CITY
OF
SHORELINE
CITY COUNCIL
PRESENT: Mayor Jepsen, Councilmembers
Chang, Gustafson, Hansen, and Ransom
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Grossman and Councilmember Montgomery
1.
CALL TO ORDER
The
meeting was called to order at
2. FLAG SALUTE/ROLL CALL
Mayor
Jepsen led the flag salute. Upon roll
call by the City Clerk, all Councilmembers were
present with the exceptions of Deputy Mayor Grossman and Councilmember
Montgomery.
Upon motion by Councilmember
Gustafson, seconded by Councilmember Ransom and unanimously carried, Deputy
Mayor Grossman and Councilmember Montgomery were excused.
(a) Proclamation
for “Spirit of Giving” Week
Mayor
Jepsen read the proclamation highlighting the charitable activities performed by
various City organizations, including the Shoreline Police Department, Fire
Department, Shoreline Parent/Teacher Association, and
3. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Steve Burkett, City Manager,
commented that the following items had new staff reports and attachments:
§
7(c) Motion to authorize the
City Manager to execute a construction contract with the lower bid contractor
for the Serpentine Place Storm Drainage Improvements;
§
7(e) Motion to authorize the
City Manager to execute the Multifamily Housing Limited property Tax Exemption
Agreement with North City Partners, LP for the North City Landing project
located in the North City Business District; and.
§
8(b) Ordinance No. 342 adopting
the annual budget of the City of
He
also noted that the City has received the Final Environmental Impact Statement
(FEIS) on the Brightwater Project, which staff is
reviewing. He said comments are due by
December 8. He noted the impacts in
Mayor
Jepsen urged Shoreline residents who provide written
comments to
Responding to Councilmember
Chang, Mr. Burkett outlined the schedule for completion of the south segment of
the Interurban Trail.
4. REPORTS OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: none
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
(a) Elaine
Phelps, Shoreline, said that Councilmember Montgomery’s untimely resignation
betrays the trust that citizens put into the electoral process. She asserted that Councilmember Montgomery
knew long before now that she would not be able to finish her term. She felt any Councilmembers
who try to push through a rapid replacement are complicit in manipulating the
process. She suggested that Council
adopt new procedures that include a provision for calling a special election if
a Councilmember resigns with more than six months left on a term. She said Councilmember Montgomery’s values
are unethical and dishonest, and she should not be replaced with someone of
similar views.
(b) Bill
Meyer, Shoreline, had several questions about the proposed process to fill the
Council vacancy. He said it does not
include selection criteria, nor does it include specifics about disclosure of
applications filed thus far. He
questioned whether applications filed early would be treated with the same discretion
as those filed later. He felt that all Councilmembers should be given the necessary time to review
the applications and rank them. He said
state law demands that Councilmember Montgomery recuse
herself from further activity in the selection process. Finally, he asked Councilmembers
to consider whether the proposed process will withstand the scrutiny of an
external administrative audit.
(c)
Margaret Wahlroos, Shoreline, said she is
saddened that the Council no longer listens to citizens’ concerns. She said Shoreline no longer addresses the
issues that Shoreline citizens care about, including density and housing. She said she worked hard so her neighborhood
could become a part of Shoreline, but she regrets the way the Council no longer
values public input. She said Shoreline
needs new leadership to bring back the old way of thinking.
(d) Janet
Way, Shoreline, said the proposed budget does not reflect citizen priorities, which
include pedestrian safety projects, trails, street sweeping, speeding,
cut-through traffic in neighborhoods, and surface water management. She commented on the recent flooding in
Shoreline and asserted that the City is not providing adequate relief to
several Shoreline residents. She asked
why expenditures in the Surface Water Management Fund only total $1,800,000
when the projected revenue totals $2,500,000.
Finally, she commented on a recent pedestrian fatality on
(e) Dennis
Lee, Shoreline, pointed out that recent election results suggest there is no
voter mandate in Shoreline, and that long-seated incumbents do not necessarily
represent the majority. He expressed
concern that the Council does not want to listen to Shoreline citizens, and
that there is a potential appearance of unfairness with the Council appointment
process. He urged the Council to embrace
Councilmember-elect Fimia and include her in all important business relating to
the City since she
represents the voters.
(f) Shatreen Masshoor and Sia Bartell reported on the
activities of the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Youth Council. They noted that a youth summit held earlier
this year identified three primary issues for Shoreline teens: 1) drugs and alcohol; 2) mental health; and
3) appropriate activities for Shoreline youth.
Ms. Masshoor noted that mental health, teen
suicide, depression and low self-esteem continue to be critical issues in
Shoreline. Ms. Bartell
discussed ideas to get Shoreline teens involved in positive activities. She urged the audience to participate in a
forum for youth and community leaders on December 2. They concluded by thanking the City for its
continued support of youth programs.
(g) Maggie Fimia, Councilmember-elect,
commented favorably on the progress of the Youth Council. She noted the poor voter turnout in the past
election and on the polarization of voters in Shoreline. She suggested that the Council amend the
appointment process to require five “yes” votes instead of a simple majority to
increase the probability that the appointed person will be able to work with
nearly all Councilmembers. She said the only difference between voting
on a replacement now, as opposed to January, is that she will be on the Council
then. In either case, there will be six Councilmembers making the decision. She proposed that January 17th be
established as the decision date. She
said delaying the current process will dispel the perception that a decision is
already made, and will allow adequate time to consider qualified candidates
during a less busy time of year.
(h) Patty
Crawford, Shoreline, questioned why the City is amending the State
Environmental Protection Act (SEPA) determination for the south site of the
Aegis project. She asserted that the
City is changing the size and shape of the wetland to benefit Aegis, and that
Aegis’s measurements are not valid. She
said that long before this, the City should have been able to identify the edge
of water using the high water mark. She
said the only way the City can approve the project is by skewing the
matrix. She also commented on the
inappropriateness of putting a parking lot in the corner of the building over
the water retention vault. She said the
City should not be approving projects that violate its own code.
(i) Cindy Ryu, Shoreline, requested that
Council postpone adoption of the 2004 budget until its next regular meeting
because of inadequate responses to too many outstanding questions. She asked by how much franchise fees are
projected to increase next year, and what services the City provides to justify
collecting such fees. She questioned why
the Council is proposing to spend so much money in 2004 when revenues are not
projected to keep up with expenditures.
She also questioned the spending of $8.8 million in reserve funds. She suggested that Council revise its goals
and provide adequate funding for more important priorities such as street
lights. She said it is more urgent to
have adequately lit streets than to spend $17 million on a new
City Hall.
(j) Diane
Murray, Shoreline, said she is opposed to the Council limitation on the number
of speakers on a given topic. She said
limiting public input shortchanges the Council and the community. She said truth is what the opposing views
have in common, and that different viewpoints combined together provide a full
spectrum of ideas. She said Council can
find that middle road by listening thoughtfully to public input and blending it
with its own views.
(k) Tim
Crawford, Shoreline, distributed a memo he referred to at a prior Council
meeting regarding possible installation of a button to cut off public comments
that oppose Council’s position. He took
exception to Councilmember Montgomery’s comments last week. He said he is glad that Deputy Mayor Grossman
is gone and looks forward to the departure of Councilmember Montgomery and
eventually the Mayor.
(l) Richard
Tinsley, Shoreline, summarized the results of the past election and said the
close races indicate a division in the community. He said the Council is supposed to study and
investigate the issues and not act as a “rubber stamp” for staff
proposals. He said the public needs more
time to comment in public meetings, noting that developers and others get more
than adequate time to present their views.
He said it shows disrespect for the public if the Council decides to
appoint a replacement now.
(m) Donn Charnley, Shoreline, said he
is appalled with the apparent haste with which the Council is acting to fill
the Council vacancy. He said in the
State Legislature he always considered the importance of ethics and propriety
in every decision he made. He urged the
Council to carefully consider whether its actions are ethical.
(n) Walt
Hagen, Shoreline, expressed support for the activities of the Youth Council and
urged the City Council to support their agenda.
Noting that many underground aquifers were discovered in
Mayor
Jepsen said the Council vacancy process will be added to tonight’s agenda. He asked staff to follow up on Ms. Crawford’s
comments about the Aegis SEPA Mitigated Determination of Non-Significance
(MDNS) issued on November 18. He asked
for more information on
the measurement of the buffer from the high water mark and the
proposed parking lot near the water retention vault.
Mayor
Jepsen requested continued progress reports of the Aegis project and expressed
appreciation for the efforts of the Youth Council. Mr. Burkett confirmed that staff will provide
additional information on the Aegis project at a future time.
Councilmember
Gustafson mentioned that consent calendar item 7(d), construction contract for
the Serpentine Place Storm Drainage Improvements, is one of several steps that
will help address surface water problems in Shoreline.
Paul
Haines, Public Works Director, explained the scope, schedule, and costs of the
He
said the City’s strategy is to couple smaller scope projects with larger ones (
Councilmember
Chang asked if City staff will be meeting with the people who experienced
flooding problems, and if the planned improvements will permanently resolve the
problems there.
Mr.
Haines said the proposed improvements will not guarantee a permanent resolution
of all flooding issues since the
Responding
to public comments, Mr. Burkett pointed out that the increase in expenditures
in the 2004 budget is simply the result of using accumulated reserves on
pending capital projects. He noted that
some expenditures are in the form of Public Works
Trust Fund Loans to complete major projects such as
Councilmember
Gustafson commented on the Youth Council’s efforts to address many important
issues in the community. He suggested
the Council invite the Youth Council to a future dinner meeting to discuss its
activities in more detail.
6. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Councilmember Gustafson
moved approval of the agenda, adding “Council Vacancy Process” as the third
action item. Councilmember Chang
seconded the motion, which carried unanimously, and the agenda was approved as amended.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Ransom moved approval of
the consent calendar. Councilmember
Gustafson seconded the motion and the following items were approved
unanimously:
Minutes of Special
Meeting of
Minutes of Dinner
Meeting of
Minutes of Regular
Meeting of
Approval of expenses
and payroll as of November 14,
2003 in the amount of
$714,891.93
Resolution
No. 210 approving the
District
System Service Area Comprehensive Sewer
Plan
of Ronald Wastewater District,
Motion
to authorize the City Manager to execute a
construction contract with Pivetta
Brothers Construction
for an amount not to exceed $652,391.58 to complete the
Serpentine
Place Storm Drainage Improvements Project
Motion
to authorize the City Manager to execute the
Multifamily
Housing Limited Property Tax Exemption
Agreement
with
City
Landing project located in the
District
Ordinance
No. 343 revising the City’s policy for
paying for medical, dental, vision, life and
disability insurance and other benefits for City
employees; and amending Ordinance No. 220
8. ACTION ITEMS: OTHER ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS
(a) Ordinance
No. 341 levying the general taxes for the City of Shoreline in King County for
the fiscal year commencing January 1, 2004, on all property both real and
personal, in said city which is subject to taxation for the purpose of paying
sufficient revenue to conduct City business for the ensuing year as required by
law
Debbie Tarry, Finance Director explained that the
2004 proposed budget includes a 1% levy increase from 2003 totaling $6,770,042. The revenue generated from this proposed levy
increase is approximately $67,000. Staff
is projecting an average property valuation increase of 5.7% for Shoreline in
2003. As a result, the City’s levy rate
is projected to decrease by approximately 3.4% in 2004 from $1.3562 to
$1.3040. A homeowner of a median priced
home could expect that the property tax that they pay to the City will increase
from $355 in 2003 to $360 in 2004. The
homeowner will also pay
taxes for other jurisdictions such as
Councilmember Hansen moved
to pass Ordinance No. 341. Councilmember
Ransom seconded the motion.
Councilmember Ransom pointed out that this 1%
assessed valuation will only increase City revenues by $67,000. He said he supports this modest increase
because not doing so will have a compounding effect on tax revenue in the
future.
Councilmember Gustafson opposed the measure because
he campaigned on the principle of only raising taxes by a vote of the
electorate. He felt the loss of $67,000
could be easily compensated by other cuts in the budget.
Councilmember Chang discussed the losses in revenue
the City is experiencing due to the initiatives and said the increase is needed
at this time.
Councilmember Ransom and Ms. Tarry pointed out that
the rate of assessed valuation continues to drop in response to increasing
valuations. Ms., Tarry estimated that
the rate will likely drop to $1.30 per thousand assessed valuation.
Councilmember Gustafson raised the issue of putting
a property tax levy to the voters.
A vote was taken on the
motion, which carried 4-1, with Councilmember Gustafson dissenting, and
Ordinance No. 341 levying the 2004 property tax was passed.
(b) Ordinance
No. 342 adopting the annual budget of the City of
Debbie Tarry briefly reviewed the updated 2004 budget ordinance, which appropriates a total of $58,294,172 to fifteen separate funds. She then explained the changes to the budget made based on previous Council discussions:
· Ongoing funding of $10,000 to support the Sister Cities Program
· One-time funding of $20,000 for the Shoreline/Lake Forest Park Arts Council to contribute to the purchase of the Showmobile
· Additional grant funding of $4,000 for the recycling program
Continuing, Ms. Tarry explained that the 2004 Salary Schedule, as provided in the 2004 Proposed Budget, includes a recommended market rate adjustment of 1.53%. The City’s annual survey of comparable cities determined that the median salary adjustment for the cities surveyed was 1.53%. She then explained the reasons for a decreasing operating budget and increasing capital budget. She said monies are being retained in reserves for the Surface Water Fund until the completion of the Surface Water Master Plan, which will provide recommendations for the use of those funds. She noted that a total of $3.4 million will be spent on surface water projects in 2004 ($1.8 million in operations and $1.6 million in the Surface Water Capital Fund). Finally, she said franchise fees are anticipated to increase by 2% for 2004. She explained the reasons that 2003 franchise collections will be below 2002.
Councilmember Hansen moved to pass Ordinance No.
342. Councilmember Ransom seconded the
motion.
Councilmember Ransom
supported the motion, noting that the budget increase from 2002 to 2003
reflected money that was set aside for capital projects that was not
spent. Due to delayed capital projects,
the 2004 budget totals $58 million, compared with $51 million in 2003.
Responding to Councilmember
Ransom, Ms. Tarry clarified that franchise fees are expected to increase 2%
over the 2003 level, which is less than the previous year. She said the actual percentage of increase is
equal to 6% of gross revenues for all agreements except cable television
(5%).
Councilmember Hansen noted
that the City’s revenue increases when franchise fees increase. Ms. Tarry said the main reason 2004 is
increasing is because the Ronald Wastewater District agreement included a
$50,000 increase for 2004. In subsequent
years, franchise fees will increase 3% annually.
Councilmember Chang felt the
2004 budget does not allocate enough money for sidewalks, even though this is a
high public demand. He suggested that
gambling tax revenue from the Hollywood Casino be applied to a sidewalk
program, as well as any savings on capital projects due to the current
favorable bidding climate. He also
agreed with Councilmember Ransom’s suggestion that an additional $100,000 be
allocated to human services. He said
this money could be garnered by reductions in the travel and registration
categories.
Councilmember Ransom agreed
that income from Club Hollywood is not reflected in the 2004 budget. He felt the anticipated income from this
source would more than fund an additional $100,000 allocation for human service
contracts.
Mayor Jepsen
was reluctant to allocate funds that have not yet been received. He said the projected revenues might not
result in a net increase because patrons may simply transfer from one business
to another.
Mr. Burkett commented that
gambling revenue through the third quarter of 2003 was less than projections by
$150,000. He also pointed out that
gambling revenue must be spent on law enforcement items.
Councilmember Gustafson said
the Council has spent a great deal of time discussing the budget and changes
can be considered next year if necessary.
He said items in this category might include sidewalks, street lights,
and two-tier recreation fees that differentiate between residents and non-residents.
Councilmember Hansen said the
budget is conservative and there may be shifts in next year’s budget due to an
overly optimistic capital projects schedule.
Responding to Councilmember
Ransom’s question about when the issue of street lighting will be discussed,Mr. Burkett explained
that the State Supreme Court recently invalidated the approach that staff had
planned to suggest for funding street lighting.
Therefore, more time is needed to study the issue and explore alternatives.
A vote was taken on the motion, which carried
4-1, with Councilmember Chang dissenting, and Ordinance No. 342 adopting the
2004 budget was passed.
(c) Council
Vacancy Process
Mayor Jepsen
reiterated that applications for the Council vacancy will be accepted until
Mayor Jepsen
asked staff to respond to the request for a special election. Mr. Burkett and City Clerk
Councilmember Hansen said he
contacted the Municipal Research and
Councilmember Ransom felt the
public should be allowed to comment on the candidates who will be interviewed,
either in person or in writing.
Councilmember Hansen pointed
out that many people have already commented on potential candidates by e-mail
and voice mail. He said he will continue
to consider all input he receives from the public.
Councilmember Chang said
since the position is not yet vacant, the 90-day time frame has not yet
started. He expressed support for
waiting until after the holiday season and having Councilmember-elect Fimia participate in the process.
Mayor Jepsen
clarified that the December 8 meeting has been cancelled because several Councilmembers will be attending the National League of
Cities conference. Responding to
comments about the propriety of the selection process, he said he is keeping an
open mind and will reserve judgment until all applications are filed.
Responding to Councilmember
Gustafson, Mr. Burkett explained that the public will have access to all
applications. He noted that the
applications will be compiled and delivered to Councilmembers
as soon as possible after the deadline.
He commented that a Council appointment is a uniquely political
process.
Council Gustafson commented
that the school board solicited written public comments on potential
appointees, which were then provided to board members before their
deliberations.
Councilmember Ransom reiterated
his preference for a longer process due to the holiday season. He was optimistic the Council would be able
to achieve consensus on a candidate either before or after December 31st. He reaffirmed his support for allowing the
public to comment on candidates during the interview process.
Councilmember Gustafson
clarified that Councilmember Montgomery will not be part of the process and
that Deputy Mayor Grossman is not applying for the vacancy.
After a brief discussion on
scheduling, Councilmember Gustafson moved to hold interviews
beginning at
9. ADJOURNMENT
At
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