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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-10-2000 - MinutesMEDINA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES July 10, 2000 Medina City Hall 7:00 PM 501 Evergreen Point Rd. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Becker called the regular meeting of the Medina City Council to order at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was recorded on audiotape. Rol 1 CAI I Present: Council Members Suzanne Cohen, Paul Demitriades, Jim Lawrence, Thomas Morgan, Mary Odermat, Steve Preston and Mayor Daniel Becker Staff Present: City Manager Doug Schulze, City Attorney Kirk Wines, Police Chief Michael Knapp, Public Works Superintendent Carl Burris, City Planner Jenny Schultz, and Interim City Clerk Caroll Wedlund. ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Becker announced that the Trans Lake EIS Scoping Committee Executive Session would be held on July 13, 2000 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Museum of Natural History. He continued that the Technical Committee meeting would be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. the same day. Mayor Becker also indicated that the Council had nominated Claudia Stelle, Medina Park Board Chair, to be on the Advisory Committee for Trans -Lake. Mayor Becker stated that on June 29, he and Council Member Morgan had attended the Discovery Institute Colloquium on SR-520, "A Corridor in Crisis". He stated that the primary colloquium topics were possible SR-520 alternatives, how it impacted on the vitality of the region, and the need for solutions. He noted that the primary solution emphasized at the colloquium was a tunnel, which was being investigated as a viable alternative. Along the same subject, Mayor Becker indicated that there would be a community meeting at Medina Elementary School on July 19, with an open house from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and a public hearing from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to discuss options for SR-520. He noted that the same meeting would be held at the Museum of Science and Industry on July 18, as well as on July 20 at the North Bellevue Community Center. He announced that the City was supporting the tunnel option, the third crossing and other mitigation issues. Council Member Demitriades announced that the Department of Ecology would be holding a public hearing on July 11 at the Seattle Center regarding Shoreline Management Act revisions. He had been notified via a letter from Waterfront Construction, and was concerned about the shoreline management revisions, which incidentally were being critiqued by Roth Hill, were more rigorous than they were in the 4(d) Rule. He was of the opinion that someone should represent the City at this public hearing. Council Member Demitriades indicated that Paul Wilcox, of Waterfront Construction, had sent the aforementioned letter to all area waterfront dock owners from Mercer Island north, encouraging them to attend the July 11 public hearing, and to object to some of the parameters in the City Council Meeting July 10, 2000 Page 2 Shoreline Management Act revision. He suggested that the Council discuss attendance this issue later. Council Member Demitriades stated that due to the cost escalation for the projected SR-16 second Narrows toll Bridge, the Senate Transportation Committee would hold a public hearing. He noted that the cost had increased from $350 million two years ago to $800 million, and the projected toll had increased from a promised $3.00 round trip to $6.50. Council Member Demitriades indicated that the Governor must approve the $800 million dollar bond, since a non-profit corporation had issued it. Therefore, the state was concerned about the liability issue in case of possible default of this bond issued by a non-profit corporation, but somehow guaranteed by the state. Council Member Demitriades also announced that Sid Morrison, WSDOT Secretary, had announced his retirement in June of next year. Mayor Becker stated that the ramp meters had been installed. City Manager Schulze indicated that he had not yet received a reply regarding the Interlocal agreement that the City had requested. CONSENT AGENDA Council Member Lawrence referred to the timeliness of billings, and asked City Manager Schulze if collection from property owners had presented any problems. City Manager Schulze responded that collection had been an issue a couple of times, but that normally, it did not present a problem. Council Member Morgan moved, seconded by Council Member Odermat, to approve the consent agenda. All were in favor. A. Minutes from Regular City Council Meeting of June 12, 2000 B. Minutes from City Council Study Session of June 26, 2000 C. Approval of June, 2000 Warrants/Treasurer's Report Regular Warrants - #13796 - #13938 $543,629.30 Personnel Warrants - #17334 - #17395 $121,643.53 D. Ratification of Labor Agreement between City of Medina and Teamsters, Local No. 673 AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Mayor Becker opened the meeting to the audience for non -agenda items. JET NOISE Dr. Bob Rudolph, 1455 Evergreen Point Road, reported that the Port Commission had voted on June 13, 2000 to request that the FAA study increased use of the Duwamish corridor. He noted that the Port Commission did not specifically vote on the split turn and would therefore, not be recommending that option to the FAA. He continued that over the past ten years, the FAA had resisted adding any jets to the Duwamish corridor, so that if the Duwamish initiative were to fail, and the FAA did not agree to it, local residents would need some back-up language to protect the Medina over flight area. City Council Meeting July 10, 2000 Page 3 Dr. Rudolph continued that Port Commissioner Claire Nordquist had drafted such back-up language, which had been circulated by e-mail the night before the final June 27 vote, requesting that in the _ event the Duwamish initiative failed, the Commission strongly encouraged the FAA to recognize the concerns of the citizens under flight tracks, and to seize this opportunity to address those concerns. He related that the Commission would continue to press the FAA to ensure that the jet noise issue was taken very seriously, and that the FAA explored all viable options. Dr. Rudolph added that shortly before the Port Commission meeting, he had been handed a last- minute amendment that would negatively impact Medina residents. He emphasized that if the Duwamish initiative were to fail, their worst fears would be realized. Dr. Rudolph projected a 40 percent increase in jet flights over Medina within the next six years, adding that arrivals were increasing in our community both during the day and at night. On a related subject, Dr. Rudolph also asked about the status of the noise monitor and about the FAA grant. Mayor Becker responded that he had not followed the FAA grant process since the first Port Commission meeting regarding that subject. City Planner Schultz responded that the noise monitor had been approved at Medina Elementary School, and that approval through the Bellevue School District would be necessary as well. She noted that of it were not approved by a maximum 60-day period, the noise monitor would default to Medina Park. City Planner Schultz added that this 60-day calendar had begun on the date of the last Planning Commission meeting, and that she planned to attend the School Board meeting where this matter would be heard. She encouraged those present to attend the next Bellevue School Board meeting. STAFF REPORTS PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT Police Chief Knapp announced that the citations and infractions figures for residents and non- residents would be available shortly. He noted that during June, 12 speeding citations and eight infractions were written. All were non-residents, with one exception. Chief Knapp commented that it seemed Medina had a very law abiding community who were very familiar with the speed limit. Chief Knapp commented that he had submitted and received preliminary indication of $3,000 to $4,000 federal grant reader board award. He recalled that the Department had received a $10,000 federal grant last year, and another $1,000 grant for protective vests, of which the federal government had paid half, as well as a $1,500 state grant for traffic safety. Chief Knapp continued that the bike patrol was in operation. Five officers had undergone bike patrol training, and were now working radar throughout the Medina community. Chief Knapp indicated that the officer involved in the car prowl case mentioned during June's Council meeting had received an on -the -spot award for his performance in conjunction with this case. He added that another officer who coordinated the first defensive driving class also received an on -the - spot award as well. Council Member Cohen announced that she had been subjected to late evening fireworks on July 4m and had complained to Kirkland Dispatch. Council Member Morgan added that most of the fireworks activity, which occurred in Hunts Point, had continued until 1:15 a.m., and that he had complained to a Medina officer about it. Chief Knapp stated that the state law permitted fireworks, and that only when municipalities exempted themselves from that statute were such displays forbidden. He added that Hunts Point utilized the state RCW which permitted fireworks every day, and at night as well on City Council Meeting July 10, 2000 Page 4 two days per year, July 4th and January 1 s'. Chief Knapp promised that the City would engage in an educational campaign early next year, to remind Medina residents of the prohibition against fireworks. Council Member Lawrence asked about the issue of construction parking within Medina. Chief Knapp responded that Hunts Point had just adopted an ordinance forbidding construction vehicle parking in that town. He continued that a group consisting the City Prosecutor, the City Attorney, the City Manager and Chief Knapp had been empanelled to study the construction parking problem. Chief Knapp noted that the Police Department would enforce construction parking however the Council wished. However, several contractors had questioned the legality of the City's distinction between vehicles associated with site development not being allowed to park on a public thoroughfare, and landscaping or other vehicles. He pointed out that Hunts Point had made the distinction that a landscape vehicle could be distinguished from a construction vehicle because it was not parked at the site all day. Chief Knapp added that whenever possible, the City tried to personalize and accommodate the needs for construction parking. Council Member Lawrence pointed out that construction vehicles parked on the street were in violation of the mitigation plan, as it called for them to be parked on the site. Council Member Morgan added that the Public Safety Committee had been reviewing this issue, and that a survey had been conducted over the last month, the results of which would be presented to the Committee on Thursday, July 13. He stated that areas of the City varied with their ability to accommodate on street parking, and he hoped to have something in the near future for the Council to review. Council Member Morgan also indicated that construction -related activities had been a topic of conversation in R-16 Committee meetings. He added that the Planning Commission had initiated a Construction Code of Conduct a number of years ago, which had been extensively revised to incorporate mitigation issues as well. Council Member Morgan noted that the revised document incorporated mitigation at a much lower threshold, depending upon the square footage in the home. Council Member Demitriades asked about the Medina's relationship with Kirkland Municipal Court. Chief Knapp responded that it had been a "wonderful marriage". Chief Knapp added that the Police Department was presently understaffed, due to Caroll Wedlund ascending to the City Clerk position, as well as Kate Harrington leaving to pursue another career in multimedia. Mayor Becker noted that the Public Works monthly report indicated that a temporary three-way stop had been installed at NE 26th Street and 801h Avenue NE, adding that only about 20 percent of the vehicles stopped when proceeding on 801h. Chief Knapp agreed, adding that the City had alerted citizens proceeding southbound. He noted part of the problem was that the other stop sign for northbound vehicles had no stop bars, which judges quite often inquired about during court proceedings. Chief Knapp indicated that the officers were seeing greater compliance; however, since the stop was new, he suggested that temporary stop bars be installed in order to alert motorists where to stop. Mayor Becker added that the addition of a barricade at the bottom of the stop sign for motorists proceeding north might make it easier for them to comply. PUBLIC WORKS Public Works Superintendent Burris announced that the white stop bars suggested by Chief Knapp could be installed; however, they would need to be ground out at the conclusion of the construction. Mayor Becker asked whether the judge would dismiss traffic cases if stop bars were not installed. He also inquired whether the stop signs were an effective traffic calming measure. Public Works Superintendent Burris responded that in theory, the stop signs were supposed to work; however, Medina citizens were used to stop bars. He added that this was a temporary situation until the City Council Meeting July 10, 2000 Page 5 completion of construction. Public Works Superintendent Burris indicated that he would research whether or not stop bars were mandatory for City -installed stop signs. He stated the reason the signs had been installed was due to children playing in the street, adding that a barricade could be installed as well at the bottom of another northbound stop sign. Mayor Becker stated that parents were controlling their children, so they were no longer playing in the street. Public Works Superintendent Burris was hopeful that the combination of enforcement and the newly installed stop signs would control the situation. Public Works Superintendent Burris indicated that the three-way intersection signs had been installed, but he had not received word yet regarding when the paving would be completed. He also announced that the children enjoyed using the new swim float that had recently been installed. He also reported that the traffic buttons had been installed on 82"d Avenue NE. Public Works Superintendent Burris noted that both he and Chief Knapp were waiting for the computer connection with the Kirkland Police Department. He also stated that the second summer helper had been hired to assist with the City projects. Council Member Demitriades asked about the status of the NE 24'h Street project. Public Works Superintendent Burris responded that Roger Curtis had an excellent relationship with both the contractors and the citizens, and that he would have would have more accurate information about the project. Mayor Becker indicated that when sewer line work was done about a year ago at 84'h and Points Drive on the eastbound SR-520 exit, the former crosswalk to the traffic island disappeared. He asked about crosswalk replacement plans. Public Works Superintendent Burris responded that he would check with Bill Holladay to determine the right-of-way terms with the Washington State Department of Transportation. He also suggested that perhaps the City of Bellevue might replace it, since they removed the crosswalk. PLANNING City Planner Jenny Schultz reported that a minor addition had been approved for the Overlake Golf and Country Club at the June Planning Commission meeting. City Planner Schultz indicated that the Shiro reconsideration for stairs on a steep slope had been approved and that it would be reviewed again this month. She continued that the Broback, Dickerson, Andrews slide control project had been continued until July as well. City Planner Schultz noted that in August the Bennett pool and sports court application would be heard. She stated that the Broback project would also be reviewed again in August. She noted that the Fisher height variance application would also undergo reconsideration with the Board of Adjustment. It was announced that the Council would meet jointly with the Planning Commission and the Board of Adjustment to discuss interpretation of land use applications based on the Council's intent Council Member Demitriades asked about the status of the home decorating business code enforcement. City Planner Schultz responded that she had worked with the resident to remove the vehicles from the street, and that they had complied, and had also removed the sign. Further, City Planner Schultz had not received any complaints from the neighbors; however, the City was continuing to monitor for compliance. City Council Meeting July 10, 2000 Page 6 City Planner Schultz continued that the multi -family dwelling owner had been issued a notice of violation for use as a multifamily rental property. She indicated that the code only allowed one accessory dwelling unit on the property, plus the primary residence, and that the property contained three units. Mayor Becker inquired whether a home could be subdivided into a duplex. City Planner Schultz responded that it was conceivable to do so, as long as it complied with Medina regulations. Council Member Morgan inquired whether it was legal to require a family connection by marriage for those living within a Medina residence. City Attorney Wines replied that boarding houses were not allowed under the code. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Mayor Becker opened the meeting to the audience for non -agenda items. Allison Jackson, 7633 NE 14th Street, followed up on Dr. Rudolph's comments, noting that she was on the ECAN Steering Committee, and had been heavily involved in the flight traffic issue. She thanked the Council for being as involved as they had been throughout the process and for showing their commitment in attempting to find a resolution to the problem. Ms. Jackson was of the opinion that the Council's efforts had impacted the process in a positive fashion. She continued that thanks to Dr. Rudolph's efforts over the years, as well as with the assistance of ECAN, they had made some positive strides in the process. Ms. Jackson noted that a year ago, the Port of Seattle would not even consider the Duwamish alternative; however, the Citizens' Advisory Committee had prevailed, and now the Duwamish alternative was part of the resolution in attempting to place all the SUMA traffic over the Duwamish. She pointed out that if the Port were able to obtain FAA concurrence, this would mean 100 fewer planes flying over Medina on north flow days. Ms. Jackson requested that the Council appoint a liaison to the Port of Seattle, in order to demonstrate to both the Port and to our citizens that the City was committed to a resolution of this problem. She emphasized that deletion of the resolution final sentence by the Port Commission at the last minute basically absolved them from further responsibility if the Duwamish proposal did not take place. Ms. Jackson reported that the Port Commissioners had indicated to her prior to their vote that the Sea Tac staff had a strong bias toward concentration of noise. Therefore, she believed a Council liaison was necessary to demonstrate that the City was serious about preserving the quality of life in their neighborhood, and that the Council intended to do everything possible to decrease the concentration of over flights. Ms. Jackson pointed out that being involved with the jet issue was a way of preserving the quality of life in Medina. Mayor Becker indicated that the jet noise issue would probably be discussed in this meeting's Executive Session. Council Member Morgan added that the Council's failure to respond was not due to lack of commitment, but rather to pending legal issues. ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS Ordinance No. 653 — AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PORTIONS OF CHAPTER 8.12 OF THE MEDINA MUNICIPAL CODE, DEALING WITH FALSE ALARMS, TO CHANGE THE TITLE AND PURPOSE OF THE CHAPTER, TO REVISE THE CIVIL PENALTIES, WRITTEN REPORTS AND CORRECTIVE ACTIONS AND TO ALLOW THE CITY MANAGER TO DELEGATE AUTHORITY Council Member Demitriades moved, seconded by Council Member Cohen, to approve Ordinance 653. Council Member Lawrence asked City Attorney Wines about mitigating circumstances allowing the City Manager to reduce the penalty. City Attorney Wines responded that it was the same with traffic tickets that went to court, whereby the judge reduced the fines for some people, and not for others. He added that the language put the City Manager or his delegate in a difficult position because everyone would believe that they were innocent and should not pay a fine; however, the City Council Meeting July 10, 2000 Page 7 language also permitted the City to do the same thing that a judge could do. The vote was unanimous to adopt Ordinance No. 653. Ordinance No. 694 — AN ORDINANCE AMENDING MEDINA MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 11.04.010 ADOPTING TITLE 11 OF THE MERCER ISLAND MUNICIPAL CODE, "HARBORS", TO INCLUDE REVISIONS TO TITLE 11 ADOPTED BY MERCER ISLAND JUNE 5 2000 City Manager Schulze explained that Ordinance No. 694 was an administrative amendment that did not change the marine regulations. He indicated that Medina contracted with the City of Mercer Island Marine Patrol for marine code enforcement. City Manager Schulze continued that when the Mercer Island contract was originally signed, one of the agreements had been that for consistency purposes, Medina would maintain the same ordinances as the City of Mercer Island. He explained that the State Legislature had reorganized some RCW titles and part of Mercer Island's code adopted the RCW by reference. Therefore, since the title had changed by Legislative action, Ordinance No. 694 simply changed the reference to the correct title related to regulation of recreational vessels. Council Member Cohen moved, seconded by Council Member Demitriades, to approve Ordinance No. 694. The motion carried unanimously. Ordinance No. 695 — BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR PUBLIC WORKS VEHICLE City Manager Schulze explained that Ordinance No. 695 had changed from a public works vehicle to a couple of other issues for Council consideration. He recalled that during the June Study Session, the Council had voted by consensus to move the public works vehicle ordinance forward, based upon the Public Works Superintendent obtaining some quotes, and a maximum purchase price to be included in that amendment. City Manager Schulze reported that the second item of the budget amendment was a bond redemption issue. He stated that the City had prepaid the bonds in 1999, saving four years of interest payments, and that after payment of the bonds, a fund balance of $4,690.01 remained. He suggested that this fund be closed and transferred to the equipment replacement fund. City Manager Schulze indicated that the final element of the budget amendment was the labor agreement costs that the Council had approved during the consent agenda for the public works office and clerical employees. He pointed out that the increase in wages and benefits for the year 2000 was, $54,240. Council Member Morgan moved, seconded by Council Member Demitriades, to approve Ordinance No. 695. Council Member Lawrence inquired about the math outlined in Ordinance No. 695. City Manager Schulze explained that the each fund had to balance, and the state auditor had requested the City to set up the projected expenditure matrix in order to track whether or not the Council had approved the new expenditure. Council Member Demitriades inquired about the zeroing out of the street fund and the reserve fund. City Manager Schulze responded that it was a previous version, and that he would print a new copy. He noted that neither the street fund nor the reserve fund would be impacted by this budget amendment. Council Member Morgan amended his first suggestion for approval of Ordinance No. 695, seconded by Council Member Demitriades, that fund numbers 101 and 102 be deleted from the final version of Ordinance No. 695, and that the City Manager be authorized to make the appropriate adjustments. The vote was unanimous for passage of Ordinance No. 695 as amended. City Council Meeting July 10, 2000 Page 8 Resolution No. 272 — 2001 Six Year CIP/TIP Council Member Morgan explained that the Public Works Committee had recommended approval of projects for the CIP, with a couple of adjustments. He continued that that Overlake Drive East, Phase 4 would need to be moved up, because it was in worse shape than Overlake Drive East Phase Three. Council Member Morgan also expressed concerned about the rapidly deteriorating condition of NE 32"d Street. He asked Engineering Consultant Kevin Goss if it had been inspected recently. Mr. Goss responded negatively. Council Member Morgan emphasized that the Council was only approving the year 2001 at this time, and that the recommendations for the out years were not yet final, and would need adjustments. Mayor Becker added that the Council packet contained a memo from Greg Hill expressing concern about the scheduling of street overlays. He explained that the thought had been if the Council was reviewing a project in particular and it was not in at least a condition 4, it would not make sense to move forward with the project for that particular year, until the condition became worse. Mayor Becker emphasized that projects in need of street overlay should be repaired. City Manager Schulze explained that the issue of street overlay with a pavement rating of 1 or 2 was not a concern. He continued that that based on the rate of deterioration, a pavement rating of 3 might be at a point where it could result in some financial impact to the City if repairs were delayed. Council Member Morgan emphasized that when the controlling emphasis was pavement management, the City did not just automatically schedule street overlays, unless there was something else driving the project. City Manager Schulze added that at this point, the 2001 Six -Year CIP/TIP was a planning instrument, rather than a budgeting tool. Council Member Morgan moved, seconded by Council Member Odermat, to approve Resolution No. 272. City Manager Schulze clarified that the intent of the resolution had been to address the paving issue, and that the last resolution of this ordinance might create problems in the future if the intent was for only repaving projects that did not involve other work. Mayor Becker suggested amending the motion to insert the word "projects" and deleting "of city streets" in the penultimate paragraph of Resolution No. 272, so that it would read as follows: "FURTHER RESOLVED THAT IT IS THE POLICY OF THE City Council not to proceed with repaving projects unless the paving has deteriorated to the level of a Grade 4 as measured by Washington State Department of Transportation standards." Council Member Preston moved, seconded by Council Member Odermat, to amend Council Member Morgan's motion, as suggested by Mayor Becker. The motion carried unanimously. DISCUSSION Resident Survey for Medina Days Council Member Demitriades announced that he had tested the sample resident survey for Medina Days with two of his neighbors, and concluded that it was too long. He was of the opinion that citizens would prefer to focus on three to four items on one page. Council Member Demitriades suggested reducing the number of questions to one page. He pointed out that residents liked the format of four topical questions and one open-ended one. Council Member Demitriades also indicated that Medina citizens gave kudos to the monthly newsletter. He relayed a suggestion that the Medina website should be added to the return address. Council Member Demitriades also suggested that for greater clarity, the dimensions of "support", "undecided", "agree" and "disagree" be added to the survey. Council Member Morgan added that City Council Meeting July 10, 2000 Page 9 four categories of agreement would make it easier to prioritize the rankings. He recommended that the questions be grouped and that each group should begin with a statement about the Council's current policy. Council Member Morgan distributed a second draft of the Medina resident opinion survey, which had incorporated and regrouped the City Manager's suggested questions, and had been reduced to one page. He noted that the construction parking issue had been eliminated from the resident survey. Council Member Odermat commented that the she had heard the suggested number of additional flights with the addition of a third runway at Sea-Tac being 40 percent, rather than 30 percent. Council Member Demitriades expressed concern about the question regarding the coming expansion of SR-520 being the first question in the survey. Council Member Preston agreed with Council Member Demitriades, adding that he thought the Comprehensive Plan should be the first survey question. Following discussion, the consensus was to list the resident survey questions in the following order: 1. Comprehensive Plan 2. Construction Activity 3. Impact of SR-520 Expansion 4. Jet Noise Council Member Demitriades suggested that residents be furnished with an "I took the survey" button after completing the questionnaire. City Planner Schultz added that completing the survey should be an enjoyable activity. She suggested that those participating in the survey planning process should meet regarding coordination of the booth. City Manager Schulze commented that former City Clerk Kris Finnigan had ordered some lapel pins, which should arrive before Medina Days. Council Member Lawrence commented that cut -through traffic and 1-520 were separate issues, and should therefore be listed as separate questions. He also was of the opinion that the comments, "The Parks should be maintained as they currently exist", and "The Parks should be more "manicured" were redundant statements. Council Member Lawrence also had the same comments for the statements of "Paved sidewalks should be installed throughout the city", and "Paved sidewalks should be limited to main arterial streets". Mayor Becker explained that paved sidewalks installed throughout the city virtually meant every street, versus the major arterials such as Evergreen Point Road. Mayor Becker continued that park maintenance and manicured parks were also separate issues, and that there had been discussion back and forth on this subject. Council Member Lawrence queried about the possibility of receiving answers that could be very expensive to implement. Mayor Becker responded that this would become part of the priorities list as the Council reviewed projects later. Council Member Morgan commented that installing sidewalks would be a very expensive endeavor. He thought the cost question was too inexact, and that the first step was to determine the wishes of the citizens, and after that, the Council could tackle the money issue. Council Member Lawrence agreed that it was difficult to make any real decisions without financial information, but it could be helpful in terms of prioritization. Council Member Preston suggested that the questions could be phrased regarding where the citizens would rather the City spend its money, i.e., sidewalks, parks, ditches, etc. Council Member Morgan recommended that citizens be reminded that they should keep in mind that any improvements came with attached expenses. Council Member Cohen suggested that the items be numbered in order of priority. Council Member Odermat was of the opinion that billboards might solve the dilemma, with questions attached as to agreement or disagreement, and a comment line at the end. Council Member Morgan thought multiple clipboards with questions City Council Meeting July 10, 2000 Page 10 attached might be an efficient way of handling the survey. It was suggested that a newsletter article might be a way of alerting to Medina citizens ahead of time, so that they would have time to think about it. City Manager Schultz suggested that the utilities question be rephrased to begin, "Existing and future utilities", as opposed to "Existing utilities", in order to make it more understandable. Council Retreat Mayor Becker announced that he had suggested that the City Manager delay the retreat until early September, due to the priorities that would emerge as a result of the citizen survey. A delay would also allow Council Members to speak individually with Facilitator Michael Pendleton regarding concerns and agenda items before the retreat. All but one Council Member indicated their availability at 4:00 p.m. on August 21 for the retreat, and the remaining person promised to respond as soon as possible. City Involvement in Trans -Lake Washington Project EIS Public Meeting on July 19, 2000 Council Member Demitriades announced that a community meeting would be held at Medina Elementary on July 19 for the Trans Lake Washington Project EIS. Medina would add some City exhibits to the static exhibits on display at the July 19 public meeting at Medina Elementary. He noted that Medina would add some static exhibits, and suggested that the Fairweather Nature Preserve, the stream project and the parks be included. Council Member Demitriades continued that several members had agreed to give position papers that would also be released to the press. He noted that representatives from Clyde Hill and from Hunts Point would also furnish presentation material as well. Council Member Demitriades continued that these position papers could serve as bench marks so that if the City decided to take action at a future time, the City would have already given due notice. City Attorney Wines indicated that this would be a good way of announcing the City's position to the public. Following discussion, Council Members agreed to involve Consultant Mary Ann Bichsel with the City's presentations. NEW BUSINESS Air Quality Council Member Morgan inquired when would be the earliest possible date to meet with the air quality representatives. City Manager Schulze responded that he would need availability dates. Council Member Demitriades interjected that he would like to be included in this meeting that should be scheduled as soon as possible. Suburban Cities Questionnaire City Manager Schulze announced that the ESA Compliance/Response and Watershed Planning Questionnaire, contained in the Council packets, had been distributed two weeks prior by the Suburban Cities staff at an ESA meeting. 1. City Manager Schulze noted that the Suburban Cities Association was looking for a commitment and consensus from city councils regarding their position. City Manager Schulze suggested that the Council take a position of full compliance with the 4(d) Rule, unless they received other information during the time frame from the present to making ESA decisions. 2. City Manager Schulze believed that Medina was at a level of five to six on the continuum of ESA compliance and the City's level of understanding and ability to respond. 3. With regard to the Tri-County "planks", City Manager Schulze suggested that the City check the Road Best Management Practices, Storm Water Management and Land Development City Council Meeting July 10, 2000 Page 11 Regulations as those areas that the City would make an effort to address concerning complaint areas. 4. City Manager Schulze also recommended that the City should address the watershed planning level of effort at three to four. He noted that the federal government would be involved in protecting their interest in establishing the criteria, and the City would be responsible as to whether or not they had met those standards. 5. City Manager Schulze announced that he had not responded to the fifth question regarding whether or not the City was willing to pay for the additional staffing that may be required for the continuing Watershed Forums, because the more important issue was related to the governing body of the Watershed Resource Inventory Area, how it would be structured, and how cities were going to pay for it. 6. With regard to the concept of not wanting any more levels of government than would be absolutely necessary, City Manager Schulze was in agreement with this concept, which was also the consensus of the Council. 7. The Council was in agreement with the City being prepared to seriously discuss the need for a regional funding mechanism for all watershed implementation and projects, including fish habitat, water quality and flooding projects. City Manager Schulze cautioned that the flooding projects might go beyond the present issues. 8. The Council agreed by consensus that the primary funding responsibility for capital projects was with the State and Federal governments for fish habitat, water quality and flooding. They also agreed that the City's first priority was to seek grants or other funding from those entities. 9. Council Members were in accord with the statement that, "We are seriously concerned about the scope of activities being attributed to the WRIA Steering Committee. Any Interlocal contract should clearly address the relationship of the City's jurisdictions to that stakeholder effort." 10. City Manager Schulze noted that he had checked the second option stressing early action projects consistent with habitat restoration when addressing ESA compliance and the Interlocal agreements between the cities and county. 11. City Manager Schulze indicated that he had checked three on the survey continuum regarding the City's response to the contract terms that were attached to the questionnaire. 12. City Manager Schulze was of the opinion that since the City was dealing with such a technical issue, having one elected official from each participating jurisdiction could result in a tendency to lose the technical decision -making, and it could become more of a political process. He thought that in some cases, city councils might be left out of the decision making as a result. City Manager Schulze suggested that the comments section suggest that a structure similar to that of ARCH be considered, whereby the housing professionals make recommendations to each city council, which would have to give approval as part of the Interlocal agreement. City Manager Schulze was also concerned about the issue of voting, pointing out that it was based upon population, and ignored and the whole issue of waterfront and streams within a City Council Meeting July 10, 2000 Page 12 particular municipality. He suggested that any time the voting structure based upon population became an issue, Medina should object to it on principle. 13. City Manager Schulze suggested that the fiscal agent should be a consultant or other separate entity. 14. With regard to the largest hindrance to Medina's willingness to enter into an Interlocal contract for forum/WRIA efforts, City Manager Schulze suggested "other", noting the same concerns as those expressed in question number 12. Mayor Becker added that one of the concerns expressed by the Association of Washington Cities was cost. City Manager Schulze pointed out that if the governing structure and the voting methods were addressed, costs would be controlled by the various city councils. Council Member Demitriades asked about the future of the Tri-County Plan. Mayor Becker responded that the reason for the survey was that Suburban Cities Association believed that the Tri- County Plan might not address the major concerns of the involved cities. He continued that the survey results could provide such documentation to King County. City Manager Schulze added that the County staff had been relaying that staff members were opposed to the Tri-County Plan, but the city elected officials were in favor of it. Council Member Demitriades suggested that an overall comment be inserted indicating that elected officials would prefer a forum other than the Tri-County Executive Committee to conduct negotiations with the National Marine Fisheries Service. City Manager Schulze recommended that this comment be the City's response to question number 15. EXECUTIVE SESSION At 9:15 p.m. and under authority of RCW 42.30.140 4 (b), an Executive Session was held for the purpose of discussion of disposition of property. By unanimous consensus, Council members closed the Executive Session at 10:20 p.m. ADJOURNMENT At 10:20 p.m., the Council reconvened the Regular Session. Council Member Cohen moved to adjourn the July Regular City Council meeting, seconded by Council Member Lawrence. All were in favor, and the meeting was adjourned at 10:20 p.m. Danie . Becker, Mayor Attest: Caroll P. Wedlund, Interim City Clerk