CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, March 14, 2016 Conference Room 303 - Shoreline City Hall
5:45 p.m. 17500 Midvale Avenue North
PRESENT:
Mayor Roberts, Deputy Mayor Winstead, Councilmembers
McGlashan, Scully, Hall, McConnell, and Salomon,
ABSENT: None
STAFF: Debbie Tarry, City Manager; John Norris, Assistant City Manager; Scott MacColl, Intergovernmental Relations Manager; Jessica Simulcik Smith, City Clerk; and Bonita Roznos, Deputy City Clerk
GUESTS: Julie Wise, King County Elections Director, and Kendall LeVan Hodson, Chief of Staff
At 5:49 p.m., the meeting was called to order by Mayor Roberts.
Julie Wise, King County Elections Director, described her career path to her current elected position, and shared that she most recently served in the capacity of Deputy Director for Elections.
Ms. Wise presented that elections priorities for the County are stakeholder engagements to build partnerships and relationships with cities and the Community; improved voter access; support of the Washington State Voting Rights Act; and voter pre-registration for 16 and 17 year olds. She stated that the following 2015-16 Bills are on the Governor’s desk: HB 1919 Clarifying the time of special elections; HB 1858 Prohibiting the names of County Auditors and the Secretary of State from being included on ballot envelopes and voter’s pamphlets when running for reelection; HB 2623 Concerning recounts of statewide advisory measures; HB 2624 Concerning election errors involving measures; and HB 2852 Establishing standards for election data and reporting. She said legislation for King County includes prepaid postage on return envelopes and ballots, and requiring the State to pay for their election costs. She shared her goals are to improve voter access, implement voter registration automation, and conveyed that moving the walk in voter registration deadline closer to Election Day is her top priority for 2016.
Councilmembers asked questions about voter registration barriers, citizenship verification, online registration, and if sponsors of statewide initiatives pay to have an initiative placed on the ballot. Ms. Wise responded that there is pressure from the Department of Homeland Security to issue enhanced driver’s license for drivers in Washington State. She clarified that you can vote online up to 29 days prior to an election, and said the Legislature and sponsors of statewide initiatives are not charged to be included on the ballot.
John Norris asked if King County Elections has a statewide group to partner with on legislative issues. Ms. Wise responded that they partner with the Washington State Association of County Clerks.
Ms. Wise shared her excitement about developing partnerships and attending more legislative sessions in Olympia to advance legislative priorities. She is drafting a feasibility study to support the placement of 30 permanent election dropboxes and shared that they are currently looking at locating them at libraries. She asked if Shoreline would be interested in receiving one. She noted that other potential locations near Shoreline are Lake City and Northgate, and said she is opened to suggestions. She announced that King County Election documents will now be printed in Spanish and Korean.
Councilmembers shared that the City of Shoreline is preparing for a Levy Lift Renewal. They discussed potential King County Election dropbox locations, drive up ballot drop-offs, and suggested providing clarity for ballot measures titles. They recommended a central location for a dropbox in Shoreline, preferably at the library located on N 175th Street.
Ms. Wise shared that next year’s challenges include a $50 Million Biannual Budget Deficit and increasing voter participation in Local Elections. She then demonstrated King County’s new Election Website and the Interactive Voter Turnout Map, and reviewed voter turnout data for the City of Shoreline.
Mr. Norris asked about King County’s voter turnout expectations for this fall’s General Elections. Ms. Wise responded that they would like to see an 83-86% voter turnout.
At 6:51 p.m. the meeting was adjourned.
/S/ Bonita Roznos, Deputy City Clerk
CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, March 14, 2016 Council Chambers - Shoreline City Hall
7:00 p.m. 17500 Midvale Avenue North
PRESENT: Mayor Roberts, Deputy Mayor Winstead,
Councilmembers McGlashan, Scully, Hall, McConnell, and Salomon
ABSENT: None
1. CALL TO ORDER
At 7:00 p.m., the meeting was called to order by Mayor Roberts who presided.
2. FLAG SALUTE/ROLL CALL
Mayor Roberts introduced Boy Scout Troup 853 who presented the flags and lead Councilmembers in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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
Councilmember Scully reported on attending the Convening of Cities Meeting on homelessness, along with Debbie Tarry, City Manager; Robert Beem, Community Services Manager; and Troy Olmstead, Police Operations Captain. He shared that there is agreement that homelessness requires a regional solution and suggested that Shoreline may need to take a leading role in the process.
Mayor Roberts reported attending the National League of Cities Conference in Washington D.C., along with Councilmembers McConnell, Hall, and McGlashan, Debbie Tarry, City Manager and Scott MacColl, Intergovernmental Relations Manager. He shared that they met with Shoreline’s Federal Delegation and received a great response regarding the inclusion of the 145th Street Corridor in ST3. He reported that he participated in a Community Development Block Grant discussion, and attended a presentation on the legal climate for local governments and a panel discussion on Vision Zero on reducing traffic fatalities to zero.
Mayor Roberts, on behalf of the Shoreline City Council, extended congratulations to the King’s School Varsity Basketball Team for winning the 1A Division State Basketball Championship, and to the Shorecrest Girls Basketball Team for winning the 2A Division State Basketball Championship.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Kevin Osborn, Hopelink, explained that the need for social services continues to increase. He shared that providing help with rising rent, increased utilities, program costs, and contract services will help to combat the increases. He stated that Hopelink supports increasing Human Services funding until it reaches 1% of General Fund Revenue.
Tanya Laskelle, Center for Human Services, stated that their Clinical and Family Support programs served 702 Shoreline residents and 101 of those residents were homeless. She reported 109 youth participated in out-of-school youth programs, and 4,910 hours of behavioral health counselling was provided to Shoreline residents. She urged Councilmembers to support increasing Human Services funding by .75% of General Fund Revenue in 2017 and 1% in 2022.
Bob Lohmeyer, Director of Shoreline/Lake Forest Park Senior Center, commented that it was informative to see how the City of Shoreline’s funding compares to other cities and encouraged Council to adopt staff’s funding recommendations. He commented that the Senior Center is seeing an increase in homeless seniors, and then shared stories about a homeless woman and a homeless youth from Shoreline.
Megan Kogut, Shoreline resident, explained that Shoreline might lose business if business owners are unable to pay a Transportation Impact Fee (TIF). She commented that letters have been sent to Council from other business owners regarding the proposed TIF Ordinance.
Michael Ernst, Hemlock State Brewing Company, commented that they would not be able to pay the current TIF or a partial exemption of 50%, and would need to look at locating their business in a surrounding community.
Dan Jacoby, Shoreline resident, spoke about implementing a minimum wage increase in Shoreline. He commented that a higher minimum wage improves employee stability and will help people afford to live in Shoreline. He announced that the 32nd Legislative District Democratic Organization Members voted unanimously in favor of a resolution calling on Shoreline to raise its minimum wage. He provided a copy of his comments and the resolution for the record.
Judy Parsons, North Urban Human Service Alliance, expressed support for increasing Human Services funding to .75% percent of General Fund Revenues in 2017 and to 1% in 2022, moving the Senior Center’s operational funding to the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services’ operational budget, and prioritizing “Basic Need” and “Counseling”. She said the change of funding for Human Services affirms the City’s support to residents in need.
Ginny Scantlebury, Shoreline resident, commented that she would like to see as much funding as possible for the Senior Center. She said she works as a volunteer at the Senior Center, is now on the Senior Center Advisory Board, and has witnessed so many people get help there. She expressed that the new funding proposal would provide a secure funding system and noted that the Center anticipates having 1,200 members in 2016.
Rhonda Gardner, Shoreline resident, asked why citizens should vote if things are still done after the people have voted no. She commented that there are more taxes and people are being taxed out of their homes. She asked Council to consider funding options that will not lead to more homelessness, welfare, and drug users.
Laura Mork, Shoreline resident, talked about recently losing electrical power and stated she would like to see the Forever Green website updated.
Tom McCormick, Shoreline resident, commented that he strongly supports a 100% TIF exemption for all businesses. He commented that the TIF is a showstopper and that Shoreline should be bringing businesses into the City and not turning them away. He recommended that Council either bring down expenses or find other revenue sources. He made a technical point regarding the resolution and offered suggestions to correct it.
Homayoun Farange, Shoreline resident, commented that he purchased a home in Shoreline and demoed it to build a new house. He explained that there is no stormwater or surface water plan for his home or the neighborhood. He relayed that the City has informed him that it has higher priority projects to work on and he asked the City to expedite this matter.
Richard Shilling, Richmond Beach resident, commented that Smart Meters cause utility bills to increase. He said his research shows that the Meters are sensitive and record things the old meters did not. He stated they are putting smart meters in “dumb” homes. He commented that the Meters are combustible and will require a Rider on the policy or an increase in the cost of insurance.
Dave Lang, Shoreline resident, commented on the 145th Street Light Rail Station and the 145th Street Corridor. He talked about bus routes, frequency and traffic signaling. He provided recommendations for the Light Rail Station location and bus service routes.
Lisa Surowiec, Shoreline PTA Council President, commented that she supports an increase in human services funding and shared a story about a homeless high school student. She talked about the importance of Community partnerships that have evolved into networks to assist homeless students.
Debbie Tarry, City Manager explained that the City’s sustainability performance indicators are done in five year increments and shared that the next Forever Green update is scheduled for 2017. She said staff will follow up with Mr. Farange regarding his comments, and noted that the comments made by Mr. Schilling were referring to the Smart Meters being installed by Seattle City Light.
6. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
The agenda was approved by unanimous consent.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Upon motion by Deputy Mayor Winstead and seconded by Councilmember Hall and unanimously carried, 7-0, the following Consent Calendar items were approved:
(a) Minutes of Business Meeting of February 8, 2016 and Minutes of Special Meeting of February 22, 2016
(b) Approval of expenses and payroll as of February 26, 2016 in the amount of $2,071,577.90
|
*Payroll and Benefits: |
||||||
|
Payroll Period |
Payment Date |
EFT Numbers (EF) |
Payroll Checks (PR) |
Benefit Checks (AP) |
Amount Paid |
|
|
1/17/16-1/30/16 |
2/5/2016 |
64940-65136 |
14256-14274 |
62563-62568 |
$478,501.97 |
|
|
1/31/16-2/13/16 |
2/19/2016 |
65137-65335 |
14275-14295 |
62730-62737 |
$622,375.03 |
|
|
$1,100,877.00 |
||||||
|
*Wire Transfers: |
||||||
|
Expense Register Dated |
Wire Transfer Number |
|
Amount Paid |
|||
|
2/26/2016 |
1105 |
$5,715.10 |
||||
|
$5,715.10 |
||||||
|
*Accounts Payable Claims: |
||||||
|
Expense Register Dated |
Check Number (Begin) |
Check Number (End) |
Amount Paid |
|||
|
2/10/2016 |
62569 |
62571 |
$21,360.76 |
|||
|
2/10/2016 |
62572 |
62573 |
$15,203.70 |
|||
|
2/10/2016 |
62574 |
62585 |
$33,828.66 |
|||
|
2/11/2016 |
62586 |
62593 |
$14,264.59 |
|||
|
2/11/2016 |
62594 |
62620 |
$81,143.77 |
|||
|
2/16/2016 |
62621 |
62621 |
$117.26 |
|||
|
2/16/2016 |
62622 |
62623 |
$48,850.23 |
|||
|
2/18/2016 |
62624 |
62624 |
$1,767.15 |
|||
|
2/18/2016 |
62625 |
62644 |
$423,790.13 |
|||
|
2/18/2016 |
62645 |
62655 |
$24,686.49 |
|||
|
2/18/2016 |
62656 |
62675 |
$32,065.55 |
|||
|
2/18/2016 |
62676 |
62676 |
$74.00 |
|||
|
2/23/2016 |
62577 |
62577 |
($80.00) |
|||
|
2/23/2016 |
62008 |
62008 |
($40.00) |
|||
|
2/23/2016 |
62677 |
62677 |
$40.00 |
|||
|
2/24/2016 |
62678 |
62678 |
$125,108.47 |
|||
|
2/25/2016 |
62679 |
62695 |
$63,425.58 |
|||
|
2/25/2016 |
62696 |
62702 |
$6,212.80 |
|||
|
2/25/2016 |
62703 |
62727 |
$70,615.19 |
|||
|
2/25/2016 |
62728 |
62729 |
$2,551.47 |
|||
|
$964,985.80 |
||||||
8. ACTION ITEMS
(a) Adoption of Ord. No. 717 - Traffic Impact Fee Amendment for Certain Businesses
Dan Eernissee, Economic Development Manager, recapped Council’s discussion regarding Ordinance No. 717 Transportation Impact Fees (TIF). He explained that Ordinance No. 717 provides a 50% exemption of TIF for businesses, removes disincentives for start-ups, and designates eligibility by the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Code.
Deputy Mayor Winstead asked if bars would be considered under the Services and Restaurants category. Kendra Dedinsky, Traffic Engineer, responded that they would.
Councilmember Scully questioned why an extra application is needed if all businesses are exempt. Mayor Robert responded that the City needs to know how many trips are being generated in the City. Ms. Dedinsky concurred that all trips need to be tracked and incorporated in the Concurrency Model.
Councilmember Scully moved adoption of Ordinance No. 717 as proposed by staff. The motion was seconded by Deputy Mayor Winstead.
Councilmember Salomon moved that Ordinance No. 717 be amended to increase the partial 50% TIF exemption to a 100% TIF exemption. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Scully.
Councilmember Salomon commented that he believes a 50% TIF would have a negative impact and create barriers for new businesses wanting to come to Shoreline.
Councilmember Hall and Mayor Roberts stated they oppose a 100% exemption. Councilmember Hall expressed concern that a replacement revenue source has not been identified. He stated that he wants to focus on traffic improvements, addressing congestion, and shared that the TIF Program was created to have growth pay for transportation improvements. Mayor Roberts agreed with Councilmember Hall and said the City needs to be fair in applying exemptions. He stated his preference is to provide a 100% exemption to restaurants.
Deputy Mayor Winstead, and Councilmembers McGlashan, Scully, McConnell and Salomon stated support for a 100% exemption.
Councilmember Salomon commented that although a revenue source has not been identified, that Council will be considering a Business & Occupancy (B&O) tax, a levy lid lift, and commented that the City has been successful in getting regional grants for transportation projects. He added that not all TIFs are being exempted and he is confident that there are other funding options to support the motion. Deputy Mayor Winstead commented that TIF money is required to be spent only on TIF projects and pointed out that the City routinely shifts funding. She shared that economic development and bringing in new small businesses/restaurants has been a long term Council Goal. She expressed that the B&O Tax is a fairer way to raise revenue. She reminded Council of the sunset clause and said the TIF would still be in place for residential development.
Councilmember Scully commented that the difference between a 50% and 100% exemption is not great and it would not be a huge impact on the City, however, the impact to a new business would be substantial. He said the last thing the City wants to do is discourage new businesses from opening in Shoreline. He said replacement revenue sources can be explored and in the long run he supports a B&O tax. Councilmember McGlashan commented that with the sunset clause, he is supportive of a 100% exemption. Councilmember McConnell concurred and said the City has to make it affordable for small businesses to open in Shoreline.
The vote on the amendment passed 5-2, with Mayor Roberts and Councilmember Hall voting no.
Councilmember Scully moved to amend Section 1 SMC 12.40.070(i) by striking the word “may” and inserting “shall”; and striking Section 1, 2a, 2b, 3, and 4 in their entirety. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Salomon.
Councilmember Hall moved to postpone adoption of Ordinance No. 717 and amendment to next week’s meeting on March 21, 2016. The motion was seconded by Councilmember McConnell. The motion passed 6-1 with Councilmember Salomon voting no.
At 8:24 p.m., Mayor Roberts called for a recess and at 8:31 p.m. the meeting was reconvened.
(a) Discussion and Adoption of 2016-2018 Council Goals and Workplan
John Norris, Assistant City Manager, recalled Council discussion of the 2016-2018 Goals at the Council Strategic Planning Workshop held on February 19 and 20, 2016. The 2016-2018 Council Goals are as follows:
· Goal 1: Strengthen Shoreline’s economic base to maintain the public services that the community expects
· Goal 2: Improve Shoreline’s utility, transportation, and environmental infrastructure
· Goal 3: Prepare for two Shoreline light rail stations
· Goal 4: Expand the City’s focus on equity and inclusion to enhance opportunities for community engagement
· Goal 5: Promote and enhance the City’s safe community and neighborhood programs and initiatives
Councilmember Hall moved adoption of the 2016-2018 Council Goals and Workplan as presented by staff. The motion was seconded by Councilmember McConnell and passed unanimously.
9. STUDY ITEMS
(a) Discussion of Human Service Funding Polices
Rob Beem, Community Service Manager, presenting the following questions regarding Human Service (HS) Policy:
· Should operational funding for the Senior Center be moved to the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) Department
· Should the City establish a formula to set the level of HS funding
· What are HS priorities going forward
Mr. Beem provided an overview of HS competitive and adjusted funding. He reviewed current funding levels, service allocations, and funding practices of 19 cities in King County. He stated staff recommends use of a percentage of General Fund Revenues formula, with a base HS funding of General Fund Revenue of .75% in 2017 and setting a target of 1% by 2022, and the prioritization of Basic Needs and Counseling Services.
Councilmembers expressed support for establishing a HS funding formula and thought that a Levy Lid Lift would be a reasonable funding source. They noted that funding to HS would decrease if General Fund Revenue decreased and asked about HS grant allocations. Ms. Tarry responded that General Fund Revenue would be reviewed during the Budget Process and will focus on a 2 year budget allocation. Mr. Beem answered that there are Community Development Block Grants and shared that the City has not sought out other grant funding. He explained that the 10-year HS grant projection would lead to an increase in funding.
Councilmembers expressed support for funding allocations by prioritization of Basic Needs and Counseling Services. They asked if moving the Senior Center to Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services will increase the agencies that compete for grants. Mr. Beem responded that the balance of funding allocated through the competitive process will stay relatively static and that selecting two out of the five areas with the special emphasis to fund could be a challenge.
Mayor Roberts asked what the next steps are to prepare for the 2017 budget. Mr. Beem answered that staff will proceed with staff’s recommendations as presented and incorporate them in the 2017 budget process.
10. ADJOURNMENT
At 8:57 p.m., Mayor Roberts declared the meeting adjourned.
/S/ Jessica Simulcik Smith, City Clerk