CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
SUMMARY MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
Monday, April 12, 1999
7:30 p.m.
Shoreline Conference Center
Mt. Rainier Room
PRESENT: Mayor Jepsen, Deputy Mayor Montgomery, Councilmembers Gustafson, King, Lee and Ransom
ABSENT: Councilmember Hansen
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 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 Councilmember Hansen.
Upon motion by Councilmember Lee, seconded by Councilmember Gustafson and unanimously carried, Councilmember Hansen was excused.
(a) Proclamation of "Volunteer Week"
Mayor Jepsen proclaimed April 18 - 24, 1999 as "Volunteer Week" in the City of Shoreline and commented on the many contributions of Shoreline’s volunteers.
3. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER
Robert Deis, City Manager, noted that the Top Foods application for a grocery store on the U&I property was submitted last week.
Larry Bauman, Assistant City Manager, reported on "hulk" (inoperable) vehicles on private property, an issue raised by a citizen during last week’s workshop. He explained the ability of the City to regulate what happens to inoperable vehicles in three situations: 1) parked in the right-of-way; 2) parked on impervious surface on private property; and 3) parked on grass or dirt on private property. He noted that currently the City does not have authority to deal with inoperable vehicles on impervious surface but can issue a citation for vehicles on grass or dirt, because these may leak toxins into the water system.
Councilmember King commented that fluids leaking from vehicles parked on impervious surface will also eventually get into the water system. Mr. Bauman agreed this could be a concern. He said this is one reason why the City may wish to consider a code amendment in the future to address this issue.
4. REPORTS OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:
(a) Quarterly Report of the Council of Neighborhoods
Mark Deutsch, Chair, reviewed the mission of the Council of Neighborhoods, noting this was recently reviewed and generally reconfirmed. He added that the Council’s objectives will be reviewed at the next meeting, his last as Chair of the group. Mr. Deutsch then reviewed activities that demonstrate the growth of the Council of Neighborhoods as a body, and he reviewed topics of recent meetings and various neighborhood activities. He concluded that the Council of Neighborhoods is currently re-assessing its role. A task force was formed to do this and it has made recommendations, some of which have been implemented.
Continuing, Mr. Deutsch reported that the main issue to be resolved is the role of the Council of Neighborhoods in working on Citywide issues. Up to now, it has been an information-gathering body and has not taken a position on issues. At the last meeting, people asked the group to take positions on the Shoreview Park ballfield location and the possible location of the wastewater treatment plant at Richmond Beach. Mr. Deustch said he supports having the Council of Neighborhoods be a venue for people to share concerns and explore issues, which can be brought forward to the City Council. However, he was less sure about taking positions on issues. This issue is unresolved at this point.
Mayor Jepsen felt that one of the important roles for the Council of Neighborhoods is to gather information from these leaders of neighborhood groups. He also felt it was more important to disseminate the information learned at the Council of Neighborhoods back to the community groups than to take positions on issues. This provides an opportunity for information and dialogue with the neighborhoods.
Councilmember Lee said there are many venues of communication with City Council and staff, the Council of Neighborhoods being one. She voiced concerns about taking positions on all issues because issues are unique to various neighborhoods. Deputy Mayor Montgomery added that taking stands on issues could polarize the neighborhoods.
Mr. Deutsch agreed that to date the Council of Neighborhoods has tried to operate in a consensual fashion, which might be jeopardized if it takes positions on issues.
Councilmember Gustafson concurred that it would be difficult to take positions, but he felt that perhaps the City Council can do a better job of identifying issues to take to the Council of Neighborhoods for feedback.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS
(a) Alan Marx, 505 N 200th St., asked the Council to relocate the ballfield planned at Shoreview Park to Site #1 in order to support the work of volunteers to clean-up and protect the park. He questioned whether everyone in the City was being treated fairly, mentioning the Council’s actions with regard to the bluff trail issue compared to the Shoreview Park issue.
(b) Bob Borman, 925 SW Holden, Seattle, thanked the City of Shoreline for funding the Center for Human Services, where he was a recipient of drug treatment services.
(c) Lyn Sherry, 103 N. 201st St., asked the City Council to pass a resolution of support for teachers’ efforts for increased compensation, as the Seattle City Council has.
(d) Veronica Cook, 18037 Stone Ave. N. #A, also asked for support of teachers. She said Shoreline has award-winning schools, and some excellent teachers are being lost because of the salary situation.
(e) Kathryn Ernst, 224 N. 201st St., a member of the Arts Council Board, wished to clarify that the Arts Council cannot solicit funds from the Shoreline School District, which is prohibited by law from giving money to a nonprofit organization. On a second topic, she also supported the resolution for increased teacher salaries.
Councilmember Gustafson distributed copies of the City of Seattle resolution referred to by the speakers and asked that Council consider reviewing it. He noted that a major strength of the City is its educational programs.
Mayor Jepsen clarified that the bluff trail mediation and the Shoreview Park ballfield involve two different processes. Shoreview Park required an Environmental Impact Statement, which is a formal legal document with certain steps to follow. The mediation process for the bluff trail was informal and not legally required. Mr. Deis added that there will be a public hearing on Shoreview Park.
Responding to Deputy Mayor Montgomery, Mr. Deis explained that no public agency can grant funds to a private party without receiving services in return. The Arts Council would have to provide certain services in return for any funding it received from the School District, as occurs with the City.
Councilmember Ransom raised a question about a flyer being distributed by Goldie’s advertising the grand opening of its mini-casino on May 14, 1999. He said the State Gambling Commission granted Goldie’s a Class E cardroom license and its mini-casino license will be considered at the Gambling Commission’s May meeting, but the question has been raised of whether Goldie’s is abiding by the City moratorium or whether there are some grandfathering conditions involved.
Bruce Disend, City Attorney, explained that a week ago staff had a meeting with the owners, architects and legal counsel of Goldie’s to discuss their plans. At that time, Goldie’s was told that an expansion of its operation would be in violation of the moratorium. Discussion of various remodeling scenarios ensued, but staff said that since a specific application has not been received, staff could not respond to questions and nothing has been approved. The statement was also made that if an expansion were to take place in violation of the moratorium, the City most likely would have to take legal action. Mr. Disend concluded that at this point the issue of a basis for grandfathering came up, but he said he did not have any factual written information on this and no determination can be made until such information is forthcoming.
Councilmember Ransom advised staff to observe what happens on May 14 at Goldie’s.
6. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Upon motion by Councilmember King, seconded by Councilmember Ransom and unanimously carried, the agenda was approved.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Upon motion by Councilmember Ransom, seconded by Deputy Mayor Montgomery and unanimously carried, the following Consent Calendar items were approved:
Workshop Minutes of March 15, 1999
Regular Meeting Minutes of March 22, 1999Approval of expenses and payroll as of April 5, 1999 in the amount of $ 684,998.85
8. OTHER ACTION ITEMS: ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS
(a) Motion to authorize the City Manager to sign an agreement with the Washington State Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs for full-service electronic home monitoring and detention
Eric Swansen, Senior Management Analyst, reviewed the staff report, noting electronic monitoring is an alternative to incarceration in certain controlled circumstances. He explained the technical details of electronic monitoring, which allows a person to retain a regular job or do certain scheduled activities while under electronic house arrest. He said the State’s DUI law now requires electronic monitoring to provide a probationary period after jail time. It is less expensive than incarceration and this program will not cost the City anything, since it will be funded completely by the offenders and can be done with existing staff.
Responding to Councilmember Ransom, Mr. Swansen said this approach can also be used by the court for regular misdemeanant cases. He said the judges are enthusiastic and see a number of opportunities for using it.
After having his questions answered, Councilmember Gustafson said the critical issue is whether this is effective and safe. Mr. Swansen assured him that it is, since violent people or individuals who pose a threat to the community will not participate.
Mayor Jepsen felt the approach makes sense. His only concern was that Shoreline is dependent on the court system to make the right determination about who is eligible for the program.
Responding to Councilmember Lee, Mr. Swansen explained the penalties for non-compliance.
Councilmember Gustafson moved to authorize the City Manager to sign an agreement with the Washington State Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs for a one-year pilot program for electronic home monitoring services. Councilmember Ransom seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
(b) Motion to authorize the City Manager to execute an interlocal agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation for widening of N. 175th St. at I-5 to extend left-turn lanes for I-5 north and southbound access
Chuck Purnell, Capital Projects Manager, provided background on the existing conditions and history of the project, which is designed to address the inadequacy of the left turn lane on NE 175th St. for vehicles turning left to southbound and northbound I-5. City codes will require the installation of sidewalks where they do not exist and reinstallation of sidewalks that must be removed for street widening. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) must also provide surface water runoff detention to mitigate for the increase in impervious area. In addition to the detention facility, WSDOT will have to provide water quality enhancement for the surface water runoff the project will generate, so WSDOT proposes a bio-swale for this purpose and has provided the City with three design options. Mr. Purnell noted that a minor amount of right-of-way will be taken from Ronald Bog Park in the area of the Rotary Club daffodils.
Mr. Purnell demonstrated with photographs the two sidewalk options, with and without planter strips. Staff recommends sidewalks with planter strips. He also outlined the water quality swale options: 1) the large swale, two-thirds on State property and one-third on City property; which might be difficult to permit in the park and would cost more; 2) a swale only on the WSDOT right-of-way, which could be financed through existing funds; and 3) a meandering swale within the park itself. Options 1 and 3 would significantly disturb the park and provide minimal aesthetic improvements. Due to the elevation difference between the existing drainage channel and portions of the park adjacent to the channel, the swale through the park would have to be excessively wide to meet the water quality design criteria, making a large portion of the park unusable for passive recreation. Staff recommends Option 2.
Mayor Jepsen called for public comment.
(a) Kathy Halliburton, 18315 Wallingford Ave. N., supported the staff recommendation for sidewalks with planter strips and said it was a good idea to have irrigation in the islands. She pointed out that having the planter strips will help with runoff and impervious surface.
Deputy Mayor Montgomery moved to authorize the City Manager to execute an interlocal agreement with WSDOT to grant temporary construction easements to the State, and to transfer the $37,195 grant the City received from the State to WSDOT for water quality improvements to runoff entering Ronald Bog. Councilmember Gustafson seconded the motion.
Mr. Deis said the City is recommending that the State install irrigation in the islands. WSDOT has responded that it does not do this. He said Shoreline will go back and ask again, but the City might have to do the installation itself.
Councilmember Gustafson supported the irrigation and the planter strips. With regard to the swale, he felt the City should try to put in the most efficient water quality treatment system, particularly because of possible future requirements of the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Mr. Purnell said Option 2 is about 30 percent larger than required by Code. He said swales take up a lot of space and usually are not sized to the heaviest storms. There is only a five percent difference in the amount of water that will be treated in the two options.
Councilmember Gustafson asked if it will not be more efficient in the long run for the area to go with the larger swale. Mr. Purnell said this would require additional funding and have greater impacts to the park.
Councilmember Gustafson asked if the federal government will review both alternatives and perhaps select Option 1 because of ESA concerns. Mr. Purnell said both options are in the environmental analysis to be reviewed.
Councilmember King commented on the major stormwater problems at Ronald Bog. Mr. Purnell said the detention facility, which will reduce the peak amounts of flow into the Bog, and the swale will both help.
Councilmember King expressed support for a swale but she could not see why the City would not go with Option 1 when there are so many problems at Ronald Bog. She did not feel the larger swale would make a huge impact on the park and felt that in the long run a larger swale would be a lot cheaper. She supported the sidewalks with planter strips.
Mayor Jepsen also supported the planter strips, but he noted that the area to the west of Corliss Ave. is shown with a painted traffic island instead of planter strips. He felt the entire area should be treated the same. Mr. Purnell said this has been discussed and can be brought up again. Mayor Jepsen felt it would not be reasonable to do a "half-baked" job. He also wished to ensure that the new sidewalks west of the interchange on the northern portion of 175th will have planter strips, too.
Continuing, Mayor Jepsen had a concern about the WSDOT property adjacent to the southbound ramp, which he felt should be cleaned up. He said installation of the wet swale provides an opportunity to focus on appropriate plantings, instead of having blackberries and Scotch broom in that area. He supported irrigation in the medians and reiterated that he did not wish to see painted traffic islands.
Councilmember Lee advised that homeowners adjacent to the detention pond may be alarmed about it, and WSDOT and the City should keep them informed about what is planned. Mr. Purnell said this will undoubtedly occur.
In response to Councilmember Lee, Mr. Deis said he had already alerted the Rotary Club to the proposed changes affecting the flower beds.
Councilmember Lee asked how much more expensive the other water quality options are than the one that has been proposed. Mr. Purnell said there is a permitting issue with both Options 1 and 3, in that perhaps the federal government will not permit any work in the park. This would risk potential delays. He estimated the expense would be one-third to double.
Deputy Mayor Montgomery pointed out that more vegetation would be disturbed in Option 1.
Mr. Purnell gave examples of other opportunities to do water quality and quantity work at Ronald Bog.
Mayor Jepsen asked if there is any way to move construction up to have it occur at the same time as the City’s project at 175th St. and Meridian. Mr. Purnell said that with the ESA, it may be difficult for the State to meet even the current schedule.
A vote was taken on the motion to authorize the City Manager to execute an interlocal agreement with WSDOT to grant temporary construction easements to the State and to transfer the $37,195 grant the City received from the State to WSDOT for water quality improvements to runoff entering Ronald Bog. The motion carried 5 - 1, with Councilmember King dissenting.
Mayor Jepsen expressed Council consensus to have sidewalk improvements with planter strips on all sides of the project.
Mayor Jepsen called for Council comments on the water quality improvements:
Councilmember Lee supported Option 2 but asked about including the WSDOT property in the swale. Mr. Purnell said the swale is currently being placed at the outlet of an existing drainage line. The possibility may exist to remove sections of that drain line but this can be looked at further in the design phase.
Councilmember Gustafson also supported Option 2 but asked that there be a comparison with Option 1 as the process proceeds.
Deputy Mayor Montgomery and Mayor Jepsen supported Option 2.
Councilmember King continued to support Option 1. She felt the City should not spend any money without making a serious effort at solving the problem at Ronald Bog. Councilmember Ransom also supported Option 1 in deference to Councilmember King’s expertise in water quality issues.
Mayor Jepsen noted that the City should continue to investigate ways to do this project in conjunction with a solution to the Ronald Bog problems.
Mayor Jepsen expressed Council consensus to install irrigation in the landscaped islands.
9. CONTINUED PUBLIC COMMENT: None
10. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Jepsen declared the meeting adjourned at 9:22 p.m.
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Sharon Mattioli, CMC
City Clerk