CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
SUMMARY MINUTES OF WORKSHOP MEETING
Monday, June 18, 2001
6:30 p.m.
Shoreline Conference Center
Mt. Rainier Room
PRESENT: Deputy Mayor Hansen, Councilmembers Gustafson, Lee, Montgomery and Ransom
ABSENT: Mayor Jepsen and Councilmember Grossman
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:42 p.m. by Deputy Mayor Hansen, who presided.
2. FLAG SALUTE/ROLL CALL
Deputy Mayor Hansen led the flag salute. Upon roll call by the City Clerk, all Councilmembers were present, with the exception of Councilmember Gustafson, who arrived later in the meeting, Councilmember Grossman, who was expected later in the meeting, and Mayor Jepsen.
Councilmember Lee moved to excuse Mayor Jepsen. Councilmember Montgomery seconded the motion, which carried unanimously, and Mayor Jepsen was excused.
3. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Steve Burkett reported that the Shoreline Police Department has followed up on concerns that residents of the 16700 block of Linden Avenue N raised during the June 11 Council meeting about drug activity at a house in their neighborhood. He said the City will keep residents of the neighborhood informed of any new developments.
4. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Montgomery noted that Mayor Jepsen and Deputy Mayor Hansen are scheduled to meet next week with Sound Transit Board Chair Dave Earling. She asked about exploring the potential for a commuter rail station in Richmond Beach in an effort to identify "some specific benefit to Shoreline" for taxes paid to Sound Transit.
Deputy Mayor Hansen welcomed Boy Scout Troop 167, in attendance at the meeting.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
(a) John Chang, Quest Inn, 14817 Aurora Avenue N, encouraged Shoreline citizens to learn the facts about the Aurora Corridor Project. He said businesses are not opposed to the project, but the Aurora Improvement Council (AIC) and the Concerned Citizens of Shoreline have serious concerns about it. He asked citizens to phone the AIC to advise whether they support or oppose the project.
(b) Russ McCurdy, 17532 Aurora Avenue N, commented that 52 businesses and citizens represented AIC and Concerned Citizens for Shoreline during the June 11 Council meeting. He said the groups support narrower sidewalks and a "more manageable" median. He stated that the proposed budget for the Aurora Corridor Project has increased dramatically from $38 million to $78 million. He noted the groups' concern about "increased taxes falling on citizens and businesses." He requested the extension to July 2 of the public comment period initiated at the June 14 Aurora Corridor Open House.
In response to Deputy Mayor Hansen, Mr. Burkett agreed to extend the public comment period to July 2. He stressed that Council acted June 11 to begin the 15-month final design process, not to approve a final design. He said staff will: meet with individuals who own properties along Aurora Avenue; address the location of driveways; determine if the 11½-foot sidewalk and landscaping strips will not fit in certain areas in the Aurora Corridor; and work with the State to try to include additional left-turn lanes.
Councilmember Lee commented that State requirements dictate many of the specifics of the Aurora Corridor Project design. She said the City hopes to meet with the AIC and the State together to continue the dialogue about the project.
Councilmember Montgomery questioned Mr. McCurdy's comment about an increase in the costs of the Aurora Corridor Project. Public Works Director Bill Conner said staff estimated the cost of the project (adjusted for inflation to reflect the ten-year length of project construction) at $75 million in August 1999 at the end of the pre-design study. He explained that a previous, lower cost estimate had not been adjusted for inflation over the length of the project. He said staff has used the $75 million cost estimate during the past two years.
Councilmember Ransom explained that Council chose to reduce the width of the sidewalk and amenity strips from 12 to 11½ feet. He said this insures a minimum sidewalk width of six feet to accommodate passage of two wheelchairs. He stated his support for this proposal. He acknowledged the small number of left-turn and U-turn lanes in a preliminary design. He reiterated the City objective to work with the State to try to include more left-turn and U-turn lanes.
6. WORKSHOP ITEMS
(a) Shoreline Park and Ride Transit Oriented Development Stakeholder Meeting to Forward Bookend Concepts to State
Planning Manager Kirk McKinley introduced the other stakeholders at the table: King County Councilmember Maggi Fimia; Maureen Sullivan, Northwest Region Administrator, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT); and Ron Posthuma, Assistant Director, King County Department of Transportation.
Mr. McKinley reviewed the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) process to date and the future schedule for the process. He discussed considerations that have emerged from community outreach efforts (e.g., page 12 of the Council packet).
Councilmember Gustafson arrived at 7:06 p.m.
Continuing, Mr. McKinley reviewed the Shoreline Park and Ride TOD Principles (page four of the Council packet).
Ms. Sullivan suggested the revision of the second principle to read: "The park and ride function must be maintained at the existing 400 parking stalls and potentially be enhanced. . . ."
Mr. McKinley mentioned another possible revision to the second principle to address the reduction of residential parking ratios in light of the transit orientation of the site. Mr. Posthuma said TOD developments in Redmond and Renton have parking ratios of one parking stall per residential unit; whereas, the study for the Shoreline Park and Ride TOD assumes a residential parking ratio of 1.5 stalls per unit. He mentioned ways to reduce the need for structured parking at the site, including the provision of good transit services to the site and bus passes for each residential unit. He said the overall project will be more affordable if more parking is available for shared use and less is devoted exclusively for residential use.
Mr. McKinley said the Hillwood Neighborhood favored the revision of the second sentence of the third principle to state that "Enhancements must include sidewalks, screening, water quality. . . ." County Councilmember Fimia noted the use of "shall" instead of "must" in most legislative documents.
Ms. Sullivan questioned the meaning of "usable public space" in the fourth principle.
Mr. McKinley said Hillwood Neighborhood advocated the inclusion of a reference to Richmond Beach in the seventh principle. He mentioned the perception that many Richmond Beach residents use the park and ride.
Mr. McKinley said Hillwood Neighborhood suggested the revision of the eighth principle to read "The project should be a hallmark for community development."
Mr. McKinley went on to review the two bookend concepts. He said the key difference between the two concepts is whether WSDOT retains ownership (Concept 1) or relinquishes ownership (Concept 2).
County Councilmember Fimia said the availability of free parking is the greatest single determinant of whether people drive or take transit. She pointed out that the designation of 298 parking stalls for the 197 residential housing units included in Concept 1 is based on the parking ratio of 1.5 parking stalls per unit. She asserted that the more parking provided, the less incentive people will have to use transit. She suggested that future drawings include a range in the number of parking stalls and reflect the policy decisions involved.
Deputy Mayor Hansen invited public comment.
(1) Richard Johnsen, 16730 Meridian Avenue N, said the proposed TOD does not take the future needs of Shoreline citizens into account. He asserted that future increases in housing density will necessitate greater park and ride capacity.
County Councilmember Fimia questioned the designation of 700 parking stalls for the park and ride and two development parcels in Concept 2. Mr. Posthuma said the work team anticipated the parking demand associated with the two development parcels at approximately 300 stalls with good potential for shared use with the park and ride. He explained that park and ride capacity at the site could thus expand.
In response to County Councilmember Fimia, Ms. Sullivan said the State has determined the need for more park and ride capacity in the north Interstate 5 corridor. She explained the State expectation that a viable TOD will include at least 400 parking stalls for park and ride use and the potential for more. She mentioned shared use as one method of creating more park and ride capacity.
In response to Councilmember Gustafson, Mr. McKinley said staff is cognizant of the 15,000-square-foot WSDOT property adjacent to the Shoreline Park and Ride. This property provides a valuable buffer for the neighborhood. Ms. Sullivan said the property can be improved, but restrictions associated with the funds with which the State purchased the property preclude its designation as a park.
In response to Councilmember Gustafson, Terry Pollard, Shoreline YMCA, said the YMCA sees the TOD as a great opportunity. He explained that YMCA has been looking for property in north King County and south Snohomish County for two years. He noted YMCA concerns about the timing of the TOD—the YMCA prefers to build soon. Mr. Pollard estimated the size of a YMCA facility at 45,000-50,000 square feet. He described the process the YMCA follows to design a facility.
In response to County Councilmember Fimia, Mr. Pollard discussed the complications of building a swimming pool at the TOD site. He estimated that a YMCA facility would need a building footprint of 30,000-33,000 square feet.
County Councilmember Fimia expressed concern about losing "the potential of an anchor tenant like [the YMCA] because our process requires a six- to nine-month timeframe." She suggested a Request for Proposals (RFP) for potential tenants concurrent with the ongoing process as one means of providing more predictability "for both sides."
Councilmember Gustafson agreed with the value of the Shoreline YMCA as an anchor tenant and advocated efforts to secure its involvement.
Referring to the illustration of Concept 1 (page nine of the Council packet), Council-member Ransom questioned the feasibility of constructing a swimming pool over the proposed lower-level parking. He agreed that the Shoreline YMCA would be an attractive tenant, and he expressed his hope that "something can be worked out."
Noting the designation of 15,000 square feet for the Puget Sound Learning Center (PSLC) in Concept 1, Councilmember Ransom asserted that 100,000 square feet seems more realistic for a vocational center. He suggested covering the transit lanes to allow additional construction above them.
Councilmember Lee asked about the opportunity for office space—in addition to residential housing, the YMCA and the PSLC—"between the bookend concepts."
In response to Councilmember Montgomery, Mr. McKinley explained that the City will review the TOD master plan as a master development permit application from the County.
Noting the revision that Hillwood Neighborhood suggested to the eighth TOD principle, Councilmember Montgomery asked if the neighborhood is concerned that economic development at the Shoreline Park and Ride will be damaging to the community. Mr. McKinley explained that Hillwood Neighborhood views the park and ride as a community asset and that it wants development to reflect community values as well as economic benefits.
In response to Councilmember Montgomery, Mr. McKinley explained that "Eliminate cut-through traffic at N 192nd Street" (page 12 of the Council packet) means maintaining traffic operation and safety as appropriate for the neighborhoods east and west of Aurora Avenue. Councilmember Montgomery and Deputy Mayor Hansen commented that N 192nd Street provides convenient, safe access to the park and ride and to Aurora Avenue. Mr. McKinley said the origin-destination study will help determine who is using the park and ride.
Councilmember Ransom questioned: the definition of "public space" in the fourth principle and the Hillwood Neighborhood proposals to reference Richmond Beach in the seventh principle and to substitute "community" for "economic" in the eighth principle.
After discussion, Deputy Mayor Hansen confirmed consensus to revise the eighth principle to read "The project should be a hallmark for community and economic development and set an example for future redevelopment efforts in Shoreline."
County Councilmember Fimia reiterated the suggestion to revise the second sentence of the third principle to read "Enhancements shall include sidewalks, screening, water quality. . . ." After discussion, Deputy Mayor Hansen confirmed consensus in support of this revision.
County Councilmember Fimia suggested the revision of the fourth principle to read "The development of this site should include reasonable public space for formal and informal gathering." Noting the restrictions associated with the funds with which the State purchased the property, Ms. Sullivan recommended "may" in place of "should" as more flexible.
In response to County Councilmember Fimia, Ms. Sullivan explained that the State must ensure the provision of 400 or more park and ride parking stalls in Shoreline but that the State does not necessarily have to provide the park and ride. County Councilmember Fimia suggested the revision of the fourth principle to read "The development of this site should include reasonable public space for formal and informal gathering by the public, unless precluded by federal or State requirements." After discussion, Deputy Mayor Hansen confirmed consensus in support of this revision.
In response to Deputy Mayor Hansen, Ms. Sullivan explained the need to revise the second principle to indicate the expectation that the TOD will enhance park and ride capacity from the base level of the existing capacity. Mr. McKinley suggested revision of the first sentence of the second principle to read "The park and ride function should maintain the existing 400 spaces and potentially be enhanced." Deputy Mayor Hansen confirmed consensus in support of this revision.
Deputy Mayor Hansen questioned the inclusion of a reference to Richmond Beach alone in the seventh principle. Mr. McKinley explained that Hillwood Neighborhood advocates a park and ride in Richmond Beach to absorb some of the users of the Shoreline Park and Ride. He reiterated that an origin-destination study will help determine who is using the park and ride. Deputy Mayor Hansen confirmed consensus in support of not revising the seventh principle.
In response to Councilmember Lee, Mr. McKinley said staff will consider the reduction of the parking ratio for residential units as part of the workshops.
In response to County Councilmember Fimia, Mr. McKinley said PSLC provided the estimate of 15,000 square feet included in Concept 1.
Mr. Posthuma asserted the importance of major tenants, such as the YMCA and the PSLC, to the viability of the TOD. He said the project team is "very serious about including them, even if the pool has to be on the ground floor."
County Councilmember Fimia identified the number of residential housing units as one of the biggest concerns of the adjacent neighborhoods, in addition to the traffic impacts. Mr. McKinley said neighborhood residents discussed the compatibility, height and design of the residential housing units when staff presented Concepts 1 and 2 to them.
County Councilmember Fimia discussed a proposed "Letter of Agreement between Stakeholder elected officials." Councilmember Gustafson suggested further Council discussion of the letter for future consideration among the stakeholders. County Councilmember Fimia said she would "like it to be signed by the next meeting."
Deputy Mayor Hansen invited Ros Bird, Executive Director, Shoreline/Lake Forest Park Arts Council, to speak about the Shoreline Arts Festival, scheduled June 23 and 24.
(b) Proposed Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Map and Development Code Amendments
Tim Stewart, Planning and Development Services Director, introduced Rachael Markle, Senior Planner, Andrea Spencer, Planner I and Brian Krueger, Planner I, who together reviewed the staff report and explained the binder of materials titled "2000-2001 Annual Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Map Reconciliation Resources" and the folio of area maps.
In response to Deputy Mayor Hansen, Ms. Spencer explained that staff grouped the 881 parcels requiring reconciliation into ten areas. The Comprehensive Plan and Develop-ment Code Zoning Map designations of parcels outside the ten areas are consistent and are not included in the amendment process.
In response to Councilmember Gustafson, Ms. Spencer noted significant testimony concerning Area 8, Bundle F (properties on the west side of 15th Avenue NE between NE 165th and NE 155th Streets). She said residents favored the retention of the Compre-hensive Plan designation of high-density residential. Mr. Stewart explained that "a number of property owners wanted to keep a high-density designation for future development." He said the Planning Commission and staff recommend changing the Comprehensive Plan land use designation to make it consistent with the existing R-6 zoning.
In response to Councilmember Gustafson, Mr. Stewart said the Shoreline 20-year growth target, including the annexation areas, is 2,300-2,800 new housing units. He noted a "starting date" of 1992 or 1994, depending upon interpretation. He estimated the annual Shoreline growth target at approximately 100 new housing units. He said Shoreline "has generally been producing about that amount" since 1996. He explained that the City will receive a new growth target for the next ten year increment sometime during the next year and a half. He said the City will need to review its development regulations and Comprehensive Plan as necessary to address the new growth target. He asserted the need to participate in the regional debate about the target allocations.
Deputy Mayor Hansen invited public comment.
(1) Kathy Halliburton, 18315 Wallingford Avenue N, addressed the proposal to change the zoning of parcels in Area 4, Bundle F from R-6 to R-12. She expressed concern that the zoning change could increase an existing problem with cut-through traffic in the area. She noted that residents in the area have proposed the vacation of N 167th Street to provide parking for the Interurban Trail. She expressed concern that a zoning change could preclude this proposal.
In response to Councilmember Gustafson, Mr. Stewart explained the concern addressed in a letter that Councilmembers received. He illustrated how the rounding provision of the base density calculation in the Development Code (20.50.020 [B] [1]) can allow construction of more than one detached single-family residential unit on single lots of 10,891 or more square feet. He noted that the Planning Commission deliberated and decided on this provision during preparation of the Development Code. He mentioned that the Planning Commission will consider this and approximately 124 other potential modifications to the Development Code beginning in August.
In response to Deputy Mayor Hansen, Mr. Stewart explained that a revision of 20.50.020 (B) could decrease the unit yield for low-density areas, necessitating a "compensating target increase somewhere else." He went on to say that 20.50.020 (B) (1) "generally encourages" construction of smaller dwelling units because other Development Code requirements (e.g., setbacks, drainage) still apply. He said the provision may thereby be working to protect neighborhood character.
In response to Councilmember Gustafson, Mr. Stewart said the City has permitted one application involving 20.50.020 (B). He agreed to provide the address of the project.
Councilmember Lee asked why the City should seek to achieve growth in new housing units above the minimum of the growth target range. Mr. Stewart said the range is meant to provide flexibility. He explained that the County used a calculation based on anticipated household size to meet its Growth Management Act (GMA) responsibility to allocate population growth to jurisdictions. Noting the likely contentiousness of the next round of allocations, he said jurisdictions may question the continued calculation of population growth by the size and number of households. He stated that staff is comfortable that City development regulations permit the development of the number of housing units required within the existing range.
In response to Councilmember Lee, Mr. Stewart said the City estimated the potential number of new housing units as part of the environmental review of the Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Spencer said the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) showed a capacity for 1,616 new housing units.
Responding to Councilmember Gustafson, Mr. Stewart distributed information showing that the City permitted 397 new dwelling units from 1996 through 1999 and that the City permitted 185 new dwelling units between April 2, 2000 and April 1, 2001.
Councilmember Montgomery noted that housing in north King County is very expensive. She asserted that the number of dwelling units is insufficient for the number of jobs. She acknowledged that many people favor less new building, but she attributed traffic congestion to people's need to commute from areas outside King County where affordable housing is more available. She advocated that Shoreline attempt to contribute to the provision of more affordable housing in order "to solve a lot of other problems, too."
Councilmember Lee requested confirmation that the City has communicated with each of the owners of the 881 parcels affected by the proposed Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Map and Development Code amendments. Mr. Krueger said staff notified the owners and occupants of the affected parcels with letters that included information specific to each parcel. He said the number of returned, undeliverable letters was very low.
Councilmember Ransom advocated a second Council workshop to consider contentious amendments (e.g., those parcels in Area 8, Bundle F). Mr. Stewart pointed out that pages 19-21 of the Council packet identify potentially contentious issues. He commented that the Planning Commission was very thorough when listening to comments and concerns and discussing and working through issues.
Councilmember Ransom said the City "went to a lot of work to come up with multiple use for 15th Avenue NE." Referring to page 11 in the folio of area maps, Mr. Stewart commented that the parcels in Area 8, Bundle F are in an existing single-family neighborhood. Redevelopment of the parcels would be very difficult and would result in an intensification of the use of the multiple curb cuts along 15th Avenue NE. The City has chosen an approach that focuses housing density in the North City Sub-area Plan. He pointed out the detailed analysis of Area 8, Bundle F on page 21 of the Council packet.
Deputy Mayor Hansen suggested that Council schedule the public hearing of the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Map and Development Code Amendments without another workshop. Councilmembers Montgomery and Gustafson agreed.
Mr. Burkett commented that Council could schedule the public hearing July 9 and, if input during the hearing warrants, schedule a subsequent Council workshop.
Deputy Mayor Hansen confirmed Council consensus in support of scheduling the public hearing July 9.
Councilmember Lee noted the difference of opinion between staff and the Planning Commission concerning Comprehensive Plan Amendment Log #003B. Mr. Stewart said staff believes that the Comprehensive Plan and the Development Code provide sufficient protection and that the additional policy is not necessary. Councilmember Lee supported the Planning Commission recommendation. Ms. Markle mentioned that the proponent of #003B has proposed a modification to the Development Code addressing the same issue. She reiterated that the Planning Commission will consider Development Code modifications beginning in August. She asserted that the issue of the height compatibility of industrial development with residential zones is really a Development Code issue. Mr. Stewart noted the staff and Planning Commission findings on #003B on page eight of the resources binder. He committed to provide additional staff analysis on #003B, if necessary, after the July 9 hearing.
(c) Annual Police Service Efforts and Accomplishments Report
Shoreline Police Chief Denise Pentony reviewed the 2000 Service Efforts and Accomplishments (SEA) report. She noted that the second sentence in the second paragraph on the second page of the report (page 29 of the Council packet) should read "The 'Crime Rate' has dropped to an all time low of 32.6 per 1,000 residents."
MEETING EXTENSION
At 10:00 p.m., Councilmember Gustafson moved to extend the meeting until 10:30 p.m. Councilmember Ransom seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Councilmember Gustafson requested a copy of the citizen survey. He expressed support for the Victim Callback program and the problem-solving projects. He complimented the police department on its youth initiatives and community partnerships.
In response to Councilmember Gustafson, Chief Pentony asserted the need for engineering changes on Aurora Avenue to reduce the number of accidents there. She noted that the speeds at which vehicles travel cause major damage and injuries. She mentioned that one of the Shoreline officers is trained in the concept of crime prevention through environmental design and that he will participate with staff to insure that the project design maximizes vehicle and pedestrian safety.
In response to Councilmember Gustafson, Chief Pentony discussed police department actions in response to concerns raised during the June 11 Council meeting about drug activity in the Richmond Highlands neighborhood.
In response to Councilmember Lee, Chief Pentony said First Northwest Associates, which conducted the 1998 citizen survey, contacted 100 qualified participants by phone. She mentioned that the next citizen survey will include 300 residents.
Councilmember Ransom mentioned the high incidence of drug-related crimes in Shoreline at the time of incorporation. He requested statistics about the number of drug houses closed and about the apprehension of people selling drugs to teenagers. Police Chief Pentony confirmed that drug-related activity has decreased substantially since incorporation. She agreed to research and report back on statistics about drug sales to teenagers. She noted the no-tolerance policy under which Shoreline police jail people they find using or possessing drugs.
Councilmember Ransom said Shoreline police estimated, at the time of incorporation, that 70-80 percent of crime was drug related. He noted the significant drop between 1996 and 2000 in Part I crimes. Chief Pentony agreed with Councilmember Ransom that the drop in Part I crimes is related to Shoreline police efforts against drugs. She identified larceny—shoplifting and car prowls—as the primary crime concern in Shoreline now.
Councilmember Ransom commented on the doubling of the number of traffic citations issued. Chief Pentony said most of these are written for speeding in school zones. She clarified that her department is responsible for traffic enforcement on Aurora Avenue.
Councilmember Ransom concluded by noting the excellent community relations program under the first Chief of Police. He asked if there is as much emphasis on community policing as there used to be. Chief Pentony responded by describing the efforts made toward community policing. She felt there is an increased emphasis on community partnerships and customer service.
Councilmember Ransom commented on speeds on Aurora Avenue and the fact that he has been stopped by state patrol officers for going too slow. He felt Aurora Avenue should be marked 35 miles per hour. Chief Pentony reiterated that Shoreline Police are responsible for traffic on Aurora Avenue. She agreed to bring back information on this and on cost statistics for Seattle, which Councilmember Ransom requested.
7. CONTINUED PUBLIC COMMENT
(1) Patty Brauns, 16733 Linden Avenue N, commented on remarks made by her neighbors at the last Council meeting regarding drug activity on her property. She said she has evicted the tenant in question and is cooperating with the police.
(2) Richard Johnsen, 16730 Meridian Ave. N, commented on his satisfaction with the Shoreline Police. He suggested that the City consider opening a neighborhood police center in the Ballinger area. He also commented on the TOD project discussed earlier, noting the need for many more parking stalls than has been discussed and better east-west transportation.
8. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:29 p.m. Deputy Mayor Hansen declared the meeting adjourned.
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Sharon Mattioli, CMC
City Clerk