Edmonds City Council Special Meeting - August 18, 2026

The Edmonds City Council held a special meeting on August 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM to address a public hearing on extending a development moratorium in the Deer Creek Critical Aquifer Recharge Area (CARA), and three council business items: an ordinance to extend the moratorium, a resolution of intent to annex part of the Esperance area, and an ordinance to expand automated traffic safety cameras to 24-hour operation in school zones. The meeting concluded at 12:57 PM.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ken Reedy (Edmonds resident): Urged the council to establish a clear due diligence framework with specific questions to be answered before declaring intent to annex Esperance Area 1, noting that the resolution does not bind the city but may create expectations.
• Jack Malik (Shoreline resident, realtor): Requested expedited consideration for a traffic impact fee of approximately $85,000–$110,000 on a lease at 471 Admiral Way (Port of Edmonds), arguing it would exclude small businesses. He stated he had already incurred $60,000–$90,000 in soft costs.
• Joe Scordino (Edmonds resident): Asked the council to return to publishing complete meeting minutes and to allow public comments at committee meetings for transparency.

Public Hearing: Extension of Deer Creek CARA Moratorium

Public testimony was taken on Ordinance 4430, which would extend the moratorium on permit applications requiring stormwater management in the Deer Creek CARA for an additional six months.

• Florim Booker: Expressed confusion about his permit (BLD 2026-0185), submitted before the moratorium, now blocked not by the moratorium but by the critical area code. He asked the city to identify the exact code provisions supporting the denial.
• John Brock (Woodway council member, EEC board): Proposed a CARA-specific materials management standard based on best available science, focusing on source control for materials with a credible pathway to groundwater, rather than a general building material regulation. He asked the council to direct staff to evaluate this approach.
• Ken Reedy: Raised questions about the PFAS study scope, additional analysis since the moratorium began, consideration of a range of protection approaches, a gap between current and proposed moratorium effective dates, and the drafting of the ordinance findings. He requested public access to the completed study.
• Joe Scordino: Argued the moratorium is unnecessary because the updated critical area ordinance adopted in January provides a two-step review process to evaluate and mitigate impacts, and that applicants can use PFAS-free materials. He questioned the purpose of the study.

Discussion Items

Ordinance Extending the Moratorium (Deer Creek CARA)

Staff (Mr. Teraday) explained the moratorium avoids processing applications that would ultimately be denied under current code. The PFAS study is expected in September 2026, and the six-month extension provides cushion; the council could repeal the moratorium early if an interim ordinance is adopted sooner. Councilmember Nand expressed concern about litigation risk from burden on property owners and requested updates on Mr. Booker's application. Councilmember Barnett suggested a targeted interim pathway after the study is published. Councilmember Olson noted a scrivener's correction replacing "regular meeting" with "special meeting." The motion to adopt the six-month extension passed unanimously.

Resolution of Intent to Annex Esperance Annexation Area 1

Staff presented a resolution to declare intent to annex Area 1 (south of the bridge on 84th Ave W) via an interlocal agreement, deferring Area 2 pending infrastructure and cost analysis of the bridge. The resolution is not a legal prerequisite but a check on council interest. Key points:

• The two-phase approach allows time to assess bridge repair costs and potential funding via a second 0.1% sales tax credit (available only for separate annexations of 2,000–10,000 population).
• Councilmember Chen abstained due to a conflict of interest (office in the annexation area).
• Concerns from Area 2 residents about holding pattern were addressed: the city has incentive to complete both phases before July 1, 2028, to qualify for the tax credit.
• Council President Dash proposed an amendment to request Snohomish County not to change zoning in Area 2 before July 1, 2028, within the ILA. Councilmember Nand opposed, stating city zoning would preempt after annexation. The amendment passed 5-1-1 (Councilmember Chen abstained). The main motion, as amended, passed 6-0-1 (Chen abstained).

Automated Traffic Safety Program (24/7 School Zone Cameras)

Staff (City Administrator Lukash, Chief Dawkins, Engineer House) presented data from a June–July 2026 study showing thousands of speeding violations, including significant numbers of vehicles traveling 12+ mph over the limit in school zones. Collision data (one-year period) showed numerous accidents, including one fatality. Proposed operation: cameras would enforce posted speed limits 24/7, with fines of $200 for 6–10 mph over and $290 for >10 mph over during school zone hours; $144 for >6 mph over during school walk zone hours. A warning period would precede enforcement, expected to reduce violations by over 50%. Councilmember Barnett asked for monitoring of nearby residential streets for cut-through traffic.

Key Outcomes

• Moratorium Extension (Ordinance 4430 extension): Passed unanimously. The moratorium on permit applications requiring stormwater management in the Deer Creek CARA is extended six months, expected to be lifted earlier if an interim ordinance is adopted after the PFAS study is received.
• Annexation Intent (Resolution for Esperance Area 1): Passed 6-0-1 (Councilmember Chen abstained). The resolution declares intent to annex Area 1, directs staff to collaborate with Snohomish County on an interlocal agreement, and defers Area 2 pending bridge investigation. An amendment requesting a county commitment not to rezone Area 2 before July 1, 2028, was added and passed 5-1-1.
• Automated Traffic Safety Program (Ordinance amending Chapter 8.10 ECC): Passed 5-2. The ordinance authorizes 24-hour operation of existing school zone and school walk zone cameras, revises fine schedules, and updates statutory references. A proposed amendment to raise the walk zone threshold from 6 to 8 mph failed 3-4.