Everett City Council

W ednesday, October 30, 2013 The regular meeting of the Everett City Council was called to order at 6:30 p.m., October 30, 2013 in the City Council Chambers of the Everett City Hall, President Moore presiding. Upon roll call it was found that Mayor Stephanson and Council Members Roberts, Moore, Murphy, Gipson, Bader, Stonecipher, and Affholter were present. Boy Scout Troop 18 led the Pledge of Allegiance. The minutes of the October 23, 2013 City Council meeting were approved as printed. Council Member Affholter abstained from the vote. MAYOR BUDGET MESSAGE October 30, 2013 Council President Moore, City Council members, city staff, and residents of Everett: Tonight I am pleased to present to you a proposed balanced budget for 2014 that supports public safety and maintains key services for our community. This budget continues the hold-the-line approach that we’ve taken since the beginning of the recession in 2008. Our country’s economic recovery remains slow and subject to bouts of uncertainty, as evidenced by the recent government shutdown and debt ceiling debate. We are beginning to see some positive signs of growth in Everett, but we are still a long way from being fully recovered from the recession. Balancing the budget I’ll begin tonight with the outlook for the general government, which includes a broad range of city functions and services that directly impact residents’ quality of life, such as: · Public safety, the largest program funded by the general fund, which includes police officers, firefighters and our municipal court staff · Infrastructure, which includes the street crews who keep our roads clean and in good condition · Community program funds, which support staffing and resources for the library, animal shelter, senior center, cultural arts programs and parks department · Governmental operations, which includes planners, inspectors, code compliance staff and facilities staff who maintain city properties · Legislative funding, which supports the city council that develops policy and enacts legislation · Departmental support, which represents staff responsible for day-to-day city management, including the human resources, legal, information technology, and administrative departments. The general fund makes up more than a third of the city’s total operating budget, and is the most vulnerable to economic volatility and changes in legislation at state and federal levels. Our 2014 revenue forecast for the general government is $113.5 million, a modest 1.3 percent increase over 2013. Despite the challenging economic landscape, we have achieved a proposed budget that maintains baseline funding for city services and allows for basic maintenance of our roads and buildings. We worked hard to get here. Nine vacant positions were eliminated this year. In all, we’ve eliminated nearly 25 full-time positions from the city ranks since 2009, none of which were public safety positions. We’ve also deferred maintenance projects and reserve contributions during the recovery from the recession. These actions are not sustainable for the long term and we will need to reinstate contributions to the pension and capital reserves in the near future. Based on our expectations for the next several years, I believe that the time has come for us to acknowledge that our revenues will not recover quickly enough to avoid taking more difficult measures to safeguard the city’s finances over the long term. Therefore, I’ve asked our department directors to convene in the coming months to develop options and recommendations for bringing the budget back into a structural balance. City initiatives and projects Despite the strain that the struggling economy has placed on our ability to fund operations, I am pleased that the city has continued to deliver on past promises to the community. In 2013 we completed several major projects: · Construction wrapped up on the new Municipal Court building in May. The new building is bigger, safer, and more efficient to operate and maintain. · In September we finished widening 112 th Street SE between I-5 and SR 527, improving traffic flow and safety on the busy arterial. · With assistance from a $400,000 state grant, we replaced roofs on several parks buildings, including popular rental facilities. All of these improvements were cash funded with grants and reserves that city leaders created for this purpose in more prosperous times. Next year we will begin work on long-awaited projects throughout the city. With a combination of state and county grants, we will make improvements and upgrade playground equipment at Senator Henry M. Jackson and Hannabrook parks. We will also start work to replace the aging Broadway Bridge next spring – and save an estimated $1 million through an innovative one-year construction schedule. In 2014 we’ll remain focused on positioning Everett as an attractive home base for industry and technology in this region. We continue to campaign for investments in education, transportation and aerospace that will sustain our economic base and invite future growth. We are deeply involved in Governor Inslee’s efforts to win the Boeing 777X program in Everett. The Governor has laid out an aggressive strategy to attract the next generation of the popular 777 model, including a streamlined permitting process. We are strongly advocating for the legislature to approve a transportation funding package with local and regional aerospace-related projects designed to address congestion, freight mobility and future growth. Our work to establish a four-year university in Everett to provide area businesses with a ready pool of skilled workers continues to move forward. Washington State University is now firmly established in Everett and will assume the operations of the University Center in the coming months. With $10 million from the legislature in 2013, design and plans to expand the University Center and relocate it to a new building on the east side of Broadway have begun. WSU’s mechanical engineering program is now in its second year. Coursework in electrical engineering, communications and hospitality business management is scheduled to begin in 2014. New business and development Our economic development efforts are paying off with new growth and partnerships. In 2013 we saw businesses set up shop or expand their operations, and several major development projects are getting started or are currently under way. In early September we celebrated aerospace supplier Umbra Cuscinetti’s investment in an 80,000- square-foot building on Hardeson Road that will allow it to expand its operations and add new jobs in aerospace and renewable energy generation. Burlington Coat Factory opened a 70,000- square-foot store at the Everett Mall. The mall’s first new anchor store since 2009 is expected to employ 75-100 people. Earlier this month, Saltchuk Resources, Inc., announced an agreement to purchase the Kimberly-Clark site and relocate its shipbuilding and repair business to Everett – including 250 family-wage jobs. Thanks to the hard work of the council and community to develop the central waterfront plan, we now have a new partner who’s eager to diversify our working waterfront and bring even more jobs to the city in coming years. On the east side of the city, Polygon Northwest has begun site work on the Riverfront development. Construction will begin next spring, and we expect to see the first homes up for sale in 2015. In downtown Everett, construction continues on the year-round farmers market and hotel project that’s also set to open in 2015. We’re also seeing Everett continue to grow as a destination for families, arts and music lovers, sports enthusiasts and out-of-town visitors. Attendance soared this year at Sorticulture, Cinema under the Stars, the Experience Everett Arts Festival, Music on the Pier, Village Theatre performances and events at Comcast Arena. We look forward to drawing even bigger crowds in 2014. In closing, I want to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of Everett city staff – at every level. As is the case in many organizations, our employees have been asked to do more with less, and they have consistently delivered. I am honored to work alongside people who demonstrate such commitment and integrity in their daily work. I would also like to thank the city council and community leaders for partnering with my administration to set priorities, make tough decisions and continue our commitment to build a vibrant and attractive community for people to live and work. Sincerely, Ray Stephanson Mayor COUNCIL Council Member Affholter expressed thanks and appreciation to his colleagues on the city council, the Mayor and his staff, and Deb Williams for all her help throughout the years. Mayor Stephanson wished Council Member Affholter the best of luck. Council Member Gipson commented on his attendance at an open house for the new Home Street Bank. Council Member Murphy presented his monthly liaison report for the Public Facilities District, and reported on his attendance at a fundraiser for the Children’s Museum. Council Member Bader stated that he attended the Council of Neighborhoods meeting on Council President Moore’s behalf. The council members bid farewell to Council Member Affholter and wished him the best of luck in his new position with the Master Builders Association. Council President Moore presented Council Member Affholter with a plaque in honor of his service to the city council. CITY ATTORNEY The City Attorney had no comment. INTRODUCTION OF CANDIDATES – INTERIM POSITION NO. 7 Council President Moore reviewed the process by which a candidate will be chosen to fill vacated city council position no. 7. President Moore read the following statement provided by the City Attorney to the council members: “The selection of an interim council member is a legislative determination and thus council members have the same discretion they would have with any other legislative decision. Council has established a robust transparent process for making the appointment which will provide numerous opportunities for input and interaction by both the council and the public. This means persons, including potential candidates, may lobby council members and council members may reach out to those persons regarding the decision. There is no prohibition on ex-parte contact.” President Moore read the following statement provided by the City Attorney to the candidates: “All comments should be limited to addressing the appointment to the vacated council seat. Speakers are not allowed to address the upcoming elections and, therefore, comments should not be directed at anyone currently running for office, except if that person is also seeking appointment and in that case should only address whether that person should be appointed, not whether they should be elected. Under the campaign rules issued by the Public Disclosure Commission, comments advocating for or against a candidate running for office are prohibited.” Council President Moore stated that if a speaker were to address topics or opinions related to the upcoming elections, he would be forced to interrupt them to stop such comments. The twelve applicants; Steven Bugge, Art Thomson, Jim Staniford, Andrea Sweerus, Megan Dunn, Kim Nielsen, Richard Anderson, David Simpson, Jackie Minchew, Judy Tuohy, June Robinson and Elly Smith were invited to introduce themselves, discuss their qualifications and express their interest in serving on the city council. Council President Moore opened the meeting to public comments pertaining specifically to the applicants and their statements. Gail Chism, Everett, expressed the need for diversity on the city council. CITIZEN COMMENTS Gail Chism, Everett, spoke regarding neighborhoods and the budget. Willie Russell, Everett, questioned the definition of “abusive or obscene language” in EMC 10.48.010, Disorderly Conduct. COUNCIL BRIEFING AGENDA Authorize the Mayor to sign the Agreement for Operation of Clearview Pump Station with the Alderwood Water and Wastewater District Presented by Dave Davis, Public Works COUNCIL BILL NO. 1310-41 FIRST READING: AN ORDINANCE closing a special improvement project entitled, “2011 Landslide Repair – Lowell Larimer Road,” Fund 303, Program 094, as established by Ordinance No. 3294-12 Presented by Dave Davis, Public Works COUNCIL BILL NO. 1310-42 FIRST READING: AN ORDINANCE relating to Stalking and Stalking No-Contact Orders, adding new sections to the Everett Criminal Code (Ordinance No. 1145-85) and amending Ordinance Nos. 1974-93, 1234-86 and 1521-88 as provided in Section 12 herein Presented by Laura VanSlyck, Prosecutors Office PROPOSED ACTION ITEMS COUNCIL BILL NO. 1310-39 SECOND READING:  AN ORDINANCE closing a special improvement project entitled “Walter E. Hall Park Playground,” Fund 354, Program 037, as established by Ordinance No. 3052-08 COUNCIL BILL NO. 1310-40 SECOND READING: AN ORDINANCE closing a special improvement project entitled, “Parks Conversion Planning,” Fund 354, Program 039, as established by Ordinance No. 3259-12 CONSENT ITEMS: Moved by Council Member Gipson, seconded by Council Member Murphy, to approve the following consent items: RESOLUTION - CLAIMS To adopt Resolution No. 6668 acknowledging the payment of audited and approved claims against the city of Everett in the amount of $1,948,336.45 for the period of October 12, 2013 through October 18, 2013. STREET CLOSURE – WINTERTIDE CELEBRATION Authorize the closure of the Everett Performing Arts Center easement between Wetmore and the alley on December 5, 2013, 2 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., for a Wintertide Celebration sponsored by the city of Everett. STREET CLOSURE – FOOD DRIVE Authorize the closure of Colby Avenue, 24 th to 25 th Street, on November 26, 2013, 4:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., for a Food Drive sponsored by Everett High School Leadership. Roll was called with all council members voting yes. Motion carried. ACTION ITEMS: RESOLUTION – 777X PROJECT Moved by Council Member Roberts, seconded by Council Member Gipson, to adopt Resolution No. 6669 authorizing the Mayor to sign a letter of joint application with Snohomish County to designate the 777X project as a project of statewide significance. Roll was called with all council members voting yes. Motion carried. RESOLUTION – RECOVERY OF ABATEMENT COSTS Moved by Council Member Bader, seconded by Council Member Affholter, to adopt Resolution No. 6670 authorizing recovery of abatement costs pursuant to EMC 1.20.090 at 1101 E. Marine View Drive. Roll was called with all council members voting yes. Motion carried. COUNCIL BILL NO. 1310-36 THIRD AND FINAL READING: AN ORDINANCE closing a special improvement project entitled, Senator Henry M. Jackson Park Renovations,” Fund 354, Program 030, as established by Ordinance No. 3255-12 Moved by Council Member Bader, seconded by Council Member Roberts, that this is declared to be the third and final reading of Council Bill No. 1310-36 and the City Clerk is directed to call the roll for the final disposition of the ordinance. AYES: Roberts, Moore, Murphy, Gipson, Bader, Stonecipher, Affholter NAYS: None Ordinance No. 3348-13 adopted. COUNCIL BILL NO. 1310-37 THIRD AND FINAL READING: AN ORDINANCE creating a special improvement project entitled, “Senator Henry M. Jackson Park – Phase One Master Plan Improvements,” Fund 354, Program 043, to accumulate all costs for the improvement project Moved by Council Member Bader, seconded by Council Member Roberts, that this is declared to be the third and final reading of Council Bill No. 1310-37 and the City Clerk is directed to call the roll for the final disposition of the ordinance. AYES: Roberts, Moore, Murphy, Gipson, Bader, Stonecipher, Affholter NAYS: None Ordinance No. 3349-13 adopted. COUNCIL BILL NO. 1310-38 THIRD AND FINAL READING: AN ORDINANCE closing a special improvement project entitled,” East Marine View Drive – North Broadway to I-5,” Fund 303, Program 040 as established by Ordinance No. 2986-07 Moved by Council Member Affholter, seconded by Council Member Bader, that this is declared to be the third and final reading of Council Bill No. 1310-38 and the City Clerk is directed to call the roll for the final disposition of the ordinance. AYES: Roberts, Moore, Murphy, Gipson, Bader, Stonecipher, Affholter NAYS: None Ordinance No. 3350-13 adopted. PERMIT – ROAD USE Moved by Council Member Bader, seconded by Council Member Roberts, to authorize the Mayor to sign Road Use Permit No. 55-090543 with the Washington Department of natural Resources at no cost to the city. Roll was called with all council members voting yes. Motion carried. AGREEMENT AMENDED – REMEDIAL ACTION GRANT/EVERETT LANDFILL Moved by Council Member Roberts, seconded by Council Member Affholter, to authorize the Mayor to sign Amendment No. 3 to Remedial Action Grant No. G0900083 for $500,000.00 with the Department of Ecology for the Everett Landfill. Roll was called with all council members voting yes. Motion carried. PUBLIC HEARING – 2014 BUDGET Council President Moore opened a public hearing regarding the 2014 Budget which will remain open for three meetings through November 13, 2013. President Moore invited public comment. There was no response. Council Member Stonecipher remarked that she will be out next week on medical leave and would like to reserve her budget questions for the week of November 13, 2013. The city council meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m. ________________________________ Deputy City Clerk Read and approved as printed. ________________________________ Council President