SUMMARY MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING

Monday, November 14, 2022 Conference Room 440 - Shoreline City Hall

5:45 p.m. 17500 Midvale Avenue North

PRESENT: Mayor Scully, Deputy Mayor Robertson, and Councilmembers Mork, Pobee, and Ramsdell

ABSENT: Councilmembers Roberts and McConnell

STAFF: Assistant City Manager John Norris, and

Intergovernmental Programs Manager, Jim Hammond

GUESTS: Representative Cindy Ryu

Representative Lauren Davis, and

State Lobbyist Debora Munguia

At 5:56 p.m., the special meeting was called to order by Mayor Scully. All Councilmembers were present except for Councilmember Roberts and Councilmember McConnell.

148th Street Non-Motorized Bridge

Mayor Scully explained the situation related to funding for the 148th Street Non-Motorized Bridge. He stated that while funding was acquired for the bridge, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) ranked the project too far in the future. Intergovernmental Program Manager, Jim Hammond, affirmed that $7 million from the State has been allocated as future funding for the project. Even so, he pointed out that the City is in a good position to advocate to move forward with development and he suggested that additional revenue can be utilized for urgent and time-sensitive projects.

Representative Cindy Ryu asked about State versus Federal funding sources for the pedestrian bridge and Mr. Hammond explained that there are several funding sources. King County and Sound Transit are contributing funding in addition to $7 million from the State of Washington. About $6 million is expected from federal programs and revenue from transportation impact fees will also go towards the project. Overall, the project cost is estimated to be $39 million. Mr. Hammond highlighted that the bridge would make 70 acres of land walkable to the light rail station. He said with the mandatory affordability requirements, 10 to 20% of housing units in the area will be affordable to people in the 60 to 70% of AMI range. 30,000 units are projected for the station area. Mr. Hammond stated that the City would like to see funding for the project in the State’s 2023-2025 budget.

Representative Ryu asked how much more is added to the route for pedestrians and bikers without the bridge. Mr. Hammond answered that approximately seven to eight blocks will be added through a high traffic area which can be a challenging route. Assistant City Manager, John Norris, advised that a over a quarter or half mile walk can be a big deal when deciding to travel by car or foot to the light rail station. Mr. Hammond concluded that if the project cannot be delivered in a reasonable time frame, all of the funding including anything already spent would have to be paid back to the original funders with additional escalation cost.

Crisis Receiving Center

Mayor Scully suggested setting up a monthly or bimonthly forum to exchange information with Representative Davis on this Crisis Center, as she has a lot of history and knowledge on this issue. Deputy Mayor Robertson said there have been no developments on the siting of the Crisis Center since the last meeting of the North King County Coalition on Homelessness. Mr. Hammond commented that the proposed provider, Connections, are still in lease negotiations for their proposed location in north King County.

Local Community Projects

Mayor Scully made an ask for restroom restoration in local parks. Mr. Norris explained that the initial funding for this project only covered half of the cost due to construction cost inflation. There are four parks that still need major restroom maintenance. Representative Davis stated many other entities are experiencing this same situation with cost escalation and people will be receptive to that.

Mayor Scully also made a request for design funds for three parks. He explained the land has been purchased but the parks have not been developed into a usable community space. Representative Davis asked about the City’s parks bond funding and Mayor Scully responded that the bond is doing a tremendous amount for the 12 total parks. Mr. Norris commented that the ask will be for supplemental funding. He said eight parks are currently in design and additional funding is available for park acquisition and design.

The Blake Decision

Mayor Scully asked the representatives about their thoughts on the Blake Decision and how to deal with substance abuse issues in the community. Representative Davis stated that imposing negative consequences on those with substance abuse disorder does not work according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. She added that very few individuals went to drug court or received some form of treatment. And, with a felony, it is very difficult for individuals to secure employment and housing. Representative Davis said the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program is successful but has not been implemented statewide due to bureaucracy and funding. Individuals continue to be subject to the criminal code but now have various options such as community court. Under RCW 71.05, individuals may be subject to a civil commitment, involuntary treatment, or assisted outpatient treatment.

Mayor Scully commented that he does not see the difference between an involuntary treatment-based modality in the civil system versus an involuntary treatment-based modality in the criminal system. Representative Davis said the difference is in handcuffing versus intervening when there is a significant threat to life. She stated that 90% of individuals will be responsive to a LEAD model. What needs to be decided is what can be done for the 10%.

Councilmember Pobee expressed dissatisfaction with the service level provided by King County. Representative Davis explained that funding is provided to Behavioral Health Administration Organizations who are responsible for contracting services and running the program. Councilmember Mork asked if Council could do something to help and Representative Davis suggested getting the partner-cities together and contacting the Behavioral Health Administration about the urgency of the recovery navigator program.

Fircrest Campus

Regarding the Fircrest campus, Representative Ryu explained that 400 units of housing are being proposed on the property along with a resource center in conjunction with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). DSHS and the Department of Natural Resources are considering potential locations for housing due to a 125,000-unit deficit of affordable housing in the State. Representative Ryu asked for Council’s official support for the development of Fircrest in alignment with her vision of the campus. Mayor Scully expressed concern with community opposition and Representative Ryu stated that the resource center is planned to appeal to the community.

Councilmember Pobee asked how housing will be made affordable and Representative Ryu stated that it is a trust requirement. She said by working to lower the area median income (AMI) requirement, housing on the property can be made affordable permanently. The vision is for the King County Housing Authority to develop and manage the 12-acre site. Mayor Scully stated that affordable housing is something that is going to have to be done publicly and Representative Ryu advised that minimizing land cost makes it possible.

Mr. Norris asked if there will be a legislative ask for Fircrest in the upcoming 2023 legislative session and Representative Ryu stated that development is still in the planning stages. Deputy Mayor Robertson asked if open space will be planned for public use and Representative Ryu confirmed that the space will be created.

At 6:52 p.m., Mayor Scully declared the meeting adjourned.

/s/ Kendyl Hardy, Deputy City Clerk