CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
SUMMARY MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
Monday, April 26, 1999
7:30 p.m.
Shoreline Conference Center
Mt. Rainier Room
PRESENT: Mayor Jepsen, Deputy Mayor Montgomery, Councilmembers Gustafson, Hansen, King, Lee and Ransom
ABSENT: None
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.
3. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER
Robert Deis, City Manager, noted that staff is seeking candidates for the grand marshal for the Celebrate Shoreline parade.
Shoreline Police Chief Sue Rahr distributed and discussed a report concerning vandalism and car prowling in Shoreline and the comparable cities of Burien and SeaTac.
In response to Mayor Jepsen, Chief Rahr confirmed that vandalism and car prowling is seasonal—the number of incidents tends to increase in spring and summer. She noted plans to work with adult newspaper carriers to identify, report and respond to incidents.
4. REPORTS OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: None
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS
(a) Nancy Marx, 505 N 200th Street, thanked Council for the City’s plan to hold a public hearing about the site of the little league field in Shoreview Park.
6. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Councilmember Hansen moved to approve the agenda. Councilmember King seconded the motion.
Councilmember Lee requested that Council withdraw the minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 12, 1999 from the consent calendar.
A vote was taken on the motion to approve the agenda, as amended, which carried unanimously.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Hansen moved to approve the consent calendar, as amended. Councilmember Gustafson seconded the motion, which carried 7-0, and the following items were approved:
Minutes of Dinner Meeting of March 22, 1999
Minutes of Workshop of April 5, 1999
Approval of Expenses and Payroll as of April 16, 1999 in the amount of $693,167.88
Resolution No. 153 establishing Rules of Procedure for the City Council and repealing Resolution No. 151
8. ACTION ITEMS: OTHER ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS
(a) Presentation by King County Library Director regarding the design of the new Richmond Beach Library
Bill Ptacek, Executive Director, King County Library System (KCLS), said the KCLS Board reviewed the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the new Richmond Beach Library at its April meeting and voted to proceed with the project.
Ray Johnston, consulting architect to KCLS, presented the design of the new Richmond Beach Library and discussed the history of the project.
(1) Kathi Peterson, 2326 NW 199th Street, opposed the placement of the new Richmond Beach Library in the Richmond Beach Community Park. She advocated siting the new library in a location that will not reduce the amount of outdoor play space for children.
(2) Sherry Hill, 19523 22nd Place NW, asserted that KCLS has funds to purchase land for the new Richmond Beach Library. She asked Council to examine the KCLS budget and to negotiate a more favorable arrangement for the location of the library. She said the proposed mitigations in the final EIS are inadequate.
(3) Sheri Ashleman, 19803 15th Avenue NW, advocated public input on the library site plan as a means of resolving differences between those who support the construction of the library in the park and those who support the preservation of open space. She requested a master plan for the Richmond Beach Community Park. Finally, she submitted a written list of ideas regarding the proposed library site.
(4) Don Aicher, 18330 Sunnyside Avenue N, recalled his opposition to the construction of the Shoreline District Court at the expense of available open space. He asserted that the parking lot included in the design of the proposed Richmond Beach Library is incompatible with the park. He clarified his support of libraries and his opposition to the elimination of open space.
(5) Karen Hugh, 830 NW 190th Street, expressed anticipation of the construction of a new Richmond Beach Library that complements the use of open space in Richmond Beach Community Park.
(6) Bill Griffin, 19620 24th Avenue NW, briefly reviewed the history of public debate concerning the construction of the new Richmond Beach Library in the Richmond Beach Community Park. He asserted substantial community support for the park site, and he advocated that the project proceed.
(7) Yvonne Ediger, 19616 21st Avenue NW, stressed the scarcity of open space in Richmond Beach. She went on to enumerate flaws in the proposal to build the new library in the park. Finally, she suggested that citizens of Richmond Beach vote on whether to build the new library in the park.
(8) Bob Ediger, 19616 21st Avenue NW, said construction of the library in the Richmond Beach Community Park will have profound consequences for Shoreline residents; whereas, construction of it near but outside the park would not effect anyone.
(9) Denise LeClair, 2308 NW 196th Street, said Richmond Beach Community Park currently provides little benefit to retirees. She advocated construction of the library in the park as a way for people of all ages to benefit from the space.
(10) Craig Schulz, 2606 NW 196th Street, asserted widespread community support for the construction of the library in the park.
(11) Dan Hartman, 2009 NW 197th Street, commented that increased density results in increased crime and other problems. He stressed the importance of open space.
(12) Charles Buchanan, 1925 NW 195th Street #G, said the impact of the library in the park will be minimal.
(13) Chakorn Phisuthikul, 2618 NW 198th Street, said the library in the park would continue the use of the site to serve residents of Richmond Beach.
(14) Robin Brumett, 19335 22nd Avenue NW, referred to the large amount of constant activity at the Shoreline Library. She asserted that the community can have a library and open space by locating the library at another site.
(15) Karil Klingbeil, 19520 22nd Avenue NW, said construction of the library in the park will have adverse impacts on the wild birds that frequent the area. She asserted the importance of open space. She advocated consideration of another site and a public vote on the location of the new library in the park.
(16) Ann Schulz, 2606 NW 196th Street, discussed the history of the proposal to build a new library in the park. She presented copies of past editions of the Richmond Beach News and other publications concerning the issue.
(17) Dave Buchan, 19844 10th Avenue NW, supported the construction of the library in the park. He asserted the benefits of the location of a library in a park on Vashon Island.
(18) Betsy Ziefman, 1732 NW 193rd Street, commented that teenage students need a place to study and supported the shared use of the Richmond Beach Community Park as open space and the site for a new library.
(19) Beth O’Neill, 2330 NW 199th Street, opposed Richmond Beach Community Park as a site for a new library. She asserted the importance of park space.
Mayor Jepsen suggested the relocation of the parking lot under the proposed facility to save park space and to improve the appearance of the site. Mr. Johnston said the King County Department of Transportation opposed access to library parking off of Richmond Beach Road. He also recalled that proposals to relocate the parking lot would require the use of more park land for the library. He went on to discuss the costs of underground parking at the site.
Councilmember Hansen advocated underground parking at the library in the park.
Councilmember Lee noted her understanding that Council has little influence over the location of the library in the park.
In response to Councilmember Lee, Mr. Deis advised that King County transferred Richmond Beach Community Park to the City in 1997 but that a portion of the park was subject to an underlying lease between the County and KCLS.
Mr. Ptacek said the responsibility of KCLS is to develop the plans for the new Richmond Beach Library and to submit them to the City for a building permit. Mr. Deis explained the role of the City to review the plans for compliance with current codes.
Councilmember Ransom estimated the size of the existing Richmond Beach Library at 1,600 square feet. He said the proposed building will triple the amount of space in the library. He went on to say that the annual circulation of 250,000 volumes anticipated at the new library is six times the 50,000-volume annual circulation at the existing library. He noted that Council has received and carefully reviewed the entire EIS for the new library in the park, which included the letters both for and against the project and the petition containing 163 signatures opposing the park location.. He noted and that there were extensive surveys conducted by telephone and mail concerning the project in the 1980s. Finally, he commented that the KCLS Board of Trustees has not requested and does not need Council input on the proposal to build the new library in the park.
Councilmember King said it would be inappropriate for Council to vote on the proposed new library. She noted that Council does not routinely vote on other building permit applications.
Deputy Mayor Montgomery supported the suggestions of Mayor Jepsen and Council-member Hansen that KCLS explore the possibility of putting the parking lot for the new library under the building.
Mayor Jepsen requested that KCLS identify the design and cost implications of moving the building east and putting the parking underneath it.
Councilmember Ransom questioned the basis for a City request that KCLS reconsider the location of parking at the library. Mayor Jepsen said it is good policy to try to get the best public facility possible. Councilmember Hansen and Deputy Mayor Montgomery expressed their support of the request that KCLS reconsider the location of the parking.
In response to Councilmember King, Mr. Johnston estimated that reconsideration of the location of the parking would require one to two months of time. Mr. Ptacek noted the cost considerations of extending the project further and of additional design studies. Mr. Johnston identified the need for City input about the traffic impacts of library access off of Richmond Beach Road.
Mayor Jepsen mentioned past consideration of closing NW 197th Street between the tennis court and Richmond Beach Community Park. He noted the suggestion of a master plan for the park. Mr. Deis explained that staff resources have been focused on other parks facilities (e.g., Paramount School Park, Twin Ponds Park and the Shoreline Pool). He said staff had not planned to seek consideration of Richmond Beach Community Park by the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Advisory Committee because the site of the new library is largely predetermined.
Councilmember Gustafson expressed support for a quick conceptual reconsideration of the parking at the new library. He noted his interest in completing some of the major projects in Shoreline. He advocated that the process of building a new library continue with as little disruption as possible.
Councilmember Lee stressed that Council has no authority regarding the siting of the new library. She supported consideration of constructive suggestions about the library proposal as a way of advancing the process.
Mayor Jepsen confirmed Council consensus in favor of City staff working with KCLS to facilitate a quick conceptual reconsideration of the parking at the new library.
RECESS
At 9:05 p.m., Mayor Jepsen declared a ten-minute recess. The meeting reconvened at 9:15 p.m.
(b) Motion to authorize the City Manager to execute an interlocal agreement with the King County Dept. of Roads and Transportation Division (not to exceed the amount of $590,000) to complete the identified projects listed in the 1999 Overlay Program
Gail Perkins, Public Works Operations Manager, reviewed the staff report and presented slides of road conditions.
In response to Councilmember Ransom, Ms. Perkins explained the need to remove the broken surface of the roadway at N 200th Street to establish a solid base on which to overlay. She noted the causes of the wear of this roadway, including: bus traffic into and out of the Aurora Village Transfer Station; a thinner-than-normal surface layer that breaks off easily; and water draining from Aurora Avenue N infiltrating between pavement layers. She went on to discuss the steps the City will take this year to minimize future problems in this roadway.
In response to Councilmember King and Councilmember Hansen, Ms. Perkins explained the financial advantages of contracting with the County to complete the 1999 Overlay Program.
In response to Councilmember Gustafson, Ms. Perkins said the listing of Puget Sound salmon runs under the Endangered Species Act will affect future projects that restore or revise road shoulders.
In response to Councilmember Lee, Ms. Perkins said the left-turn lane to I-5 North from 175th Street is within the State Department of Transportation (DOT) corridor. She said staff has asked DOT to complete a skim patch to correct problems.
In response to Councilmember Lee, Ms. Perkins affirmed the reliability of the cost estimates for the 1999 Overlay Program. She said staff based the costs on estimates the City received and on past experience with the bidding process. She noted that the City could delay the overlay of NE 175th Street from I-5 to 15th Avenue NE until next year in the hope that capital projects on 175th Street west of I-5 would be finished, allowing the City to overlay the entire 175th Street corridor at the same time.
In response to Councilmember Hansen, Ms. Perkins said the Shoreline Fire Department is coordinating the construction of the fire station at NE 155th Street with the City to prevent disruption of the roadway after the overlay.
In response to Mayor Jepsen, Ms. Perkins explained that the overlay contract specifies the grinding and removal of the roadway surface to make the overlay level with existing gutters.
In response again to Mayor Jepsen, Ms. Perkins said the widening of the shoulder on the south side of Richmond Beach Saltwater Park Road will be an extension of the roadway pavement. She explained that a raised shoulder would channel stormwater to the lower parking lot and necessitate the installation of an expensive catch basin.
Councilmember Gustafson moved to authorize the City Manager to execute an interlocal agreement with the King County Department of Roads and Transportation Division (not to exceed the amount of $590,000) to complete the identified projects listed in the 1999 Overlay Program. Councilmember Lee seconded the motion, which carried 7-0.
(c) Motion to authorize the City Manager to sign the interlocal agreement between the City and King County and continue to contract with King County for municipal court services
Steve Oleson, Budget Analyst, reviewed the staff report.
Councilmember Ransom moved to authorize the City Manager to sign the interlocal agreement between the City and King County and continue to contract with King County for municipal court services. Councilmember King seconded the motion.
Councilmember Ransom said the City does not seem to benefit under the new contract from City cost-saving initiatives such as the program using volunteers to call people to remind them to appear in court. Mr. Deis explained that the contract negotiations focused on revenues. He said the contract decouples the City from costs: the 75 percent of municipal-generated revenue that the County retains will represent full payment for court services.
Councilmember King noted concern of some members of the Suburban Cities Association about some elements of the proposed contract. She asked if Shoreline must pay for a portion of the new regional justice system proposed for the eastside. Mr. Oleson said the City is only required to pay for a portion of those capital projects that benefit every court within the County system. He noted that Bellevue, Redmond and other eastside cities must address the capital costs of the regional justice system proposed for the eastside in a separate agreement with the County.
In response to Councilmember King, Mr. Oleson mentioned that Lake Forest Park has expressed interest in joining with Shoreline and Kenmore in using the Shoreline District Court. He said Lake Forest Park’s portion of the combined caseload would be small, and Shoreline would retain authority as the primary user of the district court.
Councilmember Lee asked how the City can insure that the County will fully support interpretive language services. Mr. Oleson mentioned the Management Review Committee as one means of addressing this issue. Noting that the court needs these services for felony cases, he asserted that it works diligently to insure a well-stocked pool of interpreters.
A vote was taken on the motion to authorize the City Manager to sign the interlocal agreement between the City and King County and continue to contract with King County for municipal court services. The motion carried 7-0.
(d) Ordinance No. 194 extending a moratorium on the acceptance of applications for and issuance of land use, building and development permits for adult retail uses
Bruce Disend, City Attorney, noted that a consortium of cities is working to address the new type of large adult retail businesses. He said the consortium has completed most of its research of the potential adverse impacts of such businesses, but it is still working on a model ordinance. He anticipated that this will be the last extension that staff requests of Council.
Deputy Mayor Montgomery moved approval of Ordinance No. 194 extending a moratorium on the acceptance of applications for and issuance of land use, building and development permits for adult retail uses. Councilmember Hansen seconded the motion.
Councilmember Ransom asserted that the public is generally concerned about the extension of emergency moratoriums.
A vote was taken on the motion to approve Ordinance No. 194 extending a moratorium on the acceptance of applications for and issuance of land use, building and development permits for adult retail uses. The motion carried 7-0.
9. CONTINUED PUBLIC COMMENTS
MEETING EXTENSION
At 10:00 p.m., Councilmember Hansen moved to extend the meeting until 10:15 p.m. Councilmember Lee seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
(a) Bill Griffin, 19620 24th Avenue NW, asserted the serious implications of locating parking for the new Richmond Beach Library under the building. He pointed out that KCLS conducted a variety of studies and held a number of public meetings before finalizing the design of the building. He said the changes that Council suggested may entail new requirements under the State Environmental Policy Act and a new EIS.
(b) LaNita Wacker, 19839 8th Avenue NW, mentioned the shootings in Littleton, Colorado the previous week. She encouraged people to reach out to the alienated and outcast. She advocated the protection of the civil rights of children, especially the First Amendment right of free expression.
(c) Ann Schulz, 2606 NW 196th Street, questioned the cost and zoning implications of delaying the construction of the new Richmond Beach Library. She asked what responsibility the City is willing to bear for increased costs of delay and redesign.
Mayor Jepsen said soil studies and surface water analysis still must be performed for the new library. He noted that KCLS must reconsider the library design in the light of new program requirements. He asserted there is an opportunity for a quick conceptual reconsideration of the parking at the library. He commented that KCLS will submit its building permit before Council adopts new building codes in August.
10. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:10 p.m., Mayor Jepsen declared the meeting adjourned.
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Sharon Mattioli, CMC
City Clerk