Everett City Council

November 25, 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 907 938 24#. 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 12: 30 p. m., November 25, 2020, Council President Tuohy presiding. Upon roll call, it was found that Mayor Franklin and Council Members Roberts, Murphy, Vogeli, Bader, Stonecipher, and Tuohy were present. Council Member Moore was excused. The minutes of the November 18, 2020, City Council meeting were approved as printed. MAYOR Mayor Franklin wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Considering the surge in COVID- 19 cases, she urged citizens to please wear masks to keep their families and the community safe. COUNCIL President Tuohy stated the City recognizes employees for their years of service, and the City Council would like to acknowledge and thank Deb Williams, Council Administrator, for her 35 years of service. s 383  November 25, 2020 Council members congratulated and thanked Deb Williams for her 35 years of service to the City Council and the citizens of Everett. Council Members also wished citizens a happy and healthy Thanksgiving holiday. Council Member Roberts thanked the community for wearing masks and taking steps to stay safe. He also urged citizens to support Everett' s merchants by shopping local this holiday season. Council Member Roberts stated he recently met with Public Works Director Ryan Sass to discuss non- motorized transportation and that the City may look at this issue moving forward. Council Member Bader provided a liaison report from his attendance at the Puget Sound Regional Council ( PSRC) meeting last Thursday. He also provided a transportation program update relating to a passenger- only ferry study, which included an additional study of an Everett to South Whidbey route. Council Member Vogeli provided a liaison report from the Transportation Advisory Committee ( TAC) meeting. She also finished up with her service on the National of Cities ( NLC) and will provide S League a comprehensive report later. Council Member Murphy provided a liaison update from his attendance last Thursday of the Northwest Neighborhood meeting. He thanked Council Member Roberts comments relating to opportunities for local shopping this year, and he encouraged citizens to attend the " Small Business Saturday" kickoff on Saturday, November 28. President Tuohy announced that due to recent Council agenda rescheduling, it was necessary to set a new resolution date for the Downtown Business Improvement Area five- year budget. Moved by Council Member Tuohy, seconded by Council Member Roberts, to adopt Resolution No. 7583 setting a public hearing before the City Council on December 16, 2020, at 6: 30 p. m., to receive comments on the City' s intent to extend the term, modify the special assessment levy and boundaries, and set a five- year budget of the Downtown Business Improvement Area. s 384 f November 25, 2020 Roll was called with all council members voting yes, except Council Member Moore who was excused. Motion carried. President Tuohy also provided a report from her attendance at the Council of Neighborhoods meeting this week. She encouraged everyone to shop locally this holiday season. ADMINISTRATION UPDATE Lori Cummings, Administration, had no comments. CITY ATTORNEY lb City Attorney David Hall had no comments. PUBLIC COMMENTS Deb Williams thanked council members for their kind comments regarding her 35 years of service. The following individual provided public comments to the City Council via email: Angela Di Filippo Margaret Whalen There were no citizens who wished to speak during today' s meeting. CONSENT ITEMS: Moved by Council Member Murphy, seconded by Council Member Roberts, to approve the following consent items: f 385  November 25, 2020 RESOLUTION — CLAIMS To adopt Resolution No. 7584 authorizing claims against the City of Everett in the amount of $ 1, 138, 179. 51 for the period of November 7, 2020, through November 13, 2020. RESOLUTION — PAYROLL CLAIMS To adopt Resolution No. 7585 authorizing payroll claims against the City of Everett in the amount of $ 3, 980, 164. 29 for the period ending November 13, 2020. AGREEMENT— BODY- WORN CAMERAS & INTERVIEW ROOM HARDWARE To award and authorize the Mayor to sign a five-year contract with Axon Enterprise Inc. for body worn cameras and interview room hardware from NASPO Contract # OK- MA- 145- 015/ COE # 2019- 111 for approximately 1, 467, 861. 63 for five years. AGREEMENT— DIGITAL EVIDENCE DATA MIGRATION PROJECT To award and authorize the Mayor to sign the quote with Axon Enterprise Inc. for Evidence. com Channel Services and Evidence. com Channel Migration for 22, 500. RESOLUTION — DECLARING JOHN DEERE GRADER SURPLUS AND AUTHORIZING SALE To adopt a Resolution No. 7586 declaring a 1991 John Deere 672E Grader Surplus and authorizing sale at Public Auction. Roll was called with all council members voting yes, except Council Member Moore who was excused. Motion carried. 386  November 25, 2020 ACTION ITEMS: COUNCIL BILL 2011- 57 THIRD AND FINAL READING: AN ORDINANCE amending Sections 05, 03, 06 and adding a section to Ordinance No. 3315- 13 ( Chaplain Tract) Moved by Council Member Murphy, seconded by Council Member Bader, that this is declared to be the third and final reading of Council Bill No. 2011- 57. The City Clerk was directed to call the roll for the final disposition of the ordinance. AYES: Roberts, Murphy, Vogeli, Bader, Stonecipher, Tuohy NAYS: None EXCUSED: Moore Ordinance 3778- 20 adopted. COUNCIL BILL 2011- 58 THIRD AND FINAL READING: AN ORDINANCE creating a Special Improvement Project, entitled " Everett Municipal Building — Public Works Tenant Improvement Project," Fund 336, Program 015, to accumulate schematic design costs in the amount of 325, 700 Moved by Council Member Bader, seconded by Council Member Murphy, that this is declared to be the third and final reading of Council Bill No. 2011- 58. Council Member Stonecipher inquired about the budget for actual work to be completed. Chris Lark, Park and Facilities, stated the scope is unclear at this time; however, r 387  November 25, 2020 the estimated tenant improvements are $ 5 million, and the building improvements are estimated between $ 5 and $ 10 million. The City Clerk was directed to call the roll for the final disposition of the ordinance. AYES: Roberts, Murphy, Vogeli, Bader, Stonecipher, Tuohy NAYS: None EXCUSED: Moore Ordinance 3779- 20 adopted. PROPOSED ACTION: COUNCIL BILL 2010- 56 SECOND READING: AN ORDINANCE appropriating the budget for the City of Everett for the year 2021 in the amount of$ 651, 875, 477 COUNCIL BILL 2011- 59 SECOND READING: AN ORDINANCE establishing the City Procurement Policy, amending Sections 1, 2, and 3 of Ordinance No. 3262- 12, amending Section 1 of Ordinance No. 2458- 00, and amending Section 1 of Ordinance No. 840- 82 COUNCIL BILL 2011- 63 FIRST READING: AN ORDINANCE creating a Special Improvement Project, entitled " Forterra Restoration Plan," Fund 354, Program 068, for the continued implementation of a restoration plan for several publicly owned urban forested areas within the City of Everett r 388  November 25, 2020 COUNCIL BRIEFING AGENDA: COUNCIL BILL 2011- 61 FIRST READING: AN ORDINANCE amending the City of Everett Traffic Mitigation Fee as established by Ordinance No. 3387- 14 and codified in the EMC by Ordinance No. 3774- 20, ( Chapter 109/ 51) Presented by Corey Hert, Public Works and Edward Koltonowski, Gibson Traffic Consultants, Inc. Council Member Stonecipher asked about capacity building and the transition to electric buses. Mr. Koltonowski stated that per the process identified by RCW, the addition of buses would not result in a clean process. Council Member Stonecipher expressed an interest in thinking about being more comprehensive than focusing on vehicles alone. Council Member Stonecipher asked about the City' s ability to attract developers, the fee structure, and the impact on the City' s systems. She stated it would be helpful to have information on the global fee structure for developers. Council Member Roberts inquired about the transportation analysis that is done for larger projects, other thanfamily construction, to determine the single- number of trips and the resulting fee reduction if the applicant is doing something to reduce the number of trips. Mr. Koltonowski stated he could provide Council with a cheat sheet that identifies a cost per square foot for commercial development. Council Member Roberts also expressed an interest in looking at some options in addition to the 40% of cost of eligible capacity improvements. Council Member Bader stated he would be interested in the optimal fee amount that would result in getting the maximum compensation without deterring the desired development. i 389  November 25, 2020 Council Member Murphy suggested that before a final decision is made by Council, it would be helpful to have additional information regarding what a developer would be facing when considering investing in an Everett project, including fees that may be charged by other agencies. Ryan Sass, Public Works, stated he would ask staff to compile a comparison that shows how Everett compares to peer cities. COUNCIL BILL 2011- 62 FIRST READING: AN ORDINANCE relating to the Downtown Business Improvement Area BIA), extending themodifying the special assessment levy and term, boundaries, and approving a five- year budget, amending Ordinance No. 3582- 17 Presented by Dan Eernissee, Economic Development This item was briefed on November 10. There were no additional questions. COUNCIL BILL 2011- 64 FIRST READING: AN ORDINANCE approving the appropriations of the 2020 City of Everett Budget and amending Ordinance No. 3765- 20 Presented by Susy Haugen, Finance Susy Haugen provided information on General Government and Non- General Government amendments. She stated the amendment revises the 2020 budget for projects and information that have arisen since the last amendment was adopted on August 5. Council Member Roberts expressed interest in additional information relating to the reimbursement of wildland fire expenditures. i 390  November 25, 2020 COUNCIL BILL 2011- 65 FIRST READING: AN ORDINANCE amending Ordinance No. 1594- 89 and Ordinance No. 2879- 05 relating to Employee Compensation and Fringe Benefits Presented by Marcy Hammer, Human Resources COUNCIL BILL 2011- 66 FIRST READING: AN ORDINANCE establishing the basic salary schedule for City of Everett employees for 2021 Presented by Kandy Bartlett, Human Resources Kandy Bartlett explained that the proposed ordinance includes the 2021 wage increases negotiated in all collective bargaining agreements, except EPMA, as well as wages for appointive employees. PUBLIC HEARING: BUDGET HEARING NO. 4— 2021 Proposed Operating Budget COUNCIL BILL 2010- 56 THIRD READING: An ORDINANCE adopting the 2021 annual budget for the City of Everett, Washington President Tuohy turned the hearing over to Budget Subcommittee Chair Murphy. Susy Haugen, Finance, presented additional information regarding the jail fee budget, including the actual history of housing days and bookings between 2015 and 2019 and the estimate for 2020, a comparison showing the impact of the new 391  November 25, 2020 2021 rates, a 2019 and 2021 comparison, bookings comparison ( 2019 actual, 2020 and 2021 estimates), and housing days and Video Court hours comparisons. Ms. Haugen provided a Council reallocation log, which was requested by Council Member Murphy at the last budget hearing. She stated the log lists the $ 542k made available for reallocation from the reinstatement of the car tab fees, and the jail budget is listed based on previous discussions regarding the possibility that Council may decide to reduce it. Also included were parking lot items that were identified at previous hearings, plus three additional options, including closing the gap on labor concessions, reducing the drawdown of the Rainy Day Fund, or restoring the contributions to the LEOFF 1 pensions. Discussion took place regarding the correlation between the number of bookings and number of housing days. Police Chief Templeman explained the number of housing days is impacted by the degree of the crime, as well as the closure of the courts. Council Member Stonecipher stated the jail fee budget may be overly conservative. She recommended reallocating portion a 200, 000 of the jail up to $ fee budget to meet other needs in the community ( parking lot items). To assist in finding ways to address costs and manage differently, Council Member Roberts expressed the need for additional information from the County. He agreed with reallocating a portion of the jail fee budget to meet other needs in the community. Council Member Bader stated his preference was to adopt the jail budget as proposed and look at savings at a later date. Council Member Vogeli stated that because it is not known what 2021 holds concerning COVID- 19, civil unrest, and social needs, as well as the need for better crisis response, her preference was to adopt the jail budget as proposed and look at savings at a later date. Council Member Murphy stressed the importance of continuing to monitor jail fees month to month; however, he expressed concern about the impacts of being 392  November 25, 2020 overly conservative and making tradeoff decisions that would negatively impact the quality of life activities for the community. President Tuohy stated she agreed with reallocating a portion of the jail fee budget to meet other needs in the community, but she did not feel comfortable in reducing the budget beyond $ 200, 000. Moved by Council Member Stonecipher, seconded by Council Member Murphy, to reduce Administration' s proposed jail fee budget by $ 200, 000 and reallocate to other parking lot activities. Roll was called with all council members voting yes, except Council Members Bader and Vogeli who voted no, and Council Member Moore who was excused. Motion carried. Jetty Island Days and Music at the Marina Council Member Murphy noted for parking lot items highlighted in blue ( Jetty Island Days, Music at the Marina, and the Senior Center), City staff is currently working on delivery methods through public/ private partnerships. Lori Cummings stated Administration can commit to an early January update regarding the status of the public/ private partnership and other work. Council members expressed support for funding these items; however, it was preferred to revisit when clear information is received regarding public/ private partnerships. July 4th Fireworks Show Discussion took place regarding the commitment made to the community and the importance of a public celebration that draws a diverse group of participants, possible partnerships/ sponsorships to share in the cost of the fireworks, the possibility that citizens will display their own fireworks if not funded, concerns 393  November 25, 2020 regarding the planning of a July 4 parade, which is very labor intensive, and the need to group parking lot items together until information is received regarding partnerships/ sponsorships. Council Member Murphy spoke about the time sensitivity due to a planning deadline of February 1. He added that future money received through sponsorships could be saved and redeployed via a budget amendment in 2021. Council Member Vogeli expressed a preference to close the gap on labor concessions prior to funding the July 4th fireworks show. Moved by Council Member Stonecipher, seconded by Council Member Murphy, to reinstate the July 4th fireworks celebration and festival at Legion Park as a placeholder in the final budget. Lori added that if the festival is added back in, there would be an additional cost needed, approximately $ 10, 000-$ 20, 000, for transit reimbursement costs and activities at Legion Park. Roll was called with all council members voting yes, except Council Member Vogeli who voted no, and Council Member Moore who was excused. Motion carried. Music at the Marina Discussion ensued regarding the importance of bringing people together at the waterfront. Council members agreed about the importance of waiting until information is received about public/ private partnerships or the possibility that non- profit music providers will come forward. Council Member Murphy noted that the deadline of May 1, which would allow more time for consideration later. 394  November 25, 2020 Children' s Cinema Council member discussed the need for more information regarding the intensive labor commitment required by City staff. Council Member Murphy noted that the deadline in May, which would allow more time for consideration later. Senior Center ( net 2020 cost) President Tuohy stated the Senior Center is an important for the community and the seniors who need the resources. She added that it is hoped that staff will come forward with a partnership and that the Senior Center may reopen as soon as possible. Council Member Stonecipher spoke about the obligation to provide services to the city' s seniors, which is a measurement of a healthy community. She noted that she concurred with a petition that was received from 200+ seniors requesting the reopening of the Senior Center. She suggested that if a public/ private partnership does not materialize, the Council should revisit and put a placeholder in the budget. Council Member Roberts expressed his support for this important service and would like to see the City move forward with a partnership. He stated he did not think a decision is appropriate at this time. He expressed concern about undercutting those interested in a public private partnership. Council Member Bader concurred with Council Member Roberts' comments. He noted that unfortunately the pressure is off due to COVID- 19 restrictions and suggested putting aside until sometime after spring. Council Member Vogeli concurred that the City cannot plan to reopen any time soon due to pandemic restrictions; therefore, the discussion is not timely. She expressed the importance of reaching out to seniors who are experiencing loneliness. i 395  November 25, 2020 Council Member Murphy stressed the importance of this service to the senior citizens who built this city and in making a strong statement that reflects the City' s values and priorities to reinstate the senior center. He stated that he agrees that the Senior Center can' t be reopened at this time; however, he recommends a placeholder in the budget that offers a strong statement of support. Lori Cummings stated that City staff has been working on a plan to reopen in the interim. She noted Council may want to consider the reserve fund when deliberating. Moved by Council Murphy, seconded by Council Member Stonecipher, to approve a$ 300, 000 placeholder in the budget for the reopening of the Senior Center. Moved by Council Murphy, seconded by Council Member Stonecipher, to amend the motion to reallocate $ 300, 000 from the Senior Center Reserve Fund as a source to be utilized for Senior Center expenditures only. Roll was called with all council members voting yes, except Council Member Moore who was excused. Motion carried. Library hours restoration ( 2019 level) Council Members Tuohy and Stonecipher emphasized the importance of the essential services that are provided by municipal government, which are not provided for by the private sector. Council Member Roberts echoed comments made by Council Members Tuohy and Stonecipher. Moved by Council Member Stonecipher, seconded by Council Member Roberts, to approve full funding of$ 450, 000 to restore library hours as soon as possible. 396  November 25, 2020 Council Member Bader asked about the operating hours without the cost estimate of $ 450, 000. He also suggested other city departments needs to do some belt tightening considering the challenging economic situation the City is facing. Susy Haugen explained that significant work has been done to reorganize staff and reduce other expenses, which resulted in substantial savings, and the library director provided the $ 450, 000 figure when asked what it would cost to restore the hours. Council Member Vogeli expressed concerns about fiscal responsibility in reinstating the hours, and that she is not ready to vote on this issue at this time. Council Member Murphy suggested a compromise to restore hours in the amount of$ 300, 000 rather than $ 450, 000. Moved by Council Member Stonecipher, seconded by Council Member Roberts, to amend the motion to approve Library funding in the amount of$ 300, 000. Roll was called with all council members voting yes, except Council Members Bader and Vogeli who voted no, and Council Member Moore who was excused. Motion carried. COVID- 19 Art Remembrance project ( cost TBD) Susy Haugen explained this funding was requested by the Cultural Commission to create a COVID- 19 art remembrance project, and although $ 26, 000 is already included in the 2021 budget, the project has not yet been designed. She added there is also about$ 150, 000 in 1% for the Arts, which is earmarked for a Municipal Court project that has not yet been designed. She noted there is currently not a clear understanding of the project costs or timelines. Council members agreed to maintain this item on the parking lot list and to revisit at a later date when more information is available. 397  November 25, 2020 Close gap on labor concessions placeholder Susy Haugen encouraged the Council to close the gap on labor concessions, which represents a prudent decision from a financial perspective. Council Member Murphy noted these decisions not only affect 2021, but also forecasting out into future years. He requested a footnote be added as projects are updated, e. g., Senior Center, should funding become available through public/ private partnerships. Council members concurred that filling the labor concession gap was a top priority. Council Member Vogeli acknowledged that use of the Rainy Day Fund to help balance the budget this year was appropriate. Moved by Council Member Murphy, seconded by Council Member Vogeli, to approvea placeholder in the amount of $ 361, 925 to close the gap on labor concessions. Roll was called with all council members voting yes, except Council Member Moore who was excused. Motion carried. Council Member Bader left the meeting at approximately 4: 30 p. m. Council Member Murphy concurred with Council Member Vogel' s comments regarding the use of the Rainy Day Fund. He also noted the priority and obligation to restore the contributions to LEOFF 1 Pension fund. Council members thanked the Mayor, Finance team, directors and staff, Chair Murphy, and Council colleagues for their leadership, time, and hard work contributed in this process. r 398  November 25, 2020 Council Member Murphy stated the next step is for staff to take today' s information back and to bring forward a final proposed budget for Council' s consideration and action on December 2. He also stated that as Budget Chair, he plans to schedule a meeting of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee within the next 30- 45 days to formulate a plan for 2021. He noted he will keep everyone apprised as a plan unfolds. Susy Haugen asked for confirmation that the budget for lodging tax would increase to allow for the $ 200, 000 in grants that was discussed last week. Council Member Murphy confirmed. She also reminded the Council that the structural deficit has been made worse by the pandemic, and she encouraged council members to continue thinking about how to best resolve the structural deficit going forward. President Tuohy stated comments may be submitted in writing in advance of the next 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 4: 32 p. m. City Clerk 00 Read and approved as printed. 72,691_2r, Council Preside t 399