CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
SUMMARY MINUTES OF BUSINESS MEETING
Monday, October 22, 2007 - 7:30 p.m.
Shoreline Conference Center
Mt. Rainier Room
PRESENT: Mayor Ransom, Deputy Mayor Fimia, Councilmember Gustafson, Councilmember Hansen, Councilmember McGlashan, Councilmember Ryu, and Councilmember Way.
ABSENT: None.
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At 7:33 p.m., the meeting was called to order by Mayor Ransom, who presided.
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Mayor Ransom led the flag salute. Upon roll call by the City Clerk, all Councilmembers were present.
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Bob Olander, City Manager, provided updates and reports on past and future City meetings and events. He said the Fall Clean Sweep event on October 16 was a successful event with over 1,057 vehicles attending. He reported that the Westminster Triangle lot clean-up has been completed. Upcoming City and community meetings include:
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Councilmember Way reported on her attendance at the Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 8 meeting.
Councilmember McGlashan attended the legislative breakfast for the Committee to End Homelessless and has a packet to give to the City. He also attended the Clean Sweep event and suggested that the process for recycling lightbulbs be expedited.
Councilmember Gustafson said he and Councilmember Way attended the WRIA 8 meeting and will pass out information at the next meeting.
Mayor Ransom said he would also report next week on the Suburban Cities Association (SCA) meeting he attended.
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a) Boni Biery, Shoreline, thanked the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) Department for their work in improving the wetland at Ronald Bog. She said PRCS provided the tools, and volunteers have cleared blackberries, scotchbroom, and other invasive species and have planted about 250 native plants. She urged people to drive by in the springtime.
b) Rhonda Harris, Shoreline, said she is a single parent of a child with developmental disabilities and works at The ARC of King County. She said the Parks and Recreation staff told her they were unable to accommodate her child's challenges and behaviors. She said she didn't get any help throughout the rest of the summer. She urged the Council to make programs accessible for all children. She encouraged families to attend the developmental disabilities forum to share with King County legislators any issues that impact them. Additionally, she said she has spoken to Senator Fairley, who is a Shoreline resident.
c) Julie Manning, Shoreline, said her severely autistic child has become a prisoner in her own home during the summer since there are no recreation programs open to her family. She urged that the City allocate a small portion of the budget for programs that mirror the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation. She commented that the City of Seattle program is full and cannot accommodate more autistic children from Shoreline.
d) Melissa Banker, Shoreline, said there are about 1,100 special education students in the Shoreline School District, and she can guarantee that those children are not being served by City programs. She said the last time she tried to sign her child up for swimming, the pool staff told her that the swimming pool doesn’t want the responsibility of taking care of her child. She added that most Shoreline specialized programs cater to children 15 years old and up. The next program is for children 8 and up, but it is inconvenient because it is at 7:30 at night. She said summers are difficult for her family.
e) Heidi Talley, Shoreline, said she has a developmentally disabled child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and in the summertime he is bored. She said she has tried programs for children his age and have been disappointed from the lack of support from the staff. So eventually she stopped sending him because she felt he was being targeted. She said Shoreline needs to allocate funds to accommodate these children so they can grow to their full potential. She added that programs like this are available in Seattle and the City needs to make this a top priority.
f) Ann Patton, Shoreline, said she is a single parent with a special needs child and it is extremely hard in the summer time. She commented that single parents have to work, but without child care it is difficult. She said her child has been kicked out of day care centers because of his special needs. She requested allocating some funding for more severe special needs kids. She said she has nowhere to turn and there is no help in Shoreline. She urged the Council to make it easier to find childcare for these special needs children.
g) Rebecca Sargent, Shoreline, said she is a mother of a 16-year-old son that is autistic. She is concerned that the City isn’t able to move forward as a community. She said it shouldn’t be "those kids" versus "our kids." She said Seattle has a special needs summer camp and Mountlake Terrace has excellent special needs programs, even with their small budget. She highlighted that something is missing here and hoped the Council will support these mothers.
h) Karen Shiveley, Center for Human Services (CHS) in Shoreline, said CHS was recognized with the King County Exemplary Service Award in the category of direct service, and they were nominated by Shoreline Councilmember Keith McGlashan and Lake Forest Park Mayor Dave Hutchinson. She said she is honored for the recognition and without the City’s funding CHS couldn’t offer the services it provides. She said she has expended the City’s allocation on mental health and substance abuse for 2007. She added that they also received an award from the King County Reclaiming Futures Initiative, the Science to Service Award. She concluded by asking the Council to pass a resolution showing their united support for the mental health sales tax increase legislation.
i) Pat Murray, Shoreline, discussed candidate impartiality and character. He noted that Paul Grace told him that he would not be directed by others in carrying out his office, and would listen to the residents prior to voting. In the next election, Councilmember Way replaced Paul Grace, which changed the balance of power, but people have used “smear tactics” to nullify the outcome of the election. He said Paul Grace held a kickoff in a developer's office, and a former councilmember helped Doris McConnell’s election campaign effort. He questioned her impartiality. He also questioned the circumstances in which Councilmember McGlashan became a Councilmember.
j) Bronston Kenney, Shoreline, stated that there is a war in Shoreline between developers and residents. He added that the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) records for Pro Shoreline show lots of contributors with developer relations. He said Pro Shoreline plans are in direct conflict with those who live and work here. He said Mary Fox tried to distance Pro Shoreline from the failed lawsuits, but their members are linked to the lawsuit. He said the Pro Shoreline mailer quoting Brian Sonntag was misleading. Ultimately, he said, it comes down to a question of who can be trusted. Deputy Mayor Fimia and Chris Eggen are endorsed by Democrats and preferred by Republicans. He stated that Pro Shoreline has brought incivility to the Council.
k) Chris Eggen, Shoreline, discussed the Medic One levy and said he served on an advisory committee for the Shoreline Fire Department last year. He said Medic One is very professional and organized and has only one source of funding, the property tax. He announced that their costs are going up 3-5% next year. He urged citizens to vote for the levy on November 6.
l) Les Nelson, Shoreline, stated there was a rezone in his neighborhood in 1998 and residents have to be notified as a part of the Comprehensive Plan process. However, revisions can get made outside of that process. He said he spoke a couple of weeks ago about Ordinance No. 478 and developers said they could already build huge developments next to residential. He said he has spoken to about fifty residents and no one is aware this kind of intense land use exists next to Aurora Avenue. He urged everyone along Aurora Avenue to get involved, noting that the huge developments in Ballard have wiped out their neighborhoods. He said it seems that 65-foot buildings are already permitted next to residential and there is nothing the citizens can do about it.
m) Elaine Phelps, Shoreline, said there was an editorial in the Enterprise supporting Paul Grace, but the statements aren’t true. She said Mr. Grace was appointed by the old majority, voted with them, and is an officer of Pro Shoreline. She said ProShoreline has brought forth non-factual information into the City. She added that Doris McConnell’s supporters are made up of twenty-seven Innis Arden residents who oppose environmental protection, otherwise known as the “tree cutters.” If the residents want good environmental programs in the City, then they should not vote for Grace or McConnell. She said Mr. Grace has voted in favor of every development project in the City.
n) Jim DiPeso, Shoreline, said there was an attempted home invasion at his neighbor's house while two children were at home. He said the criminals drive through a neighborhood and observe unoccupied houses. They ring the doorbell and if someone is there, they give phony speeches about supporting a political cause or some sales pitch and leave. If no one is home, they boldly break in. He said they are generally white males in their early to mid-20's. He said this is something to be aware of and neighbors should organize a block watch.
Mr. Olander responded to the issue of programs for developmentally disabled children. He said the comments were timely should be considered within the context of the City’s long-range financial needs. He urged residents to call 911 about any concerns in their neighborhood and not to wait until someone breaks in before reporting suspicious persons. He discussed the Regional Business (RB) zone and the 65-foot height restriction. He said potential development depends on the site characteristics and it allows for four to five floors depending on right-of-way access, parking, building configuration, setbacks, and so forth. He said it is true that these are adjacent to single family neighborhoods.
Joe Tovar, Planning and Development Services Director, commented that the RB zone is a vestige of County zoning, so it has existed since before incorporation. The maximum height is 65 feet with no maximum unit count. He said the unit count is controlled by the envelope and parking. He said the RB envelope and design can be considered through the subarea plan process.
Deputy Mayor Fimia asked about the process for changing the code. Mr. Tovar replied that the Council can change zones, but it can only be done through a legislative process involing the Planning Commission and public hearings.
Councilmember Way asked for an analysis of the developmentally disabled programs in Shoreline compared with those in Mountlake Terrace and Seattle. Mr. Olander said that City staff could come up with some budget options concerning disabled programs in the City.
Councilmember Ryu suggested a year-round summer program in conjunction with the school district. She said there is a huge need for developmentally disability programs in this City and asked the City staff to look at it creatively.
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Councilmember Hansen moved approval of the agenda. Deputy Mayor Fimia seconded the motion, which carried 7-0 and the agenda was approved.
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Deputy Mayor Fimia moved approval of the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Hansen seconded the motion, which carried 7-0 and the following items were approved:
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(a) Minutes of Special Meeting of August 20, 2007 Minutes of Business Meeting of August 27, 2007 Minutes of Special Meeting of September 4, 2007 Minutes of Business Meeting of September 10, 2007 |
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(b) Approval of expenses and payroll as of October 9, 2007 in the amount of $2,140,060.65 |
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(c) Approval of Mini-Grant Projects for Hillwood Neighborhood Association, Richmond Beach Community Association, and Ridgecrest Neighborhood Association |
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Mr. Olander introduced Jesus Sanchez, Public Works Operations Manager, Rika Cecil, Environmental Programs Manager, and Jeff Brown, City Consultant.
Mr. Sanchez said this presentation will cover the list of concerns brought up at the previous Council meeting as well as any other questions the Council may have. The list included the following: 1) a description of CleanScapes' transition and implementation process; 2) Cleanscapes’ rates & services compared to Waste Management's (WM) rates & services; 3) Cleanscapes' financial data and other financial information supports their capacity and viability; and 4) Cleanscapes’ reference check scores.
Mr. Sanchez explained the Cleanscapes transition and implementation schedule, and while the City is still negotiating rates, it believes they will be even lower than those reflected in the draft contract. He added that the contract is about 99 percent complete and the rate schedule is the only piece that has to be negotiated further. Weekly meetings with CS are scheduled and are a part of the transition and implementation process. He said there are proposed Council meeting presentations scheduled from November through April. He added that October through February is scheduled to be the equipment procurement period with customer data, routing and billing going on during that period. Customer notification and public education is paramount and will occur between October and February 2008 with collection beginning March 1, 2008.
Continuing, Mr. Sanchez said as part of the implementation, CS will assist with the coordination of the cart switch-out and delivery. There will be a final approval for educational materials by the City, and the City will support the outreach effort through Currents, the Enterprise, the cable channel, and the City website along with mailings and other information that CS will provide. The City will monitor collection services in the field during the first month and randomly in later months to verify each milestone completion. He discussed the comparison between CleanScapes' rates and services and those of Waste Management. CS was the lowest of the three bidders, and it will have call center staff dedicated to the City of Shoreline which will focus on Shoreline issues. He added that there will be online access to customer account information and e-billing discounts. There will also be free residential fluorescent tube recycling, which WM does not provide. He said CS utilizes universal carts made of 50% recycled product and have a fleet upgrade and replacement program. This program means that their trucks will be replaced every 5-8 years as standards begin to increase. He added that CS will also have a commercial recycling outreach and a public event recycling program at no cost to the City. He said there will also be a senior rate, account credit during vacations, and service for disabled persons.
Regarding finances, Mr. Sanchez said CleanScapes’ financial viability concerns an initial fixed asset investment of $6.3 million funded by Wells Fargo and a working capital of $1.1 million from Wells Fargo with a revolving line of credit. Capital reserve contingencies are up to $2 million in committed capital, and CS has a current ratio of 4:1 of adequate cash to meet current obligations; a ratio of 2:1 or higher is favorable. Concerning reference checks, he said there were four references for capital, and two of them were the Seattle Mariners and Pike Place Market. Overall, he noted that their references returned very positively. In conclusion, Mr. Sanchez stated that the City staff is comfortable with the services and rates from CS and is very satisfied with their financial viability and reference checks. Staff recommends the Council authorize the City Manager execute a solid waste service provider contract with CS.
Mr. Olander said this was a very open and fair process. He said all of the firms had an opportunity to compete and CS was the low bidder. He commented that the City has had good experiences with WM, but having the lowest bid is a part of the competitive process. He affirmed that CS has a solid financial infrastructure in place along with the appropriate loans and credit to make this happen. There will only be ten to twelve trucks and drivers, and CS already has a good reputation and is well-established in the area. He added that another important piece is if the firm has the key personnel to manage this type of work. He said Cleanscapes’ key personnel have a wealth of experience and will also provide the City with an experienced call center, administrative staff, route managers, and drivers. He concluded that the City staff is comfortable recommending CS for this contract. He added that WM has done an outstanding job. He admitted that he was somewhat surprised at the results of the scoring and had to review the figures himself.
Mayor Ransom said that Jerry Hardebeck has managed contracts for several cities in his employment with WM. He said the City only has nine routes that are currently handled by ten trucks and drivers. He said he has spoken to two of Cleanscapes’ references, who feel Mr. Hardebeck will treat the City, the employees, and the residents fairly.
Mr. Olander added that the City staff will be working with CS to track their milestones. He felt comfortable that the City staff can manage this process well.
Mayor Ransom called for public comment.
a) Nancy Morris, Shoreline, quoting a tribal elder from the Cowlitz Tribe, said “The ancient people of this land consider the next seven generations coming before making a serious decision.” She said this concept is greatly needed in improving the health of our communities, ourselves, and those yet to be born. If the City doesn’t take steps now future generations will be surrounded by landfill wastelands. Society is running out of time to change the unsustainable trends. She said the Council has a goal to create an Environmentally Sustainable Community, and CS practices what it advocates. She felt that CS has a better and more balanced plan for waste pickup and recycling.
b) Boni Biery, Shoreline, supported the contract with CS and said it is also the least expensive in terms of the environment. She said this will have a ripple effect in long run because they are providing business recycling. Businesses, she continued, will look for ways to reduce their garbage, and there will be less waste material to deal with in the City.
c) Stu Fox, Redmond, said he works for Western Peterbilt and is the Vice President and General Sales Manager for Western Washington with 19 years experience in the refuse business. He explained that they have trucks on order for CS and have had a very strong relationship with Mr. Hardebeck and Mr. Martin. He said the only reason his company is building the trucks prior to the contract being finalized is because of the current relationship his company has with them.
d) Ken Marshall said he is a business agent for Teamsters Local #174. He commented that the City Manager said CS would only need to come up with ten trucks with drivers. He said CS is also a finalist with the City of Seattle, and if they secure that contract they would need thirty trucks and sixty drivers. He said their burden would become substantial very quickly. He suggested the Council wait to make a decision.
e) Eric Weiss introduced himself as the Northwest Regional Sales Manager of Cascade Engineering, whose firm produces injection-molded garbage and recycling containers. He supported CS and assured the City that the containers will be delivered to the City in time for the start of contract in March 2008.
f) Pat Murray, Shoreline, commented on the revisions to the recycling pick-ups related to oil, fluorescent tubes, and plastic bags. He said he uses auto supply stores for oil recycling, but curbside pickup would be more convenient. He asked about oil filters. He expressed concern that fluorescent light tubes, which contain mercury, would be broken if they were transported by truck. He noted that major grocery chains have programs for recycling plastic bags. The City, he felt would have to be creative with styrofoam containers. He said if the City bans the use of styrofoam food containers it should find out if low-cost paper-based products are available to prevent increasing costs to businesses.
g) Susan Robinson, Sammamish, Director of Public Sector Services, WM, said it has been privilege to work here over the years. She said WM does “more than meets the eye” in Shoreline, noting that it currently provides commercial food waste and looked forward to adding that to this new contract. WM also provides commercial recycling services and executes commercial audits to help reduce waste. She said WM sorts co-mingled materials in Woodinville and recycles more material than all the facilities in King and Snohomish counties. She said her customer service program ensures that calls are answered in 20 seconds or less. Additionally, missed pick-ups are picked up by the end of that same day. She added that WM has an online bill paying program, a great website, and the infrastructure in place to successfully handle this contract without the risks of the proposed provider. She concluded that WM wants to be the provider for the City of Shoreline.
Mr. Olander clarified that the City of Seattle will be announcing its staff-recommended finalists, not the selected service provider.
h) Dan Stumpf, Snohomish, stated that he is a driver for WM. He said WM can continue to provide excellent service for Shoreline. The residents of the City are 96% satisfied and WM already has the trucks, routes and personnel to fulfill the contract. He strongly emphasized safety and concerns about children going to school in the morning. He noted that the routes have already been planned and allow the drivers to get in and out of the neighborhoods safely. He commented that if the City continues the contract with WM the drivers feel a reward for their performance in prior years and would continue to receive good pay and benefits.
Deputy Mayor Fimia wanted Mr. Olander to outline the process for approving this contract. Mr. Olander clarified that this is not like a traditional bid in that the City is not obligated to select the low bidder. However, the process was established ahead of time and the City should adhere to it. He said it is legally questionable to pass over low bidder, but the Council could reject the bids and direct staff to send this item out to bid again. He said there are legal expectations that this be a fair and open process, and it would be legally questionable to change this process at the end.
i) Chris Hicks said she has worked for WM for the past 13 years. She said she has worked hard as a customer service representative, billing clerk, administrative assistant, and is currently the route manager for the Northwest District. Concerning the Solar Fair, she said she received the call saying that the carts had not arrived, but they were placed where WM was instructed to place them. She suggested that the City and WM meet to discuss improvements since WM already provides many services. She outlined WM’s performance measures and their public education effort. She said the City of Shoreline will not find a more diverse, dedicated, or experienced group of men and women than those at WM.
j) Maryn Wynn, Shoreline, supported the City staff recommendation. She commented that staff has done a thorough job evaluating this and has heard the criteria for rating the proposal. She added that the price evaluation was 80% of the total score, and CS was the lowest bidder. She said the team heading up CS has lots of experience. She felt CS has the resources to implement the contract. She said this is a new opportunity to reevaluate the City’s relationship with its waste. CS brings innovation and leadership to the City. She concluded that they are a local company with the drive to help the City of Shoreline reduce waste, costs, and have a long-term impact on the environment.
k) Tom Graff, Edmonds, commented that he is a business customer of CS. He said he has known Chris Martin for the last 10 years. He commented that Mr. Martin is a person of incredible integrity. He provided copies of letters from CS customers who highly endorse their services. He commented that the City of Shoreline has a reputation for being progressive and he encouraged the Council to go forward with CS.
l) Keith Miles, Shoreline, said he is impressed by the fact that this small company with a proven record can take over this contract from the world's largest waste management company. He commented that competition is good, adding that he is impressed with Cleanscapes’ willingness to work with displaced employees. He concluded that he knows Mr. Martin personally and has the highest regard for his operational ability and his business integrity.
m) Jeanet Szorad, Shoreline, expressed support for CS. She said the firm is very good for the environment and executing this contract represents a “win-win” for her as a citizen. She said she is going to pay less, have less garbage, and will be able to do more composting and recycling. She felt CS will encourage Shoreline to be more aware of the environment and “go green.”
n) Jerry Hardebeck, Maple Valley, Chief Operating Officer of Cleanscapes, said he is proud of what he has heard at this meeting tonight.
o) Chris Martin, Seattle, Cleanscapes President, thanked the City staff and said working with them has been a great experience. He thanked the Council, customers, and supporters. He thanked his own staff and the WM employees.
p) Dan Gualtieri, Bothell, Vice President of the Seattle branch of Frontier Bank, said he has been the banker for CS since 1997. He said they are Seattle-based and locally-owned, and Mr. Martin recognized a need and started a business plan. He said Mr. Martin was invited by the City of Seattle to take over waste management. He said CS has a community-focus with businesses and public-private cooperation, adding that CS is not solely guided by return on investment, but is motivated by community solutions. He said “thinking globally and acting locally” is a component of the character of CS.
q) Ken Cottingham, Shoreline, said he has watched the employees of WM work over the years, and they take everything the residents put out. He wondered why the rating system fell so heavily in favor of CS. He pointed out that WM collects fluorescent tubes, and there is no cost difference if the tubes are collected. He asked what happened to holding true to the old saying “if it isn’t broke don't fix it.” He felt strongly that WM is the best choice for residential waste pick-ups, since CS hasn't picked up residential before.
Councilmember Hansen moved to authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Cleanscapes to provide solid waste services for the City of Shoreline. Councilmember Ryu seconded the motion.
Councilmember Hansen highlighted that WM has done great job in Shoreline and is a great national company. He pointed out that the execution of the contract is not a rejection of WM. CS is a new company which is relatively young. He said he has reviewed all of the materials and it appears that CS has the financial backing and the staff they need to execute this contract. He added that CS has played by rules of the RFP and have come up with a superior proposal. However, he said there are some shortcomings, but not severe enough to change his mind.
Councilmember Ryu also supported the staff recommendation. She thanked everyone for their excellent work. She had concerns about WM having displaced drivers and workers, but there is a part of the contract that says CS will give hiring preferences to them, so she is satisfied. She said Mr. Martin expressed an interest in union wages and unionization, so she felt that would be carried out. She added that she hoped the transition goes smoothly. She said all of this has been educational and she is looking forward to waste diversion because we don't have an unlimited land fill. She asked about construction recycling and stated that her emphasis is to have a styrofoam-free Shoreline in the future.
Councilmember Way was impressed by all the work done by CS, the City staff, and WM. She said she spoke to Local Union #117 and they told her that their relationship with CS has been good. She wanted to ensure displaced workers do not lose their benefits. She thanked WM and the teamsters. She pointed out that WM will have another chance and “will keep CS on its toes.” Mr. Martin responded to Councilmember Way that CS can do phone book and wrapping paper recycling. Councilmember Way also asked about the recycling of holiday trees and the tops on plastic containers. She inquired about truck maneuvering on steep slopes during inclement weather.
Mr. Olander pointed out that there are lots of customers that will have related questions concerning holidays, missed garbage pickups, and other issues will be addressed as a part of the customer education process. The City staff, he highlighted, will make sure the public has those answers so they know what to expect.
Councilmember Way noted that she was not aware that WM was willing to take food scraps. A CS representative displayed a food waste container, noting that it is emptied into the main container that CS picks up on the curb. Councilmember Way asked if CS could possibly partner with Seattle Tilth on worm farms to make it easier for residents to do on their own. She also asked how fluorescent tubes are transported without breaking them. Mr. Martin said there is a container on the side of the truck for used fluorescent bulbs. Councilmember Way supported the CS contract.
Councilmember McGlashan said he really struggled with this item. He said the City would be replacing a company with a 96% satisfaction rating. He commented that it really came down to the bidding process, but CS put in the bid and is going to work on the services. He summarized that CS provided the best bid for the best value and he supported executing the contract with CS.
Councilmember Gustafson supported the recommendation from the City staff. He added that he called Mr. Hardebeck and will pass his questions to the City staff.
Deputy Mayor Fimia asked if customers can have smaller recycling carts if they prefer, to which Mr. Martin responded that they can. Deputy Mayor Fimia said it is important that the City is on the “cutting edge” of technology and environmental sustainability. The Council and the citizens will set a new direction for sustainability with this. CS has the ability to help us with this, and this provides competition and makes everyone better. She supported executing the contract with CS.
Mayor Ransom felt comfortable with the overall process. He said he discussed the criteria with the City staff and felt that it was fair. He noted that the biggest concern he heard from callers was whether CS could deliver the services. This, he explained, led him to check and discuss their references. Jerry Hardebeck was the General Manager of solid waste services for 65 cities, which included working with union representatives and vendors. He said he spoke to several of Cleanscapes’ references and they felt comfortable CS could provide satisfactory services to Shoreline. In summary, he said his concerns have been satisfied. He commented that while it is disappointing for WM to lose the bid, the proper process has been conducted.
A vote was taken on the motion to authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Cleanscapes to provide solid waste services for the City of Shoreline, which carried 7-0.
MEETING EXTENSION
At 10:00 p.m., Councilmember Hansen moved to extend the meeting to 10:15 p.m. Councilmember Ryu seconded the motion, which carried 7-0.
RECESS
At 10:00 p.m. Mayor Ransom called for a five minute break. The Council meeting reconvened at 10:10 p.m.
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Mr. Olander pointed out that there is a time urgency to repeal a portion of this item because it has an impact on our ability to finish the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) work on Aurora Avenue North. He also said there is a budget presentation plan and because it is getting late he suggested the Council hold a special meeting next week to deal with the budget.
Following brief discussion, there was Council consensus to hold a Special Meeting on October 29, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of reviewing the 2008 Departmental Budget Presentations.
MEETING EXTENSION
At 10:15 p.m., Councilmember Hansen moved to extend the meeting until 10:30 p.m. Councilmember McGlashan seconded the motion, which carried 7-0.
Joe Tovar, Planning and Development Services Director, stated that Ordinance 482 adopts the recommendation of the Planning Commission concerning the Comprehensive Plan. He reviewed some administrative corrections and said the Council can adopt this item which will provide direction to the City staff on how to proceed with Phase 2.
Paul Cohen, Planner, displayed the map of the study area boundary and discussed which streets are within it.
Mr. Tovar added that at a dinner meeting when the Work Plan for 2008 was discussed there was reference that this item would come up at this meeting. He said the existing Comprehensive Plan conflicts with the decision the Council made about the preferred alternative for Aurora. Thus, this creates a problem for the SEPA compliance for Aurora Phase 2. This ordinance will remove that inconsistency in favor of the decision to adopt the flexible alternative.
Mayor Ransom asked how this affects Amendments #5 and #9 the Council discussed a couple of weeks ago. Mr. Tovar responded that it doesn't really affect them.
Deputy Mayor Fimia asked Mr. Tovar to summarize what this item is all about.
Mr. Tovar said this proposal is to create a new subarea plan, called the Town Center Subarea Plan. It adopts five framework policies which direct how the City will execute them. Mr. Olander said the Council felt the City needed to expand the study area and move forward with a broader restudy of the impacts in the whole area. Mr. Tovar stated that the Central Shoreline Subarea Report was not officially adopted, and since it is physically in the Comprehensive Plan as Appendix 1 it needs to be repealed.
Mayor Ransom called for public comment.
a) Boni Biery, Shoreline, highlighted that based on the Neighborhood Traffic Safety Program (NTSP) on Firlands Way done in 2004, the area experiences a traffic volume of 1,160 cars per day. She commented that only 24% are local residents. She highlighted that the traffic there wasn’t mitigated prior to any of the construction beginning in that area. She said from south to north there have been at least eleven construction projects that have taken place in the area with no traffic mitigation.
b) Les Nelson, Shoreline, said this sounds like the 1,300-foot issue and felt uneasy when the Council and City staff discusses study areas. He is uncomfortable and felt like someone is trying to get this in before the public knows what is going on. He said he has Comprehensive Plans that show different zoning. He said he has copies of maps with Safeway being in a commercial business zone. He also stated that the definitions are different. He commented that 240 units could be developed in his neighborhood, and there is a proposal for this. He said he would like to see some sensitivity given to people who reside in the R-6 zones to have some kind of buffer. He said informing the residents doesn’t mean just putting an ad in the paper, but people getting a mailing and some type of explanation to what it means for them. He added that there is a table that shows there is no maximum density. He commented that there is a 1.16-acre site with a proposal for 240 units, but you can’t put all of those units in a four story building.
MEETING EXTENSION
At 10:30 p.m., Deputy Mayor Fimia moved to extend the meeting to 10:45 p.m. Councilmember Ryu seconded the motion, which carried 7-0.
Mr. Tovar commented that what the City is dealing with is a subarea plan that will have a new zone to implement it. He highlighted that there has been no change to the RB zoning. He said the City staff spoke to the Council concerning a notion of a Planned Area Zone; the issue being that there is no transition zone in Shoreline. This, he explained, provides an opportunity to look at these issues.
Councilmember Hansen moved to adopt Ordinance No. 482. Councilmember Gustafson seconded the motion.
Councilmember Hansen move to amend the northern subarea zone boundary, changing it from N. 192nd to N. 195th Street. Councilmember Gustafson seconded the motion, which carried 7-0.
Councilmember McGlashan questioned if Aurora Rents was in the center of Shoreline. He asked why the zone stops at N 170th and doesn’t include N 165th. He stated that if Fremont is included, the Spartan Recreation Center can be added and that is a good sized park.
Mr. Tovar said the City staff started with the Town Center, and ultimately what comes out of this will be area plans for the entire corridor over a number of years.
Councilmember McGlashan felt that extending the area to N 195th will not really help traffic issues on Firlands Way. He added that the development that goes in this area doesn’t allow for mitigation for what is occurring now. He thought the speed bumps helped, but extending it won’t help the traffic problems.
Mr. Tovar said the City staff did not object because at least adding it to the study area allows the City to look at all impacts. He added that it could be a capital budget issue, transportation, or land use configuration issue, but both the transportation and the land use is what the neighborhood wants the City to address.
Mayor Ransom said the concerns he hears from the public is how this relates to the 1,300 feet on each side. Mr. Olander said this is only a study area.
Councilmember Hansen said it isn’t really a subarea plan, but Ordinance No. 482 allows the City to enter into a subarea study. He added that it isn’t changing anything except that the City is going to study the issues. He commented that changes will have to come later.
Mr. Tovar concurred. He added that the City isn’t just trying to capture areas where there may be some changes, but those adjacent areas that may be affected.
Deputy Mayor Fimia said the reason this needs to be adopted now is that the Comprehensive Plan map was never adopted by Council that isn’t consistent with the Aurora Corridor Flexible Plan.
Responding to Deputy Mayor Fimia regarding the need to adopt this now, Mr. Tovar clarified that some portions of the Central Shoreline Subarea Plan (CSSP) were adopted by the Council by ordinance. However, the remaining land use portion was not.
Deputy Mayor Fimia concluded that the City cannot move forward with the SEPA process for the Aurora Corridor Project until the City has consistency within the Comprehensive Plan. This, she explained, basically redraws the map and gives a vehicle to make corrections.
Mr. Olander said the framework policies are very general, and as the City moves forward they will be worked out in more detail by the citizens, the staff, Planning Commission, and the Council.
Deputy Mayor Fimia commented that the City needs to have discussions with people like Mr. Nelson and those in his neighborhood. Mr. Olander said Mr. Nelson did raise a valid concern, as there aren’t adequate separation and setback requirements now. He added that this needs urgent attention.
Councilmember Hansen moved to call the question. Councilmember Gustafson seconded the motion, which failed 4-3, with Deputy Mayor Fimia and Councilmembers Ryu and Way dissenting (a two-thirds vote is required to close debate).
Councilmember Way asked how the urgency in Mr. Nelson’s neighborhood can be addressed in a timely manner. Mr. Olander responded that as the City sees more and more growth in the Regional Business (RB) zones adjacent to residential areas, it is a major issue that needs to be addressed. He said he will work with Mr. Tovar to find the answers.
A vote was taken on the motion to adopt Ordinance No. 482 as amended, which carried 7-0.
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At 10:43 p.m., Mayor Ransom declared the meeting adjourned.
/S/ Scott Passey, City Clerk