Notes from Shoreline council meeting January 10, 2022
Saturday, January 15, 2022
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| Pam Cross, reporter |
Notes by Pam Cross
The remote meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by Mayor Scully. All Councilmembers were present.
Proclamation
I, Keith Scully, Mayor of the City of Shoreline, on behalf of the Shoreline City Council, do hereby proclaim January 17, 2022 as MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY and encourage all residents to work to end racism and fight for justice for all.
Approval of the Agenda
Agenda approved by unanimous consent.
Report of the City Manager, Debbie Tarry
COVID-19 Update
As we all know by now, the extremely transmissible omicron variant continues to increase the number of cases higher than at any other point in the pandemic.
Testing capacity has become strained. Don’t go to emergency rooms for testing because this impedes their ability to care for those with medical emergencies.
Proposition 1
A levy is a local property tax that provides funds to enhance educational programs, support services and resources that are not provided by the State. This equals about 20% of the Shoreline SD annual operating budget. These and the expiring are 4-year levies.
Individual property owners may use the King County Assessors link https://localscape.spatialest.com/#kingcountyassessor/Tax to estimate the impact of the proposed levy on their property taxes.
Staff is asking if Council wants to take a position on these levies. If the Council does, then a resolution would be prepared and presented by staff at a Council meeting where there would be an opportunity for public comment.
DISCUSSION
What justifies the increase in the levy amount for Prop 1?
We all heard of the problems with internet connectivity during the pandemic. Is this addressed in these levies?
Council extended thanks to the School District for doing what they have been able to do to make Shoreline one great place to live. It’s never enough money to give the citizens everything that they want.
Discussion of adding support for these levies to the next Action agenda. Council is interested but is there enough time to do it before the ballot?
Staff will prepare a presentation.
8(b) QUASI-JUDICIAL: Discussion of Ordinance No. 953 – Amending the Zoning Map at 808, 812, 820, and 826 N 145th Street From Residential 12-units Per Acre (R-12) to Neighborhood Business (NB) (PLN21-0117)
This is a quasi-judicial item for which the Council does not take public comment
Steven Szafran, AICP, Senior Planner
The Applicant proposes to rezone four parcels located at 808, 812, 820, and 820 N 145th St from R-12 to NB (Neighborhood-Business). The applicant is asking for a rezone of four parcels to develop higher-density housing and/or a mixed-use development with commercial uses on the ground-floor. Rezoning this parcel to NB is consistent, if not less intensive, with other similarly situated properties abutting N.145th St and commercial zoning in the City of Seattle on the south side of N 145th St. There is no planned development at this time.
What is the criteria for rezoning?
Mayor Scully introduces Fairness Checklist to Councilmembers
No ex parte communications.
DISCUSSION
When driving in the area, you can see that the current occupancy/zoning (single family homes) is inconsistent with the rest of the area. The current homes are older with large backyards that have townhomes behind them. New construction will be a big improvement to the neighborhood.
Has rezoning of this vicinity taken place before?
Parking is a concern because there’s no easy access. What kind of parking is required for multi-family occupancy? The general ratio is .75 stalls per unit for single occupancy units. So they would have to start there. After that they could apply for parking reductions due to the proximity of transit.
Is left turn to go eastbound to Aurora going to be a problem? Especially with a large number of units.
In the discussion of criteria, you stated that safety/welfare etc would not be detrimental to the community. What matrix is the basis for this?
Would like this as an Action item because of whether commercial or residential or combination is preferred. It would be an opportunity to get new information.
We are supposed to make our decision on what’s in the record, not on what might be built.
Meeting adjourned.
The remote meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by Mayor Scully. All Councilmembers were present.
Proclamation
I, Keith Scully, Mayor of the City of Shoreline, on behalf of the Shoreline City Council, do hereby proclaim January 17, 2022 as MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY and encourage all residents to work to end racism and fight for justice for all.
Approval of the Agenda
Agenda approved by unanimous consent.
Report of the City Manager, Debbie Tarry
COVID-19 Update
As we all know by now, the extremely transmissible omicron variant continues to increase the number of cases higher than at any other point in the pandemic.
Proposition 1
Public Reminders
A public hearing before the Hearing Examiner will be held Tuesday, January 18 at 7:00pm regarding a Preliminary Formal Subdivision Application PLN20-0138
The Planning Commission will hold a virtual meeting on Thursday, January 20 at 7:00pm
In recognition of Marine Luther King, Jr. Day, City Hall will be closed Monday, Jan 17 and there will be no Council meeting. The next Council meeting will be Monday, Jan 24 at 7:00pm.
More information is available at shorelinewa.gov/calendar
Ms. Tarry introduces :
A public hearing before the Hearing Examiner will be held Tuesday, January 18 at 7:00pm regarding a Preliminary Formal Subdivision Application PLN20-0138
The Planning Commission will hold a virtual meeting on Thursday, January 20 at 7:00pm
In recognition of Marine Luther King, Jr. Day, City Hall will be closed Monday, Jan 17 and there will be no Council meeting. The next Council meeting will be Monday, Jan 24 at 7:00pm.
More information is available at shorelinewa.gov/calendar
Ms. Tarry introduces :
Presentation by Randy Witt, Public Works Director
City of Shoreline APWA* Reaccreditation received October 18, 2021.
*The American Public Works Association is a nonprofit, professional association of public works agencies, private companies, and individuals dedicated to promoting professional excellence and public awareness through education, advocacy and the exchange of knowledge.
We are really proud of this nationally recognized achievement. It’s our second accreditation (or first re-accreditation, if you prefer).
Although the focus is on public works, it is a citywide effort.
Mr. Witt introduces:
Tina Nelson, member of Board of Directors of APWA.
APWA was formed in 1937. It is an international organization with more than 30,000 members. It is headquartered in Kansas City and has an office in Washington D.C., and 63 chapters with 97 branches throughout North America. In Washington State, we have one chapter that is one of the largest, very active chapters in the organization with about 1,500 members.
The APWA Accreditation program recognizes public works agencies that go beyond the requirements of the management practices established nationally in the public works industry, as contained in the APWA Public Works Management Practices Manual. The Accreditation designation indicates that the agency met all applicable Accreditation documentation and practices over time. Typically agencies may take several years to achieve this prestigious award bestowed by the National APWA and reviewed by a team of public works professionals throughout the country. (washington.apwa.net)
(In an in-person meeting, this would be the time for presentation of the plaque.)
Council Reports
CM Mork attended the first meeting of the Regional Water Council. It’s part of the SCA (Sound Cities Association) this term. They elected the Chair and Vice Chair and will be moving forward with discussions of wastewater and stormwater issues.
Mayor Scully attended the North End Mayors meeting which was an opportunity to meet and exchange ideas.
The Mayor also asked Councilmembers if they would be willing to serve on a Planning Commission interview process to replace vacancies.
Public Comments
Jackie Kurle, Shoreline
I encourage maximum transparency of the operation of the enhanced shelter for the benefit of both residents and neighbors. I understand things are operating fairly smoothly and I hope for its success. I would like to see a public updated report on shelter operations.
Tom McCormick, Shoreline
Saltwater Park is bigger than we thought. Originally 32 acres, beach and tidelands not previously known have added another 10 acres. This is all owned by the City. There is one parcel that is not. It is a privately owned 2.5 acres at the end of Apple Tree Lane (27th Ave NW), and valued at $107,000. The City should purchase this. It is an unbuildable beach parcel. The Comprehensive Plan calls for additional public beach access.
Approval of the Consent Calendar
Consent Calendar approved unanimously 7-0.
Study Items
8(a) Discussion of Shoreline School District Ballot Proposition No. 1 – Replacement of Expiring Levy for Educational Programs and Operations and Proposition No. 2 – Replacement of Expiring Capital Levy for Technology Improvement and Support
Christina Arcidy, Management Analyst
These ballots have been placed by the Shoreline School District and are both replacement levies. This will be a factual presentation by:
Dr. Susana Reyes, Shoreline SD Superintendent
(Note: the power point presentation and additional information is available at ShorelineSchools.org )
What’s the difference between a Levy and a Bond?
City of Shoreline APWA* Reaccreditation received October 18, 2021.
*The American Public Works Association is a nonprofit, professional association of public works agencies, private companies, and individuals dedicated to promoting professional excellence and public awareness through education, advocacy and the exchange of knowledge.
We are really proud of this nationally recognized achievement. It’s our second accreditation (or first re-accreditation, if you prefer).
Although the focus is on public works, it is a citywide effort.
Mr. Witt introduces:
Tina Nelson, member of Board of Directors of APWA.
APWA was formed in 1937. It is an international organization with more than 30,000 members. It is headquartered in Kansas City and has an office in Washington D.C., and 63 chapters with 97 branches throughout North America. In Washington State, we have one chapter that is one of the largest, very active chapters in the organization with about 1,500 members.
The APWA Accreditation program recognizes public works agencies that go beyond the requirements of the management practices established nationally in the public works industry, as contained in the APWA Public Works Management Practices Manual. The Accreditation designation indicates that the agency met all applicable Accreditation documentation and practices over time. Typically agencies may take several years to achieve this prestigious award bestowed by the National APWA and reviewed by a team of public works professionals throughout the country. (washington.apwa.net)
Council Reports
CM Mork attended the first meeting of the Regional Water Council. It’s part of the SCA (Sound Cities Association) this term. They elected the Chair and Vice Chair and will be moving forward with discussions of wastewater and stormwater issues.
Mayor Scully attended the North End Mayors meeting which was an opportunity to meet and exchange ideas.
The Mayor also asked Councilmembers if they would be willing to serve on a Planning Commission interview process to replace vacancies.
Public Comments
Jackie Kurle, Shoreline
I encourage maximum transparency of the operation of the enhanced shelter for the benefit of both residents and neighbors. I understand things are operating fairly smoothly and I hope for its success. I would like to see a public updated report on shelter operations.
Tom McCormick, Shoreline
Saltwater Park is bigger than we thought. Originally 32 acres, beach and tidelands not previously known have added another 10 acres. This is all owned by the City. There is one parcel that is not. It is a privately owned 2.5 acres at the end of Apple Tree Lane (27th Ave NW), and valued at $107,000. The City should purchase this. It is an unbuildable beach parcel. The Comprehensive Plan calls for additional public beach access.
Approval of the Consent Calendar
Consent Calendar approved unanimously 7-0.
Study Items
8(a) Discussion of Shoreline School District Ballot Proposition No. 1 – Replacement of Expiring Levy for Educational Programs and Operations and Proposition No. 2 – Replacement of Expiring Capital Levy for Technology Improvement and Support
Christina Arcidy, Management Analyst
These ballots have been placed by the Shoreline School District and are both replacement levies. This will be a factual presentation by:
Dr. Susana Reyes, Shoreline SD Superintendent
(Note: the power point presentation and additional information is available at ShorelineSchools.org )
What’s the difference between a Levy and a Bond?
A levy is a local property tax that provides funds to enhance educational programs, support services and resources that are not provided by the State. This equals about 20% of the Shoreline SD annual operating budget. These and the expiring are 4-year levies.
Since the prior levies are expiring, the old rates will be replaced by - not added to - these numbers.
Individual property owners may use the King County Assessors link https://localscape.spatialest.com/#kingcountyassessor/Tax to estimate the impact of the proposed levy on their property taxes.
Staff is asking if Council wants to take a position on these levies. If the Council does, then a resolution would be prepared and presented by staff at a Council meeting where there would be an opportunity for public comment.
DISCUSSION
What justifies the increase in the levy amount for Prop 1?
- Reply by Marla Miller, SSD Deputy Superintendent: We use an inflation factor provided to us, and our estimates of future increased enrollment.
- Reply Ms. Miller: it’s replacing equipment and the cost of some items is actually lower.
- Reply: If we don’t have a technology levy, then the general fund needs to provide the equipment. So in the technology levy, we actually have about a 6-9 month lag between when we expect to replace things, but as a result of the pandemic we had to buy more because of remote teaching. Our network infrastructure had to be adapted. So we used what would have been our next round of purchasing in order to maintain the educational program. The funds are collected one year at time. So we can assess needs and adapt. In the next 4 years (or whatever) we hope to get back to our normal spending cycle.
- Reply Ms. Miller: The technology levy (#2) includes maintenance and replacement of internet and servers and the parts of the infrastructure that provide that network support. It also supports the website the SD operates, and the licensing of software as well as the hardware. During the pandemic we delivered hundreds of hotspots to people who did not have an internet connection at home. Some may need to be replaced.
Council extended thanks to the School District for doing what they have been able to do to make Shoreline one great place to live. It’s never enough money to give the citizens everything that they want.
Discussion of adding support for these levies to the next Action agenda. Council is interested but is there enough time to do it before the ballot?
- Reply by Debbie Tarry: This would before ballots are due. They are mailed on Jan 19 so the Jan 24 meeting would be fairly soon after they are distributed. But this is only to make a statement as a Council.
Staff will prepare a presentation.
8(b) QUASI-JUDICIAL: Discussion of Ordinance No. 953 – Amending the Zoning Map at 808, 812, 820, and 826 N 145th Street From Residential 12-units Per Acre (R-12) to Neighborhood Business (NB) (PLN21-0117)
This is a quasi-judicial item for which the Council does not take public comment
Steven Szafran, AICP, Senior Planner
The Applicant proposes to rezone four parcels located at 808, 812, 820, and 820 N 145th St from R-12 to NB (Neighborhood-Business). The applicant is asking for a rezone of four parcels to develop higher-density housing and/or a mixed-use development with commercial uses on the ground-floor. Rezoning this parcel to NB is consistent, if not less intensive, with other similarly situated properties abutting N.145th St and commercial zoning in the City of Seattle on the south side of N 145th St. There is no planned development at this time.
- The rezone is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Shoreline. Current zoning of these parcels is not.
- The rezone will not adversely affect the public health, safety, or general welfare. There is frequent bus service, retail and commercial services are all within a short distance, high density townhomes currently exist and commercial services are present.
- The rezone is warranted to achieve consistency with the Comprehensive Plan.
- The rezone will not be materially detrimental to uses or property in the immediate vicinity of the subject rezone. This site has been designated for commercial and/or mixed use development since the incorporation of the City in 1995. Development will be required to comply with current codes for stormwater, engineering and other relevant codes including frontage, surface water improvements, and sufficient parking onsite to mitigate any affects on street or neighborhood areas.
- The rezone has merit and value for the community.
Mayor Scully introduces Fairness Checklist to Councilmembers
DISCUSSION
When driving in the area, you can see that the current occupancy/zoning (single family homes) is inconsistent with the rest of the area. The current homes are older with large backyards that have townhomes behind them. New construction will be a big improvement to the neighborhood.
Has rezoning of this vicinity taken place before?
- Reply: all areas around there were zoned commercial since City incorporation. For some reason, these parcels were skipped over.
Parking is a concern because there’s no easy access. What kind of parking is required for multi-family occupancy? The general ratio is .75 stalls per unit for single occupancy units. So they would have to start there. After that they could apply for parking reductions due to the proximity of transit.
Is left turn to go eastbound to Aurora going to be a problem? Especially with a large number of units.
- Reply: Yes, I believe you are correct. Public Works would make the determination whether it would have to be right-turn only or an option to exit on, say, Whitman.
- These items can be addressed when we get a project proposal.
In the discussion of criteria, you stated that safety/welfare etc would not be detrimental to the community. What matrix is the basis for this?
- Reply: When we look at this criteria, generally we look at what zone could accommodate those uses. For example, if someone wanted industrial type zoning, that would be detrimental to a park or residential area. A neighborhood business zone is consistent with what’s already there.
Would like this as an Action item because of whether commercial or residential or combination is preferred. It would be an opportunity to get new information.
- Reply by Margaret King, City Attorney: This is a closed record meeting so nothing new can be added to the information currently before Council.
We are supposed to make our decision on what’s in the record, not on what might be built.
- Reply by Margaret King, City Attorney: correct. It’s the zoning that you are looking at.
Meeting adjourned.
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