Tuesday, January 16, 2007 6:30 PM
Shoreline Conference Center
Mt. Rainier Room

PRESENT:       Mayor Ransom, Deputy Mayor Fimia, Councilmember Hansen, Councilmember McGlashan, Councilmember Ryu, and Councilmember Way.

ABSENT:        Councilmember Gustafson.

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

Mayor Ransom led the flag salute.  Upon roll call by the City Clerk, all Councilmembers were present with the exception of Councilmember Gustafson.

Upon motion by Councilmember McGlashan, seconded by Councilmember Hansen and carried 6-0, Councilmember Gustafson was excused.

This item was postponed until the January 22 Council meeting.

Mr. Olander provided the following updates, reports, and reminders:

1. Cancellation of the SeaShore meeting
2.  Public Works response to icy roads over the weekend
3.  A City-sponsored Green Development Forum on Thursday, January 18
4.  Free Tax Preparation and Electronic Filing Service provided January 16 - April 15, 2007 at Hopelink Shoreline Center
5.  The Annual Christmas Tree Recycling Event on January 6-7
6.  The Ridgecrest Commercial Center Visioning Workshop to be held Wednesday, January 24.  Property owners are neighbors are encouraged to talk together about ideas for enhancing the commercial intersection at 165th and 5th Ave NE.
7.  The Richmond Beach Pump Station Park and Twin Ponds Park Public Meeting will be held Thursday, January 25.  Staff will be on hand to discuss the project details of both projects, and answer questions about the proposed improvements.

Responding to Councilmember Way, Mr. Olander noted that the City has advertised the Green Development Forum on the City web site, Channel 21, and in the Enterprise.

Councilmember Ryu requested that the issue of Councilmember appointments to boards and commissions be placed on the agenda at the next meeting.  Councilmember Way supported this request.  The Mayor indicated that this item would be placed on the agenda for the next meeting. 

Deputy Mayor Fimia reported on her attendance at the Comprehensive Housing Strategy Citizen Advisory Task Force.  She said the committee is doing a great job and covering all issues related to housing.

(a)  Chris Eggen, Shoreline, on behalf of the Shoreline Solar Project (SSP), invited the Council and public to attend a SSP meeting tomorrow night at Meridian Park School in which Christy Nordstrom will present a slide show based on Al Gore’s book and movie "An Inconvenient Truth."  

(b)  Glenda Froelick, Shoreline, said she lives adjacent to Einstein Middle School and on three occasions has heard gunshots coming from the school.  She said she has reported this to the police, but the police say they can’t do anything.  She has the police told her to report this activity to 911.  She said there have been safety and crime issues in the Hillwood Park area for some time and she would like to know how she can help resolve these problems.  Responding to Councilmember Ryu, she reported that the gunshots all occurred after dark, from late evening to early morning. Responding to Councilmember Way about whether the story has been corroborated, she said that Einstein students were sent home on the first incident, and shell casings were found in the area.  She said the police say it’s not a police issue since it happened on school property.  She felt reporting the issue to the Council was the next best idea.

Dick Deal, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director, said this is the first time he's heard of the situation.  He said he will work with the police department and is glad to assist in any way.   

Mr. Olander said the City will set up a joint meeting between the City, the school, and the police.

(c)  Robin Clark, Shoreline, confirmed that there are gunshots occurring near Einstein Middle School and she has spoken with the Einstein principal.  She said a police report confirms that .45 caliber shell casings have been found outside the door.  She said although the park closes after dark, nothing prevents people from entering Hillwood Park at night.  She reported on the volunteer efforts by neighbors to resolve the problem. She pointed out that the police urged the neighbors to contact the City Council.  She said problems in and around Hillwood Park have been going on for three years and the gunshots have been occurring over the past six months.  Responding to Councilmember Ryu, she said the perpetrators appear to be white males of middle or high school age.

Deputy Mayor Fimia said the issues at the joint meeting should be a bit broader than Hillwood Park because the problems may shift from one neighborhood to another.

(d)  George Mauer, Shoreline, noted that the City Manager’s initial response to his question last week was that the City would follow state law as it pertains to eminent domain.  He pointed out that state law allows a lot of latitude to condemn property for public use.  He said the City can withhold notification that a property is to be taken, and they don’t have to specify the property in question.  He said the City can declare an area blighted and acquire it as property for a public purpose.  He requested that the City publicly state its policy regarding community development law because the lines between public and private property are blurred.  He hoped that Shoreline would provide some civic leadership in this area.

Mr. Olander thanked those who provided comment and said he would follow up on their questions and concerns.  He said Mr. Mauer is correct to some extent regarding eminent domain, but the State Attorney General is proposing legislation relating to notification laws.  He clarified that Shoreline has always gone beyond the state requirements, and it's never been the City's policy to withhold notification.

Jon Jordan, Capital Projects Manager, introduced David Dittmar, Project Manager, Ukwenga Oleru, Construction Manager, and Jennifer Kaufman, Public Outreach Lead, of the King County Wastewater Treatment Division.  The invited guests provided a presentation on the Hidden Lake Pump Station & Sewer Improvement Project. 

Mr. Dittmar, Mr. Oleru, and Ms. Kaufman provided a detailed presentation on the progress, scope, public outreach, and challenges related to the Hidden Lake Project.  The project includes replacing 12,000 feet of the Boeing Creek Trunk Sewer, building a new underground storage pipe, and replacing the Hidden Lake Pump Station.

They emphasized that the projects have two separate schedules, and they have been working with the neighbors to minimize impacts and maintain local access.  They have an established traffic control plan, and all work sites will be restored and landscaped to the original condition or better.  They noted that they have enjoyed a good working relationship with the City and the neighborhood and the project will result in improved noise and odor control, repaved streets with widened shoulders, upgraded water/fire service, and safe/reliable facilities that will last 50+ years. 

Mr. Jordan clarified that the City will come in later to make improvements at Boeing Creek Park and Richmond Beach Saltwater Park under the Otak contract.

Ms. Kauffman discusses the County's public outreach efforts and described the working relationship between the project leads and the community.  She said the neighbors have been very patient and helpful and the County has done their best to maintain close contact and respond to their concerns.   

Mr. Jordan added that the City coordinates with the County on a weekly basis at the  County construction meetings, and the City will continue to provide weekly updates on the project.

Mr. Olander noted that a number of City projects depend on the successful completion of this project; once the storm water retention portion is complete, it will relieve some flooding from Happy Valley and the Pan Terra Pond area.

Mayor Ransom called for public comment.

(a)  Bob Phelps, Shoreline, congratulated the County on its excellent communication with the public.  He also appreciated the addition of a shoulder on 10th Avenue NE due to the high pedestrian traffic volume going to Richmond Beach.  He is also pleased that there is a possibility of renewing the contract for animal control services, because many people walk their dogs off-leash in Boeing Creek Park.  He urged the City to preserve the natural aspects of the park.

(b)  Ken Cottingham, Shoreline, noted that although construction is going on "right at his door," the project has been wonderful and has not inconvenienced him at all.  He has not experienced any access problems and the County staff are able to quickly answer his questions.  However, tonight he expected to see an analysis of what percentage of the work is done, what percentage of the budget has been spent, and what additive items have been included.  He asked that the City expedite the plan for Boeing Creek Park improvements and to consider the request of Friends of Boeing Creek that the restroom not be included in the plan.  Responding to Councilmember Way, Mr. Cottingham clarified that he resubmitted a proposed plan to City staff on behalf of Friends of Boeing Creek a couple months ago.

There was discussion about the proposed location of the park restroom.  Mr. Jordan noted that a single-occupancy restroom is proposed for the northwest corner of the park because that area is the most developed, but the remainder of the park will be kept as natural as possible.

Dick Deal, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director, briefed the Council on the public process for the park design at the request of Mr., Olander.   He said the contract with Otak for a master site planning process will provide the needed resources to move the process forward.

Mr. Deal responded to Councilmember Ryu that Boeing Creek Park has not been seriously considered as an off-leash dog park by the Parks Board.

Councilmember Way inquired about the scope of the Otak contract and whether they would be doing the landscape planning.  She emphasized the need to consider preserving natural and native vegetation.  She hoped that the City would integrate the knowledge of the Seattle Urban Nature survey into the plan as well as work with Shoreline Community College on a removal plan for invasive species.  She asked how many trees were removed as part of the project and whether they have been recycled as woody debris.  She was glad to hear the positive reaction by the neighbors but expressed a concern regarding the water table in the vicinity of N 175th Street and 6th Avenue NW.  She speculated on the underground water action occurring at this location and expressed a desire to restore the functions to the watershed system. 

Staff responded that Otak would be evaluating the entire park and will hopefully meet Council expectations in every respect.  Fewer trees were removed from the park than originally planned; these were used as habitat logs and debris where possible.  Mr. Jordan noted that soil borings at the location in question were consistent with where the water table has been historically.  He briefly described the design and functions of the underground storage pipe.

Councilmember McGlashan congratulated City and County staff on what appears to be a very successful project. Mr. Dittmar responded to Councilmember McGlashan that the new sewer line will be paralleling the old sewer line; once the new line is completed, the old line will be abandoned.

Councilmember Ryu appreciated the efforts to widen the asphalt shoulder along the trunk sewer route because it is in keeping with Shoreline's "walkable community" goals.  She wondered if there were plans to widen N 175th Street in the vicinity of 6th Avenue NW. 

Mr. Jordan clarified that road widening will only occur along the trunk sewer route where there is an existing full-width overlay; many areas along the trunk sewer route are narrow, so widening is not feasible.  Widening is also not feasible along N. 175th Street.

Deputy Mayor Fimia asked if curbing on the widened walkways would be an acceptable use of the $1.1 million mitigation fees the County is paying.  She noted that pedestrian access from City streets to the park is important.  She emphasized the need to encourage youth to participate on the advisory committees because they may bring a different perspective.  She noted that parks could be divided into different user areas, noting there are existing models for establishing different user areas in parks.

Mr. Jordan noted that the $1.1 million was initially for parks mitigation; the widened shoulder is an additional item that King County agreed to do.  He said staff could look at designs for the planned park improvements to possibly explore pedestrian pathways.  He said staff would consider all the potential park activities as the public outreach phase approaches.

Councilmember Hansen commended City and County staff for the great job they’re doing.  County staff responded to Councilmember Hansen that the waterfront houses are on the Ronald Wastewater District sewer line, and the Boeing Creek Trunk Sewer is a gravity system that feeds to the Richmond Beach Pump Station. 

Councilmember Way wondered if there were any youth representatives on the trails committee.  She suggested advertising as appropriate to get youth involved in the process.

Mr. Deal noted there were about twelve citizens who applied for the trail corridors committee (none of which were youth) and the Parks Board is recommending all twelve.  He said staff will work with local bike clubs and other groups to get youth involved as the public process proceeds.

Councilmember Ryu asked about the life expectancy of the existing sewer lines that are not being replaced. Mr. Dittmar said although there is routine inspection of the existing lines, he would need to get that information from County facilities staff.

RECESS

At 8:14 p.m., Mayor Ransom called for a 10 minute recess.  At 8:24 p.m., the Council meeting reconvened.

Rika Cecil, Environmental Programs Coordinator, introduced Kevin Kiernan, Engineering Manager for King County Solid Waste, who provided a presentation on the First Avenue NE Transfer & Recycling Station Renovation Project.

Mr. Kiernan noted that this is the largest transfer station project in 30 years.  He provided a history of the transfer station using aerial photographs and described the design and features of the new facility.  Features of the new facility include: moving the building farther away from the property line; adding buffer areas to Thornton Creek; adding a surface water pond; building a fully-enclosed facility with noise and dust control; yard waste collection; transit access ramp extensions so waste trailers have access from I-5.  He described the efforts to protect Thornton Creek and noted that neighbors have not complained during the initial construction phase.

Responding to Councilmember Way, Mr. Kiernan explained the plan to enhance the buffer area along Thornton Creek.  He noted that the new facility will use harvested rainwater from the surface water pond in its on-site functions, and the pond is large enough to address any peaking flow concerns and simulate a natural discharge into the creek.  Sedimentation and other matter will be removed regularly, and the waste from the transfer trailers will go to sanitary sewers, not into the surface water system.  He clarified for Councilmember Way that the new construction on the freeway ramps will not adversely affect surface water runoff; furthermore, the runoff from the new construction will be discharged into the sanitary sewer for treatment.

Continuing his presentation, Mr. Kiernan noted that the County is pursuing a LEED certification by incorporating the following environmental elements: 1) water harvesting tank; 2) daylighting; 3) solar photovoltaic; 4) alternative fuel use; 5) indoor environmental quality; and 6) outdoor elements.  He concluded his presentation by showing animated slides of the interior and exterior of the new facility.  The new facility is scheduled to open in November 2007.

Responding to Councilmember Ryu, Mr. Kiernan noted that County staff has not reported any illegal dumping at the location since it was closed for renovations.  Councilmember Ryu said she is encouraged by the County’s openness to incorporate an environmental education aspect in the facility.  She noted that that the City could work with the school district to promote recycling and environmental stewardship.

Councilmember Way noted that some trees have come down along the northern border to the property and wondered if there was a screening plan.  Mr. Kiernan responded that there is a screening and landscape plan for that border.  Councilmember Way felt it would be logical to use the enhancement of the Thornton Creek buffer as an opportunity to involve the public.

Ms. Cecil and Mr. Kiernan responded that there may be opportunities to incorporate an interpretive area.

Mr. Kiernan responded to Councilmember Way regarding the inclusion of art in the project.  Art will be incorporated at the facility entrance as well as to the interior.  The County will work with the City on possible environmental education aspects with respect to the exterior recycling facility and Thornton Creek.  Councilmember Way expressed interest in touring the facility.

There was some discussion about when the Council would like to schedule a tour of the facility. 

Responding to Councilmember McGlashan, Mr. Kiernan noted that the new facility will be bigger than the previous facility, but transfer station employees will not be using the freeway ramps access the site.  He also explained the testing done to Thornton Creek as it enters and exits the site.

Councilmember McGlashan suggested that the County could sell the two homes it bought if the properties are not used in the project so more people can live in Shoreline.

Deputy Mayor Fimia wondered if a tree chipper could be incorporated into the recycling facility.  She asked about the budget for the freeway ramps and the number of trucks using the freeway ramps.   She noted the availability of classroom space at the Metro Bus Barn next door.  She described it as a "great project" and potential opportunity to showcase Shoreline as a model for environmental education.  She commented favorably on the public process, adding that the notification of the closure was the best she’s ever seen.
 
Mr. Kiernan said that he would discuss the chipper question with County staff.  He noted that the budget for the access ramps is included in the project cost, and that 10-15 transfer station vehicles would be using the freeway ramps daily.

Responding to Mayor Ransom, Mr. Kiernan explained the configuration of the trailer parking lot and the freeway ramps.

Councilmember Ryu pointed out that the community started recycling  23 years ago.  She inquired about the possibility of using part of the site as a collection point for the kind of reusable items available at local thrift stores.  Mr. Kiernan noted that there was a partnership with Goodwill at the old site, and the County will continue to explore such possibilities.

Mr. Olander pointed out that a number of Parks Board members are approaching their term limits at a critical time when the benefits to continuity seem to outweigh any apparent disadvantages.   He introduced Dick Deal, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director, to discuss this proposal. 

Mr. Deal explained that under the current term limits ordinance, four Parks Board members must be replaced in March 2007, with four more to follow in March 2009.  He said this comes at a critical time when there are 19 bond issue projects to be decided in the next six years.  He felt it would be preferable to have some continuity for these upcoming projects, particularly since existing Board members are familiar with the issues and are interested in continuing service. 

Mr. Olander explained that the ordinance provided in the Council packet removes term limits completely, but a second version requested by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor limits terms for Parks Board members to three consecutive terms.  He said the advantage of extending term limits is that it provides Council some flexibility to consider existing members as well as new applicants.  The disadvantage is that it might limit opportunities for new members to come in.

Ian Sievers, City Attorney, clarified that the draft ordinance in the packet removes any artificial limits for all boards and commissions.  The second version changes the terms limits for regular Parks Board members from 10 consecutive years to three consecutive terms.

Mayor Ransom favored the alternate ordinance, noting that there would be value in allowing experienced Parks Board members to continue to serve.  He said he doesn't necessarily object to allowing the Library Board and Planning Commission members to serve three consecutive four-year terms, but given the upcoming bond issue projects, it is critical that term limits be extended for the Parks Board.

There was no one wishing to provide public comment on this item. 

Responding to Councilmember Ryu, Mr. Deal pointed out that nothing would prevent former board members from attending meetings and providing public comment after their terms have expired.  

Councilmember Ryu inquired about the possibility of appointing youth representatives to the Parks Board, especially because youth need fun, creative places to play and they could contribute to the process.

Mayor Ransom noted that there are no age limitations on eligibility for the Parks Board, although they have never had a young person apply.

Councilmember Hansen stated that youth generally show up when they are interested in an issue, such as the skateboard park.

Councilmember Ryu felt it would make sense to include two youth representatives on the Parks Board as a matter of practice because they tend to know their peers better than adults.  She said they might have better ideas and we need to be open to fresh ideas and institutionalize their input.  She asked if the Parks department would be open to this proposal. 

Mr. Deal said the Parks department would be open to this idea, noting that if it's the Council's desire, the Parks department can solicit interest at the high schools.

Councilmember Way expressed support for the idea, noting that youth should have the opportunity to have a strong voice.  Responding to Councilmember Way, Mr. Deal said the members were all interested in continuing to serve if that opportunity is made available.    He briefly explained that the appointing schedule includes advertising in January, interviews in February, and appointments in March.   

RECESS

At 9:33 p.m., the lights went out in the Council chamber.  Mayor Ransom called for a 10 minute recess.  At 9:38 p.m., the Council meeting reconvened.

Deputy Mayor Fimia suggested that staff prepare two separate ordinances: one that leaves the policy as-is; the second would extend limits for Parks Board members to three consecutive terms and add two positions for 16-25 year-old members.  She noted that it is harder to get new people if there are no term limits at all.  She asked if these changes could be made on a case-by-case basis vis-à-vis the Council Rules of Procedure.

Mr. Sievers responded that term limits are established by ordinance and codified in the municipal code, so as part of the legislative process they cannot be made on a position-by-position basis.

Councilmember McGlashan said that he originally favored the Mayor’s recommendation, but then realized that this year the Council replaced people who were eligible for continued service.  He used this to illustrate the point that it is ultimately the Council’s decision to appoint whomever it chooses, so term limits are not really needed.  He expressed support for an ordinance eliminating term limits.

Councilmember Way concurred with the recommendation for the alternative ordinance.  She said while there is value in experience, new people bring fresh perspectives and opinions.  She supported an ordinance that extends term limits for Parks Board to three consecutive terms and adds youth positions.

Councilmember Ryu concurred, noting that other Councilmembers have advocated for changes on other boards and committees, such as the Aurora Business Team. She said that having people serve in the same position for 20 years is not what the Council had in mind.  She added that former members could still voice opinions and advise, and it doesn’t keep them from applying for another term after a hiatus.

Councilmember Hansen pointed out that while term limits might ensure new ideas and perspectives, they also limit the Council’s ability to select from the broadest range of qualified candidates. For this reason he felt that having specific term limits doesn't accomplish much.

Councilmember McGlashan pointed out that there are no term limits for City Councilmembers.  He agreed with Councilmember Hansen's opinion, noting that term limits disqualify competent incumbents from consideration.

Councilmember Ryu pointed out that Councilmembers need between 7,000 to 9,000 votes to be elected to the Council, yet advisory members need only 3-5 votes of the Council.  She felt it was unfair to compare the Council's lack of term limits to term limits for advisory boards.

Deputy Mayor Fimia pointed out that prior City Councils instituted term limits, so they obviously felt they were a good idea.  She felt that a lack of term limits discourages participation by others.  She felt that 12 years is a long time for board members to serve.  Furthermore, members whose terms have expired will probably stay engaged in the process if they’re interested.

Mayor Ransom strongly supported the amended ordinance in the case of the Parks Board, but to a lesser extent for other boards and commissions.

Responding to Mr. Olander, Mr. Sievers confirmed that the term limits would apply to consecutive terms, so somebody could take a hiatus and reapply for the same position.

The Mayor directed staff to amend the ordinance to include the language "three consecutive four-year terms for a total of 12 years."

Staff clarified for Councilmember Ryu that former members with expired terms don’t have to necessarily wait four years to reapply; they would be eligible for appointment as soon as a vacancy opened.

Mayor Ransom said the original intent was that advisory board members would be off for two years before they could be reappointed.  He opposed the proposal to appoint youth representatives as regular Parks Board members, but they could possibly serve as ex-officio members.  Mr. Olander suggested that youth representatives should be full voting members if they are to have meaningful participation.  Mayor Ransom pointed out that youth participation on the school boards didn't work out.

Deputy Mayor Fimia noted that the Parks Board is different from other advisory bodies such as the Planning Commission, so youth  serving as full voting Parks Board members would be appropriate.  She pointed out that an 18-year-old ran a successful campaign for the Lake Forest Park City Council.

Councilmember Hansen was inclined towards the Mayor’s proposal.  He felt it is going to be difficult to keep a teenager engaged unless it’s something that really interests them.

There was Council discussion about how long the terms should be for the youth positions.  Councilmembers felt that two-year terms would be appropriate for these positions.

Councilmembers McGlashan and Ryu agreed with establishing two-year terms for youth positions on the Parks Board.

Councilmember Ryu suggested that the Parks department solicit interest from the youth on a geographic basis so there is equal representation on the Board.  Councilmembers suggested that the private schools be contacted in addition to the two public high schools. 

At 10:03 p.m., Mayor Ransom declared the meeting adjourned.

_____________________________

Scott Passey, CMC

City Clerk