Council hears preliminary Edmonds Marsh study update, identifies 2019 budget priorities

Mayor Dave Earling looks on as City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director Carrie Hite speaks to the mayor’s proclaimation of July as Parks and Recreation month.

With one member excused (Adrienne Fraley-Monillas) and another patched in remotely (Kristiana Johnson), the Edmonds City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday July 3 to take up a short list of items.

The meeting began with Edmonds Mayor Dave Earling’s proclamation of July as Parks and Recreation Month, where he reiterated the value of parks to our community and quality of life.

The council then heard an update on the new Edmonds Marsh study presented by Jennifer Love and Ron Gouguet of consultants Windward Environmental.

Stressing that they are still in the early phases of the project, the representatives provided background on the work conducted to date including a comprehensive literature review of existing buffer zone studies, an initial evaluation of the buffer zones surrounding the Edmonds Marsh, and a draft baseline management plan. Their findings concern the various factors that contribute to water quality improvement, and how the size and characteristic of marsh buffers affect these.

“While width of the buffer zone is certainly important, a host of site-specific conditions can determine its effectiveness in enhancing habitat,” said Love. “Water quality improvements depend on a host of factors including flow rate, whether the flow is deep or shallow, the presence of pesticide residues or other chemical factors, the presence and type of woody debris in the buffer (e.g., snags, nurse logs, etc.), degree of disturbance from adjacent activity and more.”

One of the maps presented by Windward Environmental showing the various study sections of the Edmonds Marsh.

The consultants presented several charts with figures for recommended buffer widths varying from as narrow as 30 feet to more than 900 feet, all dependent on the purpose of the buffer — which can range from particulate filtration to providing habitat for herons.

Armed with this information, they went on to perform an initial analysis of existing buffers surrounding the marsh.

“The buffers near the Willow Creek Hatchery look to be pretty good, while the ones along SR 104 do not,” said Love. “Regardless, we see opportunities for enhancement in all areas. Exactly what these are will be clarified as the study progresses and data are collected and analyzed.”

Jennifer Love of Windward Environmental responds to council questions about their study proposal.

She did point out that one impediment to the study is the inability to access areas that are currently part of the site cleanup being conducted by Chevron. “They’ve made it very clear that only clean-up activities may be conducted in these areas,” Love said.

The consultants have prepared a draft work plan, and will begin collecting data starting this month. Their collection techniques will include plot transects employing at least three sampling methods. The study will also establish photo point stations where photos will be taken over the course of the study to monitor changes over time. These photo stations will be clearly marked, and the consultants plan to encourage interested citizens to submit photos taken from these stations to the study, as well as any general observations.

During the council question-and-answer session following the presentation, Councilmember Tom Mesaros asked if there are  comparative data for the marsh’s existing buffers to see how they stack up to the standards — and allow the city to compare what it has to what it would like to have. Gouguet responded that one idea the consultants will look at is how to make existing buffers more effective, perhaps by adding additional plantings.

Councilmember Dave Teitzel referenced the report recommendation that herons have buffers of 328 feet. “We see lots of herons in the marsh today, and they seem to be doing fine. How do we reconcile this?” he asked.

Love surmised that perhaps the data was generated based on herons that are not accustomed to living in populated areas, and those in Edmonds might be able to thrive with a smaller buffer.

Councilmember Neil Tibbot asked about the effects of tree canopy and stormwater runoff, to which Love responded that while stormwater is not the focus of this study, they will be borrowing water quality meters from the Edmonds-Woodway High School Students Saving Salmon Club to measure turbidity levels over the course of the study.

Councilmember Diane Buckshnis concluded the Q and A session by pointing out this study marks the beginning, and that no real answers are available yet. “This is like crawling; it’s the basic beginning,” she said. “City staff and directors are totally on board with this, and we want to get as much data as we can.”

The consultant’s full report and related documentation are available here.

During the subsequent public comment period, Joe Scordino, a professional fisheries biologist and advisor to the Students Saving Salmon Club, asked that the city again approach Chevron about gaining access to the site to allow a more comprehensive study.

Mayor Earling said he had already approached Chevron about this to no avail, but that he would try again.

The council then moved on to identifying budget priorities for 2019.

Moderated by Council President Mike Nelson, the discussion built on preliminary budget priorities discussed at the earlier council budget retreat. He asked each councilmember to identify their top two priorities, from which he would compile a list for further discussion.

Councilmember Buckshnis listed her priorities as adding a city arborist to assist with the Urban Forest Management Plan, deal with tree canopy issues and buffer zones.

Councilmember Teitzel emphasized transitional housing for Edmonds’ homeless and completing the Edmonds Waterfront Center, including an uninterrupted waterfront walkway.

Councilmember Mesaros favored helping fund school district safety officers who would carry firearms, and enhancing arts in Edmonds by helping the Edmonds Center for the Arts and others with operational dollars.

Councilmember Tibbot wanted to work toward enhancing pedestrian safety, giving high priority to safe walkways, and to find additional funding for the Civic Field project.

Councilmember Johnson likewise favored increased emphasis on pedestrian safety, and additional assistance to preserving historic properties in Edmonds.

Councilmember Nelson said he had spoken with Councilmember Fraley-Monillas, whose 2019 priorities included addressing homelessness and continued funding for the Snohomish Health District. Nelson’s own top two priorities were funding for the Waterfront Center and pedestrian safety.

Mayor Earling added his thoughts to the discussion, telling the council that the city department directors will be discussing these issues at their upcoming retreat, and that he would bring their recommendations back to council for consideration.

Earling closed the meeting by wishing everyone a happy Fourth of July, and expressing his hope that we can all pause for a moment and give thanks for “what has been handed to us as a gift, the USA.”

— Story and photos by Larry Vogel

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