CITY
OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, July 11, 2016 Conference
Room 303 - Shoreline City Hall
5:45 p.m. 17500
Midvale Avenue North
PRESENT: Mayor Roberts,
Deputy Mayor Winstead, Councilmembers McGlashan, Scully, and Hall, McConnell
ABSENT: Councilmember Salomon
STAFF: Debbie Tarry, City Manager; John Norris, Assistant City
Manager; and Bonita Roznos, Deputy City
Clerk
GUESTS: Josh Brown, Puget Sound Regional Council
Executive Director
At 5:50 p.m., the meeting
was called to order by Mayor Roberts.
Josh
Brown, Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) Executive Director, stated PSRC’s
mission is to ensure a thriving central Puget Sound Region through planning for
regional transportation, growth management, and economic development. He shared
PSRC represents four counties (King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish), 82 cities and
towns, and other members including ports, transit agencies, state agencies and
tribal governments.
Mr.
Brown reviewed PSRC’s funding and structure and identified regional leadership
members. He shared the region is experiencing both job and population growth and
PSRC’s focus is to plan to accommodate that growth. He said the region has seen
an increase of 250,000 jobs from 2010-2015 and that the Aerospace and Information
Technology sectors have been the drivers. He pointed out that there are 4
million people in the region and another million people are expected by 2017.
He said Vision 2040 is PSRC’s general growth strategy plan.
Mr.
Brown said car congestion and traffic delays are worsening in the region and showed
supporting data for this claim. However, he pointed out that transit ridership
is growing faster than the population and that annual transit boardings in the
region were the 8th highest in the country in 2015. Mr. Brown also said
state and local leaders are making an investment in transportation, including
passage of the current State Transportation Package, which will complete the SR
520 Bridge, providing Community Transit expansion, placing Sound Transit 3 on
the ballot, and completing the Capital Hill and UW Light Rail Stations.
Councilmembers
asked about PSRC’s funding cycles, if weight is given to cities with more
population, and recommendations on how to bring businesses to this region, specifically
to Shoreline. They also inquired about the challenge for the State to invest in
and maintain existing assets. Mr. Brown responded that PSRC operates on a
bi-annual budget divided into a regional pot supporting projects like the
Aurora Corridor and Light Rail, and a county-wide pot supporting small to
medium and rural area projects. He said securing grant funds is a competitive
process. He noted that the City of Shoreline has been successful in securing
PSRC grants and said funding projects for Shoreline includes SR 523/145th
Street.
He
explained that PSRC’s economic role is to provide regional countywide
strategies and that it is a data driven exercise to see what needs to be done.
He spoke about their Integrated Planning Timeline that includes the 2017
Economic Development Plan, the 2018 Transportation Update, and the 2020
Regional Growth Strategy Vision. He acknowledged the challenge to maintain
existing State assets and provided example of assets in need of repair or
replacement.
Councilmembers
expressed appreciation for Aurora Corridor Project funding and conveyed the
importance of having SR 522 and SR 523 improvements and transit connections in
place prior to the opening of the Light Right Stations in Shoreline.
At
6:40 p.m. the meeting was adjourned.
/S/ Bonita Roznos, Deputy City Clerk
CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, July 11, 2016 Council Chambers - Shoreline City Hall
7:00 p.m. 17500 Midvale Avenue North
PRESENT: Mayor Roberts, Deputy Mayor Winstead, Councilmembers McGlashan, Scully, Hall, and McConnell
ABSENT: Councilmember Salomon
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.
Mayor Roberts recalled Council took a moment of silence last month to pay respect for the 49 people killed in Orlando, Florida. He said since then 1,096 people have been killed by gun violence, most recently Alton Sterling of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Philando Castile, of St. Paul, Minnesota, and five Police Officers and injuries to 11 others in Dallas, Texas. He shared that the City sent a letter to the Mayor of Dallas expressing condolences for the loss of their officers. He disclosed the Shoreline City Hall Parking Lot was vandalized with anti-police graffiti, but shared that same day residents delivered expressions of appreciation to the Shoreline Police Department. He talked about steps the City is implementing to build trust between citizens, the Police Department, and the City.
Upon roll call by the City Clerk, all Councilmembers were present with the exception of Councilmember Salomon.
Councilmember McConnell moved to excused Councilmember Salomon for personal reasons. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Hall and passed unanimously, 6-0.
(a) Proclamation of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Month
Mayor Roberts read a proclamation declaring July 2016 Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Month in the City of Shoreline. The Barnes Family accepted the proclamation. Mrs. Barnes commented that her family enjoys the programs, activities and facilities supported by the Parks Department, and then members of the family identified their favorite park.
3. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER
Debbie Tarry, City Manager, provided reports and updates on various City meetings, projects and events.
4. COUNCIL REPORTS
Mayor Roberts reported that Josh Brown, Puget Sound Regional Council Executive Director joined Council at this evening’s Dinner Meeting and discussed planning for regional growth.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Roberts stated Agenda Study Item 8a -Discussion of Ord. No. 748 - Amending the Zoning Map at 1540 NE 175th Street from Residential 12-units Per Acre (R-12) to Residential 24-units Per Acre, was heard by the Hearing Examiner and public comment was taken at that time, and therefore, no public comment will be taken on this item tonight.
Councilmember Scully moved to extend the public comment period to allow two minutes to each individual signed up to speak. The motion was seconded by Deputy Mayor Winstead and passed unanimously, 6-0.
Janet Way, Shoreline Preservation Society, applauded Mayor Roberts for addressing the tragedies that took place last week. She shared that Shoreline Police Office Sargent Wing Woo was critically injured in a tragic surfing accident and she hopes he makes a speedy recovery. She acknowledged people in the audience that came out for the Levy Lid Lift discussion. She requested that the Grant Agreement with the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office for the Twin Ponds Field Turf Replacement Project be pulled from the Consent Calendar so it can be discussed. She expressed concern that the type of rubber being used negatively impacts health and stormwater run-off, and request it goes through the State Environment Policy Act process.
Marsha Gresham, Shoreline resident, said if a double digit tax increase is put on the ballot she will distribute flyers asking people to vote no.
Lisa Surowiec, Shoreline resident and Financial Sustainability Committee member, talked about the work done by the Committee and said it was a good process. She said the City is efficient, good grant writers, waits to up-staff, and uses contracts to get things done. She encouraged neighbors to review resources to see what the City does, voice concerns to Council, and provide recommendations on what will work to sustain city services.
Leslie Frisch, Shoreline resident, commented that the cost of growth should fall prominently on developers. She said slow the growth of Shoreline and make the developers pay since they are the one’s profiting.
Richard Potter, Shoreline resident, commented that he ran the numbers and the increase will make his taxes go up 20%. He asked for additional information on the revenues from the 185th Street Station Subarea Rezone. He said the subarea property value assessments will go up, making taxes go up, and retired people will not be able to afford to live there.
Pete Gerhard, Shoreline resident and Financial Sustainability Committee Member, commented that the Committee was good and grabbled with a lot of issues. He shared the City is confronted with how to address a $21 Million deficit over 10 years, that hard decisions were necessary, and although the Committee was mixed, the majority agreed that the $1.48 Levy Lid Lift will put the City in good standing until 2022.
Bill Gresham, Shoreline resident, said if the double digit tax increase is placed on the ballot, he will distribute flyers asking neighbors to vote no. He said he does not understand why all problems need to be solve now.
Cory Secrist, Shoreline resident, expressed concern about the levy lid lift. He commented that during the 185th Street Subarea Rezone process, Shoreline homeowners were told that property tax would not increase beyond 1% per year. He questioned the property tax exemption provided to affordable housing developers and asked Council not to impose a tax beyond 1%.
Wendy DiPeso, Shoreline resident, echoed appreciation for Mayor Roberts comments regarding the tragedies of last week. She commented that there will be a demonstration and opposition to a tax increase on the ballot. She said she is not against the levy lid lift and understands that 1% a year is not enough. She said if a double digit tax increase is placed on the ballot, she will distribute flyers against it.
Heather Murphy Secrist, Shoreline resident, said if a double digit tax increase is placed on the ballot, she will distribute flyers against it.
Ginny Scantlebury, Shoreline resident, said she would distribute flyers informing neighbors that they do not want a double digit tax increase on the ballot. She expressed concern that staff’s numbers, particularly the median home value used, is incorrect. She said they are higher and commented on median home value listings in a Seattle Times article. She shared that so many cannot afford taxes right now, some need tax relief, and that taxes should be raised over time.
Sandra Distefano, Shoreline resident, said she echoes everything the anti-Levy Lid Lift people have said, and that she too will distribute flyers against it.
Karen Easterly-Behrens, Shoreline resident, said if a double digit tax increase is placed on the ballot, she will distribute flyers to her neighbors against it. She commented that Community is more than parks, signs, streets, and the pretty things, that it is also the people that live here. She wants intergenerational neighbors maintained.
John Behrens, Shoreline resident, commented that tax increases are about balancing the present with the future. He suggested that Council look at people who actually live here, not people planning to live here in the future, and look at how much the community can afford. He commented that Lake Forest Park took a different course and chose to live within their means. He said he cannot afford additional taxes.
Susan Melville, Shoreline resident, echoed the sentiments of the other speakers, and said if the tax increase is placed on the ballot she will distribute flyers and speak against it.
Normajean Bowen, Shoreline resident, said she lives in a shared generational home and echoed the sentiments of the other speakers. She said she will join and mobilize to distribute flyers against it. She asked Council to reconsider.
Sarah Stewart, North City, said she will distribute flyers if a double digit tax increase is placed on the ballot. She commented that assessments, taxes, and the water bill have all gone up and said the line has to be drawn somewhere.
Marlene Thompson, Shoreline resident, said if a double digit tax increase is placed on the ballot, she will distribute flyers against it.
Edward Thompson, Shoreline resident, said he does not want to put this weight on his grandchildren and will not back a tax increase.
Jerry Dugan, Shoreline resident, said he is here in protest of the double digit tax increase, that it is usury, and the City needs to live within the budget. He commented that social security has only increased 1% in the past three years.
Gail Dugan, Shoreline resident, agrees with all other comments opposing tax increases. She said property owners and renters cannot afford a double digit increase and she will protest with others. She asked Council to rethink it and figure out other ways to balance the budget.
Geoffrey Dairiki, Shoreline resident, said he is not opposed to tax increases. He did not vote for the initiative to limit tax increases to 1% because it was unsustainable. He said this increase is too high, that people cannot afford it, and asked what contributes to the numbers because he cannot tell. He commented that tax rates have increased and he anticipates they will continue to increase.
Dale Vaughn, Shoreline resident, said if a double digit tax increase is placed on the ballot, he will distribute flyers against it.
Darla Reynolds, Shoreline resident, shared she knows how to live frugally so to see the proposed increase is absurd. She said she is speaking on behalf of those on a fixed income, and said if a double digit tax increase in placed on the ballot, she will distribute flyers against it.
Dan Jacoby, Shoreline resident, commented that he understands a Levy Lid Lift is needed, that $1.00 is probably not enough, and questioned the numbers presented by staff regarding assessed property value. He does not agree that it is a $62 increase, and believes it will be much higher. He commented that the increase is too large and Council needs to work with the public to pass a successful levy lid lift.
6. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Councilmember Scully requested that Agenda Item 7c be removed from the Consent Calendar. Mayor Roberts confirmed that the item will be moved to Action Item 8a and the Agenda will be renumbered accordingly.
Councilmember McConnell moved to approve the agenda, as amended. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Scully and passed unanimously, 6-0.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Upon motion by Deputy Mayor Winstead and seconded by Councilmember McConnell and unanimously carried, 6-0, the following Consent Calendar items were approved:
(a) Minutes of Regular Meeting of May 23, 2016, Regular Meeting of June 6,
2016 and Minutes of Special Meeting of June 13, 2016
(b) Approval of expenses and payroll as of June 24, 2016 in the amount of $6,634,819.35
|
*Payroll and Benefits: |
||||||
|
Payroll Period |
Payment Date |
EFT Numbers (EF) |
Payroll Checks (PR) |
Benefit Checks (AP) |
Amount Paid |
|
|
5/8/16-5/21/16 |
5/27/2016 |
66449-66634 |
14368-14379 |
63602-63610 |
$651,641.83 |
|
|
5/22/16-6/4/16 |
6/10/2016 |
66635-66826 |
14380-14389 |
63681-63686 |
$477,405.43 |
|
|
$1,129,047.26 |
||||||
|
*Accounts Payable Claims: |
||||||
|
Expense Register Dated |
Check Number (Begin) |
Check Number (End) |
Amount Paid |
|||
|
6/1/2016 |
63389 |
63389 |
($500.00) |
|||
|
6/2/2016 |
63547 |
63555 |
$18,219.07 |
|||
|
6/2/2016 |
63556 |
63576 |
$26,332.98 |
|||
|
6/2/2016 |
63577 |
63582 |
$687.38 |
|||
|
6/2/2016 |
63583 |
63585 |
$146,529.39 |
|||
|
6/2/2016 |
63586 |
63601 |
$230,916.96 |
|||
|
6/9/2016 |
63611 |
63623 |
$14,308.99 |
|||
|
6/9/2016 |
63624 |
63643 |
$217,913.41 |
|||
|
6/16/2016 |
63644 |
63665 |
$15,476.26 |
|||
|
6/16/2016 |
63666 |
63680 |
$57,214.74 |
|||
|
6/22/2016 |
63687 |
63688 |
$48,640.35 |
|||
|
6/22/2016 |
63689 |
63689 |
$989.75 |
|||
|
6/23/2016 |
63690 |
63703 |
$22,148.48 |
|||
|
6/24/2016 |
63704 |
63729 |
$4,480,218.50 |
|||
|
6/24/2016 |
63730 |
63749 |
$158,702.14 |
|||
|
6/24/2016 |
63750 |
63769 |
$66,288.22 |
|||
|
6/24/2016 |
63770 |
63782 |
$1,685.47 |
|||
|
$5,505,772.09 |
||||||
(c) REMOVED
(d) Adoption of Ord. No. 747 - Amending Chapter 13.14 of the Shoreline Municipal Code - Solid Waste
8. ACTION ITEMS
(a) Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Grant Agreement with the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office for the Twin Ponds Field Turf Replacement Project
Eric Friedli, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director, provided an overview of the grant funding agreement with the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office for the Twin Ponds Field Turf Replacement Project. He said the proposal allows the City to move forward with design work, and later, construction, but does not specify the material to be used. He shared that there is a research study being conducted regarding the health effects of chrome rubber turf, and anticipates the City will perform a study and cost analysis on what materials should be used.
Councilmember Scully moved to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with the State of Washington Recreation and Conservation Funding Board for $250,000 in Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) funding for the Twin Ponds Park Field Turf and Lighting Replacement Project. The motion was seconded by Councilmember McConnell.
Councilmember Scully stated he wanted to make sure the City is not restricting itself to using chrome rubber. Mayor Roberts asked how much an alternative to chrome rubber would cost, noted the need to balance health, safety and cost, and confirmed that 10% would be a significant increase in cost. Mr. Friedli responded that an alternative, like coconut shells, cost approximately 10-15% more, and agreed that 10% would be a significant increase. Deputy Mayor Winstead said she learned that coconut shells are a tree nut and would have an adverse effect on people with nut allergies.
The motion passed unanimously, 6-0.
(b) Adoption of Ord. No. 741 - Development Code Amendments
Rachael Markle, Planning & Community Development Director, introduced the Development Code amendments related to Light Rail Stations, provided a brief overview of the amendments, and said Council’s recommendations from the June 6, 2016 discussion have been incorporated. She shared the potential amendments to Ordinance No. 741 are: Definition for High Capacity Transit Center; Clarify that publically accessible water and power must be installed in a public facing area; and Requirement for restrooms in Light Rail Stations. She noted that Sound Transit has requested that restrooms not be included at the Stations due to security staffing and maintenance cost. She stated that Sound Transit sent a letter to the City requesting that the adoption of this amendment be postponed until additional conversation can be had. She said staff recommends adoption of Ordinance No. 741 as recommended by the Planning Commission.
Councilmember McConnell moved adoption of Ordinance No. 741 as recommended by the Planning Commission. The motion was seconded by Councilmember McGlashan.
Councilmember McConnell stated that she has attended Planning Commission Meetings and there has been a lot community input on the Ordinance. She acknowledged the work the City has done with Sound Transit and said she is confident the City will continue to work with Sound Transit to make Light Rail work for the Community.
Councilmember Scully moved to amend the main motion to amend SMC 20.50.240(F)(6) to add a new (h) as follows: "Public restrooms as defined in number by the International Building Code Section 2902.1 shall be required for all light rail transit stations." The motion died for lack of a second.
Councilmember McGlashan moved to amend the main motion to amend SMC 20.50.240(F)(6)(g) to read "Accessible potable water and electrical power shall be supplied to a public facing portion of the exterior of high capacity transit centers, stations and associated parking." The motion was seconded by Councilmember Hall.
Councilmember McGlashan shared that the Amendment would require that the utilities be more assessable so they can be readily used by the Community.
The motion passed unanimously, 6-0.
Councilmember Hall moved to amend the main motion to add staff’ recommended definition for High Capacity Transit Center to SMC 20.20.024. The motion was seconded by McConnell, and passed unanimously, 6-0.
Councilmembers thanked Sound Transit and city staff for their hard work. Councilmember Hall shared that the Development Code Amendments provide a framework of what to expect from the Stations and stated that access and pedestrian improvements are still lacking. Councilmember McGlashan asked if there will be further discussion about having restrooms at Shoreline Stations, and requested staff to provide a list of issues experienced at Stations that have restrooms. Ms. Tarry recalled that the Design Guidelines adopted by Council included restrooms and said conversations will be continued. She shared that restrooms could be required by building code and that staff will provide Council with issues experienced at restrooms at other Stations. Mayor Roberts said he wants to continue the conversations of restrooms at the Station, specifically at the 145th Street Station. Councilmember Hall concurred and pointed out that Sound Transit’s policy on restrooms is from 1999 and could be revisited.
The vote on main motion, as amended, passed unanimously, 6-0.
9. STUDY ITEMS
(a) Discussion of Ord. No. 748 - Amending the Zoning Map at 1540 NE 175th
Street from Residential 12-units Per Acre (R-12) to Residential 24-units Per
Acre (R-24)
Mayor Roberts asked if any Councilmembers have had any ex-parte communications regarding the quasi-judicial item. No Councilmembers indicated that they had any ex-parte communications about this item.
Steve Szafran, Senior Planner, presented the staff report for the rezone request. He provided an overview of the request, shared that a Public Hearing was held by the Hearing Examiner, and reviewed how the proposed town homes meet the decision criteria. He stated staff's recommendation is to approve the rezone, and that adoption of Ordinance No. 748 is scheduled for the July 25, 2016 City Council Meeting.
Councilmember McGlashan asked if the property to the west is smaller or the same size and could it also be rezoned. Mr. Szafran answered the lots are similar in size and that it could also be rezoned.
(b) Discussion of Ord. No. 749 - Increase the Appropriations in the 2016
Equipment Replacement Budget
Sara Lane, Administrative Services Director, provided an overview of the budget amendment to replace a vehicle. She explained that the 1995 Ford Focus was totaled in an accident and that staff is recommending a 2016 Nissan Leaf for a replacement. She then reviewed the impact to the Budget. She said staff will utilize savings from current low fuel prices to advance future fuel savings, and that the net increase in ongoing cost is $350.00. She said the Ordinance will be before Council for adoption on July 25, 2016.
At 8:20 p.m., Mayor Roberts convened a 5 minute recess, and reconvened the meeting at 8:25 p.m.
(c) Discussion of Res. No. 389 - Potential Levy Lid Lift Renewal
Sara Lane, Administrative Services Director, presented data showing that in 2019 expenditures will exceed revenues. She explained that the key reason for the structural imbalance is primarily due to the 1% Property Tax Limit. She shared that in 2010 citizens voted for a Levy Lid Lift. She highlighted Shoreline's history of financial sustainability efforts and shared how the 1% Property Tax Levy Lid Limit works.
Ms. Lane reviewed the Levy Lid Lift Renewal Options are:
· Option I – No Action
· Option II – CPI Only
· Option III - $1.48 Rate Reset + Future CPI Adjustments
· Option IV - $1.60 Rate Reset + Future CPI Adjustments
She presented the impacts on residents based on $350,000 median assessed home valuation provided by King County. She reviewed how the property tax is divided up, forecasts for all four alternatives, stakeholder outreach, and the schedule which culminates with placing the item on the November 8, 2016 General Election Ballot. She then displayed the draft language for the Ballot.
Deputy Mayor Winstead expressed appreciation to the audience for their participation. She talked about a home budget versus a city budget, and said if something breaks at home it can be paid for by credit card or a home equity line of credit and that the City cannot do that. She explained that State law requires the City to plan for expenditures. She shared that Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services events, Human Services, and Public Safety are services that are important to citizens and could possibly be decreased if a levy was not passed. She assured the audience that all these decisions will need to be balanced, and invited the audience to provide feedback on how city services should be prioritized at the City’s Budget Hearings in the fall.
Councilmember Scully asked how citizens will be selected for the Pro and Con Committees and if any citizen can be a member. Ms. Lane responded that an article will run in the Shoreline Area News and by outreach from members of the Financial Sustainability Committee. She confirmed that any citizen can be on the Committee and shared that staff will bring recommendations to the Council for the selection. Councilmember Scully said citizens have shared their concerns with him over tax increases, wonder why it cannot be done incrementally, and shared that the law does not allow it to be done incremently. He is pleased to hear that people believe 1% is not enough but said he has not heard another recommended number, other than the $1.48 recommended by staff, and he stated a lot of work has gone into that recommendation. He pointed out the City is growing, questioned if the budget is growing too fast, and said everything that is wasteful should be taken out. He shared that he appreciates the concerns and that he will be supporting the recommendation of $1.48.
Councilmember McConnell shared that she appreciates the Levy Lift Renewal Committee’s work and reiterated that 11 out 13 Committee members support Renewal at $1.48. She said 1% is not enough and that regardless of whether some of the numbers are incorrect, she cannot support a single digit increase because it will not support needed city services, like police. She shared that the Council needs foresight to run the City for 53,000 people. She said the Citizen’s Satisfaction Survey supports that the City is moving in the right direction. She said she is counting on the people to tell the Council what they want at the ballot in November. She also stressed that the City pursues grant funding to help fund infrastructure and to assist in not placing additional burden on the residents. She said she will be supporting a renewal at $1.48
Councilmember McGlashan commented that only 11 cents on the dollars supports all city services and talked about funding for Human Services. He said he will be supporting the $1.48 option.
Deputy Mayor Winstead stated she supports a renewal at $1.48.
Mayor Roberts asked staff to explain the tax exemption for senior citizens. Ms. Lane responded that seniors are allowed to apply for an exemption to a new levy rate through the County. Mayor Roberts talked about budget saving measures implemented by the City, like the focus on economic development, the new Jail Services contract, watering parks less, receiving grants for capital projects, and smart planning. He expressed concern that without the Renewal that quality of life services would be cut. He shared that the Levy supports many of the quality of life services that citizen’s value. He said he supports a renewal at $1.48
Ms. Tarry confirmed that staff will prepare Resolution No. 389 and ballot language for adoption at the July 25, 2016 Meeting. She said recruitment for the Pro and Con Committees will start tomorrow.
Deputy Mayor Winstead moved to cancel the July 18, 2016 meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilmember McConnell.
Mayor Winstead shared that there is only one discussion item on the agenda that can be consolidated into next meeting.
The motion passed unanimously, 6-0.
10. ADJOURNMENT
At 9:11 p.m., Mayor Roberts declared the meeting adjourned.
/S/Jessica Simulcik Smith, City Clerk