Shoreline City Council Meeting June 11, 2012

Notes from Shoreline City Council Meeting June 11, 2012

By Devon Vose Rickabaugh

Another update of Shoreline’s proposed acquisition of Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) water system was presented tonight. Mark Relph, Public Works Director and Debbie Tarry, Assistant City Manager said the steering committee had completed their report and would soon send their recommendations to the city manager. By August 6 the city council will have a resolution and wording for the November when voters will decide whether to purchase the system giving Shoreline more control over the cost and  water delivery.

Several members of the public expressed concern about the complexity of the issue. One man said the city would have local control over the water delivery system but that the water would still be owned by Seattle. Tom Jamison said he opposed the acquisition because “other alternatives haven’t been adequately explored” and the steering committee appeared to be overwhelmed with “reams of paperwork” when he attended their meetings.

Members of the steering committee and representatives from the city will be at two SPU open houses to answer questions from the public. The open houses will be on Thursday June 14 and Tuesday June 19th at 7pm at Shoreline City Hall.