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MRSC PUBLICATIONS › NEWS › Municipal Research News - June 1993
 

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Municipal Research News

Resources for Washington's Cities and Towns
June 1993

Articles

Welcome to MRSC Online

An Electronic Bulletin Board for Washington Municipal Officials

You've written us, you've called us, and now you can log onto MRSC Online, the Municipal Research Center's new online computer system. If you'll be attending the AWC convention, stop by our booth in the exhibition hall to preview the system. MRSC Online does not replace any of MRSC's current services, but provides you with an additional means tap into the resources of the Municipal Research Center. You don't have to be a computer expert to use the system: we've designed MRSC Online with users of all levels in mind.

In the March 1993 issue of this newsletter, we reviewed the updates and enhancements the Center made to its computer system to prepare for MRSC Online. Since then we have been busy setting up the system software, and have been preparing information to load onto the system. We are grateful to a task force of about a dozen city officials, and a representative from the Association of Washington Cities, who have generously donated time and energy to test the system, and help us decide what types of information to make available to you.

Part electronic bulletin board, part online system, MRSC Online provides a forum for city and town officials from all parts of the state. In addition, you have access to several of the Center's databases.

Briefly, MRSC Online includes the following features:

News of General or Immediate Interest

After logging onto the system, you are presented with a few brief announcements of general or immediate interest. Following the announcements, the main menu displays five categories of options.

Bulletins—What's new?

Bulletins contain short lists of information, such as announcements of upcoming conferences and meetings, or new items received by the MRSC library. You will be able to choose those bulletins you wish to view.

Discussion Forums—Have something you want to discuss?

Sub-boards of the main board provide a discussion forum for topics of interest to a particular group of city officials. Initially, we have set up sub-boards for broad areas relating to municipal government, such as finance and public works, and areas for professional associations, such as WSAMA,WFOA, WCMA, and APWA. You can ask the advice of your colleagues on issues that they may also be facing. The sub-boards include the features of the main board, allowing for example, MRSC to post bulletins that would only be of interest to a specific group. We anticipate that the topics for the sub-boards will change and grow in response to your suggestions.

The association sub-boards can be used to conduct association business. For example, members could send articles to the association newsletter editor via the board.

Messages - Want to leave someone a message?

In addition to posting messages to one of the sub-boards, or to the main board for all system users to view, you can use the message system as electronic mail to send messages or files to specific users of the system.

Download Files - Want a personal copy of a file?

MRSC will make files available that can be copied to your local system. We are planning to develop a program whereby you can upload ordinances (the opposite of download, files transmitted from you to us) onto MRSC Online. MRSC would then make the ordinances available for other officials to download. As mentioned above, you could also transmit files specifically to another system user.

Doors—Want to search a database?

This feature allows you to enter through a "door" into some of MRSC's computer programs. We will phase these programs into the system over the next few months. Programs we are currently considering making available include: a database of ordinance summaries from 1991 to present which can be searched using keywords or phrases, the database used to prepare the Officials of Washington Cities directory, MRSC's online library catalog, and a database containing the full text of the Revised Code of Washington, the Washington Administrative Code, and the Washington state case law from 1939 to present.

Eventually, we will make the full text of ordinances available. You will be able to search the search the ordinance database, and then download ordinances of interest to you.

Order Forms—Want to request a publication?

After reading through the "bulletin" containing a list of MRSC publications, or after browsing the online library catalog, you may want to obtain or borrow a publication. By filling out a brief form, you can make your request online. MRSC staff will monitor these requests daily.

How does the system work?

The system hardware currently consists of three computers, each with a modem connected to a telephone line, allowing for a maximum of three simultaneous users. When you call, you will take control of one of these computers. In effect, you will be using your keyboard and monitor along with one of our computers; your own computer becomes a "dumb" terminal. One telephone number will allow access all three computers so that if the first lines are busy, you will automatically be routed to the next free line. Depending on demand, we will add additional computers to the system.

What do I need to access MRSC Online?

To access MRSC Online you'll need any brand of desktop computer, whether IBM compatible or Macintosh, a modem, a telephone line, and communications software.

Modems

Modems convert (modulate) the data being transmitted from the digital signal generated by the computer to the analog signal required for transmission across the telephone line, and convert (demodulate) the data back to a digital signal at the receiving end. Most modems sold today transmit data at rates varying from 2400 bps (bits per sEcond) to 14,400 bps.

If you are first buying a modem, you'll need to consider the speed and cost of the modem. The speed you'll need depends on how you intend to use MRSC Online or other online services. If you mainly want to post and read messages, and view bulletins, then a 2400 bps modem will suffice. But if you intend to use the programs available through the "doors" option mentioned above, a 14,400 bps (or even 9600 bps) modem will increase the speed at which new screens will be transmitted to your monitor. You will still be able to run the databases under "doors" using a 2400 bps modem, but the screens will take noticeably longer to rewrite than with a faster modem. If you buy a 9600 bps or above fast modem be sure your computer has at least a 16550 UART chip, or else the speed of the modem could overwhelm your computer's ability to handle the incoming data.

Prices for modems range from under a $100 for a 2400 bps modem to about $250 for a lower-cost 14,400 bps modem. Internal modems are somewhat less expensive than external modems, but they must be installed into the computer, and are more difficult to switch from one computer to another. External modems simply plug into a serial port in the back of the computer; they also have indicator lights which give you information about the connection, and whether or not data is being transmitted or received. Be sure to purchase the cable that you will need to plug the external modem into your computer

Communications Software

In order to use your modem to dial into MRSC Online, you'll also need communications software. When you sign up to use the system, MRSC will provide you with a shareware program called DWComm. By distributing the software, MRSC can provide an inexpensive option for those of you who do not already have communications software, and we can configure the software before sending it to you.

Those of you who already have another communications package will also benefit by using DWCOMM to dial into MRSC Online because when exiting to one of the "door" programs, DWComm allows use of the program's original navigation and function keys without rEconfiguring your software. DWComm is also one of the few communications programs that allows you to redirect output to your local printer. (If you have a Macintosh computer, then we can suggest an alternative communications program).

How Do I Sign Up?

We will demonstrate MRSC Online at the AWC convention in Yakima at the end of June. Application forms, which you can then mail back to us, will be available. For those of you who will not be attending the convention, we will be mailing forms to you in early July. After receiving your completed form, MRSC will send you a packet containing a login identification, a user's manual, and a diskette containing the communications software. We will also be demonstrating the system at meetings of various municipal associations—WSAMA, WFOA, WCMA, etc. throughout the summer and fall.

What will it cost to use MRSC Online?

MRSC will provide free access to MRSC Online for city and town officials. We will not assess you any annual fee or per minute charge. To help us cover the cost of the communications software, and the user's manual, however, we will charge a one-time set-up fee of $15. Your only other cost will be the long-distance toll, if any.

Eventually, we might provide several levels of access to MRSC Online. All city and town officials would have access to basic features at no cost. A fee might be charged for premium services to recover the Center's costsof providing the services such as access to CD LAW, a program which allows full-text searches of the Washington State statutes and case law.

When can I start using MRSC Online?

We are tentatively planning to begin operation of MRSC Online on Thursday, July 1, and anticipate that, excluding a few hours per day for system maintenance, the system will be available seven days per week.

As with all of MRSC programs, we welcome your comments and suggestions. MRSC Online should provide you with quick access to general information and enable you to network with your municipal colleagues. We will add new features as we see how you use the system, and in response to your suggestions.

Article written by Fred Ward, MRSC Information Systems Specialist

New Yardsticks for Transportation System Performance

by Sue C. Enger, MRSC Planning Consultant

A major goal of the Growth Management Act (GMA) is to assure that new community growth is supported by adequate public facilities and services. New growth should not cause a decline in the existing level and quality of public facilities serving current residents. These facilities and services also should be available at the time new development is available for use. The GMA does not define what amount or level of service is adequate for different types of needed public facilities and services. Instead, the GMA gives local governments the flexibility to define "adequate." Once adopted, these standards of adequacy will be used both to measure (1) what new facilities and services must be provided to support the needs of proposed new development, and (2) what facilities and services are needed in existing developed areas to bring them up to the community's desired standard. Many Washington communities are now struggling with the process of defining what service level is adequate to meet the particular needs of their residents.

For some types of facilities, measuring adequacy is a fairly straight forward task. For instance, sewer systems have a finite capacity. It is relatively clear when the sewer system is "full." Capacity of the transportation system is not so easily measured. It is more than simply a question of whether we can fit another car on the road. Transportation system capacity is concerned with how quickly people and goods can move from point A to point B. Traditional transportation level of service standards measuring capacity have focused on automobile movement. Facility design, signalization, weather conditions, and the driving habits of motorists can affect roadway capacity in addition to the total amount of pavement provided. Measuring adequacy also involves a judgment call about what level of congestion and delay is acceptable to community residents relative to the cost of reducing the congestion. In addition to road capacity, the capacity of transit, pedestrian and other non-motorized modes of transportation should be considered. Comfort, convenience, and safety issues also should enter into the question of transportation adequacy.

The Need for New Measures

Many communities are finding that the traditional measures of transportation system have failed to ensure a system which meets community needs and expectations. With the advent of the GMA, many communities are finding that they may even tend to defeat efforts to manage community growth. Communities are encountering the following types of problems in measuring transportation adequacy:

  • Traditional measures of adequacy have not prevented congestion on our roads. As typically applied, they arenarrowly focused on measuring vehicle travel time and delay at individual intersections and along road segments. Decisions about adequacy tend to be made on a project-by-project basis. New development is often allowed as long as it doesn't put roadway congestion over the level which a community has defined as intolerable. Small projects making "insignificant" contributions to traffic may also be allowed to proceed. At some point, these piecemeal approvals will add up to a congested roadway. This site-by-site application of standards doesn't handle the cumulative impacts of development. It may result in all roads operating at barely tolerable levels.

  • Traditional approaches don't always address the impacts of through traffic generated outside a jurisdiction. Development in adjacent jurisdictions can produce congestion and perhaps result in shutting down desired growth in a neighboring jurisdiction.

  • Traditional measures can conflict with other GMA objectives which direct growth to areas of existing development. As John DeGrove, former head of Florida's Department of Community Affairs, notes, concurrency requirements and level-of-service standards, applied in the manner above, "drive(s) development out into the countryside because that's where roads have capacity." At the same time, construction may be halted in congested urban areas even though targeted for growth. They may also prevent or delay the construction of beneficial projects such as schools or senior housing.

  • They also tend to neglect the potential contribution of (1) other transportation modes such as transit or (2) transportation management measures such as high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes restricted for use by vehicles with more than one or two passengers. These other modes and programs can effectively increase capacity in a way which is not reflected by measurements of vehicles per hour.

  • If a community sets high standards for new development, it may be difficult and costly for local jurisdictions to remedy deficiencies in existing areas if held to the same standards. It may also be difficult to maintain the high standards.

Some Innovative Responses

To address the shortcomings of traditional measures, communities within and outside of Washington are experimenting with a number of new approaches:

  • A number of communities in Florida and in this state are backing away from reliance on individual intersection level-of-service measures. Instead, these communities are recognizing that people have alternate paths through transportation networks. They are looking at level-of-service standards averaged across entire corridors or broader geographic areas as better measures of system performance. This can allow for development on some road segments or intersections which will always be congested, while maintaining the overall performance of the system.

  • Some are also beginning to factor in the contribution of other transportation modes. For instance, King County is developing combined indices for measuring adequacy which consider transit, non-motorized alternatives and programs to reduce demand on or increase effective capacity of existing roads. A combined measure can be designed to allow a lower standard for roadway capacity in developed areas where frequent transit service or other measures provide a commensurate increase in overall transportation capacity. Contra Costa County, California is an example of a community which currently provides for lower level of service for streets in the CBD and urban areas than rural areas.

  • Some communities are finding "vehicle-miles-of-travel (VMT) to be a better measure of development impactson road adequacy. It may be a better measure for growth management purposes because it considers the length of trips as well as the amount of traffic generated by a project. As a result, developments further removed from urban centers will be measured as having greater impacts. It provides a finer measure of the impacts of small developments which may not be picked up by a vehicles per hour measure.

  • Other communities are seeking greater flexibility in their level-of-service standards which would allow some desirable development in congested areas. For instance, Concord, California has the flexibility to approve projects, with significant social or Economic values which outweigh their traffic impacts. These beneficial projects might include schools, senior housing or recreation centers. Others, such as San Jose, California exempt intersections which serve a project but are under the control of another jurisdiction or the state. Summit County, Utah has distinguished two different types of service level standards: (1) those which are specified for capital improvements planning purposes and (2) those which provide a basis for project denial. A project will be denied if it doesn't meet the county's transportation standards, but it will not be denied if adequate library facilities are not available.

These are some of the many creative approaches communities are exploring to prepare level-of-service standards which meet, rather than defeat, the combined local needs and objectives. MRSC is collecting information on these and other level-of-service approaches. Because of the complexity and the importance of the issue, it will be the subject of a future MRSC handbook this coming year.

Ask MRSC

This column contains summaries of recent inquiries answered by MRSC consultants.

Annexation Procedure - How long may an annexation petition be circulated and still be valid?

For code cities, there is no specific time limit on the petition itself; however, the signatures on the petition are valid for only six months, measured from the date of signing to the date the petition is filed. RCW 35A.01.040(8). There is no similar statutory provision for other cities and towns. However, a court may apply a standard similar to that that applies to code cities to determine if petitions, or rather the signatures on them, are valid. Thus, a court may invalidate a petition in a non-code municipality as being "stale" if the signatures are, by some measure, too old.

Debris on Private Property - How may city control debris on private property?

RCW 35.21.310 authorizes any city to enact an ordinance requiring the owner of any property to remove or destroy vegetation overhanging or obstructing a street or sidewalk, to remove or destroy all dead vegetation, and to remove or destroy all debris upon property which is a fire hazard or a menace to the public health, safety, or welfare.

Deficit in Utility Funds - May monies from the general obligation fund be used to support the water utility fund should a deficit develop?

Yes. In fact, RCW 35.37.020 provides that "any deficit for operation and maintenance of utilities and institutions owned and controlled by cities and towns having less than twenty thousand inhabitants, over and above the revenue therefrom, shall be paid out of the current expense fund."

Election - May a councilmember run for the office of mayor in the middle of the councilmanic term?

Yes. The councilmember does not have to resign from his or her position to run. If elected mayor, then the person would have to resign from the council upon assuming the office of mayor. If the person loses, he or she serves out his or her councilmanic term.

Flag - Can city council authorize flying the U.S. flag at half mast?

Our legal staff is of the opinion that a city council has the authority to decide to fly the U.S. flag at half mast within the city limits when it deems it to be appropriate. We are not aware of federal or state statutes which would prohibit such a practice.

Minimum Sentence - May the city council pass an ordinance imposing a mandatory minimum sentence for violation of a criminal ordinance?

The city council probably lacks the authority to limit a municipal court's sentencing discretion. The statutes governing both municipal courts established under Ch. 3.50 RCW and municipal departments of district courts give authority to judges to suspend all or part of any sentence. RCW 3.50.330; RCW 3.66.068. An attempt by a city council to intrude upon this judicial authority would likely be considered a violation of the separation of powers doctrine.

Motion to REconsider - Who may make a motion to rEconsider?

Under the standard rules of parliamentary procedure, a motion to rEconsider may be made only by a member who voted with the majority. Therefore, it may be made only by one who voted aye if the motion was adopted, or no if the motion lost.

Open Meetings Act - Is a council subcommittee meeting of three members in a city with a seven member council subject to the Open Meetings Act?

Normally, if the council subcommittee meeting is only to discuss an issue and report back to the full council with a recommendation, theirs is not a formal meeting under the act and minutes do not have to be kept. If the subcommittee is taking public testimony or has been delegated to take action on behalf of the council, then it is subject to the act.

Public Records Request - Must a city provide all public records requested within five days?

No. A city only needs to make a preliminary response within five business days. The response may be to provide the records but may also be to indicate a time frame within which the city may reasonably fulfill the request. See RCW 42.17.320.

Purchasing - May a $16,000 copier be purchased directly from a private supplier if the price is less than the price for the same item on the state competitive bidding list?

No. The state followed the required bidding practices to obtain their copier prices. Even though less, the city must follow the bidding requirements for purchases over $15,000, and either advertise for the copier or purchase off the state competitive bidding list.

Purchasing - Minimum Bidding Period - What is the minimum bidding period for public worksprojects?

The state statutes provide that a public works project must be advertised in the official newspaper, or newspaper of general circulation, once each week for two consecutive weeks with the first publication being at least 15 days before the date set for opening of the bids. RCW 35.23.352 and 39.28.020(5).

Speed Reduction in Residential Areas - What techniques are used to reduce speeding in residential areas?

In addition to police enforcement, the following types of speed control are being used: (1) "Chicanes," which are low (curb height) projections built into the streets, with fencing for height, on alternate sides of the streets; (2) "Traffic circles" at selected intersections appear to be very effective in slowing and diverting through traffic; (3) "Diverters," which are walls totally blocking the entrance to some streets (usually opposed by residents and emergency response agencies); and (4) "Speed bumps" and "speed humps" of which the "speed hump" appears to be the most favorably received by both residents and emergency response agencies.

It should be noted that any of the above traffic controls may create liability for a city depending upon the facts involved should an accident occur and whether or not the control was constructed in a manner so as to constitute an actual hazard.

Water Service Termination - May the city terminate water service to a house where small children live if the bill is delinquent?

Yes. There is no provision in state law which would prohibit termination of service because small children are present. However, proper notice must be given.

Zoning - What zoning applies when one lot is located in two zoning districts?

The general rule is that zoning need not follow boundary lines. Consequently, when a lot is split by a zoning district, part of the lot is subject to the rules that apply to the one district and the other part is subject to the rules that apply to the other district. However, zoning ordinances may, and some do, specifically address the split lot situation, such as providing for some form of administrative special exception procedure or by establishing some flexibility in district boundary lines.

1-800-933-MRSC!

Resource Sharing

The Washington Cities' Information Partnership

Copies of the following items are available from MRSC's library. Should your city or town have a publication, new service, or procedure that can be shared with other municipalities, please provide information to MRSC fornclusion in the next issue of the newsletter.

From Blaine—Blaine-Birch Bay Transportation Plan, prepared for the City of Blaine by ENTRANCO, April 1992. (UT 3.0000 B63 1992)

From Carnation—City of Carnation Comprehensive Plan, 1992. 138 p. (PL 6.4000 C325 1992)

From Federal Way—1992 Annual report, Progress and People. The report outlines major accomplishments and features some of the people who work every day to make these accomplishments a reality.

From Kent—Development Assistance Brochures (PL 0.0004). A Historic Preservation Program for the City of Kent: Recommendations of the Historic Preservation Committee, Kent Planning Department, 1990. 23 p. (PL 10.3000 K44 R4 1990). City of Kent Revised Downtown Plan Zoning Program, Kent Administration and Planning Departments, February 1992. 20 p. (PL 5.2220 K44 D61 1992). Recommendations for a Support Services Program, Kent Senior Housing Program, Senior Housing Support Services Committee, April 1992. 21 p. (HO 4.6000 K44 R4 1992) City of Kent Community Participation Program: Community Forum on Growth Management and Visioning, Kent Planning Department, A. Nelessen Associates, Inc., Forum Foundation, June 1992. 64 p. (PL 1.4000 K44 C6 1992).

From King County—The 1993 Comprehensive Housing Affordability Study: King County Consortium. King County Planning and Community Development Division, January 1993. 150 p. (HO 4.4000 K5 1993)

From Shelton—City of Shelton Vision Statement 2010 (proposed draft), 1993. 9 p. (PL 1.4000 S5 1993**)

From Tacoma—On sight: A Cultural Plan for Tacoma, published by the Cultural Resources Division, Planning and Development Services, January 1993. 33 p. (P 5.1000 T3 1993). Pastport a 23 page guide to historic places in the city of Tacoma which resembles a passport. (PR 7.3500) Tacoma Water Division Water Conservation Plan, prepared by Economic and Engineering Services, Inc. in Association with Linda Dethman and Associates and Richard Bennett, 1991. (UW 4.7000 T3 1991)

From Vancouver—Values and Mission Statement a brochure expressing the community's values on cultural diversity, heritage, natural resources, Economic vitality and diversity, active and livable neighborhoods, qualityurban services, and responsive government. Vancouver's mission statement is "The City of Vancouver is dedicated to creative leadership, responsive service, and civic partnership." Values and Mission statement was adopted by the city council on January 27, 1992. (G 9.2100)

From Whatcom Council of Governments—Whatcom County Urban Transportation Plan, prepared for Whatcom County Council of Governments by Kittelson & Associates, Inc. in association with CH2M Hill, the Sayers Associated, BREDOUW, November 1991. 3 v. [Vol. 1] - Whatcom County Transportation Plan; [Vol 2] - Technical Appendices; [Vol 3] - Executive Summary. (UT 3.0000 W47 1991)

New Ordinances Received by MRSC

The Center's library prepares a monthly list of recently enacted ordinances received from cities and towns. For a copy of ordinances listed here or the complete list, call the MRSC Library at (206) 827-4334.

Accessory Dwellings—Bellevue Ordinance No. 4498 permits and regulates accessory dwelling units in single-family neighborhoods, and adds a new section to the city code. Passed 3/93. (HO 4.1100)

Biomedical Waste - Garbage Rates—Walla Walla Ordinance No. 93-A-8 amends provisions relating to garbage collection and disposal; defines biomedical waste and amends container requirements; revises general fee schedules including collection of biomedical waste. Passed 3/93. (UR 1.1100)

Boards and Commissions - Uniform Rules and Regulations—Des Moines Ordinance No. 983 creates uniform rules and regulations for appointive agencies, boards, commissions, and committees; creates new chapter of municipal code entitled "Councils and Appointive Committees." Passed 10/92. (G 7.0000)

Community Festival—Des Moines Resolution No. 705 authorizes the Greater Des Moines Chamber of Commerce to conduct its 1993 Waterland Festival; sets conditions. Passed 9/92. (PR 5.0000)

Commute Trip Reduction—The following ordinances adopt commute trip reduction (CTR) plans and implement measures required by RCW 70.94.527: Edmonds Ordinance No. 2913, passed 1/93; Puyallup Ordinance No. 2350, passed 2/93; Des Moines Ordinance 1006, passed 1/93; Cheney Ordinance No. P-70, passed 3/93; Bellevue Ordinance No. 4506, passed 3/93; Bainbridge Island Ordinance No. 93-09, passed 1/93. (UT 3.1100)

DWI - .08 Alcohol Level—Redmond Ordinance No. 1723 adopts an alcohol impairment standard of .08. Passed 4/93. (T 1.62000)

Garbage Can Location—Mercer Island Ordinance No. A-107 regulates the location of garbage cans; requires that cans be placed in public areas for pick-up no sooner than 24 hours before time of collection, and be removed within 24 hours; provides for penalties; amends Ch. 8.04 of the city code. Passed 4/93. (UR 1.1150)

Indemnification—Bothell Ordinance No. 1505 guarantees city elected and appointed officials and employees defense and indemnification against losses due to liability arising out of acts within the scope of their duties, and adds a new chapter to the municipal code. Passed 3/93. (G 8.1200)

Initiative and Referendum—Cheney Ordinance No. P-71, passed 3/93, and Mukilteo Ordinance No.754, passed 2/93, provide for the exercise of the powers of initiative and referendum, passed 3/93. (E 5.0000)

Nuisances—Black Diamond Ordinance No. 475 provides a comprehensive regulation of nuisances including dogs running at large, kennels, and junk vehicles. Passed 12/92. (PS 9.1000)

Public Records Disclosure—Des Moines Ordinance No. 1008 relates to public records; defines terms, requires the safe keeping of public records; establishes procedures for granting and denying access to public records by the general public, passed 2/93. Port Angeles Ordinance No. 2754 implements the Public Disclosure Act and establishes a new chapter, Ch. 2.74, in the municipal code, passed 3/93. (G 5.9500)

Recycling - Storage Areas—Kent Ordinance No. 3084 establishes requirements for recycling storage areas for new residential and nonresidential developments; and amends municipal code. Passed 1/92. (UR 1.1150)

Rental Housing Registration Program—Des Moines Ordinance No. 995 establishes a rental housing registration program; provides for annual fees for registration of multifamily rental units; describes program administration and enforcement. Passed 1/93. (HO 3.0000)

Senior Services Advisory Board—Des Moines Ordinance No. 985 creates a senior services advisory board; specifies its powers and duties. Passed 10/92. (H 4.2000)

Shared Leave—Edmonds Ordinance No. 2910 establishes the shared leave program as a part of the city's regular benefit for employees, and amends city code, passed 1/93. Tumwater Ordinance No. 1375 establishes a policy on sick leave sharing for city employees, and adds a new section to the municipal code. Passed 3/93. (PE 6.8110)

Signs - Sandwich Board—Kent Ordinance No. 3093 defines on-premise sandwich board signs, permits retail uses in the M1 district to utilize up to two sandwich board signs to identify themselves, and amends zoning code. Passed 2/93. (LR 82.4000)

Skateboarding—Everett Ordinance No. 1934-93 prohibits riding of skateboards in the central business district; regulates negligent skateboarding; regulates riding on sidewalks. Passed 4/93. (LR 83.0000)

Street Maintenance - Restrictions - De-icing Agents—Dayton Ordinance No. 1531 regulates and restricts maintenance practices which would be detrimental to the unique construction materials and public amenities of Main Street; restricts application of corrosive elements as de-icing agents, such as salt, unauthorized maintenance of trees, alteration of public amenities, passed 2/92. (S 2.2000) Walla Walla Ordinance No. A-3738 prohibits the use of sodium chloride (salt) to control ice and snow on certain downtown sidewalks, and adds a new section to the municipal code, passed 12/92. (S 2.2300)

Street Vacations—Des Moines Ordinance No. 1007 revises procedures and fees for the vacation of public right-of-way; creates new chapter 12.12 in municipal code. Passed 2/93. (S 1.6000)

Tobacco Products - Sales to Minors—Puyallup Ordinance No. 2349 regulates sales of tobacco to persons under 18 years of age, and adds a new chapter to the municipal code. Passed 2/93. (LR 90.0000)

Utility Taxes - Rates—Colville Ordinance No. 1067 adds a new chapter to the municipal code on utility taxes; provides definitions; lists persons subject to tax; provides rates; establishes policies and procedures related to collection of taxes. Passed 3/93. (F 5.1400)

Whistle-blowing—The following whistle-blowing act policies have been enacted: Deer Park Resolution No. 1993-001, passed 2/93. Fircrest Resolution No. 494, passed 12/92. Langley Ordinance No. 642, passed 3/93. (PE 6.2100)

Wildlife Habitat—Mukilteo Ordinance No. 756 provides regulations to protect fish and wildlife habitat areas. Passed 3/93. (LR 97.0000)

Wildlife - Shellfish Regulations—Edmonds Ordinance No. 2911 adopts certain sections of the WAC and RCW codes by reference for the regulation of taking and/or possession of shellfish. Passed 1/93. (LR 97.0000)

New Publications

The publications listed below are available for two-week loan. Contact Lois Weed, MRSC Library, at (206) 827-4334.

101 Ways to Slash the Cost of Local Government, by Government Information Services. Arlington, Virginia: GIS, c1992. 63 p. [F 1.4000 O555 1992]

City Finances in the 1990s, by Philip M. Dearborn, George E. Peterson, and Richard H. Kirk. Washington, D.C.: the Urban Institute, September 1992. [F 1.2000 C581 1992]

Community Disaster Education Guide: A Guide for Creating a Community Disaster Education Plan, and for Designing, Enhancing, and Evaluating Community Disaster Education Activities and Materials. Washington, D.C: American Red Cross, September 1992. 97 p. [PS 1.0000 C655 1992]

Contracting and Volunteerism in Local Government: A Self-Help Guide, by Lydia D. Manchester and Geoffrey S. Bogart. Washington, D.C.: International City Management Association, 1988. 216 p. [F 8.7000 C655 1988]

Designing Wetlands Preservation Programs for Local Governments: A Guide to Non-Regulatory Protection, Washington State Department of Ecology in cooperation with King County, March 1992. [EN 6.4000 D455 1992]

Families & Communities: the 1992 Futures Report, by National League of Cities. Washington, D.C.: NLC: c1992. 24 p. [G 1.5000 F355 1992**]

Local Government Employee Telecommuting, by National League of Cities Staff. Washington, D.C.: NLC, 1993. 36 p. [G 0.0000 N35 I8 v.1:2]

Local Officials Guide to Dynamic City Commercial Centers, by National League of Cities. Washington, D.C.: NLC, c1990. 36 p. [ED 5.3400 L655 1990]

Practical Methods for Counting the Homeless: A Manual for State and Local Jurisdictions, by Martha R. Burt. Washington, D.C.: the Urban Institute, December 1991. 81 p.+ [H 4.1500 P755 1991]

Public Employee Safety & Health Management, National Safety Council. Itasca, Illinois: 1990. 386 p. [PE 1.6000 P855 1990]

Revenue Collection Administration: A Guide for Smaller Governments, by Ian J. Allan. Chicago, Illinois: Government Finance Officers Association, 1993. 130 p. [F 5.1000 R455 1993]

Rightsizing for Local Governments, by Frank Benest. Tampa, Fla.: The Innovation Groups, c1992. 96 p. [PE 4.4150 R555 1992]

Rightsizing, Not Downsizing, overview by Ruth Ann Bramson. Washington, D.C.: National League of Cities, 1993. 15 p. [G 0.0000 N35 I8 Premiere]

Spreadsheet Models for Urban and Regional Analysis, edited by Richard E. Klosterman, Richard K. Brail, and Earl G. Bossard. New Brunswick, N.J.: Center for Urban Policy Research, c1993. 467 p. + program disk [PL 1.5000 S755 1993]

Strategic Planning for Local Government, by Gerald L. Gordon. Washington, D.C.: International City/County Management Association, c1993. 119 p. [G 9.2150 S855 1993]

What Councils Want from Managers But Don't Tell Them [sound recording]. Taped from a general session at ICMA's 78th Annual Conference in Reno, Nevada, September 13-17, 1992. [G 2.4000 W455 1992]

What You Need to Know About Downsizing or How to "Rightsize" Your Organization, by Jan Nevins and Ed Weeks, [sound recording]. Taped at a general session at ICMA's 78th Annual Conference in Reno, Nevada, September 13-17, 1992. 1 cassette. [F 1.4000 W455 1992]

Winning Community Support for Land Use Projects, by Debra Stein. Washington, D.C.: the Urban Land Institute, c1992. 172 p. [PR 7.5500 W555 1992]