CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, February 2, 2015 Conference Room 303 - Shoreline City Hall
5:45 p.m. 17500 Midvale Avenue North
PRESENT: Mayor Winstead, Deputy Mayor Eggen, Councilmembers McGlashan, McConnell, Salomon, and Roberts
ABSENT: Councilmember Hall
STAFF: Debbie Tarry, City Manager; John Norris, Assistant City Manager; Jessica Simulcik Smith, City Clerk, Bonita Roznos, Deputy City Clerk; and Planning and Community Development Staff: Rachael Markle, Director; Paul Cohen, Planning Manager; Miranda Redinger, Senior Planner; Steve Szafran, Senior Planner.
GUESTS: None
At 5:49 p.m., the meeting was called to order by Mayor Winstead. She announced that Councilmember Hall is excused for personal reasons.
Debbie Tarry, City Manager explained that tonight’s meeting is for Council to address logistical questions for the February 9 and 23, 2015 Council meetings regarding the 185th Street Station Subarea Plan (185SSSP). She shared that it is very likely that the Planning Commission will not be ready to make a recommendation regarding a Preferred Alternative for the 145th Street Station Subarea Plan, and therefore there will likely be a single action item of the 185SSSP at the February 23, 2015 Council Meeting. She stated the 145th Street Station Subarea Plan Preferred Alternative will likely be presented at the March 2, 2015 Council Meeting.
Councilmembers discussed waiving Council rules to allow more time for public comments, extending the meeting only to finalize a current amendment being discussed, and not taking up new amendments after 10:00 p.m. They discussed adhering to Council Rules and waiting to decide at 10:00 p.m. to vote to continue the meeting. They commented on the importance of providing everyone who wants to address Council the opportunity to speak, requiring that all speakers sign up to speak, and limiting speakers from three to two minutes, if there are more than 10 people signed up to speak. They also encouraged the public to communicate to Council by letter and email. Ms. Tarry reiterated that Council’s preference is not to introduce new topics after 10:00 p.m., waive rules to extend public comment by 30 minutes, require members of the public to sign up ahead of time to speak, and depending on the number of people wanting to speak, limit public comment to 2 minutes per person with the exception of city and state recognized non-profits who would be allowed 5 minutes for public comment.
Debbie Tarry explained that the process for adopting the 185SSSP will consist of taking action on the following three ordinances: Station Subarea Plan and Comprehensive Plan Amendment Ordinance, Development Code Amendment Ordinance, and the Planned Action Ordinance. Mr. Norris added that the discussion will take place at the February 9 Council meeting, and that Council action will occur at the February 23, 2015 meeting.
Paul Cohen, Planning Manager, provided updates and Planning Commission recommendations and requested that Council provide Staff any amendments. He reviewed the Commission’s eight key recommended changed to the Subarea Plan and Planned Action Ordinance:
1. Phased Zoning
Mr. Cohen discussed the Commission’s recommendations to reduce zoning boundaries for Phase 1, assignment of dates certain, and the addition of a complete connecting corridor between Aurora Avenue N. and North City.
Councilmembers expressed support for connectivity between Aurora Avenue N. and North City, asked why use date certain requirements, and discussed the process for amending phase implementation dates in the future. Mr. Cohen responded that the dates provide guidance for each phase and allows an evaluation process. Ms. Tarry added the dates also provide a certain amount of predictability.
2. Park Dedication
Mr. Cohen shared that park dedication will be made in conjunction with the Park Board. Ms. Redinger added that a specific formula will be identified for determining the appropriate amount of park dedication based on the size of the development.
Councilmembers asked about implementation strategies, assessing fees for park dedication in development agreements, and expressed concern about adopting code to determine park dedication when the formula is not spelled out in the Development Code. Ms. Tarry discussed the trade off of moving forward with the Plan and the implementation strategy details that still have to be worked out in the future. Ms. Redinger discussed two mandatory agreements that can be paid in lieu of impact fees, and then read the placeholder policy for parks in MUR zoning.
3. Affordable Housing
Mr. Cohen shared the Commission’s recommendation to add a Housing Development Option which provides fewer units affordable to households making a lower median income.
4. New Single Family in MUR Zones
Mr. Cohen shared the Commission’s recommendation to allow new single family development in MUR-85, 45 and 35 zones without a 5-year sunset on this provision.
Councilmembers discussed non-conforming single family usage and providing a means to allow single family homes to be in compliance. Ms. Tarry discussed Council’s options to allow the provision to sunset indefinitely or have an end date.
5. Building Stepbacks at 45 feet
Mr. Cohen explained that in addition to the Commission’s recommendation that 10-foot building stepbacks at 45-foot heights apply to arterials in MUR 85 zones and buildings across the street from MUR-35 and MUR-45 zones, and that Staff recommends extending this transition requirement for MUR-85 to all streets in the Subarea.
6. Parking Structure Design
Mr. Cohen shared that the Commission recommends that parking design standards be consistent with Shoreline’s existing commercial design standards.
7. Clarify Parking Reductions
Mr. Cohen shared that the Commission recommends specific parking ratio reductions that cannot be combined or added cumulatively.
8. Bundle Parking with Units
Mr. Cohen shared that the Commission recommends that required residential parking be bundled with apartment leases.
Councilmembers expressed concerned about tenants who do not own a car being assessed a parking fee. They commented on the discrepancy between parking standards and number of built units. Ms. Tarry responded that staff will refine the language and shared that the City Attorney is also looking at language for long term enforcement.
Councilmembers asked about the process for Council to submit questions and amendments to the Plan. Ms. Tarry responded that a matrix, similar to the one used in the 2015 Budget Process, will be developed, and stated that responses will be made available on Fridays. She stated the first matrix will be issued on Friday, February 6, 2015, and that the Commission’s changes will be included in the Discussion of the 185th Street Subarea Plan and Planned Action Ordinance staff report scheduled to be available on February 3, 2015. She asked that Council submit amendments as soon as possible but no later than the end of next week.
At 6:51p.m., the meeting was adjourned.
/S/ Bonita Roznos, Deputy City Clerk
CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, February 2, 2015 Council Chambers - Shoreline City Hall
7:00 p.m. 17500 Midvale Avenue North
PRESENT: Mayor Winstead, Deputy Mayor Eggen,
Councilmembers McGlashan, McConnell, Salomon, and Roberts
ABSENT: Councilmember Hall
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 with the exception of Councilmember Hall.
Councilmember McGlashan moved to excuse Councilmember Hall for personal reasons. The motion was seconded by Deputy Mayor Eggen, and was unanimously approved, 6-0.
Mayor Winstead read a proclamation declaring February as Black History Month in the City of Shoreline. Members of the Shorecrest Black Student Union (BSU) were on hand to receive the proclamation. Esther Ndungu, Senior, and Sheryl Pereira, BSU President, spoke about the contributions of African Americans to America, and the importance of diversity and the advancement of equality for all people.
3. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER
Debbie Tarry, City Manager, provided reports and updates on various City meetings, projects and events.
4. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Salomon stated he attended a King County Regional Law, Safety and Justice Committee Meeting, and reported on strategies implemented by the City of Tukwila to vacate and purchase three hotels associated with criminal activity by using an ordinance similar to Shoreline’s Community Renewal Ordinance. He also attended the Committee’s Agenda Setting Meeting to raise the issue of promotion of de-escalation tactics to be included in police training.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Wendy DiPeso, Shoreline resident, read a statement regarding citizens’ anger over 185th and 145th Street Subarea proposed rezone. She talked about the Council redefining the Subarea Station Areas. She asked Council to listen to the citizens, reexamine the plan, slow down the process and allow opportunity for the Community and the City to craft a better plan.
Dan Dale, Shoreline resident, commented on the volume of information Council is reviewing and the enormity of the decisions that have to be made regarding the 185th Subarea Plan. He recommended waiting on the April release of Sound Transit’s Environmental Impact Study prior to making any decisions.
Myrna Haigh, Shoreline resident, expressed appreciation for Planning Commission’s single family development recommendation. She stated that the process is not understood by the average citizen and that the first priority of Council should be negotiating with Sound Transit on parking issues. She stated there is no need to be in a hurry.
Dan Jacoby, Shoreline resident, recommended slowing down decision making on 185th Station Subarea Plan. He commented on the addition of new maps, listed issues that have yet to be addressed, and stated the decision should be postponed until these issues are resolved.
Janet Way, Shoreline Preservation Society, commented on the schedule, timeline, and need for public participation for the Lightrail Station Subarea Planning. She talked about WRIA 8 Projects and the City’s responsibility to protect the watersheds. She commented on the need to mitigate the increase in surface water at full build out to protect the salmon, and recommended slowing down the process.
Ginny Scantlebury, Shoreline resident, commented on the need to have the 185th Street and 145th Street Station Subarea Planning discussions in separate meetings. She talked about replacement of the Shoreline Center Complex Sport Fields by MUR-85 developments, and the destruction of single family homes in the Cromwell Park neighborhoods with MUR-45 developments.
Debbie Tarry, City Manager, commented that although there will be an increase in surface water activity at full build out in the Subarea, developments would have to comply with the new surface water regulations. She commented that the School District will have the option of making changes to Shoreline Center Complex properties and that City planning efforts would be made to ensure recreational activities are still provided to the community.
6. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
The agenda was adopted by unanimous consent.
7. ACTION ITEMS
(a) Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract with Ralph Anderson and Associates for the Classification and Compensation Study
Paula Itaoka, Human Resources Director, provided background on the Compensation and Classification Study. She explained that six proposals were received and announced that Ralph Andersen and Associates was the successful vendor. She reviewed that the scope of the project would include a review and update of the City’s job descriptions, a comprehensive market survey including base salary and benefits, and the development of salary recommendations based on both job evaluation and the survey result. She shared estimated costs are not to exceed $50,000.
Deputy Mayor Eggen moved to authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract with Ralph Anderson and Associates to conduct a Classification and Compensation Study in 2015 in the amount of $50,000. The motion was seconded by Councilmember McGlashan.
Deputy Mayor Eggen commented on the Study’s ability to ensure the City is attracting qualified staff, that salaries provide employee security, and meet Council goals.
Councilmember Roberts asked if the Ronald Wastewater and part-time employees would be included in the Study. He asked about the timeline for results and when it will be added to the Council’ work plan for policy discussions. Ms. Itaoka responded that the Study has the capacity to include the Ronald Wastewater full-time employees, but part-time employees would not be included. She expects the Study to be completed in time for the 2016 budget cycle.
Councilmember McConnell commented on the timeliness of the report, since the last report was completed in 1997, and that it is appropriately timed for the Ronald Wastewater Assumption. She commented that the report will provide competitive and fair compensation recommendations.
The motion passed unanimously, 6-0.
8. STUDY ACTIONS
(a) Discussion of the Information Technology Strategic Technology Plan
Katherine Moriarty, Information Technology Manager, opened up with talking about how technology has changed over the years. She explained that her goal is to know where the City is now and to move technology into the future. She presented the current state of technology, a vision for the future, a technology road map, and governing principles. She reviewed 2015 funded projects are: Cityworks Phase II: Stabilize Technology; IT Maturity; Sharepoint; Class replacement; and Permit Assessment. She identified potential projects for 2016 and 2017, and provided cost summary estimates.
Councilmembers expressed appreciation for a well thought out plan and commended staff on the work completed on the Plan. They asked about the integration and cost of a utility billing system. Ms. Moriarty responded that a financial system replacement assessment is scheduled to take place in 2016, and will provide adequate time to include analysis of a utility billing system. She explained that she is hoping costs will remain flat through the implementation of software as a service.
Councilmembers asked about offloading computing, and if cost of hours is included in the project costs. Ms. Moriarty explained her concern regarding offloading is with competency and having someone with the expertise to provide this service. She explained the cost of the project includes hardware and implementation services, and she is hoping to add the cost of staff to the paradigm.
(b) Discussion and Update of WRIA 8 Projects
Rika Cecil, Environmental Programs Coordinator, introduced Jason Mulvihill-Kuntz, WRIA 8 Watershed Coordinator Consultant. Ms. Cecil reviewed pass actions, the 2005 Chinook Salmon Conservation Plan, and the 2006 WRIA8 Interlocal Agreement. She explained that tonight’s presentation provides an update on efforts of the Salmon Recovery Council. Mr. Mulvihill-Kuntz described the two Chinook salmon populations (Cedar and Sammamish), and identified the watershed priority area tiers. He outlined the road to recovery and highlighted that the leadership team's mission is to foster regional collaboration and leverage jurisdictional dollars. He noted Shoreline's annual cost share is $16,337 and explained what the funds are used for. He reviewed watershed efforts, plans, and accomplishments. He announced a huge increase in juvenile salmon production, explained that Nearshore restoration is a high priority, and stated next steps are to renew the WRIA 8 Interlocal Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding.
Councilmembers noted that the City’s contribution pays for administrative staff and does not pay for conservation work. Councilmembers discussed reductions in federal and state funding support, and expressed interest in exploring how the City can become more active in assisting with salmon recovery, which has been slow due to limited funding. They stated support for the WRIA and continuing the Interlocal Agreement. They discussed the critical need and complexity of restoring Chinook salmon runs, and securing additional funding for this effort. Mr. Mulvihill-Kuntz expressed optimism for funding, and explained that the State Legislature is looking to multiple benefit projects which fund projects that benefit more than one area and can address flood risk, storm water management and habitat improvement.
9. ADJOURNMENT
At 8:29 p.m., Mayor Winstead declared the meeting adjourned.
/S/ Jessica Simulcik Smith, City Clerk