CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
SUMMARY MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
Monday, November 22, 1999
6:00 p.m.
Shoreline Conference Center
Mt. Rainier Room
PRESENT: Mayor Jepsen, Deputy Mayor Montgomery, Councilmembers Gustafson, Hansen, Lee and Ransom
ABSENT: Councilmember King
BUDGET WORKSHOP
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:07 p.m. by Mayor Jepsen, who presided.
2. FLAG SALUTE/ROLL CALL
Mayor Jepsen led the flag salute. Upon roll call by the City Clerk, Mayor Jepsen, Deputy Mayor Montgomery and Councilmember Gustafson were present.
3. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER
City Manager Robert Deis reported on the King County budget process, noting that: 1) the $500,000 Aurora Corridor allocation has not been cut; 2) the Community Service Officers have not been cut; but that 3) funding for the ramps at the transfer station has been cut.
Councilmembers Hansen, Ransom and Lee arrived at 6:10 p.m., 6:12 p.m. and 6:15 p.m., respectively.
Tim Stewart, Planning and Development Services Director, and Sherri Dugdale, Code Enforcement Officer, reported on a successful abatement action at 118 NE 167th Street. Over a period of four days, 21 abandoned vehicles, seven motorcycles, two boats on trailers and three other trailers, 172 tires, 13 appliances and nine car batteries were removed, as well as 15 tons of other material.
Responding to Mayor Jepsen, Ms. Dugdale said a lien will be filed against the property to recover the costs of the abatement action. Mr. Stewart added that City can eventually recover the direct costs of $10-15,000 and the cost of staff time. Mr. Deis added that the City must budget funds to cover the cash flow involved in abatements.
Mr. Deis distributed information on $2,500 in State grant funding for youth-oriented Y2K events at the Aurora Church of the Nazarene and the Shoreline Community Church. He noted that Councilmember King alerted the City to the availability of the funds and that Deputy Mayor Montgomery suggested that staff contact churches about New Year’s Eve events. Deputy Mayor Montgomery volunteered to deliver one check and offered Councilmember Hansen to deliver the other. Councilmember Ransom asked to be included.
Mayor Jepsen congratulated the Shorewood Girls Soccer team for winning the State Championship.
4. WORKSHOP ITEM
(a) Continued Departmental Presentations for the Proposed 2000 Budget
Bill Conner, Public Works Director, presented the planned activities and the analysis of change for the Public Works Department. He emphasized the key budget themes for 2000: 1) completion of the City-designed pavement management system; 2) increasing the budget of the annual overlay program to $700,000; 3) implementation of the City-designed sidewalk repair program; and 4) execution of the second year of the three-year Transition Plan of Public Works services. He described the increased staffing levels necessary for these activities.
Mayor Jepsen reviewed the amounts budgeted for salaries, temporary help, operating supplies, and utility services (which cover street lighting costs).
In response to Councilmember Lee, Mr. Conner said the City will contract with the County for snow and ice control on arterial and some secondary streets. He noted staff plans to outfit three City trucks with plows for use on other streets. In addition, he said the City intends to purchase two five-ton dump trucks, which it will outfit with plows and sand boxes.
Councilmember Lee questioned whether Shoreline is large enough to occupy six full-time personnel on a year-round basis. Mr. Deis commented that the City has used more than six personnel under its contract with the County and that the City has had to pay County overhead costs of 60 percent.
In response to Councilmember Ransom, Mr. Conner identified services for which the City will continue to contract with the County, including snow removal, catch-basin vactoring and road overlays. He explained that the County receives much lower prices from contractors for road overlays than the City could obtain. Mr. Deis said the City will continue to contract with the County for traffic signal repairs because Shoreline is not large enough to justify the expense of a full-time employee for this service.
Councilmember Hansen asked if the $700,000 budgeted for the Street Overlay Program will maintain Shoreline roads in their present condition on an indefinite basis. Mr. Conner estimated that the City will overlay 15 to 20 lane miles in 2000 (versus 6.75 lane miles in 1998 and 12.3 lane miles in 1999). He said the City will also implement a micro-paving program, under which it will treat 20 miles of less damaged pavement with a less expensive, though less durable, system. He predicted that this program will help "turn the corner" in the maintenance of City roads.
In response to Councilmember Lee, Mr. Conner confirmed that the City must contract with other vendors to receive the tree trimming and vegetation control services that crews from the Northend Rehabilitation Facility (NRF) cannot perform (e.g., the removal of tree limbs around electrical power lines).
Noting that none of the Councilmembers had proposed changes to the 2000 budget for the Public Works Department, Mayor Jepsen suggested that Mr. Conner proceed to present the 2000 proposed Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget.
After Mr. Conner reviewed 1999 CIP activities, Mr. Deis addressed the status of discussions between City staff and the YMCA regarding the proposed skate park. He explained that the YMCA has decided not to accept the City offer to locate the skate park at its property on 175th Street. He said the YMCA has not yet established long-term plans for the site. Councilmember Gustafson said the YMCA may build a larger facility on this property. Mr. Deis noted that staff has requested a written response from the YMCA. He said staff will address alternative skate park sites with Council early next year.
Mr. Conner went on to review CIP activities planned for 2000.
Mr. Deis explained the staff recommendation that the City develop all of its parks to particular base levels before fully developing particular parks.
Mr. Conner noted the actual cost for proposed renovation of locker room space into classrooms at the Shoreline Center is $600,000. He explained that the $700,000 cost estimate that staff presented to Council at its workshop on November 15 included restrooms, which the School District intends to include in a later phase of the renovation.
In response to Councilmember Lee, Mr. Conner confirmed that the $135,000 open space project to acquire a piece of private property adjacent to Paramount Park is contingent upon grant funding.
At 7:26 p.m., Councilmember Lee moved to continue the workshop discussion after completion of the regular meeting. Councilmember Hansen seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
RECESS
At 7:27 p.m., Mayor Jepsen declared a ten-minute recess. At 7:37 p.m., the meeting reconvened.
REGULAR MEETING
Upon motion by Deputy Mayor Montgomery, seconded by Councilmember Lee and unanimously carried, Councilmember King was excused.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT: None
6. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Councilmember Lee moved that Council approve the agenda. Councilmember Ransom seconded the motion. Councilmember Gustafson moved to place item 9(a) on the consent calendar. Deputy Mayor Montgomery seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. A vote was taken on the motion to approve the agenda, as amended, which carried 6-0.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Deputy Mayor Montgomery moved that Council approve the consent calendar.
Councilmember Lee seconded the motion. Mr. Deis asked that item 7(c), a motion to amend the lease agreement with Highland Plaza LLC, be pulled. Councilmember Hansen moved to table agenda item 7(c) until next week. Councilmember Lee seconded the motion, which carried 6-0. A vote was taken on the motion to approve the consent calendar, as amended, which carried unanimously, and the following items were approved:
Minutes of Dinner Meeting of November 8, 1999
Minutes of Regular Meeting of November 8, 1999Approval of Expenses and Payroll as of November 12, 1999 in the amount of $961,416.78
Ordinance No. 216, revising the definition for adult use facilities to include sales of adult merchandise; and amending Chapter 18.06 and Chapter 18.08 of the Shoreline Municipal Code
8. ACTION ITEMS: PUBLIC HEARINGS
(a) Public hearing to consider citizens’ comments regarding the 2000 property tax levy
Joe Meneghini, Finance Director, reviewed the staff report. Mr. Deis explained how State laws affect the City property tax levy.
Mayor Jepsen opened the public hearing.
(1) Walt Hagen, 711 N 193rd Street, commented that citizens support taxpayer funding of essential City services, but they do not support the expenditure of taxpayers’ money on public projects that the citizens do not want.
Upon motion by Councilmember Lee, seconded by Councilmember Gustafson and unanimously carried, the public hearing was closed.
Ordinance No. 213 levying the general taxes for the City of Shoreline in King County for the fiscal year commencing January 1, 2000, on all property both real and personal, in said City which is subject to taxation for the purpose of paying sufficient revenue to conduct City business for the ensuing year as required by law
Councilmember Hansen moved approval of Ordinance No. 213. Councilmember Lee seconded the motion.
Councilmember Hansen said if the City had not incorporated, the County would have assessed a roads tax at the rate of $1.78 per $1,000 of assessed value (AV), instead of the City property tax at the rate of $1.60 per $1,000 AV that Council is considering. He opposed increasing the City property tax rate to $1.62 per $1,000 AV.
Mayor Jepsen supported continuing the City property tax rate at $1.60 per $1,000 AV. Councilmember Gustafson and Deputy Mayor Montgomery agreed.
A vote was taken on the motion to approve Ordinance No. 213 levying the general taxes for the City of Shoreline in King County for the fiscal year commencing January 1, 2000, on all property both real and personal. The vote carried 6-0.
9. ACTION ITEMS: OTHER ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS
(a) Ordinance No. 212, establishing Section 12.10.050 of the Shoreline Municipal Code for the purpose of identifying authority of the City Engineer to impose temporary gross weight limits on roads or portions thereof and for the purpose of specifying weight limits on City bridges
Mr. Conner used diagrams to explain the structural problems of the Richmond Beach Overcrossing Bridge. He went on to discuss the impacts of the proposed weight limits on deliveries of home heating oil and of concrete to residences west of the bridge.
Mayor Jepsen called for public comment.
(1) Richard Kink, 19553 27th Avenue NW, asserted errors in the staff report and other problems in the City proposal. He recommended that Council delay action until publication of the most recent inspection report and verification of the accuracy of the engineering.
(2) Dan Petke, 19535 27th Avenue NW, asserted inconsistencies in the King County document that reported the results of the November 10, 1997 bridge inspection and between it and statements by City staff.
(3) Jerry Dugan, 19515 27th Avenue NW, said the bridge has exceeded its life expectancy and needs to be replaced.
Mayor Jepsen noted that a motion to approve Ordinance No. 212 was on the table, having been postponed from the Council meeting on November 8.
Mr. Conner reviewed the analysis by City staff of the County engineering report. He explained that staff designated $211,000 in the 2000 CIP budget to rebuild the bridge to accommodate heavier loads.
In response to Councilmember Ransom, Mr. Conner confirmed the challenges of rebuilding the bridge. He said the City will need to: obtain a work permit from the railroad; coordinate the work schedule with train traffic; and accommodate the small abutments at either end of the structure. Noting that railroads are extremely deliberative, he asserted the City’s desire to work proactively to begin the design and repair of the bridge.
In response to Councilmember Lee, Mr. Conner said the inspection addressed in the County engineering report took place on November 10, 1997. Councilmember Lee noted that the report addresses the disruption to the railroad that seismic failure of the bridge would cause without mentioning the disruption to Shoreline citizens who use the bridge daily.
Mayor Jepsen questioned the long-term effectiveness of the $10,000 repair proposed in the County engineering report. Mr. Conner questioned whether the cost estimate in the County report is realistic. He commented that registered professional engineers cannot guarantee the effectiveness of repairs.
Mayor Jepsen asked who would be ultimately responsible for a catastrophic failure of the bridge. Mr. Deis commented that the City is aware of the structural problems of the bridge and that it could be considered to have legal responsibility if it does not act.
In response to Councilmember Gustafson, Mr. Conner said the timeline for the bridge repairs included in the 2000 CIP budget depends upon the railroad. He said the seismic retrofit will not allow the City to ease the proposed weight limits.
Councilmember Gustafson asserted that the City should "error on the side of safety." He advocated that staff engage the railroad to insure its attention to the bridge and involvement in repairs.
Councilmember Ransom asserted that City staff have provided reasonable engineering arguments to support the proposed weight limits. He supported Ordinance No. 212 as a safety measure.
Responding to Mayor Jepsen, Mr. Conner said the County inspects the bridge every fall, and Shoreline receives the report in late December. The County did a thorough inspection in 1997.
A vote was taken on the motion to approve Ordinance No. 212, establishing Section 12.10.050 of the Shoreline Municipal Code for the purpose of identifying authority of the City Engineer to impose temporary gross weight limits on roads or portions thereof and for the purpose of specifying weight limits on City bridges. The vote carried 6-0 and Ordinance No. 212 was adopted.
10. CONTINUED PUBLIC COMMENT: None
RECESS
At 8:38 p.m., Mayor Jepsen announced a five-minute recess. The meeting reconvened at 8:43 p.m.
BUDGET WORKSHOP (cont.)
Mr. Conner resumed his review of the CIP activities planned for 2000. He went on to highlight programs planned for 2001 and after.
In response to Mayor Jepsen, Wendy Barry, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director, explained that the first phase of improvements planned for Paramount School Park include: irrigated, under-drained fields; restrooms; parking; and relocation of the existing play structure. She confirmed that the first phase will not include a backstop, spray pool or basketball court. Staff proposes to implement the first phase over two years at an estimated cost of $1.1 million.
In response to Councilmember Ransom, Ms. Barry confirmed that the field at Paramount School Park could be used for soccer.
Mayor Jepsen expressed his opposition to investing City funds on improvements to the Shoreline Conference Center before the City and the School District finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
In response to Councilmember Ransom, Mayor Jepsen clarified that the City could budget the funds toward developing classrooms at the Shoreline Conference Center, given that it will not spend them until 2001 under current plans. He explained that he wants to create some sense of urgency to complete the MOU.
Mr. Deis reported on the negotiations between City and School District staff regarding the MOU. He expressed his hope for closure in the near future. He said the mayor and the School District president may need to meet to further the discussion.
In response to Mayor Jepsen, Mr. Conner explained how the $1.4 million for the two-year master plan project involving the Richmond Highlands Recreation Center would be spent: $700,000 for improvements to the recreation center (including a bathroom that meets the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA], seismic retrofitting and utility upgrades); $600,000 to develop three classrooms out of unused locker room space at the Shoreline Center; and $100,000 toward common-use restrooms at the Shoreline Center.
Mayor Jepsen said he would prefer to spend the full $1.4 million on the recreation center. He noted the $100,000 cost estimate for the common-use restrooms as a particular concern. He reiterated his assertion that City funding to develop classrooms at the Shoreline Center should be contingent upon completion of the MOU. Deputy Mayor Montgomery and Councilmember Hansen agreed with Mayor Jepsen’s comments.
In response to Mr. Deis, Mayor Jepsen advocated that staff continue to budget the $1.4 million for the two-year master plan toward both the recreation center and the Shoreline Center. He reiterated the MOU as a high priority.
In response to Mr. Deis, Mayor Jepsen said the MOU would not necessarily have to include an addendum establishing the terms and conditions of the City’s investment toward classrooms at the Shoreline Center to meet the precondition of that investment. He indicated that a completed MOU is an important representation of the ability of the City and the School District to reach agreement.
Councilmember Gustafson agreed with the need to complete the MOU. He went on to recommend that the City invest $700,000, as proposed, in the Richmond Highlands Recreation Center but that it "set aside" the funding for the classrooms at Shoreline Center until the City and the School District have implemented the MOU.
Mr. Deis reported that City use of Meridian Park School has been excluded from the ongoing negotiations between City and School District staff. Councilmember Gustafson asserted that the City should continue to pursue it. He noted that the school was designed to accommodate community use. He said Council should include the issue in its next discussion with the School Board. Mr. Deis agreed.
Councilmember Lee emphasized the importance of the Shoreline Center to the City. She agreed with Councilmember Gustafson that the City should set aside the $700,000 for the partnership with the School District on improvements at the Shoreline Center.
Councilmember Gustafson said this designation of the funds for the improvements at the Shoreline Center demonstrates to the School Board the City’s serious commitment to working together in partnership.
Councilmember Ransom agreed that the City should proceed with the $700,000 in improvements to the Richmond Highlands Recreation Center as proposed. He expressed support for setting aside as reserves the $700,000 for classrooms at Shoreline Center.
Mayor Jepsen asserted the Council consensus to keep the $1.4 million in the 2000 CIP budget but to hold the $700,000—meant for classrooms and restrooms at the Shoreline Center—in reserve until the MOU is achieved. He confirmed that staff should proceed with the basic improvements proposed for the Richmond Highlands Recreation Center.
Deputy Mayor Montgomery said she does not anticipate the completion of the MOU, and she advocated that the City proceed with improvements to the Richmond Highlands Recreation Center.
In response to Mayor Jepsen, Mr. Conner said the outcome of the proposed improvements to the Shoreline Pool will include: an extended life span of 20 years; the expansion of the women’s locker room; the upgrade of the lobby and of the utilities (e.g., the plumbing, electrical and chlorination systems).
With regard to the Roads Capital Improvement Project, Mayor Jepsen advocated that the City adopt policies for how it will build sidewalks, curbs, gutters and roads. Mr. Deis and Mr. Conner said staff is working on these standards as part of Phase II of the new development code.
Regarding the Interurban Trail, Councilmember Ransom noted an automotive service business that is storing junk cars in the Seattle City Light right-of-way. Mr. Deis mentioned similar problems along the length of the right-of-way, and he agreed that City staff must begin working with Seattle City Light to clean it up.
In response to Councilmember Ransom, Mr. Conner said the $6.8 million "Total Project Cost" for the Interurban Trail does not include the cost of the crossing of Aurora Avenue.
Councilmember Ransom underscored, and Mr. Conner agreed with, the importance of coordinating the Interurban Trail and Aurora Corridor projects to minimize disruptions to businesses.
In response to Mayor Jepsen, Mr. Conner explained the staff recommendation that the City complete the design and reconstruction of the Richmond Beach Overcrossing Bridge at the same time that it is negotiating with the railroad.
In response to Councilmember Lee, Mr. Conner said the money budgeted under Transportation Improvements CIP Project Formulation will fund preliminary staff work on emerging traffic problems.
Mayor Jepsen asked whether the City should spend funds, as proposed, to improve 15th Avenue NE south of 175th Street or use the funds on improvements between 175th Street and 185th Street. Mr. Conner noted that the funds for the improvements south of 175th Street came from grants to improve safety. Acknowledging that these funds cannot be diverted, Mayor Jepsen advocated that the City provide more than $110,000 for North City business district improvements. Mr. Deis commented that the $110,000 in the CIP budget supplements funding in the operating budget for a sub-area plan for North City. Mr. Conner said staff could identify funds that become available from other projects for Council to use to implement elements of the sub-area plan, if it becomes available. Mayor Jepsen advocated tangible results over redundant planning. Mr. Deis asserted the importance of the participation of North City property owners in a Local Improvement District (LID).
Mayor Jepsen questioned whether the City should budget $350,000 on improvements to N 160th Street at Greenwood Avenue N given past failures of King County efforts to improve the intersection. City Engineer Mike Gillespie said staff has identified a few new alternatives to improve the intersection. He acknowledged that the City would need to acquire property from Shoreline Community College and right-of-way from homeowners.
Mayor Jepsen noted the County’s intent to undertake master planning and improvements of the solid waste facility at 1st Avenue NE. He asserted that this represents an opportunity for the City and County to work in partnership to address drainage problems at Ronald Bog. Councilmember Gustafson agreed.
Mayor Jepsen said Council should discuss the use of a Public Works Trust Fund Loan to finance drainage improvements at Ronald Bog before this project proceeds too far. Mr. Deis agreed.
Councilmember Ransom noted that the City hopes to fund approximately 70 percent of the $75 million Aurora Avenue North project through grant revenues. He asked how the City will fund the remainder and what the City will do if it cannot obtain all of the necessary grant revenues. Mr. Conner said there are a number of ways, subject to Council discussion and approval, to fund the remainder. He said the City is using the significant investment of City funds in the first phase of the project to show potential grant sources that the City is serious about the project. He mentioned the City’s success at obtaining grant funding thus far. He acknowledged that the City will not be able to complete the project if grant funding becomes unavailable.
Mayor Jepsen said he and City staff have discussed the Aurora Avenue North project with leaders of the transportation committees of the State Legislature. He commented that those leaders have been enthusiastic about the project as a model of the goals of their committees. While cautioning that transportation funding will be problematic after the passage of Initiative 695, they have been optimistic about potential legislative support.
In response to Councilmember Ransom, Mr. Deis explained that the County dredged Hidden Lake over two consecutive years after the flooding in January, 1997. He said City staff then inspected the lake before taking over responsibility for dredging. Mr. Conner noted that the City spent $10,000 on dredging Hidden Lake this year and that $10,000 has been budgeted for dredging next year. He mentioned that he recently received a list from the County of ten surface water facilities in Shoreline for which the County wants to transfer title. Mr. Deis said staff will determine whether Hidden Lake is on this list. He stressed that the City will inspect the facilities before agreeing to the title transfers.
Councilmember Lee questioned whether staff has addressed problems of N 155th Street between Midvale and Aurora. Mr. Gillespie said King County traffic engineering staff are developing a new lane striping configuration to correct the problems.
Councilmember Gustafson asked if the City could implement a two-year budget cycle with the potential for off-year amendments. Mr. Deis supported the consideration of a two-year budget cycle after City operations become sufficiently stable and predictable. He estimated that this will occur in two to three more years.
Mayor Jepsen reiterated the Council consensus to delay the expenditure of the $700,000 for classroom and restroom improvements at the Shoreline Center until the City and the School District have completed an MOU.
11. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:05 p.m., Mayor Jepsen declared the meeting adjourned.
_______________________________
Sharon Mattioli, CMC
City Clerk