Cmd071420 spec mtg-2EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL
VIRTUAL ONLINE SPECIAL MEETING
APPROVED MINUTES
July 14, 2020
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Mike Nelson, Mayor
Adrienne Fraley-Monillas, Council President
Kristiana Johnson, Councilmember
Luke Distelhorst, Councilmember
Diane Buckshnis, Councilmember
Vivian Olson, Councilmember
Susan Paine, Councilmember
Laura Johnson, Councilmember
ALSO PRESENT
Zach Bauder, Student Representative
1. CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE
STAFF PRESENT
Jim Lawless, Acting Police Chief
Jessica Neill Hoyson, HR Director
Dave Turley, Assistant Finance Director
Rob English, City Engineer
Jeff Taraday, City Attorney
Sharon Cates, City Attorney's Office
Scott Passey, City Clerk
The Edmonds City Council virtual online meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Nelson. The
meeting was opened with the flag salute.
2. LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Councilmember Olson read the City Council Land Acknowledge Statement: "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."
3. ROLL CALL
City Clerk Scott Passey called the roll. All elected officials were present, participating remotely.
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Due to a technical difficulty, this item was not audio recorded.
5. CLOSED SESSION: COLLECTIVE BARGAINING STRATEGY PER RCW 42.30.1404 A
At 6:05 p.m., Mayor Nelson announced that the City Council would meet in closed session regarding
collective bargaining strategy per RCW 42.30.140(4)(a). He stated that the closed session was scheduled to
last approximately 60 minutes. Elected officials present at the closed session were: Mayor Nelson and
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Councilmembers K. Johnson, Fraley-Monillas, Buckshnis, Olson, Paine, Distelhorst, and L. Johnson.
Others present were Jeff Taraday, City Attorney; Sharon Cates, City Attorney's Office; Jim Lawless, Acting
Police Chief; and Jessica Neill Hoyson, HR Director.
The executive session concluded at 7:04 p.m.
6. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
Mayor Nelson reconvened the regular City Council meeting at 7:05 p.m.
7. AUDIENCE COMMENTS[I-ITTPS:IIZOOM.US/S/4257752525)
Mayor Nelson invited participants and described the procedures for audience comments.
Alicia Crank, Edmonds, said she was very disturbed by something that came to her and others' attention
several hours ago; the art installation across from the police station put together by a Black youth in
Edmonds was defaced overnight. The brazen manner in which this was done and that they felt they could
do this and get away with it across from police station was disturbing to her. The fact that they were able
to get away with it was even more disturbing. Having an Edmonds kind of day means something different
to persons of color in the community. For the past several weeks it has been more and more difficult to
embrace that concept as a good thing. She thanked the community members who came out shortly after this
was posted on Facebook to clean up the letter T that was blacked out. The naysayers are in minority but
they are very loud and are not being checked and called upon for what they are doing. Her anger comes
from the message this sends to the youth. There is a way to disagree with each other, but still be respectful
and coexist. The fact that freedom of speech is only free for certain members of the community cannot be
allowed to stand. She called upon every Councilmember and the Mayor to be very vocal tonight and
denounce this act and say it was not acceptable. During the past few weeks, several Councilmembers have
been very upfront and vocal and sharing their solidarity with members of the community, white and those
of color, but not all Councilmembers. She called for all Councilmembers to say something; for those who
choose not to, that is a sign of complicity with those that did it. She urged the Council to prove her wrong
and be united in saying that this is not something Edmonds is about.
Heather Damron, Edmonds, said Edmonds has racism problem; anyone who has been paying attention
long enough knows it has been going on forever. The Harvey's incident, the racist words spray painted at
Madrona, the Edmonds Bakery cookies, the noose at the construction site, 3 Councilmembers voting 44
times against seating a Black woman on the Council, a black woman just as or more qualified than any of
them, a local man who took it upon himself to distribute white nationalist propaganda, and today's
discovery that someone defaced the "I Can't Breathe" art installation across from the Edmonds Police
Department. Someone felt emboldened and safe enough to deface an art installation designed by a child in
front of the police station, unworried about performing a hate crime in front of the police station because
historically nothing happens. This is only scratching the surface; the garbage she reads in local Facebook
and Next Door groups is stomach turning. People are not even trying to hide racism anymore and are
defiantly flaunting it. Is it any wonder why the Black community feels unsafe and unwanted in Edmonds?
Is this the -type of reputation we want as a city? Something needs to happen to eradicate this festering boil
of racism that keeps pushing to the surface in the community, not just words, actions. Before we cry this
isn't us, maybe it is, maybe we need to do some hard work as a community to be better. Racism is here, it's
baked in and not just in the cookies. Until white people acknowledge that and listen and take real steps to
undo the damage, it's all talk and our Black communities are so much more than that.
(Written comments submitted to PublicComment@Edmonds.wa.gov are attached)
8. APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
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A MOTION WAS MADE AND SECONDED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA
COUNCILMEMBER K. JOHNSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER BUCKSHNIS,
TO SAVE APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE NEXT MEETING.
Councilmember K. Johnson explained according to the presentation the Council is about to receive by Scott
Passey, one of the key point about minutes is they should not be approved at special meetings but held over
to the next regular meeting which she believed was based on the book by Ann Macfarlane. Although this
may not have been done in the past, she felt the Council could wait a week and approve them next week.
Council President Fraley-Monillas asked the purpose of holding the minutes over. It was her understanding
the corrections have been made to the minutes. Councilmember Buckshnis advised three Councilmembers
also reviewed the minutes to ensure their record was correct. If Mr. Passey is asking the Council to approve
minutes only at regular meetings, they should only be approved at regular meetings although that has not
been done in the past.
City Clerk Scott Passey said the Council did not know about this technical parliamentary rule which is why
the minutes are included on the Consent Agenda. In the next meeting, he will talk about technical rules.
Councilmember Buckshnis said she seconded the motion for discussion, but did not see why the minutes
could not be approved tonight, noting the June 16, 2020 minutes had been corrected.
MOTION FAILED (2-5), COUNCILMEMBERS K. JOHNSON AND OLSON VOTING YES.
City Attorney Jeff Taraday clarified for record, ordinarily a Councilmember can pull an item from the
Consent Calendar unilaterally. Instead of doing that, Councilmember K. Johnson made a motion to defer
the minutes to a future meeting and that motion was defeated. Therefore, the Consent Agenda remains intact
unless something else was pulled.
Council President Fraley-Monillas raised a point of order and asked for a roll call on the last vote.
ROLL CALL: COUNCILMEMBERS K. JOHNSON AND OLSON VOTING YES; AND COUNCIL
PRESIDENT FRALEY-MONILLAS AND COUNCILMEMBERS DISTELHORST, BUCKSHNIS,
PAINE AND L. JOHNSON VOTING NO.
MAIN MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The agenda items approved are as follows:
1. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 16, 2020
2. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 25, 2020
3. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 7, 2020
4. BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB LEASE AGREEMENT
5. CITY ATTORNEY ANNUAL REPORT -2019
6. EPOA COMMISSIONED COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT 1/1/20-12/31/23
Councilmember K. Johnson advised she would abstain from Item 8.6 as she was not present for the entire
meeting.
9. ACTION ITEM
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EDMONDS CARES FUND BUDGET AMENDMENT
Acting Finance Director Dave Turley explained the CARES Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020.
The federal government provided over $2 trillion in coronavirus relief funding. In Washington State, the
funds went to the Department of Commerce who apportioned the CARES funds to various organizations
and cities received $30 per capita. Based on a population of 42,170, Edmonds' allotment was $1,265,100.
How to distribute the funds was discussed at previous Council meetings and a plan was approved on June
23, 2020. Tonight's action is not discussion of the plan but approval of an ordinance amending the City's
budget to allow the expenditure of these funds.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER L.
JOHNSON, TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 4191, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
EDMONDS, WASHINGTON, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 4187 AS A RESULT OF
UNANTICIPATED EXPENDITURES OF THE EDMONDS CARES FUND, AND FIXING A TIME
WHEN THE SAME SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Council President Fraley-Monillas raised a point of personal privilege and requested a roll call vote.
ROLL CALL: COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-MONILLAS AND COUNCILMEMBERS K.
JOHNSON, DISTELHORST, BUCKSHNIS, OLSON, PAINE AND L. JOHNSON VOTING YES.
10. REPORTS ON OUTSIDE BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Councilmember Paine reported the Port of Edmonds Commission changed the time of their meetings to the
afternoon due to COVID-19 and because afternoon meetings are easier for staff to attend. Over the past
three months, the Port has been working on policies for their public access plan, dry storage rates and access
to dry storage. A public hearing was held regarding the public access plan; the first project under
consideration is from the north promenade by the administration building to the fishing pier. A decision
will need to be made soon because weather is a determining factor. The Port is working on two large
projects, first, a $1 million project to entirely redo the exterior of Building 3 while the building is occupied.
They have experienced cost overruns and there are safety concerns for employees working in the building.
The second project is the gangway replacement for the whale watch boat. The Port's operations director
Marla Kemp announced her retirement; a new operations manager has been hired, the former operations
manager at the Elliott Bay Marina
The Port's financial report reflects COVID impacts, a net loss of approximately $700,000. To manage that,
the Port plans to defer some capital projects. Much of the Port's revenue is from fuel and rentals. Twelve
tenants signed up for the rental deferral program that allowed for a three month rent deferral plan with
payback before June 2021.Of the 12 that signed up, 11 are still participating and 2 are nearly paid up. Some
tenants need more leeway due to the state's phasing as some uses will not be fully operational until Phase
3. The Port is working with the same OPMA restrictions and are meeting via Zoom. The Port was saddened
to learn of the passing of former Port Commissioner Mary Lou Block.
Councilmember K. Johnson reported on Snohomish County 911; she serves on the executive committee
along with Acting Police Chief Jim Lawless. Last year they consolidated the north and south units to create
one unified 911 program. There was contamination in the north unit so it was closed for cleaning and to
build a south unit. In March when it was unknown how bad COVID would be, an emergency tertiary
location was established; the equipment is remote capable so if there were a landslide or other disaster in
Snohomish County, the equipment could be moved onsite. The executive committee typically meets one a
month but has been meeting twice a month to deal with all COVID related issues.
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Councilmember K. Johnson reported the Historic Preservation Commission has met twice via Zoom. A
certificate of appropriateness was granted for a building on Main Street for an addition to a home on the
historic register. The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee will meet later this month for the first time.
Councilmember K. Johnson reported the selection process for public art at the Civic Center included a full
day Zoom meeting to review over 30 artists and their portfolios of about 10 art pieces each. The number of
artists was reduced to small group who will be invited to make a presentation to the community about their
public art. The Arts Commission will make the selection.
Councilmember Distelhorst advised he would not report on the Citizen Housing Commission as they had
just given a report to Council last week. At the Alliance for Housing Affordability, members reviewed and
provided comments on the 2021-2022 work plan which consists of three main areas, housing data analysis,
technical and best practice expertise for member jurisdictions, and general education and outreach about
affordable housing. They will meet again week. He encouraged Councilmembers to check out the "Out of
Reach 2020" report released today by the National Low Income Housing Coalition.
Councilmember Distelhorst reported the Snohomish County Tomorrow meeting in late June included
approval of an updated methodology for the Buildable Lands Report, and approval of Surface
Transportation Program (STP) and Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) projects to send to Puget
Sound Regional Council (PSRC) for funding. Three were recommended in Edmonds, 1) an ITS adaptive
system for SR104, 2) intersection improvements at 76"' & 220"', and 3) Main Street overlay from 6"' to 8"'.
A Swift Blueline expansion was approved earlier this year via a regional PSRC award.
Councilmember Distelhorst reported on two meetings of the Municipal Court Stakeholders Group; both
meetings focused on how to safely resume jury trials during COVID. All stakeholders including Judge
Coburn, the prosecutor's office, the public defender's office and the Edmonds Police Department put in a
lot of work as there are many moving pieces to do that safely. Jury trials will resume this week. He thanked
the stakeholder group and Aran Enger from the Snohomish Health District who met with the group to ensure
the Edmonds Municipal Court met all the Health District's guidelines.
Councilmember L. Johnson reported the Climate Protection Committee is focusing on, 1) a desire to move
forward with updating the Climate Action Plan. Council will be discussing that at the end of the month, and
2) reviewing the committee's goals, specifically how to engage with the community and education outreach
under the new reality of COVID-19. One area they are exploring is how Covid-19 has changed behavior
and how that might benefit the environment and healthy community building.
Councilmember L. Johnson reported the Youth Commission had an abrupt and disappointing end to the
year after spending much of the previous year planning for an environmental focused forum that would
have been held in April. The youth bring a fresh and often direct engagement on a lot of issues and she
looked forward to hearing from them next year. The commission is focusing on outreach and recruitment
to fill the six vacant positions in the fall.
Councilmember L. Johnson reported Community Transit has been dealing with enormous issues such as
reinstating reduced routes and fares as wel l as continuing efforts to protect both transit riders and drivers as
well as other Community Transit employees. They are also reassessing the status of planned projects. The
big news last week was the retirement of CEO Emmett Heath. Although she has only known Mr. Heath for
a few months, during that short amount of time it is clear his will be big shoes to fill. She wished him the
best in his retirement.
Council President Fraley-Monillas reported the Diversity Commission met via Zoom; their subcommittees
continue to meet. They published statements about things that have happened in Edmonds during the last
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1-2 months. She has met with the Chamber of Commerce multiple times. They thanked the Council for
donations to cover their rent. The Chamber's new project is asking for $25 donations from the community
as they have no solid funding due to the cancellation of the 4"' of July celebration and the Car Show and
the Taste has been moved to September although it is questionable whether that will happen. She
encouraged the community to donate to the Chamber.
Council President Fraley-Monillas reported the Edmonds Public Facilities District (PFD) has been meeting
via Zoom including interviewing board candidate Greg Hinton. The PFD is facing financial struggles due
to COVID and have experienced pay cuts and furloughs. They are tentatively planning to hold events at the
ECA in the fall, but are not sure what those will look like or whether they will happen.
Council President Fraley-Monillas reported she serves on the executive committee of the Health District
and is chair of the budget committee and the building committee. Today Dr. Spitters spoke to the Health
Boards about COVID, advising that Snohomish County's death rate is about 1 person every other day,
which provides hope that perhaps Snohomish County is doing a little better. She reminded the public to
wash their hands, practice social distancing, and to wear masks. She reported visiting the area near Arnie's
over the weekend where she could see many people not wearing masks, pointing out that behavior is what
will keep Snohomish County from moving out of Phase 2.
Council President Fraley-Monillas reported on the Economic Alliance meeting that included discussion
about COVID and what is happening throughout Washington State. Snohomish County is doing better than
a lot of areas. The Law and Justice Committee is considering halfway houses for people released from
prison, one in Lynnwood and another in the Arlington/Marysville area. The Snohomish County
Transportation Coalition (SNOTRAC) is meeting this week.
Councilmember Olson reported she and Councilmember Paine serve on the Disability Board that has been
meeting via Zoom. Action by the Board has been minimal; the most significant change was to the dental
coverage which everyone agreed was wholly inadequate. Some members had done research and were able
to identify improved coverage. Since the Citizen Housing Commission made their presentation last week,
they have prepared and approved a memo to Council to ensure the Council is aware of how significant their
proposals could be in the context of planning and recommending the Council not make changes without
being thoughtful about the impacts. The memo will be in next week's Council packet.
Councilmember Buckshnis reported the Lake Ballinger/McAleer Creek Watershed Forum, Tree Board and
SeaShore Transportation Forum have not met. She has been busy with the WRIA 8 Salmon Recovery
Council, Puget Sound Partnership Salmon Recovery Council, and the WRIA 8 Salmon Recovery Council
Grant Funding Committee. In the 2020 budget, $65 million was set aside for Pacific Salmon Recovery.
WRIA 8 recommended $70 million. There was $35.5 million for the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery
Funds which includes restoration of nearshore estuaries, hatcheries and conservation areas and the Orca
Prey Program. There was $33 million for a new Puget Sound Geographic Program in the EPA, a program
that will help coordinate federal Puget Sound recovery funds in an effort to get more money to state, local
and tribal recovery efforts.
Councilmember Buckshms reported topics and presentations at WRIA 8 include the fish passage and water
temperature at Ballard Locks; WRIA 8 is working with the Corps of Engineers because the failure of the
101-year old Ballard Locks could have a tremendous economic impact. Other projects include placing large
woody debris along the Cedar River as well as stewardship and educational incentive programs, the impact
of artificial light on salmon and Snohomish County cost share. Snohomish County left WRIA 8 in 2019
due to funding concerns. Some of the members of WRIA 8 spoke with Snohomish County Executive
Somers and the County Council and the County rejoined WRIA 8 in 2020.
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Councilmember Buckshnis reported in May WRIA 8 discussed the budget and the 4-year plan update. There
likely will not be any cost share increase due to COVID. WRIA 8 is working on statewide strategy for the
governor's office to recover salmon, in support of RCO and the Department of Fish and Wildlife Plan
adopted in 1999. Governor Gregoire added more proactive approaches in 2006 and Governor Inslee
recommended revamping strategies, incorporating new science and incorporating new policies. In July, the
WRIA 8 Grant Funding Committee, which she has been on for 7 years, will be considering 16 proposed
projects that total $4.2 million, total available funding is $2.7 million. Edmonds submitted a request to start
a design of the WSDOT preferred alignment or alternate 6 that was presented to Council last year. Some
Councilmembers and the public had concerns about that design. The technical committee was not favorable
to the project and no funds were allocated. She offered to provide the committee's response, advising their
largest concern was this is a onetime opportunity and the goal should be to optimize and maximize the
ecological potential of this nearshore estuary.
Councilmember Buckshnis reported the Puget Sound Partnership Salmon Recovery Council is talking about
reallocating Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB) and Puget Sound Acquisition and Restoration
(PSAR) grants. Due to unknowns regarding the governor's budget, it was agreed to keep the funding
strategies for the 18 WRIAs and 8 tribes the same for next couple years. The Puyallup Tribes as well as the
operators of electron -hydro plant made a presentation regarding the impacts to the Puyallup watershed. The
goal will be to try reach mutual agreement to implement dam mitigation for the tribes. They are also
working on the 2022-2026 Action Agenda that will set Puget Sound on a course for recovery with bold
actions. The tribes have been very serious about this and are trying to get more electeds involved in the
Puget Sound Partnership Salmon Recovery Council. They are also working on the Puget Sound Vital Signs
Update that addresses indicators related to water quality, habitat, food web, flow, etc.
Councilmember Buckshnis reported the virtual Salmon Days on the Hill this year was fun and invigorating.
Speakers included representatives from Senators Cantwell and Murray's offices as well as Representatives
Heck, Kilmer, DelBene, Jayapal, Larsen, and McMorris Rodgers and elders from each tribe. She referenced
the Puget Sound SOS Act, introduced by Representatives Denny Heck and Derek Kilmer, that passed this
year. She recalled President Trump wanted to gut funding for Puget Sound this year; the highlight of the
evening was $38 million was granted for Puget Sound in the coming year, $10 million over what was
requested.
Mayor Nelson reported on a hateful criminal act that occurred, defacing of the artwork commissioned by
the Arts Commission on behalf of an Edmonds resident, Christabel Jamison. He read a letter from
Christabel when she was interested in doing the artwork: "Hi, my name is Christabel Jamison. I'm 18 years
old and I have been proud member of the Edmonds community all my life. I come from a biracial family,
my father being Black and my mother being white. I want to create this piece of art in Edmonds because I
believe it is extremely important to represent and recognize the Black community and let them know that
we as Edmonds residents support them during these terrible times. I decided to have the colors of my piece
consistent with the colors of the African American Flag. The reason for this is because the flag itself stands
as representation as Black people and delivers a sense of pride and confirms the presence of the African
American people in the United States and that being Black and American is something to be extremely
proud of. The black represents the Black people whose existence as a nation though not as a nation state, is
affirmed by the existence of the flag. Red stands for the blood that unites all people of Black and African
ancestry and was shed by both Black and white Americans for their liberation. Finally, the green represents
wealth left behind by the ancestors when they were forced into slavery. The symbol of the two ends of the
piece were part of a system of symbols used by the captive African people during slavery. Many of the
symbols and their meanings were incorporated into woven textiles while they were enslaved in the United
States and subsequently by their descendants. This particular piece means unity and love shown in the
image below. The phrase, "I Can't Breathe" was used by Eric Garner who was unjustly murdered in 2014
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and was uttered again by George Floyd this May as he was murdered by a police officer. These three words
are powerful and stand as a cry for justice of the Black community for the years of mistreatment and
unjustified murders of their people." She added a note containing the symbolism of this next to the artwork.
Mayor Nelson said he was happy to report that citizens who witnessed this crime were promptly contacted
by the Police Department and the Police Department has identified and contacted a possible suspect. He
has asked the Parks Department to extend the display of this artwork for as long as need. He personally met
with Christabel this afternoon while, with the help of community members, the damaged piece was replaced
and lie apologize to her on behalf of the City. He looked forward to commissioning more of her social
justice artwork in the future. The cry for justice of the Black community, as Christabel said, will not be
silenced in Edmonds, it will be amplified.
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember L. Johnson said the name of the piece was `United" and the artist's name is Christabel
Jamison, 18 years old. She wrote that her goal for the art was to convey the message that Edmonds stands
with the Black community in their fight for justice. That is a goal that Councilmember L. Johnson hoped
Edmonds would one day meet, but right now has a ways to go. In the meantime, those responsible for the
vandalism must be held accountable for their hateful crime. She thanked the young artist, Christabel
Jamison, as well as the Edmonds Arts Commission for the piece as well as those who came out to help
Christabel repair the damage. There are many in Edmonds who support the fight for justice; however, our
words and actions need to get louder and stronger - we have work to do.
Councilmember Distelhorst thanked Christabel for her art, the residents who acted quickly to help repair
the hate crime and Mayor Nelson and the Edmonds Police Department for their quick work. He referred to
an email the Council received last week and shared his response to that individual, "While some people
may feel upset, I try to remember that those are the words of fellow humans who are murdered by the
agencies that were supposed to protect them. I understand it may make some people uncomfortable, but
hopefully it will also lead all of us to act on the inequities in our society and ensure we don't hear those
words repeated as someone's last."
Councilmember Olson said she is in Idaho and was not aware that had happened. She was extremely sorry
to hear that it had happened but extremely happy to hear about the resolution. These actions are very
troubling and she hoped they did not reflect the sentiments of Edmonds at large and did not believe they
did. The recent string of tragedies has heightened our collective awareness of the injustices plaguing our
society. While Edmonds is proud of its diverse and inclusive police force, this issue is larger than our City
and stems from centuries of oppression and bias. She was hopeful we can work diligently together to create
a more just and fair system.
Councilmember Buckshnis congratulated Christabel for her art installation. She found it extremely
distressing and was glad a potential suspect had been identified. She questioned why someone would do
that, remarking it was just sad. She congratulated the Tree Board for receiving another Tree City USA
award. She urged citizens to be positive, work though all these social injustice issues, and to be kind.
Councilmember K. Johnson said she was opposed to any destruction of art whether it was in Edmonds or
on the east coast where statues are being taken down because they are found offensive. During times of
war, museums are looted, and throughout the world much art is destroyed. Art is meant to be thoughtful,
and sometimes provocative, but it should be preserved and saved from destruction.
Council President Fraley-Monillas said she was contacted by the staff for the Housing Committee; a
subcommittee is sending a letter to the Council asking that the Council not make any code changes until
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their report has been submitted. There is a concern that this will affect environmental code changes that are
planned.
Regarding Christabel Jamison's art installation, Council President Fraley-Monillas said it's not a matter of
being kind or trying to do better, it is a cry for justice. This very young person approached the Arts
Commission about things she sees that could bring Edmonds an understanding and a cry for justice. She
was trying to unite people. It is a very vicious act to take the T away to say, "I Can Breathe." Anyone that
has seen the video knows George Floyd spoke those words multiple times trying to get the police off of
him. She was sad that someone in Edmonds thought it would be appropriate to touch art approved by the
City and the Arts Commission. Council President Fraley-Monillas saw Christabel's artwork as a cry for
justice and hoped the community can unite behind this piece as it was being repaired tonight.
Councilmember Paine said the damage and disruption of the intent of the artist's installation really bothered
her when she learned of it today. She was so proud of the community when that artwork was installed
opposite the Police Department. It offered counterpoints and was a good reminder that we are all here for
justice. She thanked Mayor Nelson for extending the City's apology, for reaching out to the artist and for
extending the installation. She referred to a letter to the editor she wrote last week; her primary focus was
it causes so much harm and pain for Africa American members of the community and for most people of
color. There is a big difference between what you intend to say, this was not that, and the impact. This is a
crime that needs to be pursued and she appreciated that progress has been made. Regardless of the intent
the person had in mind, the impact is that it causes more pain for the rather small African American
community. She did not want to assume who did the damage but emphasized it had to stop, we have to
respect everyone. She appreciated this artwork, remarking artwork can be provocative and should be
emotive, but one of the feelings shouldn't be targeting pain toward community members. She urged the
community to wear masks, this is serious, we have an extensive history, and we need to keep learning.
Student Rep Bauder said he hoped his comments would be taken with assumed best intent. Everyone may
not have same thoughts as he does, but he hoped they could find it in their heart to listen to him and
hopefully at the end start to seek out the truth. "I'm someone who has always hated lies. Lying makes me
feel disgusted with myself I've always preferred being honest and pay the price for my slackening than lie
and suffer the mental consequences of being a cheapskate. Lies have the ability to ruin a person's character.
Lies can corrode a society, they can tear down trust and replace it with suspicion. For so long I have kept
quiet about other people's lies. I sat in my seat for six years at Lakeside while teachers one after another
lied. They lied about America, they lied about white people, they lied about Christians, they lied about me.
And in so doing they contributed to the disastrous state of affairs we now 1 ive.
So I'm going to take some time to talk a little bit about these lies that are rampant in our society. And there's
just one main lie and that lie as a whole goes by the slogan, Black Lives Matter. Don't worry, I'm not
confused about what this really means in your eyes. I know you think all lives matter but you think that
others need to be advocated for, you know how it goes. This movement started off a lie. Michael Brown
never had his hands up. Officer Darren Wilson's story was corroborated by witnesses who were Black,
important because the narrative is that this was a racist incident as well as the autopsy. Michael Brown just
came from robbing a convenience store of some cigars, yet the media portrayed him to be a gentle giant.
At large there's a lie of police brutality.
Every time an unarmed Black person is shot, the news media continues this rhetoric. According to the
Washington Post database on police shootings, 13 unarmed Black people were shot and killed last year
while 22 unarmed whites were shot and killed. When you counter the fact that Black people, though
counting for only 13% of the population, commit over 50% of the crime in the United States, we see that
there is no great tragedy of anti -Black violence at the hands of police since if you consider that if a group
commits more acts of violence and crime, they are more likely to have run-ins with police. In fact, if
Edmonds City Council Approved Meeting Minutes
July 14, 2020
Page 9
anything, it's the other way around. There is a much greater demand for racism in our country than there is
supply. Supposed hate crimes like those of Jussie Smollettt and more recently NASCAR driver Bubba
Watson took the media by storm, yet those were lies. One intentionally, the other it is unclear whether it
was intentional or not. I guess it is possible to some people to see the small loop of a garage door pull and
assume it is a noose considering how desperate people are for attention these days.
The deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd took us a step further in the direction of complete
lawlessness and immorality. Though both tragic deaths, there is no evidence that either one involved race.
No one was there to protest the death of Tony Timpa who died in almost parallel conditions to those of
George Floyd. He cried out for help while the officers joked about his upscale address. They continued
joking while Tony stopped breathing and went unconscious. Towards the end of the video, you see one of
the officers saying I hope I didn't kill him while the other one smiled. If Tony Timpa's skin was darker,
even just one shade, we would have seen his name plastered al over the place. Same for Duncan Lemp
who was killed during a no-knock raid while he was sleeping, just like Breonna Taylor.
But more troubling is the lie of white racism, that white people are somehow incapable of being anything
but white devils, that we are inherently bad. The truth is there are some people in this world that hate white
people. They try to justify their hatred through phony intellectualism and fake sentences about our
oppressive culture that is inherent within us. Take the example of Priyamvada Gopal, a professor at the
University of Cambridge. A few weeks ago she made a tweet saying, "I'll say it again. White lives don't
matter. As white lives." Cambridge defended her statement. At the same time just a few weeks ago, a Black
man raped a white woman in New York, "because of slavery." And just this week, a white mother was shot
in the head by two Black men for saying all lives matter after they said Black Lives Matter to her.
I've seen this anti- white hate for a long time. In middle school we were taught that non- white people
couldn't be racist by definition, that they could say and do anything they wanted about race because they
were the oppressors. This hate led to several incidents. For one, I heard two non -white boys joking about
how one broke up with his white girlfriend and when she complained that he had emotionally taken
advantage of her, while she told me he had, that it didn't matter, she was white. And then another time
while I was in DC, we read about the story of Eldridge Cleaver, a Black man who methodically went around
raping white women and one student of color, said well that was justified because of racial oppression and
that was in a roomful of people who sort of took that as something normal that someone can say.
This issue goes much further. One white on Black murder and the whole world hears. Yet thousands of
Black on white murders and rapes every year, yet there are no ears to hear. It represents a problem in our
world that is getting much worse. A way to counter this problem is to know the truth. Some of you have
lied, wittingly or not. I hope you can find the courage to find the truth. It will truly set you free."
14. ADJOURN
With no further business, the Special Council meeting was adjourned at 8:11 p.m.
MICHAEL NELSON, MAYOR SCOTT PASSEY, CITY CLERK
Edmonds City Council Approved Meeting Minutes
July 14, 2020
Page 10
anything, it's the other way around. There is a much greater demand for racism in our country than there is
supply, Supposed hate crimes like: those of Jessie ;imollcta and more recently NASCA,R driver Bubba
Watson tools the media by storm, vet those were ties. One intentionally, the other it is unclear whether it
was intentional or not. I guess it is possible to some people to see the small loop of a garage door pull and
assume it is a noose considering how desperate people are for attention these days.
The deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd took us a step further in the direction of complete
lawlessness and immorality. Though both tragic deaths, there is no evidence that either one involved race.
No one was there to protest the death of Tony ']'impa who died in almost parallel conditions to those of
George Floyd. He cried out for help while the officers joked about his upscale address. They continued
joking while Tony stopped breathing and went unconscious. Towards the end of the video, you see one of
the officers saying I hope 1 didn't kill hint while the other one smiled. If Tony Timpa's skin was darker,
even just one shade, we would have seen his name plastered all over the place. Same for Duncan Lenip
who was killed during a no-knock raid while lie was sleeping, just like Breonna Taylor.
13ut more troubling is the lie of white racism, that white people are somehow incapable of being anything
but white devils, that we are inherently bad. The truth is there are some people in this world that hate white
people. They try to justify their hatred through phony intellectualism and fake sentences about our
oppressive culture that is inherent within us. Take the example of Priyatnvada Gopat, a professor al the
University, of Cambridge, A few weeks ago she made a tweet .saying, "I'll say it again. White lives don't
matter. As white lives." Cambridge defended her statement. At the same tirne just a few weeks ago, a Black
man raped a white woman in New York, "because of slavery." And just this week, a white mother was shot
in the head by two Black men for saying all lives matter after they said Black .[.lives Matter to her.
I've seen this anti- white hate for a long, time..In middle school we were taught that non- white people
couldn't be racist by definition, that they could say and do anything they wanted about race because they
Were the oppressors. 'I.'his hate led to several incidents. For one, 1 heard two non -white boys joking about
how one broke up with his while girlfriend and when she complained that he had emotionally taken
advantage of her, while she told the he had, that it didn't matter, she was white. And then another time
while I was in DC, we read about the story of Eldridge Cleaver, a3 Black man who methodically went around
raping white women and. one student of color, said well that wasjustified because of racial oppression and
that was in a roomful of people who sort of took that as something; normal that someone can say.
'This issue goes much further. One white on Black murder and the whole world hears. Yet thousands of
'Black on white m€trders and rapes every year, yet there are no ears to hear. It represents a problem in our
world that is getting much worse. A way to counter this problem is to know the truth. Some of you have
lied, wittingly or not. I hope you can find the courage to find the truth. It will truly set you free."
14. ADJOURN
With no further business, the Special Council meeting was adjourned at 8:11 p.m.
MICHAEL NELSON, MAYOR
SCOTT PASS4CITYCLE
Edmonds City Council .Approved Meeting Minutes
July 14, 2020
Page 10
Public Comment for July 14, 2020 Council Meeting:
7/14/20 Ken Reidy, Subject: Public Comment for July 14, 2020 City Council Meeting
The Governor's proclamation states meetings must provide the ability for all persons attending
to hear each other at the same time. Why haven't you read public comments out loud since
March 24th? As you listen to the presentation about Meeting Minutes tonight, please
appreciate that you currently do not do a video or audio recording of Executive Sessions.
Furthermore, the 2016 City Council did away with the keeping of Executive Session Meeting
Minutes — something that the 1996 Council had adopted because keeping minutes was in the
public interest. Tonight, you will be told the following about Meeting Minutes in general:
NOTE: While audio and video recordings can be interesting and helpful to refresh one's
memory, such recordings cannot substitute for written minutes. Reasons to keep a record of
what takes place in Executive Session include:
1. Councilmembers occasionally are absent. Meeting minutes, a video or audio recording
would allow absent Councilmembers to discover all that was truly said in Executive Session.
2. Minutes of Executive Session satisfy the public at a future date that the Council discussed
appropriate issues in Executive Session. This is in the Public Interest.
3. Summary minutes of Executive Session are a tool that promotes more open government,
which increases trust in City government.
4. Executive Session discussions sometimes do not warrant permanent confidentiality.
Rescinding Resolution 853 via Resolution 1360 was a decision promoting permanent
confidentiality of all Executive Session discussions — even when the reason for the Executive
Session has expired. The 1996 Edmonds City Council voted that it was in the public interest to
maintain summary minutes. The rescission of Resolution 853 twenty years later was contrary to
open government and not in the public interest. The 2016 vote by City Council was a blow to
open government and harmed the citizens of Edmonds. The 2016 City Council had an
opportunity to be the beacon for open government and transparency in the State of
Washington and improve upon Resolution 853. Instead, the 2016 City Council chose to
rescind this good policy that was adopted because it was in the public interest. Hopefully the
2020 City Council will act in the public interest like the 1996 City Council did. Please reverse
the acts of the 2016 City Council. Please reconsider/repeal Resolution 1360. Please do not
forget, Resolution 1360 was passed after INCOMPLETE information was provided to City
Council. In doing so, Council kept the mystery of the October 2, 2012 Council Vote unanswered
- it was left out of the Agenda packets and never discussed by Council. Council also failed to
address Resolution 1150 despite my efforts to get this in front of the Council and in the related
Agenda packets.
Edmonds City Council Approved Meeting Minutes
July 14, 2020
Page 11