CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, September 14, 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
Deputy Mayor Eggen said he attended the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) Transportation Policy Board Meeting. He reported that the review of comprehensive plans for cities and counties has begun and said a city’s plan was refused certification because it was not consistent with King County housing targets. He said a traffic study update was also provided and showed that traffic congestion continues to get worse.
Councilmember Roberts noted that the Growth Management Policy Board adopted Shoreline's Comprehensive Plan on July 2, 2015. He also reported attending the Sound Cities Association Public Issues Committee and the PSRC Transit Oriented Development Advisory Board Meetings, and said that there are no issues to report.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Lynn Horn, Shoreline resident and Westminster Triangle Association Representative, stated that they are supporting the Interurban Tree Preservation Society efforts to save the trees along the Interurban Trail. She said 218 names were gathered on a petition to support the preservation of the trees, and she thanked Council for halting the cutting of trees.
Tom Doerschel, Shoreline resident, commented that he does not support cutting the trees on the Interurban Trail.
Tom Mailhot, Shoreline resident, agrees that Council should hold a public hearing on assuming the Transportation Benefit District and said that it is important. He cautioned Councilmembers about moving too fast and negatively impacting the City's ability to be flexible in the future, specifically as it relates to Point Wells and BSRE. He recommended placing a toll on Richmond Beach Road and offered suggestions on how to do it.
Janet Way, Shoreline Preservation Society, stated she supports Save Richmond Beach’s position. She commented on the Environmental Strategies proposal and recalled a 2006 Council Workshop where environmental sustainability goals were created by the Council. She shared that an outcome of that workshop was the development of an Environmental Sustainability Plan. She said she generally supports a lot of the environmental goals but expressed concern that it is morphing into an excuse to do the rezones. She recommended that the light rail stations be designed green and that best practices be used. She requested more information on the District Utility. She said she is confused about the Plan and how it will benefit the people who live in Shoreline now.
Nathan Beard, Shoreline resident and Richmond Beach Preservation Association President, asked Council to extend the comment period for the proposed Critical Area Ordinance. He said it is scheduled to go before the Planning Commission on Thursday and noted that Staff only finalized and published changes two weeks ago. He said it is 288 pages, a huge amount of information to understand, and three weeks is not enough time to review it in order to offer intelligent public comment. He shared that he has met with staff, but said he still finds the process confusing and rushed. He asked Council to consider separate neighborhood specific ordinances and requested an additional 90 days to review the documents.
Elaine Phelps, Shoreline resident, commented that Councilmember McGlashan is a licensed real estate agent and asked if this will make him unable to participate in land use decisions.
Ginny Scantlebury, Shoreline resident, shared that Art Wadekamper, former Ronald Wastewater Board Commissioner, passed away and provided information on his memorial service.
Debbie Tarry, City Manager, responded that she introduced herself to Mr. Beard and said that she will be following up with him on how staff can help him with any issues regarding the Critical Areas Ordinance.
6. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
The agenda was approved by unanimous consent.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Upon motion by Councilmember Hall, seconded by Councilmember McConnell and unanimously carried, the following Consent Calendar items were approved:
(a) Minutes of Business Meeting of August 3, 2015, Minutes of Business Meeting
of August 10, 2015, and Minutes of Special Meeting of August 24, 2015
(b) Approval of expenses and payroll as of August 21, 2015 in the amount of
$1,261,459.24
|
*Payroll and Benefits: |
||||||
|
Payroll Period |
Payment Date |
EFT Numbers (EF) |
Payroll Checks (PR) |
Benefit Checks (AP) |
Amount Paid |
|
|
7/19/15-8/1/15 |
8/7/2015 |
62193-62447 |
13985-14008 |
60867-60872 |
$511,964.38 |
|
|
$511,964.38 |
||||||
|
*Accounts Payable Claims: |
||||||
|
Expense Register Dated |
Check Number (Begin) |
Check Number (End) |
Amount Paid |
|||
|
8/11/2015 |
60805 |
60805 |
$160.75 |
|||
|
8/12/2015 |
60806 |
60814 |
$9,476.24 |
|||
|
8/12/2015 |
60815 |
60822 |
$59,358.82 |
|||
|
8/12/2015 |
60823 |
60843 |
$49,741.91 |
|||
|
8/13/2015 |
60844 |
60865 |
$363,862.94 |
|||
|
8/13/2015 |
60530 |
60530 |
($15,000.00) |
|||
|
8/13/2015 |
60866 |
60866 |
$15,000.00 |
|||
|
8/18/2015 |
60873 |
60873 |
$69,619.38 |
|||
|
8/18/2015 |
60874 |
60874 |
$1,270.79 |
|||
|
8/19/2015 |
60875 |
60895 |
$2,587.10 |
|||
|
8/19/2015 |
60896 |
60905 |
$58,519.92 |
|||
|
8/20/2015 |
60906 |
60947 |
$88,747.82 |
|||
|
8/20/2015 |
60948 |
60968 |
$46,149.19 |
|||
|
$749,494.86 |
||||||
8. ACTIONS ITEMS
(a) Adoption of Res. No. 376 for Notification of the City of Shoreline's Intent to
Conduct a Public Hearing for the Purpose of the Potential Assumption of the
Shoreline Transportation Benefit District
Alex Herzog, Management Analyst, provided background on the recent changes in Transportation Benefit District (TBD) statutes. He explained that boundaries for the City and the TBD are coterminous and that the TBD currently serves as a separate legal entity with Councilmembers serving as Boardmembers. He listed the benefits of the Council assuming the TBD and then reviewed the assumption process.
Mayor Winstead opened Public Comment. There were no members from the public wanting to address the Council on this item.
Councilmember Hall moved adoption of Resolution No. 376 for Notification of the City of Shoreline's Intent to Conduct a Public Hearing for the Purpose of the Potential Assumption of the Shoreline Transportation Benefit District. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Roberts.
Councilmember Hall asked if any of the TBD's powers would go away if it is assumed by the City. Mr. Herzog answered no.
Deputy Mayor Eggen mentioned the Point Wells Development and future impacts the development could have on the City. He expressed concern that assuming the TBD would limit Council’s authority to implement tolling and asked if Council would retain that authority. He inquired about the creation of a joint TBD and asked if the assumption can be reversed. Mr. Herzog answered that Council would retain authority to implement tolling. Margaret King, City Attorney, added that the provision for the assumption is a streamline legislative act and stated that the creation of a joint TBD in the future is independent from assuming the existing TBD. She advised that there is no detriment to the assumption and no reason to create a TBD separate from the Council. She said she would research the process of reversing an assumption.
Councilmember McGlashan asked for clarification about a joint TBD. Ms. King responded that the stature allows for cities to form joint TBDs and said that the process is defined in the Revised Code of Washington.
Councilmember Salomon commented that he supports efficiency of government and financial savings. He expressed concern about limiting the City’s options in regards to Point Wells. He said that he is not ready to move forward with the Public Hearing, and stated that he wants to be 100% sure that the City can still work with the City of Woodway on the Point Wells Development.
Councilmember McConnell said that she does not feel the urgency to assume the TBD and expressed that the Community does not support it.
Councilmember Roberts noted this action may formally be assuming the TBD, but he questioned if in practice it would really be dissolving it. Ms. King answered no and said the TBD is not dissolving.
At 7:43 p.m. Mayor Winstead called for a five minute recess and at 7:48 p.m. she reconvened the meeting.
At 7:49 p.m. Mayor Winstead recessed into Executive Session for a period of fifteen minutes as authorized by RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) to discuss with legal counsel matters relating to agency enforcement actions, or litigation. City staff attending the Executive Session included: Debbie Tarry, City Manager; Alex Herzog, Management Analyst; and Margaret King, City Attorney. At 8:04 p.m. the Executive Session was over. At 8:05 p.m. the Mayor reconvened the meeting.
Councilmember Roberts clarified that the assumption changes the governing structure of the TBD from TBD Boardmembers to Councilmembers.
Councilmember Hall shared that it was good to have a discussion on the topic and said he supports moving forward with a Public Hearing. He asked staff to reach out to community members that expressed concern with the assumption and ensure that everyone has a common understanding of the process.
Councilmember McConnell said she supports a Public Hearing and explained the importance of proceeding.
Mayor Winstead said that it is important to move forward with a Public Hearing, to hear from the Community, and give staff another opportunity to answer questions and provide an analysis on the issues that have been raised.
Deputy Mayor Eggen commented on hearing from staff that Council will not be giving up the governing structure and said he will be supporting the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
9. STUDY ITEMS
(a) Discussion of the 2015 Second Quarter Financial Report
Sara Lane, Administrative Services Director, provided the Second Quarter Financial Report covering January 1 – June 30, 2015. She presented a high level summary of key revenue sources and General Fund expenditures. She highlighted income received from investments, explained that the utility tax has remained neutral, and noted a slight variance in property taxes. She said the General Fund is at 44.6% of budget and is in very good shape. She noted the decrease in gambling taxes and reported that 2015 expenditures are significantly lower than 2014’s due to delayed billing for the King County Police Contract. She reviewed departmental expenditures, sales tax, permit data, and recreation revenue. She stated Motor Vehicle Excise Tax revenues are slightly higher than 2014 while expenditures are lower. She reviewed the Streets, Surface Water Maintenance, General Capital, and Roads Capital Funds. She said Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) is significantly up over last year and provided transactions and sales level data. She concluded presenting revenue and expenditure forecasts and shared that continued slow revenue growth is anticipated. She commented on the significant increase in jail costs and reported that the Right-of-Way Landscape Maintenance Contractor is requesting an annual increase of $60,000.
Councilmember Salomon commented on the Shoreline Prosecutor’s authority to move forward with the stiffest penalties in the region and explained that this could be attributing to increased jail days and costs. He asked for a cost benefit analysis on whether this is an efficient sentencing policy. Deputy Mayor Eggen concurred with looking into the sentencing policy.
Councilmember Hall asked if REET funds can be used for Grant Matching Funding instead of General Fund dollars.
Councilmember Salomon commented on the Right-of-Way Maintenance contract and asked if the landscaping could be filled in with rocks instead of grass. He asked why so few contractors bid for the job.
Ms. Tarry said the City will follow up with the Prosecutor regarding sentencing.
(b) Discussion and Update of Environmental Strategies
Miranda Redinger, Senior Planner, introduced Rika Cecil, Environmental Programs Coordinator, and Elizabeth Willmot, Climate Solutions’ New Energy Cities Program. She recalled that back in 2007, the City Council set Environmental Sustainability Goals. She said there were 11 objectives and that one recommendation included the creation of an indicator tracking system. In 2012 the City contracted with SiteCrafting and built and launched the Forever Green indicator tracking website. She shared that the 2012 Comprehensive Plan contained a number of environmental policies, including addressing greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, and triple bottom line sustainability. She said Shoreline’s Climate Action Plan was developed in 2013 and focused on energy and water; materials and waste; transportation, land use and mobility; and urban trees, parks and open spaces. It also included the adoption of carbon reduction targets of 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. She displayed the Carbon Wedge Analysis map showing where energy is coming from, where it is going, emissions we need to avoid and those that need to be reduced. She shared that Shoreline is ready to take action/implement 32 of the 137 recommended strategies. She stated that 2015-2017 Council Goals reaffirmed a commitment to sustainability and presented staff’s recommendations for 2016-19 priorities as: Adopt Living Building Challenge Ordinance; Examine Feasibility of District Energy; and Conduct a Solarize Campaign. She reviewed each recommendation and then requested Council’s direction on prioritizing recommendations.
Councilmember Salomon shared that on a recent hike he observed the results of a glacier that is melting and the negative impact it is having on the Skagit River. He commented on reading “The 6th Extinction”, a book which talks about loss of species diversity and biomass due to global warming. He said global warming is happening now and much faster than scientists thought it would and that he is looking for concrete steps that the City can take now to address it. He said he understands Seven Petals to be water capture and reuse, generation of onsite solar energy, and green roofs, and said he does not believe it is a concrete strategy. He asked if the Living Building Challenge Ordinance would be a requirement or an incentive program. He asked about value added captures generated by a District Energy Plant and how much greenhouse gas savings it will create. He indicated he would like this information prior to hiring a consultant. He said he agrees in theory with the concept of catalyst nodes instead of dispersed type infills. He explained the benefit of solarized energy, and said our electricity is not as greenhouse gas intensive as other jurisdictions but there is a benefit in that more water remains in the rivers. He said if the choice is to update the Environmental Sustainability Strategy (ESS) or go with action, he chooses action.
Councilmember Roberts stated that his preference is to accelerate staff training on Forever Green tracking and track progress on a regular basis. He said the creation of a District Energy looks promising and that he would like to have a more detailed discussion on it. He supports being more aggressive on solarized energy and looking at solarization in subareas and city facilities.
Councilmember Hall stated that he is very interested in a comprehensive project to update the ESS and that all strategies should be available for discussion. He said there is no imperative to update the ESS this year since the City already employs good sustainability strategies. He commented on global climate change being a greater threat than anyone anticipated back in 2008 and concurred with Councilmember Salomon about moving forward with action. He said that District Energy is not a new idea and it is the way things used to be. He explained that the Post War Era’s centralized energy systems were replaced with the new model of suburbia where every home had a broiler in the basement, and now the benefits of having huge central districts are being realized again. He said he supports moving forward with the next steps. He asked if the Aurora Square CRA should be included as a catalyst node and stated he prefers that the Living Building Challenge be citywide as its own project and not attached to 145th Subarea Plan.
Deputy Mayor Eggen said he supports the three projects staff is recommending but commented that he is not sure they are the ones that will have the biggest impact on greenhouse gas emissions. He pointed out that transportation has the biggest impact on gas emissions and said Shoreline is not in a position to tackle it in any major way. He added that given the tax exemption climate that the City may want to work on the Solarized Campaign.
Mayor Winstead agreed that the ESS should be updated at some point but stated moving forward with action is what should be done right now. She said solarization should be a high priority and that additional information is needed regarding District Energy. She said the Living Building Challenge Ordinance is a great project and that she would like to figure out how to make all the strategies work together.
10. ADJOURNMENT
At 9:12 p.m., Mayor Winstead declared the meeting adjourned.
/S/ Jessica Simulcik Smith, City Clerk