CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
SUMMARY MINUTES OF STUDY SESSION
Monday, April 2, 2007
6:30 PM
Shoreline Conference Center
Mt. Rainier Room
PRESENT: Mayor Ransom, Deputy Mayor Fimia, Councilmember Gustafson, Councilmember Hansen, Councilmember McGlashan, Councilmember Ryu, and Councilmember Way.
ABSENT: None.
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At 6:36 p.m., the meeting was called to order by Mayor Ransom, who presided.
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Mayor Ransom led the flag salute. Upon roll call by the City
Clerk, all Councilmembers were present with the exception of Councilmember Hansen.
Upon motion by Councilmember Gustafson, seconded by Councilmember Ryu and carried 6-0, Councilmember Hansen was excused.
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Bob Olander, City Manager, reported on the success of the Richmond Beach Saltwater Park Restoration Work Party. He announced that the next installment of the Shoreline 2010 Speaker Series will be held April 5 and feature Tom von Schrader and Amalia Leighton of the SvR Design Company who will speak on "Creating and Implementing Green Infrastructure.” He noted that 10th Avenue NW will be closed due to the Hidden Lake Sewer Project beginning April 9. The next meeting of the Aurora Business and Community (ABC) Team will be held Wednesday, April 4 at the Shoreline Fire Station Headquarters, and the “Get Ready Shoreline” emergency preparedness community meeting will be held Monday, April 16 at the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center.
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Councilmember Gustafson reported on his attendance at the Suburban Cities Association Public Issues Committee, where topics discussed included the Cedar Hills Land Fill closure and RTID. He reported on his attendance at the Joint Recommendations Committee meeting, where topics included homelessness and housing. He commented on the McKinney homeless assistance program, a $13.8 million federal program of competitive grants for homelessness projects. He also said he would provide Council some material on the $2.8 million available through KC Housing/Services funds. He also had a flow chart for the veterans/human services levy. Moving on to the National League of Cities (NLC) conference, he summarized that the conference was very worthwhile. He said the main issues involved control over local right-of-way, telecommunication systems, immigration reform, housing (foreclosure), predatory lending, and support for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding and transportation funding. Other issues discussed at meetings he attended include legal liability issues in high-speed chases, waste management, free speech in public parks, and emergency preparedness. He concluded that compared to other jurisdictions, he feels good about the City of Shoreline's financial outlook. He also noted his attendance at the storm water charrette and commented that staff and consultants are "on top of the issues."
Councilmember McGlashan reported on his attendance at the children’s and juvenile conference as a member of the Northshore/Shoreline Community Network Board. He also reported on his activities at the NLC conference, including his involvement on the Community & Economic Development committee as well as the Steering Committee. He commented that Congress doesn’t see the value of the CDBG program and is considering requiring more accountability, yet it would likely create more paperwork and reduce the program’s effectiveness. He noted that the Steering Committee discussed the idea of dividing Community Development and Economic Development into two separate bodies. He reported on the visits with Washington State legislators, including Senator Cantwell, Senator Murray, Representative Inslee, Representative McDermott, and Representative Reichert. He concluded that the conference was worthwhile and that the federal government enjoys hearing from local government.
Deputy Mayor Fimia reported on her attendance at the Room Nine and North City public hearings regarding school closures. She commented on the excellent testimony provided and on the many intangible assets that schools provide the community. She also reported on the NLC conference, particularly on a workshop "Strategies for Strengthening the Availability of Housing Affordable to Working Families." She was glad to know that Shoreline has begun work on a Comprehensive Housing Strategy, since this was stressed as the first action to implement. The workshop emphasized the need to protect existing housing stock and to build an affordability component into any housing plan. She said the agencies are willing to travel and provide presentations locally. Also, a new web-based database will be available from these agencies soon. She reported on the bus rapid transit presentation by Breakthrough Technologies that she arranged in Washington D.C. for local legislators.
Councilmember Way reported that she attended the Richmond Beach Saltwater Park Restoration Work Party. She also attended the Fremont Walk, a neighborhood trail on Fremont Avenue and 160th that features pervious pavement. She noted that King County Councilmember Ferguson responded to the Council questions regarding light bulb disposal; the new transfer station will feature fluorescent light bulb disposal, and certain businesses can dispose of fluorescent bulbs for the commercial industry for a fee. She asked staff to publicize this information.
Councilmember Ryu reported that she attended the Shorecrest Boosters Dinner and Auction and also the first quarterly meeting of Enterprise Seattle as a representative of Suburban Cities Association. She provided the following organization-provided statistics on Enterprise Seattle’s 2005-2006 economic development input/output and outcomes: $1.088 million in public funds; $.833 million in private funds; 227 recruitment prospects and leads; $496 million in economic impact; 18 company successes; 1,073 primary jobs; and 2,409 total jobs. She concluded that she wants to ensure that Shoreline taxpayers are getting the proper return on the investment.
Mayor Ransom also reported on his activities during the NLC trip,
noting that he arrived before the conference began and had an opportunity
to tour the East White House. Among the seminars he attended
included "Building Communities that Challenge and Change,"
"Budgeting for outcomes," and "Getting from Conflict to
Confrontation to Conflict Resolution." He reported on his activities
as a member of the Human Development Policy and Advocacy group, where the
topics included immigration, No Child Left Behind, and health care.
The general sessions included discussions about the federal role in
education reform, transportation funding, and predatory lending practices. He
said it is estimated that $94 billion is needed just to maintain existing
federal highways, and $154 billion is needed for new projects. He
also reported on the meetings with legislators, as well as an IRS
program in which cities can get funding for alternative energy
projects. He felt that perhaps the City Hall project could qualify
for such funding.
Continuing, Mayor Ransom noted that they also requested $2 million
for right-of-way purchases from our congressmen and senators for
the Aurora Corridor Project, and they spoke to the staff of
Senators Murray and Cantwell regarding the Spokane compact on gambling.
He said although the Governor has not signed it yet, the compact would allow
tribes to operate up to five casinos off
reservation, with 154 tables at each casino and a total of 4,700
slot machines for five casinos. He said tribes can buy land and
within two years make it reservation land. He said no conclusions
have been made in the SeaShore Transportation Forum regarding the
Agreement. He reported that an Economic Development Summit, headed by
King County Councilmember Bob Ferguson, was proposed in the North end
Mayors meeting. He expressed interest in participating in this forum
as the elected representative, along with Shoreline's Economic Development
Manager, because he questions the statistics this group previously
reported. He noted that the cost for participating in this forum is
$3,000.
There was a brief discussion about how this item would be funded. Mr. Olander suggested that it is within his budget authority to approve this
expenditure under professional services.
Deputy Mayor Fimia suggested that this issue be submitted as an agenda
item for Council consideration. She said she would like to see an outline
of what deliverables are anticipated, pointing out that Council
makes other non-profit groups go through a rigorous process when they request
financial assistance.
Councilmember Gustafson also felt that the Council should have something in writing to review.
Councilmember Way also wanted an accounting of how the money would be spent, noting that King County would surely be willing to provide it.
Councilmember Gustafson noted that if the City Manager can already approve similar services without Council approval, he would ordinarily yield to his professional judgment. However, since this item has been brought up, then the Council should consider it.
Councilmember Ryu concurred and stated that the Council must demonstrate to the taxpayers that it is spending their money responsibly. She added that she would like to be considered as the city representative to the Economic Development Summit, since she has a business degree and is a practicing business owner.
Turning to the subject of a Council
subcommittee to review the Parks Board applications, Mayor Ransom pointed out
that five Councilmembers have expressed interest in participating: Deputy Mayor Fimia, Councilmember Gustafson, Councilmember Ryu, Councilmember Way, and
himself. His recommendation is to have a committee of four composed of Councilmembers Gustafson, Ryu, Way, and himself. He said he would like to limit it to four
because all four members have been involved in the park bond committee for the
last four years.
It was noted that a committee of four constitutes a Council quorum, so the
interviews would have to take place in an open public meeting. It was
suggested that since an open public meeting would be needed, then all five
Councilmembers should be able to participate. Mayor Ransom said that if
all five are recommended to participate, then he would prefer that it be open
to the entire Council, although he generally thinks that Council subcommittees
should be limited.
Councilmember Gustafson said he could support the Mayor's recommendation since all four were heavily involved in the Parks bond and parks/recreation. He added that the subcommittee only makes a recommendation to the full Council.
Councilmember Way felt that having an odd number was an important factor for Council subcommittees. She said it doesn’t make much difference whether four or five people are on the committee, since it will be advertised as an open public meeting anyway. She felt that all the interested members should be involved.
The question of whether the interviews could take place in an executive session was discussed, but no conclusions were made. Ian Sievers, City Attorney, said he would look into the legal aspects of this issue.
Deputy Mayor Fimia moved that the Council subcommittee to review Parks Board applications be comprised of a committee of the whole and that the meetings be open to the public. Councilmember Ryu seconded the motion.
In the interest of the agenda and at Councilmember Gustafson’s suggestion, there was consensus to postpone action on this item until the end of the meeting.
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(a) Linda Stein, Shoreline, provided information on Step It Up Seattle, a national day of climate action on Saturday, April 14 starting at Occidental Park in Pioneer Square. The event will feature 950 demonstrations demanding action on stopping climate change as well as urging Congress to cut carbon emissions 80% by the year 2050. She noted that the Shoreline Solar Project and Sustainable Shoreline will be participating and she invited supporters to participate in the event.
(b) Pat Murray, Shoreline, said that voters expect their representatives to come up with ways to not only generate revenues but to reduce expenditures as well. He said the cable utility tax amounts to "double taxing" because there is already franchise fees added to the subscriber’s bill. He suggested that City funding could be reduced in the areas of travel and training in order to increase available revenues rather than "double taxing" residents. He pointed out a Boeing company practice of cycling their newsletters through the staff to cut costs. In conclusion, he said he would like to see Shoreline residents have as much influence on land use issues that developers have, noting that developers do not have to live with their consequences.
(c) Suzanne Gugger, Shoreline, said the consequence of closing the schools is that many students will be forced to cross Highway 99, and this will pose a serious pedestrian safety hazard. She said despite the statement that many of these students will be bused; there are many circumstances in which students will be crossing the street. She urged the Council to consider the draft resolution she provided, which would help mitigate this pedestrian safety hazard. She said many pedestrian improvements should be considered now, noting that the City and school district should produce walking routes like the Seattle Public School system. She concluded that kids are not proficient at crossing arterials until they reach 12 years old.
Responding to Councilmember Way, Mr. Olander stated that the City continues to have conversations with school board members regarding
pedestrian safety, and the City is happy to provide any technical expertise
needed.
Councilmember Way noted that some of the suggestions in the draft resolution
are expensive to implement, and that the City doesn't have a direct influence
on the school district.
Mr. Olander commented that if school actions change the City's walking
routes, then the City must reexamine its priorities and where to invest
our resources. He affirmed that pedestrian safety is a high priority for
the City.
Regarding Mr. Murray's comments, Deputy Mayor Fimia said she was rather outspoken last week in asking for a 10% budget reduction in travel, dues, memberships, and registration. She pointed out that she found cost-cutting ways to participate in the NLC conference in Washington D.C., and that she assumed the cost of any personal days there.
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(a) Joint Discussion of the Shoreline City Council and the Shoreline Planning Commission |
Planning Commissioner Will Hall opened the discussion on behalf of the Planning Commission Chair and Vice Chair, who were both absent. He commented that it is a privilege to serve on the Planning Commission, and the Commission is interested in knowing how it can be the most effective to the City Council in its decision-making process. Planning Commissioners in attendance included Will Hall, Michael Broili, David Harris, Robin McClelland, Chakorn Phisuthikul, David Pyle, and Michele Wagner. There were introductions around the table.
Commissioner Hall highlighted the Planning Commission’s and individual Commissioner’s work over the past 6 months (since the last joint meeting with the Council), including the Shoreline 2010 Speakers Series, the Shoreline 2010 work program, and recommendations on site-specific rezones and development code amendments. In addition, the Commission has held study sessions on form-based codes, area-wide rezones, and the South Aurora Triangle subarea, and met with the Park Board to discuss Council Goal 6, the Environmentally Sustainable Community strategy. He outlined individual Commissioners’ participation on several ad-hoc committees, including the Comprehensive Housing Strategy Citizen Advisory Committee, the Ridgecrest commercial area redevelopment, and the Aurora Business and Community Team. He identified possible areas for potential Planning Commission involvement in the future, including the Civic Center/City Hall Project, the Aurora Corridor (especially the portion within the Central Shoreline subarea), Subarea Planning for Briarcrest and Paramount Park, and a potential role in Council Goal #6, Creating an Environmentally Sustainable Community.
Commissioners Phisuthikul and Wagner participated on the Comprehensive Housing Strategy CAC. Commissioner Wagner said that despite the multiple complex issues, the committee narrowed the focus on housing affordability and will be working on housing choice in the next phase. She commented on the passion of the participants and said that very interesting ideas and issues have come out of the committee. She noted that the CAC will provide a full briefing to Council.
Commissioners Harris and Phisuthikul participated in the Ridgecrest Neighborhood process. Commissioner Harris characterized it as "the perfect example of the community getting involved" and expressed confidence that it will produce something the community will support. Commissioner Phisuthikul said while most of the concentration has been on intersections such as 5th Avenue NE & 165th Street NE, his hope is that the focus will expand because the community extends beyond just the intersections.
Commissioner Hall noted that
Commissioners McClelland, Piro and Broili sat in on the Aurora Business
and Community Team discussions. Commissioner McClelland provided an
update on the discussions, noting that they will ultimately help
the Council determine whether a full Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS) is needed for Aurora Corridor Phase 2. She said the
reports have been very technical and thorough, and it has been nice to be an
observer in a situation where no votes are taken. She added that everyone had
three opportunities to tell the consultants their concerns about Phase 1, and
there has been expertise in the areas of economics, business, traffic
engineering, and science.
Commissioner Broili noted that committee members had the opportunity to make
suggestions for improving the next two miles of Aurora Avenue, which will prove
valuable for everyone concerned. He noted his participation on the storm
water charrette and was encouraged by the consideration of low impact
approaches to storm water and environmental issues. He
felt Shoreline could become a model of good design rather than following
old techniques.
Deputy Mayor Fimia noted that Councilmember Way is the one who initiated
the storm water charrette. She asked what the Commissioners are learning
from the technical reports that will help the decision-making
process.
Commissioner McClelland said the overall education will ultimately inform the
process leading up to selection of the preferred alternative for the Aurora Corridor. She noted that the storm water element is particularly useful
because it describes what is going on underneath the surface.
Commissioner Hall introduced Joe Tovar, Planning and Development Services Director, who highlighted the Planning Commission's 2010 Work Program.
Mr. Tovar said the 2010 Work Program is an attempt to show the long-term planning projects that require a near-term decision. It is also an attempt to refine some strategic points on the "Big Four" projects (City Hall, Aurora Avenue, Interurban Trail, and Heritage Park). He pointed out that some items in the Central Shoreline Area must precede others, and City investment in this area sends a strong message to the private market. He said the Commission is unsure whether the Council sees a role for them in the following projects: Town Center, City Hall, Aurora Corridor Project, and Council Goal #6.
Continuing, Mr. Tovar showed a slide of Town center projects and discussed the draft Strategic Points related to these projects, which were developed based on the "32 points" and the environmental discipline reports. They are written descriptively and are intended to help guide the Council’s decisions; they include the following:
• In the design and furnishing of the four Town Center Projects, seek ways to create a sense of place and civic identity in Central Shoreline.
• Identify and incorporate “green infrastructure” principles and features.
• Identify and incorporate appropriate historic features and interpretation opportunities.
• Identify and incorporate distinctive architectural patterns found in the area, such as building and roof shapes, fenestration (windows), and building materials.
• Explore ways to overcome the barrier that Midvale creates between the City Hall and the Interurban.
• Do not open Stone Ave. N. through to N. 175th St.
• Provide visual and functional linkage between bus rapid transit stops in Aurora and other Town Center Projects.
Councilmember Way commented that based on what she’s heard so far,
there seems to be many good ideas for improving the process
for Aurora Corridor Phase 2. She suggested holding less formal workshops
in the future so that more of a dialogue can be established between the City
and the public. She asked the Commissioners for their thoughts on their
role in creating environmental sustainability, noting that one of the reasons
she supported the City Hall project was because she could see the open
space opportunities.
Commissioners McClelland and Broili said that committee members identified
several areas in which future phases of the Aurora Corridor Project process
could be improved. They also concurred that less formal meetings could
help create a dialogue and help the City get the feedback it needs.
Regarding environmental sustainability, Commissioner Broili said one of the
most poignant points made by the Cascade Land Conservancy is that
if we create beautifully designed cities, then people won't want
to "spread out over the landscape." He emphasized the
importance of urban forest management and thanked Councilmember Way for her
leadership on the storm water charrette.
Councilmember Gustafson thanked the Commissioners for the role they play. He said he is very interested in getting the Commission's input on the items that Mr. Tovar outlined, and wondered if the Commission also saw a role in those projects. Commissioners responded affirmatively.
Commissioner Hall said the Commission could do something different from the highly structured forums that usually accompany land use decisions in order to establish a dialogue. He said while the Commission’s reports might not take the form of formal recommendations, the Commission would be happy to act as an extension of the public outreach mechanism.
Councilmember Ryu thanked the Commissioners for their service and for their unique contributions, noting that it is a worthwhile service they provide. She said she appreciates Councilmember Way’s initiative in getting the storm water charrette process going, and she would also like to see one started for the Town Center projects. She emphasized the need for the Council to decide whether the various options and alternatives for the Town Center Project are worth the investment.
Councilmember McGlashan thanked the Planning Commission for their role and asked that they share their reports with the Council when members attend their various committee meetings. He said even if it's not a formal report, the advice and input they receive could be different from what the Council is hearing. He concurred that he would like to have the Commission play a role in Town Center, City Hall, Aurora Corridor, and Environmental Sustainability.
Deputy Mayor Fimia emphasized the need to get input from all stakeholders and to follow through quickly with necessary code changes. She concurred that the Planning Commission should play a role in the aforementioned projects and expressed a preference for the Commission to explore how the City can best utilize the Interurban Trail and its connections. She enumerated eight areas in which to analyze the Town Center projects: 1) design; 2) environmental issues; 3) housing; 4) transportation; 5) parking; 6) business; 7) safety; and 8) utilities. She stressed the need to ensure the City has a checklist as it proceeds through the "Big Four" projects, to work together, maximize investments, and implement the community vision. Noting the huge disconnect between the desired outcomes and what will happen as a result of regional transportation plans, she commented that she cannot approve more density without the transit to support it.
Mayor Ransom reported on some of the ideas and proposals expressed at the Ridgecrest Visioning Forum. He felt a proposal for a 20-story building seemed irrational because anything taller than four stories is inappropriate for that neighborhood. In addition, the intersection only gets about 5,000 cars per day. He added that anything above two stories is not very practical for retail businesses in a neighborhood. He felt that a more appropriate location for the Town Center, rather than the N. 175th Street Aurora-to-Midvale location, would have been near Gateway Center or Fred Meyer, since N 175th Street and Aurora Avenue is more of the "heart of the City" and not a retail/commercial center. He also said the term "Town Center" evoked an extremely negative reaction from the public, bringing out hundreds of opponents in the past, so it should be used cautiously.
Councilmember Way thought it might be useful for the Planning Department to analyze city hall projects that were not particularly successful so the City can avoid making the same mistakes.
Councilmember Ryu concurred, pointing out that the City only has one chance to succeed. She appreciated the design principles proposed by staff regarding the Town Center project, adding that she doesn’t have any strong objections to the terminology.
Deputy Mayor Fimia noted that she hears from people who want a City identity and a "sense of place." She felt there was no longer strong resistance to the term "Town Center" in the community but said it should be tested.
RECESS
At 8:57 p.m., Mayor Ransom called for a five minute recess. The Council
meeting reconvened at 9:07 p.m.
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Marcus Kragness, Shoreline Fire Chief, provided the staff report on this item. He explained that the existing Medic One/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) levy will expire at the end of the year 2007 and King County is seeking voter authorization of a six-year Medic One/EMS levy of $.30 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation for the period of 2008 through 2013. Shoreline’s Medic One/EMS is provided by the Shoreline Fire Department, a separate taxing district within the City. The purpose of the EMS division is to increase survival and reduce pain and disability from out-of-hospital emergencies. The Fire Department provides two levels of medical care: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS).
Chief Kragness described the region-wide effort to review the future needs of the emergency medical services system, which began in October of 2005 and involved the full range of Medic One/EMS Stakeholders. This review included the impacts that a specific levy type, length and rate might have on the regional system and taxpayers. The City of Shoreline participated in these discussions throughout the process and was represented as a Stakeholder on both the Technical Stakeholder and the Elected Official Committees. In October, 2006, Stakeholders developed consensus around the future funding and operational plans for a 2008-2013 Medic One/EMS levy and unanimously endorsed a six-year, $.30 per thousand dollars of assessed value levy proposal. The 2008-2013 King County Emergency Medical Services Strategic Plan proposes the following:
· Full funding for ALS/Paramedic service -- it is anticipated that three new paramedic units are needed in order to maintain existing levels of service
· Additional funding for BLS services
· Continued funding for regional services/programs such as training with a continued emphasis on strategic initiatives
· Development of a reserve fund (this is currently the practice; this formalizes it)
He then described the financial impact of the levy passage, noting that if approved at $.30 per $1,000 assessed value, it would generate almost $2 million in revenue from Shoreline rate payers. For the average homeowner ($314,000) in Shoreline, this equates to approximately $97 in 2008, about $28 more than in 2007. The levy would provide approximately $580,000 to the Department for BLS services. The additional BLS funding would allow the Department to continue the 12 hour staffing of a BLS Aid unit at station 65. In addition, King County Emergency Medical Services oversees the regional levy and administers a contract with the Shoreline Fire Department to provide ALS services. This contract is funded entirely by the countywide EMS levy, approximately $3.8 million for 2007. The cities served by the Department’s ALS program via the contract include Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and Bothell. Passage of the levy would allow for the ALS unit located in Lake Forest Park to convert from a 12-hour unit to a 24 hour unit. Likewise, this unit serves the east side of Shoreline.
Chief Kragness explained that if the City of Shoreline were to take no action or change the recommended action or adopt a resolution in opposition to the recommended action, it would prevent the measure from appearing on the ballot. This would result in no funding for EMS services in Shoreline and the rest of King County in 2008 and subsequent years. If the levy were to fail or if the Council does not adopt the recommended action, the Department would not be able to maintain ALS service without significant reduction in BLS and fire suppression services throughout Shoreline.
He concluded that staff recommends that the Council hold a public hearing on Resolution No. 267, authorizing the placement of the Technical Stakeholder Committee’s recommendation for reauthorization of a countywide ballot proposition for the Medic One levy up to .$30 per $1,000 AV.
Councilmember Way asked if the department has initiated any efforts to try to reduce the demand for services. Chief Kragness noted that the department continually looks for ways to minimize the demand, largely through education. He noted that a nurse was staffed at one of the dispatch centers to screen calls to see if emergencies could be resolved before sending an aid vehicle. Also, having a highly skilled and trained EMT staff helps reduce the demand.
Responding to Deputy Mayor Fimia regarding how much Shoreline residents will pay into the levy if it passes, Chief Kragness estimated that residents will pay approximately $2 million.
There was no one in the audience wishing to speak on this agenda item.
Councilmember Ryu commented on
the concern some people have that a disproportionate amount of resources
are used in responding to the growing number of calls from group homes and
nursing homes. She asked if for-profit group homes could be taking
advantage of the system.
Chief Kragness responded that calls are being tracked more closely and the
department continues to provide training to caregivers. He added that
this is an issue the department is following on a regional basis.
Councilmember Gustafson asked why
a permanent levy is not being considered and what would happen in the
event the levy fails. He also noted that the statistics on
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) seem to indicate that chest
compressions are more effective than breathing.
Chief Kragness said that a levy lid lift would be needed if a permanent levy
is proposed, and the theory is that it might not be supported as
much as an "all or nothing" vote every six years. He said if
the levy fails, the ballot would be analyzed and it would likely be proposed
again. However, if it failed a second time, it would be proposed by
individual jurisdiction. He noted that Seattle is one of the resuscitation
outcomes study areas, so the issue of CPR is being analyzed locally.
Councilmember Way wondered if an increase in mental health problems was
the cause for increased service calls from group and nursing homes. She
asked if the department uses surveys or focus groups to find out what the
public wants.
Chief Kragness said although there is some anecdotal information, a thorough
analysis of the data is needed to arrive at any firm
conclusions. He said the department does not use focus groups but instead
relies on the expertise of the people involved.
Councilmember McGlashan asked if the EMS levy has any bearing on fire response. Chief Kragness said the fire department is funded through a separate property tax levy; the last fire district levy was passed in 2005.
Deputy Mayor Fimia suggested that the City establish a formal process for studying the question of group/nursing homes as a separate issue from a levy lid lift. She expressed interest in working with the police and fire district to track these costs and investigate issues of training and staffing at group homes. She felt such an approach could help the City avoid larger levies in the future. Chief Kragness said that would be an excellent strategic initiative and he will take it back to King County for their consideration and input.
Mr. Olander concurred that group homes, senior homes, and drug rehabilitation homes pose countywide problems, so they could be addressed under a countywide, cost-prevention initiative.
Mayor Ransom commented on the importance of maintaining adequate paramedic services in the City and on the need for this levy. However, he advised against screening service calls too much because it could increase the response times. He pointed out that if the paramedic unit took 15 minutes longer to respond to his heart attack in 1997, he would not be alive today. He said while he understands the concerns about potential abuse by nursing homes, caregivers are required to follow HIPPA standards, which means under federal law they must call 911 in certain circumstances, such as when an elderly person sustains a fall due to a broken bone.
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Dick Deal, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director and Maureen Colaizzi, Parks Planner, provided an update on the Parks Bond projects. Mr. Deal provided the background on the passage of the parks bond in May 2006 and explained the public process for bond issue projects. He emphasized the importance of getting as much citizen input as possible and the plan to advertise the process using questionnaires, Channel 21, the City web site, e-mail, and postcards. Following open houses and consultation with the Parks Board, the final design will be created for the construction documents.
MEETING EXTENSION
At 10:00 p.m., Deputy Mayor Fimia moved to extend the meeting
until 10:20 p.m. Councilmember Ryu seconded the motion, which carried
6-0.
Ms. Colaizzi provided updates and details of the various bond projects, including South Woods, SPU North Hamlin Property, Kruckeberg Garden, Twin Ponds Park, Richmond Beach Saltwater Park, Shoreline Center Tennis Court Lighting, Off-Leash Dog Park, Trail Corridors, City-wide Baseball/Softball Field Improvements, Hamlin Park Facility Upgrade Improvements, and Cromwell Park Improvements.
Mr. Deal noted that the funding to implement the bond projects totals $18.5 million. He pointed out that the City is getting an additional $300,000 from the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC) for Richmond Beach Saltwater Park, and combined with other grants, the City has generated over $2 million in additional funding. He noted that with the other pending grant applications, there is the potential to secure $1-2 million in additional funding.
Ms. Colaizzi outlined the 2007 schedule and milestones for the various projects and noted that staff will provide another bond update in July, 2007.
Mayor Ransom called for public comment.
(a) Charles Brown, Shoreline, thanked the Council for acquiring the South Woods property and complimented the Trail Corridor Study Group for their work. He pointed out that the challenges and resources are significant, but he is amazed at the amount of talent there is to answer the challenges. He said the South Woods Preservation Group (SWPG) was a vehicle for public input, and it intends to continue in that role.
MEETING EXTENSION
At 10:22 p.m., Councilmember Ryu moved to extend the meeting until 10:35 p.m. Deputy Mayor Fimia seconded the motion, which carried 4-2, with
Councilmembers Gustafson and McGlashan dissenting.
Councilmember Way encouraged staff to be conscious of Hamlin Creek when
it commences on the Hamlin Park upgrades. She noted that between the
City’s project and the School District’s project nearby, there may
be additional flows added to Hamlin Creek. She also asked that the Cromwell Park wetland delineation consider the depth of the fill that’s already there
and the potential for wetland that lies beneath. She also requested
that the whole group involved in the off-leash dog park issue be notified
of upcoming actions.
Ms. Colaizzi and Mr. Deal noted that a scientific process will be used and the
final project will feature increased storm water capacity. Mr. Deal
said that staff has maintained an e-mail address book on the off-leash dog
park group, so everyone involved will be informed.
Councilmember Ryu asked if it would make sense to include Shoreline Community College in the off-leash dog park discussion. Mr. Deal said he is in communication with the college on this very issue.
Deputy Mayor Fimia agreed with the
overall public process but suggested creating more opportunities for
interaction between citizens. She noted that although open houses
are good, the citizen-to-staff interactions should be balanced with
citizen-to-citizen interactions. She asked that connections to businesses
and signage be considered in the analysis of trail corridors. She
suggested allowing businesses to put up signage or installing businesses
signage in exchange for services. She also asked about the potential
for a stream or creek in Cromwell Park.
Mr. Deal said the Trails Study Group is very enthusiastic and will be
identifying many signage opportunities. He said staff and consultants
will explore the options for a stream/creek within the context of the
storm water component of the Cromwell Park project.
Mayor Ransom suggested postponing the previous motion regarding the Council Subcommittee to review Parks Board applications until next week's meeting. There was Council consensus to do so.
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7. |
At 10:35 p.m., Mayor Ransom declared the meeting adjourned.
/S/ Scott Passey, City Clerk, CMC