CITY OF SHORELINE

SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL

SUMMARY MINUTES OF DINNER MEETING

Monday, October 8, 2001

6:00 p.m.

Shoreline Conference Center

Highlander Room

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

ABSENT: Councilmember Gustafson

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

The meeting convened at 6:20 p.m.

City Manager Steve Burkett mentioned that Dale Wright was planning to speak at tonight’s meeting about traffic safety and would reference changes in traffic accident rates on 185^th St. since the street was restriped. Mr. Burkett also informed the Council that an Aurora Corridor video is being produced and will be completed soon.

Responding to Councilmember Lee, Joyce Nichols, Community and Government Relations Manager, elaborated on the objectives of the video.

Mayor Jepsen brought up the issue of redistricting King County Council District No. 1. He noted that the question is whether Shoreline should be combined with: 1) Seattle to the south; 2) Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and Bothell to the east; or 3) into the rural/urban King County area including Duvall.

Councilmember Ransom stated his view that Shoreline should be combined with cities to the east.

Deputy Mayor Hansen believed Shoreline has more infrastructure in common with Seattle but more opportunity to work well with the suburban cities to the east.

Mayor Jepsen suggested that the City Council write a letter supporting the concept of including primarily Shoreline with the eastern suburban cities, including Woodinville, plus whatever portion of Seattle is needed to establish the necessary population.

Mr. Burkett committed to preparing a letter for the Mayor’s signature.

Mr. Burkett then raised the issue of a response to the Suburban Cities Association (SCA) survey regarding their strategic planning process. He described some component elements of SCA’s mission in the region and stated his view that SCA is very good at providing networking. He noted a major problem with the SCA is that Bellevue and Seattle are currently not included. He said the regional finance and governance is the biggest issue facing the region. However, trying to develop strategies at SCA for regional governance is very difficult with 37 different cities at the table.

Mr. Burkett proposed that instead, Shoreline coordinate with a limited number of cities to effect some type of regional governance and finance program within King County.

Deputy Mayor Hansen stated that SCA has been effective in advocating for cities regarding some issues. He said he wants to stay involved in SCA if just for the networking.

Councilmember Ransom believed that participation in SCA gives the City direct input into regional issues. He thought the City should support the larger organization (even at a cost to the City of $29,000 versus the current $17,500).

Mayor Jepsen asked Councilmembers what they recommend about the growth of SCA and at what level Shoreline should support it. He and Councilmembers Lee and Grossman supported the status quo, without an increase in SCA dues.

Deputy Mayor Hansen said he had mixed feelings.

Councilmember Ransom felt the City should work to support the more expensive option.

Mr. Burkett turned to the issue of Council salaries. In response to Councilmember Ransom’s request, he provided the Council with information about salaries for Seattle and King County Council.

Mayor Jepsen mentioned that Councilmembers Lee and Montgomery were not present at the last discussion.

Councilmember Lee did not support the idea of a salary commission. As for salaries and benefits, she believed the Council positions are primarily voluntary.

Councilmember Montgomery arrived at 7:15 p.m.

Councilmember Ransom commented on the two salary studies and noted that the full survey done in May supported $900 per month plus benefits. He pointed out that the City of Edmonds pays $750 per month plus $50 per meeting up to $1,100 per month plus benefits, and that the City of Lynnwood pays $1,000 per month plus benefits. He also noted that Everett and Bellevue paid $1,000 per month plus benefits when they were Shoreline's current population size. He concluded by expressing his support for full benefits.

Councilmember Montgomery opposed a salary commission and supported the status quo.

Mayor Jepsen also supported the status quo.

Councilmember Grossman stated he would rather see a benefits package than a salary increase.

Councilmember Lee believed the salaries are insignificant but would support the rest of the Council.

A majority of the Councilmembers present said that increasing benefits is more important than salary. They preferred a modest level of benefits (in the range of $350), not the full amount given to employees.

The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

________________________________
Larry Bauman, Assistant City Manager