Cm131029EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
October 29, 2013
The Edmonds City Council meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Earling in the Council
Chambers, 250 5f' Avenue North, Edmonds.
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Dave Earling, Mayor
Lora Petso, Council President
Joan Bloom, Councilmember
Kristiana Johnson, Councilmember
Adrienne Fraley-Monillas, Councilmember
Diane Buckshnis, Councilmember
ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT
Strom Peterson, Councilmember
Frank Yamamoto, Councilmember
1. ROLL CALL
STAFF PRESENT
Al Compaan, Police Chief
Jim Lawless, Assistant Police Chief
Stephen Clifton, Community Services/Economic
Development Director
Phil Williams, Public Works Director
Roger Neumaier, Finance Director
Carrie Hite, Parks & Recreation Director
Rob Chave, Acting Development Services Dir.
Rob English, City Engineer
Doug Fair, Municipal Court Judge
Jeff Taraday, City Attorney
Sandy Chase, City Clerk
Scott Passey, City Clerk
Jana Spellman, Senior Executive Council Asst.
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
City Clerk Scott Passey called the roll. All elected officials were present with the exception of
Councilmembers Peterson and Yamamoto.
COUNCILMEMBER JOHNSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT PETSO, TO
EXCUSE COUNCILMEMBER YAMAMOTO. MOTION CARRIED (4-1), COUNCILMEMBER
BLOOM ABSTAINED.
2. CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING PENDING AND POTENTIAL
LITIGATION PER RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)
At 6:02 p.m., Mayor Earling announced that the City Council would meet in executive session regarding
pending and potential litigation per RCW 42.30.110(1)(i). He stated that the executive session was
scheduled to last approximately 60 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 Johnson,
Fraley-Monillas, Buckshnis, Petso and Bloom. Others present were City Attorney Jeff Taraday and City
Clerk Scott Passey. The executive session concluded at 7:02 p.m.
Mayor Earling reconvened the regular City Council meeting at 7:04 p.m.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 29, 2013
Page 1
COUNCILMEMBER BUCKSHNIS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT PETSO,
TO APPROVE THE AGENDA IN CONTENT AND ORDER. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
4. PROCLAMATION IN HONOR OF THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EDMONDS/HEKINAN
SISTER CITY RELATIONSHIP
Mayor Earling reported the delegation of Edmonds citizens that visited Hekinan in early April 2013 had a
wonderful time learning about the community and culture. He welcomed the members of the delegation
from Hekinan. He read a proclamation recognizing and honoring the 25`h anniversary of the
Edmonds/Hekinan Sister City relationship. He presented the proclamation to Masanobu Negita, Mayor of
Hekinan, and Akira Tsuzuki, Chairman of the Hekinan Sister City Association.
Hekinan Mayor Negita said he was a member of Hekinan's City Council from 1996 to 2008. He thanked
Edmonds for inviting them; it was their honor to be here and they deeply appreciated the warm welcome.
On April 5, 1988 the cities of Edmonds and Hekinan become sister cities. He was proud to celebrate the
251h anniversary of that relationship and looked forward to building a deeper relationship with Edmonds
in the future. Though the beauty of Edmonds impressed them tremendously, the hospitality impressed
them even more.
Mayor Earling led the flag salute.
5. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Bloom requested Item C be removed from the Consent Agenda.
COUNCILMEMBER BLOOM MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-
MONILLAS, TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY. The agenda items approved are as follows:
A. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 22, 2013
B. APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS #205012 THROUGH #205132 DATED OCTOBER 24,
2013 FOR $577,307.45. (REISSUED CHECKS #205042 $435.00 AND #205075 $500.00)
Item C: ACCEPTANCE OF A 5-FOOT STREET DEDICATION AND AUTHORIZATION FOR
MAYOR TO SIGN FACE OF SHORT PLAT DOCUMENTS ACCEPTING THE STREET
DEDICATION
Councilmember Bloom relayed her understanding the developer will construct a sidewalk. She asked who
will be responsible for maintenance of the sidewalk. City Engineer Rob English answered the City will be
following a 2-year warranty period. Councilmember Bloom relayed her understanding the street
dedication required Council acceptance and the Mayor's signature on the face of the short plat document.
Mr. English agreed.
COUNCILMEMBER BLOOM MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-
MONILLAS, TO APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA ITEM C. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
6. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 29, 2013
Page 2
Donna Breske, Snohomish, explained on June 30, 2013 she submitted an application to build a single
family house on a vacant lot she owns, 9330 218th Place SW, purchased in 2007 for $220,000. A review
letter from the City's Engineering Program Manager stated as a condition of building permit issuance,
stormwater from the City's drainage system needed to be diverted onto their lot. She inquired of the
Engineering Program Manager what authority the City had to take her property as a stormwater
repository, asserting it was a clear constitutional taking of private property for public use without just
compensation. In response, she received a 12-page letter dated October 2, 2013 from the Lighthouse Law
Group that included terms such as res judicata doctrine and doctrine of collateral estoppel. She was
uncertain what those terms meant and asked whether it was standard practice for the City Attorney to
respond to questions asked of the Engineering Program Manager with a lengthy letter filled with legal
terms. She questioned why the City wants her to re-establish a known flooding condition; stormwater
entered the lot in the past, causing flooding of private property. This was corrected by the City in 2002 by
installing a piping system. She referred to Councilmember Buckshnis' question of staff in a 2011 email,
how this is different from the house the City had to purchase with a water issue which Ms. Breske
assumed was a reference to the house near Good Hope Pond. She pointed out there is no difference.
Al Rutledge, Edmonds, suggested before the Council approved an increase in water/sewer rates, staff
provide a list of other cities and water/sewer districts that have loans for capital improvements. He also
inquired about plans to prevent flooding at 400 Pine Street.
Roger Hertrich, Edmonds, referred to the oil train explosion in Canada, anticipating the same could
happen in Edmonds. Rather than address the problem of getting ferry traffic over the tracks, he preferred
to address the need for emergency access to the west side of the tracks via a single lane overpass at the
Unocal site. He provided an example of a 2-lane overpass in Seattle near Cleveland High School. He
urged the City to pursue an emergency vehicle overpass and not wait for further studies.
Mayor Earling advised he asked Public Works Director Phil Williams to have a representative from
Lynnwood describe the construction issue on 76th north of Perrinville. Mr. Williams explained Edmonds
entered into an interlocal agreement with Lynnwood who was pursuing a large sewer project in 76th
Avenue which is owned by Edmonds. Lynnwood's sewer line was under -capacity and resulted in sewage
overflows during heavy rainfall. Edmonds partnered with Lynnwood to replace Edmonds' waterline in
76th Avenue to avoid digging up the street after it was resurfaced.
Jeff Elekes, Lynnwood, Deputy Public Works Director, explained a challenge has arisen with the
project related to the relationship with the contractor; on Friday, a notice was issued to transfer
responsibility from Santana to their surety company due to breach of contract issues. They are working
toward a solution in the coming weeks/months to restore the street. A postcard describing the project
delay was mailed last Friday to 600-700 residents around the project area; the postcard will also be posted
on Edmonds' website. He urged drivers to travel the area at no more than 20 mph. A geotechnical
analysis of the road will be done to ensure there are no voids around the sewer pipe and to determine how
to restore the street. The street was original built with logs bridging the area; numerous logs were
encountered during construction.
Mr. Williams explained the construction season is nearing an end. One possibility will be to seek a
declaration of emergency from the Council, execute a contract with one of the contractors used to install
other water lines in the City, have the water line installed this year and either patch or install a thin
overlay to allow the road to over -winter more effectively. Mayor Earling assured the Council will be
updated on the status of the project in the future.
7. PRESENTATION TO SANDY CHASE
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 29, 2013
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Mayor Earling explained City Clerk Sandy Chase is retiring on October 31 after 20 years of service. She
is the epitome of the person that touches many lives in the City — staff, council and citizens. She is a good
person doing good work because she believes in what she is doing and is so good at what she does. He
wished her well in her retirement and presented her with an award.
Ms. Chase commented it has been her honor and privilege to serve as the City Clerk for so many years.
She will take with her good memories along with a few interesting moments. She has had the opportunity
to work with outstanding people. She thanked Mayor Earling and the City Council for their support as
issues came up through the years. It will take a while to get used to not being at Council meetings on
Tuesday nights; it has not difficult, just a part of her life. To Jeff Taraday, she said she will miss sitting
next to him, sharing the microphone and ensuring the meeting was on track. To Jana Spellman and
Jeannie Dines, she said we were a good team. She also thanked the many citizens who stopped her in the
street or stopped by City Hall to wish her luck. She and her husband, Chris, have loved living in Edmonds
for the past 22 years and she looked forward to seeing everyone in the community in future years.
8. SOUND TRANSIT UPDATE ON THE LYNNWOOD EXTENSION OF THE LIGHT RAIL
Michelle Ginder, Sound Transit Project Lead, explained Sound Transit is updating its long range plan
to identify public priorities for future transit service and destinations. She displayed a map of current
Sound Transit services — Sounder commuter rail, link light rail, ST express buses. She displayed a map of
funded light rail expansions, explaining light rail will be at the University of Washington in 2016,
Northgate in 2021 and Lynnwood in 2023. Sound Transit's original long range plan was the blueprint for
the original Sound Move mass transit plan approved by voters in 1996. That long range plan was updated
in 2005, the precursor to ST2 approved by voters in 2008. The 2005 long range plan is the starting point
for this update.
She relayed the region's population is expected to increase by 30% by 2035, increasing the demand for
transit. The long range plan is the blueprint for future development of regional transit system and sets the
stage for future ballot measures. The long range plan update could result in a new system expansion plan
which could go out to voters as early as 2016. She displayed a map of the existing long range plan.
Things to be considered in the update include:
• New or modified HCT corridors
• Updated transit technologies by corridor
o Link light rail
o BRT or ST Express
o Sounder commuter rail
• Access to the system (park and ride lots, bicycle/pedestrian access
• Individual projects
• Policies
Sound Transit will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the long range plan update. The
first step is EIS scoping. The 30-day comment period is October 25 through November 25. She invited
comments from citizens and jurisdictions about alternatives Sound Transit should consider in the update.
Sound Transit plans to hold six meetings throughout the Pierce/King/Snohomish County region; a public
meeting in Snohomish County is scheduled on November 19 from 5:30 — 8:30 p.m. at Eisenhower Middle
School in Everett. Information is available at their website: www/soundtransit.or./g longrangeplan and a
mailer describing the long range plan update process will be sent to everyone in the Sound Transit district.
Jurisdictions and citizens can provide comments at meetings, online survey, email or mail. She
encouraged everyone to participate in the public scoping process by informing Sound Transit what they
would like to see in the long range plan for transit.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 29, 2013
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9. ANNUAL REPORT - PROSECUTOR
H. James Zachor, Zachor & Thomas, introduced Rachel Hunter, lead prosecutor for Edmonds, and his
son, James Zachor. Melanie Thomas -Dane, case manager, was unable to attend tonight due to illness; she
invited Councilmembers to contact her with any questions. He referred to an outline he provided
regarding Zachor & Thomas, explaining their firm has seven lawyers who represent several cities in
Snohomish County. Edmonds had 1,291 filings in 2012 including 110 DUIs. An extrapolation of filings
through August 2013 projects there will be an increase of approximately 100 cases. The number of traffic
infractions has increased substantially due to police department activities.
They have two court appearances per week and two video hearings per week. The video hearings allow
the prisoner to remain at Snohomish County Jail which saves time/money in transporting them to
Edmonds. DUIs and domestic violence assaults have increased in Edmonds; these present more complex
prosecutions. Washington State Patrol through the Attorney General's Office took the position of no
implied consent in drug related DUIs for drawing blood. Ms. Thomas -Dane opposed this approach and a
majority of prosecutors in the state supported her position. Her position was ultimately upheld by the U.S.
Supreme Court.
Mr. Zachor described Ms. Hunter's background that includes prosecution in Pierce County and one of the
few in the state to prosecute domestic violence cases without the victim participating, using the 911
recording and police reports; 50% of victims change their mind after calling police. Efforts are underway
to allow past domestic violence to be admitted as evidence.
Mr. Zachor explained their office does prosecutor reviews, reviewing cases before filing. They typically
rely on direct filing and that is their preference. They are also special prosecutor for Snohomish County.
Ms. Hunter explained she has been with Zachor Thomas for four years and has been the lead prosecutor
for Edmonds for three years. She complimented Judge Fair, stating he was an exceptional judge and it
was an honor to be in front of him four days a week, listening to his rulings and the clear and concise
reasons for his rulings. Judge Fair has earned the respect of peers as well as defendants. One of the
reasons their office has as many successful prosecutions is the exceptional job done by Edmonds Police
Department, multiple experienced and well trained officers who write exceptional reports. Recent changes
in the law require mandatory bookings on second DUIs and installation of ignition interlock devices. It
has been Judge Fair's policy for some time to require an ignition interlock or an alcohol monitoring ankle
bracelet for second DUIs.
Ms. Hunter explained changes in domestic violence laws in the past few years include 5-years' probation
and 5-year no contact order for domestic violence defendants with a history of domestic violence acts and
based on the severity of the offence. As of July 2013, the legislature made it possible in non -domestic
violence stalking and harassment cases for municipal, district and superior courts to impose no contact
orders as part of a pending case and post -conviction. Those orders were previously not allowed without
an intimate or roommate relationship. She commended the Police Department for the smooth transition in
hiring a new Domestic Violence Coordinator, Jill Schick. She recognized the previous Domestic Violence
Coordinator Kari Hovorka for her service.
Ms. Hunter advised that court is typically held four days a week; five if there is a trial. She invited the
Council and the public to attend.
Councilmember Buckshnis expressed her appreciation for the attorney backgrounds Mr. Zachor provided
in his outline. She asked the difference between criminal traffic and criminal non -traffic. Mr. Zachor
answered examples of criminal non -traffic are shoplifting, theft, trespass. Criminal traffic includes driving
while license suspended, reckless driving, hit and run.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 29, 2013
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Councilmember Buckshnis asked whether they were gearing up for drugging and driving offenses. Mr.
Zachor answered they represent the South Snohomish County Narcotic's Task Force in matters of drug
and felony forfeitures. A person operating a vehicle with a certain reading of marijuana in their blood is
DUI. Previously police officers were required to obtain a search warrant for a blood draw; consent has
now been reinstated.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas explained she has been notified of two community situations during the
past year, one in North Edmonds and on the Highway 99 corridor; in both the citizens were very
complimentary of the Zachor Thomas team. Mr. Zachor advised their office is in Edmonds and he
encouraged Councilmembers to visit.
10. BUDGET WORK SESSION #2 - DEPARTMENT PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLIC COMMENT
Police Department
Police Chief Al Compaan expressed his pleasure with the prosecutorial services provided by Zachor
Thomas. He recognized the members of his team who assisted with developing the Police Department
budget, Assistant Police Chief Jim Lawless and Executive Assistant Caroline Thomas. He thanked the
Finance Department for their assistance with developing the budget.
Chief Compaan reviewed 2013 accomplishments:
• Re -accredited by Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs
• Policy Manual Updated and Posted on Webpage
• Two Police Officers completed FTO and two Police
• Officers hired to fill vacancies
• Filled Domestic Violence Coordinator vacancy
• Continued Integration of North Sound SWAT — Kirkland
• Hosted Fraud/Burglary Awareness Meeting on June 20 (another scheduled on November 14)
• Hosted Edmonds Night Out on July 30 — Police Foundation
• Purchased Replacement Police Dog — Police Foundation
Chief Compaan reviewed Police Department challenges:
• Staffing — Assistant Chief and Police Officer
• Radio Replacement — 2020 — Mobiles and Portables
• Attrition and Turnover — Aging Workforce
• Complexity of Criminal Investigations — Expectations of
• Prosecution, Defense, Judge, Juries
• Technology is expensive — DNA, Fingerprints, Trace
• Evidence, Virtual Crime Scene Replication
• Expectations of the Public for Level of Service, On -Line
• Reporting, On -Line Records Requests
• State mandated training requirements increased
Chief Compaan described recent highlights — 2012 Activities
• Part 1 crimes solved — 30.7%
• Felony Filings — 237
• Traffic Citations and infractions — 4,180
• DUI arrest — 121
• Total misdemeanor arrests — 1,148
• Animal control incidents — 1,242
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 29, 2013
Page 6
• Parking citations - 1,113
• Firearms related requests (CPL, transfers) - 963
• Public disclosure request - 1,865
• Traffic collisions investigated - 707
Chief Compaan reviewed expenditures:
Expenditures
2013
Modified
Budget
2013 YE
Estimate
2014
Recomm.
Discussion
Salaries, benefits
7,133,316
7,074,582
7,427,044
Staffing DP #16, 49
Overtime
400,000
401,091
402,456
No change tooperational OT
Supplies/equipment
155,810
142,018
160,310
Supplies for staff in DP #16, 49
Professional services
95,200
135,911
114,287
$7,000 for towing; licensing DP #15
Other
119,682
97,545
118,682
Intergovernmental
9,998
10,088
10,237
Interfund Rental
568,344
568,344
590,688
Radio DP #17
Total Budget
8,482,350
8,429,579
8,823,704
Chief Compaan reviewed Police Department revenues:
Revenues
2013
Modified
Budget
2013 YE
Estimate
2014
Recomm.
Discussion
Intergovernmental
45,921
51,821
44,600
Special Events
37,615
41,000
38,300
Animal Licenses & Adoptions
19,821
19,821
47,156
Licensing DP #15
Grants
17,191
12,841
13,676
Other
9,587
11,308
9,775
Total
131,135
136,791
153,507
Chief Compaan reviewed Police Department decision packages:
• DP #16: Assistant Chief of Police
o This position cut mid -year 2012. Has resulted in periods without command staff availability;
difficulty balancing schedules, workflows, meeting of critical deadlines; reassignment of
workload; important from personnel and risk management standpoint
• DP #17: Radio Replacement Fund
o Due to budgetary shortfalls, there was a partial contribution to the fund in 2009 and none in
2011. The entire 800 MHz public safety infrastructure in Snohomish County is set for
mandatory replacement by 2020. Increased contributions will be required to ensure sufficient
funding for EPD mobile and portable replacement
o Total cost in 2020 - $450,000
• DP #49: Police Officer - Entry Level
o This is one of four FTE cut during 2012. Goal will be to utilize this FTE as a way of
restarting Street Crimes Unit in 2015
• DP #15: Animal Licensing
o Calls for utilization of an outside vendor animal licensing and increase in current fee
structure. Issuing under current structure costs approximately $1,700/year. With new
structure, approximately $29,880/year of new net revenue could be generated.
Chief Compaan displayed and reviewed a graph of overtime hours 2007-2013 and overtime paid 2007-
2013.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 29, 2013
Page 7
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas inquired about the New World system. Chief Compaan explained New
World is software purchased countywide for emergency services for computer -aided dispatch, records
management, and jail records. It is a very complex project and is moving forward. He suggested inviting
SnoCom Director Grady to provide the Council an update. Councilmember Fraley-Monillas asked
whether the proposed budget included funds for New World. Chief Compaan advised the New World
project is paid via the SnoCom assessment.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas inquired how many Police Department employees left in 2012 via
Voluntary Separation Agreements (VSA). Chief Compaan answered there were two VSA and two
retirements.
Councilmember Buckshnis referred to DP #15, expressing her pleasure with the proposal to increase the
animal license fee which has not been changed since 1987. She recalled Seattle's animal license fee is
$20.
Councilmember Buckshnis observed the Police Department's salary budget increased 3% but benefits
increased 10%. Finance Director Roger Neumaier answered that was due to a new deferred compensation
program implemented for LEOFF employees.
Councilmember Bloom asked if the licensing fee increase will be presented to the Public Safety &
Personnel Committee. She and Councilmember Peterson have discussed implementing that as soon as
possible. Mayor Earling explained staff citywide was asked to consider fee increases. All the fee increases
were included in the budget and total approximately $200,000. The intent was to approve them as part of
the budget.
Public Works & Utilities, Streets, Facilities, Water, Sewer, Administration, Stormwater,
Engineering, WWTP and Fleet
Public Works Director Phil Williams reviewed 2013 accomplishments:
• Main Street Project - $1.4 million
• Treatment Plant Upgrades - $1.3 million
• Sewer Comprehensive Plan Update - $120,000
• Highway 99 Decorative Lighting Project - $385,000
• 5th Avenue Overlay Project - $987,000
• Nine Lift Station Rehabs - $4.5 million
• Vehicle Fleet Propane Conversion - $110,000
• Francis Anderson Center Locker Room Improvements - $148,000
• 37 New Recycling Stations for Parks and Downtown - $16,000
• Ops Center Stormwater Structure Install - $50,000
• 2013 Water Main Replacement - $1.57 million
• 224`h Sewer and Water Main Replacements - $367,000
• 228`h Corridor Improvements - $2.71 million
Mr. Williams reviewed 2014 construction projects:
• 5 Corners Roundabout - $2.9 million
• Signal Cabinet Improvements - $266,000
• SR99 Lighting Phase 3 - $592,000
• 3rd Avenue ADA Curb Ramps - $90,000
• 238`h Street Walkway and Storm Drain Improvements (100`h Ave — 104`hAve) - $1.385 million
• 15`h Street SW Walkway (Edmonds Way — 8th Avenue) - $364,000
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 29, 2013
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• 236th Street SW Walkway (Edmonds Way — Madrona Elementary) - $494,000
• 10,000 ft of Water Main Replacement- $2.67 million
• 2,000 lineal feet of Water Main Overlays - $250,000
• 6,500 feet of Sewer Main Replacement - $2.8 million
• 1,500 feet of C1PP Sewer Rehabilitation - $520,000
• 2014 Pavement Preservation Program - $1.2 million
Mr. Williams reviewed revenues:
Revenue
2013
Modified
Budget
2013 YE
Estimate
2014
Recomm.
Discussion
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax
770,000
766,000
760,000
Flat state rate/gal
TBD Annual
Registration Fees
645,000
645,000
645,000
No change in fee or # of cars
Water Sales
5,945,698
6,051,066
6,048,981
No rate increase
Sewer Sales
6,752,279
6,846,390
6,929,578
No rate increase
Stormwater Sales
3,207,600
3,239,500
3,255,698
No rate increase
Rental Leases
62,500
63,104
63,014
Tower leases, Good Hope
Pond house
Operations Grant
260,300
199,503
231,652
DOE storm grants, etc.
Mr. Williams reviewed exnenditures:
Expenditures
2013 Modified
2013 YE
2014
Discussion
Budget
Estimate
Recomm.
General Fund
3,063,134
3,036,146
3,419,551
Re -budgeting an existing CPM
Street Fund
1,557,715
1,515,509
1,595,810
DP 37 = $300,000
Water Utility Fund
9,313,991
7,935,187
9,462,171
EZ Valve ($49k) and 5
Corners ($700k) not included
in 2013 YE Estimate
Sewer Utility Fund
18,161,466
14,560,719
13,906,720
Delayed $3.2M in sewer line
Replacements in 2013
Storm Utility Fund
4,585,772
3,609,620
5,922,973
Dayton Street, Marsh,
Perrinville
ER&R Fund
1,095,372
1 1,022,711
1 979,579
1 Propane fuel savings
Mr. Williams reviewed Public Works & Utility challenges:
• Sustainable funding for street maintenance and operations, approximately $300,000/year.
Strategic Objective 3 4a.1
• Sustainable funding for pavement repair/preservation - $1.2 million proposed. Strategic objective
4a.1
• BNSF railroad conflicts/public safety response/ferry operations. Strategic Objective 4a.1
• Stormwater at SR-104 and Dayton Street. Strategic Objective 2a.3
• Staffing capacity for capital project delivery
o Graph of staffing capacity for capital project delivery 2008-2016
o Pie graphs of Engineering Division budget 2013 and 2014
• Utility rates
o Comparison of other cities utility rates current
o Current rate: $80.74, increase to $103.15 in 2016 projected at 3%/year (based on 10
ccf/month)
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 29, 2013
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o Average single family utility customer's use 7 ccf/month. Current average rate $75.30
increase to $96.20 in 2016
o Median household income of comparison cities
o Percentage of income represented by single family utility rates
Mr. Williams reviewed decision packages/major changes:
• Street Support
o General Fund contribution to Street Fund III to meet current expenditures and maintain
service levels. $300,000/yr.
• Pavement Preservation Program
o $1.2 million to begin a pavement preservation program
• Utility Rate adjustments
o Stormwater — 4.5% (three years)
o Sewer — 9.5% (three years)
o Water — 9.0% (three years)
• DP #35: PW Engineering —New Capital Project Manager
• DP #36: PW Streets — Edmonds Pavement Preservation Program
• DP #37: PW Streets — Road Operations Funding from General Fund, REET I and 11
• DP #38: PW Facilities — Transfer for ESCO III project
• DP #39: PW Facilities — Transfer for LED fixtures to streetlights and improve library HVAC
system
• DP #40: PW Facilities — Transfer for HW and SW on Public Safety HVAC digital control system
• DP #44: PW Utilities — Updated Water Meter Fees
• DP #45: PW ER&R — Automotive diagnostic scan tool
Councilmember Buckshnis asked whether the 76"' Avenue completion was on the list of 2014 projects.
Mr. Williams answered that is a Lynnwood project; staff may step in and bring a contract to the City
Council. If the Council approves the contract, it will be included in the list of 2014 projects. He was
hopeful the waterline could be installed this year.
Councilmember Buckshnis asked whether chip seal will be considered. Mr. Williams answered the
pavement preservation program does not rule out chip sealing.
Councilmember Buckshnis asked the difference between a Capital Project Manager and a Capital
Manager. Mr. Williams answered is only the Capital Projects Manager job title, two are authorized now
and he is requesting a third. There are two decision packages; one is a re -budgeting of an existing position
that was budgeted in Utilities and should have been in the General Fund, revenues from Utilities offset the
expense.
Observing more people are moving into Edmonds, Councilmember Buckshnis asked why the revenue
from the Transportation Benefit District (TBD) has not changed. Mr. Williams answered it is based on the
number of vehicles licensed in the City. He suggested residents may have eliminated a vehicle during the
recent economy. The City receives all the revenue collected except for 1% the Department of Revenue
receives for providing the service.
Councilmember Buckshnis suggested future presentations illustrate the savings by increasing
water/sewer/stormwater rates and avoiding bonding for improvements.
Mayor Earling advised all directors are present tonight and invited Councilmembers to ask questions
about other department's budgets. Council President Petso commented in recent years the Council has
been forced out of necessity to impose the 1% property tax increase. It appears the Council is not forced
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 29, 2013
Page 10
to do so this year. If the Council did not impose the 1% increase this year, she asked whether it could be
banked for a future year. Mr. Neumaier answered if the City chooses not to impose the 1%, the levy
ordinance could be worded to state the capacity is reserved and could be used on a councilmanic basis in
the future. If the Council chose not to impose the 1% property tax increase, Council President Petso asked
whether the City would still receive property tax increase from new construction. Mr. Neumaier answered
yes, new construction is new buildings or building additions that are added at the current levy rate.
Councilmember Buckshnis observed the ECA contingent loan was reduced to $180,000. She asked
whether that had been discussed with the ECA. Mr. Neumaier answered that amount was discussed with
the EPFD/ECA Executive Director.
Public Comments
Al Rutledge, Edmonds, observed the budget reflects $400,000 in insurance savings. Observing health
insurance rates often increase, he suggested budgeting funds to cover any excess insurance costs. Next, he
referred to the comparison of median income, pointing out people who live outside Edmonds work and
spend money in Edmonds and Edmonds residents work and spend money outside the City. He suggested
comparing the median income to the average wage of City employees.
Brian Borofka, Edmonds, suggested the materials the Council received including the presentations be
posted on the City's website. He found it difficult to locate budget materials on the website. He observed
the 2014 budget included additional IT staff.
11. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Earling reminded of the Cultural Fair at the Edmonds Center for the Arts on Wednesday, October
30 beginning at 10:00 a.m. Two of the performances will be Japanese performers and one will be by the
Olympic Ballet. He also reminded of the Friendship Dinner on Friday evening.
Mayor Earling explained one of the reasons the Hekinan delegation visits this time of year is they love
trick -or -treat and Halloween. The delegation brought their own costumes and their own scarecrow. He
invited everyone to the Halloween Trick -or -Treat in downtown Edmonds, noting it attracts thousands of
parents and children.
Mayor Earling again thanked Sandy Chase for her service.
12. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council President Petso reminded Councilmembers that proposed budget amendments need to be
submitted to staff by November 8. They will be presented to the public and there will be an opportunity
for the public to comment on proposed amendments.
Council President Petso presented a gift from the City Council to Sandy Chase. She expressed her sincere
appreciation for Ms. Chase' efforts.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas commented Ms. Chase will be missed; her professionalism has been
amazing.
Councilmember Bloom said Ms. Chase will be missed; she is a very special, wonderful and warm person
and her personality and exceptional work will be missed.
Councilmember Buckshnis expressed her appreciation for Ms. Chase's service.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 29, 2013
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Councilmember Johnson thanked Sandy Chase for her hard work and wished her enjoyment in retirement.
She welcomed the Sister City delegation from Hekinan and invited the public to the Japanese Cultural
Fair tomorrow at the ECA from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Councilmember Johnson congratulated the Port of Edmonds on their new long term tenant, Jacobsen
Marine. She congratulated the Police Department on their acquisition of a new K-9 officer, a German
Shepherd named Hobbs. She wished everyone a Happy Halloween and invited them to trick -or -treat in
downtown Edmonds from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
13. CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING PENDING OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION
PER RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)
This agenda item was not considered.
14. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION. POTENTIAL ACTION AS A RESULT OF MEETING IN
EXECUTIVE SESSION
This agenda item was not considered.
15. ADJOURN
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 9:17 p.m
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
October 29, 2013
Page 12