CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, July 17, 2017 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.
(a) Proclamation of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Month
Mayor Roberts read a proclamation declaring July 2017 as Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Month. He invited Beth Neils to the podium to accept the proclamation. She said she is honored to accept the proclamation on behalf of the Community. She shared that her family has been using Shoreline recreation programs since 2004 and described how they have benefited from using PRCS resources.
3. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER
Debbie Tarry, City Manager, provided reports and updates on various City meetings, projects and events.
4. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember McConnell reported visiting an affordable housing community in Cleveland, Ohio, and said she retrieved information to share with the Council, City Manager, and Assistant City Manager about the project.
Councilmember Salomon reported that the Best Start for Kids Youth Advisory Board is recruiting to fill five youth member positions to provide their perspective on where to allocate funding.
Mayor Roberts thanked Councilmember Salomon for presenting a proclamation recognizing the Seattle Summer City Music Games, and congratulated Councilmember Hall on his re-election to the Association of Washington Cities Board.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Barbara Braden, Shoreline resident, shared that she has used the Shoreline pool since the 1970s and currently teaches water aerobics. She spoke about the benefits of water aerobics and said she is in favor of a new state of the art aquatic center.
John Wickson, Shoreline resident, disagreed with the City installing a bike lane on 5th Avenue between 155th Street and 175th Street. He said the process was rushed and residents were not adequately notified. He said few bicyclists are on that street and if public outreach had been done, residents would have informed the City that they did not want a bike lane on 5th Avenue.
John Lombard, Thornton Creek Alliance, stated support for the Park Impact Fee, but at a higher rate than recommended by City staff. He said the PROS Plan identifies unmet needs of $91 Million by 2023 and another $48 Million through 2029. He suggested the City use the Park Impact Fee to generate more revenue to go towards funding these needs, and then less funding would be required from property taxes and bonds.
Kim Jarvis, Shoreline resident, said 5th Avenue residents were not informed a bike lane was being installed on 5th Avenue. She expressed dislike for the zig zag pattern and said it is impractical. She questioned why the bike lane was installed on 5th Avenue and not on Meridian Avenue. She also questioned why chip seal was placed on 175th Street from 15th Avenue to Interstate 5 when it is under the sun all day, and has resulted in pot holes.
Mickey Telling, Shoreline Little League, talked about the Hamlin 5 and 6 baseball fields. She said children need play areas and there are not enough fields for the League. She said it would be nice to have turf baseball fields so play can occur in rainy weather.
Gary Molvik, Shoreline resident, questioned why 5th Avenue residents were not notified about the bike lane installation, and asked if the Council voted on the matter.
Tom Moores, Shoreline resident, said he talked to a staff member about the bike lane and his questions were answered. He said the construction surprised him and the bike lane is preventing residents from parking in front of their houses.
Sandeep Raichur, Shoreline resident, said he shares the same concerns about the bike lane on 5th Avenue, and questioned how the decision was made. He said his parking is gone and it is now difficult to get his car out of the driveway.
Janet Way, Shoreline resident, agreed with Mr. Lombard on increasing the Park Impact Fee. She talked about the differences in the public outreach processes for the PROS Plan, as compared to the 5th Avenue bike lane installation. She asked how much the project cost and suggested the City start over and redo the project.
Debbie Tarry, City Manager stated that Randy Witt, Public Work Director will be available to speak with 5th Avenue residents. She apologized that the City missed the public outreach notification process, and said it was a failure on the City’s part. She said she will inform the Council on what happened when she receives more information from City staff. Councilmember Scully stressed the City needs a public outreach process for Capital Projects. Ms. Tarry responded that the City has a process but there was a failure to implement it in this case.
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) Approving Minutes of Regular Meeting of May 22, 2017 and Regular
Meeting of June 5, 2017
(b) Authorizing the City Manager to execute a construction contract with B&B
Utilities and Excavating, LLC in the amount of $332,853 for the 2017 Stormwater Pipe Replacement Project
(c) Authorizing the City Manager to execute Two Memoranda of Understanding
with the Cultural Development Authority of King County (4Culture) for the Purpose of Defining Responsibilities for two pieces of County Owned Public Art located in the City of Shoreline
8. ACTION ITEMS
(a) Public Hearing and Discussing Resolution No. 412 - 2017-2023 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
Eric Friedli, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director, recalled that the Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan was presented to Council on June 12, 2017. He informed the Council that the PRCS/Tree Board unanimously recommended adoption of the PROS Plan at its June 22, 2017 Regular Board Meeting.
Mayor Roberts opened the Public Hearing.
Bob Lohmeyer, Shoreline/Lake Forest Park Senior Center Director, stated he reviewed the PROS Plan and generally supports it. He said he supports Initiative #4 (Serve the Full Spectrum of Aging Adult Recreation Needs) but feels the language in it stating the Senior Center focuses on providing social services support is misleading. He then listed all the services and activities the Senior Center provides to seniors. He recommended adoption of the Plan, and said he looks forward to seeing how the Senior Center fits into the overall planning.
John Lombard, Thornton Creek Alliance, said he supports the PROS Plan, but expressed concerns with how long it will take to implement it and the related costs of delay. He said they would like the open space acquisitions to be a high priority, because delay will result in increased land costs higher than the 3% inflation rate identified by staff. He requested acquisitions be moved up as funding allows.
Robin Lesh, Cascade Swim Club, stated aquatics is a lifetime sport and it is time for a new pool and Community Center in Shoreline. She shared her family’s experience with the Shoreline Pool, talked about young competitive swimmers, and the Club’s desire to partner on this venture.
Janet Way, Shoreline resident, stated support for the PROS Plan, read goals identified in the Plan, and said it is a much better Plan than the first one presented in 1996.
Joanne Peterson, Shoreline Pool Water Aerobics Instructor, said the Water Aerobics Program is a good program that can be expanded. She shared how water aerobics help restore her mobility after an injury.
Chris Neils, Shorelake Soccer Club, said he is excited about the acquisition of Cedarbrook for a park, requested maximum soccer space, and offered Shorelake’s support.
Mary Lippold, North End Otters Master Swim Team, described the swimmers that use the pool and said it offers social benefits. She supports a new pool, and pointed out the need for cooler water to swim laps and a warmer side for aerobics and other swimming. She suggested installing a 50 meter pool.
Bob Pfeiffer, Lake Forest Parks Arts Council Board President, voiced strong support for a Community Center and space for the arts. He is pleased the PROS Plan calls for partnerships to secure funding and to serve the largest number of people possible, and thanked staff for their efforts.
Seeing no other speakers, Mayor Roberts closed the Public Hearing.
Councilmembers acknowledged City Staff and the PRCS/Tree Board for the great work done on the PROS Plan. They also thanked the Community for their participation and feedback.
Deputy Mayor Winstead explained why it is important for the Senior Center to have a commercial kitchen, and for the City to have facilities that can be used for wedding and others events that generate revenue. She said the City needs to plan ahead, think on a grand scale, and work with partners to ensure that there is a space to serve all the Community’s needs.
Councilmember McConnell shared that water aerobics is important to seniors, and noted baby boomers are entering senior age. She recommended having more than one type of pool and stressed the importance of having a vibrant center with multiple uses.
Councilmember Hall commented on financing options and looking for opportunistic ways to acquire property as it becomes available.
Councilmember McGlashan said a lot of discussion has focused on the pool, but the Plan is also good for parks. He said he appreciates the Plan addressing park needs, improvements and expansions.
Mayor Roberts asked if a 50 meter pool was studied and what the timeline is for the design phase. Mr. Friedli responded that staff focused on smaller pools, and as the design progresses a larger pool and a commercial kitchen can be considered. He said the design phase will occur after the finance and funding plan is completed which could be a six to nine month process.
9. STUDY ITEMS
(a) Continue Discussing the Update of the 2017 Surface Water Master Plan
Uki Dele, Surface Water Manager, and Nathan Foged, Brown and Caldwell Consultant, provided the staff report. Mr. Foged shared the Plan’s key plan elements includes an Asset Management Program Update; Conditional Assessment Management Plan; System Capacity Modeling; Stormwater Treatment Analysis; Stormwater Management Policy; and the Project and Program Prioritization Process. He reviewed the Prioritization Process in detail and said it articulates customers’ expectations. He provided an overview of the Management Strategies for capital and operation expenses based on minimum, proactive, or optimum evaluation scores to determine rate impacts and address levels of service. He summarized results from the July 13, 2017 Open House and the Public Involvement Survey.
Ms. Dele presented the next steps in the process include refining the project and program recommendations, and preparation of the draft master plan document.
Councilmember McGlashan asked if the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permit’s new requirements are included in the Plan, and if the Highland Barrier should be a higher priority. Ms. Dele responded that future requirements will be included in the Plan, and explained the Highland Barrier is a part of the Boeing Creek Restoration and therefore not rated as high.
Councilmember Hall talked about climate change impacts affecting precipitation and asked if there is data that forecasts futures demands on the system. He suggested the Council review the total demand on the stormwater, roads, and sidewalks systems, look at their infrastructure needs, decide whether management strategies should be minimum, proactive, or optimum, and ensure funds are invested appropriately. Ms. Dele pointed out climate change is addressed in each project and the Plan includes a Climate Impacts and Resiliency Study (Project #19).
Councilmember Scully commented on the variety of projects included in the Plan, and asked how the City will ensure both infrastructure and habitat/wetland enhancement projects will get some attention each year.
Mayor Roberts asked for an explanation on how a “proactive” approach is design or permitting, and an “optimum” approach is providing the benefit to system. Mr. Foged responded that the management strategy focuses on the next six years, and anything designed or permitted during that period would be constructed over a twenty year time frame. Accelerating the project timeline would be an “optimum” approach.
(b) Discussing Ordinance No. 786 - Park Impact Fees
Eric Friedli, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director, provided a brief overview of the presentation and introduced Michaela Jellicoe, Community Attributes Consultant. Ms. Jellicoe reminded Council what an impact fee is and reviewed State Law governing them. She reviewed impact fee calculations, growth forecasts, impact fee rates, and rate comparisons with other cities.
Councilmember Scully asked about the City of Seattle’s Park Impact Fee. Ms. Jellicoe responded that Seattle does not charge a Park Impact Fee. Councilmember Salomon questioned why Seattle does not charge a fee. Mr. Friedli said Seattle looked at impact fees, and reached the point in the analysis that Council is at now, but decided not to move forward for political reasons.
Mr. Friedli said staff is recommending a Park Impact Fee of $3,979.72 for single family developments, and $2,610.48 for multi-family.
Dan Eernissee, Economic Development Manager, reviewed how the Park Impact Fee will impact the development community. He shared developer’s feedback was that the cost to develop in Shoreline is higher than Seattle, but the rent and sale prices are not as high as Seattle’s. He said development has been moving along in Shoreline, and Seattle will be implementing a new fee initiative soon. He shared his thoughts that Park Impact Fees will make Shoreline a more desirable place for renters and homebuyers and drive up prices.
Mr. Friedli requested Council’s feedback on the following five policy questions:
1. Implement residential only or residential and non-residential park impact fee.
2. Implement 71% reduction to maximum allowable rate or select a lower reduction.
3. Implement 100% of the reduced park impact fee or opt for a phased approach.
4. Revisit Park Impact Fee in 2023 or sooner.
5. Implement Park Impact Fee with effective date of January 1, 2018 or select an alternative effective date.
Councilmember Scully asked if Council adopts the maximum rate, would it be charged to every development of that type. Ms. Jellicoe responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Salomon stated it is important to respect and be fair to current residents by requiring new development to pay for growth to the system. He shared he is not sure setting the fee rate at a 71% reduction of the maximum allowable rate is the best policy decision, and stressed the need to look at Shoreline’s individual factors like the arrival of Light Rail and development pressures which may merit a higher rate. He said he is in favor of considering a higher rate, a no-phased approach, and making the fees effective January 1, 2018.
Councilmember Scully expressed concern about the flat nature of the fee and said it might encourage builders to build larger homes. He said he likes Bothell’s use of square footage in the fee structure, and suggested using the maximum allowable rate and apply a reduction as square footage decreases. He said he does not see a need to tie fees to non-residential development, and favors less than a 71% reduction, a no-phased approach, and the January 1, 2018 implementation date.
Councilmember Hall agreed with the January 1, 2018 implementation date and said revisiting it is reasonable. He said there is no benefit to phasing in the impact fee. He supports staff’s recommended rate reduction and prefers to charge fees for both residential and non-residential development.
Councilmember McGlashan asked about Assessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) exemptions. Ms. Jellico responded that exemptions qualify under the Board Public Purposes clause and are based on how ADUs are defined in the Municipal Code.
Councilmember McGlashan agreed that impact fees are not needed for non-residential development. He said he supports the 71% reduction, a phased approach, and the January 1, 2018 implementation date. He asked about awarding credits for developments that include park space on their property. Ms. Jellicoe responded that credit can be awarded through land dedication. Councilmember McGlashan stated he was disappointed to hear developers are still having challenges with the permitting process.
Councilmember McConnell stated she agrees with the January 1, 2018 implementation date, and is comfortable with staffs other recommendations.
Deputy Mayor Winstead stated she agrees with staff recommendations, and not including non-residential development. She echoed Councilmember McGlashan’s comments about inefficiencies in the permitting process.
Mayor Roberts questioned what is keeping developers from Shoreline. He said he struggles with determining an appropriate park impact fee based on other costs and fees developers incur. He requested an analysis of total fees and costs to develop in Shoreline, as compared to other jurisdictions, and asked that it include Seattle, Edmonds, Lynnwood, and Kenmore. Councilmember Hall requested that utility connection charges be included as part of the analysis.
Councilmember Salomon said he would also be interested in considering a square footage rate.
Councilmember McConnell reiterated her support for staff recommendations, and expressed that the Council’s decision can be revisited. She said growth will occur in the rezone areas because there are no other areas to develop in Shoreline.
Ms. Tarry confirmed that an ordinance will be prepared based on staff’s recommendations, and Councilmembers can propose desired amendments. She said she will inform the Council if staff is able to do the development costs comparison analysis for the July 31, 2017 Meeting.
10. ADJOURNMENT
At 9:20 p.m., Mayor Roberts declared the meeting adjourned.
/S/ Jessica Simulcik Smith, City Clerk