CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, October 9, 2017 Conference Room 303 - Shoreline City Hall
5:30 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; Shawn Ledford, Police Chief; Jessica Simulcik Smith, City Clerk
GUESTS: Shoreline School District Board: President Debi Ehrlichman; Vice President David Wilson; Boardmembers Mike Jacobs, Dick Nicholson, Dick Potter; Shorecrest Student Representative Christopher King; Shorewood Student Representative Luel Mitiku; and Shoreline School District Staff Rebecca Miner, Superintendent, and Marla Miller, Deputy Superintendent
At 5:38 p.m., the meeting was called to order by Mayor Roberts.
Ms. Miner provided information on Shoreline School District enrollment levels, program updates, and awards received over the past year. Councilmember McConnell inquired about the dual language program at Briarcrest Elementary and whether it would eventually be implemented in other schools. Deputy Mayor Winstead asked if the program is to help ESL students, or to teach Spanish to non-speaking students. Ms. Miner replied that the program achieves both. She also said at least half of the students need to speak a native language for the dual language program to be implemented in a school. Ms. Miner then reviewed the facility projects underway as part of the 2017 Bond proposition to rebuild schools and build an Early Learning Center.
Ms. Tarry highlighted public and private development activity currently permitted or under construction in Shoreline. Boardmember Potter asked how many units will likely house families with school-aged children. Ms. Tarry replied that she can find out. Ms. Tarry shared that the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan was recently updated, and highlighted upcoming turf replacement projects, future park acquisition opportunities, and planning efforts for a new aquatic and community center.
City of Shoreline Councilmembers and Staff and the School District Board and Staff discussed how the McCleary Decision, the Legislature’s adopted Budget, and local School District Levies would all impact the Shoreline School District’s 2018 budget.
Councilmember Scully suggested that the City and School District work together to support each other’s levy and bond propositions, and Mayor Roberts touched on legislative priorities of mutual interest. Ms. Tarry shared the City’s legislative priorities are addressing the 1% levy lid; mental health funding; and the Capital Budget. Ms. Minor shared the School District’s legislative priorities are teacher’s salaries and eliminating any new mandates. Councilmember Salomon asked what mandates are challenging for the District to comply with. Ms. Minor replied that absence and truancy reporting and testing requirements have been burdensome.
Ms. Tarry spoke about the City’s Equity and Inclusion Program, and reviewed the City’s afterschool and summer programming. She thanked the School District for the use of their facilities to run these successful programs that the community has come to rely on.
Chief Ledford then talked about the City and School District’s joint efforts on developing opioid education and response. He announced there will be a workshop in January geared towards parents of high schoolers that will focus on the signs to look out for. Councilmember Salomon emphasized the importance of programs that target the youth and that educates them on the real life consequences of drug use.
Ms. Miller shared information on implementing later school start times.
Mayor Roberts thanked everyone for a productive meeting. He said since the Council and School District Board’s constituents are the same, it is important that they continue to work together.
At 6:37 p.m. the meeting was adjourned.
/S/ Jessica Simulcik Smith, City Clerk
CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
SUMMARY MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
Monday, October 9, 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.
3. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER
Debbie Tarry, City Manager, provided reports and updates on various City meetings, projects and events.
4. COUNCIL REPORTS
Deputy Mayor Winstead reported attending the 54th Annual International Making Cities Livable Conference in Santé Fe, New Mexico. She shared that over the last eight years the City of Shoreline has implemented best practices to make Shoreline a more livable city, including the Light Rail Station Subarea Planning. She commented on the importance of being visionaries to keep citizens healthy and talked about the conference sessions she attended. She said Shoreline was nominated for A Livable Cities Award and received the 1st Runner-up and an Honorable mention by the Selection Committee.
Councilmember McGlashan reported attending a SeaShore Transportation Forum and said renewing the Interlocal Agreement with King County to continue the Forum took up the majority of the meeting, and ultimately passed. He said Washington State Transportation Representatives presented the Washington Transportation and Freight Plan.
Mayor Roberts reported that the Sound Cities Association is having the first reading of their Legislative Agenda on Wednesday, and it includes adjusting the 1% property tax cap; investing in public health services; and addressing housing and homeless issues. He reported that Shoreline School District Boardmembers attended tonight’s Council Dinner Meeting and discussed projects, potential partnership opportunities, and how to address the opioid crises.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Councilmember McConnell moved to allow the twenty-six people signed up for public comment to speak for two minutes. The motion was seconded by Councilmember McGlashan and passed unanimously, 7-0.
Gina Paulsen, Shoreline resident, announced that today is Indigenous People Day and asked the Council to honor them by not cutting down the trees in Hamlin Park. She commented on the many species that live there and why it is important to maintain the land and respect the planet.
Janet Way, Shoreline Preservation Society, said the Society represents 400 supporters. She said Hamlin Park is not a Public Works facility and belongs to the people. She presented a book to Council regarding the historical development and future of Hamlin Park. She listed agencies that the City would be in violation with if a maintenance facility was put in Hamlin Park.
Malynnda Read, Shoreline resident, commented that Hamlin Park is a park, a living forest, and a habitat to wildlife. She pointed out that the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan identified eleven strategic initiatives, and expanding the opportunity to interact with nature is one of them. She questioned how the City would replace four acres of park land. She said you cannot rebuild a forest and provided an example of a fire that decimated a forest in Eastern Washington that will take 50 years to regrow. She asked that Hamlin Park be removed from consideration as a location for a maintenance facility.
Denis Streeter, Shoreline resident, questioned why the City proposed cutting the forest in Hamlin Park to build a maintenance facility. He spoke about the peacefulness and habitat present there. He asked that Hamlin Park be removed from consideration as a location for a maintenance facility.
Rim Miksys, Seattle resident, talked about the value of Hamlin Park amenities as a grandfather, and said he does not understand why it is being considered as potential site for a maintenance facility.
Mark Cooper, Seattle resident, read a quote from Joni Mitchell. He talked about a maintenance facility’s developmental impacts on a park, asked for the Department of Ecology’s Report, and pointed out that Washington State has groundwater protection regulatory codes for urban developments. He said Senator Marilyn Chase and Shoreline residents are protesting the Hamlin Park Maintenance Facility Plan and asked the Council to listen to Dr. Seuss’ voice of the Lorax and vote for trees and not trucks.
Deborah DeMoss, Shoreline resident, said she is a warrior for Shoreline and wants to leave a legacy for her children and grandchildren. She talked about the importance of the trees and the forest for the animals and asked Council to take this into consideration.
Richard Middleton, Seattle resident, said he was surprised and alarmed to hear about the proposal of Hamlin Park as a site for a maintenance facility. He said his family uses the Park and he strongly opposes the plan. He talked about its mature forest, its uniqueness, and said it makes the city worth living in. He said Hamlin Park benefits thousands of people and asked Council to preserve it and find a better site for the maintenance facility.
Normajean Bowen, Shoreline resident, shared that she uses Hamlin Park all the time and it makes the city livable and appealing. She noted the City’s goal to expand the park system and questioned the recommendation to pave over a park. She asked that the proposal be dropped.
Michael Cook, Edmonds resident, said he is a former Shoreline resident and commented on the fond memories he had as a child at Hamlin Park and its importance to the area. He said he takes his family there and that it would be a mistake to give up park land for other purposes. He said Hamlin Park is the central park to this City and asked the Council to preserve it for future generations.
Dawn Merydith, Shoreline resident, commented that she is new to Shoreline and chose her home based on its proximity to Hamlin Park. She expressed her frustration that the City is considering cutting down trees in the Park.
Wendy DiPeso, Shoreline resident, encouraged the Council to follow Theodore Roosevelt's words about conservation, and shared a quotation. She noted that the real support for conservation comes from the local level. She asked Council to take action to preserve the integrity of Hamlin Park and to add parks to the system to make Shoreline a great place for everyone.
Bill Gresham, Shoreline resident, shared that he has hiked through Hamlin Park several times and said it is unlike other places in Shoreline. He said he never felt like it was too large and that he needed a smaller park.
Marsha Gresham, Shoreline resident, said she speaks for the trees and that they cannot be uprooted and placed elsewhere. She said she is surprised this issue has come up. She said a maintenance yard should be dispersed throughout the City for better response in the event of an emergency.
Lindsay Hanna, Shoreline resident, spoke about the value of Hamlin Park and the barred owl that lives in the forest. She said the Park serves as a gathering place and people from neighboring cities also use it. She questioned how the City will find additional acreage recommended in the PROS Plan if a maintenance facility is located at the Park. She provided an example of the City of Bothell attempting to convert a golf course back into a park because of limited space.
Debby Miller, Shoreline resident, commented that she voted to raise taxes to protect parks. She explained why Hamlin Park is important and said she did not vote yes to take away parks. She asked the Council to listen to the public regarding the Park. She said parks will be needed as density increases in Shoreline.
Ginny Scantlebury, Shoreline resident, said she is opposed to putting a utility yard in Hamlin Park. She talked about Council’s goal to increase density in Shoreline and the implementation of the PROS Plan to preserve, enhance, maintain and acquire built and natural facilities to ensure quality opportunities. She questioned why the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services/Tree Board and the Planning Commission were not consulted about this proposal. She said the maintenance facilities can be located at another site, like the North City Water District, and asked the Council to talk to them about sharing a facility.
Elaine Phelps, Shoreline resident, said it makes no sense to consider having a maintenance facility center in any park, and then read Shoreline’s vision and mission statements. She said a utility yard is incompatible with the site and that the Park Bond did not mention the replacement of a park at that site. She urged the Council to not let it happen.
Jin-Ah Kim, Shoreline resident, said she echoes what Councilmember Salomon said in the July 31, 2017 Council Meeting Minutes regarding the placement of a maintenance facility at Hamlin Yard just to resolve logistical problems. She said the topic of the placement of the maintenance facility could have been resolved sooner and expressed her love for Hamlin Park.
Heather Murphy Secrist, Shoreline resident, shared she used Hamlin Park to de-stress from her job and said it is magical, an oasis, a vacation, and an escape. She said she would be heartbroken if the trees were removed and pleaded with the Council to not do this.
Cory Secrist, Shoreline resident, said Hamlin Park is beautiful and asked the Council to not destroy it. He said he loves Hamlin Park and talked about experiences he has had in the Park. He said the park adds value to Shoreline and that you cannot bring it back once it is gone. He said the size of the space is important to accommodate the wildlife there and it is important to the residents and the City, and it will also be enjoyed as the City’s density increases.
Paige Garberding, Shoreline resident, shared what Hamlin Park has meant to her family, and said it is a Shoreline institution. She said it is a mature forest and serves as a habitat for animals. She said when these animals are squeezed out of the Park they go into the neighborhoods, like the coyotes that are currently killing cats in this community.
David Pyle, Lake Forest Park resident, shared that he took part in writing Vision 2029 and said he does not think taking a park away was the direction the City would be going in. He said he understands the obligation to serve the community with utilities, but locating industrial operations in a gem of a regional park is opposite of Vision 2029’s intent. He said the City has a moral obligation to preserve the park and should work hard on maintaining it.
Dagne Ruede, Shoreline resident, said Hamlin Park is her backyard and her family uses the park daily. She asked the Council to please not destroy the park.
Steve Zemke, Seattle resident, expressed concern about the trees in Hamlin Park and said it would be a terrible example for Council to set by removing the large trees, as it would communicate they are not worth saving. He said it would be a disgrace to remove existing park land and asked the Council to look towards the future and set a good example.
Councilmember McConnell moved to extend public comment to allow two additional speakers two minutes to address Council. The motion was seconded by Mayor Roberts and passed unanimously, 7-0.
Boni Biery, Shoreline resident, acknowledged that there are hundreds of reasons why Hamlin Park should not have its healthy habitat destroyed. She suggested that when a site for the new maintenance facility is selected, that the City tear down Hamlin Yard and replant the site with healthy habitat.
Rachael Lin, Shoreline resident, commented on the rise of childhood obesity, and stated more communities are needed that provide opportunities for children to play outside. She noted Hamlin Park allows for them to do so, which benefits public health.
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 August 14, 2017
(b) Approving Expenses and Payroll as of September 22, 2017 in the Amount of $3,033,176.81
|
*Payroll and Benefits: |
||||||
|
Payroll Period |
Payment Date |
EFT Numbers (EF) |
Payroll Checks (PR) |
Benefit Checks (AP) |
Amount Paid |
|
|
8/27/17-9/9/17 |
9/15/2017 |
74175-74413 |
15218-15244 |
68137-68142 |
$570,302.77 |
|
|
$570,302.77 |
||||||
|
*Accounts Payable Claims: |
||||||
|
Expense Register Dated |
Check Number (Begin) |
Check Number (End) |
Amount Paid |
|||
|
9/12/2017 |
67962 |
67963 |
$2,281.75 |
|||
|
9/12/2017 |
67917 |
67917 |
($1,183.05) |
|||
|
9/13/2017 |
67964 |
67964 |
$24,113.35 |
|||
|
9/14/2017 |
67965 |
67982 |
$178,140.36 |
|||
|
9/14/2017 |
67983 |
67997 |
$606,042.06 |
|||
|
9/14/2017 |
67998 |
68019 |
$1,022,100.54 |
|||
|
9/14/2017 |
68020 |
68041 |
$39,863.11 |
|||
|
9/14/2017 |
68042 |
68056 |
$958.82 |
|||
|
9/14/2017 |
68057 |
68061 |
$842.21 |
|||
|
9/20/2017 |
68062 |
68063 |
$90,003.77 |
|||
|
9/21/2017 |
68064 |
68079 |
$150,151.28 |
|||
|
9/21/2017 |
68080 |
68096 |
$97,730.22 |
|||
|
9/21/2017 |
68097 |
68118 |
$57,950.76 |
|||
|
9/21/2017 |
68119 |
68136 |
$193,878.86 |
|||
|
$2,462,874.04 |
||||||
(c) Adopting Ordinance No. 798 – Authorizing the Extension of the Puget Sound Energy Franchise
(d) Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Interlocal Agreement with Seattle Public Utilities for Coordination of Services on the Echo Lake Safe Routes to School Project
(e) Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Contract with Contract Land Staff
(f) Authorizing the City Manager to Obligate $300,000 in King County Flood Control District Flood Reduction Grant Funding for the Hidden Lake Dam Removal Project
8. STUDY ITEMS
Councilmember Scully moved to allow Councilmember Salomon to have the floor to make a motion preceding the discussion of any other agenda items. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Salomon and passed unanimously, 7-0.
Councilmember Salomon moved to remove Hamlin Park from the list of alternatives being considered for a unified City maintenance facility. The motioned was seconded by Councilmember Scully.
Councilmember Salomon expressed appreciation for the public speakers and their desire to maintain the integrity of Hamlin Park, and for addressing a deeper need to connect with the environment and something outside of themselves. He recalled the Council’s vote to add density
to the Ridgecrest Neighborhood for regional environmental reasons and he still believes in that decision. He shared he also believes that the amount of park space in that area needs to be increased to make it livable and to provide a refuge from a dense environment. He said removing four acres of forested land is counterintuitive to the goal to increase the park system by 20 acres. He shared that he does not believe in taking away something that is valued by the Community. He explained why he thinks Brightwater, Ronald Wastewater, and the North Maintenance Facilities are better sites to locate a combined maintenance facility, and said he is not willing to compromise Hamlin Park to house the maintenance facility.
Councilmember Hall moved to amend the motion to also suspend Council Rule of Procedure 5.3.A, allowing action on the motion to take place outside of Council’s normal order of business. The motion was seconded by Councilmember McConnell, and passed unanimously, 7-0.
Deputy Mayor Winstead, Councilmembers Hall, McGlashan, Scully, and McConnell, stated their support to remove Hamlin Park from consideration as a site for a unified maintenance facility, and thanked the audience for their participation and letting the Council know how important Hamlin Park is to them.
Deputy Mayor Winstead shared that a unified maintenance facility is a real need of the City, and explained that it is Council’s responsibility to review all viable site locations while simultaneously being conscientious about expending citizens’ tax dollars, and making Shoreline a livable city. She talked about her work on the Park Bond Committee and stressed that parks are dear to her heart.
Councilmember McGlashan said he never would have supported a plan for a unified maintenance facility at Hamlin Park and appreciates the citizens’ outreach to the Council.
Councilmember Scully said he appreciated hearing the personal stories about Hamlin Park and shared what the park personally means to him. He explained the Council’s discussion about the need for a unified maintenance facility, his sadness at seeing Hamlin Park listed as an alternative site location, and said public participation influenced the discourse of this issue.
Councilmember McConnell shared that the Council has received a lot of email opposing the use of Hamlin Park as a unified maintenance facility. She complimented the staff for their efforts in providing alternative locations, and stated that she has heard the community about the importance of leaving Hamlin Park intact.
Councilmember Salomon asked that the City perform outreach to constituents to let them know Hamlin Park is no longer being considered as a site for a unified maintenance facility. Ms. Tarry confirmed that staff will follow-up with the constituents.
Mayor Roberts stated that city services and facilities have improved since Shoreline incorporated as a city, and explained the diligence Council has undertaken to provide adequate work space and facilities for maintenance workers, and for the protection of the City’s assets. He said he is still not convinced that a unified utility yard is necessary and the City needs to continue to study if it makes sense given space restrictions, as well as, identify other viable locations, and look into sharing a facility with another agency. He talked about the City’s larger goal of adding more park space and urban forest.
The main motion, as amended, passed unanimously, 7-0.
At 8:24 p.m., Mayor Roberts called for a three minute recess and reconvened the meeting at 8:29 p.m.
(a) Discussing Ordinance No. 801 – Amending the Shoreline Municipal Code 3.35.010 to Increase the Appropriation to the Petty Cash and Change Fund
Sara Lane, Administrative Services Director, said Ordinance. No. 801 amends Shoreline Municipal Code Chapter 3.35.010 to set the amount of Petty Cash and Change from $1,500 to $2,000 to accommodate the needs of the Wastewater Utility, Planning, and Community Development, and Administrative Services.
There was agreement among Councilmembers to put this item on Consent.
(b) Presentation of the 2018 Proposed Budget and the 2018-2023 Capital Improvement Plan
Debbie Tarry, City Manager, explained that the Budget sets the context for the work performed by the City and is guided by City Council Goals and the City’s Workplan to meet the needs of the Community. She said Council’s adopted strategies and plans have been incorporated in the budget and funding and staffing resources have been allocated for the delivery of public services, and to accomplish organizational goals. She said the 2018 Proposed Budget is just under $80 Million, with the Operating Budget making up $48,878 Million of that. She said the Revenue Stabilization Fund is $5.1 Million, the General Fund is $8.6 Million, and reserves are in excess of the minimum required. She shared that the City has an AA+ Bond Rating, 22 years of Unmodified Financial Statement Audit Options, and is an 18-year recipient of the Government Finance Officers Association Budget Award.
Ms. Tarry explained that the Proposed 2018 Budget maintains current services; increases Human Services funding; adds a K9 Deputy Officer; implements a Proactive Management Strategy for the Surface Water Utility; and addresses priority capital needs. She said it does not address: the $15-20 Million needed for sidewalks; long-term facility needs; funding for full implementation of the PROS Plan; or all the new FTE requests for the growing workload. She noted there are still funding needs to be met. She said 2009-2017 Regular FTE Staffing Levels were reviewed, particularly in light of the addition of the Ronald Wastewater Staff, and there is no excess staff capacity. She then reviewed the new FTE positions she is recommending to support internal operations to deliver external services.
Ms. Tarry introduced Sara Lane, Administrative Services Director, and Rick Kirkwood, Budget Supervisor, to continue the presentation, and thanked them and all the staff for their work on the Budget. Ms. Lane reviewed where the money comes from and said the breakdown of revenue sources include Taxes; Utility Taxes, Franchise Fees and Contract Payments; Fees and Permits; State and Federal Funding; Grants; Transfers Between Funds; Use of Beginning Fund Balance; and other sources. She said the $85.1 Million Revenue sources shows a decrease of 14% from 2017 and is primarily due to going from a full assumption of the Ronald Wastewater District to contracted wastewater services. She said 2018 Expenditures total $79.9 Million and will go towards City Services; Facilities, Parks and Transportation Capital (CIP); Surface Water Utility; Wastewater; and other funds. She said the Operating Budget Resources total $49.1 Million and are from Property Tax; Sales Tax; Utility Tax/Franchise Fee/Contract Payments; Fees & Permits; Fund Balance; Gambling Tax; and other sources. She said the 2018 Property Tax Regular Levy Budget is $12.7 Million, 26% of the Operation Budget Resources, and the anticipated levy rate is $1.31.
Councilmember Hall requested information about the impact of the levy rate reduction in comparison to the changes for school funding that will come from recent state legislation. Councilmember Scully requested data on property assessed values to see if there will be an increased burden on households.
Ms. Lane presented the Operating Budget Expenditure by Function totals $49 Million and includes the departments of Public Safety; Support Services; Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services; City-wide, Transfers, and Contingencies; Public Works, Planning & Community Development; and Community Services. She said Public Safety represents 31% of the Operating Budget expenditures. She reviewed 2018 Personnel Cost changes represent a 6.7% increase resulting from new positions, the City’s Compensation Policy, and the State Retirement System mandated employer contribution. She reviewed 2017 City Staff Levels for comparable cities and said Shoreline is at the median.
Ms. Lane presented the Ten Year Financial Sustainability Operating Budget ten year forecast and said the financial gaps occurs in 2020, but one-time revenue expected in 2017 and 2018 pushes the gap out to 2021. She explained that with the City’s practice of budgeting conservatively she anticipates 101% in Revenues and 98% in Expenditures which pushes the financial gap out to 2023.
Ms. Lane reviewed the 2018 Capital Improvement Plan is just shy of $16.5 Million for Transportation, Facilities and Parks, and Facilities and Major Maintenance, and noted major projects include Turf and Lighting Replacement, the Police Station at City Hall, and a City Maintenance Facility Analysis.
Ms. Lane recalled that the Council selected the Proactive Management Strategy for the Surface Water Utility Plan and explained that staffing and other resources are needed to support this strategy. She said the operation costs for the Wastewater Utility are also included in the Proposed 2018 Budget. She concluded by reviewing the Budget Workshop Schedule and announced that the Budget is available on the City’s website, at Shoreline and Richmond Beach Libraries, and at City Hall.
Mayor Roberts asked about the hotel/motel tax, what it can be used for, and why cities would adopt this tax. He asked for information of the use of the Customer Response Team Division, how close they are to reaching capacity, and when a new staff member would be needed. He asked about the implementation of a Bi-annual Budget and said if it is approved by Council that this would be the last annual budget. Ms. Lane responded that a Bi-annual Budget is scheduled for Council’s discussion in 2018 and said she will be recommending that the City moves towards one, noting that a mid-biannual check in would be provided.
9. ADJOURNMENT
At 9:02 p.m., Mayor Roberts declared the meeting adjourned.
/S/ Jessica Simulcik Smith, City Clerk