Shoreline City Council Meeting April 15, 2013

Devon Vose Rickabaugh
Photo by Jerry Pickard

Notes from Shoreline City Council Meeting April 15, 2013

By Devon Vose Rickabaugh

Mayor McGlashan proclaimed April 22, 2013 as Earth Day in Shoreline. The Proclamation  calls upon businesses and residents to celebrate this 43rd Anniversary of Earth Day by committing to protect our natural environment for ourselves, our children and future generations.

One successful example of a business’s commitment to protect our natural resources and public health is the work done by the Bartell Drugs store in Shoreline. By collecting fluorescent light bulbs and unwanted medicines from residents, Bartell Drugs helps safely dispose of hazardous waste that could pollute our waters, impact aquatic species, and contaminate our food and water supplies.

In addition, their collection and recycling of cell phones and rechargeable batteries from residents conserves our natural resources; and their participation in Seattle City Light’s Twist and Save fluorescent bulb program reduces greenhouse gases and conserves electrical energy. Tim Thomas, Manager of the Shoreline Bartell’s Store, accepted the Proclamation.

Dick Deal Director of Shoreline Parks, Recreation, Cultural Services honored outgoing members of the Parks, Recreation, Cultural Services and Tree Board. Among them Chairman William Clements and Carolyn Ballo were honored as tireless workers, “long term members who have served the maximum amount of time allowed. They served the City before the City decided to acquire the parks from King County.”

The Council approved Ordinance No. 657, vacating the unused right-of-way north of intersection of NE 149th St. and 30th Ave. NE., with the conditions of granting access easements to Ronald Sewer District and Seattle City Light. The Petitioner has agreed to pay the fair market value of $39,312 for the 3,788 sq.ft. of vacated right of way.

Chief of Police Shawn Ledford gave the Council the 2012 Police Service Report. The report contains information on the highlights, data and accomplishments of the Shoreline Police Department to support its mission, goals and objectives. Shoreline Officers responded to 12,045 dispatched calls for service (DCFS) in 2012. The DCFS in 2011 were 11,343. The average police response time to an emergency call for service was 3.39 minutes; the national standard is 5 minutes. Burglaries increased 19% from the previous year from 351 to 418. Thefts from vehicles remained the same, 395 in 2011 to 394 in 2012. Auto thefts decreased from 136 in 2011 to 111 in 2012.

Chief Ledford said of the increase in burglaries 40% were crimes of opportunity (nonforced crimes). Of the forced crimes many were where the perpetrators  kicked in doors looking for gold to sell to gold buyers to buy drugs. Chief ledford said as part of  the department’s neighborhood outreach they would suggest residents put 3 inch screws into their door jams making it very difficult to kick in. He said the department  now has assigned a Special Emphasis Team to cover property crimes.

Councilmember Hall said the city is fortunate to have the resources so that Shoreline Police are able to respond in a timely manner to every crime whether small or large, making Shoreline a safer place to live.