CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, November 19, 2018 Council Chambers - Shoreline City Hall
7:00 p.m. 17500 Midvale Avenue North
PRESENT: Mayor Hall, Deputy Mayor Salomon, Councilmembers McGlashan, Scully, Chang, and Roberts
ABSENT: Councilmember McConnell
1. CALL TO ORDER
At 7:00 p.m., the meeting was called to order by Mayor Hall who presided.
2. FLAG SALUTE/ROLL CALL
Mayor Hall led the flag salute. Upon roll call by the City Clerk, all Councilmembers were present with the exception of Councilmember McConnell.
Councilmember McGlashan moved to excuse Councilmember McConnell for personal reasons. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Scully, 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 shared that Sound Transit secured $1.2 Billion in Federal financing, which will fund approximately 40 percent of the Northgate to Lynnwood portion of the light rail, pending congressional approval.
Councilmember Roberts said that last week he attended the Sound Cities Association’s (SCA) Public Issues Committee (PIC) meeting, at which time the 2019 Legislative Priorities were adopted, including an amendment that Mayor Hall helped draft. He added that he also participated in the PIC nominating committee for assignments to the SCA Board, and he indicated there would be a report forthcoming.
Mayor Hall thanked those Councilmembers who attended the Veteran’s Appreciation event at City Hall.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Richard Miller, Shoreline resident, drew attention to the stairwell associated with the new construction at Parkwood Plaza, and asked if the access would be made ADA compliant. Mayor Hall asked City staff to help direct his inquiry.
Susie McDowell, Shoreline resident and Shorewood High School Girls Swim Coach, said it was her hope that the new Aquatic Center would include an L-shaped, competitive, 8-lane swimming pool with an overflow gutter system, adequate depth, and ample deck, diving, and spectator space. She informed Council that the Shoreline High Schools’ swimming programs is a no-cut sport that draw approximately 200 participants annually. She said the values the program teaches enhances the community at large. She asked Council to take advantage of the opportunity to build a facility that can accommodate current and future needs and promised her support and advocacy.
Lyn Sherry, Edmonds resident, said she is part of a newly formed advocacy group that includes representatives from Shorewood and Shorecrest swim teams, Cascade Swim Club, Innis Arden Swim Club, Klahaya Swim and Tennis Club, Aqua Club, Sheridan Beach Club, and the YMCA who are hoping to have further conversations about the Aquatics Center with Council. She reported that the group’s goal is to work towards the construction of a pool that meets the needs of all swimmers. She stated that a six-lane design eliminates two swimming lanes for diving during practice, reducing space and potentially turning swim teams to a cut sport. She explained that eight lanes are important because the teams keep growing with the community. She offered that having the larger capacity and viewing area is important to attract regional swim meets, enhancing potential revenue. She urged Council to think big and support an aquatic center that can be a regional, North King County, Aquatic Center.
Angie Nouwens, Shoreline resident, said that as a parent of three swimmers and a Shorewood teacher, her youngest child has chosen to swim at Dale Turner YMCA because of the huge community outreach to include all interested swimmers, even though it is a four-lane pool. She expressed her concern that limiting the size of the Aquatics Center to six lanes would force high school teams to become cut sports. She said participating on a swim team builds self-confidence, and by adding capacity the City would be reaching out with equity and opportunity to swimmers of all demographics.
Vickie Jaquish, Shoreline resident, said swimming is a big part of the Shoreline community, and she had assumed that the new facility would be equal to or larger than the existing one; finding out this is not the case is disappointing. She hopes the Council will continue to review needs and help ensure a pool is built that can support current and growing needs. She promised her support to help fight for the bond measure and make it happen.
Terry Goldstick, Shoreline resident, said swimming was available to her children because of the Shoreline Pool, and that the Summer Parks and Recreation programs are amazing. She said the high school programs have a huge emphasis on equity, including students who can’t swim at all and offering them the opportunity to learn. She said she swims, and the current pool’s lanes are already crowded, so reducing the number of lap lanes to four would make it impossible for everyone who wants to swim to have the space to do so in a relaxed environment.
6. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
The agenda was approved by unanimous consent.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Upon motion by Councilmember Roberts and seconded by Councilmember McGlashan and unanimously carried, 6-0, the following Consent Calendar items were approved:
(a) Approving Minutes of Regular Meeting of October 8, 2018
Approving Minutes of Special Dinner Meeting of October 29, 2018
(b) Approval of the Alternative Services Demonstration Project Agreement Between King County Metro, the City of Shoreline and the City of Lake Forest Park
8. ACTION ITEMS
(a) Public Hearing on the Proposed 2019-2020 Biennial Budget and the 2019-2024 Capital Improvement Plan
Sara Lane, Administrative Services Director, shared a reminder of ways for the public to access the Budget Book. She then recapped the resources contributing to the $174.7 Million Biennial Budget and the allocations associated with the Budget. She concluded by displaying the budgeted appropriations for each of the funds.
Mayor Hall opened the Public Hearing.
Bruce Amundson, Shoreline resident, thanked Councilmember Roberts for introducing an amendment for the additional appropriations to the Public Arts Fund and asked each Councilmember to endorse it. He explained that he sees this as an expression of support for the arts program and particularly to support the ability to move forward with the installation of a commissioned piece of public art. He drew attention to the six-year plan for the Parks Department and mentioned a discussion of the concept of using Aurora Avenue as an ‘Avenue of Art’. He asked Council to imagine the positive visual impact of designating additional funding towards outdoor art.
Roger Feldman, Seattle resident and Shoreline art selection committee member and public artist, urged Council to support the amendment allocating additional funding to the arts. He said that art is an indicator of who the people are in the community, and he believes Shoreline has a unique opportunity for Aurora to be an Art Avenue. He reminded Council of the chance to define their community by supporting the arts.
Herb Bryce, Shoreline resident and a founder of The Arts Council, said he is proud of the City and described its personality as defined by the attention given to education and art. He thanked the City for implementing the 1% for the Arts budget allocation and shared his concern that a portion of this allocation was being used to pay a salary. He said he would like to see the money put directly towards the arts.
Rick Leary, Shoreline resident and president of the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Foundation, said that the City needs to do more to support art, since it is part of the present and future of Shoreline. He stated that art is a significant part of Kruckeberg’s programing, and they continue to commission new work. He said he supports the addition of $50,000 to the Shoreline Public Arts program for 2019, noting that art is important because it speaks without words, inspires thought and emotion, and lasts longer than people.
Eric Swenson, Seattle resident and Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Board Member, said he is a longtime supporter of arts in Shoreline. He asked Council to support the appropriation of $50,000 from the reserves to move forward in improving the arts.
Lorie Hoffman, Shoreline resident and Executive Director of the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council, urged Council to support the reallocation of $50,000 to the City’s public art program. She said while the Arts Council focuses on programs, services, and events, the City must support public art in Shoreline, so the two together can create a full and rich arts community. She recognized the time and work the citizen committee had invested in the selection process and would love to see the art installation completed.
Elana Winsberg, Shoreline resident, photo editor and working artist, reflected on the vibrancy of the arts in her former community of Hyde Park in Chicago. She shared her hopes for a similar emphasis here in Shoreline, and asked Council to increase funding for the arts and help Shoreline become an appealing home for artists and vibrant community for art.
James Pabiniak, Seattle resident and Hopelink Shoreline Food Bank Supervisor, thanked the Council for prioritizing and increasing spending for human services. He explained to Council how the new financial support program has helped equip Hopelink to meet a broad spectrum of needs, including unique family needs. He expressed his gratitude for the City’s intent to increase funding.
(b) Adopting Ordinance No. 842 – Setting the 2019 Regular and Excess Property Tax Levies
Sara Lane, Administrative Services Director; and Rick Kirkwood, Budget Supervisor; delivered the staff presentation. Mr. Kirkwood stated the projected levy rate of $13.3 Million, reviewed the history of the City’s levy rates and explained the two components of Ordinance No. 842, the regular and excess levy portions. He displayed an image depicting the 2018 Property Tax Levy allocations. He stated the excess levy, a restricted fund, is used to generate funds to pay the debt service for the 2006 Parks Bond. Mr. Kirkwood concluded with an explanation that the proposed increase would be an adjustment of 3.28% of the 2018 Levy.
Councilmember McGlashan moved to adopt Ordinance No. 842. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Chang.
Councilmember McGlashan commended staff for the work on setting the property tax levies.
Mayor Hall asked for an explanation of the connection between property tax values and levy rates. Mr. Kirkwood explained that there is an inverse relationship, so as property values go up, the levy rate typically decreases. He said the levy lid lift passed in 2016 allows the City’s levy to grow by the rate of inflation with the CPIU Index. He clarified that property owners should understand the levy rate is dependent on the change in total assessed value of Shoreline properties, which may mean that at times an individual property value will change and the assessed taxes for the specific property may not change in the same direction. Mayor Hall mentioned that he sometimes gets questions from citizens asking if a property value goes up by a certain percentage, will the City receive the same proportionate amount of revenue from taxes. Mr. Kirkwood explained that the City does not get the full benefit of the overall growth of assessed valuation. He said aside from new construction, the City’s levy is only allowed to increase by 1% or by the implicit price deflator or, as in this case, with levy lid lifts. He elaborated that otherwise, the rate is only affected when new construction comes on the rolls. Mayor Hall asked what caused the significant property tax increase last year. Mr. Kirkwood said the CPI was approximately 2.9% and the rest of the increase was from school bond measures and the McCleary Decision on Public Education Funding and Reform.
It was clarified that the Staff Report reflected the 2019 Property Tax Levies although an outdated slide was displayed in the presentation.
The motion passed unanimously, 6-0.
(c) Adopting Ordinance No. 841 – Adopting the 2019-2020 Biennial Budget, the 2019 Fee Schedule, the 2019 Salary Schedules, and the 2019-2024 Capital Improvement Plan
Sara Lane, Administrative Services Director, displayed a list of the included appropriations by fund, totaling $171 Million for the Biennial Budget.
Councilmember Scully moved to adopt Ordinance No. 841. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Chang.
Councilmember Scully offered that the public should be aware that Council has held numerous meetings on this Ordinance and has taken time to review and question it thoroughly.
Councilmember Roberts recommended Council set future time to discuss several topics pertinent to Ordinance No. 841. He suggested looking into additional parking studies and referenced the environmentally preferred purchasing guidelines and questioned the appropriateness of using windowed envelopes for City business, since the plastic part must be removed to be recyclable. Finally, he added Council needs to schedule time to discuss the Reserve Policies and asked that it be included on the Council Retreat agenda.
Mayor Hall said he had been working on the Council Retreat planning agenda with Ms. Tarry and the theme of the Vision 2029 framework of goals was well-suited to include discussion on Councilmember Roberts’ requests.
Councilmember Scully moved to reduce General Fund appropriations by $10,000 by eliminating the Greater Seattle Partners 2019 & 2020 Investment Contribution. The motion was seconded by Mayor Hall.
Councilmember McGlashan said he initially was concerned that ceasing membership with Greater Seattle Partners would reduce the City’s opportunities for economic development possibilities, but that he felt their current focus on big cities was naturally eliminating Shoreline from consideration. He concluded that since he does not feel Shoreline would be affected by ending membership, he would be supporting the amendment.
Councilmember Chang said she agreed with the staff recommendation to continue partnership until the focus of Greater Seattle Partners was clearer. She asked if there were any updates on structure, and Councilmember Roberts said he had had conversations with Deanna Dawson of Sound Cities Association (SCA) and was of the understanding that SCA was working with Greater Seattle Partners to ensure the advisory committee includes representatives from jurisdictions other than Seattle. He added that since membership would likely be required to participate in the advisory committee, which he felt would be valuable, he agreed with the staff recommendation to continue the membership.
Mayor Hall said that he sat on the Board of Directors of the two predecessor organizations to Greater Seattle Partners, which counted 10 of the 39 cities in King County as paying members. He said he stepped off the Board when, after five years of participation, he saw no benefits for Shoreline. Ms. Tarry informed Council that it was her recollection that all members of SCA had contributed financially, at different levels, and that the City of Shoreline had contributed $2,500. Mayor Hall said the City’s emphasis on local businesses is a higher priority to him than regional economic growth is. He said the Puget Sound Regional Coalition’s three-part mission; growth planning, transportation planning, and economic development; is duplicative of the Greater Seattle Partners’ efforts.
Councilmember McGlashan said he understood the staff recommendation was to authorize the expense in the Budget, but to hold off on extending the membership until additional research was completed. He pointed out that if the expense was removed before reviewing it, the Budget would need to be amended to continue participation. Ms. Tarry said removing the line item infers the City is not interested in retaining membership. She elaborated that the City is interested in meeting the new Executive Director and gathering more information on the focus of the organization. Councilmember McGlashan said he would support the amendment, which would make Greater Seattle Partners aware of the City’s concerns.
Councilmember Roberts asked, if the amendment passes, would Council still want staff to continue to explore the focus of Greater Seattle Partners. He explained that in his mind, the decision on this amendment communicates the level of interest Council has in the relationship with Greater Seattle Partners. Mayor Hall said he would expect that staff and Council would keep open minds, for both current and future involvement. Ms. Tarry said that she agreed with Councilmember Roberts’ assessment of how staff would perceive the decision. Councilmember Chang said she prefers the message be that Council is interested in maintaining the partnership but requires more information, and that the funding be reserved.
The motion passed 4-2, with Mayor Hall, Deputy Mayor Salomon, and Councilmembers McGlashan and Scully voting yes.
Councilmember Roberts moved to add the frontage improvements for the north side of Northeast 200th Street from 25th Avenue Northeast to 30th Avenue Northeast in the 2020-2025 Transportation Improvement Plan Update and to the 2019-2024 Capital Improvement Plan as a future grant-funded project. The motion was seconded by Councilmember McGlashan.
Councilmember Roberts displayed a map of the neighborhood and explained that with the remodel of the Aldercrest Elementary School campus, frontage improvements are required on the School District parcel, leaving a small area unimproved. He explained that this is the only Shoreline school without frontage improvements and referenced the safety concerns. He stated that by adding the suggested improvements to the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) as an unfunded project would allow the City to seek other funding for these improvements.
Councilmember Scully said that although the reason is compelling, he will not support this amendment because there are equally compelling cases throughout the City. He said he feels it is important to adhere to the prioritization that has been done for the scheduled sidewalk projects, and to not deviate from the established process.
Councilmember Chang said she initially had concerns because she thought this project would have a good chance of being funded through Safe Routes to Schools and would not need to tap additional funding sources. She asked for an explanation on how Councilmember Roberts’ amendment would change prioritization. Tricia Juhnke, City Engineer, said that the City takes the criteria from Safe Routes to Schools and looks at potential projects every two years. She added that with the new sidewalk prioritization plan the City will look at those plans in comparison to where additional funding is needed and what projects need supplemental resources. She stated that if this amendment were to be approved it would direct the City to apply for additional funding sooner than it is currently prioritized.
Councilmember Chang asked if there were other scheduled Safe Routes to Schools projects, and if there was nothing on the list, how this amendment would interfere with the prioritization. Ms. Juhnke there are no Safe Routes to Schools projects on the list now, but that the needs are reassessed every two years and that she would need to research the list of other scheduled projects. She recognized that this project is a good candidate but said staff would need to do additional review of the lists to determine impact. She reminded Council that they do not need this amendment to have the project added to the CIP and have the same discussion in two years. Mayor Hall asked if the next opportunity to apply for a Safe Routes to Schools Grant would be after the CIP review, and Ms. Juhnke said the grant applications are formulated at about the same time Council is reviewing the TIP. Mayor Hall thanked Councilmember Roberts for looking for creative ways to connect sidewalk gaps as projects are being done. He said that he does not want Council to miss a funding opportunity, but his preference would be to look at all potential projects before amending the CIP. Ms. Juhnke said that this project would be evaluated whether or not it was included in the CIP.
Councilmember McGlashan recalled that some frontage improvements that were scheduled to be done on 25th Avenue NE near the Utility Yard, and said the funding was pulled because another area was a higher priority. He asked where the City is in the process of the improvements on 25th and wondered if some of the proposed work in Councilmember Roberts’ amendment could be done in conjunction with other frontage improvements. Ms. Juhnke said the status of those improvements were contingent on what the City decides to do with the Maintenance Facility, which is not currently a funded project, but that the original plans included extending all the way to 200th, which would align with Councilmember Roberts’ suggestion.
Councilmember Roberts commented that prioritization should be a reoccurring discussion, not a set hierarchy. He said he feels it is important to recognize when there were gaps in the continuous sidewalk network and how, in some cases, it would make sense to escalate a project to complete a large segment of a street when opportunity permits. He said that in this case and in the upcoming station area projects, it would behoove the City to fill the smaller gaps at the same time the bulk of the frontage improvements are completed.
Councilmember Chang said she believes the Council should have the opportunity to reviews all projects that would qualify for Safe Routes to Schools, and then prioritize. She agreed that the Aldercrest Elementary project looks like a good candidate for improvement.
Mayor Hall agreed that prioritization should be a continuing conversation as opportunities arise, but that the appropriate time for adding and deleting projects would be during the CIP discussions.
Councilmember Roberts asked if this project was currently in the TIP, and if not being in the TIP excluded it from consideration for funding through Safe Routes to School. Ms. Juhnke said it was not in the TIP, and that while being listed in the TIP helps in the application, it would not necessarily affect the success of the grant funding.
The motion failed, 2-4, with Mayor Hall and Councilmember Roberts voting yes.
Councilmember Roberts moved to add the frontage improvements for the north side of Northeast 200th Street from 25th Avenue Northeast to 30th Avenue Northeast in the 2020-2025 Transportation Improvement Plan Update. The motion was seconded by Mayor Hall.
Mayor Hall asked for distinction of the timelines of the TIP and the CIP. Ms. Juhnke explained that the TIP is a six-year plan with required annual updates. She said the 2020-2025 Plan has not been adopted, that it will be discussed in the Spring of 2019, and that these improvements could be added to the 2020-2025 Plan prior to adoption, but that the 2019-2024 Plan has already been transmitted to the State, so amending it would not do any good.
Council decided to discuss the project in Spring of 2019.
The motion was withdrawn.
Councilmember Roberts moved to amend the Budget to increase General Fund expenditures by $51,000 to transfer to the Public Arts Fund to support the installation of a permanent art piece as described in the Public Art Plan. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Scully.
Councilmember Roberts recognized the eloquent expressions of need received in public comment and said he believes this appropriation would enhance the Public Arts Program.
Councilmember Scully said that the Council has heard clearly that art is a priority to Shoreline residents, so the amendment would be money well spent.
Deputy Mayor Salomon said he prefers to see tangible results, as this project provides, and will support the motion.
Councilmember Chang confirmed that, if passed, this amendment would provide the additional funds needed for the acquisition and installation of the public art piece, augmenting the 1% for the Arts Fund. Ms. Lane explained that revenues have been coming in significantly under the forecasted amount, and moving forward with the art project without the budget amendment would not leave adequate fund balance to support the Public Arts Coordinator position through the next biennium. She shared that there are plans to do an evaluation to identify sustainable funding sources for the Public Arts Fund, and that staff had recommended waiting for the outcome of the evaluation before moving forward with the installation.
Councilmember Chang said she was intrigued with the idea of an Aurora ‘Art Avenue’, stating she is always interested in ways in which Shoreline can distinguish itself. She suggested that this would be a unique way to support economic development while promoting art. Ms. Tarry said the current Art Plan includes the significant sculpture that is currently on hold and some other art pieces over the six year period, and could be used as an initial phasing-in of a larger vision of using large-scale physical art along Aurora to make Shoreline unique. Councilmember Chang said she is in support of the amendment, partially to honor the work of the people who have made the project possible.
Councilmember McGlashan said he said he supports the continued work to bring art to Shoreline and likes the idea of a boulevard of outdoor art. He clarified that the $51,000 is one-time funding that would completely cover execution of the project. He said he is in support of the amendment.
Mayor Hall said he hopes that, while long-term arts funding is being explored, the City will look for ways to engage the philanthropic and benefactor communities in Shoreline. He said he sees evidence of generosity from Shoreline residents toward the arts in Seattle and would like to catalyze that interest in growth of the arts in Shoreline.
The motion passed unanimously, 6-0.
Mayor Hall confirmed that the amendments to the Ordinance would be reflected in the published version. Councilmember Roberts thanked the staff for the work to facilitate the smooth transition to a biennial budget.
Mayor Hall added his thanks, and commended staff for holding reserves for future investments. He said that the City’s healthy reserves will help finance the upcoming sidewalk projects and the construction of the Aquatics Center.
The main motion as amended passed unanimously, 6-0.
(d) Adopting Ordinance No. 848 – Amending Shoreline Municipal Code Chapter 3.80 Impact Fees for Transportation to Provide for a New Index for Periodic Adjustments of Fees
Mr. Kirkwood explained that this piece of code affects the index that is used to set the Transportation Impact Fee, and that it makes consistent the application of Engineering News Record Construction Cost Index to the Transportation Impact Fees.
Councilmember Roberts moved to adopt Ordinance No. 848. The motion was seconded by Councilmember McGlashan.
Mayor Hall thanked staff for the adjustments that were made to accommodate unanticipated changes.
The motion passed unanimously, 6-0.
9. ADJOURNMENT
At 8:41 p.m., Mayor Hall declared the meeting adjourned.
/s/Jessica Simulcik Smith, City Clerk