CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, March 23, 2015 Conference Room 303 - Shoreline City Hall
5:45 p.m. 17500 Midvale Avenue North
PRESENT:
Mayor Winstead, Deputy Mayor Eggen, Councilmembers
McGlashan, Hall, McConnell, Salomon, and Roberts
GUEST: Doug Johnson, Project Manager, Ralph Andersen and Associates
At 5:53 p.m., the meeting was called to order by Mayor Winstead.
Debbie Tarry, City Manager, announced that Ralph Andersen and Associates were selected to conduct the City’s Classification and Compensation Study and introduced Project Manager Doug Johnson. She informed Council that five employee meetings are being held to help kick off the Study and that all employees will be asked to complete a job questionnaire survey. She explained that the survey will assist with compiling accurate job classifications and provide information for job analysis. She explained that tonight’s meeting focuses on a labor market discussion that will be lead by Mr. Johnson.
Mr. Johnson talked about the importance of establishing a labor market that can be measured and capturing information that helps with understanding what the market is doing. He explained that the survey is completed to provide and support data driven decision making to assist the City in successfully competing in the labor market. He reviewed the Pay Plan Development Chart, Compensation Policies, and the Labor and Market Selection Criteria. He commented that the objective is to come up with 10-15 comparable cities to present to Council for approval and that will be accepted by employees. He presented a list of potential survey agencies and asked if Council wanted to use private sector data. He reviewed the next steps in the process and stated he anticipates submitting the list of comparable cities to Council in mid-May for approval.
A discussion ensued on the 4% differential between salary range levels, senior level employees, on what cities should be included in the Study, and if the Study should include King and Snohomish Counties. Councilmembers stressed the need to ensure that the right variables are used for the Study. Some Councilmembers requested that wastewater organizations and the City of Seattle be included in the Study. They commented on the importance of being transparent and keeping the employees informed on what is happening throughout the process. They asked if there is information on why employees leave the City and where they pursue other employment opportunities. They cautioned against focusing on employees the City has gained or lost in the last five years due to fluctuations in the economy during this time period. Mr. Johnson recommended including those larger agencies that put market pressure on Shoreline’s ability to recruit and retain employees, and explained that larger agencies provide drill down data elements that assist in comparing senior level positions. Paula Itaoka, Human Resources Director, reviewed a list of where employees are going when they leave the City. She pointed out that people sometimes do not leave jobs because of salary but other factors like an opportunity to advance in their career.
Councilmembers agreed not to use private sector data and to exclude Bainbridge Island from consideration in the list of comparable cities. Councilmember also agreed to focus on comparable cities that generally fall within a 25-mile radius of Shoreline.
Mr. Norris suggested presenting the recommended list of comparable cities to the Employee Engagement Committee.
Ms. Tarry summarized that the list of comparable cities will begin with a radius of 25 miles, and if there is much variation from the list provided tonight, the new list will be presented to Council for approval.
At 6:47 p.m., Mayor Winstead declared the meeting adjourned.
/S/ Bonita Roznos, Deputy City Clerk
CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, March 23, 2015 Council Chambers - Shoreline City Hall
7:00 p.m. 17500 Midvale Avenue North
PRESENT: Mayor Winstead, Deputy Mayor Eggen,
Councilmembers McGlashan, Hall, McConnell, Salomon, and Roberts
ABSENT: None
1. CALL TO ORDER
At 7:00 p.m., the meeting was called to order by Mayor Winstead, who presided.
2. FLAG SALUTE/ROLL CALL
Mayor Winstead led the flag salute. Upon roll call by the City Clerk, all Councilmembers were present.
3. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER
Debbie Tarry, City Manager, provided reports and updates on various City meetings, projects and events.
4. COUNCIL REPORTS
There were no Council Reports.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Councilmember Hall moved to limit all speakers to two minutes for a 30 minute period and then provide time at the end of the meeting for additional public comment. The motion dies for lack of second. Deputy Mayor Eggen moved to extend comment period to one hour and allow each speaker two minutes and reassess continuing public comment at the end of the hour. The motion was seconded by Councilmember McConnell and passed unanimously.
Cecily Kaplan, Ridgecrest Neighborhood Association Boardmember, commented on attending the Citizen University Conference and learning about the power of being an active citizen. She talked about Vision 2029 and the selection of citizen groups to engage in issues that affect the citizens of Shoreline. She explained that the citizens have worked hard and provided their feedback and suggestions. She stated that residents are not against growth but are asking Council to listen to them. She conveyed that she is not sure what is driving Council to rezone the City as they are, expressed concern about open spaces, and asked Council to delay selection of the preferred alternative.
Yoshiko Saheki, 145th Station Citizen Committee (145SCC), read a letter from Robin Lombard, 145SCC Co-leader, expressing concern about size, building height, and the speed Council is moving to rezone. She read that the overwhelming majority of committee members spoke in favor of the Planning Commission’s recommendation to postpone the decision until the 145th Street Corridor Study has been completed. She read that at the February 19, 2015 meeting, Planning Commissioners cited reasons to postpone the decision as: ownership of 145th Street, traffic impacts that need to be studied and mitigated, lack of budget, absence of the Sound Transit EIS, and the lack of evidence supporting the need for an immediate rezone. She read that the zoning maps presented so far are too much too soon, and recommended that a small area around the Station be rezoned first to make sure infrastructure improvements, mitigations and public services are in place before more rezoning.
Lorn Richey, Shoreline resident, asked Council to accept the Planning Commission’s recommendation to postpone the decision on the 145th Street Station Subarea planning until the Corridor Study is completed. He stated that there is not enough information to make a decision. He asked Council to reach out to residents to mitigate the damage that will be caused by the rezone, to take stock of Shoreline’s valuable natural assets and protect them, and not to be desperate to attract developers.
Steve Schneider, Shoreline resident, asked Council to delay selection of the Preferred Alternative until the Corridor Study is completed. He declared that it is the sensible and right course of action for the citizens that live there.
Carolyn Creighton, Shoreline resident, spoke against having eight story apartment buildings in Shoreline. She asked Council to do things slowly and use the talent of residents to come up with innovative ideas.
Susan Ragan-Stuart, Shoreline resident, asked Council to delay the decision on the Preferred Alternative or only rezone the area immediately adjacent to the Station. She talked about conducting research on urban sprawl and stated that the Sierra Club cites population growth as a major factor contributing to urban sprawl. She questioned why height limits were increased to MUR-45 on the connecting corridor around Paramount Park, and recommended implementing maintenance property regulations for parcels purchased by developers to prevent blight and assist with the upkeep of neighborhoods.
Dan Jacoby, Shoreline resident, applauded the Planning Commission for their action. He read an excerpt from the DEIS about implementing a recommendation from the 145th Street Corridor Study, and warned that recommendations cannot be implemented from a study that does not exist. He also pointed out that the City does not have control over 145th Street. He suggested directing the Planning Commission to determine what rezone will be feasible under a no action scenario on 145th Street to understand what limitation exist based on traffic congestion. Then Council could determine what additional rezoning might be feasible if traffic issues are migrated.
Janet Way, Shoreline Preservation Society, encouraged Council to accept the Planning Commission’s recommendation, and said that making a decision against their recommendation would be grounds for an appeal. She commented that the DEIS does not consider traffic impacts from other city developments. She talked about critical areas in Shoreline and stated that surface water impacts to the watershed need to be considered. She advised against MUR-35 and MUR-45 zoning around the wetlands. She explained that tall buildings would shade gardens and talked about the need for more open space. She commented that infrastructure and utilities need to be improved and that historical assets need to be protected.
Sharon Cass, Shoreline resident, showed a poster board of the water accumulation on her property and stated that it is bad. She read an email received from Mr. Iwata at Sound Transit regarding acquiring property to build Light Rail, and then read a page from the Shoreline Owner’s Manual distributed in 1995 about being a citizen in the City of Shoreline.
Dr. Heather Murphy Secrist, Shoreline resident, said that crucial information is missing for the Council to make a decision on the 145th Station Subarea Plan and recommended waiting until the Corridor Study is finished. She cautioned Council against making plans for imaginary future citizens, asked them to consider the desires of their current citizenry, and to accept the Planning Commission’s recommendation.
Dr. Cory Secrist, Shoreline resident, cited research that states shorter commute time makes people happier than a higher paying job. He asked Council to wait for the Corridor Study before making a decision on rezoning to understand the effects on traffic. He asked Council to accept the Planning Commission’s recommendation.
Krista Tenney, Shoreline resident, commented on moving to Shoreline in 1988 and shared that her children that have graduated high school also want to stay in Shoreline. She expressed concern about the lack of open space and commented that open space is needed for kids of all ages. She talked about Shoreline becoming a Wildlife Habitat and preserving the city’s natural assets.
Cynthia Knox, Shoreline resident, acknowledged the Councilmembers’ service through thoughtful governance and thanked city staff for the services they provide. She spoke about the importance of democracy and representing the will of the people. She explained that the rezone will greatly impact citizens and the future quality of life. She said she believes the process is being rushed and that the area being considered is enormous. She asked Council to postpone the decision.
Pam Mieth, Shoreline resident, urged Council to follow the Planning Commission’s recommendation and stated that the rezones for the Station Subareas are too big. She cautioned against being tied to such a large and nebulous environmental impact statement, and said that the developers should submit their own mitigations.
Patty Hale, Shoreline resident, sang a song about Light Rail and high density. She asked Councilmembers to honor the members of Planning Commission and accept their recommendation to wait until the adoption of the Corridor Study before making a decision.
Jon Horn, Shoreline resident, spoke about the wonderful assets of his property, and explained that he does not know how to make a decision on what to do with his property. He asked Council to delay the vote until they have more information.
Julie Cha, Adult Family Home business owner, stated that her business is being taken from her. She said a Sound Transit representative told her that her property was a "take". She divulged that Sound Transit would not help her or compensate her for her business.
Ellie Bender, Shoreline resident, stated that she supports growth and developing a coherent plan that will maintain the qualities that make Shoreline a great place. She conveyed that her community's priorities are not the priorities of the developers. She expressed concern that her neighbors are feeling discouraged, disillusioned and unheard and asked Council to listen to the people of Shoreline.
Shannon Siena, Shoreline resident, agreed with all the speakers before her, stated that the Community has said yes to transit and growth, but believes that the maps are too large. She asked Council to support the Planning Commission’s recommendation. She thanked Deputy Mayor Eggen and Councilmembers Roberts and McConnell for working to coordinate growth with the Community, maintaining neighborhoods, and representing the people of Shoreline. She communicated why she disapproves of the actions of the other Councilmembers.
At 7:56 p.m., Mayor Winstead called for a recess. At 8:02 p.m., Mayor Winstead reconvened the meeting.
Ginny Scantlebury, Shoreline resident, talked about the lack of communication between city staff and residents. She reported on door-belling in Parkwood and encountering people that have not heard of the project. She pointed out that a lot of people in the audience are here for the first time. She then read a quote from a document and asked Council to listen to the Planning Commission’s recommendation.
Elaine Phelps, Shoreline resident, commented on a Shoreline Area News press release announcing Council’s approval of the 185th Station Subarea Plan. She quoted excerpts about the public process, and the rezone creating more choice for property owners and providing seniors the opportunity to downsize. She stated the public process was secretive, a choice that residents did not seek or want and strongly opposed, and that seniors prefer to live in their own homes as long as they can. She concluded her comments by reading another quote regarding options of homeowners, and said she believes potential buyers would not want to invest in a single-family nonconforming use home.
Tom McCormick, Shoreline resident, read from the staff report citing the advantages and disadvantages of moving forward with subarea planning in 2015, or waiting to resume planning in 2016 after the Corridor Study has been completed. He stated he takes exception to the two disadvantages listed and that the “significant cost” mentioned in the report needs to be identified.
Les Nelson, Shoreline resident, spoke about the Growth Management Act encouraging growth and providing protections for everyone. He stated that the Act requires concurrent planning with the City of Seattle, must meet public notification requirements, and cautioned Council about violating State law. He commented that residents are left with two choices, to sue or to suffer with Council’s decision. He requested that the 1998 Environment Impact Statement for the City be included in the review of this project and asked Council to support the Planning Commission’s recommendation.
Deputy Mayor Eggen moved to allow the last three speakers to provide Public Comment. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Salomon and passed unanimously.
Sigrid Strom, Shoreline resident and former Southeast Neighborhood Citizens Advisory Committee Member, commented on the need to slow down the process and on the cumulative impacts that the 185th and 145th Street Station Subarea Plans will have on the residential blocks between the two zones, and on neighboring entities like the City of Seattle and Lake Forest Park. She stated she did not see specific definitions for multifamily units, senior housing, and low income housing. She asked for transit plans that include mass transit within the city and that have east to west connections.
Chuck Dolam, Thornton Creek Alliance Boardmember, applauded the City for protecting the headwaters along 10th Avenue and at Cromwell Park. He stated if additional time is needed to provide the same protection to Twin Ponds and Paramount Park, Council should follow the Planning Commission’s recommendation and take that time.
Bob Oswald, Shoreline resident, said he is here to understand the document he received in the mail titled “Are You Being Railroaded”. He commented that he is interested in the happiness of people living in area, and that he is retired and his taxes are going up. He asked if homes up to three stories high will be allowed next to homes that are one story high.
6. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
The agenda was approved by unanimous consent.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Upon motion by Councilmember Roberts, seconded by Councilmember McGlashan and unanimously carried, the following Consent Calendar items were approved:
(a) Minutes of Special Meeting of February 23, 2015
(b) Approval of expenses and payroll as of March 6, 2015 in the amount of $2,383,559.98 in the following detail:
|
*Payroll and Benefits: |
||||||
|
Payroll Period |
Payment Date |
EFT Numbers (EF) |
Payroll Checks (PR) |
Benefit Checks (AP) |
Amount Paid |
|
|
1/18/15-1/31/15 |
2/6/2015 |
59524-59722 |
13671-13690 |
59236-59241 |
$464,185.08 |
|
|
2/1/15-2/14/15 |
2/20/2015 |
59723-59918 |
13691-13714 |
59366-59373 |
$583,745.48 |
|
|
$1,047,930.56 |
||||||
|
*Wire Transfers: |
||||||
|
Expense Register Dated |
Wire Transfer Number |
|
Amount Paid |
|||
|
2/26/2015 |
1091 |
$6,283.23 |
||||
|
$6,283.23 |
||||||
|
*Accounts Payable Claims: |
||||||
|
Expense Register Dated |
Check Number (Begin) |
Check Number (End) |
Amount Paid |
|||
|
2/11/2015 |
57562 |
57562 |
($12.00) |
|||
|
2/11/2015 |
59207 |
59207 |
$12.00 |
|||
|
2/12/2015 |
59208 |
59209 |
$2,785.10 |
|||
|
2/12/2015 |
59210 |
59220 |
$191,689.51 |
|||
|
2/12/2015 |
59221 |
59235 |
$6,055.51 |
|||
|
2/12/2015 |
59242 |
59245 |
$3,064.70 |
|||
|
2/13/2015 |
59246 |
59246 |
$1,000.00 |
|||
|
2/19/2015 |
59247 |
59270 |
$488,641.56 |
|||
|
2/20/2015 |
59271 |
59283 |
$19,977.17 |
|||
|
2/20/2015 |
59284 |
59306 |
$167,514.92 |
|||
|
2/20/2015 |
59307 |
59309 |
$15,302.16 |
|||
|
2/20/2015 |
59310 |
59313 |
$20,607.27 |
|||
|
2/20/2015 |
59314 |
59315 |
$55,268.48 |
|||
|
2/20/2015 |
59316 |
59316 |
$340.00 |
|||
|
2/20/2015 |
59317 |
59317 |
$1,031.40 |
|||
|
2/20/2015 |
59318 |
59318 |
$5,674.25 |
|||
|
2/26/2015 |
59319 |
59319 |
$3,455.00 |
|||
|
2/26/2015 |
59320 |
59320 |
$180.60 |
|||
|
2/26/2015 |
59321 |
59345 |
$58,816.95 |
|||
|
2/26/2015 |
59346 |
59365 |
$92,493.68 |
|||
|
3/4/2015 |
59374 |
59374 |
$3,000.00 |
|||
|
3/4/2015 |
59375 |
59376 |
$530.84 |
|||
|
3/4/2015 |
59377 |
59387 |
$9,579.96 |
|||
|
3/4/2015 |
59388 |
59404 |
$49,008.31 |
|||
|
3/4/2015 |
59405 |
59424 |
$133,328.82 |
|||
|
$1,329,346.19 |
||||||
(c) Authorize the City Manager to Extend the Contract with Albright Floor Care (dba Pro Team Janitorial) for Janitorial Services
(d) Authorize the City Manager to Purchase a Street Sweeper and Backhoe Loader
(e) Adoption of Res. No. 371 Authorizing Reimbursement of Expenditures for Costs Relating to Surface Water Capital Projects from Bond Proceeds
8. STUDY ITEMS
(a) Discussion of 145th Light Rail Station Preferred Alternative to be Studied for the Final Environmental Impact Statement and Planning Commission Recommendation
Miranda Redinger, Senior Planner, highlighted past meetings of Council’s discussion of potential zoning scenarios for the 185th Street Station Subarea. She explained that the Planning Commission did not make a recommendation on the Preferred Alternative. She stated staff is seeking direction from Council tonight on whether to move forward and select a Preferred Alternative to be studied in the Final Environmental Impact Study or to wait for the 145th Street Corridor Study to be completed. She then reviewed the timeline advantages and disadvantages for the two options, and maps for the No Action, Connecting Corridor, Compact Community, and Phased Approach scenarios.
Councilmember Salomon moved to delay the adoption of the preferred alternative until after the 145th Corridor Study is completed. The motion was seconded by Deputy Mayor Eggen.
Councilmember Salomon disclosed that he owns a home in the Station Subarea and stated he will make the best decision for the residents of the Community. He explained that the Corridor Study will provide complete information to help Council make an informed decision. He stated that preservation of parks and expansion of parks should go hand in hand with increased density and said he would like to see this objective incorporated into planning as the process moves forward.
Deputy Mayor Eggen disclosed that he lives in the Station Subarea and said that he is committed to making a decision based on facts and for the good of the community. He echoed the need for additional parks, and commented that the Corridor Study will provide clarity on what needs to happen and what can be done on 145th Street. He stated that he will be supporting the motion.
Councilmember McGlashan pointed out that the Corridor Study will look at current characteristics of 145th Street and explained if the zoning changed then different criteria would have to be studied. He expressed concern about excluding information that needs to be studied in the FEIS based on a Corridor Study completed using the current characteristics of 145th Street. He questioned if the rezone needs to take place prior to the Corridor Study. Ms. Markel responded that the Corridor Study would look at different criteria if the area was rezoned. She said completing the rezone first allows the ability to be more precise when choosing what to study, and added that both the FEIS and the Corridor Study will inform each other.
Councilmember Hall talked about keeping the energy and engagement of the people and expressed hesitancy over completely stopping the process now and resuming again in eight months. He recommended that community outreach and engagement be continued, and to implement town hall meetings. He commented on the hydrology and wetlands in the Subarea. He stated he would like the City to do further investigation of streams and wetlands, and create an opportunity to make portions of Thornton Creek more accessible to the public and improve habitat conditions. He commented that land use, transportation, transit, and parks are all interdependent and stated that there is more work to be done on these matters regardless of when a decision is made. He also reiterated the need for a safe pedestrian bridge across Interstate 5.
Councilmember Hall explained that although the Light Rail Stations are not scheduled to open until 2023, construction of the Stations will start in 2-3 years severely altering the neighborhood. Part of the reason for making the planning decisions now is to provide certainty for people so they can make decisions about their property, and to allow time to plan for parks, open spaces, and transportation. He listed several other cities that have gone through the Subarea planning process to accommodate Light Rail.
Councilmembers McConnell disclosed that she owns a single-family home in the Station Subarea and shared that she wants to get a sense of what the community wants, and to do the right thing for the Community.
Councilmember Salomon stated that he is hoping the Corridor Study will analyze all the scenarios presented in the staff report and questioned if the Corridor Study can be modified to look at the potential zoning scenarios.
Councilmember McGlashan and Mayor Winstead asked what scenarios are being used in the Corridor Study. Ms. Markel responded that the DEIS is informing the Corridor Study.
Councilmember Hall noted that several alternatives were studied in the DEIS and are potentially still in play and moving towards selecting a preferred alternative now will provide the clarity that some residents are looking for.
The main motion passed unanimously.
At 8:49 p.m., Mayor Winstead called for a recess. At 8:58 p.m. Mayor Winstead reconvened the meeting.
(b) Discussion of 2015-2017 Council Goals
John Norris, Assistant City Manager reviewed the proposed 2015 – 2017 Council goals are:
Ø Goal 1: Strengthen Shoreline’s economic base to maintain the City provided public services that the community expects
Ø Goal 2: Improve Shoreline’s utility, transportation, and environmental infrastructure
Ø Goal 3: Prepare for two Shoreline light rail stations
Ø Goal 4: Enhance openness and opportunities for community engagement
Ø Goal 5: Promote and enhance the City’s safe community and neighborhood programs and initiatives
He presented two proposed changes submitted by Councilmember Hall are:
· Delete ‘city provided’ from proposed title of Council Goal #1; Goal would now read: Strengthen Shoreline’s economic base to maintain the public services that the community expects; and
· Goal 3, Action Step 4: Develop a Transit Service Integration Plan to deliver people to the future light rail stations, as an alternative to single occupancy vehicles. Add in language regarding safe bike and pedestrian access for all ages and abilities, including a bridge over I-5 north of 145th connecting to the light rail station.
Councilmember Hall commented on the services that are provided in the City based on tax revenue and wanting to capture other agencies that provide community services like the Fire and School Districts, and Libraries. He explained the language addition to Goal 3, Action Step 4 keeps the issue of a safe bike and pedestrian bridge, to cross Interstate 5 north of 145th Street, in front of Council, the Public and funding agencies, and makes it explicit in the Council Goals.
Councilmember Roberts stated he thinks the proposed Council goals are a good set of goals and looks forward to adopting them. He supports calling out the bridge but questions if this is the correct language. He suggested adding a period after "abilities" to separate out the rest of the sentence, and commented on a need for a bridge for both 145th and 185th Streets. He questioned what “evaluate” means in Goal 3.5, and stated he is interpreting this Action Step as applying to the Stations and not the Stations Subareas. He suggested using the language “design of the Light Rail Stations”. In Goal 5.3 He proposed talking about the intent of the program and not calling out specific programs.
Mr. Norris concurred with Councilmember Roberts that Goal 3 addresses the Station and not the Station Subareas, and responded that Chief Ledford expressed that specific language in 5.3 to assist in communicating with officers.
Councilmember McGlashan expressed concern about calling out a bridge at 145th Street in Goal 3.4 and excluding 185th Street, and stated he wants to ensure safe and reliable east-west connections at both Stations.
Deputy Mayor Eggen commented that he likes the proposed goals and calling out the bridge at 145th, and stated he would like the same done for 185th Street. He asked staff to come up with language if Councilmembers concur.
Councilmember Hall explained that the existing bridge deck can be used for safe bike and pedestrian access on 185th Street, and that there are different challenges at 145th Street due to freeway onramps that will require a separate bridge be built.
Councilmember Roberts suggested putting language about bridges in Goal 3, Action Step 3.
Councilmember Salomon offered support for Councilmember Hall's recommendations.
Mayor Winstead stated that she supports the 2015-17 proposed Council Goals and expressed that the suggested changes are good ones. She asked staff to incorporate them into the Goals for Council approval.
9. ADJOURNMENT
At 9:17 p.m., Mayor Winstead declared the meeting adjourned.
/S/ Jessica Simulcik Smith, City Clerk