Shoreline City Council Study Session May 7, 2012

Shoreline City Council Study Session May 7, 2012

By Devon Vose Rickabaugh

Acquisition of Seattle water system

The Shoreline Council meeting mainly covered the progress toward final analysis of Shoreline’s proposed acquisition of Seattle Public Utilities Water System which now serves residents  west of I-5 and the south-east corner of Shoreline (roughly two thirds of the city).  Public Works Director Mark Relph said that Seattle City Council charges a 14% surcharge to Shoreline residents which is “taxation without representation” since Shoreline City Council has no control over this.

Director Relph said by taking over the Seattle utility in Shoreline that the city could provide better fire protection. Shoreline Fire Chief Mark Bunje reported that city hydrants many times aren’t working and since Seattle owns the hydrants it is illegal for Shoreline Fire Department to test them on a regular basis. He also said there are low pressure zones where the nearest hydrant is too far away and may not provide enough water in case of emergency.  He said there are no plans for SPU to upgrade  these areas.

The city is in the processes  of analyzing financial and engineering requirements and the consequent costs should the residents and council vote to acquire the water district. By June 13 draft recommendations will be presented to the council. By June 20 a finalized recommendation will be presented and council action will be in July. Residents wanting to read past and present documents by the citizen Steering committee as well as staff reports on the SPU acquisition will find them on the city’s website: http://www.shorelinewa.gov.

Public comment - noisy church - confusing signboard

Public comment included a complaint by Sean Osborn with a petition signed by his neighbors on NE 200th Street complaining of loud music by Mars Hill Church. He said it has been going on for a year despite complaints to Shoreline police and the code enforcement officer. After the council meeting Debbie Tarry Assistant City Manager said she would investigate.

Kevin Foley barbershop owner at 182nd and Aurora complained about a sandwich board placed by a competitor on the corner offering low cost  $10 hair cuts which he said was causing confusion and swearing and physical attacks on him for not providing $10 hair cuts. He said the shop had been there for 60 years but he was now looking for another place. The council determined that the sandwich board was not in violation, but that in considering changes in code the council might require the name of the business to be placed prominently on the board to avoid confusion.