CITY OF SHORELINE

 

SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL

SUMMARY MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING

                                                               

Monday, May 23, 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; Eric Friedli, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director; and Bonita Roznos, Deputy City Clerk

 

GUESTS:        Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS)/Tree Boardmembers:  Vice Chair Betsy Robertson, and Boardmembers Christina Arcidy, Cindy Dittbrenner, Bill Franklin, John Hoey, Katie Schielke, and Christine Southwick

 

At 5:50 p.m., the meeting was called to order by Mayor Roberts.

 

Upon request by Betsy Robertson, Vice Chair PRCS/Tree Board, Councilmembers and Boardmembers introduced themselves, named their favorite park, and shared why it is their favorite.

 

Eric Friedli, PRCS Director, then explained that the Board is engaged in the 2017 – 2023 Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan update. He described community outreach efforts and said the community engagement process will be completed at the end of June 2016.  He stated a public hearing is planned for January 2017 and the Plan will be presented to the Council in March 2017.

 

Boardmembers asked Councilmembers a series of questions (as noted in the meeting Memorandum) regarding parks, programs and services.  Councilmembers responded that they are looking forward to receiving feedback from the community regarding what they would like to see in Shoreline’s park system, and stressed that funding support will be needed.

 

Councilmembers agreed that Shoreline has a great park system, and want to assess if it is serving Shoreline’s changing demographic populations. They discussed that there is limited space to build new parks and spoke on the importance of creating new park space in the 145th and 185th Station Subareas.  They talked about the merits of developing a multi-generational community center, the need for a park with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) playground equipment, and recommended that the City host a cultural fair.  Councilmembers discussed the possibility of funding small parks and extending green space with transportation impact fees. They recommended creating walking trails, nature areas and neighborhood basketball courts.  They suggested more east to west connected greenway linkages, and signs that identity park amenities and trails in multiple languages.  They pointed out that Shoreline parks are now listed in the Mountains -to-Sounds Greenway Connections.

 

Councilmember Salomon asked if there is demand for community garden space.  Mr. Friedli responded that the demand is 50% greater than the supply. Boardmember Southwick suggested using buildings’ roof tops for garden space.  

 

Deputy Mayor Winstead asked about the Off Leash Dog Parks, expressed that too many dogs are running loose, and suggested that the City develop a park area that contains dogs, as well as a park and trail for dogs. 

 

PRCS/Tree Boardmembers talked about the feedback they are receiving from the community regarding the PROS Plan Update, including a desire for pools, recreation facilities, small outdoor amphitheaters, pocket parks, and athletic fields.

 

Vice Chair Robertson informed Councilmembers that they received eight applications for the two youth positions on the PRCS/Tree Board and three applications for the one youth position on the Library Board.

 

At 6:45 p.m. the meeting was adjourned.

 

/S/ Bonita Roznos, Deputy City Clerk

 

 

 CITY OF SHORELINE

 

SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL

SUMMARY MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING

                                                               

Monday, May 23, 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 led the flag salute. He announced that the Chamber’s audio equipment is not working but the meeting is still being video recorded and will be available tomorrow for the public to view.

 

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.         PUBLIC COMMENT

 

Steve Gillespie, Foster Pepper PLLC, said he is speaking on the behalf of Hidden Lake homeowners and expressed disappointment that the City is violating a contractual obligation not to maintain Hidden Lake. He explained that the initial agreement was with King County and that Shoreline assumed the contractual agreement when the City incorporated. He said he, and his clients, have sent letters to the City, but have not received a response. He asked to speak to a City Attorney with authority to make a settlement and then submitted documents.

 

5.         APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

 

The agenda was approved by unanimous consent.

 

6.         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 Regular Meeting of April 25, 2016

 

(b)    Approval of expenses and payroll as of May 6, 2016 in the amount of  $1,169,373.61

 

*Payroll and Benefits:

Payroll           Period

Payment Date

EFT      Numbers      (EF)

Payroll      Checks      (PR)

Benefit           Checks              (AP)

Amount      Paid

4/10/16-4/23/16

4/29/2016

66082-66266

14347-14357

63355-63360

$623,241.77

$623,241.77

*Wire Transfers:

Expense Register Dated

Wire Transfer Number

 

Amount        Paid

4/27/2016

1107

$1,952.84

$1,952.84

*Accounts Payable Claims:

Expense Register Dated

Check Number (Begin)

Check        Number                 (End)

Amount        Paid

4/27/2016

63176

63176

($653.42)

4/27/2016

63260

63281

$280,450.20

4/28/2016

63282

63297

$5,396.22

4/28/2016

63298

63298

$33,382.53

4/29/2016

63299

63299

$6,250.00

5/4/2016

63300

63309

$16,410.98

5/4/2016

63310

63335

$99,745.50

5/4/2016

63336

63354

$103,196.99

$544,179.00

 

(c)     Adoption of Resolution No. 388 Adopting the 2017-2022 Transportation Improvement Program

 

(d)    Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Enter Into the Kiosk Services Interlocal Agreement Between the City of Shoreline and the King County Medication Education and Disposal Project

 

7.         COMMUNITY GROUP PRESENTATION

 

(a) Shoreline Solar Project

Maryn Wynne and Larry Owens, Shoreline Solar Project Co-Founders provided the presentation. Ms. Wynne thanked Deputy Mayor Winstead and Councilmember McConnell for sponsoring the presentation. She reviewed the purpose of the presentation and the benefits of solar power. She stated the answer to the question, “does solar really work in Shoreline”, is yes. Mr. Owens reviewed how much sun is available in our region compared to other parts of the world and shared that the cost of solar technology is decreasing. He explained what solar energy is, how it works, presented solar projects, and provided examples of return on investments. He showed Councilmembers a solar panel manufactured in 1944 and said it demonstrates that investment in solar is worth it.

 

Ms. Wynne requested that July 23, 2016 be declared as NW SolarFest Day in the City of Shoreline and invited Councilmembers to attend the event at Shoreline Community College. She requested that they participate in a custom tour and workshop at City Hall, the Solarize Shoreline Program, and be solar advocates.

 

Deputy Mayor Winstead asked about making an investment in solar if a new roof is needed. Mr. Owens responded that it is generally better to wait, or move up the roof replacement.

 

Councilmember Salmon expressed appreciation for solar thermal. He commented that heating water from natural gas yields carbon emissions, and asked about the distinction between solar thermal and electric. Mr. Owens responded that the efficiency for solar thermal is higher, and said if you use a lot of hot water solar thermal is great; but the challenge is using all the heated water in the tank. He shared that the unused portion of electricity used to heat water is pushed back to the Utility. Ms. Wynne stated that using solar electric to power your vehicle also offsets greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Councilmember McConnell asked about the average return on investment. Mr. Owens responded that paybacks can take as low as 5 to 6 years. He shared incentives include a 30% tax credit, sales tax exemptions, and production incentives from the State. Ms. Wynne added that the Solarized Program is an individualized program.

 

Councilmember McGlashan asked what can be charged on a home Direct current (DC), and how long does it take to run out of hot water heated by solar thermal. Mr. Owens responded that there are inexpensive charging systems that can be purchased. He said the size of your tank determines how long it takes to run out of hot water and shared that your regular water heater serves as a backup. He said thermal will continue to add heat throughout the day while the sun is shining, and that gas and electric require more British Thermal Units (BTUs).

 

Mayor Roberts asked if Japan’s and Germany’s solar communities were mandated. Mr. Owens responded that they were highly incentivized to be sustainable and environmentally responsible, and they like the economic benefit of having lower utility costs.

 

8.         STUDY ITEMS

 

(a)     Discussion of Hidden Lake Alternatives

 

At 7:45 p.m. Mayor Roberts convened a 5 minute recess and reconvened the meeting at 7:50 p.m.

 

Randy Witt, Public Works Director; John Featherstone, Surface Water Engineer; and Mark Ewbank, Herrera Consultants Inc. provided the staff report. Mr. Ewbank provided background on Hidden Lake, and explained that it was a fishing pond in the early 20th century and reestablished by King County in 1996. He said sediment issues require the lake to be dredged, which is an expensive endeavor. He recalled the Hidden Lake Feasibility Study performed in 2014, and reviewed the current status of the Lake, Alternatives Analysis, and outreach conducted by staff. Mr. Ewbank presented Alternatives to address the Lake are:

 

·         Alternative 1 – Minimal Approach: Dam remains; a spillway modification will be carved to direct all flows over the dam protecting NW Innis Arden Way; smaller lake initially; eventually the lake will fill and channels will evolve into a lake bed; potential for invasive weeds; no fish passage improvements; and the least expensive.

·         Alternative 2 – Wetland Floodplain:  Dam and lake removed; creek channels on public and private property; native vegetation planted in lake bed; possible park upgrades; 25% of fish passage barriers removed; and higher cost than Alternative 1

·         Alternative 3 – Forested Channel:  dam and lake removed, single channel on public property; Innis Arden Way culverts replaced and other downstream restoration; 75% of fish passage barriers removed; native vegetation planted; possible park upgrade; and the highest cost of all three Alternatives.

 

Mr. Featherstone explained that there was consensus among staff, the Park/Tree Board, and the community supporting Alternative 3. He pointed out that limited Surface Water Utility Funds and a problematic time frame would make it difficult to implement Alternate 3. He said staff has developed and is recommending Alternative 4 – Phased Approached.

 

·         Alterative 4 - Phased Approach consist of the following: 

o   Phase 1:  Remove Hidden Lake Dam and restore Boeing Creek within Shoreview Park; install park amenities, including trails and will address priority flooding risk due to sediment in-filling of Hidden Lake.

o   Phase 2: Remove three remaining major fish passage barriers on Boeing Creek and will provide maximum fish passage and habitat benefit along creek downstream of existing Hidden Lake Dam.

 

Mr. Featherstone said Alternative 4 maximizes grant opportunities and minimizes sedimentation risks. He reviewed Alternative 4 costs, and shared that staff will return to Council with an updated recommendation if grant funding cannot be secured in 2-3 years of Phase 1. He reviewed next steps are to pursue grant funding, monitor sediment accumulation, develop a design, obtain permits, and construct improvements within a 2-8 year timeframe.

 

Margaret King, City Attorney, addressed Steve Gillespie’s, Foster Pepper PLLC, public comment, and said her office has had numerous conversations with him and that there has been email exchanged between him and the Assistant City Attorney. She said the City’s position is that there are no contractual requirements with Hidden Lake property owners and that the City can move forward with its plans. She advised that the matter can be further discussed in Executive Session since Mr. Gillespie has stated he anticipates filing litigation against the City.

 

Councilmember Scully requested that an Executive Session be convened prior to the City Council taking action.

 

Councilmember Salomon expressed excitement about the project, and having it include removal of all fish barriers to open up the stream for salmon. He said he is optimistic about acquiring grant funding. He commented on the 8% slope in Alternatives 3 and 4, and asked if it will prevent fish from traveling upstream. Mr. Ewbank responded that it would not impede fish travel if they are not fighting against a uniform high velocity current. Councilmember Salomon commented that Alternative 2 retains Hidden Lake at a 1% slope, and provides protection for juvenile salmon. He expressed concern that these characteristics are not in Alternative 4. He noted that the City may need to move forward with a detention facility around the Community Renewal Area to help prevent scouring. He wants to make the river system complete and the best ecological function for salmon. Mr. Ewbank responded that micro holding habitats can be designed and it is better to have a broader floodplain with a slower velocity flow for fish travel. Councilmember Salomon asked if a broader flood plain can be built if the lower dams are removed, and if a floodplain can be added to Alternative 4. Mr. Ewbank responded that it is possible to have a broader floodplain and it could be added to Alternative 4, but it is a higher cost and involves a lot of work on private property.

 

Councilmember Salmon commented that the stream has natural shading and that after addressing fish passage, scouring, and creating a place to protect juvenile salmon, the stream can be restored to its original function. He then asked what the potential number of the return of adult salmon would be. Mr. Ewbank responded that the stream is shaded by a nice forest which is a good stream corridor habitat, and that historically fish populating that stream includes Coho and cutthroat trout, and that it is probably not large enough for Chinook salmon.

 

Councilmember McGlashan asked what happens if the dam is not removed, how steep the slope down to the Puget Sound is, and how far up the stream fish would travel to spawn. Mr. Ewbank responded that he does not have the slope data, but estimates it to be 3-5%, and fish would probably not go up as far as the man made stream to spawn. Councilmember McGlashan added that keeping the dam yields no benefit and said he supports Alternative 4.

 

Mayor Roberts asked about the cost for removing the Golf Course dam and grant funding. Mr. Ewbank responded that conservative cost estimates were provided for all the Alternatives and includes design, permitting, additional studies, and a 50% contingency. Mr. Witt explained risks associated with the Project and shared that exact costs have not been identified. Mr. Featherstone commented that the Project has been tested for securing competitive grant funding. Mr. Ewbank added that the long approach to restoration might take 10-20 years, that there is grant funding available. It is a very competitive environment and it may take multiple grants to finish the Project.

 

Councilmember McConnell commented that Alternative 4 is the best. She expressed concern about cost and questioned how the Project benefits the average citizen. She wants clarity regarding potential litigation and recommended taking a slow approach to maximize grant funding.

 

Councilmember McGlashan asked why not let the rivers naturally decide where they will go instead of channeling the old lake bed. Mr. Ewbank responded that channeling creates predictability and minimizes uncertainty.

 

Councilmember Hall stated he supports staff’s recommendation, shared that it accounts for the whole system, and that the plan begins with the end in mind.

 

Ms. Tarry reiterated Council’s support for staff’s recommendation for a phased approach to first deal with flood reduction, to pursue grant opportunities, and to continue with Council’s previous recommendation to cease dredging the Lake. She informed Councilmembers that a legal update will be provided in executive session.

 

Councilmember Salomon asked if Council is comfortable building in a place for juvenile salmon to hide. Councilmember Hall said Council should ensure that the goal of a fish friendly stream is met and recommended letting the professionals design the stream. Councilmember McGlashan agreed. Councilmember Scully agreed that the design should be done right for fish and said he supports staff’s recommendation.

 

(b)    Discussion of Ord. No. 745 - Amending SMC 8.12.500 Allowing the Sale and/or Consumption of Beer and Wine at Kruckeberg Botanic Garden 

 

Eric Friedli, Parks, Recreations, and Cultural Services Director recalled that the City Council amended Shoreline’s Municipal Code in 2012 to allow alcohol to be served at certain City sites. He shared that Kruckeberg Botanic Garden meets the criteria needed to allow alcohol. He explained that the Park Board held a public hearing and that notice letters were sent to adjacent houses. He then reviewed the five public comments received.

 

Councilmember Hall commented that he supports the proposal and that it makes sense at this location. He said parking and access to the site needs to be addressed, and he supports the provisions that requests for the application permit are considered and managed by the Director on a per request basis.

 

Deputy Mayor Winstead commented that the ability for Kruckeberg to host events where alcohol is served will assist them in becoming more self-sustained. She noted that the functions will be adult centered, and she also expressed concerns over parking.

 

Councilmember Salomon stated he supports the proposal.

 

9.         ADJOURNMENT

 

At 8:50 p.m., Mayor Roberts declared the meeting adjourned.

 

/S/Jessica Simulcik Smith, City Clerk