CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, July 18, 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 6:30 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 Councilmember Ryu, who arrived shortly thereafter.
§3. CITY
MANAGER’S REPORT: none
4. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Gustafson explained that he would be attending the Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 8 Forum this week and he would like to convey the Council position on the King Conservation District’s (KCD) proposal for a 3:3:3:1 distribution ratio of funds for Chinook salmon recovery projects.
Deputy Mayor Fimia felt that Councilmember Gustafson’s request was out of order because tonight’s meeting was called as a special meeting to discuss the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
Councilmember Hansen moved to suspend the rules to allow Councilmember Gustafson to receive Council direction on the KCD proposal. Councilmember Gustafson seconded the motion, which carried 4-3, with Deputy Mayor Fimia and Councilmembers Ryu and Way dissenting.
A discussion then ensued among Councilmembers about their respective positions on the KCD proposal. Councilmember Gustafson wished to know which fund distribution ratio, the 6:2:2, or the 3:3:3:1, the Council supports so he can convey that to the WRIA-8 Forum this week.
Councilmember Way was uncomfortable with making a decision tonight because all of the relevant issues have not been clarified for the Council. Additionally, she felt it was unfair to ask the Council to make a decision tonight.
Councilmember Ryu concurred, noting that although the SeaShore item is on the agenda tonight, she will not be asking for a Council vote.
Mayor Ransom felt the Council should provide the Council position to Councilmember Gustafson. Councilmember Hansen concurred, noting that although the policy committee of the Suburban Cities Association (SCA) has not yet forwarded a recommendation to the SCA Board, of which he is the president, every city he knows of supports the 6:2:2 split.
Councilmember Way called attention to water quality projects in the CIP and noted that many of them could be justified by the KCD. She emphasized the need for the City to get all the money it can for salmon recovery, and KCD could help get City projects accomplished.
Councilmember Gustafson noted that Shoreline projects are considered Tier 3, which are not Chinook salmon runs. He emphasized that the focus needs to be on Chinook salmon.
Deputy Mayor Fimia said there have been attempts to discredit KCD, and misinformation has been disseminated on several occasions. She asked the Council to consider who is in the best position to use the funding and implement the salmon recovery plan.
Deputy Mayor Fimia moved that the Council develop a list of questions for Councilmember Gustafson to present to the WRIA-8 Forum before Council takes a final position on the matter. Councilmember Way seconded the motion.
After brief discussion, 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. (A 2/3 majority is required for passage).
After further discussion, Councilmember Gustafson withdrew his request for Council direction due to a lack of Council consensus and because more information is needed.
Councilmember Fimia withdrew her motion.
(a) Amendment to the “Agreement for the SeaShore
Transportation Forum” Interlocal Agreement presented
by Mayor Ransom and Councilmember Ryu
Mayor Ransom explained that the SeaShore Transportation Forum is comprised of several jurisdictions, including Bothell, Kenmore, Woodinville, Lake Forest Park, Seattle, Shoreline, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, King County, and Snohomish County. The funding agencies that are parties to the Forum include Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC), Sound Transit, Community Transit, Transportation Improvement Board, and Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). For purposes of funding allocations, the Forum is divided into three subareas; the City of Shoreline belongs to the “Seattle-North King County” subarea. Mayor Ransom explained his proposal to amend the SeaShore Agreement so that only those jurisdictions in the “Seattle-North King County” subarea can vote on funding and resource allocation recommendations for transportation and transit. He stated that this responds to a request that Bothell and Kenmore, which belong to the East King County subarea and vote there on funding recommendations, be allowed to compete for transportation funding by voting in the North King County subarea as well.
Mayor Ransom read the proposed alternative language in the agreement and pointed out that King County Councilmember Bob Ferguson agrees with the amendment. He stressed that Bothell and Kenmore should not be able to compete for transportation funding in both the North King County subarea and the Eastside subarea.
Councilmember Ryu asked the Councilmembers to review the proposed language and provide feedback by tomorrow so she and Mayor Ransom can represent the Council’s position at the Forum meeting. She noted that the Council will have the opportunity to consider the final agreement later.
Deputy Mayor Fimia pointed out that SeaShore started in the mid 1960’s with only North King County and Seattle, but now it has become sub-regional. She suggested as a policy objective that the Council try to encourage the sub-regional coalition against Seattle, since 80% of the funding is allocated in Seattle. She felt the coalition cities could find a way to avoid undue competition while still presenting a unified front and providing mutual support.
Councilmember Gustafson expressed support for the amendment.
Mayor Ransom reiterated that Councilmembers should provide their responses to the proposal as soon as possible.
5. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT: none
6. ACTION ITEM: PUBLIC HEARING
(a) Continued public hearing and Council discussion
of the 2007-2012 Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
Councilmember Hansen moved to suspend the Council Rules to allow the public hearing to begin at 7:40 p.m. Councilmember Gustafson seconded the motion, which carried 7-0.
Mayor Ransom called for public comment. There was no one in the audience wishing to provide public comment.
Councilmember Gustafson moved to close the public hearing. Councilmember Hansen seconded the motion.
After brief discussion, Councilmember Hansen moved to table the motion until 8:00 p.m. Councilmember Gustafson seconded the motion, which carried 7-0.
Deputy Mayor Fimia and Councilmember Way expressed support for keeping the public hearing open until next week’s meeting.
Debbie Tarry, Finance Director, provided a presentation of the 2007 - 2012 Proposed Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) on a fund-by-fund basis. She briefly reviewed the schedule of the CIP review, noting that Council is expected to adopt the CIP and TIP on July 24. She reviewed the projected revenues, expenditures, and notable projects in each of the City’s capital funds: 1) General Capital Fund; 2) Roads Capital Fund; and 3) Surface Water Capital Fund. Her presentation included the following highlights:
2007-2012 General Capital Fund
Revenue Sources total $34 million with a total of 24 Projects, including Civic Center ($24.75 million), Parks Bond and Open Space Acquisition Projects (Richmond Beach Saltwater Park, Spartan Gym ($85,000), Parks Repair & Replacement ($1,466,000), Ronald Bog Master Plan ($72,000),Twin Ponds Master Plan ($61,000), Richmond Beach Area Parks Improvement ($655,187 – K.C. Mitigation), Saltwater Park Pedestrian Bridge Replacement ($1,022,000), Cromwell Park $1 million Bond Issue+ $500,000 Grants + $127,000 City Funds, Boeing Creek Park Improvements ($1,126,000 includes K.C. Mitigation), N. 180th & Midvale Ave. N. Park Development ($6,000), Shoreline Park Tennis Court Lighting $60,000, Trail Corridors $2.5 million, Twin Ponds Field Turf $900k + $61k City funds, SPU/Hamlin Open Space $3.3 million + $450,000 Grants, South Woods $6 million + $.5 million Grants, Property Acquisition (2007), Paramount Open Space ($158,050 includes Conservation Futures Grants)).
The City Facilities-Major Maintenance Fund includes funding for Shoreline Pool - Long Term Maintenance ($313,000); Richmond Highlands Community Center - Long Term Maintenance ($119,000).
2007-2012 Roads Capital
Fund
Revenue sources total $107 million
with a total of 17 Projects, including Aurora 165th to 205th ($77.9 million).
2007-2012 expenditures for Aurora Corridor are estimated at $76.9 million, with
87% of costs expected to be funded by grants. The proposed CIP includes
$10 million of City contribution – or 13% of the total project cost.
Grant funds awarded to-date ($25.7 million) coupled with a new award ($3.6 million)
total $29.3 million.
The estimated project cost Aurora 165th to 205th Utility Improvements totals $10 million, with 100% reimbursement expected from participating utilities.
The 2005 reduction in the Gambling Tax rate from 11% to 10% has resulted in a loss of $1.8 million over the six-year period. REET Collections in excess of budget are estimated at $94,000 - $372,000. Assuming that card room revenues remain at the 2006 projected base for 2007-2012 and that the card room tax rate is restored to 10% after the 1st Quarter of 2007, a total reduction of $321,000 is projected for 2007, with reductions of $163,000 annually for the 2008-2012 period. The total 2007-2012 reduction of $1,136,000 of the $4.8 million budgeted is not currently accounted for in the proposed CIP.
2007-2012 Surface Water Capital Fund
Revenue sources total $17.4 million with a total of 23 projects. The projects are comprised in the following project categories: 1) Flood Protection Projects; 2) Surface Water Small Projects; and 3) Stream Rehabilitation/Habitat Enhancement.
Councilmembers asked questions throughout the course of the presentation.
Mayor Ransom asked when the City would receive a bond approval rating. Ms. Tarry responded that it will be done in December. Staff will prepare some information on this for Council consideration following consultation with financial advisors. She added that the bond rating agency will be Moody’s or Standard and Poor’s.
Mr. Olander commented that the City is over ten years old, and coupled with its financial stability it is a good time for the City to get a bond rating.
Councilmember Way wondered if waiting until December will make a difference in terms of the interest rate.
Mr. Olander noted that the City has to wait several months anyway in order to get all the bond issues together.
Councilmember Hansen moved to close the public hearing. Councilmember Gustafson seconded the motion.
Councilmember Ryu felt the public hearing should be kept open in order to give people at least one more week to review and comment on the CIP.
Councilmember Hansen asked about the effect of delaying the CIP by keeping the public hearing open.
Ms. Tarry commented on the need to submit an approved Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) to the state.
Mr. Olander noted that staff needs the CIP approved so it can start preparing the operating budget, but it would probably not make a practical difference if it is delayed.
Councilmember Gustafson supported closing the public hearing, noting that people can still comment on it before it is adopted. He felt the Council should be considerate of the staff’s time and effort, noting that the CIP “is a working document.”
Councilmember Way supported keeping the public hearing open, since the Council will not be voting on it until at least next week. She felt closing it would exclude people from the process.
Councilmember Ryu concurred, noting it would be more practical to approve the TIP first. Delaying adoption will also provide for a better document and give Council an opportunity to review the presentation.
Councilmember McGlashan disagreed that closing the hearing would exclude people from the process. He noted that a special meeting has been called for this one item, and people can comment on it during the public comment period.
Deputy Mayor Fimia pointed out that the public gets confused when they hear a public hearing is closed. She said functionally it makes no sense to close the public hearing, and that it sends a bad signal.
Mayor Ransom said he doesn’t mind keeping the public hearing open as long as staff has adequate time to return with a full budget proposal by July 24.
Councilmember Hansen noted that Shoreline is a representative government and the Council is shirking its responsibility to take action in a timely way. He noted that the CIP can be amended at any time, and that he would vote to close the hearing.
A vote was taken on the motion to close the public hearing, which failed 3-4, with Councilmembers Gustafson, Hansen, and McGlashan voting in the affirmative.
Councilmember Way moved to continue the public hearing until Monday, July 24. Councilmember Ryu seconded the motion, which carried 4-2-1, with Councilmembers Gustafson and McGlashan dissenting. Councilmember Hansen remained silent.
Councilmember Way asked about the Gateways funding. Ms. Tarry responded that $150,000 has been reserved for Gateways to complete some minor signage projects.
Councilmember Ryu asked if funding is available in the Council of Neighborhoods for neighborhood signs, to which staff responded affirmatively.
Councilmember Way felt that the Gateways funding could be transferred to another fund in the CIP.
Deputy Mayor Fimia felt that other city needs such as traffic calming and sidewalks would be higher priorities than Gateways. She supported reducing this amount.
Councilmember Ryu asked about whether the City provides any homeless shelter beds, and whether a homeless shelter would qualify as a capital project. It was noted that the City does not provide homeless shelter facilities.
Ms. Tarry explained that Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) revenues have the broadest use, but they are limited to transportation-related projects.
Councilmember Way asked if grant funds for Emergency Management are included in the Spartan Gym line item.
Ms. Tarry said the grants funds could be added to Spartan Gym, but they have been put in the budget amendment for 2006.
Deputy Mayor Fimia asked about the scope of the Ronald Bog and Twin Ponds Master Plans and whether this item only pays for planning and design.
Dick Deal, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director, noted that the Master Plans are general concepts, and the work plan would show the types of facilities that are needed. He pointed out that the storm water need may not be a pressing as once thought. He pointed out that the estimates are really major placeholders until more detailed designs can be completed.
Deputy Mayor Fimia said she might propose an amendment at a later time.
Mr. Deal said staff proposes spending the money now for a Master Plan process, and coming back in the fall with a recommendation. Design development and construction would then occur in 2007.
Mr. Olander commented on the importance of the Master Plan process, which involves neighborhood meetings, professional consultation, and good cost estimates. He noted that “public buy-in” is critically important, and this requires funding.
Councilmember Way noted that Ronald Bog, Twin Ponds, and Cromwell Park are all part of the Shoreline watershed. She felt the money could be well-spent if the Master Plans somehow intersect with surface water planning.
Mr. Deal agreed, noting that he has met with the Public Works Department about Cromwell Park. He felt there should be collaboration between departments on surface water issues.
Councilmember Way favored the transfer of Gateways funding to the Master Plans.
Mr. Deal emphasized the need to focus on the Parks bond process, noting that the City must deliver on those projects.
Councilmember McGlashan asked about the rationale for dividing the Twin Ponds Park Master Plan from the Twin Ponds Park Field Turf Improvements.
Mr. Deal said the soccer field was a high priority, so it was decided to use bond funds to do the field turf improvements.
Councilmember Ryu asked if it would make sense to use in-house staff to do some of the master planning.
Mr. Deal said in-house staff would be used where possible, but not every area of expertise is covered so professional experts would be consulted throughout the process.
Deputy Mayor Fimia asked how much funding could be expected from Burlington Northern for the Saltwater Park Pedestrian Bridge Replacement.
Mr. Deal said the existing bridge will probably serve the City’s needs for a number of years, but it does need some work. He said a report on the bridge would be forthcoming.
Mr. Olander speculated that the bridge will not be eligible for funding from Burlington Northern since it’s a pedestrian bridge.
Responding to Councilmember Way, Mr. Deal said that staff would look into every possibility for acquiring funding for Water Resource Inventory Area -8 projects.
Councilmember Ryu inquired about the N. 180th and Midvale Ave. N. Park Development Project.
Paul Haines, Public Works Director, noted that the right-of-way crossing at N. 183rd Street is now closed, and N. 180th will be closed in the future for the Interurban Trail. He explained the intent to ensure that a range of quality parks, recreation and cultural opportunities are available.
Mayor Ransom expressed a concern about how the low-cost housing residents at N. 180th Street would access Aurora Avenue if N. 180th Street is closed. He noted that they want that existing pedestrian signal to remain there.
Mr. Haines agreed that the pedestrian signal is working well, but the City must consider the benefits of a fully signalized intersection at N. 182nd Street. He said this intersection holds multiple values for the City.
Responding to Councilmember Way, Mr. Deal explained that the N. 180th and Midvale Avenue N. location is contemplated as a future heritage park area.
Councilmember Gustafson emphasized the need to continue pursuing grants, to which Mr. Olander responded that staff would continue to do so.
Councilmember Way asked for an update on the South Woods property acquisition.
Mr. Deal and Mr. Olander explained that staff is working with the owners, Shoreline Water District and Shoreline School District, and hope to arrive at a purchase and sale agreement soon.
Regarding the City Facilities Major Maintenance Funds, Councilmember McGlashan asked if the Richmond Highlands Community Center, the Police Station, and the Pool were the only facilities that the City owns.
Ms. Tarry noted that the City also owns a maintenance facility at Hamlin Park.
Deputy Mayor Fimia suggested it would be wise to add City Hall to the Major Maintenance Fund.
Responding to Councilmember Way, Ms. Tarry noted that Police Station Security ($15,000) is a new item and not part of the Repair/Replacement Program.
Mr. Olander advised that the Council should think about expansion of the pool facility in the future.
RECESS
At 9:11 p.m., Mayor Ransom called for a ten minute recess. At 9:23 p.m., the Council meeting reconvened.
Regarding the Roads Capital Fund, Mayor Ransom expressed concern that the City will not be getting the $40 million from the Regional Transportation Investment District (RTID).
Deputy Mayor Fimia inquired about the feasibility of moving funds to complete sidewalks on both sides of Aurora Avenue. She suggested that the City think creatively and move forward with the highest needs first.
Mr. Olander expressed confidence that the City would receive sufficient grant funds to complete sidewalks on Aurora Avenue.
Mr. Haines noted that sidewalks are contingent upon other high priority items along Aurora Avenue, such as retaining walls and grade changes.
Councilmember Way expressed skepticism about receiving all the requested grant funding because of the many cities that compete for the same funding.
Mr. Haines explained that the CIP is a planning document and, as such, it has a general scope. He emphasized that the City needs the support of the CIP document in order to be competitive for grant funding.
Councilmember Hansen expressed optimism about receiving grant funding, noting that the City received sufficient grant funds for Aurora Corridor Phase 1.
Councilmember Gustafson concurred, noting that Aurora Corridor Phase 1 has demonstrated the City’s ability to compete. He pointed out that the City applies for grant funds to avoid raising taxes.
Regarding Roads Capital - System Preservation Projects, Councilmember McGlashan asked about the traffic signal inventory.
Mr. Haines said Shoreline has 42 signals; this count includes all three-head signals as well as blinking signals.
Mayor Ransom asked if there had been any reconsideration about installing a full signal at the intersection of NE 170th Street and 15th Avenue NE.
Mr. Haines said staff is looking at performing an updated warrant analysis for that location. He commented that it is a good spot for a signal, but it will be expensive and it might change driving behaviors in the neighborhood. He said if it is a priority, the preliminary engineering work can be completed in 2007.
Mr. Olander noted that the intersection must meet the signal warrant to be eligible for grant funding.
Councilmember Ryu noted that some people feel NE 170th Street is a higher priority for a signal than NE 172nd Street.
Councilmember Gustafson said the entire traffic system in North City needs to be reevaluated after the North City Project is completed. He felt it was premature to make recommendations on signal locations.
Councilmember Way said the neighborhood has been consistent in its request for a traffic signal at NE 170th Street. She supported moving forward with the preliminary engineering work in 2007.
Mr. Olander suggested that Council consider the North City area in a holistic way and to think about the impacts on a broad scale as the work plan is developed.
Councilmember Ryu said the City should also consider restriping 15th Avenue NE to return it to a four-lane configuration.
Mr. Olander said staff would conduct a traffic analysis and bring back the data so Council can make the best decision.
Mr. Haines discussed the timeline for conducting the traffic analysis. He pointed out that February has historically been the month in which traffic counts are conducted.
Deputy Mayor Fimia noted that the community has exhibited a lot of patience with the North City Project, but it may not last. She inquired about the possibility of conducting a traffic count at the beginning of the school year. She also asked for feedback on two different options for NE 170th Street; a fully-signalized intersection versus a pedestrian-activated signal.
MEETING EXTENSION
At 10:02 p.m., Deputy Mayor Fimia moved to extend the meeting until 10:30 p.m. Councilmember Ryu seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Deputy Mayor Fimia asked about the rationale for the Meridian Avenue N. and N. 175th Subarea Study.
Mr. Haines noted that the Transportation Master Plan did not determine long-term solutions for that arterial.
Mayor Ransom pointed out that there are 33,000 vehicles per day driving on N. 175th Street.
Councilmember Way asked how the Meridian Avenue N. and N. 175th Subarea Study might impact or relate to the City Hall Project.
Mr. Haines commented that there is synergy between the two projects, and the City is in need of answers as it heads into the Aurora Corridor Phase 2 Project. He said the Subarea Study factors in many transportation issues, including vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, and schools.
Councilmember Ryu commented that many people have been negatively impacted by projects along N. 175th Street. She emphasized the need to be sensitive to taxpayers’ needs and how the City spends their money.
Deputy Mayor Fimia asked if gas tax revenues could be used for construction of sidewalks. She also asked if there were any other discretionary funding sources that could be used for general sidewalk construction. Ms. Tarry responded that the gas tax funds could be used for sidewalks on Aurora Avenue. She said all the competitive grant funds have been acquired for the Aurora Corridor Project.
Regarding Surface Water Capital, Councilmember McGlashan asked about the City’s performance in resolving the flooding problems.
Mr. Haines said the City has performed very well on the more serious problems. He said the City keeps a priority list that outlines locations with minor problems so the City can assist property owners with the less serious issues.
Jesus Sanchez, Public Works Operations Manager, acknowledged that there is still some “pocket flooding” that is occurring, and so some interim solutions are being developed.
Councilmember Way emphasized that flooding problems should not only be viewed in terms of specific locations or “spots.” She said the City has the responsibility to alleviate flooding downstream by addressing the upstream problems.
Mr. Haines said staff tries to maintain a regional perspective by its cooperative projects with neighboring jurisdictions. He said any investment in surface water improvements must also add value to the people outside Shoreline.
Councilmember Way pointed out the significance of the Cromwell Park Wetland and Cromwell Park Pond projects. She noted that Cromwell Park is the headwaters of Thornton Creek.
Mr. Sanchez noted that Public Works is coordinating with the Parks Department to address the surface water issues at Cromwell Park in a phased approach.
Councilmember Way said that such an approach should improve the habitat and function of that area.
Responding to Councilmember McGlashan, staff explained that Cromwell Park is not earmarked for Parks bond funding, but perhaps the surface water element of Cromwell Park can be addressed with Public Works funds.
Deputy Mayor Fimia concluded the discussion by summarizing her intent to propose amendments to the CIP. She suggested that funds could be transferred from Gateways to traffic calming. She also noted that the Public Works Trust Fund is another potential source of revenue. She felt an additional southbound left-turn lane from Aurora Avenue onto N. 145th Street could be considered in the CIP as well.
Councilmember Gustafson thanked staff for their time and expertise in presenting the proposed CIP.
7. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:28 p.m., Mayor Ransom declared the meeting adjourned.
_________________________
Scott Passey, City Clerk