CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, November 30, 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 (Arrived at 6:09 p.m.), and Roberts
ABSENT: None
STAFF: Debbie Tarry, City Manager; John Norris, Assistant City Manager; Rachael Markle, Planning & Community Development Director; Scott MacColl, Intergovernmental Relations Program Manager; Randy Witt, Public Works Director; Nytasha Sowers, Transportation Services Manager; and Bonita Roznos, Deputy City Clerk
GUESTS: None
At 5:47 p.m., the meeting was called to order by Mayor Winstead.
Mayor Winstead shared that the Shoreline Light Rail Design Guiding Principles will serve as a
starting point to frame the discussion regarding the design of the Light Rail Stations. She emphasized that there will be numerous opportunities for public input throughout the process.
Ms. Tarry shared that tonight’s discussion is specific to the design of the Sound Transit Station Facilities to assist staff in preparing for the Open House scheduled to take place at the end of January 2016. She stated that she anticipates the adoption of the Guiding Principles occurring after the Open House sometime in the first quarter of 2016. She shared that Sound Transit’s 30-60-90% Design Review Process will occur beginning in 2016 thru 2017.
Mr. MacColl commented that the Guiding Principles will provide the public parameters to work with and consider, and that they will also be helpful to staff as they work with Sound Transit. He explained that the goal of the Guiding Principles is to address the aesthetics of the building, including art and landscaping, and to get an indication of what is important to the Council. He shared that staff is in the process of working with Sound Transit on an agreement.
Councilmembers discussed the purpose of the Guiding Principles, asked what they will be used for, and how specific they should be. They commented that safety is a priority issue and communicated the need for a Pedestrian/Bike Route Path across Interstate 5. They asked if these recommendations should be included in the Guiding Principles. Councilmembers suggested that requests to Sound Transit be specific, presented in the Guiding Principles, and they cautioned against eliminating big ticket items early in the process. Councilmember Hall recalled that the process was to begin with first hearing from the Community. Mayor Winstead added that she would also like to have public input as the starting point. Deputy Mayor Eggen asked if the Open House will take place prior to the awarding of the Sound Transit Design Contract.
Ms. Tarry explained that the high level statements accompanying each of the seven Design Guiding Principles represent the most important components to capture for the design process. She shared that the first Open House is scheduled for the end of January 2016 and that the Sound Transit Contract is scheduled to be awarded in March/April. Ms. Markle shared that some of the comments contained in the Guiding Principles were received from the public at the Light Rail Station Area Planning Design Workshops. Ms. Sowers shared that staff is currently working with Sound Transit on a Long Term Agreement, SEPA Mitigations, and she said the 145th Street Corridor Study will be incorporated in the process. She added that the City can negotiate with the Sound Transit Board for specific improvements.
Ms. Tarry responded that staff will include the specification to design a facility to accommodate a pedestrian/bike bridge into the Guiding Principles.
Councilmembers discussed the following Draft Shoreline Light Rail Design Guiding Principles:
Sustainability
Councilmember McGlashan questioned if the requirement to minimize light pollution is already included in Shoreline’s Municipal Code, and asked if it needs to be called out in the Guiding Principles. Ms. Markle commented that the Station is a different facility and addressing light pollution in the Guiding Principles could be helpful.
Multi-modal
Councilmembers discussed transit amenities, “Kiss & Rides”, “Drop-Offs”, the importance of having an effective transit system, and the prioritization of the transit amenities due to the limited footprint. They commented that safety and ensuring the safe crossing of Interstate 5, from both sides of the freeway, is of paramount importance. Ms. Sowers commented on the benefit of having “Kiss & Rides”.
Councilmember Hall recommended that alternate language be used to replace the term “Mobility-Challenged”. Mayor Winstead suggested adding an ORCA Card Machine at the Stations.
Station Design
A discussion ensued regarding the Station serving as a multi-use facility. Councilmembers commented that the Station should provide adequate community access, and that the space should be used to the best and highest use. Councilmember Hall recommended having consistency of design at the Shoreline Stations.
Public Amenities
Councilmembers commented that they would like to hear from the Community about amenities they would like to have at the Stations, that are a priority, and important to the City. Mayor Winstead suggested having covered bicycle storage located in a part of the parking garage. Councilmember Hall suggested designing the Stations to encourage people to walk and bike to the Station, next utilizing transit options, and then the use of cars.
Public Safety
Councilmembers discussed the importance of public safety and asked who is responsible for safety at the Station. Patrice Hardy, Sound Transit Government Relations Director, who was listening to the Council discussion and invited to respond by the Mayor, replied that Sound Transit is responsible for Station safety. She shared that Sound Transit monitors their stations and explained that some features within their facilities lend themselves to criminal activity, like bathrooms. Ms. Tarry commented that the Parks Department has similar issues with Park bathrooms and that they could be responsible for the bathrooms at the Stations.
Public Art
Councilmembers discussed the placement of Public Art at the Stations and acknowledged that it could also lead to vandalism. Ms. Hardy commented that Sound Transits allocates 1% of the project to the Arts, and said that they prefer to hire a local artist that will reflect the community in their work.
Mayor Winstead recommended making the Guiding Principles easier to understand and requested that duplication of principles be removed. Mr. Norris commented that staff will streamline the information.
Councilmember McGlashan said he likes the idea of coffee shops and cafes located at the Stations, and asked if Sound Transit builds spaces to lease. He also recommended installing a self-serve bike repair station. Ms. Hardy responded that Sound Transit has not provided spaces for leasing, and shared that they are inviting vendors to set up at the Stations. She shared that the University of Washington did negotiate with Sound Transit for space for a Community Center on top of their Station, and said Shoreline could negotiate with the Board for space.
Councilmember Roberts asked about the process for naming the Station. Ms. Hardy said there is an involved naming process, usually reflecting something in the Community, and occurs around the 90% Design Review Stage.
At 6:50 p.m. the meeting was adjourned.
/S/Bonita Roznos, Deputy City Clerk
CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, November 30, 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
Brad Lancaster, Shoreline resident, said last week he asked Council to declare homelessness as an emergency in Shoreline. He thanked Council for allocating funds to homelessness in the 2016 Budget. He shared that homelessness should be declared as an emergency in Shoreline to support Seattle, King County, Portland, Hawaii and Los Angeles; to make changes to zoning code; and because it is a moral imperative to care for the homeless. He asked Council to suspend zoning enforcement that effect homeless people from December through March 2016, and encouraged everyone to treat the homeless with the respect that they deserve.
Aaron Ervin, Shoreline, said that he is homeless and trying to do everything he can to change his situation. He shared that he struggles with being judged, and explained that there are many reasons why people are homeless. He asked that people talk to homeless people to get a better understanding of their situation, and suggested that people come together to create programs to end homelessness.
Janet Way, Shoreline Preservation Society, talked about hearing important discussions at the City Council Workshop Dinner Meetings, and said in some instances a consensus was reached. She commented that Council decisions are supposed to be made in open public meetings. She shared that Councilmembers and staff made good comments on important matters that people who live in the area would like to hear. She said substantive discussions should be in the Council Chamber and televised, and that it is unfair for the public not to have an opportunity to make public comment.
Elaine Phelps, Shoreline resident, read a Seattle Times article about the mental restoration benefits of being exposed to nature. She expressed concern that the rezone will prevent backyards from having nature. She asked that greenery and tree canopies in the rezone areas not be destroyed. She submitted the article for the record.
6. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
The agenda was approved by unanimous consent.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Upon motion by Councilmember Hall, seconded by Deputy Mayor Eggen and unanimously carried, the following Consent Calendar items were approved:
a) Minutes of Business Meeting of October 26, 2015
b) Approval of an Interlocal Funding Agreement with King County for LiDAR Acquisition
8. STUDY ITEMS
a) Discussion of Ord. Nos. 732 and 733 - Amendments to Title 12 Streets, Sidewalks and Public Spaces
Tricia Juhnke, City Engineer, provided an overview of Ordinance No. 732 and Ordinance No. 733. She stated Ordinance No. 732 amends SMC 12.10 providing authority for approval of the Engineering Development Manual and Bridge Load Limits. She said Ordinance No.733 amends SMC 12.40 revising Transportation Impact Fee increases to utilize the Washington Department of Transportation’s Construction Cost Index three year average, and clarifies the appeals process.
b) Discussion and Update of Jail Services Contracts
Alex Herzog, Management Analyst, introduced Ed Campbell, Director of Yakima County Jail. Mr. Herzog reported that jail costs are increasing due to daily rates and activity levels. He reviewed daily rates for King County, SCORE, and Yakima, and jail cost and activity levels. He stated that staff's recommendation is to house inmates with sentences greater than 3 days at Yakima County Jail; amend the SCORE contract to a lower guaranteed number of beds; not house sentenced inmates at Snohomish County Jail; and discontinue prosecuting Driving While License Suspended 3rd Degree (DWLS3).
Mr. Herzog explained that housing for sentenced inmates typically require less frequent access to Counsel, and shared that access can be accommodate if needed. He conveyed that staff reached out to public defense firms and learned that they are not concerned about the distance in providing defense. Mr. Herzog shared that inmate transportation will be provided by Yakima County Jail.
Ed Campbell, Director of Yakima County Corrections, commented that inmates can have access to family and friends through the telephone system. He said a video system for visitation of individuals outside of Yakima is coming in January or February. He said online services for Professional (attorneys) visitation will be available in December. He shared that the Yakima Jail has a full medical department and provides medical intake physicals and mental health screenings. He listed the Jail’s credentials and certifications. He stated that 700-750 beds are currently in use and that the jail capacity is 953.
Mr. Herzog advised that if Council proceeds with Yakima County Jail that the SCORE contract will need to be amended. He then provided negotiated 2016 Jail Rates, and said adoption to proceed with a contract with Yakima County Jail is scheduled for the December 14, 2015 City Council Meeting.
Councilmembers asked about costs, potential savings to the City, and questioned why prices at Yakima Jail are remaining the same as last year. Mr. Herzog responded that $200,000 is the projected savings for the Yakima Contract. Mr. Campbell shared that he was brought in to deconstruct the Jail after losing the King County Consortium Contract, and said that with applied management principals and keeping cost down, they are able to keep the price the same as last year. He said that he does anticipate a 3-5% rate increase at the end of 2016. Councilmembers asked what credentials professionals performing mental health screenings possess and about the 14-day physical. Mr. Campbell responded that the mental health professions are certified, act under the supervision of a psychiatrist, and have a master’s degree or higher. He explained that everyone booked in the Jail gets a physical within 14 days of incarceration.
Councilmembers asked what the telephone call daily rate is, if visitation costs are incurred by the family, and if other facilities have in person visitations. Mr. Campbell responded that the telephone rate is less than three dollars for 15 minutes. He shared that there is no cost to visit the Jail, but said family members would have to bear travel costs. He said that the Yakima Jail can offer supervised contact visits and that the most common visitation occurs between glass.
Councilmember Roberts expressed concern with sending inmates under the responsibility of Shoreline across the mountains. He said he is concerned that there is no in-person visitation and shared that he would like to keep inmates closer to their families.
Councilmember Hall said he shares Councilmember Roberts’ concern and recalled that a correctional facility was to be built locally, but said that did not happen. He commented that given the two hundred thousand dollar price differential, he supports moving forward with staff's proposal. Mayor Winstead, Deputy Mayor Eggen and Councilmembers McGlashan and McConnell also communicated their support to move forward with the Yakima Jail contact.
Mayor Winstead stated she shares the concern over housing inmates in Yakima. She said she is happy to hear about video visitation calls and that she supports staff’s recommendation as the City wrestles to tackle other issues like homelessness. Deputy Mayor Eggen commented that it would be ideal to have inmates housed locally for visitation but said he is cognizant that there are limits on the City’s budget. He said that this is a good compromise and the right thing to do right now. He suggested having a rating for jails to make sure prisoners are being served adequately.
c) Discussion and Update of Metro Long Range Plan
Nytasha Sowers, Transportation Services Manager, introduced Lisa Shafer, Transportation Planner with King County Metro. Ms. Shafer explained that Metro is in the beginning stages of creating a Long Range Plan. She explained the goals are to plan for a growing region by coordinating growth, providing access for all, and having regional coordination. She discussed Metro’s regional coordination planning efforts and pointed out that they have been working with Sound Transit to integrate planning. She identified agency partnerships, planning timelines, and reviewed the outreach process. She said Metro anticipates having the Long Range Plan completed in June 2016.
Ms. Shafer stated that Metro is currently in the alternative phase and explained that the concepts being analyzed are Frequent Service; Express Service; and Local Service. She commented on the goal of building a tailored network by getting feedback from cities and the public. She shared feedback received from North King County include: wanting improved connections between centers and high capacity transit; improving services on State Route 522; adding more Park & Rides; creating better east/west connections; adding transit connections into Snohomish County; and adding transit services to developing town centers. She presented a map developed by Metro from the feedback provided. She reviewed the next steps are to have a draft preliminary concept review and public outreach in the spring.
Ms. Shafer explained that Metro wants to understand Shoreline’s vision for transit, including what service characteristics are wanted and what the City is attempting to accomplish with the service.
Ms. Sowers commented that working with Metro’s Technical Advisory Committee has been a positive and transparent process, and shared her appreciation for the tools they have been able to look at. She reviewed that Shorelines’ key service considerations are Convenience/Accessibility; Affordability; Frequency; Reliability; and Travel Time. She reviewed Shoreline’s current service, proposed service, recommendations that support the Transportation Master Plan, and proposed service modifications. She asked Council to provide confirmation on whether staff is providing the right feedback to Metro and she presented the next steps in the process.
Councilmember Hall commented that he appreciates King County Executive Dow Constantine’s commitment to integrate Metro and Sound Transit. He said he looks forward to seeing this level of commitment of coordination between Metro and Community Transit to support the City’s Plan of a single ride across county boundaries. He questioned if requesting an express bus to the University of Washington (UW) is still a priority since Light Rail will be going there. He shared that it is great to see east to west connections in the Plan, and said he would like to minimize residents taking two buses within Shoreline to get to the Light Rail Station.
Councilmember Roberts commented that it is hard to tell how well the routes on the map connect to the Light Rail Stations. He agreed that there is no need for an express bus to UW as long as there is Light Rail.
Councilmember Salomon commented that it is important to connect to Light Rail, to keep long range bus routes connecting to Greenwood, and to have frequent east to west connections to the Light Rail Stations.
Deputy Mayor Eggen said he appreciates cities now being able to participate in transportation planning. He commented that it is an aspirational Plan that needs additional funding. He pointed out that Metro is defining “express” differently and that it is now being used for all day routes.
Mayor Winstead asked about the coordination of the Long Range Plan. She questioned the timing of ending bus service and beginning the light rail service. She stated that she would like to see the local service connectivity addressed before Light Rail starts and agrees that an express bus to UW is not needed since there will be Light Rail.
Ms. Sowers summarized that Council would like to take another look at redundant services and a visual aid to see how buses will connect to the Stations.
Councilmember Roberts requested seeing where all buses go, and Councilmember Hall requested seeing all the areas within Shoreline that are a quarter mile of a one bus trip to the Stations.
9. ADJOURNMENT
At 8:48 p.m., Mayor Winstead declared the meeting adjourned.
/S/ Jessica Simulcik Smith, City Clerk