CITY OF SHORELINE

SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL

SUMMARY MINUTES OF WORKSHOP MEETING

Monday, September 17, 2001

6:30 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 6:32 p.m. by Mayor Jepsen, who presided.

2. FLAG SALUTE/ROLL CALL

Mayor Jepsen led the flag salute. Upon roll call by the Deputy City Clerk, all Councilmembers were present with the exception of Councilmember Montgomery.

Deputy Mayor Hansen moved to excuse Councilmember Montgomery. Council-member Lee seconded the motion, which carried unanimously, and Council-member Montgomery was excused.

3. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

City Manager Steve Burkett reported that the first School District task force meeting regarding surplus property is scheduled for October 5 at 1:30 p.m. He mentioned that the October 1 Council meeting may be cancelled. He noted a staff memorandum in response to citizen concerns about the State Department of Transportation project on 175^th Street at Interstate 5 and a staff memorandum regarding Meridian Park Cottage Homes.

Councilmember Ransom expressed concern about the cottage housing project, given prior Council discussion about the proper density of the subject parcel. Mr. Burkett noted that the cottage housing provision in the Development Code allows a higher density under certain requirements. He said the City has approved the proposed development. Councilmember Ransom suggested that Council may want to discuss the zoning and development of the parcel.

4. COUNCIL REPORTS

Councilmember Grossman said the Seashore Transportation Forum will meet September 19.

Councilmember Ransom said the Jail Advisory Committee will meet September 24. He noted that the County has presented new jail fees that are much higher than those it previously discussed. He said representatives of suburban cities are, at the same time, trying to negotiate jail services contracts with the County. He stated that suburban cities need to meet to discuss the issue and to consider alternatives to contracting with the County for jail services.

In response to Mayor Jepsen, Mr. Burkett confirmed City concern about County actions regarding jail services and costs. He explained that Suburban Cities Association (SCA) member jurisdictions, Seattle and Bellevue are participating in a coalition to address the issue. He stressed the importance of maintaining the coalition. He said a group of city managers is investigating alternatives to contracting with King County for jail services.

Councilmember Gustafson said the Water Resource Inventory Area 8 Forum will meet September 26. He attended the September 12 SCA meeting with Deputy Mayor Hansen.

In response to Councilmember Gustafson, Mr. Burkett confirmed that staff obtained a certificate of occupancy for the Shoreline Pool.

Deputy Mayor Hansen reported that he and Councilmember Gustafson met briefly with State Transportation Secretary Doug McDonald after the September 12 SCA meeting and that Secretary McDonald agreed to visit Shoreline to review its transportation situation.

Mayor Jepsen commended the service that north end churches organized September 14 at the Shoreline Conference Center to address the events of September 11. He said the meeting of the north end mayors scheduled for earlier in the day was cancelled. He reported that King County has narrowed the number of candidate sites for the Brightwater wastewater treatment facility to two, the Edmonds Unocal and Highway 9 sites. He asserted that Council, staff and Shoreline residents did well to focus on the siting criteria in opposing the siting of the facility at Pt. Wells.

At Councilmember Gustafson's suggestion, Council observed a moment of silence to reflect upon the events of September 11.

5. PUBLIC COMMENT

(a) Charlotte Haines, 836 NE 194^th Street, strongly supported the proposed design of the seven-and-a-half-foot-wide sidewalks, the four-foot planting area and the dedicated bus lanes in the Aurora Corridor Project. She noted the difficulty of walking beside her husband, who uses a wheelchair, on narrower sidewalks. She discussed the value of bus stops that allow the safe loading and unloading of passengers in wheelchairs.

(b) Timothy Crawford, 2326 N 155^th Street, opposed Deputy Mayor Hansen's candidacy for City Council Position No. 7.

6. WORKSHOP ITEMS

(a) Discussion Regarding Proposed Interlocal Agreement with the Shoreline Water District

Kristoff Bauer, Assistant to the City Manager, reviewed the staff report.

Responding to Councilmember Ransom, Mr. Bauer said the proposed Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) is meant as a mechanism for broader input into Shoreline Water District policy decision making. He noted that CAC membership must be proportionate to the number of District customers in Shoreline and that Council will appoint at least one CAC member. The CAC will not include representation of the Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) water service area until the District acquires the service area. Mr. Bauer pointed out that the District has agreed to include Council in higher level policy decision making such as the acquisition, transfer or other disposition of its service area. He said the CAC will focus more on annual decision making (e.g., budgeting and capital improvement projects).

Councilmember Ransom asserted that the proposed interlocal agreement requires a "huge level of trust" that the District will act fairly. He noted that the District will have authority to appoint all of the CAC members except one. He indicated that past experience has diminished his trust. He said the proposed agreement seems unbalanced from the City's perspective.

Mayor Jepsen commented that Section 1 of the proposed interlocal agreement, which addresses the CAC, is less essential than Sections 2, 3 and 4. He stressed the importance of Section 2, which addresses City involvement in negotiations with SPU about District assumption of the SPU service area on the west side of Shoreline. He noted that Section 4 addresses staff coordination to promote cooperation between the City and the District. He pointed out that Section 3 lists four of the major issues with which the City is most concerned, given its responsibilities under the Growth Management Act (GMA) to insure satisfactory water service for the community.

Referring to the second sentence in the first paragraph of Section 3, Deputy Mayor Hansen said the proposed agreement acknowledges the fact that the Board of Commissioners has "sole authority . . . to direct the operations of the Shoreline Water District." He said the proposed agreement is "a step in the right direction" by initiating cooperation between the City and the District.

Councilmember Gustafson agreed. He said the proposed agreement sets the District and the City in the direction the City has sought to pursue. He supported the CAC as a means of involving and educating Shoreline citizens in District operations. He suggested the revision of the second sentence of Section 5, "Reporting & Periodic Review," to stipulate a timeframe (e.g., quarterly or semiannually) for City and District consultations regarding the implementation of the agreement.

Councilmember Ransom said he had expected the agreement to be "more performance based." He advocated the inclusion of performance measurements to assess progress toward accomplishments.

Mayor Jepsen referred to the requirement in Section 2.2 that the District "provide an initial report to the City by January 31, 2002 . . . regarding its progress with the West-Side System." He suggested that the City could request milestones and timeframes then about how that process will move forward.

Councilmember Ransom suggested consideration of "the successes of the sewer district" for "what they achieved by certain times and what was involved."

Mr. Burkett commented that the City is trying to create a collaborative relationship with the District, which is a long-established governmental agency with an elected board. He asserted that the performance measures or milestones the City can impose are limited. He identified the proposed agreement as "one step along the road of trying to establish a more collaborative, cooperative relationship."

Councilmember Grossman agreed. He suggested that the responsibility of the Board of Commissioners to City concerns is secondary to the responsibility of the commissioners to the ratepayers who elected them to address water service in the District service area. He supported the proposed agreement as a "testament" to the willingness of the District to work together with the City. He said the proposal establishes objectives the City sought.

Deputy Mayor Hansen noted the City's responsibility under State law for the water service needs of Shoreline residents. Assuming that the District is meeting those needs, he supported the proposed agreement. He advocated collaboration over the alternative of a "hostile takeover" of the District.

Councilmember Gustafson commented that the statement in Section 2.3 that "the City and District may share the expenses of the consultants" contradicts the statement in the staff report that the proposed agreement will have no financial impact on the City.

Mayor Jepsen expressed Council consensus to move forward with the proposed agreement. He suggested that staff consider clarifying the structure of the CAC without revising the agreement.

In response to Councilmember Ransom, Mr. Bauer said he would request information from Ronald Wastewater District regarding consultant fees it incurred during its negotiations with SPU.

Mr. Burkett said staff does not anticipate any consultant costs (e.g., the City does not intend to help pay for consultants the Water District hires during its negotiations with SPU).

(b) Status Update of the Design for the South Segment of the Interurban Trail Project

Public Works Director Bill Conner introduced Project Manager Paul Cornish and OTAK design consultants Mandi Roberts, Nico Vanderhorst and Nora Daley.

Mr. Conner reviewed the four segments of the Interurban Trail Project: south segment, 145^th Street to 155^th Street; south-central segment, 155^th Street to 175^th Street; north-central segment, 175^th Street to 185^th Street; and north segment, 185^th Street to 205^th Street. He discussed recent project activities, including:

• City submission of environmental documents April 30, 2001;
• Council award of the final design contract for the north and south segments May 29, 2001;
• Neighborhood meetings during June, July, August and September;
• Receipt of the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation grant for the south-central segment July 18, 2001;
• Finalization of use agreement with Seattle City Light (SCL) August 20, 2001;
• Receipt of grant funding to design bridge over Aurora Avenue August 3, 2001; and
• Submission of clearing and grading permit application for south segment September 13, 2001.

Mr. Conner went on to describe the proposed trailhead at N 145^th Street. He requested Council input on the design of the kiosk roof sign. He discussed the proposed site furnishings and landscaping.

(1) Mary Jo Heller, 14804 North Park Avenue N, stressed that the Interurban Trail is an important link in a regional trail and that the trail is inextricably linked with the Aurora Corridor. She said the Westminster Triangle Network has held three meetings about the trail project during the past 18 months. She mentioned some of the concerns of neighborhood residents (e.g., transients, lighting). She complimented City staff for its responsiveness to the input of neighborhood residents.

In response to Mayor Jepsen, Mr. Cornish explained the schedule for the remaining design and the construction of the Interurban Trail. He said design of the south segment is 60 percent complete; affected agencies are reviewing the plans; and staff hopes to begin construction this winter. He acknowledged that the City awarded the design contract for the south and north segments at the same time, but he explained that staff and consultants have focused on the south segment. He said they will focus on the north segment during the next month. He noted the goal to begin construction on the north segment in the spring or summer of 2002. Staff and consultants will then focus on design of the south-central segment with construction beginning toward the end of 2002. He said staff hopes to complete the entire project by the end of 2002 or during 2003.

Mayor Jepsen expressed frustration at the complexity of the project. He said he would have preferred that the City work through and complete the south and south-central segments at once. He advocated a comprehensive design for the entire length of the trail, not segment-specific designs.

In response to Councilmember Ransom, Mr. Cornish reiterated the goal to complete the south, north and south-central segments of the trail by the end of 2002 or early 2003. He noted that the north-central segment is part of the Central Shoreline Subarea.

In response to Councilmember Lee, Mr. Cornish explained his work with Planning and Development Services to insure the integration of the portion of the trail that Top Foods is constructing as part of its development at 175^th Street and the City's south-central segment.

Councilmember Gustafson expressed surprise at the estimated cost to design and construct a pedestrian bridge at N 155^th Street. He asserted the importance of coordinating the design of the pedestrian bridge with the design of the Westminster Triangle area. Mr. Cornish said he and OTAK are both involved in the work that Economic Development Coordinator Jan Briggs is doing in the Westminster Triangle area.

Noting the value of a bicycle commuting corridor, Councilmember Gustafson asked about City of Seattle progress on the segment of the trail from Lake Union to 145^th Street. Mr. Cornish said the Interurban Trail was third on the list of City of Seattle bike trail priorities the last time he conferred with City of Seattle staff. He expressed hope that Seattle will make the Interurban Trail a higher priority after the City begins construction of the trail north of 145^th Street. Councilmember Gustafson advocated that staff develop a plan regarding the Seattle segment of the trail.

In response to Councilmember Gustafson, Mr. Cornish said staff has not yet received information from SCL about its review of the design of the south segment.

Councilmember Gustafson stressed the importance of connecting the Interurban Trail and the Burke-Gilman Trail. He advocated that the design process for the Interurban Trail include a preliminary design or vision of the interconnection. Mr. Cornish confirmed that the Interurban Trail design will incorporate the pedestrian bridge over I-5 at 195^th Street. He said the design process will consider bike lanes on 200^th Street, 195^th Street and 185^th Street.

Councilmember Gustafson suggested an Adopt-a-Trail program in which citizens or businesses would maintain portions of the trail.

Councilmember Gustafson expressed concern about vandalism, particularly of the kiosk at the 145^th Street trailhead. Mr. Cornish said staff can consider alternatives to the wood construction of the kiosk.

In response to Councilmember Gustafson, Mr. Cornish confirmed that he has attended and provided information about the Interurban Trail Project at meetings of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Advisory Committee.

In response to Councilmember Ransom, Mr. Cornish said staff proposes to include the narrower "B-Line" through most of the south and south-central segments. He said staff has not identified locations for other kiosks besides that at the 145^th Street trailhead. He indicated the possibility for amenities at Echo Lake and at 192^nd Street.

In response to Councilmember Ransom, Mr. Cornish confirmed that staff has the study of the Interurban Trail, including a pedestrian bridge across Aurora Avenue, that previous consultants conducted.

Councilmember Ransom praised the proposed design. Mr. Cornish said staff hopes to solicit bids in November for construction of the south segment. He indicated that the south segment is not likely to open until next spring.

Councilmember Lee stressed the importance of attending to the privacy concerns that property owners raised at stakeholder meetings.

Mayor Jepsen advocated that the design of the trailhead at N 145^th Street address both the east side of the trail and the west side of the driveway (e.g., with similar planting treatment). He commented that the design focuses on the center of the right-of-way to the exception of the sides. He said Attachment C should depict the entire right-of-way (e.g., including both sides and the location of power lines and poles) to provide the context of proposed City improvements.

Regarding the kiosk, Mayor Jepsen mentioned concrete construction made to look like old growth timber. He tasked staff with identifying "the most maintenance free method" for constructing the kiosk.

Mayor Jepsen said site furnishings should be consistent for the entire length of the trail, and he said site lighting should be consistent with site furnishings.

Deputy Mayor Hansen favored the first option for the kiosk roof sign.

In response to Deputy Mayor Hansen, Mr. Cornish confirmed that the pedestrian bridge will cross both 155^th Street and Aurora Avenue. Regarding maintenance of the Interurban right-of-way, he said the City will maintain its improvements, and SCL will maintain the rest. Mr. Burkett commented that SCL does not have any plans to upgrade its maintenance. Mr. Cornish confirmed that the trail has been designed to withstand use by SCL service vehicles.

Deputy Mayor Hansen suggested that individuals, families and service clubs be able to donate improvements (e.g., memorial benches) along the trail. He supported the old-growth timber construction of the kiosk proposed by staff.

In response to Councilmember Ransom, Mr. Burkett said the City does not currently have complete plans on including Darnell Park at 165^th Street in the south-central segment of the Interurban Trail. He acknowledged that the park abuts the SCL right-of-way and that the City could therefore widen its improvements and integrate the park.

In response to Councilmember Ransom, Mr. Cornish said he is participating in the Westminster redevelopment project to determine how to incorporate the Interurban Trail, in general, and the pedestrian bridge, in particular.

Councilmembers expressed their opinions on the design for the kiosk roof sign. Mr. Conner acknowledged Council support of the first option. He said staff will address the east side of the trail and the west side of the driveway in the design of the trailhead at N 145^th Street (Attachment A).

Mr. Burkett commented that the pedestrian bridge merits a great deal more consideration given its cost. He said staff will investigate other materials for constructing the kiosk that may be more resistant than wood to vandalism. Finally, he advised that staff will provide a written schedule of activity on each segment of the Interurban Trail Project.

7. CONTINUED PUBLIC COMMENT

(a) Richard Johnsen, 16730 Meridian Avenue N, supported the proposed design for the south segment of the Interurban Trail Project. He supported "Ronald Subarea Plan" as the name for the subarea planning process discussed at the September 4, 2001 Council Workshop. He discussed this and other ways to represent the history of Shoreline.

(b) Mary Jo Heller, 14804 North Park Avenue N, supported the celebration of historic areas in Shoreline. She noted her understanding that the trailhead at N 145^th Street was designed as a roundhouse to maintain the historical context of the Interurban Railway. She asserted the importance of the pedestrian bridge.

Mayor Jepsen advised that Councilmembers Grossman, Gustafson and Ransom expressed interest in serving on the School District task force regarding surplus property and asked them to confer and report back to him about participation on the task force.

8. ADJOURNMENT

At 8:42 p.m., Mayor Jepsen declared the meeting adjourned.

________________________
Sharon Mattioli, CMC
City Clerk