CITY OF SHORELINE

SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL

SUMMARY MINUTES OF WORKSHOP MEETING

Tuesday, February 16, 1999

6:30 p.m.

Shoreline Conference Center

Mt. Rainier Room

PRESENT: Mayor Jepsen, Deputy Mayor Montgomery, Councilmembers King, Lee, and Ransom

ABSENT: Councilmembers Gustafson and Hansen

1. CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor Jepsen, who presided.

2. FLAG SALUTE/ROLL CALL

Mayor Jepsen led the flag salute. Upon roll by the City Clerk, all Councilmembers were present with the exception of Councilmembers Gustafson, Hansen, Lee and Ransom.

There was consensus of the Councilmembers present to excuse Councilmembers Gustafson and Hansen.

3. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Robert Deis, City Manager, reported that the Shoreview Park Final Environmental Impact Statement has been distributed.

4. COUNCIL REPORTS

Councilmember King mentioned a Suburban Cities Association board meeting on Wednesday night, and Mayor Jepsen noted the next meeting with mayors and managers of the cities of Bellevue, Redmond, and Kirkland to discuss legislative cooperation. Councilmember King noted that the Bellevue City Council will consider tonight whether to withdraw from the Suburban Cities Association.

5. PUBLIC COMMENTS

(a) Gretchen Atkinson, North City Business Association, thanked the City and Council for help with the North City Holiday Festival.

6. WORKSHOP ITEMS

(a) North City Business District Guidelines for Future Development

Anna Kolousek, Assistant Director of the Planning and Development Services Department, provided background on the development of the "Guidelines." She said the City will support the projects in the "Guidelines" through complementary development requirements and through the development of a specific subarea plan or overlay zoning district. She noted the volunteer participation in beautification projects and the coordination function that the North City Business Association will serve for certain projects. She also explained how public/private partnerships will have a role in North City development, emphasizing the importance of the business community in bringing the North City projects to fruition.

Councilmember Ransom arrived at 6:41 p.m.

Dr. Cheri Markos provided a brief history of the organization of North City into the North City Business Association, with its seven-member board and a steering committee of 12, and the North City Neighborhood Association, which has received financial grants for improvements in the North City area.

Ms. Atkinson reviewed the projects completed to date, including the hanging flower baskets and banners. She also described long-term projects: 1) street tree planting (flowering pear trees have been planted in front of the new Walgreen’s, and one suggestion has been to have the pear tree as the official tree of the area); 2) painting the utility poles to make a more attractive visual presentation; 3) decorative street lighting; 4) gateway projects; 5) parking and channelization; 6) mid-block pedestrian crossings and decorative crosswalks; and 7) widened sidewalks and increased use of benches. Ms. Atkinson concluded that the business association intends to become involved in recruiting businesses to the area.

Councilmember Lee arrived at 6:56 p.m.

Mayor Jepsen called for public comment.

(1) Tom Wilson, 17535 15^th Avenue NE, commended the efforts of those involved in the redevelopment of North City and said he would support future efforts.

(2) Charlotte Haines, North City Neighborhood Association, praised the consultant group on the North City project, noting they found good things in the area to build upon, which was a real morale builder.

Mayor Jepsen commended North City citizens for their willingness to dream and expressed excitement about the group’s efforts.

Councilmember Ransom highlighted the need for office space. Ms. Atkinson explained that an aggregation of pieces of property may currently be taking place to build a combination business/residential development. She noted that many lots in North City are small and will only be developed when parcels are combined. The City’s Economic Development Specialist is assisting in this process.

Councilmember King recommended the installation of bricked crosswalks, which are used successfully in Burien to calm traffic. She also noted the need for public parking in North City.

Councilmember Lee was pleased with the momentum this project has created but asked participants to recognize that some projects will take time.

Thanking the North City groups for their efforts, Mayor Jepsen encouraged staff and the business district to identify some short-term, low-cost projects that could be achieved now to signify a change in North City. He mentioned a meeting with postal officials about changes to the North City Post Office as an example. He supported crosswalk improvements as an important step.

Mr. Deis commented that one of Council’s 1999 goals is the development of the North City subarea plan, which will take the "Guidelines" to the next level.

(b) Options for Celebrate Shoreline and the City’s Fourth of July Event

Mr. Deis introduced Mary Ann Kelly, the City’s Recreation Coordinator. He outlined the issues involved in choosing a direction for the City’s summer activities, mainly whether there should be changes to Celebrate Shoreline, what to do about a Fourth of July event and when to hold it. He mentioned that the Shoreline Arts Festival is the week prior to the Fourth of July and that Swingin’ Summer Eve in Cromwell Park is another large summer event. He reviewed the three options presented in the Council packet, noting that Councilmember Gustafson had indicated a preference for Option #3, which would eliminate the Celebrate Shoreline Parade.

Speaking to the parade issue, Ms. Kelly said the Seafair Office does not control the floats in the Seafair and other summer parades. Each organization would have to be contacted individually.

Councilmember Ransom commented that he talked to two Seafair floats last year and was told the float organizations would be happy to attend the Shoreline Parade, but their offices would have to be contacted well in advance.

Mayor Jepsen called for public comment.

(1) Kathy Halliburton, 18315 Wallingford Avenue N, felt it would be a mistake to eliminate the parade. She noted one advantage to keeping the parade on Aurora Avenue is the publicity generated when the street is closed.

(2) Robert Lamb, 18310 15^th Avenue NE, suggested having the parade along 15^th Avenue NE because there are good starting and ending points—the large parking lot at the Catholic Church and Hamlin Park. He noted it would be a short parade but would concentrate the number of people who turn out. He said he has contacts with music organizations, which would be interested in a Shoreline parade.

(3) Richard Johnsen, 16730 Meridian Avenue N, expressed the view that public comment should be called for after the Council and staff has discussed the issue. He supported keeping Celebrate Shoreline as it has been. He felt it is short-sighted to eliminate the parade before it has had time to build. He recalled the time when the Shoreline Arts Festival was small.

(4) Dr. Cheri Markos, 1624 NE 179^th Street, commented that she had a business booth at the first Celebrate Shoreline, and that since then business booths have not been allowed. She suggested that business booths provide a great opportunity for local businesses to advertise.

(5) Ken Boisse, 17354 12^th Avenue NE, provided background on the group called Pirates of Treasure Island. He described what happened last year when his group put on a "family-oriented activity." He supported a Celebrate Shoreline event and said his group would like to participate and work with the City on it.

(6) Gretchen Atkinson, North City Business Association, did not want to eliminate the parade but said her group would like to have it in the North City area and would like to work with the City to make this happen.

(7) Ros Bird, Shoreline Arts Council, commented on the success of the Arts Festival and Swingin’ Summer Eve, and encouraged the Council to think of spacing summer events.

Mr. Deis pointed out that staff could consider changing the venue of the parade; however, if the Pacific Fiber Link franchise is approved, there may be construction activity on 15^th Avenue NE this summer. He liked the idea of using the Hamlin Park facility because it is enclosed and would focus public activity. With regard to the Pirates of Treasure Island, he commented that it is always a challenge to co-sponsor an event with another organization.

Councilmember Ransom felt the Celebrate Shoreline event should include a carnival and business booths as well as a dance and food vendors. He liked the idea of a festival and recommended continuation of the parade. With regard to the Fourth of July event, he did not support moving it to July 3 because the intent was to provide a family-oriented alternative for people who would otherwise be out shooting fireworks in Shoreline.

Councilmember King felt it is important to have the event in the same place. She noted that bands have been missing from the parade and suggested contacting musical groups. Finally, she said the "ham" operators assisted with security at the parade. She expressed support for the parade and for doing well whatever is done. If a Fourth of July event were to occur, she preferred holding it on July 3.

Councilmember Lee did not wish to pursue a Fourth of July celebration because it would not serve the purpose of deterring evening fireworks if it involves a picnic during the day. She preferred focusing efforts on the parade. She felt that a parade on Aurora Avenue could let people know that it is a walkable street, and she agreed with a speaker that blocking off the street attracts attention. She felt that the parade has started to build a tradition.

Deputy Mayor Montgomery concurred with Councilmember Lee about the Fourth of July event, noting it would usually be rained upon anyway. She was ambivalent about the parade but thought an all-day event with carnival activities and booths would make sense.

Responding to Councilmember Lee, Ms. Kelly said food vendors are limited by the availability of electricity (e.g., in a park facility). Additionally, most food vendors do not wish to set up for a one-day or short event.

Mayor Jepsen said these events are community building events and, although a July 3^rd event would be good, it takes a lot of work, and the first priority is to celebrate the City’s anniversary. Furthermore, there are other major events occurring at about the same time. He had mixed emotions about the parade on Aurora Avenue. He suggested that Council refer this matter to the Council of Neighborhoods and, perhaps, to the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee for feedback on how citizens feel about the parade. He commented that he did not have "a sense of the pulse of the community" about these events. He said the idea of using 15^th Avenue NE for the parade warrants further consideration.

Mr. Deis confirmed the consensus not to pursue the Fourth of July event but to focus on Celebrate Shoreline, continuing with the parade.

Councilmember Ransom suggested contacting the Sears North businesses and using the vacant parking lots for a festival.

Councilmember Lee suggested an October Fest, and Councilmember Ransom confirmed that the end of the August date is a real problem for high school bands. He continued to question the wisdom of not providing a Fourth of July event this year as an offset to the fireworks ban.

(c) City Participation in the Year 2000 Census

Lenora Blauman, Planning and Development Services Department, provided information about the year 2000 census and how the City of Shoreline will participate in Census 2000 planning activities. She explained that Shoreline is included in the King County/Snoho-mish County Metropolitan Statistical Area. She emphasized the importance of having an accurate census in order to learn about the City’s demographics, to be assigned a fair number of legislators at the State and federal level, and because the count serves as a basis for eligibility for State and federal grants and other monies. The Department of Commerce (DOC) is responsible for conducting and staffing the census, as well as for providing the count when a census tract crosses boundaries.

Continuing, Ms. Blauman said Shoreline will participate in a two-stage process for community outreach. This is particularly important in counting hard-to-find populations. The first step is for staff to work together to define some of the census issues and to begin to plan a community outreach program. The second stage is to put together a group of community volunteers representing various under-counted populations, as well as schools, churches, neighborhood groups, etc. A goal of this group is to generate enthusiasm and trust of the census.

Mr. Deis suggested there is a small chance that population figures may decrease if a good census is not taken. He said if Shoreline’s official population decreased as little as five percent, the City’s population would be fewer than 50,000, affecting many funding sources tied to population. He acknowledged the expertise of the DOC, but he wished to ensure that populations such as new immigrants and those who speak English as a second language are counted. He said after staff has seen what is provided by the DOC, he may come back and ask for authorization to hire individuals to reach these populations.

Responding to Councilmember Ransom, Ms. Blauman said the DOC will ensure that the cross-jurisdictional census tracts accurately assign the populations to the cities. There are only two such census tracts.

Ms. Blauman said the DOC seems very committed to providing a good count for Shoreline.

Councilmember Ransom reiterated the importance of getting accurate counts of the Korean and other immigrant populations. Ms. Blauman concurred and explained that staff has begun the process of brainstorming about outreach techniques.

(d) Discussion regarding Pacific Fiber Link Franchise

Kristoff Bauer, Assistant to the City Manager, explained the proposal of Pacific Fiber Link (PFL) to install conduits (pipes) through Seattle and Shoreline and around Lake Washington. The conduits will then be leased to telecommunication companies. Mr. Bauer outlined the installation route, which will use City of Shoreline right-of-way, which in turn might impact future projects. One of the key issues in this negotiation is whether PFL is a telecommunications company. Staff has drawn the conclusion that it is not because it will only install the conduits. Some cities have agreed with this analysis, which is supported by the Association of Washington Cities, and others have not. This determination has important ramifications because State law exempts telecommuni-cations companies from franchise fees. Mr. Bauer concluded that staff’s recommended compromise is to not recognize PFL as a telecommunications business in the franchise, but to exchange the right to charge a franchise fee for a specific list of capital improvements to be constructed by PFL along the proposed installation route. The improvements would be guided by the North City Guidelines and would be consistent with the Capital Improvement Program.

Turning to Shoreline’s undergrounding ordinance, Mr. Bauer said it presents a challenge because it requires the undergrounding of other utility lines when any utility proposes to trench more than 500 feet. Seattle City Light (SCL) has said its infrastructure along the PFL installation route is more complicated than the City expected, and no funding for undergrounding is currently included in its adopted capital improvement program. The problem with the City’s current approach is that it forces other utilities to respond quickly to opportunities. This may be difficult for public utilities that establish their capital improvement programs through significant public processes. He suggested Council may wish to reconsider the current undergrounding approach.

Mayor Jepsen asked why the installation could not occur on the west side of 15^th Avenue NE where there would be more benefit from sidewalks, street trees, etc. Mr. Bauer said there are fewer facilities in the way on the east side, and this is where the largest gaps in sidewalks are. Furthermore, there are curb ramps that are not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and these could be improved.

Responding to Mayor Jepsen’s suggestion about crossing from one side of the street to the other, Mr. Bauer said this would increase costs for PFL. He said the issue arose of crossing potential, and PFL was asked to add conduits for the City’s future use for signalization, etc. He emphasized that Shoreline will be receiving the benefit of pulling together many telecommunication facilities in one trench, although future users cannot be forced to use these trenches.

Mayor Jepsen asked if it makes sense to identify branches of the system that will access Shoreline in the future, since the PFL system does not serve Shoreline residents. Mr. Bauer said staff has not received a lot of information about the actual services to be provided. Mayor Jepsen said the approach staff is taking makes sense if it will assist in completing some of the long-term projects in the North City Guidelines. However, he felt these are really short-term because they can be completed quite quickly. He asked if PFL has any commitment to the long-term maintenance needs of digging up their conduit over time when it fails. He recommended focusing on the long-term partnership and developing a maintenance agreement of some sort.

Responding to Councilmember Lee, Mr. Bauer said the franchise would probably be for ten years. He explained that the City of Tukwila took another approach by granting a temporary license. He reiterated that PFL will not have Shoreline customers and, therefore, assessing a traditional franchise fee based upon gross revenue derived by the activities of the utility within the City would be problematic.

Mayor Jepsen said this is an opportunity, but it also has a cost to the City because Shoreline is giving up the ability to do long-range planning in the right-of-way. He expressed some reluctance based on past experience with telecommunications providers.

Councilmember Lee was enthusiastic about this public/private partnership and supported the negotiations.

Mayor Jepsen said the speed at which this is moving forward will encourage staff to move forward quickly on street standards. He wished to ensure that the sidewalks are not poured around the utility poles.

Mr. Deis clarified that SCL did not say "no" to undergrounding; it said it would be very complex. He said the methodology for undergrounding needs to be developed. Mayor Jepsen noted that even if SCL cannot go underground, other providers such as cable television could do so while the trench is open.

Mr. Bauer explained how the installation will be done working section by section, with each section disturbed for about five days.

Councilmember King was concerned about digging up the streets in the future for maintenance, but Mr. Bauer said the conduit will be installed to the east side of the current road surface and will be accessible through manholes. If the trenching is done in the roadway, the City would require the road to be overlayed. He said the only reason the trenches would need to be reopened is if the conduits were damaged or the City requested their removal.

8. CONTINUED PUBLIC COMMENT

(a) Richard Johnsen, 16730 Meridian Avenue N, supported the Council’s decision to retain Celebrate Shoreline as it is has been. He explained his involvement with the Pirates of the Caribbean last year and recommended talking with Mr. Boisse about cooperation this year. He concluded by saying that the City needs more events, including City-sponsored fireworks and an October Fest.

9. ADJOURNMENT

At 8:50 p.m., Mayor Jepsen declared the meeting adjourned.

_______________________________
Sharon Mattioli, CMC
City Clerk