CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
SUMMARY MINUTES OF BUSINESS MEETING
Monday, June 9, 2008 - 7:30 p.m.
Shoreline Conference Center
Mt. Rainier Room
PRESENT: Mayor Ryu, Deputy Mayor Scott, Councilmember Eggen, Councilmember McConnell, Councilmember McGlashan, and Councilmember Way
ABSENT: Councilmember Hansen
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1. |
At 7:30 p.m., the meeting was called to order by Mayor Ryu, who presided.
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Mayor Ryu led the flag salute. Upon roll call by the City Clerk, all Councilmembers were present with the exception of Councilmember Hansen.
Deputy Mayor Scott moved to excuse Councilmember Hansen. Councilmember McGlashan seconded the motion, which carried 6-0 and Councilmember Hansen was excused.
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3. |
Bob Olander, City Manager, reported on various City projects, events, and meetings.
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Mr. Holz discussed his career as a civil engineer in low impact development (LID) standards and site design. He said his report is called “Shoreline and the Future.” He displayed slides which highlighted the areas the City should focus on. He emphasized that in the area of transportation, the focus should be placed on green streets, bridge decking, aerobuses, and zero runoff through trains. In the area of housing, the focus should be on multi-family housing, vertical urban farms, towers, and building condominiums on 1/4 to 1/3 acre lots. He also encouraged the use of volunteer raingardens. He noted that city-initiated upgrades bring value to the community, and “green” efforts and projects like this become a brand which influences and attracts new businesses to the City.
Regarding street projects, Councilmember Eggen asked if bridge decking on streets requires some type of special underlayment. Mr. Holz replied that they have to be carefully designed because they are basically a rain garden. He then described a green street design. Councilmember Eggen commented that the City has lots of areas covered by glacial till, noting that some techniques might not be useful in the City. Mr. Holz responded that even on till soils, if runoff is distributed on a large enough area it will dissipate.
Councilmember Way discussed a facility where the runoff is controlled by bio-retention. She asked Mr. Holz to explain the 65-0-10 concept. Mr. Holz stated that it is the only standard for LID and the developers are allowed to choose among different LID techniques. He said the science has revealed that a healthy watershed has to have 65% native vegetation and soils. He noted that clear-cutting creates problems and jurisdictions have learned expensive lessons. He also added that “10” refers to having a maximum of 10% of the total area being impervious and “0” relates to the amount of runoff derived from the site.
Councilmember Way wanted to know the value of doing this for cities. Mr. Holz replied that in 50 years most of the City could be converted to the 65-10-0 standard and that could mean salmon runs in Thornton, Boeing, and McAleer Creeks. He said it would mean increasing quality in Shoreline and “quality attracts quality.” He noted that if the City protects and restores its infrastructure, developers will want to invest in the City. He noted that this creates a brand for the City to operate under.
Councilmember Way discussed infrastructure replacement cost and asked if this is a way to invest in lasting value. Mr. Holz responded that there is a way to invest in lasting value through retrofitting. He noted that there are opportunities for long-term change. He stated that the value should increase property values so much that it would exceed the initial investment.
Mayor Ryu noted that she is impressed that the Ronald Wastewater District is maintaining the existing wastewater system. She asked what the impact would be if both the surface and wastewater were combined into the sewer system. Mr. Holz responded that the stormwater can be intercepted before it combines with the sewer system and most of it can be eliminated. He confirmed that if the stormwater is greatly reduced then the sewer system capacity could be doubled which could eliminate the need for another Brightwater facility.
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Mr. Olander stated that the Council budgeted and it is in their work plan to begin some demonstration projects and “green” strategies this year.
Deputy Mayor Scott attended SeaShore where there was continued discussion on the Sound Transit 2 (ST2) ballot and it is still being deliberated.
Mayor Ryu added that if ST2 comes to ballot it will cost Shoreline taxpayers another $4-5 million and eventually move to $7-8 million per year. She added that she attended the Kruckeberg Gardens dedication. She stated that the North King County Green Business Meeting is tomorrow, and there is a reception with the Korean Consul General at Shoreline Community College (SCC) which will be held in the new Pagoda Union Building.
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a) LaNita Wacker, Shoreline, said it is perplexing that two of the current Councilmembers served on the Housing Strategy Committee, and while there is an emphasis on affordable housing, the moratorium implemented a housing cap of 110 units per acre. She added that an independent feasibility study was done, which concluded that underground parking is not economically feasible. However, a stipulation is being introduced that makes the size of units not economical. She stated that Ordinance 500 “down zoned” another 70 properties and has antiquated language.
b) Patty Hale, Shoreline, thanked the Council for awarding mini-grants on a regular basis. She said they were allowed to plant street trees, develop a logo, and put signage in. She added that grants have funded Phase 1 of the Ridgecrest Elementary playground equipment, and they purchased 25 banners and brackets. She added that mini-grants are vital in giving neighborhoods an identity.
c) Richard Johnsen, Shoreline, said the Ridgecrest signs are very impressive and create a sense of identity. He said the mini-grants are very effective. He said Nora Smith is great and is busy working on helping to revive the Meridian Park Neighborhood Association. He noted that he attended both Sound Transit meetings and encouraged Larry Phillips to come to the Council and justify the Sound Transit expenditures.
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6. |
Deputy Mayor Scott moved approval of the agenda. Councilmember McGlashan seconded the motion, which carried 6-0 and the agenda was approved.
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Councilmember McGlashan moved approval of the Consent Calendar. Deputy Mayor Scott seconded the motion, which carried 6-0 and the following items were approved:
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(a) Minutes of Business Meeting of April 28, 2008 |
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(b) Approval of expenses and payroll as of May 28, 2008 in the amount of $1,489,168.55 as specified in the following detail: |
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*Payroll and Benefits: |
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Payroll Period |
Payment Date |
EFT Numbers (EF) |
Payroll Checks (PR) |
Benefit Checks (AP) |
Amount Paid |
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4/20/08-5/3/08 |
5/9/2008 |
23896-24094 |
7574-7613 |
36367-36375 |
$397,833.24 |
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$397,833.24 |
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*Accounts Payable Claims: |
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Expense Register Dated |
Check Number (Begin) |
Check Number (End) |
Amount Paid |
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5/16/2008 |
36376 |
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$1,668.06 |
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5/16/2008 |
36377 |
36392 |
$3,902.56 |
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5/16/2008 |
36393 |
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$209,969.15 |
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5/19/2008 |
36394 |
36422 |
$484,137.26 |
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5/19/2008 |
36423 |
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$787.08 |
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5/20/2008 |
36424 |
36445 |
$27,866.98 |
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5/20/2008 |
36446 |
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$200.00 |
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5/21/2008 |
36447 |
36476 |
$90,889.73 |
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5/27/2008 |
36477 |
36499 |
$184,221.10 |
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5/28/2008 |
36500 |
36526 |
$87,693.39 |
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$1,091,335.31 |
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(c) Approval of Ridgecrest Neighborhood Mini-Grant Project
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(d) Resolution No. 276, Authorizing Applications For Funding Assistance for a Washington Wildlife And Recreation (WWRP) Program Project to the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) as provided in Chapter 79a.15 RCW, Acquisition Of Habitat Conservation And Outdoor Recreation Lands |
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8. |
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(a) Resolution No. 277, Supporting Ballot Proposition No. 1 for the August 19, 2008 Special Election, "Proposed Annexation to Ronald Wastewater District" |
Mark Relph, Public Works Director, introduced Michael Derrick and Art Wadekamper, from Ronald Wastewater District (RWD), who provided a brief presentation on the proposal to annex an area into the Ronald Wastewater District. Mr. Wadekamper noted that the District was acquired from the Lake City Sewer District from Seattle in 2001.
Mr. Derrick provided a PowerPoint presentation and noted that the board has been attempting to get the ratepayers a vote. He highlighted that the board passed a resolution to get that on the ballot. He said the RWD ensures that fats, oils and grease don't go into the system of 190 miles of sewer pipe and 4,500 manholes. He said collection, treatment, and stormwater is managed by the cities. He highlighted that this resolution features voting rights for all ratepayers and displayed a map of the proposed area. He added that this gives all ratepayers the right to vote and to run for commissioner. Additionally, this annexation will not increase rates or taxes. He said this will benefit 19,000 residents, 300 businesses, 10 schools, and 24 parks. He stated that they have visited nearly all the neighborhood groups.
Ian Sievers, City Attorney, explained that state law limits the City's ability to use resources to support ballot issues. However, the Council can come to collective decision since this item is noticed by ballot title. He noted that the Council can vote and support the ballot measure.
Mayor Ryu called for public comment.
a) LaNita Wacker, Shoreline, said she has been a customer of RWD for a long time and they are the best value in the City. She embraced the opportunity for citizens to vote for their representatives.
b) Richard Johnsen, Shoreline, said he lives in the former Lake City Sewer District (LCSD) area. He encouraged fellow citizens in LCSD area to vote for the annexation because it gives residents an opportunity to feel more inclusive. He said he is afraid a lot of people don’t understand what's going on.
Councilmember Way asked if a majority is needed to pass the vote. Mr. Holz responded that it takes a simple majority to be adopted.
Councilmember McGlashan moved to adopt Resolution No. 277, Supporting Ballot Proposition No. 1 for the August 19, 2008, Special Election, "Proposed Annexation to Ronald Wastewater District." Councilmember Way seconded the motion.
Councilmember Eggen pointed out that there are currently three commissioners on the board. He wondered if more positions would be added. Mr. Holz replied that the commission doesn’t intend to change the number of commissioners, but the people in the area can make that decision.
Councilmember Way asked for clarification on the combined sewers issue. Mr. Holz responded that the system is completely separate and that it features an inflow and infiltration system through deteriorating pipes. He noted that they are working on several replacement pipe projects, but the pipes don't make a difference when it comes to the full system. Mr. Derrick added that this system is good and holds up well in storms.
Councilmember Way inquired how much it would cost to run the election. Mr. Derrick responded that it is based on who votes. However, it is invoiced after the election.
Mayor Ryu supported this item and said her first home is in this area and so is about one-third of the City’s population. She urged them to add at least two more commissioners to their board.
A vote was taken on the motion to adopt Resolution No. 277, Supporting Ballot Proposition No. 1 for the August 19, 2008 Special Election, "Proposed Annexation to Ronald Wastewater District" which carried 6-0.
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Debbie Tarry, Finance Director, said this presentation is an introduction to the Council Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) process. She discussed the proposed schedule which concludes with its adoption on July 14, 2008. She added that the drainage basin plans should also be completed over the next few years.
Mr. Olander highlighted that the projects are derived from the Council's adopted plans which include long-range transportation, long-range parks, general capital projects, and the possibility of updating the City’s Storm Water Master Plan.
Ms. Tarry noted that the relationship between the CIP and budget is that in the first year of the CIP, it becomes part of the budget. The CIP is a long-term policy document that helps identifies and prioritizes the City’s long-term financial needs. It helps with grants, she said, and should be considered flexible. Furthermore, she said it forecasts the future needs and revenues. She commented that the CIP also allows the City staff time to complete processes and cost estimates of the projects. She noted that the six-year CIP also allows the City to coordinate with other jurisdictions. She warned that the CIP isn’t a precise project cost estimate or project schedule and noted that the final scope of work on projects isn’t determined until the construction phase. She announced that in the 2009-2014 Proposed CIP there are 47 projects with a total cost estimate of $155 million. However, 77% of those costs involve three major projects; the 165th – 205th Street Aurora Corridor which is $88 million, City Hall which is $29 million, and the 2006 Parks bond issue projects which are $3 million. She continued and explained the revenue sources. Real Estate Excise Tax (REET), she explained, is an important piece and was higher in years past. The latest loss in REET funds is $1.4 million because a reduction in real estate sales. She highlighted that most of the funded projects include transportation or pedestrian-related enhancements. The remaining projects concern surface water, parks, and facilities maintenance. She added that some of the projects are linked to the Council goals which are the parks bond items, City Hall, and the Aurora Corridor improvements. She noted that the CIP is broken down into four distinct areas; 1) General Capital Funds, 2) Facilities Major Maintenance Fund, 3) Roads Capital Fund, and the 4) Surface Water Utility Fund. She pointed out that a copy of the CIP document will be on the City’s website and a copy will be at the police storefronts and available in the City Clerk’s office on paper or CD. She said there aren’t a lot of significant changes from the previous CIP and that this CIP is balanced and flexible.
Mayor Ryu called for public comment.
a) Boni Biery, Shoreline, encouraged the City to inventory street trees and to add it to the CIP because she didn't hear anything about it in the presentation.
Mr. Olander replied that the City already has a complete inventory of street trees and it was done two years ago.
Councilmember Way discussed the Council Goals Workshop and asked how the new Council goals would impact the plan. Ms. Tarry responded that the CIP is reflective of the 2007-2008 goals and there are benchmarks within those goals. She felt they go together very well. Mr. Olander said this isn’t just the capital budget, but some translate more towards the operating budget. He added that that a majority of capital will represent ongoing goals.
RECESS
At 9:30 p.m. Mayor Ryu called for a five minute break. Mayor Ryu reconvened the meeting at 9:36 p.m.
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(c) Proposed Environmental Sustainability Strategy: Continued Discussion |
Juniper Nammi, Associate Planner and Environmental Sustainability Strategy Project Manager, highlighted that the consultants have been selected and staff has responded to the public comments concerning the Strategy. She noted the proposed changes to the document and said this document is also available online as well as in CD format. She said she is glad to see the Council considering the implementation of this with the draft Council goals. She also expressed her satisfaction with the three Es: Environment, Economy, (social) Equity, included in the proposed strategy. She emphasized that this document is a strategy, like the tools in a kitchen. She added that there is a draft decision-making tool in Appendix E which is a snapshot look at how a particular project would contribute to the overall goals. She stressed that the implementation of this strategy will be critical to having a result of sustainability.
Mr. Olander commented that people often tend to look through a policy and its political screen, but there is also a financial and legal screen. He felt the sustainability strategy is a necessary screen for the City when making policy, budgetary, and capital decisions. He added that implementation will take time and congratulated the City staff for thoroughly reviewing Council and public comment.
Mayor Ryu called for public comment. There was no one wishing to provide public comment on this item.
Councilmember Eggen commented that he didn’t see an attempt to reduce use of pesticides and herbicides in City parks and property. He said some people are acutely sensitive to toxins and he would like to see something more substantial in the strategy. Ms. Nammi referred to page 106 and said additional text was added. She said City operations uses very few toxins already, and it is currently utilizing integrated management in the City’s parks and right-of-ways. Councilmember Eggen advocated for educational programs so that residents can be informed of the detrimental effects of toxin use.
Councilmember Way noted that this is a work-in-progress and it is continuing to improve with time. She is pleased with the priority recommendation section, the establishment of a permanent green team, and the idea of doing the Natural Resources Management Plan (NRMP). She asked how the NRMP could be implemented and if it would work along with all the other City master plans. Mr. Nammi replied that NRMP at a city level would look at all the places the City has identified habitat restoration, preservation, and acquisition and integrate natural systems. She commented that it is a way of looking city-wide at these locations.
Councilmember Way asked how the City would apply all of this across platforms to have effective decision-making. Ms. Nammi replied there are many different layers, and when the Planning and Public Works staff is ready to move forward with projects, they will pull out the specific recommendations. She added that an interdepartmental team will ensure this gets implemented through the various layers. Councilmember Way felt this all involves the master plan process and how the City can apply the sustainability strategy to them.
Mr. Olander commented that in the future, City staff reports may include sustainability implications just like they include financial impacts. He stated that the SEPA process will need to be considered too. He concluded that as the Development Code is reviewed, the appropriate changes will become the permanent requirements and be incorporated into the City’s design regulations.
MEETING EXTENSION
At 10:00 p.m., Councilmember Way moved to extend the meeting until 10:30 p.m. Councilmember Eggen seconded the motion, which carried 6-0.
Mayor Ryu said this is a wonderful document and thanked the public for making it better. She said she has some minor editorial changes. She discussed the Green Business Certification which refers to the Environmental Coalition for South Seattle (ECOSS). She noted that the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce has tried to have ECOSS work with them and it has been frustrating. She felt the language needs to note that the City will endorse “something similar to" ECOSS. She hoped a “green” business certification program is included in the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
Councilmember Way thought about interviewing kids about what should be done about the environment. She discussed the Green Business draft indicator and felt that in Appendix C, page 126, the term "consider" wasn't quite strong enough. She also preferred an emphasis on connecting Jackson Park Golf Course to the Interurban Trail. Ms. Nammi highlighted that under the inter-jurisdictional connections sections it isn’t specifically mentioned, but it can be added to page 37. However, on page 39 it is included as a potential trail. Mr. Olander asked Ms. Nammi to ensure there is language in the document concerning the regional connectors. Councilmember Way felt that bus passes should be included on page 128. Ms. Nammi highlighted that even though it isn’t spelled out there, bus passes are included.
Councilmember Way felt there should be an area on page 48 that focuses attention on “no-spray zones” in City parks. She added that toxins and chemical fertilizers are offensive to people. She wanted to add “fish habitat” as one of the strongest indicators in determining the health of a system. She noted that on page 54, she would like to add the Thornton Creek Watershed Plan, the Lake Ballinger Basin Plan, and maybe Lyons Creek under key recommendations. She also wanted Fircrest added to the ecosystem management section on page 52. She suggested wording changes to several areas, including page 91. She felt there should be a place in the plan to encourage property owners who want to retrofit their homes and property.
Ms. Nammi stated that the City staff is already working on updating the storm water standards and there are a lot of green projects happening.
Mayor Ryu said she sees this as an historical depository of ideas. She said these things are being done for economic and environmental survival.
Ms. Nammi commented that there was a Council request for an index and there will be a rough estimate that it will take sixty hours to generate.
Councilmember McGlashan commented on “SEA (Street Edge Alternative) Streets” and liked Councilmember Way’s idea of having street directions alternate. He said the neighbors would have to consent to having their street modified. Mr. Olander added that the key to it is to have “buy-in” because there are various tradeoffs. He felt there would need to be a super-majority of consent because it isn’t just what goes on in the right-of-way. Councilmember McGlashan commented that the SEA Streets he toured were one-way and very narrow.
Councilmember Eggen asked if Ms. Nammi was asking the Council direction on whether to create an index. Mr. Olander responded that an index is not an essential element to the document and would plan to put the document into final form for adoption.
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9. |
At 10:25 p.m., Mayor Ryu declared the meeting adjourned.
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Scott Passey, City Clerk