CITY OF SHORELINE

SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL

SUMMARY MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING

Monday, September 13, 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 7:34 p.m. by Mayor Jepsen, who presided.

2. FLAG SALUTE/ROLL CALL

Mayor Jepsen led the flag salute. Upon roll by the City Clerk, all Councilmembers were present.

3. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER

Robert Deis, City Manager, described the success of Saturday’s recycling event.

Bill Conner, Public Works Director, distributed information on consent calendar Item 7(e). The low bidder was Mid-Mountain Contractors at $268,315. Mr. Conner pointed out that this project has a budget shortfall of $56,415. Staff recommends a budget adjustment, which is accomplished by Ordinance No. 208A, to be adopted as part of tonight’s consent calendar.

Responding to Mayor Jepsen, Mike Gillespie, City Engineer, explained that the City’s project to construct sidewalk improvements at NE 175th St. and the METRO project at the intersection of 175th and Meridian will be coordinated. A subcontractor for Mid-Mountain is the same contractor King County is using.

Mayor Jepsen referred to the Washington State Department of Transportation project in this area. Mr. Gillespie said that project is about two years in the future. Coordination is occurring but there will not be overlap in the final work.

(a) Community Beautification Awards

Eric Swansen, Senior Management Analyst, used slides to display the winners of the second annual Community Beautification awards. He noted the applications were reviewed by Sherwood Sage (owner of Ork Floor Care), Dr. Bill Schnall (past residential award winner) and Anna Kolousek, Assistant Director of Planning and Development Services.

After the slides, Mayor Jepsen presented awards to:

Seattle Restaurant Store (14910 Aurora Ave. N.) -- Commercial category
Spin Alley Bowling Center (Richmond Beach Rd.) -- Commercial Honorable Mention
Christiansen residence (27th Ave. NW) -- Residential category
Epperson residence (27th Ave. NW) -- Residential Honorable Mention
Chestnut Court Assisted Living (Crista campus) -- Multi-family category
Wehmeyer Condominiums (Richmond Beach Rd.) -- Multi-family Honorable Mention
Richmond Beach Congregational Church Open Category -- (church steeple/and Voicestream Wireless cell phone tower)

Mr. Conner returned to inform the Council that staff has decided to withdraw its application to clear and grade the lower site for the Shoreview Park Little League ball field. He provided background on the issue, noting that after a pre-decision public hearing, the Hearing Examiner reported that the City had followed all necessary regulatory requirements. However, he made several recommendations regarding lengthy and expensive testing and study before development of the lower site. In view of this, Mr. Conner said staff will develop a design for a ball field at the upper site adjacent to the tennis courts.

Commenting on his original support of the lower field, Mayor Jepsen felt staff is taking the appropriate direction in light of the Hearing Examiner’s report.

Councilmember Ransom commented that he, too, had supported the lower field. However, he has contacted members of the Richmond Little League and found that although the President of the organization desires to pursue the lower field, the majority of people he spoke with said they would simply like to see a field constructed. He said they are "resigned but unhappy," a feeling he shares.

Councilmember Gustafson said he had been involved with this project for a long time and also supported the lower field. He agreed with Councilmember Ransom that after ten years, something should be built. Therefore, he also supported the staff’s position.

Councilmember Hansen commented that he, too, believed the lower field was the more appropriate spot, but the overriding goal is to see a ball field constructed. Therefore, he would support an application for the upper field.

4. REPORTS OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: None

5. PUBLIC COMMENTS

(a) Ken Howe, 745 N. 184th St., said he sent the Council a letter at the end of August regarding historic sites in the Aurora Corridor, and he has not received a response. He wished to ensure that he is not being "filtered out" when he tries to provide information to the Council. On another topic, Mr. Howe was concerned that no records are being kept of Planning Academy deliberations.

(b) Frank Battaglia, 325 NE 178th St., commented that he has a 10,000 square foot lot that he would like to subdivide at some point. He felt that the minimum lot requirement of 7,200 square feet is not practical. Noting Shoreline’s growing population, he felt smaller lots should be accommodated. He supported a change in the law to allow him to use his land as he wishes.

Mayor Jepsen assured Mr. Howe that staff does not filter out any mail from citizens.

He said the Council’s goal is to be sure every letter gets a response. Mr. Deis said staff would pursue this matter.

Mayor Jepsen responded to Mr. Battaglia that lot size has been a controversial issue since the City incorporated. He provided some background on the issue and pointed out that there has been a great deal of public process on this and that at this point Council has declared a moratorium on smaller lots.

In response to Mr. Howe, Tim Stewart, Planning and Development Services Director, noted that it had been agreed from the beginning that the Planning Academy was not a legislative or decision-making body. The rule is that any Academy member can submit any document for the file. All submittals have been inventoried and kept, and they are available for inspection. Turning to the historic properties along Aurora, he said the environmental review will require a careful scrutiny of historic assets.

Mr. Deis added that the development code is under review, along with design standards. One of the things being considered is that smaller lots may be permitted if certain standards are met. The moratorium is in place prohibiting lots smaller than 7,200 square feet while these standards are developed.

Mr. Stewart added that cottage housing is allowed in the Comprehensive Plan if a series of conditions are met, including neighborhood design review. These opportunities for denser housing will be considered in the second phase of development code review.

6. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

Upon motion by Deputy Mayor Montgomery, seconded by Councilmember Gustafson and unanimously carried, the agenda was approved.

7. CONSENT CALENDAR

Councilmember Hansen moved approval of the consent calendar. Councilmember Lee seconded the motion, which carried 7-0, and the following items were approved:

Minutes of the Workshop of August 16, 1999
Minutes of the Annual Planning and Budget Retreat
Minutes of the Dinner Meeting of August 23, 1999
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 23, 1999

Approval of expenses and payroll as of August 27, 1999 in the amount of $1,777,670.71

Motion to accept the low bid and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Armadillo Underground Inc. in the amount of $106,221, and to sign any change orders necessary to address unexpected conditions that do not exceed a total of 10% of the contract amount

Motion to authorize the City Manager to submit Public Works Trust Fund Loan and Grant Funding Applications for Transportation, Surface Water and Interurban Trail Projects, and to authorize execution of the funding agreements should the projects be selected for funding

Ordinance No. 208A [designated for the record as Ordinance No. 208] creating a budget amendment to amend the budgets for two sidewalk projects; and a motion to: 1) accept the low construction bid [Mid-Mountain Construction in the amount of $268,315] and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract for the construction of the N. 175th sidewalk improvements, including the authority to execute change orders up to 10% of the contract amount; and 2) authorize the City Manager to amend the existing consulting agreement with ST Engineers to an amount not to exceed $33,500

8. ACTION ITEMS: PUBLIC HEARINGS

(a) Public hearing to consider citizens’ comments regarding proposed Ordinance No. 207

Ordinance No. 207 extending a moratorium for six months on the filing, acceptance or approval of any applications for the subdivision of land within the R-4 and R-6 residential zones which would result in the creation of any lot containing less than 7,200 square feet in area

Mr. Stewart noted this item has been extensively debated and discussed for the past two years. It has been determined that the City can meet its growth targets with a 7,200 square foot minimum lot size. However, there may be opportunities for more intensive development as long as it is sensitive to the particular site. The moratorium extension should only be required for a few more weeks. The Planning Commission has held its public hearing on the development standards and should be forwarding a recommenda-tion to Council soon. He said the ordinance brought forward will establish the minimum lot size of 7,200 square feet and a minimum density requirement of four dwelling units per acre across all of the City zoning districts.

Mayor Jepsen opened the public hearing.

(1) Randy Bannecker, Seattle King County Association of Realtors, 12015 115th NE, Suite 295, Kirkland, urged Council to consider exceptions and flexibility in density requirements on a site-specific basis. He said the region is growing and there may be increased requirements for accommodation of housing throughout King County. He supported cottage development in certain areas and said that sensitivity to bulk and scale can make a dense area more acceptable. He also mentioned using smaller lots to buffer areas of higher density and urged Council to pursue such approaches.

Upon motion by Councilmember Hansen, seconded by Councilmember Ransom and unanimously carried, the public hearing was closed.

Councilmember Hansen moved adoption of Ordinance No. 207. Councilmember Gustafson seconded the motion.

Mayor Jepsen commented on the amount of public discussion of this item, noting the goal is to do what the community wants while maintaining the flexibility needed to meet growth targets.

Councilmember Hansen stated his belief that the City should be open to variances under the right circumstances.

A vote was taken on the motion, which carried 7 - 0, and Ordinance No. 207 was adopted.

(b) Public hearing to consider the Human Services Allocations Advisory Committee’s Recommendations for 2000 Health and Human Service Competitive General Fund and Community Development Block Grant Allocations

Motion to adopt the Human Services Allocations Advisory Committee’s recommendations for allocating 2000 CDBG and Health and Human Services funds, including the recommended Allocations for CDBG Planning/Administration and the King County Housing Repair Fund, as well as the contingency plan; and to authorize the City Manager to enter into agreements for implementing these projects

Rachael Markle, Grants Specialist, reviewed the process by which these recommendations have come to Council. She said the City will receive approximately $334,500 from federal Community Development Block Grant funds (CDBG). The recommendation is to allocate this money as follows: 1) $58,064 (the maximum amount allowed under federal CDBG guidelines, 15% of the total) for public (human) services programs; 2) $53,459 (the maximum allowed amount) for CDBG program planning and administration; 3) $74,000 to the King County Housing Repair Fund; and 4) the remaining $148,976 to capital projects. To supplement CDBG funds, the City’s 2000 budget contains a recommended allocation of approximately $158,000.

Continuing, Ms. Markle said the City received 30 applications this year: 24 for public service projects and four for capital projects. Ms. Markle recognized one member of the Human Services Allocations Advisory Committee in the audience, Ron Greeley, and thanked the remaining committee members (Irene Hartzell, Edel Hondl-Murray, Lois Billig, Andria Lazaga). After explaining the rating criteria for the applications, Ms. Markle noted the importance of a contingency plan, since all funding sources are not secure.

Rob Beem, Health and Human Services Manager, said this budget is similar to the past two years but the recommendation contains three new programs: 1) Teen Hope, Youth and Family Mediation project; 2) Multi-Service Centers of North and East King County’s emergency services program; and 3) the Youth Volunteer core. He noted that three items have been of particular concern to Council:

Mayor Jepsen opened the public hearing.

(1) Timothy Wolfe, 9514 4th Ave. NE, Seattle, represented the Arc of King County, a non-profit organization that supports individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Mr. Wolfe is the coordinator of the assisted living program. He supported the staff recommendation for Parkview Homes, emphasizing that his program will be available to support the individuals who will live in the Parkview condominiums. He urged adoption of the committee’s recommendation.

(2) Jan Dickerman, 18220 95th Ave. NE, Housing Director for the Multi-Service Centers of North and East King County, which operates the Kenmore family shelter, said Shoreline has supported the shelter in the past. Emphasizing the existence of homelessness in the Shoreline community, she said last year the shelter turned away 5,000 for lack of space. She explained that the capital project allocation is to replace the mansard on the roof.

(3) Patrick Tefts spoke for Childcare Resources, an unfunded applicant. He thanked the City for its consideration of the application and hoped that his agency would be funded in the future.

(4) Rebecca Roy, YWCA Pathways for Women, described the services provided to families headed by single parents and the successes of the agency. Since receiving Shoreline CDBG funds, the agency has exceeded its goals every year and looks forward to serving the community and partnering with other providers.

Upon motion by Councilmember Hansen, seconded by Councilmember Ransom and unanimously carried, the public hearing was closed.

Councilmember Hansen moved to adopt the Human Services Allocation Committee’s Recommendations for allocating 2000 CDBG and Health and Human Services funds, including the recommended allocations for CDBG Planning/Administration ($53,459) and the King County Housing Repair Fund ($74,000), as well as the contingency plan; and to authorize the City Manager to enter into agreements for implementing these projects. Councilmember King seconded the motion.

Councilmember King stated that it would take four times as much money to really meet the needs.

Mayor Jepsen concurred with Councilmember King and expressed concern about the certainty of federal funding. He wanted to ensure that the agencies being funded realize that CDBG funding is not guaranteed. The fate of Initiative 695 adds even more uncertainty. He wished to move forward, but with the caveat that the picture could be greatly changed before the end of the year. Mr. Beem assured him that this has been communicated to all the agencies.

Councilmember Gustafson applauded the process and thanked the committee for its thoughtful screening process.

A vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously, and the following funding allocations were approved:

Human Services Projects:

Center for Human Services -------------------------------------------------------------------------------$ 68,800
City of Shoreline, Teen EarthWorks--------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 7,500
Crisis Clinic----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 5,250
Emergency Feeding Program/Shoreline -----------------------------------------------------------------$ 9,000
Food Lifeline --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 5,000
Multi-Service Centers of North & East King County, Emergency Services------------------- $ 5,000
Multi-Services Centers of North & East King County, Kenmore Emergency Shelter ------$ 6,000
Senior Services of Seattle/King County, Shoreline/Lake Forest Park Senior Center ------$ 63,368
Shoreline Parent Education Center Healthy Start ----------------------------------------------------$ 7,085
The Homelessness Project of the Church Council of Greater Seattle ---------------------------$ 5,300
TeenHope, Youth and Family Mediation ----------------------------------------------------------------$7,500
Youth Volunteer Corps of King County -----------------------------------------------------------------$ 8,000
YMCA, Club Kellogg ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------$ 10,000
YWCA, Safety Net for Families--------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 6,000
TOTAL --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------$215,803

Capital Projects

Shoreline Public Works Department, ADA improvements to sidewalks ----------------------$ 65,316
Parkview Group Homes III -------------------------------------------------------------------------------$ 32,410
Multi-Service Centers, Kenmore Family Emergency Shelter----------------------------------- $ 11,250
Shoreline YMCA, Childcare Enrichment site development and program expansion ------$ 40,000
TOTAL -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------$148,976

9. OTHER ACTION ITEMS: ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS

(a) Motion to approve the NE 185th Rechannelization Project to add a center left turn lane and bicycle lanes to NE 185th St. between Midvale Avenue and 1st Avenue NE

Mike Gillespie, City Engineer, provided background on staff’s recommendation to rechannel NE 185th St. to add a left turn lane and bicycle lanes between Midvale Ave. and 1st Ave. NE. This section was selected because of its high traffic volumes and the number of accidents. The proposal eliminates on-street parking and reduces traffic to one lane in each direction. This should reduce the number of accidents.

Next, Mr. Gillespie described the public outreach process, which included an open house on June 16 and contacts with churches impacted by the changes. Issues raised by the public included loss of parking, coordination of traffic signals, speeding, the possibility that 185th may become an interchange for I-5, the amount of use the bicycle lanes will receive, and delay of traffic flow because of right turns and transit stops.

Addressing traffic speed, Mr. Gillespie said the road currently promotes higher speeds. The turn lane and bicycle lanes will create narrower traffic lanes, which should cause cars to travel at lower speeds.

Turning to the parking issue, Mr. Gillespie said the Community Church and the Berean Bible Church have access to additional parking at the Shoreline Center. The Community Church supports the improvements. The Bible Church did not respond to contacts. Loss of on-street parking will create a problem for the Covenant Church. Mr. Gillespie pointed out that in August between nine and 13 cars parked on the street during Sunday services. He noted that church demand for parking occurs during very limited periods. He said staff is committed to working with the Covenant Church to assist in meeting parking needs.

In conclusion, Mr. Gillespie made the following points: 1) the proposed configuration will handle projected traffic for the next 20 years at an acceptable level; 2) the Police and Fire Departments favor the improvements because the two-way left turn lane provides a way to get around traffic; 3) the bicycle lanes are proposed in the Comprehensive Plan, and bicycles will use the street to connect between Aurora Ave., Meridian, the Interurban Trail and the trail systems along Lake Washington; and 4) if an interchange is built at 185th St., additional major improvements would be required.

Mayor Jepsen called for public comment.

(1) Diane Webster, 19226 18th Ave. NE spoke as a representative of the board of the Shoreline Covenant Church, which is concerned about the loss of parking and the consequent impacts to the congregation and the surrounding neighborhood. She also raised the issue of bicycle safety, speaking as the wife of a former bicycle commuter who survived a major accident. She pointed out that on 185th St., bicycle commuters use the traffic lane and youngsters use the sidewalks. She feared that youngsters and inexperienced bikers will use the bicycle lane on the street and endanger themselves, particularly because of "drafting" (the tendency of larger vehicles to exert a pull on a bicycle). She asked Council to use caution in installing bicycle lanes.

(2) Mike Guerrero, 907 N. 196th, also speaking on behalf of Shoreline Covenant Church, commented that surveying on-street parking during the summer does not capture the true numbers. The church counted 25 cars parked on the street in May. If church attendees must park on the street, it will impact the relationship between the church and its neighbors. He appreciated the City Engineer’s attention to their problems and the cooperative attitude of City staff but had concerns about the proposal.

(3) Patrick Stewart Fowler, 1602 N. 185th St., said he has witnessed many accidents at his corner. He commented on the amount of time he has to wait to back out of his driveway now and felt this would increase with only one lane of traffic. He felt more study is required before something is done on 185th St.

Councilmember Lee move to approve the NE 185th rechannelization project as presented by staff. Councilmember Hansen seconded the motion.

Mr. Gillespie said focusing traffic in one lane will allow predictability. He expressed the hope that it will provide more gaps for drivers to back out.

Councilmember King asked why the bicycle lanes could not be extended beyond 1st Ave. to 10th Ave. Mr. Gillespie reiterated that this section of the road was selected because of the traffic volumes and the number of accidents.

Deputy Mayor Montgomery said she could see advantages to the plan, but she also had concerns. She agreed with a speaker that it is preferable to have children riding their bicycles on the sidewalks rather than in the street. She was also concerned that the eastbound traffic comes across Aurora in two lanes and then is suddenly funneled into one lane at Midvale. She felt this would create congestion. She commented on traffic back-ups during the morning rush hour because of the single lane and noted that the issue of church parking must be addressed.

Mr. Gillespie said the transition will allow advanced warning. Deputy Mayor Montgomery and Councilmember Ransom expressed concern that the transition would have to occur too quickly. Mr. Gillespie responded that the plan attempts to address accidents at Ashworth and Midvale. He also said that he did not expect children to use the bicycle lanes. They would remain on the sidewalks.

Councilmember Gustafson was concerned about safety and suggested lowering the speed limit to 30 miles/hour. Mr. Gillespie responded that speed limits are usually set by the speed at which responsible drivers drive the street. He said just changing the speed limit will not reduce the speeds.

Councilmember Ransom felt this project should not be approved at this time and staff should be asked to come back with another proposal. He suggested four lanes in order to accommodate increasing traffic. Mr. Deis noted this would require the purchase of additional right-of-way.

Councilmember Lee drew an analogy to the rechannelization of 155th St. approaching Aurora Ave. She felt the transition in that area had not been well thought out and emphasized its importance. Because of the problems there, she wanted to see a more clearly identified transition for this project before she could vote for approval.

Mayor Jepsen wondered whether slowing traffic on 185th St. will force drivers to other streets, such as 175th St. Mr. Gillespie said there may be a slight shift, but it is hard for old habits to change. Deputy Mayor Montgomery believed more drivers will switch to 192nd St.

Mr. Deis commented that all the design options, which address different problems, are interrelated. In order to put in the center turn lane, there can only be one lane each way for traffic. He reiterated that if the proposal were to increase capacity, additional right-of-way would be required.

Noting the hesitation of Councilmembers to approve the proposed changes, Mayor Jepsen wondered if a demonstration effort could be done to see whether or not the proposal works before committing to permanent striping.

Councilmember Gustafson said staff has put a lot of effort into analyzing this situation and developing a workable solution. He felt the proposal will create a safer environment for drivers making left turns, backing out of driveways, and using bicycles. If it really doesn’t work, the configuration could be changed back.

Councilmember Hansen said he opposed the restriping already accomplished, noting the number of near misses he has seen on this street. He agreed that "drafting" could be a problem for bicyclists. He said the left turn lane at Meridian has improved safety, but the congestion has increased. He appreciated staff’s effort, but he felt that going to one lane will increase congestion at Midvale. Also, he said the bicycle lanes will put bicyclists at risk, and having these lanes will not help those backing out of driveways. He did know what the answer is, but he did not support the proposal.

Mayor Jepsen said the process has already been started and should be completed. He suggested looking at the multiple accesses to QFC.

Deputy Mayor Montgomery commended the City Engineer for the public process and said it is significant that very few people came to Council to oppose the rechannelization.

Councilmember Ransom reiterated his suggestion that the City evaluate a proposal for four lanes with increased right-of-way.

A vote was taken on the motion to approve the NE 185th rechannelization projects to add a center left turn lane and bicycle lanes to NE 185th St. between Midvale Avenue and 1st Avenue NE, which carried 4 - 3, with Councilmembers Hansen, Lee and Ransom dissenting.

Mr. Deis said staff will monitor the speeds and accident rates on 155th and 185th and report back to Council. He noted that staff will also monitor capacity, parking problems, and the driveway issue.

Councilmember Lee asked staff to look at 155th St. when it reviews the transition plan for this project. Mr. Deis said the QFC access issue will also be considered.

10. PUBLIC COMMENT

(a) Mike Guerrero, 907 N. 196th St., thanked the Council for considering the church’s concerns and asked that the Shoreline Covenant Church be kept apprised of the monitoring process.

11. ADJOURNMENT

Mayor Jepsen declared the meeting adjourned at 9:47 p.m.

 

_________________________________
Sharon Mattioli, CMC
City Clerk