CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, March 4, 2019 Conference Room 303 - Shoreline City Hall
5:45 p.m. 17500 Midvale Avenue North
PRESENT: Mayor Hall, Deputy Mayor McConnell, Councilmembers Chang, McGlashan, Roberts, Robertson, and Scully
ABSENT: None
STAFF: Debbie Tarry, City Manager; John Norris, Assistant City Manager; Rachael Markle, Planning & Community Development Director; Paul Cohen, Planning Manager, Steven Szafran, Senior Planning; and Allison Taylor, Deputy City Clerk
GUESTS: Planning Commission – Chair William Montero, Vice-Chair Laura Mork, and Commissioners Easton Craft, Suzanne Davis, Jack Malek, and David Maul.
At 5:45 p.m., the meeting was called to order by Mayor Hall.
Rachael Markle, Planning & Community Development Director, provided highlights of the Planning Commission’s 2018 activities. She reviewed the scheduled work plan for 2019-2020, including both Council-directed and State-mandated projects.
The first topic of discussion was Cottage Housing, with both the historical decisions and new trends in housing reviewed. The distinctions of Cottage Housing designations were explained, and the benefits and challenges of Cottage Houses were discussed. It was suggested that additional evaluation of this housing alternative would be beneficial.
Councilmember Roberts arrived at 5:54 p.m.
Councilmembers and Commissioners discussed 2018-2019 Work Plan Projects and the other requested projects. Conversation moved to efforts to improve walkability in Shoreline. The need to create hub environments for community interaction was discussed, and variations on ways to create congregating spaces were brainstormed. It was generally agreed that a continued emphasis on securing and maintaining open spaces and integrated community environments is a priority.
At 6:50 p.m. the meeting adjourned.
/s/Allison Taylor, Deputy City Clerk
CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, March 4, 2019 Council Chambers - Shoreline City Hall
7:00 p.m. 17500 Midvale Avenue North
PRESENT: Mayor Hall, Deputy Mayor McConnell, Councilmembers McGlashan, Scully, Chang, Robertson, and Roberts
ABSENT: None
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.
3. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER
Debbie Tarry, City Manager, provided reports and updates on various City meetings, projects and events.
4. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Roberts reported that at the King County Growth Management Policy Council Board meeting the group discussed the possibility of creating a subcommittee on affordable housing, which would be composed of representatives from King County, the City of Seattle, Sound Cities Association, and stakeholders. He said that at the recent meeting of the Puget Sound Regional Council Executive Board they discussed the ports and maritime system and the Environmental Impact Statement for Vision 2050, which includes a transit strategy that focuses growth near Light Rail and Bus Rapid Transit stations and that aligns with Shoreline’s vision and goals. Upon discussion, City Councilmembers generally agreed that it is important to communicate City support of the transit-focused strategy.
Deputy Mayor McConnell said that at the SeaShore Transportation meeting she heard an update on the Puget Sound Regional Council’s Vision 2050 and she shared the opportunities available for public education and input. She said the Airport Master Plan for SeaTac was another presentation item and she reported on their growth estimates and the plans to accommodate them.
Mayor Hall said that he, along with City Manager Debbie Tarry and Intergovernmental Program Manager Jim Hammond, was in Washington, DC last week, and will travel there again soon to continue working toward securing additional funding for the 145th Street and I-5 Interchange.
Mayor Hall said Council had a dinner meeting with the Planning Commission earlier this evening and thanked the Commission for all the volunteer time and talent they give to the City.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
John McCoy, Shoreline resident, expressed concern over the impact the proposed rezone to Community Business at 1510 and 1517 NE 170th Street would have on his neighborhood.
Gretchen Atkinson, Shoreline resident and President of the Board of Commissioners for the Ronald Wastewater District, spoke in support of the proposed extension to the contracts with the District and detailed the current collaboration between the District and the City.
Joanne Donohue, Seattle resident and Chief Operating Officer at Sound Generations, thanked the Council for the continued support of the Senior Center. She encouraged the City to provide dedicated permanent senior programming space in the proposed Community and Aquatics Center.
Douglas Woods, Shoreline resident and President of the Board of the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center, said the Center is excited about the potential of partnering with the City to create new space for the Senior Center, and said the value to creating a multi-generational center would far outweigh the additional costs.
Yoshiko Saheki, Shoreline resident, said she is opposed to the potential rezoning of 1510 and 1517 NE 170th Street, since it would set a precedent for more development change in her neighborhood.
6. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Councilmember Roberts requested that Consent Item 7c (Contract Amendment with WRNS Studio) move to Action Item 8a.
The agenda as amended was approved by unanimous consent.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Upon motion by Deputy Mayor McConnell and seconded by Councilmember McGlashan and unanimously carried, 7-0, the following Consent Calendar items were approved:
(a) Approving Minutes of Regular Meeting of January 7, 2019
Approving Minutes of Regular Meeting of January 14, 2019
(b) Authorizing the City Manager to Provide Notice to the Ronald Wastewater District that the City is Exercising Its Rights for a Two-year Extension of the First Amendment to the 2002 Interlocal Operating Agreement, the 2017 Wastewater Utility Operating Services Agreement, and the 2017 Franchise Granted by Ordinance No. 800 and to Execute the Second Amendment to Paragraph 4.2 of the 2002 Interlocal Operating Agreement
8. ACTION ITEMS
(a) Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Contract Amendment with WRNS Studio in the Amount of $45,000 for the Shoreline Community and Aquatics Center Alternative Site Analysis
Councilmember Roberts moved to postpone discussing the Contract Amendment with WRNS Studio in the Amount of $45,000 for the Shoreline Community and Aquatics Center Alternative Site Analysis to March 25, 2019. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Robertson.
Councilmember Roberts said due diligence needs to be done on any site under consideration for a Community and Aquatics Center, and he would like more information before making a decision on this contract. Ms. Tarry explained that this delay would compress the timeframe to complete an analysis, as would adding additional sites to the list for evaluation.
A majority of Councilmembers agreed that the contract is necessary to do research on the alternative site under consideration, and that it is important to move forward with research to have the information needed to make the decision on a potential ballot measure.
Councilmember Roberts explained that his concern is that the scope of the proposed analysis would not be an exhaustive analysis of all property within the Shoreline Center site.
It was stated that the area designated for analysis was the only parcel the School District identified as available, so it makes sense to move forward with the research.
The motion to postpone discussing a Contract Amendment with WRNS Studio in the Amount of $45,000 for the Shoreline Community and Aquatics Center Alternative Site Analysis to March 25, 2019 failed 2-5, with Councilmembers Roberts and Scully voting yes.
John Norris, Assistant City Manager, was available to answer questions, but there were none.
Deputy Mayor McConnell moved to authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract Amendment with WRNS Studio in the Amount of $45,000 for the Shoreline Community and Aquatics Center Alternative Site Analysis. The motion was seconded by Councilmember McGlashan, and passed 6-1, with Councilmember Roberts voting no.
9. STUDY ITEMS
(a) Sound Transit Lynnwood Link Extension Project Update
Juniper Nammi, Sound Transit Project Manager; Rod Kempkes, Lynnwood Link Extension Executive Director; and Blake Jones, Community Outreach Manager – North Corridor; delivered the staff presentation. Ms. Nammi shared information on the recent informational open house, which focused on construction.
Mr. Kempkes reviewed the status of the project, which includes preparation for construction in 2019. He displayed the baseline schedule which covers the 14-year process and highlighted milestones and upcoming steps. He detailed the three major construction contract packages being negotiated and shared the status and timeline of the design and permitting portions of the process.
Explaining the early work on the project, Mr. Kempkes gave an update of the demolition and utility relocation portion of the project. He reminded Council that the biggest visual indicator of the beginning of the project will be tree removal and noise wall demolition and installation of temporary noise fences. He said that access road construction has been coordinated with WSDOT and all affected cities and displayed a map of the temporary parking changes during construction. He shared the anticipated timing and impact of the long-term road closure of 5th Avenue NE and explained the local access points. He described the early closures and scheduled work hours for the construction.
Mr. Jones explained his role and addressed the ways Sound Transit would keep the community engaged and informed during construction and shared how they will manage community impacts.
When asked for an update on the public art process for the stations, Ms. Nammi described the art installations and the selection process of the artists.
Councilmembers expressed gratitude for the “no surprises” approach and on Sound Transit’s outreach strategies. It was explained that there are different levels of communication for those who are directly impacted and the general public, and both Sound Transit and the City continue to provide updates in a variety of formats to inform the community.
Upon questioning, Mr. Jones explained that in most cases the temporary noise walls will be equally or more effective than the current noise reduction barriers. He stated that for the limited households that are anticipated to experience higher levels of noise, Sound Transit will be reaching out to offer noise mitigation assistance. It was suggested that noise mitigation kits be provided proactively to residents. Ms. Nammi described the efforts in place to minimize disruption and communicate construction schedules. Mr. Kempkes explained that construction would happen in stages, so there would be busy and quiet spells at any given segment of the guideway.
When asked for details on tree removal and replacement, Ms. Nammi explained the guidelines and timelines. She said that plantings would be based on track height and the appropriate plantings for the areas, which will include small shrubbery or ground cover where the track height does not accommodate trees.
It was confirmed that the design revisions to the 145th Street Station take into consideration the access for riders who will be using the planned bicycle/pedestrian bridge and that both Shoreline stations have bicycle parking with design provisions to augment it if needed.
(b) Discussing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan for the Public Rights-of-Way
Tricia Juhnke, City Engineer; and Randy Witt, Public Works Director; delivered the staff presentation. Ms. Juhnke delivered a refresher on the requirements and purpose of the ADA Transition Plan. She reviewed the timeline of assessments and processes prior to the development of the Plan; which encompasses right-of-way, website, and parks facilities updates. Ms. Juhnke displayed a breakdown of the City’s non-compliance by asset and explained that sidewalks, curb ramps, and driveways comprise over 90 percent of the necessary barrier removal work, with an estimated cost of $184 Million. She explained the methods of project prioritization used by the City and shared maps indicating the locations where improvements are needed. She described the five-year plan that focuses on remediating complete barriers, aligning with related development projects, opening access to existing sidewalks, and responding to the needs of disabled users. She reviewed the upcoming assessments and planning necessary for implementation. Ms. Juhnke listed the anticipated needs after the first five years of the project conclude and shared the next steps for the transition plan.
Upon request for clarification, Ms. Juhnke explained that during the five-year process each sidewalk segment in need of repair would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Councilmember Roberts suggested adjusting the scoring matrix, stating that the more granular rankings do not provide significant statistical information. Ms. Juhnke explained that the distinction at the lower levels simply helps the City identify the number of elements that are not in compliance. Councilmember Roberts also said that he feels schools should have the same specialized designation as other activity centers. Ms. Juhnke explained that the scoring for the accessibility demand ratings was designed with public input and confirmed that there would be future reassessment of the accessibility demand ratings. Councilmember Scully said he does not feel the matrix needs to be reevaluated nor the process adjusted.
When asked, Ms. Juhnke explained the rationale for contracting portions of the repair work, rather than using City crews, and described the capacity limitations and restrictions of the types of work the streets crews can do.
(c) Discussing Sidewalk Program Implementation
Tricia Juhnke, City Engineer; and Randy Witt, Public Works Director; delivered the staff presentation. Ms. Juhnke explained the plans for the sidewalk program as a result of the recently approved ballot measure. She displayed a map that identifies the initial twelve projects. She gave an overview of the budget authorization, including staffing needs. She gave an estimation of expenditures for 2019-2020 and said they are not part of the current budget, so they will need to be funded by bonds. She said the program initialization for the first twelve projects includes appointing a project manager, performing project-level assessments, and developing a schedule for design and construction. She identified the longer-range program goals as completing the initial twelve projects in the first ten years and noted this would be accomplished with multiple bonds and seeking grants to supplement project funding. Ms. Juhnke reviewed the next steps, including budget amendment, bond authorization, and hiring staff.
Upon expression of concerns for staffing and design costs, Ms. Juhnke said that while the possibility for outsourcing is an option, the project still requires in-house management and support. She said that soft cost estimates are set as they are because at this point in the process there are still a lot of questions and contingencies to consider.
Councilmembers discussed the level of involvement the Council would have as the projects begin to be scheduled and debated the responsibilities of how prioritization will be decided. Ms. Juhnke informed Council that approximately 3-6 months prior to implementation a proposed schedule would be brought to Council for approval. Mr. Witt reminded Council that the established criteria standards would provide staff direction, and Council would receive regular updates on the project.
(d) Discussing Ordinance No. 852 – 2019-2020 Biennial Budget Amendment for Sidewalk Projects and Ordinance No. 853 – Authorizing Issuance of Bonds for Sidewalks Supported by Transportation Benefit District 0.2% Sales Tax
Sara Lane, Administrative Services Director; Tricia Juhnke, City Engineer; and Randy Witt, Public Works Director; delivered the staff presentation. Ms. Lane explained that Ordinance No. 852 impacts the Regular Full Time Employee (FTE) count, as described earlier in the evening, and displayed the amended budget for the Roads Capital Fund with this addition of employees.
Mayor Hall commented that it seems appropriate to add staff to coordinate a project of this magnitude.
Ms. Lane reminded Councilmembers that Ordinance No. 853 commits future City Councils to issue the debt as is required by law to ensure that all revenue generated by the tax supports the repayment of debt. She explained that the Ordinance authorizes issuance of a series of bonds, as needed, and the funds would be sequestered to pay off the debt and would be presented to City Council for approval through ‘Sales Resolutions’. Additionally, she stated that it authorizes the creation of one or more debt service funds and irrevocably pledges the .2% sales tax to the repayment of debt.
She provided an update on the impact of Initiative 976 ($30 car tabs) and shared both the anticipated statewide and City financial impacts.
It was generally agreed that both Ordinances would return to Council as consent items.
10. ADJOURNMENT
At 9:18 p.m., Mayor Hall declared the meeting adjourned.
/s/Jessica Simulcik Smith, City Clerk