CITY OF SHORELINE

SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL

SUMMARY MINUTES OF JOINT DINNER MEETING

Monday, November 23, 1998

6:00 p.m.

Shoreline Conference Center

Highlander Room

Shoreline City Council

PRESENT: Mayor Jepsen, Deputy Mayor Montgomery, Councilmembers Gustafson, Hansen, King, Lee and Ransom

ABSENT: None

STAFF: Robert Deis, City Manager; Larry Bauman, Assistant City Manager; Kristoff Bauer, Assistant to the City Manager

Shoreline Wastewater Management District

PRESENT: Commissioners Arnold Lind, Gary Shirley and Art Wadekamper

STAFF: Philip Montgomery, General Manager

The meeting convened at 6:00 p.m.

After welcoming remarks, Mayor Jepsen explained that the purpose of the meeting is to build a partnership and to look for ways to stretch citizens’ tax dollars by working together and leveraging resources. He noted that one of the City’s capital improvement projects is a feasibility study of a City Hall and that the Shoreline Fire District has already approached the City with the idea of combining its new headquarters with the City’s administrative facilities.

Commissioner Shirley mentioned that the fire district has discussed this idea with Mr. Montgomery.

Philip Montgomery, General Manager, explained that the district’s additional space needs are unclear now but may become clearer after the decision is made whether to assume the old Lake City Sewer District. Mr. Shirley added that additional needs resulting from such an assumption would be more for equipment rather than staff.

Mayor Jepsen noted that the City also has a need for a corporate storage yard as it develops its Public Works Department.

Mr. Montgomery noted that Doug Mattoon, Public Works Director, has developed a good relationship with district staff about sharing of equipment.

Mayor Jepsen stated his goal of determining where equipment can be used for dual purposes.

Responding to Councilmember Gustafson’s question about the district’s service area and the study of the Seattle Sewer District area, Mr. Montgomery referred the City Council to the map he distributed, showing the Shoreline Wastewater Management District (SWMD) boundaries, the Seattle Sewer District boundaries and the City of Shoreline boundaries.

Councilmember Lee arrived at 6:35 p.m.

Mr. Montgomery explained that the study of the Seattle sewer system is showing it to be in relatively good condition, with the biggest problem areas outside City boundaries, near Lake Washington. Information is now coming in on the financial condition of the Seattle system. He mentioned that the City of Tukwila recently negotiated with Seattle to take over an area of the Seattle sewer system near Boeing field.

Responding to Mayor Jepsen, Mr. Montgomery said the City of Seattle did not pay anything to take over the old Lake City Sewer District system. Mayor Jepsen felt this might set a precedent.

Mayor Jepsen asked about other potential areas of cooperation. Mr. Montgomery identified mutual planning and preparation for emergency response as a useful area for cooperation.

Councilmember Hansen arrived at 6:50 p.m.

Mr. Montgomery pointed out that certain state requirements at this time restrict the ability of cities to participate in the Washington Association of Sewer and Water Districts’ Mutual Aid Program. However, the district is interested in sharing equipment as much as possible. He also discussed special rates to low-income seniors.

Mayor Jepsen asked about the involvement of the district in the issue of Point Wells as a potential site for the northend treatment facility.

Commissioner Shirley said the Board has supported the idea of a northend plant but has not taken a position regarding a specific site. He was not certain the Board would do so.

Robert Deis, City Manager, asked if the District has followed the financing package for the expansion of the system. Mr. Montgomery responded that the district would like to see growth pay for growth.

Mayor Jepsen stated that the City is assessing the impacts of using Point Wells as a treatment facility site and, thereby, eliminating other potential uses of the area.

Commissioner Shirley explained that the space available at Point Wells may be insufficient. He estimated that about 100 acres are needed.

Commissioner Wadekamper added that potable water issues may also affect this decision.

Councilmember Gustafson asked about the upcoming Regional Water Quality Committee hearing on the project and whether the district would be represented, to which Commissioner Shirley replied that he had been contacted recently about the meetings.

Mr. Montgomery raised the issue of surcharges and uniform sewer rates, noting that the Innis Arden/Richmond Beach $1 surcharges are being eliminated as of January 1, 1999.

Commissioner Shirley said the District is raising rates 50 cents on January 1, 1999, and Mr. Montgomery added that this is the first rate increase in six years.

Responding to Councilmember Lee’s question of whether Seattle and SWMD rates are the same, Mr. Montgomery pointed out that Seattle rates are based on water usage, whereas SWMD customers are charged a flat rate.

Mayor Jepsen concluded by suggesting that SWMD consider videotaping its meetings for replay on Chambers and TCI cable television systems.

Councilmember Gustafson supported the idea of meeting together periodically to give the Councilmembers and Commissioners an opportunity to discuss issues.

Mayor Jepsen adjourned the meeting at 7:20 p.m.

________________________________
Larry Bauman, Assistant City Manager