CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
SUMMARY MINUTES OF DINNER MEETING
Monday, January 13, 2003
Shoreline Conference Center
6:00 p.m. Highlander Room
PRESENT: Mayor Jepsen, Deputy Mayor Grossman, Councilmembers Chang, Gustafson, Hansen, Montgomery, and Ransom
ABSENT: None
STAFF: Steve Burkett, City Manager; Bob Olander, Deputy City Manager; Julie Modrzejewski, Assistant City Manager; Joyce Nichols, Communications and Intergovernmental Relations Director; Paul Haines, Public Works Director; Kirk McKinley, Aurora Corridor and Interurban Trail Project Manager; Jill Marilley, City Engineer; and Wendy Barry, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director
GUESTS Nico Vanderhorst, Curtis La Pierre and Dan Dawson of OTAK Engineers
Mayor Jepsen convened the meeting at 6:15 p.m.
City Manager Steve Burkett introduced the Interurban Trail project. He said the City is committed to beginning construction this year on the North and South Segments.
Councilmember Hansen arrived at 6:20 p.m.
Kirk McKinley, Project Manager, provided an overview of the project and the critical path. He noted that Seattle City Light (SCL) is a major player and that Shoreline has a commitment from SCL to review each design phase of each segment in a 45-day period. The plan is to begin construction this summer on the South and North Segments, with the South Central Segment to begin construction in 2004. Mr. McKinley explained that the South Segment is from 145th Street to 165th Street; the bridge piece will span from 155th Street to 159th Street, the South Central piece is from 155th Street to 175th Street, the North Central Segment is 175th Street to 192nd Street, and the North Segment is from 192nd Street to 205th Street.
Mr. McKinley said the project has changed somewhat since the last Council review, in that it is not a linear park, but will have various points that are landscaped at major intersections of the trail, e.g. 145th Street, 155th Street.
Nico Vanderhorst, OTAK Engineers, elaborated that the South Segment of the trail had an additional gravel path which is being eliminated from the project at this time to save money and to simplify issues with SCL. At 145th Street, the trail is designed in a "Y" shape so that the City can connect the trail to a signal that City of Seattle is installing.
Continuing, Mr. Vanderhorst said staff has walked the trail with SCL to demonstrate the plan and to obtain feedback. This helped ease several issues that SCL had with the project. SLC has approved the alignments for both segments.
Curtis La Pierre, OTAK Engineers, discussed landscaping and trailhead improvements. He said the design is based on the Interurban Railroad theme. He discussed various features along the trail and described the plantings, which will consist of shrubs and hardy natural vegetation.
Mr. La Pierre said staff is working with SCL on the North Segment as well. He showed where the trail will be located. He said staff has already met with neighbors at 195th Street regarding parking issues. He said the plan should be able to add a few stalls. Residents seem pleased with the plan. He described how the trail swings around Echo Lake to take advantage of its amenities.
Council discussed various options for this segment of the trail.
Mr. McKinley said all trailheads will have signage and markers to guide trail users. The 192nd/195th Street area will be important to sign, so that users know where the trail connects to the rest of the trail system, such as the Burke-Gilman Trail.
Mr. McKinley said that on 200th Street between Ashworth and Ballinger Commons, the original plan was to install new sidewalks. However, now the plan is to put in ADA ramps at curbs, to save money and to reduce impacts to property owners. He said the trail will use existing sidewalks on 200th Street and bike lanes will be put in the street. This will require the removal of parking on one side of 200th Street.
Responding to Mayor Jepsen’s question about the 188th to 192nd section, Mr. McKinley said Sky Nursery brings its deliveries along there. The plan is to look at this section as a potential redevelopment area.
Deputy Mayor Grossman arrived at 7:00 p.m.
Mr. Vanderhorst reviewed the project schedule, assuring Council that the South Segment will go to construction around the end of July and the North Segment in September. Every effort will be made to shorten schedules when feasible.
Councilmember Gustafson said he was pleased to be nearing construction. He asked whether SCL asked for many changes to the design. He also commented that he was hoping to see more amenities along the trail. He knew there were cost-saving considerations, but he wished to ensure that the amenities are of excellent quality and as vandal-proof as possible.
Continuing, Councilmember Gustafson asked staff to consider a future connection of 195th Street to the Burke-Gilman Trail. He advised that the plans should retain flexibility and include the vision in our master plan.
Mr. Burkett reported that he has spoken with Lake Forest Park staff about coordination of trail improvements and that is also part of their vision.
Mayor Jepsen emphasized the importance of making a connection between the Interurban Trail and the Gateways Project and of having these reflect Shoreline.
Councilmember Chang added that the City should find out from Sears whether it wishes to be included as a partner on the bridge segment.
Mayor Jepsen declared the meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
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Joyce Nichols, Communications and Intergovernmental Relations Director