CITY OF SHORELINE

SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL

SUMMARY MINUTES OF JOINT DINNER MEETING

Monday, September 10, 2001

6:00 p.m.

Shoreline Conference Center

Highlander Room

Shoreline City Council

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

ABSENT: Councilmembers Grossman and Montgomery

STAFF: Steven C. Burkett, City Manager; Larry Bauman, Assistant City Manager; and Joyce Nichols, Community and Government Relations Manager

Shoreline School Board

PRESENT: President Bryce, Vice President Giboney, Boardmembers Parsons and Robinson

ABSENT: None

STAFF: Dr. James Welsh, Superintendent of Schools; Linda Johnson, Assistant Superintendent; Marjorie Ledell, Executive Director of Community Relations and District Services; Clarence Kwock, Chief Financial Officer; and Diane Jenkins, Clerk of the Board

The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m.

President Bryce reviewed a list of issues generated by the City.

Steve Burkett, City Manager, responded that the list developed by the City was not intended to be an agenda for the meeting. He commented on the joint use agreement between the School District and the City as an example of successful collaboration.

Continuing, Mr. Burkett mentioned Shoreline Community College’s interest in partnering for the development of recreational facilities on the campus.

Councilmember Gustafson pointed out that during the initial visioning for the community, there was discussion of a bond issue to build a new gymnasium near the Shoreline Stadium.

Councilmember Lee said that the community college is developing a strategy to enhance its athletic programs and to open the campus more to the community.

President Bryce commented that exchange of services between the City and the School District has been another area of success.

Councilmember Gustafson suggested looking into provision of joint services for field and parks maintenance. He also raised the concept of the School District and the City partnering to develop a television studio that would serve the cable television production needs of both agencies.

Majorie Ledell, Executive Director for Community Relations and District Services, said she and Joyce Nichols have been meeting to discuss plans to develop a studio at the Conference Center.

Mayor Jepsen expressed his belief that the School District, Fire District, Water District, and Wastewater District should all have televised meetings because they are all governed by elected officials who have a role in managing taxpayer revenues.

Mayor Jepsen raised the issue of economic development and its effects on the entire community. He asked how growth has affected the School District and pointed out that single family residents pay the vast majority of property taxes.

Boardmember Parsons asked how much residential growth is occurring.

Mayor Jepsen estimated that 150 – 250- housing units are being added per year.

Boardmember Robinson noted that projected increases in the school population have not occurred as expected. He said the Board is interested in knowing what information the City has about demographic changes. The Board desires to provide adequate education without overburdening the taxpayers.

Superintendent Welsh brought up the School District’s interest in sharing ideas with the cities of Shoreline and Lake Forest Park regarding some district properties.

Boardmember Parsons recalled that some years ago there were concerns about the possible development of Fircrest for housing and the impact such development would have on the School District.

As part of economic development, President Bryce supported the City’s goal to redevelop Aurora Avenue, one of the ugliest streets in the City.

Mayor Jepsen asked about the School District revenues from the property tax levy.

Councilmember Ransom pointed out that the City’s plans for North City redevelopment would potentially create 500 new housing units. He expressed concern about the consideration of impact fees for the School District and a realistic expectation of new students. He gave an example from Ballinger Commons and the impact of 150 students instead of the expected 50 students and the effect on the School District.

Mayor Jepsen added that the demographics of North City would not likely attract school age children. He encouraged the School District to be a participant in the Central Shoreline subarea planning process.

Boardmember Robinson said the Board is interested in long-range planning to provide adequate facilities in the community for the future.

Councilmember Gustafson added that planning for the recreational needs of youth after school is also important.

Boardmember Robinson pointed out that the School District already provides activities after school for 650 students.

Superintendent Welsh commented on the need to create a joint master plan between the City and the District to plan for future community needs.

Mayor Jepsen summarized by saying it is important to recognize and build upon the accomplishments of the two agencies.

Mr. Burkett committed to working directly with Dr. Welsh to improve joint planing processes.

The meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

_______________________________
Larry Bauman, Assistant City Manager