CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
SUMMARY MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
Monday, August 23, 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
City Manager Robert Deis distributed an electronic mail message from Seattle Mayor Paul Schell regarding Sound Transit.
After Mr. Deis provided some background on the issue of the Seattle City Light franchise, Kristoff Bauer, Assistant to the City Manager, discussed actions of the Seattle City Light Rate Advisory Committee. He then described Shoreline’s options in dealing with the Seattle rate-setting process. He said Seattle staff is pushing for the maximum rate increase allowed under the rate-differential cap, and Shoreline staff has concerns about the way this process has unfolded. These concerns include: 1) the possibility of an eight-percent differential on rates (which translates to a four-percent rate increase for Shoreline customers) on top of a potential five-percent increase in rates for all customers; 2) having Shoreline seen by other suburban cities as the reason for the rate increase; and 3) difficulties with the implementation of street lighting and/or undergrounding policies because of rate increases.
Continuing, Mr. Bauer outlined four potential courses of action:
Mr. Bauer recommended working with other suburban customers to raise awareness of the issue and advocating to Seattle’s Mayor and City Council as a rate proposal goes forward.
Mayor Jepsen suggested that the second and third options "make the most sense." He also recommended seeking the involvement of the Association of Washington Cities, which initially assisted in mediation of this matter.
4. REPORTS OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: none
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
(a) Ginger Essex, 3715 Vining St., Bellingham, explained that West Coast Industries applied for a building permit on N. 149th St. She said her company asked the City if the sidewalk could be placed on the south side of 149th St. instead of the north side. She noted that pedestrians would probably be walking on the south side of 149th St. and that apartments are on the south side.
(b) Herb Faust, 10006 64th Pl. W., Mukilteo, the owner of the property, supported Ms. Essex’s comments. He reported that today he monitored the site and only one person walked there, although there is a lot of car traffic.
Mr. Deis said staff would investigate the matter.
6. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Councilmember Hansen moved to approve the agenda. Councilmember Ransom seconded the motion. Councilmember King asked that item 7(k) be removed from the consent calendar to become item 8(d).
Councilmember Hansen moved that item 8(c) be added to the consent calendar as item 7(l). Councilmember Gustafson seconded the amendment, which carried 7 - 0. A vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously, and the agenda was approved as amended.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Lee moved to approve the consent calendar. Councilmember Hansen seconded the motion, which carried 7-0, and the following items were approved:
Minutes of the Workshop of July 19, 1999
Minutes of the Dinner Meeting of July 26, 1999
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 26, 1999Approval of expenses and payroll as of July 29, 1999 in the amount of $1,261,459.32
Motion to authorize the City Manager to execute the 2000-2002 HOME Investment Partnership Program Interlocal Cooperation Agreement
Resolution No. 157 authorizing the City Manager to extend lease agreements for office space at 521 NE 165th for the Eastside Community Storefront and at City Hall Annex
Motion to authorize the City Manager to request, from King County, the addition of one reactive patrol officer to help provide public safety services to Area A-2
Motion to authorize expenditure of $5,000 in 1999 Mini-Grant funds for the North City Neighborhood Association to purchase holiday decorations and a decoration storage system
Motion to authorize expenditure of $2,100 in 1999 Mini-Grant funds for the Echo Lake Neighborhood Association to purchase picnic tables and benches for Echo Lake Park
Motion to authorize expenditure of $2,500 in 1999 Mini-Grant funds for the Parkwood Neighborhood Association to purchase benches and trash receptacles for Twin Ponds Park
Motion to authorize expenditure of $5,000 in 1999 Mini-Grant funds for the Meridian Park Neighborhood Association to purchase plants, interpretive signs, a bench and a garbage receptacle, and to create a native plant brochure for Cromwell Park
Ordinance No. 205, designating zoning and land use designations for three parcels that were not shown in the zoning exhibit for Ordinance No. 198 or the Comprehensive Plan land use map of Ordinance No. 178
Motion to authorize the City Manager to enter into the 2000-2002 Community Development Block Grant Joint Agreement with King County to administer its CDBG entitlement and to take such other actions as necessary to implement this agreement
8. OTHER ACTION ITEMS: ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS
(a) Resolution No. 156, accepting the recommendation of the Citizens Advisory Task Force, finding the recommendation in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan, initiating an amendment to the Capital Improvement Program, and directing staff to pursue environmental analysis for the Aurora Corridor
Kirk McKinley, Transportation Manager, briefly reviewed the process of developing the Aurora Corridor Pre-Design Study, the selection of Alternative 2 by the Citizens Advisory Task force (CATF) as the preferred alternative, and its subsequent refinement to accommodate public input about impacts to businesses along the corridor. Finally, Mr. McKinley described how the 13 goals of the study have been addressed.
Turning to issues raised at the Council Workshop on July 19, Mr. McKinley said the primary reason that staff is recommending working on the south end of the Corridor first (145th to 165th) is to coordinate planning with the Interurban Trail.
Tim Bevan, of CH2MHill, then described what is encompassed by the 12-foot wide sidewalks. They include an eight-foot walking zone and an amenity zone which buffers pedestrians from street traffic. He said interim sidewalk widths might have four-foot walkways and four-foot amenity zones. Even narrower sidewalks might be considered in some areas.
Mr. Bevan clarified that the basic median width is a function of accommodating vehicles for left-turns. Because of the frequency of the locations for left-turn lanes, the total median width will be a nearly continuous 14 to 15 feet throughout the corridor.
Turning to initial estimates of right-of-way needs, Mr. Bevan emphasized that tonight Council is considering a very conceptual design, which will be developed in detail over the next two years. At this time the roadway layout is not optimized. Realignments could lessen right-of-way takes, as could interim sidewalks width and narrower lanes. He explained that there are about 190 buildings over the three-mile length of the project, of which 21 would be affected by right-of-way needs. In the initial segment from 145th to 165th, three buildings might be affected.
In addition to the potential impact on buildings, small portions of right-of-way and/or easements will be needed throughout the corridor. He emphasized there is far less need for right-of-way in the proposed first phase of the project, even though it represents one-third of the project. Looking at parking stalls, Mr. Bevan said of 6,600 total stalls, about 550 could be affected. However, different site layouts can create new stalls. In the first stage, 81 stalls will be affected. Mr. Bevan pointed out that staff will work with owners and tenants to develop policies and procedures to clarify the acquisition process, State and federal regulations, and other procedural matters.
Continuing, Mr. Bevan explained the need for access management and for abiding by new State regulations regarding the improvement of traffic safety. The Aurora plan will reduce accidents, make the plan more easy for outside agencies to fund, and create focused driveways at each parcel. Staff will work with each owner to address individual needs, such as those related to large trucks servicing sites.
Mr. Bevan summarized the Edmonds/Lynnwood/Snohomish County SR 99 project, noting the design approvals were made before new State laws about access management. The project has the same number of lanes and the same designations. However, there is a center two-way left-turn lane and relatively few safety or intersection capacity improvements.
In conclusion, Mr. Bevan showed slides of other street projects across the country, noting that the CATF looked at all these examples and then designed a project tailored to meet the unique needs of the Aurora Corridor.
Mr. McKinley summarized that tonight Council will create a vision for Aurora, which will be refined after work with property owners and businesses. He said the plan balances local and regional needs and will enhance Shoreline’s image.
Mayor Jepsen called for public comment.
(1) Carol Doering, 741 N. 184th St., speaking as the Vice Chair of CATF, explained how the criteria for Alternative 2 was expanded by the CATF. She pointed out that changes in lifestyles and housing requirements are inevitable, and the decision to expand Aurora to accommodate pedestrians arose from these new needs. She emphasized the work of members of the CATF to evaluate proposals by staff and citizens and concluded that Alternative 2 is a good plan, consistent with what other communities are doing to integrate work, play and families.
(2) Joanne Hargrave, 18119 Densmore Ave. N., opposed the widening of Aurora Ave. to eight lanes and asked Councilmembers to refrain from acting on the plan tonight. She felt the traffic flow in the Corridor should work for businesses and enhance the desire of clientele to shop there. She put forward a proposal to create two one-way streets and an enhanced Interurban Trail. She asked Council to continue to look for a new vision for the Aurora Corridor.
(3) Stan Terry, 15811 28th Ave. NE, supported the preferred alternative. Noting that most neighbors don’t shop on Aurora Ave., he felt improvements will bring more pedestrian-friendly businesses.
(4) Greg Doering, 741 N. 184th St., also supported Alternative 2. He agreed Aurora is difficult to drive, particularly for those trying to make left-turns. He did not want Council to refrain from a decision, as the City of Seattle has often done.
(5) Jim Mackey, The Highlands, said revisions and improvements to the Aurora Corridor will be a change but also an opportunity to redefine Shoreline. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Aurora business owners to look forward, not back. He mentioned how the City of Leavenworth redefined itself to prevent blight. Shoreline must have a vision that mitigates the negative impacts of Aurora while emphasizing people and commerce. Alternative 2 represents this vision.
(6) Naomi Hardy, 17256 Greenwood Pl. N., felt that the design presented tonight lacks an emphasis on avoiding spillover traffic into neighborhoods. She noted that initially the consultants constantly mentioned this. Now the design, by adding two signalized intersections in the Richmond Highlands area, does not seem as neighborhood friendly. She said there will be no solutions for Shoreline if Aurora’s problems are sent into the neighborhoods. She also felt adding a full-length median will damage businesses. She said traffic calming devices simply pass the problem from one street to the next, until there are areas where the quality of life declines.
(7) Cynthia Wills, 18205 Fremont Ave. N., was pleased that there has been little talk of the urban center concept in the Pre-Design study. However, she asked Council to think about a civic center in the Aurora Square area during this first phase of planning. She felt this would give Shoreline a real sense of place.
(8) Maggi Fimia, King County Council, 516 Third Ave., Seattle supported the CATF recommendation, noting it provides for public safety and public infrastructure, the fundamental jobs of government. She said that to lessen dependence on the automobile, other alternatives must be provided. Alternative 2 encourages more transit and allows it to become more competitive. It also encourages the public use of the Corridor, which will decrease the criminal use. In conclusion, she emphasized the importance of retaining eight-foot sidewalks, at least in the long run.
(9) Paulette Gust, 14805 Whitman Ave. N. #10, a CATF member, explained how the group worked to gather information from many sources and address the needs of all users. She said the CATF systematically analyzed the issues and options. Significant pedestrian amenities, landscaping, transit lanes, turning pockets and median refuges are at the heart of the design, which represents a broad range of community interests. She said everyone has been heard and the possibilities respectfully considered. She concluded that moving forward tonight will move Shoreline closer to the vision of the Comprehensive Plan.
(10) Bill Healy, 15545 Interlake Ave. N., suggested keeping the project simple so that Shoreline taxpayers are not overburdened. He felt putting in medians would be a waste of money and man hours, making it more difficult for customers to access businesses along Aurora and for large trucks to service businesses. He also opposed the transit-only lane. He said allowing all vehicles to use all lanes will improve traffic flow and give taxpayers a better return on their investment.
(11) Dennis Heller, 14804 N. Park Ave. N., supported Resolution No. 156. He commented on the Aurora Improvement Council (AIC) position statement, which he felt was a "do nothing" approach. He said business owners always take risks, and gave as an example what is happening to him right now in Seattle. He did not think the City of Shoreline should be required to guarantee that business is not a risk. He said Alternative 2 gives the business community a chance to be a part of something that will ultimately benefit businesses, but the risk must be taken now.
(12) Bonnie Mackey, The Highlands, said government must provide for people what they cannot provide for themselves. She believed that the Council is not hearing from all the people in favor of the proposal because they trust the Council to do the greater good. She recommended providing a lush landscape as a psychological benefit for everyone. She wanted the Aurora Corridor to communicate quality and encourage investors and young families to come to Shoreline.
(13) Scott Smith, 999 3rd Ave., Seattle, spoke for the AIC, the group of business owners most affected by the proposal. He noted the Aurora Corridor is the tax base that will keep Shoreline healthy and strong. The AIC shares the vision of improving safety and making the corridor look better. However, it is important to enhance current businesses without disrupting them or doing unnecessary damage to them. Mentioning the climate of uncertainty, he said Council’s strong expression of support for businesses will allay some of the fears. He favored road realignment and narrowing sidewalks and the median. He concluded that other key issues are parking, signage, and the loss of grandfathered rights.
(14) Jerilee Noffsinger, 14731 Aurora Ave. N., referred to the economic uncertainties now facing businesses along Aurora, and the difficulties in making decisions about loans, remodeling, renewing leases, making improvements, etc. She said there will be years of uncertainty during the project, and she asked Council to make clear that it will support businesses during the redevelopment period.
(15) Randy Ferrell, 17510 Aurora Ave. N., was pleased to see the adjustments in the plan to accommodate business interests. He noted that the list of buildings affected by the project did not take into account the number of businesses that might be in one building. He also pointed out that eliminating parking may destroy the viability of a business. Assuming that efforts will be made to minimize impacts, he felt the CATF had done a good job.
(16) Tom Schneider, 717 N. 184th St., stressed the importance of looking at the impacts of the Aurora Corridor Plan and the Interurban Trail together, particularly in the area of his business (Les Schwab Tires).
(17) Daniel Mann, 17920 Stone Ave. N., thanked the CATF and the City for listening to business owners’ concerns. He urged the City to continue to work with businesses by addressing the primary issues of sidewalk width, median width, and the left-turn lane. This will encourage businesses to make positive decisions.
(18) Terry Green, 613 N. 179th St., Co-Chair of the AIC, referred to the CATF recommendations and asked for minor additions that:
- make clear in writing that minimum five-foot sidewalks would be acceptable;
- provide that median breaks could occur every 600 feet, which is the minimum allowed by the Washington State Department of Transportation;
- spell out that existing businesses along the Corridor will not lose any grandfathered rights in the process, including the use of signage;
- allow those businesses requiring relocation the same uses and include them in the process of developing policies and procedures; and
- consider "limbing up" trees to provide for the visibility and safety of those walking along the street.
(19) Dave McCormick, 15700 Dayton Ave. N. (Washington State Department of Transportation), applauded the outreach process of the City. He pointed out that Alternative 2 is the best way to address increasing congestion, as well as public safety and accident reduction. He said he looked forward to a continued partnership.
Mayor Jepsen thanked all those who have worked on the Aurora Pre-design Study. He felt this is a giant step for the City and as the process has moved forward, most of the issues have been addressed.
Deputy Mayor Montgomery moved adoption of Resolution No. 156. Councilmem-ber Hansen seconded the motion.
Councilmember Hansen said the business community, the Council and the citizens have the same goals and the CATF recommendation satisfies most of them. He referred to the minutes of the July 19th meeting, mentioning the ways in which the proposal accommodates business concerns. He pointed out that tonight’s action is a policy action and does not deal with specific properties. He supported the CATF recommendation, noting it asks the Council to continue to take business concerns into consideration.
Referring to the recommendation to preserve the red brick road, Councilmember King pointed out that Firlands Way is also a red brick road, only with an asphalt overlay. Her other concern was provision of incentives for businesses choosing to remain in Shoreline. She also questioned the number of new traffic lights.
Councilmember Lee said staff did a fantastic job, particularly addressing the remaining questions about the project. She commented on the automated pedestrian crossing signals, noting she is aware of a city where these were installed but are no longer used. She felt the concern about parking is valid and should be carefully considered throughout the plan.
Councilmember Gustafson said he was still concerned about traffic into the neighborhoods. He asked about the timing of the pedestrian-activated lights and the safety of the transit/business access lanes. Mr. McKinley said the timing is synchronized along with the rest of the system, and he explained the differences between the Seattle design and Shoreline’s.
Councilmember Gustafson said his primary concerns of safety and the Interurban Trail have been addressed. He wished to ensure that businesses are treated with respect and dignity. He suggested the careful consideration of grandfathered rights.
MEETING EXTENSION
At 9:55 p.m., Councilmember Hansen moved to extend the meeting until 11:00 p.m. Councilmember Ransom seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Councilmember Ransom pointed out that only 30 percent of Shoreline’s revenue comes from property tax (a portion of which comes from businesses) and that the remainder comes from businesses. He added that 85 percent of the money from businesses comes from those on Aurora. Noting that the ten blocks between 175th and 185th have the narrowest right-of-way, he suggested modifying the plan to eliminate the High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes in that area. He said this would negate the problems facing the businesses in that ten-block strip. He also mentioned that businesses feel the need for two-way traffic. They are also concerned that the median creates a problem for large trucks servicing some of the businesses. He suggested that some amendments to the CATF recommendation should be incorporated in the resolution.
Deputy Mayor Montgomery pointed out that tonight Council is adopting a concept. There is no way to address details, particularly if some of them will undercut the goals of safety and improving transit operations and improved mobility. The details will take years to work through.
Councilmember Ransom responded that once a policy moves to implementation, it takes on a life of its own and becomes difficult to amend. Deputy Mayor Montgomery disagreed. She said the CATF recommendation considered every concern she had and has treated the businesses with respect. Councilmember Ransom felt that the City should continue to develop ways to address the business concerns and resolve those issues.
Mayor Jepsen said this plan establishes a vision for the future. He believed that staff has addressed many of the AIC’s questions and that efforts to work with businesses will continue. He was happy to see the Interurban Trail integrated into the planning and felt that by adjusting lane widths, median widths, sidewalks and plantings, the Corridor can be manipulated to some degree to preserve as many existing businesses as possible. He also felt that Council has made clear that it does not want to drive traffic off Aurora into the neighborhoods. This issue will continue to be studied as the plan moves forward. Mayor Jepsen concluded that there will inevitably be impacts, but that the City will try to minimize them. However, quite a bit of public right-of-way is currently in business use and he pointed out that this is the City’s land.
Councilmember Ransom asked the Council to consider his idea of eliminating the HOV lanes between 175th and 185th. Councilmember Hansen reiterated Deputy Mayor Montgomery’s point that tonight the goal of the Council is to adopt policy, not address particular details of the plan.
Councilmember Ransom concluded the discussion by saying that the CATF did a great job and that Council is pleased with the recommendation.
A vote was taken on the motion to approve Resolution No. 156, which carried 7 - 0.
RECESS
At 10:12 p.m., Mayor Jepsen declared a two-minute recess. The meeting reconvened at 10:14 p.m.
Deputy Mayor Montgomery moved to identify the 145th to 165th section of Aurora Avenue as the first area to be reconstructed and to authorize the City Manager to execute an Interlocal Agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation to proceed with aerial mapping and environmental analysis. Councilmember Gustafson seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
(b) Motion authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract for construction services related to the improvement of the Richmond Beach Bluff Trail to the recommended bidder in the amount of that bid and to execute any necessary change orders that do not increase the cost of the contract by more than 15%
Mr. Bauer distributed information on the five bids submitted for the Richmond Beach Bluff Trail improvements, noting that John McAuliffee Landscaping was the low bidder at $76,345, a bid very close to the architect’s estimate. Mr. Bauer noted this project has been divided into two phases, with the final design of the trailhead improvements being based on the funds available upon completion of Phase I.
Mr. Deis stated that the only time access to the upper area will be limited, in addition to the construction time, is while the hydroseeding is maturing.
Councilmember Hansen moved to authorize the City Manager to execute a contract for construction services related to the improvement of the Richmond Beach Bluff Trail to John McAuliffee Landscaping in the amount of $76,354 and to execute any change orders necessary to address unforeseen issues related thereto that do not increase the cost of the contract to a total greater than $87,807. Deputy Mayor Montgomery seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Mr. Bauer answered Council questions. Then a vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously and the bid was awarded.
(c) Ordinance No. 206, amending Ordinance No. 184, as amended, by increasing the appropriation from the Roads Capital Improvement Fund and authorizing expenditures for the Curb Ramps Program and 25th Ave. Pedestrian Improvement Capital Projects
Councilmember King explained her reason for removing this item from the consent calendar. She said that at the joint dinner meeting with the Shoreline School Board, a School District staff person had remarked that he was uncertain whether the sidewalks in this project should have been part of the original School District project. She wanted to postpone moving forward on this item until this matter could be clarified.
Mike Gillespie, City Engineer, said his understanding of the project was that the School District was only required to build the sidewalk and frontage improvements in front of the high school property.
Mr. Deis suggested approving the ordinance, noting it could always be brought back if new information surfaces.
Councilmember Gustafson moved to approve Ordinance No. 206. Councilmember King seconded the motion.
Councilmember Hansen moved an amendment to the motion that the City not move forward with this project until the issue has been clarified by the School District. Councilmember Ransom seconded the motion, which carried 7 - 0.
A vote was taken on the motion to approve Ordinance No. 206, with the foregoing caveat, which carried 7 - 0 and Ordinance No. 206 passed.
9. CONTINUED PUBLIC COMMENT: none
10. EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 10:30 p.m., Mayor Jepsen announced that Council would recess into Executive Session for 30 minutes to consider one item of potential litigation. At 10:50 p.m., Mayor Jepsen announced that the Executive Session would continue until 11:15 p.m. At 11:20 p.m., the Executive Session concluded and the regular meeting reconvened.
12. ADJOURNMENT
At 11:21 p.m., Mayor Jepsen adjourned the meeting.
__________________________
Sharon Mattioli, CMC
City Clerk