05/06/2014 City CouncilEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
May 6, 2014
The Edmonds City Council meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Earling in the Council
Chambers, 250 5th Avenue North, Edmonds.
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Dave Earling, Mayor
Diane Buckshnis, Council President
Kristiana Johnson, Councilmember
Lora Petso, Councilmember
Strom Peterson, Councilmember
Joan Bloom, Councilmember
Adrienne Fraley-Monillas, Councilmember
Thomas Mesaros, Councilmember
STAFF PRESENT
Al Compaan, Police Chief
Carrie Hite, Parks & Recreation Director
Shane Hope, Development Services Director
Jerry Shuster, Stormwater Eng. Program Mgr.
Leif Bjorback, Building Official
Rob English, City Engineer
Renee McRae, Recreation Manager
Jeff Taraday, City Attorney
Scott Passey, City Clerk
Sandy Chase, Senior Executive Council Asst.
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
1. CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING COLLECTIVE BARGAINING PER RCW
42.30.140(4)(a)
The executive session was cancelled.
2. INTERVIEW CANDIDATES FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE CITIZEN'S COMMISSION ON
COMPENSATION OF ELECTED OFFICIALS
At 6:00 p.m., the City Council met with Michael Meeks and Ellen Ernst, candidates for appointment to
the Citizen's Commission on Compensation of Elected Officials. The interviews took place in the Jury
Meeting Room, located in the Public Safety Complex. All City Councilmembers were present for the
interviews.
3. INTERVIEW CANDIDATES FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE PLANNING BOARD
At 6:41 p.m., the City Council interviewed candidates, Carreen Nordling Rubenkonig and Daniel Robles,
for appointment to the Planning Board. The interviews took place in the Jury Meeting Room, located in
the Public Safety Complex. All City Councilmembers were present for the interviews.
Mayor Earling reconvened the regular City Council meeting at 7:00 p.m. and led the flag salute.
4. ROLL CALL
City Clerk Scott Passey called the roll. All elected officials were present.
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
May 6, 2014
Page 1
COUNCIL PRESIDENT BUCKSHNIS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-
MONILLAS, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA IN CONTENT AND ORDER. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
6. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Petso requested Item F be removed from the Consent Agenda and Councilmember
Bloom requested A be removed.
ITEM A: APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 22, 2014
Councilmember Bloom requested the following amendment to the minutes:
• Page 10, 4h paragraph, first sentence, change WSDOT to Department of Ecology.
COUNCILMEMBER BLOOM MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT BUCKSHNIS,
TO APPROVE ITEM A AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
ITEM F: CONFIRMATION OF MAYOR EARLING'S RECOMMENDED APPOINTMENTS TO
THE PLANNING BOARD
Councilmember Petso read from the code, Although the City of Edmonds is not divided into political or
geographic wards, it is the intent of this section that said board membership shall maintain a reasonable
balance in geographic distribution throughout the City of Edmonds. She explained she will vote against
the confirmation due to code provision, not with the intent to embarrass the applicants or Councilmember
who vote to confirm the applicants. If the Council confirms the 2 applicants, 3 of the 8 Planning Board
Members will reside north of Perrinville, a fairly small section of the City, no Planning Board Members
will live south of 220`h, a fairly significant portion of the City and no Planning Board Members will live
west of 9th Avenue, a significant portion of the City. She suggested in the future seeking Planning Board
applicants from areas of the City that are current under -represented.
Councilmember Johnson thanked the outgoing members of Planning Board who live in these geographic
areas, John Reed and Kevin Clark, for their contribution to the Planning Board. She expressed support for
Mayor Earling's recommendation to appoint the two applicants.
Council President Buckshnis asked City Attorney Jeff Taraday to comment on his interpretation of the
code. Mr. Taraday agreed the code reads as Councilmember Petso indicated; the problem with the phrase
"shall maintain a reasonable balance of geographic distribution throughout the City of Edmonds," is it
does not specify exactly what that means so reasonable minds can differ over the interpretation. The
Mayor's appointment gives him the discretion to make a determination regarding what he thinks a
reasonable balance means and, in the confirmation process, the Council can make its own determination.
Council President Buckshnis relayed her support for the confirmation of the two applicants, finding them
both extremely qualified.
COUNCILMEMBER PETERSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER FRALEY-
MONILLAS, TO APPROVE AGENDA ITEM F, CONFIRMATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF
CARREEN NORDLING RUBENKONIG AND DANIEL ROBLES TO THE PLANNING BOARD.
MOTION CARRIED (6-1), COUNCILMEMBER PETSO VOTING NO.
COUNCILMEMBER PETSO MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER BLOOM, TO
APPROVE THE REMAINDER OF THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY. The agenda items approved are as follows:
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Page 2
B. APPROVAL OF CLAIM CHECKS #208308 THROUGH #208395 (REPLACEMENT
CHECKS #208317 $66.63 & #208361 $18,971.43) DATED APRIL 24, 2014 FOR $463,601.17
AND CLAIM CHECKS #208396 THROUGH #208501 DATED MAY 1, 2014 FOR
$271,097.24. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL DIRECT DEPOSIT AND CHECKS #60933
THROUGH #60947 FOR $459,018.98, BENEFIT CHECKS #60948 THROUGH #60956
AND WIRE PAYMENTS OF $394,444.68 FOR THE PERIOD APRIL 16, 2014 THROUGH
APRIL 30, 2014
C. ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF A CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FROM SHELDON SOULE
($690,000.00), RICKI ANDREWS ($494.12), AND LIM DAVIDSON ($350.00)
D. AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT TO SIGN A TEMPORARY
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE CITY COUNCIL)
E. CITIZENS' COMMISSION 2014 -APPOINTMENT OF MICHAEL MEEKS & ELLEN
ERNST TO THE COMMSSION
7. SWEARING IN CEREMONY FOR NEWLY PROMOTED ASSISTANT POLICE CHIEF
Police Chief Al Compaan commented an oath is an important public recognition of personal achievement
and a personal pledge to the highest legal, ethical and professional standards critical to the law
enforcement mission. He described Assistant Chief Anderson's background; he joined the Edmonds
Police Department on March 16, 1989 and has performed the majority of assignments available in the
department. In addition to serving as a patrol officer and patrol sergeant, he has been a proac officer, K-9
handler, major crimes detective, SWAT team member and public information officer where he was the
face of the Edmonds Police Department.
For the past seven years, Assistant Chief Anderson has served as the department's professional standards
sergeant where he is responsible for interviewing new hire candidates, maintaining the civil service
eligibility list, overseeing background investigations and department training, maintaining the policy
manual and conducting department internal affairs investigations. He also served as the department's
accreditation manager, guiding the department to two accreditations from the Washington Association of
Sheriffs and Police Chiefs in 2009 and 2013. Due to his impressive preparation for the accreditation, he
also became involved with State Sheriffs and Police Chiefs program, serving on the accreditation
commission and the accreditation committee and volunteering as an onsite assessor in departments
throughout Washington and developing the accreditation mentor program. His experience in so many
aspects of the department's operations has prepared him well for the position of Assistant Chief.
Chief Compaan recognized Assistant Chief Anderson's wife Lea, daughter Reagan and son Colton.
Assistant Chief Anderson thanked his family and friends as well as past and present coworkers who were
in attendance. He thanked his wife Lea for her support throughout his career and his daughter Reagan and
son Colton. He recognized guests in the audience including his in-laws Bo and Laura, retired Assistant
Chief Wean, retired Police Officer Debbie Smith and retired Fire Department Mike Smith, retired
Sergeant Mike Drinkwine, retired Officer Bill Nelson, retired Officer Martin Speckmaier, Carolyn
Pedersen, Phil Assink, and Steve Perry.
Chief Compaan administered the oath of office to Assistant Chief Anderson and pinned his badge. Chief
Compaan presented Assistant Chief Anderson a framed Certificate of Promotion.
Assistant Chief Anderson expressed his appreciation for everyone who came to share tonight with him.
He thanked Chief Compaan for his confidence in him, the members of the Police Department who have
and continue to make it an exceptional place to work, and the Council for funding and making restoration
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of this position a priority. Chief Compaan invited the audience to a reception in the Police Training
Room.
8. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMORIAL WEEK
Mayor Earling read a proclamation designating May 11-17, 2014 as Police Week in the City of Edmonds.
He presented the proclamation to Chief Compaan.
Mayor Earling declared a brief recess.
9. KIDS TO PARKS DAY 2014 PROCLAMATION
Mayor Earling read a proclamation regarding Kids to Parks Day and urging residents to make time May
17, 2014 to take children in their lives to a park and to the Edmonds Health and Fitness Expo. He
presented the proclamation to a group of children in the audience.
Parks and Recreation Director Carrie Hite introduced the people behind the Health and Fitness Expo,
Jenny Hershey and Jenny McLaulan, Edmonds School District and Recreation Manager Renee McRae.
Ms. Hite explained similar to the police department, parks also save lives. Local parks create interests and
habits that last a lifetime. Parks allow children to learn that it can be fun to be physically active through
organized sports, programming and playing. Those habits are more likely to stay with them into
adulthood, preventing sedentary lifestyles and chronic health issues. Studies show there is much higher
use of parks when they are clean, safe, well maintained and close to where people live. When meaningful
programming is added, like the Health and Fitness Expo, the percentage of use increases. In these fiscally
challenging times when jobs and disposable income are scarce, it is even more essential to create,
maintain and program local parks. She thanked the children for coming tonight and encouraged them to
enjoy the City's parks. She invited the public to the Health and Fitness Expo on May 17.
10. EDMONDS CEMETERY BOARD UPDATE ON MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM
Dale Hoggins, Edmonds Cemetery Board, on behalf of the Cemetery Board and Chair Melissa Johnson,
he invited the public to the 32"d annual Memorial Day program on May 26 at 11:00 a.m. The program
remembers and honors the memory of those who died while serving our country. He relayed Army
Private First Class Bowe Bergdahl from Idaho has been a POW of the Taliban since 2009. He expressed
thanks for the return of the remains of MIA US Air Force Captain Ferguson, Lakewood who was shot
down over Laos in 1969.
June 6, 2014 is the 70st anniversary of D -Day 1944. This era is the theme of this year's program. The war
memorial located in front of the Edmonds Memorial Museum lists 11 Snohomish County casualties and
MIAs from 1941 to 1945 in the Atlantic, Mediterranean and European theaters. In addition, 2015 will be
the 701h anniversary of V -J Day which will be the theme of next year's program.
Guests this year include Fred Detrick and his wife Nancy, a member of 508th Parachute and Infantry
Regiment. He invited those interested in history, the cemetery, and stories about those who are buried in
the cemetery to apply for the Cemetery Board. He advised the Walk Back in Time will recognize
remarkable women and the Veterans Day event will recognize Civil War veterans.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas commented she has attended this event for the last six years and found it
a great way to support those who have supported the City and to understand the meaning of Memorial
Day. She thanked the Cemetery Board for putting on this program.
11. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
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Mark Horn, Edmonds, expressed his appreciation for the Edmonds Police Department. A resident of the
Seaview area, he referred to a development under consideration in the area. He remarked the City was
lucky to have a great deal of greenery. The green movement comes largely from urban areas where there
is not as much greenery; his family moved from Seattle to Edmonds largely due to the greenery. He urged
the Council to consider this and not develop the corner at 80t'/l84"'.
Dwayne Farman, Edmonds, a resident in the Seaview area, commented after attending a Climate
Change Committee at the Senior Center, he was determined to save the trees at Angler's Crossing in the
Perrinville Creek Watershed. He recalled a tree survey done in 2011 by the McNaughton Group that
recorded 512 trees that exceeded 6 inches in diameter, mostly Douglas Fir, Maple and Alder including
some Douglas Fir that were 4 -feet in diameter. He commented on the importance of trees in absorbing
carbon dioxide, the primary greenhouse gas. A single mature tree can absorb up to 48 pounds of CO2 a
year; an acre can absorb an amount equivalent to what is produced by driving a car 26,000 miles.
Replacing the forest with 24-25 homes would reduce CO2 absorption by the trees and the new homes
would increase CO2 emissions. He cited other reasons for preserving the property including its
importance to the Perrinville Creek Watershed and control of stormwater runoff and for conservation,
natural hydrology and wildlife habitat. He relayed the homeowners group's request that the City make a
concerted effort to save the woods by acquiring the property with the help of outside financial resources
or amend the contract rezone to return the zoning to R-12.
Kurt Griener, Edmonds, reiterated the request he made to the Council on April 15 to reopen staff's
study of the establishment of a quiet zone. To the concern expressed about the lack of safety in a quiet
zone, he explained new regulations require the safety be the same or better and quiet zones must be
approved by the Federal Railway Administration (FRA). There are 591 quiet zones in the United States, 8
in Washington. On April 15 a member of the public spoke against his recommendation due to the number
of people who trespass on the railroad tracks. He pointed out, 1) the quiet zone would only be for
crossings not all the tracks, 2) the FRA must approve quiet zones, 3) no system is foolproof and accidents
may still occur but no more than before, 4) people have responsibility for their own safety, and 5) a quiet
zone does not preclude trains from blowing their whistle if someone is on the tracks. The cost to establish
a quiet zone in Vancouver where there are 3 crossings was approximately $800,000. This can be funded
by the City or all or part by a Local Improvement District (LID). Vancouver's quiet zone was paid for
with an LID.
Bill Rankin, Edmonds, a resident of Seaview, referred to the property for sale at 7704 Olympic View
Drive that is associated with the Angler's Crossing development. The online description of the property is
4 tax parcels, most of the work is already done for a 27 -lot plat approved in 1997, all the soil studies and
other studies are done. He pointed out this was in conflict with the City's 2012 Comprehensive Plan. He
relayed the community is very interested in working with the City to find an environmentally sound and
safe use for the property. This property is 10 blocks away from the North Edmonds Landslide Hazard
Area and has the same soils and elevation and similar slopes.
Rowena Miller, Edmonds, referred to an email she sent to Councilmembers regarding Perrinville
Angler's Crossing. She referred to a recent Sustainable Edmonds meeting she attended and envisioned the
Council was interested in reducing Edmonds' contribution to climate change problems. She urged the
Council to help the community save the Perrinville Angler's Crossing from development. Tree retention
means cleaner air; cleaner water entering Perrinville Creek and Puget Sound; it saves birds, wildlife and
wetlands and watersheds; and improves everyone's quality of life. She expressed her appreciation for the
Council's vote to retain the City -owned portion of the property and urged the Council to use the City's
resources and staff expertise to find a way retain this woodland as a wildlife refuge.
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Alvin Rutledge, Edmonds, announced the 4`l' annual car show at Top Foods on July 12.
Roger Hertrich, Edmonds, requested Councilmember Johnson provide the goals for the $150,000
transportation study. He recalled when the treatment plant was constructed, the City's engineer provided a
report to the Council every two weeks on the project including cost overruns. He suggested that procedure
be instituted for other large projects. He expressed concern that agreements on the Consent Agenda did
not include costs.
Stephen Clifton, Edmonds, referred to Councilmember Petso's appointment on April 22, 2014 of a
Seattle resident to the City's Economic Development Commission (EDC), expressing concern this was
done without consulting the Council to determine whether they supported the appointment of non -
Edmonds residents to the EDC. He was instrumental in the formation of the EDC and staffed the EDC for
nearly five years and recalled the intent of the ordinance creating the EDC was to appoint residents of
Edmonds. Resolution 1198 called for the creation of an ordinance forming a Citizens Economic
Development Commission. Ordinance 3735, approved June 2, 2009, states it is in the public interest to
establish an EDC in order to take advantage of the large number of highly qualified citizens who are
interested in serving their community. The term "their" was and is intended to mean a resident of
Edmonds. Councilmember Petso's appointment of a non-resident effectively denied a resident the
privilege of serving on the EDC. During the nearly five years of the EDC's existence, there has been no
shortage of applications from interested citizens wanting to serve; six applications were submitted
recently by Edmonds residents for the Council's consideration in filling current vacancies on the EDC. If
each Councilmember and the Mayor did what Councilmember Petso did, it is possible the EDC could
consist of a majority of non -Edmonds residents. He referred to Councilmember Petso's objection earlier
in the meeting to confirming Planning Board Members based on maintaining a reasonable geographical
distribution, pointing out when appointing a EDC member, she choose someone living 15 miles south. He
requested the Council direct the City Attorney to draft an ordinance to amend ECC 10.75.010.A to require
citizens serving on the EDC be Edmonds residents.
Ron Wambolt, Edmonds, relayed he was also shocked by Councilmember Petso's appointment. The
extended agenda indicates a Council committee will discuss this issue next week; he hoped they would
deliberate on the amendment Mr. Clifton suggested. As a Councilmember when the EDC was formed in
2009, he assured the intent was for it to be comprised of Edmonds citizens. The Planning Board,
Architectural Design Board and Historic Preservation Commissions have provisions for members who
live outside of Edmonds; they are no such provisions in the ordinance that established the Citizens
Economic Development Commission. He summarized it was insulting to Edmonds citizens for
Councilmember Petso to appoint someone who lived outside the City. He expressed support for an
amendment that clarified the members of the EDC must be resident of Edmonds.
12. UPDATE ON THE NORTH EDMONDS EARTH SUBSIDENCE AND LANDSLIDE HAZARD
AREA (ESLHA)
Stormwater Engineering Program Manager Jerry Shuster explained given the tragic events in Oso,
landslides are on everyone's minds. There are several areas in Edmonds with steep slopes and potential
landslides. One area is known as the North ESLHA. He displayed a lidar map of the ESLHA, explaining
it is located at the north end of Edmonds, approximately 52 acres, 2/3 mile long and 1/8 mile wide.
Steve Wright, Principal Geotechnical Engineer, Landau Associates, displayed a geological cross-
section of a typical Puget Sound bluff and described the geologic conditions that can lead to landslides.
He displayed a map of Puget Sound landslide prone areas and explained:
• Landslides within the Puget Sound region are fairly common
• Typically along waterfront bluffs
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• Typically preceded by periods of extended heavy rainfall
• Can range from minor slumps to catastrophic events (e.g. Oso landslide)
He displayed the lidar map of the ESLHA, explaining the southern limit is 164th and the northern limit is
approximately where 75th Place turns east. He displayed photographs of historic landslides in the ESLHA:
• 1947
o 800 — 2400 feet wide and extending 1000 feet beyond the shoreline
1955-56
o 2 homes destroyed and many others damaged
He commented on the history of ESLHA in the 1960s and 1970s:
• Western portion of ESLHA annexed by City in 1963
• Eastern portion of ESLHA annexed by City in 1976
• Building moratorium imposed in 1979 (Resolution 428)
• Geotechnical study of area authorized after building moratorium
• Detailed analysis of ESLHA
• Feasibility of minimizing landslide hazards
He provided history of the ESLHA in the 1980s:
• LID 210 established in early 1980s
• Sanitary sewers and drainage systems constructed in mid-1980s
o Public health benefit
o Slope stability improvement
• City staff have been monitoring groundwater levels within the ESLHA since 1980
o Groundwater levels dropped 3 feet following LID improvements
o Groundwater levels have remained relatively constant
• Building moratorium lifted in 1984
• Ordinance passed in 1988 outlining requirements for development within ESLHA
He reviewed measures the City has taken to reduce landslide risks:
• A drainage and sewer system has been installed and is being maintained (lowered water table and
increased stability)
• City has rigorous permitting process
o Specific geotechnical investigation requirements for development
o Designs must mitigate the risk for damage due to landsliding
o Third party peer review process
o Signing of hold harmless agreements by developers, engineers, geotechnical engineers and
homeowners
o Acknowledgement by owner that the risk of landsliding within the ESLHA is greater than
other parts of Edmonds
He described measures the City is taking to monitor conditions:
• Long history of weekly site visits to inspect the condition of the drainage system
• Monitoring and plotting groundwater levels on a period basis (5 times/year)
• Engaging Landau Associates to review groundwater data and maintain groundwater monitoring
wells as needed
Mr. Wright provided a plot of groundwater levels from a series of monitoring wells within the
neighborhood over a 4 year period, 2010-2014. The most recent data from the end of March, the wettest
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March on record, indicates the water levels are not any higher than historic levels, indicating the existing
drainage system has enough capacity.
He described similarities between ESLHA vs. Oso
• Water and groundwater seepage are a triggering factor
• Both areas have experienced landsliding for thousands of years
• Both areas are still active slide areas
• Both areas will experience slope movement in the future
• Slope stability in both areas can be affected by human factors
Mr. Wright described differences between ESLHA vs. Oso
• No river at the toe of the ESLHA to remove the toe of the slope
• No logging or extensive land clearing activities within ELSHA
• Oso Slide Complex does not have a drainage system
• Slope heights are very different (650 feet vs. 300 to 400 feet)
• Loose deposits (Oso) vs. dense deposits (ESLHA)
• Historic slides near Oso are much larger in scale compared to ESLHA
He displayed a lidar image of Oso and other historic landslides and identified the Oso landslide which
was a mile in width and a mile deep. He also displayed a lidar image of the ESLHA.
Mr. Wright summarized:
• The ESLHA is an active slide area
• Continued ground movements within the ESLHA should be expected in the future
• Recent groundwater level measurements do not suggest a dramatic rise in the water table due to
recent heavy rainfall
• City staff proactively monitoring conditions within ESLHA
• The City's development code requires owners and designers to understand and acknowledge the
landslide risks prior to development
• New structures must be designed to mitigate landslide risks
Council President Buckshnis asked if this was only slide area documented in Edmonds. Mr. Wright
answered this is one, probably the largest, but there are other landslide areas in Edmonds. Council
President Buckshnis referred to an email from a citizen in the Pt. Edwards area where some slide activity
has occurred, possibly due to tree removal. She asked whether staff planned to review any other areas.
Mr. Shuster answered there are no plans at this time. He will discuss the email with Mr. Williams when
he returns from vacation.
Councilmember Bloom commented on other factors that adversely affect slide areas such as placing fill at
the top of a slope. She referred to Haines Wharf Park, recalling one of things that escalated the cost was
removal of unsuitable soils and asked what that meant. Mr. Wright answered he did not have enough
information regarding the details of that project to comment on why the soils were unsuitable. He
speculated they could be organic rich or that the density of the soil was not suitable. City Engineer Rob
English responded the organics within the soil material made it unsuitable. As a result a lot of materials
that was planned to be used on site had to be excavated and removed and new material brought in.
Councilmember Bloom asked whether the removed soil was similar to what Mr. Wright described in the
cross-section of a landslide area. Mr. Wright explained in an undisturbed state, the soil is dense and
strong; once it moves and slides, it becomes loose and saturated. The soil at the bottom of a slope can be
unsuitable in terms of its ability to support structures.
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Councilmember Bloom observed the ESLHA has requirements for property owners before development
occurs. She asked whether other landslide areas had the same requirements. Mr. Wright answered the
ordinance only applies to the ESLHA. Building Official Leif Bjorback explained the presentation focused
on ESLHA. The development code addresses other steep slopes similarly to the ordinance established for
the ESLHA although the requirements for development are not quite as stringent as the ordinance for the
ESLHA.
Councilmember Bloom commented the Critical Areas Ordinance speaks to the preservation of trees due
to their assistance with slope stability. Mr. Bjorback answered the ESLHA ordinance is very specific with
regard to providing information about the impacts of vegetation removal and alteration. Councilmember
Bloom asked whether the lots in that area are zoned larger to allow for setback from steep slopes. Mr.
Bjorback answered some lots are larger than the average in the City but there are also a lot of smaller lots.
Councilmember Mesaros asked about a percentage of developed and undeveloped land in the ESLHA.
Mr. Shuster advised that calculation had not been done but he could provide it.
13. APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO ALLIANCE FOR HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT
Development Services Director Shane Hope explained housing has many issues:
• Types and choices to meet diverse needs
• Adequacy and safety
• Energy efficiency
• Proximity to jobs and services
• Affordability
She explained affordable housing is more than a structure:
• Housing is affordable if a household can live in it without sacrificing food, health care, and other
essentials
• Housing cost -burdened — household earning less than the median area income and paying more
than 30% of their income on housing (SCT and national standard)
She explained many whose work serves us or our children cannot afford to live near those workplaces.
For example:
• A teacher with 3 kids earns $41,000/year
• Average rent of 3 bedroom apartment where she teaches: $1,395
• To afford that rent, she needs to make $53,240
Ms. Hope provided background on the Alliance for Housing Affordability (AHA)
• New name for Inter urisdictional Housing Coordinator program
• Effort arose from Snohomish County Tomorrow to which Edmonds belongs — to expand
information and opportunity for attainable or affordable housing, consistent with local needs, in
manner that would leverage coordination among jurisdiction in Snohomish County
• 2009 feasibility study for SCT
o ARCH model
0 2011 Memorandum of Understanding for Edmonds to work with other jurisdictions on
crafting program
o Committee work 2011-13
• Program concept
o Cities and county to coordinate and share technical assistance and information on housing
issues by sharing one full-time staff person (similar to ARCH)
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o Key focus over next 18 months to help jurisdictions prepare for major Comprehensive Plan
and regulations update that is coming due — especially Housing Chapter of Comprehensive
Plan
She described the Interlocal Agreement:
• Prepared for participating jurisdictions, agencies (2 year commitment)
• Approved by Edmonds City Council late summer 2013 and signed by Mayor
• 12 jurisdictions plus HASC originally signed on
o Edmonds, Everett, Granite Falls, Housing Authority of Snohomish County (HASC), Lake
Stevens, Lynnwood, Marysville, Mill Creek, Mountlake Terrace, Mukilteo, Snohomish,
Snohomish County and Woodway.
• Roles per Interlocal Agreement
o One shared staff specialist
■ Selected by a committee of AHA in late 2013
■ Officially employed by and housed at AHA current Administrative Agency (HASC)
which provides office space, computer, phone, etc.
■ Receives direction from AHA Board
• Mountlake Terrace is fiscal agency
o Carries out basic fiscal duties such as keeping AHA Funds in account and providing payroll
to AHA staff specialist
Joint Board
o Comprised of elected official from each participating jurisdiction, with limited support from
jurisdiction's staff
o Council President Buckshnis represents Edmonds on AHA Board with support from
Development Services Director
Ms. Hope described funding of AHA:
• Program's main cost is one staff person with local government housing expertise
• Gates foundation provided $500,000 in start-up funds
o Through no guaranteed, amount may be renewed next year if program is moving forward
• Each participating jurisdiction also contributes proportional share based on population, toward
operating program
o Edmonds' share for 2013 was $2,385; it will be $2,457 in 2014 (needs City budget
amendment)
Ms. Hope described what is happening now:
• AHA Board continues to meet
Delivery of draft Affordable Housing Profile for Edmonds late June
After finalization Affordable Housing Profile information will be presented to Planning Board
and City Council
Continued work by AHA staff to complete housing profiles for all participating jurisdictions and
follow up on other housing issues
She described the current issue:
• Arlington, not original member, wants to join
o Current ILA does not cover new members
o To include Arlington ILA must be amended
• ILA Amendment has been drafted to include Arlington
o No other changes
o Edmonds and other jurisdictions asked to approve amendment
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Councilmember Mesaros asked if all the member jurisdictions have to approve the amendment or only a
majority. Ms. Hope answered all the jurisdictions must approve the amendment.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT BUCKSHNIS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
JOHNSON, TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE AMENDMENT TO ALLIANCE FOR
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT.
Councilmember Mesaros asked the impact to Edmonds of the AHA. Ms. Hope answered there has not
been much impact yet because it is just beginning. The impact over the next year will be better data
regarding housing.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mayor Earling declared a brief recess.
14. AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
WITH THE BLUELINE GROUP FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS CONSTRUCTION
MANAGEMENT ENGINEERING & INSPECTION SERVICES
City Engineer Rob English displayed a chart of the capital workload 2008-2014, explaining the final
amount of capital projects in 2013 was $9.8 million, the City's biggest year in the last 5 years. Plans are
to do $15-16 million in capital projects in 2014, a 60% increase. When the capital workload chart was
presented in fall 2013, staff estimated approximately $19 million in capital projects; some projects are not
going to construction in 2014 as originally planned including the 220th corridor project (in right-of-way
acquisition phase) and the 236th and 238th walkway projects (in design phase).
Mr. English explained one capital project manager position was added in 2013 and another position was
added in 2014. The 2013 position, while an additional FTE, was not a net increase because from 2008
when development workload decreased to 2012, an existing staff member assigned to development
review was used for capital project management. Once development review increased, that position
returned to development review and a project manager position was added in 2013. The position added to
the 2014 budget has not yet been filled. Staff is actively recruiting to fill the position but a candidate with
the necessary qualifications and experience has not been identified.
He explained one of the ways to manage workloads is hiring consultants to manage peaks and when
existing staff does not have the necessary expertise. For example, when right-of-way acquisitions are
made with federal funds, a private firm certified in right-of-way acquisition is hired. In the proposed
contract, Blueline Group would be hired to provide construction management services that include
inspection, contract administration for two construction contracts, the sewer main replacement and 2014
the water main replacement project.
Mr. English highlighted construction management services that Blueline Group will provide:
• Field inspection
• Tracking field quantities
• Pay estimates
• RFIs
• Submittals
• Monitoring schedule
• Coordinate material testing
• Respond to citizens
• Change order documentation
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
May 6, 2014
Page 11
Project documentation
Project close out
Mr. English reviewed 2014 Utility Projects:
• Sewermain replacement (Phase 1)
o $1.53 million — construction budget
o $184,000 — construction management
o Begin construction May 2014
0 1,800 lineal feet of new sewer main
0 1,000 lineal feet of new watermain
• 2014 watermain replacement
o $1.71 million — construction budget
o $135,000 — construction management
o Begin construction July 2014
0 6,400 lineal feet of new watermain
He explained the project budget includes funds for construction management. He reviewed the budget for
construction management, explaining Blueline's services and material testing will be paid from that
budget:
Project
Budget
Sewermain Phase 1
$184,000
2014 watermain replacement
$135,000
Total
$319,000
Mr. English reviewed other 2014 projects:
• Sewer main replacement (Phase 2)
o $2.5 million — construction budget
o Begin construction July/July 2014
0 4,500 lineal feet of new sewermain
0 1,100 lineal feet of new watermain
• Stormwater projects
o Public Works Decant Facility Upgrade
0 4th Ave Stormwater improvements
0 238th stormwater phase I improvements
Mr. English summarized:
• Construction of City facilities should be properly inspected with required documentation to
determine compliance with City specifications
• Consultants are needed to support staff
• Project budgets will pay for services
• Expect additional supplements or contracts as more projects are awarded
Councilmember Petso commented the Council packet did not include the other bids. She asked whether
the City accepted the lowest bid. Mr. English answered consultants are selected based on qualifications
and experience. Staff followed the City's consultant selection policy, issuing a Request for Qualifications
(RFQ) and received Statements of Qualification, a consultant selection panel evaluated the qualifications
and experience and selected Blueline. A priority list of two firms was also established in the event
additional services were needed that Blueline could not provide.
Councilmember Petso asked whether these were routine water and sewer replacement projects. Mr.
English answered yes for the sewermain Phase 1 and the 2014 watermain replacement projects. Some of
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
May 6, 2014
Page 12
the other projects are not routine, specifically the stormwater project. Councilmember Petso relayed her
understanding that staff may be stretched tight for engineering but asked whether the City's crew could do
general oversight. Mr. English explained there are project manager functions that require a project
manager for every project and there are duties that can be delegated or assigned to a consultant. Staff likes
to retain the interface with the contractor and limit interaction between the consultant and the contractor.
There is always a City project manager; the workload dictates how much work that project manager can
do. For these two projects, a majority of the inspection will be done by Blueline. For Phase 2, it is hoped
the in-house project manager can provide more inspection services thereby reducing the need to amend
the Blueline contract for them to provide inspection.
Councilmember Petso asked whether the City had public works crew that could do some of these
functions. Mr. English answered public works operation and maintenance crews are tasked with ongoing
maintenance of the City's sewer, water and storm systems; if those crews are taken from those tasks,
ongoing maintenance would not be done and there is also potential for union issues.
Councilmember Petso referred to the potential supplement to the Blueline contract, asking whether that
had to be offered to all the respondents to the RFQ or only to Blueline. Mr. English answered it could be
offered only to Blueline. He acknowledged it is difficult to scope the project due to the number of
variables such as speed and effort of the contractor. The budget is for $170,000 or .65 FTE; if there is a
need for more services, staff will return to Council.
Councilmember Bloom explained she asked for this to be presented to Council due to her concern with
allocating funds in the budget to hire a project manager to reduce consultant costs. In reviewing the
contract, she became concerned with the hourly fees charged by Blueline. Comparing Blueline's hourly
rates to the contract recently approved with David Evans for the Five Corners, she found David Evans's
rates significant lower, in some cases 1/3 less. For example, Blueline's rate for an administrative assistant
is $70/hour compared to $27/hour for David Evans. Blueline's rate for a project manager is $150/hour
compared to $57/hour for David Evans. She observed in the next agenda item, KPG's rates are consistent
with David Evans or slightly higher. Mr. English explained the rates presented in Blueline's scope are
loaded rates, the direct hourly rate plus overhead plus profit. The rate in the KPG contract is the direct
hourly rate. For a straight comparison, a multiplier of 2.7 is applied to the direct hourly rate to reach the
loaded rate. The same is true with the David Evans contract.
Councilmember Bloom asked why it was written that way in the contract; for example the hourly rate for
a project manager in Blueline's contract is listed as $150 and $57 for David Evans. Mr. English reiterated
the 2.7 multiplier takes the $57/hour up to a loaded rate of approximately $150 which is comparable to
the Blueline contract. The Blueline contract is a federal contract which requires the fees be separated.
Councilmember Mesaros how many project manager consultants the City is currently working with. Mr.
English answered several including WHPacific for construction management on Five Corners. He noted
construction management contracts provide different services; the Blueline contract is primarily for an
inspector and contract administration to support the City project manager with items such as pay
estimates, change orders, documentation, etc.
Councilmember Mesaros pointed out it was always the plan to hire a consultant. Mr. English agreed.
Councilmember Mesaros asked whether a consultant would be required if the fourth project manager
position was filled. Mr. English answered yes but likely a reduced amount.
COUNCILMEMBER PETERSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MESAROS,
TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
THE BLUELINE GROUP FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT,
ENGINEERING & INSPECTION SERVICES.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
May 6, 2014
Page 13
Councilmember Bloom did not support the motion due to her concern with the cost and the potential
increased cost in the future.
Councilmember Petso did not support the motion, expressing concern the Council budgeted for a project
manager and because that position has not been filled, an expensive contract is required for inspection
services.
Councilmember Peterson expressed his support for the motion, noting the complexity of government
contracts. He recognized staff was trying to fill the project manager position but in the meantime there are
water, sewer and stormwater projects that need to be done. He acknowledged the situation is not ideal but
it was important to move these projects forward.
MOTION CARRIED (5-2), COUNCILMEMBERS PETSO AND BLOOM VOTING NO.
15. AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
WITH KPG, P.S. FOR DESIGN OF WALKWAY IMPROVEMENTS ON 15TH ST. S.W. FROM
SR104(EDMONDS WAY) TO 8TH AVE. S.
City Engineer Rob English explained this is a proposed contract with KPG to design a walkway on 15th
Street SW between SR104 and Main Street. In 2013 the City received a $374,000 Safe Routes to Schools
grant to build 600 feet of new sidewalk. This follows construction of a sidewalk constructed on 226th
Street, south of SR104 to provide connectivity to Sherwood Elementary.
He described the consultant selection process; a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was issued in
accordance with the consultant selection policy. Statements of Qualification were received from several
firms; the consultant selection panel selected KPG based on their experience and qualifications. The
original intent was to have one contract for the 15th Street SW and the 236"' and 238th walkways. For
several reasons including that 236th is a federal grant, a decision was made to separate the scope and fee
into 3 separate contracts. The design fee is $61,000 with a management reserve of $2,900. This is within
the Mayor's authority but staff wanted to present it to Council. The scope of work for the 236th walkway
and 238th walkway are being finalized and the contracts will be presented to the Parks, Planning & Public
Works Committee next week.
For Councilmember Petso, Mr. English explained the difference between this agenda item and the
previous agenda item is this contract is related to design; the contract in the previous agenda item was
related to inspection, engineering and construction management activities.
COUNCILMEMBER PETERSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER JOHNSON,
TO AUTHORIZE MAYOR TO SIGN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH KPG,
P.S. FOR DESIGN OF WALKWAY IMPROVEMENTS ON 15TH ST. S.W. FROM SR104
(EDMONDS WAY) TO 8TH AVE. S. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
16. COUNCIL VISION PLANNING FOR 2014
Council President Buckshnis explained this is a continuation of the brainstorming and vision planning
done at the Council retreat. Her intent is to summarize the items and continue discussion at the May 27
work session. She reviewed items from Vision Planning at the 2014 Council Retreat:
• Highway 99
o Flexible zoning
o Development agreements
o Connections to transit
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
May 6, 2014
Page 14
o Parking
o Use and mix of use
o Affordable housing
• Development Agreements
• Affordable housing
• Long term predictable funding for street preservation
• Mechanisms for historic preservation of downtown BD1-BD5
o Main Street program
o TDRs
• Construction Noise Ordinance
• Business Incentives
• Economic Development
• Review Comprehensive Plan provisions for waterfront area
• Rain garden program
o Incentive funding from stormwater utility
• Westgate and Five Corners
• Comprehensive Plan Update
• Solar projects (public and private)
• Year-round market
• Legislative/policy support of recycling program
• Public safety (5-7 years)
o Need for regional jail
o Rebuild/replace countywide communication systems (SERS) by 2020
• Local versus regional municipal court
• Public Defender contract 2015 and beyond
• Stormwater funding
• Single topic retreat
• Transportation conflicts on waterfront
• Fire District 1 contract
She explained each Councilmember put dots by the items to identify their priorities. The top six goals
identified via that exercise are:
• Highway 99 (has been sent to the Planning Board)
• Affordable Housing — Interlocal Agreement with Alliance for Housing Affordability
• Long term transportation funding
• Historic preservation in the BD1-BD5 zones
• Economic development
• Year-round summer market
She asked the Council whether these were still their top six goals, how can the goals be achieved and how
administration can assist the Council.
Councilmember Mesaros suggested referring this discussion to a retreat where the Council can affirm that
these are the six top priorities or reconsider the list. Council President Buckshnis explained that was the
intent at the work session at the end of May due to the difficulty of scheduling retreats.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas suggested if these are the top six topics, each one could require a
separate meeting to discuss how to achieve it. For example, the goal of affordable housing is not achieved
via the interlocal agreement. Similarly, referring Highway 99 to the Planning Board does not achieve that
goal. Reviewing each one will take time at either a retreat or a dedicated meeting.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
May 6, 2014
Page 15
Councilmember Petso asked why only six top goals were selected, noting the list did not include some
issues such as a quiet zone. Council President Buckshnis explained these six received the most dots. She
suggested considering one item at each work session.
Councilmember Mesaros agreed any list of goals needed to be dynamic enough to include current needs.
This could be a starting point and other items could be added as they arise.
Councilmember Peterson agreed with discussing at the next work session whether these are the top six
and then discussing one topic at each subsequent work session such as establishing priorities and/or next
steps for each item.
Councilmember Bloom suggested having Jim Reid facilitate this discussion at the retreat on May 21.
Council President Buckshnis responded that would require changing Mr. Reid's scope of work to include
assisting the Council with goal setting rather than communication. Councilmember Bloom responded Mr.
Reid's work with the Council is about communication and determining goals.
Councilmember Peterson commented when the Council committee developed the contract with Mr. Reid,
it did not include discussion of goals. He preferred to continue the existing process with Mr. Reid, fearing
the addition of elements in the middle of the process would alter the focus.
Councilmember Fraley-Monillas suggested asking Mr. Reid if this would be an opportunity for a
workshop scenario on communication, process and reaching consensus. Council President Buckshnis
explained the intent of this item was for the Council to develop goals for the future. Mr. Reid was hired as
a consultant to assist the Council with communication. When she asked Mr. Reid about assisting the
Council with goals, he said he did not want to get in the middle of things.
Councilmember Bloom relayed Mr. Reid indicated to her that this would be an ideal opportunity to
discuss shared goals. She summarized Mr. Reid is a trained facilitator who has done this exact thing with
other Councils.
Mayor Earling suggested Council President Buckshnis contact Mr. Reid regarding assisting the Council
with goal setting.
Councilmember Johnson explained the Council had a brainstorming exercise at the retreat in March to
identify areas to work on in 2014; this was followed by a dot exercise where Councilmembers identified
their priorities. The six top items Council President Buckshnis presented are the result of the dot exercise.
She summarized there are 6 items that 3-4 Councilmember agreed on and she would like to have further
discussion on those 6 items. She viewed this as separate from what the Council hired Mr. Reid to
accomplish.
17. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Earling thanked the Council for confirming the three appointments tonight. He appreciated
Councilmember Petso's clarification that her vote had nothing to do with the candidates' qualifications.
Mayor Earling reported on an announcement at the last Snohomish County Cities meeting that the Puget
Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) plans to seek a 44% increase in their fee in 2015. He acknowledged
other regional agencies have been holding down membership fees for the past several years in view of the
budget crunch but will at some point need to increase their fees. There will be an effort by Snohomish
County Cities as well as Sound Cities (King County) and Pierce County cities to request PSCAA
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
May 6, 2014
Page 16
formulate a better approach rather than 44% increase. This equates to $11,000 for Edmonds and much
more for larger cities.
18. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council President Buckshnis reported the Edmonds Historic Museum is open and it looks beautiful. She
encouraged the public to visit the museum. She reported on the wonderful walkabout she took with
WRIA 8.
Councilmember Bloom reported SeaJazz will kick-off on the family stage at the Port of Edmonds on May
31.
Councilmember Mesaros reported discussion at the May 2 SeaShore Transportation Forum focused on the
failure of the King County transportation measure that will result in a 17% service cut in Metro buses.
The cuts, which will be phased in over 14 months beginning in September, equate to 30,000 more cars on
road.
19. CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING POTENTIAL LITIGATION PER RCW
42.30.110(1)(i)
At 9:47 p.m., Mayor Earling announced that the City Council would meet in executive session regarding
potential litigation per RCW 42.30.110(1)(i.). He stated that the executive session was scheduled to last
approximately 15 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, Peterson, Petso, Bloom and Mesaros. Others present were City Attorney Jeff Taraday and
City Clerk Scott Passey. The executive session concluded at 10:19 p.m.
20. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION. POTENTIAL ACTION AS A RESULT OF MEETING IN
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor Earling reconvened the meeting at 10:20 p.m. No action was taken as a result of meeting in
executive session.
21. ADJOURN
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 10:20 p.m.
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DAVID O. EARLING, MAYOR
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SCOTT PASSEY, CITY- LERK
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
May 6, 2014
Page 17