CITY OF SHORELINE

SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL

SUMMARY MINUTES OF WORKSHOP MEETING

Monday, June 19, 2000

6:30 p.m.

Shoreline Conference Center

Mt. Rainier Room

PRESENT: Mayor Jepsen, Deputy Mayor Hansen, Councilmembers Grossman, Gustafson, Lee, Montgomery and Ransom

ABSENT: None

1. CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor Jepsen, who presided.

2. FLAG SALUTE / ROLL CALL

Mayor Jepsen led the flag salute. Upon roll call by the City Clerk, all Councilmembers were present with the exception of Councilmember Ransom, who arrived shortly thereafter.

There was Council consensus to amend the agenda to take Item 6(a) first.

6. WORKSHOP ITEMS

(a) Summary of 2000 State Legislative Session with 32nd District Delegation

Mayor Jepsen introduced State Representative Carolyn Edmonds. He noted the legislative committees on which she serves and her priority issues. He described some of Representative Edmonds' accomplishments this year, and he thanked her for coming.

Representative Edmonds commended Joyce Nichols, City of Shoreline Community and Government Relations Manager, for her efforts in Olympia. Representative Edmonds said the legislative session was characterized by the unusual circumstances of Initiative 695 and the continuing 49-49 split of Republicans and Democrats in the House of Representatives. She said the session was successful for her because the legislature addressed the losses that cities incurred from passage of I-695. She noted that the legislature provided funding for transit. She expressed her hope for the restoration of transit services to the Richmond Beach community. She said the legislature also provided some funding for Sound Transit.

Councilmember Ransom arrived at 6:41 p.m.

Concluding, Representative Edmonds said the major unresolved issues this year were privacy legislation, property tax relief, long-term funding for transportation and the costs of prescription drugs.

Mayor Jepsen commented on the local option sales tax. He said Council discussed the issue last week and supported the 0.2-percent sales tax increase that County Executive Ron Sims has proposed to fund local transportation provided it results in the restoration of service to Shoreline. He commented on the problem of combining Shoreline with Seattle in Metro transportation planning. He thanked Representative Edmonds for arranging a tour of the Aurora Corridor and for her diligent work on funding for the project.

Councilmember Montgomery asked about the possibility of additional State funding for transit. Representative Edmonds said the many unknowns about the next session make predictions impossible. She noted the east-west split on transportation issues: legislators from eastern Washington do not sympathize with the transportation difficulties of this area.

Responding to Councilmember Gustafson, Ms. Nichols explained that two task forces were created in response to I-695. One has eight or nine members, including legislators, representatives of the city and county associations and representatives of the State. This group is to propose a formula for dividing future State revenues among the cities and counties that lost money as a result of I-695. The other task force, on local government fiscal capacity, is looking at the fiscal impacts to cities and counties of implementing State regulations. It will have 32 members representing a variety of stakeholders.

Councilmember Ransom commented that the suburban cities have discussed sales tax revenue with King County. He said 3/10 of a cent of sales tax money is still going to the County to provide services that do not benefit Shoreline residents.

State Senator Darlene Fairley commented that the State has the same complaint about the federal government. She noted that the State passes responsibility for mandated services to the counties, which, in turn, pass the responsibility to the cities. She said Councilmember Ransom's comment speaks to inequities in the State tax structure that will eventually have to be addressed.

State Representative Ruth Kagi arrived at 7:05 p.m. Responding to Deputy Mayor Hansen, she said State reserves are at about the same level as when I-695 passed. The State used $260 million from the reserves to provide "bridge funding" for I-695 losses. The only ongoing funding for cities and counties that was replaced at a relatively high level was public health.

Mayor Jepsen introduced Representative Kagi. He described the legislative committees on which she serves and her legislative priorities. He also outlined the legislation on which she worked this year.

Representative Kagi reiterated that the major challenge this year was the loss of revenues resulting from I-695. One of the biggest debates was whether the General Fund should be used to fund transportation. An ongoing allocation of $35 million per year was made to help fund transportation highway bonds. $80 million of transit funding was replaced (less than 25 percent of the funding that was lost). The State gave local jurisdictions a local option to increase the sales tax by 0.3 percent. She mentioned problems with funding for the ferry system and the $15 million that went to Sound Transit, the first State funding to Sound Transit. She asserted that State participation is critical to the success of Sound Transit. She encouraged people to support the extension of the light rail line to Northgate. She concluded with a description of activity in the area of criminal justice, including: a $215,000 study of specialized units; assistance in funding drug courts; and a study of sentencing guidelines.

Mayor Jepsen introduced Senator Fairley. He noted her legislative committee assignments, priorities and successes last year.

Senator Fairley said she relies on the expertise and availability of Ms. Nichols. She went on to list the environment, education, transportation and health care/senior issues as the major concerns of Shoreline citizens. She said the discussion of State funding to replace revenues that cities lost upon passage of I-695 included debate about making such funding contingent upon rescission of city responses to I-695 (e.g., the City’s utility tax). She noted Sound Transit funding as another contentious issue. She said Sound Transit originally told the legislature that it only needed enabling legislation and that it would never request supplemental funding.

Senator Fairley mentioned the telecommunications right-of-way bill, saying that she battled to stop the bill until it became acceptable to Shoreline. She mentioned the issue of gambling, noting a public hearing on July 28 at Sea-Tac Airport. Finally, she noted environmental rules to be implemented by the Department of Ecology.

Mayor Jepsen thanked the legislators for their support of Shoreline's interest; other Councilmembers concurred.

Responding to Councilmember Gustafson, Representative Edmonds said a constant theme in the legislature with regard to the Endangered Species Act is that the State should support local jurisdictions, non-profits and community groups in their efforts toward salmon restoration in their communities.

Councilmember Ransom commented on the lack of responsiveness at the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). Senator Fairley said the governor's answer-the-phone regulations, which he based on her failed bill, aim to address this problem.

Representative Edmonds said the designation of Dennis Braddock as the new head of DSHS should result in better customer service by the agency.

Representative Kagi concluded the discussion by noting the forecasted reserve of almost $1 billion, which is close to the same level as when I-695 passed. She said this is a prudent reserve. She asserted that the State should not spend down the reserve given the susceptibility of the State budget to economic downturns.

Mayor Jepsen thanked the legislators again for participating in the meeting and for working diligently for Shoreline interests.

3. CITY MANAGER REPORT AND FUTURE AGENDAS

Mr. Deis confirmed that the July 3rd workshop will be cancelled.

Mr. Deis referred to the memo on the skate park to be located in Paramount Park. He noted that the School District is now asking the City to pay for demolition costs if the skate park must be removed to build a new school.

Councilmember Gustafson said the City should proceed with its plans. He asserted there is little risk that the skate park will need to be demolished. He suggested that the City involve the School District in siting the skate park. He indicated that the District could include the facility as an integral part of a school complex, if one becomes necessary.

Councilmember Ransom cited a survey taken at Einstein Middle School showing that 95 percent of the students would like to have a skate park in Shoreline. In an assembly at Einstein, the students reiterated overwhelmingly that they would use a skate park.. He expressed doubt that one skate park will be sufficient.

Councilmember Montgomery suggested that the School District identify in writing which of the alternative locations would be the least disruptive to future building plans.

Councilmember Ransom said Site B would be the most effective. He noted that the School District might not select this site.

Mayor Jepsen confirmed consensus to proceed to identify which site works best for the School District.

Responding to Councilmember Lee, Wendy Barry, Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, said design work will go forward as soon as possible with construction possible in late fall, depending on permitting requirements.

Ms. Barry distributed a list of nominees for the Grand Marshall for the Celebrate Shoreline Parade. She asked Councilmembers to return their ballots as soon as possible.

4. COUNCIL REPORTS

Councilmember Lee commented on her attendance at a technology conference in Seoul, Korea. She compared transportation solutions there with inaction here.

Councilmember Ransom said the Jail Advisory Committee will meet next Monday. He commented on an upcoming Washington State Gambling Commission hearing on whether to allow non-profits to operate card rooms or mini-casinos. He said the commission decisions will affect Cascade Bingo.

Mayor Jepsen said Council should discuss the development of a position on this issue.

Councilmember Montgomery commented on regional transportation problems. She said no city in the world has been able to build its way out of traffic congestion.

Deputy Mayor Hansen mentioned the upcoming conference of the Association of Washington Cities.

Mayor Jepsen noted his attendance at the 225th Army birthday celebration, the opening of the North Fire Station, the North City design charrette, the Shoreline Arts Festival and the wastewater facility open house. He mentioned his efforts to have the wastewater meetings rescheduled to a time more conducive to attendance by the general public.

5. PUBLIC COMMENTS

(a) Kathy Halliburton, 18315 Wallingford Avenue N, suggested that the City construct the skate park in such a way that it could be moved if necessary.

(b) Walt Hagen, 711 N 193rd Street, speaking for Concerned Citizens for Shoreline, called attention to the schematic of Aurora Avenue he set up in the Council chambers. He offered to answer questions on the schematic and on the letter he submitted last week.

(c) Dwight Stevens, 1606 N 197th Place, represented the Echo Lake Neighborhood Association. He and Co-Chair Dale Wright submitted a letter on the rechannelization of N 185th Street between Aurora Avenue N and 1st Avenue NE. He said the neighborhood association reviewed the City proposal in terms of facts, anticipated results, traffic congestion at Midvale Avenue, bicycle safety and capacity.

Mayor Jepsen and Councilmember Ransom supported a permanent skate park. Council-member Ransom noted that skate parks must be able to withstand significant wear and tear. He said portable facilities do not meet this criteria.

Deputy Mayor Hansen said the elements of a portable skate park are far less expensive than those of a permanent skate park, facilitating replacement.

6. WORKSHOP ITEMS

(b) Referral to the Planning Commission of a proposed ordinance establishing new regulations for siting telecommunication utilities within the public rights-of-way

Mr. Deis commented that Kristoff Bauer, Assistant to the City Manager, is considered an expert in the State of Washington on the topic of wireless telecommunication issues.

Mr. Bauer provided background on: the problems that led to the new telecommunications legislation (ESSB 6676); the impacts of the legislation on Shoreline; and on the proposed response to the legislative changes.

Mr. Bauer discussed the stringent timelines and other permit requirements that the legislation establishes for cities. He acknowledged that the legislation allows cities to require providers to supply needed information and to require utilities to comply with city timelines. He noted that the legislation clarifies responsibilities for the costs incurred in moving poles.

Continuing, Mr. Bauer stressed the bottom line of the legislation: the City must allow wireless facilities in the right-of-way. He mentioned that City zoning regulations still apply to such facilities. He explained that a facility consists of two pieces—the cell tower and the support equipment at its base—and that the proposal addresses the two pieces differently. He noted the lack of height restrictions in the right-of-way and the lack of a public process for placing a structure in the right-of-way.

Mr. Bauer summarized the following aspects of the proposed ordinance:

Mr. Bauer discussed ways to make the support equipment as unobtrusive as possible. He noted the goal to address capacity needs by encouraging providers to install more numerous smaller sites.

Concluding, Mr. Bauer explained that the proposed ordinance will change provisions of the Development Code that Council adopted last week and that it should, therefore, go through the Planning Commission process. He noted that this will necessitate the extension of the current moratorium. Staff will present the extension to Council next week.

Responding to Mayor Jepsen's concern that the City not establish a precedent that could interfere with the implementation of the City's undergrounding policy, Mr. Bauer said pole relocation will be addressed in the right-of-way site permit.

Councilmember Ransom asked about facilities on private property and whether the franchise fee applies only to public right-of-way. Mr. Bauer said the current proposal does not change any regulations on private property. One of the reasons the legislation allows for a lease payment for use of public property is to forestall a rush of facilities onto public property instead of private property. He explained that there are no franchises fees on telecommunications companies, that they are charged a utility tax.

Responding to Councilmember Ransom, Mr. Bauer said the proposal tries to end the differences in height restrictions between public and private property.

Councilmember Lee commented on the necessity of having GTE and US West participate in the City's planning for undergrounding. Mr. Bauer asserted the difficulty of achieving this goal. He said the companies want to accomplish their objectives with as little interaction as possible with the City. He noted that neither GTE nor US West is interested in getting a master use permit. He said staff is trying to negotiate some kind of agreement.

Noting his meeting with GTE, Mr. Deis compared the attitude of the organization to that of a railroad—a heavily regulated bureaucracy unwilling to vary it procedures from city to city. Mr. Bauer added that GTE and US West "lead with their lawyers first," a strategy that works with most cities. He said the City is trying to demonstrate the workability of a different approach.

Councilmember Gustafson commented on the necessity of developing an accurate data base of rights-of-way. Mr. Bauer said it will be difficult to do this. Furthermore, there will be many other elements to a complete Graphic Information System (GIS) in addition to rights-of-way.

Mr. Deis said the City has requested GIS information for GTE and US West facilities in Shoreline rights-of-way. He said that in the past the companies have not wanted to provide any information; but in the last meeting, GTE has indicated a willingness to discuss this issue. He characterized this willingness as "a huge step."

Mayor Jepsen confirmed Council consensus to send the proposed ordinance to the Planning Commission. He expressed his hope that the ordinance will be as aggressive as possible.

7. CONTINUED PUBLIC COMMENT: None

8. EXECUTIVE SESSION

At 8:35 p.m., Mayor Jepsen announced that Council would recess into executive session for 30 minutes to discuss one item of potential litigation. At 9:14 p.m., the executive session concluded, and the workshop reconvened.

9. ADJOURNMENT

At 9:15 p.m., Mayor Jepsen declared the meeting adjourned.

 

 

__________________________
Sharon Mattioli, CMC
City Clerk