City amends codes

Rebecca Lind, planning director, brought several zoning amendments before Stanwood City Council at last Thursday night’s meeting, all of which passed unanimously.

Lind’s first ordinance amended sight distance requirements at intersections, unifying two regulations for keeping a clear sight triangle — one in the city’s landscape code and one in the public works standards. The new ordinance adheres to the public works standard, which bases the sight triangle on speed limits rather than distances.

Previously, the sight triangle ordinance was coupled with an encroachment permit and fee, but the planning department separated the two issues, creating a separate ordinance for each.

Lind introduced the amended encroachment ordinance second, which establishes a permit process for structures that use the city’s right of way. The permit’s purpose is to catalogue encroachments and uphold standards of maintenance, to be enforced on a complaint basis.

A $50 fee is attached to the permit, but all existing structures have a six-year window in which they can get the permit for free.

Next, Lind introduced an ordinance to amend code language regarding outdoor eating and drinking establishments and live entertainment.

The amended code allows outdoor eating spaces of any capacity as an accessory use of any restaurant that also has indoor seating, assuming all health codes and other regulations are followed.

The definition of “live entertainment” was expanded and added as an accessory use for schools and as an accessory or primary use for health clubs and gyms.

Lind also introduced an amendment to the definition of “community center” in zoning codes, adding classes and community gardens to the list of approved uses and striking the “not for profit” requirement.

The amended language also includes separate parking requirements for two sizes of buildings — those smaller than 15,000 square feet and those larger. It also introduces, for the first time, maximum parking standards, which Lind said some cities are gravitating toward.

Finally, MB1 zoning regulations were amended to include “community center” as an approved use.

Council members Timothy Loney and Leonard Kelley were absent and excused.

In other city council news:

• Stanwood Police Chief Ty Trenary recognized Peggy Girard for her outstanding service and dedication to the department and the community. Trenary said the recognition is only a small token of what Girard deserves, and doesn’t do her services justice.

• Jill Wubbenhorst, managing librarian at Stanwood Library, reported on library services in 2009. The library was opened for 303 days last year, for 56 hours per week, offering a range of services, including free wi-fi, to more than 5,000 registered borrowers in Stanwood, 9,300 in unincorporated Stanwood and 13,000 on Camano Island. The library logged 140,000 visits and saw 8,900 participants in special programs and events. Teen use has quadrupled since 2005. The community meeting room is available 67 hours a week and is booked 80 percent of the time.

• Council unanimously affirmed Mayor Dianne White’s appointment of Chaim Bezalel to the city’s planning commission for the remainder of 2010.

Bezalel said the short term is appropriate, and will give him a chance to learn a little about how the city functions.

“My policy is ‘Don’t volunteer too often, but try not to shirk,’” Bezalel said.

He added that his task, as explained to him by Lind, is to “keep my eyes on the details, my mind on the vision.”

• Council unanimously authorized White to enter a professional services contract with FCS Group for $69,904, to conduct a water and sewer rate study and charges update.

Cities generally conduct such studies every three years or so, to ensure charges are equitable and sufficient to fund future projects.

Andy Bullington, public works director, said it’s important that rates and debts are structured in such a way that future residents help pay for the infrastructure they rely on, and current residents don’t pay too much.

• Brian Goodnight, with Snohomish County, gave a brief overview of transportation benefit districts (TBD), which allow city or county municipalities to collect an annual vehicle fee of up to $20 per vehicle.

Currently, Edmonds is the only city in Snohomish County with a TBD.

Snohomish County is currently looking into the possibility of establishing a TBD. To do so, it must be put to a vote representing at least 75 percent of the population, and would need to pass by a 60 percent majority.

However, Goodnight said, residents can’t pay into a TBD twice.

For example, Edmonds’ residents would continue to pay only into Edmonds’ TBD, even if a countywide TBD is established.

• Bullington reported that water and sewer comprehensive plans are in draft form, and he is prepared to give council an overview.

• Council unanimously adopted an identity theft prevention program that will bring the city into compliance with the Federal Trade Commission’s Red Flag Rule, which is effective June 1.

• Council unanimously approved Jack Lyons to proceed with phase two of the fire services contract review, implementing a slightly modified scope of work.

• Council unanimously approved the allocation of $32,792 to replace fencing around the city’s retention pond at Emerald Glen on 72nd Avenue NW. The project had previously been budgeted for. Dimock Construction LLC will complete the work.

Staff Reporter Jeremiah O’Hagan: 629-8066 ext. 125 or ohagan@scnews. com.