CITY OF SHORELINE

SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL

SUMMARY MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING

Monday, January 27, 2003

Shoreline Conference Center

7:30 p.m. Mt. Rainier Room

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

ABSENT: none

1. CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 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.

(a) Mayor's State of the City Address

Mayor Jepsen delivered the annual "State of the City" address, highlighting the City's financial planning, accomplishments, projects, and future challenges. He said the Council's careful planning has left the City in a stable financial position, despite the economic downturn. He explained that Council has been careful not to expand services or dedicate resources beyond the City's ability to pay for them.

He said slower projected revenue growth, as well as unexpected increases in expenditures, will make it difficult to maintain services at desired levels despite conservative planning. As a result, the 2003 budget reduces expenditures by about four percent. He said voter-approved initiatives, including I-747 and I-776, have had a negative impact on revenues and will adversely affect the delivery of future services to the community. He said this is particularly frustrating because a majority of Shoreline residents voted against the initiatives.

Notwithstanding the budget reductions, he said the City has been able to avoid dramatic cuts that other cities have had to make. The Council has had to reduce ongoing operating expenditures and changed the delivery of some services to reduce costs and improve efficiency. He said it is clear that future adjustments will not be as painless. Based on current revenue projections, the City cannot continue to maintain the same levels of services and capital spending. Shoreline residents can expect to be asked for their priorities in order to achieve a balance between reducing services and increasing resources. He reported that the City is forming a bond advisory committee to determine interest in voter-approved revenues.

Under the leadership of City Manager Steve Burkett, the City has developed a mission statement and organizational values, guiding principles that serve as a reminder of City staff's commitment to excellent community service.

Continuing, Mayor Jepsen said that improving Aurora Avenue has been a top priority for the City since incorporation and this project reached a major milestone when the Council adopted a preferred design alternative late last year. He outlined the many community benefits that will result from the project, including safety, economic stability, increased capacity, improved traffic flow, and enhanced visual impact. He emphasized that business/property owners will be partners in the specific design process, noting that Council is committed to minimizing the impacts to adjacent businesses.

He highlighted past and future capital improvement projects that will enhance and improve the City, including the Interurban Trail, the North City Business District, the Skateboard Park, Shoreview Park, Richmond Highlands Recreation Center, Paramount Park, and Gateways. He said Shoreline residents have expressed their appreciation and support for these City improvements, which have greatly enhanced the community. He speculated whether these improvements would have been accomplished if Shoreline remained as part of unincorporated King County. He concluded by encouraging Shoreline residents to celebrate these accomplishments and join in working towards continued improvement.

(b) Proclamation of Korean American Centennial

Immigration Week

Councilmember Chang introduced Byung Lok Moon, the Consul General of the Republic of Korea, and Seung Joo Hong, of the Seattle Washington Korean American Community Association, who received the proclamation read by Mayor Jepsen of "Korean American Centennial Immigration Week." Mr. Moon thanked the Council for acknowledging the contributions of the Korean American community.

3. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

City Manager Steve Burkett announced that the City will begin the process of filling potential vacancies on the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Advisory Committee. He noted that the February 18^th workshop will be cancelled and that February 24^th will be a special meeting beginning at 6:00 p.m.

4. REPORTS OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: none

5. PUBLIC COMMENT

(a) Anthony Poland, Shoreline, suggested that Council remove Item 7(c) from the Consent Calendar. He said elections have shown that Washington citizens oppose Sound Transit, and since the Seashore Forum deals with Sound Transit issues, it should be removed from consideration.

(b) Mark Deutsch, Shoreline, commended the City for collecting citizens' feedback on the Interurban Tail design, but said recent design changes have made it worse than it was before. He said the narrowing of the trail to about fifty feet at Echo Lake will impact the laEcho Lake Park. He suggested that a master plan for the park be completed before proceeding with designs on the trail.

(c) Richard Johnsen, Shoreline, congratulated Council for the Korean American proclamation, but suggested that the City try to recognize the many ethnic groups that are represented in Shoreline. He suggested that Council invite Alma Plancich, Executive Director of the Ethnic Heritage Council, to speak to Council in the future.

(d) Will Knedlik, Kirkland, Managing Director of Cost Alliance, said that King County Councilmember Dwight Pelz acknowledged to the Seashore Forum that light rail will provide very limited benefits for tax payers in Shoreline. He encouraged Council to consider either withdrawing from the Seattle-North King County subarea, or moving to another subarea. He said it is unlikely that a Shoreline City Councilmember will ever serve on the Sound Transit Board.

(e) Mary Jo Heller, Shoreline, expressed opposition to the Shoreline Merchants Association's lawsuit against the City regarding the Aurora Corridor project. She said the last Council election was a referendum on the Aurora Corridor, when it became clear that Shoreline citizens support the project. She said the SMA has misrepresented its membership by advertising businesses on its website that are not members of the SMA. She suggested that Councilmember Chang either recuse himself or resign because of his connection to the lawsuit.

Regarding the Seashore Forum, Deputy Mayor Grossman said the City does not have the authority to move to another subarea. He said that Sound Transit matters constitute a minor part of the Seashore meetings, which concentrate primarily on local funding issues. He said Item 7(c) simply reconfirms the City's participation in Seashore and the addition of Seattle to that forum. He said Seattle agreed to having the same voting power as other Seashore members, which prevents it from dominating other jurisdictions.

Councilmember Montgomery noted that at the least, the Seashore Transportation Forum provides an opportunity to ask questions of Sound Transit and participate in the discussion. For these reasons, it would be a huge mistake to withdraw.

Councilmember Hansen said Seashore is much more than Sound Transit, noting that even opposition to Sound Transit is often opposition to light rail. While he does not support light rail, he said withdrawing from Seashore communicates nothing to Sound Transit about light rail. He concurred that Seashore is a good opportunity to negotiate bus service and other issues.

Mayor Jepsen said both staff and Council expressed some concerns about the Interurban Trail design in the Echo Lake Park area. He asked if Mr. Deutsch's comments were addressed by staff.

Mr. Burkett said the City is considering the input it received at a recent public meeting, including Mr. Deutsch's comments, and will review that information and explore possibilities for additional mitigation. He said the section of the trail at Echo Lake presents design difficulties due to the lack of usable space. He said the City is trying to accommodate both trail usage and continued park usage in the design.

Paul Haines, Public Works Director, said the design was trying to illustrate an approach for the wetland mitigation, noting that public comments will be helpful in developing that approach. He explained that the mitigation needs to be balanced between two aspects: 1) the minimum space needed for the trail; and 2) what could be placed there as part of the park master planning process. He assured Council that the City will respond to Mr. Deutsch and others.

Responding to Mr. Johnsen's comments, Mayor Jepsen said the Council has always tried to be liberal in considering proclamations.

Councilmember Chang said he is willing to meet with anyone who has questions about the Shoreline Merchants Association. He felt the way Ms. Heller addressed the issue in a public forum was improper.

6. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

Councilmember Hansen moved approval of the agenda. Councilmember Ransom seconded the motion. Montgomery moved to place Item 8(b) on the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Gustafson seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. A vote was taken on the motion, which carried 7-0, and the agenda was approved as amended.

Mayor Jepsen announced that the vacancies on the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Advisory Committee will be advertised shortly. He said that Councilmembers Chang, Gustafson and Ransom had volunteered to serve on a subcommittee to review the applications.

7. CONSENT CALENDAR

Councilmember Montgomery moved approval of the consent calendar. Councilmember Ransom seconded the motion, which carried 7 – 0, and the following items were approved:

Minutes of Dinner Meeting of January 6, 2003

Minutes of Special Meeting of January 6, 2003

Minutes of Regular Meeting of January 13, 2003

Approval of expenses and payroll as of January 17, 2003 in the amount of $1,549,829.44

Motion to authorize the City Manager to execute the Seashore Transportation Forum Interlocal Agreement

Motion to authorize the City Manager to execute an addendum to the Interlocal Agreement with the City of Renton for Jail Services

Motion to appoint the following individuals to the Bond Advisory Committee: Larry Blake, Michael Broili, William Clements, Raymond Coffey, Brenda Crist, Stan Diddams, James Doherty, Kennie Endelman, Darlene Feikema, Sally Granger, Patricia Hale, Starla Hohbach, Christopher Kuehn, Paul Lesh, Jeffrey Lewis, Paul Mack, Bonnie Mackey, Richard Matthews, Sis Polin, Jeff Pozarski, Cindy Ryu, Jim Shea, Kellie Swenson, and Shari Winstead; with Councilmember Gustafson the Council Liaison and Councilmember Ransom the alternate

8. ACTION ITEMS: OTHER ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS

(b) Resolution No. 202 adopting the Gateway Policy and Guideline Manual and directing staff to proceed with detailed design for the priority gateway sites

and

Ordinance No. 319 amending Sign Exemption Provisions, to include gateway signs constructed in accordance with the Gateway Policy and Guideline Manual; and amending Shoreline Municipal Code Section 20.50.610

Andrea Spencer, Project Manager, briefly reviewed the four purposes of the Gateways Policies and Procedures Manual: 1) to identify gateway locations and hierarchy; 2) to outline policies for theme and design; 3) to provide direction for implementation; and 4) to summarize significant project events.

Mr. Stewart explained that the Development Code amendment states that if signs are developed in accordance with the Policies and Procedures Manual, they would be added to the list of exempt signs in the Development Code, which includes historic markers, plaques, tablets, building inscriptions, flags, religious symbols, and neighborhood signs.

Mayor Jepsen called for public comment.

(a) Richard Johnsen, Shoreline, asked Council to consider constructing a gateway at N 145^th Street and Meridian Avenue N in addition to the gateway proposed at N 205^th Street and Meridian. He said N 145^th Street is a major arterial and should be treated equally as Aurora. He also emphasized the need for a distinct gateway at N 205^th Street and Aurora Avenue N. He expressed disappointment that only one gateway is proposed for the eastern part of the City.

(b) Anthony Poland, Shoreline, disapproved of the Gateway project, noting that Council is determined to do what it wants, regardless of the opposition.

Councilmember Hansen moved to adopt Resolution No. 202 and to pass Ordinance No. 319. Councilmember Gustafson seconded the motion.

Councilmember Ransom noted that 25^th Avenue NE already has third-level signage, and Meridian Avenue N at NE 205^th Street and N 145^th Street has secondary signage. He expressed concern that population statistics are not included in the designs, noting that many other cities include population indicators in their signage. He asked why sign indicators were not included in the plan.

Mr. Stewart pointed out that population indicators are included as an additional sign element in the staff report. He said Council will be able to consider possible content and sign details when it proceeds to the next stage of design.

Councilmember Ransom reemphasized the importance of population indicators, stating that they advertise Shoreline as a major city. Mayor Jepsen felt confident that such indicators will be considered when Council progresses to 30% design.

Councilmember Gustafson asked whether the 195^th Street/I-5 Southbound Pedestrian Bridge proposal had been approved by the Washington State Department of Transportation, noting he has never seen similar signage anywhere else in Washington. Ms. Spencer said staff will be working with WSDOT to explore the possibilities for that location in the next design phase.

Responding to Councilmember Gustafson, Ms. Spencer said both the Planning Commission and the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Advisory Committee unanimously approved the plan, following various recommendations and changes.

Councilmember Gustafson agreed that population indicators are an important part of the project. He liked the idea of providing opportunities for temporary signage to announce City events, as well as displaying flags on holidays.

Deputy Mayor Grossman expressed support for gateways, even though some have concerns about costs. He described the value of "branding" and the importance of defining Shoreline to a greater extent. He thanked the Planning Commission and the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Advisory Committee for their hard work, noting that he looks forward to proceeding with the first set of sites.

Councilmember Hansen concurred. He said many public and private entities that have invested in gateways have greatly enhanced their communities.

Councilmember Gustafson stressed the importance of coordinating with neighborhood groups on sign locations, as well as coordinating with Parks Department signage.

Councilmember Chang felt although gateways are a good idea, they should not be a spending priority at this time, due to projected budget deficits. He said the City should try to encourage local businesses to construct signage, as was done in the Walgreen's case.

Councilmember Ransom expressed support for gateways, although he was initially concerned about the cost and scope of the project. He said that design detail and sign consistency will help better define the City. He felt that signage would be less consistent if the City allows business owners to construct gateways.

Councilmember Montgomery concurred with Councilmember Ransom in support of the proposal.

Responding to Councilmember Chang's comments, Mayor Jepsen suggested that the City consider inviting the business community to collaborate on gateways.

A vote was taken on the motion, which carried 6-1, with Councilmember Chang dissenting, and Resolution No. 202 and Ordinance No. 319 were adopted.

9. CONTINUED PUBLIC COMMENT

(a) Anthony Poland, Shoreline, expressed concern that the Shoreline Merchants Association was "vilified" in a Shoreline Enterprise article. He said the public needs to stay informed about the Aurora Corridor and the parties involved, including the SMA, WSDOT, and the City of Shoreline. He said several community groups have come together to oppose the City's decision on Aurora Avenue.

(b) Richard Johnsen, Shoreline, gave additional background information on Alma Plancich, Director of the Ethnic Heritage Council. He encouraged Council to see her group of Croatian folk dancers perform at an upcoming event. Finally, he suggested that Council adopt an ordinance requiring Shoreline businesses to use a Shoreline address, noting that many still designate Seattle as their city of business.

Councilmember Ransom thanked the Shoreline Enterprise for supporting the King County Library System’s ballot measure, noting that Shoreline will benefit from its passage.

10. ADJOURNMENT

At 8:50 p.m., Mayor Jepsen declared the meeting adjourned.

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Sharon Mattioli, City Clerk