City Council

CITY OF MOUNT VERNON CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA February 10, 2021 6:00 p.m. (Virtual Meeting) The Mount Vernon City Councilmembers will be participating in this meeting via video/teleconference technology. To virtually attend the meeting, the public may: 1. Call the conference line: 1-888-924-9240; Access Code: 3366211 (please ‘mute’ your phone, if possible, to minimize distractions) 2. Watch the meeting live on TV10: Comcast/Xfinity Channel 10 3. Watch the meeting live, online: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUob_hcQUmd4S93YkletdrA I. OPENING CEREMONIES A. Call to Order B. Pledge of Allegiance C. Roll Call of Councilmembers II. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of January 20, 2021 Study Session Minutes B. Approval of January 27, 2021 Regular Council Meeting Minutes C. Approval of February 5, 2021 payroll checks numbered 110554 - 110573, direct deposit checks numbered 80686 – 80910 and wire transfers numbered 940 – 944 in the amount of $943,263.38 D. Approval of February 10, 2021 Claims numbered 12344 – 12563 in the amount of $1,477,513.78 III. REPORTS A. Review of Emails from the Public (All public comments must be sent via email to council@mountvernonwa.gov. The comments will be read aloud into the record during the public comment portion of the agenda. All comments must be received by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, February 10, 2021) B. Department Updates  Public Works o Washington Conservation Corp o Surface Water Operational Update o Kulshan Trail Safety Lighting o Hoag/LaVenture Road Engineering o WWTP Admin Building Remodel/Addition o New Waste Management Recycle Contract o 2021 Street Improvements Proposed List o Next Traffic Safety Committee Meeting February 16, 2021  Library o Fun Stats o Community Collection o Seed Library o 2021 Goals Mount Vernon City Council Agenda February 10, 2021 page 2 C. Councilmember Comments D. Mayor’s Report E. Council/Committee Agenda Requests IV. NEW BUSINESS A. Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County Update (John Sternlicht, CEO of the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County, will be giving an update to the Mayor and City Council.) (required action – none) (staff contact – Peter Donovan) B. Approval of Agreement – Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County (Staff is requesting that Council authorize the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County for the calendar year 2021.) (required action - motion) (staff contact – Doug Volesky C. Approval of Agreement with Pacific Surveying & Engineering, Inc. (Staff is requesting that Council authorize the Mayor to enter into a professional services agreement with Pacific Surveying & Engineering, Inc. {PSE} to provide on-call engineering and surveying services for the City.) (required action – motion) (staff contact – Rebecca Lowell) D. Approval of Agreement with Armadillo Design Lab (Staff is requesting that Council authorize the Mayor to enter into a professional services agreement with Armadillo Design Lab to provide design review services for projects required to comply with this portion of the MVMC.) (required action – motion) (staff contact – Rebecca Lowell) E. Approval of Agreement with 7K Environmental (Staff is requesting that Council authorize the Mayor to enter into a professional services agreement with 7K Environmental {Kate Knox} to provide critical area monitoring, peer review and related services.) (required action – motion) (staff contact – Rebecca Lowell) F. Approval of Agreement with Transportation Solutions, Inc. (Staff is requesting that Council authorize the Mayor to enter into a professional services agreement with Transportation Solutions, Inc. to provide consultant services related to traffic concurrency applications processed by the department.) (required action – motion) (staff contact – Rebecca Lowell) G. Approval of Agreement with L.C. Lee and Associates, Inc. (Staff is requesting that Council authorize the Mayor to enter into a professional services agreement with L.C. Lee and Associates {Dr. Lyndon Lee} to provide consultant services related to critical areas that include: updates to the City’s shoreline mapping, biological opinion implementation and review of development projects.) (required action – motion) (staff contact – Rebecca Lowell) H. Approval of Agreement with Olbrechts & Associates, PLLC (Staff is requesting that Council authorize the Mayor to enter into a professional services agreement with Olbrechts & Associates, PLLC {Phil Olbrechts, Esq.} to act as the City’s on-call Hearing Examiner.) (required action – motion) (staff contact – Rebecca Lowell) Mount Vernon City Council Agenda February 10, 2021 page 3 I. Approval of Agreement with Christian Carlson, AIA (Staff is requesting that Council authorize the Mayor to enter into a professional services agreement with Christian Carlson, AIA, to provide design review services for projects required to comply with this portion of the MVMC.) (required action – motion) (staff contact – Rebecca Lowell) J. Approval of Agreement with Urban Forestry (Jim Barborinas) (Staff is requesting that Council authorize the Mayor to enter into a professional services agreement with Urban Forestry {Jim Barborinas} to provide arboricultural services to assist staff in implementation of the Mount Vernon Municipal Code.) (required action – motion) (staff contact – Rebecca Lowell) K. Approval of Agreement with The Watershed Company (Staff is requesting that Council authorize the Mayor to enter into a professional services agreement with The Watershed Company to provide consultant services related to the State mandated update of the City’s Shoreline Master Program.) (required action – motion) (staff contact – Rebecca Lowell) L. Project Acceptance – 2020 Sanitary and Storm Sewer Lining Project (Staff is requesting that Council accept the work performed by Michels Corp for the 2020 sanitary and storm sewer lining.) (required action – motion) (staff contact – William Bullock) M. Project Acceptance – 2020 Street Improvements Project (Staff is requesting that Council accept the work performed by Lakeside Industries for the 2020 street improvements.) (required action – motion) (staff contact – William Bullock) N. For the Good of the Order:  COVID-19 pandemic response and discussion COMMITTEE MEETINGS Public Works and Library Cancelled Next Ordinance 3825 Next Resolution 988  AGENDA ITEM: B DATE: February 10, 2021 TO: Mayor Boudreau and City Council FROM: Doug Volesky, Finance Director SUBJECT: AGREEMENT WITH THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE OF SKAGIT COUNTY FOR THE YEAR 2021 RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends that Council authorize the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County for the calendar year 2021. INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: John Sternlicht, CEO of the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County will be giving an update to the Mayor and City Council. Each year the City of Mount Vernon budgets for and provides funding to the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County. The City does not have the expertise or resources to adequately promote economic investment and this nonprofit organization was formed for the express purpose of promoting and attracting new business, expanding existing business and enhancing trade opportunities for all of Skagit County. The City receives significant benefit from the development and expansion of the local economic base by enhancing employment opportunities for its residents and by creating additional tax revenues. FINDINGS/CONCLUSIONS: The City has committed $10,000 of financial support to the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County for this agreement for 2021 which is included in the adopted 2021 City budget. An agreement between our two agencies needs to be approved to confirm the City’s funding commitment. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends Council authorize the Mayor to enter into this agreement. ATTACHED: Agreement between the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County and the City of Mount Vernon.  AGENDA ITEM: C DATE: February 10, 2021 TO: Mayor Boudreau and City Council FROM: Chris Phillips, Development Services SUBJECT: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH PACIFIC SURVEYING AND ENGINEERING (PSE) RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends Council approval of a professional services contract with Pacific Surveying & Engineering (PSE). INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: The attached contract is for professional services provided by LDES to complete engineering plan review, inspections, surveying, engineering, and related services for the City. Due to work load demands staff recommends approval of the professional services agreement with PSE on an as-needed basis to maintain efficient and timely permit review. The Department has had PSE under contract to complete similar work for the City since 2018. FINDINGS/CONCLUSIONS: It has been determined that the professional services provided by PSE are necessary and essential in completing meeting State mandated timelines for processing permits. RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the accompanying contract. ATTACHED: • Professional Services Contract with PSE  AGENDA ITEM: D DATE: February 10, 2021 TO: Mayor Boudreau and City Council FROM: Chris Phillips, Development Services SUBJECT: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH ARMADILLO DESIGN LAB RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends Council approval of a professional services contract with Armadillo Design Lab. INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: The attached contract is for professional services provided by Armadillo Design Lab (Adair Orr) to complete building permit design review for the City. Design review is required for projects that have been approved as Planned Unit Developments, for small lot plats (where the average lot size is less than 7,500 square feet) for all multi-family projects, and many projects located in the historic downtown and surrounding areas. The City’s design review standards have been codified within Mount Vernon Municipal Code Chapter 17.70. The City collects fees from applicants submitting building permits for design review approvals. The Department has had Armadillo Design Lab under contract to complete this type of work for the City since 2016. FINDINGS/CONCLUSIONS: It has been determined that the professional services provided by Armadillo Design Lab are necessary and essential in completing meeting State mandated timelines for processing permits. Additionally, the consultant completes work outside of the expertise of staff. RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the accompanying contract. ATTACHED: • Professional Services Contract with Armadillo Design Lab  AGENDA ITEM: E DATE: February 10, 2021 TO: Mayor Boudreau and City Council FROM: Chris Phillips, Development Services SUBJECT: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH 7K ENVIRONMENTAL RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends Council approval of a professional services contract with 7K Environmental. INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: The attached contract is for professional services provided by 7K Environmental (Kate Knox Machata) to provide critical area work for the City. The City’s Managed Ecosystem Alternative program that was adopted in 2007 as part of the Critical Areas Ordinance requires that mitigation sites be permitted and monitored. Mrs. Machata has assisted the City for a number of years with peer review of critical area reports and permits since the City does not have a critical area biologist on staff. The Department has had 7K Environmental under contract to complete this type of work for the City since 2012. FINDINGS/CONCLUSIONS: It has been determined that the professional services provided by 7K Environmental are necessary and essential in meeting the City’s obligations with regard to our Managed Ecosystem Alternative program, reviewing projects that are on/near critical areas or their associated buffers, and to complete permit/code required monitoring of critical areas and their associated buffers. RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the accompanying contract. ATTACHED: • Professional Services Contract with 7K Environmental  AGENDA ITEM: F DATE: February 10, 2021 TO: Mayor Boudreau and City Council FROM: Chris Phillips, Development Services SUBJECT: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS INC (TSI) RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends Council approval of a professional services contract with Transportation Solutions Inc. (TSI). INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: The City is entering into an agreement with Transportation Solutions, Inc. to perform and prepare traffic evaluations and analysis for development projects (with the applicant paying for the City evaluation) instead of an applicant hiring a traffic engineer to prepare their report. In addition to development specific reviews TSI’s assists the City with other needed services such as: traffic counts, intersection studies, cost estimates, or other services related to the City’s transportation network on a Task Order basis. The Department has had Victor Salemann, P.E. (previously with David Evans & Associates) under contract to complete this type of work for the City since 2007. FINDINGS/CONCLUSIONS: It has been determined that the professional services provided by TSI are necessary and essential to comply with the City’s development regulations contained within MVMC Chapters 3.40 and 14.10 and to implement the City’s Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan. RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the accompanying contract. ATTACHED: • Professional Services Contract with TSI  AGENDA ITEM: G DATE: February 10, 2021 TO: Mayor Boudreau and City Council FROM: Chris Phillips, Development Services SUBJECT: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH L.C. LEE & ASSOCIATES, INC. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends Council approval of a professional services contract with L.C. Lee & Associates, Inc. INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: The attached contract is for professional services provided by L.C. Lee & Associates, Inc. (Dr. Lyndon Lee) to provide critical area work for the City. The City’s Managed Ecosystem Alternative program adopted in 2007 as part of the Critical Areas Ordinance requires that mitigation sites be permitted and monitored. Dr. Lee has historically completed part of this work for the City. Additionally, Dr. Lee has assisted the City for a number of years with peer review of critical area reports and permits since the City does not have a critical area biologist on staff. Lastly, Dr. Lee will be assisting staff with updates to our Shoreline Management Master Plan mapping, and implementation of the City’s ‘door 2’ approach that satisfies the performance standards of the Biological Opinion issued by National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS). The Department has had Dr. Lee under contract to complete this type of work for the City since 2007. FINDINGS/CONCLUSIONS: It has been determined that the professional services provided by L.C. Lee & Associates are necessary and essential in meeting the City’s obligations with regard to our Managed Ecosystem Alternative program, implementation of NMFS’s Biological Opinion, reviewing projects that are on/near critical areas or their associated buffers, and to complete updates to City development standards. RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the accompanying contract. ATTACHED: • Professional Services Contract with L.C. Lee & Associates, Inc.  AGENDA ITEM: H DATE: February 10, 2021 TO: Mayor Boudreau and City Council FROM: Chris Phillips, Development Services SUBJECT: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH OLBRECHTS & ASSOCIATES, PLLC RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends Council approval of a professional services contract with Olbrechts & Associates, PLLC. INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: The attached contract is for professional services provided by Olbrechts & Associates, PLLC (Phil Olbrechts) to complete on-call Hearing Examiner services. The City has a number of different permits that require recommendations or approvals by a Hearing Examiner. Mount Vernon Municipal Code Chapter 2.34, Hearing Examiner, outlines the creation, appointment, qualifications and other pertinent information with regard to the work Hearing Examiner’s complete for the City. The Department has had Olbrechts & Associates, PLLC under contract to complete this type of work for the City since 2018. FINDINGS/CONCLUSIONS: It has been determined that the professional services provided by Olbrechts & Associates, PLLC are necessary and essential to process certain types of permits. RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the accompanying contract. ATTACHED: • Professional Services Contract with Olbrechts & Associates, PLLC  AGENDA ITEM: I DATE: February 10, 2021 TO: Mayor Boudreau and City Council FROM: Chris Phillips, Development Services SUBJECT: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH CHRISTIAN CARLSON RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends Council approval of a professional services contract with Christian Carlson. INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: The attached contract is for professional services provided by architect Christian Carlson to complete design review for the City. Design review is required for projects that have been approved as Planned Unit Developments, for small lot plats (where the average lot size is less than 7,500 square feet) for all multi-family projects, and many projects located in the historic downtown and surrounding areas. The City’s design review standards have been codified within Mount Vernon Municipal Code Chapter 17.70. The City collects fees from applicants submitting building permits for design review approvals. The Department has had Mr. Carlson under contract to complete this type of work for the City since 2018. FINDINGS/CONCLUSIONS: It has been determined that the professional services provided by Mr. Carlson are necessary and essential in completing meeting State mandated timelines for processing permits and because Mr. Carlson provides services that are outside the scope of staff’s expertise. RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the accompanying contract. ATTACHED: • Professional Services Contract with Christian Carlson  AGENDA ITEM: J DATE: February 10, 2021 TO: Mayor Boudreau and City Council FROM: Chris Phillips, Development Services SUBJECT: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH URBAN FORESTRY SERVICES/BARTLETT CONSULTING RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends Council approval of a professional services contract with Urban Forestry Services/Bartlett Consulting. INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: The attached contract is for professional services provided by Urban Forestry Services/Bartlett Consulting (Jim Barborinas). The Mount Vernon Municipal Code requires review and approval of the installation of trees, shrubs and groundcover on private and public property. Development Services staff pays particular attention to street trees installed on public property due to the negative impacts improperly installed trees can have to City infrastructure and nearby private property. Mr. Barborinas’ services include all aspects of arboricultural consultation such as tree appraisals, hazard tree assessment, tree and plant selection, inspection and approval, landscape installation monitoring for compliance, tree protection plans, tree code review and other consultation services as related to trees and plants as requested by staff when necessary. The Department has had Urban Forestry under contract to complete this type of work for the City since 2013. FINDINGS/CONCLUSIONS: It has been determined that the professional services provided by Urban Forestry/Bartlett Consulting are necessary and essential to ensure compliance with the MVMC and to protect public and private property. RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the accompanying contract. ATTACHED: • Professional Services Contract with Urban Forestry/Bartlett Consulting  AGENDA ITEM: K DATE: February 10, 2021 TO: Mayor Boudreau and City Council FROM: Chris Phillips, Development Services SUBJECT: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH THE WATERSHED COMPANY RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends Council approval of a professional services contract with The Watershed Company (Watershed). INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: Chapter 90.58 RCW requires the City to update its Shoreline Master Program in 2021. The City obtained a grant from the Department of Ecology to accomplish part of the required update. Please see Exhibit A of the attached Professional Services Agreement that outlines (in detail) the work Watershed will be completing for the City. FINDINGS/CONCLUSIONS: It has been determined that the professional services provided by Watershed are necessary to ensure compliance with the State mandated update of the City’s Shoreline Master Program. RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the accompanying contract. ATTACHED: • Professional Services Contract with Watershed  AGENDA ITEM: L DATE: February 10, 2021 TO: Mayor Boudreau and City Council FROM: Bill Bullock, City Engineer SUBJECT: PROJECT COMPLETION FOR SS-2020-003: 2020 SANITARY AND STORM SEWER LINING RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends Council authorize the mayor to accept the work completed by Michels Corporation on the 2020 Sanitary and Storm Sewer Lining Project. INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: Michels Corporation has completed the 2020 Sanitary and Storm Sewer Lining Project. The project included installing CIPP liner in 8,273 linear feet of sanitary sewer mains, and 948 feet of storm sewer mains. The project was awarded on March 25, 2020, for $881,381.97. FINDINGS/CONCLUSIONS: Project completion was achieved on January 15, 2020, in accordance with the plans and specifications. The final adjusted contract amount was $883,078.38. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends accepting the work performed by Michels Corporation for the 2020 Sanitary and Storm Sewer Lining Project. ATTACHED: None  AGENDA ITEM: M DATE: February 10, 2021 TO: Mayor Boudreau and City Council FROM: Bill Bullock, City Engineer SUBJECT: PROJECT COMPLETION FOR TS-2020-002: 2020 STREET IMPROVEMENTS RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends Council authorize the mayor to accept the work completed by Lakeside Industries, Inc. on the 2020 Street Improvements Project. INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: Lakeside Industries, Inc., has completed the 2020 Street Improvements Project. The project included the repaving or resurfacing of Freeway Drive between Cameron and Division, Blackburn Rd between Old 99 Hwy and Henson Rd, 20th and 21st streets between Section St and Broadway, and 16th St between Section St and Kincaid St. The project was awarded on August 12, 2020, for $ 923,403.06. FINDINGS/CONCLUSIONS: Project completion was achieved on January 27, 2021, in accordance with the plans and specifications. The final adjusted contract amount was $677,739.47. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends accepting the work performed by Lakeside Industries, Inc., for the 2020 Street Improvements Project. ATTACHED: None