Everett City Council

October 28, 2015 The regular meeting of the Everett City Council was called to order at 12: 30 p. m., October 28, 2015, in the City Council Chambers of the William E. Moore Historic City Hall, President Bader presiding. Upon roll call it was found that Mayor Stephanson and Council Members Moore, Murphy, Gipson, Bader, Stonecipher, and Tuohy were present. Council Member Roberts was excused. Council Member Tuohy led the Pledge of Allegiance. The minutes of the October 21, 2015, City Council meeting were approved as printed. MAYOR REAPPOINTMENT Moved by Council Member Stonecipher, seconded by Council Member Tuohy, to concur with the following reappointments: Diversity Advisory Board Reappointment of Stephen Oldfin to Position 15 for a 4- year term ending October 30, 2017 Roll was called with all council members voting yes, except Council Member Roberts who was excused. Motion carried. BUDGET ADDRESS October 28, 2015 Council President Bader, City Council members, City staff and residents of Everett: 344  October 28, 2015 Today I am pleased to present to you a proposed balanced budget for 2016 that includes critical investments in public safety and our city' s infrastructure. As I look back at 2015, I am encouraged by the significant projects underway in Everett, and I am excited for what the new year holds. This past month I had the chance to tour the new Composite Wing Center on the Boeing campus, welcome the Chinese president to Washington State, and help break ground for the new Washington State University Center in north Everett — all indicators of our rising profile in the region and around the world. All around the city, there are cranes towering above our streets, a strong symbol of the rebounding economy. But even as our financial outlook improves, we still face challenges — both economic and social. Streets issues continue to demand our focus and compassion, while simultaneously straining our resources. These complex issues will require more investment from the City in 2016, and my proposed budget allocates more than $ 2 million in new funding for the Streets Initiative efforts, including $ 1 million for a comprehensive plan to help keep our community safe and provide a path forward for our most vulnerable citizens. LOOKING AHEAD: 2016 OUTLOOK In many ways, 2015 is the first year that we have seen glimpses of pre- recession Everett. Our revenues are currently projected to end the year at 2. 9 million over the amended budget. In 2016 we expect to finally exceed our prior revenue peak of 2008, with total estimated revenue at $ 127 million. Standard and Poor' s recently AA+ rating, a testament to reaffirmed our our tradition of sound fiscal stewardship. Last week the Council approved the update to our comprehensive plan, extending our planning horizon to 2035. The plan ensures that, even as we enjoy our current development boom, our future growth is consistent with our community' s values and design standards. One major revenue contributor to our improving economy is the robust construction activity throughout the city. From the waterfront to the Riverfront, from the new University Center to the expanding aerospace 345  October 28, 2015 hub, Everett is experiencing exciting growth. Within just a few blocks of City Hall, we can see a new hotel, a farmers market, and more than 400 units of new housing taking shape. All of these projects will bring more residents, workers and visitors to Everett for years to come. Significantly, we' ve also seen gains in retail sales, particularly in vehicle sales and revenue building materials and garden centers. Retail from sales revenue represents nearly half of our total sales tax income, and an increase in this sector is an important indicator that consumers have regained confidence after the recent downturn. However, while we are benefitting from a recovering economy today, we know that many of our revenue sources can be volatile, and we still face a structural deficit in the coming years. My proposed budget continues our practice of prefunding future financial obligations. It also continues to replenish the City' s reserves, and addresses maintenance that was deferred during the recession. In 2016 we will reactivate Capital Improvement Program 1 as a dedicated funding source for major renovations, repairs or replacements of existing government structures. We will also make improvements to our sewer system infrastructure, using funding from $ 50 million in water and sewer bonds that were issued this summer. Next year our residents can expect to see work begin on a variety of needed public works and parks projects throughout the city. After nearly a year of detours and hard work by our contractor crews, I' m pleased to announce that we are on track to open the new Broadway Bridge before the end of the year. We have secured state funding for both phases of a critical freight mobility project that will keep trucks and traffic moving on 41st Street, Rucker Avenue and West Marine View Drive. Construction will begin next summer. In late 2016 we will begin work on the Grand Avenue Park pedestrian bridge and stormwater pipeline project. In east Everett, improvements to Senator Henry M. Jackson Park will be completed next spring. We will also install a new permanent restroom at Wiggums Hollow Park, replacing the facility destroyed by arson a few years ago. Our parks staff will be busy in south Everett next summer, as we open the 15- acre South Everett Forest Preserve, build a new trail at 346  October 28, 2015 the Green Lantern property in Silver Lake, and replace the turf on two soccer fields at Kasch Park. We are also on track to present the comprehensive plan update for our parks, recreation and open spaces to Council for approval next spring. The plan ensures that the City will continue to be eligible for state recreation and conservation office funding for park projects. INCREASING EFFICIENCIES 2015 marks the first full year of changes that came out of our structural deficit review in 2014. We are already seeing the positive effects of the expense cuts and revenue adjustments approved by Council last summer. For instance, the newly established Transportation Benefit District has enabled us to meet the growing costs of funding our street maintenance program — a figure that continues to rise as we adapt to new regulatory requirements and increased material costs, and address the backlog from the recession. With Council' s approval, we brought our fees and rates in line with similar jurisdictions, including our utility taxes, planning and traffic mitigation fees and business licenses. These adjustments have provided much needed revenue to ensure we can continue to provide the services our citizens and businesses rely upon. On the expense side, we cut 17 budgeted positions. We saved costs by eliminating the Silver Lake life guard positions and the library outreach program, executing a jail contract with Yakima, establishing a job order contracting program and expanding electronic home detention in lieu of jail time for low- risk offenders. Our work is not done, and we remain focused on closing our ongoing structural deficit. We continue to look for efficiencies in every area of our operations, whether it' s replacing streetlights with LED bulbs to reduce costs, or using our new website to provide more services electronically. We are also taking a closer look at our largest and most complex departments, beginning with Everett Transit this past spring. As a result of the transit peer review, the department has already begun implementing changes, including contracting with Community Transit to provide trip 347  October 28, 2015 planning and other rider services, and making changes at Everett Station, such as improving security and way-finding signage, investing in repairs, and moving the transit administrative offices to the station. The Fire Department study is now in draft form and the Council' s Public Safety Committee has begun an in- depth review of the report to develop potential policy recommendations. The changes that come out of these studies will help us streamline our operations and provide better and more cost effective services to our community. INVESTING IN SAFE STREETS I appreciate the Council and community' s continued support of the Community Streets Initiative and our efforts to address street- level social issues in Everett. We have already seen great success with our law enforcement embedded social worker, the Municipal Court' s Mental Health Alternative Program, and the multi- jurisdictional team working to get Everett' s frequent utilizers off the streets and into services. 2016 budget includes more than $2 million in new My proposed investments to keep our community safe and to support our most vulnerable citizens. I had previously proposed allocating $ 1. 2 million in funding for a Streets Initiative coordinator, housing, and other resources in 2016. In September I announced a proposal for an additional $ 1 million for a comprehensive plan focusing on housing, diversion and enforcement. The plan includes funding for two embedded social workers and additional police and prosecutor resources, establishes a work crew diversion program to expand our successful alternative sentencing options, and begins building 20 units of low- barrier housing for the chronically homeless in our community. As we celebrate the successes of 2015 and look forward to the challenges ahead, I want to publicly acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our entire City workforce, who deliver essential public services and serve our citizens with care and integrity. I am honored to work alongside them. I would also like to thank the City Council and community leaders for your continuing commitment to Everett and the future of our community. 348  October 28, 2015 Sincerely, Mayor Ray Stephanson COUNCIL Council MemberTuohy noted that the November Public Safety Subcommittee meeting was rescheduled to Wednesday, December 16, 2015. She also stated that the Subcommittee is reviewing the results of the study regarding the Everett Fire Department operation. The Public Safety Subcommittee will present recommendations to the Council, but it may take several months. Council Member Moore commented on the search process for the next president of Washington State University and WSU Board of Regents' involvement in the search. ADMINISTRATION UPDATE ON PRIOR BUSINESS Debra Bryant, Administration, had no report. CITY ATTORNEY City Attorney Iles had no comments. CITIZEN COMMENTS Willie Russell, Everett, spoke about treatment of homeless people in the city of Everett. Cletus Skrabak, Everett, commented on the recent Candidate Night event. 349  October 28, 2015 COUNCIL BRIEFING AGENDA: COUNCIL BILL NO. 1510- 45 FIRST READING: AN ORDINANCE amending the levying of the general taxes for the City of Everett for fiscal year commencing January 1, 2016, amending Ordinance No. 3453- 15 Presented by Susy Haugen, Finance Authorize the Mayor to sign the Service Agreement with Benefit Coordinators Corporation ( BCC/SISCO) and Pay Plus Benefits, Inc. to provide recordkeeping, reporting and audit support services required by the Affordable Care Act. Presented by Susy Haugen, Finance Broadway Bridge Update Presented by Ryan Sass, Public Works Authorize the Mayor to sign the Public Access Agreement and associated documents with the Port of Everett regarding public access at the Riverside Business Park, in substantially the form provided. Presented by Allan Giffen, Planning Adopt Resolution establishing Human Needs Priorities for 2016 Grant Funding. Presented by Jan Meston, Planning Council Member Stonecipher inquired about a priorities evaluation process and the way additional funds for the Streets Initiative Task Force will be handled. Debra Bryant, CAN CFO stated that after initial defining work, the report will be presented to the Council. 350  October 28, 2015 PROPOSED ACTION ITEMS: COUNCIL BILL NO. 1510- 43 FIRST READING: AN ORDINANCE closing the Special Improvement Project entitled Everett Municipal Court / Police Headquarters Relocation Project" Fund 342, Program 014, as established by Ordinance No. 3114- 09 COUNCIL BILL NO. 1510- 44 FIRST READING: AN ORDINANCE closing the Special Construction fund entitled Everett Municipal Court" Fund 342, Program 016, as established by Ordinance No. 3181- 10, and amended by Ordinance No. 3233- 11 CONSENT ITEMS: Moved by Council Member Gipson, seconded by Council Member Murphy, to approve the following consent items: RESOLUTION — CLAIMS To adopt Resolution No. 6912 acknowledging the payment of audited and approved claims against the city of Everett in the amount of 1, 664, 368. 05 for the period of October 10, 2015, through October 16, 2015. REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL — ELEVATOR MAINTENANCE & MONITORING SERVICES To authorize Request for Proposals 2015- 110 for Elevator Maintenance & Monitoring Services. 351  October 28, 2015 Roll was called with all council members voting yes, except Council Member Roberts who was excused. Motion carried. PUBLIC HEARING — COUNCIL BILL 1509- 40 Council President Bader opened a public hearing regarding Council Bill No. 1509- 40, a proposed ordinance concerning panhandling, encouraging donations to services in lieu of direct donations to panhandlers, working with business owners concerning panhandling on private property, and amending ordinance 1353- 87 concerning aggressive begging ( Chapter 9. 52 E. M. C.). Council Tuohy suggested stating in the ordinance Member that a diversion program should be considered as a first priority. Considerable discussion ensued. Council Member Tuohy recommended adding a list of organizations and social service agencies to the City of Everett web site. Council Member Murphy suggested an alternative to creating a dedicated City fund, which would include providing on the City' s web site information about other agencies that accept donations. Council President Bader invited public comment. Jason Mohn, Willie Russell, Alan Dorway, Mike Lapointe, all of Everett, spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance. Melissa Springer, Everett, spoke in support of the proposed ordinance. Moved by Council Member Murphy, seconded by Council Member Moore, to close the public hearing. 352  October 28, 2015 Roll was called with all council members voting yes, except Council Member Roberts who was excused. Motion carried. COUNCIL BILL NO. 1509- 40 THIRD AND FINAL READING: AN ORDINANCE concerning panhandling, encouraging donations to services in lieu of direct donations to panhandlers, working with business owners concerning panhandling on private property, and amending ordinance 1353- 87 concerning aggressive begging ( Chapter 9. 52 E. M. C.) Moved by Council Member Moore, seconded by Council Member Murphy, that this is declared to be the third and final reading of Council Bill No. 1509- 40. Moved by Council Member Tuohy, seconded by Council Member Moore, to amend Section Violation — Penalty, by adding a 5, diversion program to the body of the ordinance. Roll was called with all council members voting yes, except Council Member Roberts who was excused. Motion carried. Moved by Council Member Tuohy, seconded by Council Member Murphy, to amend Section 1 of the ordinance to remove language creating a dedicated fund, but rather list on the City' s web site organizations and agencies that accept donations. 353  October 28, 2015 Roll was called with all council members voting yes, except Council Member Roberts who was excused. Motion carried. The city clerk was directed to call the roll for the final disposition of the ordinance as amended. AYES: Moore, Murphy, Bader, Tuohy NAYS: Gipson, Stonecipher EXCUSED: Roberts Ordinance No. 3462- 15 adopted. ACTION ITEMS: LICENSE —WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT " P" PROJECT Moved by Council Member Murphy, seconded by Council Member Moore, to authorize the Mayor to sign Burlington Northern Santa Fe License 15- 52141 for Water main Replacement " P" Project in the amount of $19, 421. 00. Roll was called with all council members voting yes, except Council Member Roberts who was excused. Motion carried. COUNCIL BILL NO. 1509- 41 THIRD AND FINAL READING: AN ORDINANCE creating a Special Improvement Project 4th entitled " Everett Mall Way — Avenue to East Mall Drive Intersection Safety," Fund 303, Program 106 to accumulate all costs for the improvement 354  October 28, 2015 Moved by Council Member Murphy, seconded by Council Member Stonecipher, that this is declared to be the third and final reading of Council Bill No. 1509- 41 and the city clerk is directed to call the roll for the final disposition of the ordinance. AYES: Moore, Murphy, Gipson, Bader, Stonecipher, Tuohy NAYS: None EXCUSED: Roberts Ordinance No. 3463- 15 adopted. COUNCIL BILL NO. 1509- 42 THIRD AND FINAL READING: AN ORDINANCE creating a Special Improvement Project entitled " West Marine View Drive and Alverson Boulevard Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety," Fund 303, Program 107 to accumulate all costs for the improvement Moved by Council Member Stonecipher, seconded by Council Member Moore, that this is declared to be the third and final reading of Council Bill No. 1509- 42 and the city clerk is directed to call the roll for the final disposition of the ordinance. AYES: Moore, Murphy, Gipson, Bader, Stonecipher, Tuohy NAYS: None EXCUSED: Roberts Ordinance No. 3464- 15 adopted. President Bader called for a five- minute recess. The meeting resumed at 2: 18 p. m. 355  October 28, 2015 PUBLIC HEARING —2016 BUDGET President Bader opened a public hearing regarding the 2016 Budget, which will remain open for two more meetings through November 10, 2015. Chair of the Budget and Finance Subcommittee Murphy started a budget discussion. Susy Haugen, Finance, presented the proposed budget changes to the general government balancing list, the citywide staffing budget, the citywide expenditure budget, and the general government fund changes from the 2015 original adopted budget to the 2016 proposed budget. She also stated that City department heads are in attendance at today' s budget hearing to address operational questions. Considerable discussion ensued regarding appropriation of additional funding toward hiring additional police officers, embedded social workers and a prosecutor, and building 10 low- barrier housing units. Council Member Moore left the meeting at 2: 48 p. m. Council Member Stonecipher inquired about Everett rental housing project program details and funding. Mayor Stephanson requested staff to prepare a breakdown for proposed housing programs supported by the City of Everett and the sources of funding. Debra Bryant, CAN CFO stated that the breakdown will be presented to the Council next week. President Bader stated that the Budget and Finance Subcommittee is planning to work on this topic as well. President Bader invited public comment. There was no response. The City Council meeting adjourned at 3: 13 p. m. 356  October 28, 2015 cdhn 4 PCt-yvi--C-v iGh- Deputy City Clerk Read and approved as printed. _ A\ Th Council President 357