Cmd032720EDMONI)S CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
VIRTUAL ONLINE MEETING
APPROVED MINUTES
March 27, 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
STAFF PRESENT
Jeff Taraday, City Attorney
Scott Passey, City Clerk
1. CALL TO Ultf)FR/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Special Edmonds City Council virtual online meeting was called to order at 3:02 p.m. by Mayor
Nelson in the Council Chambers, 250 5t' Avenue North, Edmonds. The meeting was opened with the
Pledge of Allegiance.
2. LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Council President Fraley-Monillas 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
COUNCILMEMBER PAINE MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-
MONILLAS, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA IN CONTENT AND ORDER. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS [SUBMITTED VIA EMAIL}
See Attached.
Edmonds City Council Special Meeting Approved Minutes
March 27, 2020
Page 1
Public comments may be submitted to the City Council at the following email address:
Pub! icCom ments@Edmondswa.gov.
Councilmember Buckshnis said a number of citizens have indicated that that email address does not work.
City Clerk Scott Passey said it was originally set up as PublicComment Edmondswa. ov, but
PublieCommentsAEdmondswa.gov was added; both are valid.
Mayor Nelson explained the public is asked to submit comment to those addresses rather than to
Council@Edmondswa.gov to ensure the City Clerk has a record.
6. ACTION ITEMS
1. ORDINANCE REMOVING ECC 6.60.090 G FROM LIST OF MAYOR'S EMERGENCY
POWERS
Councilmember K. Johnson raised a point of order, stating a motion to reconsider was appropriate; if a
motion is adopted or defeated during a meeting and at least one member who voted on the winning side
wants to have the vote reconsidered, such member may make a motion to reconsider. The motion can
only be made by a member who voted on the winning side.
City Attorney Jeff Taraday advised reconsideration is only relevant during the same Council meeting at
which action was taken. The only action that has been taken so far is approval of the agenda.
Councilmember K. Johnson raised another point of order, stating that according to Robert's Rules of
Order, it can be done at the same meeting or the immediate meeting following the motion. Mr. Taraday
said the way the Council has always treated reconsideration since adopting Roberts Rules is that it only
applies during the same meeting.
Council President Fraley-Monillas pointed out there have been two meetings since the motion was made;
the motion was made on Sunday, the Council met on Tuesday and today is Friday.
Mayor Nelson ruled on Councilmember K. Johnson's point of order that her point was not well taken,
agreeing with Mr. Taraday that reconsideration was not appropriate.
Councilmember Buckshnis raised a point of order in that reconsiderations have occurred both ways,
referencing former Councilmember Petso who had raised that issue several times after reconsiderations
were done in subsequent meetings.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
OLSON, TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 4180, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS,
WASHINGTON, AMENDING SECTION 6.60.090 OF THE EDMONDS CITY CODE, ENTITLED
"ORDERS DURING EMERGENCY," TO REMOVE SUBSECTION C. REGARDING THE
MAYOR'S AUTHORITY TO ISSUE EMERGENCY ORDERS PROHIBITING THE CARRYING
OR POSSESSION OF A FIREARM.
Councilmember Buckshnis relayed her understanding that reconsideration was included in Council
President Fraley-Monillas' motion. Council President Fraley-Monillas referred to Mayor Nelson's ruling
on Councilmember K. Johnson's point of order.
Councilmember Buckshnis asked whether the Council could repeal the ordinance now that the Governor
has issued his order and bring it back for discussion at a future meeting. Mayor Nelson advised that will
occur in about 3-4 weeks. Councilmember Buckshnis reiterated her question whether the ordinance could
Edmonds City Council Special Meeting Approved Minutes
March 27, 2020
Page 2
be repealed, noting may people think this is martial law enforcement, that it does not follow the
Comprehensive Plan or other plans in the emergency procedures and that different emergencies require
different people on the team rather than the Mayor having full power. Mr. Taraday responded, observing
that Councilmember Buckshnis' fundamental question was whether the Council could repeal an
ordinance. The Council can always repeal an ordinance but that is not on the agenda for this meeting.
The Council would need to schedule that on an agenda at a regular meeting. At any regular meeting, the
Council could amend the agenda to add an agenda item to repeal Ordinance No. 4177 if the Council
wished.
Councilmember Buckshnis observed today the Council would be creating a new ordinance that would
remove one section of the previous ordinance. She has concerns with Section 6.60.035 and asked if the
new ordinance would only remove Subsection 6.60.090(G). Mr. Taraday agreed, explaining this
ordinance is very narrow; it only eliminates the subsection related to the carrying and possession of
firearms, eliminating that as one of the Mayor's expressly listed emergency order powers.
Councilmember Buckshnis said there were no checks and balances in the system and the Council had
given the Mayor martial law powers and were not allowed to talk about it at Tuesday' meeting. After the
discussion on this ordinance, she would like to add the entire ordinance to the agenda if possible.
Councilmember Olson said it was an overstep by Council and she appreciated this being brought back for
readdress.
Councilmember Paine said her proposal last Tuesday was to look at the entire 6.60 code section so there
could be a more comprehensive and thoughtful review that included public comment. That was her intent
last Tuesday and remained her intent today.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. ORDINANCE TEMPORARILY EXEMPTING GROCERY STORES FROM THE
PLASTIC BAG REGULATIONS OF CHAPTER 6.80 ECC
City Attorney Jeff Taraday said the City has been contacted by several representatives of the grocery
industry expressing concern that due to the COVIDI9 emergency, there is, 1) a shortage of bags because
people are purchasing large quantities of groceries, and 2) concern among checkers they may be exposed
to the virus unnecessarily by handling reusable bags. Given those concerns, the City has been asked to
provide temporary relief from the plastic bag ordinance. The proposed ordinance creates a 90-day
exemption from compliance with Chapter 6.80 ECC for all grocery stores operating within the City of
Edmonds. The 90 days is an estimate of the amount of time; the Council is free to amend that period to
make it shorter or longer. The 90 days was intended to give grocery store operators a predicable period of
time so they would know how many bags to purchase.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
OLSON, TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 4181, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS,
WASHINGTON, ALLOWING A TEMPORARY BLANKET EXEMPTION FROM CHAPTER 6.80
ECC, ENTITLED "PLASTIC BAG REDUCTION," DUE TO COMPLIANCE PROBLEMS
CAUSED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.
Councilmember Olson thanked the City for the transparent leadership on this item, noting some other
communities are simply not enforcing the ban. Taking action in this manner informs the public why it is
being done — to protect grocery store employees performing an essential service. She assured citizens that
the City has confirmed there is a nationwide shortage of paper bags and continuing to use them is not an
option. Citizens are encouraged to take their groceries without a bag and bag them in their car.
Edmonds City Council Special Meeting Approved Minutes
March 27, 2020
Page 3
COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-MONILLAS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
L. JOHNSON, TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE SO THAT SECTION 1 READS,
"NOTWITHSTANDING THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 6.80 ECC, ENTITLED "PLASTIC
BAG REDUCTION," ALL GROCERY STORES OPERATING WITHIN THE CITY OF
EDMONDS SHALL BE EXEMPT FROM COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF
CHAPTER 6.80 ECC FOR A PERIOD OF NINETY SIXTY DAYS FROM THE EFFECTIVE
DATE OF THIS ORDINANCE.
Council President Fraley-Monillas relayed a state legislator who spoke with the grocery store consortium
said the paper mills should be able to catch up with demand within 60 days.
Councilmember Buckshnis said COVID-19 can stay on plastic bags for up to 3 days and if something
becomes contaminated that could be a problem. She was supportive as long as the City is transparent with
the citizens that this is necessary and temporary during this emergency. As Councilmember Olson stated,
the public can bag their own groceries. She supported a 60 day timeline although she prefer 30 days but
the legislator stated 30 days was not feasible.
AMENDMENT CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Council President Fraley-Monillas said the CDC has not determined how long the virus can live on
plastic. They did find the coronavirus on a cruise ship that had not been occupied for 14 days. It has not
been determined that plastic would be safe in 2-3 days.
Councilmember Paine did not support the motion because adding plastic to the waste stream is
problematic as it ends up in the waters and in animals that ingest them. Single use light gauge plastic bags
break down into microplastics which create continuing problems along the food chain. There are other
solutions such as using reusable bags in the manner Councilmember Olson suggested. Further, the public
should not be stockpiling and hoarding food which has created this problem. There will be waves of the
virus in a cyclical manner and it is up to the public to make behavioral changes.
Councilmember Distelhorst echoed Councilmember Paine's thoughts, stating there are procedural
methods for frontline grocery workers to limit their exposure. He was worried about getting into a pattern
of continually bringing single use plastic bags back into the system.
Agreeing there may be future cycles, Councilmember Olson suggested being proactive to address this in a
different way. A 60 day exemption is extremely reasonable; it is unreasonable for people who are
shopping for multiple people to keep items separate without bags. She was interested in discussing how
this could be addressed in future cycles, but during the current emergency the priority needed to be on
grocery workers who are working in hazardous conditions.
Council President Fraley-Monillas said the shelves are stocked by hand and other shoppers pick up and
replace cans and boxes. Shoppers need to be careful as do the grocery workers.
UPON ROLL CALL, MOTION CARRIED (4-3), COUNCIL PRESIDENT FRALEY-MONILLAS
AND COUNCILMEMBERS K. JOHNSON, OLSON AND L. JOHNSON VOTING YES; AND
COUNCILMEMBERS DISTELHORST, BUCKSHNIS AND PAINE VOTING NO.
MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Nelson thanked residents, City staff and small businesses who are practicing social distancing and
staying home when possible. It makes a difference in the number of people who are out and about and is
Edmonds City Council Special Meeting Approved Minutes
March 27, 2020
Page 4
the only effective way to slow the spread of the virus in the community. People are saving lives by taking
those actions and it will make a difference. He thanked everyone from the bottom of his heart.
S. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember L. Johnson suggested citizens who find themselves with more groceries than they need or
who have the financial ability, to contribute to food banks who are in need, specifically for dry goods.
Councilmember K. Johnson expressed her disappointment that the Council would not discuss the
emergency power order on Tuesday. She was also disappointed that her motion on Tuesday to exclude
subsection G was defeated 3-4. It is incumbent on the newly elected officials to listen carefully to the
wisdom of Councilmembers who have served for many years and not just do what is right in the moment
Councilmember Distelhorst echoed Councilmember L. Johnson's comment about food banks' need for
goods and funds. He thanked Mayor Nelson for raising the point about social distancing. Even with social
distancing, cases in Snohomish County have more than doubled in the last week and cases in Edmonds
have nearly tripled. With the level of the virus in the community, everyone needs to assume everyone else
is a potential spreader and social distancing and hygiene practices need to be taken seriously to ensure the
virus does not continue to spread.
Councilmember Buckshnis commented there are many pros and cons about what has happened during the
past week and veteran Councilmembers need to help new Councilmembers understand that processes
need a check and balance even in an emergency. She encouraged people to watch the March 25°i Today
Show where Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell provided a very interesting presentation about
monetary supply, what it means to go into recession, what it means to have inflation, recovery times, the
uniqueness of this emergency situation, etc. She hoped the public did not panic, noting a lot of day -traders
are making a lot of money due to increases and decreases in the market. She encouraged the public to
maintain social distances and to call to check on friends and family.
As the most senior member of Council, Council President Fraley-Monillas commented the new
Councilmembers research things more thoroughly than any other Council she has worked with and she
did not disparage the work they have done. She thanked the four new Councilmembers for doing a fine
job and said because a Councilmember was a senior member did not mean they were right all the time;
that is why the Council votes and why there are seven members. She pointed out the same concern about
not understanding or needing more time had not been voiced about the 3-4 men who recently left the
Council and found that somewhat discriminatory. She recognized the work done by the new
Councilmembers and appreciated the questions they ask.
Councilmember Olson said there have been times she wished she had time to do more research but that is
the nature of emergencies. She thanked citizens for their patience with the Council who made mistakes in
their haste and now are correcting them. She hoped the public would get creative and have fun on a
Friday night; local restaurants would love to provide take-out orders as these are extremely hard times for
local businesses.
9. ADJOURN
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 3:37 p.m.
i /
MIC,IAEL NELSON, MAYOR
SCOTT PASSEY, CITY CLERK
Edmonds City Council Special Meeting Approved Minutes
March 27, 2020
Page 5
y.
r
the only effective way to slow the spread of the virus in the community. People are saving lives by taking
those actions and it will make a difference. He thanked everyone from the bottom of his heart.
8. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember L. Johnson suggested citizens who find themselves with more groceries than they need or
who have the financial ability, to contribute to food banks who are in need, specifically for dry goods.
Councilmember K. Johnson expressed her disappointment that the Council would not discuss the
emergency power order on Tuesday. She was also disappointed that her motion on Tuesday to exclude
subsection G was defeated 3-4. It is incumbent on the newly elected officials to listen carefully to the
wisdom of Councilmembers who have served for many years and not just do what is right in the moment
Councilmember Distelhorst echoed Councilmember L. Johnson's comment about food banks' need for
goods and funds. He thanked Mayor Nelson for raising the point about social distancing. Even with social
distancing, cases in Snohomish County have more than doubled in the last week and cases in Edmonds
have nearly tripled. With the level of the virus in the community, everyone needs to assume everyone else
is a potential spreader and social distancing and hygiene practices need to be taken seriously to ensure the
virus does not continue to spread.
Councilmember Buckshnis commented there are many pros and cons about what has happened during the
past week and veteran Councilmembers need to help new Councilmembers understand that processes
need a check and balance even in an emergency. She encouraged people to watch the March 25" Today
Show where Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell provided a very interesting presentation about
monetary supply, what it means to go into recession, what it means to have inflation, recovery times, the
uniqueness of this emergency situation, etc. She hoped the public did not panic, noting a lot of day -traders
are making a lot of money due to increases and decreases in the market. She encouraged the public to
maintain social distances and to call to check on friends and family.
As the most senior member of Council, Council President Fraley-Monillas commented the new
Councilmembers research things more thoroughly than any other Council she has worked with and she
did not disparage the work they have done. She thanked the four new Councilmembers for doing a fine
job and said because a Councilmember was a senior member did not mean they were right all the time;
that is why the Council votes and why there are seven members. She pointed out the same concern about
not understanding or needing more time had not been voiced about the 3-4 men who recently left the
Council and found that somewhat discriminatory. She recognized the work done by the new
Councilmembers and appreciated the questions they ask.
Councilmember Olson said there have been times she wished she had time to do more research but that is
the nature of emergencies. She thanked citizens for their patience with the Council who made mistakes in
their haste and now are correcting them. She hoped the public would get creative and have fun on a
Friday night; local restaurants would love to provide take-out orders as these are extremely hard times for
local businesses.
9. ADJOURN
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 3:37 p.m.
MICHAEL NELSON, MAYOR 5 TT PASSEY, C ERK
Edmonds City Council Special Meeting Approved Minutes
March 27, 2020
Page 5
Public Comment for 3/25 - 3/27/20:
3/25 Mike Murdock, Subject: Thank You
I want to wish all the best and to each of you and your families during this challenging time.
Thank you all for your service to the city. It is noticed and appreciated!
3/25 John Bonnar, Subject: Re: Infringement of my Constitutionally -protected rights - Section G
of Emergency Ordinance
It is my understanding that the city council passed the Emergency Ordinance as written,
including Section G. You are a tyrant, pure and simple. It is because of small-minded statists
like you that our founding fathers fought a revolution over totalitarianism. I will see you in court,
and I will personally ensure that I take millions from the taxpayers of Edmonds and ensure you
and the city council members who voted for this never hold public office again. The US
Constitution, the State Constitution, and WA State Preemption law reign supreme. Feel free to
let Edmonds PD know that I will be exercising my Constitutionally protected Second
Amendment rights each and every day in open defiance of this unconstitutional order. I will be
the one open carrying through downtown Edmonds - you won't be able to miss me. Please
arrest me so that I can bankrupt the city and ensure you never hold public office again. WA
STATE CONSTITUTION, ARTICLE I - DECLARATION OF RIGHTSSECTION 24 RIGHT TO
BEAR ARMS. The right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself, or the state,
shall not be impaired, but nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing individuals or
corporations to organize, maintain or employ an armed body of men.RCW 9.41.290 State
preemption.The state of Washington hereby fully occupies and preempts the entire field of
firearms regulation within the boundaries of the state, including the registration, licensing,
possession, purchase, sale, acquisition, transfer, discharge, and transportation of firearms, or
any other element relating to firearms or parts thereof, including ammunition and reloader
components. Cities, towns, and counties or other municipalities may enact only those laws and
ordinances relating to firearms that are specifically authorized by state law, as in
RCW 9.41.300, and are consistent with this chapter. Such local ordinances shall have the same
penalty as provided for by state law. Local laws and ordinances that are inconsistent with,
more restrictive than, or exceed the requirements of state law shall not be enacted and
are preempted and repealed, regardless of the nature of the code, charter, or home rule
status of such city, town, county, or municipality. US Constitution, Amendment II
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to
keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."An illegal arrest is an assault and battery. The
person so attempted to be restrained of his liberty has the same right to use force in defending
himself as he would in repelling any other assault and battery." (State v. Robinson, 145 ME. 77,
72 ATL. 260)."Each person has the right to resist an unlawful arrest. In such a case, the person
attempting the arrest stands in the position of a wrongdoer and may be resisted by the use of
force, as in self- defense." (State v. Mobley, 240 N.C. 476, 83 S.E. 2d 100).As for grounds for
arrest: "The carrying of arms in a quiet, peaceable, and orderly manner, concealed on or about
the person, is not a breach of the peace. Nor does such an act of itself, lead to a breach of the
peace." (Wharton's Criminal and Civil Procedure, 12th Ed., Vol.2: Judy v. Lashley, 5 W. Va.
628, 41 S.E. 197).
3/25 Anthony Rhoads, Subject: Disturbing Reports
I'm seeing disturbing reports that Edmunds has decided to violate people's Constitutional Right
for self defense. If this is true, need I remind you individuals that the United States and State of
Edmonds City Council Special Meeting Approved Minutes
March 27, 2020
Page 6
Washington's Constitution is more than explicit in its wording, as well as the Washington
State pre exemption law.
Nothing gives this council the right to deny the Citizens of your city the right to carry, and if you
are trying to deny their right, every single one of you should be recalled. This is not the time to
infringe on someone's right to self defense because you are ignorant.
3/26 Michelle Storer, Subject: 2"d admin rights
Please do not vote this in to action. This is against my constitutional right to bear arms. I am
pleading for what our forefathers granted to all of us. We left Europe due to our rights being
taken away. We fought a war to keep our country from the English rule and now you are going
to destroy hundreds of years of history to return to English rules of oppression we fought to be
free of. Shame on all of you if you illegally take away our rights left to us in the constitution.
3/26 John Peeples, Subject: Request for explanation of
It is not clear to me what is meant by the wording your press release. Please explain the
mayor's purpose and motivation of the following: "Edmonds Mayor Mike Nelson has called a
special Edmonds City Council meeting for 3 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2020. He will ask Council
to consider two actions. One will be to revise the amendments to Edmonds City Code (ECC)
Chapter 6.60 ("Disaster Preparation, Emergency Coordination, and Civil Emergencies")
approved by City Council in Special Session last Sunday, March 22, 2020. Related to that
Chapter, the Mayor will specifically ask for Council support for an amendment to Section
6.60.090 (which lays out items that could potentially be invoked by order of a mayor in case of
emergency) by removing Subsection G related to carrying or possessing firearms with intent to
do bodily harm." I specifically request an explanation of 'by removing Subsection G related to
carrying or possessing firearms with intent to do bodily harm.' What is the desired result of this
request of the mayor's with respect to the relationship between the City of Edmonds and
individuals and the city's authority with respect to individuals US Constitution 2nd Amendment
right to bare arms? P.S. I am deeply disappointed in the way you have chosen to treat
Edmonds residents and other members of the general public who wish to engage in civic
comment and provide public input to their city council. Your behavior is rather arrogant. Please
prepare to be voted out of office and replaced by people to truly value their United States
citizenship and that of others.
3/26 Bill Healy, Subject: Emergency Powers
I have worked in Edmonds for over 20 years. I work in the health care industry and my work is
considered an essential service. I am also a gun owner and have had a Concealed Pistol
License for almost 30 years. The recent emergency powers that the City of Edmonds has
written includes section G which tries to restrict a person from carrying a firearm in the City of
Edmonds if an emergency is declared. I am 100% AGAINST restricting a person being able to
carry a firearm if an emergency is declared and I am asking you to PLEASE do NOT start
considering restricting a person's ability to carry a firearm in a time of an emergency. It is time to
get rid of Section G and replace it with wording that shows the city of Edmonds SUPPORTS the
2ndamendment and the people's right to carry a firearm EVEN in times of an emergency. Those
of us who have a Concealed Pistol License obtained one because we believe in carrying a
firearm to protect ourselves and our families, and this is especially true in a time of an
emergency. People with a Concealed Pistol License have passed a background check. We
pose no threat and we have done nothing wrong where a city government would want to restrict
our right to carry a firearm within city limits. People are scared. We have a second
amendment. We have a second amendment which allows individuals the right to have and
carry a firearm to protect themselves and their families. This right does NOT get taken away in
a time of emergency. I am asking you to please stand up and support the second amendment
Edmonds City Council Special Meeting Approved Minutes
March 27, 2020
Page 7
and support the people of Edmond's right to carry a firearm to protect themselves even if an
emergency is declared. I think it would be great to declare that the right of people to carry a
firearm in the case of an emergency will be supported, especially for those with a CPL or those
who choose to open carry. The Washington State constitution is VERY strong and clear that our
right to have a firearm shall not be restricted by our government: Article I, Section 24 of
the Washington State Constitution states: "[t]he right of the individual citizen to bear arms in
defense of himself, or the state, shall not be impaired, Please, remember what happened down
in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. What law enforcement did by taking firearms from law
abiding citizens was horrific. It should have never happened in this country. I had hope
politicians had learned a valuable lesson from what law enforcement did to the law abiding
citizens of New Orleans by taking their firearms in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. It looks
like the city of Edmonds did NOT. I am hoping the City will stand up for the citizens and show
support for the second amendment and for the people's right to carry firearms to protect
themselves and their loved ones. Law abiding gun owners are NOT a problem.
3/26 Wayne Ashby, Subject: Public Comment Submission
My name is Wayne Ashby. I am a retired member of the US Army, Combat
Veteran, Tax Payer, Legal Firearm Owner and in possession of legally
procured Concealed Carry Permit by the State of Washington. With regard to your consideration
of restricting the rights of law abiding citizen associated with possession of firearms, being in
compliance with rights and privileges regarding carrying of concealed weapons, and your
verbiage regarding limitation of legally carrying or possessing firearms .... i have two things to
say ... first, with all due respect ... ARE YOU FRIGGIN NUTS? ARE YOU ACTIONS TRYING TO
KEEP UP WITH SEATTLE'S HYPER LIBERAL B/S MENTALITY? And number two, another
sickness/disease that was responsible for unarming their citizens very early which impacted
safety and lives .... that being the Nazi Party ... never forget what happened..... they unarmed their
populace, and remember what happened next? How dare you take my rights, trample under
foot, etc. Here's an idea for all liberals, why don't you get out an pack yourselves onto a bus or
similar means of mass transportation? Heaven forbid a liberal in a carbon burning passenger
car. Put your money where your mouth is ... all liberals should go shopping via mass transit
right? They are the ones that push for busses and trains right? Plastic bags. You all sure
screwed up in that regard huh? Just because you are elected doesn't mean you are experts in
the field. It only means that liberal politicians are elected by brainless liberal voters with zero
foresight.
3/26 JD Bonnar, Subject: Infringement of my Constitutionally -protected rights - Section G of
Emergency Ordinance
As an Edmonds resident, I am adamantly advising you to remove Section G that prohibits my
God-given right to protect myself and my family. Jails and prisons are releasing inmates, and
police are not arresting most offenders due to the current health emergency. It is more important
now than ever to ensure my safety. As a retired police officer, I can assure you that law
enforcement never arrives in time to prevent a violent crime. They are simply there to gather
evidence and "hopefully" arrest the offender at a later time. No one is responsible for my family's
safety other than myself. The US Supreme Court has affirmed in Warren v D.C. that the police
have no duty to protect - yet, you want to collectively take away my right to remain safe and
secure by repealing my natural rights affirmed and protected by the US Constitution? You are
all putting the lives of my family in extreme danger under the guise of "collective safety." This is
ludicrous and short sighted, and nothing short of tyranny. Our founding fathers affirmed that our
natural rights - and the protection thereof - were more important during times of crisis rather
than during times of peace. Your actions collectively fly in the face of that. Be assured that
Edmonds City Council Special Meeting Approved Minutes
March 27, 2020
Page 8
should you enact Section G, I will work tirelessly to ensure each and every one of you who
votes for this ordinance will be voted out of office. I will also immediately file suit against the City
of Edmonds and take this case all the way to the US Supreme Court, costing the city millions of
dollars better used for other purposes. This is pure tyranny at the highest level.
3/26 Don Armstrong, Subject: Change to emergency ordinance
I would like to express my appreciation for your intent to eliminate the provisions that would
attempt to give your council the ability to restrict our gun rights.
3/27 Samantha Grad, Subject: Temporary Lifting of Bag Ban
Just wanted to send along a quick note of support for your efforts this afternoon to temporarily
lift the plastic bag ban for grocery stores. As you may know, UFCW 21 is a strong supporter of
plastic bag bans and the efforts that your City and others have taken to address the impacts of
climate change. But in this current moment we must prioritize keeping our communities safe.
Our members in grocery stores who are working nonstop to make sure our communities are fed
during this pandemic are terrified of the exposure they face at work each day. A simple but
substantial way to remove some of that fear is to limit the reusable bags coming into stores. By
temporarily lifting the ban on plastic bags you can help keep our members safe. Please let me
know if you have questions or would like to discuss this further. Thanks so much.
3/27 Elise Foot Puchalski, Subject: Plastic Bag Ban
I know that these current times with Covid-19 are very challenging for everyone, but that does
not make it right to bend the rules of the plastic bag ban. As a local high school student and
scuba diver I know the impact the plastic has on the ocean. Plastic bags will not solve the
problem, and could make it worse. People themselves are coming into the stores and touching
the items that the store clerks will have to load into the bags. Please make the best decision for
our community. Do not change the ban despite the circumstances.
3/27 Kristen Foot, Subject:
please DO NOT suspend the city's ban on plastic bags
I am strongly opposed to Mayor Nelson's proposal to temporarily suspend the city's ban on
plastic bags in grocery stores due to COVID-19. All the environmental reasons that Edmonds
banned plastic bags STILL EXIST, and every plastic bag that is distributed by a grocery store
harms the environment, thereby harming public health in both the near and long term. If grocery
stores are concerned about the possibility of viral contamination of store workers who bag
groceries, and if paper bags truly are not available or in short supply, here are two alternatives:
1) Shoppers who bring reusable bags can be required to bag their own groceries after
paying for them.
2) Paid -for groceries can be loaded back into store carts and shoppers can take their
carts of paid -for groceries outside the store to transfer the groceries into their reusable
bags outdoors. Please maintain your commitment to enviromental as well as societal health,
and do not cause more harm to the environment by suspending the city's ban on plastic bags,
for any period of time.
3/27 Strom Peterson, Subject: Plastic Bag Ban
I hope this finds you healthy and safe. Certainly some interesting times upon us. So interesting,
in fact, I am writing to encourage you to vote in favor of temporarily lifting the plastic bag ban in
Edmonds. As you all know, I helped champion that first in the state ordinance when I was in the
council and was able to pass even more effective and comprehensive bag legislation in Olympia
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this year. Right now, however, due to the unprecedented run on grocery stores across the
nation, there is a serious supply chain issue in obtaining paper and even the thicker plastic
bags. The grocers have been incredible allies in passing this best in the nation legislation and I
believe them and the front line union employees when they are asking for this temporary
remedy. Please feel free to call me with any questions. Be well (and wash your hands)
3/27 Abbey Dias, Subject: Urgent request!
I am writing to you to ask that you refuse to bend the plastic bag ban. Our community is under
immense stress from the Covid19 pandemic, and as a student, I am finding it increasingly
difficult to have hope for my future. Passing the ban on plastic bags was a HUGE success
and I urge you to please respect this. We cannot go back on the promise we made to our
environment. Movements such as this are what give me hope to continue pushing forward. I do
not want to live in a world overtaken by pollution and disease; allowing plastic bags will add
nothing to our community besides trash. We should come together as a community to support
each other during this time, but promoting single use plastic does not achieve that goal. It is
during these times of hardship that the true leaders emerge and I ask you to be one of them.
Please, for the sake of the environment and my hope for the future, do not bend this ban.
3/27 Annie Crawley, Subject: No to plastic bags
I understand all the challenges during our time with Covid19 but I urge you not to bend on our
plastic bag ban even though we are strained as a society on so many different levels. Make the
right choice for ourselves and our environment and uphold what we voted into law and why I
voted for you, why my team voted to stand with you and all the other kids in our area who we
stand for. The grocery stores are not suffering from profit. They have record profits. People can
find other ways to move from the check out to outside where they can use their own bags. Make
the right stand for our city and our environment. Do not create this loophole for our future. Keep
and uplift the ban. Thank you!
3/27 Richard L Wittauer, Subject: House Bill 5717
VOTE TO OPPOSE HOUSE BILL HR5717
This Bill Is A Major infringement of our Second Amendment Rights
VOTE TO OPPOSE IT
3/27 Teresa Morgan, Subject: Do not attack our GOD GIVEN INALIENABLE rights — remove
section G from your emergency ordinance.
You are a public SERVANT. Not a public MASTER or RULER!! GET THAT STRAIGHT IN
YOUR MIND!! You SHALL NOT and CAN NOT take away INALIENABLE RIGHTS.
Those rights, PROTECTED by the State and Federal constitutions, are GIVEN BY GOD. And
you can not violate them!! ANY OF THEM, EVER. If you disagree with the above statements, in
any way. THEN YOU HAVE NO BUSINESS BEING IN YOUR POLITICAL POSITION AS
SERVANT OF THE PEOPLE. the right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of
himself, or the state, shall not be impaired. SHALL NOT!!11 it doesn't say, should not, it says
SHALL NOT. That is an ORDER. OBEY IT!!
3/27 Ken Reidy, Subject: Public Comment for March 27, 2020 City Council Meeting
City of Edmonds decision makers should never let decisions stand after they become aware
that they were provided false, misleading, incomplete or inaccurate information. This is true of
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City Staff, the Hearing Examiner and City Council. To do so rewards wrong and encourages the
provision of false, misleading, incomplete or inaccurate information. I've seen the City of
Edmonds not only let such decisions stand — I've seen the City of Edmonds side with the
wrongdoers by refusing to correct the decisions made even when the City knows what took
place. Such City of Edmonds conduct promotes great distrust in City government. I've seen City
Staff and the City Attorney discuss the fact that required information was left off a survey yet
choose to not inform the applicant that the subdivision application is ruled incomplete. I've seen
the Hearing Examiner refuse to act after being made aware that City Staff and the City Attorney
provided the Hearing Examiner an incomplete list of relevant City Code sections. I've seen the
City Council refuse to act after being made aware that the City Council Agenda packet provided
to Council was missing critical information. In exasperation, I have told others that it seems that
City of Edmonds government loves to reward those who provide false, misleading, incomplete
or inaccurate information. It happened again last Sunday. An emergency meeting of the City
Council was suddenly thrown together on a Sunday afternoon. Mayor Mike Nelson wanted to
immediately amend Chapter 6.60 of the Edmonds City Code (ECC). Within a few short hours,
the City Council voted to approve new Ordinance No. 4177. Chapter 6.60 ECC is linked to the
exercise of emergency powers as prescribed by RCW 38.52.070. RCW 38.52.070 states that:
Each political subdivision of this state is hereby authorized and directed to establish a local
organization or to be a member of a joint local organization for emergency management in
accordance with the state comprehensive emergency management plan and program:
PROVIDED, That a political subdivision proposing such establishment shall submit its plan and
program for emergency management to the state director and secure his or her
recommendations thereon, and verification of consistency with the state comprehensive
emergency management plan, in order that the plan of the local organization for emergency
management may be coordinated with the plan and program of the state. The City of Edmonds
plan for emergency management is documented in the City's Comprehensive Emergency
Management Plan (CEMP). The CEMP lists the City of Edmonds Emergency Operations Board
as a PRIMARY AGENCY. New Ordinance No. 4177 eliminates the Emergency Operations
Board from the City's Emergency Management Organization. I can find no evidence that the
City Council was informed of the CEMP before it voted to pass Ordinance No. 4177. 1 can find
no evidence that the City Council was told that the elimination of the Emergency Operations
Board from the City's Emergency Management Organization results in the City's Code
becoming inconsistent with the CEMP. Please appreciate, our CEMP is a Plan previously
verified by the state director for consistency with the state comprehensive emergency
management plan, in order that the City's plan for emergency management may be coordinated
with the plan and program of the state. Ordinance No. 4177 was passed after incomplete
information was provided to the City Council. The public was blocked from the surprise process
and not allowed to inform the City Council about the CEMP or that our CEMP requires the
PRIMARY AGENCY known as the Emergency Operations Board. On March 24, 2020, City
Attorney Jeff Taraday informed Councilmember Diane Buckshnis that: "I removed the
emergency operations board from the ordinance that revised chapter 6.60 because the city, to
my knowledge, no longer has such a board. I was primarily trying to conform the ordinance to
current practice." This highly alarming admission requires immediate investigation. Has the City
of Edmonds practice been to operate without the PRIMARY AGENCY established in our
CEMP? If so, how long has our City Government been violating ECC 6.60.035.C? Per the
CEMP, the Emergency Operations Board shall be responsible for evaluating a situation to
determine if a Proclamation of Emergency by the Mayor is necessary. If the city no longer has
such a board, who determined that the Mayor's March 5th Proclamation of Emergency was
necessary? Will the parties responsible be held accountable? There are additional problems
with new Ordinance No. 4177, such as its two references to the Emergency Services
Coordinating Agency (ESCA). When one clicks on the link to the Emergency
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Services Coordinating Agency on the City of Edmonds website, you are taken to a webpage
that discusses a license to drive in the State of Texas. I urge City Council to immediately repeal
flawed new Ordinance No. 4177. Please repeal and initiate a proper legislative process if
chapter 6.60 ECC needs to be updated. Please ask Mayor Nelson and City Attorney Taraday to
explain to all, including the public, why they failed to provide complete information to the City
Council prior to Council's vote last Sunday. Thank you.
3/27 Guy Schoonmaker, Subject: Emergency Powers Act
I am requesting that all items on the list be reviewed in detail for any contradictions in
constitutional civil rights. Also consider whats is pertinent to the current situation. I feel a State
of Marshall Law would provide the best strategy in all worst case scenarios, why does the City
feel it cannot depend federal leaders to make the appropiate decision in a timely matter??? At
one time it was.......
Why would the Mayor impose his version of the " stay at home" proclamation a couple of days
before everyone new Inslee's was coming??? There was even embarrassing discrepancies and
contradictions. This whole scenario is being overmanaged to the point that the cure will be worst
than the disease. Please take your foot off the gas and think things out, no matter what the
political differences are we must all work together at all levels. Thanks you for your time and
consideration
3/27 Todd Darimont, Subject: Traitors to the Constitution of the United Stated of America?
Stop, absolutely and unequivocally, you cannot do this. There can be NO LAW repugnant to the
Constitution (Marbury v Madison [1803]) and any who try to subvert it or infringe upon our
UNALIENABLE rights (rights endowed to us by the Supreme Ruler of the Universe that cannot,
CANNOT be transferred, given up or taken away and any who would attempt to do so,
ESPECIALLY IN THIS VULNERABLE TIME FOR HUMANITY) are TRAITORS to Humanity,
Washington State, the United States of America and the Republic for which it stands, and our
Constitution. The Constitution does not lay out our rights, these Rights.. these Truths are Self
evident, what the Constitution does.. is LIMIT YOUR POWER. Nowhere, period, does it outline
any circumstance that is okay to try and subvert the Constitution, regardless of your personal
belief. I have respect for you, as our pubic Servants you may often be under a lot of pressure to
keep people happy. BUT THIS IS NOT THE WAY. You work for us, and the first and absolute
duty you have is to protect the Constitution, or we do it ourselves. Lest you forget your place,
you work FOR US. I understand you want to do the right thing. Then do it without trying to
subvert the Constitution. If you think this is the only way, then you are absolutely unfit for your
Elected position. Yes, it may be difficult to try and find a way to logistically make things work, but
NEVER should it be a consideration to attempt to take away or "suspend", indefinitely or
otherwise, any Unalienable right, written on the Constitution or not. WHY AM I EVEN HAVING
TO TELL YOU THIS?! FOR ONCE, CAN WE HAVE POLITICIANS WHO ARE NOT TRYING
TO WHITTLE AWAY OUR FREEDOMS? If you cannot find a way to handle things properly
without attempting to infringe upon any rights, then GET OUT OF OFFICE. You are not worthy,
you are not fit for the position and any attempt to subvert our Constitution is a blatant act of
Treason, and only justified in the minds of Tyrants. If you believe you cannot find another way,
then I DEMAND YOUR RESIGNATION, you too Jay Inslee. Going to try anyway? Make no
mistake, this can and will be enforceable by the HIGHEST LAW of the LAND.. you WILL be held
accountable. RCW 42.56.030 clearly states it's governance, and you are in violation of it. You
do not get to decide what is good for the people to know, and in this instance you are implicitly
stating we do not get to know what it is like to feel safe, we do not get to know what it is like to
feel secure.. we do not get to know that we are allowed to protect ourselves, loved ones and
our property, in our own homes upon the lands of Washington State. You are implicitly stating
that we do not know what is best for ourselves; and you are not just incorrect, but committing
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treason. Period.With respect, my fellow Human Beings, removeth thy craniums from they
"aniums" P.S. I am not a gun owner nor a resident of the City of Edmonds, I don't even
necessarily like guns. But I will damn sure defend the 2nd Amendment, it was written for this
exact reason. I suggest you do some serious self reflecting.
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