CITY OF SHORELINE

SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL

SUMMARY MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING

Monday, September 10, 2001

7:30 p.m.

Shoreline Conference Center

Mt. Rainier Room

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

ABSENT: Councilmember Montgomery

1. CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 7:32 p.m. by Mayor Jepsen, who presided.

2. FLAG SALUTE/ROLL CALL

Upon roll call by the City Clerk, all Councilmembers were present with the exception of Councilmember Montgomery.

Upon motion by Deputy Mayor Hansen, seconded by Councilmember Gustafson and unanimously carried, Councilmember Montgomery was excused.

3. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER

City Manager Steve Burkett noted a revision to proposed Ordinance No. 285 (agenda item 9[b]) to include an item inadvertently left out, a fee for diskettes.

4. REPORTS OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: None

5. PUBLIC COMMENT

(a) Brian McCulloch, 633 NW 180th Street, commented that the center turn lane on 175th Street to northbound Interstate 5 (I-5) is too small, which has resulted in accidents. He asserted the need for a telephone at 175th Street for motorists to use in the event of breakdowns on I-5. He went on to discuss other problems with the changes under construction in this area of 175th Street.

(b) Paulette Gust, 14805 Whitman Avenue N, Apt. 10, supported the preferred design for Aurora Avenue recommended by the Citizens Advisory Task Force (CATF) and unanimously approved by Council. She asserted an escalation of "wild speculation, gross misinformation and outright lies" about the Aurora Corridor Project. She stated that the development of the preferred alternative "was a long and very open process."

(c) Vance McElmurry, 17503 8th Avenue NE, said he requested that the City change the zoning of his property to neighborhood business. He objected to the changes of 175th Street in the area of I-5 and to the revised fees in proposed Ordinance No. 285.

(d) Martin Kral, 1317 N 183rd Street, said the Planning and Development Services Director approved cottage housing at 185th Street and Stone Avenue N. He explained that Viking Properties previously proposed to build 12 cottage houses and two larger houses and that it is now building 16 cottage houses. He asserted that cluster homes, such as cottage houses, do not fit well in an L-shaped lot. He also expressed concern about the impact of the new housing on traffic and pedestrian safety on Stone Avenue.

(e) Gretchen Atkinson, President, North City Business Association, encouraged Council to pass the motion on the agenda to authorize the City Manager to execute a design contract with KPG in the amount not to exceed $525,000 for the North City Business District Improvement Project.

(f) Richard Johnsen, 16730 Meridian Avenue N, identified two errors in the draft minutes of the August 20, 2001 Council meeting: 1) the summaries of his comments regarding the Spartan Gym (pages seven and ten of the Council packet) did not include his concern that folk dancers be allowed to dance in street shoes; and 2) the summary of his second comment did not include that the contra dance group with which he was involved "had started small and grown larger and that this was a unique opportunity for the City to go for it."

(g) Marlin Gabbert, 17743 25th Avenue NE, encouraged Council to continue improvements in North City. He commended Council for its work with the School District and for the Joint Use Agreement with the District. He recommended continued Council emphasis on parks and recreation programs and on cooperation with the District.

Mayor Jepsen said the changes to 175th Street at I-5 are part of a State Department of Transportation (DOT) project. Public Works Director Bill Conner agreed to investigate problems with the changes and report back to Council. He supported the installation of a telephone at 175th Street for use by stranded motorists.

Mr. Burkett said the Planning Commission did not recommend the zoning change that Mr. McElmurry requested. He went on to explain briefly the revised fees in proposed Ordinance No. 285.

Mr. Burkett said Planning and Development Services posted the notice of decision regarding the Viking Properties building application at the building site, and the application meets City regulations. Planning and Development Services Director Tim Stewart acknowledged that the project is contentious and that it will create short-term construction impacts. He stated that cottage housing is a "critical component in the City meeting its housing targets."

In response to Deputy Mayor Hansen, Mr. Stewart agreed to investigate the proposal that Viking Properties submitted and that which the City approved.

6. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

Councilmember Lee moved that Council approve the agenda. Deputy Mayor Hansen seconded the motion, which carried unanimously, and the agenda was approved.

7. CONSENT CALENDAR

Councilmember Ransom moved approval of the consent calendar. Deputy Mayor Hansen seconded the motion, which carried unanimously, and the following items were approved:

Minutes of Special Meeting of August 20, 2001

Approval of expenses and payroll as of August 31, 2001 in the amount of $5,086,304.48

Motion to authorize the City Manager to execute a design contract with KPG in the amount not to exceed $525,000 for the North City Business District Improvement Project

Resolution No. 180 approving the Comprehensive Sewer Plan of Ronald Wastewater District, King County, Washington

Motion to authorize the City Manager to execute a Commute Trip Reduction Implementation Act Agreement with King County for Commute Trip Reduction services

8. ACTION ITEMS: PUBLIC HEARING

(a) Public hearing to consider citizens' comments on the proposed use of 2002 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding

Health and Human Services Manager Rob Beem reviewed the staff report.

Mayor Jepsen opened the public hearing.

Seeing no one wishing to address Council on this item, Deputy Mayor Hansen moved to close the public hearing. Councilmember Gustafson seconded the motion, which carried unanimously, and the public hearing was closed.

Motion to adopt the Health and Human Services Allocation Committee’s recommended 2002 CDBG allocations in the amount of $363,848 and to authorize the City Manager to enter into agreements for implementing these projects (contingent on the passage of the City of Shoreline budget, as well as the passage of the Federal budget.)

Councilmember Gustafson moved to adopt the Health and Human Services Allocation Committee’s recommended 2002 CDBG allocations in accordance with Attachment A (pages 35 and 36 of the Council packet) and to authorize the City Manager to enter into agreements for implementing the funded projects. Council-member Lee seconded the motion.

In response to Councilmember Ransom, Mr. Beem said the City is fully utilizing the money allocated to the King County Housing Repair Fund. He explained that the City is "running out of money and establishing a wait list before the end of each year." He went on to summarize the operation and income requirements of the program.

In response to Councilmember Grossman, Mr. Beem said the County operates a separate program for repairing rental properties. He attributed the low utilization of the program to the restrictions on rents that landlords must accept to participate.

In response to Councilmember Gustafson, Mr. Beem explained that the $40,000 that the City will receive from a canceled 2000 project (page 29 of the Council packet) pertains to the YMCA decision to decline funds the City allocated two years ago for a child care center.

Councilmember Gustafson noted the statement on page 32 of the Council packet that "The amounts listed for 2002 were contingent on successful performance of the project's performance measures and funding availability." Mr. Beem explained that the City sets performance goals for the year when it contracts with each agency. He indicated no concerns about any of the projects.

In response to Councilmember Gustafson, Mr. Beem said Shoreline families can access the emergency shelter that the Hopelink-Kenmore Shelter provides. He noted that the program also provides motel vouchers to families in need of emergency shelter. He explained that the Hopelink-Kenmore Shelter is the only emergency shelter for families in the area.

Councilmember Gustafson expressed appreciation that the recommendation includes a contingency plan both for the availability of additional funding and for necessary funding reductions.

Councilmember Lee expressed surprise that the City received only five eligible applications for the 2002 CDBG capital allocation. Mr. Beem attributed the low number of applications to the limited number of agencies in Shoreline and to the infrequency of major capital efforts by agencies.

Councilmember Grossman said two members of the Health and Human Services Allocation Committee had commented to him about "how positive they felt about the allocation process" and the high quality of the applications.

In response to Councilmember Gustafson, Mr. Beem explained the committee's perspective that the Hearing, Speech and Deafness Center is a regional facility unique throughout King County. He said the facility is relatively more accessible to Shoreline residents than to residents of other parts of King County.

Councilmember Gustafson commended the work of the citizen members of the committee. Mayor Jepsen named the citizen members: Ron Greeley, Scott Kenny, Toni Lindquist, Edith Loyer Nelson and Christine Smith.

Deputy Mayor Hansen emphasized the value of the King County Housing Repair Fund. He pointed out that this is a revolving fund to which the City has dedicated over $600,000.

A vote was taken on the motion to adopt the Health and Human Services Allocation Committee’s recommended 2002 CDBG allocations in accordance with Attachment A and to authorize the City Manager to enter into agreements for implementing the funded projects. The motion carried 6-0.

9. ACTION ITEMS: OTHER ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS

(a) Motion to authorize the City Manager to execute an addendum to the Joint Use Agreement between the City of Shoreline and the Shoreline School District regarding joint operation of the Spartan Gym facility

Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director Wendy Barry noted the following "housekeeping changes" to the proposed addendum:

Ms. Barry went on to review the proposed addendum.

Mayor Jepsen invited public comment.

(1) Richard Johnsen, 16730 Meridian Avenue N, asked about the School District policy regarding street shoes on "the wood dance floor." He noted that a participant at the contra dance at the Lake City Community Center August 23 expressed interest in using the Spartan Gym facility. He said City staff could not answer his inquiry about the rental cost of the facility.

Councilmember Gustafson moved that Council authorize the City Manager to execute an Addendum to the Joint Use Agreement between the City of Shoreline and the Shoreline School District regarding joint operation of the Spartan Gym facility. Councilmember Ransom seconded the motion.

In response to Mayor Jepsen, Ms. Barry explained that staff has not resolved all of the logistics of the use of the Spartan Gym facility. She said staff will have rental cost information within the next few weeks. She said street shoes on the dance room floor will necessitate more frequent refinishing, which will increase maintenance and operations costs.

Councilmember Gustafson said one of the rooms at the Spartan Gym is structured to accommodate dancing.

In response to Councilmember Gustafson, Ms. Barry confirmed that the City must repair any vandalism to the interior of the building that occurs during a City program. She said in the event that a group renting space at the facility is responsible for damages, the City will pass the cost of the damages to the group. She noted that the City will provide on-site supervision.

Councilmember Gustafson asserted the importance of the School District having priority use of the facility for after-school team practices. Ms. Barry agreed that there will be exceptions to City scheduling priority after regular school hours. She pointed out that City and School District staff will meet quarterly, review costs annually and make recommendations regarding cost sharing biannually.

Councilmember Ransom expressed enthusiasm about the proposed addendum and about the Spartan Gym Facility. Noting his and Councilmember Gustafson's past involvement with the School District and with the Shoreline Park and Recreation District as commissioners, he identified the Spartan Gym Facility as the realization of a vision.

Councilmember Grossman praised City and School District cooperation in providing soccer fields for area youth, as well as on the Spartan Gym Facility. He advocated future agreements including the City, the School District and Shoreline Community College.

A vote was taken on the motion that Council authorize the City Manager to execute an Addendum to the Joint Use Agreement between the City of Shoreline and the Shoreline School District regarding joint operation of the Spartan Gym facility. The motion carried 6-0.

(b) Ordinance No. 285 adopting revised fees for services for Parks and Recreation, Public Records, Development Permits and Returned Checks; and amending Chapter 3.01 of the Shoreline Municipal Code

Mr. Burkett explained the revisions to City fees for services.

Councilmember Ransom moved adoption of Ordinance No. 285. Deputy Mayor Hansen seconded the motion.

In response to Councilmember Lee, Finance Director Debbie Tarry said the City receives an average of 30 to 50 NSF checks annually.

In response to Councilmember Gustafson, Ms. Barry said the City will charge a shower fee for individuals who wish to shower only at the Spartan Gym, as well as for those who wish to shower only at the Shoreline Pool. She estimated that five to ten people use this service monthly.

In response to Councilmember Gustafson, Ms. Barry said staff compared the proposed fees for the Spartan Gym to fees at comparable school district facilities and to fees that other jurisdictions charge at similar facilities. She mentioned that staff plans to reevaluate the fees after one year.

Councilmember Gustafson questioned the $12 activity fee for the Spartan Gym for "Non-profit groups organized in support of District/City programs." He commented that the School District does not charge non-profit groups of School District students to use other District gyms. Ms. Barry said staff based the fee, in part, on the quality of the facility. Councilmember Gustafson advocated that the City carefully consider whether the proposed fee is the correct amount. Ms. Barry noted that the $12 fee is considerably lower than the fees that other municipal jurisdictions charge.

Mayor Jepsen said the proposed activity fee is consistent with his understanding of School District fees for gyms at elementary schools.

In response to Councilmember Gustafson, Shoreline School District Athletics Director Paul Lesh said the District charges for use of school gyms. He explained that the District has had to hire gym managers to provide supervision to prevent damage and maintenance problems. He estimated overall costs at $12 per hour. He said the District is reviewing this system.

Councilmember Gustafson encouraged staff to review the Spartan Gym activity fee as well. He expressed concern that a fee of $12 per hour will price some youth groups out of using the facility.

In response to Councilmember Ransom, Ms. Barry explained the Council policy by which staff calculates parks and recreation fees. Fees include direct costs (e.g., the cost of a class instructor). In addition, youth program fees include ten to 20 percent of the administrative overhead costs, and adult program fees include 20 to 30 percent of the administrative overhead costs.

In response to Councilmember Ransom, Mr. Stewart explained that staff proposes to use the Uniform Building Code to determine building permit fees. He noted that this is the industry standard.

In response to Deputy Mayor Hansen, Ms. Barry confirmed that individuals participating in a group that has paid a Spartan Gym activity fee will not have to pay a drop-in fee as well.

Deputy Mayor Hansen asserted that the fees for the Spartan Gym seem very reasonable.

A vote was taken on the motion to adopt Ordinance No. 285 adopting revised fees for services for Parks and Recreation, development permits, public records and returned checks, and amending Chapter 3.01 of the Shoreline Municipal Code. The motion carried 6-0.

(c) Resolution No. 176 Embracing Diversity and Multiculturalism within the City and Ensuring a Safe and Respectful Community for All People

Councilmember Lee mentioned damage to properties in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park and to the mural that the Echo Lake Neighborhood Association created at 205th Street and 1st Avenue NE. She said participants in meetings with the Mayor of Lake Forest Park have deplored crimes based on differences in values, beliefs or skin color. She explained the proposed resolution as a timely symbolic gesture of Council intent to embrace differences. She mentioned that the Lake Forest Park City Council has passed a similar resolution. She went on to read the proposed resolution. She noted the diverse population in Shoreline represented by the results of the 2000 census.

Councilmember Lee moved that Council adopt Resolution No. 176 Embracing Diversity and Multiculturalism within the City and Ensuring a Safe and Respectful Community for all People. Councilmember Grossman seconded the motion.

In response to Councilmember Ransom, City Attorney Ian Sievers said the proposed resolution does not change penalties for hate crimes but does direct Shoreline Police not to tolerate hate crime and "to charge and prosecute it to their utmost ability."

Councilmember Grossman asserted the importance of the resolution in light of changes in Shoreline. He said the diversity in the School District student body is even more pronounced than that in the Shoreline population. He commented that the resolution indicates a commitment by Council to embrace the opportunities and to work through the challenges of diversity.

Councilmember Gustafson commented on the changes in the School District student body and in Shoreline and agreed with the importance of the resolution.

A vote was taken on the motion that Council adopt Resolution No. 176 Embracing Diversity and Multiculturalism within the City and Ensuring a Safe and Respectful Community for all People. The motion carried 6-0.

Councilmember Ransom requested Council support for his application for the opening on the Steering Committee of the National League of Cities Human Development and Human Services Policy Committee. He mentioned that he has served on the policy committee for five years and that, as a licensed mental health counselor and a nationally-certified rehabilitation counselor, he has experience in the field.

Councilmembers expressed their support for Councilmember Ransom's application.

10. CONTINUED PUBLIC COMMENT

(a) Stan Terry, 15811 28th Avenue NE, spoke on behalf of Citizens for a Safer Aurora. He said the alternative that opponents to the Aurora Corridor Project support offers "very little in the way of safety improvements." He went on to discuss DOT statistics concerning vehicle traffic and accidents on the Shoreline section of Aurora Avenue during 1999 and 2000.

(b) Vance McElmurry, 17503 8th Avenue NE, expressed surprise that Council approved the expenses and payroll as of August 31, 2001 (agenda item 7[b]) "as quickly as it did." He asked if Council had determined the necessity of the expenses. "My idea, and other people's idea, is in this community that every year our taxes and our fees go up and up, and every year what we get for those monies gets less and less in the form of a new fee for a service."

(c) Catherine Connoway, 945 N 199th Street, said loopholes in the landlord-tenant laws in Shoreline are unfair to tenants. She discussed problems she has had as an apartment renter in Shoreline. She advocated revisions in landlord-tenant laws to protect tenants.

(d) Richard Johnsen, 16730 Meridian Avenue N, reported the recent death of longtime Shoreline resident Micky Gau. He went on to discuss Ms. Gau's contributions to Shoreline.

(e) Jim Shea, 16309 Interlake Avenue N, commented that Aurora Avenue is not safe. He stated that raised medians and U-turn lanes in the City of Sea-Tac are effective. He asserted that "a lot of misinformation is being spread" about the Aurora Corridor Project. He thanked Council and staff for their work on the project.

Mayor Jepsen said Councilmembers receive copies of voucher records every time approval of expenses and payroll appears on the consent calendar. He noted that Councilmembers have questioned expenses, delayed Council approval and requested additional information in the past. He disagreed that the City has increased taxes and decreased services. He pointed out that the City receives only seven percent of Shoreline property tax revenues. He noted that Ordinance No. 285 will slightly reduce building permit costs.

Mayor Jepsen asked staff to follow up with Ms. Connoway regarding landlord-tenant laws.

Councilmember Ransom said tenants in Shoreline have relatively few rights compared to tenants in Seattle. He commented that tenant protections in Seattle may be too extreme, but he suggested the City consider establishing "some basic tenant rights."

Mr. Sievers said the State Residential Landlord-Tenant Act creates a balance between the rights of tenants and property owners. He noted that the City of Seattle is an exception in terms of adopting local regulations to provide additional protections for tenants.

Mayor Jepsen asked staff to prepare a brief report regarding City options on landlord-tenant law.

Deputy Mayor Hansen provided a brief overview of City financial operations in response to Mr. McElmurry's comments. Councilmembers Lee and Gustafson asserted the fiscal responsibility of Council and the City. Councilmember Ransom said the City property tax assessment is smaller than the assessment the County levied before incorporation, and the City provides more services than the County provided.

11. ADJOURNMENT

At 9:38 p.m., Mayor Jepsen declared the meeting adjourned.

 

______________________
Sharon Mattioli, CMC
City Clerk