CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
SUMMARY MINUTES OF BUSINESS MEETING
Monday, June 23, 2008 - 7:30 p.m.
Shoreline Conference Center
Mt. Rainier Room
PRESENT: Mayor Ryu, Deputy Mayor Scott, Councilmember Eggen, Councilmember Hansen, Councilmember McConnell, Councilmember McGlashan, and Councilmember Way.
ABSENT: None
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At 7:35 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.
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Bob Olander, City Manager, provided updates and reports on various City projects, meetings, and events. He noted that the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) has awarded the Shoreline Police Department a Certificate of Distinction for their Anti-Auto Theft Public Education Campaign which reduced auto theft in the City by 58%.
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Councilmember McGlashan remarked favorably about the AWC Annual Conference. He said it featured good classes and meetings. He congratulated Mayor Ryu for election to the AWC Board.
Councilmember Way announced that the Shoreline Fire Department will be burning down a building to train in “Green” firefighting techniques and she will be attending.
Councilmember Hansen reported that he attended a Local Hazardous Waste Committee meeting and they are trying to determine whether some products should be added to a toxics list.
Mayor Ryu thanked everyone for their support on her goal to be an AWC Board member. She said the organization is celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year. She added that the AWC sent letters to Senators Murray and Cantwell about the need for funding for first responder systems.
Councilmember McGlashan commented that the City of Shoreline was well represented in Yakima and that a photo of Councilmember Way was on the cover of the AWC catalog.
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a) Cathy Liu Scott, on behalf of the Shoreline/Lake Forest Park Senior Center, said she is the volunteer coordinator for the Power of One program. She said the program has placed over 50 volunteers in the various elementary, middle, and high schools. She felt it is a fantastic partnership between the Senior Center and the Shoreline School District. She noted that the volunteers are committed and interested in the well-being of the children. She noted that the programs enhance the community and the quality of life. She invited the community to breakfast at the Shoreline/Lake Forest Park Arts Festival on Saturday and Sunday.
b) Bill Bear, Shoreline, handed out the latest Briarcrest Neighborhood Association newsletter. He commented that sixteen neighbors have been appointed to the Southeast Subarea Community Advisory Committee. He stated that Tent City is coming to Briarcrest and the neighborhood is fairly supportive of it. Mr. Bear highlighted that the Association is encouraging many churches in Shoreline to support Tent City.
c) Debra Whitefox Marchant, Shoreline, said she went to the Senior Center last week and wondered if there is a workshop seniors could participate in concerning today’s economics. She said seniors grew up during the Great Depression and probably have some good advice. She said they need an automatic bathroom door at the Senior Center. She noted that one way to help elders is to have a farmers market at the Senior Center.
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Mr. Olander suggested moving Consent Calendar item 7(f) to item 8(a). Furthermore, he noted that there were corrections to Consent Calendar item 7(c).
Deputy Mayor Scott moved approval of the amended agenda. Councilmember Hansen seconded the motion, which carried 7-0 and the amended agenda was approved.
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Mr. Olander explained the revised item 7(c) and that it closes out the costs for the Interurban Trail. He also noted that item 7(d) is the final change order for the Aurora Avenue Project Phase 1 and that the City paid about 13% of the costs for the project which came from reserves and the balance came from grants. He explained that the Seattle City Light undergrounding costs are built back into the rate base. He noted that Seattle City Light decided to segregate costs out to each municipality on an individual basis. Therefore, Shoreline residents would only be charged for undergrounding projects done in the City of Shoreline.
Deputy Mayor Scott moved approval of the amended Consent Calendar. Councilmember McGlashan seconded the motion, which carried 7-0 and the following items were approved:
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(a) Minutes of Study Session of May 5, 2008 Minutes of Business Meeting of May 12, 2008 |
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(b) Approval of expenses and payroll as of June 10, 2008 in the amount of $1,386,612.78 as specified in the following detail:
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(c) Motion to Authorize an increase in the Construction Contract Authorization for Road Construction Northwest by $28,532.45 which will allow the City Manager to execute a final contract change order in the amount of $52,931.05 for final payment for the North Central Segment of the Interurban Trail |
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(d) Motion to Authorize an Increase in the Construction Contract Authority for Gary Merlino Construction Company, allowing the City Manager to execute a change order and final payment for the Aurora Avenue Multimodal Corridor Project (N 145th Street - N 165th Street) and the Interurban Trail Pedestrian and Bicycle Crossing Project |
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(e) Motion to Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract amendment with Sungard Public Sector for the purchase of software and consultant services to upgrade the City’s financial system |
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Mark Relph, Public Works Director, highlighted that Ordinance No. 508 extends the existing Shoreline Water District franchise for another month. He stated that the City staff is working hard on the details of a new franchise.
Mr. Olander added that he sent an e-mail out to the Council and stated negotiations are almost complete with the parties being down to settling one or two more issues.
Mayor Ryu called for public comment. There was no one wishing to provide comment on this item.
Councilmember McGlashan moved to adopt Ordinance No. 508, extending the Franchise under which the Shoreline Water District is authorized to provide water within the City of Shoreline. Councilmember Hansen seconded the motion, which carried 7-0.
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(b) Public hearing to receive citizens comments on the 2009-2014 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) |
Debbie Tarry, Finance Director, provided a brief summary of the Capital Improvement Plan and the Transportation Improvement Plan. She displayed the CIP schedule and the 47 projects related to it. She highlighted that the total budget for the CIP is $155.2 million. She noted that the TIP contains unfunded priority transportation projects throughout the City.
Councilmember Way noted that the City’s stormwater rate for single family homes is still within the middle to lower half of comparable cities.
Ms. Tarry highlighted that priority sidewalks have been funded through 2010. She stated that after the public hearing the Surface Water utility will need to be reviewed. She highlighted that more deliberation is scheduled for July 7 with Council adoption of the CIP and TIP on July 14.
Mayor Ryu opened the public hearing. There was no one wishing to provide public comment on this item. Mayor Ryu invited the public to send in comments and discussed keeping the public hearing open. She said that since the City staff will be asking for final direction on July 7, she suggested keeping it open until then.
There was Council consensus to continue the public hearing on this item on July 7, 2008.
Councilmember Way asked why the Ridgecrest Commercial Center is one of the unfunded projects listed in the TIP. Ms. Tarry responded that the City is required to have a balanced CIP and the TIP isn’t required to be balanced. The Ridgecrest Commercial Center is on the “wish list” for grant funding and that is why it is listed in the TIP.
Mr. Olander noted that the primary purpose for listing it in the TIP is that it begins the search for grant funding. Ms. Tarry added that this project needs to be on the TIP in order to obtain funding through the CIP.
Councilmember Way asked if the City could add the Paramount Park pedestrian crossing in the TIP.
Mayor Ryu asked if it would be an appropriate first step to determine a cost estimate for adding flags or blinking lights at the intersection of 155th and 8th NE. Mr. Olander noted that a reasonable cost estimate for this project can be included in the TIP.
Councilmember Eggen inquired about the timing of TIP. Mr. Olander replied that it needs to be submitted by July 31; however, if something comes up, the City can always amend it.
Mr. Relph also submitted that it takes a significant effort to update the Transportation Master Plan (TMP). He explained that the TMP will probably be the most comprehensive approach that the City will have to prioritize the requests. He noted that it is scheduled for 2009 with adoption in 2010.
Mayor Ryu opened the public hearing for the TIP.
a) Bill Bear, Shoreline, wondered if there could be a R-24 zone without a garage with a restricted covenant stating that the owner of the home cannot have a garage. He stated that this unusual proposal would solve a number of problems such as reducing R-24 to two-stories and increase the requirement to use public transportation. He added that it would also reduce the cost of housing. He also wondered if there are extra fire requirements for homes with garages. He wondered if these types of restrictive covenants could be implemented.
There was Council consensus to continue the public hearing on this item on July 7, 2008.
Councilmember Way commented that the City is investing so much into the regional transportation system and not getting any returns here. She urged the Council to consider a circulator bus system that would match the work done on Aurora Avenue.
Mr. Olander commented that a program for circulator buses would not be on the City’s CIP or TIP because it isn’t construction, but more operational. He said it could be added to the TMP, but there would need to be other budgetary discussions before it could be included in the program.
Kirk McKinley, Aurora Corridor and Interurban Trail Project Manager, added that there will be a transit element in the TMP that will provide some direction in order to assist the service providers.
Councilmember McGlashan said he would like to see circulator buses in Shoreline. He also added he would like to look at trail connections between the Interurban Trail and the Burke-Gilman Trail through working with Lake Forest Park.
Councilmember Way confirmed with Mr. Olander that building bus stops, bus pullouts, and bus purchases would fall under the TIP. The creation of another route would fall under the TMP.
Councilmember Eggen noted that Metro started a partnership program last year where the City could request a new route and share costs with Metro.
Mr. Olander noted that this was researched and although the costs were estimated, there was no revenue source for it. He said if this is priority, then the Council has the option to raise the Motor Vehicle Excise Tax (MVET) up to an additional $20 per vehicle, and there is also an additional $80 that can be approved by a vote by the residents.
Ms. Tarry discussed the Surface Water Capital Fund and highlighted that there are 14 projects with $10 million funded. She noted that the funding is for drainage, flood protection, water quality, and habitat. She continued and described the projects in this fund.
Mr. Relph stated that the Surface Water Master Plan (SWMP) identified Boeing and Thornton Creeks as two major watersheds. He stated that the Boeing Creek Basin Plan begins in 2012 and the Thornton Creek Basin Plan begins this year. He said it will be done in two steps; 1) map the flood plain to FEMA standards, and 2) go through a series of engineering projects in order to prioritize.
Mayor Ryu questioned if $660,000 was enough for mapping and engineering. Mr. Relph stated that that estimate is for basin plans and the engineering would occur later. Mr. Olander commented that the basin plan would provide a listing of projects and the costs, which would in turn drive investment and rate decisions. Mr. Relph added that mapping is the ultimate tool. He also stated that once this is completed the City will be eligible for Federal Emergency Management Act (FEMA) grants.
Councilmember McGlashan questioned if the $627,000 was just the Shoreline portion. Mr. Relph replied that the amounts in the CIP are just for the City of Shoreline. However, he noted that some coordination is required with Seattle.
Councilmember Way asked if there have been any discussions with Seattle about cooperating to get some of their funding involved. Mr. Olander didn’t think there would be interest, but utilizing the same consultant and the same model will result in some cost savings. Mr. Relph added that both cities are looking for ways to cooperate and benefit both Seattle and Shoreline and he is confident this process will examine all opportunities for detention. Councilmember Way added that several small scale projects could be significant.
Mayor Ryu suggested lobbying Congressman McDermott for more surface water funding. She said that from a homeowner point of view, banks are careful about how their risks are covered. She wondered if homeowners could benefit if the City is able to change the flood rating of some properties if they are mapped for FEMA. Mr. Relph responded that there is absolutely a benefit to homeowners because there are several programs they can take advantage of.
Mayor Ryu noted that she is still interested in coordinating with WSDOT on a study of N. 145th Street. Mr. Olander replied that once it is mapped in a FEMA approved flood plain there may be some new construction standards applied.
Councilmember Eggen discussed unintended consequences. He wondered if individual homeowners might be flagged as a higher flood risk, resulting in declining home values and difficulty getting flood insurance. He asked if there was any way to protect them. Mr. Relph said it is possible that some homeowners may experience a decrease in valuation, but ultimately mapping is to everyone’s advantage.
Ms. Tarry continued her presentation and described other CIP projects.
Councilmember Way asked for more details on N. 148th Street. She wanted to know if there was a different drainage system and if there are other homes nearby at risk. Mr. Relph stated that the Surface Water Master Plan identified these projects and a lot of these drainage proposals had to be moved out to balance the budget.
Jerry Schuster, Surface Water Manager, stated that there is a low spot in the road on N. 148th Street and several of the homes have some flooding problems. He added that a temporary pumping system was installed there with operations funds, which is expected to last until project construction.
Ms. Tarry continued and discussed the project on Whitman Avenue and N. 167th Street. Mr. Relph added that right-of-way easements at that location continue to be a challenge.
Councilmember Eggen said he noticed the comment about an existing ditch filled in by the property owner on that site that causes flooding. He asked if the ditch can be dug out. Mr. Schuster said a report stated that there was a ditch there prior to City incorporation, but it was filled in by the property owner. He said the City has no recourse regarding what is done on private property.
Ms. Tarry continued her presentation regarding the Pantera Pond and Pump project and Pump Station #25.
Councilmember Hansen asked how the area fared during the December rains. Mr. Schuster replied that the pump was overwhelmed and the City had to bring in its own. He reported that one home was damaged.
Councilmember Way inquired about the detention pond next to the freeway. Mr. Sanchez responded that it didn’t overflow, so there is come capacity there. Mr. Schuster added that it is a WSDOT pond and he doesn’t know much about it.
Ms. Tarry resumed her presentation and reviewed the Ronald Bog Park Wetland Project. She noted that it is a placeholder for 2013 and once the basin plan is done it can be further evaluated.
Councilmember Way asked when the potential of this project would be known. Mr. Relph replied that he should know by next year. He added that there will be a discussion about funding for all these projects at that time.
Councilmember Way commented that the issue of what was filled in there is a large part of the answer. She felt that moving this item up in the CIP process is a good idea. Mr. Relph added that this can be moved up if it is funded by debt service.
Ms. Tarry covered small projects in the City and funding for them. Mr. Schuster commented that just recently 300 feet of pipe was installed on 26th Avenue NE between 145th and 146th. Mr. Olander added that the City finds these kinds of projects every year and it is important to have these small projects.
Councilmember Way inquired if the pipe replacement was related to a development. Mr. Schuster replied that it was not related to development.
Mayor Ryu asked if there is a means to evaluate changes to the landscape from a surface water management perspective, such as filling in ditches. Mr. Relph responded that much of the surface water system is mapped and all revisions to the landscape are routed through the surface water department. He said there are some areas that are not mapped and it does present a challenge. He added that there are some areas that are within a public right-of-way and not within easements, which are more difficult.
Mr. Olander explained that if the property is in the right-of-way, the City can handle it. However, dealing with issues on private property is difficult.
Ms. Tarry reviewed the Bank Stabilization Project which is scheduled for 2014. She also discussed a “green streets” initiative. She noted that the planning phase for it is in 2008 and the demonstration project will occur in 2009. She discussed the Stream Rehabilitation and Habitat Enhancement Program.
Councilmember Eggen noticed that there aren’t any projects related to the Ballinger Basin, yet it is a multi-city study. He asked if there is any room in the budget if something is identified in the future. Mr. Olander responded that currently there aren’t any funds available, at least within the priorities. He added that the City staff took direction that Thornton Creek was the priority, then Boeing Creek and maybe Ballinger could be a third priority. So within the projected revenue stream there is none available for Ballinger. However, if projects are identified then the costs need to be apportioned out and the City can contribute its share.
Mayor Ryu pointed out that other cities are very interested in having Shoreline at the table, but she felt we don't have to be the lead agency. Mr. Olander agreed that the City needs to be at the table, but the point of knowing future costs hasn’t been reached yet.
Councilmember Way commented that there was flooding in McAleer Basin, Lake Ballinger, and Echo Lake which impacts the creek system. She said Shoreline has headwaters and should have significant responsibility.
Mr. Olander explained that the vast majority of the drainage basins lie north of Shoreline, and there is also such thing as historic flows. He advised that we should be careful of the potential liabilities. He said he is hesitant to say our City is liable.
Councilmember Way noted that there may be an opportunity for enhancing water quality along N. 192nd Street, which runs towards Aurora Avenue. She said she would like to see the SWMP be a part of the CIP.
Mayor Ryu reminded the public to submit their comments on the CIP and TIP to the City staff or City Council.
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At 9:28 p.m. Mayor Ryu declared the meeting adjourned.
/S/ Scott Passey, CMC, City Clerk