CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, May 4, 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.
Mayor Winstead introduced students from Meridian Park Elementary School. They presented the City a City of Shoreline Tourist Guide Book created in the style of American pop artist James Rizzi.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Tom McCormick, Shoreline resident, thanked Council and Staff for putting the tolling amendment on tonight’s Agenda. He commented on an article in the Seattle Times entitled "Explore this - How fast is your neighborhood densifying?”, and shared that the Point Wells Development would make this area the most dense area in the Pacific Northwest. He talked about filing ballot initiatives to limit Point Wells traffic to ensure safety and secure a second access road.
Tom Mailhot, Shoreline resident, thanked Council and Staff for adding tolling as a tool available to the Transportation Benefit District to fund transportation improvements and help address Point Wells Development issues.
Christopher Monson, Shoreline resident, stated that he is following up on his previous request to Council to teach residents about the laws of Shoreline.
5. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
The agenda was adopted by unanimous consent.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
Upon motion by Councilmember Salomon, seconded by Councilmember Hall and unanimously carried, the following Consent Calendar items were approved:
(a) Minutes of Business Meeting of February 23, 2015, Minutes of Business Meeting of March 2, 2015 and Minutes of Special Meeting of April 13, 2015
(b) Approval of expenses and payroll as of April 3, 2015 in the amount of $1,218,340.40
|
*Payroll and Benefits: |
||||||
|
Payroll Period |
Payment Date |
EFT Numbers (EF) |
Payroll Checks (PR) |
Benefit Checks (AP) |
Amount Paid |
|
|
3/1/15-3/14/15 |
3/20/2015 |
60118-60299 |
13734-13748 |
59591-59598 |
$573,309.24 |
|
|
$573,309.24 |
||||||
|
*Wire Transfers: |
||||||
|
Expense Register Dated |
Wire Transfer Number |
|
Amount Paid |
|||
|
3/26/2015 |
1092 |
$4,174.93 |
||||
|
$4,174.93 |
||||||
|
*Accounts Payable Claims: |
||||||
|
Expense Register Dated |
Check Number (Begin) |
Check Number (End) |
Amount Paid |
|||
|
3/20/2015 |
59544 |
59545 |
$62,223.89 |
|||
|
3/26/2015 |
59546 |
59557 |
$79,048.25 |
|||
|
3/26/2015 |
59558 |
58578 |
$65,179.38 |
|||
|
3/26/2015 |
59579 |
59590 |
$2,843.50 |
|||
|
4/2/2015 |
59599 |
59633 |
$374,572.22 |
|||
|
4/2/2015 |
59634 |
59642 |
$19,971.53 |
|||
|
4/2/2015 |
59643 |
59666 |
$32,513.02 |
|||
|
4/2/2015 |
59667 |
59673 |
$4,504.44 |
|||
|
$640,856.23 |
||||||
(c) Adoption of Res. No. 368 - Transportation Improvement Plan
(d) Adoption of Ord. No. 715 - Amending Shoreline Municipal Code 3.60 Regarding Functions and Powers of the Shoreline Transportation Benefit District
7. COMMUNITY GROUP PRESENTATION
(a) North King County Mobility Coalition Presentation
Cameron Duncan, Mobility Coordinator at Hopelink, joined by Robin McClelland, a member of North King County Mobility Coalition, presented the report. Mr. Duncan provided history on the development of the Coalition and shared that the Coalition was established in 2010 to increase awareness and expand services for mobility challenged residents in North King County. He reviewed the membership list and provided a definition of “mobility-challenged". He noted that approximately one-third of the 4-County region’s population is mobility challenged. He described the “Listening Sessions” held to facilitate discussion around barriers to mobility in North King County. He stated pedestrian infrastructure, transit options, and public engagement are the three majors themes that evolved from the discussions.
Mr. Duncan presented feedback from Paramount House residents and stated they expressed concern over poor conditioned and unsafe sidewalks, limited local transit connections, and the high volume of dangerous traffic areas. He said that this session got the attention of King County Metro, and resulted in the re-installation of a bus shelter ahead of schedule. He then presented feedback from Westminster Manor residents. He stated that residents expressed concern with few area sidewalks, rough and uneven road surfaces, the dangerous intersection at 145th and Greenwood Avenue N., and poor bus connections. He talked about the difficulty of having a sidewalk that only runs the length of the property frontage, and shared that the signal timing at the intersection of 145th and Greenwood has been adjusted as a result of these sessions. Ms. McClelland shared that the Listening Sessions developed from a suggestion to seek out residents and ask them about their mobility issues. She shared a story about a woman needing to visit her mother in Puyallup and how it is an all day excursion getting there using public transportation. She said some mobility challenged residents are forced to drive places even though they are not completely comfortable getting behind the wheel. She addressed people’s fear on loosing mobility, the risk of isolation, and the amount of time it takes to get around using public transportation.
Deputy Mayor Eggen commented that mobility is an issue that should be everyone’s concern. He said that a crack in a sidewalk or lack of a sidewalk could make the difference in someone’s ability to get to the grocery store. He noted the trend of concentrating human services in one location. He explained that even if someone lives far away that they can travel to one location and receive all the services they need. He talked about the importance of working with the Coalition to address barriers to mobility and suggested budgeting funds for emergency sidewalk repairs.
Councilmember Roberts asked if the Coalition has identified areas in Shoreline with high concentration of seniors, and explained that the City can possibly prioritize sidewalk repair in areas where there are vulnerable populations. He inquired if the Coalition is in conversation with Metro regarding bus services. Mr. Duncan stated that he will follow up with data identifying where the greatest population of seniors are in Shoreline. He stated that Metro participates on all three of the Sub-regional Coalitions and they are aware of all the issues. He shared that they are good partners in working through mobility projects. Ms. McClelland commented that seniors from Westminster Manor take buses south to Seattle and spend all their discretionary money there because it is easier to travel south than to senior facilities in Shoreline. She shared that there is a missing link on getting information to residents on how to use the bus service and access other human services.
Councilmember Salomon recalled the City expending money to adjust traffic signal timing on Aurora and asked if crossing times were lengthened. He suggested looking at funds for emergency sidewalk repairs for next year's budget.
Councilmember McConnell agreed with Ms. McClelland that isolation does happen when someone loses their mobility and shared that she is currently assisting someone in that situation.
Councilmember McGlashan commented on the ease of ability to travel north and south on a bus and said that the City has been asking for years for east to west connections. He stated that the Council is aware of mobility problems on 145th Street and shared a personal story of how the loss of mobility affected one of his family members.
Mayor Winstead thanked Mr. Duncan and Ms. McClelland for the presentation and stated that the City will do all that it can to help with mobility issues.
8. STUDY ITEMS
(a) Discussion of the 2014 Police Service Report
Police Chief Shawn Ledford, Captain Mark Konoske, and Captain Scott Strathy provided the report. Chief Ledford talked about the national image of police distrust, accountability, and actions. He shared that the Shoreline Police Department has the opportunity to select police officers from the Sherriff’s Office, and discussed policies and programs that encourage good community relationships. Captain Strathy presented the organization chart, noted four open positions, and talked about the Shoreline Police transfer process. Chief Ledford presented cost comparison data and stated that contracting for police services continues to be cost effective. He then reviewed calls for service data.
Captain Strathy talked about the increase in residential burglaries and reviewed efforts by Shoreline Police department to combat them. He shared that Plainclothes, Narcotics, and Prostitution Detectives have merged with the Criminal Investigation Division’s Burglary and Larceny Detectives and stated that the use of intelligence led policing is also assisting in the effort. Captain Konoske talked about reducing liability in pursuits by setting expectations for using good judgment along with applying policy and reporting procedure. Captain Strathy presented community outreach efforts and noted that the Department held 52 WATCH meetings. Chief Ledford stated that Crime Prevention Officers also work with the business community and inform them on what police can and cannot do, and how to monitor and better report issues. He described problem solving projects at Echo Lake Park and along the Interurban Trail. He stated that their approach on park safety is to handle low level issues to help prevent higher level issues from happening.
Captain Konoske supplied information on school safety efforts. He spoke about active shooter response, coordination with other emergency responders, and the Police response to the Meridian Park Elementary incident earlier this year. He reported that it was a multi-jurisdictional response, and he then described police officer trainings.
Chief Ledford talked about neighborhood traffic safety and staffing, and explained that traffic enforcement focus areas are school zones, neighborhood traffic complaints, and locations on the speed differential map. He pointed out the difference in the number of contacts and citations. He stated that three officers will now focus on high collision areas, and enforcement of driving under the influence, cell phones, and seat belts. Captain Strathy presented the Response Awareness Deescalation and Referral (RADAR) program that assists police in establishing a working relationship and rapport with individuals with mental and/or cognitive issues. He stated that they have applied and are waiting to hear back about a grant award to help fund this effort. He talked about the Nurturing Trust Program, explained that the sessions are well attended, and read quotes from class participants.
Councilmembers thanked the Police Department for their good police work and community outreach efforts, and expressed appreciation for the RADAR program. They pointed out the issues police are facing on a national level regarding police violence, trust, use of force, and stated that it is critical that the City not get into these situations. They asked how the diversity of the Shoreline Police Department compares with the King County Sheriff's Office; what training is provided to police to manage aggressive young men who feel challenged by police; if specific neighborhoods are targeted for burglaries; and if serious injury collisions and fatalities have increased. They commented on the need to present policing as a valued profession and encourage people to serve as police officers. Chief Ledford responded that he is working on getting the comparable data on diversity for the King County Sheriff Office and will report back to Council with the information. He stated there has not been a significant increase in burglaries in any particularly area, but noted that the numbers tend to be higher on the east side. Captain Konoske explained that use of force training standards are applied across the board and focuses on physical police presence, verbal interaction, and deescalation. Chief Ledford recalled that there was one accident fatality in 2014. He stated that for the amount of traffic that goes through Shoreline, accidents are statistically reasonable and serious collisions are relatively low.
(b) Safe Community Update
Rob Beem, Community Services Manager, provided an update on Safe Neighborhoods and Safe Community efforts. He shared that 92% of residents feel safe in their neighborhoods during the day and that 80% of residents have an overall feeling of safety. He explained that these results are reflective of medium size cities. He talked about Council’s goal to promote and enhance safe community and neighborhood programs and initiatives. He stated that he meets quarterly with a team of City staff to engage, connect, identify and address specific community issues. He said the Police did a great job of describing all the Community Outreach Programs in their 2014 Police Service Report. He reviewed the National Night Out, Ready Neighborhoods, Safety Fair and other City events and festivals. He shared how Alert Shoreline works to send out messages to the Community with information regarding traffic incidents or emergencies. He talked about engaging community partners, efforts to keep parks safe, projects to increase mobility, focused interventions such as increased presence on the Interurban Trail, and the Chronic Nuisance and Stay Out of Drug Area Ordinances. He concluded by sharing efforts planned for 2015.
Councilmembers commented that syringes and bottles are being discarded in places other than the Interurban Trail and urged everyone to exercise safety. Councilmembers expressed appreciation for the Nurturing Trust Program and asked if the flyer on how to keep safe in Shoreline has been translated into other languages. They pointed out that North City Water was omitted from the Emergency Management Council. Mr. Beem replied that a translator tool is available on the City’s website. Ms. Tarry added that the Nurturing Trust Flyers have been issued in Spanish and noted that it would be good to have them in other languages. Mr. Beem confirmed that North City Water is a member of the Emergency Management Council.
9. ADJOURNMENT
At 9:06 p.m., Mayor Winstead declared the meeting adjourned.
/S/ Jessica Simulcik Smith, City Clerk