20190102 City CouncilEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
January 2, 2019
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Adrienne Fraley-Monillas, Mayor Pro Tem
Diane Buckshnis, Council President Pro Tem
Michael Nelson, Councilmember
Thomas Mesaros, Councilmember
Dave Teitzel, Councilmember
ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT
Dave Earling, Mayor
Kristiana Johnson, Councilmember
Neil Tibbott, Councilmember
1. CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE
STAFF PRESENT
Phil Williams, Public Works Director
Patrick Doherty, Econ. Dev & Comm. Serv. Dir.
Shane Hope, Development Services Director
Scott James, Finance Director
Steve Fisher, Recycling Coordinator
Tom Brubaker, City Attorney
Scott Passey, City Clerk
Jerrie Bevington, Camera Operator
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
The Edmonds City Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Pro Tem Fraley-Monillas
in the Council Chambers, 250 Stn Avenue North, Edmonds. The meeting was opened with the flag salute.
2. ROLL CALL
City Clerk Scott Passey called the roll. All elected officials were present with the exception of Mayor
Earling and Councilmembers Johnson and Tibbott.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
COUNCILMEMBER TEITZEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM
BUCKSHNIS, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA IN CONTENT AND ORDER. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
4. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
COUNCILMEMBER MESAROS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM
BUCKSHNIS, TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The agenda items approved are as follows:
1. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF DECEMBER 11, 2018
2. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF DECEMBER 11, 2018
3. APPROVAL OF CLAIM, PAYROLL AND BENEFIT CHECKS, DIRECT DEPOSIT AND
WIRE PAYMENTS.
4. ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF CLAIMS FOR THE AMOUNT OF $4,392.30
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5. RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION FOR SERVICE AS COUNCIL PRESIDENT - MIKE
NELSON
6. RESOLUTION TO ADOPT UPDATED CAPITAL ASSET POLICY
7. RESOLUTION TO ADOPT NEW SMALL AND ATTRACTIVE ASSETS POLICY
8. CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENT OF MINDY WOODS TO DIVERSITY
COMMISSION
5. PRESENTATION
PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION FOR SERVICE AS COUNCIL
PRESIDENT - MIKE NELSON
Mayor Pro Tem Fraley-Monillas read a resolution of appreciation for Councilmember Mike Nelson's
service as Council President during 2018.
6. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Farrell Fleming, Shoreline, Executive Director, Edmonds Senior Center, expressed his profound gratitude
for the work of City staff following the tragic shooting in December at the Senior Center, particularly the
Police Department who were remarkable, mature, restrained, and strategic in their thinking about how to
handle the subsequent vigil to ensure it was a peaceful event and to convince the people attending the vigil
that the police were present to keep everyone safe. The Police Department exemplified their motto of
service over self. Several officers were on scene for approximately 18 hours after the incident; he was
present from approximately 1 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. when the biohazard cleanup was complete. Edmonds has a
remarkable Police Department; good people who are mature and use force when necessary but are
enormously restrained. The Police Department did a remarkable job as did staff from Public Works and
Parks who assisted in the days that followed.
Royce Napolitino, Edmonds, on behalf of reSound, a Northwest Chamber Ensemble, a small, non-profit
vocal chamber group that has acquired residence at Lynnwood's Trinity Lutheran Church, thanked the
Edmonds Diversity Commission and the City of Edmonds for supporting their upcoming performance at
Trinity Lutheran Church on January 27', the second performance of this piece, with the first performance
held on January 13' at All Pilgrims Christian Church in Seattle. The work titled, "Let Justice Roll Down,"
is a multimedia musical journey to Selma and back. He provided background on the work, in April 2017
Plymouth Congregational Church's youth forum took a life -changing trip, retracing the steps of the
American Civil Rights Movement. Upon their return, ten of the high school youth and their leaders
compiled their experiences into a book, "Our Faith Journey through the American Civil Rights Movement."
This performance features an original musical composition, a 20 -minute work, composed using selected
text from the book, interviews with the youth and adult participants, and contributions from local civil rights
leaders. The performance is important for the community because recent occurrences of racially motivated
violence and other hateful acts remind of the work to be done and the 2010 census estimates Edmonds as
more than 80% white. The goal of this project is for audience members to gain an understanding of how
white privilege and institutionalized racism can be identified in communities. It will encourage people to
think and act differently and be willing to enter into similar conversations and further the message. If
attendees go on to lead more self -aware lives and are able to articulate what institutionalized racism is, then
evolution has happened, and change is possible. He provided a quote from one of the youth trip
coordinators, "I think one thing that is really crucial in the work of racial justice, specifically for white
people, is to understand that this work cannot be done on the backs of people of color. That our education
and our awakening and our understanding cannot be something that we are relying on folks of color to teach
us." As they prepare for two performances this month, reSound is using some of the Diversity
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January 2, 2019
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Commission's grant funds to engage the communities of Lynnwood and Edmonds to deliver their message.
He invited the public to join them in a moving journey toward openness, understanding and path toward
dismantling racism through understanding white supremacy and privilege.
7. REPORTS ON COUNCIL COMMITTEES
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS AND MINUTES
Public Safety, Planning & Personnel Committee
Councilmember Mesaros reported the committee reviewed the salary schedule for directors. Committee
members asked questions of staff and committee members planned to talk with staff between that meeting
and next week's Council meeting when it will be on the Council's agenda for action. The total amount was
approved in the 2019 budget, but Council action is required to approve the salary schedule.
Finance Committee
Councilmember Teitzel reported the committee discussed:
• Small and Attractive Assets Policy and Revised Capital Asset Policy - approved on Consent
Agenda.
o Polices were separated in response to auditor comments
o Spending threshold for WWTP increased from $75,000 to $100,000
■ October Financial Report
• Fund Balance and Reserve Policy Planning
o A matrix with information from 15 neighboring cities is being created
o Goal is to have good policies in place to guide budget planning
o Plan to present to Council in February
8. ACTION ITEMS
1. APPOINTMENT OF BOARD AND COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES FOR 2019
Mayor Pro Tem Fraley-Monillas announced the following appointments:
Committee
Representative
Affordable Housing Alliance
Councilmember Tibbott
Community Transit
Mayor Earling & Councilmember Johnson (Alt)
Disability Board
Councilmembers Buckshnis & Teitzel
Diversity Commission
Council President Frale -Monillas
Economic Development Committee
Councilmember Tibbott
Historic Preservation Advisory Commission
Councilmember Johnson
Lake Ballinger Work Group
Councilmembers Teitzel and Buckshnis Alt)
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
Councilmember Nelson
Mayor's Climate Protection Committee
Councilmember Buckshnis
PFD Oversight
Councilmember Mesaros
Port of Edmonds
Councilmember Teitzel
Seashore Transportation Forum
Councilmember Mesaros
Salmon Recove — WRIA 8
Councilmember Buckshnis
SN0911
Councilmember Mesaros
Snohomish County Tomorrow
Councilmember Johnson
Snohomish Health District
Council President Frale -Monillas
Tree Board Liaison
Councilmember Buckshnis
Youth Commission
Councilmember Nelson
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Page 3
Public Safety, Planning and Personnel Comm. Councilmembers Nelson (Chair) & Tibbott
Parks & Public Works Committee Councilmembers Johnson (Chair) & Teitzel
Finance Committee Councilmembers Buckshnis (Chair) & Mesaros
2. APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION APPOINTING A COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE TO
THE SNOHOMISH HEALTH DISTRICT BOARD
COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM BUCKSHNIS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
MESAROS, TO APPROVE RESOLUTION APPOINT MAYOR PRO TEM FRALEY-MONILLAS
TO THE SNOHOMISH HEALTH DISTRICT BOARD. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION APPOINTING A COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE AND
ALTERNATE TO THE SNOHOMISH COUNTY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT
AREA CORPORATION COMMUNITY TRANSi
COUNCILMEMBER MESAROS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER TEITZEL, TO
APPOINT MAYOR EARLING AS THE COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE AND
COUNCILMEMBER JOHNSON AS THE ALTERNATE TO THE SNOHOMISH COUNTY
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT AREA CORPORATION (COMMUNITY TRANSIT).
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. STUDY ITEMS
1. CLIMATE GOALS PROJECT UPDATE
Development Services Director Shane Hope introduced Mark Johnson, ESA, noting that Councilmember
Nelson has been active in moving this process forward. This effort began with the Council's adoption of a
resolution with climate goals and ways to reduce Greenhouse Gases (GHG) and make improvements in the
City while supporting the work of others. This effort began with a GHG Inventory; work was done
previously on GHG emissions and climate actions the City could take.
Mr. Johnson reviewed:
• Background
o Edmonds 2009 GHG Inventory and 2010 Climate Action Plan
o Graphic of the Greenhouse Effect
• Overview
o What are greenhouse gases (GHGs)?
■ Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere:
- Carbon Dioxide
- Methane
Nitrous Oxide
- Fluorinated hydrocarbons
o What does MT CO2e mean?
■ Metric tons of CO2 equivalent
GHG Inventory
o Fossil fuel inventory
■ Local fuel combustion
o "Local" inventory
■ Fossil fuel emissions
++ Imported electricity
■ Waste emissions
■ Fugitive emissions (refrigerant gases, local natural gas loss)
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o Local + Household Consumption (local + imported)
■ Local emissions
■ Emissions from imported food, goods and use of services (fertilizers, production,
transportation)
■ Upstream fuel production
• What GHG emissions were measured?
o Emissions from sources located within the city boundary
o Emissions from grid- supplied electricity consumed within the city limits
o Emissions that occur outside the city boundary as a result of activities taking places within the
City's geographic boundary
• Local emissions
o Buildings (residential) 35%
o Buildings (commercial) 15%
o Buildings Industrial 2%
o Transportation 40%
o Waste 2%
o Refrigerant Loss 6%
• Graph of local emissions + household consumption -related emissions (imported)
• Graph of GHG from Energy Consumed in Buildings (electricity, natural gas, other fuels)
o Note share of GHG from Electricity vs Natural Gas
o Inventory uses a "location -based" approach for GHG from electricity
• Electricity
o Graph of Electricity Emissions (MT CO2e) for Northwest Power Pool (local based emissions)
and Snohomish County PUD (market-based emissions)
o Location -based emissions are calculated using the regional electricity grid's GHG intensity and
represent the average impacts of electricity use and efficiency efforts.
o Market-based emissions are based on the GHG intensity of electricity contracts with local
utilities. Snohomish PUD's electricity generation from Bonneville Power Administration are
largely served by low-GHG hydroelectric and nuclear power.
• Targets
o Setting a Target
o Rates of GHG reduction Needed
o How Urgent is our Situation?
• Setting a Science -Based Target
Science -based Targets
Celsius 1 1° 1 1.5° 2°
Fahrenheit 1 1.80 12.70 13.60
o A science -based climate target sets a rate of climate action that is aligned with keeping average
global temperature increases below a specified level of increase compared to pre -industrial
temperatures.
o Keeping global temperature increases below 2°C will allow the majority, but not all, of the
global population to avoid the worst social and economic effects of climate change (Paris
Agreement)
o The average temperature of the earth is approximately 1.2°C higher today than at the beginning
of the industrial revolution.
• What are the options? What rates of GHG reduction are required:
Target
+1.0°C
350 ppm
+1.5°C
400.pp
+2.0°C
450ppm
Average Annual Rate of Reduction to Meet Target (rounded)
8% F 5% 1 2%
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Annual Reduction compedto 2010 (values are rounded for simplicity)
By 2020: 15% 13% 10%
By 2030: 70% 50% 35%
_By2050: 100% 100% 80%
■ How urgent is our situation and what can we expect moving forward?
o Graph of global GHG emissions 2000, 2050, 2100 for Reference Scenario, National Plans,
<2°C Path, and 1.5°C Path
o Existing international and domestic activities and policies remain inadequate to prevent a 2°C
warming
• Physical Conditions
o By 2100, summers in Edmonds WA 70.66°F will be like summers now in Laguna Niguel, CA
81.48°F
+10C
I +1.5°C
I +2.0°C
7 -ft sea level rise globall
9.4 -ft sea level rise glob all
15 -ft sea level rise globally
o Images of sea level rise in Port of Edmonds Marina, Edmonds Way, 5' Avenue South area
■ Figure 3.5: Differences in sea level rise due to global temperature increases. Note how the
sea level creeps up the hillside and gradually covers more of the low-lying areas. Other
areas in Edmonds are also affected.
Physical
Change to:
Through:
Conditions
1.5°C
2.0°C
CO2
Ocean acidity increase 9%
Ocean acidity increase 24%
o Reduced consumption of goods, use of
Frequency of warm extremes over
Frequency of warm extremes over land
reuse and repair
land (PNW) increase 131%
(PNW) increase 350%
Temperature
Extreme heat: 14% of global
Extreme heat: 37% of global
o Buying just what you need
population exposed to severe heat at
population exposed to severe heat at
least once every 5 years
least once every 5 years
Water
Population exposed to water scarcity
Population exposed to water scarcity
worldwide: 271 million
worldwide: 388 million
Ice
Sea -ice -free artic: at least 1 summer
Sea -ice -free artic: at least 10 summer
every 100 years
every 100 . ears
Species loss: 4% of vertebrates lose
Species loss: 8% of vertebrates lose at
at least half of their range
least half of their ran e
Vegetation
Species loss: 8% of plants lose at
Species loss: 16% of plants lose at
least half of their range
least half of their range
Species loss: 6% of insects lose at
Species loss: 18% of insects lose at
least half of their range
least half of their range
• What does daily life look like by 2050?
Sample Communi Chan es
Change to:
Through:
o 100% renewable electricity and large-
• No fossil fuel combustion
scale energy storage
o Electrified transport
o Reduced consumption of goods, use of
o Purchase of durable goods with a focus on
disposables and subsequent waste
reuse and repair
o Reduction of waste in processing and
o Reduce food waste
sales (pre -consumer
o Buying just what you need
o Composting (post -consumer
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January 2, 2019
Page 6
Strategies and Policy Gaps
o Reviewed City planning and policy documents
o Found over 300 measures that pertain to climate action
o Recommended adding 6 measures under existing categories (Transportation, Land Use, and
Buildings)
o Recommended a new category — Wastewater with 4 new measures
Next Steps
o Present Targets and Policy Gaps info to Climate Protection Committee
o Hold a public open house Inventory and Targets
o Develop a custom tool to assist in setting goals for specific measures
Ms. Hope advised staff and the consultant will provide periodic updates to Council as well as seek Council
input on the policy implications. The documents are being finetuned and made more user friendly for the
public, particularly for the January 17" open house. The point of this is not just research/study for the sake
of research/study but to determine what can be done.
Councilmember Mesaros observed the targets looked at the beginning of the industrial revolution; he asked
what year was used as the starting point. Mr. Johnson answered mid -19th century. Councilmember Mesaros
said the opportunity to reverse culture is a challenge. He referred to Figure 2, How Urgent Is Our Situation
and What Can We Expect Moving Forward and asked if there was somewhere between the National Plans
and the reduction of 2°, noting there was a large gap between those two. Mr. Johnson answered the <2°C
Path represents how much how much GHG would be necessary to reach that target. It would be possible to
set a higher target and still have a reduction. He referred to the Physical Conditions table, pointing out the
consequences of a 2° increase. Councilmember Mesaros summarized even if there is a reduction, there are
still problems. Mr. Johnson commented the effort is applying the brakes to something very large.
Councilmember Mesaros noted it has been growing for over 100 years. Ms. Hope said the resolution the
Council adopted supported the goals of the Paris Accord.
Councilmember Mesaros said last Sunday's "Meet the Press" was devoted entirely to climate change and
included stories from communities around the United States. The panel analyzing the information included
Representative Carlos Curbelo, a republican in Florida who is an advocate for climate change which does
not fit the profile of his political party. Representative Curbelo said Florida anticipates Miami may not be
livable by the turn of the next century which will result in declining property values. During King Tides
most of the Florida Keys have a foot of water on their main streets due to tidal change. The program also
interviewed a republican mayor in Texas whose town has gone entirely solar and has fields with solar
panels. This is not a partisan issue, it is a community issue that needs to be tackled. He encouraged the
Council and the public to watch that episode of "Meet the Press." The Texas mayor said they cannot wait
for people at the national level to act; they decided they were going to take charge themselves to see what
they could do to solve the problem. Councilmember Mesaros noted that is an important message for
Edmonds, particularly due to sea level.
Council President Pro Tem Buckshnis referred to the Physical Conditions table and asked what formulas
were used to determine the percentages. Mr. Johnson answered it was information summarized by the ECC;
the reports include the sources. He assured the information was sourced from published studies, not his own
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
January 2, 2019
Page 7
o More vegetables fruits, legumes, grains
o Reduction in GHG-intensive foods
and fish
o Reduced meat and dairy
o Decreased household consumption of goods and
o Family education
energy
o Negative emissions actions
o Mass sequestration via forests and
technoloEy
Strategies and Policy Gaps
o Reviewed City planning and policy documents
o Found over 300 measures that pertain to climate action
o Recommended adding 6 measures under existing categories (Transportation, Land Use, and
Buildings)
o Recommended a new category — Wastewater with 4 new measures
Next Steps
o Present Targets and Policy Gaps info to Climate Protection Committee
o Hold a public open house Inventory and Targets
o Develop a custom tool to assist in setting goals for specific measures
Ms. Hope advised staff and the consultant will provide periodic updates to Council as well as seek Council
input on the policy implications. The documents are being finetuned and made more user friendly for the
public, particularly for the January 17" open house. The point of this is not just research/study for the sake
of research/study but to determine what can be done.
Councilmember Mesaros observed the targets looked at the beginning of the industrial revolution; he asked
what year was used as the starting point. Mr. Johnson answered mid -19th century. Councilmember Mesaros
said the opportunity to reverse culture is a challenge. He referred to Figure 2, How Urgent Is Our Situation
and What Can We Expect Moving Forward and asked if there was somewhere between the National Plans
and the reduction of 2°, noting there was a large gap between those two. Mr. Johnson answered the <2°C
Path represents how much how much GHG would be necessary to reach that target. It would be possible to
set a higher target and still have a reduction. He referred to the Physical Conditions table, pointing out the
consequences of a 2° increase. Councilmember Mesaros summarized even if there is a reduction, there are
still problems. Mr. Johnson commented the effort is applying the brakes to something very large.
Councilmember Mesaros noted it has been growing for over 100 years. Ms. Hope said the resolution the
Council adopted supported the goals of the Paris Accord.
Councilmember Mesaros said last Sunday's "Meet the Press" was devoted entirely to climate change and
included stories from communities around the United States. The panel analyzing the information included
Representative Carlos Curbelo, a republican in Florida who is an advocate for climate change which does
not fit the profile of his political party. Representative Curbelo said Florida anticipates Miami may not be
livable by the turn of the next century which will result in declining property values. During King Tides
most of the Florida Keys have a foot of water on their main streets due to tidal change. The program also
interviewed a republican mayor in Texas whose town has gone entirely solar and has fields with solar
panels. This is not a partisan issue, it is a community issue that needs to be tackled. He encouraged the
Council and the public to watch that episode of "Meet the Press." The Texas mayor said they cannot wait
for people at the national level to act; they decided they were going to take charge themselves to see what
they could do to solve the problem. Councilmember Mesaros noted that is an important message for
Edmonds, particularly due to sea level.
Council President Pro Tem Buckshnis referred to the Physical Conditions table and asked what formulas
were used to determine the percentages. Mr. Johnson answered it was information summarized by the ECC;
the reports include the sources. He assured the information was sourced from published studies, not his own
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
January 2, 2019
Page 7
calculations. Council President Pro Tem Buckshnis referred to the sea level rise graphic, commenting Puget
Sound is not the actual coastline. She commented on the impact that restoration of the Edmonds Marsh
would have on carbon sequestering and asked if consideration had been given to more forestation. Mr.
Johnson said some kind of sequestration will be necessary to reach a net zero state, 1-1.5° by 2050 or 2° by
2060. One of his colleagues works on blue carbon, related to how salt marshes can sequester, and he has
talked to her about considering how the marsh project might contribute to offsetting Edmonds' carbon
footprint. The inventory gives a sense of scale; to completely offset Edmonds' carbon footprint with an
average American forest would take an area 122 times the size of the City. Council President Pro Tem
Buckshnis commented mediation farms are being done, Redmond is doing one.
Council President Pro Tem Buckshnis referred to the City's local Taming Bigfoot effort. She asked if that
educational information could be incorporated or could be a step in educating the public. Mr. Johnson
agreed education was an important component. They try to give metrics so the public can see how they are
doing, but the measures in the plans are ways in which the City is already engaged. This will help show
which of those provide the biggest bang for the buck in the near future. Part of the process is looking where
the biggest return can be realized; for example, electric vehicles are a magnificent way to get to a nearly
carbon free footprint.
Council President Pro Tem Buckshnis commented on planes and cruise ships and educating the tourist
industry such as carbon offsets. For example, when she flies to Wisconsin, she pays $8 for a carbon offset.
Mr. Johnson agreed that was important; he applauded companies like Boeing who is by far one of the best
at reducing its carbon footprint relative to other industries. A recent presentation stated Boeing's production
was up by 73% and its total carbon footprint was down by 20%. Ms. Hope agreed education will be
something the Council will want to focus on; the first opportunity for the public is the January 17" open
house.
Councilmember Teitzel commented the material is sobering, especially for the waterfront community. He
referred to Resolution 1389, expressing concern there may be conflicting agendas. It seems GHG control
is the priority to arrest global warming, however, the goal in Resolution 1389 is to get to 100% renewal
energy for municipal facilities by 2019. He was uncertain renewable energy equates to arresting global
warming. In fact the definition of renewable energy in Resolution 13 89 specifically excludes energy derived
from fossil fuel, nuclear and biomass feedstocks. Recalling Mr. Johnson's statement that nuclear energy is
a low GHG emitting energy source, he asked if the Council should consider revising the resolution to
include nuclear power as a device for reducing GHG. Ms. Hope answered the resolution addresses a number
of things that can be done and does not indicate that one is more important than the other. For example, the
Council made a decision to work with PUD to do offsets with the BPA mix of electricity for City facilities.
A big part of the resolution is taking action and identifying things that could be done over a period of time
to reduce GHG but other things that affect climate change. The Council could update list if they wished.
If nuclear energy is a source of clean power that does not contribute to global warming, Councilmember
Teitzel question whether that should that be identified as something to move away from in the near term.
In the long term, he agreed with moving away from nuclear energy, but it could be considered as a
reasonable energy source in the near term to create power without warming the atmosphere. Mr. Johnson
commented on looking at all the options and where to get the most bang for the buck noting there may be
other concerns with nuclear energy. He noted nuclear energy is not completely without a carbon footprint;
there is carbon footprint associated with extraction, storing and creating nuclear power, but it is much lower
than coal fire plants. That is the reason the mix in the NW of nuclear and hydro that BPA administers is so
low. It is important for that discussion to occur and to consider other values. He agreed nuclear power has
a smaller carbon footprint than fossil fuel -based sources.
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January 2, 2019
Page 8
In considering what could be done locally from a policy standpoint to address global warming,
Councilmember Teitzel asked whether wood burning fireplaces/stoves were better or worse for global
warming than gas fireplaces. Mr. Johnson answered that is complicated. His understanding is woodburning
fireplaces are generally not counted as contributing to global warming because the carbon is already in
circulation in the air, it is renewable resource, taking carbon from trees, the wood is burned, it returns to
the air and back into the tree. Another argument is that anything that adds carbon dioxide to the air needs
to be offset and if the trees were not cut down, they would be pulling carbon out of the air. This inventory
does not include a number for woodburning fireplaces because it has been the industry practice not to count
it in the local emission source. Councilmember Teitzel questioned whether the City could have policies that
incentivize woodburning or gas fireplaces depending on which is better for the environment.
Councilmember Teitzel said as a pet owner, he is concerned about the effects of pet waste on GHG which
equates to methane. He recalled a statement in the presentation that methane more impactful to GHG than
CO2. He wondered if the City should consider policies related to how dog waste is handled. Mr. Johnson
said contained landfills do a pretty good job of containing methane. Even though dog waste generates
methane, that methane is generally captured and often converted to energy via landfill gas -to -energy plants.
In a sense that methane may displace fossil fuel. Open agriculture is one of the biggest issues particularly
the meat and dairy industry that accounts for one third of the overall household consumption.
Councilmember Nelson offered context, commenting this is data that can be used as a starting point and a
comparison with the previous Climate Action Plan to see what has changed. He highlighted the increase in
natural gas use and transportation emissions. The intent would be for future goals and policies to address
what is producing the most emissions and how to reduce it. The City has policies that are reducing emissions
and it is apparent it will take more than education, it will also require changes in lifestyle. He commended
the consultant for incorporating how households consume goods which not typically measured. He noted
when people shop online, they may not think about the amount of emissions they are producing; creating
that awareness is an important first step.
With regard to online ordering, Mr. Johnson said a recent study looked at instantaneous delivery that
consumers have come to expect compared to whether someone would have driven to the store for one small
item although GHG is expended either way. Those industries are looking at improving their footprint but
that is an area that consumers do have some control such as being disciplined about how many times they
order a week.
2. VIDEO STREAMING OF COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Councilmember Nelson said the packet contains a comparison of costs. Since then, the IT department
researched using the City's existing camera company. Those numbers are not included in the packet but the
highest was $8,100 one time per camera and installation, a total of $16,200 for two cameras (one already
exists in Council Chambers), plus maintenance costs of 17-22%/year (approximately $3,000)/year. He
asked whether the updated costs changed Councilmembers' interest in moving forward.
Councilmember Mesaros inquired about the personnel cost of running system such as turning it on,
maintaining it, record keeping, etc. City Clerk Scott Passey said it would increase his workload slightly as
he would need to create three more meetings on the second Tuesday. It would also require at least one staff
person per committee to operate the cameras/encoders. Councilmember Mesaros commented it was an
addition of two staff because there is already one camera person. Councilmember Mesaros asked whether
Councilmembers could be trained to start the cameras to minimize the cost. Mr. Passey answered that would
be possible.
Council President Pro Tem Buckshnis said she had no interest in pursuing videotaping of committee
meetings because audio was j ust as efficient as video. She pointed out what happened with Watergate which
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
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Page 9
was audio. She noted there was little interest in listening to the audio of committee meetings and this was
much ado about nothing. She believed people act differently when they are on camera, for example little
kids act very different when they are filmed. Audio allows discussions and not worrying about the camera
and audio is just as transparent as video. There have been no complaints or lawsuits and nothing that
requires committee meetings to be videotaped. She preferred to continue audio recording committee
meetings and allow people to request the audio.
Councilmember Teitzel said he supports transparency and open government and wants to make it as easy
as possible for citizens to hear Council discussions, noting there are no votes taken during committee
meetings. As Council President Pro Tem Buckshnis mentioned, every committee meeting is digitally audio
recorded and they are archived and available upon request. Since the audio already exists, he asked if the
digital audio recordings of committee meetings could be posted to the City's website. Mr. Passey said IT
indicated the current website does not support that type of upload.
Councilmember Teitzel asked how the recordings could be saved so citizens would have access. Mr. Passey
said they are saved on the network server and he provides the recordings upon request. Councilmember
Teitzel asked if that required a public records request. Mr. Passey answered it was done on a request basis
because they cannot be posted on the City's website or the hosted website where other Council meetings
are posted which only accommodates one record per meeting.
Councilmember Teitzel said the only complaints he has heard about lack of access to committee meetings
has been from local media, it is difficult for Beacon and My Edmonds News to report on meetings without
hearing the discussion or having access to the summary minutes. If the digital audio were posted, he asked
if it could be available the next day for the media. Mr. Passey said the issue is where they would be posted;
he could send the recording to them after meeting. Councilmember Teitzel asked if the recordings could be
available the next day. Mr. Passey answered yes. Councilmember Teitzel said that could be no -cost way to
proceed and staff could track the number of requests for the recordings. If there was a high demand, the
Council could invest in video recording equipment in the future. He concurred with Council President Pro
Tem Buckshnis that audio recording was sufficient especially if it was available to the public within 24
hours.
Councilmember Nelson pointed out decisions are made at the committee level to put items on Consent the
Agenda such as the Transportation Safety Plan, continuing the City Attorney contract, fund policies, fiscal
policies, and other substantive issues. Cursory minutes are not sufficient and when there is confusion about
what transpires at committee meetings, the audio recording must be reviewed. Study sessions used to be
videoed; when the Council began holding committee meetings in separate rooms, there was a downgrade
to audio. For less than the cost of wayfinding sign, there can be cameras in committee rooms to the allow
the public and the Council to be informed. The Council should be encouraging videotaping; it is good for
democracy to allow the public to see and hear the Council, who is in the room, whispering, etc., full
transparency at a minimal cost.
COUNCILMEMBER NELSON MOVED, SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM FRALEY-
MONILLAS, TO FUND HAVING COUNCIL COMMITTEES VIDEOTAPED.
Council President Pro Tem Buckshnis said she has watched committee videos in other cities, many do not
have discussions and appear to do things behind closed doors which is even less transparent. She reiterated
audio is just as transparent as video. The Council is not doing anything wrong; there are only two
Councilmembers in each committee, there is not a quorum and there are no votes taken. Although items are
forwarded to the Consent Agenda, Councilmember can pull items from the Consent Agenda. She suggested
seeing how it goes with Mr. Passey providing the committee meeting audio to the media and see how many
people are interested in listening to committee meetings.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
January 2, 2019
Page 10
Councilmember Teitzel, Chair of the Finance Committee in 2018, disagreed wholeheartedly with
Councilmember Nelson's comment that decisions are made in committee meetings. The only decisions are
whether an item is forwarded to full Council for discussion and/or action or to the Consent Agenda. He
agreed all voices including whispering are picked by the audio recordings. He concurred with Council
President Pro Tem Buckshnis' comments.
Mayor Pro Tem Fraley-Monillas commented on the ability to watch legislative committees on TV W, noting
several other cities also video their committee meetings. She noted it was not that long ago, 10-12 years,
that Council meetings begin being videotaped. This an opportunity to provide more transparency for anyone
who wishes to tune in particularly if there is no cost to operate the cameras once the system is in place. She
has heard from at least two media sources about the difficulty they have in determining what is occurring
at committee meetings. She expressed support for the motion.
Councilmember Teitzel said prior to returning to separate committee meetings, the Council addressed items
during a monthly Council study session; the Council could return to that process instead of holding
committee meetings. He summarized to limit use of taxpayer money, the Council could consider, 1) return
to study sessions which utilizes the existing video equipment, or 2) make digital audio recordings of
committee meetings available.
Council President Pro Tem Buckshnis said the City has had videotaped its meetings for at least 20 years.
The Council changed from committee meetings to a study session in the past due to an issue with diplomacy
and has since returned to committee meetings. Audio recording committee meetings did not start until a
former staff member refused to take notes. She pointed out what happened with Watergate which was audio.
She preferred to continue audio recording and see if people complain about wanting to have committee
meetings videotaped.
Mayor Pro Tem Fraley-Monillas clarified videotaping of Council meetings has only been done for a short
amount of time, the room previously did not have the capacity. One of the reasons the Council changed
from committees of the whole or study sessions was those meetings were watered down by topics that were
not study session items.
UPON ROLL CALL, MOTION FAILED (2-3), COUNCILMEMBER NELSON AND MAYOR PRO
TEM FRALEY-MONILLAS VOTING YES; AND COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM BUCKSHNIS
AND COUNCILMEMBERS MESAROS AND TEITZEL VOTING NO.
10. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Pro Tem Fraley-Monillas reread the appointment of board and committee representatives for 2019
(see Agenda Item 8.1 above).
11. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council President Pro Tem Buckshnis wished everyone Happy New Year. She acknowledged the Packers
did not have a very good season and hoped for a better season next year. She displayed free glasses that
were distributed at a Packers game. She looked forward to an exciting year and urged everyone to spread
kindness.
Councilmember Teitzel wished everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year. As a Cougar's fan, he enjoyed
Alamo Bowl and the Rose Bowl.
Councilmember Nelson wished everyone Happy New Year.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
January 2, 2019
Page 11
Councilmember Mesaros wished everyone Happy New Year.
12. CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING PENDING OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION
PER RCW 42.30.11€1(] )(i)
This item was not needed.
13. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION. POTENTIAL ACTION AS A RESULT OF MEETING IN
EXECUTIVE SESSION
This item was not needed.
14. ADJOURN
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 8:26 p.m.
!�-�7
(SCOA PASSEY, CI ERK
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
January 2, 2019
Page 12