Edmonds City Council Regular Meeting - March 4, 2026

The Edmonds City Council met on March 4, 2026, starting at 6:00 PM and concluding after an executive session at 10:25 PM. The meeting included presentations, a public hearing, extensive discussion on the Lynnwood Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade, and action on an odor control contract.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from previous meetings (February 23, 24, and 24 regular).
• Approved claim checks and wire payments from February 25-26, 2026.
• Approved second reading of ordinance amending authorized employee positions (FTE changes).

Presentations

• Mayor's Finance Update: January 2026 revenues exceeded projections: sales tax up $25,449, property tax up $2,672, and development-related revenues up $23,591 – a combined positive variance of $51,712.
• Hearing Examiner Annual Report: Hearing Examiner Olbricks presented cases from 2025, including:
  • A landmark tree violation (Redelfs) where a $102,000 fine was reduced to $20,000 due to extraordinary circumstances – the owner relied on a contractor's inaccurate statement and had no economic benefit from removal. Councilmembers expressed concern about environmental value and contractor accountability.
  • A unit lot subdivision appeal where the state requirement for a public hearing was criticized as misleading because building permits were already issued.
  • A SEPA appeal concerning Bernhoff Creek bypass and railroad safety – appeal sustained on railroad risk grounds; fish habitat claim denied.
  • A conservation plan subdivision that achieved 71% tree retention via city incentives.
  • A notice of violation for stairs/boathouse built without permits – the owner agreed to remove them.
  • Councilmember Olson noted the unit lot subdivision case highlighted a need for process improvements to avoid futile public hearings.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Multiple residents (Tim Amon, Jeff Flowers, Mandana Baniani, John, Bob, Steve Fisher, Bruce, Lori Dressler, Stephanie McLaughlin, James Weiss, Ken Reedy) spoke against the Lynnwood Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion, citing concerns about odor, property value, health (clusters of illness near the plant), traffic, noise, lack of community notification, and the use of eminent domain. Many urged relocating the plant or conducting a full environmental impact statement. Bob stated that 50% of neighbors he canvassed had no knowledge of the project.
• Rachel Potts accused an Edmonds City Council member of cyberbullying after she declined a campaign call; she reported the incident to police and requested council action.
• Ken Reedy criticized the Hearing Examiner system, alleging lack of independence, record integrity, and accountability, and requested a new ordinance and comparative analysis.

Public Hearing: Deer Creek CARA Moratorium

• Director Cluxton confirmed the six-month moratorium (Ordinance 4430) on permit applications triggering stormwater management in the Deer Creek Critical Aquifer Recharge Area. No public testimony was offered, either in person or remotely. Council discussed: some residents have been impacted (expansion plans delayed), but staff noted the moratorium is required for PFAS/stormwater study. The city attorney indicated low litigation risk. Council directed staff to expedite the study and report back if earlier completion is possible.

Discussion Items

• Update on City of Lynnwood Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade (Item 10.1):
  • Lynnwood Public Works Director Jared Bond, plant manager Asan Shirkani, and supervisor Tanner Boyle presented the project history, need (aging infrastructure, incinerator failures, regulatory requirements), and alternatives. The current preferred alternative is upgrading the existing site (estimated $208 million in 2021 dollars) vs. new location ($250–400M) or connecting to King County Metro ($340M).
  • They acknowledged past EPA violations for air emissions (incinerator) but stated compliance was achieved by 2023. Community outreach included postcards to a half-mile radius, tours, and meetings, though many residents said they were not contacted.
  • Two properties were acquired voluntarily (not eminent domain) for $1.2M plus relocation costs, to mitigate space constraints. No further acquisitions are planned.
  • Edmonds Public Works Director Andy Reum emphasized that 7,000 Edmonds residents rely on this plant, and if Lynnwood relocated, Edmonds would have to build its own plant – possibly costlier.
  • Councilmembers raised questions about population projections (2040 vs. 2050), climate resilience (sea level rise), cost allocation for Edmonds, construction impacts on neighborhoods (truck routes, staging), and the upcoming SEPA review for the construction phase (expected in 2027). Lynnwood committed to re-evaluating alternatives and sharing results.
• Award Construction Contract for Odor Control Enclosure and Air Scrubber (Item 10.2):
  • Two contracts totaling $287,353 (Engineering Services & Products Co. – $211,503.12; Netwerra Corp Inc. – $75,849.43) to control odors at the Edmonds Wastewater Treatment Plant. The motion was initially made with incorrect amounts from an older packet, then amended to the correct figures. Approved unanimously.
  • Council noted this is a necessary investment to address neighborhood odor complaints and will be used long-term.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved unanimously.
• Deer Creek CARA moratorium retained for six months; staff to provide updates on study progress.
• City Council will continue to monitor Lynnwood WTP upgrade, with Edmonds staff now actively involved in planning and BODR (Basis of Design Report) process.
• Odor control contract awarded (amended vote: unanimous).
• Council will consider a resolution supporting Edmonds residents near the Lynnwood WTP, as requested by a resident.
• Executive session held (30 minutes) to discuss litigation with legal counsel under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i).
• Council comments included updates from Councilmember Nand on new SNOCOM and emergency communications board appointments.