CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, November 20, 2017 Council Chambers - Shoreline City Hall
7:00 p.m. 17500 Midvale Avenue North
PRESENT: Mayor Roberts, Deputy Mayor Winstead,
Councilmembers McGlashan, Scully, Hall, and Salomon
ABSENT: Councilmember McConnell
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 with the exception of Councilmember McConnell.
Councilmember Hall moved to excuse Councilmember McConnell for personal reasons. The motion was seconded by Councilmember McGlashan and passed unanimously, 6-0.
3. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER
Debbie Tarry, City Manager, provided reports and updates on various City meetings, projects and events.
4. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember McGlashan reported attending the National League of Cities (NLC) Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. He said it was a good conference and that he was impressed with Charlotte's green spaces in their downtown core. He expressed disappointment that gun control was not an NLC agenda item.
Mayor Roberts reported that he also attended the NLC Conference and went to sessions on city branding, affordable housing, expanding equity, and looking for diversity within the community to support city advisory committees. He announced that Councilmember McConnell was reelected to the NLC Board.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Janet Way, Shoreline Preservation Society, thanked Council for their decision to preserve Hamlin Park and asked Council to consider restoring Firlands Way. She shared that it has unique historical features, and pointed out opportunities to improve environmental elements, businesses, and placemaking. She shared that it was highlighted for improvements in the 2017 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan, the Town Center Plan, and in the 2013 Transportation Improvement Plan. She shared that the project lacks funding and she hopes the Council will support it. She submitted a quote from Boni Biery for the Council to review.
Megan Peterka, Shoreline resident, thanked the Council for their hard work, and shared that her family enjoys reading the Currents magazine. She expressed surprise that 32% of the City’s budget is allocated to public safety. She encouraged the City to reduce the public safety budget and direct the money to departments that offer supportive services, opportunities, and education to create safe communities. She shared that knowing her neighbors makes her feel safe.
Pam Cross, Shoreline resident, stated her support for another park in the Hillwood area.
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 McGlashan and unanimously carried, 6-0, the following Consent Calendar items were approved:
(a) Approving Minutes of Regular Meeting of September 25, 2017
(b) Adopting Ordinance No. 792 - Repealing in its Entirety Chapter 12.40 Impact Fees for Transportation and Adding a New Chapter to Title 3 Revenue and Finance, Chapter 3.80 Impact Fees for Transportation to the SMC
(c) Adopting Ordinance No. 799 - Amending SMC 2.30.040 Establishing Maximum and Minimum Allotments for the Employee Benefits Package
(d) Adopting Ordinance No. 805 - 2017 Budget Amendment
(e) Authorizing the City Manager to Amend the 2017-2018 Human Services Finding
Plan and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Contracts to Implement Approved Programs and Projects
8. ACTION ITEMS
(a) Adopting Ordinance No. 807 - Property Tax Levy
Sara Lane, Administrative Services Director, and Rick Kirkwood, Budget Supervisor, provided the staff report. Ms. Lane reviewed that Ordinance No. 807 sets the 2018 Regular Levy at $1.31 per $1,000.00 of assessed valuation and shared the total Levy is estimated to be $12.66 - $12.76 Million. She said the 2018 Bond Levy for Parks and Open Space rate is set at $0.174 per $1,000.00 of assessed valuation and is estimated to be $1.7 Million.
Councilmember Salomon moved to adopt Ordinance No. 807. The motion was seconded by Councilmember McGlashan and passed unanimously, 6-0.
(b) Adopting Ordinance No. 806 - 2018 Budget, 2018-2023 Capital Improvement Program
Sara Lane, Administrative Services Director, and Rick Kirkwood, Budget Supervisor, provided the staff report. Ms. Lane provided a high level review of Proposed Ordinance No. 806 and said appropriations total $79.9 Million.
Deputy Mayor Winstead moved to adopt Ordinance No. 806 adopting the 2018 Budget, 2018-2023 Capital Improvement Program, 2018 Fee Schedule, Salary Schedule, and establishing fund appropriations for the 2018 Calendar Year. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Scully.
Deputy Mayor Winstead thanked staff for their hard work in presenting the Budget, and stated that the Council has analyzed and thoroughly studied the Budget over the past several weeks.
Councilmember Scully moved to decrease General Fund appropriations by $50,000 by removing the one-time funding for the Salmon Safe Certification, and to redirect the $30,000 in ongoing funding for priority environmental sustainability projects not related to Salmon Safe Certification. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Salomon.
Councilmember Scully stated that the Salmon Safe Certification is not a valueless project, but he cannot justify spending $80,000 of taxpayer’s money to receive a plaque, marketing, and advice on how to do things better. He said his preference is to dedicate the ongoing funding to other environmental sustainability projects.
Councilmember Salomon said he supports the motion, and that, although he is a passionate advocate for salmon and salmon recovery, he is also passionate about ensuring government works efficiently and effectively. He provided the Tree City USA Recognition as an example, and explained that it uses taxpayer dollars to fund grants to other taxpayer agencies. He said he is confident in staff’s ability to get the needed work done without this certification program.
Councilmember Hall said he opposes the amendment and believes in making a commitment and partnering with others in the region to do things that are good for water quality and salmon. He provided the examples of investing in City Hall to be a LEED Certified Building, and Tree City USA demonstrating the City’s commitment to trees and the environment.
Deputy Mayor Winstead said she will be opposing the motion because she believes that there is real value in the Salmon Safe Certification.
Councilmember McGlashan said he will be supporting the motion because the funds will be diverted to more sustainability efforts in Shoreline.
The motion failed 3-3 with Councilmembers Scully, Salomon, and McGlashan voting yes.
Councilmember Salomon moved to reduce the fees in the Fee Schedule in SMC 3.01.015 Transportation Impact Fees by 0.4%. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Scully.
Councilmember Salomon stated that the calculation used to assess Transportation Impact Fees has shown a 0.4% decrease and he feels it is only fair to adjust Shoreline’s Transportation Impact Fees accordingly, passing the savings on to people who have to pay the fee. He said the fiscal impact is $1,000.00-$3,000.00.
Councilmember McGlashan asked if this adjustment process occurs every year. Ms. Lane responded yes. Mr. Kirkwood added that the City Manager has the discretion to make adjustments.
Deputy Mayor Winstead pointed out that the recommendation to keep the rate at the same level was due to a discrepancy in the Washington State Department of Transportation Construction Cost Index (CCI), and the City wanting to wait until the rate stabilized. Ms. Lane concurred.
Councilmember Hall agreed with Councilmember Salomon that if costs go down that the savings should be passed on to taxpayers by lowering impact fees accordingly. He stated he will be supporting the motion.
Mayor Roberts pointed out that if the CCI increases in the next cycle, with the 0.4% decrease, the fees will be even greater.
The motion passed unanimously, 6-0.
Councilmember Scully moved to add a $200,000 project to fund a feasibility study for development of Firlands Way Park Greenway, and transfer an additional $200,000 from General Fund Reserves to the General Capital Fund increasing the General Fund and General Capital Fund appropriations each by $200,000. The motion was seconded by Mayor Roberts.
Councilmember Scully stated this project is supported by the Community, provides the City additional free park space, makes Town Center more walkable, and creates a placemaking space. He explained if funds are provided from General Fund Reserves the City will still be within its tolerance limits.
Deputy Mayor Winstead said she is a proponent for more parks, but this proposal was not given due process to be considered with all the other great ideas in the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan. She stated that the timing is not right and the proposal needs community input. She noted the $200,000 only covers the feasibility study. She stated appreciation for the motion coming forward, but said she will not be supporting it. She urged staff to present the request to the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services (PRCS) Board.
Councilmember McGlashan asked how the $200,000 was derived as the cost for the feasibility study, noting the amount seems high. He said there are higher priority items and suggested this study could be conducted in time with new development where the City can simultaneously pursue other improvements. He said he will support the motion because it adds to Town Center. Ms. Lane answered that the $200,000 cost for the study was identified in the PROS Plan.
Councilmember Hall described the PROS Plan Update process, highlighting that it included a project prioritization exercise and plenty of vetting with the public. He noted the Firlands Way Park Greenway project did not make the cut, and explained that out of respect for the PRCS Board, the PRCS Department, and community members that participated in the Plan Update, he does not want to elevate this project above the rest through the process of a budget amendment. He said he opposes the motion and noted Council can request the PRCS Board to revisit appropriating $200,000 to the project.
Mayor Roberts explained that there is value, and Council responsibility, in elevating projects during the budget process. He stated he prefers Option B, noted the timeliness of the Hillwood Master Planning Process, and asked about the General Reserve process. Ms. Lane responded that there are adequate reserves to support this request. Mayor Roberts said a park will be of value in this location, but agrees with Councilmember Hall that there are other priorities that provide greater value to residents citywide. He said he hopes the PRCS Board can take a look at this in the future, and that he will be opposing the motion.
Councilmember Scully reiterated that this is an opportunity to add a park to the system, a goal identified in the PROS Plan, and that it is within reach since the property is owned by the City. He pointed out that the addition of any park would require a feasibility study, and said he does not want to face the problem of not having enough parks 10 to 20 years down the road.
The motion failed 2-4 with Councilmembers McGlashan and Scully voting yes.
Deputy Mayor Winstead moved to authorize the City Manager or her designee to make the necessary revision to the 2018 Proposed Budget and other documents. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Hall.
Deputy Mayor Winstead stated that this motion allows staff to ensure that budget documents reflect the budget amendments made tonight.
Councilmember Salomon moved to amend the motion to add the language "...for consistency with amendments adopted by Council on November 20, 2017 and to correct minor errors." The motion was seconded by Councilmember Scully and passed unanimously, 6-0.
The vote on motion as amended passed unanimously, 6-0.
Mayor Roberts thanked staff for their work on the Budget, and said he is looking forward to the Council’s consideration of moving to a Biennial Budget with yearly supplemental reviews.
Mayor Roberts explained why he believes the City should become a member of the United States Conference of Mayors, and pointed out the federal advocacy work they have done in the past, like providing cities a better federal presence on issues like the tax bill, double taxation, elimination of state and municipal bonds, and combating hate and discrimination. He said they have a stronger and faster voice then other organizations, would promote the City’s values, and will help the City to have a voice in federal legislation.
The vote on main motion to pass Ordinance No. 806, as amended, passed unanimously, 6-0.
(c) Adopting Ordinance No. 791 - Adoption of Fire Impact Mitigation Fees
Debbie Tarry, City Manager, reviewed the process for implementing the Shoreline Fire Impact Fee Program. She recalled that Council adopted Ordinance No. 802 Incorporating the Fire Department’s Capital Facilities and Equipment Plan within the City’s Comprehensive Plan on November 14, 2017; and that Council reviewed Ordinance No. 791 Regulations to administer the impact fee program on October 30, 2017, which is scheduled for Council action tonight. She said the next step in the process is the execution of an interlocal agreement between the Fire Department and the City to act as a collection agent for the Fire Department, and is scheduled for Council action on November 27, 2017. Ms. Tarry stated that Fire Chief Matt Cowan and Michaela Jellicoe, Community Attributes Consultant, will continue with the staff report.
Chief Cowan reviewed what the impact fee is, what collected funds can be used for, how the fee is calculated, and what service capacity credits are. He confirmed that the next steps in the process are as presented by Ms. Tarry, and said the Fire Impact Fee would go into effect January 1, 2018.
Councilmember Salomon asked what drove the 100% call volume increase in 1990 since it was not attributed to new growth. Chief Cowan responded that it was attributed to the addition of a new paramedic unit to absorb the work discontinued by Evergreen Hospital.
Deputy Mayor Winstead moved adoption of Ordinance No. 791, regulations and fee schedule for Fire Impact Fees. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Scully.
Deputy Mayor Winstead thanked Chief Cowan for bringing the item before Council and for answering all the questions presented by Councilmembers. She stressed the importance of providing the Community with outstanding public safety.
Councilmember Scully said he wanted to ensure Councilmember Hall’s concerns were policy related and not legal concerns. He shared that the City Attorney advised Council that the proposed Ordinance is within the limits of the law, and said he defers to the Fire Department to tie the impact fee to new development. He said although he wishes there were affordable housing exemptions, he will be supporting the motion.
Councilmember Hall moved to postpone consideration of Ordinance No. 791 until June 5, 2018. The motion was seconded by Deputy Mayor Winstead.
Councilmember Hall stated there has not been enough time to review the proposal. He pointed out that the majority of comparable cities do not have fire impact fees, and of those that do charge fees, the Shoreline Fire District’s Impact Fees would be the 2nd highest in the region and would be seven times the median. He said he needs more time to review the Ordinance.
Councilmember Salomon asked how the Fire Department would be affected if the impact fee implementation was delayed. Chief Cowan replied that it would cause the Fire Department to lose out on collecting fees for any new developments that came in during the period of delay. He shared that the Fire Department has spent an inordinate amount of time on the proposal to identify capital needs, projects, and develop a 20-Year Capital Plan.
The motion failed 2-4 with Councilmembers Hall and Salomon voting yes.
Councilmember Hall said he is not comfortable with the magnitude of the fees based on the information he has been provided and will not be supporting the main motion. He pointed out that Council has not yet discussed proposed SMC 3.75.060 delegating authority to the Fire Chief to adjust rates.
Mayor Roberts asked if the Council has the authority to exempt affordable housing from fire impact fees. Margaret King, City Attorney, responded that she will research it and report back to Council. Michaela Jellicoe, Community Attributes Consultant, added that cities can provide exemptions for broad public purposes, and said an exemption for affordable housing can be up to 80% without the City having to pay the difference in lost revenue. Chief Cowan said he sympathizes with the Council on this issue, but noted affordable housing units are one of the higher users of fire services. He said he will present Council’s request to the Fire District Board.
Councilmember Scully said he would not support altering the Fire Department’s proposal.
Mayor Roberts stated the City has a broad responsibility to scrutinized and determine if somethings fits into City goals, and said he feels the fire impact fee does. He said the Fire Department has made a good case for developers to pay for growth, and that he is supportive of the motion for the broad public purpose. He said he also supports an affordable housing exemption and asked staff to look into it further.
The main motion passed 4-2 with Councilmembers Hall and Salomon voting no.
9. STUDY ITEMS
(a) Discussing Funding for Sidewalk Repair, Retrofit and Maintenance
Sara Lane, Administrative Services Director, and Tricia Juhnke, City Engineer, provided the staff report. Ms. Juhnke provided an overview of the American Disability Act (ADA) Transition Plan to make ADA facilities compliant and to identify an official responsible for plan implementation. She reviewed the planning steps and noted that the City is currently performing field condition assessments. She said the transition plan is scheduled to come before the Council late 2018 early 2019. She identified what is being inspected, and said the sidewalks are completed and the curb ramps are underway. She presented a map identifying partial repairs, cross-slopes, width, and overall inspection results, and said that only 14% of the sidewalks are fully compliant. She shared estimates for sidewalk repair and retrofit are $50.4 - $104.6 Million, $14 Million for ramps, and totals to $64.4 – $118.6 Million. She reviewed current funding options for existing sidewalks and explained that funding is also received through redevelopment and other capital improvement projects. She reviewed the Sidewalk Prioritization Schedule and noted that it includes Sidewalk Advisory Committee meetings and two public open houses.
Ms. Lane shared that the three primary funding sources for sidewalk repair, retrofit and maintenance are Vehicle License Fees (VLF), Sales & Use Tax, and Property Tax, and reviewed the funding authority and annual revenue for each source. She said it would take a combination of two sources to address the City’s needs. She shared that the VLF is the only new funding source that Council has the authority to implement. She explained that Council can increase the VLF to $40 per year, which would generate $780,000 annually. She noted that an additional $10 can be implemented after 24 months and would generate an additional $390,000. She explained that collection would begin six month after adoption, funds must be used to fund transportation projects and can replace general fund contribution to the Roads Capital Fund, and funds could be used towards debt payments or pay as you go. She stated staff’s recommendation is to increase VLF fees by $20 to replace General Fund contribution to Roads Capital Fund to address existing sidewalk repair, retrofitting, and replacement needs.
Mayor Roberts asked how often the cross slope is measured in a typical block, and how other cities prioritize sidewalk and ramp projects. He asked if the work would be similar to what was done on Meridian. Ms. Juhnke responded that she will have to get back to the Council with information on cross slope measurements. She explained the prioritization will look at making full segments compliant and said Meridian is a good example of jointly bringing a ramp up to standard while doing sidewalk repair, and that staff will be looking for these opportunities.
Councilmember Scully clarified that the width of 4' is required for ADA compliance, and requested a map showing sidewalks at a 5' standard. Ms. Juhnke said she will provide the Council with a map identifying 5' standard sidewalks.
Councilmember Hall talked about the amount of work the City has put into addressing sidewalk repair and said he supports moving forward with staff’s recommendation beginning in July. He said he does not support bonding against this yet, but would like to revisit this option once the work in the needs assessment category has been completed. He said he would prefer an excise tax and that this proposal frees up general funds to sustain other services.
At 8:36 p.m., Councilmember Hall left the meeting.
Councilmember Scully asked if the VLF increase is not implemented now, would it prevent the City from adopting it as part of a broader package on the November Ballot. Ms. Lane responded that it would not. Councilmember Scully stated that he is in favor of waiting because of the public comments not supporting the VLF. He said he would also prefer a more progressive tax to raise funds.
Deputy Mayor Winstead stated that she is in favor of moving forward with the proposal because sidewalks are in need of repair now. She said if there is no revenue raised to repair existing sidewalks that the City cannot catch up on repairs and begin installing new ones. She stressed that she does not want to wait and shared this was the one thing she wanted to do when she first joined the City Council. She said it is the minimum that can be done.
Councilmember Salomon cautioned that the use of the term “need” should be carefully defined when expending revenues. He questioned what the new VLF funds will be spent on to become ADA compliant. He shared that he would prefer to wait to receive a recommendation from the Sidewalk Advisory Committee, and to look comprehensively at what is needed for both new sidewalks, and sidewalk repair, retrofitting, and replacement.
Councilmember McGlashan said the Council has been hearing about sidewalks for a long time and that sidewalks in need of repair now will only get worse. He clarified that the VLF increase will go toward sidewalk repair, retrofitting, and replacement needs, and not new sidewalks. Ms. Lane replied that is correct. Councilmember McGlashan pointed out that new sidewalk funding will be considered by the Sidewalk Advisory Committee. He said he also does not like the idea of a regressive tax, but believes something needs to be done now to repair the sidewalks.
Mayor Roberts agreed with delaying this discussion until it is understood what amenities residents want, and to avoid jeopardizing future revenue raising opportunities. He prefers asking voters for a broader vision that can be implemented immediately, using a full year to collect revenue, and said he supports a six month delay. He said he prefers to ask residents for a sales tax increase instead of the Council adopting a $20 VLF. He shared that the State and Federal governments have failed to meet infrastructure needs, and that local governments have to ask citizens to contribute more. He explained that more cities are implementing sales tax and he likes this option because it allows non-residents to pay towards sidewalks. He said an additional $20 may be high for people who are struggling financially.
Mayor Roberts recapped that the consensus of the Council is to keep the VLF proposal moving forward.
10. ADJOURNMENT
At 8:54 p.m., Mayor Roberts declared the meeting adjourned.
/S/ Jessica Simulcik Smith, City Clerk