CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, February 27, 2023 Conference Room 303 - Shoreline City Hall
5:45 p.m. 17500 Midvale Avenue North
PRESENT: Mayor Scully, Deputy Mayor Robertson, and Councilmembers McConnell, Mork, Pobee, Ramsdell, and Roberts
ABSENT: None
STAFF: Bristol Ellington, City Manager
John Norris, Assistant City Manager
Jim Hammond, Intergovernmental Programs Manager
GUESTS: Rod Dembowski, King County Councilmember
Kristina Logsdon, Chief of Staff to Councilmember Rod Dembowski
At 5:48 p.m., the meeting was called to order by Deputy Mayor Robertson. All Councilmembers were present except for Councilmember Pobee who joined the meeting at 5:50 p.m. and Mayor Scully who joined at 5:53 p.m.
Jim Hammond, Intergovernmental Programs Manager, recapped some of the issues of interest for the meeting including affordable housing, transit oriented development, bus route restructuring, the Oaks Enhanced Shelter, and the need for a community swimming pool.
A Councilmember asked for an update on the bathroom for the Aurora Transit Center and Councilmember Dembowski stated Metro has been operating under emergency authority and is experiencing operational and hiring challenges. And while Metro has been reluctant to open bathrooms because of the extra maintenance and cost, the King County Council provided funding and policy direction to implement public bathrooms in very high use stations, in addition to increased security and an ambassador resource program. Mayor Scully commented that bathrooms are necessary as a public health issue. A Councilmember asked if the bathrooms must be maintained by Metro, and Councilmember Dembowski answered that Metro has been given the direction and funding to operate the bathrooms, but they are always looking for great partners.
Councilmember Dembowski spoke about the service restructuring for King County Metrobuses and noted that the system must be redesigned within existing resources. He said they are aiming for more frequent and all-day service. It was asked what would be done for riders who lose their routes due to low ridership and Councilmember Dembowski highlighted alternative service options such as on demand service. Deputy Mayor Robertson commented that alternative services are available in Shoreline and more could be done to educate the public on those resources. Councilmember Dembowski shared that Shoreline has done much from a planning and zoning perspective to promote public transit and it is up to Metro to fulfill the service need.
It was asked if transit centers could be used for other types of uses such a marketplace area or performance space. Councilmember Dembowski said no policy direction has been given for those uses but there is potential for them based on community desires.
Non-Destination riders were also brought up as a safety concern and Councilmember Dembowski explained the steps taken to address the issue, including increased security and enhanced funding for Metro Police so staff and passengers feel safe on transit.
Councilmember Roberts spoke about the difficulty of connecting resources with certain groups, such as homeless youth, and raised concern with providing adequate assistance to individuals with mental heath needs. Councilmember Dembowski commented that YouthCare is working to come back online after the pandemic and several staffing changes. He advised there may need to be a service location established in the north if YouthCare services are stretched too thin. Councilmember Ramsdell added that the model of the University District YouthCare worked well in the past and could be expanded.
It was asked if there will be funding available in the future to address homelessness, and Councilmember Dembowski pointed out that the Governor has a $4 billion proposal for housing, homelessness, and behavioral health. He also mentioned the Health Through Housing Initiative as a County success but noted that staffing issues continue to effect operations. Councilmember Dembowski said it will be difficult to come out of the housing crisis with the funds available for permanent supportive housing, but he praised Shoreline for the work being done to assist those that need it the most.
It was noted that the Oaks Enhanced Shelter is being recognized as a model of best practices and asked if the model would be replicated in other locations in North King County. Councilmember Dembowski agreed the Oaks has been successful and stated that there is demand for more. He said his priority is keeping the entity funded and operating and eventually he hopes to gather local agencies to expand the service. Mayor Scully commented that there is a need for transitional housing but the City does not have a funding mechanism.
A Councilmember asked where the City can find funding for a community pool and Councilmember Dembowski noted there is significant demand for acquatics, and he brought attention to the Penny for Pools amendment to help fund community pools throughout the County. He stated there are two feasibility studies in progress in north King County that he helped secure funding for and there is a request for proposal out to determine what is needed for the pool. Capital grants must be acquired and if a proposal moves forward, King County could become a funding partner among other regional partners.
Councilmember Pobee commented that it can be difficult for grassroots organizations and individual artists to access grants and other funding sources if they do not live in Shoreline. Councilmember Dembowski said there is a need to bring arts and culture everywhere and the County has worked towards that by providing $75,000 to Shorelake Arts and making sure every part of the County has a representative on culture.
Councilmember Dembowski spoke about the Ching Community Garden and stated there are several funding sources available to initiate the project and the County is working with GROW Northwest to activate the space for the public.
At 6:47 p.m., Mayor Scully declared the meeting adjourned.
/s/ Kendyl Hardy, Deputy City Clerk