CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, March 28, 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; Bonita Roznos, Deputy City Clerk
GUESTS: Nancy Backus, Sound Cities Association (SCA) President and Mayor of Auburn; and Deanna Dawson, SCA Executive Director
At 5:51 p.m., the meeting was called to order by Mayor Roberts.
Deanna Dawson, SCA Executive Director, stated that SCA priorities closely align with Shoreline’s 2016 priorities for transportation, economic development, human services, and affordable housing. She announced the following SCA Committee vacancies: Best Start for Kids; Regional Law, Safety and Justice; Children Youth Advisory Board; and the All Home Board. She announced that a Best Starts for Kids Roundtable is scheduled for May 5, and said that the Youth Homeless Prevention Plan will be presented at the June 2, 2016 meeting.
Ms. Dawson also shared that the SCA Public Issues Committee (PIC) is developing a letter to submit to Sound Transit (ST) regarding Light Rail system access, park and rides, additional bus capacity, Transit Oriented Development (TOD) opportunities, and other high level concepts.
Councilmembers asked about paid parking at the ST stations. Ms. Dawson responded that interest groups are objecting to having parking included in the transportation package and shared that ST wants to sell surplus property and provide it for TOD. Mayor Backus provided an example of how paid parking is working in the City of Auburn.
Mr. MacColl commented that organizations are not being realistic when they call for removing parking from the stations, and added that parking would also be good for TOD. He discussed the importance of getting people to and from the stations safely across Interstate 5. He said ST3 should ensure bus rapid transit connections to get people to the ST spine.
Councilmembers discussed incorporating concessions at the stations, having retail rental spaces, and getting ST to provide utility infrastructure.
Ms. Dawson thanked Councilmembers for their great work on the Northend Mayor’s Coalition. She reminded Councilmembers of the SCA Legislative Networking Dinner scheduled for March 30th. Deputy Mayor Winstead and Councilmembers Salomon and McGlashan confirmed that they are attending the dinner. A discussion then ensued on the timing of ST2 and ST3 projects. Councilmember Hall pointed that the Silver Line in Washington, D.C. is still being built out and it was started 40 years ago.
Ms. Dawson commented that the All Home Meeting was well attended and shared that more youth facilities are being requested. She asked for Council’s feedback on the Convening Cities of Homelessness Meeting. Councilmember Scully responded that everyone is in agreement that something needs to be done on a regional level and recommended a regional punch list be developed to identify what is needed. Mr. Norris shared that a good number of residents in Shoreline support homelessness issues and that the Council adopted a resolution on homelessness. Mr. MacColl commented that Shoreline is experiencing the pressure of population overflow from surrounding cities. Councilmember Hall talked about the affect the technology industry is having on the housing crises and commented that some cities are embracing high density in response. Mayor Backus added that Comprehensive Plans require growth to compete for transportation dollars.
Ms. Dawson asked about Shoreline’s Tent Cities. Ms. Tarry responded that they have been successful and described how the City worked with a resident to accommodate a tent city on their property.
Councilmembers expressed gratitude for Mayor Backus’ leadership on SCA and for attending
the Dinner Meeting.
At 6:48 p.m. the meeting was adjourned.
/S/ Bonita Roznos, Deputy City Clerk
CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
SUMMARY MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
Monday, March 28, 2016 Council Chambers - Shoreline City Hall
7:00 p.m. 17500 Midvale Avenue North
PRESENT: Mayor Roberts, Deputy Mayor Winstead,
Councilmembers Scully, Hall, McConnell, and Salomon
ABSENT: Councilmember McGlashan
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 led the flag salute. Upon roll call by the City Clerk, all Councilmembers were present with the exception of Councilmember McGlashan. Deputy Mayor Winstead moved to excuse Councilmember McGlashan for personal reasons. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Hall, and passed unanimously, 6-0.
(a) Proclamation of Cesar Chavez Day
Mayor Roberts read a proclamation declaring March 31, 2016 as Cesar Chavez Day in the City of Shoreline. Eddie Alvarez, Markets Manager of Alvarez Organic Farms, and Shoreline Farmer’s Market participate, along with his brother Steve Alvarez, accepted the proclamation. Mr. Alvarez thanked the City and attributed the success of his father Hilario Alvarez, owner of Hilario Organic Farms, to Cesar Chavez tireless fight to improve working condition of immigrant farmers. He shared about his father beginnings as a farm worker to becoming a successful business owner.
3. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER
Debbie Tarry, City Manager, provided reports and updates on various City meetings, projects
and events.
4. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Salomon reported attending the WRIA 8 Salmon Recovery Council Meeting and shared that the City of Bothell is preserving the Wayne Golf Course along the Sammamish River, a prime habitat for salmon. He said it is good news for salmon recovery.
Mayor Roberts reported that Sound Cities Association President Auburn City Mayor Nancy Backus and Executive Director Deanna Dawson attended the Council Workshop Dinner meeting. He shared that discussions included regional priorities, Sound Transit’s ST3 Package, and homelessness efforts.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Lorn Richey, Shoreline resident, spoke in favor of raising minimum wage. He commented that people who have money spend it, which stimulates economic growth. He addressed arguments against the minimum wage and read an excerpt written by Gregory Clark, University of California, Davis Economist, regarding the future of the United States economy. He commented that raising the minimum wage will address social issues like homelessness.
Dan Jacoby, Shoreline resident, talked about the human cost of a low minimum wage and noted the real cost to businesses is an increase of 2% per year. He commented on the cost of living in Shoreline and the adverse impact it has on people, specifically parents earning minimum wage. He shared that a minimum wage of $15 could make life decent and manageable. He urged Council to pass a phased in $15 minimum wage.
Alan Charnley, Shoreline resident, commented that 1,050 Shoreline residents signed an initiative petition supporting an increase in minimum wage to $15. He commented that students need a rise in minimum wage to afford rent and text books.
Dave Lange, Shoreline resident, thanked Council for saying the 145th Street Corridor Study plans for the I-5 Interchange are inadequate. He said bus lanes are a good start and suggested having another discussion about the Station’s design, pedestrian flow, and foot traffic. He proposed that graphics be presented at the next ST3 session.
Kevin Steedahl, Shoreline resident, said he works in the Fred Meyer Deli making $15.25/hour and that he is being priced out of the Seattle area. He stated his rent increased by 20% in 2016, anticipates that it will increase again, and is hopeful that raising the minimum wage will raise his income. He said a booming economy requires a booming lower class.
Brad Lancaster, Shoreline resident, recommended hiring a Shoreline Homeless Coordinator to administrate homeless camps. He explained why administrators have high turnover and the impact it has on the Camp. He said to make camps work they need someone stable, connected to Human Services, and able to perform other administrative duties. He said Shoreline could partner with an existing non-profit to perform administrative duties or create one.
Ginny Scantlebury, Shoreline resident, agrees with staff to wait until the November Election prior to taking action on increasing the minimum wage. She reviewed the proposed regulations in Initiative 1433. She commented that the State should set minimum wage to avoid confusion and that it will be easier for businesses to adapt if it is rolled out over several years. She questioned if the City has consulted with the Shoreline business community on the issues.
Terri Wheeler, Shoreline Famer's Market Manager, thanked Council for supporting Shoreline’s Farmer’s Market and said she is excited about working with the Market. She thanked Council for presenting the Cesar Chavez Proclamation to Hilario Alvarez of Alvarez Organic Farms in recognition of his contribution to Shoreline Farmer’s Market. Mayor Roberts asked when the Market is opening and where will it be located. Ms. Wheeler replied that the Market is opening on June 11 and will run through October 8, 2016, and will be held at Aurora Square.
6. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
The agenda was approved by unanimous consent.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Upon motion by Councilmember Hall and seconded by Deputy Mayor Winstead and
unanimously carried, 6-0, the following Consent Calendar items were approved:
(a) Approval of expenses and payroll as of March 11, 2016 in the amount of
$898,526.85
|
*Payroll and Benefits: |
||||||
|
Payroll Period |
Payment Date |
EFT Numbers (EF) |
Payroll Checks (PR) |
Benefit Checks (AP) |
Amount Paid |
|
|
2/14/16-2/27/16 |
3/4/2016 |
65336-65536 |
14296-14315 |
62871-62876 |
$474,347.87 |
|
|
$474,347.87 |
||||||
|
*Accounts Payable Claims: |
||||||
|
Expense Register Dated |
Check Number (Begin) |
Check Number (End) |
Amount Paid |
|||
|
3/3/2016 |
62738 |
62753 |
$68,725.68 |
|||
|
3/3/2016 |
62754 |
62765 |
$29,542.14 |
|||
|
3/3/2016 |
62766 |
62790 |
$31,490.72 |
|||
|
3/3/2016 |
62791 |
62796 |
$104,207.98 |
|||
|
3/3/2016 |
62797 |
62801 |
$1,942.34 |
|||
|
3/7/2016 |
60946 |
60946 |
($22.89) |
|||
|
61085 |
61085 |
($28.98) |
||||
|
61910 |
91910 |
($38.32) |
||||
|
62031 |
62031 |
($22.89) |
||||
|
3/7/2016 |
62802 |
62802 |
$113.08 |
|||
|
3/9/2016 |
62803 |
62803 |
$117.23 |
|||
|
3/9/2016 |
62804 |
62820 |
$939.55 |
|||
|
3/9/2016 |
62821 |
62829 |
$67,291.46 |
|||
|
3/9/2016 |
62830 |
62847 |
$35,985.85 |
|||
|
3/9/2016 |
62848 |
62870 |
$83,936.03 |
|||
|
$424,178.98 |
||||||
(b) Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Professional Services
Agreement with Perteet, Inc. for ADA Compliance Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan Assistance
8. STUDY ITEMS
(a) Discussion of External Workforce Regulations - Minimum Wage and Paid Sick
Leave
Alex Herzog, Management Analyst, provided background information on minimum wage and paid sick leave regulations. He identified three cities (Seattle, SeaTac, and Tacoma), and Oregon State that have increased their minimum wage. He reviewed Washington State Initiative 1433 (I-1433) scheduled for the November ballot and said it increases minimum wage to $13.50 by 2020, and in 2018 provides workers with one hour of sick leave per 40 hours worked. He presented the following three options for Council’s consideration:
1) Adopt minimum wage/paid sick leave regulations by Ordinance
2) Begin outreach to businesses regarding minimum wage/paid sick leave
3) Suspend outreach and development efforts until consideration of I-1433
Mr. Herzog noted that an increase in the minimum wage to $15.00/hour would cost the City $200,000 annually, and explained that the “Extra Help” classification status would begin accruing paid sick leave. He added if the City pursues a course of action outside of I-1433 that additional staff would be needed to perform outreach and enforcement.
Councilmember Salomon stated that he supports moving forward with Option 1 or 2. He shared that it is uncertain that I-1433 will be placed on the ballot or pass, but it is known that low wage workers need to pay rent. He shared that the changing economy over the last several decades has made it more difficult for low and middle classes.
Councilmember Scully supports implementing Option 1 and 2 jointly. He stated that outreach needs to be done to local businesses to see how much they can tolerate before losing business to neighboring jurisdictions. He expressed concern that the Extra-Help employees are not paid sick leave and said the City needs to pay them sick leave.
Councilmember Hall stated that he strongly supports increasing minimum wage. He said outreach needs to be done to the business community. He could support moving forward with outreach now but would not feel comfortable taking action until we get information from voters this fall.
Councilmember McConnell supports Option 3, and explained a statewide buy-in would work best when surrounding cities have to play by the same rules. She wants the City to survey businesses and the community, and said Option 2 should be implemented prior to Option 1.
Deputy Mayor Winstead agreed with Councilmember Scully regarding paid sick leave for Extra-Help employees. She shared that she wants the City to perform outreach and wait for the November Election before taking action. She said increasing minimum wage is not a problem solver. There will be a cost to businesses that will be passed on to the consumer, still making it difficult for people in lower paying jobs. She pointed out that $15 an hour is about $30,000 a year, which makes market rate housing in Shoreline and surrounding areas difficult for low wage earners to afford. She also questioned how the Council would fund the $200,000 cost if minimum wage is increased. She reiterated she feels strongly that the people should speak on this one, and the City should move forward with outreach and Option 3.
Mayor Roberts clarified that the $200,000 cost occurs when the $15.00 minimum wage is fully implemented. He asked if Shoreline has received feedback from service providers and about the implementation timeline if the Initiative passes. He supports moving forward with the minimum wage and conducting outreach to learn about potential impacts. He pointed out that it is significant that over 1,000 residents signed a petition to increase minimum wage and said Shoreline could be losing good employees to Seattle. Mr. Herzog responded that Hopelink has enacted a $15.00/hour minimum wage and shared that they discontinued funding some of their efforts to support it. He stated that the first phase of the wage increase would take place on January 1, 2017.
Deputy Mayor Winstead expressed concern that Human Services are cutting programs from people in need to pay employees $15.00/hour.
Ms. Tarry clarified that five Councilmembers are interested with moving forward with outreach efforts and said outreach would take place through the summer. She commented that a question could be included on the Citizen Satisfaction Survey. She noted that Councilmembers are split on moving forward with the Ordinance prior to the November Ballot. She said action on the Ordinance will be placed on the City’s Workplan after the November election.
Councilmember Hall expressed that he supports performing outreach but not putting a question on the Survey and duplicating the State’s efforts. He said he does not support taking action on an Ordinance until after the November Election. Deputy Mayor Winstead, Councilmembers McConnell and Scully concurred, and Councilmember Scully added that he would like the outreach done as soon as possible.
9. ADJOURNMENT
At 8:10 p.m., Mayor Roberts declared the meeting adjourned.
/S/ Jessica Simulcik Smith, City Clerk