City Council
Regular MeetingMount Vernon, WA · August 14, 2019
Minutes
Mount Vernon
City Council
Regular Meeting Minutes
August 14, 2019
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Boudreau at 7:00 PM.
Present: Councilmembers Beaton, Brocksmith, Hulst, Hudson, Moberg, Molenaar, and
Mayor Boudreau. Councilmember Carías was excused from attendance.
Staff Present: Interim Police Chief Cammock, Fire Chief Bryce, Project Development Manager
Donovan, Public Works Director Bell, Parks & Enrichment Director King, Finance
Director Volesky, Library Director Huffman, Development Services Director Phillips,
Senior Planner Lowell, Engineering Manager Chesterfield, Senior Engineer
Christen
Citizens Present: 10
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of July 17, 2019 Study Session Minutes
B. Approval of July 24, 2019 Regular Council Meeting Minutes
C. Approval of August 5, 2019 payroll checks numbered 109443 - 109493 direct deposit checks
numbered 72444 - 72684, and wire transfers numbered 759 – 763 in the amount of
$974,034.05
D. Approval of August 14, 2019 Claims numbered 4888 – 4927, 4939 – 4948 and 4950 - 5161 in
the amount of $1,628,664.34
Councilmember Hudson moved to approve the Consent
Agenda items A-D. Motion seconded by Councilmember
Beaton. Motion carried 6-0.
REPORTS
A. Committees
• Public Works and Library - see Committee minutes for details
• Development Services - see Committee minutes for details
B. Community Comments
• Mayor invited Robert Langdon and Fire Chief Bryce and Chief Cammock to open the
community comments.
• Robert Langdon – resident of Mount Vernon presented two things
1. Invited the community to attend the Hero’s Craft Fair which will be held at the
Heritage Flight Museum, November 8-10th, 9AM-5PM on Friday and Saturday and
9AM-4PM on Sunday. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the city. Mr.
Langdon stated his deep respect and gratitude to the service men and women of
the military, law enforcement, emergency services, and the City Council
2. Mr. Langdon presented a gift to Fire Chief Bryce and Interim Police Chief
Cammock. Each Chief received hand-made wreath decorated for their
department and a T-shirt for the 2019 Hero’s Craft Fair. Photographs were taken
with Mr. Langdon, the City Council, Fire Chief Bryce, and Interim Police Chief
Cammock.
Mount Vernon City Council
August 14, 2019
Page 2 of 5
• Keith Johnson – Representing the homeless community. Thanked the council for the work
they have been doing on the Community Parking issue and said the community is eager to
prove how responsible they can be with the Community Parking.
• Clive Bolton – resident of Mount Vernon – Would like to make sure community parking is
safe for residents as well as the homeless. He lives next to one of the churches that
provided cold weather shelter during the winter and has additional insight on the
Community Parking issue he would like to share with the council.
C. Council Member Comments
• None
D. Mayor’s Report:
• Announced that the Washington Surveying and Rating Bureau upgraded the City of Mount
Vernon’s fire protection rating from 5 to 4 placing the city in the top 21% of the state fire
departments. The rating improvement is due to newly hired staff and improved training.
• Provided update to the Little Mountain Park Project which will include an entry road, two
tiered parking lot, trail access, and bike course as well. The project is a collaboration with
the City Parks and Enrichment Services department and Evergreen Mountain Bike
Alliance. There will be a ribbon cutting in October and landscaping is expected to be
complete in December.
• Mayor Coffee hours August 16th 2019, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Logan Creek Retirement
Community
• Mayor Coffee hours August 24th 2019, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Mount Vernon Library
E. Committee Agenda Requests
• Councilmember Beaton requested the council spend a half day in September reviewing the
housing crisis.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
• none
NEW BUSINESS
A. Closed Record Public Hearing – Dryden Request for Special Permission: Rebecca Lowell
presented a recap of the situation regarding the Dryden request for Special Permission,
reviewed what information can be considered as part of a closed hearing, outlined the available
options to bring the Dryden improvements into compliance, and reminded the council of the
Hearing Examiner’s recommendation.
• Mayor Boudreau reminded the council of the quasi-judicial nature of this situation
and each council member disclosed they had received an email on this issue.
• The councilmembers and Ms. Lowell had a discussion on how this incident was
discovered, how are these ordinances enforced in old and new areas, what the
setback rules are, what the solutions may be, and how does the council make the
city more livable for everyone.
• Being a Closed Record Public Hearing, Mayor Boudreau invited anyone who
testified at the Hearing Examiner’s hearing or has submitted a letter of record to
speak to the City Council on this matter.
• Joel Dryden – Thanked the council for the opportunity to participate in the
public process. He regrets not getting permits for this project and really
hopes we can find a way to resolve this. Mr. Dryden referenced a number of
letters in support of the deck, petition to keep the deck, and a letter from Fire
Marshall Riggs stating the deck isn’t a fire hazard.
Mount Vernon City Council
August 14, 2019
Page 3 of 5
• Mark Johnson – He has lived in the neighborhood in question for over 40
years and spoke in support of all the work the Dryden’s have done on their
home and the positive impact it has had on the neighborhood. Mr. Johnson
would be very disappointed if all of this work had to be redone.
• Barbara Worley – Spoke on behalf of her mother who’s lived in the
neighborhood for over 90 years. Mrs. Worley spoke in support of the Dryden
improvements and its positive impact on the neighborhood.
• Andrea Dryden – Mrs. Dryden told the council how the old deck was a safety
hazard and as parents they had to act on behalf of their children’s safety.
Given the existing deck and how the neighbors yards are setup they didn’t
think replacing the deck would result in any permitting issues.
• Councilmembers and Ms. Lowell had a follow up discussion in which each of the
councilmembers expressed a desire to find a solution that would allow the
Dryden’s to keep what they’ve built while meeting the permitting requirements.
Ms. Lowell recommended continuing the hearing until August 28th, 2019 at which
time the City Attorney would be present and could advise the Council on the
City’s legal options.
Councilmember Hulst moved to continue the Closed Record
Public Hearing to the next city council meeting on August 28th,
2019. Motion seconded by Councilmember Beaton. Motion
carried 6-0.
B. Bid Award – Bakerview Park Entrance Road Improvements Project: Mr. King requested the
council award the bid for the Bakerview Park Entrance Road Improvements Project to PNW
Civil, Inc. of Bellingham in the amount of $228,784.50.
Councilmember Molenaar moved to award the bid for the
Bakerview Park Entrance Road Improvements Project to PNW
Civil, Inc. of Bellingham in the amount of $228,784.50. Motion
seconded by Councilmember Moberg. Motion carried 6-0.
C. Bid Award – 2019 Sanitary and Storm Sewer Lining Project: Mr. Christen requested the
council award the bid for the Sanitary and Storm Sewer Lining Project to Insituform
Technologies of Chesterfield, MO in the amount of $699,406.77
Councilmember Hudson moved to award the bid for the Sanitary
and Storm Sewer Lining Project to Insituform Technologies of
Chesterfield, MO in the amount of $699,406.77. Motion
seconded by Councilmember Moberg. Motion carried 6-0.
D. 2019 TIB Agreement for Complete Streets Grant: Mr. Christen requested the Council
authorize the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Washington State Transportation
Improvement Board to receive $350,000 for the construction and/or improvement of curb
ramps.
Councilmember Hulst moved to authorize the Mayor to enter
into an agreement with Washington State Transportation
Improvement Board to receive $350,000.00 for the construction
and/or improvement of curb ramps. Motion seconded by
Councilmember Beaton. Motion carried 6-0.
Mount Vernon City Council
August 14, 2019
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E. Project Acceptance – 2018 Curb Ramp Improvements: Mr. Christen requested the that
Council accept the work completed by Trinity Contractors for this project in the amount of
$312,596.28.
Councilmember Beaton moved to accept the work completed
by Trinity Contractors for this project in the amount of
$312,596.28. Motion seconded by Councilmember Molenaar.
Motion carried 6-0.
F. Approval of Agreement with Skagit County: Mr. Chesterfield requested the Council authorize
the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Skagit County which allows for the design and
construction of the Maddox Creek culvert removal and stream enhancement project.
Councilmember Brocksmith moved to authorize the Mayor to
enter into an agreement with Skagit County which allows for
the design and construction of the Maddox Creek culvert
removal and stream enhancement project. Motion seconded
by Councilmember Beaton. Motion carried 6-0.
G. Approval of Agreement with Paul Schissler Associates, Inc.: Mr. Donovan requested the
Council authorize the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Paul Schissler Associates, Inc.
to assist in the preparations, corrections, revisions, and coordination of the City’s CDBG
responsibilities.
Councilmember Hudson moved to authorize the Mayor to
enter into an agreement with Paul Schissler Associates, Inc.
to assist in the preparations, corrections, revisions, and
coordination of the City’s CDBG responsibilities. Motion
seconded by Councilmember Hulst. Motion carried 6-0.
H. Approval of Agreement with Community Action of Skagit County for CDBG Funds: Mr.
Donovan requested the Council authorize the Mayor to enter into an agreement with
Community Action of Skagit County for the Community Action Housing and Resource Center
Program.
Councilmember Hulst moved to authorize the Mayor to enter
into an agreement with Community Action of Skagit County
for the Community Action Housing and Resource Center
Program. Motion seconded by Councilmember Beaton.
Motion carried 6-0.
I. MOU with Home Trust of Skagit for CDBG Funds: Mr. Donovan requested the Council
authorize the Mayor to enter into an MOU with Home Trust of Skagit to assist with the Buyer
Assistance Program for qualifying clients.
Councilmember Beaton moved to authorize the Mayor to enter
into an MOU with Home Trust of Skagit to assist with the Buyer
Assistance Program for qualifying clients. Motion seconded
by Councilmember Hudson. Motion carried 6-0.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:28 PM.
Mount Vernon City Council
August 14, 2019
Page 5 of 5
SUBMITTED BY:
Chase Kinney, Recording Clerk
ATTEST:
Doug Volesky, Finance Director
APPROVE:
Jill Boudreau, Mayor
Agenda
CITY OF MOUNT VERNON
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA
August 14, 2019 7:00 p.m.
(Police Court Campus)
I. OPENING CEREMONIES
A. Call to Order
B. Pledge of Allegiance
C. Roll Call of Councilmembers
II. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of July 17, 2019 Study Session Minutes
B. Approval of July 24, 2019 Regular Council Meeting Minutes
C. Approval of August 5, 2019 payroll checks numbered 109443 - 109493 direct
deposit checks numbered 72444 - 72684, and wire transfers numbered 759 –
763 in the amount of $974,034.05
D. Approval of August 14, 2019 Claims numbered 4888 – 4927, 4939 – 4948
and 4950 - 5161 in the amount of $1,628,664.34
III. REPORTS
A. Committees
1. Public Works and Library
2. Development Services
B. Community Comments
(An opportunity for Mount Vernon residents to address their City Council. Please limit comments to 3
minutes or less. Under normal circumstances, the Mayor and Council will not respond immediately to
Community Comments. If you would like someone to follow-up with you regarding the topic of your
comments, please leave your name and contact information on the form at the entrance of the Council
Chambers.)
C. Councilmember Comments
D. Mayor’s Report
E. Committee Agenda Requests
IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. Closed Record Public Hearing – Dryden Request for Special Permission
(This is a closed record public hearing to consider a request for an expansion of a non-conforming
structure. Staff is requesting that Council approve a resolution denying the request. )
(required action – resolution)
(staff contact – Rebecca Lowell)
B. Bid Award – Bakerview Park Entrance Road Improvements Project
(Staff is requesting that Council award the bid for the Bakerview Park Entrance Road Improvements
Project to PNW Civil, Inc. of Bellingham in the amount of $228,784.50 and to authorize the Mayor to
enter into the agreement.)
(required action – motion)
(staff contact – William King)
Mount Vernon City Council Agenda
August 14, 2019 page 2
C. Bid Award – 2019 Sanitary and Storm Sewer Lining Project
(Staff is requesting that Council award the bid for the Sanitary and Storm Sewer Lining Project to
Insituform Technologies of Chesterfield, MO and to authorize the Mayor to enter into the agreement.)
(required action – motion)
(staff contact – Darin Christen)
D. 2019 TIB Agreement for Complete Streets Grant
(Staff is requesting that Council authorize the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Washington State
Transportation Improvement Board to receive $350,000 for the construction and/or improvement of curb
ramps.)
(required action – motion)
(staff contact – Darin Christen)
E. Project Acceptance – 2018 Curb Ramp Improvements
(Staff is requesting that Council accept the work completed by Trinity Contractors for this project in the
amount of $312,596.28.)
(required action – motion)
(staff contact – Darin Christen)
F. Approval of Agreement with Skagit County
(Staff is requesting that Council authorize the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Skagit County
which allows for the design and construction of the Maddox Creek culvert removal and stream
enhancement project.)
(required action – motion)
(staff contact – Blaine Chesterfield)
G. Approval of Agreement with Paul Schissler Associates, Inc.
(Staff is requesting that Council authorize the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Paul Schissler
Associates, Inc. to assist in the preparations, corrections, revisions, and coordination of the City’s
CDBG responsibilities.)
(required action – motion)
(staff contact – Peter Donovan)
H. Approval of Agreement with Community Action of Skagit County for CDBG Funds
(Staff is requesting that Council authorize the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Community Action
of Skagit County for the Community Action Housing and Resource Center Program.)
(required action – motion)
(staff contact – Peter Donovan)
I. MOU with Home Trust of Skagit for CDBG Funds
(Staff is requesting that Council authorize the Mayor to enter into an MOU with Home Trust of Skagit to
assist with the Buyer Assistance Program for qualifying clients.)
(required action – motion)
(staff contact – Peter Donovan)
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Public Works and Library 6:00 p.m.
Next Ordinance 3789
Next Resolution 969
AGENDA ITEM: A
DATE: August 14, 2019
TO: Mayor Boudreau and City Council
FROM: Rebecca Lowell, Development Services
SUBJECT: CLOSED RECORD PUBLIC HEARING FOR DRYDEN REQUEST FOR SPECIAL PERMISSION,
PLAN19-0063
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Staff recommends that Council hold a closed record public hearing and make a motion to authorize the
Mayor to sign the accompanying resolution Denying the Dryden expansion of a non-conforming
structure.
INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:
The Applicant seeks to expand a single family residence that in its existing condition does not comply
with required front yard setbacks. The expansion proposed by the Applicant would allow a deck a
pergola (that were built without benefit of any permits) to have a 0-foot front yard setback.
MVMC Chapter 17.102 has a process by which the City Council (upon recommendation by the Hearing
Examiner) can grant special permission to enlarge or expand an existing non-conforming structure
and/or use so long as certain criteria are met.
The proposal property has an address of 425 South 10th Street, and its parcel number is P52768.
FINDINGS/CONCLUSIONS:
On June 27, 2019 an open record hearing was held before the Hearing Examiner. The Examiner
recommends Denial of the application in a report accompanying this memo dated July 13, 2019. No
request for reconsideration of the Examiner’s recommendation of approval was received by the
department.
The Hearing Examiner’s recommendation is submitted together with the attached proposed Resolution,
the Staff Report, and all of the Exhibits that the Examiner relied upon in making his recommendation.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that Council move to adopt a resolution Denying the expansion of a non-conforming
building.
ATTACHED:
• Proposed Resolution
• Hearing Examiner Recommendation
• Staff Report and its associated Exhibits
AGENDA ITEM: B
AGENDA ITEM: C
AGENDA ITEM: D
AGENDA ITEM: E
AGENDA ITEM: F
FINDINGS/CONCLUSIONS:
• The culvert was installed during the 70s for a future extension that is no longer needed.
• The culvert is 210 feet long and perched 3 feet above Maddox Creek.
• Past City projects have removed all other barriers along this section of Maddox Creek.
• Removal of this culvert will open up 2 miles of stream for fish habitat.
• The DOE Centennial grant will pay for 75% or up to $450,647 of the costs.
• The City and County will each match 12.5% or up to $75,000 each for a total of $150,000.
• The total cost of the culvert removal and stream enhancement project is estimated at $600,863
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends Council approve the Interlocal Cooperative Agreement and temporary construction
easement with Skagit County and authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement.
ATTACHED:
Interlocal Cooperative Agreement which includes a Temporary Construction Easement
AGENDA ITEM: G
DATE: August 14, 2019
TO: Mayor Boudreau and City Council
FROM: Peter Donovan, Project Development Manager
SUBJECT: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH PAUL SCHISSLER ASSOCIATES, INC
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Motion
INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:
Each year that the City of Mount Vernon has received and distributed CDBG funds, the City has hired a
consultant to advise staff and to help navigate the considerable amount of regulations and reporting.
15% of each annual CDBG allotment is allowed to be applied to administrative costs incurred in the
program; this allows the City to fund a CDBG consultant without burdening the City’s general fund
accounts. The 2019-2020 CDBG allotment for the City of Mount Vernon is set at $390,166; which
provides $58,500 for administrative use.
Mr. Paul Schissler has been the City’s consultant for the past three CDBG funding cycles, and along with
City staff, has successfully maintained a smooth-running CDBG program.
FINDINGS/CONCLUSIONS:
Staff finds that continuing to utilize consulting services for the City’s CDBG program is a prudent use of
CDBG administrative funds.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends a motion to allow the Mayor to enter into a one-year agreement with Paul Schissler
Associates (PSAI), for the 2019-2020 CDBG plan year, in the amount of $30,000.
ATTACHED:
Draft Agreement with PSAI
AGENDA ITEM: H
DATE: August 14, 2019
TO: Mayor Boudreau and City Council
FROM: Peter Donovan, Project Development Manager
SUBJECT: CDBG AGREEMENT WITH COMMUNITY ACTION
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
A Council motion to authorize the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Community Action of Skagit County for
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding relative to providing Public Services in an amount not to
exceed $58,525 (see attached agreement).
INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:
-Community Action will use this funding for their Housing & Resource Center program. This allotment of $58,525
represents 15% of our 2019-2020 CDBG funding amount of $390,166.
-HUD has approved this expenditure.
-The attached agreement memorializes all necessary requirements
FINDINGS/CONCLUSIONS:
This allotment is consistent with the Council-approved 2019-2020 CDBG Action Plan
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that Council authorize the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Community Action of Skagit
County.
ATTACHED:
Community Action CDBG Contract
AGENDA ITEM: I
DATE: August 14, 2019
TO: Mayor Boudreau and City Council
FROM: Peter Donovan, Project Development Manager
SUBJECT: CDBG MOU WITH HOME TRUST OF SKAGIT
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
A motion to authorize the Mayor to enter into a memorandum of understanding with Home Trust of
Skagit for CDBG funding for Home Trust of Skagit’s Home Buyer Assistance Program in an amount not to
exceed $100,000.
INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:
--This MOU allows for the carry-over and usage of CDBG funding that was designated to Home Trust of
Skagit in the City of Mount Vernon’s 2018-2019 CDBG Action Plan
--Home Trust of Skagit will use the funding to assist four qualifying families in obtaining housing in the
city of Mount Vernon.
--HUD has approved this expenditure.
--The attached MOU memorializes all necessary requirements
FINDINGS/CONCLUSIONS:
The terms and amounts of this MOU are consistent with the Council-approved 2018-2019 CDBG Action
Plan
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends a Council motion to authorize the Mayor to enter into a memorandum of
understanding with Home Trust of Skagit
ATTACHED:
Draft MOU
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