CITY OF SHORELINE

SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL

SUMMARY MINUTES OF DINNER MEETING

Monday, May 10, 1999

6:00 p.m.

Shoreline Conference Center

Highlander Room

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

ABSENT: None

STAFF: Robert Deis, City Manager; Larry Bauman, Assistant City Manager

GUESTS: King County Sheriff David Reichert; Shoreline Police Chief Sue Rahr

The meeting convened at 6:10 p.m. All Councilmembers were present with the exception of Councilmember Ransom, who arrived later in the meeting.

Mayor Jepsen explained that dinner meetings provide the opportunity for Council to share issues with partners in the community. He asked King County Sheriff David Reichert if he had specific issues to discuss.

Sheriff Reichert noted that he has begun his third year as King County Sheriff. He said his emphasis has been on communication. He stressed that his office is committed to problem solving on new issues. He said the County hopes to sign a policing contract with the new City of Sammamish. He mentioned that his office is exploring other new contracts and partnerships to expand and improve services.

Sheriff Reichert went on to discuss Y2K issues. He said his department is on target to resolve problems. He expressed concern about public overreaction to the Y2K issue. Finally, he noted the likely impacts of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Biannual Ministerial Conference taking place in Seattle this fall.

Councilmember Ransom arrived at 6:25 p.m.

In response to Mayor Jepsen, Sheriff Reichert and Police Chief Sue Rahr advised that off-duty Shoreline police officers will be used to support the City of Seattle during the WTO conference. Sheriff Reichert said other police agencies in the area will also be supporting Seattle.

Mayor Jepsen asked how the security costs for the WTO conference will be funded. Sheriff Reichert mentioned that the conference will be sponsored by several wealthy business people and that the federal government is funding some costs.

Next, Sheriff Reichert discussed upcoming retirements and opportunities for promotion in his department. He said he plans to promote Chief Rahr and Major Fay Brooks. He noted that Chief Rahr would remain in Shoreline until 2000. He explained that the City will have the option to select a new police chief by the end of this year or by March 2000.

Mayor Jepsen said Chief Rahr has been a tremendous asset to the community, and he noted the concerns in Shoreline about losing her.

Sheriff Reichert explained that the age of senior officers in his department has resulted in a high rate of personnel change. He predicted greater stability over the next two to three years after many retirements have taken place.

Councilmember Lee expressed her enthusiasm for Chief Rahr’s success. She went on to assert the benefits of regional police services.

Mayor Jepsen said the County has notified cities that they will have to pay for fire marshal services. He asked about progress on this issue. Sheriff Reichert said he is working with King County Executive Ron Sims to form a Countywide homicide investigation unit. He expressed his willingness to consider cities’ concerns regarding the arson investigation issue and to facilitate a resolution.

Mayor Jepsen commented on the County’s odd approach of writing letters to cities advising that a service will end unless the cities pay for it. He questioned whether the County is tracking and fully funding the police services it provides in unincorporated King County. Sheriff Reichert said it is not difficult to track those costs. He offered to talk to staff in his department to identify them.

Mayor Jepsen credited Chief Rahr with looking out for Shoreline’s interests as well as the County’s. Robert Deis, City Manager, said giving chiefs the full authority to represent their cities is one of the top issues in the current renegotiations of the police contract.

In response to a question about police volunteers County-wide from Councilmember King, Chief Rahr said Shoreline is way ahead of other cities in terms of volunteer participation.

Mr. Deis asserted the importance of close collaboration between the King County Sheriff’s Office and the City regarding Y2K. He noted that the City will have an emergency operation center open on January 1 to address problems.

The meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

____________________________
Larry Bauman
Assistant City Manager