CITY OF SHORELINE

SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL

SUMMARY MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING

Monday, October 15, 2001

6:30 p.m.

Shoreline Conference Center

Mt. Rainier Room

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

ABSENT: None

1. CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor Jepsen, who presided.

2. FLAG SALUTE/ROLL CALL

Mayor Jepsen led the flag salute. Upon roll call by the City Clerk, all Councilmembers were present, with the exception of Councilmember Montgomery, who arrived later in the meeting.

3. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT AND FUTURE AGENDAS

City Manager Steven C. Burkett reported on:

• his visit to Densmore Avenue to view the problems mentioned by Mr. Ingraham at last week’s Council meeting. Mr. Burkett said the needed street repairs cannot be done quickly, so they must be evaluated with competing needs on other streets.
• a newspaper ad by the Concerned Citizens of Shoreline alleging that the police and fire departments have concerns that the Aurora Project will increase response times. Mr. Burkett said the Police Department has been involved in the Aurora planning and has no concerns about response times. Staff has asked for input from the Fire Department.
• the closure of the post office this morning and the demands on local resources to investigate suspicious mail.

4. COUNCIL REPORTS

Councilmember Grossman commented on the new goal of the Seashore Forum to become a stronger advocacy group to ensure that the north end receives "more of a fair shake" for the dollars it contributes to transportation.

Councilmember Ransom reported that the Jail Advisory Committee meeting was postponed by King County. He said he attended the Central Shoreline Design Charrette on three different days, and he was pleased with the process.

Councilmember Lee commented on a voice mail she received from a woman who protested that many businesses along Aurora Avenue have non-English signage. Councilmember Lee said she checked the signs in question and all signs in other languages also contain English.

Deputy Mayor Hansen also attended the charrette and was impressed with some of the ideas that came out of it. Mayor Jepsen also commented on the charrette process. He said a variety of options will be studied.

Mayor Jepsen reported that he met with the State of Washington Secretary of Transportation about the Aurora Plan and other transportation projects in Shoreline. The Secretary made his view clear that medians on Aurora Avenue are a necessity.

Councilmember Lee commented on the importance of everyone at the State "speaking the same language" regarding the Aurora Corridor Project. Mayor Jepsen agreed that because of its size, it is easy to receive a variety of messages coming from the Department of Transportation. Mayor Jepsen said he spoke on a variety of topics with the Secretary and asked for a single point of contact.

5. PUBLIC COMMENT

(a) Daniel Mann, 17920 Stone Avenue N, commented on the business community’s presentation at the design charrette. He said the consultants called it "the most professional they had ever seen made by a group of citizens." Mr. Mann offered to make a similar presentation to the City Council and the Department of Transportation. He said the consultants concurred that Aurora Avenue is not amenable to being looked at as a "Main Street."

(b) Marlin Gabbert, 17743 25^th Avenue NE, said he was bothered about the comment made to Councilmember Lee about the ethnic signage on Aurora Avenue. He expressed pride in the ethnic diversity in Shoreline.

6. ACTION ITEM

(a) Motion to authorize the City Manager to execute an amendment to the contract with RAS Builders, Inc. in the amount of $60,400 to replace siding and install a vapor barrier at the Richmond Highlands Recreation Center

Wendy Barry, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director, reviewed the staff report distributed to Council tonight. She summarized that work at the Richmond Highlands Recreation Center pursuant to the contract previously approved by Council has revealed the lack of a vapor barrier, as well as moisture damage and dry rot in the structure. Addressing these problems requires a change in the scope of work for the project. She said the conditions were not foreseeable or apparent during pre-design inspections.

Ms. Barry reviewed the alternatives, noting that the contractor will not warranty the work without installation of the vapor barrier. Replacement with wood planking (hardi-plank) is the least expensive option. It is resistant to vandalism and requires less maintenance. Ms. Barry pointed out that the proposal restores the building to its appearance circa 1937, before the current log siding was added to the building. She concluded that there is a construction contingency in the contract, but this work would have gone beyond the amount remaining in the contingency.

Deputy Mayor Hansen moved to authorize the City Manager to execute an amendment to the contract with RAS Builders, Inc. in the amount of $60,400 to replace siding and install a vapor barrier at the Richmond Highlands Recreation Center. Councilmember Gustafson seconded the motion.

Councilmember Ransom wondered if the log siding might not have a value. He also said the Recreation Center has been a log building since he moved to Shoreline 30 years ago. He commented that the project has turned out to be quite expensive by square footage of remodeling. Ms. Barry explained the problems with reusing the logs, either on the building or elsewhere. She pointed out that the logs are really only half-logs attached to other siding material.

Mr. Burkett clarified that even with the contract amendment and the use of the contingency, the project will come in about $40,000 under the adopted budget of $669,220.

Responding to Councilmember Ransom, Ms. Barry said the completion date is still projected to be late January.

Responding to Councilmember Gustafson, Ms. Barry explained that because this issue just came up last week, there was no time to take it to the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Advisory Committee or the Richland Highlands Neighborhood.

Councilmember Grossman said it is important to have a warranty and to be assured of the soundness of the exterior of the building. He said he would feel differently about the siding if the building actually had been constructed with full logs.

Deputy Mayor Hansen wished to insure that the dry rot will be fully addressed. Ms. Barry said some framing is included in the scope of work, although painting is not. She said the material comes primed and will hold nicely until next spring. Painting is covered in the total Capital Improvement Program (CIP) project cost.

In response to Mayor Jepsen, Ms. Barry confirmed that the project architect has reviewed the cost estimate.

Councilmember Ransom concluded that it is important to protect the structure and insure its long life.

Mr. Burkett said there are probably citizens who prefer the "log look." He warned Councilmembers to expect some complaints about the change to siding.

A vote was taken on the motion, which carried 6 – 0, and the City Manager was authorized to execute a contract amendment with RAS Builders, Inc. in the amount of $60,400 to replace siding and install a vapor barrier at the Richmond Highlands Recreation Center.

7. WORKSHOP ITEMS

(a) Status Update of the Neighborhood Traffic Safety Program

Bill Conner, Public Works Director, reviewed the staff report to explain the elements and processes of the Neighborhood Traffic Safety Program (NTSP) and to bring the Council up-to-date on what has been done since June, when the program began. He emphasized that this is a program designed to address traffic problems in residential areas. He reported that cities with similar programs have reported that 90 percent of the problems have been taken care of through education and enforcement, without having to go to engineering solutions.

Mr. Conner outlined the basic criteria for the program and explained the difference between problems considered in the NTSP and those that need immediate attention. He used the example of the Briarcrest Neighborhood requesting that the double line be removed from 27^th Avenue NE between 145^th and 165^th Streets as a request that was sent to the City’s Traffic Advisory Committee (TAC) to take immediate action. The NTSP works on a longer timeframe.

Mr. Conner reviewed the organization of the NTSP. He emphasized the requirement for at least seven signatures on the request to review a problem and attendance at a workshop by two volunteers. There are currently 32 areas participating in the NTSP. He used Evanston Avenue west of Aurora Avenue as an example of changes that have improved safety.

Mayor Jepsen called for public comment.

(1) Marlin Gabbert, 17743 25^th Avenue NE, expressed a concern about 25^th Avenue NE, where speeds are 35 to 40 miles per hour. He said 25^th Avenue NE needs a 25 mile/hour speed limit. This would make it consistent with the school zone to the south and Lake Forest Park speed limits to the north.

Councilmember Montgomery arrived at 7:35 p.m.

(2) Daniel Mann, 17920 Stone Avenue N, said the City must have a way to evaluate unintended consequences when it changes a traffic pattern. He said 185^th Street appears to be functioning well but has shunted traffic onto side streets.

Responding to Councilmember Lee, Kris Stouffer-Overleese, Project Manager, said the 32 listed areas have contacted the Customer Response Team and have been sent information packets. It is the residents’ responsibility to get the seven signatures and sign up for the workshop. Once this has occurred, the City will begin collecting baseline data about the problem.

Mayor Jepsen said speed limits have come up during the campaign. He asked if there is a uniform traffic code speed limit for arterials.

Mr. Conner said the County has a standard for streets in King County. The usual speed for arterials is 30 miles/hour. He said 25^th Avenue is a street used by non-residents. The school makes the issue one for consideration by the TAC. He said the City continually monitors problems on both arterials and non-arterials. He assured the Council that traffic impacts are considered on all streets affected by a proposed change.

Ms. Overleese added that speed limits are generally set by determining the speed at which 85 percent of the drivers are traveling the road.

Mayor Jepsen asked about unintended consequences of changes in traffic flow. He said when engineering solutions are pursued, the City must be careful that it is not just moving a problem from one street to another. He said when such solutions are proposed, Council must be educated about the consequences and impacts on other streets.

Mr. Burkett concluded that the NTSP is designed to be very deliberative and to consider impacts to the neighborhoods.

Councilmember Montgomery commented that she is familiar with traffic on 185^th Street, and she has not experienced the overflow onto the side streets that Mr. Mann referenced in his comments. Ms. Overleese responded that the City has data from before the reconfiguration and that she should have comparative data by the end of this year.

Councilmember Ransom commented on increasing traffic on 183^rd Street and Stone Avenue, on 180^th Street, and on Wallingford from 145^th to 175^th Street. He also raised the issue of impacts to 5^th Avenue NE and 10^th Avenue NE if 15^th Avenue NE is reduced to three lanes.

Mr. Burkett said Council provided funding in the 15^th Avenue NE project to analyze impacts to other streets of reducing the number of lanes, as well as to install physical deterrents if necessary to prevent traffic spillover to neighborhood side streets.

Ms. Overleese recommended that Council direct individuals with complaints or concerns to the Customer Response Team.

Responding to Councilmember Grossman, Ms. Overleese said there is still funding to address problems in other areas if citizens wish to participate in the program. Council-member Grossman said he was glad to see a good data component to provide information about whether traffic is increasing area wide or shifting from one street to another.

Deputy Mayor Hansen asked about the proposal to eliminate the double yellow lines on 27^th Avenue NE. Ms. Overleese explained the membership of the TAC and reviewed the options the TAC may be considering regarding this problem. She noted that the TAC would probably be considering the precedent that would be set Citywide if the lines are removed. Deputy Mayor Hansen said the double yellow lines make drivers think the street is an arterial, which it is not. He felt this contributes to faster speeds on the street. Concluding, he said 27^th Avenue NE is close to an elementary school, and a number of children cross it to go to school.

Responding to Councilmember Gustafson, Ms. Overleese said a minimum of one person from the neighborhood must attend the mandatory workshop, which provides an overview of the NTSP and instruction in performing traffic monitoring tasks safely. The workshop takes between one and two hours.

Mayor Jepsen thanked staff for the information. He expressed interest in hearing from attendees about the program.

Councilmember Ransom asked if 183^rd Street and Wallingford are on the list of areas.

Mr. Conner said 1312 N 183^rd Street and Meridian Avenue are on the list. The packet has been sent and staff is awaiting a response. There is no Wallingford area.

Ms. Overleese noted that when the City is contacted about problems by several different individuals in the same area, staff recommends that they contact each other in order to move forward.

(b) Draft City Gateway Planning Proposal

Kirk McKinley, Planning Manager, reviewed the plan for developing a master plan for constructing and maintaining attractive landscaping and signage at strategic gateways into the City. He said the proposed budget for the project is $50,000 for study and preliminary design and $100,000 per year over three years for implementation. The goal is to provide a consistent, common theme for entrances to the City. It is also hoped that the development of a standard identifier will be transferable to parks and other City facilities.

Mr. McKinley referred to a map of proposed gateway locations, highlighting the primary, supportive and cooperative locations. He reviewed a proposed timeline. He summarized that this project is a cross-departmental effort by Planning and Development Services, Public Works and Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services. He asked for Council confirmation that staff is proceeding according to Council’s vision and expectations.

Mayor Jepsen said the proposal is heading in the correct direction, although he did wish it could move a little faster. He felt this could be done by utilizing private sector development, such as occurred with Walgreen’s at 145^th Street/Aurora Avenue and in North City. He emphasized the importance of reminding people at various locations that they are in Shoreline and not just at gateway points.

Councilmember Lee noted that the project budget would not allow the City to cover all the potential gateway locations. She suggested focusing on the sites that are good candidates for public/private partnerships.

Mr. McKinley said that as CIP projects come along that are at gateway locations, staff has tried to incorporate gateway design into them.

Mr. Burkett assured Council that staff is looking at opportunities to work with the private sector.

Councilmember Ransom commented that in his opinion Meridian Avenue carries enough traffic that it should be considered a key gateway. He also suggested that population be included on all the "City of Shoreline" signs. He felt Shoreline should advertise its population of 53,000 to make sure people don’t think of it as a small town.

Councilmember Gustafson concurred with the importance of prioritizing the gateway projects. He suggested looking at the Westminster Triangle/Dayton location. Mr. Burkett responded that the Rotary Club has approached the City about a project involving that site.

8. CONTINUED PUBLIC COMMENT

(a) Brian Donnebrink, 20330 Burke Avenue N, spoke in support of the Aurora Corridor Plan. He noted the work of the Citizens Advisory Task Force (CATF), of which he was a member. He explained the reason why the CATF recommended medians, Business Access/Transit (BAT) lanes and sidewalks. He concluded that the plan represents a good proposal that will provide safety improvements and enhanced traffic flow.

(b) Don Sands, The Highlands, spoke as a developer familiar with downtown improvements. He said a city must have a future concept of the community before developers will invest in it. He gave examples of investments in downtown infrastructure that have encouraged a resurgence of economic vitality, contrasting Del Rey Beach, Florida with Great Falls, Montana. He expressed surprise that business owners are complaining about the Aurora Corridor Project, given that they aren’t being required to pay for it, as is often the case. He concluded that it would be a shame for the future of Shoreline if a minority holds up this important project.

(c) Jim Mackey, The Highlands, also supported the Aurora Project. He said the plan will achieve the objectives of enhanced safety, increased traffic capacity, transit improvements, better storm water drainage, economic development and enhanced aesthetic appearance. He compared the Aurora Avenue improvements to the situation in downtown Seattle with the building of Safeco Field and the football stadium. He said with any project there are temporary disruptions, dirt, dust, and diversions. But afterwards local businesses thrive. He concluded that the Aurora Plan will provide an environment that will draw people to the corridor. There will be safe sidewalks to walk on, landscaping to soften the stark reality of a major highway, and a view not as cluttered by tangled overhead wiring. He urged Council to stay the course because the project is the right thing to do.

9. ADJOURMENT

At 8:36 p.m., Mayor Jepsen declared the meeting adjourned.

________________________
Sharon Mattioli, CMC
City Clerk