternative to construction of a new power plant,
Austin encouraged efficiency through rebates, solar panels, programmable thermostats, Energy Star
Appliances, energy efficient lighting, free home energy audit and caulking flashing and glazing. As an
example of a payback period, he explained retrofitting a 10,000 square foot commercial office building
with high efficiency lighting would pay for itself in under three years.
He described the average savings for LEED certified buildings:
• Energy consumption- reduction of 28%
• Water Consumption- reduction of 50%
The average premium paid for construction of LEED certified buildings:
• Platinum- 6.8%
• Gold- 2.2%
• Silver- 1.9%
• Certified- 0.7%
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 5, 2013
Page 10
The potential lease/sale premium for LEED properties is 5-25%. The net present value of LEED could be
up to $70/square foot. He provided a case study of the use of rain gardens to manage stormwater in the
City of Bellingham:
Project Conventional Vault Estimate Rain Garden Cost
Bloedel Donovan Park parking lot $52,800 $12,800
City Hall parking lot $27,600 $5,600
He displayed several photographs and described a LEED project he did in Seattle, a rain garden, a roof
garden, streetscape improvements in downtown Seattle, Chambers Bay golf course, and Roosevelt
Neighborhood Streetscape concept renovation.
He summarized Edmonds was a great place. Development is needed and should be encouraged but it can
be done responsibly and does not need to cost more.
Councilmember Buckshnis recalled Ms. Stewart experienced some frustration with the green permitting
process for her own home. She asked how the green building permitting process could be improved. Ms.
Stewart answered it is being discussed in the Mayor's Climate Protection Committee, such as
streamlining permitting for green projects. She relayed Bellingham made changes to the permitting at the
staff level with the Council's blessing and support from Sustainable Connections, the non-profit that
assists Bellingham. Bellingham was able to implement streamlined permitting for green projects in six
months. It would require a couple staff members who understand green buildings; help is also available
from other jurisdictions. Councilmember Buckshnis suggested streamlined permitting for green projects
be incorporated into the code rewrite.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas anticipated policies related to streamlined permitting could be developed
quickly and suggested researching Shoreline and other cities' processes. Ms. Stewart commented builders
want predictability and to ensure things such as inspections happen in a timely fashion. She emphasized
there needs to be more guarantees for builders.
Councilmember Bloom asked if a green team was intended to be a citizen committee. Ms. Stewart
responded a green team is staff who review the documents and assign tasks to staff members. If there are
two green -trained staff members who understand green building programs and processes, sustainable
design, etc., there will always be someone available to handle a green project. There needs to be a point
person who understands green building that follows the project from beginning to end and is available on
call. Her personal experience found there was too much distance between staff members involved in the
process at the City level.
Councilmember Bloom asked if programs were available to train staff. Mr. Duncan replied the Green
Building Council has numerous programs. Becoming a LEED AP requires studying the code and
obtaining a certificate. He acknowledged LEED is not the end-all, be-all but it is quantifiable and there
are performance reviews. Ms. Stewart answered she receives numerous announcements of training
opportunities.
Councilmember Bloom inquired about a committee. Ms. Stewart answered there is a subcommittee of the
Climate Protection Committee that is interested in encouraging green building.
Councilmember Johnson recalled the Tree Board's presentation and this presentation referred to the
importance of green infrastructure. She referred to the Five Corners roundabout that has a center
landscaped area that is basically a mound surrounded by a lot of impervious surface. She has been told
pervious pavement is not appropriate in that area because of the soils. She asked how green techniques
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 5, 2013
Page 11
could be maximized for the center island and if it could be used as a rain garden. Mr. Duncan responded a
rain garden is possible; the only issue is a retention pond must have a safety fence. There is a fine line
between a rain garden and a retention pond. It could be done with a series of ponds but a central feature
may raise public safety concerns.
Councilmember Johnson relayed the idea is a mound with a wall around it and questioned how the mound
could be turned into a rain garden. Mr. Duncan commented he was not familiar with the proposed plan
but did not envision it as a lot of pavement so it would not be difficult to treat.
Acting Development Services Director Rob Chave reported staff has had a green team for over a year.
They are working on a sustainable operations plan for Development Services and have realized a 40%
decrease in printing costs. Sustainable operations is not only reducing the carbon footprint but also
reducing costs. The Building Department is investigating green codes, tracking what has occurred at the
State Building Code Council and partnering with the State Department of Energy and other jurisdictions
to streamline solar permitting and exploring online permitting.
9. UPDATE ON SNOHOMISH COUNTY BUILDABLE LANDS AND POPULATION/
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS.
Acting Development Services Director Rob Chave described a diagram illustrating the regional planning
context and the relationship between GMA, multicounty planning policies, countywide planning policies,
local plans and Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) planning. In a typical update process, the State
Office of Financial Management (OFM) issues population projections by county. Snohomish County
Tomorrow and Snohomish County go through a collaborative process to determine how the overall
population projection for the County is allocated among individual jurisdictions. The current projections
are through 2025. The next significant milestone occurs in 2015 when that milestone is extended to 2035.
The 2015 update is significant because in addition to updated population and employment projections, it
must acknowledge the regional growth strategy (RGS). He explained when PSRC updated Vision 2040,
they adopted a regional growth strategy.
He displayed a geological survey map illustrating growth in the region's urban footprint in 1950
compared to 2000. The concern is if nothing is done differently, all the resource lands outside the urban
areas will be developed. He displayed a map identifying regional growth centers, manufacturing industrial
centers, multimodal connections, and regional geographies (metropolitan cities, core cities, larger cities,
small cites, unincorporated UGA, rural, Natural Resource Land (agriculture) and Natural Resources
Land). Edmonds is considered a larger city.
He explained to achieve the goals in VISION 2040, there is a new Regional Growth Strategy. Major
components are:
• Designation of geographic areas for regional growth centers, manufacturing and industrial
centers, as well as other centers such as town centers and activity hubs in Urban Growth Areas
(UGAs) and cities;
• Planning for multi -modal connections and supportive land uses between centers and activity
hubs;
• Promotion of sustainability in all decision -making; and
• Allocation of population and employment growth to regional geographies in Snohomish County.
He displayed a bar graph illustrating population growth in metropolitan cities, core cities, larger cities,
small cites, unincorporated UGA, and rural in Snohomish, Pierce, Kitsap and King Counties 2000
through 2040. The Snohomish County Tomorrow Planning and Advisory Committee considered what
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 5, 2013
Page 12
population and employment projections allocated according to the Regional Growth Strategy would look
like for jurisdictions:
RGS Regional
Jurisdictions
2010 — 2035
2000- 2025
2000 — 2010
Geography
RGS Growth
Growth
Actual
Allocation
Target
Change
Metropolitan City
Everett
26%
8%
3%
Core city
Bothell, Lynnwood
11%
6%
4%
Large City
Arlington, Edmonds, Lake
24%
28%
32%
Stevens, Marysville, Mill
Creek, Monroe, Mountlake
Terrace, Mukilteo
Small City
Brier, Darrington, Gold Bar,
7%
6%
4%
Granite Falls, Index,
Snohomish, Sultan, Woodwa
Unincorporated UGA
23%
42%
48%
Urban Area Total
89%
89%
92%
Unincorporated Rural
11 %
11 %
8%
Countywide Total
100%
100%
100%
Mr. Chave reviewed Snohomish County's approach:
1. Direct growth into cities within Regional Geography categories as per the RGS;
2. Direct growth into cities between Regional Geography categories;
3. Direct growth into unincorporated Municipal Urban Growth Areas likely to be annexed, with an
emphasis on urban center locations and along transit corridors;
He displayed and reviewed a bar graph illustrating the 2010-2035 population growth proposed by the
RGS and 2010-2025 additional population capacity (for 2007 BLR) for metropolitan cities, core cities,
larger cities, small cities, unincorporated UGAs, and rural areas. He noted in recent decades less
development has occurred in areas such as Edmonds because it is less expensive to develop in rural areas.
Under the RGS, that trend is supposed to change.
He also displayed and reviewed a bar graph illustrating the share of 2000-2010 county population growth
and share of 2010-2035 county population growth for metropolitan cities, core cities, larger cities, small
cities, unincorporated UGAs, and rural areas. He displayed a Draft 203 RGS Population Distribution
using Final Draft 2012 BLR Population capacity to illustrate the amount of data that is compiled.
Mr. Chave provided the major findings from a County fact sheet: "Population growth and employment
growth countywide under the Regional Growth Strategy (RGS) are in line with past trends and the
adopted 2025 countywide targets. However, the distribution of population growth within the county, in
particular, changes significantly under the RGS since it is more heavily weighted toward cities with
regional growth centers (the metropolitan city and core cities) and away from the unincorporated UGA
than has been the case in the past."
Mr. Chave displayed the 2035 initial plan targets:
Geography
2011 Pop
2035 RGS
Medium
Scenario
2035 Pop
Capacity
Initial 2035
RGS "Planning
Target"
Avg Annual
Pop Change
Avg Annual
Pop Change (%)
Metro City
103,100
164,812
143,000
143,000
1,663
1.4%
Core
52,430
77,914
73,989
73,989
898
1.4%
Larger
222,657
278,969
280,842
286,293
2,652
1.1%
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 5, 2013
Page 13
Small
34,536
50,400
49,628
50,400
661
1.6%
Uninc. Urban
182,990
235,737
279,250
256,485
3,062
1.4%
Non-UGA
121,287
147,449
145,115
993
0.8%
Total County
717,000
955,281
955,281
9,928
1.2%
Edmonds
39,800
44,980
45,550
45,550
240
0.6%
Councilmember Buckshnis asked about Municipal Growth Urban Areas (MUGA). Mr. Chave answered
MUGAs are urban growth areas associated with a particular city and intended to annex to a designated
city over time. Edmonds' MUGA is Esperance. Councilmember Buckshnis commented one of the
concerns with urban sprawl is public safety, roads, public transportation, etc.
Councilmember Johnson asked Mr. Chave to speak to the policy implications if Edmonds were redefined
as a core city with regard to land use and regional transportation. Mr. Chave answered core cities are
associated with regional growth centers. That is why Lynnwood and Bothell are core cities. In order to be
defined as a core city, Edmonds would have to identify a place where that level of development would
occur. The only place that could possibly occur is on Highway 99. It is a rigorous process at the PSRC
level to prove a certain threshold of density and the appropriate zoning exists so it can reasonably be
expected that development will occur. The benefit, particularly at the regional level, is access to
transportation, infrastructure, etc. funds. The RGS is clear that priorities for the future are metropolitan
cities and core cities and they will receive the majority of funds.
Mayor Earling commented from his experience with the Growth Management Hearings Board, he was
unsure Edmonds wanted to take on the responsibility of being core city.
Councilmember Bloom asked how population capacity is determined. Mr. Chave answered it is largely
determined by Snohomish County via GIS and parcel level data, considering zoning, critical areas,
developed and undeveloped areas, and underdeveloped areas, and applying growth factors. He
summarized capacity numbers are based on existing plans and zoning. He pointed out capacity is not
fixed; for example if development begins to occur on Highway 99, Edmonds' capacity could potentially
increase significantly.
10. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING LIVE AIRING OF CITY COUNCIL
MFETINGS.
Council President Petso explained staff is close to having the ability to air Council meetings live. With
Council approval, live broadcasting will commence when staff is confident the system is working
properly.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas asked the negatives of live airing City Council meetings. Council
President Petso answered she was not aware of any. She has been told there are advantages and
efficiencies of live broadcasting for the Council's and the Mayor's staffs.
Councilmember Buckshnis expressed support for live airing of Council meetings to help citizens
understand the process and make the Council's processes more transparent.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas observed either Lynnwood or Shoreline broadcasts their Council
meetings live; citizens like it and there have not been any problems.
Councilmember Bloom expressed her support for transparency reasons. She suggested a format that
would allow citizens to call in to provide comment, recalling that is possible in some other cities. Council
President Petso responded that had not been considered, the first step was to see if live airing worked.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 5, 2013
Page 14
Live airing would occur when staff was confident the system was working properly. She assumed if the
Council did not like live airing for some reason, it could be discontinued.
Councilmember Buckshnis commented one issue with the public calling in would be verifying the
identity of the caller.
COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
BUCKSHNIS, TO PROCEED WITH LIVE AIRING OF CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS WHEN
STAFF WAS CONFIDENT THE SYSTEM WAS WORKING PROPERLY. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
11. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Earling reported customer service workshops will be provided to staff members who are initial
points of contact. He offered to send Councilmembers the dates of the workshops.
Mayor Earling relayed his plans to make a State of the City address at the Wade James Theater on March
13, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Dr. David Jaffe, Swedish -Edmonds, and Dr. Jean Hernandez, Edmonds
Community College, will also participate.
12. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Johnson reported on her tour of the Edmonds PCC store today, thanks to Matt Smith.
The Edmonds PCC commissary provides all the bakery goods for the nine PCCs in the Puget Sound area.
PCC employs 130 people and is a LEED building, embracing the green initiatives that were discussed
tonight.
Council President Petso commented on the excellent City volunteers that were present at tonight's
meeting from the Tree Board and the Planning Board. She noted the work done by volunteers is a gift to
the City. The Council and Mayor are working on a volunteer recognition event.
Council President Petso reported Council agendas are filling quickly and she encouraged
Councilmembers to check the extended agenda. The full Council will meet next week prior to committee
meetings. She anticipated a workshop in the near future regarding a levy and/or Metropolitan Park
District due to upcoming election deadlines. With regard to Robert's Rules, she is working on scheduling
training and has delayed adoption of Robert's Rules until training can be conducted. She anticipated the
cost of training will be approximately $500, funded from Council miscellaneous.
Councilmember Buckshnis reported the Snohomish County Interjurisdictional Housing Committee, a
subcommittee of Snohomish County Tomorrow, will meet on Thursday to review the Interlocal
Agreement. Participating cities included Mukilteo, Mountlake Terrace, Lake Stevens, Everett, Mill Creek,
Snohomish, Sultan, Marysville, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Woodway, Granite Falls, Housing Authority of
Snohomish County and Snohomish County. The Interjurisdictional Housing Committee will help with
land development for affordable housing and grant funds have been provided by the Gates Foundation.
The fee for Edmonds' participation will be minimal, approximately $210042500.
Councilmember Bloom echoed Council President Petso's comment about the City's incredible
volunteers. She has met with volunteers at the Strategic Planning Committee, the Economic Development
Commission and the Tree Board. She summarized the work volunteers do is amazing and the City is very
fortunate to have them.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 5, 2013
Page 15
13. CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING PENDING LITIGATION PER RCW
42.30.110(1)(i).
At 9:16 p.m., Mayor Earling announced that the City Council would meet in executive session regarding
pending litigation per RCW 42.30.110(1)(i). He stated that the executive session was scheduled to last
approximately 10 minutes and would be held in the Jury Meeting Room, located in the Public Safety
Complex. No action was anticipated to occur as a result of meeting in executive session. Elected officials
present at the executive session were: Mayor Earling, and Councilmembers Yamamoto, Johnson, Fraley-
Monillas, Buckshnis, Petso and Bloom. Others present were City Attorney Jeff Taraday and City Clerk
Sandy Chase. The executive session concluded at 9:26 p.m.
14. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION. POTENTIAL ACTION AS A RESULT OF MEETING IN
EXECUTIVE SESSION.
Mayor Earling reconvened the meeting in the Council Chambers at 9:29 p.m.
No action was taken as a result of meeting in executive session.
15. ADJOURN
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 9:29 p.m.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 5, 2013
Page 16