Seaview Sees Few
The audience outnumbered the city council — and the Juicy Juice boxes and doughnut holes on the treats table trumped both of ‘em — at the Community Outreach forum May 31 at Seaview Elementary School.
Downtown building heights and lack of traffic enforcement downtown were the main topics raised by five residents attending the informal meeting of six councilors. Peggy Pritchard Olson was not present.
Council President Richard Marin reported draft code language for revisions of the Comprehensive Plan as it relates to downtown Edmonds will be discussed at the June 7 council meeting. He has allocated one hour to the matter, which he expects to spill over to the June 21 council agenda.
Council committee meetings are scheduled for June 14.
In response to concerns about illegally parked cars downtown, council members reported the police department is in the process of filling a part-time position dedicated to parking enforcement.
Community Outreach meetings are held on the fifth Tuesday of the months. They have no agenda, speaker time limits or recording equipment. Official business is not conducted.
Individuals and community groups interested in bringing a topic to the council’s consideration in an informal setting are encouraged to attend.
Timing’s Everything
Deanna Dawson and Jeff Wilson have hinted at a likely run for a second term on the Edmonds City Council but aren’t prepared to make a declaration this early.
“This is ‘way too early. There are more important things to be worried about right now,” said Dawson, adding, “You want to be focused on the business at hand … not be distracted by campaigning.” Wilson echoed her sentiments.
A reporter’s inquiry near the close of the informal council meeting as to Dawson’s plans quickly drew a protest from Michael Plunkett, who complained the question “has nothing to do with council business.”
Whispered audience-member Shirley Wambolt: “But I thought she works for the city!”
Plunkett announced early on his intention to run again for a council spot and has been door belling Edmonds neighborhoods for months.
He has been on the council since 1998.
The reporter demurred and queried the pair after the session concluded.
Hot Wheels
If you think your new-car wish list is lengthy, consider the 79-page technical spec sheet the Edmonds Fire Department has for the new fire engine it plans to acquire next year.
The new engine won’t be drastically different from the one it replaces but will reflect advanced technology, have stronger components and make better use of space, said Chief Tom Tomberg. He expects bids from as least three manufacturers scattered throughout the country.
Engines are scheduled to be replaced every 15 years, which means 2006 for the local fire station. Estimated cost is $376,805 plus $33,536 tax.
Have an item for Around Town? Contact Sue Waldburger at 425-673-6525 or e-mail at edmonds@heraldnet.com.
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