Everett City Council

October 21, 2020 President Touhy announced that the Council is still abiding by Governor Inslee' s Safe Start guidelines, and as a result, City Council meetings will continue to be held remotely with all meetings scheduled at 6: 30 p. m. each Wednesday, except the fourth Wednesday of the month when the meeting is scheduled at 12: 30 p. m. She encouraged citizens to submit comments and concerns by email to council@everettwa. gov prior to the meeting or to call the Council office at 425- 257- 8703. President Tuohy stated that live public comment will be accepted one- half hour before the start of the meeting by calling 1. 425. 616. 3920, Conference ID 632 950 634#. If citizens have difficulty calling in or connecting, please contact dwilliams@everettwa. gov. Individuals may also call 1. 425. 616. 3920 to listen to the Council meetings, Conference ID 724 887 726#. Citizens are encouraged to view meetings live on Comcast Channel 21, Frontier Channel 29, and on the City website at www. everettwa. gov/ council. The regular meeting of the Everett City Council was called to order at 6: 30 p. m., October 21, 2020, Council President Tuohy presiding. Upon roll call, it was found that Mayor Franklin and Council Members Roberts, Moore, Murphy, Vogeli, Bader, and Tuohy were present. Council Member Stonecipher was expected to be a few minutes late. The minutes of the October 14, 2020, City Council meeting were approved as printed. PUBLIC COMMENTS The following individuals provided comments to the City Council via email regarding the proposed ordinance amending the Everett Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map for Housing Hope at the Sequoia Field site: N Aud on behalf of Neighbors on Norton Avenue Karen Williams Gregg Williams Mary Jo Baker Robert Baker Jamee Matisin 325  October 21, 2020 Ross Jameson Timothy Ellis Dianne Easley Kat Bartanen Jared Price Ryan Weber Ken Ries on behalf of Residents for Norton Playfield Alli Z Fred Safstrom Dr. Ian B. Saltzman and Caroline Mason, Everett Public Schools Dylan Sluder, Snohomish County Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties Sarah Tatistcheff The following individuals provided public comment during the meeting regarding the proposed ordinance amending the Everett Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map for Housing Hope at the Sequoia Field site: Ken Ries Ann Morgan Andrea Meuret Marin Meades Angela Di Filippo Lee Ann Nott Lara Reed Karrie Williams Bryan Partington Fred Safstrom Ann Marie Eklund Russell Dr. Helene Wright, Snohomish County NAACP The following individuals provided public comment during the meeting regarding the 2020- 2025 Everett Transit Development Plan: Lee Ann Nott Joe Kunzler 326  October 21, 2020 MAYOR Mayor Franklin had no comments. COUNCIL Council Member Bader provided a liaison on his attendance last week at the Puget Sound Regional Council ( PSRC) Growth Management Board meeting. He also reported that he attended last week' s meeting of the Delta Neighborhood. Council Member Roberts reported on his attendance at last week' s meetings of the Northwest Neighborhood and Delta Neighborhood. He stated he would forward an email to council members detailing concerns expressed at the Delta Neighborhood concerning homelessness. Council Member Roberts also thanked David Stalheim and the Planning staff for their work on Rethink Zoning. Council Member Vogeli provided an apology for missing meetings last week. Council Member Moore reported that he attended the Diversity Committee meeting on Monday. He encouraged citizens to visit blacksnoco. com. He also provided comments regarding his participation in the Economic Alliance conversations that were published in today' s paper. Council Member Stonecipher provided a liaison report on her attendance at the Library Board meeting last night. ADMINISTRATION UPDATE Deputy Mayor Nick Harper had no comments. CITY ATTORNEY City Attorney David Hall had no comments. 327  October 21, 2020 CONSENT ITEMS: Moved by Council Member Bader, seconded by Council Member Murphy, to approve the following consent items: RESOLUTION — CLAIMS To adopt Resolution No. 7571 authorizing claims against the City of Everett in the amount of$ 1, 398, 647. 40 for the period of October 3, 2020, through October 9, 2020. RESOLUTION — ELECTRONIC TRANSFER CLAIMS To adopt Resolution No. 7572 authorizing electronic transfer claims against the City of Everett in the amount of$ 7, 859, 343. 84 for the period of August 1, 2020, through August 31, 2020. AGREEMENT AMENDED — GRAND AVENUE PARK BRIDGE / DISPUTE RESOLUTION BOARD To authorize the Mayor to sign the Professional Services Agreement Amendment No. 2 with DRB Chairman David Place for the Grand Avenue Park Bridge for the additional amount of$ 40, 000. AGREEMENT AMENDED — GRAND AVENUE PARK BRIDGE / DISPUTE RESOLUTION BOARD To authorize the Mayor to sign the Professional Services Agreement Amendment No. 2 with DRB City of Everett Representative Bill Ott for the Grand Avenue Park Bridge for the additional amount of$ 40, 000. Roll was called with all council members voting yes. Motion carried. 328  October 21, 2020 PUBLIC HEARING: COUNCIL BILL 2009- 50 THIRD AND FINAL READING: AN ORDINANCE amending the Everett Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map for Housing Hope at the Sequoia Field Site President Tuohy announced that Council Member Moore was recused from participating in the public hearing due to a conflict of interest with his workplace, The Everett School District. President Tuohy read proposed action, " Adopt or reject the Proposed the Ordinance amending the Everett Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map for Housing Hope at the Sequoia Field Site," and opened the public hearing. Moved by Council Member Roberts, seconded by Council Member Bader, to close the public hearing. Roll was called with all council members voting yes. Motion carried. There were no questions for staff from council members. Moved by Council Member Vogeli, seconded by Council Member Roberts, that this is declared to be the third and final reading of Council Bill No. 2009- 50. Council Member Bader pointed out that the property has been zoned R- 1 for quite some time and was never zoned for parks or greenspace; therefore, it is not reasonable to expect the property will continue to be open space and not developed in some way in the future. He also noted that because the property is zoned R- 1, it was reasonable for neighbors to assume it would stay that way; however, there are other similar projects in this neighborhood. He stated he 329  October 21, 2020 would be voting " no" this evening. Council Member Roberts thanked everyone who was engaged in the process and noted the decision is extremely difficult. He stated that after a careful review of the housing needs and land use planning regulations, he would be supporting the change as outlined in the ordinance. He stated the Council took the correct action to pause the process and seek additional public input, and in his opinion, Housing Hope took the correct action to apply for a rezone in lieu of the pursuing their original direction and to work with the neighbors, which resulted in significant redesign as a result of public input. Council Member Vogeli spoke about the concerns expressed by neighbors and the uncertainty that comes with change. She noted that what is being proposed are single and multi- family dwellings for families, and she emphasized the importance of providing enough varied dwelling units to house the city' s residents. She commented on the amenities that are located within the three historical overlay districts and associated zoning standards, and the developer' s ability and willingness to work with neighbors to ensure welcoming design elements and conservation guidelines are implemented that are vital to a livable neighborhood. She stated the vote is not about taking away space, but creating space, and she urged her colleagues to vote yes. Council Member Murphy thanked everyone who expressed interest in this project. He outlined the following concerns: 1) While homelessness is recognized as a serious problem and the statistics regarding homeless students is very concerning, the information received that the project will exclusively house families of homeless students is a false pretense. He added that although the lease priority protocol would initially fill the project with families with homeless students, Housing Hope has provided information that suggests there is no requirement for families to vacate after students graduate; 2) Regardless of the outcome of the proposed action, the City has to continue to look for solutions for the community and affected students; 3) Not convinced there are no other sites within Everett that would be better suited for this project, e. g., the former K- Mart property on Evergreen Way that is close to schools and transit services; 4) Concern about the loss of open space within the community, and 5) After thoughtful deliberations, neither the Planning Commission or the Historical Commission 330  October 21, 2020 recommended that the project be moved forward. Council Member Murphy stated that for these reasons, he could not support the proposed project. Council Member Stonecipher thanked the time and energy extended by the proponents and opponents of the proposed rezone. She stated the decision is being unfairly framed as a decision between homeless students and property owners or between homeless students and open space, rather than a land use decision. She spoke about the importance of conducting a comprehensive planning process rather than bringing forward spot rezones. Council Member Stonecipher stated she supports Housing Hope and they do good work, but neighbors also make decisions and have a reasonable expectation. She also noted that no recommendation was brought forward by the Planning Commission, Historical Commission, or the Planning Department. She stated she rejects the idea that the Council has to make a decision between student housing and the neighborhoods, and that she cannot support the proposal because there are other options for Housing Hope to consider to accomplish shared goals. President Tuohy thanked citizens who took the time to write to Council and to publicly speak on this issue, Housing Hope for the public process and concept designs, and the neighborhoods for speaking up and working together. She stated that there is no one who does not believe this is a needed project and that homelessness is not important; however, today what is being considered is a land use issue. President Tuohy provided a reminder that all projects that require zoning changes require scrutiny to make sure it is the right decision for the city. She stated that while she feels this location is not the right fit and that there are other options available, the City needs to work with Housing Hope and the Everett School District to find a suitable location as quickly as possible. She stated that she will not be supporting the Norton site. The City Clerk was directed to call the roll for the final disposition of the ordinance. AYES: Roberts, Vogeli NAYS: Bader, Murphy, Stonecipher, Tuohy EXCUSED: Moore Motion failed. 331  October 21, 2020 PROPOSED ACTION AND PUBLIC HEARING: COUNCIL BILL 2010- 54 SECOND READING AND PUBLIC HEARING: AN ORDINANCE levying the general taxes for the City of Everett for fiscal year commencing January 1, 2021, on all taxable property, both real and personal, subject to taxation thereon President Tuohy opened the public hearing and invited comment from council members. Council Member Vogeli stated that because of the cap on property taxes, the City will need to look for other sources of revenue. Council Member Moore commented on the structural deficit that was created by the enactment of 1- 747, which placed a cap on the City' s revenue stream. President Tuohy announced the public hearing would be held open, and that the third and final reading is scheduled for November 28, 2020. Due to technical problems, the public hearing on the Transit Development Plan and 2019 Annual Report was moved to proceed Proposed Action items. In response to an earlier public comment, Council Member Moore commented that requesting a merger between Everett Transit and Community Transit would have a sales tax implication above what it might be to reinforce Everett Transit' s own system. PROPOSED ACTION: COUNCIL BILL 2009- 51 SECOND READING: 332  October 21, 2020 AN ORDINANCE amending Chapter One, Introduction and Chapter Two, Land Use Element of the Everett Comprehensive Plan COUNCIL BILL 2009- 52 SECOND READING: AN ORDINANCE amending Title 2 ( Chapter 2. 96, Historical Commission), Title 13 ( Chapter 13. 68, Street Construction and Private Construction), Title 15 ( Local Project Review Procedures), Title 18 ( Land Division), Title 19 Zoning) and Title 20 ( Chapter 20. 04, Environmental Policy) COUNCIL BILL 2010- 53 SECOND READING: AN ORDINANCE vacating the north- south alley together with the southern east- west alley in the 2900 Block lying between Pine Street and Maple Street PUBLIC HEARING — TRANSIT DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND 2019 ANNUAL REPORT: President Tuohy opened the Public Hearing regarding the 2020- 2025 Everett Transit Development Plan and 2019 Annual Report. Tom Hingson, Transit Director, presented the Everett Transit Development Plan, which is a summary of Everett Transit' s accomplishments in 2019, and a brief overview of the measured plans for the next six years. He stated that Washington State statute requires all transit systems in Washington State to provide an annual report to their governing body and to hold a public hearing on the plan for the next six years. He added that this would normally come before the Council in August; however, the process was delayed due to the pandemic and the State extended the deadline to November. President Tuohy invited council member comment. r 333  October 21, 2020 Council Member Bader echoed Council Member Moore' s earlier comment that any real effort to increase revenue for Everett Transit would require voter approval. Council Member Roberts expressed appreciation for Everett Transit' s commitment to sustainability. Council Member Vogeli asked about the process for decommissioning diesel buses. Mr. Hingson said that the decommissioning of buses is performed by a vendor that is selected with the assistance of Purchasing. Council Member Murphy stated that although he is encouraged by the positive financial outlook, it reflects a significant decrease in service levels to the community. He noted the importance of a community discussion to revisit the topic of service levels, and he and asked when a discussion might occur to discuss reinstatement of service levels. Mr. Hingson stated Everett is currently in process of going through official public process for upcoming March service changes, which does not anticipate a reinstatement of Sunday service for the foreseeable future. He added that reinstating service would make the budget less sustainable for the long term. Council Member Stonecipher stated that while the financial news is encouraging, it is coming at a cost to service in our community. She stated that she does not believe the City can grow to the extent the growth plan has suggested without a good transportation system. She asked about the work remaining for Rethink Transit and when it may come before Council. Mr. Hingson stated the technical work is near completion and the plan is to present this to Council. He stated that due to scheduling conflicts, this presentation may not occur until after January 2021. Moved by Council Member Bader, seconded by Council Member Murphy, to close the public hearing. 334  October 21, 2020 Roll was called with all council members voting yes. Motion carried. President Tuohy stated comments may be submitted in writing in advance of the meeting at council@everettwa. gov. She stated that all testimony or comments received will become part of the public record and these numbers will be posted on the city website at www. everettwa. gov/ council. The City Council meeting was adjourned at 8: 25 p. m. City Clerk Read and approved as printed. Council Presid t 335