CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, December 5, 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 Program Manager; and Bonita Roznos, Deputy City Clerk
GUESTS: 32nd District Legislators; Representatives Cindy Ryu and Ruth Kagi
At 5:55 p.m., the meeting was called to order by Mayor Roberts.
Scott MacColl, Intergovernmental Program Manager, shared that the State Legislature is beginning their 2017-2019 Biennial Budget Process and funding education required by the McCleary Decision is of primary importance. He shared that in addition to meeting the funding obligations for the McCleary Decision, that the Governor’s Office anticipates a $750 Million to a $1Billion deficit. He communicated Governor Inslee’s commitment to invest in mental health and homelessness, an initiative to combine children services, integration of physical and behavior services, the Fast Act, and making Washington State Driver’s license compliant with federal standards.
He presented the City of Shoreline’s 2017 Legislative Priorities:
1. Support Local Government Financial Sustainability and Flexibility:
a. Revise 1% Property Tax Limitation
b. Increase flexibility on existing revenues
2. Support and enhance actions to increase affordable housing, decrease homeless, and
improve a strained mental and behavioral health system
3. Support stable, permanent funding for public health
4. Revised Public Records action to address changing technology, reduce frivolous
requests, and allow for cities to charge a reasonable fee for electronic or commercial
requests
5. Support increasing state revenue from non-regressive revenue sources to support
education and to maintain the human services safety net
6. Restore funding infrastructure programs that support basic local infrastructure.
He also stated that the City is supporting the following Legislative Issues:
1. A levy swap to fund basic education cannot come at the expense of the social safety
net or by transferring state responsibility to local government
2. Advocate for city tools, such as funding and regulatory authority to support transit
communities
3. Support continued efforts to explore new watershed-based funding authorities to
support multiple-benefit projects that address salmon habitat protection and
restoration, water, quality, stormwater management, and flood management
Rep. Ryu shared that $70 Billion in budget “asks” have been received. She spoke about the challenges the State faces in complying with federally mandated identification requirements, and shared that emergency management and her work with the Community Development, Housing, and Tribal Affairs Committee are areas she will be focusing on in the next session. She stated that the Police Use of Force Bill passed with changes, and talked about the benefits of using cross laminated wood as an alternative to wood and concrete for buildings.
Rep. Kagi shared that she was appointed to co-chair a commission to create a new department to provide early intervention services for children and families, and to determine how to best serve the adolescent population. She stated that she is continuing to advocate for safe gun storage, funding education through efforts like the Early Start Act, and suggested that early learning facilities be housed at the Light Rail Stations. She stated that the King County Legislative Agenda include addressing the 1% Property Tax Limits, Public Record Requests, Public Health, and getting cities and counties the tools that allow them to support themselves.
Councilmembers shared that the State will also need to raise new revenues to support the services they offer, and provide cities authority to raise revenue without depending on a levy lid lift every six years. They discussed the Washington State Department of Transportation consideration of a gas tax, and asked if climate change is a more urgent issue. Rep. Ryu responded that the gas tax is not supported by eastern Washington. Councilmembers shared Shoreline affordable housing efforts, and pointed out that the use of cross laminate timber would also require changes to the building code.
A discussion on the State’s mental health challenges ensued and Rep. Kagi
pointed out the inefficiencies in the court system, and noted public defense
costs are 8% of the budget, and that little is provided for the mandated
services.
At 6:43 p.m., the meeting was adjourned.
/S/ Bonita Roznos, Deputy City Clerk
CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, December 5, 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. 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
Mayor Roberts reported attending the Sound Cities Association Annual Meeting. He shared that the 2017 Budget was adopted and University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce gave a presentation on the University’s goal of developing partnerships with cities. He displayed a painting portraying iconic city landmarks and said it demonstrates how member cities are connected throughout the State.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Kim Lancaster, Shoreline resident, stated that Camp United We Stand needs to secure a site by the end of December 2016 for the months of February, March, and April 2017, and reviewed site specifications. She shared that the City of Seattle has established six permanent sites for transitional encampments, and Bellevue is looking into securing a permanent site. She asked Shoreline to follow suit and suggested that a tiny house village be built in Hamlin Park where residents can pay a minimal fee. She spoke about how she feels the homeless are viewed by Shoreline residents.
Christopher Carter, Camp United We Stand resident, invited Councilmembers to come by and visit. He asked people not to forget about homeless people and shared about fighting the cold and sometimes law enforcement. He asked the Council and the Community to listen and remember and love.
Timothy Buckley, Shoreline resident and business owner, asked the Council and fellow citizens to support the School District’s Bond measure. He shared why Shoreline’s schools are a key component in defining the quality of life in Shoreline, and listed improvements the Bond will support.
Maren Norton, Shoreline resident, thanked the Council for allowing the School District Superintendent to give a presentation about the Bond measure, putting a Resolution in support of the Bond on the Agenda, and for the great partnership. She shared that the measure was a product of a lot of public participation and will make the City stronger and better as we grow.
Tom McCormick, Shoreline resident, stated he appreciated the comments from the homeless camp resident. He commented on Council’s 2017 Legislative Priorities, and urged Council not to support the Association of Washington Cities Public Records Request item. He said the public deserves to have free access to records without being charged and asked the Council to drop it as a legislative priority and select something more progressive like the bill supporting paid family leave. He commented on the Comprehensive Plan Amendments and the average daily trip (ADT) count on Richmond Beach, and explained why he does not support staff’s recommendation to adopt a volume to capacity ratio of 0.65. He suggested having the Snohomish Growth Management Boundary Review Board decide if the 4,000 ADT is a valid limit.
Janet Way, Shoreline resident, thanked the residents that talked about the homeless encampment and shared that the community cares about the homeless. She agreed with Mr. McCormick regarding the public records access issue and stated asking for a public record can be intimidating. She said records should be available with no restrictions. She commented on attending a tour regarding art for the 145th Street Light Rail Station, and shared Shoreline’s values and environmental priorities were communicated to the Sound Transit Representative. She announced that Sarah Kavage is having an art installation at Paramount Park.
6. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
The agenda was approved by unanimous consent.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Upon motion by Councilmember McConnell and seconded by Deputy Mayor Winstead and unanimously carried, 7-0, the following Consent Calendar items were approved:
(a) Minutes of Regular Meeting of October 24, 2016, Special Meeting of November 14, 2016, and Special Meeting of November 21, 2016
8. ACTION ITEMS
(a) Adoption of 2017 Legislative Priorities
Scott MacColl, Intergovernmental Program Manager, shared that the City Council met with 32nd District Representatives Cindy Ryu and Ruth Kagi and discussed legislative priorities. He shared that the 2017-2019 Biennial Budget is a 120 day session, the recent elections confirmed the status quo, and the session is anticipated to take longer to complete to address the budget gap. He said the funding for the McLeary Decision and the anticipated $1 Billion shortfall will present significant challenges and will likely be addressed by budget reductions and creating new revenue sources. He shared Shoreline City Council 2017 Legislative Priorities are:
· Local government financial sustainability and flexibility
· Affordable housing and homelessness, mental and behavioral health
· Public health services
· Revise Public Records Act
· Support human services safety net
· Infrastructure funding
Councilmember Salomon commented that it is not the City’s intention to hide records. He shared that the budget was increased to accommodate public record requests and this could be a financial burden to smaller cities. He explained the goal is to find a balance between openness and responsible use of taxpayer dollars. He said documents should be placed on the City’s website for easy access as much as it is possible. He also pointed out that paid parental leave is on the Agenda for discussion tonight.
Councilmember Scully commented that he supports the 2017 Legislative Priorities, and explained why he believes that Local Government Financial Sustainability and Flexibility, and Revise Public Records Act are not big issues for Shoreline. He cautioned against developing any policies that limit the public’s access to public records.
Deputy Mayor Winstead moved to adopt the 2017 Legislative Priorities. The motion was seconded by Councilmember McConnell.
Deputy Mayor Winstead commented that the Public Records Request Legislative Priority is not intended to limit what is provided to the public, and reiterated the Council’s support of transparency and open government. She said she supports the 2017 Legislative Priorities.
Mayor Roberts stated he is committed to transparency and that he supports the Public Records Act. He explained the need for the Legislature to define how to deal with digital data, identify an alternative dispute resolution instead of going directly to litigation, and to add clarity in defining the Act and exemptions.
The motion passed unanimously, 7-0.
(b) Adoption of Res. No. 397 - Support of "Proposition 1 Shoreline School District No. 412 bonds to rebuild schools and build an early learning center.
The Board of Directors of Shoreline School District No. 412 adopted Resolution No. 2016-19, concerning a proposition to enhance the learning environment and relieve overcrowding. This proposition would authorize the District to: rebuild Kellogg Middle School, Einstein Middle School and Parkwood Elementary School; build an Early Learning Center at the Children's Center Site that will house the District's mandatory Early Childhood Education program, as well as Shoreline Children's Center and Head Start programs; issue no more than $250,000,000 of general obligation bonds maturing within 20 years; and levy annual excess property taxes to repay the bonds, all as provided in Resolution No. 2016-19. Should this proposition be: Approved....... [] Rejected......... []"
John Norris, Assistant City Manager, provided an overview of the purpose of the Shoreline School District Proposition 1 Ballot Bond Measure, and recalled the presentation given by District Superintendent Rebecca Miner at the November 21, 2016 City Council Meeting identifying improvements the Bond will support.
Mayor Roberts opened Public Comment.
Jill Steinberg, Shoreline resident and Citizen Bond Committee Member, shared that passage of the Bond will help to relieve overcrowding in Shoreline Schools and prepare for the expected increase in student population at the Middle and High School levels.
Councilmember Scully moved adoption of Resolution No. 397 to support Proposition 1 Shoreline School District No. 412 bonds to rebuild schools and build an early learning center. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Salomon.
Councilmember Scully commented that schools are key to the Community and should be supported. Councilmember Salomon communicated the importance of investing in schools and children and stated he supports the Resolution. Councilmember McConnell commented that the middle school grade proposal is excellent and she is happy to see the school population increasing. She said public education is a cornerstone in our nation and equalizes opportunity.
The motion passed unanimously, 7-0.
9. STUDY ITEMS
(a) Sound Transit (ST) Project Update and Response to 30% Design
Juniper Nammi, City of Shoreline Senior Planner; Rod Kempkes, ST Executive Project Director; Yvonne Olson, ST Principal Architect; and Jon Evans, ST Project Development Manager, provided the staff report. Mr. Kempkes shared that the Lynnwood Link Light Rail Extension Project is in final design and they are in the engineering phase of the federal process for seeking 50% of $2 billion in grant funding. Mr. Evans reviewed ST’s current service and approved projects, described characteristics of the Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace and Lynnwood Stations, and provided an overview of the November Open House at Shoreline City Hall that 100 people attended. He said an additional Open House specific to station design will be held at 60% design in spring 2017. He reviewed the project schedule and funding efforts.
Ms. Olson reviewed light rail basics, including car trains and station types, and explained how the trains are electrified. She said they attempt a balanced approach to design all the stations with similar features. She reviewed bike facilities, entry elements, weather protection coverage, landscaping, and art features. She said Buster Simpson has been selected as the artist for the 145th Street Station and Mary Lucking for the 185th Street Station. She reviewed community influence elements and said community input can be provided at 30%, 60%, and 90% design and include station naming, station design material, and art. She reviewed site design characteristics of the 145th and 185th Street Stations center platforms.
Councilmember McGlashan mentioned that Representative Kagi suggested daycare facilities could be housed at the Stations, and he noted that the land selected for Transit Oriented Development could also support a daycare facility. He recommended that the City and Sound Transit consider having this discussion with the School District regarding accommodating a daycare facility. Mr. Kempkes responded that ST3 requires surplus property be used for affordable housing in Transit Oriented Development and said daycare facilities will be included.
Mayor Roberts asked if any of the ST facilities built or at 90% design include solar elements. Ms. Olson responded that ST looks for sustainability opportunities during the design process and include solar for lighting, rain harvesting, etc. She said she will send the other sustainability efforts to Council as requested by the Mayor.
Ms. Nammi explained that the Comment Letter provides the first of three opportunities for the Council to provided comments to Sound Transit regarding design of the Light Rail Stations, and said staff has already provided design feedback from a technical perspective. She explained that the comments drafted for Council’s approval were based on the Light Rail Station Guiding Principles. She reviewed an additional comment to be added to the Letter relating to undergrounding requirements.
Councilmember Hall commended staff for the work done on the Letter and said the comments align with Council discussions. He stated he is pleased to hear the ST Representative say safety is paramount. He pointed out a significant safety component, providing safe pedestrian access to the Station from west side, is missing. He stressed that it is critical a bridge be built, and that ST needs to design and integrate this bridge into the Plan. He added that the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) aspect is important, but without a bridge 1/3 of the walkshed falls off. He explained zoning in that area was changed to accommodate TOD and pedestrians will need to safely access the Station. He shared that he attended the Open House and was surprised to hear that ST Representatives have not heard about the need for a pedestrian bridge.
Deputy Mayor Winstead stated she submitted suggestions for naming the Stations. She said it is important that the names identify where you are and help people navigate where they are going.
Councilmember Scully commented that he is happy to see restrooms called out in the Letter and by Sound Transit.
Councilmember Salomon stated he agrees with Councilmember Hall's comments regarding the bridge, and reiterated the need for it to safely get pedestrian to the Station. He stated that using “Shoreline” in the name of the Stations will be best for regional riders.
Mayor Roberts agreed with Councilmember Hall and said it needs to be clear that a pedestrian bridge is expected, as identified in Shoreline’s Plan and Vision. He said he likes how the Comment Letter speaks to sustainability features, solar facility options that provide more light and energy to the site, recognizing climate change is real, generating power locally, and having a parking garage that includes charging facilities for cars. He said he thinks the Station’s name should represent the unique character of the surrounding neighborhood. He then expressed concern over the interaction between buses and cars using the same entry and exit way, and asked how it will be mitigated. He said the Comment Letter should also ask that the 145th Street Corridor Project be taken into consideration so that the construction of the two projects can be completed at the same time.
Deputy Mayor Winstead agreed with Mayor Roberts and also expressed concern with the choke point where cars, the kiss and ride, and buses intersect in one area. She stated that she also supports a pedestrian bridge.
Councilmember Hall reminded Council of the previous design that had multivehicle access points and pointed out that this design keeps pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic separate.
At 8:40 p.m. Mayor Roberts convened a five minute recess, and at 8:45 p.m. he reconvened the meeting.
(b) Discussion of Ord. No. 766 - Amending the Comprehensive Plan
Steve Szafran, Senior Planner, provided an overview of the annual docket process and reviewed the potential Comprehensive Plan Amendments are:
· Amendment 1: Amend Policy LU47 which considers annexation of 145th Street adjacent to the southern border of the City.
· Amendment 2: Consider amendments to the Point Wells Subarea Plan.
· Amendment 3: Amend the Parks and Recreation and Open Space Element to add a new Policy (PR21).
· Amendment 4: Amend Transportation Policy T-44 – Add Volume over Capacity (V/C) Ratios for Collector Arterial Streets.
· Amendment 5: Clean-Up of Land Use Policies 63, 64, 65, 66, and 67.
· Amendment 6: Amend Point Wells Subarea Plan Policy PW-12.
· Amendment 7: Amend the Southeast Neighborhoods Subarea Plan to move policies related to the 145 Street Station Subarea Plan, amend text, and amend the boarders of the Southeast Neighborhoods Subarea Plan.
· Amendment 8: Add a new Point Wells Subarea Plan Policy adopting a V/C ratio of 0.65 or lower for Richmond Beach Drive north of NW 196th Street.
Mr. Szafran reviewed the Planning Commission recommendations are:
· Carry-over Amendments #1 and #2
· Approve Amendments #3, #5, #7, and #8
· Deny Amendments #4 and #6
Councilmember McGlashan asked for staff to clarify Mr. McCormick’s comments on V/C ratio of .65 and reducing the 4,000 average daily trip cap. He expressed concern about setting a precedent by applying different V/C ratios in different locations of the City. Ms. Dedinsky responded that she does not see it as reducing the 4,000 cap, but as a supplemental level of service standard, and that the .65 V/C ratio serves as an added measure of protection to accommodate the unique circumstance of the proposed Point Wells development.
Councilmember Scully asked if the 4,000 average daily trip is in the Code. Ms. Dedinsky replied that it is in the in the Subarea Plan. Councilmember Salomon questioned if .65 is the lowest and most protective V/C ratio standard in Shoreline. Ms. Dedinsky explained how it was derived, and that she does not want to go lower because it would be a level A service making it hard to defend the case of a failing level of service. Councilmember Hall clarified that there are no roads in Shoreline with a V/C ratio set lower than a .90 and said this will be the lowest one in Shoreline. Ms. Dedinsky concurred.
Mayor Roberts asked about the origin of the V/C ratio concept. Ms. Dedinsky said her understanding is that it was a consultant’s recommendation at the time of the Transportation Master Plan Update.
Ms. Tarry asked Council for clarification on Amendment #3 regarding Park Impact Fees. Mr. Szafran reviewed the Planning Commission recommended language for the policy, and said staff is recommending that it be divided into two separate policies, one for ratio per resident and another to look at park impact fees. He added that the Parks Director recommended not having a policy based on a ratio per resident and stated it will be researched as part of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan.
Councilmember Hall commented that he supports staff moving forward with only exploring park impact fees. Councilmember McGlashan concurred with Councilmember Hall. Councilmember Scully commented on his opposition to Amendment 8, and said approval of the Comprehensive Plan Docket should not be placed on the Consent Calendar. Deputy Mayor Winstead said she also wants to explore the park impact fee option. Councilmember Salomon stated he is inclined to support the Planning Commission’s recommendation on park space per resident to accommodate the need for space in dense urban centers.
(c) Discussion of External Workforce Regulation - Business Outreach and Paid Parental Leave
Alex Herzog, Management Analyst, reviewed the impact of the passage of State Initiative I-1433 Minimum Wage and Paid Sick Leave on City of Shoreline employees and budget. He shared that extra help employees are primarily affected, and it will cost the City an additional $95,000 in 2017 which will be covered by contingency funds. He reviewed findings from the City’s outreach to businesses and feedback received from focus group, and said that all business representatives were opposed to increasing minimum wage and paid sick leave. He reviewed feedback from research conducted by University of Washington regarding Seattle’s implementation of the increased minimum wage.
Mr. Herzog reviewed King County’s Model for paid parental leave. He explained that if the City were to institute paid parental leave, costs would occur if a position needed to be backfilled, and are estimated to be $20,000 to $100,000 varying from year to year. He reviewed local approaches to enforcement if the City implemented laws separate from the I-1433.
Councilmember Salomon questioned if the Council was considering adding to the minimum wage provisions, and said he thought it was something to consider only if I-1433 did not pass. He asked how the City would implement paid parental leave and if funds would be allocated in next year’s budget. He commented that most other developed nations have decided bonding with children at birth is important, and pointed out that the police have this benefit. He stated the importance of having paid parental leave implemented now and that he does not know if a proposed bill would pass. He said cities need to take the lead on many issues because of the failure of national government.
Ms. Tarry responded that an analysis would need to be performed, said it is a policy decision for the Council and can be brought back in the first quarter of next year for consideration.
Deputy Mayor Winstead stated that she is in favor of moving forward with a paid parental leave policy. She commented that studies show how valuable the bonding process is, and that it will make the City a more desirable place to work. She said she would like to see a policy brought back for discussion as soon as possible, advised on ways to make it work, and said she wants the City to be a leader on this issue.
Councilmember McGlashan commented that Representative Kagi said there is a bill coming forward regarding paid parental leave and suggested waiting to see if it gets passed by the Legislature. Councilmember Hall said because of the passage of the statewide minimum wage increase, Council does not need to address it locally. He also stated his support for waiting to see if the paid parental leave bill gets passed by the Legislature prior to taking action. Councilmember McConnell also expressed that she would prefer to wait to see if a state bill will pass.
Councilmember Scully said he wants paid parental leave to happen at the City and in Shoreline, and that the enforcement would be a Private Right of Action that gets settled in court.
Mayor Roberts agreed that the City should move forward with paid parental leave for City employees. He said he wants to know more about effectiveness of enforcement and Private Right of Action, and questioned if it is sufficient for enforcement or if staff need to be added to the Customer Response Team for outreach and enforcement.
Ms. Tarry stated that she heard four Councilmembers request this item to be brought back for discussion and said it will be scheduled for the first quarter of 2017.
10. EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 9:35 p.m., Mayor Roberts recessed into Execution Session for a period of 20 minutes as authorized by RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) to discuss with legal counsel matters relating to agency enforcement actions, or litigation. Staff members attending included City Manager Debbie Tarry, Assistant City Manager John Norris, City Attorney Margaret King, and Planning & Community Development Director Rachael Markle.
The Executive Session ended at 9:55 p.m.
11. ADJOURNMENT
At 9:56 p.m., Mayor Roberts declared the meeting adjourned.
/S/ Jessica Simulcik Smith, City Clerk