CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, April 24, 2006 Shoreline Conference Center
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 7:35 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.
(a) Legislative Report – Senator Darlene Fairley
Senator Fairley reported on the major issues and action taken in the past 2006 Legislative Session. She characterized it as a “successful, short session” which had the support of a “fully-involved Governor.” She said the successful session is largely due to the fact that there is enough funding in the budget. The Legislature allocated more money for K-12 and higher education and allocated an extra $21 million for low-income housing as well as additional funding for Basic Health. Additional funding was also allocated for transportation and to the Shoreline School District to address cluster housing (Fodor Homes) issues. She commended Representative Ruth Kagi for being a champion of education through her advocacy of Early Childhood Education. The bed tax on nursing homes was eliminated, and the Legislature was able to put approximately $1 billion into reserves. She added that although the Streamlined Sales Tax (SST) bill passed the Senate, it did not get a vote in the House. The bill relating to Best Available Science (BAS) also did not advance. She summarized that she tries to support legislative measures that Shoreline supports, and she appreciates the input from the City Council because it helps her make decisions that help the City. She provided an informational handout regarding the K-12 budget enhancements and thanked the City for inviting her to report.
Councilmember Way reported on the success of the solar hot water bill.
Councilmember Gustafson thanked Senator Fairley for representing the City, particularly on education issues.
Deputy Mayor Fimia asked whether the funding for cluster housing is allocated for studies or for implementation.
Senator Fairley said the funding will be used to produce specific work items and projects. To be eligible for the funding, the School District will be required to tell the State how it will increase communication with staffed residential care homes.
Mayor Ransom commented on the high demand for resources among special needs children, such as Fodor Homes for autistic children. He said estimates suggest that $31,000 per student per school year is needed for severely, emotionally-disturbed children due to increased security and other resources. One student required about $200,000 worth of resources because he required a full-time security guard to protect teachers and other students, which increased expenses dramatically.
Senator Fairley noted that the Legislature allocated an extra $19 million for schools last year. She said the School District will have access to the additional funding this year.
Councilmember Hansen thanked Senator Fairley for her report and commended her for continually inquiring about Shoreline’s needs and supporting Shoreline’s legislative agenda.
Councilmember McGlashan concurred, particularly thanking her for passing funding for low-income housing.
Deputy Mayor Fimia asked staff to forward our draft Comprehensive Housing Strategy to Senator Fairley so she can be aware of the City’s needs regarding housing for seniors and low-income residents.
(b) Proclamation of “Volunteer Week”
Mayor Ransom presented the proclamation to Elise Schwartzmiller, Eastside Neighborhood Center volunteer, who accepted on behalf of Shoreline’s many volunteers. They will be honored at the annual Volunteer Breakfast on April 28.
3. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Bob Olander, City Manager, reported on the following items:
Mr. Olander noted that staff would return on May 8 with a proposed change order related to the upgrading of a Seattle Public Utility water line. He asked the City Engineer to report on the change orders to-date.
Jill Marilley, City Engineer, explained that the City has used approximately one-third of the $1 million change order authority granted by the Council for contingencies related to the following: 1) intersection of Westminster Way and N 155th Street; 2) Denny’s parking lot; 3) N. 160th Street storm drainage; and 4) temporary striping of Aurora Avenue. She explained the reasons for the change orders, pointing out that contingencies are necessary due to the many “unknowns,” especially when excavation work is needed.
Councilmember Way asked for further clarification of the N. 160th Street storm drainage project. Ms. Marilley said the City wanted to “get the best system” and “do it right the first time,” which involved installing pipes that will meet present and future storm water needs. Councilmember Way emphasized the need to do whatever we can to protect creeks, particularly because the N. 160th Street area drains into Boeing Creek.
Paul Haines, Public Works Director, provided further explanation of the change orders, noting that of the five projects involved, some of the money expended is covering the City’s partner’s portions of the projects. He clarified that other entities have used the City as a vehicle to build their projects.
Councilmember McGlashan asked if any “lessons learned” from the west side of Aurora Avenue will make the project easier or less expensive when it proceeds to the east side of the street. Mr. Haines commented on the difficultly of predicting what may be buried underground.
Deputy Mayor Fimia noted that King County Metro displayed the many items and implements that were discovered as a result of digging the bus tunnel for Pioneer Square Station.
Mr. Olander announced that the 1st NE Transfer Station would be closed for 18 months beginning May 1.
Deputy Mayor Fimia reported on the King County open house for the new Transfer Station, which will be a model of energy efficiency. It was noted that City residents could take refuse to the Transfer Stations located in Mountlake Terrace, located on 61st Place W.
4. REPORTS OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: none
Councilmember Way displayed an ivy root to illustrate the depth of the problems caused by invasive plants. She urged residents to watch the Ivy OUT program on Channel 21, which broadcasts daily. She also reported on her Earth Day activities and events at Central Market. She noted that she participated in the walkabout on Aurora Avenue and visited about six businesses. She also attended the Water Resource Inventory Area – 8 meeting as an alternate, where members discussed the 2007 work program and staffing issues.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
(a) Dom Amor, Shoreline, spoke in favor of the Parks bond, noting that it gives the City real value as well as a reason to unite for a common purpose. He pointed out that Nagoya, Japan doesn’t have much park and open space areas, and he’d hate to see Shoreline get to that point. He said rather than considering what Shoreline might lose, he urged residents to consider the value Shoreline will keep if the bond election succeeds. He concluded by urging residents to vote yes on the bond.
(b) Jack Leicester, Shoreline, described his background and experience as a design engineer and volunteer forest ranger. He said Councilmember Hansen’s comments last week regarding global warming were technically correct. He provided statistics on greenhouse gas emissions and carbon dioxide to illustrate that the Kyoto Accord is a failure and that the average earth temperature has not increased. He said all proposed models are essentially “guesses,” and therefore so is global warming.
(c) Dennis Lee, Shoreline, said he is looking for a major change in thinking by the Council regarding housing in Shoreline. He commented that Shoreline neighborhoods used to be comprised of smaller houses on smaller lots, but there is now a lack of affordable housing in the City. He alluded to the growth of apartment developments in Seattle and North City to illustrate this point. He suggested a return to the concept of a “small house on small lot” and neighborhood-driven development as opposed to developer-driven development. He concluded that he’d like his children to have access to affordable housing in Shoreline.
(d) Madhuri Hosford, Seattle, requested five minutes to speak on behalf of Shoreline Community College and the National Training Center for Alternative Fuels.
Upon motion by Councilmember Way, seconded by Councilmember Ryu and unanimously carried, the Council suspended its rules to allow the speaker five minutes.
Ms. Hosford urged the Council to endorse the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. She said many cities and organizations in the region support the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. She provided a handout on Washington State Odyssey Days 2006, which will be held October 13-14 on the Shoreline Community College campus. This event will feature top professionals and local legislators who will discuss the viability of healthier transportation choices. She stated that major scientific authorities concur that the climate is warming, so the public needs to become informed and understand the potential impacts. She urged the City to do its best because climate change is something “we can control.”
(e) Maryn Wynne, Shoreline, urged the Council to support the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. She said a Washington State Energy Office report indicated that the State produced over 46,000 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere in 1990; estimates suggest that figure could increase to 66,000 tons by 2010. She estimated that an average vehicle emits 7,337 pounds per year, and that her vehicle emitted 60 pounds of carbon dioxide on her way to tonight’s meeting. She encouraged the Council to join the Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition and to explore fuel efficiencies and alternative energy sources.
(f) Wendy DiPeso, Shoreline, supported the efforts of the Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition and others to work toward renewable energy and sustainability. She said the typical world view of American economics is that anything one does will help everyone else. However, the environment subsidizes businesses and human consumption, which is often not figured into the equation. She said the Native American philosophy is “If I take care of all I see, I will be taken care of.” She said businesses can take incremental steps toward achieving energy efficiencies that will protect the environment. She concluded that supporting the Parks bond and the college’s initiative are small steps that can make a difference.
(g) Robert Nelson, Shoreline, noted that he started removing invasive plants such as ivy from his yard a couple years ago. He noted the large amounts of ivy growing on public property and encouraged the City to get involved by removing ivy, planting native species, and helping feed the ecosystem.
Mr. Olander said the City will keep Mr. Lee involved regarding housing strategies. He also said the City will also coordinate with other groups and agencies on ivy removal initiatives.
Councilmember Hansen said the comments made regarding carbon dioxide emissions are a good example of “junk science.” He said it’s ridiculous to assert that 60 pounds of carbon dioxide can be emitted into the atmosphere from a four-mile trip.
Councilmember Ryu reported on her participation in the ivy removal project at Kruckeberg Garden and on her doorbelling efforts in the neighborhoods. She said many residents are concerned about public right-of-way maintenance and the increasing cost of living. She noted that water fees can be a huge impact on some residents. She said the City needs to be aware of all these needs and balance its priorities.
6. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Councilmember Way objected to Councilmember Gustafson’s request to move Item 8(a) to the Consent Calendar. There were also objections to Councilmember McGlashan’s requested that Item 8(c) be moved to the Consent Calendar.
Councilmember Ryu moved approval of the agenda. Councilmember McGlashan seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and the agenda was approved.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Deputy Mayor Fimia moved approval of the consent calendar, making a correction to the minutes of April 3, 2006. Councilmember Hansen seconded the motion and the following items were approved unanimously:
Minutes of Special Meeting of March 21, 2006
Minutes of Dinner Meeting of March 27, 2006
Minutes of Regular Meeting of March 27, 2006
Minutes of Workshop of April 3, 2006
Minutes of Dinner Meeting of April 10, 2006
Approval of expenses and payroll as of April 13,
2006 in the amount of $939,125.89
Ordinance No. 417, Reclassifying a Position within
The City’s Classification and Compensation Plan
Motion to authorize the City Manager to execute a
Settlement Agreement and Warranty Deed for land
Acquisition for the North Central segment of the
Interurban Trail
Motion to authorize the City Manager to execute a
Construction Contract with Precision Earthworks, Inc.
For the Field Preparation component of Shoreline
Park Soccer Fields A and B
Approval of Interlocal Agreement with WSDOT for
Maintenance responsibility of fence and landscape
Maintenance
8. ACTION ITEMS: OTHER ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS
(a) Amendment to MacLeod Reckord Design Contract
for North Central Segment of Interurban Trail
Dave Buchan, Capital Project Manager, and Kirk McKinley, Aurora Corridor and Interurban Trail Project Manager, joined Mr. Olander at the Council table.
Mr. Buchan provided a brief report on this item, noting that staff is excited about the potential to meet all of the project’s objectives. He commended Les Schwab on their wonderful job of removing their building and complying with all the terms of their agreement. He said they are still working with other property owners, but the city should be prepared to remove the other buildings from the right-of-way if necessary. He explained that the amendment approves funding that is already in the budget to facilitate final design details, including electrical engineering, civil engineering, and hazardous materials surveys and specifications.
Councilmember Hansen moved that the Council authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment to the MacLeod Reckord contract in the amount of $50,540 for final design of the North Central segment of the Interurban Trail. Councilmember Gustafson seconded the motion.
Councilmember Way asked about what would be involved for asbestos abatement, and if the City could contract out these services.
Mr. Buchan said that a survey team would look for the typical signs of asbestos use, such as flooring, mastic, and popcorn ceilings. He clarified that the amendment is necessary to contract for this service if the owners don’t follow through.
A vote was taken on the motion, which carried 7-0.
(b) Youth/Human Services Strategy Work Plan
Rob Beem, Human Services Manager, provided a presentation outlining a proposal for developing a Youth and Human Services Strategy Work Plan. He said it is presented in preparation for the Council’s upcoming Retreat, where it will be discussed in more detail.
In 1999, the City adopted a Human Services Strategy, which was a “strength-based approach” based on 40 Developmental Assets and 15 Desired Outcomes. In 2000, the City adopted a Youth Services Plan, with specific roles and strategies for 9 of the Desired Outcomes. He reviewed the City Youth Strategy Policy Plan and Human Services Strategy, as well as a model Youth Master Plan from Claremont, California. He said the goal of Claremont and others is to mobilize the full spectrum of community in coordinated effort to support youth development through: 1) identifying desired end goals or outcomes; 2) assessing community strengths and capacity; 3) developing shared strategies; and 4) forming partnerships and blending resources.
He outlined the City’s advancements since 2000, including expanded teen/recreation offerings, Club Kellogg, late-night programming, expansion of human services funding, and many other programs and projects. He explained the City’s “strength-based approach,” which focuses on how communities can build upon existing assets to develop a stronger base of community support for individuals and families in need. The older problem reduction model tends to measure success by the reduction and elimination of problems. He stated that “problem-free is not fully prepared.”
He explained that the Council must answer key questions relating to the scope of the Strategy Plan. He concluded by outlining a proposed timeline and the following four (4) alternatives for the Council’s consideration:
Responding to Mayor Ransom, Mr. Beem explained that cost figures have not been estimated for any of the alternatives because these are preliminary ideas.
Councilmember Gustafson felt the presentation provided a good foundation for further discussion at the Council Retreat. He suggested that Council postpone discussion until that time.
Councilmember Ryu concurred, noting her preference for Alternative #4. She also suggested that a public input process occur somewhere in the proposed timeline. Mr. Beem affirmed that a more detailed public involvement process would be forthcoming.
Councilmember Way concurred with postponing discussion until the Council Retreat. She suggested that the issue of bullying be addressed somewhere in the plan.
Deputy Mayor Fimia emphasized the need to maximize the Council’s time at Council meetings. She felt it would be more productive if Councilmembers asked their questions now rather than postponing them.
Councilmember Gustafson felt staff could move on to Agenda Item 8(c) and then return to this item if time permits.
Mayor Ransom requested that staff put together estimated staff hours and costs for all the alternatives to aid the Council’s decision-making process.
Deputy Mayor Fimia asked if the 15 goals have been measured in the surveys, and if there were any statistics that would indicate a growing drug use problem among teens. She also wondered if youth strategies depend upon other human services or family strategies.
MEETING EXTENSION
At 9:50 p.m., Councilmember McGlashan moved to extend the meeting until 10:15 p.m. Councilmember Hansen seconded the motion. Deputy Mayor Fimia moved to amend the proposed adjournment time to 10:30 p.m. Councilmember Ryu seconded the motion, which carried 5-2, with Councilmembers McGlashan and Hansen dissenting. A vote was taken on the main motion, which carried 5-2, with Councilmembers McGlashan and Hansen dissenting, and the meeting was extended until 10:30 p.m.
(c) Ordinance No. 424, approving Special Use Permit
#201473 for expansion of the student union building
on Shoreline Community College campus
Paul Cohen, Senior Planner, described Shoreline Community College’s proposal to expand the Pagoda Union Building on the Shoreline Community College campus, which involves partially demolishing the existing building and rebuilding from the original two stories to three stories within the existing building footprint. He explained that Shoreline Community College is an existing, nonconforming use because new colleges are not permitted in R-4 zones. However, buildings may be expanded subject to a Special Use Permit (SUP) if applications meet nine criteria. The Planning Commission reviewed the SUP and held an open record public hearing on March 2, 2006. The Commission deliberated on parking in general and displaced parking during the construction phase and recommended approval with the following conditions:
He concluded that staff’s recommendation is to approve the applicant’s request for SUP based on the Planning Commission findings, conclusion and recommendation.
Councilmember Hansen moved to adopt Ordinance No. 424, approving Special Use Permit No. 201473 for expansion of the student union building on Shoreline Community College campus. Councilmember Ryu seconded the motion.
Councilmember Ryu said she appreciated the college’s proactive approach in reaching out to the community regarding this project. She encouraged the school to continue this practice, especially with citizens that live to the east of the college.
Councilmember Way asked for clarification of non-conforming use and how the college got to be there instead of residential dwellings.
Mr. Cohen said a non-conforming use is one that does not meet current zoning requirements but it is permitted because an allowance was made for a pre-existing use. He said King County established this use as a college campus prior to City incorporation.
Mr. Olander commented that the reason for the college to complete it’s master plan is so they don’t have to go through the SUP process again. The master plan will allow the City to consider the overall impacts of current and future development rather than a piecemeal approach.
Mr. Cohen noted that the master plan is expected to be completed by late June.
Councilmember Way asked about student demographics and the proportion of Shoreline and Lake Forest Park residents that attend the college. It was explained that such figures would constitute new information than cannot be introduced in the record at this time.
Councilmember Way asked if the building would create additional traffic. She wished to ensure that traffic would not impact the adjacent neighborhoods. Mr. Cohen replied that the Planning Commission considered traffic generated from construction and displaced cars and therefore recommended Condition #1.
Councilmember Way asked if the proposal considers storm water drainage. Mr. Cohen said storm water considerations will come out in the master planning process. He said the storm water drainage requirements will remain the same because the building footprint is unchanged.
Councilmember Way wondered about the possibility of imposing a condition to improve the building’s drainage.
Mr. Olander pointed out that the proposal doesn’t trigger a condition to improve storm water drainage because the building footprint stays the same. He said while he sympathizes with the goal of improving drainage, it would be unfair to selectively impose such conditions on developments. He advised that such conditions could be addressed as part of the Development Code update.
Mayor Ransom pointed out that the college is considered an essential public facility, and the City’s Comprehensive Plan cannot preclude the siting of essential public facilities. He noted that state law takes precedence over City code in this case.
Mr. Cohen added that although the City cannot preclude them, it can impose conditions that make them conform to City code.
Councilmember Way suggested that the master plan be used as an opportunity to “seriously upgrade” the college’s storm water drainage.
Responding to Council questions, Mr. Cohen indicated that the SUP was recommended by the Planning Commission on a 7-1 vote.
Councilmember Ryu agreed with the proposed conditions. She assumed the college would provide adequate signage directing drivers to off-site parking locations.
Councilmember McGlashan suggested that campus traffic might decrease because people will be shuttled in from off-campus sites. He felt the parking and traffic impacts were full mitigated and he expressed support for the motion.
Deputy Mayor Fimia wished to know if the proposal would result in an increase in the number of employees, and if the college has agreed to the two conditions.
It was noted that the proposal includes office space for 85 to 100 employees, are there would be no net increase in the number of employees. Mr. Cohen said the college was not formally presented with the conditions and he has not heard any opposition from the college.
A vote was taken on the motion to adopt Ordinance No. 424, which carried 7-0.
MEETING EXTENSION
At 10:30 p.m., Councilmember Hansen moved to adjourn the meeting. Councilmember Gustafson seconded the motion, which failed 4-3, with Councilmembers Gustafson, Hansen, and McGlashan voting in the affirmative.
At 10:30 p.m. Deputy Mayor Fimia moved to extend the meeting until 10:45 p.m. Councilmember Ryu seconded the motion, which carried 4-3, with Councilmembers Gustafson, Hansen, and McGlashan dissenting.
(d) Adoption of Resolution No. 242, Endorsing the
U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement
Councilmember Way moved to adopt Resolution No. 242, endorsing the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. Councilmember Ryu seconded the motion.
Councilmember Way read a partial list of U.S. cities that have already signed on to the Agreement, as well as a newspaper article by Congressman Jay Inslee supporting measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. She said the evidence for global warming is overwhelming, and she proudly supports adoption of the Agreement. She concluded by saying that Shoreline will become a modern City by adopting this measure.
Councilmember McGlashan expressed support for the motion but wondered about what practical consequences it would have on the City. He wished that Shoreline not become a “police state” in terms of checking emissions. It was noted that the Agreement is simply a statement of support and a promise to implement incremental changes.
Councilmember Gustafson said he would not argue theories of global warming, but he supports the motion because it advocates for energy efficiency.
Deputy Mayor Fimia expressed support for the motion. She said NASA statistics indicate the highest global temperatures on record in 2005, as opposed to Councilmember Hansen’s figures that indicate a peak in 1998. She said although the Resolution doesn’t have the force of law, it is a “no-lose” measure that will help put resources into reducing commute trips. She pointed out that even with Sound Transit’s light rail project, transportation delays are expected to quadruple in the future.
Mayor Ransom said since the last meeting he considered additional information provided by Larry Owens as well as City staff. He noted that the City of Seattle has baseline data for gas emissions, and with the additional input he’s received, he supports endorsing the Agreement. He said the Agreement is simply a statement of support, since it does not obligate the City or impact the City financially.
Councilmember Hansen spoke against the motion, noting it is a “feel-good” measure that has no practical effect. He said it makes sense to protect the environment, but this measure does no accomplish anything and it is not good practice for the Council to implement ineffectual policy. He reiterated that the world heat index peaked in 1998, and global warming theory cannot explain the warm periods or ice ages throughout history. He noted that the vast majority of cities have not signed on to the Agreement, and the Council is simply “grabbing onto media sound bites” in support of global warming theory. He said nobody can prove scientifically a relationship between what Shoreline does and global warming.
MEETING EXTENSION
At 10:45 p.m., Councilmember Ryu moved to extend the meeting until 10:55 p.m. Deputy Mayor Fimia seconded the motion, which carried 6-1, with Councilmember McGlashan dissenting.
Councilmembers continued debate on the question of global warming. Deputy Mayor Fimia asserted that human action can have at least a marginal impact on the environment.
Councilmember Hansen maintained that volcanoes and other natural phenomena have far more impact than anything humans can do. He added that humans don’t have the ability to control the climate.
Councilmember Gustafson concurred, but said he supports the use of Energy Star equipment and other energy-efficiency measures.
MEETING EXTENSION
At 10:55 p.m., Councilmember Ryu moved to extend the meeting until 11:00 p.m. Deputy Mayor Fimia seconded the motion, which carried 4-3, with Councilmembers Gustafson, Hansen, and McGlashan dissenting.
Councilmember Gustafson moved to close debate. Councilmember Hansen seconded the motion, which failed 4-3, with Deputy Mayor Fimia and Councilmembers Ryu and Way dissenting.
Councilmember Way pointed out that the Sierra Club not only expressed a strong opinion on global warming, but it also endorsed her and other Councilmembers. She said she will uphold the Sierra Club’s expectations by voting for this motion.
Mayor Ransom concluded the discussion by stating that he proposed this measure because he believes global warming is a reality, although he has not been endorsed by the Sierra Club. He felt endorsing this Agreement is the right thing to do.
A vote was taken on Resolution No. 242, endorsing the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, which carried 6-1, with Councilmember Hansen dissenting.
9. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:56 p.m., Mayor Ransom declared the meeting adjourned.
_________________________
Scott Passey, City Clerk