CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, August 17, 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
Mayor Winstead commented on attending and enjoying the Celebrate Shoreline events.
Councilmember McConnell reported on attending the National League of Cities Asian Pacific American Municipal Officials retreat that focused on attracting new members and increasing visibility in Washington D.C.
Deputy Mayor Eggen reported on attending the King County Metropolitan Solid Waste Advisory Committee (MSWAC) Meeting and discussing the future of waste disposal as transfer stations become obsolete. He stated that MSWAC voted not to support the plan for a new Northeast Transfer Station and said they will be suggesting the site as a contingency plan.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
John Behrens, Shoreline resident, commented that the Shoreline Area News reported that after midnight on March 17, 2015 Council spent five minutes on Ordinance 707. He asked if this was the best way to pass an ordinance.
Janet Way, Shoreline Preservation Society, expressed concern with the public outreach process for the 145th Street Corridor Study. She said in comparison to the number of people that live around the area, a limited number of residents attended three public meetings and the Citizens Advisory Task Force meeting. She said the public outreach plan is inadequate and reminded Council of the 185th Street Station Subarea Plan process where a lot of people showed up near the end of the process stating they did not know what was going on. She said projects that have an effect on residents need a much more aggressive public outreach process. She commented that bike lanes should not be encouraged for 145th Street because it is too dangerous.
Dave Lang, Shoreline resident, commented on transportation modality options on 145th Street and the adverse consequences of providing parking garages. He pointed to the 130th and Roosevelt Stations as examples of stations that do not have parking garages, and said density, Ped Shed, and buses are the right choices. He asked Council to consider the safety, environmental issues, and the roadways impacts if commuter parking is limited to a garage.
John Osborne, Shoreline resident, voiced concern over safety issues on the Interurban Trail when bicyclists approach pedestrians without warning. He recommended signage be posted for bicyclist. He commented that the Washington Department of Transportation reported 68 incidents between bicyclist and pedestrians between 2011- 2013, and talked about bicycle related fatalities and accidents.
Elaine Phelps, Shoreline resident, stated that when the City is dealing with serious matters, such as the 185th rezone, a special notification mechanism is needed that is distinguished from routine communication. She recommended considering different ways to get peoples’ attention. She commented that the purpose of Council is to govern for the people who live in Shoreline and asked Council to reconsider the 185th Street Station Subarea rezone. She agreed with Mr. Osborne's comments regarding bicyclists on the Interurban Trail.
Alvin Rutledge, Edmonds resident, said he enjoyed the Celebrate Shoreline event. He commented on bicycle safety issues and encouraged Mr. Osborne to also contact bicycle clubs.
6. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
The agenda was approved by unanimous consent.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Upon motion by Councilmember Hall, seconded by Councilmember McGlashan and unanimously carried, the following Consent Calendar items were approved:
(a) Minutes of Business Meeting of July 13, 2015, Minutes of Special Meeting of July 13, 2015 and Minutes of Special Meeting of July 27, 2015
(b) Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Amendment with Perteet, Inc. for Design Services for the Meridian Avenue N Overlay and 15th Avenue NE Overlay Projects
(c) Adoption of Ord. No. 721 - Surface Water Revenue Bond Authorization
8. ACTIONS ITEMS
(a) Adoption of Ord. No. 722 - Development Code Amendment to Address Parcels with Split Zoning
Steve Szafran, Senior Planner, reviewed the purpose of a Development Code Amendment is to bring development code regulations into conformity with the Comprehensive Plan, respond to changing conditions or needs of the City, and comply with State Law. He reviewed the proposed Amendment applies to parcels that contain multiple commercial zoning designations that do not abut residential zones. He then pointed out two parcels that fall into this category.
Councilmember Hall moved Adoption of Ordinance 722 - Development Code Amendment to Address Parcels with Split Zoning Ordinance. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Salomon.
Councilmember Roberts pointed out that according to Council Rule 6.1(B), there should be a public comment period after the staff report since this is the first time this item has been before Council.
Elaine Phelps, Shoreline resident, expressed concern for allowing commercial development standards for a parcel that abuts both commercial and residential zones.
Mr. Szafran explained that the Amendment only applies to parcels that are not adjacent to residential zones.
Councilmember Hall stated this Ordinance was narrowly scoped to address parcels with split zoning that do not abut residential and only when the two zones are commercial. He said he agrees with Councilmember Roberts that the ideal solution is to correct zoning boundaries so they are set on parcel boundaries, but added he is okay with this interim solution.
Councilmember Salomon commended the staff for their speed in addressing this issue. He said he is not aware of a downside to the Ordinance and stated it will allow the property owner to achieve what they are trying to do with the property.
Councilmember Roberts asked about a parcel in Ballinger abutting residential property and inquired about the resolution of the remaining 45 mixed zone parcels. He asked if there is a City policy that prohibits combining residential and non-residential parcels. Mr. Cohen responded that the property in Ballinger has Community Business and Mixed Use Business zoning adjacent to R-12 zoning and was excluded from the Ordinance. He stated that the other 45 properties involved residential zones and present entirely different compatibility issues requiring more research and community meetings. He said that there are no City policies prohibiting the combining of residential and non-residential parcels.
Councilmember Roberts moved to add a new Section, Section 3 of Ordinance 722, to include a sunset provision. Section 3, Sunset, unless renewed by City Council action, the provisions implemented by Section 1 of this Ordinance shall terminate at 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2019. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Hall.
Deputy Mayor Eggen asked if no action is taken prior to the sunset deadline would a business be prevented from conducting business. Margaret King, City Attorney, responded that a sunset clause is not generally used for a zoning ordinance, explained that the business would be classified as a preexisting non-conforming use, and shared how a business could be affected. Deputy Mayor Eggen stated he will not be supporting the Amendment.
Councilmember Hall pointed out that there are currently businesses in Shoreline with non-conforming use status and the City has not used its regulatory authority to terminate their business. Councilmember Salomon concurred with Deputy Mayor Eggen and asked why a sunset clause is necessary. He said it is an added complication and that he will not be supporting the Amendment.
Ms. Tarry agreed that the zoning map should be updated and stated that 2019 date was suggested to accommodate current city work goals.
Councilmember Roberts said he does not like the general approach the Ordinance is taking regarding split zoning and shared that the date certain only applies to two properties. He explained that the issues can be resolved by looking at a land use map on a full scale basis and fully resolving the matter, or he said the Council can adopt a new zoning map or new legislation without a sunset date.
Councilmember McGlashan commented that it is more important to have property in compliance with zoning regulation and said he feels the sunset clause would lead to more non-conforming use properties. He stated he will not be supporting the Amendment. Ms. King stated the goal is to have properties in compliance, but recognized that there are always zoning changes. She stated the Amendment with the sunset clause is a legal use, but a non-conforming use. She explained that the underlying use still remains the same.
Councilmember McConnell asked for assurance that the sunset clause is good for property owners. Ms. Tarry explained that the Amendment provides a date certain to staff for updating the zoning map.
The motion to amend the Ordinance to include a Sunset Provision failed 2-5, with Councilmembers Hall and Roberts voting yes.
The main motion passed, 6-1, with Councilmember Robert voting no.
Councilmember Roberts moved to direct the City Manager to develop a work plan on how to deal with split zones by the end of 2015. The motion was seconded by Deputy Mayor Eggen.
Councilmember Roberts commented that 48 parcels with split zoning were identified, that there are no limitations to prevent additional split zones from occurring. He stated there are other issues that need to be addressed regarding current parcels split between residential and commercial zones, and a work plan needs to be developed to address these issues.
Ms. Tarry explained that the City’s work plan is normally developed in conjunction with Council goals. Councilmember Hall stated that he supports addressing a work plan for split zoning during the annual Council goal setting process. He said the risk of zones being combined is minimal.
The motion failed 2-5, with Deputy Mayor Eggen and Councilmember Roberts voting yes.
9. STUDY ITEMS
(a) Discussion of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
Tricia Juhnke, City Engineer, provided an overview of how the CIP is developed and reviewed the process and adoption schedule. She reviewed the General Capital Fund, Facilities Major Maintenance Fund, Surface Water Utility Capital Fund projects and fund balances. She noted that there is a $1.2 million funding cap for the Police Station at City Hall Project and anticipates that financing will be needed to complete the project. She stated that the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan and Park Exterior and Security Lighting have been added, and that the Field Turf and Lighting Repair and Replacement have been consolidated into one project. She recalled Council’s discussion regarding long term pool maintenance and stated there is not enough money in the fund to support the project. She explained that the Surface Water Master Plan, the 25th Avenue NE Flood Reduction, the Boeing Creek Regional Stormwater Facility Feasibility Study, and the Thornton Creek Condition Assessment projects have been added to this fund.
Councilmembers asked if the City is in partnership with the City of Lake Forest Park regarding the culvert replacement, and asked if the City has joined a group of cities working together to obtain grants to address major drainage improvements and flood reduction. Mr. Repp responded that the City has been in contact with Lake Forest Park and they are working cooperatively with them on how to stage projects. He shared that they are also working in concert with the group of cities.
Councilmembers asked if developers can reimburse the $200,000 needed for the Regional Stormwater Detention Facility Study. They expressed concern about the amount of money spent on the Thornton Creek Condition Assessment, and charging ratepayers with the Boeing Creek Regional Stormwater Facility Feasibility Study. They stated money can be used instead to hold rates down and to fund projects. They realized the need for the assessments in light of the CRA and Council economic development goals and stated that they will be important to the developers. Mr. Repp responded that the Utility can be reimbursed if the facility is built and he provided reimbursement options.
Councilmembers commented on the environmental benefits a regional stormwater detention facility would provide and stated support for a Regional Stormwater Detention Facility Feasibility Study.
Ms. Juhnke reviewed the Roads Capital Fund and identified new projects as the Transportation Master Plan Update, 185th Corridor Study, Westminster and 155th Design, Rechannelization of Richmond Beach Road and North 175th Street. She identified high priority sidewalk projects from the Transportation Improvement Plan and Transportation Master Plan (TMP). She stated that $120 million would be needed to complete the entire sidewalk network.
Councilmembers requested having a discussion on sidewalk prioritization, inclusion of safety measures as a selection criterion, why certain sidewalks having the same rank are included when others are not, and using Transportation Benefit District revenue to fund sidewalk projects.
Ms. Tarry responded that sidewalk project review is a component of the TMP that will be started next year and consideration of a designated funding source for sidewalks and prioritization can be included. Mayor Winstead requested that the discussion on prioritization be done prior to the TMP process and include community input.
Ms. Juhnke reviewed the Grant Match Fund and next steps in the CIP process.
(b) Discussion and Update on the 145th Corridor
Natasha Sowers, Transportation Planning Manager, introduced Kurt Seemann, Senior Transportation Planner, to provide the report. He explained why Shoreline is performing the 145th Street Corridor Study and pointed out problems with the corridor. He reviewed project goals, stakeholder outreach, partners, and process. He presented data from the May 20, 2015 Open House, and said traffic congestion and lack of sidewalks are the public’s biggest areas of concern.
Councilmembers asked how the Open House was noticed and for information on the 19 responses listed as “Other”. Ms. Sowers answered that in addition to using Currents and posting on the City’s website, mailers were sent to residents that live within 10 blocks north and south of the Corridor. She stated she will identify the “Other” responses and report back to Council. Ms. Tarry added that materials from the Open House are also posted on the City's website.
Mr. Seemann presented three Design Study Concepts, reviewed evaluation tools being developed for Council, and provided design concept comparisons. He pointed out the challenges of providing connectivity with the Light Rail Station for pedestrians, bicycles, vehicles and transit. He then noted the next steps in the process include environmental review and design, right-of-way property acquisition, construction, and two more open houses, one which will be scheduled potentially for the last week in September.
Councilmember Hall commented on letters of support and various funding received for the 145th Corridor and asked if this support and attention can be attributed to the 145th Street Light Rail Station. Ms. Sowers responded that there is recognition that the 145th Corridor is a key connector to the Light Rail Station. It will provide connectivity to jurisdictions to the northeast and keep cars off I-5. Councilmember Hall pointed out it is important to remember that the poor conditions on 145th Street have existed even before Shoreline was a city and the only reason Shoreline is finally getting regional support and partnerships is because of the opportunity created by light rail.
Councilmember McConnell discussed the importance of getting the City of Seattle to participate in the process; studying parallel routes for bicyclists; and getting mass transit to the Station. She requested more information on placing a bus lane down the center of the street.
Councilmember Roberts asked what Metro’s role in the project has been and its plans to-date. Ms. Sowers explained that Metro is currently purposing to use 155th Street as a bus route due to congestion on the Corridor. She stated that they are a part of the Interagency Technical Team actively engaged in discussions. Councilmember Roberts observed that some of the study’s concepts break out differences between I-5 to SR 99 and I-5 to SR 522 but the main concepts lump those two segments together. He asked what the thought process was to combine them. Mr. Seemann said there are a lot of similarities in the two segments but the difference is the higher traffic volume and stronger need for transit from I-5 to SR 522.
Councilmember Salomon commented that the project is not about getting more people to I-5 quicker, but rather providing people the opportunity to use Light Rail by getting them to the Station. He commented on the need to provide a safe bike path.
Deputy Mayor Eggen said transit flow needs to be able to move to make the Corridor work better. He noted there is not a lot of room to expand the road so bike path routes will probably be necessary. He said he does not foresee traffic volume reducing any time soon, so there will be a need to maintain current capacity levels and have a regional discussion on where else traffic can go. There will also be a need for more parking garage options other than the Station location.
Councilmember McGlashan stated he will not support investing a lot of money in the road to keep it at the current four lane configuration because it would not solve the problem. He expressed it is Sound Transit's and Metro's job to get people to and from the Station.
Mayor Winstead requested that a notice be put on the road advertising the public meetings and Open Houses. She said her primary goal is to get people, using all modes of transportation, to the Station safely.
10. ADJOURNMENT
At 9:56 p.m., Mayor Winstead declared the meeting adjourned.
/S/ Jessica Simulcik Smith, City Clerk