Shoreline Council selects Debbie Tarry as City Manager

Devon Vose Rickabaugh
Photo by Jerry Pickard

Shoreline City Council Meeting 12-09-13

By Devon Vose Rickabaugh

Following an Executive Session Mayor McGlashan announced Interim City Manager Debbie Tarry would be the new City Manager. He said she had proved her abilities in the last two months as interim manager and her years working for the City as Deputy City Manager and Finance Director. Councilmember Hall said she had done a “fabulous” job but he could support another candidate who was already a proven success in a city manager’s role in another city, who could bring new ideas for success to the city. Ms Tarry had the support of Councilmembers McConnell, Winstead, Deputy Mayor Eggen and Mayor McGlashan. They all agreed the field of candidates was exceptional. Ms Tarry’s contract will be finalized at the next council meeting on Monday January 6, 2014.

The Council adopted an ordinance authorizing the assumption of the Ronald Wastewater District and waiving a council rule requiring three readings of an ordinance. Two members of the audience objected to the rush and said some residents fear the city is doing things behind the community’s back.

Councilmember Hall explained that in order to protect property used by Ronald Wastewater District (RWD)  serving Shoreline residents they needed to act now.  Recently, the Town of Woodway has been pursuing avenues to purchase or obtain RWD assets in Snohomish County, including pump Station No. 13. which serves approximately 61 Shoreline homes. Most recently the RWD Commissioners voted 5-0 to reject Woodway’s offer to purchase this pump station and other RWD assets in Snohomish County. The City was also made aware of efforts by Woodway to adopt an eminent domain (condemnation) ordinance regarding the underlying land associated with the pump Station. The Town of Woodway provided no notice to the City, even though 61 Shoreline homes are served by the Lift Station.

Councilmember Hall said he was outraged by Woodway’s action. Most council members agreed that the ordinance was necessary to protect residents’ water assets. They were reassured that the ordinance only showed intent to assume RWD, and not a final agreement. Deputy Mayor Eggen said he wanted a detailed study of the advantages and disadvantages of the assumption to the rate payers affected and to the city. He said at that point the council could decide whether to continue with the assumption. Councilmember Roberts voted against the ordinance without the public process which “we told the public we would do. I don’t think a public vote on the issue is necessary but I think it is the right thing.”

In other action items the Council ordered staff to bring to the next meeting a ballot proposition to replace the expiring school district levy for educational programs, maintenance and operations. And another school district ballot proposition to replace an expiring levy for technology improvements and support.