Councilmembers present: Carolyn Armanini, Dwight Thompson, Mary Jane Goss, Nate Herzog, Roger Olstad, Ed Sterner

Councilmember excused: Alan Kiest

Staff Present: David R. Hutchinson, Mayor; Douglas Jacobson, City Administrator; Michael Ruark, City Attorney, Dennis Peterson, Police Chief; John Hawley, Finance Director; Sarah Phillips, Government & Community Relations Coordinator; Ty Peterson, City Planner; Susan Stine, City Clerk; Evelyn Jahed, Deputy City Clerk

Others present: 18 visitors

Mayor Hutchinson called the regular meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.

Judy Bevington, 3542 NE 187^th St., said she has lived in Lake Forest Park for 33 years and that she is in favor of both active and passive parks, including the interim city hall property. Her main reason is to protect endangered species and said the opportunity is now.

Bill Currie, 3311 NE 181^st St., noted that at the annual dessert night in his neighborhood, the topic of discussion was the annual property assessment notices which averaged out to be approximately a 25 percent increase. He said that the general feeling is that open space is nice, but the cost can be a burden to retired citizens on fixed incomes. He urged the city to consider a more modest proposal.

In response to a question from Olstad, Currie said that citizens should be allowed to vote on two bond measures.

Don Johnson, 19876 47^th Ave NE, said he has lived here since 1972 and that he is in favor of acquiring more park properties. He said there have been problems at Horizon View Park, and he would like to see parks used for lots of fun rather than for organized sports.

Donald Born, 3715 NE 162^nd Street, said the funding issue should be presented separately for open space and parks and for the interim city hall property so voters have the right to choose which they would like to fund.

Roger Loschen, 3742 NE 187^th St., urged council to show strong leadership on this matter and to be a council that will leave a legacy for our children and our grandchildren. He urged council to put the entire package to a vote.

Julian Andersen, 3377 NE 178^th, congratulated the local government committee members on their work and urged council to put the measure on the ballot. He stated that open space acquisition is very important and that splitting the issues may not work. He urged the council to present one complete package to the voters.

Allison Reagan, 17360 Beach Drive NE, said she had a question on Ordinance 824/Parking Regulations, and Hutchinson noted that comments will be taken on the local government committee report at this time. He stated that she could comment on Ordinance 824 later in the meeting.

Rockwell Moulten, 17226 30^th Avenue NE, stated his interest in the Hillside properties. He said that if we want to preserve open space, voters should be given the opportunity to vote for it as one issue.

Janice Eisenman, 16727 32^nd Avenue NE, said she would like to see this matter put to the voters as one measure.

Mamie Bolender, 16730 32^nd Place NE, Parks and Recreation Commission chair, noted that an emergency meeting was held by the Parks and Recreation Commission at which different options regarding open space were presented. The consensus of the commission was that the interim city hall is a very important asset for our city, and the entire package should be presented to voters as one measure.

Doug Mitchell, 16910 26^th Ave. NE, representing the Stewardship Foundation, noted the percentages of land set aside for parks in other communities, and he said Lake Forest Park does not compare well to other cities. He said the two recommendations should be combined in one bond measure and presented to the voters. He noted that Seattle will have a parks bond measure on the November ballot which could benefit the Lake Forest Park measure.

Raj Manhas, 4016 NE 204^th St., Parks and Recreation Commissioner, said that members of the commission were polled and over half of the admittedly small sample said that they were willing to spend up to $300 per year for parks and open space.

Liane Newman, 16715 32^nd Pl. NE, noted her attendance at a meeting held in Mercer Island’s community center and discussed how the interim city hall site could be used in the same way. She said that the bond measure is needed to help save the salmon.

Jean Reid, 16910 26^th Ave. NE, noted that Lake Forest Park voters did not support I-695. She said that the parks and open space bond would enrich the community. She believes the council should prepare one bond measure for the November ballot.

Yuichi Shoda, 36^th Ave. NE, said he believes that the opportunity to support a bond measure for parks and open space would provide citizens with a mission and an opportunity to work together. He expressed his concern regarding the use of a mechanical formula to calculate the cost for property owners, and he encouraged council to find ways to make such an assessment equitable for those unable to afford additional taxes.

Carol Dahl, 14828 39^th Ave. NE., member of the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Stewardship Foundation, said she is a very strong supporter of parks and open space and believes there is a need for a community center. She noted the need for neighborhood parks and the need to preserve open space as a legacy for our children. She stated that city leaders have a responsibility to put this issue on the ballot and to let the citizens decide.

There being no further comments, the public comment was closed at 8:37 p.m.

A five-minute recess was called for at 8:38 p.m.

The meeting was resumed at 8:49 p.m.

He reported that Picnic in the Park is July 29 and 30 and encouraged everyone to join this celebration. He noted his attendance at meetings of the proposed waste treatment plant site selection committee and the Suburban Cities Board. He noted that the city’s new prosecuting attorney Sarah Roberts will begin work on July 31.

Goss requested that Ordinance 701 be added under new business for discussion.

There being no objection, the agenda was accepted as amended.

Thompson moved to approve the consent calendar as follows:

1. July 6, 2000 Council Special Meeting Minutes
2. July 27, 2000 Finance Committee Report covering Warrant Nos. 37727 through 37791 in the amount of $57,132.59 drawn from the Claims Clearing Fund and Warrant Nos. 19373 through 19435 in the amount of $98,455.37 drawn from the Payroll Clearing Fund.
3. Approve Hearing Examiner Recommendation/Animal Acres Park Conditional Use Permit

Thompson moved to advance the following items to the second reading calendar:

1. Authorize Mayor to Sign/Contract with Allied Credit Collection Services,
2. Authorize Mayor to Sign/Professional Services Agreement with Steve Gaidos for Financial Services Consulting,
3. Ordinance 825/Establishing Terms of Appointment for City Attorney and Prosecuting Attorney, and
4. Ordinance 826/Placing Judge Pro Tem Appointment Powers in Office of Presiding Judge.

Finance Director John Hawley said that the proposed ordinance amends the 2000 budget to address the impact on revenue and expenditure for the purchase of police vehicles.

Thompson moved to advance Ordinance 821 to final action calendar.

Hawley said the proposed ordinance amends the 2000 budget and the resolution authorizes an interfund loan for the current year’s expenditures for the city hall project.

Armanini moved to advance Ordinance 822 and Resolution 596 to final action calendar.

Hawley said that Ordinance 823 addresses repayment of interfund loans.

Thompson said that he would like to pay off the entire amount of current interfund loans rather than continue to make partial payments. He said he would like to retire those loans in preparation for the 2001 budget process. He noted that a new loan could be approved if necessary.

Sterner said he was in favor of paying off these loans and noted that this will provide a more realistic view of the city’s finances.

In response to a question from Armanini, Hawley said he believes the city should pay off these loans now since the city has the funds to do so.

Thompson moved to amend Ordinance 823 to authorize full payment of the interfund loans in the amount of $170,913.

Staff was instructed to prepare an amended ordinance reflecting this action.

Thompson moved to place Ordinance 823 as amended on final action calendar.

Jacobson said they would like to start soliciting applications for new tenants for the Lyon Creek property and asked council for their approval to proceed.

Herzog moved to amend the handwritten addendum to the agreement as follows:

"Gate Lock/Unlock 30 15 hours"

Herzog requested that the addendum be updated to reflect a total of 45 hours and that this amendment be reflected on Page 3, Line 1 of the July 13, 2000 park residence agreement.

Goss discussed her experience with rental agreements and expectations regarding light maintenance.

Goss moved to amend the handwritten addendum as follows:

"Light maintenance 15 7 hours

Landscape maintenance 15 7 hours"

Thompson seconded.

In response to a question from Sterner, Jacobson discussed the intent of the requirements of the agreement.

Thompson spoke in reference to Cmbr. Sterner’s comments with respect to locking and unlocking the gate when the property is not yet open to the public. Jacobson said the intent to establish these lease requirements from the beginning.

Thompson moved to amend the addendum to the agreement as follows:

"Gate Lock/Unlock 15 hours"

after property is open for public use

Thompson moved to advance the Caretaker’s Agreement as amended to final action calendar.

Goss moved to amend the agreement as follows:

Page 2, line 10: "…for such painting including color is first obtained from the Director of Public Services."

Goss said she had requested that this ordinance be prepared so that citizens would have a mechanism for addressing parking in the right of way. She asked councilmembers for their support of this ordinance.

City Attorney Ruark explained that in response to a request by Cmbr. Goss, he had prepared a draft ordinance for council consideration and discussed amendments made in the ordinance.

In response to Armanini, Police Chief Dennis Peterson said this ordinance serves as a tool for enforcing parking regulations. Peterson said the 72-hour limit is standard according to their research. He said officers would work to notify owners prior to tagging a vehicle.

In response to a question from Armanini, Allison Reagan said her question regarding Ordinance 824 has been answered.

Thompson moved to place Ordinance 824 on final action calendar.

Armanini noted that her concern with this ordinance is the 72-hour limit.

Armanini said she has reviewed the five-year projections for the capital improvement program and said she would be in favor of reducing the size of the bond and using real estate excise tax for park development. She said she had some concerns with the annual operation and maintenance (O&M) cost estimates for the interim city hall site. She expressed her appreciation of the citizens’ comments and sees the value of putting the entire package before the voters.

Sterner said he has been wrestling with the issue of one or two bond measures. He expressed concern that placing one bond measure before the voters might be risky, and the opportunity could be lost. He said he is leaning toward an interim city hall property bond measure and a park system bond measure.

In response to a question from Thompson, Sterner said he believes supporters of the one ballot measure concept should support each others’ measure if the issues are separated on the ballot.

Thompson said he understands that how this is presented on the ballot is clearly political, and he would like a firm commitment from citizens who are willing to work in support of the one-bond approach. He said he needs more information regarding maintenance and programming for the interim city hall site.

In response to a question from Thompson, Ruark discussed the ballot title, noting limitations and requirements. He also noted that it cannot be written until a decision is made.

Olstad said as a member on the Local Government Committee he had supported the committee’s recommendations for separate bond issues because they were very different. He noted however that the public comments may persuade him otherwise. He noted that one inclusive bond measure might reduce its chances for passage. He said information on operation and maintenance of the interim city hall site will be necessary.

Herzog said the council is responsible to make the best decision for the city regarding this issue. With regard to the interim city hall site, he believes that it is not a good location and does not feel the city can afford it. He said he will not support any bond measure that includes the interim city hall property; however, he said he will support a parks and open space bond measure if it is financially responsible.

Goss said that citizens noted the need for a community center. She said she does not believe that opportunities will disappear if the open space bond does not happen now, and she would like to see the two issues presented separately. She expressed appreciation for citizens’ involvement on this issue.

Thompson said a compromise may be required regarding how this is presented to voters. He said that the Parks and Recreation Commission recognizes the importance of the interim city hall site.

Armanini said she appreciates the comments of other councilmembers. Armanini said the council has the option of repackaging a bond measure if it does not pass in November.

Sterner said he believes that putting it all together in one ballot measure may magnify the probability that itwill not pass. He said he would not be able to support a ballot measure that included the interim city hall site.

In response to a question from Hutchinson, Armanini said council needs more information regarding the operation and maintenance costs for the interim city hall site.

In response to comments from Thompson, Hutchinson said he believes that renting space in the interim city hall would reduce its use as a community center.

In response to questions from councilmembers, Ruark discussed requirements for preparation and adoption of a bond resolution.

Councilmembers agreed that the city attorney should contact the bond counsel and request that resolutions be prepared to reflect the three options under consideration.

Jacobson said that the council is being asked to provide direction to the architect regarding the programming and space needs for the new city hall; however, the drawings do not represent a final and binding design plan.

Armanini expressed concern regarding the space limitations of the site. Councilmembers discussed aspects of the preliminary design as shown in the program document.

Olstad moved to advance this item to final action calendar.

Armanini moved to advance the following items to final action calendar:

1. Authorize Mayor to Sign/Contract with Allied Credit Collection Services,
2. Authorize Mayor to Sign/Professional Services Agreement with Steve Gaidos for Financial Services Consulting,
3. Ordinance 825/Establishing Terms of Appointment for City Attorney and Prosecuting Attorney,
4. Ordinance 826/Placing Judge Pro Tem Appointment Powers in Office of Presiding Judge

Thompson requested that the Lyon Creek property caretaker agreement be pulled from the final action calendar.

Armanini requested that Ordinance 824/Relating to Parking Regulations be acted on separately.

Thompson moved to adopt the items listed below:

1. Ordinance 821/Amending 2000 Budget, Relating to Purchase of Three Police Vehicles
2. Ordinance 822/Amending 2000 Budget, Relating to Construction Fund Loan and
3. Resolution 596/Authorizing Interfund Loan
4. Ordinance 823/Amending 2000 Budget, Providing for Repayment of Interfund Loan
5. Authorize Mayor to Sign/Contract with Allied Credit Collection Services
6. Authorize Mayor to Sign/Professional Services Agreement with Steve Gaidos for Financial Services Consulting
7. Ordinance 825/Establishing Terms of Appointment for City Attorney and Prosecuting Attorney
8. Ordinance 826/Placing Judge Pro Tem Appointment Powers in Office of Presiding Judge

Thompson moved to suspend the rules and to amend the Lyon Creek waterfront caretaker agreement as follows:

Page 5, line 25: "Utilities. Charges to Tenant for water, sewer, furnace oil, and electrical utility fees…"

Armanini offered a friendly amendment as follows:

Page 5, line 25: "Utilities. Charges to Tenant for water, sewer, furnace oil, and electrical utility fees are included in Tenant’s monthly rent and the City shall be the responsibility party for payment of the water, sewer, furnace oil, and electrical utility fees Tenant shall pay all utility fees except water and garbage utility fees."

Thompson moved to authorize the Mayor to proceed and to approve the Lyon Creek Property Caretaker Agreement as amended.

Goss moved to adopt Ordinance 824/Relating to Parking Regulations.

Armanini said she will vote against this ordinance because of the 72-hour time limit.

Police Chief Peterson reported on his first week at Lake Forest Park and said he is meeting with each member of the department. He walked through the Towne Centre and met the merchants. He noted business owners are pleased that city hall will be coming back to the Towne Centre. He said officers are interested in re-establishing the bike patrol at the Towne Centre and on the Burke Gilman Trail.

Goss expressed her concern regarding the appointment process for the Parks and Recreation Commission chair and questioned whether it was done in accordance with Ordinance 701.

Thompson requested a report from the mayor in the fall regarding attendance at commission meetings.

Olstad requested that the issue of public art be discussed at the August 10, 20000 council meeting.

There being no objection, the meeting was adjourned at 11:28 p.m.

Susan Stine, City Clerk

APPROVED:

David R. Hutchinson, Mayor

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