CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
SUMMARY MINUTES OF DINNER MEETING
Monday, January 8, 2001
6:00 p.m.
Shoreline Conference Center
Highlander Room
PRESENT: Mayor Jepsen, Deputy Mayor Hansen, Councilmembers Grossman, Gustafson, Montgomery and Ransom and Ransom
ABSENT: Councilmember Lee
STAFF: Larry Bauman, Interim City Manager; Kristoff Bauer, Interim Assistant City Manager; Wendy Barry, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director
GUESTS: Terry Green, Shoreline Chamber of Commerce President, and Sherwood Sage, Secretary
The meeting convened at 6:05 p.m. There was a general discussion of recent events related to regional transportation issues.
After Interim City Manager Larry Bauman commented that the Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Terry Green, Chamber President, related recent efforts by the Chamber to establish a strategic plan and to schedule events for 2001. She discussed ideas for coordination of some of the Chamber’s activities with City community events. Mayor Jepsen voiced support for coordinating activities but cautioned that this coordination will likely require a bit more effort than in the past.
Ms. Green expressed an interest on the part of the Chamber in charting a course for economic development. She mentioned potential opportunities and needs in light of the Aurora Corridor project.
Responding to Ms. Green, Councilmember Grossman commented that an economic development group he had participated in earlier was no longer active.
Chamber Secretary Sherwood Sage asked how an economic development committee of the Chamber could assist businesses. Councilmember Grossman responded that he feels that an improved infrastructure and business environment will help all businesses, big and small. He also encouraged the Chamber to meet with Jan Briggs, the City’s Economic Development Coordinator.
Mayor Jepsen emphasized the importance of including North City businesses and property owners. He also stressed the need to work toward consolidating businesses in sufficient numbers to support redevelopment.
Mr. Sage highlighted the need for the Chamber and the City to work together.
Mayor Jepsen suggested that the Chamber emphasize "Shop Shoreline." Ms. Green responded that the Chamber actually includes businesses from just north of Northgate to just south of Stevens Hospital. She said that past "Shop Shoreline" efforts had actually cost the Chamber members. She reported that the Chamber is working on a member directory and considering expanding this directory into a kind of tourist guide.
Mayor Jepsen mentioned that the "State of the City" address will be before the Chamber on Wednesday.
Mr. Sage mentioned that the Chamber is focusing on how it can "add value" to its members. It is working on a membership questionnaire. Responding to Wendy Barry, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director, he added that e-commerce and connectability will be elements of the questionnaire.
There was general discussion in support of the Park-N-Ride project. The potential for redevelopment of the Sears commercial area was also discussed. There was also general discussion of the City’s efforts to support economic development, including the Aurora Corridor and specific challenges faced by existing Shoreline businesses.
Councilmember Gustafson noted his support for working together to coordinate the Chamber’s 25th anniversary and Shoreline’s annual celebration and emphasized the importance of continuing to meet.
Ms. Green discussed the idea of incorporating murals on buildings and potential decorative lighting along Aurora. However, she said these initiatives cannot move forward until there is some certainty regarding the impacts of the Aurora project.
Mr. Bauman suggested that the Chamber work closely with Ms. Barry to coordinate its events with the City.
The meeting concluded with general discussion of the location and configuration of the "Celebrate Shoreline" event.
The meeting adjourned at 7:24 p.m.
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Kristoff Bauer, Interim Assistant City Manager