CITY OF SHORELINE

 

SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL

SUMMARY MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING

 

Monday, March 20, 2006                                                             Shoreline Conference Center

6:30 p.m.                                                                                                      Mt. Rainier Room

 

 

PRESENT:       Mayor Ransom, Deputy Mayor Fimia, and Councilmembers Gustafson, Hansen, McGlashan, Ryu, and Way

 

ABSENT:        none

 

1.                  CALL TO ORDER

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:36 p.m. by Mayor Ransom, who presided.

 

2.         FLAG SALUTE/ROLL CALL

 

Mayor Ransom led the flag salute.  Upon roll call by the City Clerk, all Councilmembers were present.  Councilmember McGlashan expressed his intention to leave the meeting at 7:15 p.m. for a short time to attend a Shoreline School District function.

 

3.         CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

 

Robert Olander, Interim City Manager, reported on the following items:

 

 

Commenting on the rough road conditions on Aurora Avenue, Mayor Ransom asked about the timeline for the road overlay.  Mr. Olander said he would check with staff about the timeline, but the road overlay will be the last item to complete. 

 

Councilmember Way inquired about the water main incident on Aurora Avenue.

 

Paul Haines, Public Works Director, reported that the contractor hit a water line in the course of excavation, but the line was repaired over the weekend and Seattle Public Utilities handled the outreach for this incident.

 

Councilmember Hansen asked Mr. Haines to respond to the letter Council received regarding potential power outages.

 

Mr. Haines responded that Seattle City Light is scheduling some outages with customers directly, as it is in the process of getting its system transformed.  He commented on the rough conditions on Aurora Avenue and said the City is trying to respond as quickly as possible to potholes and other related complaints.

 

4.         COUNCIL REPORTS

 

Councilmember Hansen reported on the Suburban Cities Association (SCA) Executive Committee’s meeting with King County Executive Ron Sims regarding the solid waste plan.  He said the SCA supports legislation that has been referred to the governor for passage.  He also said state legislative priorities for 2007 focus on mental health, reclaimed water, and jail issues.  At the April 19 SCA networking meeting, Executive Sims and Senator Patty Murray will be in attendance.

 

Councilmember Ryu commented on the upcoming SeaShore Transportation Forum on March 22.  She said she met with merchants in the first mile of the Aurora Corridor project, who continue to express concerns about business access.  She commented on some constituents’ interest in Sister Cities, and announced a fundraising dinner event sponsored by the Shoreline Boosters.  She reported on the Council subcommittee reviewing Library Board applications.

 

Councilmember Way said she would report next week on the events she attended at the National League of Cities Conference.  She provided copies of the written materials from the meetings she attended.

 

Deputy Mayor Fimia noted that Councilmembers would be conducting “walkabouts” every week from 2-4 p.m. along Aurora Avenue to talk with merchants about how the City can help mitigate the impacts of Aurora Corridor construction.  She said merchants have requested that the current access signs be modified to include the names of businesses.  She also urged the community to shop in Shoreline.

 

Mayor Ransom noted that two candidates for the Planning Commission have withdrawn their applications, so additional people may be selected for future interviews.

 

Councilmember Ryu requested that Consent item 7(a), Ordinance No. 412, be pulled and added as Action Item 8(a), with the other agenda items renumbered accordingly.

 

5.         PUBLIC COMMENT 

 

            (a)        Bob Barta, Shoreline, invited the community to attend Highland Terrace Neighborhood Association’s monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 18, where Planning Director Joe Tovar will discuss housing/growth issues and demographics.  The meeting will be held at Highland Terrace Elementary School Annex at 7:00 p.m.

 

            (b)        Jim Dougherty, Shoreline, thanked the Council for proposing the parks bond, noting it is an excellent opportunity for the City to acquire significant parcels of property.  He thanked the Council for allowing citizens the opportunity to vote on this issue.

 

            (c)        Gary Batch, Shoreline, expressed opposition to the City’s proposed leash law because social mores already succeed in controlling undesirable behaviors.  He noted that his family has more than three animals, which exceeds the City’s limit for domestic animals, so he wondered how this could possibly be enforced.  He gave examples of how the logic of the leash law could be applied to other areas, but said they would be opposed by a majority of people.  He concluded that the leash law is unnecessary because society is already taking care of the problem.

 

            (d)        Wendy DiPeso, Shoreline, recommended that Council select Chris Eggen for the Planning Commission because he is calm, thoughtful, and raises many good questions.  On another topic, she noted that a visitor to Shoreline was not able to cross Aurora Avenue in the vicinity of Westminster Triangle because both sides of the street were closed to pedestrian traffic.  She urged the City not to close both sides of the street at the same time.

 

            (e)        Randy Hughes, Shoreline, representing the Shoreline/Lake Forest Park Senior Center, explained the program offered in conjunction with the King County Humane Society to provide pet food to seniors with limited incomes.  To qualify, seniors must be 55 years or older with incomes less than $960/month if single, or $1,230/month for a household of two.  Pets must be spayed or neutered, and owners cannot have more than three pets per household.  He urged citizens to help spread the word and asked the City to mention the program in its next issue of Currents.

 

Responding to Councilmember Way about how people can donate to the program, Mr. Hughes said people can contact Jon Ann at the Senior Center.

 

            (f)         Bronston Kenney, Shoreline, expressed his hope that the future Planning Commission will be substantially different than the present one.  He noted that the Commission is largely made up of developers who are biased in favor of building and development to the detriment of Shoreline citizens’ interests.  He said the Planning Commission demonstrates a “top down” approach that has resulted in many land use problems, including cottage housing, the restriping of 15th Avenue, and the City Hall siting at Echo Lake.  He said “builders and developers should always have a seat at the table, but should not be allowed to set the agenda or chair the meeting.”

 

Mr. Olander noted that the leash law proposal would come back to the Council on April 10.  He said he would look into the issue of rerouting pedestrian traffic on Aurora Avenue.

 

6.         APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

 

Councilmember Hansen moved approval of the agenda as amended by Councilmember Ryu, who requested removal of Consent Item 7(a).  Councilmember Gustafson seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

Councilmember McGlashan left the meeting at 7:15 p.m.  He returned at 7:55 p.m.

 

7.         CONSENT CALENDAR

 

Ordinance No. 412 was transferred to the Workshop agenda. 

 

8.         WORKSHOP ITEMS

 

There was Council consensus to hear the Library Board Annual Report first.

 

            (a)        Shoreline Library Board Annual Report

 

Dick Deal, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director, introduced Mary Lynn Potter, Chair of the Shoreline Library Board, who provided the annual report.

 

Ms. Potter noted that three Library Board members, Ed Renouard, Joe Phillips, and Jamie Holter are retiring so the Board currently has three vacancies.  She outlined the major goals of the Board: 1) finding ways to encourage library use; 2) collaborating through networking with neighborhood and other community groups; 3) attending as many King County Library System (KCLS) meetings as possible; 4) helping KCLS understand the needs of schools and students; and 5) support efforts of local library staff to provide services tailored to the unique needs of the Shoreline community.  She went on to describe the Library system’s accomplishments, services, challenges, and future projects.  Her presentation included the following points:

 

 

Councilmember Way asked what efficiencies were intended through the clustering policy.

 

Ms. Potter said the theory behind clustering is to provide equal services at all libraries, with the intent of enabling library staff to perform all necessary library tasks.  She said the County has not addressed all the issues related to the implementation of clustering, and the Friends of the Library groups have taken a position against clustering.

 

Responding to Councilmember Gustafson, Ms. Potter explained how the automatic check-in system would work.  Councilmember Gustafson thanked Ms. Potter for her leadership and Mr. Phillips for his many years of service on the Board.  He noted that his family members are frequent users of the on-line system.

 

Deputy Mayor Fimia expressed appreciation for the efforts in getting the Richmond Beach Library sited.  She inquired about volunteer opportunities at the libraries.  Ms. Potter responded that people can contact the libraries for more information on volunteering.

 

Mayor Ransom expressed strong concerns about the decision to implement clustering.  He said he protested the clustering idea, with the consent of Council, but librarians were removed from our two libraries without any explanation or discussion.  The agreement with KCLS provides that our Library Board and the community would be consulted before the County makes final decisions, but that is not happening.  He said the current manager’s attitude is to “take action first” and then provide an explanation later.  He said the current manager covering both libraries has indicated she does not have time to meet with the Library Board and has assigned a customer relations employee to attend the meetings.  Therefore, the City does not have nearly the insight it once had.  He expressed hope that the new system will function, but said he remains concerned.

 

At this time, Mr. Joe Phillips of the Library Board was invited to speak to the Council.

 

Mr. Phillips pointed out that he served on the Library Board for the past four years, and his wife served for six years.  He made note that two critical librarians at the Richmond Beach Library have quit.

Mr. Olander urged the Library Board to develop a policy and work with the Council so that Shoreline’s needs and concerns can be communicated effectively to the KCLS.

 

            (b)        Ordinance No. 412, providing for the Use of Eminent

                        Domain to Acquire One Additional Fee Acquisition and

                        Temporary Construction Easement

 

Councilmember Hansen moved adoption of Ordinance No. 412, providing for the Use of Eminent Domain to Acquire One Additional Fee Acquisition and Temporary Construction Easement.  Councilmember Gustafson seconded the motion.

 

Ian Sievers, City Attorney, provided the staff report and explained that this fee acquisition and construction easement for the Joshua Green property is the last parcel to finalize for Aurora Corridor Project Phase I.  The ordinance is a necessary first step in condemnation, and the property owner has been aware of it and involved in the discussions but there has been some delay in obtaining a counter offer.  He said it has always been clear that the City would negotiate, and the property owner has no objections to passing this ordinance.

 

Councilmember Ryu noting that while she dislikes such legal actions, the Ordinance is a “necessary evil” in order to complete the project.  She wished to explore ways to encourage property owners to “come to the table’ earlier before such condemnation action is required.  She gave previous notice that she will be asking for a specific Aurora Square redevelopment plan in the future.

 

Noting that the Joshua Green property is owned by a family trust, Mayor Ransom commented on the difficulty of working with a multiple ownership situation.

 

Mr. Olander reported on his meeting with the chair of the trust.  He said while the Joshua Green group is generally interested in cooperating, the challenge is the multiple ownership issue.

 

Councilmember Hansen expressed support for the Ordinance, noting that “Step 1” authorizes condemnation and provides an incentive for the parties to move forward.

 

A vote was taken on the motion to adopt Ordinance No. 412, which carried 7-0.

 

            (c)        Human Services Funds Allocation Process for the

                        Fiscal Years 2007-2008

 

Rob Beem, Human Services Manager, provided the staff report for this item and explained that the City allocates human services funds to non-profit agencies providing services to Shoreline residents on a two-year cycle.  In 2006, this funding totaled $605,593 in a combination of general funds and federal Community Development Block Grant (CBGB) funds.  The next funding cycle is for 2007-2008.  Current practice calls for the City Council to review and authorize the continuation of the current Desired Outcomes, Capital Priorities, and allocation process for 2007-2008.

                                                                                       

Continuing, Mr. Beem explained that the funding is used to support human services and projects that benefit low and moderate income residents.  A major effort of the CDBG is the Major Home Repair Program, as well as Minor Home Repair.  Another focus of the plan is a homelessness prevention project.  The capital side of the funding emphasizes housing and projects addressing the needs of specific populations.  He said staff anticipates using the same process to develop recommendations for Council that has been used in the past two funding cycles.  This involves soliciting applications from agencies serving Shoreline starting this spring, convening an Ad Hoc Human Services Advisory Committee to review the applications during the summer, and presenting a recommendation to Council this fall.  He noted the diversity of the membership of the Ad Hoc Committee. 

 

Mr. Beem added that while Council is considering a broad review of human services/youth services and housing needs, completion of any major policy shifts will occur after the application deadline for agency funding in June.  Policy guidance for applicants is set in the Council adopted Human Services 15 Desired Outcomes and in the Capital Funding Priorities.  The Desired Outcomes include current Council priorities and the recommendations of the Council’s Ad Hoc Human Services Sub Committee on housing and literacy.  He said if there are any major policy shifts from Council review of housing, capital or human service needs later this year, the Outcomes and Priorities can be amended for 2008.  He urged the Council to provide policy direction before the City enters into a public process. 

 

Councilmember Hansen asked for an accounting of how much money is in the Major Home Repair Program, and whether the City “writes off” any unpaid balances.  He wanted to specifically know what percentage is comprised of grants, and what percentage is comprised of loans.  He felt this would give him a better idea of how much money is in this revolving fund.

 

Mr. Beem responded that he would provide figures on the proportion of grant funds to loans. 

 

Responding to Councilmember McGlashan, Mr. Beem said the Food Bank has not requested an increase in funding.

 

Councilmember Gustafson expressed support for the proposed process for allocating the funding.  He suggested additional discussion at the Council Retreat.

 

Councilmember Way reported on the Council’s efforts to lobby state officials in Washington, D.C. on CDBG during the national League of Cities visit.  She asked how many citizens are served by the human services programs and how the Ad Hoc Advisory Committee was selected.

 

Mr. Beem replied that between 15,000-16,000 people of varying needs are served by the programs.  Regarding the Ad Hoc Advisory Committee, he said about half of the committee has continued on from year to year, but this half also changes each year.  He said committee members are selected based on a variety of criteria, including geography, cultural background, experience, and time availability.  The timeline for advertising for the Ad Hoc Committee is in early May.

 

Councilmember Way asked about the criteria for selection of the Desired Outcomes, and how people can access human services.  She suggested that people lobby their elected representatives in Washington D.C. if they support continued funding of the CDBG program.  She also asked if there is any unmet need in Shoreline.

 

Mr. Beem said the criteria was established by the Advisory Committee before his employment with the City and is based on the vision adopted by the Council.  He said there are a variety of ways people can receive information about human services.  Many calls are received at the City, and many come to the 211 phone system.  He said the important point is ensuring that those receiving calls know enough about the programs to provide effective referrals.  He noted that human services are generally less well-funded than other programs, so there is greater potential to have unmet needs.

 

Councilmember Ryu pointed out that under the current funding scheme, human services is funded at a level of $20 per Shoreline citizen annually.  She estimated that the $917,000 budget averages out to less than $20 annually per Shoreline resident, and about $60 per year for the 15,000-16,000 people that are served by human service programs.  Noting that the Ad Hoc Committee is involved in the allocation process, she asked if it is also involved in the goal-setting process.

 

Mr. Olander said it is not currently involved in the goal-setting process, and it would require a broader public process than what the Council currently uses.

 

Deputy Mayor Fimia thanked Mr. Beem for explaining the process early on, although the risk is that the Council may have changes later.  She agreed with putting this item on the Council Retreat agenda so the Council can discuss the Desired Outcomes and overall process.  She wished to ensure that human services funding is not only used for treatment but also for prevention and intervention.  She suggested reevaluating the human services program because demographics have changed and one-in-five Shoreline residents are considered “low income.”  She said a “Shoreline Summit” might help the Council allocate more efficiently, and it may be advisable to allocate a larger amount from the General Fund.  She expressed a preference for having one or two Councilmembers on the Ad Hoc Committee.

 

Mayor Ransom pointed out that the human services allocations do not address the need for dental services or mental health counseling.  He suggested that perhaps there should be more focus on these two areas in the Desired Outcomes.

 

  Mr. Beem said that state and federal money provide the large majority of funding for mental health.  Cities have made the decision not to make a large investment in mental health when others are providing this.  He said most of the core funding comes from the state through King County.

 

Mayor Ransom said the Ad Hoc Committees have operated well in the past, so he didn’t see a need for Councilmembers to participate.

 

Councilmember Way concurred with the idea of a “Summit” and with points presented at the NLC Conference regarding youth.  She felt there should be a census of the types of services that are needed.  She read a portion of a letter from a Kellogg Middle School student, who felt that teens have limited resources.  She commented on teen felony statistics and felt the City should explore the idea of a Youth Master Plan.

 

Mr. Beem noted that the Parks department provides many programs for youth and teens.

 

Deputy Mayor Fimia concluded the discussion by stating her preference that the Ad Hoc Advisory Committee includes persons between the ages of 16 and 21.

 

            (d)        Amendment of Purchase and Sale Agreement for

                        Three (3) Acres of South Woods

 

Mr. Sievers provided the staff report and background on this item.  He explained that after an agreement was reach between the City and the School District and Water District for purchase of a portion of South Woods, the districts filed a short plat application with the City.  He pointed out that State law requires that a proposed subdivision and dedication include appropriate provisions for streets, other public ways, and sidewalks.  One of the Shoreline requirements for subdivision of property is the installation or bonding of frontage improvements, including curb, gutter and sidewalk.  The School District has asked that the purchase agreement be adjusted to assign the additional cost of providing curb, gutter and sidewalk along N. 150th to the City.  The total estimated cost of the total frontage improvements to N. 150th St. is $124,876, with the School Districts proportionate share at approximately $37,000. The School District and Water District would agree that their parcels would be subject to a latercomers agreement reimbursing the City for their proportionate share of the installed street  improvements that would otherwise be required with the next stage of development.

 

Mr. Sievers summarized that the City would guarantee the entire frontage improvements of Lot 1 (as indicated in the staff report), and the other parties would agree to pay a proportionate share later, so the City would eventually recoup the balance of the costs.

 

Councilmember Gustafson moved the staff recommendation to authorize the City Manager to execute amendments to the Purchase and Sale Agreement for three acres of South Woods, assigning to the City the short plat approval condition to construct frontage improvements on N. 150th Street; and direct that the 2006-2011 CIP be amended to include $125,000 for curb, gutter and sidewalk on N. 150th Street.  Councilmember Hansen seconded the motion.

 

Councilmember Hansen pointed out that the City is the “latecomer” in this situation, so the City will basically assume the costs of the improvements.

 

Councilmember Ryu noted that the City is getting Lot 1 at the 1999 market price, but it will be paying full price for the other parcels if the City acquires all the property.  Based on this analysis, she wondered if the City should ask the districts to pay the latecomer’s fee.

 

Mr. Olander noted that the costs will be “backed out” of the appraisal, so both parties to the agreement will be treated equally.

 

Councilmember Way expressed support for the Ordinance.

 

Deputy Mayor Fimia said she wishes “we could have caught this earlier rather than later,” but clarified that the City will purchase the entire parcel if the park bond passes in May.

 

A vote was taken on the motion, which carried 7-0.

 

9.         EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

At 9:06 p.m., Mayor Ransom announced that the Council would recess into Executive Session until 10:00 p.m. to discuss personnel matters.  At 9:48 p.m., the Executive Session concluded and Mayor Ransom returned to the Council chamber.

 

10.       ADJOURNMENT

 

At 9:49 p.m., Mayor Ransom declared the meeting adjourned.

 

/S/ Scott Passey, City Clerk, CMC