CITY OF SHORELINE

 

SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL

SUMMARY MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING

 

Monday, June 12, 2006                                                                Shoreline Conference Center

7:30 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 7:40 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)        “StormReady Community” Recognition Award

 

Ted Buehner and Brad Colman, of the National Weather Service, along with Gail Marsh, Emergency Management Coordinator, and Paul Haines, Public Works Director, presented the StormReady Community Recognition Award.  Mr. Buehner congratulated the City for becoming the 35th city in the State of Washington to be designated as a “StormReady” city.  The StormReady designation is awarded to cities that have adopted formal hazardous weather plans and community education/emergency preparation programs.  He noted that the StormReady designation can be put on City logos and advertisements to publicize the City’s commitment to emergency preparedness, and this designation can benefit the City is many ways.  He pointed out that although Shoreline is StormReady-rated, emergency planning takes continued commitment and support.  Mr., Buehner presented the City with signage that can be posted to notify the community of this designation.  He concluded that the StormReady rating will be up for renewal in 2009.

 

3.         CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

 

Bob Olander, City Manager, reported on a number of issues and events.  The 3rd Annual Dance Recital had record participation, with 168 dancers in all.  It has been one year since the Spartan Gym remodel, and the improvements are paying dividends in increased use and revenues.   Mr. Olander reported on the status of the North City Project, noting that this part week’s work involved utility pole installation and landscaping.  He noted that several City employees participated in the Group Health Challenge Bike to Work Month for the month of May.  He provided a reminder of the Community Workshop on June 14, and announced that the North City Festival would be held on Saturday, June 17. 

 

Councilmember Ryu added that the Shoreline Historical Museum’s “History of Cars” exhibit is also scheduled on Saturday, June 17. 

 

4.         REPORTS OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:  none

 

5.         PUBLIC COMMENT 

 

            (a)        Chris Eggen, Shoreline, on behalf of Shoreline Solar Project, said his organizations’ mission is to provide information and solutions on alternative energy sources.  He noted that a demonstration project was installed at Parkwood Elementary School with grant funds from Seattle City Light’s “Green Power” program.  This idea came from the Parkwood Elementary faculty.  He announced that the Renewable Energy Fair will be held on Saturday, July 22 at Meridian park Elementary from 10-6 p.m.

 

            (b)        Todd Linton, Shoreline, thanked the City for approving the parks bond, which will provided needed funding for athletic field improvements.  He pointed out that a speaker from last week who spoke against the soccer field rate proposal represents a for-profit organization.  He assured the Council that more people will want to play on Shoreline Fields A and B, even with the proposed rate increase.  He suggested that perhaps there should be different rates for non-profit and for-profit organizations.

 

            (c)        Ellen Sullivan, Shoreline, invited the community to participate in the North City Festival on June 17.  The Festival will feature a “corvette” car show, a “Music Walk,” local artists, chalk art, and sidewalk sales sponsored by local vendors.  The Festival is co-sponsored by the City, the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council, and the North City Business Association.

 

6.         APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

 

Councilmember Gustafson moved to add Action Items 8(a) and 8(b) to the Consent Calendar as Consent Items 7(e) and 7(f).  Deputy Mayor Fimia seconded the motion.  Councilmember Way wished to have more information on these items before approving them as part of the Consent Calendar.

 

Mr. Olander provided a brief explanation of the proposal to add electrical permitting services as part of the in-house services provided by the City.  He noted that customers currently have to go to Bellevue or elsewhere in order to get electrical permits for their projects.  He said although electrical permitting is more complicated, it can be accomplished by updating the City’s code and contracting with the Department of Labor and Industries through an interlocal agreement.

 

A vote was taken on the motion, which carried 7-0, and Action Items 8(a) and 8(b) were moved to the Consent Calendar as Items 7(e) and 7(f). 

 

Councilmember Hansen moved approval of the agenda as amended.  Councilmember Gustafson seconded the motion, which carried unanimously, and the agenda was approved.

 

7.         CONSENT CALENDAR

 

Deputy Mayor Fimia moved approval of the Consent Calendar.  Councilmember Hansen seconded the motion and the following items were approved unanimously:

           

            Minutes of Regular Meeting of May 8, 2006

            Minutes of Dinner Meeting of May 22, 2006

             

            Approval of expenses and payroll as of June 1,

            2006 in the amount of $5,170,905.22

 

            Motion to Authorize the City Manager to execute

            an Agreement with King County to obligate Grant

            Funds totaling $1,000,000 for the Aurora Corridor

            Project (N 165th Street to N 205th Street)

 

            Ordinance No. 415 amending the garbage regulations

            in Shoreline Municipal Code Chapter 13.14 by specifying

            placement of garbage receptacles and dumpsters, adding

            materials to household hazardous waste, and updating

            definitions and references

 

                        Ordinance No. 426 adopting the National Electrical

                        Code and the Washington State Ventilation and Indoor

                        Air Quality Code, amending SMC 3.01.010 and

                        Repealing SMC 3.01.015 and SMC 3.01.020

 

                        Adoption of Interlocal Agreement with Washington

                        State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I)

 

 

8.         ACTION ITEMS: OTHER ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS

 

Action item 8(a), Ordinance No. 426, and 8(b), Interlocal Agreement with Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, were adopted as Items 7(e) and 7(f) under the Consent Calendar.

 

9.         NEW BUSINESS

 

            (a)        Shoreline Emergency Management Program Overview

Gail Marsh, Emergency Management Coordinator, gave a presentation outlining the goals, mission, and accomplishments of the Emergency Management Program. The mission of emergency management is to enhance the City’s ability to coordinate city services to mitigate, prepare for, respond to and recover from any emergency.

 

She described the various accomplishments of the program, which include: a Hazard Mitigation Plan; education brochures; exercises and drills; facilities readiness (Emergency Operation Centers, Red Cross Sheltering Equipment Facility); StormReady Recognition; training; community education (CERT, Block Watch, Ready Neighborhood); updated City website and cable channel with Emergency Preparedness and Hazard Mitigation information; Incident Command System (ICS) 100 training for staff; fulfillment of Homeland Security Mandates; compliance with the new National Response Plan (NRP); formally-adopted National Incident Management System (NIMS); NIMS compliance; grants Management (grants funded satellite phones; 800MHz radios); and threat assessment.

 

Ms. Marsh concluded by outlining the next steps of the program, which include:

 

 

Councilmember McGlashan congratulated Ms. Marsh for the StormReady recognition.  He asked how often the computer servers are tested, and if the neighborhoods receive basic emergency training.

 

Ms. Marsh replied that the servers are tested every time there is a drill, and she attends the Block Watch captain’s meetings to provide basic training.

 

Councilmember McGlashan commented favorably on the City’s state of readiness and stressed the need for businesses to prepare as well.  He said in his business he must take into consideration the welfare of his employees and clients in an emergency.

 

Ms. Marsh said she is working with the Chamber of Commerce on business issues.

 

Councilmember Way emphasized the need to continue to improve.  She asked for clarification on the threat assessment, and asked about the status of a back-up generator at Spartan Gym.

 

Ms. Marsh explained that much of the information is confidential, but suffice it to say that sensitive infrastructural systems have been identified with regard to potential criminal acts.

 

Mr. Olander differentiated between hazard mitigation (earthquakes, floods, wind) and threat assessment, which usually involves infrastructure. 

 

Ms. Marsh noted that a back-up generator is being requested as part of a grant application.

 

Mr. Olander said although Spartan Gym has been designated as a shelter, it will require a constant effort to upgrade and equip the facility to serve as a fully-operational shelter.

 

Councilmember Way asked what it would take to upgrade the Spartan Gym to an acceptable level.  She also asked about outreach to the Senior Center.

 

Ms. Marsh said a comprehensive assessment of the facility is needed to make such determination.  She added that an increased outreach effort to the Senior Center is also needed.

 

Responding to Councilmember Way, Ms. Marsh explained that the City’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) must conform to the format of the National Incident Management System (NIMS).

 

Mr. Olander commented on the benefits of coordinating the City’s plan with the federal government.  This allows for the use and understanding of the same instructions and terminology while still allowing local flexibility.

 

Councilmember Gustafson said it is exciting to be fulfilling the Council goal of emergency readiness.  He asked about the different emergency management organizations and if they conduct drills regularly.  He wondered about Shoreline’s readiness in the event of a 9.0 earthquake.

 

Ms. Marsh explained the difference between the Regional Emergency Advisory Committee, the Emergency Management Council (EMC), and the Safety Committee.  She clarified she was appointed to the regional (King County) committee.  The EMC is made up of City staff and neighborhoods representatives.  The idea behind the Safety Committee is to develop policies and procedures in partnership with the School District.  

She noted that a major drill would be coordinated with King County Metro on June 15.  She speculated that while Shoreline is well-prepared, a 9.0 earthquake would be overwhelming.  She stressed the need for residents to be prepared.

 

Mr. Olander said while the City has been making good progress, the biggest gap is in community education/awareness.

 

Councilmember Ryu thanked Ms. Marsh for the presentation, noting that spending money now to be prepared will be less expensive than after a major incident occurs.  She supported the community education element, pointing out that the plan has more tools in it than last year.  She urged Ms. Marsh to continue to provide presentations to neighborhood groups.

 

Deputy Mayor Fimia said she would like to see Emergency Management continue as a Council priority.  She summarized some of Ms. Marsh’s main points and urged that more focus be put on personal and neighborhood preparedness.  She felt that a five-year goal could be to have every facility, household, and neighborhood in the City fully equipped and prepared.  She suggested the City could be divided into zones to accomplish this task.

She asked if there were updated lists of emergency shelters and contact information.

 

Ms. Marsh said the American Red Cross has a list of Shoreline shelters, but they won’t make any recommendations to residents until they know the nature of the specific incident.  She said she is trying to get more schools and churches to become emergency shelters.

 

Councilmember Hansen commended Ms. Marsh for her efforts in the Emergency Management Program.  He pointed out that the City has been working on emergency preparedness since incorporation.

 

Mayor Ransom commented on the 35% decrease in funding from 2005 to 2006.  He asked how this decrease will relate to addressing the City’s needs.

 

Ms. Marsh said there was some shifting of funds, and there is actually $5,000 more in operations this year.  She was comfortable the budgeted amount is enough to meet the work plan.

 

Councilmember Way commented on the devastation in past incidents in New Orleans and San Francisco and asked if the City is coordinating with neighboring cities and jurisdictions. 

 

Ms. Marsh responded affirmatively, noting that planning occurs on a regional basis so everything is coordinated with neighboring jurisdictions. 

 

            (b)        Shoreline Police department’s Auto Theft

                        Prevention Efforts and Accomplishments

 

 

Tony Burtt, Police Chief, outlined the goals, objectives, and accomplishments of the department’s auto theft prevention program.  He explained that Shoreline detectives have been and continue to work with surrounding law enforcement agencies on this very regional issue.  Detectives compiled a list of 200 known persons arrested in stolen cars stopped in Shoreline since January 2005.  Most of the people come from neighboring cities such as Everett, Marysville or Seattle.  Detectives also collect and share information learned at these meetings with patrol and traffic officers as well as the King County Crime Analysis Unit.

 

Chief Burtt reported on the vehicle recovery success achieved by using wireless technology.  Many of the recovered vehicles are a direct result of officers running license plates using the wireless technology.  Regarding prosecution, he reported that the King County Prosecutor has put into place very specific criteria for the prosecution of suspects of stolen vehicles.  Officers are required to document any damage, the driver’s seat position, and if possible, the method used to gain entry to the car and how the car was started.  Shoreline Police Officers also process the vehicles for fingerprints.  The officers at the Police Department continue to aggressively pursue those involved in auto thefts.

 

In 2005 our arrests of suspects for auto theft/possession of stolen property in the first degree rose 68%. Crime analysis has shown that 38% of auto thefts occur at apartment complexes.  He noted that Ballinger Homes is a success story due to the substantial decrease in auto thefts at that location.  

 

Chief Burtt then outlined the efforts to reduce auto theft through the use of the Police Storefronts, updated information in the Block Watch News publications, the City Web site, City Currents, and the Auto Theft Prevention Brochure.

 

He commented on the auto anti-theft device program, which is based on a national campaign and will entitle citizens to obtain the anti-theft device at a reduced cost.  The initial investment of the City would be $1,290.00.  This amount would cover the initial purchase of 120 car “clubs” and 48 truck/SUV clubs.  He concluded by emphasizing the importance of community education, noting that 38% of auto thefts in the City happen when the car owners leave their car doors unlocked.  He commented that there is a favorable trend in the past two months, and the Seattle police recently caught a very high-profile offender who is responsible for hundreds of auto thefts in the region.

 

There was no one wishing to provide public comment.

 

Councilmember Way asked about the price of the anti-theft device.

 

Chief Burtt estimated the cost to be $5 for cars and $10 for trucks.  Responding to Councilmember Way, he identified transportation as the primary reason auto theft is occurring.  He pointed out that most of the stolen cars are driven through the City for one-way transportation purposes.

 

Councilmember Way expressed appreciation for the police department’s efforts, noting that catching auto thieves is “a daunting task.”

 

Councilmember McGlashan asked if the wireless technology is hindered by the same “dead zones” (lack of signal reception) that affect cell phone users.

 

Chief Burtt did not identify “dead zones” a significant problem.  He noted that the bank robber apprehended in Shoreline was due largely to wireless technology; however, not all vehicles are equipped with wireless.

 

Councilmember Ryu felt the City needs to send the message that Shoreline is a “tough place” to steal cars.  She appreciated the effort to emphasize education through Ready Neighborhood and Block Watch.  She speculated that reduced crime could have huge implications for the City’s budget vis-à-vis reduced jail days.  She wondered if King County provided bus passes to released offenders.  Chief Burtt doubted that the County had such a program.

 

Mr. Olander said in general, jurisdictions have done a poor job in terms of prevention and rehabilitation.

 

Deputy Mayor Fimia regretted the loss of the North end Rehabilitation Facility (NRF), adding that it was a great model for offender rehabilitation.  She speculated that car insurance rates could decrease if the City’s auto theft rates are reduced. 

 

Responding to Deputy Mayor Fimia, Chief Burtt affirmed that the chance of becoming an auto theft victim is reduced if the car is parked in a driveway rather than on the street.

 

Councilmember Gustafson noted that his car was stolen from his locked garage, but the offender was eventually caught.  He expressed appreciation to the police department for following-up on his particular case.

 

Mayor Ransom was pleased with Shoreline’s recent auto theft statistics.  He pointed out that Shoreline’s auto theft rate is 30% less than neighboring jurisdictions, but it is still high in the region.  King County still ranks fifth highest in the nation among counties.

 

            (c)        Presentation of the 2007-2012 Capital Improvement Plan

 

Mr. Olander provided a presentation of the 2007-2012 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).  He outlined the proposed review schedule and described the various capital projects and the revenue sources for each.  His presentation included the following points:

 

 

Councilmember Hansen asked if the Parks bond is included in the projections.

 

Debbie Tarry, Finance Director, noted that page 35 of the CIP contains more detail, including a revenue line which includes the Parks bond items.

 

Deputy Mayor Fimia asked for clarification as to why the Council approves the CIP before the operating budget in the fall.

 

Ms. Tarry said approving the CIP in advance of the operations budget provides a way to manage the discussion and gives the public a better opportunity to comment on capital expenditures.  She noted that many jurisdictions approve their capital budgets in advance of their operating budgets.  Additionally, state law requires the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) to be approved in July.

 

Mr. Olander noted that the decreased revenues in gambling tax were the result of the Council’s policy decision to decrease the gambling tax rate in response to businesses requesting tax relief.

 

MEETING EXTENSION

 

At 10:15 p.m. Councilmember Ryu moved to extend the meeting until 10:25 p.m.  Councilmember Way seconded the motion, which carried 4-3, with Councilmembers Gustafson, Hansen, and McGlashan dissenting.

 

Councilmember Ryu pointed out that operational needs go “hand-in-hand” with capital expenditures planning.  Referring to page 23 of the proposed CIP, she asked if the $10 million for utility undergrounding improvements will be repaid by the utility ratepayers. 

 

Mr. Olander responded affirmatively.  He added that with the exception of the Parks bond improvements, there are few significant changes to last year’s CIP.

 

Councilmember Way said it is important for the public to understand the difference between the capital budget and the operations budget.

 

Mr. Olander noted that many revenue sources are restricted by granting authorities; most capital funds cannot be taken from or used for operations.

 

Councilmember Way requested that Mr. Olander continue to point this out as the CIP discussion progresses.

 

Councilmember Ryu noted that the Council has not yet digested the public input that was received at the Community Workshops held on June 6 and June 14.  She noted that the CIP is still subject to change.

 

Ms. Tarry stated that the CIP should be a reflection of the priorities that were adopted in the Master Plan process.

 

Mayor Ransom noted that the City budget has always been considered in two parts: capital, and operations, in order to adequately concentrate on each.

 

Responding to Mayor Ransom, Ms. Tarry said that copies of the CIP would be available at City Hall and on the City’s Web site.

 

 

 

 

 

10.       ADJOURNMENT

 

At 10:24 p.m., Mayor Ransom declared the meeting adjourned.

 

 

 

_________________________

Scott Passey, City Clerk