CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
Shoreline Conference Center
Mt. Rainier Room
Monday, October 10, 2005
PRESENT: Mayor Hansen, Councilmembers Chang, Fimia, Grace, Gustafson, and Ransom
ABSENT: Deputy Mayor Jepsen
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:33 p.m. by Mayor Hansen, who presided.
2. FLAG SALUTE/ROLL CALL
Mayor Hansen led the flag salute. Upon roll call by the City Clerk, all Councilmembers were present, with the exception of Deputy Mayor Jepsen.
Upon motion by Councilmember Gustafson, seconded by Councilmember Grace and carried 6-0, Deputy Mayor Jepsen was excused.
(a) Proclamation of Arts & Humanities Month
Mayor Hansen presented Vicki Stiles, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Shoreline Historical Museum and Keith McClelland, Vice President of the Shoreline/Lake Forest Park Arts Council with a proclamation declaring October as Arts & Humanities Month in the City of Shoreline.
Ms. Stiles accepted the proclamation and announced that the museum is celebrating its 30th Year Anniversary this year. On November 12, the museum will hold its annual meeting and a schedule will be distributed highlighting the 30th Anniversary events planned in Shoreline. The focal point is an exhibit called “Timeline Shoreline” which outlines the history of Shoreline from the late 1800s to the present.
Mr. McClelland thanked the Council for the proclamation and stated this is a very wealthy arts community. He urged everyone in attendance to “get out and do something artistic.”
3. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Steve Burkett, City Manager, commented that the Parks Director, Dick Deal and his staff, the Parks Board, the local soccer association, and a design consultant visited several athletic fields made of synthetic field turf. Mr. Deal and his team are considering the several brands of synthetic turf and anticipate selecting a product that best serves the A & B fields by next year. Mr. Burkett also noted that the City partnered with one teacher and eighteen students from the Room Nine Community School Program to restore and revegetate Ballinger Creek. Finally, he announced that a two-hour tour of proposed projects in Boeing Creek would take place on October 15 at 10:00 a.m.
Councilmember Ransom requested that the City Manager outline the status of the cottage housing issue and the schedule for budget hearings.
Mr. Burkett stated that the Planning Commission voted to reconsider cottage housing. He said the budget will be presented next week to the Council, so the schedule will be available in his presentation next week.
Mayor Hansen outlined the full budget schedule for the year.
4. REPORTS OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: none
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
(a) Bronston Kenney, Shoreline, discussed the Quest Inn reports and said the reports counted police calls only and were used in a political smear campaign by Mr. McGlashan. He asserted that Mr. Burkett released the reports out of political motivation and he has not answered any of the pertinent questions. He concluded that Mr. Burkett did not take prompt action and the reports give false impressions.
(b) Nancy Rust, Shoreline, urged the Council to reconsider their decision for mediation. She felt the subject is not appropriate for mediation and that the Council’s duty under State law is to protect the critical areas. Additionally, she said the 1997 Innis Arden Vegetation Management Plan called for lowering the canopy which would allow for some views, but retain some tall trees. She surmised that the function and values of the existing critical areas have already been destroyed so it is too late for another agreement. There are City exemptions for cutting hazardous trees and for cutting 25% of a tree without a permit which has led to the cutting of over 70 trees. She concluded that the City has failed to recognize the cumulative impacts of tree cutting.
(c) Patty Crawford, Shoreline, claimed that the Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) is not in compliance with the court order by Judge Erlick. She continued stating the City Code is conflicting and needs to be looked at. Specifically, she said there is language pertaining to the waterway along I-5 and critical areas language that needs to be fixed.
(d) Tim Crawford, Shoreline, addressed the Council vote for mediation. He reminded the Council that they don’t receive City services on the east side of Aurora Avenue. He said there have been several issues on the east side that had to be brought before a court, and no one has ever offered to have taxpayers pay to mediate for them. Mr. Crawford felt that people on the east side are treated differently and are alienated.
(e) Dale Wright, Shoreline, said he was criticized by Mr. Dan Mann, Councilmember Fimia, and Councilmember Chang regarding his comments at the Council meetings. He said his comments are based on facts and the public has a right to know the facts. He communicated that his presentations are truthful. He announced that the group, Progress Shoreline, has a website for information about election and candidates.
(f) Charles Brown, Shoreline, discussed the initiative pertaining to the purchase of South Woods and Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) properties. He said the relative value of South Woods is greater than the SPU property. He urged the Council to think about the values of both properties before investing any City funds in them.
(g) Richard Tinsley, Shoreline, stated that a few weeks ago the Council raised the purchase of South Woods as a top priority. On July 21, 2005, he said they voted to allocate $6 million dollars towards the purchase of the full 15.69 acre property. He thanked the Council for the allocation, but said he is skeptical. The Bond Advisory Committee recommended the City present a $15.1 million dollar bond issue, but only $2 million is allocated towards South Woods. He urged the Council to further allocate the full $6 million dollars and purchase the property.
6. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Councilmember Grace moved approval of the agenda. Councilmember Gustafson seconded the motion, which carried 6-0, and the agenda was approved.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Gustafson moved approval of the consent calendar. Councilmember Ransom seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0 and the following consent items were approved:
Minutes of Special Meeting of September 19, 2005
Minutes of Regular Meeting of August 22, 2005
Approval of expenses and payroll as of September 29, 2005 in the amount of $1,776,024.56
Motion to authorize the City Manager to execute Local Agency Agreement Supplements to obligate federal grant monies for construction of the Richmond Beach Overcrossing Project
Motion to authorize the City Manager to enter into a
contract for Jail Services with the City of Issaquah
beginning October 11, 2005
8. ACTION ITEMS: PUBLIC HEARING
(a) Public hearing to consider citizen’s comments on
the Bond Advisory Committee Report
Dick Deal, Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Director, outlined that in early 2003 a Bond Advisory Committee (BAC) was convened to evaluate the need for a bond issue in Shoreline. He reviewed the background and history of the BAC and announced that the City has had no bond issue since incorporation in 1995. At the end of 2003, the BAC concluded that a bond issue was needed, however, the BAC determined that a bond would not be feasible due to the economic climate. In June of this year a subcommittee made up of nine of the original BAC members reconvened to resume bond issue discussions. The committee reviewed the economic climate, the current property tax structure, the proposed projects in the City’s Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan, Surface Water Plan, Transportation Plan, and Comprehensive Plan. In September 2005, the subcommittee presented their recommendation to the full BAC. The BAC adopted the subcommittee recommendation to put the bond issue on the May 26, 2006 ballot.
Bill Clements, Bond Advisory Committee member, reviewed the list of projects in the bond issue and thanked the Council, City staff, and the volunteers. He outlined that the BAC selected projects that protected the last and best remaining open spaces in the City, preserved the quality and character of the parks, and provided new recreation opportunities. The BAC’s goal was to provide geographic equality for the residents and serve both active and passive users of all ages. There were four categories, he said, identified for the bond project list. The categories are 1) property acquisition; 2) facility upgrades; 3) new facilities; and 4) new trail corridors and trail upgrades. He outlined the various projects identified for each category, including Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) property acquisition, South Woods property acquisition, Kruckeberg Gardens acquisition, and improvements for parks and recreation facilities. Other upgrades include outdoor lighting for athletic fields, storm water improvements, field turf, fencing, and backstops. New facilities would include a second skate park and an off-leash dog park. He said the cost for all projects combined total $14,910,000 dollars. The funding would be distributed as follows: 41% for property acquisition, 40% for park improvements, 16% for trails, and 3% for the second skate park and the off-leash dog park.
Mr. Deal outlined that the bond issue would cost the average Shoreline resident $69.36 per year. The bond issue would cost the City $89,000 and City staff would need $10,000 to prepare voter information. He concluded by stating the BAC and City staff are pleased with the proposal from the BAC. He thanked Councilmembers Ransom and Gustafson for their participation and support in the process.
Bob Olander, Deputy City Manager, stressed that there have been three themes from the citizen survey and bond survey: 1) trails and walking; 2) open space acquisition; and 3) improving upon what we have and better utilizing existing facilities.
Councilmember Gustafson said this opportunity has been studied thoroughly and the economic climate has improved. He thanked the BAC for meeting the challenge to balance the package while making it attractive to the community.
Councilmember Ransom said times have changed and the BAC voted unanimously to place this on the ballot. There was cooperation between the BAC members which led to consensus to start this process. This bond is only for $15 million and the Council needs to expand the open space for City parks. He recommended the full Council proceed with this.
Mr. Clement concluded that the BAC has made progress since the 2003 proposal, noting that a $21 million bond was considered in 2003. It has been refined and scaled back to $15 million, and the BAC unanimously agreed to proceed.
Mayor Hansen declared the public hearing open.
(a) David Bannister, Shoreline, on behalf of the Richmond Beach Community Association (RBCA), stated the RBCA has been in existence for over 60 years and one of its goals is to work with the City for more parks and open space. The Kruckeberg Gardens purchase would be a partnership with the Kruckeberg Foundation operating the site for the community. He said the RBCA strongly supports the purchase of this property by the City as a public amenity and is impressed with the work of the BAC.
(b) Bob Hauck, on behalf of the Kruckeberg Foundation, strongly supported including the purchase of this property into a bond issue. It is a unique botanical garden with an active outdoor program. He urged the Council to continue the Kruckeberg’s dream and preserve the property for the residents of Shoreline.
(c) Alan Brooks, Shoreline, supported the inclusion of the Kruckeberg purchase into the bond issue package. He maintained there has been steady growth in the gardens. He said the Kruckeberg Gardens is more than just a place for plants and birds; it is a place of peace and reflection.
(d) Tanya DeMarsh-Dodson, Lynnwood, commended the Shoreline community for being aware of endangered spaces. As President of the Board of the Kruckeberg Foundation, she favored the transitioning of this land to public open space. She said Shoreline will acquire what the Olmstead Brothers intended for the City. This land will allow young students to learn about plants, trees, and birds, and older students will learn about plant identification, landscape design and maintenance. Adults will have opportunities to learn about gardening and plants. This park will be used both actively and passively. She agreed with the decision of the Committee and urged the Council to purchase the property.
Councilmember Fimia asked if Ms. DeMarsh-Dodson would provide the City information on trail routes and access to the park other than by automobile.
(e) Vicki Westberg, Shoreline, questioned how the BAC arrived at the dollar amounts in the draft list of projects. She wanted to know what the source documents were. She continued and said assumptions are being made about how much money is needed for other projects, such as improving Aurora Avenue. She inquired if some of the funds for the Aurora Project could be allocated to the purchase of South Woods. She said the City needs a new City Hall building, but it doesn’t need to be fancy. She questioned the credentials of Leisure Vision/ETC Institute as an agency for compiling citizen surveys. She felt South Woods would lose its character if it was sold to developers.
(f) Mamie Bolender, Lake Forest Park, on behalf of the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation, commended the City for increasing open space, improving parks, and its trail ideas. She would like to see more funds being allocated for the South Woods acquisition. The North Park area, she emphasized, is not in danger of being sold to developers. However, South Woods has eager owners (the school and water district) that want to sell quickly so she believed it is in danger of being bought by a developer. The whole forest needs to be saved, she said, because trees provide storm water retention, wildlife habitat, and the community is very interested in saving it. It also has the potential of becoming an environmental education tool because of its proximity to Shorecrest High School and Kellogg Middle School. The Student Action for the Environment (SAFE) Club at Shorecrest High School currently uses South Woods for education. She urged the Council to put enough money into the purchase and maintenance of the property to ensure it stays publicly owned.
(g) LaNita Wacker, Shoreline, felt that $15 million was an artificial cap for a bond issue. She said that the bond issue will only raise $2 million for South Woods which isn’t near what the appraised value is. She advised the City to pursue one of the following options: 1) raise the bond issue to $19 million dollars which would raise $6 million for South Woods; 2) raise the bond issue to $17 million dollars which would raise $4 million for South Woods; or 3) transfer $2 million from the SPU property funds to South Woods. She concluded that South Woods is in danger of being developed by a private interest.
(h) Gordon Swartsman, Seattle, reviewed the history of South Woods, noting that it used to be a farm. It is a natural forest that was transferred to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) from the United States Navy in the late 1970’s and sold in 1996 to a construction company. He displayed pictures and trails of the area and urged the Council to get the funds to keep the property as part of the Shoreline Parks system.
(i) Scott Blair, Shoreline, on behalf of the Richmond Little League, said his organization has approximately 700 families participating in the league through baseball and softball. The league, a non-profit organization, utilizes the City of Shoreline parks for 700 baseball/softball games, and the fields are in need of improvement. He suggested the City host the State 11 year-old tournament, which would bring commerce and increased revenue to the City. He urged the Council to allocate more funding for baseball improvements, such as covered dugouts and scoreboards.
(j) Janet Way, Shoreline, pointed out the bond issue is for the elected officials to vote on and amend. She questioned the urgency of selling the Seattle Public Utility (SPU)/Hamlin site, and why the City is committing such a large portion of funds for it. She said SPU management personnel told her there was no urgency in selling the property. She also added that she didn’t receive notice of this meeting. She concluded by urging the Council to fund the full amount for the purchase of South Woods.
(k) Peter Henry, Shoreline, asked the Council for the full $6 million dollars for the purchase of South Woods. He commented that the Council has been independent and shown progress lately. He reminded the Council that they voted to raise South Woods to the highest priority and staff recommended cutting the funding. The BAC is recommending $2 million be spent for South Woods. He urged the Council to assert itself and allocate $6 million to South Woods.
(l) Richard Tinsley, Shoreline, questioned the recommended funding of $3 million for the SPU/Hamlin site with only $2 million for South Woods. The SPU/Hamlin land is not in danger of being developed, as is the South Woods property. He urged the Council to allocate the full $6 million for South Woods. He supported the Kruckeberg acquisition and would like to see the adjacent lot purchased as a parking lot.
Councilmember Grace inquired about the timeframe for getting a bond issue on the ballot.
Mr. Burkett replied that it is critical for the Council to make a decision soon enough to put together a campaign group to support it. Additionally, he recommended that staff bring back an ordinance at the November 7 Council meeting asking for a bond to submit for the May 26, 2006 election.
Councilmember Gustafson identified that the continuance of the public hearing on the BAC Report is on the City Council agenda for November 7.
Councilmember Ransom said he does not know the cost of dugouts or scoreboards, and he has concerns about vandalism of these items if purchased. He outlined that the $15 million bond estimate was done based on study and what citizens were likely to pass.
Councilmember Gustafson moved to continue the public hearing on November 7, 2005. Councilmember Chang seconded the motion, which carried 6-0.
Mr. Deal said the scoreboard on the Shoreview upper field is built for outdoor conditions and is vandalism-resistant. The dugouts, he said, have metal covers over the existing dugouts and cost about $3,000 - $4,000. Scoreboards range from $10,000 to $12,000 installed.
Councilmember Grace appreciated the process this item has gone through and the criteria used. His primary concern was how to get all the funds necessary to purchase the South Woods property.
Mr. Deal responded that the City will pursue and obtain future grants and Conservation Futures Trust money on an annual basis. The City received more grant money for the purchase of the SPU/Hamlin property than the South Woods property. At present, he said SPU is eager for the City to purchase the property or to let someone else purchase it.
Mr. Burkett felt the current owners should be persuaded to discuss partnering options with the community. He warned that grants are speculative and the preservation value of properties should be prioritized.
Mr. Olander said the City is working on a tentative proposal for the purchase of three acres of the SPU/Hamlin property at a price of $750,000. The $2 million in funding, if the school and water district ask for full market value, would add a little over four acres which would give the City close to half the property. He outlined that the staff and the BAC felt the first bond issue of the City should be somewhat focused and limited.
Councilmember Grace said it would be irresponsible to go forward with a bond if the acquisition of the entire South Woods property was not a goal. With regards to the trail system, he continued, there have been residents who have asked that there is better access to the Interurban Trail and Kruckeberg Garden. The Kruckeberg Garden is a unique resource and the proposed package is a good combination of options, but the City should continue working on obtaining the South Woods property.
Mr. Burkett clarified that the water district said they will only sell the property for market value and the school district agreed to sell the City three acres at a lower price with no information on the rest of the property.
Councilmember Ransom inquired whether there has been any discussion about the City partnering with the water district rather than the school.
Mr. Burkett responded that it is always a possibility, but discussions need to occur.
Councilmember Gustafson surmised that part of passing a bond issue is strategy. To pass the bond there needs to be a 60% majority vote. There needs to be discussion with the school and the water district in the next month to get them involved in this process and negotiate. He is in favor of purchasing the South Woods site and strategies for accomplishing the goal.
Councilmember Chang concurred with Councilmember Grace, noting his support of obtaining the South Woods property. He inquired why the Twin Ponds Soccer Field is more expensive to upgrade than Soccer Fields A and B. He also wondered about the price to purchase the Kruckeberg Gardens.
Mr. Deal responded that Twin Ponds needs a subsurface drainage system. He said the Kruckeberg Foundation is valued much less than South Woods because it has a conservation easement, which limits development.
Councilmember Fimia commented that she is generally in support of this, but has some reservations. She thanked everyone involved with assisting the bond effort, but stated there were only ten BAC members who met to evaluate this bond issue. Furthermore, of the ten that attended, three of them missed two out of the three meetings. The priorities of this plan were the restrooms, walking trails, trail access, and sidewalks near schools in the neighborhood parks. She inquired how many sidewalks could be built for $5 million. She reaffirmed that the City should meet with the school district very soon. The City and the school district need to work out the timing of bonds and must demonstrate that the City wants to work with them on South Woods. Doing this will increase the probability of both bond issues passing, she reasoned. She questioned if a developer had made any type of offer to purchase any portion of South Woods. She felt that access to the Interurban Trail should be a part of the BAC proposal. She asked if there was a better site than Twin Ponds Park for constructing a soccer field and if there were any existing buffer issues there.
MEETING EXTENSION
Councilmember Gustafson moved to extend the meeting until 10:15 pm. Councilmember Chang seconded the motion, which carried 6-0.
Mr. Deal identified that there was an existing lighting system at Twin Ponds Park so it is optimal for a soccer field. Additionally, there are no setback issues at the park and with the new turf there have been no water quality issues on any of the existing fields.
Councilmember Fimia felt the improvement funds for Hamlin Park should be shared with the baseball fields on the west side of the City. She recommended shifting funding from the Richmond Beach Saltwater Project Improvements and the Cromwell Improvements to other higher priorities.
Paul Haines, Public Works Director said the $5 million that the Council has allocated in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) takes place over a six-year period and there are numerous variables involved with sidewalk improvements in the City. First, he outlined, the cost can vary from $70 - $200 per linear foot. Using that value, he calculated, the CIP allows the City to construct 5 to 15 miles of sidewalk in the City, but there are 180 center-line miles in the City with only 20 miles of current sidewalk. He felt that when the City solicits the opinion of the residents the City will get mixed opinions as to where the need and priority is for sidewalks.
Councilmember Fimia said the Council just completed the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) and approved priority list 1A, 1B, 2, and 3. She said she knows there were sidewalks already identified in the priority list. She queried how many miles of sidewalk or walkway projects are planned based on the TMP.
Mr. Haines responded that he was not sure how many sidewalks or walkways were planned based on the TMP, but the TMP was written to conceptualize fundability and the priority one projects should be fundable within the next 20 years.
Councilmember Fimia emphasized that sidewalks are a high community priority, and the City needs to use the bonds for non-essentials. She urged the staff to provide the estimates to the Council.
Mr. Burkett replied that staff would provide the estimates. He said the data on gaps in arterials, sidewalks near school, access to Interurban Trail, which are the high priorities, will be discussed with Council and proposed as part of the $5 million CIP.
Responding to Councilmember Chang, Mr. Burkett said baseball dugouts should probably be funded with the City’s operating budget instead of adding it to the bond issue.
Councilmember Ransom pointed out that there is $250,000 for baseball/softball field improvements that was not designated. He outlined that there is already $750,000 put aside for South Woods. If the City increases the $15 million bond issue to $16 million there would be $3 million of matching money to apply for grants. However, it is difficult to achieve a 60% vote, he concluded.
Mayor Hansen recapped that there is Council consensus for at least a $15 million bond issue. He directed staff to refine the details and bring an ordinance to the City Council meeting on November 7th.
Mr. Burkett said the City staff will bring back an option dealing with the total amount of the bond and the adjustment of where the funding will be allocated.
Councilmember Fimia said she was not sure she could support an ordinance that does not address the issue of sidewalks. She reaffirmed that there are adjustments within the bond issue proposals.
9. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:15 p.m., Mayor Hansen declared the meeting adjourned.
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Scott Passey, City Clerk