CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
SUMMARY MINUTES OF BUSINESS MEETING
Monday, June 23, 2007 - 7:30 PM
Shoreline Conference Center
Mt. Rainier Room
PRESENT: Mayor Ransom, Deputy Mayor Fimia, Councilmember Gustafson, Councilmember McGlashan, Councilmember Ryu, and Councilmember Way.
ABSENT: Councilmember Hansen
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Mayor Ransom called the meeting to order at 7:37 p.m.
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Mayor Ransom led the flag salute. Upon roll call by the City Clerk, all Councilmembers were present with the exception of Councilmember Hansen.
Councilmember Gustafson moved to excuse Councilmember Hansen. Councilmember Way seconded the motion, which carried 6-0 and Councilmember Hansen was excused.
(a) Proclamation of “24th Annual National Night Out”
Mayor Ransom proclaimed August 7th as Shoreline’s 24th Annual National Night Out, a nationwide crime, drug, and violence prevention program sponsored by the Shoreline Police Department and the Shoreline neighborhoods. He invited Block Watch Captains Jeanne Monger, representing the Echo Lake Neighborhood, and Bob Barta, representing the Highland Terrace Neighborhood, as well as the police officers in attendance at the meeting. The Captains thanked Officer Leonna Obstler for her assistance with the City’s program.
(b) Proclamation of “Celebrate Shoreline”
Mayor Ransom proclaimed this year’s “Celebrate Shoreline.” He invited Dick Deal, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director, and Celebrate Shoreline Citizens Advisory Committee members Gretchen Atkinson and Ellen Sullivan to accept the proclamation. Ms. Atkinson thanked the City and Mr. Deal and urged everyone to attend Celebrate Shoreline. Ms. Sullivan highlighted some of the events taking place and encouraged everyone to attend.
3. REPORT OF THE CITY MANAGER
Bob Olander, City Manager, stated that the July 21st Renewable Energy Fair sponsored by Shoreline Solar Project was a success and was very well attended.
Mayor Ransom stated that there were 98 vendors and seven food vendors. He noted that the three parking lots at the Nazarene Church, Meridian Park Elementary School, and the children’s center were all full. He added that the limited street parking was full also in the area.
Mr. Olander stated that the 2007 Road Overlay Program is in progress and is nearly completed. He highlighted that there are 3.8 miles of roads that are in need of repair which will be overlaid by the end of July. He noted that the Summer Concert Series is underway with the next concert taking place on July 24 at 12:00 p.m. There will be a performance on August 2 at 7:30 p.m. by the Seattle Women’s Jazz Orchestra at Animal Acres Park in Lake Forest Park. Continuing, he said the Economic Development Advisory Committee is in need of volunteers. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on August 22 and are to be turned in to Tom Boydell, Economic Development Program Manager. He announced that the “National Night Out Against Crime” is occurring on August 7th and for more information residents can check the City’s website or call Neighborhood Coordinator Nora Smith. The next Shoreline 2010 Speaker Series event will take place on August 6 at 7:00 p.m. in the Mt. Rainier Room and feature Dan Burden, Executive Director of Walkable Communities, Inc. Mr. Olander stated that there are two Civic Center/City Hall Project community meetings scheduled for July 30 and August 21. He provided reminders of other dates and events, noting that the City Council will be on summer recess for the next three Mondays.
4. REPORTS OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Councilmember Gustafson reported that he attended the Lake Washington Cedar/Sammamish River Watershed Forum/Water Resource Inventory Area 8 (WRIA 8) Salmon Recovery Council meeting last week. The salmon recovery grant recommendation for $1.4 million was approved by the Council and is being sent to the King County Council for approval. Additionally, the Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB) and the Puget Sound Acquisition and Restoration Fund applied $2.6 million in grants to applications that were submitted to the Council and all of them were approved. He said there is a proposal for a three watershed assembly to include WRIA 9, Snoqualmie and the WRIA 8 forum. The idea is for these groups to meet in late fall to discuss salmon recovery, communication, and environmental issues.
Councilmember McGlashan said next Wednesday he will be attending a Committee to End Homelessness meeting in King County.
Deputy Mayor Fimia discussed the Economic Development Summit and the efforts to create a north end summit to increase economic development in this area. She said the first step is to survey the businesses in this area and the survey has been developed. The draft survey, she said, is on its way out to businesses and they should be arriving in mailboxes soon.
Councilmember Way congratulated and thanked everyone who participated in the Renewable Energy Fair. She especially thanked the Chamber of Commerce for the “Taste of Shoreline.”
Councilmember Ryu said the Renewable Energy Fair went well and the kickoff speaker was especially well-received. She asked that the kickoff video be aired on Channel 21.
Mayor Ransom said the Renewable Energy Fair was a great success and there were more than 2,000 people in attendance. He mentioned that there were 68 vendors last year and there were 98 this year.
5. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT
(a) Emma Dixon, Woodinville, discussed the Brightwater Sewage Treatment project. She said that based on King County flow data, there is no need for another treatment plant. She said the current population generates 150 million gallons per day and the maximum capacity for the current plant is 250 million gallons per day. She noted that there is more than enough capacity in the current system to treat the projected 36 million more gallons per day over the next 20 years. She questioned why the County is building this $1.8 billion plant to handle the occasional peak in the stormwater system. She added that the plant is being built in the middle of the South Widbey Island fault zone, which is an active fault zone. She said the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and world-reknown earthquake geologist Dr. Yates, noted that the site has six active faults. King County, she added, hasn’t investigated any of the faults and this represents a violation of the International Building Code (IBC). She commented that in Superior Court the King County attorney publicly lied and said that all land use issues concerning this site have been resolved. She urged the residents to view the detailed caseload and read what has occurred with this case so far. She requested a meeting with the Council and Dr. Yates to understand the potential impacts on the City.
(b) Lanita Wacker, Shoreline, expressed concern about unlicensed group homes in Shoreline. She commented that within the last month, a death in a group home may have been caused by abuse. She clarified that she hasn’t personally asked around or investigated the home in question. She felt that the City should not tolerate unlicensed group homes.
(c) Kevin Grossman, Shoreline, questioned why Mayor Ransom, Deputy Mayor Fimia, Councilmember Way, and former Councilmember Chang haven’t admitted the mistakes they made through their illegal procedures, meetings, phone calls, and e-mails to get former City Manager Burkett fired and their attempt to hire a friend. He said their own documents show that they did it. He added that in January 2006 there were approximately 600 people in the Shoreline Room that communicated that what they had done was wrong. He commented that no one from the City, neither the City Attorney nor City Manager, addressed the issue. He felt there were errors of judgment made, and instead of paying a $100 fine the accused Councilmembers have cost the City over $170,000 in legal fees. He felt that it’s time to stop the unprecedented expenses and he urged the Council to act ethically.
(d) Steve Dunn, Shoreline, YMCA Campaign Chair, reported on the success of the groundbreaking for the new YMCA. He said he enjoyed watching the last Council meeting on Channel 21, and it was good to see that everyone supports the Aurora Corridor Phase II plan. He thanked the Council for their hard work on the project.
(e) Mary Fox, Shoreline discussed the Foster Pepper lawsuit and is appalled at the spending for legal costs. She said on February 13, 2006, the four accused Councilmembers each signed an agreement under reservation of rights requiring them to pay the City back if any of them were found to have knowingly, willfully, or intentionally violated the Open Public Meetings Act. She added that on October 9, 2007 the full Council voted to amend that contract from $75,000 to $120,000. She said that the four Councilmembers named in the lawsuit shouldn’t have voted because they directly profit from the approval of the amended contract. She said there are over $139,000 in invoices outstanding right now. She commented that the City didn’t release the documents until Friday at 3:44 p.m., and it seems like a political move not to release the documents until the Council break.
(f) Judy Allen, Shoreline said that some of the City Council is costing the Shoreline taxpayers a lot of money. She calculated that on one invoice Foster Pepper charged the City $615.00 per hour for representation. She claimed that the Councilmembers named in the lawsuit are not turning over phone records to the Superior Court and are stalling. She said the City has been invoiced for $139,656 by Foster Pepper through May 2007 with an additional $30,000 in June and $30,000 in July. She is disappointed that City Manager Bob Olander used executive authority to allocate an additional $50,000 to pay for the invoices prior to informing the Council and residents of Shoreline. She noted that if the invoices are added to the cost of firing former City Manager Steve Burkett and his severance the amount would be over $500,000 and the lawsuit hasn’t even gone to trial yet. She highlighted that this misdemeanor would have cost the Council a $100 fine if the accused Councilmembers would have admitted their wrongdoing in the beginning. She said at the Council meeting of February 6, 2006 Councilmember Ryu left the meeting at 10:45 pm and Mr. Sievers announced that the Councilmembers could then vote on their own defense. She asked Deputy Mayor Fimia and Mayor Ransom how much they authorized for their defense. She recommended the accused Councilmembers pay for their own defense because she felt the citizens have paid enough.
(g) Bob Allen, Shoreline, said the facts of the Open Public Meetings Act lawsuit can be found on www.wakeupshoreline.com and the information contains sworn statements. He said there are some that cheat in school, on their taxes, insurance, and in other arenas, but this is not accepted by an ethical society. He felt the residents have been cheated by the Council and that the City staff was doing a good job. Going forward, he commented, it should be easy to find excellent Councilmembers who don’t cheat by failing to notify the residents of the City of important decisions such as firing the City Manager. The residents of Shoreline deserve a Council that conducts business in an open and transparent way. He urged all Shoreline residents to take responsibility and do something about this. He stated that “evil succeeds if people do nothing.” Concluding, he urged residents to go to the website, read the documents, take the time to be informed, and communicate with neighbors about City business.
(h) Dwight Gibb, Shoreline, representing 20th Avenue Neighbors in Richmond Beach, said there are houses in Richmond Beach that “stick out like sore thumbs.” In the City, he stated, the Shoreline Municipal Code (SMC) specifies that developers and the Planning Department shouldn’t allow homes that detract from the neighborhood, in terms of light, air, and streetscape. He felt that the City hasn’t done this. He added that there is a way to determine whether a house meets “neighborhood” standards by analyzing the total floor area of a home in relation to the size of the lot. He commented that 20th Avenue Neighbors has researched all of the homes west of 20th Avenue NW from Richmond Beach Saltwater Park to Woodway, and out of 673 homes, 570 are traditional homes with an average floor area of 2,100 square feet. The lot coverage of these homes is 25%. In addition, there are 103 new homes valued at over $1 million with an average floor area of 3,600 square feet, but the lot coverage of these homes is 44%. He explained that the difference between homes that cover 25% and 44% is the difference between houses that are out of scale and houses that fit in with their neighborhood. He said his organization is trying to persuade the City to utilize this as a standard measure in the future.
(i) Terry Scott, Shoreline, supported the hybrid alternative for the Aurora Corridor Project and said it is a long awaited plan that is appropriate for Phase II. He commended the City staff for the recommendation and said hopefully it will heal the wounds in the community. Secondly, he discussed the negativity directed at the Council concerning the lawsuit and said the City needs to start healing. He encouraged everyone to move forward and end the attacks.
(j) Betty Brown, Shoreline, called attention to the active environmental community in the City, including the South Woods Preservation Group, the Native Plant Society, and the National Wildlife Federation. The Native Plant society is a wonderful group, she said, which deals with the invasives of ivy and holly. Arthur Kruckeberg is a co-founder of the Native Plant Society and has written a book called “Gardening with the Native Plants of the Pacific Northwest.” She commented that she borrowed the book to distinguish between native plants and weeds. She noted that the National Wildlife Federation has programs for community, schools, and personal yards. There are brochures that she has left which assists residents in having their own backyard become a certified backyard wildlife sanctuary. She noted that the City is registered to become a certified community but it will take an effort for the City to become involved. The South Woods Preservation Group has gone out and cut down ivy, and she thanked Dick Deal for his help. She thanked the City for getting to the point that South Woods can be enjoyed. She concluded that it is important for the residents of Shoreline to live in harmony and balance.
(k) Beth O’Neil, Shoreline, referred to Mr. Scott’s comments and said there needs to be an investigation and problems need to be addressed on the City Council. She referred him to the website previously mentioned for more information on the lawsuit. She commented that she didn’t want to speak but is compelled by the remarks of Deputy Mayor Fimia. She said Deputy Mayor Fimia lied and accused her of sending e-mails that made serious allegations of the Councilmembers. She said the author of the e-mail said Deputy Mayor Fimia didn’t get the e-mail from Mrs. O’Neil. She said Deputy Mayor Fimia’s said she would apologize if Mrs. O’Neil didn’t create the e-mail in question. She said Deputy Mayor Fimia has not apologized and continues to refute the allegations, all while allowing her political supporters to attack her. She said Deputy Mayor Fimia publicly stated that the lawsuit Mr. and Mrs. O’Neil filed was to weaken her campaign when in fact it was based on Fimia’s comments directed towards her in 2006. She noted that an apology at this late date would be without merit unless it was accompanied by a complete explanation of her actions.
(l) Charles Brown, Shoreline, spoke concerning Arthur Kruckeberg and in support of him receiving an award for meritorious service. He discussed Dr. Kruckeberg books. He noted that there are relatively few Shoreline residents who can appreciate a lifetime award and concluded that Dr. Kruckeberg is an outstanding candidate.
(m) Mary Jo Heller, Shoreline, prefaced her remarks by saying she doesn’t have any feelings towards any of the Councilmembers personally. She said the Council has cost the City $170,000 and could have paid a minimal fine of $100, but chose not to. She said the Council is stalling the lawsuit and it will cost more money. Deputy Mayor Fimia, she commented, always discusses transparently and public process. She urged her to do more than speak those words. She noted that she has requested records concerning this matter from the City Clerk’s Office and it is like “pulling teeth.” She urged the City to have the lawyers stop stalling and deal with citizen requests. It’s time to end the City enmity, she said.
(n) Richard Tinsley, Shoreline, commented on the proposal for a lifetime achievement award for Dr. Arthur Kruckeberg. He commented on the work he has done at the University of Washington and the gardens he has left for the City. He noted that Mayor Ransom opposes this recommendation. He said Dr. Kruckeberg should be evaluated by his peers and for what he has done scientifically. He said the Mayor remarked that the City will buy the Botanical Gardens, name it after him, and he will have a life estate on it. This, he pointed out, is not recognition. These items are still being negotiated. He said Mayor Ransom’s comments are petty and childish. He also said Mayor Ransom doesn’t want to give Dr. Kruckeberg any recognition until the gardens are a City property. He highlighted that Dr. Kruckeberg is a nationally-recognized botanist, an expert in soils, and the co-founder of the Native Plant Society. He said both he and his wife are deserving of recognition. He concluded and said despite what the Mayor says Dr. Kruckeberg will be a world-renowned botanist loved the world over.
(o) Chris Eggen, Shoreline spoke in favor of the hybrid plan for the Aurora Corridor Project Phase II. He thanked the City for the Shoreline Solar Fair funding and the kickoff on Friday night, which he said was well-attended. He also commented that the keynote speaker was excellent. The attendance at the fair filled the parking lots of Meridian Elementary School, the Nazarene Church, and the former elementary school to the north of the event. He spoke in favor of recognizing Dr. Kruckeberg with a lifetime achievement award, stating that he has written at least three books and his botanical garden is nationally recognized.
(p) Doris McConnell, Shoreline, said she is running for City Council Position No. 4. She informed the residents that there is an early primary on August 21 and two of the positions have three candidates and the primary will narrow the races down to two each. She announced that absentee ballots will be arriving on August 6 and residents can vote on August 21. She urged the residents of Shoreline to take the time to exercise their power to vote.
(q) Bonnie Barry, Shoreline, supported the idea of celebrating Shoreline and creating a lifetime achievement award to support one of our own “homegrown” gifts. She said Shoreline has a school system that attracts people to move to the City. She said the citizens here tax themselves to improve and acquire parks. She said she has observed that when cities celebrate the good things they do, they go out of their way to honor those who assist in its greatness. She asked the Council to support the resolution, create a position in the parade for the lifetime award recipient, and let the recipient ride right behind the grand marshal. Dr. Kruckeberg is a great candidate for this and his property will soon be a City park. She urged the Council to acknowledge him in this way.
(r) Pam Schmidt, Shoreline, regretted being a “lazy citizen” and not being aware when she voted in the last Council elections. She said she is appalled by the expenditure of $170,000 for defense of a lawsuit. She inquired if there is any information about the lawsuit on the City’s website. She said residents will be looking at the candidates, and that information should be posted on the website so they can make their own decisions. She considered it unreasonable for the City to spend $170,000 on a misdemeanor offense. She commented that residents need to “wake up” and realize what is going on because it affects neighborhoods.
Mr. Olander responded to Ms. Wacker’s comments and said that the Department of Social Health Services (DSHS) of Washington is responsible for licensing group homes. However, if Ms. Wacker or any other resident knows of one that is unlicensed, they should inform the City, which will in turn inform the authorities.
Councilmember Way asked if the reported abuse at the group home is a police matter. Mr. Olander responded that the City will look into the issue further.
Councilmember Ryu responded that the City Council has the authority to terminate the City Manager. She asked the City Manager to review the process that takes place.
Mr. Olander said that the City Council can discuss the City Manager’s qualifications in an Executive Session, but the actual termination must be done in a public meeting.
Councilmember Ryu said her name was mentioned as one of the defendants in the lawsuit being brought by King and Grossman, but clarified that she isn’t named in the suit. She asked if the City would have had to pay $170,000 in defense costs if King, Grossman, and Hollinrake hadn’t filed the lawsuit. She asked the City Manager whether or not she was receiving any taxpayer funds from her expenses concerning this lawsuit because she has been subpoenaed four times to release information and she wasn’t on the City Council at the time.
Ian Sievers, City Attorney, responded that certainly defense costs are driven by the lawsuit. He said non-party councilmembers under subpoena are entitled to legal assistance from the City, thus, there are costs to the City above the actual defense costs to Foster Pepper.
Councilmember Ryu added that the $170,000 is a part of the costs brought on by the lawsuit and there will be more.
Mr. Olander added that the City is obligated to provide legal representation for employees and officials. Whether the lawsuit is a land use issue or whatever, he explained, the courts are there to determine what is wrong and right. He commented that there would be few people who would want to work for a municipality or hold a public office if there was no legal defense coverage.
Deputy Mayor Fimia commented that this is a very difficult issue and she will be very guarded in her statements because of active lawsuits. She said it was the choice by the plaintiffs to file suit, and it has been in the courts for 18 months. Now, she said, it is coming back into the legislative arena. She said the Council can’t speak freely about it because it will be used against them. She said it is easy to make accusations of elected officials. At the time of the termination, she said there were three Councilmembers who didn’t want to renew former City Manager Burkett’s contract. No secret meetings occurred, she stated. She said it was on the record to terminate Mr. Burkett and after the election of another Councilmember who agreed that this course of action needed to take place, legal advice to have the City Manager terminated was sought. She added that there was a settlement offered to admit guilt and the accused Councilmembers didn’t take it. Recall petitions, she noted, were subsequently filed, but the issue was dropped just before the decision was made whether it would go to the ballot. This was also an unnecessary expense. Continuing, she said that phone records were asked for by Mr. Rasch, who is a strong advocate for cutting trees for views in the Innis Arden neighborhood. Mr. Rasch wanted to share her personal cellular phone records with others outside of himself and the judge. He then filed a motion to compel and it was denied, leaving Mr. Rasch and the judge as the only people who could view them. This was another action that cost the City additional money, and it was an action from the plaintiffs. She added that she was incorrect in that Mrs. O’Neil didn’t technically send the e-mail. She added, however, that the e-mail said Ms. O’Neil wanted the e-mail passed on concerning the alleged Council interference with a code violation. She said this was denied twice in Superior Court. She said the easy thing is to say “we made a mistake” and pay the $100 fine. However, if they do that, it will set improper precedence. This has been brought by the plaintiffs and can easily be rectified by dropping the lawsuit.
Councilmember McGlashan stated the Open Public Meeting Act (OPMA) was put in place for a reason, and he is aware that e-mails have circulated on the accused Councilmembers’ computers. He said there are e-mailed statements from their own computers about keeping secrecy, and his perception of what occurred is different than what Deputy Mayor Fimia described. He summarized that this will all be played out in court. He doesn’t agree that it is the plaintiffs that are costing the City money; on the contrary, in their mind they are doing the right thing. He said the City may have to write a check for $500,000 before this is over, and it is wrong for the accused to say it can easily go away if the case is dropped.
Mayor Ransom said the defendants are not allowed to speak, and the plaintiffs want to try this case in the press, which he felt is grossly unfair. This would not be attempted with any other group except elected officials. The allegations, without proof, have been denied and the accused Councilmembers are entitled to a trial, but the press has already found them guilty. He noted that their actions were done with legal counsel, which will be reviewed by the judge. He said they have a right under law to be defended. He commented that former City Manager Burkett treated several Councilmembers with contempt for over a year. When the Council sentiment shifted from a minority to a majority, his resignation was requested. He added that the school district termination cost more than what the City paid to terminate the City Manager. He related that the school district paid an average of 24 months severance pay, which is much more than the 10 months the City paid to terminate Mr. Burkett.
6. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Councilmember Gustafson moved approval of the agenda. Deputy Mayor Fimia seconded the motion, which carried 6-0.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Gustafson moved approval of the consent calendar. Councilmember Ryu seconded the motion, which carried 6-0, and the following items were approved:
(a) Minutes of Special Meeting of June 4, 2007
Minutes of Business Meeting of June 11, 2007
Minutes of Workshop Dinner Meeting of June 25, 2007
Minutes of Workshop Dinner Meeting of July 9, 2007
(b) Approval of expenses and payroll as of July 11, 2007 in the amount of $ 4,679,645.98
(c) Authorizing the Purchase and Sale Agreement for the 8.32-acre Seattle Public Utilities parcel for the Purchase Price of $3,527,800
(d) Motion to Authorize City Manager to Execute Interlocal Agreement with the Department of Corrections
(e) Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute: 1) a Construction Contract Change Order with Precision Earthworks, Inc.; and 2) a Construction Management Contract Supplement with W & H Pacific, for the 2007 Sidewalk Priority Route – Dayton Avenue N.
(f) Amendment to MacLeod Reckord Design Services Contract for North Central Segment of the Interurban Trail
Mr. Olander discussed Item 7(c), the Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) property acquisition and commented that SPU has agreed to a good price. He commended Mr. Sievers, who negotiated the figures down and saved the taxpayers a tremendous amount of money.
8. ACTION ITEM: OTHER ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS, AND MOTIONS
(a) Resolution No. 263, Adopting a Preferred Alternative and Implementation Strategies for the Aurora Corridor Multimodal Project, N. 165th Street to N. 205th Street
Mr. Olander introduced Mark Relph, Public Works Director.
Mr. Relph said that on August 16 there was an extensive presentation concerning the Aurora project alternative. He added that the “32 strategic points” were also discussed. He commented that there was an open house and extensive public input, with 25 people testifying at the Council meeting last week. He said the deadline for the submission of public comment was Friday, July 20. He announced that the City staff recommends adoption of Resolution No. 263 and the implementation strategies to guide the design and construction of the next phase.
Mayor Ransom called for public comment. There was no one wishing to provide public comment on this item.
Councilmember Gustafson moved to adopt Resolution No. 263. Councilmember Way seconded the motion.
Councilmember Ryu spoke in support of the motion, adding that she appreciated the efforts of the City Manager on this project. She felt the quality of the public outreach on this project has been much better, and staff response is excellent. She concluded that the Council enabled the staff to go forth and do good work. She noted that there were ideas that were introduced about a year ago that are visible now. However, she cautioned that there is still work to do with traffic signals, historical properties, and Echo Lake condominiums. She concluded that the process has been pleasing and she thanked the City staff.
Councilmember Way added that it is refreshing to jump to this issue, and the entire community seems to be getting behind it, which is reassuring to the Council. She thanked the City staff for the “walkabouts” on the original mile, which provided the Council with ideas on what changes can be done and how each business would have been impacted. She admitted that this was a good way to get her to understand the project. She commented that Tom Holtz unveiled the low impact development plan, and it is flexible and feasible. She wanted the City to address the Scott family’s concerns and the historical elements. She urged that the historical items be preserved. She supported the plan and thanked businesses for being flexible and coming to the table in good faith. She added that there aren’t any legal appeals and it is moving smoothly and people are willing to work with the City.
Councilmember Gustafson stated his support for the motion.
In the absence of Councilmember Hansen, Deputy City Clerk Moore read Councilmember Hansen’s statement in support of the motion.
Councilmember McGlashan questioned the build alternatives and the issues concerning the road by the Scott’s house.
Kirk McKinley, Aurora Corridor and Interurban Trail Project Manager, responded that the house is a rental and the changes are to the front yard, not to the structure. He commented that there will be a landscape architect coming out to evaluate all of the options to enhance the ambiance of the property in conjunction with the project.
Councilmember McGlashan referred to page 72 of the Council packet and asked if the Council and the City staff will start all over again with analyzing the draft recommended flexible alternatives.
Mr. McKinley replied that the City will look at this as part of the environmental steps to recalculate and analyze the flexible alternative. However, he doesn’t expect any differences other than the amount of land taken, and that has all been addressed.
Councilmember McGlashan commented on the implementation strategies and said that #33 needs more work. He said businesses need to be ready and informed about this project. He felt that those involved in the first mile were caught off guard and it can’t happen again; they need to be told what’s coming. He added that the plan is “awesome” and we are headed in the right direction. He thanked Dale Wright, who got 1,000 people in the City of Shoreline to endorse the plan.
Deputy Mayor Fimia expressed her support of the plan and gave thanks to the staff, the community, and the Aurora Business & Community (ABC) Team. She alluded that this is an example of interested members of a City working around the table to solve the problem, and it has saved an enormous amount of time and money. There are still some outstanding issues with property owners that need to be addressed, she said. The cost of the project is also still a concern; however, it will be easier to get those grants because the community is united. She is pleased that the issues have been worked out and that in this plan the left turn pockets were flexible and acceptable to the businesses. She stated she didn’t support the last plan because of its “barriers” to the business community and its lack of flexibility.
Mayor Ransom expressed support and elation for the motion, pointing out that this has been more of a “lovefest” than anything else. He highlighted that there were 25 speakers at the last Council meeting who all spoke in favor of this project. He added that the plan has been approved by the ABC Team, the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce, Vision Shoreline, and Pro-Shoreline. He commented that this wouldn’t have happened two years ago and thanked City Manager Olander and the City staff for this major accomplishment.
Mr. Olander thanked all of the City staff, especially Mark Relph, Kirk McKinnley, Kristin Overleese, and Alicia Sherman.
A vote was taken on the motion to adopt Resolution No. 263, adopting the Preferred Alternative and Implementation Strategies for the Aurora Corridor Multimodal Project, N. 165th Street to N. 205th Street, which carried 6-0.
Councilmember Gustafson commented that he is excited that this item passed. He concurred with Councilmember Hansen’s written remarks and thanked Mr. Olander and the City staff. He said it has been a long road and the vision is similar to that of the first mile of Aurora. He commented that the process has been contentious along the way. In fact, he stated that out of nine times the Aurora Corridor project was on the agenda, Deputy Mayor Fimia voted against it nine times. He thanked Deputy Mayor Fimia and all past and present Councilmembers. He announced that the vision the City and the City Council had in 1995 has been realized. He felt that the 32 strategic points are about flexibility and they have been accomplished in the first phase and are being accomplished in this phase. He commented that the City Manager has set a tone for the Council to work more cohesively and thanked him for his efforts. He thanked Deputy Mayor Fimia for her affirmative vote.
Councilmember Ryu commented that at the June 15th Council meeting, Councilmember McGlashan said the businesses along the first mile of the project were “whiners” and the plan wouldn’t be accepted by Vision Aurora and Dale Wright. She said she took the plan to the Chamber of Commerce and got their endorsement. After that, she said Dale Wright met with the Chamber and eventually Vision Aurora endorsed the plan. She said this is contrary to what Councilmembers McGlashan and Gustafson have presented. She said her business property had two driveways that were to be closed based on the recommendations of CH2M Hill and former City Manager Burkett. She said that angst made the owners decision to sell easier, and the City’s relationship wasn’t good. She was disappointed that Councilmember Gustafson remarked on this item after the vote. She apologized for ending the discussion on a negative note.
Mr. Olander said the Council has had disagreements in the past and the City should savor this moment instead of bring up past issues. He urged the Council to focus on their agreements and their successes. He explained that flexibility was built in at the beginning which has led to compromise by those involved. Now, the City is remarkably unified on this contentious project that has been on the table for quite some time. He said he is honored that we’re coming to the end of the negativity and urged the Council to put their disagreements behind and move forward.
MEETING EXTENSION
At 9:51 p.m., Councilmember Gustafson moved to extend the
meeting until 10:15 p.m. Councilmember Ryu seconded the
motion, which carried 6-0.
RECESS
At 9:54 p.m., Mayor Ransom called for a ten minute recess. At
10:00 p.m. the Council meeting reconvened.
(b) Resolution No. 264, Creating a Lifetime Achievement Award
Mayor Ransom said the recommendation for this award was by Councilmember Ryu.
Mr. Olander asked that Councilmember Way introduce this item since it was her recommendation.
Councilmember Way stated that the City has the Shoreline Parade coming up and distinguished citizens such as Dr. Kruckeberg have done much for the community. She suggested he receive an award for his achievements. She mentioned that she met Dr. Kruckeberg and his wife at the garden and worked with Mrs. Kruckeberg at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show. She said since then she has become more aware that he has become an “international superstar” in botany. His knowledge and willingness to share with the community and the value of the garden will be a testimony to his work, she stated. She felt there should be a lifetime achievement award like this as a part of Celebrate Shoreline. She summarized that this item is timely due to Dr. Kruckeberg’s age. She then read Resolution No. 264.
Councilmember Way moved approval of Resolution 264, creating a lifetime achievement award. Deputy Mayor Fimia seconded the motion.
Councilmember McGlashan pointed out that the staff report said this item would be for discussion only.
Mr. Olander responded that the item was for adoption at this meeting.
Councilmember Ryu favored the resolution and asked for a process to be established on how future lifetime achievement award recipients are chosen and how the voting will occur. She said Dr. Kruckeberg is a one-of-a-kind person and deserved this award. She said he could not be here because he has a class to teach at the University of Washington in the morning.
Deputy Mayor Fimia supported the resolution but suggested adding the following sentence to the end of Section 1: “Council will work with City staff and the public to design and adopt a process for future recipients.” She also suggested adding the late Maureen Kruckeberg as an additional recipient in Section 2.
Councilmember Way accepted these as friendly amendments.
Councilmember McGlashan said he would not support the resolution and doesn’t know if it is the City’s function to give out lifetime achievement awards. He said if this is approved, it minimizes the Grand Marshal recognition. He said the City Council gives proclamations, Shoreline Stars, and votes on the Grand Marshal of the parade. He noted that the Kruckeberg property is being bought by the City, not given to the City, and Dr. Kruckeberg is a friend of Councilmember Way. He said there needs to be criteria or a process established before a lifetime achievement award is presented. He said Dr. Kruckeberg is a great person, but a process should be established instead of picking the person and then creating a process.
MEETING EXTENSION
At 10:14 p.m., Deputy Mayor Fimia moved to extend the
meeting until 10:25 p.m. Councilmember Ryu seconded the
motion, which carried 6-0.
Councilmember Gustafson believed Dr. Kruckeberg should be the recipient of some
award, but this is “putting the cart before the horse.” The establishment of
this is an important issue and there needs to be some criteria to establish
when it is done and what it is awarded for. He mentioned that there have been
Shoreline Stars given out in the past. He felt there needs to be a program
established first before a person is selected.
Mayor Ransom said that the establishment of a lifetime achievement award should not be done by the Council. He said the Council isn’t qualified to analyze Mr. Kruckeberg’s efforts because the Councilmembers are not botany professionals. He stated the City is paying $1 million for the property and Mr. Kruckeberg is receiving $750,000 personally and he will be living there for the rest of his life. He commented that the City still hasn’t purchased the property, and negotiations are still continuing after six months. He stated Dr. Kruckeberg can ride in the parade as Dr. Kruckeburg, the creator of Kruckeberg Gardens. He believed Dr. Kruckeberg should be selected for an award given by his professional peers and felt giving him a lifetime achievement award without having any established process or standard was wrong.
Deputy Mayor Fimia said there were a limited number of submissions for Grand Marshal, and at the time the Council concluded that there would be an award created for another person. She added that Dr. Kruckeberg is non-political and has achieved great things in his life. She said this will bring knowledge of the gardens to our City. She felt that a Shoreline Star isn’t enough to recognize Mr. Kruckeberg and his efforts. She encouraged the Council to honor him and come up with something for him, even if it has to be called something else.
Councilmember Ryu hoped that Councilmembers who don’t support this resolution change their mind. She added the he has received national accolades. She said Councilmember Way’s idea to recognize him is a good one. She said Richmond Beach already recognized him and this is a good way to show appreciation.
MEETING EXTENSION
At 10:25 p.m., Deputy Mayor Fimia moved to extend the
meeting until 10:30 p.m. Councilmember Ryu seconded the
motion, which carried 6-0.
At 10:28 p.m., Councilmember McGlashan moved to extend the meeting until 10:40 p.m. Councilmember Ryu seconded the motion, which carried 6-0.
Mayor Ransom called for pubic comment.
a) LaNita Wacker, Shoreline, said this is a complex situation and the citizens haven’t had the opportunity to submit names because there hasn’t been any process or criteria established. She added that the idea to add Dr. Kruckeberg’s wife to a lifetime achievement award when she is deceased is inappropriate. She thought that because of his age the City should establish a process and perhaps aim at presenting him something early next year. She highlighted that the resolution supporters Deputy Mayor Fimia, Councilmember Way, and Councilmember Ryu have discussed process in the past and this item lacks it. Therefore, she doesn’t support the item tonight and maybe in a few months she can.
Deputy Mayor Fimia said this is the last Council meeting prior to the parade, and the main effort here isn’t to create a lifetime achievement award, it is to give public recognition at the parade to Dr. Kruckeberg and his wife. She added that there are proclamations at every Council meetings and no process concerning them. She concluded that Dr. Kruckeberg is very deserving, and so is his late wife, and the City should acknowledge that during this very public event.
A vote was taken on the motion to approve Resolution No. 264, Creating a Lifetime Achievement Award, which failed 3-3 with Mayor Ransom and Councilmembers Gustafson and McGlashan dissenting.
9. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:33 p.m., Mayor Ransom adjourned the meeting.
/S/ Ronald F. Moore, Deputy City Clerk