CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, May 1, 2006 Shoreline Conference Center
PRESENT: Mayor Ransom, Deputy Mayor Fimia and Councilmembers Gustafson, Hansen, McGlashan, and Way
ABSENT: Councilmembers Ryu
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 with the exception of Councilmembers Hansen and Ryu. Councilmember Hansen arrived at 6:41 p.m.
Upon motion by Councilmember McGlashan, seconded by Deputy Mayor Fimia and carried 5-0, Councilmember Ryu was excused.
Councilmember McGlashan advised the Council that he would be departing at 7:00 p.m. to present the Teacher of the Year award at the Shoreline School Board meeting.
3. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Bob Olander, City Manager, reported that the City’s Recreation Superintendent, Lynn Cheeney was chosen as the Honor Fellow Award recipient for the Washington Parks and Recreation Association (WPRA). Ms. Cheney said it was an honor for her to be selected.
Continuing the City Manager’s report, Mr. Olander said the Shoreline/Lake Forest Park Senior Center will be hosting “Treasure or Trash,” an appraisal event on May 20th at the Senior Center. He also commented on the success of the Annual Volunteer Breakfast, which was held last Friday. He noted that the Aurora Corridor continues to move along and on May 19th the main bridge structure will be installed. He commented on the plan to publicize the fact that Aurora Avenue will be closed from 7:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. He also noted that Shoreline Fields A & B contract has been awarded and it is estimated that it will be completed within 70 calendar days. He mentioned the Council’s goal-setting retreat and said a draft list of goals will be sent out to the public for their input.
4. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Gustafson provided highlights of his trip to China and discussed several Chinese amenities such as the streetlights, artistic overpasses, underground utilities, bike-friendly roads, fountains, and landscaping. He said he was very impressed with curb and median structures in China and their tree and vegetation planting. He also noted that Shoreline should consider building a fountain in the City.
Councilmember McGlashan noted that an Eagle Scout completed his duties at Top Foods and erected fencing and a picnic table which will deter vehicles from driving onto the Interurban Trail. He said he also attended the “Average Joe Cat Show” sponsored by the Parks Department.
Councilmember Way thanked staff for their patience and willingness to help the Council achieve their goals and come to consensus during the retreat.
Councilmember Hansen reported on his attendance at the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) meeting on Thursday, where the Comprehensive Plan Updates for Mill Creek and University Place were certified. The group also authorized a change in the project status for projects relating to Destination 2030. A new compensation and benefit study was also approved, he said. They also reviewed the latest actions concerning the third Runway in SeaTac. There were also updates done on PRSC’s 2006 Policy Framework.
Deputy Mayor Fimia said there are walkabouts going on every Wednesday to businesses that are affected by the Aurora Corridor Project. She said they got some good suggestions for signage and access from the business owners. She urged the public to visit the businesses and inquired if the City could make the opening of the Interurban Trail Bridge a joint event with businesses.
Mayor Ransom attended the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce meeting. He reported that they discussed the Economic Development Committee sponsoring of the Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition and Washington State Odyssey Days which begins in October. Economic Development Manager Tom Boydell was also there and he noted that Quizno’s was the first loan applicant for the business assistance program. Mayor Ransom announced that the North City Car Show is on June 17th and the National Day of Prayer Prayer Breakfast is on May 4th at the Shoreline Center. He said he went to the Northend Mayor’s Meeting, where he outlined an issue with SeaShore grants between the cities of the group. He said Kenmore and Bothell are asking for funding for a downtown project that they also submitted to the Eastside Forum; their proposal was ranked fifth. Now they want to submit it to the Seashore Forum and compete with Shoreline for funding. Bothell, he announced, is implementing a moratorium on adult entertainment. Mayor Ransom attended the Suburban Cities Association meeting and King County Executive Ron Sims discussed the pandemic flu outbreak of 1918 and the County’s current extensive preparation for an anticipated pandemic flu. He also spoke with Senator Patty Murray about the Shoreline School District budget, “No Child Left Behind,” and how much money the City would be requesting for Aurora Corridor Phase II. He stated he received a voicemail complaint about signage on Aurora being printed only in a foreign language. He asked the City Manager if signs are required to also be printed in English.
Councilmember McGlashan departed the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Mr. Olander responded that the City does not generally control signage content, but it does control size and placement.
Ian Sievers, City Attorney, added that the City has no control of the content of a private sign due to constitutional rights of freedom of speech.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
(a) Dwight Stevens, Shoreline, urged those in attendance to remember to vote for the Parks Bond on May 16. He said it is a marvelous opportunity to do something good for the City. He outlined that 7,100 people must vote, and 4,300 of them must vote in favor for the bond to pass. He said residents can call him to get a yard sign in support of the bond.
6. WORKSHOP ITEMS
(a) Annual Reports of the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park
Arts Council and Shoreline Historical Museum
Dick Deal, Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Director, stated since 1996 the City of Shoreline has provided financial support to the Shoreline Historical Museum for historical preservation of artifacts and documents.
Vicki Stiles, Shoreline Historical Museum Director, gave an overview of the museum. She highlighted that it is a community museum with a regional focus. She discussed the background on the facility and the programs offered. The facility is staffed by volunteers who log an average of over 4,000 hours per year of service to the museum.
Councilmember McGlashan returned at 7:23 p.m.
Ms. Stiles continued with a PowerPoint presentation outlining the events that have taken place at the museum over the past years which include:
She added that many of the exhibits involve local businesses and provide snapshots of Shoreline’s growth over the years. She noted that the museum is involved in many long-term projects such as:
· ADA accessibility improvements
· Adding an elevator in the building
· Next 100 years project
· Seismic upgrades
· Improving the collections and archives area
· Restoring the historical integrity of the building
She concluded by stating the museum serves approximately 10,000 people every year, with 85% of them being Shoreline residents. She thanked the residents of the City of Shoreline, the City Council, and the City staff for their support.
Councilmember Way thanked Ms. Stiles for the great work she has done over the years. She added that Ms. Stiles is very patient and well-informed about Shoreline history and inquired if there were any planned or established programs to document the oral history of the City.
Ms. Stiles stated that the City has had an oral history program for four years, but the interviewing process takes time and volunteers are trying their best to collect the “memories.” She also responded that the museum tours local elementary schools and does lots of work with the schools on “History Day” each year to ensure the students know that the museum is a resource for information. She also said there are several organizations that the City partners with such as the King County 4 Culture, the Association of King County Historical Organizations, the Washington Museum Association, and other community groups. However, she said, the museum is always looking for other organizations with which to partner.
Councilmember Way encouraged Ms. Stiles to think “outside the box” and come to the community and the Council for ideas and input.
Deputy Mayor Fimia thanked Ms. Stiles for her work at the museum. She said the programs seem frequent, which is good. She inquired about cultural history and genealogy. She felt the City should be doing more programs focusing on awareness, sensitivity, and inclusion. She raised the point that these types of programs need to be given in the City of Shoreline to increase understanding and sensitivity.
Ms. Stiles replied that the first multicultural exhibit was “Fresh Voices of the Community, Korean-American Youth.” This exhibit was created by about 20 Korean-American high school students who spoke about their lives through a series of interviews and discussions. Another exhibit is called, “Edwin Pratt,” who was very involved in the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960’s in Shoreline. It was created in conjunction with the sixth graders at North City School. Finally, she said, two years ago the museum did “Mabuhai”, a Filipino-American exhibit in Shoreline. She commented that it takes time and effort to put these exhibits together.
Deputy Mayor Fimia felt that the history lessons given in schools lack humanness and wondered what is available at the museum to counteract this.
Ms. Stiles responded there are lectures on how to research the archives for genealogy information. She noted that the museum has a plethora of information on local families.
Deputy Mayor Fimia suggested the City do more partnerships to increase awareness in school children. She argued that the children are missing out on discovering their culture.
Ros Bird, Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council Director, said the mission of the Council which was founded in 1989, is to nurture and support the Arts to enhance the quality of life in the community. The Arts Council currently serves about 23,000 people per year. The Council promotes awareness through a newsletter, e-news updates, website and flyers. The Arts Council sponsors and coordinates music, dance, theater, visual arts festivals, workshops, and other events. She added that they also support several local artists and arts organizations. She highlighted that their funding comes from 4 Culture, the Washington State Arts Commission, individual donations, grants, and corporations and local business donations. She noted that there is a 14-member volunteer board of directors, volunteer committee members, and over 300 volunteers per year. She said the Arts Council thrives on partnering with organizations such as the School District, the museum, the senior center, and other community organizations.
Councilmember Way thanked Ms. Bird for the presentation and congratulated the group for their efforts. She said it would be great to have some of the things that occur in the Arts Festival carried over to “Celebrate Shoreline.” She inquired about local cultural groups in Shoreline.
Ms. Bird responded that there were a host of ethnic bands and she recruits for dance groups because there aren’t that many in the City.
Councilmember Way added that she would like to see the Arts Council get more funding and develop more programs for the schools to encourage young artists.
Ms. Bird responded that they do some of that and residents assist the Arts Council to secure more funding by lobbying the State Legislature to have arts included in basic education. If that occurs, she explained, more funding should be allocated to develop arts programs in the schools.
Deputy Mayor Fimia thanked Ms. Bird for the work done, to include the bus shelters in the City. She said that she will lobby for more multicultural events in the City and more partnerships for economic development in the arts arena.
Ms. Bird commented that people are coming from many places and staying in this area. Cultural tourism is important and some work should be done with the Chamber of Commerce.
Councilmember Gustafson thanked Ms. Bird for a great job and said the Arts Council is an asset to the community.
(b) Street Maintenance Operations – 2006 Status Update
Paul Haines, Public Works Director reviewed the services, activities, and the effective programs of the Street Maintenance Operations Division. Mr. Haines individually introduced and noted that Brian Breeden and his field crew team is the most professional crew he has ever worked with. He stated that the Street Operations program maintains, repairs and improves the City’s transportation, urban street trees, drainage infrastructure, supports emergency management as first responders, as well as, provides safe and efficient corridors of travel to protect public and private property. Their goal is to provide a safe, pleasant, and healthy environment for the community. He displayed an organizational chart of the department and noted the following statistical information pertaining to maintenance responsibilities for the division:
· 663 requests for service this year from residents
· 12,000 signs
· 2 bridges
· 12,000 Signs
· 2 Bridges
· 171 miles of striping
· 112 miles of slope mowing
· 68.5 miles of sidewalks
· 109 miles of storm pipes
· 15,400 street trees maintained
· 185 miles of public streets
· 3 - 6 windstorms a year
· 3 - 6 snow storm events
· 5.8 miles of overlay annually
· 6.8 miles of slurry seal annually
· Replace over 3,000 sq. ft of sidewalk panels annually
Brian Breeden, Public Works Road Supervisor, highlighted that the Street Operations team performs the following daily tasks as needed throughout the City of Shoreline:
Mr. Breeden also stated that crews pick up any large limbs and debris that have fallen within the City’s right-of-way starting with primary routes first, then on secondary streets and into the neighborhoods. Additionally, residents are advised on how to dispose of yard debris through an informational campaign. He stated that they clear storm drains and catch basins to reduce possible street flooding, meanwhile, residents are encouraged to rake up and remove leaves from the storm drains. He highlighted that they maintain several professional services contracts with vendors who provide the following services:
Deputy Mayor Fimia asked for more information on why the City does slurry seal.
Jesus Sanchez, Public Works Operations Manager, stated that this is used on roads that have a high pavement management index (PMI) and need to be maintained. Slurry roads wear better than normal pavement and asphalt.
Mr. Olander added that slurry seal is a preventative measure.
Mr. Haines said that an overlay occurs when there are structural problems present; the slurry seal is applied before any issues occur. The seal fills in cracking and sustains the surface condition before water can erode it.
Councilmember McGlashan inquired if “tar and gravel” was utilized any longer.
Mr. Sanchez responded that this type of road paving is called “chip seal” and it has produced many complaints over the years because it doesn’t add a structural component to roads.
Mr. Olander said it is wise for the City to invest in the roads because it can save the City millions in repair costs in the future.
Mr. Sanchez continued that the department is always looking for efficiencies, cost savings, and enhancements that will increase the service levels of the roads in Shoreline.
Mr. Sanchez noted that the City would be updating sixty-five curb ramps with ADA truncated domes in 2006. These curb ramps are located in the southwest corner of the City. Additionally, the City is replacing 239 linear feet of curb and gutter in the City. He noted that in 2006 they will increase department efficiency and reduce spending by: 1) conducting efficiency and cost comparison analysis on services performed by King County, private contractors and in-house staff; 2) performing an efficiency and cost comparison analysis on owning a new sweeper vs. renting; 3) providing concrete replacement training to crew; and 4) creating an “on-call” program for the Street Operations crew.
Mayor Ransom inquired how much it costs to repair one pothole, and noted that it used to cost $300 several years ago.
Mr. Breeden responded that it costs less than $300 to repair each pothole now. He also added that the City doesn’t contract with King County to repair them any longer because it is more cost-effective to do this work in-house.
Councilmember Hansen thanked the Public Works department for the great job they do. He inquired if the sidewalk and curb ramp installations at Fred Meyer were included in the overall number of linear feet done in the City.
Mr. Sanchez said they are not included because developers are responsible for their own sidewalks and curb gutters.
Councilmember Hansen inquired about the leasing agreement for the slope mower.
Mr. Sanchez replied that it is on a straight operating lease because it provides the highest maintenance coverage for repair costs since a slope mower is very expensive to maintain.
Mr. Haines stated he is very cautious about making new equipment purchases and before leasing the slope mower he made sure the department could afford it.
Councilmember Hansen said Councilmember Ryu asked if the mowing schedule has been created yet because residents have concerns about mowing the right-of-way.
Mr. Sanchez responded that his crew will help people if they can’t maintain the right-of-way or need assistance.
Councilmember Hansen noted that there was a reduced speed sign down on the corner of 1st Avenue NE and 198th Street NE.
Councilmember McGlashan asked if metal stop sign posts were less expensive than wood posts.
Mr. Sanchez replied that they were more expensive, but they are faster to replace and are made of a reflective material which increases visibility at night.
Councilmember McGlashan inquired what bridges were being maintained by the Public Works department.
Mr. Sanchez replied that they maintain the bridge on 195th and the bridge on 175th and 10th NW. He said the department cleans the areas around the bridges at the entrances. but the department does not do any structural work.
Mr. Haines noted there is a required annual structural review for all bridges in the City.
Councilmember McGlashan asked about the removal process for an overgrown tree in the right-of-way. He noted there are some trees on 15th Avenue NE that are breaking the sidewalk.
Mr. Sanchez replied that they first try to save the tree, but if it can’t be saved, they remove it and replant another smaller tree. Under certain conditions, they can modify the sidewalk to circumvent obstructions.
Referring to the presentation information, Councilmember Way asked about the six beautification sites.
Mr. Breeden responded that they include: 1) Aurora Avenue and 205th Avenue; 2) the bridge at NE 195th Street; 3) Meridian and NE 175th Street; 4) Meridian and NE 205th Street; 5) 5th Avenue NE and NE 145th Street; and 6) 5th Avenue NE and NE 165th Street.
Councilmember Way inquired if volunteers are needed for these projects.
Mr. Sanchez responded that volunteers are always solicited and some do respond and help.
Councilmember Way inquired if there is a volunteer maintenance program.
Mr. Sanchez replied that one member of staff meets with homeowners to coordinate right-of-way improvements.
Mr. Haines added that generally the volunteer programs in public works are spot-specific and it is spontaneous volunteerism. It is not a broadly-developed program.
Mr. Olander stated that the traffic circle program is encouraged and residents are required to maintain them.
Councilmember Way inquired if the City has street sweeping trucks that leave toxics on the roads.
Mr. Sanchez responded that the City utilizes regenerative air sweeper units which do not leave toxics behind and provide an upgraded service at a reduced cost. He said we no longer use King County for this service.
Councilmember Way asked what Public Works is doing to avoid using toxic herbicides to eliminate invasive vegetation in the public right-of-way.
Mr. Sanchez replied that they try to cut back on herbicides as much as possible and minimize the amount of spraying in the City. In addition, they have tried using vinegar instead of herbicide, however, it’s not as effective.
Councilmember Way said she would like to help find a substitute to herbicide because King County sprayed in her neighborhood and it drained into the creek.
Mr. Sanchez noted that the policy in the City is not to spray in sensitive areas and prior to spraying the crews are furnished with maps outlining where all the sensitive areas are in the City.
Councilmember Gustafson thanked the staff for their work, noting that the Customer Response Team has resolved issues he has reported in a timely fashion. He inquired if there have been any complaints regarding slurry seals.
Mr. Sanchez responded that there haven’t been any since 2002. He clarified that the City is using Slurry Seal Type 1-modified, which works well in Shoreline.
Mr. Haines added that his crew has been communicating with residents, which tend to lessen complaints. He said keeping citizens informed on slurry seal applications helps allay their concerns, since the product typically takes over four hours to dry.
Councilmember Gustafson wondered if the City could be more proactive in getting residents to help maintain traffic circles and other projects.
Mr. Sanchez replied that they try to approach residents immediately when traffic circles are added, but it is a long process. The first thing they try to do is educate the community and inform them of the cost savings of having citizens do the maintenance.
Mr. Olander added that the City also advertises volunteer opportunities like this at City events, in the “Currents” newsletter, and the website to encourage volunteerism.
Responding to Councilmember Gustafson, Mr. Sanchez explained that ADA truncated domes are the squares at curb ramps that allow handicapped persons to recognize them by feel. They are required by law so disabled citizens can recognize where the crossing ramp is.
Deputy Mayor Fimia asked if there was a mechanism for the joint purchase of equipment with other cities.
Mr. Sanchez replied affirmatively. He noted that he has talked with other cities about sharing ownership in or leasing a street sweeper. However, there are several details that still need to be worked out between the cities.
Responding to Deputy Mayor Fimia, Mr. Sanchez clarified that the property owners are responsible for ensuring the sidewalk abutting their properties is clear of debris and safe from line-of-sight problems. However, if the sidewalk needs to be repaired they should notify the City to replace it. The City encourages property owners to maintain the public right-of-way and make it visually appealing.
Deputy Mayor Fimia pointed out that although the City owns the right-of-way, residents could see fewer taxes and fees if they take responsibility for helping maintain them.
Mr. Olander also noted that removing branches and debris from gutters and drains can also reduce flooding issues in the neighborhoods.
Mr. Haines said this raises a policy question about the appropriate level of maintenance on City right-of-ways. Some cities, he said, don’t provide this level of service and they save money by looking to property owners to cover these services.
Deputy Mayor Fimia inquired who had the responsibility of cleaning up litter on the City right-of-ways.
Mr. Sanchez responded that the City maintenance contracts take care of litter on the right-of-ways. He pointed out that the City’s maintenance contracts cover mowing, cutting grass, and litter control.
Deputy Mayor Fimia commented that this occurs twice a year and the City may want to increase that on the areas that attract the litter along some of the high use roads and right-of-ways. She asked Mr. Haines to consider what level of funding would be needed to execute a higher level of litter and graffiti control in the City. She also asked for solutions for the removal of branches and debris after wind storms. Normally, she pointed out, residents just leave the branches and debris in the right-of-way and it just gets blown around or sits in front of their homes for an extended period of time.
Mr. Sanchez said the staff could educate residents about the wood chipping the City does. He noted that there is a special residential pick-up in the winter.
Mr. Haines added that next year there will be a “Spring Yard Clean-Up” event. He said it takes staff three-weeks to setup this event but it depends on property owners to help each other. However, the City can pick-up debris in the right-of-ways if things get out of control.
Mr. Olander pointed out that the City can also try to renegotiate the Waste Management contract to include more pickup services.
Mayor Ransom asked staff to comment on the utilization of community service hours in the past to help maintain the public right-of-way.
Mr. Sanchez stated that the NERF program, which utilized community service workers from King County, was terminated because of increasing costs and a lack of consistent and quality service.
Mr. Olander noted the program was not cost-effective because it took more time to train and supervise the community service workers than it was worth. He concluded that the program hasn’t worked for the City.
Mayor Ransom highlighted that the City has a $2,900,000 budget in road maintenance, with $800,000 in regular revenue. This means that there is $2,100,000 from the General Fund. He asked Mr. Olander, how much of that amount for roads maintenance could be cut from the General Fund.
Mr. Olander said he would have to look at the budget and take into consideration all of the priorities to come up with a recommendation.
Councilmember Way stated that home composting is also an option to save money on garbage costs. She also inquired if there was a state law which required motorists to have a litter bag in their vehicles.
Mr. Sanchez stated he was not sure of the requirements of this law, but he said he would find out.
Mr. Olander noted there is a new emphasis on secure loads in Washington. The emphasis is to prevent people from letting garbage spill onto the roadways from the vehicles.
Deputy Mayor Fimia suggested the City pass out litter bags and possibly utilize a slogan like, “Shop in Shoreline and Keep Shoreline Clean,” which would address both issues.
MEETING EXTENSION
At 9:45 p.m., Deputy Mayor Fimia moved to extend the meeting until 10:15 p.m. Councilmember McGlashan seconded the motion, which carried 6-0.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 9:45 p.m., Mayor Ransom announced that the Council would recess into Executive Session until 10:15 p.m. to discuss property acquisition.
At 10:19 p.m., Mayor Ransom emerged and announced that the Executive Session would continue for an additional 15 minutes.
At 10:37 p.m., the Executive Session concluded and Mayor Ransom returned to the Council Chambers.
7. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:37 p.m., Mayor Ransom declared the meeting adjourned.
Scott Passey, City Clerk